A51839:397
XVIII sermons on the second chapter of the 2d Epistle to the Thessalonians containing…
XVIII sermons on the second chapter of the 2d Epistle to the Thessalonians containing the description, rise, growth, and fall of Antichrist : with divers cautions and arguments to establish Christians against the apostasy of the Church of Rome : very necessary for these times / by that late reverend and learned divine, Thomas Manton ...XVIII sermons on the second chapter of the 2d Epistle to the Thessalonians containing the description, rise, growth, and fall of Antichrist : with divers cautions and arguments to establish Christians against the apostacy of the Church of Rome : very necessary for these times / by that late reverend and learned divine, Thomas Manton ...
London: printed by J.D. for J. Robinson, 1679
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
These were as those seven thousand in Israel that had not bowed the knee to Baal, Rom. 11.4. (4.) There is a difference to be put between those that err in the simplicity of their hearts, knowing no better; and those that withstand the light upon carnal reasons, and will not retract their errors, though convinced of the degeneration of Christianity. For simple ignorance is not so damning as obstinate error. Luke 12.48. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes, &c. and 1 Tim. 1.13. But I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. The Scriptures many times condemn a way as a way of ruin, but all in that way are not damned, as John 4.22. Salvation is of the Jews: There it is eminently dispensed, and yet therefore it followeth not, that all the Samaritans were damned. Some among them though ⟨p. 186⟩tainted with the errors of their Country, might have such knowledge of the law of God, and love to him, as might be effectual to Salvation. (5.) We must distinguish between Papists so living, and so dying; many by Gods grace, may have repentance conferred upon them at death; and though they lived Papists, might die as reformed Christians seeking Salvation by Christ alo•e, in the way of true Faith and Repentance, and so the Lord may manifest his compassion to them, pardoning the errors of their lives. (6.) We must distinguish Times. God might dispense with many in the times of universal darkness and Captivity, more than he doth afterwards, when the light of the Gospel breaketh forth, and his Trumpet is sounded to call them forth. Whosoever shall compare John Fierus, and John Calvin will find they were assisted by the same Holy Spirit of God: though the one lived and died a Papist, and the o••er was •n eminent instrument in reforming t•e Church of God; but an ignorant fear of separation from the Catholic Church, caused many to do as they did; but much more doth it hold good in the times before. Our Fathers if alive would not have condemned us, nor should we condemn them being dead, before they had these advantages which we now enjoy. Illi si reviviscerent, &c. saith Austin in a like Case. (7.) We must distinguish between Popish