A51839:402
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.
1. I• stating this sin, 1. It is supposed that •he truth and doctrine of Christ, is made known to a people, yea cometh among them with great Evidence, Conviction and Authority. For it is not the want of means, but want of love, that it is charged on them; And the plenty of means aggravateth their fault, and maketh their Condemnation the •ore just. John. 3.19. This is the Condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness more than light. The truth was not for their turns, but was contrary to their lusts, and passions, and prejudices, and these they preferred before the light of the Gospel shining to them.
2. That as inevidence of doctrine was not the cause of not receiving the truth; so not bare weakness of understanding: no it is not weakness but wilfulness which is here intimated, not a defect of their minds, but their hearts, Joh. 8.15. Because I tell you the truth, ⟨p. 189⟩ye believe me not: It was not weakness but prejudice hindered their believing. They despised the grace of God, yea hated it, for their lusts sake: Their lusts lie more in opposition to the truth, than speculative doubts and errors: Luke 16.14. And the Pharisees, who were covetous, when they heard all these things, they derided him; the words are, blew their Noses at him. The sensual, carnal, and ungodly World scorneth heavenly doctrine, and pure Christianity is distasted by false Christians. Err in mind, err in heart.
2. That as inevidence of doctrine was not the cause of not receiving the truth; so not bare weakness of understanding: no it is not weakness but wilfulness which is here intimated, not a defect of their minds, but their hearts,