A51839:545
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.
2. This Call doth aim at not only a belief of the truth of the Gospel in general, but also a particular Affiance in Christ, according to the terms of the New Covenant: General assent to the truth of the Gospel, is only considerable as it leadeth on other Things. Now that I may not wander, I will refer them to two Things. 1. A Fiducial Assent. 2. An Obediential Confidence. This is the belief of the Truth we are called unto.
1. The Assent must be Fiducial, or accompanied with a trust in Christ. Ephes. 1.13. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. The meaning is, the Gentiles after they heard the Gospel, and believed the Truth, they ⟨p. 297⟩did trust themselves in the Hands of Christ, to be brought by his Saving and Healing Methods to eternal Happiness. It is a mighty thing to have such a Belief as may produce Trust, or a venturing our selves in the Hands of Christ, against all hazards; and whatever befalleth us, are content to save our Souls on his Terms. This breedeth holy Security, or Courage. 2 Tim. 1.12. For I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded, that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that Day.
2. This Confidence must be Obediential, not a devout Sloth, or Carelessness. To trust in his Mercies and neglect his Precepts, crosseth the Tenor of his Covenant. Psal. 119.60