A51839:714
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.
3. This is the first motive to draw our hearts to him; 1 John 4.19. We love him, because he loved us first: The first motive of our Affection is not his special Electing-Love to us above others, for that we cannot know before we love him; but his common Love and Mercy to Sinners, and that was manifested in Christ's being sent to be a Propitiation for our Sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole World: This is that which is propounded to us to recover and reconcile our alienated and estranged Affections to God; 2 Cor. 5.19, 20. God was in Christ reconciling the World to himself, not imputing their Trespasses unto him. This Grace God offereth to us, as well as others; namely, that for Christ's sake he will pardon our Sins, if we will lay down our Weapons, and ⟨p. 379⟩enter into his Peace. None are bound to believe that God specially loveth them, but those that are specially beloved by him; for none are bound to believe a falsehood, and a falsehood it is to us, till we have the saving Effects and Benefits. Therefore it is not the special, but the general Love which first draweth in our hearts to God; yea, the Saints after some Testimonies received of God's special Love, still make this to be the great engaging Motive, Gal. 2.20. I live by Faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Well then, this is most likely to be meant by the Apostle.
3. This is the first motive to draw our hearts to him; 1 John 4.19. We love him, because he loved us first: The first motive of our Affection is not his special Electing-Love to us above others, for that we cannot know before we love him; but his common Love and Mercy to Sinners, and that was manifested in Christ's being sent to be a Propitiation for our Sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole World: This is that which is propounded to us to recover and reconcile our alienated and estranged Affections to God; 2 Cor. 5.19, 20