A51839:83
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. The Apostle might speak so, as comparing time with Eternity, Psal. 90.4. A thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday, when it is past, and as a Watch in the night. 2 Pet. 3.8. One day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The longest time to Eternity is but as a drop lost and spilt in the Ocean; and all the tediousness of the present life, is but like one rainy day to an Everlasting Sun-shine, 2 Cor. 4.17.Our ⟨p. 30⟩light affliction which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding▪ and eternal weight of glory; though troubles are lengthened as long as our lives are, yet they are but a moment in respect of Eternity: we reckon by time, and not by Eternity; and therefore these expressions may seem strange to us.
4. The Apostle speaks this to particular men, whose abode in the World is not very long; Eternity and the Judgment is at hand, though Christ tarry long till the Church be completed, and the Elect be gathered. 2 Pet. 3.9. The Lord is not slack concerning his Promise, as some men count slackness. Now what is long, and what is afar off to the whole Church, considered in several successions of Ages; it is short to particular persons. Death soon puts an end to their conflict, and then their Triumph ensues; And to Christ is ready to judge at all times, though the World be not ready to be judged. The Coming of Christ is uncertain, and hidden for this very purpose, that men in all Ages might be quickened to faithfulness and watchfulness, and make that preparation which is necessary. Now therefore it concerns the Messengers of God, to bind mens duty upon them, by showing the nearness of it in all the forementioned considerations, that they might be always ready; for so we find our Lord himself pressing it,