A51839:859
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.
First, Because of the contrariety of the Principles that are within us. Gal. 5.17. For the Flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the Flesh, and these are contrary one to the other; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. The Garrison is not free from Danger, that hath an Enemy lodged within. The love of the World and the Flesh, was in the Heart, before the love of God and Holiness, and these are not wholly rooted out; yea, these are natural to us, whereas Grace is a Plant planted in us, contrary to nature: And the Ground that bringeth forth Weeds and Thistles of its own accord, but the Flowers and good Herbs, with mush Tillage and Cultivation; if it be neglected, the Weeds will soon overgrow the Flowers.
First, Because of the contrariety of the Principles that are within us. Gal. 5.17. For the Flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the Flesh, and these are contrary one to the other; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. The Garison is not free from Danger, that hath an Enemy lodged within. The love of the World and the Flesh, was in the Heart, before the love of God and Holiness, and these are not wholly rooted out; yea, these are natural to us, whereas Grace is a Plant planted in us, contrary to nature: And the Ground that bringeth forth Weeds and Thistles of its own accord, but the Flowers and good Herbs, with mush T•llage and Cultivation; if it be neglected, the Weeds will soon overgrow the Flowers.
Secondly, Because it is more hard to continue in Conversion, than to co•vert our selves at first. In our first Conversion we are more passive, it is God that converteth us, and draweth us to himself, and quickens, and plants us into Christ; but in Perseverance, ⟨p. 461⟩and fulfilling our Covenanting Duty, we are more active; it is our Work, though we perform it by God's Grace. An Infant in the Mother's Womb is nourished by the nourishment of the Mother, but afterwards he must suck, and seek his own Nourishment; and the elder he groweth, the more care of his Life is devolved upon himself. Now that which is more our work, is more difficult. It is true, that God that hath begun a good Work, doth perfect it, but not without our care,