A51840:1108
A fourth volume containing one hundred and fifty sermons on several texts of Scripture…
A fourth volume containing one hundred and fifty sermons on several texts of Scripture in two parts : part the first containing LXXIV sermons : part the second containing LXXVI sermons : with an alphabetical table to the whole / by ... Thomas Manton ...
London: printed by J. D., 1693
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.
To establish Joy and Comfort, two things are necessary; Excellency and Propriety. The thing in which I rejoice, it must be Good, and it must be Mine. Suitably here in the Text, there is an assurance of excellent Privileges; and then there is a Qualification annexed, that we may understand our own Interest. God by his Oath assures us of excellent Privileges in Christ, and that's a ground of strong Consolation. Then he requireth a Duty of us, that we fly for refuge to take hold of the Hope set before us.
To establish Joy and Comfort, two things are necessary; Excellency and Propriety. The thing in which I rejoice, it must be Good, and it must be Mine. Sutably here in the Text, there is an assurance of excellent Privileges; and then there is a Qualification annexed, that we may understand our own Interest. God by his Oath assures us of excellent Privileges in Christ, and that's a ground of strong Consolation. Then he requireth a Duty of us, that we fly for refuge to take hold of the Hope set before us.
1. For the Excellency of our Privileges. You know, that which will minister solid Comfort to the Soul, it had need be Excellent. A small Matter, though never so sure, will not occasion a strong Consolation; the Joy is according to the Object. Now whether a Christian look backward or forward, there is Matter of Rejoicing to the Heirs of Promise. Backward, there is the Immutability of his Counsel; Forward, there is a Hope set before us. From one Eternity to another, may a Believer walk, and still find cause of rejoicing in God. If he looks Backward, there God reveals to him the unchangeable Purposes of Grace before the World was. If he looks Forward, there is an eternal Possession of Glory, when the World shall be no more. It is sweet to know what's past, and what's to come; there's naturally a Curiosity in us which would be satisfied. We know what God was doing before the World was, and what he will do when the World shall be no more. We may know, for our comfort, God was treating and dealing with Christ about our Salvation, putting it into an unchangeable course; and he hath for ever provided for ⟨p. 214⟩