A51840:718
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.
Obj. 2. How can this be the Property of God's Children to desire his coming? Are they always in this Temper and Frame? many weak ones tremble at the thought of it for want of assurance of God's Love, it is the Terror and Bondage of their Lives to think of Christ's coming; and sometimes the Saints do not actually feel such an Inclination and Strength of Desire.
Answ. (1.) The meanest Saint hath some Inclination this way: Can a Man desire that Christ may come into his Heart, and will there not be such Desires that he may come to Judgment? since Comfort and Reward is more naturally embraced than Duty. The very first Work of Grace is to raise and beget this Hope, 1 Pet. 1.3. Who hath begotten us again unto a lively Hope. (2.) There may be sometimes a Drowsiness and Indisposition, when their Lamps are not kept burning, Luke 12.36. And be ye always ready, as those that wait for their Lord. When they are fallen asleep, they may for the present wish, that Christ may not come and take them in this condition. As the wise Virgins slept as well as the foolish; so God's own Children many times find themselves indisposed for his coming: careless Carriage weakens their Hope, and the Remissness of their Watch; yet in all there is a Spirit this way, which beginneth with the new Birth. A Wife desires her Husband's coming home, but it may be all things are not ready, and in so good order as they should: So all Christians desire the coming of Christ, but sometimes they are not so exact and watchful, and therefore their Affections are not so lively. Drowsiness creeps upon their Hearts, and then God rouseth them by Afflictions.
Answ. (1.) The meanest Saint hath some Inclination this way: Can a Man desire that Christ may come into his Heart, and will there not be such Desires that he may come to Judgment? since Comfort and Reward is more naturally embraced than Duty. The very first Work of Grace is to raise and beget this Hope, 1 Pet. 1.3. Who hath begotten us again unto a lively Hope. (2.) There may be sometimes a Drousiness and Indisposition, when their Lamps are not kept burning,