A51846:246
A second volume of sermons preached by the late reverend and learned Thomas Manton…
A second volume of sermons preached by the late reverend and learned Thomas Manton in two parts : the first containing XXVII sermons on the twenty fifth chapter of St. Matthew, XLV on the seventeenth chapter of St. John, and XXIV on the sixth chapter of the Epistle of the Romans : Part II, containing XLV sermons on the eighth chapter of the Epistle to the Romans, and XL on the fifth chapter of the second Epistle to the Corinthians : with alphabetical tables to each chapter, of the principal matters therein contained.
London: printed by J. Astwood for Jonathan Robinson, 1684
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.
(1.) That all this while there may be space for the World to repent. Mora Sponsi poenitentiae tempus est; saith Jerom. Rom. 2.4. Despisest thou the riches of his goodness, and forbearance, and long suffering: not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth▪ thee to repentance? There is finis operis & operantis. Whatever Gods intentions be, his dealings, his forbearance and long suffering should lead us to repentance. God useth great patience to the wicked: Rom. 9 22. Endureth with much long suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction. So Rev. 2.21. I gave her space to repent, and she repented not. God giveth leave to repent, visible means to repent, and space to repent, even there where he giveth not effectual grace. Wicked men abuse his patience, take encouragement from thence to run into all extravagancy; but Gods aim is to leave them without excuse.
(2.) That all the Elect may be gathered. 2 Pet. 3.9. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise as some men count slackness, but is long suffering to us ward; not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. God would have the World filled with Man-kind, and endure for many Generations; till it come to that period which his Providence hath appointed. And what is that period? 'Till all that belong to the Election of his Grace be brought in to him: For all things are for the Elects sake. Now when his number is full, he will come. These were not to be born all at once; and it requireth time and pains to work upon each Elect Soul after they are come into the World: Therefore he is not slack as men are slack. Mens slowness in performing their Promises cometh from their unwillingness, or backwardness to do the thing; or from impotency and weakness, or want of foresight of all possible difficulties; or else from their forgetfulness. None of these are in God: Not forgetfulness; for he is mindful of his people,