A51846:382
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.
4. With respect to the nature of Grace: 'Tis a sign we have no Grace, when we think we have enough and to spare; surely they that have tasted that the Lord is gracious, 1 Pet. 3.2. they are not cloyed, but will long for more; that man that doth not desire to be better, was never good. As the little seed works through the hard and dry Clods, that it may grow up to stalk and flower; so is Grace, it is working and increasing to perfection: therefore 'tis an ill sign, to be satisfied with small measures of Grace, to say I have enough; every degree of Grace is as desirable as that we have attained to; and those whose Hearts God hath touched, they earnestly desire more.
5. All is too little to stand before the Lord, and therefore none have any surplusage of Grace, or more than will serve their own turn: As in the gathering of Manna, he that had much, had nothing over: If we consider the glorious and holy Presence of Christ, we have all little enough, Psa. 143.2. Enter not into Judgment with thy Servant; Non dicit cum hostibus tuis, sed cum servo tuo: He doth not say, O Lord enter not into Judgment with thine Enemies, but enter not into Judgment with thy Servant.
6. Every one is to be considered according to his advantages, and opportunities of growth and improvement; less may be sufficient to Salvation, but not to them to whom more is given: as they distinguish of a fundamental in se and quo ad nos; God may accept of an implicit Faith in some, but not in others; so 'tis true of Grace, that rule Luk. 12.48. He that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. God may accept that from others, which he will not from us, and we are to be answerable for our means of growth; we expect he should come sooner that rideth on horse-back, than he that travelleth on foot; and therefore we must not be contented with a bare competency, but labour for abundance.