A51846:433
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.
First, A free Consent, not Extorted. When men are a little frighted into a good ⟨p. 61⟩Conscience, Christ seemeth to be welcome to them; but as their Trouble weareth off, so doth their Resolution to take Christ for their Lord and Saviour; Psal. 78.34, 35. When he slew them, then they sought him; and returned and enquired early after God, and they remembered that God was their Rock, and the most High their Redeemer. In such cases men put a force upon themselves, and their Heart is not inclined, but compelled, as those that marry against their wills. 'Tis only in a pang, and fit of Conscience, that they like Christ; when some great distress forceth them to resolve for him, and their fears drive them to Christ, rather than his excellencies draw them to him. That which is forced is not sincere. Many own Christ in their sickness and distress, that never care for him when they are well at ease: then they forget all, live as they did before, when their turn is served. There is a difference between a Woman's coming to a Physician for cure, and her coming to a Husband to dwell with him. True Conversion doth begin in fear, but it doth not end there: it endeth in a change of Heart, and a settled love to God and Holiness, and an hatred of Sin. This is not only seen in men when the fear of Death affrights them; but in their whole lives. Others under some Conviction they would have Christ for their Consciences, and the World for their Hearts.
First, A free Consent, not Extorted. When men are a little frighted into a good ⟨p. 61⟩Conscience, Christ seemeth to be welcome to them; but as their Trouble weareth off, so doth their Resolution to take Christ for their Lord and Saviour; Psal. 78.34, 35. When he slew them, then they sought him; and returned and enquired early after God, and they remembred that God was their Rock, and the most High their Redeemer. In such cases men put a force upon themselves, and their Heart is not inclined, but compelled, as those that marry against their wills. 'Tis only in a pang, and fit of Conscience, that they like Christ; when some great distress forceth them to resolve for him, and their fears drive them to Christ, rather than his excellencies draw them to him. That which is forced is not sincere. Many own Christ in their sickness and distress, that never care for him when they are well at ease: then they forget all, live as they did before, when their turn is served. There is a difference between a Womans coming to a Physician for cure, and her coming to a Husband to dwell with him. True Conversion doth begin in fear, but it doth not end there: it endeth in a change of Heart, and a settled love to God and Holiness, and an hatred of Sin. This is not only seen in men when the fear of Death affrights them; but in their whole lives. Others under some Conviction they would have Christ for their Consciences, and the World for their Hearts.