A51846:680
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.
Doct. III. Among those that have received Talents, all are not alike Fruitful.
I shall handle the Point with respect to the Context we have in hand.
1. Though but one be mentioned, yet the Number of Unfaithful ones is very great: In Parables the Scope must be regarded. Now the general Scope is to show, that as the Virgins are not all admitted, so all the Servants of the House not accepted in the Parable. Indeed two of the Servants are Faithful, one unfaithful: We cannot conclude thence, that the Number of those that used their Talents well, should be greater than of those that hid them, or neglected the Improvement of them; as in the former Parable, that the Number of the Foolish shall be just equal with the Number of the Wise; or in the Parable of the Wedding Garment, that but one shall come to the Gospel-feast unprepared: No, the Ornament of that Scheme and Figure which Christ would make use of, to signify his mind, required it should be so expressed. For since our Lord, to avoid Perplexity and Confusion, would mention but three Servants, 'twas fit that one should be an instance of eminent Faithfulness and Service, another of Service in a lower degree, that the meanest may not be discouraged; and the other should represent the unfruitful ones. Now Experience showeth they are more than one to two; yea more than ten to one, much the far greater Number. Oh how few are ⟨p. 96⟩there even of those that hold much from God, that return him ought of Love and Service! The Idle and Unprofitable ones are found every where, in all Ranks and Conditions of men.
1. Though but one be mentioned, yet the Number of Vnfaithful ones is very great: In Parables the Scope must be regarded. Now the general Scope is to shew, that as the Virgins are not all admitted, so all the Servants of the House not accepted in the Parable. Indeed two of the Servants are Faithful, one unfaithful: We cannot conclude thence, that the Number of those that used their Talents well, should be greater than of those that hid them, or neglected the Improvement of them; as in the former Parable, that the Number of the Foolish shall be just equal with the Number of the Wise; or in the Parable of the Wedding Garment, that but one shall come to the Gospel-feast unprepared: No, the Ornament of that Scheme and Figure which Christ would make use of, to signify his mind, required it should be so expressed. For since our Lord, to avoid Perplexity and Confusion, would mention but three Servants, 'twas fit that one should be an instance of eminent Faithfulness and Service, another of Service in a lower degree, that the meanest may not be discouraged; and the other should represent the unfruitful ones. Now Experience sheweth they are more than one to two; yea more than ten to one, much the far greater Number. Oh how few are