A51847:325
Sermons preached
Sermons preached by the late reverend and learned divine, Thomas Manton ...
London: printed for Brabazon Aylmer, 1678
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.
(2.) After it is Planted, it needs to be more Increased, Phil. 1. 9. I pray God your Love may abound yet more and more. At first Love is but weak; there is Fire, but it is not blown up into a Flame; afterwards God gets a greater interest in our Hearts, and then the constitutions of our Souls become more Holy and Heavenly. Love being the Heart of the new Creature, he that hath most Love, hath most Grace, and is the best and strongest Christian.
(3.) After it is planted in the Soul, it needs to be excited, and kept in Act and Exercise. This is mainly intended here. For
1. All Religion is in Effect but Love. Faith is a thankful acceptance of Christ, and thankfulness is an expression of Love. Repentance is but Mourning Love; as she wept much, to whom much was forgiven, Luke 7. 47. Diligence in the Holy Life, is but seeking Love. Obedience is pleasing Love. Self-denial is the Mortification of inordinate Self-Love. Sobriety is a retrenching of our carnal Love.