A51847:770

Sermons preached

Name: Sermons preached
Author: Thomas Manton

Sermons preached by the late reverend and learned divine, Thomas Manton ...

Thomas Manton 1620–1677London: printed for Brabazon Aylmer, 1678

[8], 412 p. · 142k words · Wing M536 · ESTC R7578

Title page: Internet Archive scan of the Early English Books microfilm (opens the Internet Archive in a new tab)

SERMON XV. › Quest. But why was he warned so often?

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.

[ Earlier:767–782 of 1,178

:767p. 274

I answer, There is a twofold Heart; a Heart that is hard against God, and soft for God; and a Heart that is hard for God, and soft against God. The first, when it is bold in sinning, but fearful and soft in Troubles. As Deut. 20. 8. The fearful and the soft-hearted. But now the Heart which is hard for God, and soft against God, is the Heart which is a Coward in Sin; but like a Lion, undaunted in all manner of Sufferings. They will trust in God, though he kill them, and can confront the greatest Dangers; and yet tremble at the least Offence against God, and dare not do it. Now saith Paul, You break my Heart, that is, even weaken my Courage, and take me off from my Purpose.

I answer, There is a twofold Heart; a Heart that is hard against God, and soft for God; and a Heart that is hard for God, and soft against God. The first, when it is bold in sinning, but fearful and soft in Troubles. As Deut. 20. 8. The fearful and the soft-heartea. But now the Heart which is hard for God, and soft against God, is the Heart which is a Coward in Sin; but like a Lion, undaunted in all manner of Sufferings. They will trust in God, though he kill them, and can confront the greatest Dangers; and yet tremble at the least Offence against God, and dare not do it. Now saith Paul, You break my Heart, that is, even weaken my Courage, and take me off from my Purpose.

:768p. 274–275¶3

3. Observe their Discretion, That, when he would not be persuaded, they ceased. Either Paul told them what Intimation he had from God, or else they thought so wise a Man as Paul would not thrust himself upon danger without a Warrant. It is the Disposition of humble Spirits, not to be peremptory of their own Conceits, but to submit to those that are wiser than themselves. Mat. 3. 15. John would not at first admit Christ to his Baptism, out of Reverence to him, and Humility. But saith Christ, Suffer it to be so now. When he was informed of Christ's Mind, then he suffered him. So those that were so zealous for enclosing of the common Salvation, When they heard that God had granted Repentance unto Life to the Gentiles, they held their Peace, and glorified God,

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Doct. That it is the Duty of all God's Children, to be willing to submit themselves to the Dispensation of God's Providence, in whatever befalls them or theirs.