A89503:1111
A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude
A practical commentary, or An exposition with notes on the Epistle of Jude. Delivered (for the most part) in sundry weekly lectures at Stoke-Newington in Middlesex. By Thomas Manton, B.D. and minister of Covent-Garden.
London: printed by J.M. for Luke Fawn, 1658
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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. There is actual help and assistance which we have from the spirit; though a man be regenerate, yet he cannot pray as he ought unless we be still moved and assisted by the holy Ghost; this is continual, for we soon work out the strength which we have received: Now these actual motions do either concern the time of prayer, or the matter and the manner of it. 1. The time of p•ayer, the spirit suggesteth the fittest seasons, he that searcheth out the deep things of God, knoweth the acceptable times, Psal. 32. 6. and accordingly giveth notice to the heart, by setting it a work in serious addresses to God, Psal. 27. 8. Thou saidst seek ye my face, and my heart said, thy face Lord will I seek; god speaketh to us by holy motions, and the impulsions of his grace, and we answer God by a ready obedience; 'tis the worst scorn we can put upon one whom we hate, when we deny to speak with him when he sendeth for us; by these motions we are invited to come and confer with God, do not say I am not at leisure; I would not have this interpreted, as if every motion to prayer were from the spirit; 'tis possible Satan may oppress an anxious soul with the tyranny of unreasonable impulsions to duty, I only understand such motions as are regular and according to the word; neither would I again be so understood as if God were never to be called upon, or we were never to pray but when the spirit moveth us, that's one of the carnal fancies of many wretches now; no, no, God must have his daily acknowledgement, give us this day our daily bread; but my meaning is, that such a season when we are so strongly moved by the spirit of God, should not be neglected.
2. There is actual help and assistance which we have from the spirit; though a man be regenerate, yet he cannot pray as he ought unless we be still moved and assisted by the holy Ghost; this is continual, for we soon work out the strength which we have received: Now these actual motions do either concern the time of prayer, or the matter and the manner of it. 1. The time of p•ayer, the spirit suggesteth the fittest seasons, he that searcheth out the deep things of God, knoweth the acceptable times, Psal. 32. 6. and accordingly giveth notice to the heart, by setting it a work in serious addresses to God,