A89503:58
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. Again, The next Note or occasion of discovery may be taken from the instrument or means by which God hath called us, namely the Word; 2 Thes. 2. 14. By my Gospel. Oracles and audible voices are not his usual course; some1 Christians talk of such things, but (to say the least of the mistake) they are but the suppositions of an over-troubled fancy; delusions which God, who bringeth light out of darkness, may at length order for good, and in the wisdom of his Providence make use of them to bring off his people from their discouragements. But usually Gods way of calling is by the Word, and most usually by the Word preached, seldom otherwise; for God▪ loveth to own and honour the means of his own appointing with a blessing. I suppose scarce an instance can be given of any converted by reading or meditation, that neglected prophesying where it was to be had. I confess the Word may not work always in time of hearing: There is a notable instance,—My Soul failed when 2he spake; or rather it may be rendered, because of his speech: Now compare it with the time of Christs visit, vers. 2, 3. Open ⟨p. 22⟩my Sister, my Dove, &c. while Christ was speaking she is careless and sluggish, I have put off my co••, how shall I put it on? you see her heart was far from failing then; but when she remembered it afterward, then her bowels were troubled: as Peter also was wrought upon by the remembrance of Christs words a great while after they were spoken, Mat. 26. last verse. Thus many times God reviveth old truths, and maketh them effectual long after the time of delivery: The Word worketh then either in the hearing, or in the remembrance, or deep meditation upon it. Well now, Can you remember such an experience, when God called you by his Word, and spake comfortably to your hearts? Did he ever move you to go aside into the Closer, that you might be solitary and serious, and consider of your condition? Usually at our first call we are moved to go aside, that God and we may confer in private; as