The Works of Thomas Manton (1620-1677) present us with an outstanding example of what was most characteristic in the ministry of the English Puritans: careful, solid, warm-hearted applicatory exposition of the Scriptures. The entire twenty-two volumes are composed of sermons - the legacy of a lifetime devoted to the patient and systematic teaching and application of God's word. Like his younger contemporary, John Flavel, Manton's Works are characterised by great pastoral concern and a balanced wisdom. He was, said William Bates in his funeral sermon, 'endowed with an extraordinary knowledge in the Scriptures' and this enabled him to exercise a sustained ministry of verse-by-verse preaching without losing the interest of his congregation.
This set is a facsimile of the James Nisbet & Co. edition of 1870.
Born in Somerset in 1620 from a long line of ministers, Thomas Manton entered the University of Oxford as early as 1635. Such was his progress that he was ordained by Bishop Hall at the age of nineteen.
His first charge was in Stoke Newington, Middlesex, where he remained for seven years. Testimony to his remarkable gifts is found in the pages of his Practical Exposition of James which is based on his weekday lectures there.
Called to succeed Obadiah Sedgwick in the better-known pulpit of Covent Garden in London, his ministry came to be widely appreciated. He served as a chaplain to the Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell, and also as one of the 'Triers' responsible for the supervision of the Christian ministry. Yet Manton was firmly opposed to the execution of Charles I, causing considerable offence by preaching before Parliament from Deuteronomy 33:4-5. Moses commanded us a law, even the inheritance of the congregation of Jacob. And he was king in Jeshurun, when the heads of the people and the tribes of Israel were gathered together.
Later he was instrumental in the restoration of Charles II and became a Royal Chaplain. But when offered the Deanery of Rochester he chose rather to suffer with his Puritan brethren in the Great Ejection of 1662.
Preaching thereafter in his own home he was imprisoned for his ministry. Such was Manton's character, however, that when the custodian-in-charge was absent he was given the keys to the gaol.
Manton died in 1677, after a lifetime of rich and practical biblical ministry. The Trust publishes his Works, and his expositions of James, Jude, Psalm 119, and Hebrews 11 (By Faith).
