Ebook The Complete Works of Thomas Manton, D. D

It notes a daily expectation of it the first day that we begin to be Christians, we must reckon on the cross Mat. Xvi. 24, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.' These words are the Christian's indenture, and every one must seal to this before he can call Christ master. As porters stand in a. Street waiting for a burden for them to carry, so must a christian be ready and prepared to meet with any hardship which God may lay out for him in his christian course; or as the Israelites ate the first pass over 'with their loins girded, their shoes on their feet, and their staff in their hand,' Exod. Xii. 11, as ready for a journey, so should a christian be ready to go forth at God's call: Acts xxi. 13, é-rot/s, é'xco, I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.' Evils familiarised are less burdensome; by renewing our daily resolution the evil is the less when it cometh.