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Thomas Manton
Thomas Manton (1620–October 18, 1677) was an English Puritan preacher, theologian, and author, renowned for his eloquent sermons and extensive biblical commentaries during a tumultuous era of religious and political upheaval. Born in Laurence Lydiard (now Lydiard St. Lawrence), Somerset, to a poor curate father of the same name, Manton was educated at Blundell’s School in Tiverton and Hart Hall, Oxford, where he matriculated at 15 in 1635 under Ralph Button’s mentorship. Ordained a deacon at 19 in 1639—unusually young—he began preaching at Sowton, Devon, and by 1640 was lecturing at St. Mary’s, Colyton, gaining notice for his expository skill. Manton’s preaching career flourished as he moved to London, serving St. Paul’s, Covent Garden, from 1644 to 1656, where he drew crowds with sermons later published as practical divinity classics. A Presbyterian, he supported the Solemn League and Covenant, preached before Parliament, and served as a Westminster Assembly scribe and trier of ministers under Cromwell. After the Restoration, he was appointed a royal chaplain in 1660 but ejected in 1662 under the Act of Uniformity, refusing to conform. Undeterred, he preached privately in his St. Paul’s home and, after 1670, at a Pinners’ Hall lectureship and a secret meeting house, enduring brief imprisonments in 1670 and 1675. His 22-volume Works, including commentaries on James, Jude, Psalm 119, and Christ’s temptations, reflect his meticulous, heart-stirring style.
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Thomas Manton preaches about the continuous presence of Christ in heaven, emphasizing that His absence does not hinder believers from having a spiritual connection with Him. Despite His exalted position, Christ remains a compassionate high priest who is deeply concerned for His church and is able to empathize with our weaknesses. His heavenly residence does not diminish His ability to minister to us and provide for our needs.
He Hasn't Forgotten
"... but these are in the world, and I come to thee" (John 17:11). We have Christ always for us in heaven; he hath a part of his office to perform there. His absence doth not hinder us from having a right to him, or a spiritual possession of him. He is ours, and he hath his residence in heaven, and hath power to open it to us and give us entrance. His high honor doth not hinder him from the discharge of his office to do us good. He is at God's right hand, and yet 'a minister of the sanctuary.' Christ is not stately: many forget their poor friends when advanced; Christ regardeth his poor church as much as ever. The butler, when he was advanced, forgot Joseph: but he remembereth us; he disdaineth not to look after every poor christian: Heb. 4:15, 'We have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.' His heart is not changed by his honor, but he is in a greater capacity to do us good.
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Thomas Manton (1620–October 18, 1677) was an English Puritan preacher, theologian, and author, renowned for his eloquent sermons and extensive biblical commentaries during a tumultuous era of religious and political upheaval. Born in Laurence Lydiard (now Lydiard St. Lawrence), Somerset, to a poor curate father of the same name, Manton was educated at Blundell’s School in Tiverton and Hart Hall, Oxford, where he matriculated at 15 in 1635 under Ralph Button’s mentorship. Ordained a deacon at 19 in 1639—unusually young—he began preaching at Sowton, Devon, and by 1640 was lecturing at St. Mary’s, Colyton, gaining notice for his expository skill. Manton’s preaching career flourished as he moved to London, serving St. Paul’s, Covent Garden, from 1644 to 1656, where he drew crowds with sermons later published as practical divinity classics. A Presbyterian, he supported the Solemn League and Covenant, preached before Parliament, and served as a Westminster Assembly scribe and trier of ministers under Cromwell. After the Restoration, he was appointed a royal chaplain in 1660 but ejected in 1662 under the Act of Uniformity, refusing to conform. Undeterred, he preached privately in his St. Paul’s home and, after 1670, at a Pinners’ Hall lectureship and a secret meeting house, enduring brief imprisonments in 1670 and 1675. His 22-volume Works, including commentaries on James, Jude, Psalm 119, and Christ’s temptations, reflect his meticulous, heart-stirring style.