Thomas Manton: A Guided Tour of the Life and Thought of a Puritan Pastor

by Derek Cooper

Thomas Manton (1620–77) was an influential Puritan preacher and an important figure in English Society.This book has two aims, to introduce readers in an engaging manner to Manton and, through this pivotal figure, to provide an introduction to the movement known as “Puritanism,” concisely addressing its historical, social, and political contexts.

Genres: Biography, Theology

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 9, 2011

About the author

Derek Cooper (PhD, The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia) is associate professor of world Christian history at Biblical Theological Seminary. He is the author of several books, including Exploring Church History and Christianity and World Religions: An Introduction to the World's Major Faiths, and he is the coeditor of the Reformation Commentary on Scripture volume on 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, 1-2 Chronicles.

Reviews

[James Horgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful to read something about my favourite Puritan. I have read nine volumes of his works and regard him as a penetrating preacher.

There is limited biographical material available about him and Cooper surveys what there is before looking, briefly, at how Manton treats three passages in his commentary on James compared to contemporaries. Cooper thinks Manton soon fell out of use due to his non-conformity (but unlike the contemporaries he is in print, and they aren't!).

Finally three sermons are presented, lightly modernised, with brief introductions.

Do read this book but even better go read Manton. Banner of Truth have just republished his works. His sermons on Hebrews 11 are a good place to start.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Manton
Derek Cooper
Thomas Manton (1620-77) was an influential Puritan preacher and an important figure in English Society. This book has two aims, to introduce readers in an engaging manner to Manton and, through this pivotal figure, to provide an introduction to the movement known as "Puritanism," concisely addressing its historical, social, and political contexts.
This was a good book about the life of Thomas Manton. While there are many puritans to choose from this one is most interesting because of preaching before the parliament and chaplain to two very different rulers. He was one of the lesser known puritans and yet not without merit on his own. This book was split into 3 parts: different phases of his life through key events, Manton’s best-know work, his commentary on James and a selection of his work intended to showcase noteworthy sermons. This book provides little gems into his life from a previous biography and history of that time. It is worth the time to glean these gems.
I would like to thank Net Galley and P & R Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.

[Matt Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief but very interesting biography of Manton's life and ministry. Followed by a section on his commentary on the book of James which was fine but not inspiring. Finishes up with three of his sermons. The first on meditation is excellent. The second on christian citizenship is ok. The third on self-denial is good. Worth reading the book for the two best parts.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good life of Manton with a comparative theology section (Puritan v. Anglican v. Lutheran) and then 3 selections from sermons. One niggle: the publisher has managed to make the illustrations and pictures make the volume look like a children's book!

[Kyle E. Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good introduction to Manton's life, exegesis, and preaching.