Growth & Fall of Antichrist, Sermons on 2 Thes. 2 (5/8), Thomas Manton, Puritan

In these words is:—

First, A digression, calling them to remembrance of what he delivered by word of mouth,

Secondly, A progress in the further description of Antichrist. He had hitherto been described by—

1. His names and titles;

2. His nature and properties; now—

3. By the time of his appearing, where take notice of three things:—

I. That Antichrist was not then revealed, because there was an impediment hindering his revelation.

II. That though he was not then revealed, yet that mystery of iniquity did begin to work, but secretly.

III. That when that impediment shall be removed, then Antichrist shall be revealed.

First, I begin with his putting them in mind of what he had told them before by word of mouth: ‘Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?' This showeth the certainty and usefulness of this doctrine; for though the event were not to be accomplished in their days, yet he taught them before when present, and now repeateth it again when absent; he preached it in private, and now writeth it for public good, and laboureth to confirm the truth of it, and fasten it upon their memories.

Observe, then, that the doctrine of Antichrist is a profitable doctrine, and a point very necessary to be preached and known.

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