homas Manton (1620-77) was one of the most outstanding of the Puritan preachers in an age of pulpit greatness. His published expositions are characterised by careful preparation, systematic explanation of the text, rich illumination of its significance and a deep concern for the practical application of the biblical truth to daily living. Readers of his work on Psalm 119 will soon understand why Archbishop Ussher said of Manton that he was ‘one of the best preachers in England’, and why the Stephen Charnock described him as the ‘best collector of sense of the age’. Another contemporary said that while he had heard some of the finest preachers of his day preach mediocre sermons, ‘but never, Mr. Manton’. Praise indeed!
Manton’s exposition of Psalm 119 is typical of his ministry. First published three years after his death, it contains the mature wisdom of a life spent in the study of Scripture and almost thirty years of applying it as a pastor and teacher. As a result, just as Psalm 119 is a summary of the blessings of living in the light of God’s word, so this three volume edition of Manton’s exposition of the psalm constitutes an encyclopedia of practical Christian living.