The Works of Thomas Manton (1620û1677) present us with an outstanding example of what was most characteristic in the ministry of the English Puritans: careful, solid, warm-hearted applicatory exposition of the Scriptures. The entire twenty-two volumes are composed of sermonsù the legacy of a lifetime devoted to the patient and systematic teaching and application of God's word. Like his younger contemporary, John Flavel, Manton's Works are characterised by great pastoral concern and a balanced wisdom. He was, said William Bates in his funeral sermon, 'endowed with an extraordinary knowledge in the Scriptures' and this enabled him to exercise a sustained ministry of verse-by-verse preaching without losing the interest of his congregation.