Propositions

97 We must be like Children in three things chiefly: First in respect, little babes. Secondly, in regard of innocents. Thirdly, in respect of them that are growing from child-hood. First, babes are never quiet, except the pap be in their mouth; or else having late been at it, they are well fed: so ought we still to desire to lye at the food of our souls, and to find unquietness in our souls, if we be long from it. Secondly, weaned children, though they are not without natural corruption; yet this corruption doeth rather show it self by imitation, than by action: and if they do any evil, it is rather violent, than permanent: Thus should we be: Not making an occupation of sin, but are occupated of sin; not forecasting patterns of sin, but bend our minds how we may not sin; we are violently drawn thereunto by another; rather than voluntarily commit it our selves. Thirdly, they that grow out of child-hood do things beseming manhood rather than childishness: so though babish things both in life & doctrine become ⟨image 30⟩us being babes, yet having passed our child-hood, the Lord looks for more manly ripeness both in knowledge & godliness of life; though our perfect age be not consummated before the resurrection.

97 Wee must bee like Children in three things chiefly: First in respect, little babes. Secondly, in regard of innocents. Thirdly, in respect of thē that are growing from child-hood. First, babes are neuer quiet, except the pappe bee in their mouth; or else having late beene at it, they are well fedde: so ought wee still to desire to lye at the foode of our soules, and to finde vnquietnes in our soules, if wee be long from it. Secondly, wained children, though they are not without naturall corruption; yet this corruption doeth rather shewe it selfe by imitation, than by action: and if they doe any evill, it is rather violent, than permanent: Thus should wee be: Not making an occupation of sinne, but are occupated of sinne; not forecasting patterns of sin, but bend our minds how we may not sin; we are violently drawne therevnto by another; rather than voluntarilie commit it our selues. Thirdly, they that grow out of child-hood do things beseming manhood rather than childishnes: so though babish things both in life & doctrine become ⟨image 30⟩vs being babes, yet having passed our child-hood, the Lord looks for more manly ripenes both in knowledg & godlines of life; thogh our perfect age be not consummated before the resurrection.