A64811:158
Christ's school consisting of four classes of Christians
Christ's school consisting of four classes of Christians : I. Babes, II. Little children, III. Young men, IV. Fathers : with their several characteristical differences and attainments : also the doctrines proper to be taught to each of them : being the substance of many sermons preached many years ago in Southwark / by Ralph Venning.Christ's school consisting of four classes of Christians : I. Babes, II. Little children, III. Young men, IV. Fathers : with their several characteristical differences and attainments : also the doctrines proper to be taught to each of them : being the substance of many sermons preach'd many years ago in Southwark / by Ralph Venning.
London: printed for John Hancock, 1675
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
2. The Faith of Babes (toward God and Christ) puts it self forth in Prayers; this Babe not only breaths but cries: as 'tis said of Paul, Behold be prayeth, Acts 9.11. This Faith goes with a petition in its mouth, as the Prodigal did, I will not only arise and go, but I will say too, I will confess my sin, beg pardon, and withal a place in the house, though but that of a Servant. So the poor Publican, (yet afar off, as the Prodigal was) Lord be merciful to me a sinner; and this much upon the general account of mercy (for hitherto (saith Christ of his Babes) ye have asked little or nothing in my name) and he went home justified, Luke 18. So that God picked out Faith there, for by Faith (not by Prayer or Repentance) are we justified. This Faith puts purposes into Prayers, and Prayers into practice, for the Prodigal arose and came; and was welcome.
2. The Faith of Babes (toward God and Christ) puts it self forth in Prayers; this Babe not only breaths but cries: as 'tis said of Paul, Behold be prayeth, Acts 9.11. This Faith goes with a petition in its mouth, as the Prodigal did, I will not only arise and go, but I will say too, I will confess my sin, beg pardon, and withal a place in the house, though but that of a Servant. So the poor Publican, (yet afar off, as the Prodigal was) Lord be merciful to me a sinner; and this much upon the general account of mercy (for hitherto (saith Christ of his Babes) ye have askt little or nothing in my name) and he went home justified, Luke 18. So that God pickt out Faith there, for by Faith (not by Prayer or Repentance) are we justified. This Faith puts purposes into Prayers, and Prayers into practice, for the Prodigal arose and came; and was welcom.
3. Therefore this Faith puts it self in obedience, and in submitting to ordinances, as Baptism, &c. as soon as any were new-born, I