A64811:22
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.
I. The INTRODUCTION. Where the general design and scope of the Treatise is laid down, asserted; cleared and applied.
That there are degrees of grace, and consequently that there are Believers, Christians or Saints of several sizes and degrees is granted by all; but how many sorts there are, and whether they are to be ranked into several and distinct classes, ranks, orders, forms or degrees (as different States) seems not to be so clear to some pious and learned ⟨p. 2⟩men: which yet with submission I humbly offer, and hope to evince and demonstrate by the Scriptures light, which is the light of the Spirit by whom they were indited.
THat there are degrees of grace, and consequently that there are Believers, Christians or Saints of several sizes and degrees is granted by all; but how many sorts there are, and whether they are to be ranked into several and distinct classes, ranks, orders, forms or degrees (as different States) seems not to be so clear to some pious and learned ⟨p. 2⟩men: which yet with submission I humbly offer, and hope to evince and demonstrate by the Scriptures light, which is the light of the Spirit by whom they were indited.
That there are Lambs and Sheep, John 21.15, 16, 17. That there are strong and weak, Rom. 15.1. That there are spiritual and Babes, 1 Cor. 3.1. Or perfect and Babes, as 'tis