A64811:299
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.
Yet once more, True Converts (though but Babes) take not up and rest satisfied with desires and endeavours, unless they attain the end of desires and endeavours; or with the use of means without the end of means; now it's true these Babes attain but little, and that's the ⟨p. 212⟩reason they are so restless and unsatisfied. They have the least satisfaction of any Saints, because they are much in desire and little in enjoyment, and therefore desire the more. Others take up with desires and endeavours, which these cannot do, they prosecute and pursue still, and say as Absalom, Why am I come up from Geshur, if I may not see the Kings face? Hearing, Praying, &c. is not a satisfaction to them (though they do it as a duty) unless they have communion with and conformity to God, cekt out and carried on thereby: and all this is because the Law of God is written in their hearts.
Yet once more, True Converts (though but Babes) take not up and rest satisfied with desires and endeavours, unless they attain the end of desires and endeavours; or with the use of means without the end of means; now it's true these Babes attain but little, and that's the ⟨p. 212⟩reason they are so restless and unsatisfied. They have the least satisfaction of any Saints, because they are much in desire and little in injoyment, and therefore desire the more. Others take up with desires and endeavours, which these cannot do, they prosecute and pursue still, and say as Absolom, Why am I come up from Geshur, if I may not see the Kings face? Hearing, Praying, &c. is not a satisfaction to them (though they do it as a duty) unless they have communion with and conformity to God, cekt out and carryed on thereby: and all this is because the Law of God is written in their hearts.
3. New-born ones are for the having their sin to be taken away, and that not only by pardoning but by purging, yea though their sorrows should continue. If God should say to such a Soul, I will take away all thy sorrows, and make thee a cheerful heart, thou shalt have Corn, and Wine, and Oil enough, it would still say, O Lord, what's this if I go graceless, if my sins be not forgiven me; take away my sins Lord, though thou leave my sorrows, and make me water my Couch with tears every day, and walk mournfully all the days of my life: do any thing with me so my sins may be done away: my heart will never be at ease till my sins be forgiven. And this is not all, but if God should further say to such a Soul, I will forgive thy sin and remember it no more to charge it upon thee, but I will leave thee under the power and bondage of it; Oh Lord, would this foul say, though I bless thee for a pardon and