A64811:324
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.
4. Give good examples to Babes, and abuse not your liberty to their offence: I told you that Babes mind example much, and if they have bad ones given them, especially by good ⟨p. 227⟩and eminent men, they are drawn aside by it; as when Peter dissembled, the other Jews dissembled also, insomuch that Barnabas (•n •minent person) was carried away by that dissimulation, Gal. 2.13. ••d saith the Apostle, take heed lest by any means your liberty become a stumbling block to them that are weak; for if any (weak and ignorant, which is a Babe) man see thee which hast knowledge to sit at meat in the Idols Temple, shall not the conscience of him that is weak be emboldened (gr. edified) he takes thy example for a warrant, and thinks he is edified thereby, when alas 'tis to his loss and detriment, 1 Cor. 8.9, —13.
5. Acquaint the Babes with your experiences, as Paul did, 2 Cor. 1.6,—10. and with Satan's devices, as he did, 1 Cor. 7.5. 2 Cor. 2.11. 2 Cor. 11.2. Babes have but little skill to distinguish between good and evil, between impressions from the good or evil spirit; especially if Satan transform himself into an Angel of Light: Israel of old was to tell the story to and write an History (of Gods dealing with them and Amaleks against them) for after Ages: and to instruct the children how God had dealt with the Fathers; so do you. Let the little Children tell stories of the Fathers love; the young men of his power; and the Fathers of his wisdom, in carrying on the work of Grace: how God overthrew Pharaoh, led them through the Wilderness, sought for and provided for them from heaven, till they came to the good Land. But,