A64811:390
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.
An Objection. Oh alas for me saith some poor soul! I have been under humiliations a long time, sin hath cost me dear, my bones (as David said) yea and mine heart have even broken with sighs and groans, and I am still watering my Couch with my tears; yea they are my drink; and yet I cannot obtain a smile, not a good word nor a good look from God: but he seems to call me Dog and cast me off! woe is me!
An Objection. Oh alas for me saith some poor soul! I have been under humiliations a long time, sin hath cost me dear, my bones (as David said) yea and mine heart have even broken with sighs and groans, and I am still watering my Couch with my tears; yea they are my drink; and yet I cannot obtain a smile, not a good word nor a good look from God: but he seems to call me Dog and cast me off! wo is me!
Answer. But poor soul, remember, 1. What I newly said, that God is not bound to make himself known as a Father to thee; he will not be commanded into this condescension: nor must thou think to bribe and compound with him by Prayers and Tears. 2. Remember that though God have taken vengeance on some ⟨p. 264⟩mens sins, yet he hath forgiven them, Psal. 99 8. and who knows but he may deal so with thee, and not turn thee into Hell, nor deal with thee as thine iniquity deserves, though he make thee know much (and yet much more) sorrow and smart. 3. Consider that perhaps thine humiliation hath been hitherto but legal and selfish; that thou hast been more concerned that God was displeased with thee, than that he was displeased by thee; that thy Tears have been more for the shame and pain than for the sinfulness of sin as against God: if so, be humbled for this also, and in due time he will exalt thee to a better condition, or save thee at last with a notwithstanding.
Answer. But poor soul, remember, 1. What I newly said, that God is not bound to make himself known as a Father to thee; he will not be commanded into this condescension: nor must thou think to bribe and compound with him by Prayers and Tears. 2. Remember that though God have taken vengeance on some