A64811:402
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.
SECT. 2. Showing what this witness is in three things; it is clear, sure and powerful.
SECT. 2. Shewing what this witness is in three things; it is clear, sure and powerful.
This witness of the Spirit (by which we know the Father as ours, and that we are the Children of God) is, 1. Clear and perspicuous; 'tis no dark, cloudy discovery of a thing, but bright and illustrious: this brings evidence and demonstration with it. Like him who at first saw men walking as Trees, but at the second touch saw all things clearly, Mark 8.23,—25. This is not like the Oracles of the Heathen, a Trumpet which gives an uncertain and dubious sound, nor like that of our own hearts, which though •t often excuse, yet it often accuseth and leaves us doubtful which to take for truth: no, this witness ⟨p. 272⟩is not perplexed, nor tells either false or feigned, dark or dubious stories. He that runs may read it, 'tis written in so fair and legible, in such Text-hand and Capital and Golden Letters. 'Tis that we may know, 1 Cor. 2.12. (Ut ecrto noscamus, non fluctuante conjectura) 'tis not a conjecture, a perhaps, or, it may be, but as clear as the Sun in its Meridian brightness and strength. This witness doth not leave the soul under disputings and fluctuations, it takes off all Scepticism, the thing is past dispute. 'Tis not like the Spirit of the world which is ambiguous (as the Oracles newly mentioned) that may be interpreted pro and con, for or against (like Aio te Aeacida Romanos vincere posse) but like the Oracles of God, of a clear and certain, and of an ascertaining and assuring sound. For,
THis witness of the Spirit (by which we know the Father as ours, and that we are the Children of God) is, 1. Clear and perspicuous; 'tis no dark, cloudy discovery of a thing, but bright and illustrious: this brings evidence and demonstration with it. Like him who at first saw men walking as Trees, but at the second touch saw all things clearly,