A64811:429
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. 3. Proving this to be a glorious privilege.
SECT. 3. Proving this to be a glorious priviledge.
That to know the Father (as I have spoken of it) is a great attainment and glorious privilege, will be evident by these following Considerations, or considerable proofs: to begin with the Old Testament. 'Tis Prophesied of in the Old as the glory of the New Testament; The Prophecies of the time (and world to come, the Messiah or Gospel dispensation) were glorious far beyond their present enjoyments; and the Prophets were more Seers, in respect of what was to be, than of what was; so the Apostle tells us expressly, 1 Pet. 1.10,—12. and when the day dawns and the day-star ariseth in our hearts, it supersedes the Prophecies, they being then know in accomplishments; so that we may say with a little alteration, as Joh. 4.39,—42. Many believed because of the Prophecies which testified of these things, but more believed because of his own word; and now they may say, We believe not (only) because of their sayings, but because we have heard (and felt him our selves, 1 Joh. 1.1,—3.) and know that this is indeed the Spirit of his Son, which beareth witness with our Spirit of Adoption. Now, among many other Prophecies of the glories of the Gospel-Saints, this is one, ⟨p. 294⟩that they should know God as a Father, and their Father, Psal. 89.26. (which is spoken of David, and of Christ who was more a David, than David was) He shall cry unto me, Thou art my Father,