A64811:567
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.
1. The cause is good, called the good fight ⟨p. 376⟩of Faith (libertas agitur; pro aris & focis) the Devil would turn you out of house and home, and deprive you of your right and title to Heaven; 'tis about heavenly things this dispute, Ephes. 6.12. and whether ye be the Sons of God or no? In other wars the cause is none of the best, nay many times very bad; but this is clear and without exception, that we should fight against the Devil (and all his works) which wars against our comforts, souls and happiness. Fear not then but fight, for your Cause is good and just. 'Tis to defend your own rights and liberties.
2. The Battle is the Lords; this Goliath defies not only Israel but the living God; in calling your title into question, he calls the truth of God and the witness of his Spirit into question, so that God is engaged with you, and will plead his as well as your Cause, and will be jealous for his name and for his people: you fight for God, and therefore God will fight for you. As you may be said to help the Lord against the mighty, so the Lord will help you against their might: This day (saith David to Goliath) will the Lord deliver thee into my hand•, for the Battle it the Lords, 1 Sam. 17.46, 47. If the Lord be with us, it matters not who be against us, the gates (power and policy) of Hell shall not prevail: no, not Death it self; for that Grotius understands by the gates of Hell.
2. The Battel is the Lords; this Goliah desies not only Israel but the living God; in calling your title into question, he calls the truth of God and the witness of his Spirt into question, so that God is engaged with you, and will plead his as well as your Cause, and will be jealous for his name and for his people: you fight for God, and therefore God will fight for you. As you may be said to help the Lord against the mighty, so the Lord will help you against their might: This day (saith David to Goliah) will the Lord deliver thee into my hand, for the Battel it the Lords,