A64811:57
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.
Yet again, the measure is not to be taken from accessary graces, which conduce chiefly to the well-being, the comfort and refreshment (or if I may so speak) the recreation of Christians, as Joy, Ecstasy, Rapture, &c. but from the graces which are essential and proper to each state; as wisdom and much experience is for Fathers; strength and the Word abiding for young men; Love for Children; and repentance, &c. for Babes. Now as any person ⟨p. 31⟩doth act the substantial and fundamental graces of any state, such is his denomination; and as he passeth from one to another, such is his advance and preferment.
Yet again, the measure is not to be taken from accessary graces, which conduce chiefly to the well-being, the comfort and refreshment (or if I may so speak) the recreation of Christians, as Joy, Ecstasie, Rapture, &c. but from the graces which are essential and proper to each state; as wisdom and much experience is for Fathers; strength and the Word abiding for young men; Love for Children; and repentance, &c. for Babes. Now as any person ⟨p. 31⟩doth act the substantial and fundamental graces of any state, such is his denomination; and as he passeth from one to another, such is his advance and preferment.
6. As this difference is to be measured by graces wrought and acted, so 'tis made by the grace of God working and actuating these graces in us. 'Tis grace that makes the difference not only between Saints and sinners, but between Saints and Saints: that it makes it between men and men in taking one and making him a Saint, and leaving the other in his sins, is clear from Matth. 11.25. Rom. 9.13,—16. and ver. 21,—24. with many other places. And 'tis as clear that grace and the good pleasure of God makes the difference between Saints also, that the one hath more grace and improveth grace more than another,