A64811:574
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.
The FOURTH CLASSIS, OR, FATHERS IN ISRAEL.
From 1 John 2.13, 14. Vers. 13. I write unto you, Fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning.— Vers. 14. I have written to you, Fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning.—
THE Fathers, it seems (if I may adventure to say any thing of them) are usually such for Age as well as attainments, the Ancients and Elders of Israel, whose grey hairs are wise and found in the way, and filled with the fruits ⟨p. 381⟩of righteousness, which is their Crown of Glory. The Word of God dwells richly in them in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, in sense, experience and judgement, by which they discern persons and things that differ. They are [Greek or Hebrew] and [Greek or Hebrew] spiritual and perfect in the third and superlative degree. They have gone through all the former States and Degrees, having (like Enoch) a continual intercourse and conversation with, as well as knowledge of him that is from the beginning from the first to last: and by reason of this their knowledge and experimental wisdom, Jam. 3.17, 18. they are able to speak to all the Cases of Conscience (and the various dispensations) which belong to the whole Christian course: they can divide the Word aright and speak words suitable (and in season) to all; giving every one their portion. They bring out of their treasures things new and old; they know how to speak to the saint and weary, to the broken-hearted, and them that are cast down, to the deserted and tempted ones, knowing also how to discern between form and power, hypocrisy and sincerity, pretensions and realities, &c But—Haec desiderantur. Of this State let days speak, and multitude of years teach this wisdom,