A64811:579
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. That a Christian may know his state, in what Classis and Degree he is. As it may be known whether in the Faith, 2 Cor. 13.5. So it may be known how far a man hath proceeded in the Faith. For though there may be some Heteroclita (quae genus & flexum variant) some random-Saints, if I may so speak, that are not fixed but fleeting; yet these also may be reduced (as to their state in general) to one or other Classis for the most part.
2. 'Tis a great advantage (in many respects) to know where one is: to know ones place, rank and station: as 'tis for a Servant in a Family, or a Soldier in an Army. They that know not what their work is, know not how to do their work; but if we know our station, our work (both what and how to be done) is clear before us, and we may up and be doing.
2. 'Tis a great advantage (in many respects) to know where one is: to know ones place, rank and station: as 'tis for a Servant in a Family, or a Souldier in an Army. They that know not what their work is, know not how to do their work; but if we know our station, our work (both what and how to be done) is clear before us, and we may up and be doing.
3. Though a Saint should be content with his present state, yet but for the present; he should desire and pray, breath and pant, he should hunger and thirst, endeavour and labour after progress and preferment. Though he should not forget to bless God for, yet he should forget (what is behind) to rest in, what he hath; and not think that he hath attained so much, or were already so perfect, as if there were no more to be attained; reaching and pressing forward (as Paul did) is the duty of all, till they attain to the Resurrection of the Dead. There's no state on earth so satisfying as should take a man off from looking & hastening to the coming of Christ, that we may be always with him and altogether like