A64811:76
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
Introduction › Part 3: III. A further continuation of the Praecognita, things to be premised.
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.
David was a man of a public spirit, and served his Generation according to the Will of God; and what then? why then he fell asleep; when his work was done he went to bed, to rest in the bosom of God, Acts 13.36. though his body saw corruption, which Christs Body (who was without sin) did not see. Indeed David ⟨p. 47⟩thought to have done more work (viz. to build the Temple) but that was reserved for another, and therefore having done his devoir, he fell asleep. So it was with Paul, when the time of his departure was at hand, he was ready to be offered, for saith he, 2 Tim. 4.6,—8. I have finished my course, I have run to the end of my race, I have nothing to do but to die. So the reverend good old man (Simeon) could not die till he had seen (and could not but die when he had seen) the Salvation of God, This then is the thing in hand, that God (having begun a good work) will finish it before he take any of his converted ones out of this world: he will bring them to their appointed stature: it may be some may die in the good old age of Fathers; others while Young men in their prime, their marrow in their bones, after great and glorious achievements and victories; others in their Child-hood, while their love is fervent and strong; and others in their Babe-state with the milk in their mouth: but every one (before the time of his departure come) shall finish that work which was appointed for him to do.
David was a man of a publick spirit, and served his Generation according to the Will of God; and what then? why then he fell asleep; when his work was done he went to bed, to rest in the bosom of God, Acts 13.36. though his body saw corruption, which Christs Body (who was without sin) did not see. Indeed David ⟨p. 47⟩thought to have done more work (viz. to build the Temple) but that was reserved for another, and therefore having done his devoir, he fell asleep. So it was with Paul, when the time of his departure was at hand, he was ready to be oftered, for saith he,