A64833:109
Venning's remains, or, Christ's school consisting of four classes of Christians, I. babes, II.…
Venning's remains, or, 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 by Ralph Venning and fitted by him for the press before his death.
London: printed for John Hancock senior and junior, 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.
Milk we see is the Food of Babes: and therefore 'tis necessary that we come to know what this Milk is, for the better, discovery of their state and attainment. In the general, all the Word of God (the Gospel) is called Milk, 1 Pet. 2.2. As new-born Babes desire the sincere milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby; This Milk is for growth; the word is not only for begetting, as chap. 1.23. and 25. but 'tis for nourishing and bringing up also, even to a perfect stature, Ephes. 4.11,—16. 'Tis observable, that Peter doth not speak merely of the Word written in the Bible, but of the Word Preached, chap. 1.25. But then this Word Preached must be sincere milk of the Word, not mixed and corrupted with and by the devices, inventions, glosses and comments of Jews or Gentiles; this the Apostle Paul disclaims and declaims against, 2 Cor. 2.17. We are not as many, who corrupt, or deal deceitfully with the Word of God; but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ, which he also hath again, chap 4.2. We have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty (or shame) not walking in craftiness, nor handling the Word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth, commending our selves to every mans conscience in ⟨p. 68⟩the sight of God. We are no hucksters like them mentioned, 2 Pet. 2.1,—3. As this word must not be mixed with and corrupted by false Doctrine and base ends, so this milk must not be made luscious and fulsome with the Sugar and Honey of mens wisdom and eloquence, for this doth the Apostle no less disown and disallow, as may be seen, 1 Cor. 2.4. My speech and my Preaching was not with enticing words of mans wisdom (I was not as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal, I did not use feigned and made words to show wit and learning; I came not with that wisdom which lies in words, with witticisms, chap. 1.17.) but in demonstration of the Spirit and power. So then 'tis not a sound of words, but sound and sincere doctrine or Milk of the Word by which we grow and thrive.