A64833:150
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.
4. Consider this, that God is better pleased with that little grace, than he is displeased with that much corruption which is in thee (only do not like thy corruption the more, but love and praise thy God the better) Though thou be but as Gold in the O•r, God hath more regard to thee, than to throw away the Gold because of the O•r; On no, he will lose no Gold: The Disciples were little better than this, and yet he would not lose one of them, nor the least grain of grace that appeared in them; but made much of the willingness of their spirit when the bodily flesh was weak, and the corrupt fl•sh strong: Though they were but as bruised Reeds and smoking Flax, yet he had not a little value for them; though there were more smoke than fire, yet he would not quench but cherish it. Though thy grace be little and thy corruption much, yet he will prize thee.
4. Consider this, that God is better pleased with that little grace, than he is displeased with that much corruption which is in thee (only do not like thy corruption the more, but love and praise thy God the better) Though thou be but as Gold in the O•r, God hath more regard to thee, than to throw away the Gold because of the O•r; On no, he will lose no Gold: The Disciples were little better than this, and yet he would not lose one of them, nor the least grain of grace that appeared in them; but made much of the willingness of their spirit when the bodily flesh was weak, and the corrupt fl•sh strong: Though they were but as bruised Reeds and smoaking Flax, yet he had not a little value for them; though there were more smoak than fire, yet he would not quench but cherish it. Though thy grace be little and thy corruption much, yet he will prize thee.
5. Think of this also, though thou have not assurance, yet thou hast that which will secure thee, and doth ensure thy Soul. Every grace is assuring in its nature and degree, though thou have not the evidence and comfort of it: and is it nothing to be safe? thou art upon the Foundation and shalt stand and not fall, for thou art in a state of blessedness; Eternal life is begun, and there is no falling from Eternal life, This day is Salvation come unto thee (as it