A64833:165
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.
1. If there be, (for they (some of them) are full of its and doubtings, fearing that thee is no work, or that they are but Hypocrites) but say they, if there be any true work in us, and wrought by us, 'tis of God; we are wholly beholden to him for it. We cannot justify and warrant our Repentance and Faith for sound and good; but if there be any such thing, 'tis wrought by God himself, for we are not sufficient of our selves to think one good thought, in us there dwelleth no good thing. If we are accepted, surely 'tis of grace in the beloved: From their Prayers for mercy I conclude that they attribute all to mercy, and say, Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ, as Paul did, Rom. 7. 'Tis, saith the poor Soul, 'tis the Lords mercy that I am not in Hell, and if ever I go to Heaven, I will admire grace and mercy.
1. If there be, (for they (some of them) are full of its and doubtings, fearing that thee is no work, or that they are but Hypocrites) but say they, if there be any true work in us, and wrought by us, 'tis of God; we are wholly beholden to him for it. We cannot justifie and warrant our Repentance and Faith for sound and good; but if there be any such thing, 'tis wrought by God himself, for we are not sufficient of our selves to think one good thought, in us there dwelleth no good thing. If we are accepted, surely 'tis of grace in the beloved: From their Prayers for mercy I conclude that they attribute all to mercy, and say, Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ, as Paul did, Rom. 7. 'Tis, saith the poor Soul, 'tis the Lords mercy that I am not in Hell, and if ever I go to Heaven, I will admire grace and mercy.
2. There is this also in them, that they have ⟨p. 117⟩a great value for Christ Jesus, though they cannot say that he is theirs, or that they are his: they think him the chiefest of ten thousand, and worthy to be beloved and believed in, though they have not attained him, so a to lie in his bosom, as John did and many others do. If they had ten thousand worlds, they would give it for him (for as yet they are for buying and purchasing, more than for believing) if he would but smile upon them, and kiss them with the kisses of his mouth, oh how would they love him! Higher Christians are rich in experiences, but these are rich only in wishes, desires and breathings. They so long after him, that they would be content to be (though but as hired Servants) any thing, in any condition, if he will but receive them; yea, if they may but gather the crumbs that fall under his Table, though they should not have the children's bread bestowed upon them. If he would but let them know that they shall come to Canaan at last, or but open a door of hope for for them, they would willingly go through the Wilderness and the Valley of Achor too, and lay their mouth in the dust, if there may be but hope. If they may not have a full meal of joy in the Holy Ghost, nor rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, yet they will be thankful for some crumbs of comfort, and good hope through grace.