A64833:296
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. As the means and manner, so the time of conversion is various; There are no certain set times, as not before or after such a year; but God calleth at any hour of the day, at it seemeth him good: some sooner and some later, as he did labourers into the Vineyard, Matth. 20.1,—7. some are called when young, others when old; the Thief was called at the last gasp as 'twere: 'twas one that none might despair, and but one that none might presume.
5. Conversion is more felt by some than others, and the conversion of some is more visible and signal than that of other men: some can tell the time and manner as well as means of their conversion, but others cannot do so: Zacheus, Saul and the Jailer, &c. could tell the ⟨p. 207⟩whole story with all circumstances, but Timothy (in likelihood) could not do so, having been good (as I may say) time out of mind, from the very Cradle. Some know the day of conception, the moment of quickening, and can give account of the Babes stirring in their Womb, from time to time; when others take it for granted, or hope it upon some general apprehensions only that they are with Child. Now persons may be considered either as not having heard the Gospel (as the Gentiles at first) or as having been notorious sinners as Saul and the Jailer, &c. and these can better tell the time and manner of their conversion; but others that have lived under the Gospel many years, or have had the advantage of better education and more civil lives, cannot give so exact account of the change in them; though it may be as true in these as the other, yet 'tis not so visible and discernible. A little Sugar will sweeten Wine, when a great deal must go to sweeten Vinegar: and therefore usually well bred and good dispositioned persons are more doubtful of their conversion, than others that have had so great a change made as to become clean contrary to themselves. But,
5. Conversion is more felt by some than others, and the conversion of some is more visible and signal than that of other men: some can tell the time and manner as well as means of their conversion, but others cannot do so: Zacheus, Saul and the Jaylor, &c. could tell the