Venning's remains, or, Christ's school consisting of four classes of Christians, I. babes, II.…

4. Though thou be as carnal, yet on conviction of this thy carnality thou art angry with it and thy self, and dost repent and abhor thy self as in dust and ashes. The Corin•hia•• Babes were no sooner convinced of theirs, but they made the Apostle glad by their sorrow, seeing their sorrow wrought Repentance never to be repented of, because it was to Salvation, 2 Cor. 7. Yea thus it was with the Incestuous ⟨p. 231⟩person himself, 2 Cor. 2.4, 7. so that the Apostle on the account of this ingenuous Repentance pronounceth them clear, and him a person to be comforted. Now the same consolation belongs to thee if thou do likewise; and I am sure 'tis in thy new nature to do it, when ever thou art under the conviction of thy sin: and I can safely tell thee that sin repented of (as theirs was) will not be laid to thy charge.

5. Though thou be but a Babe yet God hath some praise from thee; 'tis true indeed he hath more from others, but yet 'tis true that he hath some from thee: thou dost help to perfect his praise. 'Tis one of the burdens of these poor souls that they are such unprofitable servants, not only (as others are) in that they do but their duty, but alas in that they do not do their duly, but fall short of it and the glory of God: herein is God glorified when much fruit is brought forth, but as for us, say they, we bring forth but little. 'Tis true, but yet thy Mite of grace gives a measure of glory; all the good-ground Hearers brought forth fruit to the glory of God, though some more than others, Matth. 13.8. When the Pharisees were displeased at the Hosanna's ascribed to Christ by little ones, and are angry with him that he had not rebuked them, as if they had taken Gods name in vain, for say they with a scorn, Hearest thou what these say? Yea, saith he, have ye never read, Out of the mouths of Babes and Sucklings thou hast perfected praise?