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

But I proceed to Verse 13, 14. where we have three distincts Classes or States of Christians, with the proper and peculiar Attainment which is the character of each of them. 1. The Fathers, who had the knowledge (the most exact and perfect knowledge) of him who was from the beginning, that is Christ Jesus, as 1 John 1.1. with John 1.1, 2. The ancient of days, the everlasting Father, as Christ is called, Dan. 7.9, 13, 22. and Isa. 9.6. Who is the same to day as yesterday and will be for ever, Heb. 13.8. The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, which is and which was and which is to come Jehovah, Rev. 1.8. 'Tis q. d. you are well acquainted with his several dispensations and workings from first to last. And this is repeated, Vers. 14. Secondly, The Young-men of whom 'tis said, that they have overcome the wicked one; and Verse 14. that they were strong, that the word of God did abide in them, (viz. in strength, like Josephs bow, Gen. 49.24. and) that they had overcome the wicked one. Thirdly, The little Children, of whom 'tis said that they have ⟨p. 8⟩known the Father; viz. as their heavenly Father who hath loved them.

But I proceed to Verse 13, 14. where we have three distincts Classes or States of Christians, with the proper and peculiar Attainment which is the character of each of them. 1. The Fathers, who had the knowledge (the most exact and perfect knowledge) of him who was from the beginning, that is Christ Jesus, as 1 John 1.1. with John 1.1, 2. The ancient of days, the everlasting Father, as Christ is called,