A64833:437
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.
SECT. 3. Proving this to be a glorious privilege.
SECT. 3. Proving this to be a glorious priviledge.
That to know the Father (as I have spoken of it) is a great attainment and glorious privilege, will be evident by these following Considerations, or considerable proofs: to begin with the Old Testament. 'Tis Prophesied of in the Old as the glory of the New Testament; The Prophecies of the time (and world to come, the Messiah or Gospel dispensation) were glorious far beyond their present enjoyments; and the Prophets were more Seers, in respect of what was to be, than of what was; so the Apostle tells us expressly, 1 Pet. 1.10,—12. and when the day dawns and the day-star ariseth in our hearts, it supersedes the Prophecies, they being then know in accomplishments; so that we may say with a little alteration, as Joh. 4.39,—42. Many believed because of the Prophecies which testified of these things, but more believed because of his own word; and now they may say, We believe not (only) because of their sayings, but because we have heard (and felt him our selves, 1 Joh. 1.1,—3.) and know that this is indeed the Spirit of his Son, which beareth witness with our Spirit of Adoption. Now, among many other Prophecies of the glories of the Gospel-Saints, this is one, ⟨p. 294⟩that they should know God as a Father, and their Father, Psal. 89.26. (which is spoken of David, and of Christ who was more a David, than David was) He shall cry unto me, Thou art my Father, Isa. 63.16. ('tis spoken what they should say in time to come) Doubtless thou art our Father. So Chap. 64.8. But now, O Lord, thou art our Father.