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

Well then, let not the Babe envy the Young men, &c. In a great court many times there is a special favourite, but all the rest are apt to envy him, though they also are in the same court, because they are not favoured and honoured as he is: Every one would be the only one. So too often in the Court of Heaven upon Earth, i. e. the Church, Jesus Christ the King of Saints takes one or other (as John) to be his bosom favourite, and truly the other ambitious Courtiers cannot bear this, they look upon such a person with an evil eye: as Peter did upon John, as you may read John 21. When Christ Jesus had told Peter not ⟨p. 17⟩only what he must do, but suffer also, (in relation to which he makes sure of his love first, for one that loves not, or loves little, will not do or suffer much or willingly, yet after this being told of his sufferings) and nothing of that nature said concerning John, he seems to take it ill, and is not able to forbear asking the Question, and what shall this man do? which was a spice of envy, for Christ takes him up for it with an angry, what is that to thee? Joh. 21.15-22. When some poor souls, Babes that they are! see Children-Saints made so much of, that they enjoy the light of Gods countenance, and lie in his bosom all the day long: and others Young men-Saints making great conquests and obtaining victories over temptations; and when they hear Father-Saints tell long stories of their ancient acquaintance with Christ through every turn and dispensation, and what variety of experiences they have had in all conditions; and withal, how little joy, victory, experience, &c. they themselves have, they are apt to envy and regret the others enjoyments and glory. So perhaps on the other side, when the Fathers hear the younger ones speak of experiences, how they lisp and speak but dimidiata verba, half words, and see how short they fall of their attainments; when the Young-men see how the Children are baffled and led into captivity by temptations; when the little Children see how ignorant the Babes are, and that they know not their Father: at such times the rich and strong are apt to deride, or at least to undervalue the poor and weak as unworthy of their company ⟨p. 18⟩and converse. 'Tis but too common with them that know much to know it too much;