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

7. Every one should endeavour to make the best use of what they hear and read. All Scripture is profitable, and is written for every ones learning. Are Fathers spoken to, 'tis of use to the younger sort to provoke them to aspire and endeavour after such attainments and experiences; and therefore the Apostle resolved to go on and to treat of perfection (strong meat and doctrine) though his Hearers were but Babes, Heb. 6.1. Are the younger sort spoken to, 'tis of use to Fathers, to call to remembrance what once they were; for such were some of you: And also to stir them up to thankfulness, that God hath advanced them to a state, of which it may be said, such honour have not all the Saints: and to say as David did, Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that thou bast brought me bitherto? 2 S•m. 7.18. I have heard of an eminent person, who had been with others at a Sermon, and when some complained and seemed to be offended, because the Preacher was a Boanerges, and threatened wrath and the flashes of Hell fire to sinners, he ••ld them 'twas one of the sweetest and most comfortable Sermons that he had heard of a […] time, for said he, I bless God I am delivered […] it all. This is to make a good use of a Sermon. Do you that are Saints hear Sermons Preached to sinners, to show the misery of their condition? then bless God that hath converted you. Do you that are sinners hear Sermons Preached to Saints, to show their privileges ⟨p. 20⟩and happiness? then pray to God to make you Saints also. Thus all and every one may make a good use of every Sermon they hear. Do not be offended or take pet, and say, I had as good to have staid at home, what doth this concern me? Oh let not any say so. Concern thee? There is no truth, no doctrine but doth more or less concern thee, be thou a sinner or a Saint; be thou a Father, Young-man, little Child, or Babe. And this brings me to speak particularly a few words to each.

7. Every one should endeavour to make the best use of what they hear and read. All Scripture is profitable, and is written for every ones learning. Are Fathers spoken to, 'tis of use to the younger sort to provoke them to aspire and endeavour after such attainments and experiences; and therefore the Apostle resolved to go on and to treat of perfection (strong meat and doctrine) though his Hearers were but Babes,