A64833:54
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.
II. Several things premised for the further clearing and understanding of this Subject, before I speak to each Classis.
Having already given a general account of my intendment, I shall for the more clear and distinct proceeding, lay down several things as Pracognita necessary to be known before I handle each Classis or form by it self and a part. As,
HAving already given a general account of my intendment, I shall for the more clear and distinct proceeding, lay down several things as Pracognita necessary to be known before I handle each Classis or form by it self and a part. As,
1. There is a vast difference between the least or lowest of Saints, and the highest of men, that are but mere men and unconverted: between the worst of Saints (viz. Babes) and the best of men, viz. P{hilosophers, an d Moral men. Socrates and Seneca, &c. are great instances how far men may go by Natures help; and Paul (who was called Saul) before his conversion, how far a man may go by the help of the Law, Phil. 3.6. And yet the least Saint, in the School of Christ, outgoes and surpasseth all these, 1 Cor. 1.18.—31. and 1 Cor. 2.6.—10. for he is taught of God, Matth. 11.25. and though he be but a Babe, yet he is in Christ, and though as carnal, yet not a carnal man, 1 Cor. 3.1. as all are that are not in Christ Jesus, and so new-creatures; Gold though but in the Oar exceeds the best of clay and earth: so a Babe-Saint, which is but Gold in the Ore, doth yet exceed and excel all other m, which are but