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

As to Talents, ¹The Lord gave to every man according to his ability, or faculty, as Erasmus, or as Dr. Hammond in his Paraphrase, what was competent for that employment, place, office, exigence of business entrusted to him, and agreeable to his capacity. In case of temptation, he will not suffer them to be tempted above that they are able, 1 Cor. 10.13. In case of duties, he lays on them nothing but what is necessary (to their state and condition) Act. 15.28. Our Saviour would not put new Wine into old Bottles, i.e. he would not put his Disciples on Fasting, which was at that time a duty too hard for them, Matth 9.15,—17. He would not lay mens duties on Babes or Children; no, he hath a special tenderness for his little ones, he (as Jacob did his) drives them gently, as they can go, as he doth also them that are with young, and if his Lambs saint, he takes them into his bosom, Isa. 40.11. He doth not (as the Pharisees) bind heavy burdens, or if he do, he will put to his helping hand. God keeps a good Table, he hath several Dishes; Milk for Babes, and strong meat for grown persons: And in the first place he takes care that Peter seed his Lambs, and then his Sheep, Joh. 21. The Mother forgets not her sucking Child to be sure, though she doth not neglect the rest; the weak little ones shall be made much of, and have the breast or the spoon often, because they cannot digest much at a time; that I may allude ⟨p. 41⟩to that in Isa. 28.9, 10. Precept shall be upon Precept, line upon line, here a little and there a little. God will give all their portion in due season, and divide his Word aright among them, they shall have suitable dividends. He will give the tongue of the learned to one or other, that he shall know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary (Matth. 17.28.) ²