03. I.The Introduction. Where the general design and scope of the Treatise is laid down, asserted...

I.The Introduction. Where the general design and scope of the Treatise is laid down, asserted; cleared and applied. That there are degrees of grace, and consequently that there are Believers, Christians or Saints of several sizes and degrees is granted by all; but how many sorts there are, and whether they are to be ranked into several and distinct classes, ranks, orders, forms or degrees (as different States) seems not to be so clear to some pious and learned men: which yet with submission I humbly offer, and hope to evince and demonstrate by the Scriptures light, which is the light of the Spirit by whom they were indicted. That there are Lambs and Sheep, John 21:15-17. That there are strong and weak, Rom 15:1. That there are spiritual and Babes, 1Co 3:1. Or perfect and Babes, as ’tis Heb 5:13-14. The Scriptures quoted do undeniably assert, and experience confirms it: and why there may not be more than two sorts, I can see no reason to dis-believe, but there seems to me a great deal of reason for the belief of it; The Apostle John naming three (Fathers, Young-men and Children) and the Apostle Paul names a fourth, viz. Babes; for though they be as carnal, yet they are in Christ, 1Co 3:1, but a degree below Children; as I think to make apparent in the following discourses. To clear the way, I shall examine this Text, 1Jn 2:12-14. Which whether it denote and assert distinct Classes or kinds of Saints is yet the question. But I hope to evince that these are three distinct ranks and slates of Saints, not with reference to their natural years, or the time of their standing (as to conversion and profession) but with reference to their proper and peculiar attainments, whether elder or younger for years and standing. Indeed the Scripture doth not measure them by that, but by this rule; or else there could not be any gradual Apostasy in any Saints, as there was in them of the Church of Ephesus, Revel. 2, or any standing (as ’twere) at a stay, as it seems to be with them, Hebrews 5. So that their measure is to be taken by their attainments and proficiency, not by their years; (for though with the ancient there (usually) is wisdom, yet gray hairs are not always wise; which made Elihu speak as he did, Job 32:7; Job 32:9. The wise are always old, but the old are not always wise:) ’tis not how long they have stood, or how many years they have been in Christ, but their enjoyments, experiences, proficiency and fruitfulness that denominates one above another: some may be in Christ before others, who yet may be out-grown by others, that came in long after them; as most of the elder Disciples were out-grown by Paul a younger Brother, a Post-hume, one born out of due time (as he speaks of himself) who yet labored more abundantly than they all: so, many that are last shall be first. Some that are young for years, may be Fathers for experiences and attainments, when others that are old and aged as to time, may be but young and raw in knowledge and practice. Some are but children when they are old, and others may be men, when they are but young; as Timothy was, who knew the Scriptures from (the cradle and from the breast as ’twere, or from) a child. Some are but like David, a youth and stripling, and yet of more true valor and worth than Goliath who was a man of war from his youth, that I may speak by allusion. The Apostle tells us of some that for their time (if that had been the measure) might have been Teachers of others (might have attained to a great degree) but were such Punies and Babes, that they needed to learn the A. B. C. of Religion; they were dull of hearing, had very weak stomachs and an ill digestion, Hebrews 5. From whence this clearly and roundly follows, that a man, many men, may be of long standing in Christ, may be old (Fathers) for years, and yet be but Babes for understanding and ability to digest the strong meat of the Gospel: Whereas other men, that are but Babes for time, but newly-new-born, may be men in Christ, as Paul was in a little time, according to that phrase of his, 2Co 12:2, if I may so apply it: and out of the mouths of such (for their time but Babes and Suckling’s) there may be more perfect praise, than from elder Persons, men of many years standing.

’It is true, gray hairs found in a way of righteousness are a Crown of glory (and usually the elder the wine is, the better) and as to many of God’s Saints, their works have been more at last than at first, and their latter end better than their beginning: Father Abraham, Father Job, Father Moses, Father Paul, and some others were Fathers not only for age but grace: in Acts 21:16, there is mention made of one Mnason, an old Disciple, who was (another Gaius ) an entertainer of the Apostles and Saints; but he is not called an old Disciple merely (as I suppose) for his years or age, but that he was as much a Disciple as he was old (from his new birth) his Discipleship, saith and obedience ran along and kept pace with his age, that as he grew in years, so be he did in grace; he was an old Disciple, a good proficient in the School of Christ. ’Twas a great commendation to Andronicus and Junia, not only that they were in Christ before Paul, but that they were of note, eminent, signal and of renown, viz. for their religion, Rom 16:7. Glorious (because gracious) things are spoken of old Zechariah and Elizabeth, Luk 1:6-7. And ’twas the great praise of the Church of Thyatira, that her last works were more than her first. But though it were thus with some, ’twas not so with all that were of equal age and standing with these: for some were ever learning and learnt but little, ever doing yet did but little; the widows mite was more than theirs that cast in much; Philadelphia, that had but little strength did effectually do more, than Ephesus, of whom greater things are spoken, Heb 3:8, with ch. 2.2, 3. Every man in Christ is not a man in Christ Jesus, but a child it may be, or perhaps but a Babe. In this Text of Johns, here were Children that were Fathers, Children that were Young-men, and Children that were but Children: and some others are but Babes, for under these four heads all are contained. To clear this a little more let us consider each Verse a part and briefly: verse. 12. I write to you little Children, <H&G>, which is not the same word we render little children, Vers. 13, that is <H&G>; but this word <H&G>, ver. 12, is common to them all, to Fathers, to Young-men and to children, and so Mr. Cotton understands it, on Verse 12, and Grotius, so doth Zanchi, nominee, <H&G>, i.e., filiorum omnes veri Christiani, quod per ministerium Apostolorum regeniti sint Christo & Deo. In or under this name are comprehended all true Christians, because by the Ministry of the Apostles they were begotten (or born) again to Christ and to God; so again on Verse 13. Nom & Commune omnibus Christianis nomen, <H&G>. ’It is a name common to all Christians. So that this word notes not any distinct state as the other three do, viz. Fathers, Young-men, and <H&G>, little Children, all which words the Apostle useth but this once and that in this distribution, except <H&G> once more, Verse 18, but the other, viz. <H&G> he useth seven or eight times in common to them all: and accordingly the privilege annexed (forgiveness of sins) is in common to them all, to the youngest as well as the eldest, to the Child and Babe as well as to the Young-man and Father-Saint; though it be not known by nor manifested to all alike.

If it should be here inquired why the Apostle useth the diminutive so often, and speaks to them as (not <H&G> Children but <H&G>) little Children; I Answer that it may be an allusion to the manner and custom of the Jewish Teachers, which was to call their Scholars Ketamin, little ones: yet withal it notes with what tenderness he loved them, and how dear they were unto him, as having begotten them by the preaching of the Gospel, as Paul did the Corinthians, whom he calls beloved Sons, 1Co 4:14-15, and the Galatians, whom he calls by this name, little Children, Gal 4:19, and as our Savior did his Disciples, John 13:33, in conformity to whom John (who was the Beloved and loving Disciple) useth this word. But I proceed to Verse 13, 14, where we have three distinct Classes or States of Christians, with the proper and peculiar Attainment which is the character of each of them. 1. The Fathers, who had the knowledge (the most exact and perfect knowledge) of him who was from the beginning, that is Christ Jesus, as 1Jn 1:1, with John 1:1-2. The ancient of days, the everlasting Father, as Christ is called, Dan 7:9; Dan 7:13; Dan 7:22, and Isa 9:6. Who is the same today as yesterday and will be forever, Heb 13:8. The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, which is and which was and which is to come Jehovah, Rev 1:8. ’It is q. d. you are well acquainted with his several dispensations and workings from first to last. And this is repeated, Vers. 14. Secondly, The Young-men of whom ’tis said, that they have overcome the wicked one; and Verse 14, that they were strong, that the word of God did abide in them, (viz. in strength, like Josephs bow, Gen 49:24, and) that they had overcome the wicked one. Thirdly, The little Children, of whom ’tis said that they have known the Father; viz. as their heavenly Father who hath loved them. This is the sum of these Verses; which Interpreters generally understand to be spoken of all the orders of Christians, and that there are no other than what are comprehended under these three names, viz. that all Saints are either little Children, or Young-men, or Father-Saints: but with submission I conceive that there is a fourth, inferior to, or younger than the youngest of these, who are (and are called) Babes, who do not (as such and as yet) know the Father; as the little Children are said to do. Mr. Cotton doth render <H&G>, Babes, as the vulgar Latin doth, infantes; but saith Beza, <H&G>, inferius quiddam significat quam <H&G>, and saith Erasmus, Insans a Babe is by the Greeks called <H&G> aut <H&G>; by which last word the Babe-Saint is expressed in Scripture, again and again, and is of a lower form than the little Children, as God willing shall be made to appear hereafter, when I come to handle the Characteristical differences of each state. Of which for the present I hint only this in the General, that the Fathers are so called (whether elder or younger for years) from their great experience and wisdom, having gone through each of the inferior States; the Young-men are denominated from their strength (of faith) whereby they overcome the evil or wicked one; the little Children have their Character from knowing the Father, which notes a state of assurance; and the Babes from eating milk, the first principles, viz. repentance, saith, &c. with desires after growth; all which is evident from the several places of Scripture, where these distinct Classes and forms are mentioned, and that under these very names, all which we shall examine God willing in the following treatise.

Having thus given a general account of my intendment and design, viz. to treat of the several Classes and forms (if I may so speak) of Saints, I shall for the present, make some general application of the whole, and speak a little first to all, and then to everyone, of these. To all. 1. Love one another without dissimulation, unfeignedly, and with a pure heart fervently, 1Pe 1:22, but love not the world nor the things of the world, viz. the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eye, and the pride of life, 1Jn 2:15-16, to both these (that preceding, and this succeeding the Text) doth the word I write unto you, and I have written to you refer. He obligeth all of them to these two things, because their sins were forgiven them, Verse 12, and each of them by their particular privileges; viz. the Fathers, because they have known him that is from the beginning: the Young-men, because they are strong, and are Conquerors: the Children, because they have known the Father: q. d. seeing these things are so, love one another as I said before, and love not the world, which is that I now say.

2. Let none measure himself by another, nor make comparisons either for lifting up or casting down. Some of the Corinthians were apt to be puffed up because of their supposing themselves to have attained more than others, which is an ill sign; for though they were high in gifts and parts, they were low in grace, for they were but Babes; and therefore the Apostle pulls down their Plumes with this quick interrogation, Who makes thee (whoever thou be) who makes thee to differ? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now, if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory (pride thyself and boast) as if thou didst not receive it? Grace gives us no leave to be proud, nor to despise undervalue others. And on the other hand there are some poor souls (and I believe there were such among the Corinthians, as I shall clear by and by) that are apt to despond, when they compare and measure themselves by others; when a Dwarf stands by a Giant, a man of low stature by a tall one, as David by Goliath, he seems comparatively to be nobody; but yet is (for kind) a man, a perfect man for all that, or notwithstanding the great and vast difference that is between the one and the other. Many poor souls when they see how they are outstripped (in knowledge, faith, love and patience) by some that came into Christ long after themselves, are apt to think that they are no Saints, because they are not such Saints; and this seems to be the case of some of the Corinthians, as I newly hinted, which will appear from 1Co 12:15, &c. There were some who were but as the foot (both in state and sense) the very lowest member of the body, and were therefore too prone and inclinable to think that they were not of the body: for thus the Apostle speaks to them, If the foot shall say, because I am not the hand, I am not of the body, is it therefore not of the body? And if the car shall say, because I am not the eye, I am not of the body, is it therefore not of the body? No, no, you should by no means say so, ’tis a mere non sequitur. So if thou shouldst say, because I am not a Father, I am not a Child of God; it doth not follow, for thou mayest be a Young-man; if not that, yet a little Child; if not that, yet a Babe in Christ; begin lowest, do not stretch thyself beyond thy measure. Nor let any be proud if they are gone beyond others, to be puffed up and despise the weak. But,

3. Let everyone be thankful and bless God for what he hath attained, be it more or less: Are any of you, Cedars in Lebanon, when others are but Shrubs, as the Hyssop on the wall, or as the lilies of the valley? Are any of you (like Saul) taller than your Brethren by the head and shoulders? Are you crowned with the gray-hairs of wisdom and righteousness? Have ye overcome the wicked one? Have ye lain in the Fathers bosom? Give God the Glory, who gave you the Grace. Are others of you but of late admission? Or but of little and low stature? Are ye but Babes in Christ? Yet despise not the day of small things, let none of his mercies or consolations be small to you, who are less than the least of them all. ’It is great mercy to be one of Christ’s, though but one of his little ones. Our Lord Jesus chose twelve to be with him, as his family, whereof three were (e secretioribus) admitted to be his confidents, Peter, James and John, and of these three, John was the darling; he was the Disciple whom Jesus loved with a peculiar love, and was admitted to lie in his bosom: now if thou be not a John, yet thank him, if thou be a Peter or a James; if not of them, yet that thou art one of the twelve, but not Judas; if not one of the twelve to be with him, yet one of the seventy (for he afterward enlarged the number) to do him any service abroad. Bless him that thou art a member of his body, though but an ear or a foot: that thou art a star in his firmament, though not of the first magnitude, but the very least of all. David had his several Worthies, and the lowest was honorable, though he attained not to the first three, 2Sa 23:23, and among the thirty-seven, Uriah the Hittite was the last, Verse 39. Though thou be the last, yet ’tis mercy to be one of the thousands of Israel. Though thou do not sit at the Kings table, yet bless him if thou be a Dore-keeper to behold his goings out and comings in. Bless him that thou art one of the little flock, though thou be not the Principal, or the choice, but the least of it. If thou have learnt the A. B. C. of Godliness, the first principles and elements of the Doctrine of Christ, bless him for it; thou knowest not how soon he may teach thee to spell out, yea to read distinctly the more perfect lessons, that thy joy may be full: he takes notice of the kindness of thy Child-hood, of thy lispings and essays to speak and go, and he will perhaps take thee by the hand and teach thee to go from form to form, till thou come to be one of the uppermost in the School of Christ, and then he will remove and translate thee into the University (the holy Academy,) where the Spirits of just men made perfect will bid thee welcome and be glad of thy Company: then shalt thou be of the Society of true Christians, of them that are in Christ indeed, and shalt live with Christ forever, which is best of all. At present, if thou be not worth thousands (rich in grace) yet bless him that thou art worth anything, worthy of his calling, and made meet to partake of the inheritance of the Saints in light, Coloss. 1.12, by being delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the Kingdom of his dear Son, Verse 13. Though he have not made thee a Father, yet bless him that he hath made thee a Son, though as yet but a Babe and under age: he that blesseth God for a little, is in the ready way to be blest with more. Therefore again,

4. Let everyone (that is not) aim to be a Father, and everyone that is (a Father) aim at being more so; for as there is a growth from one kind to another, so there is a growth from one degree to another: aim at and press forward to the highest state and utmost degree of perfection, as Saint Paul did, and thereby shows others the way, Philip. 3.12, —17. Be not content with being Babes, but grow from thence to be little Children, and from thence to be Young-men; and from thence to be Fathers; and so to be perfect men in Christ Jesus, Ephes. 4.13, —16. Go from strength to strength till ye appear before God in Zion, which is above. Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, 1Pe 3:18. He had said immediately before, take heed, that ye fall not from: your own steadfastness, but lest ye should think, it enough not to be Apostates, or to be steadfast, he presently and in the same breath subjoins, but grow in grace, &c. So ’tis not only be steadfast and immovable, but abound, yea be always abounding in the work of the Lord, 1Co 15:58, and the Apostle Peter would not have us think that to be new-born and so to partake of a Divine nature is sufficient, but saith he, besides this add to your faith, &c. And if these things be in you (is that enough? No, but if these things be in you) and abound, then an abundant entrance shall be administered to you into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2Pe 1:4, —11. Do not content yourself merely with so much grace as will bring you into heaven (the haven of happiness,) but that you may enter in with full sails, with a plerophory and full assurance.

5. Let not the weak envy (though they may emulate) the strong, nor let the strong despise the weak, but be helpers of their faith and joy. Poor Babes are apt to suffer their eye to be evil, because God is good, to grow sullen, if others speed better than themselves; but these things ought not to be so: for God may do with his own what he pleaseth, and give to everyone as he will. Many of this form are like David’s Brother Eliab, who charged his inquisitive boldness upon the pride of his heart, and considered not that ’twas of the Lord, who had chosen and preferred him before himself who was the elder Brother, 1Sa 17:28, with 1Sa 16:6-7. Which haply was (alta mente repostum) the very reason of the grudge and pique against his Brother David. Saul also eyed him with an evil eye, when his Victories increased, and the ten thousands were attributed to David, and but thousands to himself, 1Sa 18:5, —9. Thus ’tis with weak Christians, they are apt to envy their superiors and betters the very grace of God: but let envying’s as well as wrath be laid aside, which the Apostles speaks to Babes, 1Pe 2:1-2. On the other hand, let not the strong despise the weak, but bear with and bear their infirmities, which is to fulfil the Law of love and of Christ, Gal 6:2-3, with Rom 15:1,—7, this honor is due to these weaker Vessels, for God hath bestowed it upon them, he hath so tempered the body that the hand cannot say to the eye, I have no need of thee, nor again the head (’tis strange, for the head is Christ; yet his Church is his fullness, Ephes. 1.23, much less can any of the members) say to the feet, I have no need of you, nay much more those members of the body, which seem to be most feeble, are (not only convenient, but) necessary. And not only we do, or ought to give, but God himself doth give more abundant honor to that part which lacketh, 1 Cor. 1.12.21, —24. ’It is said, Pro 22:2. The rich and poor meet together (in the same body) and the Lord is the maker of them all: he that made him poor, and thee rich, could have made him rich and thee poor: and as ’tis now, the rich need the poor as much as the poor need the rich; therefore despise not the poor and low. Job tells us that he despised not (nor durst to despise) the cause of his Man-servant; no, nor of his Maid-servant; no, though they contended with him; for as he saith he could not Answer it to God, who made and fashioned his Servant in the womb, as he did himself, Job 31:13, —15. Excellent arguments!

Well then, let not the Babe envy the Young-men, &c. In a great court many times there is a special favorite, but all the rest are apt to envy him, though they also are in the same court, because they are not favored and honored as he is: Everyone 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 favorite, 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 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? John 21:15-22. When some poor souls, Babes that they are! See Children-Saints made so much of, that they enjoy the light of God’s countenance, and lie in his bosom all the day long: and others Youngmen-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 and converse. ’It is but too common with them that know much to know it too much; and for them that are wise and rich, though but in their own eyes so many times, to have very low thoughts, and to speak as meanly of their inferiors: but it should not be so with Saints, if it be, ’tis their infirmity, not to give it a worse name: let not therefore him that eateth strong meat, despise him that eateth milk, nor let him that eateth but milk, envy him that eateth strong meat; that I may allude something to what the Apostle speaks in another case, Rom 14:3.

6. Seeing there are several degrees of Saints, let all be willing that each may have a share and portion at a Sermon, or in an Epistle, as here in 1 Job. 2.13, 14, or at least that some may be spoken to at one time and some at another, for we cannot speak to all at once. Some men must have patience at a Doal, for all cannot be served at one time: so it is in this case. Some when they come to a Sermon, think nothing worth the hearing, but what is spoken to their case; and truly almost so many minds as men: if it be not a discourse for humbling, saith one; for consolation, saith another; for exhortation, saith a third, ’tis nothing worth: Thus one is for Paul, another for Apollo, and a third for Cephas: some for Barnabas, and others for Boanerges: some for the Law, and others for free grace: some for Faith, and others for Works. Fathers are for antiquities; Young-men for wars; Children for love-tokens; and Babes for milk: But, my beloved, all should wait for their meat and portion in due season. And,

7. Everyone should endeavor to make the best use of what they hear and read. All Scripture is profitable, and is written for everyone’s learning. Are Fathers spoken to, ’tis of use to the younger sort to provoke them to aspire and endeavor 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 honor 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 hitherto? 2Sa 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 told them ’twas one of the sweetest and most comfortable Sermons that he had heard of a long time, for said he, I bless God I am delivered from 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 and happiness? Then pray to God to make you Saints also. Thus all and everyone 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 stayed 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.

1. To Fathers, I entreat you, (for so I am commanded to do, 1Ti 5:1.) I entreat you to lay aside childish things, and let it not be said of any of you, that you were once a man but twice a child. ’It is not comely for aged persons to play the child, or to play with children. Saith the Apostle, When I was a Child, then indeed I spake as a Child, I understood as a Child, I thought as a Child: but when I became a man I put away childish things, 1Co 13:11. The aged men and women should be sober and grave, teaching and giving examples to the younger sort, Tit 2:2-4. So Paul propounds himself, Php 3:17, with 20. Brethren, be followers of me, and mark them that walk so, as you have us for an example, for our conversation is in Heaven. Which (it seems was written by him when he was Paul the aged) it being when he was prisoner at Rome, and then he stiles himself Paul the aged as well as a prisoner, Philem. 9. Fathers and old men love to be telling stories, so do you read Lectures of your experiences to the younger sort, and tell them (as David did his Children,) what God hath done for your soul. Tell them how God converted you, how God carried you on step by step, from Faith to Faith, and from one degree to another till you became Fathers in Israel. I might add also, disdain not to learn, for St. John writes to you Fathers also concerning brotherly love, and not loving of the world, as if you had not perfectly learnt these things. But,

2. To Young-men I say, Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and the Word that abideth in you; acquit yourselves still like the good Soldiers of Jesus Christ, as Paul speaks to the young-man, 2Ti 2:1; 2Ti 2:3. And entangle not yourselves with the affairs of this life (the love of the world) that you may please him who hath chosen you to be Soldiers, Ver. 4. The Fathers are for counsel, but you young-men for War; they sit at stern, but you must fight; the glory of young-men is their strength: be strong then in Faith, for thence is your victory, by which you overcome the Devil and the World, Eph 6:16. 1 John. 5 4-5, and flee youthful lusts, 2Ti 2:22. For they war against your souls, 1Pe 2:11. From these ’tis no cowardice but courage (even in young-men, who are strong and Soldiers) to run and flee away.

Take heed of Pride also to which young and strong-men soldiers are very prone; young and strong men use to vapor and boast how they can cast the Bar, Vault, Leap and do seats of activity and arms, what victories they obtain: Well, though your marrow be in your bones (the Word of God abiding in you) yet be not listed up, for Pride goeth before a fall. A man’s Pride shall bring him low, how high and strong soever he be, Pro 29:23. And the helpers of Pride or strength shall stoop under him, because of God’s anger, Job 9:13. For God resisteth the proud, therefore ye younger be clothed with humility, 1Pe 5:5.

3. To the Children-Saints I say, be obedient to your Father, whom you know and know him to be loving, and be loving to your brethren, whom you are to love for your Fathers sake; and whom if ye love not, you love not the Father, 1Jn 4:20-21. 1Jn 5:1-2. The Fathers are for knowledge, the young-men for strength, but you are for love: your state and age is proper for love.

4. To the Babe-Saints I say with the Apostle, 1Pe 2:1-2. As new-born Babes desire the sincere milk of the Word that you may grow thereby, seeing ye have tasted (and as yet but tasted) that the Lord is gracious. Milk is your proper food, desires your proper Acts, growth that which is set before you as their end, and tasting, i.e., experience the provoking of your appetite and desire thereunto. Desire it then that you may grow thereby to a stronger constitution and higher Stature.