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 indited .

That there are Lambs and Sheep , John 21.15 , 16 , 17. That there are strong and weak , Rom. 15.1 . That there are spiritual and Babes , 1 Cor. 3.1 . Or perfect and Babes , as 't is Hebr. 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 , 1 Cor. 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 , 1 John 2.12 , 13 , 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 , Partitur hic & in sequeatibus Christianus ia Classes tres , Puerorum , Adolescentum , Scuun ; quae discrimina non secundum aetatem , sed secundum gradus diverso ; tjus prosectus qui in Coristo est , intelligi d●b●t . Grot. in Loc. 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 Apostasie in any Saints , as there was in them of the Church of Ephesus , Revel. 2. or any standing ( as 't were ) at a stay , as it seems to be with them , Heb. 5. So that their measure is to be taken by their attainments and proficiency , not by their years ; See Wisd ; 4.8 , 9. ( 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 , 9. The wise are always old , but the old are not always wise : ) 't is not how long they have stood , or how many years they have been in Christ , but their injoyments , 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 , 1 Cor. 15.8 , 9 , 10. one born out of due time ( as he speaks of himself ) who yet labour'd 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 't were , or from ) a child . Some are but like David , a youth and stripling , and yet of more true valor and worth than Goliah 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 , Heb. 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 , 2 Cor. 12.2 . if I may so apply it : and out of the mouths of such ( for their time but Babes and Sucklings ) there may be more perfect praise , than from elder Persons , men of many years standing .

'T 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 Gods 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 Act. 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 meerly ( 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 . 'T was 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 Zacharie and Elizabeth , Luk. 1.6 , 7. And 't was the great praise of the Church of Thyatira , that her last works were more than her first . But though it were thus with some , 't was 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 : vers. 12. I write to you little Children , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which is not the same word we render little children , Vers. 13. that is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; but this word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 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 Zanchie , nomine 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. filiorum omnes veri Christiani , quòd 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. N●m & Commune omnibus Christianis nomen , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 'T 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 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 little Children , all which words the Apostle useth but this once and that in this distribution , except 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 once more , Verse 18. but the other , viz. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he useth seven or eight times in common to them all : and accordingly the priviledge 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 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Children but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) 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 S●ns , 1 Cor. 4.14 , 15. and the Galatians , whom he calls by this name , little Children , Gal. 4.19 . and as our Saviour 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 distincts 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 1 John 1.1 . with John 1.1 , 2. The ancient of days , the everlasting Father , as Christ is called , Dan. 7.9 , 13 , 22. and Isa. 9.6 . Who is the same to day as yesterday and will be for ever , Heb. 13.8 . The Alpha and Omega , the beginning and the ending , which is and which was and which is to come Jehova , Rev. 1.8 . 'T 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 't is 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 't is said that they have known the Father ; viz. as their heavenly Father who hath loved them .

This is the summ 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 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Babes , as the vulgar Latine doth , infantes ; but saith Beza , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 inferius quiddam significat quam 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and saith Erasmus , Insans a Babe is by the Greeks called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 aut 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; by which last word the Babe-Saint is exprest 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 every one , of these . To all . 1. Love one another without dissimulation , unfeignedly , and with a pure heart fervently , 1 Pet. 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 , 1 John 2.15 , 16. to both these ( that preceeding , 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 priviledges ; viz. the Fathers , because they have known him that is from the beginning : the young men , because they are strong , and are Conquerours : 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 . 1 Cor. 4.6 , — 8. 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 thy self 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 Gyant , a man of low stature by a tall one , as David by Goliah , he seems comparatively to be no body ; 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 outstript ( 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 1 Cor. 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 , 't is a meer 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 maist be a Young-man ; if not that , yet a little Child ; if not that , yet a Babe in Christ ; begin lowest , do not stretch thy self 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 every one 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 Hysope on the wall , or as the lillies 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 . 'T is great mercy to be one of Christs , though but one of his little ones . Our Lord Jesus chose twelve to be with him , as his family , whereof three were ( è 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 inlarged 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 starr 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 , 2 Sam. 23.23 . and among the thirty seven , Vriab the Hittite was the last , Verse 39. Though thou be the last , yet 't is 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 choise , 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 for ever , which is best of all . At present , if thou be not worth thousands ( rich in grace ) yet bless him that thou art worth any thing , 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 every one ( that is not ) aim to be a Father , and every one 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 : aym at and press forward to the highest state and utmost degree of perfection , as Saint Paul did , and thereby shews 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 Saviour Jesus Christ , 1 Pet. 3.18 . He had said immediately before , take heed , that ye fall not from : your own stedfastness , but lest ye should think , it enough not to be Apostates , or to be stedfast , he presently and in the same breath subjoyns , but grow in grace , &c. So 't is not only be stedfast and immoveable , but abound , yea be always abounding in the work of the Lord , 1 Cor. 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 administred to you into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ . 2 Pet. 1.4 , — 11. Do not content your self meerly 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 plerophorie 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 every one as he will . Many of this form are like Davids Brother Eliab , who charged his inquisitive boldness upon the pride of his heart , and considered not that 't was of the Lord , who had chosen and preferr'd him before himself who was the elder Brother , 1 Sam. 17.28 . with 1 Sam. 16.6 , 7. Which haply was ( altâ mente repostum ) the very reason of the grudge and picque against his Brother David . Saul also ey'd him with an evil eye , when his Victories increased , and the ten thousands were attributed to David , and but thousands to himself , 1 Sam. 18.5 , — 9. Thus 't is with weak Christians , they are apt to envy their superiors and betters the very grace of God : but let envyings as well as wrath be laid aside , which the Apostles speaks to Babes , 1 Pet. 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 honour 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 ( 't is strange , for the head is Christ ; yet his Church is his fulness , 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 honour to that part which lacketh , 1 Cor. 1.12.21 , — 24. 'T is said , Prov. 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 't is 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 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 favorite , and truely 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 't with an angty , 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 Youngmen-Saints making great conquests and obtaining victories over temptations ; and when they hear Father-Saints tell long stories of their antient 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 . 'T 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 inferiours : but it should not be so with Saints , if it be , 't is 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 speakes 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 , 't is 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. 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 , 't is 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 , 't is 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 threatned wrath and the flashes of Hell fire to sinners , he ●●ld them 't was one of the sweetest and most ●●mfortable 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 Preacht to sinners , to shew the misery of their condition ? then bless God that hath converted you . Do you that are sinners hear Sermons Preacht to Saints , to shew their priviledges 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 .

1. To Fathers , I entreat you , ( for so I am commanded to do , 1 Tim. 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 . 'T 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 , 1 Cor. 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 , Phil. 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 seem● was written by him when he was Paul the age● 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 your selves still like the good Souldiers of Jesus Christ , as Paul speaks to the young-man , 2 Tim. 2.1 , 3. And intangle not your selves with the affairs of this life ( the love of the world ) that you may please him who hath chosen you to be Souldiers , 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 Joh. 5 4-5 . and flee youthful lusts , 2 Tim. 2.22 . For they war against your souls , 1 Pet. 2.11 . From these 't is no cowardise but courage ( even in young-men , who are strong and Souldiers ) to run and flee away .

Take heed of Pride also to which young and strong-men souldiers are very prone ; young and strong men use to vapour and boast how they can cast the Bar , Vault , Leap and do seats of activity and arms , what v●ctories they obtian : 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 mans Pride shall bring him low , how high and strong soever he be , Prov. 29.23 . And the helpers of Pride or strength shall stoop under him , because of Gods anger , Job 9.13 . For God resisteth the proud , therefore ye younger be clothed with humility , 1 Pet. 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 , 1 Joh. 4.20 , 21. 1 Joh. 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 , 1 Pet. 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 .