To be a Christian is to be a learner. In this unique account of growth in grace, ‘babes’, ‘little children’, ‘young men’ and ‘fathers’ are the stages through which the learners in Christ’s school pass on their way to the ‘academy of heaven’. While supporting and comforting beginners in the school of grace, Venning encourages all Christians to make further progress towards ‘the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ’ (Eph. 4:13).

Noting the eagerness of the newborn, the delight of the little child, the vigour of the young, and the wisdom of the mature, cannot but challenge mediocrity; seeing their foibles, weaknesses, and vulnerability will, on the other hand, challenge presumption. The book contains a much needed message for today.

‘Reaching and pressing forward, as Paul did, is the duty of all…’ – Ralph Venning