[2.] In that they have not so much superiority and command over their affections and passions as the fathers have; though they are not at the beck and command of every foolish and hurtful lust, yet they are often assaulted and perplexed, yea, overcome with the rebellion of their carnal affections and inordinate passions, which put them to no small trouble. To these the apostle speaketh, Col. iii. 5, ' Mortify, therefore, your members which are upon the earth, fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness which is idolatry.' Paul himself had his violent paroxysms : Eom. vii. vol. xx. 2 D
41 8 SERMONS UPON 1 JOHN II. 12-14. [SeR. V.
19, 21, 23, ' For the good that I would I do not ; but the evil I would not, that I do. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me ; but I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.' And David was fain to keep his mouth as with a bridle, Ps. xxxix. 1. They see a great need of curbing their passions, and reforming their thoughts, and bridling their tongues.
[3.] In that they are not so wise and experienced in the spiritual warfare, and therefore are often foiled, though they do also often over- come. Unruly affections may unsettle and distemper them. In their prosperity they may remit of their fervency, zeal, and diligence. In adversity they may have despondency and distrustful thoughts at God's providence ; murmuring and discontent may break out : Ps. xxxi. 22, ' I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes ; ' Ps. cxvi. 11, ' I said in my haste, All men are liars.' In their callings, they may bewray too much earthly-mindedness and discontent and carnal aims ; the inexperienced are easily surprised, and the evils they groan under are neither at once nor easily subdued ; they are often dis- tempered with inward lusts and outward occasions.
2. From the babes they differ —
[1.] Because they have been longer engaged in the practice of godli- ness, and so they have a more serious consideration of their state and ways, that they may avoid sin and the occasions thereof. They have so much acquaintance with the heavenly life as to see the need of watching, praying, and striving : Mark xiii. 37, ' What I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch;' 1 Cor. xvi. 13, ' Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit yourselves like men, be strong ; ' Ps. xxxix. 1, ' I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I offend not with my tongue ; I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me.' Those affections and passions which were wont to be common matters with them, they pray more often and earnestly against them, and so stand upon their guard. Though they are not totally overcome, yet they resist the occasions of sin, and have a holy jealousy over themselves lest they be overtaken. Those things which were not much regarded in times past, that were passed over as things pardoned of course, are now thought of with shame and bitterness.
[2.] They are more diligent in the use of means. Their continual work is to subdue their passions and corrupt inclinations, to weaken their rebellious desires, and defeat temptations. They heartily purpose and covenant with God to bring their hearts into a better frame : Ps. cxix. 112, ' I have inclined my heart to perform thy statutes always, even to the end.' They busy themselves about getting spiritual furni- ture and strength, even the complete armour of God, whereby they may stand out against the assaults of the wicked one : Eph. vi. 12, 13, 4 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.' None knoweth the need of the spiritual armour, nor is so earnest to get it, as this kind of christian ;
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being continually exercised with conflicts and temptations, he would not be unprepared, and knoweth the malice of Satan, and his own in- firmities. Practical conviction is best, and leaveth a deeper sense upon the heart than a doctrinal discovery.
[3.] They are more versed in the word of God, though not skilful in the word of righteousness, as the fathers ; yet not as unskilful as the babes : Heb. v. 13, ' For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.' They are learning and studying the word, how to govern their passions and direct their way : Ps. cxix. 9, ' Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way ? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.' They would not have the peace of their souls disturbed : they are taken into God's blessed flock, and are daily furnishing themselves with spiritual knowledge.