I. Scripture-light the most sure light ... delivered in three sermons on 2 Pet.…

Object. 4 But these are not my Temptations, I praise God, I am free from such: but I have other great, and strong Temptations, and have no strength to resist them: I am a poor weak person, a weak young man, or a weak young woman, and I fear I shall yield unto my Temptations; and therefore I am thus discouraged, have I not just cause and reason now?

Object. 4 But these are not my Temptations, I praise God, I am free from such: but I have other great, and strong Temptations, and have no strength to resist them: I am a poor weak person, a weak yong man, or a weak yong woman, and I fear I shall yield unto my Temptations; and therefore I am thus discouraged, have I not just cause and reason now?

Answ. No: For out of weakness we are made strong, and when we are weak, then are we strong in the Lord, saith the Apostle Paul. Possibly a man may be weak in regard of years, and yet may be strong in regard of Grace, and overcome his Temptations. In 1 John, 2.12, 13, 14. I write unto you little Children, saith the Apostle John. Children he doth call them all, for he was their Father in Christ; and at verse 13. I write unto you Fathers (saith he) because ye have known him that is from the Beginning: I write unto you young Men, because you have overcome the wicked One: I write unto you little Children, (saith he) because you have known the Father: which because it is matter of conce•nment, he repeats again at verse 14. I have written unto you Fathers, because ye have known him that is from the Beginning: I have written unto you young Men, because you are strong, and ⟨p. 142⟩you have overcome the wicked One. There are three sorts of Peo-in the world; some that are old, and aged; some that are Children; some that are middle aged, and are called young Men, or young Women. The Aged think that they have no need to learn, they know as much as the Minister can tell them; therefore saith the Apostle here, I write unto you Fathers. Children think that they are not yet to learn, and they have time enough before them; therefore saith he, I write unto you Children. Yong persons think they should mind their Business, Trades, and Callings; therefore saith he, I write unto you young Men; and I pray mark what he speaks, words suitable to all these conditions: Old men love Antiquities, and therefore saith he, I write unto you Fathers, because you have known him that is from the Beginning: Children love to have the Fathers and Mothers Name in their Mouth; and therefore saith he, I write unto you Children, because ye have Known the Father. Yong men are strong, and are fit for fighting, and therefore saith he, I write unto you Yong Men, because you have Overcome the Evil One: What evil one is that, but Satan the Tempter? and of all others, young Men are here said to overcome the evil One; of all Men, and Women, young Persons do overcome: This time of young Men, is the overcoming time. And I pray tell me, was David an old Man when he overcame Goliath? Nay, not thirty years old. Was Joseph an old Man, when he refused, and overcame the Temptation of his Mistress?