A practical commentary, or an exposition with observations, reasons, and uses upon the first…

3. From the counsel of God, whose purpose it is then to magnify his Grace when corruption is strongest, therefore God himself, who is that [Greek or Hebrew], to magnify his Grace, lets loose Satan upon young men; so it was with our Saviour, Mat. 4. It is the purpose of God, that where sin abounds, Grace should much more abound, Rom. 5.20. therefore it is, that young men are most strongly assaulted, that God may magnify his Grace.

3. From the counsel of God, whose purpose it is then to magnifie his Grace when corruption is strongest, therefore God himselfe, who is that 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, to magnifie his Grace, lets loose Satan upon young men; so it was with our Saviour, Mat. 4. It is the purpose of God, that where sin abounds, Grace should much more abound, Rom. 5.20. therefore it is, that young men are most strongly assaulted, that God may magnifie his Grace.

But why do the temptations of young men exceed all other ages?

But why doe the temptations of young men exceed all other ages?

Why, Children are not yet come to the lusts of youth, and old men are past them, so that young men are most liable to temptations and discouragements.

Three Temptations Satan commonly assaults the Sons of men with.

1. Against their effectual Callings; their repentance, he persuades them it is yet too soon to look towards repentance; and they are more liable to evil company, given more to pleasures and delights than old men, and impatient of Counsel; and if God break through this,

1. Against their effectual Callings; their repentance, he perswades them it is yet too soon to look towards repentance; and they are more liable to evill company, given more to pleasures and delights than old men, and impatient of Counsell; and if God break through this,

2. Then he puts them to question their Faith and Adoption, whether they be Gods Children or no? their strong lusts make them doubt of it, and if Gods Grace break through this,

3. He tempts them about their sanctification, he will fill their hearts with unclean lusts; and if a man break through these, he hath much cause to magnify Gods Grace.

3. He tempts them about their sanctification, he will fill their hearts with unclean lusts; and if a man break through these, he hath much cause to magnifie Gods Grace.

Use 2. To teach young men, seeing Satan's aim is chiefly at them, to strive ⟨p. 98⟩to grow strong against him, watch warily against him, that the evil one touch you not.

Ʋse 2. To teach young men, seeing Satans aime is chiefly at them, to strive ⟨p. 98⟩to grow strong against him, watch warily against him, that the evill one touch you not.

And there are three especial Graces to help young men against the assaults of Satan.

And there are three especiall Graces to help young men against the assaults of Satan.

1. Sobriety; watch to Sobriety, be sober and vigilant, 1 Pet. 5.8. take heed of intemperancy, and inconstancy.

2. Stand steadfast in the faith, 1 Pet. 5.9. not trusting to your own strength or courage, but rely upon God; while young men are confident of themselves, as Peter, they fall, but if you stay your selves upon God, he will support you.

2. Stand stedfast in the faith, 1 Pet. 5.9. not trusting to your own strength or courage, but relie upon God; while young men are confident of themselves, as Peter, they fall, but if you stay your selves upon God, he will support you.

3. Treasure up the grace of Humility, that you think not highly of your selves, which is the folly of youth; God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.

And there are three Duties which I commend to young men.

1. Diligence in your Callings: the want of which overthrew David; when he was idle, Satan took advantage to tempt him to uncleanness, 2 Sam. 11.12.

1. Diligence in your Callings: the want of which overthrew David; when he was idle, Satan took advantage to tempt him to uncleannes, 2 Sam. 11.12.

2. Frequency in Gods ordinances, in reading and hearing the Word, v. 14. the more you treasure up the Word, the more power and strength you have against Satan, and the more you receive the Sacrament, the more strength you get, for this is the end of receiving the Sacrament, to get strength against your lusts.