2. A strong Christian may want strong affections,1 in case he hath strength of judgement to recompense the want of his affections. Young trees are more sappy, but old trees are more solid; Wherefore the Apostle prays for the Philippians, not only that their love might abound, but that their judgement might also abound. 2As a man that is come to his full age, though he do not grow in bulk and extension of parts; yet he grows intensively, ⟨p. 120⟩and in the consolidation of the parts of the body: so old and experienced Christians, though they have not so much affection; yet they have more solidity and clearness of judgement, more experimental knowledge in the profound mysteries of the Gospel, and more distinct apprehensions of the deep things of Christ. A strong believer, what he wants in affections he hath compensated to him in a distinct and experimental knowledge of the deceitfulness of his heart, of the vanity of the world, of the sinfulness of sin, and of the transcendent excellency of Christ. New converts are rash, inconsiderate, injudicious; and therefore we have a promise made to new converts, that they shall proceed in grace. It is a promise made to the Gentiles when the Kingdom of Christ shall come amongst them, that though at the first they were rash, yet it is said,3 The heart of the rash shall understand knowledge, and the tongue of the stammerers shall be ready to speak plain. Affection without knowledge will be but rashness, which (like metal in a young horse) will be apt to precipitate him and make him stumble. An experienced Christian though he have not so much seeming metal in his affection, yet shall rid more way to heaven by far then a young Convert, and that without fear of stumbling. At the first kindling of the fire, there may be more smoke, though afterward the flame will be clearer: So when at first thou hast much affection, ⟨p. 121⟩afterwards thou shalt have a clearer judgment.
2. A strong Christian may want strong affections,1 in case he hath strength of judgement to recompence the want of his affections. Young trees are more sappy, but old trees are more solid; Wherefore the Apostle prayes for the Philippians, not only that tbeir love might abound, but that their judgement might also abound. 2As a man that is come to his full age, though he do not grow in bulke and extension of parts; yet he grows intensively, ⟨p. 120⟩and in the consolidation of the parts of the body: so old and experienced Christians, •hough they have not so much affection; yet they have more solidity and clearnesse of judgement, more experimental knowledge in the profound mysteries of the Gospel, and more distinct apprehensions of the deep things of Christ. A strong believer, what he wants in affections he hath compensated to him in a distinct and experimental knowledge of the deceitfulnesse of his heart, of the vanity of the world, of the sinfulnesse of sin, and of the transcendent excellency of Christ. New converts are rash, inconsiderate, injudicious; and therefore we have a promise made to new converts, that they shall proceed in grace. It is a promise made to the Gentiles when the Kingdom of Christ shall come amongst them, that though at the first they were rash, yet it is said,3 The heart of the rash shall understand knowledge, and the tongue of the stammerers shall be ready to speak plain. Affection without knowledge will be but rashnesse, which (like metal in a young horse) will be apt to precipitate him and make him stumble. An experienced Christian though he have not so much seeming metal in his affection, yet shall rid more way to heaven by farre then a young Convert, and that without fear of stumbling. At the first kindling of the fire, there may be more smoak, though afterward the flame will be clearer: So when at first thou hast much affection, ⟨p. 121⟩afterwards thou shalt have a clearer judgment.
- 1Answ. 2
- 2Phil. 1. 9.
- 3Isa. 32. 4.
