1 John 2:13 I write to you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I write to you, young men… 1. And, first, the young are strong in numbers. 2. It is true the young are strong in passions, in impetuous desires, in appetites, and in aspirations, which have yet to be freed from too exuberant growth. But is it not good to see this fresh life? 3. Yes, the young are strong in hope, in trust in God's future, putting the Janus face of the new year to soften the sombre effect of the countenance of the old year, bidding us listen for the music which is soon to wake in the woodland, on the hillside, and by the streams. And this we need. But this freshness of spirit is only to be cherished as David cherished it — at the fountains of God. Hence the pertinency of St. John's words, "And the Word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one." This is the crowning strength of humanity, and no demon can possess the soul while the Word of God abideth in it. In our judgment of the young, we forget what an age of stimulation this is — what a hot house it is to the plants that otherwise might unfold more perfectly and enduringly, and we charge upon human nature what only belongs to the exciting influence of the steam engine and the telegraph. The fact is, all ages are linked together, and the truest strength of the young is derived from a vital connection with the past. "Thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations!" (C. A. Bartol.) Parallel Verses KJV: I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. |
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