21. This is the glorious privilege of every Christian, yea, tho’ he be but _a babe in Christ_. But it is only of those who _are strong_ in the Lord, _and have overcome the wicked one_, or rather of those who _have known him that is from the beginning_, that it can be affirmed they are in such a sense perfect; as, _secondly_ to be freed from evil thoughts, and evil tempers. _First_, from evil or sinful thoughts. But here let it be observed, that thoughts concerning evil, are not always evil thoughts: that a thought concerning sin, and a sinful thought, are widely different. A man, for instance may think of a murder which another has committed, and yet this is no evil or sinful thought. So our blessed Lord himself, doubtless thought of, or understood the things spoken by the devil, when he said, _All this will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me_. Yet had he no evil or sinful thought, nor indeed was capable of having any. And even hence it follows, that neither have real Christians. For _every one that is perfect is as his Master_. (Luke vi. 40.) Therefore, if he was free from evil or sinful thoughts, so are they likewise. 22. And indeed, whence should evil thoughts proceed, in the servant who is _as his Master? out of the heart of man_ (if at all) _proceed evil thoughts_ (Mark vii. 21.) If therefore his heart, be no longer evil, then evil thoughts can no longer proceed out of it. If the tree were corrupt, so would be the fruit; but the tree is good. The fruit therefore is good also. (_Matth._ xii. 33.) Our Lord himself bearing witness, _Every good tree bringeth forth good fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, as a corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit_, Matt. vii. 17, 18. 23. The same happy privilege of real Christians, St. _Paul_ asserts from his own experience. _The weapons of our warfare_, saith he, _are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds: casting down imaginations_ (or reasonings rather, for so the word λογισμούς signifies: all the reasonings of pride and unbelief against the declarations, promises or gifts of God) _and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God; and bringing into captivity_ every thought _to the obedience of Christ_, 2 Cor. x. 5, &c.