XVII.  Art thou young? stand against thy passions; be numbered with the alliance in the army of God: The Benedictine Editors punctuate differently, and render “Stand against passions with the assistance (of Baptism), be numbered in the army of God.” remarking that David fought Goliath without allies, leaning on God’s assistance; and that S. Gregory here certainly means that a Christian who relies on the aid of his Baptism is to stand firm in the battle against the Devil.  do valiantly against Goliath. 1 Sam. xvii. 32.  Take your thousands or your myriads; Ib. xviii. 7. thus enjoy your manhood; but do not allow your youth to be withered, being killed by the imperfection of your faith.  Are you old and near the predestined necessity?  Aid your few remaining days.  Entrust the purification to your old age.  Why do you fear youthful passion in deep old age and at your last breath?  Or will you wait to be washed till you are dead, and not so much the object of pity as of dislike?  Are you regretting the dregs of pleasure, being yourself in the dregs of life?  It is a shameful thing to be past indeed the flower of your age, but not past your wickedness; but either to be involved in it still, or at least to seem so by delaying your purification.  Have you an infant child?  Do not let sin get any opportunity, but let him be sanctified from his childhood; from his very tenderest age let him be consecrated by the Spirit.  Fearest thou the Seal on account of the weakness of nature?  O what a small-souled mother, and of how little faith!  Why, Anna even before Samuel was born 1 Sam. i. 10. promised him to God, and after his birth consecrated him at once, and brought him up in the priestly habit, not fearing anything in human nature, but trusting in God.  You have no need of amulets or incantations, with which the Devil also comes in, stealing worship from God for himself in the minds of vainer men.  Give your child the Trinity, that great and noble Guard.