The Morning exercise [at] Cri[ppleg]ate, or, Several cases of conscience practically resolved

4. Set a narrow guard upon the first sproutings of sin in their conversations. Crush Vipers in the egg. Exercise your hazel-rods upon the Serpents heads, when they first creep out of their holes, being chill and feeble in the beginning of the Spring.¹ I will early destroy all the wicked of the Land, says David. You must set about this work betimes; check every evil and unsavoury word at the first hearing; Watch the beginnings, that first bubblings of corruption in them. A man may pull off a tender bud with ease, but if he let it grow to a branch, it will cost him some pains. It is observed by experienced Naturalists, that a Common bringing forth nothing but fern, may be made very good ground: if when the weed comes up tender and green, it be often cut down, you will (in three or four times) discourage the root, and make it dye away. It may prove so through Divine Blessing, as to the shootings up of original corruption, if thou be diligent and constant at first.² Take us the Foxes nay the little Foxes that spoil the Vines; this is the way to destroy their race, as well as to ⟨p. 199⟩preserve your tender Grapes. David smote Goliath in the forehead; he smites the Devil and sin in the forehead [qui initio tentationis vincit] that falls upon, and overcomes tentation at first.³ It is a saying of Salvian [Cum primum homo peccare incipit, aternum sibi-accendit ignem] When one fir st begins to sin,⁴ then he kindles the eternal fire] Oh that you would then begin to cast water upon the first kindlings of sin in your little ones! Cut off the occasions of sin by prudent interposition. It is strange to see, what excuses and palliations for sin what collusions in speech little children will use. Before thou canst teach them to speak plain English, the Devil, and a corrupt heart will teach them to speak plain lies. While their tongues do yet falter much in pronunciation; they'll falter more in double speaking. What great need is there then to put a curb and bridle upon thy child's tongue as well as thine own. Undermine their fallacies by discreet examinations,