A supplement to the several discourses upon various divine subjects

2. Check them at the first appearance. If they bear upon them a palpable mark of sin, bestow not upon them the honour of an examination. If the leprosy appear in their foreheads, thrust them as the Priests did Uzziah out of the Temple: or as David answered his wicked solicitors, Psal. 119.115. Depart from me ye evil doers: for I will keep the commandments of my God. Though we cannot hinder them from haunting us, yet we may from lodging in us. The very sparkling of an abominable motion in our hearts is as little to be looked upon, as the colour of wine in a glass by a man inclined to drunkenness. Quench them instantly, as you would do a spark of fire in a heap of straw. We must not treat with them: Paul's resolve is a good pattern,¹ not to confer with flesh and blood^†. We do not debate whether we should shake a viper off our hands. If it be plainly a sinful motion, a treaty with it is a degree of disobedience; for a putting it to the question whether we should suckle it, is to question whether God should be obeyed or no. If it savour not of the things of God, hear not its reasons, and complement it with no less indignation than our Saviour did his officious Disciple upon his carnal advice; Get thee behind me Satan, Mat. 16.22, 23. Excuse it not, because 'tis little: Small vapours may compact themselves into great clouds, and obstruct our sight of heaven: a little poison may spread its venom through a great quantity of meat.³ We know not how big a small motion, like a Crocodile's egg, may grow, and how ravenous the breed may prove: it may, if entertained, force our Judgment, drag our Will, and make all our affections Bedlams. Besides, since the Fancy is that Power in us upon which the Devil can immediately imprint his suggestions, and that we know not what army he hath to back any sinful motion, if once the gate be set open; let us crush the brat betimes, and fling the head over the wall to discourage the party. Well then, let us be ashamed to cherish that in our thoughts, which we should be ashamed should break out in our words or actions: therefore as soon as you perceive it base, spit it out with detestation: as you do a thing you unexpectedly find ungrateful to your Palate.