A fourth volume containing one hundred and fifty sermons on several texts of Scripture…

2. The next degree is timely to suppress them, to conquer Lusts, when we cannot curb and wholly keep them under. We must keep a watchful Eye, and a hard Hand over our Lusts, dash Babylon's Brats against the Wall; take the little Foxes, smother Sin in the Conception, and disturb the Birth: as the Apostle speaks of the conceiving of Sin, Jam. 1.15. When Lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth Sin. Look as it is a great Sin to quench the Spirit's Motions, so it is also to be negligent in watching over your Hearts, not to take notice of the first thoughts and risings of Sin. The little Sticks kindle first, and set the great ones a fire; so Lusts kindle first, and then they break out into a Flame, and make way for greater Sins to come in upon the Soul. When a Country was infested with hurtful Birds, and they consulted the Oracle how to destroy them, it was answered, Niàos eorum ubique destruendos, their Nests were to be destroyed. We must crush the Cockatrices Eggs, and not dwell upon Sin in our Thoughts. If there arise a wanton Thought, a lustful Glance, a distrustful or revengeful Injection, it should be cast out with Loathing and Detestation. Every Lust should have a Check from the contrary Principle, Gal. 5.17. The Flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the Flesh. We have often Experience that the Flesh lusteth against the Spirit, we should have Experience also of the Spirit's lusting against the Flesh; deny it Harbour. We cannot hinder the Bird from flying over our Heads, but we must not suffer it to rest and nestle: So, many times Corruption will get the start, tho we mortify it never so much; but we must not suffer it to root in the Heart, to increase and grow there. If Carnal Thoughts and Desires arise in the Heart, they must not rest there; let it be only a Motion, let it not gain Consent. David chides away his distrustful Thoughts, Psal. 11.1. In the Lord put I my Trust; how say ye to my Soul, flee as a Bird to your Mountain? It is a Rebuke to his own Thoughts and Fears, no other Speaker is introduced. With such Indignation should we rise up against every carnal Suggestion, Avaunt evil Thoughts, distrustful Fears, fleshly Counsels. Remember, these very intervening Thoughts are Sins before God, tho no Effect should follow; therefore do not give them Harbour and Entertainment.