XV. NOT WHENCE, BUT WHITHER.

FINDING a bad thought in my heart, 1 disputed in myself the cause thereof, whether it proceeded from the devil, or my own corruption, examining it by those signs divines in this case recommended.

1. Whether it came in incoherently, or by dependence on some object presented to my senses.

2. Whether the thought was at full age at the first instant, or, infant-like, grew greater by degrees.

3. Whether out or in the road of my natural inclination.

But hath not this inquiry more of curiosity than religion? Hereafter derive not the pedigree, 99but make the mittimus of such malefactors. Suppose a confederacy betwixt thieves without and false servants within, to assault and wound the master of a family: thus wounded, would he discuss from which of them his hurts proceeded? No, surely; but speedily send for a surgeon before he bleed to death. I will no more put it to the question, whence my bad thoughts come, but whither I shall send them, lest this curious controversy insensibly betray me into a consent unto them.