our_o great_a trespass_n our_o evil_a deed_n bring_v all_o other_o evil_n upon_o we_o 2._o that_o great_a sin_n have_v usual_o a_o proportionable_a punishment_n after_o all_o that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o there_o be_v the_o greatness_n of_o our_o punishment_n for_o our_o evil_a deed_n and_o for_o our_o great_a trespass_n there_o be_v the_o greatness_n of_o our_o sin_n but_o when_o i_o say_v that_o great_a sin_n have_v a_o proportionable_a punishment_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o any_o temporal_a punishment_n be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o sin_n but_o that_o god_n do_v usual_o observe_v a_o proportion_n in_o the_o temporal_a punishment_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o although_o no_o temporal_a punishment_n be_v proportionable_a to_o sin_n yet_o the_o temporal_a punishment_n of_o one_o sin_n hold_v a_o proportion_n to_o the_o punishment_n of_o another_o and_o consequent_o lesser_a and_o great_a sin_n have_v proportionable_o a_o lesser_a and_o great_a punishment_n 3._o 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universal_o true_a and_o ezra_n perhaps_o may_v intend_v to_o insinuate_v so_o much_o that_o all_o temporal_a punishment_n though_o never_o so_o severe_a be_v always_o less_o than_o our_o iniquity_n deserve_v 4._o that_o god_n many_o time_n work_v very_o great_a deliverance_n for_o those_o who_o be_v very_o unworthy_a of_o they_o and_o have_v give_v we_o such_o a_o deliverance_n as_o this_o notwithstanding_o our_o evil_a deed_n and_o notwithstanding_o our_o great_a trespass_n 5._o that_o we_o be_v but_o too_o apt_a even_o after_o great_a judgement_n and_o after_o great_a mercy_n to_o relapse_n into_o our_o former_a sin_n shall_v we_o again_o break_v thy_o commandment_n ezra_n insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o fear_v this_o especial_o consider_v the_o strange_a temper_n of_o that_o people_n who_o when_o god_n multiply_v his_o blessing_n upon_o they_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o wax_v fat_a and_o kick_v against_o he_o and_o though_o he_o have_v cast_v they_o several_a time_n 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angry_a with_o we_o till_o he_o have_v consume_v we_o from_o whence_o the_o observation_n contain_v in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o text_n will_v be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o sad_a presage_n of_o ruin_n to_o a_o people_n after_o great_a judgement_n and_o great_a deliverance_n to_o return_v to_o sin_n and_o especial_o to_o the_o same_o sin_n again_o hear_v how_o passionate_o ezra_n express_v himself_o in_o this_o case_n verse_n 6._o i_o be_o ashamed_a o_o my_o god_n and_o blush_v to_o lift_v up_o my_o eye_n to_o thou_o my_o god_n why_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o great_a shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n he_o tell_v we_o verse_n 9_o for_o we_o be_v bondman_n yet_o our_o god_n have_v not_o forsake_v we_o in_o our_o bondage_n but_o have_v extend_v his_o mercy_n to_o we_o to_o give_v we_o a_o revive_n to_o set_v up_o the_o house_n of_o our_o god_n and_o to_o repair_v the_o desolation_n thereof_o and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o wall_n in_o judah_n and_o in_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v to_o restore_v to_o they_o the_o free_a and_o safe_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n here_o be_v great_a mercy_n and_o a_o mighty_a deliverance_n indeed_o and_o yet_o after_o this_o they_o present_o relapse_v into_o a_o very_a great_a sin_n verse_n 10._o and_o now_o o_o our_o god_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v after_o this_o for_o we_o have_v forsake_v thy_o commandment_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o observation_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a heavy_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o second_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fatal_a presage_n of_o ruin_n to_o a_o people_n first_o it_o be_v a_o heavy_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n after_o great_a judgement_n and_o after_o signal_n mercy_n and_o deliverance_n to_o return_v to_o sin_n and_o especial_o to_o the_o same_o sin_n again_o here_o be_v three_o thing_n to_o be_v distinct_o speak_v to_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o 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out_o still_o and_o the_o same_o prophet_n further_o complain_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n when_o thy_o hand_n be_v lift_v up_o they_o will_v not_o see_v 26.11_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a brand_n set_v upon_o king_n ahaz_n because_o affliction_n make_v he_o worse_o 28.22_o this_o be_v that_o king_n ahaz_n that_o be_v that_o grievous_a and_o notorious_a sinner_n and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o render_v he_o so_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o distress_n he_o sin_v yet_o more_o against_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v that_o king_n ahaz_n who_o be_v say_v to_o have_v provoke_v the_o lord_n above_o all_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n which_o be_v before_o he_o 2._o it_o be_v likewise_o a_o sore_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v commit_v after_o great_a mercy_n and_o deliverance_n
sake_n of_o that_o to_o deny_v themselves_o almost_o all_o sort_n of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n to_o deny_v themselves_o do_v i_o say_v no_o they_o have_v wise_o and_o judicious_o choose_v the_o true_a and_o high_a pleasure_n that_o this_o world_n know_v the_o pleasure_n of_o do_v good_a and_o be_v benefactor_n to_o mankind_n may_v they_o have_v a_o long_a and_o happy_a reign_n over_o we_o to_o make_v we_o happy_a and_o to_o lay_v up_o in_o store_n for_o themselves_o a_o happiness_n without_o measure_n and_o without_o end_n in_o god_n glorious_a and_o everlasting_a kingdom_n for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o thou_o o_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n against_o evil-speaking_a preach_v before_o the_o king_n and_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n febr._n the_o 25_o the_o 1693_o 4._o a_o sermon_n against_o evil-speaking_a tit._n iij._o 2_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o no_o man_n general_n persuasive_n to_o repentance_n and_o a_o good_a life_n and_o invective_n against_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n at_o large_a be_v certain_o of_o good_a use_n to_o recommend_v religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o expose_v the_o deformity_n and_o danger_n of_o a_o vicious_a course_n but_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o these_o general_a discourse_n do_v not_o so_o immediate_o tend_v to_o reform_v the_o life_n of_o man_n because_o they_o fall_v among_o the_o crowd_n but_o do_v not_o touch_v the_o conscience_n of_o particular_a person_n in_o so_o sensible_a and_o awaken_n a_o manner_n as_o when_o we_o treat_v of_o particular_a duty_n and_o sin_n and_o endeavour_v to_o put_v man_n upon_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o one_o and_o to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o the_o other_o by_o proper_a argument_n take_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o particular_a virtue_n and_o vice_n the_o general_a way_n be_v as_o if_o a_o physician_n instead_o of_o apply_v particular_a remedy_n to_o the_o distemper_n of_o his_o patient_n shall_v entertain_v he_o with_o a_o long_a discourse_n of_o disease_n in_o general_a and_o of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o health_n and_o earnest_o persuade_v he_o to_o be_v well_o without_o take_v his_o particular_a disease_n into_o consideration_n and_o prescribe_v remedy_n for_o it_o but_o if_o we_o will_v effectual_o reform_v man_n we_o must_v take_v to_o task_n the_o great_a and_o common_a disorder_n of_o their_o life_n and_o represent_v their_o fault_n to_o they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v convince_v they_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o they_o and_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o endeavour_n of_o a_o cure_n and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o have_v pitch_v upon_o one_o of_o the_o common_a and_o reign_a vice_n of_o the_o age_n calumny_n and_o evil-speaking_a by_o which_o man_n contract_v so_o much_o guilt_n to_o themselves_o and_o create_v so_o much_o trouble_v to_o other_o and_o from_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v few_o or_o none_o be_v whole_o free_a for_o who_o be_v he_o 19.16_o say_v the_o son_n of_o sirach_n that_o have_v not_o offend_v with_o his_o tongue_n in_o many_o thing_n 3.2_o say_v st._n james_n we_o offend_v all_o and_o if_o any_o man_n offend_v not_o in_o word_n the_o same_o be_v a_o perfect_a man_n but_o how_o few_o have_v attain_v to_o this_o perfection_n and_o yet_o unless_o we_o do_v endeavour_v after_o it_o and_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n attain_v it_o all_o our_o pretence_n to_o religion_n be_v vain_a so_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1.26_o if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o bridle_v not_o his_o tongue_n but_o deceive_v his_o own_o heart_n that_o man_n religion_n be_v vain_a for_o the_o more_o distinct_a handle_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v reduce_v my_o discourse_n to_o these_o five_o head_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o vice_n and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v second_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o due_a extent_n of_o this_o prohibition_n to_o speak_v evil_a of_o no_o man_n three_o i_o shall_v show_v the_o evil_a of_o this_o practice_n both_o in_o the_o cause_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o four_o i_o shall_v add_v some_o further_a consideration_n to_o dissuade_v man_n from_o it_o five_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o prevention_n and_o cure_n of_o it_o i._o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o this_o sin_n or_o vice_n of_o evil_a speak_n here_o forbid_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o to_o defame_v and_o slander_v any_o man_n not_o to_o hurt_v his_o reputation_n as_o the_o etymology_n of_o the_o word_n do_v import_v so_o that_o this_o vice_n consist_v in_o say_v thing_n of_o other_o which_o tend_v to_o their_o disparagement_n and_o reproach_n to_o the_o take_v away_o or_o lessen_v of_o their_o reputation_n and_o good_a name_n and_o this_o whether_o the_o thing_n say_v be_v true_a or_o not_o if_o they_o be_v false_a and_o we_o know_v it_o than_o it_o be_v downright_a calumny_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o know_v it_o but_o take_v it_o upon_o the_o report_n of_o other_o it_o be_v however_o a_o slander_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o injurious_a because_o real_o groundless_a and_o undeserved_a if_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o defamation_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o our_o neighbour_n reputation_n and_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n to_o say_v the_o evil_a of_o other_o which_o be_v true_a unless_o there_o be_v some_o good_a reason_n for_o it_o beside_o because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o charity_n and_o goodness_n which_o christianity_n require_v to_o divulge_v the_o fault_n of_o other_o though_o they_o be_v real_o guilty_a of_o they_o without_o necessity_n or_o some_o other_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o it_o again_o it_o be_v evil-speaking_a and_o the_o vice_n condemn_v 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apt_a to_o create_v in_o unwary_a man_n a_o strong_a belief_n of_o something_o that_o be_v very_o bad_a though_o they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v so_o that_o it_o matter_n not_o in_o what_o fashion_n a_o slander_n be_v dress_v up_o if_o it_o tend_v to_o defame_v a_o man_n and_o to_o diminish_v his_o reputation_n it_o be_v the_o sin_n forbid_v in_o the_o text._n ii_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o extent_n of_o this_o prohibition_n to_o speak_v evil_a of_o no_o man_n and_o the_o due_a bound_n and_o limitation_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v absolute_o to_o forbid_v we_o to_o say_v any_o thing_n concern_v other_o that_o be_v bad_a this_o in_o some_o case_n may_v be_v necessary_a and_o our_o duty_n and_o in_o several_a case_n
call_v for_o all_o our_o faith_n and_o patience_n all_o our_o courage_n and_o constancy_n nunc_fw-la animus_fw-la opus_fw-la aenea_fw-la nunc_fw-la pectore_fw-la firmo_fw-la when_o it_o come_v to_o this_o trial_n we_o have_v need_v to_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o summon_v all_o our_o force_n and_o to_o put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v fast_o in_o a_o evil_a day_n and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o to_o stand_v and_o now_o my_o brethren_n to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o st._n 5.12_o peter_n i_o testify_v unto_o you_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o you_o stand_v the_o protestant_n reform_v religion_n which_o we_o in_o this_o nation_n profess_v be_v the_o very_a gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a ancient_a christianity_n and_o for_o god_n sake_n since_o in_o this_o hour_n of_o temptation_n when_o our_o religion_n be_v in_o so_o apparent_a hazard_n we_o pretend_v to_o love_v it_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o be_v content_v to_o part_v with_o any_o thing_n for_o it_o let_v we_o resolve_v to_o practice_v it_o and_o to_o testify_v our_o love_n to_o it_o in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o our_o saviour_n will_v have_v we_o show_v our_o love_n to_o he_o by_o keep_v his_o commandment_n i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n so_o very_o proper_a for_o this_o purpose_n 1.27_o and_o to_o this_o present_a time_n only_o let_v your_o conversation_n be_v as_o it_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v chief_o and_o above_o all_o take_v care_n to_o lead_v life_n suitable_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o then_o as_o it_o follow_v stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n with_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o nothing_o terrify_v by_o your_o adversary_n which_o to_o they_o be_v a_o evident_a token_n of_o perdition_n but_o to_o you_o of_o salvation_n and_o that_o of_o god_n now_o unto_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o establish_v you_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o keep_v you_o from_o fall_v and_o to_o present_v you_o faultless_a before_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o glory_n with_o exceed_a joy_n to_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n our_o saviour_n be_v glory_n and_o majesty_n dominion_n and_o power_n both_o now_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o thanksgiving-sermon_n for_o our_o deliverance_n by_o the_o p._n of_o orange_n preach_v at_o lincolns-inn-chappel_n january_n 31._o 1688._o to_o the_o worshipful_a the_o master_n of_o the_o bench_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o gentleman_n of_o the_o honourable_a society_n of_o lincolns-inn_n though_o i_o be_v at_o first_o very_o unwilling_a to_o expose_v to_o the_o public_a a_o sermon_n make_v upon_o so_o little_a warn_v and_o so_o great_a a_o occasion_n yet_o upon_o second_o thought_n i_o can_v not_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o resist_v the_o unanimous_a and_o earnest_a request_n of_o so_o many_o worthy_a person_n as_o the_o master_n of_o the_o bench_n of_o this_o honourable_a society_n to_o who_o i_o stand_v so_o much_o indebt_v for_o your_o great_a and_o continue_a respect_n to_o i_o and_o kind_a acceptance_n of_o my_o labour_n among_o you_o for_o now_o above_o the_o space_n of_o five_o and_o twenty_o year_n in_o a_o most_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n whereof_o this_o discourse_n such_o as_o it_o be_v in_o mere_a obedience_n to_o your_o command_n be_v now_o humble_o present_v to_o you_o by_o your_o most_o oblige_a and_o faithful_a servant_n john_n tillotson_n feb._n 28._o 1688_o 9_o a_o thanksgiving-sermon_n for_o our_o deliverance_n by_o the_o p._n of_o orange_n ezra_n ix_o 13_o 14._o and_o after_o all_o that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o evil_a deed_n and_o for_o our_o great_a trespass_n see_v that_o thou_o our_o god_n have_v punish_v we_o less_o than_o our_o iniquity_n deserve_v and_o have_v give_v we_o such_o a_o deliverance_n as_o this_o shall_v we_o again_o break_v thy_o commandment_n and_o join_v in_o affinity_n with_o the_o people_n of_o these_o abomination_n will_v not_o thou_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o till_o thou_o have_v consume_v we_o so_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o remnant_n nor_o escape_v i_o be_o sufficient_o aware_a that_o the_o particular_a occasion_n of_o these_o word_n be_v in_o several_a respect_n very_o different_a from_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o day_n be_v solemnity_n for_o these_o word_n be_v speak_v by_o ezra_n at_o a_o time_n appoint_v for_o public_a and_o solemn_a humiliation_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o consider_v they_o in_o that_o relation_n but_o rather_o as_o they_o refer_v to_o that_o great_a deliverance_n which_o god_n have_v so_o late_o wrought_v for_o they_o and_o as_o they_o be_v a_o caution_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o abuse_v great_a mercy_n receive_v from_o god_n and_o so_o they_o be_v very_o proper_a and_o pertinent_a to_o the_o great_a occasion_n of_o this_o day_n nay_o these_o word_n even_o in_o their_o sad_a aspect_n be_v not_o so_o unsuitable_a to_o it_o for_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n upon_o the_o most_o solemn_a occasion_n of_o humiliation_n that_o good_a man_n have_v always_o testify_v a_o thankful_a sense_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o indeed_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n do_v then_o appear_v above_o measure_n merciful_a when_o the_o sinner_n be_v most_o deep_o sensible_a of_o his_o own_o vileness_n and_o unworthiness_n and_o so_o ezra_n here_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o their_o sorrow_n and_o humiliation_n have_v so_o great_a a_o sense_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o deliverance_n that_o he_o hardly_o know_v how_o to_o express_v it_o and_o have_v give_v we_o such_o a_o deliverance_n as_o this_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o find_v that_o good_a man_n in_o their_o most_o solemn_a praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n have_v make_v very_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o their_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o sure_o the_o best_a way_n to_o make_v man_n true_o thankful_a be_v first_o to_o make_v they_o very_o humble_a when_o david_n make_v his_o most_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n to_o god_n for_o his_o great_a mercy_n to_o he_o how_o do_v he_o abase_v himself_o before_o he_o but_o who_o be_o i_o and_o what_o be_v my_o people_n and_o so_o likewise_o 29.4_o after_o he_o have_v summon_v all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o join_v in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n he_o interpose_v this_o seasonable_a meditation_n 103.10_o he_o have_v not_o deal_v with_o we_o after_o our_o sin_n nor_o reward_v we_o according_a to_o our_o iniquity_n the_o great_a and_o more_o lively_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o the_o more_o we_o shall_v abhor_v ourselves_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o melt_v we_o into_o tear_n of_o repentance_n than_o the_o consideration_n of_o great_a and_o undeserved_a mercy_n vouchsafe_v to_o we_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n do_v natural_o lead_v to_o repentance_n have_v thus_o reconcile_v the_o text_n to_o the_o present_a occasion_n i_o shall_v for_o the_o more_o distinct_a handle_n of_o the_o word_n take_v notice_n of_o these_o two_o part_n in_o they_o first_o here_o be_v a_o case_n suppose_v shall_v we_o after_o all_o that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o evil_a deed_n and_o since_o god_n have_v punish_v we_o less_o than_o our_o iniquity_n deserve_v and_o have_v give_v we_o such_o a_o deliverance_n as_o this_o shall_v we_o again_o break_v his_o commandment_n second_o here_o be_v a_o sentence_n and_o determination_n in_o the_o case_n will_v thou_o not_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o till_o thou_o have_v consume_v we_o so_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o remnant_n nor_o escape_v this_o be_v not_o speak_v doubtful_o though_o it_o be_v put_v by_o way_n of_o question_n but_o be_v the_o more_o vehement_o positive_a the_o more_o peremptory_o affirmative_a as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v it_o can_v otherwise_o be_v in_o reason_n expect_v but_o that_o after_o such_o repeat_v provocation_n god_n shall_v be_v angry_a with_o we_o till_o he_o have_v consume_v we_o first_o here_o be_v a_o case_n suppose_v shall_v we_o after_o all_o that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o evil_a deed_n and_o for_o our_o great_a trespass_n and_o since_o god_n have_v punish_v we_o less_o than_o our_o iniquity_n deserve_v and_o have_v give_v we_o such_o a_o deliverance_n as_o this_o shall_v we_o again_o break_v his_o commandment_n and_o join_v in_o affinity_n with_o the_o people_n of_o these_o abomination_n in_o which_o word_n these_o follow_a proposition_n seem_v to_o be_v involve_v which_o i_o shall_v but_o just_a mention_n and_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o text._n 1._o that_o sin_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o suffering_n after_o all_o that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o evil_a deed_n and_o for_o
very_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a the_o question_n be_v in_o what_o case_n by_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o right_a reason_n we_o be_v warrant_v to_o say_v the_o evil_a of_o other_o that_o be_v true_a in_o general_n we_o be_v not_o to_o do_v this_o without_o great_a reason_n and_o necessity_n as_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o some_o great_a evil_n or_o the_o procure_n of_o some_o considerable_a good_a to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o advice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o a_o friend_n or_o a_o foe_n talk_v not_o of_o other_o man_n life_n 19.8_o and_o if_o thou_o can_v without_o offence_n reveal_v they_o not_o that_o be_v if_o without_o hurt_n to_o any_o body_n thou_o can_v conceal_v they_o divulge_v they_o not_o but_o because_o this_o may_v not_o be_v direction_n sufficient_a i_o shall_v instance_n in_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a case_n wherein_o man_n be_v warrant_v to_o speak_v evil_a of_o other_o and_o yet_o in_o so_o do_v do_v not_o offend_v against_o this_o prohibition_n in_o the_o text._n first_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o very_o commendable_a and_o many_o time_n our_o duty_n to_o do_v this_o in_o order_n to_o the_o probable_a amendment_n of_o the_o person_n of_o who_o evil_o be_v speak_v in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o may_v tell_v a_o man_n of_o his_o fault_n private_o or_o where_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o fit_a for_o we_o to_o use_v that_o boldness_n and_o freedom_n we_o may_v reveal_v his_o fault_n to_o one_o who_o be_v more_o fit_a and_o proper_a to_o reprove_v he_o and_o will_v probable_o make_v no_o other_o use_n of_o this_o discovery_n but_o in_o order_n to_o his_o amendment_n and_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o charity_n that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a testimony_n of_o it_o for_o perhaps_o the_o party_n may_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o what_o have_v be_v report_v of_o he_o and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o 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if_o we_o do_v it_o to_o show_v our_o authority_n rather_o than_o our_o charity_n it_o require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o address_n and_o gentle_a application_n so_o to_o manage_v the_o business_n of_o reproof_n as_o not_o to_o irritate_fw-la and_o exasperate_v the_o person_n who_o we_o reprove_v instead_o of_o cure_v he_o second_o this_o likewise_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o our_o duty_n when_o we_o be_v legal_o call_v to_o bear_v witness_n concern_v the_o fault_n and_o crime_n of_o another_o a_o good_a man_n will_v not_o be_v a_o accuser_n unless_o the_o public_a good_a or_o the_o prevention_n of_o some_o great_a evil_n shall_v require_v it_o and_o then_o the_o plain_a reason_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v sufficient_o justify_v a_o voluntary_a accusation_n otherwise_o it_o have_v always_o among_o well-mannered_a people_n be_v esteem_v very_o odious_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v officious_a in_o this_o kind_n and_o a_o forward_a informer_n concern_v the_o misdemeanour_n of_o other_o magistrate_n may_v sometime_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o give_v encouragement_n to_o such_o person_n and_o to_o set_v one_o bad_a man_n to_o catch_v another_o because_o such_o man_n be_v fit_a for_o such_o dirty_a work_n but_o they_o can_v never_o inward_o approve_v they_o nor_o will_v they_o ever_o make_v they_o their_o friend_n and_o confident_n but_o when_o a_o man_n be_v call_v to_o give_v testimony_n in_o this_o kind_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n and_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o oath_n take_v in_o such_o case_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o deserve_a blame_n for_o so_o do_v that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o unpardonable_a fault_n in_o he_o to_o conceal_v the_o truth_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o three_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o publish_v the_o fault_n of_o other_o in_o our_o own_o necessary_a defence_n and_o vindication_n when_o a_o man_n can_v conceal_v another_o fault_n without_o betray_v his_o own_o innocency_n no_o charity_n require_v a_o man_n to_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v defame_v to_o save_v the_o reputation_n of_o another_o man_n charity_n begin_v at_o home_n and_o though_o a_o man_n have_v never_o so_o much_o goodness_n he_o will_v first_o secure_v his_o own_o good_a name_n and_o then_o be_v concern_v for_o other_o man_n we_o be_v to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o so_o that_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o love_n to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o therefore_o first_o otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o well_o for_o the_o world_n if_o our_o charity_n will_v rise_v thus_o high_a and_o no_o man_n will_v hurt_v another_o man_n reputation_n but_o where_o his_o own_o be_v in_o real_a danger_n four_o this_o also_o be_v lawful_a for_o caution_n and_o warning_n to_o a_o three_o person_n that_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v infect_v by_o the_o company_n or_o ill_a example_n of_o another_o or_o may_v be_v great_o prejudice_v by_o repose_v too_o much_o confidence_n 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without_o any_o malice_n or_o design_n of_o harm_n still_o the_o better_a because_o this_o show_n that_o we_o do_v not_o feed_v upon_o ill_a report_n and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o these_o be_v the_o usual_a case_n in_o which_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o other_o man_n and_o these_o be_v so_o evident_o reasonable_a that_o the_o prohibition_n in_o the_o text_n can_v with_o reason_n be_v extend_v to_o they_o and_o if_o no_o man_n will_v allow_v himself_o to_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o another_o man_n good_a name_n but_o in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a case_n the_o tongue_n of_o man_n will_v be_v very_o innocent_a and_o the_o world_n will_v be_v very_o quiet_a i_o proceed_v in_o the_o iii_o d_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o evil_n of_o this_o practice_n both_o in_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o first_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o it_o common_o spring_v from_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o evil_a root_n first_o one_o of_o the_o deep_a and_o most_o common_a cause_n of_o evil-speaking_a be_v ill-nature_n and_o cruelty_n of_o disposition_n and_o by_o a_o general_a mistake_n ill-nature_n pass_v for_o wit_n as_o cunning_a do_v for_o wisdom_n though_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v nothing_o akin_a to_o one_o another_o but_o as_o far_o distant_a as_o vice_n and_o virtue_n and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o bad_a temper_n of_o mankind_n than_o the_o general_a proneness_n of_o man_n to_o this_o vice_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o mouth_n speak_v and_o therefore_o man_n do_v common_o incline_v to_o the_o censorious_a and_o
uncharitable_a side_n which_o show_v humane_a nature_n to_o be_v strange_o distort_v from_o its_o original_a rectitude_n and_o innocency_n the_o wit_n of_o man_n do_v more_o natural_o vent_v itself_o in_o satyr_n and_o censure_n than_o in_o praise_n and_o panegyric_n when_o man_n set_v themselves_o to_o commend_v it_o come_v hardly_o from_o they_o and_o not_o without_o great_a force_n and_o strain_v and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v fit_o say_v in_o that_o kind_n it_o do_v hardly_o relish_v with_o most_o man_n but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o invective_n the_o invention_n of_o man_n be_v a_o plentiful_a and_o never-failing_a spring_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o wit_n be_v not_o more_o easy_a than_o it_o be_v acceptable_a it_o be_v greedy_o entertain_v and_o great_o applaud_v and_o every_o man_n be_v glad_a to_o hear_v other_o abuse_v not_o consider_v how_o soon_o it_o may_v come_v to_o his_o own_o turn_n to_o lie_v down_o and_o make_v sport_n for_o other_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o other_o be_v almost_o become_v the_o general_a entertainment_n of_o all_o company_n and_o the_o great_a and_o serious_a business_n of_o most_o meeting_n and_o visit_n after_o the_o necessary_a ceremony_n and_o compliment_n be_v over_o be_v to_o fit_v down_o and_o backbite_v all_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o sauce_n of_o conversation_n and_o all_o discourse_n be_v count_v but_o flat_a and_o dull_a which_o have_v not_o something_o of_o piquancy_n and_o sharpness_n in_o it_o against_o some_o body_n for_o man_n general_o love_v rather_o to_o hear_v evil_a of_o other_o than_o good_a and_o be_v secret_o please_v with_o ill_a report_n and_o drink_v they_o in_o with_o greediness_n and_o delight_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o have_v so_o much_o justice_n as_o to_o hate_v those_o that_o propagate_v they_o and_o so_o much_o wit_n as_o to_o conclude_v that_o these_o very_a person_n will_v do_v the_o same_o for_o they_o in_o another_o place_n and_o company_n but_o especial_o if_o it_o concern_v one_o of_o another_o party_n and_o that_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o case_n all_o party_n seem_v to_o be_v agree_v that_o they_o do_v god_n great_a service_n in_o blast_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o adversary_n and_o though_o they_o all_o pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o he_o who_o teach_v nothing_o but_o kindness_n and_o meekness_n and_o charity_n yet_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v with_o what_o a_o savage_a and_o murderous_a disposition_n they_o will_v fly_v at_o one_o another_o reputation_n and_o tear_v it_o in_o piece_n and_o whatever_o other_o scruple_n they_o may_v have_v they_o make_v none_o to_o bespatter_v one_o another_o in_o the_o most_o bitter_a and_o slanderous_a manner_n but_o if_o they_o hear_v any_o good_a of_o their_o adversary_n with_o what_o nicety_n and_o caution_n do_v they_o receive_v it_o how_o many_o objection_n do_v they_o raise_v against_o it_o and_o with_o what_o coldness_n do_v they_o at_o last_o admit_v it_o it_o be_v very_o well_o say_v they_o if_o it_o be_v true_a i_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o hear_v it_o confirm_v i_o never_o hear_v so_o much_o good_a of_o he_o before_o you_o be_v a_o good_a man_n yourself_o but_o have_v a_o care_v you_o be_v not_o deceive_v nay_o it_o be_v well_o if_o to_o balance_v the_o matter_n and_o set_v thing_n even_o they_o do_v not_o clap_v some_o infirmity_n and_o fault_n into_o the_o other_o scale_n that_o so_o the_o enemy_n may_v not_o go_v off_o with_o fly_a colour_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n every_o man_n be_v a_o good_a and_o substantial_a author_n of_o a_o ill_a report_n i_o do_v not_o apply_v this_o to_o any_o one_o sort_n of_o man_n though_o all_o be_v to_o blame_v in_o this_o way_n iliaco_n intra_fw-la muros_fw-la peccatur_fw-la &_o extra_fw-la to_o speak_v impartial_o the_o zealot_n of_o all_o party_n have_v get_v a_o scurvy_a trick_n of_o lie_v for_o the_o truth_n but_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n i_o have_v observe_v the_o priest_n and_o bigot_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v the_o able_a in_o this_o way_n and_o to_o have_v the_o strong_a faith_n for_o a_o lusty_a falsehood_n and_o calumny_n other_o will_v bandy_v a_o false_a report_n and_o toss_v it_o from_o one_o hand_n to_o another_o but_o i_o never_o know_v any_o that_o will_v so_o hug_v a_o lie_n and_o be_v so_o very_o fond_a of_o it_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v describe_v by_o st._n john_n in_o that_o expression_n in_o the_o revelation_n whosoever_o love_v and_o make_v a_o lie_n another_o shrewd_a sign_n that_o ill-nature_n lie_v at_o the_o root_n of_o this_o vice_n be_v that_o we_o easy_o forget_v the_o good_a that_o be_v say_v of_o other_o and_o seldom_o make_v mention_n of_o it_o but_o the_o contrary_a stick_n with_o we_o and_o lie_v uppermost_a in_o our_o memory_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o come_v out_o upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o ill-natured_a and_o unjust_a many_o time_n when_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o ourselves_o we_o tell_v it_o to_o other_o with_o this_o charitable_a caution_n that_o we_o hope_v it_o be_v not_o true_a but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o give_v it_o our_o pass_n and_o venture_v it_o to_o take_v its_o fortune_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o not_o according_a to_o the_o charity_n of_o those_o into_o who_o hand_n it_o come_v second_o another_o cause_n of_o the_o commonness_n of_o this_o vice_n be_v that_o many_o be_v so_o bad_a themselves_o in_o one_o kind_n or_o other_o for_o to_o think_v and_o speak_v ill_a of_o other_o be_v not_o only_o a_o bad_a thing_n but_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o bad-man_n our_o bless_a saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o the_o last_o day_n give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a decay_n of_o charity_n among_o man_n 24.12_o because_o iniquity_n shall_v abound_v the_o love_n of_o many_o shall_v wax_v cold_a when_o man_n be_v bad_a themselves_o they_o be_v glad_a of_o any_o opportunity_n to_o censure_v other_o and_o be_v always_o apt_a to_o suspect_v that_o evil_n of_o other_o man_n which_o they_o know_v by_o themselves_o they_o can_v have_v a_o good_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o be_v very_o unwilling_a to_o have_v so_o of_o any_o body_n else_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n they_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o a_o level_n hope_v it_o will_v be_v some_o justification_n of_o they_o if_o they_o can_v but_o render_v other_o as_o bad_a as_o themselves_o three_o another_o source_n of_o this_o vice_n be_v malice_n and_o revenge_n when_o man_n be_v in_o heat_n and_o passion_n they_o do_v not_o consider_v what_o be_v true_a but_o what_o be_v spiteful_a and_o mischievous_a and_o speak_v evil_a of_o other_o in_o revenge_n of_o some_o injury_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o they_o and_o when_o they_o be_v blind_v by_o their_o passion_n they_o lay_v about_o they_o mad_o and_o at_o a_o venture_n not_o much_o care_v whether_o the_o evil_a they_o speak_v be_v true_a or_o not_o nay_o many_o be_v so_o devilish_a as_o to_o invent_v and_o raise_v false_a report_n on_o purpose_n to_o blast_v man_n reputation_n this_o be_v a_o diabolical_a temper_n and_o therefore_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o slanderous_a tongue_n be_v set_v on_o fire_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o very_a name_n from_o calumny_n and_o false_a accusation_n and_o it_o be_v his_o nature_n too_o for_o he_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o stir_v up_o and_o foment_n this_o evil_a spirit_n among_o man_n nay_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v the_o malice_n and_o impudence_n to_o accuse_v good_a man_n before_o god_n as_o he_o do_v job_n charge_v he_o with_o hypocrisy_n to_o god_n himself_o who_o he_o know_v do_v know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o man_n four_o another_o cause_n of_o evil-speaking_a be_v envy_n man_n look_v with_o a_o evil_a eye_n upon_o the_o good_a that_o be_v in_o other_o and_o think_v that_o their_o reputation_n obscure_v they_o and_o that_o their_o commendable_a quality_n do_v stand_v in_o their_o light_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o cast_v a_o cloud_n over_o they_o that_o the_o bright_a shine_a of_o their_o virtue_n may_v not_o scorch_v they_o this_o make_v they_o greedy_o to_o entertain_v and_o industrious_o to_o publish_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v serve_v to_o that_o purpose_n thereby_o to_o raise_v themselves_o upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o other_o man_n reputation_n and_o therefore_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v get_v a_o ill_a report_n of_o any_o good_a man_n by_o the_o end_n to_o work_v they_o present_o go_v to_o send_v it_o abroad_o by_o the_o first_o post_n for_o the_o string_n be_v always_o ready_a upon_o their_o bow_n to_o let_v fly_v this_o arrow_n with_o a_o