Selected quad for the lemma: law_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
law_n	great_a	king_n	people_n	13,648	5	4.7769	4	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A40081	The great wickedness, and mischievous effects of slandering, represented in a sermon preached at St. Giles without Cripplegate, on Sunday Nov. 15, 1685 by Edward Fowler, D.D. ; together with a preface and conclusion in his own vindication.	Fowler, Edward, 1632-1714.	1685 (1685)	Wing F1707; ESTC R10722	18,466	44

caution_n and_o deliberation_n before_o we_o give_v they_o undoubted_a credit_n especial_o if_o those_o story_n relate_v to_o word_n or_o action_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o twofold_a interpretation_n the_o same_o action_n may_v be_v faulty_a or_o commendable_a according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n wherewith_o they_o be_v attend_v and_o the_o same_o word_n may_v be_v so_o too_o according_a to_o the_o occasion_n or_o connexion_n of_o they_o but_o people_n be_v general_o even_o those_o who_o have_v no_o malicious_a intention_n rash_a and_o heady_a in_o judge_v of_o action_n without_o weigh_v circumstance_n and_o in_o run_v away_o with_o half_a sentence_n or_o with_o whole_a one_o without_o consider_v what_o go_v before_o or_o follow_v after_o so_o that_o i_o say_v as_o we_o will_v not_o fall_v under_o the_o gild_n of_o that_o sin_n the_o exceed_a heinousness_n of_o which_o i_o have_v be_v represent_v look_v we_o to_o it_o that_o we_o be_v not_o hasty_a in_o take_v up_o evil_a report_n of_o any_o body_n let_v they_o come_v to_o we_o from_o never_o so_o many_o if_o this_o be_v warrantable_a as_o i_o have_v already_o intimate_v the_o join_n with_o those_o who_o run_v down_o our_o saviour_n and_o at_o last_o nail_v he_o to_o the_o cross_n have_v be_v very_o excusable_a not_o to_o say_v defensible_a and_o let_v we_o believe_v as_o well_o as_o without_o offer_v violence_n to_o our_o reason_n we_o can_v of_o all_o man_n and_o choose_v much_o rather_o in_o our_o judge_n and_o in_o our_o report_n of_o man_n to_o offend_v on_o the_o right_n than_o on_o the_o left_a hand_n i_o be_o certain_a thus_o much_o be_v imply_v in_o those_o two_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n viz._n judge_n not_o that_o you_o be_v not_o judge_v for_o with_o what_o judgement_n you_o judge_v you_o shall_v be_v judge_v and_o with_o what_o measure_v you_o meet_v it_o shall_v be_v mete_v to_o you_o again_o matth._n 7._o 1_o 2._o and_o judge_v not_o according_a to_o the_o appearance_n but_o judge_v righteous_a judgement_n john_n 7._o 24._o 2._o ought_v the_o slander_v of_o our_o neighbour_n to_o be_v so_o detest_v by_o we_o than_o what_o a_o abominable_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o slander_n and_o injure_v the_o good-name_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o of_o those_o that_o under_o he_o have_v authority_n over_o we_o it_o be_v a_o express_a law_n of_o god_n exod._n 22._o 28._o &_o repeat_v by_o st._n paul_n viz._n thou_o shall_v not_o revile_v the_o god_n nor_o curse_n or_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o ruler_n of_o thy_o people_n and_o as_o to_o the_o king_n it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o wickedness_n to_o defame_v he_o or_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o lessen_v of_o his_o honour_n that_o the_o wise_a man_n thus_o charge_v we_o eccles._n 10._o 20._o curse_v not_o the_o king_n no_o not_o in_o thy_o thought_n and_o it_o be_v as_o much_o the_o people_n interest_n as_o it_o be_v the_o king_n that_o he_o be_v not_o slander_v or_o speak_v evil_a of_o for_o seditious_a and_o rebellious_a practice_n do_v usual_o arise_v from_o man_n first_o take_v this_o wicked_a liberty_n as_o we_o have_v all_o know_v by_o very_o woeful_a experience_n and_o we_o know_v by_o the_o like_a experience_n that_o the_o king_n suffer_v not_o more_o by_o those_o lewd_a practice_n than_o the_o people_n necessary_o must_v it_o be_v a_o good_a say_n as_o i_o remember_v of_o aristotle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whosoever_o defame_v the_o prince_n be_v injurious_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o mischief_n his_o subject_n and_o as_o for_o those_o that_o take_v liberty_n to_o invent_v or_o tell_v story_n reflect_v upon_o their_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n pastor_n or_o teacher_n they_o be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n injurious_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n for_o nothing_o so_o tend_v to_o the_o prejudice_a of_o their_o people_n against_o their_o doctrine_n as_o their_o have_v a_o evil_a opinion_n of_o their_o person_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n i_o think_v none_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v to_o keep_v their_o good-name_n as_o unspotted_a as_o they_o can_v and_o to_o clear_v themselves_o of_o whatsoever_o aspersion_n be_v cast_v upon_o they_o as_o they_o be_v the_o conclusion_n and_o now_o i_o will_v take_v this_o occasion_n to_o inform_v you_o that_o some_o have_v great_o concern_v themselves_o of_o late_a to_o carry_v tale_n of_o scandalous_a passage_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v hear_v from_o the_o pulpit_n of_o divers_a of_o my_o brethren_n in_o this_o city_n there_o be_v other_o who_o have_v very_o late_o do_v the_o like_a good_a office_n for_o myself_o i_o be_o too_o well_o aware_a who_o they_o be_v i_o will_v tell_v you_o who_o they_o be_v not_o i_o be_o very_o confident_a they_o be_v not_o papist_n at_o least_o not_o profess_v one_o but_o you_o of_o this_o parish_n may_v have_v a_o shrewd_a guess_n within_o a_o very_a few_o for_o you_o must_v needs_o know_v some_o to_o have_v long_o express_v as_o bitter_a and_o implacable_a enmity_n against_o i_o as_o if_o we_o have_v be_v of_o two_o church_n and_o contrary_a religion_n and_o that_o without_o the_o least_o provocation_n on_o my_o part_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o there_o be_v many_o of_o the_o roman_a religion_n from_o who_o i_o shall_v have_v have_v much_o more_o just_a fair_a and_o christian_a treatment_n as_o silent_a as_o i_o have_v be_v hitherto_o this_o be_v not_o the_o first_o nor_o second_o time_n neither_o that_o i_o have_v be_v in_o the_o selfsame_a manner_n most_o vile_o abuse_v by_o these_o people_n as_o in_o due_a time_n i_o trust_v in_o god_n will_v be_v make_v manifest_a my_o last_o accusation_n be_v this_o or_o at_o least_o the_o last_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o that_o i_o vent_v in_o this_o pulpit_n on_o all-saints-day_n viz._n this_o day_n fortnight_n a_o bitter_a curse_n against_o the_o papist_n together_o with_o all_o those_o for_o which_o i_o trust_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a person_n who_o give_v they_o encouragement_n and_o the_o curse_v i_o understand_v be_v word_v to_o this_o effect_n i_o wish_v their_o name_n and_o memory_n may_v rot_v eternal_o whatsoever_o the_o express_a word_n be_v i_o hear_v they_o perfect_o agree_v in_o the_o selfsame_a which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o evidence_n of_o their_o tell_v truth_n of_o i_o that_o it_o be_v a_o much_o strong_a argument_n of_o their_o be_v conspirator_n against_o i_o but_o may_v this_o curse_n instead_o of_o fall_v upon_o the_o papist_n or_o those_o that_o encourage_v they_o light_n upon_o my_o own_o name_n and_o memory_n if_o i_o either_o pronounce_v it_o or_o any_o curse_n like_o it_o against_o either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o or_o any_o curse_n at_o all_o against_o either_o and_o as_o i_o solemn_o appeal_v to_o god_n almighty_a so_o i_o appeal_v to_o you_o my_o auditor_n whether_o there_o be_v the_o least_o appearance_n or_o shadow_n of_o a_o occasion_n give_v by_o i_o for_o such_o a_o information_n as_o this_o against_o i_o i_o appeal_v to_o you_o also_o whether_o you_o can_v think_v it_o possible_a that_o such_o a_o accusation_n as_o this_o can_v arise_v from_o mere_a mistake_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o all_o who_o mind_v my_o sermon_n will_v pronounce_v that_o neither_o this_o charge_n nor_o any_o charge_n that_o have_v the_o least_o likeness_n to_o it_o be_v it_o word_v how_o it_o will_v must_v be_v nothing_o better_o than_o pure_a invention_n which_o we_o have_v show_v be_v the_o most_o horrible_a way_n of_o slander_v i_o prevail_v with_o a_o most_o worthy_a prelate_n to_o hear_v that_o sermon_n read_v out_o of_o my_o note_n word_n for_o word_n and_o i_o can_v call_v to_o mind_v my_o have_v say_v above_o three_o or_o four_o word_n more_o than_o be_v in_o my_o note_n and_o those_o i_o acquaint_v his_o lordship_n with_o mere_o that_o i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o he_o have_v nothing_o of_o the_o sermon_n conceal_v from_o he_o and_o after_o it_o be_v read_v not_o one_o bite_v of_o a_o sentence_n can_v be_v fix_v upon_o that_o may_v put_v my_o enemy_n in_o mind_n to_o invent_v such_o a_o slander_n as_o this_o of_o i_o unless_o it_o be_v this_o viz._n if_o we_o do_v not_o justify_v to_o all_o the_o world_n meaning_n as_o before_o be_v express_v we_o divine_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o representation_n we_o have_v make_v of_o that_o religion_n viz._n the_o roman_a to_o our_o people_n let_v our_o name_n stink_v and_o our_o memory_n be_v cover_v with_o eternal_a shame_n and_o these_o word_n next_o follow_v it_o be_v a_o most_o wicked_a thing_n to_o slander_v a_o particular_a person_n and_o much_o more_o to_o slander_n and_o belie_a a_o whole_a church_n and_o that_o so_o excellent_a and_o famous_a a_o church_n as_o that_o of_o rome_n once_o be_v so_o that_o if_o i_o have_v be_v accuse_v of_o curse_v myself_o or_o my_o brethren_n instead_o of_o the_o papist_n and_o those_o that_o encourage_v they_o there_o have_v be_v a_o much_o more_o colourable_a pretence_n for_o such_o a_o calumny_n i_o know_v i_o have_v live_v such_o a_o life_n as_o that_o after_o so_o solemn_a appeal_n as_o i_o have_v now_o make_v my_o perfect_a innocence_n as_o to_o this_o charge_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o least_o question_v by_o those_o who_o have_v the_o least_o knowledge_n of_o i_o byr_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o i_o i_o be_o certain_a they_o need_v no_o such_o appeal_v to_o satisfy_v they_o that_o i_o can_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o un-christian_a a_o thing_n as_o the_o curse_v of_o any_o man_n upon_o any_o account_n and_o much_o less_o as_o the_o curse_v of_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v of_o a_o different_a religion_n from_o myself_o for_o as_o to_o all_o such_o i_o have_v very_o rare_o be_v blame_v for_o any_o defect_n of_o charity_n towards_o they_o but_o i_o have_v often_o be_v censure_v as_o be_v in_o the_o other_o extreme_a viz._n of_o the_o excess_n of_o charity_n which_o i_o have_v always_o conclude_v to_o be_v much_o the_o safe_a good_a lord_n that_o any_o who_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n shall_v be_v so_o deprave_v as_o to_o attend_v our_o preach_a god_n holy_a word_n with_o no_o better_a a_o design_n than_o to_o be_v spy_n upon_o we_o and_o to_o catch_v at_o all_o advantage_n and_o when_o they_o can_v find_v none_o to_o make_v they_o for_o the_o ruine_n of_o we_o and_o our_o family_n nay_o and_o which_o be_v worse_o if_o worse_a can_v be_v that_o such_o shall_v dare_v to_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n and_o that_o at_o their_o hand_n too_o against_o who_o they_o be_v always_o contrive_v of_o mischief_n god_n grant_v that_o such_o people_n may_v at_o length_n serious_o lie_v to_o heart_n the_o wretched_a state_n they_o be_v in_o and_o consider_v what_o a_o severe_a reckon_a they_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v call_v to_o for_o such_o practice_n and_o that_o if_o timely_a repentance_n prevent_v it_o not_o there_o will_v most_o certain_o be_v bitterness_n in_o the_o latter_a end_n i_o have_v sometime_o even_o tremble_v to_o think_v what_o horrid_a crime_n the_o devil_n in_o time_n may_v draw_v such_o into_o who_o be_v so_o forsake_v of_o the_o divine_a grace_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o i_o have_v long_o remember_v my_o adversary_n particular_o in_o my_o daily_a prayer_n that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o give_v they_o true_a repentance_n for_o the_o many_o great_a injury_n they_o have_v do_v i_o and_o for_o their_o other_o sin_n that_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n i_o be_o under_o a_o great_a necessity_n than_o you_o be_v aware_a of_o thus_o to_o clear_v my_o innocence_n and_o what_o i_o have_v now_o do_v have_v not_o be_v without_o the_o best_a advice_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n his_o majesty_n be_v so_o just_a and_o gracious_a a_o prince_n as_o instead_o of_o ready_o credit_v ill_a story_n of_o we_o to_o give_v we_o opportunity_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o our_o innocence_n and_o very_o willing_o condescend_v audire_fw-la alteram_fw-la partem_fw-la to_o the_o hear_n of_o our_o vindication_n nor_o be_v his_o majesty_n less_o forward_o to_o the_o receive_n of_o satisfaction_n concern_v our_o innocence_n than_o patient_n in_o hear_v complaint_n against_o we_o which_o grace_n of_o his_o lay_n a_o far_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o pray_v for_o his_o majesty_n long_a and_o happy_a reign_n over_o we_o i_o will_v now_o conclude_v with_o that_o most_o christian_a petition_n of_o our_o church_n in_o the_o litany_n we_o beseech_v thou_o good_a lord_n that_o it_o may_v please_v thou_o to_o forgive_v our_o enemy_n persecutor_n and_o slanderer_n and_o to_o turn_v their_o heart_n and_o with_o the_o intercession_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n upon_o the_o cross_n for_o his_o bloody_a enemy_n father_n forgive_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v finis_fw-la tertul._n

sight_n he_o make_v slander_v their_o neighbour_n a_o capital_a crime_n and_o declare_v that_o whoso_o slander_v his_o neighbour_n he_o will_v he_o cut_v off._n first_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o show_v what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o slander_v one_o neighbour_n second_o upon_o what_o account_n we_o may_v presume_v this_o good_a king_n do_v thus_o threaten_v those_o that_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o this_o practice_n i._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o slander_v one_o neighbour_n thus_o to_o do_v be_v either_o to_o devise_v a_o tale_n of_o another_o and_o then_o tell_v it_o that_o be_v such_o a_o tale_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o bring_n of_o a_o blot_n upon_o the_o person_n of_o who_o it_o be_v invent_v and_o tell_v or_o to_o tell_v a_o false_a story_n from_o other_o hand_n as_o true_a and_o with_o a_o design_n to_o have_v it_o believe_v without_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o now_o although_o this_o latter_a way_n of_o slander_v be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n as_o proceed_v from_o great_a want_n of_o charity_n and_o be_v perfect_o opposite_a to_o that_o golden_a rule_n of_o our_o saviour_n what_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v to_o you_o do_v you_o even_o the_o same_o to_o they_o than_o which_o no_o maxim_n in_o moral_n be_v more_o plain_o teach_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n i._n e._n right_a reason_n unassisted_a by_o divine_a revelation_n and_o which_o a_o pagan_a prince_n give_v we_o in_o negative_a term_n viz._n quod_fw-la tibi_fw-la fieri_fw-la non_fw-la vis_fw-la alteri_fw-la ne_fw-la feceris_fw-la whatsoever_o thou_o will_v not_o have_v do_v to_o thyself_o do_v not_o offer_v to_o do_v to_o another_o i_o say_v as_o this_o latter_a way_n of_o slander_v be_v for_o these_o reason_n a_o very_a great_a sin_n and_o consequent_o will_v meet_v with_o where_o it_o be_v not_o timely_o repent_v of_o very_o sore_a punishment_n from_o god_n hand_n yet_o the_o former_a way_n viz._n slander_v by_o invent_v of_o story_n to_o the_o blemish_v of_o any_o one_o good-name_n be_v a_o great_a sin_n as_o be_v evident_a at_o first_o hearing_n and_o therefore_o deserve_v great_a punishment_n and_o the_o more_o the_o tale_n blacken_v his_o reputation_n of_o who_o it_o be_v tell_v and_o the_o great_a or_o more_o useful_a the_o person_n be_v in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v defame_v as_o also_o the_o great_a the_o injury_n be_v that_o be_v design_v he_o in_o tell_v it_o of_o he_o the_o great_a still_o be_v this_o exceed_o great_a sin_n now_o the_o slanderer_n that_o king_n david_n must_v needs_o mean_v here_o in_o the_o text_n and_o who_o he_o threaten_v with_o be_v cut_v off_o be_v such_o as_o shall_v devise_n and_o invent_v lie_n to_o the_o injure_v of_o their_o neighbour_n i._n e._n of_o any_o person_n be_v their_o rank_n and_o quality_n what_o it_o will_v which_o the_o word_n neighbour_n do_v import_v and_o they_o be_v only_o such_o slanderer_n as_o these_o which_o must_v be_v here_o thus_o threaten_v because_o the_o other_o sort_v viz._n such_o as_o do_v not_o invent_v but_o only_o rash_o give_v credit_n to_o and_o report_n lie_v of_o their_o neighbour_n though_o they_o be_v great_a sinner_n too_o yet_o we_o can_v think_v that_o the_o king_n will_v doom_v they_o to_o so_o great_a a_o punishment_n for_o in_o all_o place_n there_o be_v too_o many_o of_o these_o offender_n to_o be_v make_v obnoxious_a to_o so_o severe_a a_o sentence_n and_o beside_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a a_o matter_n for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o find_v evidence_n sufficient_a in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o to_o find_v such_o a_o sentence_n as_o that_o of_o death_n upon_o it_o ii_o i_o come_v to_o show_v upon_o what_o account_n this_o good_a king_n do_v thus_o threaten_v such_o as_o privy_o slander_v their_o neighbour_n there_o be_v very_o great_a reason_n for_o his_o be_v thus_o incense_v against_o they_o first_o because_o inventor_n of_o slander_n be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o most_o injurious_a and_o mischievous_a people_n in_o the_o world_n 1._o they_o be_v most_o mischievous_a to_o those_o person_n who_o be_v the_o object_n of_o their_o slander_n none_o be_v more_o so_o except_o those_o instrument_n of_o satan_n who_o by_o draw_v other_o to_o sin_n destroy_v their_o soul_n after_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v for_o the_o heavenly_a happiness_n a_o man_n good-name_n be_v the_o most_o high_o valuable_a it_o be_v not_o only_o better_o than_o precious_a ointment_n and_o rather_o to_o be_v choose_v than_o silver_n and_o gold_n as_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o temporal_a enjoyment_n whatsoever_o not_o except_v life_n itself_o for_o who_o can_v take_v any_o comfort_n in_o his_o life_n unless_o he_o be_v devest_v of_o all_o humanity_n and_o strange_o sink_v into_o the_o brutish_a nature_n that_o be_v sensible_a of_o have_v outlived_a his_o good-name_n and_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v so_o sink_v it_o will_v be_v much_o better_a for_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o world_n if_o they_o be_v out_o of_o be_v and_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o those_o man_n who_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o generousnes_n and_o ingenuity_n in_o their_o temper_n above_o all_o thing_n to_o covet_v a_o good-name_n so_o there_o be_v this_o great_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v namely_o because_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n that_o make_v man_n useful_a in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o unprofitable_a or_o insignificant_a creature_n upon_o god_n earth_n as_o those_o be_v who_o have_v lose_v their_o reputation_n or_o have_v never_o any_o to_o lose_v i_o mean_v by_o a_o good-name_n and_o reputation_n that_o of_o a_o goodman_n of_o a_o man_n that_o have_v imbibe_v good_a principle_n and_o be_v true_a to_o they_o of_o a_o man_n revering_n the_o great_a god_n and_o fear_v to_o break_v wilful_o any_o of_o his_o law_n that_o which_o either_o in_o the_o sacred_a write_n or_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o philosopher_n be_v call_v a_o good-name_n be_v whole_o found_v upon_o good_a moral_n a_o large_a understanding_n shrewdness_n of_o wit_n and_o part_n high_a title_n of_o honour_n etc._n etc._n have_v it_o be_v confess_v acquire_v to_o their_o owner_n great_a name_n but_o these_o alone_a never_o make_v any_o man_n the_o possessor_n of_o a_o good-name_n now_o so_o far_o as_o any_o man_n reputation_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o moral_n be_v eclipse_v so_o much_o the_o less_o capable_a do_v he_o immediate_o become_v of_o be_v serviceable_a in_o his_o generation_n the_o less_o of_o a_o good-name_n any_o one_o have_v the_o few_o opportunity_n and_o advantage_n will_v he_o have_v of_o be_v beneficial_a to_o his_o fellow-creature_n either_o in_o their_o temporal_a or_o spiritual_a concern_v but_o especial_o in_o their_o spiritual_a and_o as_o it_o be_v chief_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o a_o good-name_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o high_o esteem_v so_o to_o esteem_v it_o upon_o any_o other_o account_n separate_v from_o this_o be_v nothing_o better_a than_o a_o gratification_n of_o animality_n or_o fond_a fancy_n but_o this_o consideration_n make_v it_o high_o reasonable_a to_o prize_v a_o good-name_n above_o ruby_n and_o above_o the_o wealth_n of_o both_o the_o indies_n and_o to_o reckon_v our_o suffering_n herein_o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o great_a worldly_a suffering_n so_o it_o be_v manifest_a king_n david_n do_v by_o divers_a passage_n in_o his_o psalm_n as_o particular_o in_o psal._n 35._o 11_o 12._o say_v he_o false_a witness_n do_v rise_v up_o against_o i_o they_o lay_v to_o my_o charge_n thing_n which_o i_o know_v not_o or_o which_o i_o be_v altogether_o guiltless_a of_o they_o reward_v i_o evil_n for_o good_a or_o this_o evil_a of_o slander_n for_o all_o the_o good_a service_n i_o have_v do_v they_o to_o the_o spoil_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o old_a translation_n to_o the_o great_a discomfort_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o psal._n 69._o 19_o 20._o he_o thus_o complaint_n thou_o have_v know_v my_o reproach_n and_o my_o shame_n and_o my_o dishonour_n my_o adversary_n be_v all_o before_o thou_o reproach_n have_v break_v my_o heart_n and_o i_o be_o full_a of_o heaviness_n so_o that_o a_o slanderer_n be_v a_o robber_n of_o that_o which_o be_v deserve_o so_o precious_a or_o at_o least_o he_o always_o be_v so_o in_o his_o endeavour_n there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o this_o holy_a king_n shall_v so_o abominate_a he_o as_o we_o find_v by_o our_o text_n he_o do_v but_o 2._o as_o the_o slanderer_n be_v thus_o high_o injurious_a to_o those_o who_o be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o slander_n so_o be_v he_o the_o most_o pestilent_a creature_n to_o the_o community_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o member_n those_o who_o invent_v slander_n

a_o hellish_a sin_n as_o that_o the_o devil_n have_v both_o his_o chief_a name_n and_o character_n from_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n this_o name_n devil_n signify_v the_o slanderer_n satan_n signify_v the_o spiteful_a enemy_n the_o chief_a character_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v these_o two_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n and_o the_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v denominate_v we_o more_o perfect_o like_o the_o devil_n than_o this_o forge_n of_o lie_n and_o calumny_n against_o our_o brethren_n and_o we_o see_v psalm_n 50._o 19_o etc._n etc._n with_o what_o severity_n the_o great_a god_n express_v himself_o against_o those_o that_o dare_v to_o commit_v this_o sin_n say_v he_o thou_o give_v thy_o mouth_n to_o evil_a and_o thy_o tongue_n frame_v deceit_n thou_o sit_v and_o speak_v against_o thy_o brother_n thou_o slandere_v thy_o own_o mother_n son_n these_o thing_n have_v thou_o do_v and_o i_o keep_v silence_n thou_o think_v that_o i_o be_v altogether_o such_o a_o one_o as_o thyself_o but_o i_o will_v reprove_v thou_o and_o set_v they_o in_o order_n before_o thy_o eye_n and_o v_o 16._o he_o ask_v such_o as_o these_o what_o they_o have_v to_o do_v to_o declare_v his_o statute_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v his_o covenant_n into_o their_o mouth_n or_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o his_o religion_n or_o indeed_o of_o any_o religion_n and_o v_o 22._o he_o threaten_v they_o that_o he_o will_v tear_v they_o in_o piece_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o to_o deliver_v if_o they_o will_v not_o consider_v what_o he_o now_o have_v say_v and_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n king_n solomon_n put_v this_o practice_n of_o slander_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o god_n abominate_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n prov._n 6._o 16._o etc._n etc._n these_o six_o thing_n do_v the_o lord_n hate_v yea_o seven_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o he_o a_o proud_a look_v a_o lie_a tongue_n and_o hand_n that_o shed_v innocent_a blood_n a_o heart_n that_o devise_v wicked_a imagination_n foot_n that_o be_v swift_a in_o run_v to_o mischief_n a_o false_a witness_n that_o speak_v lie_v and_o he_o that_o sow_v discord_n among_o brethren_n and_o indeed_o all_o these_o seven_o thing_n except_o the_o first_o be_v such_o as_o make_v the_o proper_a character_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o slanderer_n i_o be_o now_o expose_v and_o rev._n 22._o 15._o whosoever_o love_v and_o make_v a_o lie_n be_v reckon_v with_o dog_n and_o sorcerer_n and_o whoremonger_n and_o murderer_n and_o idolater_n who_o be_v to_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n 2._o let_v we_o no_o less_o hate_v the_o practice_n of_o take_v up_o evil_a report_n against_o any_o that_o that_o of_o invent_v they_o we_o learn_v from_o psal._n 15._o 3._o that_o this_o also_o will_v exclude_v we_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o that_o it_o be_v here_o say_v that_o among_o those_o that_o shall_v abide_v in_o god_n tabernacle_n and_o dwell_v in_o his_o holy_a hill_n he_o be_v one_o that_o backbit_v not_o with_o his_o tongue_n nor_o do_v evil_a to_o his_o neighbour_n nor_o take_v up_o a_o reproach_n against_o his_o neighbour_n or_o do_v not_o without_o good_a evidence_n give_v credit_n to_o it_o and_o much_o less_o spread_v and_o propagate_v it_o the_o wise_a man_n make_v he_o a_o wicked_a doer_n who_o give_v heed_n to_o false_a lip_n and_o a_o liar_n who_o give_v ear_n to_o a_o naughty_a tongue_n prov._n 17._o 4._o this_o be_v as_o much_o a_o transgression_n of_o the_o forementioned_a golden_a rule_n of_o do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o as_o be_v devise_v and_o forge_v slander_n i_o doubt_v there_o be_v not_o much_o less_o malice_n in_o this_o practice_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o savour_v of_o every_o whit_n as_o little_a charity_n as_o that_o other_o practice_n do_v i_o can_v have_v no_o charity_n for_o that_o man_n against_o who_o i_o be_o forward_a to_o believe_v and_o report_v whatsoever_o of_o evil_n i_o chance_v to_o hear_v of_o he_o nay_o whisperer_n and_o backbiter_n as_o well_o as_o inventor_n of_o evil_a thing_n be_v reckon_v by_o saint_n paul_n among_o those_o obdurate_a sinner_n of_o who_o he_o pronounce_v that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o over_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n rom._n 1._o 29_o 30._o hasty_a believer_n and_o spreader_n of_o false_a report_n be_v the_o tool_n and_o instrument_n of_o those_o that_o invent_v they_o for_o the_o do_v of_o the_o mischief_n they_o design_v by_o they_o and_o it_o be_v almost_o whole_o long_a of_o these_o that_o those_o wicked_a people_n be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o do_v any_o mischief_n by_o their_o forgery_n we_o be_v bind_v therefore_o by_o the_o strict_a bond_n by_o the_o bond_n of_o charity_n of_o justice_n and_o of_o self-preservation_n to_o be_v extreme_o cautious_a of_o lend_v our_o ear_n to_o tale-bearer_n lest_o we_o be_v involve_v in_o their_o gild_n and_o so_o bring_v to_o share_v with_o they_o in_o their_o dreadful_a punishment_n since_o this_o be_v a_o express_a law_n of_o god_n thou_o shall_v not_o go_v up_o and_o down_o as_o a_o tale-bearer_n among_o thy_o people_n leu._n 19_o 16._o sure_o it_o be_v as_o much_o a_o law_n of_o his_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o give_v encouragement_n to_o those_o who_o we_o know_v to_o be_v tale-bearer_n by_o listen_v to_o their_o tale_n nay_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o believe_v a_o report_n against_o our_o neighbour_n mere_o from_o the_o information_n of_o any_o one_o or_o a_o few_o person_n of_o who_o integrity_n and_o of_o 〈◊〉_d certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o 〈◊〉_d have_v not_o great_a assurance_n that_o we_o may_v not_o ne●●ther_o conclude_v any_o man_n guilty_a from_o his_o be_v accuse_v by_o the_o generality_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o common_a say_n vox-populi_n est_fw-la vox_fw-la dei_fw-la the_o voice_n of_o the_o people_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o in_o a_o certain_a sense_n it_o may_v well_o pass_v for_o a_o true_a proverb_n but_o as_o it_o be_v vulgar_o understand_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o people_n be_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n as_o we_o of_o this_o city_n and_o kingdom_n have_v often_o find_v by_o sad_a experience_n all_o wise_a and_o honest_a man_n can_v be_v at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n to_o seek_v for_o conviction_n what_o great_a sufferer_n even_o our_o governor_n themselves_o have_v be_v wrongful_o make_v to_o be_v by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o people_n and_o i_o dare_v affirm_v that_o he_o who_o now_o take_v the_o common_a vogue_n for_o unquestionable_a evidence_n have_v he_o live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n will_v have_v be_v make_v one_o among_o that_o wicked_a crew_n who_o applaud_v the_o sentence_n pronounce_v against_o he_o and_o there_o be_v this_o weighty_a reason_n why_o common_a fame_n itself_o be_v not_o to_o be_v confide_v in_o viz._n for_o aught_o we_o can_v tell_v this_o fame_n may_v first_o arise_v from_o but_o one_o man_n and_o that_o man_n a_o liar_n too_o and_o this_o we_o certain_o know_v that_o the_o generality_n be_v so_o void_a of_o charity_n as_o hasty_o to_o catch_v at_o scandalous_a story_n and_o be_v much_o more_o easy_o persuade_v to_o think_v and_o report_v evil_a thing_n upon_o very_o slight_a ground_n than_o good_a and_o commendable_a thing_n upon_o the_o most_o evident_a and_o apparent_a one_o and_o none_o have_v so_o sad_a experience_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o as_o those_o of_o who_o reputation_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v the_o most_o tender_a i_o mean_v our_o governor_n in_o church_n and_o state_n but_o suppose_v we_o have_v certain_a assurance_n that_o such_o a_o ill_a report_n do_v take_v its_o first_o rise_n from_o not_o a_o few_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o be_v sure_a but_o that_o these_o may_v be_v unite_v in_o one_o common_a interest_n and_o design_n but_o in_o this_o case_n the_o report_n of_o many_o carry_v no_o whit_n strong_a evidence_n with_o it_o than_o if_o it_o come_v but_o from_o one_o mouth_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n they_o be_v many_o who_o first_o divulge_v vile_a slander_n of_o he_o but_o they_o be_v all_o act_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o principle_n viz._n that_o of_o malice_n and_o by_o the_o same_o design_n viz._n that_o of_o disgrace_v he_o among_o the_o people_n and_o incence_v of_o king_n herod_n and_o pontius_n pilate_n against_o he_o but_o last_o suppose_v we_o can_v be_v certain_a that_o the_o many_o '_o first_o reporter_n of_o bad_a story_n be_v not_o link_v together_o by_o one_o common_a tie_n yet_o even_o in_o this_o case_n too_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o use_v