;?^- Imprimatur RAD. BATHVRST. Vice-Can. XO N. ffii) 4.1674. THE Government OF THE TONGUE By the Author of The Whole Duty of Man, &e. ^eatb and Life are in the power of the Tongue. Prov, i8. ti. At the Theater in Oxforp* M. DC. LXXIY. ^ * a i\ ■:l\J nJ'/ii -.^ ■t -* .1 V . i A :ii\^- THE PREFACE liS H B '^Government of the Tongue has ever bin juftly reputed one of the mofi im- t. fortant parts of human Re- giment. .The Philofopher and the Divine equally atteji this : and So^ ■lomon fwho vpoi hoth) give's hi^fuf- frdge alfo'y the perfmfions to^ and mcomiums ofit^ taking up a confi- Jerahk part of his b.ookof Proverbs. IJhall not therefore need to fay any 3 2 thing : ^ S I ■ ■k^T- a \\ Jt. ^^..^ ■ * .1 V . t A ii\ \- THE P R E F A C E H B '^Government of the Tongue has ever bin juftly reputed one of the mofi im- t. fortant parts of human Re- giment. The Philofopher and the Divine equally atteji this : and So- lomon fwho was both) give's hhfuf- fiage al/o; tbe perfwafions to ^ and encomiums ofit^ taking up a confi- Jerable part of hi^b.ookof Proverbs. IJhaU not therefore need to fay any 3 2 thing The Preface. thing , id jujiijfie mj thoice of rhis fubjeSi^ which ha6 Jo much better Authorities to commend it. I rar thervpijb that it had not the fuper^ addition of an accidental fitnefs grounded upon ihe unlverfal negleU of it y i| no^ feeming p be an art tphollji oui'dpted. Portl^ofome linea- ments of it may' be met with in hooks ^ yet there k Jcahe any foot^ Jieps of it in praSiict ^ rvhere alone it can be fignificant. The attemt therefore of reviving it I am fure is feafonable , / wijh it were half a^ tafj. ^ Hvvt^ «\\^u^'i '^.uW^'^^ 2» Indeed that skill wm never very eafy^ it requiring the greatefi vigi- lance- and cautiori ^ and therefore not to be attained by loofe trifling Jpi- rits. The Tongue is fo flippery , that it Th^ Preface. it eafily deceases a droufy vr betdkfs guard. Nature fecms to have given it fome unhappy advantages towards that. Tps in its frame the inoji ready for motion of any member^ needs not fo much 06 the flexure of a joint , and by accefs of humor s acquires a glibnefs too , the more to facilitate its moving. And alas rre too much find the efeU of this its eafy frame ; it often goes without giving U6 warning \ and as children when they happen upon a rolling engine , can fet it in fuch a carriere , as wifer people cannot on a fudden flop ; fo the childijh parts of ti6 y our paffwns , our fancies , all our meer animal faculties , can thrufl our tongues into fuch diforders , as our reafon cannot eafily reClify. The due managery therefore of this unruly member The Preface. member^ may tightly beejiecmedom of the greatefi myfieries of Wifdom and Vertue. This is intimated by St. James , If any man offend not in word , the fame is a per fed nian^ and able alfo to bridle the whole body, Ja. 3. 2. Tis Jloried of Bemho a primitive Cbriflian , that coming to a friend to teach him a Pfalm^ he be^ gan to bim the thirty ninth ^ I fzid I will take heed to my waies , that I offend .not with my Tongue; upon hearing of which iirfi verfe^ he Bopt his Tutor ^ faying^ This is enough for me^ if I learn it ds 1 ought ; and being af- ter fix months rebuked for not com- ing again ^ he replied^ that he bad not yet learnt his Jit ft k(fon : nay af- ter nineteen years he profefi , that in that time he had fear ce learnt tofuU fit The Prefacd. j^tl that one line. I give not this in-^ fiance to difcourage ^ but rather to quicken men to the ftudy ; for a lef- [on thai requires fo much time to learn , had need he early begun with. 3; But efpecially in this age^ vpherein the contrary liberty has get fuch aprepoffeffion ^ that men lookon it as apart of their birth -rip^ht ; nay do not only let their tongues locfe^ but fiudioufly fuggefi inordinacies to them , and ufe the Jpur where they Jhould the bridle. By this means converfation is fo generally corrupted^ that many have had caufe to mjli they had not bin niade fociabk crea- tures. A man fecludedfrom company can hai)e but the Devil and himfelf to terAt him ; but he that comkrfes^ hm almofi a% many fnares as he hai b iorripd-^ The Preface. companions. Mtrt barter vices ^ and \ ■ 06 if each had not enough of hi^ own ^ grorfth^ tranfj?lant out ofhh neighbors foil-, and that which was intended to cultivate and civilize the worlds hoi turned It into a wild defer t and . wildernefs. [ . 4. Thi^ face of things I confefs looks not very fromifing to one who. 16 to folicite a reformation. But whatever the hopes are , / am fure the needs are great enough tojujlify the attemt : for as the difeafe is £/?i- demic ^ fo it is mortal, alfo ^ utterly inconfiflent^ with that pure religiori^ which leads to life. We may taH St.. james'5 word for it ^ If any man feem to be religious , and bridleth not his tongue , that mans religion is vain^ Jam. i. 26. God knows we The Preface. we have not much Religion among us : 'ti$ great pitty we f/jould frujlrate the little vpe have , render that utter- ly infignificant , 'which at the beji amounts tofo little. Let therefore the difficulty and neceffity of the task -^ prevail with us to take time be- fore us , not to defer this fo neceffary a work 'till the night come ; or ima- gine that the Tongue will be able to expiate its whole age of guilt by a feeble Lord have mercy on me at the lajl. Tho indeed if that were fuppofeable^ 'twere but a broken reed to trujl to, none knowing whether he Jhall have time or grace for that. He may be furprized with an Oath^ a Blafphemy , a Detraction in his mouth \ many have bin fo. Tis jure there muft he a dying moment : and how The Preface. how can any man fecure himfelfe , it Jhall not he the fame with that in which he utters thofe , and his expir ring breathy befo emploied? Sure they cannot think, that thofe incantations (jho heWJJj enough^ can make them J/jot free^ render them invulnerable to deaths darts ; and if they have not that or fome other as ridiculous rer ferves , V^ firange what Jhould make them run fuch a mad advenr lure. $• But I expeSi it Jhould he obr jeSied^ that th^^ little defpicahle Tra^ is not proportionable to the encoun- ter to which it is brought ; that befides the unskilful managing of thofi points it do's touch -, it wholly omits many proper to the fubjeH ^ there be- ing faults of the Tongue which it The Preface. faffes infihnce. Iconfefs there is color enough for thh obje^ion. But I believe if it were put to votes , more would refolve I had faid too much , rather then too little. Should I have en^ Urged to the utmojl compafs of this Theme^ I Jhould have made the z/(?- lume cffo affrighting a hulk.^ that few would have attemted it ; and by faying much I Jhould have faid nothing at all to thofe who mofi need it. Mens fiomacs are generally fo queafie in thefe cafes ^ that tis not fafe to overload them ; let them try how they can digefi this : // they can fo a^ to turn it into Kindly nuriPj- ment^ they will he able to fuffly themfdves with the remainder. For I think I rnay with fome confidence affirm y that he that ca^n confine his Tongue The Preface. Tongue within the limits here pre/cri- b'd^ ma) mthout much difficulty re- jirain its other excurfions. All IJhall beg of the Reader^ is but to come with fincere intentions , and then perhaps thefe few Stones and Sling ufed in the Name^ and with invocation of the Lord of Hofts, may countervail the maffive armour^ of the uncircunicifed Philiftin ; And may that God who loves to magnifie his power in weakr nefs ^ give it the Ukefuccefs. THE THE CONTENTS. • Se£t. I Of the Ufe of Speech. p. ij Se5t,2, Of the manifold Abufe of Speech. 7* Se£f. 3. Of AtheifiicalT>ifcourfe, p.ii. SeB, 4. Of T)etraBion. p. 39. Se6i, 5. Of Lying Defamation. p. 49. Se5i.6. OfUncharitahleTruth, p. 62, SeB. 7. Of Scoffing andT>erifion. p. 113. Se£l, 8. Of Flattery. /. 134. Se£t.9. Of Boafling. /-iff* 45>(^. 10. 0/ ^eruloufnefs. P*^7A^ Sen. II. 0/ Tofitivenefs. p,\%%\ Se£t. 12.0/ 0^7?^w^ y^/i^. />. 204. The Clofe. p. 206. OF THE Government of tlieTongu e Sect. I. Of the ufe of Speech, AN at his firft creation was fubftituted by God as his Vicegerent, to receive the homage, and enjoy the fer- vicesof all inferior beings: nay farther was endowed with excellencies fit to maintain the port of fo vaft an Empire. Yet thofe very excellencies, as they quali- fied him for dominion , fo they unfitted A him 2 The Government of the Tongue. him for a fatisfa£tion or acquielcence in thofe his vaflals : the dignity of his na- ture fet him above the fociety or con- verfe of meer animals, fo that in all the pomp of his roialty , amidft all the throng and variety of creatures, he ftill remained fohtary. But God who knew what an appetite of fociety he had implanted in him , judged this no agreeable ftate for him , It vs not meet that man should be alone. Gen. 2. 18. And as in the univcr- fal frame of nature, he ingraffed fuch an abhorrence of vacuity , that all creatures do rather fubmit to a preternatural mo- tion then admit it, fo, in this emty, this deftitute condition of man , he relieved him by a miraculous expedient, divided him that he might unite him , and made one part of him an aflbciate for the o- ther. 2. Neither did God take this care to provide him a companion , meerly for the intercourfcs of Senfej had that bin the fole aim , there needed no new pro- dudions, there were fenfive creatures enough : the defign was to entertain his nobler principle, his reafon, with a more equal converfe, aflign him an intimate, whofe intellect as. much correfponded with S E c T . I. Of the UJe of Speech 3 with his , as did the outward form , whofe heart, according to Solomons refemblance, anfwered his, As in water face anfwers face. Prov. 27. 19. with whom he might communicate minds, traffic and enterchange all the notions and fentiments of a reafonable foul. 3 But tho there were this fympathy in their fubhme part which difpofedthem to the mod: intimate union-, yet there was a cloud of flefli in the way which inter- cepted their mutual view, nay permitted no intelligence between them , other then by the mediation of fome Organ equally commcnfurate to foul and body. And to this purpofe the infinite wifdom of God ordained Speech, which as it is a found refulting from the modulation of the Air, has moft affinity to the fpirit, but as it is uttered by the Tongue , has immediate cognation with the body e and fo the fitteft inftrumcnt to manage a commerce between the rational yet m vi- fible powers of human fouls clothed in fleffi. 4. And as we have reafon to admire the excellency of this contrivance , fo have we to applaud the extenfivenefsof the benefit. From this it is we derive all A 2 the 4 The Government of the Tongue. the advantages of focicty : without this men of the nearcft neighborhood would have fignified no more to each other then our iy£ntipodes now do to us. All our arts and fciences for the accommo- dation of this life , had remained only ^ rude Chaos in their fir ft matter, had not fpeech by a mutual comparing of adion ranged them into order. By this it is we can give one another notice of our wants, and folicit relief-, by this we inter- changably communicate advifes, reproofs, confolations , all the neceflary aids of hu- man imbecillity. This is that which pof- k^c% us of the moft valuable blefling of human life, I mean Friendfliip, which could no more have bin contrafted a- mongft dumb men , then it can between piftures and ftatiies. Nay farther to this we owe vci a great degree the interefts even of our fpiritual being, all the oral, yea and written revelations too of Godi will: for had there bin no language there had bin no writing. And tho we muft not pronounce how far God might have evi- denced himfelf to mankind by immediate infpiration of every individual , yet wc may fafely reft in the Apoftles inference Rom. 10. 14. How shall they believe in him Sect. I. Of the Ufe of Speech, f him whom they have not heardy and how shall they hear without a preacher ? ^. From all thefe excellent ufcs of it in refpeft of man , we may colled another in relation to God , that is, the praifing and magnifying his goodnefs , as for all other eftefts of his bounty, fo particularly that he hath given us language, and all the confequent advantages of it. This is the juft inference of the fon of Syrach JEcclus. 51. The Lord hath given me a tongiie^andlwillpraife him therewith .Th\s is the facrifice which God calls for fo of- ten by the Prophets, the Calves of our lipsy which anfwcrs to all the oblations out of the herd^ and which the Apoftle makes equivalent tothofcof the/^ with his lips^ Pfalm. io6. ^i, "David ut- tered a bloody vow again ft iV^^^/ 5 Ipake words fmoot her then oil to Unahy when he had don him one injury, and deilgn'd him another. Iwere endlefs to reckon up thofe feveral inftances, the old Teftament gives us of thcie laples of the tongue: neither want there divers in the nev/ j tho there is one of fo much horror, as fu- pcrfedes ti#4iaming more, I mean that of Sr. Teter mhxs reiterated abjuring his Lord, a crime which ( abftracted f rorj the intention) feems worfe then that oi Judas: that traitor owned liis relation , criv^d Ma^ fter Alafter cvf^n v/hen he betraied hinij fo that liad he bin mcfured only by his tongue, he might have paft for the better cUfciple. 4. These are fiid inftances, not re- corded to patronize the fm , but to ex- cite our caution. It was a PoUtic infe- rence of the elders of Ifrael in the cafe of Jehtiy Behold two Kings food not tc fore ' him^ how then shall wejiand^ 2 Kings. 10. And we may v/ell apply it to this •, if per- fons of fo circumfpeft a piety , have bin thus overtaken , what fecurity can there be for our wretchlefs ofcitancy ? If thofe ^who kep their mouths as it were B with 1 o The Government of the tongue. with a bridle-i Pfal. 39. could not alwaies prefeive them innocent, to what guilts may not our unreftraincd licentious tongues hurry us? Thofe which as the Plalmifl: fpeaketh Pfam. 73. go thro the "ivorld^ are in that unbounded range very likely to meet with him who walks the fame round. Job. 2. and by him be tuned and fet to his key 5 be fcrued and wrefted from their proper ufe, and made fubfervient to his vileft defigns. f- Akd would God this were only a probable fuppofition ! but alas experience iiipplants the ufe of conjecture in the point; we do not only prefume it may be fo , but adually find it is fo. For amidrt the univerfal depravation of our faculties, there is none more notorious then that of fpeech. Whither fliall we turn us to find it in its priftine integrity ? amidft that infinity of words in winch weexhauftour breath, how few are there which do at all correfpond with the original defigna- tion of Ipeech-, nay which do not flatly contradid it ? To what unholy , uncha- ritable purpofes is that ufeful faculty per- verred? That which was meant to fcrve as the perfume of the tabernacle, to fend up the incenics of praifes and praiers^ now Sect. IL Of the Ahufe of Speech, 1 1 now exhales in impious vapors, to ecclipfe if it were poffible the father of light. That which fliould be the ftore-houie of rehef and refreiliment to our brethren, is become a magazine of all offenfive wea- pons againfl: xhcm yfp ears arid arrows and sharp Jwords-i as the Pfalmift often phrafes them. We do not only fall by the flip- perinefs of our tongues, but we delibe- rately difcipline and train them to mis- chief. IVe bend otir tongues as our bows for lies-^ as the Prophet fpeaks, Jer. 9. And in a word, what God affirmed of die old world in relation to thoughts, is too ap- pliable to our words, they are evil and that continually y Gen. 6. f. and that which was intended for the inftrument, the aid of human fociety, is become the difturber, the pert of it. 6. I fliall not attemt a particular dif- cuffion of all the vices of the tongue : it doth indeed pafs all Geography to draw an exailMap of chat world of iniquityyZsSz. James calls it. I fliall only dravv^ the great- er lines, and diftribute it into its principal and more eminent parts , which are diftin- guifliable as they relate to God, our Neighbor, and our Selves-, in each of which I fliall rather make an cflay by B 2 way 12 The Governmecr of the Tono;ue. way of mflance> then attemt an exa£t enumeration or furvey. Sect. III. Of Atheiflkal difcourfe. 3. TBegin v/ith thofe which relate to Jl^ God, this poor defpicable member the tongue being of fuch a gigantic info- lencetho not fize, as even to make war With hea\^en. Tis true every difordered fpeech doth remotely fo, as it is a violation of Gods law s but I now fpeak only of thofe which as it were attaque his perfon, and immediatlytiy in the face of Omni- potency. In thehighefl: rank of thefe we may well place all Atheiftical Difcourfe, which is that bold fort of rebellion 5 which ftnkes nor only athis Autority, but him- felf. Other blafphemies level fome at one Attribute, fome another j but this by a more compendious impiety , fhoots at his very being, and as if it fcorn'd thofc peice-meal guilts , {cts up a fingle monfter big enough to devour them aU: for all in- ferior Sect. 111. of AtbetHkalT>ifcotirfe. 13 ferior prophanenefs is as much outdared by Atheifm, as is religion it felf. 2. Time was when tiie inveighing a- gainft this , would have bin thought a very impertinent fubjcftina Chriftian nation, and men would have replied upon me as the Spartan Lady did, v/hen (he was ask'd what was thepunifliment for adulterefles, There areno fuch things here. Nay even amongft the moft barbarous people , it could have concerned but fomc few iingle perfons •, no numbers, much leGfo- cieties of men, having ever excluded the belief of a Deity, And perhaps it may at this day concern them as little as ever % for amidft the various Deities and wor- Ihips of thofe remoter nations , we have yet no account of any that renounced all. Tis only our lig^ht hathfo blinded us: fo that God may upbraid us as he did Ifra- el. Hath a nation changed their gods which yet areno gods 'i but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit. Ifa. 2. 11. This madnefs i« now the inclofurcjthe peculiarity of thofe, who by their names and inftitution fliould be Chriftians : as if that natural Apho- rifni, That when things are at the height they miifi fall again y had place here alio, and 144 The Government of the Tongue. and our being of the moft excellent, moft elevated religion, were but the preparative to our being of none. 3. Tis indeed deplorable to fee, how the profeflbrs of no God begin to vie numbers with all the differing perfwafions in religion , fo that Atheifm feems to be the gulph that finally fwallows up all our iefts. It has ftruck on afudden intofuch a reputation, that it fcorns any longer to fculk, but own's it felf more publicly then moftmen dare do the contrary. Tis fct down in the feat of the fcorner , and fince it cannot argue jrefolves to laugh all Piety out of countenance, and having fciz- ed the mint, nothing fhall pafsfor wit that hath not its ftamp, and with it there is no mettle of fobafe an alloy, butihall go current. Every the duUeft creature that can but ftoutly difclaim his maker, has by it fufficiently (ecured its title to in- genuity 'y and fuch mefures bemg once eftablifhed , no wonder at its Iholes of pro- fely tes, when it gives on the one hand li- cence to all fenfual inordinancies , permits them to be as much beafts as they will , or can ^ and yet tells them on the other, that they are the more men for it. Sure tis not ftrange that a hook thus doubly baited fliould Sect. Wl^OfAtheimcaldiCcoiirfe. fy fliould catch manjTEeither of tliofe al- lurements fingle , we fee has force enough The charms of fenfuahty are fo fefcina- ting, that even thofe who beheve another W(jrld, and the fevere revenaes that will there attend their Uixuries ,"yet chufcto take theminprefent with all their difmal reverfions. And then fure it cannot but be very good news to fuch a one to be told, that that after-reckonina is but a falfe alarm , and Ins great willmgnefs to have It true, will ea/ily incline him to bclGivc It is To. And doubtlefs were A- '^ i'? ^x^^""^ "P ^" '" ^'^ ^^"''es, this would be found the moft operative • tis fo convenient for a man that will have no God to controul or reftrain him , to have none to punilh him neither, that that utility paOes into aro-umcnt, and he will rather put a cheat upon his underftandmg by concluding , there is no future account, then f.ich a ftino- in his plefures, as the remembrance of it muft needs prove. This feems to be the ori- ginal and firft rife of this impiety, it be- ing impoHible fbr any man that fees the whole , nay but the fmalleft part of the Univerfe , to doubt of a firft and fupreme Being, until from the confcioufnefs of hi» 1 6 The Government of th^ Tongue. his provocations, it become his intereft there fhould be none. 4. This is indeed, confidering the de- pravation of the world , a pretty faft te- nure for Atheifm to hold by j ye it has of late tv/iiled its cord, and got that o- ther firing to its bow we before mention- ed. Its bold monopolizing of wit and reason compells, as the other invited men. This we may indeed call the devils prefs,by which he hath filled up his troops : men are afraid of being reproched for fil- ly and irrational , in giving themfelvcs up to a blind belief of what tjiey do not fee. And this bugbear frights them from their religion ♦, refolving they will be no fools for Chrifts fakey i Cor. 4.13. I dare appeal to the brealis of many in this age, whether this have not bin one of the moft prevalent temtations with them to ef- poufe the tenet: and tho perhaps they at firft took it up 3 only in their own de- fence, for fear of being thought fools , yet that fear foon converts into ambiti- on of being thought wit's. They do not fatisfy themielvcs with deferting their re- ligi^n , unleis they revile it alio-, rcmem- bring how themfclves werelaught out of it, they eilay to do the like by others. Yea fo Sect. III. Of AtheiHical'DtJcourfe. ly fo zealous propugncrs are they of their negative Creed, that they are im porta- iiately diligent to inftrud men in iit, and m all the little fophiftries and colors for detending it: {o that he that would mefure the opinions by their induftry, and the remifTncfs of believers, wouicj certainly think that the great interefts of Eternity lay wholly on their fide. Yet I take not this for any argument of th)$ confidence of this perfwafion , but the contrary : for we know they are not the fecure, but the defperate undertakings^ wherein men are moll defirous of part* nets , and there is fomewhat of horri5r in an uncouth way, which makes men unwilling to travail it alone. f . The truth is, tho thefe fpeak big , and prefcrib- as pofitively to their pu* pils 5 as if they had fome counter reve- lation to confute thole of Mq/es and Chrijiy yet were their fecret thoughts laid open , there would fcarce be found the like aflurance there. I will not fay to what reprobate fenfe fome particular per- fons have provoked God to deliver them, but in the generality , I believe one may affirm , that there is feldom an infidelity fo fanguine as to exclude all fears. Their ^ e moft 1 8 The Government of the Tongue, molt bold Theiis , That there is no God, no judgment, no hell , is often met with an inward tremulous Hypothefis, What if there be? I dare in this remit me to themlelves, and challenge (^ not their con- fciences^ who profefs to have none> but) their natural ingenuity to fay, whether they have not fometimes fuch damps and fhiverings within them. If they fhall fay, that thele are but the reliques of pre* poflelTion and education , which their reafon foon diflipates , Let me then ask them fardier, whether they would not give a confiderable fum to be infallibly afcertained there were no fuch thing: now no fenfible man would give a far- thing to be fecured from a thing which his reafon tells him is impofTible > there- fore if they would give any thing(asl dare fay they cannot deny to themfelves that they v/ould ') tis a true demonftrati- on that they are not fo fure as they pre- tend to be. 6. I might here join iflue upon the whole , and prefs them with the unrea- fonablenefs , the difingenuoufnefs of em- bracing a profeflion to which their own hearts have an inward reluctance, nay the imprudence of governing their livej by Sect. III. of AtheiHicd T>ifcourfe, 19 by that pofition, which for ought they know may be ( nay they actually . fear vs^^ falfe, and if it be, muft inevitably immerfe them in endlefs ruin. But I muft remember my defign hmits mc only to the faults of the Tongue , and therefore I muft not follow this chafe be- yond thofe bounds. I fliall only extend it to my proper fubjeft, that of Athei- ftical talk > wherein they make as mad an adventure as in any other of their enor- mous pradices, nay perhaps in fomerc- fpefts a worfe. 7. In the firft place tis to be confider- cd, that if there be a God, he, as well as men, may be provoked by our words as well as deeds. Secondly tis pollible he may be more. Our ill deeds may be don upon a vehement impulfe of temtation -, fome profit or plefures may tranfport and hurry usj and they may at leaft have this alleviation, that we did them to plea fe or advantage our felves , not to ipight God : but Atheiftical words cannot be fo palliated: they are arrows diredly (hot againft heaven, and can come out of no quiver but mahcej for tis certain , there never was man that faid> There was no God, buthewiftieditfirft. We know C 2 what \ 20 The Government of the Tongue. what enhancement our injuries to each i other receive from their being maUcious : and fure they will do fo much more to God^ who fe principal demand from us is, that we give him our heart. But third- ly this implieth a malice of the higheft fort. Human fpight is ufually confined within fome bounds, aims fometimes at the goods, fometimes at the fame, at moft but at the hfe of our neighbor : but here is an accumulation of all thofe, back't with the moft prodigious infolence. Tis God only that hath power of annihi- lation, and we ( vile worms} feek here to fteal that irjcommunicable right, and retort it upon himfelf, and by an anti- creative power would unmake him who has made us. Naylaftly, by this we have not only the utmoft guilt of fingle rebels, but we become ring- leaders alfo , draw in others to that accurfed aflbciation: for tis only this liberty of difcourfe that hath propagated Atheifin. The Devil tnight perhaps by inward, fuggeftions have drawn here and there a fingle Pro lely te • but he could never have had fuch numbers, had he not ufed fome as de- coies to enfnare others. 8. And now let the brisk Atheift a htrle Sect. III. Of AtheiHicalT^ifcourfe, 21 little confider , what thefe aggravations will amount to. Twas good counfel was given to the Athenians , to be very furc Thtltp was dead J before they expreft joy at his death, left they might find him alive to revenge that hafty triumph. And the like I may give to thefe men, Let them be very fure there is no God , be- fore they prefume thus to defie him , left they find him at laft aftert his being in their deftruftion. Certainly nothing left then a demonftration can juftify the rca- fonablcnefs of fuch a daring. And when they can produce that^they have fo far out- gon all the comprehenfions of mankind , they may well challenge the liberty of the Tongue 5 and fay. They are their own^ who is Lord over them^ Pfalm. 12. 9. But till this be don, tv/ere well they would foberly ballance the hazards of this liberty with the gains of it. The hazards are of the moft dreadful kmd, the gains of the flighteft : the moft is but a vain applaufe of wit for an impious jeft: and yet even for that they muft incroach on the Devils right too , who is commonly the promter, and therefore if there beany credit in it may juftly challenge it. Indeed tis to be fear'd he will 22 The Government of th^ Tongue. will at laft prove the mafter wit, when as for thofe little loans he makes them, he gets their fouls in morgage. AVould God they would confider betimes , what a woful raillery that will be , which for ought they know may end ingnashing of teeth. 10. The next impiety of the Tongue is Swearing, that foolirfi fin which .plaies the Platonic to damnation, and courts it purely foritsfelf, with out any of the appendant allurements wliich other fins have: a vice which for its guilt mayjufti- fy the fharpeft 5 and for its cuftomarinefs the frequented invectives which can be made againft it: but it has bin aflaulted fo often by better pens , and has Ihewed it felf fo much proof againft all Homily, that it is as needlefs as difcouraging a task for me to attemt it. Tis indeed a thing taken up fo perfectly without all fenle , that tis the left wonder to find it main- tain its felf upon the fame principle tis founded, and continue in the fame defi- ance to reafon wherein it began. 11. All therefore that I fhall fay con- cerning it, is to exprefs my wonder how it has made a fliif c to twift it felf with the former fin of Atheifm , by which ac- cording Sect. III. OfJtheifticalT>ifcourfe. 25 cording to all rules of reafoning-it feems to be luperfeded : and yet we lee none own God more in their oaths , then thofe that dilavow him in their other difcourfe: nay fuch men fwear not only to fwell their language, and make it found more full and bluftring, but even when they moft defire to be believed. What an abfur- dity of wickednefs is this? Is there a God to Iwear by, and is there none to believe in , none to pray to ? We call it frenzy to fee a man fight with a fliadow : but fure tis more fo , to invpkc it. Why then do thefe men of reafon make fuch folemn appeals ( for fuch every oath is ) to a meer Chimera and Phanrafm? It would make one think they had fome inward belief of a Deity, which they upon furprizal thus blurt out : if it argue not this, it does fomerhing worfe, and becomes an evidence how much the ap- pearance of a fin recommends it to them, that they thus catch at it, without exa- mining how it will confift with another they like better. Thefe are indeed whole- fale chapmen to Satan , that do not truck and barter one crime for another , but take the whole herd : and tho by reafon of tiieir dilagreeing kinds they are apt to gore 24 The Government of the Tongue. gore and worry each other, yet he ftill keeps up his oldpoUcyjand will not let one Devil caft out another. A league fliall be made between the moft difcor- dant fins , and there fhall be a God, or there fhall be none, according as opportu- nity ferves to provoke him : fo aflum* ing to himfelf a power which even Omnipotence difclaims , the reconciling contradidions. And he fucceeds in it as far as his concern reaches: for tho he cannot folve the repugnancies in reafon , yet as long as he can unite the fins in mens pra- ftice, he has his defign , nay has at once the gain and the fport of fooling thefe great pretenders to ratiocination. 12. A third fort of impious difcourfc there is, which yet is bottomed on the moft facred, I mean thofe prophane paraphra- fes, that are ufually made upon the holy Text, many making it the fubjeft of their cavils, and others of their mirth. Some do it out of the former Atheiftical principle, and I cannot but confefs they aft confo- nantly to themfel ves in it, for tis but a need- ful artifice for men to difparage thofe tefti- monies, which they fear may be brought againft them. But there are others who not only profefs a God > but alfo own :- ' the Sect . IIL Of AtheifttcaU T>ifcourfe. 2 y the facred Scripture for his word , and yet ufe it as courfly as the otliers. And thefe, I confefs, are riddles of profane- nefs , that hang, as fome have pictured Solomojj^ between heaven and hell , bor- row the Chriftians faith? and the Atheifts drollery upon it: and tis hard to fay in which they are more in earneft. It is indeed fcandalous to fee, to what defpi- cable ufes thofe holy Oracles are put: fuch as fliould a Heathen obrerve,he would little fufpeft tliem to be own'd by us as the rule of our religion, and could never think they were ever meant for any thing beyond a vv^hetftone for wit. One tries his Logic upon it, and objefts to the fenfc; another his Rlietoric, and quarrels at the phrafe-, a third his con- trivance , and thinks he could have woven it with a better contexture : ne- ver confidering, that unlefs they could confute the Divinity of their original, all thefe accufations are nothing elfe but di- rect blafphemy, the making God fuch a one as themfelves-i'?(d\. 50.21. and charging him with thofc defefts which arc indeed their own. They want learning or in- duftry to found the depth of thofe (acred trefurcs, and therefore they decry the D Scripture 2(5 The Government of the Tongue. Scripture as mean and poor,and tojufti- fy their own wifdom , difpute Gods. This is as if the mole (liould complain the fun is dark , becaufe he dwells under ground, and fees not his fplendor. Men are indeed in all inftances apt to fpeak ill of the things they underftand not, but in none more then this. Their ignorance of locall cuftoms , Idioms of language, and feveral other circumftances, renders them incompetent judges , ( as has bin excellently evinced by a late Author ). Twill therefore befit them, either to qualify themfelves better , or to fpare their Criticifms. But upon the whole, I think I may challenge any ingenious man, to produce any writing of that antiquit)^, whofe phrafe and genius is fo accomo- dated to all fucceffions of ages. Stiles and waies of addrefs we know grow obfo- lete, and are almoft antiquated as gar- ments: and yet after fo long a trad: of time, the Scripture muft (by confider- ing men ) be confeft to fpeak not only properly, but often politely and ele- gantly to the prefent age ; a great argu- ment that it is the dicrate of him that is, The fame yejiaday to dc^ and for ever. Hcb. 13.7. 13. But Sect. III. Of JtheifiicalDifcourfe, 27 13. But befides thefe more folemn traducers, there area lighter ludicrous fort of profaners, who ufe the Scrip- ture as they do odd ends of plaies , to furnifliout their jells 5 clothe all theif lit- tle impertinent conceits in its language, and debafe it by th^ mixture of fuch mi- ferable trifles, as themfelves would be a- fharnedof, were they not heightned and infpirited by that profanenefs. A bible phrafe fcrvcs them in difcourfe , as the . haut gouft do's in diet , to give a relilh to the moil infipid ftuf. And were it not for this magazme, a great many mens raillery would want fupplies: for there are divers who make a great noife of wit, that \vould be very mute if this one Topic were barr'dthem. And in- deed it feems a tacitc confeflion, that they have httle of their own, when they are fain thus to commit facriledg to drive on the trade. But fure tis apittiful pre- tence to ingenuity that can be thus kept up 5 there being little need of any other faculty but memory to be able to cap Texts. I am fure fuch repetitions out of other boolis would be thought pedan- tic and filly. How ridiculous would a man be, that fliould alwaiesenterlard his D 2 difcourfe 2 8 The Government of the Tongue. diiooutfe with fragments of Horace 5 or Virgil'^ or the Apliorifmes of Tythago- ras ^ or Seneca^ Now tis too evident,- thar it is not from any fuperlative efteem of facred Writ, that it is fo often quot- ed; and why should it then be thought a fpecimen of wit to do it there, when tis folly in other inflances? The truth is, tis fo much the referve of thofe who can give no better teftimony of their parts, that ;ne thinks upon that very fcore it should be given over by thofe that can. And fure were it poffible for any thing that isfo bad to grow unfashionable, the world has had enough of this to be cloi- ed with it : but how fond foever men are of this divertifement , twill finally prove that mirth Solomon fpeaks of, which ends in heavinefsy Prov. 14. 13, for certainly whether we eftimate it ac- cording to human or divine mefures , it muft be a high provocation of God. . 14. Let any of us but put the cafe in our own perfons: fuppole we had writ- ten to a friend , to advertile him of things of the greateft importance to himfelf, had given him ample and exa£t inftru- ftions, back'd them with earneft exhorta- tions and conjurings not to negle£t his own Sect. III. Of AtheifticalT>iJcourfe. 29 own concern > and laftly enforced all with the moft movhi^ expreflions of kindnefs and tendernefs to him: fuppofe, I fay, that after all this, the next news we should hear of that letter, were to have it put in doggrel rime , to be made fport for the rabble, or at beft have the moft eminent phrafes of it picktoutand made a common bye word: I would fain know how any of us would refent fuch a mixture of ingratitude and con- tumely. I think I need make no minute application. The whole defign of the Bible does fufficiently anfwer , nay out- go the firft part of the parallel, and God knows our vile ufagc of it does too much Q I fear too literally ) adapt the latter. And if we think the affront to bafe for one of us , can we believe God will take it in good part ? That were to make him not only more ftupid then any man , but as much fo as the heathen Idols, that have eies and fee not^ Pfalm. iif. f. And tis fure the higheft madnefs in the world , for any man that believes that there is a God , to imagine he will finally fit down by fiich ufagc. If. But if we weigh it in the (bale of religion , the crime will yet appear more heinous JO The Government of the Tongue. heinous. Mcer natural Piety has taught men to receive the Refponfcs of their Gods with all poffible veneration. What applications had the Delphian Oracle from all parts, and from all ranks of men ? What confidence had they in its prediction, and what obedience did they pay to its advice ? If we look next into the Mofaical Oeconomy, we shall fee with what dreadful Solemnities that Law was promulged , what an awe- ful reverence was pai'd to the mount whence it ilTued , how it was fenced from any rude intrufions either of men or beafts: and after it was written in tables, all the whole equipage of the Tabernacle, was defign'd only for its more decent re- pofitory, the Ark it felf receiving its value only from what it had in caftody. Yea fuch a hallowing imfluence had it, as transfufed a relative fanftity even to themeaneft utenfils , none of which were after to be put to common ufes: the ve- ry perfume was fo peculiar and facred, that it was a capital crime to imitate the compofition. Afterwards when more of the divine revelations was committed to v/riting, the Jews were fuch fcrupu- lous reverers of it, that twasthe bufmefs of Sect. III. Of AtheiBicalT>ifcourfe. 31 of the Maforites, to number not only the feftions and hnes, but even the words and letters of the old Teftament, that by that exaft calculation they might the better fecure it from any furreptitious practices. 16. And fure the New Teftamentis not of lefs concern then the Old : nay the Apoftle ailcrts it to be of far greater, and v/hich we lliall be more accountable for, For ifthe'-juordjpoken by Angels 'werefied' faft 5 and every tranfgrefjion and difobedi- ence received a juji ruompence-i how shall we efcafe if we negleB fo great Salvation, which at the fir fl began to be fpoken to us by the Lord ^ and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him? Heb. 2. 23, And It is in another place the inference of the fame Apoftle, from the excellency of the Gofpel above the Law , that we Ihould ferve God acceptably with reve- rence and godly fear. Heb. 12. 28. And certainly tis but an ill eflay of diat reve- rence and godly fear, to ufe that very Gofpel fo irreverently and ungodlily as men nov/ do. If we pafs from the Apo- ftle to the next fucceeding ages of the Church, we find the Primitive Chrifti- ans lookt on their Bibles as their moft important 3 2 The Government of the Tongue. important trefure. Such was the out* ward refped: they paid to them ( of which the (landing up at the reading of the Gofpel 5 ftill in ufe among us, is a faint memorial } that the heathen perfecutors made it one part of their examination of the Chriftians brought to their tribu- nals 5 IVhaS thofe books were which they adored while they read them ? Such was their intimate efteem , that they cxpofed all things elfc to the rapine of their ene- mies, fo they might fecurethofc volumes. Nor was this only an heroic piece of zeal in fome, but indifpenfably requi- red of all : in fo much that when in the heat of pcrfecution 5 they were com- manded to deliver up their Bibles to be burnt 5 the Church gave no indulgence for that neceflity of the times, but exhort- ed men rather to deliver up their lives : and thofe whofe courage failed them in the encounter , were not only branded by the infamous name of Traditors , but feparated from the communion of the faithful 5 and not readmitted till after many years of the fevered penance. 17. I have given this brief narration, witli a defire that the Reader will com- pare che practice of former times with thofe Sect. 111. Of AtheifticalT>ifcourfe. 33 thofc of the prefent , and fee what he can find either among Heathens , Jews or Chriftians, that can at all patronize our profanenefs. There was no refpefl: thought too much for the falfe Oracles of a falfer God : and yet we think no con- temts too great for thofe of the true. The moral Law was fo facred to- the Jews , that no parts of its remoteft retinue, thofe ceremonial attendance, were to be lookton as common; and we who are equally obliged by that Law, laugh at that by which we muft one day be judged. The Ritual, the Preceptive, the Prophetic , and all other parts of facred Writ, were mod feduloufly , moil: religi- ouily guarded by them : and we look upon them as a winter nights tale , from which to fetch matter of fport and mer- riment. Laftly the firft Chriftians paid a veneration to, nay facrificed their lives to refcue their Bibles from the unworthy ufage of the Heathens, and we our felves expofe them to v/orfe : they would but have burnt them , v/e fcorn & vilify them , and outvy even the perfecutors malice with our contemt. Thefe are miferable Antithefis's > yet this God knows is the cafe with too many. I wonder what E new 3-f 1 iit^ Oovernmcnt ot die 1 ougue. new ftate of Felicity hereafter theie men have fancied to them felves ; for fure they cannot think thefe retrograde {icpsy can ever bring them fo miicli as to the Heathens Elyzium, much lefs the Chrifli- ans Heaven. 1 8. It will therefore concern thofc who do not quite renounce their claim to that Heaven , to confider foberly , how inconfiftent their praftice is with thofe hopes. A man may have a great cftate convcied to him •, but if he will madly burn, or childiflily make paper kites of his Deeds , he forfeits his title with his evidence : and thofe certainly that deal fo with the conveiance of their eternal inheritance, will not fpeed better. If they will thus dally and play with them, God will be as httle in earneft in the per- formance 5 as they are in the reception of the promifes; nay he will take his turn of mocking too , and when their fcene of mirth is over, his will begin. A dread- full menace of this we have Pro. i. 24. which defervesto be fet down at large, Becaufe I have called -y and ye refufed^ I have ftr etched out my hand , and no man regarded'. But ye harue fet at nought all my counfel^ and would none of my reproof: Sect. III. Of Atheijlical T>ifcourfe. 35 / aljb will lattgh at your calamity , / will mock when your fear comet h. When your fear cometh as defolatio-%, and your dejiruciion cometh. as a whirlwind : when dtftrefs and anguish cometh tipon you-^ then shall they call upon me ^ but I will not anfwer , they shall feek me early , hut they shall not find me. Would God I could as well tranfcribe this Text into mens hearts , and there would need no more to fecure the whole Canon of Scripture from their profanation ! Could men but look a little before them, and apprehend how in the daies of their diftrcfsand a- gony 5 they will gafp for thdfe comforts which they now turn into ridicule •, they would not thus madly defeat themfelves, cut off their bell and only rcferve , and with a pitiful contemt, caft away thofe Cordials , which will then be the only fupport of their fainting fpirits. As for thoie who deride Scripture upon Athci- ftical grounds 5 all I fliall fay is to re- fer to what I have faid in the beginning of this Scdlion > they had need be very well afllired that foundation be not fan- dy: for if it be, this reproching Gods word will be a confiderable addition to the guilt of all their other hoftility, and E 2 hov/ 3<5 The Government of the Tongue. hoAv jolly foever they fcem at prefent , it may be ^^"len that queftion they are fo willing to%ke for granted , is by death drawing near a decifion , fome of their confidence will retire, and leave them in an amazed expeftation of fomewhat , which they are fure cannot be good for them y who have fo ill provided for it. Then perhaps their merry vein will fail thcm> and not their infidelity, but their defpair may keep them from invoca- ting that Power they have fo long deri- ded. Tis certain it has fo happened with fome : for as Praftical , fo Speculative v/ickednefs , has ufually another afpeft> v/hen it ftands in the fhadow of death, then in the dazling beams of health and vigor. It would therefore be wifdom before hand to draw it out of this de- ceitful light , and by fober ferious thougiits place it as near as may be in thofe circumftances in which twill then appear : and then fure to hearts that are not wholly petrified, twill appear fafcr to own a God early and upon choice > then late upon compulfion. 15). However if they will not yield themfelves Homagers , yet the meer pof- fibihty of their being in the wrong, should Sect. III. of AtheiBical Difcourfe, 37 should me thinks per fwade them at left to be civil adverfaries. A generous man will not purfue even a falling enemy with re- vilings and reproch 5 much lefs will a wife man do it to one who is in any the left probability of revenging it: it being a received Maxim , That there is no grea- ter folly then for a man to let his tongue betray him to mifchicf. Let it therefore in this cafe at left ftand neuter, that if by their words they be not juftificd, yet by their words they may not be con- demned. They can be no loofers by it: for at the utmoft, tis but keeping in a little unfavory breath, which ( fuppofing no Gods to be offended with it ) is yet naufeous to all thofe men who believe there is one. To thofe indeed who have a zeal for their faith , there can be no difcourfe fo intolerable, fo difobli- ging : it turns converfation into skirmish- ing, and perpetual difputes. The E- gyptians were fo zealous for their bru- tish Deities, that Mofes prefumed the Ifraelites facrificing of thofe beafts they adored, muft needs fet them in an uproar Exod. 8.26. And fure thofe who do ac- knowledg a Divine power , cannot con- tentedly lit by to hear him blafphemed. Tis 38 The Government of the Tongue, Tis true there are fome fo cool, that they are of the fame mind for God, that Gideons fatlier was for Baaly Judg. 6.31. Let him plead for htmjelfy they will not appear in his defence: yet even thefe have a fecret confcioufnefs , that they ought to do fo , and therefore have fome uneafinefs in being put to the Teft: fo that it cannot beapleafant en- tcrtainement even for them. And thofe who have no fear of God to reftrain them, should methinks, unlefs they be perfectly of the temper of the unjuft Judg. Luke 17. i. in refpcdt to men abftain from all forts of impious dif- courfe 5 and at left be civil , tho they will not be pious. Sect, Sect.IV. Of T>etra£iion. 39 Sect. IV. Of Det ration. WE have feen in the lafl: Seftion the infolence of the Tongue to- wards God •, and fure we cannot exped it fhould pay more reverence to men. If there be thofe that d^Li^z ftr etch their mouths againfi heaven^ Pfalm 73. 9. we are not to wonder if there be more that will shoot their arro'-jvs , even bitter ^xords^ againft the befl: on earth? Pfalm 64 .3. 1 fliall not attemt to ranfack the whole quiver , by fhewing every particular fort of verbal injuries which relate to our Neighbors;, 1 fliall chufcout fome fev/, which either for the extraordinarincfs of their guilt , or the frequency of their pra- dice 5 are the moft eminent. I shall begin with T>etraciion 5 in which both thofe qualities concur : for as in fome inftan- ces tis one of the higheft fins , fo in the general tis certainly one of the mod common , and by being fo becomes in- fenfible 40 The Government of the Tongue. fenfible. This vice ( above all others ) feems to have maintained not only it's Empire , but it's reputation too. Men are not yet convinced heartily that it is a fin : or if any , not of fo deep a die » or fo wide an extent as indeed it is . They have if not falle, yet imperfeft notions of it , and by not knowing how far it's Circle reaches, do often like young Conjurers ftep beyond the limits of their fafecy. This I am the apter to believe , be- caule I fee fome degree of this fault cleave to thole, who have eminently cor- rected all other exorbitancics of the Tongue. Many who would ftartle at an Oath 5 whofe ftomachs as well as confci- ences recoil at an obfcenity, do yet Aide ghbly into a Detraction : which yet methinks perfons otherwifeof ftrid con- verfations Ihould not do frequently and habitually, had not their eaiy thoughts of the guilt fmoothed the way to it. I T may therefore be no unkind at- temt 3 to try ro difentangle from this Ihare by difplay mg it > fhewing the whole contexture of the fin, how tis woven with threds of dilTerent fizes, yet the leaft of them fl:rong enough to nooze and Sect. IV. Of T>etraaion. 41 and intrap us. And alas, if Satan fetcer us J tis indifferent to him whether it be by a cable or a hair: nay perhaps the malleft fins are hisjgreateft ftratagems. The finer his fine is fpun, the lefsfliadow it cafts,and is lefs apt to fright us from the hook : and tho there be much odds between a talent of lead and a grain of fand , yet thofe grains may be accumu- lated , till they out- weigh the talent. It was a good reply oCTlatds, to one who murmured at his reproving him for a fmall matter, Cuftom, faics he, is no fmall matter. And indeed fuppofing a- ny fin were fo fmall as we are willing to fancy mofl:, yet an indulgent habit even of tiiat would be certainly ruinous ; that indulgence being perfedly oppofite to the Love of God , which better can con- fift with the indeliberate commiflions of many fins , then with an allowed per- fifl:ance in any one. But in this matter of Detraftion I cannot yield that any is fmall , fave only comparatively with fome other of tlie fame kind which is Q;reater: for abfo- lately confidered, there is even in the very loweft degrees of it , a fiat contra- didion to the grand rule of Charity, F the 4.2 The Government of the Tongue. the loving our neighbor as our felves. And furely that v/hichat once violates the fum of the whole fecond Table of the Lav/ , for fo our Savior renders it Luke 10. 7. muft be lookt on as no trifling inconfiderable guilt. To evi- dence this I shall in the Anatomizing this fin, apply it in every part of it. I shall firft confider it in Grofs, in its en- tire body, and after defcend to itsfeve* ral limbs. 1. Detraction in the native im- portance of the word, fignifies the withdrawing or taking off from a thing -, and as it is applied to the reputation, it denotes the impairing and leilening a man in point of fame, rendringhim lefs valued and efteemed by others, v/hich is the final aim of Detraftion , tho pur- fued by various means. 2. This is juftly lookt on as one of the moft unkind defigns one man can have upon another , there being im- planted in every mans nature a great tendernefs of Reputation : and to be care- lefs of it , is lookt on as a mark of a De- generous mind. On which account Solon m his Laws prefumes , that he that will fell his own fame , will alfo fell the pub- Uc Sect. IV. Of T>etraciion. 45 lie intereft. lis true, many have im- proved this too far , blown up this native fpark into fuch flames of Am- bition, as has fet the world in a com- buftion •, Such as Kyilexander ^ Cefar ^ and others , who facrificed Hecatombs to their Fame , fed it up to a prodigy upon a Cannibal diet the flefli of Men: yet even thefeexceflesferve to evince the univerfal content of mankind , that Re- putation is a valuable and defireablc thing. 3. Nor have we only the fufFragc of man, but the atteftation of God him- ielf , who frequently in Scripture gives teftimony to it: k^ good name is better then great riches. Prov. 22.1. And agam 9 A good name vs better then precious oint- ment, Ecclef. 7. I. And the more to re- commend it , he propofes it as a reward to piety and vcrtue , as he menaces the contrary to v/ickednefs. The memory of the jiiji shall be blejjed^ but the name of the ivtcked shall rot. And that we may not think this an invitation fitted only to the [cwidi Oeconomy, the Apo- ftle goes farther , and propofes the en- deavor after it as a duty , Whatfoever things are of good report , if there be a?iy vertae 44- The Government of the Tongue. 'vertue , and if there be any pratfe 5 think onthefe things, Phil. 4. 8. 4. A N D accordingly good men have in their eftimate ranked their names the next degree to their Souls , prefer'd them before goods or life. Indeed 'tis that which gives an inferior fort of Im- mortality , and makes us even in this v/orld furvive our felves. This part of us alone continues verdant in the graven and yields a perfume, when we are llench and rottennefs : the coniideration where* of has fo prevailed with the more gene- rous Heathens , that they have cheerfully quitted life in contemplation of it. Thus Epaminonda^s alacrioufly expired, in con- fidence that he left behind him a per- petual memory of the victories he had atchieved for his Country. Brutus fo courted the fame of a Patriot, that he brake thro all the obftacles of gratitude and humanity to attain it : he cheerfully bare the defeat of hisattemt , in contem- . plation of the glory of it.Twere endlcfs to recount the ftories of tlie Codri , TDecii , and Curtii^wkh the train of thofe noble Heroe^jwho in behalf of their Countries devoted themfelves to certain death. 5. But we need no forreign Medi- ums Sect. IV. OfT>etra^ion. 45 urns to difcover the value of a good name ; let every man weigh it but in his own fcales 5 return to his breaft , and there reflect on that impatience he has when his own repute is invaded. To what dangers , to what guilts do's fomtimes the meer fancy of a reproach hurry men? It makes them really forfeit that vertue from whence all true reputation fprings, and .like Efops dog loofe the fubftance by too greedy catching at the fliadowi nn irrefragable proof how great a price they fet upon their fame. 6. A N D then fince reafon fets it at fo high a rate , and paffion at a higher, we may conclude the violating this inte- reft, one of the greateft injuries in hu- man commerce-, fuch as is refented not only by the ra(h, but th- fober : fo that we muft pick out only blocks and (tones, the ftupid and infenfible part of man- kind , if we think wee can inflict this wound without an affliftive fmart. And tho the power of Chriftianity do's in fome fo moderate this refentment , that none of thole blows fhall recoilcno de- gree of revenge be attemted ♦, yet that do's not at all juftify or excuie the in- flidcr. It may indeed be a ufeful trial of 4^ The Government of the Tongue. of the patience and meeknefs of the de- famed , yet the defamer has not the lefs cither of crime or danger : not of crime, for that is rather enhanced then aba- ted by the goodnefsof theperfon injur'd; nor of danger, fince God is the more immediate avenger of thofc who attemt not to be their own. But if the injury meeet not with this meeknefs (as in this vindidtive age tis manifold odds it will not) it then acquires another accumula- tive guilt, ftands anfwerable not only for its own pofitive ill , but for all the accidental which it caufes in the fufFerer, who by this means is rob'd not only of his repute, but his innocence alfo, pro- voked to thofe unchriftian returns, which draw God alfo into the enmity, and fet him at once at war with heaven and earth. And tho to his immediate judg- ment, he muft bear his iniquity , anfwer for his impatience: yet as in all Civil infurreftions the ringleader is lookt on with a particular feverity, fo doubtlefs in this cafe , the firft provoker has by his feniority and primogeniture a double portion of the guilt, and may confe- quently expeft of the Punifhment, ac- cording to the Doom of our Savior, Sect. IV. Of T>etra£f'ton. 47 JVoe be to that man by whom the offence Cometh. Mat. 18.7. 8. Indeed there isfuch attain of mif- chiefs ufually follow this fin , that tis fcarce poflible to make a full eftimate of its malignity. Tis one of the grand incendiaries which difturbs the peace of the world} and has a great share in moft of its quarrels. For could we examine all the feuds which harrafs Perfons, Families , nay fometimes Nations too, we should find the greater part , take their rife from injurious reprochful words, and that for one which is commen- ced upon the intuition of any real con- fiderable intercft, there are many v/hich owe their being to this licentioufiiefs of the Tongue. p. In regard therefore of its proper guile, and all thofe remoter fins and miferics which enfue it, tis every mans great concern to watch over himfelf. Neither is it lefs in rcfpeft both of that univerfal aptnefs we have to this fin, and its being fo perpetually at hand, that for others we mufi: attend occafions and convenient feafons, but the opportunities of this are alwaies ready : I can do my neighbor this injury, when I can do him no 48 The Government o f the Tongue. no otlicr. Befides the multitude of objefts do proportionably multiply both the pot fibilitiesandincitations- and the objefts here are as numerous , as there are Per- fons in the world , I either know , or have heard of. For tho fome forts of Detractions feem confin'd to thofe to whom v/e bear particular malice, yet there are other kinds of it more rang- ing, which fly indifferently at all. Laft- ly tliis fm has the aid almoft of univer- fai example , which is an advantage be- yond all the other 5 there being Icarce any fo irrefiflable i^finuation as the pra- ctice of thofe with whom we converfe, and no fubjed of converfe fo common as the defaming our neighbors. 10. Since then the path is fo flip- pery, it had not need be dark too. Let us then take in tlie befl: light we can , and attentively view this fin in its fevc- ral branches, that by a diflinft difcovery of the divers a£ts and degrees of it, wc may the better be armed againfl them all. Sect Sect. V. Of Ly'mgT>efamation. 49 S E C T. V. Of Lying Defamation. i."p\ETRACTION being ( as Jl^^ we have allready faid} the lefs- niiig and impairing a man in his re- pute, we may refolve, that what ever conduces to that end , is properly a De- tradion. I fliall begin with that which. is mod eminent, the fpreading of De- famatory reports. Thefe may be of two kinds, either falfe, or true; which tho they feem to be of very different com- plexions, yet may fpring from the fame ftock, and drive at the lame defign. Let us firft confider of the falfe. 2. And this admits of various cir- cumftances. Sometimes a man invents a perfe£t falfity of another-, fomerime he that do's not invent it, yet reports it, tho he know it to be falfe > and a third fort there are, who having not certain know- ledg whether it be falfe or no , do yet divulge it as an abfolute certainty , or at G Icafl 5 o The Government of the Tongue. leafl: with fuch artificial infinuations, as may biafs the hearer on that hand. The former of thefe is a crime of fo high, fo difmgcnuous a nature, that tho many are vile enough to commit it, none are fo impudent as to avow it. Even in this age of infulting vice, when almoft all other wickednels appears bare-fac'd, this is feign to keep oh the vizard. No man will own himfelf a falfe accuiertfor if modefty do not reftrain him , yet his very malice will i fince to confefs would be to defeat his defign. Indeed it is of all other fins the mofl: Diabolical, it be- ing a conjunftion of two of Satans mofl: eflential properties. Malice and Lying. We know tis his peculiar title to be the Acctifer of the brethren : and when we tranfcribe his copy, we alfo afiume his nature^intitleour felves to adefcentfrom him, Te are of your Father the T)eviL Joh. 8. 44. We are by it rendred a fort , ' of Licubus's^ the infamous progenies of the lying fpirit. It is indeed a fin of lb grofs fo formidable a bulk, that there needs no help of Optics to render it difcernable, and therefore I need not further expatiate on it. 3. The next degree is not much short Sect. V. Of Lying T>efamation, yi fhort of it 'y what it wants is rather of invention then maUce: for he that will fo adopt anothers lie, fhewes he would willingly have bin its proper Father. It do's indeed differ no more then the maker of adulterate wares , do's from the vender of them: and certainly there cannot be a more ignominious trade, then the be- ing Huckfters to fuch vile Merchandize. Neither is the fin lefs then the bafenefs : we find the Lover of a lie ranked in an equall form of guilt with the Makers Rev. 21. And furely he mufti be prefu- med to love it, that can defcend to be the broker to it, help it to pafs currant in the world. 4. T H E third fort of Detraftors look a htrie more demurely, and with the woman in the Proverbs, Chap. 30. wipe their mouths , and fay they have don no wickednefs. They do not certainly know the falfity of what they report , and their ignorance muft ferve them as an Amulet againft the guilt both of deceit and malice: but I fear it will do neither. For firft perhaps they are affeftedly ig- norant: diey are fo willing it Ihould be true , that they have not attemted to examine it. But Secondly it do*s not G 2 (u Alice f 2 The Government of the Tongue, fiitfice that I do not know the fallitjr : for to make me a true fpeaker, tis ne- ceflary I know the truth of what I affirm. Nay if the thing were never fo true, yet if I knew it not to be fo , its truth will not fecure me from being a liar : and there- fore whoever endeavors to have that rc- ceiv'd for a cercamty, which himfelf knows not to be fo , offends againft truth. The utmoft that can confift with fmcerity , is to repreient it to others as doubtful as it appears to him : yet even that how conibnant foever to truth 5 is not to Cha* rity. Even doubtful accufations leave a ftain behind them , and often prove in- dehble injuries to the party accufed : how much more then do the more pofitive and confident afperfions we have hither- to fpoken of i? Let me add only this concerning this later fort, that they are greater advancers of Defamatory defigns, then the very firft contrivers. For thofe upon a confcioufnefs of their falfnefs are obliged to proceed cautioufly 5 to pick out the credulous and leaft difcern- ing perfons, on whom to impofe their fictions , and dare not produce them in all companies for fear of dete(3:ion : but thefe in confidence that the untruth ( if it be Sect. V. Of Lying ^Defamation, fj be one } lies not at their door , fpcak it without any reftraint in all places, at all times 5 and what the others are fain to whifper, they proclame, like our new En- gine, which pretends to convey a whifper many miles off. So that as in the cafe of Stealing, tis proverbially faid , that if there were no receivers , there would be no thievesj fo in this of Slander, if there were fewer fp readers , there would be fewer forgers of Libels: the manufafture would be difcouraged, if it had not thefe retailers to put off the wares. 5. Now to apply thefe practices to our rule of duty , there will need no ve- ry clofe infpedion to difcern the ob- liquity. The moft fuperficial glance will evidence thefe feveral degrees of Slan- derers , to do what they would not be willing to fuffer. Who among them can be content to be falfely afperfed?Nay fo far are they from that , that let but the fhadow of their own calumny refleft on themfelves , let any but truly tell them that they have falfely accufed others, they grow raving and impatient , like a dog at a looking glafs fiercely combating that image which himfelf creates : and how fmoothly foever the original lie fiides from 54 The Government of the Tongue, from them , the Eccho of it grates their ears. And indeed tis obfervable, that thofe which make the greateft havock of other mens reputation, are the moft nicely tender of their own •, which fets this fin of calumny in a moft Diametri- cal oppofition to the Evangelical pre- cept of Loving our neighbors as mrfelves, 6. Thus much is difcernable even in the furface of the crime : but if we look deeper and examine the motives, we Ihall find the foundation well agrees to the fuperftrufture, they being ufually one of thefe two, Malice or Inter eji. And indeed the thing is fo difingenuous , (b contrary to the diftates of Humanity as well as Divinity, that I muft in reve- rence to our common nature , prefume it muft be fome very forcible impellent, that muft drive a man fo far from him- felf The Devil here plaies the Artift : and as the fatalleft poifons to man are (they fay) drawn from human bodies, fo here he extrafts the vencm of our I- rafcible and Concupifcible part, and in it dips thofe arrows , which, we thus Ihoot at one another. /•Tis needlefs to harangue feveral- ly upon each* The world too experimen- tally Sect. V. Of Lying ^Defamation, 5-5 tally knows the force of both. Malice is that whirlwind, which has fhook States and Families, no lefs then private Per- fons ; a paffion fo impetuous and preci- pitate , that it often equally involves the Agent and the Patient : a malicious man being o£ like violence with thofe who flung in tlie three Children, Dan. 3. confumed by thofe flames into which he cafl: others. As for IntereH ^ tis that univerfal Monarch to which all other Empires are Tributaries, to w^hichmen facnfice not only their Confciences and Innocence , but (^ what is ufually much dearer 3 their SenfualitiQS and Vices. Thofe whom all the Divine (^ either ) threats or promifes , cannot perfwade to mortify , nay but refl:rain one Luft: , at Mammons beck will difclame many , and force their inclinations to comply with their intereft. 8. And whilfl: this fin of Calumny has two fuch potent Abettors , we are not two wonder at its growth : as long as men are malicious and defigning, they will be traducing*, thofe Cyclops's will be perpetually forging Thunderbolts , a- gainfl: which no innocence or vertue can be proof. And alas we daily find too f6 The Government of the Tongue. too great effedi of their induftry. But tho thefe are the forgers of the more folemn dehberate cakimnies, yet this fportive age hath produced another fort, there being men that defame others by way of divertifementj invent little ftories that they may find themfelves exercife , and the Town talk. This if it muft pafsfor fport , is fuch as Solomon defcribes. Pro. 26. 185 ic). Kyis a mad man that cafteth firebrands^ arrows and death -^ fo u he that deceiveth his neighbor^ and faiths am not I in fport ? He that shoots an arrow in jeft J may kill a man in earneft , and he that gives himfelf liberty to play with his neighbors fame 5 may foon play it away. Moft men have fuch an aptnels to entertain finifter opinions of others, that they greedily draw in any fuggeftion of that kind -, and one may as eafily per- fwade the thirfty earth to refund the wa- ter she has fuckt into her veins , as tliem to depofite a prejudice tlicy have once taken up. Therefore fuch experiments upon fame, are as dangerous as that which Alexander is faid to have made of the force of Naptha upon his page, from which he fcarce efcaped with life. Thefe jocular flanders are often as mifchievous Sect, V. Of LyingT)efamation, 57 mifchievoLis as thofe of deeper defign> and have from the flightnefs of the tem- tation an enhancement of guilt. For fare he that can putfuchan intereft of his neighbors in balance with a little fit of laughter, fcts it at a lower price then he that hopes to enrich or advance him- felf by it : and tho it pafs among fome for a fpecimen of wit, yet it really leaves them among Solomons fools who make a mock at fin ^ Pro v. 14. In the mean time fince flander is a plant that can grow in all foils , fince the frolick humor as well as the morofe betraies to the guilt, who can hope to efcape this Scourge of the Tongue^ as the Wifeman calls it, which communicates with all. Perfons of all ranks do mutually af- perfe,and are afperfed: fo that he who would not have his credulity abufed , has Icarce a fecurer way , then ( like that Aftrologer, who made his Almanack give a tolerable account of the weather by a direft inverfion of the common prognofticators , ) to let his belief run quite counter to reports. Yea fo Epi- demic is this difeafe grown , that even religion ( at leaft thole parties and fa- dions which alTume that name ) has got H a taint yS The Government of the Tongue. a taint of it; each fed or opinion feek- ing to reprefent its Antagonift as odious as it can : and whilft they contend for ipeculative truth, they by mutual calum- nies forfeit the pradtic : a thing that juftly excites the grief of good men , to fee that thofe who all pretend to the fame Chriftianity, fhould only be una- nimous in the violating that truth and Charity it prefcribes. lo And ifthefe be the weapons of ourfpiritual warfare , what may we think of the carnal? How are our fecular ani- mofities purfued, when our Speculations are thus managed? How eafily do we run down the reputation of any who ftandin the way, either of our fpleen or avarice? When Jofephs refolute purity had changed the fcenc of his Miftres's paffion 5 fhe do's as readily fhift that of guilt too 5 and fixes her crime upon him Gen. 39. So when Ziba had a mind to undermine Mefhihosheth inhis^^ziQi he firft pradices upon his fame in a felle accufation, 2 Sam. 16. 3. And alas how familiarly do men now fee both thefe fcenes readed ? Thofe who will not take vice into their bofoms , fhall yet haye it befpatter their faces ; they who will not run Sect. V. Of Lying T>efamation. 5-9 run to the fame excefs of riot y muft ex- ped: to be evil fpoken of, i Pet. 4. 4. Nay not only pious men, but piety it felf partakes of the fame fate , falls un- der the two edg'd flander both of deceit and folly. And if men cannot be per- mitted quietly to enjoy their piety , much lefs will they thofe things whereof the world has more guft, I mean fecular ad- vantages. There are ftill crimes to be discovered in the pofleflbrs of honors or Eftates, and they wonderfully excite the zeal of thofe who would fupplant them. What artifices are there to make them appear unworthy of what they have, that others more unworthy may fucceed them ? Nor are thefe ftorms on- ly in the upper region , in the higher ranks of men •, but if we pafs thro all degrees , wc fhall find the difference is rather in the value of the things , then in the means of purfuing them. He that pretends to the meanefl office , do's as fludioufly difparage his competitor , as he that is rivaled for a kingdom. Nay even he that has but a merry humor to gratify, makes no fcruple to do it with the lofs of another mans reputation. II. Thus do we accomodate every H 2 petty 6o The Government of the Tongue. * ■■■■■!■ II I I II - 1 ^ " petty temporal intereft at the coft of our eternal : and as an unskilful Fencer, whilft he is purfuing his thruft > expofcs his body5 fo whilft we thus adluate our ow^ malice 5 we abandon our felvcs to Satans , receive mortal wounds fron> him, only tliat we may give a few light fcratch- cs to one another. For as I have before fiid , there is nothing do's more fecure his title to us , then this vice of Calum- ny, it bearing his proper imprefs and fi- gure. And we may fear Cbriji will one day make the fame Judgment of Perfons as he did of coin , and award them to him whofe Image and Suferfcription they bear. Mat, 22. 20. 12. And now how great a madnefs is it , to make fuch coftly oblations to fo vile an Idol? This is indeed the worfhip- ing our own Imaginations , preferring a malicious fidion before a real felicity, and is but faintly refembled by him, who is faid to have chofen to part with his Bifhopric, rather then burn his Romance. Alas are there not grofs corporal fins e- nough to ruin us ^ but muft we have aere- al on's too, damn our lelves with Chi- mera's , and by thefc forgeries of our brains dream our felvcs to deftruftion ? 13. Let Sect. V. of Lying T)efamation. 6i 13. Let all thofe then who thus un- happily imploy their inventive faculty, timely confider, how unthriving a trade tis finally like to prove, that all their falfe accufations of others , will rebound in true ones upon themfelves. It do's often fo in this world , where many times the moft Clandeftine contrivances of this kind meet with deteftio^: or if they fhould happen to keep on the difguife here, yet twill infallibly be torn ofFaf the great day of manifcftation, when be- fore God , Angels , and Men , they will be rendered infinitly more vile, then twa$ poflible for them here to make others. Sect. 62 The Government of the Tongue. Sect. VI. OfVncharitalle Truth, I. T N the next place we are to confi- J^der of the other branch of Defama- tory reports, viz. fuch as are true: which tho they muft be confeft to be of a low- er form of guilt then the former, yet as to the kind ? they equally agree in the definition of Detraftion 5 fmce tis pofli- ble to impair a mans credit by true re- ports as well as by falfe. 2. To clear this I fhall firft obferve> that altho every fault hath fome penal effefts which are coctaneous to the aft, yea this of Infamy is not fo : this is a more remote confequent j that which it imme- diatly depends upon, is the publilhing. A man may do things which to God and his own confcience render him abo- minable , and yet keep his reputation with men: but when this ftifled crime breaks out, whea his fecret guilts are de- tcfted 5 then, and not till then , he be- comes infamous : fo that altho his fin be the Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable Truth, 63 the Material, yet it is the difcovery that i^ the Formal caufe of his infamy. 3. This being granted, it follows that he that divulges an unknown con- celed fault, ftands accountable for all the confequences that flow from that di- vulging j but whether accountable as for guilt, muft be determined by the parti- cular circumftances of the caufe. So that hcrei we muft admit of an exception ; for tho every difcovery of anothcrs fault be in the ftriit natural fcnfe of the word a Detraftion, yet it will not alwaies be the iin of Detradion, becaufe in fomc inftances there may fome higher obligation inter- vene, and fuperfede that we owe to the fame of our neighbors and in thofe cafes it may not only be lawful, but neceflary to expofe him. 4. No w all fuch cafes I conceive may fummarily be reduced to two heads, Ju- ftice and Charity. Firft as to Juftice; that we know is a fundamental vertue, and he that Ihall violate that, to abound in another , is as abfurd> as he that under- mines the foundation to raife the walls. We are not to fteal lo give almes , and God himfelf has declared that he hates robbery for a burnt-ofFering : fo that no pretence 64 The Government of the Tongue. pretence either of Charity or Piety can abfolve us from the duty we owe to Ju- Ricc. Now it may often fall out , that by conceling one mans fault , I may be injurious to another, nay to a whole community: and then I aflume the guilt I conccle, and by the Laws both of God and Man, am judged an acceflbry. f. And as Juftice to others enforces , fo fomctimes Juftice to a mans fel£ al- lows the pabhfhing of a fault, when z confiderable intereft either of fame or for- tune- cannot otherwife be refcued. But to make loud outcries of injury, when they tend nothing to the rcdrefs of it, is a liberty rather aflumed by rage and impatience, then authorized by Ju- ftice. Nay often in that cafe the com- plainer is the moft injurious Perfon> for he inflifts more then he fuffers , and in lieu of fome trivial right of his which is invaded, he aflaults the other in a liiearer intereft, by wounding him in his good name : bat if the caufe be confide- rable, and the manner regular, there lies fure no obligations upon any man, to wrong himfelf , to indulge to ano- ther. 6. Neit-wer do's Charity retrench thi$ Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable Truth. 6^ this liberty; for tho it be one a£t of Charity to concele another mans faults, yet fometimes it may be inconfiftent with fome more important Charity, which I owe to a third Perfon , or per- haps to a multitude ; as in thoie cafes wherein public benefit is concern'd. If this were not allowable ^ no hiftory could lawfully be written, fince if true, it cannot but recount the faults of ma- ny: no evidence could be brought in againft a Malefador : and indeed all dif- cipline would be fubverted 5 which would be fo great a mifchief , that Cha- rity obliges to prevent it , what Defa- mation foever fall upon the guilty by it. For in fuch inftances tis a true rule 5 that mercy to the evil proves cruelty to the innocent : and as in a competition of mif- chiefs , we are to chufe the leaft , fo of two goods the greateft , and the more extenfive , is the moft eligible. 7. Nay even that Charity which refledts upon my felf, may alfo fome- times fuperfede that to my Neighbor , the rule obliging me to love him as , not better then, my felf. I need not fure filently aflent to my own unjuft Defa- mation, for fear of proving another a I falfe 66 The Government of the Tongue. falfe accufer , nor fuffer my felt to be mad:; a begger , to concele another mans being a thief. Tis true 5 in a great ine- quaUty of interefts, Charity ( whofe Character it is 3 Not to feek her own I Cor. 13. f.) will promt me to prefer a greater concern ot my neighbors , be- fore a flight one of my own : but in e- qual circumftances I am fure at liber- ty to be kind firft to my felf. If I will recede even from that, I may; but that is then to be accounted among the Heroic flights of Charity , not her binding and indifpenfible Laws. 8. Having now fet the bound- aries to the excepted cafes ; as all in- ftances within them will be legitimated> fo all without tliem will ( by the known rule of exceptions ) be precluded , and fall under that general duty we owe to our neighbor , of tendering his credit : an obligation fo Univerfally infringed, that tis not imaginable the breach fliould alwaies happen within the excepted ca- fes. When tis remembred how unaftive the principles of Juftice and Charity are now grown in the world 5 we muft cer- tainly impute fuch incefTant effeds, to fome more vigorous caufes: of which it may Sect. VI. OfUncharitableTruth. 67 may not be amifs to point out Ibme of the mod obvious, and leave every man to- examine which of them he finds moft operative in himielf 5>. In the firft place I may reckon ^ride ^ a humor which as it is alwaies mounting, fo it will make ufe of any foot-ftool towards its rife. A man who affedls an extraordinary fplendor of re- putation, is glad to find any foils tofet him offj and therefore will let no fault nor folly of anothers enjoy the fhade, but brings it into the open light , that by that comparifon, his own excellences may appear the brighter. I dare appeal to the breaft of any proud man, whether he do not upon fuch occafions , make fome Pharifaical reflections upon him- felf 5 whether he be not apt to fay , / am nvt like other men-, or as this Tublicdfi', Luke 18. tho probably he leave out the God I thank thee. Now he that cheriflies fuch refentments as thefe in himfelf, will doubtlefe be willing to propagate them to other men , and to that end render the blemiflies of others as vifible as he can. But this betraies a degene- rous fpirit , which from a confcioufnefs that he wants folid worth , on which to I 2 bottom 68 The Government of the Tongue. bottom a reputation 5 is fain to found it on the ruines of other mens. The rriie Diamond fparkles even in the funr ihinertis but a glow-worm vertue 5 that ows it lufter to the darknefs about it. 10. Another promter to Detra- flrion is Envy , which fometimes is par- ticular, fometimes general. He that has a picque to another, would have him as hateful to all mankind as he is to him; and therefore as he griev's and repines at any thing that may advance his efti- mation, folie exults and triumphs when any thing occurs which may deprefs it| and is ufually very induftrious to im- prove the opportunity, nay has a ftrange fagacity in hunting it out. No vul- ture do's more quickly fcent a carcafs, then an envious Perfon do's thofe dead fiies which corrupt his neighbors oint- jment, Ecclef. 10. i. the vapor whereof his hate, like a ftrong wind , fcatters and difperfes far and near. Nor needs he any great crime to practice on : every litr tie infirmity or paffion , lookt on thrp his Optics, appears a mountainous guilt. He can improve the leaft fpeck or frec- kle into a leprofy, which Ihall over- fpread the whole man : and a cloud no big- Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable Truth. 6p gerthen a mans hand^ like that of £//j^^, I Kings 18.44. may in aninftant,with the help of prejudice , grow to the ut- ter darkning of his reputation, and fill the whole horifon with tern pert and horror. Sometimes this Envy is gene- ral, not confin'd to any mans perfon, but difFufed to the whole nature. Some tempers there are fo malign, that they wifh ill to all , and believe ill ot all j like Timon the Athenian , who profeft him- felf a univerfal man-hater. He whofe guilty confcience reflects difmal images of himfclf , is willing to put the fame ugly shape upon tlie whole nature , and to conclude that all men are the fame, were they but clofely infpefted. And therefore when he can fee but the leaft glimering of a fault in any , he takes it as a proof by his Hypothefis , and with ^n envious joy calls in as many fpe£ta- tors as he can. Tis certain there are fome in whofe ears nothing founds fo harsh as the commendation of another , as on the contrary nothing is fo melodi- ous as a Defamation. Plutarch give an apt inftance of this upon ^ylriftides's ba- nishment, whom when a mean Perfon had proposed tp pftracifm, being askt what 70 The Government ot the Tongue. whatdifplefure t^riftides had don him, he replied, None ^ neither do I know hini'i but it grieves me to hear everybody call him a jujl man. I fear fome of our keeneft accufers now a daies may giv^ the fameanfwcr. No man that is eminent for Piety Qor: indeed but mo- rall vertue } but he shall have many in- fidibiis eies upon him watching for his haltifigi and if any the leaft obliquity can be efpied, he is ufed worfe then the Vifeft malefaftor : for fuch are tried but at one bar, and know the utmoft of their doom, but thefe are arraigned at e- Very Table, in every Tavern. And at fucli variety of Judicatories , there will be as great variety of fentencesj only they commonly concur in this one , that he is an Hypocrite , and then what com- placency, what triumph have they in fuch a difcovery? There is not half lo much Epicurifm in any of their moft ftudied luxuries, no fpedacle affords them fo much plefure , as a bleeding fame thus lying at their mercy. II. Another fort of Detraftors there are, whole defigns are not fo black , but are mean and fordid , much too light to be put in balance with a neighbors Credit. Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable Truth, ji Credit. , Of thofe fome will pick up all the little ftories they can get , to humor a Patron : an artifice well known by thofe trencher guefts, who, hke Rats, ftiU haunt the beft Provifions. Thefe men do almoft come up to a literal fenfe of what the Tfalmiji fpoke in a figurative, Pfal. 14. and eat up Teople for bread 'i tare and worry men in their good names , that themfelves may eat. It was a Curfe denounced againft Eli's ofFfpring, that they should come and crouch for a morfel of bread i. Sam. 2. 39. But fuch men court this as a pre- ferment j and to bring themfelves with- in the reach of it , Hick not to afliime that vileft office of common Delators. There are others who when they have got the knowledg of another mans fault, think it an endearing thmg to whifper it in the ear of fome friend or confi- dent. But fure if they muft needs (a- crifice Ibme fccret to their friendfliip, they should take T>avids rule > and not offer that which cofl them nothing^ If they wiU exprefs their confidence, let them acquaint them with their own pri* vate crimes. That indeed would show fomthingoftruft: but thofe experiments upon 72 The Government of the Tongue. upon another mans coft, will hardly con- vince any confidering perfon of their kindnefs. 12. There ftill remains a yet more trifling fort of Defamers , who have no deliberate defign which they purfue in it , yet are as affidaous at the Trade as the deeper contrivers. Such are thofe who publish their neighbors failings as they read Gazets, only that they may be telling News : an Itch wherewith fome peoples tongues are flrangely over- run, who can as well hold a glowing Coal in their mouthes , as keep any thing they think Newj nay will fomtimes run them* felves out of breath , for fear leaft any should ferve them as Ahimaaz, did Cu- shi, 2. Sam. i8. 23. and tell the tale before them. This i% one of the moft Childish vanities imaginable: and fure men muft have Souls of a very low le- vel ) that can think it a commenfurate entertainment. Others there are who ufe Defamatory difcourle, neither for the love of News, nor Defamation, but purely for love of talk : whole fpeech like a flowing Current bears away indiC criminately whatever lies in its way. And indeed fuch inceflant talkers , are ufually people Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable Truth. 73 people not of depth enough to fupply themfelves out of their own ftore ? and therefore can let no forreign acceflion pafs by them , no more then a Mill which is always going, can afford any waters to run waft. I know we ufe to call this Talkativenefs a Feminine vice 5 but to fpcak impartially , I think , tho we have given them the inclofure of the Scandal^ they have not of the fault , and he that shall appropriate Loquacity to Women, may perhaps fomtimes need to light T^iogenes's Candle to feek a man : for tis poflible to go into Mafculine com- pany 5 where twill be as hard to edg in a word , as at a Female Gofliping, However as to this particular of Defa- ming , both the Sexes feem to be at a vye: and I think he were a very Cri- tical Judg, that could determine between them, 13, Now lead thefe later fort of Defamers fliould be apt to abfolve themfelves , as men of harmlefs inten- tions J I fhall defire them to confider, that they are only more impertinent, not lefs injurious. For tho it be grant- ed , that the proud and envious are to make a diftinit account for their Pride K and 74 The Government of the Tongue. and tnvyj yet as far as relates to the neighbor 3 they are equally mifchievous. i^nacreon that was choaked with a grape-ftone, died as furely as Julius Ce- far with his three and twenty wounds -, and a mans reputation may be as well fool'd and prattled away, as malicioufly betraied. Nay perhaps more eafily j for where the fpeaker can Icaft be fufpefted of defign, the hearer is apter to give him Credit: this way of infinuating by fa- miliar difcourfe 3 being like thofe poifons that are taken in at the pores 5 which are the moft infenfibly fucked in j and the moft impoffibic to expel. 14. But we need not dtfpiite which is worftj fince tis certain all are bad, none of them ( or any that hold pro- portion with them } being at all able to pretend their warrant either from Ju- ftice or Charity. And then what our Savior faies in another cafe, will beap- pliable to this. He that is not for us is againflus. Mat. 12. 30. He that in pub- lifliing his neighbors faults, acts not upon the dictates of Juftice or Charity, acts diredtly in contradiction to them: for where they do not upon fome par- ticular refpedts command, they do im- plicitly Sect. VL Of Uncharitable Truth, jf plicitly and generally forbid all fuch dif- coveries. If. For lirfl: if the fault divulged be of a light nature 5 the offender cannot thereby merit fo much as to be made a public difcourfe. Fame is a tender thing, and feldom is toft and bandied without receiving fome bruilej it not a crack: for reports we know like fnow balls gather ftill the farther they roule, and when I have once handed it to another , how know I how he may improve it; and if he deliver it fo ad- vanced to a third , he may give his con- tribution alfo to it, and fo in a fuccef^ five tranfmitting5it may grow to fuch a monftrous bulk , as bears no proportion to its Original. He muft be a great ftranger to the world, that has not ex- perimentally found the truth of this. How many perfons have lain under great and heavy fcandals , which have ta- ken their firft rife only from fome in- advertence , or indifcretion? Of fo quick a growth is Slander, that the leaft grain, like that of muftard feed, mentioned Mat. 13. 32. immediatly fliootsup into a tree. And when it is fo , it can no more be reduced back into its firft caufe, then y6 The Government of the Tongue, then a tree canfhrink into that little feed from whence it firft fprang. No ruines are fo irreparable as thofe of reputation : and therefore he that pulls out but one ftone towards the breach , may do a greater mifchief then perhaps he intends: and a greater injuftice too j for by how much the more ftridly Juftice obliges to reparation in cafe of mjuries don, fo much the more fcverely do*s it prohibit the doing thofe injuries which are unca- pable of being repaired. In the Leviti- call Law he that knew his ox was apt to gore 5 and yet kept him not up, flood refponfible for any mifchief he happened to do, Exod. 21. 29. I thmk there is no confidering man can be igno- rant how apt even little trivial accufa- tions are to tear and mangle ones fame: and if yet thelavifli talker reftrain them not 5 he certainly ftands accountable to God, his Neighbor 3 and his own Con- fcience, for all the danger they pro- cure. 16. But if the report concern fome higher and enormous crime , tis true the delinquent may deferve the lefs pitty , yet perhaps the reporter may not de- ferve the kfs blame: for often fuch a difcovery Sect, VI. Of Uncharitable Truth. ^7 difcovery fcrves but to enrage ^ not re- clame the offender, and precipitate him into farther degrees of ill. Modefty and fear of shame, is one of thofe natural reftraints , which the wifdom of God has put upon mankind, and he that once ftumbles, may yet by the check of that bridle recover again : but when by a public deteftion he is fallen under that infamy he fear'd, he will then be apt to difcard all caution, and to think he ov/s himfelf the utmoft plefures of his vice, as the price of his reputation. Nay perhaps he advances farther, and fets up for a reveril fort of Fame, by being eminently wicked; and he who before was but a Clandeftinedifciple, becomes a Doftor of impiety. And fure it were better to let a concelcd crime remain in its wisht obfcurity , then by thus rouz- ing it from its covert, bring it to ftand at bay, and fetit fclf in this open defi- ance; efpecially in this degenerous age, when vice has fo many well willers, that like a hoping party , they eagerly run in to any that will head them. 17. And this bnngs in a third con- fideration relating to the public, to which the divulging of private ( efpecially if they 78 The Government of the Tongue. they be novel, unufaal} crimes, do's but an ill piece of fervice. Vice is contagi- ous, and cafts peftilential vapors : and as he that ihould bring out a plague-fick Perfon y to inform the world of his dif- eafe, would be thought not to have much befriended his neighborhood , fo he that difplaies thefe vicious Ulcers, whilft he feeks to defame one, may per- haps infeft many. We too experimen- tally find the force of ill examples. Men often take up fins , to which they have no natural propenfion , meerly by way of conformity and imitation. But if the infliance happen in a crime, which more fuits the praftice of the hearers , tho it cannot be faid to feduce , yet it may in- courage and confirm them , embolden them not only the more frequently to aft , but even to avow thofe fins , wherein they find they ftand not fingle , and by difcovering a new accellbry to their Par- ty , invite them the more heartily and openly to efpoufe it. 18. These arc fuch effeds as fiirely do very ill correfpond with that Juftice and Charity we owe either to particular Perfons , or to mankind in General, And indeed no better can be expected , from Sect. VI. of Unc h ant able Truth, 79 from a prafticc which fo perfeftly con- tradicts the grand rule both of Juftice and Charity, The doing as we would be don to. That this do's fo , every man has a ready convidion within him , if he pleafe but to confult his own heart. Alas with what folicitude do we feek to hide our own guilts , what falfe drefles, what varniflics have we for them ? There are not moie arts of difguifing our Cor- poral blemifhes, then our Moral: and yet whilft we thus paint and parget our own deformities , we cannot allow any the leaft imperfeftion of anothers to re- main undetected , but tear off the veil from their blufliing frailties, and not on- ly expofe , but proclame them. And can there be a grofler , a more deteftable partiality then this ^ God may fare in this inftance (as in many others) cxpo- ftulate with us as he did with irrael5Ezech. 33. Kyire not your waies unequal} What Barbarifm , what inhumanity is it , thus to treat rhofe of the fame common na- ture with our felves , whom we cannot but know have the fame concern to preferve a Reputation , and the fame regret to loofe it , which we have > And what a fliameis it > that that Evangelical precept 8o The Government of the Tongue. precept , of doing as we would be don to , which met with fo much reverence even from Heathens , that Severm the Emperour prefer'd it to all the Ma- xims of Philofophers , {hould be thus con- temned and violated by Chriftians , and that too upon fuch flight inconfiderable motives as ufually prevail in this cafe of Defamation ? 19. But we are not to confi- der this fault only in its root, as it is a defe£t of Juftice and Charity , but in its produft too, as it is a Seminary of more Injuftice and Uncharitablenefs. Thofe difadvantagious reports we make of our neighbors, are almoft feen to come round: for let no man perfwade himfelf , that the hearers will keep his counfel any better then he do's that of the defamed Perfon. The fofteft whifper of this kind, will find others to Eccho it , till it reach the ears of the concerned Party, and perhaps with fome enhancing circum- ftances too. And when tis confider'd how unwilling men are to hear of their faults, tho even in the mildeft and moft chari* table way of admonition , tis not to be doubted a pubUc Defamation will (eem dilbbliging enough to provoke a return; which Sect. VL Of Uncharitable Truth, 8i whicli again begets a rejoinder, and (b the quarrel is carried on with mutual recriminations: all malicious inquiries are made into each others manners , and thofe things which perhaps they did in clofets , come to be proclamed upon the hou(e top : fo the wild fire runs round, till fbmetimes nothing but blood will quench it j or if it arrive not to that, yet it ufuaily fixes in an irreconcileable feud. To this is often owing thofe di- ftances we fee among friends and re- lations ; this breeds fuch ftrangenefs , fuch animofities amongfl neighbors , that you cannot go to one, but you fliall be en- tertain'd with inveftives againfl the o- ther; nay perhaps you fhall lofe both, becaufe you are willing to fide with nei- ther. 20. These are the ufual confequen-* ccs of the liberty of the Tongue : and what account can any man give to him- felf , either in Chriflianity or prudence , that has let in fuch a train of mifchiefs , meerly to gratify an impotent childish humor of telling a tale i Peace was the great Legacy Chrifl left to his followers, and ought to be guarded , tho we expofc for it our greateft temporal concerns, L but 8i The Government of the Tongue. but cannot without defpight to him , as well as our brethren, be thus proftitu- ted. 21. Yet if wc confidcr it abftradted- ly, from thefe more folemn mifcliiefs which attend it , the meer levity and Bnworthinefs of it fets it below an in- genuous Perfon. We generally chink a tatler and bufy body a title of no fmall reproch ; yet truly 1 know not to whom it more juftly belongs, then to thofe, who bufy themfelves firft in learning, and then in publishing the faults of o-* thers : an emploiment which the Apoftle thought a blot, even upon the weaker fex , and thinks the prevention of fuch importance, that he prefcribes them to change their whole condition of life ; to convert widowhood^tho aftate which in other refpeflrs he much prefers, i Cor. 7. 8.) into marriage 3 rather then ex- pofe themfelves to the temtation, i Tim. f. 13, 14. And if their impotence can* not afford excufe for it, what a de^ bafement is it of mens nobler faculties to be thus entertained. The Hiftorian gives it as an ill indication of T^omitians temper, that he emploi'd himfelf in catch- ing and tormenting Flies : and fure they fall Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable Truth, 83 fall not under a much better charader, cither for wifdonijOr good nature, who thus fnatch up all the little fluttering re* ports they can meet with to the preju- dice of tlieir neighbors. 22. But bcfides this divulging the faults of others, there is another branch of Detraftion naturally fpringing from this root, and that is cenfuring and fe- vere judging of them. We think not we have well plai'd the Hiftorians , when we have told the thing , unlefs we add alfo our remarks, and animadverfions on it. And altho -'tis, God knows, bad enough to make a naked relation , and truft it to thefevcrity of the hearers \ yet few can content themfelves with that, but muft give them a fample of rigor, and by the bitternefs of their own cen- fure invite them to pafs the like : a procefs contrary to all rules of Law or equity , for the plaintiff to aflume the part of ajudg. And we may eafily divine the fate of that mans fame, that is fo unduly tried. 23. 'Tis indeed fad to fee how ma- ny private tribunals are every where fet up , where we fcan and judg our neigh- bor's adions , but fcarce ever acquit any. L 2 We 84 The Government of the Tongue. We take up with the moft incompetent witnefies ? nay often fuborn our own fur- mifes and jealoufies, that we may bcfure tocaft the unhappy Criminal. How nice- ly and fcrupuloully do we examine every circumftance, (would God we were but half as exad: in our own penitential in- quifitions) and torture it to make it confefs fomething which appears not in the more general view of the fad, and which perhaps never was in the aftors intention ? In a word we do like witches with their Magical Chymiftry, exaft all the vcnem) and take none of the allay. By this means we confound the degrees of fins , and fentence deliberate and inde- liberate, a liabit or an aft all at one rate, that is commonly, at the utmoft it can amount to , even in its worfe acceptir on : and fure this were a moft culpa- ble corruption in judgment , could we shew our commiffion to judg our bre- thren. 24. But here we may every one of us interrogate our fclves in our Saviors words, frho made me a Judg? Luk. 12. 14. And if he difclam'd it, (who in re^ fpeft of his Divinity had the Supreme right } and that tqo in a cafe \^ herein one Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable Truth, 8f one ( at leaft } of the Litigants had de- fired his Interpofition , what a boldncfs is it in us to aflume it , where no fuch appeal is made to us , but on the con- trary the Party difowns our Aucority ? Nay (which is infinitly more) tis fuper- feded by our great Law- giver , in that exprefs prohibition, Mat. /• i. Judg not , and that back'd widi a fevere pe- nalty, that ye be not judged ? As God hath appropriated vengeance to himfelf , fo has he Judicature alfo • and tis an in- vafion of his pccuhar, for any (but his Delegates the lawful Magiftratcs ) to pretend to cither. And indeed in all pri- vate Judgments , fo much depends upon the intention of the Offender , that un- lefs we could poflefs our felvcs of Gods Omnifcience , twill be as irrational as impious to aflume his Autority. Until we know mens hearts , we are at the beft but imperfeft Judges of their adi- ons. At our rate of judging St. Paul had furely pafs'd for a moft malicious Perfecutor , whereas. God faw he did /- ^norantly in unbeliefs and upon that in- tuition had mercy on him-i i. Tim. i. 13, Tis therefore good counfel which fhc Apoflle gives, i. Cor. 4, f. Judg nothing 86 The Government of the Tongue. nothing before the time until the Lord come. For tho tis faid the Saints shall judg the worlds i. Cor. 6. 3. yet it mult be at the great Aflize , and he that will needs intrude himfelf into the office be- fore the time , will be in danger to be rather Paflive then Aftive in the Judica- tory. I do not here advife to fuch a ftu- pid charity 5 as {hall make no diftinftion of actions. I know there is a wo pro- nounced as well to thofe who call evil good-i as good evil. Surely when we fee an open notorious fin committed , we may exprefs a deteftation of the Crime, tho not of the Aftor •, nay it may fome- times be a neceflary Charity , both to the Offender > and to the innocent Spe- iSators ) as an Amulet to keep them from the Contagion of the Example. But dill even in thefe cafes , our Sentence muft not exceed the evidence , we muft judg only according to the vifible undoubted circumftances , and not aggravate the crime upon prefumtions and conjeftures; if we do , how right focver our gucfles may be, our judgment is not j but we are as St. James fpeaks. Judges of evil thoughts. Chap. 2. 4. 25. Indeed this rafli judging is Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable Truth. 87 is not only very unjuft both to God and man > but it is an aft of the great- eft pride. When we fct our felves in the Tribunal , we alwaies look down with contemt on thofe at the bar. And certainly there is nothing do's fo grati- fy , fo regale a haughty humor , as this piece of ufurpt Soverainty over our bre- thren : but the more it do's fo , the greater neceflity there is to abftain from it. Pride is a hardy kind of vice , that will live upon the bareft pafture : you Cannot ftarve it with themoft induftrious mortifications : how little need is there then of pampering and heightning it? which we cannot more efFedually do, then by this cenforious humor : for by that we are fo perpetually emploi'd a- broad> that we have no leifure to look homeward 5 and fee our own defefts. We are like the inhabitants oiAh Jof. 8. fo ea- ger upon our purfuit of others, that we leave our felves expofd to the ambuflies of Satan , who will be fure ftiU to in- courage us in our chafe, draw us ftill farther and farther from our felves , and cares not how zealous we are in fight- ing againft the crimes of others , fo he can but keep that zeal from recoiling upon our own. 26Laft- 8 8 The Government of the Tongue* 16. Lastly this judging others is one of the higheft violations of Charity, The Apoftle gives it as one of the pro-^ perries oF that grace , that it thinks no e- 'vil C /. ^. ) is not apt to make fevere con- ftruftions , but lets every thing in the faireft light , put^ the moft candid inter- pretations that the matter will bear. And truly this is of great importance to the reputation of our neighbors. The world we know is in many inftances extreme- ly governed by opinion 5 but in this 'tis all in all v it has not only an influence upon it, but is that very thing : reputa- tion being nothing but a fair opinion and eftimation among others. Now this opinion is not alwaies fwaied by due motives: fometimes little accidents, and often fancy, and ofteft prepoflcflion go- verns in it. So that many times he that puts the firft ill Character, fixes the ftamp , which afterwards goes currant in the world. The generality of people take up prejudices (as they do religions} upon truft : and of thofe that are more curious in inquiring into the grounds, there are not many who vary on the more charitable hand, or bring the com- mon fentence to review , with intent to moderate Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable Truth. 8c) - moderate but inhance it; Men are apt to think it fome difparagement to their acutenefs and invention , if they can- not fay fomething as sharp upon the fubjedt, as hath bin faid before j andfo tis the bufinefs of many to lay on more load, but of few to take off: and there-' fore he that pafles the firft condemna- tory fentence , is like the incendiary in a popular tumult , who is chargeable with all thofe diforders to which he gave the firft rife 5 tho that free not his A* bettors from their fhare of the guilt. 27. And as this is very uncharitable in refped: of the injury offer'd, fo alfo is it in refledion on the grand rule of Charity. Can we pretend to love our neighbors as ourfelves5and yet shall our love to him have the quite contrary etfefts to that we bear our felves? Can felf-love leflen our beam into a motej and yet can our love to him magnify his mote mto abeam? No certainly, true Charity is more fincere, do's not turn to us the reverfe end of the perfpeftive, to reprefent our own faults at a diftance^ and in the moft diminutive fize, and yet shuffle the other to us when we are to view his. No , thefe are Tricks of M Lcger-^ po Tlie Government of the Tongue. Legerdemain we learn in another School, even his whofe ftile is the accufer of the brethren. We know how frequently God protefts again ft falfe weights and falfe mefures. And fure 'tis not only in the shop or market that he abhors them, they are no lefs abominable in conver- fation then in traffic. To buy by one mefure and fell by another, is not more unequal , then it is to have thele differing ftandards for our own and our neigh- bors faults , that our own shall weigh, in the prophetJeremiesPhrafe,//>^/^r then vanity i yea nothing , and yet his ( tho really the lighter) shall prove Zacha- ries talent of lead. Thisis fuch a partial- lity, as confifts not with common ho- nefty, and can therefore never be recon- ciled with Chriftian Charity: and how demurely foever fuch men may pretend to fandiity , that interrogation of Gods prefles hard upon them, Shall I count thempire with the wicked ballances ^ and with the bag of deceit full weights ? Mich. 6. II. Such bitter inveftives againft o- ther mens faultsj and indulgence or pal- liation of their own, shews their zeal lies in their fpleen , and that they confi- der not fo much what is don> as who do's Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable Truth. 5)1 do's it: and to fuch the fentence of the Apoftle is very applicable, Rom. 2. i. Therefore thou art inexcufable man whofoever thou art that judgeji ^ for where- in thou judgefi another thou condemnefi thy felfi for thou that judgejl doft the fame thing. But admit a man have not the very fame guilts \\t cenfures in a- nother, yet 'tis liire every man has feme, and of what fort foever they be , he de- iires not they should be rigoroufly fcan'd, and therefore by the rule of Charity j yea and juftice too, ought not to do that which he would not fuffer. If he can find extenuations for his own crimes, he is in all reafon to prefume others may have fo for theirs ; the common frailty of our nature , as it is apt alike to betray us to faults , (b it gives as e- qual share iii the excufe-, and therefore what I .would have pafs for the cfFc£t of impotency or inadvertence in my felf , I can with no tolerable ingenuity give a worfe name to in him. 28. We have now view'd both thefe branches of Detraftion , ken both the fin and mifchiefs of them , we may now join them together in a concluding ob- iervation, which is, that diey are as im- M 2 prudent p2 The Government of the Tongue. prudent as they are unchriftian. It has bin received among the maxims of civil life 5 not unneceflarily to exafperate any body> to which agrees the advice of an ancient Philofopher, Speak not evil of thy neighb or , if thou do'fl: , thou shalt hear that which will not fail to trouble thee. There is no Perfon fo inconfide- rable , but may at fome time or other do a difplefure: but in this of Defaming men need no harnelling, no preparationi every man has his weapons ready for a return : fo that none can fhoot thefe ar- rows, but they muft expeft they will re^ vert with a rebounded force : not only to the violation of Chriftian Unity ( as I have before obferv'd } but to the Ag- greflbrs great fecular detriment, both in fame 5 and oftentimes intereft alfo . Re- venge is sharp-fighted 5 and overlooks no opportunity of a retaliation, and that commonly not bounded as the Leviticai ones were , i^n eie for an eiey a tooth for a tooth ^ Exod. 21. 24. no nor by the arger proportions of their reftitutions fourfold^ Exod. 22, i. but extended to the utmoft power of the infliflrer. The examples are innumerable of men ^hq have thus laid themfelves open in ^heir Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable Truth. 93 their greateft concerns , and have let loofe the hands as well as Tongues of others againft them , meerly becaufe they would put no reftraint upon their own : which is fo great indifcretion, that to thjm we may well apply that of So- lomon 50^/^^/^ mouth u his deftru^ton^ and hps lips are the Jnare of his foul 29. And how who can fuliiciently wonder, that a practice that fo thwarts our intereft of both worlds, fliould come univerfally to prevail among us? Yet that it do's fo , I may appeal to the confciences of moft , and to the obfer- vation of all. What fo common To* pic of difcourfe is there, as this of b:ick- bidng our neighbors ? Come into com- pany of all Ages , all Ranks , all Pro- feffions, this is the conftant entertain- ment: And I doubt he tliat at night fhall duely recoiled: the occurrences of the day, fhall very rarely be able to fay, he has fpent it without hearing or fpcaking (perhaps both} fomewhat of tills kincL Nay even thofe who reftrain themrdves other liberties, are often apt to indulge to this : many who are fo juft to their neighbors property , that as Abraham once faid. Gen. x^. 23. thsy ii'ould iiot take 5>4* The Government of the Tongue. take from himy even from a thred to a shoe latchet 5 are yet fo inconfiderate of his Fame, as to find themfelves difcourfe at the cxpence of that , tho infinitly a greater injury then the robbing of his Coffer : which Ihew's what falfe mefures we are apt to take of things , and evin- ces that many of thofe, who have nor only in general abjur'd the world in their baptifm > but do in many inftances feem to themfelves (^as well as others} to have gain'd a Superiority over it •, do yet in this undifcernably yield it the greateft cnfign of Soverainty , by permitting it to fet the Standards and eftimatcs of things, and taking its cuftomary Prefcriptions for Laws. For what befides this un- happy fervility to cuftome > can poflibly reconcile men that own Chriftianity , to a praftice fo widely diftant from it ? Tis true thofe that profeft themfelves men of this world, who defign only their portion in this life , may take it up as fomtimes conducing (yx leaft feemingly) to their end : but for thofe who propofe higher hopes to themfelves 5 and know that Charity is one of the main props to thofe hopes , how foolifhly do they undermine themfelves, when they tlius aft Sect. VL Of Uncharitable Truth, py aft againft their principles, and that up- on no other Autority, but that of popular ufage? I know men are apt to excufe themfelves upon their indignation againft vice, and think that their zeal muft as well acquit them for this violation of the^ Second Table, as it once did Mofes for the breaking both Ex. 32. ip. But to fuch I may anfwer in Chrifts words, Luk. c>. 5-^. Te know not what manner of fpirit you are off, Meeknefs and Charity are the Evangelical graces , which will moft recommend and afli- milatc us to him , who was meek and lowly in heart. But after all this pre- text of Zeal, I fear it is but a cheat we put on our felves, the Elder brothers rai- ment only to difguife the Supplanter. Gen. 27. Let men truly ranfack their own breafts , and I doubt the beft will find there is fomething of vanit)^ which lies at the bottom, if it be not the po- fitive fort mention'd before, of defigning to illuftrate my felf by others blemillies, yet at leaft the negative , that I am un- willing to incur the contemt incident to thofe , who fcruple at fmall fins. Befides I obferve perhaps, that tis the common entertainment of the world , to Defame their 5>6 The Government of the Tongue. their neighbors , and if 1 ftrike not in upon that Theme, I fliall have nothing to render me acceptable company 5 perhaps I fhall be reproched as morofe or duU^ and my filence shall be conftrued to pro- ceed not from the abundance of my Cha- rity 5 but the defed of my Wit. 30. But fure they that can thus ar- gue, do hereby give a more demonftra- tive proof of that defeft. He whole wit is fo precarious that it mull depend on* ly upon the folly or vice of another, had bell give over all pretence to it. He that has nothing of his own growth to fet before his guefts, had better make no invitations, then break down his neighbors inclofure , and feaftthem upon his plunder. Befides how pit- tiful an atteftation of witis it, to be able to make a difgraceful relation of ano- ther ? No fcolding woman but may fet up fuch Trophies: and they that can value a man upon fuch an account, may prefer the Scarabes, who feed upon dung, and are remark'd by no other property , before the Bee that fucks flowers and re- turns hony. 31. But in the next place admit this rellraint lliould certainly expole one to that Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable Truth. 5)7 that reproch 5 methinks this should be no news to thofe who know the con- dition of Chriftianityi is to take up the Crofs : and fure it cannot weigh hghter then in this inftance. What am I the worfe if a vain Talkative Perfon think me too referv'd ? Or if he, whofe frolic levity is his difeafe, call me dull , becaufe I vapor not out all my fpirits into froth? Socrates vjhtn informed of feme deroga- ting Speeches one had ufed of him be- hind his back , made only this facetious reply , Let him beat me too when I am abfcnt. And he that gets not fuch an indifference to all the idle cenfurcs of men, v/iil be difturb'd mail his civil tranfaftions , as well as his Chriftian : it being fcarce poffible to do any thing, bat there will be defcants made on it. And if a man will regard thofe winds, he muft, as Solomon faies, never foiz', Eccl II. 4. He muft fufpend even the neceflary actions of common life, if he will not venture them to the being mif- judged by others. 32, But there is a yet farther con- fideration in this matter: for he that upon fuch a dcfpicable motive will vio- late hij> duty in one particular , lets Sa- N tan 5^8 The Government of the Tongue. tan get a main point of him jand can with no good Logic deny to do it in others. Detraction is not the only fin in fafliion: Profanenefs, and Obfcenity, and all forts of Luxury are fo too , and threaten no lefs reproch to thofe who fcruple at them. Upon the fame grounds therefore that he difcards his Charity to his neighbor, he may alfo his Piety, his Modefty, his Temperance, and almoft all other virtues. And to fpeak the truth, there is not a more fertile womb of fin, then this dread of ill mens reproch. O- ther corruptions muft be gratifi'd with coft and induftry, but in this the Devil hath no farther trouble then to laugh men out of their fouls. So prolific a vice therefore had need be weeded out of mens hearts : for if it be allowed the leaft corner , if it be indulged to in this one infl:ance, 'twill quickly fpreadit felf far- tli^r. 33. Yet after all, this fear of re- proch is a meer fallacy, fl:arted to di^- guife a more reall caufe of fear; for the greater danger of reproch do's indeed lie on that other fide. Common efl:imation puts an ill Chara£ler upon pragmatic medling people. For tho the inquifi- tivenefs Sect. VI. of Uncharitable Truth. 5)9 tivenefs and curiofity of the hearer, may fometimes render fuch difcoiirs grateful enough to him, yet it leaves in him no good imprellions of the fpeakcr. This is well obferv'd by the fon of Syrach , Ecclus. 19.8., 5>. Whether it be to friend or foe ^ talk not of other mens lives \ and if thou canfi without fence revele them not , for he heard and obferv'd thee , and when time comet h he will hate thee. In a word all confiderinp; Perfons will be e- ver upon their guard in fuch company, as forefeeing that they will talk no lefs freely of them, then they do of others be- fore them. Nor can the commonncls of the guilt obviate tlie cenfure, there be- ing nothing more frequent then for men to accufe their own faults in other Perfons. Vice is like a dark Lanthorn, which turns it bright fide only to him that bears it , but looks black and dif- mal in anothers hand ; and in this par- ticular none has fo much reafon to fear a Defamer , as thofe who are themfelves fuch : for ( befides the common pruden- tial motive ) their own confcioufnefs giv^es them an inward alarm , and makes them look for a retribution in the fame kind. Thus upon the whole matter we N 2 fee loo The Government of the Tongue. fee, there IS no real remiiinon , even to our vanity, to comply with this uncha- ritable cuftom, v/e bemg fure to lofe more repute by ir then v/e can propofc to our ielves to gain. The being c- fteem'd an ill man will not be ballan- ced by the being thought plefant ingenu- ous company , were one fure to be fo. But 'tis odds that will not be acquired by it neither, for the moft affiduous tale- bearers and bittereft revilers are often half-witted people : there being no- thing more frequently obfervablc, then fuch mens aptnefs to fpeak evil of things they underftand not, Jude i. 2. 34.0 Let not then thofe that have repu- diated the more inviting fins jfhew them- felves philtr'd and bcwitclf d by this, but in- ftead of lubmittingto the ill example of o* thers 5 fee a good one to them , &: endeavor to bring this unchriftian cuftom out of fafliion. I am fure if they do not, they will be more deeply chargeable then o- thers; for the more command they have over their other corruptions , the more do they witnefs againft themfelves. Their remifnefs and willing fubjection to this, befides their example when ill, is more enfnaring then other mens, and is apt to Sect* VI. Of Uncharitable Truth. loi to infinuate eafy thoughts of the fin. Men are apt to think themfelves fafe Avhile they follow one of noted piety, and the autority of his Perfon often leads them blindfold into his failings. Thus when Teter diflemblcd, St Taul tells us that the other Jeiz'Sy and even Bar^ nabobs alfo 'was carried a^ivay isjith hu dif Jimulation, Galat. 2. 13. And I doubt not in this particular many are incoura- ged by the liberty they lee even good men take. So that fuch have a more ac- cumulative guilt 5 for they do not only commit, but patronize the fault: the confideration whereof has kept me, I confefs 5 longer upon this head then is proportionable to the brevity of the reftj but I think not longer then agrees to the importance of the fabje£t. 35', And now fmcc wc have confi- der'd the malignity of this fin of Detra- ction, and yer withall find that tis a fin^ which 5 as the Apoftle fpeaks y doth fo eaji- ly befet tis , tis; but a natural Corolary that we inforce our vigilance againll it. And where the importance and difficul- ty are both fo great, twill be a httle iie- cefllary to cgnfider what are the likeliefl: means, the mod appropriate Antidote againfl: I02 The Government of the Tongue. againft this fo dangerous, and yet fo E- pidemic a difeafe. 36. A;isrT) here the common rule of Phyfic is to bs adverted to , viz. to ex- amine the caufcs , that the remedies may be adapted to them. I fliall therefore in the firft place defire every man ferioufly to ftudy his own conftitution of mind> and obferve what are his particular tem- rations to this fin of Detraftion , whe- ther any of thofe I have before menti- on'd, as Pride, Envy, Levity, &c. or any other which lies deeper , and is on- ly difcernible to his own infpeftion. Let him, I fay, make the fcrutiny , and then accordingly apply him(elf to correft the fin in its firft principle. For as when there is an eruption of Humor in any part, tis not cured meerly by outward applications, but by fuch alterative Me- dicines as purify the blood y fo this Le- profy of the Tongue will ftill fpread farther, if It be not check'd in its Spring and fource, by the mortifying of thofe corrupt inclinations, which feed and heighten it. 37. This is an inquifition I muft leave to every mans own Confcience, which alone can teftify by what im- pulfes Sect. VL Of Uncharitable Truth. 103 pulfes he a6ts. Yet as the Rabbles were wont to fay, that in every Signal Judg- ment which befel the Jews , there was fome grain of the Golden-calf: fo I think I may venture to fay , that in ail Detra- d:ion, there is fome mixture of Pride: and therefore I fuppofe , a Caution a- gainft that , will be fo generally feafona- ble , that it may well lead the Van of all other advices in this matter. And here tis very obfervable, that God who has made of one blood all Nations of the earth. Aft. 17. has fo equally diftribu- ted all the moft valuable priviledges of Human nature , as if he defign'd to pre- clude all infulting of one man over an- other. Neither has he only thus infmuat- ed it by his Providence, but has in- forc'd it by his commands. In the Levi- tical Law we find what a particular care he takes to moderate the vigor of Ju- dicial correction , upon this very ac- count 5 left thy Brother be defpifed in thine eies, Deut. 25-. 3. So unreafona- ble did he think it , that the crime or mifery ofone^fnould be the exultation of another. And St. "P^/// brands it as a great guilt of the Corinthians , that they up- on the occafion of the inceftuous Perfon "were I04 The Government of the Tongue. 'lijere pijfed tip , "juhen they should have mourned, i. Cor. 5. 2. When we fee a dead Corps 5 we are not apt to infult o- ver it 5 or brag of our own health and vigor ; but It rather damps us, and makes us refleft, that it may (we know not hoAv foon) be our own condition. And cer- tainly the Speftacles of Spiritual mor- tality fliould have the fame operation. We have the fame principles of Corru- ption with our lapfed Brethren , and have noriimg but Gods grace , to fecure us from the fame eifeits , and by thefe infuking refleftions forfeit that too \ for he gives grace only to the humble. Jam. 4. 6. St. Pauls advice therefore is very appofite to this cafe Gal. 6. i. Bre* thren if a man be overtaken in a fatilty refiore such a one in the Jpirit ofMeeknefs^ confidering thyfelf^ leaft thou alfo be temt^ ed. In a v/ord the falls of others ought to excite our pitty towards them , our caution as to our lelves, and our thank- fulnefs to God , if he hath hitherto pre- ferv'd us from the like. For who made thee to dijfer from another 'i Cor.4. 7. But if we fpread our Sails , and triumph o- ver thefe wrecks, we expofeour ielves to worfe. Other fins like Rocks may Iplit us, yet Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable Truth, lof yet the lading may be prefer v'd i but Pride like a Gulf fwallows us up : our very vertues v/hen fo levened > becom- ing weights and plummets to fink us to the deeper ruine. The counfel therefore of the Apoftle, is very pertinent to this matter. Rom. ii. 20. Be not high mind* ed ^ but fear. 38. But God knows we can infult over others when we are not only un- der a pofTibility , but are aftually involv'd in the fame guilt : and then what are all our accufations and bitter cenfures of others, but indictments and condemna- tory fentences againft our felves .? And we may juftly expect God fliould take us at our word, and reply upon us as the Prophet did upon T)avid^ Thou art the man. For tho our officious ve- hemence againft anothers crime, may bhnd the eics of men , yet God is not fo mocked : as therefore when a thief or murderer is detected , it gives an a- iarm to the whole confederacy •, fo when we find our own guilts purfued in other mens Perfons, 'tis not a time for us to join in the profecution , but rather by Juimble and penitent reflections on our felves to provide for our own fafety. O When io6 The Government of the Tongue. When therefore we find our felvcs( up- on any mifdemeanor of our brother ) ready to mount the tribunal , and pro- nounce our fentence, let us firft confider how competent we are for the office 9 calling to mind the decifion Chrift once made in the like cafe. He that is with- out Jin let him firft caft a ftone^ Joh. 8. 7. And if we did this, many perhaps of our fierceft impeachers, would think fit to retire and leave the delinquent ( as they themfelves finally defire to be } to the merciful indulgence of a Savior. In fliort, would we but look into our own hearts , we fhould find fo much work for our inquifition and cenfure, that we fliould not be at leifure to ramble a- broad for it. And therefore as Lycurgm once faid to one, who importun'd him to eftablifh a popular parity in the fl:ate, Do thou, faies he, begin it firft in thine own family ; fo I ftiall advife thofe chat will be judging, topraftice firft at home. And if they will confine themfelves to that, till there be nothing left to cor- red, I doubt not their neighbor will be well enough (ecur'd againft their De- tra6tions. 3P. Another p refer vation againft that Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable Truth, 107 that lin is the frequent contemplation of the laft and great judgment. This is in- deed a CathoUcon againft all : but we find it particularly appli'd by St. "PW to this, of judging and defpifmg our Brethren* JVhy doji thou judg thy brother "i orwhy dofl thou fet at nought thy brother ? fVe shall all ftand before the Judgment Seat of Chrijl, Rom. 14. 10. That is the great day of Re- velation and Retribution, and we are not to anticipate that by our private in- quefts or fentenccs : we have bufinefs e- nough to provide our own accounts a- gainft that day. And as it were a fpight- ful folly for Malefaftors that were go- ing together to the bar > to fpend their time in exaggerating each others crimes \ fo furely it is for us, who are all going toward that dreadful tribunal, to be drawing up Charges againft one an- other. And who knows but we may then meet with the fate of 'Daniels accufers, fee him wecenfur'd acquit, and ourfelves doomed. The penitence of the crimi- nal may have numbred him among the Saints, when our unretrafted unchari- tablenefs may fend us to unquenchable Flames. I conclude this confideration with the words of St. James^ There is one O 2 Law* io8 The Government of the Tongue. Lwjvgiver who is able tofave and to deftroy^ who art thou that ]udgejl another^ Jam. 4. 12. 40. A Third expedient may be, to try to make a revulfion of the humor , to draw it into another channel. If we muft needs be talking of other peoples faults, let it not be to Defame, but to a- mend them, by converting cur Detra- ction and backbiting into Admonition and fraternal correption. This is a way to extraft medicine out of the viper , to confccrate even this fo unhallow'd a pare of our temper , and to turn the ungrate- ful medling of a bufy-body, into the moft obliging office of a friend. And indeed had we that zeal for vertue, which we pretend when we inveigh a- gainft vice , we should furely lay it out this way, for this only gives a poffibility of reforming the offender. But alas we order the matter fo , as if we fear'd to lofe the occafion of Clamor , and will tell all the world but him that it moft concerns. Indeed 'tis a deplorable thing to fee how univerfally this neceflary Chriftianduty is negledted j andto that negleft we may in a great degree impute that ftrange overflowing of Detraftion ^mong Sect. VL Of Uncharitable Truth. 109 among us. We know the receiving a- ny thing intootir Charge, infenfibly be- gets a love and tendernefs to it ( a nurfe upon this account comes often to vie kindnefs with the mother : ) and would we but take one another thus into our care, and by friendly vigilance tliiis watch over each other fouls , 'tis fcarce imaginable what an indearment it would create: fuch certainly as v/ould infalli- bly fupplant all our unkind reportings, and fevere defcants upon our brethren ; fmcc thofe can never take place , but when there is at lead an indifference , if not an enmity. 41. The next cure I fliall propofe for Detraction, is to fubftraft its nii- rishment, by fupprefling all Curiofity and inquifitivenefs concerning others. Were all Supplies thus cut off, it would at laft be fubdiied. The King of Ethi- opia in a vie of Wit with the King of Egypt 5 propos'd it as a Problem to him, to drink up the Sea, to which he replied, by requiring him firft to ftop the accefs of Rivers to it : and he that would drain this other Ocean , muft take the fame courfe, dam up the ave- nues of thofe Springs which feed it. He that no The Government of the Tongue. that IS alwaies upon the fcent , hunting out fome difcovery of others, will be very apt to invite his neighbors to the quarry, and therefore twill be neceflary for him 5 to reftrain himfelf from that range: not like jealous States , to keep Spies and penfioners abroad to bring him intelligence ; but rather difcourage all fuch officious pick-thanks ; for the fuller he is of fuch informations , the more is his pain if he keep them in, and his guilt if he publish them. Could men be per- fwaded to affed: a wholfome ignorance in thefe matters, it would conduce both to their eafe and innocence ; for tis this Itch of the Ear , which breaks out at the Tongue : and were not Curiofity the Purveior , Detraftion would foon be ftarved into a tamenefs. 42. But the moft infallible receit of all , is the frequent recoUefting , and ferious applying of the grand rule , of doing as we would be don to : for as Detraftion is the violation of that , fo the obfervation of that muft: certainly fupplant Detraftion. Let us therefore when we find the humor fermenting within us , and ready to break out in Declamations againft our Brethren, Let us Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable Truth, iii us, I fay , check it with tliis fhort que- ftion , Would I my felt be thus uPd ? This voice from within, will be like that from heaven to St. Paul, which flopt him in the height of his carrier. Ad:, 9. 4,. And this voice, every man may hear, that will not flop his ears, or gag his confcience, it being but the Eccho of that native Ju- fticc and equity which is implanted in our hearts: and when we have our re- medy fo near us , and will not ufe it, God may well expoftulate with us, as he did with the Jews, JFhy ^joillye die^ O houje of Ifrael? Ezr. 3^ n. These are fomc of thofe many re« ceits which may be prefcrib'd againft this fpreadmg difeafe. But indeed there is not fo much need to multiply remedies, as to perfwade men to apply them. We are in love with our Malady, and as loth to be cured of the Luxury of the Tongue, as St. Aiigitjline was of his other Senfu- ality, againft which he praied withaCa- veat, that he might not be too foon hear'd. But i\% ill dallying , where our Souls are concerned : for alas tis they that are wounded by thofe darts , which we throw at others. Wc take our aim per. haps at our Neighbors , but indeed hit Ou; 113 The Government of the Tongue. our felves : herein verifying in the higheft Senfe that Axiom of the Wife-man, He that diggeth a pit-, shall fall into it , and he that roleth a ftone , tt shall return upon him. Pro v. 26. If therefore we have no tendernefs) no relentings to our Bre- thren, yec let us have fome to our felves, fo much compaihon> nay fo much re- fpect to our precious immortal Souls, as not to fet them at fo defpicable a price, to put them in balance with the fatiffy* ing of a petulant peevish vanity. Surely the shewing our felves ill-natur'd ( which is all the gains Detraftion amounts to } is not fo enamouring a defign , that we fhould facrifice to it our higheft intereft. Tis toomuchtofpendour breath in fuch a purfuit 5 O let not our fouls alfo exhale in the vapor-, but let us rather pour them out in praiers for our brethren, then in accufations of them : for tho both the one and the other will return into our own bofoms, yet God knows to far differ- ing purpofes, even- as differing as thofe wherewith we utter them. The Charity of the one like kindly exhalations will defcend m fliowers of bleffings , but the rigor and afperity of the other, in a fe- vere doom upon our felves: for the A- poftle Sect.VIL Of Scoffing andT>erifion. 113 poftIe'w¥rFdl us ,"ii(? shall have judg- ment without mercy ^ that hath shewed no mercy y ]^m. 2. 13^ Sect. VII. ■ ^f ^^^ff^^g ^^^ Derifion i t.npHERE is alfo another' fault I of the Tongue injurious to our neighbor , and that is Derifion and Mockery j the ftriving to render others as ridiculous and contemtible as we can. This in refpeft of the (ubjeft matter dif- fers from the other of Detradion , as much as folly or deformity do's from vice: yet fince injuries as well as bene- fits are to be mcfured by common efti- mation , this may come in balance with the other. There is fuch a general aver- fation in human nature to contemt, that there is fcarce any thing more ex- afperating. I will not deny but theexcefs of that averfation may belevel'd againft Pride, yet furc fcorn and difdain never Iprung from humility ^ and therefore ar:; P very 114 The Government of the Tongue. — — ■ — — — — — — — ^ very incompetent Corredlors of the otherj fo that it may be faid of that , as once it was of T^iogeneSy that he trampled on Tlatds Pride with greater of his own. 2. Nor is this injury enhanced c)n- ly by the refentmenc of the fufferer, but alio by the way of infliding it. Wc generally think thofe are the fevereft marks of infamy, which are the moft indelible. To be burnt in the hand or pi;l jncd 5 is a more lading reprochthen to be icourgej or confined i and it is the fame in this cafe, for here common- ly Wit is the Liftor, which is arm'd with an edg tool, and leaves fears be- hind It. The reproch of rage and fury feem to be writ in Chalk or Lead, which a difpaffionate hearer eafily wipes out, but tliofe of Wit are like the gravers bu- rine upon copper, or the corrodings of Aqua-ibrtis , engrave and indent tlic Charafters that they can never be de- faced. The truth of this daily experi- ence attefts. A dull contumely quickly vaniilies, no body thinking it worth re-, membring ; but v/hen 'tis fteel'd with Wit, it pierces d eep, leaves fuchimpref- fions in the fancy of the hearers , that tlicreby it gets rootiiig in the niemory,and will Sect. VII. OfScoffivga ndT^crtfion. n^ will fcarce be eradicated: nay fometuncs it happens to furvive both Ipeakcr and hearer, and conveys it felf to poflency ,• It being not Linufual for the farcahns of Wit to be tranfmitted in ftory. And as it thus gives an edg, fo aUo do's \t add wings to a reproch, makes it fly a- broad in an inftant. Ma.y a poor mans infirmities had bin confined to the no- tice of a few relations or neghbors, had not fome remarkable flrein1:)f drollery fcatter'dand difpcrfcd them. 1 h-jjll re- commends the Defamation , and is com- monly fo incorporate with it, that they cannot be related apart. And even thofe who like '\t not in one refped , yet are many time fo tranfported with itin the other, chat they chufe rather to propagate the contumely, then ft i tie th^ conceit. Indeed Wit is fo much the ^iana of this age, that he who goes a- bout to fetany bounds to it muftexpe-t an uproar^ KA'^ i<). 28. or at leaft to be judged to have impofed an envious inhibition on it, becaufe himfclf has not (lock enough to maintain the trade. B it how ever fliarp or unexpeded the cen- fiire may feem to be , yet tis necefTar)- that plain downright truth (hould fom'tim^s P2 hz ii6 The Government of the Tongue. be rpoken,and I think that will bearmc put, if I fay that 'tis pollible men may be as opprjffiveby their parts, as their po- wer j and thatGod did no more defign the meaner intelleftualls of feme for triumphs to the Pride and vanity of the more acute, then he did the polTeflions of the lefs powerful , as a prey to the ra? pine and avarice of the mighty. 3. And this fuggefts a yet farther aggravation of this lin , as it is a per- verting of Gods defign -, ari abufc of the talent he has committed to their truft. Ingenuity and quicknefs of parts , is fure to be reckoned in the higheft ranks of Bleflingsj an inftrument proper for the moft excellent purpofes *, and therefore %ve cannot fuppofe the Divine wifdom, fb much short of Human j as not ia his intention to aflign it to ufes worthy of it. Thofe muft relate either to God 5 our felves , or our neighbors* In refpecT: of God , it renders us more capable of contemplating his Perfefti- pns , difcerning the Equity and excel- lence of his Laws 5 and our obligations to obedience. In regard of our felves, it makes us apprehend our own intereft ill that obedience i makes us tr^ftable and Sect. VII. Of Scoffing andT>eriJion. ii7 perfwafible, contrary to that Brutifli ftub- bornnefs of the Horfe and Mule, which the Pfalmift reproches, Pfal. 32.9- Bc- fides it accommodates us in all the con- cerns of Humane life, forms it felf into all thofe ufeful contrivances , which may make our being here more comfortable: efpecially it renders a man company to himfelf , and in the greateft dearth of Society , entertains him with his own thoughts. Laftly, as to our neighbors, it renders us ufeful and afliftant. All thofe difcoveries and experiments, thole Arts and Sciences , which are now the common trefure of the world , took their firft rile from the ingenuity of par- ticular Perfons ; and in all Perfonal exigencies wherein any of us arc at any time involved , we need not be told the ufefulnefs of a wile adviler. Now all thele are emploiments commcnfurable to the faculty from whence they flow, and thatanfwer its excellence and value > and he tliat (q bellows his talent , gives a good account of his truft. But 1 would fain know under which of thele Heads Deri- fion of our Neighbors comes in : cer- tainly not under that of being afliftant |Q hiniv It \vou|d be a forry relief to. a poor 1 1 8 The Government of the Tongue, poor indigent wretch , to lavifli out wit upon him, in upbraiding of his mifery. And is not this a parallel cafe? Is it not the fame Barbarifm , to mock and re- proch a man that wants the gifts of Nature, as him that wants thofe of For- tune? Nay perhaps it maybe more, for a Beggar may have impoverisht himfelf by his own fault , but in Natural de- feats there is nothing to be charged, un- lefs we will fly higher, and arraign that providence that hath fo difpenfed. In a word, as the Superfluities of the Rich are by God affign'd as the ftore-houfe of the Poor, fo the Abilities of the Wife are of the Ignorant : for tis a great mi- ftake, to think our felves Stewards in Ibme of Gods gifts , and proprietors in others. They are all equally to be emploi- ed, according to the defignation or the Donor, and there is nothing more uni- verfally defign'dby him, then that man- kind should be equally helpful to one another. Thofe therefore whom God hath blefl: with liigher degrees of la- gacity and quicknefs, ought not to look down on others as the objefts of their contemt or fcorn , but rather of their care and pitty, endeavouring to refcue them Sect. VII. Of Scoffing andT)eriJton. 119 tliem from thole miichiefs , to which their weaknefs may expofe them , re- mcmbring ftill 5 that God might have changed the Scene, and made themfelves what they fee others. It js part ofjois juihfication of his integrity, that he was eies to the Blinds and feet to the Lamey Job. 25). I f. (/. ^.3 he accomodated his affiftances to all the wants and exigencies of others: and fure tis no lefs the part of a good man to do it in the Mental tlien m the Corporeal defeds. 4. B u T alas many of us would ra- ther put a ftumbhng block in the way of the Blind, pull away the Crutch from the Lame, that we may fport our felves to fee them tumble : fuch a fenfuality we have in obferving and improving the imperfcftions of others, that it is become the grand excellence of the Age to be Dexterous at it , and Wit ferves fomc men for little elfe. We are got indeed into a merry world, Laugliing is our main bufmefs j as if becaufe it has bin made part of the Definition of a man, that he is Rifible , his man-hood confift- cd in nothing elfe. But alas if that be all the ufe men have of their underftand- ings ) they were given them to little pur- pofc 120 The Government of the Tongue. pofe, frnce meer Idiots can laugh with as muchplefiire, and more innocence then they J and it is a great inftance how ex- tremes may be brought to meet , that the excefs of Wit in the one , and of Fol- ly in the other, fervebut to produce the fame effeft. f. Yet lb voracious is this humor now grown, that it draws in every thing to feed it. There is hot game enough from the reall folly of the world , and therefore that which is the moft di- ftant from it muft be ftamp with its mark. Tis a known ftory of the Friers who on a falling day bid his Caport be Carp, and then very caiionically ate it; and by fuch a traiifubftantiating power our Wits bid all ftrioufnefs and confideration be formality and fop- pery, and then under that name endea- vor to hunt it out of the world. I fear moral honefty fares not better with fome of them then moral prudence. The old Philofophicalvertucs ofjuftice, Tempe- rance, and Chaftity, are now hift off the ftage, as fit only for that Antiquated fet of Aftorsj and he that appears in that e- quipage , is by many thought more ri- diculous, then he that walks the ftreet iit bii Sect. VII. Of Scoffing andT)eriJion, 121 his Anceftors trunk hofe. Nay indeed vice it fclf is Icarce fecure if it have not the grand accomphfliment of impudence: a pure blufhing (inner is to be laught out of his Modefty , tho not out of his fin i and to be proof agaiaft their fcorns, he muft firft be fo againft all the regrets of his own mind. 6. And if meer Ethnic virtue, or fliamefaced vice have this treatment , Chriftian piety muft expedt worfe : and fo indeed it finds, its profeflprs being be- yond all others expofed to their fcorn and contemt. Nor is it ftrange it ihould be fb , fuch men being made , as it is Wifd. 2. 14. to reprove their 'ujaies ^ they think in their own defence they are to deride theirs. This* is it indeed which gives a fecret fting and venem to their reproches.: other men they abufe as an exercife of their Wit, but the(e in defence of their party. So Julian after his Apoftacy, thought it a more effeftual way to perfccute the Chriftians by taunts and ironies, then by racks and tortures, as thinking it more poflible to fhame, then fright them out of their religion. And the ftratagem feems to have bin rcaflumed by many in this age, and I Q^ feai? 12 2 The Government of the Tongue. fear with too great fuccefs : for I doubt not there are divers who have herd- ed themfelves amonft thefe profane Scof- fers 5 not that they are convinced by their reafons , but terrified by their contume- hesj and as fome Indians are faid to worfliip the Devil, that he may not hurt them, fo thefe chufe to be active, that they may not be paffive in the' contemts flung upon religion : fuch men forget the dreadful denuntiation of Chrift againft' thofe that fliall be asha- med of him and his words. Math. 8. 38. 7, As for thofe who, upon a jufter eftim ate, find the advantages of piety worthy t6 be chofen, and take it with all its acceflbry ignominies, they have the encouragement of very good com- pany in their fufferings. The Pfalmift long ago had his fhare, -when not only Thofe that fate in the gate fpake againjt him^ but the drunkards made fongs upon him^ Pfal. 69. 12. Twas alwaiesthe Pro- phet Jereynies complaint, / am in T)e- rifion daily , every one mocketh me , Jer. 20. 7. Nay our blefied Lord himfelf was derided in his life by the Pharifees, Luke 16. 14. mocked and reviled at his death by the Priefts*, the Elders^ the Sol- Sect. VII. Of Scoffing and T>erifion. 123 Soldiers , nay by cafuall paflengers , Mat. 27. 39. And shall the fervant thuik himfelf greater then his Lord ? Shall a Chriftian expeftan immunity from what his Savior has born before him ? ( He that do's fo> is too delicate a member for a crucified head. } No fure , let us ra* thcr animate our felves, as the Apoftlc exhorts , by corijidering him ''Ji'ho as . well defpifed the fliame, as endured the crofs for usy Heb. 12. 3. and who has not only given an example? but propofed a reward, a Beatitude for thofe who are re* 'viled for righteoufnefs fake ^ Mat. f. 11. And when this is foberly ponder'd, twill fure make it eafy for us to refolve with holy TDavid in a like cafe , / icv'Z/ be yet more vile^ 2 Sam. 6. 22. 8. But to return from this digrcfTion to thofe, who thus unhappily employ their parts , let me propofe to them, that they would borrow every day fomc few minutes from their mirth, and fe- rioufly confider, whether this be ( I need not fay a Chriftian , but ) a manly ex- ercife of their faculties. Alas when they have rallied out the day from one com- pany to another 5 they may fum up their account at night in the wife mans fi- 0^2 mile 1 24- The Government of the Tongue. mile 5 tneir Laughter has but bin like the crackling of Thorns under a pot , Ecclus. 6. 7. made a httle brisk noife for the prefenr, and with the fparkles perhaps annoied their Neighbors > but what reall good has It brought to themielves? All that they can fancy is but the repute of Wit: but fure that might be attainable fome other way. We find the World affected to new things , and this of De- rifion and abufe of others is fo beaten a road) that perhaps the very variety of a new way would render it acceptable. They are the lighter fubftances that ftill fwim away with the ftream , the greater and more Solid bodies do fometimes flop the current : and fure twere a no- ble eflay of a mans parts to ftem this tide 5 and by a more ufeful application of their own faculties , convince others that theirs might be better emploied. Tis faid of i^nacharjts^ that at a feaft he could not be got to fmile at the affeded raillieries of common Jefters 5 but when an ape was brought in he freely laught, faying, an ape was ridiculous by nature, but men by art and ftudy. And truly tis a great contemt of human nature to think their intellefts were given them for Sect. VII. of Scoffing andT>eriJion. i2f for no better end, then to raife that laughter, which a brute can do as well or better. p. I would not be thought to recom- mend fuch a Stoical fowernefs , as shall admit of nothing of the cheerful plea- fant part oF Converfation. God has not fure bin more rigid to our Minds then to our Bodies: and as he has not fo devoted the one to toil , but that he al- lows us fome time to exercife them in recreation as well as labors, fo doubtlefs he indulges the fame relaxation to our Minds, which are not alwaies to be fcrued up to the height, but allowed to dcfcend to thofe eafiiiefles of Converfe , which entertain the lower Faculties of the Soul. Nor do I think thofe are ill emploied in thofe little skirmishes of Wit, which pafs familiarly between intimates and acquaintances, which befides tlie prefent divcrtifment , ferve to whet and quicken the Fancy. Yet I conceive this liberty is to be bounded with fome Cautions: as firft in thefe encounters , the Charge should be Powder not Bullets jthere should nothing be faid , that should leave any ungrateful impreffions, or give any um- brage of a fpightful intent. The world vv^ants 126 The Government of the Tonaue. wants not experiments of the mifchiefs have happened by too fevere Railleries : in fuch Fencings the Florets have turned to Swords, and not only the Friendship, but the Men have fallen a Sacrifice to ajeft. 19. Secondly this is' to have the fame reftriftion with all other recreati- ons 5 that it be made a divertifment, not a trade. Tis an infinuating thing , and is apt to encroch too much upon our time, and God knows we have a great deal of bufinefs for this world , and much more for the next , which will not be don with laughing: and therefore tis not for us to play away too much of that time, which is exafted by more ferious con- cerns. Tis fure we fhall die in Earneft, and it will not become us, to live alto- gether in Jell, But befides this ftealth of our tim^ , tis apt to fteal away mens hearts too , make them dote fo upon this kind of entertainment , that it averts them from any thing more ferious. I believe I may appeal to fome , who have made this their bufinefs , whether it go not againft: the hair with them to fet to any thing ehe, and having efpoufed this as their one excellence , they are willing to de- cry i Sect.VIL Of Scoffing a7idT>eriJion. 127 cry all others , that they may the more value themfelves upon this. By this means it is , that the gift of Raillery has" in this age > like the lean Kine, devour- ed all the more fohd worthy qualificati- ons , and is counted the moft reputable accomplifliment. A ft range inverted efti- mate, thus to prefer the little ebullitions of Wit, before folid reafon and judg- ment. If they would accommodate their Diet at the fame rate j they should eat tlie Husk , rarher then the Kernel , and drink nothing but froth and bubbles. But after all, Wifdom is commonly at long running juftified even of her Dcfpifers ; thefe great Idolaters of Wit often dash- ing themfelves upon fuch Rocks , as make them too late wish , their Sailes had bin lefs, and their Ballaft more. For the preventing therefore of more fucli wrecks, I wish the prefent caution may be more adverted to, nor to beftow an unpropor- tionable part of our time or value on this flight exercile of mans flighteft Fa- culty. II. A tliird Caution in this matter, is to confine our lelves to prefent Com- pany , not to make abfent Perfons the Subjed of our mirth. Thofe freedoms we ufe 12 8 The Government of the Tongue. ufe to a mans face , as they are common- ly more moderate , fo they arc more e- quitable, becaufe we expofe our felves to the Uke from him y but the back blowes are diTingenuous , and give fufpition we intend not a fair trial of Wit , but a co- wardly murder of a mans fame. Twas the precept of the Philofopher, "Deride not the abfent , and 1 think it may Avell befo of the Politician : there being no- thmg more imprudent as to our civil con- cerns then the contrary liberty. For thofe things never die. in the company they are firft vented in (nay perhaps the hearer is not willing his wit should (b (bon ex- pire 5} and when they once take air, they quickly come to the notice of the de- rided Perfon , and then nothing in the world is more difobliging. Twas a fober precept given one, not fo much as to laugh in compliance with him that de- rides another , for you will be hated by him he derides. And if an acceflbry be hated, furemuch more the principal; and I think I may fay, there are many can (boner forgive a folemn deep contrivance againft them , then one of their jocular reproches : for he that defigns feems to acknowledg them confiderable , but he that: Sect.VIL Of Scoffing andT)eriJion. i2p that mocks them, fecms to think them too low for any thing but contemttand we learn from Ariltotle , that the me- furc of anger is entirely taken thence, men being lb far provoked, as they ima- gine they were flighted or affronted. In meer fecular wiidom it will there- fore become men to confider, whether this trade be like to turn to account, or whether it be worth the while , at once to make a jcft and an enemy. 12. And if it be imprudent to make man our enemy , tis much more to make God fo , by levelling our blowes at any thing facred : but of that I have already had occafion to fpeak, and iliallnot re- pete ; only give me leave to fay , that befides the profaner forts of jefts , which more immediately refl^ on him, he is concerned in all the unjuft reproches of our brethren , our love to them being confirmed by the fame divine Sanction with our reverence to him: and fure no- thing is more inconfiftent with that love, then the expofing them to thatxontemr we are our felves fo impatient of In a word what repute focver this pradice now has of Wit , it is very far from wifdom to provoke God that we may alfo dilb- R blig« 130 The Government of the Tongue. bhge man : and it we will take the Scrip- ture eftimate, we fliall find aScorneris no fiich honorable an Epithet as wc feem to account it. Solomom do's almoft conftantly fetit in oppofition to a Wife man: thus it is, Prov. 5). 8. and again Cap. 13.. I. and many other places-, and on the other fide , clofely links it with the Fool: and that not only in title, but in punifhrnent too , Judgments are pre^ pared for f corners , andftripes for the hack of fools y Prov. 19. 29. So that if our Wits think not Solomon too dull for their Ca- bal , we fee what a turn he will give to their prefent verdidt. 13. And if thefe reprochesj which aim only at oftention of Wit , be fo un- juftifiable, what fliall we fay to thofe, that are dj;awn with blacker lines , that are founded in Malice and Envy, or Ibme undermining defign? Every man that is to be fupplahted cannot alwaies be attaqued with a down-right battery : perhaps his integrity may be fiich, that, as twas faid of T)aniel Chap, 6. 4. they can find no occafion againji him: and when they cannot shake the main Fort, they muft try if they can poflcfs them- felvesofthe out- works, raifefome preju- dice Sect. VII. Of Scoffing andT)ertfion. 131 dice againft his difcretion, his humor, his carriage, and his moft extrinfic ad- herence, and if by reprefenting him ri- diculous in any of thefe they can but a- bate mens reverence to him , their con- fidence of him will not long hold out : bare honefty without fome other adorn- ment, being lookt on as a leaf-Iefs tree, no body will truft himfelf to its fhelter. Thus the enemies of *3Wr^/^^j , when they could no other waies ftipprefs his repu- tation , ^ hired Kyiriftophanes a Comic Poet to perfonate him on th-e ftage , and by the infinuation of thofe interludes > infenfibly conveied firft a contemt, then a hatred of him into the liearrs of the people. But I need not bring inftan- Qt% of former times in this matter, thefe being fufficiently verft in that myftcry. 1+. I T is not ftrange that men of fuch defigns, fliould fummon all their Wit to the fervice , make their Railleries as picquant as they can, that they may wound the deeper: but methinks tis but a mean office they affign their Wit, to be ( I will not fay the Pander, that be- ing in this age fcarce a title of reproch, but ) the executioner or hangman to their malice. Chrift bids us be wife a€ Ser- R 2 pents 132 The Government of the Tongue. fents ^jct2idiAs> withall harmlefs asT)oves% but here the Serpent has quite eat up the Dove , and puts a Vulture in the place 9 a creature of Cich fagacity and diligence in purfuit of the prey, that tis hard for any art pr innocence to cfcape its ta- lons. If. There is yet another fort of Contumelious Perfons > who indeed are chargeable with that circumftance, of ill employing their Wit, for they ufe none in it. Thefe are people whofe-fole ta- lent is Pride and Scorn ; vi^ho perhaps have attained the Sciences of dreffing themfelves finely, and eating well , and upon the ftrengch of thofe excellencies, look faftidioully, and fpeak difdainful- ly of any who want them, concluding if a man fall short of their Garniture at the Knees and Elbowes, he is much in- ferior to them in the Furniture of his Head. Such people think crying , Oh ri- diculous ! is an ample Confutation of a^ ny thing can be faid , and fo they can but defpife enough ^ are contented no^ to be able to fay why they do (o^ Thefe are, I confefs, the moft innocent kind of Deriders in refpe£t of others, yhat they fay having not edg enough '■■'•'" " "• ^ - '^ ■ ^' to Sect.VII. .Of Scoffing andT>erifan. 133 to caufe any fmart. The greateft hurt they do is to themfelvesj who tho they much need 5 yet are generally iittle ca- pable of a refcLie and therefore I fhall not clog the prefent difcourfe, with any advife to them: I sliall chufe rather to conclude ^ with enforcing my Spite to the former, that they would foberly and fadly weigh the account they mull one Day give of the Emploin:ient of their Parts, and the more they have hitherto embeazled them, the more to endeavor to expiate tliat Unthriftinefs, by a more careful Majiagery for the future > that fo inftead of that vain, emty, vanilhing Mirth they have courted here, they may find a real , full, and eternal Satisfa- ction in the Joy of their Lord. Sec t, 1 54* The Government of the Tongue. Sect. VIIL Of Flattery l.TpHE laft of Verbal injuries to _P our Neighbor which I shall men- tion, is Flattery. This is indeed the fa- talleft wound of the Tongue, carries leaft Smart, but infinitly more of Danger, and is as much inferior to the former , as a Gangreen is to a Gall or Scratch • this may be fore and vexing , but that ftu- pifying and deadly. Flattery is fuch a Myftery, fuch a Ridle of iniquity, that its very fofcnefles are its cruelleft ri- gor, its Balm corrodes, and (to com- prize all in the Pfalmifts excellent De- fcription ) its words are Jmoother then oily and yet be they 'very Swords, Pfal. f6. 21. 2 . B u T befides the mifchiefs of it to the Patient, tis the moft dishonoring, the moft vilifying thing to the the A- gent. I shall not need to empannel a Jury either of Moralifts or Divines , eve- ry Sect. VIII. Of Flattery. 13^ ry mans own breaft fufficiently inftru- iting him in the unworthinefs of it. Tis indeed a coUedive accumulative Bafe- nefs , it being in its Elements a com- pound and a complex of the mod for- did , hateful qualities incident to Man- kind. I shall inftance in three, viz. Ly- ing, Servility, and Treachery, which be- ing deteftably deform'd fingle, muft m Conjunftionmakeupa ioathfome Mon- ftrous guilt. Now tho Flattery has two Branches, yet thefe lie fo at the Root, as equally to influence both: for whether you take it as it is the giving of praife where it is not due , or the profefling of kindnefs which is not real, thefe Proper- ties arc ftill Its Conftitutive parts. 3. And firft we may take Lying to be the very corner Stone of the Fa- bric , for take it away, and the Whole falls to the groUnd. A Parafite would make but a lean trade of it, that fliould confine himfelf to truth. For tho tis pollible fo to order the manner and circumftances, as to flatter even in the reprelenting a mans reall vertues to him , yet commonly if they do not fal- fify as to the kind, they are forc'd to do it as to the deg^ree. Be fides as there are. but 136 The Government of the Tongue. but few fuch fubjefts of Flattery , fo nei- ther are men of chat Worth fo receptive of it. Such fort of addrefles are left dan- gerous to thofe who have the perfpicux- ty to fee thro them : fo that thefe Mer- chants are under a necefllty of dealing with the more ignorant Chapmen , and with them their couterfeit wares will go off beft. It is indeed ftrange to confi- der, with what grofs impudent falshoods men of this trade will court their Pa- trons. How many in former ages have not only amaft together all fublunary excellences , but have even ranfacked heaven to fupply their Flattery, Deified their Princes > and perfwaded them they were Gods, who at laft found they were to die like men ? And tho this ftrein be now out-dated , yet perhaps tis not that the vice is grown more modeft,but that Atheifm has rob*d it of that To- pic. Thofe that believe no God, would rather feem to annihilate then magnify the perfon to whom they fhould apply the title. But I do not find that the praftice has any other, bounds. A great mans vices fliall ftill be called vertues, his de- formities, beauties, and his moft abfurd follies, the height of ingenuity. Such a fubtil mm^mmaHii Sect, VUI. Of Flmery. 137 fiibtil Alchymift is tliis Parafite, that he turns all he touches into gold^ imaginary indeed as to the deluded Perfon ^ but oft times real to himlelf. Nor is Lying lefs material to the other part of Flatte- ry, the Profeillon of fervice and kind- nefs. This needs no evidencing , and to attemt ic would be a (eit- Confutation: for if thofe Profefllons be true 5 they are not Flattery , therefore if they be Flattery , they muft needs be Lies. It Wil be almoft as needlefs to expatiate on the Bafenefs and rneanefs of that fm^ for tho there is no Subjed that affords more matter for Declamation^ yet Lying is a thing that is afhamed of ic fclf, and there- fore may well be remitted to its own con- viftions. Tis Ariftotles obfervation, that all Elements but the Earth, had fome Philofopher or other, that gave it his vote to be the firft produdive Principle of all things : and 1 think we may now fay, that all Crimes have had their A- bettors and fautors , fome body that would (land up m their defence •, only Lying is fo much the dregs and refufe of Wickednefs , that none has yet had Chy- miftry enough to fublimate it, to bring it into fuch a reputation , that any mait S wiii w '■■ • ~ '■■■ ■ ■ 138 The Government of the Tongue. will think fit to own it: the greater won^ der that what is under (6 univerlal a re- proch , fhould be fo commonly admitted in practice. But by this we may make an eftimatCj what the whole body of Flattery is , when in one limb of it we find fo much corruption. 4. A Second is Servility and Abjeftneft of humor ; and of this there needs no other proof then has bin already given -, this charge being implicitly involved in the former of Lyings the condefcending to that, being a mark of a difingenuous fpirit. And accordingly the nobler Hea- then lookt on it as the vice of Slaves and vaflals , below the liberty of a free man, as well as an honeft. But tho I need no other evidence to make good the accu- fatioiij yet every Sycophant furnishes me with many fupernumerary proofs. Look upon fuch a one, and you fliall fee his eiesimmoveably fixt on his Patrons face, watching each look, each glance, and in every cliange of his countenance (like a Star-gazer) reading his own deftiny, his Ears chain'd (like gaily -flaves at the oar) to his di(9:ate, fucking in the moft infipid difcourfes with as much greedi- neis, as if they were the Apothegms of th« S E c T . VI II. Of Flattery, 139 the feven Sages, his Tongue tuned only to Panegyrics and acclamations, his feet in a winged motion upon every nod or other fignification of his plefure : in a word, his whole body ( as if it had no other fpirits then what it derived from him) varies its poftures, its exercifes , as he finds agreeable to the humor he is to ferve. And can humanity contrive to debafe it felf more ? Yes it can , and do's too often, by enflaving its Diviner part too, taking up not only opinions, but even crimes alfo in compHance, playing the incarnate Devil , and helping to ad thofe villanies which Satan can only fuggeft: and if this be not a ftate of abjed (lavery , fure there is none in the world. Tlutarchzdh us, t\\2iZThiloxe7ies for defpifuig fome dull Poetry of ©/<7- nyjius ^ was by hijn condemned todigia the quarries : from whence being by the mediation of friends remanded, at his return T^ionyjitis produced fome other of his verfes , which as foon as Thiloxe- nus had read, he made no reply, but calling to the waiters, faid, Let them carry me again to the quarries. And if a heathen Poet could prefer a corporeal flavery before a mental , what name of S 2 re- 140 The Government of the Tongue. reproch is loud enough for them , who can fubn:iit to both > in purfuit of thofe poor fordid advantages diey projeiSt by their Flatteries, Nor is this bafcnefs tnore obfervable in thefe mean fawnings and obfervancies , then it is in the pro- teftations of Kindnefs and Friendship. Love, is the greateft gift any man has to beftow y and Friendship the facredeft of all morall bonds : and to proftitutc thefe to httle pittiful defigns, is fureonc of the b^feft cheats we can put upon our common nature 5 in thus debafing lier pureftand moft currant, coin, which by thefe frequent aduUerations is become fo fufpefted J that fcarce any man knows what he receives. But Chnltian Cbari-? ty is yet worfe ufed in the cafe: for that obliging to all fmcerity, is hereby induced to give gold for drofs , ex- hihite th^t Love indeed y and in truth ^ which is returned only inward and in Tongue^ I. ]o\], 3. 18. And fo it do'§ in ^hofe who obferve its rules 5 but in thofc who own 3 yet obferve them not , tis yet a greater fufferer , by laboring under |he fcandal of all their diflimulations^ It was once the Charafter given Chri-? jlians^ ^vcn by their EneJiiics, Behold Sect. VIIL Of Flattery. 14.1 hovJ they love one another^ but God knows we may now be pointed out by a very differing mark , Behold how thef deceive and delude one another. And fure this violation we herein offer to our religion, do's not allay but aggravate the'bafenefs of this praftice: for if in the other we iell our felves , in this we fell our God too, facrifice our intereft in him to get a furreptitious title to the favor of a man. And this I conceive do's in the fecond place not much com- mend the art of Flattery, which is buiic up of fo vile materials. f . A N D to complcat this infamous compofition, in the third place Treache- ry comes ini a crime of fo odious a kind, that to name it is to implead it; yet how intrinfic apart this is of Flat- tery, will need no great skill to evidence* daily experience fufficiently doing it, Tis a common obfervation of Flatterers, that they are like the Heliotrope,open on- ly towards the fun , but fliut and contraO: themfelvesat night, and in cloudy wxa- ther. Let the objed of their adoration be but eclipfed, they can fee none of thofe excellencies which before dazled iheif eies : ^u^d 1:^QW ever inconftant they niay i+i The Government of the Tongue. may be in it to others, they are indeed very conftantto themfelves, true to their fixt principle , of courting the greatnefs not the man-, in purfuit wherof their old Idol IS often made a facrifice to their new : all malicious difcovery is made of their falling friend, to buy an intereft in the rifing one. Of this there are fuch crouds of examples in Story > that it would be impertinent to fingle out any, cfpecially in an age that is fitter to fur- nish prefidents for the future, then to borrow of the paft times. But fuppo- fing the Parafite not aftually guilty of this bafe revolt , ( which yet he feldom fails to be upon occafion} yet is he no left Treacherous even in the height of his Blandishments , and while he moft courts a man , he do's the moft ruinoufly under- mine him. For firft heabufes him in his underftanding, precludes him from that which wife men have judged the moft cflcntial part of Learning, the knowledg of himfelf, from which tis the main bu- iinefs of a Flatterer to divert him. And to this abufe there is another inevitably confequent: for this ignorance of his faults or follies, neceflarily condemns him to the continuing in them, it being im- poflible Sect. VIII. Of Flattery, 143 paflible tor him to think of correding either the one or the other, who is made believe he has neither. This is like the trea- chery of a bribed officer in a Garri(bn> who will not let the weak parts be for- tified, and laies the man as open to af- faults, as the Town. Yet this is not all, he do's not only provide for the conti- nuance, but the improving of his crimes and errors , which alas are too prolific of themfelves , but being cultivated and manured with perpetual fbothings and encouragements, grow immefurably lu- xurious. And accordingly we fee that men ufed only to.applaufes , are fo fwell'd with them , that their inlblencies are intolera- ble. And this they are fometimes taught to their coft, when they happen among free men, who will not fubmit to all they fay, nor commend all they do. And finding thefe uneafy contradicti- ons when they come abroad , they are willing to retire to their moft cpmplai- fant company: and fo this Sycophant Devil . having once got them within his circle, may enchant them as he pleafes, lead them from one wickednefs to an- other. And as Caligula and other vo- luptious Emperours , by being adored as 144 The Government of the Tongue, as Gods ^ funk in their fenfuality below che Nature of man , fo thefc c^-lebrated Perfons are by that falfe veneration a- nimated to all thofe reprochful pradicesj which may cxpofe them to a real contemr tlieir follies 5 as well as their vices ftill get head, till they anfwerthedefcription the Wife man gives of the old Giants, Who fell away in thefitength of their foolishnefs. Eccluf. i6. 7. 6. And fure he that betraies a man to all thefe mifcheifs, may well be thought perfidious. But that which iilfinitly am- plifies and enhances the Treachery is i that all this is afted under the notion and di(guifeof a friend*, a relation fo ve- nerable , that methinks tis the neereft fe- cular tranfcript of the treafon, which is ftoried of thofe who have adminiftred Poifon in theEucharift. The name of a friend is fuch an endearment , as nothing human can equal. AH other natural or civil ties take their greateft force front this. What fignifiesan unfriendly Parent, or Brother, or wife? Tis friendship only that is the cement which really and efte- ilivcly combines mankind: and tliere- fore we may obfervc, that God reckon* ing up other relations, illultrates them Sect. VIII. of Flattery, 14,5- by feveral notes of endearment, but when he comes to that of fnendifhip 5 tis the friend who is as thine own foHl^ Deut. 13, 6. nothing below thehighcft mftance was thought expreflive enough of that union. What a Legion of Fiends then poflefleth men that can break thefe chains Mat. 5. 4. nay that can hammer and forge thofevery chains into Daggers and Stiilcttoes, and make their friendfliip an engine of ruine. This fure is'the black- eft color wherein we can view a Parafitc, his falfe light makes the fhaddow the more difmal : as the Ape has a peculiar deformity above other brutes by thatj aukward and ungraceful refemblance he has to a man, fo fure a Flatterer is in- finitely the more hateful for being the ugly counterfeit of a Friend. And as this Treachery lies at the bottom of the Panegyrics, fo alfo do's it of all the carefles and exuberant kindnefles of a Flatterer , which if they aimed not at any parti- cular end of circumvention>mu(l yet in thegenerall be Treacherous by being falfe. A man lookes on the love ofhis friend as one ofhis richeft pofleffions ( upon which account the Philofopher thought friends werCj^to be inventoried as well as goods.) T ' What 1^6 The Government of the Tongue. What a defeat and difcomfitureisit to a man , when he comes to ufe this wealth, to find it all falfe mettle, fuch as will not anfwer any of thofe purpofes for which he depended on it. There cannot fure be a greater Treachery , thenfirftto raife a confidence and then deceive it. But befides this fundamental falfencfs , there are alfo many incidental Treacheries, which fall in upon occafion of particular defigns. A pretence of kindncfs is the univerfal ftale to all bafe projefts : by this men are rob'd of their fortunes, and wo- men of their honor : in a word all the wolfifh defigns walk under this flieeps clothing, and as the world goes, men have more need to beware of thofe who call themfelves friends, then thofe who own themfelves enemies. J, These are the lineaments of this vice of Flattery , which fure do to- gether make up a face of moft extreme deformity. I might upon a true account add another , and charge it with folly too. I am fure according to the Divine efti- mate it is alwaies i'o: and truly it do's not ieldom prove fo in the fecular alfo. Men of th?s art do ibmetimes drop their vizard bdore they have got the prife , and Sect. VIII. Of Flattery, 147 and then there is nothing in the world that appears fo contemtiblc , fo filly ; a barefaced Flatterer being every bodies fcorn. The fliorr is, wherever this game is plaied there is alwaies a fool in the cafe: if ths Parafite be detected, it falls. to his fhare: if he be not, to his whom he deludes. But at the bed tis but fub- tilty and cunning he can boaft of, and if he can in his own fancy raife that to the opinion of true wifdom , tis a fign he is come round to praftice his deceits upon himfelf, and is as much his own Flatterer as he has bin others. 8. And now I know not whether it be more shame or wonder, to fee that men can fb put off ingenuity, and the na- tive greatnefs of their kind, as to dc- fcend to fo bafe, fo ignoble a vice : yet alas we daily fee it don , and that not only by the fcum and refufe of the people , fuch as Job fpeaks of, who are viler then the earth, ch. 30. 8. but by Ferfons of all conditions. Flattery like a fpring forc'd upwards afcends, as cares are by the wife man faid to defcend, Eccliis. /^o.^.from him that weareth a linen frock to him that "oueareth acrovjni all intermedial de- grees are but like pipes , wliich as tligv T 2 fu^ 148 The Government of the Tongue. fuck from below, lo ti animit it ftiU up- wards. There are few fo low but find feme body to cajole and Flatter them. Some intereft or other may fomtimes be to be ferved even upon the meaneft, and tb.ofe that find themfeives thus folicited for benefits, are eafily taught by it how to addrefs to their immediate fuperiors, from whom they expect greater: and as tis thus handed from one rank to an- other , the art ftill is more fubtilized and refined ( God help poor Princes the while 5 who commonly meet with the E- lixir, and quinteflence of this venem :) and thus it pafles thro allftates and con- ditions : as they are paflive on the one fide 5 & are Fla; tered by fome 5 fo they are adive on the other, and Flatter others. 9. I fay all conditions, I do not fay all Perfons in thofe conditions, for no truly generous foul can ftoop fo low : but tis too evident to what a low ebb Generofity as well as Chriftianity is grown 5 by the numbers of thofe who thus deo-rade them- felves , every little petty intereft being thought worth thefe bafe fubmiflions. Andtru^y it is hard to find , by what To- pic of perfwafion to aflault fuchmen. The meannefs & folly of the fin willjfcarce be m diflTwa- Sect. VIII. Of Flattery. 149 diflwafives to thofe who have reconciled themlelves to both ; if any thing can be pertinently faid to them, it muft be up- on the fcore of Intereft , for that being their grand principle , they can with no pretence difclame the inferences drawn thence. 10. Let them therefore duely bal- lance the advantages they project from this praftice with the mifchiefs and dan- gers of it. What they exped, is common- ly either Honor or wealth, thefe they hope may be acquired by their proftra- tions to thole, who can difpence or pro- cure them. Tis true, as Honor fignifies Greatnefs and power, , it is fometimes attained by it , but then as it fignifies Reputation and efteem,tis asfure to be loft. He that thus afcends, may be lookt on with fear, but never with reverence. Now I think tis no good bargain to ex- change this fecond notion of Honor for the firft, for befides the difference in the intrinfic value , tis to be confider'd how tottering a Pinacle unmerited Greatnefs is. He that raif'd him to fatiffy his hu- mor at one time , can ( with more eafe and equal juftice ) throw him down at another: and when fuch a man do's fall, he I f o The Government of the Tongue. he falls as without pitty , fo without re- medy, has no foundation on which to rebuild his fortune: his Sycophanting arts being detefted, the Game is not to be plaid. that fecondtime, whereas a man of a clear reputation , tho his barque be iplit, yet he faves his Cargoe, has fome- thing left cowards fetting up again, and fo is in capacity of receiving benefit not only from his own induftry, but the friendlhip of others. A found piece of Timber, if it be not thought fit for one ufe, yet will be laid by for another: and an honcft man will probably at one time or other be thought good for fome- thing. 11. As for the other aim, that of Wealth, tis very poflible that may fometimes be compafTed -, and well it may , the flatterer, having feveral Springs to feed it by. For he that has a great Patron , has the ad- vantage of his countenance and Autori- ty, he has that of his bounty and libera- lity, and he has another (fometimes great- er then both ) that of his negligence and deceivablenefs. But yet all thefe acquifitions , are many times like Fairy mony, what is brought one night, is taken away the next. Men of this mold fel° dom Sect.VIIL O f Flattery. i ^i dom know how 'to bear profperity tem- perately , and it is no new thing to fee a Privadoe carry it fo high , as to awake the jcaloufy of his promoter , which be- ing affifted by the bufy induftry of thofe who envy his fortune, twill be eafy e- noLigh to find fome flaw in his Gettings, by which to unravel the whole Web; an event that has bin oft experimented not only in the private managery of Fa- milies^ but in the moil Public admini- ftrations. And thefe are fuch hazards, that lai'd all together would much recom- mend to any the Moral of Horaces Fa- ble, and make one chufe the country Moufes plain fare with fafety, rather then the delicacies of the City with fo much danger. This then is the ftate of the profperous Parafite : but alas how ma- ny are there who never arrive to this , but arc kickt down ere they have climb'd the two or three firft rounds of the Ladder? Whofe defigns be fo hum- ble, as not to afpire above a Ma- jor-Domo , or fome fuch domeftic pre- ferment , Q for in this trade there are ad- venturers of all fizes : 3 but upon all thefe confiderations , methinks it appears no very inviting one to any. At the long ruA I f2 The Government of the Tongue. run an honcft freedom of fpeech will more recommend a man , then all thefc fneeking flatteries : we have a very wife mans word for it, he that rebuketh a man-i afterwards shall find more favor » then he that flattereth with his lip. Pro. 12. But after all that hath or can be faid, the fupprcflion of Flattery will moft depend upon thofe Perfons to whom it is addreft : if it be not repulfed there^ nothing elfe will difcourage it , and if it be, tis crulht in the egg, and can pro- duce no viper. Thefe Vultures prey only on carcafles, on fuch ftupid minds, as have nothfe and vigor enough to fray them a- way. Let but Perfons of quality enter- tain fuch cuftomers with a feverc brow, with fome fmart expreffion of diflike, thofc Leeches will immediatly fall off. In i^^^r/^/:^ when all Laws againft theft proved ineffeftual , at laft they fixt the penalty on them that were rob'd, and by thai did the bufmefs : and in the present cafe, if twere made as infamous to be flatter'd as tis to flatter, I believe it might have the like effeft. Indeed there is pretence enough to make it fo : for firfl: as to Wit, the advantage is clear on the Flatterers fide, Sect, VIII. Of Flattery. if^ fide : he muft be allowed to have more of that (which in this age is more then a counterpoife to honefty,) and as for vertue , the balance (as to the principle motive y) feems to hang pretty even > tis tlie vice of Avarice that temts the one to Flatter, and the vice of Pride that makes it acceptable to the other. The truth is, there is the bottom of the matter : tis that fecret confederate within, that ex- pofes men to thofe aflaults from with- out. We have generally fach an appe* tite to praife> that we greedily fuck it in without flaying to examine whether it be- long to us or no> or whether it be defign'd as a kindnefs or an abu(e. Other injuries \ rush upon us with violence > and give us notice of their approch : they may be (aid to come like water into our bowels ^ but this like oil into our bones Pfa. 109. penetrates eafily , undifcernably, by help of that native propenfion we have to re- ceive it. Tis therefore the near concern of all, efpecially of thofe whofe quality moft expofes them , to keep a guard up- pn that treacherous inmate , not to let that ftep into the fcalc to make a bafe Sy- cophant out- weigh a true friend, and when ever they are attaequcd with ex- U trava- 1 5-4 The Government of the Tongue. travagant Encomiums , let them fortify themlelves with this Dilemma, Either they have thofe excellences they are prai- fed for , or they have not : if they have not, tis an apparent cheat and gull , and he is of apittiful forlorn underftandingthat dehghts to be fool'd: but if they have, they are too good to be expofed to fuch worms who will inftantly wither the faireft gourd, Jon. 4. 7. For as it is faid of the Grand Signior^ that no grafs growes where his horfe once treads : fo we may (ay of the Flat- terer, no vertue ever profpers where he is admitted ; if he find any he hugs it till he ftifles it , if he find none, he fo indifpofes the foil , that no future feeds can ever take root. In fine, he is a mifchief beyond the defcription of any Charafter. O let not men then aft this part to themfelves by being their own Parafites , and then twill be an ea(y thing to efcape all others ! Sect. Sect. IX. Of Boajiing. iff Sect. IX. Of Boa/ling. I . T 71 7 E have now feen fome efFefts V V of an ungovern'd Tongue, as they relate to God and our Neighbor. There IS yet a third fort which retleft up- on a mans felf. So unboundedly mifchie- vous is that petulant member , that hea- ven and earth are not wide enough for its range , but it will find work at home too^ and like the viper , that after it had de- voured its companions j prei'd upon its felf, fo it corrodes inward, and be- comes often as fatal to its owner, as to all the world befides. . ; z. O F this there are as many inftan- ces , as there are imprudent things faid, for all fuch have the worft refledion up- on the fpeaker: and therefore all that have given rules for civil life, have in order to it, put very fevere reftraints upon the Tongue, that it run not be- fore the judgment. Twas the advice of U 2 Zeno 1 56 The Government of the Tongue* Zeno^ to dij) the Tongue in the mind be- fore one fhoLild permit it to fpeak. Theo^ fhraftus ufcd to fay , It was fafer trufting to an unbridled horje , then to intemperate fpeech. And daily experience confirms the Aphorifm for thofe that fet no guard up- on their Tongues are hurried by them into a thoufand indecencies, and very often into reall confiderable mifchiefs. By this means men have proved their own delators , difcoverd their own moft important fecrets : and whereas their heart fhould have kept a lock upon their Tongue , they have given their Tongue the key of their heart, and the event has bin oft as unhappy as the proceeding was prepofterous. There are indeed fo many waies for men to loofe themfelves in their talk that I fliould do the like , if I fliould pretend to trace them. Bc- lides my fubjed leads me not to difcourfe Ethically, but Chriftianly of the faults of the Tongue, and therefore I have all along confidered the one no farther then it happens to be twifled with the o- ther. 3. In the prefent cafe I fliall infift only upon one fault of the Tongue^ which partakes of both kinds, and it is at once Sect. IX. Of Boafting. 157 a vice and a folly, I mean that of Boaft- ing and vaunting a mans felf ; a ftrein to which fome mens tongues have a wonderful glibnefs. Nodifcourfe can be adminiftred, but they will try to turn the Tide 5 and draw it all into their own -Channel, by entertaining you with long ftories of themic-ves: or if there b^ no room for that, they wiU ac Icaft fcrew in here and there fome intimations of what they did or faid. Yea \o ftup'd a vanity is this, that it works ahke upon all materialls z not only their greater and more iiUiftrious -afts or fentences, but even their mod flight and trivial oceurrciicjes, by being theirs, they think acquire a confiderable- nefs , and are forcibly impofed upon the company; the very dreams of fuch peo- ple ftrait commence prophely, and areas •ferioufly related, as if they were undoubt- ed revelations. And lure if we refieft upon our Saviors rule, that Oitt of the abundance of the heart the month fpeak- eth , we cannot but think thefe men are very full of themfelves. and to be fo , is but an other phrafe for being very Proud. So tis Pride in the heart, v/liich is rh& (pring that feeds this perpetual current at the mouth) and under that notion we are to confider it. 4. And I f8 The Government of the Tongue, 4. And truly there is nothing can render it more infamous. Pride being a vice that of all others is the moft brand- ed in Scripture as moft deteftable to God, and is fignalized by the punifhment to be fb. This turned Lucifer out of Heaven , Nebuchadnezzar out of his Throne , nay out of Humane fociety. And indeed it feems ftill to have fomething of the fame efFeft, nothing rendering a man fo unconverfible > for it fets him above the meaner fort of company, and makes him intolerable to the better^and to compleat the parallel ,he feldom comes to know himfelf till he be turn'd a graz- ing, be reduced to Ibme extremities. f . B u T this boafting arrogant hu- mor , tho alwaies bad, yet is more or lefs fo according to the Subjed on which it works. If it be only on Natural excel- lencies , as Beauty , Wit •, or accidental acquifitions , as Honor , Wealth, or the like , yet even here tis not only a Theft, but a Sacriledg^the glory of thofe being due only to the Donor, not to the re- ceiver , there being not fo much as any predifpofition in the Subjeft to deter- mine Gods bounty. He could have made the moft deformed Beggar as handfom and Sect. IX. OfBoaJiing, 15-9 and as rich , as thofe wiio~mofl: pride themfelves in their wealth and beau- ty. No man fancies himfelf to be his own Creator, and tho fome have aiTum- ed to be the Architects of their own fortunes , yet the frequent defeates of mens induftry and contrivance, do fuffi- ciently confute that bold pretence, and evince that there is fomething above them , which can either blaft or profper their atcemts. What an invafion then IS it of Gods right, to ingrofs the honor of thofe things being don , which were not at all in their power to do? And fure the folly is as great in refped of men, as the fin is towards God. This boafting like a heavy Nurfc, overlaies the Child, the vanity of that quite drowns the notice of the things in which tis founded, and men are not fo apt to fay, fuch a man is Handfom, Wife, or Great, as that he is proud upon the fancy of being fo. In a word he that celebrates his own excellencies, muft be content with his own applaufes, for he will aet none of others, unlefs it be from thofe fawning Sycophants , whofe praifes are worfer then the bittereft Detradion. 6. And yet fo fottifh a vice is Pride, that 1 6o The Government of the Tongue^ that it can make even thofe infiduous Flatteries matter of boaft, which is a much more irrational obje£t of it then the former. How eagerly do fome men pro- pagate every little Encomium their Pa- rafites make of them? With what guft and fenfuality will they tell how fuch a Jeft of theirs took, or fuch a Magnifi- cence was admired ? Tis pleafant to fee what httle Arts and dexterities they have to wind in fuch things into difcourfe: when alas it amounts to no more then this, that fome have thought them fools enough to be flatter'dj and tis odds but the hearers will think them enough fo to be laught at. 7. But there is yet another Subjeft of Boafting more foolifh, and more crimi- nal too then either of the former 5 and that is when men vaunt of their Piety, which if it were true ^ were yet lefs ow- ing to themfelves then any natural en- dowment. For tho we do not at all affift towards them , yet do we neither ob- ftruft, but in the operations of Grace tisotherwife: we have there a principle of oppofition , and God never makes us his own till he fubdue that : and tho he do it not by an irrefiftable force , but by fuch Sect. IX. Of Boafiing. i6i fuch fweec and gentle infinuations , that we are fometimes captivated ere we are aware : yet that do's not impeach his right of conqueft > but only fhews him the more gracious conqueror. Ti^: true in refped: of the event we have great caufe of exultance and joy, Gods fervice being the moft perfed: freedom : yet in regard of the efFici.ency , we have as little matter of Boaft , as the furprized City has in the triumphs of its vidlor. 8. But feccndly either this vaunted Piety is not reall 5 and then tis good for nothing, or el(e by being vaunted be- comes fo. If it be not reall, tis then the fuperadding Hypocrify to the former fa- criledg , and attemt at once to rob God and cheat men, and in the event ufually renders them hateful to both, to God Q who cannot be mocked ) it do's fo at the inftant , and feldom miffes to do (b at laft to men. An Hypocrite has along part to ad, and if his memory fail him butin any one fcene, his play is fpoiled.* fo that his hazards are fo great, that tis as little prudent, as tishoneft to fet up the trade, efpecially in an age when Piety it lelf is at fo low a price, that its coun- terfeit cannot pafs much. But if the X piety 1 62 The Government of the Tongue Piecy be indeed true, the Boafting it blafts it, makes it utterly infignificant. This we arc told by Chriji himlelf > who affures us, that even the moft Chriftian a(Sions of praier , almes , and fading , muft exped: no other reward ( when boafted)then the fought-for applaufe of men. Mat. 6. When a man fhall make his own tongue the trumpet of his Alms , or the eccho of his Praiers , he carves , or rather fnatches his own reward , and muft not look God Ihould heap more upon him : the recompence of his pride he may indeed look for from him , but that of his vertue he has foreftall'd. In fhort piety is like thofe Lamps of old , which main- tained their light fome Ages under ground, butas foon as they took air expired. And furely there cannot be a more deplora- ble folly , then thus to loole a rich Je- wel, only for the pittiful plefures of fhewing it: its the humor of Children and Idiots , who muft be handling their birds till they fly away, and it ranks us with them in point of difcretion, tho not of innocence. 5>. From the view of thefe particu- lars we may in the grofs conclude that this oftentation is a moft foolifti fin , fuch as Sect. IX. Of Boafting, 165 as never brought in advantage to any man. There is no vice fo undermines it felf as this do's : tis glory it feeks j and in ftead of gaining of that, it loofes com- mon ordniary eftimation. Every body that fees a bladder puft up , knows tis but wind that fo fwells it : and there is no furer argument of a light frodiy brain, then this bubling at the mouth. Indeed there is nothing renders any man fo con- temtible , fo utterly ufelefs to the world : it excludes him almoft from all com- merce , makes him uncapable of receiving or doing a benefit. No man will do him a good turn , becaufe he forefees he will ar- rogate it to himfelf, as the eft eft of his me- rit : and none ( that are not in fome great exigence ) will receive one from him 5 as knowing it fliall not only be procla- med 5 but magnified much above the true worth. There feems to be but one pur- pofe tor which he ferves, and that is to be fport for his company: and that he feldom fails to be, for in thefe gamefome daies men will not loofe fuch an oppor- tunity of divcrtifement , and therefore will purpofely give him hints , which may put him upon his Rhodomontades. I do notfpeak this byway of encourage- X 2 liicnt 164 The Government or the Tongue. ment to them, but only to shew thefe vaporers, to what fcorn they expofc themfelves, and what advantage they give to any that have a mmd to abule them : for they need not be at any pams • for It 5 they do but (wim with their ft ream; an approving nod or fmile, ferves to drive on thedefign, and make them dis- play themfelves more difadvantagioufly, more ridiculoufly , then the moft Satyri- cal Charader could poffibly do. 10. But befides thefe fportive pro- jefts, fuch a man laies himfelf open to more dangerous circumventions. He that fhews himfelf fo enamour'd of praife , that QNarciJJm like ) dotes on his own refledions, is a fit prey for Flatterers, and fuch a Carcafe will never want thofe Eagles : when his weak part is once difcern'd (as it muft foon be when him- felf publifhes it} he fhall quickly be fur- rounded with aflailants. The laft Sefti- on has shewed the mifery of a man fo befeiged, therefore I shall not enlarge on it here, this mention being only in- tended to evince how apt this vain glo- rious humor is to betray men to it. II. These are competent Speci- mens of the folly of this vice ; but it has yet afar- V Sect. IX. Of Boafting. i6^ a farther aggravation, that it precludes all means of growing wifer : tis Solomons aflertion, Seejl thou a man wife in his own conceit ? there is more hope of a Fool then of him. Pro. 26.12. And the reafon is evident, for he difcards the two grand inftruments of inftruftion, Admonirion and Obfervation. The former he thinks fuperfeded by his own Perfeftions, and therefore when any fuch friendly office is attemted towards him , he imputes it either to Envy, and a defire to echpfe his luftre by finding fome fpots, or elfe to Ignorance and incapacity of eft i mat- ing his worth: the one he entertains with Indignation, the other with difdainful Pitty, As for Obfervation, he fo circum- fcribes it within himfelf , that it can ne- ver fetch in any thing from without. Reading of men has bin by fome thought the moft facile and expedite Method for acquiring Knowledg: and furc for fome kinds of Knowledg it is , but then a man muft not only read one Author, much le(s the one worft he can pick out for himfelf. Tis an old and true faying, He that is his own Pupil sjiall have a Fool for his Tutor : and truly he that itudies only himfelf, will be lilve to make but 1 66 The Government of the Tongue. but a forryProgrefs. Yet this is the cafe of arrogant men, they loofe all the be- nefit of Converfation , and when they should be enriching their Minds with for reign trefure , they are only counting over their own ftore. Inftead of advert- ing to thofe fober difcourfes which they hear from others, they are perhaps watching to interrupt them by fomc pompous Story of themfelves, or at leaft in the abundance of their felf-fufficiency, think they can fay much better things, Magifterially obtrude their own notions, and fall a teaching when tis fitter they should learn : and fure to be thus for- ward to lay out, and take no care to bring in, muil needs end in a Bankrupt ftate. Tis true I confefs the ftudy of a mans-felf is (^ rightly taken ) • the moft ufefuU part of Learning , but then it muft be fuch a Study as brings him to know himfelf , which none do fo little as thele men, who in this are like thofe iilly women the Apoftle defcribes 2 Tim. 3. 7. fVho are ever learning yet ne- ver attain. And tis no wonder , for they begin at the wrong end, make no inquiry into their faults or defefts j but fix their Contemplation only on their more Sect. IX. Of BoajUng, \ 6y more fplendid qualities, with which they are fo dazled, that when you bring them to the darker parts of themfelves, it fares with them as with thofe that come newly from gazing on the Sun , they can lee nothing. 12. And now having difleded this fwelling vice, and feen what it is that feeds the tumor, the cure fuggefts it felf. If the difeafe be founded m Pride, the abating that is the mod natural and proper remedy : and truly one would think that meer weighing of the fore- going confiderations , might prove fuffici- ent allaies to it. yet becaufe where humors are turgent, tis neceflary not only to purge them , but alfo to ftrengthen the mfetted part , I shall adventure to give fome few advices by way of Fortificati- on and Antidote. 13. In the firft place, that of the A- poftle offers it felf to my hand. Look not every man on his own things , but every man alfo on the things of others. Phil. 2. 4. A counfil which ma diftorted fenfe (eemsto betoomuch prafticed. We are apt to apply it to worldly advantages, and in that notion not to look on our own things with thankfulnefs , but ono- ther 1 68 The Government of the Tongue. ther mens with envy. We apply it al- fo to errors and fins , and look not on our own to correft and reform , but on others to defpife and cenfure. Let us at laft take it in the genuine fenfe > and not look on our own excellencies) but thofe of others. We fee in all things liow defuetude do*s contract and narrow our faculties, fo that we may apprehend only thofe things wherein we are con- verfant. The droiling Pefant fcarce thinks there is any world beyond his own Vil- iage, or the neighboring Markets, nor any gaity beyond that of a Wake or Morrice, and men who ^are accuftom'd only to the admiration of thcmfelves, think there is nothing befide them wor- thy of regard. Thefe unbred minds muft be a little fent abroad , made acquain- ted with thofe excellencies which God has beftowed on other men , and then they will not think themfelves like G/- deons fleece to have fuckt up all the dew of heaven : nay perhaps ? they may find they rather anfwer the other part of the miracle ♦, and are drier then thdlr neighbors. Let them therefore put them- felves in this courfe , obferve diligently all the good that is vifible in other men : and SVcT. IX. OfBoaJting. i6c> and when they find riiemfelves mounting- into their altitudes , let them clog their wings with the remembrance of thofe who have out.foar'd them , not in vain opinion, but in true worth. Tis nothing but the fancy of Angularity that puffs us up. To breathe , to walk , to hear , to fee , are excellent powers, yet no body is proud of them , becaufe they are com- mon to the whole kind : and therefore if we Could obferve the great number of thofe riiat equal, or exceed us, even in the more appropriate endowments, we iliould not put fo exceffive a price upon our felves. 14. Secondly if we will needs be re- flecting upon our felves , let us do it more ingenroufly , more equally^, let us take a true furvey,and obferve as well the bar- ren as the fertil part of the foil: and if this were don , many mens value would be much fliort of what they are willing to fuppofe it. Did we but compare our crop of Weeds and Nettles , with that of our Corn, we muft either think our ground is poor , or our felves very ill husbands. When therefore the recoUefti- on of either reall or fancied worth begins to make us aery, let us condcnfe again Y by ijo The Government ot' the Tongue. by the remembrance of our fins and folly. 'tis the only pollible fervice they can do us, and confidering how dear they are to coft us, we had not need lofe this one accidental advantage. In this fenfe Satan may caft out Satan's our vileft guilts help to ejedt our pride, and did we well manage this one ftratagem againft him, twould give us more caufe of triumph , then moft of thofe things for which we fo fpread our plumes: I do not fay we fliould contract n.ew guilts . to make us humble, God knows we need not , we have all of us enough of the old ftock if we would but thus employ them. I f • I N the laft place I fhould advife thofe who are' apt to talk big things of themfelves , to turn into fome other road of difcourfe? for if they are their own Theme, their tongues will as naturally turn into Eulogies, as a horfe do's into that Inn to which he is cuftomed. All habits do require fome litde excels of the contrary to their cure : for we have not fo juft a fcantling of our felves , as to know to a grain what will level the fcales, and place us in the right Medio- crity. Let men therefore rhat have this infirmity S E c T . I X. Of Boajiing. 171 infirmity , fliug ( as far as prudence and intercft permits) all difcourfe of them- felves, till they can fever it from that unhappy appendage. They will not be at all the left acceptable company, it being generally thought none of the bcft parts of breeding, to talk much of ones felf: for tho it be don fo as not to argue pride, yet it do's ignorance of more worthy fubjeds. 16. I fliould here conclude this Sedi- on , but that there is another fort of vaunting Talk , which was not well re- ducible to any of the former Heads, tlie Subjeft matter being vaftly diftant : for in thofe the Boafting was founded in fome either real or fuppofed worth, but in this in Bafenefs and villany. There are a Generation of men, who have re- moved all the Land-marks which their Fathers (nay even the Father of Spirits) have fet, reverft the common notions of Humanity, and call evil good, and good evil, and thofe things which a moderate impudence would blufli to be furprifed in , they not only proclame but boaft off, blow the Trumpet as much before their crimes, as others before their good deeds. Nay fo much do they affect this Y 2 inverted 172 The Government ot the Tongue. inverted iort of Hypocnfy , that they own more wickedneis then they aft , af. fume to have made Praftical the higheft Speculations of villany, and like the Devils Knights errants , pretend to thofe Romantic atchievments , which the ve- rieft Fiend Incarnate could never com- pafs. Thefe are fuch Prodigies , fuch Monfters of villany , that tho they are the objeds of Grief and Wonder , they are not of Counfil. Men who thus rave, we may conclude their brains arc turn- ed, and one may. as well read Leftures at Bedlam as treat with fuch. Yet we know that there fliarp correftions reco- ver crazed men to Sobriety j and then their Cure lies only in the hand of Ci- vil Juftice : if that would take them at their words , receive their Brags as Con- feffions, and punifh them accordingly, it may be a little reall fmart would cor- re£t this mad Itch , and teach them not to glory in their shame. Phil. 3, 15). In the mean time let others who are not yet arrived to this height , con- fider betimes, that all indulgent praftice of fin is the direft Road to it , and ac- cording to the degrees of that indul- gence , they make more or left haft. He that Sect. IX. of Boafting. 173 that conftantly and habitually indulges , rides upon the Spur, and will quickly overtake his Leaders : nay if it be bat this one vice of vanity, it may finally bring him to their State. He that loves to brag, will fcarce find exercife enough for that faculty in his vertues, and therefore may at laft be temted to take in his vices al- fo. But that which is more ferioufly confiderable is, that Pride is fo provok- ing to Almighty God , that it often caufes him to withdraw his Grace^ which is a Donative he has promifed only to the Humble. lam. 4. 6. And when we turn that Grace into wantonnefs , as the Proud man do's who is pamper'd by it into high conceits of himfelf , tis not probable God v/ill any longer proftitute his favors to fuch abufe. The Apoftle oblerves it of the Gentiles , who had in contradiction of their natural light a- bandon'd themfelves to vile Idolatries, that GoA after gave them up toareprobate mind and vile affeEiions^ Rom. i. 25, 26. But the Proud now ftide a much clearer light, and give up themfelves to asbafean Idolatry , the adoration of themfelves : and therefore tis but equal to expcftGod should defert them , and (as ioK^^ Nati- ons 1 74 The Government of the Tongue. ons have Deified their difeafes } permit them to celebrate even their fowlcft en- ormities. The application of all I shall fiim up in the words of the Apoftle. Rom. 1 1 . 2 1 . Take heedalfo that he [pare not thee^ Sect. X. OfQueruloufnefs. I. T^O this of Boafting may not un- 1 fitly be fubjoin'd another inor- dinancy of the Tongue, viz* murmuring and complaining. For tho thefe faults feem to differ as much in their comple- xions, as Sanguine do's from Melancholy, yet there is nothing mbre frequent then to fee them united in the fame Perfon. Nor is this a conjunftion of a later date, but is as old as St. Judes dales, who ob- fervesthat the murmur ers and comp lamer s are the very fame with thofe who (peak great fwelling words 'i Jude i6. 2. Nor are we to wonder to find them thus conjoined , if we confider what an original cognation and kindred they have S E c T, X. Of ^erulotifnefs, 17 y have, they being (however they feem divided } ftreams ifluing from die fame fountain. For the very fame pride which promts a man to vaunt and overvalue what he is^ do's as forcibly inchne him to contemn and difvalue what he has- whilft mefuring his enjoiments by that vaft Idea he has form'd of himfelf , 'tis impollible but he muft think them below him. 3. This indeed is the true original of thofe perpetual complainings we hear from all forts and conditions of men. For let us pafle thro all Degrees ■, all AgQ$ 5 we shall rarely find a fingle Per- fon, much lefs any number of men , ex- emt from this Querulous , this fullen hu- mor : as if that breath of life where- with God originally infpired us, had bm given us not to magnify his Bounty, but to accufe his llliberality , and like the difmaller forts of inftruments 5 could be tuned.ro no other Streins but thofe of Mourning and Lamentation. Every man contributes his note to this doleful Har- mony, and after all that God has don to oblige and dehght mankind , fcarce any man is fatiffied enough , I will not fay to be thankful , but to be patient. For alas what 1 7^ The Government of the Tongue. what Tragical complaints do men make of their infehcity, when perhaps their profpcrity is as much the envious out- cry of others ? Every httle defeat of a dellgn 5 of an appetite 5 every little difre- gard from thofe above them , or lefs fo- lemn obfervance from thofe below themj malces their Heart hot within them , Pfal. 35). 3. and the tongue(that combuftible part 3 quickly takes fire and breaks out into extravagant exclamations. It is in- deed ftrange to fee how weighty every the trivialleft thing is when a paflion is caft into the fcale with it , how every the flighteft inconvenience or petty want preponderates hundreds of great fubftan- tial bleffings : when indeed were it in an inftance never fo confiderable, it could be no juft Counterpoife. Yet fo clofely is this corruption interwoven with our confti- tution , that it has fometimes prevailed even upon good men. Jacob tho he had twelve fons, yet upon the fiippofed death of one defpis'd the comforts of all the reft 5 and with an obftinate for- row refolves to go mourning to his Grave. Gen. 35-. 37. David after that fignal viftory which had preferv'd his life, reinftated him in liis Throne, and reftor'd Sect. X. Of §lueridoufnefs, 177 reftor'd him to the Ark and Sanftuary > yet fuffer'dthclofsof his rebelUous fon, who was the Author of his danger , to overwhelm the fenfe of his dehverance, and inftead of Hymns and praifcs, breaks out into ejulations and effeminate wail- ing3, 2. Sam. 18. 33. 4. B u T God knows the mod of out complaints cannot pretend to fuchconfi* derable motives : they are not the bowels of a Father, the imprefles of Nature that excite our repinings, but the impul- fes of our lufts and inordinate appetites. Our difcontents arc ufually fuch as o^- hab\ for his neighbors vineyard, Haman's for Mordecai's obeifance, xy£chitophel's for having his counfil rejefted. Every difappointment of our avarice, ambi* tion , and pride , fill's our hearts with bit- ternefs and our mouths with clamor. For if we fliould examine the numeroUi complaints which found in every cor- ner, it would doubtlefsbc found that the greateft part of them have fome fuch original: and that , whether the preren* ded grievances be public or private. For the firft : many a man is a ftate male- content, meerly becaufe he fees another advanced to that honor or wealth which Z he 1 78 The Government of the Tongue. he thinks he has better deferv'd. He is alwaies inveighing againft Ibch unequal diftributions, where the beft fervices Q fiich you may be fure his own are ^ are the word rewarded: nor do's he ever ceafe to prcdift public ruines , till his pri- vate are repaired. But as foon as that is don 5 his Augury grows more mild : and as if the ftate and he were \ikcHij)pocrates*s twins , his recruites give new vigor to that, and till his next fuit is denied everything is well adminiftred. So full alas men are of themfelves ? that 'tis hard to find any the mod fplendid pretences which have not fomething of that at the bottom : ,and would every man ranfack his own heart, and refolve not to cafta ftone till he had firft cleer'd it of all fmi- ftcr refpefts 5 perhaps the number of our Gomplauicrs would be much abated. 5-/ Nor. is it otherwiie in private difconrents. Men are apt to think themfelves ill ufed by any man who will not fcrve their intereft or their humor, nay fometimcs their vices •, and are prone in all companies to arraign fuchan unpli- ant Perfon , as if he were an enemy to mankind, becaufe he is not a flave to their will» How many have quarrel'de- ven Sect. X. Of §lneruloufnefs, 175) vea with their deareft friends,becaule they would not aflift them to their own ruine , or have ftriven to divert them from it: fo forcible are our pretentions to mutiny, that we equally take occafions from benefits or injuries. 6. B u T the higheft and mod unhap- py inftance of all is in our behavior to- wards God, whofe allotments we dif- pute with the fame, or rather greatet boldnefs then we do thofeofmen. What elfe mean thofc impatient murmurs at thofe things which are the immediate if- fues of his Providence ? Such are ourna- tive blemiflies, difeafes , death of friends, and the like. Nay what indeed arc our difpleafures even at thofc things which we pretend to faften upon Second Caufes? For thofe being all under the fubordina- tion of the firft , cannot move but by its permiflion. This holy 7^^ well difcern'd, and therefore do's not indite the Chalde- mis or Sabeans for his plunder, but know- ing they were hut inilruments, he fub- misfly ackno wledges,that there was a high- er agent in his lofs, The Lord hath ta- ken away i]oh i. 2 1 . When therefore we ra- vingly execrate the rapine of one man , the deceit of another for our impovcrjfli- Z 2 ment 1 80 The Government of the Tongue. ^ ment , when we angrily charge our Ueta* jnation on the maUce of our maUgncrs) our difappointments on the treachery or negUgence of our friends , we do inter» pretatively conclude either that there is no over-ruling providence which could have reftrained thofe events , or elfc (^ which is equally horrid 3 we accufe it as not having don well in permitting them. So that againft whomfoever we direct our clamors , their laft rebound is againft Heaven i this Qjierulous humor carrying alwaies an implicite repugnance to Gods difpofals: but where it is in* dulged to 5 it ufually is its own expofitor , and cxplicitely avows it > charges God fooliflily, and by impious murmures blafphemes that power which it can- not refift. Indeed the progrcfs is very natural for our impatiences at men to f>vell into the mutinies againft God : for when the mind is once imbitter'd , it diftinguifhcs notofobje(5ts, but indiffer- ently lets fly its venem. He that frets himfelfy the prophet tells usj will curfe hi^sKing^nxflopsGodj Ifa. 8. zi. and he that quarrels at Gods diftributions , is in the direft road to defie his Being, 7, B Y this we inay eftimate the dan* Sect. X. Of ^eruloufnefs. i8i ger of our difcontents, which tho at firft they are introduced by the inordi- nate love of our felves , yet are very apt to terminate in hatred and Blafphemies againft God. He therefore that would fecure himfelf from the higheft degree, muft watch againft the loweft i as he that would prevent a total Inundation, muft avert the fmalleft breach in his Banks. Not but that even the firft be- ginnings are in themfelvcs well worth our guarding : for abftradting from all the danger of this enormous increafe , thefe murmurings ( like a mortiferous Herb) are poifonous even in their firft Spring , before they arrive to their full maturity. To be alwaies moraliz- ing the Fable of Trometheus upon one's felf , playing the Vulture upon ones own entrails , is no defirable thing, tho we were accountable to none but our felves for it: to dip our tongues in gall, to have nothing in our mouths but the extra d" , the exhalation of our inward bitternefs, is fure no great Senfuality. So that did we confult only our own eafe, we might from that fingle Topic draw arguments enough againft our mu- tinies, 8. But 1 82 The Government of the Tongue. 8. But befides our duty and eafe , our reputations make their plea alfo. Fortitude is one of the nobleft of moral vertues ^ and has the luck to appear confiderable even to thofe who defpile all the reft. Now one of the moft proper and eminent a<3:s of that is , the bearing adverfe events with evennefs and temper. This paffive valor is as much the mark of a great mind as the acSlive, nay per- haps more , the later being often ow- ing to the Animal , this to the Rational part of man. And fure we muft ftrangely have corrupted the principles of Mora- Uty as well as Religion y if every turbu- lent unruly Spirit, that fills the world with blood and rapine , shall have his ferity called gallantry •, yet that fober courage , that maintains it felf againft all the shocks of Fortune, that keeps its Port in fpight of the rudeft encounters , shall not be allowed at leaft as good a name. And then on the contrary we •inay conclude, that to finke under e- very crofs accident, to be ftill whining and complaining , crying out upon every touch , is a note of a mean degenerous foul i below the dignity of our reafonablc nature. For certainly God never gave us Sect. X. Of ^eruloufnefs. 18 j us reafon for fo unkind a purpofe, as only to quicken and inhance the relent- ment of our fufFerings, but rather to con- trole thofe diforders, which the more tumultuous part of us, our fenfes, are apt to raife in us : and we are fo far men and no farther, as we ufe it to that end. Therefore if the didates of re* ligion cannot reftrain our murmurs, if I we are not Chriftians enough to fubmic to the divine precepts ,of mecknefs and acquiefcence : yet let usatleafl: keep within thofe bounds which ingenious nature has fet us, and not by our un- manly impatiencies enter common with Brutes and Animals. 9. N A Y I may farther add , if nci- ther for Gods nor our own fakes , yet for others^for humane focieties fake, this querulous inchnation ihould be fuppreft^ there being nothing that renders a man more unpleafant , more uneafy compa- ny. For ( befides that tis very apt to vent it felf upon thofe with whom he converles , rendring him capricious and exceptions > and tis a harlh, a grating found to hear a man alwaies in the complaining Key ) no man would wil- lingly dwell within the noile of shreeks and 1 84 The Government of the Tongue* and groans 5 and the exclamations of the difcontented differ from thofe only by being more articulate. It is a very un* welcome importunity , to entertain a mans company with remonftrances of his own infelicities and mifad ventures , and he that will repete all his grievances to others , will quickly make himfelfe one to them. For tho he that is full of the inward fenfe of them , thinks it rathet aneafe then oppreffion to fpeak them out, yet the cafe is far otherwife with his Auditors : they are perhaps as much taken up with themfelves, as he is j and as little at leifure to confider his concerns, as he theirs. Alas we are not now in thofe primitive daies, when there was as it were one common fenfe among Chri- ftians, when if one member fuffer dp all the members fufferd with it. i Cor. 12. That Charity which gave that fym- padietic motion to the whole, is now it felf benumm'd , flows rarely beyond the narrow compafs of our perfonal in- terefl •, and therefore we cannot expedt that men fhould be very patient of our complaints who are not concern'd in the caufes of them. The Priefls anfwer to Judas do's fpeak the fenfe of moil mtn in S E c T. X I. Of ^eniloufnefs, 1 8 f in the CTik IVhat is that to its ? See thou to that. Mat. 27'V I do not deny but that the difcharging ones griefs into the bofomc of a true friend , is both inno- cent and prudent : nay indeed he that has fuch a trefurej is unkind to himfelf if he ufe it not. But that which I would diflwade i is the promifcuous ufe of this hberty in common Converfacion , the latisfying our Spleens when we cannot ^afe our hearts by it > the loud decla- mings at our mifery, which is feldom fe- vered from as fevere refleftions on thofe whom we fuppofe the caufes of it \ by which nothing can be acquired but the opinion of our Impatience , or perhaps fome new grievance from fome , who think themfelves concern'd to vindicate thofe whom we afperfe. In a word tis as indecent as it is unacceptable, and we may obferve all men are willing to flink out of fuch company , the Sober for the hazards, the Jovial for the unplea- fantnefs. So that the murmurer feems to be turn'd off to the company of thole doleful Creatures which the Prophet men- tions , which were to inhabit the mines of Babylo?hl^'^ '2i,¥or he is ill Converfation to ail men ^ tho die word of all to himfelf. A a 10. And 1 86 The Government of the Tongue. lo And now upon the force of all thefe confiderations , 4 may reafonably imprefsthe Wife mansCounfil, Therefore be^vare ofmurmuringyWi(d.. i.ii. And in- deed it IS not the precept of the Wife- man alone, but of all who have made any juft pretence to that title. For when we coiifider thofe excellent: ledures of contentation and acquiefceace^ where- with the writings of Philofophers abound, \iS hard to fay whether they fpeak more of inftruftion or reproch to us. When their coufufed notions of a Deity had gi- ven them fuch impreflions of his Wif- dom and Goodnefs, that they would not pretend to make any elections for themfelves 5 how do's it fliame our more explicite knowledge who dare not de- pend on him in the fmalleft inftancc.^ who will not take his difpofalls for good, unlefs our fenfes become his furetics? which amounts but to that degree of credit, which the; moft faithlefs man may expeO: from us the trufting him as far as we fee him. This is luch a contumely to him , as the Ethnic world durft not ofter him ,and is the peculiar infolence of us degeaeraited Chriftians, who fure cannot be thought in earneft when Sect. XI. Of ^eruloufnefs, 187 when we talk of Tinging Hallelujahs in the next world to. him , whilft we enter- tain him here only with the fullen nolle of murmurs and repinings. For we are not to think that Heaven will Meta- morphofeuson a fudden, and turn our exclamations and wild clamors into Lauds and Magnificats. It do's indeed perfefl: and crown thofe graces which were here inchoate and begun , but no mans conver- lion ever fucceeded his being thete : for Chrift has expresfly told us , That ex- cept we be convert edy we shall not enter in- to the kingdom of heaven-, if we go hence in our froward difcontents, they will aflbciate us with thofe, with whom is IVeeping and wailtng and gnashing of teeth. Aa2 #> Sect 1 8 8 The Government 9f the Tongue. Sect. Xl. Of Pofitivenefs^ I. A NOT HER very unhandfom jTj^ circumftance in difcourfe is the being over confident and pcremtory , a thing which do's very much unfit men for converf^tion , it being lookt on as; the common birth-right of mankind, that every man is to opine according to the dictates of his own underftanding not an- others. Now this Peremtorinefs is of too forts 5 the one a Magifteriallnefs in matters of opinion and fpeculation, the other a Pofitivenefs in relating matters of faft: in the one we impofe upon mens underftandings , in the other on their faith. 2. For the firft, he muft be much a ftranger in the world who has not met with It: there %eing a generation ofmen, who as the Prophet fpeaks , Are wife in their own eies ^ and prudent in their own fight > Ifa, f . 2 1 . Nay not only fb , but w ho inake Sect. XI. Of Tofitivenefs, . 189 make thqmfelves the llandards of wildom, to which all are bound to conform , and whoever weighs not in their balance, be his reafons never fo weighty, they write Tekell upon them. This is one of the moft oppreflive Monopolies imagi- nable.' all others can concern only fcni- thiiig without us , but this fallens upon our nature, yea and the better part of it too, our realbn , and if it meet|with thole who have any confiderablc fhare of that within them , they will often be temted to rally it , and not too tamely rcfign this native hberty. Reafon fubmits only to reafon, and hj thataflaults it with bare Autority ( that which is Divine ahvaies excepted ) may as well cut flame with his fword, or harden wax in the fun. 3. Tis true indeed thefe great Di- (Stators do fometimes run down tlie com^ pany, and carry their Hypothelis with- out conteft : but of this there may be di- vers realbns bcfides the weight of their arguments- Some unfpeculative men may not have the skill to examine their aller- tions , and therefore an aflent is their fa- feft courfe -, others may be lazy and not think it worth their pains ; a third fort may be modeft and av/ed by a fevere brow ipo The Government of the Tongue. brow and an imperious nod : and perhaps the wifer may providently forelee die im- poffibility of convincing one who thinks himfelf unerrable. Upon thefe or other like grounds tis very poffible all may be filenced when never a one is convinced: fo that thefe great Mailers may often make very falle eftimates of their con- quefts , and facrifice to their own nets , Hab. I. 1 6. when they have taken no- thing. 4. N A Y indeed this infolent way of propofing is fo far from propagating their notions , that it gives prejudice a- gainfl them. They are the gentle infi* nuations which pierce ( as oil is the moft penetrating of all liquors-, ) but in thefe Magifl:;irial documents men think themfelves attacqu'd , and ftand upon their guard, and reckon they muft part with Honor together with their Opini- on, if they fuffer themlelves to be He- ftor'd out of it. Befides this impofing humor is fo unamiablc, that ix gives an averfion to the Perfon > and we kuQW how forcible perfonal prejudices are (tho tis true they should not be ) towards the biaffing of Opinions. Nay indeed men of this temper do cut themfelves off S E c T .X I. Of Tofitivenefs. ip i ofFfrom the opportunities of Profelyting others, by averting them from their com- pany. Freedom is the endearmg thing in Society, and where that is controul'd, men are not very fond of aflbciating themfelves. Tis natural to us to be un- eafy in the prefence ot thofe who af- fume an Authority over us. Children care not for the company of their Pa- rents or Tutors, and men will c^re Ie(s for theirs, who would make them Chil- dren by ufurping a Tutelage. f. A L L theie inconveniencies are e- vidcntly confequent to this Dogmatizing, fuppofing men be never fo much in the right : but if they happen to be in the wrong, what a ridiculous pageantry is it , to fee fuch a Philofophical gravity ict to man-out a Solecifm? A conclu- ding Face put upon no concluding Ar- guments, is the moft contemtible fort of folly in the world. They do by this found a Trumpet to their own defeat : and whereas a modeft miftake might flip undiicern'd , thefe Rhodomontade errors force themfelves upon mens ob- fervation, and make it as impoflible for men not to fee, as it is not to defpife them when they do. For indeed Pride is as Ul ic}z The Government of the Tongue. ill linktwith Error, as we ufually fay id is with Beggary , and in this as well as that converts pitty into contemt. 6. A N D then it v/ould be confidered, what fecurity any man that will be im- pofing has, that this will not be his cafe. Human nature is very fallible, and as it is poflible a man may err in a great many things, fo tis certain every man do's in, fomething or other. Now who knov/s at the inftant he is fo poiitive, but this may be his erring turn. Alas how frequently are we miftaken even in common .ordinary things : for as the Scripture fpeaks, ifardly do we judge ^- right even in things that are before us^ AVifd. <>. 1 6. our very fenfes do fome- times delude us. How then may we wan- der in things of abftrufe fpeculation ? The confideration of this hath with fome fo prevailed 5 that it hasproduc'd aSe(St of fcepticifm : and tho 1 prefs it not for that purpoie, yet fure it may reafona- bly be urged to introduce fome mode- fly and calmnefs in pur aflertions. For when v/e have no other certainty of our being in the right , but our own per- Iwafions that we are fo , this may often be but making one error the gage for an- in -^1 ' 11 1 Sect. XI. Of Tojitivenefs, ipj another. For God knows confidence is fo far from a certain mark of truth , that 'tis often the feducer into fahhood, none being fo apt to lofe their way as thofe who, out of an ungrounded prefumtion of knowing it , defpife all direftion from others. /.Let all this be weighed, and the refult will be, that riiis peremtorinefs is a thing that can befit no form of under- ftanding. It renders Wife men difobli- ging & troublefome , and fools ridiculous and contemtible. It cafts a prejudice up- on the moft folid reafoning , and it ren- ders the lighter more notorioufly defpi- cable. Tis pitty good parts (hould be leaven'd by it. , made a fnare to the own- ers and ufelefs to others. And 'tis pitty too that weak parts fhould by it be con- demn'd tobealwaies fo, by defpifing thofe Aids which (hould improve them. Since therefore 'tis fo ill calculated for every Meridian , would God all Chmes might be purged from it. 8. And as there are weighty obje- ftions againft it in refpeft of its effefts ^ fo there are no inconfiderable prejudices in relation to its caufes, of which we may reckon Pride to be the moft certain B b and 194 The Government of the Tongue. and univerfal : for whatever elfe cafually occurs to it , this is the fundamental con- ftitutive principle 5 nothing but a great overweening of a mans own underftand- ing being able to inflate him in that ima- ginary empire over other mens. For here lure we may hiakethe Apoftles queftion, Who made thee to differ from another? When God has made Rationality the common portion of mankind , how came it to be thy inclofure? or what Signa- ture has he fet upon thine , what mark of excellency, that thine (hould be paramount? Doubtlefs if thou fancieft thou haft that part ofy^^^^jbleffing, To be Lord of thy brethren , and that all thy mothers fons should bow down to thee , Gen. 27.29. thou haft got it more furrep- titioufly then he did , and with lefs eflfed: : for tho Ifaac could not retrad: his mi- ftaken bcnediftion, God will never at- teft that fantaftic, thou haft pronoun- ced to thy fclf , with his reall cfFeftive one. 9. But there happens many times to be another ingredient befides Pride, and that is Ignorance: forthofe qualities however they may feem at war , do of- ten very clofely combine. He who has nar- row S E c T. X I. Of Tojitiwnej}.. i <> 5' row notions , that knows but a few things, and has no gUmpfe of any be- yond him , thinks there are no fuch : and therefore as if he had Q like A- lexander } no want but that of worlds to conquer , he thinks himfelf the abfolute narch of all knowledg. And this is of all others the moft unhappy compofiti- on : for ignorance being of its felf hke ftifF clay , an infertile foile, when pride comes to fcorch and harden it , it grows perfedly impenetrable : and accordingly we lee none are fo inconvincibic as your half-witted people ; who know juft e- nough to excite their pride ^ but not (b much as to cure their ignorance. 10. There remamsyeta 2^ kind of Peremptorinefs which! am to fpeak to, and that is of thofe who can make no relation without an atteftation of its cer- tainty: afortof hofpitable people, who entertain all the idle vagrant reports, and fend them out with paflports and teftimonials-, who when they have once adopted aftory, will have it pafs for le- gitimate howfpurious fofever it original- ly was. Thefe fomewhat refemble thofe Hofpitals in J/^^/y, where all baftards are fureof reception, and fuch a provifion as ip6 The Government of the Tongue. as may enable them to lubfilbn the world: and were it not for fiich men j many a Fa- therlef s lie would be ftifled in its birth. It is indeed ftrange to fee) how fuddenly loofe rumors knit into formal ftories, and from thence grow to certainties i but 'tis ftranger to fee that men can be of fuch profligated impudence, as knowings ly to give then; that advance^ And yet tis no rarity to meet with fuch men who will pawn th€ir honors , their fouls , for that unworthy purpofe: nay and that too with as much impertinence as bafe- nefs > when no intereft of their own 3 or perhaps any man elfe is to be ferved by it. 10. This is fo prodigious a thing, as feems to excite ones Curiofity to in- quire the caufe of fo wonderful an EfFeft. And here as in other unnatural produ- ctions , there are feveral concurrents. If >ve trace it from its original , its firft E- lement feems to be Idlenefs : this di- verting a man from lerious ufeful enter- tainments , forces him upon ( the ufual refuge of vacairt Perfons } the inquiring after News , which when he has got, the venting of it is his next bufinefs. If he jbe of a credulous Nature ^ and believe it Sect. XI . Of \Pqfttivenefs. 197 it himfelf, he do's the more innocently impofe it on others : yet then to fecure himl'elf from the imputation of Levity and too eafy Faith, he is often temted to lend fo me probable circumftance. Nay if he be of a proud humor , and have that miferable vanity of loving to fpeak big, and to b^ thought a man of g; . ater cor- refpondence and intelligenee then his Neighbors, he will not bare an Ace of abfolute certainty, but however doubt- ful or improbable the thing is , coming fom him it muft go for an indifputable truth. This feems to be the defcent of this unhappy folly , which yet is often nurft up by a mean or imprudent Edu- cation. A man that hath converft only with that lower fort of company, who durft not difpute his veracity, thinks the fame falfe Coin will pafs over the world, which went current amongft his Fathers Servants or Tenants: and therefore we may obferve tfeit this is mod ufuallyin young men , who have come raw into company with good fortunes and ill breeding. But it is too true alfo that too many never lofe the habit , but are as morofely pofitive in their Age , as they were childiflily fo in their Youth. In-r deed ipS The Government of the Tongue. deed tis impoflible they fhould be o- therwife , unlefs they have the wit to difentangle themfelves firft from the love of Flattery , and after from the compa- ny of Flatterers : for (^ as I have before obferv'd} no vice will ever wither un- der rheir (hade. I think I fliall do the Reader no ill office to let in a little light upon them > and fliew him fome of thole many mifchiefs that attend this unworthy pradice. 12. First it engages a man to Oaths, and for ought he knows to Perjuries. When he has lancht out boldly into an incredible relation , he thinks he has put his Credit upon the forlorn hope , and muft take care to relieve it : and there is no fuccor fo conftantly ready at hand as that of Oaths and imprecations , and therefore whole vollies of them are dif- charged upon the doubtful. Thus do we make God a witnefs , and our Souls parties in the caufe of eAry trifling ru- mor , as if we had model'd our Divini- ty by the Scheme of that JeRiitical Ca- fuift 5 who legitimates the Killing of a man for an Apple. 13. A fecond mifchief is, that it be- traies a man to quarrels. He that is perem- Sect. XI. bf 'Fojitivenefs,' ipp peremtory in his own Story , may meet with another that is as peremtory in the/ contradiftion of it, and then the two Sr. Tofitives muft have a skirmifli indeed. He that has attefted the truth of a falfe, or the certainty of a doubt- ful thing, has brought himfelf into the fame ftrait with Balaams Afs , he muft either fall down flat or run upon a fword. Num. 22. 27. For if his Hearers do but exprefs a diffidence , either he muft fink to a down-right Confeffion that he was a Liar , or elfe he muft huff and blufter till perhaps he raife a counter-ftorm , and as he fooiy himfelf cut of his truth, fo be beaten out of the pretence to it. Indeed there is fcarce any quality thic do's fo temt and invite affronts as this do's : for he that can defcend to fuch a meaiinefs , may reafonably enough be prefumed to have little (as of true worth, fo) even of that which tlie world calls Gal- lantry, and fo every puny fword-man will think him a good f|pie Quarry^ to venter andflefti himfelf ilpbn. 14. I N the third place it expofes him to all the contemt and fcorn which ci- tlier good or ill men can fling upon him; the good abominate the fin , the ill tri- umph aoo The Government of the Tongue. umph over the tolly of it. The truth is there can be nothing more wretchedly mean. To be a Knight of the Poft to every fabulous relation, is fuch a fordid thing, that there can fcarce any name of re- proch be too vile for it. And certainly he that can pawn his faith upon fuchmi- ferable terms , will by thofe frequent mor- gages quickly be fnapt upon a forfeiture j or however will have his credit fo im- pair'd by it, that no man will think his word ^ competent gage for the flighteft concern. n they will undoubtedly nd the efFefts of it : a modeft propofal will (boneft captivate mens reafons, and a modeft relation their belief. Cc 2 Sect, 204 The Government of the Tongue. Sect. XII. Of Obfcene Talkf I. T^HERE is another vice of the 1 Tongue which I cannot but men- tion, tho I knew not in which of the for- mer Clafles to place it: not that it comes under none , but that tis fo common to all y that tis not eafy to refolve to which peculiarly to aflign it , I mean obfcene and immodeft talk, which is ofFenfive to the purity of God , dammagable and infectious to the innocence of our Neigh- bors 5 and moft pernicious to our felves : and yet is now grown a thing fo com- mon , that one would think we were fallen into an Age of Metamorphofis y and that the Brutes did (not only Poe- tically and in fiction ) but really fpeak. For the talk of many is fo beftial , that it (eems to be but the conceptions of the more libidinous Animals clothed in hu- inan J-,anguage. %. And yet even this muft pafs for Ingenuity > and this vile defcent below Huma- Sect. XII. OfObfcene Talk. 20f Humanity? muft be counted among the higheft (trains of Wit. A wretched de- bafement of that fprightful Faculty ^ thus to be made the interpreter to a Goat or Boar : for doubtlefs had thofe Crea- tures but the organs of Speech , their Fancies lie enough that way to make them as good company 5 as thofe who more ftudioufly apply themlclves to this Ibrt of entertainment. 3. The crime is comprehenfive e- nough to afford abundance of matter for the mod Satyrical zeal , but 1 con- fider the dilTefting of putrid Bodies may caft fuch peftilential fumes, as all the bene- fits of the fcrutiny will not recompence. I shall therefore in refpect to the Reader difmift this noifome Subjed: , and thereby give an example with what abhorrence he should alwaies rejeft fuch kind of dif- Gourfe , remembring the advice of Sx., Vaul^ That all nncleannefs should not be once named amoyig thofe who would walk as becometh Sahits^ Eph. 5. 3. The ? o6 The Government of the Tongue. 7h^ Clofc. I. IT Have now touched upon thofee-? J[ normites of Speech which I prin- cipally defign'd to obferve , wherein I have bin far from making a full and ex- aft Catalogue : therefore I would havq no man take this little Trad for a juft Criterion , by which to try himfelf in reference to his words. Yet God grant that all that read it > may be able to ap-? prove themfelves even by this imperfeft cflay : and he that do's fo , makes fair approches towards being that f erf e£i man, St. y^w^j fpeaks ofFj Jam. 3. i. thefe being fuch faults of the Tongue as are the harder to avoid , becaufe they are e- very day exemplified to us in common pradice, (nayfomeof them recommend-? ed as reputable and ingenious.) And it is a ftrange infinuative power which exam- ple and cuftom have upon us. We fee it in every trivial fecular inftance , in our very habit : thofe drefles which we laugh at in our forefathers wardrobes or pi- ftures , when by the circulation of tim^ and vanity they are brought about, we think very becoming. Tis the fame in our The Cloje, 207 our diet : our very palates conform to the fafhion , and every thing grows a* miable to our fancies, according as tis more or left received in the world. And upon this account all fobriety and ftrid: vertue lies now under a heavy prejudice, and no part of it more, then this of the Tongue, which cuftom has now enfran- chized from all the bonds Moralifts or Divines had laid upon it. ^. But the greater the difficulties are, the more it ought to awake our diligence: if we lieloofe and carelefly, tis odds we shall be carried away with the ftream. We had need therefore fix our felves, and by a fober recollcftion of the ends for which our Speech was given us, and the account we muft one day give of it, im- prefs upon our felves the bafenefs and the danger of mifemploying it. Yet a negative innocence will not ferve our turns, twill but put us in the condition of him , who wrapt up the talent he was commanded to employ^ Mat.25'. 25-. Nay in- deed twill be impoffible to preferve e- ven that if we afpire no farther. The Tongue is a bufie adive Part, will fcarce be kept from motion: and therefore if that aftivity be not determined to good objeds 2o8 The Government of the Tongue. objeds , twill be prafticing upon bad. And indeed I beheve a great part of its li- centioufnefs is owing to this very thing. There are fo few good Themes of diA courfe in ufe, that many are driven to the ill for want of better. Learning is thought Pedantic , Agriculture Peafant- like ) and Religion the moft infufFerable of all: fo by excluding allufeful Subjefts of converfe, we come together as St 'PaulQ in another cafe } faies , Not for the better but for the -ujorfe . i Cor. ii. 17. And if the Philofopher thought he had loft that day wherein he had not learnt fomething worthy his notice, how many daies do we worfe then lofe , by having them not only emty of folid ufeful acquifiti. ons , but full of noxious and pernicious ones? And indeed if they be the one, they will not mifs to be the other alfo: for the mind is like the ftomac , which if it be not fupplied with wholefome nu- rifliment , will at laft fuck in thofe humors with which the body moft abounds. So that if in our converfe we do not enter- change fober ufeful notions , we ftiall at the beft but traffique toies and baubles, and moft commonly infeftion and poi- fon. He therefore that would keep his tongue The Clofe. 209 tbhgue from betraying himfelf or others to lin, muft tune it to a quite contrary- Key , make it an inftrument , an incen- tive to vertue, by which he fliall not only fecure the negative part of his duty, but comply with the pofitive alfo, in em^ ploying it to tho(e ufes for which it was given him. 3. I T would be too vafl an underta- king to prefcribe the particular fubjeds of fuch difcourfe , nay indeed impoffible , be- caufe many of them are occafional , fuch as cannot aforehand be reduced to any certain account. This only in the general we may reft upon, that all fpeech tending to the glory of God , or the good of man, is aright dired'ed. Which is not to beun- derftood fo rcftriftively , as if nothing but Divinity or the neceflary concerns of hu- man life, may lawfully be brought into difcourle : fomthing is to be indulged to common civility , more to the intimaces and endearments of friendfliip , and a competency to thofe recreative difcourfes which maintain the cheerfulnefs offocie- tyj all which are, if moderatly ufed, withm the latitude of the rule , as tendi^ ing(^thoin a lower degree) to the well- being of men, and by confequent to the D d honpr 2 1 o The Government of the Tongue. honor of God , who indulges us thofc in- nocent refrefhments. But if the fubordi- nateufescome to incroch upon the high- er, ifwe dwell here and look no farther, they then become very finful by the exccfs which were not fo in their nature.That in- ordinacy lets them in oppofition to Gods defignation , in which they were allowed only a fecondary place. We fliould there- tore be careful to improve all opportu- nities of letting our tongues pay their more immediate homage to God, in the duties of praiers , and praifes , making them not only the interpreters of our pious affeftions , but the promoters of the like in others. And indeed he can fcarce bethought in earneft, who praies, Hallowed be thy name^ and do's not as much endeavor it with men, as he folicites it from God. 4. And if we anfwer our obligations . in this point , we shall in it difcharge the higheft part of our duty to man alfo: for in whofe he^rt foever we can implant a true reverential aw of God , we fow the (eed of immortality, of an endlefs happy be- ing, die greateft the moft fuperlativegood whereof he is capable. Rcfides in the in- terim , we do by it help to manumit and re- The Clofe, 2 1 1 relcafc him from thofe iervile drudgeries to w\ce^ under which thofe remain who live without God in the world. And thefe indeed are benefits worthy the dignity of human nature to communicate. And it is both fad & ftrange to fee among the mul- titude and variety of Leagues that are con- tracted in the world, how few there are of thefe pious Combinations *, how thofe who shew themfelves concerned in all the pet- ty fecular interefts of their friends , never take this at all into their care •, a pregnant evidence how little true friendship there is among men. f. I know forae think they fufficient- ly excufe themfelves when they shift off this office to Divines , whofe pecuHar bufinefs they fay it is. But this is as if one who fees a poor fainting wretch , should forbear to adminifter a Cordial he has at hand , for fear of intrenching on the Phyfitians Faculty. Many op- portunities a Friend or Companion may have which a Divine may wane. He of- ten fees a man in the very fit, nnd fo may more aptly apply : for where there is an intimacy of Converfc, men lay themfelves open , difcover thofe pairion?, thofe vices > which thev careRilly Vviil when Dd 2 ' a 211 The Government of the Tongue. a ftrange , or feverer eie approches. Be- fides, asfuch a one may eafier difcern the difeafe , fo he has better advantages for adminiftring remedies ; fo Children will not take thofe Medicines from the Doctors hand , which they will from a Nurfe or Mother : and we are ufually too Childifh in v/hat relates to our Soulsj look on good counfil from an Ecclefi- aftic as a Divinity Potion, and fet our llomacs againft it > but a Familiar may infenfibly infinuate it into us ) and ere we are aware beguile us into health. Yet if Lay Perlbns will needs give the Cler- gy the inclofure of this office, they should at lead withdraw thofe impediments they have laied in their way , by depofiting thole prejudices which will certainly fru- ftrate their endeavor. Men have in thefe later daies bin taught to look on Preach- ing as a thing of form to the Hearers, and of profit only to the Speakers, a craft whereby as Demetrius faies They get their living.' Ad:, ip. 25-. But admit it were fo in this laft refpeftj, yet it do's not in- fer it faould be fo in the former. If it be a Trade, twas fure thought (as in all Ages but this} a very ufefuU one, or elfe fhere would neyer have bin fuch incou- ragemcnt The Clofe. 213 ragement given to it. No State ever allot- ed public certain Salaries for a fet of Men that were thought utterly ufelefs: and if there be uie to be made of them, ihallwelofe our advantages meerly be- caufe they gain theirs ? V/e are in nothing elfe fo fenfelefs : no man will refafe coun* ill from a Phyfician, becaufe he lives by the Profeffion. Tis rather an argument on his fide, that becaufe fuch an intereft of his own depends on it 5 he has bin the more induftriousto fit himfelf for it. But not to ran farther in this digreflion , I fhall apply it to my purpofe j by ma- king this equitable prcpofal , that Lay men will not fo moralize the common Fable, as neither to admonifh one another themfelves, nor fuffcr Minifters to do it without them. And truly tis hard if nei- ther of thefe can be granied when both ought. I am furc all is little enough that can be don , tho we should have as the Prophet fpeaks, Trecept upon precept -^Lme upon line 5 here a little and there a little^ If. z8. 13. Mans nature is fo unattentivc to good, that there can fcarce be too ma- ny monitors. We (ee Satan tho he have a much ftronger party in our ihclina- ^ions, dares not rciy upon it, butisfiill em- 2 14 The Government of the Tongue. employing his emiilaries , to confirm and excite them , and if whilft he has fo ma- ny Agents among us, God shall have none, we are like to give but an ill account of our zeal either to God or our neigh- bor , or of thofe tongues which were gi- ven us to glorify the one , and benefit the other. Indeed without this , our great- eft officioufnefs in the fecular* concerns of others is no kindncfs. When we ftriveto advance the fame , to increafe the fortune of a wicked man , what do we do in it , but enable him to do the more mifchiefs , by his wealth to foment his own luxuries, and by his reputation commend them to the practice of others? He only makes his friend truly rich and great , who teaches him to employ thofe advantages aright : and would men turn their tongues to this fort of Oratory, they would indeed shew they underftood for what ends they were given them. 6. But as all good receives enhance- ment from its being more diffufive, fo thefe attemts should not be confined to fome one or. two intimates or relatives, but be as extenfive as the common needs, or at leaftas our opportunities. Tisage* ncrous ambition to benefit many , to ob- lige TbfClofe, 215- lige communities : which can no way fo well be don , as by endeavoring to fubvcrt vicious cuftomsj which are the peftand poifons of all focieties. The heathens had many ceremonies of luftrations for their cities and countries j but he that could pu- rify and refine their manners, would in- deed attain to the fubftance of thofe sha- dows. And becaufe the Apoftle tells us that Evil words corrupt good manners , twould be a fundamental piece of refor- mation, to introduce a better fort of con- verfe into the world: which is an inftance (b agreeable to my prefent fubjeft , that I cannot Clofe more pertinently , then to commend the endeavor to the Reader, which if he have bin by thisTradi at all convinced of the fin and mifchief of thofe Schemes of difcourfe decyphered in it, cannot be more juft to his conviftions, then by attemting tofupplant them. 7. I T were indeed a defign worthy of a noble foul, to try to new model the Age in this particular , to make it poffible for men , to be at once conver- iable and innocent. I know twill be ob- jefted, tis too vaft a projefl: for one or ma- ny fingle Perfons to undertake ; yet diffi- culties ufe to animate generous fpirits , efpecially 2 1 6 The Government of the Tongue, efpecialiy when (as here) the very attemt is laudable. But as Chriji faies of Wif- dom , fo may we of Courage , The Chil- dren of this world are more daring then the Children ol: light. The great cor- rupters of difcourfe have not bin fo di- ftruftful of themfelves : for tis vifible to any that will refleft , that tis within man« jnemory fmce much of this monftrous exorbitancy of difcourfe grew in fafhion, particularly the Adieiftical and Blafphe* mous. The firft propugners of it were but few 5 and durft then but whifper their black rudiroents , yet the v/orld now fees what a Harveftthey have from their de- vilifli induftry. 8.* And fliall we give over our Clime as forlorn and defperate, and conclude that nothing which is not vcnemous will thrive in our Soil. Would fo me of parts and autority but make the experiment 5 1 cannot think that all places are yet fo vi- tiated, but that they may meet with ma- ny , who would relisli /ober and ingenu- ous difcourfe 3 and by their example be a- nimated to propagate it toothers: but as loni^ as Blafphemy , Ribauldry , and De- tradionfet up for Wit, and carry it with- out any competition , we do implicitly yield The Clofe, 217 yield that title we dispute not: and tis hard to fay , whether their triumphs be more owing to the boldneft of ill men, or thcpufillanimity ofthegood. What if upon the trial they fhould meet with the worfer part of St. Tauls fate at Athens, That Jbme ''juill mofk > Afts 17.32. yet per- haps they may partake of the better alfo, and find others that would be willing to hear them agaiit^ and fbme few at lead may cleave unto them. And fure they are too tender and deUcate , that will run no ha- zard juor be willing to bear a little fliarc in that profane drollery , with which an A- poftle was , and their God is daily affault- ed ; efpecially when by this expofing them- felvcsjthey may hope to give fome check to that impious liberty. However be- fides the fatisfaction of their own confci- ences , they may alfo gain this advantage by the attemt, that it may be a goodtefl: by which to try their company. For tliofe whom they find impatient of in- nocent and profitable converfe , they may aflure themfelves can only enfnare not benefit them •, and he is a very weak Gamefter , that will be drawn to play up- on fuch termes, as make it highly pro- bable for him to lofe, but impofllble for E e him 2 1 8 The Government of the Tongue. him to win. Therefore in that cafe the advice o^ Solomon is very proper , Go from the pe fence of a foolish man , when then ferceiveji not m him the Itps of Knowledge Pro. 14. 7. 9. But he that will undertake fo He- roic an enterprize , muft qualifie himfelf for it 5 by being true to his own preten- fions. He muft leave no uneven thrcd in his loom 5 or by indulging to any one fort of reprovable difcourfe himfelf, de- feat all his endeavors againft the reft. Thofe aery Speculators that have writ of the Philofophers Stone 5 have requi- red many Perfonal qualifications , ftrid: abftinencies and purities in thofe who make the experiment. The thing may have this fober application 5 that thole who would turn this Iron Age into Gold, that v/ould convert our rufty drofly Con- vtvk into a purer ft rein , muft be per- fedly clean themfelves. For alas what effect can that man hope from his moft zealous reprehenfions, who laies himfelf open to recrimination.? He that hears a man bitterly inveigh againft Blafphemy and profanencfs,and yet(n-i that almoft the ^^fymt breath ) hears his monitor inveigh as bitterly againft his Neighbor, will fcarce tlunk The Clofe. 219 think him a good guide of his tongue , that has but half the maftery of his own. Let every man therefore be fure to begin at the right end of his work , to wafli his own mouth clean 5 before he pre- fcribe Gargarifms to others. And to that purpofe let him impartially refledt on all the undue liberties he has given his tongue 5 whether thofe which have bin here remarked, or thofe others which he may find in all Pradical books > efpe- cially in (the moft Praftical of all books) his own Confcience. And when he has trac'd his talk thro all its wild rambles, let him bring home his ftrayj not like the loft flieep with joy, but with tears of peni- tence and contrition , and keep a ftrid: watch over it that it break not loofe again-, nay farther require it to make fome rcfti- tution for the trefpafs it has committed in its former excurfions, to rcftore to God what it has rob'd of his Honor, by devoting it felf an inftrument of his fer- vice j to his Neighbor what it has de- tracted from him, by wiping off that ful- lage it has caft upon his Fame •, and to himfelf by defacing thofe ill Charafters of vanity and folly it has imprinted on him. Thus may the Tongue care its own E e 2 ftmg 2 1 o The Government of the Tongue. fting, and by a kind of Sympathetic ver- tue, the wound may be healed by dreffing the weapon. But alas when we have don all, the Tongue is fo flippery that it will often be in danger to deceive our watch: nay it has a fecret intelligence with the heartjwhich like a corrupted Goaler is too apt to connive at its efcape. Let us there- fore ftrengthen our guards , call in him who fees all the fecret practices of our treacherous hearts>and commit both them and our tongues to his cuftody. Let us fay with the Pfalmift, Try me^ O Gody andjeek the ground of my heart. Pfa. 129. 23. And with him again, Set a watch^ Lordy be^ fore my mouthy and keep the door of my lips^ O let not my heart be inclined to any evil things Tfa. 141. 3 • And iihand thus join in handyVvoy. 16. f. if Gods grace be hum- bly invoked, and our own endeavour ho- neftly emploied , even this unruly evil of the Tongue (as St. James calls it) Cap. 3.8. may be in fome degree tamed. If now and then it get a little out by ftealth, yet it will not like die Demoniac be fo raving, as quite to break all its chains. If we cannot alwaies fecure our felves from inadvertence and furprize, but that a forbidden word may fometimes ef- cape the Clofe, 221 cape us 5 yet we may from deliberate will- ful offences of the Tongue. And tho wefhouldall afpire higher 5 yet if we can but reach this , we ought not to excufc our felves Q upon remaming infirmities) from the Chriftian generous underta- king, I was recommending, the reform* ing of others. Indeed I had made a very impertinent exhortation to that, if tins degree of fitnefs may not be admitted-, for I fear there would be none on earth could attemt it upon other terms: the world muft ftill remain as it is, and await only the Tongues of Angels to reduce it. Nor need we fear that cenfure of Hypo- crify which we find, Mat. 7. f. for the cafe is very differing. Tis indeed as ridiculous as infolent an attemt, for one that has a Beam in his own eie, to pretend to caft a Mote out of his bro- thers: but it holds not on the contra- ry , that he that has a Mote in his own , should not endeavour to remove the Beam in his brothers. Every fpeck do's not blind a man, nor do's every infirmi- ty make one unable to difcern, or in- competent to reprove the grofTer faults of others. 10. Yet 222 The Government of the Tongue. lo. Yet after all let us as much as is poffible clear our eies even of this mote, and make our Copy as worth tranfcri- bing as we can : for certainly the beft in- llrument of reformation is example : and tho admonition may fometimes be ne- ceflary , yet there are many circumftan- ces required to the right ordering of that, fo that it cannot alwaies be practicable, but a good example ever is. Befides it has a fecret magnetic vertue, like the Load- ftone it attrafts by a power of which we can give no account: fo that it feemsto be one of thofe occult qualities, thofe fecretsin nature, which have puzled the enquirers, only experience demonftrates it to us. lam fure it do's (^ too abundant- ly} in ill examples, and I doubt not might do the like in good , if they were as plentiful experimented. And that they may be fo, let every man be ambitious to caft in his mite : for tho two make but a farthing, yet they may be multipU- ed to the vafteft fum. However if a man cannot reform, yet I am fure twill be worth his while, fo to Jave himfelf from this untoward generation y Aft. 2. 40. I have nov/ p refented the Tongue under a double The Clofe. 22:; double afped > fuch as may juftify the an- cient Definition of it, that it is the word and beft part of man, the beft in its ori- ginal and defign , and the word in its cor- ruption and degeneration. In David the man after Gods heart it was his glory, Pfa. f 7. 8. The beft member that he had^ Pft. 1 08. 1. But in the 'wicked it cuts like a sharp Razor ^ Pfa. 52. 2. Tis as the venem of CAfps 140. 3. The Tongues from hea- ven were Cloven Aft. 2.2. to be the more diffufiveofgood: but thofe that ^ltq, fired fromhell arc {oYkcdyJzm, 3.6. to be the more impreflive of mifchicf: it muft be. referred to every mans choice, into wliich of the forms he will mold his. Solomon tells us T)eath and Life are in the power of the Tongue , and that not only dircftly in regard of the good or ill we may do to others, but reHcxively alfo > in relpeft of what may rebound to our lelves. Let Mo-, fes then make the inference from Solo- mons premifes , Therefore chufe life^ Dent. 30. If. a propofal fo reafonable, fo 2* greeable to nature , that no florishes can render it more inviting. I fl"^all therefore leave it to the Readers contemplation , and ihall hope that if he pleafe but to revolve 124* The Government of the Tongue. revolve it with that ferioufnefs which the importance exafts, he will new fet his tongue , compofe it to thofe pious Divine ftreins 5 which may be a proper preUidium to thofe AUelujahs he hopes eternally to fing. FINIS. I N^ I '^^^'<'^,:i. ^f^ r 'Vy ■ rr^ 'T-*5^'. '^rJSBB^r" ■■>'',: '♦' r^^^trm i .>^;i:-5v ^p^.".- V"-' 1%. ^ -;.* j^^' ,•* <. . ij-^^->>' r^ -^^ - II i^T