A treatise of the good and euell tounge With the vnstablenesse of the same, and also with the abuses thereof. With a discourse of the punishment which the Lord hath shewed on al those which through swearing and periuring themselues, haue broken Gods commandements: as by this treatise most plainely appeareth. Made by Iohn of Marconuille gentleman.

A TREATISE OF THE good and euill tongue , by Iohn of Marconuile Gentleman . Man intendeth in his heart , but the aunswere of the tongue is in Gods hand . Prou. 16.

ONe of the principall pointes that maketh a wise man to be knowne , is rightly to gouerne his tongue , and aptly to conduct his speech : for it is commonlie seene that the stroke of the tongue is more dangerous then the dent of the speare . Insomuch that this wound may easily be salued , but the hurt which the wicked tongue leaueth behinde him is alwaies incurable . Wherefore the sage Sirach saith ; That hee may be worthily counted happy which neuer offended by his vnruly tongue . And this is hee which by the assertion of Saint Iames is iudged a perfect man .

It is a thing by custome incident to humaine things , that from whence we cull any commoditie : from thence , oftentimes wee gather also manie mishaps and miseries , for as it is apparant that the starres and celestiall bodies are most necessarie to the sustenaunce of this our life : whereof dependeth all the properties and inclinations of these inferior bodies , yet out of them issueth extreeme calamitie which wee may hardly auoid by any aduise , as when it happeneth vs to be borne vnder a peruerse climate or constellation , through the beneuolence of the aire , wee drawe our breath , and enioy our vitall spirites , but when it is infected , it fretteth euery corner full of maladie , wailings , and mortalities , men cannot want the diuers vtillities which the sea and waters daily conueieth vnto them : yet when with might & maine they surmount their appointed limits , they damnifie many thousandes in one moment , whereof the inhabitants neers the Riuer of Loire may be very good witnesses by the inspeakable losse which lately chaunced to them thereby , in the yeare of our Lord God . 1570. The life of man cannot be continued without the vse of fire , yet who can vtter the soden frights & dreadfull Tragedies which it hath brought forth of the earth , mother & nurse of all growing creatures , comes , ruines , tremblings , & earthquakes , gapings , & pestiferous exhalations , which sore annoieth mankind : euen so is the tongue as it is conducted , for if it be well guided there is nothing better , nothing more pleasant : but if it be suffered to run at randon , nothing is more perillous . The tongue God wot is a litle member of slender substance , notwithstanding in it is conreined fire & water , souerein salue & deadly poison , destruction & saluation : for in this world cannot be found a greater mischief than a venimous tung , nor a more better thing then friendly wordes and workes agreeable to the same . For this cause the renowned wise Byas , or as some others will haue it Pytacus sent the tonge of a certeine beas● allotted to be sacrificed to a King of Aegypt called Amasis , for the verie worst and best member of the beast . Thereby to giue vs notice , that in a man nothing is more excellent than the vse of a wel tempered tongue , nor nothing more villainous then a vyperous tongue .

Socrates the most vigilant Historiographer , sheweth howe on a daie Pambus a silly sot deuoid of knowledge , bethought him to goe to a certeine famous Doctor to be instructed & better furnished in his defects : who after he had heard the first verse of the 38. Psalme , &c. I will direct my waies that I may not offende in my tongue , rose vp vpon the sodeine , tooke leaue of his maister and departed , saying ; That he desired to learne nothing more , so that he might accomplish in his deedes the contents of this one verse . Signifying ●ereby , that the chiefest perfection , the ●st propertie perteining to a man , is to ●orderate his tongue , for ouermuch bab●e is euer subiect to controlment , and he ●●at warely weareth his tongue sheweth ●●mselfe to be wise , and he that gards his ●outh and tongue , gards his own soule .

Plutarch compareth these prating par●ts to emptie vessels , which being soun●ed , yeeldes a lowder noise then those ●hich are wel fraught with good liquor . Isocrates , in his booke dedicated to De●onicus , saith ; That there are two times ●t for talking , the one when necessitie ●oth vrge vs , the other when a man spea●eth of that whereof he is verie wel skiled . It was obiected to Cherillus for what ●ause Lycurgus had made so fewe ordi●ances . Hee replied , that the multitude of ●wes and statutes was nothing needfull ●o men that are spare of speech . Wee are ●aught by the Phylosopher Zenon , that ●ature hath giuen vs two eares to heare ●ur fill , but one onely tongue to speake seldome . Whervnto accordeth S. Paul saying ; Bee you quicke in hearing , b●slowe in speaking . Sueton , also recorde● that the principall cause whereof Oct●uian aboue all other fauoured and fa●cied Mecaenas , was , for the great tenperance hee vsed in his talke . Cicero , r●citeth , Cato the Oratour , woulde neu●● leaue in writing , anie his Orations : affi●ming that if it chaunced him to repe●● ought that hee had said , hee woulde n●● be vpbraid with his writing , which he could not denie . Cato the Censor beein● snapt at for his too much sobrietie i● talke , insomuche that his taciturniti● was of most men thought worthie ●reprehension , aunswered , that the ho●ding of his peace should not offende anie man , considering his life was innocent and altogither without blame , fo● then hee vsed to speake when he● might , or longe bee silent . Into th● same reproach fell Heckades , anoble Oratour of Greece , because hee sat mute ●eeing inuited to a solemne banquet where others chatted and iangled out of ●easure , which Archidamidas percei●ing , aunswered in the behalfe of Hec●ades to him that scoffed him for hol●ing his peace . Art thou ignorant saide ●ee that those which can wisely speake , ●an also warely holde their peace , when ●hey see the times and tides not apt for ●●lke .

Hee therfore which will speake , must ●vel consider before hee open his mouth , whither the wordes hee is about to vt●er may in time to come bee preiudiciall vnto him , hauing alwaies in minde the ●ncient Prouerbe ; Lingua quò vadis : Tongue whither wilt thou .

Amongest many goodly examples of ●oo much talke , that which is written of ●he Poet Ibyque seemeth verie fit for our purpose , who beeing sharpely assayled and besette on all sides , with a route of carelesse and roysting robbers , in a place far secluded from sucker where he could not be seene or heard of anie man the poore Poet , this distressed Ibyque , seeing himselfe readie to bee sacrificed , no knowing where to complaine & appeal for iustice , sawe a company of Cranes i● the aire , to whom he called aloud , O you Cranes be you witnesses of the fraud and villany that I here receiue : after his death all passed a long time before it could● bee knowne who was guiltie thereof , till on a dismoll day that men assembled themselues to a Faier , where also the murtherers of Ibyque made their appearaunce , it chaunced that at the same time certeine Cranes came that way , one of the same murderers smiling said to his companions , behold where flies the witnesses of the Poet Ibyque , which thing being noted of one that stood by , suspected them of the fact committed : wherof incontinent he aduertised the Magistrats , the murderers were apprehended , confessed the deed , and were executed , therefore , which happened only by their chatting vnaduisedly ▪

The verie like historie we read in Plutarch of certaine sacriligious persons , which by night had spoyled the temple of Pallas in Lacedemonia : the next morning after this hainous offence heard of , was found an emptie flagon in the porch of the Temple , and as men made their recourse thither to beholde this piteous spectacle , they debated among themselues what this Flagon should signifie , then one of the malefactors which was in the thronge , yet vnknowne , sayd , my friendes giue mee leaue and I will shewe you my censure vpon this matter , as I gesse this thing is happened for that those whiche haue taken vpon them to robbe this Temple , fearing to bee attached in dooing the trespasse , had drunke of a certeine confection called Cyge , which is a kinde of mortall poyson , to the ende they might bee quicklie dispatched out of the waie , and not to be brought to the place of iudgement and infamie of the worlde , which otherwise they shoulde incurre . But if it so chaunced that they atchieued their enterprise without beeing discouered , they had brought also with them a counterpoyson Cyge , which is wine without water . And for this cause I thinke the Flagon is here left voide , Certeine of the assistance marking this deuice , iudged him to be a partner of the practise , committed him to warde , who vpon straite examination , was founde culpable , and had the rigour of the law for his enormious guilt , whereof hee might thanke his incontinent tongue .

At London in Englande , an accident not vnlike to the former , happened of a theefe , which in the depth of the night had craftely conueyed himselfe into a citizens house , minding to make speedie dispatch of the best wares that came next to hande , but hee coulde not so couertly handle the matter but the neighbours there adioyning , heard him bursling about the doore , which immediately assembled themselues to take the theefe that was yet in the house , hee seeing this tumult to bee raysed for his apprehension , cunningly got himselfe in the middest of the prease , busily crying and calling for the theefe : Insomuche that the neighbours thinking him to be stopped , began to retyre homewarde , when this frantike fellowe coulde no longer holde , but must needes say , farewell theefe , the deuil goe with thee , for I haue lost my hat in seeking of thee . Wherevpon he was strait clapt fast , for one kept the hat which hee sawe falling from the theefe as hee fledde , which beeing laide to his charge was so astonished , that hee coulde not denie the facte , and was hanged therefore at Tyborne , which hee might haue auoyded easely if hee had beene silent . King Seleucus surnamed Galymaca , for his noble and valiant prowesse in feates of armes , but as all humaine thing are full of fragilitie and mutations , so on a time it happened , that Mars which earst was his gracious guide , so vnlucke● lye lowred and thundered his threate vpon this vnhappie Prince , that he being discomfited in a great conflict , was driuen to breake his Diademe , the onely ensigne of his Princely pompe , and to get him packing with three men , onely that hee might not be knowne . After he had wandred a while in the desolate desertes , hee chaunced vpon a poore cottage , where hee requested bread and a litle water , to the ende hee woulde not bee reuealed , his Hoast shewed him all the comfort and curtesie that in him laie , knowing full well that it was the King , and did conduct him in the waie that hee did require : who surely should haue gayned thereby a rewarde meritorious for his trauayle , had not his talketiue tongue marred all his market , the King departing said , farwel host , the peeuish wretch aunswered , God keepe you my Lord , whereat the King fretting , not minding to be detected , made semblance ●o offer his hande to his hose as though hee woulde take his host coine , but it was a token to one of his men that hee shoulde cut off his hostes head , such fruit we reape of our vnbrideled speech .

The euil that ensueth by an vndiscreet tongue , hath a huge heape of more examples which of purpose I let passe , that I might set out to the view , the hidden treasure and gallant company that secretlie embraceth , amongest whome Papyrius hath merited the preheminence . The Romane Senators had an auncient custome , that one of their children should attende on them in the Senate house , till the said children passed the age of seuenteene yeares , to this end , that they beeing inured to the holsom ordinances , of their ancestors , might after be the more fit for the regiment of their country . Now it so fell out that the Senate on a time confuted of a verie weightie matter , and straigh● charge was giuen that it should bee kep● close , where amongst the other youthe● this little Papyrius was also present : o● whom when he came home , his mothe● demanded what great matters had cause● the Senate that day to sit so long . Wher● vnto hir sonne replied that he might no● so doe , for he had commission to the contrarie , and as women are euer curious to knowe , shee allured hir little sonne with fair promises , but therin she lost hir labor wherfore she vsed thumps & threates o● all sorts to get this hidden mysterie , which Papyrius perceiuing , practised a pretti● policie , saying to his mother , that the thing which so much encombred the Senate was , that euery man should hereafter haue two wiues , when the mother heard this , she staied no longer , but incontinent aduertised the other Roman dames therof , that so vniust an ordinance might not go forward : the next morning at the gate of the Senate , were assembled great ●●oupes of matrons . Who instantly be●ought , that in Rome such inequalitie ●ight not take place , for one man to mar●ye with two wiues , affirming that it were much more expedient that one woman should haue two husbands , the Senators abashed to see this inciuilitie in their wiues , wondred from whence it should proceede , but by any meanes they coulde not gather the cause hereof : them litle Papirius stepped forth & bad them to bee quiet , deciphering from pointe to pointe , what had hapned between his mother & him , and how for dead of hir hee was driuen to vse this deceit . The Senate highlie commending the wisedome & constancie of this youth , ordeined that their children should no more approch the Senates house , except only young Papyrius , because the secretes of the Senate should not be reuealed , & then Papirius was inuested with a garment called Pretext , which was the gretest honor that he could haue in those young yeeres to weare the ha● bite of a Senator . And this is reported o● Aullius Gellius and Macrobius in hi● Saturnals .

Alexander the great , hauing red 〈◊〉 letter of great importance in the presence of his friend Ephestion , which he● receiued from his mother , clapped his finger vpon his mouth , meaning thereby that he to whom any secret thing is committed , ought alwaies to haue his mouth closed . K. Licimacus offred to the Poet Philippide al that lay in his power to do , to whom the Poet said ; My Lord the best benefite I can receiue of you , is neuer to know your secrets : this thing was not obserued of Fuluius , who knowing a great secret of the Emperour Octauius , did impart it to his wife , & she disclosed it to diuers others which hir husband often laid reprochfully to hir charge : whereof shee being impatient , in a frantike fury slue hir self , so did hir husband Fuluius . An example not far vnlike to this , is recited by Pliny , of the Philosopher Anazerxes , who be reft himself of his tunge , & teeth also , that he wold not reueal a certain secret which the tyrant Nicocrion sought violently to wrest from him . The like we reade of Zenon a Philosopher , which chose rather to cut of his tongue , then to disclose his freendes councell . The Athenians made an Image of the dust of a Lionesse , in the remembrance and honour of a certaine wanton woman called Lionesse who hauing familiar company with Harmodius and Aristogidon , tyrants and enimies to the Athenian estate , concealed from them , a certaine couert conspiracie , for which cause she is pictured without any tongue , to giue notice of hir secrecy . The seruants of Plocius Plancus as Valerius writeth , endured sharpe torments and strappadoes because they would not vtter where their maister had hid him selfe to his enimies , who sought to haue slaine him . Acgisilaus king of Sparta greatly marueiled when it was told him to a condemned man which for anye crueltie that was done vnto him woulde neuer speake a worde . The seruant of Cato the orator , hauing seene a certaine trespasse committed by his maister , to the death woulde neuer vtter it . A Romaine Tribune demaunded on a time of Metellus a valliant captaine , what hee ment to do concerning a conflict which was at hande : He aunswered , if I knewe that my shirt had intelligence of that I pretend to do , I would straight waies cast it in the fire . When Darius was ouerthrowne and vanquished by Alexander , conueied him selfe into a close corner , they which saw this , and knewe where he was , woulde not bewray him , although they suffered the most bitter paines that could be inuented . Horace amongst his conuiuall constitutions willeth that euery man should kepe close that which is said and done at bankets .

It was a custome among the Athenians , that when they were assembled at a feast , the grauest man of them all did alwaies keepe the dore : saying to them that entred there , take heede sirs that not one word be blowne abroad , of all that is done here . The order of Pithagoras discipline was chiefely to inure his disciples to secrecie , to the which ende a long time they kept silence , and he had neuer any Scholer but he sat mute two yeares at the least : that thereby they being accustomed to secretnes , might learne neuer to speake , but when necessity did compell them .

Aristotle being asked what was the most difficult thing for a man to rule , ( sayde ) to holde his peace . Saint Ambrose amongst the principall groundes of vertue hath placed Taciturnitie . The ancient Egiptians reuerence Harpocrate for the god of secrecy . So did the Romaines Angenora as goddesse of the same silence , whom they painted , closing her mouth with her fynger , in token of secrecie .

For to conclude this matter of silence , Quintus Curtius sheweth vs that the Percians had a custome which might not be broken , which was , to punish aboue all offenders , him that had bewraied anie secret committed vnto him : Further , such is the prouidence of nature in the situation of our members , that she hath assigned to ech one his right roome , aswell for the dignitie and decoration of the bodie , as for the commoditie and vse of the members . The braine which is the very feate of reason , the most worthie part of man ▪ is placed all aloft in the head , as in an imperiall throne , there to prescribe and beare rule ouer the inferior partes : the tongue which is the interpreter of the inwarde thoughtes of the hart , is setled in the middest of both , to the ende it should be vnder the braine , and not far from the hart , whom also the same nature hath enclosed and hedged in with teeth and lips , as it were within a commensurable bulwarke , that it might not be ranging vnaduisedly : for this cause the Poet Hesiodus compareth the tongue to a hidden treasure , which should not be vsed , but when necessitie doth constraine . The Prophet Esay reioyseth aboue measure of the good gift he had in his toung : saying , God hath giuen mee a pleasant tongue , a tongue rightly instructed , that it should declare his words in due and conuenient time , to the comfort of them that be in misery , but to the slothfull he hath framed my speeches more pearcing then the two edged sword . By our tongues saith Saint Iames wee praise God . To his purpose I remember a storie of a man condemned to death , by an inferior Iudge , & before his death to be bereft of his toung , the poore fellow appealed to the parliament of Tolosa , there vttering his humble petitions said : that the principall cause that moued him to appeale , was for that hee was condemned to haue his tongue cut off afore his death , which God had giuen him to praise his name , & that it were great wrong that he should bee destitute of so good a member at the last instant of his life . Now if men maruell at a litle fish , called Remora , which is in length scarce halfe a foote , nor in breadth fiue inches , who notwithstanding mauger the rage of the surging seas , and blustering winds is able to stay a ship in the middest of his course , as though it were tied fast with an ankar . Then with more iust reason wee may wonder at the tongue , who being so litle a member can stir vp so manie millions of men , and incencing countrey , against countrey , and Citie against Cittie , for this cause the Poets haue fained of old that Mercury had a magicall rod , called Caduse : which in deede was nothing else but an eloquent tongue , whereby he perswaded , or diswaded men , at his pleasure .

And for this cause they sayd of olde that Amphion forced great rockes to moue out of their place by the sweete sound of his Harpe . So did Orpheus cause okes and elmes to leape for ioy of his harmony , wherby it is signified that the swet melody of their eloquence , could prouoke and stir vp the most lumpish dullards of the world . In like maner the ancient french men fayned , that one Hercules Selticus , who hauing a litle chain through the top of his tongue , wherunto was tied a great number of mens eares , he led them whether pleased him . Wherby he ment , that by the dexterity of his talke he made men to incline to what part he listed . Some men attributed to Socrates : some to Pericles , such a pleasant toung , that they could transforme their hearers . And for this cause were called flexanimi , because they turned the minds of men euen as they desired . By the benefite of the toung king Cresus son , who from his infancy hath alwaies bene mute , saued his fathers life , when a soldiar drew his sword to haue laine him , not knowing that he was the ●ing . The boy cryed out kill him not , for ●t is my father . Methridates was a barbaous prince , & had notwithstanding vnder his dominion and obedience xxii . diuer languages which all he vnderstood an● gaue answere to ech one with an interpr●tor . The tongue of couetous Naball ha● prouoked king Dauid to wrath , but th● tongue of sage Abakell appeased him s● well , that he said with a loud voice thank● be to God that hath sent thee this day before me , blessed be thy counsell , and tho● also which hast kept me this day from bloudshed . Naaman of Siria returne● homeward in a rage , because the Prophe● had not healed him out of hande , but sen● him to the riuer of Iordaine , for said hee● I haue in my countrey as good waters a● that of Iordaine , but his seruantes by thei● holsome declarations vnto him made him of an other mind saying : if the prophe● had commaunded thee to do any grea● matter , without doubt thou wouldes● haue done it willingly , but he said onely wash thee & thou shalt be whole . Which Naaman putting in practise was cute● incontinent . And by this we see the grea● commoditie which commeth of a good tongue . Let vs therfore follow the counsel of S. Paul , who saith : that no vnhonest talke , should procede out of our mouths , that ribaldrie , wanton speach , or fond deuises , should not so much as be named amongst vs , but we should rather accustome our selues to thankes giuing .

Amongst those signes which accompany them that rightly beleue in our sauiour Christ , this in the scripture is reckoned for the chiefest : they shal speake with new tongues . Now S. Peter doth teach vs that new language : when he biddes vs to follow Iesus Christ : who being iniuried with wordes , did not replie with the like : when he was slaundered & backbited , threatned not at al , but referred him selfe wholy to him that is the iust iudge . Whereof S. Paule being a right follower , writeth , we are ill spoken of , and wee blesse : we are persecuted , & we endure it patiently : we are maligned , and wee praye for them that taunt vs : we are made the outcastes of the world , and the most caitifes of al others , euen till this houre . Let vs consider diligently that the tongue is giuen vs to praise and magnifie God . According to the example of Melchisedeth , who thanked God , that had giuen victory to Abraham . Delbora exhorteth the people to praise God . So did saint Paule , saying : blessed be God which is the father of our sauiour Christ , father of the desolate , and fountaine of all consolation : we ought not onely to praise God , but also be godly and vertuous men , as Dauid which praised the people in the name of God , after the Arke was brought vp and the sacrifices completed . We haue a great number of examples in the scripture , shewing that our toung was giuen vs to praise● and magnify God . Dauid praised god , because the promise of the Messias was fulfilled in him : who after his manifold● great tribulations , still exalted the name o● god . So did Salomon his sonne because h● had builded the sumpteous temple of god The Apostles blessed & praised god without intermission , attending for the comming of the holy ghost . You see now to what end we haue the vse of our toungs , which we ought to imploy to the seruice of god according to the examples of our forefathers . Abraham praied for Israel , and was hard Moises requested pardon of God for the people , confessing the manifold benefites that God had bestowed vpon them . Dauid praied that the blessing of God might be vpon his house . We are also commanded to praye , that the word of god and his truth might be spread abroad & haue his course throughout the whole world . Beholde they are the fruites of a good tongue , to praise God , to bles God , to praye vnto him , and to instruct those that are ignorant , for he that teacheth others the way to righteousnesse , shall him selfe shine like a bright lampe for euer . Now if we will be true followers of our Maister Christ , wee must acquaint our selues with that kinde of language and speech which he alwaies vsed : for he preached and published the glory of god : he brought into the way those that wandred & straied , he reproued offenders , he sturred vp the slothfull , he conforted those which were in misery , he praied for those that were out of the way , he gaue thanks to God for all . Finally he had a modest tongue , pleasant , gracious , amiable , and full of all consolation . The Apostles after they had receaued the grace and vertue of the holy ghost , said no more , but lord command & we will make the fire to fall from the skies , they striued no more amongst them selues for soueraignty , but spake new things , they vttred to the world the great wonders of god : but alas at this day we see the contrary put in practise , for we indeuor to build againe the ancient tower of Babilon , the tower of deadly strife and debate : when one sort will needes be called euangelistes , and other reformed Catholikes , others entire and perfect protestants as though our sauiour Christ were deuisible and of diuers sortes , & as though the weete name of our redemer , were a mat●er to scoffe at . In which behalfe we shall haue great neede of a newe Esdras , to reduce againe this confusion of tongues in●o one Gospell : Who as soone as certaine strange women called Assotides , & Moa●ites , had corrupted the hebrewe tongue , speaking halfe hebrew , & halfe like moa●ites : the said Esdras brought it againe to ●is ancient perfection . In like maner so many sundry sectes which are risen vp in the Church of god represented to vs by their barbarous women : haue ouerthrown & marred the sincerity of the Gospel . Let vs therfore be no more followers of olde Adam , which cast the faulte of his offence vpon his wife Eue , & she threw it vpon the ●rooked serpent : & let vs take heede that we be not of the race of Caine , who ha●ing slaine his brother , dissembled the matter : but rather let vs follow the foote●teps of good king Dauid , which with ●is humble speech appeased the wrath of god : & according to the aduertisements of S. Paul , let our wordes be sauored with salt , tending alwaies to the edification of our neighboures , & that no wicked talke procede forth of our mouth . Let vs therfore submit our selues vnder the hande of God , to the end he may exalt vs in conuenient time : for he hath alwaies a singular regard to his seruants . Let vs expell and banish from vs all slaunder , & backbiting , and close our mouth with our hande , like to patient Iob : that no vndecent word issue from vs at all , and when we talke , to speake the wordes of God , which wee ought to vse with feare , for when the words of god are spoken to the people vnaduisedly , it brings them straight to perdition . We are charged also to instruct our children , that they by thee may be deliuered , & numbred from the seruitude of Sathan , & the better to accomplish the commaundements of god . Lo this is the thing wherunto a good tongue ought to be● employed , that it may bring forth the worthy fruites of iustice . But now it is ●me to speake of the mischiefe that hap●ens of a wicked tongue : it seemeth to bee 〈◊〉 thing not from our purpose , first to declare what the tongue is , to the ende the subiect whereof we treat , may be the bet●er vnderstood . The tongue is a member of man , which is made of flesh , and open , full of vaines , and sinewes , because of his great stirring and mouing , and chiefelye for the sence of tasting , which is naturall and peculiar to the tongue , & nature hath giuen it a humor which neuer wanteth , that is to saye spittle , which is nothing else but the excrement of fleame which floweth from the braine into the mouth , for a moysture to the tongue : Which otherwise would soone waxe drye , by reason of his continuall mouing .

Nowe the vse of the tongue is to frame our wordes , and to helpe to chawe our meate , in the formyng whereof wee ought to consider the great prouidence of God . For although the thought is the worthie part of the soule : yet what could it profite or auaile , if it had not the tongue for his interpretor ? For this is he which setteth forth the knowledge of God . This is he which hath caused men to be assembled togither from a brutish & sauege life , to humaine societie : this hath erected villages , great cities , & countries : this hath published and made known holsome statutes , and ordinances : and finally all other things which are necessarye for vs . Wherfore we ought to knowe that the tongue was giuen vs , that by it we might know god , and to helpe one another by the communication of speeches . Vnto these two purposes wee should direct our talke . He then that will lead a prosperous life , & see happy daies , let him kepe his tongue wisely , and his lips that out of them proceede no fraud nor mischiefe : that he do good alwaies , & seke after peace , & obtaine it . A holsome tongue which is not giuen to backbite , & blame others , is the tree of life , pleasant , and amiable to beholde : but frowarde talke maketh the soule sad . A wise man is alwaies sober in speech . The foole when hee holds his peace , is oftentimes thought to be wise : the tonge resembleth a sharpe pointed darte , if it bee not well ordered . Wherefore Saint Iames likeneth it to a fierce fire , for saith hee ; An immoderate tongue filles the worlde full of iniquities : And this makes mee to remember the Philosopher Anacarsis , who supping with Solon , as hee returned home was found sleeping halfe the way , hauing one hande to his mouth , the other vpon his priuie partes , shewing these were members which woulde bee carefully looked vnto . For he that will be thought religious and refraines not his tongue , his religion is not worth a dodkin . Amian , the composer of many prettie Fables , telleth one of a Satire , who beeing greeuouslie annoied with extreame cold of rigorous winter , repayred by chance to a husbandmans house , there to warme himselfe , and beholding his host to blowe his handes , asked him wherefore hee did so , he said , it was to heate his handes , not long after when dinner was readie , hee sawe also his host busily blowing his pottage , and againe he asked him the cause thereof , his host answered , that hee did it to coole his portage which was too hot , whereat the Satire disdeining , sayde , What sir can you blowe hotte and cold both out of one mouth . Farewell farewell , therefore , for I neuer ment to frequent suche manner of people , whiche haue nowe one thing in their mouth , and by and by an other , and so he tooke his leaue of his host , disproouing altogither those which haue two tongues , nowe praising a thing , and strait way blaming and misliking the same .

Wherevnto accordeth the Prophete Isaias , saying ; That they are accursed which affirme the thing that is euill , to bee good , and contrarie , good to be euill , conuerting light into darkenesse , and ●arkenesse to light , sweetnesse to sower , ●nd sower to sweet , such was the tongue ●f the wily Serpent , when he said to our ●rst parents , ye shal be like vnto the gods : ●uch was the tonge of pernicious Ioah , who vnder the colour of faire wordes , ●ue Amasa traiterously , in saluting him , ●aining to giue him a curteous good euen . Such was the tongue of rebellious Abso●on , when hee so mischieuously slue his ●rother . And such was the tongue of Ba●am , when he tooke his iourney to speake euil of the people , had not his Asse reproued him by the way . Such was the tonge of Dalyla , when she betraied Sampson to the Philistians his enimies . And such was the venimous tongue of the caitife Iudas , when hee deliuered the Sauiour of the world in kissing of him , to his deadly foes . But none hath better discribed the mischeefe of a wicked tongue , then the kingly Prophet Dauid , when hee complaining of the malice of backbiters , saith ; their mouth is ful of bitternes & cursings , full of falshood and deceit , and vnder th● tongue lurketh tedious strife and debate they lye in ambush and oppresse the innocent , out of close and couert corner they make a play game to bring to vtte● ruine those which are desolate . They watch continually for to intrap the silli● sort . They holde fast in their gripes the poore caitiue , that thinkes no hurt . They say in their heart God hath forgotten all , he hath hidden his face and shall neuer see the thinges that wee doe . The same Dauid in an other place saith ; Good Lorde deliuer me from lying lips & slanderous tongues , for they are like vnto swift and sharpe arrows , which are fet from a strong and poysant bowe . The Ecclesiasticall storie doth admonish vs to hate the whisperer and tale teller , and specially he that hath a double tonge . For herehence hath come the distruction , not of a few which earst liued in peace and tranquilitie . This is it which hath turned vp and downe many strong and defensible Cities , hath ●efamed many worthie personages , hath ●aken a sunder a number of princely Pa●ces , and hath incensed to ciuill sedition ●any goodly countries . Whosoeuer ●ndes a listening eare to these double ●●ngues , or rather to these two edged wordes , shall neuer rest in quietnes , shall ●euer be at peace with any of his friends . ●he lash of the whip woundeth the flesh , ●it the stroke of the tongue breaketh the ●one : the whip only persecuteth our car●on corpes , but the glike of a pernicious ●ongue doth eclipse our bright renowne , ●nd leaues a spot of blacke defame to our ●osteritie , which is more dangerous then ●y hurt we can receiue in our body . Ma●y men haue beene slaine by the edge of ●e sworde , but many more by the pear●ng blowes of wicked tongues . The ●id Prophet concludeth that he is in per●ect blisse , which hath not passed through his painfull Purgatorie of byting tungs , ●nd hath quite escaped their fearefull fu●ie . For the death which commeth by yll tongues is maruellously to be feared , a●● better it is to fall into any other kinde 〈◊〉 death and daunger , then by that whi●● comes hereby . For it is saide , that tho●● which forsake our Sauiour Christ & h●● holy name , shal be vexed heerewith , a●● she shall consume & extinguish them wit● out restraint , & it shal be sent against the● as a fierce Lionesse , & shall destroy thē● a wild Panther . Therfore saith hee , hed● in thy lips with thornes , & plant bars a●● bulwarkes before thy mouth , that fro● thence proceede no vndecent wordes , f●● God is the witnes of our thoughtes , t●● true beholder of our hearts , & the hear● of all that which our tung bringes fort●

Now although the life of man be su●iect to sundry sortes of calamitie , yet n●● reckening those which comes by sickn●●ses , poisons , lightnings , tempests , & sod● mischances , notwithstanding that cān● be founde any thing from whence there 〈◊〉 stilleth more mischiefe & miserie to h●● mane kind , them from a disloiall & deuil● ●ongue . For ther is no kind of inconueni●nce that brings vnto vs a more mightie ●ea of mischiefs of al sorts , then wars . But were not malicious tungs the cause therof , we should surely haue no war at al , for ●hey are the trumps & drums that strikes ●he alarum to all sedition , It was these that pricked forth Alexander to many bloudie battels , promising him that hee should be conqueror of the whole world . K. Pirrus also had diuers stingers & buzzes in his eare , which babled nothing els but brauls and murders , whom the wise Cine as encountred and ouermatched . Who on a time seeing K. Pirrus prest to bid battell to his enimies , asked him what hee ment to doe , seeing alreadie hee vanquished the Romanes . I will assay my force saide he with the Sicilians , & when you haue ouercome Sicile said Cineas , what then will you do ? Pirrus answered , I will set vpon Lybia , Carthage , and Maceaonia , whiche yet remaineth vnconquered : and this atchieued said Cyneas , what wil● you then more : wee will said Pyrrus repose our selues in ioy and solace , then Cyneas replied , & I pray you sir what haue you to doe with all this warre , that after them you may liue in rest , whereas you may be in present quietnesse and tranquillitie . And by this sound aduice the Kyng was quite diswaded to make war vpon neighbors . If Fraunce during these stur● die stirres , had had but one good Cyneas , that flourishing realme should not haue beene so tossed and turmoyled as wee see now , in such sort , that it is almost in euerie place sparkled with humane bloud , so fiercely were they set on fire one against the other . But from whence I pray you came all this , but from seditious tongues : for a man might see dissentious bookes Printed and sowen abroade verie rife . Wherein was nothing lesse treated of then peace , nor nothing more laboured then warre and iangling , so that had not GOD resisted their malice , you should haue seene long or this the totall destruction of this goodly countrey . And if it happen that anie more of these bloudie Butchers and setters forth of al mischief doe againe shewe their monstruous heades , I wishe them no more harme , but that they may become as dumbe as euer was Iparkion , or that they might be bereft of their tongues as Zenon Elates : and to them that would reitterate againe this ciuill sedition , might also bee void of hands to execute their wicked intent , as was the handes of Ieroboam , and might be as blind to go forward therein , as was Tyripe or Hipse , and that they might not be able to goe no more , then was Myphiboseth : that their Horses might resemble the fatall steede of Gnaius Zoianus , & that the Captaines might haue no more valure and force then euer had Eracinade , that the bootie and praie might be like to the gold taken from Tolosa . In briefe I vow vnto them , all the execrable curses of Oedipus , and all those balefull blisses conteined in the Psalme ; Lorde doe not conceiue my praise , for surely they are not of GOD which hateth peace , desiring nothing els but bloudie warre .

He that will liue in continuall rest and quietnesse saith Dauid , let him take heede that his tongue speake no hurt of others , and let him keepe his lips from lying and deceit . But to returne to our purpose of the mischiefe that comes of euil tongues , Salomon saith ; He that warneth wisely his mouth , gardes his soule , but he that pratleth vnaduisedly ●s oppressed with manye miseries . Iob calleth such kinde of people forgers of Fables , who according to the saying of Ieremy haue instructed their tongues to lye leudly , and haue imployed all their trauell to doe mischiefe , yet some pleasant companions there bee which accountes lying to be no sinne , though Dauid saie , that all liers shal goe to vtter perdition . From an euill disposed tongue , proceedeth not only lying but swearing , blasphemyng , reproaches , scoffings and slanders .

Reade ouer the auncient Chronicles , and among them all you shall not finde so many kinde of straunge others as are nowe daily vsed amongst the Christians , looke well about and you shal finde euerie corner full of periuries . It was an infamous thing amongest the Heathens , if anie happened to sweare by their false Gods , yet amongst vs Christians wee make it a play game to take the name of the eternall God in vaine .

Plutarch reciteth , that in times past it was not lawfull for litle children being within doores to sweare by Hercules or Dinis , but that they must go out of the house , that by this kinde of temperature , they might learne not to sweare at all , or at the least to bee moderate in their oathes . The auncient Byshops of Rome which our auncestours long agoe called Famines or Diales , for feare durst not sweare at all , whatsoeuer dread or danger was offered them .

On a time in Athens , a certeine Sorceresse accustomed to the Paynime sacrifices , was instantly desired and requested of all the people to curse and call vengeance vpon Alsibiades , which then was verie euil thought of in Athens . Wherevnto she answered , that shee had receiued hir Priestly dignitie thereby , to consecrate and blisse the people , and not wish hurt or vengeance to any , and so she coulde neuer bee induced to speake yll of Alsibiades , if wee laie aside examples of infidelles , and consequently to come to those of the Christians .

Saint Lewes did so abhor periurie and blasphemie , that hee constituted a lawe , that whome soeuer was founde to bee a blasphemer of Gods holie name , should haue the Flower deluse glowing hot imprinted in his forehead , to the ende he might bee knowne of all men to his extreame and great ignomie and reproach , wheresoeuer hee came . It so chauneed that a certeine noble man of his Court being ouercome with coller , had sworne vnaduisedly , and as the officers woulde haue executed the rigour of the lawe vpon him , manie of the peeres of the rea●me withstood it , beseeching pardon & grace of the King in his behalfe , but the King was no lesse seuere in obseruation of this his Edict . Then was that good King Seleucus in his Penall Statute made against adulterers , who woulde haue punished his sonne , for that hee had transgressed his ordinaunce : Euen so the said King Lewes aunswered , that he would himselfe abide the payne conteined in his Edict , and that the said marke should bee fixed in his owne forehead , that all blasphemies thereby should bee banished his realme . So the most Christian King desirous to put in practise the laudable constitutions inuented by his predecessours , for the punishment of blasphemie hath ordeined that no manner of person shoulde blaspheme the name of GOD , or vse any other execrable oathes , vnder paine and forfeiture to haue his tung pearced with a hot yron .

Phillip an other of the French Kings , made a lawe , that if any whatsoeuer gentle or simple , yea , although hee were in birth right noble , in what place soeuer hee were thought it were in , a common Tauerne where manie wise men forget themselues , if hee blasphemed Gods holie name , hee should presently be drowned .

Maximilian the Emperour made a lawe , that whosoeuer were apprehended as a vaine swearer , should leese and pay thirteene shillings foure pence , but if after hee woulde not bee sorie for his offence , and willinglie paye the sayde money , hee should lose his head . At Tubinggen in Germanie , a desperate boy deuised newe oathes , suche as were not in common vse , but the Lorde sent a Canker or some woorse diseases , and consumed the instrument wherewith he blasphemed God .

But to goe beyonde men the Lorde himselfe hath made a lawe , hee that blasphemeth and taketh the name of the Lorde GOD in vayne , shall dye the death . Leuit. 24.

That faithfull and good instrument in Gods Churche Maister Iohn Foxe , from whome I collected this notable and woorthie historie , giueth a moste gentle and fatherlike admonition and warnyng vnto all young Gentlemen to leaue and vtterlye to forsake theire moste extreame outragious and horrible swearyng , by the greate and fearefull example of these Gentlemen following .

In the time and raigne of the most famous Kyng Edwarde the sixt , there was in Cornewayle a lustie young Gentleman , who dyd ryde togither with other more Gentlemen , and their seruantes in number about twentie horsemen , amongst whome this lustie yonker entering into talke , began to sweare most horriblie , among whome one of the companie not able to abide suche blasphemous abomination , in gentle wordes sayde to him , that hee shoulde giue an account for euerie idle worde , the Gentleman takyng snuffe thereat , why quoth hee takest thou thought for mee , take thought for thy winding sheet , well quoth the other , take heede , for death giueth no warning , for as foone commeth a Lambes skinne to the market as an olde Sheepes : Gods woundes ( quoth hee ) care not thou for me , raging still after his swearing maner worse and worse in wordes , till at length passing onwarde their iourney , they came ryding ouer a greate Bridge which standeth ouer a peece of the arme of the ●●a , vpon which bridge this gentleman ●wearing , spurred his horse on such sort , ●hat he sprang cleane ouer the bridge with the man on his backe , who as hee was going , cryed horse and man and all ●o the deuil . That priuate example which ●appened to some especial , euery man per●iculerly may consider with him selfe ●ow common and great swerers are afflicted . I could neuer yet either by expe●ience or reading find , but that they which ●ake delight in swearing , and vsed vainely ●o sweare , were greeuously punished one way or another . For my part though I am of small yeares and but young , yet I haue noted in some , that God will not suffer this vice to go vnpunished . When I was in a certaine place for learnings sake , I knew a company of youthes which were very familiar , and would seldome be a sunder , they were so wickedly bent , that when they were met , one would haue supposed that a companye of young two olde lecherous dotars , whom Go● miraculously deliuered , for her innoce●cy , by the helpe of young Danyell , who no lesse straight iudged and condemn● the said olde wilye marchants , who lay● in ambush to oppresse the said holy m● trone . What should I speake of iust N●bothe , against whose innoce●●● the fal● and periured Iesabell , suborned two fal● witnesses , they not onely to bereaue hi● of his vineyard , but of all his landes a●● life also .

O Lord increase the number of thy se●uantes , roote out vaine swearing and pe●iurie , conuert blasphemers to the obed●●nce of thy will , and aduaunce thy ho●● name : who art to be glorified now and euer more , togither with thy Son our Sauiour , and the holy Ghost .

Amen .