The araignement of an vnruly tongue Wherein the faults of an euill tongue are opened, the danger discouered, the remedies prescribed, for the taming of a bad tongue, the right ordering of the tongue, and the pacifying of a troubled minde against the wrongs of an euill tongue. By George Web, preacher of Gods word at Stepleashton in Wiltshire.

THE ARAIGNMENT OF AN VNRVLY TONGVE .

CHAP. I.

The Tongues , 1. Vse , 2. Creation , 3. Deprauation , 4. Abuse . 5. The proceeding against it .

AMong all the members of Mans bodie there is none of greater vse , none more subiect to abuse then the Tongue : The Tong Iam. 3.5 . It is but a little member , yet a great stirrer in mortal affaires : of which it may bee said , as sometimes it was of Origen , Where it is well , Vbi bene , Nemo melius , Vbi male , Nemo peius . there none is better , where euill , nothing worse . It is a Fountaine , whence waters flow both sweet and bitter , Iam. 3.16 , 11 , 10 , 8 , 6. It is a Forge both of Blessing and Cursing , It is a Shop both of precious Balme and deadly Poyson , It is the Trouchman both of Truth and Error : Fire and Water are enclosed in it , Life and Death are in the power of it ; Pro. 18.21 : It is a necessarie good , but an Vnruly euill , very profitable , but exceeding hurtfull : wee cannot well want it , nor want woe because of it .

If Man had beene created only for GOD , The vse of it . hee should not haue needed a tongue , for the Lord knoweth the Minds meaning without the tongues narration ; If he had been made for himselfe alone , the motions of his mind had been sufficient for himselfe without a tongue to be his Informer ; but God made Man a sociable liuing creature , one Man to be a comfort vnto the other , and therefore he had need of such an Organ as the tongue to be his intelligencer and Interpreter : without a tongue we should haue beene all Mutes ; the pallate would haue wanted a taster , the Mind a speaker , and Man , the World of the World , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . would haue stood in the World but as a Cipher .

Therefore the great Creator , whose workes are all perfect , The Creation of it . in the Creation did create this necessarie member ; and placed it within the head the principal watch-towre of the Body . And within this Body , of our Body hath apointed it a threefold Office , to be Taster , Interpreter , Mat. 19.8 . Iam. 1.17 . and Controwler . God ( as he is absolutely good , and the fountaine of all goodnesse ) in the Creation made all things good , Gen. 1.27 . and Man most good , and the tongue of Man for a speciall good : He saweuery thing that Hee had made , and behold it was good , very good . Zanc. de oper. Dei . Lib. 2. The tongue was then a goodly member , full of grace , full of goodnesse ; A member wherein Man did most resemble Angels exercise , and Gods Image ; A sweet Organ or Organon of delightfull speech , 1. Pet. 3.4 . a glorious Trumpet to sound Psal. 45.1 . out the praises of the Creator , a faithfull Interpreter of the hidden Man , a faire Secretarie of a most faire Heart ; The Heart did then indite a good matter , and the Tongue was the Pen of a ready Writer . Speech was then rare and precious , and the Tongue could well discerne how to bee silent without sullennesse , modest without wantonnesse , simple without ignorance , wittie without wickednes , conceited without offence . And in a word , the vse and exercise of the Tong at that time was so good , that of it the encomium might bee truely giuen , which was giuen of the rest , Gen. 1.27 . when they were at the best , It was good , very good .

But as Man continued not long in his Innocencie , The deprauation of it . so neither the Tongue in his Integritie . As in the Apostacie of Adam , the poyson of sinne like a fretting canker ranne through the whole Nature of Man , so among the rest of the members it did corrupt the Tongue . And ( if my coniecture bee not much deceiued ) the tong was one of first of the bodily members in this corruption ; sure I am , the first corrupting instrument was the tongue : By the tongue of the Serpent was Eue seduced , Gen. 3.1 , 2 , 3. and her tongue did seduce Adam ; and since that time the tongue among our members hath beene the most vnruliest , Iam. 3.6 . defiling the whole body , and setting on fire the whole course of Nature .

When sinne had made a diuision betweene Man and GOD , Isay 59.2 . it did diuide betweene the tongue and good , so that there is no greater diuision of tongues , then there are vices of the Tongue : And though the substance of the Tongue bee not taken away by sin , yet the quality of it is now peruerted and depraued , so that of a necessarie good , it is become an vnruly euill , and so much the more euill , because it is incorrigible . The fiercest Beasts , the wildest Birds , the wiliest Serpents are and haue been tamed by the Art of Man , but the tongue ( witnesse an Apostle ) can no Man tame . Iam. 3.7 , 8.

If we well consider with our selues the dangerous abuses , hurts , and inconueniences occasioned by the tongue since this estate of his deprauation , it may iustly grow to a disputable question , whether we gaine or lose more by it ? Whether there be a greater benefit of Nature , or hazard of Grace in it ? For if we obserue the testimony of Scripture and the occurrents of times , wee shall meet with more mischiefe caused by the tongue , and more prayers and precepts bent against the abuse of it , then against any other of the members seuerally , or all of them ioyntly .

Our great Creator hath in the fabrick of our bodies for the most part , fitted vs with paires of parts , two Eyes , two Hands , two Eares , two Feet , only this one is but one , one Tong , and yet this one Tongue is more troublesome then all the rest . No Creature hath so excellent an vse of the Tongue as Man , no Creature doth more abuse , or is more abused by the Tongue , then Man ; Halfe the sinnes of our life ( according to Nazianzen his account ) are committed by the tongue . Nazianz. in deplor . cala● . animae . Basil . in Psalme 32. Basil goeth farther , saying , that our whole life is full fraught with the Tongues offences . Farther yet another Father ( and yet no farther then the truth ) that there is no wrong or iniurie done in the world , Ambr. offic. lib. 1. but first or last the tongue hath a share in the same .

Against this vnruly Tongue , The proceeding a gainst it . because so many and so grieuous complaints haue been made in all ages , both by Christians and by the Heathens , by Diuines , Philosophers , Poets , and all sort of people ; This present Treatise doth intend a iudiciall proceeding , that so the misdemeanors therof being discouered , it may at the least bee bound to the good behauiour , for the better quiet of the good , and terror of the bad , when they shall see what hurt commeth by , and what danger happeneth vnto a wicked tongue .

CHAP. II.

The Tongue Araigned and indicted of , 1. Treason , 2. Fellonie , 3. Murther , 4. Riot and Routs .

FIrst therefore we will call the malefactor to the barre , The Tong araigned . that it may be examined of his abuses , and vpon inquisition it may appeare , what the cause is why so many , and that so often , haue been mooued to bee his accusers , and to put in their bils of complaint against the same , and accordingly it may eyther cleare his Innocencie , or else be found guilty .

And because generall accusations ( as Lawyers teach vs ) will beare no Actions , The Tong indicted . vnlesse they bee confirmed by particular informations ; wee will frame particular Indictments against this vnruly member the Tongue , and lay open ( as neere as wee may ) his particular misdemeanors . Neither shall wee need to seeke farre for matters criminall to obiect against it , seeing there is no crime so capitall , no offence so heynous , but the. Tongue is either principall in it , or accessary vnto it .

What crime is more capitall then Treason ? And what Treason is there , wherin the Tongue hath not a share ? Of High-Treason against God . Wee may indite it for High-Treason both against God and the King . Against GOD the Tongue is a Traitor in the highest degree . By Blasphemy . 1. By Blasphemie ; for so it is obiected against the rayling tongue of Rabshakeh : Isay 37.23 . Whom hast thou reproched and blasphemed ? Against whom hast thou exalted thy voice ? euen against the holy one of Israel . And of Antichrists tongue it is said , Reu. 13.6 . Hee openeth his mouth in blasphemie against God , to blaspheme his name , and his tabernacle , and them that dwell therein : And of the tongue of the sonne of Shelomith , ( whose blasphemie is recorded Leuit. 24. ) Leuit. 24. it is said that it pierced or smote through the name of GOD . 2. By Idolatrie ; By Idolatrie . for there is no Idolatrie , but the tongue is a chief Actor in it , Exo. 32.4 . Hab. 2.8 . Isay 42.17 . either as an Herald to proclaime it , or as a Doctor to teach it , or as a Proctor to plead for it , or as a Priest to sacrifice vnto it ? It is the tongue that nameth the worke of mens hands , 1. Kin. 18.21 . Baali , It is the tongue which pleadeth for Baal , It is the tongue which with Micha crieth out for the losse of his Idol , Iudg. 18.24 . Yee haue taken away my gods . 3. By Periurie . By Periurie likewise the tongue is a Traitor vnto GOD , Henrie . 8. anno 33. cap. 1. for if it bee Treason in the Common-Law to counterfait the Kings Seale , and to abuse his name to the preiudice of his Lawes , then can it bee no lesse then Treason to counterfait the Priuie Seale of the King of kings , to abuse his name to the countenancing of a lye , and to make him , as much as in it lieth , accessarie vnto euill ; yet all this ( and what not ? ) doth a periured tongue , Leuit. 19.12 . and therefore it is said to pollute the name of GOD , and it is threatned with this curse , Deut. 5.11 . that it shall not escape vnpunished .

Now if the Tong be guiltie of such capital Treason against God , Against the King . no wonder if it proue a Traytor against the King : If it be not the Plotter , yet it is the Broker of euery kind of Treason ; next to the heart , the first practice of Treason is from the tongue ; 2. Sam. 20.1 Sheba . his tongue was the Trumpet to Israels rebellion . And Shinicies Treason was the Treason of the Tongue ; 2. Sam. 16.5 . Iudas did first betray his Master with his Tongue , Math. 26.14 , 15. before hee arrested him with his hands . And a better Iude noteth this as a badge of a Traitor , Iude 8.11 . to speake euill of dignities . And Korah his Treason is called by the same Author , The gainesaying of Korah ; therefore the Wiseman , to keep vs from the very beginnings of Treasons , giueth this caueat to the Tongue , Curse not the King , Eccles. 10.20 . no not in thy thoughts : For a bird of the aire wil carrie the voice , and that which hath wing shall diuulge it .

As the Tongue hath beene indited for High-Treason , Of Pettie Treason . so in the next place wee may indite it for pettie-treason ; 1 1 By Concealment . not only by way of concealement against the King of Heauen , Rom. 1.18 . in keeping backe the truth in vnrighteousnesse : Clipping . And by clipping the coyn of Truth , Psal. 4.2 . Psal. 52.2 , 3. by louing vanitie and seeking after leasing , by louing euill more then good , and lying rather then to speake righteousnesse : And by forging and counterfetting false coine , Counterfetting . Psal. 36.4 . Lingua concinuat dolos , It deuiseth ( or only frameth ) mischiefs , It worketh deceitfully ; but also by Witchcraft and secret poisonings , Witchcraft . both which in the censure of our Law are no lesse then pettie-treasons .

The tongue is a Witch , for so the Apostle Paul complayneth of the Galathians , Gal. 3.1 . that they were bewitched with the glosing toungs of their false teachers , and for a practiser by poysonings , Poysoning . Saint Iames testifieth of an euil Tongue that it is full of deadly poyson ; Iam. 3.8 . and the Psalmist , Psal. 58.4 . The poyson of it is like the poyson of a Serpent , and in another place , Psal. 140.3 . Adders poyson is vnder their lips .

The next Indictment against the Tongue may bee for Fellonie , Of Fellonie . wherein this wretched member may euidently be conuicted for a most notorious malefactor ; for to omit those pettie Fellonies and Burglaries dayly committed by the in-breaking vp the closet of mens secrets , and prying into all mens actions : the Tongue is a common pickpurse , a notorious Robber , it will not sticke to robbe a man before his face , behind his backe , in the High-way , and in priuate corners , all is fish with it which commeth to the net : but especially is it guilty of a threefold Fellonie . In taking away .

1 It robbeth a man of his good name , A mans good name . Eccles. 7.3 . Pro. 22.7 . which is more precious then cyntments , and more to bee desired then treasures .

2 It robbeth a man of his goods , His goods . 2. Sam. 16.4 . as Ziba his Tongue did Mephibosheth of his lands .

3 It robbeth a man many times of his life , His life . as Doegs slaunderous accusation against Dauid did put Dauids life oft times in hazzard , and those false Tongues which Iezabel had suborned to rayse vp false witnesse against Naboth , 1. Sam. 22. 1. King . 21. robbed him both of his Vineyard and life in one day .

In which respect wee may further indict the tongue for murther ( manslaughter is too light a terme to be giuen vnto it ) There is no murther like vnto the murther of the Tongue ; Of Murther . of such tongues the Prophet Ezechiel testifieth ; Ezek. 22.9 They carry tales to shed bloud . Psal. 55.2 . And the Psalmist saith ; Psal. 55.2 . They cut like a Rasor , yea , Ier. 18.18 . They are very swords : Therefore Ieremies aduersaries did this way wreake their malice vpon the Prophet , Come and let vs smite him with the tongue . An euill tongue doth murder three at once : 1. The partie whom he doth defame . 2. The partie vnto whom hee doth defame him . 3. Himselfe that is the defamer . And therefore doth describe this bloudy tongue to bee alwayes armed with a threefold weapon , Pro. 25.18 . an Arrow , an Hammer , and a Sword ; an Arrow to wound the partie whom hee would defame in his absence whiles he is farre off ; an Hammer to knocke him on the head with a false report vnto whome hee doth make the report : a Sword to stab his own Soule in committing that euill which God doth hate .

The tongue may further be indicted for all manner of Riots , Routes , Of Riots & Routes . excesses and misdemeanours . 1. Quarrelling . For a quarreller and makebate ; For whence come warres and iarres , contentions and strifes ? doe they not commonly proceede from the tong ? It defileth ( saith S. Iames ) the whole Body , Iam. 3.6 . and setteth on fire the whole course of Nature . It is the tongue which breaketh the peace betweeue neighbours , giueth shrewd wiues sharpe weapons to fight against their husbands , breedes quarrels among seruants , and setteth men together by the eares : Association . It may be indicted for association and confederacy with an euill heart : They encourage themselues ( saith the Psalmist ) in an euill matter , Psal. 64.5 . they commune of laying snares priuately : They say , Who shall see them ? It may bee indicted for a Knight of the Post . Knight of the Post . It is ready to call euill good , and good euill , Esay 5.10 . to put darkenesse for light , and light for darkenesse , bitter for sweete , and sweete for bitter : Drunkennesse . Pro. 35.31 wee could conuince it for a drunkard also , for the tongue is the first taster of a drunken cup , and the first that will bewray it selfe in a drunken fit . And for incontinency it hath long since bin presented at the Spirituall Court , for there is no such common a whore as is the tong : It wil suffer any whosoeuer will , to lie with her . It is both Pander , Incontinency . Bawd and Leacher , It hath the very attire of an Harlot , mentioned by Salomon , Prou. Pro. 7.11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18. 7. Shee is lewd and stubborne : Her feete abide not in her house , with an impudent face she is prouoking to vncleanenesse : come , let vs take our fill of loue . Moreouer the tongue hath long agone been whipt for a vagabond or a wandring rogue : A Vagabond . It goeth ( saith the Psalmist ) through the earth , Psal. 59.14 15. it roueth vp and down euening and morning , and maketh a noise like a dogge , and wandreth vp and down grudging , if it be not satisfied . It hath beene taxed for a Tale-bearer , A Tale-bearer . Leu. 19.16 wandring like a Pedler of tales among the people , Idle and yet a busie-body , 1. Tim. 3.13 . tattling and prattling of that which it hath nothing to doe withall . It hath stood on the Pillory for a Cheator . A Cheator . Psal. 52.2 . It deuiseth mischiefe , and worketh deceite ; In a word ( that wee draw not this indictment too much beyond the ordinarie length ) It is both a common Barreter , A common Barreter . Pro. 6.19 . An incorrigible member . Psal. 12.4 . Sowing discord among brethren , And an incorrigible member ; A Tongue that speaketh proud things , saying , With our tongues wee will preuaile , our lips are our owne , who is Lord ouer vs ?

CHAP. III.

The transgression of the tongue against all the ten Commandements .

WE shal not need production of witnesses for confirmation of the premises , The Tongues transgression of all the Commandements . the crimes obiected are so common , the misdemeanors so notorious , that they cannot bee denied . If now the Tongue shall goe about to trauerse this Indictment , and stand to the triall of the Law , we may as easily conuict it by the very letter of the Law ; for if we examine it by the Law of Lawes , the Law of God , we shall finde it guiltie of the breach of euery Statute in the Law , and if wee goe through the whole Decalogue ; we shall euidently perceiue that there is none of al the ten Commandements , but is many wayes transgressed by the Tongue .

Against the 1. Against the first Commandement . Commandement the Tongue is a transgressor , not onely in becomming it selfe an Idoll ( for many a mans Tongue is his God , whiles he doth more glorie in it , and is more confident on it , then in God ) but also in being the common teacher and maintainer of Idolatry , Atheisme , Psal. 14.1 . and impietie . Psal. 115.4 . Rom. 1.15 . Psal. 94.7 . How many a time hath the Tongue denied God ? how often hath it called vpon a false god ? who but the Tongue is a blasphemer against God ? what Errors or Heresies haue there euer been , but hath beene set abroach by the Tongue ? how often hath it tempted God ? how often hath it dishonoured him by distrustfull speeches ? how often hath it disgraced him with disdainefull speeches ? It is the complaint of GOD himselfe against it ; Mal. 3.13 . Your words haue beene stout against mee , Malach. 3.13 . And Iob setteth out this disdainefull dialect of the Tongue in this manner , They say vnto God , Iob. 22.14 , 15 Depart from vs , we desire not the knowledge of thy wayes ; who is the Aimighty that wee should serue him ? and what profite should wee haue if we should pray vnto him ?

Against the second Commandement the Tongue offendeth , Against the 2. Commandement . by being the ordinary factor for Superstition and Will-worship . What pleadeth for Baal , 1. King . 18.21 . but the Tongue ? What a crying did it keepe for the losse of an Ephod , Teraphim , and a molten Image , taken away by the Danites , Iudg. 18.23 from one Micha , a man of Mount Ephraim ? What an Hubbub did the tongue make at Ephesus in defence of Diana , and her Idolatrous seruice ? Act. 19.24 , 28 , 32 , 34. It made ( saith the Text ) such a confused noise , that some cryed one thing , some another , and at last there was a clamour with one voyce , about the space of two houres , crying out , Great is Diana of the Ephesians . Neither hath the Tongue , as yet , lost its old wont , but is still a pertinacious corrupter of Gods true worship , Deu. 12.32 Col. 2.23 . a maintainer of false worship , a binder of men to rash vowes , Eccl. 5.4 . Math. 15.7 and a dissembling hypocrite , in daring to passe into Gods presence many times , without the priuity of the heart .

Against the third Commandement the Tongue offendeth , Against the third Commanlement . Exod. 20.5 by taking the name of God in vaine : for how often hath it vsed the sacred name of God , without a reuerent respect vnto Deu. 28 58 to it ; vpon the least toy , and trifle which doth occur ? Deu. 32.32 How vainly and idly hath it often tattled of the great and waighty affaires of Religion ? How many scurrill iests hath it forged vpon the sacred Scripture phrase ? Esay 66.2 . How forgetfull hath it beene to giue vnto God his due deserued praise ? Phil. 4.6 . How slightly hath it made mention of Gods wondrous workes ? Zach. 5.4 . Math. 5.33 Esay 48.1 . Leu. 24.16 To omit the fearefull sinne of swearing , forswearing , carelesse swearing , common swearing , cursing and banning ; wherein , who so notorious a delinquent as is the Tongue ?

Against the fourth commandement the Tongue offendeth ; Against the fourth Commandement . Psal. 119.13 . Eccles. 5.1 . sometimes by silence , when it should speak to the praise of God , sometimes by speech , by rash vttering of prayers or prayses vnto God : How often hath it affoorded a lip-seruice vnto God , Isay . 1.14 , 15. hauing God in the mouth , when hee was not thought vpon in the heart ? A silly Tongue that thinketh it can deceiue God with smooth words , crying , The Temple of the Lord , Ier. 7.4 , 8. the Temple of the Lord : as if all Religion did but consist in words : Whereas the Prophet Ieremy telleth the Tongue , that in such a case it doth but deceiue , Trusting in lying words that cannot profite . And if that bee the true sanctifying of the Sabbath which is described vnto vs by the Prophet Esaiah , Esay 58.13 To turne away our foot from the Sabbath , from doing our owne pleasure vpon Gods holy day , to call the Sabbath a delight , not doing our owne waies , nor seeking our owne pleasure , nor speaking our own words ; Then how guilty must the Tongue needs be of Sabbath profanation , which vpon that day doth commonly vtter more words of her owne then of God , and is more voluble in words of course then in words of grace . Col. 3.16 .

And as the tongue is thus guilty of the breach of the commandements of the first Table , Against the fifth Commandement . so likewise of the second . Against the fift Commandement it offendeth , by want of reuerence , in proud , disdainefull , and reproachfull speaking vnto , or of our Superiours , Equals , & Inferiours . Thus there are Tongues ( fit for Eagles meate , and to bee food for Rauens ) which mocke the father , Pro. 30.17 . and despise the instruction of the mother : So there are tongues of Parents , Col. 3.21 . which prouoke their children vnto anger ; Husbands tongues which are too bitter against their wiues ; Ver. 19. Wiues tongues too sharp against their Husbands : Tongues of Inferiours , Exod. 4.25 Num. 16.3 . Ephe. 6.9 . too maundy against their Superiours ; Tongues of Superiours too insulting ouer their Inferiours : To omit the many vnreuerent and vnseemely speeches which fal out many times among Equals .

Against the sixth Commandement the Tongue offendeth , Against the sixt Commandement . by chiding , brawling , quarrelling , skolding , reproaching , railing and bitter speaking : Math. 5.22 Eph. 4.31 . Ier. 18.18 . For there is a murther of the Tongue , as well as a murther of the Hands ; there is a smiting with the tongue , as well as with the hand : Pro. 12.18 . There is a Tongue ( saith Salomon ) that speaketh words like the pricking of a sword . Nay , an euill Tongue doth wound deeper then any sword ; For a sword will onely wound those who come within the compasse of his stroke : no distance of place can defend from the stroke of an euill Tongue . A sword can hurt onely the bodie , but an euill Tongue , both body , goods , and name .

Against the seuenth Commandement the Tongue offendeth , Against the 7. commandement . by being a Pandar or Bawd vnto Vncleannesse ; Gen. 39.7 . Eph. 5.4 . 1. Cor. 15.33 . sometimes by solliciting to vncleannesse ; sometimes by obscoene & filthy speeches : and wee know , that euill words corrupt good manners ; sometimes by reading amorous books , sometimes by singing lustfull songs : and euer , when it doth ouerflow with filthy , corrupt , and vnseemely communication .

Against the eighth Commandement the Tongue offendeth ; Against the eighth Commandement . by apparant stealth , stealing away mens hearts , 2. Sam. 15.2.3 . as Absalom did , by flatterie and assentation ; and their good name , Gen. 39.14 . as Iosephs Mistresse did , by slandering and backbiting ; & their goods , as Gehazi did by lying : 2. King . 5.22 . and as many a crafty Marchant daily doth , by forging , falsifying and dissembling . Against the ninth Commandement . Ephe. 5.3 .

Against the ninth Commandement the tongue offendeth , by prating , cogging , lying , boasting , Leu. 19.16 1. Sam. 22.9 . 1. King . 21.12 . flattering , fawning , accusing , slandering , tale-bearing , false witnesse bearing , pronouncing vniust iudgement , & diuers other such like practices , preiudiciall vnto peace and truth .

Against the tenth Commandement the Tongue offendeth , Against the tenth Commandement . by venting forth the euil thoughts and concupiscences of the heart : For , Math. 15.19 , 20. out of the heart proceed euill thoughts , murthers , adulteries , fornications , thefts , blasphemies , &c. And these haue the Tongue to be their Broker .

CHAP. IIII.

The Hue and Cry against a naughty tongue . A description of it . 1. From its haunt . 2. From the Physiognomy or Habite of it . 3. From his companions .

THus haue we seene the Indictment framed against the Tongue , and examining it according to the Tenor of the Law , wee finde the Bill found by the grand Inquest of the Prophets and Apostles . Now it remaineth that wee call the offender into Coram , to see what hee can pleade for himselfe ; and if it bee found guilty , to receiue his reward .

And to the end that our Hue and Cry may the more effectually proceed in the search and inquisition of this so notorious a malefactor , we will describe him by his proper notes and characters : as namely , by the places whither most commonly he doth resort , by his physiognomie and habite , and by the company with whom he doth frequent .

And first , His Haunt for the place or haunt of an euil tongue , it is most true that he is an vbiquitary , here and there , and euery where : This lewd tongue is a daily traueller , Psal. 73.9 . It walketh through the earth : A meere Perepatetique , Psal. 55.10 Day and Night hee goeth about Citie , Court , and Countrey : yet many times , Psa. 10.8 , 9 He sitteth in the lurking places of the Villages , and lyeth in waite like a Lyon in his den . But the most proper places of his residence , are Ale-houses , Tauernes , Play-houses , Bake-houses , Wooll losts , and Gossip meetings . And he is seldom , if euer , absent thence , where are any either of the family of Flatterie , or Ill-will .

As for his gesture and Physiognomie , His gesture and Physiognomie . he is but a little man , or rather member ; not very large , but a great Reacher , sullen and cholerick in complexion ; His Dialect is cursing , Iam. 3.9 . Psal. 73.9 . Psal. 10.7 . Psal. 55.21 Psal. 52.2 deceit , . and fraud : The words of his mouth are smoother then butter , but warre is in his heart . A deep Plotter , and a great Boaster . Wee haue a full description of him , Pro. 6.12 . Pro. 6.12 , 13 , 14. A naughty person , a froward mouth : He winketh with his eyes , he speaketh with his feete , he teacheth with his fingers , frowardnesse is in his heart , he deuiseth mischiefe continually , he soweth discord .

And for his habite , His Habit. wee shall euer finde him suted with a Sword , a Rasor , with Bowe and Arrowes , and with a Boxe of Poyson . With a Sword ; for this very Tong is a sharpe Sword : Swords are in the lips of it , Psal. 57.4 . Psal. 59.7 . Pro. 12.18 . Psal. 52.2 . and it speaketh words like the pricking of a Sword . A Rasor it hath : for the tongue deuiseth mischiefe like a sharpe rasor , working deceitfully . And he is an Archer also . Ier. 9.3 . The tongue is bent like a Bowe for lies , and lo , the wicked bend their Bowe ; Psal. 11.2 . they make ready their Bowe vpon the string , that they may priuily shoot at the vpright in heart . And there be foure principall Arrowes which it doth shoot forth .

The 1. Arrow is Enuie , an arrow made in hell by that enuious one the Diuell : The feathers of this Arrow are these two . 1. Sadnesse at others prosperity . 2. Gladnesse at the aduersity of other men . It is headed with the rustie yron of Selfe-consuming emulation , Iam. 3.5 . and this is Sagitta venenata , an arrow full of deadly poison . But ( as one well taxeth it ) it is but a fooles bolt soone shot , Basil . in Sermone de inuid a. Pro. 14.30 a shaft which more hurteth them who shoote with it , then those at whome it is shot ; for Ennuie is the rotting of the bones . And ( as Iob testifieth , Iob 5.2 . it killeth the foolish , & slaieth the Ideot .

The second Arrow of an euill Tongue , is the Arrow of Hatred , an Arrow made in hell by that old Serpent who is a murtherer from the beginning . Iohn 8.44 . The feathers of it are Ill will and Spight : It is headed with a desire to doe hurt . 1. Sam. 18.11 . And this is Sagitta occulta , the secret or hidden Arrow , like the Iauelin which Saul darted against Dauid , thinking therewith to haue nailed him to the wall ; hee that shooteth it , 2. Ioh. 2.11 Iam. 3.16 . is a manslaier and a murtherer . And where this Arrow is in request , there is confusion and euery euill worke .

The third Arrow of an euill Tongue is Mocking , Psal. 1.1 . Eph. 5.4 . an Arrow framed in the shop of the Scornefull , the feathers of it are Morologie and Eutrapelie , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . scofs and Iests , it is headed with a desire to disgrace : and this Sagitta volans , the slying Arrow , Psal. 91.5 . drawne out of the quiuer of the proud and vaineglorious , an Arrow ready vpon the string in the bow of Belials children , but it shall fall down vpon their owne pate who are delighted in it . Psal. 64.8 .

The fourth Arrow of an euill Tongue is the Arrow of Backbiting , made by Sathan , and shot by Sathanists , Reu. 12.10 the feathers of it are Lies and Slaunders , and it is headed with a desire to defame . And this is Sagitta Parthica , the Parthian Arrow shot behinde ones backe , a most pernicious Arrow to the preiudice of others credite and reputation , an Arrow that woundeth a farre off , and which killeth three men , the slaunderer , the partie slandered , and the receiuer of the slaunder with one stroke . And as this vnruly Tongue doth go with one of these foure Arrowes alwayes ready vpon his string : Iam. 3.8 . Psal. 58.4 . So it carrieth with it a Viall full of deadly poison , the poison of it is like the poison of a Serpent , and that not of an ordinary sort of Serpents , but venenum Ptiudos : Psal. 140.3 Deut. 32. Iob. 20.16 . the poison of Aspes is vnder his lips , which kind of poison is elsewhere in sacred Scripture noted to be most noxious and pernicious .

Lastly , His company . the companions of an euill Tongue ( for how shall one better bee knowne then by his company ? ) are these :

First , Idlenesse , a lazie , lowzie rascall , which will not betake him to any labor , Pro. 20.4 . by reason of the cold , a disorderly liuer , 2. Thes. 3 11. no worker , yet a busie-body , and a great prater , his condition is beggery , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . and his clothing , Ragges .

The second companion of an euill Tongue , is Malice ; a mad-brain'd Monster , with a sullen look , Pro. 6.11 . Pro. 23.21 and a fiery face , with superfluity of choler : He can neuer speake well , Iam. 1.21 . 1. Pet. 2.1 . but is full of guile , dissimulation and euill speaking .

Another companion of an euill Tongue is Enuie , whose description is this : A withered bodie , Ouid. Metamor . l. 2. feeding vpon it selfe , hauing a pale face without bloud , a leane body without iuice , squint-eyes , black teeth , an heart full of gall , a tongue tipt with poyson , neuer laughing but when others weep , neuer sleeping , but musing vpon mischiefe . And this , aboue all other companions of an euill tongue is most outragious : Pro. 27.4 . For , Wrath is cruell , and anger raging , but who can stand before enuie ?

Another companion of an euill tongue is curiosity , a finicall fellow , of a spruce gesture , hauing Eagles eyes and large eares , desirous euer to be acquainted with other mens euils ; a busie prier into other mens behauiour , Plutarch . de curiosnate . which with Plutarchs Lamia doth put on his eyes when he goeth abroad , and layeth them aside when he is at home . This curiositie and an euill tongue are linked together by the Apostle as vnseparable companions : 1. Tim. 5.13 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Pratlers and busie-bodies , speaking things which are not comely .

Another companion of an euill tongue is Subtilty , an old foxe , with a warie and dissembling gate , His throate is an open sepulchre , Psal. 5.9 . Psal. 55.2 . he flattereth with his tongue , the words of his mouth are softer then butter , yet warre is in his heart : Luther in Psal. 15.3 . Whose vsuall practice ( as Martin Luther noteth ) is to transforme himselfe into an Angell of Light , and vnder fine prefaces and glorious termes to back-bite . The cunning hypocrisy of it , and the Tongue together , is elegantly , by eloquent Bernard represented vnto vs . Bern. in Cant. ser. 24. Some there bee ( saith hee ) whose stomakes being glutted with the faults & infirmities of their brethren , when they meane to disgorge the same , doe shrowd their malice and hatred vnder the cloak of feigned respect , after an enforced sigh , with great grauity , and with a well composed countenance , they will mutter forth their slanderous speeches . And such backbitings and slanders ( saith he ) are so much the more dangerous , because the Hearers are thereby occasioned to imagine and conceiue , that the same proceedeth , neither of enuie , nor ill will , but out of meere sorrow and compassion .

Another companion of an euill Tongue is , Detraction ; an hungry companion with a biting tooth , a priuy thiefe from anothers good name , one that laboureth to hide the good graces that are in others , and to suborne contrary surmises , as the diuell did to our first parents concerning God , Gen. 3.9 . Iob 1.9 . and vnto God concerning Iob. And this Detraction doth worke sometimes vpon bare suspition , as the children of Ammon slandered Dauid in the eares of their Lord Hanun , as if he had sent Embassadours , vnder pretence of loue and honour , 2. Sam. 10.3 . to spie out the Land , and to take his Citie and destroy it : Sometimes without any ground at all , or shadow of iust suspition , as Korah , Dathan and Abiram did detract from Moses and Aaron , Numb. 16. accusing them that they went about to exalt themselues aboue the whole Congregation , and did take too much vpon them : Sometimes by relating false reports , as Ziba did of his Master Mephibosheth , 2. Sam. 16.3 . as if hee had affected the Kingdome of Israel , and therefore remained behind at Ierusalem : Sometimes by mis-reporting speeches , or actions , in themselues warrantable , yet wrested to another sense then they were done or spoken , as the false Witnesses did the words of our blessed Sauiour , Ioh. 2.19 . concerning the dissolution and reparation of the Temple of his Body ; 1. Sam. 21. & 22.9 . and Doeg the dealings of Dauid and his company with Abimelech . 1. Sam. 21.

Another companion of an euill Tongue is Impudencie ; a brazen-faced shamelesse companion . The Psalmist compareth him to a mad dogge , Psa. 59.3 , 6 which runneth vp & down from place to place , rauing and raging , and is neuer satisfied : Hee hath learned of the Sycophant in Plautus , Plutarch . in lib. de discernend . amic. ab adulat . to sweare , forsweare , face and out-face any thing : and with Mede the Parasite of Alexander the Great , hath proposed vnto himselfe this Maxime both in flattery and in infamy , to do it audacter , boldly and impudently .

These are the seuen hellish spirits which an euill Tongue doth take vnto himselfe , Luk. 11.26 . as his choisest Companions , and with whom most commonly and familiarly hee doth conuerse : And these are the most proper Characters and markes , whereby wee may know him and finde him out .

CHAP. V.

The tongues examination . 2. Plea for it selfe . 3. Confutation of this plea.

BY this time hauing throughly pursued our Malefactor , The examination of the Tongue . we haue found him out , & brought him Coram , wee should now proceede to his punishment , and to denounce the sentence against him ; but that ( as Nichodemus somtime said to the Sanhedrim of the Iewes ) it might be thus excepted against our procedings . Doth our law iudge any man before it heare him , and know what he hath done ? Therfore that we proceed iudiciously , and according vnto law : Let vs call the Malefactor to the Barre , and heare him plead for himselfe , if so bee hee haue any thing to say for himselfe , why sentence should not be denounced against him .

Wherein wee can expect no lesse then a cunning Apologie : The Tongues first Plea . The necessary vse and seruiceable office of it . for this subtill Tongue is not now to learne to tell his tale ; he will pleade his necessary vse , and the good seruice that hee hath done , that hee hath beene alwayes an Officer in the body corporall ; least idle of all the members , more seruiceable then all the sences , and hath beene imployed in most aduentures , as the onely Ambassador , Interpreter , and Orator for the Heart ; But this will not serue his turne , for his profitable vse cannot priuiledge his abuse ; Necessary seruants escape not due corrections when they offend in their seruice , no more may this : hath he been an Officer in the body ? yet he hath not bin good in his office ; hath hee not beene Idle ? It had better many times that he had beene lesse busied ; hath he beene seruiceable to the other members ? he hath also many times wrought them much vnquietnesse ? hath he bin the hearts Ambassador , Orator and Interpreter ? yet hath he not bin so faithfull in his imployments , many a time hee hath gone before hee was sent ; many a time gone a wrong way , looking Westward , when hee should haue gone by East ; many a time hath he proued a subtill Orator , a fraudulent Ambassador , and a false Interpretour : and therfore doth deserue to be punished .

Hee will further pleade the excellency of his skill , His second Plea : The skill thereof . that Hee is the onely Linguist and most expert Artist , the Master of Eloquntion , and Schoolemaster of Pronunciation , tuner of Musick , and teacher of the Liberall Sciences : and besides all this , the onely Disputant in the world for the tryall of Controuersies . But what of all this ? Is the Tongue a Linguist ? Many times it speaketh more Languages then is fit . Pleadeth he his facultie for Eloquence ? And may hee not bee censured for all the Solaecismes , Traulismes , Tantologies , & all other Barbarismes in the Speech ? And for the Arts , it may be wondered how the Tongue dareth to claime the sanctuarie therof , seeing , that besides the Sophismes , errours and absurdities which he hath foisted into them ; he hath inuented new Arts and Sciences , scarse honest , full of craft and subtilties , to deceiue the world : And therefore this cannot priuiledge him from the doome of iustice .

He will reply , 3 3 Plea : the cunning thereof . and shew the misery which would happen vnto many without his helpe , as that forsooth ; Wit would want a Broker , Innocencie a Defender , Error an Excuser , were it not for the Tongue : Mirth would bee Mute , Boldnesse Blanke , and Traffique a Banckrout , without the Tongue : without which also , poore people would be euer put to the worst , and Women , the weaker Sexe , would want a weapon to defend themselues . But this serueth rather to aggrauate , then any way to extenuate the offence : for it is true indeed , thou naughty Tongue lendest shrewd wiues a mischieuous weapon to offend their husbands ; Thou armest seruants against their Masters , and settest neighbours together by the eares ; Thou art an Abbetter of all quarrels , thou art that same Dauus which troublest all things : And therefore thou deseruest no fauour , but the very rigour of the Law .

But here the Tongue is ready with another excuse ; What , would you haue a man stand still like a block , to put vp all wrongs and iniuries which are offered vnto him , and to be silent vpon a disgrace ? A silly worme when it is trod vpon will erect it selfe : I am a tongue , I cannot chuse but speake . But , sirrah Tongue , who gaue you that authority ? must you needes auenge your selfe ? A poore reuenge , God wot , is the reuenge of the Tongue ; yet seeing you are so eager , and will needes bee medling , it is fit you should be held in with bit and bridle .

But , 4 4 Plea ; by posting of the fault . Why should I bee punished ( saith the Tongue ) who , if I do offend , the fault is not mine , but theirs who do abuse mee , I am but an organon or instrument ; if there be a fault in mee , their fault is the greater who make me faulty . True indeed ; but yet in matters of offence the accessarie is lyable to offence as well as the principall : The Serpent was but the instrument abused by Sathan to deceiue man , yet in the punishment the Serpent hath his doome as well as Sathan .

Here the conuicted Tongue hath no more to say , 5 5 Plea ; by entreatie . but from Apologie falleth to Entreatie : Hee hath often pleaded for others , and begged their pardon , hopeth to obtaine fauour now for himselfe , especially promising reformation for the time to come . But it is well knowne , that this delinquent hath beene often in this offence ; Besides that , it can equiuocate , dissemble , lye , promise much , but performe little ; and therefore there is no mercyto be shewed , where no amendment can be expected .

What now can this vnruly Tongue plead for it selfe , The excluding of the tongu from all benefite of the Law . vnlesse ( which is the last refuge of conuicted Felons ) it claime the benefite of his Clergie ? But as for that he can haue no hope ; for besides that the Law doth exempt such notorious and capitall offenders from the benefite of their book , it is welknown , that the Tongue hath most offended against the Clergie , to whom , albeit the Tongue is most beholding , yet none are more then they traduced and abused by the Tongue .

Wherfore , seeing this vnruly member hath no iust Apologie , by which it may plead for it selfe , nor can alleage any reasonable exception , why the censure of iustice should not passe vpon it , let it stand by and heare his Doome .

CHAP. VI.

A deliberation for the punishment of an euill tong . How impossible it is to avoid it . How grieuous to endure it How insufficient all earthly punishments are to tame it . The proper punishment by the lawof God allotted vnto it .

WHat shall bee giuen vnto thee ? A deliberation for the punishment of a false Tongue . what shal be done vnto thee , thou false tongue ? Harsh it is to endure , hard to tame , impossible to auoid thee : Nor man , nor meanes can preuent thee , for let a man bee as faithfull as Abraham , Gen. 18.19 Gen. 26. Gen. 27. 1. Sam. 12.2 . Iohn 1.47 . as simple as Isaac , as subtill as Iaacob , as innocent as Samuel , as vpright as Dauid , as sincere as Nathaniel : yet hee cannot possible auoid the lash of an euill Tongue ; though a man vse all the policy in the world , he cannot preuent it . Though hee should resolue with Dauid , Psal. 55.6 , 7 , 8. How impossible to auoid it . O that I had wings like a Doue , for then I would flee away and bee at rest , loe , then I would flee away and bee at rest , I would wander farre off and remaine in the wildernesse , yet could hee not escape from this storme , winde , Psal. 139.9 and tempest : Though a man take the wings of the morning , and dwell in the vtmost parts of the sea , yet thither would an euill Tong flye after him , euen so farre off would it reach him . There is no poison so venemous but there may be some Antidot against it . But there is no Antidot against the venim of the Tong ; There is no fire so raging , but that some kinde of moisture may extinguish it . The fire of an euill Tongue is like the fire of hell which goeth neuer out .

The Arrow which is shot out of the strongest Bow , and sent forth with the greatest force , can hurt no farther then it can reach . But let a man bee neuer so farre off , let him bee beyond the Seas , let him be in neuer so farre remote Regions , and distant Countryes , the Arrow of an euill Tongue wil reach him and wound his good name ; other weapons onely hurt the present , this hurteth those also who are absent ; there is none that can bee priuiledged from its stroke .

As none can auoid it , How hard it is to endure it . so who can well beare it ? flesh and bloud can hardly brooke it ; If a man had the meeknesse of Moses , Num. 12.3 Iob. 1.21 . Iam. 5.11 . Iud. 15.15 . Psal. 69.20 1. King . 3. the patience of Iob , the strength of Samson , the experience of Dauid , and the wisedome of Salomon : yet of himselfe were he neuer able to endure the vncessant wrongs by an euill Tongue ; for a good name is better then a precious ointment , Eccles. 7.1 . Pro. 22.1 . and more to be desired then great riches , yea , then siluer and gold ; who can brooke the impeachment of this ? Other wounds may be cured , other losses may be recouerd , but this is a wound which can neuer be healed , a losse which can neuer be recouered . And therfore there is no smart like to the smart of the Tong : the words of it are deuouring words , Psal. 52.4 . Pro. 11.18 . Pro. 26.22 . They are like to the pricking of swords , yea , They are wounds , & they go down to the innermost Chambers of the bellie .

Yet what remedy can there bee deuised against it ? The difficulty of taming of it . what penalty to inflict vpon it ? what Art to tame it ? let a man haue the courage of Caleb , the policy of Achitophel , Num. 14.8 the seuerity of Iehu , 2. Sam. 16.20 . 2. King . 10.17 . Exod. 1.10 the cunning of Pharaoh , the cruelty of Phalaris the inuention of Perillus , yet he shall not be able to tame an vnruly Toung , or reforme this incorrigible monster : Pro. 14.4 . for the words of a mans mouth are as deep waters , who can sound the bottome of them ? who can hope to exhaust them ? A Toung enraged is harder to be tamed ; Pro. 18.19 . than a strong City is to be conquered . The contentions of it , are like the barres of a Castle . How plainley and pregnantly doth the Apostle Iames demonstrate this ! first he sheweth that it is easier to tame a wilde horse then a wild Tongue . We put bits ( saith he ) in horses mouthes that they may obey vs ; Iames 3.3 . and wee turne about their whole body : verse 4. but the Tongue can no man tame . Then he doth instance in the Ships , which although they are great bulks , & are driuen with fierce winds , verse 7 , 8. yet can be ruled & turned about with a little rudder or helme : But the Tongue , a little member , can no man rule or order . Then hee instanceth in Beasts , Birds , and Serpents , which although they bee fierce , and wild and subtill , yet they are , and haue beene tamed by the Art of man : but the tongue can no man tame , it is an vnruly euill , full of deadly poyson . And therefore the very Heathen did acknowledge , that contra Sycophanti morsum nullum est remedium : There is no remedy or cure , against the biting of an euill Tongue .

What then shall bee giuen vnto thee ? The stubbornnesse of it . what shall be done vnto thee , thou false Tongue ? There is no Balme will supple it , for an euill tongue will reward euill for good , Psal. 35.11 and like a nettle , the more gently it is touched , the more sharply it will sting . There is no charme can charme it , for what is commonly said of the Belly , Venter non habet aures ; The belly hath none eares , may bee as truely verified of the Tongue , Lingua non habet aures , the tongue hath no eares . And although they who haue this euil tongue , haue eares as well as tongue ; yet , as they imitate the poyson of the Adder in their Tongue , so they haue the deafenesse of the Adder in the Eare : Psa. 58.4 , 5 They are like the deafe Adder which stoppeth her eare , and will not hearken to the voyce of the Charmer , charming neuer so expertly .

What then shall wee do to tame this vnruly member ? The insufficiency of earthly punishments against it . Shall we binde it to the good behauiour ? It neuer had it , and is out of hope now to bee brought vnto it . Shall wee make his Mittimus and send him to the Iayle , to see whether imprisonment will reclaime it ? There are no lockes able enough to keepe him in , no setters strong enough to ensnare it . The Head , the Hands , the Feete , may be imprisoned , but the Tong cannot be imprisoned ; no , though it be put in Herods prison , and watched with foure Quaternions of Souldiers , Act. 12.4 . it will breake prison , and walke at liberty : For , it is well knowne , that although it be kept in with a double dore of lips , and within that hath two perculleises of Teethen grates to enuiron it , yet it will escape and range abroad . Shall we doome it to the whip ? It will reuerberate lash for lash , and bee sure to put him to the worst that shall aduenture to meddle with it . Shall we burne him in the hand , and seare him with the letter Tau ? Iam. 3.6 . It will set on fire the whole course of nature , it selfe being set on fire of hell . Shall we drown him ? All the water in the Sea will not wash away its pollution . Shall we hang , draw and quarter him ? So it hath done many an ones good name . But where shall wee finde a Gallowes or Gibbet high enough for the same ? Shall wee behead him ? So long as it is able to wagge , it will neuer cease to speake .

What then shal be giuen vnto thee ? What shall be don vnto thee , thou false tongue ? Surely , no other thing then that which Dauid vpon the like deliberation doth deliuer , Psal. 120. Sharpe Arrowes of the Mighty with coales of Iuniper . Where by the Mighty we may either vnderstand the Lord of Hosts , Wolphius . who is the Lord strong and mighty , Psal. 24.8 . the Lord mighty in battell , the Magistrates , who is the Lords ; Molerus . Deputy ? a man of might : And by the sharpe Arrowes and Iuniper coales , wee are to vnderstand the sharpe punishments & dreadfull iudgements , which either the Magistrate in the course of Law , or God Almighty in his most iust iudgement doth inflict vpon an euill Tong. Here then we are to take notice ; first , of the law of Nations against an euill Tongue . Secondly , of Gods secret iudgements . First , of the temporall . Secondly , of the eternall punishments which do belong vnto the same .

CHAP. VII .

The Magistrates Office for the punishment of a naughty tongue . 2. The politike lawes of Nations for the taming of the same .

THAT the Magistrate by his authority is to take order against an euill Toung , The Magistrates Office for to punish a naughty Tongue . and with seuerity to punish the same , it is as apparent as the Sunne ; for he is a man of might , he sitteth in the Seat of God to execute Psal. 82.1 . the iudgements of God , 2. Chro. 19.6 . Rom. 13.4 . he beareth not the sword in vaine , but is to execute vengeance vpon euill dooers : Neither only vpon euill dooers , but vpon euill speakers also , as vpon lyers , raylers , backbiters and slanderers : for so Dauid doth professe of his practice in such an Office , Psal. 101.5 whoso priuily slandereth his neighbour , him will I cut off . Hee intendeth not a punishment onely for the periured tongue , and publique defamer , but also for the secret calumniator and priuie slanderer , neither is it a check or pettie punishment which hee doth threaten against it , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . significat exterminare , seu constringendo & coarctando disperdere . as to banish it his Court , to punish it by the purse , or to inflict a slight punishment vpon it ; but he would euen cut it off , roote it out and vtterly destroy it .

The lawes of Nations haue beene diuers , Politike Lawes of Nations for the punishment thereof . yet all dreadfull for the punishment of an euill Tongue . The Iudiciall law giuen by God himselfe vnto the Iewes , ( and therefore the best patterne for all humane lawes ) did thus proceed against it : Deut. 19.16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20. If a false witnesse rise vp against any man , to testifie against him that which is wrong , then both the men betweene whom the controuersie was , were to stand before the Lord , before the Priests , and the Iudges which were in those dayes : And the Iudges were to make diligent inquisition . And if the witnesse were proued false , that his tongue had testified falsely against his Brother , then the mischiefe which hee had thought to haue done against his brother , was to light vpon his owne head , and hee was seuerely to bee punished ad terrorem aliorum , for the feare and terrour of others .

And lest wee should thinke this Iudiciall course to be limitted onely to a false Witnesse , and to a periured Tongue , the Wise-man , Pro. 19.5 , 9 Prou. 19.5 , 9. doth extend it to all manner of iniuries committed by the Tongue . A false witnesse ( saith he ) shall not be vnpunished , and hee that speaketh lies , shall not escape . And to this Iudiciarie course of proceeding against an euill tongue , our blessed Sauiour doth seem to allude , Math. 5.22 . Math. 5.22 . when hee saith ; Whosoeuer is angry with his brother without a cause , shall be in danger of iudgement , and whosoeuer shall say vnto his brother , Racha , shall be in danger of the Councell . Where , vnder that one word ( Racha ) he doth vnderstand all manner of opprobrious speeches , and disdainefull gestures : and by the termes of Iudgement , Councell , and Hell fire there mentioned , hee doth glaunse at the three Courts of iudgement in Ierusalem . Betram . de Polit. Iud. c. 13. The first whereof was for the determining of matters litigious about wealth and possessions , and in that were three Iudges . The second for matters criminall , which were iudged by a Councell of three and twenty . The third , for matters of more serious weight and importance , to bee determined by the Sanhedrim , or great Councell of seuenty and one . And in these Courts the Iewes ( as Drusius relateth ) did thus proceed against such as offend with the tongue : first , they had priuate , and after that more publike admonitions to refraine from that wicked course : if this could not preuaile , they were excommunicate from the Synagogue : if this would not serue to reforme them , they were further excommunicated from all society and company of other men : if this would not restraine them , the great Anathema Maranatha was denounced against them : If yet they proceeded in their euill , they were iudged worthy to be stoned to death .

Leauing the Iudiciall Law of the Iewes , come we to the Lawes of Nations , and wee shall finde , how in all Ages , & among all Nations , there haue euer beene sharpe punishments prouided against shrewd Tongues . The Grecians ( as Thucidides reporteth ) were wont to punish the lauish Tattling of the Tongue with lashes of roddes , whipping the whole body . The Egyptians ( as Polybius recordeth ) did boare an hole thorow an vnruly tongue . The Persians ( saith Strabo ) made them slaues , who could not be Masters ouer their Tongues . The Indians ( as Acosta noteth ) did exclude such as had vnruly Tongues , Acosta lib. 6. c. 9. from all companies . Suidas in Canopo . Ruffin . hist. eccl. lib. 2. The Chaldeans ( as Suidas obserueth ) did condemne them to perpetuall darkenesse . Eusebius l. 5 c. 21. The Romanes ( as Eusebius testifieth ) had a Lawe to breake the legs of him who had a naughty tongue ; which custome was put in execution ( as Nicephorus relateth ) in the time of the raigne of the Emperour Commodus , Niceph. l. 4.26 . vpon a prophane wretch who had slandered Apollonius a godly Professor , and afterwards a blessed Martyr ; The ill tongu'd accuser , not being able to proue his allegations , was iudged to haue his legges broken , because he had accused , and defamed a man without a cause . Herodotus maketh mention of a Lieutenant of King Darius , Herodot . in Clio. who caused one of his Souldiers to bee put to death , for that his tongue had beene too lauish against Alexander , though an enemy . And hee relateth another Historie of Antigonus , who imprisoned a foule-mouthed Peasant in a Cage , depriuing the whole body of liberty , because of the too much liberty of the Tongue . Leontius the Emperour ( as Sir Martin Cognet in his Politike discourses doth deliuer ) after he had put Iustinian to flight , Politike discourse of Sir Martin Cognet . c. 37. caused two of his Tale-bearers to bee trailed by the heeles and to be burned . The Emperour Pertinax caused the skinnes of slanderers to bee flaied from their Bodies : and Maximinus another Emperour tooke order to haue the Tongues of vnruly railers to be pulled out of their mouthes .

Excellent were those Lawes , which Titus , Nerua , and Traian ( as Suetonius writeth ) made against tattling Tongues , the least mulct wherein was whipping cheere . Domitian , Anthony , and Macrinus banished them the Confines of the Empire , yeelding this for their reason , that they who did not punish them , L. praeuar . de verb. Leg. tit . ad Segnat . did encourage them . The Ciuill Law in like maner doth inflict banishment to an euill Tongue : The Canon Law doth debar it from the receiuing of the Sacraments : The Common Law of this our Land doth adiudge the false tongue to the Pillory , Westm. 1. ca 23. Kech . 2. c. 5. Eliz. 1. c. 7. the skolding Tongue to the Tumbrell , or Cucking-stoole ; the railing Tongue to the good behauiour ; the slanderous Tongue , if it be Scandalum Magnatum , to the losse of an eare ; if against a priuate person , to the censure of the Magistrate , according to the quality of the offence .

Thus wee see how odious among all Nations an euill Tongue hath alwaies bene , and what strict Lawes from time to time , haue bene enacted against the same . But because these good Lawes are not alwaies put in execution , & the Magistrate may proue many times remisse , let vs proceed further to behold a more dismall doome from a greater Iudge , the iudgement of almighty God , and the fearefull punishments which he doth inflict vpon an euill Tongue .

CHAP. VIII .

The Iudgements of God against an euill Tongue . 1. In this life . 2. In the life to come .

WHO is so mighty as the Lord ? God will surely punish an euill toung . Ex. 15.12 . Psal. 75.7 . Iam. 4.2 . Psal. 9.16 . Who is like vnto him ? glorious in holinesse , fearefull in his workes , doing wonders ? Hee is the Iudge : yea that great Iudge , which can saue and can destroy : yea , Hee is knowne by the iudgement which he executeth : And among the rest of his iudgements this is one of the most remarkeable , his punishments against an euill Tongue : For hee himselfe hath vndertaken the censure of it ; Hee hath protested that hee will come a swift witnesse against it ; Mal. 3.5 . He hath sworne that vengeance is his , Heb. 10.30 and Hee will repay it .

The iudgements of almighty God against an euill Tongue , are of two sorts ( according to that which before was noted out of the Psalmist ) Sharp Arrowes , and coales of Iuniper : The first sort Temporall punishments ; the second sort eternall : The first for this life ; the second for the life to come .

Euen in this world the Lord will not suffer a naughty tongue to go vnpunished : For , Gods iudgements in this life against an euill tongue . Psal. 11.2 . as wicked tongued people doe bend their Bowe , and make ready their Arrow vpon the string , that they may priuily shoote at the vpright in heart ; Psal. 7.12 , 13. So God aboue doth bend his Bowe and make it readie : Hee prepareth for them the instruments of death : Hee ordaineth his Arrowes against such kinde of persecutors . Let vs take a view of some of those Arrowes , which God euen in this world , doth shoote against wicked and malicious Tongues .

The first Arrow which God doth shoote against those who shoot at others with their Tongues , Gods Arrowes against euil Tongues . is their owne Arrow , Disgrace . the Arrow of Disgrace : Their owne tongue ( saith the Psalmist ) shall fall vpon themselues . Psal. 64.8 . Ps. 7.15 , 16 And againe , He hath made a pit , and digged it , and is fallen into the Ditch which he made : his mischiefe shall returne vpon his owne head , and his viclent dealing shall come vpon his owne pate . And againe , These wicked people are ensnared in the worke of their owne hands . Psal. 9.16 .

The second Arrow directed against an euill Tongue , Pouerty . is Pouertie ; Pro. 14.23 . In all labour ( saith Salomon ) there is profite , but the talke of the lips tendeth to pouerty . And who seeth not that this curse sticketh close to those that haue euill Tongues ; Psal. 59.15 That they wander vp and downe begging their bread ; Ps. 109.10 . their children also proue vagabonds and beggars , and seeke their bread out of desolate places ?

The third Arrow which the Lord shooteth against an euill Tongue is Misery : for the Psalmist plainely telleth those who abuse their Tongue , Misery . that GOD doth heare them and will afflict them . Psal. 55.19 Psal. 55.19 . And Salomon sheweth them , what must bee their sole expectation . Hee that hath a peruerse tongue , falleth into mischiefe . Pro. 17.20 & 14. Prou. 17.20 . hee may neuer looke for quietnesse and peace , for his Tongue of strife will be like a continuall waterbreach . Pro. 4.17 . Prou. 17.14 . Hee can neuer take comfort in his foode , for he eateth the bread of wickednesse , and drinketh the wine of violence . Prou. 4.17 . He can neuer hope to bee established : Pro. 26.28 for a false tongue worketh ruine . Hee can neuer be in safety , for he carrieth about with him alwaies a guilty conscience . The flying Arrow of Gods iudgement is euer ready to fall vpon his pate : Iob. 15.21 . Psal. 11.6 . Psal. 52.5 . the Lord will raigne snares , fire and brimstone , and horrible tempest , this shall be the portion of their cup. God will destroy them for euer , hee will take them and pluck them out of their tabernacle , and roote them out of the Land of the liuing .

Infinite are the examples which wee may reade in histories both diuine & humane , Examples of Gods iudgement vpon euill Tongues . of Gods dreadfull iudgements vpon euill Tongues : for the lying Tongue , wee haue in the Scriptures the example of Gehezi , 2. King . 5.27 . strucken with leprosie , both himselfe and all his posterity . Act. 5.5 , 10 Ananias and Saphira his wife , for the same fault strucken with sudden death ; in humane Histories wee reade how wormes did eate out the lying tongue of Nestorius ; Nicephorus . and Popiel , Monstrelus . King of Polonia , an accustomable lyer , eaten out with Rats . For the swearing and blasphemous Tongue , we haue in sacred Scriptures a blasphemer stoned to death with stones , Leuit. 24.23 . 2. King . 19 Zenacheribs Armie destroyed in one night by the pestilence , and himselfe slaine by his owne sonnes in the Temple of his Idols for the same offence . In Ecclesiasticall Histories wee reade of an Arrow ( sent as it is supposed , Socrates Eccl. hist. from Heauen ) wounding to death blasphemous Iulian : of Michael a Iewish Rabbin , breaking his neck downe a paire of staires , euen then whiles hee was swearing and blaspheming the name of Iesus . Fincilius de mirac . lib. 2. And of a swearing Courtier at Mansfield , Spangeb . in elegantiis ve teris Adami . in the midst of his blasphemous oathes taken vp and carried away by the Diuel . To omit that which our owne Chronicles do record of Alphred , Stow in vit. Adelstan . Jdem in vita Alfredi . Jdem in vita Elizah . Act. & Monum . pag. 2101. & 2105. of Earle Godwin , of Anne Aueries , of the Gentleman of Cornewall , who being vsed to swearing and blasphemous speeches , as hee was riding ouer a bridge , his horse sprang ouer with him on his backe into the riuer where he was drowned , hauing no other words in his mouth for his last farewell , but these , Horse and man and all to the Diuell . For the slaunderous and backbiting Tongue we haue likewise many examples of Gods great and fearefull iudgements : In the sacred Scriptures we reade of wicked Iezabel , 2. King . 9.36 . for her false accusing of Naboth , deuoured by dogs : Hest. 7.10 . of Haman hanged vpon the Gallowes , for his false accnsing of the Iewes : Dan. 6. of Daniels accusers deuoured by Lions , because of their false suggestions . In the Ecclesiasticall Histories we reade of feareful iudgements of God vpon three slanderous traducers of Athanasius , Niceph. lib. 9 The one of whome was presently stricken dead , the others eyes fell out of his head , the third perished with a fearefull burning within his entrales . In our owne Chronicles we read of Thomas Arundel , Act. & Monum . pag. 700. who hauing abused his Toung to an vniust sentence against the Lord Cobham , was stricken with so sore a paine and swelling in his Tongue , that he could neither swallow nor speake . So of Iustice Morgan , for his rash proceedings in speech against the Lady Iane , Ibid. pag. 1912. we read that he was stricken with madnesse , and a little before his death had none other word but her name in his mouth . The like fearefull iudgement we read to haue befallen one William Fenning in Q. Maries dayes , Jbid. 1907. who , for greedinesse to gaine the goods of one Iohn Cooper , had slanderously accused him of traitrous words by him spoken against his Prince : by which the poore innocent man was condemned to death as in cases of treason : but the iudgement of God shortly seased vpon his false accuser , striking him , euen whiles hee was well & lusty , with a sudden disease in his belly , so that his bowels gushed out .

Infinite are the like examples of Gods dreadfull iudgements vpon euill tongues , euen in this life . But if any wretched toung shall set light by these , because they do not befall al them who offend in this kind , yet let them feare and tremble at those fearefull finall torments which GOD hath prepared for these offensiue Tongues after this life , from which it is impossible for any of them to escape without repentance .

For as God hath Arrowes heere to wound an euill Tongue : Gods iudgements after this life vpon an euill toung . So hath he Coales hereafter to burne an euill tongue . The Arrowes indeed are sharpe ; for they are the Arrowes of the Mighty : But the Coales are more terrible ; for they be Iuniper coales of long continuance , of perpetuity . These coales are the fire of Hell , the assured portion of a wicked Tongue : for so S. Iam. 3.6 . Iames saith , that it is set on fire of hell , and therefore it shall to the fire in Hell ; It is the verdict of our Sauiour , that the railing tongue is in danger of Hell fire , Mat. 5.22 . Math. 5.22 Psal. 9.17 . So saith the Psalmist , They shall bee turned into hell . So the Apostle Paul , 2. 2. Thess. 1.9 Thess. 1.9 . They shall bee punished with euerlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord . And of them the Apostle Iude testifieth , Iude 13. & 15. That to these raging waues , foming out their owne shame , is reserued the blacknesse of darkenesse for euer . And againe , The Lord will come with ten thousand of his Saints , to execute iudgement vpon them , and to punish them ; not onely for their vngodly words , but also for their hard and hatefull speeches . And it is well worth the noting , that the Rich man in Hell-torments complained most of the torments of his Tongue : Father Abraham , Luk. 16.24 . haue mercy vpon me , and send Lazarus , that hee may dip the tip of his finger in water , and coole my tongue , for I am tormented in the flame ; as if hell flame were most fierce against an euill Tongue , and that most sure to endure the same .

Now , The bitter paines of Hell . as there is no coale so hote and raging as the Iuniper coale , for so S. Ierome testifieth ; Hieron . ad Fabiol . Plin. nat. hist. lib. 8. and Pliny alledgeth a naturall reason of it , viz. the gummie matter of that wood more then in any other tree : so ( to prosecute the same Metaphor ) Par nulla figura Gehennae ; Mat. 13.42 Reu. 21.8 . Heb. 10.27 Math. 3.12 There is no paines like to the paines of hell . This fire is a furnace of fire , a lake of brimstone , a deuouring fire , an vnquenchable fire . The furnace whereinto the three children were cast , Dan. 3.19 . being made seuen times hotter then it was wont to be , was exceeding violent . But how much more infinitely shall this furnace of hell fry , whose fire is infinitely hotter then that was ? O! Who is able to dwell with this deuouring fire ? Who can endure the fiery rage of these Coales ? They are coales of Iuniper .

Yet dwell in it they must who are doomed to it , The perpetuity of those paines . and so must an euill tongue . As there is no escaping of it , so no comming out of it . Iuniper coales ( as Pliny writeth ) do keepe in fire for a long continuance : yea , Plin. vt supra . some maintaine , Libri Sufflatorii vt citatur a M●iero , in Psal. 120. that the coales made of Iuniper wood , being couered with ashes , keepe in fire for a whole yeare together . But what is this to the perpetuity of the paines of hell ? There the Worme dieth not , Mark . 9.44 and the fire neuer goeth out ; the fire shall neuer be quenched : Luk. 3.17 . Reu. 20.10 they shall be tormented day and night for euer and euer . This is the portion , and the endlesse affliction of an euill Tongue .

CHAP. IX .

Sentence of condemnation denounced against the naughty tongue .

HAuing thus heard the vnruly tongue Indicted , A transition to the doome of a false tongue . Arraigned , Conuicted and Condemned , what now remaineth , but that we apply it to the terrour of those who offend herein ; and for our direction , both in the vse , and against the abuse of the Tongue ? Sentence denounced against it .

And here first , the consideration of the premises may strike a terrour into the hearts of those who are guilty of the crimes of an euill Tongue , Lyers , Swearers , Railers , Backbiters , Slanderers , filthy Speakers , and all the rest of that rabble of wicked-tongued creatures : Alas , in what a fearefull estate are they ? How odious in the sight of God ? How iniurious vnto men ? What a scorne to the Angels ? How obsequious to the diuels ? And how liable are they vnto the dreadful curses of almighty God , both in the life present , and that which is to come ?

Thou lying tongue , The lying Tongue . which , like a false clocke , dost runne too fast , and either for pleasure , or for profit , dost coine vntruth , consider what wrong thou dost , and into what misery thou dost thrust thy selfe . Thou peruertest the vse of speech ; thou abusest the sense of hearing ; thou dissoluest , as much as in thee lyeth , humane Societies ; thou bearest the image of the diuell ; thou art worse then a Thiefe ; for thus the Wise man speaketh , Eccles. 1.20 , 23 , 24 , 25. A lye is a wicked shame in a man , yet it is oft in the mouth of the vnwise : A thiefe is better then a man accustomed to lying , but they both shal haue destruction to their heritage : the condition of liers are vnhonest , Pro. 6.17 . and their shame is euer with them . A lying Tongue is one of those sixthings which God doth hate , Pro. 12.22 and lying lips are abomination to the Lord. Pro. 19.5 . A false witnesse shall not bee vnpunished , and he that speaketh lies , shall not escape : the tongue that loueth , or maketh lies , Reu. 22.15 Reu. 21.8 . shall be excluded out of the heauenly Ierusalem , and shall haue his part in the Lake which burneth with fire and brimstone , which is the second death .

And as for thee , thou Swearing tongue , which art swollen with oathes , as a Toade with venime , Mal. 3.5 . The Lord will come as a swift witnesse against thee ; And there is a Flying booke of curse and vengeance , Zach. 5.2.4 which doth houer ouer thee : Thine oathes are registred in the book of accounts , & when the great day of reckoning commeth , they shall be set in order before thee , and laid vnto thy charge : Thou art reserued vnto the day of destruction , Iob 21.30 . Luk. 16.24 . & the time will come when thou shalt be miserably tormented in that flame .

Neither maist thou hope to escape , The mocking Tong. thou mocking tongue who art tipt with flouts , scoffes , and skornes against thy neighbour : Psal. 2.4 , 5. he that sitteth in the heauens , shall laugh at thee : the Lord shal haue thee in derision , he shal speak vnto thee in his wrath , and vexe thee in his sore displeasure . Why then dost thou iudge thy brother ? Rom. 14.10 . Why dost thou set at nought thy brother ? we shall all stand before the tribunall seat of Christ . Then shalt thou be depised , who didst despise others . Then shalt thou be a scorn to Diuels , which here didst scorne thy betters . And we know who hath said it , and hee will be sure to performe it , that both the mocking tong , and the railing tong , Mat. 5.22 . and the wrathfull tongue is in danger of hell fire . The slanderous Tongue .

Needs must then the slaunderous and backbiting tongue be in dreadful danger , Psal. 64.3 . which tongue is bent like a Bow , and shooteth out as Arrowes bitter words . Thou wretched tongue art a very murtherer , and not a single manslaier , but thou killest three men , as it were with one stroke : Pro. 25.18 In which respect Salomon the wise calleth thee , Pro. 25.18 an Arrow , a maule , & a Sword . An Arrow , in respect of him that is absent , whom thou woundest afar off in his good name , in his goods , in his friends : and sometimes in his life . A Maule or Hammer to knock him , who receiueth thy slaunder , in the head , eius enimaurem dum inficis , animam interficis , whiles thou dost infect his eare , thou dost destroy his soule , casting thereinto seedes of suspicion , hatred and contempt . Lastly , to thy selfe thou art a Sword , in destroying thine owne soule , by committing that sinne which is most odious vnto God ; for he which slaundreth his neighbour behinde his backe , Leu. 19.14 committeth the same offence , with him that raileth on the deafe , Deut. 27.24 . and is like him that smiteth his neighbour secretly , both which are accursed ; and therefore no maruaile though this bee said to be that seuenth sin which God doth abhorre : Pro. 6.19 . for there is no sinne which maketh a man so like the Diuell as this doth , for from slaundering and backbiting hee hath his name DIABOLOS , which is a common name to him with slanderers : And as the Lord doth greatly detest this sinne , so hee hath threatned grieuously to punish it , Psal. 50.20 Psal. 52.5 . Ezek. 22.9 . not onely the tongue offending , but also the eare abetting , and the place harboring , and that not in this life onely , but also in the life to come : 1. Cor. 6.10 . for if Railers shall not inherite the Kingdom of God , much lesse shall slanderers .

In the same predicament art thou , The filthy Tongue . filthy Ribald tongue , which like a sinke doest runne ouer with obsceane and vnseemely speech . 1. Cor. 15.33 . Euill words corrupt good manners ; Mat. 12.36 And of euery idle word which men doe speake , they must giue an account at the Day of Iudgement . If of euery idle word , then what shall become of the tongue that speaketh wanton words , scurrilous words , & filthy speech ? Better it is to haue no mouth , then to haue it thus polluted ; better to be without a tongue , A caueat for the Tongue . Eph. 4.29.31 . then to haue it thus defiled .

Wherefore the counsel of the Apostle is very profitable : Let no corrupt communication proceede out of your mouth , but that which is good and edifying , And againe , Let all bitternes , and wrath , and anger , & clamor , and euill speaking bee put away ; Which lesson that we may the better learne , let vs take a briefe notice , first how we may rule our own Tongue ; secondly , how wee may beare the wrong of anothers vnruly tongue .

CHAP. X.

The binding of the tongue to the good behauiour , with certain rules and directions for the same .

MAny and excellent are the Treatises which haue beene written , The right gouernement and well ordering of our owne Tongues . both by Philosophers and Diuines concerning the well ordering and gouernement of the tongue , out of whose sauory writings I will onely gather this little handful of Directions .

That wee keepe our tongue in order , two things are principally requisite : First , a good Heart : Secondly , a good Eare. A good Heart is necessary to a good tongue , because the Heart is the fountaine of speech ; Pro. 4.23 . Luke 6.45 Mat. 15.19 For , out of the aboundance of the heart , the mouth speaketh : And if the Fountaine bee defiled , the streames that issue therehence cannot bee cleane : for , Iob 14.4 . who can bring a cleane thing out of that which is vncleane ?

A good Art likewise is necessary to the keeping of a good tongue , A good Art . for it is a matter of no meane skill to learne the language of Canaan : Esay 19.18 Hee ( saith Saint Iames ) is a perfect man that can rule his tongue . Iam. 3.2 . And the Wise-man saith : that A word spoken in his place , Pro. 25.11 . is like apples of gold , with pictures of siluer . So that , Hic labor , hoc opus est , This is a labourious labour , an Art of Arts , to rule the tongue .

To the better learning of which Art , Rules for it . two rules are to bee obserued in all our speech . First , Meditation before we speake : secondly , Moderation in speaking .

Meditation before speech is very necessary vnto our speech ; Meditation before speech . for the tongue is the messenger of the heart : therefore so often as wee speake without meditation , the messenger runneth without his errand . This Meditation in this kinde is two-fold : First , concerning the lawfulnesse ; secondly , concerning the expediencie of our speech . First , For the lawfulnes . we must premeditate whether that which wee would speake , bee lawfull to be spoken : Eph. 4.29 . Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouthes : Psal. 34.13 Keepe thy tongue from euill , and thy lips that they speake no guile . Secondly , For the fitnesse . we must premeditate , whether that which wee are about to speake , be fit to be spoken in regard of time , place , Pro. 10.32 and person : For , the lip of the righteous will know what is acceptable . Pro. 12.23 . A wise man concealeth knowledge , and he that hath knowledge , spareth his words ; yea , Pro. 17.27 . euen a foole , when he holdeth his peace , is counted wise .

The next thing required in the Art of Speaking , is Moderation ; Moderation in speech . for this cause God hath giuen man but one Tongue , with two Eares , to teach him he should bee more ready to heare then to speake ; Lam. 1.19 . he hath also placed it within , and guarded it with a double hedge , one of flesh , another of bone , and moreouer , hath bound it with a bridle to the brest ; By all these , recommending vnto vs Moderation of speech : which Moderation doth require these three properties in our speech : 1. Truth : 2. Charitie : 3. Modesty .

For the first ; we ought so to moderate our speech , Truth of Speech . that wee speake nothing but the truth ; A good tongue will speak the truth from the heart , Psal. 15.3 . Pro. 3.5 . and a righteous man hateth lying words : And , Pro. 12.19 the lip of truth shall be established for euer . Secondly , when we speak , Charity in Speaking . 1. Cor. 16.14 . 1. Cor. 13.4 , 5 , 6 , 7. Charity must guide our speech ; Let all your things bee done in loue : And this loue , or charity , suffereth long , is kinde , enuieth not , vaunteth not her selfe , beareth all things , beleeueth all things , hopeth all things , endureth all things . Lastly , Modesty is required to the moderation of our speech : Modestie in speech . A wholesome tongue is a tree of life , but peruersnesse therein is a breach in Spirit , Pro. Pro. 15.4 . 15.4 . Therefore the Apostle requireth , that our speech be gracious , Col. 4.16 . Tit. 3.2 . vncorrupt , and full of meekenesse .

These few caueats being well obserued , The bene fit of keeping a good tongue . the Tongue more easily will bee ordered , and he that can do this , shall reape an incomparable benefite by it : Pro. 18.21 . For , Life and death are in the power of the tongue : And , Pro. 21.23 . Psal. 34.12 13. 1. Pet. 3.10 Whosoeuer keepeth his mouth , keepeth his soule from euill . And therefore wee are so often in the book of God , called to the practice of it : What man is he that desireth life , and loueth many daies , that he may see good , keep thy tongue from euill , and thy lips that they speake no guile .

But what man is able of himselfe to obserue this ? None can do it without Gods speciall helpe . Iob 39.37 . A man may lay his hand vpon his mouth , like Iob , & stedfastly purpose , with Dauid , Psal. 39.1 . that his tongue shall not offend , yet all in vaine , without the speciall helpe of God : for , Pro. 16.1 . the gouernement of the tongue is of the Lord .

Therefore the Apostle Paul , Therefore wee must pray to God for the well-ordering of our tongues . Eph. 6.19 . although he had an excellent gift for the well-ordering of his tongue , yet desireth the Ephesians to pray for him , that vtterance might be giuen vnto him . And so must wee , if euer wee hope to haue comfort in the vse of our Tongues , pray vnto God that hee would guide our Tongues , that hee would set a watch before our mouth , Ps. 141.3 . and keepe the doore of our lips : Psal. 51.15 And , that He would open our lips to shew forth his praise ; Psal. 19.14 So shall the words of our mouth bee alwaies acceptable in the sight of the Lord , who is our strength and our Redeemer .

CHAP. XI .

How we are to put off an euill Tongue , when it goeth about in our hearing , to traduce and scandalize others .

IF it bee a matter of so great difficultie to temper our owne Tongue , A caueat for the taming other mens Tongues . much more hard and difficult will it bee to tame another mans Tongue , especially where it claimeth a transcendent liberty vnto it selfe . Psal. 12.4 . With our tongue we will preuaile , our lips are our owne , who is Lord ouer vs ? And yet this is a point of wisdome needfull to be obserued of vs , how to demeane our selues vnto an euill Tongue , and that in a twofold case . First , when it concerneth others . Secondly , when it commeth more neerely home vnto our selues .

And first , No credit to bee giden to an euill tong where it traduceth others . when in our hearing it goeth about to traduce or slander others , wee must be carefull not to giue any credit , countenance , fauour or respect vnto it in such a case : for there is an expresse prohibition in the Law of God against it , Exod. 23.1 . Exod. 23.1 Thou shalt not receiue a false report . And it is the aduice of the Wiseman , Eccles. 7.21 . Eccl. 7.21 . Giue not thine heart to heare all the words that are spoken , lest thou heare thy seruant curse thee . And in another place it is reckned as the property of a wicked man , to listen to an euill tongue . Pro. 17.4 . A wicked man giueth heede to false lips , and a lyer giueth eare to a naughty tongue . And on the contrary the Psalmist doth record it as a note of a good man , & of a citizen of heauen , that he will not receiue ( or endure to heare ) a false report against his neighbor . Psal. 15.3 .

Besides which expresse testimonies of holy writ , Why wee should not giue any countenance to an euill Tongue . 1. Cor. 13.4 , 5 , 6. euidence of reason will euince as much . 1. The rule of charity will require it : for charity suffereth long & is kinde , charity enuieth not , charity thinketh not euill ; it reioyceth not in iniquity , it beareth all things , belieueth all things , hopeth all things , endureth all things . 2. The rule of equity may enioine it , Mat. 7.12 . Whatsoeuer you would that men should doe vnto you , so doe yee vnto them . Now there is no man that willingly would haue another to receiue a false report in preiudice of himselfe ; and therfore Quod tibi fieri non vis , alterine feceris . Dictum Alexandri Seueri . Do not vnto another , what thou wouldest not haue done vnto thy selfe . 3. The inconuenience which commeth many times from the receiuing of these sinister reports , may deterre vs from hearing of them ; for by this meanes many innocents haue bin brought into trouble and great disgrace . Potiphar , being so credulous of his wiues report concerning Ioseph , cast him into prison , Dauid , Gen. 39. 2. Sam. 16.3 . giuing too hasty an eare to Ziba his slander , wronged Mephibosheth in his goods . Hest. 3.8 . Ahashuerosh , vpon the hearing of Hamans false suggestions against the Iewes , caused a most cruell Edict to bee proclaimed for their vtter destruction . Infinite are the examples of those , who by hearing of false tongues , haue beene iniurious vnto others . 4. It is iniurious to our own soules , to giue any credite or countenance to an euill tongue : for he whose eare is open to loosetongu'd creatures , becommeth accessary to their sin , Hieron . Si deesset auditor , deest & detracta tor. and guilty of the same offence with them ; for it is a true position , as in cases of felony , so of slander , If there were not a receiuer , there would not be a purloiner . Yea in this case of slander there is more danger then in cases of felony : for a Theefe by himselfe may steale , & without a receiuer may rob his neighbour of his goods , but a Talebearer cannot rob a man of his good name , nor yet impaire his credite , vnlesse there be another to heare and to admit his slanders : wherefore Bernard doubteth not to affirme , that Talebearers and Talehearers are guilty alike . Bernard . de inter . Dom. Jdem de confid . lib. 2. in fine . And the same Author is very vehement in this point , Whether ( saith he ) a Tale-bearer or a Tale-receiuer bee more dangerous and damnable , it is hard to iudge : for the Talebearer hath the Diuell in his tongue , and the Talehearer hath the Diuelin his eare .

Now that wee may the better keepe off the slanderer , Remedies against the bringing of euil reports vnto vs . and Talebearer , and so keepe our selues from beeing accessary to their sinnes by receiuing their euill reports , there are three principall remedies to be obserued of vs , and to be opposed against them , who shall goe about to trouble our eares with false reports .

The first is a deafe eare : A deafe eare . we must not afford an euill Tongue so much as the hearing , Eccles. 7.21 . Eccl. 7.21 . Giue no eare , neither take heede to their words . A notable example to this purpose we haue in Gedaliab , the sonne of Ahikam , Ierem. 40. Ier. 40.14 , 15 , 16. vnto whome when Iohanan , the sonne of Kareah had told in secret a conspiracy of Ishmael , the sonne of Nethaniah , that hee was hired by BAALIS , King of the Ammonites , to slay him ; and oftentimes related this report vnto him , and that with great vehemency , Wherefore should he slay thee , and so the Iewes which are gathered vnto thee shall bee scattered , and the remnant in Iudah perish ? Although the report indeede was true ( as afterward it proued ) and Iohanan spake in good will , and with an honest minde , yet Gedaliah , good man , not suspecting any such attempt , hoping the best , and Ioth to entertaine any hard conceit against Ishmael , would by no meanes giue eare to this report , but sharpely reproued Iohanan , and forbad him to speak any more of it : Thou shalt not doe this thing ( saith he ) for thou speakest falsely of Ishmael . A notable example for our imitation ; although not for improuident simplicity , yet against ouer-rash credulity , that we stop our eares against such encharmers , and shut them against the reports of an euill tongue .

The second remedy against the receit of an euill Tongue , A frowuing look . is a Frowning looke : for so saith Salomon , Pro. Pro. 25.23 25.23 . As the North winde driueth away raine , so doth an angry countenance the slandering tongue . When the skie is full of clouds , and in all likelyhood ready to powre down their raine vpon the earth , if the winde change into the North , that Northerne winde will scatter abroad the clouds , and stop them from breaking forth into a Tempest ( and therefore it is called 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , the clearer of the skie : ) Euen so , when a tale-bearer , Hesiod . or slanderer doth come vnto vs with a cloud of many idle words , which he desireth to powre in , as rain into our eares , a frowning countenance , and an angry look will put them off . To all euill-tongued creatures therefore , we should shew our selues sterne , as vnwilling to defile our eares with their pollution : For ( as Hierome well obserueth ) if with a silent countenance wee giue eare vnto the Tale-bearer , Hieron . ad Fab. we shall encourage him to slander ; but if wee heare him not with some shew of delight , hee will learne not willingly to speake that , which hee shall perceiue is not willingly heard .

The third Remedy against the reports of an euill tongue , A sharpe reproofe . is a sharpe reproofe . It is the Apostles rule , Ephe. 5.11 that we should haue no fellowship with the vnfruitfull works of darkenesse , but rather reproue them : As our Sauiour sharply reproued Peter for his flatterie , bidding him , Mat. 16.25 Auant , Sathan , for hee was an offence vnto him : So should we giue a sharpe check to a slanderous Tongue , bidding it , Auant , Sathan , for it is an offence vnto vs . If we cannot by countenance put the slanderer to silence , we must by speech curbe his wicked tongue ; and not that alone : but if they will not desist , wee are to complaine of them ; and if all this will not serue , wee must endeuour , according to our place and power , that reall punishments be inflicted on them , Psal. 101.5 according to that of Dauid , Psalm . 101.5 . Him that priuily slandereth his neighbour , I will destroy .

And thus much briefly for our direction against the hearing of an euill Tongue , when before vs it is readie to traduce others . Now we are in the next place to consider how wee are to demeane our selues , in case of euill reports against our selues .

CHAP. XII .

How to endure the stroke of an euill Tongue , when it concerneth our selues .

EVery one is a better Physicion to another then to himselfe : The difficulty of enduring an euill report against our selues . wee can better endure the sight of other mens wounds , then feele them in our owne bodies . It is hard to carry our selues vpright in the hearing of euill reports against others ; more hard to endure them when they light vpon our selues ; yet both these are to bee learned : and this latter the sooner , that wee may the better performe the former .

A good man must endeuour to endure an euill Tongue , The duety for it . and to carry himselfe like a Christian in the bearing of the same : For thus the Apostle doth admonish vs , 2. Cor. 6.4.5 , 6 , 7 , 8. 2. Cor. 6. In all things approue your selues as the seruants of God , in much patience , in afflictions , in necessities , in distresses , in stripes , in imprisonments , in tumults , inlabours , in watchings , in fastings , by purenesse , by knowledge , by long suffering , by kindnesse , by loue vnfeigned , by the word of truth , by the power of God , by the armour of righteousnesse on the right hand , and on the left , by honour and dishonour , by euill report and good report . An excellent lesson for our imitation , yet hard to bee learned , by reason of our inbred corruption : And therefore that we may the sooner bee brought to the practice of it , these foure vertues are necessarily required : first , Patience : secondly , Experience : thirdly , Meditation : fourthly , Prouidence .

Patience is a principall Antidote against an euill tongue ; Patience . for so our blessed Sauiour doth aduise vs , Math. Mat. 21.19 21.19 . In patience possesse your soules : And the Apostle Iames , Bee yee patient vnto the comming of the Lord , Iam. 5.7 . Iam. 5.7 . There is no such salue against the wound of a skolding tongue , a railing tongue , a slanderous tongue , or any other kinde of wicked tongues , as Patience : Hee that is patient ( saith Salomon ) is a man of great vnderstanding . Pro. 14.29 . And againe , Hee that is slow to anger , Pro. 16.32 is better then the mighty : and hee that ruleth his owne spirit , is better then he that conquereth a Citie . This Patience is like vnto the Tree which Moses cast into Marahs Spring , Ex. 25.25 . and it seasoned the bitternesse of the waters : It is like Ionathans Armour-bearer , 1. Sam. 14. which helped him to vanquish all his enemies .

That Patience is an excellent vertue , The way to get patience . and an absolute remedy against the poyson of an euill tongue , no man can deny . But some , peraduenture , will reply , How shal we get this patience ? How is it possible to retaine it , when a man is thus virulently smitten with the tongue ? I answer with Salomon ; A sound spirit will beare this infirmity . Pro. 19.14 . And to the bearing of such an infirmitie there had need be a sound spirit : It is not for euery meacocke , for euery common man , to bee endued with it , but ( as the Spirit saith ) This is the patience of Saints ; Reu. 14.12 as if none but Saints could haue it , and all they who are Saints on earth , and would be Saints in heauen , may not bee without it . To the procuring , and retaining of which Patience , there are required these foure properties : First , A deafe Eare ; secondly , A silent Tongue ; thirdly , A quiet Heart ; fourthly , a good Conscience .

Hee who would haue patience , A deafe Eare. and therewith repell the blow of an euill tongue , must carry about him a Deafe Eare , and not heare , at leastwise seeme not to heare the words of a malicious Tongue . An excellent president whereof we haue in Dauid , who from his owne practice doth commend vnto vs this course , Psal. 38.13 , 14. Psal. 38.13 15. They that seeke after my life ( saith hee ) laid snares for me , they that sought mine hurt , spake mischieuous words against me ; but I as a deafe man heard not . And againe in the next vers : Thus I was as a man that heareth not . The like example we haue in the Heathen Aristides , Aristides . who being reuiled by a railing tongue , went his way as if he had taken no notice of it ; and being further prouoked by his insulting enemy raging and railing against him in this maner ; Why dost thou haste away ? tarry , Aristides , and heare me : made this answere vnto him ; Therefore I go away , because howsoeuer thou hast the power of speaking , yet I haue not the power of hearing . The like is reported of the Emperour Augustus , who to one that with bitter words and reproaches did prouoke him , turned away his eares from him , with this reply : If thou canst not bee master ouer thy Tongue , yet will I be master ouer mine Eares .

The next property of Patience is a silent tongue , A silent Tongue . when wee are euill spoken of , to make no reply . And this practice doth holy Dauid commend vnto vs in the aboue quoted place , I was ( saith he ) as a dumbe man that opened not his mouth , Psal. 38.14 . as one in whose mouth are no reproofes : which his patient silence and silent patience did notably manifest himselfe in his mild behauiour towards railing Shimei , 2. Sam. 16.7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11. when most traitorously and trecherously that vile monster did reuile him ; albeit hee was egged on by Abishay to be auenged on him , yet wee heare no other reply of his but this : What haue I to doe with you , yee sonnes of Zeruiah ? let him alone ; let him curse , for the Lord hath bidden him .

The like example of silence against an euill Tongue wee may behold in Saul , who when he was anointed ouer be King of Israel , and all the people whose heart God had touched , did so acknowledge him , yet some children of Belial scoffed at him , 1. Sam. 10.27 . and despised him , and spake reprochfull speeches of him . Against all which the text noteth this to his singular commendation . But Saul held his peace , or was as one that tooke no notice of it .

A third thing required vnto Patience is a quiet heart , A quiet heart . 1. Pet. 3.4 . which thing ( as the Apostle Peter speaketh ) in the sight of God is much esteemed ; a property vnto patience very necessary : for from whence come wars , Iam. 4.1 . and fightings , and discontents ? Come they not hence , euen from the lusts which fight in our members ? Now although wee craue not that Stoicall apathie to be quite void of passions , yet wee must labour to curbe our passions , that they bee not too much stirred vp to disdaine or reuenge . Say not in thy heart , Pro. 20.22 I will recompence euill for cuill : but imitate the Example of examples , Iesus Christ the Sauiour of our soules , who when He was reuiled , 1. Pet. 2.21 reuiled not againe , when He suffered , threatned not , but committed himselfe to him who iudgeth righteously .

Lastly , A good Conscience . vnto Patience there is required a good Conscience ; for where the Conscience can plead Innocency , there Patience will worke most effectually . This was Pauls Armor of proofe against all euill Tongues . Our reioycing 1. Cor. 1.12 . ( saith he ) is this , the testimony of our Conscience , that in simplicity and godly sincerity , not in fleshly wisedome , but by the grace of God wee haue had our conuersation in the world : which is contrary to the common practise of the world , where wee dayly heare these and such like speeches , If it were true , if I were guilty of that whereof I am accused , it would neuer grieue mee ; but because it is altogether false , therefore it grieueth me at the very heart : wheras the Apostles rule is quite contrary : It is ( saith he ) thanks-worthy , if a man for conscience towards God endure griefe , suffering wrongfully ; what glory is it , 1. Pet. 2.19 20. if when yee bee buffeted for your faults , ye take it patiently ? but if when ye doe well , and suffer for it , ye take it patiently , this is acceptable to God .

The next Remedy ( besides Patience ) against the hurt of an euil tongue , Experience . is Experience , the very daughter ( as the Apostle speaketh ) of Patience . Rom. 5.4 . Now Experience in this case may bee applyed to a threefold obiect . First , to the quality of an euill Tongue . Secondly , to the commonnesse of the erime . Thirdly , to the commodity which wee may reape thereof .

The quality , Of the quality of ill-toungd people . 2. Sam. 23.26 . 1. Sam. 10.27 . Ioh. 8.44 . Psal. 69.12 Psal. 59.7 . or condition of those who smite vs with the tongue , may teach vs good experience , and by consequence work within vs patience : for , what are they for the most part , that whet their tongues with slanders ? Are they not wicked people ? sons of Belial , vnthrifts , children of the diuell , Drunkards , Dogs ? Now then consider thus with thy selfe . Shall I be offended with euery dog that barketh at mee ? Shall I respect a Drunkards tale ? Shall I fret at an vnthrists tongue ? Let them go as they are , I will not care for them , nor for their words : For , can a man expect Grapes of Thornes , or Figs of Thistles ?

Againe , Of the commonnesse of this triall . 1. Cor. 10.13 . Experience may guide vs to take notice of the commonnesse of this triall . There doth no temptation herein ouertake vs , but such as is common vnto man : yea , which is most common vnto the best men ; for the best are most smitten with the tongue . And therefore our Sauiour giueth this comfort and counsell vnto vs ; Blessed are yee , when men shall reuile you and persecute you , and shall say all manner of euill against you falsly for my sake , Math. 5.11.12 . reioyce and be glad , for great , is your rewand in heauen ; for so persecuted they the Prophets which were before you .

And this is another fruit of experience , Of the commodity thereof . which may sweeten the bitternes of an euill tongue vnto vs , when we do consider the good which from these kind of trials will redound vnto vs ; Heb. 12.1 . For , Howsoeuer no tryall for the present seemeth to bee ioyous , but grieuous , yet afterward it yeeldeth the peaceable fruits of righteousnesse to them that are exercised thereby . And we know who hath said , that , 2. Tim. 3.12 All they who would liue godly in Christ Iesus , shall suffer persecution . And this wrong which is offered by the Tongue , is a kinde of persecution , witnesse the Apostle , Gal. 4.29 . Now then , thus consider with thy selfe when thou art wronged by an euill tongue ; Gal. 4.29 . What am I the worse ? what is mine aduersarie the better for these distastefull speeches : If it be true which hee reporteth , I may reape a benefite by his tongue , to see my fault and to amend it ; if it be false , what need I grieue at it ? Good men will not beleeue it , euill mens censures I regard not ; my Witnesse is in heauen , He will defend mine innocencie , Hee will cause all this to turne to the best vnto mee .

And certainely this serious Meditation with our selues , Meditatition . is a singular good remedie against the maladie of an euill Tongue ; wherein remember this short direction : M. Grenham in his Sermon of a good name . Dost thou endure the smart of an euill tongue ? First , consider with thy selfe , whether that whereof thou art accused be good or euill : if good , then there is cause to reioyce in it , and not to grieue ; if euill , then go a degree further , to finde out whether it be for some euill worke which thou hast committed , or for some occasion which thou hast giuen : If it bee for some euill done , then see whether it hath wrought in thee the true sorrow for that sinne ; whether thou takest this as a correction from God ; and whether it leadeth thee to repentance : If it bee vpon occasion onely giuen vpon suspition ; Then consider with thy selfe thy frailty in offering the occasion , and the mercy of God who hath kept thee from that euill , and doth by this meanes warne thee to beware of giuing the like occasion .

I will adde to this purpose , that golden meditation of Seneca ; Senec. de Jra . c. 23. & 24. Let euery man ( saith he ) when he is prouoked by others euill words , thus say within himselfe ; Am I mightier then Philip , that mighty Macedonian ? yet he was wronged with the tongue of a Peasant , and would not take notice of it . Can I do more in mine own defence then Augustus , who had the taxing of the whole world ? yet he was content to winke at the tongue that taxed him . Why should I so take to heart a few euill or idle words ? Who am I that I may not bee spoken against ? Many haue pardoned their enemies ; shall not I forgiue a few foolish speeches ? If he bee a youth who doth thus traduce mee ? his age may excuse him ; If a woman ? her sexe ; If a stranger ? his liberty ; If a familiar ? his acquaintance may seeme to priuiledge him . Is this the first time that hee hath thus offended ? it may bee he hath often pleased . Hath he vsed this liberty of a lewd tongue a long time ? we may the better endure that , to which we haue becne long inured . Is hee a friend ? hee did what hee would not . Is hee an enemie ? hee hath done no more then wee might well expect . If hee bee wise , let mee yeeld to him ; if a foole , let me pardon him . The very best are not without their blemishes : There is no man so circumspect , but may sometimes bee tript ; none so faultlesse , but may faile .

The last remedy against an euill tongue is Prouidence , Prouidence . and that two waies : first , for the getting : secondly , for the keeping of a good name . The right prouident course to get a good name is , first , To get a good name . to bee carefull to auoid all euill , both outward and inward , secret and open , great and small : for , as dead flyes cause to stinke and putrifie the ointment of the Apothecary , so doth sinne , seeme it neuer so small , crack the credit of a man , Eccl. 10.5 . and expose him to the talke of tongues : therfore he who would not be euill spoken of , must bee iealous of his own doings , and not onely refraine from euil , but also abstain from the very appearance of euill . 1. Thess. 5.22 . 2. He who would auoid the hurt of an euill Tongue , must not onely abstaine from euill , but also be plentifull in well-doing : for there is no way more ready for a good name then good workes , according to that of our Sauiour , Math. 5.16 Mat. 5.16 . Let your light so shine before men , that they may see your good workes , and glorifie your heauenly Father . And to this purpose the Apostle doth aduise vs , 1. Pet. 2.12 to haue our conuersations honest among the Gentiles , that whereas they speake against vs as euill doers , they may by our good workes , which they behold , glorifie God in our behalfe . Now because it is a matter of as great importance to keepe a good name , as to get it , therefore hee who would stop the toung of the slanderer , must bee carefull to vse the best meanes to preserue his credite and reputation . The meanes to keep a good name , To keep a good name . are in effect the same whereby a good name is gotten ; and therefore I will shut vp this caueat in a word , with that heauenly counsell of holy Dauid : What man is hee that desireth life , Psal. 34.12 , 13. and loueth many daies , that hee may see good , keep thy tongue from euill , and thy lips that they speake no guile ; depart from euill , and doe good ; seeke peace , and ensue it .

CHAP. XIII .

The Conclusion of the whole Treatise .

THus haue we heard this vnruly member of our Bodie , A briefe repetition of all the Premises . the Tongue , Arraigned , Indicted , Examined , and found guilty ; Sentence of iudgement hath passed against it , and order hath beene taken for the execution of the same : what now remaineth , but that euery one who doth wish well vnto himselfe , should well looke vnto himselfe , that this naughty Tongue be not found within himselfe . Dauids care , should be euery good mans caueat ; Psal. 39.1 . I said , I will take heed to my wayes , that I offend not with my tongue . A lesson which Pambo was many yeares a learning , and yet , as himselfe professeth , hee could neuer throughly learne . And indeed , who can so well obserue it as he should ? Iam. 3.2 . S. Iames saith , that if any man sin not in word , hee is a perfect man , able to bridle all the bodie . O let vs labour and striue for this perfection : And because it is a matter exceeding the power and skill of man , so well as hee ought to guide and rule his Tongue , therefore wee are earnestly to begge it at the hands of God ; Psal. 141.3 . Psal. 51.15 . that Hee would set a watch before our lips , and keepe the doore of our mouth ; That hee would open our lips when they should bee open , and shut them when they should be shut ; that hee would giue the right vtterance vnto vs , that so both the thoughts of our heart , Ephe. 6.19 and the words of our mouth might alwaies bee acceptable in his sight , Psal. 19.14 who is our Strength and our Redeemer . The like course wee likewise are to take against the iniurie of other mens tongues ; that seeing it is so difficult a thing to tame an euill Tongue , so grieuous to endure it , and so impossible to auoide it , we should therefore haue recourse vnto almighty God , by hearty prayer , that he would preserue vs against it , and teach vs true wisedom to beare and endure it . Yea , O Lord , vouchsafe vnto vs both sanctified Tongues and Eares , that our Tongues may euermore sound thy praises , our Eares euer be attentiue to thy will : make vs zealous for thy glory , patient in our owne cause , and keep vs from the strife of Tongues ; So we thy people , Psal. 79.13 and the sheep of thy pasture shall praise thee for euer , and from generation to generation set forth thy Glory . Amen .

FINIS .