First, "A fool's mouth," saith the wise man, "is his destruction,
his lips are the snare of his soul:" and if any kind of speech is
destructive and dangerous, then is this certainly most of all; for
by no means can a man inflame so fierce anger, impress so stiff
hatred, raise so deadly enmity against himself, and consequently so
endanger his safety, ease and welfare, as by this practice. Men can
more easily endure, and sooner will forgive, any sort of abuse than
this; they will rather pardon a robber of their goods, than a
defamer of their good name.

Secondly, such an one indeed is not only odious to the person
immediately concerned, but generally to all men that observe his
practice; every man presently will be sensible how easily it may be
his own case, how liable he may be to be thus abused, in a way
against which there is no guard or defence. The slanderer therefore
is apprehended a common enemy, dangerous to all men; and thence
rendereth all men averse from him, and ready to cross him. Love and
peace, tranquillity and security can only be maintained by innocent
and true dealing: so the psalmist hath well taught us: "What man
is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see
good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile."

Thirdly, all wise, all noble, all ingenuous and honest persons have
an aversion from this practice, and cannot entertain it with any
acceptance or complacence. "A righteous man hateth lying," saith
the wise man. It is only ill-natured and ill-nurtured, unworthy and
naughty people that are willing auditors or encouragers thereof. "A
wicked doer," saith the wise man again, "giveth heed to false lips;
and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue." All love of truth and
regard to justice, and sense of humanity, all generosity and