behaving themselves peaceably, of practising meekness and equity
towards all men, of being readily disposed to every good work), so
particularly of this, [Greek], to revile or speak evil of no man.

Whence it is apparent that this is one of the principal duties that
preachers are obliged to mind people of, and to press upon them.
And if this were needful then, when charity, kindled by such
instructions and examples, was so lively; when Christians, by their
sufferings, were so inured to meekness and patience; even every one,
for the honour of his religion, and the safety of his person, was
concerned in all respects to demean himself innocently and
inoffensively; then is it now especially requisite, when (such
engagements and restraints being taken off, love being cooled,
persecution being extinct, the tongue being set loose from all
extraordinary curbs) the transgression of this duty is grown so
prevalent and rife, that evil-speaking is almost as common as
speaking, ordinary conversation extremely abounding therewith, that
ministers should discharge their office in dehorting and dissuading
from it.

Well indeed it were, if by their example of using mild and moderate
discourse, of abstaining from virulent invectives, tauntings, and
scoffings, good for little but to inflame anger, and infuse ill-
will, they would lead men to good practice of this sort: for no
examples can be so wholesome, or so mischievous to this purpose, as
those which come down from the pulpit, the place of edification,
backed with special authority and advantage.

However, it is to preachers a ground of assurance and matter of
satisfaction, that in pressing this duty they shall perform their