reproach persons for natural imperfections, for meanness of
condition, for unlucky disasters, for any involuntary defects; this
being indeed to reproach mankind, unto which such things are
incident; to reproach Providence, from the disposal whereof they do
proceed. "Whoso mocketh the poor, despiseth his Maker," saith the
wise man; and the same may be said of him that reproachfully mocketh
him that is dull in parts, deformed in body, weak in health or
strength, defective in any such way.

Likewise we must not speak ill out of envy; because others do excel
us in any good quality, or exceed us in fortune. To harbour this
base and ugly disposition in our minds is unworthy of a man (who
should delight in all good springing up anywhere, and befalling any
man, naturally allied unto him); it is most unworthy of a Christian,
who should tender his brother's good as his own, and rejoice with
those that rejoice. From thence to be drawn to cast reproach upon
any man, is horrible and heinous wickedness.

Neither should we ever use reproach as a means of compassing any
design we do affect or aim at; 'tis an unwarrantable engine of
raising us to wealth, dignity, or repute. To grow by the
diminution, to rise by the depression, to shine by the eclipse of
others, to build a fortune upon the ruins of our neighbour's
reputation, is that which no honourable mind can affect, no honest
man will endeavour. Our own wit, courage, and industry, managed
with God's assistance and blessing, are sufficient, and only lawful
instruments of prosecuting honest enterprises; we need not, we must
not instead of them employ our neighbour's disgrace; no worldly good
is worth purchasing at such a rate, no project worth achieving by
such foul ways.