Neither should we out of malignity, to cherish or gratify ill
humour, use this practice. It is observable of some persons, that
not out of any formed displeasure, grudge, or particular
disaffection, nor out of any particular design, but merely out of a
[Greek], an ill disposition, springing up from nature, or contracted
by use, they are apt to carp at any action, and with sharp reproach
to bite any man that comes in their way, thereby feeding and
soothing that evil inclination. But as this inhuman and currish
humour should be corrected, and extirpated from our hearts; so
should the issues thereof at our mouths be stopped; the bespattering
our neighbour's good name should never afford any satisfaction or
delight unto us.

Nor out of wantonness should we speak ill, for our divertisement or
sport. For our neighbour's reputation is too great and precious a
thing to be played with, or offered up to sport; we are very foolish
in so disvaluing it, very naughty in so misusing it. Our wits are
very barren, our brains are ill furnished with store of knowledge,
if we can find no other matter of conversation.

Nor out of negligence and inadvertency should we sputter out
reproachful speech; shooting ill words at rovers, or not regarding
who stands in our way. Among all temerities this is one of the most
noxious, and therefore very culpable.

In fine, we should never speak concerning our neighbour from any
other principle than charity, or to any other intent but what is
charitable; such as tendeth to his good, or at least is consistent
therewith. "Let all your things," saith St. Paul, "be done in