A direction for the government of the tongue according to Gods word

THUS much of the matter of our speech. Now followeth the manner.

THVS much of the matter of our speech. Nowe followeth the manner.

In the manner of our speaking, three things are to be pondered: What must be done before we speak: what in speaking: what after we have spoken.

In the manner of our speaking, three thinges are to be pondered: What must be done before we speake: what in speaking: what after we have spoken.

Before we speak, consideration must be used of the thing to be spoken, and of the end. James requireth that men should be slow to speak, and swift to hear. ¹Solomon saith,² He that answereth a matter before he hear it, it is folly & shame to him. The mind is the guide of the tongue: therefore men must consider before they speak. The tongue is the messenger of the heart, and therefore as oft as we speak without meditation going before, so oft the messenger runneth without his errand. The tongue is placed in the middle of the mouth, ^aand it is compassed in with lips and teeth as with a double trench, to show us, how we are to use heed and preconsideration before we speak: and therefore it is good advise to keep the key of the mouth not in the mouth, but in the cupboard of the heart. Augustine saith well, that as in eating and drinking men make choice of meats:⁴