A practical exposition of the X. Commandments with a resolution of several momentous questions…A practical exposition of the X. Commandements with a resolution of several momentous questions…

8. Again, this backbiting and reproaching is either direct, so that men may easily know we bait such persons, or it is indirect, granting somewhat to his commendation, and using such prefaces as in show bear out much love, but are purposely designed to make the wound given by the tongue the deeper, such persons are as butter in their words, but as sharp swords in their hearts, this is that dissembling love which David complaineth of.

8. Again, this backbiting and reproaching is either direct, so that men may easily know we bait such persons, or it is indirect, granting somewhat to his commendation, and using such prefaces as in shew bear out much love, but are purposely designed to make the wound given by the tongue the deeper, such persons are as butter in their words, but as sharp swords in their hearts, this is that dissembling love which David complaineth of.

9. Sometimes this reproaching and slandering of our neighbour is out of spleen against him, and is malicious; sometimes out of envy to raise and exalt ones self on the ruins of another (this is grassari in famam proximi) sometimes it is out of design, thereby to insinuate upon them whom we speak unto, as to signify our freedom unto them, to please them, or praise them, by crying down another, that is to serve the itching humour of such who love the praise of others, when it may be we know mo faults of those we speak to, yet never open our mouth to them of one of these, nor are we free with them anent them if the things be true.

9. Sometimes this reproaching and slandering of our neighbour is out of spleen against him, and is malicious; sometimes out of envy to raise and exalt ones self on the ruins of another (this is grassari in famam proximi) sometimes it is out of design, thereby to insinuate upon them whom we speak unto, as to signifie our freedom unto them, to please them, or praise them, by crying down another, that is to serve the itching humour of such who love the praise of others, when it may be we know mo faults of those we speak to, yet never open our mouth to them of one of these, nor are we free with them anent them if the things be true.