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…

16. As we may sin in speaking against others, so we may •in respect of our selves many ways: 1. When we give occasion to others to speak evil of us, 1 Cor. 6. 2 Cor. 6.3. 2. When we are not careful to entertain and maintain a good name, and by suitable ways to wipe a way what may mar the same: It is generally observed, that while men have a good name, they are desirous and careful to keep it, and when they have lost it, they grow careless of it; we ought not to be prodigal of our names more then of our lives or estates, for the loss of them incapacitateth us much to edify others. 3. When we vainly boast of our selves, and set forth our own praise, that is, as if a man should eat too much honey, Prov. 25.27. 4. When we will not confess a fault, but either deny, excuse, or extenuate it; this Joshua exhorteth Achan to eschew. 5. When we say that things are worse with us then indeed they are, and deny, it may be even in reference to our spiritual condition, somewhat of Gods goodness to us, and so lye against the Holy Ghost. 6. When we are too ready to entertain good reports of our selves, and to be flattered, there is (if to any thing) an open door to this in us; and as the Heathen Seneca said, Blanditiae cum excluduntur placent, so may it be ordinarily seen that men will seemingly reject what they delight should be insisted in; there is in us so much self-love, that we think some way, that men in commending us, do what is their duty, therefore we often think them good folk because they do so, and men that do not commend us we respect them not, or but little, or at least less then we do others, because we think they are behind in a duty by not doing so, and which is very sad, and much to be lamented, few things do lead us to love or hate, commend or discommend (and that as we think not without ground) more then this, that men do love and commend, or not love and commend us.

16. As we may sin in speaking against others, so we may •in respect of our selves many wayes: 1. When we give occasion to others to speak evil of us, 1 Cor. 6.