The young man's guide through the wilderness of this world to the heavenly Canaan…

VII. Another sin whereunto Youth is subject, is Back-biting, or Tale-bearing, which is a malicious defaming▪ of a man behind his back, an uncharitable blazing abroad his failings and infirmities. This we find expressly forbidden by God in his Word, Lev. 19. 16. Thou shalt not go up and down as a Tale-bearer among thy People, publishing those faults of theirs, which ought rather to be concealed. The word in the Original, signifieth ⟨p. 101⟩a walking about with Tales, as it were a Peddler with Wares. For as the Peddler having gathered up several Wares from several persons, carrieth them up and down from one place to another, and is ready to open his Pack in every place where he comes: In like manner, Back-biters, and Tale-bearers, having gathered up an evil Pack, the Rags and Scabs, the sores and faults of Gods People from several persons, carry them up and down from house to house, and there uncover, and vend them; not taking any notice the mean while of their Virtues, and good deeds, though they are far more than their failings. In which respect they may not unfitly be resembled to the Beetle, or Horse-fly, which when it flieth into a Field full of sweet Flowers, if there be but a little filthy dung in it, will be sure to light upon that, passing over the sweet Flowers. Thus is the Tale-bearer apt to pass by all the good things that are in Professors; but their slips and infirmities he gladly observes, and with delight can speak of them. But as our Saviour speaketh,