Sermons preached

First, The Nature of it in general. It is an unjust violation of an others Fame, Reputation, or that good Report which is due to him. God that hath bidden me to love my Neighbour as my self, doth therein bid me to be tender not only of his Person and Goods, but of his good Name. And indeed one Precept is a Guard and Fence to another. I cannot be tender of his Person and Goods, unless I be tender of his Fame. For every Man liveth by his Credit: and therefore certainly this is, 1. A Sin against God. 2. A wrong to Men. 3. It proceedeth from evil Causes.

1. It is a Sin against God, who hath forbidden us to bear false Witness against our Neighbour, and to speak evil of others without a cause. Eph. 4. 31. Let all evil speaking be far from you; by evil speaking is meant there, disgraceful and contumelious Speeches, whereby we seek to stain the Reputation of others.

2. It is a wrong to Man, because it robbeth him of his good Name, which is so deservedly esteemed by all that would do any thing for God in the World. Prov. 22. 1. A good Name is rather to be chosen than great Riches, and loving Favour rather than Silver and Gold. The meaning is in order to Service, and as it more nearly respects both Life and Livelihood. So Eccles. 7. 1. A good Name is better than precious Ointment. ⟨p. 178⟩Their Ointments were reckoned by those Oriental People amongst their most precious Riches, and Treasures, yet a good name is preferred before them; which inferreth this Conclusion, that the Man himself should prize it so: for he that is lavish of his Fame is not usually over-tender of his Conscience. Therefore as he himself should not prostitute his good Name, so others should not blast it and blemish it; for it is a greater Sin, than to steal the best Goods which he hath, and it is such an evil as scarce admits any sound Restitution; for the imputation even of unjust Crimes leaveth a Scar, though the Wound be healed.