Sermons preached

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.

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 Livelyhood. So Eccles. 7. 1. A good Name is better than precious Oyntment. ⟨p. 178⟩Their Oyntments 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.