Sermons preached

2dly. The kinds of it are two in the Text; Whispering, and Backbiting.

2dly. The kinds of it are twoin the Text; Whispering, and Backbiting.

First, Whispering, which is privy defamation of our Brother, to bring him into disfavour and disrespect with those that formerly had a better opinion of him. Herein Whispering differeth from Backbiting, because the Whisperer stingeth secretly, but the other doth more openly attack our credit. Now this Whispering is a great Sin:

1. Because it is here reckoned among the Sins which reigned among the Heathen, and God hath expressly forbidden to his People. Levit. 19. 16. Thou shalt not go up and down as a Tale-bearer among thy People. You see Tale-bearing and Crimination is expressly against God's Word; and if your Hearts stand in awe of the Word of God, how dare you indulge it and allow it in your selves? It is observed that the Hebrew Word Rokel properly signifieth a Merchant or a Trafficker up and down with Spices and other things; whereupon Rakil, the word there used, is a Tale-Bearer, that Accuser that makes Merchandise of Words, and like a Pedlar goeth from place to place to open his Pack, and utter his Wares, to hear and spread abroad Criminations of other Men. This is made the property of very wicked Men. Jer. 9. 4. Every Neighbour will walk with Slanders.

1. Because it is here reckoned among the Sins which reigned among the Heathen, and God hath expresly forbidden to his People.