Sermons preached

(1.) Grief to the Party wronged. Prov. 18. 8. The Words of a Tale-bearer (we read in the Margin, of a Whisperer) are as Wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the Belly; that is, They equally hurt as a sharp Sword, that is thrust into us, and causes Pain and Anguish. By the Chambers of the Belly, is understood the Heart. Now whether the Heart of the Hearer, or the Heart of the Party injured? Why not both? The Hearer, the words pierce into his Heart, and breed Hatred, or at least Suspicion of his Friend. The Party injured, when he comes to the knowledge of it, they breed his Grief and Vexation.

(1.) Grief to the Party wronged. Prov. 18. 8. The Words of a Tale-bearer (we read in the Margin, of a Whisperer) are as Wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the Belly; that is, They equally hurt as a sharp Sword, that is thrust into us, and causes Pain and Anguish. By the Chambers of the Belly, is understood the Heart. Now whether the Heart of the Hearer, or the Heart of the Party injured? Why not both? The Hearer, the words pierce into his Heart, and breed Hatred, or at least Suspition of his Friend. The Party injured, when he comes to the knowledg of it, they breed his Grief and Vexation.

(2.) They are a Cause of much Debate and Strife. Prov. 26. 20. Where no Wood is, there the Fire goeth out; so where there is no Tale-bearer, (or Whisperer,) Strife ceaseth. Where Strife is compared to Fire, and the Whisperer's Informations or Criminations, to the Wood or Matter that feedeth the Fire; the Extinction, or putting out of the Fire, to the ceasing of Strife and Contention, which is caused by the absence of the Whisperer, that is, when he is not admitted by either Party. Prov. 16. 28. A froward Man soweth Strife, and a Whisperer separateth choice Friends; Husband and Wife, Parents and Children, Masters and Servants, Princes and Subjects, intimate Friends. Now, He that soweth Discord between Friends or Brethren, is an Abomination to the Lord,