Sermons preached

(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, Prov. 6. 19. Therefore how can one that feareth God, allow himself in speaking evil privily against his Neighbour?

(3.) There is a greater Mischief than this, and that is, It many times tendeth to the destruction of another's Life. Ezek. 22. 9. In thee are Men that carry Tales to shed Blood. Usually the Vapours of Slander descend in the Showers of Persecution; and the Devil was first a Liar, and then a Murderer. ⟨p. 184⟩By Whispers Men are stirred up to hate others, and then pursue them with all manner of Hostility and Displeasures. As Doeg the Edomite, first accused, and then by the Command of Saul slew Abimelech the High-Priest, and all his Family, destroying the whole City of the Priests called Nob, as you may see, 1 Sam. 22. 9. David, when he professeth the Uprightness of his Government, would allow no such in his Court, but would severely punish them.