Sermons preached

2. As to Evil supposed to be committed by them.

(1.) When we publish their secret Slips, which in Charity we ought to conceal. Prov. 11. 13. A Tale-bearer revealeth Secrets. Certain things should have a Veil drawn over ⟨p. 188⟩them, and not be manifested without sufficient Cause. But when a Man intrudeth himself into the mention of things faulty, which he might with better manners and more honesty conceal, 'tis the Effect of a base Heart.

(1.) When we publish their secret Slips, which in Charity we ought to conceal. Prov. 11. 13. A Tale-bearer revealeth Secrets. Certain things should have a Vail drawn over ⟨p. 188⟩them, and not be manifested without sufficient Cause. But when a Man intrudeth himself into the mention of things faulty, which he might with better manners and more honesty conceal, 'tis the Effect of a base Heart.

(2.) When in relating any evil Action of another, we use harder Terms than the quality of the Fact requireth; and make Evils worse than they are, Beams of Motes, and Mountains of Mole-hills. We should lessen Sins all that we can, I mean the Sins and Faults of others, Acts 3. 17. And now, Brethren, I wot, that through Ignorance ye did it, as did also your Fathers. Certainly we should not aggravate things to the height, nor from a simple Act determine the State of the Person, nor from the failings of a single Person conclude the whole Party.