The works of George Swinnock, M.A

1. That we have cause for it. When what we mention is naked truth, and the sin not any ways rendered more ugly and deformed, by misconstructions or aggravations; And, ⟨p. 272⟩2. When we have a call to it, as when we are desired to mention what we know of others, by them that have good ground to enquire after them, or when through ignorance of such things, others may be deceived in them, or when we are lawfully required before a Magistrate, to testify our knowledge of such persons or actions; I may add a third, and that is,

1. That we have cause for it. When what we mention is naked truth, and the sin not any ways rendred more ugly and deformed, by misconstructions or aggravations; And, ⟨p. 272⟩2. When we have a call to it, as when we are desired to mention what we know of others, by them that have good ground to enquire after them, or when through ignorance of such things, others may be deceived in them, or when we are lawfully required before a Magistrate, to testifie our knowledge of such persons or actions; I may add a third, and that is,

When our desires and ends are purely to get our hearts affected with the dishonour that is done to God by their wickedness, and the danger and misery of their own souls; This is supposed to be the subject matter of the Saints discourse, Mal. 3. 16. when in evil days they spake often one to another. But for men to make it their business to publish others profaneness, this is profane; Thou shalt not go up and down as a Tale-bearer among thy people, Lev. 19. 16. The word for Tale-bearer in the Hebrew, is Bakel, and signifieth a Pedlar, which fitly sets forth the property of a Back-biter; The Pedlar goeth up and down the Country offering his wares at every door, very willing to put them off; he takes them up at one place, and never ceaseth travailing till he hath sold them at another. So the back-biter catcheth up an evil report of a man at one house, and cannot rest till he is at some other house to tell it again, offering to vend it at a very low rate, to any man that will take it off his hands; Nay, he is so full, that he is ready to burst, if none will allow him vent. He is big with child, and can find no ease, till another's ears be the Midwife to deliver him of such a deformed Monster. But this is opposite to the rule by which we