Religion our true interest, or, Practical notes upon the third chapter of Malachi the…Religion our true interest, or, Practical notes upon the third chapter of Malachy the…

4. Good discourse would prevent sinful discourse. Much sin passeth in ordinary talk, as Gravel and Mud pass along with the Water. How many are Guilty of Tongue-sins! Good discourse would prevent evil, as labour prevents idleness. By inuring our Tongues to the Heavenly Dialect, the Devil would not have so much Power over us.

5. We may guess at mens Hearts by their common discourse. Words are the Looking-glass of the Mind^*. As you may Judge of a Face by the glass whether it be fair or foul; So by the words we may Judge of the Heart. A lascivious Tongue shows a lustful heart, an earthly Tongue a covetous heart; a Gracious Tongue, a Gracious Heart. The Ephraimites were known by their Pronunciation, saying Sibboleth ⟨p. 97⟩for Shibboleth, Judg. 12.6. So by the manner of our speech we may be known who we belong to. The Tongue is the Index of the Heart. If you broach a Vessel that which is within will come out; by that which comes out of the Mouth, you may Guess what is within in the Heart, Luke 6 45. Out of the abundance of the Heart the mouth speaketh.

5. We may guess at mens Hearts by their common discourse. Words are the Looking-glass of the Mind^*. As you may Judge of a Face by the glass whether it be fair or foul; So by the words we may Judge of the Heart. A lascivious Tongue shews a lustful heart, an earthly Tongue a covetous heart; a Gracious Tongue, a Gracious Heart. The Ephraimites were known by their Pronunciation, saying Sibboleth ⟨p. 97⟩