The redemption of time, or, A sermon containing very good remedies for them that…

Now he that would not have unnecessary trifling words steal into his heart, and out of his mouth, and so spoil him of good seasons, must set it down, as a thing to which his conscience is bound, (as well as not to lye, swear, or slander) not to speak one word, whereof he cannot give ⟨p. 30⟩some reason from the good that he doth aim at in speaking of it. And every man must know, that having let slip such a word, he hath committed such a sin, as makes him liable to Gods judgement, and the sentence of condemnation.

Now he that would not have unnecessary trifling words steal into his heart, and out of his mouth, and so spoil him of good seasons, must set it down, as a thing to which his conscience is bound, (as well as not to lye, swear, or slander) not to speak one word, whereof he cannot give ⟨p. 30⟩some reason from the good that he doth aim at in speaking of it. And every man must know, that having let slip such a word, he hath committed such a sin, as makes him lyable to Gods judgement, and the sentence of condemnation.

The want of resolving the heart thus, causeth many to take liberty to their tongues, (and harmful liberty it is) and yet to think they have done no harm to themselves in so doing. And therefore the common excuse of such twattlers is this: I hope that it is no harm: yea, but what good was it? If it were not directed to some good, it hath done harm, for it hath broken Gods Commandment, and set thy self deeper in debt than thou wast before, thou hast one trespass more to answer for, before Gods Tribunal: no man shall ever avoid this puddle, that will not be persuaded it is a damnable sin to step into it. First then, labour to convince thine heart, and ⟨p. 31⟩frame thy practice to this rule in all speaking.

The want of resolving the heart thus, causeth many to take liberty to their tongues, (and harmful liberty it is) and yet to think they have done no harm to themselves in so doing. And therefore the common excuse of such twatlers is this: I hope that it is no harm: yea, but what good was it? If it were not directed to some good, it hath done harm, for it hath broken Gods Commandment, and set thy self deeper in debt than thou wast before, thou hast one trespass more to answer for, before Gods Tribunal: no man shall ever avoid this puddle, that will not be perswaded it is a damnable sin to step into it. First then, labour to convince thine heart, and