N01810:52
The right way to shake off a viper. An essay, upon a case too…
The right way to shake off a viper. An essay, upon a case too commonly calling for consideration; what shall good men do, when they are evil spoken of? : With a preface of Dr. Increase Mather,
Boston: printed by S. Kneeland for S. Gerrish, 1720
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
that I never knew any Man that got Advantage by so doing: Thus that Noble Person. The Truth is, Omnis injuria est in sensu patientis. Let the Sun say nothing, but only shine on, when Owls or Snails complain of him. I still advise, take little notice of impertinent Stories; Be as a Great Man once among us, would often advise all wise Men to be, Tattle-Proof. Indeed Conscience of the Ninth Commandment, may oblige us to confute some sorts of Slanders with Vindications. When Religion is like to suffer by our Silence, or when many of our Godly Brethren, are in danger of taking up a false Character of us, if we be Silent; Then 'tis a time to speak. But for the most part we shall enjoy most Peace, by holding our Peace. Especially, if God has placed us in Circumstances of Honour, and Service, that shall render our Esteem, as rough and strong as a File, to every little whiffling thing that shall go to grate upon it. 'Tis a Thread-bare saying, but never to be worn out; always of use to wise Men when others go to pick Holes in their Coats; Magnum Contumeliae Remedium Negligentia: The best way to Conquer many Contumelies, is to Contemn them. The best way to silence many Contumelious People, is to despise them. It is a Maxim of Wisdom; Prov. 12.19. A lying Tongue is but for a Moment. Lies are ⟨p. 21⟩usually short lived things. Do you by your Piety, and Innocence, and Usefulness, take away what must be necessary to support the credit of the Lies, with all reasonable Men; and for the most part, you need not concern your self; the Lies will be but for a moment; they will dye away of themselves; the only way to keep them alive, will be for you to keep up the Talk of them with Laborious, Troublesome, Noisy Vindications. The Jews have a Proverb, Lies have their Feet cut off; they can't stand long. To use the Ancient Phrase, Tempus mendacio Lupus, a little Time will be Wolf enough to devour it. My Friend, All would have been dead long ago, if you had not unadvisedly commenced a Law-Suit upon it.
that I never knew any Man that got Advantage by so doing: Thus that Noble Person. The Truth is, Omnis injuria est in sensu patientis. Let the Sun say nothing, but only shine on, when Owls or Snails complain of him. I still advise, take little notice of impertinent Stories; Be as a Great Man once among us, would often advise all wise Men to be, Tattle-Proof. Indeed Concience of the Ninth Commandment, may oblige us to confute some sorts of Slanders with Vindications. When Religion is like to suffer by our Silence, or when many of our Godly Brethren, are in danger of taking up a false Character of us, if we be Silent; Then 'tis a time to speak. But for the most part we shall enjoy most Peace, by holding our Peace. Especially, if God has placed us in Circumstances of Honour, and Service, that shall render our Esteem, as rough and strong as a File, to every little whiffling thing that shall go to grate upon it. 'Tis a Thread-bare saying, but never to be worn out; always of use to wise Men when others go to pick Holes in their Coats; Magnum Contumeliae Remedium Negligentia: The best way to Conquer many Contumelies, is to Contemn them. The best way to silence many Contumelious People, is to despise them. It is a Maxim of Wisdom;