A Bridle for the Tongue: OR, THE Trial and Condemnation OF WHISPERING-BACKBITER. Being a profitable and pleasant Discourse, designed as an ESSAY to detect the Sin of Detraction, an Evil too common in this Age. If any Man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his Tongue,— this Man's Religion is vain: James 1. 26. landerous and malicious words discover the Evil of the Heart. Aristotle. have opened my Mouth in a Parable: Psal. 78. 2 And used Similitudes; Hosea 12. 10. LONDON; Printed for the Author, and sold by M. Fabian at Mercers-Chappel in Cheapside 1700. To the Cordial and Single-hearted READERS. My Friends and Countrymen; THIS small Tract was at spare times committed to Writing some years ago, with thoughts of sending it out into the World, but it was obstructed by a twofold Discouragement: First, It's vulgar Habit, or plain Dress, it being destitute of those high strains of Rhetorical Flourishes now in fashion; this, together with the Cost of changing the Character from Manuscript into Print, so powerfully checked my Intentions, that I laid it by to sleep; but some having read it, and others having heard of it, have encouraged me to awake it, and send it forth into the World in its plain Dealing and mean Dress; so that I am willing to run the hazard both of its acceptance and success: Knowing beforehand, there are some hard to be humoured in point of Curiosity, and others so sour that nothing can please. We may also meet with some that will only study to cavil and pick Quarrels with it; but I am resolved beforehand to take no notice of it, knowing that one of the best ways to kill an Injury is by Contempt. Cordial Reader, to such I send it: know this, that the Tongue is that instrumental Member, by which Words are uttered. Solomon informs us, That Life and Death are in the power of the Tongue, Prov. 18. 21. So that it's either a Tree of Life, Prov. 15. 4. or a sharp Sword, Psal. 64. 3. If the Tongue be a Fire, that is, either lighted with a Coal from God's Altar, or else is set on fire of Hell, James 3. 6. if not guided by the Bridle of God's Word; it's only those that have been under the Lash of that Rod that are best capable to judge of the Smart. I would not be taken for one that measures men's Worth by their Applause or Esteem amongst the Vulgar: for common Report hath many times a Blister upon the Tongue. Some there are that can find no medium when they are disposed to make others the Subject of their Discourse, but must either Diabolize them, or Canonize them for Saints: Like those barbarous Highlanders concerning Paul, Acts 28. 4-6. Either they are Murderers, and so the worst of Men; or else that the Gods are come down. Some are of so unlucky a Disposition, that they can sport themselves in playing the Butcher with the Reputation of others; like that cruel Duke of Savoy, that took pleasure in blinding and tormenting the innocent Birds: There are others whose Words do eat like a Canker, more privately. Eliphas counts it a Mercy to be hid from the Scourge of the Tongue, Job 15. 21. Yet, Reader, if it be thy lot, be not too impatient under it; it may, by the good Providence of God, prove a Scourge to drive thee closer to thy Duty, and nearer to him. Let me desire thee to peruse these ensuing Lines without prejudice, and take up the same Resolution with holy David, Psal. 39 1. do not offend with thy Tongue, keep thy Mouth as with a Bridle. So I commend it to thy perusal, who am a Friend to all Lovers of Truth and Peace, E. P. A Brief NARRATIVE of the Apprehending, Trial, and Condemnation of Whispering-Backbiter. Written by the Author in the Country, in a Letter to his Friend in the City. Honoured Sir; I Give you Thanks for your last obliging Lines; I have nothing of moment to communicate to you, save only the Detection of a mischievous Criminal, who it seems was appearing in Disguise, admitted a Freeman of our Corporation of Christ-Church, and hath insensibly infected not only our Corporation, but also the whole Country of Christianity. Tho I doubt not but you have heard of the mischievous Effects of his pernicious Acts, yet I presume it will not be ungrateful to you, if I give you a Breviate of the whole Proceed against him in these Parts: Which, as near as I could collect, take as follows. 1. His Father was of the City of Crete; and you know it upon Record, Titus 1. 12. that the Cretians were always Liars; and his Mother was an Athenian, whose Custom it was to hear and tell some new thing, Acts 17. 21. They having only one Child, who much resembled them both, they jointly agreed to call his Name Whispering-Backbiter: and tho, Sir, you know that sometimes pious Parents have a wicked Offspring; for Grace is not entailed to natural Descent; so wicked Parents may have pious Children. Even so it was hoped that Whispering-Backbiter had seen the Evil of his Parents ways, and was so far seemingly reformed, that he renounced the Name given him by his Parents, and entered himself a Freeman of the Corporation of Christ-Church, etc. resolving upon a Reformation, he engaged to be a true Subject thereof, and performed his Corporation-Vow for a time, being ashamed of his former Name, and saw that the Freemen of Christ's Church must not act like either the Cretians or Athenians: Neither would the Corporation of Christ-Church allow his Nature to answer to his former Name, of Whispering-Backbiter, it being directly opposite to his new Name of Christianity: Moreover, he had been both instructed into, and had often read over the Charter of our Corporation. But, 2. In the next place, Christianity is an honourable Name; so many lay claim to it, without just Title, as was too evident in this seeming Convert, who only changed his Name, but his Nature was not changed, and he trod in the steps of his natural, but degenerate Parents; we hoped he had been in love with the Work in use in our Corporation of Christ-Church, namely, the mortifying of Corruptions, and a crucifying of the Flesh, with the Affections and Lusts thereof; Rom. 8. 13. Gal. 5. 2. tho alas, he quickly grew weary of this Work, and inclined to the steps of his Parents, though there had been no want of Means to instruct him, that the Snuffers of the Sanctuary must be of pure Gold, yea and the Snuff-dishes also, to show that the Reporters and Receivers of others faults must be sure to be innocent themselves, Exod. 37. 23. But alas, he would pick up Reports right or wrong, true or false, and disperse them for currant Coin, though in a disguise, till it came at last to be discovered, by that great strangeness and want of Love that hath appeared in the several Companies of our Corporation. But there having some discovery been made of the preposterous Criminal, Information was given to the Recorder of our City and Corporation, the honourable Mr. Church-Discipline, who gave speedy Information to the Lord Chief Justice Fear-God, who is one ready to right the wronged, and to repair the damaged: So he forthwith grants his Warrant, issued out under the Great Seal, and by the Authority of our Sovereign, to seize and apprehend the Criminal. The Warrant, as I remember, runs thus, or to this effect. TO all Mayors, Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace, Constables and Headboroughs, in this our Corporation of Christ-Church, and Country of Christianity: Whereas Information hath been given in to the Recorder of our City and Corporation, the honourable Mr. Church-Discipline, of the unlawful Practice, and ill-behaviour of a mischievous Member of our Corporation, who is properly known by the Name of Whispering-Backbiter, who for sometime hath gone about sowing Contention, destroying of Unity, and breaking the Peace of our Corporation and Commonwealth. This is therefore, by the Authority aforesaid, to will and require you, and every of you, upon sight hereof, forthwith to make diligent search in your respective Liberties for the Criminal aforesaid— And when you have seized him, have him before the next Justice of the Peace, in order to his Commitment to the next Prison, to answer to such Crimes as are laid to his Charge the next Sessions of the Peace, to be holden in our Corporation: And herein you are not to fail. Signed by me L. C. J. Fear-God. This Warrant was sent to the High-Constable of the Hundred of Trial, his Name was Examination; who having received the Warrant, takes with him the Petty-Constable, or Headborough, whose Name was Prove-all: So they searched their own Houses first, as resolving to see they were clear of Backbiter at home, before they went to look for him abroad. First, Because they would give no offence to their Neighbours, by any show of Partiality. And, secondly, Because they that are clear at home, are the fittest to examine and prove others. Thus they went, taking the Houses in order till they came almost through the Suburbs of our Corporation; they took up one on suspicion, her Name proved to be Mrs. Busibody; and a Man also, for this Whispering-Backbiter goes sometimes in men's Apparel, and sometimes in women's: this Mrs. Busibody's House was all out of order, and they ask her why she let her House lie so, she said she had so much business abroad, that she had no time to set in order things at home; so the Constable reproved her, telling her that the Lord of our Country allows of no such Custom, Luke 6. 41. and will have his Subjects to cast away their own Beam, before they look abroad for the Mote of others, showing her it was dishonourable to our Sovereign. The Man they took up on suspicion, his Name was Mr. Liar, so they examined him, and found him in many false Stories; and then they asked him, if he knew one Whispering-Backbiter, that lived there or thereabouts: Yes, said Liar, I know him to be a good orderly Person, and a Christian too, and is respected and entertained by several in our Suburbs; he is my near Kinsman, we are Brothers and Sisters Children; my Mother was a Cretian, and so was his Father; good People, saith Liar. Constable. Show me where your Kinsman lives. No, said Liar, I know you have some wicked design. So they sharply reproved Liar, and went on; and as they passed along, they met with a Freeman's Wife of the Corporation, whose Name was Godly Jealousy: they enquired of her for Backbiter's House; she shakes her Head, wishing that Corruption of the Flesh, and Delusion of the wicked one were destroyed, that the Spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. Constable. That is designed by our Sovereign. Jealousy. You must go towards the outside of the Suburbs, and inquire for Prittle-prattlestreet, and go up near the upper end, where you will see the sign of two Faces under a Hood, just at the corner of Dissembling-Alley. So they gave her thanks for her Directions, and went directly to Backbiter's House, and seized him; but he huft and bounced, and told them he valued none of them of a farthing. Constable. Mr. Backbiter, the innocenter you are, the better it will be for you. So they had him along, but he would fain have been let go, and endeavoured to make his Escape, but they were able to manage him: Then he threatens them, saying he was not the Person. O, said Examination the H. Constable, search thy own Heart as we have searched for thee! Ay, said the Petty Constable Prove-all, it will appear whether thou art the Man, when thou comest to thy Trial. So they had him before Justice Order, who was also Sheriff for the Corporation and County that year, who takes him into Examination; but Backbiter denies his Name, and saith he scorns it. And please your Worship, said he, I had that Name given me by my Parents, but I renounced it. Justice. Pray, what may one call your Name now? Prisoner. Christian, and please your Worship. Ay, said Justice Order, and a disorderly one too; I have heard you changed your Name, but your Nature was never changed, as your immoral Actions have demonstrated. I find you are the Person, and to Prison you shall go. Backbiter. I entreat your Worship to accept of Bail. Justice. Who are your Bail, Mr. Backbiter? Backbiter. Sir, I have a Kinswoman, Madam Fawning Widow, and Henry Hypocrite Esq;. Justice. No, Sirrah, I shall accept of no such Bail. Clerk, writ his Mittimus, which runs to this effect. To Nathaniel Newman, Prison-Keeper of the Corporation and County of Christ-Church and Christianity: This is to require you to take into safe Custody the Body of the Prisoner Mr. Whispering-Backbiter, and you shall keep him in close Confinement till he shall be discharged by due course of Law; for the which this Mittimus shall be your Warrant. Backbiter. I pray your Worship to accept of Bail: I have a third Person, my near Kinsman, he is worth a thousand Pounds, and he is willing to be bound Body for Body for me. Justice. Where doth your Kinsman live? and what is his Name? Backbiter. And please you, Sir, his Name is Mr. Levi Liar, he lives in Prating-Row. Justice. If he were worth ten thousand Pounds, I would not take his word for a farthing. The Constable and Headborough conduct him safely to Prison, and deliver him with the Mittimus into the hands and care of the Prison-Keeper, etc. Now Backbiter is much dejected: if you had been there and put your Ear to the Keyhole, you might have heard him mutter out these melancholy Verses. Alas, alas, have I backbited many, And whispered Falsehoods into others Ears? I little thought it should be known by any; Alas, on the Housetop it all appears! The Mask I wore is pulled off my Face; I think upon the Evil I have done: I see there's coming on me great Disgrace, And from it I can see no way to run. THE Sessions being come, the Right Honourable the Lord Chief Justice Fear-God is the Judge, with the honourable Mr. Rule-well Mayor, and Justice Order Sheriff; and Mr. Church-Discipline Recorder, as also the Attorney-general to prosecute the Laws of our Sovereign against the Criminal, with the Under-Sheriff Mr. Learn-Rule; with other Justices of the Peace and Quorum. The Bench being sat, the Sheriff commands the Prison-Keeper Mr. Newman to put Backbiter to the Bar, which is done accordingly. Then the Judge proceeds to read his Commission, which impowered him to hear Causes, and determine Matters in behalf of our Sovereign, and the great Charter of our Corporation and Commonwealth. In the said Commission was also inserted, the Duty of Mr. Rule-well the Mayor, and Mr. Church-Discipline Recorder; showing that they must act in conjunction with the Judge, the honourable Fear-God, for the suppressing all Disorders, that Justice be not perverted, the Innocent wronged, and the Guilty go free, but that the Right of all Heavenborn Subjects be preserved in Life, Name and Substance, according to that Statute-Law given to qualify Rulers, 2 Sam. 23. 3. He that ruleth amongst Men must be just, ruling in the fear of God: In which Diligence is required, Rom. 12. 8. He that ruleth, with Diligence. That they must not judge according to outward appearance, but judge righteous Judgement; Joh. 7. 24. without knowing of Faces, or partially favouring of Causes, etc. The Jury being warned to appear, Mr. Ready-Scribe, Clerk of the Sessions, is commanded to read over their Names, and Mr. Conscience the Crier to call them by Name distinctly. The Clerk reads the List of their Names; and the Crier calls them aloud by Name. Hate-Strife, Love-Brother, Society, Condescension, Patience, Plaindealing, Faithful, Charity, Hope-well, Pray-well, Humility, Concord. Good Men and true. Stand forth and hear your Charge. Crier. Silence about the Court there. Judg. Gentlemen of the Jury, you shall carefully hear, and faithfully and impartially try the Cause depending betwixt our Sovereign and the Prisoner at the Bar; and according to the Evidence, and the Oath you have taken, a faithful and just Verdict you shall bring in according to the best of your Understandings; and so the Lord help and direct you. Whispering-Backbiter, Hold up thy Hand. Clerk of the Sessions, read his Indictment, which runs to this effect. Clerk. Whispering-Backbiter, Thou standest here indicted by the Name of Whispering-Backbiter; thou wast made free of this honourable Corporation of Christ-Church, and admitted to the Privileges thereof, as a Member of the same: But thou not having the Fear of God so before thine Eyes as thou oughtest to have had, hast been guilty of many foul Crimes; not only in offering Violence to our Sheriff, Mr. Order, and the Recorder Mr. Church-Discipline, Persons to be highly honoured and esteemed in our Corporation, who are as Walls to our City; yea, thou hast been guilty of wounding of Love-Truth in his Name and Livelihood by thy laying him on the backside; thou hast broken the Peace, and sowed and stirred up Strife in the Corporation, and Discord amongst Brethren; thou hast broken both the old and new Charters of our Corporation: Herein thou hast manifested not only the breach of thy Corporation-Oath, but also thy great Insolency and Rebellion against our Sovereign Lord, his Crown, and Dignity. Judg. Mr. Backbiter, What canst thou say to this thy Indictment? Art thou guilty or not guilty? Prisoner. My Lord, I am indicted by a wrong Name; I changed my Name, as I told the Worshipful the Sheriff; my Name is Christian Professor, my Lord. Sheriff Order. Yes, Mr. Backbiter, you did tell me of changing your old Name for a new; but you shown no signs of any other change, no new Birth, no new Creature, or Newness of Life, in Qualities or Qualifications; and what advantage is it to have a new Name, when the old Man with his Deeds is not put off? Ephes. 4. 22. Rev. 3. 1. Backbiter. If I must go by this odious Name of Whispering-Backbiter, I must be content to bear it as my Burden, but I hoped my new would have carried me above all suspicion; or at least have preserved me from being called into question. Recorder. It will appear in his Trial, whether he be the Person expressed in the Indictment or not. Judg. What sayest thou? Art thou guilty or not guilty? Backbiter. I beseech your Lordship, that I may have the Liberties and Privileges of a Freeman; there are two of the Jury especially that I have great reason to object against, for I know they are diametrically opposite to me in their Minds and Dispositions. Judg. Who are the Persons you object against? Backbiter. My Lord, there is the Foreman, Mr. Hate-Strife, I cannot endure him; and the last Man Mr. Concord: and there is Mr. Charity, and Mr. Society, Men that have no kindness for me; yea I can justly object against them all. Judg. No, Sirrah, we know them to be good, faithful and honourable Persons; by the same rule you may object against Me, the Mayor, Sheriff and Recorder. Answer to thy Indictment. Backbiter. I hope your Lordship will allow me to have a Counsel, for I cannot speak in my own Defence as some can. Judg. Yes, you shall be allowed the favour of a Counsel. Backbiter. I thank your Lordship. Judg. Answer: Art thou guilty or not guilty? Backbiter. Not guilty, my Lord. Judg. By whom will't thou be tried? Backbiter. By my Sovereign and my Country. Attorney General. If your Lordship pleaseth, I shall open the Cause by way of Breviate, and shall discover the Disposition and manner of the Life and Actions of Backbiter ever since I was Discipline Recorder of our Corporation. Judg. Do so; but pray with what brevity you can. Attorney General. As for the Man, he is to be considered in the common Gender, Man or Woman: Some of the learned in our Laws, upon that Statute, Levit. 19 16. compare him to a Pedlar, who carries Wares about to utter and dispose of to Customers: So he carries Reports and Tales from House to House. Another saith, on that Statute, Psal. 15. 3. He that backbiteth not with his Tongue, etc. or slandereth not, defameth not the Hebrew word (〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉) from whence Regel a Foot is derived, properly notes a going to and fro, prying and spying, and carrying Tales and Rumours; and is used for defaming or calumniating by craft or guile, as Ainsworth saith, Backbiting is used for all crafty deceitful abuse of the Tongue. Backbiters and Whisperers, saith Downham, go about after the manner of Spies, go up and down dissembling their Malice, that they may spy the Faults and Defects of others, of which they make a malicious relation to such as will give ear to the Slander: So that backbiting is a malicious defaming of one behind his back. A Backbiter speaketh openly evil of another behind his back: but Whisperer signifies privacy; the design of whispering and backbiting is, the one to separate Friendship, the other to hinder one's Fame: Saith Mr. Leigh in his Crit. Sac. Obtrectatio or Detractio. Psal. 120. 3, 4. A deceitful Tongue, and a false Tongue are sharp Arrows of the Almighty, with Coals of Juniper, which are the hottest Coals of all Wood, must be their Portion. It's one that by false or true report doth hurt the Name or Credit of another behind his back; and is expressed in our Charters, both old and new, under these six acceptations; a Slanderer, a false Accuser, a Whisperer, a Backbiter, a Tale-bearer, or Defamer, etc. and is ranked with the greatest of Criminals; Rom. 1. 30. Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, Boasters, etc. 2 Cor. 12. 20. Envyings, Wrath, Strife, Backbitings, Whisper, Swell, Tumults: these go in conjunction. This is the Person that would fain be called Christian, the effects of whose Actions are so fatally hurtful to the Peace and Prosperity of our Corporation of Christ-Church, to the destroying of Christian Friendship, as further will appear. Judg. These are intolerable things, not to be suffered in the City or Country of Christianity: yea, the permitting such may be of a dangerous tendency; For he that bridles not his Tongue, his Religion is vain: James 1. 26. Sheriff. And please your Lordship, let the Evidence against Backbiter be called. Judg. Mr. Clerk, let the first Evidence be called. Clerk. Crier, call Mr. Moral-Heathen. Crier. Mr. Heathen, O yes, O yes, Mr. Moral-Heathen. Here: Ready, Sir; but I cannot get in. Make way for the Evidence there. He is sworn. Judg. Mr. Moral-Heathen; Do you know the Prisoner at the Bar? Heathen. Yes, my Lord. Judg. How long have you known him? Heathen. But since I came into the Coast of Christianity: And I have wondered to hear him defame others, and be suffered so long. Socrates, one of our Philosophers, saith, there is not a worse thing than a deceitful and defaming Tongue. Yea, my Lord, the Life and Acts of Whispering▪ Backbiter contradict the Doctrine taught us. Plato saith, We must not believe him that slanders or tells a Lie of another; for in like manner will he belly thee to another Man. It's the Caution of Philotas to beware of Spies and Tale-bearers. Yea, when that Alexander the Great heard of another's Defamation, he clapped his Finger on his Lips, conjuring as it were a strict silence of another's Disgrace. Theophrastus' taught us, that it were safer to trust an unbridled Horse, than an untempered Speech, or an unbridled Tongue. It's foolish to let Words want Excuses or Apologies afterwards: For our Zeno taught that we should dip our Tongue in our Mind before we permit it to speak. And Plato taught his Scholars, that if one observed another commit a fault, he must first ask himself whether he had not done as bad or worse? and not proclaim it abroad. Tho we were allowed to hate our Enemies by some of our Philosophers, yet always to love our own Society: But the Prisoner cuts with the Tongue those in the same Profession. Our Scipio could say, that he had rather Hannibal should eat his Heart with Salt, being his Enemy, than that Lillius his Friend should give him an ill word. So hatefully do we resent the backbiting Slanders of our professed Friends. And this is what I had to say at present, my Lord. Judg. Your Testimony is very clear, and much to the case in hand, Mr. Heathen, and I give you thanks for these Instances; you have said enough, I desire you to withdraw. Crier. Make way for the Evidence to go out there. Judg. Dost thou hear, Mr. Backbiter? thou wouldst needs be called Christian, and keep thy Freedom in our Corporation; but here is a moral Heathen hath quite shamed thee: Are they tender of one another's Disgrace, and dost thou dip thy Tongue in Gall, and whet it as a Sword, and bend thy Bow to shoot thy Arrows, even bitter words, Psal. 84. 3. to wound and grieve thy Brother? Backbiter. My Lord, as to what Mr. Heathen hath said, he may speak it in spite against me; for the Heathens were great Enemies to us Christians formerly, and used to cloth us in Bear-skins: He hath only said this to make me odious, my Lord. Judg. Thou hast made thyself odious in the sight of the Heathen: when they persecuted us, they could say this of us; Behold how they love one another! But now they may say, Behold how they hate, backbite, and belie one another! Attorney General. And please your Lordship, let Mr. Love-truth be examined; I know he hath suffered much by the Prisoner as well as myself in that relation I stand to our Sovereign Lord. Judg. Call Mr. Love-truth into Court. Crier. Love-truth, O yes, O yes, Mr. Love-truth. Here. Ready. But I cannot get in: O Murder! Murder! Judg. What's the matter there? Love-truth. My Lord, here is one of Backbiter's Friends had almost strangled me. Judg. What is his Name? Church-Discipline. I know him, my Lord, his Name is Carry-Tale, he dwells under the same roof with Backbiter. Judg. Mr. Newman, take him into custody. Attorney General. Mr. Love-truth, pray, as you are on your Oath, acquaint my Lord and the Jury with what you know concerning the Prisoner at the Bar. Judg. Mr. Love-truth, look upon the Prisoner; Do you know him? Love-truth. Yes, my Lord, to my damage: but as for the wrong he hath done me, I could freely forgive him; though as he hath been an Enemy to our Sovereign, and hath dishonoured the Truth, which should be dear to us, and hath grieved and wounded our Brethren, I shall give in my Testimony against him. Judg. Mr. Love-truth, be as brief as you can. Love-truth. My Lord, he is a Person full of Prejudice, and very credulous, believes any lying or flying report, especially against one that is not in his Affections, as few are that sincerely love the Truth: And when he hath got a false Report or Slander by the end, he makes it up so that besure it loseth nothing by carriage: Thus, like a grievous Revolter, he walks with Slanders; Jer. 6. 28. And where he comes, if there be any in the Room that will not hear, nor take up Reports, than he puts his Mouth to the Ears of them that will, and whispers it into their Heads, and then lifts up his Eyes and Hands as though he were sorry, and so begets a belief in the Judgements of the ignorant, which have never rightly considered the Charters of our Corporation: And many times he enjoins them to secrecy; so that when they meet the Persons slandered, they cannot get open their Lips, but they look a squint, as though they were casting their Eyes over the Beans to see if the Barley were ripe; for Suspicion is always pictured squinteyed: Yea, my Lord, he hath come with his Pack to my House, as Mr. Church-Discipline hath observed out of our old Charter, Levit. 19 16. that a Tale-bearer, or Backbiter, is compared to a Pedlar that goes up and down with his Pack: So he hath offered his Wares to me, but I being tender of Truth and my Neighbour; and remembering what an ancient wise Preacher hath said, that as the North Wind driveth away Rain, so doth an angry Countenance a backbiting Tongue, Prov. 25. 23. I frowned upon him, and told him he must go to the Person of whom he heard it, and to the Person that was thus defamed, and know the certain truth of the matter, before he run about declaring it at Dan, and publishing it at Askelon. And upon this he takes up his Pack, and away he goes, and hath never come near me since: Yea, my Lord, if he can hear of any fault that hath been committed, if it were long since, if it hath been heard, determined, remitted and buried, yet this Backiter hath been for digging it up and reviving it, verifying a saying in our old Charter, Prov. 16. 27. An ungodly Man diggeth up evil; and in his Lips is a burning Fire. And this, fearing I have intruded upon your Lordship's Patience, is what I have to say at present, my Lord. Judg. These are foul and unsufferable Practices. Love-truth. My Lord, I could say much more of things of this nature, how hasty and diligent he hath been in this Evil of Detraction. Judg. There hath been enough said at present, Mr. Love-truth. The Bench ariseth, and the Court is adjourned till two of the Clock in the Afternoon. The Prison-Keeper Mr. Newman remands Backbiter to the Prison again, not denying his Friends to come to see him. So there came Mrs. Busy-body, Mr. Liar, Mr. Blind-Zeal, Prejudice, Hate-Peace, and several others, whose Names I took no account of; so he sent for his Counsel Mr. Equivocator, and gave him his Fee, telling him he was afraid it would go hard with him if he did not speak, and his Evidence did not swear to the purpose, to justify his Proceed. The hour being come, Mr. Newman hastens the Prisoner to the Court. When the Judge, with the Mayor, Recorder and Sheriffs, with the Justices of the Peace and Quorum were sat, Mr. Newman was commanded to put up Whispering Backbiter to the Bar; which was done accordingly. Attorney General. Mr. Clerk of the Sessions, What further Evidence have you against the Prisoner? Clerk. Here is Mr. Unity subpoena'd to appear. Judg. Let him be called. Crier. Unity, O yes, O yes, Mr. Unity. I am here, my Lord; but I dare not come into Court till Backbiter and his Friends are searched. Judg. What are you afraid of, Mr. Unity? Unity. Why, my Lord, I know they use to carry white Powder about them, with which they use to shoot those they have a prejudice against, and it murders a Man in his Name before he can hear the Report. Judg. That is Treason by the Law, there dare be no such an Attempt in Court. Unity▪ My Lord, They are not afraid to speak evil of Dignities; 2 Pet. 2. 10. Being searched, it appeared they had left those Instruments at home. Judg. Mr. Unity, Pray how long have you known the Prisoner? Unity. My Lord, ever since there have been Swell, Tumults, Wrath, Strife and Debates, they all came into our Corporation with Whispering Backbiter, 2 Cor. 12. 20. Attorney General. My Lord, and Mr. Sheriff Order, you know rightwell the Confusion that hath been in some Companies in our Corporation of Christ Church; and undoubtedly it hath been for want of regarding what you and I have endeavoured to maintain in conjunction with Mr. Fear-God, namely, Discipline and Order; if it please your Lordship, let Mr. Unity give in his Evidence. Judg. Mr. Unity, be as brief and express as you can. Unity. I desire to have the liberty to speak in the presence of this honourable Court; for he whose Hatred is covered by Deceit, his Wickedness shall be showed before the whole Congregation, Prov. 26. 26, 28. For a lying Tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it, and a flattering Mouth worketh ruin. It was accounted good and pleasant to dwell together in Unity, Psal. 133. 1. especially Brethren in one Society; Endeavouring to keep the Unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace, Ephes. 4. 3. Till we all come to the unity of the Faith, ver. 13. But, my Lord, the Prisoner hath been a mischievous Instrument in setting particular Societies together by the Ears; by him also neighbourly. Union and Friendship hath been broken. May be some different apprehensions have been about some Sentences in our Charter; then Backbiter comes in and blows up the fire of Contention, and sets them at work to smite one another on the backside with the Tongue, crying out, Heretics, Idolaters, etc. because they cannot see through their Eye-holes; as though it were possible, yea the likeliest way to work a Reformation by Defamation; like him mentioned by Dr. Taylor, that seeing a Flea on his Neighbour's Forehead, goes to knock it on the head with his Hammer, and so knocks his Neighbour's Brains out. Thus, my Lord, doth Whispering-Backbiter think to slander Men out of the faults he imagines them to be in; when alas, instead of healing, The words of a Tale bearer are as Wounds that go down to the innermost parts; Prov. 18. 8. Yea, my Lord, I have known when that great Union and Amity hath been betwixt two Persons, yea and Companies in our Corporation, till Backbiter hath been at work, and In carrying his Pack with all he could pick up, hath uttered or whispered what hath soon broke the Bond of Unity. Prov. 16. 28. A froward Man soweth Strife, and a Whisperer separateth chief Friends. Yea, my Lord, such Prejudice and Inveteracy hath been begot by Backbiter's means, that it hath appeared next to an impossibility to reconcile them, as Mr. Sheriff Order, and Mr. Church-Discipline know rightwell. And this is what I have to say at present, my Lord. Attorney General. My Lord, I very well know what Mr. Unity saith to be true, and so doth Mr. Sheriff also. There are other Evidences may be called if your Lordship please. Judg. I think there have sufficient Testimonies been given in against him to prove him guilty according to his Indictment: And if further occasion should be, they shall be examined. Mr. Backbiter, what Reason canst thou give why Sentence according to the Law of our Corporation should not be passed upon thee? Thou hast heard what evident Testimonies have been given in against thee. Backbiter. My Lord, you were pleased to allow me Counsel to speak for me, and plead my Cause; for alas, my Lord, I know not how to speak for myself. Attorney General. No, Mr. Backbiter, you have spoken so much falsely against others, that you have nothing truly to say for yourself. Judg. where is your Counsel? What is his Name? Let him appear. Backbiter. My Lord, his Name is Equivocator, a Kinsman of mine. Judg. Where is he? Crier. Mr. Equivocator. Here, Sir. Why do you not attend your Client's Cause? Equivocator. Here, ready, my Lord, and I am feed to plead the Prisoner's Cause; and I think, my Lord, he is a good Man in the main; and though it may be true what hath been said by these Gentlemen, that have witnessed against him, that he carries Reports from one to another, this is no new thing, he first receives it, and why should he keep it in his Mind? If he hath heard of the defaming of many, and others saying, Report, and we will report it; Jer. 20. 10. Why should not he take the same liberty? Besides, my Lord, if he doth sometimes add to the Report or Accusation, he hath heard it is but to amplify it, and to make it more taking and convincing to them to whom he carries it; for what is a Report or Story if it finds no Credit in the Hearers? Moreover, several other Circumstances should be considered, as it may be he can hear but with one Ear, and so cannot hear both Parties, but reports it according as he hears it; as also they whom he backbites▪ as you are pleased to call it, may be such as are more esteemed and applauded in the Corporation than he, and their Graces and Virtue excels him and his: and therefore his design may be good, that so he may keep up his Fame equal with others. He is not the first that hath envied the commendable Fame and Deserts of others; there was David hated others Prosperity: And I have also read a Passage out of Plutarch of Aristides▪ Banishment, called Ostracism. His Accuser being asked what Wrong Aristides had done him? he replied, None, neither do I know him, but it grieves me to hear every body call him a just Man. If this was a cause of Banishment, well might it procure hard words; for Men naturally hate to be outstripped either in worldly or spiritual Riches. And, my Lord, besides— Judg. Hold, Mr. Equivocator, you run too fast. Attorney General. You must not think, Mr. Equivocator, to shame off the Crimes at this rate. You say he is a good Man in the main, pray in what main? The main of a good Man is to love our Sovereign above all, and his Neighbour as himself: This is inserted in our old Charter, and revived in the new, Deut. 6. 5. Levit. 19 16- 18. and his Neighbour as himself, Mat. 22. 37- 40. which cannot be done by a detracting Tale-bearer. And again, you'll see how he is resented in our Corporation, as fair a face as you would put on his bad Cause. Envy, Murder, Debates, Deceits, Malignity, Whisper, Backbiters, haters of God, etc. Rom. 1. 29, 30. Pray where is his Goodness when he is a Companion with such a Gang of mercenary Wretches? And saying, Report, and we will report, Jer. 20. 10. was the Practice of the great Enemies of our City and Commonwealth. And whereas you would vindicate his adding to a Report; I am satisfied that he that will add to a Report, will raise one too when he pleaseth, which is expressly contrary to our old Charter and new: for it is said, Thou shalt not raise a false Report; put not thy hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous Witness; Exod. 23. 1. Now if he takes liberty to add, what doth he less than put his hand with the wicked to be an unfaithful Witness? Again, by the same rule, he may improve every little Infirmity into a mountainous Gild; and the little or small Freckle into a Leprosy. What Reputation can be secured from such, who have their dead Flies to cast a stink on their Brethren at pleasure, to corrupt all their odorous Virtues? And as to your Instance of Aristides' Banishment, it's recorded as an Instance of Heathen Cruelty; but Backbiter outdoes the Cruelty of Ostracism, as far as Death is worse than Banishment: for in murdering the Name he destroys the Livelihood; and the Greeks have a saying, That a Life is no Life without a Livelihood. Yea a Backbiter or Detractor is a Thief, and robs a Man of that which is better than precious Ointment, or great Riches, Eccles. 7. 1. Prov. 22. 1. Equivocator. My Lord, all I would further have said, was to desire that his bad Memory, and the want of the use of his right Ear may be considered, and that his Evidences may be heard. Judg. Yes, he shall have all the favour that can be allowed by the Charter of our Corporation; and if his Evidences are Persons of any degree of Morality and Repute, they shall be heard. Let them be called into Court. Equivocator. Crier, pray call Mrs. Busy-body; she is own Cousin to the Prisoner. Clerk. Crier, call her into Court. Crier. Mrs. Busy-body, O yes, O yes, Mrs. Busy-body. She cannot leave her Twattle. Mrs. Busy-body. Ready, ready, Sir. Why do you not attend the Court? Busy-body. I have so much business betwixt one Friend or Neighbour and another, that alas I am seldom at home, or rarely out of employ, my Lord. Judg. Pray what was your Employ? Busy-body. My Lord, if I hear of any one failing committed, it's my desire and endeavour that no body may be ignorant of it: But I remember I have read, That the Lips of the wise shall instruct many: And this, as my Cousin Backbiter hath told me, must be by carrying one's failings to another. Judg. Didst thou ever seriously read over the Charter of our Corporation? I fear that thou seldom lookest at home. Constable. No, my Lord, when I searched for Busy-body, I saw her House all out of order, and she was just going out. Judg. How did you know she was going out? Constable. Why, my Lord, she had two Glasses in her hand, and I have been informed of it, and that by some that had experience of it. Judg. Hold: Pray, Mr. Constable, what Glasses were they? Constable. My Lord, one was a magnifying Glass, and the other a multiplying Glass; with the former she with her Cousin Backbiter makes a small failing a great one, and with the latter one failing many. Judg. It's a shame that such ignorant and pertinacious Practices should be suffered in the Suburbs of our Corporation; let her be taken into Custody. Crier. She is withdrawn and absconded, my Lord: but I shall take care to have her apprehended; for it's one Man's work to have a serious sight of his own Sins, and judge himself aright. Clerk of the Sess. Call Mr. Zeal into Court. Crier. Mr. Zeal, O yes, O yes, Mr. Zeal. Ready, my Lord, but I cannot see the way into Court. Whispering-Backbiter. Pray take him by the hand, Mr. Equivocator, for he is almost as blind as a Post. He is handed up. Judg. Old Gentleman, what is your Name, Zeal? Zeal. My Name is properly Blind Zeal, my Lord. Judg. I thought so, I have heard much of you. Zeal. Yes, my Lord, I was with Saul when he would have slain the Gibeonites, 2 Sam. 21. 2. and with Jehu, 2 Kings 10. 16. and with Saul, now called Paul, Acts 9 1. Phil. 3. 6. yea, and with those Jews, my Lord, Rom. 10. 2. Yea, my Lord, and I know Mr. Backbiter to be a very zealous Man by this, for he cannot rest if he hears the Report, true or false, of another's failing; alas he can rest no more than he that lies upon a Bed of Thorns, till others know it; and this is his Zeal, my Lord. Yea I have observed, that he and Carry-tale that lives under his Roof, have striven to outrun each other to carry the bad News, as Ahimaaz and Cushi did, 2 Sam. 18. 21-23. this was their Zeal, and endeavour to ease their minds, my Lord. Judg. Old Gentleman, you are rightly named; but I fear you never learned rightly to distinguish about what your Zeal should be exercised in Gal. 4. 18. It's good to be zealously affected always in a good thing: What if it be all false, and thou in censuring another dost but sentence thyself, like David in Nathan's Parable? 2 Sam. 12. 7. and thou showest thyself rather to be an Accuser of the Brethren, than a Reclaimer of them that are supposed to have falled, such a Zeal will appear to be but diabolical. Application should be made to the supposed Sinner, Gal. 6. 1. 2 Tim. 2. 25. to regain him in a spirit of Meekness: but it's evident that Backbiter carries his Teeth in his Tongue. I remember I have read, that Bernard said of himself, that he never saw another Man sin, but he was distrustful and jealous of his own Heart; Ille heri, tu hodie, & ego cras, he was faulty yesterday, thou to day, and I may be so to morrow: But I do not speak this that Sins should be connived at or dispensed with, but that the Order and Discipline of our Corporation may be observed. Clerk of the Sess. My Lord, here is another Evidence for the Prisoner. Judg. Let him be called into Court. Crier. Mr. Prejudice, O yes, O yes, Mr. Prejudice. Here, I am ready, Sir. Judg. Pray what are you capable to say in behalf of the Prisoner? Do you know him? Prejudice. Yes, my Lord, he is my old Acquaintance, I am his near Neighbour. Judg. What other Neighbours have you that are his and your Associates? Prejudice. There is one Mr. Fawning that lives in Dissembling-Alley, next door to him; Mr. Ill-will, Mrs. Carry-tale that lives under his Roof, and a Relation of his that is much with us, one Mr. Liar: And if I may speak for the Prisoner, I never knew him backbite any of us, but he is very friendly to us all; and if he backbites any, there is Mr. Ill-will and myself are both commonly with him: and they are such as we have no affection for, my Lord, that he backbites, and we are sure they do not love us at all. Mr. Liar. My Lord, I am desired by the Prisoner to speak in his behalf; and if I may be permitted to swear, I will take my corporal Oath, that Whispering-Backbiter and his Friends are all good People. Judg. Hold, Sirrah, your Oath is not to be taken. Attorney-general. My Lord, and you Gentlemen of the Jury, it is evident there is not one Person of any Repute that appears to justify Whispering-Backbiter: What Prejudice hath said is invalid. What is Concord amongst the vilest of Men in their Wickedness, to the true Peace and Unity of Christ's Church? Herod and Pilate were made Friends, that they might be joint Enemies to our Sovereign, Luke 23. 12. Yea the Insernals are at an Agreement amongst them; Satan is not divided against Satan, Luke 11. 18. Judg. I shall proceed to sum up the Evidences. Attorney-general. Here is one Evidence more that appears against the Prisoner. Judg. Let him be called. Crier. He is here ready, my Lord. Judg. I know him: Pray, Mr. Divine Knowledge, do you know the Prisoner? Knowledge. Yes, my Lord, but I am a Stranger to him, I suppose. Judg. Backbiter, Do you know this Gentleman? Backbiter. No, my Lord; I never had any real acquaintance with him in all my Life. Knowledge. My Lord, he is an ignorant shallow Soul; had he but a dram of sanctified Wisdom or Divine Grace, he would have learned of Mr. Morality, the Porter of our City, to do as he would be done unto: And I would have taught him, and shown him that Frowardness was in his Heart; and that sowing Discord among Brethren is that which our Sovereign hates. But, my Lord, he scorned acquaintance with either of us; would put his Finger in his Ear, and scorned (Prov. 6. 14- 19) to hear Counsel. How could he expect to keep his Place and Privileges in our Corporation, who hath so long abused them and his Brethren? Judg. You have given a very cogent Testimony against him, Mr. Knowledge. I shall sum up the Evidences. Gentlemen of the Jury, you have heard what Mr. Heathen, Mr. Love-truth, Mr. Unity, and now Mr. Knowledge have said, as also what scandalous Persons appeared in the Prisoner's behalf; but care will be taken to purge all such out of the Suburbs of our Corporation. Gentlemen, you have heard some of those Statutes mentioned that Whispering-Backbiter hath broken: that Statute Exod. 23. 1. Thou shalt not raise (or, Hebr. receive) a false Report. Levit. 19 16. Thou shalt not go up and down as a Tale-bearer. Yea it is condemned in our new Charter; Luke 3. 14. Accuse no Man falsely: This is expressly against Backbiter. Yea, how frequently is he ranked with the worst of Men? 2 Tim. 3. 3. Without natural Affections, false Accusers, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, etc. Yea, when the question is put, Who shall abide in thy Tabernacle? or ascend the holy Hill of Zion? He that backbiteth not with his Tongue; or, he that taketh not up, or receiveth not a Reproach against his Neighbour: Psal. 15. 2, 3. & 24. 2. You see, Gentlemen, the Evil is so great, that it shuts out of the Celestial City, and the presence of our Sovereign for ever. Yea, that moral Precept that is a binding Statute, of loving his Neighbour as himself, is violated. O but Backbiter he forgets himself! never regarding that Precept, if a Brother of the Corporation be overtaken in a fault, to restore him in a spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou shouldst have the like occasion; Gal. 6. 1. As Mr. Moral Heathen gave a hint of Plato's Precept to his Scholars, if they heard a Report of Evil of another, or saw some failing, presently to ask themselves this question Num ego feci Tale? Have not I done the like myself, or worse? So that you are to consider how short he comes of Morality, who endeavours to eat out the Repute of his Neighbour, as hath been witnessed. Mischief is in his Heart; yea, They sharpen their Tongues like a Serpent; the poison of Adders is under their Lips; Psal. 140. 2, 3. So that, gentlemans, as you regard the Honour of our Sovereign, the Repute of the Worship and Devotion used in our City, and the Peace of the Companies in our Corporation, you must find for our Sovereign against the Prisoner at the Bar: And so the Lord direct you all. The Jury went out, but soon agreed unanimously to bring Whispering-Backbiter in guilty according to his Indictment, and the Evidences against him. They return. Crier. Make way for the Jury; make way there. They are all come up to the Bar. Judg. Gentlemen of the Jury, are you all agreed? Foreman. Yes, my Lord, and have also agreed to give in our particular Verdicts. Hate-Strife. My Lord, I ever hated to see things done through Strife, Phil. 2. 3. but to my Grief I have seen Strife and Violence in our City, Psal. 55. 9 and I have traced home one of the chiefest causes of it to Backbiter's very door; so that I am conscious to myself he is guilty according to his Indictment, and evident Testimonies. Love-Brother. I am sure, my Lord, he hath been a sour of Enmity, and a destroyer of Unity: It's high time to take him off; for, where there is no Tale-bearer, Strife ceaseth; Prov. 26. 20. There is no greater a Demonstration of our being beloved Citizens of Christ's-Church, than to love one another, John 13. 35. the true Badge and Character of Christianity; and if this Backbiter be not taken off, our Charter will be broken and lost. Society. I assent to what Mr. Love-Brother saith; for, my Lord, if he be suffered to sow Strife as he hath done, alas a Nation, City or Family divided is brought to ruin, Luke 11. 17. And what can be a more effectual way to break Human and Divine Society? for as a false Witness he speaketh Lies, and soweth Discord among Brethren; Prov. 6. 19 Condescension. My Lord, I agree that he is guilty; and indeed I have wondered at his obstinacy, that such plain Convictions, not only from the Freemen of our Corporation, but also by Mr. Heathen, enough to have melted him to confess and forsake, that he may find Mercy, Prov. 28. 13. should not work upon him: but he obstinately covered his Sins. Patience. My Lord, I think he hath been born with too long: though I can bear as much as some, yet the very sight of Backbiter in our Corporation hath greatly provoked me: And though by an angry Countenance I have driven him away, Prov. 25. 2, 3. yet I could never drive him out of his wicked Practice. I agree he is guilty. Plaindealing. My Lord, I am not a Man of many words; but to be plain, if ever Man forfeited the Freedom and Privileges of Christ's Church, Whispering-Backbiter hath done it, for he hath proclaimed his Folly: for he that hideth Hatred with lying Lips, and he that uttereth Slanders is a Fool; his Wickedness ought to be showed before the whole Congregation, Prov. 26. 26. that others may fear. Faithful. I have long wondered at the deceit and falsehood of Backbiter; Christians that are free of our Corporation should carry their very Hearts in their Hands, and Meanings in their Foreheads; but his Mouth hath framed Deceit, Rom. 3. 13. He is guilty according to his Indictment, my Lord. Charity. I cannot have a good thought of him, though I have ever been unwilling to think any evil, 1 Cor. 13. 5. till it hath evidently appeared: but, my Lord, this Backbiter is still forging or picking up Thunderbolts, against which no Innocency can be an Armour of Defence: He is guilty. I can have no Charity for such a one that casteth Firebrands, Arrows and Death at his Neighbour's, Prov. 26. 18. and counts it sport. Hope-well. I agree, my Lord, that he is evidently guilty; yet I would not be without some hopes that the Order and Discipline of our Corporation will effectually lash him into better manners; for though Folly hath been bound up in his Heart, and he hath wrought Folly in our Israel, Deut. 22. 21. yet the Rod of Correction may drive it from him; Prov. 22. 15. Pray-well. My Lord, it shall be my request, that he may learn to take heed that he offends not with his Tongue, but that he may keep his Mouth as with a Bridle, Psal. 39 1. and that he may learn to guide his Tongue, and not whet his Tongue like a Sword; and that he may shoot no more of his Arrows, even bitter words, Psal. 84. 3-8. Humility. My Lord, I agree that the Prisoner is guilty according to his Indictment; and it's evident that it's the Arrogancy of his Spirit that causeth him to despise and scandalise others, like that Hypocrite of the Synagogue, Luke 18. 9-11. Pride, Suspicion and Envy are always for staining the clear Fame, and casting the first Stone. Concord. My Lord, I am clearly of the same mind with Mr. Hate-Strife the Foreman, and do say he is a sour of Contention, and where that is, there must needs be Confusion, and every evil Work; James 3. 16. and therefore my Verdict is, that he may be no longer suffered in our Corporation. Judg. Gentlemen, I am glad to see you all so harmonious in your Verdicts, and so unanimously shown your Loyalty to our Sovereign: and indeed you have spoke the very minds of our Mayor, Sheriff, and Recorder, namely, Rule-well, Order and Discipline; and I perceive you have given great Satisfaction to our Corporation in general. Backbiter, hold up thy hand, and hear thy Sentence. Crier. Silence about the Court on pain of Displeasure. Judg. Backbiter, thou hast so disorderly acted, that thou mayst be no longer a Member of our Society, Mr. Church-Discipline shall cross out thy Name enrolled in our Corporation-Book, and Mr. Newman Prison-keeper shall convey thee back to Confinement, and in thy Apartment there he shall cause thee to sit down upon the Stool of Repentance, and consider what thou hast done, whom thou hast wronged and defamed; what Envyings, Strife, Debates and Whisper thou hast caused, 1 Cor. 12. 20. Thy Lodging shall be upon a Bed of Sorrows; yea thy Meat and Drink shall be the Bread and Water of Godly Sorrow and internal Afflictions, till thou hast attained to a rend Heart, and a broken Spirit, and canst demonstrate a Repentance to Life; then thou shalt study to make Restitution for all the Wrongs thou hast done in causing the Reputation of thy Brethren to lie bleeding; then he shall put thee upon the Heart-work and hard work of Mortification, that with the sound of thy Tongue, and blast of thy Lips thou mayst never cause the Reputation of thy Brethren to fall flat as the Walls of Jericho. I have read the saying of an ancient Freeman of our City, that he observed that there was rarely a Member in our Corporation in his day, that had attained to any degree of Excellency, but there hath been ready a black Character by some defaming Tongue to clap upon him: So that Stars of the first Magnitude by this means have been eclipsed. And thou Backbiter shalt be taught by Mr. Newman: till thou dost learn to bridle thy Tongue, all thy Pretences to Religion will be vain, James 1. 16. And when thou art become a new Man, then, and not till then, shalt thou be restored to the Privileges and Immunities of our Corporation of Christ-Church. And so the Lord have Mercy upon thee, and grant thee Repentance to Life never to be repent of. Amen. BE gone my little Book, thy Message do, Give thy Advice to all, both Friend and Fo: Show to the World the Evil of those Wrongs That have been done by these defaming Tongues: And if they slight thee, let them so, and spare not; If thou art loved by Christians, than I care not. I know there's some will say, their Tongues their own, And do resolve to be controlled by none; Yet others will thee gladly entertain, And by thy Counsel will advantage gain. Thou speakest plain to suit each Corporation, And dost afford Advice to all the Nation. For Cato saith, that both in old and young, Virtue gins with a well-guided Tongue. If some detracting Reader shall amend, Then thou obtainst the Writer's chiefest end. Lend it not, but let them buy; The Price is low, and so am I FINIS. Advertisement. NOte, That the Substance of what is here published, was wrote Anno 92. and now at the request of some is published in print, not to reflect upon any Person or Persons, but simply and sincerely to detect that Evil wherever it is found, or amongst whomsoever it is tolerated; it being confessed by all, that it's very injurious and opposite to Love and Charity. Moreover, there are some other Criminals that according to this method, may e'er long be apprehended and brought to their Trials.