It must also be
clear and certain, notorious and palpable; for to speak ill upon
slender conjectures, or doubtful suspicions, is full of iniquity.
"[Greek], "They rail at things which they know not," is part of
those wicked men's character, whom St. Jude doth so severely
reprehend. If, indeed, these conditions being wanting, we presume
to reproach any man, we do therein no less than slander him; which
to do is unlawful in any case, is in truth a most diabolical and
detestable crime. To impose odious names and characters on any
person, which he deserveth not, or without ground of truth, is to
play the devil; and hell itself scarce will own a fouler practice.
3. We should not cast reproach upon any man without some necessary
reason. In charity (that charity which "covereth all sins," which
"covereth a multitude of sins") we are bound to connive at the
defects, and to conceal the faults of our brethren; to extenuate and
excuse them, when apparent, so far as we may in truth and equity.
We must not therefore ever produce them to light, or prosecute them
with severity, except very needful occasion urgeth--such as is the
glory and service of God, the maintenance of truth, the vindication
of innocence, the preservation of public justice and peace; the
amendment of our neighbour himself, or securing others from
contagion.
Pages:
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113