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it not be grievous to you, as if it detracted from your credit; but rejoice at it, inasmuch as God has enabled him to be good, and to do good; all which makes for the advancement of the common cause of religion, wherein you are interested; envy him not therefore his due praise.

(4.) Detract not from any man's credit, either by open backbiting, Psa. xv. 3, or by secret whispering, Prov. xvi. 28, or by any cunning means of casting evil aspersions, whether by way of pitying him, or otherwise: as, He is good or does well in such and such things; but, &c. This but mars all.

(5.) And, in a word, in all speeches to men, and communications with them, your speech must be gracious, Col. iv. 6, that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace, not vice, to the hearers. It must not be profane, nor any way corrupt, Eph. iv. 29, as defiled with oaths, curses, or profane jests; it must not be flattering, Job xvii. 5, nor yet detracting; not bitter, not railing, censorious, or injurious to any man, Eph. iv. 31. It must not be wanton, lascivious, and filthy, Eph. v. 3, 4. Col. iii. 8. It must not be false, Col. iii. 9; no, nor yet foolish, idle, and fruitless; for all evil communication does corrupt good manners, 1 Cor. xv. 33. And we must answer for every idle word which we speak, Matt. xii. 36. Besides, a man may easily be discerned of what country he is, whether of heaven, or of the earth, by his language; his speech will betray him.

(6.) There is no wisdom or power here below, can teach and enable you to do all, or any of the forementioned duties. This wisdom and power must be had from above, James iii. 13 - 18. Wherefore, if you would in all companies carry yourself worthy the gospel of Christ:

First, Be sure that the law of God, and the power of grace be in your heart, else the law of grace and kindness cannot be in your life and speech, Psa. xxxvii. 30, 31. Prov. xxxi. 26. You must be endued, therefore, with a spirit of holiness, humility, love, gentleness, long-suffering, meekness, and wisdom;