ll-
nature, of ill-will, or of ill-design.

In such cases as are above mentioned, a sort of evil-speaking about
our neighbour may be allowable or excusable. But, for fear of
overdoing, great caution and temper is to be used; and we should
never apply any such limitations as cloaks to palliate unjust or
uncharitable dealing. Generally it is more advisable to suppress
such eruptions of passion than to vent it; for seldom passion hath
not inordinate motions joined with it, or tendeth to good ends.
And, however, it will do well to reflect on those cases, and to
remark some particulars about them.

First, we may observe that in all these cases all possible
moderation, equity, and candour are to be used; so that no ill-
speaking be practised beyond what is needful or convenient. Even in
prosecution of offences, the bounds of truth, of equity, of humanity
and clemency are not to be transgressed. A judge must not lay on
the most criminal person more blame or contumely than the case will
bear, or than serveth the designs of justice. However our neighbour
doth incur the calamities of sin and of punishment, we must not be
insolent or contemptuous towards him. So we may learn by that law
of Moses, backed with a notable reason: "And it shall be, if the
wicked man be worthy to be beaten, that the judge cause him to lie
down, and to be beaten before his face, according to his fault by a
certain number. Forty stripes he may give him, and not exceed; lest
if he should exceed, and beat him above those stripes, then thy
brother should seem vile unto thee." Whence appears that we should
be careful of not vilifying an offender beyond measure. And how
mildly governors should proceed in the administration of justice,
the example of Joshua may teach us, who thus examineth Achan, the
cause of so great mischief to the public: "My son, give, I pray
thee, glory to the Lord God of Israel, and make confession unto Him;
and tell me now what thou hast done, and hide it not from me." "My
son;" what compellation could be more benign and kind? "I pray
thee;" what language could be more courteous and gentle? "give glory
to God, and make confession;" what words could be more inoffensively
pertinent? And when he sentenced that great malefactor, the cause
of so much mischief, this was all he said, "Why hast thou troubled
us? the Lord will trouble thee;" words void of contumely or
insulting, containing only a