ient
means to rely upon for procuring, in an honest way, whatever is
convenient for us. These are ways approved, and amiable to all men;
they procure the best friends, and fewest enemies; they afford to
the practises a cheerful courage, and good hope; they meet with less
disappointment, and have no regret or shame attending them. He that
hath recourse to the other base means, and "maketh lies his refuge,"
as he renounceth all just and honest means, as he disclaimeth all
hope in God's assistance, and forfeiteth all pretence to His
blessing: so he cannot reasonably expect good success, or be
satisfied in any undertaking. The supplanting way indeed seems the
most curt and compendious way of bringing about dishonest or
dishonourable designs: but as good design is certainly dishonoured
thereby, so is it apt thence to be defeated; it raises up enemies
and obstacles, yielding advantages to whoever is disposed to cross
us. As in trade it is notorious that the best course to thrive is
by dealing squarely and truly; any fraud or cozenage appearing there
doth overthrow a man's credit, and drive away custom from him: so
in all other transactions, as he that dealeth justly and fairly will
have his affairs proceed roundly, and shall find men ready to comply
with him, so he that is observed to practise falsehood will be
declined by some, opposed by others, disliked by all: no man scarce
willingly will have to do with him; he is commonly forced to stand
out in business, as one that plays foul play.

4. Lastly, the slanderer is a very fool, as bringing many great
inconveniences, troubles, and mischiefs on himself.

First, "A fool's mouth," saith the wise man, "is his destruction,
his lips are the snare of his soul:" and if any kind of speech is
destructive and dangerous, then is this certainly most of all; for
by no means can a man inflame so fierce anger, impress so stiff
hatred, raise so deadly enmity against himself, and consequently so
endanger his safety, ease and welfare, as by this practice. Men can
more easily endure, and sooner will forgive, any sort of abuse than
this; they will rather pardon a robber of their goods, than a
defamer of their good name.

Secondly, such an one indeed is not only odious to the person
immediately concerned, but generally to all men that observe his
practice; every man presently will be sensible how easily it may be
his own case, how liable he may be