Page:Sermons on the Ten Commandments.djvu/149

 and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor." So it is said in Leviticus, in very plain language, "Thou shalt not go up and down, as a tale-bearer amongst thy people" How many are there, who keep faithfully these Commandments? "Who is there of us, that is careful never to "go up and down as a tale-bearer amongst his people?" Should we not earnestly pray the Lord, in the words of the Psalmist, to "set a watch before our mouth," and "keep the door of our lips;" and then strive hard ourselves to do what we have prayed the Lord to help us do? Truly speaks the Apostle James, when he says, "If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, —this man's religion is vain." My brethren, this subject demands our particular attention. The habit of speaking uncharitably and ill of others is too common. It is indeed often done thoughtlessly; but it is not the less a sin on that account. For though we may not be aware of it, it proceeds from evil in our hearts. It comes either from secret malice, bitterness, and hard feeling, or, at best, it is a proof of indifference and recklessness in regard to the comfort and welfare of our neighbor—which indifference certainly shows the want of love to the neighbor; and where that good affection is not, there must be an evil feeling in its place: for where there is not good, there is evil: there is no medium: there can be no vacuum.