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¹ My brethren, don't affect many of you to be doctors, considering, that those of us who are such, shall be tried with the greater severity. ² for we are all liable to frequent mistakes. he that does not give too great a loose to his tongue, is an accomplish'd person and fit to moderate the whole church. ³ you see how manageable horses are made by the application of a bit, which makes them take what motion we please. ⁴ a ship too of the greatest burthen, tho' the wind bears hard, by means of an inconsiderable helm, veers about as the hand of the pilot directs her. ⁵ so the tongue is but a small part of the body, yet how grand are its pretensions. a spark of fire! what quantities of timber will it blow into a flame? ⁶ the tongue is a brand that sets the world in a combustion: it is but one of the numerous organs of the body, yet it can blast whole assemblies: tipp'd with infernal sulphur it sets the whole train of life in a blaze. ⁷ creatures of every kind, beasts, birds, reptiles, and sea-monsters, are frequently tamed by human industry. ⁸ but who could ever tame the tongue? arm'd with deadly poison, the mischief scorns restraint. ⁹ By that we give praises to God the father: and that pronounces curses even against men, who are form'd after the divine resemblance. ¹⁰ from the same mouth shall blessing and cursing proceed? this ought not to be practis'd, my brethren; ¹¹ does a fountain throw up salt water and fresh, by the same conveyance? ¹² can a fig-tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine figs? no more can the sea yield water that is fresh.

¹³ Whoever is a skilful moralist, let him show by his virtuous conduct, that he practises the humble precepts of wisdom. ¹⁴ but if envy and contention imbitter your minds, don't think your false pretences can stand against the truth: ¹⁵ such wisdom is not derived from heaven; but is terrestrial, sensual, demoniacal. ¹⁶ where false zeal, and a spirit of contention reign, there confusion and every vice prevail. ¹⁷ but wisdom deriv'd from heaven is first dispassionate, then pacific, equitable, and obsequious: full of beneficence, and all social virtue, free from partiality, and hypocrisy. ¹⁸ they who cultivate peace, enjoy the reward of their virtue.