On Evil Speaking

Thou whose good providence first join'd In bands of kindred all mankind, Give me the grace to know, That when I censure with my tongue, I censure my own mother's son, For thou hast told me so.

This knowledge if thy goodness deign, Then from a crime shall I refrain, So hateful to mankind: When, prone myself to many a fault, Of others with harsh judging thought, I do not speak my mind.

But if those others, not like me, Taught to conceal the faults they see, My fault or folly blaze; Thy gospel shall my bosom cheer, Since they who're spoken ill of here, Shall surely have thy praise.