Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/269

a true Israelite, in whom there was no guile. And John i., "Therefore let us imitate him in not cursing, nor rendering malediction for malediction, but reserve the tongue for blessing. Thus shall it become the pen of a ready writer—that is, of the Holy Spirit suddenly pouring forth its gifts." According as it is said, "Suddenly a noise was heard in heaven." So 2 Pet. i., "He who would see happy days let him keep his tongue from evil; and his lips that they speak no guile:" that is, man ought not to murmur within himself, nor act outward evil, so shall he enjoy quietness in this life, and in the future eternal rest. For the first prevents the out-breaking of reproachful words to the injury of his neighbours; and it is the beginning of eternal peace. So the Psalmist, "I will sleep and repose in peace." For as the tongue of a good and quiet man is directed by the power of God; so the tongue of a malicious person is ministered unto by evil spirits. As it is written, "In our garden grows a white thorn, upon which the birds rest." By this garden we should understand the mouth, surrounded