random whisper, or drive forward a flying tale; they ought not, eagerly to catch at an opportunity of hurting, or add weight to a blow which may, perhaps, be undeserved.
It may happen, indeed, that a calumny may be supported by such testimony, and connected with such probabilities, as may deceive the circumspect and just; and the reporter, in such cases, is by no means to be charged with bearing false witness; because to believe and disbelieve is not in our power; for there is a certain degree of evidence, to which a man cannot but yield. He, therefore, who is deceived himself, cannot be accused of deceiving others, and is only so far blamable, as he contributed to the dishonour or prejudice of another, by spreading his faults without any just occasion, or lawful cause. For to relate reproachful truths, only for the pleasure of depressing the reputation of our neighbour, is far from being innocent. The crime, indeed, doth not fall under the head of calumny, but only differs from it in the falsehood, not in the malice.
There is another occasion made use of, by which, if this fault should escape from censure, many others might enjoy the same advantage. It is urged by some, that they do not adopt the tale, till it is generally received, and only promote what they cannot hinder. But how must wickedness be controlled, if its prevalence be a reason for compliance? Is it equitable and just to coalesce with oppressors, because they are already too powerful for the injured to resist? Thus any man might vindicate rebellion, by affirming that he did not join with the rebels, till they were already numerous enough to dethrone their prince. Thus a man may exempt himself from blame, for betraying his trust, and selling his country, by alleging that others had already sold it, and he only entered into the combination, that he might share the reward of perfidy. But it requires few arguments to show the folly of such pleas as these. It is the duty of every man to regulate his conduct, not by the example of others, or by his own sur-
