Busie-bodies and Intermedlers, are a Dangerous sort of People to have to
do withal; for there’s no Mischief that may not be wrought by the Craft
and Manage of a Double Tongue, with a Foolish Credulity to work upon.
There’s hardly a greater Pest to Government, Conversation, the Peace
of Societies, Relations and Families, then Officious Tale-bearers, and
Busie Intermedlers. These Pick-thanks are enough to set Mankind together
by the Ears; they live upon Calumny and Slander, and cover themselves
too under the Seal of Secresie and Friendship: These are the People that
_set their Neighbours Houses on Fire to Roast their own Eggs_. The Sin of
Traducing is Diabolical, according to the very Letter; and if the Office
be Artificially Manag’d, ’tis enough to put the whole World into a Flame,
and no body the Wiser which way it came. The Mischief may be promoted, by
Mis-representing, Mis-understanding, or Mis-interpreting our Neighbours
Thoughts, Words and Deeds; and no Wound so Mortal as that where the
Poison works under a Pretence of Kindness. Nay, there are ways of
Commendation and Insinuations, of Affection and Esteem, that Kill a Man
as sure as a Gun. This Practice is the Bane of all Trust and Confidence;
and it is as frequent in the Intrigues of Courts and States, as in the
most Ordinary Accidents of Life. ’Tis enough to break the Neck of all
Honest Purposes, to Kill all Generous and Publick-Spirited Motions, and
to stifle all Honourable Inclinations in the very Conception. But next to
the Practice of these Lewd Offices, Deliver all Honest Men from lying at
the Mercy of those that Encourage and Entertain them.