Alexandria Gazette, Commercial And Political

The Modern Lay-Preacher.
NO. VII.

The words of a Tale-bearer are as wounds. -- Proverbs.

Amid the numerous petty vices which infest and contaminate Society, perhaps there is none in the whole catalogue of fashionable follies, more dangerous, than that of tale-bearing. It is a venomous reptile perfectly invisible, in all circles of life, and therefore can be seldom caught or destroyed. It secretly destroys the peace of families; and with a besom, that is intangible to its victims, spreads desolation and distress in every quarter.

Although it does not accord with the original plan of those short discourses to observe the rhetorical or technical rules of Sermons, yet we are tempted on this subject to imitate our modern Pulpit Preachers; and shall therefore, speak of Tale-bearing under the following heads; and

1stly. Of that species of tale-bearing which violates private confidence. A breach of faith is most emphatically termed a multiplied falsehood; because it involves in its commission all the degrees of moral turpitude of which an individual can be guilty. It is in fact, breaking the tables of the Commandments at a single blow. The bosom of a friend is frequently made the depository of concerns of the highest importance to the communicant. It is made so, often, to relieve the anguish of an almost bursting heart; and at other times, to assuage, by the power of sympathy, the persecutions or adversities of the world. How cruel, how unnatural, must be that person, who would incautiously unfold the solemn secret committed to his charge?--Alas! we too often find that the strongest ties of temporal affection, even in these extreme cases, are suddenly burst asunder, by this unconquerable propensity for tale-bearing. And it is truly said by the enlightened and inspired writer on this subject; .. that a brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city; and their contentions are like the bars of a castle."

2dly. Tale-bearing, altho a diminutive vice in some respects, is frequently a monster of great magnitude. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue," says Solomon; so perfectly convinced was he of the mischievous and deadly effects of inconsiderate language. She has a tongue that can undo a world."

There is no society, let its circle be ever so limited, or its members ever so refined, without something; nay incautiously or hastily drop from their lips which it would be unpleasant or painful to have repeated abroad. Caught up by the "tale-bearer," he carries the expression, like a firebrand about him: and, wherever he chooses, sets fire to all the angry or jealous passions of his associates. desolating thereby the peace of innocent families, spreading wild contention among former friends --Against such men, it is wisdom as well as prudence, to raise up your hands; & to shut against them the doors of your houses-They are more dangerous than the midnight thief, or noon-day robber. These may rifle you of your property. or perhaps attack your life; but this . tale bearer" will "take from you your good name," "make you poor indeed." -and scatter strife and confusion in all your walks of life. "A wicked messenger falieth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health."

When honor once is sullied
Not weeping mercies e'er can keep it clear."

Lastly--There is a species of "tale-bearing" which proceeds from vacuity of mind more than from a criminal disposition to do mischief :--and this, though of an inferior degree of turpitude, often endangers, nay frequently commits the peace of families. The garrulity of the superannuated, or the frivolity of the young, sometimes hurries them into incautious relations of rumors ; or of facts which had better not have been disclosed. Sometimes, merely to fill a gap in conversation, the young will be tempted to repeat an idle slander; and the old, believing they will thereby interest their hearers, will expatiate on and magnify the scandal, till a serious domestic explosion takes place, giving "wounds" alike to the innocent and the guilty. "A faithful witness will not lie; but a false witness will utter lies."