Here I except jocose
arguments, which often produce much mirth; and serious disputes
between men of learning (when none but such are present), which tend
to the propagation of knowledge and the edification of the company.
Secondly, slander; which, however frequently used, or however savoury
to the palate of ill-nature, is extremely pernicious, as it is often
unjust and highly injurious to the person slandered, and always
dangerous, especially in large and mixed companies, where sometimes an
undesigned offence is given to an innocent relation or friend of such
person, who is thus exposed to shame and confusion, without having any
right to resent the affront. Of this there have been very tragical
instances; and I have myself seen some very ridiculous ones, but which
have given great pain, as well to the person offended, as to him who
hath been the innocent occasion of giving the offence.
Thirdly, all general reflections on countries, religions, and
professions, which are always unjust. If these are ever tolerable,
they are only from the persons who with some pleasantry ridicule their
own country. It is very common among us to cast sarcasms on a
neighbouring nation, to which we have no other reason to bear an
antipathy than what is more usual than justifiable, because we have
injured it; but sure such general satire is not founded on truth; for
I have known gentlemen of that nation possessed with every good
quality which is to be wished in a man or required in a friend.
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