Edwards on slandering
Object. But must we, in no case, speak evil of another; or may we not speak of another’s sin in any case?—
Solution 1. It is a very hard matter to speak evil of another without sin.—In one way or another, we shall dash upon the command: better let it alone.—If you speak of the failings of another, it should be with tenderness and grief; as, when they are incorrigible, and likely to infect others; or when it is for the manifest glory of God.—To them that receive the slander, he is a slanderer, who wrongs his neighbour’s credit, by upholding an ill report against him.
The Works of Jonathan Edwards. Volume I. His diary: Saturday noon, July 20.
My sincere apologies for the lack of updates. I have been occupied reading "non-puritan" books, especially C.J. Mahaney's new book: Humility - True Greatness.