[Sidenote: Walker says: 'Carry even between adulation and soureness.']
Take care not to speak ill of any one or to gossip of other people's affairs. At the same time do not forget moderation in your praises.
(Dr. Toner thinks the last word of Rule 67 is written 'Commanding.' Sparks has 'commending.') 68th. Go not thither, where you know not, whether you Shall be Welcome or not. Give not Advice whth being Ask'd & when desired do it briefly
Chapter vii. 7. Ne vous ingerez pas dans les entretiens & les consultations, où vous ne serez pas asseuré d'estre le bien venu. Ne dites iamais vostre aduis des affaires que l'on ne vous l'ait demandé, si toutesfois vous n'estes le premier en authorité, & que ce ne soit point à contre-temps, ou sans apparence de quelque auantage. Quand vous en estes prié, abregez vostre discours, & prenez de bonne heure le noeud de l'affaire à demesler.
Do not force yourself into interviews or consultations at which you are not sure of being welcome. Never give your advice on matters when it has not been asked, unless you happen to be the highest in authority; and do not let it be done out of place or without prospect of any benefit. When your opinion is requested, be brief, and reach quickly the knot of the matter under discussion.
69th If two contend together take not the part of either unconstrained, and be not obstinate in your Opinion, in Things indiferent be of the Major side.
Chapter vii. 8. Si deux personnes out quelque chose à decider ensemble, ne prenez le party ny de l'vn, ny de l'autre, si quelque grãde raison ne vous y oblige. Ne soustenez pas vos sentiments auec vne trop grande obstination. Dans les matieres où les opiniõs sont libres, prenez tousiours le party qui est le plus appuyé.
[Sidenote: Walker says: 'Thrust not your self to be Moderator or Umpire in Controversies, till required']
If two persons have anything to decide between themselves do not take the part of either unless some pressing reason obliges you to do so. Do not maintain your ideas too obstinately. In matters in which opinions are free, always take the side which has the most support.
70th Reprehend not the imperfections of others for that belongs to Parents Masters and Superiors.