A plain and familiar exposition of the eleventh and twelfth chapters of the Proverbs…A plaine and familiar exposition of the eleuenth and twelfth chapters of the Prouerbes…

Secondly, no man exerciseth the truth at any time conscionably but by the spirit of trueth, and that directing mens hearts at other times in matters of less weight, will not fail them at their greatest need, when they are to perform a duty of so great importance: and so on the other side Satan hath the disposing of their tongues that give themselves to lying: he is their father, he teacheth them their trade, and tasketh them in their work, and they be wholly at his commandment: and who doubteth but that he will command them to be on his side, and to take against the truth so far as the knowledge of the truth shall make against his practises?

Secondly, no man exerciseth the truth at any time conscionably but by the spirit of trueth, and that directing mens hearts at other times in matters of lesse weight, will not faile them at their greatest neede, when they are to performe a duetie of so great importance: and so on the other side Sathan hath the disposing of their tongues that giue themselues to lying: he is their father, he teacheth them their trade, and tasketh them in their worke, and they be wholy at his commaundement: and who doubteth but that he will commaund them to be on his side, and to take against the truth so farre as the knowledge of the truth shall make against his practises?

Use. Instruction, for them that would not fall to false witness bearing, that would not incur the displeasure of God, and hazard the loss of their own credit, that they acquaint themselves with true speaking in all their words, so as it may be familiar with them when they are in any cause to be disposed: that they deal soundly in the company of few, lest they show their ⟨p. 161⟩falsehood in presence of many: that they hate all lying among the meanest, and thereby avoid it among the greatest. 2. To judges, and magistrates, and all ministers of justice, that they be very circumspect, so far as in them is, what manner of persons they admit for Jurors, and Quest-men to deliver up verdicts: or to be accusers, or witnesses for giving in of evidence: and well to sift the testimony of them that are wont to fail of fidelity, lest as they use to fill mens ears with untruths, so they also defile the place of judgement with perjury, and uniustice. How many righteous men may a few such deceivers turn out of the right way? what wrong may they offer, what hurt may they do, what mischief may they work both in oppressing them that are innocent, and clearing of the wicked?