The main principles of Christian religion in a 107 short articles or aphorisms, generally…

Expl. 77. The scope and drift of this Commandment most directly and expressly is the preservation of truth, but in subordination to the preservation of love to our neighbour, there being nothing that doth tend more to the violation of this affection, than the belying of him. The general duty therefore which this Commandment requires in reference to our neighbour is to speak the truth in love, yet more particularly as this Command is broken, so it is to be kept both inwardly and outwardly: (1.) Inwardly, and then it doth require (1) love, both to the truth and to our neighbour; because this twofold love is a good means for the preservation of our neighbours good name. (2.) An high and just value and esteem of our neighbours credit and reputation. (3.) Charitable thoughts concerning him, 'till we have grounds to the contrary. (4.) Willingness to hear well, and unwillingness to hear ill of him. (5.) A hearty rejoicing at good, and sorrowing for evil reports of him. (2dly,) Outwardly, is required, (1) Silence concerning our neighbour, or the not revealing of secrets, ⟨p. 128⟩when either his good name, or a mans own good conscience is in danger to be prejudiced thereby; for to reveal a secret (where the concealing of it is not either much to the damage of others, or of the party who would have it kept a secret) would be a violation both of Christian fidelity, and of humane society, and of the laws of friendship. (2.) Here is outwardly required our just defence of our neighbour, by speaking well of him, (1) so far as the truth of the matter will bear it. (2) As we have a fit opportunity. And (3) a due call to speak on his behalf, but especially in witness bearing before a Magistrate; for in such a case a man is to say the whole truth, or all that is material (even in circumstances themselves) for the just vindication of his neighbours good name; and nothing but the truth, not that which is partly true and partly false. (2.) To do (as well as speak) what we can according to our place and capacity, and to use our utmost interest for his defence, though there might be something of pains, charge, or hazard in such Christian and neighbourly endeavours. (3.)

Expl. 77. The scope and drift of this Commandment most directly and expresly is the preservation of truth, but in subordination to the preservation of love to our neighbour, there being nothing that doth tend more to the violation of this affection, than the belying of him. The general duty therefore which this Commandment requires in reference to our neighbour is to speak the truth in love, yet more particularly as this Command is broken, so it is to be kept both inwardly and outwardly: (1.) Inwardly, and then it doth require (1) love, both to the truth and to our neighbour; because this twofold love is a good means for the preservation of our neighbours good name. (2.) An high and just value and esteem of our neighbours credit and reputation. (3.) Charitable thoughts concerning him, 'till we have grounds to the contrary. (4.) Willingness to hear well, and unwillingness to hear ill of him. (5.) A hearty rejoicing at good, and sorrowing for evil reports of him. (2dly,) Outwardly, is required, (1) Silence concerning our neighbour, or the not revealing of secrets,