3. A Truth of Expressions, whereby we speak of things according to what we think, know, or believe. Now when our Apprehensions of things are not right, that's Error or Mistake; which is a Fault and Sin in us, if it be about things which ⟨p. 138⟩we ought to know, or pretend to know. As for Example, when you conceive that such a Commodity (which by your Calling you should have Knowledge in) is good, when indeed it is not. But then, when our Expressions agree not with our Apprehensions, That's a Lie, and is a far greater fault, because it's voluntary: So that every Mistake is not a Lie, every concealing the Truth is not a Lie; every doubtful Speech is not a Lie; every Parable or Fable, such as That Judg. 9. is not a Lie; every rehearsing of a Lie is not a Lie; though a Man may so rehearse it, as to make it his own. But, a Lie is the voluntary falsifying of the Truth; and it is aggravated when it is joined with an intent to deceive. Truth is like the Sun, a Lie is the eclipse of it, it puts out the Eye of Truth. But of this afterward. At the present this is sufficient, That every Man in his Calling should judge of things as they are, and should (when he is called to it) speak of them according to such his Judgment: and this is called Veracity, whereby a Man speaketh the Truth in his Heart, as it is Psal. 15. 2. neither adds nor diminishes; neither depreciates a Commodity, or puts Colours upon it, will neither affirm a thing or deny it, when he knows the contrary; and this he doth out of Conscience to God, and out of Love to Truth. And this is sufficient for the Description of it,
3. A Truth of Expressions, whereby we speak of things according to what we think, know, or believe. Now when our Apprehensions of things are not right, that's Error or Mistake; which is a Fault and Sin in us, if it be about things which ⟨p. 138⟩we ought to know, or pretend to know. As for Example, when you conceive that such a Commodity (which by your Calling you should have Knowledg in) is good, when indeed it is not. But then, when our Expressions agree not with our Apprehensions, That's a Lie, and is a far greater fault, because it's voluntary: So that every Mistake is not a Lie, every concealing the Truth is not a Lie; every doubtful Speech is not a Lie; every Parable or Fable, such as That Judg. 9. is not a Lie; every rehearsing of a Lie is not a Lie; though a Man may so rehearse it, as to make it his own. But, a Lie is the voluntary falsifying of the Truth; and it is aggravated when it is joyned with an intent to deceive. Truth is like the Sun, a Lie is the eclipse of it, it puts out the Eye of Truth. But of this afterward. At the present this is sufficient, That every Man in his Calling should judge of things as they are, and should (when he is called to it) speak of them according to such his Judgment: and this is called Veracity, whereby a Man speaketh the Truth in his Heart, as it is Psal. 15. 2. neither adds nor diminishes; neither depreciates a Commodity, or puts Colours upon it, will neither affirm a thing or deny it, when he knows the contrary; and this he doth out of Conscience to God, and out of Love to Truth. And this is sufficient for the Description of it,
