A69235:131
A treatise against lying Wherein is showed what it is, the nature and causes…A treatise against lying Wherein is shevved vvhat it is, the nature and causes…
A treatise against lying Wherein is showed what it is, the nature and causes of this sin, the divers kinds of it; and that all of them are sinful, and unlawful, with the motives and means to preserve us from it, or to cure us of it. By John Downame, B. of D. and preacher of Gods Word.A treatise against lying Wherein is shevved vvhat it is, the nature and causes of this sinne, the divers kindes of it; and that all of them are sinfull, and unlawfull, with the motives and meanes to preserve us from it, or to cure us of it. By John Dovvname, B. of D. and preacher of Gods Word.
London: printed by Felix Kyngston for Nicolas Bourne, 1636
Title page typeset from the transcription.
A TREATISE AGAINST THE SIN OF LYING. › Chapter 11A TREATISE AGAINST THE SINNE OF LYING. › Chapter 11
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
IN the last place it may be demanded, 1whether a modest lye be lawful, either when we deny those gifts, graces and good parts, in whole or in part which we know to be in us, or accuse our selves of those sins and imperfections, of which we know that we are guiltless and innocent, either altogether, or else in respect of that measure and degree which we lay to our own charge; seeing this is a notable means to curb and subdue our pride, arrogancy and insolency, and to nourish and increase humility, which is a grace most acceptable unto God. To which I answer, that when we are to deal with God, and to humble our souls before him in the unfeigned acknowledgement of our sins and wants, imperfections and corruptions, it may be lawful and profitable to aggravate them even with hyperbolical expressions, out of a godly jealousy of our selves, because our hearts are so wicked 2and deceitful above all things that none can know them, nor search the gulf of corruption and sink of sin to the bottom; and because we have in us naturally the seeds of all wickedness and flagitious impieties, which are ready to sprout and to bring forth their cursed fruit upon all occasions, if they be not checked and nipped with Gods grace and holy Spirit; so that we do not wrongfully accuse our selves of those gross acts of sin; as murder, ⟨p. 105⟩adultery, drunkenness and the like, of which our consciences in the sight of God do clear and acquit us; because hereby we give glory unto God, magnifying his mercy and bounty, who hath forgiven unto us such great debts, and because we do also exercise our repentance and increase our sorrow for sin and work our hearts to a true hatred of it; according to that of the Prophet: Then shall 3ye remember your own evil ways and your doings that were not good, and shall loath your selves in your own sight for your iniquities and abominations. But when we have to deal with men, we must speak the truth, as we in our understanding conceive of it, as well of our selves, as of other men; and though we ought for the most part modestly to conceal those things which concern our own praises, and may to the full lay open our wants and infirmities when just occasion shall be offered;