Christian Theology - Media Sabda Org

his own account; carefully listen to his own explanation; and, if possible,
let the matter be finally settled, that Satan may not gain advantage over
either.
The grand maxim of the Roman law and government, to condemn no
man unheard, and to confront the accusers with the accused, should be a
sacred maxim with every magistrate and minister, and among all private
Christians. How many harsh judgments and uncharitable censures would
this prevent! Conscientiously practised in all Christian societies,
detraction, calumny, tale-bearing, whispering, backbiting,
misunderstandings, with every unbrotherly affection, would be
necessarily banished from the church of God.
THE NINTH COMMANDMENT.
Against false testimony, perjury, lying, and deceit.—Not only false
oaths to deprive a man of his life or of his right, are here prohibited; but
also all whispering, tale-bearing, calumny, and slander, where the object
is to bring the neighbour to pain, loss, or punishment. In a word, whatever
is deposed as a truth, which is false in fact, and tends to injure another in
his body, goods, or influence, is against the spirit and letter of this law.
What is a lie? It is any action done or word spoken, whether true or
false in itself, which the doer or speaker wishes the observer or hearer to
take in a contrary sense to that which he knows to be true. It is, in a word,
any action done or speech delivered with the intention to deceive, though
both may be absolutely true and right in themselves.
Do not deceive each other; speak the truth in all your dealings; do not
say, "My goods are so, and so," when you know them to be otherwise; do
not undervalue the goods of your neighbour when your conscience tells
you that you are not speaking the truth. "It is naught, it is naught, saith the
buyer; but afterward he boasteth;" that is, he underrates his neighbour's
property till he gets him persuaded to part with it for less than it is worth;