Christian Theology - Media Sabda Org

and when he has thus got it, he boasts what a good bargain he has made.
Such a knave speaks not truth with his neighbour.
A liar has always some suspicion that his testimony is not credited, for
he is conscious to his own falsity, and is therefore naturally led to support
his assertions by oaths.
To pretend much love and affection for those for whom we have
neither; to use toward them complimentary phrases, to which we affix no
meaning, but that they mean nothing, is highly offensive in the sight of
that God by whom actions are weighed and words judged.
THE TENTH COMMANDMENT.
Against covetousness.—The covetousness which is placed on
forbidden objects is that which is here prohibited and condemned. To
covet in this sense is intensely to long after, in order to enjoy, as a
property, the person or thing coveted. He breaks this commandment who
by any means endeavours to deprive a man of his house, or farm, by some
underhand and clandestine bargain with the original landlord; what is
called, in some countries, "taking a man's house and farm over his head."
He breaks it, also, who lusts after his neighbour's wife, and endeavours
to ingratiate himself into her affections by striving to lessen her husband
in her esteem: and he also breaks it who endeavours to possess himself
of the servants, cattle, &c., of another, in any clandestine or unjustifiable
manner.
By covetousness many lives and many souls have been destroyed; and
yet the living lay it not to heart! Who fears the love of money, provided
he can get riches? Through the intensity of this desire, every part of the
surface of the earth, and, as far as possible, its bowels, are ransacked to
get wealth; and God alone can tell, who sees all things, to how many
private crimes, frauds, and dissimulations, this gives birth; by which the
wrath of God is brought down upon the community at large! Who is an
enemy to his country? The sinner against his God. An open foe may be