334 CHRISTIAN MORALITY, V. [SEAM. XX/ a picture -is said to be true, when it is conformable tà the face and figure of the person : So a copy of any writing is true, when it is conformable to the original. Soa narrative or h"istoryis true, when it describes matters fairly as they were transacted, and tells the circum- stances just as they are. And that is true doctrine which is conformable to the word of God, which is the rule and standard of divine truth. But none of these agree to the design of my text. For the apostle here is describing moral characters, and the duties of a christian. Truth in this place is not so much to be considered as seated in the understanding, as it is in the will: It signifies here integrity and uprightness, in opposition to hypocrisy, insincerity, or moral false- hood. And there are three things that make up the per- fect character of truth or integrity :. 1. Thatour words be conformable- to our hearts. . That our deeds be conformable to OUT words. 3. That our whole carriage be conformable to itself, and consistent with itself at all times; and in all places. 1. The first thing wherein this virtue consists, is in the conformity of our words to our hearts. This is some- times called veracity, sometimes sincerity ; a necessary duty that`-belongs to every christian ; and that in all the affairs of life. We must be sincere in all relations of matters' of fact; in all the narratives or accounts we give either of persons, or things, in all our discoveries of OUT esteem for other men, and in all our professions of love and good-will-t0 others. Whatsoever we speak, it ought to be agreeable to the sentiment of our souls. Let us first consider what is that truth that is required in relating matters of fact, and narratives concerning things or persons. This is what Solomon it entions ; Prot. xii. i 7. He that speaketh truth, sheweti, forth righteousness; but a false witness deceit. In the xv-th Psalm, ver. it is the character of one of those who shall inhabit the holy mountain of God, that he not only worketh righteousness, but he speaketh the truth in-his heart. That which he thinks in his heart to be true, he clothes it in words; and -thus delivers it out to his fellow- creatures. The apostle in Eph. iv. 25, makes mention of the "same duty, and presses it upon those to whom he writes : Whereforeputting away lying, speak every man
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