S.ERM. TRUTH, SINÇERITY, &C. 363 upon truth, even in relating matters of fact: and, as_Dr. Tillotsonwell expresses it, that the zealots of all parties have got a scurvy trick of lying for the truth ; though he confesses he has never observed any that would be so very fond of a false report, or hug and caress a lie as the papists have done. And I wish no protestant had ever followed their example. I should proceed now to lay down rules how persons may best preserve their faithfulness to vows or engage- ments ofany kind. Butthis must be reserved to the next discourse. HYMN FOR SERMONS XX. AND XXL CHRISTIAN MORALITY, viz. TRUTH, SINCERITY, &c. COMMON LET those whobear the christian name Their holy vows fulfil : The saints, the followers of the Lamb, Are men of honour still. True to the solemn oaths they take, Though to their hurt they swear ; Constant and just to all they speak, For God and angels hear. Still with their lips their hearts agree, Nor flattering words devise ; They know the God of truth can see Through every false disguise. METRE. They hate th' appearance of a lie, In all the shapes it wears; Firm to the truth ; and when they dit, Eternal life is theirs. Lo ! from afar the Lord descends, And brings the judgment down; He bids his saints, his faithful friends, Rise and possess their crown. While Satan trembles at the sight, And devils wish to die, Where will the faithless hypocrite, And guilty liar fiy ? SERMONXXII. CHRISTIAN MORALITY, viz. TRUTH, SINCERITY, &c, PRIMP. iv. 8. Whatsoever things are true, ----think on these things. WHEN we are ever so well informed in the nature of our duty, we still want arguments to make our consci ences feel the obligation. Flesh and blood are frail and sinful; grace is feeble and.imperfect in the present state ; temptations surround us in this lower world, and are
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