364 CHRISTIAN MORALITY, viz. [SEEM. X%I[. ever ready to allure or affright us from the paths of holi- ness : we have need therefore of powerful motives to en- force every duty upon our practice. In the first discourse on this subject, we have heard the nature and extent of that truth or sincerity which the gospel requires. In the second we have considered what obligations are discovered by the light of nature to be faithful, upright and constant in our words and our ways ; and what additional motives the religion of Christ has furnished us with, topractise the same virtues ; and may the good Spirit ofGod make our souls feel the power of them. _ But nature is dark, as well as feeble. We are unskil- ful in the matters of holiness, and knów not how to se- cure our virtue, and to guard ourselves from temptation to the contrary vice, unless we are informed by particu- lar directions. I begun this work at the end of the last discourse. And as truth was divided into three parts, viz. veracity, faithfulness, and constancy; so I pro- posed to give special rules for the preservation of each of them. The directions to preserve our veracity, were these : I. Be well persuaded in your minds, that a known and wilful lie 'is utterly unlawful: Let your heart be es- tablished in this doctrine ; for a slight conviction may be easily overcome by some advantageous circumstances, and the temptation will soon prevail. M. Be sober, modest, and cautious in the manner of your speech, and do not allow yourself in those ways of expression which border upon lying; .for if you often accustom your tongue to venture near a lie, you will be in danger sometimes of falling into it. 3. Take care to do nothing that you need to he ashamed of, that so you may not be under the tempta- tion ofa lie to cover or excuse it. 4. 'Watch against the violence ofany passion; for this will sorely endanger the veracity of your lips. Passion will carry your judgment beyond the truth of things, and then it will soon awaken your tongue to an extravagance of language, even beyond the present irregular judgment of the mind. I persuaded you there to beware of blind and fiery zeal, and more especially in mattersofsniall importance,
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