sxR. RXII.] TRUTfi, 9INCfiRITY, &Cr 365 lest you should be tempted to tell lies for a pretended defence of the truth. The pious frauds, as they are call- ed, or the religious cheats that have been practised in christendom in all ages, have brought much dishonour to the gospel of Christ. The second part of truth is faithfulness, to our vows, promises; and solemn resolutions. This is a conformity of our deeds to our words, as the former was a con- formity of our words to our thoughts. And I come now to lay' down some rules how we may secure our faithful- ness, and maintainour conscience and conversation free from guilt or blame in this respect also. I. Be very cautious in all the promises, vows, and obligations, under which you lay yourself. Use a pious prudence in this matter, and it will be more easy to you to perform them. Do not multiply needless bonds upon your soul. Tne more care yo,u take before you utter any thingwith your lips, you will be more secure of fulfilling what your lips pronounce. In the case of vows, there is no inconvenience of so- lemn engagements to God to do what his law bath made your duty before. And this was the custom of the pri- mitive christians, as Pliny, a heathen acquaints us, that theymade vows, and swore in their secret meetings, not to commit murder, or theft, or adultery, or indulge 'vi- cious courses. It is good to remind ourselves of what God requires, and establish all our obligations to the ge- neral practice of holiness. But you had need be well advised before you make vows in matters that are indifferent; for many'times this has exposed persons to greater snares and difficulties. They have hoped to restrain the violence of natural appetites by means of their own devising; and thus they have been tempted to be unfaithful to God himself. The wOrd of Godgives us this advice, Eccles. v. 5, 6. Better is it that thou shouldst not vow, than that thou shouldst vow and not pay. Slifer not thy mouth to cause thy. flesh to sin, neither say thou be" fore the angel, it- was an error. Wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and de- stroy the works of thine own hands? That is, Do not hastily engage thyself in vows, such as the weakness of flesh and blood will not suffer thee to perform : Nor think of being absolved from thy own obligations in tbQ
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