What is required in the ninth commandment? That I bear false witness against no man, [329] nor falsify any man's words; [330] that I be no backbiter, nor slanderer; [331] that I do not judge, nor join in condemning any man rashly, or unheard; [332] but that I avoid all sorts of lies and deceit, as the proper works of the devil, [333] unless I would bring down upon me the heavy wrath of God; [334] likewise, that in judgment and all other dealings I love the truth, speak it uprightly and confess it; [335] also that I defend and promote, as much as I am able, the horror and good character of my neighbour. [336] Footnotes: [329] Prov. 19:5, 9; Prov. 21:28. [330] Ps. 15:3; Ps. 50:19, 20. [331] Rom. 1:29, 30. [332] Matt. 7:1, 2; Luke 6:37. [333] John 8:44. [334] Prov. 12:22; Prov. 13:5. [335] 1:Cor. 13:6; Eph. 4:25. [336] 1:Pet. 4:8. |