Question 78

What Commandment forbiddeth that which is prejudicial to the truth?

The ninth.

What do you mean by that which is prejudicial to the truth?

That which doth wrong the truth, or hinder the knowing of it.

Is lying then, or speaking falsly, equivocating, or speaking doubtfully, to the wronging of truth, or justice, and the perverting, and undue concealing of the truth here forbidden, because these are are prejudicial to the truth, and hinder its being known?

Yes.

May we not lye for our own advantage, or to cover our faults, or for good ends?

No.

Is all truth to be spoken at all times?

No.

May untruths be spoken at any time?

No.

Doth this Commandment forbid whatsoever is injurious to our own good name?

Yes,

What do you mean by being injurious to our good name?

That which doth hurt, or wrong our good name.

May we lay our selves open to contempt, and give occasion unto others to despise us?

No.

Must we avoid the appearance of evil in things that be of an evil report?

Yes.

May we speak or do that which is injurious to our neighbours good name?

No.

Is it forbidden in this Commandment, causlesly to entertain jealousies, and evil surmises of others; to speak evil of them behind their backs, to receive or spread evil reports of them, to carry tales, or countenance and hearken to tale-bearers?

Yes.

And to rail at, and revile others, and put misconstructions upon their carriage and actions, and to scoff at them?

Yes.

May we rejoice in their falls, and aggravate their sins, extenuate their graces, and lessen their praises?

No.

And are all these forbidden, because they do hinder our neighbours good name?

Yes.