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1. EIther are they figuratively spoken, and so no lyes. 2. If lyes not to be imitated, for we must consider not what is expressed in fact, but what is signified in sence; for it is no lye in speech, when one word is put for another, as in Metaphors and other Tropes, neither is it in matter, when ••ne thing is signified by another.
2. Neither are they lyes which are mentioned in Scripture, if they be spoken figuratively, or if they were lyes they are not to be imitated, no more then was Davids murder and adultery.
3. They are condemned by way of comparison not absolutely.
4. Concerning the excuse of the Midwife and of Rahab, their fallacy was not rewarded in them, but their mercy, the benignity of their minde, not the iniquity of their lying.
Therefore by that straight charge and Commandement of God,* 1.1 Thou shalt not beare false witnesse, men are warned to take heed of lying, and speaking untruths under what pretence soever, and that for these foure causes.
1. Because lying maketh men like to the Devill, for as God is truth, and all that love the truth are the children of God; so they that use lying are the children of the Devill, for he is a lyar, and the father of lyes, Joh. 8. 44. he told the first lye that ever was made in the world, when he said to Eve, Ye shall not dye, &c.
2. Because humane society and intercourse is by this meanes dissolved, for how can one man trust another, if lying and disse••∣ling should be used; this reason the Apostle urgeth, Eph. 4. 25. Cast away lying, and let every man speake truth to his neighbour, for we are members one of another.
3. Because the lyar looseth his credit, that he cannot be belee∣ved, no not when he telleth the truth, as Eccle. 34. 4. Who can be cleansed by the uncleane, or what truth can be spoken of a lyar?
4. We must take heed of lying, for it destroyeth the soule, Wisd. 1. 11. The mouth that lyeth slayeth the soule.
Four reasons why we ought not to l••e.