Doct. That lying, especially a way or course of lying, should be far from God's people.
David begs the removal of it, as most inconsistent with the temper and sincerity of a child of God. E.Kamine —
1. What is lying?
2._ Upon what_ grounds this should be fiir from a child of God?
First, What is lying? Ans. Lying is when men wittingly and willingly, and with purpose to deceive, signify that which is false by gestures or actions, but especially by words. The matter of a lie is a falsehood; but the formality of it is with an intention to deceive; therefore a falsehood is one thing, a lie another. Then we lie when Ave not only do or speak falsely, but knowingly, and with purpose to deceive. Now this may be done by gestures, as when a scoruer coun- terfeiteth the posture of one that is praying, or as when David feigned himself to be distracted, scrabbling upon the doors of the gate, spitting upon his beard, 1 Kings xxi. 1 ; and in the pagan story Junius Brutui was taxed for feigning himself a fool to save himself from Tarquin. Aquinas saith gestures are a sign by which we discover our minds. But because these are but imperfect signs, and speech is the usual instrument oi commerce, therefore in words do we usually vent this sin. Now in our words we are said to lie two ways— assertorily or promissorily.
1. Assertorily, in a matter past or present, when one speaketh that as false which he knoweth to be true, and that as true which he knoweth to be false, ^ which is called speaking with a double heart in scripture : rs. xii. 2. 'With a heart and a heart;' that is, when we have one
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heart to furnisli the tongue with wliat is false, and another heart to conceive of the matter as it is. An instance of this falsehood in our iissertions, or untrue relating of things done, is Ananias and Sapphira, who brought part of the money for which he sold his possession, instead of the whole ; therefore, Acts v. 3, ' Why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie unto the Holy Ghost, in keeping hack part of the price ?' It was a lie, because there was a false assertion in saying that it was the whole ; and it was a lie to the Holy Ghost, partly as being pretended to be done by his motion when they were acted by Satan, counterfeiting spiritual actions ; or a lie against the Holy Ghost, because the Holy Ghost, being last in order of the persons, is fitly represented as conscious to our ways and the workings of our hearts : it is in condescension to us, because it is most conceivable to us to reflect upon him as knowing our hearts, and all the workings of our souls : Eom. ix. 1, 'I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost \' and when the psalmist speaks of hiding himself from God, he saith, ' Whither shall I flee from thy Spirit?' Ps, cxxxix. 7. Or else a lie to the Holy Ghost, because of his presidency and superintendency over church affairs : Acts xiii. 2, ' The Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them ;' and Acts xx. 28, ' Take heed to the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers.' Now, because this was an ecclesiastical or church case, therefore they are said to lie to the Holy Ghost, as one that is to supply Christ's })lace. It was not the sin against the Holy Ghost, but a lie against the Holy Ghost,
2. Promissorily we lie when we promise things we mean not to perform. This is a great sin. Paul spent the great part of a chapter to excuse himself, because he was necessitated by providence to break promise of coming to Corinth, 2 Cor. i. 16-18. It was grievous to him tliat he should seem to use lightness, and not make good his word, though he were hindered by the providence of God. Vain and empty promises, wherein we make a great show of kindness to others, without any intent to perform, is a great sin : Prov. xix. 22, ' The desire of a man is his kindness ; and a poor man is better than a liar.' What is the meaning ? Some read it, that which is desired of a man is kindness : you come to a man in power and great place, and beg his favour in such a business and request, and they are too apt to promise you. Ay ! but a poor man is better than a liar ; you shall find among these great men very little faith. The desire of a man is his kindness, or that which a man should do in a great and high condition is to show 3'ou kindness. But now many that covet the praise and reputation of it, are very forward in promises, but fail in performance ; therefore a poor man that loves you, and is an honest neighbour, and will do his best, is a surer friend and a thousand times better than such lying great men, that only give you good words, and sprinkle you with court holy water. Now there is a lying to men, and a lying to God.