TRUTH VERSUS FALSEHOOD.
By Elliot C. Chapman
THE heathen philosopher Plato taught that "he may lie who knows how to do it in a suitable time."—Fathers of the Catholic Church, p. 16. This same principle of heathenism and wickedness was also maintained by some of the pillars of the Catholic Church, and is still a part of their theology. See "Fifty Years in the Church of Rome," pages 120–122. Mankind in general consider truth to be a virtue, so far as theory goes, yet, in traveling through this world of sin, one is often reminded that many of our fellow-beings are in practice disciples of Plato. Like a noxious weed that flourishes in the tropics, which upon the first disturbance immediately wilts, closes its leaves, and gives the lie to its existence, so the arch deceiver for nearly six thousand years has led the human heart to practice deception and to trust in its folly. Though philosopher, priest, and worldly wise men teach such doctrine till their hair is gray, and their earthly record is closed, though millions of Satan's slaves may practice deception till the devil has them forever his captives in the sinner's grave, yet the truth still stands, and the fearful words, "All liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death," are as beacon warning to all to keep off the rocks of falsehood. "The lip of truth shall be established forever; but a551lying tongue is but for a moment." Prov. 12: 19. "These are the things that ye shall do: Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbor; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates; and let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbor; and love no false oath; for all these are things that I hate, saith the Lord." Zech. 8: 16, 17. Papeete, Tahiti, March 30, 1894.