BEARING FALSE WITNESS by F. M. BRAGG.

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 19, 1861

BEARING FALSE WITNESS.

By F. M. BRAGG.

In how many little ways this may be done. By a word, a look, an appearance, a slight insinuation. These may seem small acts to commit so great sin, but if the motive or design be to convey what is untrue, it must be an untruth of the worst kind. This way of bearing false witness sometimes becomes a habit. The victim to it is blinded to the sin. How necessary then that we look well to the motive of all our acts. The heart being naturally selfish, how easily may a fault be hid by an insinuation of another. It is more natural than to own a fault. Insinuations of any kind are ever of a doubtful meaning; better to express an idea by plain and pointed words, even; such can be met; such prevent a misunderstanding, and need not convey more than is desired.

Another way, perhaps no less common, of bearing false witness, is repeating something heard. Such do not think that repeating what others believe may be breaking the ninth commandment, and violating one of the first principles of the testimony of Jesus. In most cases we can know the truth if we wish. And in either case we should speak it to the accused, if any one. Would such go to the supposed offender instead of telling it to others, they would often find that repeating what they hear would be bearing witness to untruth. Perhaps this sin too frequently grows out of a secret desire to have the evil true. O that our prayer be that of the Psalmist, "Cleanse thou me from secret faults." May we that profess and love the truths of the third angel and the faithful and true Witness, live that prayer.

F. M. BRAGG.

Cambridge, Wis.