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ANALYSIS OF THE CONTENTS.,

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CHAPTER III. The Observance of Truth.

The observance of truth is the chief of the personal virtues, and a disregardof it is among the most flagrant offences against manners, morals, and re-ligion, .181

Scriptural authorities on this subject cited and reviewed,.181

Importance of an adherence to truth tested by the consequences of general

and indiscriminate falsehood,.182

The chief cases in which truth is violated, reviewed,.183

1. When facts, reasonings, &c., are suppressed or omitted, with the know-ledge or belief, that any one will thereby be led into error, . . . . • 183

2. By speaking or writing with a view to produce a particular effect, but

without much regard to the truth of what is spoken or written, if it isfitted to accomplish the desired end,. 184

3. By the practice of repeating narratives and statements, without much or

any inquiry into their credibility, and without much regarding whetherthey are true or false,.186

4. Certain forms of expression usual in fashionable circles of society, seem

to be inconsistent with the sincerity of character and the simplicity anddirectness of intercourse, in which much of truth consists,.187

The case of a servant’s denying his master, examined,.188

CHAPTER IV. Oaths.

The use of oaths on solemn occasions, coeval with the dawn of history, . . 190

The forms of oaths, and the ceremonies accompanying their administration,

have been various in different ages and countries,.190

In respect to the form, the principle is now well established, that every manwhen admitted to an oath, shall be bound by the highest sanctions of his

own religion, .192

An oath is a religious act, —its signification explained,.192

History, argument, and experience combine to satisfy us of the efficacy of

oaths as securities for truth and integrity,.194

Complaints in regard to the abuse of oaths, have, during many years past,been frequent and general in England and the United States, .... 196Summary of the author’s sentiments on this part of the subject, .... 197The New British statute of the 9th of September, 1835, by which declarationsare very extensively substituted instead of oaths , solemn affirmations , andaffidavits, reviewed, and commended for imitation in the United States, 198Notice of oaths which are not binding, and of extra-judicial oaths, . . . 199

CHAPTER V. Observance of Promises.

The non-observance of promises is the next highest and most dangerous

infraction of good faith, after falsehood,.200

Difference between a promise and a declaration of intention, . . . • . 200

The meaning to be attached to a promise when its terms admit of more

senses than one,.202

The manner in which promises are affected by conditions,.203

Our obligation in respect not only to promises, but to declarations and evento our conduct, is measured by the expectations which we knowingly andvoluntarily excite,.204