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I. ITS IMPORTANCE. He who begins by loving Christianity better than truth will proceed by loving his own sect better than Christianity, and end in loving himself better than all.

(Coleridge.)

II. ITS VALUE. The liar is like the wrecker of old, who by the false light of misrepresentation would lure his unwary victim to injury or destruction. The truthteller is like the skilful pilot, who, acquainted with all the features and practices of the coast, keeps the ship, it may be for the time being far out on the stormy sea, but conducts it eventually with safety into port.

III. THE CONFIDENCE IT DOES AND SHOULD INSPIRE. Account that man thy friend who desires thy good rather than thy good will.

(Bishop Hall.)Talent is by no means rare in the world, nor is even genius. But can the talent be trusted? Can the genius? Not unless based on truthfulness. It is this quality more than any other that commands the esteem and respect, and secures the confidence of others.

(S. Smiles.)Am I therefore become your enemy... truth. Speaking of the want of any real self-sacrifice in the "general actions of charity! of Christians," Gordon says, "I say it is the fault of the preachers not speaking out. You need not come to Africa for the martyr's crown; there are plenty to be given in England. Speak out, and you will find sharper pricks than you will get from the native lances, and plenty of poison to envenom the wound."

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KJV: But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

WEB: But it is always good to be zealous in a good cause, and not only when I am present with you.