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9th. The ninth commandment concerns truth of speech; the great means of intercourse between man and man, and of preserving the rights, and redressing the disorders of human society; forbidding all falsehood of speech, under the name of bearing false witness, Exod. xx. 16.

Have I at all times, in all things spoken the truth from my heart? giving testimony, in public or private, by word or writing, of things concerning mine own or neighbour's name, credit, life, chastity, goods, or in any matters of speech between me and others, whether in affirming, denying, with or without oath, or in any bare reports, promises, or in any other way?

Or am I not guilty of telling lies jestingly, officiously, or perniciously? Have I not raised, spread, or received false reports of my neighbour? Have I not spoken falsely in buying and selling; also in commending by word or writing unworthy persons, dispraising the good, in boasting of myself, or flattering of others?

Have I not given false evidence, used equivocations, or concealed the truth which I should have spoken, or perverted it when I did speak it?

10th. The tenth commandment concerns contentment with a man's own condition; the foundation of all order and justice amongst men; forbidding the contrary, namely, coveting that which is not his, Exod. xx. 17.

Am I contented with mine own condition, as, with my place which I hold in family, church, or commonwealth, with husband or wife, house or estate? Can I heartily rejoice in the prosperity of others, even when they are greater, happier, wiser, or better than myself?

Or have I not been full of discontent with my condition, coveting after something or other which was my neighbour's? at least by actual concupiscence, in multitude of evil and envious thoughts, arising from