Then, in addition to these great qualities, truth-telling in its
highest sense requires a well-balanced mind. For instance, much
exaggeration, perhaps the most, is occasioned by an impatient and
easily moved temperament which longs to convey its own vivid
impressions to other minds, and seeks by amplifying to gain the full
measure of their sympathy. But a true man does not think what his
hearers are feeling, but what he is saying.

More stress might be laid than has been on the intellectual
requisites for truth, which are probably the best part of
intellectual cultivation; and as much caused by truth as causing it.
{12} But, putting the requisites for truth at the fewest, see of
how large a portion of the character truth is the resultant. If you
were to make a list of those persons accounted the religious men of
their respective ages, you would have a ludicrous combination of
characters essentially dissimilar. But true people are kindred.
Mention the eminently true men, and you will find that they are a
brotherhood. There is a family likeness throughout them.


If we consider the occasions of exercising truthfulness and descend
to particulars, we may divide the matter into the following heads: -
-truth to oneself--truth to mankind in general--truth in social
relations--truth in business--truth in pleasure.


1. Truth to oneself. All men have a deep interest that each man
should tell himself the truth. Not only will he become a better
man, but he will understand them better. If men knew themselves,
they could not be intolerant to others.