DIY History | Transcribe | Civil War Diaries and Letters | Sewell Van Alstine diary, 1863-1864

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Note, page 2

98  & is on our lips, ready to drop out before we are aware; whereas a lie is sometimes troublesome to make, & sets invention upon the rock, one trick wants many more to make it good. Proverb: The truth is not to be spoken at all times: which simply means, that we are never officiously or gratuitously, to utter offensive truths; not that truth is to be withheld when it is required, it is an immutable principle, a divine command, as much as Thou Shalt not steal;  what constitutes lieing; Answer: the intention to deceive. By the violation of that moral & religious precept, which every one claims a right to do, according to his wishes, by telling lies of courtesy, & convenience it loses its restraining power, & leads to the universal falsehood which prevails. In God I have put my trust, Why should I fear what man can do unto me O Lord, be my Protector, and in this peril let me run under the shadow of thy wing, then I will fear no evil

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98 & is on our lips, ready to drop out before we are aware; whereas a lie is sometimes troublesome to make, & sets invention upon the rock, one trick wants many more to make it good. Proverb: The truth is not to be spoken at all times: which simply means, that we are never officiously or gratuitously, to utter offensive truths; not that truth is to be withheld when it is required, it is an immutable principle, a divine command, as much as Thou Shalt not steal; what constitutes lieing; Answer: the intention to deceive. By the violation of that moral & religious precept, which every one claims a right to do, according to his wishes, by telling lies of courtesy, & convenience it loses its restraining power, & leads to the universal falsehood which prevails. In God I have put my trust, Why should I fear what man can do unto me O Lord, be my Protector, and in this peril let me run under the shadow of thy wing, then I will fear no evil