Chapter I: Preface

THE Bible ranks truthfulness among the cardinal virtues. Perfect veracity is a prominent element of a good character, lying at the foundation of permanent success and of enviable fame. Yet, from the prevalence of a passion for the marvellous, the temptations are numerous in our age and country to the practice of the arts of deception.

The thought of these exposures of the young has recently revived my early recollection of the excellent treatise on lying, by Mrs. Opie, a book which I read in childhood with the liveliest interest, and which has deepened my conviction of the desirableness of a work expressing similar sentiments, but more fully illustrated and enforced by the teachings of the Bible.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I. FIRST LESSONS IN LYING

CHAPTER II. GRIEF OVER YOUNG LIARS

CHAPTER III. ONE LIE LEADS TO ANOTHER

CHAPTER IV. TROUBLE FROM LYING

CHAPTER V. THE LIAR DETECTED

CHAPTER VI. FASHIONABLE LIES

CHAPTER VII. SCHOOL LIES

CHAPTER VIII. THE LIAR ABANDONED

CHAPTER IX. THE FATHER OF LIES

CHAPTER X. THE LIAR'S DEATH

CHAPTER XI. LYING CURED

CHAPTER XII. LIES OF MALIGNITY

CHAPTER XIII. LIES OF POLITENESS

CHAPTER XIV. LIES OF TRADE

CHAPTER XV. LIES OF CONVENIENCE

CHAPTER XVI. LIES OF AUTHORSHIP

CHAPTER XVII. LYING CONTAGIOUS

CHAPTER XVIII. PARTY LIES

CHAPTER XIX. THE ART OF LYING

CHAPTER XX. LIES ABOUT RELIGION

CHAPTER XXI. CLERICAL LIES

CHAPTER XXII. REWARD OF TRUTHFULNESS

CHAPTER XXIII. END OF TRUTH AND OF LYING

WHITE AND BLACK LIES.