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Editorial
June 19, 1788
The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
A moral fragment decrying the suppression of truth by villains and despots, who respond to honesty with insolence, revenge, or imprisonment like the Bastille, while advocating that virtuous actions affirm one's character before God and man.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
A FRAGMENT.
" What the heart thinks the mouth speaks:"
BUT
"the truth ought not to be spoken at all times."
ADages.
GOOD GOD ! is there a virtue implanted in the breast of man, and is it dangerous to avow it ? Must the Father of Lies receive countenance and support from his enemies, because he cannot obtain their friendship by his artifice ? yet such are the false maxims of the present day and the degeneracy of human nature,that prudence oft-times dictates reserve ; for nothing is more grating to a villain than the TRUTH.
Admonish the unprincipled wretch, but instead of reforming he defends his character by insolence and poltroon bravadoes. Foil the assassin by unveiling his villainous schemes, and he marks you out a new victim for his dark revenge. Attempt to check the fraud and injustice of licentious despots, by speaking the truth, and they'll vindicate their honour by committing you to the Bastile.
Avauntye wretches! that thus defend your infamy ; one honest action done to a fellow, being from a good conscience, more fully establishes his character before God and man, than protestations, threats and gaols.
" What the heart thinks the mouth speaks:"
BUT
"the truth ought not to be spoken at all times."
ADages.
GOOD GOD ! is there a virtue implanted in the breast of man, and is it dangerous to avow it ? Must the Father of Lies receive countenance and support from his enemies, because he cannot obtain their friendship by his artifice ? yet such are the false maxims of the present day and the degeneracy of human nature,that prudence oft-times dictates reserve ; for nothing is more grating to a villain than the TRUTH.
Admonish the unprincipled wretch, but instead of reforming he defends his character by insolence and poltroon bravadoes. Foil the assassin by unveiling his villainous schemes, and he marks you out a new victim for his dark revenge. Attempt to check the fraud and injustice of licentious despots, by speaking the truth, and they'll vindicate their honour by committing you to the Bastile.
Avauntye wretches! that thus defend your infamy ; one honest action done to a fellow, being from a good conscience, more fully establishes his character before God and man, than protestations, threats and gaols.
What sub-type of article is it?
Moral Or Religious
What keywords are associated?
Truth
Virtue
Villainy
Despotism
Honesty
Moral Degeneracy
What entities or persons were involved?
Father Of Lies
Despots
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Virtue Of Truth Speaking Against Vice
Stance / Tone
Moral Exhortation Defending Honesty
Key Figures
Father Of Lies
Despots
Key Arguments
Virtue In Man Makes Avowing Truth Dangerous Due To Villains' Reactions
Prudence Dictates Reserve As Truth Grates On Villains
Admonishing The Unprincipled Leads To Insolence Rather Than Reform
Unveiling Assassins' Schemes Invites Revenge
Opposing Despots' Fraud Results In Imprisonment Like The Bastille
Honest Actions From Good Conscience Establish Character More Than Threats Or Jails