,
that there were occasions where a harmless falsehood might not only be
pardonable, but laudable. But then she allowed, that a falsehood to be
allowed, must be inoffensive."

Mr. Stanley said, "that an inoffensive falsehood was a perfect anomaly.
But allowing it possible that an individual instance of deceit might be
passed over, which, however, he never could allow, yet one successful
falsehood, on the plea of doing good, would necessarily make way for
another, till the limits which divide right and wrong would be
completely broken down, and every distinction between truth and
falsehood be utterly confounded. If such latitude were allowed, even to
obtain some good purpose, it would gradually debauch all human
intercourse. The smallest deviation would naturally induce a pernicious
habit, endanger the security of society, and violate an express law of
God."

"There is no tendency," said Sir John Belfield, "more to be guarded
against among young persons of warm hearts and lively imaginations. The
feeling will think falsehood good if it is meant to _do_ good, and the
fanciful will think it justifiable if it is ingenious."

Ph[oe]be, in presenting her father with a dish of coffee, said in a half
whisper, "Surely, papa, there can be no harm in speaking falsely on a
subject where I am ignorant of the truth."

"There are occasions, my dear Ph[oe]be," replied her father, "in which
ignorance itself is a fault. Inconsiderateness is always one. It is your
duty to deliberate before you speak. It is your duty not to deceive by
your negligence in getting at the truth; or by publishing false
information as truth, though you have reason to suspect it may be false.
You well know who it is that associates him that _loveth_ a lie, with
him that _maketh_ it."

"But sir," said Miss Sparkes, "if by a falsehood I could preserve a
life, or save my country, falsehood would then be meritorious, and I
should glory in deceiving."

"Persons, madam," said Mr. Stanley, "who, in debate, have a favorite
point to carry, are apt to suppose extreme cases, which _can_ and _do_
very rarely if ever occur. This they do in order to compel the
acquiescence of an opponent to what ought never to be allowed. It is a
proud and fruitless speculation. The infinite power of God can never
stand in need of the aid of a weak mortal to help him out in his
difficulties. If he sees fit to preserve the life, or to save the
country, he is not driven to such shifts. O