23 Aug. 1812

Evidence Introd

False [...?]

Ch.14

'. [...?] of Verity

'. Rule of verity - its importance and odiousness

On the subject of official recordation one rule, thich by the aspect of a nugatory one and which not being nugatory involves in /that/ it matter of fact which to every mind not rendered callous by habitual vice /the habit of/ vitious habit/ will present itself as pregnant with the severest satire, as these following viz.

On no account in any official Book suffer any statement in relation to any matter of fact whatsoever suffer any statement to be made which at the to be introduced or if introduced to remain any the least particle of known falshood

Saving the narrowly extending and rarely exemplified case where to avoid serving the purpose of hostility by correct representation, silence or temporary misrepresentation may be neccesary, ther exists not that instance in which substitution of falshood to truth can be condusive to any useful purpose; nor of improbity or imbecility on the part of any man can there be more conclusive proof than the disposition to advocate either the creation or the peservation and continuance of a system of false entries in every book of office.

Though against official falsehood is comprizeable in as few words as the commandment of Mosaical law /[...?]/ Moses's law/ against stealing: Say, thou shalt not lie, and among those whom we were are expected to conform to as patterns, as well are forced to obey as rulers, in Westminster Hall and Sommerset Place, will be practised with about as much practical effect, as would the commandment against a Sermon on the text of Render to Caesar the things that are caesars of [...?] in [...?] lower on the sea coast, as the commandment is against stealing, if preached upon Dyot Street or Field Lane,