The Ninth Commandment (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

The Ninth Commandment (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

The Ninth Commandment is Section XLII of The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction, Michael Ferrebee Sadler's 1872 expansion of the Church Catechism in question-and-answer form.

Summary

This section applies the commandment against false witness to truthfulness in speech, judgment, reputation, and testimony. Sadler warns against lying, slander, rash judgment, and gossip.

Sadler's Text

Sadler's catechetical treatment of this topic is anchored in the statement, "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour." He further explains the section by saying, "Yes; it is broken by evil speaking, lying and slandering; as when we falsely attribute to any one some crime or weakness, or when we wilfully exaggerate the faults or failings of others."

Theological Themes

• Truthfulness
• Reputation
• False witness
• Charitable judgment

Scripture References

The following references are representative biblical texts used or implied in this section of Sadler's catechetical exposition:

• Exodus 20:16
• Matthew 7:1
• 1 Peter 4:8
• 2 Thessalonians 3:11
• 1 Timothy 5:13
• Revelation 21:8

Anglican Context

This section belongs to Sadler's treatment of the baptismal promise to keep God's commandments. It is connected with the Decalogue in the Church Catechism and with the use of the commandments in Anglican moral and liturgical instruction. Sadler's treatment reflects nineteenth-century Church of England catechesis and should be read as a historical Anglican source alongside current provincial formularies and catechetical resources.

See Also

• The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction
• Ten Commandments
• Church Catechism
• Anglican Ethics
• Book of Common Prayer