Orthodox Study
Various Church Fathers

Section 2

Moral Treatises of St. Augustin — translated by ANF/NPNF editors

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¶1

2. Setting aside, therefore, jokes, which have never been accounted lies, seeing they bear with them in the tone of voice, and in the very mood of the joker a most evident indication that he means no deceit, although the thing he utters be not true: touching which kind of discourse, whether it be meet to be used by perfect minds, is another question which we have not at this time taken in hand to clear; but setting jokes apart, the first point to be attended to, is, that a person should not be thought to lie, who lieth not.

Translated by ANF/NPNF editors. Edition ccel.npnf103.division.v.en.

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