Pagina 797 van 1391

Whereas the lie in words is in certain cases useful and not

hateful; in dealing with enemies-that would be an instance; or

again, when those whom we call our friends in a fit of madness or

illusion are going to do some harm, then it is useful and is a

sort of medicine or preventive; also in the tales of mythology,

of which we were just now speaking-because we do not know the

truth about ancient times, we make falsehood as much like truth

as we can, and so turn it to account.

Very true, he said.

But can any of these reasons apply to God? Can we suppose that he

is ignorant of antiquity, and therefore has recourse to

invention?

That would be ridiculous, he said.

Then the lying poet has no place in our idea of God?

I should say not.

Or perhaps he may tell a lie because he is afraid of enemies?

That is inconceivable.

But he may have friends who are senseless or mad?

But no mad or senseless person can be a friend of God.

Then no motive can be imagined why God should lie?

None whatever.