But there is a use of equivocal words which is lawful and necessary: (for human language hath few words which are not of divers significations.) As, 1. When our equivocal sense is well understood by the hearers, and is not used to deceive them, but because use hath made those words to be fit; as all metaphors are equivocal, and yet may be used. 2. When the equivocal sense is the most usual or obvious, and if it be not understood, it is through the hearer's fault or extraordinary dulness. 3. When a robber, or usurping tyrant, or any cruel enemy, that hath no authority to do it, shall seek to insnare my life by questions, I may lawfully answer him in such doubtful words, as purposely are intended to deceive him, or leave him ignorant of my sense, so be it they be not lies or false in the ordinary usage of those words. 4. And to such a person I may answer doubtfully, when it is apparent that it is a doubtful answer, and that I do it as professing that I will answer him no more particularly nor plainly, but will conceal the rest.
Quest. VI. Whether all mental reservation be unlawful?
Answ. This needeth no other answer than the former. If the expressed words be a lie, the mental reservation will not make them justifiable as a truth. But if the expressed words of themselves be true, then the mental reservation may be lawful, when it is no more than a concealment of part of the truth, in a case where we are not bound to reveal it.
But of both these cases I must refer the reader to what I have said about vows, part iii. chap. v. tit. 2, without which he will not know my meaning.
Quest. VII. May children, servants, or subjects, in danger, use words which tend to hide their faults?
Answ. 1. When they are bound not to hide the fault, they may not: which is, 1. When due obedience, or, 2. The greater good which will follow, require them to open it.
2. When they are not bound to open it, they may hide it by just means, but not by lies or any evil. In what cases they may hide a fault by just means, I shall here say no more to.
Quest. VIII. May I speak that which I think is true, but am not sure?
Answ. If you have a just call, you may say you think it is true; but not flatly that it is so.
Quest. IX. May I believe and speak that of another, by way of news, discourse, or character, which I hear reported by godly, credible persons, or by many?