And surely in such a kind of asseveration there is great equity: for albeit it be unlawful to swear by creatures, least Gods honour and power should be attributed unto them: yet thus far may we use them in an oath, as to make pledges, and as it were cognisances of Gods glory.
The performance of an oath, is on this manner. If the oath made be of a lawful thing, it must be performed, be it of much difficulty, great damage, and extorted by force of him that made it. Psal. 15.4. He that sweareth to his own hinderance and changeth not, he shall dwell in Gods tabernacle. Yet may the Magistrate, as it shall seem right and convenient, either annihilate or moderate such oaths.
Contrarily, if a man swear to perform things unlawful, and that by ignorance, error, or infirmity, or any other way, his oath is to be recalled. For we may not add sin unto sin. 1. Sam. 25.21. And David said, Indeed I have kept all in vain, that this fellow had in the wilderness, &c. vers. 22. So and more also do God unto the enemies of David: for surely I will not leave of all that he hath, by the dawning of the day, any that pisseth against the wall. vers. 33. David said, Blessed be thy counsel and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood; and that mine hand hath not saved me. 2. Sam. 19.23. David promiseth that Shimei should not die: but 1. King. 2.8,9. David saith to Solomon, Though I sware so, yet thou shalt not count him innocent, but cause his hoar head to go down to the grave with blood.
V. Sanctification of Gods creatures and ordinances, the which is a separation of them to an holy use. Thus ought we to sanctify our meats and drinks, the works of our calling, and marriage.
The means of this sanctification are two: Gods word, and prayer. 1. Tim. 4.4. All which God hath created is good, and nothing must be rejected, if it be received with thanksgiving: for it is sanctified by the word and prayer.
By the word we are instructed; first, whether God alloweth the use of such things, or not: secondly, we learn after what holy manner, in what place, at what time, with what affection, and to what end we must use them. Heb. 11.6. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Psal. 119.24. Thy testimonies are my delight, they are my counsellors. Josh. 22.19,29. 1. Sam. 15.23.
Prayer, which sanctifieth, is petition and thanksgiving.
And surely in such a kind of asseueration there is great equitie: for albeit it be vnlawfull to sweare by creatures, least Gods honour and power should be attributed vnto them: yet thus farre may we vse them in an oath, as to make pledges, and as it were cognisances of Gods glorie.
The performance of an oth, is on this manner. If the oth made be of a lawfull thing, it must be performed, be it of much difficultie, great dammage, and extorted by force of him that made it. Psal. 15.4. He that sweareth to his owne hinderance and changeth not, he shall dwell in Gods tabernacle. Yet may the Magistrate, as it shall seeme right and conuenient, either annihilate or moderate such othes.
Contrarily, if a man sweare to performe things vnlawfull, and that by ignorāce, error, or infirmitie, or any other way, his oth is to be recalled. For we may not adde sinne vnto sinne. 1. Sam. 25.21. And Dauid said, Indeede I haue kept all in vaine, that this fellow had in the wildernes, &c. vers. 22. So and more also doe God vnto the enemies of Dauid: for surely I will not leaue of all that he hath, by the dawning of the day, any that pisseth against the wall. vers. 33. Dauid said, Blessed be thy counsell and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from comming to shedde blood; and that mine hand hath not saued me. 2. Sam. 19.23. Dauid promiseth that Shimei should not die: but 1. King. 2.8,9. Dauid saith to Salomon, Though I sware so, yet thou shalt not count him innocent, but cause his hoare head to goe downe to the graue with blood.
V. Sanctification of Gods creatures and ordinances, the which is a separation of them to an holy vse. Thus ought we to sanctifie our meates and drinks, the works of our calling, and marriage.
The meanes of this sanctification are two: Gods word, and prayer. 1. Tim. 4.4. All which God hath created is good, and nothing must be reiected, if it be receiued with thanksgiuing: for it is sanctified by the word and prayer.
By the word we are instructed; first, whether God alloweth the vse of such things, or not: secondly, we learne after what holy manner, in what place, at what time, with what affection, and to what end we must vse them. Heb. 11.6. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Psal. 119.24. Thy testimonies are my delight, they are my counsellers.
