A direction for the government of the tongue according to Gods word

If the trueth which we affirm or deny be doubtful or contingent, then such clauses as these (It is so, or it is not so as I think, as I remember, as I take it) ⟨p. 54⟩are to be added. If one shall say, It is so, and afterwards it prove otherwise, he receiveth discredit, because he spake an untruth. But if he shall say, I think it is so, though it fall out otherwise, yet he saveth his credit, because he deceiveth not, but only is deceived.

If the trueth which we affirme or denie be doubtfull or contingent, then such clauses as these (It is so, or it is not so as I thinke, as I remember, as I take it) ⟨p. 54⟩are to be added. If one shall say, It is so, and afterwards it proove otherwise, hee receiveth discredite, because he spake an untrueth. But if he shall say, I thinke it is so, though it fall out otherwise, yet he saveth his credite, because he deceiveth not, but onely is deceivrd.

An asseveration is, when one doeth vehemently affirm or deny any thing. This is not to be used at every word: but then only when a trueth of greater importance is to be confirmed. When the false prophets among the Jews and the Priests would not believe that Jeremiah was sent of God: what saith he? not simply,¹ The Lord hath sent me: but, In trueth the Lord hath sent me. Our Saviour Christ, when he used to speak any weighty matter, used to say, Amen, Amen, Verily, Verily, which is a plain asseveration: for Amen is more then a simple affirmation, and it is less then an oath, as the very sense of the word doth import: which is no more, but Truly, Certainly.

An asseveration is, when one doeth vehemently affirme or deny any thing. This is not to be used at euery worde: but then onely when a trueth of greater importance is to be confirmed. When the false prophets among the Iewes and the Priestes would not beleeve that Ieremie was sent of God: what saith he? not simply,