A09432:440
A godly and learned exposition of Christs Sermon in the Mount
A godly and learned exposition of Christs Sermon in the Mount: preached in Cambridge by that reverend and judicious divine M. William Perkins. Published at the request of his executors by Th. Pierson preacher of Gods word. Whereunto is adjoined a twofold table: one, of special points here handled; the other, of choice places of Scripture here quotedA godly and learned exposition of Christs Sermon in the Mount: preached in Cambridge by that reuerend and iudicious diuine M. William Perkins. Published at the request of his exequutors by Th. Pierson preacher of Gods word. Whereunto is adioyned a twofold table: one, of speciall points here handled; the other, of choise places of Scripture here quoted
Cambridge : Printed by Thomas Brooke and Cantrell Legge, printers to the University of Cambridge, 1608Cambridge : Printed by Thomas Brooke and Cantrell Legge, printers to the Vniuersitie of Cambridge, 1608
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Yet men have their excuses for common swearing, as first that they1 swear the truth, and nothing else. But the truth of their oath cannot dispense2 with the commandment of God, forbidding all swearing in ordinary communication. Others that be more simple, say, they swear3 by good things. But that makes their sin the greater: for the goodness of a thing, doth aggravate the offence in the abuse thereof. Others say, that they can not be believed upon their bare word: Answ. But4 Christs commandment must not be broken, to win credit to our speeches; that credit is dear bought, which is got by panning the soul to the devil: God must be obeyed for the matter of our communication, though no man will believe us. Others, as Soldiers & young5 gallants, use to swear to testify their courage and gentry; these men show that they love the praise of men, more then the praise of God. But that will be found in the end but sorry reputation, which is gained by transgression; their glory will be their shame, and their end damnation, Philip. 3. 18. nay, their base minds and cowardliness are herein evident, that they glory in their slavish bondage unto sin and Satan. These excuses will not free men from the guilt of condemnation at the day of judgement: for common swearing is a shameful taking of Gods name in vain; now the Lord hath said, that he will not hold them guiltless, that take his name in vain. These therefore that have this way offended, must betime repent of this impiety, and learn to fear the name of God, making conscience of an oath, and let their communication be yea, yea, and nay, nay, as Christ commandeth. The wicked fact of Jezebel covering bloody impiety under hypocrisy, cin proclaiming a fast, when she would have Naboth slain for blasphemy, shows that the custom of those times was to have public humiliation for such sins, least the wrath of God should come upon the land. And when good king Hezekias heard the grievous blasphemy which Rabshakh uttered against the Lord,