A short instruction for to arm all good Christian people against the pestiferous errors…A short instruction for to arme all good Christian people agaynst the pestiferous errours…

¶ The seventh Article of Swearing.

¶ The seuēth Article of Swerynge.

WE be this far agreed touching an oath, that it is a confirmation which ought to be done only in the name of God, and in truth not in lying, after the commandment of ⟨image 40⟩law, but to Christian men all other are forbidden by the Lord Jesus Christ.

WE be this farre agreed touchynge an oth, that it is a confirmation whiche oughte to be done onely in the name of God, and in truth not in liyng, after the commaundemente of ⟨image 40⟩lawe, but to chistian men all other are forboden by the Lorde Iesus Christe.

☞ The confutation.

At the first show it appeareth that there is no evil in this Article. We see at this day the world sore given to oaths, there is no good heart, which is not grieved to see the name of God thus contemned: by which it is brought to pass that every oath, what so ever it be, is become odious. More over there is a certain appearance, in these words of our saviour Jesus, which they do allege that all oaths in general are forbidden, and it appeareth true, if a man do not take good heed unto the senses. But touching the first part, it is true that such an enorm and dispraise worthy dissolution and licence, as is now adays in the world, in the matter of oaths, ought exceedingly to displease us. And it were much better, not to swear at all then so vainly to swear for every cause, or rather without cause. Notwithstanding we must note this, that the mean to reprehend & correct an abuse, is not to mingle & confound it with the good use, to condemn indifferently the one and the other together. There is now adays an excessive pomp and superfluity among many in eating and drinking: chiefly in their banquets, drunkenness, which is a villain & dishonest vice, doeth now a days reign in many people. If a man for to reprove these abuses would wholly condemn