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…

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 ⟨image 40⟩the use of wine, and all good meats, should it not be a blaspheming of god, so to vituperate and reprove the good creatures, which he hath destined to our use. As much or more is it of an oath. The Lord hath ordained it to confirm and ratify the truth, when there is need thereof. Such a manner of swearing turneth is his honour double. Because that by that means charity is continued among men, and the trueth, which he hath in singular recommendation, is maintained: & forasmuch as it is done for the only testimony of the trueth, in doing thereof men give unto him one of the principal honours which he requireth. And in deed, it is expressed in the law, that a true and lawful oath, is a kind of honour which is done unto him by his people. For even as he commandeth that we should invocate & call on him only, even so he commandeth that we should swear by his name. And the prophets crying our against Idolatry, make often mention, that men have sworn by strange Gods: