A20760:113
Four treatises tending to dissuade all Christians from four no less heinous then common…Foure treatises tending to disswade all Christians from foure no lesse hainous then common…
Four treatises tending to dissuade all Christians from four no less heinous then common sins; namely, the abuses of swearing, drunkenness, whoredom, and bribery. Wherein the greatness and odiousness of these vices is discovered; and the means and remedies, which may either preserve, or wean men from them, are propounded. Whereunto is annexed a treatise of anger. By John Downame Bachelor in Divinity, and preacher of Gods word.Foure treatises tending to disswade all Christians from foure no lesse hainous then common sinnes; namely, the abuses of swearing, drunkennesse, whoredome, and briberie. Wherein the greatnes and odiousnesse of these vices is discouered; and the meanes and remedies, which may either preserue, or weane men from them, are propounded. Whereunto is annexed a treatise of anger. By Iohn Dovvname Batcheler in Diuinitie, and preacher of Gods word.
London: printed by Felix Kyngston for William Welby, 1609
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.
The fourth cause of vain swearing is external, namely,1 the suspicion and incredulity of others, who will not believe a bare assertion or promise, unless it be confirmed with an oath: for the removing whereof we are to observe the Apostles practise, endeavouring to have alway a clear conscience, not only towards Gods but also towards men.2 For if we walk unblameably in our lives and conversation, if we so highly value truth that we will sell it at no rate, if we keep touch and observe our promises, not only when they are aduantageable, ⟨p. 44⟩but also when they be to our own hindrance, our word even in weighty businesses will be credited, and need no superior testimony or confirmation.
The fourth cause of vaine swearing is externall, namely,1 the suspition and incredulitie of others, who will not beleeue a bare assertion or promise, vnlesse it bee confirmed with an oath: for the remouing whereof we are to obserue the Apostles practise, indeuouring to haue alway a cleere conscience, not only towards Gods but also towards men.2 For if we walk vnblameably in our liues and conuersation, if wee so highlie value truth that wee will sell it at no rate, if wee keepe touch and obserue our promises, not onely when they are aduantageable, ⟨p. 44⟩but also when they be to our owne hindrance, our word euen in waightie businesses will be credited, and need no superiour testimonie or confirmation.