The law unsealed

A 3d. Quest. is▪ What is to be judged concerning Asseverations: such as, In Conscience, good Faith, as I shall answer, &c. as I am a Christian; as I have a S•u• ⟨image 57⟩to be saved, and such like? Answer 1. We think, there is no Question, but if these were rightily, and in the due manner made use of▪ they might be lawfully used, as Scripture cleareth. 2. Yea, we think▪ If any Oaths be made use of, these would first be used; and a man may be called to use one of these, when he is not, directly to swear. 3. Therefore▪ we think they cannot be used, but in necessity when less will not serve, and should be used with Fear, Reverence, Understanding, and the other Qualifications: And that therefore they sin, who in Common Discourse, rashly and vainly use them, which we conceive to be forbidden here; and when they are not Conscientiously used, they lead men to a greater Degree of the sin, here discharged: as we see some begin with Asseverations, then idle Oaths; and then Imprecations, as Peter sinfully did, Mat. 26. Reason 1. All these Asseverations are reductively Oaths, and imply the contrary imprecations in them. Thus, Let me not be esteemed a Christian, nor have a Soul to be saved; which must relate to God for executing these; therefore, being indirect Oaths, they ought to be used as Oaths, and belong to this Command. 2. Because the very end of any vehement Asseveration, is to confirm what is said, further, then an ordinary Assertion can: Now in so far, it is an Oath; it being proper to an Oath, to confirm what is spoken, and seeing it agreeth with an Oath in the Essentials, they must be materially one, though Asseverations, be pronounced in another Form. 3. Vain Asseverations, are against that Rule, Mat. 5 37. Jam. 5. 12. Let your Communication be Yea, Yea, and Nay, Nay, and what-ever is more (i• ordinary Communication) is Evil: And it cannot be denied but this is more, and therefore needless and sinful. 4. We do not find Asseverations, such as My Conscience beareth me witness, to be used (warrantably) by Saints in Scripture; but with great Reverence, even almost in such things as they used to confirm by Oaths; therefore Swearing is often joined with them,