The law unsealed

There are also to be observed these Tacit or Express Conditions in all Promissory Oaths, (and sometimes it is fit to express them, and sometimes not;) If God will, and if nothing intervene to hinder, Jam. 4. If I live, and health permit. As much as in them lieth, they shall aim at it, if some impossibility intervene not. 3. So far as the fulfilling of this▪ shall be Lawful; for it can only tie to Lawful things, and Lawful means and courses; and this is especially to be understood of Indefinite Oaths. 4, While things stand so; but if the Case alter Essentially, and ⟨p. 85⟩men turn Enemies to the Kingdom or Common-wealth, to whom we were by Oath obliged, to give or sell some-what that we know would be made use of, to the Probable ruin or hazard thereof; then its not in our power, Salvâ potestate superioris.

There are also to be observed these Tacite or Express Conditions in all Promissory Oaths, (and sometimes it is fit to express them, and sometimes not;) If God will, and if nothing intervene to hinder, Jam. 4. If I live, and health permit. As much as in them lyeth, they shall aim at it, if some impossibility intervene not. 3. So far as the fulfilling of this▪ shall be Lawful; for it can onely tye to Lawful things, and Lawful means and courses; and this is especially to be understood of Indefinite Oaths. 4, While things stand so; but if the Case alter Essentially, and ⟨p. 85⟩men turn Enemies to the Kingdome or Common-wealth, to whom we were by Oath obliged, to give or sell some-what that we know would be made use of, to the Probable ruine or hazard thereof; then its not in our power, Salvâ potestate superioris.

It may be asked, How we shall judge of Indefinite Oaths; such as Soldiers give to their Officers, to be obedient to them; or of Oaths in things which are indistinct, and the matter not obvious, as Oaths in Colleges, Incorporations, Towns, &c. Where the things sworn are Complex.