A practical exposition of the X. Commandments with a resolution of several momentous questions…A practical exposition of the X. Commandements with a resolution of several momentous questions…

2. The form must be By the true God, it being a peculiar part of his worship, for we can swear by none whom we cannot invocate, therefore Idols, Creatures, Graces, &c. are excluded here, for none of these are God.

2. The forme must be By the true God, it being a peculiar part of his worship, for we can swear by none whom we cannot invocate, therefore Idols, Creatures, Graces, &c. are excluded here, for none of these are God.

3. Its rise must be Edification, that is God's glory, our own vindication, or our Neighbours good, or the call of a Magistrate putting us to it; and it should be used for deciding of Controversies, when no other mean of clearing or deciding such a thing is remaining; hence we say, juratus fuit, he was Sworn passively; and the Hebrews have no active word for expressing it, to let us see men ought not to swear, but to be sworn, or by necessity pressed to it.

3. Its rise must be Edification, that is God's glory, our own vindication, or our Neighbours good, or the call of a Magistrate putting us to it; and it should be used for deciding of Controversies, when no other mean of clearing or deciding such a thing is remaining; hence we say, juratus fuit, he was Sworn passively; and the Hebrews have no active word for expressing it, to let us see men ought not to swear, but to be sworne, or by necessity pressed to it.

4. As to the expressions in which it is conceived, or the thing sworn; its required, not only that it be truth to, and in the mans meaning that sweareth, but that the expressions be plain and intelligible to his meaning and understanding, to whom the Oath is given; otherwise it deludeth, but doth not clear. Hence these two rules are to be observed. 1. That the meaning be so clear, as may be, and is most ordinarily and obviou y gathered