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…

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 ⟨p. 127⟩from such words and expressions as are used. 2. That the expressions be according as they are supposed to be understood by others, especially him that exacteth the Oath; for if he mean one thing, and we another, God's Name is profaned, and the end of an Oath frustrate; much more equivocations in expressions and mental reservations are to be condemned here; the first whereof taketh in Ambiguity in words; the second, a different sense in our thoughts from what seemeth to be meant in our words.

4. As to the expressions in which it is conceived, or the thing sworne; 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