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…

Answ. We need not use much Curiosity in Distinctions: For, we conceive them all to be simply unlawful. 1. Because none of these are God, and swearing is a Peculiar piece of his Worship, Deut. 6.13. And swearing by any thing what ever it be, which is not God, is condemned, Jer. 5.7. They ⟨p. 128⟩have sworn by those who are not Gods. 2. Because we cannot invocate any of these, and therefore cannot swear by them, seeing an Oath carrieth along with it, an Invocation of him we swear by. 3. Because they want these Properties due to such, to whom this Worship belongeth. As 1. Omniscience, to try whether we mean as we have sworn or not. 2. Omnipotency. And 3. Justice to avenge, if it be not so as we have sworn. 4. Sovereignty, to call the Swearers to a Reckoning. 4. Because it would derogate from the Scope of this Command, which giveth this to God alone, as his due, and implieth, that he alone hath all these Properties in him. 5. Because such Oaths are expressly Prohibited by Christ, Matth. 3.34. Swear not all, neither by Heaven nor Earth; For, they stand in an Inferior Relation to God, and are his Servants. 6. Because as none of these things are God to take Order with us if we swear falsely; so none of them are so ours, as we can lay them in Pledge, for the least Change to be made upon them, in Case our Oath be not true; none of them can be added unto or diminished from by us. We cannot make one of our Hairs Black or White; and therefore ought not to swear by our Head; much-less can we quiet our Conscience, or increase our Faith, that we should so freely swear by these. That place Mat. 5.36. cleareth this: For that of Mat. 23.16, 17. &c. speaketh of the Obligation of an Oath sinfully made, as to that manner of swearing, which yet still bindeth: but it warranteth not the making of such Oaths.

Answ. We need not use much Curiosity in Distinctions: For, we conceive them all to be simply unlawful. 1. Because none of these are God, and swearing is a Peculiar piece of his Worship,