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. There is a Civil lawful good Matter; such as Duties to Superiors, or to make some Obligation we owe to others forthcoming; or to return and requite such a Particular good Turn to one. Such are Oaths of Allegiance to Lawful Superiors: Such did the Spies swear to Rachab […] • 12, &c. And David to Jonathan: and that these are Lawful, having ••e Qualifications, cannot […].

2. There is a Civil lawful good Matter; such as Duties to Superiours, or to make some Obligation we owe to others forthcoming; or to return and requite such a Particular good Turn to one. Such are Oaths of Allegiance to Lawful Superiours: Such did the Spyes swear to Rachab 〈…〉 • 12, &c. And David to Jonathan: and that these are Lawful, having ••e Qualifications, cannot 〈…〉.

3. There are somethings indifferent; as Eating, or abstaining from such and such Meats or Drinks, or on such and such days: and although the thing be not simply unlawful, yet Oaths therein would be engaged in, with much Prudence, on such Grounds, and with such Qualifications and Conditions, as may •ake it appear, the Swearer is not using the Name of God unnecessarily, and that he cannot otherwise gain his Point: Nor Superstitiously to make it appear, that he doth not bring his Conscience under a Yoke of Will-Worship. One of which ways ordinarily men fail, in these Oaths; and so they are neither to Gods Honour, nor others good: and therefore such Oaths are either rarely to be engaged in, or not at all.

3. There are somethings indifferent; as Eating, or abstaining from such and such Meats or Drinks, or on such and such days: and although the thing be not simply unlawful, yet Oaths therein would be engaged in, with much Prudence, on such Grounds, and with such Qualifications and Conditions, as may ake it appear, the Swearer is not using the Name of God unnecessarily, and that he cannot otherwise gain his Point: Nor Superstitiously to make it appear, that he doth not bring his Conscience under a Yoak of Will-Worship. One of which wayes ordinarily men fail, in these Oaths; and so they are neither to Gods Honour, nor others good: and therefore such Oaths are either rarely to be ingaged in, or not at all.