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…

If it be asked Wherein it is that an Oath bindeth more than a Promise doth?

Answ. An Oath bindeth to nothing but what is in the Promise, but it bindeth more strongly, and so the sin is greater in breaking an Oath than a Promise; because not only our truth to men is engaged in the Oath, but our reverence and respect to God also, and his dreadful Name thereby notably taken in vain.

So then against this Doctrine of Oaths faileth perjury or forswearing, rash-swearing, indeliberate swearing, as in complements (as for instance, if one should swear he will not drink, or go before such another person): Solemn Oaths entered into, at Communions, at Baptism, or in, other lawful Covenants not performed; ah! how often are these broken, even in that which we might easily do? We so carry and keep to God as men could not but quarrel; irreverent swearing even in what is right; grossly profane swearing, as by Gods Soul, his Wounds, Blood, &c. Uncouth'd, strange, newly-coined and invented Oaths; no doubt by special help of the Devils art, Cursings, wherein the Devil is mentioned, and his aid implored for the execution of mens passionate and revengeful imprecations; yea, not being suitably affected with the Oaths of others, not admonishing them, nor seeking to recover them, not endeavouring by all requisite care the preventing of them, with-holding of instruction and correction when called for, and not procuring the erection of Schools, &c. may make many guilty of Oaths ⟨p. 141⟩they never heard, when they fall out in persons, whom it became them to teach and admonish, &c.

So then against this Doctrine of Oaths faileth perjury or forswearing, rash-swearing, indeliberate swearing, as in complements (as for instance, if one should swear he will not drink, or go before such another person): Solemne Oaths entered into, at Communions, at Baptism, or in, other lawful Covenants not performed; ah! how often are these broken, even in that which we might easily do? We so carry and keep to God as men could not but quarrel; irreverent swearing even in what is right; grosly prophane swearing, as by Gods Soul, his Wounds, Blood, &c. Uncouth'd, strange, newly-coin'd and invented Oaths; no doubt by special help of the Devils art, Cursings, wherein the Devil is mentioned, and his aid implored for the execution of mens passionate and revengeful imprecations; yea, not being sutably affected with the Oaths of others, not admonishing them, nor seeking to recover them, not endeavouring by all requisite care the preventing of them, with-holding of instruction and correction when called for, and not procuring the erection of Schools, &c. may make many guilty of Oaths