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…

Adjurations differ thus from Oaths, that by an Oath we bind our selves to do or forbear somewhat, or to tell truth; by Adjurations we bind others by interposing the Name of God for commanding, charging, persuading to do or forbear such a thing, and implying, if not expressing some threatening or curse if it be not done or forborne: There are three sorts of these in Scripture, 1. When men adjure men. 2. When they adjure Devils. 3. When they adjure unreasonable Creatures, as Serpents, &c. To each of these, a word.

Adjurations differ thus from Oaths, that by an Oath we bind our selves to do or forbear somwhat, or to tell truth; by Adjurations we bind others by interposing the Name of God for commanding, charging, perswading to do or forbear such a thing, and implying, if not expressing some threatning or curse if it be not done or forborne: There are three sorts of these in Scripture, 1. When men adjure men. 2. When they adjure Devils. 3. When they adjure unreasonable Creatures, as Serpents, &c. To each of these, a word.

As to the 1. We say that men may sometimes adjure other men in matters weighty, suitable, and necessary to be done, when it is rightly gone about, and not in passion or for self ends, but soberly, gravely, and singly, for the glory of God immediately, or mediately by another's good being interposed; so, many examples confirm, and so necessity requireth, that when regard to men doth not suitably weigh that such a desire be put home to the Conscience from respect to God and his Authority, who is Witness and will Judge; this some way sifteth a man before God, and so may prove a good means, through his blessing, to make the man serious; which sort of adjurations may be distinguished thus.

As to the 1. We say that men may somtimes adjure other men in matters weighty, sutable, and necessary to be done, when it is rightly gone about, and not in passion or for self ends, but soberly, gravely, and singly, for the glory of God immediately, or mediately by anothers good being interposed; so, many examples confirm, and so necessity requireth, that when regard to men doth not sutably weigh that such a desire be put home to the Conscience from respect to God and his Authority, who is Witness and will Judge; this some way sifteth a man before God, and so may prove a good means, through his blessing, to make the man serious; which sort of adjurations may be distinguished thus.