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…

The case is indeed, as to Heathens, otherwise, who were never thus engaged, nor called to engage themselves; but, unto Christians it will be no excuse.

If it be replied that this is very hard; for then no Christian will be free of Perjury, nor have Peace. Answ. 1. I grant the ⟨p. 152⟩case is hard, and the Strait great; but it is such as sloweth from our own corruption in this, as in other duties and parts of holiness: for as the Law is holy, just, and good, Rom. 7. and is not to be blamed as accessary to our sin; so the Vow is holy, just, and good, and is not to be blamed, if in the circumstances right, because of our breach. 2. As I think, it is hard to keep our selves free of sin, even against light, so I think it is a difficulty to be kept free of this aggravation of sin, to wit, of committing it against our engagements; and therefore (as the manner of the People of God is) I think it safest to take with these aggravations of our sins, as chief parts of them (to speak so) and to take them with the rest to Jesus Christ, that we may obtain pardon of them through Him, and to maintain our peace rather by often washing our selves from the filth of breaking, than by pleading no breach at all. 3. Yet may Christians (even as in other duties of holiness) in their Vows and Promises to God, have peace, and say, in a Gospel-sense, We have not turned back from thee, nor dealt falsely in thy Covenant, as it is Psal. 44.17, 18. which certainly implieth not absolute holiness, or exact performance of all the Articles of the Covenant; but that 1. In the great and main Articles, they were honest, and did not put another God in his room to provoke him to Jealousy. 2. That they intended truly the keeping of all, and said nothing by their profession or engagements, which they minded not to perform. 3. That they had some testimony as to what was past, that they had in some measure walked according to their engagements, and had left nothing undone, at least willingly, and with approbation of themselves therein, that might have furthered them in keeping Covenant, but had stuck to Him in doing and suffering honestly; a man sincerely, and in the strength of grace studying this, may attain to such a testimony from his own Conscience, and to a good measure of peace; yea, a man that may have quietness in his performing duty upon the account of other ties, without engaging, may also come to have quietness in his engaging to it.