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…

In sum, This Command is broken these three ways, in reference ⟨p. 155⟩to such engagements; 1. In shunning to make them when we are called to it. 2. In not making them rightly. 3. In not performing of them when made; and it bindeth 1. Absolutely to many things which cannot come within the compass of ordinary infirmity. 2. To eschew all known sinful deeds, as Swearing, and what may be inductive to it, Drunkenness, unlawful Gaming, needless Contentions, &c. 3. To do all outward duties, as to Read, Hear, Pray, &c. 4. To do them as seriously as we may. 5. Not to lye in any seen or known sin here forbidden, nor to delay Repentance, though for never so little a while; it dispenseth not at all here, because these are in our power, and when we fail, it is not out of ordinary infirmity.

Beside what is said, there are yet two ways of taking or using the Name of God, which are sib or of kin to Oaths; The 1. is that of Appealing to God to judg, as David did, that God might judge betwixt him and persecuting Saul, 1 Sam. 24.12. The 2d. is that of attesting God, thus, The Lord knoweth, God is my Witness, my Witness is in Heaven, &c. as Job doth, cap. 16.19. and Paul, Rom. 1.9. These are lawful when called unto and rightly gone about, but when abused in rash precipitant, passionate appeals, or in unjust matter, as Sarahs was, Gen. 16. and in rash unnecessary attestations, or in trifling matter; they are more than an ordinary taking of God's Name in vain, and therefore should never lightly be interposed and made use of.

Beside what is said, there are yet two ways of taking or using the Name of God, which are sib or of kin to Oaths; The 1. is that of Appealing to God to judg, as David did, that God might judge betwixt him and persecuting Saul,