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…

4. There may be also something in the nature of this sin, because it doth not ordinarily wrong others externally, or because it may be in a truth, or in profession of duty, or in worship; or because it may be fallen into inadvertently without forethought or deliberation; therefore the Devil hath the greater advantage to drive men on to it, if not by Swearing falsely, yet profanely and rashly; if not by God, yet by some Creature; or if not so, yet by formal and fruitless discharging of duties, or by some other way; and because ordinarily there is no such evil that sticketh thereby to others, as to make them resent it, nor no ill meant to themselves, as they in their proud self-love, do conceit; therefore they are the less afraid of it before, and the less challenged for it afterward.

4. There may be also something in the nature of this sin, because it doth not ordinarily wrong others externally, or because it may be in a truth, or in profession of duty, or in worship; or because it may be fallen into inadvertantly without forethought or deliberation; therefore the Devil hath the greater advantage to drive men on to it, if not by Swearing falsly, yet prophanely and rashly; if not by God, yet by some Creature; or if not so, yet by formal and fruitless discharging of duties, or by some other way; and because ordinarily there is no such evil that sticketh thereby to others, as to make them resent it, nor no ill meant to themselves, as they in their proud self-love, do conceit; therefore they are the less affraid of it before, and the less challenged for it afterward.

Let us make some use of all this in a few words. 1. Then, see, and gravely consider what sin this is, what wrath it deserveth, how far, and how wide in its guilt it extendeth it self, and what severe reckoning will be for it? O then! what is your hazard, and what will be your sentence when this Judgment shall be set, & when the Judge cometh to pronounce it? tell me who of you will be able to purge your selves of this guilt? This Sentence may, and will one day make many of you to tremble, when the Lord will say, Man, thou tookest my Name in vain in such a Company, at such a Play and Sport, in such a Contest, in such an Oath, yea, in such a Prayer, &c. Here is your Sentence, I will not hold you guiltless, but guilty for this cause; This, this is the truth of God, if we believe his Word, yea, whether we believe it or not.