The young man's guide through the wilderness of this world to the heavenly Canaan…

O Young Man, let me prevail with thee deeply to abhor, and watch diligently against this wicked, and most unreasonable practice. Remember the account thou must make at the dreadful day: An account must be given of every idle word, much more of every vain and bloody Oath. If they shall not escape unpunished who have spoken idly, and vainly, how fearful shall their condemnation be, who in their ordinary discourse have most impiously and profanely abused the Name of the most Great and holy God?

O Young Man, let me prevail with thee deeply to abhor, and watch diligently against this wicked, and most unreasonable practice. Remember the account thou must make at the dreadful day: An account must be given of every idle word, much more of every vain and bloody Oath. If they shall not escape unpunished who have spoken idly, and vainly, how fearful shall their condemnation be, who in their ordinary discourse have most impiously and prophanely abused the Name of the most Great and holy God?

I know there are several vain excuses common in the mouths of men for this sin, which, if they be weighed in the Balance of the Sanctuary, will be found very light.

I know there are several vain excuses common in the mouths of men for this sin, which, if they be weighed in the Ballance of the Sanctuary, will be found very light.

I. Some excuse themselves, that they use only small and little Oaths, as Faith and Troth, forbearing great Oaths, as to swear by the Name of God, &c.