3. The use of an Oath among men is declared; and therein (1) The subject matter of it, or what is the occasion and subject which it respects. And this is 1[Greek or Hebrew], which we have rendered strife; contradiction between two or more. When one party avers one thing, and another another, and no evidence ariseth from the matter controverted about, nor any of its circumstances, there must of necessity be amongst them [Greek or Hebrew], an endless strife, and mutual ⟨p. 148⟩contradiction, which would quickly bring all things to violence and confusion. For if in matters of great concernment and especial Interest, one man positively asserts one thing, and another another, and no Evidence arise from circumstances to state aright the matter in difference, it must come to Force and War, if there be no other way of bringing all parties unto an Acquiescence; for he who hath peremptorily asserted his right will not afterwards voluntarily forego it, not only because of the loss of his just claim as he apprehends, but also of his Reputation, in making an unjust claim thereunto. In such cases an Oath is necessary unto the Government and Peace of mankind, as without which strifes must be perpetuated, or ended by force and violence. This the Apostle respects when he saith, an Oath amongst men is an end of strife. There is therefore unto a lawful Oath required, (1) A just occasion, or a strife amongst men otherwise undeterminable. (2) A lawful Rule, or Government with power to propose, and to judge about the difference on the Evidence thereof; or a mutual consent of persons concerned. (3) A solemn Invocation of God, as the supreme Governor of the world, for the interposition of his Omniscience and Power, to supply the defects and weaknesses that are in the Rules and Rulers of humane Society.
3. The use of an Oath among men is declared; and therein (1) The subject matter of it, or what is the occasion and subject which it respects. And this is 1〈non-Latin alphabet〉, which we have rendered strife; contradiction between two or more. When one party avers one thing, and another another, and no evidence ariseth from the matter controverted about, nor any of its circumstances, there must of necessity be amongst them 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, an endless strife, and mutual ⟨p. 148⟩contradiction, which would quickly bring all things to violence and confusion. For if in matters of great concernment and especial Interest, one man positively asserts one thing, and another another, and no Evidence arise from circumstances to state aright the matter in difference, it must come to Force and War, if there be no other way of bringing all parties unto an Acquiescency; for he who hath peremptorily asserted his right will not afterwards voluntarily forego it, not only because of the loss of his just claim as he apprehends, but also of his Reputation, in making an unjust claim thereunto. In such cases an Oath is necessary unto the Government and Peace of mankind, as without which strifes must be perpetuated, or ended by force and violence. This the Apostle respects when he saith, an Oath amongst men is an end of strife. There is therefore unto a lawful Oath required, (1) A just occasion, or a strife amongst men otherwise undeterminable. (2) A lawful Rule, or Government with power to propose, and to judge about the difference on the Evidence thereof; or a mutual consent of persons concerned. (3) A solemn Invocation of God, as the supream Governour of the world, for the interposition of his Omniscience and Power, to supply the defects and weaknesses that are in the Rules and Rulers of humane Society.
- 1[Greek or Hebrew].〈non-Latin alphabet〉.
