A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the…

But there is that in the words absolutely considered which requires our further enquiry into, and confirmation of the Truth therein. There is an Assertion in them, that men use to swear by the greater, and thereby put an end unto strife and contentions between them. But it may yet be enquired whether this respects matter of Fact only, and declare what is the common usage among men; or whether it respect Right also, and so expresseth an approbation of what they do; And moreover whether upon a supposition of such an Approbation, this be to be extended to Christians, so that their swearing in the cases supposed be also approved. This being that which I affirm with its due limitation, I shall premise some things unto the understanding of it, and then confirm its truth.

An Oath in the Hebrew is called [Greek or Hebrew], and there are two things observable about it: (1) That the Verb to Swear, is never used but in Niphal a passive Conjugation; [Greek or Hebrew]. And as some think this doth intimate that we should be passive in swearing, that is, not to do it unless called, at least from circumstances compelled thereunto; so moreover it doth, that he who swears hath taken a burden on himself, or binds himself to the matter of his Oath. And it is derived from [Greek or Hebrew] which signifies seven; because as some think an Oath ought to be before many Witnesses. But seven being the sacred, complete or perfect number, the name of an Oath may be derived from it, because it is appointed to put a present end unto differences. The Greek calls it [Greek or Hebrew], most probably from [Greek or Hebrew], as it signifies to bind or strengthen. For by an Oath a man takes a Bond on his Soul and Conscience ⟨p. 149⟩that cannot be loosed ordinarily. And the Latin words, juro and jusjurandum, are plainly derived from jus; that is, Right and Law. It is an Assertion for the confirmation of that which is right, and therefore loseth its nature and becometh a mere profanation when it is used in any other case but the confirmation of what is just and right.

An Oath in the Hebrew is called 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, and there are two things observable about it: (1) That the Verb to Swear, is never used but in Niphal a passive Conjugation; . And as some think this doth intimate that we should be passive in swearing, that is, not to do it unless called, at least from circumstances compelled thereunto; so moreover it doth, that he who swears hath taken a burden on himself, or binds himself to the matter of his Oath. And it is derived from which signifies seven; because as some think an Oath ought to be before many Witnesses. But seven being the sacred, compleat or perfect number, the name of an Oath may be derived from it, because it is appointed to put a present end unto differences. The Greek calls it , most probably from , as it signifies to bind or strengthen. For by an Oath a man takes a Bond on his Soul and Conscience