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

And the nature of an Oath consists in a solemn confirmation of what we affirm or deny by a Religious Invocation of the Name of God, as one that knoweth and owneth the Truth which we affirm. As far as God is thus invocated in an Oath it is part of his Worship, both as required by him and as ascribing Glory to him. For when a man is admitted unto an Oath, he is as it were so far discharged from an earthly Tribunal, and by common consent betakes himself to God, as the sole Judge in the case. By what particular expression this Appeal unto God and Invocation of him is made, is not absolutely necessary unto the nature of an Oath to determine. It sufficeth that such expressions be used as are approved and received signs of such an Invocation and Appeal among them that are concerned in the Oath: only it must be observed that these signs themselves are natural and not Religious unless they are approved of God himself. Where any thing pretends to be of that nature, the Authority of it is diligently to be examined. And therefore that custom which is in use amongst our selves, of laying the hand on the Book in swearing, and afterwards kissing of it, if it be any more but an outward sign which custom and common consent hath authorised to signify the real taking of an Oath, it is not to be allowed. But in that sense, though it seem very inconvenient, it may be used until somewhat more proper and suited unto the Nature of the Duty may be agreed upon, which the Scripture would easily suggest unto any who had a mind to learn.

And the nature of an Oath consists in a solemn confirmation of what we affirm or deny by a Religious Invocation of the Name of God, as one that knoweth and owneth the Truth which we affirm. As far as God is thus invocated in an Oath it is part of his Worship, both as required by him and as ascribing Glory to him. For when a man is admitted unto an Oath, he is as it were so far discharged from an earthly Tribunal, and by common consent betakes himself to God, as the sole Judge in the case. By what particular expression this Appeal unto God and Invocation of him is made, is not absolutely necessary unto the nature of an Oath to determine. It sufficeth that such expressions be used as are approved and received signs of such an Invocation and Appeal among them that are concerned in the Oath: only it must be observed that these signs themselves are natural and not Religious unless they are approved of God himself. Where any thing pretends to be of that nature, the Authority of it is diligently to be examined. And therefore that custom which is in use amongst our selves, of laying the hand on the Book in swearing, and afterwards kissing of it, if it be any more but an outward sign which custom and common consent hath authorised to signifie the real taking of an Oath, it is not to be allowed. But in that sense, though it seem very inconvenient, it may be used until somewhat more proper and suited unto the Nature of the Duty may be agreed upon, which the Scripture would easily suggest unto any who had a mind to learn.