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

for such kind of Oaths and Execrations were then, as also now in use in the ordinary Communication of men. But herein also the filthy Hypocrites had a further reach, and had insinuated another pestilent Opinion into the minds of men, tending to their own advantage. For they had instructed them, that they might freely swear by the Temple, but not by the Gold of it, and by the Altar, but not by the Gift that was upon it, Matth. 23. 16, 17, 18, 19. For from the Gold offered in the Temple, and the Gift brought unto the Altar, did advantage arise unto these covetous Hypocrites, who would therefore beget a greater veneration in the minds of men towards them, than to the express Institutions of God themselves. In opposition unto this corruption our Saviour declares, that in all these things there is a tacit respect unto God himself; and that his Name is no less profaned in them, than if it were expressly made use of. These are the things alone which our Saviour intendeth in this Prohibition; namely, The Interposition of the Name of God in our ordinary Communication, without cause, call, warrant, or Authority, when no necessity requireth us thereunto; where there is no strife otherwise not to be determined, or which by consent is to be ended; And the usage of the names of Creatures Sacred or Common in our Oaths without mentioning of the Name of God. And there are two Rules in the Interpretation of the Scripture which we must in such cases always carry along with us. (1) That universal Affirmations and Negations are not always to be universally understood, but are to be limited by their occasions, circumstances and subject matter treated of. So where our Apostle affirms, that he became all things unto all men; If you restrain not the Assertion unto things indifferent, false conclusions may be drawn from it, and of evil consequence. So is the Prohibition of our Saviour here to be limited unto rash and temerarious ⟨p. 153⟩swearing; or it would be contrary to the Light of Nature, the Appointment of God, and the Good of Humane Society. (2) It is a rule also of use in the Interpretation of the Scripture; That where any thing is prohibited in one place, and allowed in another, that not the thing it self absolutely considered is spoken unto, but the different modes, causes, ends and reasons of it are intended.

for such kind of Oaths and Execrations were then, as also now in use in the ordinary Communication of men. But herein also the filthy Hypocrites had a further reach, and had insinuated another pestilent Opinion into the minds of men, tending to their own advantage. For they had instructed them, that they might freely swear by the Temple, but not by the Gold of it, and by the Altar, but not by the Gift that was upon it,