The works of George Swinnock, M.A

The Romans built a Temple to the Goddess Fidelity, and offered sacrifice to her image, so highly did they esteem of faithfulness. Attilius Regulus, their General against the Carthaginians, being taken Prisoner and sent to Rome with conditions of peace, upon his word to return, if the Terms ⟨p. 36⟩were not accepted, judging the conditions dishonourable,¹ he dissuaded the Romans from embracing them, and went back to his enemies according to his promise, though he knew beforehand, that upon his return they would presently put him to death. The Prisoner that got from Hannibal by eluding his Oath, was by the Senate apprehended and sent back again, saith Livy. Attica ••des, was free, or sure hold; and Atticus testis, one that keeps touch, because the Athenians were so faithful to their words. What a shame is it then for Christians, to regard their Promises and Oaths no more then their old clothes, which they throw by, when they have made what use of them they desire. Such men do much wound their Credit (that after a little knowledge of such Nullifidians, none will trust them) but much more their consciences. The deceitful and bloody are joined together, Psa. 5. 6.² He that is deceitful to others, is bloody to himself; he may raze others skin, but he wrongs his own soul, and draweth his own heart-blood. Machiavel as bad as he was, would not allow fraud to lodge, save in Soldiers Tents.

The Romans built a Temple to the Goddess Fidelity, and offered sacrifice to her image, so highly did they esteem of faithfulness. Attilius Regulus, their General against the Carthaginians, being taken Prisoner and sent to Rome with conditions of peace, upon his word to return, if the Terms ⟨p. 36⟩were not accepted, judging the conditions dishonourable,¹ he disswaded the Romans from embracing them, and went back to his enemies according to his promise, though he knew beforehand, that upon his return they would presently put him to death. The Prisoner that got from Hannibal by eluding his Oath, was by the Senate apprehended and sent back again, saith Livie. Attica des, was free, or sure hold; and Atticus testis, one that keeps touch, because the Athenians were so faithful to their words. What a shame is it then for Christians, to regard their Promises and Oaths no more then their old cloaths, which they throw by, when they have made what use of them they desire. Such men do much wound their Credit (that after a little knowledge of such Nullifidians, none will trust them) but much more their consciences. The deceitful and bloody are joyned together,