Religion our true interest, or, Practical notes upon the third chapter of Malachi the…Religion our true interest, or, Practical notes upon the third chapter of Malachy the…

4. They speak one to another in a bad sense, who instead of seasoning ⟨p. 89⟩their words with Grace, mix them with Oaths. Swearers rend and tear Gods Name, and like mad Dogs fly in the face of Heaven, Jer. 23.10. Because of swearing the Land mourns. Some think it the Grace of speech to interlard every sentence with an Oath; as if they would go to Hell Genteelly. But saith one, it is my Custom to Swear. Is this an excuse or an aggravation of the sin? If a Malefactor should be arraigned for Robbery, and he should say to the Judge spare me for it is my custom to rob on the High way, the Judge would say, thou shalt the rather dye. For every Oath that a man Swears, God puts a drop of Wrath into his Vial.

4. They speak one to another in a bad sence, who instead of seasoning ⟨p. 89⟩their words with Grace, mix them with Oaths. Swearers rend and tear Gods Name, and like mad Dogs fly in the face of Heaven, Jer. 23.10. Because of swearing the Land mourns. Some think it the Grace of speech to interlard every sentence with an Oath; as if they would go to Hell Genteelly. But saith one, it is my Custom to Swear. Is this an excuse or an aggravation of the sin? If a Malefactor should be arraigned for Robbery, and he should say to the Judge spare me for it is my custom to rob on the High way, the Judge would say, thou shalt the rather dye. For every Oath that a man Swears, God puts a drop of Wrath into his Vial.

5. It reproves them who instead of speaking in an holy manner one to another, speak one of another; 1. In censuring, some make it a part of their Religion to Descant and Criticize upon others. They do not imitate their graces but reflect upon their failings. God grant professors may wash their hands of this. Were peoples hearts more humble, their Tongues would