The lands mourning, for vaine swearing: or The downe-fall of oathes Declaring how this land groneth vnder the burthen of this sinne, and of Gods fearefull iudgements that attend it. A sermon preached at Paules Crosse, the 11. of Iuly. 1613. By Abraham Gibson, Mr. of Arts. Gibson, Abraham, b. 1586 or 7. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A01691 of text S118374 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 11829). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 179 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 64 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A01691 STC 11829 ESTC S118374 99853581 99853581 18971 2240933963

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 Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A01691) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 18971) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1100:05) The lands mourning, for vaine swearing: or The downe-fall of oathes Declaring how this land groneth vnder the burthen of this sinne, and of Gods fearefull iudgements that attend it. A sermon preached at Paules Crosse, the 11. of Iuly. 1613. By Abraham Gibson, Mr. of Arts. Gibson, Abraham, b. 1586 or 7. [8], 118 p. Printed by T. S[nodham] for Ralph Mab, and are to be solde in Paules Church-yard, at the signe of the Angell, London : 1613. Printer's name from STC. Reproduction of the original in the Cambridge University Library. eng Sermons, English -- 17th century. Swearing -- Sermons -- Early works to 1800. eebo The lands mourning, for vaine swearing: or The downe-fall of oathes. Declaring how this land groneth vnder the burthen of this sinne, and of Gods fear Gibson, Abraham, 1613 128 28056 107 0 0 0 0 0 38.14 D The rate of 38.14 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the D category of texts with between 35 and 100 defects per 10,000 words. 2007-02 Assigned for keying and markup 2007-03 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2009-03 Sampled and proofread 2009-03 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2009-09 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

THE LANDS Mourning , FOR vaine Swearing : OR The downe-fall of Oathes . Declaring how this Land groneth vnder the burthen of this Sinne , and of Gods fearefull Iudgements that attend it . A Sermon preached at Paules Crosse , the 11. of Iuly . 1613. BY Abraham Gibson , Mr. of Arts.

LONDON : Printed by T. S. for Ralph Mab , and are to be solde in Paules Church-yard , at the signe of the Angell . 1613.

TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE SYR John Swinnarton , KNIGHT , Lord Maior of the renowned Citie of LONDON .

AND To the right Worshipfull , Mr. Edward Rotherum . Mr. Alexander Prescot . Sherifs .

WITH The rest of the right Worshipfull ALDERMEN , AND Other worthy Citizens of London .

A. G. Dedicateth these his poore Labours , which lately were of them most Diligently attended . Graciously accepted . Earnestly desired .

TO The Christian Reader , all Christian Graces .

CHristian Reader , for my selfe already to be seene in the Presse , will be to some as great a wonder , as Saul among the 1 Sam. 19. 24. Prophets . I must confesse , that in regard of the small number of my yeres , ( being so few moneths aboue the age * * 24 required to our calling , ) I might iustly haue incurred the censure of presumption both to Preach at the Crosse , and to come into the Presse , had I not to the former beene inioyned by Authoritie , and to the latter pressed by importunitie . After many denials I was forced to yeeld to the continuing requests ( and no lesse earnest , then godlie ) of such Honorable , Worshipfull , and worthy intreaters : Whose liking thereof , had it beene no better then my owne , the place of Birth had bene the place of Burial ; and the Crosse had beene the Graue , wherein to leaue it . But the rather haue others desires for publishing this Sermon , at length preuailed and ouercome me , because the good acceptance , & incouragement , which it had of the hearers giueth mee hope that some benefit may ensue to the Readers , and that it shall be profitable to some , hurtfull to none . It layeth open a sinne very dangerous and detestable ; and yet ( the more pitty ) too common and customable . If hereby I may reclaime but one from it , I haue my reward : that is the onely marke I ayme at , not affectation not ostentation . Plaine it was in the Preaching , more plaine it is in the Printing : some Quotations I haue omitted , and interposed in the Margent , to the end it may no way be obscure , but plaine to the plainest . Thus ( with Wisedome ) Pro. 9. 2. 5. I haue prepared cheare for thy soule ; and now ( with her also ) I inuite thee to eate of it . When I can prouide better thou shalt haue it . In the meane time accept this , and welcome to it . If thy stomacke be curious , it is not for thee : If otherwise , much good doe it thee . If any good hereby redound to thy Soule , let God haue thy prayse , and mee thy prayers .

Waldingfield parua . Suffolke . Thine in Christ Iesus , A. G.
THE Lands Mourning , FOR Vaine-Swearing . OR , THE DOWNE-FALL of OATHES . A Sermon preached at Paules-Crosse , the 11. of Iuly . 1613. IEREM. 23. 10. Because of OATHES , the Land mourneth .

RIght Honourable , right Worshipfull , and Well-beloued , Men , Brethren , and Fathers , if euer there were a time when , if euer a place where , Gods Ministers and Watch-men , as Esay Esay 56. 10. calleth them ; his Stewards and Ambassadours , Tit. 1. 7. 2 Cor. 5. 20. as Paul nameth them ; his Angels and Messengers , as Malach. 2. 7. Malachy tearmeth them , had need to cry aloud and not to spare , to speak Esay 58. 1. boldly and not to feare , to shew the people their transgressions , and to the House of Iacob their sinnes ; then now is the time , here is the place : the time is now , in this our age , the place is here , in this our Land . That which the Heathen man spoke in former times , is much more verified in these times : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Hesiod . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Both Land and Sea is full of euill : such generall forwardnesse on the one side to that which is bad , such frowardnesse there is on the other side to that which is good ; we may truly say with Paul , the dayes are euill . Ephes. 5. 16. Notwithstanding , the sound of the Word hath gone into all the Land , the bright beames of the Gospell haue gloriously shined vpon vs , and the bels of Aaron beene long rung amongst vs ; yet how many proud Pharaohs , that doe not sticke to say in their hearts , Who is the Lord that I should heare his voyce ? how many Exod. 5. 2. vngodly Ahabs , that haue solde themselues to worke wickednesse in 1 Kings 21. 25. the sight of the Lord ? how many wicked Ieroboams , that cause others to sinne ? and , to vse the Apostles 1 Kings 22. 52. words , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Rom. 1. 32. not onely doe such things themselues , but fauour and delight in them that doe them ? On the other side , how little is the Flocke of Christ ? Luke 12. 32. how few amongst vs Faithfull , as Abraham was ? Righteous , as Lot was ? Zealous , as Iosiah was ? Religious , as Dauid was ? True harted , as Ionathan was ? Couragious , as Paul was ? and Deuout as Cornelius was ? These , and such like , are gathered to their Fathers ; few , or none , are left of them : they are like the Summer gatherings , as Micah . 7. 1. Micah speaketh . This gate is straite , Mat. 7. 14. this way narrow , and few there be that finde it .

God hath offered vs his Spirit , but that wee haue quenched : hee hath sent vs his Prophets , but them wee haue despised : hee hath giuen vs his Mercies , but these wee haue abused : hee hath warned vs by his Iudgements , but those wee haue neglected . Sathan neuer more busie , Reuel. 12. 12. for his time is short : Sinne neuer so common , as in these last dayes : men draw it with Cords , as Esay 5. 18. Esay speaketh : drinke it like water , Iob 15. 16. as Iob speaketh : they lie , they continue , and sleepe in it : and it is safer to commit it then to reproue it . Gods Ministers may say of this Nation , as the Prophet , of Israel , From Esay 1. 6. the sole of the foote vnto the head , there is nothing whole therein , but wounds , and swelling , and sores full of corruption . Wee may take vp the complaint of the Children in the Market place , Wee haue piped vnto Luke 7. 32. you , and yee haue not daunced ; wee haue mourned vnto you , and yee haue not wept .

And what ? must wee then be silent , and cease to speake at all ? or must wee , with the false Prophets , Ezech. 13. 18. speake pleasing things , sowing Pillowes vnder mens arme-holes , and flattering them in their sinnes ? No , this is neyther good for vs , nor them : Not good for vs , saith Paul , 1 Cor. 9. 16. there is a woe to vs , if wee preach not the Gospell : not good for them , saith the Lord by Ieremiah , Their Iere. 6. 14. hurt is not healed with sweet words . The calmest Sunne-shine doth lesse purifie the aire , then the terriblest thunder and lightning . The pleasantest Potion doth seldome purge so kindly as the bitterest Pill . So words that to the care are sweetest , are not alwayes to the heart the wholesomest . And therefore Esay must Cry aloud , and lift vp his Esay 58. 1. voyce like a Trumpet . Ieremiah must Iere. 1. 17. trusse vp his loynes and not feare their faces . Euery one of vs ( that are the Surgeons of soules ) had neede to cut and lance these festered sores , and by sharpe Corrasiues make them smart at the quicke , though our Patients be impatient , and our selues endure , with Moses , murmuring ; Exod. 5. 21. with Michaiah , smiting ; with 1 Kings 22. 24. Ieremiah , imprisoning ; nay , with Ierem. 32. 2. Iohn Baptist , beheading . Marke 6. 27.

In which respects , and vpon The Apologie for choise of the Text. which considerations , ( Right Honourable , right Worshipfull , and deare Brethren ) when being called by commandement vnto this place , I meditated with my selfe what at this time to entreate of , as best befitting the estate of our times , I resolued to decypher out some dangerous wound , to lay open vnto you some capitall crime , some notorious impietie , some generall sin , for which God may haue a iust controuersie with the Inhabitants of the Land : choosing for this time & in this place , to be ( with Iames and Iohn ) The sonne of Thunder , rather Marke 3. 17. then ( with Barnabas ) the sonne of Consolation . Amongst other the Acts 4. 36. sinnes of our Land and crimes of our age , I finde , as none more haynous , so none more common then the abuse of Gods holy Name , by prophane Swearing . A sinne most odious in the sight of the immortall God , and yet so small in the eyes of mortall men , that like a Leprosie Swearing , a general sinne , and spread ouer the whole Nation . it hath ouer-spread the whole body of our Nation , from the Cedar to the Shrub , from the highest to the lowest , from the richest to the poorest , from the mightiest to the meanest . And therefore giue mee leaue in this Honourable assembly plainely to entreat of these words I haue made choise of : and out of them to shew the haynousnesse of this sinne , which in Ieremialas time caused the Land to mourne , for so faith our Prophes in this my Text.

Because of Oathes the Land mourneth .

NOt to stand eyther vpon the Author , or Occasion , or Connexion , or Exposition of this portion of Scripture , which of it selfe is plaine and easie , but to come ( without any Circumstance ) to the Text it selfe , it containeth ( you see ) The Contents of the Text. a complaint of the Prophet Ieremiah , laid in against the Iewes for not forsaking , and against their false Prophets , for not reprouing their vaine , idle , and wicked Swearing ; whereby they both dishonoured God , and caused his heauy Iudgements to fall vpon them .

In a word it sheweth vnto vs the The reward of vnlawfull Oathes . reward of vnlawfull Oathes , which is first ( as you may consider it ) simply propounded , Mourning : and 1 then aggrauated by the generalitie 2 of it , in that it extendeth to the whole Land , so saith the Prophet , The Land mourneth . In the first , we are to note two things ; first , the The parts . cause : secondly , the effect .

The cause , Swearing . 1 The effect , Mourning . 2

The cause , in the former words , Because of Oathes : the effect , in the next , the Land mourneth . And well may Oathes cause mourning , and swearing end in sorrowing . For as to those that doe now mourne in Sion , there is a blessing pronounced , Matth. 5. 4. and comfort promised , They shall Isa. 61. 3. haue beautie for ashes , ioy for mourning , and the garment of gladnesse for the spirit of heauinesse ; their Aprill showers bring May flowers , they that Psal. 126. 5. sow in teares shall reape in ioy . So to those , that heere passe their time in iollitie , and neuer thinke vpon the affliction of Ioseph , but make Oaths their pastime , and swearing their musicke in their greatest merriment , there is a woe denounced and iudgement threatned , their laughing shall Luke 6. 25. end ( saith Christ ) in wailing and weeping : their Oathes , saith my Text , shall conclude in mourning .

Because of Oathes the Land mourneth . Text.

FIrst , of the cause , and then of the The first part . effect . The cause is expressed in the first words , Because of Oathes . The cause . I know indeed , the Hebrew word here vsed , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , is diuersly read of Interpreters vpon this place . But I take our common translation to be the most proper , and therefore read it : not , because of cursing , as Hierome A facie maledictionis . Hieron . Propter execrationem . Treme . Arbitrer notari hic periur . Cal. Propter iuramentum falsum . Chal. Paraph. and Tremellius : nor , because of periurie , as Caluin and the Chaldee Paraphrase ; but because of Swearing , as our late translation ; or , because of Oathes , as our Geneua readeth it . Which notwithstanding wee must not with the Anabaptists take to be vnderstood of all kinde of Swearing whatsoeuer , but onely of vaine Oathes , and no other . For an Oath An Oath in it selfe good , but may be abused , as Prayer . in it selfe is good , and warranted by God , but yet may be abused as euery other good thing . Praier which is an excellent part of Gods Seruice , is diuersly vsed and performed : Sometime well , and then it is acceptable : sometime ill , and then abhominable . In like manner an Oath , which is a kinde of Prayer , is in some cases lawfull , in other vnlawfull . Lawfull it is when rightly vsed : vnlawfull it is when Gods worship is abused : For the better explaining whereof I shall thinke it not amisse to insist vpon these two things . First , that there is 1 a lawfull vse of Oathes . Secondly , what Oathes are lawfull , what vnlawfull . 2

For the first . That there is a 1 That there is a lawfull vse of Oathes , appeareth , 1 by precept . lawfull vse of Oathes , it may appeare both by precept and by patterne . First , by precept from the Lord himselfe , as Deut. 6. 13. Thou shalt feare the Lord thy GOD , and serue him , and shalt sweare by his Name . So , Thou shalt sweare the Lord liueth , &c. Ierem. 4. 2. And he doth not onely command it , but promise to reward it , Ierem. 12. 16. The end Ier. 12. 16. why an Oath is thus ordained and The end of ordaining an Oath . required , is two-fold : 1 The glory of God . 2 The good of Man . And first , it maketh much for the glory of God , when hereby he is appealed vnto , 1 The glory of God . as the chiefe Iudge of the whole World , and men flee to his Name , as to a strong Tower , Prouerb. 18. 10. In this regard saith Prou 10. 18. one , an Oath is a diuine thing ; for it Diuina res est iusiurandum : sacra enim anchora est , ad quam confugitur , quum humana sapientia progredi non potest . Huld. Zwin . Elench. in Catabap . Strophas . is a holy Anchor-hold , to which we flee when mans wisdome can goe no further .

And surely herein wee giue vnto God , first , the glory of omniscience , when wee call him to testifie of our secret thoughts , and so acknowledge him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , * * Acts 1. 14. The knower of hearts . Secondly , the glory of Truth , when he is appealed vnto , as Truths witnesse and maintainer , and falshoods reuenger . Thirdly , the glory of Power , whereby hee can ; and of Iustice , whereby he will take vengeance of those that sweare Muscul . append . ad Psal 15. de Iuramen . Quare plane insani hominis esse oportet , si quis iuramenti vsum , modo leuit as & mendacium absent , non agnouerit tam non derogare quicquam gloriae Dei , vt illam etiam illustret . falsely . Wherefore in these respects we may conclude with Musculus , that certainly he can be iudged no better then a madman , who will not acknowledge that the vse of an oath , being taken neither lightly nor falsly ; is so far from any whit derogating from the glory of God , that it doth euen much manifest , and set it forth .

* * 2 The good of man . The second end why an Oath is of necessitie required , is the good of Man , it being ( as Melancthon calleth it ) a a Praecipuum vinculum ordinis politici , Phil. Melanct : in Mat 5. the chiefe bond of ciuil order : for hereby is b b Propter iustitiam conseruandam , veritatem astruandam , amicitiam confirmandam ; &c. Bonaueh . centiloq . pars 1. cap. 12. Right and Iustice maintained , Truth and Verity preserued , Peace and concord established , discord & dissention ended : There must be an end of strife , who doth not grant it ? An end of strife there cannot be , till confirmation on the one side be stronger then on the other . To this end in the first place reasons must be vsed : when these faile , then by witnesses must the matter be stablished : when witnesses faile , an Oath must be vsed : Deut. 19. 15. and this is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the end of strife , as the Apostle calleth it : An Oath for confirmation is the end of all strife , Heb. 6. 16. So we see that an Oath is ordained by God , and that to very good end and purpose .

Now secondly , as wee haue precept to command it , so patterne to 2 By patterne . commend it . It is commended by example and patterne without exception ; and that ,

First , of the Saints of GOD .

Secondly , of the Angels of GOD .

Thirdly , of GOD himselfe .

First of the Saints of God , both in the Old Testament and New . In the 1 Of the Saints of God . Old Testament , of Abraham to the King of Sodom , Gen. 21. of Iacob to his Vncle Laban , Gen. 31. of Ioseph Gen. 21. 24. to his Father Iacob , Gen. 47. So of Gen. 31. 53. Dauid to Ionathan , of Elias to Obadiah , Gen. 47. 31. 1 Sam 20. of Elisha to Iehoram , and diuers others . And from the Old 1 King . 18. 15. 2 King . 3. 14. Testament come wee to the New , Paul doth it in diuers Epistles ; as to the Romanes , God is my witnesse , Rom. 1. 9. To the Corinthians , I call Rom. 1. 9. God for a record vnto my soule , 2 Cor. 1. 23. 2 Cor. 1. 23. To the Galathians , I witnesse before God that I lye not , Gal. 1. 20. Gal. 1. 20. To the Philippians , God is my record , Phil. 1. 8. Thus wee haue the Phil. 1. 8. patterne of the holy men of God .

Secondly , not onely so , but of 2 Of the Angels of God . the Angels of GOD . So wee read , Dan. 12. 7. that the Angell held vp both his hands , and sware by him Dan. 12. 7. that liueth for euer : so we read , Rene. 10. 5. 6. The Angell life vp his Reuel. 10. 5. 6. hand to Heauen , and swore by him that liueth for euermore .

Thirdly and lastly , of God himselfe , the patterne of patternes . He 3 Of God himselfe . is recorded in Scripture to haue sworne diuers Oathes : sometime by his holinesse , Psal. 89. sometime by his right hand , Esa. 62. sometime by Psal. 89. 35. his great Name , Ierem. 44. sometime Isa. 62. 8. by his soule , Ier. 51. Not that Ier. 44. 26. his saying needed confirming , Ier. 51. 14. whose bare word is Yea and Amen : 2 Cor. 1. 20. Propter hominum socordiam Deus iurat . Cal. but to conuince the infirmitie of our nature , and to comfort it being conuicted . He hath done it , as the Apostle saith , ( ex àbundanti ) willingly prael . in Ier. Cur Scriptura iurantem inducit Deum , nimirum vt infirmitatem naturae nostrae coargueret , & conuictā consolaretur . Philo. in libel . de sacrif . Cain & Abel . more abundantly to shew the stablenesse of his counsell , Heb. 6. 17. For this cause he swore to Abraham euer to blesse him , Gene. 22. 16. to Dauid neuer to forsake him , Psal. 132. 11. to the Gentiles not to be angry with them , Esa. 54. 8. Thus by all that hath beene said , it is euident that there is a lawfull vse of Oathes , which God hath not onely 2 What Oaths are lawfull , what vnlawfull . by precept inioyned , but also by his owne practise approued . Now it remaineth that I come to shew what Oathes are lawfull , what vnlawfull .

For the first : A lawfull Oath , I call 1 The description of a lawfull Oath . that when wee sweare in a waighty matter , by IEHOVAH , in truth , in righteousnesse , and in iudgement . Of these things in order .

And first , it must be in a wàightie 1 It must be onely in a waighty matter . matter , when all proofes and testimonies faile , and when the controuersie cannot be decided , nor the truth discerned , nor the matter determined , but onely by Iehouah ; for Reason . then onely it maketh for the glory of God , when he is appealed vnto in a matter of moment & importance , and so acknowledged all-seeing and all-powerfull : and on the contrary the name of God is much dishonored , when called to witnesse in euery trifle which is not worth an Oath . Plaine by a similitude . It were ( we know ) a disgrace , and so it would be taken to disturbe and disquiet the Kings Maiestie with such a cause , as the lowest and basest Officer might determine . How then can God take it , to be made so bolde with , as to be called out of his Throne in Heauen to decide trifles ? It is to make lesse reckoning of him Guiliel . Tripolit . then the Turkes of their Mahomet , by whom they will not sweare lightly and vainely , but vpon occasion of great necessitie .

Secondly , it must be by Iehouah 2 It must be by Iehouah . as is plaine by the Word of God , and reason .

First , by the word of God , Thou shalt sweare by his Name , Deut. 10. 20. Euery tongue shall sweare by me , Deut. 10. 20. Esai . 45. 23. And he that sweareth Isa. 45. 23. in the Earth , shall sweare by the true God , Esai . 65. 16. Isa. 65. 16.

Secondly , by reason : for first , to him we sweare by , we giue diuine Reason . honour , and attribute omniscience , 1 Hee onely is omniscient . and the discerning of thoughts : for an Oath is taken in vncertaine , and vnknowne matters , of which hee onely can iudge that knoweth the heart . Now this is proper to God alone , hee discouereth the deepe and secret things , Dan. 2. 22. and he knoweth the hearts of all the children of Dan. 2. 22. men , 1 Kin. 8. 39. Therefore he onely to be sworne by . 1 King . 8. 39.

Secondly , to him we sweare by , 2 He onely is omnipotent . we attribute omnipotence , and the reuenging of falshood . This also is proper to God ; therefore he onely Mihi vindicta . to be sworne by , for vengeance is Deut. 32. 35. mine , saith the Lord , Rom. 12. 19. Rom 12. 19. and he is able to destroy body and soule in hell fire , Matth. 10. 28. Matth. 10. 28.

Thirdly , God onely is to be inuocated , 3 Hee onely to be inuocated . and prayed vnto . Now an Oath is a kinde of inuocation , wherin wee desire God to witnesse the truth of our speech , and to punish vs if wee speake falsely . Therefore we are to sweare neither by Angell , Saint , nor any other creature , but by God alone .

All these are his royal Titles , and Not the least of these Titles must be denied him . not the least of them must be denied him . He is not as the Gods of the Heathen , which ( like good fellowes ) would part stakes : but the true God is a iealous God , & will not giue his glory to another , Esa. 48. 11. Exod. 24. 5. Hence arose the vse which was among Esa. 48. 11. the Iewes , ( and is obserued Gloriam meam non dabo alteri . in these our times in the taking of publike Oaths ) to touch the Bible , when we sweare not by it , but the contents of it , which is God , and the summe of it , which is Christ , who because hee is the subiect of the whole Word , is therefore called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Iohn 1. 1. the Word , Iohn 1. 1. And so much for the second condition of a lawfull Oath .

To proceed : as it must be in a 3 It must be in veritate . waightie matter , and by Iehouah , so in Truth , in Righteousnesse , and in Iudgement . Which three last properties are set downe by our Prophet , D. Hieron . in Ierem. Tres comites iuramenti , sine quibus non iuramentum , sed periurium fiat . Chap. 4. 2. and they are tearmed by a Father , the three Companions of an Oath ; without which it becommeth no Oath , but periurie . We must sweare , 1 In Truth ; not falsely . 2 In Righteousnes ; not wickedly . Iudicio caret iuramentumincautum : veritate iuramentum mendax : iustitia iuramentum iniquum & illicitum . Aquin. 3 In Iudgement ; not rashly . By the first are condemned false and fraudulent Oathes : by the second , sinfull and vnlawfull Oathes : by the third , rash and vnaduised Oathes . To speake of them in order : And first , that an Oath must be in Truth , is a knowne truth , and needeth no proofe ; you see the God of Truth requireth it . Now , An Oath two-fold . whereas an Oath is two-fold , either Assertorie , or Promissory : by the Assertorium de facto : promissorium de futuro . one affirming something done ; by the other , promising something to be done ; we are to know that in both Truth necessarie in both . Truth is necessary .

And first , in a Promissory Oath we 1 In an Oath promissorie . are commanded first to sweare what wee meane to performe , and after 1 to performe what we haue sworne . 2 Not breaking our promise , Numb. 30. 3. Deus dicitur iurasse sermone Metaphorico 1. quoad similitudinem iurantis immobiliter aliquid deliberauit , per quod declaratur , non solum quae promittuntur Deum decreuisse , sed omnimoda immobilitate defin●●sse . Caietan . in Cap 2. Gen. but performing our Oathes , Mat. 5. 33. And for this we haue the example of God himselfe ; he remembreth the Oath to Abraham , Lu. 1. 37. So must wee , if the sonnes of God , and such as will rest in his holy Mountaine , not change our Oath , though to our hinderance , Psa. 15. 4. Nay , * * Cic. offi. lib. 3. Tully the Heathen Oratour telleth vs , that an Oath must be sacredly kept toward our enemies : as Dauid made conscience of keeping his Oath to Shimei , that before had cursed him , 2 Sam. 19. 23. And therefore the Latine word ( Iuramentum , Valla. lib. 6. eleg. cap. 37. quae enim iuramus firma et immota debent esse . à iure manente ) plainely signifieth vnto vs , that our Oathes must be stedfast and constant . And so much the Greeke word importeth vnto vs ( 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) whether wee Ioan. Scap. ex Eust . pag. 1194. vnderstand it , ( quasi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) a hedge , or ( quasi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) a bound , or limit : because the Swearer hath hedged himselfe about with Gods truth , and is so brought within bounds and limits , that hee cannot but performe what hee hath sworne . And so much for truth in an Oath promissorie .

Secondly , in an Oath assertorie 2 In an Oath Assertorie a two-fold truth . there is a double truth required : Logicall , and Morall , as the Schoolemen speak . The one , the truth of the thing : the other , the truth of the minde . The first , when we speake as it is : the second , when we thinke as we speake . In a lawfull Oath both are requisite . First , that our tongue 1 Veritas Logica . goe according to the thing , and that not vpon Coniectures , and probabilities , but vpon a truth , and a truth vndoubted , for which wee haue good ground , proofe , and warrant . Secondly , that our minde accord with our tongue : not meaning 2 Veritas moralis . one thing , when wee sweare another , but according to the simple and plaine vnderstanding of the Oath , being in conscience perswaded of the truth of it . Thus in euery particular it standeth vs in hand to haue our laynes girt about with veritie , Ephes. 6. 14. and good Ephes. 6. 14. Reason . reason : for otherwise wee eyther make God a lyer , or else easie to be deceiued , when wee call him to witnesse a falshood : both which are impious , and very iniurious , both to God our Creator , who is The God 1 of truth , Psal. 31. 5. and to Christ Psal. 31. 5. our Redeemer ; who is Truth it selfe , 2 Iohn 14. 6. and to the holy Ghost Iohn 14. 6. our Sanctifier , who is the Spirit of Truth , Iohn 14. 26. And so much 3 for the third condition of a lawfull Iohn 14. 26. Oath .

Fourthly , it must be in Righteousnesse 4 It must be , in Iusticia . according to Iustice . And here wee must chiefely looke to two things : 1. That the Occasion 2. That the Matter be iust .

First , that there be iust cause and And here wee must looke to two things : occasion to take an Oath , eyther in respect of God , or Man . First , in respect of God , when thereby his doctrine 1 That there be iust cause and occasion to take an Oath , in respect : is confirmed , his honour aduanced , his seruice furthered : thus Dauid swore to binde himselfe to his worship . I haue sworne and will performe it , Psal. 119. 106. thus 1 Of God . Psal. 119. 106. 2 Chron. 15. 14 did Asa and his people , 2 Chro. 15. thus Iosiah & his people , 2 Chro. 34. 2 Chron. 34 31 Secondly , in respect of Man , when Nehem. 10. 29 thereby eyther publikely or priuately , 2 Of Man . Exod. 22. 10 11 necessary Leagues and Couenants 1 are confirmed ; homage 2 and Allegiance to Princes testified ; the life , goods , or good name eyther of our selues , or our neighbour 3 preserued , the truth in doubtfull matters discerned ; and in a 4 word , brotherly loue furthered . 5

Secondly , as the occasion , so the Matter it selfe must be iust and lawfull : 2 That the matter it selfe be iust and lawful . not onely true for substance , but righteous : which is then , when it doth stand with Pietie and Charitie . And reason there is it should Reason . doe so ; for wee must sweare according to the rule of godlinesse : God will be worshipped with his owne worship , and hee will not be a witnesse of his owne dishonour , and of harming our neighbour . Therefore hee that sweareth to doe a He that sweareth a thing vniust , maketh God , eyther the witnesse of a lie , or an approuer of sinne . thing vniust , eyther sweareth not as he meaneth to doe , and so maketh God the witnesse of a Lie : or else sweareth with resolution , and so maketh God an approuer of Sinne : both wayes contemning his power , as though he were vnable to reuenge . And so much for the fourth condition of a lawfull Oath .

The fist and last followeth ; it must be in Iudgement . Now , that is 5 It must be , in Iudicio . an Oath in Iudgement ( whether publike or priuate ) which is done with vnderstanding of the Law of An Oath in iudgement . what . God , and of the Country wherein wee liue , therewith concurring . Iudgement then requireth Discretion , Perk. Cas. of Consc. Lib. 2. cap. 13. sect. 2. quaest. 2. Vnderstanding , Consideration ; and that of fiue things principally : First , of the thing in question , which is to be confirmed : Secondly , of 1 the nature of the Oath that is taken : 2 Thirdly , of the minde and true meaning 3 of him that sweareth : Fourthly , 4 of the particular circumstances , of time , place , and persons , when , where , and before whom hee sweareth : Lastly , of the euent and issue of the Oath . All these are duely to 5 be regarded . The reason is , because Reason . God is the God of order , and in matter of truth and righteousnesse will haue all things done according to the rule of Policie and Iudgement . And surely this Iudgement Iudgement of great vse in an Oath : and vnderstanding is of great vse in an Oath : for , it will guide vs to take it , neuer but vpon necessitie , and then aduisedly .

First , onely vpon necessary occasion : For it wil cause vs to take it , 1 Onely vpon necessarie occasion . and so much is implyed in the Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which ( being vsed in the Passiue ) signifieth to be sworne , rather then to sweare : to shew , that wee are to doe it sparingly , being drawne thereunto by necessitie . For , an Oath being a necessarie good , is not good , but when Bonum necessarium extra terminos necessitatis non est bonum . it is necessary : as a Potion not good , but in time of sicknesse .

Secondly , when necessarie to doe it aduisedly : not rashly , but discreetly 2 When necessary , to doe it aduisedly . with due deliberation , with reuerence , and feare of so glorious a Maiestie . It is the precept of an Heathen man , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , reuerence an Oath : and the Childe of God Venerare Iuramentum . Pytha. is described to feare an Oath , Eccles. Eccles. 9. 2. 9. 2. whence wee read that the Israelites swore with all their hearts , 2 Chron. 15. 15. that is , all their vnderstanding , all their affections , all 2 Chron. 15. 15 the powers of their minde were employed , and set on worke , in a due consideration , and reuerent feare of the Oath and Couenant made vnto the Lord . And so much for the last condition of a lawfull Oath .

Now from Oaths lawfull I come 2 vnto vnlawfull , which what they are will appeare from that which hath beene said , being such as faile in the former rules . An vnlawfull The description of an vnlawful . Oath . Oath therefore I call that : when we sweare in a matter whether waightie or light vpon euery little occasion , or by any other thing then God , or not in truth , righteousnesse , and iudgement : of which in order .

And first , it is vnlawfull in a matter 1 Vnlawfull when vpon euery little occasion . waightie or light , when vpon euery little occasion . Wee reade of Moses , Exod. 18. that hee had inferiour officers to iudge the smaller Exod. 18. 26. causes , and the people came not to him , but vpon some great occasion , when the causes were difficult and hard to be decided . How much It is much to debase God . then is the supreame Iudge of heauen and earth debased , when called from heauen to giue iudgement vpon small or no occasion ? It is to And to set lesse by him , then by an earthly Iudge : set lesse by him then by an earthly Iudge , whom we count it a disgrace to trouble in a trifle . Nay , it is to deale worse by him then by a good Nay , then by a good suite of apparrell . suite of apparrell , which wee will not weare euery day , but lay it vp for speciall dayes : And yet the Name of God , how is it worne and torne , euery day of the weeke , euery houre of the day , ( I had almost said ) euery minute of the houre . * * Luke . 23. 34. Oh Father forgiue them : for they know not what they doe . They know not what it is to sweare . For what is an Oath ? not onely ( as a a Iuramentum est cum diuina veneratione dictio probationis expers . Arist. Rhet. Aristotle defineth it ) A saying voide of proofe , with diuine worship : nor onely ( as b b Iurare nihil aliud est , quam Deum testem inuccare . Aquin. Aquinas ) A calling of God to witnesse : ( and yet if it were no more , it were not to be taken idly ) but an Oath properly , c c Iuramentum est inuocatio Dei , qua petitur , vt is tanquam vnicus cordūs inspector , testimonium det veritati , & iurantem puniat , si sciens fallat . Vrsinus Catecpars 3. quaest. 102. Is a solemne inuocation of the holy Name of God , whereby we desire him , as being the onely seer of hearts , to witnesse the truth of our speech , and to punish vs , if wee speake falsely . And yet as though God were vnworthy to haue reuerence , or vnable to take vengeance , how doe men pollute his Name by daily and hourely Oathes , wherby they turne ( Asylum in domum communem ) the Sanctuarie of Veritie into a common house of vanitie . So we see in the first place Oathes are vnlawfull , when taken vpon euery little occasion .

Secondly , vnlawfull , when not 2 Vnlawfull , when by any other thing then God , be it eyther pro eo , or cum eo . by Iehouah . And here men offend against God two wayes : first , when they leaue his Name , and take another for it : secondly , when they vse it , but adde another with it : both are forbidden by God : both are 1 threatned of God . The first , Iere. 5. 7. Ierem. 5. 7. How should I spare thee for this ? thy Amos. 8. 14. children haue forsaken me , and sworne by them that are no Gods . The second , 2 Zeph. 1. 5. where hee threatneth Zeph. 1. 5. to cut off those , that sweare by the Lord , and sweare by Malcham . Hence then come to be reproued Hence are reproued diuers kindes of Oathes . diuers kindes of Oathes , chiefely these : 1. Heathenish . 2. Ciuill . 3. Supersticious . 4. Impious . 5. Ridiculous . First , all Heathenish Oathes : by their 1 All Heathenish Oathes by their Gods . Gen. 31. 53. Gods , as Laban , by the God of Terah , an Idolater , Gen. 31. 53. and as Iezabel by her Gods , 1 Kings 19. 2. These Oathes are expressely forbidden by God himselfe , Exod. 23. 13. Exod. 23. 13. Yee shall make no mention of the name Iosh. 23. 7. of other Gods , neyther shall it be Psal. 16. 4. heard out of thy mouth . Hos. 2. 17.

The second kinde here reproued , Zach. 13. 2. are Ciuill Oathes . Giue me leaue so 2 All Ciuill Oathes , by the Creatures . to tearme them for distinction sake , because among carnall men they passe without controulement , as readily and freely , as ciuill speech from their mouthes . As , how common a thing is it , among the profaner sort , to sweare by the light , Heauen , Sunne , fire , meate , drinke , monie : so , by their hand , soule , and such like : by which kinde of Oathes they are very iniurious both to God By which Oathes they are 1 iniurious to God . and to themselues . First , iniurious to God , in that they inuocate the creatures , which is onely proper to the creator : and so they place them Iurare est aliquid dicere cum inuocatione Dei Ergo non iurandum per creaturas quia non sunt inuocandae . in the seate of God , making them corriuals with the Monarch of heauen and earth , and matching them with him in greatnesse , both of Wisedome to know secrets , and of Power to reuenge falsehood , both Melancth. in which GOD requireth as due to Mat. 5. 34. himselfe alone . Isa. 48. 11.

Secondly , iniurious to themselues , 2 Iniurious to themselues . calling those things to iudge them , which God hath made to serue them . And surely , it is worth the They much disgrace them selues . marking and obseruing how a number ( that in other cases stand vpon their credit ) doe heerein much disgrace themselues , setting those things as Lords aboue them , that are as seruants subiect to them ; for men Psal. 8. 6. sweare by him that is greater then themselues . Heb. 6. 16. Heb. 6. 16.

The third kinde here reproued 3 All superstitious Oathes , by Saints , or Idols . are superstitious Oathes , that sauour of superstition , and nothing else . Such are the Oathes of the Popish sort by their Idols , as Masse , Rood , Crosse , Christendom , Testament , Euangelists : So by our Lady , by the Virgine Mary , and other Saints . By which kinde of Oathes they shew By the vse of which Oathes is shewed 1 Great folly . 2 Grosse Idolatrie . both great folly and grosse Idolatrie . Their folly , in calling them to witnesse , who can neither heare them , nor helpe them . Their Idolatry , in forsaking the true God , and making creatures their God . For , when a man sweareth by any other thing then GOD , hee maketh that his Chryst . Hom. 12 oper. imper. super Matth. Idolatriam ab eo committi dicit , qui iurat per ali quid . quod Deus non est , eo quod illud deificet per quod iurat . God , and himselfe an Idolater , as Ierome and Chrisostome vpon the fift of Matthew doe both affirme : therefore we may conclude , that in an Oath there is no mention to be made of Saints . The reason is giuen by Melancthou , Because they Ne facienda mentio sanctorum in iuramento , quia nec sunt omnipotentes , nec inspectores cordium , nec executores poenae . Melancth. in Mat. 5. are neither emnipotent , nor seers of the heart , nor executioners of punishment .

* * 4 All impious and fearefull Oathes by the parts or adiuncts of Christ . The fourth kind here reproued , are impious and fearefull Oaths , which ( me thinketh ) I am afraid to mention , blasphemous , horrible , terrible , by the parts or adiuncts of Christ , as by his life , death , passion , flesh , heart , wounds , blood , bones , armes , sides , guts , nailes , foote , with many hundred more , which a gracious heart cannot but melt to heare , tremble to speake , quake to thinke , and yet ( good Lord ) how common are they in the mouthes of the prophane Common in the mouthes of the sonnes of Belial . Whereby they deale with Christ , 1 Worse then Iudas , Matth. 26. 15. sonnes of Beliall , whereby they peirce the sides , wound the heart , teare the soule , and rend in pieces the body of our blessed Sauiour ; worse then Iudas , who betraied him to be crucified for mony : these crucifie him themselues meerely vpon vanitie : worse then the Souldiers , 2 Worse then the Souldiers , Matth. 27. 35. that diuided his garments ; these diuide his person , his natures , his members : worse then the Iewes , who cryed to Pilate , Crucifie him : these instead 3 Worse then the Iewes , Mat. 27. 23. of Crosse & Nailes , do between their owne teeth grinde him , and 1 teare him . They did it ignorantly , 2 these wilfully : they but once ; these Acts 3. 17. often : they in his humiliation ; these 3 after his exaltation . Wherefore as 4 these commit the greater sinne , so they must expect the greater condemnation . Thinke vpon this , oh impious blasphemer , and be pricked Let swearers ruminate vpon this . with remorse for this crying sinne , as at Peters Sermon many Iewes Acts 3. 37. were for their sinne : otherwise know and be assured , that it shall be easier for those that crucified Christ at the day of iudgement , then for thee .

The fift and last kinde heere reproued , 5 All ridiculous and new fangled Oaths . are ridiculous Oaths : too frequent in the mouthes of simple Ideots in the Country ; as , by my fey , lakin , bodikin , by Cock and Pie , and diuers such like Oathes ( which I am not much acquainted with ) foolish , trifling , toyish , childish . Many there are , that inuent such as these , and thinke they may haue a License and Pasport for them , when the Name of God is not expressed : but , saith Caluin , While men will bee so Atqui dum ingeniosi esse homines volunt , vt fucum faciant Deo , nihil quam friuolis cauillationibus se ipsos deludunt , Calu. in Iacob . 5. 12. witty as to deceiue God , by their vaine cauils they deceiue themselues . They must not looke for this ere the more to be excused , since it is no other thing but a mocking of God , and prophaning of his name in these ridiculous toyes secretly insinuated . Know therefore , that in a trifle , thou must not sweare at all . In a matter of importance that requireth an Oath , thou mayst , and must vse the name of GOD reuerently and religiously . So we see in the second place Oathes are vnlawfull , when by any other thing then God .

Thirdly , vnlawfull , when not in 3 Vnlawfull when not in truth . Truth : and in this kinde we may offend two wayes . First , when our tongue disagreeth with the thing . Secondly , when our mind disagreeth with our tongue . First , when our tongue disagreeth with the thing , not speaking as it is , or as it is vpon And that , 1 When our tongue disagreeth with the thing . certainety , but too sodainely and rashly , as we imagine & coniecture .

And herein a number are very faultie , who being carryed away A common fault . with their owne imagination , when they haue no sure ground for what they speake , yet aduenture to confirme it with an Oath .

Secondly ( which is worse ) when 2 When our minde disagreeth with our tongue . our Minde disagreeth with our Tongue , not thinking as we speake , but entending to deceiue those to whom wee sweare . The former of it selfe may be frailtie and infirmitie : but being ioyned with this This is flat periurie , which God abhorreth , forbiddeth , reproueth . latter it becommeth flat Periurie . And this is an horrible and grieuous sinne , which the Lord abhorreth , Zach. 8. 17. and straitly forbiddeth , Leuit. 19. 12. and sharply Zach. 8. 17. reproueth , Iere. 7. 9. Leuit. 19. 12.

And this is the cause ( saith Saint Ier. 7. 9. Augustine ) wee are forbidden to sweare at all , not because all Swearing is a sinne , but because forswearing Non quia iurare peccatum est sed quia peierare immane peccatum est , à quo longe nos esse voluit , qui omnino ne iu. remus admonuit . is an horrible sinne , from which hee would haue vs to be very farre , who hath warned vs not to sweare at all . And that not without speciall cause and reason . For it is a sinne in the highest degree , and containeth in it many capitall sinnes . If therefore Aug. in Mat. 5. as Christ saith , Mat. 12. wee Mat. 12. 36. shall giue an account of euery idle word , much more of euery false word : and if of euery false word , much more of euery false Oath . To lye , of it selfe , is a sinne , saith Musculus . Mentiri per se malum est . Malum hoc accessione iuramenti duplicatur . To adde an Oath to it is a double sinne . The Prophet complaineth of those that speake deceitfully . Psal. 12. 2. how much worse Wolf . Muscul . append . ad Psal. 15. de Iuram . are they that sweare deceitfully ? their sinne must needes be very dangerous . Psal. 12. 2.

Now , of this false Swearing there Of Periurie there are diuers kindes . are diuers kindes , all which are very haynous : for an Oath being twofold ( as I shewed before ) promissorie and assertorie , wee are to know , that this sinne may be in eyther of 1 In an Oath promissorie two wayes . them . First , in a promissorie Oath , and that two wayes : first , when by Oath wee promise that we neuer 1 When wee promise by Oath that wee intend not . meane to performe . Secondly , when hauing meant it simply at the Oath taking , wee afterward vnconstantly 2 When wee intend at the Oath taking , but after change . change our purpose , the thing being neyther vnlawfull nor impossible , but onely inconuenient : both these are no small sinnes , whether done in plaine or cunning manner .

What shall wee say then to that impious doctrine of the Church of Hence is reproued , Rome , which teacheth that a man ought not to hold faith with Heretikes , 1 The impious doctrine of the Church of Rome . whom they stile such as professe the Apostolike faith , reiect their idle inuentions , and renounce that Antichristian Synagogue ? by the entertaining of which doctrine , Gods Name and Maiestie is abused , fraud and treacherie maintained , and contracts betweene Nation and Nation ouer-turned .

And what shall wee say to that impious practise of the Pope of 2 The impious practise of the Pope of Rome . Rome , who making himselfe equall with God , challengeth to himselfe power to dispense with a lawfull Oath , and to discharge Subiects from their sworne Allegiance to Christian Princes ? What is it else , but a direct crossing of Gods sacred Maiestie , who hath giuen expresse charge to performe our Oathes , as Mat. 5. 33. being made not onely to man but Exod. 22. 11. to God : and therefore called , An 1 Sam. 20. 8. Oath of the Lord , Exod. 22. 11. So 2 Sam. 21. 7. that our Oath must be performed Ezek. 17. 19. Iuramentum etiam hosti seruandum : non enim considerandum est cui , sed per quem iuras . Hierom. to our very enemie . And Ierome giueth the reason , for you must not consider to whom , but by whom you sweare .

Whence wee may boldly conclude , that notwithstanding the Popes relaxation , who hath no libertie to loose , when GOD hath bound ; no power to seperate , when Mat. 19. 6. God hath coupled ; no authoritie to release any lawfull Oath , wherein is not onely a bond of man to man , but of man to God : notwithstanding ( I say ) this , our Iesuites , Priests Iesuites , Priests and other Papists , who breake their Oath of Allegiance ( notwithstanding the Popes Dispensation ) are guiltie of periurie . & other Papists , who hauing sworne Allegiance to the Kings Maiestie , ( as next vnder God ) in these Dominions Supreame Gouernour ) doe afterward violate this lawfull Oath , denying his Supremacie , and maintaining the Popes , are guiltie of this horrible sinne of periurie . Wherefore it were to be wished , they would herein follow the patterne of the auncient Romanes , though Heathens , whose integritie was The fidelitie of auncient Romanes . such , that they would not breake Oath with their deadliest Enemies .

Amongst the rest , memorable is the Example of A●tilius Regulus , Tit. Liu. Aul. Gel. Valer. Max. who to keepe his Oath made to the Carthaginians , his A rare Example . mortall enemies , returned Prisoner to Carthage . And though not compelled for any other cause but his Oath : yet ( as Tully saith of him ) the loue neyther of his Country , nor of his owne , with-held him , when withall Neque eum charitas Patriae retinuit , nec suorum : neqùe vero tum ignorabat , se ad crudelissimum hostem , & ad exquisita supplicia proficisci . hee knew hee should goe to a most cruell enemie , and to exquisite Torments ; which afterward hee sustained till hee dyed , in the cruellest and bloudiest manner that could be inuented . A shame then is it for Cic. de Offic. Lib. 3. Christians to come short of Heathens , whose onely guide was the light of Nature . And so much for Periurie in the first kinde .

The second kinde of Periurie 2 In an Oath assertorie , two wayes . is in an Oath assertorie : and that when wee sweare eyther a knowne vntruth : or an vnknowne truth . The first is , when wee sweare that to be 1 When wee sweare a knowne vntruth . truth , which is certainly knowne to be vntruth . The second , when we sweare that for truth which for the 2 When wee sweare an vnknowne truth . present wee surely imagine a falsehood , though in time to come it proueth to be truth .

So then it is plaine and manifest that in an Oath whether promising What Periurie is properly . or affirming , Periurie is not so much swearing a thing false as swearing it falsely , when heart and words agree not , and when the end thereof is Non enim falsum iurarc , peierare est : sed quod ex animi tui s●●tentia iuraueris . Cic. de Offic. Lib. 3. deceit .

Vpon what ground then is that Doctrine founded of Equiuocation , and Mentall reseruation , which our double harted Aduersaries do both Against the doctrine of Equiuocation . teach and practise in time of danger . Whereby they iustifie that wicked speech in Euripides , detested of the very * * Cic. Lib. 3. de Offic. Heathen themselues . a a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Iuraui lingua , mentem iniuratam gero . Eurip. I haue sworne with my tongue , but not with my minde . Like the fraudulent Oath of b b Plutar. in Lacon . Cleomenes , with his enemies , who sware a Truce for three dayes , and when they least thought on him , hee set vpon them and destroyed them in the night . Such are the Oathes of our periured Priests and Iesuites ; ( I can tearme them no better ) who haue a tongue for the Prince , and an heart for the Pope , desiring diuellishly to deceiue those to whom they sweare . Which opinion and practise being admitted and receiued , doth not onely ouerthrow the end of a lawfull Oath , Which opinion and practise being admitted , takes away the end of a lawfull Oath . ( which is the deciding of strife , and confirming of truth ) but excludeth the Authors of it from Gods holy Mountaine : For , hee onely shall rest there , saith the Prophet Dauid , And excludeth the Authors of it out of Gods Kingdome . Psal. 24. 4. Exhortation . who hath not sworne deceitfully , Psal. 24. 4. But speaketh the truth in his heart .

For our selues therefore that desire to pertake of the ioyes of heauen , let vs be exhorted in the feare of God , to follow the truth in loue , Ephes. 4. 15. and to beware of this sinne of Periurie , in what kinde soeuer . And because it is a sinne : 1 Iniurious to God . 2 Pernicious to our Neighbour . 3 Dangerous to our selues .

First , iniurious to God , and that in diuers Reason 1. Iniurious to God . respects :

First , in Lying , which God hateth , Pro. 6. 17. And in defrauding 1 which God reuengeth . 1 Thes. 4. 6. In Lying and defrauding . Prou 6. 17. 1 Thes. 4. 6.

Secondly , in defiling his blessed Name , by making that a shelter for 2 In desiling his blessed Name . lyes : which is as much as if the Keeper of the Kings Seale , should seale therewith Letters of Treason : so is it no lesse treason to the King of Which is treason to the King of Kings . Kings , to seale and confirme a lye with his name , which of it selfe is a Tower , and Sunctuary of veritie , Prou. 18. 10. Prou. 18. 10.

Thirdly , in abusing his glorious 3 In abusing his glorious Maiestie . Maiestie , by making him a partie in the sinne , and so contrarie to himselfe , as though hee were like the Diuell , the father of lyes , Iohn Iohn 8. 44 : Quid enim restat Domino , vbi sua veritate fuerit spoliatus ? Iam Deus esse desinet . Cal. Instit. lib 2. Cap. 8. Sect. 24. 8. 44. And what doe they herein , but ouerthrow his very essence ? for , take away his truth , hee ecaseth to be God .

Fourthly , in contemning his fearefull threatnings , denounced against all that offend in this sinne : for what doth the periured person , but desperately 4 In contemning his fearefull threatnings . tempt God , and ( as it were ) out-face him , prouoke , and dare him , according to his Word to inflict The periured person dareth God . vpon him the deserued vengeance , which in his Oath hee calleth for , if he sweare falsely .

So we see in how many respects this sinne is a dishonour to GOD . Whence Ioshua to bring Achan to confession of the truth , saith , My sonne , giue glory to the Lord God of Iosh. 7. 19. Israel , Iosh. 7. 19. Intimating , that by periurie God is greatly dishonored .

Secondly , as it is iniurious to Reason 2 Pernicious to our neighbour . God , so pernicious to our neighbour . For hereby is the end of an Oath frustrated ; discord preserued , falsehood erected , iniustice maintained . And it is yet more pernicious , if in And most of all , when in publike place of Iudgement , for there is wrong done 1 To the Iury. . publike place of iudgement : for there the periured person doth wrong to diuers . First , to the Iurie , in drawing them to giue wrong verdict . Secondly , to the Magistrate , in drawing him to giue wrong iudgment . 2 To the Magistrate . Thirdly , to his Neighbour , who is hereby much wronged and 3 To our Neighbour . iniured .

Either : In his state , and goods . 1 Or , In his name , and credit . 2 Or , In his body and life . 3 Or , In his soule and saluation . 4

Thirdly , and lastly , it is a sinne , as Reason 3. Dangerous to ourselues . iniurious to God , and pernicious to our Neighbour , so dangerous to ourselues . For , by periurie men becomming Diuels incarnate ; nay , in this regard Periured persons , Diuels incarnate , beyond the diuel himselfe ( of whom we haue not heard that euer he abused the name of God to confirme his lyes , but fathers them himselfe ) they Iohn 8. 44. must needs draw downe the punishments of God vpon them . In the midst whereof ( as one saith ) they finde and feele that that God whom Experiuntur enim periuri in medijs poenis , Deum quem inuocarunt , vere esse iratum testem , ac vindicem ipsorum perfidiae . Thesaur . Theol. Matth. Vogel . they haue inuocated is a sore angry witnesse , & reuenger of their falsehood : for so hee threatneth to be a swift witnesse against false swearers , Mala. 3. 5. and that very iustly : for an Oath consisting not onely of inuocation , whereby they call God to witnesse , but also of imprecation , whereby they call him to reuenge , and binde themselues to punishment if they sweare falsely ; iustly Iustly doth God punish periured persons , may God take them at their word , and execute vpon them the desired and deserued vengeance . Whence it 1 Here , and that . is , that he punisheth them both here and hereafter . First , here , and that 1 Inwardly . Introspice in mentem illius , qui sit satso iuraturus : videbis enim illam non posse acquiescere , sed tumultuari , perturbari , seipsam in crimen vocare , omni contumeliarum & co●●itiorū genere vexari . Phil. Iu. de dec praec . both inwardly , and outwardly .

First , inwardly , with a wounded conscience ( and that at the very act ) which whosoeuer feeleth , needeth no other Iailor or Hang-man . Doe but looke ( saith Philo ) into the minde of him , who is about to sweare falsely , you shall see that it cannot be at quiet , but vexed , troubled , of it selfe accused , and tormented with all kinde of checkes and rebukes .

Secondly , outwardly ; and that diuers wayes : as 2 Outwardly . with losse 1 Of estate . 2 Of good name . 3 Of libertie . 4 Of life .

First , sometime with losse of Estate . 1 Sometime with losse of Estate . Zach. 5. 4. And so much the Lord threatneth , Zach. 5. 4. where hee saith that the curse shall enter into the house of him that falsely sweareth by his Name ; and it shall remaine in the midst of his house , and shall consume it with the Timber the cof , and stones thereof .

Secondly , sometime with losse of good Name ; which the Wise man 2 Sometime with losse of good Name . telleth vs , is to be chosen aboue riches , Prou. 22. 1. Yet this hath beene so Prou. 22. 1. stained by Periurie , with such a blot and blemish of infamie , as could neuer be wiped out vntill death ; nay , hath often remained long after death . And surely it stands with And it standeth with great equitie . great equitie , that those who get credit to their falshood by dishonouring God , should haue the dishonour turned vpon their owne heads .

Thirdly , sometime with losse of Libertie . And thus was King 3 Sometime with losse of Libertie . Zedechiah punished for the Oath broken with Nebuchadnezar : in regard whereof , saith the Lord , Ezech. 17. 19. As I liue , I will surely bring mine Oath that hee bath despised , Ezek. 17. 19. and my Couenant that he hath broken , vpon his owne head . And so it came to passe , for Nebuchadnezar by an Armie ouer-tooke him , 2 Kin. 25. 5. 6. 7 slew his Sonnes before him , put out both his eyes , and carryed him to Babell , as it is in 2 Kings 25.

Lastly , sometime with losse of 4 Sometime with losse of Life . Life . Thus did God punish the Oath broken with the Gibeonites , not onely with famine three yeeres together , but with the death of Sauls seauen sonnes , who were hanged vp 2 Sam. 21. 1. 9. openly in the Mountaine , 2 Sam. 21.

And to this purpose wee may reade of , and it were not amisse Examples hereof haue beene in this our Land . to mention some examples of latter times in this our Land . As of Earle Godwine , who wishing at the Kings Table , that the Bread might choake Earle Godwine . him , if hee were guiltie of Alphreds death , whom he had before slaine , was presently choaked , and fell-downe dead . So of a Widdow in Cornehill , who hauing sworne to Wid. Barnes , Corn. in Lond. 1574. deceiue a poore Orphane of her right , within foure dayes after , cast herselfe out at a window ; and brake her necke . So of the Woman without Aldersgate , who hauing forsworne her selfe for Flaxe bought Anne Aueris , Wid. Feb. 11. 1575. in Wood-streete , had ( as shee desired ) Gods iudgement shewed vpon A pittifull example . her , was sodainely stricken , continued some few dayes in grieuous torments , and so wretchedly dyed . Many such examples might be alledged ; but to these giue me leaue onely to adde one more , of which wee reade in Ecclesiasticall Historie , and it is worthy here to be recorded .

Eusebius reporteth of three lewd Three lewd varlets that falsely accused Narcissus , Eus. Eccles. Hist. lib. 6. cap. 8. varlers , that charged Narcissus , Bishop of Ierusalem , with a grieuous accusation , and the better to perswade it , confirmed it with Oaths . The first , ( if it wore not true ) wished to be burnt to ashes : the second , to be tarmented with some cruell disease : the third , to be smitten with blindnesse . Innocent Narcissus , being too weake to resist them , remoued , and hid himselfe in desart places for many The iustice of God against periured persons . yeres . In the meane time , this hapned to those periured persons . The first by the fall of one spark 1 of fire in the night , had himselfe , house , and familie consumed to ashes : The second was tormented in his 2 whole body , with the same disease hee wished . The third , seeing their 3 ends , and fearing vengeance , confessed the mischiefe , and for it mourned and wept , till hee lost both his eyes . A lamentable spectacle for false Witnesses , and periured persons . So we see how God punisheth them here .

Secondly , much more seuerely 2 Hereafter . hereafter : if he doe not punish them temporally , then ( which is worse ) eternally . Vnlesse here they appease his anger ( as Peter did ) with Repentance Mat. 26. 75. and Teares , they may assure themselues of it , they cannot auoide it . Let them in this life escape the Wound of Conscience within ; and without , losse of Estate , Vnlesse they repent , they incurre losse of Heauen . Name , Libertie or Life : they cannot escape the losse of Heauen . But as they by this sinne haue renounced God , and giuen vp They shall be giuen vp into the hands of Sathan : themselues vnto Sathan : so for this sinne God shall renounce them , and giue them vp into the hands of Sathan , the Prince of darkenesse . And no maruell : for they farre surpasse Lyers in iniquitie , and therefore And haue their portion with lyers in the Lake , &c. may well looke for the same portion and that I , in the Lake that burneth with fire and Brimstone . Reuel . 21. 8.

And yet notwithstanding , how Application . A sinne common . common a sinne ? and how largely spread , ouer euery part of this Nation and euery corner of this Citie , the eye of the Land , and beautie of the Kingdome ? In publike Courts of Iudgement , may not mony hyre In Courts of Iudg ment . In shops and houses . it ▪ in priuate Shops , and Houses doth not the drosse of the world cause it ? In open Faires and Markets , In Faires and Markets . doe not our couetous Caitifes vse it ? In euery trifling Bargaina , In euery trifling bargaine . will not many a wicked wretch ( to make good sale of wares ) by Periurie sell his soule to Hell ? In a word , may wee not finde in Heathens more certaintie , lesse periurie , More certainty in Heathens , swearing by false Gods : then in Christians , swearing by the true God . Whence iustly may God be at controuersie with this Land , Citie . swearing by Iupiter , Apollo , and other false Gods , then in Christians swearing by the true God ? How iustly then may God proclaime a Controuersie with this Land in generall , with this Citie in speciall , which is become a Denne for these Wolues to lurke in , a Cage for these vncleane Birds to keepe in , ( giue mee leaue to say ) a Stie for these filthy Swine to lye in , which wallow in this sinne , and will not part with it ; eyther for God , to whom it is so iniurious : or for their Neighbour , to whom so pernicious : or for Themselues , to whom so dangerous . So wee see in the third place , Oaths are vnlawfull , when not in truth .

Fourthly , vnlawfull when not in righteousnesse ; and that is , when we 4 Vnlawfull , when not in righteousnesse . sweare eyther without iust occasion , or when the Matter it selfe is not 1 iust and lawfull : but forbidden by 2 God , or else not in our power . And 1 this is a great and grieuous sinne , 2 for a man to sweare not in a religious He that sweareth must take heede of two things , said Sophocles , ne laedat amicos , ne peccet in De●● . minde , to the glory of God , and good of Man , but that which is contrary to Pietie and Charitie . So did Iezabel : shee swore the death of Elias , 1 Kings 19. 2. So did Ahab : hee swore the death of Elisha , 1 Kings 19. 2. 2 Kings 6. 31. So did the Iewes : they 1 Kings 6. 31. Acts 23. 12. Thus do those that sweare reuenge . swore the death of Paul , Act. 23. 12. Thus also doe many in these dayes , who vpon euery little wrong , sweare to be reuenged of their neighbour , and to recompense euill for euill , Rom. 12. 17. 21 which they should ouercome with goodnesse .

And in this kinde also doe offend The Monkish sort also offend in this kinde . those of the Monkish profession , who sweare : 1 Perpetuall Chastitie . 2 Voluntary Pouerty . 3 Regular Obedience .

All which offend against the rule of righteousnesse .

The first , Perpetuall Chastitie , because it is not in their power , nor Who sweare , 1 Perpetuall Chastitie , which dependeth vpon the gift of God . dependeth vpon their will , but vpon the gift of God . And in this regard , saith Paul , If they cannot abstaine , let them marry . 1 Cor. 7. 9. 1 Cor. 7. 9.

The second , voluntary Pouertie , 2 Voluntary pouertie , which is a breach of Gods ordinance . and wilfull beggerie , because it is a breach of Gods ordinance , which is , that there should be no beggar in Israel , Deut. 15. 4. Deut. 15. 4.

The third , Regular Obedience to 3 Regular Obedience , which is a thraldome of the conscience . Marke 7. 7. the will of Superiours , because it is a thraldome of the Conscience to the ordinances of men , when in regard thereof wee are onely bound vnto GOD : in which sence , saith the Apostle , Bee not 1 Cor. 7. 23. the Seruants of Men , 1 Corinth. 7. 23.

All these kindes of Oathes are against Righteousnesse : and as in As the making so the keeping of these Oaths are against righteousnesse . Quod male iuratur , peius seruatur . the making , so in the keeping : Nay , that which is ill sworne , is worse obserued . If the thing sworne bee eyther vnlawfull , or impossible , ( whether it appeare so at the first , or be discerned afterward ) Vnlawfull Oathes binde not . it is of no effect , and cannot binde vs .

And here that rule of Isidore is to be remembred : In euill promises In malis promissis rescinde fidem : in turpi vot● 〈…〉 decretum : & quod in●aute vouisti , 〈…〉 impia est promissio , quae scelere impletur . Isid Well did Dauid in breaking his Oath . breake thy faith : in a dishonest vow change thy decree : and doe not that thou hast rashly vowed : wicked is the promise , that is performed with weekednesse .

Well therefore did Dauid , who ( in his rash passion ) hauing sworne the death of Nabal , did after , by the aduise of Abigail , breake it : 1 Sam. 25. And wickedly 1 Sam. 25. 32. did Herod , ( that Murtherer and no Iudge ) who swore not so Wickedly did Herod in keeping his Oath . Marke 6. 26. rashly , but performed it as wickedly , Marke 6. 26.

It standeth vs then in hand to Iusiurandum vinculum iniquitatis esse non oportet . Pet. Mart. loc. commun. beware of swearing irreligiously , or vnrighteously : ( for an Oath must not be the bond of iniquuie ) as also hauing sworne so , to craue pardon for it , and not to performe it : for that is , first , to make God an approuer To keepe vnrighteous Oathes is : of sinne : secondly , to breake our Oath of Allagiance , made to 1 To make God an approuer of sinne . God in Baptisme , whereby we haue bound our selues to obay his will . So wee see in the fourth place , 2 To breake our bond in Baptisme . Oathes are vnlawfull , when not in righteousnesse .

Lastly , vnlawfull , when not in 5 Vnlawfull , when not in Iudgement . When neyther called thereto by order of Iudgement : nor able with Iudgement to discerne the nature of an Oath . iudgement , but rashly and vnaduisedly : when neyther called thereunto by order of Iudgement , nor able to discerne with Iudgement , and vnderstanding , what wee doe when wee sweare . Whence it commeth to passe wee take it in hand so frequently , so irreuerently . A thing detested of the very Heathen . And therefore it was an auncient Decree Plut. Quaest. Roman . obserued of the Romanes , that when young men would sweare by Hercules , they should first goe out of the house , wherein they A commendable order obserued of the Heathen . were . A good meanes to keepe them from swearing lightly , when they had such time and leasure to bethinke themselues . And surely , these Heathen may rise vp in Iudgement against the men of They may condemne the men of this generation , this generation , & condemne them , who take no space at all to deliberate , but with lesse regard and reuerence to the true God , then they had to their false Gods , audaciously take his Name in their mouthes , filling Who haue lesse regard to the true God then they had to their false Gods . vp ouery sentence in ordinary communication with idle , vaine , and vnnecessary Oathes . So wee see in the last place , Oathes are vnlawfull , when not in Iudgement .

And so much shall serue to haue showed what Oathes are lawfull , what vnlawfull .

Now come wee to the vse of Now followeth the vse of all the former doctrine . the whole former doctrine concerning Oathes , both lawfull and vnlawfull . And it affordeth to vs a two-fold vse : 1 For information . 2 For caution .

For information Vse 1. For information . 1 Of our knowledge . 2 Of our practise .

And first , it serueth to informe our knowledge , that in some cases 1 Of our knowledge , that in some cases we may sweare . Against the errour of the Manichees and Anabaptists , who altogether take away the vse of an Oath . Their allegations , Iam. 5. 12 Matth. 5. 34. The answere . we may sweare . Contrary to the opinion of the Manichees , since renewed , and taken vp by the Anabaptists , who altogether reiect the vse of an Oath , and refuse it , euen when authoritie requireth it : for the vpholding of which heresie , they cite for their authorit●e , not onely the precept of Saint Iames , Before all things , my brethren , sweare not , Iam. 5. 12. but of Christ himselfe , Sweare ●o● at all , Matth. 5. 34. Whereas both S. Iames in the former and so Christ in the latter doth nor forbid it , but restraine it . So that we may not therein vnderstand The true meaning of our Sauiour . the prohibition of euery kinde of Oath , but onely of idle Oathes , and collusion of Oathes ( as Bucer , ) or swearing lightly and loosely ( as Gualther , ) Bucer in Mat. 5. Gual . in Mat. Zanch. in tertium praecept . Vrsin . Catechis . pars 3. or swearing in common talke ( as Zanchius , ) or rash and vnnecessary Oathes . ( as Vrsinus , ) or priuate and ordinary swearing , ( as Ar●tius , and Melancthon , ) or swearing by the creatures ( as Beza , and Pellican . ) In a word , it is plaine that the scope of our Sauiour is onely to taxe the corruption of the Pharisees , who thought in their iudgement , and taught in their doctrine , that in the third Commandement was onely forbidden Periurie : and no Periurie but when 1 there was expressed the name of 2 God , or some other thing , immediatly Matth. 23. 16. 17. 18. pertaining to his seruice . Otherwise , to sweare and forsweare by the creatures , they thought no defiling Leuit. 19. 12. his Name , nor taking of it in vaine . Exod. 20. 7. Our Sauiour chargeth them of a three-fold crime :

But our Sauiour herein layeth to their charge both Idolatrie , Periurie , and impietie . First , Idolatrie , in swearing by them , whereby they much 1 Idolatrie . Hil. 4 Can. on Matth. dishonoured God , in giuing his worship to the creatures . Secondly , Periurie , in confirming a falsehood by 2 Periurie . Neque enim Deus haret in verbio , sed mentem iurantis spectat , nec tam in syllabis , quam in sententijs , honor & contumelia nominis diuini consistit . Vrsin . Catechis . pars . such an Oath , of it selfe no true Oath ; yet so , in the opinion of him that sweareth , who in this respect is counted guiltie . * * 3 Impietie . Thirdly , impietie , in a a Colligimus nullam creaturam tam paruo nobis estimari debere , vt ipsam vano iuramento polluamus . Pell . in Matth. polluting the creatures , by rash and false swearing , and so ( though not directly , yet indirectly ) polluting the name of God : in asmuch as b b Tantum opificem designant a suis operibus , Caluin . in Iac. 5. 12. by these workes of his ( saith Caluin ) 3. quaest. 102. they point out the workeman , whose glory and Maiestie shineth in them , and thus the dishonour reacheth to God himselfe .

Now whereas he saith 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Sweare not at all , the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ( at all ) is to haue reference to the formes rehearsed , as by Heauen , Earth , Ierusalem , and such like , approued of the Pharises , reproued of Christ .

Wherefore , his meaning is , Omnino 1. per vllam rem creatam , Beza Annot-Maio . in Matth. 5. Sweare not at all , that is , not at all by any creature , vpon what pretence soeuer : nor at all by God himselfe , falsely or vnaduisedly ; neither disorderedly , Nec affectu , vt perturbati : nec imitatione , vt parvuli : nec consuetudine , vt scelerati : nec fictitie , vt deceptores , Pell . in Matth 5. for affection : nor childishly , for imitation : nor desperatly , for custome : nor cunningly , for deceit : other Oathes , which faile not in the conditions required , Saint Iames disliketh not , our Sauiour condemneth not , whither they be publike Oaths , inioyned by authoritie : or * * Priuata iuramenta , quae sobrie , sancte , reuerenter , necessarijs rebus adhibentur , damnare nimis periculosum fuerit . Caluin . Instit. lib 2. cap. 8. sect. 27. priuate Oathes , vsed vpon necessitie , soberly , religiously , and reuerently , as is plaine by the examples of a a Gen. 31. 53. Iacob to Laban , of b b 1 Sam. 20. 12. Ionathan to Dauid , of c c Ruth 3. 13. Booz to Ruth , and diuers other .

Wee may say then to the Anabaptists , as Christ to the Sadduces , they are deceiued , not knowing the Scriptures . Were that misinterpretation of theirs allowed , Christ should haue condemned what his Father had ordained , and destroyed the morral law , which hee came to fulfill , Matth. 5. 17.

In the second place therefore , it serueth to informe our practise : and it doth instruct and teach vs , not to Matt. 22. 29. Christus damnare nec voluit , nec potuit , quod pater instituit . Pel. Mat. 5. 17. 2 For information of our practise : it teacheth vs not to feare to take an Oath vpon iust occasion . Reason feare to take an Oath , ( when necessitie requireth ) both publike and priuate : but willingly to doe it , when there is sufficient warrant for it : so shall 1 A good cause be furthered . 1 2 Authoritie obayed . 2 3 God himselfe much honoured . 3 For it is a part of his seruice , and such a part as is * * 1 King . 8. 31. sometime put for his whole seruice : and therefore to Psal. 63. 11. be refused no more then Prayer , or Esa. 48. 1. any other worship of God . Rightly to sweare is to sanctifie his Name , for which the religious swearer shall The religious swearer shall be rewarded . be rewarded , as surely as the prophane swearer shall be punished . And so much of the vse for information .

Now as it serueth to informe vs , so withall to warne vs : to warne vs Vse 2. For caution . To beware of vaine Oathes . to beware of vaine Oathes , and to take heed of vnlawfull swearing . And the rather for these considerations .

First , because it is a transgressing Reason 1. It is a transgressing of the Commandement : of Gods Commandement . it is a statute enacted in the high Court of Parliament in Heauen , by the King of Kings , and Lord of Lords : Thou 1 Of God the Father . shalt not take the Name of the Lord Exod. 20. 7. thy God in vaine . Nay more : there is also a threatning annexed therevnto , Reason . For the Lord will not holde him guiltlesse , that taketh his Name in vain . which there is to no other law , saue onely to the second : to shew , that as Idolatry , so the abuse of his name of all other sinnes shall not escape iudgement . And from the Father come we to the Sonne , who in his Gospell will not haue vs to 2 Of God the Sonne . sweare at all , but to let our communication Matt. 5. 34. 35. 36. 37. Reason . For whatsoeuer is more , commeth of euill . be yea , yea ; nay , nay . And he is not without his reason : for whatsoeuer is more commeth of euill . And Saint Iames the Penman of the holy Ghost , is very earnest in the same precept : before all things , my brethren , 3 Of God the holy Ghost . Iam. 5. 12. Reason . Least you fall into condemnation . sweare not . And he also giueth a good reason , least yee fall into condomnation . It behoueth vs then to abstaine from it , in regard of this Law , and Statute , confirmed with such strong reason , both by God the Father , of whom it was enacted ; and by God the Sonne , of whom ratified , and by God the holy Ghost , of whom renewed .

Secondly , it is a great vilifying of God : be it either by other things , or Reason 2. It is a great vilifying of God . by his Name : If by other things , wee debase him , in preferring them before him , and making him inferiour Be it either by other things , Or by his Name , to them . If by his name , wee doe also debase him , in making him a common witnesse , and so prophaning him . The Name of God is to be Which is not to be polluted by common vse . had in high account , and great reuerence ; and therefore not to be polluted by common vse . Mercurius Trismegistus was in such respect amongst Mercu. Trisme . Nomen eius pro prium ob reuerentiam quandam pronunciare vulgo , & temere non licebat . the Egiptians , that in reuerence of him it was not lawfull to pronounce his name commonly and rashly . * * Claud. Min. com . in Alciat . Haro , Duke of Normandy , would haue his name so terrible , that Marsil . Ficin. at the very hearing of it men should croutch . If the names of sinfull men haue beene had in such respect , what reuerence may wee thinke due to the name of God ?

The Name of God ( as one saith ) is a name to be feared , a name to be Nomen terribile , admirabile . laudabile , terribile , quantum ad patentiam : admirabile , quantum ad sapientiam : laudabile , quantum ad bonitatem . Bonauent. expos. orat . Domin . admired , a name to be praised : To be feared for power . To be admired for wisedome . To be praised for goodnesse . And therefore let this name be continually in thy mouth , but ( ad precandum , non iurandum ) to pray to it , not to sweare by it ; for that is to debase , and vilifie his Name , who is Lyra in his Glosse , on Eccles. 23. 13. a great God , and therefore fearefull : a wise God , and therefore wonderfull : a good God , and therefore praise-worthy . Deut. 28. 58. So saith that sweet Singer , Psal. 8. 1. His Name is to be praised , from the Psal. 113. 3. rising of the Sunne to the going downe of the same , Psal. 113. 3.

Thirdly , it peruerteth the vse of Reason 3. It peruerteth the vse of our speech , Which was giuen vs to glorifie God . our speech : for that was giuen of God to no other end but to speake the language of Canaan , and to glorifie our Creatour . Now when it passeth these bounds , limited thereunto by creation , and taketh his Name in vaine : this faculty of speech is abused to the dishonour of him By this , it is abused to the dishonour of him that gaue it . that gaue it . For , a wicked thing is it ( saith Philo ) to speake filthily with that mouth , wherein is vttered the most sacred name of God . It defileth Est namque impium eo ore turpia loqui , quo sacratissimum nomen Dei profertur . Phi. Iud. de dec praecep. Reason 4. It is the cognisance of Sathan , & badge of prophanesse . the mouth , it peruerteth the speech ; it abuseth the tongue , which by right of creation should serue as a Trumpet to sound forth his glory .

Fourthly , it is the very cognisance of Sathan , and badge of prophanenesse . And such a one as vseth it , may well be termed a wretched person : for hee will make no conscience of any sinne , that maketh no conscience of this sinne , this vaine sinne , Swearing , a more vaine sinne then any other . for excuse whereof he hath not any shew of outward good to pleade : neither credit , as the malicious reuenger : nor profit , as the couetous Vsurer : nor preferment , as the dissembling flatterer : nor pleasure , as the vncleane adulterer . Wee may well Hee that maketh no conscience of this , will make no conscience of other . thinke then that the common swearer will not sticke at any of these sinnes , vnlesse more for disgrace and danger , then for any feare of God . Hee that will sinne for nothing , will sinne for something : and what dare not hee doe , that dare prophane Gods holy Name , wearing it , and tearing it like his old cloathes ? It is therefore a sure signe , setdowne by Salomon , as of a godly Eccles. 9. 2. man , to feare an Oath , so of a wicked man not to respect it . Eccles. 9. 2.

I haue read of an Harlot , who hauing three sonnes , tolde her husband , Destruct . vitiorum pars 4. cap. 17. that one of them onely was A fit example for this purpose . his : whereupon at his death he bequeathed his estate to him , who should be found out to be his naturall sonne . The Sonnes fell at contention : the matter came to tryall : The Iudge to decide it , commanded that their Fathers dead body should be set against a tree , and hee that could shoote nearest his heart , should be his Heyre . The two Bastards shot , the third refused it , and was much offended with the other for doing it . By which naturall loue they concluded him the naturall sonne , and gaue him the inheritance , So they that truely loue God , and cannot endure but grieue to heare Those that grieue at the abuse of Gods name , shew themselues the sonnes of God . his Name abused , shew themselues to be the true Sonnes of God , Chosen in Christ , called to Christ , iustified by Christ , and to be glorified with Christ : but those wretches that feare not to wound Christ , and Those that feare it not , no sonnes , but bastards , and Sathans slaues . 1 Kings 3. 26. to shoote at his heart with Oathes , as with Arrowes , crying with the Harlot , diuide him , diuide him , are no Sonnes , but Bastards ; no Sheepe , but Goates ; no Seruants of God , but Slaues of Sathan ; no heyres of Heauen , but fire-brands of Hell .

Fiftly and lastly , it is a sinne , that maketh vs lyable to the wrath and Reason . 5. It maketh vs lyable to the wrath & iudge ment of God . Iudgement of God . It is the Word of Almightie God himselfe ; The Lord will not hold him guiltlesse that taketh his Name in vaine . And as surely as it is threatned , so it shall Exod. 20. 7. be executed . A Sword of vengeance hangeth ouer their heads , and they draw downe Iudgements vpon themselues , both in this life , and in the life to come .

First , in this life , the Lord denounceth many , great , wonderfull , and long 1 In this life . plagues , against those that feare not his glorious Name , Deut. 28. 58. And Deut. 28. 58. 59. 60. 70. Zach. 5. 1. 2. 3. this the Prophet Zachariah in his fift Chapter saw in the vision of the flying Booke , in length , twenty cubits , in bredth , tenne cubits , wherein A Booke of curses against the Swearer . were written the curses that goe forth against the Swearer : which shall neuer be forgotten , for they are They shall be remembred : recorded in a Booke : they are not few , but many ; for it is a long and broad Booke : they come swiftly , They are many . They come swiftly . not slowly : for , it is a flying Booke . And what the Prophet saith , hath The flying Booke hath beene seene amongst vs , in this Land . not Experience found true ? hath not this flying Booke beene seene amongst vs ? Beloued , this our Land hath not wanted Examples .

Witnesse the Example of * * Iohn Peter , Fox . Act. & Mon. one Examples . ( of whom wee may reade in the Acts and Monuments ) that being a horrible swearer and blasphemer , it was vsuall with him to say , if it be not true , I pray God I may rotere I dye . Thus commonly hee tooke Gods Name in vaine , and yet not in vaine : his wish was not frustrate ; for hee rotted away indeede and so dyed in miserie .

Witnesse the Example of the * * A Gentleman of Cornewall . Ibid. young Gentleman of Cornewall , who in company with other Gentlemen , beganne to sweare and vse ribauld speech : being reproued for In the time of King Edward . it , hee swoore the more , and raged worse and worse . At length , passing A warning for Gentlemen . ouer a great Bridge , and an arme of the Sea , he so spurred his horse , as that hee sprang cleane ouer with the man on his backe , who as hee was going , cryed , saying , Horse , and man , and all to the Diuell .

Witnesse lastly , the Example ( to A Seruingman in Lincolneshire . Perk. Gou. of Tongue . name no more ) of a Seruingman in Lincolne-shire , who for euery trifle had an vse to sweare no lesse Oath , then Gods precious bloud : hee would not be warned by his friends to leaue it . At last , hee A warning for Seruingmen . was visited with grieuous sicknesse ; in the time whereof hee could not be perswaded to repent of it ; but hearing the Bell to toll , hee did most hardly , in the very anguish of death , start vp in his bed , and swore by his former Oath , that Bell tolled for him . Whereupon immediately , A lamentable spectacle . the bloud abundantly from all the ioynts of his body , as it were in streames , did issue out most fearefully , from mouth , nose , wrests , knees , heeles , and toes , with all other ioynts , not one left free , and so dyed .

Mee thinketh , these , and such Fearefull warnings . like fearefull warnings from heauen should sinke into the hearts of those , whose tongues being set on fire of hell , speake nothing without an Oath .

Oh then consider of these , yee Psal. 50. 22. that forget God , least he teare you in pieces , and there be none to deliuer you . Let these be Examples to you least you be made Examples to others .

And yet alas , here is not all . Might the Swearer here stay , and 2 In the life to come . dye like a bruit beast , well were the case with him : but here is onely the beginning of his woe . At the houre of death vengeance waiteth at the doore : and when his body shall be without life , his soule shall be without God . In this life God is patient toward him , to lead him to Repentance . 2 Pet. 3. 9. But if his long suffering be abused , GOD , setteth it vpon the God setteth vpon the score . score , and will one day call him to a fearefull reckoning , the word is passed out of his mouth , hee shall not be held guiltlesse . He may here happily passe without punishment ; Exod. 20. 7. nay , without controulement . But The Swearer may passe without punishment here : if Magistrates ( as Gods Iury on earth ) forgetting the Iudges charge , giue vp false verdict , and cannot finde him guiltie , the chiefe Iudge of the world , when at his great generall But not hereafter . Assise of the whole earth , he sitteth in his Iudgement Seate vpon life and death , will not hold him guillesse , but conuict him , condemne him , The chiefe Iudge shall condemne him and commit him to perpetuall imprisonment in the dungeon of darknesse . Marke 9. 44. pronounce sentence against him , commit him close Prisoner to Sathan : Take him Iaylor , binde him hand and foot , cast him into the Dungeon of darknesse , there to remaine ( without baile or mainprize ) in perpetuall torments , where their worme dieth not , and their fire neuer goeth out . There shall be the portion of vngodly Swearers .

I speake not of those , that may seldome slip therein by infirmitie , but of those that practise it continually . In the one sort , it is as a rebellious Seruant : in the other , as a Lordly Tyrant . In some it is as a bad Tenant , that will not depart 1 after many warnings ; and as an vnbidden Swearing is in some as a bad Tenant . Or as an vnbidden Guest . guest , that intrudeth himselfe , and wanteth a roome to sit in : these though they fall , rise by repentance , and so escape Iudgement . In others , it sitteth as a King in his Throne , it raigneth , it ruleth , and continueth . Their hardnesse of heart is such , 2 In others , as a King in his Throne . they make euen a trade of blaspheming God , and grieuing his Spirit by Hellish Oaths : and for these Hell gapeth , the Diuell wayteth . Hell gapeth They make a trade of it . ready to consume them : the Diuell waiteth ready to deuoure them . If here ( while God offereth grace ) And these without Repentance fall into condemnation . they quench not the flame of his wrath with the teares of Repentance , it shall burne hotte against them , and that in hell Fire : their tongues , and whole bodies shall for euer be tormented ; they shall continue to blaspheme God among the damned ; their portion is perdition ; their end is condemnation , Iames Iames 5. 12. 5. 12.

These Reasons then may cause vs to beware of vaine swearing ; which transgresseth Gods Law , vilifieth his Name , peruerteth our speech , is the Cognisance of Sathan , and fore-runner of Iudgements both temporall and eternall .

Now , because notwithstanding Now follow to be answered the chiefe obiections alledged in excuse of common swearing . all this against it , Swearers thinke they haue something to pleade for it , whereby ( if not to defend it , yet ) to excuse it : I shall here by your patience , not thinke it amisse , to take away the chiefe obiections alledged in behalfe of it . To let passe their Scriptures , which make not for them , but against them , allowing onely ( as hath beene shewed ) of a lawfull , and religious Oath :

It will first be obiected , that it graceth their speech , and is an ornament Obiect . 1. It is a grace to their speech . Answere . Cursed be such grace , as robbeth God of his glory . to their phrases . But is it a grace to thy speech , to disgrace him that gaue it ? Is it an ornament to thy tongue , to dishonour him that made it ? Cursed bee such grace , woe to such eloquence , as robbeth God of his due glory . It is loathsome in his eyes , harsh in his eares , stinketh in his nosthrils . And such gaine no credit , but lose reputation : lose it with God , lose it 2 Such gaine no credit but lose it . with those that feare God , and shew themselues to be no Gallants , but slaues and seruants , euen to Sathan himselfe the Prince of darkenesse .

It will secondly be obiected to be a generall custome ; the most part vse Obiect . 2. It is a generall custome . it , few or none refraine it , vnlesse a few singular spirits , too nice and curious . But these must consider the precise charge of God himselfe , Answer . Exod. 23. 2. Thou shalt not follow a multitude to doe euill . For by multitude Exod. 23. 2. Multitudo peccantium peccatum exaggerat , non extenuat . Musc. app. ad Psal. 15. de Iur. Gen. 37. 20. 1 King . 18. 22. Ierem. 44. 15. Acts 7. 57. Matth. 27. 22. of sinners , the sinne is aggrauated , not extenuated . It excused not the inhumanitie of Iosephs brethren , nor the Idolatrie of Baal Prophets , nor the obstinacie of those that withstood Ieremiah , nor the crueltie of those that stoned Steuen , nor the impietie of those that crucified Christ . In euery one of these , most voices carried it , yet was not the offence any whit the lesse .

And as it excuseth not from sinne , so it exempteth not from iudgement . It saued not the olde World from Prou. 11. 21. Gen. 7. 23. drowning , nor Sodome from burning , Gen. 19. 24. Numb. 15. 9. nor the Israelites from perishing . Nay , the number in all these kindled Gods indignation , and cryed the lowder in his eares for vengeance . In this case then , that counsell of one is good , Liue as a few , that with a few thou mayst walke worthy of Gods Viue vt pauci , vt cum paeucis inueniri merearis in regno Dei , Cassian . Matt. 7. 13. Kingdome . And that of our Sauiour , Enter in at the straight gate . Alleadge not the number of Swearers to iustifie thy swearing : though it be the broad way , walke not in it . Colde comfort is it to goe to hell for companie : happier shall it be for thee to be one of those few , that had rather haue their soules drop out of their bodies , then a vaine Oath out of their mouthes .

But it will thirdly be obiected ; they Obiect . 3. They haue no euill minde or intent . do it from no bad mind , no wicked intent : but their hearts are good , they meane well , and therefore to be borne with . But this excuse is both Answer . This excuse is 1 Friuolous . friuolous , and false . First , friuolous , and that to no purpose : for by thy words thou shalt be iustified , and by Matth. 12. 37. thy words thou shalt be condemned , Matth. 12. 37. And if of euery idle word , then much more of idle Oaths must wee giue account at the day of Iudgement . Secondly , it is not onely friuolous , but false : for our Sauiour 2 False . telleth vs plaine , that out of the abundance of the hart the mouth speaketh , Matth. 12. 34. Matth. 12. 34. The Treasure will be knowne by the Mettall ; He that feareth God in heart , cannot abuse him in word . the Fountaine by the Water ; the Fire by the heate ; the Sunne by the light , the Tree by the fruit . Canst thou feare God in heart , and abuse him in word ? Can thy minde blesse him If the minde blesse him , the tongue can not blaspheme him Iam. 1. 26. Obiect . 4. They sweare no deepe but little Oathes . Answere . All vain Oaths are condemned , be they great or small . and thy tongue blaspheme him ? No , If thou refrainest not thy tongue , thy religion is in vaine , Iam. 1. 26.

But it will fourthly be obiected , they sweare no deepe Oathes , as by God himselfe , or by the parts and adiuncts of Christ , but little Oathes , as by the Masse ; or , by our Lady ; or , by faith , troth , and such like . But euen these Oathes will not excuse : for in a matter of importance , that requireth Matt. 5. 37. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Basil . concion . in Psal. 15. Swearing by Faith and Troth , a vaine thing . an Oath , wee must ( as hath beene shewed ) vse the Name of God . On the other side , in a trifle wee must not sweare at all : our Yea and Nay , ( saith Christ ) must serue the turne . All vaine Oathes are condemned , be they deepe Oathes , or little Oathes . And for these , if thou beest not sorrowfull , & God mercifull , thou wilt finde none so little , but deep enough ; none so light but heauy enough , none so small , but great enough to send thee down into hell .

And as for that common swearing by our Faith and Troth ; how vaine a thing is it vpon needlesse occasion ? For , our Faith and Troth , ( as one saith ) are the most precious Iewels we haue . Now there is none A. Dent. but a banquerupt that will lay the best Iewell in his house to pawne for euery small trifle . So when wee lay It sheweth we are banquerupts in truth , and of very small credit . these to gage for euery word wee speake , it sheweth we are banquerupts in truth , and that we are of very small credit . Otherwise wee would not bring forth these precious Iewels but vpon some waightie occasion .

But it will fiftly be obiected , they sweare no lye , but that which is true , Obiect . 5. They sweare no lye , but truth . Answer . and they know to be certaine . To which I answere : first , if it be so , it needeth no Oath : our faithfull word may serue in stead of an Oath . Euangelica veritas non recipt iuramentum , cum omnis sermo fidelis pro iureiurando sit . Hier. in Mat. 5. 34. Zach. 5. 4. Exod. 20. 7. For God hath threatned , as to punish him , that sweareth by his name falsely , so not to hold him guiltlesse that taketh his name vainely . So that there is a curse for him that sweareth , a a Siue mendaciter , siue inutiliter . Lyra in his Glosse on Eccl. 23. 10. whither falsely , or to no purpose .

Secondly , I answere with b b Ex saepe , multumque iurando , nascitur & periurium , & impietas , Phil. lib. de dee. praec . Philo Iudaeus , that of much and often swearing commeth both periurie and impietie . And with that learned Father , S. c c Nemo est qui frequenter iurat , qui aliquando non peierat : sicut qui consueuit multa loqui , aliquando loquitur importuna . Au. in Mat. 5 August . none there is that often sweareth , but sometimes hee forsweareth : euen as hee that is wont to speake much doth sometime speake out of season . And therefore the safest course in this case is , to follow the precept of a very d d Menander . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Peri●nder . Heathen Poet , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Shunne ( saith he ) an Oath when thou mayst iustly take it . For swearing begetteth e e Aug. ad cons. de mend . c. 15. facilitie , facilitie custome , custome periurie : the very f f Non penitus iurare prohibuit sed occasionem periurij euitare docuit . Greg. in Mat. 5. occasion whereof we should shunne , saith one . Now , g g Cesset ignis , & incendium non fit subtrahe gladium , & hornicidium non permittitur sic tolle iuramentum , & periurium non fit . Chryl . om. 12. op. imp. cap. 52. put out the fire there can be no flame : take away the sword , there can be no murther : so sweare not at all , there can be no periurie . Periurie is a dangerous pit , saith a h h Periurium praecititium est : qui iurat iuxta est , qui non iurat , longe . Falsa iuratio exitiosa , vera periculosannulla secura . August in Iacob . 5. 12. Father , He that sweareth is nigh to it , he that sweareth not farre from it : false swearing is deadly , true swearing dangerous , no swearing secure : wee see it true in i i 1 Sam. 19. 6. 15. Saul , a horrible swearer , a damnable forswearer , 1 Sam. 19.

But it will * * Obiect . 6. They sweare to be beleeued . sixtly be obiected , they are vrged thereunto by necessitie , they shall not otherwise be beleeued .

I answere : first , shall there bee Answere . any necessitie to moue thee to grieue 1 and displease thy Creatour ? doest Rather losecredit with men , then reputation with God . thou preferre thy credit with men , before thy reputation with God ? Surely , in this case thou shouldest rather chuse not at all to be credited . Better that men vniustly suspect thee , then God iustly condemne thee . 2

But secondly , in saying they will Aut parum bene sentit qui iurat , de eo cui iurat , aut diffidit is , qui iuramentum exigit . Pellic. super . Matth. not else beleeue thee , thou art vncharitable to others , and shamest thy selfe . Vncharitable to others , in censuring them as distrustfull and suspicious of thee , which argueth themselues also to be guiltie of falsehood . 1 Shamest thy selfe , in that thy credit 2 is so crackt , thy word is not any It is a shame to our selues , that we are not beleeued . thing worth without an Oath . For therefore thou swearest , because thy simple word is of no credit . And what is the cause men are so incredulous The cause of others in credulitie is our falsehood . and suspicious of thee ? It is thy wauering in thy words , thy deceit in thy dealings , thy vnfaithfulnes in thy promises , thy falsehood in thy sayings , thy inconstancy in thy speeches . No maruell then , thy saying is so little respected : wouldest thou on the other side haue thy word credited ? I shall tell thee a farre better The best way to be credited , is to be true & vnblamable in all our dealings . way then swearing . Be true and vnblamable in all thy dealings , and follow the rule Saint Ierome giueth ( quae dixeris , putes iurata ) that which thou hast spoken , suppose it as Hieron . ad Celan . Be true in Heart , Words , Workes . sworne . Meane not cunningly , speake not dissemblingly , deale not deceitfully : but be sincere in heart , true in words , faithfull in workes . So shall men credit thy bare saying , more then anothers swearing : for it is not the Oath ( saith one ) that gineth I. D. credit to a man , but a man to his Oath .

So then , thy common swearing 1 is to no purpose at all : for if thou Quid enim opus est iuramento , vnoquoque de alio optime & sentiente & sperante . Pellic. beest knowne to be vpright in words , and deeds , thy word shall goe currant , and decide any matter , inasmuch as thou makest more account of that , then another of his Oath .

If on the other side , to vse double An honest mans word is better respected then a double-dealers Oath . dealing , that causeth thy very Oath to be suspected , and not so much respected as an honest mans Word . And surely wee may well suspect a common Swearer : for ( qui deierat , peierat ) Hee that often Ioh. Dow. sweareth , often forsweareth . And wee haue little cause to beleeue such a one : for ( as * * W. W. on Hos. 4. 2. Swearing and Lying are Inmates . one saith well to this purpose ) Swearing and Lying for the most part are In-mates , and dwell both vnder one roofe , and walke hand in hand , like the Theefe and the Receiuer ; or as the Vsurer and the Broker . It is to be feared , that a common Swearer is a Lyer : he that feareth not the one , feareth not the other : hee that will dishonour God , Hee that will dishonor God , will deceiue his neighbour . will deceiue his neighbour : hee that maketh no Conscience of the first Table , will not make any Conscience of the second . If thou beest not then beleeued , the more is thy shame , the disgrace is thine owne , and blame thy selfe for it .

But it will seauenthly be obiected of others , they confesse this ordinarie Obiect . 7. They doe it onely in their anger . swearing to be haynous and grieuous : onely now and then they are moued thereunto in their anger , when they are crossed and offended , and then they cannot refraine themselues .

But this is the worst excuse of all Answere . Such as pleade this , are like fooles and mad-men . the former : and such as these I can compare to none so fitly as to fooles or mad-men , who ( as wee say ) if they be stricken , strike their next fellowes . These , in farre worse For the wrongs they receiue of men , they reuenge themselues vpon God . manner , doe for the displeasure and wrongs they receiue of men , reuenge themselues vpon God . If vpon the least occasion they be moued and prouoked , then by a multitude of Oathes , they set vp ( as it were ) their Flagge of defiance against Heauen , and proclaime warre against Christ , it shall cost him a Stab , as though hee were the sole cause of their discontentment . The like they doe The like they doe in their sports and recreations . in their sports and recreations : let them be crossed in their carding , dicing , bowling , or any other Pastime , they spit out their venome If they be crossed in them , God shall be crossed in his honour . against the Lord of glory : and if they indure any losse , they will make God himselfe pay for it . So prone and ready they are to dishonour Tam facile , & pronum est superos contemnere testes . Iuuen. God .

But oh vile wretched Creature , whosoeuer thou art : why shouldest thou thus , like a mad Dogge , flye Like mad-dogs they flye in their masters face who feedeth them . in the face of thy Master that feedeth thee , easing thy stomacke vpon his sacred Name , whensoeuer thou art grieued and offended ? Hee neuer did thee hurt , but hath euer And neuer did them hurt , but good . Acts 17. 28. beene a gracious God vnto thee , in whom thou liuest and mouest , and from whom thou enioyest all things , and of whom , and whose mercy it is , that thou art not consumed : Lamen. 3. 22. and wilt thou make him this requitall ? Must others wrongs be reuenged on him ? for by thy Hellish Oathes thou hurtest not them , By their hellish Oathes they hurt not others but God and their owne soules : thou hurtest thinc owne soule , thou hurtest and dishonourest God . Hee it is that is prouoked , and his holy Spirit is grieued , as thou shalt one day know , and feele to thy woe , without vnfained repentance .

But it will lastly be obiected , they vtterly detest it , and when they haue Obiect . 8. They sweare by reason of custome . done it at vnawares , they desire God to pardon it : but they haue got a foolish custome , and they cannot leaue it .

I answere first , in that they say 1 they detest it , it appeareth to be Answere . Did they hate it , they would not continue in it . false . Were it so , they would not make a trade of such a knowne sinne ; nay , they would neuer be at rest and quiet , vntill they were well wained from it . And what if ( when Their asking forgiuenesse shall not excuse them . they haue sworne ) they desire pardon ; will God heare and accept such a Prayer ? Can they hope , hee will forgiue it , when they still continue They are herein like the Iewes . Mark . 15. 18. in it ? what are they herein , but like the Iewes who despightfully crucified Christ , and yet in words salute him , with Haile King of the Iewes . So for these , to make a Prayer like a flash of Lightening , and yet continually It is no other thing but a mocking of God . Gal. 6. 7. without ceasing to grieue God by this sin ; what is it else but a mocking of God , who will not be mocked , Gal. 6.

Secondly , in that they pleade 2 long custome , they doe not at all Hoc est seipsum accusare , magis quam excusare , &c. Musc. app. ad Psal. 15. de Iur. excuse , but the more accuse themselues . For , it is as if the Theefe should pleade at the Barre , that hee hath beene so long accustomed to robbing , that hee cannot leaue it . Would the Iudge take this excuse It will not excuse a theefe , but the sooner condemne him . for good ? or not rather the sooner condemne him , as more iustly deseruing to be hanged ? And can wee thinke , that the Lord will acquit such notorious Fellones , as make it a daily practise to robbe him , and How then can God acquit such as daily robbe him of his glory ? to bereaue him of his dearest honour ? wee cannot thinke it . If custome will not excuse the Theefe for his stealing , nor the Murtherer for his killing , nor the Adulterer for his whoring , how shall it excuse the Swearer for his swearing ? for euery sinne , by how much the Euery sinne , by how much the more customable , by so much the more detestable , more common and customable , by so much the more haynous and detestable . If once to sweare vainely be a sinne , then is customable Swearing a crying sinne , and must needs ( being a higher trespasse ) incurre And the more damnable . the higher condemnation . And so much for answere to such Obiections as are vsuall in the mouthes of prophane Swearers .

Wherefore seeing the Reasons Exhortation , To breake off this sinne . are so forcible on the one side , and the Excuses so friuolous on the other side ; let euery one endeuour to breake off this sinne by repentance , being carefull to leaue it , zealous to hate it , resolute to forsake it ; to which end , vse the best meanes against it : as , Meanes to be vsed against it . 1 Beware of that which may giue way to it , or cause it .

First , beware of any thing that may seeme to giue way to it , as the vse of earnest protestations , which is the next doore to it : or any thing that may seeme to cause it . As if it be from a proud spirit , desire of glory ; striue to subdue it : if from a couetous 1 spirit , desire of gaine ; seeke to suppresse it : if from an impatient 2 spirit , outragious furie ; labor to containe 3 it . Take Saint Iames counsell , Iames 1. 19. Be slow to Wrath. Take Saint Pauls counsell , Be angry , but sinne Ephes. 4. 26. not .

Secondly , to the end this 2 Bridle thy Tongue , and be wary ouer it . Sinne may fall into a Consumption , Set a bit in thine owne mouth , and curbe in therewith thy tongue , that slipperie piece of flesh , that in this kinde thou offend not with Psal. 39. 1. it . If thou wert in suite of Law , for any matter that concerneth thy estate , how wary wouldest thou be ouer thy words , least thou shouldest any way wrong thy selfe . In this matter that concerneth thy Soule , bee as warie and Be as wary as thou wouldest be in a suite of Law. watchfull , least thou wrong both GOD and thy selfe : GOD , of his Glory , and thy selfe of Heauen .

Thirdly , haunt not the company of those that vse it ; but make choise 3 Haunt not the company of those that vse it . of such company as will rather reproue it , and not at any time require it , vnlesse vpon vrgent necessitie . It is a sinne not a little contagious , the plague it selfe not more infectious . The safest course to escape it , is not to come within the aire of it .

Fourthly , consider seriously the 4 Consider the grieuous punishments of it . grieuous punishments that haue followed vaine swearers in all ages , which ( being * * Deut. 28. 58. 59. 60. 61. threatned alike to all ) our selues also may feare without amendement . Some haue had their tongues swelling , others their mouths burning , some haue beene stroke madde , others suddainly dead . In a Of all other sinnes , it hath not escaped punishment . word , of all other sinners , they haue tasted iudgements , many in number , great in measure . And ( which is worst of all ) to make vp their Woe , they haue plunged Body and Soule into eternall condemnation .

Lastly , commend thy selfe by 5 Desire God to keepe the doore of thy lips . prayer vnto Almightie God , for the helpe and assistance of his holy Spirit . He it is , that worketh in vs both Phil. 2. 12. the will and the deed : and therefore let Dauids desire be euer thy desire , Set a watch , O Lord , before my mouth , and keepe the doore of my lips , Psal. 141. 3. Psael . 141. 3. By these meanes wee shall be the better enabled to disinure our tongues from the common vse of Oathes .

And so much shall serue to haue spoken of the one part of my Text , Because of Oathes . It now remaineth that I hasten to the other : The Land mourneth . In which The second part ; the effect , Mourning . wordes , there is ministred an Ocean of matter , which I shall swimme through as fast as I can , and briefely runne ouer it , lest the time ouerrunne mee .

The Prophet telleth vs in this latter part , that the effect of swearing The meaning . is mourning ; by which hee vnderstandeth not onely Iudgément , but He vnderstandeth not only iudgement , but the griefe , and bitternes that followeth it . the very griefe and bitternesse that followeth of it ; because wee are not so sensible of the iudgement it selfe , as of the paine that waiteth vpon it . The childe would not care for the rod , were it not for the smart that commeth after it . No more would wee at all feare iudgements , but that they procure a feeling , which is the cause of mourning . In this terme then here vsed , he giueth vs to vnderstand , It is such a iudgement , as leaueth a sting behind it . The doctrines . that it is such a iudgement as leaueth a sting behind it . Hence obserue the reward : first , of sinne in generall : secondly , of vaine Oathes 1 in particular . 2

First , the Prophet here sheweth 1 The reward of sinne in generall . Sub adulterijs , & periurijs comprehendit alia scelera Ioan Calu. praelect. in hunc locum . vnto vs the reward of all sinne : for vnder these ( saith Caluin ) are other sinnes contained : for which also hee might truely say the Land mourneth ; for what euill euer befell eyther Person or Nation , but wickednesse brought it , sinne caused it ? This was it that caused the a a Gen 7. 23. Floud to destroy the old World , b b Gen. 10. 24. Fire and Brimstone to consume Sodome , c c Exod. 14. 28. the Sea to drowne Pharaoh , the d d Numb. 16. 32 Earth to swallow vp Chorah . This was it , that was the cause of e e Iosh. 7. 25. Achans stoning , f f Esth. 7. 10. Hamans hanging , g g Dan. 5. 6. Belshazzars trembling , h h Mat. 27. 7. Iudas despairing . This was it , that barred i i Dan. 4. 30. Nebuchadnezzar out of mens presence , k k Gen. 4. 16. Cain out of Gods presence , l l Gen. 3. 24. Adam out of Paradise , m m 2 Pet. 2. 4. Angels out of Heauen . And how often did it cause God to punish his owne people , this people of Israel , who were as the apple of his eye , and signet vpon his right hand ? In a word , what need I trauell farre for examples ? haue not our sinnes had the like effect ? Sinne hath caused this our Land to mourne , diuers wayes : haue not they caused this our Land many times to mourne ?

Hath it not sometime mourned by the Sword , both ( in time past ) of enemies openly assaulting it , and 1 By Sword . Openly . ( since more lately ) of enemies closely vndermining it , attempting by Closely . plots , treasons , and conspiracies , to subuert State and Religion , Church and Common-wealth .

Hath it not ( a second way ) mourned by Famine , as many a 2 By Famine . poore Country soule can witnesse ? hath not GOD depriued them of the staffe of Bread , made our fruitfull Ezek. 4. 16. Land barren , and the Hearbs Psal. 107. 34. of euery Field to wither , for the Ierem. 12. 4. wickednesse of them that dwell therein ?

Hath it not ( a third way ) mourned 3 By Sickenes . by Sickenesse ? euen by the Pestilence , that walketh in the darkenesse , and the plague that destroyeth Psal. 91. 6. at noone day , with diuers other strange diseases , which haue ( as in Dauids time ) swept away thousands , and tenne thousands in our streets ?

Hath it not ( a fourth way ) mourned by Pouertie ? What meaneth 4 By pouertie . then such crying and complaining Psal. 144. 14. in our streetes ?

Looke vpon the generall part of the Land , doe they not want that abundance , they haue formerly inioyed ? and what a number daily change , and fall from prosperitie to miserie , from plenty to penurie , from brauerie to beggerie ?

Hath it not ( a fift way ) mourned by vnseasonable weather , quite contrary to the course of nature ? hath 5 By vnseasonable weather . not God one while made the Heauen as Iron , the Earth as Brasse , and the Clouds to denie their moysture ? Leuit. 26. 19. hath he not another while ( and that within the space of these few dayes ) caused the Heauens to mourne , and shed teares by immoderate showers , because our hard hearts cannot mourne : and the earth to be ouerwhelmed with floods and invndations , because of the vniuersall flood , and deluge of sinne ?

Lastly , to let passe other iudgements , and onely to put you in mind By the death of hopefull Prince Henry . Nouemb. 6. 1612. of one more . Hath not the Land mourned euer since Nouember last , ( my heart melteth to mention it ) by the death of a Prince , the glory of Peeres , and patterne of Princes : Prince HENRY by name ; a vertuous , a religious , a couragious Prince , the very ioy of our hearts , the hope of our Land , and our very securitie , for the continuance of our peace . Well , notwithstanding ; the Lord hath taken him from vs , and for our sinnes wee are of him depriued , For our sinnes he was taken from vs . as of him vnworthy . Thankes be vnto God , there is yet a remnant There is yet a remnant of that Princely progeny . of that Princely progenie , which the Lord long preserue , and ( no doubt ) he will preserue , if the crying sinnes of the Land , doe not too And hope there is of the continuance of it . much prouoke the fire of his wrath , to kindle against vs . Hee hath giuen vs hope of it , by the late marriage of that * * Freder : the 5. Count Palatin of the Rheine , &c. Princesse Elizab. Febru . 14. 16●2 . But yet this is a faire warning . blessed couple , the noble Prince , and the vertuous Lady , whom the LORD increase and multiply . But howsoeuer ( Men , Brethren , and Fathers , ) this is a faire warning , and such a warning , as is not too lightly to be passed ouer , and already to be And to be layd to heart of vs . forgotten , as generally it is : but rather to turne our feastes into mourning , and our songs into lamentation : Amos 8. 10. with Micah , lamenting like the Dragons , and mourning like the Ostriches : Micah . 1. 8. and taking vp Ieremiahs mournefull complaint , in the last of his Lamentations . The ioy of our heart is gone : our daunce is turned into Lament. 5. 15. 16. mourning : the crowne of our head is fallen : woe now vnto vs that we haue sinned . Thus are wee to lay it to heart , and make right vse of it , that so God may be pleased to double , and trible his blessings vpon those So shall God multiply his blessings vpon those branches which remaine . goodly Oliue branches which remaine , and neuer proceed so farre at controuersie with vs , as to turne our Beth-el to Beth-auen , the house of his Seruice , to a house of vanitie .

And thus wee see how sinne hath brought woe vpon the Land ; and how it hath beene the cause of many a mourning , and is yet like ( if it beare sway ) to cause many more .

What should all this teach vs , Vse . but 1 to bewaile it : 2 to preuent 1 it : bewaile sinne past ; preu●nt it 2 for time to come . Let all Estates , and Callings , from the highest to Exhortation to the lowest , leaue and forsake their darling sinnes : Magistrates their Magistrates . conniuence , and too much winking : Iudges their partialitie , and Iudges . too much fauoring : Patrones their Patrones . theft , and Church-robbing : Ministers Ministers . their soothing vp , and flattering : Lawyers their subtiltie , and Lawyers . delaying : Courtiers their pollicie , and Courtiers . dissembling : Citizens their pride , Citizens . and deceiuing : Gentlemen their Gentlemen . wracking , and oppressing : Country-men Countrymen . All. their lawyng , and contending : and euery one of these their coueting .

So shall wee haue beautie for So shall wee haue ioy for mourning , Isa. 61. 3. ashes , ioy for mourning , and the garment of gladnesse for the spirit of heauinesse .

If thus with Niniue wee repent of Ionan 3. 10. the euill against God , God will repent of the euill against vs . If now with the prodigall childe we come to our Luke 15. 20. ●o shall God imbrace vs , according to his promise without exception , selue by repentance , our Father will imbrace vs , and haue compassion vpon vs , according to his promise , his promise without exception , either of time , or of persons , or of sinnes . Without exception of time ; 1 Of time . Ezek. 18. 27. for hee is ready to doe it at what time soeuer , Ezek. 18. Without exception of persons ; for , come vnto me 2 Of persons . Matth. 11. 28. all heauie laden , Matth. 11. 28. Without exception of sinnes ; though they be crimson sinnes , or scarlet 3 Of sinnes . Esa. 1. 18. sinnes , Esa. 1. 18.

But on the other side , if our a a Gen. 9. 22. On the other side . Chams continue their scoffing , our b b Heb. 12. 16. Esaus their prophaning , our c c Iosh. 7. 21. Achans their theeuing , our d d 1 Sam. 25. 11. Nabals their coueting , our e e 1 Sam. 18. 9. Sauls their hartburning , our f f 1 Kings 21. Ahabs their oppressing , our g g 2 Kings 9. 22 Iezabels their whoring , our h h Dan 4. 27. Nebuchadnezzars their vauntting , and all of vs our sinning and rebelling against the King of Heauen : our Land shall continue mourning , If we continue sinning , our Land shall continue mourning . God shall continue smiting : nay , hee will bring a greater plague vpon vs , which wee shall not be able to escape : his eye shall not spare vs , Ierem. 11. 11. Ezek. 8. 18. neither will hee pittie vs , and though wee cry aloud in his eares , hee will not heare vs . Pray wee may with Diues , but not be heard : Weepe we Luke 16. 24. Heb. 12. 17. may with Esau , but not be pittied : Knocke wee may with the Virgins , Matt. 25. 12. but be denied : Call wee may vpon him , but he will not answere : Earely Prou. 1. 28. may wee seeke him , but we shall not finde him . And so much for the first thing here obserued ; the reward of sinne in generall .

The time being almost spent , whispereth in my eare to folde vp that which remayneth in a narrow compasse , and to wind vp in a word . Many other points there are behinde : I shall but onely name them .

From the reward of sinne in generall , wee should haue come to consider the reward of Oathes 2 The reward of vaine Oaths in particular . in particular , which is the very bitternesse of iudgement ; they shall end in mourning .

Let swearers be as iolly and merrie , as they will , they must one Let swearers be as merry as they will , they must one day mourne : Vnlesse they preuent it . Matth. 5. 4. day mourne for their mirth ; and happy shall it be for them if in this life they may preuent it . Preuent it they may , if they mourne heere . Blessed are such , saith our Sauiour , for they shall be comforted . Let them then lament it for time past , let them auoyde it for time to come , and they that feare to taste of this mourning , let them feare to sweare .

Hence also wee may note , Doct. The ground of true mirth is not sinne , but pietie . ( and I shall but note it ) that the ground of true mirth is not sinne , but pietie : for as sinne is the cause of mourning , so is godlinesse of true reioycing .

Whence it followeth ; first , that Vse 1. Only the godly may be truely merry . onely the godly may be truely merrie : for , by Christ their debts are Psal. 103. 3. paid ; their Bils are cancelled , and by Luke 12. 32. God ( the best pay-master ) they are sure to be rewarded ; whence their ioy is * * 1 Pet. 1. 8. Phil. 4. 7. 2 The laughter of the wicked is as the crackling of Thornes . vnspeakeable , and passeth vnderstanding . Secondly , that the laughter of the wicked is , but a a Eccles. 7. 8. like the crackling of Thornes , soone set on fire , soone put out : and that their Mirth is but b b Eccles. 2. 2. Their ioy like the ioy of a mad-man . madnesse , as Salomon tearmeth it : their ioy like the ioy of a mad-man , who laugheth when others pittie him . Woe to such saith Christ : for they shall waile and weepe . Luke 6. 25. Luke 6. 25. The last thing , the generalitie of this mourning .

But to hasten from the Passion to the Patient , the last thing to be obserued , is , the generalitie of this Mourning . It extendeth to the whole Land , it is not personall but It is not personall but nationall . nationall . Because of Oathes the Land mourneth .

The reason is , first , because the nature of this sinne is so horrible , that GOD thereby is highly prouoked to punish not onely those that commit it , but euen those that tollerate it , whose sinne also it is , being Reason 1. Quatenus , the whole Land doth tolerate it , it is their sinne . appointed to reforme it . Secondly , because where there is false Swearing ; there the subiect , and so consequently the whole Land , is wronged : and thus Iustice b●ing 2 Where there is false swearing the whole land is wronged , & it cannot stand . subuerted , the Common-wealth cannot stand . Hence may be inferred two conclusions .

1 The greatnesse of this sinne . 2 The danger of suffering it .

The greatnesse of it appeareth : Obseruat . 1. The greatnesse of this sinne : which appeareth , 1 By Gods great hatred against it . 2 By the great pollution which it worketh . first , by Gods great hatred against it , whose punishment thereof ouertaketh the whole Land : secondly , by the great pollution which it worketh , in that it maketh all obnoxious , and is able to pull downe the vengeance of GOD , not onely vpon the Swearers themselues , but also vpon the whole Land : and the like doth it also vpon the It pulleth downe vengeance on the Land , Familie wherein they liue : so saith the Sonne of Syrach : The plague And on the familie where it is vsed . shall neuer goe from the Swearers house .

Secondly , as great is the sinne , Eccles. 23. 11. so great is the danger of tollerating Obseruat . 2. The great danger of tollerating this sinne in a Common-wealth . this sinne in a Common-wealth : for it eateth like a Mothe , fretteth like a Canker , and is the ruine of the whole State and Kingdome . Hence it followeth ,

First , that the Magistrate is by Whence it followeth : 1 That the Magistrate is by sharpe lawes to represse it , Sueton in vita August . sharpe lawes to represse it Augustus the Emperour gaue charge to the Pretors of Rome ( ne paterentur nomen suum obsolefieri ) not to suffer his name to be worne thread-bare . Such care should Christian Magistrates haue of the Name of God , and not permit it to be polluted by common Swearing , a Sinne vsually Notorious Swearers punished of the Romanes . punished of all Rulers in all Nations : as of the Romanes with throwing downe from a Rocke : of the Egiptians with losse of head : of the Grecians , with losse of Eares : Egiptians . of the Scithians with losse of goods : Grecians . Scithians . of Maximilian the Emperour , with Maximilian . forfeiture of monie : of Iustinian the Iustinian . Emperour , with putting to death : K. Lewes . of King Lewes of France , with searing Henry the first . their lips : lastly , of Henry the first of England , who ordained within his owne Palace , for euery Oath a * * A Duke , 40. shillings ; a Lord , twentie ; a Knight , or Gentleman , tenne ; a Yeoman , three shillings , foure pence ; a Page , to be scourged . payment to the vse of the poore . It were in like manner to be wished some sharpe Law were now enacted against it , in euery both publike and priuate gouernment : that so our Senatours might banish it out of the Land , and our householders out of their Families , least themselues also come to smart for it .

Secondly , hence it followeth , that 2 Swearers in this kinde are no good Subiects . Swearers in this kinde are no good Subiects . Good Subiects they cannot be , because they sinne against the whole Land , take away the peace of it , bring downe Iudgements vpon it : and so commit Treason not They commit treason against the King and State . onely against Christ , but against the King and State : the whole Land and Kingdome fareth worse for their sakes . So saith the Prophet Ieremiah ; Because of Oathes the Land mourneth .

And thus ( Right Honourable , Right Worshipfull , and Well-beloued Christians ) you haue heard this Complaint of Ieremiah plainely handled vnto you : A Text very This Text is needfull to be handled in this Land . Citie . Place . needfull for these secure times . And therefore pardon mee for making choise to speake of no other ; euen in this famous Land , the glory of Europe : and in this Mother Citie , the glory of the Land : and in this publike place of assembly , the glory of the Citie . And now giue mee leaue to conclude with Application .

Notwithstanding this sinne of Swearing , hath beene shewed to be Application . to our Soules a Dagger , to our Tongues a Canker , and both to our selues & the Land euery way so dangerous : yet if we take a suruay of the state of our times , wee shall finde that herein we come not short Wee come not short of Israell in this sinne . Mat. 26. of Israel . Nay , contrariwise wee finde , that it was vsuall with them to rend their garments when they heard Gods name blasphemed , which thing ( as one saith ) if wee should Ioh. Dow. lect. . on Hos. 4. 2. doe in our dayes , wee should neuer goe in whole apparrell , and the whole wealth of the Land were scarce sufficient to cloath the people of it . So It is a sinne largely spread and commonly vsed . largely is it spread , and so commonly is it vsed : 1 In all Places . 1 2 In all Businesses . 2 3 Of all Persons . 3

First , in all Places : it aboundeth in 1 In all places . the Court , swarmeth in the Citie , raigneth in the Country . Secondly , 2 In all businesses . in all Businesses : Men cannot meete and part , eate and drinke , buy and sell without it ; it is the Seale of euery Bargaine . Thirdly , among all 3 Among all Persons . Persons , of all callings and conditions whatsoeuer : Noble-men , who Noble men . should shew by their Vertue true Nobilitie , and shine by their example to many other , dishonour GOD , and debase themselues , becomming slaues to Sathan by this odious sinne . Magistrates doe not draw out the Sword against it ; it walketh Magistrates . vnpunished , vncontrouled : nay , themselues are guiltie of it , when as they should correct it . And herein the Turkes doe much out-strip vs , who Guliel . Tripol . admit no idle Swearer , of what qualitie soeuer , to any office of Gouernment . From Magistrates I had like to haue come to blame the Tribe of Leuy ; and I would to God Ministers . it were not to be found in some of vs : reformers of others ; herein to be reformed ; Oh tell it not in Gath , nor 2 Sam. 1. 20. publish it in the Streetes of Asskalon , least the Daughters of the Philistines reioyce , least the vncircumcised triumph . Passe we on to Gentlemen , it is Gentlemen . their greatest glory : the way to shew themselues generous and valorous , is by setting their Tongues against Heauen , and abusing that Name , at which they should tremble . Their Seruingmen herein math them , if Seruingmen . not exceede them : the multitude of Oathes ( and that from the basest of them ) pierceth the Heauens , and cryeth for vengeance in the Eares of the Lord of Hosts . Come wee from them to Trades-men both in Tradesmen . Citie and Country , how doe they seeke by this sinne to gaine the world , and to lose their owne Soules ? Mar. 16. 26.

In a word , whom may not God All sorts of people . summon to his high Court for this sinne ? yong and old , high and low , rich and poore , men and women , masters and seruants , fathers and Children , I , and that young Infants before Yong children . they can goe perfectly , or speake plainely , or scarcely tell their owne names , they can readily sweare by Gods Name ; and in this they grew faster then in their stature . Thus all kindes of persons season their mouthes with Oathes : this plague is rife in euery part of the Land : Where shall a man passe , but hee shall hearethem sent forth out of mens mouthes ( like a flocke A man cannot passe , but hee shall heare Oathes in euery place . of Birds ) by hundreds together ? enough to make the ground to cleaue asunder , and the clouds to fall vpon their heads , were not God wonderfull in patience . If they were gathered together as the frogs of Egipt swept vp into an heape , the Land would stincke of them . Our Oaths , if they were registred would fill many volumes : no maruell , God hath Volumes of Oathes . for vs a volume of Curses . And how doth the Land abound with new Zach. 5. 2. 3. fashions of Oathes , as well as of cloathes : no maruell , we are punished New fashions of Oathes . with new and strange diseases . What should I say more of this sinne ? Pardon mee if I cannot part with it . If we should hold our peace , the stones would speake . What good Minde can but grieue to conceiue it ? what Heart but bleede to thinke vpon it ? what Eye but weepe to see it ? what Eare but tingle to heare it ?

Well , ( to draw to a conclusion ) let gracelesse Ruffins runne on in Exhortation . this finne , let the most part of men goe on this broad way , beloued ( Brethren Mat. 7. 13. and Fathers ) Wee haue not so Ephes. 4. 20. learned Christ . For vs then , that professe our selues Christians , let vs suffer the words of exhortation .

And you ( my Lord , with your To the Lord Maior , Aldermen , and Sheriffes of London . Honourable Fraternitie on the Bench ) let mee the vnworthyest of Gods Messengers , in the feare of God exhort you : and let God and his ordinance preuaile with you for the Reformation of this sinne , which you haue heard to be no small sinne , but a Crimson Sinne , a Scarlet Sinne . First , be carefull to refraine it in your selues : then bend your Authoritie to restraine it in others . You are Gods Leiuetenants here on earth , whom God hath much aduanced , and highly * * Psal. 82. 6. honoured . Shew your selues truely zealous to honour him againe , in drawing the sword against such as dishonour him . So shall hee put vp his Sword drawne against the Land .

And you ( Right Worthy Citizens ) whom God hath wonderfully To the Citizens . blessed with meanes both for this life and a better ; be exhorted to reforme this haynous sinne : Cleanse it out of your Streetes : sweepe it out of your Shops : banish it out of your houses : and grieue not hereby Ephes. 4. 30. the holy Spirit of God , by which you are sealed vnto the day of Redemption . To Courtiers .

In a word , Courtiers , Students , Students . Gentlemen . Gentlemen , Country men , All , let Country-men . All. mee beseech you in the Name of God , and in the bowels of Christ Iesus , as you tender the Glory of GOD , the Peace of the Land , and the Saluation of your Soules ; doe not runne on head-long in this Sinne of Vaine Swearing : neyther * * Non libenter cum voluntate , frequenter cum assiduitate , mendaciter . cum falsitate , inutiliter sine necessitate , fallaciter cum arte verborum , praecipitanter sine discretione , nequiter ex liuere . wilfully , nor customably , nor falsely , nor vainely , nor deceitfully , nor rashly , nor wickedly : Iacob . de Gor. but feare the Glorious Name of GOD , and vse your Tongues , as Trumpets of his Prayses . So shall the Land cease mourning , your selues escape punishing , and the Gates of Heauen shall be set open vnto you , to the vnchangeable happinesse of your soules . Which the Lord God grant vnto vs all , to our eternall ioy and comfort .

And wee beseech thee , O Lord , who workest in vs both the will and the deede , Set a watch before our Phil. 2. 13. Psal. 141. 3. Mouthes , keepe the doore of our Lips : Bridle our Tongues with the Bit of thy Feare : Cause vs to make account of thy holy Name , and in this Life to honour thee , that in the Life to come , wee may be honoured of thee , in thy eternall Kingdome .

And Lord , be good vnto our Nation , visite thy Vine , thou hast planted amongst vs . Let not the Psal. 80. 3. wilde Bore out of the Wood destroy it , nor the wilde Beasts of the Field eate it vp : But spare vs , O Lord , spare vs , and lift vp the light of thy countenance Psal. 4. 6. vpon vs . Poure out thy Ier. 10. 25. Wrath vpon the Heathen , that haue not knowne thee , and vpon the Familes that haue not called vpon thy Name : but prosper them that seeke the prosperitie of Sion : heare those Psal. 122. 6. that pray for the Peace of Ierusalem : forgiue the crying sinnes of the Land , remoue thy Iudgements that hang ouer it : and walke thou Reuel. 1. 13. in the midst of the Golden Candlestickes : let the Bels of Aaron ring long amongst vs : still continue 2 Thes. 3. 1. and inlarge the free passage of thy Gospell . Crowne with Blessings our Soueraigne , and his Seede for euer , that so thy Glory ( O GOD ) may rest in our Land , till wee all come to rest in the Land of Glory . Sanctifie the Court , blesse the Citie , be good to the Country , be mercifull to vs all , that when wee come to the end of our dayes , wee may receiue the end of our hope , the saluation of our Soules . These things wee begge in the Name of thy Sonne and our Sauiour , to whom , with thee , and thy holy Spirit , be ascribed all praise , honour , and glory , now and for euermore . Amen .

FINIS .