A svvoord agaynst swearyng conteyning these principall poyntes. 1 That there is a lawful vse of an oth, contrary to the assertion of the Manichees & Anabaptistes. 2 Howe great a sinne it is to swear falsly, vaynely, rashly, or customably. 3 That common or vsual swearing leadeth vnto periurie. 4 Examples of Gods iuste and visible punishment vpon blasphemers, periurers, and suche as haue procured Gods wrath by cursing and bannyng, which we cal execration.

A Swoord agaynst Swearyng .

CHriste our most blessed Sauiour , in that his most perfect fourme of prayer , wherein al necessary goodnesse for soule or body is desired for vs , and al euylles due vnto vs , are required to be turned from vs , hath , as the most speciall , set downe this in the fyrst place before al other , a petition of al Christians , most necessary to be required at Gods handes : That the name of our heauenly father be sanctified , that is , alwayes esteemed holy and reuerend . And in deede , for good and louing chyldren , howe is any thing more requisite , or what more perfect note of true and sonlike loue is there , then this , That the sonne aboue al other thynges , doo seeke especially the honour and reuerende estimation of his father . So also God , the father of our Lorde Iesus Christe , with the sonne , and the holy Ghost , one only God , of al myght and power , when he had chosen one peculier people , to shewe his myght by them ouer al the worlde , he gaue vnto them , and consequently to vs al , Lawes , or Commaundementes , ten in number : but he gaue them by thunder and lyghtning , by myste and darkenesse , by smoke and fyre . Mount Sinai was al on smoke , and the smoke went vp to the middest of heauen : teachyng vs by dreadeful signes , that his lawe is to be had in reuerence , and his Maiestie to be feared . Amongest whiche commaundementes , as in the former twayne , he teacheth , that he is GOD alone , and therefore onely to be honoured : so the next is , that his name be no more lyghtly or vaynely vsed . Vsed yet , but not in vayne : whereunto ( yf God be to be feared , that not without these great and dreadeful signes gaue vs these his commaundements ) he addeth the penalty of his wrath , The Lord wyl not hold him giltlesse , that taketh his name in vayne . And if the Lord , the lawe geuer , that knoweth best the entent and purpose of the law , the Iudge also against the transgressours of the same , shal pronounce vs gyltie , what remayneth to the person condemned , but bitter execution ? How is it then , that GOD by terrour commaundyng vs , Christe by dutie of loue exhortyng vs , aboue al thynges , to seeke the honour and reuerende estimation of God his name ? his most glorious name notwithstandyng is most vaynely vsed , most shamefully abused , and blasphemed most outragiously . Howe faere this accusation woulde stretche , howe generally this fault is spread , that concerneth the dishonouryng of Gods name , it is not mine intent here to discouer it . As the name of God in it selfe is most glorious , and can not be dishonoured , yet al the wayes & meanes practised by mankynde , agaynst the glory of Gods name , to set them all downe , were a woorke infinite . This smal Treatise , whiche I pray God it may be to the honour onely of his name , shall concerne the lawfulnesse of swearyng , the abuse of vayne swearyng , the punyshment of pertury or forswearyng . As two false Knaues neede no Broker , for they can easily enough agree in wickednesse sine mediante , without any to breake the matter betweene them : so amongst true and faythful men , there neede no othes . Where Vertue fayleth not , trueth of it selfe carrieth credite sufficient . But God onely knoweth who are his , and the simple cloke of Hipocrisie couereth many a subtyl soule . Double dealyng of the moste , maketh manye men doubtfull where they may trust . Christe is so conueyed by subtiltie , and falsehood is so disguysed with fayre colours , that in a deepe deceyptfulnesse , a man woulde almost dread no danger : and he that standeth in no feare or doubt of subtiltie , is soonest endomaged , wherout for our safetie the Lawyer teacheth vs this lesson , to trust fewe or none vpon their woordes , woordes are but winde , bynde euery mans bargayne sure by writing .

Because that fayth and troth with no degree wyl stande . Therefore the Lawyer sayth , take wryting of his hande .

If no man woulde deceyue his neighbour , yf euery man woulde speake the trueth from his hart , we then shoulde neede no wrytten bondes , othes should haue no vse amongst vs . A remedy therefore it is agaynst our corruption , that in doubtful matters ( confessyng God almyghtie his wysedome , that he knoweth all and euery singuler woorke and woorde , deede and thought of man ) we take his name , we vse the name of God , that is , not in vayne , but lawfully : we confesse his almyghty power , that he knoweth al thinges : ( A matter that muche concerneth his Maiestie ) for who can doo so ( but God alone ? ) we cal hym as witnesse of our trueth , that we may prosper therein : we desyre hym also to be a reuenger and punisher of our sinnes , yf we doo not speake the trueth . And therefore the Hebrues begyn their othe with this coniunction of condition , If : and vse the figure 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 suppressyng the rest , and yet in deede intendyng this muche : Yf I deceyue you , or yf I breake this othe , the Lorde that is of al power reuenge it vppon me . An othe therefore parteyneth to that part of Gods seruice , which we call inuocation : Cal vppon me , sayth the Lorde , make vnto thy selfe none other Godds , I am the Lord thy god , vse my name . So that when we heare the Lord say , Take not my name in vaine : let vs remember yet that the Lord said before , I am the Lord thy God , thou shalt haue none other gods but me . Preach my name . Cal vppon my name . Confesse my name . Vse my name : take it not vaynely , nor in trifling matters abuse it not : I am the Lorde , therefore to be reuerenced . But in matters of doubte , when mans wysedome canne goe no further , Confesse mine omnipotent power , cal vppon me , I am God alone , and knowe al. Make vnto your selues no other gods , by attributyng vnto them that whiche is proper onely vnto mee , but cal me for a witnesse , call me for a reuenger . The Lorde sayde not at any tyme . Take not my name in vse : but he sayde , Take not my name in vayne , vse it not but with great reuerence , in consideration of my Maiestie : yet vse my name , Inuocate my name , or call vppon my name onely , for I onely am the Lorde , Thou shalt haue none other Goddes but mee . If inuocation parteyneth not vnto me alone , I am not God alone . Anabaptista , & Manachei , and other sectaries , are thus easily confuted : when they deny the lawful vse of the name of God , they deny Gods reuerence , they deny Gods power , they deny God to be God . But yf they wyll not vnderstande that Inuocation confesseth and attributeth omnipotencie vnto the person that they doo inuocate or call vppon , and where there is no inuocation , there is no godhead or power diuine acknowledged , let them yet consyder this substaunce followyng .

1 Gods commaundement vnto his people , to sweare by his name .

2 That God forbyddeth his people to sweare by the name of strange goddes , least by inuocation , they shoulde attribute that omnipotencie vnto Idolles and Deuylles , that is proper to hym alone .

3 The example of God , swearyng for our capacitie .

4 Examples of Patriarkes , Prophetes , Apostles , and Christe hym selfe , which in no case can be contrary vnto GOD his father .

WHen the Lorde had chosen Israel from al other nations , and had procured , by Exodus . 19. terrour of his power , the reuerence of his maiestie , the force whereof was so great , that the people fled for feare of his myght , & stoode a far of from the mountayne , and sayde vnto Moses , Talke thou with vs , we wil heare Exodus . 20 thee : but let not god talke with vs , least we die . Euen the Lord hym selfe by Moses vnto Israel from his owne matestie , amongst many other , gaue this lawe : If a man deliuer his neighbour money or stuffe to keepe , if Exod. 22. it be stolne out of the house , if the theefe be found , he shal pay the double : But if the theefe be not found , then the maister of the house shal be brought vnto the iudges . 7. 8 To sweare whether he hath put any hand vnto his neighbours goods , or no. Heere the Lord him selfe appointed an oth , as an ordinarie meane to decide a controuersie , and a sufficient testimonie of trueth in a doubtfull matter . Againe in the 10. & . 11. verses of the said chapter , If a man deliuer vnto his neighbour 10 11 an Asse , or an Oxe , or any other beast to keepe , if it die , or be hurt , or be taken away of enimies , and no man see it . An oth of the Lord shal be betweene themtwaine , that he hath not put his hande vnto his neighbours goods . Here is the apoyntment of an oth by the Lord him selfe . It is called an oth of the Lord , because they should sweare by the name of the Lorde onely . Also . 6. Deut. Moses heedefully & carefully remembring agayne vnto Israel the Lorde his commaundement , when he commaunded them to lay vp in their harts , to teache them to their children , when he geueth them this most earnest Caueat , Beware lest thou forget God , he addeth specially , Thou shalt feare the Lorde thy God , and serue him , and shalt sweare by his name . Which commaundement he also rehearseth in the. 10. of Deut. 25 & in the. 4. of Ieremi. 4. Ieremie . 25. shewyng howe great a part of religion consisteth in inuocating or callyng vppon the name of the Lord only . The Lord by his Prophet mouyng them earnestly to returne , not haltyngly , nor halfly , nor holowly , but holyly , and wholy vnto the Lorde , he especially teacheth them to sweare by his name , Thou shalt sweare , The Lorde lyueth : Tyeing an oth , or euery oth , to these lymits , Vaynely thou shalt not sweare : but in trueth , in iudgement , in righteousnesse , and then thou shalt take none other to witnesse but the Lorde hym selfe , whereunto he addeth the maiestie of the Lord , & the benefite of the people , That the nations may be blessed in the Lorde , that the people may glory in the Lorde . Agaynst the glory of whose maiestie ful highly it is , if any other be taken in his place , if any other be sworne by , if any other be called vpon , either for grace , to geue blessyng vnto trueth , or for might of power , to reuenge falshood . For what is that , but cleane to forsake the lord , & to attribute omnipotencie or al power & strength to some other . Wherfore the Lorde in his zelous wrath agaynst Iuda , amongst al other sinnes , for which in his iustice he powreth vengeance agaynst them , euen to Iere. 5. 7. the vtter destruction thereof by the handes of the Chaldeans , he reckoneth this as a capital crime , How should I spare thee for this , thy children haue forsaken me : The Lord himselfe sheweth him the maner how , They haue sworne by them that are not Gods , they haue forsaken me . This fault the Lord reckoned so iniurious to his glorie , that with a myghtie vehemencie of speach he saith , How can I spare thee for this ? in effect thus , Surely I wyl not spare thee , the Chaldees shal destroy thee .

Hereof the Lorde gaue a speciall commaundement in the. 23. of Exodus . Take Exodus . 23. heede to al thinges that I haue sayd vnto you , and ye shal make no mention of the name of other Gods , neyther shal it be hearde out of your mouth . And in the. 23. of Iosua , Make Iosue , 23. no mention of theyr gods , nor geue or take any cause to sweare by them . He said not , Take not theyr names in vayne : but , take them not at all , let them not be heard out of your mouthes . So the. 19. of Esay , where the Esay . 19. Lord geueth a speciall fourme how the Lord is serued and honoured accordyng to his owne good will and pleasure , the Prophet expresseth it thus , At that day , fiue Cities of the Lord shal speake the language of Canaan , & shal sweare by the Lord of Hostes . And thus the Lorde hym selfe also dyd most zelously , as to shewe his only omnipotencie , and how it stretcheth vniuersally . In Esay . 45. I haue Esay . 45. ●worne by my selfe sayth the Lorde , the worde 〈◊〉 gone out of my mouth in righteousnesse , & ●hal not returne . Euery knee shal bow vnto me , and euery tongue shal sweare by me : accordyng whereunto , not vainely , but reuerently , in matters of great waight , to ende contentions . To make assurance of promises to be kept in testimonie of trueth , we reade how the fathers , both Patriarkes and Prophets , haue sworne .

So Abraham swore vnto Abimelec in Gen. 21. couenant of his safetie .

Isaac lykewyse in the lyke case , swore vnto Gene. 26. Abimelec , Ahuzzah , and Phicol .

Iacob swore vnto Laban , concernyng Gene. 31. the bounds of theyr grounde .

Moses agreed by couenant of oth to ●w● with Iethro . Exod. 2.

Ionathan sware to Dauid . Ibidem .

Dauid sware to Ionathan .

Ionathan and Dauid sware both . Ibidem .

Lykewyse Saul required an oth of assurance , for his seede after hym : and Dau●● sware vnto Saul .

Also Dauid in the presence of Natha● 1. Reg. 1 the prophet , sware vnto Bethsheba that Solomon should raigne after hym .

Helias the Prophet sware vnto Ach●● the kyng . 1. Reg. 17.

Elizeus sware vnto Helias that he would goe with hym . 2. Reg. 2.

The Angel sware by hym that lyueth worlde without ende . Apoc. 10 ,

So also the Lorde yeeldyng vnto our weakenesse , confirmed al his promises by an oth , hauing no greater to sweare by , according to the fashion of men , he sware by him selfe , concernyng his couenant with Abraham .

By my selfe haue I sworne , I wil surely Gene. 22. blesle thee and thy seede : which oth he confirmed vnto Isaac .

I wyl surely performe the oth which I Gen. 26. sware vnto Abraham .

Also Esay . I haue sworne by my selfe . Esay . 45. sayth the Lord , The woorde is gone out of my mouth , and shal not returne .

So Dauid remembreth the Lorde his couenant confirmed vnto hym by the Lordes Psalm. 89. oth , I haue sworne vnto Dauid my seruant . and againe , I haue sworne once by my bo●inesse , I wyl not fayle Dauid .

Lykewyse the Prophet remembryng the Psalm. 96. disobedience of the Israelites , remembreth also how the Lorde sware that they shoulde not enter into the lande promised vnto them . The Lorde sware concernyng the euerlasting Priesthood of Christ . And agayne vnto Dauid , Psalm. 110. The Lorde sware in trueth , and wyl not shrinke from it . Psalm. 132.

Paul also remembreth at large , howe the Lorde sware vnto Abraham , and as it were ratifiyng the vse of an oth : An oth , saith he , for Hebrues . 6 confirmation , is an end amongst men of al strife . Whiche thyng also for testimonie and confirmation in his earnest zeale , Paule also dyd , as first to the Romanes , God is my witnesse : And to the Corinthians , I cal God to recorde vnto my soule : And to the Galathians , 2 , Corinth . 1 Behold I witnesse before God , or I cal God to witnesse that I lye not : And to the Galathi. 1. Ephesians , God is my record : & so likewyse Ephe. 1. to the Thessalonians . And yet no Christian euer doubted but that Paul was led by the spirite of God when he wrote those Epistles : In somuche that Augustine sayth , It were an heynous Agust . contra mend . wickednesse to say that Paul , especially in his written Epistles , hath violated or broken that Gods commaundement , Thou shalt not sweare . Therfore , saith he , you must vnderstand that which is set downe ( non omnino not at al. ) That is , as much as in you lyeth , haue none affection at all to sweare , thynke an othe to be no grace nor no garnyshyng vnto your speache : Otherwyse howe shoulde 〈◊〉 excuse Christ him selfe ? Or shal we with Porphirius or Iulianus condemne Christe , that his woordes and commaundementes are one thyng , his lyfe and conuersation are another ? for so these vile Heretiques carpe a● Christe , and vpon the leaf same saying , 〈◊〉 they harpe with the Manichees and Anabaptistes , vrging vehemently the woordes without sense , Sweare not at al , not at all , let your communication be yea , yea , no , no , that which is more then thi● , is sinne . Which commaundement if it were not to be enterpreted , Christ in deede had done violence , for he hath vsed often , as a testimonie of trueth , and as a confirmation of his speach , Amen . Amen . Which is somewhat more then a playne yea , for it soundeth as much as , Certainely , Truly , Verily , or , of a certayne trueth . And in this sense Paul sayth , All the 2. Corin. 〈◊〉 . promises of God in Christe are yea , and are in him Amen , that is , truly , perfectly , fully , assured , perfourmed , compleat & ended . And let vs marke nowe what a great oth this is , Amen , Veryly , & Truly , or , Of a trueth : whereby I appose their conscience to reclayme them thereby , that thinke it is no oth to say , Truly , or , Veryly : insomuche that in our customable speache , yf a man say , Truely : it is replied , Yea , but you dare not sweare : when he alredy hath sworne full deepely . S. Paul sayth , God sware . Marke nowe the fourme of the oth set downe by Paul , Truely : Heb. 6. or , Surely I wyll blesse thee . So also the Prophet Dauid remembreth that the Lorde sware vnto the Israelites , that they shoulde not enter into the lande of promise . Turne ●salm . 95. vnto the. 14. of Numbers , where the Historie of their murmuring is expressed , and the Num. 14. fourme of that oth is thus set downe , Surely , or , Certainly , they shall not see that good land . So often as we say , Certainely , assuredly , truely , or veryly , so often in deede we doo sweare : for though GOD be not expresly Truely . Veryly . named , yet in namyng trueth , God is named , for God and trueth are one , and the selfe same : And the strength of an othe consisteth more in honouryng God by trueth , then in the outward namyng of God . Let all men then either learne or remember , whereas customably they vse vaynely , Truely , when many tymes there is neyther trueth nor veritie in their saying , how that they most greeuously offend God , who is in deede all trueth , and the onely trueth . So then neyther may the Anabaptistes restrayne this vnto the tyme onely of the olde Testament , neyther may they so vrge the woordes by the letter , that they thereby take away the iust interpretation and sense thereof : For so should Paul and Christ hym selfe be condemned , so shoulde God his mercy , declared heretofore by his Prophets vnto the Gentiles in Christe , and after Christe his commyng , be frustrated and made voyde , which were blasphemie agaynst the spirite : and an infinite heape of other mischiefes woulde ensue , yf lyke places of Scripture were violently forced accordyng to the letter . We must therefore vnfolde them according to their meanyng , and take them vp as they lye . The sense dooth offer it selfe as playne as can be , yf we marke vppon what occasion , and to what purpose Christe gaue this commaundement . The Iewes had gotten this euyll custome of swearing by creatures , as , by the Temple , by the Aulter , by Heauen , by Hierusalem , by the Earth . &c. And though they swore falsely , and entended to deceiue theyr neyghbour , yet yf they named not God expresly , they thought it was no sinne . Muche lyke vnto the foolyshe people of our age , that entendyng to deceyue others , by subtiltie of sounde , or by eclipsing the pronunciation , reckon yet their craftie entent to be no deceipt : suche I meane as sweare thus . GOD pronounce me at the last day . By God , I neuer defended hym in all my lyfe . When they thynke and hope that other men wyll iudge that they meane , GOD reuounce me , I neuer offended hym . Thus dyd the Iewes , though ●ugustine 〈…〉 . ser. dom. they carried in theyr mindes a full and perfect entent of deceipt , though theyr communication was myngled ●●th common and customable othes , yea though they dyd foresweare them selues falsely , except there were some expresse namyng of GOD , they reckoned it none offence at all . And to this Dyuelyshe purpose they abused this text , Thou shalt not forsweare in my name , least thou defile the name of the Leui. 19. Lorde thy GOD . Otherwyse ( so that they vsed not inuocation of GOD expresly by name ) although they sware and forsware , although they vsed execration , which conceyneth cursyng and bannyng , and desiring of vengeaunce ( As in example , The earth open and swalowe me . The stones of the Temple fall vpon me : or suche lyke ) they made none account of any suche othe or execration . And this Christe correctyng in the 23. of Matthewe , he calleth them blynde Math. guydes , and blynde Bussardes , shewyng them that there is no place nor plot in the worlde , wherein God hath not set some cognisaunce of his glory : Heauen is his seate , the earth is his footestoole . He that sweareth by the Temple , sweareth by it , and by hym that dwelleth in the Temple . He that sweareth by Heauen , sweareth by the throne of GOD , and by hym that sytteth therein . This spake Christe , to confute their damnable custome of swearyng commonly , and their doltyshe interpretation of swearyng or forswearyng by the name of GOD , and teacheth them withall an orderly fourme of behauiour in theyr common speache , Let euery man speake the trueth to his neyghbour from his hart , and say , Yea , it is so : Let hym renounce falshood , and say , Nay , it is not so . Let this be Math. 5. an order established for your dayly communication . And nowe let vs harpe vpon communication , communication : as they chaunte out , Not at all , not at all : and then the true sense is , In your dayly communication , vse none othes at all , or vse not at all any othes in your dayly communication : But speake truely , and say , yea , or nay . So that Christe is not contrary to GOD his father , he repealeth not the decree of GOD , established for the vsyng of his name in iudgement , in iustice , in doubtfull causes concernyng equitie and ryght : but he rebuketh that whiche God forbade , Vayne and rashe swearyng , and foolyshe conceyued opinions , of this or that othe . Thus vsyng Gods name lawfully , we must neuer abuse the same . GOD that sayd , Take not my name in vayne , hath therefore appoynted the ryght vse of his name , because he hath forbydden the abuse thereof . Of strange Gods he hath sayd , Exo. 23. By the name of strange Gods thou shalt not sweare at all : the name of any of them shall not be heard out of your mouthes . He sayd not In vayne : but , Not at all , of any other besydes hym selfe . Of his owne name onely , there is a lawfull vse alowed and commaunded vnto the Godly : as to spread his glory .

1 By preachyng his name . Goe and preache the Gospel M. 11. vnto all creatures . Preach the word , be earnest in season , and out of season . 2. Ti. 4. 2 By geuing thankes and honour vnto his name . I wil alwaies geue thankes Psal 33. vnto the Lord , his prayse shall euermore be in my mouth . I wyl deliuer ther , and thou Psal. 49. shalt honour mee . 3 By professing and confessyng Goddes name and power . He that confesseth me before M. 10. men , I wyll confesse and acknowledge hym before my father . To confesse Gods name , Rom. 10. proceedeth from the mouth . Confesse the Lorde , and call Psal. 14. vpon his name . 4 To inuocate or cal for helpe at the name of the Lorde . Call vpon mee in the tyme Psal. 49. of trouble .

VNto the which part , most specially the ryght vse of an othe apparteyneth : As , when by callyng GOD to witnesse , we confesse his omnipotent power , and desyre A memo●●ndum for swearers . hym to maynteyne and prosper vs in trueth , and punysh vs , or to be auenged vpon vs , yf we speake , or doo , or entende any falshood or deceypt : which both we are sure he wyll doo , because he is God . But what is it to take Gods name in vayne ? It is ,

1 To call God a witnesse in vniust or in trifelyng matters .

2 To sweare rashly , vnaduisedly , or without vrgent necessitie , tyme , place , and aucthoritie not considered .

3 Or once to name God , without the reuerence due vnto the Maiestie of his name , of whom nothyng may occupy so muche as our thought , without due remembrance of his honour .

Thynke not of the Lord , but in goodnesse , sayth Solomon , and the Lord him selfe , Sap. 1. Ye shall not sweare by my name in vaine , neither shalt thou defile the name of thy Leui. 19. God . I am the Lord.

Vnto all the Curses and Plagues that Moses from the mouth of the Lorde remembreth : Deut. 28. As the curse at home , the curse abrode , the curse of hunger , the curse of thyrst , the curse of yll successe , the curse of sicknesse , of madnesse , of penurie , of oppression , of captiuitie , vnto them all , he addeth this as a chiefe addition , These and many moe plagues shall the Lord heape vpon thee , vnlesse thou feare the glorious , mightie , and terrible name of the Lorde . Thy name is woonderfull , O Psal. 8. Lorde , and onely to be had in reuerence . The Lorde wyll not holde hym gyltlesle , Exodus . 20 that taketh his name in vayne . It is remembred by Aben Ezra , that the Egyptians had a custome to sweare by the head of their king : which othe , who so euer perfourmed not , no raunsome woulde redeeme hym from death , because he despised the king : How muche more , not without due reuerence and feare , ought we to name or thinke once vpon the name of our God , who only is God , and without or besides whom there is no God . Thou only art great , O Lorde , and great is Iere. 10. thy name in strength and power , who feareth not thee thou King of Kinges ? thine is the glory aboue al. How much the hyghlyer we esteeme of Gods glory , with so much the more reuerence ought we to thinke and to speake of his name : but as he that speasteth much , speaketh sometymes vnaduisedly for haste , as Solomon remembreth , Vnto many wordes , folly is neuer absent or wanting . Prou. 10. In much speach , there is eyther flatte falshood , or vanitie , or superfluitie at the least , or peraduenture all at once . So of the often naming of God , much more of often swearing by his name , there aryseth a vayne abuse , an vnhonourable derogation , a path way to the Palace of periurie , an open accesse , or rather a compultion to the pyt of perdition . The Adulterer , the Theefe , the Murderer , can not alwayes doo that wickednesse that they would : But he that accustometh him selfe to vayne swearing , though of purpose he woulde sometymes Euyll of custome . frame and fashion him selfe to abstaine from swearing , yet can he not for his lyfe so doo : Custome succeedeth , or rather groweth in natures rome . So that at al times he sweareth , and by swearing dishaloweth , as muche as in him lyeth , the most holy and reuerent name of God : In so muche , that a common swearer , yf he be in the feare of God reprehended for his vayne swearyng : he answeareth with an other othe , that he sware not afore . I haue hearde ere nowe , a vayne fellowe to gently reprehended for the damnable custome of swearyng , and his answeare hath been with an execrable othe , that suche reprehension needed not , for he neuer sware lyghtly : whose woordes truely vnderstoode , he spake more truely then he was aware , not lyghtly , but heauily . Coulde any Christian beare it , to heare the most honourable name of our glorious GOD so terribly abused ? Hereof sayeth Chrisostome , Lyke as a continuall babler pratleth intemporally some vnseasonable Chrisost. super . Ma. speache : so no man sweareth often , but he also too many tymes for sweareth hym selfe . Therefore sayth Augustine , because he is farther of from periurie that vseth not at all to sweare , then he that sweareth redily in matters of trueth , the commaundement of our Sauiour is , that by abstayning from swearing , we myght be sure not to forsweare , rather then by swearing in matters which we suppose to be true , to drawe or driue our selues into the acquaintaunce or familiaritie , nay rather into the danger , damage , and destruction of perfurie . To sweare that which a man deemeth to be true , is not expedient , nay it is intollerable , and may not be admitted , and thereof Michael de Hungaria , settyng downe perticuler kindes of swearing , by the fyrst and last letters of this woorde Fato , and by Idonea , forbyddeth fyrst to sweare falsely , and then also to sweare that which we deeme to be true . For though a man see his freende on Horsebacke at Byshoppesgate in London , entendyng to ride to Cambridge the nexte day , he may not therefore sweare that he is at Cambridge , though he thynke veryly that he is there : for though he iudge so , yet it may be otherwyse . And , but in trueth a man may not sweare . Sweare not then sayth he per primas 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 fato , per idonea notificato .

Swearenot Falsely : for God is trueth . As you thinke : for you may be deceiued , be sure first that it be vndoubtedly true , before ye sweare . I Irreuerently : for it is against Gods honour . D Deceitfully : for your fayth is geuen as it is receiued , and as he vnto whom you made or gaue your fayth vnderstande it , so it is to be interpreted and perfourmed . O Ociously or idelly . Sweare neuer , but to good purpose , and then not but in trueth , in equitie , and iudgement . N Negligently : not regarding what you sweare , for God is the reuenger . E Erroniously : for it diminisheth the reuerence due vnto Gods name . A Accustomably : for who so doth , the plague of God shall not depart from his house .

AS our prouerbe is of swearing , Set your minde on it , and it wyll come alone : So in deede , vse breedeth facilitie , facilitie engendreth familiaritie , familiaritie maketh redinesse , redinesse frameth perfectnesse , perfectnesse breedeth custome , custome forceth continuaunce , continuaunce conueyeth vs to senselesnesse , senselesnesse lulleth vs a sleepe in the cradle of Securitie , so that we feare not , nor feele not our desperate fall into the payneful pyt of Periurie , the vnhappie rewarde where of , is perpetuall infelicitie . Let vs take heede then of swearing , or of the rashe or hastie naming of GOD , without the reuerence due vnto his most glorious name . For , as with muche water passeth eyther Grauell or Mudde , and , as the seruaunt that is often tymes beaten , is seldome without some blewe spotte : so , he that often tymes nameth God , nameth hym vaynely , and vnreuerently , and he that sweareth often , dishonoreth his maiestie , and oftentymes falleth into periurie . What mockery and derision is this agaynst Christe , in the Churche , when the name of Christe Iesus is sounded , to bende or bowe in token of reuerence , and all the weeke after to sweare by hym , as though he were woorthy none honour at all : The Iewes , as we vnderstande by the gesture of the hygh Priestes , vsed to teare their garmentes when they supposed Mar. 14. that they heard any blasphemie . The Turkes reckon and esteeme so reuerently of their Mahomet , that they neuer lyghtly or vaynely sweare by his name , neyther doo they Tripolitanus . admit vnto any office of gouernement any swearer , what byrth soeuer he be of , or though he be for any other qualitie neuer so notable . Amongst the Heathen people , it is woonderfull , a terrible shame to Christians , that Regulus , a woorthy Romane , beyng taken prisoner August , de ciuitate dei . 1. Li. 15. c. of the Carthaginians , when they of Carthage desyred rather to haue had theyr owne prisoners from the Romans , they sent this Regulus to Rome , without any gage or pledge , saue his fayth only . When he was at home at Rome , he perswaded his countreymen , that his message was not profitable for his Countrey : and for his othes sake yet , not otherwyse compelled , but onely to keepe his oth , he returned as a prisoner to Carthage : where , after the most cruellest maner that the mischiefe of their most blooddie mindes could inuent , after such a sort as I neuer read the lyke , they put hym to death most terribly . This was their guyse . They compassed hym close rounde about with plankes , the plankes were driuen thycke with Iron prickes , the poyntes wherof were made exceeding sharpe , so that he coulde not bende hym selfe to leane any way , without greeuous woundes , whereof his fleshe rancklyng , the longer he lyued , the more grecuous woulde be his payne , wakyng or sleepyng his feete must beare the burden of his whole body : he myght truely say , Viuus , vidensque perio , I lyue , and see ful wel I dye . So the Saguntinians , rather then they would breake their fayth made vnto the Romanes , they endured willingly all the punishmentes that hunger , sword , or fire could do vnto them . Liuius remembreth two Romane Li. 3. cap. 20 Souldiers taken prisoners , dismissed by Hanibal vpon their othes , to returne agayne to his Campe . The first , subtilly left his sworde behinde hym , and when he was gone a good way of from the Campe , he returned agayne to fetche his swoorde : meaning by his subtyl recurnyng , to saue his oth , and neuer more to returne . But when this case came to be disputed at Rome , the Heathen Romanes sent hym backe agayne as a periured person , affirming that an othe ought so to be perfourmed , as he vnto whom the oth was made dyd vnderstande the promise . What shame is this to Christians , that the Heathen people which knowe not GOD , woulde not sweare rashly , but reuerently ? and duely dyd keepe theyr fayth promised . And we , that professe Christ , sweare rashly , and vnreuerently : and , so we be trusted when we sweare , we care not afterwarde for keepyng our fayth . Beleeue not a common or customable swearer : howe Counsell . can he keepe any fayth or credit in hym , that powreth it out continually ? He that sweareth alwayes by his fayth , sweareth all away . So a swearer may be beleeued , his care is neuer after to perfourme his fayth . If a common swearer dyd beleeue in God , yf he dyd hope to he comforted by hym , yf he dyd thynke that God woulde punishe his perturie , surely he would not , without reuerence and feare , he woulde not without vrgent cause in cases required , take once the most blessed name of Gods maiestie in his mouth . Nowe when he beleeueth not hym selfe that whiche he affirmeth vnto another , who shal beleeue hym ? Why do we not say vnto common swearers , why do you lye ? Or yf you speake trueth , why doo you sweare ? If you doo beleeue in God , why do you so dishonour the glory of his name ? If you do not beleeue in God , why woulde you haue me to beleeue you , when you sweare by that God , in whom you your selfe do not beleeue ? Solomon in the case of two women contendyng for one chyld , to crye where true natural loue rested , made a countenance as though he would haue cut the child in peeces . The wicked blood thirsty woman , of whom the child had no nature or substance , cried with aloude voyce , deuide it , deuide it . The true mother , in whom nature rested , made her humble request : Not so my Lorde , let the chylde lyue and prosper , let no violence be done vnto it . In the auncient recordes of the Romanes it is remembred , of an adultres hauing three sonnes , that vppon her death bed she told her husband , that of three boyes , one only was his . This father , when he shoulde dye , entreated earnestly his executours that they would do theyr diligence , by al wisedome , to trye whiche of the three was his naturall sonne , & vnto hym by Wil he bequeathed his whole lande . The faythful and trustie Executours thus made experience where nature rested : They tooke the dead corpes of the father , and set it agaynst a tree : vnto euery of the three children they deliuered a bow and an arrow , they tolde them that theyr fathers wyll was doubtful , and the diuision of the land was harde : the best way was to try by happy hazard , he that coulde shoote nearest the fathers hart , should haue al. The two bastardes , in whom rested no sparke of natural loue . shot with good wyl : the third with reuerence refused so fylthy a fact : Whereby , if he were perceyued to be the truesonne . What bastardes shal we know them to be that shoote at euery part of Christes most blessed person ? Common swearers truely beare no naturall loue to GOD , but teare him in peeces , shoote at his hart lyke bastardes , and crye with that Strumpet , Deuide hym , deuide him , cut him in peeces . Whereof sayth Agustine , They Augustine in Mat. synne no lesse that blaspheme Christ nowe raygnyng in heauen , then they whiche crucified hym here vpon the earth . Thine enimies O Lorde , take thy name in vayne . Remember this Psalm. 135 O Lorde , howe the enimie hath rebuked : Psalm. 74 And howe the foolishe people hath blasphemed thy name . God shal wounde the Psalm. 6● head of his enimies , & the heary scalpe of suche a one as goeth on stil in his wickednes . Powre out thine indignation , O lord , vpon the Heathen that haue not knowen Psalm. 75 thee , & vpon the kingdomes that haue not called vpon thy name . As for the blasphemie wherwith our neighbours haue blasphemed thee , reward thou them , O Lorde , seuen fold into their boosomes . Make their faces ashamed , O Lorde , that they may seeke thy name . Let al good Christians say with hart and voyce , in woord and lyfe , Blessed be the Lorde our GOD , euen the Psalm. 75 Lorde GOD of Israel , yea blessed be the name of his Maiestie for euermore . They that in profession sometymes graunt this reuerence and honour vnto the Maiestie of Gods name , and yet , by the vnreuerent abuse of his name , practyse the contrary , are very welresembled vnto those Iewes , that put vppon Christ a purple Robe , & platted a crowne of thornes vpon his head , and put a Reede in his hand like a Septer , mocking him in deede after the moste despytefull maner that they could deuyse , but yet in woordes they saluted hym courteously , and sayde , Hayle king of the Iewes . They are a lyke vnto those people , whom the Lorde by his prophet Ieremi reprehended , They say the Lord lyueth , this is Ieremi. 5. theyr spech , in wordes they say so , but examine theyr religion in deede , they sweare falsly . Gods name is not honored , but dishalowed as much as in them lieth . They take the Lordes name in testimonie that it is ful true , when yet notwithstandyng it is ful false : what greater dishonour can they do vnto the Lord ? Do they beleeue that God knoweth it not ? which were agaynst his omnipotencie : or do they thynke that God wyl leaue so great a sinne vnpunished ? which were agaynst his promise . The greatnesse of this sinne , the Prophete thus describeth , They haue made their faces harder then a stone . Right terrible is that whiche GOD threatneth by Zacharie , Behold a flying Zacha. 5. booke of xx . cubites long . and .x. cubites brode , conteyning a curse of GOD agaynst theeues and swearers , I wil bring this curse foorth sayth the Lord of Hostes : it shall come foorth vpon the house of the theefe , and vpon the house of the swearer , that sweareth falsly by my name . This curse shal remayne in the middest of their howses , and shal consume them , tymber , stones , and al. And this good counsayle from the Lord , we haue by the wyse Kyng Solomon , Eccle. 23. Let not thy mouth be accustomed with swearing , for in it there are many falles . Let not the namyng of GOD be continually in thy mouth . For lyke as a seruant that is much beaten cannot be without some spots : So he that sweareth , and hath the name of GOD continually in his mouth , cannot be free from sinne . A man that vseth much swearing , shal be fylled with iniquitie , and the plague shal neuer go from his house . He that sweareth in vayne , shal not be founde righteous . Much swearing bryngeth suche horrour , that it maketh a mans heare to stande vpryght , and the irreuerence thereof , would make a man stoppe his eares . Though the proud blaspheme and are scorneful , yet vengance lurketh for them as a Lion. The woordes of the swearer bring death , God graunt it be not founde in the house of Israel .

If there were in all the worlde no more faultes but this alone , it were enough to prouoke more vengeance then the whole masse of mankynde were able to beare . God graunt that England may once throughly be purged from this execrable cryme . The Lorde hath promised that he shal be pronounced gyltie that taketh his name in vayne . A greater threatnyng is not added vnto any of the commaundementes among them al : but vaynely , in vayne for euery vayne trifling matter , as though GOD were of no power to reuenge , as though he were woorthy of no woorshyp . Fye , fie , it is to fylthy , to to abhominable . Woulde to GOD al kynges , Queenes , and Princes , would with more earnestnesse tender chiefly Gods honour , & deepely consyder that they liue & enioy theyr states and kingdomes by Gods merciful ordinance and sufferaunce : to this ende , that aboue all thynges they shoulde promote the glory of his name . Howe are they lulled a sleepe in the cradle of securitie , in the drowstnesse of theyr owne transitorie glory , yf they forget that which most specially concerneth Gods glory ? Me thinketh al Princes shoulde reckon all them that vnreuerently vse Gods name , neuer lyke to afforde theyr persons any reuerence or true obedience . They that feare not God , wyl they care for man ? No truely , who so keepeth of God neyther feare nor loue , wyl easily breake his fayth to any Prince . A woorthy obseruaunce it is , that good Kinges here in Englande , haue made right good and holsome lawes to Gods glory agaynst common swearing . We haue good cause to hope , that as GOD hath geuen vs a moste gracious Queene , aunsweryng in any good Title to any other kyng that hath been in this Realme : So in this case also , it wyll please hym to woorke by her Grace , and her Graces most honourable Counsell , that they shall most specially excell , exceede , and goe beyonde al others , in studious care and prouision for the reuerence and honour due vnto Gods most glorious name . In this number of good kynges , in this respect , are to be remembred .

1 Kyng Iue . De quibus consule . Iob. Fox .

2 Kyng Alfride .

3 Kyng Edwarde .

4 Kyng Edmonde , whose lawe was , that whosoeuer was once proued periured , shoulde for euer be separated from Gods congregation . And of ●awes made in his tyme for this , and other matters , looke the collections of M. William Lambert , whiche were imprinted by Iohn Day . Anno. 1568. Lambert .

5 Kyng Henry the first , for example to the whole Realme , beginning at his owne house , first ordeyned that within his owne Pallace , yf any dyd sweare , he shoulde forfayte to the ●aldenus . vse of the poore for euery othe .

If he were A Duke , xl . s. A Lorde . xx s. A Knight , Squire , or Gentleman .x. s. A Yoman .iii. s .iiii. d. A Page o Lackie , to be scourged .

There be lawes for meaner matters more duely obserued . GOD graunt that his honour may be most specially regarded . Amen .

In Fraunce . Kynges that holde theyr Crowne in Homage to the kynges of England , haue made these lawes , to this purpose : Fyrst Ludouic Kyng of Fraunce ordeyned , that al periurers and common swearers , shoulde haue theyr lyppes seared with an hot burnyng iron : and this punyshment he caused to be put in execution , openly at Paris , vpon a Citizen there .

Philip , an other of the kynges of Fraunce , Vincenti● in speculo . constituted this general lawe : that who so euer , were he Gentle or simple , yea though he were for byrth ryght noble , in what place so euer it were , though it were in a common Tauerne ( where many wyse men forget themselues ) if he blasphemed Gods name , he should strayght way be drowned .

Maximilian , the Emperour , made this Law , that whosoeuer was iustly reprehended as a vayne swearer , shoulde leese and pay xiii . s. iiii . d. but if after his reprehension , he woulde not both be sorowful for his sinne , and willingly pay the sayde money , he shoulde lose his head .

Philip , an Earle of Flaunders , for the precinct of his dominion decreed , that who so euer forsware hym selfe , shoulde loose both his goodes and his lyfe .

Iosephus counsayleth , that the blasphemer Libr 4. Antiq. C. 6. shoulde be stoned , and then hanged vp one whole day : afterwarde , beyng taken downe , that he should be throwen into a holl or pyt , without any solemnitie of buryal .

Iustinian , the good Emperour , vnto his Citizens of Constantinople , counsayleth and commaundeth thus . Whereas many in woordes and othes execrably abuse the most reuerend name of God , whereby Gods heauie wrath is procured : we exhort you , that you abstayne from cursing and bannyng , and Iusti . 77. Nouel con . from swearyng , eyther by your head , or by your heare , or by any other othes . For if iniuries done vnto man , be not vnreuenged , much more , he that dishalloweth Gods name , is woorthy of great punishment , for such faultes truely both hunger and earthquakes , and the plague of Pestilence , falleth vppon vs . We therefore gently exhort you , that you abstayne from suche greeuous crimes . If any wyl not be warned by this our Counsayle , fyrst as he shal procure Gods displeasure , so shal he be sure not to escape vnpunished : for we haue geuen vnto our most worthy gouernour of this our royal Citie , this earnest commaundement , that he shal apprehend the offenders herein , & cause them to die the death , least God hym selfe should punishe both this Citie and the whole Realme , for leauyng so great faultes vnpunyshed .

The lawe of the Egiptians was , that no Egypt . swearyng shoulde be vsed , but in lawfull causes . If any were prooued periured , he lost his head .

The Sithians had a Lawe lykewyse , that Sithia . whosoeuer was prooued periured , should lose his head : and he that made proofe thereof , shoulde haue his goodes .

The Romans had a Lawe , that who so Romane● euer was prooued periured , he should be throwen downe from the high Rocke Tarpeius : and therefore when they dyd sweare , they helde a Stone in their hand , and protested : If I lye , or sweare ought but trueth , cast me downe the Hyll violently , as I flyng this stone from me .

But to goe beyonde men . The Lorde hymselfe hath made a Lawe : He that blasphemeth Le. 24. the name of the Lorde , shall dye for it , al the multitude shal stone hym to death : whether he be Citizen or Stranger , yf he blaspheme the name of the Lord , let him dye the death . And this law God commaunded to be put in execution vpon the sonne A remembrance for Fathers & Mothers . of Salomith , whiche was the daughter of Dibri , where no doubt the Mothers name is remembred and the Grandmothers , for their offence of yll education .

Lykewyse Iosue , & the Israelites , made a Iosuah . 9. faythful oth with the Gibeonites . In the dayes of Saul that oth was broken : which breache of fayth , the Lorde punished with three yeeres continuall famine : whiche famine was not taken away , vntyl seuen of the sonnes , or next 2. Reg. 21. c of the kinred of Saul , were hanged vp vnto the Lorde . Lykewyse Mathathias , whom the kyng of Babilon named Sedechias , he contrary to his oth rebelled against the king of Babilon : whiche periurie , the Lorde thus punished , Nabuchodonosor tooke Sedechias prisoner , fyrst he flue his sonne in his owne 4. Reg. 24. 25. sight , after that , he plucked out both his eyes , he bounde him with Chaynes of Iron , and caryed hym prisoner to Babilon , where he kept hym in perpetual miserie . What neede I remember that Troy , and diuers other Cities , were destroyed for periurie . Eusebius telleth of three wicked disposed persons , that of mischiefe pretended agaynst Narcissus , the good Bishop of Hierusalem , layde vnto his charge an heauie & haynous crime , & to make their false accusation the more probable , they sware greeuously , and desired GOD to shewe vengaunce vppon them , on this wyse : The fyrst wyshed , to be destroyed with fyre , yf it were not true : The seconde wyshed , to be consumed with a most greeuous sickenesse : The thyrde , to loose both his eyes . Narcissus perceyuing their desperate intence vnto mischiefe , and his weakenesse not able to resist three suche aduersaries , remoued hym selfe vnto the solitarie Wyldernesse , there to leade a priuate solitarie lyfe : In the meane tyme , vnto them whiche so willingly , and wyckedly forsware them selues , this happened . The fyrst , as he wyshed , by casualtie of fyre , was burnt to death , and al his family : whiche fyre rose but of one litle sparke . The seconde was taken with a greeuous strange sickenesse , from top to toe , and deuoured of the same . The thyrde , hearyng and seeyng Gods iust iudgement to fal vppon the other twayne , confessed the fault , and through great repentaunce , powred out such abundaunce of teares , that he lost both his eyes . Thus was their false perturie punished by God , and the good Byshoppe receyued home agayne with ioye .

Saint Gregorie telleth vs a wonderfull storie of a young Chyld , vnder the age of seuen S. Gregorie . yeeres ( at whiche age we say chyldren haue no discretion ) yet for swearyng , and blasphemyng the name of the Lorde , his Father holdyng hym in his armes , the Dyuel entred possession of the sayde Chylde , as it visibly appeared .

But to come to meere Englysh Stories .

Though not first in order , yet for dignitie , I wyl place Kyng Stephan , and that companie , King Stephan . whiche contrary to their oth made in the dayes of Kyng Henry the fyrst , vnto Mahld or Mold , yet they crowned Stephan Earle of Bolloigne Kyng of Englande : in whiche number , were William , Archbyshop of Caunterburie , Roger , Byshop of Salisbury , Hugh Bigot , Steward sometimes to kyng Henrie the fyrst , and diuers Lordes more . The Archbyshop , God punished shortly after with death : the Byshop of Salisbury , the kyng vanished hym the lande : Hugh Bigot died miserably : Diuers other Lordes , were diuersely punished . Eustace , the kynges sonne , taking vp his horse before his father , had a fall , and brake his legge . The kyng , in remembraunce of his periurie , with sorowe ended his miserable lyfe , euen when he had now made a composition to lyue in peace , and to holde his Crowne quietly duryng his lyfe tyme , proclayming Henry Duke of Normandie heyre apparaunt to the Crowne , euen then , when he most desired to lyue , most likely to lyue in most quietnesse , with sorowe he payed the price of his periurie with the losse of his lyfe .

Edwarde the fourth , at Yorke toke a solemne othe , to holde him contented with his Edward . 4. owne Dukedome , and to yeeld due obedience vnto Kyng Henry : but his oth rashly taken , was as soone broken , and his periurie God punished in his posteritie : none of his chyldren came to the possession of the Crowne .

Elfred , because he was a Duke , shal haue the next place : This Elfred conspired agaynst Elfred . Kyng Adelstane at Winchester . 〈◊〉 put out his eyes : his conspiracie suspected and detected , the kyng secretly fledde . The wycked Duke was dryuen to purge him selfe by his oth , of the suspition . In the Churche dedicated to . S. Peter at Rome , periuriously he forsware him selfe : but euen so soone as he had forsworne hym selfe , he fel downe dead in the Church , and so was taken vp , and caried to the Englyshe house at Rome , and from thence , after three dayes , to his Graue .

Earle Godwin , traiterously slue Alphred , brother to Kyng Edward the thyrde : afterwarde , Godwin . as Godwin sate at the Table with the kyng at Windsor , it happened that one of the cup bearers ( one of this Earle Godwins owne sonnes ) brynging a Cuppe of Wyne towardes the kyng , tripped on the one foote , and yet recouered by the stay of the other foote , so that he shedde none of the Wyne ; wherat the Earle Godwin laughed , saying , Howe the one brother gently had holpen the other : Ryght so , sayd the Kyng , shoulde my brother Alphred haue holpen me , had not the Earle Godwin been : At whiche woordes Godwin , to excuse hym selfe , falsely forsware the fact , and takyng a morsell of bread in his hand , wyshed that that peece of bread myght choake hym , yf he were gyltie of that deede : but so soone as he had receyued the bread , foorthwith he was choaked , and fell downe dead : whereat , quoth the kyng , haue away this periured Traytour , and by Harold his sonne , he was conueyed to Winchester to be buried : Vpon whose Land also , GOD sent such a Plague , that vntyll this day , all Englande heareth of the infortunate place , called Godwins Sandes .

Syr Roger Mortimer brake his solemne Sir Roger Mortimer fayth and allegiaunce vnto his souerayne Lord , Kyng Edwarde the seconde , and for the same his periurie , is thus punished : In the dayes of Edwarde the thyrde , he was fyrst set openly vpon a Ladder , his priuie members cut from hym , and cast into the fyre before his face , his hart pluckt out of his belley , his body diuided into foure quarters , and sent to the foure principall Cities of the Realme .

Howe many corrected in Gods mercifull iudgement for our example haue we knowen , some punished by losse of theyr goodes , some by fyre , some by strange sicknesses , some with tongues so blacke as a coale , some with suche Diuers punishmentes hotte tongues , that they coulde not in any case cloase their mouthes agayne , which before they had opened to the dishalowyng of Gods most blessed name : as notable of late dayes aboue the rest let vs remember Richarde Richarde Long. Fox Mar. ●●97 . Long in Caleis , that wyllyngly to trouble Smyth and Brooke , tooke his oth vpon a Booke , that they twayne ate flesh togeather in Lent , in the sayd Brookes house , yet in trueth , the sayd Smyth came not into Brookes house all that Lent : he long after this periurie committed , drowned hym selfe at the iuttie ende of the hauen in Caleis .

Grimwood of Hitcham in the Countie of Grimwood . ●bidem . Suffolke , agaynst Iohn Cooper of Watsam , in the sayd Countie , at an assise holden at Berry , wylfully forsware hym selfe : at Haruest after , feelyng no payne , complaynyng of no disease , iudgyng hym selfe strong and able to labour , as he was stacking vp a Goffe of Corne , sodenly his bowels fell out of his body , and immediatly he dyed most miserably . That woorthy instrument in Gods Church , Maister Iohn Foxe , from whom I collected these two last stories , geueth a gentle and fatherlyke warnyng to all young Gentlemen , to leaue their outragious swearyng , by the fearefull example of this Gentleman followyng .

In the tyme and raigne of King Edward the syxt , there was in Cornwall , a lustie young Gentleman , who dyd ryde togeather with other moe Gentlemen and their seruauntes , in number about twentie Horsemen , amongst whom this lustie yonker entryng into talke , began to sweare most horribly : vnto whom one of the company , not able to abyde suche blasphemous abhomination , in gentle wordes sayd to hym , that he should geue accompt for euery idle woorde . The Gentleman takyng snuffe thereat , Why , quoth he , takest thou thought for me ? Take thought for thy wyndyng sheete . Well quoth the other , amende , for death geueth no warnyng , as soone commeth a Lambes skinne to the market , as an old Sheepes : ( Gods woundes ) sayd he , Care not thou for me : ragyng styll after his swearing maner woorse and woorse in woordes , tyll at length , passyng on theyr iorney , they came rydyng ouer a great Brydge , which standeth ouer a peece of an arme of the Sea , vpon which Brydge , this gentleman swearer spurced his Horse , in such sort , as he sprang cleane ouer the Brydge with the man on his backe ? Who , as he was going , cryed aloude , Horse and man , and all to the Deuyll .

WYddowe Barnes beyng rebuked for ●iddowe 〈…〉 . Corne●●●● in Lon●●● 74. swearing , to the entent she myght defeate an Orphant of her ryght , not regardyng good admonishmentes , within foure dayes after cast her selfe out at a window in Cornehil , and brake her necke .

Arthure Myller , a fylthy talker of rybaldrie , Arthure Miller , at Hackney . 1573. a common swearer and blasphemer of Gods name , in his sickenesse the yeere of our Lorde . 1573. refused all comfortable doctrine of fayth in Christe , and cryed out , The Deuyl , the Deuyl : Confessing in deede gods omnipotent power , for he sayd , he felt it , but he coulde not pray for grace , the cause he hym selfe knewe , but he woulde not vtter it . So that kyssyng his hande often , in which he sayd he helde the Deuyll , crying for helpe onely vpon the Deuyl , he most miserably ended his most wretched lyfe .

An Aueris . 1575. II. Februarie .

AN Aueris wyddowe , which at that tyme dwelt in Ducke Lane , without Aldersgate in London , in the Parish of S. Bartholome we the litle , by Smythfielde ( iudged to be .lxx. yeeres of age , or thereabout ) came the day and yeere aboue dated , to the house or shop of Richarde Wylliamson in Woodstreete ( whose wyfe exerciseth the sorting & dressing of Flaxe and Towe ) to buye there ( as heretofore she had been accustomed ) some course Towe : and hauing cheapened and agreed for vi . pounde of course Towe ( a very small value ) but marke whyther customable vse dooth bryng one , She perceiuing the seruauntes in the shop busie about other Customers , secretly slypt away , imagining by lykelyhood , that because of their great businesse they nothyng regarded her : Howbeit ( as GOD woulde ) the Mayden that in her Mistres absence vsed to delyuer Ware , and receiue money , remembryng redyly that no money was receiued for the sayd . vt . pound of Towe , sent one of them that best myght be spared from the shop , home to the house of this An Aueris in Ducke Lane , to require eyther the Towe agayne or els money for it . This vngodly woman ( in whose mouth a wicked oth was the rediest thyng ) Sware by and by , that she payed the money whyle she was yet in the shop : But beyng earnestly desyred that she would agayne returne to the sayd shop , there to affirme the same : As one that would put on a countenaunce of honestie , she refused not so to doo , lashyng out by the way bytter curses and terrible othes , that she had alredy payed the money , neyther ceassed she when she came backe agayne to the shop : But beyng gently reprehended for her vngentle and vngodly deede , with terrible othes , periuriously she forsware the fact ( Vidz . that she departed without payment ) And , yf she payed not the money before her departure out of the shop , she desyred vengeance at the Lordes handes , and that he woulde openly shewe vppon her in his iust iudgement ( that yf she departed out of the shop without payment of the money for the sayd .vi. pounde of Towe ) that she myght presently sincke or fall sodenly downe , and neuer haue power after to styrre or go out of that place : thynkyng perchaunce , as Atheistes doo , that there is no GOD , or els that GOD heareth not the prayers of the people , eyther to rewarde the godly , or to punyshe the wycked . Howbeit as GOD is a swyft GOD to reuenge when his mercie is refused : so in the deapth of his iudgement , he heard her prayer , and stroke her so immediatly vnto the grounde , that staggeryng to and fro , the strength of her legges faylyng her , and ceassing to doo theyr duetie in vpholdyng the body , downe she fell in the shop , and became speachlesse , neuer able to ryse without helpe , neuer able to vtter any more blasphemous othes agaynst the Lorde : Onely , a woonderfull thyng to tell , as yf GOD would playuely shewe the cause of his procured wrath , she helde out in her left hand .xiii. d. with which she should haue payed for the Towe , and that sayd money she tossed and tumbled vp and downe vpon her Apron , so as al the standers by might beholde the same . As she fell downe in the deuylles name , so to stande vp agayne no helpe coulde support her that she myght be able agayne to goe : Her mouth also was put to a most vyle office , as yf GOD woulde shewe that in his iustice he would punishe the place from whence , and the instrument wherewith , his most holy name was so vnreuerently blasphemed : So as that which nature woulde haue cast downewarde at the bostome of the bellie in some secrete place , when she had withdrawen her selfe from all companie , that selfe same fylthynesse she was forced to voyde at her mouth in the open streete in open day iyght , as many men , women , and chyldren , as came by gazyng , woonderyng thereat : from thence beyng carried home , her dwellyng house denyed to receyue so vyle a person , so as of force she was fayne to be lodged in a stinkyng Stable ( a Parlour sweete yenough for so vnsauery a wretche ) from whence she was afterwarde carried to her lodging , and from thence a fewe dayes after to her graue . The examination of this fact was taken before Sir Lyonel Ducket , Knyght , Alderman , and Iustice of Peace within the Citie of London : and as witnesses are set downe .

M. Doctour Fulke . M. Newstubbes . M. Crake . M. Edmundes . M. Robert Pistor . M. Robert Aske .

Who so listeth , may see this storie at large , imprinted by Iohn Alde . 1576.

Of whose printyng , you may also see another strange story of Father Lea. dated the. 28 of Ianuary . 1577.

Father Lea , a man almost of .lxxx. yeeres , Father Le● 1577. whose whyte hoary heares wan credite to his tale , was hyred for a small summe of money to forsweare hymselfe : God in his mercy deferryng his iudgement , full two yeeres and more , he bare about hym the heauy burden of a wounded conscience , a priuie payne , yet in deede a more irksome griefe , then it woulde haue been to haue endured publique punyshment for the same . He needed none other , eyther Iayler , or Hangman to torment him , that fyndeth that inward woo . But euen lyke as an Arrow set in a Bow redy to be shot , dooth fray a man more then an Arrow that alredy hath hyt his leg or his arme : Or lyke as the feare of death , or punyshment , where grace hath ben wanting , hath made many to murder them selues wilfully : Euen so , the inward festeryng wound of a gylty conscience , voyd of hope , full of dispayre , is more greeuous and more intolierable , then any outward correction . Two long fastyng yeeres , Father Lea hearyng this importable burden , at the last the force of the fyre brake through the ashes that so long had couered it . In foster lane in London , this Lea met that partie , agaynst whom , or to whose hynderaunce he had forsworne hym selfe , and holdyng vp his handes ( after the manner of our askyng of forgeuenesse ) he desyred hym to forgeue hym his former offence agaynst hym committed , confessyng that agaynst hym he had falsly forsworne hymselfe . The partie offended , charitably answeared , that the offence agaynst hym myght easily be forgeuen , but the offence agaynst God , in abusing his most holy name , was most heynous and wicked : But more , to witnesse his repentance , he desyred hym to come home to his house , and so Lea dyd , and there confessed his fault to hym , and dyuers other credible persons . And on Munday the xxviii . of Ianuarie ( ten weekes after this confession ) beyng alone in his house , ( as the deuyll is cunnyng in choosyng his tyme ) he then assaulted hym , when he had no helpe or comfort , by the presence of his wyfe , or any other , and so mightyly ouercame hym , that as it seemed , the sayd Lea entended to haue murdred hymselfe , with an old rustie knyfe he ripped his owne belly , and so hard was his hart , ( his mind being vanquished with the horrible remembraunce of his detestable periurie ) that he gryped his owne guttes with his owne handes , and so let them fall from hym into an earthen vessell . But as Gods mercie is vnspeakeable , so ( blessed be God therefore ) the deuyll hauyng shewed his tyrannie , his wyfe came sodaynly , and at this strange syght scrikyng very loude , some of the neyghbours came runnyng in , and sent for a Surgeon , who presently stytched vp his woundes , and dressed hym so cunnyngly as he coulde . After him came also a spiritual Surgeon , the pastor of that Parry she where he dwelt , named M. Simpson ( Father Lea dwelled in Sone Alley in Norton folly , in the parrysh of S. Botulphes without Byshopsgate of London ) and he with the Spirituall comfort of Gods sweete promises of remission of sinnes to all penitent sinners , that in Christes name aske and entreate for forgeuenesse , so salued his afflicted conscience , that this distressed creature was recomforted therewith , and earnestly called vpon God for mercy and forgeuenes , professyng that he stedfastly hoped to be saued by the blood of Iesus Christe , who of his ryche mercie had geuen hym a tyme of repentance after his desperate fact : And so ended his lyfe , the .xxix. of Ianuarie .

These examples beyng meere Englyshe , let vs borowe some out of the Germane Histories , the profitablest members for vs to take example by , for that they had the Gospel before vs , and for their vnthankfulnesse , and loosenesse of lyfe , these ensamples ensuyng were shewed vpon them . Let vs be warned by their woo , least after warnyng refused , by counsell and example , we feele also with them the punishment of warre .

Melancthon remembreth , of two wanton young men , makyng but a iest of Gods most glorious name , stryued whether of them could sweare most terriblest , or curse most horriblest : but their iestyng was so odious in Gods syght , that the one of them was presently stryken with madnesse .

In the Citie Eslingen , where vpon Sainct Katherins day there is a great Fayre kept , Eslingen . a Gentleman of a noble house by byrth , fell amongst other yll company to Dyce , and lost a great deale of money , whereat beyng moued earnestly , the Gentleman swearyng and cursyng outragiously , in a furious heate called to one of his men for his Horse , euen when it was now in the edge of the euenyng : his man disswaded him from riding , alleaging that the wayes were foule , and hard to fynd , dangerous through many waters , and it now began to be darke alredy , earnestly entreated he his Maister , to tarrie vntyll the next mornyng : But as he must needes go , whom the Deuyll dryueth : so , ful of rage and fury foorth they went , in number but three , the Gentleman , and two men : They had not rydden far , but they met with more company , as yll or woorse then them selues , Deuyls no doubt , who bent theyr force directly agaynst this swearyng Gentleman : these feendes plucke hym of from his Horse , and would no doubt haue carried hym away body and soule , yf they had could : his men ( through Gods mercie ) especially the one of them , hauyng a good measure of fayth , and a good conscience , were vnto their Maister good Angels at that time , defendyng hym from the force of the enimie : Howbeit , all the nyght long they wandred out of the way , those euyl spirites stil troubling them , seekyng the destruction of the swearyng Gentleman , vntyll the day was lyght : then when they sawe the coast of the Countrey , and knewe where about they were , they brought theyr blaspheming Maister vnto Bethen Hawsen , where , after he had lyen three dayes sicke , he departed this lyfe .

At Tubinga , a desperate Boy deuised new othes , such as were not in common vse : but the Tubinga . Lord sent a canker , or some worse disease , that ate out his tongue , euen the very instrument where with he blasphemed God .

At Ciguea in Schueberg , for greedinesse of the gaynes of certaine Moynes , a wretched Ciguea in Schueberg . creature forsware him selfe : but God remoued his blessing from the place , a Snayle , as an instrument of Gods wrath ( for the Lorde can woorke by any weake creature , through his owne power and myght ) a Snayle made lytle holes , which at this day remayne to be seene , and so deuoured the mettall in the Moynes , that from thencefoorth no mettall remayned in the Moynes to be founde , as before they were , though with much wastful cost and expences , they haue been sought for , since that committed periurie . In Thuringia the Deuyll , as he thought his commission would haue serued hym , seased vpon a young man , for dishalowyng the name of God , whom yet in mercy vpon repentance GOD delyuered from his tyranny : So as the young man remayned an open and visible witnesse , both of the Deuyls vnmerciful tyrannie , and of Gods vnspeakable mercie .

Rodolphus , Duke of Sweathen , had Duke of Swethen , made a faythfull othe vnto the Emperour Henrie the fourth : but Gregoric the seuenth Pope of Rome , absolued hym from that oth , as wel as he coulde . It came to passe , that this Duke now , beyng ( contrary to his oth ) on the contrary part agaynst his liege Lorde the Emperour , in a battayle fought hard by Merspurge , he lost both the feelde , and his The Pope could not set on his hande agayne . ryghthand , and fled into the Citie for refuge , where lying sicke , his ryght hand beyng brought vnto hym , diuers of the Popes Ciergie standyng about hym , with deepe sighes and grouynges , he sayd vnto them , Lo , this is that same hand with the which I gaue my fayth vnto my Lorde the Emperour : You gaue me counsell to rebell agaynst hym , you procured myne absolution from the Pope , you see Gods iudgement vpon me : consyder now in your consciences , whether you haue well doone or no : And shortly after , he yeelded vp the ghost . Manlius remembreth one of Swether , a man of noble byrth , whom the Palatine toke prisoner : but of mercie the Palatine gaue him licence to depart into his owne Countrey , vpon his promise made by an oth , that he should by a tyme limitted returne as a prisoner priuileged , by promyse of his fayth , vnto Heydelbergum : but the prisoner esteemyng more of his libertie , then of his fayth , played the Truant , and returned not : afterward hoasting with a Iewe , hauing now broken his Christian fayth , not farre from the valley of Ioachim , his lyfe that he loued beyonde honest measure , was dispatched by a Gunne .

Ladislaus kyng of Polonia , though it Ladislaus king of Polonia . were vnto a Turke , namely vnto Amurathes , yet he sware by GOD to keepe his fayth , which othe when he had broke , by the Souldiours of the Turke he was shortly after slayne .

A most notable example doone in Marchia . 1528 , by Iohannes Manlius remembred also .

A Common Souldiour , hauing gotten in some skirmish , or other waies , as a ●o●ty , a good , or rather a great bagge of money , sodenly he was visited with sickenesse , so as of necessitie he betooke hym selfe to rest in an Inne , vntyl by ordinarie meanes he myght recouer his strength . Vpon the fyrst condicion , or entraunce of his soiournyng there , supposing no body lykelyer to be of good and sufficient credite then his Hostes , he deliuered vnto her custody his whole bagge of money : Afterwarde recoueryng , as God woulde , his health , he required to receiue his bagge agayne . It greeued his vnhonest Hostes to depart from so great a pray , therefore she entreth an earnest consultation with her husband , what shyft they myght fynde to deteyne the sayde spoyle . Her vnhappie husbande , beyng beyonde al conscience of that iudgement ( that too too many men be of nowe a dayes ) that what so euer by open proofe of lawe , can not be wonne from them perforce , is therefore their owne gotten good , he geueth his wyfe counsel to denie the receipt of the sayde bagge , or money : his Hoastes denied it . Howe coulde the Souldour Olde wiced woman . prooue it ? Marke the boldenesse of a wicked woman , she seemeth to wonder at the Souldiour , that he woulde be so impudent , as to aske at her handes , that whiche she auowched she neuer receyued : in this case she rayleth at hym , and reuileth hym , so far as the vttermost of her vayne Rethorique woulde stretch . The Souldiour ( as they are commonly allowed to be somewhat more bolde then other men ) obiecteth agaynst her , her open falsehood , for that contrary to her fayth , she forsweareth the trueth agaynst her conscience . Her husbande , a principal partie in this periurie , as yf it were to defende his wyues honestie , with violence thrusteth the Souldiour out at his doores . The Souldiour bold in war , abrode , at home , thought , that in a good quarrell he myght wel be more bolde , and hauing almost in choyce as liefe to leese his lyfe , as his money ( the whole recompence of his lyues aduenture ) sloutly he draweth his swoorde , professyng , that eyther he wyl leese his lyfe , or saue his money , and breakes with too muche haste his Hoastes house to reenter , alleagyng , that where his goodes are , there he may safely be . The hoast pleadeth an action of burglarie , and maketh open cry for helpe vnto his neyghbours . And as in braulles and broyles to many fees belong to Sergiauntes , with violent force a number of officers carry hym , as an open malefactor , vnto the Gayle . The common Counsayle , accordyng to the intimation of the fact , are agreed deliberatly what iudgment to geue , when publique iudgment shal be craued : agreed it was , the Souldiour by most voyces shoulde haue been condemned . The Dyuell , who knoweth some thynges by permission , in some forme and fashion commeth vnto the prisoner , and to winne the more credite , he telleth hym what iudgement the Senatours would pronounce , vnlesse he toke good heede , and dealt wysely . The 〈◊〉 entent And as he woulde fayne haue some testimonie agaynst man , wherein he falleth from God , and cousenteth vnto hym : so he perswadeth the Souldiour a free delyueraunce from his whole trouble , yf he woulde geue hym his soule to hyre . Nay quoth the Souldiour , I had rather yet leese my lyfe , then my soule . Wel quoth the Diuel , though I get nothyng of thee , as a rewarde , yet wyl I delyuer thee , so that thou be ruled by me . Follow therefore ( quoth he ) these instructions : when thou shalt be brought before the Iudges , pleade for thy selfe ignoraunce , desyre to haue an Atturney . Chose me , quoth the Dyuell , to debate thy cause : by these notes thou shalt knowe me , by a blewe Cappe and a Feather . The Souldiour easily graunted to vse his counsel . The 〈◊〉 Dyuell 〈…〉 her . Session is holden , the Souldiour is brought foorth as a malefactor , his Hoast pleadeth the death of the Souldiour , the Souldiour vseth the counsayle of his vnhappie aduocate : Licence he craueth , that the Gentleman with the blewe Cappe and the Feather myght pleade for hym : Leaue is graunted , foorth commeth the Proctor , and lyke a skylfull Lawyer , he maketh this Caution : The partie not gyltie , is not to be condemned , for from the Souldiour grue no cause of strife : the Inholder by violence , thrust the Souldiour out at the doores , an open and a manifest crime . Searche the cause , quoth the Dyuell , and ( as one of the priuate Counsayll with all vnhappinesse ) geue me leaue and aucthoritie , sayth he , to searche the house , I dare vndertake to fynde the bagge and the money , so shal the Inholder be gyltie , and the Souldiour cleare . The Typler standyng now vppon his credit , Not 〈◊〉 thy th●●ame 〈◊〉 . or discredite for euer , added , as the Dyuell would haue hym , many blasphemous othes , that he by no meanes knewe of any suche money , and for confirmation of his fayth made by oth , he requireth , as the custome of swearers is , vengeaunce at Gods handes , yf he sware falsly : I woulde ( quoth he ) the Dyuel myght fetche me away presently body and soule before you al , yf I sweare vniustly . Whiche terrible woordes , when the Typler had earnestly repeated once or twyce , this Dyuelyshe Lawyer , or this lawing Dyuell , leaft the cause , and snatched the Corpes ( accordyng to the vengeaunce desyred at Gods hande ) of this typlyng Hoast , and carryed hym throwe by the wyndowe , and then ●●sibly ouer the market place of the Towne , so as his body was neuer seene any more , nothyng beyng left behynde hym , but an horrible stincke , as a witnesse what an vncleane spirite had carryed away suche an vncleane person . Of this notable remembraunce , the tyme is set downe , and the place , and the authours name , that nothing myght want to the certaintie of the trueth .

I wyl adde hereunto the destruction of that detestable vyce , of bannyng and cursyng , whiche is the next brother vnto this sinne of pertury ( whether is worse , God knoweth ) both tende to the dishonouryng of Gods name , an example or two , in hatred of the same .

Not far from Eslengen ( whereof before it was remembred ) sayth Melancthon , ●elanc●●●● 〈…〉 with 〈…〉 certayne wanton youthes , players by lykelyhood of description in Enterludes , after a solemne Pageant set out to the people , sported them selues with cursyng and bannyng ( thynkyng to make but a Maygame of the Lords reuerence ) but amiddes theyr cursings , God sent his punyshmentes : One of them was striken starke dumbe , the other fell starke madde .

At the feast of Whitsontyde , a wretched In 〈◊〉 . woman , by cursyng and bannyng , forsakyng the helpe of GOD , and procuryng the vengeance due vnto her by the Dyuell , was by the Dyuell sodaynely snatche vppe into the ayre , many people beholdyng the same : and as he tooke her vp in the Denylles name , so he flang her downe with a very vengeance , a number of people beholdyng how she was snatched vp , and howe she was hurled downe , but runnyng to the place where she fell , they founde her starke dead , and her face turned quite behynde her .

Iohannes Manlius , a man of great credite , Manlius A remembrance fo mothers . one of the first visitors of the Churche of Germanie , recordeth , that the excellent man of GOD , Doctor Martin Luther , and he at Basile sawe a woman guivyng her daughter vp and downe the countrey , the daughter beyng possessed of a wicked spirite , which inuasion of the spirite , grew by the mothers dyuelysh curse . The mother confessed ( that her daughter disobeyng her commaundement ) she cursed her sayde daughter , with these woordes , The Dyuel take thee : or , the Dyuel flye vpon thee . And the selfe same houre her daughter fel madde , and was possessed of a Dyuel . Doctor Luther seeing the woman , communed with them , and agaynst the Diuel he vsed that place of Iames : GOD rebuke thee thou foule spirite , vnto whiche woordes the Diuel answeared agayne : so as it was wel manyfest what spirite possessed her .

In the Towne of Freburg in Misnia , an hastie froward father , yl accustomed with continual In exam●le for fa●●ers . ●anlius ●●llection . 〈…〉 To. et ●●elueche●s . To. 1. ●edagogie . 〈◊〉 . swearyng , cursyng , and bannyng , commaunded his sonne to doo a certayne businesse with al speede possible . The sonne not yeeldyng honour enough vnto his father , neglected disobediently his fathers commaundement : ( a great fault in deede , and woorthie to haue been wel punished : ) but vnorderly and wickedly , the frowarde vngodly father , when he hearde his sonne yet at home , whom he thought before that tyme to haue been gone about his businesse , in the Diuels name falleth to cursing his sonne , and these or suche lyke woordes he vsed : Did I byd thee goe in hast : and standest thou still there : Nowe stil moughtest thou stand , I pray GOD , and neuer mayest thou styrre alyue out of that same place . ( Oh dire imprecation ) Gods merciful grace absented , and his iudgement earnestly prouoked , styl stoode his sonne . What gayned the vngodly father : vnlesse he woulde plucke the sonne in peeces , the father nowe could not , would he neuer so fayne , eyther by his owne strength , or by any others help , way , or meanes , once mooue or styrre his distressed childe . The chylde wanted his ease , but the father byd the woo : styrre could not the sonne , helpe must the father : and since that accordyng to the fathers curse the sonne coulde not be remooued , the wylful father , accordyng to Gods commaundement , must needes of duetie succour his woful sonne . Glad and fayne was the father to vnderprop his sonne with a Chayre and a Cushion , & so to keepe hym in that place by the space of three whole yeeres . Many a godly man came to see this sorowful sight , many a good prayer , both priuate and publique , was powred out vnto the Lorde for him , many a publique exhortation was made vnto the people to auoyde such offences , and to pray for grace for him : long it was or euer the Lorde woulde be entreated . But The fort of contin prayer . as Gods mercie is aboue al his workes : so the Lorde after three yeeres space was entreated for some mercy , his feete were loosed , whose footesteppes or print of his feete ( a woonderful thing to tel ) remayne to be seene at this day in the pauement where he stoode . So sate he then yet in miserie foure more long yeres , with a long leane countenance , eating litle or nothyng , speakyng but nowe and

3 It obscureth Gods glory , whiche aboue al thynges we must promote .

4 It breaketh fayth and credite amongst Christians , which we must maintayne .

5 It encreaseth infidelitie , whiche we must abhorre .

6 It is the woorke of the Dyuell , & Christe came to destroy it .

7 It neuer dyd good vnto any , & we must doo good vnto all . Vse breedeth custome , custome breadeth continuance , familiar easie continuance leadeth vs readyly and perfectly vnto the most damnable sinne of periurie ▪ Stop therfore the beginnyng . Strike not , and you shal not kyl . Sweare not , and you shall not be forsworne . Aboue al thynges my brethren , Sweare not , neyther by Heauen , for it is Gods seate , nor by the Earth , nor by any other thyng . It was sayde before Christes commyng , Thou shalt not forsweare thy selfe : But Christe sayde , Sweare not at all Let your communication be yea , yea , and nay , nay : yea in woorde , yea in deede : dishallowe not Gods most glorious name . As you professe a fayth in Christe , so expresse the same continually : Let Christe be seene in your lyfe , as he is heard of in your language : let his holy name neuer be taken in vayne , but studie and endeuour with your whole power and strength , that Gods name may be sanctified , that is , alwayes esteemed holy and reuerent , alwayes honoured and glorified , in you , and by you : Vnto whom onely , of only ryght alone , be al honour , prayse , and glory , woorshyp , renowme , and dominion , for all , and aboue al , worlde without ende . Amen . Amen .

Amen . The Lorde raigneth . The Lorde only is trueth , and shal haue the victory and only glory .

Amen . FINIS .