Chapter 23: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows

A lawful Oath is a part of religious worship, wherein the person swearing in Truth, Righteousness, and Judgement, solemnly calleth God to witness what he sweareth;^a and to judge him according to the Truth or falseness thereof.^b

1. a. Exodus 20:7; Deuteronomy 10:20; Jeremiah 4:2

   Exodus 20:7

   Deuteronomy 10:20

   Jeremiah 4:2

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

2. b. 2 Chronicles 6:22–23

   2 Chronicles 6:22–23

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

The Name of God only is that by which men ought to swear; and therein it is to be used, with all Holy Fear and reverence, therefore to swear vainly or rashly by that glorious, and dreadful name; or to swear at all by any other thing, is sinful and to be abhorred; yet as in matter of weight and moment for confirmation of truth,^a and ending all strife, an Oath is warranted by the word of God; so a lawful Oath being imposed,^b by lawful Authority, in such matters, ought to be taken.^c

1. a. Matthew 5:34, 37; James 5:12

   Matthew 5:34; Matthew 5:37

   James 5:12

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

2. b. Hebrews 6:16; 2 Corinthians 1:23

   Hebrews 6:16

   2 Corinthians 1:23

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

3. c. Nehemiah 13:25

   Nehemiah 13:25

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

Whosoever taketh an Oath warranted by the word of God, ought duely to consider the weightiness of so solemn an act; and therein to avouch nothing, but what he knoweth to be the truth; for that by rash, false, and vain Oaths the Lord is provoked, and for them this Land mournes.^a

1. a. Leviticus 19:12; Jeremiah 23:10

   Leviticus 19:12

   Jeremiah 23:10

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

An Oath is to be taken in the plain, and common sense of the words; without equivocation, or mental reservation.^a

1. a. Psalm 24:4

   Psalm 24:4

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

A Vow which is not to be made to any Creature, but to God alone, is to be made and performed with all Religious care, and faithfulness: But Popish Monastical Vows,^a of perpetual single life, professed^b poverty, and regular obedience, are so far from being degrees of higher perfection, that they are superstitious,^c and sinful snares, in which no Christian may intangle himself.^d

1. a. Psalm 76:11; Genesis 28:20–22

   Psalm 76:11

   Genesis 28:20–22

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

2. b. 1 Corinthians 7:2, 9

   1 Corinthians 7:2; 1 Corinthians 7:9

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3. c. Ephesians 4:28

   Ephesians 4:28

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4. d. Matthew 19:11

   Matthew 19:11

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