Chapter 22: Of lawfull Oathes and Vowes

A Lawful Oath is a part of Religious Worship,^a wherein upon just occasion, the person swearing, solemnly calleth God to witness what he asserteth, or promiseth; and to Judge him according to the truth, or falshood of what he sweareth.^b

A Lawful Oath is a part of Religious Worship,^a wherein upon just occasion, the person swearing, solemnly calls God to witness what he asserts, or promises; and to Judge him according to the truth, or falsehood of what he swears.^b

The Name of God only, is that by which men ought to sweare; and, therein it is to be used with all holy fear and reverence.^a Therefore, to swear vainly, or rashly, by that glorious and dreadfull name; or, to swear at all, by any other thing, is sinfull, and to be abhorred.^b Yet, as in matters of weight and moment, an Oath is warranted by the Word of God, under the New Testament, as well as under the old;^c so, a lawful Oath, being imposed by lawful Authoritie, in such matters ought to be taken.^d

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.^a 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.^b Yet, as in matters of weight and moment, an Oath is warranted by the Word of God, under the New Testament, as well as under the old;^c so, a lawful Oath, being imposed by lawful Authority, in such matters ought to be taken.^d

Whosoever taketh an Oath, ought duly to consider the weightiness of so solemn an act; and therein to avouch nothing, but what hee is fully perswaded is the truth.^a Neither may any man bind himself by Oath to any thing but what is good and just, and what he beleiveth so to be, and what hee is able, and resolved to performe.^b Yet is it a sin, to refuse an Oath touching any thing that is good and just, being imposed by lawful Authority.^c

Whosoever takes an Oath, ought duly to consider the weightiness of so solemn an act; and therein to avouch nothing, but what he is fully persuaded is the truth.^a Neither may any man bind himself by Oath to any thing but what is good and just, and what he believes so to be, and what he is able, and resolved to perform.^b Yet is it a sin, to refuse an Oath touching any thing that is good and just, being imposed by lawful Authority.^c

An Oath is to be taken in the plain and common sense of the words, without equivocation, or mental reservation.^a It cannot oblige to sin: but, in any thing not sinfull, being taken, it bindes to performance, although to a mans own hurt.^b Nor is it to be violated, although made to Hereticks, or Infidels.^c

An Oath is to be taken in the plain and common sense of the words, without equivocation, or mental reservation.^a It cannot oblige to sin: but, in any thing not sinful, being taken, it binds to performance, although to a mans own hurt.^b Nor is it to be violated, although made to Heretics, or Infidels.^c

A Vow is of the like nature with a Promissory Oath, and ought to be made with the like Religious care, and to be performed with the like faithfulness.^a

A Vow is of the like nature with a Promissory Oath, and ought to be made with the like Religious care, and to be performed with the like faithfulness.^a

It is not to be made to any Creature but to God alone:^a and, that it may be accepted, it is to be made voluntarily, out of Faith, and conscience of Duty, in way of Thankfulnes for mercy received, or for the obtaining of what we want; whereby we more strictly bind our selves to necessary duties; or, to other things, so far, and so long, as they may fitly conduce thereunto.^b

It is not to be made to any Creature but to God alone:^a and, that it may be accepted, it is to be made voluntarily, out of Faith, and conscience of Duty, in way of Thankfulnes for mercy received, or for the obtaining of what we want; whereby we more strictly bind our selves to necessary duties; or, to other things, so far, and so long, as they may fitly conduce thereunto.^b

No man may Vow, to do any thing forbidden in the Word of God, or what would hinder any duty therein commanded; or which is not in his own power, and, for the performance whereof, he hath no promise of ability from God.^a In which respects, Popish Monastical Vows, of perpetual single life, professed Poverty, and Regular Obedience, are so far from being degrees of higher Perfection, that they are superstitious and sinful snares, in which, no Christian may intangle himself.^b

No man may Vow, to do any thing forbidden in the Word of God, or what would hinder any duty therein commanded; or which is not in his own power, and, for the performance whereof, he has no promise of ability from God.^a In which respects, Popish Monastical Vows, of perpetual single life, professed Poverty, and Regular Obedience, are so far from being degrees of higher Perfection, that they are superstitious and sinful snares, in which, no Christian may entangle himself.^b