Guilt of raſh and vain Swearing, when Men are not called to it, and there is no real Occaſion for it, nor any good or wiſe Purpoſe ſerved by it.
4. For although the Swearing by Things that are holy is a great Aggravation of Guilt, as it adds Profaneneſs to the Sin of Swearing; yet it is to be remembred, that all Vain-Swearing, by what Things ſoever, in Heaven or in Earth, is expreſly condemned and forbidden by our bleſſed Saviour, (Mat. v. 34, 35, 36, 37.) I ſay unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is his footſtool; neither by Jeruſalem, for it is the City of the great King. Neither ſhalt thou ſwear by thy head, becauſe thou can’ſt not make one hair white or black. But let your Communication be, Yea, yea, Nay, nay, for whatſoever is more than theſe cometh of evil. And in like Manner, St. James (James v. 12.) Above all things, my brethren, ſwear not; neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath; but let your yea, be yea, and your nay, nay, leſt you fall into Condemnation.
