That ſince Rage and Paſſion, and Drunkenneſs, are very ſinful, and to be avoided by every Chriſtian, though they be ſingle and alone; they in whom they are generally accompanied with Swearing, are bound to double Diligence in avoiding them, becauſe they know they uſually bring with them a double Guilt; namely, their own, and that of Vain Swearing. One Sin can never be a juſt Excuſe for another; but it is a good Reaſon why Men ſhould increaſe their Care and Watchfulneſs againſt one Sin, when they know it uſually brings another with it.
But though theſe Fits of Madneſs, into which Men caſt themſelves, were any Excuſe for Swearing, (as they are certainly none) yet the common and habitual Swearer would have no Right to plead them. For however they may make his Oaths more dreadful and more horrible than at other Times, yet when theſe Heats are over, his Courſe of Swearing and Profaneneſs goes on; and he is ſo far from ſeeking Excuſes, and endeavouring to charge it upon Paſſion and Drunkenneſs, that he ſeems to ap-
