‘That which is over and above these' (i.e., above the simple ‘yes' or ‘no’) ‘is of evil.’ [1] This is a very strong expression. Whatever we may say beyond simple affirmation or negation has been brought in by hardness of heart, malice, or trickery; in short, by the devil. Let us therefore return to primitive simplicity, and make ourselves so trustworthy by our sincerity that everyone will trust to our unsupported word.
Do not be so emphatic and positive: — do not exaggerate. ‘Swear not’ means, in part, that we must have that gentleness implied in the promise ‘ blessed are the meek.’ [2] It would not be necessary to do more than simply affirm or deny if hearts were rightly disposed. Do you, for your own parts, remain in this guileless and gentle disposition; and if you must ever exceed simplicity in your speech, let it only be for the good of those who will not be moved without something stronger.
Renew yourselves; ‘ quit the old leaven.’ [3] The wicked man is a liar, because it is to his interest to hide or disguise his doings. ‘ Put on the new man’ — Jesus Christ — ‘who according to God is created in justice and holiness and
