Of other kinds of sinnes, which a good Christian ought to eschew. CHAP. XI.
BEsides the seauen sinnes, which are called capi∣tall, there are others, which depend of them, which a Christian ought to eschew with all dili∣gence no lesse then the former. Amongst these one of the chiefest is, to sweare vainely by God: for this sinne is directly against God, and therefore in his owne nature it is more greeuous then any other sinne, which is com∣mitted against thy neighbour, albeit it be enormous and very farre out ofsquare. And this is done not onely when the name of God is sworne by, but when we sweare by the Crosse, Masse, Sacraments, Saints, or by our owne life, for euery one of these are haynous sinnes also & idolatrous, for by protesting by them we place them in Gods stead, vvhich vnlawfull oaths are much reprehended in the holy Scriptures, because of the iniury, which is offered to the Diuine maiestie. Greatly to blame are they, and much haue they to aunswer for, who sweare of custome for euery light matter, hauing no respect how or wherefore they sweare, neyther doe repent themselues of this custome, neyther endeuour to roote out this corrupt and depraued vse. Neyther are they to be excused, if they say, that they doe not sweare of set purpose or it was not their mind and intent to sweate vainly: for the case being put, that they are willing to entertaine this naughty and corrupt custom, they are also willing to entertaine that, which followeth of it, that is this, and such lyke euills, and therfore they are not free from great and enormous wickednes.
Wherefore a Christian ought to endeuour himselfe as much