§. 129. Of the resolution and observations of
Heb. 6. 16.
For men verily swear by the greater: and an Oath for confirmation is to the•…•… an end of all strife.
THe sum of this verse is, The end of an Oath.
Here of are two parts,
- 1. A description of an Oath,
- 2. A declaration of the end thereof.
In the description we may observe,
- 1. The manner of setting it down, in this note of asseveration verily.
- 2. The matter. Whereabout is expressed,
- 1. The act it self, swear.
- 2. The persons who swear, men, and by whom, the greater.
In setting down the end we may observe,
- 1. The kind of end, for confirmation.
- 2. A consequence following thereupon, which is, an end of all strife. This is am∣plified.
- 1. By the persons to whom it is an end, to them, namely to them betwixt whom there is controversie.
- 2. By the extent thereof: in this generall, all.
Doctrines.
- I. God in swearing conforms himself to men. In the former verses Gods swearing was set down; here the reason of it is thus rendred, For men swear. See §. 115.
- II. Weighty truths may with an asseveration be set down: so doth the Apostle this truth thus, Verily. See §. 115.
- III. It is lawfull for men to swear. This is here taken for granted. See §. 116.
- IV. God only is to be sworn by. God is comprised under this word, the greater. S•…•…e §. 120.
- V. An oath confirms a truth. It is here said to be for confirmation. See §. 1•…•…1.
- VI. An oath is to determine controversies. This phrase, an end of all strife, in•…•…end∣eth as much. See §. 121.
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