Gods goodnesse to us, to be a Motive from vain Swearing. [ 1273]
POlycarp,* 1.1 that Religious Martyr and Bishop of Smyrna, in the time of the Fourth Persecution under Marcus Antonius Verres, When he was command∣ed to swear but one Oath, made this answer; Fourscore and six years have I endea∣voured to do God service, and all this while he never hurt me; How shall I speak evill of so good a Lord and Master, who hath thus long preserved me? And added further, being thereunto urged by the Proconsul; I am a Christian, and cannot do it; let Heathens and In••idels swear if they will, I cannot do it, were it to the saving of my life. Thus it is,* 1.2 that if nothing else will keep a Man from idle swearing, and taking of the blessed Name of God in vain, the very consideration of benefits received from him, should be motive and disswasive sufficient, not to lade him with oaths, that hath so laden us with Favours, and that whilest he is every moment doing good for our Souls and Bodies, we should dare to return him evill for the good he doth unto us.