[Vers. 7] VERS. 7. Whereupon he promised with an oath, to give her whatsoever she would ask.
[Quest. 1] What is an Oath?
[Answ.] It is a lawfull calling of God, to witnesse the truth of something affirmed, which is in contro∣versie. Or, it is a confirmation of some truth in question, by a lawfull calling of God to witnesse. This definition is partly taken from Hebr. 6.16. and partly from the third Commandement, Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
Wherein observe these four things, to wit,
First, the end of an oath; and that is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, for confirmation of the truth.
Secondly, the matter moving an oath; and this is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, some difference, or controversie; that is, when some doubts arise, which it is necessary for us to cleer.
Thirdly, the effect of an oath; and that is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: the putting an end to all strife. For an oath being interposed, puts an end to all controversies amongst men.
Fourthly, the form of an oath; and that is a lawfull calling God to witnesse the truth of that which is affirmed, and a desire that he would pu∣nish it, if it be false. And thus we see the princi∣pall causes of an oath.
[Quest. 2] How doth it appear that it is lawfull to take an oath?
[Answ. 1] First, it is evident, from the end thereof: I ar∣gue thus;
* 1.1To confirm the truth, and to put an end to all controversies, are things in themselves both good and honest.
But the end of an oath, is to confirme the truth, and to put an end to all controversies: Therefore in it selfe, it is a good, and honest thing.
[Answ 2] Secondly, it appeares from the Author, and Institutor thereof: I argue thus.
That which God is the Author, and Institu∣tor of, must needs be good and lawfull.
But hee is the Author, and Institutor of an oath; as appeares Deut. 6.13. Thou shalt feare the Lord and serve him, and shalt sweare by his name.
Therefore, there is an oath, which is good and lawfull.
Thirdly, it is cleare from the nature thereof: [Answ. 3] I argue thus.
That which is a part of Gods worship, is law∣full and good.
But an oath is a part of Gods worship; for when men sweare by God, they acknowledge him to be the searcher of the heart, and the re∣venger of perjury, and thereby worship God.
Therefore, there is an oath lawfull and good.
Fourthly, it is evident, a signo: I argue thus; [Answ. 4] that which is a note of the true people of God, is honest and good.
But to sweare by the true God, is a note of the true people of God, Esay 65.15. Ier. 4.2.
Therefore, there is an oath, which is honest and good.
Fiftly, it appeares plainely, Ab exemplis: The [Answ. 5] Argument is this.
That which hath beene used by God, by Christ, and by the Apostles, is lawfull and good. But an oath hath beene taken by God, Christ and the Apostles.
Therefore, there is an oath, which is lawfull and good
The Minor is evident from these places. God the Father sweares, Genes. 22.16. God the Sonne often used the forme of an oath, when he said, Amen, Amen; dico vobis, verely, verely I say unto you; as thinkes Aretius. exam. theolog. pag. 74. S. Paul sweares, 2 Corinth. 1.23. and 1 Corinth. 15.31.
Wherein did Herod offend in swearing? [Quest. 3]
There are two things required in an oath, viz. [Answ.]
First, Vt ritè fiat, that it be lawfully taken.
Secondly, Vt ritè servetur, that it be lawfully observed, and kept. Now Herod offended against both these. For,
I. Hee sinned against the first, because hee tooke an oath, in a vaine, and foolish thing, with∣out any necessitie; when as he should have fear∣ed an oath; yea, feared lest the Maiden should aske something, which was contrary to the will of God.
II. He sinned against the second thing, requi∣red in an oath; for hee was not content to sweare foolishly; but which was worse, hee did wickedly performe, and grant what was wicked∣ly desired: namely, the head of the Baptist.