A dialogue between Timothy and Titus about the articles and some of the canons of the Church of England wherein super-conformity is censured and moderation recommended : with a serious perswasive to all the inferiour clergy of that Church / by one that heartily wisheth union amongst Protestants.

ARTICLE. 39.

Tim.

As we confess vain and rash Swearing is forbidden Christian men by our Lord Jesus Christ and James his Apostle: So we judg that Christian Religion doth not prohibit, but that a man may Swear when the Magistrate requireth, in a Cause of Faith and Charity, so it be done according to the Prophets Teaching, in Justice, Judgment, and Truth.

Tit.

The summe of this last Article is this: That vain and rash Oaths are unchristian, and forbidden by the Gospel. And that a lawful Oath (by the same word) may be given and taken in Justice, Judgment and Truth. Or when we are lawfully called to it by a lawful Magistrate. Now touching the former, some are too forward, and as to the latter, some too backward. And all that I shall say here (having spoken some∣what to you of this nature already) is this, I heartily wish, that as some Dissenters from our Church may justly be charged for Swearing too little; so that they could not as justly charge many of our Church with Swearing too much.—

Tim.

I wish so too, the Lord grant it.

Tit.

Sure I am that because of Oaths, such as this Article forbids, &c. our Land mourns, I pray God therefore, that all Christians (Ministers especially) may learn of the Prophet David, to set a watch upon the door of their Lips, that they may not (in this kind above all) at any time offend with their Tongues.

Tim.

Amen.

Tit.

Now you have heard this short account of the Articles of our Church, which you have subscribed, give me your serious thoughts of them.—

Tim.

In brief, and sincerely (as I subscribed them) I am convinced they are sound and good. That those Ministers who deviate from them, in Doctrine or Practice (as I and many more have done. God forgive both me and them) are greatly to blame, and justly deserve to be censur'd for it, by the Governours of our Church. And that such as hold them firm and inviolable, Preaching and Living according to them, are not only (in regard of their subscription) the most Conscientious Person, but must needs be also the Truest Friends to our Church, and strongest Foes to Rome, and all other our Churches Enemies.

Tit.

God be thanked for this Conviction, and while you are in this good mind (with my Prayers to God that you may continue so) I bid you Farewel.—