VVorse & vvorse, or, A description of their desperate condition who shall presume to take the nevv oath or covenant

What is Lawfull Swearing.

NOthing is manifested in Scripture to be more sa∣cred then an Oath; which though made to Man and proceeding from Man, yet being made with relation to God is called The Oath of God, Exod. 22. as a Principall part of Gods Worship, Thou shalt worship the Lord and swear by his name, Deut. 10. And it is most justly called a Worship of God, since thereby the just swearer glorifieth God, by professing, First, his Omniscience, as the only searcher of his heart to know whether he sweares rightly or not. Secondly, his inviolable justice to con∣demne the unjust swearer; and Thirdly, his omnipotency and un∣resistable power, to take vengeance upon every Godlesse viola∣tor of an Oath: and Godlesse he must needs be, who observeth not all the properties of an Oath which God himselfe hath pre∣scribed; even these three recorded, Ierem. 4. Thou shalt swear in Iustice, in Judgement, and in Truth. First, in Iustice, that the case be necessary and just, whereunto I am to be sworn. Secondly, in Judgement, that I know it to be such; because whosoever doth it doubtfully condemneth himselfe. Rom. 14.5, 22, 23. Lastly in Truth, abhorring from all deceitfulnesse of speech; either by ver∣ball

equivocation, or (which is the Art of lying) by any men∣tall reservation. For although it be the easiest thing in the World to delude Man, yet the Apostle will have us know, that God is not mocked, Gal. 2 7. Thus much of the substance and circumstances of Lawfull swearing.

We are to bring the new Oath to this divine Test, to trie it whether it be true coyne or counterfeit.