, and due use of
our tongue, for which it was created, to which it is dedicated, from
whence it becometh, as it is so often styled, our glory, and the
best member that we have; that whereby we excel all creatures here
below, and whereby we are no less discriminated from them, than by
our reason; that whereby we consort with the blessed angels above in
the distinct utterance of praise and communication of glory to our
Creator. Wherefore, applying this to any impious discourse with
which to profane God's blessed name, with this to violate His holy
commands, with this to unhallow His sacred ordinance, with this to
offer dishonour and indignity to Him, is a most unnatural abuse, a
horrid ingratitude toward Him.

It is that indeed whereby we render this noble organ incapable of
any good use. For how, as the excellent father doth often urge, can
we pray to God for mercies, or praise God for His benefits, or
heartily confess our sins, or cheerfully partake of the holy
mysteries, with a mouth defiled by impious oaths, with a heart
guilty of so heinous disobedience.

Likewise, whereas a secondary very worthy use of our speech is to
promote the good of our neighbour, and especially to edify him in
piety, according to that wholesome precept of the Apostle, "Let no
corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is
good to the use of edifying, that it may administer grace unto the
hearers." The practice of swearing is an abuse very contrary to
that good purpose, serving to corrupt our neighbour, and to instil
into him a contempt of religion; or however grievously to scandalise
him.

XV. I shall add but two words more. One is, that we would
seriously consider that our Blessed Saviour, who loved us so dearly,
who did and suffered so much for us, who redeemed us by His blood,
who said unto us, "If ye love Me, keep My commandments," He thus
positively hath enjoined, "But I say unto you, Swear not at all;"
and how then can we find in our heart directly to thwart His word.

The other is, that we would lay to heart the reason whereby St.
James doth enforce the point, and the sting in the close of our
text, wherewith I conclude: "But above all things, my brethren,
swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any
other oath; but let your yea be yea, and your nay nay, lest ye fall
into condemnation," or, "lest ye fall under damnation." From the
which infinite