St Matt. v. 34; St. James v. 12. "By our Lord Jesus Christ and James His Apostle."
Under what circumstances "doth not Christian Religion prohibit, but that a man may swear?"
"When the magistrate requireth, in a cause of faith and charity."
What do you understand by the expression, "when the Magistrate requireth?"
Whence are required so to do by any lawful authority of the civil ruler, or administrator of the laws.
Prove that it is lawful to take an oath when required by the magistrate.
St. Matt. xxvi. 63, 64. Our Lord Himself answered on oath to the chief-priest, who was in that case a lawful magistrate.
What do you understand by "a cause of faith and charity?"
A cause in which faith between man and man, and charity towards those who might otherwise suffer wrong, require that we should give a solemn testimony before the magistrate.
What caution must we use in giving our testimony upon oath?
To do it "in justice, judgment, and truth."
What prophet gives this direction?
Jeremiah says, (ch. iv. 2,) "And thou shalt swear, The Lord liveth, in truth, in righteousness, and in judgment."
