Page:A Catechism on the Thirty nine Articles.pdf/117

Rh Why was this Article necessary?

Because some persons have declared all oaths unlawful.

On what ground?

Because our Lord has said, "Swear not at all."

How must we understand this passage?

The context shows that Christ is speaking only of oaths in common conversation, or vain and rash swearing, and not of oaths taken before a magistrate. How is this confirmed by the known customs of the Jews?

The oaths which our Lord mentions in that passage are such as were used only in common conversation.