Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

CHAPTER V.
only an image and figure of it; as it is likewise (an
emblem) of the union of Christ with our nature in
the incarnation, and with his church. Marriage,
which bears so great a relation to this mystery, ought
to resemble it likewise in its indissolubility. A
husband should be inseparably joined to his wife,
as Christ is to his church.
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'* 33. % Again, ye have heard that it hath been
said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear
thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:"
They violate this commandment who dishonour
God by blasphemies; impious jests ; swearing in light
matters; frequent and customary oaths, especially on
wicked accounts ; frivolous, unprofitable, and irreli-
gious vows, &c. It is a very old abuse, to weaken
the law of God without scruple, to lighten the yoke
of it without authority, and to enlarge the way to
heaven by arbitrary and presumptuous explications.
To believe that only the perjured person dishonours
God, in relation to this precept, is to understand
very little the holiness of the divine name.
" 34. But I say unto you, Swear not at all : neither
by heaven; for it is God's throne: 35. Nor
by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem
; for it is the city of the great King :"
All swearing without necessity is forbidden. Who
is there, among the traders and people of the world,
who obeys this law? He who swears of his own
accord, without discretion, without judgment, and
by custom, is in continual danger of being per-
jured. When we make any promise contrary to the
command of God, taking as a pledge of our sincerity,
either God, or something belonging to him, we en-
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