Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1855-07-28
For the Standard.
Vain and Rash Swearing.
Hilliardston, July 20.


MEssRs ED1roRs: When there is even POSSIBLE
ity that the requirements of an oath or pledge may
conflict with the dictates or promptngs OF an nom
est heart an individual is ustiiiabe in assuming
voluntarily the responsibility OF Sueh oath. mere
is no law of ethics by which such an act could be
made to bear the semblance of Justification.
The QuakerS refuse to swear upon any occasion,
founding their scruples concerning the lawuness OF
oaths upon the Saviour's prohlblon: swear not
at ALL" Matt 5, 81. But God did direct the lsra-
elites to swear by his name, Deut 3, 10; lO, ~ !;
and pleased to confirm his covenant with that
people by an oath. But God intended oaths should
have some meaning beyond the obligation OF a bare
promise "Oaths should never be taken but In
matters of importance, nor irreverently and with
out godly fear" Tallotson's 22d Sermon. What
is an oath? An oath is solemn affirmation, where
in appeal to God as witness OF the truth OF
what we say, and with an imprecation OF his ven
geance or a remuneration of his favor, II what we
affirm be false what we promise be not perform
ed The forms of oaths have varied in all ages, but
they have never been recognized without respect
and solemnty. Vicious, Wanton, nasty, anu uhau-
thorized swearing is strictly forb den 10y our Sa-
viour; and if a swear without deliberate N, Ills
doubtful whether, and to what extent the perform
ance of the promise affirmation alleviates the
crime, whether an individual would be bound at the
sacrifice of life or honor to execute a wanton oath,
or, whether any circumstances would JUSTIFY Telu-
sal of its performance, we are not ADVISED IN ioiy
Writ We are cautioned and warned against rash
swearing just are to shun the awful guIph-
the neglect OF either of which caution places us IN
a situation where God leaves US without instruction
A promise pledge where men are called instead
of God to witness, and where the veracity OF the
individual is pawned that he will perform, cause
to be re, formed, the thing which he mentions, i'm
plies also high sense of obligation. A promise Is
to all III color Of one shade lighter hue-as
leaf to q deep green-as the BEAUTIFUL to the sub
lime 1t has its color, its beauty and is entitled to
our warm regard Paley says Nor Phil, chap, o,
VOL 1: "A promise is not binding when made by
an individual before he comes to such exercise OF
~ e. nj M
If by any distempter sudden surprise he be de-
prived of the exercise of his reason at the time
when the promise is made. 8. If the promise is
made false presumption, in which the promlser
is deceived in the dark If the thing itself be
vicious. 5. If the promise be made on a condition
not complied with" The well-beng of society re-
quires that promises should not be made without
deberation Man supposes, God requires that
promises should be made revercn,ly, discrectly, in
fear and with determination to their tultilments
hope the people will give this subject some atten
tion and that the Ministers of the Gospel will en-
deavor to inform the public mind i'll this particular
The Methodists speak out boldly On this point let
the Baptists folow-let them war against the ap-
pearance of evii-a6yocate the Protestant faith, and
let this be done from the pulpit-the holy sanctuary
when acting in their natural spherc-the effects OF
their labor shall be felt and blessed. The vineyard
of our Lord is beset with thorns, and the labor OF
his servants is therein required. There is excuse
for one to desert his masters service in this time OF
need much less for him to engage in a wicked cru
SADIE to entice people from their homes in the still
hours of darkness and bind them to its foul and
fearful purposes by administering the most horrid
oaths with one hand resting the Holy Bible and
the other raised towards Heaven, to yield them
selves unreservedy to its power, to arm themselves
with bowie knife and revolver, or other deadly wea-
pons and follow the beck Of their leader the
shedding of blood the sign Of red paper indicates,
never to promote one of their Christian brethren
to office if by the accident of birth he should not be
American. And this is not all. But the prostitu
ton of an individual who claims to be called of God,
and clothed with the armour of faith and charity,
to such wicked ends should indeed call forth the
fervent, earnest prayers of all mankind:
TUMBLlNG RUN.