Among other points relating to their trials, recorded in this inquisitional book, were these: “That they were sober and frugal people, discreet in their speech, careful to avoid lying, swearing, etc.” _A. Mell., 2d book, fol. 505, col. 3, 4._ Also, _P. J. Twisck, Chron., p. 743, col. 2_, from _Henr. Boxhorn, fol. 27_. In the margin of the same page, Twisck says: “The Wandenses (or Waldenses) will not swear.”
NOTE.--A. D. 1390, the Lord raised up Richard Withe, who wrote many glorious things against the Pope, or the blasphemy of the so-called antichrist. _Bal. Cent., lib. 7, cap. 10_, compared with _Chron. van den Ondergang, page 734, col. 1, 2_.
_A. D. 1392._--On the 13th of January of this year, Walter Brute, a layman, but nevertheless a learned man, from the bishopric of Hereford, appearing personally before Lord John, Bishop of Hereford, maintained, among several other articles militating against the Roman church, this point: “That Christians are not permitted, for any reason, in any case, to swear, either by the Creator or by his creatures.” _A. Mell., 2d book, fol. 506, col. 3._
NOTICE.--THE BELIEF OF WILLIAM SWINDERBY COMPARED WITH THAT OF WALTER BRUTE.
Since Walter Brute is called (_Fol. 505, col. 4_,) a defender of the articles of William Swinderby, who was afterwards burnt for the faith, in Smithfield, London, it is quite evident, that William Swinderby must have held the same belief, which, as well as many other articles, they both had in common with the Waldenses. Besides, this article of non-swearing, together with the other two related in this connection, is unmistakably called William Swinderby’s article (_Fol. 506, col. 3_), so that both of them, speaking as with one tongue, are also together charged here, with having prohibited all manner of oaths.
THAT, BESIDES THE ARTICLE RESPECTING THE OATH, HE ALSO MADE A GOOD CONFESSION IN REGARD TO HOLY BAPTISM.
It appears, moreover, from the confession of faith of Walter Brute, that also infant baptism was not recognized by him; for he speaks in the following manner concerning the burial of Christ: “He (Christ) was buried, that we all by baptism, might be buried together with him into his death; in order that having died unto sin (notice, this is no work for infants), we should live unto righteousness.[183] _A. M._, from _Fox Angl., p. 440._
[183] This article has direct reference to the words which Paul wrote to the believing Romans: “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” Rom. 6:3.