Lastly, by this Satan aims to destroy the souls of men. What destruction he makes in this nation by means of oaths, none but God can tell. This appears to many to be a little sin; and Satan easily seduces men to the commission of it. But, even if it drew no other sins along with it, it would not be small, nor would the consequences of it be unimportant. God has said, that " he will not hold such persons guiltless." They may hold themselves guiltless, it is true; but God will not form his judgment according to their estimate : he has fixed his determination, and will never reverse it. This Satan knows : and if he can but deceive us with vain hopes, he has gained his end. Yes, in truth, that roaring lion goeth about, seeking to devour us ; and then does he most prosper in his endeavours, when he leads us to " sport ourselves with our own deceivings"."]
Address —
1. Those who are addicted to the habit of swearing — [I speak not to those who are familiar with oaths and im- precations (if their own consciences do not speak to them, all that I can say will be to little purpose) ; but to those who make only occasional appeals to God, or take his name in vain. View your sin as it has been set forth : view it in its source. What undue warmth of temper does it manifest ! what insen- sibility to the value and importance of truth ! and what a pro- fane disregard of God ! View it in its tendency : see how it tends to eradicate virtue from the world ; to bring God himself into contempt, and to ruin the souls of men. Is this a habit that you will indulge ? What do you gain by it ? By other sins you obtain some kind of gratification ; but by this, none at all : it brings no pleasure, no profit, no honour, along with it. In the commission of other sins you sell your souls for some- thing ; in this, for nought ; you do not sell, hut give, yourselves to your great adversary. O that God may impress this thought upon your minds, and that this word may be ever sounding in your ears, " Swear not at all !"]
2. Those who are free from that habit —
[Shall I tell you what the ungodly world are ready to say to you '( " These people will not sivear ; but they will lie." Dearly beloved, this would be a dreadful reproach indeed if it were true : and whosoever he be to whom this reproach at- taches, that person has reason to tremble for his state before God. Tell me not of faith, or love, or any thing else ; for this is certain, that " all liars shall have their part in the lake that burnetii with fire and brimstone p." Christian tradesmen,
o 2 Pet. ii. 13. p Rev. xxi. 8.