(C. J., II., pp. 367-369, condensed.)
Interdependence.
And the least member in the church hath an office and is serviceable and every member hath need of another.
(Works, VII., p. 347.)
V.
Oaths.
Oaths.
Dear friends and brethren in all your words, in all your business and employment, have a care of breaking your words and promises to any people; but that you may consider beforehand, whether you may be able to perform and fulfil both your words and promises, that your yea be yea, and nay, nay in all things; which Christ hath set up instead of an oath and swearing.
(Works, VIII., p. 219.)
For swearing by Baal and swearing by the temple or swearing by the altar or by the gift that was offered thereon; or swearing by the heavens or by the earth or swearing by the head, these were all inventions. Christ did not come to fulfil those vain and frivolous oaths that men commanded, and practised but the oath which God had commanded, and cried woe against them that were in the practice of those oaths which God never commanded ... and so you may see all along it was the command of the Lord and by His law and prophets that people were to swear by the Lord and perform their oath unto him which was the true oath and swearing which Christ forbad much more all other oaths....
So though swearing was lawful in the time of the law as other things and offerings, in the time of the gospel is forbidden.... So we desire that our testimony may be taken in truth and righteousness, without swearing.