Page:A Catechism on the Thirty nine Articles.pdf/138

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
152
ARTICLES OF RELIGION.

we hold it to be the duty of all men who are professors of the Gospel, to pay respectful obedience to the Civil Authorities, regularly and legitimately constituted.

Art. XXXVIII. Of Christian Men's Goods, which are not common.

The Riches and Goods of Christians are not common, as touching the right, title, and possession of the same, as certain Anabaptists do falsely boast. Notwithstanding, every man ought, of such things as he possesseth, liberally to give alms to the poor, according to his ability.

Art. XXXIX. Of a Christian Man's Oath.

As we confess that vain and rash Swearing is forbidden Christian men by our Lord Jesus Christ, and James his Apostle, so we judge, that Christian Religion doth not prohibit, but that a man may swear when the Magistrate requireth, in a cause of faith and charity, so it be done according to the Prophet's teaching, in justice, judgment, and truth.