Chapter III — Propositions are reviewed which, holding the oath cheap, the Church has proscribed. Innocent XI condemned them

I. Among the sixty-five propositions which... Innocent XI, in the year... four or five (for one pertains directly to amphibologies) touch upon the matter of the oath. They are the following, which I will transcribe here in the order in which they are listed in the pontifical decree.

24. To call God to witness to a light lie is not so great an irreverence as to warrant that one should be unwilling, or unable, to condemn a man for it.

15. When there is a just cause, it is lawful to swear without intending that one should be believed, whether the matter be light or grave.

16. If someone, whether alone, or in the presence of others, whether questioned, or of his own accord, whether for the sake of recreation, or for any other purpose, swears that he did not do something which he really did, understanding within himself something else, or some other way than that in which he did it, or whatever else added being true, he does not really lie, nor is he a perjurer.

27. A just cause for using these amphibologies exists whenever it is necessary, or useful, for preserving health, honor, goods, or for any other purpose, provided the concealment of the truth is then judged expedient and prudent.

28. One who, through commendation, or a gift, has been promoted to a magistracy, or public office, can, with mental restriction, take the oath which is usually exacted from others by royal mandate, without regard to the intention of the one exacting it, since he is not bound to confess a hidden crime.

II. We say nothing at present concerning the propositions listed, since we shall discuss them more fully below, and shall explain the various senses which they admit, and shall explain everything necessary for a full knowledge of them.