Concerning the actions of divine worship, it is a most general precept of reason, that they be signs of the intention to honour God; such as are, first, “prayers.” For not the carvers, when they made images, were thought to make them gods; but the people that “prayed” to them.

Secondly, “thanksgiving”; which differeth from prayer in divine worship, no otherwise than that prayers precede, and thanks succeed the benefit; the end, both of the one and the other, being to acknowledge God for author of all benefits, as well past as future.

Thirdly, “gifts,” that is to say “sacrifices” and “oblations,” if they be of the best, are signs of honour: for they are thanksgivings.

Fourthly, “not to swear by any but God,” is naturally a sign of honour: for it is a confession that God only knoweth the heart; and that no man’s wit or strength can protect a man against God’s vengeance on the perjured.