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Bible Encyclopedias
Oath of Purgation
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
In an ecclesiastical process, when full proof is not to be had against a person accused and strongly suspected, he is allowed at length to clear himself by an oath:
"I, A B, now under process before the Session of the Congregation of C for the sin of _, alleged to have been committed by me: For ending said process, and giving satisfaction to all, do declare, before God and this session, that I am innocent and free of the said sin of charged against me. And I hereby call the great God, the judge and avenger of all falsehood, to be witness, and judge against me in this matter if I be guilty. And this I do by taking his blessed name in my mouth, and swearing by him who is the searcher of the heart, and that in sincerity, according to the truth of the matter and my own innocence, as I shall answer at the great day of judgment, when I stand before him to answer for all that I have done in the flesh, and as I would partake of his glory in heaven after this life is at an end."
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McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Oath of Purgation'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/​encyclopedias/​eng/​tce/​o/oath-of-purgation.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.