And this is the meaning of what Pomponius says, that in a bargain and sale, one man may NATURALLY overreach another: an allowance which is not to be construed, as a right, but is only so far a permission, that no legal remedy can be used against the person, who is determined to insist upon the agreement. In this place, as in many others, the word natural signifies nothing more than what is received by general custom. In this sense the Apostle Paul has said, that it is naturally disgraceful for a man to wear long hair; a thing, in which there is nothing repugnant to nature, but which is the general practice among some nations. Indeed many writers, both sacred and profane, give the name of NATURAL to what is only CUSTOMARY and HABITUAL. CHAPTER XIII. ON OATHS. Efficacy of oaths among Pagans--Deliberation requisite in oaths--The sense, in which oaths are understood to be taken, to be adhered to--To be taken according to the usual meaning of the words--The subject of them to be lawful--Not to counteract moral obligations--In what sense oaths are an appeal to God--The purport of oaths--To be faithfully observed in all cases--The controul of sovereigns over the oaths of subjects--Observations on our Saviour's prohibition of oaths--Forms substituted for oaths. I. The sanctity of an oath with regard to promises, agreements, and contracts, has always been held in the greatest esteem, in every age and among every people. For as Sophocles has said in his Hippodamia, "The soul is bound to greater caution by the addition of an oath. For it guards us against two things, most to be avoided, the reproach of friends, and the wrath of heaven." In addition to which the authority of Cicero may be quoted, who says, our forefathers intended that an oath should be the best security for sincerity of affirmation, and the observance of good faith. "For, _as he observes in another place_, there can be no stronger tie, to the fulfilment of our word and promise, than an oath, which is a solemn appeal to the testimony of God." II. The next point, to be considered, is the original force and extent of oaths.