Charles Buck Theological Dictionary: NOVITIATE

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Charles Buck Theological Dictionary: NOVITIATE

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NOVATIANS
NOVITIATE
NUN
OATH A solemn affirmation, wherein we appeal to God as a witness of the truth of what we say, and with an imprecation of his vengeance, or a renunciation of his favour, if what we affirm be false, or what we promise be not performed. "The forms of oaths, " says Dr. Paley, "like other religious ceremonies, have in all ages been various; consisting, however, for the most part, of some bodily action, and of a prescribed form of words. Amongst the Jews, the juror held up his right hand towards heaven, Psa_144:8. Rev_10:5. (The same form is retained in Scotland still.) Amongst the Jews, also, an oath of fidelity was taken by the servant's putting his hand under the thigh of his lord, Gen_24:2. Amongst the Greeks and Romans, the form varied with the subject and occasion of the oath: in private contracts, the parties took hold of each other's hand, whilst they swore to the performance; or they touched the altar of the god by whose divinity they swore. Upon more solemn occasions it was the custom to slay a victim, an
OBEDIENCE
OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST
OBLATI
OBLIGATION
OBSERVATIONS
OECONOMISTS
OECONOMY

A year of probation appointed for the trial of religious, whether or no they have a vocation, and the necessary qualities for living up to the rule, the observation whereof they are to bind themselves to by vow. The novitiate lasts a year at least; in some houses more. It is esteemed the bed of the civil death of a novice, who expires to the world by profession.