In London, England, a rich man and a poor man went to court about a small land parcel. A date was set and the rich man took the oath because everyone thought that he would not falsely swear after he was required to tell the truth.
But he had an unrepentant heart and intended to deceive. So God directed his anger at the rich man, as no sooner had the lie crossed his lips when he fell dead.
I believe it can be said that a heavy penalty was put on him. One who perjures gives up five things: God and Christ, and Christianity, and further pious prayer that is no help when one lies, and finally one’s self since through one’s lies one delivers one’s self into the devil’s hands.
Therefore I ask you in the name of he who died on the cross to take a false oath for worldly goods, because the wages of heaven are worth more than the whole world.