side_n or_o at_o least_o if_o witness_n be_v examine_v of_o what_o force_n be_v their_o testimony_n one_o or_o two_o man_n have_v swear_v positive_o the_o contrary_a where_o often_o time_n the_o innocent_a be_v punish_v and_o the_o guilty_a go_v free_a and_o the_o author_n of_o evil_n undiscovered_a may_v it_o not_o be_v query_v whether_o the_o judge_n before_o who_o the_o oath_n be_v take_v as_o aforesaid_a be_v clear_a of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o innocent_a in_o this_o case_n although_o or_o because_o a_o law_n make_v in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n require_v it_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o or_o they_o be_v clear_a be_v not_o queen_n mary_n as_o clear_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n she_o be_v a_o lawful_a magistrate_n in_o that_o sense_n etc._n etc._n again_o be_v it_o not_o unequal_a and_o unjust_a that_o all_o man_n in_o some_o case_n shall_v be_v punishable_a for_o swear_v though_o ignorant_o and_o unaware_o and_o yet_o no_o man_n in_o other_o case_n to_o be_v punishable_a at_o all_o though_o they_o swear_v against_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o that_o wilful_o to_o and_o this_o to_o be_v ordinary_a and_o common_a as_o in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o bill_n in_o chancery_n and_o chequer_n which_o bill_n will_v not_o be_v receive_v without_o a_o oath_n and_o they_o that_o dare_v not_o swear_v in_o obedience_n to_o christ_n command_n have_v be_v and_o be_v imprison_v for_o contempt_n so_o that_o he_o which_o depart_v from_o evil_a make_v himself_o a_o prey_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o christ_n command_n be_v become_v a_o contempt_n do_v not_o these_o thing_n make_v the_o time_n perilous_a let_v the_o upright_a judge_n when_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o â—â—at_v swea_fw-mi s_z to_o his_o answer_n though_o never_o so_o false_a and_o against_o his_o knowledge_n and_o that_o to_o his_o own_o benefit_n sometime_o and_o prejudice_n of_o another_o yet_o these_o man_n go_v unpunished_a for_o their_o eâ—il_n because_o they_o care_v not_o what_o they_o swear_v and_o the_o other_o be_v punish_v by_o imprisonment_n because_o theâ—_n fear_v a_o oath_n and_o yet_o dare_v not_o but_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o their_o answer_n so_o one_o man_n be_v punish_v because_o he_o can_v swear_v at_o all_o though_o his_o answer_n be_v true_a and_o another_o man_n go_v free_a though_o his_o answer_n be_v safe_a because_o he_o swear_v although_o it_o â—e_v to_o a_o lie_n and_o that_o against_o his_o own_o knowledge_n as_o many_o who_o be_v now_o in_o prison_n for_o contempt_n so_o call_v which_o contempt_n be_v only_o because_o they_o can_v swear_v at_o all_o so_o that_o in_o short_a one_o man_n be_v punish_v when_o his_o answer_n be_v true_a only_o because_o he_o dare_v not_o swear_v another_o man_n escape_v whenas_o his_o answer_n be_v false_a because_o he_o dare_v swear_v to_o a_o lie_n and_o the_o other_o dare_v not_o swear_v at_o all_o as_o many_o prison_n bill_n and_o answer_n in_o chancery_n and_o chequor_n may_v witness_v again_o if_o a_o man_n swear_v to_o a_o indictment_n though_o never_o so_o false_a yet_o it_o be_v common_o find_v upon_o that_o oath_n when_o as_o the_o man_n swear_v against_o know_v not_o of_o it_o yet_o that_o man_n which_o it_o may_v be_v both_o malicious_o and_o know_o swear_v against_o his_o neighbour_n to_o his_o hurt_n it_o be_v say_v be_v not_o liable_a to_o be_v punish_v by_o the_o statute_n of_o perjury_n which_o mischief_n may_v be_v prevent_v by_o witness_n without_o swear_v further_o be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o determine_v of_o thing_n by_o oath_n not_o only_o injurious_a and_o unequal_a but_o also_o attend_v with_o great_a and_o necessary_a inconvenience_n and_o evil_n both_o to_o those_o that_o command_v swear_v and_o to_o those_o that_o do_v swear_v as_o to_o those_o that_o can_v swear_v at_o all_o for_o conscience_n sake_n to_o those_o that_o command_v swear_v who_o do_v not_o only_o break_v christ_n command_v themselves_o but_o command_v other_o so_o to_o do_v but_o also_o be_v they_o not_o guilty_a of_o the_o forswear_n of_o other_o whenas_o they_o command_v man_n to_o take_v such_o oath_n as_o before_o they_o give_v they_o they_o themselves_o know_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o keep_v and_o observe_v and_o yet_o do_v compel_v the_o take_n of_o they_o or_o punish_v the_o neglect_n as_o in_o the_o oath_n of_o office_n and_o officer_n as_o sheriff_n bailiff_n constable_n and_o other_o beside_o the_o oath_n of_o freeman_n of_o city_n and_o corporation_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o many_o other_o case_n and_o employment_n before_o entrance_n upon_o they_o oath_n be_v require_v to_o be_v take_v when_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n botâ—_n those_o that_o give_v they_o and_o those_o that_o take_v they_o know_v that_o little_a or_o nothing_o be_v intend_v to_o be_v do_v or_o look_v after_o more_o than_o the_o title_n of_o honour_n and_o profit_n and_o gain_v that_o come_v â—y_a they_o though_o they_o swear_v to_o discharge_v their_o trust_n and_o to_o 〈◊〉_d such_o and_o such_o thing_n which_o he_o that_o swear_v many_o time_n know_v not_o what_o belong_v to_o they_o neither_o intend_v to_o trouble_v himself_o about_o they_o as_o in_o several_a office_n relate_v to_o the_o law_n and_o court_n of_o justice_n and_o other_o place_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n again_o be_v not_o swear_v make_v use_n of_o as_o a_o seal_n to_o hypocriâ—e_v both_o to_o he_o that_o command_v it_o and_o to_o he_o that_o obey_v because_o he_o that_o command_v it_o will_v not_o do_v it_o but_o in_o order_n to_o his_o end_n and_o the_o other_o will_v not_o take_v it_o but_o for_o fear_n of_o a_o penalty_n and_o because_o he_o can_v avoid_v it_o he_o take_v it_o but_o in_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o to_o his_o own_o end_n and_o it_o may_v be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o he_o that_o command_v it_o or_o obtain_v to_o have_v it_o impose_v and_o so_o both_o of_o they_o be_v deceive_v and_o decive_v one_o another_o precedent_n for_o this_o our_o day_n as_o well_o as_o time_n past_a may_v afford_v not_o a_o few_o witness_v the_o several_a oath_n occasion_v by_o the_o several_a change_n of_o late_a second_o the_o inconvenience_n and_o mischief_n that_o follow_v they_o that_o do_v swear_v as_o fiâ—st_v many_o people_n that_o do_v swear_v they_o understand_v not_o what_o a_o oath_n be_v neither_o of_o that_o which_o be_v call_v a_o oath_n many_o time_n they_o hear_v not_o one_o word_n that_o he_o which_o swear_v they_o say_v unto_o they_o he_o speak_v they_o over_o so_o fast_o and_o the_o man_n know_v nothing_o sometime_o until_o a_o book_n be_v put_v to_o his_o lip_n and_o yet_o what_o this_o poor_a ignorant_a man_n have_v kiss_v the_o book_n shall_v say_v shall_v be_v of_o more_o force_n then_o divers_a witness_n that_o have_v not_o yet_o swear_v or_o kiss_v the_o book_n and_o it_o may_v be_v that_o he_o be_v on_o the_o affirmative_a shall_v be_v more_o than_o two_o or_o three_o on_o the_o negative_a who_o have_v better_a understand_v their_o oath_n and_o speak_v more_o to_o the_o purpose_n upon_o their_o oath_n as_o it_o be_v call_v and_o so_o he_o that_o be_v swear_v on_o the_o affirmative_a have_v once_o speak_v a_o word_n or_o swear_v to_o it_o he_o dare_v not_o go_v back_o because_o of_o his_o oath_n though_o upon_o hear_v other_o witness_n speak_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n he_o may_v be_v better_o inform_v but_o dare_v not_o own_o any_o information_n because_o swear_v already_o to_o a_o contrary_a thing_n which_o inconvenience_n will_v not_o be_v if_o every_o man_n may_v witness_v forth_o his_o own_o knowledge_n without_o swear_v and_o yet_o to_o be_v punish_v for_o a_o false_a testimony_n as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v swear_v false_a do_v not_o many_o mourn_n and_o go_v heavy_o because_o of_o oath_n in_o this_o and_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n again_o do_v not_o much_o hurt_n and_o mischief_n come_v to_o many_o swearer_n because_o they_o know_v the_o force_n of_o a_o oath_n take_v before_o a_o justice_n of_o peace_n or_o other_o magistrate_n to_o bind_v a_o man_n to_o the_o good_a behaviour_n or_o to_o the_o peace_n or_o to_o do_v he_o some_o other_o displeasure_n when_o indeed_o it_o be_v only_a revenge_n and_o malice_n though_o he_o take_v his_o oath_n that_o speak_v that_o it_o be_v for_o neither_o and_o it_o may_v be_v that_o he_o that_o be_v swear_v against_o will_v be_v as_o ready_a to_o swear_v against_o the_o complainant_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n now_o do_v not_o this_o gratify_v the_o lust_n and_o wickedness_n in_o people_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o a_o single_a oath_n will_v accomplish_v his_o wicked_a end_n of_o evenge_n without_o any_o other_o
of_o one_o witness_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o this_o case_n of_o life_n and_o death_n no_o oath_n be_v use_v that_o we_o read_v of_o deuter._n 17.6_o and_o if_o any_o false_a witn_n ss_z do_v arise_v he_o and_o the_o party_n he_o witness_v against_o be_v to_o stand_v befo_o e_o the_o lord_n and_o before_o the_o priest_n and_o judge_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o those_o day_n and_o the_o judge_n be_v to_o make_v diligent_a inquisition_n and_o if_o the_o witness_v be_v a_o false_a witness_n and_o have_v testify_v false_o against_o his_o brother_n then_o shall_v you_o â—o_o unto_o he_o as_o he_o have_v think_v to_o have_v do_v unto_o his_o brother_n so_o shall_v you_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a from_o among_o you_o deut._n 1916_o 17_o 18._o but_o no_o swear_v be_v mention_v and_o if_o any_o matter_n do_v arise_v too_o hard_o for_o they_o in_o judgement_n between_o blood_n and_o blood_n between_o plea_n and_o plea_n and_o stroke_n and_o stroke_n be_v matter_n of_o controversy_n within_o their_o gate_n they_o be_v not_o to_o swear_v man_n to_o find_v it_o out_o neither_o be_v they_o to_o act_v presumptious_o their_o own_o passion_n and_o will_n and_o then_o cover_v it_o with_o say_v they_o be_v judge_n of_o the_o law_n and_o they_o judge_v it_o so_o and_o many_o thing_n be_v leave_v to_o discretion_n and_o therefore_o say_v wilful_a man_n in_o the_o stoutness_n of_o they_o heart_n if_o we_o do_v what_o we_o can_v answer_v take_v your_o course_n against_o we_o and_o thus_o presumptious_o do_v they_o act_v their_o own_o will_n upon_o the_o innocent_a but_o israel_n be_v not_o to_o do_v so_o but_o in_o case_n too_o hard_o for_o they_o in_o judgement_n they_o be_v to_o arise_v and_o go_v up_o to_o the_o place_n which_o the_o lo_n d_o god_n shall_v choose_v and_o they_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n and_o unto_o the_o judge_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o those_o day_n and_o inquire_v and_o they_o be_v to_o show_v the_o sentence_n of_o judgement_n and_o they_o be_v to_o do_v according_a to_o the_o sentence_n which_o they_o of_o the_o place_n which_o the_o lord_n shall_v choose_v shall_v show_v therein_o and_o thou_o shall_v observe_v to_o do_v according_a to_o all_o that_o they_o shall_v inform_v thou_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o man_n that_o will_v do_v presumptious_o and_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o priest_n that_o stand_v up_o there_o to_o minister_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n or_o unto_o the_o judge_n even_o that_o man_n shall_v die_v and_o thou_o shall_v put_v away_o the_o evil_a from_o israel_n deut._n 17.8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o this_o be_v god_n law_n to_o israel_n that_o the_o presumptuous_a that_o will_v not_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n to_o receive_v a_o law_n where_o there_o be_v none_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n be_v it_o a_o offence_n of_o old_a to_o act_v presumptious_o and_o be_v it_o not_o now_o a_o crime_n worthy_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o the_o chief_a in_o power_n in_o these_o day_n or_o be_v there_o none_o that_o have_v do_v presumptious_o in_o cast_v innocent_a people_n into_o prison_n when_o they_o have_v do_v no_o offence_n nor_o break_v no_o know_a law_n except_o it_o be_v become_v a_o offence_n to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o pray_v unto_o he_o for_o which_o cause_n and_o none_o other_o the_o innocent_a have_v be_v cast_v into_o prison_n by_o the_o presumptuous_a and_o self-willed_a man_n who_o when_o they_o have_v no_o law_n have_v act_v in_o their_o will_n contrary_a to_o â—â—w_v let_v suâ—h_o remember_v that_o by_o god_n law_n they_o that_o will_v not_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n for_o a_o law_n but_o will_v act_v presumptious_o without_o a_o law_n be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n objection_n that_o by_o not_o swear_v at_o all_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o any_o creature_n and_o not_o by_o god_n the_o creator_n for_o they_o be_v command_v to_o swear_v by_o god_n thou_o shall_v swear_v by_o the_o lord_n as_o in_o deut._n 10._o etc._n etc._n answer_n that_o according_a to_o christ_n own_o word_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o without_o any_o exception_n as_o before_o have_v be_v prove_v and_o be_v expound_v in_o the_o large_a bible_n in_o quarto_n in_o the_o margin_n on_o matthew_n 5.37_o in_o these_o word_n whatsoever_o you_o vouch_v vouch_v it_o bare_o and_o whatsoever_o you_o deny_v deny_v it_o bare_o without_o any_o more_o word_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o these_o come_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o also_o in_o the_o saâ—e_v book_n it_o be_v say_v on_o james_n 5.12_o that_o what_o you_o have_v to_o say_v or_o affirm_v speak_v or_o affirm_v it_o simple_o and_o without_o any_o oath_n and_o that_o that_o you_o will_v deny_v deny_v simple_o and_o flat_o and_o again_o this_o objection_n be_v more_o full_o answer_v in_o matthew_n 23.21_o 22._o whosoever_o swear_v by_o the_o temple_n swear_v by_o it_o and_o by_o he_o that_o dwell_v therein_o and_o whosoever_o swear_v by_o heaven_n swea_fw-mi s_z by_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o sit_v thereon_o so_o that_o he_o that_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n shall_v not_o be_v exempt_v by_o the_o creator_n from_o profane_v his_o name_n for_o now_o it_o be_v say_v swear_v not_o at_o all_o again_o it_o be_v object_v by_o the_o former_a objector_n who_o say_v all_o proceed_n at_o law_n depend_v upon_o swear_v that_o if_o we_o shall_v take_v every_o man_n word_n when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o give_v their_o testimony_n in_o all_o case_n it_o may_v be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n both_o to_o man_n life_n liberty_n and_o estate_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o if_o the_o same_o law_n or_o a_o strict_a be_v make_v against_o lie_v and_o bear_v false_a witness_n in_o all_o case_n as_o against_o man_n swear_v false_a swear_n or_o forswear_n themselves_o and_o that_o law_n tâ—ul_a and_o constant_o execute_v without_o respect_n of_o person_n it_o will_v then_o be_v of_o no_o more_o danger_n to_o believe_v a_o man_n yea_o or_o nay_o to_o the_o question_n that_o be_v ask_v he_o by_o the_o magistrate_n whatever_o they_o be_v then_o if_o they_o have_v kiss_v the_o book_n or_o use_v any_o other_o posture_n with_o the_o hand_n or_o speak_v never_o so_o many_o word_n his_o affirm_v or_o deny_v to_o the_o case_n in_o question_n be_v his_o testimony_n i_o say_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o man_n testimony_n may_v as_o easy_o plain_o and_o full_o be_v discern_v and_o punish_v according_a to_o the_o law_n in_o that_o case_n provide_v if_o it_o be_v false_a as_o if_o the_o have_v use_v never_o so_o many_o word_n or_o posture_n as_o aforesaid_a a_o d_o therefore_o man_n life_n liberty_n and_o estate_n may_v every_o way_n be_v as_o well_o secure_v by_o a_o law_n provide_v to_o punish_v lie_v and_o bea_fw-mi ing_z false_a witness_n as_o by_o any_o law_n that_o be_v make_v or_o can_v be_v make_v to_o punish_v swear_v or_o false-swearing_a so_o call_v again_o as_o to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n because_o there_o be_v no_o law_n in_o be_v as_o some_o say_v to_o punish_v lie_v therefore_o we_o must_v swear_v etc._n etc._n what_o law_n be_v there_o to_o force_v man_n to_o swear_v or_o to_o punish_v those_o that_o swear_v false_o or_o against_o their_o knowledge_n to_o their_o answer_n to_o bill_n in_o chancery_n and_o chequor_n and_o be_v it_o not_o common_a and_o ordinary_a for_o man_n so_o to_o do_v if_o there_o be_v a_o law_n why_o be_v it_o not_o put_v in_o execution_n or_o do_v custom_n make_v swear_v false_o and_o against_o a_o man_n knowledge_n no_o offence_n and_o a_o man_n speak_v true_o without_o swear_v a_o offence_n punishable_a with_o imprisonment_n who_o have_v give_v this_o authority_n to_o custom_n let_v equity_n answer_v but_o of_o this_o more_o may_v be_v speak_v afterward_o in_o its_o place_n objection_n that_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o solemn_a thing_n and_o that_o when_o people_n be_v call_v before_o a_o magistrate_n to_o swear_v there_o be_v a_o awe_n upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o those_o that_o be_v wicked_a and_o liar_n etc._n etc._n be_v afraid_a to_o forswear_v themselves_o when_o call_v before_o a_o magistrate_n this_o objection_n be_v for_o what_o answer_v in_o the_o precede_a objection_n but_o further_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o fear_n upon_o people_n when_o they_o come_v to_o swear_v be_v either_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n which_o be_v good_a or_o some_o other_o fear_v which_o be_v evil_a as_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n only_o and_o his_o punishment_n this_o last_o fear_n be_v not_o to_o be_v fear_v by_o those_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n fear_v you_o not_o their_o fear_n but_o fear_v he_o that_o can_v destroy_v
the_o case_n of_o swear_v at_o all_o discuss_v with_o several_a objection_n answer_v the_o primitive_a practice_n therein_o assert_v out_o of_o several_a ancient_a author_n together_o with_o several_a precedent_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o martyr_n the_o inconvenience_n that_o follow_v the_o present_a practice_n of_o swear_v which_o may_v easy_o be_v prevent_v by_o a_o law_n to_o punish_v false_a witnesse-bearing_a and_o lie_v as_o well_o as_o other_o evil_n also_o a_o word_n to_o all_o people_n that_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o a_o friend_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n john_n crook_n because_o of_o oath_n the_o land_n mourn_v and_o for_o want_v of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o land_n the_o innocent_a and_o uppright_o be_v make_v a_o prey_n london_n print_v for_o robert_n wilson_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o black-spread-eagle_n and_o windmill_n in_o martin_n near_a aldersgate_n 1660._o the_o case_n of_o swear_v discuss_v man_n be_v plant_v a_o noble_a vine_n whole_o a_o right_a seed_n but_o he_o be_v turn_v into_o the_o degenerate_v plant_n of_o a_o strange_a vine_n more_o degenerate_a than_o the_o ox_n or_o the_o ass_n he_o be_v fall_v from_o the_o uprightness_n sincerity_n and_o simplicity_n into_o the_o invention_n subtlety_n and_o fleshly_a wisdom_n where_o he_o lie_v grovel_v upon_o the_o earth_n think_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o invention_n to_o recover_v himself_o and_o to_o come_v to_o life_n again_o but_o he_o be_v fence_v out_o with_o a_o flame_a sword_n so_o that_o to_o life_n he_o can_v come_v but_o through_o death_n which_o he_o seek_v to_o avoid_v by_o follow_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o evil-one_a who_o say_v in_o this_o as_o he_o do_v former_o to_o the_o woman_n thou_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v though_o god_n have_v say_v as_o it_o be_v write_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n thou_o shall_v not_o eat_v of_o it_o for_o in_o the_o day_n thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v and_o also_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n fear_v may_v come_v upon_o some_o of_o the_o corinthian_n be_v come_v upon_o all_o the_o world_n viz._n the_o serpent_n that_o beguile_v eve_n have_v beguile_v man_n and_o woman_n in_o this_o age_n through_o his_o subtlety_n by_o corrupt_v their_o mind_n from_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o as_o the_o deceiver_n then_o deny_v what_o god_n have_v speak_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o put_v his_o own_o meaning_n and_o exposition_n upon_o god_n command_n that_o so_o he_o may_v accomplish_v his_o end_n for_o say_v the_o perverter_n then_o god_n do_v know_v that_o in_o the_o day_n thou_o eat_v thereof_o your_o eye_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil_n and_o have_v not_o the_o same_o serpent_n beguile_v the_o people_n of_o this_o age_n from_o the_o naked_a simplicity_n to_o hearken_v to_o the_o disguise_a subtlety_n and_o fleshly_a wisdom_n not_o only_o to_o deny_v that_o christ_n have_v give_v out_o a_o absolute_a command_n that_o his_o follower_n shall_v not_o swear_v at_o all_o by_o any_o oath_n but_o also_o as_o he_o do_v then_o so_o he_o have_v do_v since_o and_o do_v do_v now_o in_o this_o age_n put_v his_o exposition_n and_o meaning_n to_o christ_n command_n in_o say_v in_o some_o man_n that_o it_o be_v not_o all_o swear_v that_o be_v forbid_v but_o swear_v in_o man_n ordinary_a communication_n this_o exposition_n the_o subtlety_n in_o some_o man_n put_v upon_o christ_n command_n whereupon_o theâ—_n conclude_v that_o notwithstanding_o christ_n command_n not_o to_o swear_v at_o all_o yet_o when_o any_o man_n be_v call_v before_o a_o magistrate_n if_o the_o magistrate_n require_v it_o he_o ought_v to_o swear_v etc._n etc._n to_o which_o it_o be_v say_v christ_n own_o word_n at_o the_o 33_o verse_n of_o the_o five_o of_o matthew_n answer_v this_o objection_n in_o these_o word_n again_o it_o have_v be_v say_v in_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o but_o shall_v perform_v to_o the_o lord_n thy_o oath_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o etc._n etc._n mark_v thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o etc._n etc._n the_o law_n in_o old_a time_n do_v not_o allow_v of_o swear_v in_o their_o ordinary_a communication_n and_o deal_v for_o that_o be_v take_v god_n name_n in_o vain_a exodus_fw-la 20.7_o which_o be_v forbid_v from_o the_o beginning_n but_o in_o that_o case_n wherein_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o swear_v they_o be_v not_o to_o forswear_v themselves_o but_o christ_n jesus_n the_o son_n by_o who_o the_o father_n speak_v in_o these_o last_o time_n who_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n for_o righteousness_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o who_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o substance_n of_o all_o say_z sweaâ—_n not_o at_o all_o mark_v the_o truth_n say_v swear_v not_o at_o all_o for_o whatever_o be_v more_o than_o yea_o and_o nay_o come_v of_o evil_a now_o if_o christ_n the_o truth_n have_v speak_v no_o more_o in_o these_o word_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o etc._n etc._n then_o to_o forbid_v profane_a swear_n as_o they_o call_v it_o or_o not_o sweaâ—iâ—g_v in_o man_n ordinary_a communication_n what_o do_v he_o forbid_v â—ore_o than_o be_v forbid_v in_o old_a time_n see_v as_o before_o be_v prove_v that_o all_o profane_a swear_n which_o be_v a_o take_n of_o god_n name_n in_o vain_a or_o swear_v in_o ordinary_a communication_n or_o deal_v be_v forbid_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o again_o how_o do_v this_o hold_n parallel_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o christ_n say_n and_o comparison_n viz._n what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o old_a time_n by_o the_o law_n and_o be_v now_o say_v by_o himself_o who_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o end_n of_o the_o law_n for_o righteousness_n etc._n etc._n and_o whether_o they_o who_o thus_o reason_n do_v not_o by_o their_o tradition_n make_v christ_n command_n of_o none_o effect_v and_o do_v not_o all_o those_o that_o plead_v that_o the_o saint_n ought_v and_o may_v swear_v when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o it_o by_o a_o magistrate_n not_o onelâ—_n break_v christ_n command_v themselves_o but_o teach_v other_o so_o to_o do_v who_o portion_n may_v be_v read_v in_o matthew_z 5_o 19_o and_o by_o their_o thus_o â—â—asoning_v in_o their_o dark_a mind_n make_v christ_n to_o speak_v nothing_o further_a nor_o full_a than_o be_v speak_v in_o old_a time_n though_o in_o old_a time_n it_o be_v say_v thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o but_o shall_v perform_v unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o oath_n etc._n etc._n but_o say_v christ_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o now_o let_v all_o judge_n who_o be_v not_o blind_v through_o gain_n or_o tradition_n whether_o those_o that_o say_v the_o saint_n ought_v to_o swear_v when_o call_v to_o it_o as_o aforesaid_a do_v not_o whole_o make_v void_a these_o word_n viz._n whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o these_o come_v of_o evil_a and_o so_o they_o be_v in_o the_o evil_a be_v blind_v and_o hate_v the_o light_n that_o will_v let_v they_o see_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o it_o because_o it_o will_v reprove_v they_o and_o be_v in_o darkness_n they_o know_v not_o whither_o they_o go_v but_o as_o say_v the_o prophet_n â—say_n 5_o 20._o call_v â—arkness_n light_n and_o light_a darkness_n and_o good_a evil_n aâ—d_a evil_n good_a and_o it_o be_v further_a manifest_a to_o all_o that_o have_v a_o eâ—e_n to_o see_v that_o christ_n the_o substance_n and_o the_o truth_n in_o end_v as_o he_o speak_v when_o he_o say_v swear_v not_o at_o all_o which_o be_v to_o forbid_v all_o â—anner_n of_o swear_v without_o exception_n because_o when_o christ_n intenâ—ed_v a_o exception_n at_o the_o 32_o verse_n he_o express_v it_o in_o these_o word_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whosoever_o shall_v put_v awaâ—_n his_o â—ife_n save_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o adultery_n mark_v save_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o adultery_n where_o christ_n plain_o expresâ—eth_v the_o exception_n but_o for_o proud_a man_n to_o make_v exception_n where_o christ_n have_v make_v none_o be_v to_o set_v self_n on_o the_o throne_n and_o again_o at_o the_o 28_o verse_n the_o exception_n be_v express_v viz._n whosoever_o shall_v look_v upon_o a_o woman_n and_o lust_n after_o she_o mark_v to_o lust_n after_o she_o and_o be_v not_o lest_o to_o vain_a man_n to_o put_v his_o meaning_n to_o it_o it_o be_v further_a object_v by_o some_o that_o by_o those_o of_o old_a time_n be_v mean_v the_o expositor_n of_o the_o law_n who_o say_v if_o man_n swear_v truth_n that_o be_v noâ—_n evil_a but_o only_o they_o be_v not_o to_o swear_v to_o that_o which_o be_v false_a etc._n etc._n to_o which_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o this_o be_v a_o
invention_n of_o the_o objector_n and_o no_o where_o so_o say_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o tâ—uâ—h_n it_o need_v no_o other_o answer_n then_o a_o denial_n but_o the_o word_n in_o the_o greek_a read_v it_o thus_o it_o be_v say_v to_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thereby_o imply_v those_o to_o who_o and_o by_o who_o god_n speak_v etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o it_o quis_fw-la but_o it_o be_v strong_o obâ—ected_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n allow_v of_o swear_v before_o a_o magistrate_n as_o in_o hebrew_n 6.16_o in_o these_o word_n for_o man_n very_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a and_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o be_v reply_v there_o the_o apostle_n by_o a_o similitude_n make_v it_o out_o to_o the_o hebrew_n how_o that_o god_n swear_v by_o himself_o because_o he_o can_v not_o swear_v by_o a_o great_a to_o confirm_v the_o promise_n that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n by_o which_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v that_o they_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n who_o have_v flee_v for_o refuge_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o the_o hope_n set_v before_o they_o and_o god_n be_v more_o abundant_o willing_a to_o show_v to_o the_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o immutability_n of_o his_o counsel_n confirm_v it_o by_o a_o oath_n which_o thing_n be_v use_v among_o man_n that_o live_v in_o strife_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o strife_n they_o use_v a_o oath_n and_o they_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n and_o because_o god_n can_v not_o swear_v by_o a_o great_a he_o swear_v by_o himself_o and_o by_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n be_v the_o promise_n confirm_v to_o the_o righteous_a seed_n that_o they_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n no_o more_o to_o suffer_v strife_n and_o fear_n and_o doubt_n to_o enter_v upon_o they_o but_o that_o they_o all_o may_v witness_v in_o themselves_o a_o end_n put_v to_o all_o strife_n and_o contention_n etc._n etc._n as_o true_o and_o real_o in_o the_o inward_a man_n by_o christ_n jesus_n god_n oath_n and_o covenant_n as_o a_o outward_a oath_n use_v among_o man_n that_o live_v in_o strife_n be_v to_o they_o for_o confirmation_n the_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n and_o in_o this_o case_n under_o the_o law_n be_v a_o oath_n require_v exodus_fw-la 22.10_o if_o a_o man_n deliver_v unto_o his_o neighbour_n a_o ox_n or_o a_o ass_n or_o a_o sheep_n or_o any_o beast_n to_o keep_v and_o it_o die_v or_o be_v hurt_v or_o drive_v away_o no_o man_n see_v it_o then_o shall_v a_o oath_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v between_o they_o both_o that_o he_o have_v not_o put_v his_o hand_n to_o his_o neighbour_n good_n and_o the_o owner_n of_o it_o shall_v accept_v thereof_o and_o he_o shall_v not_o make_v it_o good_a mark_v the_o owner_n of_o the_o good_n be_v to_o accept_v thereof_o and_o he_o shall_v not_o make_v it_o good_a so_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v a_o end_n to_o the_o controversy_n and_o in_o this_o old_a time_n under_o the_o law_n they_o be_v not_o to_o forswear_v themselves_o but_o christ_n say_v swear_v not_o at_o all_o who_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n for_o righteousness_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o apostle_n never_o intend_v by_o that_o which_o be_v use_v in_o old_a time_n and_o among_o man_n that_o live_v in_o strife_n all_o which_o he_o bring_v in_o as_o a_o comparison_n and_o a_o fimilitude_n to_o confirm_v the_o promise_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o to_o encourage_v man_n to_o break_v christ_n command_n who_o say_v swear_v not_o at_o all_o nor_o to_o give_v any_o sort_n of_o man_n encouragement_n to_o walk_v contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n who_o say_v above_o all_o thing_n my_o brethren_n swear_v not_o etc._n etc._n neither_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v encouragement_n from_o his_o comparison_n to_o live_v in_o strife_n because_o man_n that_o use_v swear_v at_o all_o do_v so_o neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n any_o more_o intend_v to_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o swear_v or_o for_o man_n to_o impose_v oath_n upon_o other_o by_o his_o similitude_n of_o what_o be_v use_v among_o strifeful_a man_n than_o he_o intend_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n shall_v bring_v a_o heathen_a poet_n to_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n because_o he_o say_v act_v 17.28_o as_o certain_a also_o of_o your_o own_o poet_n have_v say_v etc._n etc._n and_o may_v it_o not_o be_v as_o just_o conclude_v that_o parent_n shall_v take_v encouragement_n to_o correct_v their_o child_n after_o their_o own_o pleasure_n because_o he_o say_v heb._n 12.9.10_o we_o have_v have_v father_n of_o our_o flesh_n who_o for_o a_o few_o day_n chastise_v we_o after_o their_o own_o pleasure_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o honest_o as_o it_o may_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o apostle_n intend_v that_o man_n shall_v either_o swear_v themselves_o at_o all_o or_o compel_v other_o so_o to_o do_v from_o these_o word_n viz._n for_o very_o menswear_v by_o the_o great_a and_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n and_o further_o be_v there_o any_o more_o ground_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n foâ—_n the_o saint_n to_o swear_v at_o all_o by_o any_o oath_n from_o the_o word_n beforementioned_a than_o there_o be_v ground_n from_o christ_n word_n to_o the_o saint_n to_o exercise_v lordship_n one_o over_o another_o because_o he_o say_v mark_v 10.42_o the_o gentile_n do_v so_o beside_o do_v not_o those_o that_o use_v swear_v use_v it_o only_o in_o those_o case_n where_o a_o oath_n will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o strife_n but_o be_v not_o oath_n impose_v at_o this_o day_n where_o no_o strife_n be_v nay_o be_v they_o not_o impose_v for_o the_o begin_n of_o strife_n let_v the_o righteous_a judge_n how_o far_o those_o that_o will_v be_v accoun_v saint_n be_v fall_v that_o they_o be_v short_a in_o their_o practice_n of_o those_o man_n that_o live_v in_o strife_n in_o age_n past_a again_o to_o impose_v oath_n upon_o other_o from_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v to_o make_v the_o apostle_n a_o transgressor_n for_o he_o say_v galathian_n 2.18_o if_o i_o build_v again_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o destroy_v be_o i_o not_o a_o transgressor_n now_o he_o condemn_v some_o among_o the_o corinthian_n for_o walk_v as_o man_n 1_o cor._n 3.3_o for_o you_o be_v yet_o carnal_a whereas_o there_o be_v envy_v among_o you_o division_n and_o strife_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a and_o walk_v as_o man_n mark_v there_o be_v strife_n and_o division_n among_o they_o and_o from_o thence_o he_o prove_v they_o carnal_a and_o therefore_o they_o walk_v as_o man_n which_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v whereas_o they_o shall_v walk_v as_o become_v saint_n who_o be_v redeem_v from_o among_o man_n revel_v 14.14_o out_o of_o envy_n strife_n and_o division_n and_o be_v call_v unto_o love_n righteousness_n and_o peace_n which_o all_o who_o walk_v as_o become_v saint_n witness_v object_n that_o a_o oath_n can_v be_v bad_a because_o even_o god_n himself_o do_v often_o use_v swear_v in_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n answ_n that_o it_o may_v become_v god_n alone_o to_o swear_v because_o he_o alone_o be_v true_a and_o can_v lie_v but_o all_o man_n aâ—e_v liar_n as_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v swear_v and_o will_v not_o repent_v psa_n 110.4_o let_v he_o then_o swear_v that_o can_v repent_v of_o his_o oath_n and_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imitate_v in_o swear_v by_o that_o man_n who_o can_v imitate_v he_o in_o fulfil_n it_o be_v again_o objecâ—â—â—_n by_o some_o that_o all_o proceed_n at_o law_n depend_v upon_o swear_v therefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o all_o man_n must_v swear_v etc._n etc._n answ_n that_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o england_n and_o the_o present_a practice_n and_o proceed_n thereupon_o do_v not_o agree_v as_o may_v appeaâ—_n by_o theâ—e_n instance_n follow_v viz._n one_o main_a and_o principal_a foundation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o england_n be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n so_o say_v the_o law-book_n doctor_n and_o student_n chapter_n 2._o page_n 4._o in_o these_o word_n there_o be_v a_o law_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o be_v man_n create_v in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o this_o law_n be_v always_o good_a and_o righteous_a stir_v up_o the_o man_n to_o do_v the_o gooâ—_n and_o abhor_v the_o evil_a and_o therefore_o against_o this_o law_n say_v the_o book_n prescription_n statute_n custom_n may_v not_o prevail_v and_o if_o any_o be_v bring_v in_o against_o it_o they_o be_v void_a and_o against_o justice_n now_o consider_v according_a to_o your_o law_n how_o few_o proceed_n be_v according_a to_o
justice_n and_o instead_o of_o be_v make_v void_a as_o be_v against_o justice_n they_o be_v encourage_v and_o have_v be_v again_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o england_n 9_o hen._n 3.29_o that_o right_o and_o justice_n shall_v neither_o be_v sell_v defer_v nor_o denieâ—_n to_o any_o man_n etc._n etc._n but_o let_v those_o that_o have_v to_o do_v at_o court_n speak_v and_o bear_v witness_n whether_o both_o deny_v and_o delay_v both_o of_o law_n and_o right_n be_v not_o that_o which_o they_o meet_v withal_o and_o for_o sell_v and_o buy_v of_o it_o let_v the_o great_a and_o excessive_a fee_n which_o some_o lawyer_n take_v for_o plead_v speak_v who_o be_v in_o repute_n and_o as_o the_o people_n say_v if_o you_o can_v but_o retain_v such_o a_o man_n you_o need_v not_o fear_v your_o cause_n etc._n etc._n again_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o england_n that_o none_o shall_v be_v put_v into_o office_n upon_o suit_n or_o for_o favour_n or_o affection_n but_o upon_o desert_n 12_o rich._n 2.2_o 5._o edw._n 6.16_o the_o first_o part_n of_o cook_n institutes_n page_n 2.34_o a_o law_n say_v cook_n worthy_a to_o be_v write_v in_o letter_n of_o gold_n but_o how_o contrary_a to_o these_o statute_n the_o present_a practice_n be_v let_v the_o righteous_a judge_n further_o both_o by_o the_o common-law_n and_o statute_n law_n the_o judge_n be_v not_o to_o hear_v the_o plaintiff_n cause_v if_o he_o first_o put_v not_o in_o security_n to_o answer_v his_o adversary_n damage_n if_o he_o complain_v of_o he_o wrongful_o mirror_n page_n 64._o 37_o edw._n 3._o 18._o 38_o edw._n 3._o 9_o and_o he_o that_o charge_v a_o man_n with_o any_o accusation_n aught_o to_o put_v in_o security_n to_o make_v good_a his_o accusation_n and_o the_o law_n have_v previde_v a_o punishment_n for_o he_o that_o make_v not_o his_o accusation_n good_a but_o how_o contrary_a the_o present_a practice_n and_o proceed_n of_o court_n be_v at_o this_o day_n let_v the_o cause_n that_o come_v into_o they_o speak_v do_v not_o they_o issue_v out_o their_o writ_n ground_v upon_o divers_a plain_a and_o notorious_a lie_n as_o that_o they_o have_v send_v to_o the_o sheriff_n of_o middlesex_n which_o they_o have_v not_o do_v and_o that_o he_o have_v return_v that_o the_o party_n be_v not_o within_o his_o liberty_n which_o he_o have_v not_o do_v but_o lie_v lurk_v in_o another_o county_n which_o be_v most_o common_o false_a the_o man_n go_v up_o and_o down_o as_o at_o other_o time_n and_o the_o sheriff_n of_o middlesex_n know_v nothing_o of_o it_o again_o they_o say_v they_o have_v take_v pledge_n to_o prosecute_v viz_o john_n do_v and_o richard_n roe_n which_o be_v also_o a_o deceit_n and_o a_o lie_n those_o be_v common_a feign_a name_n put_v into_o all_o writ_n and_o these_o writ_n make_v up_o of_o so_o many_o lie_v be_v frame_v by_o any_o clerk_n and_o give_v forth_o in_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n name_n be_v bear_v witness_n to_o be_v the_o chief_a justice_n of_o england_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o proceed_n at_o law_n whereby_o the_o know_a law_n of_o england_n in_o case_n of_o debt_n man_n ought_v to_o be_v first_o summon_v to_o appear_v to_o answer_v the_o plaintiff_n before_o they_o be_v arrest_v but_o how_o contrary_a the_o present_a proceed_n be_v let_v all_o sober_a man_n judge_v again_o the_o law_n save_v mirror_n page_n 2._o 49._o it_o be_v a_o abuse_n of_o the_o common-law_n to_o appear_v or_o answer_v by_o a_o attorney_n but_o the_o present_a practice_n be_v quite_o contrary_a for_o they_o have_v and_o do_v deny_v to_o accept_v of_o a_o man_n appearance_n in_o person_n although_o the_o word_n of_o their_o own_o writ_n be_v so_o in_o these_o word_n so_o that_o we_o may_v have_v his_o body_n before_o we_o at_o our_o court_n at_o westminster_n such_o a_o day_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v further_o evidence_v that_o the_o appear_v by_o a_o attorney_n be_v first_o in_o favour_n and_o in_o ease_n of_o the_o subject_a that_o so_o they_o may_v depute_v one_o for_o their_o ease_n as_o in_o the_o book_n de_fw-fr atturnati_fw-la faciendo_fw-la but_o now_o so_o be_v justice_n and_o judgement_n turn_v backward_o that_o that_o which_o be_v for_o the_o ease_n of_o the_o people_n be_v now_o make_v use_n of_o to_o maintain_v a_o trade_n of_o deceit_n it_o be_v write_v in_o cook_n report_n in_o richard_n go_v frey_n case_n that_o excessus_fw-la in_o re_fw-la qualibet_fw-la jure_fw-la reprobatur_fw-la communi_fw-la as_o excessive_a distress_n excessive_a aid_n excessive_a amerciament_n be_v against_o the_o common-law_n and_o how_o contrary_a the_o present_a practice_n be_v let_v the_o proceed_n against_o the_o innocent_a people_n call_v quaker_n bear_v witness_n in_o d_o vers_n county_n in_o england_n who_o have_v be_v fine_v more_o than_o they_o have_v be_v worth_a some_o it_o may_v be_v for_o not_o swear_v and_o other_o for_o not_o respect_v of_o man_n person_n but_o precedent_n enough_o may_v be_v see_v of_o their_o cruel_a oppression_n in_o this_o kind_n in_o a_o book_n in_o print_n call_v the_o record_n of_o the_o suffering_n for_o tithe_n and_o in_o most_o prison_n in_o england_n example_n of_o excessive_a cruelty_n may_v be_v find_v exercise_v upon_o poor_a innocent_a people_n because_o they_o can_v submit_v to_o pay_v these_o excessive_a fine_n impose_v on_o they_o contrary_a to_o any_o know_a law_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o age_n past_a but_o such_o man_n fly_v to_o custom_n when_o no_o know_a law_n can_v be_v find_v and_o abuse_v the_o word_n custom_n as_o many_o justice_n do_v and_o have_v do_v the_o word_n discretion_n neither_o of_o they_o warrant_v the_o practice_n of_o proud_a self-willed_a man_n there_o be_v custom_n that_o be_v evil_a which_o ought_v to_o be_v abolish_v as_o say_v the_o law_n and_o cook_n in_o his_o report_n in_o gatewards_n cause_n say_v custom_n ought_v to_o be_v reasonable_a et_fw-la excerta_fw-la causa_fw-la rationabâ—li_fw-la usitata_fw-la as_o littleton_n say_v and_o if_o every_o custom_n shall_v be_v a_o law_n because_o judge_n call_v they_o so_o sure_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o king_n and_o bishop_n will_v have_v be_v still_o stand_v in_o england_n and_o the_o word_n discretion_n be_v as_o much_o abuse_v by_o corrupt_a man_n they_o make_v it_o a_o cloak_n to_o cover_v their_o deceitful_a act_n when_o they_o have_v no_o law_n to_o warrant_v their_o practice_n but_o discretion_n as_o cook_n say_v be_v a_o knowledge_n or_o understanding_n to_o discern_v betwixt_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n and_o between_o right_n and_o wrong_n between_o shadow_n and_o substance_n and_o between_o equity_n and_o colourable_a gloss_n and_o pretence_n and_o not_o to_o do_v according_a to_o our_o will_n and_o private_a affection_n for_o say_v he_o talis_fw-la discretio_fw-la discessionem_fw-la confundit_fw-la and_o have_v be_v adjudge_v in_o the_o â—aâ—e_n of_o commission_n of_o suer_n discretion_n be_v to_o be_v bound_v with_o reason_n law_n and_o justice_n and_o so_o the_o word_n custom_n be_v abusâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d urge_v by_o corrupt_a man_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n who_o say_v swear_v not_o at_o all_o by_o these_o â—_z the_o honest-hearted_a may_v see_v how_o contrary_a the_o pâ—eâ—enâ—_n practice_n of_o the_o law_n be_v to_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a be_v use_v lawful_o be_v become_v a_o dead_a thing_n execution_n be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o law_n and_o hereby_o the_o righteous_a that_o it_o be_v not_o make_v for_o be_v most_o hurt_v by_o it_o and_o the_o flatterer_n and_o evil-doer_n encourage_v therefore_o their_o reason_n be_v not_o good_a who_o say_v all_o man_n ought_v to_o swear_v because_o of_o long_a time_n they_o have_v use_v to_o do_v so_o and_o continue_v still_o to_o do_v so_o therefore_o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o man_n do_v practice_v but_o what_o man_n ought_v to_o practice_v according_a to_o a_o true_a rule_n and_o line_n for_o we_o read_v not_o that_o i_o remember_v among_o all_o israel_n law_n that_o any_o of_o their_o officer_n be_v make_v by_o a_o oath_n as_o judge_n ruler_n king_n or_o priest_n or_o prophet_n or_o require_v to_o swear_v before_o they_o take_v the_o work_n or_o office_n upon_o they_o but_o we_o read_v deuter._n 19.15_o at_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o at_o the_o mouth_n of_o three_o witness_n shall_v the_o matter_n be_v establish_v mark_v the_o matter_n be_v to_o be_v establish_v without_o swear_v for_o if_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v first_o swear_v it_o will_v have_v be_v so_o write_v it_o be_v a_o command_n to_o israel_n and_o in_o the_o case_n of_o life_n and_o death_n at_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n shall_v he_o that_o be_v worthy_a of_o death_n be_v put_v to_o death_n but_o at_o the_o mouth_n
who_o give_v this_o the_o pre-eminence_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o those_o who_o he_o write_v to_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o keep_v and_o observe_v say_v above_o all_o thing_n my_o brethren_n swear_v not_o neither_o by_o heaven_n nor_o earth_n nor_o any_o other_o oath_n which_o be_v a_o absolute_a negative_a exclusion_n of_o all_o swear_n in_o all_o case_n and_o eusebius_n a_o ancient_a writer_n of_o no_o mean_a esteem_n among_o the_o learned_a write_v in_o his_o six_o book_n chapter_n 4_o page_n 98._o about_o the_o year_n 200._o that_o basilides_n a_o soldier_n unto_o whâ—m_n the_o virgin_n potamioena_n be_v commit_v as_o one_o appoint_v for_o martyrdom_n but_o not_o long_o after_o the_o same_o basilides_n be_v require_v by_o his_o fellow-soldier_n to_o swear_v upon_o some_o occasion_n that_o fall_v out_o affirm_v plain_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o he_o to_o swear_v for_o he_o say_v he_o be_v a_o christian_a and_o that_o he_o will_v in_o very_a deed_n protest_v the_o same_o who_o afterward_o be_v behead_v as_o a_o martyr_n and_o of_o the_o waldenses_n of_o who_o the_o first_o book_n of_o martyr_n make_v much_o mention_n and_o be_v say_v by_o some_o immediate_o to_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n and_o be_v disperse_v into_o most_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a and_o true_a protestant_n as_o may_v be_v see_v by_o what_o fox_n record_v of_o they_o in_o the_o book_n of_o martyr_n and_o this_o they_o maintain_v among_o other_o thing_n that_o all_o manner_n of_o swear_v be_v unlawful_a as_o may_v appear_v by_o parson_n sanders_n â—occius_fw-la and_o other_o and_o by_o bishop_n uâ—her_o a_o late_a writer_n and_o a_o man_n repute_v for_o learning_n who_o have_v by_o way_n of_o apology_n for_o the_o waldenses_n in_o this_o case_n of_o swear_v seem_v to_o justify_v they_o therein_o as_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr success_n cap._n 6._o and_o the_o say_a usher_n further_o say_v in_o his_o eight_o chap._n quote_v some_o ancient_a author_n that_o the_o waldenses_n as_o well_o as_o anabaptist_n of_o late_a do_v profess_v it_o to_o be_v no_o way_n lawful_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o swear_v upon_o any_o occasion_n and_o theophilâ—te_v upon_o matthew_n 5.37_o say_v that_o though_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a law_n it_o be_v not_o eull_a to_o swear_v but_o since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v evil_a as_o be_v circumcision_n and_o in_o sum_n whatever_o be_v judaical_a for_o it_o may_v become_v a_o child_n to_o suck_v but_o not_o a_o man_n and_o further_o in_o the_o book_n of_o martyr_n 1_o voll_n page_n 701._o it_o be_v charge_v against_o william_n thorp_n in_o his_o sermon_n that_o he_o preach_v at_o shrewsbury_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n to_o which_o he_o answer_v he_o deny_v to_o swear_v by_o a_o book_n as_o be_v make_v up_o of_o creature_n and_o quote_v chrysostome_n in_o these_o word_n who_o blame_v they_o great_o who_o bring_v forth_o book_n to_o swear_v whether_o they_o think_v a_o man_n to_o swear_v true_a or_o false_a etc._n etc._n the_o archbishop_n and_o his_o clark_n scorn_v this_o say_n of_o thorp_n and_o the_o bishop_n menace_v he_o with_o great_a punishment_n except_o he_o leave_v this_o opinion_n of_o swear_v to_o which_o thorp_n answer_v it_o be_v not_o his_o opinion_n but_o the_o opinion_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o saint_n james_n and_o of_o chrysostome_n and_o of_o other_o divers_a saint_n and_o doctor_n the_o archbishop_n cause_v to_o be_v read_v this_o homily_n of_o chrysostome_n which_o the_o clerk_n do_v according_o until_o he_o come_v to_o a_o clause_n where_o chrysostome_n say_v that_o it_o be_v sin_n to_o swear_v well_o etc._n etc._n and_o again_o in_o fox_n voll_n 1._o pa._n 527._o in_o the_o ploughman_n prayer_n in_o these_o word_n thou_o give_v we_o a_o commandment_n in_o truth_n in_o bid_v we_o say_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o and_o swear_v for_o nothing_o thou_o give_v we_o also_o a_o commandment_n of_o meekness_n and_o another_o of_o poorness_n but_o lord_n he_o that_o cleep_v himself_o thy_o vicar_n on_o earth_n have_v both_o break_v these_o commandment_n for_o he_o make_v a_o law_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o swear_v and_o by_o his_o law_n he_o teach_v that_o a_o man_n to_o save_v his_o life_n may_v forswear_v and_o lie_v and_o so_o lord_n through_o comfort_n of_o he_o and_o his_o law_n the_o people_n ne_fw-fr dread_v not_o to_o swear_v and_o to_o lve_v aught_o time_n to_o forswear_v they_o lord_n here_o be_v little_a truth_n etc._n etc._n again_o william_n swinderby_n a_o article_n charge_v against_o he_o that_o no_o man_n own_v to_o swear_v for_o any_o thing_n but_o simple_o without_o a_o oath_n to_o affirm_v or_o deny_v and_o if_o he_o swear_v he_o sin_n and_o those_o that_o be_v conversant_a in_o our_o law_n what_o be_v the_o practice_n in_o ancient_a time_n where_o they_o testify_v that_o oath_n ancient_o be_v not_o call_v imprecation_n but_o attestation_n and_o by_o the_o statute-law_n a_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v 28_o hen._n 8.7_o in_o these_o word_n it_o be_v say_v no_o man_n of_o what_o estate_n degree_n or_o condition_n soever_o he_o be_v have_v power_n to_o dispense_v with_o god_n law_n as_o all_o the_o clergy_n of_o this_o realm_n in_o the_o say_a convocation_n and_o most_o part_n of_o all_o the_o universiteis_fw-la of_o christendom_n and_o we_o also_o do_v affirm_v and_o think_v etc._n etc._n which_o make_v void_a all_o law_n and_o practice_n and_o custom_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o christ_n law_n and_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n which_o say_v swear_v not_o at_o all_o and_o above_o all_o thing_n my_o brethren_n swear_v not_o neither_o by_o heaven_n nor_o earth_n nor_o any_o other_o oath_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o conclude_v this_o head_n a_o lively_a emblem_n we_o have_v this_o day_n practise_v in_o england_n where_o it_o be_v practise_v that_o those_o who_o be_v call_v nobleman_n of_o england_n be_v not_o put_v to_o their_o oath_n as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o any_o case_n but_o only_o their_o testimony_n be_v take_v upon_o their_o word_n affirm_v or_o deny_v upon_o their_o honour_n and_o be_v there_o nothing_o leave_v among_o christian_n in_o these_o our_o day_n or_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v as_o dear_a unto_o they_o as_o a_o earthly_a great_a man_n repute_n and_o honour_n in_o the_o world_n be_v unto_o he_o blush_v for_o shame_n and_o let_v it_o not_o be_v tell_v in_o gath_n nor_o publish_v in_o askelon_n that_o christianity_n be_v grow_v out_o of_o repute_n or_o that_o a_o true_a christian_a may_v not_o be_v believe_v when_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o presence_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n although_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o case_n he_o shall_v be_v believe_v that_o testify_v only_o upon_o his_o earthly_a honour_n and_o to_o this_o court_n martial_a may_v not_o be_v a_o unfit_a precedent_n who_o proceed_v both_o to_o the_o trial_n and_o condemnation_n of_o person_n without_o a_o oath_n take_v by_o those_o that_o sit_v as_o judge_n and_o that_o upon_o this_o ground_n also_o because_o a_o soldier_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v so_o tender_a of_o his_o honour_n that_o he_o will_v not_o impeach_v it_o by_o injure_v another_o or_o advantage_v himself_o so_o let_v all_o these_o thing_n be_v put_v together_o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o clear_a than_o that_o oath_n or_o swear_v man_n since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n before_o either_o they_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o office_n or_o serve_v their_o country_n or_o their_o testimony_n be_v receive_v in_o case_n of_o difference_n before_o court_n of_o judicature_n be_v a_o popish_a institution_n and_o have_v no_o foundation_n or_o foot_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n nor_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n nor_o have_v not_o be_v without_o a_o testimony_n against_o it_o by_o some_o in_o all_o age_n even_o down_o to_o this_o day_n now_o follow_v the_o several_a inconvenience_n that_o necessary_o follow_v the_o imposition_n of_o oath_n which_o may_v be_v prevent_v if_o swear_v be_v not_o compel_v beside_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v do_v not_o these_o inconvenience_n and_o mischief_n necessary_o follow_v the_o imposition_n of_o oath_n or_o determine_v thing_n by_o swear_v etc._n etc._n be_v not_o that_o which_o be_v call_v a_o oath_n in_o many_o case_n once_o take_v untraversable_a as_o for_o instance_n one_o man_n have_v swear_v against_o another_o positive_o be_v not_o he_o that_o be_v swear_v against_o left_a without_o remedy_n and_o do_v not_o those_o before_o who_o the_o oath_n be_v take_v in_o some_o case_n take_v themselves_o conclude_v and_o bind_v up_o by_o that_o oath_n without_o any_o further_o examine_v witness_n on_o the_o other_o