slander_v the_o other_o be_v force_v by_o a_o oath_n to_o excuse_v and_o purge_v herself_o that_o what_o soever_o injurious_a or_o slanderous_a word_n she_o have_v speak_v come_v not_o of_o any_o deliberate_a purpose_n or_o intent_n but_o through_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o other_o which_o be_v accuse_v either_o of_o adultery_n or_o sorcery_n be_v command_v by_o a_o oath_n to_o declare_v her_o innocence_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a unto_o all_o man_n that_o in_o such_o case_n whether_o they_o be_v guilty_a or_o not_o guilty_a they_o must_v swear_v if_o they_o will_v keep_v their_o good_a name_n and_o fame_n whereby_o not_o only_o the_o unlawful_a lucre_n of_o gain_n and_o money_n be_v fight_v but_o also_o wilful_a perjury_n force_v etc._n etc._n thus_o these_o honourable_a person_n you_o see_v have_v make_v it_o clear_v what_o be_v chief_o intend_v by_o these_o canonical_a purgation_n pretend_v the_o clergy_n what_o soever_o they_o will_v and_o how_o such_o force_a oath_n be_v not_o only_o offensive_a unto_o god_n but_o injurious_a also_o unto_o man_n therefore_o leave_v these_o man_n to_o who_o the_o favour_n of_o gain_n be_v so_o sweet_a together_o with_o their_o famous_a law_n the_o matter_n which_o we_o endeavour_n to_o prove_v be_v that_o those_o general_a oath_n and_o oath_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la public_o heretofore_o much_o practise_v by_o ordinary_n and_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n be_v altogether_o unlawful_a whether_o by_o the_o canonical_a sanction_n or_o law_n cannon_n i_o care_v not_o but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o this_o realm_n and_o therefore_o since_o we_o have_v sufficient_o speak_v of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n now_o lest_o peraduerture_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o such_o catholic_a oath_n be_v warraunt_v by_o the_o common_a law_n or_o statute_n of_o this_o realm_n or_o by_o the_o use_n and_o practice_v of_o some_o court_n of_o justice_n therein_o let_v we_o consider_v hereof_o also_o and_o deliver_v both_o our_o law_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o our_o land_n from_o so_o foul_a a_o slander_n concern_v the_o common_a law_n of_o this_o realm_n we_o may_v find_v a_o oath_n diverslie_o allow_v of_o and_o use_v in_o cause_n of_o suit_n judiciallie_o depend_v but_o such_o a_o general_a oath_n or_o such_o like_a ex_fw-la officio_fw-la at_o any_o time_n either_o offer_v by_o magistrate_n or_o take_v or_o make_v by_o subject_n of_o this_o land_n by_o authority_n of_o the_o common_a law_n can_v never_o be_v prove_v i_o be_o sure_a either_o by_o good_a record_n or_o sound_n report_n of_o the_o same_o long_o it_o be_v and_o tedious_a to_o remember_v the_o particular_a case_n when_o and_o where_o a_o oath_n be_v require_v by_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n of_o this_o realm_n but_o this_o may_v be_v say_v in_o general_a and_o that_o true_o to_o the_o great_a honour_n and_o high_a commendation_n of_o our_o gowernement_n that_o the_o same_o common_a law_n have_v not_o impose_v or_o appoint_v a_o oath_n to_o be_v use_v otherwise_o then_o according_a to_o the_o right_a institution_n thereof_o &_o the_o godly_a rule_n before_o remember_v yea_o moreover_o this_o may_v true_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o common_a law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n yea_o the_o common_a wealth_n itself_o have_v ever_o reject_v and_o impugn_a as_o a_o thing_n unlawful_a and_o injurious_a this_o manner_n of_o swear_v whereof_o we_o now_o entreat_v as_o by_o that_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o say_v may_v evident_o appear_v touch_v the_o oath_n impose_v or_o admit_v at_o the_o common_a law_n by_o judge_n or_o magistrate_n for_o of_o they_o only_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v first_o it_o be_v use_v as_o by_o good_a reason_n in_o all_o court_n of_o justice_n establish_v for_o determination_n of_o cause_n in_o suit_n or_o controversy_n either_o between_o the_o prince_n and_o subject_a or_o the_o subject_n themselves_o to_o require_v a_o oath_n of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v call_v or_o produce_v to_o testify_v their_o knowledge_n concern_v the_o matter_n or_o point_n in_o issue_n whereby_o the_o truth_n may_v appear_v and_o the_o cause_n receyve_v a_o end_n the_o defendant_n also_o in_o diverse_a personal_a action_n voluntatilie_o offer_v a_o oath_n for_o his_o clear_a discharge_n law_n wager_n of_o law_n be_v admit_v by_o course_n of_o the_o law_n thereunto_o which_o manner_n of_o proceed_v be_v term_v the_o do_v of_o his_o law_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o judicialle_n before_o rehearse_v give_v by_o god_n unto_o his_o people_n the_o isralite_n as_o by_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o case_n hereafter_o mention_v may_v be_v gather_v for_o in_o a_o action_n of_o debt_n bring_v for_o money_n due_a by_o reason_n of_o some_o simple_a contract_n or_o in_o a_o action_n of_o detinue_n of_o good_n and_o chattelle_n the_o oath_n of_o the_o defendant_n in_o the_o one_o case_n that_o he_o owe_v not_o the_o money_n and_o in_o the_o other_o that_o he_o detein_v not_o the_o thing_n require_v be_v allow_v for_o a_o final_a end_n and_o bar_v unto_o the_o pleadant_n for_o in_o the_o former_a case_n the_o repayment_n of_o the_o money_n may_v be_v private_a and_o in_o secret_a &_o so_o in_o the_o other_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o good_n and_o although_o the_o baylment_n and_o delivery_n of_o the_o pleadaunt_a good_n to_o the_o defendant_n be_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o three_o person_n or_o testify_v by_o writing_n yet_o these_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o put_v the_o defendant_n from_o his_o oath_n or_o wager_n of_o his_o law_n for_o asmuch_o as_o the_o answer_n be_v not_o to_o the_o baylment_n or_o delivery_n but_o to_o the_o deteiner_n or_o withhold_v and_o in_o the_o action_n of_o debt_n although_o the_o defendant_n either_o hang_v the_o action_n or_o otherwise_o have_v confess_v the_o contract_n yet_o be_v he_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o his_o law_n or_o oath_n in_o so_o much_o as_o the_o point_n in_o suit_n be_v not_o the_o contract_n but_o the_o debt_n 24_o 7._o h._n 4._o foe_n 7._o 9_o e._n 4._o foe_n 24_o but_o in_o a_o action_n of_o account_n suppose_v the_o receipt_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o stranger_n or_o third_o person_n the_o law_n be_v otherwise_o for_o here_o the_o thing_n deliver_v be_v not_o preciselie_o in_o demand_n but_o a_o account_n only_o thereof_o require_v and_o the_o receipt_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o action_n to_o which_o a_o third_o person_n be_v privy_a as_o a_o witness_n the_o oath_n of_o the_o defendant_n as_o a_o thing_n not_o of_o necessity_n be_v reject_v for_o that_o reason_n be_v the_o defendant_n put_v from_o his_o wager_n of_o law_n anno_fw-la 31._o ed._n 1._o where_o the_o case_n be_v this_o a_o action_n of_o detenewe_n be_v bring_v for_o a_o chalice_n the_o defendant_n plead_v how_o the_o pleadaunt_a deliver_v the_o same_o in_o gage_n for_o vj._n mark_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o repayment_n thereof_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o deliver_v the_o chalice_n the_o pleadent_a reply_n that_o he_o have_v repay_v the_o money_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o such_o the_o defendant_z offer_v his_o oath_n to_o the_o contrary_a be_v nor_o admit_v thereunto_o inasmuch_o as_o there_o be_v a_o witness_n of_o the_o repayment_n by_o who_o testimony_n the_o truth_n may_v be_v know_v and_o as_o the_o common_a law_n be_v thus_o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o defendant_n so_o be_v it_o likewise_o for_o the_o pleadant_n come_n as_o it_o be_v in_o place_n of_o a_o defendant_n therefore_o anno_fw-la 21._o ed._n 3._o fol._n 49._o the_o case_n be_v that_o the_o defendant_n upon_o his_o account_n will_v have_v discharge_v himself_o by_o certain_a tally_n and_o so_o by_o his_o oath_n continue_v the_o charge_n against_o the_o defendant_n but_o anno_fw-la 29._o ed._n 3._o the_o defendant_n in_o account_n allege_v before_o the_o auditor_n payment_n to_o the_o pleadant_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o another_o and_o the_o pleadent_a offering_n his_o oath_n that_o he_o have_v not_o teceyve_v the_o money_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o three_o person_n deny_v to_o wage_v his_o law_n and_o the_o good_a discretion_n and_o consideration_n which_o the_o law_n use_v in_o the_o allow_v and_o admit_v of_o wager_n of_o law_n be_v not_o to_o be_v forget_v which_o law_n lest_o man_n of_o light_a credit_n or_o doubtful_a faith_n shall_v take_v a_o oath_n suffer_v no_o man_n to_o do_v his_o law_n but_o such_o only_a as_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v with_o he_o 11._o other_o person_n of_o ripe_a year_n and_o of_o good_a name_n to_o depose_v with_o he_o that_o they_o think_v he_o swear_v true_o neither_o be_v the_o one_o party_n or_o the_o other_o in_o any_o personal_a action_n by_o the_o course_n of_o the_o common_a law_n suffer_v to_o clear_v themselves_o by_o their_o oath_n where_o they_o be_v charge_v either_o by_o
their_o lawful_a writing_n or_o matter_n of_o record_n for_o that_o these_o be_v testimony_n and_o proof_n sufficient_a whereunto_o faith_n and_o credit_n ought_v to_o be_v give_v much_o more_o may_v be_v say_v in_o such_o particular_n but_o these_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v how_o in_o suit_n for_o good_n chattel_n debt_n or_o personal_a duty_n the_o common_a law_n of_o this_o realm_n admit_v no_o idle_a vain_a suspicious_a or_o unnecessary_a oath_n neither_o compel_v any_o man_n to_o swear_v concern_v they_o but_o upon_o cause_n allow_v of_o the_o plâ—and_n desert_n volontarie_a and_o necessary_a oath_n for_o a_o end_n of_o the_o controversy_n as_o touch_v the_o cause_n and_o controversy_n for_o land_n and_o inheritaunce_n depend_v in_o fuyte_n either_o in_o admit_v or_o require_v of_o oath_n some_o few_o case_n there_o be_v nevertheless_o where_o a_o oath_n for_o they_o be_v use_v as_o if_o a_o praecipe_fw-la quod_fw-la reddat_fw-la be_v bring_v of_o land_n wherein_o the_o tenant_n be_v not_o lawful_o summon_v he_o may_v upon_o return_n of_o the_o process_n of_o grand_a cape_n wage_v his_o law_n for_o none_o summons_n and_o thereby_o as_o not_o well_o execute_v abate_v the_o demaundente_n write_v in_o which_o case_n a_o oath_n seem_v right_o to_o be_v admit_v since_o the_o cause_n be_v both_o of_o weight_n and_o necessity_n to_o the_o tenant_n this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o relieve_v he_o against_o the_o untrue_a return_n of_o the_o sheriff_n whereby_o his_o land_n for_o want_v of_o apparaunce_n be_v to_o be_v recover_v against_o he_o for_o as_o the_o law_n seem_v to_o way_n a_o trial_n of_o this_o summons_n by_o 12._o man_n be_v not_o allowable_a and_o although_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o tenant_n upon_o his_o loss_n by_o default_n may_v have_v a_o writ_n of_o deceit_n and_o recover_v again_o his_o land_n foe_n 33._o h._n 6._o foe_n yet_o that_o often_o time_n fall_v out_o to_o be_v a_o faint_a remedy_n the_o death_n of_o such_o as_o be_v return_v sommoner_n deprive_v he_o of_o that_o advantage_n in_o the_o case_n also_o of_o deceit_n upon_o a_o recovery_n by_o default_n the_o sommoner_n viewer_n and_o perveor_n be_v judiciallie_o examine_v by_o oath_n whether_o they_o have_v du_o accord_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n execute_v and_o perform_v that_o which_o appertain_v unto_o they_o who_o in_o this_o case_n be_v use_v but_o as_o witness_n to_o search_v and_o sift_v out_o by_o they_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a deal_n of_o the_o sheriff_n by_o who_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o writ_n and_o process_n be_v commit_v foe_n 41._o ed._n 3._o foe_n in_o like_a manner_n if_o the_o plaint_n in_o a_o scire_fw-la facias_fw-la recover_v by_o default_n &_o the_o defendant_n bring_v this_o action_n of_o deceit_n against_o the_o sheriff_n the_o bailife_n and_o the_o party_n that_o sue_v execution_n of_o the_o land_n process_n shall_v be_v award_v against_o the_o suppose_a garnisher_n and_o upon_o their_o apparaunce_n they_o shall_v be_v examine_v and_o that_o by_o oath_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o garnishment_n and_o the_o same_o be_v find_v insufficient_a the_o plaintiff_n shall_v be_v restore_v to_o his_o land_n with_o the_o prosites_n mean_v we_o may_v find_v also_o in_o such_o real_a action_n a_o oath_n require_v in_o another_o manner_n but_o yet_o to_o good_a purpose_n that_o be_v to_o take_v away_o unnecessary_a delay_n of_o justice_n for_o if_o the_o tenant_n in_o a_o praecipe_fw-la of_o land_n will_v cast_v a_o essoyne_n of_o the_o king_n service_n the_o essoygner_n shall_v swear_v and_o that_o direct_o the_o same_o to_o be_v no_o feign_a excuse_n otherwise_o the_o essoyne_n shall_v not_o be_v allow_v some_o few_o other_o particular_a case_n of_o like_a nature_n may_v peradventure_o be_v show_v where_o a_o oath_n be_v admit_v or_o require_v in_o these_o real_a action_n but_o none_o i_o be_o sure_a tend_v to_o any_o such_o purpose_n as_o these_o oath_n command_v and_o enforce_v ex_fw-la officio_fw-la in_o criminal_a cause_n and_o suit_n cause_n criminal_a cause_n whereby_o either_o the_o loss_n of_o life_n liberty_n member_n of_o the_o body_n or_o good_a name_n may_v ensue_v which_o among_o worldly_a thing_n be_v most_o dear_a and_o precious_a unto_o man_n the_o common_a law_n of_o this_o land_n have_v whole_o forbear_v and_o that_o for_o just_a respect_n to_o urge_v or_o impose_v a_o oath_n upon_o the_o accuse_a for_o in_o wisdom_n it_o be_v foresee_v that_o the_o frailty_n of_o man_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o life_n the_o preservation_n of_o liberty_n credit_n and_o estimation_n will_v not_o spare_v to_o profane_v even_o that_o which_o be_v most_o holy_a and_o by_o commit_v sinful_a perjury_n cast_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n into_o eternal_a perdition_n this_o know_v the_o subtle_a serpent_n our_o adversary_n full_a well_o in_o general_a although_o he_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o particular_a when_o as_o he_o say_v unto_o god_n concern_v the_o holy_a man_n job_n skin_n for_o skin_n 2._o job_n cap._n 2._o and_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n have_v will_v he_o give_v for_o himself_o and_o for_o his_o life_n but_o stretch_v out_o thy_o hand_n say_v satan_n and_o touch_v his_o bone_n and_o his_o flesh_n and_o see_v if_o he_o will_v not_o then_o blaspheme_v thou_o to_o thy_o face_n moreover_o every_o wise_a magistrate_n may_v well_o conceyve_v upon_o how_o weak_a and_o feeble_a a_o foundation_n he_o shall_v ground_v his_o sentence_n trust_v to_o such_o a_o oath_n when_o before_o hand_n the_o suspicion_n and_o presumption_n of_o perjury_n be_v so_o pregnant_a therefore_o in_o cause_n capital_a or_o otherwise_o criminal_a these_o our_o law_n neither_o urge_v by_o oath_n nor_o force_n by_o torment_n any_o man_n to_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v himself_o but_o rejecte_v the_o oath_n as_o unbeseeming_a a_o well_o govern_v state_n or_o common_a wealth_n and_o condemn_v the_o torture_n as_o a_o thing_n most_o cruel_a &_o barbarous_a whereof_o although_o they_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n they_o the_o daily_a practice_n and_o proceed_n against_o party_n suspect_v of_o such_o offence_n yet_o concern_v the_o inquisition_n by_o torture_n we_o may_v see_v the_o same_o affirm_v by_o that_o learned_a judge_n master_n fortescue_n in_o his_o commentary_n of_o the_o policy_n of_o this_o kingdom_n 3._o 49._o ed._n 3._o and_o for_o the_o other_o there_n be_v sufficient_a authority_n in_o the_o report_n of_o the_o law_n themselves_o therefore_o in_o the_o book_n of_o assize_n it_o appear_v that_o diverse_a jurour_n be_v challenge_v as_o less_o indifferent_a some_o for_o matter_n that_o found_v to_o their_o reproach_n and_o dishonesty_n as_o that_o corruptlie_o they_o have_v take_v money_n of_o one_o of_o the_o party_n in_o the_o suit_n whereupon_o it_o be_v order_v by_o the_o justice_n that_o such_o as_o be_v challenge_v for_o cause_n not_o dishonest_a shall_v be_v swear_v to_o declare_v the_o truth_n the_o other_o for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a not_o to_o be_v examine_v at_o all_o but_o the_o challenge_n to_o be_v try_v without_o their_o oath_n the_o same_o law_n be_v again_o report_v unto_o we_o anno_fw-la 49._o ed._n 3._o fol._n 1._o upon_o the_o like_a reason_n be_v the_o refolution_n of_o the_o chief_a justice_n &_o of_o the_o judge_n saunders_n and_o whiddon_n eliz._n 12._o r._n eliz._n that_o if_o a_o bill_n of_o perjury_n commit_v in_o the_o chauncere_a against_o the_o form_n of_o the_o statute_n make_v in_o the_o fifte_a year_n of_o her_o majesty_n reign_n be_v exhibit_v in_o the_o same_o court_n that_o the_o defendant_n shall_v not_o be_v compel_v to_o make_v answer_n upon_o his_o oath_n either_o to_o bill_n or_o intertogatories_n but_o that_o the_o party_n ought_v to_o descend_v to_o issue_n and_o the_o trial_n to_o be_v have_v by_o jury_n in_o the_o king_n bench_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o spend_v time_n in_o declare_v after_o the_o party_n in_o suit_n have_v join_v issue_n trial_n by_o jury_n how_o many_o way_n a_o oath_n be_v use_v about_o the_o trial_n of_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o the_o oath_n of_o juror_n themselves_o and_o of_o their_o triar_n upon_o challenge_n or_o to_o speak_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o oath_n to_o be_v minister_v unto_o suck_n as_o require_v the_o surety_n of_o peace_n neither_o to_o discourse_v of_o the_o do_v of_o homage_n or_o fealty_n by_o the_o tenant_n to_o the_o lord_n since_o these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v well_o know_v to_o every_o one_o although_o but_o of_o mean_a judgement_n to_o be_v necessary_o use_v for_o the_o better_a administration_n of_o justice_n and_o assurance_n of_o duty_n make_v nothing_o at_o all_o for_o those_o fantastical_a and_o officious_a oath_n and_o examination_n proceed_v rather_o ab_fw-la officio_fw-la the_o verb_n then_o ex_fw-la officio_fw-la the_o noun_n neither_o be_v it_o necessary_a to_o
part_n in_o judgement_n that_o be_v to_o be_v both_o actor_n &_o reus_n accusor_fw-la and_o accuse_v whereby_o the_o three_o principal_a party_n by_o the_o rule_n aforesaid_a faylinge_v true_a judgement_n by_o no_o mean_n may_v consist_v furthermore_o by_o this_o kind_n of_o oath_n it_o can_v not_o be_v true_o say_v that_o innocent_n circumvent_v by_o fraud_n or_o practice_n be_v clear_v since_o there_o be_v no_o complaint_n or_o accusation_n judiciallie_o exhibit_v except_o we_o shall_v affirm_v that_o the_o judge_n or_o magistrate_n by_o enforce_v such_o a_o oath_n do_v himself_o play_v the_o patt_n of_o a_o subtle_a circumventor_n and_o accusor_fw-la which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o most_o wicked_a sin_n in_o any_o man_n so_o in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o public_a magistrate_n who_o action_n shall_v be_v sincere_a the_o same_o be_v most_o detestable_a and_o final_o how_o can_v a_o end_n of_o controversy_n ensue_v by_o such_o a_o oath_n whereas_o no_o quarrel_n or_o complaint_n be_v any_o way_n dependinge_v nay_o rather_o the_o same_o be_v often_o time_n the_o cause_n of_o stir_v up_o of_o debate_n and_o contention_n in_o stead_n of_o former_a quietness_n be_v principal_o use_v not_o to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o controversy_n but_o to_o procure_v some_o accusation_n and_o that_o by_o the_o secret_a malice_n of_o some_o undermine_v or_o malignant_a adversary_n or_o calumniatour_n again_o since_o a_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o judgement_n that_o be_v with_o good_a advisement_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o matter_n wherein_o the_o deponent_a be_v to_o call_v the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o witness_v and_o that_o whosoever_o otherwise_o take_v a_o oath_n do_v therein_o vain_o and_o indiscreet_o abuse_v the_o name_n of_o god_n how_o can_v this_o general_a oath_n be_v either_o right_o urge_v or_o receyve_v without_o great_a offence_n to_o his_o divine_a majesty_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o party_n depose_v be_v not_o before_o he_o swear_v make_v acquaint_v nor_o understand_v what_o question_n or_o interrogatory_n shall_v be_v demand_v but_o by_o his_o oath_n have_v fast_o bind_v and_o subject_v himself_o to_o the_o discretion_n or_o indiscretion_n of_o another_o that_o be_v the_o judge_n ecclesiastical_a who_o have_v straight_o tie_v and_o snare_v this_o silly_a subject_n may_v now_o use_v or_o abuse_v he_o at_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n either_o against_o law_n enforce_v he_o by_o the_o band_n of_o his_o oath_n to_o accuse_v himself_o even_o of_o his_o most_o secret_a and_o inward_a thought_n or_o contrary_a to_o christian_n charity_n yea_o humanity_n itself_o constrain_a he_o to_o inform_v against_o his_o natural_a parent_n dear_a friend_n and_o near_a neighbour_n or_o to_o bewray_v with_o grief_n of_o heart_n such_o matter_n of_o secrecy_n as_o otherwise_o be_v inconvenient_a &_o peradventure_o not_o honest_a to_o be_v reveal_v in_o which_o hard_a proceed_n beside_o the_o great_a hazard_n &_o peril_n of_o wilful_a perjury_n without_o all_o necessity_n of_o a_o oath_n great_a trouble_n of_o mind_n and_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n must_v needs_o ensue_v when_o as_o the_o deponent_a on_o the_o one_o side_n consider_v the_o weight_n &_o heavy_a burden_n of_o his_o oath_n fear_v to_o conceal_v any_o thing_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n find_v he_o self_n thereby_o entrap_v shrink_v to_o make_v answer_n to_o the_o question_n propound_v whereof_o you_o may_v behold_v a_o most_o miserable_a and_o lamentable_a spectacle_n in_o the_o book_n of_o act_n &_o monument_n where_o in_o a_o large_a table_n be_v set_v forth_o the_o great_a iniquity_n and_o rigorous_a deal_n of_o longland_n bishop_n of_o lincoln_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o late_a prince_n of_o famous_a memory_n king_n h._n the_o eight_o which_o bloody_a bishop_n by_o force_a and_o violent_a oath_n and_o captious_a interrogatory_n constrain_v the_o child_n to_o accuse_v their_o parent_n the_o parent_n their_o natural_a child_n the_o wife_n her_o husband_n the_o husband_n his_o wife_n one_o brother_n and_o sister_n a_o other_o some_o of_o these_o silly_a soul_n of_o swear_a becomminge_n forswear_v while_o they_o make_v dainty_a to_o accuse_v such_o as_o they_o dearlie_o affect_v of_o which_o blind_a ignorance_n or_o rather_o murderous_a mind_n and_o intolerable_a iniquity_n of_o romish_a bish_n and_o barbarous_a abuse_n of_o a_o oath_n that_o godly_a man_n of_o worthy_a memory_n master_n john_n fox_n just_o complain_v for_o what_o may_v be_v add_v more_o to_o extreme_a cruelty_n save_v only_o this_o one_o point_n of_o detestable_a inhumanity_n which_o also_o be_v pursuaunt_n as_o a_o part_n of_o that_o tragical_a church-governement_n to_o compel_v the_o child_n to_o set_v fire_n to_o their_o condemn_a parent_n which_o example_n of_o cruelty_n say_v that_o good_a man_n as_o it_o be_v contrary_a both_o to_o god_n and_o nature_n so_o have_v it_o not_o be_v see_v or_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o heathen_a that_o wicked_a king_n herode_fw-la as_o it_o be_v record_v by_o the_o holy_a evangelist_n mathewe_n and_o mark_v voluntary_o promise_v and_o that_o with_o a_o oath_n to_o give_v the_o dance_a daughter_n of_o herodias_n his_o harlot_n whatsoever_o she_o shall_v demand_v as_o this_o unaduised_a oath_n proceed_v of_o vain_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n upon_o the_o wicked_a demand_n of_o that_o damsel_n wrought_v much_o grief_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o king_n so_o be_v it_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o sudden_a dispatch_v and_o murder_v of_o that_o just_a man_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o although_o it_o may_v true_o be_v say_v that_o herode_fw-la be_v not_o bind_v by_o his_o oath_n to_o have_v accomplish_v so_o foul_a and_o wicked_a a_o deed_n yet_o can_v it_o not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o same_o be_v a_o rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a oath_n and_o so_o a_o offence_n against_o the_o majesty_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o what_o difference_n be_v there_o i_o pray_v you_o between_o the_o oath_n of_o herode_fw-la and_o that_o which_o now_o we_o have_v in_o question_n the_o one_o be_v to_o perform_v or_o grant_v whatsoever_o shall_v be_v require_v and_o the_o other_o to_o answer_v to_o all_o question_n that_o shall_v be_v demand_v since_o there_o may_v be_v as_o unlawful_a and_o as_o unhonest_a question_n minister_v as_o ungodlie_a request_n make_v or_o desire_v again_o it_o will_v not_o be_v forget_v that_o in_o all_o the_o volume_n the_o sacred_a scripture_n to_o my_o remembrance_n there_o be_v no_o one_o precedent_n or_o example_n to_o be_v show_v of_o any_o such_o general_a oath_n take_v by_o any_o godly_a man_n in_o private_a or_o exact_v by_o any_o magistrate_n in_o public_a neither_o yet_o any_o rule_n law_n or_o commandment_n for_o the_o same_o but_o against_o this_o our_o last_o assertion_n may_v happy_o be_v allege_v by_o some_o favourer_n of_o this_o foul_a abuse_n the_o manner_n of_o trial_n by_o adjuration_n of_o the_o suspect_a wife_n that_o be_v the_o law_n of_o jealousy_n the_o inquisition_n and_o expiation_n of_o manslaughter_n where_o the_o author_n be_v unknowen_a and_o the_o examination_n of_o achan_n all_o which_o nevertheless_o make_v nothing_o for_o these_o general_a oath_n or_o those_o enjoin_v ex_fw-la officio_fw-la as_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o law_n and_o history_n itself_o shall_v easy_o appear_v for_o as_o concern_v the_o law_n of_o jealousy_n although_o the_o wife_n be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o oath_n and_o adjuration_n in_o that_o manner_n and_o with_o those_o circumstance_n as_o be_v there_o prescribe_v either_o to_o satisfy_v the_o restless_a head_n of_o her_o jealous_a husband_n if_o she_o be_v guyltlesse_a or_o to_o receyve_v by_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o that_o accurse_a water_n if_o she_o be_v saultie_a condign_a punishment_n for_o her_o heinous_a offence_n both_o of_o perjury_n and_o adultery_n yet_o be_v it_o very_o manifest_a in_o this_o case_n that_o the_o wife_n be_v not_o summon_v or_o cite_v by_o the_o priest_n or_o magistrate_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la but_o bring_v unto_o he_o by_o her_o accuse_a husband_n who_o upon_o offence_n conceyve_v offer_v up_o his_o complaint_n and_o thereupon_o the_o woman_n be_v call_v for_o and_o put_v to_o her_o purgation_n well_o know_v her_o accusor_fw-la and_o have_v perfect_a notice_n before_o she_o swear_v of_o the_o crime_n object_v moreover_o who_o be_v so_o simple_a that_o see_v not_o how_o weak_a a_o argument_n or_o conclusion_n this_o be_v god_n have_v appoint_v a_o oath_n to_o be_v take_v by_o the_o wife_n in_o this_o especial_a and_o singular_a case_n of_o jealousy_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o suspicious_a mind_n of_o the_o husband_n ergo_fw-la every_o judge_n ecclesiastical_a to_o satisfy_v his_o jealous_a suspicion_n or_o imagination_n of_o any_o crime_n may_v appose_v by_o oath_n and_o compel_v man_n to_o their_o purgation_n for_o by_o as_o good_a reason_n the_o ordinary_a or_o judge_n
book_n of_o anno_fw-la 2._o r._n 3._o whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o unless_o these_o ordinary_n can_v prove_v their_o force_n of_o oath_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la to_o be_v warrant_v by_o authority_n of_o the_o law_n and_o justice_n of_o this_o land_n as_o in_o truth_n they_o can_v not_o all_o their_o deal_n in_o such_o case_n be_v by_o the_o same_o law_n utterlie_o disallow_v and_o condemn_v but_o here_o i_o think_v some_o reckless_a or_o inconsiderate_a reader_n step_v forth_o and_o say_v what_o be_v your_o meaning_n to_o circumscribe_v and_o include_v all_o authority_n of_o ministringe_n oath_n in_o the_o court_n ecclesiastical_a within_o the_o straight_a limit_n and_o bound_n of_o cause_n testamentary_a and_o matrimonial_a how_o then_o shall_v all_o other_o matter_n subject_a to_o their_o jurisdiction_n be_v in_o number_n many_o and_o in_o nature_n diverse_a receyve_v due_a examination_n for_o answer_v thereunto_o this_o short_o may_v suffice_v that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n which_o at_o this_o present_a we_o have_v in_o hand_n be_v not_o in_o what_o case_n those_o court_n may_v give_v or_o impose_v a_o oath_n but_o the_o matter_n where_o of_o we_o now_o entreat_v be_v concern_v force_v and_o constrain_v oath_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la and_o especial_o in_o that_o general_a manner_n before_o remember_v and_o as_o touch_v the_o trial_n of_o cause_n by_o examination_n of_o witness_n judiciallie_o depend_v between_o party_n and_o party_n in_o th'ecclesiasticall_a court_n it_o stand_v firm_a and_o for_o find_v law_n according_a to_o the_o say_a prohiâ—â—on_n and_o the_o opinion_n of_o master_n justice_n fitzherbert_n in_o his_o book_n of_o justice_n of_o peace_n be_v that_o those_o judge_n ecclesiastical_a have_v no_o lawful_a power_n or_o authority_n to_o force_n or_o constrain_v by_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n or_o otherwise_o any_o subject_n of_o this_o realm_n against_o his_o will_n to_o testify_v upon_o his_o oath_n other_o then_o in_o the_o foresay_a cause_n of_o marriage_n and_o testament_n although_o come_v before_o they_o as_o produce_v by_o the_o party_n in_o the_o suit_n they_o may_v lawful_o as_o unto_o man_n voluntary_o accept_v the_o same_o minister_v a_o oath_n otherwise_o it_o be_v plain_a extortion_n and_o wrong_v unto_o the_o party_n and_o admit_v they_o will_v deny_v to_o depose_v what_o prejudice_n be_v that_o to_o the_o court_n christian_a but_o rather_o a_o faylinge_v in_o proof_n in_o the_o party_n sue_v and_o in_o this_o state_n and_o sort_n stand_v the_o proof_n of_o cause_n by_o witness_n at_o the_o common_a law_n nevertheless_o since_o the_o statute_n make_v against_o wilful_a perjury_n the_o witness_n serve_v with_o process_n and_o have_v his_o charge_n tender_v make_v default_n incur_v a_o pain_n pecuniary_a and_o why_o shall_v the_o clergy_n and_o judge_n ecclesiastical_a think_v it_o much_o to_o be_v rule_v and_o restrain_v concern_v their_o jurisdiction_n by_o the_o king_n prerogative_n and_o the_o common_a law_n of_o this_o realm_n since_o what_o jurisdiction_n or_o authority_n soever_o they_o have_v or_o enjoy_v matter_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n except_v yea_o even_o in_o those_o especial_a cause_n of_o testament_n marriage_n divorse_n and_o tithe_n be_v no_o otherwise_o they_o then_o by_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o by_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o same_o as_o the_o statute_n of_o anno_fw-la 24._o h._n 8._o cap_n 12._o well_o declare_v and_o may_v be_v take_v from_o they_o and_o restore_v to_o the_o temporal_a judge_n especial_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o clergy_n well_o descrue_v it_o at_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o people_n but_o to_o return_v again_o to_o our_o prohibition_n and_o attachment_n it_o be_v evident_a thereby_o that_o all_o the_o summons_n and_o citation_n which_o those_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n send_v forth_o under_o these_o general_a term_n propter_fw-la salutem_fw-la animarum_fw-la or_o ex_fw-la officio_fw-la mero_fw-la and_o all_o their_o arreste_n distress_n impeachmente_n excommunication_n and_o imprisonmente_n thereupon_o ensue_v be_v altogether_o injurious_a both_o to_o the_o prince_n and_o people_n and_o of_o this_o opinion_n seem_v to_o be_v that_o learned_a judge_n master_n fitzherbert_n who_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr natura_fw-la brevium_fw-la say_v upon_o these_o writ_n in_o this_o manner_n by_o this_o appear_v that_o these_o general_a citation_n which_o bb._n make_v to_o cite_v man_n to_o appear_v before_o they_o pro_fw-la salute_v animae_fw-la without_o express_v any_o cause_n especial_a be_v against_o the_o law_n and_o true_a it_o be_v for_o by_o the_o statute_n of_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la charta_fw-la magna_fw-la charta_fw-la contain_v many_o excellent_a law_n of_o the_o liberty_n and_o free_a custom_n of_o this_o kingdom_n it_o be_v ordain_v that_o no_o free_a man_n be_v apprehend_v imprison_a distrain_v or_o impeach_v but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o by_o the_o statute_n make_v anno_fw-la 5._o ed._n 3._o ca._n 9_o it_o be_v enact_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v attach_v upon_o any_o accusation_n contrary_a to_o the_o form_n of_o the_o great_a charter_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o realm_n moreover_o it_o be_v accord_v by_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 43._o e._n 3._o ca._n 9_o for_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o commonalty_n that_o no_o man_n be_v put_v to_o answer_v without_o presentment_n before_o justice_n or_o matter_n of_o record_n or_o by_o due_a process_n or_o by_o write_v original_a after_o the_o ancient_a law_n of_o this_o land_n and_o how_o then_o shall_v that_o kind_n of_o proceedinge_v ex_fw-la officio_fw-la by_o force_a oath_n &_o the_o urge_v of_o this_o general_a oath_n and_o straight_o imprison_v of_o such_o as_o refuse_v to_o swear_v be_v justifiable_a if_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o yet_o a_o man_n will_v have_v think_v that_o at_o the_o least_o the_o sharp_a and_o severe_a statute_n of_o provision_n and_o praemunire_n so_o offensive_a to_o popish_a polidore_n and_o such_o like_a praemunire_n praemunire_n shall_v have_v stay_v and_o stop_v the_o violent_a course_n of_o those_o injurious_a inquisition_n examination_n and_o wrest_a oath_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la for_o no_o doubt_n the_o ordinary_n &_o cleargiemen_n practise_v the_o same_o be_v all_o offender_n &_o do_v incur_v the_o forfeiture_n of_o those_o penal_a law_n for_o proof_n whereof_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o word_n of_o the_o statute_n of_o praemunire_n make_v ann_n 16._o ri._n 2._o ca._n 5._o and_o the_o judgement_n &_o exposition_n thereupon_o have_v that_o statute_n recite_v first_o the_o grievous_a complaint_n of_o the_o whole_a realm_n against_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n who_o impeach_v many_o patron_n in_o the_o presentation_n to_o their_o ecclesiastical_a benefice_n excommunicate_v the_o bb._n of_o this_o realm_n for_o execute_v the_o king_n writt_n the_o clerice_n admittendo_fw-la seek_v to_o translate_v some_o of_o they_o against_o their_o and_o the_o king_n will_v and_o diverse_a other_o inconvenience_n in_o derogation_n of_o the_o king_n crown_n and_o regality_n provide_v remedy_n for_o those_o and_o such_o like_a mischief_n in_o this_o manner_n that_o if_o any_o purchase_n or_o pursue_v or_o do_v to_o be_v purchase_v or_o pursue_v in_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n or_o elsewhere_o any_o such_o translation_n process_n &_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n bull_n instrument_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n which_o touch_v the_o king_n against_o he_o his_o crown_n and_o his_o regality_n or_o his_o realm_n or_o they_o receyve_v or_o make_v thereof_o notification_n or_o any_o other_o execution_n within_o the_o same_o realm_n or_o without_o that_o they_o their_o notary_n procurator_n maintainer_n abbetter_n fautor_n and_o counsellor_n shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o king_n protection_n and_o their_o land_n and_o tenemente_n good_n and_o chattelle_n forfeit_v to_o the_o king_n etc._n etc._n since_o the_o make_n of_o which_o statute_n it_o have_v be_v hold_v and_o adjudge_v for_o clear_a law_n in_o the_o king_n court_n that_o if_o any_o subject_n of_o the_o king_n sue_v or_o implead_v a_o other_o in_o any_o ecclesiastical_a court_n of_o this_o realm_n for_o any_o cause_n or_o matter_n appertayninge_v to_o the_o examination_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o court_n of_o the_o common_a law_n or_o any_o judge_n ecclesiastical_a presume_v to_o hold_v plea_n thereof_o or_o deal_v in_o any_o cause_v not_o belonginge_v to_o his_o jurisdiction_n that_o they_o incur_v the_o danger_n and_o penalty_n of_o praemunire_n as_o by_o the_o book_n of_o 5._o ed._n 4._o fol._n 6._o &_o by_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o court_n anno_fw-la 11._o h._n 7._o remember_v by_o master_n fitzherbert_n plain_o do_v appear_v according_a also_o thereunto_o be_v the_o case_n of_o master_n barloo_n late_a bishop_n of_o bath_n report_v by_o master_n justice_n brooke_n which_o bish_n in_o the_o time_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o 6._o deprive_v the_o