and_o come_v to_o restore_v the_o true_a witness-bearing_a as_o at_o the_o first_o which_o be_v and_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n of_o oath_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v a_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o spirit_n not_o of_o the_o letter_n he_o be_v come_v to_o see_v the_o end_n of_o that_o which_o be_v abolish_v and_o preach_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v and_o be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n the_o author_n of_o true_a witness-bearing_a which_o be_v before_o any_o oath_n or_o swear_v be_v and_o so_o as_o christ_n his_o lord_n and_o master_n have_v do_v before_o when_o he_o say_v unto_o pilate_n for_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n joh._n 18.37_o he_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n do_v bear_v witness_n to_o and_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o witness-bearing_a do_v as_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v call_v god_n to_o witness_v or_o appeal_v to_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o man_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o declare_v without_o observe_v any_o set_a form_n of_o word_n and_o as_o sarai_n have_v do_v before_o when_o she_o say_v unto_o abram_n the_o lord_n judge_n betwixt_o thou_o and_o i_o yet_o do_v not_o swear_v at_o all_o but_o a._n s._n say_v that_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v be_v a_o formal_a oath_n because_o there_o be_v a_o attestation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n answ._n that_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v use_v in_o witness-bearing_a before_o any_o oath_n or_o swear_v be_v do_v appear_v gen._n 3.3_o where_o eve_n before_o the_o fall_n in_o witness-bearing_a use_v the_o name_n of_o god_n when_o she_o say_v god_n have_v say_v you_o shall_v not_o eat_v etc._n etc._n yet_o do_v not_o swear_v at_o all_o and_o sarai_n after_o the_o fall_n do_v use_v a_o attestation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o witness-bearing_a when_o she_o say_v unto_o abram_n the_o lord_n judge_n betwixt_o thou_o and_o i_o gen._n 16.5_o and_o yet_o sarai_n do_v not_o swear_v at_o all_o in_o so_o do_v and_o therefore_o the_o call_n of_o god_n to_o witness_v or_o say_v god_n be_v my_o witness_n etc._n etc._n without_o add_v of_o somewhat_o more_o be_v neither_o oath_n nor_o swear_v for_o if_o such_o attestation_n or_o mention_v the_o name_n of_o god_n without_o somewhat_o more_o be_v swear_v than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o people_n do_v swear_v oftentimes_o in_o their_o prayer_n as_o when_o they_o use_v that_o expression_n oh_o god_n the_o father_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n o_o god_n make_v haste_n to_o help_v we_o amen_o amen_n etc._n etc._n which_o for_o any_o to_o affirm_v be_v a_o great_a injury_n to_o the_o people_n again_o if_o a_o bare_a attestation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n by_o what_o term_n soever_o express_v be_v a_o oath_n and_o swear_v without_o add_v of_o some_o what_o more_o then_o will_v the_o magistrate_n in_o judicial_a proceed_n in_o case_n where_o a_o oath_n and_o swear_v be_v by_o the_o law_n require_v receive_v such_o attestation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n without_o deny_v they_o for_o oath_n and_o swear_v but_o such_o attestation_n or_o the_o like_a without_o add_v somewhat_o more_o be_v deny_v by_o the_o magistrate_n in_o judicial_a proceed_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o they_o be_v no_o formal_a or_o legal_a oath_n without_o addition_n of_o somewhat_o more_o which_o somewhat_o more_o be_v more_o than_o yea_o and_o nay_o come_v of_o evil_a for_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v and_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a ground_n or_o cause_n that_o be_v allege_v for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o some_o swear_n under_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o end_n of_o controversy_n and_o strife_n in_o judicial_a proceed_n etc._n etc._n that_o if_o a_o oath_n or_o swear_v be_v lawful_a in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o it_o must_v be_v in_o judicial_a proceed_n etc._n etc._n and_o i_o do_v not_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o any_o oath_n be_v lawful_a but_o in_o such_o proceed_n or_o the_o like_a emergent_a occasion_n all_o vain_a and_o prosane_a oath_n be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n and_o as_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o oath_n under_o the_o law_n be_v in_o legal_a or_o judicial_a proceed_n so_o the_o definition_n or_o determination_n of_o what_o be_v a_o legal_a oath_n or_o swear_v and_o what_o be_v neither_o oath_n nor_o swear_v be_v by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o and_o not_o by_o private_a or_o particular_a man_n for_o at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v several_a kind_n or_o form_n of_o oath_n require_v by_o the_o national_a law_n and_o yet_o the_o bare_a attestation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n without_o addition_n of_o somewhat_o more_o be_v not_o answerable_a to_o any_o of_o they_o neither_o do_v full_o answer_v the_o require_v of_o the_o law_n as_o the_o daily_a practice_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o court_n of_o judicature_n do_v manifest_a which_o practice_n do_v declare_v what_o a_o legal_a oath_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o national_a law_n and_o for_o illegal_a oath_n a._n s._n i_o hope_v will_v not_o contend_v by_o which_o law_n also_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o the_o law_n do_v put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o oath_n or_o swear_v and_o witness-bearing_a and_o do_v not_o confound_v they_o together_o as_o many_o man_n do_v as_o for_o instance_n in_o one_o particular_a when_o a_o party_n or_o a_o witness_n do_v appear_v to_o answer_v a_o libel_n or_o to_o give_v evidence_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a court_n upon_o his_o appearance_n in_o the_o court_n he_o be_v require_v to_o take_v his_o oath_n and_o then_o the_o book_n be_v hold_v the_o party_n have_v lay_v his_o hand_n thereupon_o some_o word_n be_v speak_v to_o he_o by_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o court_n and_o after_o the_o party_n have_v kiss_v the_o book_n then_o be_v the_o party_n say_v to_o be_v swear_v or_o to_o have_v take_v his_o oath_n and_o be_v so_o swear_v he_o be_v admonish_v to_o give_v in_o his_o answer_n or_o his_o evidence_n as_o the_o case_n be_v at_z or_o before_o such_o a_o time_n so_o that_o the_o evidence_n after_o give_v into_o the_o court_n be_v the_o witness-bearing_a and_o not_o the_o oath_n which_o evidence_n or_o answer_v as_o the_o case_n require_v if_o he_o neglect_v or_o refuse_v to_o give_v he_o be_v proceed_v against_o for_o refuse_v to_o give_v his_o evidence_n or_o answer_v and_o not_o as_o one_o that_o refuse_v to_o swear_v or_o take_v a_o oath_n he_o have_v swear_v or_o take_v his_o oath_n before_o which_o evidence_n if_o give_v be_v the_o witness-bearing_a and_o not_o the_o oath_n for_o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o swear_v he_o be_v proceed_v against_o for_o refuse_v to_o swear_v although_o he_o offer_v to_o give_v his_o evidence_n without_o swear_v so_o that_o the_o evidence_n be_v the_o witness-bearing_a and_o not_o the_o oath_n by_o which_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v in_o and_o of_o itself_o a_o distinct_a thing_n from_o witness-bearing_a which_o be_v before_o any_o oath_n be_v and_o be_v but_o a_o bond_n or_o tye_n for_o true_a witness-bearing_a and_o not_o the_o substance_n for_o when_o the_o evidence_n be_v give_v if_o what_o be_v evidence_v be_v false_a the_o oath_n take_v before_o or_o after_o do_v not_o make_v it_o true_a and_o if_o it_o be_v truth_n that_o be_v evidence_v the_o refuse_v to_o take_v or_o add_v a_o oath_n or_o give_v a_o token_n sign_n or_o pledge_v do_v not_o detract_v any_o thing_n from_o it_o by_o which_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o the_o unprejudiced_a in_o mind_n that_o the_o lay_v aside_o of_o a_o oath_n and_o swear_v which_o be_v add_v for_o a_o time_n under_o the_o law_n in_o witness-bearing_a because_o man_n have_v transgress_v or_o go_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n before_o any_o oath_n be_v in_o witness-bearing_a be_v not_o to_o destroy_v true_a witness-bearing_a but_o the_o reduce_v it_o to_o its_o primitive_a purity_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n so_o that_o the_o true_a witness_n christ_n jesus_n be_v make_v manifest_a all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v truth_n and_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n he_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v the_o truth_n confess_v the_o truth_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o heart_n unto_o their_o neighbour_n or_o before_o a_o magistrate_n in_o witness-bearing_a as_o it_o be_v write_v a_o good_a man_n out_o of_o the_o good_a treasure_n in_o his_o heart_n he_o bring_v forth_o good_a thing_n so_o that_o our_o neighbour_n
a_o true_a testimony_n concern_v oath_n &_o swear_v etc._n etc._n as_o also_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o subject_a matter_n contain_v in_o twelve_o argument_n or_o reason_n lay_v down_o in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o carliste_n aug._n 17._o 1664._o by_o allan_n smalwood_n d.d._n as_o he_o style_v himself_o to_o prove_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o forbid_v all_o swear_v wherein_o be_v full_o clear_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n james_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o matth._n 5.34_o &_o jam._n 5.12_o from_o the_o corrupt_a gloss_n limit_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o say_v a._n s._n in_o his_o say_a sermon_n and_o in_o his_o reply_n to_o f.h._n his_o book_n call_v oath_n no_o gospel_n ordinance_n etc._n etc._n and_o also_o the_o unsatisfactoriness_n and_o unsoundness_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a argument_n full_o discover_v and_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o manifest_v to_o be_v a_o universal_a prohibition_n of_o all_o oath_n and_o swear_v whatsoever_o to_o his_o disciple_n write_a in_o the_o year_n 1668._o by_o ger._n benson_n psal._n 89.49_o 50._o remember_v o_o lord_n the_o rebuke_n thy_o servant_n have_v wherewith_o thy_o enemy_n have_v blaspheme_v thou_o and_o slander_v the_o footstep_n of_o thiâ—â—_n anoint_v london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1669._o to_o the_o reader_n reader_n what_o i_o have_v write_v in_o this_o little_a treatise_n not_o be_v after_o man_n neither_o by_o i_o receive_v of_o man_n nor_o from_o man_n i_o have_v therefore_o make_v no_o use_n of_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n neither_o of_o any_o man_n testimony_n for_o the_o confirm_v the_o same_o but_o as_o the_o testimony_n therein_o bear_v be_v for_o god_n &_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o say_n &_o not_o for_o man_n i_o have_v make_v use_n of_o no_o other_o witness_n than_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n that_o bear_v witness_v because_o the_o spirit_n be_v truth_n and_o be_v so_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v which_o spirit_n be_v of_o god_n be_v great_a than_o man_n and_o so_o know_v more_o for_o the_o thing_n therein_o treat_v of_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n &_o therefore_o stand_v not_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o word_n or_o of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n who_o shut_v &_o no_o man_n can_v open_v &_o open_v &_o no_o man_n can_v shut_v neither_o indeed_o be_v fall_v man_n especial_o a_o swearer_n a_o competent_a witness_n in_o this_o controversy_n about_o swear_v no_o man_n be_v a_o competent_a witness_n in_o his_o own_o cause_n read_v then_o without_o prejudice_n own_o with_o understanding_n or_o answer_v in_o the_o ground_n without_o contend_v about_o word_n to_o no_o profit_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o power_n neither_o in_o meat_n &_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o true_a testimony_n concern_v oath_n and_o swear_v etc._n etc._n in_o the_o day_n that_o almighty_a god_n create_v man_n before_o man_n be_v in_o his_o image_n and_o according_a to_o his_o own_o likeness_n create_v he_o he_o male_a and_o female_a create_v he_o they_o and_o have_v finish_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n he_o look_v upon_o all_o that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o lo_o it_o be_v very_o good_a and_o have_v also_o make_v the_o man_n of_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n he_o plant_v a_o garden_n eastward_o in_o eden_n where_o he_o put_v the_o man_n who_o he_o have_v make_v and_o that_o man_n may_v learn_v obedience_n the_o lord_n command_v he_o say_v thou_o shall_v eat_v free_o of_o every_o tree_n of_o the_o garden_n but_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a 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 die_v the_o death_n now_o in_o that_o day_n there_o be_v no_o strife_n or_o controversy_n for_o what_o the_o lord_n command_v it_o be_v do_v as_o it_o be_v write_v psal._n 33.9_o for_o he_o speak_v and_o it_o be_v do_v he_o command_v and_o it_o stand_v fast_o and_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o and_o over_o all_o the_o lawgiver_n judge_n and_o king_n and_o as_o then_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n which_o god_n have_v make_v so_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o controversy_n or_o strife_n betwixt_o man_n and_o his_o maker_n or_o among_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o oath_n or_o swear_v nor_o any_o other_o outward_a or_o visible_a sign_n shadow_n type_n or_o figure_n in_o or_o by_o which_o the_o lord_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v nor_o any_o need_n thereof_o for_o the_o lord_n god_n who_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o be_v all_o in_o all_o and_o over_o all_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o who_o be_v worship_v not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n not_o with_o oath_n and_o swear_v neither_o in_o set_a form_n shadow_n sign_n or_o figure_n but_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n in_o love_n and_o true_a obedience_n which_o be_v and_o be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n or_o the_o fat_a of_o ram_n and_o in_o that_o day_n the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v eternal_a and_o nor_o moral_a be_v the_o rule_n and_o guide_v of_o man_n in_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n with_o who_o man_n in_o his_o spirit_n have_v unity_n and_o fellowship_n in_o the_o light_n life_n and_o truth_n that_o be_v eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n even_o so_o it_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o restauration_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v the_o almighty_a alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o the_o true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n the_o author_n of_o all_o true_a witness-bearing_a but_o man_n be_v in_o honour_n continue_v not_o for_o the_o serpent_n be_v more_o subtle_a than_o any_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n deceive_v the_o woman_n with_o his_o limit_v sense_n and_o meaning_n which_o he_o then_o give_v to_o the_o positive_a word_n and_o command_n of_o god_n even_o as_o the_o spirit_n that_o now_o rule_v in_o all_o the_o chileren_fw-mi of_o disobedience_n with_o his_o limit_v sense_n and_o commodious_a interpretation_n as_o they_o be_v call_v of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n do_v deceive_v the_o simple_a that_o lend_v a_o ear_n unto_o he_o and_o thereby_o bring_v she_o then_o as_o that_o spirit_n do_v people_n now_o into_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o word_n and_o command_n of_o god_n unto_o which_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o add_v any_o thing_n neither_o to_o diminish_v aught_o therefrom_o deut._n 4.2_o rev._n 22._o 18_o 19_o and_o the_o woman_n have_v eat_v of_o that_o which_o in_o its_o self_n be_v good_a and_o therefore_o not_o intrinsical_o evil_a mark_v that_o give_v unto_o her_o husband_n with_o she_o and_o he_o do_v eat_v who_o have_v eat_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n and_o command_n of_o god_n sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n into_o man_n heart_n and_o death_n by_o sin_n the_o first_o ground_n or_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n and_o now_o in_o that_o day_n the_o candle_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v put_v out_o death_n and_o darkness_n pass_v over_o the_o life_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o man_n so_o that_o the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n the_o ground_n of_o true_a witness-bearing_a which_o be_v and_o be_v eternal_a not_o moral_a be_v hide_v from_o their_o eye_n who_o have_v sin_v and_o now_o man_n be_v deprive_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o ignorant_a of_o his_o righteousness_n go_v after_o his_o own_o invention_n so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v write_v death_n reign_v from_o adam_n until_o moses_n rom._n 5.14_o and_o now_o in_o that_o day_n the_o lord_n have_v a_o controversy_n with_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o man_n in_o his_o sin_n be_v in_o unbelief_n of_o the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n the_o ground_n of_o true_a witness-bearing_a insomuch_o as_o that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n when_o man_n begin_v to_o be_v multiply_v upon_o earth_n the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n wax_v great_a so_o that_o they_o go_v into_o strife_n and_o contention_n one_o against_o another_o until_o blood_n touch_v blood_n and_o in_o this_o estate_n of_o man_n abimelech_n king_n of_o gerar_n who_o be_v in_o the_o unbelief_n of_o the_o word_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o observe_v that_o god_n be_v with_o abram_n he_o be_v afraid_a as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n be_v afraid_a where_o no_o fear_n or_o cause_n thereof_o be_v psal._n 53.4_o 5._o and_o have_v a_o controversy_n against_o abram_n concern_v sarah_n gen._n 20.9_o say_v unto_o abram_n swear_v unto_o i_o here_o by_o god_n
therefore_o as_o they_o be_v not_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o lord_n so_o neither_o may_v they_o swear_v by_o heaven_n it_o be_v god_n throne_n which_o will_v amount_v to_o swear_v by_o god_n that_o sit_v thereon_o neither_o by_o the_o earth_n neither_o by_o jerusalem_n neither_o by_o the_o head_n which_o be_v the_o great_a of_o the_o creature_n the_o prohibition_n include_v also_o the_o lesser_a therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a none_o of_o christ_n word_n be_v speak_v in_o vain_a that_o christ_n jesus_n do_v not_o only_o forbid_v all_o swear_n by_o the_o creature_n but_o also_o by_o the_o true_a god_n for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o exception_n intend_v by_o christ_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n he_o doubtless_o will_v have_v mention_v it_o as_o well_o as_o he_o do_v vers_fw-la 32._o where_o it_o be_v say_v whosoever_o shall_v put_v away_o his_o wife_n except_o it_o be_v for_o fornication_n cause_v she_o to_o commit_v adultery_n etc._n etc._n for_o a_o oath_n and_o swear_v not_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n with_o god_n nor_o original_o of_o he_o as_o true_a witness-bearing_a be_v but_o be_v add_v because_o the_o true_a witness-bearing_a be_v transgress_v for_o a_o time_n viz._n until_o christ_n jesus_n the_o true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n and_o ground_n of_o all_o true_a witness_n bear_v be_v make_v manifest_a to_o restore_v the_o true_a witness-bearing_a as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o first_o now_o christ_n be_v come_v and_o have_v choose_v his_o disciple_n out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v his_o witness_n and_o to_o place_n and_o restore_v the_o true_a witness-bearing_a unto_o and_o among_o they_o who_o he_o have_v appoint_v to_o be_v light_n and_o good_a example_n unto_o the_o world_n he_o therefore_o take_v away_o swear_v which_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n but_o be_v add_v because_o of_o transgression_n as_o before_o be_v say_v and_o as_o be_v more_o than_o yea_o and_o nay_o that_o he_o may_v restore_v and_o place_v the_o true_a witness-bearing_a which_o be_v of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o house_n and_o among_o the_o household_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n where_o he_o say_v let_v your_o yea_o be_v yea_o and_o your_o nay_o nay_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o these_o come_v of_o evil_n that_o swear_a being_n more_o than_o yea_o and_o nay_o the_o original_a ground_n or_o cause_n thereof_o in_o man_n come_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o not_o of_o the_o good_a in_o man_n and_o thus_o christ_n jesus_n have_v forbid_v all_o swear_n whatsoever_o as_o aforesaid_a and_o take_v away_o the_o first_o ground_n or_o cause_n thereof_o in_o his_o disciple_n he_o according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o promise_v of_o god_n in_o the_o place_n and_o stead_n thereof_o restore_v the_o pure_a language_n the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n by_o the_o light_n of_o which_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v with_o his_o heart_n come_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o so_o to_o do_v the_o truth_n to_o confess_v and_o speak_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o heart_n unto_o his_o neighbour_n or_o before_o a_o magistrate_n in_o witness-bearing_a and_o this_o witness_n be_v of_o god_n will_v not_o lie_v and_o be_v therefore_o the_o great_a witness_n which_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v have_v in_o himself_o according_a to_o 1_o job._n 5.9_o 10._o and_o the_o testimony_n that_o be_v bear_v from_o this_o and_o according_a to_o this_o word_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o heart_n in_o witness-bearing_a be_v in_o truth_n in_o righteousness_n and_o in_o judgement_n be_v from_o and_o according_a to_o a_o good_a understanding_n and_o as_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o man_n heart_n be_v believe_v in_o it_o do_v purify_v and_o make_v clean_o the_o heart_n by_o take_v away_o sin_n and_o unbelief_n out_o of_o the_o heart_n and_o so_o reconcile_v it_o unto_o god_n and_o one_o man_n unto_o another_o and_o now_o the_o testimony_n that_o be_v bear_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v that_o which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o end_v all_o controversy_n and_o strife_n among_o man_n for_o now_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o bear_v witness_v because_o the_o spirit_n be_v truth_n 1_o john_n 5.6_o and_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o so_o from_o all_o oath_n shadow_n and_o swear_v in_o witness-bearing_a which_o have_v but_o a_o shadow_n and_o not_o the_o substance_n of_o true_a witness-bearing_a when_o the_o substance_n be_v come_v the_o shadow_n be_v to_o pass_v away_o so_o what_o christ_n jesus_n receive_v of_o his_o father_n that_o he_o make_v know_v to_o his_o disciple_n as_o he_o say_v job._n 17.8_o i_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o the_o word_n which_o thou_o give_v i_o and_o they_o have_v receive_v they_o and_o have_v know_v sure_o that_o i_o come_v out_o from_o thou_o and_o have_v believe_v that_o thou_o have_v send_v i_o insomuch_o as_o the_o apostle_n james_n when_o he_o write_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o tribe_n which_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o he_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n be_v jew_n not_o gentile_n of_o that_o precept_n of_o christ_n where_o he_o say_v above_o all_o thing_n my_o brethren_n swear_v not_o etc._n etc._n jam._n 5.12_o not_o that_o swear_v be_v a_o great_a offence_n than_o murder_n or_o adultery_n but_o they_o be_v jew_n and_o not_o gentile_n by_o nature_n have_v a_o command_n from_o god_n under_o the_o law_n to_o swear_v etc._n etc._n be_v apt_a to_o think_v they_o may_v as_o well_o swear_v then_o as_o they_o may_v before_o not_o at_o that_o time_n be_v so_o full_o inform_v that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n for_o righteousness_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o that_o by_o he_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v from_o all_o thing_n from_o which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n act._n 13.39_o for_o many_o among_o the_o jew_n which_o then_o believe_v be_v at_o that_o time_n zealous_a of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n insomuch_o as_o there_o be_v of_o they_o that_o teach_v the_o brethren_n that_o except_o they_o be_v circumcise_v and_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n they_o can_v not_o be_v save_v act._n 15._o &_o 21.20_o so_o that_o although_o adultery_n and_o murder_n be_v as_o great_a sin_n as_o swear_v yet_o the_o law_n which_o they_o be_v zealous_a of_o have_v forbid_v the_o one_o and_o require_v the_o other_o it_o be_v more_o difficult_a to_o bring_v they_o off_o from_o swear_v than_o from_o murder_n or_o adultery_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v usual_a among_o man_n to_o exhort_v those_o they_o be_v to_o watch_v over_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o those_o evil_n they_o have_v be_v most_o addict_v to_o and_o of_o those_o thing_n they_o have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o even_o so_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o be_v jew_n to_o remember_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o they_o believe_v swear_v not_o at_o all_o etc._n etc._n and_o although_o it_o be_v now_o conclude_v that_o christ_n jesus_n do_v intend_v by_o those_o word_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o a_o absolute_a universal_a and_o unlimited_a prohibition_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o swear_v whatsoever_o as_o indeed_o it_o must_v be_v either_o all_o swear_v that_o be_v former_o command_v or_o else_o christ_n in_o that_o command_n forbid_v nothing_o which_o be_v not_o forbid_v before_o nay_o by_o those_o word_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o he_o make_v the_o case_n about_o swear_v more_o questionable_a dark_a and_o doubtful_a than_o it_o be_v before_o which_o for_o any_o to_o affirm_v be_v a_o great_a injury_n to_o christ_n the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o christ_n jesus_n in_o forbid_v all_o manner_n of_o swear_v whatsoever_o do_v nothing_o but_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n james_n in_o put_v the_o jew_n in_o mind_n of_o his_o master_n command_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o any_o thing_n in_o opposition_n but_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o require_v of_o christ._n and_o now_o of_o the_o thing_n before_o write_v this_o be_v the_o sum_n that_o a_o oath_n and_o swear_v be_v not_o in_o the_o begin_n with_o god_n neither_o be_v the_o original_a ground_n or_o cause_n of_o a_o oath_n &_o swear_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o neither_o be_v nor_o be_v a_o oath_n or_o swear_v any_o part_n of_o the_o law_n eternal_a nor_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n but_o the_o original_a ground_n or_o cause_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o swear_v among_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o
unbelief_n of_o man_n in_o god_n his_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o which_o transgression_n be_v the_o first_o ground_n or_o cause_n which_o not_o be_v any_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o true_a witness-bearing_a be_v enter_v into_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n into_o man_n heart_n by_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o therefore_o a_o oath_n and_o swear_v be_v not_o any_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n now_o under_o the_o spirit_n immediate_a administration_n and_o the_o law_n have_v but_o a_o shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n then_o to_o come_v therefore_o can_v never_o make_v the_o comer_n thereunto_o perfect_a as_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o better_a hope_n do_v and_o so_o christ_n jesus_n the_o true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n that_o end_v the_o controversy_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n under_o which_o the_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o be_v unto_o they_o that_o be_v under_o it_o a_o end_n of_o all_o controversy_n and_o strife_n among_o man_n for_o righteousness_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v which_o law_n not_o be_v of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v take_v away_o or_o out_o of_o the_o way_n when_o faith_n be_v come_v which_o be_v before_o the_o law_n which_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v give_v or_o any_o oath_n or_o swear_v be_v for_o as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o israel_n appear_v in_o give_v they_o his_o law_n and_o statute_n notwithstanding_o they_o can_v not_o accomplish_v their_o eternal_a peace_n and_o happiness_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n neither_o can_v be_v take_v away_o nor_o they_o free_v therefrom_o until_o they_o be_v fulfil_v and_o the_o end_n accomplish_v for_o which_o they_o be_v give_v even_o so_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o send_v forth_o his_o son_n to_o effect_n that_o which_o the_o law_n can_v not_o do_v for_o man_n neither_o can_v man_n free_v himself_o from_o who_o be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n the_o oath_n and_o covenant_n of_o god_n be_v fulfil_v in_o he_o and_o to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v and_o do_v receive_v he_o by_o believe_v in_o his_o word_n which_o be_v night_n in_o the_o heart_n to_o do_v thereafter_o the_o heart_n come_v to_o be_v purify_v and_o make_v clean_o and_o be_v prepare_v by_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o witness_v and_o feel_v the_o love_n and_o power_n of_o god_n to_o quicken_v it_o and_o enable_v it_o to_o every_o good_a work_n so_o that_o a_o good_a man_n out_o of_o the_o good_a treasure_n of_o his_o heart_n bring_v forth_o good_a thing_n mat._n 12.35_o speak_v the_o truth_n to_o and_o witness_v the_o truth_n for_o his_o neighbour_n according_a to_o and_o from_o a_o good_a understanding_n and_o thus_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n come_v to_o be_v fulfil_v by_o christ_n in_o we_o who_o walk_v not_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n but_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o end_n of_o god_n in_o give_v the_o law_n accomplish_v according_a as_o it_o be_v write_v 1_o tim._n 1.5_o the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n be_v love_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o of_o faith_n unsain_v so_o that_o the_o law_n which_o require_v a_o oath_n in_o witness-bearing_a nor_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o law_n by_o christ_n or_o any_o that_o be_v of_o he_o be_v not_o frustrate_v neither_o destroy_v but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n by_o true_a witness-bearing_a be_v fulfil_v and_o be_v fulfil_v be_v by_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n disannul_v abrogate_a abolish_v and_o take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n with_o all_o oath_n swear_v and_o sign_n that_o be_v require_v by_o it_o and_o in_o the_o stead_n and_o place_n thereof_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o faith_n the_o true_a witness-bearing_a as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n before_o any_o oath_n or_o swear_v be_v establish_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o by_o which_o law_n of_o faith_n the_o victory_n over_o the_o world_n sin_n and_o unbelief_n come_v to_o be_v witness_v the_o first_o ground_n or_o cause_n of_o swear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o now_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n without_o the_o law_n write_v which_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v manifest_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n that_o shine_v in_o man_n heart_n for_o to_o give_v unto_o man_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v immediate_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o be_v spiritual_a not_o moral_a be_v witness_v by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n according_a to_o rom._n 3.21_o and_o be_v not_o now_o call_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o as_o the_o apostle_n faith_n ephes._n 5.9_o be_v in_o all_o goodness_n righteousness_n and_o truth_n and_o gal._n 5.22_o 23._o be_v love_n joy_n peace_n long_o suffer_v gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n temperance_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o the_o cause_n be_v remove_v the_o effect_n cease_v from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o true_a witness-bearing_a be_v before_o any_o oath_n or_o swear_v be_v and_o the_o law_n that_o be_v perfect_a and_o eternal_a be_v though_o hide_v from_o their_o eye_n who_o mind_n be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n and_o light_n of_o god_n because_o of_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n before_o the_o law_n in_o the_o table_n of_o stone_n be_v write_v and_o the_o lord_n be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n before_o any_o oath_n or_o swear_v be_v and_o therefore_o a_o oath_n and_o swear_v neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v any_o part_n of_o the_o law_n eternal_a nor_o of_o faith_n neither_o any_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v unchangeable_a and_o spiritual_a so_o that_o the_o lay_v aside_o or_o take_v away_o of_o a_o oath_n and_o swear_v in_o witness-bearing_a be_v not_o to_o destroy_v witness-bearing_a but_o the_o reduce_v it_o to_o its_o original_a verity_n and_o purity_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n from_o all_o oath_n and_o swear_v which_o be_v add_v for_o a_o time_n to_o wit_n till_o the_o true_a witness_n christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o true_a witness-bearing_a be_v make_v manifest_a and_o restore_v according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n that_o be_v write_v of_o and_o concern_v christ_n and_o as_o true_a witness-bearing_a be_v in_o time_n before_o any_o oath_n or_o swear_v be_v and_o therefore_o a_o oath_n and_o swear_v be_v not_o neither_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o true_a witness-bearing_a even_o so_o the_o truth_n be_v before_o any_o lie_n although_o the_o liar_n be_v more_o ancient_a than_o the_o swearer_n now_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o why_o shall_v man_n profess_v god_n and_o godliness_n and_o christianity_n go_v about_o to_o continue_v a_o oath_n and_o swear_v in_o witness-bearing_a under_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v everlasting_a and_o be_v preach_v to_o abraham_n before_o the_o law_n of_o oath_n be_v or_o any_o swear_v be_v command_v or_o require_v by_o god_n gal._n 3.8_o which_o have_v its_o beginning_n and_o end_v in_o time_n not_o be_v of_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n that_o abide_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o be_v and_o be_v changeable_a be_v of_o those_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v shake_v and_o so_o to_o be_v remove_v that_o true_a witness-bearing_a which_o be_v of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v shake_v may_v remain_v therefore_o o_o you_o call_v christian_n let_v it_o not_o seem_v to_o you_o a_o thing_n so_o grievous_a to_o have_v the_o bondwoman_n unbelief_n and_o her_o son_n swear_v cast_v out_o for_o assure_o it_o must_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n with_o the_o son_n of_o the_o freewoman_n true_a witness-bearing_a and_o now_o these_o thing_n thus_o premise_v be_v a_o true_a testimony_n concern_v oath_n and_o swear_v etc._n etc._n i_o proceed_v to_o answer_v the_o subject_a matter_n contain_v and_o lay_v down_o in_o twelve_o argument_n or_o reason_n whereby_o allan_n smallwood_n have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v but_o in_o vain_a that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o forbid_v all_o swear_v when_o he_o say_v unto_o his_o disciple_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 5.34_o arg._n 1._o the_o first_o argument_n as_o it_o be_v state_v by_o a._n s._n in_o his_o reply_n to_o f._n h._n his_o book_n entitle_v oath_n no_o gospel_n ordinance_n etc._n etc._n be_v that_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n immutable_a in_o nature_n and_o will_n for_o mutability_n will_v argue_v imperfection_n and_o consequent_o can_v issue_v forth_o contrary_a command_n for_o that_o will_v evidence_n a_o contrariety_n or_o mutability_n in_o their_o will_n and_o the_o father_n have_v