much_o less_o to_o perform_v it_o but_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o thing_n impossible_a by_o accident_n only_o be_v somewhat_o different_a as_o if_o a_o man_n have_v swear_v to_o pay_v a_o hundred_o pound_n within_o a_o month_n which_o be_v not_o impossible_a pierce_v be_v hinder_v by_o some_o unexpected_a accident_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o he_o can_v make_v the_o sum_n within_o the_o time_n appoint_v albeit_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n to_o wit_v the_o payment_n of_o the_o whole_a debt_n within_o the_o time_n limit_v which_o be_v now_o render_v impossible_a nevertheless_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v what_o he_o can_v viz._n to_o pay_v as_o much_o and_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v able_a the_o reason_n of_o both_o be_v that_o because_o in_o this_o case_n impossibility_n only_o impede_v the_o obligation_n the_o obligation_n be_v only_o so_o far_o take_v away_o as_o the_o performance_n be_v impossible_a but_o in_o the_o rest_n remain_v and_o he_o who_o can_v pay_v all_o he_o owe_v ought_v yet_o to_o pay_v all_o he_o can_v sect_n xiii_o the_o five_o hypothesis_n a_o unlawful_a thing_n oblige_v not_o a_o unlawful_a thing_n be_v whatsoever_o be_v against_o any_o precept_n of_o god_n in_o the_o decalogue_n or_o a_o virtuous_a life_n whatsoever_o be_v repugnant_a unto_o our_o piety_n towards_o god_n or_o our_o charity_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n whatsoever_o be_v averse_a to_o the_o common_a good_a or_o peace_n ecclesiastical_a political_a domestical_a in_o a_o word_n whatsoever_o be_v sinful_a hereunto_o appertain_v those_o common_a say_n a_o oath_n be_v not_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n in_o sinful_a promise_n revoke_v thy_o faith_n etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n be_v because_o every_o unlawful_a thing_n be_v against_o duty_n but_o all_o obligation_n be_v to_o duty_n furthermore_o whatsoever_o be_v unlawful_a be_v in_o some_o sort_n forbid_v by_o god_n either_o immediate_o or_o by_o consequence_n but_o god_n prohibition_n oblige_v unto_o the_o not_o do_v of_o that_o which_o be_v forbid_v which_o obligation_n a_o subsequent_a oath_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o three_o hypothesis_n can_v make_v void_a nay_o he_o who_o have_v swear_v to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o can_v do_v without_o sin_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v oblige_v unto_o the_o performance_n thereof_o that_o he_o be_v rather_o oblige_v in_o no_o wise_a to_o perform_v the_o same_o but_o you_o will_v say_v for_o a_o man_n not_o to_o fulfil_v his_o oath_n be_v perjury_n nay_o very_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a whereunto_o thou_o be_v sworâ—_n thou_o be_v then_o perjure_v when_o thou_o swear_v thou_o be_v not_o perjure_v when_o thou_o repente_v and_o therefore_o to_o fulfil_v a_o unlawful_a thing_n because_o thou_o have_v swear_v it_o be_v to_o heap_v wickedness_n upon_o perjury_n like_o pelion_n upon_o ossa_n or_o drunkenness_n to_o thirst_n to_o fulfil_v rather_o the_o measure_n of_o perjury_n than_o thy_o oath_n to_o persevere_v in_o perjury_n with_o obdurity_n and_o impenitence_n sect_n fourteen_o nevertheless_o concern_v this_o hypothesis_n i_o must_v advertise_v that_o this_o question_n whether_o this_o or_o that_o oath_n be_v lawful_a differ_v very_o much_o from_o that_o whether_o this_o or_o that_o oath_n oblige_v for_o although_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o what_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v perform_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v swear_v nevertheless_o it_o may_v come_v and_o do_v come_v very_o often_o to_o pass_v that_o what_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v swear_v ought_v notwithstanding_o to_o be_v perform_v of_o this_o the_o league_n make_v by_o joshua_n with_o the_o gibeonite_n be_v a_o most_o evident_a example_n the_o difference_n lie_v in_o this_o where_o a_o oath_n be_v therefore_o unlawful_a because_o that_o which_o a_o man_n swear_v be_v a_o unlawful_a thing_n there_o he_o sin_v both_o way_n in_o swear_v and_o in_o perform_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v swear_v to_o slay_v a_o innocent_a and_o do_v it_o he_o be_v guilty_a both_o of_o perjury_n and_o murder_n and_o such_o a_o oath_n be_v in_o no_o way_n bind_v which_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o this_o last_o hypothesis_n but_o where_o a_o oath_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o unlawful_a become_v otherwise_o unlawful_a by_o some_o external_a defect_n or_o through_o some_o undue_a circumstance_n it_o may_v oblige_v the_o party_n swear_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n except_o there_o appear_v other_o impediment_n and_o in_o this_o case_n come_v in_o that_o vulgar_a speech_n fieri_fw-la non_fw-la debet_fw-la factum_fw-la valet_fw-la we_o may_v therefore_o distinguish_v a_o oath_n may_v be_v say_v unlawful_a two_o way_n either_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n swear_v or_o the_o act_n of_o swear_v a_o oath_n unlawful_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n swear_v do_v in_o no_o wise_a oblige_v a_o oath_n unlawful_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o act_n of_o swear_v oblige_v except_o it_o be_v hinder_v by_o some_o other_o cause_n but_o thus_o much_o of_o these_o hypothesis_n which_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o lead_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v prop_n and_o supporter_n whereupon_o those_o thing_n whereof_o i_o shall_v speak_v hereafter_o concern_v the_o bond_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o the_o sollution_n of_o that_o bond_n be_v sustain_v the_o three_o lecture_n contain_v sixteen_o case_n summary_n 1_o 2._o the_o use_n of_o method_n and_o order_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v handle_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o oath_n 3._o oath_n of_o a_o thing_n simple_o impossible_a 4._o oath_n of_o a_o impossible_a thing_n and_o from_o the_o beginning_n improbable_a 5._o oath_n of_o a_o impossible_a thing_n and_o from_o the_o beginning_n probable_a 6._o oath_n of_o a_o necessary_a thing_n 7._o oath_n of_o a_o unlawful_a thing_n 8._o oath_n of_o a_o thing_n simple_o unlawful_a 9_o oath_n of_o a_o thing_n unlawful_a by_o circumstance_n 10._o oath_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o seem_v unlawful_a to_o the_o party_n swear_v 11._o oath_n repugnant_a to_o former_a obligation_n 12._o oath_n hinder_v some_o good_a 13._o oath_n tend_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o party_n swear_v 14._o oath_n give_v scandal_n to_o another_o 15._o oath_n of_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n 16._o oath_n to_o do_v what_o another_o will_v have_v to_o be_v do_v 17_o 18._o oath_n to_o preserve_v law_n and_o observe_v statute_n 19_o caution_n concern_v a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o thing_n mention_v sect_n i._o i_o begin_v here_o to_o launch_v into_o a_o vaâ—t_a sea_n be_v to_o fulfil_v the_o promise_n and_o speak_v of_o the_o doubtful_a case_n of_o conscience_n which_o appertain_v unto_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o i_o shall_v do_v according_a unto_o the_o four_o kind_n of_o cause_n but_o before_o i_o weigh_v anchor_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o advertise_v you_o that_o i_o shall_v noâ—_n trouble_v myself_o very_o much_o in_o the_o method_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v handle_v true_o the_o use_n of_o order_n in_o all_o kind_n of_o study_n and_o discourse_n be_v very_o great_a and_o necessary_a without_o which_o a_o man_n by_o assiduous_a and_o abundant_a read_n may_v perhaps_o acquire_v unto_o himself_o a_o mass_n of_o various_a learning_n but_o that_o confuse_a indigested_a and_o without_o any_o great_a profit_n on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o excessive_a curiosity_n of_o method_n which_o i_o find_v some_o too_o industruous_o to_o affect_v i_o have_v ever_o think_v fit_a to_o be_v avoid_v as_o a_o kind_n of_o troublesome_a superstition_n and_o no_o small_a remora_fw-la to_o such_o as_o be_v studious_a it_o shall_v satisfy_v i_o so_o to_o reduce_v all_o that_o which_o i_o be_o about_o to_o deliver_v unto_o certain_a class_n that_o at_o the_o least_o some_o reason_n of_o resemblance_n or_o analogy_n may_v show_v why_o i_o do_v it_o nor_o shall_v it_o trouble_v i_o much_o if_o a_o fault_n be_v find_v that_o the_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v not_o well_o reduce_v to_o the_o formal_a or_o some_o effect_n of_o it_o to_o the_o final_a cause_n now_o see_v where_o all_o the_o cause_n concur_v to_o produce_v a_o effect_n matter_n in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v require_v as_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o generation_n in_o the_o next_o the_o efficient_a cause_n which_o by_o act_v produce_v the_o form_n in_o the_o three_o the_o â—orm_n which_o by_o the_o action_n of_o the_o efficient_a be_v to_o be_v introduce_v into_o the_o matter_n last_o the_o end_n for_o who_o sake_n the_o efficient_a operate_v we_o as_o it_o be_v follow_v these_o step_n of_o nature_n will_v begin_v with_o matter_n and_o thence_o in_o their_o order_n proceed_v unto_o the_o rest_n sect_n ii_o by_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o oath_n i_o mean_v that_o about_o which_o it_o be_v employ_v and_o for_o the_o confirmation_n whereof_o it_o be_v make_v
all_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v diodorus_n siculus_n and_o dionysius_n haliearnasseus_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o apostle_n great_a and_o more_o elegant_o then_o both_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n heb._n 6._o when_o we_o arrive_v once_o at_o this_o point_n ne_fw-fr plus_fw-fr ultra_fw-la all_o humane_a dispute_n and_o contradiction_n must_v rest_v here_o not_o that_o every_o thing_n confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n be_v simple_o certain_a for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o perjury_n which_o alas_o be_v too_o common_a but_o because_o in_o this_o condition_n of_o mortality_n wherein_o it_o seem_v unto_o divine_a wisdom_n profitable_a for_o mankind_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v conversant_a with_o much_o obscurity_n and_o incertainty_n of_o thing_n to_o the_o end_n that_o their_o mind_n may_v be_v raise_v unto_o the_o thing_n above_o which_o be_v more_o certain_a there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a humane_a faith_n then_o that_o which_o in_o a_o oath_n by_o the_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v as_o it_o be_v attest_v and_o confirm_v from_o heaven_n sect_n vii_o in_o this_o definition_n of_o a_o oath_n examine_v as_o you_o have_v hear_v be_v in_o some_o sort_n contain_v all_o the_o cause_n of_o oath_n that_o first_o member_n in_o which_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o religious_a act_n to_o wit_n of_o he_o who_o swear_v necessary_o include_v the_o will_n of_o the_o agent_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o party_n swear_v see_v every_o man_n be_v a_o free_a agent_n and_o every_o humane_a act_n voluntary_a as_o the_o primary_n efficient_a cause_n the_o second_o member_n express_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v the_o attestation_n of_o the_o divine_a name_n or_o invocation_n of_o god_n as_o a_o witness_n the_o three_o member_n contain_v the_o other_o two_o cause_n to_o wit_n the_o material_a and_o final_a for_o the_o proper_a matter_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v the_o thing_n in_o doubt_n that_o be_v the_o truth_n whereof_o be_v not_o sufficient_o confirm_v to_o he_o before_o who_o it_o be_v plead_v by_o the_o bare_a testimony_n of_o the_o assertor_n and_o the_o proper_a final_a cause_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v that_o a_o doubtful_a matter_n may_v have_v that_o certainty_n through_o invocation_n of_o divine_a testimony_n than_o which_o no_o great_a can_v be_v have_v in_o the_o contingency_n of_o humane_a affair_n this_o which_o i_o have_v say_v auditor_n be_v to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v render_v i_o the_o more_o excusable_a unto_o you_o for_o the_o prolixity_n i_o have_v use_v in_o explain_v the_o definition_n of_o a_o oath_n because_o when_o with_o the_o help_n of_o god_n i_o come_v to_o state_n dubious_a case_n which_o i_o intend_v to_o do_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o four_o kind_n of_o cause_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o you_o will_v then_o easy_o perceive_v how_o profitable_a it_o will_v be_v to_o the_o studious_a and_o advantageous_a unto_o my_o purpose_n to_o have_v have_v a_o foreknowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o oath_n have_v be_v by_o i_o so_o large_o handle_v sect_n viii_o but_o thus_o much_o of_o oath_n in_o general_a what_o a_o promissory_a oath_n be_v in_o particular_a come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n but_o more_o brief_o to_o be_v explain_v sundry_a division_n and_o distinction_n of_o oath_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n they_o respect_v be_v extant_a in_o divine_n and_o lawyer_n by_o some_o they_o be_v divide_v into_o judicial_a and_o extrajudiciall_a by_o some_o into_o public_a and_o private_a into_o simple_a and_o solemn_a into_o naked_a and_o execratory_n into_o absolute_a and_o conditional_a by_o other_o otherwise_o but_o the_o noble_a of_o all_o and_o that_o which_o as_o i_o remember_v be_v not_o by_o any_o of_o they_o who_o have_v write_v of_o oath_n omit_v be_v that_o whereby_o they_o be_v distinguish_v into_o assertory_n and_o promissory_a for_o whereas_o in_o every_o oath_n as_o have_v be_v say_v the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v take_v by_o the_o party_n swear_v by_o way_n of_o invocation_n unto_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o doubtful_a matter_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o may_v be_v do_v three_o way_n for_o a_o past_a matter_n may_v be_v doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o so_o as_o do_v you_o see_v caius_n yesterday_o in_o the_o marketplace_n or_o no_o or_o a_o present_a one_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o as_o have_v you_o the_o money_n i_o leave_v in_o your_o hand_n or_o have_v you_o it_o not_o or_o a_o future_a one_o whether_o it_o will_v be_v so_o or_o not_o as_o will_v you_o lend_v i_o a_o hundred_o pound_n to_o morrow_n or_o will_v you_o not_o so_o often_o therefore_o as_o god_n by_o a_o oath_n be_v invoke_v witness_n to_o a_o thing_n past_a or_o present_a such_o a_o oath_n be_v usual_o call_v assertory_n because_o the_o party_n swear_v without_o any_o promise_n for_o the_o future_a only_a assert_n the_o thing_n to_o have_v be_v or_o to_o be_v as_o he_o than_o swear_v but_o if_o god_n by_o the_o interposition_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v invoke_v witness_n to_o a_o future_a thing_n that_o oath_n be_v call_v promissory_a because_o the_o party_n swear_v promise_v to_o perform_v something_o or_o not_o to_o perform_v it_o hereafter_o the_o chief_a use_n of_o the_o assertory_n be_v in_o judicature_n to_o determine_v suit_n especial_o upon_o the_o question_n of_o fact_n there_o be_v small_a use_n of_o the_o promissory_a in_o judicature_n but_o very_o much_o in_o promise_n bargain_n contract_n many_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o oath_n be_v find_v in_o sacred_a story_n and_o elsewhere_o the_o servant_n of_o abraham_n devout_o swear_v faithful_o 9_o to_o observe_v his_o lord_n command_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o wife_n for_o his_o master_n son_n joshua_n and_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n swear_v but_o inconsiderate_o 15._o to_o observe_v the_o league_n with_o the_o gibeonite_n king_n herod_n swear_v but_o 7._o very_o rash_o to_o give_v unto_o the_o daughter_n of_o herodias_n whatsoever_o she_o shall_v ask_v sect_n ix_o furthermore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v advertise_v that_o under_o the_o title_n of_o a_o oath_n promissory_a be_v also_o comprehend_v the_o comminatory_n such_o as_o be_v the_o rash_a oath_n of_o david_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o nabal_n and_o the_o impious_a one_o of_o certain_a jew_n who_o vow_v that_o they_o will_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v till_o they_o have_v kill_v paul_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v not_o proper_o promise_v which_o word_n seem_v rather_o to_o signify_v something_o that_o may_v be_v grateful_a unto_o another_o but_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o synecdoche_n join_v with_o a_o catachresis_fw-la which_o as_o it_o be_v otherwise_o familiar_a among_o good_a author_n so_o especial_o in_o word_n which_o respect_v some_o future_a thing_n as_o sperare_fw-la for_o timere_fw-la and_o the_o like_a the_o name_n of_o promise_n may_v metaleptical_o be_v extend_v to_o commination_n so_o god_n oath_n whereby_o he_o swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o the_o israelite_n who_o have_v tempt_v he_o with_o divers_a provocation_n in_o the_o wilderness_n shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n may_v and_o use_v no_o less_o to_o be_v call_v promissory_a though_o not_o so_o proper_o than_o the_o other_o of_o he_o whereby_o he_o swear_v unto_o their_o father_n that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o a_o heritage_n sect_n x._o neither_o be_v it_o material_a to_o the_o nature_n or_o effect_n of_o a_o promissory_a oath_n whether_o the_o oath_n be_v bare_o express_v or_o with_o a_o execration_n add_v for_o although_o there_o be_v some_o of_o the_o schoolman_n unto_o who_o that_o oath_n which_o be_v make_v by_o a_o simple_a call_n to_o witness_n seem_v to_o differ_v in_o specie_fw-la from_o that_o which_o be_v do_v with_o a_o execration_n add_v they_o be_v induce_v unto_o that_o opinion_n for_o this_o reason_n that_o god_n be_v invoke_v by_o that_o as_o a_o witness_n by_o this_o as_o a_o judge_n yet_o if_o we_o more_o attentive_o consider_v the_o matter_n we_o shall_v find_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o they_o come_v both_o to_o onâ—_n for_o every_o oath_n in_o what_o manner_n soever_o utter_v whether_o bare_o or_o with_o execration_n either_o express_o or_o at_o the_o least_o implicit_o invoke_v god_n both_o as_o a_o witness_n and_o judge_n but_o primary_o and_o pierce_v as_o a_o witness_n secondary_o and_o consequent_o as_o a_o judge_n and_o that_o be_v the_o most_o explicate_v form_n of_o a_o oath_n whereby_o god_n be_v both_o explicit_o call_v to_o witness_v and_o whereunto_o a_o execration_n or_o imprecation_n be_v annex_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v swear_v thus_o i_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v
as_o execute_v any_o office_n function_n or_o particular_a call_v as_o we_o usual_o term_v it_o though_o perhaps_o improper_o that_o state_n or_o condition_n of_o life_n wherein_o a_o man_n be_v place_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n incongruous_a with_o the_o nature_n or_o rule_n of_o that_o function_n or_o call_n for_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_a to_o a_o civil_a magistrate_n which_o be_v not_o to_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o may_v be_v lawful_a to_o the_o merchant_n which_o be_v not_o to_o the_o husbandman_n that_o to_o the_o master_n which_o be_v not_o to_o the_o servant_n that_o to_o the_o marry_a man_n which_o be_v not_o to_o the_o bachelor_n and_o the_o like_a god_n have_v general_o give_v they_o this_o law_n that_o every_o of_o they_o faithful_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o call_n and_o modest_o contain_v himself_o within_o the_o bound_n thereof_o if_o therefore_o a_o english_a merchant_n shall_v swear_v to_o send_v wool_n to_o hamburgh_n or_o any_o other_o merchandise_n prohibit_v by_o law_n to_o be_v transport_v out_o of_o this_o realm_n or_o if_o any_o magistrate_n shall_v swear_v that_o he_o will_v not_o punish_v theft_n or_o adultery_n or_o a_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n nâ—ver_o to_o preach_v nor_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n or_o a_o hiâ—de_v not_o to_o obey_v his_o master_n command_v he_o to_o yoke_v his_o ox_n or_o reap_v his_o corn_n whereof_o the_o first_o be_v repugnant_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o râ—st_n unto_o the_o condition_n of_o prope_a vocation_n all_o these_o oath_n will_v be_v of_o a_o thing_n in_o that_o degree_n whereof_o i_o have_v speak_v unlawful_a and_o the_o oath_n themselves_o for_o that_o reason_n unlawful_a and_o will_v not_o ordinary_o oblige_v i_o say_v not_o ordinary_o because_o there_o may_v perhaps_o be_v case_n in_o which_o a_o oath_n that_o seem_v repugnant_a unto_o some_o law_n of_o community_n or_o vocation_n though_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v take_v may_v nevertheless_o be_v once_o take_v become_v obligatory_a for_o example_n in_o the_o penal_a law_n disjunctive_a suppose_v this_o to_o be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o city_n no_o citizen_n thereunto_o elect_v shall_v refuse_v the_o office_n of_o praetor_n if_o he_o do_v he_o shall_v be_v fine_v a_o huâ—dred_o crown_n caius_z a_o citizen_n think_v himself_o unfit_a to_o bear_v office_n or_o to_o avoid_v some_o inconvenience_n that_o may_v happen_v unto_o he_o from_o thence_o swear_v that_o he_o will_v never_o be_v praetor_n of_o the_o city_n he_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o citizen_n he_o excuse_v himself_o by_o his_o oath_n they_o regard_v not_o his_o oath_n but_o urge_v he_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o magistracy_n what_o be_v the_o law_n in_o this_o case_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o conscience_n i_o answer_v he_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v swear_v especial_o not_o compel_v thereunto_o by_o any_o necessity_n for_o he_o may_v have_v refuse_v though_o he_o have_v not_o swear_v nevertheless_o have_v swear_v he_o seem_v to_o be_v oblige_v and_o not_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n without_o perjury_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o citizen_n he_o be_v bind_v therefore_o to_o pay_v the_o fine_a and_o to_o refuse_v the_o praetorship_n i_o will_v be_v understand_v precise_o in_o respect_n unto_o the_o point_n to_o which_o i_o now_o speak_v viz._n the_o matter_n of_o the_o oath_n and_o also_o precise_o in_o respect_n to_o the_o repugnant_n thereof_o unto_o the_o law_n of_o the_o city_n for_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o end_n or_o cause_n nay_o even_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n itself_o as_o it_o be_v a_o hindrance_n of_o a_o great_a public_a good_n or_o for_o some_o other_o consideration_n there_o may_v be_v just_a reason_n in_o it_o to_o make_v the_o obligation_n void_a nevertheless_o ordinary_o as_o i_o have_v say_v a_o oath_n make_v against_o the_o law_n of_o a_o whole_a community_n or_o of_o a_o particular_a vocation_n oblige_v not_o and_o thus_o much_o be_v say_v of_o the_o thing_n in_o themselves_o unlawful_a sect_n x._o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o unlawful_a ex_fw-la se_fw-la yet_o be_v unlawful_a ex_fw-la accident_n follow_v now_o a_o lawful_a thing_n happen_v to_o become_v unlawful_a either_o by_o the_o error_n of_o the_o party_n swear_v or_o by_o some_o ill_a effect_n of_o the_o thing_n swear_v wherefore_o the_o three_o case_n be_v where_o a_o man_n promise_v by_o oath_n performance_n of_o a_o thing_n perhaps_o lawful_a in_o itself_o which_o nevertheless_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v unlawful_a or_o fear_v not_o to_o be_v lawful_a as_o if_o a_o man_n before_o these_o time_n upon_o his_o admission_n to_o a_o benefice_n as_o they_o call_v it_o ecclesiastical_a shall_v have_v promise_v to_o observe_v all_o the_o rite_n command_v by_o ecclesiastical_a law_n in_o public_a service_n as_o the_o surplice_n sign_n of_o the_o cross_n at_o the_o font_n kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o the_o like_a which_o he_o nevertheless_o through_o some_o light_a prejudice_n think_v to_o be_v superstitious_a and_o papistical_a what_o be_v the_o obligation_n in_o this_o case_n i_o give_v you_o three_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o answer_n first_o i_o say_v that_o such_o a_o oath_n during_o such_o a_o error_n can_v be_v take_v without_o great_a sin_n for_o he_o sin_v grievous_o who_o sin_v against_o his_o conscience_n though_o erroneous_a the_o judgement_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v unto_o every_o man_n the_o first_o rule_n of_o work_v if_o the_o will_v follow_v not_o that_o judgement_n swerve_v from_o the_o rule_n it_o must_v necessary_o be_v carry_v into_o obliquity_n it_o be_v a_o old_a say_n he_o who_o go_v against_o his_o own_o conscience_n be_v on_o his_o way_n to_o hell_n certain_o he_o who_o swear_v unto_o that_o which_o he_o think_v to_o be_v unlawful_a have_v swear_v unto_o it_o though_o it_o have_v be_v real_o unlawful_a and_o so_o the_o thing_n though_o lawful_a to_o another_o be_v as_o to_o he_o unlawful_a it_o be_v the_o apostle_n sentence_n rom._n 14._o 14._o where_o he_o distinguish_v between_o that_o which_o be_v unclean_a of_o itself_o and_o that_o which_o be_v unclean_a to_o another_o plain_o teach_v that_o that_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o unclean_a nor_o unlawful_a of_o itself_o may_v nevertheless_o be_v unclean_a and_o unlawful_a unto_o he_o who_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v unclean_a or_o unlawful_a second_o i_o say_v that_o such_o a_o oath_n oblige_v not_o the_o reason_n be_v manifest_a by_o the_o three_o hypothesis_n for_o a_o oath_n can_v take_v away_o a_o former_a obligation_n nor_o introduce_v a_o obligation_n contrary_a unto_o it_o but_o the_o oath_n which_o be_v take_v against_o the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n be_v precede_v by_o another_o former_a obligation_n arise_v from_o that_o dictate_v for_o the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n whether_o right_a or_o erroneous_a ever_o bind_v at_o the_o least_o not_o to_o act_v against_o it_o now_o a_o subsequent_a oath_n can_v remove_v this_o obligation_n but_o become_v rather_o invalid_a itself_o and_o lose_v all_o strength_n and_o vigour_n three_o i_o say_v if_o the_o party_n swear_v be_v afterward_o better_o inform_v acknowledge_v and_o correct_v his_o error_n the_o oath_n which_o at_o first_o oblige_v not_o begin_v from_o thence_o forth_o to_o oblige_v for_o the_o power_n of_o obligation_n be_v as_o it_o be_v natural_o and_o inseparable_o in_o a_o oath_n as_o the_o power_n of_o move_v downward_o be_v natural_o and_o inseparable_o in_o a_o stone_n which_o power_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o put_v forth_o itself_o and_o to_o proceed_v unto_o act_n except_o it_o be_v hinder_v by_o some_o impediment_n wherefore_o as_o a_o stone_n that_o it_o may_v move_v again_o after_o it_o have_v rest_v a_o while_n need_v not_o any_o other_o new_a power_n to_o be_v derive_v unto_o it_o from_o without_o but_o of_o its_o own_o nature_n the_o obstacle_n be_v remove_v present_o descend_v so_o a_o oath_n that_o obligation_n of_o erroneous_a conscience_n which_o at_o first_o withstand_v its_o operation_n be_v remove_v without_o any_o delay_n or_o need_v of_o other_o help_n be_v of_o its_o own_o force_n obligatory_a sect_n xi_o there_o be_v other_o case_n concern_v thing_n unlawful_a by_o accident_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o evil_a effect_n of_o the_o same_o to_o wit_n as_o they_o may_v be_v impeditive_a of_o good_a or_o causative_a or_o at_o the_o least_o for_o we_o must_v use_v such_o word_n occasionative_n of_o evil_a a_o good_a thing_n impede_v may_v be_v antecedent_n or_o future_a the_o four_o case_n therefore_o be_v where_o the_o thing_n swear_v seem_v to_o be_v unlawful_a in_o that_o it_o hinder_v the_o performance_n of_o some_o antecedent_n good_a of_o a_o vow_n imagine_v or_o of_o a_o promise_n first_o make_v as_o iâ—_n he_o who_o have_v first_o
de_fw-fr juramento_fw-la seven_o lecture_n concern_v the_o obligation_n of_o promissory_a oath_n read_v public_o in_o the_o divinity_n school_n at_o oxford_n by_o robert_n senderson_n d._n d._n his_o majesty_n public_a professor_n there_o translate_v into_o english_a by_o his_o late_a majesty_n special_a command_n and_o afterward_o revise_v and_o approve_v under_o his_o majesty_n own_o hand_n london_n print_v by_o e._n c._n for_o humphrey_n moseley_n octavian_n pulleyn_n and_o andrew_n crook_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o their_o shop_n in_o st._n pauls-châ—â—châ—yard_a 1655._o to_o the_o reader_n shall_v i_o tell_v thou_o no_o more_o but_o the_o author_n name_n and_o by_o who_o command_n this_o book_n be_v make_v english_a it_o be_v sufficient_a commendation_n but_o because_o i_o intend_v not_o to_o waste_v many_o word_n know_v that_o whether_o thou_o be_v a_o ruler_n or_o a_o subject_a single_a or_o marry_v this_o book_n will_v concern_v thou_o since_o thou_o can_v not_o make_v any_o oath_n promise_v or_o stipulation_n and_o thou_o can_v not_o quiet_o live_v without_o they_o but_o may_v here_o read_v how_o far_o thou_o stand_v oblige_v so_o that_o whether_o thou_o love_v thy_o own_o conscience_n or_o thy_o neighbour_n the_o author_n and_o perhaps_o the_o translator_n have_v here_o do_v thou_o a_o courtesy_n farewell_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o oath_n the_o first_o lecture_n numb._n 30._o 2._o if_o a_o man_n vow_v a_o vow_n unto_o the_o lord_n or_o swear_v a_o oath_n to_o bind_v his_o soul_n with_o a_o bond_n he_o shall_v not_o break_v his_o word_n he_o shall_v do_v according_a to_o all_o that_o proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n the_o summary_n 1._o the_o thing_n to_o be_v handle_v propose_v 2._o the_o definition_n of_o a_o oath_n 3._o a_o oath_n be_v a_o religious_a act._n 4._o in_o a_o oath_n god_n be_v call_v to_o witness_v 5._o the_o matter_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v something_o in_o doubt_n 6._o the_o end_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v credit_n 7._o the_o definition_n give_v contain_v all_o the_o four_o kind_n of_o cause_n 8._o oath_n assertory_n and_o promissory_a 9_o oath_n comminatory_n 10._o oath_n execratory_n 11._o the_o definition_n and_o distinction_n of_o obligation_n 12._o obligation_n to_o guilt_n and_o to_o punishment_n 13._o a_o oath_n be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o obligatory_a 14._o the_o different_a obligation_n of_o the_o assertory_n and_o promissory_a sect_n i._o i_o shall_v handle_v this_o matter_n with_o the_o more_o expedition_n and_o your_o better_a profit_n as_o i_o conceive_v if_o in_o the_o very_a entrance_n i_o lay_v before_o your_o eye_n as_o it_o be_v a_o general_a map_n of_o my_o future_a discourse_n for_o so_o both_o you_o may_v better_o understand_v my_o design_n and_o i_o more_o certain_o bind_v my_o speech_n that_o i_o may_v either_o contain_v it_o within_o the_o due_a compass_n or_o if_o it_o chance_v to_o start_v out_o a_o little_a it_o do_v not_o so_o loose_o wander_v but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v mature_o bring_v in_o order_n and_o reduce_v unto_o the_o point_n i_o shall_v therefore_o deliver_v the_o whole_a matter_n under_o three_o head_n first_o that_o it_o may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v of_o what_o i_o speak_v i_o will_v show_v what_o a_o oath_n be_v in_o general_a what_o a_o promissory_a oath_n be_v in_o particular_a &_o what_o obligation_n then_o because_o the_o determination_n of_o uncertain_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o such_o as_o be_v certain_a i_o shall_v propose_v certain_a axiom_n or_o general_a rule_n derive_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o natural_a law_n and_o confirm_v by_o general_a consent_n as_o hypothesis_n and_o touchstone_n of_o the_o future_a disquisition_n from_o whence_o the_o decision_n of_o particular_a case_n be_v to_o be_v deduce_v and_o to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v as_o unto_o their_o rule_n &_o canon_n these_o two_o necessary_o premise_v of_o which_o one_o will_v give_v light_a to_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v the_o other_o strength_n and_o foundation_n i_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o salve_v those_o doubt_n which_o may_v have_v any_o difficulty_n in_o they_o worthy_a of_o debate_n or_o may_v serve_v to_o cast_v any_o scruple_n into_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o pious_a man_n which_o as_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n and_o by_o far_o the_o large_a i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v all_o the_o variety_n of_o case_n into_o certain_a class_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o four_o kind_n of_o cause_n so_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o bond_n of_o obligation_n reserve_v to_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o work_n both_o those_o thing_n which_o appertain_v to_o the_o solution_n of_o that_o bond_n and_o any_o other_o which_o i_o shall_v either_o find_v to_o have_v be_v omit_v in_o their_o due_a place_n or_o judge_v fit_a for_o the_o better_a regulation_n of_o life_n and_o conscience_n to_o be_v annex_v sect_n ii_o the_o draught_n of_o the_o whole_a future_a treaty_n thus_o delineate_v as_o in_o a_o map_n now_o i_o betake_v myself_o to_o the_o matter_n where_o first_o be_v to_o be_v explain_v what_o a_o oath_n be_v i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o insist_v upon_o the_o name_n and_o the_o define_n thereof_o for_o the_o ill_a custom_n of_o swear_v be_v grow_v to_o that_o pass_n and_o the_o familiar_a abuse_n of_o this_o so_o sacred_a a_o thing_n be_v such_o in_o these_o debauch_a time_n that_o it_o can_v be_v unknown_a to_o no_o man_n nay_o not_o unto_o child_n what_o a_o oath_n be_v author_n as_o the_o manner_n be_v various_o express_v the_o definition_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o according_a to_o their_o particular_a fancy_n that_o of_o cicero_n be_v the_o most_o concise_a a_o oath_n say_v he_o be_v a_o religious_a affirmation_n where_o by_o the_o way_n i_o both_o admire_v and_o be_o angry_a at_o the_o forward_a youth_n of_o this_o age_n who_o i_o know_v not_o out_o of_o what_o erroneous_a prejudice_n but_o i_o be_o confident_a to_o their_o own_o great_a hurt_n avoid_v cicero_n as_o a_o writer_n of_o too_o much_o prolixity_n but_o i_o return_v if_o any_o man_n desire_v a_o full_a definition_n of_o a_o oath_n let_v he_o take_v this_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o religious_a act_n by_o which_o god_n be_v call_v to_o witness_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o some_o matter_n in_o doubt_n every_o member_n of_o this_o definition_n i_o shall_v particular_o explain_v sect_n iii_o first_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o religious_a act_n act_n be_v put_v as_o the_o genus_fw-la for_o though_o a_o oath_n be_v proper_o in_o the_o predicament_n of_o relation_n yet_o because_o the_o relative_a respect_n which_o be_v in_o a_o oath_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o act_n of_o the_o party_n swear_v it_o be_v not_o for_o that_o reason_n impertinent_o define_v by_o such_o a_o act_n for_o as_o much_o as_o in_o the_o definition_n of_o relative_n the_o matter_n or_o ground_n of_o that_o relation_n be_v usual_o put_v in_o for_o the_o genus_fw-la now_o that_o it_o be_v a_o religious_a act_n be_v manifest_a first_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n deut._n 6._o 13._o thou_o shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o and_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n from_o which_o place_n the_o schoolman_n unanimous_o conclude_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v to_o use_v their_o term_n cultus_fw-la latriae_fw-la that_o be_v a_o act_n of_o such_o holy_a worship_n as_o be_v due_a unto_o god_n alone_o socond_o it_o be_v manife_a by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o nation_n among_o who_o as_o lead_v by_o one_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o religion_n of_o a_o oath_n have_v be_v ever_o hold_v most_o sacred_a insomuch_o that_o the_o very_a word_n sanctity_n religion_n and_o other_o of_o like_a sense_n be_v scarce_o in_o any_o other_o so_o frequent_o use_v among_o heathen_a writer_n as_o in_o this_o matter_n of_o oath_n and_o though_o they_o have_v many_o rite_n among_o they_o which_o they_o hold_v sacred_a yet_o to_o a_o oath_n only_o for_o no_o other_o cause_n then_o that_o it_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o most_o holy_a of_o their_o holy_a thing_n remain_v as_o peculiar_a right_n by_o the_o name_n of_o sacrament_n from_o whence_o that_o name_n pass_v afterward_o into_o the_o church_n from_o some_o similitude_n with_o the_o military_a sacrament_n of_o the_o roman_n yet_o to_o signify_v some_o other_o thing_n the_o french_a also_o at_o this_o day_n frame_v the_o latin_a word_n sacramentum_fw-la unto_o their_o pronunciation_n call_v a_o oath_n unserement_n three_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o most_o evident_a reason_n because_o a_o oath_n tend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n as_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o truth_n wisdom_n justice_n and_o divine_a power_n for_o although_o a_o false_a oath_n or_o a_o oath_n light_o rash_o
nothing_o be_v vain_a hope_n and_o to_o the_o present_a point_n he_o who_o promise_v any_o thing_n to_o come_v certain_o to_o pass_v take_v the_o name_n of_o god_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o truth_n which_o nevertheless_o come_v all_o to_o nothing_o that_o either_o not_o intend_v or_o not_o perform_v which_o he_o promise_v the_o same_o direct_o and_o to_o the_o letter_n take_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a violate_v god_n commandment_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o heinous_a crime_n of_o perjury_n and_o thus_o you_o have_v a_o sufficient_a confirmation_n of_o the_o first_o hypothesis_n concern_v the_o simplicity_n of_o oath_n sect_n viii_o the_o second_o follow_v which_o be_v of_o kin_n to_o this_o and_o appertain_v to_o the_o right_a interpretation_n of_o a_o oath_n brief_o it_o be_v this_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v stricti_fw-la juris_fw-la i_o understand_v here_o jus_o strictum_fw-la not_o in_o that_o sense_n wherein_o it_o occur_v so_o often_o among_o lawyer_n for_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v oppose_v to_o equity_n to_o wit_n by_o which_o judgement_n be_v turn_v 12._o into_o wormwood_n and_o which_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o interweave_v with_o injury_n that_o it_o be_v almost_o become_v a_o proverb_n summum_fw-la jus_o summa_fw-la injuria_fw-la but_o somewhat_o more_o mild_o for_o so_o just_a a_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o so_o circumscribe_v to_o her_o bound_n that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o stretch_v far_o then_o be_v fit_a by_o way_n of_o complacence_n or_o favour_n to_o any_o party_n or_o force_v to_o serve_v any_o man_n turn_n or_o profit_n in_o a_o word_n strictum_fw-la jus_o be_v here_o so_o take_v as_o may_v not_o exclude_v the_o interpretation_n of_o law_n temper_v with_o equity_n but_o exclude_v the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n corrupt_v with_o favour_n now_o see_v to_o interpret_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o expound_v a_o thing_n wherein_o there_o lie_v some_o ambiguity_n or_o obscurity_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o a_o threefold_a interpretation_n or_o exposition_n may_v be_v give_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n rigid_a favourable_a just_a rigid_a and_o favourable_a be_v the_o extreme_n and_o as_o most_o extreme_n be_v vicious_a and_o as_o there_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n a_o certain_a coincidence_n of_o extreme_n but_o so_o unhappy_a a_o one_o see_v they_o recede_v both_o way_n from_o the_o medium_n that_o they_o ever_o meet_v in_o that_o which_o be_v ill_a and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o that_o which_o iâ—_n worst_a too_o rigid_a and_o too_o favourable_a a_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n meet_v in_o this_o that_o each_o of_o they_o by_o a_o unjust_a acceptation_n of_o person_n offer_v in_o a_o manner_n violence_n unto_o the_o law_n wrack_a it_o with_o too_o subtle_a a_o exposition_n to_o the_o ease_n of_o one_o party_n and_o grievance_n of_o the_o other_o but_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o he_o who_o be_v animate_v with_o hatred_n to_o the_o party_n press_v the_o more_o rigid_a interpretation_n and_o he_o who_o be_v lead_v with_o affection_n follow_v the_o more_o favourable_a but_o a_o mean_a between_o both_o and_o just_a interpretation_n be_v that_o which_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n investigateâ—h_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o law_n out_o of_o natural_a equity_n and_o justice_n and_o the_o word_n themselves_o as_o far_o as_o they_o agree_v with_o equity_n and_o justice_n and_o this_o if_o out_o of_o the_o word_n it_o may_v sufficient_o appear_v be_v in_o all_o case_n exact_o to_o be_v follow_v but_o because_o it_o may_v happen_v and_o often_o happen_v that_o controversy_n arise_v about_o the_o proper_a and_o natural_a sense_n of_o law_n and_o other_o matter_n which_o need_v interpretation_n where_o for_o the_o dubiousnesse_n of_o the_o thing_n a_o just_a interpretation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v of_o necessity_n we_o must_v allow_v unto_o this_o mediocrity_n as_o i_o may_v call_v it_o her_o prudentiall_a latitude_n as_o the_o ethic_n say_v that_o the_o mediocrity_n of_o virtue_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o indivisible_a point_n or_o arithmetical_a proportion_n but_o in_o a_o geometrical_a in_o a_o law_n therefore_o which_o be_v doubtful_a now_o a_o strict_a now_o a_o mild_a interpretation_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n supply_v the_o place_n of_o a_o just_a interpretation_n whereof_o the_o strict_a be_v remote_a from_o the_o favourable_a come_v near_a to_o the_o rigid_a and_o the_o mild_a be_v near_a to_o the_o favourable_a decline_v the_o more_o from_o the_o rigid_a as_o in_o the_o moral_n that_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o mean_a between_o covetousness_n and_o prodigality_n the_o more_o remote_a it_o be_v from_o either_o extreme_a be_v call_v liberality_n or_o frugality_n there_o be_v therefore_o some_o thing_n so_o ordain_v by_o nature_n that_o they_o require_v as_o due_a the_o allowance_n of_o a_o mild_a interpretation_n to_o wit_n such_o a_o one_o as_o may_v not_o be_v bind_v up_o in_o the_o straightness_n of_o word_n but_o leave_v more_o at_o liberty_n to_o use_v cicero_n term_n cum_fw-la quodam_fw-la laxamento_fw-la such_o for_o example_n be_v res_fw-la testamentaria_fw-la in_o our_o law_n so_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n the_o word_n and_o deed_n of_o other_o especial_o of_o prince_n parent_n and_o other_o ruler_n the_o write_n also_o of_o pious_a and_o learned_a man_n unless_o there_o lie_v very_o just_a cause_n of_o suspicion_n to_o the_o contrary_a be_v to_o be_v handle_v with_o a_o mild_a interpretation_n according_a to_o the_o usual_a say_n doubtful_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v in_o the_o better_a sense_n but_o there_o be_v divers_a other_o matter_n as_o privilege_n deed_n of_o contract_n about_o debt_n and_o most_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o bind_v legal_o and_o among_o they_o oath_n in_o which_o when_o question_n be_v make_v of_o the_o true_a sense_n it_o be_v much_o better_o and_o more_o suitable_a unto_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o use_v the_o strict_a than_o the_o mild_a interpretation_n sâ—ct_n ix_o when_o i_o say_v therefore_o that_o a_o oath_n be_v stricti_fw-la juris_fw-la that_o must_v be_v thus_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o oath_n where_o it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a in_o the_o word_n be_v exact_o to_o be_v stand_v unto_o but_o where_o the_o sense_n be_v doubtful_a we_o must_v take_v diligent_a heed_n lest_o we_o be_v too_o indulgent_a unto_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o affection_n or_o yield_v unto_o ourselves_o too_o free_a and_o loose_v a_o licence_n of_o interpretation_n whereby_o we_o may_v become_v exempt_a from_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o oath_n in_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v as_o also_o that_o for_o our_o own_o interest_n and_o profit_n sake_n we_o impose_v not_o upon_o the_o oath_n which_o we_o have_v take_v or_o any_o part_n thereof_o other_o sense_n then_o that_o which_o any_o other_o pious_a and_o prudent_a man_n who_o be_v unconcern_v in_o the_o business_n be_v of_o aâ—freer_a judgement_n may_v easy_o gather_v out_o of_o the_o word_n themselves_o the_o reason_n be_v twofold_a one_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o to_o wit_n for_o the_o fear_n of_o scandal_n lest_o a_o weak_a brother_n lead_v by_o our_o example_n think_v it_o lawful_a for_o he_o to_o do_v as_o he_o see_v we_o have_v do_v though_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o those_o subtlety_n by_o which_o alone_o we_o use_v to_o absolve_v our_o self_n from_o the_o crime_n of_o perjury_n another_o in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o for_o fear_v of_o perjury_n of_o which_o heinous_a crime_n we_o become_v without_o question_n guilty_a if_o that_o mild_a interpretation_n which_o encourage_v we_o unto_o the_o oath_n chance_v to_o deceive_v we_o and_o this_o reason_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o most_o general_a and_o profitable_a rule_n which_o in_o doubtful_a matter_n command_v the_o choice_n of_o the_o safe_a part_n but_o where_o the_o word_n of_o the_o oath_n propose_v according_a to_o the_o common_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o they_o seem_v to_o contain_v some_o unlawful_a thing_n it_o be_v safe_a not_o to_o swear_v then_o by_o a_o loose_a interpretation_n so_o to_o work_v they_o unto_o our_o sense_n that_o we_o may_v more_o secure_o swear_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o this_o kind_n of_o oath_n may_v be_v refuse_v without_o danger_n of_o perjury_n but_o not_o apparent_a that_o it_o may_v be_v take_v without_o fear_n or_o danger_n of_o the_o same_o sect_n x._o nevertheless_o heed_n be_v to_o be_v take_v on_o the_o other_o side_n lest_o this_o strict_a interpretation_n whereof_o we_o speak_v degenerate_a into_o the_o rigid_a one_o for_o that_o which_o the_o lawyer_n say_v of_o privilege_n hold_v general_o in_o thing_n of_o like_a nature_n and_o especial_o in_o oath_n that_o they_o be_v neither_o too_o strict_o
scandal_n may_v be_v avoid_v be_v neither_o in_o few_o word_n to_o be_v say_v nor_o the_o business_n of_o this_o present_a discourse_n all_o that_o seem_v fit_a to_o be_v say_v of_o it_o in_o this_o place_n be_v that_o the_o danger_n of_o scandal_n only_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n why_o the_o thing_n shall_v be_v think_v unlawful_a be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o hinder_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n take_v as_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o precedent_a case_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o tentation_n see_v that_o either_o hold_v in_o all_o point_v the_o same_o proportion_n sect_n xv._n have_v now_o weigh_v the_o chief_a case_n of_o thing_n impossible_a necessary_a and_o unlawful_a i_o proceed_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o other_o doubt_n the_o four_o doubt_n be_v of_o a_o oath_n rei_fw-la liberae_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o unlawful_a but_o in_o the_o mean_a and_o indifferent_a in_o which_o indifference_n see_v it_o arise_v from_o a_o twofold_a cause_n from_o the_o will_n of_o the_o legislator_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o from_o the_o levity_n of_o the_o thing_n two_o case_n answerable_o occur_v the_o first_o case_n be_v when_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o by_o any_o precept_n or_o interdict_v divine_a or_o humane_a legitimate_a so_o detrrmine_v but_o every_o man_n prohic_a &_o nunc_fw-la according_a to_o the_o exigence_n of_o circumstance_n may_v at_o his_o choice_n do_v or_o not_o do_v as_o he_o see_v expedient_a let_v he_o do_v what_o he_o will_v he_o sin_v not_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 36._o as_o if_o caius_n shall_v swear_v to_o sell_v his_o land_n to_o titius_n or_o to_o lend_v he_o a_o hundred_o crown_n the_o answer_n be_v brief_a a_o oath_n in_o this_o case_n be_v both_o lawful_a and_o bind_v the_o second_o case_n be_v where_o a_o thing_n be_v so_o trivial_a that_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o deliberation_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n nor_o matter_n a_o straw_n whether_o it_o be_v do_v or_o not_o do_v as_o to_o reach_v up_o a_o chip_n or_o to_o rub_v one_o bearb_n etc._n etc._n or_o for_o the_o slightness_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v esteem_v as_o to_o give_v a_o boy_n a_o apple_n or_o to_o lend_v a_o pin_n etc._n etc._n a_o oath_n of_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a after_o this_o manner_n be_v altogether_o unlawful_a for_o it_o argue_v either_o irreverence_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n if_o through_o a_o habit_n of_o swear_v as_o it_o be_v too_o common_a it_o be_v use_v unaware_o or_o if_o witting_o and_o know_o of_o open_a contempt_n for_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v invoke_v witness_n except_o in_o doubt_n worthy_a his_o vindication_n and_o where_o the_o cause_n be_v aswell_o weighty_a as_o just_a and_o in_o this_o all_o agree_v but_o what_o of_o the_o obligation_n it_o be_v the_o opinion_n indeed_o of_o most_o romish_a casuist_n that_o a_o oath_n or_o a_o sinall_z and_o trivial_a thing_n be_v in_o the_o nature_n thereof_o nul_fw-fr and_o bind_v not_o because_o forsooth_o a_o small_a matter_n be_v not_o proportionable_a to_o a_o oath_n and_o lex_fw-la non_fw-la â—ur_n at_o de_fw-fr minimis_fw-la but_o i_o wonder_v they_o who_o wâ—uld_v be_v think_v to_o see_v into_o other_o thing_n like_o lynx_n shall_v be_v blind_a in_o one_o so_o apparent_a except_o it_o be_v do_v to_o give_v place_n unto_o that_o rot_a distinction_n of_o mortal_a and_o when_fw-mi all_o sin_n a_o jeaven_n with_o which_o they_o have_v foul_o corrupt_v the_o whole_a lump_n of_o moâ—al_a theology_n but_o that_o a_o oath_n be_v bind_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o least_o moment_n be_v evident_a first_o because_o weighty_a and_o trivial_a thing_n have_v a_o like_a respect_n unto_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n second_o because_o in_o the_o assertory_n oath_n he_o who_o affirm_v otherwise_o of_o the_o thing_n be_v it_o never_o so_o small_a than_o it_o be_v be_v perjure_v wherefore_o a_o simili_fw-la he_o also_o in_o the_o promissory_a who_o do_v otherwise_o then_o he_o swear_v to_o do_v three_o because_o god_n will_v else_o be_v make_v witness_n of_o falsehood_n four_o because_o every_o party_n swear_v be_v bind_v to_o perform_v all_o he_o promise_v as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v able_a and_o it_o be_v lawful_a but_o to_o give_v a_o apple_n to_o a_o boy_n be_v both_o possible_a and_o lawful_a he_o be_v bind_v therefore_o to_o perform_v it_o he_o ought_v not_o so_o to_o have_v swear_v but_o have_v swear_v he_o ought_v to_o fulfil_v his_o oath_n sect_n xvi_o the_o five_o doubt_n remain_v where_o we_o swear_v unto_o a_o thing_n indefinite_a and_o uncertain_a and_o it_o contain_v three_o case_n especial_o the_o first_o case_n be_v when_o one_o man_n deliver_v himself_o as_o it_o it_o be_v into_o the_o power_n of_o another_o promise_v to_o perform_v whatsoever_o the_o other_o will_v impose_v upon_o he_o as_o when_o a_o prince_n swear_v unto_o his_o favourite_n to_o give_v he_o in_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o faithful_a service_n whatsoever_o he_o shall_v desire_v or_o a_o friend_n or_o servant_n swear_v unto_o his_o friend_n or_o master_n to_o obey_v what_o he_o shall_v command_v in_o this_o case_n i_o say_v first_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o oath_n if_o it_o be_v simple_o understand_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o word_n be_v unlawful_a he_o injure_v god_n who_o servant_n every_o man_n be_v who_o make_v himself_o a_o servant_n to_o man_n and_o slave_n to_o another_o rashness_n second_o i_o say_v that_o something_o else_o must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v to_o make_v it_o lawful_a for_o example_n i_o swear_v to_o do_v as_o you_o will_v have_v i_o mean_v whatsoever_o be_v just_a honest_a possible_a and_o so_o far_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o oblige_v the_o king_n of_o the_o persian_n and_o jew_n seem_v ancient_o to_o have_v use_v this_o as_o a_o solemn_a form_n and_o for_o the_o full_a ostentation_n of_o their_o grace_n and_o magnificence_n to_o have_v swear_v indefinite_o ask_v what_o thou_o will_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v thou_o even_o to_o the_o half_a of_o my_o kingdom_n so_o swear_v assuerus_n king_n of_o persia_n unto_o the_o queen_n his_o wife_n and_o she_o ask_v a_o just_a and_o necessary_a thing_n he_o according_a to_o his_o oath_n command_v it_o to_o be_v do_v but_o solomon_n have_v promise_v almost_o in_o the_o same_o form_n the_o queen_n his_o mother_n to_o give_v she_o what_o she_o shall_v ask_v and_o she_o in_o favour_n of_o adonia_n ask_v a_o thing_n which_o solomon_n already_o acquaint_v with_o the_o ambition_n of_o the_o man_n think_v too_o unjust_a solomon_n notwithstanding_o his_o oath_n fulfil_v not_o the_o the_o desire_n of_o his_o mother_n by_o which_o fact_n he_o sufficient_o show_v that_o he_o swear_v with_o no_o other_o intention_n of_o performance_n then_o as_o the_o thing_n ask_v shall_v be_v just_a by_o which_o example_n he_o have_v teach_v we_o that_o in_o oath_n indefinite_o make_v unto_o the_o will_n of_o other_o the_o condition_n ever_o to_o be_v understand_v be_v if_o the_o request_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o good_a and_o honest_a be_v modest_o ask_v it_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a it_o shall_v be_v faithful_o perform_v there_o be_v yet_o a_o three_o example_n of_o a_o oath_n of_o this_o form_n matth._n 14._o where_o herod_n the_o tetrarch_n to_o favour_v the_o danceresse_n his_o brother_n daughter_n swear_v to_o give_v she_o what_o she_o will_v ask_v she_o ask_v a_o most_o wicked_a thing_n the_o head_n of_o a_o innocent_a man_n and_o not_o condemn_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o put_v in_o a_o charger_n the_o king_n command_v it_o to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o â—aths_n sake_n and_o they_o which_o sit_v at_o meat_n with_o he_o for_o alas_o the_o religious_a and_o the_o bashful_a prince_n be_v ashamed_a in_o the_o presence_n of_o so_o many_o guest_n not_o to_o fulfil_v that_o though_o with_o most_o execrable_a wickedness_n whereunto_o he_o have_v bind_v himself_o by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o a_o oath_n let_v herod_n be_v a_o example_n unto_o we_o of_o warning_n but_o solomon_n of_o imitation_n and_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o a_o oath_n so_o indefinite_o make_v be_v ever_o to_o be_v understand_v with_o iâ—_n just_a exception_n and_o to_o be_v extend_v unto_o those_o thing_n only_o which_o in_o probability_n be_v think_v upon_o duâ—ing_v the_o act_n of_o swear_v and_o not_o unto_o those_o which_o if_o they_o have_v then_o be_v think_v upon_o the_o oath_n have_v not_o be_v take_v sect_n xvii_o the_o second_o case_n be_v when_o subject_n be_v require_v to_o take_v a_o oath_n for_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o law_n and_o liberty_n privilege_n prerogative_n and_o preeminence_n of_o some_o superior_a power_n as_o of_o a_o king_n a_o commonwealth_n or_o lord_n paramount_n such_o as_o be_v
timerous_o as_o show_v he_o have_v not_o much_o faith_n in_o this_o argument_n kind_a of_o collusion_n a_o certain_a kind_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v which_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o not_o who_o will_v undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o a_o traveller_n if_o to_o the_o apparent_a hazard_n of_o his_o life_n he_o fall_v among_o thief_n to_o do_v something_o which_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o collusion_n with_o they_o that_o which_o he_o bring_v in_o the_o three_o place_n the_o impediment_n of_o justice_n encouragement_n of_o wicked_a person_n in_o their_o impiety_n occasion_n of_o lead_v other_o into_o the_o like_a hazard_n of_o their_o life_n through_o such_o silence_n will_v be_v prevalent_a indeed_o if_o the_o traveller_n be_v get_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n safe_a and_o unsworn_a but_o we_o suppose_v except_o he_o have_v swear_v he_o have_v be_v slay_v i_o ask_v therefore_o whether_o in_o such_o certain_a danger_n of_o â—â—e_z be_v it_o lawful_a for_o he_o to_o swear_v or_o not_o lawful_a if_o not_o lawful_a and_o certain_o the_o two_o first_o argument_n either_o prove_v that_o or_o nothing_o he_o have_v perish_v and_o who_o then_o shall_v have_v give_v the_o magistrate_n information_n of_o the_o thief_n the_o inconvenience_n which_o be_v object_v from_o this_o silence_n may_v they_o not_o see_v dead_a man_n be_v enjoin_v perpetual_a silence_n be_v object_v from_o his_o death_n but_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o swear_v than_o it_o be_v also_o lawful_a to_o keep_v the_o oath_n except_o some_o emergent_a accident_n as_o it_o may_v fall_v out_o unexpected_o do_v render_v the_o thing_n lawful_a when_o it_o be_v swear_v afterward_o unlawful_a let_v this_o therefore_o till_o the_o contrary_n be_v prove_v by_o strong_a argument_n remain_v both_o in_o this_o case_n &_o the_o rest_n where_o deceit_n fear_n tyranny_n and_o the_o like_a be_v exercise_v that_o a_o honest_a man_n either_o ought_v not_o to_o swear_v at_o all_o which_o if_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v not_o unlawful_a seem_v hard_a in_o imminent_a and_o apparent_a danger_n or_o ought_v religious_o to_o observe_v his_o oath_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o oath_n in_o which_o i_o be_v desirous_a to_o have_v be_v brief_a if_o the_o matter_n will_v have_v bear_v it_o my_o discourse_n have_v increase_v upon_o my_o meditation_n beyond_o what_o i_o expect_v and_o yet_o while_o i_o study_v brevity_n i_o have_v willing_o omit_v many_o thing_n whereof_o i_o may_v profitable_o have_v speak_v the_o five_o lecture_n of_o the_o external_a form_n of_o a_o oath_n contain_v ten_o case_n summary_n 1_o oath_n by_o sign_n only_o without_o word_n 2_o oath_n by_o the_o creature_n 3_o oath_n by_o idol_n 4_o how_o to_o know_v whether_o a_o man_n have_v swear_v or_o no._n 5_o the_o first_o trial_n the_o form_n of_o the_o word_n 6_o the_o second_o the_o force_n of_o the_o word_n 7_o of_o joseph_n form_n by_o the_o life_n of_o pharaoh_n 8_o third_z trial_n the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n 9_o four_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o party_n swear_v 10_o the_o use_n of_o the_o say_a trial_n 11_o the_o solemn_a rite_n of_o a_o oath_n 12_o whether_o solemnity_n increase_v obligation_n 13_o solemnity_n of_o oath_n omit_v sect_n i._o the_o material_a and_o efficient_a cause_n of_o oath_n have_v be_v handle_v in_o the_o forego_n lecture_n we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o formal_a cause_n now_o the_o form_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v either_o external_a or_o internal_a the_o case_n of_o this_o classis_fw-la be_v so_o under_o two_o head_n to_o be_v divide_v as_o may_v bring_v those_o thing_n which_o appertain_v unto_o the_o word_n or_o sign_n of_o a_o oath_n because_o they_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o interior_a sense_n under_o the_o name_n of_o external_a form_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o appertain_v unto_o the_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o same_o which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o mind_n under_o that_o of_o internal_a form_n a_o oath_n in_o respect_n of_o external_a form_n consist_v of_o sign_n only_o or_o of_o word_n only_o or_o of_o both_o wherefore_o the_o first_o doubt_n be_v of_o the_o oath_n which_o be_v make_v by_o sign_n only_o without_o word_n there_o have_v be_v who_o have_v think_v except_o the_o word_n i_o swear_v or_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v express_o use_v as_o i_o swear_v i_o will_v perform_v it_o by_o god_n i_o will_v do_v it_o i_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v so_o god_n help_v i_o or_o the_o like_a that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o bare_a promise_n and_o no_o oath_n and_o therefore_o obligatory_a under_o peril_n of_o falsehood_n only_o not_o of_o perjury_n so_o that_o he_o who_o fulfil_v not_o his_o promise_n which_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v perform_v be_v guilty_a of_o violate_a faith_n but_o not_o of_o a_o violate_a oath_n and_o among_o the_o casuist_n bartolus_n be_v say_v to_o have_v judge_v word_n at_o the_o least_o some_o so_o necessary_a unto_o a_o oath_n that_o unless_o the_o testimony_n invoke_v be_v in_o express_a word_n pronounce_v it_o can_v not_o formal_o be_v a_o oath_n nor_o under_o that_o name_n obligatory_a but_o these_o two_o opinion_n be_v worthy_o reject_v by_o all_o for_o see_v word_n be_v but_o interpreter_n of_o thing_n conceive_v in_o the_o mind_n whereof_o they_o be_v character_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o those_o thing_n conceive_v though_o perhaps_o not_o so_o convenient_o yet_o sufficient_o to_o be_v signify_v by_o other_o mean_n as_o write_v nod_n sign_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o other_o no_o necessity_n enjoin_v the_o use_n of_o word_n so_o mute_n they_o who_o have_v have_v their_o tongue_n cut_v out_o and_o such_o as_o lie_v speechless_a upon_o their_o deathbed_n when_o they_o contract_v marriage_n make_v their_o will_n or_o perform_v any_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a signification_n of_o their_o assent_n which_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o express_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n use_v by_o nod_n by_o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n or_o other_o sign_n to_o signify_v their_o answer_n unto_o the_o question_n ask_v which_o signification_n be_v no_o less_o valid_a unto_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n of_o the_o law_n then_o if_o it_o have_v be_v express_v by_o word_n and_o it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o in_o a_o oath_n to_o which_o so_o god_n be_v any_o way_n invoke_v witness_n whether_o express_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n or_o tacit_o by_o any_o sign_n whereby_o the_o person_n who_o it_o concern_v may_v manifest_o perceive_v that_o the_o party_n desire_v as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n to_o engage_v his_o faith_n such_o a_o act_n be_v both_o formal_o a_o oath_n and_o full_o sufficient_a to_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n according_a to_o that_o verse_n which_o stobaeus_n bring_v out_o of_o a_o old_a comedian_n the_o oath_n be_v firm_a if_o i_o but_o give_v a_o nod_n he_o be_v therefore_o very_o much_o deceive_v and_o his_o own_o impostor_n who_o think_v himself_o either_o free_a from_o or_o more_o loose_a in_o his_o obligation_n because_o he_o utter_v no_o word_n that_o may_v express_v a_o oath_n if_o to_o another_o ask_v he_o a_o question_n as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n witness_n and_o arbyter_n by_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o behaviour_n he_o seem_v plain_o to_o consent_v or_o if_o where_o it_o may_v be_v advantageous_a unto_o he_o in_o respect_n of_o some_o worldly_a gain_n that_o he_o shall_v seem_v to_o have_v swear_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o another_o he_o know_o and_o witting_o make_v use_n of_o a_o friend_n to_o witness_v though_o false_o that_o he_o have_v so_o swear_v he_o have_v bind_v by_o that_o fact_n his_o soul_n with_o a_o bond_n and_o ought_v no_o less_o to_o do_v according_a unto_o all_o that_o which_o proceed_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o party_n ask_v or_o require_v then_o if_o it_o have_v proceed_v out_o of_o his_o own_o mouth_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v lawful_a he_o must_v perform_v it_o but_o if_o he_o know_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a he_o can_v by_o this_o trick_n evade_v perjury_n sect_n ii_o furthermore_o as_o oath_n may_v be_v swear_v by_o sign_n only_o without_o word_n so_o they_o may_v and_o most_o common_o be_v by_o word_n only_o without_o sign_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o rash_a one_o which_o slip_v out_o in_o common_a discourse_n and_o other_o now_o the_o word_n of_o a_o oath_n may_v be_v consider_v yet_o two_o way_n either_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n by_o which_o it_o be_v swear_v or_o according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o expression_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n in_o which_o it_o be_v swear_v wherefore_o the_o second_o doubt_n be_v concern_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n in_o
some_o assurance_n of_o that_o which_o before_o be_v uncertain_a but_o what_o certainty_n can_v be_v have_v in_o word_n of_o a_o uncertain_a sense_n three_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o party_n swear_v who_o if_o he_o take_v the_o oath_n upon_o that_o condition_n prepare_v either_o scandal_n for_o his_o neighbour_n or_o a_o snare_n for_o himself_o for_o this_o kind_n of_o covin_z can_v be_v imagine_v to_o have_v other_o drift_n then_o either_o that_o other_o may_v be_v draw_v by_o our_o example_n though_o against_o their_o conscience_n to_o take_v the_o same_o oath_n which_o be_v to_o give_v scandal_n unto_o our_o neighbour_n or_o that_o something_o else_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o oath_n may_v afterward_o be_v require_v of_o we_o which_o be_v either_o unlawful_a or_o inconvenient_a and_o that_o be_v to_o set_v a_o snare_n for_o ourselves_o wherefore_o let_v a_o prudent_a man_n beware_v how_o he_o suffer_v himself_o thus_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o or_o esteem_v the_o fear_n or_o favour_n of_o any_o at_o that_o rate_n to_o swallow_v the_o bait_n wherein_o he_o know_v certain_o there_o be_v a_o hook_n assure_o that_o the_o act_n of_o swear_v may_v be_v due_o perform_v it_o be_v expedient_a the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v most_o clear_o agreeed_o upon_o by_o all_o the_o interest_v party_n which_o the_o ancient_n call_v liquido_fw-la jurare_fw-la scis_fw-la tamen_fw-la &_o liquido_fw-la juratus_fw-la dicere_fw-la possess_n and_o it_o appear_v by_o a_o old_a form_n the_o deferent_a when_o he_o offer_v a_o oath_n to_o the_o party_n about_o to_o swear_v be_v wont_a to_o say_v qua_fw-la de_fw-la repeto_fw-la liquido_fw-la jure_v sect_n xi_o but_o enough_o of_o these_o i_o come_v to_o the_o three_o doubt_n which_o be_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o oath_n according_a to_o the_o latitude_n or_o extent_n of_o the_o same_o that_o be_v whether_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o scope_n the_o first_o case_n be_v where_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v particular_a yet_o the_o word_n be_v general_a for_o example_n papal_a usurpation_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o royal_a supremacy_n he_o arrogate_a unto_o himself_o the_o exercise_n of_o supreme_a jurisdiction_n in_o spiritualibus_fw-la throughout_o this_o kingdom_n i_o answer_v such_o a_o oath_n be_v obligatory_a according_a to_o the_o express_a word_n in_o the_o utmost_a latitude_n the_o reason_n be_v that_o the_o intention_n of_o a_o law_n though_o make_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n be_v general_a to_o provide_v against_o all_o future_a inconvenience_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n or_o nature_n and_o therefore_o albeit_o in_o the_o preamble_n of_o a_o law_n particular_a mention_n be_v often_o make_v of_o that_o grievance_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o enact_v the_o same_o yet_o those_o word_n wherein_o the_o law_n be_v contain_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n general_a which_o be_v do_v industrious_o and_o on_o purpose_n by_o lawgiver_n that_o other_o thing_n of_o like_a nature_n may_v fall_v within_o their_o comprehension_n wherefore_o as_o lawyer_n take_v their_o responsal_n upon_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n not_o from_o the_o preamble_n but_o body_n of_o the_o statute_n so_o of_o the_o right_a interpretation_n of_o a_o oath_n ought_v judgement_n to_o be_v make_v not_o from_o the_o preface_n but_o from_o the_o body_n of_o a_o oath_n sect_n xii_o the_o second_o case_n be_v how_o far_o a_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o some_o condition_n i_o answer_v brief_o first_o if_o the_o word_n contain_v a_o express_a condition_n the_o party_n swear_v be_v not_o bind_v till_o the_o condition_n be_v perform_v as_o if_o caius_n promise_v titius_n a_o hundred_o crown_n to_o morrow_n if_o titius_n give_v he_o this_o day_n possession_n of_o such_o or_o such_o land_n the_o possession_n not_o give_v caius_n be_v not_o bind_v by_o his_o promise_n second_o if_o there_o be_v no_o express_a condition_n yet_o all_o those_o condition_n and_o exception_n which_o be_v presume_v by_o law_n and_o common_a custom_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o i_o will_v do_v this_o or_o that_o if_o god_n permit_v if_o it_o be_v not_o against_o the_o right_n of_o another_o if_o thing_n remain_v as_o now_o they_o stand_v if_o i_o be_v able_a if_o be_v it_o lawful_a etc._n etc._n as_o be_v say_v more_o at_o large_a in_o the_o explanation_n of_o the_o second_o hypothesis_n sect_n xiii_o the_o three_o case_n be_v of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o intention_n for_o the_o seem_v to_o have_v fulfil_v his_o oath_n who_o do_v according_a to_o that_o which_o he_o intend_v in_o the_o second_o intention_n which_o be_v the_o end_n although_o he_o perform_v it_o not_o according_a to_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o word_n which_o contain_v the_o first_o intention_n only_o or_o mean_n for_o example_n if_o a_o man_n engage_v himself_o by_o vow_n oath_n or_o promise_n to_o allow_v ten_o shilling_n a_o month_n to_o the_o poor_a of_o such_o a_o parish_n and_o in_o january_n and_o february_n give_v nothing_o but_o in_o march_n send_v they_o thirty_o shilling_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o party_n swear_v intend_v to_o oblige_v himself_o unto_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n only_o and_o not_o unto_o the_o circumstance_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v unto_o that_o way_n which_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o insinuate_v whence_o in_o the_o example_n propound_v if_o he_o have_v pay_v a_o whole_a three_o month_n pension_n in_o the_o first_o month_n doubtless_o he_o have_v perform_v his_o promise_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v that_o by_o accident_n and_o consequence_n he_o may_v become_v oblige_v even_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o thing_n because_o every_o man_n be_v oblige_v caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o impediment_n in_o doubtful_a matter_n to_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v safe_a as_o in_o the_o example_n propose_v it_o be_v safe_a to_o pay_v the_o pension_n in_o the_o manner_n promise_v that_o be_v rather_o every_o month_n ten_o then_o in_o the_o three_o thirty_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o sudden_a death_n and_o uncertain_a event_n and_o to_o avoid_v those_o scruple_n which_o may_v arise_v even_o from_o neglect_a circumstance_n i_o shall_v therefore_o advise_v a_o pious_a man_n that_o he_o be_v careful_a to_o fulfil_v every_o of_o his_o vow_n oath_n promise_n according_a unto_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o his_o intention_n as_o far_o as_o convenient_o he_o may_v even_o to_o the_o slight_a circumstance_n lest_o through_o contempt_n of_o small_a matter_n he_o create_v scruple_n unto_o himself_o or_o by_o degree_n get_v such_o a_o habit_n as_o may_v cause_v he_o to_o contemn_v great_a but_o however_o unto_o one_o thing_n i_o exhort_v all_o and_o it_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o top-stone_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n concern_v the_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o oath_n that_o above_o all_o they_o be_v watchful_a lest_o they_o be_v too_o indulgent_a unto_o themselves_o in_o this_o business_n or_o while_o they_o pamper_v their_o own_o desire_n weaken_v the_o bond_n of_o a_o oath_n with_o over_o mild_a and_o loose_a interpretation_n and_o so_o expose_v themselves_o unto_o the_o danger_n of_o perjury_n and_o thus_o muâ—h_n shall_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o formal_a cause_n sect_n fourteen_o there_o remain_v a_o little_a to_o be_v say_v of_o the_o final_a cause_n the_o first_o doubt_n be_v when_o a_o thing_n lawful_a in_o itself_o be_v promise_v with_o a_o ill_a intention_n or_o to_o a_o ill_a end_n first_o i_o say_v it_o be_v simple_o unlawful_a to_o promise_v any_o thing_n though_o lawful_a with_o a_o evil_a intention_n or_o to_o a_o evil_a end_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o as_o one_o defect_n in_o any_o humane_a action_n be_v enough_o to_o render_v the_o whole_a action_n evil_a for_o good_a be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o entire_a cause_n evil_a of_o a_o partial_a so_o especial_o a_o defect_n derogate_a from_o the_o end_n which_o hold_v the_o principal_a place_n in_o moral_a thing_n at_o which_o that_o speech_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v think_v to_o aim_n but_o if_o thy_o eye_n be_v evil_a thy_o whole_a body_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o darkness_n second_o i_o say_v if_o any_o man_n shall_v have_v swear_v any_o thing_n unto_o another_o for_o a_o dishonest_a end_n yet_o without_o any_o dishonest_a condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o party_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o fulfil_v the_o promise_n if_o a_o man_n promise_v a_o woman_n a_o jewel_n intend_v with_o himself_o to_o engage_v she_o by_o that_o token_n unto_o immodest_a love_n nevertheless_o without_o show_n of_o any_o unchaste_a condition_n he_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o promise_n the_o reason_n of_o each_o be_v because_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o give_v a_o jewel_n
the_o same_o have_v sin_v against_o his_o duty_n in_o swear_v and_o be_v bind_v in_o no_o wise_a to_o fulfil_v that_o oath_n resolve_v therefore_o upon_o this_o question_n that_o irritation_n of_o a_o legitimate_a superior_a may_v cancel_v the_o bond_n of_o a_o oath_n sect_n vii_o the_o four_o case_n be_v of_o the_o solution_n of_o the_o bond_n by_o cessation_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o some_o considerable_a alteration_n happen_v unto_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o it_o be_v then_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o matter_n cease_v when_o between_o the_o time_n of_o the_o oath_n swear_v and_o that_o wherein_o it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n be_v so_o change_v that_o if_o the_o party_n can_v have_v foresee_v what_o will_v have_v follow_v he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n have_v swear_v i_o answer_v brief_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o vow_n oath_n or_o promise_v cease_v the_o obligation_n thereof_o must_v also_o cease_v as_o in_o natural_a and_o artificial_a thing_n where_o matter_n be_v defective_a the_o action_n of_o the_o agent_n must_v be_v likewise_o of_o necessity_n deficient_a for_o neither_o can_v fire_n burn_v except_o it_o have_v combustible_a matter_n nor_o a_o carpenter_n make_v a_o form_n without_o wood_n wherefore_o if_o a_o soldier_n swear_v obedience_n unto_o his_o general_n the_o war_n end_v and_o the_o general_n reform_v he_o be_v not_o bind_v by_o his_o oath_n to_o yield_v he_o obedience_n and_o if_o a_o father_n swear_v never_o to_o alter_v the_o will_n whereby_o he_o make_v his_o son_n his_o heir_n yet_o find_v his_o heir_n afterward_o practise_v upon_o his_o life_n by_o poison_n the_o father_n be_v no_o far_o bind_v by_o his_o oath_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o same_o may_v alter_v his_o will_n and_o adopt_v another_o heir_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v where_o a_o man_n have_v hear_v the_o statute_n of_o any_o college_n or_o society_n read_v unto_o he_o swear_v to_o observe_v they_o if_o these_o statute_n happen_v afterward_o to_o be_v revoke_v or_o abrogate_a the_o party_n swear_v be_v absolve_v from_o the_o bond_n of_o his_o oath_n the_o reason_n be_v that_o the_o root_n of_o obligation_n be_v pull_v up_o the_o branch_n must_v needs_o wither_v now_o the_o matter_n which_o give_v occasion_n unto_o the_o oath_n be_v the_o root_n of_o that_o obligation_n which_o spring_v from_o the_o oath_n for_o a_o oath_n follow_v the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o act_n wherewith_o it_o be_v join_v that_o be_v the_o matter_n which_o it_o contain_v as_o a_o accessary_n follow_v the_o nature_n of_o its_o principal_a and_o accessory_n say_v the_o lawyer_n be_v extinct_a if_o you_o destroy_v the_o principal_n sect_n viii_o the_o last_o case_n be_v of_o solution_n of_o the_o bond_n by_o relaxation_n of_o a_o party_n to_o wit_n of_o he_o to_o who_o the_o oath_n be_v make_v as_o if_o caius_n shall_v promise_v any_o thing_n to_o titius_n whether_o titius_n remit_v the_o obligation_n caius_n be_v obsolve_v of_o his_o promise_n where_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o speech_n to_o remit_v a_o oath_n and_o the_o other_o which_o resemble_v it_o to_o favour_v a_o man_n of_o his_o oath_n be_v not_o always_o take_v by_o good_a author_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n for_o sometime_o they_o be_v use_v in_o relation_n to_o a_o oath_n to_o be_v make_v and_o so_o he_o be_v say_v to_o remit_v a_o oath_n unto_o another_o or_o to_o favour_v he_o of_o his_o oath_n who_o the_o other_o be_v prepare_v to_o swear_v content_v with_o his_o good_a will_n wave_v his_o oath_n and_o credit_v he_o without_o it_o or_o for_o any_o other_o reason_n require_v not_o a_o oath_n from_o a_o person_n of_o who_o he_o have_v right_a to_o require_v it_o but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o be_v take_v with_o relation_n unto_o a_o oath_n make_v and_o so_o he_o be_v say_v to_o remit_v or_o favour_v a_o person_n of_o his_o oath_n who_o pardon_v the_o performance_n of_o that_o which_o the_o person_n have_v promise_v nor_o though_o he_o have_v right_a to_o do_v it_o require_v the_o thing_n due_a by_o virtue_n of_o that_o oath_n so_o sueâ—onius_n say_v that_o tiberius_n â—â—voured_v a_o roman_a knight_n of_o his_o oath_n suffer_v he_o to_o put_v away_o his_o wifâ—_n take_v in_o adultery_n with_o his_o son_n in_o law_n though_o he_o have_v swear_v never_o to_o repudiate_v she_o and_o the_o emperor_n antoninus_n and_o verus_n signify_v to_o one_o who_o have_v swear_v never_o to_o be_v of_o the_o order_n and_o yet_o be_v create_v duumvir_fw-la that_o they_o favour_v he_o of_o his_o oath_n and_o this_o be_v that_o remission_n or_o favour_v of_o a_o oath_n which_o casuist_n call_v relaxation_n whereof_o i_o say_v first_o that_o this_o relaxation_n take_v place_n in_o oath_n league_n bargain_n and_o other_o humane_a contract_n not_o so_o in_o vow_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o difference_n be_v because_o vow_n be_v make_v unto_o god_n as_o a_o party_n but_o man_n have_v power_n to_o remit_v those_o only_o which_o be_v make_v to_o man_n second_o i_o say_v if_o a_o oath_n be_v swear_v in_o favour_n of_o another_o that_o be_v in_o order_n unto_o his_o honour_n power_n profit_n or_o other_o convenience_n that_o it_o be_v not_o bind_v exâ—â—pt_v he_o in_o who_o favour_n it_o be_v make_v accept_v and_o ratify_v the_o same_o as_o in_o our_o law_n a_o bond_n oblige_v not_o caius_n to_o pay_v a_o hundred_o pound_n unto_o titius_n though_o sign_v with_o the_o hand_n of_o caius_n and_o seal_v with_o his_o seal_n except_z caius_z deliver_v it_o unto_o titius_n and_o titius_n or_o some_o other_o accept_v of_o it_o in_o his_o name_n and_o to_o his_o use_n three_o i_o say_v a_o oath_n so_o make_v if_o the_o person_n unto_o who_o it_o be_v swear_v confirm_v the_o same_o and_o expect_v the_o performance_n can_v be_v relax_v by_o any_o three_o person_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o no_o man_n can_v take_v away_o right_o acquire_v unto_o another_o without_o consent_n of_o the_o party_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o obligation_n as_o we_o have_v former_o say_v of_o a_o oath_n can_v be_v take_v away_o by_o dispensation_n except_o the_o party_n be_v willing_a four_o i_o say_v if_o he_o to_o who_o the_o oath_n be_v swear_v remit_v it_o and_o will_v not_o have_v it_o be_v keep_v that_o the_o party_n swear_v be_v forthwith_o absolve_v and_o no_o more_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o perform_v the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v wherefore_o caius_n be_v swear_v to_o pay_v titius_n a_o hundred_o pound_n if_o titius_n afterward_o remit_v the_o debt_n he_o be_v no_o far_o bind_v by_o his_o oath_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o any_o man_n may_v recede_v from_o his_o own_o right_n and_o pardon_v a_o debt_n due_a unto_o himself_o and_o the_o debt_n be_v absolve_v it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o the_o obligation_n cease_v see_v solution_n of_o the_o debt_n be_v the_o period_n of_o obligation_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o same_o and_o among_o we_o by_o the_o form_n of_o a_o bond_n the_o condition_n whereof_o perform_v the_o bond_n become_v void_a and_o of_o none_o effect_n if_o you_o object_v that_o the_o debt_n be_v not_o absolve_v because_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o perform_v i_o answer_v it_o be_v the_o same_o to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n of_o the_o law_n whether_o it_o be_v real_o fulfil_v or_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o party_n who_o it_o concern_v as_o fulfil_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o acceptation_n of_o the_o person_n interest_v be_v interpretative_o payment_n and_o so_o the_o matter_n as_o it_o be_v cease_v the_o obligation_n cease_v much_o after_o the_o manner_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o forego_n case_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o lawyer_n call_v acceptilation_n by_o which_o though_o a_o civil_a solution_n and_o not_o real_a they_o affirm_v obligation_n to_o be_v no_o less_o take_v away_o then_o by_o the_o real_a if_o again_o you_o object_n that_o although_o the_o obligation_n make_v to_o man_n may_v be_v take_v away_o by_o relaxation_n yet_o it_o seem_v the_o obligation_n to_o god_n shall_v remain_v as_o be_v answer_v in_o case_n of_o a_o oath_n extort_a by_o fear_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o bond_n relax_v after_o the_o manner_n express_v do_v no_o injury_n unto_o god_n in_o the_o violation_n of_o a_o extort_a oath_n because_o a_o promise_n make_v in_o favour_n of_o another_o be_v only_o direct_v unto_o god_n as_o witness_v of_o the_o promise_n make_v unto_o man_n and_o revenger_n of_o the_o violation_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v engage_v unto_o the_o other_o which_o faith_n see_v he_o violate_v not_o but_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n he_o be_v whole_o absolve_v from_o