not_o your_o garment_n joel_n 2._o 13._o who_o have_v require_v these_o thing_n at_o your_o hand_n isa_n 1._o 11_o 12_o 13._o viz._n in_o this_o hypocritical_a fashion_n limit_v these_o seem_a negative_n be_v not_o absolute_o but_o comparative_o speak_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o love_n or_o care_n or_o fear_v reverence_n and_o duty_n as_o be_v due_a to_o god_n great_a command_n and_o chief_a design_n which_o must_v be_v the_o main_a bias_n of_o man_n affection_n and_o obediential_a action_n as_o most_o intent_n to_o morality_n and_o not_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o empty_a formality_n so_o in_o ironical_a assenting_n or_o seem_a concession_n which_o be_v the_o sharp_a prohibition_n and_o reproach_n as_o 31._o fill_v you_o up_o then_o the_o measure_n of_o your_o father_n he_o that_o be_v filthy_a let_v he_o be_v filthy_a still_o 11._o and_o he_o that_o be_v unjust_a be_v unjust_a still_o these_o be_v not_o speak_v in_o a_o flat_a and_o plain_a way_n but_o in_o such_o a_o dialect_n and_o emphasis_n of_o familiar_a oratory_n as_o the_o time_n and_o country_n do_v well_o understand_v to_o signify_v other_o than_o the_o word_n sound_v either_o more_o or_o less_o and_o it_o have_v be_v a_o very_a ridiculous_a childishness_n to_o have_v urge_v the_o letter_n in_o its_o syllabical_a appearance_n and_o against_o its_o rational_a meaning_n which_o as_o s._n austin_n long_o ago_o observe_v must_v never_o be_v so_o put_v upon_o the_o bias_n of_o the_o bare_a word_n as_o to_o sway_v or_o swerve_v they_o contrary_a to_o that_o divine_a verity_n morality_n and_o sanctity_n which_o shine_v most_o clear_o in_o other_o place_n and_o who_o light_n must_v be_v bring_v to_o enlighten_v those_o that_o be_v more_o involve_v and_o obscure_v by_o reason_n of_o some_o proper_a phrase_n or_o idiotism_n of_o express_v thing_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n in_o those_o time_n else_o many_o thing_n speak_v even_o of_o god_n and_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o holy_a man_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n as_o see_v hear_v smell_a be_v injure_v angry_a and_o repent_v etc._n etc._n will_v be_v as_o blasphemy_n and_o irreconcilable_a as_o both_o jewish_a rabbin_n and_o christian_a doctor_n observe_v to_o his_o essential_a attribute_n and_o immutable_a perfection_n nabucihn_n here_o the_o word_n look_v to_o the_o appearance_n as_o when_o angel_n be_v call_v young_a man_n mark_v 16._o 5._o joh._n 20._o 12._o luk._n 24._o 4._o but_o the_o sense_n must_v look_v to_o the_o essence_n and_o reality_n man_n will_v make_v as_o mad_a work_n of_o scripture_n as_o hog_n will_v do_v with_o garden_n and_o field_n when_o in_o stead_n of_o orderly_o plough_v and_o sow_v that_o we_o may_v reap_v a_o fair_a and_o fruitful_a harvest_n we_o inordinate_o and_o rash_o root_v up_o all_o thing_n by_o a_o confuse_a rudeness_n which_o end_v either_o in_o barrenness_n or_o in_o brier_n and_o thorn_n endless_a jangle_n and_o perplexity_n what_o long_a and_o sad_a contention_n have_v the_o 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be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o creator_n light_n to_o mankind_n and_o all_o this_o by_o a_o magisterial_a novel_a and_o seraphic_a severity_n beyond_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v impose_v by_o press_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rigid_a letter_n of_o the_o word_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o allow_v no_o metonymy_n or_o symbolical_a speak_n which_o be_v so_o frequent_a in_o scripture-mystery_n and_o sacred_a correspondency_n between_o the_o sign_n and_o thing_n signify_v as_o the_o lamb_n be_v call_v the_o passeover_n and_o christ_n our_o passeover_n and_o the_o rock_n vine_n dove_n etc._n etc._n while_o yet_o in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n they_o be_v force_v to_o subdue_v and_o soften_v the_o word_n to_o their_o due_a sense_n by_o such_o metonymue_n and_o trope_n as_o must_v make_v the_o cup_n to_o signify_v or_o mean_v the_o wine_n and_o the_o cup_n or_o wine_n to_o signify_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o christ_n blood_n certain_o as_o in_o such_o expression_n which_o christ_n there_o use_v and_o which_o we_o read_v in_o other_o scripture_n of_o parallel_a sense_n to_o set_v forth_o divine_a mystery_n by_o their_o adapt_v sign_n and_o symbol_n or_o emblem_n and_o seal_n there_o must_v be_v believe_v something_o more_o sublime_a in_o they_o then_o the_o narrowness_n of_o the_o word_n or_o perhaps_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n can_v full_o comprehend_v so_o to_o be_v sure_a nothing_o be_v by_o scripture_n impose_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v believe_v which_o be_v flat_o contradictive_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o the_o suffrage_n of_o all_o our_o sense_n and_o to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o here_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n must_v be_v measure_v by_o semblable_a place_n and_o like_a expression_n which_o be_v not_o want_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o so_o wrest_v by_o any_o christian_n that_o be_v master_n of_o sense_n reason_n and_o true_a religion_n who_o do_v not_o cease_v by_o believe_v to_o be_v rational_a creature_n or_o to_o be_v man_n by_o be_v christian_n if_o the_o quaker_n will_v fair_o admit_v such_o caution_n and_o limitation_n as_o they_o do_v to_o other_o place_n in_o the_o interpret_n these_o scripture_n which_o they_o chief_o allege_v to_o justify_v their_o denial_n of_o all_o swear_v whatever_o i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o my_o sense_n of_o they_o nor_o shall_v i_o grudge_v to_o give_v they_o this_o second_o commendation_n for_o their_o due_a regard_n to_o scripture_n as_o the_o sure_a and_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o a_o christian_n action_n for_o the_o main_a and_o substance_n of_o they_o but_o these_o scripture_n must_v be_v due_o examine_v exact_o weigh_v and_o apt_o reduce_v to_o that_o standard_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v most_o constant_a and_o clear_a in_o both_o moral_n &_o fiducials_n three_o oath_n yea_o i_o shall_v add_v a_o three_o commendation_n of_o these_o quaker_n who_o shall_v rise_v in_o judgement_n at_o the_o last_o day_n against_o many_o of_o those_o that_o speak_v much_o against_o they_o for_o this_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v so_o great_a a_o fear_n of_o a_o oath_n that_o out_o of_o a_o jealousy_n of_o swear_v amiss_o they_o will_v not_o swear_v at_o all_o 2._o although_o they_o be_v superstitious_a in_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o fear_n which_o i_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v not_o just_o ground_v on_o the_o word_n they_o allege_v yet_o no_o good_a man_n can_v blame_v they_o to_o have_v as_o god_n command_v 17._o a_o just_a abhorrence_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o profane_a easy_a trivial_a familiar_a false_a and_o inconsiderate_a swear_v for_o which_o the_o land_n mourn_v jer._n 23._o 10._o which_o so_o dispose_v man_n as_o saint_n austin_n say_v to_o false_a swear_v and_o gross_a perjury_n labimur_fw-la which_o be_v sin_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n nor_o can_v indeed_o much_o credit_n be_v give_v any_o more_o than_o to_o a_o liar_n to_o any_o man_n that_o swear_v never_o so_o solemn_o and_o in_o judicature_n who_o be_v a_o common_a swearer_n facilis_fw-la and_o have_v no_o reverence_n either_o of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n or_o the_o sacredness_n of_o a_o oath_n i_o former_o observe_v the_o great_a dread_n and_o just_a horror_n of_o all_o swear_v 11._o even_o that_o which_o the_o law_n require_v wherewith_o the_o poor_a quaker_n may_v easy_o be_v scare_v and_o possess_v in_o those_o barbarous_a time_n of_o their_o first_o breed_n when_o so_o many_o lawful_a 19_o oath_n be_v despise_v and_o impudent_o violate_v nay_o when_o perjury_n and_o rebellion_n be_v adopt_v to_o the_o family_n of_o religion_n and_o vote_v for_o reformation_n when_o man_n be_v grow_v so_o preposterous_o zealous_a for_o god_n that_o they_o will_v both_o lie_v and_o forswear_v to_o advance_v his_o interest_n
and_o near_a the_o medium_n both_o of_o humanity_n as_o a_o man_n and_o of_o charity_n as_o a_o christian_a measure_v all_o policy_n by_o christ_n golden_a rule_n to_o do_v as_o i_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o second_o in_o point_n of_o state-policy_n also_o or_o method_n of_o true_a government_n i_o do_v conceive_v that_o mere_a plagiary_n counsel_n and_o punitive_a course_n be_v never_o likely_a to_o obtain_v the_o main_a end_n which_o be_v to_o stop_v the_o contagion_n of_o error_n and_o to_o extirpate_v those_o deprave_a opinion_n which_o be_v just_o think_v to_o be_v the_o spawn_n of_o dangerous_a action_n for_o unless_o the_o generality_n of_o credulous_a people_n who_o be_v spectator_n of_o those_o that_o differ_v and_o suffer_v for_o their_o opinion_n and_o conscience_n do_v also_o see_v so_o much_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o clear_a religion_n as_o may_v justify_v the_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n execute_v upon_o those_o offender_n who_o profess_v conscience_n for_o their_o disobedience_n and_o scripture_n for_o their_o conscience_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o spectator_n of_o their_o suffering_n will_v very_o much_o soften_v to_o a_o compassion_n for_o they_o and_o by_o sympathize_v with_o their_o person_n in_o affliction_n they_o will_v by_o degree_n symbolize_v with_o their_o opinion_n easy_o run_v as_o metal_z that_o be_v melt_v into_o the_o same_o mould_n at_o length_n the_o populacy_n if_o not_o fortify_v by_o pregnant_a demonstration_n of_o truth_n against_o those_o spread_a error_n and_o their_o pseudomartyr_n will_v mighty_o cry_v up_o their_o piety_n admire_v their_o courage_n &_o magnify_v their_o constancy_n at_o last_o they_o will_v conclude_v those_o sufferer_n to_o have_v some_o special_a support_n or_o divine_a spirit_n above_o ordinary_a man_n because_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o much_o above_o the_o ordinary_a passion_n of_o fear_n and_o hope_n self-love_n and_o preservation_n which_o prospect_n of_o patience_n justin_n martyr_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o his_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_n that_o he_o may_v see_v on_o what_o ground_n so_o fix_v a_o constancy_n grow_v which_o show_v a_o divine_a security_n amid_o humane_a infirmity_n by_o such_o popular_a pity_n and_o applause_n not_o only_o sufferer_n will_v be_v confirm_v in_o their_o pertinacy_n but_o their_o spectator_n also_o will_v daily_o increase_v and_o multiply_v as_o the_o shoot_v of_o tree_n do_v by_o the_o lop_n off_o their_o branch_n especial_o if_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o such_o dissenter_n and_o sufferer_n be_v moral_o just_a and_o civil_o innocent_a for_o nothing_o soon_o discover_v and_o blast_v such_o cross_a opinion_n and_o wither_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o factious_a spectator_n then_o vile_a injurious_a and_o insolent_a demeanour_n either_o in_o word_n or_o deed_n such_o as_o all_o man_n confess_v to_o deserve_v the_o gaol_n and_o gibbet_n this_o indeed_o as_o in_o the_o mad_a prank_n of_o john_n of_o leyden_n and_o his_o anabaptistick_a crew_n in_o germany_n and_o so_o in_o our_o hacket_n and_o other_o disciplinarian_o in_o england_n in_o the_o late_a presumption_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a reformation_n and_o independent_a confusion_n full_a of_o perjury_n sacrilâ—dge_n treason_n and_o innocent_a blood_n this_o i_o say_v will_n as_o the_o bark_n of_o tree_n round_o present_o bring_v any_o opinionist_n and_o factionist_n to_o public_a scorn_n and_o hatred_n as_o it_o do_v those_o papist_n who_o heretofore_o in_o the_o marian_n persecution_n in_o the_o horrid_a powder-plot_n and_o in_o the_o late_a irish_a rebellion_n full_a of_o perfidy_n and_o cruelty_n have_v so_o blemish_v the_o repute_n of_o that_o catholic_n cause_n as_o it_o can_v never_o be_v redeem_v from_o just_a jealousy_n but_o by_o action_n of_o extraordinary_a loyalty_n meekness_n and_o humanity_n beside_o the_o renounce_n of_o some_o opinion_n but_o where_o harmlesness_n of_o life_n set_v a_o gloss_n on_o opiniont_n and_o error_n thereby_o grow_v more_o lusty_a and_o rank_n as_o ill_a weed_n in_o good_a ground_n there_o mere_a robu_v power_n or_o punitive_a severity_n can_v no_o more_o pull_v they_o up_o than_o a_o strong_a arm_n do_v thorn_n and_o bush_n when_o they_o be_v deep_o root_v break_v off_o the_o stem_n or_o top_n of_o they_o but_o leave_v the_o root_n still_o in_o the_o ground_n which_o will_v spring_v again_o and_o spread_v far_o here_o nothing_o be_v so_o effectual_a to_o do_v execution_n upon_o error_n as_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n which_o reach_v man_n conscience_n by_o the_o proper_a method_n of_o conviction_n do_v like_o a_o sharp_a spade_n and_o mattock_n fetch_v up_o the_o very_a root_n and_o fibre_n of_o evil_a opinion_n to_o the_o utter_a extirpation_n of_o such_o noxious_a plant_n in_o a_o short_a time_n except_o where_o knavery_n and_o hypocrisy_n do_v husband_n opinion_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n of_o secular_a end_n and_o interest_n of_o reputation_n profit_n or_o power_n after_o this_o charitable_a method_n and_o temper_n be_v those_o many_o learned_a work_n and_o elaborate_a tract_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n irenaeus_n tertullian_n cyprian_n saint_n austin_n prosper_n cyril_n hilary_n optatus_n saint_n jerom_n and_o other_o write_v conform_a to_o the_o canon_n and_o decree_n of_o ecclesiastical_a council_n guide_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o seasonable_o apply_v by_o their_o skilful_a and_o charitable_a hand_n to_o cure_v the_o malady_n and_o stop_v the_o gangrene_n of_o such_o pestilent_a opinion_n as_o spring_v up_o in_o their_o day_n from_o heretic_n schismatic_n and_o fanatic_n nor_o do_v those_o holy_a man_n at_o any_o time_n so_o despise_v the_o meanness_n of_o any_o christian_n outward_a condition_n or_o the_o fatuity_n of_o their_o opinion_n as_o not_o to_o set_v a_o great_a value_n on_o their_o soul_n for_o which_o christ_n have_v die_v ever_o apply_v first_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n in_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n before_o they_o crave_v the_o assistance_n or_o encourage_v the_o severity_n of_o the_o secular_a sword_n from_o christian_a emperor_n and_o magistrate_n use_v all_o rational_a and_o religious_a mean_n until_o they_o find_v that_o deprave_a opinion_n put_v man_n upon_o desperate_a action_n as_o in_o those_o of_o the_o novatian_o donatist_n and_o arrian_n also_o of_o the_o manichee_n euchites_n and_o circumcellian_n a_o primitive_a kind_n of_o quaker_n who_o by_o a_o specious_a constancy_n in_o pray_v and_o affectation_n of_o suffering_n so_o seduce_v the_o vulgar_a people_n that_o the_o number_n of_o their_o devout_a idle_a and_o hungry_a associate_n at_o length_n give_v they_o confidence_n to_o make_v a_o prey_n and_o spoil_v of_o other_o man_n good_n estate_n and_o life_n too_o till_o by_o arm_a force_n they_o be_v repress_v and_o by_o just_a law_n prohibit_v in_o honorius_n and_o other_o emperor_n time_n then_o indeed_o charity_n to_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o welfare_n must_v be_v prefer_v before_o any_o pity_n charity_n forbearance_n or_o indulgence_n to_o private_a person_n party_n and_o opinion_n which_o grow_v rude_a and_o insolent_a in_o their_o word_n or_o deed_n sufficient_o discover_v they_o be_v not_o upon_o the_o pure_a account_n of_o conscience_n or_o principle_n of_o true_a christian_a religion_n which_o be_v as_o far_o as_o heaven_n from_o hell_n or_o christ_n from_o belial_n from_o teach_v or_o impel_v man_n to_o any_o act_n or_o approving_n of_o private_a sin_n and_o immorality_n much_o more_o from_o public_a conspiring_n and_o practising_n of_o faction_n schism_n sedition_n and_o rebellion_n in_o church_n and_o kingdom_n for_o which_o christ_n never_o give_v any_o commission_n to_o his_o disciple_n nor_o the_o least_o countenance_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a most_o eminent_a precept_n and_o example_n of_o humility_n meekness_n and_o patience_n under_o any_o suffering_n for_o conscience_n sake_n sufficient_a for_o ever_o to_o confute_v the_o most_o specious_a pretension_n of_o any_o who_o violent_o carry_v on_o their_o private_a opinion_n and_o pretend_a reformation_n against_o the_o will_n and_o power_n of_o lawful_a magistrate_n and_o settle_a church_n i_o do_v judge_v it_o both_o piety_n charity_n and_o policy_n to_o establish_v the_o rule_n of_o public_a religion_n by_o lâ—wes_n for_o uniformity_n in_o doctrine_n devotion_n discipline_n and_o decency_n accompany_v as_o with_o reward_n and_o privilege_n to_o the_o conformer_n so_o with_o some_o moderate_a pecuniary_a penalty_n on_o dissenter_n according_a to_o man_n estate_n and_o influence_n but_o i_o confess_v i_o be_o not_o for_o heavy_a mulct_n and_o rigorous_a exaction_n which_o shall_v imprison_v banish_v impoverish_v or_o destroy_v modest_a dissenter_n and_o their_o family_n only_o for_o the_o variety_n of_o their_o judgement_n when_o their_o civil_a action_n be_v otherwise_o moral_a just_a and_o inoffensive_a this_o severity_n will_v in_o some_o country_n and_o
possible_o now_o in_o england_n be_v not_o only_o destructive_a to_o many_o thousand_o but_o very_o disadvantageous_a to_o the_o king_n and_o kingdom_n to_o the_o trade_n and_o commerce_n of_o the_o nation_n by_o open_v a_o little_a wicket_n of_o royal_a clemency_n only_o to_o some_o few_o and_o shut_v the_o great_a gate_n to_o many_o who_o tender_a and_o unsatisfied_a or_o scrupulous_a conscience_n do_v as_o much_o expect_v need_v and_o deserve_v it_o as_o those_o that_o have_v it_o in_o petty_a matter_n while_o all_o other_o scruple_n be_v drive_v to_o discontent_n and_o despair_n by_o denial_n of_o all_o indulgence_n to_o they_o in_o great_a scruple_n there_o be_v but_o these_o four_o way_n of_o treat_v any_o party_n that_o dissent_v from_o the_o public_a establishment_n of_o religion_n and_o its_o law_n in_o any_o church_n and_o kingdom_n 1._o either_o to_o impoverish_v imprison_v banish_v and_o destroy_v all_o dissenter_n as_o the_o king_n of_o castille_n do_v the_o moor_n of_o granada_n which_o be_v a_o very_a rough_a barbarous_a unwelcome_a and_o unchristian_a way_n disallow_v by_o all_o wise_a man_n of_o all_o persuasion_n or_o second_o by_o rational_a convince_a they_o of_o their_o error_n which_o be_v a_o work_n of_o time_n and_o dexterity_n not_o to_o be_v do_v on_o the_o sudden_a no_o more_o then_o bodily_a cure_n without_o a_o miracle_n though_o very_o worthy_a to_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o shall_v require_v of_o every_o one_o a_o reason_n why_o they_o differ_v from_o or_o forsake_v the_o establish_a religion_n and_o treat_v they_o according_a as_o their_o persuasion_n passion_n or_o pertinacy_n shall_v appear_v to_o the_o conservator_n of_o religion_n or_o three_o by_o change_v establish_v law_n for_o their_o sake_n which_o be_v not_o for_o the_o piety_n prudence_n honour_n and_o safety_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o church_n when_o it_o judge_v its_o constitution_n to_o be_v religious_a righteous_a and_o convenient_a or_o four_o by_o way_n of_o discreet_a connivance_n and_o charitable_a indulgence_n so_o far_o as_o the_o civil_a peace_n of_o the_o nation_n will_v bear_v until_o reason_n and_o religion_n of_o who_o prevalency_n wise_a and_o good_a man_n never_o despair_v have_v by_o calm_a and_o charitable_a method_n recover_v people_n from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n by_o the_o sacred_a doctrine_n and_o good_a example_n of_o those_o who_o conform_v to_o the_o establish_a law_n in_o church_n and_o state_n this_o be_v first_o do_v will_v render_v dissenter_n unexcusable_a and_o justify_v any_o severity_n which_o shall_v be_v inflict_v upon_o the_o extravagancy_n of_o those_o opinion_n and_o action_n which_o do_v any_o way_n perturb_v the_o public_a peace_n or_o affront_v the_o establish_a religion_n and_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n of_o the_o quaker_n who_o refuse_v all_o legal_a oath_n upon_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n and_o so_o threaten_v either_o to_o subvert_v our_o law_n or_o to_o obstruct_v all_o judicial_a proceed_n plead_v for_o their_o disobedience_n to_o man_n law_n the_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n saint_n james_n no_o sober_a man_n can_v think_v by_o mere_a penalty_n to_o reduce_v they_o to_o a_o conformity_n with_o our_o law_n or_o to_o stop_v the_o spread_a of_o their_o opinion_n until_o it_o be_v plain_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a religion_n but_o only_a superstition_n in_o they_o a_o fear_n where_o no_o fear_n be_v a_o be_v righteous_a overmuch_o by_o a_o mistake_n of_o christ_n meaning_n a_o wrest_n of_o those_o scripture_n by_o their_o own_o unlearnedness_n and_o unstableness_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o public_a perturbation_n noble_a sir_n this_o great_a work_n for_o so_o it_o be_v to_o convince_v weak_a and_o wilful_a man_n of_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n i_o have_v undertake_v in_o this_o little_a treatise_n by_o god_n blessing_n not_o unreasonable_o i_o hope_v as_o to_o our_o time_n nor_o unsuitable_o as_o to_o my_o profession_n if_o i_o may_v be_v happy_a to_o do_v any_o of_o they_o good_a who_o possible_o may_v err_v in_o this_o with_o no_o evil_a mind_n by_o redeem_v they_o from_o their_o mistake_n and_o so_o from_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n i_o shall_v more_o rejoice_v in_o that_o success_n than_o those_o soldier_n do_v who_o among_o the_o ancient_n be_v reward_v with_o civic_a garland_n for_o preserve_v any_o of_o their_o countryman_n and_o fellow-citizen_n which_o honour_n you_o know_v the_o roman_a valour_n esteem_v more_o than_o any_o victorious_a laurel_n for_o destroy_v their_o enemy_n and_o in_o this_o charitable_a endeavour_n prosper_v by_o god_n grace_n i_o shall_v the_o more_o serious_o triumph_n because_o i_o believe_v it_o most_o agreeable_a as_o to_o my_o saviour_n preoept_n and_o primitive_a example_n of_o christian_a bishop_n so_o to_o your_o generous_a soul_n whereby_o this_o piece_n may_v probable_o be_v fortify_v with_o the_o approbation_n of_o so_o pieu_n and_o judicious_a a_o person_n who_o single_a suffrage_n be_v to_o i_o more_o valuable_a than_o the_o sequacious_a and_o vulgar_a vote_n of_o thousand_o who_o empty_a brain_n and_o clamorous_a mouth_n like_o hollow_a place_n where_o echo_n hide_v herself_o do_v common_o receive_v and_o report_v thing_n not_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o they_o but_o as_o the_o noise_n and_o cry_n be_v loud_a i_o know_v you_o be_v as_o much_o above_o plebeian_a censure_n as_o titular_a honour_n traditional_a philosophy_n and_o popular_a religion_n be_v every_o way_n judicious_o devote_v to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n full_a of_o loyalty_n to_o the_o king_n and_o law_n also_o of_o sober_a conformity_n to_o the_o establish_a religion_n of_o this_o church_n who_o royal_a law_n be_v that_o of_o charity_n the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n and_o centre_n of_o peace_n in_o all_o which_o respect_v you_o deserve_v and_o have_v the_o love_n and_o honour_n of_o all_o worthy_a person_n and_o particular_o of_o he_o who_o may_v without_o vanity_n own_o this_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o some_o worth_n in_o he_o that_o he_o be_v sir_n your_o most_o affectionate_a friend_n and_o humble_a servant_n joh_n exon_n march_n 20_o 1661._o a_o discourse_n concern_v public_a oath_n and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o swear_v in_o judicial_a proceed_n etc._n etc._n find_v late_o in_o the_o most_o honourable_a house_n of_o peer_n piece_n that_o a_o law_n be_v likely_a to_o pass_v in_o order_n to_o punish_v with_o great_a penalty_n those_o english_a subject_n who_o under_o the_o name_n of_o quaker_n shall_v refuse_v to_o take_v as_o other_o legal_a oath_n so_o those_o which_o be_v usual_o require_v in_o judicial_a proceed_n thereby_o to_o prevent_v either_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o good_a law_n and_o custom_n of_o england_n according_a to_o private_a man_n fancy_n or_o the_o obstruction_n and_o violation_n of_o public_a justice_n the_o free_a course_n of_o which_o as_o that_o of_o the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n to_o the_o natural_a be_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o life_n and_o health_n the_o peace_n and_o honour_n the_o happiness_n and_o very_o be_v of_o the_o body_n politic_a which_o by_o the_o law_n and_o ancient_a custom_n of_o this_o kingdom_n of_o england_n can_v be_v due_o administer_v but_o by_o those_o form_n of_o solemn_a and_o religious_a oath_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a god_n which_o be_v the_o high_a obligation_n to_o truth_n and_o justice_n upon_o they_o that_o swear_v also_o the_o great_a satisfaction_n or_o assurance_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o other_o for_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o be_v so_o attest_v and_o for_o acquiescency_n in_o what_o be_v so_o decide_v i_o be_v hereupon_o bold_a thus_o far_o humble_o to_o intercede_v with_o that_o honourable_a house_n quaker_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o those_o poor_a people_n who_o be_v likely_a to_o fall_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o that_o law_n that_o however_o i_o may_v consent_v to_o the_o pass_v of_o that_o bill_n out_o of_o that_o justice_n and_o charity_n which_o i_o owe_v to_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o welfare_n to_o which_o all_o private_a party_n interest_n and_o charity_n must_v submit_v yet_o i_o crave_v so_o far_o a_o respite_n for_o some_o time_n as_o to_o the_o execution_n of_o those_o penalty_n upon_o any_o of_o they_o as_o offender_n until_o some_o such_o rational_a and_o religious_a course_n be_v take_v as_o may_v best_o inform_v those_o man_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n by_o god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n law_n of_o impose_v and_o take_v such_o public_a oath_n that_o so_o answer_v first_o their_o scruple_n and_o fair_o remove_v their_o difficulty_n either_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o cheerful_a obedience_n in_o that_o particular_a or_o else_o be_v leave_v without_o excuse_n before_o god_n and_o man_n while_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o law_n be_v justify_v against_o
a_o christian_a may_v swear_v vain_o and_o rash_o forbid_v by_o a_o spontaneous_a and_o occasional_a easiness_n either_o promise_a or_o assert_v although_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o by_o the_o true_a god_n but_o without_o reverence_n to_o god_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o so_o little_a yea_o no_o importance_n or_o difficulty_n as_o neither_o deserve_v nor_o need_n nor_o require_v a_o oath_n to_o this_o we_o all_o agree_v with_o the_o quaker_n christ_n word_n condemn_v all_o such_o profane_a and_o trivial_a swear_n much_o more_o if_o it_o be_v in_o fraud_n and_o falsity_n which_o make_v such_o oath_n as_o the_o coin_n of_o a_o usurper_n which_o be_v false_a metal_n and_o stamp_n too_o a_o complicate_v sin_n and_o one_o of_o the_o strong_a chain_n of_o darkness_n which_o the_o devil_n and_o a_o man_n own_o lust_n hamper_v the_o soul_n withal_o 2._o not_o be_v it_o any_o question_n whether_o christian_n may_v swear_v in_o any_o case_n by_o any_o creature_n as_o such_o creature_n not_o relate_v by_o it_o and_o through_o it_o to_o god_n above_o all_o who_o be_v the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o centre_n and_o circumference_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o who_o they_o have_v their_o be_v and_o in_o who_o be_v the_o idea_n or_o prototype_n of_o all_o their_o perfection_n to_o terminate_v a_o oath_n in_o a_o creature_n be_v to_o put_v the_o stamp_n of_o divinity_n on_o it_o to_o make_v it_o a_o idol_n in_o god_n stead_n and_o to_o profane_v his_o holy_a name_n by_o swear_v by_o it_o as_o by_o a_o false_a god_n the_o swear_n by_o any_o creature_n as_o such_o we_o all_o own_o to_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n according_a to_o those_o instance_n which_o our_o lord_n christ_n and_o saint_n james_n from_o his_o mouth_n give_v we_o when_o they_o explain_v their_o meaning_n of_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o etc._n etc._n 3._o nor_o be_v it_o a_o question_n whether_o a_o oath_n make_v by_o the_o name_n of_o any_o creature_n break_v and_o in_o a_o thing_n lawful_a may_v yet_o be_v break_v or_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o swear_v false_o by_o they_o all_o agree_v that_o though_o the_o oath_n be_v rash_a as_o by_o a_o creature_n yet_o it_o bind_v in_o thing_n lawful_a no_o less_o at_o least_o to_o truth_n and_o justice_n then_o any_o simple_a promise_n and_o it_o may_v be_v something_o more_o here_o that_o be_v true_a fieri_fw-la non_fw-la debuit_fw-la factum_fw-la valet_fw-la like_a bastard_n they_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v beget_v but_o they_o must_v be_v keep_v unless_o the_o matter_n be_v sinful_a as_o herod_n oath_n be_v which_o behead_v john_n baptist_n mat._n 14._o 9_o 4._o but_o the_o question_n be_v christian_n whether_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v utter_o forbid_v all_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o to_o all_o christian_n so_o that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o swear_v as_o in_o private_a so_o in_o public_a transaction_n or_o any_o court_n of_o judicature_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o oath_n never_o so_o just_a and_o true_a and_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o never_o so_o solemn_a and_o sacred_a and_o the_o authority_n require_v they_o never_o so_o lawful_a in_o civil_a respect_n this_o the_o quaker_n affirm_v lead_v thereto_o as_o they_o profess_v mere_o by_o the_o conscience_n of_o that_o obedience_n they_o oweto_o christ_n who_o will_v they_o say_v be_v express_o declare_v in_o those_o word_n to_o all_o his_o disciple_n not_o to_o swear_v at_o all_o in_o no_o case_n at_o no_o time_n upon_o no_o man_n command_n nor_o do_v they_o argue_v any_o thing_n further_o by_o way_n of_o rational_a deduction_n moral_a ground_n or_o religious_a principle_n either_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n or_o from_o the_o consent_n of_o other_o scripture_n or_o from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o glory_n but_o bare_o insist_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o urge_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d letter_n as_o a_o absolute_a or_o universal_a negative_a without_o any_o limitation_n or_o dispensation_n so_o feed_v on_o the_o rind_n or_o shell_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o gnaw_v the_o bone_n of_o the_o bare_a word_n that_o they_o never_o come_v at_o the_o kernel_n and_o marrow_n or_o true_a meaning_n of_o they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n i_o do_v deny_v forbid_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o my_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o consentient_a sense_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n yea_o of_o all_o christian_a and_o reform_a church_n of_o any_o renown_n that_o all_o swear_n be_v forbid_v by_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o that_o our_o saviour_n word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o such_o a_o limit_a sense_n and_o strict_a interpretation_n as_o suit_v to_o his_o scope_n and_o design_n which_o be_v to_o rectify_v popular_a error_n and_o remove_v common_a abuse_n in_o swear_v but_o not_o whole_o to_o forbid_v the_o use_n of_o it_o in_o a_o religious_a and_o lawful_a way_n and_o because_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a in_o order_n to_o my_o design_n which_o be_v to_o justify_v the_o legal_a proceed_n of_o this_o kingdom_n justice_n by_o oath_n and_o to_o satisfy_v the_o scruple_n of_o the_o quaker_n to_o oppose_v my_o nay_o to_o their_o yea_o or_o to_o offer_v the_o husk_n and_o chaff_n of_o word_n void_a of_o such_o reason_n as_o either_o slow_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o all_o action_n as_o good_a or_o evil_n moral_o or_o from_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v a_o treasury_n of_o right_a reason_n as_o well_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o true_a religion_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o give_v those_o reason_n which_o induce_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o quaker_n as_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o saducee_n do_v err_v not_o know_v or_o not_o right_a understanding_n 29._o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o to_o forbid_v all_o swear_v nor_o such_o as_o the_o just_a and_o religious_a law_n of_o england_n do_v require_v of_o all_o under_o its_o subjection_n in_o some_o case_n i_o will_v not_o seek_v to_o oppress_v or_o confound_v the_o quaker_n with_o the_o show_n of_o many_o reason_n as_o if_o i_o will_v carry_v the_o cause_n by_o number_n and_o not_o by_o weight_n but_o content_v myself_o with_o those_o few_o which_o be_v most_o pregnant_a plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o 1._o reason_n christ_n from_o the_o occasion_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n word_n and_o the_o scope_n or_o end_n of_o they_o to_o which_o his_o own_o instance_n by_o way_n of_o explication_n of_o his_o meaning_n do_v best_a direct_v we_o both_o as_o to_o what_o he_o forbid_v and_o enjoin_v to_o some_o of_o which_o the_o quaker_n themselves_o do_v consent_n 2._o reason_n from_o the_o moral_a and_o religious_a nature_n end_n and_o use_v of_o oath_n which_o god_n have_v institute_v and_o approve_v without_o any_o repeal_n by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n 3._o reason_n from_o other_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o give_v light_a to_o these_o both_o by_o principle_n grant_v and_o suitable_a example_n express_v to_o these_o reason_n i_o will_v add_v by_o way_n of_o full_a measure_n heap_v up_o and_o run_v over_o the_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o other_o christian_n and_o church_n ancient_a and_o modern_a in_o their_o interpretation_n of_o these_o word_n with_o answer_n to_o the_o allegation_n make_v from_o the_o say_n and_o manner_n of_o some_o primitive_a christian_n this_o do_v the_o conclusion_n will_v easy_o follow_v with_o great_a clearness_n and_o good_a authority_n to_o all_o that_o be_v true_o wise_a and_o have_v their_o eye_n open_v and_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v good_a and_o evil_n the_o first_o reason_n be_v from_o the_o occasion_n word_n scope_n and_o end_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n and_o so_o of_o the_o apostle_n for_o these_o as_o the_o bias_n of_o all_o speech_n do_v best_a discover_v the_o speaker_n mind_n there_o be_v no_o sure_a way_n to_o wrest_v and_o pervert_v scripture_n then_o to_o take_v they_o abrupt_o and_o absolute_o when_o they_o have_v a_o relative_a comparative_a or_o limit_a sense_n in_o the_o aim_n and_o purpose_n of_o the_o speaker_n our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o this_o divine_a sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n of_o which_o saint_n matthew_n give_v we_o so_o large_a a_o account_n make_v it_o his_o main_a aim_n and_o scope_n thing_n first_o to_o set_v forth_o those_o spiritual_a heavenly_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n which_o beyond_o those_o sensible_a earthly_a and_o temporary_a one_o which_o be_v so_o much_o of_o old_a set_v before_o the_o jew_n to_o invite_v they_o to_o obedience_n of_o god_n law_n be_v now_o to_o be_v chief_o regard_v by_o christian_n as_o their_o peculiar_a comfort_n hope_n and_o reward_n under_o the_o gospel_n
which_o though_o attend_v with_o many_o persecution_n yet_o be_v not_o without_o many_o blessing_n peculiar_a to_o true_a believer_n from_o vers_fw-la 3._o to_o vers_fw-la 12._o second_o our_o saviour_n give_v many_o singular_a lesson_n or_o precept_n of_o more_o eminent_a diligence_n patience_n charity_n mortification_n self-denial_n sincerity_n conspicuity_n perseverance_n and_o perfection_n of_o obedience_n require_v now_o under_o the_o gospel_n above_o what_o either_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n seem_v to_o exact_v or_o by_o the_o pharisaical_a interpretation_n be_v teach_v to_o the_o jew_n so_o that_o unless_o their_o righteousness_n do_v exceed_v that_o so_o popular_o admire_v of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o can_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n vers_fw-la 20._o three_o our_o saviour_n with_o much_o earnestness_n and_o exactness_n apply_v in_o this_o sermon_n to_o reform_v those_o abuse_n which_o either_o by_o the_o pharisaical_a gloss_n either_o too_o much_o loosen_v or_o restrain_v the_o meaning_n of_o god_n law_n or_o by_o their_o deprave_a example_n or_o by_o popular_a custom_n have_v prevail_v among_o the_o jew_n contrary_a to_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o primitive_a institution_n which_o give_v we_o the_o clear_a view_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n intention_n for_o the_o exact_a observation_n of_o which_o however_o by_o divine_a indulgence_n and_o connivance_n or_o by_o the_o hardness_n and_o uncharitableness_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o customary_a depravedness_n of_o time_n and_o manner_n they_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v have_v some_o temporary_a dispensation_n heretofore_o grant_v to_o they_o or_o at_o least_o have_v presume_v to_o take_v it_o to_o themselves_o yet_o now_o under_o the_o evangelical_n strictness_n to_o which_o christ_n come_v to_o restore_v or_o raise_v the_o church_n they_o may_v not_o fancy_v to_o themselves_o any_o such_o liberty_n but_o be_v to_o keep_v themselves_o in_o thought_n look_v desire_v word_n and_o deed_n to_o that_o sanctity_n and_o severity_n which_o be_v require_v by_o the_o law_n and_o most_o conform_a to_o the_o holy_a will_n attribute_n and_o nature_n of_o that_o god_n who_o they_o ought_v to_o imitate_v as_o their_o heavenly_a father_n in_o all_o sacred_a perfection_n which_o humane_a nature_n assist_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n 48._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o the_o visible_a example_n of_o christ_n be_v capable_a to_o attain_v at_o least_o sincere_o to_o aim_v at_o and_o endeavour_v so_o vers_fw-la 22._o he_o tell_v they_o that_o not_o only_o wilful_a murder_n or_o malicious_a kill_n be_v forbid_v but_o rash_a unreasonable_a and_o irreconcilable_a anger_n verse_n 28._o that_o not_o only_a adultery_n but_o all_o lust_n inordinate_a after_o a_o woman_n that_o be_v not_o in_o order_n to_o marriage_n and_o the_o honest_a end_n of_o it_o be_v so_o severe_o forbid_v under_o pain_n of_o hell_n fire_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o deny_v those_o sensual_a pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o seem_v as_o dear_a to_o man_n as_o the_o delight_n of_o their_o eye_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o hand_n then_o to_o indulge_v they_o with_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o soul_n verse_n 32._o so_o in_o the_o case_n of_o humorous_a and_o lascivious_a divorce_n usual_o give_v to_o wife_n upon_o no_o just_a cause_n christ_n restrain_v that_o indulgence_n only_o to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o wife_n deserve_v to_o be_v put_v away_o for_o have_v break_v her_o conjugal_a vow_n and_o band_n of_o matrimony_n by_o her_o adultery_n not_o to_o instance_n in_o many_o other_o particular_n of_o abuse_n which_o christ_n reckon_v up_o and_o reform_v in_o that_o sermon_n as_o touch_v private_a revenge_n vers_fw-la 39_o not_o public_a and_o vindicative_a justice_n so_o of_o love_v our_o enemy_n vers_fw-la 44_o of_o alm_n prayer_n and_o fast_v without_o ostentation_n pride_n or_o hypocrisy_n against_o immoderate_a love_n and_o care_n for_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o like_a the_o immediate_o next_z be_v this_o of_o swear_v vers_fw-la 33_o 34._o in_o which_o as_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n the_o jew_n have_v much_o deprave_a both_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o use_n of_o oath_n 1._o they_o pretend_v indeed_o as_o philo_n and_o josephus_n tell_v we_o a_o great_a reverence_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d and_o seem_v to_o make_v great_a conscience_n of_o swear_v in_o small_a matter_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n yea_o they_o make_v scruple_n to_o swear_v at_o all_o in_o any_o case_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o lord_n live_v for_o which_o the_o heathen_n mock_v the_o jew_n 〈◊〉_d as_o in_o that_o of_o martial_a jura_n verpe_fw-mi per_fw-la anchialum_fw-la these_o oath_n they_o think_v bind_v nor_o will_v they_o in_o these_o easy_o swear_v or_o forswear_v themselves_o which_o regard_n to_o their_o god_n be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o grave_a heathen_n as_o be_v observe_v out_o of_o homer_n therefore_o they_o take_v any_o obvious_a thing_n to_o swear_v by_o 2._o but_o they_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o other_o familiar_a oath_n grotius_n or_o form_n of_o common_a swear_v as_o many_o christian_n now_o do_v by_o whatever_o come_v next_o to_o their_o mind_n or_o tongue_n as_o by_o the_o temple_n and_o holy_a city_n by_o their_o own_o or_o other_o head_n hand_n life_n and_o soul_n so_o by_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o light_n thus_o wave_v the_o attestation_n of_o god_n omniscient_a justice_n and_o the_o swear_n by_o his_o name_n as_o be_v command_v in_o righteousness_n judgement_n and_o truth_n they_o put_v this_o character_n of_o divinity_n on_o the_o creature_n no_o way_n competent_a for_o they_o unless_o as_o they_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o depend_v on_o and_o derive_v from_o the_o bless_a god_n 3._o these_o vulgar_a oath_n they_o use_v not_o only_o in_o a_o familiarity_n and_o facility_n of_o inconsiderate_a swear_n upon_o small_a and_o light_a occasion_n yea_o and_o in_o assert_v of_o thing_n not_o true_a as_o to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o intention_n which_o be_v double_o a_o false_a swear_n but_o in_o thing_n of_o weight_n and_o concern_v as_o to_o that_o charity_n justice_n and_o equity_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o other_o they_o choose_v this_o way_n of_o creature-swearing_a both_o promissory_a and_o assertory_n august_n because_o they_o fancy_v such_o oath_n be_v not_o with_o the_o solemnity_n of_o invocate_a god_n name_n be_v not_o bind_v upon_o their_o soul_n either_o as_o to_o truth_n or_o right_n but_o they_o may_v play_v with_o they_o at_o fast_o and_o loose_a according_a as_o their_o own_o interest_n or_o pleasure_n do_v sway_v they_o hence_o as_o they_o swear_v amiss_o in_o point_n of_o form_n so_o also_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n without_o any_o regard_n in_o these_o case_n to_o that_o command_n of_o god_n against_o forswear_v and_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o oath_n to_o the_o lord_n which_o place_v christ_n cite_v and_o to_o which_o law_n they_o profess_v to_o adhere_v so_o far_o only_o as_o they_o use_v the_o name_n of_o god_n else_o they_o dispense_v with_o their_o oath_n and_o easy_o digest_v even_o perjury_n itself_o upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o to_o reform_v these_o gross_a abuse_n our_o bless_a saviour_n give_v this_o command_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o that_o be_v as_o erasmus_n paraphrase_v not_o after_o those_o usual_a eâ—asm_n presumptuous_a and_o unlawful_a form_n by_o the_o name_n of_o creature_n of_o which_o he_o give_v so_o many_o follow_a instance_n to_o express_v his_o meaning_n for_o he_o do_v not_o instance_n in_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o religious_a oath_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a god_n which_o be_v not_o only_o allow_v but_o in_o such_o case_n as_o do_v require_v a_o oath_n with_o its_o due_a circumstance_n of_o judgement_n justice_n and_o truth_n command_v 2._o he_o tell_v they_o that_o even_o in_o those_o oath_n which_o be_v attest_v only_o by_o the_o name_n of_o any_o creature_n as_o by_o heaven_n or_o earth_n or_o jerusalem_n or_o their_o head_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v a_o tacit_n call_v of_o god_n to_o witness_v continetur_fw-la since_o every_o creature_n depend_v on_o god_n and_o relate_v to_o he_o as_o the_o centre_n and_o circumference_n the_o source_n and_o sea_n of_o all_o thing_n heaven_n be_v god_n throne_n earth_n god_n footstool_n the_o temple_n god_n sanctuary_n jerusalem_n the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o most_o eminent_a place_n of_o the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n residency_n on_o earth_n 3._o he_o imply_v lawful_a that_o however_o such_o various_a and_o irregular_a form_n of_o oath_n by_o the_o name_n of_o any_o creature_n be_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o unlawful_a yet_o they_o oblige_v man_n to_o perform_v they_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v lawful_a nor_o be_v
speratus_n the_o martyr_n about_o the_o same_o time_n deny_v to_o swear_v so_o because_o he_o know_v not_o what_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o emperor_n mean_v tertullian_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o second_o century_n that_o christian_n will_v not_o swear_v by_o the_o genius_n or_o daemon_n or_o fortune_n of_o cesar_n but_o by_o the_o health_n or_o safety_n of_o the_o emperor_n they_o do_v because_o they_o understand_v by_o that_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o when_o other_o christian_n do_v in_o public_a case_n swear_v be_v require_v by_o authority_n yet_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o put_v to_o swear_v as_o basilius_n a_o bishop_n plead_v for_o his_o privilege_n when_o in_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n he_o be_v require_v to_o give_v oath_n the_o sanctity_n of_o his_o life_n and_o honour_n of_o his_o order_n be_v assurance_n sufficient_a for_o his_o truth_n the_o christian_a soldier_n as_o vegetius_n tell_v we_o take_v oath_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o obey_v their_o commander_n not_o to_o desert_v their_o colour_n and_o to_o die_v for_o the_o common_a welfare_n which_o be_v call_v sacramentum_fw-la militare_fw-la both_o before_o and_o after_o christianity_n have_v prevail_v in_o the_o empire_n and_o hence_o the_o name_n sacrament_n come_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o christian_a mystery_n which_o be_v special_a and_o solemn_a dedication_n of_o they_o to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o saviour_n in_o the_o nicene_n council_n arrius_n with_o a_o oath_n renounce_v his_o heretical_a opinion_n nicen._n so_o in_o the_o ephesine_fw-la council_n it_o be_v order_v that_o nestorius_n shall_v abjure_v all_o heterodox_n and_o profane_a doctrine_n ephesinum_fw-la in_o the_o six_o synod_n of_o constantinople_n constantinopolitanum_n gregorius_n the_o librarian_a make_v oath_n tactis_fw-la evangeliis_fw-la upon_o the_o bible_n that_o he_o leave_v the_o book_n in_o the_o library_n such_o as_o he_o find_v they_o without_o any_o blot_n out_o or_o insert_v which_o oath_n i_o wish_v the_o romish_a expurgator_n have_v take_v and_o keep_v as_o to_o their_o edition_n of_o ancient_a church-author_n father_n and_o other_o athanasius_n etc._n who_o seem_v and_o be_v very_o zealous_a against_o profane_a and_o popular_a swear_n yet_o in_o his_o apology_n to_o constantius_n purge_v himself_o by_o oath_n from_o the_o calumny_n cast_v upon_o he_o by_o impudent_a person_n cite_v for_o his_o defence_n the_o example_n of_o s._n paul_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o news_n to_o read_v of_o christian_a king_n and_o magistrate_n require_v and_o subject_n give_v their_o faith_n by_o oath_n in_o matter_n civil_a sacred_a and_o solemn_a when_o the_o form_n of_o oath_n be_v such_o as_o consist_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o true_a god_n nor_o do_v any_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n ever_o forbid_v such_o swear_v indeed_o while_o christian_n live_v in_o persecution_n without_o any_o protection_n from_o the_o civil_a indicatories_n there_o can_v be_v no_o example_n of_o their_o swear_v after_o the_o heathenish_a manner_n but_o when_o christianity_n and_o christian_n come_v to_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o the_o imperial_a law_n and_o defend_v by_o the_o supreme_a power_n and_o be_v enable_v to_o vindicate_v their_o civil_a right_n in_o judicial_a proceed_n they_o do_v not_o think_v that_o unlawful_a which_o god_n have_v of_o old_a command_v aquin._n which_o have_v a_o moral_a that_o be_v a_o eternal_a good_a end_n in_o it_o as_o a_o act_n of_o trust_n and_o appeal_v of_o agnition_n and_o veneration_n towards_o god_n of_o justice_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o man_n also_o of_o private_a and_o public_a charity_n hieron_n as_o the_o schoolman_n true_o observe_v for_o the_o end_n of_o controversy_n and_o take_v away_o of_o jealousy_n only_o due_a circumstance_n be_v strict_o require_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o judgement_n righteousness_n and_o truth_n yea_o we_o read_v of_o old_a some_o condemn_v by_o the_o orthodox_n part_n of_o the_o church_n as_o s._n austin_n and_o other_o tell_v we_o for_o this_o error_n among_o other_o 137._o that_o they_o deny_v all_o swear_v to_o be_v lawful_a so_o do_v the_o samosatâ—nians_n and_o some_o pelagian_n in_o syracuse_n so_o the_o massilian_n and_o euchites_n 69._o so_o in_o s._n bernard_n day_n some_o of_o the_o albigenses_n and_o of_o late_a day_n some_o anabaptist_n and_o now_o the_o quaker_n whether_o out_o of_o policy_n and_o art_n or_o simplicity_n and_o ignorance_n god_n know_v it_o be_v as_o needless_a as_o endless_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o quaker_n satisfaction_n divine_n who_o do_v not_o value_v they_o to_o produce_v the_o consonant_a judgement_n of_o modern_a writer_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n or_o the_o romanist_n and_o the_o most_o eminent_a divine_n among_o they_o which_o may_v easy_o be_v see_v in_o the_o harmony_n of_o their_o confession_n or_o in_o their_o particular_a tract_n in_o this_o subject_a swear_v all_o agree_v as_o in_o just_a severity_n against_o false_a idle_a and_o profane_a oath_n against_o all_o perjury_n intentional_a and_o eventual_a so_o they_o do_v all_o assent_n to_o the_o moral_a good_a in_o a_o judicious_a and_o solemn_a swear_n with_o due_a circumstance_n upon_o just_a occasion_n by_o lawful_a call_n of_o authority_n in_o case_n honest_a and_o true_a especial_o to_o end_v controversy_n to_o secure_a prince_n and_o preserve_v the_o common_a welfare_n in_o justice_n and_o peace_n nor_o do_v they_o think_v that_o by_o any_o positive_a law_n of_o christ_n all_o swear_v be_v become_v now_o unlawful_a to_o christian_n among_o who_o the_o same_o end_n use_v necessity_n and_o sanctity_n of_o oath_n may_v be_v and_o still_o be_v to_o be_v have_v which_o be_v once_o lawful_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o use_v in_o all_o nation_n but_o only_o that_o kind_n of_o evil_n swear_v which_o then_o be_v become_v customary_a and_o thought_n either_o not_o sinful_a or_o venial_a this_o be_v and_o ever_o be_v forbid_v as_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n of_o old_a so_o by_o the_o renew_a vigour_n and_o force_n of_o it_o which_o christ_n restore_v after_o it_o have_v be_v so_o much_o deprave_v by_o the_o pharisaical_a presumption_n and_o popular_a profaneness_n which_o impose_v rigour_n where_o god_n have_v lay_v none_o and_o affect_v liberty_n where_o god_n have_v give_v none_o agreeable_o all_o eminent_a writer_n of_o the_o greek_a and_o roman_a church_n among_o the_o learnede_a papist_n lutheran_n and_o calvinist_n canonist_n and_o casâ—ists_n as_o well_o as_o those_o in_o these_o british_a church_n do_v assert_v the_o authority_n of_o lawful_a magistrate_n to_o require_v and_o impose_v religious_a oath_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o subject_n to_o obey_v both_o god_n and_o they_o in_o take_v they_o as_o become_v christian_n with_o due_a reverence_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o with_o fit_v obedience_n to_o these_o command_n of_o superior_n who_o have_v their_o power_n from_o god_n and_o be_v to_o use_v it_o to_o his_o glory_n nor_o do_v they_o disallow_v even_o private_a and_o spontaneous_a attestation_n of_o god_n in_o weighty_a matter_n as_o to_o quench_v the_o fire_n of_o jealousy_n hierocles_n or_o to_o purge_v away_o a_o unjust_a infamy_n or_o to_o give_v some_o such_o security_n as_o justice_n and_o charity_n may_v require_v for_o our_o own_o and_o other_o good_n as_o a_o sober_a heathen_a tell_v we_o conclusion_n to_o the_o just_a condemnation_n of_o christian_n who_o in_o trivial_a affair_n venture_v to_o prostitute_v the_o sacredness_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v with_o great_a prolixity_n than_o i_o intend_v my_o wont_a fault_n and_o apology_n endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v the_o divine_a and_o true_a sense_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n first_o to_o remove_v the_o cry_a sin_n of_o swear_v vain_o rash_o irreverent_o profane_o false_o in_o small_a or_o great_a matter_n next_o to_o show_v the_o moral_a end_n and_o religious_a use_n of_o oath_n lawful_a for_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o particular_o those_o require_v in_o judicial_a proceed_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o england_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a or_o common_a agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o best_a christian_n in_o all_o age_n have_v herein_o no_o design_n but_o to_o give_v testimony_n to_o that_o truth_n which_o i_o believe_v to_o justify_v the_o sanctity_n of_o our_o law_n to_o serve_v his_o majesty_n and_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o good_a subject_n a_o good_a christian_a a_o good_a minister_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o good_a bishop_n of_o this_o church_n dispel_v the_o needless_a scruple_n and_o superstitious_a fear_n of_o these_o poor_a people_n call_v quaker_n show_v they_o their_o safe_a liberty_n to_o obey_v and_o how_o to_o escape_v the_o penalty_n for_o disobey_v the_o law_n and_o obstruct_v justice_n by_o refuse_v