offence_n till_o the_o wretched_a custom_n be_v overcome_v sure_o none_o but_o a_o profess_a atheist_n do_v ever_o commit_v this_o crime_n but_o mere_o by_o inconsideration_n and_o therefore_o all_o other_o i_o hope_v may_v easy_o be_v reduce_v by_o those_o method_n from_o the_o profane_v god_n holy_a name_n and_o expose_v this_o venerable_a part_n of_o religion_n to_o which_o if_o this_o discourse_n may_v be_v subservient_fw-fr i_o shall_v rejoice_v that_o i_o have_v rescue_v the_o sacredness_n of_o oath_n from_o any_o degree_n of_o contempt_n three_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o last_o particular_a in_o the_o text_n viz._n the_o end_n of_o a_o oath_n or_o the_o cause_n move_v magistrate_n to_o require_v it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n for_o the_o accuser_n impeache_n and_o the_o accuse_v plead_v not_o guilty_a the_o plaintiff_n demand_v and_o the_o defendant_n deny_v this_o be_v literal_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d controversy_n or_o strife_n and_o lest_o these_o contrary_a speech_n shall_v produce_v perpetual_a wrangle_a the_o witness_n oath_n be_v require_v that_o by_o the_o truth_n they_o speak_v for_o which_o they_o bring_v in_o almighty_a god_n for_o their_o voucher_n the_o cause_n may_v be_v determine_v and_o the_o strife_n end_v and_o from_o this_o use_n of_o a_o oath_n by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n the_o divine_a majesty_n himself_o do_v as_o it_o be_v judge_v between_o the_o party_n and_o so_o i_o understand_v that_o common_a phrase_n of_o be_v try_v by_o god_n and_o our_o country_n to_o signify_v by_o the_o witness_n oath_n and_o the_o jurers_n verdict_n for_o justinian_n say_v by_o this_o use_n of_o oath_n man_n seem_v to_o enter_v a_o holy_a temple_n when_o they_o come_v before_o a_o tribunal_n and_o god_n rather_o than_o man_n appear_v to_o decide_v the_o cause_n 83._o truth_n as_o the_o ancient_n speak_v lie_v in_o a_o deep_a pit_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v draw_v it_o out_o it_o must_v be_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n who_o be_v thus_o set_v before_o the_o witness_n eye_n to_o engage_v they_o by_o all_o their_o hope_n of_o mercy_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n the_o whole_a truth_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o not_o only_o the_o apostle_n but_o the_o civil_a law_n call_v it_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o determine_v cause_n 83._o and_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o mankind_n have_v make_v all_o our_o life_n liberty_n and_o estate_n to_o depend_v upon_o a_o oath_n whensoever_o they_o be_v in_o question_n suppose_v this_o to_o be_v the_o sure_a and_o most_o sacred_a guard_n unto_o they_o nor_o be_v it_o without_o great_a reason_n that_o so_o much_o stress_n be_v lay_v upon_o religious_a oath_n since_o though_o another_o man_n seem_v thereby_o to_o have_v our_o life_n and_o estate_n in_o his_o power_n yet_o by_o this_o solemn_a swear_v he_o stake_v his_o own_o body_n and_o soul_n his_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a welfare_n against_o they_o and_o since_o he_o can_v only_o bring_v we_o by_o a_o false_a oath_n under_o some_o temporal_a penalty_n while_o he_o firm_o devote_v himself_o to_o eternal_a vengeance_n he_o run_v the_o great_a risque_n and_o lose_v most_o of_o the_o two_o who_o swear_v false_o if_o he_o do_v but_o right_o consider_v it_o for_o as_o plutarch_n note_n every_o oath_n contain_v either_o express_o or_o implicit_o a_o curse_n on_o the_o taker_n if_o it_o be_v false_a rom._n and_o though_o these_o curse_n be_v various_o express_v and_o sometime_o only_o suppose_v yet_o they_o be_v very_o dreadful_a so_o that_o the_o jew_n who_o may_v not_o use_v ominous_a word_n choose_v rather_o to_o swear_v elliptical_o than_o to_o express_v what_o be_v so_o horrid_a so_o moses_n swears_n 9_o if_o you_o have_v not_o the_o land_n and_o there_o stop_v but_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v let_v i_o suffer_v all_o the_o plague_n due_a to_o perjury_n yea_o god_n himself_o imitate_v this_o form_n i_o swear_v in_o my_o wrath_n if_o they_o shall_v enter_v into_o my_o rest_n hebr._n four_o 3._o where_o again_o the_o curse_n be_v understand_v and_o the_o scholiast_n upon_o aristophanes_n observe_v it_o be_v a_o ancient_a custom_n thus_o to_o swear_v elliptical_o to_o avoid_v all_o ominous_a word_n ibid._n yet_o some_o time_n these_o word_n be_v express_v in_o most_o terrible_a form_n against_o the_o gentile_n let_v the_o god_n destroy_v i_o 21._o let_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n fall_v upon_o my_o own_o head_n and_o my_o whole_a family_n panegyr_n and_o to_o make_v this_o more_o solemn_a they_o use_v divers_a ceremony_n as_o that_o of_o cast_v away_o a_o stone_n and_o wish_v the_o god_n may_v so_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o all_o the_o city_n and_o capitol_n be_v safe_a if_o they_o do_v witting_o swear_v false_o 82._o so_o also_o the_o kill_n of_o some_o beast_n in_o sacrifice_n and_o wish_v they_o may_v be_v so_o slay_v if_o they_o do_v not_o speak_v truth_n 21._o and_o the_o quench_v a_o flame_v torch_n sudden_o and_o pray_v their_o life_n and_o light_n may_v be_v so_o put_v out_o if_o they_o deceive_v 3._o which_o last_o ceremony_n be_v sometime_o use_v among_o christian_n and_o be_v solemn_o perform_v in_o this_o nation_n when_o the_o oath_n be_v take_v to_o confirm_v magna_fw-la charta_fw-la and_o though_o in_o our_o modern_a court_n we_o now_o abstain_v from_o ominous_a word_n content_v ourselves_o with_o that_o very_a ancient_a form_n so_o help_v i_o god_n divin_n yet_o the_o sense_n due_o consider_v be_v as_o high_a as_o full_a and_o as_o terrible_a as_o any_o of_o the_o former_a for_o if_o we_o swear_v false_o we_o wish_v that_o god_n grace_n and_o favour_n his_o mercy_n and_o providence_n may_v forsake_v we_o that_o he_o may_v never_o help_v we_o here_o nor_o hereafter_o but_o leave_v we_o to_o perish_v in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o oh_o how_o dreadful_a a_o imprecation_n be_v this_o he_o that_o after_o his_o pledge_n give_v for_o his_o truth_n dare_v tell_v a_o lie_n for_o favour_n or_o malice_n neither_o fear_v god_n nor_o love_v himself_o he_o be_v a_o desperate_a wretch_n unfit_a for_o human_a society_n and_o real_o do_v far_o more_o mischief_n to_o himself_o than_o to_o his_o adversary_n and_o since_o a_o oath_n be_v thus_o guard_v we_o may_v well_o be_v content_a it_o shall_v end_v all_o strife_n among_o we_o for_o no_o great_a security_n under_o heaven_n can_v be_v give_v or_o devise_v now_o from_o this_o description_n of_o the_o end_n of_o a_o oath_n we_o will_v observe_v that_o perjury_n especial_o in_o court_n of_o justice_n be_v a_o heinous_a and_o horrid_a impiety_n the_o very_a end_n of_o these_o court_n be_v to_o find_v out_o truth_n and_o but_o to_o speak_v false_o there_o though_o by_o such_o as_o be_v not_o upon_o their_o oath_n be_v to_o affront_v the_o vicegerent_n of_o god_n and_o wicked_o to_o design_n to_o pervert_v judgement_n as_o well_o as_o to_o make_v that_o holy_a institution_n useless_a which_o be_v the_o great_a security_n of_o all_o society_n but_o when_o man_n come_v to_o swear_v god_n himself_o be_v direct_o appeal_v to_o the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o tribunal_n and_o the_o perjure_a wretch_n lie_v not_o unto_o man_n but_o unto_o god_n act_v v._o 4._o he_o defy_v the_o king_n of_o heaven_n to_o his_o face_n and_o affront_v he_o open_o in_o some_o of_o his_o tender_a attribute_n disbelieve_v his_o truth_n trà mple_v on_o his_o justice_n and_o despise_v his_o power_n yea_o he_o make_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v the_o righteous_a god_n a_o party_n to_o that_o falsehood_n by_o which_o he_o murder_v or_o rob_v his_o neighbour_n say_v as_o philo_n have_v elegant_o express_v it_o o_o god_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v believe_v but_o for_o thy_o name_n and_o therefore_o i_o use_v thou_o for_o the_o cloak_n of_o my_o injustice_n i_o will_v not_o be_v discover_v in_o my_o sin_n do_v thou_o help_v i_o and_o take_v the_o blame_n on_o thyself_o for_o though_o i_o be_o a_o transgressor_n by_o thy_o name_n i_o shall_v pass_v for_o a_o honest_a man_n thou_o neither_o love_v truth_n nor_o punish_v falsehood_n differ_v this_o horrid_a blasphemy_n be_v the_o import_n of_o all_o perjury_n the_o very_a image_n of_o the_o false-swearer_n thought_n and_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o wicked_a this_o accurse_a sin_n not_o only_o fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o god_n but_o by_o gilding_n fatal_a lie_v with_o his_o name_n mislead_v that_o sacred_a authority_n he_o have_v set_v over_o we_o for_o secure_v our_o right_n and_o endeavour_n to_o make_v that_o the_o instrument_n of_o their_o revenge_n and_o cruelty_n it_o impose_v upon_o the_o most_o upright_a jury_n with_o design_n to_o make_v they_o partner_n in_o the_o crime_n it_o rob_v a_o innocent_a man_n of_o his_o
moderator_n of_o the_o conference_n at_o carthage_n between_o the_o orthodox_n and_o the_o donatist_n solemn_o swear_v by_o the_o holy_a trinity_n he_o will_v judge_v impartial_o 648._o yea_o the_o civil_a law_n of_o arcadius_n and_o honorius_n decree_v severe_a penalty_n to_o they_o who_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o those_o agreement_n which_o they_o have_v confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n either_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n or_o by_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o emperor_n etc._n and_o in_o the_o council_n of_o toledo_n the_o prince_n adjure_v his_o bishop_n most_o solemn_o to_o determine_v upright_o 484._o by_o these_o and_o innumerable_a more_o instance_n which_o we_o have_v omit_v either_o as_o more_o common_a or_o of_o late_a date_n it_o clear_o appear_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v think_v solemn_a oath_n lawful_a and_o frequent_o use_v they_o nor_o be_v any_o oath_n forbid_v by_o the_o ancient_a canon_n but_o only_o pagan_a oath_n 270._o they_o indeed_o who_o use_v they_o be_v to_o be_v exit_fw-la communicate_v but_o none_o ever_o pretend_v that_o christian_a oath_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v forbid_v by_o the_o gospel_n till_o the_o gross_a time_n of_o popery_n and_o than_o turgot_n and_o aldwin_n two_o fanatic_a monk_n of_o s._n cuthbert_n be_v in_o scotland_n refuse_v to_o swear_v allegiance_n to_o king_n malcolm_n on_o pretence_n swear_v be_v forbid_v in_o the_o gospel_n 22._o though_o these_o hypocrite_n have_v swear_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o order_n before_o and_o a_o little_a after_o the_o monk_n of_o castellion_n have_v some_o scruple_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o swear_v allege_v the_o same_o text_n and_o reason_n that_o our_o modern_a sectary_n urge_v as_o may_v appear_v by_o innocent_n answer_v to_o they_o 894._o wherefore_o it_o be_v from_o popish_a enthusiast_n and_o not_o primitive_a christian_n that_o our_o delude_a quaker_n learn_v to_o refuse_v all_o swear_v but_o this_o short_a and_o clear_a account_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o best_a christian_n may_v abundant_o satisfy_v all_o that_o be_v unprejudiced_a that_o solemn_a oath_n in_o judgement_n be_v not_o only_o very_o lawful_a but_o useful_a and_o necessary_a and_o have_v be_v use_v by_o all_o man_n of_o all_o religion_n as_o most_o sacred_a thing_n for_o man_n very_o swear_v etc._n etc._n that_o be_v all_o man_n do_v so_o and_o god_n imitate_v the_o use_n and_o s._n paul_n record_v it_o with_o approbation_n yet_o that_o man_n irreverent_a take_n and_o impious_a break_n of_o oath_n may_v not_o prejudice_v this_o useful_a institution_n nor_o be_v a_o offence_n to_o such_o as_o be_v real_o tender_a i_o shall_v pass_v from_o this_o proof_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o swear_v in_o general_a to_o consider_v the_o particular_n of_o the_o text_n wherein_o first_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v imply_v in_o these_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o man_n very_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a whence_o it_o appear_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o appeal_n to_o a_o high_a power_n to_o one_o great_a in_o knowledge_n who_o see_v if_o we_o deceive_v and_o can_v be_v deceive_v to_o one_o great_a in_o integrity_n and_o truth_n who_o will_v not_o connive_v at_o falsehood_n nor_o respect_n person_n to_o one_o great_a in_o power_n who_o can_v as_o easy_o punish_v as_o find_v out_o perjury_n and_o cast_v the_o perjure_a wretch_n into_o hell_n fire_n wherefore_o every_o oath_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o supreme_a be_v and_o all_o that_o define_v it_o say_v it_o be_v the_o call_z god_n to_o witness_v alleg_n the_o give_v god_n for_o the_o security_n of_o our_o fidelity_n nazianz._n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v but_o only_o when_o our_o word_n can_v be_v make_v certain_a without_o call_v in_o the_o divine_a majesty_n 18._o and_o hence_o it_o be_v make_v a_o duty_n and_o reckon_v a_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n to_o swear_v by_o the_o true_a god_n deut._n vi_fw-la 13._o and_o because_o oath_n in_o judicature_n be_v always_o make_v by_o god_n name_n therefore_o such_o a_o oath_n be_v call_v a_o oath_n of_o the_o lord_n exod._n xxii_o 11._o and_o some_o think_v solomon_n give_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n that_o name_n when_o he_o bid_v we_o obey_v the_o king_n because_o of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n eccles_n viij_o 2._o indeed_o all_o nation_n be_v wont_a to_o swear_v by_o their_o proper_a god_n so_o that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o variety_n in_o man_n oath_n that_o be_v in_o their_o religion_n in_o the_o league_n between_o hannibal_n and_o the_o king_n of_o macedon_n they_o swear_v by_o above_o twenty_o several_a god_n of_o afric_n and_o greece_n 7._o and_o in_o a_o old_a general_n league_n among_o all_o the_o grecian_a city_n every_o place_n be_v to_o take_v their_o country_n oath_n and_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a deity_n of_o their_o own_o city_n 5._o so_o the_o heathen_a poet_n require_v the_o jew_n to_o swear_v to_o he_o by_o anchialus_n that_o be_v as_o the_o roman_n false_o pronounce_v by_o the_o live_a god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 60._o and_o the_o christian_n make_v the_o jew_n swear_v by_o the_o hebrew_n name_n of_o god_n adonai_n sebaoth_o elohim_n etc._n etc._n 119._o and_o from_o this_o belief_n that_o in_o a_o oath_n a_o man_n appeal_v to_o the_o god_n he_o worship_v spring_v the_o custom_n of_o sacrifice_v when_o man_n do_v solemn_o swear_v 54._o and_o the_o use_n of_o go_v into_o the_o temple_n and_o touch_v the_o altar_n when_o they_o take_v a_o religious_a oath_n flacco_fw-la to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n they_o be_v in_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o that_o god_n by_o who_o they_o swear_v to_o which_o end_n also_o the_o gentile_n sometime_o in_o solemn_a swear_v touch_v the_o image_n of_o their_o god_n 24._o whence_o the_o papist_n the_o gross_a imitator_n of_o pagan_a superstition_n have_v derive_v their_o swear_v upon_o the_o relic_n and_o image_n of_o their_o saint_n to_o who_o they_o do_v by_o this_o act_n give_v the_o honour_n due_a to_o god_n only_o as_o for_o we_o we_o swear_v by_o no_o other_o name_n but_o only_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n lay_v our_o hand_n upon_o the_o holy_a bible_n because_o all_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o truth_n and_o the_o curse_n against_o perjury_n be_v write_v there_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o want_v all_o the_o good_a therein_o promise_v and_o to_o suffer_v all_o the_o evil_a therein_o threaten_v if_o we_o swear_v false_o and_o we_o make_v god_n himself_o the_o sole_a judge_n of_o that_o to_o who_o omniscience_n truth_n and_o omnipotence_n we_o appeal_v as_o know_v our_o heart_n and_o call_v on_o he_o as_o the_o witness_n of_o our_o truth_n so_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o swear_v be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n a_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o be_v ancient_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n itself_o 95._o and_o have_v the_o title_n of_o sacramentum_fw-la for_o there_o be_v no_o way_n in_o the_o world_n by_o which_o we_o do_v more_o honour_v the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n the_o justice_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n than_o by_o this_o high_a appeal_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o his_o honour_n which_o he_o will_v not_o give_v to_o any_o other_o nor_o can_v we_o swear_v by_o any_o creature_n without_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n the_o creature_n be_v our_o fellow-servant_n and_o not_o enough_o above_o we_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o solemn_a oath_n for_o man_n very_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a etc._n etc._n now_o from_o this_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n we_o infer_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o oath_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o religious_a worship_n due_a only_o to_o god_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n the_o pharisee_n of_o old_a permit_v it_o out_o of_o a_o pretend_a reverence_n to_o the_o name_n of_o god_n but_o christ_n and_o s._n james_n both_o forbid_v it_o as_o for_o the_o heathen_n that_o worship_v the_o creature_n no_o wonder_n if_o they_o swear_v by_o they_o but_o it_o be_v a_o silly_a superstition_n in_o socrates_n to_o swear_v by_o any_o thing_n he_o see_v as_o a_o dog_n or_o a_o goose_n etc._n etc._n that_o so_o he_o may_v avoid_v swear_v by_o those_o he_o esteem_v god_n as_o apollonius_n make_v the_o excuse_n for_o he_o 9_o and_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o mahometan_n may_v make_v some_o apology_n for_o their_o swear_v by_o ordinary_a being_n since_o their_o great_a prophet_n swear_v in_o his_o alcoran_n by_o the_o wind_n and_o cloud_n by_o the_o star_n and_o by_o mount_n sinai_n but_o who_o can_v excuse_v christian_n for_o this_o wicked_a custom_n of_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n in_o ordinary_a discourse_n contrary_a to_o
the_o nature_n and_o usefulness_n of_o solemn_a judicial_a swear_v with_o the_o impiety_n and_o mischief_n of_o vain_a and_o false-swearing_a in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v july_n 14_o the_o 1681._o in_o the_o cathedral_n church_n of_o s._n peter_n in_o york_z at_o the_o assize_n for_o that_o county_n by_o tho._n comber_n d._n d._n prebendary_a of_o york_z and_o thou_o shall_v swear_v the_o lord_n live_v in_o truth_n in_o judgement_n and_o in_o righteousness_n jerem._n iu._n 2._o london_n print_v by_o s._n roycroft_n for_o robert_n clavell_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o richard_n lambert_n bookseller_n in_o york_n 1682._o hebrew_n vi_o 16._o for_o man_n very_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a and_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n as_o almighty_a god_n be_v the_o creator_n so_o he_o be_v also_o the_o governor_n of_o all_o the_o world_n and_o have_v a_o unquestionable_a right_n to_o rule_v over_o every_o creature_n he_o be_v the_o maker_n and_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n 25._o and_o though_o he_o do_v not_o exercise_v this_o power_n immediate_o because_o mortal_a man_n can_v suffer_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o dazzle_a and_o illustrious_a presence_n yet_o he_o ordain_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v his_o vicegerent_n there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o of_o god_n the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n 1._o and_o he_o expect_v we_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o they_o for_o his_o and_o for_o conscience_n sake_n 13._o since_o their_o authority_n be_v of_o divine_a original_a which_o the_o scripture_n intimate_v in_o call_v judge_n by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n 4._o a_o title_n common_o give_v they_o by_o the_o jew_n as_o also_o in_o declare_v they_o judge_v not_o for_o man_n but_o for_o the_o lord_n 6._o whence_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n bring_v in_o almighty_a god_n thus_o speak_v to_o the_o judge_n i_o have_v give_v you_o my_o honour_n my_o commission_n and_o my_o name_n therefore_o do_v you_o judge_v as_o i_o myself_o will_v do_v 142._o yea_o it_o be_v law_n 12._o and_o custom_n 2048._o both_o of_o old_a in_o this_o nation_n as_o our_o own_o best_a author_n inform_v we_o to_o place_v the_o venerable_a book_n of_o the_o holy_a gospel_n before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o justice_n as_o a_o emblem_n that_o they_o judge_v by_o his_o authority_n but_o there_o be_v no_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o humane_a judicature_n than_o the_o solemn_a use_n of_o oath_n there_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a recognise_a god_n as_o the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o all_o and_o a_o appeal_n to_o the_o high_a court_n of_o heaven_n for_o though_o the_o sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n do_v communicate_v his_o authority_n to_o our_o magistrate_n yet_o his_o attribute_n of_o omniscience_n be_v incommunicable_a they_o be_v capable_a of_o represent_v his_o person_n but_o not_o able_a to_o discern_v the_o heart_n and_o thought_n of_o other_o wherefore_o since_o there_o be_v one_o part_n of_o god_n judicial_a perfection_n that_o no_o mortal_a judge_n can_v receive_v viz._n the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n thought_n a_o point_n so_o necessary_a that_o no_o infallible_a and_o certain_a judgement_n can_v be_v give_v without_o it_o therefore_o in_o all_o controversy_n where_o the_o party_n make_v contrary_a affirmation_n there_o lie_v a_o appeal_n to_o the_o great_a 〈◊〉_d and_o high_a judge_n that_o be_v to_o god_n the_o great_a of_o all_o which_o appeal_v be_v in_o order_n to_o end_v the_o strife_n and_o to_o find_v out_o which_o of_o the_o contradict_a party_n speak_v true_a be_v call_v a_o oath_n and_o here_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o say_v for_o man_n very_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a etc._n etc._n and_o certain_o this_o use_n of_o oath_n be_v very_o sacred_a and_o most_o necessary_a be_v a_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o god_n glory_n a_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o the_o great_a support_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o that_o justice_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o all_o society_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o so_o ignorant_a and_o absurd_a as_o to_o deny_v they_o be_v lawful_a other_o so_o stupid_a and_o inconsiderate_a to_o take_v they_o without_o reverence_n and_o swallow_v they_o as_o common_a thing_n yea_o too_o many_o so_o impious_a to_o use_v they_o to_o gain_v credit_n to_o what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a for_o the_o redress_n of_o which_o dangerous_a error_n and_o impiety_n i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a seasonable_a and_o useful_a undertake_n upon_o this_o occasion_n to_o explain_v this_o piece_n of_o holy_a scripture_n for_o man_n very_o swear_v etc._n etc._n wherein_o we_o will_v first_o consider_v the_o apostle_n general_a design_n in_o this_o place_n which_o will_v prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o take_v oath_n in_o judicial_a case_n second_o we_o will_v observe_v the_o several_a particular_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n which_o represent_v to_o we_o 1._o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n for_o man_n very_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a 2._o the_o reason_n of_o a_o oath_n viz._n for_o confirmation_n 3._o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o it_o in_o judgement_n to_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n and_o since_o a_o religious_a oath_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o administration_n of_o justice_n the_o main_a hinge_n upon_o which_o all_o these_o controversy_n turn_v the_o only_a security_n that_o the_o reverend_a judge_n the_o juror_n and_o the_o witness_n do_v give_v that_o they_o will_v speak_v and_o act_v upright_o doubtless_o no_o subject_a can_v be_v more_o suitable_a or_o advantageous_a for_o this_o time_n and_o place_n which_o therefore_o we_o will_v prosecute_v in_o our_o propose_a method_n first_o we_o consider_v the_o apostle_n general_a design_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o bring_v in_o these_o word_n here_o and_o we_o may_v observe_v he_o be_v here_o persuade_v the_o hebrew_n to_o imitate_v their_o pious_a ancestor_n in_o rely_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n exhort_v they_o to_o be_v follower_n of_o they_o who_o by_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n v_o 12._o add_v that_o the_o promise_v itself_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v trust_v because_o it_o have_v the_o high_a and_o most_o solemn_a confirmation_n imaginable_a be_v secure_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n and_o that_o no_o common_a oath_n neither_o not_o such_o as_o the_o poet_n feign_v the_o heathen_a god_n take_v who_o lactantius_n deride_v for_o their_o swear_n by_o the_o stygian_a lake_n a_o thing_n mean_a than_o themselves_o 11._o but_o as_o sovereign_a prince_n have_v no_o equal_a in_o their_o kingdom_n who_o witness_n can_v add_v any_o authority_n to_o their_o solemn_a act_n conclude_v they_o with_o a_o testae_fw-la meipso_fw-la and_o be_v witness_n to_o themselves_o so_o the_o king_n of_o king_n when_o he_o make_v the_o promise_n to_o abraham_n because_o he_o can_v swear_v by_o no_o great_a swear_v by_o himself_o ver._n 13_o 14_o 15._o confirm_v his_o promise_n say_v philo_n by_o a_o oath_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o swear_v by_o any_o other_o because_o there_o be_v none_o great_a nor_o better_a than_o he_o 98._o and_o lest_o any_o shall_v object_v what_o need_n be_v there_o for_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n to_o swear_v who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v make_v more_o credible_a by_o a_o oath_n as_o the_o same_o philo_z note_n that_o he_o only_o make_v a_o oath_n to_o be_v firm_a 146._o and_o as_o s._n ambrose_n speak_v he_o alone_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o they_o that_o swear_v and_o the_o avenger_n of_o they_o that_o swear_v false_o 147._o therefore_o the_o apostle_n prevent_v that_o scruple_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n by_o declare_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v not_o necessary_a with_o respect_n to_o god_n who_o make_v the_o promise_n but_o in_o compliance_n to_o man_n who_o be_v to_o receive_v it_o in_o condescension_n to_o their_o infirmity_n he_o be_v content_a to_o imitate_v humane_a custom_n and_o to_o give_v the_o same_o security_n for_o his_o own_o truth_n which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o give_v for_o they_o for_o man_n very_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a etc._n etc._n that_o be_v this_o be_v the_o way_n say_v our_o apostle_n by_o which_o man_n confirm_v thing_n uncertain_a this_o be_v the_o method_n they_o use_v to_o conclude_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o doubtful_a controversy_n where_o one_o affirm_v what_o the_o other_o deny_v the_o high_a and_o best_a mean_n they_o have_v to_o end_v this_o strife_n which_o otherwise_o will_v not_o cease_v be_v to_o make_v the_o party_n swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o the_o divine_a majesty_n be_v please_v to_o take_v our_o measure_n in_o transact_v his_o covenant_n with_o we_o for_o he_o swear_v to_o
good_a name_n his_o estate_n his_o liberty_n nay_o his_o very_a life_n if_o their_o false_a witness_n be_v believe_v or_o if_o the_o juror_n be_v the_o perjure_a man_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o evidence_n it_o rescue_v the_o great_a and_o most_o dangerous_a malefactor_n by_o a_o partiality_n that_o defy_v heaven_n from_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o law_n and_o encourage_v not_o only_o they_o but_o other_o to_o commit_v the_o like_a crime_n and_o whosoever_o they_o be_v juror_n or_o witness_n who_o regard_v not_o their_o oath_n they_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o subvert_v the_o law_n to_o take_v away_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n and_o to_o ruin_v the_o community_n they_o live_v in_o by_o baffle_v this_o great_a and_o sacred_a instrument_n of_o our_o peace_n and_o safety_n if_o they_o do_v this_o for_o fear_v or_o favour_n it_o show_v they_o value_v man_n more_o than_o god_n and_o dare_v purchase_v their_o love_n with_o his_o utmost_a displeasure_n if_o they_o be_v perjure_a for_o hire_n they_o sell_v their_o soul_n for_o a_o vile_a price_n and_o purchase_v a_o reversion_n in_o hell_n which_o they_o shall_v inherit_v for_o ever_o if_o they_o do_v it_o in_o malice_n it_o be_v like_o the_o crime_n of_o witch_n who_o give_v their_o soul_n to_o the_o devil_n for_o ever_o to_o be_v enable_v to_o do_v a_o transient_a harm_n to_o their_o neighbour_n and_o whatever_o be_v the_o principle_n it_o spring_v from_o yea_o and_o whatever_o event_n it_o have_v as_o to_o the_o party_n accuse_v the_o perjure_a man_n devote_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o curse_n in_o god_n book_n and_o cut_v himself_o off_o from_o all_o hope_n of_o the_o divine_a help_n for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o the_o old_a roman_n allot_v no_o human_a punishment_n for_o this_o sin_n but_o leave_v the_o criminal_a to_o the_o more_o terrible_a vengeance_n of_o the_o god_n who_o be_v most_o direct_o affront_v by_o it_o imp._n the_o greek_n believe_v it_o bring_v ruin_n and_o destruction_n to_o the_o man_n and_o all_o his_o posterity_n 〈◊〉_d yet_o lest_o these_o who_o fear_v none_o but_o human_a penalty_n shall_v be_v harden_v by_o impunity_n from_o man_n for_o if_o they_o dread_v the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n they_o dare_v not_o commit_v this_o crime_n therefore_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o if_o any_o be_v convict_v of_o perjury_n who_o have_v swear_v on_o the_o holy_a gospel_n his_o tongue_n shall_v be_v cut_v out_o as_o of_o no_o use_n for_o ever_o after_o 2._o and_o all_o law_n deprive_v these_o wretch_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o give_v testimony_n in_o any_o other_o cause_n and_o their_o credit_n be_v eternal_o blast_v the_o indian_n cut_v off_o their_o finger_n and_o toe_n to_o reduce_v they_o to_o beggary_n and_o shame_n the_o egyptian_n put_v they_o to_o death_n as_o unworthy_a to_o live_v among_o mankind_n after_o so_o inexcusable_a a_o wickedness_n but_o whatever_o they_o suffer_v here_o damnation_n do_v await_v they_o in_o the_o next_o world_n unless_o they_o do_v repent_v sincere_o and_o make_v satisfaction_n also_o but_o i_o hope_v we_o need_v aggravate_v this_o crime_n no_o further_o but_o have_v survey_v all_o the_o particular_n of_o the_o text_n may_v now_o pass_v to_o the_o application_n and_o that_o which_o natural_o follow_v from_o the_o premise_n be_v first_o that_o all_o person_n concern_v be_v very_o cautious_a in_o take_v oath_n and_o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o swear_v they_o do_v it_o with_o all_o religious_a fear_n and_o reverence_n not_o only_o as_o be_v immediate_o in_o god_n presence_n but_o as_o make_v a_o direct_a appeal_n to_o he_o and_o offer_v their_o soul_n as_o a_o pledge_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o shall_v speak_v and_o though_o the_o thing_n they_o swear_v be_v never_o so_o true_a yet_o this_o application_n be_v so_o venerable_a and_o so_o high_a a_o piece_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v with_o all_o gravity_n and_o humble_a reverence_n and_o if_o they_o be_v so_o take_v to_o confirm_v a_o know_v and_o certain_a truth_n they_o do_v exceed_o tend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v so_o very_o lawful_a that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o scruple_n to_o make_v application_n to_o god_n mercy_n in_o prayer_n as_o to_o his_o truth_n in_o solemn_a swear_v on_o a_o just_a occasion_n especial_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o reason_n and_o universal_a practice_n that_o the_o world_n can_v well_o be_v govern_v nor_o justice_n dispense_v without_o they_o and_o it_o be_v the_o abuse_n of_o they_o not_o the_o serious_a and_o just_a use_n of_o oath_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v avoid_v second_o when_o we_o have_v take_v they_o let_v we_o be_v very_o fearful_a of_o break_v they_o and_o make_v conscience_n of_o answer_v and_o act_v in_o every_o point_n agreeable_a to_o what_o we_o have_v swear_v let_v we_o fear_v no_o anger_n but_o that_o of_o heaven_n nor_o seek_v no_o favour_n but_o that_o of_o god_n nor_o wish_v for_o any_o gain_n but_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n we_o see_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n have_v put_v the_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n upon_o our_o fidelity_n suppose_v we_o be_v christian_n and_o hón_a man_n who_o fear_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o value_v our_o own_o soul_n and_o we_o have_v give_v the_o great_a security_n under_o heaven_n that_o we_o will_v be_v impartial_a now_o how_o vile_a and_o infamous_a a_o crime_n will_v it_o be_v in_o we_o to_o betray_v his_o trust_n to_o abuse_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n and_o his_o vicegerent_n to_o wrong_v the_o innocent_a and_o destroyour_fw-mi own_o soul_n one_o will_v imagine_v nothing_o can_v tempt_v a_o rational_a man_n to_o such_o a_o act_n if_o the_o too_o frequent_a and_o sad_a experience_n of_o opposite_a yea_o of_o contradictory_n oath_n in_o this_o impious_a age_n of_o we_o do_v not_o convince_v we_o that_o nothing_o be_v too_o monstrous_a or_o unreasonable_a for_o a_o ill_a man_n to_o do_v if_o popish_a zealot_n by_o assurance_n of_o dispensation_n be_v the_o only_a person_n who_o assume_v the_o impudence_n to_o commit_v this_o crime_n it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o very_o strange_a but_o for_o we_o who_o say_v no_o power_n on_o earth_n can_v cancel_v this_o sacred_a bond_n of_o a_o oath_n for_o we_o to_o perjure_n ourselves_o be_v at_o once_o our_o shame_n and_o the_o world_n wonder_n doubtless_o such_o man_n deserve_v not_o only_o the_o bare_a punishment_n of_o the_o law_n but_o to_o suffer_v a_o universal_a detestation_n that_o as_o they_o be_v the_o bane_n of_o our_o government_n the_o scandal_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n so_o they_o may_v be_v esteem_v and_o treat_v as_o the_o foe_n of_o all_o mankind_n until_o by_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n they_o shall_v own_v their_o fault_n and_o return_v to_o a_o better_a mind_n final_o let_v we_o bless_v the_o holy_a name_n of_o god_n for_o our_o good_a law_n and_o the_o security_n we_o enjoy_v by_o they_o since_o no_o man_n can_v hurt_v we_o in_o body_n in_o good_n or_o good_a name_n without_o venture_v the_o damnation_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n we_o have_v excellent_a method_n to_o find_v out_o the_o guilty_a and_o clear_v the_o innocent_a and_o though_o evil_a man_n will_v claim_v unjust_o accuse_v false_o or_o deny_v their_o gild_n impudent_o yet_o while_o we_o have_v so_o just_a and_o so_o prudent_a magistrate_n on_o earth_n and_o so_o righteous_a and_o powerful_a god_n in_o heaven_n we_o may_v rational_o hope_v that_o all_o perjury_n falsehood_n and_o injustice_n shall_v be_v discover_v either_o here_o or_o hereafter_o cicero_n mention_n a_o false-witness_n at_o rome_n who_o be_v strike_v dumb_a just_o as_o he_o be_v pronounce_v that_o part_n of_o his_o oath_n if_o i_o willing_o speak_v false_o 1._o but_o if_o such_o vengeance_n be_v not_o now_o present_o execute_v let_v we_o not_o despair_v for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a assize_n come_v where_o all_o error_n in_o judgement_n shall_v be_v rectify_v and_o all_o false-swearer_n discover_v and_o condemn_v but_o it_o will_v prevent_v many_o a_o sad_a sentence_n at_o that_o dreadful_a day_n and_o hinder_v all_o public_a injustice_n here_o if_o all_o that_o be_v call_v to_o this_o duty_n will_v very_o serious_o remember_v that_o they_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a and_o so_o their_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n will_v ever_o be_v a_o just_a end_n of_o all_o strife_n which_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n grant_v for_o jesus_n christ_n sake_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n finis_fw-la finis_fw-la gen._n 18._o 25._o 25._o rom._n 13._o 1._o 1._o ibid_fw-la v._n 5._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 13._o 13._o exod._n 23._o 28._o 〈◊〉_d