of_o religion_n unto_o my_o own_o concernment_n and_o so_o a_o argument_n of_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n or_o at_o least_o of_o honesty_n among_o man_n have_v go_v as_o far_o as_o the_o limit_n of_o a_o sermon_n will_v permit_v i_o must_v refer_v to_o treatise_n for_o that_o which_o be_v further_o desire_v concerning_o this_o subject_a only_o i_o must_v close_o with_o a_o word_n of_o application_n first_o application_n to_o those_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o impose_v promissory_a oath_n upon_o other_o that_o they_o will_v be_v exceed_o tender_a nay_o i_o will_v say_v backward_o and_o averse_a unto_o such_o kind_n of_o obligation_n some_o have_v think_v they_o utter_o unlawful_a and_o that_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o text_n intend_v the_o prohibition_n of_o they_o who_o though_o we_o can_v agree_v to_o yet_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v exceed_o dangerous_a assrrtory_n oath_n be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n but_o promissory_a oath_n prove_v many_o time_n the_o beginning_n and_o aggravation_n of_o strife_n and_o if_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o great_a care_n to_o avoid_v unnecessary_a oath_n in_o case_n of_o assertion_n certain_o much_o more_o in_o case_n of_o obligation_n to_o offend_v in_o the_o former_a be_v a_o act_n more_o transient_a in_o the_o latter_a more_o permanent_a governor_n be_v ready_a to_o think_v it_o be_v their_o great_a security_n to_o establish_v themselves_o by_o oath_n covenant_n and_o engagement_n the_o use_n of_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o deny_v but_o the_o abuse_n and_o unprofitableness_n of_o they_o be_v evident_o manifest_a how_o easy_o man_n say_v even_o concerning_o these_o let_v we_o break_v their_o bond_n in_o sunder_o and_o cast_v away_o their_o cord_n from_o we_o the_o policy_n of_o man_n have_v be_v pronounce_v vain_a in_o this_o case_n and_o will_v be_v so_o long_o as_o man_n purpose_v according_a to_o the_o flesh_n as_o paul_n speak_v 2_o cor._n 1._o their_o word_n will_v be_v yea_o and_o nay_o and_o especial_o to_o do_v it_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o a_o time_n of_o unsettledness_n and_o quick_a revolution_n wherein_o it_o be_v too_o hard_a a_o task_n to_o bid_v a_o man_n lay_z hold_n of_o the_o sail_n of_o a_o whirl_a windmill_n or_o stay_v the_o wheel_n of_o a_o run_a chariot_n the_o truth_n be_v man_n will_v not_o be_v bind_v much_o less_o will_v the_o almighty_a by_o such_o cord_n as_o these_o can_v thou_o draw_v out_o leviathan_n â—ith_n a_o hook_n job_n 41._o 1._o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v in_o some_o degree_n concerning_o the_o oath_n take_v by_o inferior_a officer_n by_o tradesman_n in_o company_n and_o corporation_n these_o oath_n be_v too_o much_o use_v and_o too_o little_o observe_v among_o they_o i_o think_v it_o be_v possible_a to_o hold_v forth_o a_o more_o excellent_a way_n both_o in_o the_o former_a case_n and_o this_o latter_a if_o â—agistrates_n will_v take_v fast_o hold_v of_o the_o people_n and_o lay_v firm_a obligation_n upon_o they_o it_o must_v not_o be_v by_o word_n but_o action_n not_o â—y_o the_o people_n promise_n but_o their_o own_o performance_n ubi_fw-la non_fw-la 〈◊〉_d sanctitas_fw-la pietas_fw-la fides_fw-la instabile_fw-la regnum_fw-la est_fw-la say_v the_o heathen_a poet_n â—onsciencious_a person_n who_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o thing_n of_o god_n â—â—ould_v be_v oblige_v by_o nothing_o more_o than_o due_a liberty_n and_o order_n 〈◊〉_d matter_n of_o religion_n which_o two_o howsoever_o they_o have_v be_v keep_v at_o distance_n be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o willing_a to_o be_v reconcile_v faith_n and_o order_n be_v matter_n of_o rejoice_v to_o a_o apostle_n col._n 2._o 5._o and_o as_o those_o who_o be_v for_o heaven_n will_v be_v most_o engage_v by_o such_o mean_n so_o they_o who_o be_v for_o the_o earth_n by_o consult_v their_o profit_n and_o their_o quiet_a both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o by_o public_a justice_n in_o which_o all_o be_v equal_o concern_v and_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a case_n concerning_o the_o tie_n of_o officer_n and_o other_o to_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o bond_n of_o oath_n it_o be_v indeed_o in_o itself_o the_o most_o sacred_a and_o strong_a tie_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n who_o be_v more_o awe_v by_o penalty_n then_o by_o oath_n and_o till_o the_o reverence_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v restore_v to_o the_o world_n that_o man_n shall_v regard_v their_o conscience_n more_o than_o their_o purse_n it_o will_v be_v advantage_n to_o both_o party_n concern_v in_o promissory_a oath_n that_o penalty_n be_v many_o time_n impose_v in_o the_o room_n of_o they_o 2._o i_o shall_v add_v a_o word_n to_o those_o person_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o oath_n promissory_a first_o that_o we_o shall_v look_v back_o upon_o all_o the_o solemn_a obligation_n of_o this_o kind_n into_o which_o we_o have_v at_o any_o time_n enter_v and_o serious_o bewail_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o great_a sin_n and_o folly_n concerning_o they_o how_o rash_o slight_o implicit_o and_o inconsiderate_o have_v we_o adventure_v upon_o oath_n scholar_n in_o the_o university_n tradesman_n upon_o their_o admission_n to_o freedom_n officer_n enter_v on_o public_a employment_n and_o if_o we_o search_v our_o conscience_n it_o may_v be_v we_o shall_v find_v little_a of_o they_o remain_v but_o the_o guilt_n let_v we_o humble_v ourselves_o and_o pray_v that_o it_o may_v be_v remove_v and_o let_v we_o not_o think_v that_o sufficient_a but_o account_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o revive_v they_o and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o possible_a hold_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o perform_v they_o though_o we_o have_v be_v incautelous_o and_o unwise_o surprise_v in_o they_o loose_a and_o libertine_n spirit_n be_v very_o forward_o to_o say_v let_v we_o break_v these_o bond_n in_o sunder_o and_o cast_v away_o these_o cord_n from_o we_o let_v we_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o almanac_n out_o of_o date_n but_o let_v such_o take_v heed_n they_o reckon_v not_o without_o the_o lord_n who_o account_n shall_v only_o stand_v in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o great_a account_n and_o if_o that_o be_v find_v upon_o the_o file_n which_o we_o think_v have_v be_v cancel_v it_o will_v be_v a_o sad_a reckon_n and_o to_o invort_fw-la that_o of_o the_o roman_a senator_n si_fw-la non_fw-la romiae_fw-la tamen_fw-la vestri_fw-la miserescite_fw-la if_o you_o have_v no_o compassion_n of_o yourselves_o yet_o pity_v a_o poor_a nation_n that_o lie_v mourning_n under_o oath_n 10._o not_o only_o the_o rash_a vain_a oath_n of_o profane_a and_o licentious_a man_n but_o deliberate_a promissory_a oath_n and_o covenant_n so_o frequent_o and_o â—alsly_o violate_v i_o will_v not_o extenuate_v any_o sin_n much_o less_o that_o of_o swear_v but_o the_o â—ormer_a oath_n be_v like_o man_n slaughter_n when_o the_o latter_a be_v as_o murder_v the_o lord_n forgive_v our_o sin_n and_o heal_v our_o land_n and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v let_v we_o as_o far_o as_o possible_o we_o may_v avoid_v they_o falsa_fw-la juratio_fw-la mala_fw-la est_fw-la omnis_fw-la periculosa_fw-la but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o just_a and_o necessary_a occasion_n for_o a_o promissory_a oath_n as_o sometime_o there_o may_v let_v we_o be_v exceed_o circumspect_a in_o the_o take_n of_o it_o well_o weigh_v what_o we_o do_v and_o with_o what_o intention_n and_o be_v once_o engage_v not_o to_o study_v evasion_n but_o execution_n of_o trust_n and_o promise_n what_o can_v i_o say_v more_o than_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v in_o his_o perpetual_a law_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a that_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a there_o be_v much_o say_v but_o more_o intend_v then_o express_v in_o these_o word_n the_o lord_n will_v deal_v with_o such_o a_o person_n as_o one_o who_o be_v deep_o guilty_a of_o provocation_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o be_v particular_a and_o plain_a you_o my_o lord_n major_a and_o sheriff_n be_v under_o the_o band_n of_o a_o oath_n that_o you_o will_v diligent_o execute_v the_o office_n you_o be_v call_v unto_o according_a to_o your_o skill_n power_n and_o understanding_n hereby_o you_o be_v tacit_o oblige_v to_o do_v your_o utmost_a to_o understand_v the_o duty_n of_o your_o place_n and_o express_o bind_v to_o execute_v they_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o your_o skill_n and_o power_n which_o be_v a_o great_a word_n and_o hard_a to_o be_v perform_v you_o the_o alderman_n common-council_n and_o four_o and_o twenty_o as_o you_o be_v call_v be_v swear_v to_o assist_v the_o mayor_n in_o his_o office_n to_o come_v to_o council_n at_o all_o time_n when_o you_o be_v send_v for_o unless_o you_o have_v a_o just_a excuse_n take_v heed_n of_o hinder_v instead_o of_o assist_v take_v heed_n of_o absent_v yourselves_o upon_o frivolous_a excuse_n or_o thing_n of_o less_o moment_n than_o that_o you_o be_v call_v unto_o think_v not_o to_o be_v your_o own_o judge_n in_o the_o excuse_n you_o will_v find_v another_o beside_o you_o and_o above_o you_o who_o judgement_n be_v according_a to_o truth_n think_v not_o that_o if_o you_o have_v not_o take_v the_o oath_n this_o year_n you_o be_v not_o oblige_v a_o former_a oath_n bind_v you_o as_o long_o as_o you_o continue_v in_o your_o station_n give_v not_o heed_n to_o evasion_n but_o in_o all_o doubtful_a thing_n take_v the_o safe_a course_n you_o also_o take_v a_o oath_n of_o secrecy_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o snare_n be_v careful_a that_o you_o be_v not_o take_v in_o it_o but_o let_v prudence_n and_o conscience_n set_v a_o watch_n before_o the_o door_n of_o your_o lip_n you_o that_o be_v freeman_n of_o the_o city_n be_v also_o under_o this_o sacred_a bond_n for_o preseruâ—tion_n of_o the_o due_a right_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o city_n and_o to_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o just_a and_o good_a government_n of_o the_o same_o take_v you_o heed_n also_o and_o be_v exceed_o circumspect_a dispense_v not_o with_o your_o obedience_n where_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n allow_v not_o a_o dispensation_n think_v not_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o your_o private_a determination_n what_o be_v just_a and_o good_a government_n you_o must_v take_v it_o as_o you_o find_v it_o and_o do_v all_o thing_n without_o murmur_n and_o dispute_n where_o the_o law_n of_o your_o superior_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a and_o supreme_a law_n so_o shall_v you_o seek_v and_o procure_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o city_n and_o of_o your_o own_o soul_n also_o you_o be_v sometime_o call_v as_o juror_n and_o swear_v to_o make_v true_a inquisition_n and_o presentment_n not_o to_o present_v for_o hatred_n or_o malice_n not_o to_o forbear_v present_v for_o favour_n or_o reward_n true_o to_o try_v issue_n according_a to_o your_o evidence_n not_o your_o priuâ—â—e_n opinion_n and_o mistake_a charity_n take_v the_o counsel_n give_v by_o moses_n to_o israel_n take_v head_n to_o yourselves_o and_o keep_v your_o soul_n deligent_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o be_v circumspect_a i_o add_v only_o this_o one_o consideration_n from_o the_o usual_a close_o of_o your_o oath_n wherein_o you_o promise_v to_o do_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n so_o help_v you_o god_n a_o most_o weighty_a and_o important_a expression_n if_o the_o lord_n help_v not_o how_o sad_a be_v the_o condition_n of_o any_o of_o we_o and_o shall_v we_o forfeit_v our_o interest_n in_o it_o by_o break_v the_o oath_n we_o enter_v into_o and_o give_v the_o lord_n occasion_n to_o say_v when_o we_o fly_v for_o help_v unto_o his_o name_n how_o can_v you_o expect_v help_n from_o i_o remember_v the_o day_n when_o you_o say_v and_o swear_v that_o as_o you_o expect_v help_v from_o i_o you_o will_v do_v the_o thing_n which_o you_o have_v not_o regard_v thus_o have_v i_o according_a to_o my_o measure_n give_v in_o that_o counsel_n which_o i_o desire_v may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o you_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o bless_a spirit_n supply_v the_o defect_n of_o my_o word_n and_o of_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o way_n finis_fw-la exod_n 34._o 24._o hagg._n 1._o 6_o 7._o *_o 1_o tim_n 2._o 1_o 2_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 11._o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o act._n 22._o 3._o 1_o cor._n 9_o 22._o psal._n 63._o 12._o ierem._n 10._o 25._o deut._n 32._o 40._o psal._n 89._o 35._o iam._n 5._o 12._o exod._n 22._o 11._o grot._n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la belli_fw-la et_fw-la pacis_fw-la juravit_fw-la david_n temete_v sed_fw-la non_fw-la implevit_fw-la jurationem_fw-la majori_fw-la pielate_fw-la august_n durand_n lib._n 2_o dist._n 39_o lib._n 6_o cap._n 7._o application_n jereniah_n 23._o 10._o
the_o duty_n and_o danger_n of_o swear_v open_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o york_n february_n 3._o 1655._o the_o day_n of_o swear_v the_o lord_n maior_fw-la by_o edward_n bowles_n m_n a._n preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o zach._n 5._o 4._o and_o i_o will_v bring_v forth_o the_o curse_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o it_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o thief_n and_o into_o the_o house_n of_o he_o that_o swear_v false_o by_o my_o name_n and_o it_o shall_v remain_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o house_n and_o shall_v consume_v it_o with_o the_o timber_n thereof_o and_o the_o stone_n thereof_o print_v and_o sell_v in_o york_n by_o tho_n broad_n 1655._o to_o the_o honourable_a stephen_n watson_n lord_n maior_fw-la the_o alderman_n and_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o the_o ancient_a city_n of_o york_n honour_a and_o belove_v it_o have_v please_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n in_o his_o wise_a and_o good_a providence_n to_o allot_v my_o work_n and_o service_n if_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o name_n of_o service_n to_o that_o city_n which_o god_n have_v make_v not_o only_o your_o habitation_n but_o also_o your_o charge_n i_o be_o please_v with_o my_o lot_n not_o only_o as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o lord_n but_o as_o it_o be_v among_o you_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v and_o hereby_o do_v that_o i_o have_v find_v that_o affection_n and_o respect_n from_o you_o as_o become_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o give_v you_o a_o testimony_n that_o i_o have_v not_o seek_v my_o own_o profit_n but_o the_o profit_n of_o many_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v if_o i_o may_v use_v the_o word_n of_o so_o great_a a_o apostle_n concerning_o myself_o i_o have_v be_v induce_v partly_o by_o way_n of_o acknowledgement_n and_o respect_n but_o especial_o by_o the_o sense_n of_o my_o duty_n as_o a_o minister_n to_o offer_v to_o your_o read_n and_o consideration_n the_o substance_n of_o a_o sermon_n late_o preach_v among_o you_o which_o i_o hope_v through_o divine_a blessing_n may_v be_v useful_a to_o you_o you_o who_o be_v awaken_v can_v but_o be_v sensible_a how_o easy_o and_o how_o quick_o the_o word_n speak_v slip_n from_o you_o it_o be_v soon_o go_v from_o we_o who_o study_v it_o and_o write_v it_o and_o speak_v it_o you_o have_v less_o advantage_n to_o retain_v it_o who_o hear_v it_o but_o once_o unless_o the_o peculiar_a promise_n and_o blessing_n make_v to_o the_o word_n preach_v do_v befriend_v you_o i_o be_o jealous_a over_o you_o i_o hope_v with_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n lest_o through_o inadvertency_n of_o mind_n unsuitableness_n and_o unpreparedness_n of_o heart_n earthliness_n of_o affection_n second_v with_o satan_n depth_n and_o device_n this_o counsel_n give_v you_o concerning_o oath_n may_v be_v forget_v i_o know_v you_o have_v almost_o daily_a need_n to_o consider_v of_o this_o subject_a be_v frequent_o call_v to_o action_n relate_v thereunto_o and_o it_o be_v now_o in_o your_o power_n daily_o or_o at_o least_o frequent_o to_o peruse_v it_o if_o you_o walk_v in_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n that_o be_v upon_o you_o it_o will_v not_o be_v charge_v upon_o i_o i_o have_v deliver_v my_o own_o soul_n and_o endeavour_v to_o deliver_v you_o i_o have_v but_o two_o word_n further_a to_o speak_v unto_o you_o at_o this_o present_a first_o that_o you_o will_v more_o frequent_o and_o diligent_o attend_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n it_o please_v god_n out_o of_o his_o bounty_n and_o good_a will_n to_o you_o to_o afford_v you_o beside_o the_o public_a ordinance_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n a_o weekly_a lecture_n which_o i_o apprehend_v to_o be_v very_o much_o neglect_v and_o i_o have_v often_o hear_v the_o paucity_n of_o hearer_n lay_v as_o a_o reproach_n upon_o the_o city_n by_o well_o dispose_a stranger_n i_o pray_v consider_v yourselves_o and_o those_o that_o be_v sorrowful_a for_o the_o solew_a assembly_n to_o who_o the_o reproach_n of_o it_o be_v a_o burden_n zeph._n 3._o 18._o you_o may_v plead_v our_o unworthiness_n wheâ—_z preach_v unto_o you_o but_o that_o plea_n i_o doubt_v will_v not_o be_v admit_v at_o the_o great_a bar_n there_o be_v not_o the_o mean_a oâ—_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n by_o who_o labour_n you_o mighâ—_z not_o profit_fw-la if_o the_o defect_n be_v not_o in_o your_o own_o heart_n remember_v that_o divine_a institution_n and_o blessing_n be_v the_o main_a advantage_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n not_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o speaker_n or_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o hearer_n god_n be_v please_v most_o frequent_o to_o concur_v with_o the_o plain_a i_o have_v almost_o say_v the_o mean_a gift_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n that_o the_o glory_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n i_o be_o sure_a you_o can_v plead_v want_n of_o leisure_n through_o multitude_n of_o trade_v and_o worldly_a employment_n i_o wish_v it_o be_v more_o and_o true_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o better_a way_n to_o help_v it_o then_o to_o deal_v liberal_o with_o god_n in_o public_a duty_n first_o he_o have_v secure_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v no_o loser_n by_o that_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n neither_o shall_v any_o man_n desire_v thy_o land_n that_o be_v thou_o shall_v sustain_v no_o damage_n 24._o the_o lord_n be_v thy_o security_n when_o thou_o go_v up_o to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n nay_o i_o think_v you_o may_v safe_o apply_v that_o passage_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o his_o people_n hagg._n 2._o 18._o consider_v the_o day_n that_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v lay_v consider_v it_o from_o this_o day_n will_v i_o bless_v you_o try_v the_o lord_n or_o rather_o trust_v the_o lord_n you_o complain_v of_o great_a decay_n and_o they_o be_v visible_a you_o sow_v much_o and_o bring_v in_o little_a etc._n etc._n consider_v your_o way_n 7._o whether_o you_o be_v not_o defective_a in_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o second_o be_v this_o that_o you_o will_v study_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o yourselves_o by_o deliver_v up_o unto_o perpetual_a oblivion_n all_o inveterate_a envy_n and_o enmity_n to_o that_o end_v that_o magistrate_n will_v equal_o and_o gentle_o as_o to_o brethren_n administer_v justice_n i_o mean_v only_o such_o a_o gentleness_n as_o to_o execute_v the_o law_n with_o a_o gospel_n spirit_n that_o the_o people_n will_v submit_v themselves_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o not_o wear_v out_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o ruler_n by_o their_o cumbrance_n and_o strife_n but_o turn_v some_o of_o their_o complaint_n into_o prayer_n to_o which_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o sacred_a rule_n *_o 2_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o blame_v then_o understand_v the_o work_n and_o weight_n of_o magistracy_n and_o ministry_n especial_o when_o they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o a_o people_n that_o be_v poor_a and_o foolish_a and_o know_v not_o the_o way_n the_o lord_n nor_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o god_n jer._n 5._o 4._o and_o last_o it_o will_v tend_v much_o to_o unity_n that_o you_o be_v very_o careful_a what_o minister_n be_v plant_v among_o you_o such_o as_o give_v some_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o they_o who_o fruit_n be_v love_n and_o peace_n such_o as_o be_v desirous_a of_o reformation_n lest_o superstition_n vanity_n and_o strife_n proceed_v from_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a promoter_n of_o knowledge_n truth_n and_o peace_n i_o will_v detain_v you_o no_o long_o if_o i_o have_v err_v in_o what_o i_o have_v write_v to_o you_o impute_v it_o to_o the_o largeness_n of_o my_o affection_n to_o the_o city_n which_o may_v possible_o have_v entrench_v upon_o my_o understanding_n in_o what_o i_o have_v say_v 11._o final_o brethren_n farewell_n be_v perfect_a be_v of_o good_a comfort_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n live_v in_o peace_n and_o the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n shall_v be_v with_o you_o york_n march_n 15._o 1655._o your_o affectionate_a servant_n in_o the_o lord_n work_n edw_n bowles_n matth._n 5._o 33_o 34._o again_o you_o have_v hear_v it_o have_v be_v say_v by_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o for_o swear_v thyself_o but_o shall_v perform_v unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o oath_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o etc._n etc._n i_o have_v often_o have_v it_o in_o my_o thought_n to_o speak_v something_o concerning_o oath_n a_o subject_n which_o due_o consider_v will_v administer_v matter_n of_o humiliation_n and_o reformation_n to_o we_o and_o many_o more_o and_o have_v this_o opportunity_n put_v into_o my_o hand_n i_o shall_v deliver_v myself_o take_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n
say_v of_o custom_n alteranatura_fw-la it_o be_v so_o little_a capable_a of_o be_v plead_v by_o way_n of_o mitigation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o swear_v or_o any_o other_o iniquity_n that_o it_o render_v it_o the_o more_o mischievous_a and_o dangerous_a the_o lord_n by_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o judah_n chap._n 13._o 23._o can_v the_o aethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a who_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a but_o be_v this_o any_o advantage_n to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v so_o accustom_v to_o evil_a that_o they_o can_v not_o leave_v it_o no_o for_o it_o follow_v vers._n 24._o therefore_o will_v i_o scatter_v they_o as_o the_o stubble_n that_o pass_v away_o by_o the_o wind_n of_o the_o wilderness_n this_o be_v thy_o lot_n the_o portion_n of_o thy_o measure_n from_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n let_v man_n take_v heed_n of_o customary_a sin_n if_o man_n will_v be_v wont_v to_o sin_n god_n be_v wont_a to_o punish_v other_o there_o be_v more_o deliberate_a in_o this_o wickedness_n and_o so_o more_o guilty_a they_o think_v it_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o gallantry_n and_o gracefulness_n of_o speech_n to_o interlace_v it_o with_o oath_n and_o execration_n nay_o some_o be_v become_v so_o exceed_o vain_a and_o vile_a that_o they_o will_v study_v new-fashioned_a oath_n as_o well_o as_o clothes_n and_o so_o go_v down_o to_o destruction_n in_o the_o right_a mode_n concerning_o these_o person_n i_o know_v not_o well_o what_o to_o say_v but_o choose_v rather_o to_o stand_v and_o admire_v first_o the_o depth_n of_o wickedness_n and_o madness_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o cast_v up_o such_o mire_n and_o dirt_n and_o than_o the_o infinite_a patience_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n who_o be_v high_o sensible_a of_o such_o affront_n and_o provocation_n and_o easy_o able_a to_o avenge_v himself_o yet_o forbear_v to_o execute_v his_o just_a displeasure_n but_o let_v they_o who_o like_o rage_a wave_n of_o the_o sea_n thus_o foam_v out_o their_o own_o shame_n and_o vent_v the_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o know_v that_o though_o god_n be_v long_o suffer_v yet_o he_o will_v not_o always_o suffer_v his_o patience_n have_v prefix_v bound_n and_o though_o for_o some_o time_n there_o may_v be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o sinner_n to_o he_o that_o swear_v and_o he_o that_o fear_v a_o oath_n as_o say_v the_o preacher_n eccles._n 9_o 2._o yet_o there_o be_v a_o day_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n approach_v and_o then_o will_v the_o lord_n put_v a_o everlasting_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a betwixt_o he_o that_o serve_v god_n and_o he_o that_o serve_v he_o not_o malach._n 3._o ult._n it_o may_v be_v such_o profane_a person_n find_v not_o the_o curse_n enter_v into_o their_o house_n according_a to_o the_o threaten_a zach._n 5._o 3_o 4._o but_o it_o be_v enter_v into_o their_o heart_n which_o be_v of_o worse_a consequence_n for_o by_o their_o hardness_n and_o impenitency_n they_o treasure_v up_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o though_o the_o person_n mention_v do_v most_o notorious_o offend_v against_o this_o rule_n of_o swear_v in_o judgement_n for_o they_o have_v no_o judgement_n in_o their_o go_n or_o do_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o the_o only_a offender_n in_o this_o point_n there_o be_v many_o who_o call_v other_o to_o swear_v and_o be_v call_v lawful_o thereunto_o that_o rush_n upon_o oath_n without_o due_a consideration_n they_o consider_v not_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o oath_n in_o the_o case_n every_o unnecessary_a oath_n be_v a_o vain_a oath_n and_o litigious_a person_n who_o occasion_n many_o oath_n for_o the_o decision_n of_o their_o needless_a controversy_n will_v find_v they_o have_v much_o to_o answer_v for_o their_o sin_n against_o charity_n by_o contention_n against_o justice_n by_o vexation_n and_o against_o the_o name_n of_o god_n by_o call_v man_n to_o swear_v about_o that_o which_o be_v hardly_o worthy_a a_o man_n go_v over_o the_o threshold_n to_o prove_v and_o though_o erasmus_n be_v too_o strict_a in_o say_v non_fw-la est_fw-la ingenui_fw-la christiani_fw-la jur_fw-fr be_v pro_fw-la rebus_fw-la huius_fw-la seculi_fw-la pro_fw-la praediis_fw-la et_fw-la nummis_fw-la yet_o the_o truth_n lie_v very_o near_o it_o and_o that_o be_v man_n shall_v be_v very_o backward_o to_o swear_v in_o such_o case_n and_o utter_o averse_a if_o the_o difference_n may_v otherwise_o be_v determine_v 11._o a_o oath_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v reckon_v in_fw-la necessariis_fw-la quam_fw-la in_fw-la simpliciter_fw-la bonis_fw-la the_o command_n to_o swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n deuter._n 6._o 13._o be_v not_o like_o that_o of_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n but_o the_o meaning_n be_v if_o there_o be_v a_o just_a occasion_n of_o thy_o swear_n then_o let_v it_o be_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o not_o by_o any_o idol_n or_o creature_n other_o consider_v not_o the_o solemnity_n of_o a_o oath_n the_o majesty_n and_o dread_a of_o that_o name_n which_o be_v in_o vocate_v thereby_o but_o light_o hasty_o and_o irreverent_o use_v the_o name_n of_o god_n which_o be_v full_a of_o provocation_n it_o be_v sad_a to_o see_v how_o in_o court_n of_o justice_n where_o magistrate_n be_v tender_a enough_o of_o their_o own_o honour_n and_o power_n the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v profane_v with_o rude_a and_o irreverent_a swear_n what_o huddle_v of_o oath_n there_o be_v with_o very_o little_a sense_n or_o consideration_n of_o the_o weight_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o which_o if_o administer_v with_o deliberation_n and_o solemnity_n will_v conduce_v much_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o right_a end_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v the_o serious_a confirmation_n of_o a_o truth_n in_o question_n and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o small_a degree_n of_o reformation_n among_o we_o in_o civil_a proceed_n if_o the_o number_n of_o oath_n be_v lessen_v and_o those_o that_o must_v be_v take_v be_v administer_v with_o more_o solemnity_n as_o all_o the_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n ought_v to_o be_v let_v i_o therefore_o put_v you_o my_o lord_n maior_fw-la and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o mind_n that_o god_n have_v entrust_v you_o with_o a_o very_a great_a treasure_n which_o be_v the_o glorious_a and_o fearful_a name_n of_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n which_o he_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o and_o expect_v you_o shall_v be_v so_o also_o and_o express_v your_o regard_n thereto_o by_o punish_v unlawful_a oath_n prevent_v unnecessary_a oath_n and_o due_o regulate_v those_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o truth_n and_o peace_n the_o day_n be_v hasten_v upon_o we_o when_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o other_o refuge_n but_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v a_o strong_a power_n to_o the_o righteous_a proverb_n 18._o 10._o and_o how_o sad_a will_v it_o be_v to_o find_v such_o a_o repulse_n as_o this_o what_o have_v you_o to_o do_v take_v my_o name_n in_o your_o mouth_n which_o you_o have_v profane_v and_o suffer_v to_o be_v profane_v for_o want_v of_o execute_v the_o power_n and_o trust_v commit_v to_o you_o by_o god_n and_o man_n be_v not_o every_o man_n particular_a burden_n heavy_a enough_o for_o he_o to_o bear_v let_v we_o not_o then_o neither_o magistrate_n nor_o minister_n for_o we_o be_v most_o concern_v make_v ourselves_o partaker_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n by_o not_o discharge_v our_o duty_n to_o they_o this_o shall_v suffice_v o_o have_v speak_v of_o 〈…〉_z wherein_o i_o have_v have_v more_o special_a respect_n to_o ass_n 〈…〉_z i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o which_o will_v more_o direct_o c_o 〈…〉_z oath_n promissory_a such_o as_o you_o have_v take_v this_o day_n propos._n ii_o it_o be_v utter_o abominable_a to_o forswear_v or_o not_o to_o perform_v our_o oath_n unto_o the_o lord_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n which_o come_v short_a of_o the_o law_n and_o short_a of_o heaven_n as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v yet_o reachâ—d_fw-mi thus_o far_o that_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v if_o scripture_n be_v silent_a the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n will_v speak_v plain_a and_o loud_o in_o this_o point_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o sin_n upon_o which_o they_o have_v set_v a_o foul_a mark_n than_o that_o of_o perjury_n i_o suppose_v because_o of_o the_o peculiar_a mischief_n and_o malignity_n that_o it_o carry_v with_o it_o to_o human_a society_n which_o be_v preserve_v by_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n apud_fw-la omnes_fw-la populos_fw-la et_fw-la ab_fw-la omni_fw-la aevo_fw-la circa_fw-la pollicitationes_fw-la et_fw-la contractus_fw-la maxima_fw-la semper_fw-la vis_fw-la fuiâ—_z