that_o when_o he_o swear_v i_o will_v give_v thou_o so_o much_o he_o understand_v if_o i_o owe_v it_o thou_o or_o if_o thou_o demand_v it_o before_o the_o magistrate_n but_o as_o this_o mental_a reservation_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o same_o sand_n with_o verbal_a equivocation_n so_o be_v it_o destroy_v with_o the_o same_o dash_n for_o it_o root_v all_o faith_n and_o assurance_n out_o of_o man_n make_v god_n a_o imposter_n be_v deceitful_a unto_o our_o neighbour_n pervert_v the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o oath_n set_v open_v a_o great_a gate_n to_o all_o kind_n of_o lie_n and_o perjury_n and_o be_v so_o much_o worse_a than_o equivocation_n as_o more_o difficult_a to_o be_v prevent_v for_o equivocation_n foresee_v or_o suspect_v may_v be_v prevent_v by_o such_o diligent_a explication_n of_o the_o word_n as_o may_v leave_v no_o loophole_n of_o ambiguity_n but_o no_o humane_a art_n or_o providence_n if_o man_n will_v be_v juggle_v can_v prevent_v this_o pouch_n of_o this_o reservation_n where_o will_v you_o find_v a_o knot_n to_o tie_v this_o vertumnus_n unto_o one_o shape_n bind_v wicked_a proteus_n in_o chain_n a_o thousand_o fold_n it_o be_v all_o in_o vain_a jesuit_n and_o priest_n reserve_v unto_o themselves_o the_o liberty_n to_o reserve_v any_o thing_n be_v not_o afraid_a with_o a_o serious_a brow_n to_o take_v our_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n though_o pen_v with_o such_o accurateness_n of_o word_n as_o leave_v no_o hold_n for_o cavil_n nor_o way_n for_o escape_v yet_o that_o very_a clause_n where_o in_o express_a word_n they_o promise_v that_o they_o will_v faithful_o observe_v all_o the_o premise_n according_a unto_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o word_n pronounce_v by_o they_o and_o according_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o natural_a sense_n and_o true_a intent_n of_o those_o word_n without_o any_o equivocation_n or_o mental_a reservation_n they_o understand_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o this_o reservation_n to_o wit_n that_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o sect_n vi_o they_o lie_v nevertheless_o at_o a_o ward_n to_o put_v by_o perjury_n for_o say_v they_o of_o the_o verbal_a and_o mental_a sentence_n one_o entire_a sentence_n be_v compound_v in_o which_o take_v altogether_o there_o be_v no_o falsehood_n for_o example_n if_o a_o priest_n swear_v in_o express_a word_n that_o he_o be_v no_o priest_n with_o the_o addition_n reserve_v in_o his_o mind_n but_o not_o utter_v that_o i_o shall_v tell_v it_o you_o this_o whole_a sentence_n say_v they_o put_v together_o be_v true_a viz._n i_o be_o not_o a_o priest_n that_o i_o shall_v tell_v it_o you_o nor_o do_v any_o reason_n seem_v to_o forbid_v a_o man_n the_o liberty_n if_o he_o please_v to_o compose_v his_o speech_n of_o verbal_a and_o mental_a term_n for_o why_o in_o our_o prayer_n if_o one_o shall_v pronounce_v those_o word_n only_o our_o daily_a bread_n and_o express_v those_o other_o give_v we_o this_o day_n in_o his_o thought_n only_o shall_v the_o speech_n be_v entire_a and_o lawful_a and_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o unlawful_a to_o do_v the_o like_a in_o a_o oath_n that_o this_o jesuitical_a legerdemain_n may_v full_o be_v discover_v first_o it_o be_v admirable_a that_o these_o most_o acute_a artificer_n shall_v not_o perceive_v the_o fabric_n of_o this_o defence_n not_o to_o be_v raise_v but_o upon_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o humane_a judgement_n contract_n and_o promise_n for_o the_o argument_n they_o use_v if_o it_o be_v of_o any_o weight_n will_v as_o well_o justify_v the_o practice_n of_o this_o equivocation_n before_o a_o lawful_a judge_n and_o in_o a_o just_a matter_n which_o they_o say_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v as_o before_o a_o incompetent_a judge_n and_o in_o a_o unjust_a matter_n see_v that_o a_o sentence_n compose_v of_o the_o verbal_a and_o mental_a part_n be_v in_o each_o of_o the_o same_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n and_o this_o answer_n may_v suffice_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la but_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la i_o say_v second_o that_o a_o sentence_n compose_v as_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o verbal_a and_o mental_a part_n may_v be_v admit_v when_o a_o man_n converse_v with_o his_o own_o thought_n as_o in_o private_a meditation_n or_o when_o he_o address_v himself_o to_o god_n alone_o as_o in_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n but_o when_o the_o have_v to_o do_v with_o man_n as_o in_o oath_n where_o he_o be_v to_o bear_v such_o testimony_n as_o may_v be_v hear_v and_o understand_v by_o other_o a_o sense_n mix_v of_o verbal_a and_o mental_a part_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a to_o be_v admit_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o difference_n be_v manifest_a because_o that_o which_o he_o bear_v hide_v in_o his_o breast_n be_v no_o further_o know_v unto_o other_o than_o he_o declare_v it_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n but_o to_o god_n before_o who_o nothing_o be_v hide_v the_o dark_a secret_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v transparent_a so_o that_o when_o man_n pray_v or_o meditate_v it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n whether_o they_o pronounce_v their_o whole_a thought_n or_o part_n of_o they_o or_o none_o at_o all_o but_o man_n who_o can_v dive_v into_o the_o heart_n further_o than_o word_n and_o action_n discover_v it_o must_v weigh_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o a_o speech_n by_o those_o thing_n only_o which_o may_v yield_v testimony_n unto_o the_o hearer_n which_o since_o those_o reservation_n which_o be_v keep_v within_o can_v effect_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o speech_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v only_o by_o the_o word_n pronounce_v and_o not_o by_o mental_a reservation_n sect_n vii_o the_o four_o case_n follow_v the_o fact_n for_o as_o before_o and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o swear_v there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o purpose_n of_o fulfil_v the_o promise_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n wherein_o it_o be_v propose_v without_o any_o equivocation_n or_o mental_a reservation_n so_o ought_v there_o afterward_o to_o be_v a_o desire_n and_o endeavour_v in_o due_a time_n faithful_o to_o perform_v the_o same_o according_a unto_o that_o sense_n wherein_o it_o be_v swear_v without_o any_o evasion_n or_o subterfuge_n and_o as_o it_o be_v one_o kind_n of_o perjury_n to_o strain_v the_o word_n during_o the_o act_n of_o swear_v unto_o another_o sense_n then_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o auditor_n so_o be_v it_o another_o kind_n of_o perjury_n have_v swear_v honest_o not_o to_o proceed_v sincere_o but_o decline_v and_o elude_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o oath_n though_o the_o word_n be_v preserve_v with_o some_o new_a forge_a invention_n various_o turn_v and_o dress_v the_o word_n to_o cloak_v the_o guilt_n of_o their_o conscience_n as_o tacitus_n say_v of_o some_o stobaeus_n tell_v a_o pretty_a tale_n from_o herodotus_n of_o one_o archetimus_n who_o have_v deposit_v money_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o friend_n cydias_n archetimus_n upon_o a_o time_n desirous_a to_o have_v the_o same_o restore_v cydias_n loath_a to_o part_v with_o the_o gold_n disclaim_v that_o he_o ever_o receive_v it_o the_o matter_n bring_v before_o the_o judge_n the_o plaintiff_n accuse_v the_o defendant_n deny_v each_o with_o like_a confidence_n neither_o by_o any_o witness_n the_o judge_n other_o proof_n be_v want_v decree_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o controversy_n by_o oath_n the_o day_n be_v appoint_v cydias_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n put_v the_o gold_n into_o a_o hollow_a staff_n which_o he_o have_v cunning_o bore_v and_o withal_o counterfeit_v sickness_n then_o appear_v at_o the_o time_n with_o his_o staff_n as_o new_o recover_v deliver_v the_o same_o unto_o archetimus_n to_o hold_v while_o he_o approach_v the_o altar_n and_o till_o he_o have_v perform_v the_o solemnity_n of_o his_o oath_n this_o do_v with_o a_o most_o compose_a mind_n and_o countenance_n he_o swear_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v gold_n from_o archetimus_n but_o have_v restore_v it_o again_o unto_o he_o at_o which_o architemus_fw-la nettle_v with_o his_o loss_n and_o transport_v with_o indignation_n to_o see_v perfidiousness_n join_v with_o so_o much_o impudence_n throw_v the_o staff_n so_o hard_o against_o the_o pavement_n that_o it_o break_v and_o discover_v the_o money_n the_o fraud_n of_o cydias_n and_o the_o whole_a truth_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o act_n the_o writer_n of_o the_o story_n call_v a_o embroider_a lie_n and_o observe_v that_o cydias_n in_o reward_n of_o his_o perfidy_n come_v to_o a_o miserable_a end_n many_o such_o example_n be_v extant_a both_o in_o historian_n and_o common_a practice_n out_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v collect_v some_o profitable_a observation_n the_o first_o be_v that_o even_o dishonest_a man_n be_v so_o far_o touch_v with_o some_o conscience_n and_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n that_o though_o none_o at_o all_o or_o very_o small_a regard_n be_v have_v to_o justice_n and_o honesty_n yet_o through_o a_o instinct_n of_o nature_n
of_o these_o or_o the_o like_a be_v answer_v it_o be_v a_o oath_n whosoever_o use_v such_o form_n be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la oblige_v and_o if_o he_o perform_v not_o the_o thing_n promise_v guilty_a of_o perjury_n but_o in_o this_o now_o will_v you_o give_v i_o a_o hundred_o i_o will_v give_v you_o they_o the_o very_a word_n add_v no_o further_a confirmation_n of_o faith_n make_v but_o a_o bare_a promise_n you_o tell_v i_o you_o will_v give_v i_o a_o hundred_o will_v you_o give_v i_o they_o certain_o i_o will_v believe_v i_o i_o will_v not_o deceive_v you_o here_o some_o kind_n of_o confirmation_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o promise_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o very_a form_n that_o this_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a asseveration_n neither_o a_o oath_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o a_o obtestation_n see_v god_n be_v neither_o call_v to_o witness_v nor_o any_o other_o pawn_n of_o faith_n engage_v how_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o you_o will_v give_v i_o that_o hundred_o which_o you_o promise_v here_o be_v my_o hand_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o honest_a man_n i_o will_v give_v you_o they_o as_o true_o as_o the_o sun_n shine_v i_o will_v do_v it_o never_o believe_v i_o more_o if_o i_o dot_v not_o etc._n etc._n the_o word_n themselves_o show_v that_o they_o contain_v more_o than_o a_o bare_a asseveration_n but_o they_o be_v not_o a_o oath_n yet_o these_o therefore_o be_v rather_o obtestation_n wherein_o for_o further_a confirmation_n of_o a_o matter_n promise_v or_o assever_v we_o interpose_v something_o which_o be_v dear_a unto_o we_o or_o certain_a and_o manifest_v unto_o all_o as_o a_o pawn_n of_o our_o faith_n wherefore_o if_o it_o plain_o appear_v by_o the_o mere_a form_n that_o the_o thing_n assume_v for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v proper_o a_o oath_n a_o bare_a asseveration_n or_o a_o obtestation_n there_o need_v no_o far_a examination_n sect_n vi_o but_o because_o it_o happeneeh_a very_o often_o through_o the_o resemblance_n of_o some_o ambiguous_a or_o large_a signification_n of_o a_o word_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n that_o it_o can_v certain_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o word_n utter_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o oath_n or_o no_o in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o must_v be_v attentive_a unto_o the_o proper_a and_o genuine_a sense_n of_o those_o word_n and_o from_o thence_o make_v the_o judgement_n for_o it_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o form_n that_o all_o those_o speech_n which_o appeal_v unto_o the_o name_n of_o god_n or_o wherein_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o latin_a per_n or_o the_o english_a by_o be_v use_v with_o the_o accusative_a case_n be_v formal_o oath_n lead_v by_o which_o reason_n only_a soto_n conceive_v so_o much_o difference_n between_o the_o term_n by_o my_o faith_n and_o in_o faith_n by_o my_o troth_n and_o in_o troth_n that_o he_o determine_v those_o to_o be_v formal_o oath_n these_o none_o but_o if_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v well_o look_v into_o there_o will_v be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o proposition_n by_o and_o in_o be_v apply_v unto_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o they_o as_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v apply_v unto_o be_v sacred_a or_o civil_a the_o form_n by_o god_n be_v proper_o a_o oath_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v a_o sacred_a thing_n and_o he_o who_o speak_v after_o that_o manner_n call_v god_n to_o witness_v but_o that_o by_o my_o faith_n though_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o some_o country_n or_o intention_n of_o he_o who_o speak_v it_o may_v be_v a_o oath_n be_v no_o oath_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o word_n but_o a_o mere_a asseveration_n or_o at_o the_o most_o a_o obtestation_n because_o humane_a faith_n be_v not_o a_o sacred_a but_o a_o civil_a thing_n and_o he_o who_o speak_v after_o that_o manner_n call_v not_o god_n to_o witness_v but_o speak_v as_o he_o believe_v or_o declare_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v utter_v with_o serious_a and_o sincere_a deliberation_n of_o mind_n for_o the_o genuine_a interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n by_o my_o faith_n whether_o in_o a_o assertory_n or_o promissory_a matter_n be_v this_o i_o speak_v from_o my_o heart_n i_o tell_v you_o my_o very_a thought_n i_o pawn_v my_o faith_n to_o you_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o if_o to_o my_o knowledge_n i_o deceive_v you_o let_v i_o never_o be_v believe_v more_o etc._n etc._n wherefore_o the_o interposition_n of_o faith_n make_v not_o a_o oath_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o word_n unless_o perhaps_o it_o recall_v we_o to_o some_o oath_n which_o we_o have_v former_o make_v as_o in_o this_o university_n when_o a_o man_n be_v require_v to_o answer_v unto_o a_o question_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o oath_n according_a to_o this_o form_n you_o shall_v speak_v by_o your_o faith_n give_v unto_o this_o university_n and_o when_o convocation_n be_v solemn_o call_v whereunto_o the_o doctor_n master_n regent_n and_o non-regent_n be_v warn_v by_o the_o beadle_n to_o repair_v per_fw-la fidem_fw-la per_fw-la fidem_fw-la per_fw-la fidem_fw-la the_o like_a in_o my_o opinion_n though_o other_o i_o know_v think_v otherwise_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o that_o of_o paul_n by_o our_o rejoice_v 23._o which_o i_o have_v in_o christ_n i_o die_v daily_o to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v proper_o no_o oath_n but_o a_o serious_a asseveration_n only_o that_o as_o he_o be_v subject_a unto_o death_n so_o he_o be_v daily_o prepare_v for_o death_n when_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o call_v he_o sect_n vii_o now_o it_o may_v perhaps_o by_o so_o much_o as_o have_v be_v say_v be_v convenient_o determine_v what_o be_v to_o be_v think_v of_o those_o word_n whereupon_o interpreter_n various_o dispute_v of_o joseph_n unto_o his_o brethren_n by_o the_o life_n of_o pharaoh_n you_o be_v 15._o spy_n some_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o joseph_n have_v be_v long_o conversant_a with_o pharaoh_n courtier_n as_o infect_v with_o a_o touch_n of_o their_o disease_n begin_v to_o savour_v at_o the_o least_o in_o this_o point_n of_o their_o manner_n and_o example_n the_o egyptians_n be_v accustom_v to_o swear_v by_o the_o king_n life_n as_o the_o roman_n in_o latter_a age_n be_v by_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o emperor_n but_o i_o can_v easy_o suffer_v myself_o to_o judge_v otherwise_o of_o the_o word_n and_o action_n of_o man_n famous_a for_o piety_n then_o necessity_n compel_v i_o see_v divers_a of_o the_o ancient_n in_o contribute_v unto_o the_o fame_n of_o the_o saint_n too_o indulgent_a unto_o their_o own_o wit_n while_o they_o will_v cover_v apparent_a defect_n with_o specious_a excuse_n a_o error_n much_o more_o pardonable_a than_o they_o who_o in_o this_o age_n delight_v with_o the_o contrary_a love_v to_o be_v curious_a enquirer_n into_o the_o fault_n of_o devout_a man_n and_o lest_o matter_n shall_v be_v want_v unto_o calumny_n by_o pervert_v blameless_a action_n bestow_v crack_n upon_o crystal_n glass_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o wash_n other_o allow_v a_o more_o favourable_a interpretation_n unto_o the_o speech_n of_o joseph_n that_o he_o use_v for_o once_o only_o this_o form_n of_o swear_v familiar_a unto_o the_o courtier_n as_o a_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o disguise_n and_o that_o he_o may_v more_o skilful_o represent_v the_o person_n of_o a_o egyptian_a prince_n which_o he_o counterfeit_v lest_o he_o shall_v be_v discover_v by_o his_o brethren_n but_o i_o do_v not_o like_a to_o lay_v this_o burden_n though_o somewhat_o light_a upon_o the_o shoulder_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a man_n without_o any_o necessity_n the_o three_o opinion_n be_v they_o who_o absolve_v joseph_n from_o all_o guilt_n but_o with_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o think_v it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o man_n before_o christ_n forbid_v that_o kind_n of_o oath_n to_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n which_o opinion_n i_o confess_v so_o far_o as_o it_o acquit_v joseph_n of_o sin_n i_o allow_v but_o of_o the_o reason_n for_o it_o i_o can_v allow_v for_o first_o it_o appear_v not_o that_o christ_n do_v more_o especial_o forbid_v oath_n by_o creature_n than_o such_o as_o be_v make_v by_o god_n for_o he_o general_o prohibit_v the_o unnecessary_a one_o of_o either_o kind_n a_o new_a prohibition_n of_o that_o which_o be_v always_o unlawful_a will_v have_v be_v needless_a and_o that_o which_o he_o speak_v of_o oath_n by_o the_o creature_n in_o particular_a tend_v to_o show_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o oath_n once_o make_v contrary_a to_o what_o the_o jew_n think_v of_o it_o be_v no_o less_o obligatory_a than_o those_o which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n express_v second_o neither_o be_v it_o true_a that_o it_o be_v lawful_a before_o christ_n for_o pious_a man_n by_o any_o dispensation_n or_o divine_a indulgence_n to_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n see_v
respect_n of_o that_o whether_o person_n or_o thing_n by_o who_o or_o which_o it_o be_v swear_v where_o two_o case_n occur_v the_o first_o ease_n be_v whether_o he_o who_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n be_v and_o how_o far_o he_o be_v oblige_v that_o oath_n by_o the_o creator_n be_v bind_v be_v most_o certain_a and_o general_o grant_v but_o of_o oath_n by_o the_o creature_n there_o be_v some_o doubt_n nevertheless_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n i_o say_v first_o that_o to_o swear_v by_o a_o creature_n absolute_o ultimate_o and_o terminative_o so_o as_o to_o constitute_v the_o end_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o oath_n in_o any_o creature_n without_o relation_n to_o god_n be_v simple_o unlawful_a the_o reason_n be_v manifest_a because_o by_o that_o mean_v the_o reverence_n due_a unto_o god_n only_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o creature_n for_o a_o oath_n as_o have_v be_v say_v be_v cultus_fw-la latriae_fw-la which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v give_v to_o any_o creature_n for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o party_n swear_v by_o invocation_n of_o god_n as_o witness_v and_o revenger_n acknowledge_v he_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la searcher_n of_o heart_n to_o who_o it_o be_v know_v whether_o the_o mind_n agree_v with_o the_o word_n and_o the_o most_o just_a and_o powerful_a punisher_n of_o sinner_n whereof_o neither_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o create_a thing_n nay_o such_o a_o oath_n be_v even_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o papist_n apparent_o idolatrous_a second_o i_o say_v to_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n relative_o and_o as_o it_o be_v transitive_o as_o papist_n use_v to_o do_v by_o the_o bless_a virgin_n or_o other_o saint_n or_o relic_n of_o saint_n that_o be_v as_o they_o expound_v it_o not_o ultimate_o and_o terminative_o to_o place_v the_o worship_n upon_o they_o but_o relative_o and_o transitive_o to_o pass_v it_o by_o and_o through_o they_o upon_o god_n be_v at_o the_o least_o superstitious_a because_o it_o appear_v neither_o by_o light_n of_o reason_n nor_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n that_o the_o power_n of_o search_a heart_n or_o punish_v perjury_n be_v by_o god_n entrust_v with_o or_o delegated_a unto_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n how_o holy_a soever_o three_o i_o say_v to_o mention_v any_o creature_n in_o swear_v without_o mention_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v swear_v by_o his_o head_n y_z his_o soul_n by_o his_o salvation_n by_o this_o fire_n by_o this_o bread_n etc._n etc._n though_o for_o the_o danger_n of_o scandal_n and_o show_v of_o evil_a it_o be_v much_o better_a to_o abstain_v from_o such_o form_n yet_o mere_o for_o this_o reason_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o swear_v by_o god_n only_o be_v not_o unlawful_a because_o either_o in_o these_o form_n we_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o or_o by_o god_n only_o which_o that_o it_o may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v lest_o i_o shall_v seem_v to_o bring_v some_o new_a and_o suspect_v doctrine_n into_o the_o church_n or_o to_o be_v indulgent_a unto_o that_o execrable_a custom_n of_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n which_o to_o the_o grief_n of_o good_a man_n be_v grow_v so_o common_a it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o in_o form_n of_o this_o kind_n wherein_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o some_o creature_n as_o it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o swear_v that_o the_o oath_n nevertheless_o be_v in_o truth_n often_o swear_v interpretative_o by_o god_n himself_o as_o in_o all_o those_o which_o after_o the_o common_a manner_n of_o utterance_n have_v in_o they_o a_o kind_n of_o execratory_n sense_n upon_o my_o soul_n upon_o my_o salvation_n i_o will_v do_v this_o or_o that_o where_o the_o sense_n be_v let_v not_o god_n bless_v my_o soul_n let_v not_o god_n give_v i_o eternal_a salvation_n if_o i_o do_v it_o not_o and_o in_o those_o also_o wherein_o such_o thing_n be_v nominate_v as_o be_v apt_a to_o stir_v we_o up_o unto_o some_o remembrance_n of_o god_n as_o when_o the_o jew_n ancient_o swear_v by_o heaven_n by_o this_o holy_a sacrifice_n etc._n etc._n meaning_n by_o god_n who_o throne_n be_v in_o heaven_n by_o god_n unto_o who_o this_o holy_a sacrifice_n be_v offer_v etc._n etc._n but_o where_o the_o name_n of_o such_o thing_n be_v use_v which_o have_v not_o in_o their_o nature_n any_o special_o or_o obvious_a aptitude_n of_o raise_v we_o unto_o any_o thought_n of_o god_n nor_o seem_v to_o imply_v any_o execratory_n sense_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v swear_v at_o the_o table_n or_o at_o the_o chimney_n by_o this_o bread_n by_o this_o fire_n etc._n etc._n though_o by_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o expression_n these_o form_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o particular_a kind_n of_o oath_n yet_o in_o truth_n and_o interpretative_o they_o be_v not_o oath_n but_o rather_o mere_a obtestation_n as_o anon_o in_o the_o three_o doubt_n shall_v be_v more_o full_o explain_v four_o i_o say_v every_o oath_n make_v by_o the_o creature_n whether_o lawful_o or_o unlawful_o that_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v terminate_v in_o the_o creature_n as_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n be_v by_o the_o vulgar_a papist_n which_o be_v idolatrous_a or_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n transitive_o that_o thence_o mediate_o and_o ultimate_o it_o may_v extend_v to_o god_n with_o which_o little_a trick_n the_o popish_a doctor_n endeavour_v to_o defend_v their_o image-worship_n which_o nevertheless_o be_v superstitious_a if_o it_o be_v real_o and_o formal_o a_o oath_n and_o not_o a_o obtestation_n only_o oblige_v no_o less_o the_o party_n swear_v unto_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n then_o if_o he_o have_v swear_v in_o express_a word_n by_o god_n himself_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o in_o every_o oath_n true_o and_o formal_o such_o god_n be_v in_o some_o sort_n invoke_v witness_n five_o i_o say_v though_o by_o that_o perhaps_o which_o i_o have_v now_o say_v this_o kind_n of_o oath_n may_v in_o some_o sort_n be_v defend_v as_o not_o simple_o and_o general_o unlawful_a at_o least_o if_o it_o be_v understand_v as_o i_o have_v express_v it_o yet_o see_v it_o be_v certain_o no_o less_o obligatory_a than_o other_o oath_n and_o that_o no_o necessity_n enjoy_v n_v the_o use_n of_o it_o because_o where_o it_o be_v expedient_a to_o swear_v we_o may_v use_v other_o form_n and_o where_o it_o be_v not_o expedient_a we_o ought_v not_o to_o swear_v at_o all_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o that_o christian_a who_o will_v serious_o provide_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n whole_o to_o abstain_v from_o this_o kind_n of_o form_n whereunto_o they_o will_v easy_o be_v persuade_v who_o shall_v thorough_o consider_v the_o original_a or_o issue_n of_o the_o same_o it_o be_v original_a it_o owe_v partly_o to_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n egyptians_n and_o other_o superstitious_a nation_n who_o swear_v by_o the_o sun_n the_o fire_n and_o other_o creature_n which_o they_o esteem_v god_n partly_o unto_o the_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a name_n and_o majesty_n among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n which_o happy_o in_o the_o beginning_n just_a and_o pious_a in_o process_n of_o time_n degenerate_v by_o degree_n into_o superstition_n the_o debauchery_n of_o oath_n so_o heighten_v by_o evil_a custom_n that_o ordinary_o they_o choose_v rather_o to_o swear_v by_o obvious_a thing_n then_o as_o philo_n say_v to_o have_v recourse_n unto_o the_o creator_n and_o father_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o same_o practice_n among_o the_o ancient_a greek_n most_o of_o who_o rite_n and_o manner_n may_v easy_o be_v track_v from_o emulation_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v observe_v by_o interpreter_n of_o the_o greek_a poet_n who_o write_v that_o they_o be_v not_o ordinary_o wont_a to_o swear_v by_o the_o god_n but_o by_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v next_o â—at_a hand_n or_o before_o the_o eye_n as_o bread_n fire_n water_n fowl_n serpent_n and_o the_o like_a but_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v begin_v in_o reverence_n of_o divine_a power_n be_v at_o length_n shrink_v unto_o so_o great_a irreverence_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o same_o that_o through_o the_o craft_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n suffer_v sin_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n piety_n degenerate_v into_o superstition_n shoot_v up_o again_o into_o open_a impiety_n for_o when_o once_o they_o begin_v to_o abstain_v from_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n licentiousness_n of_o oath_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o bound_n nor_o stand_v in_o any_o awe_n of_o perjury_n a_o poet_n elegant_o decide_v the_o perjury_n of_o a_o prince_n who_o think_v his_o sceptre_n not_o the_o go_n he_o think_v it_o lawful_a have_v swear_v by_o his_o sceptre_n to_o do_v otherwise_o then_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v have_v he_o swear_v by_o the_o go_n augustine_n say_v of_o the_o manichee_n they_o swear_v frequent_o by_o the_o creature_n and_o
conceal_v his_o meaning_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o the_o auditor_n understand_v one_o thing_n and_o he_o another_o this_o be_v that_o verbal_a equivocation_n which_o among_o some_o other_o casuist_n and_o scholastics_n the_o jesuit_n especial_o maintain_v and_o practice_v example_n whereof_o be_v most_o frequent_o find_v in_o assertory_n oath_n because_o by_o their_o doctrine_n the_o chief_a use_n of_o this_o equivocation_n be_v when_o a_o man_n examine_v by_o a_o impotent_a judge_n or_o not_o legal_o or_o have_v some_o other_o reason_n to_o dissemble_v the_o truth_n fit_v the_o word_n uâ—to_fw-mi his_o occasion_n by_o change_v their_o genuine_a sense_n into_o one_o more_o strain_v and_o remote_a from_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n as_o if_o a_o jesuit_n apprehend_v shall_v swear_v that_o he_o be_v a_o smith_n mean_v that_o his_o name_n be_v smith_n or_o a_o apprentice_n command_v to_o tell_v where_o his_o master_n be_v shall_v swear_v he_o die_v a_o month_n ago_o mean_v that_o he_o then_o die_v stocking_n the_o like_a may_v happen_v in_o promissory_a oath_n as_o if_o a_o general_n have_v make_v a_o truce_n with_o a_o enemy_n for_o ten_o day_n shall_v give_v he_o a_o camifado_n because_o in_o the_o capitulation_n mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o day_n only_o not_o of_o the_o night_n livy_n and_o other_o relate_v the_o story_n of_o the_o ten_o roman_n take_v by_o hannibal_n and_o after_o they_o have_v swear_v upon_o certain_a condition_n to_o return_v unto_o his_o camp_n dismiss_v one_o of_o which_o say_v he_o other_o say_z two_o most_o unlike_a a_o roman_a return_v the_o same_o day_n pretend_v something_o forget_v but_o intend_v to_o absolve_v himself_o of_o his_o promise_n and_o before_o night_n overtake_v his_o companion_n which_o deceitful_a trick_n of_o his_o be_v account_v so_o base_a that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o scorn_v by_o the_o vulgar_a brand_v with_o ignominy_n by_o the_o censor_n but_o adjudge_v by_o the_o senate_n to_o be_v take_v and_o by_o a_o public_a guard_n deliver_v unto_o hannibal_n nevertheless_o jesuit_n so_o vigorous_o defend_v this_o equivocation_n that_o jo._n molanus_n professor_n at_o louvain_n justify_v the_o murder_n of_o john_n huss_n perpetrate_v against_o the_o public_a faith_n engage_v unto_o he_o for_o his_o safe_a conduct_n for_o this_o reason_n that_o the_o conduct_v undertake_v for_o his_o safe_a come_n not_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o return_n and_o now_o let_v jesuit_n confident_o complain_v of_o the_o great_a injury_n do_v they_o while_o we_o say_v they_o hold_v faith_n not_o to_o be_v keep_v with_o heretic_n for_o if_o this_o be_v to_o keep_v faith_n they_o need_v not_o much_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o whosoever_o it_o be_v contract_v whether_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v keep_v or_o break_v but_o whole_a book_n of_o this_o jesuitism_n be_v large_o and_o solid_o confute_v by_o the_o reverend_a father_n in_o christ_n john_n morton_n now_o bishop_n of_o duresm_n henry_n mason_n and_o other_o of_o our_o countryman_n worthy_a the_o perusal_n of_o such_o as_o desire_v further_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n our_o result_n be_v that_o the_o party_n swear_v after_o this_o manner_n both_o sin_v in_o his_o equivocal_a oath_n and_o be_v notwithstanding_o that_o tacit_a equivocation_n bind_v in_o conscience_n unto_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n in_o that_o sense_n which_o the_o word_n yield_v of_o themselves_o and_o be_v without_o constraint_n apt_a to_o beget_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o other_o unless_o he_o act_v according_o he_o be_v not_o guiltless_a of_o perjury_n sect_n iv._o some_o reason_n of_o this_o assertion_n i_o have_v already_o allege_v in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o first_o hypothesis_n i_o shall_v now_o add_v but_o brief_o a_o few_o more_o the_o first_o a_o oath_n according_a unto_o the_o sum_n of_o that_o hypothesis_n aught_o to_o be_v most_o simple_o and_o effectual_o understand_v unto_o which_o simplicity_n this_o artifice_n of_o industrious_a ambiguity_n be_v repugnant_a the_o second_o it_o be_v a_o great_a profanation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o invoke_v he_o as_o witness_v and_o searcher_n of_o heart_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o word_n which_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o party_n swear_v for_o what_o be_v this_o if_o not_o as_o far_o as_o lie_v in_o man_n power_n to_o make_v god_n who_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v a_o impostor_n and_o patron_n of_o base_a dissimulation_n the_o three_o equivocation_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a institution_n and_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n who_o chief_a use_n be_v to_o be_v a_o end_n of_o strife_n and_o controversy_n and_o to_o give_v as_o certain_a security_n in_o uncertain_a thing_n as_o humane_a nature_n be_v able_a to_o afford_v it_o be_v expediendarum_fw-la litium_fw-la maximum_fw-la remedium_fw-la but_o that_o certainty_n which_o we_o seek_v in_o a_o oath_n be_v losâ—_n in_o equivocation_n for_o what_o certainty_n can_v there_o be_v in_o his_o answer_n who_o meaning_n be_v uncertainty_n nor_o be_v controversy_n thus_o end_v but_o aggravate_v the_o four_o the_o party_n so_o swear_v delude_v his_o neighbour_n and_o know_o deceive_v contrary_a to_o the_o precept_n ne_o juret_fw-la in_o dolo_fw-la and_o to_o the_o ancient_a form_n si_fw-mi sciens_fw-la fallo_fw-la the_o five_o promise_v in_o the_o promissory_a be_v as_o affirmation_n and_o negation_n be_v in_o the_o assertory_n and_o contain_v a_o answer_n unto_o the_o question_n or_o interrogatory_n propose_v by_o the_o deferent_a which_o unless_o it_o quadrate_n and_o agree_v with_o the_o interrogatory_n propose_v be_v no_o truth_n but_o a_o lie_n for_o out_o of_o the_o question_n and_o the_o answer_n spring_v as_o it_o be_v one_o proposition_n which_o must_v be_v utter_o false_a where_o the_o answer_n be_v make_v in_o a_o different_a sense_n from_o that_o wherein_o the_o question_n be_v ask_v noâ—_n do_v that_o qualification_n to_o which_o the_o patron_n of_o this_o simulation_n fly_v afford_v they_o refuge_n to_o wit_n that_o we_o may_v not_o use_v this_o equivocation_n at_o our_o pleasure_n but_o only_o before_o a_o incompetent_a judge_n such_o as_o have_v no_o right_a to_o require_v a_o oath_n or_o who_o compel_v we_o to_o swear_v without_o just_a cause_n or_o exact_v that_o which_o be_v not_o due_a or_o the_o like_a but_o to_o omit_v that_o these_o be_v but_o their_o bare_a allegation_n only_o not_o confirm_v by_o authority_n of_o scripture_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n or_o indeed_o of_o good_a and_o solid_a reason_n the_o force_n of_o these_o argument_n by_o which_o we_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a be_v neither_o overthrow_v nor_o weaken_v by_o this_o qualification_n and_o although_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o a_o unjust_a force_n may_v null_n that_o obligation_n make_v to_o man_n because_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o a_o unjust_a act_n shall_v acquire_v any_o right_n yet_o no_o injury_n do_v unto_o we_o by_o man_n can_v give_v we_o just_a cause_n to_o injure_v god_n by_o cast_v off_o that_o obligation_n which_o we_o make_v unto_o he_o the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n to_o who_o such_o right_a by_o every_o oath_n occur_v through_o the_o invocation_n of_o his_o name_n to_o conclude_v this_o jesuitical_a doctrine_n license_v the_o lust_n of_o lie_v and_o perjury_n unto_o impious_a man_n notwithstanding_o that_o qualification_n which_o though_o it_o remain_v yet_o the_o sole_a judgement_n when_o it_o be_v and_o when_o not_o expedient_a to_o use_v it_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o party_n swear_v wherefore_o if_o a_o man_n against_o right_n and_o reason_n be_v constrain_v to_o swear_v he_o ought_v either_o absolute_o to_o refuse_v the_o oath_n or_o to_o take_v it_o in_o that_o sense_n wherein_o it_o be_v give_v without_o simulation_n or_o equivocation_n sect_n v._o the_o three_o case_n ally_v unto_o this_o be_v of_o mental_a reservation_n which_o the_o jesuit_n defend_v with_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o define_v with_o the_o same_o qualification_n they_o do_v verbal_a equivocation_n for_o as_o in_o that_o by_o wrest_v the_o word_n pronounce_v unto_o another_o sense_n so_o in_o this_o by_o some_o addition_n not_o pronounce_v but_o conceive_v in_o mind_n the_o party_n swear_v elude_v the_o interrogatory_n so_o they_o say_v a_o priest_n if_o he_o be_v examine_v by_o a_o heretical_a magistrate_n whether_o he_o be_v a_o priest_n may_v answer_v that_o he_o be_v no_o priest_n meaning_n of_o bacchus_n or_o apollo_n and_o a_o adulterous_a wife_n if_o she_o be_v question_v of_o adultery_n by_o her_o jealous_a husband_n may_v swear_v unto_o he_o that_o she_o commit_v not_o adultery_n mean_v not_o to_o the_o end_n to_o tell_v he_o the_o like_a they_o hold_v in_o promissory_a oath_n that_o a_o traveller_n to_o save_v his_o life_n may_v swear_v to_o give_v money_n unto_o a_o thief_n though_o he_o never_o intend_v it_o provide_v
they_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o quit_v themselves_o of_o their_o faith_n engage_v by_o performance_n of_o the_o same_o the_o second_o that_o unl_n esse_fw-la corrupt_a affection_n be_v vigorous_o withstand_v that_o spark_n which_o be_v leave_v in_o we_o of_o natural_a light_n will_v go_v near_o to_o be_v altogether_o extinguish_v by_o they_o or_o so_o rake_v up_o in_o that_o heap_n that_o we_o shall_v rather_o give_v our_o mind_n artificial_o to_o palliate_v then_o sincere_o to_o avoid_v perjury_n three_o that_o he_o who_o desire_v to_o keep_v himself_o free_a from_o all_o spot_n of_o perjury_n must_v diligent_o ponder_v every_o word_n in_o its_o own_o strength_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o oath_n which_o he_o be_v to_o take_v that_o if_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v keep_v it_o may_v not_o be_v take_v or_o if_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v take_v it_o may_v be_v fulfil_v without_o deceit_n or_o simulation_n for_o unadvised_o to_o chap_v up_o holy_a thing_n be_v impious_a and_o too_o late_o when_o they_o be_v once_o swallow_v to_o chew_v they_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o doubt_n which_o amount_v unto_o this_o sum_n that_o the_o word_n of_o a_o oath_n where_o they_o be_v so_o clear_a in_o themselves_o that_o among_o honest_a man_n there_o can_v be_v no_o question_n of_o their_o meaning_n the_o party_n swear_v be_v oblige_v in_o that_o sense_n which_o they_o apparent_o afford_v and_o may_v not_o either_o in_o swear_v or_o when_o he_o have_v swear_v stretch_v those_o word_n upon_o the_o last_o of_o his_o interest_n by_o any_o study_a interpretation_n sect_n viii_o the_o second_o doubt_n be_v where_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v in_o question_n and_o the_o case_n be_v three_o the_o first_o of_o spontaneous_a oath_n as_o in_o promise_n proceed_v from_o the_o mere_a motion_n of_o good_a will_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o liberty_n of_o the_o mind_n rather_o than_o duty_n of_o right_n or_o respect_n the_o common_a and_o true_a answer_n be_v that_o these_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v take_v according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o party_n swear_v because_o every_o man_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o himself_o for_o example_n if_o any_o of_o we_o shall_v bind_v ourselves_o by_o a_o vow_n or_o promise_n to_o give_v unto_o the_o poor_a of_o a_o village_n or_o collector_n for_o they_o ten_o shilling_n a_o month_n if_o the_o poor_a see_v month_n as_o we_o use_v it_o be_v a_o ambiguous_a word_n shall_v by_o the_o promise_n pretend_v unto_o the_o first_o pension_n upon_o the_o 28._o day_n of_o january_n and_o so_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o month_n upon_o the_o same_o day_n take_v a_o month_n for_o the_o space_n of_o four_o week_n which_o be_v one_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n and_o he_o on_o the_o other_o side_n shall_v say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o due_a till_o the_o last_o of_o january_n and_o so_o forth_o take_v month_n for_o the_o twelve_o part_n of_o a_o year_n according_a to_o the_o distribution_n of_o the_o year_n in_o the_o calendar_n which_o be_v another_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v most_o just_a that_o the_o ambiguity_n shall_v be_v interpret_v rather_o in_o his_o sense_n then_o they_o because_o that_o pension_n be_v not_o due_a in_o justice_n and_o before_o the_o promise_n but_o in_o charity_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o free_a promise_n without_o agreement_n or_o contract_n and_o of_o this_o kind_n of_o oath_n ought_v these_o word_n to_o be_v understand_v which_o be_v cite_v in_o the_o gloss_n upon_o the_o canon_n law_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o god_n take_v not_o the_o oath_n as_o he_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v swear_v but_o as_o he_o who_o swear_v understand_v the_o same_o but_o that_o this_o may_v right_o be_v apprehend_v two_o thing_n be_v observable_a one_o that_o it_o hold_v especial_o in_o spontaneous_a oath_n and_o promise_n for_o in_o such_o as_o be_v require_v the_o reason_n differ_v as_o shall_v be_v say_v anon_o the_o other_o that_o the_o party_n swear_v be_v in_o the_o present_a case_n oblige_v to_o hold_v unto_o his_o promise_n in_o that_o sense_n which_o he_o either_o real_o intend_v when_o he_o swear_v or_o be_v willing_a the_o auditor_n shall_v believe_v and_o not_o in_o any_o which_o he_o shall_v please_v afterward_o to_o impose_v for_o god_n who_o behold_v the_o heart_n be_v not_o delude_v by_o word_n nor_o ought_v the_o intention_n to_o serve_v the_o word_n but_o the_o word_n the_o intention_n sect_n ix_o the_o second_o case_n be_v of_o oath_n and_o promise_n which_o be_v offer_v unto_o or_o require_v of_o the_o party_n swear_v whether_o of_o right_n or_o under_o pretence_n of_o right_n such_o especial_o as_o ruler_n of_o authority_n command_v their_o subject_n or_o law_n ordain_v as_o with_o we_o those_o of_o supremacy_n and_o allegiance_n those_o which_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o university_n require_v of_o graduate_n and_o the_o like_a also_o those_o which_o either_o party_n in_o lawful_a covenant_n demand_v of_o the_o other_o or_o be_v use_v in_o bargain_n league_n and_o other_o mutual_a contract_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o mutual_a faith_n for_o answer_v in_o this_o case_n i_o say_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o oath_n ought_v regular_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o that_o sense_n which_o the_o party_n unto_o who_o the_o oath_n be_v make_v seem_v probable_o to_o intend_v so_o that_o the_o party_n swear_v be_v bind_v under_o pain_n of_o perjury_n to_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o honest_a according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o deferent_a the_o word_n be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o intention_n of_o he_o to_o who_o the_o oath_n be_v make_v say_v the_o lawyer_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o this_o kind_n of_o oath_n be_v take_v to_o the_o end_n he_o to_o who_o it_o be_v swear_v may_v by_o interposition_n of_o the_o same_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o party_n swear_v shall_v be_v perform_v unto_o he_o but_o he_o will_v be_v no_o whâ—t_n the_o more_o assure_v of_o that_o performance_n if_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v at_o the_o will_n of_o the_o party_n swear_v and_o not_o according_a to_o his_o own_o sense_n for_o there_o be_v a_o different_a nature_n of_o obligation_n where_o debt_n be_v claim_v by_o promise_n and_o where_o promise_n be_v claim_v by_o debt_n god_n himself_o who_o be_v by_o law_n no_o man_n debtor_n make_v himself_o through_o his_o free_a promise_n our_o debtor_n and_o he_o who_o oblige_v himself_o by_o a_o voluntary_a vow_n oath_n or_o promise_v unto_o any_o deed_n of_o charity_n ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la contract_v debt_n but_o because_o this_o debt_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o his_o right_n unto_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v but_o flow_v mere_o from_o the_o free_a act_n of_o the_o party_n promise_v it_o be_v most_o just_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v his_o own_o interpreter_n who_o be_v most_o concern_v to_o know_v how_o much_o how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o sense_n he_o intend_v to_o oblige_v himself_o on_o the_o other_o side_n where_o the_o promise_n be_v found_v upon_o some_o antecedent_n right_a either_o that_o of_o subjection_n and_o duty_n by_o superior_a authority_n or_o of_o justice_n and_o contract_n by_o agreement_n between_o party_n because_o he_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v have_v right_a to_o inquire_v the_o same_o and_o be_v most_o concern_v that_o it_o be_v faithful_o perform_v reason_n require_v that_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o promise_n shall_v rather_o be_v judge_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n and_o interpretation_n then_o by_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o party_n promise_v sect_n x._o the_o three_o case_n be_v where_o the_o deferent_a offer_v a_o oath_n of_o ambiguous_a sense_n desire_v only_o that_o the_o word_n be_v swear_v leave_v it_o unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o party_n swear_v to_o take_v they_o in_o what_o sense_n he_o please_v i_o say_v it_o may_v very_o well_o be_v suspect_v that_o some_o deceit_n be_v couch_v in_o they_o and_o that_o a_o pious_a prudent_a man_n ought_v therefore_o to_o refuse_v a_o oath_n proffer_v upon_o such_o condition_n which_o i_o shall_v make_v good_a by_o a_o threefold_a proof_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o oath_n it_o selt_z in_o which_o the_o first_o thing_n require_v be_v truth_n for_o a_o speech_n of_o indefinite_a and_o ambiguous_a sense_n before_o it_o be_v distinguish_v be_v no_o true_a proposition_n indeed_o no_o proposition_n see_v a_o proposition_n as_o by_o the_o definition_n thereof_o be_v know_v even_o to_o child_n aught_o to_o signify_v a_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n without_o ambiguity_n second_o in_o regard_n of_o he_o to_o who_o it_o be_v swear_v for_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v that_o he_o to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v may_v have_v
oath_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v with_o a_o unsatisfied_a conscience_n sect_n i._o the_o solution_n of_o the_o bond_n or_o tie_v wherewith_o he_o who_o swear_v bind_v his_o soul_n and_o whereof_o we_o have_v hitherto_o so_o large_o discourse_v be_v the_o task_n of_o this_o day_n and_o conclusion_n of_o the_o work_n propose_v of_o which_o solution_n before_o we_o descend_v unto_o the_o particular_a kind_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o general_n first_o that_o solution_n of_o the_o bond_n be_v proper_a unto_o a_o promissory_a oath_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v at_o all_o with_o the_o assertory_n in_o every_o oath_n whether_o assertory_n or_o promissory_a there_o ought_v to_o be_v truth_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n in_o the_o assertory_n a_o single_a truth_n and_o for_o the_o present_a suffice_v where_o in_o the_o promissory_a a_o double_a truth_n be_v require_v one_o respect_v the_o present_a the_o other_o the_o future_a the_o present_a truth_n regard_v the_o act_n of_o swear_v and_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o the_o party_n swear_v say_v true_a when_o he_o swear_v that_o be_v that_o his_o mind_n agree_v with_o his_o word_n and_o that_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o hold_v unto_o that_o which_o he_o promise_v which_o act_n of_o swear_v in_o the_o promissory_a whole_o agree_v as_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n with_o the_o act_n of_o swear_v in_o the_o assertory_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o that_o truth_n in_o either_o act_n see_v it_o regard_v the_o time_n present_a pass_v as_o it_o be_v into_o a_o kind_n of_o immutable_a necessity_n in_o as_o much_o as_o a_o oath_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v make_v may_v instant_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v true_a or_o false_a which_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n when_o the_o act_n have_v once_o pass_v be_v as_o impossible_a to_o be_v alter_v as_o it_o be_v to_o make_v a_o fact_n to_o have_v be_v no_o fact_n that_o obligation_n therefore_o whereby_o the_o party_n swear_v be_v bind_v for_o the_o present_a to_o say_v truth_n fall_v upon_o the_o act_n itself_o of_o swear_v and_o be_v inseparable_o conjoin_v with_o that_o act_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n can_v be_v loose_v nor_o separate_v from_o the_o oath_n and_o of_o a_o assertory_n oath_n except_o this_o for_o the_o present_a there_o be_v no_o further_a obligation_n because_o the_o matter_n thereof_o be_v some_o fact_n past_a or_o present_a but_o in_o a_o promissory_a oath_n the_o matter_n whereof_o be_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v perform_v for_o the_o future_a another_o truth_n be_v also_o require_v for_o the_o future_a which_o regard_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o oath_n and_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o the_o party_n swear_v make_v that_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v true_a that_o be_v that_o he_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n now_o see_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o promissory_a oath_n to_o wit_n thing_n to_o be_v perform_v for_o the_o future_a be_v through_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o future_a event_n obnoxious_a to_o manifold_a change_n and_o alteration_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o obligation_n which_o fall_v upon_o that_o matter_n and_o whereby_o the_o party_n swear_v be_v bind_v in_o future_a to_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n be_v mutable_a and_o separable_a from_o the_o oath_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v solution_n of_o the_o bond._n from_o whence_o also_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o solution_n of_o the_o bond_n in_o a_o promissory_a oath_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o relation_n unto_o the_o former_a obligation_n which_o arise_v from_o truth_n for_o the_o present_a and_o be_v common_a with_o this_o and_o the_o assertory_n oath_n but_o aught_o to_o be_v understand_v only_o in_o relation_n unto_o the_o late_a obligation_n which_o arise_v from_o truth_n for_o the_o future_a which_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a unto_o this_o that_o be_v to_o say_v every_o person_n swear_v promissory_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o act_n of_o swear_v be_v simple_o and_o indissoluble_o oblige_v in_o present_a to_o intend_v faithful_o and_o from_o his_o heart_n to_o effect_v that_o afterward_o which_o he_o promise_v but_o have_v swear_v it_o may_v come_v many_o way_n to_o pass_v that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v bind_v for_o the_o future_a to_o fulfil_v that_o afterward_o which_o he_o former_o promise_v and_o intend_v in_o a_o word_n thus_o he_o be_v always_o forswear_v who_o intend_v not_o that_o which_o he_o promise_v but_o he_o be_v not_o always_o forswear_a who_o perform_v not_o that_o which_o he_o promise_v sect_n ii_o now_o that_o a_o thing_n promise_v may_v nevertheless_o lawful_o and_o without_o danger_n of_o perjury_n or_o other_o sin_n not_o be_v perform_v must_v necessary_o happen_v one_o of_o these_o two_o way_n either_o that_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n from_o the_o beginning_n or_o that_o it_o be_v by_o solution_n of_o the_o bond_n since_o take_v away_o if_o the_o thing_n promise_v be_v when_o it_o be_v swear_v either_o impossible_a or_o unlawful_a the_o oath_n take_v unto_o the_o same_o impose_v no_o obligation_n nor_o need_v solution_n but_o penitence_n for_o as_o much_o as_o in_o so_o swear_v grievous_a sin_n be_v contract_v but_o no_o bond_n for_o we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o impossible_a thing_n and_o unlawful_a thing_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a obligatory_a wherefore_o solution_n of_o the_o bond_n suppose_v antecedent_n obligation_n and_o imply_v that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v afterward_o so_o take_v away_o or_o at_o the_o least_o obstruct_a that_o he_o who_o be_v former_o bind_v up_o so_o close_o with_o the_o bond_n of_o his_o oath_n that_o he_o may_v not_o under_o pain_n of_o perjury_n do_v otherwise_o then_o he_o have_v promise_v be_v now_o no_o far_o bind_v unto_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n the_o business_n therefore_o now_o in_o hand_n be_v to_o find_v out_o a_o certain_a reason_n whereupon_o he_o who_o have_v oblige_v himself_o by_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o oath_n unto_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o thing_n may_v rest_v secure_a in_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o be_v deliver_v from_o that_o bond_n and_o no_o far_o bind_v unto_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o promise_n to_o which_o solution_n those_o five_o way_n common_o assign_v we_o shall_v examine_v in_o their_o order_n sect_n iii_o the_o first_o case_n be_v of_o the_o dispensability_n of_o a_o oath_n whether_o and_o in_o what_o the_o dispensation_n of_o a_o superior_a may_v take_v away_o the_o obligation_n thereof_o dispensation_n as_o the_o word_n be_v common_o take_v signify_v exemption_n of_o a_o person_n from_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o law_n grant_v by_o special_a favour_n of_o he_o who_o be_v in_o authority_n as_o if_o a_o man_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o any_o law_n shall_v by_o especial_a grace_n of_o his_o prince_n be_v exempt_v from_o obedience_n unto_o that_o law_n as_o we_o see_v daily_o practise_v in_o university_n where_o upon_o reasonable_a ground_n dispensation_n be_v usual_o grant_v unto_o particular_a person_n whereby_o they_o be_v in_o some_o thing_n free_v from_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o statute_n now_o the_o right_n of_o dispensation_n be_v found_v upon_o that_o equity_n which_o require_v that_o sometime_o the_o rigour_n of_o law_n be_v in_o some_o thing_n remit_v to_o the_o end_n that_o equity_n may_v not_o be_v exclude_v for_o see_v law_n be_v of_o necessity_n make_v in_o general_a term_n and_o have_v regard_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v common_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n good_a and_o profitable_a for_o the_o public_a which_o nevertheless_o pro_fw-la hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la may_v happen_v to_o be_v unprofitable_a or_o at_o the_o least_o less_o convenient_a it_o therefore_o seem_v good_a where_o that_o which_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n appear_v to_o be_v exceed_o burdensome_a or_o inconvenient_a to_o some_o private_a person_n and_o the_o public_a to_o receive_v no_o great_a detriment_n by_o the_o omission_n thereof_o that_o the_o prince_n or_o other_o legitimate_a superior_a shall_v have_v power_n to_o determine_v that_o the_o law_n in_o such_o case_n be_v not_o to_o be_v observe_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o in_o law_n we_o call_v dispensation_n now_o what_o power_n be_v in_o secular_a prince_n to_o dispense_v with_o their_o law_n the_o same_o do_v the_o pope_n of_o rome_n arrogate_v to_o themselves_o in_o dispense_n with_o vow_n and_o oath_n who_o impudence_n in_o this_o kind_n while_o they_o absolve_v subject_n of_o their_o allegiance_n to_o king_n incumbent_a league_n and_o contract_n make_v by_o prince_n untie_v the_o straight_a knot_n of_o vow_n and_o oath_n by_o commutation_n relaxation_n dispensation_n contrary_a command_n or_o other_o artifices_fw-la at_o their_o pleasure_n and_o for_o their_o profit_n i_o can_v wish_v some_o who_o
all_o obligation_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n five_o i_o say_v that_o solution_n of_o the_o bond_n by_o relaxation_n of_o the_o party_n extend_v so_o far_o as_o please_v the_o party_n relax_v as_o if_o caius_n have_v swear_v to_o pay_v titius_n a_o hundred_o pound_n and_o titius_n have_v afterward_o remit_v fifty_o pound_n the_o obligation_n be_v not_o whole_o absolve_v but_o in_o part_n that_o be_v the_o bond_n as_o to_o the_o fifty_o pound_n remit_v be_v void_a but_o it_o remain_v good_a as_o to_o the_o fifty_o pound_n not_o remit_v again_o if_o caius_n have_v swear_v to_o pay_v titius_n a_o hundred_o pound_n within_o 20_o day_n and_o titius_n perceive_v that_o caius_n can_v without_o inconvenience_n unto_o himself_o pay_v the_o money_n at_o the_o time_n appoint_v give_v he_o other_o twenty_o day_n this_o relaxation_n make_v by_o dilation_n or_o propagation_n of_o the_o time_n remit_v so_o much_o of_o the_o obligation_n that_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o pay_v the_o money_n within_o the_o time_n limit_v by_o his_o oath_n yet_o he_o be_v bind_v and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o first_o oath_n to_o make_v payment_n within_o forty_o day_n six_o i_o say_v that_o relaxation_n by_o a_o party_n be_v of_o force_n so_o far_o as_o that_o party_n be_v concern_v but_o be_v not_o of_o force_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o a_o three_o person_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o any_o man_n may_v by_o act_n remit_v as_o much_o of_o his_o own_o right_a as_o he_o please_v but_o no_o man_n can_v diminish_v the_o right_n of_o another_o without_o his_o knowledge_n and_o against_o his_o will_n let_v man_n therefore_o so_o recede_v from_o their_o own_o that_o the_o right_n of_o other_o receive_v no_o detriment_n thus_o abraham_n gen._n 14._o recede_v from_o his_o right_n when_o after_o the_o victory_n win_v upon_o the_o four_o king_n he_o bestow_v his_o whole_a share_n of_o the_o spoil_n upon_o the_o king_n of_o sodom_n reserve_v unto_o the_o three_o commander_n his_o fellow_n in_o arm_n their_o due_a proportion_n whence_o caius_n swear_v to_o pay_v a_o hundred_o pound_n unto_o titius_n and_o julius_n if_o titius_n pardon_v he_o his_o part_n of_o the_o debt_n he_o be_v absolve_v as_o to_o that_o which_o be_v due_a unto_o titius_n but_o remain_v bind_v as_o to_o that_o which_o be_v due_a unto_o julius_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n relaxation_n by_o consent_n of_o the_o party_n avail_v nothing_o in_o contract_n of_o marriage_n because_o therein_o man_n profit_n be_v not_o regard_v only_o but_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n also_o to_o who_o great_a injury_n will_v be_v do_v if_o that_o contract_n though_o with_o mutual_a consent_n of_o the_o party_n shall_v be_v violate_v for_o the_o virtue_n and_o and_o efficacy_n which_o this_o relaxation_n whereof_o we_o now_o speak_v have_v to_o nats_n obligation_n suppose_v that_o act_n which_o introduce_v obligation_n to_o have_v consider_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o good_a and_o profit_v only_o of_o the_o party_n relax_v if_o any_o other_o party_n be_v by_o right_a of_o his_o own_o interest_v that_o the_o obligation_n shall_v not_o be_v remit_v the_o obligation_n be_v not_o remit_v sect_n ix_o now_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v solution_n of_o the_o bond_n in_o a_o oath_n be_v brief_o this_o that_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o oath_n can_v be_v release_v by_o dispensation_n of_o any_o superior_a or_o commutation_n so_o as_o to_o free_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o party_n swear_v from_o performance_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o may_v nevertheless_o be_v rescind_v and_o make_v void_a by_o a_o superior_a have_v lawful_a authority_n cease_v through_o defect_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o be_v relax_v by_o he_o unto_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v so_o as_o to_o lose_v all_o strength_n of_o obligation_n the_o promise_n which_o i_o make_v at_o my_o entrance_n upon_o the_o office_n of_o public_a professor_n be_v now_o by_o god_n assistance_n perform_v according_a to_o my_o talon_n with_o as_o much_o brevity_n perspicuity_n and_o fidelity_n as_o i_o have_v be_v able_a i_o think_v fit_a to_o add_v some_o few_o admonition_n concern_v the_o use_n and_o abuse_v of_o oath_n as_o corollary_n whereby_o our_o life_n and_o conscience_n may_v be_v profitable_o direct_v not_o by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n as_o they_o use_v in_o sermon_n but_o remember_v i_o teach_v in_o the_o school_n and_o not_o in_o the_o church_n by_o way_n of_o thesis_n or_o practical_a conclusion_n brief_o propose_v and_o clear_o explain_v sect_n x._o the_o first_o conclusion_n be_v against_o anabaptist_n and_o socinian_o that_o the_o use_n of_o oath_n be_v lawful_a i_o prove_v it_o first_o by_o the_o practice_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o godly_a patriarch_n swear_v controversy_n be_v determine_v by_o oath_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o moses_n in_o the_o law_n the_o prophet_n prescribe_v the_o condition_n of_o oath_n to_o be_v observe_v nor_o can_v any_o just_a reason_n be_v render_v why_o this_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o the_o pious_a under_o the_o old_a and_o not_o for_o the_o faithful_a under_o the_o new_a testament_n see_v it_o be_v apparent_a from_o the_o end_n of_o a_o oath_n who_o use_n be_v perpetual_a that_o it_o appertain_v not_o unto_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n abrogate_a by_o christ_n and_o from_o the_o form_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v nothing_o common_a with_o the_o type_n i_o prove_v it_o second_o by_o the_o example_n of_o god_n of_o angel_n of_o apostle_n those_o be_v often_o introduce_v in_o holy_a scripture_n swear_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n these_o historical_o three_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n who_o direct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n have_v judge_v the_o bond_n of_o a_o oath_n for_o the_o convenience_n of_o civil_a society_n the_o sure_a confirmation_n of_o faith_n than_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n four_o from_o the_o end_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v the_o confinmation_n of_o truth_n in_o doubtful_a matter_n where_o all_o other_o proof_n be_v defiâ—int_a which_o end_n see_v it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o compose_n and_o determination_n of_o controversy_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o the_o necessary_a mean_n unto_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v at_o the_o least_o lawful_a five_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n contain_v nothing_o in_o itself_o which_o be_v intrinsical_o evil_a for_o neither_o be_v a_o religious_a act_n evil_a nor_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o doubtful_a thing_n evil_a nor_o invocation_n of_o divine_a testimony_n evil_a of_o which_o member_n the_o essential_a definition_n of_o a_o oath_n consist_v sect_n xi_o the_o second_o conclusion_n the_o use_n of_o oath_n in_o common_a discourse_n be_v unlawful_a the_o first_o proof_n be_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n because_o every_o religious_a act_n be_v a_o part_n of_o divine_a wotship_n ought_v to_o be_v perform_v with_o due_a reverence_n and_o with_o some_o both_o preparation_n and_o attention_n all_o which_o must_v needs_o be_v far_o off_o when_o oath_n be_v rash_o scatter_v without_o judgement_n or_o heedless_o without_o consideration_n the_o second_o from_o the_o end_n which_o be_v the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o doubtful_a business_n see_v our_o ordinary_a discourse_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n upon_o frivolous_a matter_n which_o either_o be_v not_o doubtful_a or_o not_o of_o moment_n to_o require_v religious_a confirmation_n or_o if_o they_o be_v will_v be_v little_o more_o credit_v for_o his_o oath_n who_o make_v swear_v his_o common_a custom_n for_o such_o will_v be_v assoon_o believe_v if_o that_o which_o they_o say_v seem_v true_a without_o a_o oath_n or_o if_o otherwise_o no_o whit_n the_o soon_o for_o swear_v the_o three_o from_o the_o cause_n whence_o such_o kind_n of_o oath_n be_v derive_v which_o be_v either_o a_o vicious_a habit_n contract_v by_o long_a and_o pernicious_a custom_n which_o habit_n be_v the_o fruit_n and_o mark_v of_o a_o profane_a if_o not_o atheistical_a heart_n or_o some_o exorbitant_a perturbation_n of_o the_o mindâ—_n as_o excessive_a anger_n intemperate_a joy_n with_o which_o while_o the_o mind_n boil_v the_o mouth_n foam_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o at_o which_o those_o word_n of_o james_n seem_v peculiarly_a to_o aim_v chap._n 5._o vers_fw-la 1â—_n but_o above_o all_o thing_n my_o brethren_n swear_v not_o neither_o by_o heaven_n neither_o by_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o forego_n verâ—es_n he_o exhort_v the_o faithful_a to_o suffer_v injury_n with_o patience_n and_o in_o the_o follow_a uâ—râ—e_n teach_v the_o christian_a how_o to_o entertain_v himself_o whether_o he_o be_v sad_a or_o cheerful_a a_o place_n worthy_a to_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o learned_a man_n and_o something_o more_o diligent_o consider_v then_o as_o yet_o it_o have_v be_v by_o