contradiction_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n of_o old_a or_o as_o now_o become_v evil_a and_o unlawful_a because_o absolute_o forbid_v by_o a_o positive_a evangelical_n command_v without_o any_o moral_a reason_n either_o allege_v or_o imaginable_a from_o any_o nature_n of_o sin_n which_o false_a gloss_n of_o christ_n word_n can_v be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o other_o principle_n place_n and_o example_n evident_a and_o authoritative_a in_o the_o gospel_n or_o with_o that_o express_a and_o signal_n oracle_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o salvo_fw-la for_o all_o that_o be_v moral_o good_a that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v any_o part_n or_o tittle_n of_o the_o law_n which_o have_v any_o moral_a internal_a and_o eternal_a holiness_n in_o it_o as_o be_v therefore_o express_v in_o his_o reveal_v will_n or_o word_n because_o it_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o essence_n which_o all_o reasonable_a creature_n ought_v ever_o to_o fear_v reverence_n adore_v and_o admire_v above_o all_o thing_n as_o those_o do_v who_o by_o religious_a swear_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n as_o the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o all_o man_n and_o thing_n as_o the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n and_o as_o the_o infallible_a dispenser_n of_o justice_n which_o sacred_a celebration_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n and_o majesty_n in_o solemn_a swear_v be_v no_o way_n derogate_a from_o god_n honour_n but_o high_o advance_v it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o no_o way_n injurious_a to_o our_o self_n or_o other_o but_o advantageous_a to_o justice_n truth_n charity_n and_o peace_n can_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o abolish_v or_o forbid_v by_o christ_n to_o we_o christian_n four_o divine_n have_v thus_o examine_v first_o the_o occasion_n and_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n second_o the_o moral_a nature_n of_o a_o oath_n three_o the_o evangelical_n practice_n my_o four_o and_o last_o work_n be_v to_o justify_v this_o limit_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n word_n which_o i_o have_v give_v consonant_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o the_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o other_o church_n and_o learned_a interpreter_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a nor_o that_o i_o think_v any_o humane_a or_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n sway_v much_o if_o any_o thing_n with_o the_o quaker_n who_o be_v mostwhat_a stranger_n to_o all_o learning_n and_o not_o much_o to_o be_v move_v by_o any_o such_o engine_n but_o only_o to_o confute_v the_o more_o evident_o their_o singularity_n and_o pertinacy_n also_o to_o satisfy_v other_o of_o my_o countryman_n that_o this_o be_v no_o novel_a interpretation_n put_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o true_a meaning_n the_o ancient_a and_o late_a church_n may_v without_o any_o vanity_n be_v think_v to_o understand_v as_o well_o as_o any_o of_o this_o new_a generation_n and_o certain_o we_o may_v with_o more_o modesty_n appeal_v to_o and_o acquiesce_v 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a_o oath_n among_o they_o yea_o they_o so_o keep_v up_o the_o sanctity_n and_o credit_n of_o their_o profession_n among_o unbeliever_n that_o it_o be_v security_n enough_o in_o all_o case_n to_o say_v christian_n sum_n i_o be_o a_o christian_n if_o any_o urge_v they_o further_o to_o any_o oath_n for_o matter_n or_o manner_n or_o authority_n unlawful_a they_o repeat_v this_o as_o the_o only_a satisfaction_n they_o can_v give_v there_o need_v no_o more_o than_o the_o veracity_n of_o their_o bare_a word_n they_o think_v it_o not_o lawful_a for_o they_o in_o such_o case_n to_o swear_v be_v in_o this_o emulator_n of_o the_o joseph_n esseni_n among_o the_o jew_n of_o who_o josephus_n tell_v we_o that_o their_o word_n be_v as_o sure_a as_o a_o oath_n and_o that_o they_o avoid_v not_o only_o all_o forswear_n but_o all_o swear_n or_o that_o which_o bring_v their_o fidelity_n in_o question_n and_o lessen_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o sect._n 〈◊〉_d thus_o christian_n that_o they_o may_v not_o come_v short_a of_o the_o esseni_n among_o the_o jew_n credant_fw-la who_o will_v not_o swear_v but_o in_o judicature_n or_o of_o any_o man_n in_o this_o pious_a severity_n especial_o in_o abstain_v from_o all_o unlawful_a swear_n do_v keep_v themselves_o from_o all_o kind_n of_o swear_v especial_o heathenish_a and_o idolatrous_a their_o profession_n and_o reputation_n be_v test_n enough_o to_o their_o word_n nor_o do_v they_o think_v any_o man_n under_o heaven_n be_v so_o worthy_a as_o christian_n to_o make_v good_a some_o of_o the_o ancient_a and_o sober_a heathen_n dictate_v in_o this_o kind_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o menander_n so_o to_o avoid_v evil_a swear_v as_o not_o to_o swear_v though_o in_o thing_n just_a and_o true_a and_o that_o of_o solon_n a_o good_a man_n shall_v have_v that_o credit_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v believe_v he_o the_o more_o for_o his_o swear_n it_o be_v some_o diminution_n to_o his_o reputation_n to_o be_v put_v to_o swear_v or_o to_o need_v a_o oath_n to_o gain_v credit_n diogenes_n laert._n tell_v we_o that_o the_o athenian_n will_v not_o suffer_v xenocrates_n a_o man_n of_o great_a integrity_n and_o honour_n to_o take_v his_o oath_n at_o the_o altar_n as_o a_o thing_n unworthy_a of_o his_o reputation_n nor_o do_v the_o roman_n exact_a oath_n of_o their_o chief_a priest_n indignum_fw-la credentes_fw-la viro_fw-la tanta_fw-la sanctimoniae_fw-la sine_fw-la juramento_fw-la non_fw-la credere_fw-la hence_o we_o find_v some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n dâ—mini_fw-la as_o origen_n chrysostome_n theophylact_fw-mi oecumenius_n hilary_n athanasius_n s._n jerom_n theodoret_n lactantius_n and_o other_o frequent_o inveigh_v without_o any_o limitation_n or_o reserve_v against_o christian_n swear_v as_o to_o private_a conversation_n yea_o and_o saint_n austin_n himself_o in_o his_o sermon_n on_o these_o word_n of_o christ_n advise_v to_o abstain_v from_o cesie_n and_o ordinary_a swear_v in_o case_n never_o so_o true_a and_o honest_a lest_o by_o wontedness_n of_o swear_v we_o get_v a_o proneness_n to_o swear_v even_o false_o s._n basil_n commend_v clinias_n a_o famous_a greek_a that_o he_o rather_o suffer_v a_o mulct_n of_o three_o talent_n than_o he_o will_v save_v it_o by_o swear_v to_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o honour_n which_o he_o think_v caution_n sufficient_a for_o his_o honesty_n not_o that_o saint_n austin_n hold_v it_o unlawful_a for_o a_o christian_a in_o any_o case_n of_o great_a and_o weighty_a concern_v solemn_o to_o give_v oath_n aust_n as_o a_o further_a ratification_n of_o truth_n and_o justice_n yea_o he_o assert_v it_o as_o lawful_a and_o prove_v it_o by_o those_o instance_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n swear_v or_o obtestation_n in_o his_o epistle_n which_o i_o former_o produce_v not_o as_o if_o faith_n he_o saint_n paul_n have_v forget_v or_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o his_o practice_n he_o show_v we_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o be_v only_o to_o forbid_v false_a and_o frivolous_a swear_n as_o the_o grave_a and_o eminent_a of_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o deny_v oath_n of_o allegiance_n to_o herod_n and_o their_o governor_n as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o so_o neither_o do_v the_o christian_n 3._o however_o the_o zeal_n of_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n in_o their_o sermon_n or_o homily_n to_o the_o people_n whole_o cry_v down_o all_o customary_a and_o vain_a swear_n especial_o according_a to_o the_o wont_a form_n of_o heathenish_a swear_n as_o by_o their_o god_n or_o emperor_n and_o the_o like_a so_o polycarpus_n in_o the_o first_o century_n answer_v the_o perfect_a rep._n who_o promise_v to_o dismiss_v he_o if_o he_o will_v swear_v by_o the_o fortune_n of_o cesar_n but_o he_o refuse_v affirm_v i_o be_o a_o christian_n in_o like_a manner_n basilides_n the_o martyr_n when_o the_o officer_n exact_v a_o oath_n of_o he_o reply_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o i_o be_v a_o a_o christian_n to_o swear_v so_o
and_o kingdom_n as_o they_o pretend_v in_o the_o world_n till_o themselves_o become_v as_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n the_o abhorrence_n and_o abomination_n of_o all_o people_n of_o common_a honesty_n who_o see_v the_o land_n not_o only_o defile_v with_o innocent_a blood_n but_o most_o sad_o mourn_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o such_o prodigious_a swear_n and_o hypocritical_a forswearing_n as_o be_v not_o only_o vulgar_a and_o trivial_a but_o solemn_a and_o authoritative_a it_o be_v and_o be_v well_o do_v of_o the_o quaker_n to_o be_v wary_a of_o such_o swear_v because_o the_o brand_n of_o perjury_n as_o the_o devil_n stigmatizing_n be_v among_o the_o mark_n of_o fin_n hardly_a to_o be_v wipe_v off_o or_o wear_v out_o without_o a_o wound_n and_o scar_n on_o the_o conscience_n no_o less_o than_o the_o credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o a_o christian_n but_o yet_o i_o can_v consent_v to_o they_o judicature_n nor_o commend_v they_o for_o their_o be_v righteous_a overmuch_o by_o their_o absolute_o deny_v and_o condemn_v as_o sinful_a the_o solemn_a sacred_a and_o judicial_a manner_n of_o swear_v require_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o allow_v by_o this_o and_o all_o other_o christian_n and_o reform_a church_n in_o which_o oath_n either_o the_o recognition_n of_o a_o know_a truth_n or_o the_o agnition_n of_o a_o right_n or_o the_o profession_n of_o a_o loyal_a duty_n or_o a_o sure_a testimony_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v require_v both_o in_o allegiance_n to_o the_o prince_n and_o in_o justice_n and_o charity_n to_o our_o neighbour_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o doubtful_a case_n and_o determine_v of_o they_o in_o judgement_n 2._o righteousness_n and_o truth_n as_o with_o least_o error_n in_o themselves_o so_o with_o most_o reverence_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o justice_n truth_n order_n and_o peace_n who_o the_o judgement_n power_n 17._o and_o authority_n be_v also_o with_o most_o security_n to_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o welfare_n which_o be_v bind_v up_o in_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o justice_n and_o last_o to_o the_o most_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o man_n who_o can_v desire_v or_o expect_v no_o high_o appeal_v or_o attestation_n than_o the_o omniscience_n and_o omnipotence_n of_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n call_v as_o a_o witness_n upon_o their_o soul_n these_o grand_a and_o public_a concern_v in_o which_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n be_v involve_v and_o carry_v on_o by_o the_o sacred_a solemnity_n of_o public_a and_o legal_a oath_n as_o they_o do_v command_v a_o great_a strictness_n and_o conscientious_a cautiousness_n in_o all_o such_o swear_v so_o they_o do_v upon_o scriptural_a moral_a and_o political_a ground_n sufficient_o justify_v the_o use_n of_o that_o swear_v which_o they_o thus_o require_v and_o which_o without_o this_o method_n of_o religious_a justice_n can_v be_v obtain_v in_o the_o now_o inveterate_a wickedness_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o humane_a nature_n for_o a_o 〈◊〉_d and_o remedy_n to_o which_o good_a law_n be_v appoint_v and_o these_o execute_v with_o that_o equity_n sanctity_n and_o solemnity_n which_o at_o once_o befit_v both_o man_n and_o christian_n that_o be_v person_n relate_v and_o responsible_a not_o only_o to_o humane_a society_n and_o authority_n but_o owner_n of_o and_o appealer_n to_o divine_a justice_n and_o vengeance_n of_o who_o last_n great_a and_o dreadful_a tribunal_n our_o little_a court_n of_o justice_n and_o judicial_a proceed_n on_o earth_n be_v previous_a emblem_n and_o forerunner_n for_o the_o preserve_n and_o assert_v these_o great_a and_o good_a end_n be_v that_o law_n now_o enact_v against_o the_o error_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o quaker_n quaker_n seek_v by_o just_a penalty_n to_o remove_v those_o obstruction_n which_o their_o contrary_n declare_v principle_n and_o avow_a practice_n endeavour_v to_o put_v upon_o all_o judicial_a proceed_n yea_o and_o to_o shake_v that_o mutual_a security_n which_o both_o king_n and_o subject_n have_v by_o the_o interchange_n of_o their_o respective_a oath_n to_o each_o other_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n these_o good_a &_o necessary_a end_n do_v justify_v the_o severity_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o parliament_n apply_v consonant_n to_o god_n word_n nor_o may_v any_o subject_n complain_v since_o as_o the_o law_n be_v impose_v by_o all_o estate_n so_o upon_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n nor_o can_v any_o nation_n be_v think_v cruel_a to_o it_o self_n or_o to_o inflict_v too_o severe_a punishment_n on_o itself_o when_o not_o only_o the_o regard_n to_o the_o personal_a offence_n but_o the_o care_n and_o caution_n for_o the_o public_a welfare_n and_o indemnity_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o such_o penalty_n inflict_v against_o all_o this_o the_o quaker_n plead_v their_o conscience_n swear_v which_o they_o say_v will_v not_o permit_v they_o in_o any_o case_n to_o swear_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o their_o conscientious_a resolution_n of_o not_o swear_v lest_o they_o shall_v sin_v be_v produce_v as_o appear_v by_o their_o paper_n from_o those_o too_o pregnant_a place_n mat._n 5._o 34._o where_o our_o saviour_n cite_v the_o old_a law_n from_o exod._n 20._o 7._o leu._n 19_o 12._o &_o deu._n 5._o 11._o as_o allow_v by_o the_o jew_n command_v they_o to_o swear_v only_o by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o those_o case_n not_o to_o forswear_v themselves_o but_o to_o perform_v their_o oath_n to_o the_o lord_n add_v by_o way_n of_o reformation_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o and_o saint_n james_n 5._o 12._o where_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o word_n repeat_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n above_o all_o thing_n my_o brethren_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o both_o place_n indeed_o seem_v at_o first_o sight_n pointblank_o as_o some_o commentator_n observe_v to_o forbid_v all_o manner_n of_o swear_v among_o christian_n 〈…〉_z both_o have_v emphatical_a or_o vehement_a word_n the_o first_o christ_n authority_n reform_v not_o only_o the_o pharisaic_a corruption_n of_o the_o time_n but_o even_o the_o mosaic_a indulgence_n in_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v rather_o not_o deâ—â—ed_v for_o the_o hardness_n of_o the_o jew_n heart_n then_o positive_o grant_v i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o 8._o that_o be_v not_o by_o those_o oath_n in_o which_o you_o make_v now_o no_o scruple_n to_o swear_v and_o forswear_v so_o the_o apostle_n saint_n james_n write_v to_o the_o disperse_a jew_n above_o all_o thing_n my_o brethren_n swear_v not_o evident_o refer_v to_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o same_o end_n nor_o be_v the_o fear_n and_o scruple_n of_o the_o quaker_n in_o point_n of_o swear_v to_o be_v whole_o despise_v when_o they_o have_v two_o such_o notable_a text_n in_o their_o way_n which_o seem_v to_o stand_v as_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o balaam_n with_o a_o sword_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o stop_v the_o way_n of_o any_o swear_v whatsoever_o both_o text_n be_v allow_v on_o all_o hand_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n all_o be_v agree_v that_o the_o word_n be_v a_o divine_a and_o strict_a prohibition_n against_o the_o sin_n of_o swear_v and_o therefore_o in_o all_o charity_n the_o word_n ought_v to_o be_v clear_v and_o their_o scruple_n remove_v the_o question_n about_o the_o interpretation_n question_n scope_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n be_v 1._o whether_o all_o swear_v be_v utter_o forbid_v because_o it_o be_v and_o ever_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n a_o sin_n against_o morality_n 2._o or_o whether_o all_o swear_v be_v therefore_o now_o a_o sin_n because_o thus_o forbid_v by_o a_o positive_a law_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n 3._o or_o whether_o only_o some_o sort_n of_o swear_v which_o be_v a_o sin_n be_v forbid_v but_o not_o such_o swear_v as_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o rather_o a_o act_n of_o special_a veneration_n or_o sanctify_a god_n name_n also_o a_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n to_o our_o neighbour_n or_o our_o self_n as_o to_o the_o first_o question_n jew_n whether_o all_o swear_v be_v now_o by_o christ_n forbid_v because_o it_o be_v and_o ever_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n a_o sin_n against_o morality_n that_o be_v against_o the_o eternal_a rectitude_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_n i_o suppose_v the_o quaker_n be_v not_o herein_o positive_a nor_o dare_v they_o condemn_v as_o moral_o and_o always_o evil_a all_o swear_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n for_o which_o practice_n of_o old_a among_o the_o jew_n we_o have_v not_o only_o so_o many_o precedent_n or_o example_n of_o holy_a man_n approve_v by_o god_n as_o abraham_n jacob_n david_n and_o other_o yea_o and_o the_o example_n of_o god_n himself_o as_o i_o shall_v after_o instance_n in_o swear_v by_o himself_o as_o
which_o though_o attend_v with_o many_o persecution_n yet_o be_v not_o without_o many_o blessing_n peculiar_a to_o true_a believer_n from_o vers_fw-la 3._o to_o vers_fw-la 12._o second_o our_o saviour_n give_v many_o singular_a lesson_n or_o precept_n of_o more_o eminent_a diligence_n patience_n charity_n mortification_n self-denial_n sincerity_n conspicuity_n perseverance_n and_o perfection_n of_o obedience_n require_v now_o under_o the_o gospel_n above_o what_o either_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n seem_v to_o exact_v or_o by_o the_o pharisaical_a interpretation_n be_v teach_v to_o the_o jew_n so_o that_o unless_o their_o righteousness_n do_v exceed_v that_o so_o popular_o admire_v of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o can_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n vers_fw-la 20._o three_o our_o saviour_n with_o much_o earnestness_n and_o exactness_n apply_v in_o this_o sermon_n to_o reform_v those_o abuse_n which_o either_o by_o the_o pharisaical_a gloss_n either_o too_o much_o loosen_v or_o restrain_v the_o meaning_n of_o god_n law_n or_o by_o their_o deprave_a example_n or_o by_o popular_a custom_n have_v prevail_v among_o the_o jew_n contrary_a to_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o primitive_a institution_n which_o give_v we_o the_o clear_a view_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n intention_n for_o the_o exact_a observation_n of_o which_o however_o by_o divine_a indulgence_n and_o connivance_n or_o by_o the_o hardness_n and_o uncharitableness_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o customary_a depravedness_n of_o time_n and_o manner_n they_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v have_v some_o temporary_a dispensation_n heretofore_o grant_v to_o they_o or_o at_o least_o have_v presume_v to_o take_v it_o to_o themselves_o yet_o now_o under_o the_o evangelical_n strictness_n to_o which_o christ_n come_v to_o restore_v or_o raise_v the_o church_n they_o may_v not_o fancy_v to_o themselves_o any_o such_o liberty_n but_o be_v to_o keep_v themselves_o in_o thought_n look_v desire_v word_n and_o deed_n to_o that_o sanctity_n and_o severity_n which_o be_v require_v by_o the_o law_n and_o most_o conform_a to_o the_o holy_a will_n attribute_n and_o nature_n of_o that_o god_n who_o they_o ought_v to_o imitate_v as_o their_o heavenly_a father_n in_o all_o sacred_a perfection_n which_o humane_a nature_n assist_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n 48._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o the_o visible_a example_n of_o christ_n be_v capable_a to_o attain_v at_o least_o sincere_o to_o aim_v at_o and_o endeavour_v so_o vers_fw-la 22._o he_o tell_v they_o that_o not_o only_o wilful_a murder_n or_o malicious_a kill_n be_v forbid_v but_o rash_a unreasonable_a and_o irreconcilable_a anger_n verse_n 28._o that_o not_o only_a adultery_n but_o all_o lust_n inordinate_a after_o a_o woman_n that_o be_v not_o in_o order_n to_o marriage_n and_o the_o honest_a end_n of_o it_o be_v so_o severe_o forbid_v under_o pain_n of_o hell_n fire_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o deny_v those_o sensual_a pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o seem_v as_o dear_a to_o man_n as_o the_o delight_n of_o their_o eye_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o hand_n then_o to_o indulge_v they_o with_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o soul_n verse_n 32._o so_o in_o the_o case_n of_o humorous_a and_o lascivious_a divorce_n usual_o give_v to_o wife_n upon_o no_o just_a cause_n christ_n restrain_v that_o indulgence_n only_o to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o wife_n deserve_v to_o be_v put_v away_o for_o have_v break_v her_o conjugal_a vow_n and_o band_n of_o matrimony_n by_o her_o adultery_n not_o to_o instance_n in_o many_o other_o particular_n of_o abuse_n which_o christ_n reckon_v up_o and_o reform_v in_o that_o sermon_n as_o touch_v private_a revenge_n vers_fw-la 39_o not_o public_a and_o vindicative_a justice_n so_o of_o love_v our_o enemy_n vers_fw-la 44_o of_o alm_n prayer_n and_o fast_v without_o ostentation_n pride_n or_o hypocrisy_n against_o immoderate_a love_n and_o care_n for_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o like_a the_o immediate_o next_z be_v this_o of_o swear_v vers_fw-la 33_o 34._o in_o which_o as_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n the_o jew_n have_v much_o deprave_a both_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o use_n of_o oath_n 1._o they_o pretend_v indeed_o as_o philo_n and_o josephus_n tell_v we_o a_o great_a reverence_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d and_o seem_v to_o make_v great_a conscience_n of_o swear_v in_o small_a matter_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n yea_o they_o make_v scruple_n to_o swear_v at_o all_o in_o any_o case_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o lord_n live_v for_o which_o the_o heathen_n mock_v the_o jew_n 〈◊〉_d as_o in_o that_o of_o martial_a jura_n verpe_fw-mi per_fw-la anchialum_fw-la these_o oath_n they_o think_v bind_v nor_o will_v they_o in_o these_o easy_o swear_v or_o forswear_v themselves_o which_o regard_n to_o their_o god_n be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o grave_a heathen_n as_o be_v observe_v out_o of_o homer_n therefore_o they_o take_v any_o obvious_a thing_n to_o swear_v by_o 2._o but_o they_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o other_o familiar_a oath_n grotius_n or_o form_n of_o common_a swear_v as_o many_o christian_n now_o do_v by_o whatever_o come_v next_o to_o their_o mind_n or_o tongue_n as_o by_o the_o temple_n and_o holy_a city_n by_o their_o own_o or_o other_o head_n hand_n life_n and_o soul_n so_o by_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o light_n thus_o wave_v the_o attestation_n of_o god_n omniscient_a justice_n and_o the_o swear_n by_o his_o name_n as_o be_v command_v in_o righteousness_n judgement_n and_o truth_n they_o put_v this_o character_n of_o divinity_n on_o the_o creature_n no_o way_n competent_a for_o they_o unless_o as_o they_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o depend_v on_o and_o derive_v from_o the_o bless_a god_n 3._o these_o vulgar_a oath_n they_o use_v not_o only_o in_o a_o familiarity_n and_o facility_n of_o inconsiderate_a swear_n upon_o small_a and_o light_a occasion_n yea_o and_o in_o assert_v of_o thing_n not_o true_a as_o to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o intention_n which_o be_v double_o a_o false_a swear_n but_o in_o thing_n of_o weight_n and_o concern_v as_o to_o that_o charity_n justice_n and_o equity_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o other_o they_o choose_v this_o way_n of_o creature-swearing_a both_o promissory_a and_o assertory_n august_n because_o they_o fancy_v such_o oath_n be_v not_o with_o the_o solemnity_n of_o invocate_a god_n name_n be_v not_o bind_v upon_o their_o soul_n either_o as_o to_o truth_n or_o right_n but_o they_o may_v play_v with_o they_o at_o fast_o and_o loose_a according_a as_o their_o own_o interest_n or_o pleasure_n do_v sway_v they_o hence_o as_o they_o swear_v amiss_o in_o point_n of_o form_n so_o also_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n without_o any_o regard_n in_o these_o case_n to_o that_o command_n of_o god_n against_o forswear_v and_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o oath_n to_o the_o lord_n which_o place_v christ_n cite_v and_o to_o which_o law_n they_o profess_v to_o adhere_v so_o far_o only_o as_o they_o use_v the_o name_n of_o god_n else_o they_o dispense_v with_o their_o oath_n and_o easy_o digest_v even_o perjury_n itself_o upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o to_o reform_v these_o gross_a abuse_n our_o bless_a saviour_n give_v this_o command_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o that_o be_v as_o erasmus_n paraphrase_v not_o after_o those_o usual_a eâ—asm_n presumptuous_a and_o unlawful_a form_n by_o the_o name_n of_o creature_n of_o which_o he_o give_v so_o many_o follow_a instance_n to_o express_v his_o meaning_n for_o he_o do_v not_o instance_n in_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o religious_a oath_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a god_n which_o be_v not_o only_o allow_v but_o in_o such_o case_n as_o do_v require_v a_o oath_n with_o its_o due_a circumstance_n of_o judgement_n justice_n and_o truth_n command_v 2._o he_o tell_v they_o that_o even_o in_o those_o oath_n which_o be_v attest_v only_o by_o the_o name_n of_o any_o creature_n as_o by_o heaven_n or_o earth_n or_o jerusalem_n or_o their_o head_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v a_o tacit_n call_v of_o god_n to_o witness_v continetur_fw-la since_o every_o creature_n depend_v on_o god_n and_o relate_v to_o he_o as_o the_o centre_n and_o circumference_n the_o source_n and_o sea_n of_o all_o thing_n heaven_n be_v god_n throne_n earth_n god_n footstool_n the_o temple_n god_n sanctuary_n jerusalem_n the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o most_o eminent_a place_n of_o the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n residency_n on_o earth_n 3._o he_o imply_v lawful_a that_o however_o such_o various_a and_o irregular_a form_n of_o oath_n by_o the_o name_n of_o any_o creature_n be_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o unlawful_a yet_o they_o oblige_v man_n to_o perform_v they_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v lawful_a nor_o be_v
swear_v the_o lord_n live_v in_o truth_n in_o judgement_n and_o in_o righteousness_n i._n e._n to_o what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v and_o just_a nor_o do_v the_o lord_n ever_o by_o the_o prophet_n condemn_v the_o jew_n for_o swear_v simple_o and_o sincere_o but_o only_o for_o vain_a false_a 5._o perfidious_a and_o perjurious_a swear_n as_o he_o do_v zedekiah_n 16._o for_o despise_v the_o oath_n he_o have_v give_v to_o king_n nabuchadnezzar_n answerable_o we_o read_v the_o unblamed_a practice_n of_o many_o holy_a man_n abraham_n jacob_n joshua_n david_n and_o other_o who_o themselves_o swear_v and_o exact_v oath_n and_o adjure_v other_o without_o any_o sin_n or_o offence_n in_o such_o serious_a and_o weighty_a case_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n right_a reason_n justice_n and_o charity_n do_v permit_v or_o require_v among_o the_o jew_n all_o public_a testimony_n be_v ratify_v by_o a_o oath_n as_o buxtorse_v drusius_n and_o other_o observe_v drusius_n who_o write_v of_o the_o civil_a administration_n of_o justice_n among_o they_o yea_o we_o find_v as_o i_o former_o touch_v the_o lord_n himself_o confirm_v this_o by_o his_o own_o great_a and_o most_o holy_a example_n 17._o swear_v more_o than_o once_o by_o himself_o by_o his_o own_o life_n and_o great_a name_n to_o create_v credit_n and_o give_v confirmation_n to_o what_o he_o say_v if_o then_o from_o all_o these_o premise_n it_o be_v clear_a 8._o that_o some_o swear_v be_v moral_o lawful_a as_o a_o act_n extraordinary_a of_o religion_n 5._o a_o high_a glorify_v of_o god_n by_o appeal_n to_o he_o 11._o agreeable_a to_o the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n even_o in_o the_o three_o commandment_n in_o which_o we_o be_v not_o only_o forbid_v to_o profane_v the_o name_n of_o god_n but_o the_o affirmative_a be_v also_o include_v of_o sanctify_v his_o name_n by_o all_o way_n of_o pray_v praise_v vow_v and_o swear_v as_o he_o allow_v we_o if_o in_o do_v thus_o upon_o just_a occasion_n private_a or_o public_a in_o a_o lawful_a manner_n we_o sin_v not_o against_o any_o moral_a law_n of_o pretty_a justice_n or_o charity_n it_o must_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o by_o this_o procept_n evangelical_n forbid_v or_o annul_v the_o old_a law_n as_o to_o the_o sanctity_n and_o morality_n of_o a_o oath_n but_o only_o take_v away_o the_o corruption_n and_o abuse_n it_o be_v no_o design_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o do_v so_o as_o he_o express_o assure_v the_o jew_n to_o take_v off_o their_o jealousy_n and_o prejudices_fw-la in_o this_o kind_n that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v or_o diminish_v but_o fulfil_v the_o law_n moral_n however_o he_o come_v in_o the_o way_n of_o fulfil_v to_o abrogate_v the_o ceremonial_a yea_o and_o the_o politic_a law_n too_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o jewish_a polity_n in_o church_n and_o state_n this_o speech_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o key_n which_o open_v his_o meaning_n in_o all_o his_o follow_a emendation_n of_o judaic_a pravity_n and_o in_o all_o the_o constitution_n of_o evangelical_n rectitude_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v preposterous_a to_o contradict_v so_o clear_a and_o emphatic_a a_o scripture_n in_o order_n to_o fix_v such_o a_o interpretation_n on_o these_o place_n at_o which_o the_o quaker_n now_o stumble_v as_o be_v only_o conform_v to_o their_o own_o fancy_n but_o contrary_a to_o the_o evident_a tenor_n of_o both_o law_n and_o gospel_n alex._n in_o this_o particular_a of_o lawful_a swear_n in_o lawful_a case_n and_o manner_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o moral_a law_n which_o christ_n signal_o tell_v they_o he_o do_v not_o come_v or_o ever_o intend_v to_o abolish_v but_o to_o maintain_v so_o far_o as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n be_v great_a accomplishment_n of_o all_o law_n to_o both_o which_o religious_a swear_n be_v most_o conform_a it_o be_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o our_o neighbour_n good_a jud._n there_o be_v no_o danger_n then_o of_o do_v hurt_v to_o our_o own_o conscience_n any_o more_o than_o in_o serious_a affirmation_n or_o negation_n a_o oath_n have_v only_o the_o attestation_n of_o god_n to_o it_o who_o be_v witness_n of_o all_o we_o say_v and_o do_v 3._o the_o three_o reason_n for_o the_o limit_v these_o word_n of_o christ_n against_o some_o christian_n but_o not_o all_o kind_n of_o swear_v under_o the_o gospel_n be_v from_o those_o after-evidence_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o sufficient_o clear_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n first_o his_o own_o frequent_a asseveration_n amen_o amen_n be_v by_o many_o esteem_v as_o a_o solemn_a form_n of_o assertion_n jonah_n next_o degree_n to_o swear_v by_o attestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o word_n but_o if_o this_o amount_v not_o to_o so_o much_o in_o our_o saviour_n form_n of_o aver_v what_o he_o utter_v yet_o we_o read_v in_o the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n write_n more_o than_o once_o not_o only_o attestation_n but_o obtestation_n and_o adjuration_n of_o other_o as_o saint_n austin_n observe_v even_o to_o the_o very_a form_n of_o swear_v rom._n 1._o 9_o god_n be_v my_o witness_n etc._n etc._n gal._n 1._o 20._o behold_v before_o god_n i_o lie_v not_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 31._o i_o protest_v by_o your_o rejoice_v which_o have_v the_o very_a form_n of_o common_a oath_n among_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d per_fw-la jupiter_fw-la 2_o cor._n 11._o 31._o the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v bless_v for_o evermore_o know_v that_o i_o lie_v not_o 2_o tim._n 4._o 1._o i_o charge_v thou_o before_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n 13._o as_o a_o ground_n to_o justify_v his_o own_o practice_n in_o thing_n weighty_a and_o of_o great_a concern_v to_o god_n glory_n pertinentibus_fw-la the_o vindicate_a of_o his_o own_o fidelity_n and_o the_o induce_n other_o to_o belief_n in_o case_n that_o can_v otherwise_o be_v so_o full_o clear_v decide_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o this_o great_a apostle_n who_o well_o know_v his_o master_n meaning_n tell_v we_o that_o 16._o a_o oath_n not_o be_v but_o be_v among_o man_n for_o a_o end_n of_o all_o controversy_n or_o strife_n and_o therefore_o man_n swear_v by_o god_n as_o great_a than_o themselves_o and_o all_o creature_n whatsoever_o intimate_v that_o the_o sanctity_n and_o validity_n of_o a_o oath_n still_o remain_v in_o use_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o among_o all_o man_n where_o the_o matter_n form_n and_o end_n require_v by_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o immutable_a principle_n of_o piety_n justice_n and_o charity_n be_v due_o observe_v nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n there_o or_o any_o where_o intimate_v that_o this_o former_a liberty_n of_o swear_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v abrogate_a under_o the_o gospel_n as_o if_o christian_n may_v not_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n which_o have_v be_v so_o necessary_a a_o lesson_n as_o none_o more_o in_o practics_n consider_v that_o all_o those_o civilise_a nation_n where_o he_o most_o preach_v and_o to_o who_o he_o write_v so_o many_o epistle_n will_v never_o have_v believe_v all_o swear_v unlawful_a which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n dictate_v and_o the_o law_n of_o god_n allow_v with_o due_a regulation_n unless_o they_o have_v some_o special_a precept_n from_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o have_v so_o receive_v it_o of_o the_o lord_n which_o have_v he_o write_v he_o have_v contradict_v himself_o as_o to_o his_o practice_n and_o make_v himself_o a_o offender_n but_o the_o reproof_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o of_o the_o apostle_n saint_n james_n be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o corrupt_a custom_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o christ_n speak_v and_o the_o apostle_n saint_n james_n write_v that_o epistle_n especial_o in_o promissory_a oath_n to_o which_o the_o learned_a groâ—ius_n think_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n whole_o and_o only_o relate_v 56._o to_o conclude_v this_o reason_n we_o read_v the_o angel_n in_o the_o revelation_n by_o his_o example_n justify_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o some_o swear_n for_o he_o be_v bring_v in_o thus_o lift_v up_o his_o hand_n to_o heaven_n and_o swear_v by_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o etc._n etc._n after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o angel_n in_o daniel_n do_v swear_v lift_v up_o both_o his_o hand_n to_o heaven_n 7._o in_o which_o form_n we_o can_v think_v the_o holy_a and_o good_a angel_n will_v have_v so_o solemn_o appear_v on_o record_n in_o old_a &_o new_a testament_n as_o exemplary_a to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n if_o the_o great_a angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v precise_o forbid_v all_o swear_v either_o because_o in_o its_o nature_n moral_o and_o utter_o unlawful_a which_o can_v be_v say_v without_o blasphemy_n and_o
speratus_n the_o martyr_n about_o the_o same_o time_n deny_v to_o swear_v so_o because_o he_o know_v not_o what_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o emperor_n mean_v tertullian_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o second_o century_n that_o christian_n will_v not_o swear_v by_o the_o genius_n or_o daemon_n or_o fortune_n of_o cesar_n but_o by_o the_o health_n or_o safety_n of_o the_o emperor_n they_o do_v because_o they_o understand_v by_o that_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o when_o other_o christian_n do_v in_o public_a case_n swear_v be_v require_v by_o authority_n yet_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o put_v to_o swear_v as_o basilius_n a_o bishop_n plead_v for_o his_o privilege_n when_o in_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n he_o be_v require_v to_o give_v oath_n the_o sanctity_n of_o his_o life_n and_o honour_n of_o his_o order_n be_v assurance_n sufficient_a for_o his_o truth_n the_o christian_a soldier_n as_o vegetius_n tell_v we_o take_v oath_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o obey_v their_o commander_n not_o to_o desert_v their_o colour_n and_o to_o die_v for_o the_o common_a welfare_n which_o be_v call_v sacramentum_fw-la militare_fw-la both_o before_o and_o after_o christianity_n have_v prevail_v in_o the_o empire_n and_o hence_o the_o name_n sacrament_n come_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o christian_a mystery_n which_o be_v special_a and_o solemn_a dedication_n of_o they_o to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o saviour_n in_o the_o nicene_n council_n arrius_n with_o a_o oath_n renounce_v his_o heretical_a opinion_n nicen._n so_o in_o the_o ephesine_fw-la council_n it_o be_v order_v that_o nestorius_n shall_v abjure_v all_o heterodox_n and_o profane_a doctrine_n ephesinum_fw-la in_o the_o six_o synod_n of_o constantinople_n constantinopolitanum_n gregorius_n the_o librarian_a make_v oath_n tactis_fw-la evangeliis_fw-la upon_o the_o bible_n that_o he_o leave_v the_o book_n in_o the_o library_n such_o as_o he_o find_v they_o without_o any_o blot_n out_o or_o insert_v which_o oath_n i_o wish_v the_o romish_a expurgator_n have_v take_v and_o keep_v as_o to_o their_o edition_n of_o ancient_a church-author_n father_n and_o other_o athanasius_n etc._n who_o seem_v and_o be_v very_o zealous_a against_o profane_a and_o popular_a swear_n yet_o in_o his_o apology_n to_o constantius_n purge_v himself_o by_o oath_n from_o the_o calumny_n cast_v upon_o he_o by_o impudent_a person_n cite_v for_o his_o defence_n the_o example_n of_o s._n paul_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o news_n to_o read_v of_o christian_a king_n and_o magistrate_n require_v and_o subject_n give_v their_o faith_n by_o oath_n in_o matter_n civil_a sacred_a and_o solemn_a when_o the_o form_n of_o oath_n be_v such_o as_o consist_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o true_a god_n nor_o do_v any_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n ever_o forbid_v such_o swear_v indeed_o while_o christian_n live_v in_o persecution_n without_o any_o protection_n from_o the_o civil_a indicatories_n there_o can_v be_v no_o example_n of_o their_o swear_v after_o the_o heathenish_a manner_n but_o when_o christianity_n and_o christian_n come_v to_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o the_o imperial_a law_n and_o defend_v by_o the_o supreme_a power_n and_o be_v enable_v to_o vindicate_v their_o civil_a right_n in_o judicial_a proceed_n they_o do_v not_o think_v that_o unlawful_a which_o god_n have_v of_o old_a command_v aquin._n which_o have_v a_o moral_a that_o be_v a_o eternal_a good_a end_n in_o it_o as_o a_o act_n of_o trust_n and_o appeal_v of_o agnition_n and_o veneration_n towards_o god_n of_o justice_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o man_n also_o of_o private_a and_o public_a charity_n hieron_n as_o the_o schoolman_n true_o observe_v for_o the_o end_n of_o controversy_n and_o take_v away_o of_o jealousy_n only_o due_a circumstance_n be_v strict_o require_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o judgement_n righteousness_n and_o truth_n yea_o we_o read_v of_o old_a some_o condemn_v by_o the_o orthodox_n part_n of_o the_o church_n as_o s._n austin_n and_o other_o tell_v we_o for_o this_o error_n among_o other_o 137._o that_o they_o deny_v all_o swear_v to_o be_v lawful_a so_o do_v the_o samosatâ—nians_n and_o some_o pelagian_n in_o syracuse_n so_o the_o massilian_n and_o euchites_n 69._o so_o in_o s._n bernard_n day_n some_o of_o the_o albigenses_n and_o of_o late_a day_n some_o anabaptist_n and_o now_o the_o quaker_n whether_o out_o of_o policy_n and_o art_n or_o simplicity_n and_o ignorance_n god_n know_v it_o be_v as_o needless_a as_o endless_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o quaker_n satisfaction_n divine_n who_o do_v not_o value_v they_o to_o produce_v the_o consonant_a judgement_n of_o modern_a writer_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n or_o the_o romanist_n and_o the_o most_o eminent_a divine_n among_o they_o which_o may_v easy_o be_v see_v in_o the_o harmony_n of_o their_o confession_n or_o in_o their_o particular_a tract_n in_o this_o subject_a swear_v all_o agree_v as_o in_o just_a severity_n against_o false_a idle_a and_o profane_a oath_n against_o all_o perjury_n intentional_a and_o eventual_a so_o they_o do_v all_o assent_n to_o the_o moral_a good_a in_o a_o judicious_a and_o solemn_a swear_n with_o due_a circumstance_n upon_o just_a occasion_n by_o lawful_a call_n of_o authority_n in_o case_n honest_a and_o true_a especial_o to_o end_v controversy_n to_o secure_a prince_n and_o preserve_v the_o common_a welfare_n in_o justice_n and_o peace_n nor_o do_v they_o think_v that_o by_o any_o positive_a law_n of_o christ_n all_o swear_v be_v become_v now_o unlawful_a to_o christian_n among_o who_o the_o same_o end_n use_v necessity_n and_o sanctity_n of_o oath_n may_v be_v and_o still_o be_v to_o be_v have_v which_o be_v once_o lawful_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o use_v in_o all_o nation_n but_o only_o that_o kind_n of_o evil_n swear_v which_o then_o be_v become_v customary_a and_o thought_n either_o not_o sinful_a or_o venial_a this_o be_v and_o ever_o be_v forbid_v as_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n of_o old_a so_o by_o the_o renew_a vigour_n and_o force_n of_o it_o which_o christ_n restore_v after_o it_o have_v be_v so_o much_o deprave_v by_o the_o pharisaical_a presumption_n and_o popular_a profaneness_n which_o impose_v rigour_n where_o god_n have_v lay_v none_o and_o affect_v liberty_n where_o god_n have_v give_v none_o agreeable_o all_o eminent_a writer_n of_o the_o greek_a and_o roman_a church_n among_o the_o learnede_a papist_n lutheran_n and_o calvinist_n canonist_n and_o casâ—ists_n as_o well_o as_o those_o in_o these_o british_a church_n do_v assert_v the_o authority_n of_o lawful_a magistrate_n to_o require_v and_o impose_v religious_a oath_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o subject_n to_o obey_v both_o god_n and_o they_o in_o take_v they_o as_o become_v christian_n with_o due_a reverence_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o with_o fit_v obedience_n to_o these_o command_n of_o superior_n who_o have_v their_o power_n from_o god_n and_o be_v to_o use_v it_o to_o his_o glory_n nor_o do_v they_o disallow_v even_o private_a and_o spontaneous_a attestation_n of_o god_n in_o weighty_a matter_n as_o to_o quench_v the_o fire_n of_o jealousy_n hierocles_n or_o to_o purge_v away_o a_o unjust_a infamy_n or_o to_o give_v some_o such_o security_n as_o justice_n and_o charity_n may_v require_v for_o our_o own_o and_o other_o good_n as_o a_o sober_a heathen_a tell_v we_o conclusion_n to_o the_o just_a condemnation_n of_o christian_n who_o in_o trivial_a affair_n venture_v to_o prostitute_v the_o sacredness_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v with_o great_a prolixity_n than_o i_o intend_v my_o wont_a fault_n and_o apology_n endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v the_o divine_a and_o true_a sense_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n first_o to_o remove_v the_o cry_a sin_n of_o swear_v vain_o rash_o irreverent_o profane_o false_o in_o small_a or_o great_a matter_n next_o to_o show_v the_o moral_a end_n and_o religious_a use_n of_o oath_n lawful_a for_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o particular_o those_o require_v in_o judicial_a proceed_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o england_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a or_o common_a agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o best_a christian_n in_o all_o age_n have_v herein_o no_o design_n but_o to_o give_v testimony_n to_o that_o truth_n which_o i_o believe_v to_o justify_v the_o sanctity_n of_o our_o law_n to_o serve_v his_o majesty_n and_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o good_a subject_n a_o good_a christian_a a_o good_a minister_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o good_a bishop_n of_o this_o church_n dispel_v the_o needless_a scruple_n and_o superstitious_a fear_n of_o these_o poor_a people_n call_v quaker_n show_v they_o their_o safe_a liberty_n to_o obey_v and_o how_o to_o escape_v the_o penalty_n for_o disobey_v the_o law_n and_o obstruct_v justice_n by_o refuse_v