the_o judicial_a law_n make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o such_o as_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o actual_o injure_v their_o neighbour_n yet_o god_n will_v severe_o punish_v they_o without_o repentance_n mat._n 5.20_o whosoever_o be_v angry_a with_o his_o brother_n without_o a_o cause_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o he_o declare_v v._n 6._o that_o whosoever_o do_v look_v upon_o a_o woman_n to_o lust_n after_o she_o have_v commit_v adultery_n with_o she_o already_o in_o his_o heart_n i._n e._n have_v break_v and_o violate_v that_o law_n the_o breach_n of_o which_o god_n have_v ordain_v shall_v be_v punish_v with_o death_n and_o though_o because_o such_o inward_a adultery_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o discoverable_a neither_o do_v it_o actual_o hurt_v any_o one_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o punish_v such_o a_o one_o with_o death_n yet_o he_o shall_v not_o without_o repentance_n escape_v punishment_n from_o god_n after_o death_n as_o we_o may_v evident_o collect_v and_o infer_v from_o what_o follow_v v._n 29._o therefore_o if_o thy_o right_a eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o for_o it_o be_v profitable_a for_o thou_o that_o one_o of_o thy_o member_n perish_v and_o not_o that_o thy_o whole_a body_n shall_v be_v cast_v into_o hell_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n in_o the_o case_n of_o oath_n he_o show_v that_o the_o three_o commandment_n do_v not_o only_o forbid_v perjury_n but_o rash_a oath_n and_o vain_a swear_v v._n 33._o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v by_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o but_o shall_v perform_v unto_o god_n thy_o vow_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v you_o have_v a_o tradition_n that_o the_o three_o commandment_n and_o those_o other_o precept_n concern_v oath_n do_v only_o forbid_v false_a swear_v and_o that_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n provide_v the_o thing_n swear_v to_o be_v true_a in_o common_a discourse_n in_o light_n and_o trivial_a matter_n be_v hardly_o a_o sin_n but_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n be_v no_o sin_n at_o all_o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o all_o manner_n of_o vain_a swear_v whether_o by_o god_n himself_o or_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n especial_o such_o as_o stand_v in_o any_o near_a relation_n to_o he_o be_v sinful_a and_o a_o violation_n of_o that_o law_n which_o forbid_v you_o to_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a and_o his_o word_n imply_v that_o though_o there_o be_v no_o outward_a punishment_n appoint_v by_o the_o law_n for_o such_o vain_a and_o rash_a swear_v yet_o such_o as_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o shall_v no_o more_o escape_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n than_o those_o that_o be_v angry_a with_o their_o brethren_n without_o a_o cause_n that_o be_v envious_a malicious_a and_o revengful_a or_o those_o who_o do_v commit_v adultery_n in_o their_o heart_n none_o of_o which_o without_o repentance_n shall_v escape_v the_o vengeance_n of_o hell_n fire_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o judicial_a law_n do_v not_o punish_v vain_a idle_a and_o rash_a swear_v be_v much_o the_o same_o with_o that_o for_o which_o it_o do_v not_o punish_v malice_n and_o lust_n viz._n because_o it_o can_v not_o be_v certain_o know_v who_o be_v guilty_a and_o who_o not_o the_o lawyer_n say_v that_o the_o imagine_v design_v and_o contrive_v the_o death_n of_o the_o king_n be_v treason_n but_o no_o man_n shall_v suffer_v for_o this_o until_o it_o iâ—_n prove_v by_o the_o overt_a act_n as_o they_o call_v it_o that_o be_v till_o it_o be_v discover_v and_o prove_v by_o some_o word_n or_o action_n the_o sinfullness_n and_o malignity_n of_o the_o searer_n be_v the_o impiety_n of_o his_o heart_n the_o want_n of_o the_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o of_o due_a reverence_n for_o his_o name_n and_o attribute_n which_o be_v only_o knowable_a to_o god_n and_o therefore_o only_o punishable_a by_o he_o now_o the_o law_n of_o god_n not_o only_o permit_v man_n to_o swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n but_o in_o case_n require_v and_o enjoin_v of_o it_o though_o all_o the_o jew_n and_o pharisee_n themselves_o own_v that_o man_n ought_v to_o swear_v serious_o awful_o &_o reverent_o by_o his_o name_n and_o not_o vain_o presumptuous_o and_o wanton_o according_a to_o the_o second_o precept_n of_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n concern_v blessing_n the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o precept_n the_o proselyite_n of_o the_o gate_n be_v bind_v to_o observe_v yet_o their_o being_n no_o way_n to_o discern_v when_o a_o man_n swear_v reverent_o or_o irreverent_o as_o there_o be_v to_o discover_v false_a swear_v and_o blasphemy_n therefore_o no_o punishment_n be_v appoint_v for_o rash_a swear_v as_o there_o be_v for_o the_o latter_a but_o i_o say_v whosoever_o serious_o consider_v the_o manner_n and_o method_n the_o drift_n and_o design_n the_o connection_n and_o coherence_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n in_o that_o first_o sermon_n of_o he_o on_o the_o mount_n in_o which_o he_o show_v the_o true_a extent_n and_o indispensible_a obligation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o rescue_v it_o from_o the_o abuse_v put_v upon_o it_o by_o the_o false_a exposition_n which_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisees_n make_v of_o it_o and_o their_o ungodly_a tradition_n will_v easy_o preceive_v that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o condemn_v such_o vain_a swear_v as_o sinful_a but_o dangerous_a as_o render_v the_o person_n guilty_a obnoxious_a to_o the_o penalty_n annex_v to_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o three_o commandment_n viz._n to_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o indeed_o i_o be_o very_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n why_o there_o be_v a_o threaten_v add_v to_o that_o commandment_n and_o no_o other_o thou_o shall_v not_o take_v etc._n etc._n for_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v take_v heed_n to_o thyself_o that_o thou_o do_v not_o vain_o and_o irreverent_o make_v use_n of_o my_o name_n thou_o must_v indeed_o often_o use_v it_o it_o must_v be_v frequent_o in_o thy_o mouth_n and_o many_o time_n thou_o will_v have_v occasion_n to_o swear_v by_o it_o but_o for_o as_o much_o as_o man_n can_v certain_o know_v when_o thou_o use_v it_o reverent_o or_o irreverent_o solemn_o or_o vain_o i_o have_v not_o give_v the_o magistrate_n or_o judge_n any_o order_n about_o punish_v vain_a swearer_n however_o know_v that_o as_o i_o be_o jealous_a of_o my_o honour_n and_o of_o the_o honour_n of_o my_o name_n so_o i_o will_v severe_o punish_v all_o such_o as_o shall_v take_v it_o in_o vain_a i_o will_v not_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a though_o man_n can_v condemn_v or_o punish_v they_o and_o here_o it_o be_v worthy_a our_o observation_n that_o these_o word_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o figure_n very_o frequent_a in_o scripture_n and_o very_o elegant_a and_o such_o as_o heighten_v the_o sense_n and_o augment_v the_o signification_n where_o it_o be_v use_v of_o which_o i_o can_v give_v many_o instance_n i_o will_v only_o mention_v one_o viz._n that_o deut._n 29.19_o 20._o which_o i_o make_v choice_n of_o because_o it_o be_v a_o place_n most_o applicable_a to_o lewd_a and_o customary_a swearer_n of_o all_o other_o sinner_n lest_o there_o shall_v be_v among_o you_o a_o root_n that_o bear_v gall_n and_o wormwood_n and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v when_o he_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o curse_n that_o he_o bless_v himself_o in_o his_o heart_n say_v i_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o my_o own_o heart_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o spare_v he_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o spare_v he_o i._n e._n god_n will_v certain_o most_o fearful_o punish_v he_o he_o will_v power_n forth_o upon_o he_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n as_o it_o follow_v but_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o jealousy_n shall_v smoke_v against_o that_o man_n and_o all_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n shall_v lie_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o lord_n shall_v blot_v out_o his_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v separate_v he_o unto_o evil_n out_o of_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n according_a to_o all_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n so_o here_o when_o god_n say_v he_o will_v not_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a that_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a the_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o will_v hold_v he_o high_o guilty_a &_o that_o he_o will_v esteem_v he_o one_o
reason_n that_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o be_v almighty_a in_o power_n terrible_a in_o majesty_n and_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v fear_v and_o adore_v by_o we_o will_v tell_v we_o also_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v profane_a and_o abuse_v his_o sacred_a name_n or_o attribute_n by_o vain_a and_o rash_a oath_n or_o curse_n for_o what_o slight_v contemn_v and_o undervalue_v of_o god_n be_v it_o when_o man_n shall_v idle_o swear_v by_o his_o glorious_a name_n in_o most_o light_a impertinent_a trifle_a matter_n and_o yet_o many_o there_o be_v so_o void_a of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o they_o customary_o swear_v to_o such_o vain_a and_o foolish_a thing_n as_o a_o wise_a and_o sober_a man_n will_v be_v ashamed_a bare_o to_o utter_v with_o his_o mouth_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o sin_n plain_o and_o peremptory_o forbid_v and_o sure_o if_o we_o stand_v in_o no_o other_o relation_n to_o god_n than_o that_o of_o creature_n to_o their_o creator_n his_o command_n be_v sufficient_a to_o oblige_v we_o to_o obedience_n if_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v only_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o direct_v they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o abstain_v from_o this_o sin_n how_o much_o more_o ought_v those_o to_o dread_v it_o to_o who_o god_n have_v forbid_v it_o by_o a_o express_a and_o promulgate_v law_n if_o we_o be_v not_o downright_a atheist_n if_o we_o have_v any_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o make_v we_o and_o not_o we_o ourselves_o we_o can_v but_o confess_v that_o he_o have_v a_o sovereign_n and_o undoubted_a power_n over_o we_o that_o he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o command_v we_o that_o all_o his_o command_n be_v to_o be_v answer_v by_o we_o with_o such_o a_o unlimited_a obedience_n as_o admit_v of_o no_o exception_n or_o reserve_v that_o his_o will_n be_v make_v know_v and_o discover_v to_o we_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o his_o law_n the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o obedience_n a_o common_a and_o customary_a swearer_n that_o own_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o who_o have_v strict_o forbid_v man_n to_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a must_v needs_o be_v be_v the_o most_o wilful_a perverse_a and_o reprobate_a sinner_n on_o this_o side_n hell_n for_o he_o do_v in_o effect_n say_v as_o pharaoh_n do_v who_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o i_o shall_v obey_v he_o he_o bid_v open_a defiance_n to_o his_o authority_n such_o a_o one_o be_v as_o obstinate_o wicked_a as_o be_v the_o jew_n in_o the_o height_n of_o their_o impiety_n when_o they_o tell_v god_n plain_o that_o they_o will_v not_o obey_v his_o command_n jer._n 22.21_o i_o speak_v unto_o thou_o in_o thy_o prosperity_n but_o thou_o say_v i_o will_v not_o hear_v this_o have_v be_v thy_o manner_n from_o thy_o youth_n that_o thou_o have_v not_o obey_v my_o voice_n that_o prophet_n tell_v we_o chap._n 42.2_o of_o some_o who_o desire_v he_o to_o inquire_v of_o god_n what_o course_n they_o shall_v take_v promise_v faithful_o that_o what_o ever_o god_n shall_v command_v they_o they_o will_v certain_o do_v it_o but_o when_o the_o prophet_n bring_v they_o such_o a_o answer_n as_o they_o do_v not_o like_a they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v as_o they_o promise_v that_o they_o rail_v upon_o he_o and_o abuse_v he_o this_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n in_o they_o and_o yet_o they_o have_v some_o pretence_n for_o their_o disobedience_n viz._n they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v send_v such_o a_o answer_n by_o he_o but_o that_o baruch_n and_o he_o have_v conspire_v together_o on_o purpose_n to_o betray_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n jer._n 43.3_o certain_o common_a and_o profane_a swearer_n be_v far_o worse_o than_o those_o more_o bold_a and_o refractory_a for_o they_o own_o that_o god_n have_v forbid_v they_o to_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a and_o yet_o they_o will_v do_v it_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o say_v plain_o as_o those_o job_n 21.14_o depart_v from_o we_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n what_o be_v the_o almighty_a that_o we_o shall_v serve_v or_o obey_v he_o they_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o wilful_a stubborn_a the_o most_o perverse_a and_o resolve_v sinner_n upon_o earth_n as_o for_o other_o sin_n though_o they_o be_v great_a and_o heinous_a yet_o those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o have_v some_o shame_n and_o modesty_n with_o they_o for_o they_o endeavour_v to_o conceal_v and_o hide_v they_o but_o common_a swearer_n be_v open_a and_o brasenfaced_a audacious_a and_o impudent_a the_o liar_n will_v so_o tell_v his_o tale_n and_o contrive_v his_o story_n that_o it_o may_v if_o possible_a gain_v belief_n at_o least_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v contradict_v or_o disprove_v and_o rather_o than_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o he_o will_v add_v a_o oath_n to_o his_o lie_n to_o preserve_v his_o credit_n and_o that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v account_v a_o liar_n which_o plain_o show_v he_o be_v ashamed_a of_o lie_v though_o not_o of_o swear_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o adulterer_n wait_v for_o the_o twilight_n say_v no_o eye_n shall_v see_v i_o and_o disguise_v his_o face_n in_o the_o dark_a they_o dig_v through_o house_n which_o they_o have_v mark_v for_o themselves_o in_o the_o day_n time_n they_o know_v not_o the_o light_n for_o the_o morning_n be_v to_o they_o even_o as_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n job_n 24.15_o the_o adultress_n will_v if_o possible_a so_o conceal_v her_o lewdness_n that_o there_o shall_v no_o more_o sign_n be_v see_v of_o it_o then_o of_o the_o way_n of_o a_o eagle_n in_o the_o air_n a_o serpent_n on_o the_o rock_n of_o a_o ship_n in_o the_o sea_n she_o eat_v and_o wipe_v her_o mouth_n and_o say_v i_o have_v do_v no_o wickedness_n prov._n 30.20_o the_o thief_n endeavour_v to_o conceal_v his_o theft_n as_o much_o for_o shame_n as_o fear_v and_o be_v as_o much_o ashamed_a as_o afraid_a when_o he_o be_v find_v out_o and_o discover_v jer._n 2.26_o but_o the_o common_a swearer_n have_v a_o whore_n forehead_n that_o refuse_v to_o blush_v he_o declare_v his_o sin_n as_o sodom_n and_o hide_v it_o not_o jer._n 3.9_o and_o be_v arrive_v to_o the_o same_o pitch_n of_o impudence_n with_o those_o jer._n 6.15_o who_o when_o they_o have_v commit_v all_o manner_n of_o abomination_n be_v not_o ashamed_a neither_o can_v they_o blush_v which_o show_v they_o be_v harden_v in_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o abatement_n of_o the_o heinousness_n of_o this_o sin_n that_o it_o do_v not_o like_o other_o shelter_v itself_o under_o the_o cover_n of_o hypocrisy_n but_o appear_v open_o as_o it_o be_v but_o rather_o a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o it_o for_o god_n have_v not_o only_o forbid_v man_n to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o sacred_a name_n vain_o &_o irreverent_o but_o he_o have_v in_o several_a place_n require_v they_o when_o ever_o they_o use_v it_o to_o do_v it_o with_o the_o great_a awfulness_n and_o fear_n the_o great_a veneration_n and_o reverence_n leu._n 19.12_o thou_o shall_v not_o profane_v the_o name_n of_o thy_o god_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n deut._n 28.58_o god_n threatn_v thus_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o observe_v to_o do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n that_o thou_o may_v fear_v this_o glorious_a and_o fearful_a name_n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n then_o the_o lord_n shall_v make_v thy_o plague_n wonderful_a and_o the_o plague_n of_o thy_o seed_n even_o great_a plague_n and_o of_o long_a continuance_n and_o this_o doubtless_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n why_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v so_o often_o in_o scripture_n put_v for_o god_n himself_o that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o he_o that_o by_o rash_a oath_n and_o curse_n prophane_v the_o former_a do_v thereby_o affront_n and_o dishonnour_v the_o latter_a in_o brief_a the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o peremptory_a in_o this_o case_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o wilful_a and_o customary_a breach_n of_o it_o but_o must_v sin_n against_o and_o wound_v his_o own_o conscience_n if_o he_o have_v any_o 3._o this_o law_n of_o god_n which_o forbid_v rash_a and_o vain_a swear_v be_v no_o hard_a or_o difficult_a law_n but_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a as_o it_o be_v reasonable_a if_o say_v naaman_n servant_n to_o he_o the_o prophet_n have_v bid_v thou_o do_v some_o great_a thing_n will_v thou_o not_o have_v do_v it_o if_o god_n command_v we_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v difficult_a yet_o we_o ought_v to_o set_v about_o it_o and_o if_o he_o require_v we_o to_o abstain_v from_o do_v any_o thing_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v that_o thing_n how_o much_o soever_o we_o be_v incline_v to_o it_o and_o can_v we_o not_o for_o his_o
intention_n of_o his_o heart_n yet_o his_o wisdom_n see_v fit_a to_o punish_v the_o rashness_n and_o indiscretion_n of_o his_o vow_n for_o it_o bring_v he_o into_o a_o very_a great_a straight_o as_o be_v apparent_a from_o v._o 38._o for_o he_o rend_v his_o clothes_n and_o say_v alas_o my_o daughter_n thou_o have_v bring_v i_o very_o low_a and_o thou_o be_v one_o of_o they_o that_o trouble_v i_o for_o i_o have_v open_v my_o mouth_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o i_o can_v go_v back_o i_o say_v god_n probable_o punish_v the_o rashness_n and_o inconsiderateness_n of_o that_o we_o may_v may_v be_v a_o warning_n to_o other_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v rash_a with_o our_o mouth_n nor_o hasty_a with_o our_o lip_n to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o the_o lord_n as_o solomon_n advise_v eccles_n 5.2_o for_o as_o he_o say_v pro._n 20.25_o it_o be_v a_o snare_n to_o a_o man_n after_o vow_n to_o make_v inquiry_n i._n e._n for_o a_o man_n rash_o and_o inconsiderate_o to_o swear_v he_o will_v do_v such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o afterward_o to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a convenient_a or_o inconvenient_a to_o do_v as_o he_o have_v swear_v or_o to_o swear_v he_o will_v not_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n and_o afterward_o to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o expedient_a to_o do_v it_o we_o have_v a_o famous_a example_n of_o this_o in_o herod_n mat._n 14.6_o where_o its_o '_o say_v that_o the_o daughter_n of_o herodias_n dance_v before_o he_o on_o his_o birth_n day_n and_o please_v he_o he_o promise_v with_o a_o oath_n that_o he_o will_v give_v she_o whatsoever_o she_o shall_v ask_v who_o be_v before_o instruct_v of_o her_o mother_n desire_v he_o to_o give_v she_o the_o head_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n in_o a_o charger_n which_o request_n of_o she_o when_v the_o king_n hear_v it_o be_v say_v v._o 9_o that_o he_o be_v sorry_a he_o repent_v he_o of_o his_o rash_a and_o unadvised_a oath_n nevertheless_o for_o his_o oath_n be_v sake_n and_o they_o that_o sit_v with_o he_o at_o meat_n he_o command_v it_o to_o be_v give_v she_o st._n mark_v who_o relate_v this_o story_n most_o large_o tell_v we_o chap._n 6.26_o that_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d exceed_v sorry_a he_o be_v mighty_o trouble_v that_o she_o shall_v ask_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o he_o never_o think_v of_o and_o which_o have_v he_o foresee_v he_o will_v certain_o have_v except_v out_o of_o his_o large_a and_o extravagant_a promise_n of_o this_o his_o sorrow_n several_a motive_n have_v be_v assign_v some_o suppose_v that_o herod_n have_v cast_v john_n into_o prison_n will_v have_v be_v glad_a enough_o to_o hear_v of_o his_o death_n &_o may_v be_v willing_a enough_o to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n at_o another_o time_n but_o he_o be_v very_o loath_a to_o do_v it_o then_o because_o it_o be_v his_o birth_n day_n and_o a_o great_a festival_n and_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o roman_n never_o to_o shed_v blood_n at_o such_o a_o time_n in_o which_o they_o bestow_v favour_n and_o largess_n and_o use_v to_o release_v criminal_n who_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o capital_a offence_n yea_o and_o some_o that_o be_v but_o the_o great_a reason_n mention_v by_o the_o evangelist_n why_o he_o do_v not_o put_v john_n to_o death_n as_o well_o as_o imprison_v he_o be_v because_o he_o fear_v the_o multitude_n because_o they_o account_v he_o as_o a_o prophet_n he_o be_v afraid_a of_o some_o popular_a tumult_n or_o insurrection_n mat._n 14.5_o nevertheless_o for_o his_o oath_n be_v sake_n and_o of_o they_o that_o sit_v at_o meat_n with_o he_o he_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v do_v whether_o herod_n make_v any_o conscience_n of_o a_o oath_n or_o not_o we_o know_v not_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o the_o great_a sin_n in_o other_o case_n he_o live_v in_o adultery_n with_o his_o brother_n philip_n wife_n who_o he_o procure_v to_o be_v banish_v as_o some_o write_v that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o free_o enjoy_v she_o and_o doubtless_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o fear_n of_o the_o multitude_n he_o will_v no_o more_o have_v scruple_v the_o murder_v john_n the_o baptist_n than_o his_o father_n do_v to_o murder_n the_o holy_a innocent_n but_o many_o who_o indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n make_v little_a or_o no_o conscience_n of_o violate_v a_o oath_n yet_o will_v keep_v it_o when_o they_o have_v by_o it_o bind_v themselves_o to_o any_o evil_a thing_n only_o to_o maintain_v their_o honour_n and_o reputation_n and_o this_o be_v plain_o herod_n case_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o give_v the_o daughter_n of_o herodias_n whatever_o she_o shall_v ask_v even_o to_o the_o half_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o this_o promise_n he_o have_v solemn_o confirm_v by_o oath_n in_o presence_n of_o his_o lord_n high_a captain_n and_o chief_a estate_n of_o galilee_n and_o therefore_o that_o he_o may_v not_o seem_v guilty_a of_o any_o levity_n temerity_n or_o inconstancy_n by_o be_v worse_o than_o his_o word_n he_o be_v resolve_v that_o he_o will_v do_v as_o he_o have_v swear_v what_o ever_o become_v of_o it_o they_o must_v be_v very_o foolish_a and_o ignorant_a who_o think_v that_o a_o oath_n do_v oblige_v they_o to_o do_v any_o wicked_a thing_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o common_a thing_n for_o some_o who_o make_v light_a of_o violate_v their_o oath_n when_o it_o oblige_v they_o to_o do_v good_a to_o think_v themselves_o bind_v in_o honour_n to_o keep_v they_o when_o they_o have_v swear_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a which_o be_v a_o great_a error_n but_o these_o instance_n sufficient_o show_v into_o what_o straight_a perplexity_n and_o trouble_n man_n bring_v themselves_o by_o vain_a rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a swear_v thus_o saul_n will_v needs_o put_v jonathan_n to_o death_n in_o pursuance_n of_o his_o rash_a oath_n have_v not_o the_o people_n hinder_v he_o from_o it_o 1_o sam._n 14.44_o again_o consider_v how_o great_a a_o scandal_n and_o reproach_n such_o as_o be_v customary_a swearer_n do_v bring_v upon_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n and_o upon_o that_o church_n or_o society_n of_o christian_n whereof_o they_o profess_v and_o declare_v themselves_o member_n in_o particular_a which_o consideration_n itself_o ought_v to_o work_v upon_o all_o that_o own_o themselves_o christian_n and_o do_v always_o sway_v very_o much_o wiâ—h_v sober_a and_o serious_a man_n if_o common_a swear_v be_v only_o a_o foolish_a and_o vain_a custom_n that_o some_o have_v get_v yet_o if_o it_o give_v offence_n we_o ought_v to_o avoid_v it_o how_o much_o more_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o offensive_a and_o odious_a to_o good_a man_n st._n paul_n exhort_v we_o phil._n 1.27_o that_o our_o conversation_n shall_v be_v such_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v invite_v and_o win_v other_o to_o that_o religion_n which_o we_o ourselves_o profess_v by_o render_v it_o lovely_a and_o amiable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o man_n and_o chap._n 4.8_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o mind_n and_o practice_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v honest_a just_a and_o pure_a but_o such_o as_o be_v lovely_a and_o of_o good_a report_n we_o ought_v to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o abridge_v ourselves_o of_o our_o liberty_n by_o avoid_v even_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v lawful_a when_o they_o may_v scandalize_v and_o offend_v such_o as_o be_v weak_a how_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o avoid_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v apparent_o wicked_a as_o all_o christian_n acknowledge_v vain_a swear_v to_o be_v when_o by_o it_o we_o may_v encourage_v wicked_a man_n and_o grieve_v and_o discourage_v such_o as_o be_v sober_a pious_a and_o religious_a you_o know_v that_o the_o scripture_n make_v this_o one_o of_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n viz._n the_o fatal_a consequence_n and_o dangerous_a effect_n that_o it_o have_v upon_o other_o by_o encourage_v they_o in_o wickedness_n or_o discourage_v they_o from_o piety_n and_o such_o effect_n have_v vain_a swear_v usual_o for_o say_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 15.33_o be_v not_o deceive_v evil_a communication_n corrupt_v good_a manner_n and_o eph._n 4.29_o let_v no_o corrupt_a communication_n proceed_v out_o of_o your_o mouth_n but_o that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o the_o use_n of_o edify_v that_o it_o may_v administer_v grace_n to_o the_o hearer_n but_o what_o grace_n or_o edification_n can_v there_o be_v in_o that_o which_o be_v too_o bad_a in_o its_o self_n but_o worse_a in_o its_o consequence_n for_o as_o it_o grieve_v and_o displease_v all_o pious_a and_o sober_a man_n so_o it_o harden_v and_o embolden_v the_o wicked_a and_o profane_a which_o be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o it_o the_o sin_n of_o ely_n son_n be_v very_o great_a and_o heinous_a in_o themselves_o but_o that_o which_o make_v
woe_n against_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n they_o thereupon_o begin_v to_o urge_v he_o vehement_o and_o to_o provoke_v he_o to_o speak_v of_o many_o thing_n lay_v wait_n for_o he_o and_o seek_v to_o catch_v something_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n that_o they_o may_v accuse_v he_o they_o think_v that_o he_o be_v warm_a with_o zeal_n and_o passion_n and_o they_o hope_v that_o by_o provoke_v and_o exasperate_v of_o he_o they_o may_v cause_v he_o to_o speak_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v give_v they_o matter_n of_o accusation_n and_o that_o they_o may_v entrap_v and_o entangle_v he_o in_o his_o discourse_n what_o advantage_n they_o think_v they_o have_v against_o christ_n the_o same_o satan_n real_o have_v upon_o most_o man_n when_o they_o be_v angry_a he_o take_v that_o time_n to_o tempt_v they_o to_o such_o thing_n as_o at_o other_o time_n he_o despair_v of_o persuade_v they_o to_o and_o that_o he_o have_v at_o such_o time_n especial_o a_o fit_a opportunity_n to_o provoke_v those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o least_o give_v to_o swear_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o sin_n be_v evident_a from_o this_o that_o they_o allege_v their_o be_v in_o a_o passion_n to_o excuse_v or_o at_o least_o to_o extenuate_v their_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o again_o as_o for_o such_o as_o be_v very_o little_a or_o nothing_o addict_v to_o this_o sin_n and_o will_v avoid_v it_o let_v they_o careful_o avoid_v lewd_a and_o debauch_a company_n i._n e._n the_o company_n and_o society_n of_o such_o as_o customary_o use_v it_o it_o be_v a_o common_a and_o usual_a thing_n for_o person_n who_o have_v be_v civil_o and_o religious_o educate_v when_o they_o go_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n if_o they_o fall_v into_o ill_a company_n to_o be_v soon_o corrupt_v and_o debauch_v and_o to_o learn_v those_o vice_n which_o at_o first_o they_o seem_v to_o dread_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o be_v doubtless_o a_o very_a common_a thing_n in_o the_o egyptian_a court_n to_o swear_v by_o the_o life_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o joseph_n himself_o when_o he_o become_v a_o courtier_n and_o associate_v with_o the_o grandee_n of_o egypt_n that_o he_o may_v be_v modish_a have_v learn_v it_o too_o gen._n 42.16_o 4._o if_o we_o will_v avoid_v this_o sin_n of_o swear_v let_v we_o not_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o vain_a foolish_a and_o unnecessary_a asseveration_n such_o as_o faith_n and_o troth_n upon_o my_o word_n as_o i_o be_o a_o honest_a man_n and_o the_o like_a in_o which_o there_o may_v be_v more_o evil_a than_o every_o one_o do_v imagine_v and_o indeed_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o condemn_v such_o form_n of_o speech_n as_o well_o as_o swear_v its_o self_n mat._n 5.34_o for_o have_v say_v swear_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o by_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n he_o add_v but_o let_v your_o communication_n i._n e._n your_o talk_n or_o discourse_n in_o ordinary_a conversation_n be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o these_o come_v of_o evil_a now_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a and_o evident_a that_o such_o protestation_n or_o asseveration_n be_v somewhat_o more_o than_o yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o i._n e._n than_o plain_a simple_a affirmation_n or_o negation_n and_o therefore_o must_v proceed_v from_o evil_a i._n e._n from_o guilt_n and_o hypocrisy_n or_o at_o least_o from_o levity_n and_o inconsideration_n and_o they_o often_o tend_v to_o evil_a for_o which_o cause_n st._n james_n here_o will_v have_v that_o our_o yea_o shall_v be_v yea_o and_o our_o nay_o nay_o lest_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o condemnation_n and_o perhaps_o the_o force_n of_o our_o saviour_n reason_n why_o he_o will_v not_o have_v we_o swear_v by_o heaven_n or_o earth_n by_o the_o temple_n or_o altar_n or_o the_o like_a may_v without_o strain_v reach_v this_o very_a case_n swear_v not_o by_o heaven_n say_v he_o for_o it_o be_v â—od's_n throne_n nor_o by_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v his_o footstool_n i._n e._n because_o god_n himself_o be_v virtual_o invoke_v by_o every_o such_o oath_n and_o be_v not_o every_o such_o asseveration_n a_o kind_n of_o appeal_n to_o god_n and_o be_v not_o the_o design_n of_o it_o much_o the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o a_o oath_n viz._n to_o gain_v the_o great_a credit_n to_o what_o we_o say_v though_o god_n name_n be_v not_o express_o and_o formal_o invoke_v for_o such_o asseveration_n be_v either_o idle_a and_o insignificant_a thing_n proceed_v from_o a_o foolish_a custom_n and_o habit_n of_o speak_v that_o we_o have_v get_v and_o then_o they_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n or_o they_o be_v intend_v and_o take_v as_o solemn_a confirmation_n of_o what_o we_o say_v and_o then_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v much_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o upon_o both_o account_n they_o may_v be_v sinful_a to_o be_v use_v but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o danger_n or_o inconvenience_n in_o leave_v and_o disuse_v of_o they_o but_o be_v those_o asseveration_n in_o themselves_o never_o so_o harmless_a yet_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v the_o frequent_a use_n of_o they_o have_v draw_v many_o into_o swear_v for_o even_o those_o who_o do_v once_o scruple_n the_o first_o have_v in_o a_o little_a time_n fall_v into_o the_o latter_a even_o as_o those_o that_o often_o accustom_v themselves_o to_o those_o wicked_a word_n that_o be_v of_o kin_n to_o curse_n be_v very_o easy_o draw_v into_o curse_v itself_o if_o therefore_o we_o at_o any_o time_n use_v such_o form_n of_o speech_n as_o be_v or_o be_v take_v to_o be_v asseveration_n or_o solemn_a protestation_n it_o be_v adviseable_a that_o we_o do_v it_o very_o spare_o and_o only_o in_o serious_a and_o weighty_a matter_n last_o let_v those_o that_o have_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o great_a sin_n make_v their_o humble_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o god_n that_o they_o may_v never_o fall_v into_o it_o and_o let_v those_o that_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o it_o implore_v his_o grace_n that_o they_o may_v avoid_v it_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o say_v i_o will_v take_v heed_n to_o my_o way_n that_o i_o offend_v not_o with_o my_o tongue_n say_v david_n psal_n 39.1_o and_o it_o be_v a_o good_a and_o pious_a resolution_n and_o therefore_o he_o earnest_o beg_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n to_o enable_v he_o to_o make_v it_o good_a psalm_n 141.3_o set_a a_o watch_n o_o lord_n before_o my_o mouâ—â—_n and_o keep_v the_o door_n of_o my_o li_n let_v we_o beseech_v he_o to_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o danger_n of_o rash_a and_o vain_a oath_n as_o know_v that_o if_o for_o every_o idle_a word_n we_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n much_o more_o for_o such_o sin_n as_o these_o of_o which_o whoever_o be_v guilty_a shall_v without_o serious_a repentance_n and_o great_a humiliation_n fall_v into_o the_o condemnation_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o â—ext_n and_o how_o light_n soever_o he_o may_v make_v of_o it_o now_o he_o will_v then_o find_v it_o a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n who_o be_v a_o consume_a â—ire_n and_o who_o have_v solemn_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v not_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a that_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a nomini_fw-la tuo_fw-la da_fw-la gloriam_fw-la finis_fw-la