account_v it_o a_o oath_n 6._o though_o the_o apostle_n paul_n call_v god_n for_o a_o record_n upon_o his_o soul_n to_o confirm_v his_o assertion_n of_o spare_v the_o brethren_n be_v in_o some_o divine_a and_o religious_a respect_n as_o seem_v manifest_a in_o the_o next_o chapter_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o then_o be_v a_o oath_n in_o the_o apostle_n yet_o what_o good_a christian_n in_o imitation_n of_o these_o word_n dare_v promise_n or_o say_v in_o any_o thing_n relate_v to_o common_a and_o humane_a affair_n i_o call_v god_n for_o a_o record_n upon_o my_o soul_n that_o i_o will_v do_v or_o i_o will_v not_o perform_v such_o a_o thing_n will_v not_o this_o be_v as_o great_a a_o oath_n as_o if_o he_o have_v instead_o thereof_o use_v the_o word_n as_o the_o lord_n live_v or_o the_o word_n so_o help_v i_o god_n 7._o likewise_o though_o the_o apostle_n say_v now_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o behold_v before_o god_n i_o lie_v not_o may_v not_o be_v a_o oath_n in_o the_o apostle_n because_o he_o treat_v and_o write_v of_o religious_a and_o divine_a thing_n in_o which_o respect_n god_n name_n and_o the_o appeal_n to_o he_o too_o may_v be_v lawful_o use_v by_o sincere_a christian_n in_o many_o case_n as_o for_o instance_n one_o may_v true_o say_v i_o speak_v or_o do_v a_o thing_n before_o or_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n if_o he_o be_v then_o live_o sensible_a thereof_o to_o assist_v he_o in_o the_o perform_v it_o yet_o if_o another_o shall_v speak_v the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v not_o live_o sensible_a of_o his_o presence_n at_o that_o time_n he_o will_v speak_v if_o not_o swear_v false_o as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o say_v the_o lord_n live_v when_o he_o be_v not_o sensible_a thereof_o swear_v false_o though_o the_o lord_n live_v be_v as_o true_a in_o itself_o as_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v speak_v or_o do_v but_o it_o must_v be_v so_o before_o god_n as_o that_o it_o can_v be_v hide_v from_o his_o presence_n and_o further_o for_o one_o to_o promise_v or_o say_v before_o god_n i_o will_v pay_v thou_o that_o money_n or_o before_o god_n i_o will_v not_o stay_v here_o who_o will_v not_o account_n either_o of_o these_o expression_n to_o be_v a_o oath_n and_o moreover_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o be_v the_o apostle_n use_v the_o word_n behold_v before_o the_o word_n before_o god_n and_o which_o in_o the_o greek_a be_v without_o any_o point_n or_o comma_n after_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o behold_v and_o have_v also_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v because_o or_o that_o which_o be_v omit_v in_o the_o english_a as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o expression_n may_v be_v translate_v or_o understand_v in_o a_o moderator_n sense_n than_o it_o be_v common_o take_v in_o the_o english_a as_o behold_v before_o god_n that_o i_o do_v not_o lie_v or_o speak_v false_a as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v i_o do_v not_o speak_v false_a in_o these_o thing_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o because_o i_o be_o now_o sensible_o before_o or_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v mistake_v or_o be_v disappoint_v in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o as_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v also_o signify_v at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o let_v it_o be_v further_o consider_v that_o to_o use_v the_o word_n before_o god_n to_o promise_v any_o humane_a terrene_a or_o earthly_a matter_n by_o can_v be_v lawful_a or_o safe_a in_o any_o sense_n however_o for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n although_o a_o christian_a may_v sometime_o say_v or_o have_v true_o use_v they_o word_n in_o the_o present_a and_o preter_fw-la tense_n yet_o who_o can_v appoint_v a_o time_n in_o the_o future_a when_o he_o will_v approach_v to_o or_o be_v sensible_o before_o god_n to_o perform_v any_o humane_a matter_n in_o his_o presence_n and_o if_o in_o say_v before_o god_n i_o will_v perform_v such_o a_o matter_n can_v be_v only_o understand_v in_o such_o a_o common_a sense_n as_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v and_o must_v be_v perform_v before_o he_o because_o nothing_o can_v be_v hide_v from_o his_o presence_n it_o will_v be_v superfluous_a and_o use_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a because_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v but_o it_o must_v be_v before_o he_o as_o well_o the_o break_n of_o the_o promise_n as_o the_o perform_v it_o or_o if_o such_o a_o sense_n be_v exclude_v the_o possibility_n of_o which_o be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v conceive_v whereby_o god_n be_v appeal_v to_o or_o invoke_v to_o take_v notice_n thereof_o as_o a_o judge_n and_o so_o consequent_o as_o a_o just_a revenger_n in_o case_n of_o non-performance_n of_o the_o matter_n promise_v which_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n to_o what_o purpose_n will_v it_o be_v for_o any_o one_o to_o use_v or_o require_v such_o word_n for_o a_o strengthen_n or_o confirm_v the_o say_a promise_n so_o by_o this_o reason_n also_o it_o will_v be_v a_o use_v or_o take_v god_n name_n in_o vain_a 8._o and_o also_o though_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o rom._n 9_o 3._o after_o have_v just_a before_o mention_v his_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o exercise_n for_o the_o israelite_n etc._n etc._n say_v i_o can_v wish_v myself_o accurse_v from_o christ_n for_o my_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n yet_o what_o good_a christian_a dare_v imitate_v or_o use_v these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o such_o a_o different_a sense_n as_o he_o use_v they_o as_o to_o wish_v himself_o accurse_v from_o christ_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o affirmation_n or_o promise_n and_o most_o especial_o when_o relate_v to_o humane_a and_o temporal_a affair_n and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v promise_v or_o say_v i_o wish_v myself_o accurse_v from_o christ_n if_o i_o speak_v false_a or_o if_o i_o do_v not_o perform_v such_o a_o thing_n what_o sort_n of_o oath_n will_v any_o sincere_a christian_a count_n worser_o than_o such_o a_o expression_n though_o the_o party_n shall_v excuse_v himself_o by_o improper_o plead_v the_o apostle_n example_n for_o it_o as_o beforementioned_a so_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o what_o have_v be_v beforementioned_a that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imitate_v the_o apostle_n in_o any_o such_o extraordinary_a expression_n nor_o yet_o in_o every_o particular_a and_o extraordinary_a thing_n they_o may_v say_v or_o do_v except_o upon_o such_o like_a occasion_n and_o that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o authority_n or_o permission_n or_o a_o command_n or_o precept_n therefore_o for_o we_o be_v only_o to_o imitate_v and_o be_v follower_n of_o they_o and_o all_o christian_n one_o of_o another_o in_o all_o such_o general_a duty_n as_o be_v plain_a we_o be_v all_o alike_o command_v by_o our_o and_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o not_o otherwise_o for_o because_o one_o christian_n have_v a_o gift_n and_o command_n to_o preach_v it_o do_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o all_o other_o christian_n must_v imitate_v he_o and_o be_v preacher_n too_o nor_o because_o another_o may_v have_v a_o gift_n of_o prophesy_v it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o rest_n must_v be_v prophesier_n too_o by_o only_o imitate_v he_o but_o to_o come_v close_o to_o the_o matter_n still_o if_o possible_a and_o to_o answer_v the_o most_o critical_a objection_n as_o may_v or_o can_v be_v if_o any_o will_v yet_o imitate_v any_o of_o the_o say_a apostle_n expression_n in_o their_o epistle_n and_o use_v god_n sacred_a name_n for_o a_o witness_n to_o or_o a_o confirmation_n of_o any_o thing_n sure_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o in_o the_o like_a case_n and_o sense_n and_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o authority_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v and_o write_v their_o epistle_n in_o or_o else_o it_o can_v have_v the_o same_o approbation_n and_o acceptance_n see_v god_n name_n may_v be_v use_v amiss_o and_o in_o vain_a but_o the_o contrary_n as_o for_o example_n will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o presumption_n for_o any_o man_n to_o call_v or_o summons_n a_o earthly_a king_n for_o a_o witness_n or_o as_o a_o surety_n to_o any_o of_o the_o man_n be_v own_o particular_a and_o trivial_a cause_n yet_o if_o the_o same_o king_n shall_v commissionate_v or_o require_v any_o of_o his_o subject_n to_o call_v he_o for_o a_o witness_n or_o to_o be_v a_o security_n for_o a_o thing_n wherein_o the_o king_n cause_n be_v chief_o concern_v it_o will_v be_v then_o no_o presumption_n in_o a_o subject_a so_o to_o do_v and_o furthermore_o see_v according_a to_o several_a express_a scripture_n that_o none_o can_v worship_n or_o adore_v or_o reverence_n according_a to_o the_o greek_a god_n aright_o without_o his_o spirit_n joh._n 4._o 23_o 24._o nor_o can_v any_o ask_v or_o pray_v as_o they_o ought_v except_o in_o christ_n name_n or_o by_o
a_o position_n and_o testimony_n against_o all_o swear_v under_o the_o gospel_n in_o which_o may_v be_v see_v i._o that_o christ_n have_v forbid_v all_o sort_n of_o oath_n ii_o what_o christ_n have_v substitute_v instead_o of_o a_o oath_n iii_o reason_n for_o that_o prohibition_n and_o substitution_n with_o a_o answer_n to_o all_o the_o material_a objection_n that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v allege_v from_o the_o scripture_n london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1692._o to_o the_o reader_n consider_v the_o testimony_n and_o suffering_n of_o several_a christian_n and_o conscientious_a person_n former_o against_o all_o swear_v and_o now_o observe_v of_o late_a that_o not_o only_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o oath_n themselves_o have_v be_v dispute_v and_o plead_v for_o as_o by_o the_o athenian_n and_o other_o but_o also_o the_o definition_n and_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o what_o a_o oath_n be_v and_o what_o not_o have_v be_v start_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o more_o than_o former_o and_o also_o consider_v on_o one_o side_n of_o the_o abound_a of_o swear_v and_o detestable_a oath_n among_o many_o in_o this_o nation_n enough_o to_o draw_v down_o judgement_n and_o divine_a vengeance_n upon_o it_o as_o have_v be_v late_o for_o a_o example_n in_o other_o place_n beyond_o the_o sea_n and_o also_o on_o the_o other_o side_n observe_v the_o moderation_n of_o many_o and_o that_o in_o authority_n too_o in_o condescension_n to_o a_o people_n that_o have_v former_o suffer_v because_o they_o dare_v not_o swear_v at_o all_o i_o can_v not_o be_v easy_a in_o my_o mind_n until_o i_o have_v write_v and_o publish_a this_o to_o the_o world_n hope_v it_o may_v be_v of_o some_o use_n and_o service_n to_o most_o if_o not_o all_o men._n as_o first_o to_o the_o common_a and_o profane_a swearer_n that_o now_o so_o much_o abound_v upon_o the_o earth_n by_o show_v such_o the_o great_a danger_n they_o hazard_v thereby_o to_o their_o soul_n beside_o the_o judgement_n in_o general_n they_o may_v draw_v down_o upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o in_o the_o land_n and_o second_o to_o such_o as_o be_v in_o authority_n by_o propose_v and_o demonstrate_v to_o they_o by_o evident_a reason_n and_o eminent_a authority_n the_o danger_n of_o impose_v oath_n or_o any_o high_a asseveration_n or_o expression_n instead_o thereof_o than_o plain_a and_o simple_a speech_n which_o i_o desire_v all_o moderate_a magistrate_n that_o love_n and_o true_o affect_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n for_o who_o i_o have_v great_a respect_n and_o affection_n serious_o to_o consider_v of_o and_o three_o to_o those_o that_o conscientious_o scruple_n any_o oath_n by_o show_v such_o the_o danger_n of_o venture_v to_o use_v instead_o of_o a_o oath_n any_o high_a form_n or_o manner_n of_o speech_n than_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v and_o allow_v they_o lest_o they_o be_v draw_v into_o a_o oath_n unaware_o so_o wish_v and_o desire_v the_o good_a of_o every_o one_o and_o that_o the_o common_a swearer_n may_v leave_v off_o swear_v and_o the_o legal_a or_o more_o solemn_a swearer_n be_v satisfy_v with_o evangelical_n truth_n speak_v and_o those_o that_o be_v come_v to_o such_o truth_n speak_v may_v never_o look_v back_o from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o that_o testimony_n i_o remain_v a_o friend_n to_o all_o especial_o the_o moderate_a sincere_a and_o ingenuous_a of_o what_o profession_n or_o persuasion_n soever_o they_o may_v be_v philothrenes_n the_o position_n no_o man_n ought_v to_o swear_v under_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n any_o kind_n of_o oath_n in_o any_o case_n neither_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o command_n from_o a_o lawful_a magistrate_n nor_o upon_o any_o other_o occasion_n or_o respect_v whatsoever_o for_o these_o follow_a reason_n i._o because_o christ_n jesus_n who_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o obey_v and_o fear_v to_o break_v his_o command_n have_v command_v not_o to_o swear_v at_o all_o mat._n 5._o 34._o and_o instead_o thereof_o in_o verse_n 37._o command_n that_o our_o speech_n be_v yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o and_o say_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o these_o come_v of_o evil_a now_o any_o oath_n be_v more_o than_o these_o and_o therefore_o be_v also_o forbid_v before_o it_o must_v be_v of_o evil_a ii_o in_o mat._n 18._o 16._o in_o case_n of_o trespass_n where_o evidence_n of_o witness_n be_v require_v christ_n command_n be_v that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o not_o by_o the_o oath_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n nor_o yet_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o swearer_n iii_o in_o james_n 5._o 12._o the_o apostle_n command_v above_o all_o thing_n not_o to_o swear_v neither_o by_o heaven_n nor_o by_o earth_n nor_o by_o any_o other_o oath_n but_o instead_o thereof_o bid_v that_o our_o yea_o be_v yea_o and_o our_o nay_o nay_o lest_o you_o fall_v into_o condemnation_n here_o the_o apostle_n james_n be_v also_o very_o express_v to_o the_o purpose_n agree_v with_o christ_n command_n before_o in_o mat._n 5._o 34._o therefore_o he_o that_o swear_v any_o oath_n do_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n express_a command_n and_o must_v hazard_v condemnation_n iv._o a_o true_a christian_n oath_n be_v needless_a because_o such_o a_o one_o dare_v no_o more_o tell_v a_o lie_n than_o he_o dare_v to_o forswear_v himself_o if_o he_o shall_v swear_v and_o a_o evil_a man_n or_o false_a christian_n oath_n be_v worthy_a of_o no_o more_o credit_n than_o a_o liar_n because_o he_o that_o dare_v to_o break_v his_o word_n or_o be_v a_o false_a witness_n in_o a_o solemn_a affirm_v or_o deny_v of_o any_o thing_n have_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n nor_o awe_n upon_o his_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o what_o shall_v make_v such_o a_o one_o fear_n or_o scruple_n to_o break_v his_o oath_n if_o he_o swear_v therefore_o now_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o use_n of_o oath_n or_o swear_v among_o those_o that_o profess_v christianity_n objection_n objection_n 1._o in_o deut._n 6._o 13._o and_o in_o 10._o 20._o god_n command_v to_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n therefore_o christ_n do_v not_o forbid_v such_o oath_n as_o be_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n for_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n be_v one_o and_o immutable_a or_o unchangeable_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o will_n and_o therefore_o how_o can_v the_o son_n forbid_v that_o which_o the_o father_n have_v command_v answer_v that_o command_v of_o god_n be_v to_o they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n to_o prevent_v they_o from_o swear_v by_o idol_n and_o not_o to_o such_o that_o be_v under_o the_o gospel_n to_o who_o christ_n speak_v and_o therefore_o this_o prove_v no_o contrariety_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n any_o more_o than_o the_o son_n take_v away_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o be_v command_v by_o god_n under_o the_o law_n that_o he_o may_v establish_v the_o second_o which_o he_o himself_o command_v under_o the_o gospel_n as_o in_o heb._n 10._o 9_o see_v also_o in_o heb._n 7._o 12_o 18._o and_o 8._o 13._o object_n 2._o in_o isaiah_n 19_o 18._o in_o a_o prophecy_n relate_v to_o gospel_n time_n as_o seem_v manifest_a from_o verse_n 20._o it_o be_v say_v that_o five_o city_n in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n shall_v speak_v the_o language_n of_o canaan_n and_o swear_v by_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n therefore_o how_o can_v swear_v by_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n be_v forbid_v by_o christ_n in_o gospel_n time_n answ._n if_o swear_v by_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n be_v here_o prophesy_v of_o to_o be_v in_o gospel_n time_n then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n from_o verse_n 21._o to_o do_v sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n must_v be_v also_o in_o gospel_n time_n as_o be_v there_o say_v the_o egyptian_n shall_v do_v and_o if_o so_o how_o be_v the_o old_a testament_n wherein_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n abrogate_a and_o disannul_v when_o the_o new_a testament_n come_v as_o in_o heb._n 8._o 13._o object_n 3._o in_o isa._n 45._o 23._o the_o lord_n speak_v concern_v such_o time_n as_o wherein_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v save_v which_o sure_o must_v be_v in_o gospel_n time_n say_v that_o every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v to_o i_o and_o every_o tongue_n shall_v swear_v therefore_o some_o swear_v must_v be_v lawful_a in_o gospel_n time_n answ._n the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o rom._n 14._o 11._o who_o without_o doubt_n know_v how_o to_o interpret_v this_o prophecy_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o express_v it_o in_o such_o term_n as_o may_v contradict_v christ_n general_a prohibition_n to_o swear_v in_o mat._n 5._o 34._o therefore_o he_o word_v it_o thus_o every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v to_o i_o and_o every_o tongue_n shall_v confess_v to_o god_n here_o the_o apostle_n have_v change_v the_o word_n swear_v that_o be_v figurative_o speak_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n
sure_o be_v not_o by_o any_o creature_n but_o by_o his_o name_n nor_o yet_o vain_a and_o rash_a oath_n for_o such_o be_v never_o command_v to_o be_v perform_v unto_o the_o lord_n moreover_o christ_n forbid_v swear_v by_o god_n the_o creator_n when_o he_o forbid_v swear_v by_o heaven_n earth_n etc._n etc._n because_o he_o give_v that_o for_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o swear_v by_o these_o creature_n viz._n because_o heaven_n be_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o the_o earth_n be_v his_o footstool_n and_o none_o can_v swear_v by_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n but_o he_o must_v swear_v by_o his_o creator_n that_o sit_v thereon_o as_o be_v manifest_a in_o mat._n 23._o 22._o object_n 10._o if_o no_o kind_n of_o oath_n be_v lawful_a to_o swear_v why_o do_v the_o apostle_n paul_n use_v such_o a_o form_n of_o oath_n in_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 31._o as_o in_o say_v i_o protest_v by_o your_o rejoice_v i_o die_v daily_a answ._n there_o be_v no_o word_n for_o i_o protest_v in_o the_o greek_a moreover_o if_o these_o word_n can_v be_v make_v a_o oath_n than_o the_o apostle_n must_v of_o necessity_n have_v swear_v by_o their_o rejoice_v and_o so_o by_o a_o creature_n which_o be_v always_o unlawful_a and_o therefore_o this_o can_v be_v account_v a_o oath_n without_o reflect_v upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o transgressor_n both_o against_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n object_n 11._o if_o no_o oath_n must_v be_v use_v in_o any_o case_n how_o can_v justice_n be_v administer_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz._n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n mat._n 18._o 16._o in_o many_o case_n where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o single_a witness_n by_o which_o the_o controversy_n can_v be_v decide_v as_o for_o example_n in_o one_o case_n instance_a in_o exod._n 22._o 10_o 11._o if_o a_o man_n deliver_v unto_o his_o neighbour_n a_o ass_n or_o a_o ox_n or_o a_o sheep_n or_o any_o beast_n to_o keep_v and_o it_o die_v or_o be_v hurt_v or_o drive_v away_o no_o man_n see_v it_o then_o shall_v a_o oath_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v between_o they_o both_o that_o he_o have_v not_o put_v his_o hand_n to_o his_o neighbour_n good_n and_o the_o owner_n of_o it_o shall_v accept_v thereof_o and_o he_o shall_v not_o make_v it_o good_a now_o if_o in_o this_o or_o such_o a_o case_n the_o man_n be_v bare_a word_n be_v take_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o innocency_n the_o controversy_n will_v be_v decide_v by_o one_o only_a witness_n direct_o against_o christ_n precept_n in_o mat._n 18._o 16._o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v therefore_o in_o such_o case_n the_o guiltless_a party_n must_v take_v in_o god_n to_o witness_n with_o he_o viz._n by_o his_o oath_n that_o so_o the_o matter_n may_v be_v decide_v by_o two_o witness_n at_o least_o according_a to_o christ_n precept_n aforesaid_a to_o wit_n by_o he_o that_o make_v the_o oath_n and_o by_o god_n who_o he_o call_v to_o witness_v with_o he_o answ._n in_o such_o a_o case_n if_o a_o man_n do_v swear_v and_o call_v god_n to_o witness_n with_o he_o unto_o the_o matter_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o make_v it_o to_o be_v decide_v according_a to_o christ_n precept_n for_o christ_n say_v take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v now_o the_o one_o or_o two_o more_o beside_o himself_o must_v be_v humane_a person_n and_o not_o god_n except_o the_o party_n can_v call_v two_o god_n to_o witness_v with_o he_o which_o be_v absurd_a to_o suppose_v and_o also_o in_o such_o a_o case_n where_o there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o witness_n it_o may_v be_v decide_v by_o christ_n rule_n without_o their_o oath_n therefore_o christ_n rule_n to_o have_v two_o or_o three_o witness_n extend_v only_o to_o such_o case_n as_o be_v possible_a to_o have_v so_o many_o witness_n and_o lay_v no_o necessity_n upon_o swear_v to_o the_o decide_n thereof_o according_a to_o or_o by_o his_o precept_n and_o moreover_o if_o one_o swear_v call_v god_n to_o witness_v with_o he_o how_o be_v the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n decide_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o witness_n according_a to_o christ_n precept_n when_o only_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o one_o man_n every_o word_n be_v speak_v to_o testify_v the_o truth_n in_o question_n for_o if_o god_n shall_v testify_v or_o reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o matter_n in_o question_n immediate_o by_o his_o own_o mouth_n there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o man_n testimony_n to_o strengthen_v his_o evidence_n because_o no_o man_n can_v add_v any_o thing_n to_o god_n immediate_a revelation_n or_o testimony_n which_o be_v perfect_a of_o its_o self_n object_n 12._o if_o christ_n prohibition_n to_o swear_v in_o mat._n 5._o 34._o be_v so_o general_a that_o it_o admit_v of_o no_o limit_n or_o exception_n to_o the_o sentence_n so_o that_o none_o ought_v to_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n because_o the_o word_n be_v general_a then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n none_o can_v lay_v up_o for_o himself_o any_o treasure_n on_o earth_n nor_o take_v think_v for_o his_o life_n what_o to_o eat_v or_o drink_v etc._n etc._n nor_o yet_o take_v think_v or_o care_n for_o the_o morrow_n in_o any_o case_n without_o break_v some_o other_o of_o christ_n express_a command_n in_o the_o same_o sermon_n as_o in_o mat._n 6._o 19_o 25._o 34._o all_o which_o be_v as_o general_a as_o that_o against_o swear_v in_o mat._n 5._o 34._o and_o then_o if_o it_o be_v so_o how_o can_v any_o be_v industrious_a in_o their_o employment_n and_o trade_n and_o take_v care_n to_o provide_v for_o their_o family_n which_o he_o that_o do_v not_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 8_o therefore_o for_o any_o person_n to_o put_v such_o a_o general_a and_o unlimited_a construction_n on_o any_o of_o christ_n command_n when_o according_a to_o such_o of_o their_o own_o unlimited_a sense_n they_o themselves_o be_v daily_o guilty_a of_o break_v some_o other_o of_o christ_n command_n and_o so_o condemn_v or_o dissallow_v that_o in_o one_o case_n which_o they_o do_v and_o must_v of_o necessity_n allow_v in_o another_o case_n be_v ridiculous_a and_o great_a disingenuity_n and_o confusion_n answ._n christ_n forbid_v we_o to_o lay_v up_o treasure_n for_o ourselves_o on_o earth_n etc._n etc._n extend_v only_o to_o such_o lay_v up_o earthly_a treasure_n as_o to_o set_v our_o heart_n on_o it_o for_o our_o heart_n ought_v only_o to_o be_v with_o our_o heavenly_a treasure_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o verse_n 20_o 21._o therefore_o if_o any_o one_o can_v lay_v up_o thing_n on_o earth_n where_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o with_o they_o christ_n command_n extend_v not_o to_o he_o because_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o proper_o his_o treasure_n for_o the_o word_n treasure_n most_o proper_o signify_v that_o which_o be_v most_o precious_a in_o his_o esteem_n likewise_o christ_n forbid_v we_o to_o take_v think_v or_o care_n for_o our_o life_n etc._n etc._n and_o for_o the_o morrow_n be_v not_o to_o be_v anxious_a or_o too_o much_o careful_a or_o distract_v or_o over-troubled_n in_o one_o mind_n about_o they_o which_o be_v also_o a_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o they_o for_o so_o the_o word_n in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proper_o signify_v and_o therefore_o these_o prohibition_n be_v not_o so_o general_a as_o that_o in_o mat._n 5._o 34._o concern_v swear_v which_o be_v also_o as_o full_a against_o all_o oath_n whatsoever_o both_o in_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a as_o in_o the_o english_a however_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v for_o argument_n sake_n that_o those_o prohibition_n aforesaid_a be_v as_o general_a in_o all_o case_n as_o that_o of_o swear_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o prove_v that_o of_o swear_v any_o whit_n the_o less_o general_a nor_o that_o any_o person_n ought_v to_o commit_v sin_n in_o break_v a_o command_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o one_o thing_n because_o they_o may_v do_v so_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n but_o rather_o such_o aught_o to_o repent_v and_o leave_v off_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o do_v or_o have_v break_v his_o command_n if_o it_o plain_o so_o appear_v and_o be_v more_o careful_a afterward_o of_o keep_v all_o his_o command_n but_o if_o it_o be_v impartial_o and_o ingenuous_o consider_v there_o be_v but_o little_a sign_n that_o those_o person_n be_v very_o careful_a of_o lay_v up_o for_o themselves_o treasure_n on_o earth_n or_o take_v think_v for_o their_o life_n or_o for_o the_o morrow_n who_o hazard_n the_o lose_n of_o all_o their_o earthly_a thing_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o their_o life_n and_o liberty_n too_o
the_o spirit_n help_v joh._n 14._o 13_o 14._o rom._n 8._o 26_o 27._o no_o nor_o yet_o so_o much_o as_o to_o true_o say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n though_o nothing_o be_v more_o true_a in_o itself_o without_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 3._o how_o can_v any_o consider_v these_o thing_n that_o profess_v either_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v their_o guide_n or_o rule_n invoke_v god_n for_o a_o witness_n or_o any_o other_o purpose_n or_o any_o way_n to_o employ_v and_o use_v his_o sacred_a name_n for_o a_o security_n in_o earthly_a matter_n if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o proper_a oath_n which_o be_v more_o than_o bare_o to_o ask_v a_o petition_n in_o prayer_n in_o their_o own_o time_n or_o at_o the_o requiring_n of_o other_o without_o they_o certain_o know_v that_o they_o have_v his_o commission_n or_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n at_o the_o time_n to_o perform_v it_o right_o and_o with_o such_o due_a reverence_n as_o they_o ought_v for_o if_o none_o can_v approach_v god_n presence_n to_o worship_v he_o or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o ask_v a_o petition_n in_o prayer_n with_o a_o fit_a or_o due_a adoration_n or_o reverence_n without_o christ_n name_n or_o authority_n or_o the_o spirit_n be_v assistance_n much_o more_o can_v any_o invoke_v god_n into_o their_o presence_n for_o a_o witness_n or_o surety_n etc._n etc._n with_o a_o sufficient_a adoration_n or_o reverence_n without_o his_o commission_n or_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o who_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o peremptory_o to_o approach_v the_o presence_n of_o or_o speak_v to_o a_o earthly_a prince_n without_o his_o permission_n first_o obtain_v or_o some_o one_o to_o introduce_v he_o or_o to_o mediate_v for_o he_o much_o more_o how_o dare_v any_o to_o invoke_v god_n into_o their_o presence_n upon_o any_o account_n when_o they_o please_v and_o at_o any_o time_n appoint_v by_o man_n without_o first_o have_v obtain_v a_o divine_a permission_n or_o be_v require_v thereto_o by_o his_o spirit_n therefore_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_o plain_a and_o clear_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o use_v any_o other_o form_n or_o high_a manner_n of_o expression_n for_o assert_v the_o truth_n and_o promise_v any_o thing_n in_o all_o case_n especial_o relate_v to_o temporal_a matter_n but_o what_o may_v plain_o agree_v with_o christ_n precept_n or_o form_n of_o speech_n which_o he_o prescribe_v and_o command_v we_o to_o use_v instead_o of_o a_o oath_n mat._n 5._o 37._o viz._n that_o our_o word_n or_o speech_n be_v yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o as_o be_v according_a to_o the_o greek_a which_o seem_v to_o be_v only_o a_o double_n of_o such_o word_n that_o we_o common_o use_v for_o affirm_v or_o deny_v of_o a_o thing_n as_o christ_n himself_o often_o do_v when_o he_o say_v very_o very_o lest_o we_o shall_v run_v into_o a_o oath_n unaware_o or_o so_o far_o as_o to_o use_v or_o take_v god_n name_n in_o vain_a that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v customary_o or_o formal_o or_o at_o least_o into_o any_o thing_n which_o christ_n count_v be_v more_o or_o high_a than_o yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o and_o say_v come_v of_o evil_n not_o but_o that_o i_o believe_v we_o may_v use_v other_o word_n or_o expression_n for_o yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o that_o be_v equivalent_a thereunto_o as_o true_o or_o very_o or_o such_o like_a for_o yea_o and_o amen_o be_v the_o same_o 2_o cor._n 1._o but_o not_o such_o as_o be_v high_a for_o christ_n saying_n whatsoever_o be_v more_o or_o more_o full_a according_a to_o the_o greek_a than_o these_o come_v of_o evil_a seem_v plain_o to_o intimate_v that_o there_o may_v be_v other_o expression_n high_o than_o these_o though_o not_o in_o the_o superlative_a degree_n that_o be_v dangerous_a to_o use_v if_o they_o can_v be_v lesser_a than_o a_o oath_n or_o else_o why_o do_v christ_n here_o only_o forbid_v what_o be_v in_o the_o comparative_a degree_n to_o yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o after_o he_o have_v forbid_v what_o be_v in_o the_o superlative_a degree_n before_o in_o verse_n 34._o when_o he_o forbid_v all_o oath_n now_o for_o a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o all_o these_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n aforemention_v see_v what_o several_a of_o the_o most_o learned_a famous_a and_o eminent_a father_n doctor_n christian_n and_o martyr_n in_o divers_a and_o former_a age_n have_v say_v and_o believe_v concern_v the_o same_o and_o especial_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o go_v high_o or_o exceed_v christ_n evangelical_n sentence_n of_o yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o in_o all_o case_n where_o oath_n be_v require_v 1._o simocâ—atus_fw-la epist._n 33._o f._n say_v strange_a that_o faithful_a yea_o and_o nay_o be_v stop_v when_o perfidiousness_n with_o a_o oath_n can_v pass_v all_o guard_n court_n and_o office_n observation_n here_o this_o author_n believe_v that_o yea_o and_o nay_o be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v take_v in_o all_o case_n instead_o of_o a_o oath_n 2._o tertul._n de_fw-fr idololatria_fw-la cap._n 11._o he_o which_o sign_n a_o bill_n of_o security_n contain_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n be_v guilty_a of_o swear_v as_o if_o he_o have_v speak_v it_o obseru._n here_o this_o learned_a author_n esteem_v a_o swearer_n guilty_a of_o something_o which_o sure_o must_v be_v evil_a and_o withal_o in_o such_o necessary_a case_n as_o bill_n of_o security_n though_o the_o person_n himself_o speak_v not_o one_o word_n nor_o yet_o write_v one_o syllable_n of_o the_o oath_n therein_o contain_v but_o only_o instead_o thereof_o set_v his_o name_n to_o the_o bill_n 3._o clem._n alex._n strom._n lib._n 7._o it_o suffice_v to_o add_v unto_o his_o affirm_v or_o deny_v this_o viz._n i_o speak_v true_o that_o he_o beget_v faith_n in_o they_o who_o perceive_v not_o the_o stability_n of_o his_o answer_n obseru._n here_o be_v the_o utmost_a confirmation_n that_o the_o author_n allow_v and_o that_o only_a to_o such_o as_o may_v not_o at_o first_o perceive_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o to_o gratify_v such_o as_o question_n it_o mere_o from_o incredulity_n and_o distrust_n 4._o clem._n alex._n strom._n lib._n 7._o neither_o do_v he_o swear_v as_o be_v one_o who_o have_v determine_v to_o put_v for_o his_o affirm_v yea_o and_o for_o his_o deny_v nay_o obseru._n here_o also_o the_o same_o author_n count_v yea_o and_o nay_o sufficient_a instead_o of_o swear_v 5._o athanasius_n on_o the_o passion_n of_o christ_n say_v the_o evangelical_n sentence_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v let_v your_o yea_o be_fw-mi yea_o and_o your_o nay_o nay_o thus_o far_o we_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n may_v confirm_v our_o word_n with_o asseveration_n and_o with_o no_o further_a progress_n let_v we_o flee_v to_o or_o approach_v oath_n obseru._n what_o can_v be_v say_v plain_a against_o rise_v high_o or_o use_v any_o great_a asseveration_n than_o yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o instead_o of_o oath_n 6._o again_o by_o the_o same_o learned_a and_o eminent_a author_n on_o the_o same_o subject_a if_o therefore_o he_o that_o swear_v have_v faith_n and_o truth_n what_o use_n be_v there_o of_o a_o oath_n but_o if_o he_o have_v no_o faith_n nor_o truth_n why_o do_v we_o undertake_v such_o a_o impiety_n that_o for_o poor_a silly_a man_n and_o these_o mortal_a too_o we_o call_v to_o witness_v god_n that_o be_v above_o man_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o base_a part_n to_o call_v to_o witness_v a_o earthly_a king_n to_o the_o low_a judicature_n as_o one_o that_o be_v great_a than_o both_o actor_n and_o judge_n why_o do_v we_o cite_v he_o that_o be_v uncreated_a to_o create_v thing_n and_o make_v god_n to_o be_v despise_v of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d that_o exceed_v all_o iniquity_n and_o audaciousness_n what_o then_o be_v to_o be_v do_v no_o more_o but_o that_o our_o yea_o be_fw-mi yea_o and_o our_o nay_o be_v nay_o and_o in_o short_a that_o we_o do_v not_o lie_v obseru._n here_o be_v eminent_a reason_n against_o all_o swear_v and_o the_o necessity_n thereof_o as_o well_o for_o such_o as_o can_v be_v believe_v and_o trust_v as_o for_o those_o that_o can_v though_o in_o court_n of_o judicature_n and_o likewise_o against_o the_o use_n god_n sacred_a name_n for_o a_o surety_n etc._n etc._n in_o human_a affair_n and_o also_o against_o exceed_v or_o go_v beyond_o the_o simplicity_n of_o yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o in_o all_o humane_a case_n and_o affair_n 7._o hillary_n on_o mat._n 5._o 34._o faith_n do_v remove_v the_o custom_n of_o a_o oath_n make_v the_o business_n of_o our_o life_n to_o be_v determine_v in_o truth_n and_o lay_v aside_o the_o affect_v to_o deceive_v prescribe_v the_o simplicity_n of_o speak_v and_o hear_v that_o what_o be_v be_v and_o what_o be_v not_o be_v not_o that_o the_o business_n of_o deceive_a may_v be_v
apparent_a between_o it_o be_v and_o it_o be_v not_o and_o what_o be_v more_o be_v all_o of_o evil_n obseru._n here_o this_o author_n hold_v that_o faith_n prescribe_v the_o simplicity_n of_o speak_v and_o hear_v for_o determine_v the_o business_n of_o our_o life_n and_o what_o be_v more_o than_o such_o simplicity_n he_o count_v to_o be_v all_o of_o evil_n therefore_o who_o ought_v christian_n to_o follow_v or_o imitate_v faith_n that_o prescribe_v such_o simplicity_n or_o infidelity_n and_o distrust_n that_o at_o first_o instead_o thereof_o prescribe_v or_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o prescribe_v oath_n 8._o chrysostom_n on_o mat._n hom._n 17._o then_o very_o when_o they_o appear_v unfaithful_a they_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v as_o give_v a_o surety_n for_o security_n for_o their_o word_n for_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o suretyship_n where_o their_o behaviour_n have_v no_o trust_n or_o credit_n and_o because_o man_n so_o little_o trust_v one_o another_o they_o seek_v god_n for_o a_o surety_n not_o man._n second_o he_o be_v in_o the_o same_o crime_n who_o receive_v a_o oath_n if_o he_o draw_v god_n to_o be_v a_o surety_n for_o contract_n and_o say_v that_o he_o will_v not_o trust_v except_o he_o have_v he_o oh_o monstrous_a thing_n oh_o shameful_a disgrace_n thou_o a_o worm_n dust_n and_o ash_n and_o a_o vapour_n dare_v thou_o snatch_v thy_o lord_n who_o be_v such_o a_o one_o for_o a_o surety_n and_o compelle_v to_o accept_v he_o obseru._n here_o this_o eminent_a author_n who_o and_o who_o authority_n the_o martyr_n often_o quote_v and_o use_v show_v the_o danger_n of_o use_v or_o invoke_v or_o as_o he_o call_v it_o snatch_v god_n sacred_a name_n for_o a_o surety_n etc._n etc._n in_o humane_a affair_n as_o well_o to_o such_o as_o require_v it_o as_o to_o those_o that_o so_o do_v it_o 9_o further_o by_o the_o author_n in_o the_o same_o discourse_n you_o know_v not_o what_o god_n be_v and_o with_o what_o mouth_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v invocate_v but_o now_o we_o vain_o distract_v that_o honourable_a name_n which_o be_v a_o name_n above_o every_o name_n which_o be_v wonderful_a in_o all_o the_o earth_n which_o the_o devil_n hear_v do_v tremble_v at_o oh_o most_o contemptible_a custom_n which_o have_v do_v that_o ought_v not_o one_o even_o to_o dread_v when_o god_n be_v name_v but_o even_o among_o the_o jew_n this_o name_n be_v so_o reveverend_a that_o it_o be_v write_v on_o the_o plate_n of_o the_o mitre_n and_o none_o may_v bear_v these_o letter_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n but_o only_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o now_o also_o we_o bear_v his_o name_n tender_o if_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o all_o to_o name_n god_n simple_o how_o great_a audaciousness_n be_v it_o to_o call_v it_o in_o witness_n obseru._n now_o let_v all_o consider_v what_o reason_n here_o be_v that_o with_o what_o mouth_n and_o with_o what_o extraordinary_a fear_n and_o reverence_n god_n name_n ought_v to_o be_v use_v in_o any_o respect_n which_o sure_o can_v never_o right_o be_v do_v by_o those_o that_o have_v no_o faith_n or_o credit_n nor_o yet_o by_o all_o that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v require_v to_o use_v it_o in_o humane_a and_o earthly_a affair_n therefore_o from_o hence_o may_v be_v see_v a_o invincible_a reason_n against_o all_o swear_v and_o the_o name_n or_o use_v god_n sacred_a name_n any_o way_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o speech_n relate_v to_o humane_a and_o worldly_a matter_n as_o for_o such_o as_o be_v true_a man_n and_o dare_v not_o lie_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o more_o than_o a_o simple_a affirm_v or_o denial_n and_o swear_v and_o also_o the_o use_n of_o god_n sacred_a name_n must_v consequent_o be_v in_o vain_a which_o all_o christian_n will_v grant_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v and_o for_o those_o man_n as_o be_v false_a and_o that_o their_o simple_a assertion_n can_v be_v believe_v such_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o have_v god_n name_n in_o their_o mouth_n 10._o likewise_o still_o further_o by_o the_o same_o author_n tell_v i_o now_o if_o any_o shall_v call_v down_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o must_v stand_v and_o hear_v our_o sermon_n as_o if_o he_o must_v be_v thereby_o instruct_v will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a and_o confuse_a thing_n obseru._n here_o be_v a_o comparison_n against_o apply_v superior_a thing_n to_o earthly_a and_o inferior_a use_n 11._o also_o again_o by_o the_o same_o author_n do_v not_o use_v thy_o mouth_n to_o swear_v nor_o be_v familiar_a with_o the_o holy_a name_n obseru._n here_o be_v a_o pretty_a caution_n against_o use_v god_n sacred_a name_n in_o common_a and_o earthly_a affair_n because_o it_o be_v too_o great_a to_o be_v use_v so_o common_o and_o familiar_o 12._o jerom_n on_o jer._n 4._o book_n 1._o chap._n 3._o and_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o lord_n live_v be_v a_o oath_n to_o the_o condemn_v of_o all_o the_o dead_a by_o who_o all_o idolatry_n swear_v obseru._n here_o the_o word_n the_o lord_n live_v as_o they_o be_v use_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o temporal_a matter_n be_v count_v a_o oath_n by_o this_o learned_a expositor_n 13._o theophylact._n on_o mat._n 5._o say_v to_o swear_v or_o adjure_v more_o to_o yea_o and_o nay_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n obseru._n here_o be_v a_o reproof_n for_o such_o as_o can_v be_v content_a with_o the_o simplicity_n of_o yea_o and_o nay_o 14._o jansenius_n on_o mat._n 5._o say_v yea_o and_o amen_o be_v the_o same_o 2_o cor._n 1._o not_o swear_v but_o affirm_v obseru._n here_o be_v a_o authority_n that_o amen_o or_o very_o be_v but_o equivalent_a to_o yea_o and_o so_o therefore_o may_v be_v use_v instead_o of_o a_o oath_n euthynnius_n zagabonus_n on_o mat._n 5._o page_n 43._o say_v but_o let_v your_o word_n be_v yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o etc._n etc._n let_v your_o speech_n be_v when_o you_o affirm_v yea_o and_o when_o you_o deny_v nay_o and_o use_v only_o these_o for_o or_o instead_o of_o oath_n to_o confirmation_n and_o no_o other_o than_o yea_o and_o nay_o what_o be_v adjoin_v beside_o these_o he_o call_v a_o oath_n obseru._n here_o this_o expositor_n be_v very_o strict_a for_o the_o simplicity_n of_o yea_o and_o nay_o and_o think_v that_o christ_n esteem_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v add_v beyond_o that_o to_o be_v a_o oath_n 16._o j._n fox_n marty_n v._o 3._o p._n 910_o 911._o elizabeth_z young_a say_v i_o understand_v not_o what_o a_o oath_n be_v and_o therefore_o i_o will_v take_v no_o such_o thing_n upon_o i_o and_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o bishop_n about_o it_o say_v christ_n say_v that_o whatever_o be_v more_o than_o yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o and_o nay_o it_o come_v of_o evil_a obseru._n here_o this_o sincere_a christian_a because_o not_o understand_v the_o extent_n of_o oath_n dare_v venture_v no_o further_o than_o yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o whatever_o she_o suffer_v therefore_o which_o she_o then_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o 17._o erasmus_n on_o mat._n 5._o two_o word_n be_v sufficient_a nay_o and_o yea_o whereby_o thou_o deny_v that_o which_o thou_o do_v not_o promise_v and_o whereby_o thou_o do_v perform_v that_o which_o thou_o do_v promise_v by_o plain_a word_n that_o thou_o will_v do_v if_o there_o be_v any_o more_o beside_o these_o it_o must_v needs_o come_v of_o evil_a and_o sin_n obseru._n here_o be_v this_o learned_a man_n judgement_n of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o nay_o and_o yea_o and_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o exceed_v they_o 18._o jacobus_n faber_n on_o mat_n 5._o pag._n 23_o 24._o unto_o true_a man_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o a_o true_a man_n gain_v belief_n if_o he_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v yea_o yea_o in_o affirm_v nay_o nay_o in_o deny_v who_o ever_o speak_v more_o serious_o than_o our_o saviour_n who_o more_o necessary_a thing_n yet_o he_o never_o use_v other_o speech_n than_o that_o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o or_o some_o other_o such_o like_a which_o be_v a_o true_a form_n or_o manner_n to_o they_o that_o swear_v not_o obseru._n here_o this_o author_n be_v plain_o concern_v what_o we_o may_v only_o use_v instead_o of_o a_o oath_n 19_o again_o further_o by_o the_o same_o author_n if_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o he_o that_o be_v call_v into_o judgement_n be_v very_o good_a and_o true_a it_o be_v enough_o to_o hear_v of_o he_o yea_o or_o nay_o but_o if_o that_o be_v not_o evident_a or_o that_o it_o bâ—_n evident_a that_o he_o be_v bad_a perhaps_o that_o be_v require_v of_o he_o which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v require_v obseru._n here_o be_v another_o testimony_n of_o thâ—_n sufficiency_n of_o yea_o and_o nay_o instead_o of_o a_o oath_n to_o a_o true_a man_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o require_v more_o though_o from_o
one_o that_o be_v either_o doubtful_a or_o apparent_o false_a 20._o suarez_n de_fw-fr quaest_n jur._n christ._n p._n 276_o say_v grant_v this_o be_v possible_a to_o bring_v god_n for_o a_o witness_n which_o this_o author_n question_v it_o seem_v disorderly_a to_o bring_v the_o person_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v man_n business_n covenant_n or_o word_n because_o iâ—_n be_v disorderly_a to_o order_v thing_n of_o a_o high_a order_n to_o those_o that_o be_v inferior_a much_o more_o be_v it_o disorderly_a to_o mix_v the_o sacred_a authority_n of_o god_n to_o the_o profane_a or_o common_a word_n and_o business_n of_o men._n obseru._n here_o be_v a_o notable_a testimony_n against_o use_v god_n sacred_a name_n to_o confirm_v humane_a and_o temporal_a affair_n 21._o joac_n camer_n and_o p._n loseler_n villerius_n marginal_a note_n upon_o mat._n 5._o 37._o whatsoever_o you_o vouch_v vouch_v it_o bare_o and_o whatsoever_o you_o deny_v deny_v it_o bare_o without_o any_o more_o word_n obseru._n here_o be_v another_o testimony_n for_o the_o keep_n to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o equivalency_n of_o speech_n to_o yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o 22._o bishop_n usher_n if_o the_o question_n be_v weighty_a whether_o say_v the_o bishop_n the_o doubt_n may_v be_v end_v with_o true_o or_o very_o or_o doubt_o with_o very_o very_o as_o christ_n do_v for_o you_o by_o his_o example_n we_o ought_v to_o forbear_v a_o oath_n mat._n 5._o 37._o obseru._n see_v here_o the_o utmost_a that_o this_o learned_a and_o eminent_a bishop_n allow_v to_o be_v use_v instead_o of_o a_o oath_n although_o in_o doubtful_a case_n 23._o bishop_n gauden_n in_o his_o discourse_n for_o solemn_a swear_v say_v or_o confess_v thus_o much_o that_o the_o ancient_a christian_n and_o father_n etc._n etc._n refuse_v to_o swear_v say_v to_o the_o heathen_a christianus_n sum_n i_o be_o a_o christian_n to_o each_o other_o yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o thereby_o keep_v up_o the_o sanctity_n and_o credit_n of_o their_o profession_n obseru._n then_o it_o be_v plain_a those_o that_o have_v go_v or_o shall_v go_v beyond_o this_o simplicity_n of_o yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o do_v or_o must_v decline_v from_o the_o sanctity_n and_o credit_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n 24._o there_o be_v a_o people_n in_o the_o city_n of_o middleburgh_n that_o can_v not_o swear_v at_o all_o call_v the_o menist_n who_o proffer_v to_o the_o then_o grave_a of_o nassau_n and_o prince_n of_o orange_n that_o their_o yea_o might_n pass_v for_o a_o oath_n and_o it_o be_v grant_v they_o in_o the_o year_n 1577._o obseru._n see_v here_o that_o these_o conscientious_a people_n proffer_v no_o further_o than_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o yea_o etc._n etc._n to_o be_v take_v instead_o of_o a_o oath_n so_o now_o consider_v the_o demonstrative_a reason_n and_o the_o many_o authority_n aforemention_v so_o wonderful_o concur_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n with_o what_o face_n or_o pretence_n can_v any_o that_o sincere_o profess_v christianity_n take_v any_o oath_n or_o use_v any_o high_a expression_n for_o confirm_v humane_a and_o temporal_a matter_n than_o christ_n evangelical_n sentence_n of_o yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o or_o what_o be_v equivalent_a thereto_o and_o what_o christian_a man_n or_o magistrate_n or_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n can_v awful_o prescribe_v or_o require_v more_o than_o christ_n have_v permit_v herein_o and_o who_o can_v undertake_v or_o pretend_v to_o prescribe_v a_o better_a form_n of_o word_n or_o expression_n than_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v and_o allow_v we_o by_o his_o command_n and_o example_n to_o be_v use_v instead_o of_o a_o oath_n and_o if_o christ_n have_v not_o limit_v we_o thereby_o to_o they_o bare_a word_n or_o to_o that_o particular_a form_n of_o speech_n yet_o sure_o he_o have_v to_o a_o degree_n of_o speech_n in_o our_o affirm_v or_o deny_v beyond_o which_o to_o be_v sure_a christian_n ought_v not_o to_o go_v but_o i_o think_v it_o be_v much_o easy_a as_o well_o as_o safe_a for_o they_o to_o practice_v that_o or_o such_o like_a form_n as_o christ_n have_v leave_v we_o than_o it_o will_v be_v to_o fix_v and_o agree_v to_o overpluse_n here_o follow_v a_o few_o line_n by_o way_n of_o postscript_n from_o one_o that_o take_v a_o short_a view_n of_o this_o treatise_n which_o i_o think_v meet_v also_o to_o insert_v i_o have_v take_v a_o short_a view_n of_o this_o manuscript_n with_o the_o authority_n therein_o quote_v and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o high_o to_o favour_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o have_v be_v and_o be_v expose_v to_o great_a suffering_n for_o their_o refuse_v to_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n however_o let_v none_o therefore_o slight_a the_o authority_n argument_n and_o reason_n therein_o urge_v but_o rather_o by_o express_a scripture_n without_o undue_a consequence_n and_o corrupt_a meaning_n disprove_v for_o how_o mean_a soever_o the_o instrument_n be_v that_o god_n make_v use_v of_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v slight_v for_o the_o ass_n be_v make_v to_o rebuke_v with_o man_n voice_n the_o prophet_n madness_n and_o then_o see_v more_o than_o he_o do_v and_o all_o his_o blow_n can_v not_o get_v he_o forward_o and_o the_o reason_n you_o know_v be_v he_o see_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o a_o draw_a sword_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o suffering_n that_o the_o quaker_n have_v be_v and_o be_v expose_v to_o and_o the_o law_n that_o on_o this_o foot_n have_v be_v make_v against_o they_o yet_o who_o can_v get_v they_o any_o further_a than_o a_o bare_a affirm_v or_o deny_v because_o of_o christ_n precept_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o although_o they_o use_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o those_o very_a word_n in_o a_o religious_a way_n which_o make_v up_o the_o common_a and_o formal_a oath_n yet_o be_v very_o cautious_a of_o make_v use_n of_o that_o sacred_a name_n in_o their_o worldly_a or_o temporal_a affair_n and_o urge_v that_o none_o can_v call_v jesus_n lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o i_o have_v hear_v they_o have_v be_v very_o solicitous_a to_o the_o government_n to_o have_v their_o solemn_a word_n take_v instead_o oâ—_n a_o oath_n upon_o subject_v to_o the_o samâ—_n punishment_n or_o penalty_n that_o be_v due_a to_o perjure_a person_n if_o they_o affirm_v oâ—_n deny_v false_o which_o to_o i_o indeed_o seemâ—_n very_o reasonable_a to_o be_v grant_v they_o on_o those_o term_n although_o i_o have_v hear_v the_o government_n be_v for_o oblige_v they_o to_o some_o form_n of_o speech_n in_o their_o solemn_a affirmation_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o these_o or_o the_o like_a word_n viz._n before_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n which_o the_o tendency_n of_o this_o treatise_n seem_v not_o to_o allow_v in_o any_o temporal_a affair_n without_o a_o particular_a command_n and_o likewise_o to_o exclude_v that_o because_o it_o so_o strict_o contend_v for_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o mat._n 5._o jam._n 5._o that_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o god_n will_v give_v a_o command_n to_o any_o to_o contradict_v his_o own_o son_n be_v positive_a precept_n upon_o the_o whole_a i_o must_v confess_v the_o plain_a and_o simple_a way_n of_o affirm_v or_o deny_v have_v a_o tendency_n to_o advance_v the_o repute_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o this_o cautiousness_n of_o make_v use_n of_o the_o reverend_a name_n of_o god_n in_o temporal_a affair_n if_o due_o observe_v will_v be_v a_o good_a step_n to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o command_n which_o forbid_v take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a though_o that_o may_v be_v do_v and_o be_v too_o much_o in_o matter_n relate_v to_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o well_o as_o temporal_a and_o if_o once_o people_n be_v come_v to_o god_n spirit_n and_o its_o leading_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o their_o phrase_n be_v they_o will_v not_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a in_o any_o wise_a and_o for_o those_o that_o look_v upon_o themselves_o concern_v to_o stand_v firm_a in_o this_o testimony_n and_o most_o clear_a and_o strict_a to_o the_o literal_a sense_n thereof_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o not_o to_o make_v use_n of_o phrase_n or_o word_n before_o or_o in_o the_o sight_n or_o presence_n of_o god_n or_o to_o name_n god_n at_o all_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o keep_v clear_a from_o that_o which_o be_v more_o than_o yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o and_o come_v of_o evil_a for_o if_o once_o it_o be_v allow_v that_o the_o name_n of_o god_n may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o affirm_v or_o deny_v or_o bind_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o word_n about_o any_o temporal_a matter_n how_o shall_v we_o able_a to_o distinguish_v what_o be_v more_o than_o yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o that_o come_v of_o evil_a and_o what_o be_v not_o for_o if_o i_o say_v in_o evidence_n in_o relation_n to_o such_o a_o affair_n before_o god_n or_o so_o help_v i_o god_n in_o the_o sight_n or_o presence_n of_o god_n this_o be_v true_a or_o false_a what_o do_v i_o less_o than_o swear_v and_o imply_v by_o such_o a_o speech_n god_n shall_v judge_v condemn_v or_o punish_v i_o if_o what_o i_o affirm_v be_v not_o true_a and_o wherefore_o do_v i_o use_v it_o but_o to_o beget_v a_o great_a credit_n to_o what_o i_o say_v by_o make_v use_n of_o his_o name_n that_o be_v great_a than_o myself_o which_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v the_o manner_n of_o those_o that_o swear_v to_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a heb._n 6._o 16._o vale._n finis_fw-la