a_o examination_n of_o the_o case_n of_o the_o quaker_n concern_v oath_n propound_v by_o they_o a._n d._n 1673._o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o king_n and_o both_o house_n of_o parliament_n with_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o impose_v oath_n and_o the_o liberty_n and_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o swear_v by_o god_n reverent_o humble_o submit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n and_o the_o two_o house_n of_o parliament_n by_o charles_n gataker_n rector_n of_o hoggeston_n in_o the_o county_n of_o buck_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hierocles_n in_o pyth._n carm._n aur._n london_n print_v by_o t._n n._n for_o thomas_n collins_n at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o middle-temple-gate_n in_o fleetstreet_n mdclxxv_o animadversion_n on_o the_o case_n of_o the_o quaker_n concern_v oath_n and_o swear_v propound_v by_o they_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o king_n and_o both_o house_n of_o parliament_n a._n d._n 1673._o section_n i._o the_o design_n of_o this_o treatise_n it_o be_v not_o my_o intention_n to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o many_o assertion_n bold_o affirm_v by_o these_o man_n without_o any_o proof_n or_o show_v of_o probability_n but_o not_o without_o a_o evidence_n of_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n nor_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o sincerity_n and_o pertinency_n of_o all_o the_o example_n and_o testimony_n annex_v to_o their_o frame_n of_o their_o case_n which_o can_v only_o dazzle_v the_o eye_n or_o amuse_v the_o mind_n of_o vulgar_a reader_n but_o my_o design_n be_v out_o of_o the_o love_n which_o i_o owe_v to_o truth_n and_o peace_n 8.19_o zech._n 8.19_o both_o which_o can_v never_o be_v so_o well_o preserve_v as_o by_o the_o holy_a and_o wise_a god_n ordinance_n for_o their_o security_n to_o assert_v with_o as_o much_o brevity_n and_o perspicuity_n as_o i_o can_v well_o use_v the_o warrantable_a use_n of_o oath_n under_o the_o gospel_n when_o christian_n do_v upon_o a_o just_a occasion_n swear_v by_o the_o true_a and_o living_n god_n in_o truth_n 4.2_o jer._n 4.2_o in_o judgement_n and_o in_o righteousness_n notwithstanding_o christ_n inhibition_n in_o his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n that_o the_o jew_n than_o his_o auditor_n shall_v not_o swear_v at_o all_o by_o the_o creature_n nor_o by_o god_n himself_o 37_o matth._n 5._o â—â—_o 37_o in_o ordinary_a communication_n and_o also_o to_o defend_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o lawful_a superior_n to_o require_v a_o oath_n from_o they_o who_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o government_n be_v it_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a now_o because_o these_o subverter_n of_o government_n do_v invite_v or_o rather_o provoke_v the_o whole_a nation_n to_o consider_v their_o case_n that_o they_o may_v gain_v pity_n to_o themselves_o from_o the_o common_a people_n and_o protection_n from_o the_o power_n ordain_v of_o god_n even_o in_o their_o disorderly_a way_n of_o singularity_n wherein_o they_o villify_v authority_n and_o disturb_v that_o peace_n of_o conscience_n with_o which_o good_a christian_n do_v approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v faithful_a subject_n both_o to_o christ_n and_o his_o vicegerent_n on_o earth_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o discover_v not_o only_o the_o defect_n but_o also_o the_o fraud_n of_o these_o new_a casuist_n in_o state_v of_o the_o question_n and_o then_o proceed_v to_o unfold_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n in_o order_n to_o the_o right_n state_v of_o the_o question_n in_o hand_n viz._n whether_o a_o oath_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v be_v consistent_a or_o repugnant_a with_o or_o to_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n â—_o eccl._n 8.2_o exod._n 22._o â—_o and_o last_o i_o shall_v reconcile_v sober_a deliberate_a and_o reverend_a swear_v unto_o christian_a religion_n still_o proceed_v upon_o those_o principle_n and_o maxim_n which_o be_v avow_v by_o all_o who_o be_v indeed_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n teach_v of_o god_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o word_n which_o in_o religion_n derive_v from_o heaven_n by_o revelation_n be_v never_o to_o be_v sever_v since_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v by_o god_n gracious_a providence_n employ_v and_o by_o his_o blessing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o in_o this_o undertake_n i_o do_v earnest_o beseech_v the_o only_a wise_a god_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o free-flowing_a fountain_n of_o wisdom_n to_o direct_v and_o assist_v i_o in_o the_o light_n of_o my_o candle_n at_o his_o write_a word_n and_o in_o draw_v the_o water_n of_o life_n out_o of_o that_o never_o fail_v well_o of_o salvation_n sect_n ii_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o quaker_n this_o late_a upstart_n generation_n raise_v up_o by_o the_o lord_n as_o they_o boast_v and_o we_o will_v acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v true_a in_o some_o sense_n â—6_n exod._n 9_o â—6_n as_o god_n say_v he_o raise_v up_o pharaoh_n first_o to_o be_v a_o destroyer_n and_o then_o to_o be_v destroy_v complain_v that_o for_o 20_o or_o 30_o year_n last_o pass_v under_o the_o various_a revolution_n of_o government_n although_o they_o have_v be_v of_o a_o peaceable_a behaviour_n they_o say_v nothing_o of_o their_o refractory_a disobedience_n to_o authority_n in_o what_o hand_n soever_o have_v be_v a_o suffer_a people_n only_o for_o refusal_n of_o oath_n whereas_o they_o can_v swear_v at_o all_o their_o conscience_n not_o allow_v they_o to_o do_v so_o because_o of_o the_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n and_o out_o of_o obedience_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o allege_v mat._n 5.33_o 34._o jam_fw-la 5.12_o from_o whence_o they_o conclude_v that_o though_o swear_v be_v allow_v in_o the_o law_n yet_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n forbid_v it_o in_o his_o gospel_n they_o dare_v and_o do_v appeal_v to_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n pray_v mark_n how_o near_o this_o come_v to_o a_o oath_n wherein_o every_o swearer_n do_v as_o st._n paul_n do_v 1.23_o 2_o cor._n 1.23_o call_v god_n to_o record_v upon_o his_o soul_n that_o their_o refuse_v to_o swear_v be_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o reputation_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o evangelical_n dispensation_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n which_o exceed_v that_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o solemn_a oath_n thereof_o and_o to_o the_o express_a prohibition_n in_o the_o case_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o case_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o request_n to_o be_v ease_v of_o the_o heavy_a burden_n and_o to_o be_v deliver_v of_o the_o snare_n of_o oath_n sect_n iii_o a_o examination_n of_o this_o pretence_n for_o refusal_n of_o oath_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o make_v inquiry_n whether_o all_o the_o imprisonment_n and_o suffering_n of_o quaker_n have_v be_v only_o for_o their_o refuse_v of_o oath_n exact_v of_o they_o by_o magistrate_n but_o my_o business_n be_v to_o examine_v whether_o their_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v allowable_a in_o this_o case_n to_o exempt_v they_o from_o be_v press_v to_o swear_v or_o to_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o disobedience_n in_o their_o obstinate_a refusal_n of_o all_o oath_n whatsoever_o here_o first_o i_o must_v lay_v open_a two_o thing_n in_o this_o discourse_n to_o wit_n the_o foul_a hypocrisy_n and_o the_o false_a doctrine_n of_o these_o quaker_n in_o the_o groundwork_n of_o their_o perverseness_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o much_o consequence_n to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o this_o serpentine_a breed_n to_o compare_v their_o profession_n here_o of_o respect_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n of_o obedience_n to_o christ_n command_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o their_o know_a principle_n and_o practice_n and_o to_o see_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o uniformity_n in_o they_o and_o these_o man_n bear_v a_o equal_a regard_n to_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n 119.6_o psal_n 119.6_o and_o his_o apostle_n as_o david_n have_v a_o respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n for_o partiality_n in_o keep_v one_o command_n with_o a_o nice_a scrupulosity_n but_o break_v other_o with_o licentiousness_n be_v a_o certain_a token_n of_o insincerity_n and_o a_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o one_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n when_o all_o the_o rule_n beside_o be_v reject_v can_v be_v take_v for_o no_o other_o than_o devilish_a dissimulation_n now_o let_v the_o conversation_n of_o the_o quaker_n in_o relation_n to_o other_o part_n of_o christianity_n be_v a_o little_a look_v into_o and_o you_o will_v quick_o see_v how_o little_a value_n credit_n or_o obedience_n they_o defer_v to_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v they_o not_o cast_v aside_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o worship_n and_o government_n do_v they_o not_o avowed_o refuse_v to_o give_v honour_n 13.7_o rom._n 13.7_o to_o who_o honour_n be_v command_v to_o be_v
give_v as_o due_a do_v they_o not_o dissolve_v or_o weaken_v those_o bond_n of_o civil_a society_n which_o christ_n by_o his_o gospel_n have_v tie_v straight_a than_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n do_v do_v they_o not_o violate_v christian_a charity_n by_o damn_v all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o combination_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o their_o revile_v all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v this_o precept_n of_o not_o swear_v swallow_v up_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o their_o christian_a religion_n or_o shall_v the_o observance_n of_o it_o pass_v current_a for_o universal_a and_o uniform_a obedience_n to_o the_o complete_a law_n of_o liberty_n 1.25_o jam._n 1.25_o be_v not_o then_o something_o else_o in_o the_o bottom_n beside_o the_o tenderness_n of_o the_o reputation_n of_o christianity_n let_v this_o be_v well_o think_v on_o but_o another_o thing_n be_v yet_o more_o remarkable_a who_o will_v not_o think_v but_o that_o these_o hot_a zealot_n for_o christ_n doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o suffer_v such_o hard_a thing_n rather_o than_o break_v christ_n commandment_n do_v make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v by_o practice_n and_o precept_n commend_v to_o our_o study_n for_o the_o confirm_v of_o our_o faith_n and_o the_o regulate_v our_o life_n and_o those_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n superad_v to_o they_o joint_o to_o be_v the_o foundation_n on_o which_o we_o be_v build_v up_o to_o be_v that_o temple_n 2.19_o eph._n 2.19_o whereof_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n or_o the_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n for_o indeed_o without_o the_o scripture_n now_o who_o can_v assure_o know_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o god_n and_o how_o come_v these_o man_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o this_o very_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o by_o the_o scripture_n but_o after_o all_o this_o you_o will_v find_v yourself_o much_o mistake_v if_o you_o imagine_v that_o these_o man_n make_v the_o write_v oracle_n of_o god_n their_o principle_n of_o religion_n or_o rule_n of_o life_n for_o the_o head_n of_o they_o in_o several_a book_n set_v up_o the_o light_n of_o god_n within_o they_o for_o the_o only_a infallible_a rule_n and_o they_o disparage_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o they_o allow_v to_o be_v at_o the_o best_a but_o a_o shadow_n of_o god_n will_n again_o their_o dissimulation_n of_o what_o they_o dare_v not_o deny_v to_o be_v the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v swear_v together_o with_o their_o impious_a despise_n of_o the_o same_o holy_a word_n be_v apparent_o visible_a in_o their_o sophistical_a conclusion_n thus_o express_v with_o all_o the_o subtlety_n that_o the_o old_a serpent_n can_v inspire_v into_o they_o so_o though_o it_o viz._n swear_v be_v allow_v in_o the_o law_n viz._n of_o moses_n which_o be_v oppose_v by_o they_o in_o the_o precedent_a sentence_n and_o here_o to_o the_o gospel_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n forbid_v it_o in_o his_o gospel_n here_o be_v a_o double_a fallacy_n in_o the_o first_o member_n of_o the_o conclusion_n they_o will_v induce_v a_o conceit_n that_o as_o divorce_n be_v by_o god_n and_o moses_n permit_v to_o the_o jew_n to_o pass_v unpunished_a 2.16_o mat._n 19.8_o mal._n 2.16_o for_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o approve_v by_o god_n as_o good_a in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v regulate_v by_o a_o law_n for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o woman_n which_o law_n do_v but_o permit_v the_o divorce_n but_o enjoin_v the_o give_v a_o bill_n so_o swear_v be_v but_o allow_v bare_o with_o prescription_n of_o form_n for_o solemnity_n and_o not_o command_v 10.12.20_o deut._n 6.13_o &_o 10.12.20_o whereas_o swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v command_v which_o be_v devote_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n as_o a_o solemn_a part_n of_o his_o holy_a worship_n whereby_o man_n give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o sovereignity_n providence_n omnipresence_n omniscience_n omnipotence_n veracity_n justice_n and_o equity_n the_o prophet_n also_o who_o reach_v to_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v 12.16_o be_v rom._n 7.14_o jer._n 4.2_o &_o 12.16_o spiritual_a command_v swear_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o 65.16_o and_o esa_n 19.18_o &_o 45.23_o &_o 65.16_o foretell_v in_o their_o evangelical_n sermon_n that_o way_n of_o serve_v god_n and_o christ_n under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n when_o the_o gentile_n turn_v to_o the_o lord_n mark_v the_o word_n of_o esaiah_n which_o according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n run_v thus_o he_o that_o bless_v himself_o in_o the_o earth_n shall_v bless_v himself_o in_o god_n amen_o as_o we_o render_v it_o not_o amiss_o but_o not_o to_o the_o full_a importance_n of_o the_o word_n 11.9_o esa_n 11.9_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v in_o the_o earth_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v full_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o water_n cover_v the_o sea_n in_o the_o new_a state_n of_o the_o church_n when_o god_n call_v his_o servant_n by_o another_o name_n esa_n 65_o 16_o 17._o and_o what_o be_v that_o new_a and_o bless_a name_n but_o christian_n shall_v swear_v by_o god_n amen_o christ_n himself_o expound_v the_o word_n when_o in_o his_o heavenly_a epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n 3.14_o apoc._n 3.14_o he_o take_v to_o himself_o that_o glorious_a title_n amen_o the_o true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n who_o be_v invoke_v as_o a_o witness_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o every_o oath_n make_v by_o his_o name_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v omit_v that_o the_o oath_n which_o god_n command_v to_o be_v use_v in_o judicial_a proceed_n be_v enjoin_v as_o fit_a mean_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n 6.6_o heb._n 6.6_o and_o decision_n of_o controversy_n which_o benefit_n and_o effect_n be_v common_a to_o all_o nation_n in_o all_o age_n who_o be_v imbrue_v with_o a_o apprehension_n and_o fear_v of_o god_n as_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o imposture_n of_o these_o wolf_n in_o sheepskin_n to_o attempt_v the_o persuasion_n that_o swear_v be_v only_o allow_v and_o not_o as_o express_o command_v in_o the_o law_n as_o these_o dreamer_n dream_v it_o to_o be_v forbid_v in_o the_o gospel_n their_o second_o piece_n of_o juggle_n be_v this_o that_o by_o their_o take_a no_o notice_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n not_o debauch_v into_o direct_a atheism_n and_o of_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o god_n best_a servant_n who_o use_v oath_n for_o firm_a bind_v themselves_o and_o other_o in_o public_a confederacy_n and_o private_a transaction_n which_o be_v make_v between_o god_n servant_n on_o both_o side_n and_o also_o between_o the_o people_n of_o gado_n on_o one_o side_n and_o idolatrous_a people_n on_o the_o other_o part_n of_o which_o proceed_n the_o sacred_a history_n of_o the_o world_n before_o the_o law_n give_v by_o moses_n 2.17_o rom._n 15.4_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 1_o cor._n 10.11_o heb._n 10.1_o col._n 2.17_o yield_v a_o full_a harvest_n of_o precedent_n they_o divert_v we_o from_o look_v after_o those_o thing_n which_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v be_v before_o write_v for_o the_o instruction_n conviction_n reformation_n teach_v and_o admonition_n of_o we_o upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v therefore_o though_o jesus_n christ_n bring_v that_o grace_n and_o truth_n whereof_o moses_n in_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n by_o god_n wise_a contrivance_n give_v the_o jew_n a_o shadow_n and_o that_o shadow_n vanish_v when_o the_o body_n of_o the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n appear_v above_o the_o horizon_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o christ_n in_o his_o gospel_n do_v not_o diminish_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o natural_a religion_n the_o seed_n whereof_o god_n have_v once_o sow_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o mankind_n for_o the_o keep_n up_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o two_o pillar_n of_o justice_n without_o which_o no_o civil_a society_n can_v firm_o subsist_v i_o now_o proceed_v to_o animadvert_v the_o false_a doctrine_n either_o insinuate_v secret_o by_o supposition_n or_o express_v open_o by_o profession_n first_o it_o be_v false_o suppose_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v not_o in_o any_o part_n of_o it_o concern_v or_o oblige_v we_o christian_n i_o shall_v hereafter_o show_v that_o christ_n prohibition_n of_o swear_v in_o familiar_a discourse_n and_o st._n james_n restraint_n of_o the_o tongue_n outrage_n in_o passionate_a heat_n be_v no_o forbid_v of_o what_o the_o law_n command_v but_o if_o the_o law_n of_o swear_v oblige_v christian_n or_o be_v but_o a_o precedent_n to_o direct_v they_o we_o must_v observe_v
that_o our_o saviour_n say_v plain_o and_o severe_o that_o except_o your_o righteousness_n exceed_v beyond_o that_o of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n 5.20_o math._n 5.20_o you_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v you_o can_v be_v subject_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o now_o you_o long_v to_o see_v mark_v that_o christ_n speak_v then_o to_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o a_o reverence_n and_o esteem_v of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o partly_o enervate_v partly_o make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o moses_n by_o their_o new_a tradition_n and_o false_a interpretation_n christ_n recover_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o it_o be_v expound_v by_o the_o prophet_n who_o prefer_v a_o spiritual_a obedience_n and_o sincere_a righteousness_n and_o charitable_a mercy_n before_o sacrifice_n from_o noval_n corruption_n and_o recommend_v it_o explain_v by_o himself_o to_o they_o who_o delight_v to_o be_v count_v the_o disciple_n of_o moses_n he_o propound_v no_o superabundant_a righteousness_n beyond_o the_o law_n which_o can_v be_v exceed_v in_o a_o tittle_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o imaginable_a in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n as_o it_o import_v a_o conformity_n of_o man_n will_n unto_o god_n will_n beyond_o the_o love_a of_o god_n with_o all_o the_o heart_n soul_n understanding_n 22.37.40_o matt._n 22.37.40_o and_o strength_n and_o the_o love_a of_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o on_o which_o two_o commandment_n all_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n do_v depend_v these_o christ_n come_v neither_o to_o make_v void_a nor_o to_o improve_v by_o any_o new_a precept_n of_o righteousness_n the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n which_o be_v now_o full_o and_o clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n 22._o rom._n 1.17_o &_o 3.21_o 22._o be_v another_o thing_n far_o different_a from_o the_o inherent_a and_o active_a righteousness_n which_o christ_n in_o his_o sermon_n so_o earnest_o recommend_v to_o his_o newcome_a auditor_n the_o conceit_n that_o christ_n make_v up_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o law_n and_o lay_v a_o yoke_n of_o more_o exact_a righteousness_n upon_o christian_n than_o moses_n lay_v upon_o the_o jew_n yet_o papist_n say_v we_o may_v take_v up_o or_o refuse_v at_o pleasure_n because_o all_o these_o pretend_a addition_n which_o we_o may_v find_v as_o easy_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o in_o the_o new_a be_v not_o commandment_n but_o counsel_n have_v breed_v many_o pernicious_a error_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n the_o popish_a way_n of_o take_v christ_n additional_a ordinance_n as_o they_o conceive_v for_o counsel_n lead_v to_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n above_o common_a christian_n have_v beget_v the_o doctrine_n of_o work_n of_o supererogation_n of_o merit_n of_o monkery_n and_o all_o the_o superstition_n and_o fraud_n depend_v upon_o they_o the_o fanatic_a way_n of_o false_a expound_v christ_n interpretation_n of_o the_o old_a law_n for_o new_a precept_n oblige_v all_o christian_n have_v put_v anabaptist_n and_o other_o upon_o the_o conceit_n that_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sword_n in_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n and_o in_o the_o soldier_n and_o also_o swear_v be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a with_o christianity_n but_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o christ_n will_v engage_v his_o raw_a disciple_n to_o break_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o in_o a_o refractory_a manner_n to_o disobey_v their_o magistrate_n by_o refusal_n of_o oath_n which_o may_v be_v exact_v of_o they_o almost_o every_o day_n certain_o if_o his_o doctrine_n have_v be_v such_o and_o any_o number_n of_o his_o disciple_n have_v be_v obedient_a to_o his_o new_a law_n his_o adversary_n who_o take_v much_o pain_n to_o little_a purpose_n in_o suborn_v witness_n against_o christ_n might_n with_o ease_n have_v find_v ground_n enough_o of_o accusation_n and_o plenty_n of_o witness_n who_o hear_v and_o practise_v his_o doctrine_n or_o in_o their_o court_n see_v it_o observe_v if_o christ_n word_n have_v be_v take_v at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o the_o quaker_n do_v now_o to_o have_v overwhelm_v our_o saviour_n with_o the_o charge_n of_o abrogate_a moses_n law_n last_o be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o christ_n our_o bless_a lord_n and_o master_n will_v so_o prevaricate_v as_o not_o to_o observe_v and_o practice_v what_o he_o teach_v and_o preach_v to_o his_o disciple_n but_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o these_o seducer_n affirm_v to_o have_v forbid_v swear_v in_o a_o court_n at_o the_o command_n of_o a_o magistrate_n and_o to_o have_v make_v this_o abstinence_n from_o oath_n a_o degree_n of_o perfection_n above_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n do_v himself_o at_o the_o great_a council_n at_o jerusalem_n after_o long_a and_o strange_a silence_n give_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o high_a priest_n be_v require_v to_o speak_v upon_o his_o oath_n and_o he_o submit_v to_o the_o high_a priest_n adjuration_n by_o confess_v himself_o to_o be_v christ_n the_o high_a priest_n as_o if_o he_o will_v use_v a_o spiritual_a rack_n to_o extort_v a_o confession_n from_o his_o silent_a prisoner_n say_v i_o adjure_v thou_o by_o the_o live_a god_n 63._o mat._n 24_o 63._o that_o thou_o tell_v we_o whether_o thou_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o form_n of_o the_o oath_n be_v pronounce_v by_o the_o judge_n himself_o with_o the_o matter_n inquire_v for_o our_o saviour_n answer_n of_o assent_n be_v a_o take_n of_o the_o oath_n thus_o christ_n do_v and_o that_o he_o teach_v the_o contrary_a be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n who_o therein_o secure_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n to_o a_o tittle_n and_o exclude_v from_o heaven_n 19_o matt._n 5_o 17_o 18_o 19_o any_o one_o that_o teach_v the_o breach_n of_o the_o least_o commandment_n in_o the_o law_n sure_o if_o his_o auditor_n have_v then_o understand_v their_o new_a master_n to_o have_v abrogate_a all_o the_o precept_n of_o moses_n concern_v oath_n in_o judicature_n especial_o they_o will_v have_v accuse_v he_o of_o contradict_v himself_o and_o of_o disparage_v moses_n and_o of_o vilify_a the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o in_o that_o humour_n will_v have_v desert_v he_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n have_v a_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o they_o another_o way_n 29._o matt._n 7_o 28_o 29._o to_o raise_v their_o wonder_n and_o reverence_n of_o his_o authority_n above_o that_o of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n but_o the_o knotty_a question_n be_v not_o yet_o untie_v for_o it_o be_v say_v by_o many_o if_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o fill_v up_o as_o they_o expound_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o defect_n or_o the_o shortness_n of_o the_o law_n in_o point_n of_o righteousness_n why_o do_v he_o oppose_v his_o say_n to_o what_o be_v say_v of_o old_a in_o the_o law_n and_o settle_v a_o new_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n here_o lie_v the_o difficulty_n which_o i_o pray_v god_n direct_v i_o to_o clear_v first_o i_o say_v that_o the_o common_a exposition_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o fulfil_v as_o the_o evangelist_n use_v it_o 3.15_o matt._n 3.15_o when_o he_o relate_v our_o bless_a saviour_n speech_n wherewith_o he_o satisfy_v john_n the_o baptist_n concern_v baptise_v his_o master_n thus_o it_o become_v we_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n be_v very_o pertinent_a and_o apposite_a to_o the_o former_a member_n of_o the_o sentence_n as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n for_o christ_n that_o come_v to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n 3.8.6.5_o 1_o joh._n 3.8.6.5_o and_o to_o take_v away_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n by_o his_o holy_a life_n and_o doctrine_n and_o by_o his_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n may_v true_o and_o fit_o say_v he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o to_o fulfil_v they_o and_o to_o reject_v this_o sense_n of_o christ_n word_n without_o manifest_v the_o incongruity_n of_o it_o be_v a_o injurious_a deal_n with_o scripture_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o expound_v of_o it_o fill_v up_o or_o supply_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v true_a before_o it_o be_v prove_v whereas_o it_o be_v not_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o opposition_n set_v between_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d certain_o fill_v up_o by_o addition_n be_v not_o so_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n as_o fulfil_v they_o be_v which_o strengthen_v their_o authority_n and_o credit_n but_o let_v these_o man_n who_o be_v so_o earnest_a for_o christ_n improvement_n of_o the_o law_n by_o addition_n of_o more_o excellent_a precept_n of_o exact_a purity_n and_o heroic_a patience_n show_v how_o he_o have_v supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o prophet_n
affection_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n oppose_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o pharisee_n indulge_v in_o like_a manner_n in_o deal_v with_o the_o three_o commandment_n christ_n forbid_v not_o what_o the_o law_n which_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v give_v unto_o moses_n and_o by_o his_o hand_n unto_o the_o people_n do_v command_v and_o establish_v but_o that_o sinful_a swear_n in_o ordinary_a communication_n which_o be_v grow_v customary_a peradventure_o with_o the_o leader_n as_o well_o as_o the_o follow_a people_n these_o master_n in_o israel_n connive_v at_o who_o seek_v their_o own_o glory_n and_o profit_n and_o never_o serious_o consider_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n which_o christ_n seek_v to_o advance_v in_o all_o that_o he_o do_v and_o teach_v and_o now_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v evince_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o set_v up_o a_o new_a and_o more_o perfect_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n than_o what_o of_o old_a be_v give_v by_o god_n and_o that_o he_o have_v clear_v it_o from_o the_o corruption_n and_o restore_v it_o to_o its_o integrity_n from_o the_o defalcation_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n without_o addition_n or_o detraction_n and_o without_o cross_v or_o abolish_n his_o own_o law_n concern_v reverend_a swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o take_v notice_n now_o of_o the_o fond_a and_o senseless_a tradition_n of_o the_o pharisee_n concern_v the_o bind_a force_n of_o oath_n which_o vary_v with_o they_o according_a to_o the_o several_a form_n of_o they_o as_o they_o be_v expressive_a either_o of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n the_o creator_n or_o of_o the_o creature_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o several_a creature_n they_o defer_v more_o virtue_n to_o some_o than_o to_o other_o though_o the_o preference_n be_v ridiculous_a because_o unreasonable_a 23.16.22_o mal._n 23.16.22_o as_o our_o saviour_n have_v relate_v and_o censure_v they_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o prohibition_n of_o swear_v now_o under_o debate_n appear_v clear_o to_o have_v have_v a_o reflexive_a eye_n upon_o some_o of_o their_o frivolous_a nicety_n but_o these_o be_v beside_o the_o line_n of_o the_o main_a matter_n in_o question_n and_o may_v without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o cause_n be_v pass_v over_o without_o any_o further_a handle_n it_o be_v high_a time_n now_o to_o conclude_v this_o section_n section_n iv_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n a_o oath_n be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o controversy_n the_o right_a understanding_n of_o it_o will_v conduce_v much_o to_o the_o state_v clear_v and_o determine_v the_o question_n concern_v the_o consistency_n thereof_o with_o christianity_n i_o shall_v therefore_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n by_o a_o more_o resplendent_a light_n than_o that_o of_o the_o natural_a conscience_n which_o yet_o be_v a_o divine_a light_n and_o spark_n of_o piety_n which_o god_n in_o his_o wife_n and_o holy_a providence_n keep_v alive_a in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o humane_a society_n from_o our_o universal_a confusion_n the_o holy_a scripture_n inform_v we_o abundant_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o swear_v which_o be_v common_a to_o god_n the_o creator_n and_o the_o creature_n that_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n both_o angel_n and_o men._n by_o the_o way_n hence_o we_o may_v collect_v the_o absurdity_n of_o all_o they_o who_o deny_v deliberate_a swear_v upon_o weighty_a motive_n as_o a_o imperfection_n whereas_o indeed_o to_o swear_v in_o due_a manner_n upon_o just_a ground_n â—8_o mat._n 5._o â—8_o be_v to_o be_v perfect_a in_o truth_n sincerity_n and_o constancy_n as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a and_o to_o make_v christian_n even_o before_o the_o resurrection_n in_o some_o measure_n equal_a to_o angel_n now_o though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o creator_n â—7_n heb._n 6._o â—3_n jer._n 22._o â—â—_o deut._n 32._o â—0_n 41._o jer._n 51._o â—4_n psal_n 89._o â—5_n amos._n 4._o â—â—_o heb._n 6._o â—7_n who_o because_o he_o have_v none_o superior_a or_o great_a than_o himself_o swear_v by_o himself_o by_o his_o life_n hy_o his_o holiness_n that_o be_v his_o incommunicable_a majesty_n and_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o creature_n who_o swear_v by_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o appeal_n to_o a_o sovereign_a lord_n who_o be_v both_o a_o sharp-sighted_a witness_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o severe_a avenger_n of_o falsehood_n yet_o there_o be_v somewhat_o common_a to_o both_o for_o which_o in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n swear_v be_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n attribute_v to_o both_o i_o do_v therefore_o describe_v a_o oath_n in_o general_a to_o be_v the_o bind_n one_o self_n immutable_o to_o speak_v and_o act_v according_a to_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n st._n paul_n lead_v i_o to_o this_o description_n by_o say_v that_o god_n willing_a to_o show_v more_o abundant_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o his_o counsel_n to_o the_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n confirm_v it_o by_o the_o interposition_n of_o a_o oath_n etc._n numb_a â—0_n 2_o etc._n etc._n all_o swear_v as_o moses_n teach_v we_o be_v bind_v the_o person_n with_o a_o bond_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o true_a to_o his_o word_n that_o go_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n now_o god_n be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o be_v bind_v by_o other_o but_o yet_o may_v and_o do_v bind_v himself_o by_o himself_o and_o to_o himself_o primary_o and_o secondary_o by_o a_o gracious_a condescension_n to_o his_o creature_n but_o man_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o other_o may_v not_o only_o bind_v himself_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n by_o a_o oath_n but_o may_v also_o and_o sometime_o aught_o to_o suffer_v this_o sacred_a bond_n to_o be_v impose_v on_o he_o and_o to_o put_v it_o on_o himself_o for_o person_n under_o the_o authority_n of_o magistrate_n parent_n master_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n to_o take_v such_o oath_n which_o upon_o just_a ground_n be_v exact_v of_o they_o and_o those_o of_o equal_a quality_n may_v by_o god_n warrant_n bound_v themselves_o each_o to_o other_o by_o interchangeable_a oath_n it_o be_v superfluous_a now_o to_o recite_v at_o large_a all_o the_o example_n of_o these_o obligation_n record_v in_o scripture_n which_o frequent_o occur_v to_o the_o reader_n and_o be_v set_v up_o by_o god_n as_o pillar_n for_o the_o direction_n of_o traveller_n 1.105_o psal_n 1.105_o or_o to_o use_v david_n word_n be_v design_v to_o be_v a_o light_n to_o our_o foot_n and_o a_o lantern_n to_o our_o path_n but_o the_o swearer_n whether_o by_o his_o own_o motion_n or_o at_o the_o command_n or_o entreaty_n of_o another_o aught_o to_o bind_v himself_o to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o goodness_n and_o justice_n god_n the_o fountain_n and_o measure_n of_o goodness_n and_o justice_n can_v do_v no_o other_o and_o man_n make_v at_o first_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o do_v no_o other_o therefore_o the_o two_o celebrate_a axiom_n of_o divine_n which_o depend_v one_o on_o the_o other_o be_v true_a and_o fix_a rule_n of_o conscience_n 1._o a_o oath_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v make_v the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n 2._o a_o oath_n take_v to_o that_o purpose_n bind_v to_o nothing_o but_o repentance_n now_o that_o by_o which_o a_o person_n bind_v himself_o in_o swear_v be_v suitable_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n or_o quality_n and_o condition_n god_n who_o be_v a_o independent_a be_v as_o his_o name_n by_o which_o he_o reveal_v himself_o to_o moses_n import_v i_o be_o that_o i_o be_o or_o more_o concise_o 14._o exod._n 14._o i_o be_o bind_v himself_o by_o the_o very_a mention_n of_o and_o reflection_n upon_o his_o own_o indeficient_a and_o invariable_a life_n and_o holiness_n 17._o tit._n 1._o heb._n 6.18_o 2_o tim._n 13._o mal._n 3_o 6._o jam._n 1_o 17._o who_o can_v equal_o neither_o lie_n nor_o dye_n who_o be_v one_o and_o change_v not_o and_o be_v incapable_a of_o variation_n and_o engage_v himself_o by_o his_o immutability_n to_o constancy_n in_o his_o word_n but_o man_n who_o be_v a_o creature_n dependent_a and_o obnoxion_n to_o god_n his_o sovereign_a lord_n lawgiver_n and_o judge_n bind_v himself_o over_o to_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n if_o he_o fail_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o his_o swear_v by_o a_o open_a or_o at_o least_o a_o imperfect_a invocation_n of_o god_n to_o be_v first_o a_o witness_n to_o his_o assertion_n or_o engagement_n and_o then_o to_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o avenger_n if_o he_o fail_v of_o truth_n and_o honesty_n in_o either_o furthermore_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o god_n swear_v to_o observe_v what_o very_o many_o do_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o do_v not_o enough_o consider_v and_o therefore_o set_v up_o their_o rest_n
who_o know_v our_o thought_n and_o intention_n and_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o word_n to_o our_o knowledge_n and_o purpose_n and_o then_o there_o go_v a_o curse_n upon_o ourselves_o along_o with_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n there_o be_v always_o a_o imprecation_n of_o vengeance_n add_v to_o the_o invocation_n of_o god_n testimony_n in_o case_n we_o speak_v otherwise_o than_o we_o know_v or_o intend_v herein_o we_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v vindicem_fw-la falsi_fw-la a_o just_a and_o powerful_a revenger_n of_o falsehood_n deceit_n and_o particular_o of_o our_o abuse_n of_o he_o by_o draw_v he_o down_o to_o countenance_v our_o lie_n and_o fraud_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o i_o need_v not_o enlarge_v my_o lecture_n upon_o the_o proof_n of_o they_o but_o these_o evident_a truth_n i_o lay_v now_o as_o the_o premise_n out_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v anon_o draw_v my_o conclusion_n and_o that_o will_v the_o easy_o obtain_v credit_n if_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n we_o brief_o recollect_v the_o end_n use_v and_o benefit_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v indeed_o too_o many_o to_o be_v particular_o recount_v and_o unfold_v at_o this_o time_n the_o main_a end_n of_o swear_v be_v two_o 1._o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o natural_o result_v from_o man_n serious_a acknowledgement_n of_o god_n sovereignty_n and_o all_o those_o excellency_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o such_o a_o witness_n and_o judge_n as_o we_o make_v our_o appeal_n to_o whensoever_o we_o swear_v in_o sobriety_n 2._o the_o good_a of_o other_o or_o ourselves_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o procure_v and_o promote_v for_o it_o be_v design_v as_o a_o mean_n 1._o to_o clear_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o reputation_n of_o man_n charge_v unjust_o 2._o to_o discover_v crime_n 6.16_o heb._n 6.16_o that_o evil_a may_v be_v take_v away_o from_o a_o society_n 3._o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o controversy_n 4._o for_o the_o firm_a bind_n of_o contract_n in_o many_o case_n all_o other_o mean_v of_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o magistrate_n friend_n etc._n etc._n may_v be_v ineffectual_a in_o matter_n of_o moment_n where_o the_o require_v and_o take_v of_o a_o oath_n may_v have_v a_o good_a effect_n to_o procure_v quiet_a peace_n and_o justice_n i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o and_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v warrant_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a custom_n of_o the_o nation_n which_o be_v not_o only_o record_v but_o approve_v by_o god_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v therefore_o perverse_o do_v by_o those_o fanatic_n whereof_o the_o anabaptist_n be_v a_o part_n who_o do_v maintain_v in_o show_n at_o least_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n and_o defend_v their_o authority_n against_o the_o quaker_n to_o refuse_v deliberate_a oath_n which_o be_v so_o frequent_o command_v 63.11_o psal_n 15.1_o 4._o &_o 63.11_o and_o commend_v in_o scripture_n because_o christ_n in_o one_o place_n restrain_v man_n from_o rash_a light_a and_o vain_a oath_n which_o be_v very_o near_o a_o kin_n to_o perjury_n and_o because_o one_o apostle_n forbid_v hasty_a swear_v in_o fit_n of_o impatience_n which_o make_v man_n unfit_a even_o for_o prayer_n much_o more_o for_o swear_v for_o that_o st._n james_n mean_v no_o more_o 2.8_o 1_o tim._n 2.8_o it_o be_v manifest_a because_o another_o apostle_n who_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o spirit_n never_o contradict_v himself_o do_v in_o his_o divinely-inspired_n epistle_n pretty_a froquent_o make_v use_n of_o a_o oath_n upon_o several_a weighty_a occasion_n 1._o 2_o cor._n 1.23_o 1_o cor._n 15.31_o gal._n 1.20_o 1_o thess_n 2_o 5_o 10._o rom._n 9_o 1._o whereof_o one_o be_v the_o vindication_n of_o his_o own_o reputation_n because_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o apostleship_n and_o the_o success_n of_o his_o ministry_n do_v in_o a_o good_a measure_n depend_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o same_o apostle_n st._n paul_n charge_v other_o by_o oath_n to_o perform_v their_o duty_n or_o what_o he_o think_v expedient_a for_o the_o public_a benefit_n of_o the_o church_n see_v 1_o tim._n 6.13_o 14._o 1_o thess_n 5.27_o this_o last_o instance_n wherein_o st._n paul_n adjure_v the_o christian_n of_o thessalonica_n be_v a_o parallel_n for_o word_n and_o for_o the_o power_n of_o impose_v of_o a_o oath_n with_o the_o high_a priest_n adjuration_n of_o christ_n himself_o beforementioned_a let_v now_o the_o anabaptist_n find_v a_o more_o commodious_a way_n of_o reconcile_a the_o apostle_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o they_o can_v than_o this_o which_o we_o offer_v say_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n preach_v by_o his_o apostle_n forbid_v temerarious_a swear_n in_o anger_n by_o heaven_n or_o earth_n or_o in_o any_o other_o form_n of_o a_o oath_n unto_o which_o man_n be_v then_o accustom_v who_o be_v wont_a to_o express_v their_o oath_n by_o a_o creature_n conceal_v or_o spare_v the_o name_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n nor_o any_o other_o oath_n which_o these_o man_n vain_o urge_v for_o their_o cause_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o gospel_n allow_v swear_v by_o god_n or_o by_o the_o lord_n upon_o grave_n and_o important_a occasion_n with_o judgement_n and_o also_o charge_v inferior_n under_o a_o oath_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n but_o the_o quaker_n be_v no_o less_o if_o not_o more_o irrational_a than_o the_o former_a for_o they_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o scripture_n which_o jew_n for_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o christian_n for_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n to_o be_v true_a but_o they_o fond_o affirm_v that_o nothing_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o humane_a life_n but_o the_o light_n of_o god_n within_o we_o we_o deny_v not_o the_o light_n of_o god_n within_o we_o to_o be_v the_o director_n of_o we_o but_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n who_o command_v light_a to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n have_v enlighten_v his_o house_n the_o church_n which_o be_v large_a or_o lesser_a as_o he_o see_v good_a to_o proportion_v the_o frame_n of_o it_o under_o several_a dispensation_n of_o grace_n with_o his_o word_n both_o outward_o publish_v and_o inward_o apply_v 6._o 2_o cor._n 4_o 6._o and_o by_o both_o way_n do_v shine_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o we_o further_o affirm_v that_o since_o god_n have_v commit_v his_o live_n and_o lightsome_a oracle_n to_o write_v and_o the_o church_n custody_n as_o a_o standard_n whereby_o we_o may_v try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n the_o father_n of_o light_n or_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n who_o do_v frequent_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n 11.14_o 2_o cor._n 11.14_o that_o he_o may_v with_o false_a light_n delude_v and_o secure_v man_n into_o his_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v accept_v attend_v and_o follow_v as_o the_o light_n of_o god_n within_o we_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o god_n without_o we_o and_o shine_v in_o the_o candlestick_n that_o be_v the_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v set_v up_o to_o bear_v the_o light_n to_o come_v close_o then_o to_o the_o purpose_n be_v it_o not_o a_o perverseness_n and_o giddiness_n of_o spirit_n in_o these_o man_n to_o allow_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o commend_v the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a as_o director_n of_o we_o in_o all_o those_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n which_o concern_v all_o nation_n who_o god_n will_v have_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o yet_o to_o condemn_v they_o who_o direct_v their_o action_n particular_o in_o take_v oath_n by_o this_o rule_n again_o since_o the_o light_n of_o god_n within_o we_o be_v as_o they_o acknowledge_v a_o infallible_a rule_n and_o we_o in_o swear_v deliberate_o do_v follow_v that_o light_n of_o god_n which_o shine_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o of_o god_n servant_n both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o wide_a world_n to_o be_v god_n choose_v and_o peculiar_a people_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o man_n agreeable_a to_o god_n reveal_v word_n and_o will_n show_v that_o the_o light_n of_o conscience_n which_o direct_v and_o move_v the_o nation_n to_o swear_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v it_o not_o a_o prodigious_a obstinancy_n in_o this_o froward_a generation_n not_o to_o entertain_v this_o light_n but_o to_o condemn_v all_o those_o that_o do_v receive_v it_o and_o walk_v by_o it_o till_o then_o the_o quaker_n can_v and_o do_v by_o some_o evidence_n as_o clear_v as_o that_o be_v for_o which_o we_o
receive_v and_o submit_v unto_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n manifest_a that_o this_o pretend_a light_n within_o they_o which_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o light_n which_o hitherto_o have_v enlighten_v all_o the_o world_n which_o do_v not_o extinguish_v it_o by_o atheism_n or_o wink_v against_o it_o with_o wilful_a folly_n be_v of_o god_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o the_o use_n of_o oath_n be_v still_o as_o warrantable_a from_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o benefit_n of_o they_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v and_o as_o the_o superstition_n which_o though_o contrary_a to_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o to_o the_o natural_a principle_n of_o piety_n yet_o by_o satan_n malicious_a subtlety_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o man_n mind_n be_v ingraft_v upon_o the_o stock_n of_o natural_a religion_n do_v not_o extirpate_v the_o root_n of_o natural_a religion_n which_o will_v maintain_v true_a piety_n to_o god_n glory_n when_o by_o good_a husbandry_n the_o corrupt_a graft_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o the_o root_n and_o branch_n be_v cultivate_v aright_o for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o true_a god_n so_o the_o various_a abuse_n of_o oath_n frequent_a in_o all_o age_n with_o profane_a despiser_n of_o god_n and_o by_o vicious_a custom_n too_o general_a with_o professor_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o in_o themselves_o direct_o and_o shall_v not_o by_o consequence_n eliminate_a the_o religious_a practice_n of_o swear_v for_o the_o banishment_n of_o a_o sacrament_n as_o the_o latin_n call_v a_o oath_n out_o of_o humane_a society_n be_v a_o step_n to_o supersede_n all_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o remove_v a_o oath_n out_o of_o all_o procedure_v of_o judicature_n be_v no_o little_a artifice_n to_o extinguish_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n sect_n v._o concern_v the_o sum_n and_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o may_v yet_o draw_v near_o to_o a_o end_n and_o hit_v our_o mark_n close_o and_o deep_a it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o consider_v the_o intimate_a and_o peculiar_a quality_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o these_o pretender_n to_o evangelical_n perfection_n say_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v irreconcilable_a the_o gospel_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o law_n of_o work_n â—_o rom._n 3._o â—_o 28_o &_o â—_o 5_o â—_o whereby_o man_n be_v to_o seek_v righteousness_n and_o life_n by_o his_o own_o perfect_a obedience_n be_v call_v by_o st._n paul_n the_o law_n of_o faith_n whereby_o man_n be_v by_o the_o general_a corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o by_o his_o singular_a sinfulness_n obnoxious_a to_o god_n wrath_n which_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o death_n obtain_v righteousness_n 3.9_o luk._n 1._o â—9_n 〈◊〉_d cor._n 5._o â—8_o 19_o 〈…〉_o 3.9_o and_o life_n by_o faith_n on_o christ_n blood_n the_o gospel_n than_o be_v a_o way_n of_o peace_n a_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n a_o ministry_n of_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o life_n which_o be_v purchase_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o cross_n the_o primary_n end_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v these_o two_o inseparable_a benefit_n which_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n have_v compass_v by_o his_o death_n and_o work_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n reconciliation_n and_o reformation_n of_o man_n who_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o enmity_n with_o god_n both_o active_a and_o passive_a by_o his_o sin_n â—2_n rom._n 5._o â—0_n col._n 1._o â—1_n 22_o 〈◊〉_d pet._n 3._o â—8_o &_o 2._o â—3_n tit._n 2.11_o â—2_n in_o one_o word_n this_o be_v the_o reduction_n of_o the_o lose_a sheep_n or_o the_o fugitive_a servant_n unto_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n and_o holiness_n the_o save_a grace_n therefore_o of_o the_o gospel_n teach_v all_o mankind_n which_o be_v enlighten_v with_o its_o beam_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o pious_o in_o this_o present_a world_n we_o be_v moreover_o to_o observe_v that_o from_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o a_o church_n which_o immediate_o be_v after_o man_n sin_n and_o sentence_n begin_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o promise_a messiah_n who_o be_v the_o rock_n of_o salvation_n common_a to_o all_o age_n god_n do_v set_v up_o a_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o have_v relation_n to_o christ_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n 20._o 〈◊〉_d pet._n 1._o â—9_n 20._o fore-designed_n by_o god_n and_o manifest_v in_o god_n own_o season_n this_o institute_v religion_n in_o several_a shadow_n draw_v out_o by_o god_n hand_n in_o such_o proportion_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a contain_v the_o salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n of_o which_o the_o law_n give_v to_o man_n in_o his_o state_n of_o integrity_n make_v no_o word_n and_o give_v no_o hope_n of_o salvation_n that_o way_n the_o gospel_n therefore_o first_o in_o the_o cloudy_a pillar_n which_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n and_o then_o in_o the_o brightness_n of_o its_o revelation_n by_o christ_n since_o all_o be_v accomplish_v and_o preach_v to_o the_o nation_n superadd_n to_o the_o law_n 17_o rom._n â—â—_o 17_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n but_o it_o pare_v off_o nothing_o of_o the_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n which_o man_n owe_v to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o neighbour_n by_o that_o natural_a dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o that_o order_n to_o his_o neighbour_n 26_o act._n â—â—_o 26_o which_o god_n establish_v by_o creation_n of_o mankind_n after_o his_o own_o image_n and_o of_o one_o blood_n to_o bind_v they_o together_o this_o indeed_o be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o god_n unfold_v and_o teach_v the_o patriarch_n the_o first_o father_n of_o family_n and_o founder_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o far_o from_o loosen_a the_o bond_n of_o this_o law_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a by_o addition_n of_o the_o inestimable_a benefit_n of_o redemption_n to_o our_o deep_a engagement_n by_o creation_n it_o tie_v more_o strict_o the_o redeem_a of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v enlarge_v from_o the_o bondage_n under_o sin_n and_o make_v the_o servant_n of_o righteousness_n to_o yield_v up_o all_o their_o member_n once_o abuse_v to_o the_o service_n of_o uncleanness_n and_o iniquity_n 19_o rom_n â—â—_o 19_o to_o become_v now_o the_o servant_n and_o instrument_n of_o righteousness_n unto_o sanctification_n this_o then_o be_v the_o end_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o clear_v the_o light_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o strengthen_v the_o holy_a bond_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o man_n how_o be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o the_o tongue_n be_v restrain_v now_o by_o the_o gospel_n from_o be_v still_o make_v a_o instrument_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n since_o the_o evangelical_n prayer_n of_o our_o saviour_n frame_v for_o our_o use_n be_v that_o god_n name_n shall_v be_v hallow_v in_o all_o the_o world_n can_v we_o think_v that_o silence_n and_o total_a abstinence_n from_o take_v up_o the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o a_o oath_n with_o reverence_n upon_o just_a occasion_n sanctify_v or_o magnify_v the_o name_n of_o god_n 11_o mal._n â—â—_o 11_o or_o be_v it_o consonant_a to_o that_o enlargement_n of_o god_n honour_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o regard_n of_o person_n and_o to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o it_o by_o all_o act_n of_o piety_n which_o our_o saviour_n profess_v to_o have_v be_v his_o work_n and_o care_n that_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n shall_v still_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v bind_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o honour_v the_o name_n of_o god_n by_o swear_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o christian_n shall_v have_v their_o hand_n tie_v from_o lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n 14._o 2_o cor_fw-la 14._o and_o their_o tongue_n from_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n and_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n due_a unto_o it_o indeed_o the_o apostle_n say_v what_o participation_n be_v there_o between_o righteousness_n and_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n what_o communion_n of_o light_n with_o darkness_n or_o what_o agreement_n of_o christ_n with_o belial_n let_v it_o therefore_o first_o be_v prove_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v the_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n 33_o maâ—â—_n 33_o before_o it_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o â—_o â—â—h_o 5._o â—_o which_o christ_n command_v we_o to_o seek_v let_v a_o oath_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o light_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n sentence_n because_o it_o do_v discover_v and_o manifest_v sometime_o truth_n and_o sometime_o many_o shameful_a thing_n which_o be_v do_v in_o secret_a be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o unprofitable_a deed_n of_o darkness_n or_o else_o let_v
of_o their_o person_n but_o of_o their_o doctrine_n the_o reception_n whereof_o concern_v a_o man_n own_o salvation_n and_o if_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o all_o man_n direct_v by_o such_o light_n as_o god_n afford_v they_o do_v enable_v they_o to_o choose_v that_o church_n among_o the_o several_a pretend_v society_n of_o christian_n at_o this_o day_n with_o which_o he_o may_v safe_o hold_v communion_n than_o the_o same_o reason_n with_o the_o same_o aid_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v he_o to_o determine_v what_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n he_o may_v safe_o receive_v for_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o we_o all_o one_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n which_o be_v common_a to_o the_o steward_n and_o to_o the_o inferior_a servant_n of_o his_o house_n the_o church_n neither_o be_v it_o now_o possible_a to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o by_o confer_v of_o their_o doctrine_n with_o that_o rule_n for_o the_o light_n can_v be_v discern_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a by_o the_o candlestick_n but_o the_o candlestick_n must_v be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o light_n which_o it_o uphold_v and_o that_o must_v be_v try_v by_o something_o else_o thus_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o every_o one_o must_v pass_v a_o sentence_n within_o himself_o of_o what_o he_o must_v believe_v and_o do_v our_o saviour_n reprove_v those_o who_o will_v not_o employ_v their_o talon_n of_o reason_n luk._n 12.57_o lam._n 3.40_o and_o make_v use_n of_o their_o light_n this_o way_n say_v but_o why_o do_v you_o not_o even_o of_o yourselves_o judge_v what_o be_v right_a or_o just_o again_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o judge_v himself_o for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v to_o search_v and_o try_v his_o way_n whether_o they_o have_v be_v and_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n god_n have_v set_v up_o conscience_n a_o domestic_a judge_n within_o a_o man_n be_v own_o breast_n who_o be_v a_o swift_a witness_n and_o a_o impartial_a judge_n and_o the_o sincere_a proceed_n in_o judgement_n of_o ourselves_o be_v the_o certain_a way_n both_o to_o make_v and_o to_o keep_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n for_o st._n 1_o cor._n 11.31_o paul_n say_v if_o we_o will_v judge_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v the_o master_n say_v judge_v not_o to_o wit_n other_o lest_o you_o be_v judge_v and_o the_o servant_n say_v judge_v yourselves_o and_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v but_o god_n the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o all_o have_v delegated_a his_o own_o power_n to_o certain_a minister_n who_o he_o have_v honour_v with_o one_o of_o his_o own_o name_n to_o wit_n elohim_n and_o arm_v they_o with_o authority_n to_o judge_v and_o punish_v other_o man_n see_v this_o title_n give_v to_o judges_n ps_n 82.1.6_o ex._n 22.28_o act._n 23.5_o levit._fw-la 19.22_o where_o we_o shall_v read_v honour_v the_o face_n of_o the_o old_a man_n and_o fear_v thy_o judge_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n age_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v authority_n be_v to_o be_v fear_v if_o they_o be_v prove_v malefactor_n these_o be_v by_o god_n ordinance_n advance_v to_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o lord_n 1_o chron._n 29.23_o that_o they_o may_v judge_v for_o the_o lord_n 2_o chron._n 19.7_o and_o their_o sentence_n pronounce_v according_a to_o justice_n and_o equity_n be_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n deut._n 1.17_o this_o judicial_a power_n derive_v from_o above_o joh._n 19.11_o act._n 25.9.10_o our_o saviour_n own_v in_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n in_o augustus_n caesar_n who_o he_o account_v a_o complete_a judge_n even_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o make_v a_o appeal_n from_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n brief_o it_o be_v a_o main_a point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n that_o christian_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o judicial_a authority_n of_o the_o power_n ordain_v by_o god_n in_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o world_n rom._n 13.1.6_o tit._n 3.1_o i_o will_v not_o now_o run_v out_o to_o show_v what_o spiritual_a power_n of_o government_n and_o jurisdiction_n the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o his_o minister_n entrust_v with_o the_o pastoral_n charge_n for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n which_o the_o see_v mat._n 18.17_o &_o 19.28_o here_o our_o saviour_n promise_v to_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n that_o in_o the_o regeneration_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v new_a under_o the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n they_o shall_v be_v the_o judge_n of_o god_n israel_n read_v 1_o cor._n 5_o 3.4.5_o &_o 12.28_o 2_o cor._n 10.8_o 1_o tim._n 5.17.19_o tit._n 3.10_o holy_a scripture_n abundant_o testify_v to_o conclude_v then_o if_o christ_n word_n judge_v not_o shall_v be_v take_v in_o their_o utmost_a latitude_n the_o lord_n himself_o will_v be_v take_v for_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n and_o not_o of_o peace_n in_o the_o state_n and_o in_o the_o church_n the_o subverter_n of_o his_o own_o ordinance_n and_o his_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o word_n of_o peace_n will_v be_v make_v a_o engine_n to_o turn_v the_o world_n upside_o down_o thus_o we_o see_v a_o necessity_n of_o limit_v they_o by_o the_o distinction_n of_o private_a person_n judge_v other_o which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o bold_a intrusion_n upon_o god_n office_n and_o of_o public_a minister_n of_o god_n government_n judge_v those_o who_o be_v under_o their_o power_n which_o be_v a_o lawful_a execution_n of_o their_o delegated_a authority_n second_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o another_o distinction_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o judge_v in_o case_n wherein_o man_n be_v allow_v to_o judge_v for_o he_o say_v judge_v not_o according_a to_o the_o appearance_n joh._n 7.24_o but_o judge_v righteous_a judgement_n here_o be_v a_o double_a charge_n judge_v not_o to_o wit_n hasty_o rash_o upon_o weak_a ground_n of_o slight_a and_o superficial_a show_n and_o yet_o judge_v righteous_a judgement_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n upon_o clear_a evidence_n i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o to_o show_v that_o this_o prohibition_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o unbounded_a sense_n we_o may_v observe_v the_o like_a of_o our_o saviour_n inhibition_n mat._n 5.39_o mat._n 13.38.39_o 1_o pet._n 5.8.9_o jam._n 4.7_o heb._n 12.4_o phil._n 2.17_o apoc._n 12.11_o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o resist_v not_o evil_a which_o must_v be_v limit_v by_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o evil_a to_o be_v resist_v and_o of_o the_o person_n resist_v for_o every_o private_a christian_a be_v a_o soldier_n who_o must_v stout_o resist_v that_o evil_a one_o that_o enemy_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n the_o devil_n and_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n yea_o every_o temptation_n unto_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v resist_v sometime_o even_o unto_o blood_n not_o active_o by_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o other_o but_o passive_o by_o suffer_v our_o own_o to_o be_v shed_v and_o by_o willing_o pour_v it_o out_o as_o a_o drink-offering_a upon_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o in_o the_o spiritual_a warfare_n christian_n be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n when_o they_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o death_n itself_o but_o the_o magistrate_n be_v arm_v with_o a_o sword_n and_o have_v a_o commission_n to_o resist_v every_o evil_a work_n to_o stop_v the_o course_n and_o to_o repress_v the_o force_n of_o sin_n in_o other_o for_o the_o public_a welfare_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o state_n if_o therefore_o a_o magistrate_n draw_v his_o sword_n to_o execute_v justice_n he_o must_v not_o put_v it_o up_o in_o his_o sheath_n and_o be_v quiet_a if_o the_o malefactor_n shall_v say_v oh_o sir_n you_o must_v remember_v the_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n resist_v not_o evil_a and_o the_o check_v give_v to_o peter_n when_o he_o be_v unreasonable_o and_o rash_o over-valiant_a put_v up_o thy_o sword_n into_o its_o place_n mat._n 26.52_o for_o all_o that_o take_v the_o sword_n shall_v perish_v by_o the_o sword_n thus_o the_o resist_a evil_n be_v unwarrantable_a in_o private_a person_n but_o necessary_a in_o public_a officer_n to_o close_v up_o all_o if_o it_o be_v a_o intolerable_a abuse_n of_o the_o gospel-prohibitions_a aforesaid_a to_o extend_v they_o to_o all_o occasion_n whereas_o in_o many_o case_n they_o be_v not_o of_o any_o force_n it_o be_v equal_o irrational_a to_o stretch_v this_o negative_a swear_v not_o to_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o the_o word_n when_o they_o can_v consist_v with_o that_o law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o be_v also_o establish_v by_o the_o law_n write_v by_o moses_n at_o god_n command_n and_o give_v to_o his_o own_o people_n for_o a_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n and_o be_v far_o urge_v by_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v spare_v in_o press_v carnal_a ordinance_n but_o earnest_n in_o exact_v the_o everlasting_a righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o be_v confirm_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n declaration_n that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o abrogate_v any_o part_n of_o that_o law_n nor_o to_o infringe_v any_o piece_n of_o god_n righteousness_n whereof_o a_o oath_n reverent_o take_v upon_o a_o just_a occasion_n be_v a_o part_n let_v the_o adversary_n then_o if_o they_o can_v show_v a_o disparity_n between_o these_o prohibition_n why_o the_o one_o concern_v judge_v and_o resist_v must_v be_v limit_v and_o the_o other_o concern_v swear_v ought_v not_o or_o may_v not_o without_o injury_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n authority_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o conclude_v in_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o with_o modesty_n and_o care_n to_o decline_v the_o suspicion_n of_o exercise_v a_o dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o brethren_n 2_o cor._n 1.24_o 1._o cor._n 10.15_o refer_v his_o doctrine_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o common_a reason_n upon_o the_o general_a principle_n of_o religion_n i_o speak_v as_o unto_o man_n of_o discretion_n judge_v you_o what_o i_o say_v finis_fw-la
christ_n loosen_a no_o bond_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o natural_a justice_n and_o humanity_n but_o bind_v christian_n by_o new_a bond_n of_o peace_n in_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n parent_n and_o master_n although_o they_o be_v harsh_a and_o froward_a and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o my_o argument_n which_o i_o shall_v frame_v out_o of_o these_o proposition_n 1._o the_o sovereign_a magistrate_n and_o those_o who_o be_v send_v by_o he_o according_a to_o the_o evangelical_n doctrine_n have_v receive_v in_o their_o divine_a ordination_n a_o power_n to_o use_v all_o mean_n that_o either_o by_o god_n appointment_n be_v or_o in_o common_a prudence_n seem_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o state_n direct_o conducible_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o promotion_n of_o righteousness_n and_o for_o punishment_n of_o offender_n all_o which_o indeed_o be_v the_o public_a good_a and_o for_o the_o procure_n whereof_o god_n have_v arm_v his_o deputy_n with_o a_o sword_n or_o a_o coercive_a power_n that_o the_o fear_n or_o the_o feel_n of_o it_o may_v constrain_v man_n to_o obedience_n all_o this_o be_v write_v with_o a_o sunbeam_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n see_v joh._n 19.11_o rom._n 13.1_o etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v further_o confirm_v by_o what_o i_o have_v already_o produce_v to_o show_v that_o the_o gospel_n take_v no_o flower_n out_o of_o the_o crown_n of_o king_n though_o they_o be_v infidel_n much_o less_o if_o they_o be_v faithful_a for_o if_o st._n paul_n logic_n be_v good_a that_o servant_n be_v make_v christian_n ought_v the_o rather_o to_o serve_v their_o master_n be_v convert_v because_o they_o be_v believer_n and_o belove_v 6.2_o 1_o tim._n 6.2_o we_o may_v by_o proportion_n conclude_v that_o the_o magistrate_n embracement_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n do_v not_o impair_v his_o authority_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o diminish_v the_o subject_n inclination_n to_o serve_v and_o obey_v and_o be_v a_o indeerment_n of_o the_o king_n to_o his_o people_n 2._o a_o oath_n seasonable_o administer_v and_o due_o take_v be_v a_o fit_a mean_n to_o preserve_v peace_n by_o a_o firm_a obligation_n of_o subject_n to_o their_o sovereign_n whereof_o we_o have_v a_o example_n 2_o king_n 11.17_o and_o to_o secure_v and_o promote_v justice_n and_o to_o carry_v on_o judicial_a proceed_n in_o discovery_n of_o right_n and_o wrong_n and_o in_o conviction_n of_o offender_n to_o prove_v this_o i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o than_o advise_v any_o doubter_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o polish_a nation_n under_o the_o sun_n since_o the_o foundation_n of_o kingdom_n and_o republic_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o all_o that_o be_v count_v but_o a_o general_a corruption_n of_o reason_n like_o the_o general_a idolatry_n of_o the_o nation_n estrange_v from_o god_n let_v he_o remember_v that_o the_o use_n and_o force_v of_o oath_n be_v found_v upon_o no_o other_o basis_n but_o the_o hearty_a faith_n and_o sincere_a fear_n of_o god_n power_n and_o vengeance_n but_o i_o shall_v drive_v the_o nail_n to_o the_o head_n by_o god_n own_o sentence_n who_o establish_v swear_v in_o his_o own_o government_n as_o a_o mean_n proper_a to_o produce_v the_o effect_n aforesaid_a and_o tell_v the_o jew_n for_o their_o credit_n that_o their_o political_a law_n do_v exceed_v those_o of_o all_o nation_n for_o wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n 4.5.8_o deut._n 4.5.8_o now_o the_o use_n of_o oath_n be_v a_o ingredient_n of_o very_a many_o law_n in_o the_o government_n 3._o the_o magistrate_n who_o stand_v accountable_a to_o christ_n 19.16_o apoc._n 19.16_o who_o be_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o power_n in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o require_v oath_n of_o the_o subject_a as_o the_o occasion_n viz._n of_o secute_v the_o king_n life_n and_o honour_n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o public_a weal_n and_o peace_n the_o end_n of_o controversy_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o justice_n or_o the_o like_a do_v require_v otherwise_o he_o will_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o clear_v himself_o of_o imprudence_n or_o of_o remissness_n in_o refuse_v the_o choice_n and_o use_n of_o such_o mean_n as_o god_n himself_o have_v approve_v and_o appoint_v in_o the_o course_n of_o government_n i_o think_v i_o may_v now_o upon_o these_o premise_n safe_o and_o rational_o infer_v ergo_fw-la the_o magistrate_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n may_v put_v his_o subject_n of_o what_o religion_n soever_o to_o his_o oath_n to_o swear_v by_o the_o true_a god_n i_o wave_v the_o question_n of_o require_v jew_n and_o infidel_n to_o swear_v upon_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n who_o we_o confess_v to_o be_v the_o true_a god_n but_o they_o do_v not_o own_o as_o such_o i_o have_v now_o suffcient_o prove_v as_o i_o think_v and_o hope_v that_o all_o who_o be_v both_o rational_a and_o impartial_a will_v apprehend_v that_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o infringe_v but_o confirm_v that_o power_n that_o magistrate_n in_o joy_a by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o god_n general_a ordination_n of_o humane_a society_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o the_o king_n of_o god_n special_a anoyntment_n and_o appointment_n over_o his_o people_n be_v endow_v with_o by_o his_o statute_n to_o tender_a oath_n to_o their_o subject_n and_o to_o require_v their_o obedience_n in_o take_v they_o suppose_v still_o that_o the_o use_n of_o they_o be_v refer_v to_o their_o proper_a end_n 13.4_o see_v a_o example_n of_o a_o oath_n impose_v by_o solomon_n 1_o king_n 2.42_o rom._n 13.4_o i_o have_v now_o but_o little_a to_o do_v far_o for_o the_o proof_n that_o the_o same_o gospel_n bind_v christian_n to_o take_v such_o oath_n as_o be_v administer_v to_o they_o by_o their_o lawful_a superior_n for_o god_n both_o in_o the_o way_n of_o nature_n and_o also_o in_o the_o course_n of_o grace_n do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a and_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v express_o god_n minister_v do_v not_o carry_v a_o sword_n in_o vain_a and_o be_v as_o much_o bind_v to_o draw_v it_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o god_n honour_n which_o be_v concern_v in_o swear_v as_o the_o servant_n of_o secular_a king_n be_v oblige_v to_o fight_v for_o the_o life_n or_o honour_n of_o their_o master_n which_o rule_n of_o worldly_a state_n christ_n have_v consecrate_v by_o his_o sentence_n 18.36_o joh._n 18.36_o but_o the_o magistrate_n power_n be_v render_v vain_a and_o ineffectual_a if_o the_o subject_n can_v clude_v his_o authority_n and_o resolve_v his_o command_n into_o such_o wind_n as_o shake_v no_o corn_n by_o his_o obstinate_a refusal_n to_o swear_v i_o shall_v therefore_o urge_v but_o one_o argument_n to_o satisfy_v the_o subject_n conscience_n in_o this_o case_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 2.13.14.17_o rom._n 13_o 1-7_a tit._n 3.1_o 1_o pet._n 2.13.14.17_o teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o all_o nation_n lay_n upon_o all_o christian_n a_o necessity_n of_o submission_n and_o obedience_n with_o a_o readiness_n to_o every_o good_a work_n unto_o the_o supereminent_a power_n and_o principality_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o the_o administrator_n of_o government_n commission_v by_o they_o not_o only_o for_o wrath_n and_o yet_o that_o terror_n arise_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o sword_n that_o gliter_n in_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n be_v justify_v by_o st._n paul_n but_o also_o out_o of_o conscience_n quaker_n mark_v that_o to_o wit_n conscience_n bind_v to_o no_o thing_n but_o obedience_n in_o this_o case_n right_o state_v or_o reverence_n of_o christ_n by_o who_o king_n reign_n and_o prince_n decree_v justice_n 6.1_o prov._n 8.15_o eph._n 6.1_o and_o this_o universal_a obedience_n like_o that_o which_o child_n owe_v to_o their_o parent_n be_v limit_v but_o by_o one_o rule_n obey_v in_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o lord_n it_o reach_v to_o thing_n indifferent_a as_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o rechabite_v do_v 35.8.9.10.18.19_o jer._n 35.8.9.10.18.19_o which_o god_n commend_v and_o reward_v with_o a_o blessing_n but_o obedience_n to_o our_o superior_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v evident_o repugnant_a to_o the_o will_n and_o command_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o they_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o god_n and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o ordinance_n be_v a_o evangelical_n duty_n unavoidable_a upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o where_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o performance_n if_o you_o consult_v the_o allegation_n out_o of_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n peter_n and_o confer_v they_o together_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o word_n will_v not_o permit_v you_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n but_o swear_v in_o the_o manner_n aforesaid_a when_o it_o be_v
exact_v by_o a_o lawful_a superior_n be_v a_o good_a work_n do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o i_o have_v abundant_o prove_v already_o therefore_o some_o swear_v be_v not_o only_o consistent_a with_o christianity_n but_o also_o require_v by_o the_o gospel_n it_o remain_v only_o for_o i_o to_o show_v for_o the_o direction_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christian_n in_o several_a case_n of_o a_o more_o private_a concernment_n that_o oath_n take_v or_o give_v without_o the_o interposition_n of_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n either_o upon_o a_o single_a person_n own_o motion_n of_o spirit_n impel_v thereto_o by_o weighty_a consideration_n or_o out_o of_o compliance_n with_o a_o neighbour_n be_v not_o repugnant_a but_o agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n here_o i_o shall_v for_o brevity_n sake_n produce_v but_o one_o argument_n which_o have_v light_a and_o strength_n enough_o to_o prove_v my_o conclusion_n and_o may_v lead_v the_o reader_n to_o frame_v more_o by_o proportion_n out_o of_o the_o gospel_n if_o he_o please_v for_o the_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o adversary_n to_o stop_v his_o mouth_n with_o number_n if_o weight_n will_v not_o bear_v down_o his_o reason_n the_o gospel_n do_v always_o allow_v 2.4_o 1_o cor._n 10.21_o 1_o pet._n 4.11_o rom._n 15.2.3_o 1_o cor._n 10.24_o phil._n 2.4_o and_o as_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o matter_n require_v command_v christian_n to_o do_v whatsoever_o do_v direct_o and_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o act_n itself_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o aim_n which_o we_o intend_v in_o all_o our_o deliberate_a action_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n to_o perform_v free_o whatsoever_o real_o conduce_v to_o the_o good_a peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o our_o neighbour_n who_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o love_n as_o ourselves_o by_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n but_o the_o due_a swear_v in_o many_o thing_n that_o concern_v ourselves_o or_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o brother_n or_o for_o a_o mutual_a engagement_n to_o do_v what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o piety_n justice_n and_o charity_n do_v bring_v glory_n to_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o procure_v the_o good_a of_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o by_o the_o gospel_n whole_o banish_v out_o of_o the_o conversation_n of_o christian_n the_o assumption_n be_v manifest_o true_a for_o it_o be_v apparent_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o when_o a_o christian_a call_v god_n to_o witness_v regard_n judge_n and_o revenge_v falsehood_n upon_o the_o head_n and_o soul_n of_o perjure_a person_n he_o set_v forth_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o much_o as_o jacob_n and_o laban_n or_o jonathan_n and_o david_n or_o any_o of_o the_o former_a day_n before_o or_o under_o the_o law_n do_v and_o common_a experience_n teach_v we_o what_o satisfaction_n and_o benefit_n we_o mutual_o give_v and_o receive_v by_o a_o oath_n reverent_o take_v the_o conclusion_n therefore_o natural_o flow_v from_o the_o premise_n and_o abide_v firm_a as_o build_v upon_o a_o rock_n that_o christianity_n have_v not_o make_v the_o three_o commandment_n a_o mere_a insignificant_a or_o useless_a cypher_n to_o we_o by_o forbid_v oath_n which_o leave_v no_o place_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n name_v that_o way_n and_o stop_v up_o the_o passage_n against_o piety_n and_o impiety_n both_o together_o i_o confess_v that_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o christian_a prudence_n be_v requisite_a in_o the_o private_a use_n of_o oath_n above_o what_o be_v needful_a in_o oath_n administer_v by_o authority_n for_o our_o submission_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o state_n enjoin_v we_o by_o god_n absolve_v we_o from_o much_o of_o the_o trouble_n and_o care_n about_o the_o sufficient_a weight_n in_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o oath_n whereas_o now_o the_o whole_a burden_n of_o the_o oath_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n to_o qualify_v and_o legitimate_a the_o same_o lie_v upon_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o private_a christian_a who_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o full_a assurance_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n â—5_n rom._n 14._o â—5_n of_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o the_o action_n therefore_o the_o spare_a use_n of_o private_a oath_n be_v safe_a commendable_a and_o comfortable_a for_o according_a to_o st._n 10.23_o 1_o cor._n 6.12_o &_o 10.23_o paul_n golden_a rule_n all_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o be_v not_o always_o expedient_a neither_o do_v they_o always_o edify_v and_o christ_n precept_n of_o abstinence_n from_o swear_v in_o ordinary_a discourse_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n restrain_v his_o warrant_n concern_v oath_n to_o matter_n not_o only_o serious_a but_o also_o weighty_a which_o need_v such_o a_o enforcement_n of_o belief_n or_o engagement_n be_v now_o arrive_v at_o this_o conclusion_n i_o will_v imitate_v my_o adversary_n a_o little_a and_o quote_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o heathen_a who_o be_v behold_v to_o the_o gospel_n for_o his_o refine_a morality_n but_o a_o profess_a enemy_n to_o christ_n hierocles_n one_o of_o the_o like_a †_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o cunning_a stratagem_n of_o satan_n in_o that_o age_n that_o he_o may_v yet_o support_v his_o sink_a kingdom_n to_o revive_v and_o set_v up_o the_o pythagorcan_a and_o platonic_a philosophy_n the_o morality_n whereof_o they_o improve_v not_o without_o borrow_a light_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o the_o devil_n design_n be_v by_o philosophy_n to_o baffle_v faith_n and_o to_o discountenance_v christianity_n as_o be_v at_o the_o best_a but_o useless_a which_o can_v do_v no_o more_o to_o advance_v virtue_n than_o paganism_n itself_o this_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o write_n of_o porphyry_n jamblichus_n hierocles_n and_o the_o like_a platonic_a school_n at_o alexandria_n in_o his_o accurrate_n comment_n on_o the_o golden_a verse_n of_o phythagoras_n explicate_v that_o precept_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d reverence_n a_o oath_n discourse_v thus_o as_o i_o shall_v render_v his_o sense_n faithful_o without_o transcribe_v the_o greek_a he_o call_v a_o humane_a oath_n the_o image_n of_o god_n oath_n whereby_o god_n establish_v the_o immutable_a law_n and_o order_n of_o the_o universe_n the_o helper_n of_o humane_a affair_n and_o procurator_n of_o constancy_n and_o truth_n which_o reduce_v the_o versatile_a free_a will_n into_o order_n and_o affixedness_n both_o in_o word_n and_o deed_n the_o reverence_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v the_o keep_n of_o what_o be_v swear_v to_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v without_o violation_n which_o by_o a_o voluntary_a necessity_n trimme_n they_o that_o reverence_v a_o oath_n to_o the_o constancy_n and_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a habit_n or_o constitution_n none_o but_o they_o who_o be_v possess_v with_o political_a virtue_n can_v swear_v aright_o 〈◊〉_d aright_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n maâ—_n 5.33_o 〈◊〉_d 5.33_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d naughtiness_n or_o viciousness_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o false_a or_o forswear_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o covetous_a voluptuous_a or_o cowardly_a person_n shall_v ever_o do_v other_o than_o put_v off_o the_o reverence_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o when_o ever_o he_o imagine_v that_o some_o advantage_n may_v be_v reap_v by_o perjury_n barter_v away_o divine_a good_n for_o those_o which_o be_v mortal_a and_o fade_a now_o the_o best_a course_n of_o care_n to_o preserve_v the_o reverence_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v not_o to_o use_v it_o frequent_o nor_o at_o adventure_n nor_o upon_o light_a occurrent_n nor_o for_o the_o fill_n up_o of_o talk_n nor_o for_o the_o give_a credit_n to_o a_o relation_n but_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o reserve_v the_o use_n of_o it_o for_o thing_n that_o be_v equal_o necessary_a and_o precious_a and_o they_o only_o when_o their_o security_n appear_v not_o any_o other_o way_n to_o be_v procure_v but_o by_o the_o truth_n issue_v from_o a_o oath_n and_o then_o our_o oath_n will_v gain_v credit_n when_o our_o whole_a conversation_n bear_v harmony_n with_o it_o to_o show_v that_o in_o humane_a matter_n nothing_o be_v more_o precious_a with_o we_o than_o truth_n whether_o we_o be_v unsworn_a or_o swear_v now_o this_o precept_n charge_v we_o not_o only_o to_o swear_v aright_o but_o also_o to_o abstain_v from_o oath_n for_o so_o we_o shall_v always_o swear_v aright_o if_o we_o do_v not_o 7.31_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mark_v that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o always_o signify_v the_o abuse_n of_o a_o thing_n but_o sometime_o the_o full_a use_n oâ—_n a_o thing_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o ouâ—_n power_n and_o liberty_n so_o st._n pauâ—_n who_o never_o have_v thought_n of_o abuse_v his_o power_n in_o the_o gospel_n resolve_v to_o deny_v himself_o bâ—_n not_o use_v his_o full_a power_n of_o lâ—ving_v upon_o the_o gospel_n 1_o coâ—_n 9_o 18._o and_o the_o transitoriness_n