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
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
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
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