call_v god_n to_o witness_v and_o variable_a arbitrary_a ceremony_n of_o express_v a_o oath_n but_o the_o oath_n itself_o you_o must_v understand_v be_v in_o reference_n to_o truth_n the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o heb._n 6._o 16._o not_o a_o mode_n nor_o ceremony_n of_o speak_v it_o as_o a_o vow_n be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o virginity_n and_o neither_o a_o ceremony_n nor_o a_o mode_n thereof_o but_o among_o all_o these_o which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o as_o mode_n or_o way_n of_o express_v truth_n he_o have_v not_o show_v we_o which_o of_o all_o these_o be_v a_o oath_n par._n he_o tell_v we_o a_o oath_n be_v make_v up_o out_o of_o they_o p._n 119._o min._n he_o can_v mean_v that_o it_o be_v make_v up_o of_o they_o all_o conjunct_a for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n a_o bare_a single_a affirmation_n be_v single_a exclude_v all_o the_o rest_n the_o second_o viz._n a_o additional_a asseveraton_n stop_v there_o and_o go_v no_o further_o and_o those_o various_a ceremony_n of_o put_v the_o hand_n under_o the_o thigh_n lift_v it_o up_o to_o heaven_n and_o the_o rest_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v ever_o be_v use_v together_o in_o the_o same_o oath_n therefore_o a_o oath_n can_v be_v make_v up_o of_o all_o these_o conjunct_a if_o so_o than_o it_o can_v be_v but_o make_v up_o of_o some_o of_o they_o but_o t._n e._n have_v not_o tell_v we_o which_o of_o they_o he_o mean_v neither_o what_o mode_n of_o speak_a truth_n a_o oath_n be_v nor_o of_o what_o mode_n it_o be_v make_v up_o par._n but_o t._n e._n have_v one_o scruple_n which_o trouble_v he_o often_o to_o which_o i_o pray_v answer_v once_o for_o alâ—…_n consider_v say_v he_o now_o i_o pray_v what_o act_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v that_o which_o the_o more_o true_o leges_fw-la christian_a man_n become_v the_o less_o need_n they_o have_v of_o it_o and_o here_o he_o think_v he_o have_v bishop_n gauden_n of_o his_o side_n who_o lay_v the_o necessity_n of_o oath_n upon_o man_n evil_a manner_n yea_o he_o say_v you_o confess_v 61._o as_o much_o yourself_o which_o as_o he_o think_v plain_o show_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o natural_a religion_n p._n 120_o 121._o min._n that_o evil_a manner_n make_v oath_n more_o necessary_a i_o do_v and_o still_o do_v confess_v but_o all_o t._n be_v inference_n from_o thence_o rely_v on_o this_o false_a and_o rot_a foundation_n that_o no_o act_n of_o natural_a religion_n can_v be_v found_v upon_o man_n evil_a manner_n repentance_n be_v a_o act_n of_o natural_a religion_n yet_o the_o more_o true_o christian_a man_n become_v and_o the_o more_o free_a from_o sin_n the_o less_o need_n they_o have_v of_o it_o but_o here_o in_o this_o passage_n of_o t._n be_v we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o he_o that_o need_v a_o oath_n and_o he_o that_o take_v it_o for_o the_o holy_a man_n may_v need_v a_o bad_a man_n oath_n to_o assure_v his_o testimony_n etc._n etc._n ellwood_n confess_v that_o justice_n be_v a_o act_n of_o natural_a religion_n p._n 118_o and_o one_o part_n of_o it_o be_v call_v distributive_a which_o in_o all_o its_o penal_a act_n depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o ill_a manner_n of_o man_n as_o much_o as_o oath_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o mercy_n as_o to_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o forgive_v injury_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o the_o more_o true_o christian_a man_n become_v the_o less_o need_n there_o will_v be_v of_o either_o of_o these_o yea_o st._n paul_n say_v concern_v the_o law_n that_o it_o be_v not_o make_v for_o a_o righteous_a man_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 9_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v demonax_n in_o lucian_n and_o constantius_n the_o emperor_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a all_o man_n can_v be_v philosopher_n there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o compulsion_n by_o law_n for_o that_o which_o now_o they_o forbear_v out_o of_o fear_n they_o will_v then_o hate_v out_o of_o judgement_n themist_n and_o much_o more_o i_o may_v cite_v to_o this_o purpose_n but_o shall_v i_o therefore_o argue_v from_o hence_o that_o justice_n and_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n be_v no_o moral_a virtue_n or_o that_o oath_n like_o many_o other_o good_a moral_a act_n and_o act_n of_o natural_a religion_n some_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n some_o in_o their_o immediate_a end_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o remedy_n against_o evil_n especial_o see_v t._n e._n himself_o p._n 118._o call_v both_o these_o viz._n do_v justice_n and_o show_v mercy_n moral_a and_o eternal_a precept_n why_o then_o shall_v he_o here_o exclude_v a_o due_o circumstantiate_v oath_n which_o in_o its_o primary_n designation_n be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n as_o i_o tell_v you_o in_o the_o conference_n par._n but_o your_o second_o proposition_n that_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o act_n of_o necessary_a justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n of_o strife_n by_o evidence_n t._n e._n answer_n that_o evidence_n be_v necessary_a but_o not_o a_o oath_n for_o evidence_n may_v be_v give_v by_o a_o plain_a affirmation_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o a_o oath_n be_v therefore_o superfluous_a p._n 122._o min._n i_o answer_v that_o a_o bare_a affirmation_n indeed_o be_v a_o evidence_n but_o not_o so_o well_o assure_v and_o he_o wilful_o pass_v by_o the_o answer_n i_o give_v you_o to_o this_o in_o the_o conference_n which_o methinks_v may_v satisfy_v a_o reasonable_a man_n viz._n that_o conscience_n do_v not_o dread_a all_o sin_n alike_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o multitude_n who_o fear_v not_o a_o lie_n yet_o do_v dread_a the_o solemnity_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o the_o horror_n of_o perjury_n 62._o in_o oppose_v this_o he_o oppose_v himself_o for_o he_o seem_v to_o grant_v it_o pag._n 119._o however_o he_o oppose_v common_a sense_n for_o all_o man_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o believe_v those_o that_o be_v upon_o their_o oath_n than_o if_o they_o be_v not_o par._n but_o he_o say_v that_o you_o must_v either_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v in_o any_o man_n that_o truth_n which_o may_v make_v his_o bare_a testimony_n of_o sufficient_a credit_n or_o yield_v that_o there_o be_v some_o man_n from_o who_o there_o be_v no_o need_n at_o all_o of_o a_o oath_n p._n 124._o min._n his_o consequence_n be_v not_o good_a i_o grant_v there_o be_v some_o man_n who_o reputation_n may_v give_v great_a credit_n to_o their_o bare_a testimony_n but_o in_o a_o case_n where_o my_o life_n credit_n or_o estate_n be_v at_o stake_n such_o a_o one_o see_v he_o be_v not_o infallible_a must_v not_o take_v it_o ill_o that_o i_o require_v the_o utmost_a assurance_n that_o may_v be_v have_v viz._n his_o oath_n for_o i_o see_v his_o fact_n fider_n but_o not_o his_o heart_n by_o what_o certain_a mark_n shall_v we_o knowmens_n integrity_n and_o though_o some_o man_n may_v be_v satisfy_v concern_v this_o or_o that_o man_n veracity_n yet_o other_o who_o may_v be_v concern_v in_o his_o testimony_n may_v not_o be_v so_o and_o if_o some_o man_n be_v believe_v in_o public_a evidence_n without_o a_o oath_n other_o who_o be_v privy_a to_o their_o own_o integrity_n may_v censure_v this_o as_o partiality_n if_o their_o evidence_n be_v not_o so_o take_v also_o however_o ill_o dispose_v man_n will_v ready_o make_v it_o occasion_n of_o censure_n and_o contention_n and_o though_o i_o say_v not_o all_o oath_n be_v infallible_a yet_o this_o i_o say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o high_a and_o best_a security_n we_o can_v have_v in_o this_o world_n and_o high_a assurance_n we_o must_v not_o expect_v par._n he_o abuse_v you_o also_o for_o say_v in_o the_o prophet_n darid_n word_n psal._n 116._o all_o man_n be_v liar_n p._n 124._o and_o tell_v we_o that_o david_n indeed_o in_o his_o great_a affliction_n let_v such_o a_o expression_n drop_n but_o he_o quick_o recall_v himself_o and_o confess_v it_o be_v speak_v in_o haste_n haste_v i_o perceive_v he_o take_v for_o rashness_n and_o therefore_o say_v you_o catch_v up_o the_o word_n at_o a_o venture_n ibid._n min._n he_o have_v do_v so_o i_o be_o sure_a and_o have_v accuse_v i_o here_o as_o rash_o as_o he_o fancy_v david_n accuse_v all_o mankind_n david_n say_v it_o in_o his_o haste_n that_o be_v when_o saul_n be_v in_o pursuit_n of_o he_o in_o fugâ_fw-la in_o his_o flight_n say_v gejerus_n and_o dr._n hammond_n on_o the_o place_n when_o he_o be_v in_o haste_n that_o be_v hot_o pursue_v by_o his_o enemy_n he_o then_o sound_v there_o paraphr_n be_v no_o truth_n in_o man_n and_o therefore_o must_v rely_v on_o god_n and_o not_o on_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n but_o suppose_v david_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o this_o imperfection_n and_o have_v speak_v in_o haste_n according_a to_o ellwood_n sense_n be_v st._n paul_n in_o haste_n too_o when_o he_o say_v let_v god_n be_v
the_o case_n of_o divorce_n and_o reduce_v marriage_n to_o its_o primitive_a institution_n mat._n 19_o denounce_v eight_o woe_n together_o against_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n he_o assert_v and_o clear_v the_o moral_a law_n in_o his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n from_o the_o false_a gloss_n the_o jewish_a doctor_n have_v put_v upon_o it_o and_o advance_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n whereof_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v the_o transcript_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n and_o be_v not_o all_o this_o sufficient_a to_o make_v christ_n a_o reformer_n he_o be_v our_o sole_a lawgiver_n and_o what_o the_o apostle_n teach_v after_o his_o offer_v up_o be_v his_o own_o law_n which_o himself_o have_v deliver_v before_o his_o death_n and_o which_o the_o spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o bring_v into_o 26._o their_o remembrance_n if_o therefore_o civil_a respect_n be_v so_o vain_a and_o evil_a a_o custom_n as_o t._n e._n make_v they_o p._n 41._o be_v it_o likely_a that_o so_o severe_a a_o reformer_n shall_v not_o only_o connive_v at_o they_o but_o express_o allow_v they_o as_o he_o do_v luke_o 14._o 10_o as_o ellwood_n implicit_o grant_v he_o do_v not_o deny_v it_o but_o use_v a_o absurd_a and_o a_o odd_a circuit_n of_o word_n to_o shuffle_v it_o off_o though_o therefore_o the_o pharisee_n ambition_n and_o affectation_n of_o the_o chief_a seat_n be_v rebuke_v by_o our_o saviour_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o distinction_n of_o person_n and_o place_n and_o such_o good_a manner_n as_o be_v found_v thereon_o be_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o dislike_v or_o design_v ever_o to_o remove_v what_o though_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n outward_a and_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n of_o the_o levitical_a priesthood_n upon_o christ_n death_n expire_v what_o though_o a_o more_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a worship_n etc._n be_v enjoin_v under_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o that_o end_n pour_v out_o more_o plentiful_o than_o ever_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o to_o christian_n all_o outward_a thing_n be_v vanish_v and_o such_o thing_n as_o no_o way_n belong_v to_o that_o priesthood_n be_v their_o body_n vanish_v too_o what_o then_o will_v become_v of_o that_o injunction_n glarific_a god_n in_o your_o body_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 20._o be_v we_o now_o devest_v of_o all_o outward_a capacity_n and_o concernment_n until_o he_o can_v prove_v this_o he_o must_v allow_v christian_n such_o outward_a custom_n and_o usage_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o this_o present_a state_n such_o among_o the_o rest_n be_v civil_a respect_n be_v suitable_a to_o that_o distinction_n which_o providence_n and_o the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n have_v make_v of_o person_n and_o place_n in_o the_o various_a relation_n which_o we_o find_v in_o all_o civil_a society_n he_o that_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o this_o distinction_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o government_n which_o can_v subsist_v without_o it_o for_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o ruler_n and_o subject_n governor_n and_o govern_v both_o in_o common_a wealth_n and_o private_a family_n what_o madness_n then_o be_v it_o to_o think_v that_o christ_n mean_v to_o take_v away_o civil_a respect_n and_o good_a manner_n thing_n that_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o uphold_v this_o distinction_n &_o essential_a to_o it_o as_o the_o due_a acknowledgement_n and_o proper_a expression_n of_o it_o therefore_o he_o abolish_v not_o those_o decentcustom_n of_o they_o which_o be_v upon_o record_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o any_o where_o else_o but_o all_o quotation_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o this_o purpose_n must_v needs_o be_v still_o in_o force_n par._n you_o have_v thus_o far_o give_v i_o very_o good_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n &_o if_o you_o have_v any_o thing_n further_o to_o add_v to_o it_o i_o pray_v go_v on_o to_o clear_v it_o not_o only_o to_o i_o but_o to_o all_o other_o who_o do_v ignorant_o scruple_n it_o as_o i_o have_v do_v min._n the_o great_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v universal_a friendship_n but_o as_o friendship_n be_v amicitia_fw-la parium_fw-la aâ—…t_fw-la imparium_fw-la of_o equal_n or_o unequal_o so_o the_o signification_n of_o that_o friendship_n require_v different_a expression_n since_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o society_n necessary_o infer_v a_o distribution_n of_o person_n into_o several_a rank_n high_a and_o low_a the_o foundation_n of_o which_o distribution_n be_v these_o follow_v first_o difference_n of_o age_n call_v for_o different_a behaviour_n leu._n 19_o 32._o thou_o shall_v rise_v before_o the_o hoary_a head_n and_o honour_v the_o face_n of_o the_o old_a man_n the_o face_n of_o the_o old_a man_n here_o be_v the_o gavity_n of_o his_o person_n so_o that_o respect_n to_o man_n person_n be_v not_o 4._o always_o evil_a but_o oft_o time_n a_o duty_n see_v also_o 1_o tim._n 5._o 1._o intreaâ—…an_v old_a man_n as_o a_o father_n second_o difference_n of_o sex_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 3_o 4_o 5._o and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o marriage_n make_v man_n the_o head_n of_o the_o wife_n and_o require_v expression_n of_o subjection_n from_o the_o woman_n to_o the_o man_n as_o t._n e._n himself_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o example_n of_o sarah_n obey_v abraham_n and_o call_v he_o lord_n three_o all_o domestic_a and_o civil_a relation_n imply_v superiority_n and_o inferiority_n as_o not_o only_a husband_n and_o wife_n but_o parent_n and_o child_n master_n and_o servant_n all_o which_o t._n e._n acknowledge_v why_o not_o then_o between_o magistrate_n and_o subject_n see_v magistrate_n be_v father_n of_o their_o country_n and_o every_o ruler_n be_v proper_o a_o master_n for_o christ_n himself_o call_v nicodemus_n a_o master_n of_o israel_n job._n 3._o 10._o four_o different_a occupation_n and_o employment_n some_o be_v honourable_a and_o other_o mean_v make_v one_o rankof_o menhigh_o than_o another_o exod._n 11._o 5._o jud._n 16._o 21._o act_n 17._o 5._o where_o you_o have_v mention_n of_o the_o base_a sort_n five_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o public_a office_n for_o civil_a governmenment_n some_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v public_a some_o private_a person_n public_a person_n must_v have_v a_o eminency_n above_o private_a and_o king_n in_o scripture_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o sacred_a and_o the_o jewish_a ruler_n and_o judge_n frequent_o style_v god_n exod._n 22._o 28._o ps._n 82._o 6._o io._n 10._o 34._o which_o be_v a_o much_o high_a title_n of_o respect_n than_o any_o we_o give_v in_o our_o address_n to_o they_o therefore_o it_o be_v bold_o do_v of_o t._n e._n to_o quarrel_n at_o the_o title_n of_o mâ—…st_a sacred_a majesty_n and_o dread_a sovereign_n as_o he_o do_v p._n 46._o see_v all_o these_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o title_n of_o king_n which_o the_o quaker_n own_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v he_o pray_v read_v these_o place_n ps._n 21._o 5._o 1_o chr._n 29._o 25._o dan._n 4._o 36_o 37._o six_o nearness_n to_o or_o distance_n from_o such_o as_o be_v eminent_a person_n thus_o they_o that_o be_v near_o the_o king_n person_n gain_v a_o eminence_n by_o it_o est._n 1._o 14._o jer._n 52._o 25._o and_o so_o the_o civil_a law_n look_v upon_o man_n as_o more_o eminent_a as_o they_o be_v near_o the_o emperor_n and_o we_o do_v find_v abundance_n of_o these_o reckon_v up_o in_o scripture_n dan._n 3._o 27._o and_o many_o other_o place_n and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o different_a rank_n of_o nobility_n and_o free_o give_v they_o their_o usual_a title_n without_o any_o scruple_n thus_o we_o read_v of_o prince_n gen._n 17._o 20._o and_o 2_o sam._n 19_o 6_o etc._n etc._n of_o duke_n exod._n 15._o 15._o jos._n 13._o 21._o gen._n 36._o 15_o etc._n etc._n of_o lord_n dan._n 5._o 1_o 9_o ezr._n 8._o 25._o neh._n 7._o 5._o and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n mark_v 6._o 2_o 1._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o herod_n make_v a_o supper_n to_o his_o lord_n etc._n etc._n note_v here_o that_o st._n mark_n write_v not_o like_o a_o quaker_n he_o do_v not_o say_v he_o make_v a_o supper_n to_o his_o lord_n as_o they_o call_v they_o nor_o like_o ellwood_n who_o be_v so_o demure_a that_o forsooth_o he_o dare_v not_o name_v title_n and_o civil_a respect_n without_o this_o same_o reserve_n as_o they_o be_v call_v chapter_n seven_o by_o civil_a virtue_n and_o great_a exploit_n man_n just_o gain_v a_o eminency_n and_o renown_n and_o become_v famous_a see_v ruth_n 4._o 11_o 14._o num._n 16._o 2._o and_o 1._o 16._o 1_o chron._n 5._o 24._o and_o 12._o 30._o ezek._n 23._o 23._o eight_o when_o person_n have_v large_a privilege_n and_o immunity_n grant_v to_o they_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n they_o gain_v a_o eminency_n by_o they_o thus_o nobleman_n be_v constitute_v by_o that_o the_o lawyer_n call_v
oath_n be_v command_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n ex_fw-la hypothesi_fw-la or_o from_o a_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o public_a good_a just_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o magistrate_n be_v command_v by_o the_o same_o law_n to_o make_v penal_a law_n against_o vice_n but_o if_o we_o be_v perfect_o innocent_a neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o will_v be_v command_v you_o may_v remember_v i_o tell_v you_o in_o the_o conference_n that_o if_o there_o be_v that_o truth_n in_o man_n that_o their_o bare_a testimony_n be_v infallible_a and_o of_o sufficient_a credit_n 61._o than_o there_o be_v no_o need_n at_o all_o of_o a_o oath_n so_o that_o we_o be_v command_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o use_v oath_n only_o upon_o just_a and_o necessary_a occasion_n and_o thus_o i_o assert_v what_o i_o do_v before_o in_o the_o conference_n that_o a_o oath_n right_o take_v that_o be_v as_o every_o honest_a man_n will_v understand_v i_o and_o as_o i_o interpret_v myself_o due_o circumstantiate_v and_o take_v in_o truth_n in_o judgement_n and_o in_o righteousness_n be_v a_o act_n of_o natural_a 2._o religion_n and_o understand_v plain_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o comprehend_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o religion_n in_o it_o as_o have_v god_n for_o the_o immediate_a object_n of_o that_o appeal_n which_o therein_o be_v make_v to_o he_o and_o by_o which_o so_o many_o of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v acknowledge_v and_o glorify_v as_o i_o show_v you_o in_o the_o conference_n and_o a_o oath_n be_v such_o and_o so_o needful_a to_o the_o end_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n it_o remain_v as_o i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o make_v unlawful_a by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v prohibit_v nothing_o that_o have_v so_o much_o of_o morality_n and_o goodness_n in_o it_o par._n but_o t._n e._n lest_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v understand_v have_v put_v in_o a_o marginal_a note_n in_o order_n to_o the_o explain_v what_o natural_a religion_n mean_v viz._n the_o word_n natural_a have_v divers_a acceptation_n for_o there_o be_v pure_a nature_n corrupt_a nature_n and_o the_o divine_a nature_n ibid._n min._n these_o may_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n nature_n but_o will_v any_o but_o a_o natural_a have_v bring_v in_o these_o to_o expound_v natural_a religion_n let_v we_o apply_v it_o thereto_o and_o then_o there_o be_v pure_a natural_a religion_n corrupt_a natural_a religion_n and_o divine_a natural_a religion_n rare_a distinction_n beside_o how_o come_v the_o divine_a nature_n to_o be_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n natural_a be_v natural_a ever_o use_v for_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o be_v the_o saint_n who_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o any_o where_o call_v natural_a man_n one_o will_v suspect_v t._n e._n be_v not_o in_o his_o right_a mind_n when_o he_o put_v down_o this_o lamentable_a note_n par._n t._n e._n tell_v we_o you_o enumerate_v many_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o a_o oath_n to_o which_o he_o say_v no_o other_o answer_n need_v be_v give_v than_o that_o the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o speak_v the_o truth_n without_o a_o oath_n p._n 112._o min._n have_v mud_v the_o water_n by_o his_o captious-exception_n he_o think_v to_o escape_v undiscerned_a and_o to_o put_v off_o the_o whole_a force_n of_o my_o reason_n conf._n p._n 57_o 58._o with_o this_o fallacious_a and_o slight_a reply_n but_o we_o must_v not_o part_v so_o what_o though_o a_o man_n may_v believe_v the_o attribute_n of_o god_n in_o his_o heart_n while_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n yet_o do_v he_o so_o open_o and_o so_o solemn_o acknowledge_v they_o as_o he_o that_o immediate_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v by_o a_o oath_n speak_v truth_n be_v not_o so_o particular_o direct_v unto_o god_n but_o a_o oath_n right_o take_v or_o due_o circumstantiate_v be_v so_o direct_a a_o application_n to_o god_n and_o we_o do_v so_o particular_o ascribe_v a_o divinity_n to_o that_o we_o swear_v by_o that_o lactantius_n affirm_v socrates_n his_o swear_v by_o a_o goose_n and_o a_o dog_n be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o those_o creature_n be_v his_o go_n and_o tertullian_n plain_o give_v this_o 20._o reason_n why_o the_o primitive_a christian_n will_v not_o swear_v by_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o emperor_n lest_o they_o shall_v thereby_o own_v they_o to_o be_v go_n and_o hence_o author_n general_o make_v solemn_a oath_n 32._o to_o be_v act_n of_o religion_n and_o one_o sort_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o sanderson_n 2_o pareus_n 1._o cbemnitius_fw-la dei_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o none_o can_v say_v thus_o of_o speak_v bare_a truth_n and_o therefore_o the_o difference_n be_v very_o great_a that_o be_v a_o act_n of_o moral_a virtue_n but_o this_o a_o act_n of_o the_o incommunicable_a worship_n of_o god_n that_o be_v direct_v to_o a_o man_n this_o to_o the_o true_a and_o live_a god_n par._n but_o t._n e._n have_v a_o way_n to_o avoid_v this_o by_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v more_o glorify_v by_o have_v redeem_v a_o people_n from_o perfidiousness_n treachery_n and_o falsehood_n etc._n etc._n who_o can_v now_o speak_v truth_n every_o man_n with_o his_o neighbour_n ibid._n min._n though_o the_o price_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v of_o infinite_a value_n yet_o if_o man_n improve_v not_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v purchase_v for_o they_o this_o fault_n which_o be_v in_o they_o and_o not_o in_o christ_n redemption_n will_v spoil_v the_o quaker_n argument_n be_v all_o man_n be_v all_o quaker_n themselves_o purge_v from_o hypocrisy_n &_o c._n if_o they_o be_v not_o t._n e._n have_v say_v nothing_o to_o purpose_n against_o the_o use_n of_o solemn_a and_o legal_a oath_n par._n he_o tell_v we_o now_o that_o from_o reason_n you_o be_v come_v to_o consent_v of_o nation_n your_o second_o medium_fw-la to_o prove_v swear_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n and_o here_o he_o bid_v his_o reader_n observe_v that_o you_o have_v whole_o let_v go_v your_o hold_n of_o natural_a religion_n ibid._n min._n you_o may_v remember_v my_o word_n be_v these_o which_o i_o suppose_v he_o dare_v not_o cite_v for_o fear_v of_o expose_v himself_o i_o shall_v resume_v the_o method_n propose_v and_o prove_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n out_o of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o consent_n of_o nation_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v not_o that_o which_o 12._o can_v be_v prove_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n out_o of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o nation_n a_o act_n of_o natural_a religion_n what_o better_a way_n nay_o what_o other_o way_n to_o prove_v it_o be_v this_o let_n go_v my_o hold_n of_o natural_a religion_n when_o i_o prove_v it_o by_o a_o instance_n of_o religion_n evident_a in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n with_o special_a precept_n or_o institution_n what_o mark_n will_v t._n e._n assign_v we_o to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o a_o act_n of_o positive_a religion_n according_a to_o his_o own_o distinction_n p._n 110._o so_o that_o you_o see_v here_o how_o unfair_o he_o deal_v with_o i_o which_o sure_o he_o will_v never_o have_v do_v have_v he_o think_v that_o the_o book_n will_v ever_o have_v be_v compare_v together_o par._n as_o to_o those_o instance_n which_o you_o give_v of_o aristotle_n cicero_n and_o seneca_n affirm_v a_o oath_n a_o act_n of_o religion_n out_o of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n he_o carp_v only_o at_o your_o quotation_n in_o seneca_n who_o say_v that_o religion_n be_v the_o chief_a bond_n of_o fidelity_n in_o the_o militia_n where_o he_o observe_v that_o seneca_n do_v not_o say_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v the_o chief_a bond_n but_o religion_n and_o that_o you_o will_v persuade_v your_o reader_n that_o by_o religion_n be_v mean_v a_o oath_n p._n 113._o min._n have_v t._n e._n read_v the_o place_n in_o seneca_n sure_o he_o will_v not_o so_o gross_o have_v abuse_v himself_o the_o whole_a sentence_n be_v this_o even_o as_o the_o first_o bond_n of_o fidelity_n in_o the_o militia_n be_v religion_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o ensign_n and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o run_v away_o and_o then_o afterward_o other_o thing_n be_v easy_o require_v and_o command_v to_o those_o who_o be_v bind_v by_o a_o oath_n nothing_o 369._o plain_o than_o that_o he_o call_v that_o oath_n with_o which_o soldier_n be_v bind_v religion_n and_o so_o do_v many_o other_o author_n if_o t._n e._n have_v none_o but_o rider_n by_o he_o in_o the_o country_n or_o his_o capacity_n extend_v no_o high_o let_v he_o look_v religio_fw-la there_o and_o he_o will_v find_v these_o word_n viz._n cic._n in_o flacoum_n religioni_fw-la suae_fw-la consulere_fw-la i._n e._n fidei_fw-la &_o sacramento_n militari_fw-la and_o i_o think_v it_o make_v much_o to_o my_o purpose_n that_o the_o roman_n do_v not_o
to_o another_o but_o to_o let_v that_o pass_v do_v ever_o christ_n establish_v such_o a_o equality_n as_o to_o take_v away_o all_o superiority_n and_o subordination_n how_o come_v then_o the_o quaker_n to_o allow_v that_o of_o master_n and_o servant_n p._n 43._o christian_n indeed_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o almighty_a god_n all_o equal_n as_o to_o the_o capacity_n to_o salvation_n gal._n 3._o 28._o but_o i_o must_v ask_v your_o leveller_n here_o what_o be_v this_o to_o their_o civil_a capacity_n which_o can_v be_v put_v off_o while_o we_o be_v in_o these_o body_n par._n but_o he_o conclude_v his_o comment_n on_o luk._n 14._o 10._o thus_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n james_n may_v be_v understand_v a_o general_a prohibition_n of_o that_o vain_a custom_n of_o respect_v person_n upon_o any_o occasion_n whatsoever_o ibid._n min._n i_o show_v you_o before_o how_o this_o quaker_n contradict_v himself_o now_o i_o shall_v show_v how_o the_o quaker_n contradict_v one_o another_o in_o a_o certain_a pamphlet_n call_v a_o treatise_n of_o oath_n subscribe_v by_o thirteen_o quaker_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o dedicate_v to_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n you_o will_v find_v this_o expression_n we_o do_v with_o all_o due_a respect_n present_v you_o with_o our_o reason_n p._n 3._o now_o do_v st._n james_n give_v a_o general_a prohibition_n against_o all_o respect_n both_o inward_a and_o outward_a none_o except_v why_o then_o do_v the_o quaker_n contradict_v their_o own_o tenent_n for_o according_a to_o t._n e._n the_o most_o sincere_a and_o cordial_a respect_n be_v unlawful_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o quaker_n principle_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v and_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o evil_a custom_n as_o he_o say_v here_o to_o give_v they_o upon_o any_o occasion_n whatsoever_o why_o do_v he_o rail_v against_o i_o and_o tax_v my_o honesty_n why_o do_v he_o not_o rather_o tell_v his_o brethren_n that_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v their_o decorum_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o fit_a company_n to_o represent_v the_o body_n of_o the_o quaker_n yea_o do_v not_o this_o passage_n look_v like_o a_o design_n lay_v to_o mistake_v their_o principle_n why_o do_v not_o t._n e._n tell_v they_o as_o much_o yet_o he_o find_v no_o fault_n with_o his_o brethren_n for_o that_o which_o he_o condemn_v in_o we_o and_o therefore_o be_v deep_o guilty_a of_o that_o partial_a respect_n which_o both_o the_o scripture_n and_o right_a reason_n do_v every_o where_o condemn_v par._n i_o can_v imagine_v what_o shall_v hold_v the_o quaker_n unsatisfied_a in_o this_o matter_n unless_o it_o be_v this_o weak_a scruple_n that_o they_o may_v respect_v man_n but_o not_o the_o person_n of_o man_n min._n be_v not_o respect_v man_n and_o the_o person_n of_o man_n all_o one_o can_v you_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o a_o man_n and_o his_o person_n do_v the_o quaker_n understand_v what_o the_o word_n they_o be_v contend_v for_o signify_v do_v it_o import_v any_o more_o than_o honour_n favour_n and_o kindness_n to_o honour_v a_o man_n be_v to_o respect_v he_o to_o favour_v a_o man_n be_v to_o respect_v he_o to_o be_v kind_a to_o a_o man_n be_v to_o show_v respect_n to_o he_o be_v these_o sin_n as_o respect_v person_n relate_v to_o partiality_n either_o in_o dispense_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o distribution_n of_o justice_n so_o far_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n but_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o honour_n civility_n humanity_n and_o kindness_n it_o be_v in_o that_o case_n so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o sin_n so_o far_o from_o be_v prohibit_v that_o it_o be_v express_o enjoin_v and_o command_v we_o leu._n 19_o 32._o and_o it_o be_v repute_v a_o sin_n in_o israel_n that_o they_o respect_v not_o the_o person_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o favour_v not_o the_o elder_n lam._n 4._o 16._o so_o that_o we_o be_v to_o respect_v person_n in_o one_o sense_n as_o we_o be_v not_o to_o respect_v they_o in_o another_o par._n to_o your_o exposition_n on_o mat._n 23._o 10._o t._n e._n i_o observe_v agree_v so_o far_o as_o to_o say_v as_o little_a learning_n as_o you_o be_v willing_a to_o allow_v the_o quaker_n they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o christ_n do_v condemn_v the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n father_n as_o it_o imply_v a_o implicit_a faith_n in_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v and_o also_o the_o word_n master_n as_o it_o denote_v the_o chief_a or_o head_n of_o a_o sect_n and_o party_n p._n 43._o min._n i_o will_v have_v you_o to_o observe_v also_o how_o the_o quaker_n be_v come_v down_o from_o the_o conceit_n of_o his_o revelation_n so_o far_o as_o at_o last_o to_o yield_v that_o learning_n may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o the_o understanding_n the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o concession_n have_v take_v away_o the_o force_n of_o his_o eight_o chapter_n par._n but_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o that_o text_n christ_n condemn_v also_o the_o use_n of_o those_o title_n father_n and_o master_n in_o every_o sense_n where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o true_a relation_n that_o be_v as_o he_o explain_v it_o by_o nature_n or_o law_n which_o he_o call_v a_o direct_a untruth_n ibid._n min._n as_o much_o learning_n as_o the_o quaker_n think_v he_o have_v it_o have_v fail_v he_o here_o see_v this_o sense_n which_o he_o have_v add_v be_v neither_o agreeable_a to_o the_o occasion_n and_o scope_n of_o that_o text_n nor_o be_v consistent_a with_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o you_o will_v find_v title_n without_o either_o of_o these_o sort_n of_o relation_n i_o mention_v some_o in_o the_o conference_n which_o he_o unhandsome_o pass_v by_o as_o those_o of_o st._n stephen_n and_o st._n peter_n giving_z even_o their_o persecutor_n the_o title_n of_o father_n act_n 7._o 2._o and_o 22._o 1._o and_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o give_v the_o title_n of_o friend_n to_o the_o traitor_n judas_n mat._n 26._o 50._o now_o which_o of_o these_o be_v due_a either_o by_o nature_n or_o law_n do_v our_o saviour_n contrary_a to_o his_o nature_n speak_v a_o untruth_n or_o do_v he_o not_o rather_o in_o this_o passage_n intimate_v to_o we_o that_o a_o title_n of_o civility_n be_v no_o 21._o untruth_n to_o whosoever_o it_o be_v give_v though_o to_o a_o enemy_n one_o thing_n let_v i_o ask_v you_o concern_v st._n paul_n whether_o think_v you_o be_v he_o a_o marry_a man_n or_o no_o par._n no_o the_o contrary_a appear_v from_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 7._o min._n how_o come_v ellwood_n then_o who_o acknowledge_v no_o title_n due_a but_o by_o nature_n or_o law_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o exhort_v his_o son_n timothy_n and_o his_o son_n titus_n thus_o and_o thus_o p._n 24_o so_o that_o t._n e._n have_v either_o spoil_v st._n paul_n reputation_n or_o his_o own_o comment_n par._n but_o st._n paul_n piety_n be_v above_o such_o a_o reflection_n he_o be_v their_o father_n in_o a_o holy_a sense_n in_o a_o spiritual_a relation_n have_v beget_v they_o through_o the_o truth_n min._n you_o be_v in_o the_o right_n but_o then_o this_o be_v no_o thanks_o to_o our_o quaker_n who_o have_v exclude_v this_o of_o st._n paul_n out_o of_o the_o catalogue_n of_o his_o lawful_a title_n i_o will_v ask_v you_o another_o question_n concern_v david_n who_o bring_v in_o and_o use_v musical_a instrument_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n who_o i_o pray_v be_v his_o father_n par._n why_o who_o but_o jesse_n min._n yes_o i_o shall_v find_v another_o father_n for_o he_o in_o scripture_n which_o sure_a t._n e._n never_o dream_v of_o viz._n old_a jubal_n for_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o that_o handle_v the_o harp_n or_o organ_n gen._n 4._o 21._o now_o how_o do_v this_o title_n hold_v by_o nature_n or_o law_n can_v all_o the_o musician_n in_o the_o world_n be_v iubal_n natural_a son_n i_o must_v ask_v you_o one_o question_n more_o what_o relation_n be_v there_o between_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o rich_a glutton_n that_o he_o shall_v cry_v father_n abraham_n luk._n 16._o 24_o where_o be_v there_o any_o such_o relation_n as_o ellwood_n talk_v of_o par._n i_o know_v that_o after_o death_n there_o can_v be_v no_o relation_n by_o nature_n or_o law_n but_o why_o do_v you_o fetch_v a_o instance_n from_o hell_n min._n if_o that_o will_v not_o serve_v i_o will_v fetch_v you_o one_o from_o heaven_n abraham_n reply_v son_n remember_v etc._n etc._n v._n 25._o par._n that_o be_v a_o parable_n min._n suppose_v it_o be_v do_v christ_n use_v to_o deliver_v parable_n in_o such_o term_n as_o be_v opposite_a to_o his_o own_o command_n par._n but_o be_v it_o not_o a_o untruth_n to_o call_v they_o master_n and_o ourselves_o their_o servant_n who_o in_o strictness_n can_v challenge_v that_o relation_n min._n
and_o withal_o t._n e._n as_o you_o can_v but_o observe_v be_v so_o unconstant_a to_o his_o own_o assertion_n and_o confuse_a in_o his_o notion_n of_o perfection_n and_o the_o right_n fix_v the_o notion_n of_o thing_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o clear_a proceed_n in_o affirm_v or_o deny_v any_o thing_n concern_v they_o i_o will_v digress_v a_o little_a to_o state_n the_o case_n and_o that_o in_o three_o particular_n by_o which_o many_o of_o my_o adversarie_n objection_n will_v fall_v without_o take_v any_o further_a notice_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v therefore_o consider_v 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o perfection_n and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v grant_v or_o deny_v concern_v it_o 2._o whether_o the_o best_a of_o man_n can_v attain_v such_o a_o perfection_n as_o that_o they_o need_v not_o or_o ought_v not_o to_o acknowledge_v themselves_o sinner_n and_o offender_n 3._o what_o be_v the_o result_n tendency_n and_o consequent_a of_o assert_v or_o deny_v such_o a_o perfection_n par._n i_o shall_v be_v very_o glad_a to_o have_v a_o just_a account_n of_o these_o particular_n min._n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o perfection_n or_o be_v perfect_a be_v take_v in_o different_a sense_n in_o holy_a scripture_n sometime_o in_o a_o positive_a sense_n and_o sometime_o in_o a_o comparative_a a_o positive_a perfection_n be_v that_o which_o include_v such_o a_o compleatness_n wherein_o nothing_o be_v want_v or_o deficient_a to_o the_o answer_v and_o come_v up_o to_o those_o measure_n by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v and_o examine_v now_o the_o measure_n by_o which_o the_o perfection_n of_o man_n must_v be_v judge_v of_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o the_o capacity_n of_o our_o nature_n take_v in_o its_o best_a and_o sinless_a estate_n and_o the_o holy_a and_o perfect_a law_n of_o god_n to_o which_o it_o be_v in_o every_o respect_n exact_o conformable_a and_o hence_o the_o first_o sense_n of_o perfection_n be_v when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o enjoy_v as_o great_a good_a and_o satisfaction_n and_o as_o high_a purity_n and_o freedom_n from_o all_o stain_n of_o evil_a as_o either_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n can_v arrive_v unto_o or_o as_o the_o perfect_a law_n of_o god_n do_v require_v this_o be_v our_o state_n in_o paradise_n and_o will_v be_v in_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o perfection_n speak_v of_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 10._o and_o probable_o eph._n 4._o 13._o heb._n 12._o 23._o and_o elsewhere_o the_o second_o measure_n by_o which_o a_o man_n perfection_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o be_v the_o capacity_n of_o our_o nature_n since_o the_o â—…all_n and_o the_o term_n which_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n prescribe_v and_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n accept_v hence_o the_o second_o sense_n of_o perfection_n be_v when_o a_o man_n live_v as_o holy_o as_o ever_o he_o can_v in_o this_o frail_a estate_n sincere_o strive_v to_o do_v all_o christian_a duty_n and_o to_o avoid_v all_o sin_n and_o supply_v his_o fail_n by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n so_o that_o god_n accept_v he_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o perfect_o righteous_a in_o and_o through_o christ_n this_o may_v be_v call_v evangelical_n perfection_n and_o be_v speak_v of_o heb._n 10._o 14._o and_o 13._o 21._o jam._n 3._o 2._o and_o this_o be_v oft_o express_v by_o the_o perfect_a heart_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n perfect_a be_v oppose_v to_o wicked_a job._n 9_o 22._o and_o be_v explain_v by_o be_v upright_o psal._n 37._o 37._o and_o this_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o some_o fail_n that_o there_o be_v two_o measure_n of_o perfection_n appear_v by_o that_o instance_n i_o give_v you_o of_o st._n paul_n who_o acknowledge_v himself_o perfect_a according_o to_o one_o measure_n and_o yet_o not_o perfect_a according_a to_o another_o phil._n 3._o 12_o and_o 15._o compare_v so_o according_a to_o this_o second_o measure_n and_o god_n gracious_a acceptance_n asa_n heart_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v perfect_a all_o his_o day_n 1_o king_n 15._o 14._o yet_o come_v he_o far_o short_a of_o a_o sinless_a perfection_n for_o the_o high_a place_n be_v not_o take_v away_o ibid._n and_o he_o be_v sinful_o passionate_a against_o hanani_n 2_o chron._n 16._o 10._o who_o do_v but_o his_o office_n in_o reprove_v he_o for_o rely_v on_o the_o king_n of_o syria_n ver_fw-la 7_o and_o be_v lame_a on_o his_o foot_n seek_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n but_o to_o the_o physician_n ver_fw-la 12._o now_o let_v ellwood_n ask_v what_o notion_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v of_o perfection_n who_o record_v asa_n both_o perfect_a and_o a_o sinner_n therefore_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o this_o second_o sense_n of_o perfection_n the_o hebrew_n word_n for_o perfect_a be_v by_o our_o translator_n often_o render_v upright_o and_o make_v use_v of_o to_o express_v the_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o obtain_v god_n favour_n psal._n 15._o 2._o compare_v with_o ver_fw-la 1_o 5._o and_o psal._n 18._o 23._o elsewhere_o it_o be_v express_v by_o a_o heart_n that_o be_v sound_a in_o god_n statute_n and_o make_v to_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o sure_a hope_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n mercy_n psal._n 119._o 80._o yea_o the_o hebrew_n word_n signify_v perfection_n be_v translate_v sincerity_n jos._n 24._o 14._o which_o t._n e._n seem_v to_o deny_v p._n 72._o this_o for_o the_o positive_a sense_n of_o perfection_n the_o next_o sense_n of_o perfection_n be_v comparative_a by_o which_o be_v mean_v such_o a_o perfection_n as_o be_v not_o exact_o complete_a in_o itself_o in_o respect_n to_o the_o first_o and_o high_a measure_n but_o only_o more_o complete_a than_o some_o other_o to_o which_o it_o be_v compare_v and_o this_o apply_v to_o our_o case_n consist_v in_o outdo_v the_o low_a sort_n of_o christian_n and_o come_v up_o to_o the_o high_a measure_n and_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n perfection_n be_v take_v heb._n 6._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 6._o now_o to_o apply_v this_o threefold_a distinction_n of_o perfection_n the_o attain_v a_o comparative_a perfection_n be_v not_o only_o desirable_a and_o useful_a but_o possible_a nay_o it_o be_v actual_o arrive_v to_o by_o some_o though_o not_o by_o all_o who_o notwithstanding_o may_v be_v true_a christian_n the_o attain_v a_o evangelical_n perfection_n be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o also_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o all_o true_a christian_n but_o a_o absolute_a perfection_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n about_o which_o the_o dispute_n lie_v though_o it_o be_v the_o crown_n we_o aim_v at_o yet_o be_v not_o attain_v by_o any_o in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v my_o next_o particular_a of_o which_o i_o shall_v now_o give_v you_o a_o account_n par._n as_o you_o propound_v it_o before_o it_o be_v this_o whether_o the_o best_a of_o man_n can_v in_o this_o world_n attain_v to_o such_o a_o perfection_n as_o they_o need_v not_o or_o ought_v not_o to_o acknowledge_v themselves_o sinner_n and_o offender_n min._n to_o which_o query_n i_o reply_v by_o lay_v down_o these_o proposition_n first_o that_o there_o be_v two_o measure_n by_o which_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o our_o perfection_n namely_o the_o perfect_a and_o exact_a law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o second_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o acceptance_n which_o be_v not_o one_o and_o the_o same_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o a_o covenant_n require_v not_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o perfection_n in_o order_n to_o our_o acceptance_n though_o the_o law_n do_v still_o call_v for_o it_o for_o if_o it_o do_v salvation_n be_v impossible_a for_o we_o in_o our_o fall_a and_o frail_a estate_n yet_o still_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o dispensation_n of_o purity_n as_o well_o as_o grace_v nor_o be_v it_o the_o design_n thereof_o to_o cancel_v our_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n but_o rather_o to_o advance_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o reject_v not_o any_o moral_a duty_n nor_o allow_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v moral_o evil_a for_o as_o it_o can_v be_v that_o any_o thing_n good_a or_o evil_a shall_v cease_v to_o be_v so_o under_o the_o gospel_n so_o it_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o that_o doctrine_n that_o establish_v god_n kingdom_n to_o discharge_v man_n from_o the_o obedience_n which_o he_o owe_v as_o a_o creature_n whence_o it_o follow_v second_o that_o all_o even_o the_o least_o evil_n be_v a_o sin_n because_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o law_n as_o well_o as_o the_o grosser_n act_n of_o sin_n all_o evil_a thought_n irregular_a desire_n and_o disorderly_a passion_n and_o also_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o good_a thought_n and_o desire_n as_o well_o as_o of_o good_a word_n and_o action_n be_v breach_n of_o god_n
holy_a law_n now_o incur_v his_o displeasure_n deserve_v his_o wrath_n and_o need_v his_o pardon_n for_o man_n present_a inability_n to_o keep_v the_o law_n in_o the_o rigour_n of_o it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n excuse_v he_o of_o his_o duty_n to_o keep_v the_o whole_a law_n because_o his_o weakness_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o fall_v and_o he_o be_v accountable_a for_o it_o three_o the_o perfection_n of_o practice_n in_o avoid_v all_o evil_a and_o perform_v every_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v aught_o to_o be_v endeavour_v after_o yet_o such_o a_o absolute_a sinless_a perfection_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n be_v not_o attain_v in_o this_o life_n nor_o be_v it_o ever_o actual_o attain_v by_o any_o mere_a man_n since_o the_o fall_n which_o though_o i_o former_o prove_v to_o you_o in_o the_o conference_n yet_o will_v i_o now_o take_v more_o pain_n with_o you_o to_o confirm_v it_o perfection_n be_v oppose_v to_o moral_a imperfection_n and_o signify_v a_o state_n and_o condition_n absolute_o sinless_a in_o rigour_n of_o law_n such_o as_o come_v up_o to_o the_o first_o measure_n and_o our_o primitive_a capacity_n before_o we_o fall_v thus_o the_o word_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v in_o this_o controversy_n and_o now_o i_o shall_v tell_v you_o how_o far_o we_o dispute_v against_o it_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v both_o negative_o and_o affirmative_o first_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v desirable_a for_o it_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o high_a aim_n and_o hope_n nor_o second_o as_o whole_o and_o for_o ever_o impossible_a to_o we_o for_o we_o believe_v we_o shall_v attain_v it_o when_o we_o reach_v the_o heavenly_a mansion_n nor_o three_o as_o impossible_a for_o god_n to_o effect_v now_o in_o our_o present_a state_n who_o can_v do_v every_o thing_n which_o imply_v not_o a_o contradiction_n nor_o four_o do_v we_o discard_v sincere_a endeavour_n after_o it_o for_o we_o constant_o maintain_v that_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o to_o live_v without_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n for_o what_o divine_a ever_o affirm_v it_o lawful_a to_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o any_o sin_n that_o therefore_o we_o assert_v be_v as_o follow_v we_o maintain_v first_o that_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n here_o explain_v be_v not_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n see_v even_o babe_n in_o christ_n who_o be_v far_o remote_a from_o it_o may_v be_v save_v second_o we_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o ordinary_a condition_n of_o christian_n but_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v though_o not_o among_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n simple_o impossible_a if_o god_n be_v please_v to_o use_v his_o power_n yet_o among_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n that_o do_v not_o actual_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o this_o world_n which_o they_o that_o please_v may_v call_v moral_o impossible_a that_o be_v so_o difficult_a that_o man_n will_v not_o actual_o arrive_v to_o it_o in_o this_o low_a state_n wherein_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o set_v we_o and_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o assertion_n be_v these_o first_o the_o many_o expression_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n who_o testify_v of_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o sinless_a in_o rigour_n of_o law_n and_o the_o constant_a experience_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n since_o the_o scripture_n time_n second_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o such_o perfection_n with_o the_o present_a weakness_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o the_o many_o deplorable_a circumstance_n which_o be_v the_o consequent_n of_o his_o fall_n three_o the_o end_n of_o gospel_n institution_n which_o be_v plain_o design_v for_o a_o imperfect_a state_n and_o of_o no_o use_n if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o the_o foremention_v explain_v sense_n four_o abundance_n of_o scripture_n command_v etc._n we_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n therefore_o we_o can_v never_o be_v past_o grow_v in_o this_o life_n we_o must_v abound_v more_o and_o more_o these_o and_o many_o other_o suppose_v plain_o that_o we_o come_v not_o to_o our_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o our_o ultimate_a perfection_n in_o this_o life_n five_o those_o scriptune_n which_o show_v the_o danger_n of_o stand_v upon_o term_n with_o god_n and_o the_o misery_n we_o be_v in_o if_o god_n shall_v deal_v with_o we_o in_o rigour_n of_o law_n enter_v not_o into_o judgement_n with_o thy_o servant_n for_o in_o thy_o sight_n shall_v no_o man_n live_v be_v justify_v psal._n 143._o 2._o if_o thou_o lord_n shall_v mark_v iniquity_n o_o lord_n who_o shall_v stand_v psal._n 130._o 3_o etc._n etc._n sixthly_a those_o scripture_n which_o show_v our_o need_n of_o mercy_n at_o death_n and_o judgement_n the_o lord_n grant_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o may_v find_v mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o day_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 18_o etc._n etc._n seven_o we_o may_v confirm_v it_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o leu._n 16._o 6._o and_o heb._n 9_o 7._o where_o aaron_n the_o saint_n of_o the_o lord_n 16._o with_o his_o successor_n be_v enjoin_v yearly_a to_o offer_v a_o sin-offering_a as_o well_o for_o himself_o as_o for_o the_o error_n of_o the_o people_n which_o show_v plain_o that_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o old_a time_n have_v not_o attain_v to_o a_o unsinning_a perfection_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o same_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o description_n of_o the_o gospel_n righteousness_n consist_v in_o have_v sin_n pardon_v rom._n 3._o 6_o 7_o 8._o eph._n 1._o 7._o 1_o joh._n 1._o 8_o 9_o so_o that_o after_o all_o this_o four_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v discourage_v as_o to_o our_o final_a estate_n because_o this_o unsinning_a perfection_n be_v not_o the_o term_n of_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n nor_o will_v the_o want_n of_o it_o cause_v our_o final_a rejection_n for_o to_o assert_v this_o will_v make_v void_a the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o admit_v repentance_n propose_v forgiveness_n and_o accept_v sincerity_n because_o though_o it_o be_v as_o i_o say_v the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o prohibit_v all_o sin_n and_o to_o allow_v none_o yet_o if_o through_o infirmity_n a_o man_n fall_v it_o provide_v a_o remedy_n 1_o joh._n 2._o 1._o and_o upon_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o acceptance_n secure_v salvation_n par._n i_o see_v not_o why_o man_n shall_v require_v more_o than_o god_n be_v please_v to_o accept_v and_o we_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o perform_v so_o that_o you_o need_v enlarge_v no_o further_o in_o the_o proof_n of_o these_o only_o let_v i_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o result_n tendency_n and_o consequent_a of_o deny_v the_o quaker_n absolute_a unsinning_a state_n and_o assert_v the_o evangelical_n perfection_n which_o be_v your_o three_o particular_a min._n we_o deny_v the_o quaker_n absolute_a perfection_n not_o only_o as_o unattainable_a and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o condition_n of_o fall_a man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o deceive_v some_o man_n into_o a_o groundless_a pride_n to_o make_v they_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o remission_n despise_v the_o mercy_n of_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o rely_v on_o their_o own_o merit_n as_o it_o confound_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o grace_n and_o as_o it_o stand_v as_o that_o two-edged_a sword_n gen._n 3._o 24._o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o make_v they_o despair_n of_o ever_o attain_v everlasting_a glory_n when_o they_o once_o find_v themselves_o deceive_v but_o then_o there_o be_v no_o ill_a consequent_n as_o be_v false_o pretend_v by_o our_o deny_v this_o absolute_a unsinning_a righteousness_n or_o perfection_n first_o it_o be_v no_o discouragement_n to_o christian_a care_n and_o diligence_n and_o the_o most_o vigorous_a endeavour_n that_o any_o christian_n can_v use_v while_o he_o attain_v at_o present_a a_o evangelical_n perfection_n and_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o the_o favour_n to_o be_v own_v as_o his_o child_n and_o a_o heir_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o that_o state_n of_o absolute_a perfection_n in_o heaven_n yea_o and_o of_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o glory_n according_a to_o his_o growth_n in_o grace_n here_o second_o it_o be_v no_o doctrine_n of_o looseness_n or_o encouragement_n to_o sin_n since_o that_o grace_n which_o tender_v remission_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o sincere_a and_o penitent_a will_v never_o accept_v the_o slothful_a and_o careless_a and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o the_o gospel_n give_v no_o allowance_n to_o sin_n but_o promise_v great_a reward_n to_o great_a degree_n of_o piety_n last_o the_o assert_v this_o evangelical_n perfection_n have_v many_o good_a consequent_n for_o it_o direct_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o many_o considerable_a duty_n which_o else_o will_v have_v
rest_n of_o his_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_n be_v spend_v in_o artifices_fw-la to_o render_v i_o and_o my_o doctrine_n odious_a but_o upon_o the_o principle_n i_o have_v already_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o state_v of_o this_o case_n of_o perfection_n they_o will_v appear_v neither_o to_o need_v nor_o deserve_v a_o answer_n par._n but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n which_o must_v not_o be_v omit_v t._n e._n think_v you_o and_o other_o who_o set_v yourselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o true_o gospel_n doctrine_n of_o be_v perfect_o deliver_v and_o preserve_v from_o sin_n to_o be_v as_o the_o evil_a spy_n who_o discourage_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o go_v into_o the_o land_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o etc._n etc._n p._n 98_o 99_o min._n the_o quaker_n have_v bring_v this_o comparison_n to_o his_o disadvantage_n do_v the_o good_a spy_n joshuah_n and_o caleb_n ever_o tell_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n as_o t._n e._n do_v the_o quaker_n that_o they_o shall_v get_v such_o a_o perfect_a victory_n over_o those_o canaanite_n as_o that_o no_o remainder_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v leave_v to_o disturb_v and_o vex_v they_o any_o more_o no_o such_o thing_n but_o the_o scripture_n tell_v they_o the_o contrary_a just_a as_o we_o do_v to_o christian_n concern_v their_o spiritual_a enemy_n see_v deut._n 7._o 22._o thou_o may_v not_o consume_v they_o at_o once_o and_o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v not_o whole_o drive_v out_o or_o consume_v it_o be_v the_o quaker_n therefore_o and_o not_o we_o that_o be_v the_o discourage_a doctrine_n for_o â—…f_o a_o perfect_a freedom_n from_o all_o sin_n and_o infirmity_n here_o be_v teach_v as_o the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o obtain_v heaven_n hereafter_o then_o all_o humble_a soul_n sincere_o thirst_v after_o righteousness_n stand_v upon_o their_o constant_a watch_n and_o yet_o find_v imperfection_n want_n and_o infirmity_n in_o themselves_o will_v if_o they_o believe_v this_o doctrine_n be_v drive_v into_o inevitable_a despair_n there_o be_v sin_n of_o omission_n as_o well_o as_o of_o commission_n how_o many_o accident_n may_v hinder_v we_o from_o perform_v our_o devotion_n with_o that_o vigour_n intentness_n and_o exactness_n as_o the_o purity_n and_o sublimity_n of_o the_o precept_n do_v require_v the_o very_a constitution_n of_o our_o 20._o body_n the_o influence_n of_o the_o clime_n and_o season_n may_v hinder_v the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n with_o a_o exact_a parte_fw-la perfection_n and_o therefore_o we_o flee_v to_o god_n for_o mercy_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o best_a service_n see_v nehem._n 13._o 14_o 22._o so_o that_o they_o do_v most_o effectual_o keep_v man_n from_o come_v to_o heaven_n who_o build_v this_o fool_n paradise_n of_o imaginary_a unsinning_a perfection_n for_o they_o to_o dwell_v in_o on_o earth_n wherein_o they_o grow_v so_o proud_a and_o conceit_v that_o they_o sit_v down_o on_o this_o side_n jordan_n and_o fancy_n they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o joshua_n to_o conduct_v they_o into_o the_o true_a land_n of_o promise_n in_o effect_n they_o deny_v the_o gospel_n despise_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n rely_v on_o their_o own_o perfection_n and_o i_o fear_v tumble_v into_o hell_n while_o they_o vain_o dream_v of_o heaven_n chap._n vi_o of_o swear_v par._n now_o we_o be_v come_v to_o t._n be_v chapter_n of_o swear_v which_o be_v so_o very_o long_o that_o it_o consist_v of_o no_o less_o than_o 104._o page_n therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o propound_v to_o you_o the_o most_o material_a passage_n in_o it_o he_o begin_v with_o a_o reflection_n on_o that_o short_a digression_n which_o you_o make_v upon_o the_o two_o covenant_n and_o very_o grave_o tell_v we_o that_o you_o tread_v in_o a_o unbeaten_a path_n p._n 101._o min._n have_v he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o author_n and_o not_o take_v thing_n upon_o trust_n he_o will_v not_o have_v accuse_v the_o account_n i_o give_v off_o the_o two_o covenant_n as_o a_o peculiar_a notion_n oâ—…_n my_o own_o when_o the_o same_o have_v be_v assert_v by_o the_o great_a clerk_n in_o christendom_n i_o can_v fill_v a_o page_n with_o citation_n of_o such_o author_n if_o it_o be_v needful_a as_o concur_v in_o the_o same_o notion_n i_o shall_v only_o name_v two_o viz._n dr._n hammond_n in_o his_o practical_a catechism_n and_o the_o excellent_a author_n of_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o the_o preface_n of_o that_o same_o treatise_n which_o when_o t._n e._n have_v consult_v he_o will_v be_v be_v satisfy_v that_o i_o have_v tread_v in_o no_o unbeaten_a path_n but_o see_v t._n e._n will_v have_v it_o my_o own_o notion_n and_o there_o be_v so_o much_o matter_n before_o we_o upon_o this_o subject_a of_o oath_n which_o in_o the_o conference_n be_v primary_o intend_v i_o will_v pass_v on_o to_o that_o and_o examine_v my_o adversary_n objection_n and_o extravagance_n on_o this_o subject_a par._n he_o will_v glad_o clear_v r._n hubberthorn_n from_o that_o impertinence_n and_o dishonesty_n where_o with_o you_o charge_v he_o in_o acknowledge_v oath_n lawful_a in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n yet_o allege_v hos._n 4._o 3._o zech._n 5._o 3._o text_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o prove_v they_o unlawful_a now_o which_o he_o say_v you_o call_v his_o proof_n though_o he_o do_v not_o so_o himself_o and_o hint_n as_o if_o they_o be_v only_o set_v in_o the_o title-page_n of_o the_o book_n p._n 106._o min._n however_o they_o be_v at_o first_o in_o the_o title-page_n together_o i_o find_v they_o in_o the_o book_n itself_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o proof_n what_o be_v they_o then_o so_o here_o be_v a_o implicit_a acknowledgement_n of_o a_o quaker_n bring_v scripture_n to_o prove_v nothing_o par._n he_o think_v you_o mistake_v the_o case_n for_o they_o be_v not_o say_v he_o bring_v against_o that_o which_o be_v then_o lawful_a but_o against_o that_o which_o be_v then_o unlawful_a namely_o the_o wrong_a use_n and_o abuse_v of_o oath_n ibid._n min._n wonderful_a ingenuity_n i_o think_v the_o question_n have_v not_o be_v whether_o perjury_n but_o whether_o any_o oath_n be_v lawful_a now_o to_o what_o end_n be_v a_o quotation_n bring_v but_o to_o prove_v the_o subject_a in_o hand_n in_o a_o word_n then_o i_o desire_v the_o quaker_n to_o take_v notice_n that_o these_o scripture_n viz._n hos._n 4._o 3._o zech._n 5._o 3._o do_v not_o reprove_v all_o oath_n as_o unlawful_a par._n you_o tell_v i_o that_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o act_n of_o natural_a religion_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o act_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o act_n of_o natural_a religion_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o circumcision_n p._n 110._o min._n it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o all_o such_o act_n of_o religion_n as_o owe_v their_o original_n to_o a_o positive_a command_n and_o have_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o put_v mankind_n upon_o the_o observation_n of_o they_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o circumcision_n these_o be_v not_o act_n of_o natural_a religion_n for_o t._n e._n may_v read_v the_o definition_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o bishop_n wilkins_n discourse_n upon_o that_o subject_a pag._n 39_o that_o be_v natural_a religion_n which_o man_n may_v know_v and_o shall_v be_v oblige_v unto_o by_o the_o mere_a principle_n of_o reason_n improve_v by_o consideration_n and_o experience_n without_o the_o help_n of_o revelation_n now_o a_o oath_n come_v into_o use_n among_o man_n from_o the_o mere_a principle_n of_o reason_n improve_v by_o consideration_n without_o the_o help_n of_o revelation_n so_o that_o if_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n it_o must_v be_v a_o act_n or_o part_n of_o natural_a religion_n for_o the_o first_o that_o ever_o require_v a_o oath_n be_v abimelech_n a_o gentile_a gen._n 21._o 23._o he_o require_v abraham_n to_o swear_v and_o abraham_n say_v i_o will_v swear_v ver_fw-la 24._o yet_o we_o read_v not_o that_o either_o abimelech_n require_v or_o abraham_n consent_v to_o it_o be_v by_o any_o positive_a command_n from_o god_n so_o that_o t._n e._n must_v grant_v that_o man_n be_v lead_v to_o bind_v their_o covenant_n by_o a_o solemn_a call_n of_o god_n to_o witness_v and_o that_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o but_o when_o i_o say_v a_o oath_n be_v a_o act_n or_o part_n of_o natural_a religion_n i_o do_v not_o insist_v that_o it_o be_v by_o natural_a religion_n command_v primary_o simple_o and_o per_fw-la se_fw-la towards_o god_n but_o subordinate_o implicit_o and_o by_o consequence_n as_o a_o necessary_a medium_n for_o the_o public_a good_a in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n for_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o command_v the_o end_n must_v also_o command_v the_o only_a mean_n so_o that_o the_o use_n of_o a_o
e._n reason_n well_o or_o have_v get_v the_o victory_n that_o a_o oath_n due_o circumstantiate_v be_v a_o act_n of_o natural_a religion_n &_o of_o a_o religious_a nature_n in_o itself_o i_o prove_v before_o in_o that_o it_o glorify_v god_n in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o attribute_n for_o to_o make_v any_o action_n of_o a_o religious_a nature_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n be_v glorify_v in_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v notwithstanding_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o action_n be_v but_o rare_a and_o accidental_a and_o though_o it_o be_v no_o prescribe_a way_n of_o the_o constant_a worship_n of_o god_n but_o secondary_a and_o occasional_a in_o the_o designation_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v real_a when_o thus_o occasion_v and_o perform_v with_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a name_n par._n from_o instance_n of_o particular_a person_n he_o give_v one_o of_o a_o nation_n in_o general_n namely_o the_o scythian_n who_o ambassador_n treat_v with_o alexander_n the_o great_a thus_o deliver_v themselves_o think_v not_o that_o the_o scythian_n confirm_v their_o amity_n by_o oath_n they_o swear_v by_o keep_v their_o word_n that_o it_o be_v the_o security_n of_o the_o greek_n who_o seal_v deed_n and_o call_v upon_o their_o go_n we_o be_v bind_v by_o our_o very_a promise_n p._n 115_o 116._o min._n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o fair_a quotation_n i_o see_v in_o his_o book_n and_o to_o this_o i_o have_v much_o to_o answer_v first_o this_o very_a say_n declare_v that_o it_o be_v however_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o greek_n to_o seal_v deed_n &_o to_o swear_v by_o call_v on_o their_o god_n yea_o that_o swear_n be_v a_o call_v upon_o god_n which_o overthrow_v all_o his_o greek_a authority_n before_o produce_v second_o the_o ambassador_n say_v not_o they_o never_o swear_v only_o they_o confirm_v not_o their_o amity_n or_o league_n by_o oath_n in_o other_o case_n the_o scythian_n do_v swear_v by_o their_o king_n throne_n by_o the_o wind_n or_o their_o sword_n 10._o and_o indeed_o they_o worship_v their_o sword_n and_o so_o may_v well_o swear_v by_o it_o the_o scythian_n hang_v up_o a_o sword_n be_v wont_a to_o sacrifice_v to_o it_o as_o to_o mars_n protrept_v mars_n be_v the_o god_n of_o this_o people_n and_o instead_o of_o a_o image_n they_o worship_v a_o sword_n scythis_n three_o one_o instance_n especial_o of_o so_o barbarous_a esse_fw-la a_o nation_n as_o the_o scythian_n who_o be_v without_o town_n or_o house_n do_v not_o overthrow_v a_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o do_v the_o exception_n of_o some_o few_o rude_a people_n make_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v no_o act_n of_o religion_n which_o the_o more_o know_v and_o more_o general_a part_n of_o mankind_n observe_v as_o such_o i_o hope_v t._n e._n will_v not_o deny_v that_o incest_n be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o whole_a nation_n 2._o that_o allow_v it_o justice_n be_v say_v t._n e._n a_o part_n of_o natural_a religion_n p._n 117._o yet_o among_o the_o spartan_n it_o be_v commendable_a to_o steal_v lycurgi_n and_o the_o old_a spaniard_n account_n robbery_n not_o only_o lawful_a but_o glorious_a maâ—…ii_fw-la to_o worship_v the_o supreme_a god_n be_v confest_o the_o main_a of_o natural_a religion_n yet_o the_o chinese_n 18._o and_o tartar_n 3._o be_v sink_v so_o much_o below_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n that_o they_o give_v no_o worship_n at_o all_o to_o he_o who_o they_o account_v so_o so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o it_o be_v not_o that_o the_o scythian_n do_v never_o swear_v it_o will_v not_o at_o all_o follow_v rbodius_fw-la from_o thence_o that_o swear_v be_v no_o part_n of_o natural_a religion_n since_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n have_v use_v it_o as_o such_o and_o now_o after_o so_o many_o discovery_n of_o ellwood_n untruth_n and_o sophistry_n i_o may_v just_o retort_v his_o own_o question_n here_o upon_o himself_o may_v he_o not_o have_v come_v off_o with_o less_o shame_n if_o he_o have_v use_v more_o modesty_n p._n 116._o par._n that_o oath_n be_v use_v among_o the_o heathen_a and_o by_o many_o of_o they_o repute_v religious_a t._n e._n at_o length_n deny_v not_o but_o this_o say_v he_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o oath_n be_v act_n of_o natural_a religion_n ibid._n and_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o heathen_a borrow_v many_o ceremony_n from_o their_o neighbour_n the_o jew_n p._n 117._o min._n you_o have_v be_v show_v that_o the_o first_o oath_n that_o be_v mention_v be_v tender_v by_o abimelech_n a_o heathen_a to_o abraham_n and_o accept_v of_o and_o take_v by_o he_o before_o any_o positive_a law_n be_v give_v about_o it_o so_o that_o to_o these_o thing_n i_o answer_v first_o all_o real_a act_n of_o religion_n use_v by_o the_o heathen_a must_v be_v act_n of_o natural_a religion_n because_o they_o be_v under_o no_o positive_a command_n rom._n 2._o 14._o second_o though_o all_o that_o some_o particular_a person_n or_o people_n among_o the_o heathen_a do_v account_v religious_a action_n be_v not_o real_o so_o yet_o that_o which_o be_v so_o not_o only_o in_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o most_o sober_a heathen_a and_o such_o a_o universal_a consent_n of_o nation_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v but_o also_o be_v use_v as_o a_o act_n of_o religion_n by_o invocation_n of_o god_n as_o witness_n not_o only_o by_o abimelech_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n before_o i_o say_v any_o positive_a law_n be_v give_v about_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o act_n of_o natural_a religion_n as_o be_v dictate_v by_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o universal_a law_n of_o nature_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o i_o hope_v t._n e._n himself_o will_v be_v so_o ingenuous_a as_o to_o consider_v of_o it_o but_o i_o have_v now_o a_o great_a complaint_n to_o make_v against_o he_o that_o whereas_o you_o may_v remember_v i_o give_v you_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v a_o religious_a appeal_n unto_o god_n the_o seareher_n of_o all_o heart_n as_o a_o witness_n of_o what_o wâ—…_n 57_o assert_v or_o promise_v and_o the_o avenger_n of_o perjury_n t._n e._n whole_o pass_v this_o by_o it_o be_v indeed_o for_o his_o interest_n so_o to_o do_v while_o he_o well_o consider_v how_o absurd_a it_o will_v have_v be_v for_o he_o to_o have_v deny_v either_o that_o a_o religious_a appeal_n to_o god_n be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n or_o that_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v so_o even_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o definition_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o natural_a religion_n so_o that_o the_o pass_v this_o by_o be_v plain_o yield_v the_o cause_n another_o thing_n i_o complain_v of_o as_o a_o grand_a omission_n be_v that_o all_o this_o while_n he_o have_v give_v we_o no_o definition_n of_o his_o own_o nor_o any_o such_o express_a description_n of_o a_o oath_n as_o to_o make_v we_o understand_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o it_o this_o be_v a_o omission_n very_o injurious_a to_o peace_n for_o as_o he_o may_v state_n the_o case_n we_o may_v be_v as_o much_o against_o oath_n in_o his_o sense_n as_o himself_o par._n i_o have_v often_o think_v of_o this_o yet_o though_o i_o can_v excuse_v t._n be_v pass_v by_o your_o definition_n if_o you_o mind_n he_o have_v give_v one_o himself_o though_o he_o do_v not_o call_v it_o so_o for_o he_o say_v a_o oath_n be_v but_o the_o mode_n or_o manner_n of_o speak_a truth_n p._n 118._o min._n a_o false_a oath_n be_v a_o oath_n but_o a_o false_a oath_n sure_a be_v not_o a_o mode_n of_o speak_a truth_n i_o suppose_v than_o he_o mean_v a_o oath_n be_v a_o manner_n of_o assert_v any_o thing_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a par._n and_o he_o tell_v we_o further_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v this_o have_v be_v various_a sometime_o by_o a_o bare_a affirmation_n sometime_o by_o a_o additional_a asseveration_n sometime_o by_o calling_n god_n verbal_o to_o witness_v sometime_o by_o a_o imprecation_n on_o the_o party_n himself_o sometime_o by_o put_v the_o hand_n under_o the_o thigh_n sometime_o by_o lift_v it_o up_o to_o heaven_n sometime_o by_o lay_v it_o upon_o the_o breast_n sometime_o by_o lay_v it_o upon_o the_o altar_n sometime_o by_o lay_v it_o upon_o a_o book_n sometime_o by_o kiss_v the_o book_n etc._n etc._n p._n 118_o 119._o min._n do_v ever_o man_n tie_v unequal_a thing_n together_o at_o this_o rate_n call_v god_n to_o witness_n this_o be_v a_o oath_n in_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o formal_a reason_n of_o it_o and_o have_v a_o imprecation_n either_o express_o add_v to_o it_o or_o imply_v in_o it_o but_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o follow_v be_v neither_o various_a way_n or_o mode_n of_o speak_a truth_n nor_o essential_a to_o a_o oath_n but_o only_a mode_n or_o sign_n rather_o of_o
of_o hâ—…s_n dislike_n of_o that_o exposition_n i_o give_v of_o jam._n 2._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o par._n because_o the_o epistle_n of_o saint_n james_n be_v write_v to_o the_o disperse_a believe_a jew_n thereupon_o he_o bid_v he_o reader_n consider_v what_o consistory_n or_o court_n of_o judicature_n those_o poor_a scatter_a believer_n can_v then_o have_v p._n 35._o min._n that_o they_o have_v such_o place_n in_o the_o gentile_a city_n may_v be_v confirm_v from_o 2._o epiphanius_n and_o 37._o ensebius_n and_o there_o be_v jew_n at_o this_o time_n in_o all_o the_o eminent_a city_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n who_o have_v officer_n and_o judge_n of_o their_o own_o and_o by_o the_o 6._o rescript_n of_o augustus_n they_o be_v allow_v to_o use_v their_o own_o law_n and_o custom_n all_o which_o privilege_n they_o retain_v till_o their_o rebellion_n against_o the_o roman_n but_o afterward_o they_o be_v restore_v by_o the_o emperor_n arcadius_n and_o honorius_n par._n but_o be_v not_o those_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n min._n let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v by_o the_o roman_n long_o esteem_v a_o sect_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o so_o they_o have_v a_o share_n in_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o that_o people_n nor_o be_v the_o foreign_a jew_n so_o malicious_a against_o the_o christian_n as_o those_o in_o and_o about_o jerusalem_n act_v 13._o 15._o and_o 28._o 17_o 31._o so_o that_o the_o believe_a jew_n may_v have_v justice_n administer_v in_o those_o court_n belong_v to_o their_o nation_n or_o else_o may_v have_v private_a consistory_n among_o themselves_o which_o we_o may_v believe_v they_o will_v rather_o choose_v because_o st._n paul_n have_v forbid_v they_o to_o go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o unbeliever_n and_o advise_v they_o to_o end_v their_o question_n among_o themselves_o 1_o cor._n 6._o 1_o 2_o 3._o so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o quakr_n old_a disease_n of_o ignorance_n which_o make_v he_o wonder_n how_o they_o shall_v have_v any_o court_n of_o judicature_n in_o their_o dispersion_n par._n to_o that_o law_n you_o mention_v of_o both_o party_n sit_v or_o stand_v to_o avoid_v partiality_n etc._n etc._n t._n e._n answer_n whence_o have_v they_o it_o if_o give_v they_o by_o god_n we_o shall_v have_v find_v it_o among_o those_o law_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o he_o if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o god_n but_o a_o invention_n and_o tradition_n of_o their_o own_o it_o be_v altogether_o improbable_a that_o the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n will_v have_v reference_n thereunto_o p._n 36._o min._n what_o think_v he_o of_o the_o feast_n of_o purim_n and_o that_o other_o of_o dedication_n which_o our_o saviour_n countenance_v by_o his_o presence_n job._n 10._o these_o be_v no_o institution_n immediate_o receive_v from_o god_n but_o of_o the_o jew_n own_o make_n pliny_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o vain_a painter_n who_o be_v to_o draw_v a_o goddess_n make_v it_o exact_o like_o his_o own_o mistress_n such_o be_v the_o fancy_n of_o this_o quaker_n who_o be_v about_o to_o describe_v jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n think_v they_o be_v altogether_o such_o as_o himself_o and_o since_o their_o practice_n be_v unknown_a to_o he_o he_o fancy_v they_o be_v as_o much_o for_o innovation_n and_o novelty_n as_o himself_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v for_o throw_v away_o all_o law_n and_o tradition_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o so_o they_o be_v not_o for_o throw_v away_o any_o tradition_n that_o promote_v either_o piety_n or_o morality_n and_o none_o but_o one_o of_o t._n e.'s_n capacity_n will_v question_v it_o our_o lord_n will_v 16._o not_o suffer_v a_o vessel_n to_o be_v carry_v through_o the_o temple_n to_o teach_v we_o reverence_n to_o the_o place_n of_o god_n worship_n which_o be_v a_o ancient_a tradition_n and_o be_v record_v in_o the_o talmud_n 5._o so_o likewise_o saint_n paul_n order_v the_o christian_n to_o receive_v their_o meat_n with_o thanksgiving_n which_o custom_n have_v be_v religious_o observe_v by_o the_o ancient_a christian_n etc._n which_o i_o note_v the_o rather_o because_o the_o quaker_n so_o brutish_o neglect_v this_o piece_n of_o universal_a religion_n again_o this_o very_a apostle_n james_n ch_n 4._o 15._o command_n the_o christian_n to_o say_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v we_o will_v do_v this_o or_o that_o which_o be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o tradition_n of_o the_o old_a rabbin_n record_v also_o by_o ben._n syra_n why_o then_o may_v not_o st._n james_n as_o probable_o relate_v to_o this_o custom_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o so_o much_o equity_n and_o which_o be_v but_o a_o instance_n of_o that_o divine_a precept_n deut._n 1._o 17._o in_o the_o rabbinical_a way_n of_o illustration_n this_o seditious_a passage_n of_o he_o will_v set_v christianity_n at_o odds_o with_o all_o the_o civil_a sanction_n in_o the_o world_n and_o make_v it_o indeed_o inconsistent_a with_o all_o government_n because_o every_o magistrate_n do_v not_o receive_v his_o law_n immediate_o from_o god_n par._n if_o this_o law_n say_v he_o be_v but_o a_o sanction_n of_o their_o own_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o superstitious_o zealous_a for_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o forefather_n that_o it_o be_v no_o way_n likely_a that_o they_o will_v so_o positive_o violate_v a_o law_n of_o their_o make_n ibid._n and_o he_o go_v on_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n 3._o they_o be_v seldom_o guilty_a of_o for_o they_o too_o often_o prefer_v their_o own_o tradition_n even_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n p._n 37._o min._n what_o his_o fideles_fw-la judaei_n his_o poor_a scatter_a believer_n who_o as_o he_o have_v just_o immediate_o before_o say_v be_v then_o come_v off_o not_o only_o from_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o elder_n but_o even_o from_o the_o whole_a jewish_a polity_n i_o assure_v you_o he_o wrong_v they_o as_o much_o as_o he_o contradict_v himself_o par._n you_o tell_v i_o that_o if_o st._n james_n have_v forbid_v civil_a respect_n he_o have_v contradict_v what_o our_o lord_n plain_o allow_v in_o luk._n 14._o 8_o 9_o 10._o when_o thou_o be_v bid_v of_o any_o man_n to_o a_o wedding_n sit_v not_o down_o in_o the_o high_a room_n lest_o a_o more_o honourable_a man_n than_o thou_o be_v bid_v of_o he_o etc._n etc._n now_o for_o the_o understanding_n this_o scripture_n t._n e._n tell_v we_o that_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v in_o what_o time_n and_o to_o who_o those_o word_n be_v speak_v for_o the_o time_n it_o be_v under_o the_o law_n before_o the_o one_o offer_v be_v actual_o offer_v up_o that_o be_v a_o outward_a state_n the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v then_o a_o outward_a national_a people_n their_o religion_n and_o worship_n be_v much_o outward_a and_o shadowy_a their_o war_n be_v outward_a their_o ornament_n be_v outward_a their_o honour_n and_o respect_n to_o one_o another_o be_v outward_a and_o in_o this_o state_n many_o thing_n be_v indulge_v to_o the_o jew_n many_o thing_n permit_v &_o connive_v at_o partly_o because_o of_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o partly_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o weakness_n but_o this_o state_n be_v to_o last_v but_o till_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n and_o when_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n be_v full_o come_v these_o thing_n grow_v out_o of_o use_n etc._n etc._n p._n 37_o 38._o min._n be_v christ_n time_n then_o no_o time_n of_o reformation_n what_o though_o the_o levitical_a priesthood_n its_o rite_n and_o sacrifice_n be_v type_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o continue_v till_o they_o be_v fulfil_v in_o their_o antitype_n and_o then_o to_o expire_v of_o themselves_o though_o that_o dâ—…spensation_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n reform_v after_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o whatsoever_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n or_o to_o good_a manner_n he_o find_v less_o perfect_a he_o may_v not_o or_o do_v not_o in_o his_o own_o person_n reform_v before_o his_o offer_v up_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o christ_n be_v no_o reformer_n what_o though_o the_o reformation_n be_v not_o so_o general_a till_o the_o more_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v this_o prove_v it_o be_v not_o actual_o begin_v and_o set_v on_o foot_n before_o christ_n death_n both_o by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o visible_a effect_n of_o it_o upon_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n mark_v 1._o 15._o mat._n 11._o 5._o and_o 8._o 10_o 13._o and_o 15._o 28_o be_v all_o christ_n sermon_n the_o call_n of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n and_o send_v they_o forth_o to_o preach_v his_o heal_n of_o man_n body_n and_o soul_n together_o be_v all_o this_o no_o method_n of_o reformation_n he_o disprove_v the_o corrupt_a tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n whereby_o they_o make_v void_a the_o commandment_n of_o god_n he_o reform_v the_o imperfection_n of_o moses_n law_n in_o