5._o 12._o min._n see_v our_o saviour_n in_o that_o gracious_a law_n of_o he_o have_v forbid_v nothing_o that_o be_v moral_o good_a nothing_o that_o be_v either_o indifferent_a or_o expedient_a 1_o cor._n 6._o 12._o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v no_o further_o forbid_v than_o as_o it_o be_v evil_a that_o be_v when_o it_o profane_v the_o name_n of_o god_n deut._n 19_o 12._o and_o 28._o 58._o or_o do_v any_o way_n dishonour_v he_o which_o a_o oath_n do_v when_o it_o be_v false_a irreverent_a or_o needless_a in_o these_o instance_n a_o oath_n be_v so_o dishonourable_a to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n be_v absolute_o forbid_v namely_o all_o swear_n by_o the_o creature_n or_o by_o any_o thing_n propose_v to_o our_o vain_a fancy_n that_o be_v to_o make_v a_o idol_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o to_o set_v it_o up_o for_o a_o god_n as_o also_o all_o swear_n by_o the_o express_a name_n of_o god_n in_o man_n ordinary_a communication_n which_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o full_a of_o passion_n and_o vain_a transportation_n as_o to_o expose_v man_n to_o the_o frequent_a abuse_n of_o god_n name_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o perjury_n and_o therefore_o i_o must_v inform_v you_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n take_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o prohibition_n from_o the_o gross_a error_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n about_o this_o point_n and_o from_o the_o wicked_a custom_n of_o common_a swear_n and_o profaneness_n which_o by_o those_o error_n be_v encourage_v i_o will_v therefore_o show_v you_o first_o what_o those_o evil_a custom_n be_v and_o then_o give_v you_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o text_n and_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o heal_n of_o those_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n the_o erroneous_a gloss_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n teach_v that_o while_o they_o abstain_v from_o the_o mention_n of_o god_n name_n it_o be_v lawful_a to_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n as_o oft_o as_o they_o please_v and_o that_o such_o swear_v though_o false_o be_v no_o perjury_n see_v mattb._n 23._o 16_o 18_o 21._o there_o you_o will_v find_v that_o they_o make_v nothing_o of_o swear_v by_o the_o temple_n the_o altar_n or_o by_o heaven_n suppose_v it_o do_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n second_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a at_o any_o time_n to_o swear_v by_o god_n name_n so_o that_o they_o swear_v nothing_o but_o truth_n and_o perform_v their_o oath_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o these_o opinion_n it_o seem_v the_o jew_n think_v consistent_a enough_o with_o that_o part_n of_o the_o law_n cite_v by_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 5._o 33._o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v by_o they_o or_o rather_o to_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o and_o according_a to_o those_o corrupt_a doctrine_n they_o act_v without_o fear_n or_o measure_n by_o that_o wretched_a custom_n of_o common_a swear_n to_o the_o confute_v of_o which_o doctrine_n he_o accommodate_v his_o answer_n in_o the_o verse_n follow_v against_o the_o first_o of_o they_o viz._n swear_v by_o the_o creature_n he_o oppose_v that_o prohibition_n in_o the_o 34_o 35_o 36_o verse_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o by_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n against_o the_o latter_a viz._n swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o our_o ordinary_a converse_n he_o give_v this_o precept_n v_o 37._o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o etc._n etc._n par._n but_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n say_v there_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o and_o so_o do_v he_o not_o general_o forbid_v all_o oath_n whatsoever_o min._n to_o ease_v you_o in_o this_o scruple_n let_v i_o tell_v you_o what_o advice_n i_o hear_v a_o famous_a judge_n give_v to_o a_o jury_n you_o must_v not_o say_v he_o determine_v by_o bit_n and_o parcel_n of_o what_o you_o have_v hear_v attest_v but_o you_o be_v to_o consider_v your_o whole_a evidence_n and_o according_o bring_v in_o your_o verdict_n so_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o to_o give_v the_o true_a account_n of_o any_o scripture_n you_o be_v not_o to_o imitate_v the_o quaker_n who_o determine_v upon_o such_o bit_n and_o scrap_n as_o they_o steal_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o make_v one_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n contradict_v another_o and_o so_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o great_a error_n imaginable_a but_o to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o any_o scripture_n you_o must_v determine_v according_a to_o the_o whole_a evidence_n by_o compare_v the_o part_n of_o it_o together_o with_o each_o other_o and_o by_o consider_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o text_n from_o the_o whole_a so_o compare_v and_o consider_v to_o gather_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o it_o and_o so_o here_o in_o this_o place_n you_o be_v not_o to_o take_v these_o word_n single_a by_o themselves_o for_o you_o see_v they_o stand_v not_o alone_o and_o be_v not_o a_o whole_a sentence_n by_o themselves_o but_o be_v immediate_o conjoin_v in_o a_o continue_a discourse_n with_o other_o word_n which_o do_v restrain_v and_o limit_v they_o so_o that_o when_o he_o say_v swear_v not_o at_o all_o he_o add_v neither_o by_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n nor_o by_o the_o earth_n etc._n etc._n so_o as_o the_o prohibition_n be_v limit_v to_o those_o thing_n the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o swear_v by_o in_o order_n to_o the_o reform_v of_o that_o evil_a custom_n among_o they_o and_o therefore_o to_o each_o of_o those_o oath_n which_o he_o forbid_v he_o add_v a_o reason_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n he_o bid_v they_o not_o swear_v at_o all_o by_o heaven_n because_o it_o be_v god_n throne_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v the_o pharisee_n teach_v you_o that_o swear_n by_o heaven_n by_o earth_n by_o jerusalem_n by_o your_o head_n by_o the_o temple_n by_o the_o altar_n etc._n etc._n matth._n 23._o be_v no_o real_a bind_v oath_n and_o that_o therefore_o to_o swear_v by_o they_o false_o be_v no_o perjury_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o by_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v god_n throne_n and_o therefore_o include_v he_o that_o sit_v on_o it_o so_o that_o he_o that_o shall_v swear_v by_o heaven_n swear_v by_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o sit_v thereon_o matth._n 23._o 22._o and_o therefore_o his_o oath_n be_v as_o real_o bind_v both_o to_o the_o sin_n and_o punishment_n if_o he_o forswear_v as_o if_o he_o have_v swear_v express_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n neither_o swear_v by_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v his_o footstool_n and_o therefore_o agreeable_a to_o the_o other_o argument_n he_o that_o swear_v by_o the_o earth_n swear_v by_o it_o and_o he_o that_o set_v his_o foot_n upon_o it_o neither_o shall_v thou_o swear_v by_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n he_o therefore_o that_o swear_v by_o jerusalem_n swear_v by_o it_o and_o he_o that_o inhabit_v in_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o same_o our_o saviour_n say_v matth._n 23._o 21._o whoso_o shall_v swear_v by_o the_o temple_n swear_v by_o it_o and_o by_o he_o that_o dwell_v therein_o again_o he_o say_v here_o neither_o shall_v thou_o swear_v by_o thy_o head_n because_o thou_o can_v not_o make_v one_o hair_n white_a or_o black_a that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o in_o thy_o power_n to_o engage_v or_o pawn_v it_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n thou_o affirm_v for_o thou_o do_v not_o make_v it_o neither_o can_v thou_o so_o much_o as_o change_v the_o colour_n of_o one_o hair_n therefore_o he_o that_o swear_v by_o his_o head_n swear_v by_o it_o and_o he_o to_o who_o he_o owe_v his_o head_n his_o life_n and_o safety_n so_o that_o whensoever_o you_o swear_v by_o any_o creature_n 7._o you_o do_v by_o interpretation_n swear_v by_o the_o maker_n of_o it_o which_o when_o you_o swear_v false_o by_o the_o creature_n involve_v you_o in_o the_o guilt_n of_o perjury_n before_o god_n and_o of_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o law_n which_o say_v thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o for_o in_o every_o oath_n whatsoever_o a_o man_n swear_v by_o it_o be_v god_n which_o be_v call_v upon_o either_o express_o or_o implicit_o par._n but_o while_o our_o saviour_n say_v swear_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o by_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o immediate_o add_v these_o word_n let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o have_v not_o these_o last_o word_n a_o relation_n to_o the_o other_o so_o that_o his_o meaning_n shall_v be_v do_v not_o bind_v or_o urge_v any_o thing_n you_o shall_v say_v by_o any_o form_n or_o further_a enforcement_n than_o by_o these_o term_n of_o asseveration_n yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o this_o be_v that_o i_o take_v
occasion_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n of_o the_o true_a scope_n of_o they_o how_o much_o more_o difficult_a must_v they_o needs_o be_v to_o we_o at_o this_o distance_n especial_o to_o such_o as_o be_v whole_o stranger_n to_o all_o those_o thing_n aforementioned_a that_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o the_o make_v any_o dark_a scripture_n intelligible_a par._n this_o i_o can_v deny_v but_o then_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v how_o to_o reconcile_v this_o with_o such_o passage_n in_o the_o bible_n which_o contrary_a wise_a call_v the_o gospel_n a_o light_n and_o bid_v we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n min._n you_o be_v great_o mistake_v in_o suppose_v that_o i_o affirm_v all_o the_o scripture_n hâ—…rd_v to_o be_v understand_v i_o only_o say_v as_o st._n peter_n say_v that_o some_o passage_n be_v so_o for_o so_o run_v the_o word_n in_o which_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a etc._n etc._n par._n be_v then_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o religion_n in_o they_o hard_o to_o be_v understand_v min._n no_o they_o be_v not_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n either_o to_o be_v believe_v or_o to_o be_v do_v be_v in_o some_o place_n or_o other_o in_o holy_a scripture_n fit_v to_o the_o most_o vulgar_a capacity_n and_o shallow_a understanding_n as_o for_o example_n the_o history_n of_o christ_n birth_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v so_o plain_a to_o be_v understand_v though_o yet_o it_o have_v be_v pervert_v by_o the_o misinterpretation_n of_o the_o quaker_n and_o some_o heretic_n and_o from_o plain_a history_n turn_v into_o mere_a allegory_n then_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n all_o the_o evangelical_n precept_n and_o the_o essential_o of_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o gospel_n make_v such_o easy_a doctrine_n that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v they_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o most_o unlearned_a and_o this_o remind_v we_o of_o our_o duty_n of_o thankfulness_n to_o our_o great_a lawgiver_n in_o that_o he_o have_v make_v those_o doctrine_n most_o plain_a which_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o those_o thing_n least_o necessary_a which_o be_v most_o difficult_a as_o for_o example_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o be_v know_v in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o levitical_a rite_n nor_o in_o all_o the_o genealogy_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o in_o all_o the_o apocalyptical_a prophecy_n and_o therefore_o the_o obscurity_n of_o they_o need_v not_o dismay_v we_o par._n certain_o god_n will_v never_o have_v send_v his_o messenger_n to_o deliver_v those_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n which_o he_o do_v not_o indispensible_o require_v every_o one_o to_o understand_v min._n i_o hope_v to_o convince_v you_o of_o this_o mistake_n and_o to_o assist_v your_o apprehension_n by_o this_o plain_a comparison_n suppose_v a_o king_n make_v a_o great_a feast_n for_o his_o subject_n he_o prepare_v meat_n for_o all_o constitution_n and_o different_a dish_n for_o different_a stomach_n that_o among_o all_o this_o variety_n every_o person_n shall_v feed_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o constitution_n just_o such_o preparation_n have_v god_n make_v for_o the_o church_n in_o holy_a scripture_n where_o be_v viand_n for_o all_o palate_n for_o the_o strong_a there_o be_v strong_a meat_n and_o mystery_n to_o exercise_v the_o great_a wit_n and_o the_o most_o improve_a understanding_n heb._n 5._o 14._o and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o understanding_n be_v either_o cloud_v by_o a_o unhappy_a constitution_n or_o be_v never_o well_o open_v and_o improve_v by_o education_n to_o such_o there_o be_v not_o want_v what_o be_v necessary_a even_a milk_n for_o babe_n many_o passage_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o great_a concern_v be_v write_v in_o such_o a_o plain_a and_o familiar_a style_n that_o the_o weak_a and_o most_o illiterate_a of_o which_o number_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o excuse_v the_o neglect_n of_o they_o the_o omniscient_a author_n of_o the_o scripture_n herein_o gracious_o condescend_v to_o the_o shallow_a capacity_n to_o let_v they_o see_v that_o they_o be_v not_o forget_v nor_o overlook_v by_o he_o who_o say_v all_o soul_n be_v his_o ezek._n 18._o 4._o the_o scripture_n be_v ordinary_o compare_v to_o such_o a_o river_n wherein_o the_o elephant_n may_v swim_v and_o the_o lamb_n may_v wade_v but_o when_o illiterate_a people_n who_o common_o see_v no_o further_o than_o the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o thing_n will_v venture_v to_o be_v guide_n and_o will_v be_v rash_o pass_v judgement_n upon_o that_o which_o be_v above_o their_o understanding_n according_a to_o that_o character_n give_v of_o such_o man_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 7._o desire_v to_o be_v teacher_n of_o the_o law_n understand_v neither_o what_o they_o say_v nor_o whereof_o they_o affirm_v and_o do_v leave_v the_o plain_a easy_a path_n and_o confident_o fall_v upon_o point_n too_o high_a for_o they_o no_o wonder_n if_o such_o wrest_v and_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n par._n i_o remember_v that_o be_v the_o second_o particular_a that_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v wrest_v how_o do_v you_o make_v that_o good_a min._n this_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o know_v to_o all_o that_o be_v acquaint_v either_o with_o man_n or_o book_n for_o we_o all_o too_o sad_o know_v that_o there_o be_v not_o that_o opinion_n in_o religion_n be_v it_o sen._n never_o so_o wild_a and_o absurd_a but_o challenge_v authority_n from_o the_o scripture_n though_o truth_n be_v the_o same_o yet_o every_o sect_n lay_v claim_v to_o it_o and_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o truth_n yet_o be_v it_o by_o some_o render_v the_o very_a sink_n of_o error_n go_v to_o all_o the_o wild_a sect_n yea_o heresy_n in_o the_o world_n those_o of_o the_o arrian_n socinian_o antinomian_o ranter_n as_o well_o as_o this_o of_o the_o quaker_n all_o these_o will_n with_o equal_a confidence_n challenge_v a_o authority_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o fault_n here_o be_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o in_o they_o that_o do_v abuse_v and_o wrest_v they_o to_o their_o own_o conception_n to_o make_v they_o speak_v their_o own_o sense_n as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v a_o man_n that_o be_v trouble_v with_o a_o vertigo_n in_o his_o head_n shall_v tell_v you_o that_o he_o be_v confident_a the_o earth_n turn_v round_o it_o be_v not_o the_o earth_n but_o a_o disturb_a brain_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o misapprehension_n so_o every_o fanatic_a will_v tell_v you_o that_o he_o be_v confident_a he_o have_v the_o scripture_n on_o his_o side_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o opinion_n where_o be_v now_o the_o fault_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o whim_n in_o his_o pate_n the_o scripture_n be_v in_o no_o fault_n for_o any_o irregularity_n in_o the_o conception_n of_o such_o man_n the_o fault_n be_v in_o their_o bias_v affection_n and_o their_o want_n of_o steady_a principle_n and_o defect_n both_o of_o wit_n and_o grace_n but_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n word_n continue_v one_o and_o the_o same_o though_o man_n erroneous_a conception_n and_o interpretation_n of_o they_o shall_v still_o abound_v and_o vary_v to_o the_o world_n end_n par._n but_o how_o then_o happen_v this_o strange_a variety_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n min._n by_o take_v the_o word_n thereof_o to_o put_v what_o construction_n they_o please_v upon_o they_o while_o they_o mistake_v their_o true_a scope_n and_o meaning_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o letter_n but_o the_o 〈◊〉_d sense_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v not_o only_a quaker_n and_o other_o separatist_n that_o have_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n but_o the_o devil_n also_o as_o you_o will_v find_v matth._n 4._o 6._o when_o he_o tempt_v our_o saviour_n he_o reply_v there_o with_o a_o text_n of_o scripture_n but_o the_o devil_n and_o these_o want_v the_o sense_n and_o design_n take_v the_o shell_n and_o leave_v the_o kernel_n it_o be_v st._n 70._o augustine_n saying_n that_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n steal_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n intimate_v that_o they_o may_v use_v his_o name_n his_o word_n and_o his_o ordinance_n but_o then_o it_o be_v only_a as_o thief_n and_o robber_n use_v their_o steal_a good_n to_o which_o they_o have_v no_o right_a nor_o property_n par._n give_v i_o now_o leave_v to_o remind_v you_o of_o your_o three_o particular_a viz._n the_o cause_n there_o express_v why_o the_o scripture_n be_v thus_o wrest_v min._n i_o be_o ready_a to_o gratify_v your_o desire_n and_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o cause_n namely_o the_o want_n of_o learning_n which_o be_v deride_v by_o hubberthorn_n and_o censure_v by_o those_o
to_o feed_v we_o without_o our_o industry_n with_o manna_n and_o quail_n as_o he_o do_v his_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n or_o by_o the_o raven_n as_o he_o do_v elisha_n or_o to_o make_v the_o small_a provision_n we_o have_v to_o abound_v by_o a_o inexhaustible_a increase_n as_o he_o do_v the_o widow_n barrel_n of_o meal_n and_o cruse_v of_o oil_n and_o in_o the_o gospel_n the_o five_o loaf_n and_o two_o fish_n though_o he_o can_v soon_o introduce_v the_o virgo_fw-la golden_a age_n to_o make_v it_o a_o perpetual_a spring_n and_o to_o cause_v the_o earth_n to_o bring_v forth_o all_o her_o fruit_n and_o teem_v her_o riches_n to_o we_o of_o her_o own_o accord_n though_o god_n can_v quick_o do_v all_o this_o and_o more_o though_o he_o can_v translate_v we_o instant_o and_o carry_v we_o up_o into_o a_o better_a habitation_n though_o he_o can_v perfect_v we_o out_o of_o hand_n and_o the_o next_o minute_n wrap_v we_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o rest_v we_o in_o paradise_n though_o this_o be_v in_o his_o power_n yet_o we_o see_v it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o will_n it_o be_v not_o his_o pleasure_n thus_o to_o dispense_v his_o favour_n nor_o to_o pour_v out_o his_o blessing_n all_o at_o once_o for_o though_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o goodness_n too_o be_v both_o of_o they_o infinite_a yet_o do_v not_o engage_v god_n though_o a_o almighty_a father_n in_o do_v good_a to_o act_v like_o natural_a agent_n both_o always_o and_o posse_fw-la all_o he_o can_v for_o the_o act_n of_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n be_v determine_v by_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o he_o dispense_v his_o gift_n according_a as_o there_o be_v necessity_n and_o occasion_n for_o they_o that_o the_o spirit_n help_v we_o to_o understand_v old_a truth_n already_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n we_o confess_v and_o pray_v for_o his_o assistance_n therein_o but_o to_o pretend_v to_o such_o miraculous_a inspiration_n as_o the_o apostle_n once_o have_v or_o to_o new_a revelation_n beyond_o what_o be_v discover_v to_o they_o be_v a_o horrible_a cheat_n set_v up_o at_o first_o by_o st._n francis_n and_o st._n bridget_n and_o some_o other_o fanatical_a friar_n and_o nun_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n who_o step_n the_o quaker_n do_v now_o follow_v but_o the_o delusion_n and_o falsehood_n of_o such_o pretence_n will_v appear_v if_o you_o consider_v 1._o how_o high_o these_o new_a revelation_n disparage_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o may_v be_v believe_v declare_v itself_o to_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o sufficient_a rule_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 17._o and_o accurse_v all_o that_o shall_v preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n gal._n 1._o 8_o 9_o and_o in_o the_o close_a of_o that_o holy_a book_n a_o woe_n be_v denounce_v to_o all_o that_o shall_v add_v any_o thing_n to_o it_o or_o take_v any_o thing_n from_o it_o so_o that_o they_o who_o will_v make_v new_a addition_n by_o daily_a inspiration_n make_v god_n himself_o a_o liar_n in_o commend_v that_o to_o we_o for_o a_o perfect_a rule_n which_o need_v continual_a addition_n and_o the_o preach_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n at_o this_o rate_n must_v be_v think_v imperfect_a and_o that_o word_n which_o shall_v try_v the_o spirit_n must_v submit_v to_o every_o new_a revelation_n nor_o do_v the_o papist_n more_o dishonour_v god_n word_n by_o make_v their_o tradition_n of_o equal_a value_n to_o it_o than_o the_o quaker_n by_o esteem_v their_o new_a revelation_n to_o be_v as_o much_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2._o consider_v how_o contrary_a these_o new_a revelation_n be_v to_o god_n constant_a method_n in_o regard_n they_o come_v naked_a without_o any_o miracle_n to_o attest_v they_o for_o when_o do_v god_n ever_o send_v any_o new_a doctrine_n into_o the_o world_n and_o do_v not_o also_o give_v the_o preacher_n thereof_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v that_o it_o be_v from_o he_o moses_n have_v this_o power_n when_o he_o be_v to_o set_v up_o the_o law_n jesus_n when_o he_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o jew_n the_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v to_o convert_v the_o gentile_n but_o as_o st._n austin_n note_n when_o once_o the_o world_n do_v believe_v this_o power_n cease_v which_o be_v only_o give_v that_o they_o may_v believe_v now_o if_o god_n have_v send_v the_o quaker_n with_o any_o new_a revelation_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v he_o have_v give_v they_o no_o power_n of_o do_v miracle_n or_o why_o do_v any_o believe_v they_o whenas_o god_n do_v not_o bear_v witness_n to_o they_o as_o in_o other_o case_n he_o always_o do_v shall_v we_o take_v their_o own_o word_n for_o it_o or_o esteem_v their_o new_a doctrine_n not_o confirm_v with_o any_o divine_a power_n as_o high_o as_o we_o do_v the_o holy_a gospel_n witness_v by_o many_o thousand_o miracle_n this_o be_v to_o make_v ourselves_o as_o foolish_a as_o those_o who_o dote_v upon_o they_o and_o to_o encourage_v every_o cheat_n to_o impose_v his_o fancy_n on_o we_o as_o divine_a revelation_n who_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o say_v he_o be_v inspire_v 3._o new_a revelation_n do_v manifest_o contradict_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o holy_a father_n who_o call_v the_o scripture_n the_o true_a rule_n of_o doctrine_n 27._o the_o ancient_a measure_n of_o faith_n 5._o the_o divine_a standard_n 1._o the_o repository_n of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a either_o to_o faith_n or_o manner_n christ._n they_o esteem_v it_o great_a impudence_n to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n without_o their_o authority_n 2._o or_o to_o expect_v any_o truth_n beyond_o what_o be_v write_v 3._o they_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v unless_o they_o prove_v their_o assertion_n by_o scripture_n 4._o do_v they_o not_o in_o every_o council_n examine_v all_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n by_o the_o write_a 52._o word_n of_o god_n and_o condemn_v those_o for_o heretic_n who_o invent_v new_a fancy_n not_o agree_v to_o it_o hermog_n and_o when_o the_o gnostic_n montanist_n and_o messalian_o pretend_v to_o prophecy_n rapture_n and_o inspiration_n they_o be_v censure_v as_o impostor_n and_o deceiver_n 11._o by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o if_o the_o quaker_n have_v hold_v forth_o their_o new_a revelation_n in_o those_o pure_a and_o zealous_a day_n they_o have_v also_o be_v solemn_o convict_v and_o denounce_v heretic_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o embrace_v that_o for_o a_o truth_n in_o these_o last_o and_o worst_a of_o time_n which_o the_o best_a age_n of_o the_o church_n do_v reject_v as_o a_o notorious_a falsehood_n 4._o and_o yet_o this_o new_a doctrine_n of_o new_a revelation_n be_v not_o more_o false_a than_o it_o be_v mischievous_a to_o those_o who_o do_v believe_v it_o for_o hereby_o their_o faith_n be_v uncertain_a as_o their_o teacher_n fancy_n and_o poor_a delude_a soul_n do_v receive_v falsehood_n and_o rail_n nonsense_n and_o blasphemy_n as_o if_o they_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o despise_v the_o ancient_a and_o pure_a certain_a and_o fix_a principle_n of_o christianity_n receive_v from_o jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n seal_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n and_o retain_v by_o all_o good_a christian_n and_o admire_v the_o discourse_n of_o a_o bold_a and_o empty_a man_n above_o they_o all_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o appoint_v new_a way_n of_o worship_n and_o reject_v the_o old_a even_o the_o very_a sacrament_n which_o jesus_n himself_o institute_v they_o neglect_v learning_n themselves_o contemn_v it_o in_o other_o and_o will_v bring_v the_o world_n into_o a_o egyptian_a darkness_n if_o other_o be_v of_o their_o mind_n and_o all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o they_o do_v for_o a_o thing_n that_o never_o be_v nor_o never_o will_v be_v prove_v for_o a_o dream_n a_o mere_a fancy_n and_o a_o miserable_a mistake_n which_o none_o can_v believe_v till_o they_o have_v first_o bid_v adieu_o to_o all_o sense_n and_o reason_n so_o that_o in_o mere_a pity_n to_o those_o misguide_v soul_n who_o follow_v this_o false_a and_o fantaltick_a light_n i_o can_v but_o make_v this_o digression_n to_o convince_v they_o that_o they_o adore_v a_o lie_n for_o divine_a revelation_n to_o the_o great_a hazard_n of_o their_o eternal_a damnation_n par._n but_o do_v you_o deny_v all_o revelation_n min._n i_o own_o those_o revelation_n which_o be_v upon_o râ—…cord_n in_o the_o holy_a bible_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o the_o church_n but_o no_o other_o revelation_n do_v i_o hearken_v after_o par._n but_o the_o quaker_n tell_v we_o the_o bible_n be_v a_o dead_a letter_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a so_o be_v not_o the_o bible_n min._n by_o such_o like_a sottish_a way_n of_o reason_v i_o conceive_v the_o speaker_n among_o they_o
our_o lord_n say_v matth._n 5._o 34._o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o and_o the_o same_o be_v repeat_v by_o the_o apostle_n james_n c._n 5._o 12._o from_o whence_o it_o appear_v all_o manner_n of_o oath_n be_v unlawful_a and_o they_o who_o say_v the_o contrary_a do_v live_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o gospel_n min._n you_o mince_v the_o text_n by_o take_v a_o piece_n of_o it_o only_o as_o your_o usual_a way_n be_v of_o which_o i_o hope_v to_o convince_v you_o in_o the_o process_n of_o this_o discourse_n in_o order_n whereunto_o i_o shall_v pitch_v upon_o this_o method_n follow_v first_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o that_o these_o word_n do_v not_o general_o forbid_v all_o manner_n of_o oath_n in_o that_o large_a sense_n you_o take_v they_o second_o i_o shall_v endèavour_v to_o give_v you_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o show_v you_o what_o sort_n of_o swear_v be_v there_o forbid_a par._n it_o will_v very_o much_o contribute_v to_o my_o conviction_n if_o you_o do_v as_o you_o say_v pray_v you_o therefore_o first_o prove_v to_o i_o that_o the_o word_n do_v not_o forbid_v all_o manner_n of_o oath_n in_o that_o large_a sense_n wherein_o we_o take_v they_o min._n i_o shall_v do_v it_o in_o this_o order_n first_o by_o prove_v it_o a_o act_n of_o natural_a religion_n towards_o god_n second_o a_o act_n of_o necessary_a justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n three_o that_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o part_n of_o that_o moral_a and_o eternal_a law_n which_o our_o saviour_n profess_v he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v but_o to_o fulfil_v and_o four_a that_o we_o find_v it_o practise_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n par._n i_o much_o desire_n to_o hear_v the_o first_o particular_a prove_v viz._n that_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n min._n i_o prove_v it_o first_o by_o reason_n second_o by_o consent_n of_o nation_n thus_o that_o whereby_o e._n we_o glorify_v god_n and_o adore_v his_o attribute_n be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n but_o by_o a_o oath_n right_o take_v we_o glorify_v god_n and_o adore_v his_o attribute_n therefore_o such_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v evident_a of_o itself_o for_o what_o else_o be_v religion_n but_o to_o adore_v and_o glorify_v god_n in_o the_o humble_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o that_o we_o do_v by_o a_o oath_n reverent_o take_v glorify_v god_n be_v clear_a from_o the_o nature_n and_o definition_n of_o it_o for_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o religious_a appeal_n unto_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n as_o a_o witness_n of_o what_o we_o assert_v or_o promise_n and_o the_o avenger_n of_o perjury_n now_o that_o by_o such_o a_o reverend_a appeal_n unto_o god_n we_o glorify_v he_o appear_v in_o that_o we_o do_v therein_o make_v acknowledgement_n 1._o of_o god_n existence_n and_o be_v for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v etc._n etc._n heb._n 11._o 6._o and_o a_o oath_n certain_o be_v one_o sort_n of_o come_v to_o god_n be_v a_o immediate_a appeal_n to_o he_o as_o witness_n and_o judge_n 2._o of_o his_o omnipresence_n and_o ubiquity_n that_o he_o be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n and_o at_o all_o time_n according_a to_o psalm_n 139._o whither_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o presence_n etc._n etc._n how_o can_v we_o call_v upon_o he_o either_o as_o witness_v of_o our_o sincerity_n or_o judge_n of_o our_o hypocrisy_n if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v he_o within_o hear_v and_o therefore_o the_o not_o have_v god_n before_o our_o eye_n be_v in_o scripture_n the_o description_n of_o the_o most_o profligate_v wretchless_n state_n of_o sin_n 3._o herein_o we_o acknowledge_v his_o omniscience_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o he_o with_o who_o we_o have_v then_o more_o immediate_o to_o do_v 4._o his_o truth_n and_o veracity_n a_o witness_v bring_v into_o the_o court_n that_o can_v lie_v nor_o be_v impose_v upon_o as_o say_v the_o apostle_n gal._n 6._o 7._o be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v 5._o his_o providence_n and_o paternal_a care_n of_o the_o concern_v of_o mankind_n take_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o righteous_a into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o help_v they_o to_o right_v that_o suffer_v wrong_a 6._o his_o superiority_n or_o rather_o supremacy_n over_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o that_o of_o st._n paul_n heb._n 6._o 16._o for_o very_o man_n swear_v by_o the_o great_a therefore_o in_o swear_v by_o he_o we_o own_v he_o to_o be_v supreme_a and_o most_o high_a 7._o we_o herein_o acknowledge_v his_o vindictive_a justice_n as_o he_o be_v a_o revenger_n of_o perjury_n such_o a_o one_o as_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n patronize_v iniquity_n fraud_n or_o guile_n exod._n 34._o 7._o and_o will_v both_o bring_v sin_n to_o light_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 5._o and_o punish_v it_o rom._n 12._o 19_o so_o that_o i_o hope_v you_o see_v by_o this_o time_n that_o a_o oath_n right_o circumstantiate_v and_o take_v viz._n in_o truth_n in_o judgement_n and_o in_o righteousness_n jer._n 4._o 2._o be_v a_o comprehensive_a part_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v such_o a_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n where_o by_o we_o glorify_v god_n existence_n omnipresence_n omniscience_n truth_n providence_n superiority_n and_o revenge_a justice_n how_o can_v you_o think_v it_o less_o than_o a_o duty_n fit_a to_o be_v command_v by_o god_n and_o to_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o the_o moral_a law_n as_o indeed_o we_o find_v it_o do_v deut._n 6._o 13._o thou_o shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o shall_v serve_v he_o and_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n and_o jer._n 4._o 2._o thou_o shall_v swear_v the_o lord_n live_v in_o truth_n in_o judgement_n and_o in_o righteousness_n par._n i_o have_v think_v that_o a_o oath_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o glorify_v god_n that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o only_a profanation_n of_o his_o name_n min._n then_o it_o will_v never_o at_o any_o time_n have_v be_v command_v par._n i_o confess_v this_o discourse_n incline_v i_o to_o some_o more_o consideration_n about_o it_o than_o hitherto_o i_o have_v enter_v into_o min._n therefore_o to_o confirm_v you_o further_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 the_o consent_n of_o nation_n as_o be_v evident_a to_o such_o as_o be_v conversant_a in_o ancient_a author_n aristotle_n the_o great_a philosopher_n say_v a_o oath_n be_v the_o most_o venerable_a thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o religion_n 〈◊〉_d cicero_n the_o learned_a orator_n give_v this_o account_n of_o a_o oath_n a_o oath_n be_v a_o religious_a affirmation_n and_o what_o you_o affirm_v or_o promise_v by_o take_v god_n to_o witness_v aught_o to_o be_v keep_v that_o be_v such_o a_o oath_n bind_v you_o to_o performance_n est_fw-la and_o elsewhere_o he_o have_v these_o word_n our_o forefather_n think_v no_o tie_n more_o fast_o to_o bind_v man_n faith_n than_o a_o oath_n voluerunt_fw-la and_o therefore_o ancient_o captain_n of_o war_n in_o list_v their_o soldier_n do_v always_o bind_v they_o to_o their_o fidelity_n with_o a_o oath_n which_o oath_n be_v have_v in_o so_o great_a reverence_n with_o they_o that_o they_o honour_v it_o with_o a_o religious_a title_n call_v it_o a_o sacrament_n or_o religious_a solemnity_n whereupon_o seneca_n that_o excellent_a moralist_n say_v religion_n that_o be_v that_o military_a oath_n which_o they_o call_v a_o sacrament_n be_v the_o chief_a bond_n of_o fidelity_n in_o the_o militia_n 95._o yea_o so_o great_a a_o reverence_n have_v they_o for_o a_o oath_n that_o those_o that_o break_v it_o be_v the_o infamiâ_fw-la notati_fw-la the_o only_a man_n of_o infamy_n and_o just_o seize_v upon_o by_o divine_a vengeance_n the_o heathen_n have_v so_o great_a a_o dread_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o perjury_n that_o they_o say_v it_o lay_v waste_v the_o whole_a stock_n and_o family_n root_n and_o branch_n herod_n and_o what_o other_o be_v this_o than_o what_o the_o prophet_n zachary_n have_v say_v almost_o in_o the_o same_o word_n cap._n 5._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o concern_v the_o fly_a roll_n that_o it_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o he_o that_o swear_v false_o and_o consume_v it_o with_o the_o timber_n and_o stone_n thereof_o so_o that_o herein_o you_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o harmony_n and_o agreement_n between_o the_o light_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n with_o the_o positive_a and_o moral_a law_n of_o god_n give_v by_o moses_n to_o mankind_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n renew_v and_o improve_v par._n how_o come_v you_o to_o allege_v
myself_o have_v i_o swear_v say_v the_o lord_n for_o because_o thou_o have_v do_v this_o thing_n etc._n etc._n psalm_n 89._o 35._o once_o have_v i_o swear_v by_o my_o holiness_n that_o i_o will_v not_o lie_v unto_o david_n be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v as_o i_o be_o and_o as_o i_o be_o holy_a and_o for_o these_o or_o what_o other_o form_n of_o oath_n we_o find_v in_o scripture_n whether_o in_o more_o or_o few_o word_n they_o all_o do_v invocate_v god_n both_o as_o witness_v and_o as_o judge_n both_o to_o attest_v and_o revenge_v it_o if_o we_o perjure_v for_o the_o swearer_n conscience_n do_v tell_v he_o that_o if_o god_n be_v call_v in_o to_o witness_v a_o lie_n he_o will_v both_o detect_v and_o revenge_v it_o all_o this_o be_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o every_o oath_n so_o that_o that_o form_n in_o the_o close_a of_o our_o public_a oath_n so_o help_v i_o god_n etc._n etc._n have_v neither_o any_o thing_n new_a in_o it_o nor_o any_o more_o than_o be_v include_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o every_o oath_n for_o execration_n be_v employ_v and_o understand_v wheresoever_o it_o be_v not_o express_v even_o in_o those_o elliptical_a form_n of_o swear_v use_v by_o god_n himself_o whether_o express_v by_o a_o bare_a attestation_n ezech._n 14._o 16._o gen._n 22._o 16._o psalm_n 89._o 35._o or_o by_o a_o bare_a execration_n only_o as_o psalm_n 95._o ult_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o learned_a casuist_n bishop_n sanderson_n de_fw-fr juramento_fw-la p._n 15._o omne_fw-la juramentum_fw-la quocunque_fw-la modo_fw-la prolatum_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v every_o oath_n in_o what_o manner_n soever_o it_o be_v utter_v either_o express_o or_o implicit_o invocate_v god_n both_o as_o witness_v and_o as_o judge_n and_o even_o a_o bare_a attestation_n subinfert_fw-la execrationem_fw-la as_o he_o say_v infer_v a_o execration_n as_o its_o necessary_a consequent_a according_a to_o that_o of_o plutarch_n every_o oath_n 〈◊〉_d end_v in_o a_o curse_n upon_o perjury_n so_o that_o those_o mention_a form_n use_v by_o st._n paul_n be_v as_o positive_a oath_n as_o any_o other_o you_o find_v in_o the_o bible_n or_o any_o of_o those_o that_o be_v impose_v upon_o you_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n par._n i_o little_o think_v that_o oath_n under_o the_o gospel_n can_v have_v be_v so_o clear_o make_v out_o min._n i_o shall_v confirm_v you_o yet_o by_o a_o further_a instance_n and_o it_o be_v that_o of_o the_o angel_n swear_v rev._n 10._o 5_o 6._o and_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v to_o imitate_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n where_o nothing_o but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n nothing_o evil_a and_o unholy_a can_v be_v do_v our_o lord_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n that_o be_v as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o angel_n who_o he_o have_v propose_v to_o we_o as_o pattern_n for_o our_o imitation_n so_o that_o a_o oath_n take_v in_o due_a order_n can_v neither_o be_v evil_a in_o itself_o nor_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o heavenly_a conversation_n par._n but_o may_v not_o the_o angel_n and_o we_o act_v under_o different_a dispensation_n so_o that_o that_o may_v be_v lawful_a and_o command_v they_o which_o to_o we_o may_v be_v forbid_v min._n that_o the_o angel_n and_o we_o be_v join_v in_o the_o same_o fraternity_n and_o tie_v of_o obedience_n even_o to_o the_o same_o scripture_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o angel_n confession_n rev._n 2_o 2._o 9_o who_o call_v himself_o our_o fellow-servant_n and_o of_o our_o brethren_n the_o prophet_n and_o of_o they_o which_o keep_v the_o say_n of_o this_o book_n par._n but_o perhaps_o by_o that_o book_n who_o saying_n he_o keep_v he_o mean_v no_o other_o than_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n min._n suppose_v it_o be_v so_o yet_o that_o book_n be_v indict_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v allow_v in_o it_o can_v be_v contradict_v or_o forbid_v in_o any_o other_o scripture_n all_o which_o serve_v to_o make_v that_o example_n of_o the_o angel_n sufficient_o valid_a to_o prove_v swear_v lawful_a under_o the_o gospel_n par._n but_o where_o do_v you_o read_v that_o st._n paul_n lay_v his_o hand_n on_o the_o bible_n and_o kiss_v it_o when_o he_o swear_v as_o you_o do_v i_o think_v you_o have_v hold_v these_o necessary_a part_n of_o a_o public_a oath_n min._n the_o lay_v on_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o kiss_v the_o book_n we_o hold_v to_o be_v no_o essential_a part_n of_o a_o oath_n but_o only_o decent_a and_o comely_a ceremony_n enjoin_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o governor_n to_o make_v the_o act_n more_o solemn_a and_o to_o excite_v the_o juror_n to_o a_o great_a reverence_n and_o dread_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o his_o threaten_n denounce_v in_o that_o book_n par._n i_o have_v now_o nothing_o leave_v to_o object_n but_o the_o forementioned_a text_n matth._n 5._o 34._o james_n 5._o 12._o whereof_o if_o you_o can_v give_v i_o as_o clear_v a_o account_n as_o you_o have_v do_v of_o my_o other_o doubt_n i_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v of_o your_o judgment_n and_o withal_o thankfulness_n acknowledge_v it_o a_o happy_a hour_n when_o i_o meet_v with_o you_o but_o these_o text_n look_v so_o opposite_a to_o your_o design_n that_o i_o can_v as_o yet_o acquit_v myself_o of_o all_o fear_n of_o be_v antichristian_a in_o think_v swear_v lawful_a min._n by_o the_o same_o way_n of_o reason_v that_o the_o quaker_n charge_v we_o with_o antichristianism_n by_o virtue_n of_o those_o text_n i_o can_v prove_v they_o antichristian_a par._n show_v wherein_o min._n you_o know_v that_o we_o be_v command_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o speak_v evil_a of_o no_o man_n tit._n 2._o 3._o the_o quaker_n transgress_v this_o command_n by_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o clergy_n therefore_o they_o do_v fall_v under_o the_o charge_n of_o antichristianism_n par._n you_o be_v to_o consider_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o apostle_n forbid_v we_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o no_o man_n you_o be_v not_o to_o imagine_v his_o design_n in_o that_o text_n be_v absolute_o to_o restrain_v we_o from_o give_v true_a character_n of_o evil_a and_o unworthy_a man_n upon_o a_o just_a occasion_n then_o he_o himself_o have_v be_v faulty_a in_o speak_v evil_a of_o hymenaeus_n and_o alexander_n the_o coppersmith_n 20._o beside_o how_o shall_v we_o reprove_v or_o how_o shall_v justice_n upon_o the_o most_o notorious_a offender_n 14._o be_v administer_v if_o their_o fault_n may_v not_o be_v speak_v of_o therefore_o the_o word_n can_v bear_v a_o general_a interpretation_n but_o must_v be_v take_v with_o a_o limitation_n for_o otherwise_o a_o monstrous_a train_n of_o absurdity_n must_v attend_v such_o a_o exposition_n but_o i_o do_v conceive_v that_o the_o word_n do_v relate_v to_o that_o horrid_a custom_n of_o reflect_v upon_o the_o good_a name_n and_o reputation_n of_o man_n in_o their_o ordinary_a converse_n whereby_o we_o may_v deprive_v our_o neighbour_n of_o that_o which_o be_v as_o dear_a to_o he_o as_o his_o life_n or_o livelihood_n so_o that_o it_o be_v speak_v evil_o detract_o untrue_o or_o malicious_o or_o without_o just_a occasion_n in_o our_o communication_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n there_o prohibit_v by_o the_o apostle_n min._n i_o must_v confess_v you_o have_v give_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n word_n and_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o abridge_v i_o of_o the_o liberty_n which_o you_o take_v yourself_o in_o free_v the_o text_n under_o debate_n from_o a_o wrong_a construction_n of_o they_o whereas_o you_o say_v i_o ought_v to_o consider_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o apostle_n bid_v we_o speak_v evil_a of_o no_o man_n so_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o ought_v to_o consider_v too_o in_o what_o sense_n our_o lord_n say_v swear_v not_o at_o all_o you_o be_v not_o to_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v our_o lord_n design_n to_o forbid_v all_o manner_n of_o oath_n upon_o what_o occasion_n and_o solemnity_n soever_o they_o may_v be_v tender_v then_o as_o have_v already_o be_v show_v st._n paul_n have_v not_o only_o be_v faulty_a in_o make_v so_o honourable_a a_o mention_n of_o a_o oath_n hebr._n 6._o 16._o but_o much_o more_o faulty_a in_o take_v a_o oath_n himself_o and_o then_o both_o he_o and_o the_o angel_n rev._n 10._o have_v fall_v under_o the_o charge_n of_o antichristianism_n therefore_o according_a to_o your_o phrase_n the_o word_n can_v bear_v a_o general_a interpretation_n but_o must_v be_v take_v with_o a_o limitation_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a and_o proper_a sense_n to_o which_o that_o prohibition_n be_v to_o be_v restrain_v par._n i_o be_o very_o willing_a to_o be_v inform_v therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o explain_v these_o word_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o together_o with_o those_o in_o james_n
to_o explain_v and_o apply_v the_o same_o and_o be_v not_o this_o kind_n of_o preach_v more_o fit_a to_o be_v hear_v by_o you_o and_o have_v it_o not_o more_o authority_n to_o command_v your_o reverence_n and_o attention_n than_o the_o extemporary_a effusion_n of_o those_o man_n who_o leave_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v rash_o vent_v their_o own_o fancy_n and_o schismatical_a dream_n and_o by_o lie_a divination_n do_v prophesy_v out_o of_o their_o 7._o own_o heart_n and_o from_o the_o heat_n of_o a_o disturb_a brain_n par._n i_o expect_v you_o will_v have_v produce_v dr._n sherlock_n instance_n min._n which_o be_v they_o par._n he_o endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v the_o custom_n by_o two_o scripture_n example_n the_o one_o of_o christ_n himself_o who_o take_v a_o text_n and_o preach_v upon_o it_o luk_n 4._o 17_o 22._o the_o other_o of_o philip_n who_o take_v a_o text_n which_o the_o eunuch_n read_v in_o isa._n 53._o 7._o and_o preach_v christ_n unto_o he_o convert_v he_o to_o christianity_n by_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n the_o eunuch_n be_v not_o able_a of_o himself_o to_o understand_v it_o without_o a_o interpreter_n act_v 8._o 30._o min._n and_o be_v not_o his_o instance_n very_o proper_a to_o justify_v this_o practice_n and_o do_v not_o the_o doctor_n speak_v worthy_o and_o like_o himself_o par._n for_o my_o part_n i_o be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o they_o till_o such_o time_n as_o i_o meet_v with_o a_o reply_n from_o richard_n hubberthorn_n min._n what_o be_v there_o in_o that_o reply_n par._n his_o word_n be_v these_o o_o thou_o enemy_n and_o slanderer_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v they_o take_v text_n to_o get_v money_n with_o they_o and_o to_o lie_v a_o quarter_n of_o a_o year_n or_o half_o a_o year_n in_o a_o text_n christ_n come_v to_o fulfil_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o apostle_n sheme_v how_o he_o fulfil_v the_o scripture_n and_o come_v to_o fulfil_v that_o which_o the_o prophet_n speak_v the_o scribe_n and_o 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proof_n produce_v by_o the_o doctor_n his_o quarrel_n be_v that_o we_o take_v text_n to_o get_v money_n with_o they_o and_o that_o some_o insist_v a_o quarter_n of_o a_o year_n or_o half_o a_o year_n upon_o a_o text_n which_o i_o think_v very_o few_o do_v nor_o any_o but_o when_o their_o text_n have_v such_o plenty_n and_o variety_n of_o matter_n in_o it_o as_o require_v much_o time_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o have_v no_o unlawfulness_n in_o it_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n from_o we_o last_o observe_v that_o he_o magnify_v the_o learning_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o make_v a_o very_a ignoramus_n of_o st._n peter_n affirm_v that_o peter_n who_o open_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o unlearned_a man_n will_v they_o prove_v that_o st._n peter_n who_o open_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o unlearned_a man_n be_v there_o no_o difference_n betwixt_o peter_n the_o fisherman_n and_o peter_z the_o disciple_n have_v he_o be_v so_o long_o with_o he_o that_o speak_v as_o never_o man_n speak_v and_o be_v he_o still_o unlearned_a do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v he_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o learned_a nay_o a_o portion_n of_o the_o cleave_a tongue_n by_o which_o he_o speak_v all_o language_n to_o enable_v he_o to_o expound_v the_o scripture_n to_o all_o nation_n and_o be_v this_o peter_n unlearned_a still_o do_v he_o not_o say_v that_o the_o unlearned_a and_o the_o unstable_a wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o be_v he_o himself_o unlearned_a be_v this_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o dear_a innocent_a richard_n be_v this_o a_o conquer_a through_o truth_n as_o some_o of_o his_o f._n brethrâ—…ns_n say_v of_o he_o 16._o i_o pray_v consider_v whether_o such_o blind_a guide_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v they_o be_v not_o in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n par._n but_o i_o pray_v tell_v i_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o last_o text_n you_o quote_v 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o in_o which_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o the_o unlearned_a and_o the_o unstable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v other_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n who_o be_v they_o who_o st._n peter_n here_o call_v unlearned_a min._n if_o those_o word_n of_o st._n peter_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o understand_v by_o you_o they_o will_v give_v you_o abundant_a satisfaction_n in_o many_o of_o your_o scruple_n and_o let_v you_o see_v the_o weak_a foundation_n of_o quakerism_n or_o rather_o that_o it_o have_v none_o at_o all_o but_o ignorance_n unstableness_n and_o wrest_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n reprove_v in_o this_o text._n in_o which_o be_v four_o particular_n recommend_v to_o your_o observation_n 1._o that_o some_o passage_n of_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a and_o dark_a that_o they_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v 2._o that_o by_o that_o occasion_n such_o place_n 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top_n of_o a_o pinnacle_n and_o cast_v myself_o down_o upon_o confidence_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o the_o angel_n shall_v bear_v i_o up_o than_o i_o wrest_v and_o misapply_v the_o scripture_n which_o no_o where_o give_v encouragement_n to_o a_o desperate_a attempt_n for_o it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v not_o tempt_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n that_o be_v thou_o shall_v not_o tempt_v he_o to_o work_v a_o miracle_n by_o cast_v thyself_o down_o from_o a_o desperate_a precipice_n when_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o his_o providence_n may_v effect_v thy_o preservation_n par._n what_o rule_n have_v you_o to_o prevent_v mistake_n in_o this_o kind_n min._n take_v this_o for_o one_o when_o any_o text_n have_v a_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a case_n that_o text_n must_v not_o stand_v for_o a_o general_a rule_n but_o must_v be_v apply_v to_o a_o like_a occasion_n for_o its_o a_o most_o grand_a fallacy_n to_o draw_v a_o universal_a conclusion_n from_o particular_a premise_n take_v a_o 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to_o be_v odious_a for_o their_o be_v old_a it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o unstable_a man_n to_o have_v itch_a ear_n and_o to_o heap_v up_o to_o themselves_o teacher_n that_o may_v teach_v placentia_fw-la &_o speak_v unto_o they_o smooth_a thing_n if_o they_o hear_v of_o any_o new_a knack_n they_o be_v in_o pain_n till_o they_o gratify_v their_o fancy_n there_o with_o and_o with_o run_v from_o meet_v to_o meeting_n they_o raise_v and_o heat_v their_o fancy_n and_o be_v common_o mould_v into_o that_o notion_n they_o hear_v last_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o sad_a diagnostic_n that_o his_o stomach_n be_v out_o of_o order_n that_o belong_v after_o all_o meat_n and_o drink_n he_o hear_v of_o it_o be_v likely_a enough_o if_o the_o person_n who_o they_o so_o much_o admire_v have_v but_o the_o stamp_n of_o authority_n upon_o their_o action_n and_o discourse_n they_o will_v be_v as_o much_o reject_v as_o now_o they_o be_v embrace_v and_o follow_v and_o may_v we_o not_o suspect_v a_o 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requisite_a for_o the_o understanding_n of_o they_o min._n if_o my_o word_n be_v right_o weigh_v you_o can_v make_v no_o such_o inference_n from_o they_o for_o though_o i_o say_v with_o st._n peter_n that_o some_o thing_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v to_o exercise_v the_o deep_a and_o sharp_a apprehension_n and_o the_o great_a proficient_o yet_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o already_o that_o all_o necessary_a point_n in_o they_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a insomuch_o that_o ep._n the_o most_o learned_a need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a nor_o the_o most_o ignorant_a be_v afraid_a to_o read_v they_o but_o as_o for_o these_o let_v they_o read_v they_o with_o this_o caution_n that_o they_o be_v not_o too_o confident_a in_o adventure_v to_o make_v their_o own_o interpretation_n of_o such_o hard_a place_n according_a to_o their_o fancy_n interest_n or_o prepossession_n but_o that_o they_o have_v recourse_n to_o their_o pastor_n who_o lip_n preserve_v knowledge_n and_o who_o 7._o work_n and_o business_n it_o be_v to_o resolve_v they_o in_o all_o such_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n as_o be_v of_o concernment_n to_o they_o par._n i_o do_v esteem_v myself_o not_o a_o little_a engage_v to_o you_o for_o the_o pain_n you_o have_v take_v with_o i_o my_o request_n to_o you_o now_o be_v that_o i_o may_v have_v your_o resolution_n concern_v tithe_n min._n i_o be_o very_o ready_a to_o hear_v what_o you_o have_v to_o object_v against_o they_o par._n i_o have_v have_v many_o scruple_n concern_v they_o and_o find_v those_o scruple_n much_o augment_v by_o a_o book_n of_o ed._n burrough_n call_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a plea_n present_v to_o the_o king_n and_o council_n wherein_o i_o find_v that_o to_o pay_v tithe_n be_v to_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o so_o consequent_o antichristian_a and_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o turn_v back_o to_o circumcision_n sacrifice_n and_o burn_v offering_n as_o to_o the_o payment_n of_o they_o min._n by_o what_o argument_n be_v this_o make_v good_a the_o charge_n be_v heavy_a and_o we_o may_v reasonable_o call_v for_o proof_n par._n he_o thus_o prove_v it_o tithe_n be_v now_o not_o to_o be_v pay_v according_a to_o the_o first_o covenant_n neither_o be_v the_o first_o priesthood_n to_o be_v uphold_v that_o once_o give_v and_o receive_v tithe_n now_o shall_v we_o pay_v tithe_n according_a to_o the_o first_o covenant_n and_o uphold_v any_o part_n of_o that_o priesthood_n which_o take_v tithe_n etc._n etc._n then_o shall_v we_o deny_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n min._n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o such_o reflection_n as_o i_o may_v just_o make_v upon_o the_o ignorance_n and_o confidence_n of_o your_o author_n nor_o of_o your_o own_o weakness_n and_o credulous_a temper_n in_o be_v move_v by_o such_o argument_n to_o which_o i_o now_o make_v my_o reply_n wherein_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o burrough_n be_v as_o ignorant_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o first_o priesthood_n 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as_o well_o turn_v to_o circumcision_n sacrifice_n and_o burnt-offering_n as_o to_o the_o payment_n of_o tithe_n min._n to_o affirm_v that_o the_o clergy_n now_o claim_v their_o tithe_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v a_o most_o wretched_a untruth_n for_o we_o disow_v all_o such_o title_n to_o they_o par._n then_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o tithe_n be_v not_o pure_o ceremonial_a and_o so_o establish_v by_o christ._n min._n tithe_n can_v be_v call_v pure_o ceremonial_a because_o pay_v by_o abraham_n to_o melchisedec_n four_o hundred_o year_n before_o the_o law_n and_o vow_v two_o hundred_o year_n by_o jacob_n before_o it_o be_v deliver_v that_o the_o exact_a ten_o of_o the_o holy_a land_n shall_v be_v bring_v in_o kind_a to_o jerusalem_n and_o pay_v there_o be_v ceremonial_a and_o confine_v to_o the_o legal_a dispensation_n but_o that_o the_o priest_n shall_v have_v a_o honourable_a maintenance_n be_v a_o right_a found_v not_o only_o in_o natural_a justice_n as_o 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