argument_n he_o say_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v in_o the_o prophet_n foretold_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o lord_n people_n shall_v swear_v by_o his_o name_n as_o a_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n to_o he_o answ._n this_o we_o also_o deny_v together_o with_o his_o high_a applause_n of_o swear_v as_o a_o evidence_n of_o man_n conversion_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o divine_a service_n and_o homage_n and_o as_o denote_v a_o eminent_a act_n of_o save_a confession_n to_o god_n and_o as_o a_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o as_o a_o sign_n witness_v and_o argument_n of_o egypt_n be_v conversion_n and_o the_o language_n of_o canaan_n a_o pure_a language_n which_o god_n promise_v to_o restore_v to_o all_o nation_n at_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n yea_o the_o condition_n of_o god_n accept_v man_n for_o his_o people_n the_o condition_n of_o accept_v we_o as_o sincere_a disciple_n the_o way_n of_o god_n people_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o his_o 5_o 6_o 9th_o 10_o 11_o and_o 14_o page_n all_o these_o high_a commendation_n he_o attribute_n to_o swear_v by_o the_o lord_n as_o if_o all_o those_o that_o so_o swear_v must_v needs_o be_v such_o great_a convert_v divine_a worshipper_n attain_v to_o the_o pure_a language_n of_o cananan_n high_o accept_v of_o god_n sincere_a disciple_n in_o god_n way_n etc._n etc._n mark_v here_o swear_v by_o the_o lord_n be_v this_o man_n gospel_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o all_o his_o felicity_n but_o such_o ignorance_n and_o silly_a stuff_n what_o rational_a man_n can_v see_v his_o proof_n be_v isa_n 45._o 23._o and_o chap._n 19_o 18._o in_o the_o first_o it_o be_v say_v i_o have_v swear_v by_o myself_o the_o word_n be_v go_v out_o of_o my_o mouth_n in_o righteousness_n and_o shall_v not_o return_v that_o to_o i_o every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v every_o tongue_n shall_v swear_v in_o the_o second_o it_o be_v say_v in_o that_o day_n shall_v five_o city_n in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n speak_v the_o language_n of_o canaan_n and_o swear_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o altar_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n etc._n etc._n here_o he_o apply_v swear_v to_o gospel-time_n so_o take_v swear_v as_o literal_o under_o the_o gospel_n to_o continue_v as_o under_o the_o law_n but_o not_o the_o altar_n but_o confess_v that_o the_o altar_n here_o specify_v be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o which_o st._n paul_n mention_n heb._n 13._o 10._o we_o have_v a_o altar_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v say_v he_o christ_n stable-throne_n of_o grace_n p._n 8._o so_o that_o the_o altar_n he_o interpret_v figurative_o under_o the_o gospel_n but_o swear_v literal_o see_v his_o confusion_n whereas_o if_o the_o altar_n be_v christ_n stable-throne_n of_o grace_n then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o shall_v have_v say_v that_o by_o swear_v be_v intend_v a_o gospel-confession_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n own_o word_n rom._n 14._o 11._o where_n mention_v the_o prophet_n word_n before_o instead_o of_o every_o tongue_n shall_v swear_v he_o say_v every_o tongue_n shall_v confess_v to_o god_n and_o likewise_o phil._n 2._o 11._o and_o that_o every_o tongue_n shall_v confess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v lord_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n it_o be_v not_o every_o tongue_n shall_v swear_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v lord_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v confess_v the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v in_o rom._n 10._o 10._o and_o with_o the_o mouth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v confess_v or_o confession_n be_v make_v to_o salvation_n and_o likewise_o in_o john_n 4._o 2._o every_o spirit_n that_o confess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v of_o god_n there_o be_v the_o same_o word_n he_o do_v not_o make_v swear_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n that_o proof_n nor_o commend_v swear_v to_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o infallible_a mark_n of_o man_n conversion_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o god_n accept_v they_o as_o sincere_a disciple_n as_o our_o opposer_n do_v for_o many_o both_o can_v and_o do_v swear_v by_o god_n that_o never_o come_v to_o such_o acceptance_n nor_o to_o such_o a_o confession_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v to_o god_n glory_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o heart_n that_o believe_v to_o salvation_n for_o that_o no_o man_n can_v thus_o confess_v to_o god_n or_o say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 3._o but_o many_o can_v and_o do_v swear_v without_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therefore_o true_a confession_n be_v evangelical_n and_o not_o swear_v it_o be_v true_a confession_n from_o a_o believe_a heart_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o man_n conversion_n and_o not_o make_v oath_n or_o swear_v which_o this_o man_n seem_v to_o confess_v appertain_v to_o common_a humane_a infirmity_n p._n 1._o and_o what_o be_v that_o infirmity_n upon_o which_o swear_v be_v occasion_v under_o the_o law_n but_o man_n diffidence_n jealousy_n or_o distrust_n which_o if_o they_o have_v fulfil_v the_o principal_a and_o royal_a law_n of_o love_n both_o to_o god_n and_o one_o another_o there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o such_o occasion_n of_o distrust_n therefore_o swear_v be_v neither_o moral_a perpetual_a nor_o evangelical_n as_o some_o suppose_n nor_o be_v it_o essential_a to_o the_o divine_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o this_o man_n vain_o think_v which_o be_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n for_o that_o worship_n be_v both_o before_o swear_v and_o be_v perform_v without_o swear_v that_o god_n himself_o swear_v by_o himself_o who_o can_v not_o swear_v by_o a_o great_a we_o deny_v not_o but_o if_o this_o must_v be_v make_v a_o argument_n that_o therefore_o in_o this_o man_n may_v imitate_v god_n who_o be_v his_o maker_n we_o deny_v the_o consequence_n for_o this_o be_v to_o set_v up_o a_o creature_n in_o the_o creator_n place_n nay_o as_o good_a a_o argument_n do_v the_o serpent_n bring_v when_o he_o say_v you_o shall_v be_v as_o god_n etc._n etc._n to_o j._n s._n his_o say_n that_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n be_v to_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o canaan_n that_o pure_a language_n which_o god_n promise_v etc._n etc._n that_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n which_o be_v at_o first_o reveal_v to_o man_n in_o paradise_n p._n 10._o answ._n first_o that_o god_n promise_v to_o return_v to_o his_o people_n a_o pure_a language_n we_o own_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v serve_v he_o with_o one_o consent_n therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o swear_v one_o to_o another_o or_o be_v swearer_n under_o the_o gospel_n second_o nor_o do_v he_o prove_v by_o scripture_n that_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n be_v that_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n which_o be_v at_o first_o reveal_v to_o man_n in_o paradise_n for_o this_o be_v to_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o god_n teach_v adam_n and_o eve_n to_o swear_v to_o each_o other_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n when_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n of_o swear_v in_o his_o five_o argument_n to_o prove_v swear_v in_o gospel_n time_n the_o condition_n of_o god_n accept_v man_n for_o his_o people_n such_o a_o condition_n as_o upon_o the_o fulfil_n thereof_o he_o will_v number_v they_o among_o his_o disciple_n and_o account_v they_o his_o people_n that_o do_v viz._n learn_v to_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n p._n 11._o for_o proof_n of_o this_o erroneous_a assertion_n he_o cite_v jer._n 12._o 16._o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o if_o they_o will_v diligent_o learn_v the_o way_n of_o my_o people_n to_o swear_v by_o my_o name_n the_o lord_n live_v as_o they_o teach_v my_o people_n to_o swear_v by_o baal_n etc._n etc._n answ._n this_o be_v in_o the_o prophet_n time_n and_o to_o be_v fulfil_v under_o the_o law_n there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o christian_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o swear_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o divert_v they_o from_o swear_v by_o false_a god_n as_o there_o be_v in_o those_o former_a day_n for_o those_o that_o have_v learned_a to_o swear_v by_o ball_n viz._n as_o baal_n live_v by_o the_o life_n of_o baal_n etc._n etc._n p._n 12._o which_o be_v oppose_v by_o swear_v as_o the_o lord_n live_v under_o the_o law_n and_o now_o confess_v his_o name_n and_o make_v confession_n to_o his_o glory_n under_o the_o gospel_n his_o tell_v we_o of_o a_o diligent_a learning_n to_o swear_v by_o god_n name_n and_o a_o learning_n this_o way_n of_o god_n people_n etc._n etc._n p._n 12_o 14_o 15._o be_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v tell_v we_o that_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v such_o a_o difficult_a and_o hard_a lesson_n
and_o be_v not_o this_o most_o gross_o to_o charge_n paul_n with_o transgression_n both_o of_o law_n and_o gospel_n whereas_o in_o a_o formal_a oath_n as_o make_v among_o man_n there_o be_v first_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a god_n intend_v second_o a_o imprecation_n or_o curse_n contain_v three_o some_o ceremony_n or_o sign_n use_v book_n beside_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o invocate_a or_o call_v upon_o god_n or_o so_o help_v i_o god_n for_o that_o the_o same_o invocation_n may_v as_o well_o be_v use_v without_o a_o oath_n even_o in_o our_o pray_n for_o god_n help_n and_o assistance_n the_o word_n so_o help_v i_o god_n or_o i_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v may_v be_v use_v without_o any_o intent_n of_o swear_v as_o well_o as_o in_o a_o oath_n in_o desire_v his_o help_n and_o simple_o as_o own_v he_o for_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n speak_v in_o christ_n which_o as_o such_o be_v not_o a_o oath_n but_o when_o thus_o intend_v juratur_fw-la viz._n so_o let_v i_o have_v or_o want_v the_o help_n of_o god_n according_a as_o i_o speak_v the_o truth_n or_o so_o let_v god_n be_v witness_n or_o judge_v for_o or_o against_o i_o in_o this_o latter_a sense_n be_v a_o oath_n imply_v a_o curse_n as_o let_v god_n be_v witness_n or_o judge_n against_o i_o if_o i_o speak_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o the_o bare_a word_n so_o god_n help_v i_o or_o god_n be_v my_o witness_n or_o god_n know_v i_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n i_o lie_v not_o can_v be_v a_o swear_v nor_o a_o formal_a oath_n without_o a_o intention_n thereof_o or_o of_o a_o imprecation_n or_o execration_n employ_v 24._o as_o of_o old_a some_o time_n a_o oath_n of_o curse_v be_v use_v among_o the_o jew_n 28._o and_o there_o be_v several_a sort_n of_o oath_n and_o several_a way_n or_o ceremony_n express_v formal_a swear_v as_o among_o the_o heathen_a lay_v the_o hand_n upon_o the_o altar_n and_o swear_v by_o the_o god_n 29._o abraham_n servant_n put_v his_o hand_n under_o his_o thigh_n the_o angel_n lift_v up_o the_o hand_n towards_o heaven_n among_o the_o profess_a christian_n a_o lay_v the_o hand_n upon_o a_o bible_n and_o kiss_v it_o or_o swear_v upon_o the_o four_o evangelist_n according_a to_o the_o pope_n imposition_n however_o we_o take_v the_o last_o as_o the_o magistrate_n general_a sense_n of_o a_o oath_n the_o definition_n thereof_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n as_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o swear_v among_o christian_n his_o instance_n that_o jacob_n swear_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o father_n isaac_n prove_v not_o that_o laban_n simple_o say_v god_n be_v witness_n make_v up_o a_o formal_a oath_n see_v he_o also_o say_v this_o heap_n viz._n of_o stone_n be_v witness_n between_o i_o and_o thou_o see_v gen._n 31._o will_v any_o presume_v to_o say_v that_o he_o swear_v by_o the_o heap_n of_o stone_n which_o be_v a_o witness_n or_o a_o memorial_n his_o accuse_v st._n paul_n notwithstanding_o christ_n prohibition_n that_o he_o do_v frequent_o confirm_v his_o say_n with_o a_o oath_n be_v both_o a_o gross_a abuse_n of_o paul_n and_o contradict_v this_o man_n confess_v that_o he_o deliver_v the_o truth_n with_o great_a demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n and_o that_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n he_o commend_v himself_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 4_o 13._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 2._o sure_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o swear_v to_o every_o man_n conscience_n for_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o swear_v where_o the_o truth_n be_v so_o manifest_a among_o the_o saint_n but_o to_o say_v that_o paul_n do_v frequent_o confirm_v his_o say_n with_o a_o oath_n render_v he_o both_o of_o very_o little_a power_n manifestation_n or_o credit_n as_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n among_o his_o saint_n and_o church_n none_o of_o they_o except_v and_o they_o also_o to_o have_v as_o little_a knowledge_n and_o confidence_n of_o paul_n and_o his_o testimony_n further_o he_o vary_v between_o say_v god_n be_v witness_n and_o man_n call_v he_o for_o a_o record_n against_o their_o soul_n where_o he_o bring_v augustine_n for_o a_o proof_n that_o paul_n swear_v in_o these_o word_n if_o so_o augustine_n be_v not_o constant_a to_o himself_o nor_o with_o other_o father_n particular_o basil._n on_o psal._n 14._o pag._n 155._o of_o his_o work_n impr_fw-la at_o paris_n 1618._o where_o he_o say_v there_o be_v some_o speech_n which_o have_v the_o form_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v not_o oath_n but_o be_v remedy_n for_o the_o hearer_n as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n willing_a to_o show_v his_o love_n say_v yea_o or_o by_o your_o rejoice_v etc._n etc._n for_o he_o be_v not_o disobedient_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o gospel_n but_o he_o give_v a_o small_a word_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o oath_n that_o their_o rejoice_v be_v most_o desirous_a to_o he_o he_o show_v by_o such_o a_o manner_n of_o speech_n thus_o far_o basil_n though_o we_o know_v the_o particle_n by_o be_v not_o always_o a_o note_n of_o swear_v in_o his_o second_o argument_n he_o grant_v that_o justice_n may_v be_v administer_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n mat._n 18._o 16._o but_o not_o of_o one_o without_o a_o oath_n as_o take_v in_o god_n to_o witness_v with_o he_o where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o witness_n as_o in_o the_o case_n instance_a ex_v 22._o 10_o 11._o however_o that_o testimony_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n may_v decide_v a_o controversy_n without_o a_o oath_n and_o where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o faithful_a witness_n god_n be_v witness_n with_o he_o and_o for_o he_o therein_o and_o have_v a_o witness_n for_o he_o in_o man_n conscience_n and_o the_o lawmaker_n to_o who_o we_o have_v apply_v and_o not_o to_o such_o busy_a opposer_n as_o this_o agent_n against_o we_o have_v power_n to_o make_v provision_n for_o such_o a_o one_o as_o can_v for_o conscience_n sake_n swear_v that_o his_o testimony_n may_v be_v take_v instead_o of_o a_o oath_n especial_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o undergo_v the_o same_o penalty_n that_o be_v due_a to_o perjure_a person_n if_o he_o be_v find_v false_a in_o his_o testimony_n as_o we_o have_v propose_v however_o this_o opposer_n take_v little_a notice_n thereof_o and_o many_o in_o authority_n have_v confess_v our_o proposition_n therein_o to_o be_v fair_a and_o sufficient_a and_o not_o at_o all_o tend_v to_o obstruct_v the_o administration_n of_o justice_n nor_o to_o patronize_v injustice_n as_o be_v most_o false_o insinuate_v against_o we_o pag._n 3._o in_o his_o three_o argument_n he_o assert_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n prophet_n do_v commend_v swear_v by_o god_n as_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o his_o elect_a servant_n in_o the_o christian-church_n after_o his_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o choose_v the_o gentile_n answ._n we_o deny_v this_o assumption_n that_o they_o do_v so_o commend_v swear_v as_o a_o practice_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o christian-church_n among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n prohibition_n of_o swear_v at_o all_o either_o by_o heaven_n or_o earth_n or_o any_o other_o oath_n be_v of_o a_o universal_a extent_n to_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o come_v to_o be_v of_o the_o christian-church_n both_o forbid_v such_o swear_v as_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a time_n use_v under_o the_o law_n viz._n by_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o apostate_n jew_n and_o gentile_n swear_v by_o idol_n or_o the_o creature_n or_o any_o oath_n whatsoever_o he_o attempt_v to_o prove_v his_o assumption_n from_o isa._n 56._o 15._o and_o you_o shall_v leave_v your_o name_n for_o a_o curse_n to_o my_o choose_a that_o be_v say_v he_o the_o people_n that_o i_o shall_v choose_v from_o among_o the_o gentile_n shall_v use_v your_o name_n in_o execration_n when_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o denounce_v a_o curse_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o he_o bring_v to_o prove_v swear_v a_o practice_n to_o continue_v among_o god_n elect_a servant_n in_o the_o christian-church_n and_o so_o he_o will_v persuade_v they_o not_o only_o to_o swear_v contrary_a to_o christ_n command_n but_o to_o use_v execration_n and_o to_o denounce_v a_o curse_n when_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n as_o he_o suppose_v which_o be_v contrary_a to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n doctrine_n who_o teach_v the_o elect_n to_o bless_v those_o that_o curse_v they_o and_o to_o bless_v and_o curse_v not_o for_o to_o bless_v god_n and_o curse_n man_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v in_o his_o four_o
j._n s._n undertake_v further_a to_o expound_v james_n be_v word_n but_o above_o all_o thing_n my_o brethren_n swear_v not_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v nowhere_o else_o render_v in_o scripture_n above_o but_o before_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o here_o pag._n 29._o and_o then_o he_o thus_o paraphase_n let_v not_o a_o oath_n lie_v uppermost_a upon_o your_o heart_n and_o come_v first_o of_o all_o before_o all_o thing_n out_o of_o your_o mouth_n pag._n 30._o this_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o easy_a mean_v but_o a_o plain_a perversion_n of_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n which_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o any_o such_o liberty_n at_o all_o for_o swear_v as_o this_o do_v as_o if_o he_o only_o forbid_v swear_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o discourse_n whenas_o the_o prohibition_n be_v plain_a and_o positive_a above_o all_o thing_n swear_v not_o neither_o by_o heaven_n neither_o by_o the_o earth_n neither_o by_o any_o other_o oath_n but_o this_o man_n will_v still_o have_v some_o other_o oath_n so_o whether_o must_v we_o believe_v he_o or_o the_o apostle_n james_n judge_v reader_n and_o though_o we_o do_v not_o look_v on_o swear_v as_o worse_o than_o adultery_n or_o manslaughter_n as_o be_v query_v upon_o the_o word_n above_o all_o thing_n swear_v not_o yet_o doubtless_o the_o apostle_n see_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o may_v be_v bad_a and_o sad_a enough_o or_o else_o he_o will_v not_o so_o strict_o have_v forbid_v it_o to_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n j._n s._n make_v these_o the_o consequence_n of_o our_o stick_v to_o the_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n viz._n that_o paul_n call_v god_n to_o witness_n come_v from_o a_o evil_a spirit_n that_o our_o saviour_n as_o often_o as_o he_o say_v amen_o amen_n have_v those_o word_n put_v into_o his_o mouth_n by_o the_o evil_a one_o pag._n 31._o to_o the_o first_o we_o say_v no_o it_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o speak_v in_o paul_n who_o witness_n god_n be_v and_o the_o son_n be_v simple_o own_v the_o father_n for_o his_o witness_n we_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o as_o make_v up_o a_o formal_a oath_n to_o the_o second_o neither_o can_v we_o own_o that_o our_o saviour_n swear_v as_o often_o as_o he_o say_v amen_o or_o very_o very_o which_o be_v but_o a_o note_n of_o affirmation_n and_o not_o of_o swear_v and_o more_o than_o yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o again_o he_o infer_v that_o the_o elect_a angel_n which_o christ_n send_v from_o heaven_n to_o communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o future_a thing_n to_o st._n john_n be_v inspire_v by_o the_o devil_n when_o he_o swear_v by_o he_o that_o live_v forever_o answ._n no_o that_o he_o be_v not_o for_o he_o speak_v as_o god_n representative_a or_o ambassador_n have_v a_o peculiar_a commission_n power_n and_o dispensation_n therein_o which_o man_n may_v not_o imitate_v which_o extend_v through_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o which_o the_o swear_v be_v and_o wherein_o the_o angel_n be_v send_v as_o god_n messenger_n and_o representative_n minister_a spirit_n and_o servant_n to_o the_o whole_a seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o heir_n of_o salvation_n to_o who_o god_n promise_n be_v confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n and_o this_o be_v a_o vision_n represent_v in_o figure_n his_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n prohibit_v the_o use_n of_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o to_o be_v intrinsical_o evil_a pag._n 31._o answ._n though_o oath_n when_o lawful_a can_v not_o be_v account_v intrinsical_o evil_a yet_o there_o be_v a_o evil_a that_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o oath_n before_o permit_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o that_o of_o diffidence_n jealousy_n instability_n liableness_n to_o run_v after_o other_o god_n and_o to_o do_v injustice_n distrust_v one_o of_o another_o etc._n etc._n and_o as_o this_o man_n confess_v common_a humane_a infirmity_n ambiguity_n pag._n 1._o and_o pag._n 17._o how_o plain_a be_v it_o it_o be_v weakness_n distrust_n and_o fear_v in_o abimelâ—ch_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o require_v abraham_n to_o swear_v that_o he_o will_v not_o deal_v false_o with_o he_o and_o a_o covenant_n with_o isaac_n that_o he_o will_v do_v they_o no_o hurt_v gen._n 21._o 23._o and_o chap._n 26._o 28._o therefore_o christ_n word_n be_v plain_a let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o these_o that_o be_v in_o affirm_v and_o deny_v come_v of_o evil_a or_o of_o the_o evil_a one._n and_o many_o thing_n ceremony_n circumstance_n and_o shadow_n under_o the_o law_n that_o in_o themselves_o be_v not_o intrinsical_o evil_a do_v wax_n old_a and_o grow_v out_o of_o use_n and_o vanish_v as_o the_o old_a covenant_n itself_o do_v be_v account_v weak_a insufficient_a and_o of_o a_o decay_a nature_n when_o a_o high_a and_o more_o eminent_a dispensation_n be_v bring_v in_o as_o that_o of_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o therefore_o to_o oppose_v with_o any_o of_o those_o inferior_a thing_n before_o lawful_a come_v now_o of_o the_o evil_a one._n and_o j._n s._n his_o consequence_n and_o doctrine_n appear_v both_o gross_a impious_a and_o antichristian_a where_o he_o say_v that_o if_o the_o christian-churche_n do_v not_o perform_v homage_n to_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n by_o swear_v as_o well_o as_o blessing_n in_o his_o name_n if_o their_o tongue_n do_v not_o as_o well_o swear_v as_o their_o knee_n bow_v to_o he_o than_o the_o christian-people_n be_v not_o the_o people_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o messiah_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v but_o stâ—ll_o to_o be_v expect_v then_o the_o bless_a jesus_n be_v not_o the_o christ_n of_o who_o the_o prophet_n speak_v but_o as_o the_o jew_n at_o his_o arraignment_n and_o their_o posterity_n blasphemous_o style_v he_o a_o deceiver_n and_o a_o counterfeit_n pag._n 34._o answ._n oh_o monstrous_a and_o blasphemous_a stuff_n first_o thus_o insolent_o to_o attempt_v the_o engage_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o swear_v as_o well_o as_o blessing_n yea_o to_o curse_v and_o dare_a god_n to_o his_o face_n challenge_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n to_o do_v its_o worst_a as_o before_o he_o have_v define_v a_o oath_n as_o well_o as_o blessing_n in_o his_o name_n bow_v the_o knee_n or_o perform_v worship_n to_o he_o what_o people_n of_o a_o christian-spirit_n can_v believe_v this_o doctrine_n secondâ—y_o his_o render_v swear_v such_o a_o eminent_a proof_n of_o demonstration_n of_o the_o messiah_n come_v against_o the_o jew_n opinion_n of_o he_o and_o as_o reasonable_a as_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o effectual_a mean_n to_o convince_v the_o jew_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n be_v to_o swear_v that_o he_o be_v so_o instead_o of_o the_o apostle_n plain_a confession_n of_o he_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n who_o prefer_v confession_n instead_o of_o swear_v again_o his_o scornful_a talk_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o quaker_n christ_n and_o say_v that_o the_o quaker_n gloss_n defrauds_n god_n of_o his_o due_a homage_n rob_v the_o king_n of_o saint_n of_o one_o of_o the_o prime_a jewel_n of_o his_o crown_n present_v the_o everblessed_n jesus_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o impostor_n and_o false_a christ_n lead_v direct_o to_o the_o gulf_n of_o gross_a infidelity_n and_o denial_n of_o christ_n pag._n 35._o this_o be_v as_o wicked_a and_o blasphemous_a as_o his_o consequence_n before_o and_o show_v this_o man_n to_o be_v a_o most_o gross_a idolater_n in_o thus_o unscriptural_o applaud_v of_o swear_v as_o the_o prime_a jewel_n of_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n his_o crown_n whereas_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o his_o servant_n have_v plain_o forbid_v swear_v which_o be_v not_o to_o make_v the_o gospel_n contradict_v the_o holy_a prophet_n as_o to_o their_o spiritual_a intent_n and_o end_n which_o be_v to_o confess_v to_o god_n and_o to_o christ_n as_o be_v false_o infer_v and_o as_o false_o he_o represent_v the_o prophet_n as_o say_v christ_n shall_v teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o swear_v the_o lord_n live_v but_o where_o the_o prophet_n so_o say_v we_o be_v all_o to_o seek_v but_o not_o where_o they_o testify_v against_o swear_v see_v jer._n 23._o 10._o hosea_n 4._o 15._o chap._n 2._o 3._o zach._n 5._o â—_o zeph._n 1._o 5._o eccles._n 9_o 2._o but_o if_o swear_v be_v that_o divine_a homage_n or_o include_v the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o be_v among_o christian_n why_o be_v christ_n so_o silent_a in_o it_o and_o the_o apostle_n as_o not_o express_o to_o command_v it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a express_o forbid_v it_o or_o if_o swear_v be_v the_o most_o august_n act_n of_o divine_a worship_n sure_o the_o apostle_n james_n instead_o of_o say_v above_o all_o thing_n my_o brethren_n swear_v not_o shall_v have_v say_v above_o all_o thing_n my_o brethren_n swear_v you_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o the_o jewsâ—eared_v
â—eared_z a_o oath_n but_o through_o the_o custom_n of_o swear_v they_o run_v into_o false_a swear_v and_o though_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n live_v yet_o sure_o they_o swear_v false_o and_o because_o of_o oath_n the_o land_n mourn_v and_o this_o land_n mourn_v and_o therefore_o even_o in_o the_o prophet_n time_n oath_n &_o swear_v be_v testify_v against_o as_o though_o thou_o israel_n play_v the_o harlot_n yet_o let_v not_o judah_n sin_n come_v not_o you_o unto_o giâ—gal_n neither_o go_v you_o up_o to_o bâ—thaven_n not_o swear_v the_o lord_n live_v hos._n 4._o 15._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o forbid_v to_o swear_v be_v because_o of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o profanation_n we_o say_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o may_v now_o testify_v against_o swear_v and_o for_o conscience_n sake_n can_v uphold_v the_o custom_n thereof_o nor_o submit_v to_o the_o imposition_n thereof_o though_o this_o man_n be_v not_o ashamed_a for_o all_o this_o abuse_n and_o profanation_n to_o urge_v and_o applaud_v it_o as_o the_o high_a act_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o god_n receive_v people_n which_o if_o it_o can_v be_v grant_v as_o it_o be_v not_o it_o only_o signify_v thus_o much_o that_o only_o the_o righteous_a and_o such_o as_o be_v convert_v to_o god_n must_v swear_v and_o that_o upon_o a_o very_a sacred_a account_n to_o god_n himself_o now_o judge_n serious_a reader_n what_o the_o tenor_n of_o this_o man_n work_n amount_v to_o it_o be_v that_o righteous_a man_n must_v oblige_v themselves_o to_o god_n and_o adore_v he_o by_o swear_v what_o be_v this_o to_o swear_v to_o man_n in_o litigious_a court_n and_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o imposition_n of_o oath_n we_o desire_v the_o parliament_n to_o remove_v under_o the_o law_n oath_n be_v use_v in_o two_o respect_n namely_o first_o to_o prevent_v and_o end_v strife_n among_o man_n and_o these_o both_o in_o private_a and_o public_a two_o â—o_o god_n himself_o or_o between_o man_n and_o man_n and_o man_n and_o god_n or_o swear_v to_o man_n and_o vow_v to_o god_n see_v gen._n 24._o 9_o &_o 31._o 53._o &_o 21._o 23._o &_o 26._o 28._o &_o 47._o 31._o num._n 30._o 23._o 1_o sam._n 20._o 3._o &_o chap._n 14._o 26._o 1_o king_n 8._o 31._o neh._n 10._o 29._o chap._n 5._o 12._o now_o this_o man_n work_n render_v swear_v by_o god_n in_o general_a to_o be_v the_o high_a act_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o only_o they_o that_o be_v convert_v to_o god_n can_v perform_v in_o his_o sense_n and_o such_o none_o of_o the_o wicked_a or_o unconvert_v be_v capable_a to_o perform_v judge_n whether_o this_o distinction_n be_v make_v in_o the_o usual_a practice_n of_o swear_v or_o have_v this_o man_n take_v so_o much_o pain_n with_o the_o magistrate_n as_o to_o instruct_v and_o warn_v they_o not_o to_o impose_v oath_n upon_o the_o unconvert_v nor_o especial_o upon_o those_o excommunicate_v by_o the_o bishop_n for_o it_o needs_o must_v be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o they_o that_o be_v wicked_a and_o unchristian_a profane_a the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o they_o swear_v by_o he_o and_o they_o must_v needs_o partake_v of_o their_o sin_n who_o force_v they_o to_o it_o and_o as_o for_o the_o convert_v and_o righteous_a they_o be_v of_o credit_n and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o force_v they_o to_o swear_v be_v under_o a_o great_a bond_n and_o covenant_n with_o god_n then_o that_o of_o oath_n impose_v by_o man_n christ_n be_v to_o they_o their_o covenant_n and_o bond_n the_o end_n of_o oath_n under_o the_o law_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o god_n oath_n to_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n so_o we_o leave_v this_o man_n doctrine_n for_o all_o serious_a reader_n to_o judge_v of_o concern_v oath_n and_o swear_v as_o what_o a_o oath_n be_v and_o concern_v swear_v these_o be_v his_o affirmation_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o invocation_n of_o god_n name_n 2._o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o calling_n god_n to_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o say_v 3._o a_o calling_n god_n for_o a_o record_n against_o their_o soul_n 4._o a_o execration_n or_o denounce_v a_o curse_n 5._o a_o evidence_n of_o conversion_n to_o the_o lord_n 6._o divine_a service_n and_o homage_n 7._o a_o eminent_a act_n of_o save_v confession_n 8._o one_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n 9_o a_o sign_n witness_v and_o argument_n of_o egypt_n conversion_n to_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n 10._o the_o language_n of_o canaan_n that_o pure_a language_n which_o god_n promise_v to_o restore_v to_o all_o nation_n at_o the_o come_v of_o christ._n 11._o that_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n which_o be_v at_o first_o reveal_v to_o man_n in_o parad_n se._n 12._o such_o a_o condition_n as_o upon_o the_o fulfil_n thereof_o god_n will_v number_v man_n among_o his_o disciple_n 13._o that_o confession_n of_o god_n without_o which_o they_o do_v not_o sufficient_o glorify_v he_o either_o by_o prayer_n thanksgiving_n attendance_n on_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n 14._o a_o dare_v god_n to_o his_o face_n challenge_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n to_o do_v its_o worst_a in_o case_n he_o swear_v false_o 15._o that_o god_n esteem_v this_o swear_v as_o the_o high_a &_o most_o august_n act_n of_o divine_a worship_n that_o the_o creature_n can_v possible_o exhibit_v to_o he_o 16._o that_o which_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n people_n confess_v to_o he_o 17._o that_o swear_v by_o god_n imply_v the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n 18._o that_o man_n ought_v to_o learn_v diligent_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o learn_v this_o as_o the_o way_n of_o god_n people_n 19_o to_o swear_v religious_o by_o his_o name_n yet_o but_o in_o extreme_a necessity_n 20._o that_o in_o the_o form_n of_o oath_n we_o be_v to_o swear_v by_o heaven_n earth_n etc._n etc._n and_o call_v they_o to_o witness_v lawful_o because_o he_o that_o swear_v by_o heaven_n swear_v by_o he_o who_o throne_n it_o be_v 21._o we_o must_v subscribe_v to_o this_o that_o in_o such_o form_n of_o swear_v we_o name_v some_o creature_n 22._o that_o to_o swear_v by_o heaven_n by_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n be_v camel-oath_n 23._o that_o strong_a asseveration_n by_o oath_n as_o a_o solemn_a invocation_n of_o god_n name_n be_v the_o celebration_n of_o the_o most_o augu_v act_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o adoration_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v tender_v to_o divine_a majesty_n 24._o that_o christian-churche_n ought_v to_o perform_v worship_n to_o god_n by_o swear_v as_o well_o as_o blessing_n their_o tongue_n must_v swear_v as_o well_o as_o their_o knee_n bow_v 25._o that_o swear_v be_v one_o of_o the_o church_n strong_a bulwarks_a one_o of_o those_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o the_o champion_n of_o the_o christian-faith_n have_v irrefragable_o prove_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o prophet_n christ_n viz._n because_o since_o the_o call_n of_o we_o gentile_n we_o have_v worship_v the_o true_a god_n in_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n 26._o that_o this_o swear_v be_v one_o of_o the_o prime_a jewel_n of_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n his_o crown_n 27._o that_o the_o prophet_n say_v that_o he_o christ_n shall_v teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o learn_v to_o swear_v the_o lord_n live_v 28._o that_o it_o be_v and_o always_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o oath_n shall_v be_v reserve_v and_o sequester_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n thus_o have_v sum_v up_o this_o man_n fruitless_a work_n for_o swear_v to_o make_v it_o conspicuous_a we_o proceed_v to_o his_o accusation_n and_o aspersion_n in_o his_o three_o section_n sect._n iii_o the_o anthority_n and_o testimony_n rescue_v that_o some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a primitive_a christian_n martyr_n and_o father_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o we_o in_o their_o conscientious_o refuse_v to_o swear_v not_o only_o by_o the_o heathen_a god_n but_o also_o more_o general_o in_o obedience_n to_o and_o pursuance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n james_n before_o urge_v against_o swear_v at_o all_o and_o that_o we_o have_v allege_v example_n pertinent_a for_o tender_a conscience_n not_o only_o against_o swear_v in_o particular_a case_n but_o swear_v in_o general_a and_o have_v neither_o bewray_v the_o want_n of_o ingenuity_n or_o honesty_n therein_o as_o most_o false_o and_o malicious_o our_o antagonist_n have_v asperse_v we_o but_o that_o he_o himself_o have_v bewray_v his_o own_o want_n of_o both_o ingenuity_n and_o honesty_n will_v appear_v though_o those_o example_n that_o we_o have_v allege_v in_o this_o case_n be_v but_o a_o very_a few_o to_o those_o we_o can_v allege_v 1._o about_o polycarpus_n that_o eminent_a martyr_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o st._n john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o who_o