and_o thus_o he_o can_v sin_v not_o through_o any_o natural_a but_o moral_a impossibility_n i_o say_v possumus_fw-la he_o moral_o can_v do_v so_o the_o power_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v act_v and_o inflame_v by_o such_o a_o divine_a principle_n of_o grace_n and_o goodness_n as_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n whatsoever_o if_o he_o do_v he_o fall_v from_o that_o holiness_n and_o forfeit_v the_o divine_a relation_n and_o can_v no_o long_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n no_o more_o than_o he_o that_o have_v carry_v the_o repute_n of_o a_o honest_a man_n can_v after_o wilful_a breach_n of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n challenge_v that_o worthy_a title_n who_o can_v be_v so_o confident_a to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v elem_fw-la free_a from_o all_o the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o nature_n who_o dare_v say_v that_o he_o never_o speak_v think_v or_o act_n amiss_o he_o that_o say_v he_o can_v fall_v by_o error_n be_v already_o fall_v by_o pride_n and_o he_o that_o say_v he_o can_v sin_v sin_n even_o in_o say_v so_o it_o be_v true_a a_o good_a man_n make_v not_o sin_v his_o work_n and_o he_o sin_v not_o so_o as_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o that_o dismal_a sentence_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n mat._n 7._o 23._o par._n but_o the_o quaker_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o deny_v perfection_n in_o their_o notion_n of_o it_o you_o give_v encouragement_n to_o sin_n min._n if_o you_o examine_v the_o case_n true_o you_o will_v find_v the_o quite_o contrary_a that_o the_o charge_n will_v fall_v upon_o themselves_o pray_v who_o be_v your_o friend_n he_o that_o say_v you_o have_v no_o enemy_n or_o he_o that_o inform_v you_o where_o he_o lurk_v when_o the_o devil_n persuade_v man_n that_o he_o be_v clean_a and_o free_a a_o considerable_a part_n of_o his_o work_n be_v do_v there_o be_v small_a hope_n of_o that_o man_n conversion_n who_o think_v himself_o well_o enough_o already_o it_o be_v one_o step_n to_o conversion_n to_o see_v ourselves_o unconvert_v and_o one_o step_n to_o happiness_n to_o perceive_v that_o we_o be_v miserable_a nay_o even_o miserable_a sinner_n he_o be_v besot_v with_o his_o condition_n that_o mistake_v his_o prison_n for_o a_o palace_n i_o need_v not_o guard_v my_o house_n when_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o no_o thief_n can_v enter_v in_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o offer_v he_o physic_n who_o conclude_v himself_o well_o or_o to_o sue_v for_o redemption_n when_o free_a from_o thraldom_n math._n 9_o 12._o but_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o find_v myself_o weak_a than_o i_o lie_v hold_v on_o he_o that_o be_v strong_a from_o a_o sense_n of_o my_o infirmity_n i_o seek_v after_o help_n if_o i_o find_v many_o enemy_n i_o prepare_v against_o they_o if_o i_o be_v thorough_o convince_v that_o i_o be_o beset_v round_o with_o temptation_n and_o such_o stratagem_n as_o be_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o such_o a_o powerful_a and_o politic_a enemy_n as_o the_o devil_n be_v without_o i_o and_o to_o complete_a my_o misery_n that_o i_o have_v a_o false_a and_o treacherous_a heart_n within_o i_o be_v in_o those_o sad_a circumstance_n i_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o saviour_n set_v my_o watch_n and_o fly_v from_o the_o confidence_n of_o flesh_n to_o the_o protection_n of_o a_o almighty_a arm_n par._n i_o shall_v not_o yield_v the_o cause_n till_o you_o have_v more_o full_o clear_v the_o point_n consult_v eph._n 5._o 5._o rev._n 21._o 27_o from_o whence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o no_o unclean_a thing_n can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o imply_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o unsinning_a state_n even_o in_o this_o life_n &_o that_o in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n in_o the_o next_o min._n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o refutation_n of_o your_o mistake_n in_o these_o scripture_n do_v but_o due_o consult_v they_o and_o the_o best_a commentator_n on_o they_o and_o you_o will_v find_v they_o import_v no_o more_o than_o that_o no_o unregenerate_a and_o unsanctified_a person_n shall_v have_v any_o share_n in_o bliss_n and_o happiness_n par._n i_o will_v give_v you_o one_o argument_n more_o for_o perfection_n as_o it_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o quaker_n and_o then_o i_o have_v name_v all_o i_o have_v that_o be_v of_o any_o moment_n by_o deny_v perfection_n a_o fundamental_a in_o divinity_n be_v overthrow_v viz._n that_o the_o second_o adam_n have_v gain_v what_o the_o first_o adam_n lose_v min._n you_o can_v think_v that_o the_o first_o adam_n have_v a_o state_n of_o such_o perfection_n as_o to_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o sin_n for_o you_o know_v he_o do_v actual_o fall_v such_o a_o perfection_n he_o never_o lose_v nor_o do_v christ_n gain_v such_o a_o state_n for_o we_o in_o this_o world_n we_o be_v indeed_o by_o christ_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n put_v into_o such_o a_o state_n as_o that_o we_o may_v perform_v that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n even_o that_o which_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o through_o his_o mercy_n that_o be_v we_o may_v please_v god_n consider_v what_o he_o now_o expect_v and_o accept_v through_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o adam_n can_v consider_v what_o god_n require_v then_o but_o if_o you_o will_v stretch_v this_o sentence_n to_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o equal_a perfection_n to_o adam_n in_o this_o life_n you_o discover_v gross_a ignorance_n in_o the_o mis-timeing_a that_o fundamental_a of_o you_o which_o you_o be_v not_o to_o apply_v to_o this_o present_a mortal_a state_n but_o to_o the_o life_n to_o come_v here_o we_o have_v but_o the_o earnest_n and_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 5._o 23._o 2_o cor._n 1._o 22._o eph._n 1._o 14_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o here_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o prophesy_v but_o in_o part_n 1_o cor._n 13._o 9_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n here_o be_v gradual_a we_o grow_v by_o little_a and_o little_a but_o when_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a be_v come_v then_o that_o which_o be_v in_o part_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o ver_fw-la 10._o then_o mind_n ver_fw-la 12._o for_o now_o that_o be_v in_o this_o life_n we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o then_o that_o be_v in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v face_n to_o face_n see_v god_n face_n to_o face_n can_v be_v here_o for_o we_o can_v see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n and_o live_v exod._n 33._o 20._o for_o here_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o sight_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 7._o and_o it_o be_v only_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v that_o we_o must_v expect_v the_o fruition_n of_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 2._o but_o that_o i_o may_v bring_v this_o subject_n to_o a_o conclusion_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o add_v that_o to_o argue_v a_o state_n here_o free_a from_o sin_n be_v to_o argue_v against_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o clear_a conviction_n and_o experience_n for_o we_o read_v of_o fail_n in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n and_o have_v not_o such_o their_o share_n of_o trouble_n and_o vexation_n in_o this_o life_n they_o suffer_v hunger_n and_o cold_a needs_o and_o necessity_n the_o torment_a disease_n and_o anguish_v of_o the_o body_n and_o at_o last_o yield_v up_o the_o ghost_n to_o death_n itself_o par._n what_o do_v you_o infer_v from_o hence_o min._n that_o christian_n be_v not_o reinstate_v in_o this_o life_n in_o the_o outward_a part_n or_o appendage_n of_o that_o perfection_n which_o adam_n lose_v that_o be_v not_o in_o a_o painless_a secure_a immortal_a state_n all_o the_o misery_n we_o suffer_v here_o be_v but_o the_o dire_a effect_n and_o consequent_n of_o sin_n will_v you_o say_v then_o that_o the_o cause_n be_v take_v away_o and_o the_o effect_n remain_v this_o implead_v the_o divine_a justice_n that_o some_o shall_v feel_v the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n whilst_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o and_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o 25._o earth_n do_v right_a par._n if_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o sorrow_n grief_n sickness_n disease_n and_o death_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o effect_n of_o sin_n how_o shall_v our_o saviour_n who_o suffer_v they_o all_o be_v himself_o free_a from_o the_o imputation_n of_o it_o min._n those_o sorrow_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o he_o in_o compassion_n to_o we_o take_v voluntary_o upon_o himself_o it_o be_v our_o sin_n 24._o which_o he_o bear_v upon_o his_o own_o body_n and_o take_v upon_o himself_o our_o sorrow_n and_o infirmity_n sorrow_n he_o thereby_o become_v a_o more_o merciful_a high_a priest_n for_o death_n enter_v by_o sin_n so_o consequent_o no_o sin_n no_o death_n nor_o any_o of_o its_o sad_a attendant_n we_o free_a christ_n from_o the_o commission_n
our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n mat._n 3._o 6._o and_o be_v baptize_v of_o he_o in_o jordan_n confess_v their_o sin_n min._n then_o the_o sum_n of_o your_o accusation_n lie_v here_o that_o we_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o know_a duty_n par._n i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o take_v up_o this_o argument_n too_o hasty_o from_o one_o levingston_n but_o i_o pray_v resolve_v i_o whether_o the_o public_a form_n of_o confession_n be_v not_o contradictory_n to_o that_o evangelical_n doctrine_n of_o a_o unsinning_a state_n of_o perfection_n even_o in_o this_o life_n min._n if_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o christian_a duty_n as_o all_o who_o own_o the_o scripture_n must_v acknowledge_v then_o be_v we_o not_o only_o innocent_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o consequent_o the_o quaker_n notion_n of_o perfection_n be_v utter_o false_a par._n do_v you_o then_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o perfection_n min._n we_o deny_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o perfection_n perfection_n but_o such_o a_o notion_n as_o the_o quaker_n have_v thereof_o call_v it_o a_o unsinning_a state_n par._n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a task_n to_o prove_v that_o this_o assertion_n have_v not_o only_o the_o stamp_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n upon_o it_o but_o that_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o life_n have_v attain_v to_o it_o min._n make_v but_o either_o good_a and_o i_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v par._n as_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o spend_v either_o my_o time_n or_o you_o in_o multiply_a allegation_n one_o clear_a text_n will_v be_v enough_o and_o such_o a_o text_n you_o will_v find_v mat._n 5._o 48._o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a where_o you_o have_v not_o only_o a_o precept_n but_o a_o pattern_n from_o god_n himself_o show_v that_o the_o perfection_n there_o require_v isan_n unsinning_a perfection_n then_o as_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o precept_n we_o read_v in_o scripture_n the_o example_n of_o noah_n and_o job_n that_o they_o be_v perfect_a and_o of_o david_n above_o both_o that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n min._n the_o text_n and_o the_o instance_n which_o province_n you_o have_v produce_v in_o favour_n of_o this_o opinion_n will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o our_o present_a case_n to_o every_o particular_a whereof_o i_o will_v answer_v when_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o perfection_n be_v first_o broach_v by_o the_o grand_a heretic_n pelagius_n who_o opinion_n and_o argument_n the_o quaker_n have_v steal_v but_o it_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o ancient_a christian_n in_o several_a council_n and_o also_o confute_v by_o the_o excellent_a pen_n of_o st._n hierom_n st._n augustine_n and_o orosius_n who_o all_o live_v when_o it_o first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o will_v be_v little_a to_o your_o credit_n to_o lick_v up_o the_o vomit_n of_o such_o as_o pelagius_n and_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o father_n but_o to_o go_v on_o to_o your_o argument_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o text_n be_v you_o perfect_a etc._n etc._n in_o which_o word_n our_o lord_n aim_v only_o from_o god_n almighty_n example_n to_o press_v charity_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n and_o this_o will_v evident_o appear_v from_o the_o context_n begin_v therefore_o with_o the_o 43_o verse_n and_o so_o on_o where_o you_o will_v find_v that_o our_o saviour_n press_v the_o duty_n of_o charity_n and_o mercy_n urge_v its_o extent_n not_o only_o to_o friend_n but_o also_o to_o enemy_n for_o shall_v christianity_n oblige_v our_o charity_n no_o further_o than_o to_o friend_n the_o civility_n of_o heathen_n will_v vie_v perfection_n with_o it_o the_o philosopher_n of_o old_a have_v teach_v that_o in_o their_o school_n of_o morality_n but_o to_o love_v enemy_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o charity_n a_o law_n peculiar_a to_o christianity_n be_v perfect_a that_o be_v love_v your_o enemy_n bless_v they_o that_o curse_v you_o and_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o be_v perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n be_v perfect_a who_o have_v command_v you_o to_o love_v your_o enemy_n do_v himself_o give_v you_o a_o example_n for_o your_o imitation_n for_o he_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o rise_v on_o the_o evil_a and_o on_o the_o good_a and_o send_v rain_n on_o the_o just_a and_o on_o the_o unjust_a and_o that_o this_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n principal_o intend_v by_o this_o precept_n will_v be_v clear_a from_o all_o contradiction_n if_o we_o observe_v how_o st._n luke_n pen_v this_o very_a sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n you_o will_v find_v these_o passage_n in_o luke_n 6._o beginning_n at_o vers_n 27._o love_n your_o enemy_n do_v good_a to_o they_o which_o hate_v you_o etc._n etc._n and_o instead_o of_o conclude_v in_o st._n matthews_n expression_n be_v you_o perfect_a etc._n etc._n his_o word_n be_v be_v you_o merciful_a even_o as_o your_o father_n be_v merciful_a ver_fw-la 36._o par._n i_o shall_v be_v very_o much_o convince_v with_o your_o reason_n but_o for_o the_o clause_n of_o the_o text_n which_o you_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o where_o god_n almighty_n example_n be_v propound_v to_o we_o for_o our_o imitation_n and_o here_o i_o may_v add_v another_o text_n of_o the_o like_a importance_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 16._o intimate_v that_o we_o be_v command_v to_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a and_o if_o we_o can_v not_o be_v unsinning_a perfect_a and_o holy_a in_o vain_a be_v the_o precept_n propound_v to_o we_o min._n can_v you_o right_o distinguish_v between_o equality_n and_o similitude_n your_o objection_n will_v disappear_v in_o a_o moment_n for_o you_o must_v know_v that_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v perfect_a after_o the_o measure_n of_o divine_a perfection_n and_o holiness_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o after_o the_o manner_n and_o nature_n of_o it_o after_o the_o measure_n be_v impossible_a shall_v the_o creature_n measure_n perfection_n with_o the_o creator_n the_o very_a angel_n themselves_o be_v in_o his_o sight_n comparative_o impure_a and_o shall_v degenerate_v man_n vie_v perfection_n with_o the_o divine_a majesty_n a_o presumption_n which_o bring_v lucifer_n from_o his_o station_n to_o what_o he_o be_v but_o though_o degree_n we_o can_v equal_a yet_o we_o may_v imitate_v the_o divine_a perfection_n which_o be_v the_o only_a import_n of_o the_o text._n take_v this_o familiar_a instance_n to_o express_v my_o meaning_n by_o a_o write_v master_n set_v his_o scholar_n a_o copy_n with_o a_o charge_n to_o imitate_v it_o you_o must_v only_o construe_v his_o meaning_n to_o be_v such_o that_o he_o must_v frame_v his_o letter_n according_a to_o the_o form_n of_o those_o character_n which_o be_v set_v before_o he_o and_o not_o that_o he_o expect_v he_o shall_v write_v according_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o copy_n so_o when_o our_o lord_n say_v be_v you_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n be_v perfect_a the_o word_n can_v be_v so_o understand_v as_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o or_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o arrive_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o to_o be_v imitator_n of_o he_o to_o write_v after_o his_o copy_n and_o to_o follow_v he_o as_o the_o true_a pattern_n of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n therefore_o he_o tell_v we_o joh._n 13._o 15._o that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o example_n to_o do_v as_o he_o have_v do_v that_o be_v to_o purify_v ourselves_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a 1_o joh._n 3._o 3._o to_o walk_v as_o he_o walk_v and_o to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n because_o he_o be_v so_o and_o it_o be_v good_a to_o set_v the_o mark_n as_o high_a as_o may_v be_v so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v excite_v to_o endeavour_v noble_o for_o as_o one_o witty_o observe_v fuller_n he_o that_o aim_v at_o the_o moon_n though_o he_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o mark_n shall_v shoot_v high_o than_o he_o that_o level_v only_o at_o the_o top_n of_o a_o tree_n par._n but_o what_o do_v you_o say_v to_o those_o instance_n i_o give_v you_o of_o noah_n job_n and_o david_n min._n i_o be_o now_o ready_a to_o give_v you_o a_o reply_n to_o they_o i_o begin_v with_o noah_n and_o do_v confess_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v this_o great_a character_n of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v just_a and_o perfect_a in_o his_o generation_n and_o that_o he_o walk_v with_o god_n gen._n 6._o 9_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o that_o perfection_n attribute_v to_o he_o do_v signify_v such_o a_o state_n as_o render_v he_o free_a from_o all_o sin_n par._n it_o
be_v necessary_o employ_v for_o how_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v perfect_a who_o be_v subject_a to_o sin_n min._n now_o i_o will_v show_v you_o from_o this_o very_a instance_n which_o the_o quaker_n use_v to_o prove_v perfection_n by_o according_a to_o their_o notion_n of_o it_o that_o it_o overthrow_v the_o tenant_n which_o they_o think_v to_o establish_v by_o it_o and_o that_o by_o compare_v it_o with_o gen._n 9_o 20_o 21._o where_o we_o read_v that_o noah_n be_v drink_v &_o uncover_v in_o his_o tent._n it_o may_v be_v add_v that_o some_o of_o great_a note_n do_v expound_v perfect_a in_o his_o generation_n to_o be_v mean_v comparative_o that_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o man_n of_o that_o age._n 29._o a_o generation_n like_o that_o in_o which_o st._n salvian_n 6._o live_v wherein_o it_o be_v account_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o holiness_n to_o be_v less_o vicious_a your_o next_o instance_n be_v of_o job_n of_o who_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o he_o be_v perfect_a and_o upright_o and_o that_o he_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a job_n 1._o 1._o uprightness_n there_o explain_v perfection_n a_o perfect_a man_n he_o be_v that_o be_v upright_o sincere_a a_o fear_a of_o god_n and_o lover_n of_o he_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o character_n that_o be_v give_v he_o have_v his_o fail_n according_o he_o make_v confession_n chap._n 7._o 20._o i_o have_v sin_v what_o shall_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o o_o thou_o preserver_n of_o man_n see_v also_o chap._n 4._o 34._o and_o 42._o 6._o and_o job_n answer_v the_o lord_n and_o say_v behold_v i_o be_o vile_a and_o for_o your_o last_o instance_n of_o david_n you_o can_v be_v ignorant_a though_o he_o be_v a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n that_o he_o fall_v into_o the_o heinous_a sin_n of_o adultery_n and_o murder_n and_o beside_o the_o 51_o psalm_n which_o he_o compose_v upon_o that_o sad_a occasion_n he_o pen_v other_o penitential_a psalm_n and_o prayer_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n which_o will_v be_v strange_a to_o ask_v if_o he_o be_v altogether_o free_a from_o they_o so_o that_o the_o quaker_n may_v as_o well_o write_v against_o those_o psalm_n as_o against_o the_o confession_n in_o our_o service_n book_n par._n if_o perfection_n signify_v not_o such_o a_o state_n as_o suppose_v we_o absolute_o free_a from_o all_o sin_n what_o then_o do_v it_o signify_v min._n as_o perfection_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o life_n it_o general_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n a_o serve_a god_n with_o a_o single_a heart_n without_o hypocrisy_n and_o guile_n and_o this_o you_o will_v find_v in_o such_o bibles_n as_o have_v marginal_a note_n in_o they_o perfect_a in_o gen._n 6._o 9_o be_v note_v upright_o and_o in_o gen._n 17_o 1._o upright_a and_o sincere_a and_o by_o observation_n you_o may_v find_v the_o like_a in_o more_o place_n for_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a might_n as_o well_o be_v translate_v upright_o as_o perfect_a see_v david_n last_o advice_n to_o his_o son_n 1_o chror_n 28._o 9_o and_o thou_o solomon_n my_o son_n know_v thou_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o father_n and_o serve_v he_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n that_o sincerity_n be_v there_o mean_v by_o a_o perfect_a heart_n will_v appear_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n for_o the_o lord_n search_v all_o heart_n and_o understand_v all_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n that_o be_v he_o see_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n whether_o they_o be_v sincere_a or_o no._n par._n but_o what_o do_v you_o say_v to_o this_o text_n phil._n 3._o 15._o let_v we_o therefore_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v min._n compare_v it_o with_o the_o 12_o verse_n where_o it_o be_v say_v not_o as_o though_o i_o have_v already_o attain_v either_o be_v already_o perfect_a make_v a_o right_a inference_n from_o the_o text_n compare_v and_o you_o will_v find_v the_o mistake_n par._n do_v you_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n contradict_v himself_o min._n the_o apostle_n word_n be_v justifiable_a from_o any_o contradiction_n allow_v the_o right_a construction_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v put_v upon_o they_o by_o perfect_a in_o the_o text_n object_v he_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o sincerity_n in_o his_o christian_a course_n by_o perfect_a in_o the_o 12_o verse_n a_o fullness_n of_o grace_n together_o with_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v but_o in_o a_o state_n of_o glory_n and_o immortality_n par._n how_o do_v that_o appear_v to_o be_v his_o sense_n min._n very_o plain_o from_o the_o 11_o verse_n if_o by_o any_o mean_n i_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a than_o follow_v not_o as_o though_o i_o have_v attain_v either_o be_v already_o perfect_a intimate_v that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v full_o perfect_a till_o he_o have_v attain_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a where_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o sense_n we_o give_v of_o perfection_n be_v agreeable_a to_o st._n paul_n sense_n of_o it_o but_o you_o contradictory_n to_o it_o par._n if_o these_o scripture_n already_o name_v do_v not_o prove_v a_o unsinning_a perfection_n yet_o that_o of_o 1_o joh._n 5._o 18._o we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o will_v put_v this_o question_n out_o of_o all_o doubt_n min._n that_o the_o quaker_n have_v a_o wrong_a notion_n of_o this_o scripture_n i_o hope_v to_o make_v evident_a to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v will_v you_o allow_v i_o this_o fundamental_a truth_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v no_o where_o contradict_v themselves_o par._n god_n forbid_v that_o such_o a_o thought_n shall_v enter_v into_o i_o that_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v can_v contradict_v himself_o min._n this_o be_v grant_v the_o text_n under_o our_o debate_n can_v be_v interpret_v to_o signify_v that_o any_o in_o this_o life_n have_v get_v a_o absolute_a conquest_n over_o all_o sin_n and_o that_o for_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o st._n john_n here_o will_v contradict_v other_o plain_a text_n as_o 1_o king_n 8._o 46_o for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o sin_v not_o prov._n 20._o 9_o who_o can_v say_v i_o have_v make_v my_o heart_n clean_o i_o be_o pure_a from_o my_o sin_n rom._n 3._o 23_o for_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o come_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n see_v ezek._n 18._o 24._o eccl._n 7._o 20._o 2_o chron._n 6._o 36._o job_n 9_o 20._o jam_fw-la 3._o 2._o gal._n 3._o 22._o second_o because_o st._n john_n will_v not_o only_o contradict_v other_o but_o himself_o also_o have_v plain_o say_v 1_o joh._n 1._o 8._o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o we_o to_o all_o which_o let_v i_o add_v that_o it_o will_v be_v otherwise_o strange_a that_o our_o lord_n shall_v teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v as_o often_o for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o their_o sin_n as_o for_o their_o daily_a bread_n whilst_o that_o we_o must_v suppose_v that_o when_o they_o so_o pray_v they_o have_v no_o trespass_n to_o forgive_v which_o very_a instance_n be_v inconsistent_a be_v enough_o to_o answer_v the_o objection_n par._n what_o then_o do_v these_o word_n real_o mean_a min._n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n be_v this_o 1._o he_o sin_v not_o that_o sin_n unto_o death_n ver_fw-la 16._o by_o some_o expound_v to_o be_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nor_o 2._o do_v he_o live_v in_o a_o wilful_a course_n and_o trade_n of_o sin_n 1_o 〈◊〉_d joh._n 3._o 9_o he_o make_v not_o sin_v his_o business_n he_o work_v not_o in_o it_o as_o a_o man_n do_v in_o his_o trade_n which_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o greek_a word_n in_o the_o text_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o wicked_a man_n be_v call_v in_o scripture_n worker_n hor._n of_o iniquity_n because_o they_o do_v follow_v it_o as_o their_o business_n while_o sin_n of_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n which_o he_o daily_o strive_v and_o pray_v against_o be_v notwithstanding_o consistent_a with_o a_o regenerate_a estate_n par._n but_o be_v there_o not_o one_o clause_n in_o the_o text_n you_o mention_v which_o contradict_v the_o sense_n you_o have_v give_v of_o it_o wherein_o we_o read_v that_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n can_v sin_v whereof_o you_o have_v this_o reason_n give_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n min._n the_o objection_n will_v soon_o be_v answer_v by_o consider_v what_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o new_a firm_a principle_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n wrought_v in_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o be_v keep_v from_o habit_n of_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n
of_o sin_n not_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o it_o and_o we_o confess_v sin_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n but_o it_o be_v our_o sin_n not_o his_o own_o he_o offer_v himself_o to_o suffer_v all_o the_o misery_n of_o life_n and_o death_n which_o we_o have_v deserve_v and_o it_o be_v as_o just_a in_o god_n to_o inflict_v they_o on_o he_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o creditor_n to_o make_v the_o bondsman_n who_o be_v able_a and_o willing_a to_o pay_v the_o debt_n of_o a_o indigent_a bankrupt_a and_o thus_o christ_n suffering_n do_v still_o more_o strong_o prove_v they_o be_v the_o just_a desert_n of_o sin_n since_o even_o a_o surety_n for_o sinner_n can_v escape_v they_o par._n the_o satisfaction_n which_o you_o have_v give_v i_o invite_v i_o to_o give_v you_o some_o further_a trouble_n in_o the_o resolution_n of_o my_o remain_a doubt_n you_o can_v be_v ignorant_a how_o the_o quaker_n fasten_v the_o charge_n of_o pbarisaism_n upon_o the_o clergy_n in_o have_v their_o pulpit_n exalt_v and_o do_v they_o not_o herein_o manifest_a a_o horrible_a pride_n and_o come_v within_o the_o lash_n of_o that_o reproof_n of_o our_o saviour_n mark_v 12._o 38_o 39_o beware_v calvin_n of_o the_o scribe_n which_o love_n to_o go_v in_o long_a clothing_n and_o love_v salutation_n in_o the_o market-place_n and_o the_o chief_a seat_n in_o the_o synagogue_n min._n what_o our_o lord_n condemn_v in_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v their_o pride_n in_o choose_v the_o high_a place_n in_o the_o synagogue_n in_o a_o vain_a presumption_n that_o they_o exceed_v all_o man_n in_o learning_n and_o holiness_n herein_o the_o quaker_n discover_v not_o our_o pride_n but_o their_o own_o ignorance_n for_o it_o be_v not_o for_o preeminence_n that_o we_o use_v our_o pulpit_n but_o for_o convenience_n not_o that_o our_o person_n but_o that_o our_o voice_n may_v be_v exalt_v and_o herein_o we_o aim_v not_o at_o glory_n to_o ourselves_o but_o edification_n to_o our_o people_n and_o this_o be_v according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o ezra_n neh._n 8._o 4._o who_o do_v erect_v a_o pulpit_n of_o wood_n not_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n because_o it_o be_v no_o where_o command_v by_o it_o but_o that_o he_o may_v stand_v above_o the_o people_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o hear_v while_o he_o interpret_v the_o law_n to_o they_o but_o i_o beseech_v you_o let_v we_o not_o so_o far_o humour_v the_o quaker_n as_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o their_o idle_a impertinency_n and_o cavil_n but_o if_o you_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o moment_n to_o object_n against_o we_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o reply_n to_o it_o and_o further_o to_o engage_v you_o to_o give_v credit_n and_o attention_n to_o what_o i_o say_v i_o profess_v to_o you_o that_o i_o have_v not_o speak_v any_o thing_n hitherto_o but_o what_o i_o be_o persuade_v in_o my_o conscience_n be_v agreeable_a to_o sacred_a truth_n and_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v believe_v i_o without_o a_o oath_n par._n a_o oath_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v i_o any_o assurance_n of_o your_o sincerity_n that_o i_o shall_v for_o that_o be_v the_o rather_o move_v to_o question_v it_o for_o what_o more_o express_o forbid_v than_o swear_v what_o so_o contradictory_n to_o that_o sacred_a truth_n you_o profess_v to_o own_o i_o have_v not_o much_o converse_v with_o book_n but_o i_o have_v hear_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o piety_n be_v approve_v as_o gold_n in_o the_o furnace_n of_o a_o dreadful_a persecution_n practise_v such_o a_o honest_a and_o ingenuous_a simplicity_n to_o that_o exactness_n and_o accuracy_n that_o they_o account_v it_o a_o disparagement_n to_o be_v put_v to_o a_o oath_n but_o see_v you_o hold_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v prove_v it_o out_o of_o scripture_n and_o if_o you_o can_v make_v it_o in_o any_o case_n a_o duty_n and_o a_o act_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v then_o change_v my_o opinion_n of_o this_o generation_n which_o i_o esteem_v most_o impious_a and_o on_o the_o contrary_a think_v it_o very_o religious_a through_o the_o multitude_n of_o oath_n that_o be_v so_o frequent_o in_o it_o min._n pray_v tell_v i_o how_o the_o quaker_n instruct_v you_o concern_v a_o oath_n par._n that_o i_o shall_v do_v present_o out_o of_o a_o book_n i_o late_o meet_v with_o entitle_v antichristianism_n reprove_v write_v by_o rich._n hubberthorn_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n of_o mr._n tomb_n who_o it_o seem_v do_v vindicate_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o oath_n lawful_o administer_v wherein_o hubberthorn_n endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o out_o that_o all_o oath_n be_v utter_o unlawful_a by_o christ_n command_n and_o therefore_o all_o such_o as_o do_v vindicate_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o charge_n of_o antichristianism_n min._n before_o i_o proceed_v in_o this_o controversy_n you_o must_v tell_v i_o whether_o or_o no_o oath_n be_v ever_o lawful_a par._n hubberthorn_n will_v answer_v you_o for_o his_o word_n imply_v that_o they_o be_v therefore_o he_o tell_v mr._n tomb_n that_o he_o fail_v in_o his_o instance_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n david_n and_o other_o swear_v for_o they_o live_v under_o the_o first_o covenant_n min._n if_o hubberthorn_n by_o the_o first_o covenant_n mean_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n he_o show_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n in_o say_v that_o abraham_n and_o other_o after_o he_o live_v under_o that_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o before_o i_o proceed_v any_o further_a upon_o this_o discourse_n concern_v oath_n i_o shall_v make_v a_o digression_n to_o unfold_v this_o necessary_a point_n of_o religion_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o two_o covenant_n wherein_o as_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n the_o quaker_n be_v gross_o ignorant_a and_o erroneous_a you_o must_v know_v then_o that_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a covenant_n which_o god_n out_o of_o his_o gracious_a condescension_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o enter_v into_o with_o man_n according_a to_o the_o different_a state_n and_o condition_n he_o find_v he_o in_o the_o first_o be_v make_v with_o adam_n for_o himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n whilst_o he_o remain_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n and_o this_o by_o divine_n be_v call_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n because_o a_o exact_a obedience_n be_v require_v from_o he_o and_o a_o reward_n promise_v he_o upon_o that_o obedience_n adam_n violate_v that_o covenant_n and_o thereby_o fall_v from_o his_o original_a happy_a state_n he_o and_o all_o mankind_n be_v make_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o receive_v any_o benefit_n thereby_o and_o now_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v man_n in_o another_o state_n viz._n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o god_n compassion_n be_v such_o that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o second_o covenant_n with_o he_o according_a to_o the_o degenerate_a estate_n he_o be_v fall_v into_o and_o this_o be_v usual_o call_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n because_o a_o more_o superabundant_a measure_n of_o grace_n be_v see_v and_o infinite_o more_o favour_n show_v in_o god_n entrance_n into_o covenant_n with_o man_n in_o his_o lapse_v condition_n for_o his_o restitution_n and_o reconciliation_n than_o in_o his_o state_n of_o integrity_n for_o his_o preservation_n this_o latter_a covenant_n god_n make_v with_o adam_n soon_o after_o his_o fall_n in_o these_o word_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n gen._n 3._o 15._o that_o be_v god_n shall_v send_v his_o son_n jesus_n who_o shall_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o he_o shall_v destroy_v the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o this_o afterward_o he_o plain_o repeat_v to_o abraham_n gen._n 22._o 17_o 18._o and_o entail_v this_o promise_a seed_n to_o his_o loin_n but_o his_o son_n isaac_n that_o type_n of_o this_o promise_a seed_n god_n command_v he_o to_o offer_v up_o on_o mount_n moriab_n which_o command_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o execute_v a_o countermand_n stay_v his_o hand_n and_o a_o ram_n be_v by_o god_n good_a providence_n provide_v for_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o the_o promise_a seed_n be_v not_o then_o to_o be_v offer_v up_o but_o shall_v be_v suspend_v for_o a_o time_n and_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n god_n will_v accept_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o ram_n bull_n goat_n etc._n etc._n as_o type_n and_o figure_n that_o the_o promise_a seed_n shall_v in_o due_a time_n offer_v up_o himself_o a_o full_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n oblation_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n now_o to_o say_v that_o abraham_n moses_n and_o david_n be_v under_o the_o first_o of_o these_o covenant_n viz._n the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v notorious_o false_a for_o that_o covenant_n be_v but_o a_o small_a time_n in_o force_n and_o after_o adam_n fall_n
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