speratus_n the_o martyr_n about_o the_o same_o time_n deny_v to_o swear_v so_o because_o he_o know_v not_o what_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o emperor_n mean_v tertullian_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o second_o century_n that_o christian_n will_v not_o swear_v by_o the_o genius_n or_o daemon_n or_o fortune_n of_o cesar_n but_o by_o the_o health_n or_o safety_n of_o the_o emperor_n they_o do_v because_o they_o understand_v by_o that_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o when_o other_o christian_n do_v in_o public_a case_n swear_v be_v require_v by_o authority_n yet_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o put_v to_o swear_v as_o basilius_n a_o bishop_n plead_v for_o his_o privilege_n when_o in_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n he_o be_v require_v to_o give_v oath_n the_o sanctity_n of_o his_o life_n and_o honour_n of_o his_o order_n be_v assurance_n sufficient_a for_o his_o truth_n the_o christian_a soldier_n as_o vegetius_n tell_v we_o take_v oath_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o obey_v their_o commander_n not_o to_o desert_v their_o colour_n and_o to_o die_v for_o the_o common_a welfare_n which_o be_v call_v sacramentum_fw-la militare_fw-la both_o before_o and_o after_o christianity_n have_v prevail_v in_o the_o empire_n and_o hence_o the_o name_n sacrament_n come_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o christian_a mystery_n which_o be_v special_a and_o solemn_a dedication_n of_o they_o to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o saviour_n in_o the_o nicene_n council_n arrius_n with_o a_o oath_n renounce_v his_o heretical_a opinion_n nicen._n so_o in_o the_o ephesine_fw-la council_n it_o be_v order_v that_o nestorius_n shall_v abjure_v all_o heterodox_n and_o profane_a doctrine_n ephesinum_fw-la in_o the_o six_o synod_n of_o constantinople_n constantinopolitanum_n gregorius_n the_o librarian_a make_v oath_n tactis_fw-la evangeliis_fw-la upon_o the_o bible_n that_o he_o leave_v the_o book_n in_o the_o library_n such_o as_o he_o find_v they_o without_o any_o blot_n out_o or_o insert_v which_o oath_n i_o wish_v the_o romish_a expurgator_n have_v take_v and_o keep_v as_o to_o their_o edition_n of_o ancient_a church-author_n father_n and_o other_o athanasius_n etc._n who_o seem_v and_o be_v very_o zealous_a against_o profane_a and_o popular_a swear_n yet_o in_o his_o apology_n to_o constantius_n purge_v himself_o by_o oath_n from_o the_o calumny_n cast_v upon_o he_o by_o impudent_a person_n cite_v for_o his_o defence_n the_o example_n of_o s._n paul_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o news_n to_o read_v of_o christian_a king_n and_o magistrate_n require_v and_o subject_n give_v their_o faith_n by_o oath_n in_o matter_n civil_a sacred_a and_o solemn_a when_o the_o form_n of_o oath_n be_v such_o as_o consist_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o true_a god_n nor_o do_v any_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n ever_o forbid_v such_o swear_v indeed_o while_o christian_n live_v in_o persecution_n without_o any_o protection_n from_o the_o civil_a indicatories_n there_o can_v be_v no_o example_n of_o their_o swear_v after_o the_o heathenish_a manner_n but_o when_o christianity_n and_o christian_n come_v to_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o the_o imperial_a law_n and_o defend_v by_o the_o supreme_a power_n and_o be_v enable_v to_o vindicate_v their_o civil_a right_n in_o judicial_a proceed_n they_o do_v not_o think_v that_o unlawful_a which_o god_n have_v of_o old_a command_v aquin._n which_o have_v a_o moral_a that_o be_v a_o eternal_a good_a end_n in_o it_o as_o a_o act_n of_o trust_n and_o appeal_v of_o agnition_n and_o veneration_n towards_o god_n of_o justice_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o man_n also_o of_o private_a and_o public_a charity_n hieron_n as_o the_o schoolman_n true_o observe_v for_o the_o end_n of_o controversy_n and_o take_v away_o of_o jealousy_n only_o due_a circumstance_n be_v strict_o require_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o judgement_n righteousness_n and_o truth_n yea_o we_o read_v of_o old_a some_o condemn_v by_o the_o orthodox_n part_n of_o the_o church_n as_o s._n austin_n and_o other_o tell_v we_o for_o this_o error_n among_o other_o 137._o that_o they_o deny_v all_o swear_v to_o be_v lawful_a so_o do_v the_o samosatâ—nians_n and_o some_o pelagian_n in_o syracuse_n so_o the_o massilian_n and_o euchites_n 69._o so_o in_o s._n bernard_n day_n some_o of_o the_o albigenses_n and_o of_o late_a day_n some_o anabaptist_n and_o now_o the_o quaker_n whether_o out_o of_o policy_n and_o art_n or_o simplicity_n and_o ignorance_n god_n know_v it_o be_v as_o needless_a as_o endless_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o quaker_n satisfaction_n divine_n who_o do_v not_o value_v they_o to_o produce_v the_o consonant_a judgement_n of_o modern_a writer_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n or_o the_o romanist_n and_o the_o most_o eminent_a divine_n among_o they_o which_o may_v easy_o be_v see_v in_o the_o harmony_n of_o their_o confession_n or_o in_o their_o particular_a tract_n in_o this_o subject_a swear_v all_o agree_v as_o in_o just_a severity_n against_o false_a idle_a and_o profane_a oath_n against_o all_o perjury_n intentional_a and_o eventual_a so_o they_o do_v all_o assent_n to_o the_o moral_a good_a in_o a_o judicious_a and_o solemn_a swear_n with_o due_a circumstance_n upon_o just_a occasion_n by_o lawful_a call_n of_o authority_n in_o case_n honest_a and_o true_a especial_o to_o end_v controversy_n to_o secure_a prince_n and_o preserve_v the_o common_a welfare_n in_o justice_n and_o peace_n nor_o do_v they_o think_v that_o by_o any_o positive_a law_n of_o christ_n all_o swear_v be_v become_v now_o unlawful_a to_o christian_n among_o who_o the_o same_o end_n use_v necessity_n and_o sanctity_n of_o oath_n may_v be_v and_o still_o be_v to_o be_v have_v which_o be_v once_o lawful_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o use_v in_o all_o nation_n but_o only_o that_o kind_n of_o evil_n swear_v which_o then_o be_v become_v customary_a and_o thought_n either_o not_o sinful_a or_o venial_a this_o be_v and_o ever_o be_v forbid_v as_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n of_o old_a so_o by_o the_o renew_a vigour_n and_o force_n of_o it_o which_o christ_n restore_v after_o it_o have_v be_v so_o much_o deprave_v by_o the_o pharisaical_a presumption_n and_o popular_a profaneness_n which_o impose_v rigour_n where_o god_n have_v lay_v none_o and_o affect_v liberty_n where_o god_n have_v give_v none_o agreeable_o all_o eminent_a writer_n of_o the_o greek_a and_o roman_a church_n among_o the_o learnede_a papist_n lutheran_n and_o calvinist_n canonist_n and_o casâ—ists_n as_o well_o as_o those_o in_o these_o british_a church_n do_v assert_v the_o authority_n of_o lawful_a magistrate_n to_o require_v and_o impose_v religious_a oath_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o subject_n to_o obey_v both_o god_n and_o they_o in_o take_v they_o as_o become_v christian_n with_o due_a reverence_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o with_o fit_v obedience_n to_o these_o command_n of_o superior_n who_o have_v their_o power_n from_o god_n and_o be_v to_o use_v it_o to_o his_o glory_n nor_o do_v they_o disallow_v even_o private_a and_o spontaneous_a attestation_n of_o god_n in_o weighty_a matter_n as_o to_o quench_v the_o fire_n of_o jealousy_n hierocles_n or_o to_o purge_v away_o a_o unjust_a infamy_n or_o to_o give_v some_o such_o security_n as_o justice_n and_o charity_n may_v require_v for_o our_o own_o and_o other_o good_n as_o a_o sober_a heathen_a tell_v we_o conclusion_n to_o the_o just_a condemnation_n of_o christian_n who_o in_o trivial_a affair_n venture_v to_o prostitute_v the_o sacredness_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v with_o great_a prolixity_n than_o i_o intend_v my_o wont_a fault_n and_o apology_n endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v the_o divine_a and_o true_a sense_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n first_o to_o remove_v the_o cry_a sin_n of_o swear_v vain_o rash_o irreverent_o profane_o false_o in_o small_a or_o great_a matter_n next_o to_o show_v the_o moral_a end_n and_o religious_a use_n of_o oath_n lawful_a for_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o particular_o those_o require_v in_o judicial_a proceed_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o england_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a or_o common_a agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o best_a christian_n in_o all_o age_n have_v herein_o no_o design_n but_o to_o give_v testimony_n to_o that_o truth_n which_o i_o believe_v to_o justify_v the_o sanctity_n of_o our_o law_n to_o serve_v his_o majesty_n and_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o good_a subject_n a_o good_a christian_a a_o good_a minister_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o good_a bishop_n of_o this_o church_n dispel_v the_o needless_a scruple_n and_o superstitious_a fear_n of_o these_o poor_a people_n call_v quaker_n show_v they_o their_o safe_a liberty_n to_o obey_v and_o how_o to_o escape_v the_o penalty_n for_o disobey_v the_o law_n and_o obstruct_v justice_n by_o refuse_v
to_o choke_v that_o good_a seed_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v sow_v by_o the_o public_a ministry_n and_o fence_v by_o legal_a authority_n as_o i_o will_v have_v that_o religion_n only_o settle_v in_o its_o doctrinal_n devotionals_n discipline_n and_o government_n which_o be_v by_o public_a consent_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o catholic_n prudence_n judge_v to_o be_v the_o best_a for_o truth_n sanctity_n order_n &_o decency_n which_o bless_v be_v god_n be_v in_o england_n so_o i_o will_v have_v it_o and_o it_o only_o to_o enjoy_v all_o public_a countenance_n and_o encouragement_n by_o the_o injunction_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o law_n by_o the_o favour_n and_o example_n of_o the_o prince_n by_o public_a maintenance_n and_o honour_n by_o the_o use_n of_o public_a church_n and_o oratory_n to_o the_o preacher_n and_o professor_n of_o this_o public_a office_n and_o employment_n of_o honour_n and_o authority_n foreign_a and_o domestic_a ecclesiastical_a civil_a and_o military_a shall_v be_v chief_o appropriate_v of_o these_o advantage_n dissenter_n shall_v be_v general_o deprive_v because_o they_o be_v the_o proper_a honorary_n of_o those_o who_o most_o serve_v the_o public_a peace_n by_o their_o due_a observance_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o law_n establish_v from_o which_o whoso_o open_o vary_v and_o dissent_v lay_v the_o foundation_n as_o of_o distraction_n and_o division_n so_o of_o destruction_n and_o confusion_n with_o these_o outward_a advantage_n add_v to_o that_o internal_a power_n of_o truth_n &_o holiness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o establish_a religion_n it_o may_v as_o i_o think_v not_o only_o be_v happy_o support_v but_o easy_o prevail_v in_o a_o short_a time_n by_o god_n blessing_n against_o all_o factious_a and_o feeble_a opposition_n unless_o the_o scandal_n negligence_n levity_n and_o luxury_n of_o its_o minister_n bishop_n presbyter_n and_o professor_n overthrow_v it_o by_o cast_v such_o immoral_a disgrace_n upon_o it_o as_o make_v people_n dissbelieve_v and_o abhor_v both_o it_o and_o they_o as_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o eli_n son_n but_o i_o confess_v i_o will_v not_o have_v this_o legal_a and_o avow_a religion_n of_o the_o nation_n so_o rigorous_a sharp_a and_o severe_a as_o sarah_n to_o hagar_n by_o the_o sudden_a over-awing_a or_o violent_a overlay_v of_o all_o other_o different_a persuasion_n in_o peaceable_a man_n as_o not_o to_o let_v they_o breath_n in_o the_o same_o common_a air_n or_o not_o to_o enjoy_v their_o life_n civil_a liberty_n and_o estate_n with_o their_o dissent_v conscience_n in_o all_o modest_a privacy_n and_o safety_n i_o abhor_v as_o much_o as_o i_o dread_v all_o rack_n and_o torture_n of_o man_n soul_n or_o those_o cruel_a no_o less_o than_o curious_a scrutiny_n of_o man_n conscience_n which_o covet_v first_o like_o god_n to_o search_v man_n heart_n and_o then_o like_o the_o devil_n delight_v to_o torment_v they_o in_o their_o estate_n and_o liberty_n only_o because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o wise_a or_o apprehensive_a as_o themselves_o but_o as_o honest_a perhaps_o and_o sincere_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n true_a i_o think_v that_o some_o little_a pecuniary_a mulct_n as_o one_o or_o two_o shilling_n to_o the_o poor_a for_o every_o lord_n day_n absence_n from_o the_o public_a church_n or_o assembly_n may_v be_v just_o lay_v as_o a_o mark_n of_o public_a dislike_n upon_o dissenter_n and_o separater_n from_o the_o establish_a religion_n not_o for_o their_o private_a difference_n in_o judgement_n which_o possible_o be_v not_o their_o fault_n but_o for_o their_o public_a deformity_n in_o practice_n to_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o establish_a religion_n and_o to_o the_o endanger_n of_o the_o public_a welfare_n who_o strength_n and_o stability_n consist_v in_o unity_n and_o this_o in_o uniformity_n to_o the_o settle_a rule_n and_o in_o conformity_n to_o outward_a practice_n yet_o still_o no_o inquisition_n to_o be_v make_v into_o free_a man_n conscience_n nor_o any_o great_a penalty_n lay_v upon_o they_o for_o their_o persuasion_n further_o than_o their_o word_n and_o action_n do_v discover_v their_o principle_n opinion_n correspondency_n and_o adherency_n to_o be_v contrary_a and_o dangerous_a to_o the_o public_a peace_n order_n and_o justice_n which_o all_o be_v found_v in_o and_o flourish_v by_o our_o settle_a law_n and_o religion_n thus_o permit_v sober_a man_n not_o a_o declare_a toleration_n or_o public_a profession_n by_o way_n of_o open_a rivalry_n to_o the_o establish_a religion_n but_o only_o such_o a_o arbitrary_a connivance_n and_o conditional_a indulgence_n as_o give_v they_o no_o trouble_n for_o their_o private_a and_o untroublesome_a opinion_n while_o they_o be_v keep_v in_o their_o breast_n and_o closert_n or_o in_o their_o private_a house_n and_o family_n to_o which_o all_o dissenter_n ought_v in_o reason_n to_o be_v confine_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n without_o any_o convention_n of_o stranger_n to_o they_o though_o perhaps_o on_o the_o weekday_n they_o may_v have_v their_o meeting_n allow_v yet_o so_o as_o to_o be_v keep_v within_o parochial_a bound_n or_o to_o such_o a_o number_n of_o person_n and_o family_n as_o shall_v be_v think_v safe_a but_o for_o dissenter_n to_o have_v multitudinous_a conventicle_n as_o it_o be_v muster_n of_o their_o force_n when_o where_o and_o as_o many_o as_o they_o please_v can_v be_v safe_a for_o thereby_o they_o not_o only_o affront_v the_o establish_a religion_n but_o confirm_v each_o other_o in_o their_o opinion_n yea_o and_o as_o charcoal_n in_o heap_n they_o more_o kindle_v and_o inflame_v each_o other_o by_o their_o number_n to_o such_o proud_a animosity_n and_o rebellious_a confidence_n as_o may_v hope_v to_o set_v up_o their_o faction_n supreme_a not_o only_o in_o the_o repute_n of_o religion_n but_o in_o civil_a power_n which_o be_v the_o ambitious_a aim_n of_o all_o party_n except_o that_o which_o be_v pure_o christian_a &_o whole_o resolve_v into_o suffer_a principle_n all_z other_o we_o see_v whether_o papist_n or_o presbyterian_o or_o anabaptist_n or_o independent_o affect_v summam_fw-la imperii_fw-la as_o diotrephes_n to_o have_v the_o preeminence_n as_o lucifer_n and_o antichrist_n to_o exalt_v themselves_o above_o all_o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v by_o wise_a and_o vigilant_a power_n as_o well_o as_o by_o good_a preach_n &_o live_v be_v keep_v as_o fire_n within_o the_o hearth_n of_o their_o private_a opinion_n and_o party_n leave_v they_o prevail_v by_o popular_a art_n against_o the_o public_a establish_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o palladium_n or_o conservator_n of_o civil_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n and_o never_o to_o be_v rash_o change_v or_o rude_o contemn_v while_o it_o be_v authorise_v the_o great_a charity_n to_o which_o include_v even_o a_o charity_n to_o all_o those_o which_o differ_v from_o its_o present_a settlement_n who_o common_o be_v more_o miserable_a in_o the_o riotous_a mutation_n which_o their_o folly_n and_o rudeness_n affect_v then_o in_o those_o sober_a restriction_n of_o which_o they_o be_v so_o impatient_a that_o from_o different_a persuasion_n they_o break_v out_o to_o petulant_a opposition_n by_o tongue_n and_o pen_n thence_o they_o be_v betray_v to_o seditious_a project_n and_o at_o last_o these_o must_v be_v bring_v forth_o in_o tumultuary_a and_o violent_a action_n which_o be_v so_o intolerable_a that_o the_o very_o first_o spark_n of_o their_o insolent_a and_o seditious_a expression_n especial_o in_o pulpit_n and_o press_n aught_o by_o great_a penalty_n to_o be_v suppress_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o unreasonable_a then_o for_o any_o man_n rude_o to_o blaspheme_v and_o reproach_v that_o religion_n which_o his_o prince_n and_o country_n profess_v unless_o he_o be_v so_o impudent_a as_o many_o be_v to_o blaspheme_v that_o also_o which_o himself_o ow_v as_o the_o true_a religion_n with_o they_o this_o tenderness_n moderation_n and_o indulgence_n i_o bear_v only_o to_o humble_a modest_a and_o innocent_a dissenter_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o christian_a charity_n which_o ought_v in_o all_o thing_n become_v humanity_n to_o exceed_v all_o other_o man_n as_o tertullian_n well_o observe_v to_o which_o christian_n charity_n of_o i_o towards_o sober_a dissenter_n beside_o the_o confidence_n i_o have_v of_o truth_n and_o its_o prevalency_n perhaps_o my_o native_a temper_n and_o candour_n may_v contribute_v something_o which_o abhor_v after_o the_o genius_n of_o primitive_a christian_n all_o severity_n or_o rigour_n only_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o religion_n far_o than_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o cure_n of_o offender_n and_o the_o conservation_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n i_o know_v the_o roughness_n or_o smoothness_n of_o man_n education_n and_o complexion_n like_o esau_n and_o jacob_n have_v much_o influence_n upon_o their_o opinion_n and_o conversation_n yea_o and_o upon_o their_o conscience_n too_o if_o this_o may_v seem_v to_o some_o too_o great_a a_o facility_n and_o gentleness_n in_o i_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o error_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n
to_o they_o be_v quaker_n because_o they_o be_v a_o sect_n late_o breed_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o equivocal_a generation_n as_o vermine_n out_o of_o the_o putid_v matter_n and_o corruption_n of_o former_a time_n in_o which_o so_o many_o faction_n cast_v forth_o their_o spawn_n and_o filth_n to_o the_o deformity_n and_o confusion_n of_o all_o thing_n civil_a and_o sacred_a in_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n they_o have_v their_o beginning_n from_o the_o very_a rabble_n and_o dregs_o of_o people_n uncatechise_v undisciplined_a and_o ungoverned_a in_o england_n no_o wonder_n to_o find_v these_o people_n fly_v to_o inspiration_n and_o new_a light_n when_o they_o be_v hatch_v in_o dark_a time_n which_o seek_v to_o put_v out_o all_o the_o old_a light_n of_o law_n and_o gospel_n they_o may_v easy_o run_v to_o rudeness_n towards_o their_o better_n and_o refractoriness_n against_o our_o law_n and_o obstinacy_n in_o their_o error_n and_o impatience_n of_o any_o just_a coertion_n when_o they_o have_v their_o first_o original_a and_o extraction_n out_o of_o that_o squalor_n mud_n and_o fedity_n of_o time_n which_o destroy_v all_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o reverence_n of_o man_n which_o deny_v the_o holy_a institution_n of_o minister_n the_o orderly_a presidency_n of_o bishop_n the_o just_a authority_n of_o magistrate_n the_o freedom_n and_o honour_n of_o parliament_n and_o the_o sacred_a majesty_n of_o king_n all_o these_o be_v tread_v under_o the_o foot_n of_o profane_a leveller_n and_o cruel_a usurper_n who_o can_v wonder_v that_o the_o impiety_n and_o scandal_n of_o those_o time_n shall_v lead_v such_o silly_a people_n in_o those_o temptation_n which_o seek_v by_o some_o unwonted_a way_n to_o make_v even_o their_o obscurity_n remarkable_a at_o least_o by_o the_o parallel_n boldness_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o the_o rudeness_n of_o their_o action_n 3._o last_o i_o pity_v they_o because_o to_o i_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n oath_n if_o people_n of_o so_o plain_a breed_n of_o unpolished_a manner_n and_o possible_o of_o no_o evil_a mind_n compare_v to_o other_o of_o those_o time_n though_o easy_a and_o unwary_a as_o the_o quaker_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v if_o i_o say_v they_o be_v scare_v from_o all_o swear_v by_o the_o frequent_a forfeit_v oath_n and_o repeat_v perjury_n of_o those_o time_n in_o which_o the_o cruel_a ambition_n and_o disorderly_a spirit_n of_o some_o man_n like_o the_o demoniac_a in_o the_o gospel_n break_v all_o bond_n of_o lawful_a oath_n by_o which_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o god_n and_o the_o king_n daily_o impose_v as_o any_o new_a party_n or_o interest_n prevail_v the_o superfoetation_n of_o new_a and_o illegal_a oath_n monstrous_a vow_n factious_a covenant_n desperate_a engagement_n and_o damnable_a abjuration_n poor_a man_n the_o quaker_n as_o well_o as_o other_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v lest_o if_o they_o take_v a_o oath_n to_o day_n they_o shall_v to_o morrow_n be_v force_v to_o renounce_v and_o abjure_v it_o not_o as_o to_o own_o a_o quiet_a submission_n and_o profession_n of_o passive_a obedience_n to_o power_n at_o present_a prevalent_a and_o protect_a which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o temporary_a and_o reciprocal_a oath_n of_o allegiance_n among_o those_o subject_n who_o fortune_n lie_v on_o the_o frontier_n of_o dominion_n expose_v they_o to_o the_o vicissitude_n of_o war_n and_o change_n of_o governor_n but_o to_o a_o formal_a comprobation_n of_o most_o unjust_a action_n yea_o to_o renounce_v and_o abjure_v the_o undoubted_a right_n of_o other_o to_o attest_v even_o by_o oath_n the_o usurpation_n of_o those_o as_o lawful_a which_o be_v most_o diametrical_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man._n this_o great_a temptation_n under_o which_o these_o quaker_n then_o live_v quaker_n make_v i_o have_v much_o compassion_n for_o they_o it_o be_v not_o only_o easy_a and_o obvious_a but_o venial_a and_o almost_o commendable_a for_o they_o to_o be_v carry_v to_o a_o utter_a aversation_n from_o all_o swear_v whatsoever_o when_o they_o see_v such_o desperate_a abuse_n and_o break_n of_o public_a and_o solemn_a oath_n in_o those_o dismal_a day_n but_o as_o the_o abuse_n of_o thing_n lawful_a and_o good_a must_v not_o take_v away_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o they_o no_o more_o than_o some_o man_n gluttony_n and_o drunkenness_n may_v deprive_v we_o of_o all_o eat_n and_o drink_v sober_o so_o neither_o may_v christian_n therefore_o deny_v all_o swear_v because_o some_o man_n care_v not_o what_o and_o how_o they_o do_v swear_v and_o forswear_v here_o a_o little_a clear_n of_o those_o superstitious_a fear_n and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o first_o possess_v these_o man_n against_o all_o swear_v may_v at_o once_o let_v they_o see_v the_o liberty_n they_o have_v for_o do_v that_o which_o our_o law_n require_v and_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o gospel_n no_o where_o absolute_o forbid_v but_o only_o regulate_v and_o restrain_v nor_o do_v i_o only_o thus_o pity_v the_o quaker_n commendable_a but_o i_o praise_v they_o also_o in_o some_o respect_n be_v as_o no_o enemy_n to_o their_o person_n so_o a_o friend_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a in_o they_o first_o conscience_n for_o their_o choose_n as_o they_o profess_v in_o those_o paper_n give_v in_o that_o day_n to_o some_o of_o the_o lord_n rather_o to_o suffer_v then_o sin_n against_o their_o conscience_n and_o so_o against_o god_n who_o holy_a will_n shine_v on_o the_o soul_n in_o reason_n and_o religion_n either_o seem_a or_o real_a be_v indeed_o the_o present_a rule_n of_o conscience_n nor_o may_v any_o man_n act_v contrary_a to_o these_o dictate_v which_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v god_n though_o he_o err_v as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o rule_n yet_o his_o judgement_n bind_v so_o far_o as_o it_o represent_v though_o in_o a_o false_a glass_n the_o suppose_a light_n of_o god_n will_n for_o he_o that_o will_v venture_v to_o act_v against_o conscience_n though_o erroneous_a will_v also_o act_v against_o it_o though_o never_o so_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a here_o the_o first_o care_n must_v be_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d judgement_n be_v according_a to_o truth_n and_o then_o to_o act_v according_o else_o however_o the_o integrity_n of_o intention_n may_v be_v commendable_a and_o so_o mitigate_v the_o fault_n yet_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o action_n may_v be_v great_a as_o to_o the_o enormity_n or_o aberration_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o eternal_a truth_n and_o justice_n as_o that_o of_o paul_n be_v when_o he_o persecute_v and_o blaspheme_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v very_o persuade_v that_o he_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v against_o that_o way_n 9_o so_o other_o shall_v think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n while_o they_o kill_v christ_n disciple_n 2._o a_o conscience_n thus_o err_v fall_v into_o the_o snare_n or_o dilemma_n of_o the_o devil_n if_o it_o act_n according_a to_o its_o error_n conscience_n it_o sin_n material_o against_o the_o intrinsical_a justice_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a will_n the_o conformity_n to_o which_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o holiness_n if_o it_o act_v contrary_a to_o its_o appear_a principle_n it_o sin_n formal_o and_o malicious_o as_o wilful_o rebel_n against_o the_o suppose_a will_n of_o god_n so_o much_o it_o concern_v every_o christian_n to_o be_v full_o inform_v of_o that_o divine_a truth_n and_o light_n 20._o which_o alone_o show_v the_o right_a and_o good_a way_n else_o they_o will_v easy_o be_v bring_v to_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n to_o call_v light_a darkness_n and_o darkness_n light_n 16._o to_o be_v over-righteous_a by_o add_v to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n or_o over-wicked_n by_o make_v or_o esteem_v themselves_o sinner_n when_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o so_o either_o negative_o superstitious_a fear_n in_o abstain_v from_o that_o as_o sin_n which_o be_v no_o sin_n or_o affirmative_o superstitious_a in_o count_v that_o a_o duty_n which_o be_v not_o so_o both_o be_v injurious_a usurpation_n upon_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n who_o sceptre_n be_v infallible_a truth_n as_o his_o sword_n be_v just_a and_o irresistible_a power_n so_o dangerous_a be_v erroneous_a fear_n where_o no_o fear_n be_v 5._o or_o presumptuous_a confidence_n where_o be_v no_o divine_a permission_n man_n must_v not_o set_v up_o the_o idol_n of_o their_o own_o imagination_n in_o god_n place_n nor_o may_v they_o be_v falsary_n or_o forger_n of_o that_o coin_n which_o as_o to_o duty_n be_v only_o then_o currant_n when_o it_o have_v not_o only_o good_a metal_n but_o also_o the_o clear_a stamp_n of_o god_n express_a will_n on_o it_o the_o mint_n of_o humane_a fancy_n either_o melancholy_a and_o timorous_a or_o pragmatic_n and_o adventurous_a be_v but_o a_o adulteration_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o stuprate_v of_o conscience_n the_o will_n of_o god_n conscience_n which_o be_v clear_a either_o in_o right_a
reason_n or_o true_a scripture-demonstration_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a to_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n without_o any_o addition_n or_o detraction_n 16._o which_o be_v but_o as_o the_o wen_n or_o withering_n the_o excrescency_n or_o deficiency_n of_o man_n extravagant_a mind_n and_o action_n so_o far_o from_o advance_v the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o honour_n of_o true_a religion_n that_o they_o debase_v and_o deform_v both_o of_o they_o as_o no_o law_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o god_n word_n be_v to_o be_v active_o obey_v so_o law_n of_o man_n which_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o scripture_n must_v not_o be_v disobey_v but_o conscientious_o observe_v for_o the_o lord_n sake_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 13._o rom._n 13._o 5._o in_o who_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n such_o law_n be_v make_v and_o execute_v the_o contrary_n will_v not_o only_o trouble_v the_o public_a peace_n but_o that_o also_o of_o a_o man_n own_o soul_n at_o least_o when_o after_o the_o vain_a flash_n of_o light_n kindle_v from_o the_o spark_n of_o their_o private_a fancy_n they_o shall_v lie_v down_o in_o darkness_n as_o to_o their_o comfort_n and_o reward_n from_o god_n 11._o who_o judgement_n be_v according_a to_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n second_o scripture_n i_o can_v but_o commend_v the_o quaker_n for_o their_o declare_a esteem_n in_o this_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o holy_a life_n for_o as_o by_o their_o instance_n allege_v out_o of_o scripture_n they_o profess_v a_o fear_n to_o sin_n against_o the_o command_n there_o give_v by_o christ_n against_o swear_v so_o i_o may_v charitable_o presume_v however_o they_o be_v by_o many_o suspect_v to_o slight_v the_o scripture_n and_o fly_v to_o inspiration_n or_o light_n within_o they_o that_o they_o will_v be_v no_o less_o strict_a in_o do_v what_o therein_o be_v require_v of_o they_o as_o to_z truth_n to_o be_v believe_v mystery_n to_o be_v celebrate_v and_o duty_n to_o be_v do_v to_o god_n and_o man._n the_o only_a caution_n that_o here_o must_v be_v give_v they_o be_v scripture_n to_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o do_v not_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n two_o pel._n 3._o 16._o by_o their_o ignorant_a and_o unstable_a mind_n that_o they_o believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n or_o seem_v and_o partial_a allegation_n of_o scripture_n since_o the_o devil_n oft_o feather_n his_o temptation_n and_o fiery_a dart_n as_o against_o christ_n mat._n 3._o with_o scriptural_a citation_n partial_o and_o preposterous_o apply_v not_o the_o letter_n in_o its_o abruptness_n or_o nakedness_n of_o sense_n must_v be_v swallow_v present_o but_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n must_v be_v search_v out_o in_o the_o scope_n and_o end_n also_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o emphasis_n of_o what_o be_v express_v scripture_n be_v indeed_o sufficient_a for_o the_o substance_n of_o all_o necessary_a truth_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o duty_n to_o be_v do_v or_o leave_v undo_v but_o it_o do_v not_o stretch_v itself_o to_o the_o instance_n of_o every_o particular_a circumstance_n or_o ceremony_n which_o private_a prudence_n or_o public_a law_n may_v regulate_v according_a to_o order_n and_o decency_n to_o edification_n nor_o be_v scripture_n to_o be_v well_o understand_v in_o retail_v that_o be_v by_o single_a place_n take_v apart_o by_o themselves_o but_o in_o wholesale_n by_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n 6._o the_o analogous_a or_o concurrent_a sense_n which_o be_v make_v up_o or_o twist_v from_o many_o place_n many_o thing_n in_o some_o scripture_n be_v express_v dark_o metaphorical_o figurative_o parabolical_o comparative_o by_o way_n of_o allusion_n in_o metonymy_n synecdoches_n ironies_n and_o hyperbole_n in_o vniversality_n which_o be_v limit_v to_o the_o subject_n intend_v many_o popular_a expression_n have_v special_a regard_n to_o particular_a time_n place_n person_n custom_n and_o usage_n and_o must_v be_v so_o take_v as_o temporary_a and_o occasional_a these_o must_v have_v commodious_a interpretation_n consonant_a to_o that_o grand_a tenor_n of_o god_n word_n which_o as_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n run_v through_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o but_o reside_v most_o eminent_o in_o some_o place_n as_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o brain_n or_o heart_n which_o be_v as_o the_o essential_a vital_a integral_a and_o principal_a part_n of_o scripture_n the_o main_a standard_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o other_o and_o of_o true_a religion_n both_o as_o to_o moral_n and_o evangelical_o mystery_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v unless_o we_o observe_v these_o prudential_o in_o search_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o take_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v as_o saint_n austin_n observe_v draw_v poison_n with_o spider_n from_o those_o sweet_a flower_n which_o will_v afford_v we_o honey_n 10._o a_o deprave_a and_o private_a interpretation_n be_v the_o corruption_n wrack_n &_o torture_v of_o scripture_n who_o every_o line_n be_v as_o the_o sunbeam_n light_n and_o straight_o of_o itself_o but_o erroneous_a mind_n like_o glass_n of_o refraction_n or_o false_a medium_n pervert_v they_o from_o their_o simplicity_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n as_o s._n peter_n speak_v 16._o it_o be_v endless_a to_o enumerate_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v either_o more_o or_o less_o out_o or_o something_o other_o in_o their_o meaning_n and_o design_n than_o the_o letter_n seem_v to_o hold_v forth_o in_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o it_o extraordinary_a command_n as_o to_o abraham_n for_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n isaac_n to_o the_o israelite_n to_o rob_v by_o way_n of_o borrow_v and_o recompense_v the_o egyptian_n the_o heroic_a impulse_n and_o action_n of_o other_o as_o moses_n phineas_n elias_n and_o samson_n command_v to_o do_v thing_n less_o comely_a and_o honest_a either_o in_o a_o reality_n or_o in_o a_o vision_n and_o representation_n as_o hosea_n marry_v a_o harlot_n 2._o the_o fault_n or_o fail_n of_o other_o which_o be_v holy_a man_n as_o to_o their_o integrity_n bare_o record_v but_o not_o there_o blame_v as_o rebecca_n and_o jacob_n supplant_n by_o a_o lie_n and_o fraud_n the_o officious_a lie_n of_o the_o midwife_n rahab_n and_o other_o david_n feign_n himself_o mad_a the_o equivocation_n and_o dissimulation_n of_o other_o these_o and_o such_o like_a that_o have_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o which_o seem_v or_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o constant_a rule_n of_o morality_n piety_n sanctity_n honesty_n and_o veracity_n must_v be_v salve_v by_o such_o a_o interpretation_n and_o take_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o may_v no_o way_n bring_v they_o into_o a_o ordinary_a rule_n or_o imitable_a example_n contrary_a to_o the_o express_a and_o constant_a command_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n which_o be_v never_o to_o be_v allay_v by_o the_o mixture_n of_o humane_a passion_n frailty_n and_o infirmity_n so_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v preceptive_a scripture_n either_o enjoin_v or_o forbid_v by_o way_n of_o proverbial_a speak_n the_o meaning_n must_v not_o be_v stretch_v on_o the_o tenter_n or_o rack_n of_o the_o letter_n but_o as_o we_o gather_v some_o fruit_n that_o grow_v with_o thick_a shell_n only_o to_o gain_v the_o small_a kernel_n in_o they_o so_o in_o these_o no_o more_o be_v to_o be_v collect_v from_o the_o letter_n then_o what_o may_v have_v due_a regard_n to_o the_o design_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o speaker_n so_o in_o the_o five_o six_o and_o seven_o chapter_n of_o saint_n matthew_n christ_n sermon_n in_o the_o mount_n have_v many_o such_o expression_n 16._o as_o of_o anoint_v the_o head_n &_o face_n in_o fast_v pull_v out_o the_o right_a eye_n and_o cut_v off_o the_o right_a hand_n give_v to_o they_o that_o ask_v to_o sell_v all_o and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a to_o turn_v the_o other_o cheek_n to_o the_o smiter_n these_o do_v not_o run_v christian_n upon_o maim_v and_o deform_v their_o body_n or_o expose_v they_o to_o poverty_n and_o stupidity_n but_o only_o they_o teach_v they_o to_o bear_v with_o patience_n repeat_v injury_n rather_o than_o be_v put_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o christian_a patience_n and_o charity_n and_o to_o sustain_v any_o outward_a difficulty_n rather_o than_o inward_a enormity_n of_o lust_n or_o covetousness_n and_o the_o like_a so_o not_o to_o lay_v up_o treasure_n on_o earth_n 34._o to_o take_v no_o thought_n for_o their_o life_n or_o care_n for_o to_o morrow_n labour_v not_o for_o the_o meat_n that_o perish_v etc._n etc._n joh._n 6._o 27._o to_o call_v no_o man_n father_n or_o master_n on_o earth_n mat._n 23.9_o not_o to_o salute_v any_o man_n by_o the_o way_n luk._n 10._o 4._o not_o to_o put_v on_o costly_a raiment_n or_o jewel_n etc._n etc._n 1_o pet._n 3._o 3_o so_o hosea_n 6._o 6._o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v so_o rend_v your_o heart_n and_o
a_o christian_a may_v swear_v vain_o and_o rash_o forbid_v by_o a_o spontaneous_a and_o occasional_a easiness_n either_o promise_a or_o assert_v although_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o by_o the_o true_a god_n but_o without_o reverence_n to_o god_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o so_o little_a yea_o no_o importance_n or_o difficulty_n as_o neither_o deserve_v nor_o need_n nor_o require_v a_o oath_n to_o this_o we_o all_o agree_v with_o the_o quaker_n christ_n word_n condemn_v all_o such_o profane_a and_o trivial_a swear_n much_o more_o if_o it_o be_v in_o fraud_n and_o falsity_n which_o make_v such_o oath_n as_o the_o coin_n of_o a_o usurper_n which_o be_v false_a metal_n and_o stamp_n too_o a_o complicate_v sin_n and_o one_o of_o the_o strong_a chain_n of_o darkness_n which_o the_o devil_n and_o a_o man_n own_o lust_n hamper_v the_o soul_n withal_o 2._o not_o be_v it_o any_o question_n whether_o christian_n may_v swear_v in_o any_o case_n by_o any_o creature_n as_o such_o creature_n not_o relate_v by_o it_o and_o through_o it_o to_o god_n above_o all_o who_o be_v the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o centre_n and_o circumference_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o who_o they_o have_v their_o be_v and_o in_o who_o be_v the_o idea_n or_o prototype_n of_o all_o their_o perfection_n to_o terminate_v a_o oath_n in_o a_o creature_n be_v to_o put_v the_o stamp_n of_o divinity_n on_o it_o to_o make_v it_o a_o idol_n in_o god_n stead_n and_o to_o profane_v his_o holy_a name_n by_o swear_v by_o it_o as_o by_o a_o false_a god_n the_o swear_n by_o any_o creature_n as_o such_o we_o all_o own_o to_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n according_a to_o those_o instance_n which_o our_o lord_n christ_n and_o saint_n james_n from_o his_o mouth_n give_v we_o when_o they_o explain_v their_o meaning_n of_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o etc._n etc._n 3._o nor_o be_v it_o a_o question_n whether_o a_o oath_n make_v by_o the_o name_n of_o any_o creature_n break_v and_o in_o a_o thing_n lawful_a may_v yet_o be_v break_v or_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o swear_v false_o by_o they_o all_o agree_v that_o though_o the_o oath_n be_v rash_a as_o by_o a_o creature_n yet_o it_o bind_v in_o thing_n lawful_a no_o less_o at_o least_o to_o truth_n and_o justice_n then_o any_o simple_a promise_n and_o it_o may_v be_v something_o more_o here_o that_o be_v true_a fieri_fw-la non_fw-la debuit_fw-la factum_fw-la valet_fw-la like_a bastard_n they_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v beget_v but_o they_o must_v be_v keep_v unless_o the_o matter_n be_v sinful_a as_o herod_n oath_n be_v which_o behead_v john_n baptist_n mat._n 14._o 9_o 4._o but_o the_o question_n be_v christian_n whether_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v utter_o forbid_v all_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o to_o all_o christian_n so_o that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o swear_v as_o in_o private_a so_o in_o public_a transaction_n or_o any_o court_n of_o judicature_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o oath_n never_o so_o just_a and_o true_a and_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o never_o so_o solemn_a and_o sacred_a and_o the_o authority_n require_v they_o never_o so_o lawful_a in_o civil_a respect_n this_o the_o quaker_n affirm_v lead_v thereto_o as_o they_o profess_v mere_o by_o the_o conscience_n of_o that_o obedience_n they_o oweto_o christ_n who_o will_v they_o say_v be_v express_o declare_v in_o those_o word_n to_o all_o his_o disciple_n not_o to_o swear_v at_o all_o in_o no_o case_n at_o no_o time_n upon_o no_o man_n command_n nor_o do_v they_o argue_v any_o thing_n further_o by_o way_n of_o rational_a deduction_n moral_a ground_n or_o religious_a principle_n either_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n or_o from_o the_o consent_n of_o other_o scripture_n or_o from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o glory_n but_o bare_o insist_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o urge_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d letter_n as_o a_o absolute_a or_o universal_a negative_a without_o any_o limitation_n or_o dispensation_n so_o feed_v on_o the_o rind_n or_o shell_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o gnaw_v the_o bone_n of_o the_o bare_a word_n that_o they_o never_o come_v at_o the_o kernel_n and_o marrow_n or_o true_a meaning_n of_o they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n i_o do_v deny_v forbid_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o my_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o consentient_a sense_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n yea_o of_o all_o christian_a and_o reform_a church_n of_o any_o renown_n that_o all_o swear_n be_v forbid_v by_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o that_o our_o saviour_n word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o such_o a_o limit_a sense_n and_o strict_a interpretation_n as_o suit_v to_o his_o scope_n and_o design_n which_o be_v to_o rectify_v popular_a error_n and_o remove_v common_a abuse_n in_o swear_v but_o not_o whole_o to_o forbid_v the_o use_n of_o it_o in_o a_o religious_a and_o lawful_a way_n and_o because_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a in_o order_n to_o my_o design_n which_o be_v to_o justify_v the_o legal_a proceed_n of_o this_o kingdom_n justice_n by_o oath_n and_o to_o satisfy_v the_o scruple_n of_o the_o quaker_n to_o oppose_v my_o nay_o to_o their_o yea_o or_o to_o offer_v the_o husk_n and_o chaff_n of_o word_n void_a of_o such_o reason_n as_o either_o slow_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o all_o action_n as_o good_a or_o evil_n moral_o or_o from_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v a_o treasury_n of_o right_a reason_n as_o well_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o true_a religion_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o give_v those_o reason_n which_o induce_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o quaker_n as_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o saducee_n do_v err_v not_o know_v or_o not_o right_a understanding_n 29._o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o to_o forbid_v all_o swear_v nor_o such_o as_o the_o just_a and_o religious_a law_n of_o england_n do_v require_v of_o all_o under_o its_o subjection_n in_o some_o case_n i_o will_v not_o seek_v to_o oppress_v or_o confound_v the_o quaker_n with_o the_o show_n of_o many_o reason_n as_o if_o i_o will_v carry_v the_o cause_n by_o number_n and_o not_o by_o weight_n but_o content_v myself_o with_o those_o few_o which_o be_v most_o pregnant_a plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o 1._o reason_n christ_n from_o the_o occasion_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n word_n and_o the_o scope_n or_o end_n of_o they_o to_o which_o his_o own_o instance_n by_o way_n of_o explication_n of_o his_o meaning_n do_v best_a direct_v we_o both_o as_o to_o what_o he_o forbid_v and_o enjoin_v to_o some_o of_o which_o the_o quaker_n themselves_o do_v consent_n 2._o reason_n from_o the_o moral_a and_o religious_a nature_n end_n and_o use_v of_o oath_n which_o god_n have_v institute_v and_o approve_v without_o any_o repeal_n by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n 3._o reason_n from_o other_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o give_v light_a to_o these_o both_o by_o principle_n grant_v and_o suitable_a example_n express_v to_o these_o reason_n i_o will_v add_v by_o way_n of_o full_a measure_n heap_v up_o and_o run_v over_o the_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o other_o christian_n and_o church_n ancient_a and_o modern_a in_o their_o interpretation_n of_o these_o word_n with_o answer_n to_o the_o allegation_n make_v from_o the_o say_n and_o manner_n of_o some_o primitive_a christian_n this_o do_v the_o conclusion_n will_v easy_o follow_v with_o great_a clearness_n and_o good_a authority_n to_o all_o that_o be_v true_o wise_a and_o have_v their_o eye_n open_v and_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v good_a and_o evil_n the_o first_o reason_n be_v from_o the_o occasion_n word_n scope_n and_o end_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n and_o so_o of_o the_o apostle_n for_o these_o as_o the_o bias_n of_o all_o speech_n do_v best_a discover_v the_o speaker_n mind_n there_o be_v no_o sure_a way_n to_o wrest_v and_o pervert_v scripture_n then_o to_o take_v they_o abrupt_o and_o absolute_o when_o they_o have_v a_o relative_a comparative_a or_o limit_a sense_n in_o the_o aim_n and_o purpose_n of_o the_o speaker_n our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o this_o divine_a sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n of_o which_o saint_n matthew_n give_v we_o so_o large_a a_o account_n make_v it_o his_o main_a aim_n and_o scope_n thing_n first_o to_o set_v forth_o those_o spiritual_a heavenly_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n which_o beyond_o those_o sensible_a earthly_a and_o temporary_a one_o which_o be_v so_o much_o of_o old_a set_v before_o the_o jew_n to_o invite_v they_o to_o obedience_n of_o god_n law_n be_v now_o to_o be_v chief_o regard_v by_o christian_n as_o their_o peculiar_a comfort_n hope_n and_o reward_n under_o the_o gospel_n
they_o excuse_v from_o perjury_n or_o false-swearing_a in_o those_o case_n if_o in_o assertory_n oath_n they_o swear_v false_o apost_n or_o in_o promissory_a either_o not_o intend_v to_o perform_v what_o they_o so_o swear_v or_o not_o after_o perform_v they_o so_o far_o as_o be_v in_o their_o power_n but_o the_o yea_o and_o nay_o the_o affirmative_a or_o negative_a of_o such_o swear_n in_o word_n aught_o to_o be_v also_o yea_o and_o nay_o in_o the_o purpose_n and_o performance_n and_o although_o they_o ought_v not_o so_o to_o swear_v yet_o have_v so_o swear_v they_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o moral_a end_n of_o a_o oath_n ulpian_n which_o be_v to_o make_v it_o good_a in_o truth_n and_o faith_n agreeable_a to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o scope_n and_o almost_o in_o the_o same_o word_n saint_n james_n write_v to_o the_o disperse_a christian_a jew_n who_o still_o retain_v that_o evil_a custom_n of_o ordinary_a swear_v by_o the_o creature_n as_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o other_o such_o like_a oath_n without_o any_o conscience_n of_o the_o manner_n or_o matter_n or_o make_v good_a in_o effect_n such_o oath_n the_o meaning_n therefore_o of_o both_o place_n as_o the_o learned_a grotius_n and_o other_o observe_v be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o take_v away_o the_o ordinary_a abuse_n of_o such_o swear_n swear_v but_o not_o that_o right_a use_n which_o god_n have_v allow_v and_o command_v in_o his_o word_n etc._n nor_o be_v there_o more_o imply_v in_o these_o word_n as_o to_o the_o subject_a matter_n then_o in_o those_o where_o god_n complain_v that_o because_o of_o swear_v the_o land_n mourn_v hos_fw-la 4.2_o 3._o that_o be_v by_o unlawful_a oath_n and_o the_o curse_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o swearer_n zach._n 5.4_o that_o be_v such_o as_o use_v idle_a false_a and_o forbid_v swear_v zach._n 8.17_o not_o those_o who_o swear_v as_o they_o may_v do_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o righteousness_n judgement_n and_o truth_n which_o god_n no_o where_o reprove_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v inveigh_v against_o drink_v and_o feast_v and_o sing_v and_o dano_v and_o dalliance_n there_o where_o the_o usual_a viot_n excess_n and_o wantonness_n of_o any_o people_n have_v general_o run_v these_o thing_n to_o a_o inordinacy_n which_o do_v no_o way_n condemn_v the_o sober_a modest_a and_o seasonable_a use_n of_o they_o that_o this_o thus_o limit_a sense_n of_o christ_n word_n against_o the_o abuse_n of_o swear_v nay_o so_o familiar_a among_o the_o jew_n be_v christ_n meaning_n in_o the_o negative_a part_n of_o his_o word_n appear_v by_o the_o affirmative_a part_n of_o they_o which_o the_o quaker_n themselves_o will_v i_o suppose_v confess_v must_v not_o be_v take_v in_o a_o exclusive_a latitude_n or_o such_o a_o broad_a universality_n of_o command_n as_o enjoin_v we_o to_o use_v no_o other_o word_n in_o any_o communication_n by_o way_n of_o affirm_v or_o deny_v any_o thing_n but_o only_o yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o which_o word_n the_o quaker_n so_o much_o affect_v to_o use_v as_o if_o they_o will_v fancy_v themselves_o literal_o or_o verbal_o tie_v to_o those_o monosyllable_n and_o those_o to_o be_v repeat_v in_o all_o their_o assertion_n or_o promise_n yet_o none_o of_o they_o in_o case_n of_o more_o full_a declare_v their_o assent_n or_o dissent_v upon_o any_o matter_n do_v scruple_n to_o use_v such_o paraphrase_n or_o enlargement_n of_o speech_n as_o the_o matter_n or_o the_o party_n understanding_n or_o diffidence_n may_v require_v for_o if_o they_o will_v keep_v all_o their_o communication_n to_o those_o precise_a word_n yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o they_o will_v be_v no_o less_o obstructive_a to_o civil_a and_o private_a conversation_n than_o they_o seek_v to_o be_v to_o judicial_a proceed_n by_o their_o refuse_v at_o all_o to_o swear_v doubtless_o our_o saviour_n own_v large_a express_v of_o himself_o in_o many_o case_n 〈◊〉_d by_o such_o periphrasis_n or_o commentary_n of_o word_n as_o amount_v to_o affirmation_n or_o negation_n beside_o and_o beyond_o the_o bare_a term_n of_o yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o do_v abundant_o justify_v together_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n that_o these_o proverbial_a phrase_n or_o epitome_n of_o speech_n here_o command_v under_o the_o word_n of_o yea_o and_o nay_o do_v only_o import_v that_o plainness_n or_o simplicity_n of_o christian_n meaning_n and_o do_v as_o may_v be_v consonant_a to_o their_o word_n in_o truth_n and_o honesty_n without_o fraud_n or_o falsity_n in_o common_a speech_n not_o at_o all_o forbid_v either_o more_o ample_a expression_n of_o their_o sense_n in_o private_a converse_v nor_o yet_o forbid_v such_o religious_a and_o judicious_a use_n of_o swear_v in_o great_a and_o public_a matter_n festus_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o carry_v on_o humane_a affair_n with_o justice_n and_o peace_n but_o only_o such_o false_a frivolous_a and_o fraudulent_a oath_n as_o for_o the_o matter_n manner_n and_o meaning_n be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o all_o right_a reason_n and_o religion_n prohibit_v and_o which_o then_o be_v so_o familiar_o use_v and_o abuse_v by_o the_o jew_n paulinum_n upon_o those_o presumption_n and_o dispensation_n which_o they_o have_v take_v up_o as_o then_o the_o affirmative_a part_n of_o christ_n word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v literal_o as_o a_o confine_n of_o all_o christian_n communication_n to_o yea_o and_o nay_o but_o only_o to_o that_o truth_n and_o honesty_n of_o mind_n intent_n and_o action_n which_o christ_n aim_v at_o and_o beyond_o which_o whatever_o be_v of_o fraud_n and_o falsity_n be_v from_o evil_a in_o man_n heart_n so_o as_o to_o the_o negation_n of_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o it_o can_v in_o reason_n or_o religion_n be_v extend_v further_a than_o that_o swear_v which_o be_v from_o evil_a and_o tend_v to_o evil_a not_o that_o which_o be_v from_o good_a philo._n and_o tend_v to_o good_a namely_o the_o veneration_n of_o god_n and_o love_n of_o truth_n and_o justice_n which_o be_v not_o from_o the_o evil_a one_o the_o devil_n nor_o from_o evil_a principle_n in_o man_n nor_o for_o evil_a design_n as_o for_o that_o absolute_a and_o universal_a negative_a which_o they_o urge_v from_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n word_n of_o not_o swear_v at_o all_o nothing_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o usual_a in_o scripture_n then_o to_o confine_v the_o meaning_n of_o such_o general_n to_o the_o particular_a subject_n and_o scope_n intend_v as_o i_o former_o show_v in_o many_o instance_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o yet_o further_o to_o clear_v this_o truth_n from_o the_o most_o short_a and_o exact_a way_n of_o the_o scripture-style_n which_o be_v in_o the_o command_n of_o the_o decalogue_n in_o the_o second_o command_n we_o be_v forbid_v to_o make_v to_o ourselves_o any_o grave_a image_n or_o similitude_n of_o creature_n in_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n or_o religion_n yet_o we_o read_v that_o moses_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n make_v the_o cherubin_n so_o do_v solomon_n several_a image_n of_o flower_n and_o beast_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o for_o his_o throne_n and_o without_o sin_n so_o in_o the_o four_o command_n all_o manner_n of_o work_n be_v forbid_v on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n yet_o the_o intent_n be_v only_o against_o ordinary_a work_n of_o our_o civil_a calling_n not_o against_o work_n of_o religion_n or_o decency_n or_o charity_n or_o necessity_n against_o which_o the_o pharisaical_a rigour_n and_o severity_n have_v stretch_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n beyond_o the_o meaning_n as_o our_o saviour_n convince_v they_o mat._n 12._o mark_v 2._o 27._o luk._n 14._o 3._o in_o the_o six_o command_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v cajeâ—_n the_o putting_z man_n to_o death_n in_o just_a and_o legal_a way_n or_o in_o self-defense_n be_v not_o forbid_v but_o only_o as_o to_o private_a revenge_n and_o malice_n so_o the_o ten_o command_n thou_o shall_v not_o covet_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v thy_o neighbour_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o a_o 9_o evil_a and_o injurious_a covet_v of_o what_o be_v our_o neighbour_n but_o not_o of_o such_o a_o desire_n as_o be_v commensurate_a to_o justice_n and_o charity_n which_o desire_v in_o honest_a way_n of_o buy_v or_o exchange_v to_o get_v those_o thing_n which_o our_o want_n require_v and_o our_o neighbour_n sufficiency_n willing_o afford_v we_o else_o we_o must_v always_o want_v but_o never_o wish_v or_o fair_o endeavour_v for_o supply_v by_o those_o way_n of_o commutative_a justice_n gentia_fw-la which_o by_o mutual_a necessity_n invite_v man_n to_o society_n such_o commodious_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o attain_v their_o true_a meaning_n adhibenda_fw-la as_o the_o contrary_a wrest_n of_o they_o upon_o a_o bare_a letter_n be_v pernicious_a to_o all_o reason_n justice_n and_o true_a religion_n colligi_fw-la and_o indeed_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a word_n
swear_v the_o lord_n live_v in_o truth_n in_o judgement_n and_o in_o righteousness_n i._n e._n to_o what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v and_o just_a nor_o do_v the_o lord_n ever_o by_o the_o prophet_n condemn_v the_o jew_n for_o swear_v simple_o and_o sincere_o but_o only_o for_o vain_a false_a 5._o perfidious_a and_o perjurious_a swear_n as_o he_o do_v zedekiah_n 16._o for_o despise_v the_o oath_n he_o have_v give_v to_o king_n nabuchadnezzar_n answerable_o we_o read_v the_o unblamed_a practice_n of_o many_o holy_a man_n abraham_n jacob_n joshua_n david_n and_o other_o who_o themselves_o swear_v and_o exact_v oath_n and_o adjure_v other_o without_o any_o sin_n or_o offence_n in_o such_o serious_a and_o weighty_a case_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n right_a reason_n justice_n and_o charity_n do_v permit_v or_o require_v among_o the_o jew_n all_o public_a testimony_n be_v ratify_v by_o a_o oath_n as_o buxtorse_v drusius_n and_o other_o observe_v drusius_n who_o write_v of_o the_o civil_a administration_n of_o justice_n among_o they_o yea_o we_o find_v as_o i_o former_o touch_v the_o lord_n himself_o confirm_v this_o by_o his_o own_o great_a and_o most_o holy_a example_n 17._o swear_v more_o than_o once_o by_o himself_o by_o his_o own_o life_n and_o great_a name_n to_o create_v credit_n and_o give_v confirmation_n to_o what_o he_o say_v if_o then_o from_o all_o these_o premise_n it_o be_v clear_a 8._o that_o some_o swear_v be_v moral_o lawful_a as_o a_o act_n extraordinary_a of_o religion_n 5._o a_o high_a glorify_v of_o god_n by_o appeal_n to_o he_o 11._o agreeable_a to_o the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n even_o in_o the_o three_o commandment_n in_o which_o we_o be_v not_o only_o forbid_v to_o profane_v the_o name_n of_o god_n but_o the_o affirmative_a be_v also_o include_v of_o sanctify_v his_o name_n by_o all_o way_n of_o pray_v praise_v vow_v and_o swear_v as_o he_o allow_v we_o if_o in_o do_v thus_o upon_o just_a occasion_n private_a or_o public_a in_o a_o lawful_a manner_n we_o sin_v not_o against_o any_o moral_a law_n of_o pretty_a justice_n or_o charity_n it_o must_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o by_o this_o procept_n evangelical_n forbid_v or_o annul_v the_o old_a law_n as_o to_o the_o sanctity_n and_o morality_n of_o a_o oath_n but_o only_o take_v away_o the_o corruption_n and_o abuse_n it_o be_v no_o design_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o do_v so_o as_o he_o express_o assure_v the_o jew_n to_o take_v off_o their_o jealousy_n and_o prejudices_fw-la in_o this_o kind_n that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v or_o diminish_v but_o fulfil_v the_o law_n moral_n however_o he_o come_v in_o the_o way_n of_o fulfil_v to_o abrogate_v the_o ceremonial_a yea_o and_o the_o politic_a law_n too_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o jewish_a polity_n in_o church_n and_o state_n this_o speech_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o key_n which_o open_v his_o meaning_n in_o all_o his_o follow_a emendation_n of_o judaic_a pravity_n and_o in_o all_o the_o constitution_n of_o evangelical_n rectitude_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v preposterous_a to_o contradict_v so_o clear_a and_o emphatic_a a_o scripture_n in_o order_n to_o fix_v such_o a_o interpretation_n on_o these_o place_n at_o which_o the_o quaker_n now_o stumble_v as_o be_v only_o conform_v to_o their_o own_o fancy_n but_o contrary_a to_o the_o evident_a tenor_n of_o both_o law_n and_o gospel_n alex._n in_o this_o particular_a of_o lawful_a swear_n in_o lawful_a case_n and_o manner_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o moral_a law_n which_o christ_n signal_o tell_v they_o he_o do_v not_o come_v or_o ever_o intend_v to_o abolish_v but_o to_o maintain_v so_o far_o as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n be_v great_a accomplishment_n of_o all_o law_n to_o both_o which_o religious_a swear_n be_v most_o conform_a it_o be_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o our_o neighbour_n good_a jud._n there_o be_v no_o danger_n then_o of_o do_v hurt_v to_o our_o own_o conscience_n any_o more_o than_o in_o serious_a affirmation_n or_o negation_n a_o oath_n have_v only_o the_o attestation_n of_o god_n to_o it_o who_o be_v witness_n of_o all_o we_o say_v and_o do_v 3._o the_o three_o reason_n for_o the_o limit_v these_o word_n of_o christ_n against_o some_o christian_n but_o not_o all_o kind_n of_o swear_v under_o the_o gospel_n be_v from_o those_o after-evidence_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o sufficient_o clear_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n first_o his_o own_o frequent_a asseveration_n amen_o amen_n be_v by_o many_o esteem_v as_o a_o solemn_a form_n of_o assertion_n jonah_n next_o degree_n to_o swear_v by_o attestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o word_n but_o if_o this_o amount_v not_o to_o so_o much_o in_o our_o saviour_n form_n of_o aver_v what_o he_o utter_v yet_o we_o read_v in_o the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n write_n more_o than_o once_o not_o only_o attestation_n but_o obtestation_n and_o adjuration_n of_o other_o as_o saint_n austin_n observe_v even_o to_o the_o very_a form_n of_o swear_v rom._n 1._o 9_o god_n be_v my_o witness_n etc._n etc._n gal._n 1._o 20._o behold_v before_o god_n i_o lie_v not_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 31._o i_o protest_v by_o your_o rejoice_v which_o have_v the_o very_a form_n of_o common_a oath_n among_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d per_fw-la jupiter_fw-la 2_o cor._n 11._o 31._o the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v bless_v for_o evermore_o know_v that_o i_o lie_v not_o 2_o tim._n 4._o 1._o i_o charge_v thou_o before_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n 13._o as_o a_o ground_n to_o justify_v his_o own_o practice_n in_o thing_n weighty_a and_o of_o great_a concern_v to_o god_n glory_n pertinentibus_fw-la the_o vindicate_a of_o his_o own_o fidelity_n and_o the_o induce_n other_o to_o belief_n in_o case_n that_o can_v otherwise_o be_v so_o full_o clear_v decide_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o this_o great_a apostle_n who_o well_o know_v his_o master_n meaning_n tell_v we_o that_o 16._o a_o oath_n not_o be_v but_o be_v among_o man_n for_o a_o end_n of_o all_o controversy_n or_o strife_n and_o therefore_o man_n swear_v by_o god_n as_o great_a than_o themselves_o and_o all_o creature_n whatsoever_o intimate_v that_o the_o sanctity_n and_o validity_n of_o a_o oath_n still_o remain_v in_o use_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o among_o all_o man_n where_o the_o matter_n form_n and_o end_n require_v by_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o immutable_a principle_n of_o piety_n justice_n and_o charity_n be_v due_o observe_v nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n there_o or_o any_o where_o intimate_v that_o this_o former_a liberty_n of_o swear_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v abrogate_a under_o the_o gospel_n as_o if_o christian_n may_v not_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n which_o have_v be_v so_o necessary_a a_o lesson_n as_o none_o more_o in_o practics_n consider_v that_o all_o those_o civilise_a nation_n where_o he_o most_o preach_v and_o to_o who_o he_o write_v so_o many_o epistle_n will_v never_o have_v believe_v all_o swear_v unlawful_a which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n dictate_v and_o the_o law_n of_o god_n allow_v with_o due_a regulation_n unless_o they_o have_v some_o special_a precept_n from_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o have_v so_o receive_v it_o of_o the_o lord_n which_o have_v he_o write_v he_o have_v contradict_v himself_o as_o to_o his_o practice_n and_o make_v himself_o a_o offender_n but_o the_o reproof_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o of_o the_o apostle_n saint_n james_n be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o corrupt_a custom_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o christ_n speak_v and_o the_o apostle_n saint_n james_n write_v that_o epistle_n especial_o in_o promissory_a oath_n to_o which_o the_o learned_a groâ—ius_n think_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n whole_o and_o only_o relate_v 56._o to_o conclude_v this_o reason_n we_o read_v the_o angel_n in_o the_o revelation_n by_o his_o example_n justify_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o some_o swear_n for_o he_o be_v bring_v in_o thus_o lift_v up_o his_o hand_n to_o heaven_n and_o swear_v by_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o etc._n etc._n after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o angel_n in_o daniel_n do_v swear_v lift_v up_o both_o his_o hand_n to_o heaven_n 7._o in_o which_o form_n we_o can_v think_v the_o holy_a and_o good_a angel_n will_v have_v so_o solemn_o appear_v on_o record_n in_o old_a &_o new_a testament_n as_o exemplary_a to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n if_o the_o great_a angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v precise_o forbid_v all_o swear_v either_o because_o in_o its_o nature_n moral_o and_o utter_o unlawful_a which_o can_v be_v say_v without_o blasphemy_n and_o
contradiction_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n of_o old_a or_o as_o now_o become_v evil_a and_o unlawful_a because_o absolute_o forbid_v by_o a_o positive_a evangelical_n command_v without_o any_o moral_a reason_n either_o allege_v or_o imaginable_a from_o any_o nature_n of_o sin_n which_o false_a gloss_n of_o christ_n word_n can_v be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o other_o principle_n place_n and_o example_n evident_a and_o authoritative_a in_o the_o gospel_n or_o with_o that_o express_a and_o signal_n oracle_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o salvo_fw-la for_o all_o that_o be_v moral_o good_a that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v any_o part_n or_o tittle_n of_o the_o law_n which_o have_v any_o moral_a internal_a and_o eternal_a holiness_n in_o it_o as_o be_v therefore_o express_v in_o his_o reveal_v will_n or_o word_n because_o it_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o essence_n which_o all_o reasonable_a creature_n ought_v ever_o to_o fear_v reverence_n adore_v and_o admire_v above_o all_o thing_n as_o those_o do_v who_o by_o religious_a swear_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n as_o the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o all_o man_n and_o thing_n as_o the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n and_o as_o the_o infallible_a dispenser_n of_o justice_n which_o sacred_a celebration_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n and_o majesty_n in_o solemn_a swear_v be_v no_o way_n derogate_a from_o god_n honour_n but_o high_o advance_v it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o no_o way_n injurious_a to_o our_o self_n or_o other_o but_o advantageous_a to_o justice_n truth_n charity_n and_o peace_n can_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o abolish_v or_o forbid_v by_o christ_n to_o we_o christian_n four_o divine_n have_v thus_o examine_v first_o the_o occasion_n and_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n second_o the_o moral_a nature_n of_o a_o oath_n three_o the_o evangelical_n practice_n my_o four_o and_o last_o work_n be_v to_o justify_v this_o limit_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n word_n which_o i_o have_v give_v consonant_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o the_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o other_o church_n and_o learned_a interpreter_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a nor_o that_o i_o think_v any_o humane_a or_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n sway_v much_o if_o any_o thing_n with_o the_o quaker_n who_o be_v mostwhat_a stranger_n to_o all_o learning_n and_o not_o much_o to_o be_v move_v by_o any_o such_o engine_n but_o only_o to_o confute_v the_o more_o evident_o their_o singularity_n and_o pertinacy_n also_o to_o satisfy_v other_o of_o my_o countryman_n that_o this_o be_v no_o novel_a interpretation_n put_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o true_a meaning_n the_o ancient_a and_o late_a church_n may_v without_o any_o vanity_n be_v think_v to_o understand_v as_o well_o as_o any_o of_o this_o new_a generation_n and_o certain_o we_o may_v with_o more_o modesty_n appeal_v to_o and_o acquiesce_v with_o conscience_n in_o their_o judgement_n of_o place_n dark_a and_o dubious_a then_o listen_v to_o any_o man_n in_o late_a time_n who_o supercilious_o dissent_v from_o they_o all_o doubtless_o if_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v be_v a_o faithful_a preserver_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o may_v not_o be_v suspect_v to_o have_v be_v a_o unfaithful_a interpreter_n of_o they_o in_o any_o main_a point_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o morality_n and_o such_o as_o this_o of_o sober_a serious_a reverend_a and_o judicial_a swear_v the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v not_o only_o very_o cautious_a of_o swear_v rash_o vain_o false_o judgement_n but_o if_o they_o take_v any_o oath_n they_o make_v such_o conscience_n of_o keep_v it_o that_o they_o will_v soon_o die_v then_o break_v it_o wilful_o or_o base_o indeed_o in_o private_a conversation_n christian_n be_v then_o esteem_v so_o strict_a exact_a and_o cautious_a of_o their_o word_n in_o assert_v or_o promise_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o oath_n among_o they_o yea_o they_o so_o keep_v up_o the_o sanctity_n and_o credit_n of_o their_o profession_n among_o unbeliever_n that_o it_o be_v security_n enough_o in_o all_o case_n to_o say_v christian_n sum_n i_o be_o a_o christian_n if_o any_o urge_v they_o further_o to_o any_o oath_n for_o matter_n or_o manner_n or_o authority_n unlawful_a they_o repeat_v this_o as_o the_o only_a satisfaction_n they_o can_v give_v there_o need_v no_o more_o than_o the_o veracity_n of_o their_o bare_a word_n they_o think_v it_o not_o lawful_a for_o they_o in_o such_o case_n to_o swear_v be_v in_o this_o emulator_n of_o the_o joseph_n esseni_n among_o the_o jew_n of_o who_o josephus_n tell_v we_o that_o their_o word_n be_v as_o sure_a as_o a_o oath_n and_o that_o they_o avoid_v not_o only_o all_o forswear_n but_o all_o swear_n or_o that_o which_o bring_v their_o fidelity_n in_o question_n and_o lessen_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o sect._n 〈◊〉_d thus_o christian_n that_o they_o may_v not_o come_v short_a of_o the_o esseni_n among_o the_o jew_n credant_fw-la who_o will_v not_o swear_v but_o in_o judicature_n or_o of_o any_o man_n in_o this_o pious_a severity_n especial_o in_o abstain_v from_o all_o unlawful_a swear_n do_v keep_v themselves_o from_o all_o kind_n of_o swear_v especial_o heathenish_a and_o idolatrous_a their_o profession_n and_o reputation_n be_v test_n enough_o to_o their_o word_n nor_o do_v they_o think_v any_o man_n under_o heaven_n be_v so_o worthy_a as_o christian_n to_o make_v good_a some_o of_o the_o ancient_a and_o sober_a heathen_n dictate_v in_o this_o kind_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o menander_n so_o to_o avoid_v evil_a swear_v as_o not_o to_o swear_v though_o in_o thing_n just_a and_o true_a and_o that_o of_o solon_n a_o good_a man_n shall_v have_v that_o credit_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v believe_v he_o the_o more_o for_o his_o swear_n it_o be_v some_o diminution_n to_o his_o reputation_n to_o be_v put_v to_o swear_v or_o to_o need_v a_o oath_n to_o gain_v credit_n diogenes_n laert._n tell_v we_o that_o the_o athenian_n will_v not_o suffer_v xenocrates_n a_o man_n of_o great_a integrity_n and_o honour_n to_o take_v his_o oath_n at_o the_o altar_n as_o a_o thing_n unworthy_a of_o his_o reputation_n nor_o do_v the_o roman_n exact_a oath_n of_o their_o chief_a priest_n indignum_fw-la credentes_fw-la viro_fw-la tanta_fw-la sanctimoniae_fw-la sine_fw-la juramento_fw-la non_fw-la credere_fw-la hence_o we_o find_v some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n dâ—mini_fw-la as_o origen_n chrysostome_n theophylact_fw-mi oecumenius_n hilary_n athanasius_n s._n jerom_n theodoret_n lactantius_n and_o other_o frequent_o inveigh_v without_o any_o limitation_n or_o reserve_v against_o christian_n swear_v as_o to_o private_a conversation_n yea_o and_o saint_n austin_n himself_o in_o his_o sermon_n on_o these_o word_n of_o christ_n advise_v to_o abstain_v from_o cesie_n and_o ordinary_a swear_v in_o case_n never_o so_o true_a and_o honest_a lest_o by_o wontedness_n of_o swear_v we_o get_v a_o proneness_n to_o swear_v even_o false_o s._n basil_n commend_v clinias_n a_o famous_a greek_a that_o he_o rather_o suffer_v a_o mulct_n of_o three_o talent_n than_o he_o will_v save_v it_o by_o swear_v to_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o honour_n which_o he_o think_v caution_n sufficient_a for_o his_o honesty_n not_o that_o saint_n austin_n hold_v it_o unlawful_a for_o a_o christian_a in_o any_o case_n of_o great_a and_o weighty_a concern_v solemn_o to_o give_v oath_n aust_n as_o a_o further_a ratification_n of_o truth_n and_o justice_n yea_o he_o assert_v it_o as_o lawful_a and_o prove_v it_o by_o those_o instance_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n swear_v or_o obtestation_n in_o his_o epistle_n which_o i_o former_o produce_v not_o as_o if_o faith_n he_o saint_n paul_n have_v forget_v or_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o his_o practice_n he_o show_v we_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o be_v only_o to_o forbid_v false_a and_o frivolous_a swear_n as_o the_o grave_a and_o eminent_a of_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o deny_v oath_n of_o allegiance_n to_o herod_n and_o their_o governor_n as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o so_o neither_o do_v the_o christian_n 3._o however_o the_o zeal_n of_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n in_o their_o sermon_n or_o homily_n to_o the_o people_n whole_o cry_v down_o all_o customary_a and_o vain_a swear_n especial_o according_a to_o the_o wont_a form_n of_o heathenish_a swear_n as_o by_o their_o god_n or_o emperor_n and_o the_o like_a so_o polycarpus_n in_o the_o first_o century_n answer_v the_o perfect_a rep._n who_o promise_v to_o dismiss_v he_o if_o he_o will_v swear_v by_o the_o fortune_n of_o cesar_n but_o he_o refuse_v affirm_v i_o be_o a_o christian_n in_o like_a manner_n basilides_n the_o martyr_n when_o the_o officer_n exact_v a_o oath_n of_o he_o reply_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o i_o be_v a_o a_o christian_n to_o swear_v so_o