by_o that_o god_n who_o workmanship_n it_o be_v since_o we_o ourselves_o can_v not_o make_v one_o hair_n of_o it_o black_a or_o white_a matth._n 5._o 34_o 35_o 36._o compare_v with_o matth._n 23.21_o 22._o for_o he_o speak_v this_o as_o dr._n petit_n in_o his_o various_a lection_n well_o observe_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n who_o do_v not_o think_v swear_v by_o creature_n to_o be_v proper_o oath_n nor_o to_o have_v any_o obligatory_a virtue_n for_o they_o think_v no_o oath_n bind_v but_o those_o in_o which_o they_o swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n except_v their_o oath_n by_o the_o gold_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o corban_n see_v matth._n 23._o and_o therefore_o our_o lord_n on_o the_o contrary_n intimate_v to_o they_o that_o god_n himself_o be_v interest_v whenever_o they_o swear_v by_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n for_o since_o they_o can_v bear_v no_o proper_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o assertion_n or_o promise_n the_o appeal_n be_v implicit_o and_o by_o just_a interpretation_n make_v to_o he_o and_o he_o be_v concern_v to_o punish_v the_o false_a appellant_n so_o that_o whoever_o by_o such_o swear_v pawn_n any_o of_o god_n creature_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o liis_fw-la word_n do_v virtual_o call_v their_o maker_n to_o be_v his_o witness_n and_o engage_v he_o to_o avenge_v the_o indignity_n offer_v to_o his_o own_o work_n when_o they_o be_v abuse_v to_o countenance_v our_o lie_a and_o falsehood_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o of_o any_o great_a moment_n as_o to_o our_o practice_n whether_o of_o these_o two_o notion_n of_o a_o oath_n we_o prefer_v and_o follow_v have_v thus_o state_v the_o general_a notion_n of_o a_o oath_n we_o may_v more_o easy_o determine_v what_o profane_a swear_v be_v there_o be_v some_o swear_v in_o it_o self_n sinful_a and_o profane_a and_o can_v never_o be_v lawful_o use_v on_o any_o occasion_n as_o the_o swear_n by_o a_o false_a god_n because_o such_o a_o oath_n attribute_n the_o perfection_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n to_o a_o contemptible_a idol_n which_o be_v a_o high_a degree_n of_o blasphemy_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n our_o swear_v by_o the_o true_a god_n be_v either_o lawful_a and_o good_a or_o sinful_a and_o profane_a according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n wherein_o that_o action_n be_v use_v to_o swear_v by_o the_o bless_a god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n a_o evil_a or_o impious_a action_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o use_v on_o just_a and_o necessary_a occasion_n it_o be_v a_o action_n high_o conducive_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o public_a good_n it_o be_v a_o action_n high_o conducive_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n who_o glorious_a perfection_n be_v open_o acknowledge_v in_o those_o solemn_a regular_a appeal_n we_o make_v to_o he_o in_o such_o important_a case_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n leave_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o speak_v and_o in_o such_o case_n the_o jew_n be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n not_o only_o permit_v but_o require_v to_o swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n deut._n 6.13_o that_o be_v one_o branch_n of_o the_o religious_a worship_n due_a to_o he_o nay_o it_o be_v a_o action_n no_o less_o conducive_a to_o the_o public_a good_a it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o end_v strife_n and_o controversy_n among_o man_n by_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v heb._n 6.13_o for_o since_o in_o so_o manifold_a case_n we_o must_v depend_v on_o human_a testimony_n for_o find_v out_o truth_n we_o can_v have_v no_o great_a assurance_n that_o man_n speak_v true_o then_o when_o they_o solemn_o appeal_v to_o god_n as_o the_o witness_n of_o it_o and_o their_o dreadful_a avenger_n if_o they_o lie_v for_o it_o be_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v oblige_v man_n to_o a_o strict_a regard_n to_o truth_n in_o what_o they_o deliberate_o affirm_v this_o awful_a bond_n will_n and_o charity_n prompt_v we_o to_o hope_v that_o there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o conscience_n be_v so_o sear_v as_o to_o have_v no_o reverence_n for_o a_o oath_n and_o no_o dread_n of_o god_n terrible_a vengeance_n against_o those_o that_o by_o perjury_n abuse_v his_o sacred_a name_n to_o the_o support_n of_o know_a falsehood_n and_o according_o the_o holy_a scripture_n abound_v with_o the_o example_n of_o good_a man_n swear_n on_o such_o solemn_a occasion_n the_o instance_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v numerous_a nay_o even_o the_o new_a testament_n contain_v frequent_a example_n of_o this_o kind_n even_o after_o the_o strict_a general_a prohibition_n of_o our_o saviour_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o for_o learned_a critic_n have_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o do_v thus_o swear_v when_o adjure_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n matth._n 26.61_o 63_o 64._o compare_v with_o leu._n 5.1_o and_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n to_o doubt_v of_o this_o be_v several_a time_n practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n see_v 2_o cor._n 11.31_o 1_o rom._n 9_o 1_o gal._n 20._o 2_o cor._n 1.23_o 1_o thes_n 5.27_o and_o as_o the_o quaker_n be_v the_o only_a people_n that_o pretend_v to_o deny_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o swear_v by_o interpret_n our_o saviour_n prohibition_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n so_o i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o they_o be_v herein_o consistent_a with_o themselves_o for_o they_o do_v themselves_o frequent_o make_v solemn_a appeal_n to_o god_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o say_v as_o barclay_n himself_o tell_v we_o they_o be_v wont_v on_o solemn_a occasion_n to_o say_v we_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o before_o he_o who_o be_v our_o witness_n and_o the_o searcher_n of_o our_o heart_n 553._o heart_n see_v his_o work_n in_o folly_n p._n 553._o he_o do_v indeed_o deny_v this_o to_o be_v a_o oath_n as_o he_o do_v the_o forementioned_a expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n but_o i_o take_v his_o denial_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o import_n of_o a_o oath_n so_o that_o it_o be_v rather_o the_o name_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o swear_v use_v among_o we_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o boggle_v at_o then_o the_o thing_n itself_o nor_o be_v swear_v by_o creature_n on_o such_o occasion_n unlawful_a in_o it_o self_n when_o the_o creature_n be_v only_o name_v in_o subordination_n to_o god_n so_o that_o the_o appeal_v itself_o be_v evident_o intend_v and_o direct_v to_o he_o thus_o we_o read_v of_o moses_n call_v the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o record_v against_o the_o israelite_n that_o he_o have_v set_v before_o they_o life_n and_o death_n deut._n 30.19_o 21_o 28._o so_o hannah_n swear_v to_o ely_n as_o thy_o soul_n live_v my_o lord_n i_o be_o the_o woman_n that_o stand_v by_o thou_o here_o pray_v to_o the_o lord_n 1_o sam._n 20.3_o so_o abigail_n 1_o sam._n 20.16_o so_o vriah_n 2_o sam._n 11.11_o so_o in_o our_o common_a form_n of_o swear_v we_o use_v these_o word_n so_o help_v i_o god_n and_o the_o content_n of_o this_o book_n so_o it_o have_v be_v usual_a with_o good_a man_n in_o order_n to_o their_o vindication_n from_o gross_a public_a calumny_n to_o call_v god_n angel_n and_o man_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o offer_v in_o their_o own_o defence_n now_o that_o swear_v by_o god_n or_o his_o creature_n which_o be_v in_o its_o sell_v lawful_a when_o use_v in_o a_o solemn_a manner_n on_o so_o important_a occasion_n degenerate_v into_o sinful_a or_o profane_a swear_v when_o it_o be_v use_v in_o our_o ordinary_a converse_n without_o any_o such_o due_a seriousness_n and_o solemnity_n or_o any_o just_a occasion_n that_o shall_v render_v it_o needful_a to_o attain_v the_o forementioned_a end_n for_o as_o sacred_a thing_n be_v say_v to_o be_v profane_v when_o they_o be_v irreverent_o manage_v and_o prostitute_v to_o any_o mean_a or_o vile_a use_n so_o be_v a_o oath_n profane_v when_o we_o treat_v this_o awful_a act_n of_o religious_a worship_n with_o so_o little_a respect_n as_o to_o prostitute_v it_o to_o common_a and_o mean_a purpose_n in_o attest_v our_o ordinary_a discourse_n whereas_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v use_v but_o where_o there_o be_v apparent_a need_n of_o it_o to_o confirm_v some_o doubt_a truth_n that_o must_v be_v determine_v by_o human_a testimony_n and_o the_o more_o express_o the_o name_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v invocate_v in_o such_o oath_n the_o profaneness_n of_o they_o be_v more_o evident_a and_o contestable_a for_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a indignity_n to_o that_o high_a and_o glorious_a be_v that_o his_o sacred_a name_n shall_v be_v thus_o interpose_v and_o rash_a appeal_v make_v to_o he_o
a_o discourse_n against_o profane_a swear_v and_o curse_v wherein_o i._o those_o vice_n be_v describe_v and_o reprove_v ii_o both_o magistrate_n and_o private_a person_n be_v excite_v to_o their_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o the_o suppress_v they_o by_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o late_a act_n of_o parliament_n against_o '_o they_o iii_o and_o the_o objection_n common_o raise_v against_o the_o present_a practice_n of_o private_a information_n be_v modest_o consider_v a_o discourse_n concern_v profane_a swear_v and_o curse_v imprimatur_fw-la cvi_fw-la titulus_fw-la august_n 2._o 1697._o narcissus_n dublin_n dublin_n print_v for_o matthew_n gunn_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o crown_n in_o essex-street_n near_o essex-gate_n 1698._o a_o discourse_n concern_v profane_a swear_v and_o curse_v i_o hope_v i_o need_v not_o make_v any_o long_a apology_n for_o a_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_n where_o a_o epidemical_a distemper_n reign_v no_o man_n can_v be_v blame_v for_o his_o regular_a endeavour_n either_o to_o cure_v the_o infect_a person_n themselves_o or_o to_o stop_v the_o spread_a of_o the_o fatal_a contagion_n to_o other_o and_o i_o fear_v as_o to_o these_o vice_n the_o infection_n be_v too_o general_a and_o the_o disease_n too_o deep_o root_v to_o render_v any_o attempt_n unnecessary_a that_o be_v true_o conducive_a to_o attain_v the_o propose_a end_n and_o for_o the_o method_n insist_v on_o in_o this_o discourse_n i_o shall_v only_o suggest_v that_o i_o think_v it_o needful_a first_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o nature_n of_o these_o detestable_a sin_n as_o the_o late_a act_n of_o parliament_n just_o call_v they_o partly_o that_o if_o possible_a man_n conviction_n concern_v the_o absurdity_n and_o folly_n of_o they_o may_v happy_o prevent_v the_o occasion_n of_o penal_a severity_n which_o how_o gentle_a soever_o be_v never_o any_o far_a desirable_a than_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a partly_o to_o satisfy_v all_o unprejudiced_a person_n that_o those_o concern_v in_o promote_a the_o execution_n of_o this_o law_n be_v act_v by_o no_o other_o principle_n than_o their_o regular_a zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o their_o sincere_a charity_n to_o the_o offender_n themselves_o the_o generality_n of_o who_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v be_v too_o stupid_a and_o harden_a in_o their_o wretched_a practice_n to_o be_v reason_v out_o of_o it_o and_o seem_v only_o capable_a of_o this_o last_o and_o harsh_a method_n of_o cure_n i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o prosecution_n of_o my_o present_a design_n treat_v on_o these_o 3_o general_a head_n i._o i_o shall_v brief_o represent_v the_o heinous_a nature_n of_o those_o two_o common_a vice_n of_o the_o age_n profane_a swear_v and_o curse_v in_o order_n to_o dissuade_v man_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o two_o i_o shall_v offer_v something_o to_o excite_v both_o magistrate_n and_o private_a person_n to_o their_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o the_o suppress_v these_o vice_n by_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n late_o make_v against_o they_o iii_o i_o shall_v modest_o examine_v what_o ground_n there_o be_v for_o the_o loud_a complaint_n late_o make_v against_o clandestine_v information_n i._o i_o shall_v brief_o represent_v the_o heinousness_n of_o those_o two_o common_a vice_n of_o the_o age_n profane_v swear_v and_o curse_v in_o order_n to_o dissuade_v man_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o to_o prepare_v my_o way_n for_o this_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o premise_v some_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o sin_n by_o state_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o they_o and_o first_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o profane_a swear_v we_o shall_v the_o more_o clear_o apprehend_v what_o it_o be_v it_z we_o first_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n in_o general_n now_o a_o oath_n have_v be_v define_v by_o the_o master_n of_o heathen_a morality_n a_o religious_a affirmation_n or_o a_o call_n the_o deity_n to_o witness_v in_o a_o controvert_v matter_n and_o it_o have_v be_v define_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_a writer_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n a_o appeal_n to_o some_o supernatural_a power_n as_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o affirm_v or_o promise_v and_o the_o avenger_n of_o our_o falsehood_n and_o perfidiousness_n if_o we_o lie_v and_o indeed_o all_o do_v agree_v that_o such_o a_o appeal_n be_v a_o oath_n in_o the_o most_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n but_o this_o account_n of_o a_o oath_n seem_v only_o to_o agree_v to_o those_o wherein_o we_o swear_v by_o some_o real_a or_o suppose_a deity_n or_o at_o least_o some_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o invisible_a world_n that_o can_v be_v produce_v as_o a_o witness_n here_o on_o earth_n whereas_o man_n may_v swear_v by_o inanimate_a and_o insensible_a creature_n themselves_o who_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o give_v any_o testimony_n at_o all_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o say_v thus_o the_o heathen_n be_v wont_a to_o swear_v by_o the_o heaven_n or_o the_o earth_n by_o the_o sun_n or_o the_o star_n etc._n etc._n the_o jew_n by_o jerusalem_n the_o temple_n or_o the_o altar_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o place_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n in_o such_o a_o appeal_n to_o a_o high_a witness_n that_o be_v not_o producible_a in_o human_a court_n of_o judicature_n do_v suppose_v that_o such_o expression_n as_o by_o the_o heaven_n by_o the_o earth_n etc._n etc._n be_v only_a oath_n in_o a_o improper_a sense_n or_o rather_o the_o abuse_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v senseless_a appeal_n to_o those_o thing_n as_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o speak_v that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o give_v any_o such_o testimony_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n since_o such_o expression_n be_v account_v oath_n in_o the_o common_a judgement_n of_o mankind_n and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o mention_n they_o as_o proper_a instance_n of_o swear_v see_v 5._o matth._n 34_o 35_o etc._n etc._n compare_v with_o 5._o james_n 12._o other_o have_v rather_o choose_v to_o give_v such_o a_o extensive_a notion_n of_o a_o oath_n as_o may_v include_v these_o as_o proper_a instance_n of_o swear_v and_o therefore_o define_v a_o oath_n robe_n the_o pawn_n some_o suppose_a undoubted_a be_v as_o a_o pledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o say_v with_o a_o implicit_a imprecation_n of_o some_o penalty_n on_o ourselves_o in_o case_n we_o lie_v thus_o as_o when_o man_n swear_v by_o god_n they_o pawn_v his_o be_v &_o perfection_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o declare_v and_o in_o effect_n wish_v if_o they_o lie_v to_o be_v deal_v with_o as_o those_o that_o deny_v they_o so_o when_o they_o swear_v by_o the_o heaven_n or_o the_o earth_n by_o the_o sun_n or_o star_n etc._n etc._n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o oath_n be_v as_o sure_a as_o there_o be_v a_o heaven_n and_o earth_n a_o sun_n or_o star_n so_o true_a be_v what_o i_o speak_v and_o if_o i_o lie_v let_v i_o be_v esteem_v and_o deal_v with_o as_o if_o i_o have_v impudent_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o these_o thing_n so_o when_o man_n swear_v by_o their_o faith_n or_o conscience_n or_o hope_v of_o salvation_n they_o do_v in_o effect_n pawn_v these_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o assertion_n or_o promise_n and_o in_o effect_n wish_v if_o they_o lie_v to_o be_v treat_v as_o person_n that_o have_v renounce_v all_o pretension_n to_o faith_n to_o conscience_n or_o to_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n so_o when_o man_n swear_v by_o their_o head_n they_o make_v that_o a_o kind_n of_o pledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v and_o virtual_o imprecate_v some_o mischief_n on_o it_o in_o case_n they_o lie_v so_o that_o this_o latter_a description_n of_o a_o oath_n seem_v at_o first_o somewhat_o different_a from_o the_o former_a and_o more_o comprehensive_a and_o indeed_o if_o what_o be_v call_v swear_v by_o creature_n be_v in_o the_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n a_o oath_n this_o seem_v the_o more_o clear_a and_o accurate_a account_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o we_o may_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n reconcile_v these_o two_o description_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o make_v they_o of_o equal_a extent_n if_o we_o take_v what_o our_o saviour_n suggest_v in_o reference_n to_o swear_v by_o creature_n in_o its_o utmost_a latitude_n viz._n that_o on_o the_o account_n of_o that_o relation_n they_o all_o some_o way_n or_o other_o bear_v to_o god_n there_o be_v in_o all_o swear_n by_o creature_n though_o not_o a_o express_v yet_o a_o implicit_a invocation_n of_o god_n and_o appeal_n to_o he_o thus_o he_o charge_v those_o that_o swear_v by_o the_o heaven_n or_o the_o earth_n as_o virtual_o and_o by_o just_a construction_n swear_v by_o that_o god_n who_o throne_n the_o one_o and_o who_o footstool_n the_o other_o be_v nay_o he_o suppose_v those_o that_o swear_v by_o their_o head_n implicit_o to_o swear_v
evil_a thou_o fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o thy_o best_a friend_n and_o offere_v the_o vile_a indignity_n to_o he_o that_o have_v do_v thou_o the_o great_a good_n this_o sure_a be_v such_o a_o instance_n of_o stupid_a folly_n and_o madness_n as_o can_v hardly_o be_v parallel_v 3._o no_o provocation_n can_v justify_v our_o curse_v those_o that_o offer_v it_o for_o all_o curse_n be_v but_o the_o gratification_n of_o that_o private_a revenge_n which_o the_o divine_a law_n have_v strict_o forbid_v and_o indeed_o a_o propensity_n thereto_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o note_a lineament_n of_o the_o devil_n image_n upon_o we_o and_o most_o opposite_a to_o that_o goodness_n which_o be_v the_o bright_a part_n of_o the_o amiable_a image_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o his_o child_n to_o love_v their_o enemy_n to_o bless_v those_o that_o curse_v they_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o those_o that_o despiteful_o use_v and_o persecute_v they_o whereas_o to_o wish_v evil_a to_o other_o as_o 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thyself_o the_o most_o dare_a indignitys_n unto_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n must_v nothing_o but_o his_o adorable_a name_n serve_v thou_o to_o hector_n and_o rant_v with_o be_v there_o no_o way_n of_o persuade_v other_o that_o thou_o be_v angry_a with_o they_o but_o by_o call_v on_o he_o to_o damn_v they_o as_o if_o his_o impartial_a justice_n be_v at_o the_o call_n and_o command_v of_o every_o such_o wild_a fury_n as_o thyself_o three_o other_o pretend_v that_o they_o have_v no_o other_o end_n in_o swear_v and_o curse_v but_o to_o persuade_v other_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o say_v answer_v 1_o this_o can_v justify_v no_o oath_n but_o what_o we_o use_v on_o solemn_a occasion_n where_o some_o important_a but_o doubt_a truth_n needs_o to_o be_v confirm_v by_o human_a testimony_n and_o in_o such_o case_n solemn_a appeal_n to_o god_n by_o oath_n be_v allowable_a 2._o oath_n ordinary_o use_v in_o common_a conversation_n be_v no_o proper_a mean_n to_o attain_v any_o such_o 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when_o he_o speak_v false_a as_o when_o he_o speak_v true_a and_o indeed_o ordinary_o scarce_o observe_v or_o consider_v when_o he_o swear_v and_o when_o he_o do_v not_o nay_o 3._o customary_a swear_v rather_o disserve_v and_o cross_v this_o very_a end_n that_o be_v pretend_v to_o excuse_v it_o for_o swear_v and_o lie_v be_v so_o near_o ally_v and_o so_o seldom_o separate_v that_o he_o that_o will_v do_v the_o one_o it_o may_v be_v strong_o presume_v he_o will_v not_o much_o scruple_n the_o other_o what_o can_v give_v we_o a_o probable_a ground_n to_o conclude_v a_o man_n veracity_n but_o this_o that_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o his_o eye_n so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n appear_v devoy_v of_o that_o we_o have_v little_a security_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v and_o what_o can_v give_v we_o a_o just_a suspicion_n of_o that_o then_o that_o he_o have_v no_o fear_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o no_o reverence_n for_o the_o sacred_a name_n of_o god_n and_o 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this_o point_n deceive_v they_o as_o most_o certain_o it_o will_v they_o will_v find_v that_o their_o oath_n and_o curse_n will_v but_o increase_v the_o score_n of_o their_o gild_n and_o render_v the_o sight_n of_o their_o incense_a judge_n more_o unsupportable_a to_o they_o for_o among_o all_o their_o other_o sin_n as_o i_o have_v already_o suggest_v they_o will_v find_v no_o shadow_n of_o excuse_n for_o these_o and_o indeed_o no_o man_n shall_v commit_v they_o but_o he_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o damnation_n for_o the_o mere_a pleasure_n of_o be_v wicked_a i_o shall_v only_o to_o these_o argument_n which_o be_v more_o direct_o suit_v to_o profess_a christian_n subjoin_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o more_o sober_a heathen_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o sin_n of_o swear_v if_o possible_a to_o shame_v they_o our_o of_o it_o plato_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr legibus_fw-la mention_n it_o as_o a_o commendable_a institution_n that_o none_o shall_v pollute_v the_o name_n of_o the_o god_n by_o a_o slight_a customary_a mention_n of_o they_o hierocles_n recommend_v swear_v rare_o as_o necessary_a to_o preserve_v the_o due_a reverence_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o speak_v of_o common_a swear_v as_o the_o high_a read_v to_o perjury_n quintilian_n tell_v we_o a_o grave-man_n shall_v not_o swear_v except_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n and_o epictetus_n advise_v if_o possible_a to_o avoid_v it_o isocrates_n allow_v oath_n only_o in_o two_o case_n either_o to_o vindicate_v one_o innocence_n or_o to_o save_v one_o self_n or_o friend_n from_o unjust_a punishment_n and_o sure_o such_o strict_a maxim_n deliver_v by_o pagan_a moralist_n shall_v make_v the_o very_a blood_n rise_v in_o the_o face_n of_o those_o pretend_a christian_n who_o fall_v so_o far_o short_a of_o their_o excellent_a rule_n and_o much_o more_o of_o those_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o if_o we_o that_o enjoy_v the_o light_n of_o so_o glorious_a and_o clear_a a_o revelation_n do_v not_o practice_v what_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n dictate_v even_o pagan_n will_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o we_o to_o reproach_n and_o condemn_v we_o and_o now_o i_o will_v entreat_v the_o swearer_n and_o curser_n of_o the_o age_n if_o they_o have_v not_o quite_o extinguish_v their_o power_n of_o think_v serious_o to_o consider_v these_o plain_a argument_n in_o which_o they_o will_v find_v no_o rhetorical_a aggravation_n but_o a_o naked_a representation_n of_o these_o vice_n in_o their_o native_a but_o ugly_a hue_n which_o if_o they_o will_v impartial_o do_v one_o will_v hope_v unless_o they_o have_v quite_o abandon_v their_o reason_n they_o can_v withstand_v the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n in_o they_o nor_o go_v on_o in_o these_o wretched_a practice_n without_o offer_v as_o ungrateful_a violence_n to_o their_o own_o conscience_n as_o their_o profane_a language_n have_v long_o do_v to_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o good_a men._n have_v dispatch_v this_o first_o head_n i_o come_v ii_o to_o offer_v something_o for_o exciting_a both_o magistrate_n and_o private_a person_n to_o their_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o the_o suppress_v these_o vice_n by_o the_o effectual_a execution_n of_o the_o law_n late_o make_v against_o they_o i_o begin_v with_o magistrate_n i_o know_v indeed_o the_o penalty_n which_o the_o act_n itself_o lay_v on_o the_o justice_n of_o peace_n in_o case_n they_o fail_v of_o their_o duty_n in_o execute_v it_o may_v seem_v to_o make_v it_o needless_a to_o urge_v they_o to_o it_o yet_o since_o all_o magistrate_n may_v do_v much_o to_o promote_v the_o design_n of_o this_o act_n by_o encourage_v information_n by_o conceal_v the_o name_n of_o the_o informer_n where_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o be_v no_o way_n necessary_a nor_o can_v be_v legal_o demand_v and_o by_o severe_o punish_v any_o revenge_n that_o convict_a person_n may_v execute_v on_o other_o for_o inform_v against_o they_o i_o shall_v only_o brief_o suggest_v a_o few_o consideration_n to_o they_o 1_o you_o zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o almighty_a god_n shall_v prompt_v you_o to_o do_v your_o utmost_a for_o the_o suppression_n of_o these_o vice_n you_o all_o pretend_v to_o make_v this_o one_o design_n of_o your_o public_a administration_n the_o great_a god_n put_v a_o eminent_a opportunity_n into_o your_o hand_n to_o manifest_v the_o sincerity_n of_o your_o pretension_n if_o then_o you_o have_v any_o devout_a and_o affectionate_a veneration_n for_o that_o bless_a and_o only_a potentate_n any_o real_a concern_v for_o his_o honour_n and_o for_o the_o uncontested_a interest_n of_o religion_n you_o have_v now_o a_o fair_a occasion_n to_o show_v it_o and_o if_o you_o emprove_v it_o not_o god_n and_o all_o good_a man_n will_v join_v in_o condemn_v your_o inexcusable_a lukewarmness_n in_o so_o just_a and_o glorious_a a_o cause_n 2._o your_o regard_n to_o the_o public_a safety_n shall_v also_o engage_v you_o to_o it_o you_o oft_o pretend_v a_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o the_o public_a good_n now_o what_o can_v you_o do_v more_o likely_a to_o subserve_v that_o true_o valuable_a end_n then_o by_o stop_v that_o torrent_n of_o impiety_n and_o profaneness_n that_o be_v otherwise_o like_a to_o overflow_v we_o again_o with_o new_a and_o heavy_a calamity_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o all_o good_a man_n be_v full_o persuade_v that_o our_o relapse_v into_o these_o and_o other_o vice_n have_v have_v a_o great_a influence_n on_o the_o prolong_n the_o success_n and_o triumph_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o the_o retard_v our_o happy_a settlement_n so_o that_o our_o hope_n of_o a_o more_o favourable_a providence_n to_o make_v a_o happy_a change_n in_o the_o scene_n of_o our_o public_a affair_n chief_o depend_v on_o the_o success_n of_o these_o attempt_n of_o a_o necessary_a and_o general_a reformation_n and_o those_o will_v do_v the_o true_a service_n to_o their_o country_n that_o be_v most_o instrumental_a and_o active_a in_o promote_a it_o 3._o your_o concern_n for_o your_o own_o final_a account_n shall_v effectual_o excite_v you_o to_o it_o as_o you_o profess_v ultimate_o to_o derive_v your_o authority_n from_o god_n the_o universal_a sovereign_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o civil_a power_n so_o you_o own_v yourselves_o accountable_a to_o he_o shall_v you_o not_o then_o serious_o think_v how_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o earth_n will_v resent_v it_o if_o you_o trifle_v with_o so_o great_a a_o advantage_n for_o vindicate_v and_o repair_v his_o injure_a honour_n and_o for_o restore_v the_o veneration_n due_a to_o his_o sacred_a name_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_n how_o high_o he_o will_v approve_v of_o your_o fidelity_n if_o you_o now_o answer_v your_o character_n by_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o evil-doer_n if_o by_o the_o awe_n of_o your_o just_a authority_n you_o force_v insolent_a profaneness_n and_o iniquity_n to_o stop_v its_o mouth_n and_o cast_v as_o open_a contempt_n on_o these_o detestable_a vice_n as_o they_o have_v do_v upon_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n let_v not_o the_o guilt_n of_o these_o public_a crime_n lie_v any_o long_o at_o your_o door_n by_o your_o connivance_n at_o they_o or_o the_o slackness_n of_o your_o endeavour_n to_o restrain_v they_o but_o i_o will_v chief_o address_v myself_o to_o private_a person_n for_o since_o you_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v and_o be_v so_o necessary_a instrument_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o law_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o excite_v you_o to_o your_o duty_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o whereas_o the_o law_n itself_o oblige_v the_o magistrate_n to_o do_v his_o part_n it_o be_v only_a conscience_n and_o a_o sincere_a regard_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o can_v excite_v you_o to_o do_v you_o and_o to_o engage_v you_o to_o it_o i_o shall_v brief_o suggest_v to_o you_o the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o it_o be_v your_o undoubted_a duty_n to_o contribute_v your_o endeavour_n towards_o the_o suppression_n of_o these_o detestable_a vice_n you_o can_v no_o more_o question_v this_o than_o you_o can_v your_o obligation_n to_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o promote_v a_o public_a reformation_n so_o far_o as_o your_o private_a sphere_n give_v you_o fit_a opportunity_n for_o it_o those_o do_v but_o perform_v their_o necessary_a duty_n that_o declare_v to_o moses_n the_o blasphemy_n of_o the_o son_n of_o shelimith_n levit._n 24.11_o nor_o those_o that_o find_v out_o and_o convict_v idolater_n deut._n 17.4_o 5._o and_o there_o be_v multitude_n of_o private_a person_n that_o can_v never_o expect_v a_o more_o eminent_a advantage_n of_o public_a usefulness_n to_o be_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n so_o that_o their_o sloth_n will_v be_v inexcusable_a if_o they_o make_v no_o improvement_n of_o so_o valuable_a a_o talon_n and_o sure_a in_o the_o present_a contest_v between_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o that_o of_o satan_n between_o the_o interest_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o that_o of_o