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
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
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 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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
samosatenian_n anabaptist_n familist_n presbyterian_o and_o independent_o give_v occasion_n and_o confidence_n to_o common_a people_n to_o run_v to_o tumult_n and_o commotton_n under_o pretence_n of_o set_v up_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o way_n of_o new_a power_n new_a light_n and_o new_a model_n in_o church_n and_o state_n of_o which_o rare_a fancy_n we_o have_v have_v of_o late_a so_o many_o tragical_a experiment_n in_o england_n under_o other_o name_n notion_n and_o pretension_n certain_o it_o will_v become_v the_o public_a care_n and_o wisdom_n faction_n as_o not_o easy_o to_o permit_v the_o rise_n and_o spread_v of_o any_o novel_a humour_n and_o way_n contrary_a to_o the_o good_a constitution_n and_o well-tried_a law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n so_o never_o to_o trust_v they_o though_o never_o so_o soft_a and_o seem_o innocent_a at_o first_o horn_n as_o in_o other_o creature_n grow_v out_o of_o man_n head_n and_o hand_n too_o as_o their_o bone_n and_o smew_n grow_v strong_a as_o their_o strength_n and_o member_n increase_v nothing_o but_o true_o christian_n and_o evangelical_n principle_n which_o be_v in_o the_o good_a and_o old_a way_n do_v secure_a king_n or_o sufficient_o bind_v subject_n to_o their_o good_a behaviour_n though_o faction_n at_o first_o may_v seem_v but_o as_o a_o cloud_n of_o a_o hand-breadth_n yet_o they_o will_v in_o time_n grow_v big_a and_o black_a cover_v the_o whole_a face_n of_o heaven_n and_o pour_v down_o shower_n of_o civil_a trouble_n upon_o any_o church_n and_o nation_n if_o they_o be_v not_o dispel_v by_o authority_n let_v they_o go_v never_o so_o soft_a and_o silent_o at_o first_o as_o cat_n and_o lion_n do_v on_o their_o paw_n yet_o they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o sharp_a fang_n hide_a and_o reserve_v talon_n till_o they_o find_v a_o fit_a prey_n and_o opportunity_n for_o their_o design_n than_o you_o shall_v see_v what_o cruel_a claw_n they_o have_v we_o see_v not_o only_o the_o great_a hornet_n of_o rigid_a presbyterian_o but_o the_o lesser_a wasp_n of_o independent_o and_o the_o gadflies_a or_o muskeeto_n of_o anabaptist_n with_o other_o infect_v after_o their_o pious_a buzz_n at_o first_o use_v their_o sting_n at_o last_o and_o in_o their_o season_n both_o joint_o and_o several_o they_o seek_v to_o sting_v to_o death_n this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n though_o at_o first_o like_o serpent_n in_o winter_n they_o seem_v very_o tame_a and_o meek_a as_o to_o their_o principle_n and_o practice_n there_o be_v a_o wolf_n under_o the_o sheep_n clothing_n of_o all_o novelize_a humorist_n all_o of_o they_o do_v either_o begin_v or_o continue_v or_o increase_v our_o late_a misery_n and_o will_v renew_v they_o by_o their_o emulation_n and_o ambition_n from_o which_o the_o miraculous_a mercy_n of_o god_n have_v deliver_v we_o the_o only_a advantage_n which_o these_o our_o late_a tragedy_n can_v afford_v we_o be_v to_o learn_v wisdom_n by_o they_o to_o govern_v our_o 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such_o as_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n but_o mean_a people_n for_o birth_n or_o breed_n for_o reason_n and_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o estate_n and_o for_o the_o pretend_a inspiration_n or_o inward_a light_n of_o which_o they_o vapour_n i_o never_o yet_o see_v any_o beam_n or_o effect_n of_o they_o that_o may_v give_v the_o least_o cause_n to_o think_v of_o they_o above_o other_o poor_a man_n who_o live_v by_o the_o more_o sure_a and_o sufficient_a light_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o our_o law_n which_o raise_v they_o to_o much_o a_o high_a pitch_n of_o knowledge_n and_o prudence_n sanctity_n and_o due_a obedience_n than_o ever_o yet_o i_o observe_v in_o any_o of_o this_o way_n who_o seem_v very_o much_o infect_v with_o affectation_n and_o self-conceit_n i_o never_o converse_v with_o any_o of_o their_o person_n and_o for_o their_o write_n private_a or_o public_a discourse_n in_o which_o i_o suppose_v they_o show_v their_o best_a ability_n i_o must_v profess_v there_o appear_v to_o i_o so_o nothing_o of_o a_o excellent_a or_o extraordinary_a spirit_n in_o they_o that_o there_o be_v much_o of_o silliness_n and_o never_o well-catechised_n ignorance_n â—et_o off_o with_o great_a confidence_n a_o odd_a way_n of_o folly_n dress_v up_o with_o some_o scripture-phrase_n like_o sepulcher_n paint_v with_o sweet_a flower_n and_o fair_a colour_n but_o void_a of_o any_o true_a life_n and_o beauty_n within_o either_o as_o convince_a of_o sin_n and_o error_n or_o as_o vindicate_v any_o truth_n or_o necessary_a point_n of_o duty_n and_o morality_n they_o general_o seem_v a_o busy_a petulant_a and_o pragmatic_n sort_n of_o people_n measure_v themselves_o by_o themselves_o admire_v each_o other_o even_o in_o their_o most_o ridiculous_a affectation_n and_o falsity_n a_o kind_n of_o dreamer_n at_o once_o deceive_a and_o be_v deceive_v dote_a and_o glory_v in_o their_o rude_a and_o contemptuous_a carriage_n towards_o all_o man_n that_o do_v not_o either_o favour_n or_o flatter_v they_o in_o their_o rusticity_n and_o petulancy_n which_o have_v in_o it_o a_o great_a seed_n of_o pride_n and_o ambition_n nor_o do_v they_o seem_v whole_o void_a of_o other_o evil_a principle_n tithe_n which_o look_v very_o like_a covetousness_n and_o injustice_n while_o they_o deny_v to_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n never_o so_o able_a and_o faithful_a that_o maintenance_n by_o tithe_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v as_o much_o due_a to_o they_o as_o any_o man_n estate_n and_o by_o no_o law_n of_o christ_n forbid_v but_o rather_o allow_v yea_o 13._o ordain_v and_o proportion_v by_o the_o lord_n under_o the_o gospel_n by_o a_o parity_n of_o justice_n and_o gratitude_n in_o way_n of_o homage_n to_o christ_n and_o of_o due_a wage_n and_o hire_n to_o god_n labourer_n as_o the_o livelihood_n of_o those_o that_o serve_v god_n and_o his_o church_n in_o holy_a ministration_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o small_a insolence_n in_o they_o to_o endeavour_v in_o a_o age_n of_o so_o much_o light_n and_o learning_n to_o obtrude_v yea_o oppose_v the_o rudeness_n and_o silliness_n of_o their_o covetous_a and_o crude_a fancy_n against_o the_o prudence_n justice_n and_o piety_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n but_o my_o design_n in_o this_o place_n be_v not_o to_o ravel_v into_o all_o the_o petty_a opinion_n account_n enthusiastic_a rapture_n and_o odd_a practice_n of_o the_o quaker_n nor_o will_v i_o here_o severe_o perstringe_v they_o because_o i_o have_v a_o great_a pity_n for_o they_o upon_o a_o threefold_a account_n first_o because_o i_o perceive_v they_o to_o be_v so_o very_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a people_n ever_o learning_n but_o never_o come_v to_o any_o solid_a knowledge_n of_o truth_n or_o any_o great_a improvement_n in_o christian_a gift_n man_n of_o low_a part_n and_o small_a capacity_n as_o to_o any_o point_n of_o true_a wisdom_n or_o understanding_n in_o thing_n humane_a or_o divine_a toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n easy_o seduce_v with_o specious_a pretension_n and_o strange_a notion_n even_o to_o rapture_n and_o enthusiasm_n which_o be_v present_v to_o they_o as_o rare_a novelty_n by_o some_o that_o be_v master_n of_o that_o art_n and_o agitator_n for_o that_o party_n for_o what_o design_n private_a or_o public_a foreign_a or_o domestic_a god_n know_v some_o suspect_n jesuitick_a art_n to_o be_v among_o they_o design_n indeed_o they_o seem_v so_o far_o to_o conspire_v with_o the_o crafty_a lotolist_n as_o they_o bear_v a_o most_o implacable_a hatred_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o under_o religious_a pretension_n they_o may_v in_o time_n undermine_v the_o civil_a peace_n as_o other_o faction_n former_o have_v do_v the_o way_n to_o make_v they_o better_a subject_n be_v to_o make_v they_o wise_a man_n and_o seberer_n christian_n by_o some_o public_a care_n to_o have_v they_o better_o instruct_v as_o well_o as_o just_o restrain_v my_o second_o ground_n of_o pity_n
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