the_o lawfulness_n and_o obligation_n of_o oath_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o assize_n hold_v at_o kingston_n upon_o thames_n july_n 21._o 1681._o by_o john_n tillotson_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o canterbury_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v for_o brabazon_n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n over_o against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n and_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n over_o against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1681._o to_o the_o right_n worshipful_a and_o my_o honour_a friend_n joseph_n reeve_n esq_n high_a sheriff_n of_o the_o county_n of_o surrey_z sir_n when_o i_o have_v perform_v the_o service_n which_o you_o be_v please_v to_o call_v i_o to_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o this_o sermon_n i_o have_v no_o thought_n of_o make_v it_o more_o public_a and_o yet_o in_o this_o also_o i_o be_v the_o more_o easy_o induce_v to_o comply_v with_o your_o desire_n because_o of_o the_o suitableness_n of_o the_o argument_n to_o the_o age_n in_o which_o we_o live_v wherein_o as_o man_n have_v run_v into_o the_o wild_a extremity_n in_o other_o thing_n so_o particular_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o oath_n some_o make_v conscience_n of_o take_v any_o oath_n at_o all_o and_o too_o many_o none_o at_o all_o of_o break_v they_o to_o convince_v the_o great_a mistake_n of_o the_o one_o extreme_a and_o to_o check_v the_o grow_a evil_a and_o mischief_n of_o the_o other_o be_v the_o chief_a design_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o glad_a if_o by_o god_n blessing_n it_o may_v prove_v any_o wise_a serviceable_a i_o be_o sir_n your_o very_a faithful_a and_o humble_a servant_n john_n tillotson_n the_o lawfulness_n and_o obligation_n of_o oath_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o assize_n hold_v at_o kingston_n upon_o thames_n july_n 21._o 1681._o heb._n vi_fw-la 16._o and_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o support_n of_o humane_a society_n in_o nothing_o appear_v more_o evident_o than_o in_o this_o that_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o peace_n and_o justice_n among_o man_n depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o sense_n and_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n for_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v imagine_v why_o any_o man_n that_o do_v not_o believe_v a_o god_n shall_v make_v the_o least_o conscience_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o solemn_a appeal_n to_o god_n as_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o say_v so_o that_o whoever_o promote_v atheism_n and_o infidelity_n do_v the_o most_o destructive_a thing_n imaginable_a to_o humane_a society_n because_o he_o take_v away_o the_o reverence_n and_o obligation_n of_o oath_n and_o whenever_o that_o be_v general_o cast_v off_o humane_a society_n must_v disband_v and_o all_o thing_n run_v into_o disorder_n the_o just_a sense_n whereof_o make_v david_n cry_v out_o to_o god_n with_o so_o much_o earnestness_n as_o if_o the_o world_n have_v be_v crack_v and_o the_o frame_n of_o it_o ready_a to_o break_v in_o piece_n psal._n 12._o help_v lord_n for_o the_o righteous_a man_n cease_v and_o the_o faithful_a fail_n from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n intimate_v that_o when_o faith_n fail_v from_o among_o man_n nothing_o but_o a_o particular_a and_o immediate_a interposition_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n can_v preserve_v the_o world_n from_o fall_v into_o confusion_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n give_v this_o as_o a_o sign_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o approach_a dissolution_n of_o all_o thing_n when_o faith_n and_o truth_n shall_v hardly_o be_v find_v among_o man_n luke_n 18._o 8._o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n this_o state_n of_o thing_n do_v loud_o call_v for_o his_o come_n to_o destroy_v the_o world_n which_o be_v even_o ready_a to_o dissolve_v and_o fall_v in_o piece_n of_o itself_o when_o these_o band_n and_o pillar_n of_o humane_a society_n do_v break_v and_o fail_v and_o sure_o never_o in_o any_o age_n be_v this_o sign_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n more_o glare_a and_o terrible_a than_o in_o this_o degenerate_a age_n wherein_o we_o live_v when_o almost_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n seem_v to_o have_v break_v loose_a from_o all_o obligation_n to_o faith_n and_o truth_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o argument_n more_o proper_a and_o useful_a to_o be_v treat_v of_o upon_o this_o occasion_n than_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v the_o utmost_a security_n that_o one_o man_n can_v give_v to_o another_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v the_o strong_a tie_n of_o fidelity_n the_o sure_a ground_n of_o judicial_a proceed_n and_o the_o most_o firm_a and_o sacred_a bond_n that_o can_v be_v lay_v upon_o all_o that_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o public_a justice_n upon_o judge_n and_o jury_n and_o witness_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n i_o have_v pitch_v upon_o these_o word_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n declare_v to_o we_o the_o great_a use_n and_o necessity_n of_o oath_n among_o man_n a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n he_o have_v say_v before_o that_o for_o our_o great_a assurance_n and_o comfort_n god_n have_v confirm_v his_o promise_n to_o we_o by_o a_o oath_n condescend_v herein_o to_o deal_v with_o we_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n who_o when_o they_o will_v give_v credit_n to_o a_o doubtful_a matter_n confirm_v what_o they_o say_v by_o a_o oath_n and_o general_o when_o any_o doubt_n or_o controversy_n arise_v between_o party_n concern_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n one_o side_n affirm_v and_o the_o other_o deny_v a_o end_n be_v put_v to_o this_o contest_v by_o a_o oath_n a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o great_a assurance_n and_o establishment_n of_o a_o thing_n not_o that_o a_o oath_n be_v always_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a decision_n of_o thing_n according_a to_o truth_n and_o right_n but_o that_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a credit_n that_o we_o can_v give_v to_o any_o thing_n and_o the_o last_o resort_n of_o truth_n and_o confidence_n among_o man_n after_o this_o we_o can_v go_v no_o far_o for_o if_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o oath_n will_v not_o oblige_v man_n to_o speak_v truth_n nothing_o will_n this_o be_v the_o utmost_a security_n that_o man_n can_v give_v and_o must_v therefore_o be_v the_o final_a decision_n of_o all_o contest_v a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n now_o from_o this_o assertion_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o great_a use_n and_o end_n of_o oath_n among_o man_n i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n 1._o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o 2._o to_o show_v the_o great_a use_n and_o even_a necessity_n of_o oath_n in_o many_o case_n 3._o to_o vindicate_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o they_o where_o they_o be_v necessary_a 4._o to_o show_v the_o sacred_a obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n i_o shall_v be_v as_o brief_a in_o these_o as_o the_o just_a handle_n of_o they_o will_v bear_v 1._o for_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o invocation_n of_o god_n or_o a_o appeal_n to_o he_o as_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o say_v so_o that_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o sacred_a thing_n as_o be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o this_o whether_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v express_o mention_v in_o it_o or_o not_o if_o a_o man_n only_o say_v i_o swear_v or_o i_o take_v my_o oath_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v or_o be_v not_o so_o or_o so_o or_o that_o i_o will_v or_o will_v not_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n or_o if_o a_o man_n answer_n upon_o his_o oath_n be_v adjure_v and_o require_v so_o to_o do_v or_o if_o a_o man_n swear_v by_o heaven_n or_o by_o earth_n or_o by_o any_o other_o thing_n that_o have_v relation_n to_o god_n in_o all_o these_o case_n a_o man_n do_v virtual_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o do_v by_o consequence_n invoke_v he_o as_o a_o judge_n and_o a_o avenger_n in_o case_n what_o he_o swear_v be_v not_o true_a and_o if_o this_o be_v express_v the_o oath_n be_v a_o formal_a imprecation_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v or_o not_o a_o curse_n upon_o ourselves_o be_v always_o employ_v in_o case_n of_o perjury_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o oath_n assertory_n and_o promissory_a a_o assertory_n oath_n be_v when_o a_o
of_o man_n to_o assert_v their_o fidelity_n to_o one_o another_o even_o the_o best_a man_n to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o a_o great_a author_n have_v not_o trust_v the_o best_a man_n without_o it_o as_o we_o see_v in_o very_o remarkable_a instance_n where_o oath_n have_v pass_v between_o those_o who_o may_v be_v think_v to_o have_v the_o great_a confidence_n in_o one_o another_o as_o between_o abraham_n and_o his_o old_a faithful_a servant_n eliezer_n concern_v the_o choice_n of_o a_o wise_a for_o his_o son_n between_o father_n and_o son_n jacob_n and_o joseph_n concern_v the_o burial_n of_o his_o father_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n between_o two_o of_o the_o dear_a and_o most_o intimate_a friend_n david_n and_o jonathan_n to_o assure_v their_o friendship_n to_o one_o another_o and_o it_o have_v its_o effect_n long_o after_o jonathan_n death_n in_o the_o save_n of_o mephibosheth_n when_o reason_n of_o state_n and_o the_o security_n of_o his_o throne_n seem_v to_o move_v david_n strong_o to_o the_o contrary_a for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v 2_o sam._n 21._o 7._o that_o david_n spare_v mephibosheth_n jonathan_n son_n because_o of_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v between_o they_o imply_v that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o his_o oath_n other_o consideration_n may_v probable_o have_v prevail_v with_o he_o to_o have_v permit_v he_o to_o have_v be_v cut_v off_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o saul_n child_n 2_o this_o reason_n which_o be_v allege_v against_o oath_n among_o man_n be_v much_o strong_a against_o god_n confirm_v his_o promise_n to_o we_o by_o a_o oath_n for_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o be_v sure_o of_o all_o other_o most_o to_o be_v credit_v upon_o his_o bare_a word_n and_o his_o oath_n needless_a to_o give_v confirmation_n to_o it_o and_o yet_o he_o condescend_v to_o add_v his_o oath_n to_o his_o word_n and_o therefore_o that_o reason_n be_v evident_o of_o no_o force_n second_o from_o scripture_n our_o saviour_n seem_v altogether_o to_o forbid_v swear_v in_o any_o case_n matth._n 5._o 33_o 34._o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v to_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o by_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n but_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o these_o come_v of_o evil_a and_o this_o law_n st._n james_n recite_v chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 12._o as_o that_o which_o christian_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o very_a particular_a and_o principal_a regard_n to_o above_o all_o thing_n my_o brethren_n swear_v not_o and_o he_o make_v the_o breach_n of_o this_o law_n a_o damn_v sin_n lest_o you_o fall_v into_o condemnation_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o consider_v that_o text._n and_o because_o here_o lie_v the_o main_a strength_n of_o this_o opinion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o oath_n it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o this_o text_n be_v full_o consider_v and_o that_o it_o be_v make_v very_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n by_o this_o prohibition_n whole_o to_o forbid_v the_o use_n of_o oath_n but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o matter_n i_o will_v ready_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o error_n whatsoever_o that_o have_v a_o more_o plausible_a colour_n from_o scripture_n than_o this_o which_o make_v the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o be_v seduce_v into_o it_o the_o more_o pityable_a but_o than_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v how_o much_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o oath_n reflect_v upon_o the_o christian_a religion_n since_o it_o be_v so_o evident_o prejudicial_a both_o to_o humane_a society_n in_o general_a and_o particular_o to_o those_o person_n that_o entertain_v it_o neither_o of_o which_o ought_v rash_o to_o be_v suppose_v and_o take_v for_o grant_v concern_v any_o law_n deliver_v by_o our_o saviour_n because_o upon_o these_o term_n it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a for_o we_o to_o vindicate_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o this_o doctrine_n to_o humane_a society_n i_o have_v speak_v already_o but_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v very_o prejudicial_a to_o they_o that_o believe_v it_o it_o render_v they_o suspect_v to_o government_n and_o in_o many_o case_n incapable_a of_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o justice_n and_o other_o privilege_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o expose_v they_o to_o great_a penalty_n as_o the_o constitution_n of_o all_o law_n and_o government_n at_o present_a be_v and_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o imagine_v how_o they_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o and_o which_o be_v very_o considerable_a in_o this_o matter_n it_o set_v those_o who_o refuse_v oath_n upon_o very_o unequal_a term_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n if_o where_o the_o estate_n and_o life_n of_o man_n be_v equal_o concern_v their_o bare_a testimony_n shall_v be_v admit_v without_o a_o oath_n and_o other_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o speak_v upon_o oath_n nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a in_o experience_n than_o that_o many_o man_n will_v lie_v for_o their_o interest_n when_o they_o will_v not_o be_v perjure_v god_n have_v plant_v in_o the_o natural_a conscience_n of_o man_n a_o secret_a dread_n of_o perjury_n above_o most_o other_o sin_n and_o this_o inconvenience_n be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o render_v those_o who_o refuse_v oath_n in_o all_o case_n almost_o intolerable_a to_o humane_a society_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o either_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o trouble_n or_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o measure_v truth_n by_o their_o interest_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n either_o of_o a_o wise_a or_o good_a man_n to_o take_v up_o any_o opinion_n especial_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v great_o to_o his_o prejudice_n upon_o slight_a ground_n and_o this_o very_a consideration_n that_o it_o be_v so_o much_o to_o their_o inconvenience_n may_v just_o move_v they_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a in_o the_o examination_n of_o it_o this_o be_v premise_v i_o come_v now_o to_o explain_v this_o prohibition_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o desire_v these_o three_o thing_n may_v be_v well_o consider_v first_o that_o several_a circumstance_n of_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v manifest_o show_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v interpret_v in_o a_o limit_a sense_n as_o only_o forbid_v swear_v in_o common_a conversation_n needless_a and_o heedless_a oath_n as_o one_o express_v it_o and_o in_o general_a all_o voluntary_a swear_n unless_o upon_o some_o great_a and_o weighty_a cause_n in_o which_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v concern_v for_o that_o in_o such_o case_n a_o voluntary_a oath_n may_v be_v lawful_a i_o be_o induce_v to_o believe_v from_o the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o use_v it_o more_o than_o once_o upon_o such_o occasion_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o give_v particular_a instance_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o wise_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_n that_o man_n shall_v not_o swear_v but_o upon_o necessity_n and_o great_a occasion_n thus_o eusebius_n the_o philosopher_n in_o stobaeus_n counsel_n man_n some_o say_v he_o advise_v man_n to_o be_v careful_a to_o swear_v the_o truth_n but_o i_o advise_v principal_o that_o man_n do_v not_o easy_o swear_v at_o all_o that_o be_v not_o upon_o any_o slight_a but_o only_o upon_o weighty_a occasion_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n epictetus_n shun_v oath_n whole_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a if_o not_o however_o as_o much_o as_o thou_o can_v and_o so_o likewise_o simplicius_n in_o his_o comment_n upon_o he_o we_o ought_v whole_o to_o shun_v swear_v except_o upon_o occasion_n of_o great_a necessity_n and_o quintilian_n among_o the_o roman_n in_o totum_fw-la jurare_fw-la nisi_fw-la ubi_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la gravi_fw-la viro_fw-la parum_fw-la convenit_fw-la to_o swear_v at_o all_o except_o where_o it_o be_v necessary_a do_v not_o well_o suit_n with_o a_o wise_a man_n and_o that_o this_o prohibition_n of_o our_o saviour_n ought_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o oath_n in_o ordinary_a conversation_n appear_v from_o the_o opposition_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v swear_v not_o at_o all_o but_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o that_o be_v in_o your_o ordinary_a commerce_n and_o affair_n do_v not_o interpose_v oath_n but_o say_v and_o do_v and_o this_o be_v very_o much_o confirm_v in_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o under_o this_o general_a prohibition_n instance_n in_o such_o oath_n as_o be_v express_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v this_o the_o jew_n think_v it_o unlawful_a in_o
man_n affirm_v or_o deny_v upon_o oath_n a_o matter_n of_o fact_n past_a or_o present_v when_o he_o swear_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v or_o be_v so_o or_o not_o so_o a_o promissory_a oath_n be_v a_o promise_n confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n which_o always_o respect_v something_o that_o be_v future_a and_o if_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v direct_o and_o immediate_o to_o god_n than_o it_o be_v call_v a_o vow_n if_o to_o man_n a_o oath_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o great_a use_n and_o even_a necessity_n of_o oath_n in_o many_o case_n which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o humane_a society_n can_v very_o hardly_o if_o at_o all_o subsist_v long_o without_o they_o government_n will_v many_o time_n be_v very_o insecure_a and_o for_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o office_n of_o great_a trust_n in_o which_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o public_a be_v near_o concern_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o find_v any_o security_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o a_o oath_n because_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o reach_v to_o the_o most_o secret_a and_o hide_a practice_n of_o man_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o they_o in_o many_o case_n where_o the_o penalty_n of_o no_o humane_a law_n can_v have_v any_o awe_n or_o force_v upon_o they_o and_o especial_o it_o be_v as_o the_o civil_a law_n express_v it_o maximum_fw-la expediendarum_fw-la litium_fw-la remedium_fw-la the_o best_a mean_n of_o end_a controversy_n and_o where_o man_n estate_n or_o life_n be_v concern_v no_o evidence_n but_o what_o be_v assure_v by_o a_o oath_n will_v be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o decide_v the_o matter_n so_o as_o to_o give_v full_a and_o general_a satisfaction_n to_o mankind_n for_o in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n when_o man_n have_v all_o the_o assurance_n that_o can_v be_v have_v and_o not_o till_o then_o they_o be_v content_v to_o sit_v down_o and_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o it_o and_o among_o all_o nation_n a_o oath_n have_v always_o be_v think_v the_o only_a permptory_a and_o satisfactory_a way_n of_o decide_v such_o controversy_n iii_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o oath_n where_o they_o be_v necessary_a and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a strong_a inducement_n to_o believe_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o they_o that_o the_o unavoidable_a condition_n of_o humane_a affair_n have_v make_v they_o so_o necessary_a the_o apostle_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v not_o only_o of_o great_a use_n in_o humane_a affair_n but_o in_o many_o case_n of_o great_a necessity_n to_o confirm_v a_o doubtful_a thing_n and_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o controversy_n which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v decide_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o party_n contend_v a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v hardly_o imaginable_a that_o god_n shall_v not_o have_v leave_v that_o lawful_a which_o be_v so_o evident_o necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o security_n of_o mankind_n but_o because_o there_o be_v a_o sect_n spring_v up_o in_o our_o memory_n which_o have_v call_v in_o question_n the_o lawfullness_n of_o all_o oath_n to_o the_o great_a mischief_n and_o disturbance_n of_o humane_a society_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o search_v this_o matter_n to_o the_o bottom_n and_o to_o manifest_v how_o unreasonable_a and_o groundless_a this_o opinion_n be_v and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o shall_v first_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o oath_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o text_n and_o from_o the_o reason_n plain_o contain_v or_o strong_o imply_v in_o it_o second_o i_o shall_v show_v the_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n whether_o from_o reason_n or_o from_o scripture_n which_o last_o they_o principal_o rely_v upon_o and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v out_o from_o thence_o will_v determine_v the_o case_n 1._o i_o shall_v prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o oath_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o text_n and_o the_o reason_n plain_o contain_v or_o strong_o employ_v in_o it_o because_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o speak_v of_o the_o use_n of_o oath_n among_o man_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o censure_n and_o reproof_n but_o as_o a_o commendable_a custom_n and_o practice_n and_o in_o many_o case_n necessary_a for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o doubtful_a matter_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o final_a decision_n of_o controversy_n and_o difference_n among_o man_n for_o first_o he_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o mankind_n to_o confirm_v thing_n by_o a_o oath_n in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n of_o difference_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o have_v more_o universal_o obtain_v in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n than_o which_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o certain_a indication_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o best_a reason_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o this_o be_v no_o degenerate_a practice_n of_o mankind_n like_o that_o of_o idolatry_n be_v from_o hence_o evident_a that_o when_o god_n separate_v a_o people_n to_o himself_o it_o be_v practise_v among_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o be_v afterward_o not_o only_o allow_v but_o in_o many_o case_n command_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o have_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n evil_n in_o itself_o and_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n will_v not_o have_v be_v do_v second_o another_o undeniable_a argument_n from_o the_o text_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o oath_n be_v that_o god_n himself_o in_o condescension_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o man_n who_o use_v to_o confirm_v and_o give_v credit_n to_o what_o they_o say_v by_o a_o oath_n be_v represent_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o confirm_v his_o promise_n to_o we_o by_o a_o oath_n vers_fw-la 13._o when_o god_n make_v the_o promise_n to_o abraham_n because_o he_o can_v swear_v by_o none_o great_a he_o swear_v by_o himself_o for_o man_n very_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a and_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n wherein_o god_n will_v more_o abundant_o to_o show_v unto_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n the_o immutability_n of_o his_o counsel_n confirm_v it_o by_o a_o oath_n which_o he_o certain_o will_v not_o have_v do_v have_v a_o oath_n be_v unlawful_a in_o itself_o for_o that_o have_v be_v to_o comply_v with_o man_n in_o a_o evil_a practice_n and_o by_o his_o own_o example_n to_o give_v countenance_n to_o it_o in_o the_o high_a manner_n but_o though_o god_n condescend_v to_o represent_v himself_o to_o we_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n he_o never_o do_v it_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n evil_a and_o sinful_a three_o from_o the_o great_a usefullness_n of_o oath_n in_o humane_a affair_n to_o give_v credit_n and_o confirmation_n to_o our_o word_n and_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o contestation_n now_o that_o which_o serve_v to_o such_o excellent_a purpose_n and_o be_v so_o convenient_a for_o humane_a society_n and_o for_o mutual_a security_n and_o confidence_n among_o man_n ought_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v presume_v unlawful_a till_o it_o be_v plain_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o every_o thing_n belong_v to_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o have_v the_o least_o appearance_n of_o evil_n in_o it_o there_o be_v sure_o no_o evil_a in_o it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n nor_o as_o it_o be_v a_o appeal_n to_o god_n as_o a_o witness_n and_o avenger_n in_o case_n we_o swear_v false_o nor_o as_o it_o be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o a_o doubtful_a matter_n nor_o as_o it_o put_v a_o end_n to_o strife_n and_o controversy_n and_o these_o be_v all_o the_o essential_a ingredient_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o they_o be_v all_o so_o good_a that_o they_o rather_o commend_v it_o than_o give_v the_o least_o colour_n of_o ground_n to_o condemn_v it_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o 2d_o place_n to_o show_v the_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n whether_o from_o reason_n or_o from_o scripture_n first_o from_o reason_n they_o say_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o want_n of_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n among_o man_n and_o that_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o demean_v himself_o with_o that_o faithfulness_n and_o integrity_n as_o may_v give_v credit_n and_o confirmation_n to_o his_o word_n and_o then_o oath_n will_v be_v needless_a this_o pretence_n will_v be_v full_o answer_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n one_a that_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n no_o other_o obligation_n beside_o that_o of_o a_o oath_n have_v be_v think_v sufficient_a among_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a
ordinary_a communication_n to_o swear_v express_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n but_o lawful_a to_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n as_o by_o heaven_n and_o earth_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v you_o think_v you_o may_v swear_v in_o common_a conversation_n provide_v you_o do_v not_o swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v without_o oath_n of_o any_o kind_n you_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o swear_v by_o heaven_n or_o by_o earth_n because_o god_n be_v virtual_o invoke_v in_o every_o oath_n and_o unless_o we_o suppose_v this_o to_o be_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o good_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o our_o saviour_n shall_v only_o forbid_v they_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n and_o not_o much_o rather_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n such_o oath_n be_v sure_o of_o all_o other_o most_o to_o be_v avoid_v as_o be_v the_o most_o direct_a abuse_n and_o profanation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n second_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a to_o the_o explain_v of_o this_o prohibition_n that_o there_o be_v the_o like_a general_a expression_n in_o other_o jewish_a author_n concern_v this_o very_a matter_n which_o yet_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v thus_o limit_v maimonides_n from_o the_o ancient_a rabbi_n give_v this_o rule_n that_o it_o be_v best_a not_o to_o swear_v at_o all_o and_o philo_n use_v almost_o the_o same_o word_n and_o rabbi_n jonathan_n come_v very_o near_o our_o saviour_n expression_n when_o he_o say_v the_o just_a man_n will_v not_o swear_v at_o all_o not_o so_o much_o as_o by_o the_o common_a name_n of_o god_n nor_o by_o his_o attribute_n nor_o by_o his_o work_n as_o by_o heaven_n or_o the_o angel_n or_o the_o law_n now_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o these_o learned_a jew_n shall_v condemn_v oath_n in_o all_o case_n when_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v in_o many_o case_n express_o require_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o voluntary_a oath_n in_o ordinary_a conversation_n and_o that_o the_o jew_n mean_v this_o by_o not_o swear_v at_o all_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o plain_a from_o a_o passage_n in_o josephus_n who_o say_v that_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o essenes_n forbid_v their_o disciple_n to_o swear_v at_o all_o and_o yet_o he_o tell_v we_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o who_o be_v admit_v into_o that_o sect_n take_v a_o oath_n to_o observe_v the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o it_o so_o that_o they_o who_o forbid_v to_o swear_v at_o all_o allow_v of_o oath_n impose_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o superior_n three_o which_o will_v peremptory_o decide_v this_o matter_n this_o prohibition_n of_o our_o saviour_n can_v be_v understand_v to_o forbid_v all_o oath_n without_o a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o the_o undoubted_a practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o even_o of_o our_o lord_n himself_o origen_n and_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o christian_n refuse_v to_o swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n genius_n not_o because_o it_o be_v a_o oath_n but_o because_o they_o think_v it_o to_o be_v idolatrous_a but_o the_o same_o tertullian_n say_v that_o the_o christian_n be_v willing_a to_o swear_v per_fw-la salutem_fw-la imperatoris_fw-la by_o the_o health_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o emperor_n athanasius_n be_v accuse_v to_o constantius_n purge_v himself_o by_o oath_n and_o desire_v that_o his_o accuser_n may_v be_v put_v to_o his_o oath_n sub_fw-la attestatione_n veritatis_fw-la by_o call_v the_o truth_n to_o witness_v by_o which_o form_n say_v he_o we_o christian_n be_v wont_a to_o swear_v but_o which_o be_v more_o than_o this_o st._n paul_n upon_o weighty_a occasion_n do_v several_a time_n in_o his_o epistle_n call_v god_n to_o witness_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v which_o be_v the_o very_a formality_n of_o a_o oath_n god_n be_v my_o witness_n rom._n 1._o 9_o as_o god_n be_v true_a our_o word_n be_v not_o yea_o and_o nay_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 18._o and_o v_o 23._o i_o call_v god_n for_o a_o record_n upon_o my_o soul_n before_o god_n i_o lie_v not_o gal._n 1._o 20._o god_n be_v my_o record_n philip._n 1._o 8._o god_n be_v my_o witness_n 1_o thess._n 2._o 5._o these_o be_v all_o unquestionable_a oath_n which_o we_o can_v imagine_v st._n paul_n will_v have_v use_v have_v they_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o our_o saviour_n law_n and_o whereas_o some_o defend_v this_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n i_o can_v possible_o see_v how_o this_o mend_v the_o matter_n for_o sure_o it_o be_v very_o inconvenient_a to_o say_v that_o they_o who_o be_v to_o teach_v the_o precept_n of_o christ_n to_o other_o do_v themselves_o break_v they_o by_o inspiration_n but_o i_o go_v yet_o far_o and_o shall_v urge_v a_o example_n beyond_o all_o exception_n our_o saviour_n himself_o who_o sure_o will_v not_o be_v the_o first_o example_n of_o break_v his_o own_o law_n do_v not_o refuse_v to_o answer_v upon_o oath_n be_v call_v thereto_o at_o his_o trial_n so_o we_o find_v matth._n 26._o 63._o the_o high_a priest_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o adjure_v thou_o by_o the_o live_a god_n that_o thou_o tell_v we_o whether_o thou_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o be_v he_o require_v he_o to_o answer_v this_o question_n upon_o oath_n for_o among_o the_o jew_n the_o form_n of_o give_v a_o oath_n to_o witness_n and_o other_o be_v not_o by_o tender_v a_o formal_a oath_n to_o they_o as_o the_o custom_n be_v among_o we_o but_o by_o adjure_v they_o that_o be_v require_v they_o to_o answer_v upon_o oath_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o levit._n 5._o 1._o if_o a_o man_n hear_v the_o voice_n of_o swear_v and_o be_v a_o witness_n whether_o he_o have_v see_v or_o know_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n if_o he_o do_v not_o utter_v it_o than_o he_o shall_v bear_v his_o iniquity_n if_o he_o have_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o swear_v that_o be_v if_o be_v adjure_v or_o demand_v to_o answer_v upon_o oath_n concern_v what_o he_o have_v see_v or_o hear_v he_o do_v not_o utter_v the_o truth_n he_o be_v perjure_v now_o to_o this_o adjuration_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n our_o saviour_n answer_v thou_o have_v say_v which_o word_n be_v not_o a_o avoid_v to_o answer_v as_o some_o have_v think_v but_o a_o direct_a answer_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v it_o be_v as_o thou_o say_v it_o be_v even_o so_o i_o be_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o upon_o this_o answer_n the_o high_a priest_n say_v he_o have_v speak_v blasphemy_n but_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n beyond_o all_o doubt_n st._n mark_n tell_v we_o mark_v 14._o 61._o that_o he_o be_v ask_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n be_v thou_o the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o bless_a he_o answer_v i_o be_o so_o that_o unless_o we_o will_v interpret_v our_o saviour_n doctrine_n contrary_a to_o his_o own_o practice_n we_o can_v understand_v he_o to_o forbid_v all_o oath_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v not_o unlawful_a i_o have_v be_v the_o long_o upon_o this_o that_o i_o may_v give_v clear_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n to_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v it_o as_o for_o the_o ceremony_n in_o use_n among_o we_o in_o the_o take_n of_o oath_n it_o be_v no_o just_a exception_n against_o they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o find_v in_o scripture_n for_o this_o be_v always_o matter_n of_o liberty_n and_o several_a nation_n have_v use_v several_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o their_o oath_n it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o grecian_n to_o swear_v lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o altar_n quod_fw-la sanctissimum_fw-la jusjurandum_fw-la est_fw-la habitum_fw-la say_v 〈◊〉_d gellius_n which_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o most_o sacred_a form_n of_o swear_v the_o roman_n be_v wont_n jupiter_fw-la lapidem_fw-la jurare_fw-la that_o be_v he_o that_o swear_v by_o jupiter_n hold_v a_o flintstone_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o fling_v it_o violent_o from_o he_o with_o these_o word_n si_fw-la sciens_fw-la fallo_fw-la ita_fw-la me_fw-it jupiter_n bonis_fw-la omnibus_fw-la ejiciat_fw-la ut_fw-la ego_fw-la hunc_fw-la lapidem_fw-la if_o i_o know_o falsify_v god_n so_o throw_v i_o out_o of_o all_o my_o possession_n as_o i_o do_v this_o stone_n in_o scripture_n there_o be_v two_o ceremony_n mention_v of_o swear_v one_o of_o put_v the_o hand_n under_o the_o thigh_n of_o he_o to_o who_o the_o oath_n be_v make_v thus_o eliezer_n swear_v to_o abraham_n gen._n 24._o and_o joseph_n to_o jacob_n gen._n 47._o the_o other_o be_v by_o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n to_o heaven_n thus_o abraham_n express_v the_o manner_n of_o a_o oath_n gen._n 14._o 22._o i_o have_v lift_v up_o my_o hand_n to_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o thus_o god_n condescend_v
to_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n express_v himself_o deut._n 32._o 40._o if_o i_o lift_v up_o my_o hand_n to_o heaven_n and_o swear_v in_o allusion_n to_o this_o custom_n the_o psalmist_n describe_v the_o perjure_a person_n psal._n 144._o 8._o who_o mouth_n speak_v vanity_n and_o who_o right_a hand_n be_v a_o right_a hand_n of_o falsehood_n and_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n in_o scripture_n that_o either_o of_o these_o ceremony_n be_v prescribe_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n but_o voluntary_o institute_v and_o take_v up_o by_o man_n and_o thus_o among_o we_o the_o ceremony_n of_o swear_v be_v by_o lay_v the_o hand_n on_o the_o holy_a gospel_n and_o kiss_v the_o book_n which_o be_v both_o very_a solemn_a and_o significant_a and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o this_o solemn_a kind_n of_o oath_n be_v call_v a_o corporal_a oath_n and_o be_v ancient_o so_o call_v because_o the_o sign_n or_o ceremony_n of_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o some_o part_n of_o the_o body_n and_o 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jurejurando_fw-la arctius_fw-la esse_fw-la voluerunt_fw-la say_v tully_n our_o forefather_n have_v no_o strict_a bond_n whereby_o to_o oblige_v the_o faith_n of_o man_n to_o one_o another_o than_o that_o of_o a_o oath_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o in_o the_o comedian_n aliud_fw-la si_fw-la scirem_fw-la qui_fw-la firmare_fw-la meam_fw-la apud_fw-la vos_fw-la possem_fw-la fidem_fw-la sanctius_fw-la quam_fw-la jusjurandum_fw-la id_fw-la pollicerer_fw-la tibi_fw-la if_o i_o know_v any_o thing_n more_o sacred_a than_o a_o oath_n whereby_o to_o confirm_v to_o you_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o say_v i_o will_v make_v use_n of_o it_o i_o will_v crave_v your_o patience_n a_o little_a long_o while_o by_o way_n of_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n i_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o swear_v in_o common_a conversation_n upon_o trivial_a and_o needless_a occasion_n and_o the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o perjury_n 1._o first_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o swear_v upon_o trivial_a and_o needless_a occasion_n in_o common_a conversation_n because_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o solemn_a thing_n and_o reserve_v for_o great_a occasion_n to_o give_v confirmation_n to_o our_o word_n in_o some_o weighty_a matter_n and_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o controversy_n which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v peremptory_o and_o satisfactory_o decide_v and_o therefore_o to_o use_v oath_n upon_o light_a occasion_n argue_v great_a profaneness_n and_o irreverence_n of_o almighty_a god_n so_o ulpian_n the_o great_a roman_a lawyer_n observe_v nonnullos_fw-la esse_fw-la faciles_fw-la ad_fw-la jurandum_fw-la contemptu_fw-la religionis_fw-la that_o man_n proneness_n to_o swear_v come_v from_o a_o contempt_n of_o religion_n than_o which_o nothing_o dispose_v man_n more_o to_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n beside_o that_o it_o do_v many_o time_n surprise_v man_n unaware_o into_o perjury_n and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o when_o man_n use_v to_o interlard_v all_o their_o careless_a talk_n with_o oath_n but_o that_o they_o must_v often_o be_v perjure_v and_o which_o be_v worse_o it_o prepare_v man_n for_o deliberate_a perjury_n for_o with_o those_o who_o be_v accustom_v to_o swear_v upon_o light_a occasion_n a_o oath_n will_v go_v off_o with_o they_o more_o roundly_o about_o weighty_a matter_n from_o a_o common_a custom_n of_o swear_v say_v hierocles_n man_n easy_o slide_v into_o perjury_n therefore_o say_v he_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v perjure_v do_v not_o use_v to_o swear_v and_o this_o perhaps_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o st._n james_n when_o he_o caution_n christian_n so_o vehement_o against_o common_a swear_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o so_o some_o of_o the_o best_a ancient_a copy_n read_v it_o lest_o you_o fall_v into_o hypocrisy_n that_o be_v lest_o you_o lie_v and_o be_v perjure_v by_o use_v yourselves_o to_o rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a swear_n and_o man_n expose_v themselves_o to_o this_o danger_n to_o no_o purpose_n oath_n in_o common_a discourse_n be_v so_o far_o from_o confirm_v a_o man_n word_n that_o with_o wise_a man_n they_o much_o weaken_v it_o for_o common_a swear_n if_o it_o have_v any_o serious_a meaning_n at_o all_o argue_v in_o a_o man_n a_o perpetual_a distrust_n of_o his_o own_o reputation_n and_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n that_o he_o think_v his_o bare_a word_n not_o to_o be_v worthy_a of_o credit_n and_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o adorn_v and_o fill_v a_o man_n discourse_n that_o it_o make_v it_o look_v swell_v and_o bloat_v and_o more_o bold_a and_o bluster_a than_o become_v person_n of_o gentle_a and_o good_a breed_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a incivility_n because_o it_o high_o offend_v and_o grate_v upon_o all_o sober_a and_o considerate_a person_n who_o can_v be_v presume_v with_o any_o manner_n of_o ease_n and_o patience_n to_o hear_v god_n affront_v and_o his_o great_a and_o glorious_a name_n so_o irreverent_o toss_v upon_o every_o slight_a occasion_n and_o it_o be_v no_o excuse_n to_o man_n that_o many_o time_n they_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o not_o observe_v and_o know_v what_o they_o do_v for_o certain_o it_o be_v no_o extenuation_n of_o a_o fault_n that_o a_o man_n have_v get_v the_o habit_n of_o it_o so_o perfect_a that_o he_o commit_v it_o when_o he_o do_v not_o think_v of_o it_o which_o consideration_n shall_v make_v man_n oppose_v the_o beginning_n of_o this_o vice_n lest_o it_o grow_v into_o a_o habit_n very_o hard_o to_o be_v leave_v nemo_fw-la novit_fw-la nisi_fw-la qui_fw-la expertus_fw-la est_fw-la quam_fw-la sit_fw-la difficile_fw-la consuetudinem_fw-la jurandi_fw-la extinguere_fw-la say_v st._n austin_n no_o man_n know_v but_o he_o that_o have_v try_v how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o get_v rid_v of_o this_o custom_n of_o swear_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a man_n may_v do_v it_o by_o resolution_n and_o great_a care_n of_o themselves_o for_o he_o that_o can_v choose_v whether_o he_o will_v speak_v or_o not_o can_v choose_v whether_o he_o will_v swear_v or_o not_o when_o he_o speak_v major_a consuetudo_fw-la majorem_fw-la intentionem_fw-la flagitat_fw-la the_o more_o inveterate_a a_o custom_n be_v the_o great_a care_n shall_v be_v use_v to_o break_v ourselves_o of_o it_o in_o short_a this_o practice_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o so_o plain_a a_o precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o by_o the_o breach_n whereof_o we_o incur_v so_o great_a a_o danger_n as_o st._n james_n assure_v we_o that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o great_a charity_n that_o can_v find_v out_o a_o way_n to_o reconcile_v a_o common_a custom_n of_o swear_v with_o a_o serious_a belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o i_o will_v to_o god_n those_o who_o be_v concern_v will_v serious_o lay_v to_o heart_n especial_o since_o this_o sin_n of_o all_o other_o have_v the_o least_o of_o temptation_n to_o it_o profit_n or_o pleasure_n there_o be_v none_o in_o it_o nor_o any_o thing_n in_o man_n natural_a temper_n to_o incite_v they_o
to_o it_o for_o though_o some_o man_n pour_v out_o oath_n so_o free_o as_o if_o they_o come_v natural_o from_o they_o yet_o sure_o no_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o swear_a constitution_n all_o that_o can_v be_v pretend_v for_o it_o be_v custom_n and_o fashion_n but_o to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v no_o excuse_n it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o it_o be_v particular_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o oath_n and_o perjury_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v that_o caution_n thou_o shall_v not_o follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a and_o last_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o this_o sin_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a because_o of_o the_o frequent_a return_n of_o it_o in_o those_o that_o be_v accustom_v to_o it_o so_o that_o although_o it_o be_v but_o small_a in_o itself_o as_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o the_o frequent_a practice_n of_o this_o sin_n will_v quick_o mount_v it_o up_o to_o a_o great_a score_n 2._o second_o to_o represent_v the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o perjury_n but_o before_o i_o aggravate_v this_o crime_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o let_v man_n know_v how_o many_o way_n they_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o it_o one_a when_o a_o man_n assert_n upon_o oath_n what_o he_o know_v to_o be_v otherwise_o or_o promise_v what_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o perform_v in_o both_o these_o case_n the_o very_a act_n of_o swear_v be_v perjury_n and_o so_o likewise_o when_o a_o man_n promise_v upon_o oath_n to_o do_v that_o which_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o he_o to_o do_v because_o this_o oath_n be_v contrary_a to_o a_o former_a obligation_n 2_o when_o a_o man_n be_v uncertain_a whether_o what_o he_o swear_v to_o be_v true_a this_o likewise_o be_v perjury_n in_o the_o act_n though_o not_o of_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o guilt_n with_o the_o former_a because_o it_o be_v not_o so_o full_o and_o direct_o against_o his_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n for_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o assert_v upon_o oath_n and_o not_o to_o swear_v at_o venture_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v positive_o to_o swear_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o he_o himself_o have_v see_v or_o hear_v this_o be_v the_o high_a assurance_n man_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n in_o like_a manner_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o perjury_n in_o the_o same_o degree_n who_o promise_v upon_o oath_n what_o he_o be_v not_o moral_o and_o reasonable_o certain_a he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o perform_v 3_o they_o be_v likewise_o guilty_a of_o perjury_n who_o do_v not_o use_v great_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n in_o oath_n but_o answer_v aequivocal_o and_o doubtful_o or_o with_o reservation_n of_o something_o in_o their_o mind_n think_v thereby_o to_o salve_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o say_v and_o we_o all_o know_v who_o they_o be_v that_o make_v use_v of_o these_o art_n and_o maintain_v they_o to_o be_v lawful_a to_o the_o infinite_a scandal_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o prejudice_n of_o humane_a society_n by_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o destroy_v all_o faith_n and_o mutual_a confidence_n among_o man_n for_o what_o can_v be_v a_o great_a affront_n to_o god_n than_o to_o use_v his_o name_n to_o deceive_v man_n and_o what_o can_v more_o direct_o overthrow_v the_o great_a end_n and_o use_v of_o oath_n which_o be_v for_o confirmation_n and_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o strife_n whereas_o by_o these_o art_n the_o thing_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o same_o uncertainty_n it_o be_v before_o and_o there_o be_v no_o decision_n of_o it_o for_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o form_n of_o word_n can_v be_v devise_v so_o plain_a as_o not_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o equivocation_n to_o be_v sure_a a_o man_n when_o he_o swear_v may_v always_o reserve_v something_o in_o his_o mind_n which_o will_v quite_o alter_v the_o sense_n of_o what_o ever_o he_o can_v say_v or_o promise_v upon_o oath_n and_o this_o may_v be_v lay_v down_o for_o a_o certain_a rule_n that_o all_o departure_n from_o the_o 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be_v true_a and_o then_o they_o say_v a_o man_n may_v swear_v to_o that_o which_o be_v true_a without_o danger_n of_o perjury_n this_o be_v of_o no_o force_n because_o though_o the_o whole_a proposition_n be_v true_a it_o be_v deceitful_a and_o contrary_a to_o that_o sincerity_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o a_o oath_n and_o the_o end_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v hereby_o likewise_o defeat_v which_o be_v to_o ascertain_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o say_v but_o if_o a_o man_n reserve_v something_o in_o his_o mind_n which_o alter_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v the_o thing_n be_v still_o as_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a as_o it_o be_v before_o beside_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n a_o man_n may_v swear_v with_o reservation_n in_o all_o case_n because_o the_o reason_n equal_o extend_v to_o all_o case_n for_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n as_o make_v up_o of_o what_o be_v express_v in_o word_n and_o reserve_v in_o the_o mind_n will_v excuse_v a_o man_n from_o perjury_n than_o no_o man_n can_v be_v perjure_v that_o swear_v with_o reservation_n but_o this_o the_o casuist_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n do_v not_o allow_v but_o only_o in_o some_o particular_a case_n as_o before_o a_o incompetent_a judge_n or_o the_o like_a for_o they_o see_v well_o enough_o that_o if_o this_o be_v allow_v in_o all_o case_n it_o will_v destroy_v all_o faith_n among_o man_n and_o therefore_o since_o the_o reason_n extend_v alike_o to_o all_o case_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v in_o none_o 4thly_a he_o be_v guilty_a of_o perjury_n after_o the_o act_n who_o have_v a_o real_a intention_n when_o he_o swear_v to_o perform_v what_o he_o promise_v yet_o afterward_o neglect_v to_o do_v it_o not_o for_o want_v of_o power_n for_o so_o long_o as_o that_o continue_v the_o obligation_n cease_v but_o for_o want_v of_o will_n and_o due_a regard_n to_o his_o oath_n now_o that_o perjury_n be_v a_o most_o heinous_a sin_n be_v evident_a because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o so_o plain_a and_o great_a a_o law_n of_o god_n one_o of_o the_o ten_o word_n or_o precept_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n thou_o shall_v not_o take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o vain_a thou_o shall_v not_o bring_v or_o apply_v the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o a_o falsehood_n or_o as_o josephus_n render_v it_o thou_o shall_v not_o adjure_v god_n to_o a_o false_a thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n render_v yet_o more_o plain_o matth._n 5._o 33._o thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o for_o he_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o the_o three_o commandment_n when_o he_o say_v you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o be_v say_v to_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o as_o he_o have_v do_v before_o to_o the_o 6_o and_o seven_o when_o he_o say_v it_o be_v say_v to_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n so_o that_o the_o primary_n if_o not_o the_o sole_a intention_n of_o this_o law_n thou_o shall_v not_o take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o vain_a be_v to_o forbid_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o perjury_n and_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o in_o scripture_n the_o phrase_n of_o take_v god_n name_n in_o vain_a be_v use_v in_o any_o other_o sense_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v certain_o use_v prov._n 30._o 9_o lest_o i_o be_v poor_a and_o steal_v and_o take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n my_o god_n in_o vain_a i._n e._n lest_o poverty_n shall_v tempt_v i_o to_o steal_v and_o stealth_n shall_v engage_v i_o in_o perjury_n for_o among_o the_o jew_n a_o oath_n be_v tender_v to_o he_o that_o be_v suspect_v of_o theft_n as_o appear_v