here_o concern_v to_o forbid_v i_o think_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v short_a of_o that_o might_n at_o least_o be_v fair_o reduce_v to_o the_o design_n of_o this_o place_n i_o have_v indeed_o endeavour_v in_o my_o reflection_n upon_o this_o occasion_n to_o show_v that_o not_o only_o the_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v extend_v to_o all_o these_o but_o that_o his_o very_a expression_n themselves_o may_v be_v so_o interpete_v as_o to_o comprehend_v the_o most_o of_o them_o and_o some_o very_a learned_a man_n there_o be_v who_o have_v according_o give_v we_o such_o a_o account_n of_o them_o but_o as_o i_o will_v not_o make_v myself_o a_o party_n in_o this_o debate_n so_o have_v fair_o represent_v the_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o go_v and_o give_v they_o all_o the_o strength_n that_o i_o conceive_v they_o be_v capable_a of_o i_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o every_o one_o to_o judge_n as_o he_o see_v cause_n to_o do._n only_o as_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o practice_n which_o i_o have_v draw_v from_o my_o remark_n upon_o this_o point_n those_o i_o think_v be_v plain_a and_o secure_a and_o may_v as_o such_o be_v follow_v without_o any_o danger_n or_o scruple_n by_o us._n from_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o saviour_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o our_o conversation_n with_o one_o another_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o reason_n give_v by_o he_o why_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o proceed_v any_o far_o namely_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o these_o come_v of_o evil._n and_o of_o this_o i_o offer_v two_o interpretation_n both_o good_a and_o both_o indifferent_o agree_v with_o his_o word_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o the_o original_a and_o i_o think_v it_o better_o for_o i_o to_o take_v both_o than_o to_o prefer_v that_o which_o our_o own_o interpreter_n seem_v rather_o to_o have_v approve_v of_o that_o so_o i_o may_v the_o more_o clear_o show_v upon_o what_o just_a ground_n this_o assertion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v found_v and_o what_o good_a reason_n he_o have_v to_o require_v we_o to_o manage_v our_o conversation_n according_a to_o those_o measure_n he_o have_v before_o prescribe_v to_o us._n have_v thus_o go_v through_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n upon_o this_o subject_a v._n i_o conclude_v all_o with_o two_o far_a consideration_n the_o better_a to_o improve_v what_o i_o have_v before_o offer_v and_o to_o reduce_v the_o whole_a to_o practice_n in_o the_o former_a of_o which_o i_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o great_a increase_n which_o have_v in_o these_o latter_a time_n be_v make_v of_o both_o the_o sin_n forbid_v by_o our_o saviour_n on_o this_o occasion_n viz._n both_o of_o false_a and_o of_o vain-swearing_a and_o have_v do_v this_o i_o in_o the_o next_o place_n take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o lay_v down_o such_o general_n direction_n as_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a under_o our_o present_a circumstance_n to_o draw_v man_n off_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o both_o and_o though_o here_o as_o indeed_o throughout_o this_o whole_a treatise_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v my_o reflection_n into_o as_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a without_o either_o fall_n into_o obscurity_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o omit_v what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o on_o the_o other_o yet_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v lay_v down_o such_o general_n rule_v as_o be_v careful_o apply_v may_v suffice_v to_o serve_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o most_o of_o those_o who_o shall_v need_v either_o direction_n or_o satisfaction_n as_o to_o these_o matter_n as_o for_o the_o composure_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n it_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o i_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o and_o as_o the_o first_o design_n i_o have_v in_o compose_v of_o they_o require_v it_o to_o be_v but_o because_o it_o may_v now_o be_v expect_v that_o i_o shall_v answer_v for_o the_o ground_n of_o my_o assertion_n and_o give_v some_o account_n upon_o what_o reason_n i_o build_v they_o i_o have_v therefore_o take_v care_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o who_o be_v more_o learned_a to_o add_v all_o along_o such_o observation_n as_o shall_v i_o trust_v he_o sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v i_o from_o have_v either_o in_o my_o interpretation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n or_o in_o my_o deduction_n from_o it_o advance_v any_o thing_n without_o some_o tolerable_a reason_n and_o seldom_o without_o some_o good_a authority_n also_o for_o my_o do_v of_o it_o if_o after_o all_o it_o shall_v be_v ask_v how_o i_o come_v to_o publish_v my_o reflection_n upon_o this_o subject_a i_o shall_v only_o add_v thus_o much_o to_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v that_o as_o i_o first_o compose_v these_o discourse_n out_o of_o a_o just_a respect_n to_o the_o public_a authority_n and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o those_o who_o god_n have_v commit_v to_o my_o charge_n so_o be_v persuade_v that_o what_o be_v i_o hope_v not_o un_fw-fr useful_o hear_v once_o may_v be_v more_o profitable_o read_v and_o consider_v again_o and_o reach_v many_o from_o the_o press_n who_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o i_o to_o instruct_v from_o the_o pulpit_n and_o have_v never_o meet_v with_o any_o original_a treatise_n in_o our_o own_o language_n that_o have_v so_o particular_o handle_v this_o whole_a argument_n i_o be_v willing_a to_o contribute_v my_o part_n towards_o the_o reform_n of_o a_o vice_n which_o our_o law_n have_v take_v so_o worthy_a a_o care_n to_o suppress_v this_o be_v the_o motive_n that_o first_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o publish_v of_o these_o plain_a discourse_n and_o i_o hope_v through_o god_n blessing_n they_o may_v not_o be_v altogether_o unprofitable_a to_o this_o end_n thus_o much_o i_o dare_v say_v in_o behalf_n of_o they_o that_o to_o the_o pious_a and_o unprejudiced_a they_o will_v offer_v reason_n enough_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n as_o to_o these_o matter_n and_o for_o those_o who_o be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o hope_v by_o any_o argument_n whatsoever_o to_o reclaim_v them_o the_o genuine_a epistle_n of_o st._n barnabas_n st._n ignatius_n st._n clement_n st._n polycarp_n the_o shepherd_n of_o hermas_n and_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o st._n ignatius_n and_o st._n polycarp_n translate_v and_o publish_v with_o a_o large_a preliminary_n discourse_n by_o w._n wake_n d._n d._n 8_o o._n sell_v by_o r._n sare_n at_o grays-inn-gate_n in_o holbron_n the_o content_n chap._n i._n in_o which_o it_o be_v brief_o show_v how_o the_o case_n of_o swear_v stand_v with_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n page_n 1_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n it_o have_v be_v say_v by_o they_o of_o old_a time_n brief_o hint_v at_o and_o a_o enquiry_n make_v into_o the_o prohibition_n of_o our_o saviour_n thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o etc._n etc._n §_o 1_o 2_o 3._o the_o state_n of_o this_o matter_n under_o the_o law_n deliver_v in_o four_o particular_n p._n 4._o 1._o that_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o general_n allow_v to_o swear_v §_o 4_o 5._o but_o yet_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v to_o swear_v only_o by_o god_n name_n §_o 6._o etc._n etc._n 3._o nor_o by_o god_n name_n on_o every_o light_n or_o frivolous_a occasion_n nor_o particular_o in_o their_o common_a conversation_n with_o one_o anothor_n §_o 10_o etc._n etc._n 4._o much_o less_o false_o which_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n they_o be_v require_v to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o §_o 12._o chap._n ii_o wherein_o be_v consider_v what_o perjury_n be_v and_o how_o many_o way_n it_o may_v be_v commit_v and_o some_o reflection_n be_v offer_v to_o show_v the_o particular_a heinousness_n and_o malignity_n of_o it_o p._n 13._o oath_n be_v of_o two_o kind_n assertory_n and_o promissory_a and_o perjury_n may_v be_v divers_a way_n commit_v in_o each_o of_o them_o §_o 1._o i._o in_o a_o assertory_n oath_n by_o swear_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o either_o certain_o know_v to_o be_v false_a or_o do_v not_o know_v to_o be_v true_a §_o 3._o by_o prevaricate_a in_o any_o considerable_a circumstance_n of_o what_o we_o swear_v to_o of_o which_o several_a instance_n be_v offer_v §_o 5._o ii_o in_o a_o promissory_a oath_n p._n 17._o he_o forswear_v himself_o who_o promise_v to_o do_v that_o which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o perform_v §_o 7._o or_o to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o know_v he_o can_v perform_v §_o 8._o or_o which_o he_o know_v he_o ought_v not_o to_o do._n §_o 10._o or_o to_o act_n contrary_a to_o what_o he_o have_v before_o swear_v to_o do_v §_o 12._o he_o forswear_v himself_o who_o have_v swear_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n afterward_o neglect_v to_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n §_o 14._o what_o thing_n be_v require_v in_o all_o
now_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o may_v be_v require_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o confirm_v may_v relate_v either_o to_o what_o be_v past_a or_o present_v as_o when_o we_o affirm_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v or_o not_o to_o be_v to_o have_v be_v do_v or_o not_o do_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o with_o such_o circumstance_n or_o otherwise_o or_o it_o may_v relate_v to_o somewhat_o yet_o to_o come_v as_o when_o we_o oblige_v ourselves_o to_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n or_o not_o to_o do_v it_o and_o that_o under_o such_o certain_a condition_n or_o without_o they_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o engagement_n shall_v chance_v to_o be_v the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v usual_o call_v a_o assertory_n the_o latter_a a_o promissory_a oath_n and_o because_o a_o man_n may_v divers_a way_n forswear_v himself_o in_o each_o of_o these_o if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o due_a care_n to_o prevent_v it_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o i_o distinct_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o general_a way_n by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v most_o likely_a to_o contract_v such_o a_o gild_n in_o either_o of_o them_o 3._o first_o then_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o assertory_n oath_n he_o forswear_v himself_o who_o swear_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o fact_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o either_o certain_o know_v to_o be_v false_a or_o do_v not_o know_v to_o be_v true_a as_o for_o example_n that_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o such_o or_o such_o a_o person_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o either_o know_v that_o person_n do_v not_o do_v or_o have_v no_o sufficient_a evidence_n to_o move_v he_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o do_v do._n for_o this_o be_v a_o downright_a lie_n in_o the_o assertion_n must_v needs_o become_v a_o perjury_n by_o the_o addition_n of_o a_o oath_n to_o it_o 4._o and_o here_o it_o matter_n not_o whether_o a_o man_n certain_o know_v what_o he_o swear_v to_o be_v false_a it_o be_v enough_o that_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a nay_o or_o shall_v it_o happen_v to_o be_v true_a yet_o if_o he_o think_v it_o to_o have_v be_v otherwise_o and_o yet_o swear_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o he_o forswear_v himself_o nor_o will_v his_o mistake_n at_o all_o contribute_v to_o the_o excuse_v of_o his_o perjury_n before_o god_n 5._o again_o a_o man_n may_v forswear_v himself_o not_o only_o by_o swear_v that_o which_o be_v altogether_o untrue_a but_o by_o prevaricate_a in_o any_o the_o least_o circumstance_n of_o what_o he_o deliver_v and_o confirm_v with_o a_o oath_n as_o for_o instance_n *_o if_o he_o swear_v to_o a_o matter_n as_o certain_a of_o which_o he_o have_v only_o a_o probable_a assurance_n *_o if_o he_o affirm_v that_o upon_o his_o own_o knowledge_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v only_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o some_o other_o *_o if_o he_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o what_o he_o relate_v or_o willing_o conceal_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v give_v light_n or_o weight_n to_o or_o in_o any_o other_o circumstance_n notable_o affect_v the_o point_n to_o which_o he_o swear_v in_o all_o these_o and_o the_o like_a case_n he_o who_o know_o and_o design_o prevaricate_v or_o otherwise_o depart_v but_o in_o the_o least_o tittle_n from_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o deliver_v forswear_v himself_o though_o what_o he_o say_v shall_v in_o the_o main_a be_v never_o so_o true_a 6._o in_o short_a he_o who_o will_v swear_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o any_o oath_n of_o this_o kind_n must_v first_o due_o consider_v what_o he_o be_v about_o to_o say_v and_o then_o must_v proceed_v according_a to_o the_o strict_a measure_n of_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n in_o it_o he_o must_v neither_o add_v to_o nor_o diminish_v from_o what_o he_o know_v to_o be_v the_o truth_n must_v deliver_v what_o be_v certain_a as_o certain_a what_o be_v doubtful_a as_o doubtful_a what_o he_o know_v himself_o as_o upon_o his_o own_o knowledge_n what_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o other_o as_o receive_v from_o they_o and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o he_o shall_v not_o forswear_v himself_o 7._o as_o for_o the_o other_o kind_n of_o oath_n second_o those_o which_o relate_v to_o somewhat_o yet_o to_o come_v he_o be_v to_o be_v account_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o forswear_v himself_o who_o promise_v upon_o his_o oath_n to_o do_v that_o which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o resolve_v not_o to_o perform_v as_o for_o example_n that_o he_o will_v meet_v a_o man_n in_o a_o certain_a place_n where_o yet_o he_o intend_v not_o to_o meet_v he_o or_o that_o he_o will_v do_v he_o such_o a_o kindness_n which_o he_o resolve_v all_o the_o while_n not_o to_o do_v for_o he_o 8._o and_o because_o no_o one_o can_v be_v suppose_v real_o to_o intend_v to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o know_v beforehand_o he_o can_v do_v therefore_o second_o he_o who_o swear_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v apparent_o beyond_o his_o ability_n and_o which_o he_o can_v but_o be_v sensible_a be_v so_o must_v be_v reckon_v to_o fall_v under_o the_o same_o guilt_n and_o to_o forswear_v himself_o as_o effectual_o as_o if_o he_o have_v direct_o intend_v not_o to_o perform_v what_o he_o oblige_v himself_o to_o do_v 9_o thus_o if_o a_o trader_n who_o be_v not_o worth_a a_o hundred_o pound_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o know_v which_o way_n to_o find_v credit_n to_o raise_v such_o a_o sum_n shall_v yet_o to_o overreach_v another_o who_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o his_o concern_v and_o to_o gain_v some_o present_a advantage_n to_o himself_o by_o it_o swear_v upon_o a_o certain_a day_n to_o pay_v he_o five_o hundred_o and_o fail_v of_o fulfil_v it_o he_o must_v be_v look_v upon_o to_o have_v be_v forswear_v not_o only_o after_o such_o his_o failure_n but_o from_o the_o very_a first_o minute_n that_o he_o swear_v to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o know_v it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o perform_v nay_o though_o by_o some_o lucky_a accident_n which_o he_o do_v not_o foresee_v he_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n and_o according_o fulfil_v it_o yet_o will_v not_o this_o clear_v he_o of_o have_v swear_v false_o at_o the_o time_n that_o he_o make_v his_o oath_n because_o at_o that_o time_n he_o have_v no_o prospect_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a nor_o can_v by_o consequence_n real_o intend_v to_o be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n 10._o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o will_v follow_v far_o three_o that_o if_o a_o man_n swear_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o he_o to_o do_v he_o forswear_v himself_o though_o at_o that_o time_n he_o shall_v intend_v to_o fulfil_v it_o because_o by_o so_o do_v he_o oblige_v himself_o to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o know_v he_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v nor_o if_o he_o mean_v to_o behave_v himself_o like_o a_o good_a man_n must_v presume_v to_o perform_v 11._o indeed_o as_o to_o these_o two_o last_o instance_n if_o the_o promise_v so_o swear_v to_o as_o i_o have_v suppose_v have_v neither_o any_o know_a impossibility_n in_o it_o nor_o be_v unlawful_a to_o be_v fulfil_v at_o the_o time_n when_o the_o oath_n be_v make_v but_o by_o some_o follow_a accident_n become_v either_o impossible_a or_o unlawful_a before_o the_o time_n in_o which_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v accomplish_v in_o this_o case_n the_o person_n who_o swear_v will_v have_v do_v nothing_o amiss_o nor_o be_v otherwise_o oblige_v by_o his_o oath_n for_o the_o present_a than_o to_o perform_v what_o he_o promise_v as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v yet_o able_a and_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o do_v it_o but_o if_o in_o process_n of_o time_n these_o impediment_n shall_v be_v remove_v and_o the_o obligation_n of_o his_o oath_n still_o continue_v in_o force_n then_o he_o will_v from_o thenceforth_o become_v engage_v to_o a_o complete_a performance_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o forswear_v himself_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v or_o refuse_v the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o 12._o by_o consequence_n four_o he_o who_o swear_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o what_o he_o have_v before_o swear_v to_o do_v his_o former_a oath_n still_o continue_v to_o oblige_v must_v swear_v false_o and_o put_v himself_o under_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o be_v forswear_v because_o in_o this_o case_n either_o he_o must_v keep_v his_o latter_a oath_n and_o then_o he_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o perjury_n by_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o former_a obligation_n or_o he_o must_v stand_v to_o his_o first_o engagement_n and_o by_o so_o do_v act_n contrary_a to_o his_o second_o oath_n 13._o and_o this_o i_o say_v suppose_v the_o former_a oath_n still_o to_o continue_v to_o oblige_v for_o otherwise_o if_o the_o oath_n
first_o make_v be_v either_o in_o itself_o unlawful_a and_o as_o such_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o no_o force_n or_o if_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o such_o circumstance_n as_o render_v it_o valid_a only_o for_o a_o certain_a time_n and_o under_o some_o certain_a condition_n and_o either_o that_o time_n be_v pass_v or_o those_o circumstance_n be_v alter_v and_o so_o the_o reason_n and_o foundation_n of_o the_o oath_n cease_v the_o obligation_n of_o it_o cease_v together_o with_o they_o in_o all_o these_o case_n the_o latter_a oath_n will_v be_v never_o the_o less_o lawful_a to_o be_v take_v for_o its_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o a_o former_a which_o either_o never_o do_v oblige_v at_o all_o or_o the_o obligation_n of_o which_o be_v evident_o expire_v before_o the_o take_n of_o the_o other_o 14._o but_o five_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v promise_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o be_v both_o able_a to_o perform_v and_o may_v lawful_o fulfil_v and_o shall_v true_o intend_v when_o he_o swear_v to_o it_o to_o act_n according_a to_o his_o oath_n yet_o if_o he_o shall_v afterward_o change_v his_o mind_n or_o by_o any_o culpable_a neglect_n omit_v to_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n or_o render_v himself_o uncapable_a of_o do_v it_o in_o all_o these_o case_n he_o will_v become_v perjure_v by_o such_o his_o omission_n not_o indeed_o from_o the_o time_n that_o he_o take_v the_o oath_n but_o from_o the_o time_n that_o he_o shall_v and_o but_o for_o his_o own_o fault_n may_v have_v perform_v it_o 15._o and_o this_o i_o say_v suppose_v that_o the_o oath_n be_v neither_o obtain_v by_o any_o such_o force_n or_o fraud_n as_o render_v it_o void_a from_o the_o beginning_n and_o that_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v and_o who_o be_v alone_o concern_v in_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o do_v expect_v and_o insist_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o for_o otherwise_o if_o either_o the_o oath_n be_v void_a from_o the_o beginning_n and_o do_v never_o oblige_v at_o all_o or_o if_o he_o to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v and_o for_o who_o security_n it_o be_v take_v shall_v think_v fit_a to_o release_v it_o in_o this_o case_n the_o person_n who_o take_v the_o oath_n will_v become_v clear_a of_o all_o obligation_n by_o it_o and_o not_o be_v forswear_v though_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o fulfil_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o do_v 16._o it_o will_v i_o presume_v be_v needless_a for_o i_o to_o add_v sixthly_a that_o he_o who_o will_v keep_v himself_o from_o swear_v false_o must_v deal_v clear_o and_o open_o in_o all_o that_o he_o swear_v unto_o *_o must_v intend_v to_o be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o common_a and_o natural_a import_n of_o the_o word_n in_o which_o he_o swear_v *_o must_v use_v no_o equivocation_n no_o mental-reservation_n whereby_o to_o impose_v upon_o those_o to_o who_o he_o swear_v but_o must_v account_v himself_o oblige_v to_o do_v according_a as_o his_o word_n and_o action_n declare_v and_o not_o think_v to_o escape_v with_o his_o iii._o pretence_n who_o swear_v with_o his_o tongue_n but_o keep_v his_o mind_n free_a from_o be_v oblige_v by_o it_o because_o all_o these_o be_v in_o truth_n such_o manifest_a prevarication_n so_o opposite_a to_o the_o fairness_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o a_o honest_a man_n that_o a_o man_n must_v be_v desperate_o delude_v indeed_o before_o he_o can_v think_v that_o he_o may_v escape_v the_o guilt_n of_o perjury_n by_o such_o mean_n 17._o i_o will_v rather_o observe_v this_o one_o thing_n far_o and_o which_o indifferent_o respect_v both_o the_o kind_n of_o oath_n i_o have_v now_o mention_v that_o as_o in_o all_o these_o case_n he_o who_o neglect_v to_o acquit_v himself_o according_a to_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o what_o he_o swear_v forswear_v himself_o so_o if_o he_o shall_v by_o any_o mean_v know_o and_o purposely_o seduce_v persuade_v affright_v or_o otherwise_o tamper_v with_o any_o other_o person_n to_o forswear_v himself_o he_o will_v by_o his_o so_o do_v become_v partaker_n in_o the_o perjury_n and_o render_v himself_o even_o more_o guilty_a than_o he_o who_o by_o his_o encouragement_n or_o instigation_n forswear_v himself_o 18._o nay_o far_o pressit_fw-la he_o who_o exact_v a_o oath_n of_o another_o whereby_o he_o either_o certain_o know_v or_o may_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o the_o person_n of_o who_o he_o require_v it_o will_v forswear_v himself_o do_v by_o that_o mean_n if_o not_o involve_v himself_o in_o a_o equal_a guilt_n yet_o render_v himself_o not_o much_o less_o criminal_a than_o he_o who_o commit_v the_o perjury_n and_o must_v expect_v to_o render_v a_o account_n not_o only_o for_o the_o dishonour_n which_o thereby_o be_v do_v to_o god_n but_o also_o for_o his_o vncharitableness_n towards_o his_o neighbour_n soul_n 19_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o may_v appear_v what_o it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o forswear_v himself_o and_o how_o many_o way_n he_o may_v be_v liable_a so_o to_o do_v i_o proceed_v two_o to_o offer_v some_o reflection_n to_o show_v wherein_o the_o peculiar_a malignity_n of_o this_o sin_n do_v consist_v 20._o now_o that_o will_v appear_v from_o this_o one_o plain_a observation_n and_o which_o no_o one_o who_o understand_v what_o a_o oath_n be_v can_v make_v any_o doubt_n of_o namely_o that_o he_o who_o forswear_v himself_o do_v thereby_o not_o only_o in_o a_o most_o desperate_a manner_n *_o affront_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o *_o wound_n his_o own_o soul_n but_o do_v moreover_o *_o render_v himself_o criminal_a towards_o his_o neighbour_n also_o and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v *_o declare_v himself_o a_o common_a enemy_n to_o mankind_n 21._o for_o one_a as_o to_o what_o concern_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n what_o can_v strike_v more_o direct_o at_o that_o than_o this_o sin_n of_o perjury_n when_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o only_o presume_v to_o lie_v and_o cheat_n and_o abuse_v his_o neighbour_n but_o the_o better_a to_o accomplish_v all_o this_o wickedness_n shall_v dare_v even_o to_o appeal_v to_o god_n for_o his_o integrity_n and_o by_o so_o do_v endeavour_n to_o intitule_fw-la he_o who_o be_v truth_n its_o self_n to_o a_o part_n in_o his_o sin_n as_o if_o he_o will_v approve_v of_o his_o villainy_n and_o become_v in_o some_o measure_n confederate_a with_o he_o in_o his_o impiety_n 22._o this_o be_v the_o true_a mean_v of_o every_o wilful_a perjury_n and_o then_o i_o need_v not_o say_v what_o a_o complication_n of_o gild_n and_o impudence_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o it_o 23._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n with_o respect_n to_o man_n the_o least_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wilful_a deliberate_a imposition_n upon_o the_o candour_n and_o sincerity_n of_o he_o to_o who_o we_o swear_v which_o sure_o must_v be_v one_o of_o the_o base_a and_o most_o disingenuous_a practice_n in_o the_o world_n 24._o and_o as_o for_o the_o design_n of_o it_o that_o be_v usual_o not_o at_o all_o less_o sinful_a than_o the_o mean_n that_o be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o whilst_o the_o person_n to_o who_o we_o swear_v be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v deceive_v but_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o deceit_n be_v to_o be_v injure_v in_o his_o estate_n his_o reputation_n nay_o or_o it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o very_a life_n itself_o 25._o and_o this_o god_n know_v be_v bad_a enough_o be_v the_o sin_n to_o end_v here_o but_o that_o it_o do_v not_o it_o proceed_v still_o far_o whilst_o for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o vile_a purpose_n the_o false_a swearer_n do_v not_o only_o not_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n but_o fly_v in_o the_o very_a face_n of_o it_o and_o recurr_n to_o god_n both_o for_o the_o countenance_n of_o his_o treachery_n and_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o lie_n by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v about_o 26._o now_o he_o who_o can_v be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o do_v this_o must_v either_o not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o god_n at_o all_o or_o he_o must_v disclaim_v his_o knowledge_n of_o and_o concern_v for_o what_o be_v do_v here_o below_o or_o if_o he_o confess_v both_o these_o he_o must_v then_o be_v conclude_v to_o defy_v his_o vengeance_n for_o i_o can_v suppose_v any_o one_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o so_o far_o mistake_v the_o divine_a nature_n as_o to_o think_v that_o a_o god_n of_o truth_n will_v either_o endure_v to_o be_v make_v a_o party_n to_o what_o be_v false_a or_o not_o avenge_v himself_o on_o that_o man_n who_o shall_v presume_v so_o to_o do_v 27._o such_o therefore_o be_v the_o malignity_n of_o this_o sin_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o god_n nor_o be_v it_o two_o
any_o less_o as_o it_o respect_v ourselves_o 28._o for_o proof_n whereof_o i_o must_v observe_v that_o in_o every_o oath_n god_n be_v appeal_v unto_o not_o only_o as_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o say_v but_o as_o a_o most_o just_a and_o powerful_a judge_n too_o to_o punish_v we_o for_o our_o falsehood_n if_o it_o be_v not_o 29._o this_o be_v so_o essential_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n that_o without_o it_o all_o the_o security_n of_o such_o a_o appeal_n will_v be_v quite_o lose_v and_o the_o design_n of_o swear_v overthrow_v for_o what_o reason_n will_v any_o one_o have_v to_o believe_v another_o upon_o his_o oath_n more_o than_o upon_o his_o bare_a word_n but_o that_o both_o he_o who_o swear_v and_o he_o to_o who_o the_o oath_n be_v make_v do_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v thereby_o make_v the_o surety_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v and_o will_v avenge_v both_o himself_o first_o and_o then_o the_o person_n who_o trust_n be_v by_o this_o mean_n deceive_v upon_o that_o man_n who_o shall_v be_v so_o presumptuous_a as_o by_o swear_v false_o to_o abuse_v both_o 30._o now_o this_o be_v grant_v and_o which_o without_o destroy_v all_o the_o benefit_n and_o intention_n of_o a_o oath_n can_v be_v deny_v it_o must_v follow_v that_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o sin_n by_o which_o a_o man_n do_v so_o direct_o wound_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o cut_v himself_o off_o from_o all_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n as_o by_o this_o because_o in_o this_o sin_n a_o man_n give_v up_o all_o claim_n to_o god_n mercy_n nay_o more_o desire_v god_n so_o to_o deal_v with_o he_o as_o what_o he_o say_v be_v true_a that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n to_o damn_v he_o if_o it_o be_v not_o and_o what_o can_v he_o who_o have_v do_v this_o pretend_v to_o or_o even_o hope_v for_o at_o god_n hand_n who_o have_v already_o give_v verdict_n against_o himself_o and_o with_o his_o own_o mouth_n pronounce_v or_o rather_o choose_v his_o own_o doom_n 31._o and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o have_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o terrible_a clause_n in_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o three_o commandment_n the_o like_a whereof_o we_o do_v not_o meet_v with_o in_o any_o other_o nor_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v add_v to_o this_o without_o some_o peculiar_a design_n in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o 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 for_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a that_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a he_o will_v not_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a that_o be_v he_o will_v not_o forgive_v he_o will_v not_o treat_v he_o with_o that_o favour_n he_o will_v do_v other_o sinner_n but_o will_v look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o guilty_a condemn_a malefactor_n one_o who_o his_o own_o mouth_n have_v convict_v and_o will_v punish_v he_o according_o 32._o such_o be_v the_o danger_n to_o which_o every_o perjury_n a_o man_n commit_v expose_v his_o immortal_a soul_n and_o if_o we_o may_v estimate_v the_o heinousness_n of_o any_o sin_n by_o the_o hatred_n which_o god_n bear_v to_o it_o we_o must_v then_o conclude_v this_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o grievous_a of_o any_o as_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v of_o all_o other_o in_o a_o singular_a manner_n odious_a to_o god_n and_o destructive_a of_o our_o salvation_n 33._o i_o add_v three_o that_o it_o be_v above_o any_o other_o sin_n the_o most_o injurious_a to_o mankind_n as_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o security_n of_o the_o world_n 34._o i_o have_v already_o observe_v that_o the_o general_a cause_n which_o move_v any_o one_o to_o forswear_v himself_o be_v either_o to_o gratify_v his_o own_o lust_n or_o to_o promote_v his_o interest_n though_o at_o the_o cost_n of_o his_o neighbour_n welfare_n and_o i_o believe_v whosoever_o shall_v consider_v the_o main_a instance_n wherein_o this_o sin_n be_v usual_o commit_v will_v find_v that_o i_o be_v not_o mistake_v in_o my_o judgement_n of_o it_o 35._o but_o the_o evil_a do_v not_o stop_v here_o but_o often_o time_n affect_v the_o public_a as_o well_o as_o violate_v man_n private_a right_n such_o be_v all_o those_o perjury_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o justice_n and_o by_o mean_n of_o which_o either_o honest_a man_n be_v condemn_v or_o evil-doer_n be_v acquit_v and_o the_o minister_n of_o justice_n be_v make_v the_o instrument_n of_o vnrighteousness_n and_o all_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n be_v render_v not_o only_o vseless_a but_o even_o hurtful_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n 36._o and_o thus_o far_o every_o single_a act_n of_o perjury_n be_v a_o offence_n against_o man_n as_o well_o as_o a_o sin_n against_o god_n but_o now_o if_o we_o shall_v consider_v the_o nature_n and_o tendency_n of_o such_o a_o practice_n in_o the_o general_a and_o reason_n upon_o the_o proper_a and_o natural_a effect_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o common_a abuse_n of_o mankind_n destructive_a of_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o which_o be_v allow_v of_o must_v tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o all_o peace_n and_o right_o and_o property_n in_o the_o world_n 37._o and_o that_o i_o thus_o prove_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o society_n and_o without_o which_o no_o affair_n of_o life_n can_v be_v transact_v be_v that_o common_a trust_n and_o confidence_n which_o man_n natural_o have_v in_o one_o another_o without_o this_o no_o state_n no_o community_n though_o never_o so_o small_a not_o a_o private_a family_n can_v subsist_v there_o can_v be_v no_o deal_n with_o nor_o dependence_n upon_o one_o another_o every_o man_n must_v become_v afraid_a of_o his_o neighbour_n and_o not_o account_v his_o good_n or_o even_o his_o life_n itself_o any_o long_o his_o own_o than_o he_o can_v guard_v they_o against_o the_o cunning_a or_o force_n of_o the_o next_o man_n he_o meet_v and_o who_o for_o aught_o he_o know_v may_v design_v to_o rob_v he_o of_o both_o 38._o which_o be_v so_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o whatsoever_o do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o overthrow_n this_o trust_n between_o man_n and_o man_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o crime_n against_o humane_a society_n because_o it_o natural_o lead_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o it_o 39_o now_o that_o perjury_n in_o the_o most_o outrageous_a manner_n do_v inasmuch_o as_o it_o violate_v the_o strong_a security_n that_o one_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o give_v to_o another_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n and_o therefore_o the_o false_a swearer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o deserve_v any_o favour_n of_o man_n that_o be_v he_o deal_v with_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v he_o shall_v be_v account_v to_o have_v forfeit_v all_o right_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o society_n shall_v be_v treat_v as_o a_o kind_n of_o outlaw_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n a_o enemy_n to_o truth_n and_o justice_n to_o peace_n and_o property_n and_o no_o long_o under_o the_o protection_n of_o those_o law_n by_o which_o other_o be_v preserve_v in_o their_o right_n and_o liberties_n 40._o and_o now_o when_o such_o be_v the_o apparent_a malignity_n of_o this_o sin_n that_o it_o render_v man_n not_o only_o obnoxious_a to_o god_n vengeance_n but_o even_o uncapable_a of_o his_o mercy_n and_o as_o if_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o resentment_n of_o mankind_n too_o one_o will_v think_v nothing_o more_o can_v be_v desire_v to_o draw_v man_n off_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o a_o vice_n as_o at_o once_o bespeak_v they_o unworthy_a to_o live_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o without_o a_o very_a extraordinary_a repentance_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o shut_v they_o out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 41._o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o matter_n of_o very_a sad_a consideration_n to_o think_v that_o under_o so_o pure_a and_o holy_a so_o just_a and_o sincere_a a_o institution_n as_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n there_o shall_v be_v any_o need_n either_o of_o lay_v down_o any_o rule_n for_o the_o prevention_n of_o such_o a_o sin_n or_o of_o use_v any_o argument_n to_o draw_v man_n off_o from_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o but_o alas_o experience_n show_v that_o there_o be_v at_o this_o day_n but_o too_o much_o need_n of_o both_o and_o that_o after_o all_o which_o either_o the_o command_n of_o god_n or_o the_o law_n of_o man_n have_v be_v able_a to_o do_v for_o the_o suppression_n of_o it_o yet_o by_o reason_n of_o false-swearing_a not_o only_a man_n soul_n suffer_v but_o our_o very_a land_n its_o self_n mourn_v 42._o i_o shall_v conclude_v these_o reflection_n with_o the_o same_o exhortation_n that_o the_o prophet_n zachary_n heretofore_o make_v to_o the_o jew_n under_o much_o the_o same_o circumstance_n with_o we_o at_o
time_n we_o ourselves_o lay_v our_o hand_n on_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o have_v first_o conceive_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o oath_n conclude_v with_o this_o form_n so_o help_v i_o god_n and_o the_o content_n of_o this_o book_n we_o as_o real_o swear_v by_o god_n alone_o as_o if_o we_o have_v altogether_o stop_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o our_o appeal_n or_o only_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n god_n be_v my_o witness_n 50._o in_o all_o these_o case_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o we_o make_v it_o plain_a that_o we_o refer_v to_o god_n and_o to_o he_o only_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o speak_v and_o then_o howsoever_o our_o word_n may_v run_v the_o oath_n will_v still_o be_v understand_v to_o terminate_v in_o he_o alone_o 51._o i_o say_v to_o god_n only_a because_o otherwise_o though_o we_o shall_v swear_v express_o by_o god_n yet_o if_o we_o shall_v join_v any_o other_o together_o with_o he_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v sometime_o heretofore_o and_o as_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v notorious_o at_o this_o day_n in_o such_o a_o case_n our_o oath_n will_v again_o be_v faulty_a and_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o very_a manner_n of_o our_o swear_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o sin_n but_o little_o less_o criminal_a than_o that_o of_o perjury_n its_o self_n 52._o and_o thus_o have_v i_o offer_v to_o you_o such_o consideration_n as_o seem_v necessary_a to_o show_v what_o that_o swear_v be_v which_o our_o saviour_n have_v true_o forbid_v under_o the_o gospel_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o point_n with_o those_o word_n of_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n ecclus._n xxiii_o 9_o accustom_v not_o thy_o mouth_n to_o swear_v neither_o use_v thy_o self_n to_o the_o name_v of_o the_o holy_a one._n for_o as_o a_o servant_n that_o be_v continual_o beat_v shall_v not_o be_v without_o a_o blew-mark_a so_o he_o that_o swear_v and_o name_n god_n continual_o shall_v not_o be_v faultless_a he_o that_o use_v much_o swear_v shall_v be_v fill_v with_o iniquity_n and_o the_o plague_n shall_v never_o depart_v from_o his_o house_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o several_a way_n of_o confirm_v what_o be_v speak_v or_o promise_v under_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o oath_n how_o far_o they_o may_v be_v make_v use_v of_o in_o man_n private_a conversation_n and_o for_o what_o reason_n it_o be_v not_o fit_v that_o man_n shall_v have_v be_v allow_v to_o go_v any_o far_o nay_o 1._o have_v now_o show_v from_o the_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n how_o careful_a a_o good_a christian_n ought_v to_o be_v not_o only_o not_o to_o forswear_v himself_o but_o as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v able_a not_o to_o swear_v at_o all_o it_o remain_v for_o the_o final_a clear_n of_o this_o subject_n that_o we_o go_v on_o upon_o the_o same_o principle_n to_o inquire_v how_o we_o be_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o our_o common_a discourse_n with_o one_o another_o and_o here_o the_o rule_n propose_v to_o we_o be_v this_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o and_o this_o reason_n give_v why_o we_o ought_v to_o confine_v ourselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o it_o for_o say_v our_o saviour_n whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o this_o come_v of_o evil._n i_o shall_v distinct_o consider_v each_o part_n of_o it_o and_o endeavour_v first_o to_o show_v you_o what_o our_o duty_n with_o relation_n to_o this_o matter_n be_v and_o then_o second_o to_o convince_v you_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o that_o motive_n which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v here_o make_v use_n of_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o walk_v according_a thereunto_o 2._o and_o first_o for_o what_o concern_v the_o rule_n here_o lay_v down_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o a_o very_a learned_a man_n in_o his_o remark_n upon_o this_o passage_n loc._n that_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o be_v to_o be_v expound_v by_o those_o of_o st._n james_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n jam._n v._n 12_o let_v your_o yea_o be_v yea_o and_o your_o nay_o nay_o and_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o both_o of_o they_o be_v this_o that_o our_o action_n shall_v be_v agreeable_a to_o our_o expression_n and_o that_o whensoever_o we_o promise_v any_o thing_n we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o take_v especial_a care_n that_o our_o performance_n be_v according_o 3._o though_o this_o be_v no_o doubt_n the_o duty_n and_o shall_v be_v the_o care_n of_o every_o good_a christian_a yet_o can_v i_o by_o no_o mean_n think_v it_o a_o proper_a account_n of_o our_o saviour_n mean_v in_o the_o word_n before_o we_o in_o which_o it_o be_v certain_o his_o intention_n to_o direct_v we_o how_o to_o manage_v ourselves_o in_o our_o vester_fw-ge discourse_n or_o as_o we_o render_v it_o our_o communication_n with_o one_o another_o and_o not_o how_o to_o conform_v our_o performance_n to_o our_o promise_n 4._o that_o st._n james_n have_v a_o regard_n to_o this_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o that_o exhortation_n which_o he_o give_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n i_o make_v no_o doubt_n nor_o shall_v i_o deny_v but_o that_o they_o may_v possible_o have_v both_o of_o they_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o that_o either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o intend_v to_o restrain_v the_o doctrine_n here_o deliver_v concern_v swear_v to_o promissory_a oath_n only_o or_o indeed_o aim_v at_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o to_o show_v we_o how_o we_o shall_v behave_v ourselves_o in_o our_o conversation_n with_o one_o another_o do_v not_o appear_v from_o either_o of_o their_o expression_n nor_o ought_v without_o reason_n to_o be_v suppose_v by_o we_o 5._o and_o therefore_o two_o and_o to_o come_v more_o close_o to_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o word_n before_o we_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n in_o this_o place_n that_o a_o good_a christian_a may_v without_o all_o scruple_n affirm_v what_o be_v true_a or_o deny_v what_o be_v false_a so_o the_o least_o we_o can_v infer_v from_o the_o repetition_n here_o make_v of_o the_o yea_o and_o nay_o be_v this_o place_n that_o if_o one_o assertion_n or_o denial_n of_o either_o shall_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v the_o person_n with_o who_o we_o converse_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o speak_v we_o may_v renew_v our_o discourse_n and_o confirm_v it_o again_o and_o again_o to_o he_o and_o by_o that_o mean_n move_v he_o the_o rather_o to_o believe_v we_o when_o he_o shall_v find_v we_o constant_o to_o persevere_v in_o our_o assertion_n or_o denial_n of_o it_o 6._o nor_o indeed_o can_v any_o question_n be_v reasonable_o make_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o do_v thus_o much_o to_o satisfy_v the_o jealousy_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o to_o justify_v our_o own_o fidelity_n for_o if_o we_o may_v innocent_o declare_v what_o we_o know_v once_o what_o harm_n can_v there_o be_v in_o do_v it_o a_o second_o time_n and_o if_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o to_o gain_v the_o better_a credit_n with_o our_o brother_n and_o to_o convince_v he_o the_o more_o undoubted_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o say_v see_v both_o the_o end_n for_o which_o we_o do_v it_o be_v innocent_a and_o there_o be_v nothing_o unlawful_a in_o the_o act_n its_o self_n where_o can_v the_o harm_n of_o such_o a_o repetition_n be_v 7._o this_o therefore_o be_v the_o least_o we_o can_v suppose_v our_o saviour_n hereby_o intend_v to_o allow_v we_o to_o do_v for_o the_o better_a confirmation_n of_o what_o we_o promise_v or_o assert_v and_o i_o can_v tell_v but_o that_o his_o word_n may_v fair_o be_v extend_v a_o great_a deal_n far_o and_o be_v understand_v three_o to_o allow_v we_o if_o need_v be_v not_o only_o to_o reiterate_v what_o we_o say_v and_o thereby_o to_o fix_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o the_o more_o firm_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o he_o with_o who_o we_o converse_v but_o that_o with_o some_o kind_n of_o 2._o earnestness_n too_o in_o the_o repetition_n with_o some_o such_o vehemence_n of_o expression_n as_o may_v serve_v to_o add_v a_o new_a force_n to_o our_o word_n and_o effectual_o show_v that_o we_o have_v both_o due_o consider_v and_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o report_v or_o of_o our_o resolution_n to_o fulfil_v what_o we_o promise_v in_o they_o 8._o this_o be_v the_o method_n which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o common_o follow_v in_o his_o own_o conversation_n and_o frequent_a instance_n we_o meet_v with_o of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o gospel_n so_o in_o this_o very_a chapter_n verse_n 18._o 2._o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o and_o again_o verse_n 26._o very_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o and_o that_o this_o may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v to_o have_v be_v allow_v
veracity_n in_o doubt_n may_v prove_v not_o only_o to_o his_o disgrace_n but_o to_o his_o damage_n also_o 7._o now_o interest_n and_o reputation_n be_v two_o of_o the_o dear_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o most_o man_n and_o the_o love_n of_o which_o they_o can_v the_o most_o hard_o overcome_v and_o therefore_o when_o these_o shall_v prompt_v a_o man_n rather_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o speak_v with_o a_o oath_n than_o to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o suffer_v in_o one_o or_o it_o may_v be_v in_o both_o of_o they_o there_o have_v need_n be_v a_o deep_a sense_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o very_a awful_a dread_n of_o a_o oath_n indeed_o root_v in_o a_o man_n heart_n to_o keep_v he_o from_o so_o do_v 8._o let_v we_o add_v to_o this_o two_o that_o unreasonable_a jealousy_n which_o abound_v in_o mankind_n towards_o each_o other_o and_o move_v they_o upon_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o reason_n nay_o and_o oftentime_o without_o any_o to_o suspect_v one_o another_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o if_o a_o matter_n be_v but_o of_o never_o so_o little_a importance_n if_o it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n advantage_n or_o disadvantage_n for_o his_o pleasure_n or_o trouble_v to_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o it_o it_o be_v seldom_o know_v that_o they_o will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o he_o who_o report_v it_o unto_o they_o or_o with_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o his_o swear_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v and_o if_o out_o of_o conscience_n to_o his_o duty_n and_o be_v unwilling_a to_o break_v in_o upon_o the_o sacredness_n of_o a_o oath_n he_o shall_v chance_v to_o refuse_v so_o to_o do_v it_o be_v great_a odds_o but_o he_o shall_v be_v urge_v and_o provoke_v to_o it_o and_o hardly_o avoid_v the_o censure_n of_o speak_v false_o from_o those_o who_o have_v no_o respect_n for_o a_o oath_n themselves_o will_v not_o easy_o be_v persuade_v that_o another_o shall_v have_v any_o high_a regard_n to_o it_o or_o refuse_v to_o swear_v upon_o any_o other_o account_n than_o this_o that_o he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o what_o he_o say_v be_v false_a and_o therefore_o he_o dare_v not_o swear_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o many_o there_o be_v even_o among_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o man_n who_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v betray_v into_o a_o undue_a usage_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o swear_v when_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o do_v it_o than_o to_o bear_v the_o reproach_n of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o speak_v by_o a_o peremptory_a refusal_n of_o it_o 9_o again_o 3_o to_o man_n who_o have_v either_o no_o true_a sense_n at_o all_o of_o religion_n upon_o their_o mind_n or_o have_v not_o sufficient_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o convince_v themselves_o thereby_o how_o much_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v in_o our_o use_n of_o it_o and_o how_o cautious_a we_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v upon_o what_o occasion_n we_o do_v swear_v the_o customary_a forwardness_n which_o we_o complain_v of_o in_o most_o man_n to_o recur_v to_o this_o way_n of_o confirm_v what_o they_o say_v may_v be_v and_o i_o believe_v have_v be_v a_o great_a inducement_n to_o the_o over-easie_a practice_n of_o it_o 10._o there_o be_v few_o christian_n so_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o know_v that_o perjury_n be_v a_o very_a heinous_a sin_n and_o such_o as_o may_v not_o be_v commit_v without_o the_o peril_n of_o salvation_n but_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v many_o who_o be_v still_o to_o learn_v that_o to_o swear_v upon_o a_o small_a occasion_n though_o a_o man_n swear_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v of_o its_o self_n criminal_a and_o as_o such_o forbid_v in_o the_o gospel_n now_o such_o person_n as_o these_o be_v sensible_a how_o usual_a it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o do_v this_o look_v no_o far_o but_o follow_v on_o as_o they_o see_v other_o go_v before_o they_o nor_o feel_v any_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n for_o do_v that_o which_o they_o never_o understand_v have_v any_o great_a harm_n in_o it_o 11._o and_o that_o which_o may_v possible_o have_v contribute_v to_o confirm_v they_o in_o this_o practice_n be_v that_o they_o see_v themselves_o call_v upon_o to_o swear_v so_o very_o often_o not_o only_o in_o their_o own_o private_a concern_v but_o even_o by_o public_a authority_n for_o since_o charity_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n oblige_v we_o to_o think_v that_o nothing_o be_v do_v by_o that_o but_o upon_o the_o most_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o we_o know_v how_o great_a a_o number_n of_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n must_v concur_v to_o the_o make_n of_o a_o law_n with_o we_o who_o wisdom_n we_o can_v and_o who_o piety_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o doubt_v of_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o they_o have_v certain_o a_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n in_o all_o their_o constitution_n and_o will_v never_o require_v we_o to_o swear_v on_o any_o occasion_n in_o which_o they_o esteem_v it_o either_o unlawful_a or_o unseemly_a for_o we_o to_o do_v it_o 12._o how_o far_o such_o reason_v as_o this_o may_v have_v dispose_v some_o unwary_a person_n to_o swear_v more_o frequent_o and_o upon_o lesser_a occasion_n than_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v i_o can_v tell_v but_o i_o think_v it_o may_v deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v whether_o the_o multitude_n of_o case_n wherein_o not_o our_o law_n only_o but_o those_o of_o all_o other_o country_n do_v oblige_v or_o at_o least_o allow_v man_n to_o swear_v may_v not_o have_v somewhat_o contribute_v to_o that_o forwardness_n of_o do_v it_o which_o we_o see_v and_o complain_v of_o in_o they_o upon_o other_o occasion_n and_o have_v dispose_v they_o to_o be_v more_o ready_a than_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o recur_v to_o a_o oath_n in_o such_o case_n wherein_o there_o be_v neither_o any_o command_n of_o man_n nor_o any_o excuse_n before_o god_n for_o their_o do_v of_o it_o 13._o i_o shall_v offer_v but_o one_o account_n more_o of_o this_o unwarrantable_a readiness_n of_o man_n to_o swear_v and_o that_o be_v 4thly_a from_o the_o refusal_n which_o some_o of_o late_a have_v make_v of_o all_o swear_v whatsoever_o and_o in_o opposition_n to_o who_o error_n some_o may_v possible_o have_v be_v so_o unwary_a as_o to_o run_v into_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a and_o to_o have_v conclude_v that_o so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o be_v unlawful_a to_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n that_o rather_o there_o be_v none_o so_o small_a in_o which_o they_o may_v not_o free_o do_v it_o 14._o it_o be_v the_o infirmity_n of_o many_o of_o more_o warmth_n than_o judgement_n that_o they_o be_v always_o in_o extreme_n and_o think_v the_o only_a way_n to_o secure_v themselves_o from_o error_n be_v to_o fly_v as_o far_o from_o it_o as_o they_o can_v not_o consider_v that_o there_o may_v be_v as_o little_a reason_n in_o one_o extreme_a as_o in_o another_o and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o old_a remark_n truth_n as_o well_o as_o virtue_n be_v seldom_o find_v in_o either_o 15._o thus_o some_o out_o of_o a_o over-eager_a opposition_n to_o popery_n have_v cast_v off_o episcopacy_n and_o for_o fear_v of_o superstition_n will_v have_v all_o decency_n throw_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o i_o very_o believe_v we_o have_v not_o see_v at_o this_o day_n so_o much_o profaneness_n and_o irreligion_n among_o we_o have_v not_o the_o detestation_n of_o some_o man_n hypocritical_a pretence_n to_o godliness_n first_o prompt_v on_o other_o to_o fly_v out_o into_o a_o looseness_n of_o live_v and_o from_o thence_o into_o a_o neglect_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v sacred_a and_o how_o far_o this_o vice_n of_o common-swearing_a may_v have_v get_v ground_n by_o the_o same_o mean_n and_o have_v be_v improve_v too_o among_o the_o rest_n i_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o those_o who_o have_v consider_v from_o what_o time_n it_o have_v begin_v more_o especial_o to_o prevail_v among_o we_o to_o determine_v 16._o such_o therefore_o may_v i_o suppose_v have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o readiness_n which_o we_o find_v in_o man_n to_o swear_v even_o upon_o the_o most_o common_a and_o unjustifiable_a occasion_n but_o now_o as_o for_o the_o other_o sin_n propose_v that_o of_o perjury_n i_o can_v scarce_o tell_v to_o what_o cause_n to_o ascribe_v the_o little_a concern_v which_o many_o show_n of_o fall_v into_o that_o because_o indeed_o i_o can_v scarce_o tell_v what_o cause_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o harden_v their_o conscience_n against_o it_o 17._o that_o the_o frequency_n of_o swear_v and_o the_o little_a occasion_n on_o which_o man_n sometime_o allow_v themselves_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o may_v have_v very_o much_o take_v off_o from_o their_o reverence_n of_o a_o oath_n i_o can_v easy_o believe_v and_o by_o
fail_v of_o convince_a any_o rational_a person_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o this_o practice_n and_o have_v do_v that_o they_o must_v in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o oblige_v he_o to_o correct_v it_o too_o if_o he_o be_v true_o such_o a_o one_o as_o we_o now_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v viz._n a_o honest_a and_o upright_a christian._n 32._o but_o three_o shall_v not_o this_o be_v the_o case_n but_o the_o person_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o this_o evil_a habit_n shall_v be_v one_o who_o pursue_v this_o swear_v not_o so_o much_o out_o of_o any_o particular_a ignorance_n of_o or_o unconcernedness_n for_o the_o sacredness_n of_o a_o oath_n as_o out_o of_o a_o general_a levity_n of_o mind_n and_o insensibility_n of_o his_o duty_n then_o it_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o argue_v with_o he_o concern_v the_o nature_n and_o importance_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o with_o what_o care_n and_o circumspection_n we_o ought_v to_o approach_v to_o the_o take_n of_o it_o but_o we_o must_v proceed_v with_o such_o a_o one_o in_o a_o more_o general_a way_n and_o bring_v he_o to_o reverence_n a_o oath_n by_o teach_v he_o to_o be_v more_o considerate_a and_o to_o have_v a_o great_a value_n for_o all_o the_o other_o act_n of_o religion_n 33._o such_o a_o person_n as_o this_o as_o he_o do_v not_o profane_a god_n name_n out_o of_o any_o particular_a disregard_n which_o he_o have_v for_o a_o oath_n more_o than_o for_o any_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n so_o neither_o must_v he_o be_v bring_v off_o from_o the_o do_n of_o it_o by_o any_o particular_a consideration_n relate_v to_o the_o sacredness_n of_o a_o oath_n but_o must_v be_v persuade_v in_o the_o general_n to_o become_v serious_a and_o devout_a to_o honour_n god_n and_o to_o pay_v a_o due_a respect_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o relate_v to_o he_o and_o this_o will_v compose_v his_o thought_n and_o influence_n his_o affection_n in_o all_o the_o office_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o this_o particular_a among_o the_o rest_n 34._o but_o now_o 4thly_a and_o to_o go_v yet_o high_o what_o if_o the_o person_n who_o thus_o swear_v shall_v not_o only_o be_v more_o careless_a and_o inconsiderate_a than_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n but_o shall_v by_o principle_n be_v become_v a_o despiser_n of_o it_o what_o if_o he_o be_v one_o who_o believe_v not_o in_o any_o god_n at_o all_o but_o laugh_v at_o all_o our_o talk_n either_o of_o a_o providence_n here_o or_o of_o a_o judgement_n hereafter_o 35._o though_o in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o the_o forego_n the_o best_a way_n to_o reclaim_v such_o a_o one_o common_a swear_v will_v be_v to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o error_n and_o by_o so_o do_v to_o cut_v off_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o this_o irregularity_n yet_o till_o that_o shall_v be_v do_v somewhat_o i_o think_v may_v fair_o be_v offer_v upon_o his_o own_o principle_n to_o restrain_v this_o vice_n without_o meddle_v with_o any_o of_o his_o other_o 36._o for_o indeed_o how_o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a a_o thing_n must_v it_o be_v for_o such_o a_o one_o if_o he_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n by_o swear_v to_o appeal_v to_o god_n who_o profess_v to_o believe_v none_o or_o at_o lest_o none_o that_o have_v any_o concern_v for_o or_o knowledge_n of_o what_o we_o do_v here_o below_o how_o absurd_a for_o he_o to_o refer_v himself_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n who_o will_v be_v think_v not_o to_o own_v any_o state_n at_o all_o after_o this_o in_o which_o we_o now_o live_v nor_o by_o consequence_n to_o revere_v any_o such_o final_a inquest_n 37._o or_o if_o in_o all_o this_o he_o only_o act_v a_o part_n how_o base_a and_o disingenuous_a must_v he_o then_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v to_o offer_v a_o oath_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o what_o he_o promise_v or_o assert_n who_o neither_o believe_v any_o obligation_n to_o be_v thereby_o lay_v upon_o he_o to_o deal_v ever_o the_o more_o sincere_o for_o it_o nor_o can_v have_v any_o design_n in_o swear_v but_o only_o to_o impose_v upon_o the_o credulity_n and_o to_o ridicule_n the_o religion_n of_o his_o neighbour_n 38._o whether_o therefore_o man_n acknowledge_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n or_o no_o yet_o certain_o common_a justice_n and_o honesty_n nay_o or_o even_o honour_v its_o self_n which_o with_o some_o man_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o both_o shall_v make_v they_o ashamed_a to_o swear_v in_o any_o matter_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v because_o they_o know_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n that_o they_o do_v but_o impose_v thereby_o upon_o those_o with_o who_o they_o deal_v by_o the_o show_n of_o a_o obligation_n which_o how_o great-soev_a it_o may_v be_v to_o other_o yet_o to_o they_o be_v of_o no_o force_n nor_o lay_v any_o restraint_n at_o all_o upon_o they_o and_o as_o for_o their_o ordinary-conversation_n since_o to_o swear_v in_o that_o be_v to_o profane_v the_o name_n of_o a_o god_n who_o other_o man_n do_v believe_v in_o though_o they_o themselves_o do_v not_o and_o which_o they_o can_v therefore_o but_o think_v must_v be_v very_o ungrateful_a and_o offensive_a to_o they_o methinks_v even_o civility_n and_o good-manner_n shall_v teach_v they_o to_o forbear_v such_o oath_n if_o not_o for_o the_o perpetual_a contradiction_n which_o they_o thereby_o run_v into_o as_o to_o their_o own_o principle_n yet_o at_o least_o for_o that_o affront_n which_o they_o know_v they_o put_v upon_o other_o man_n 39_o these_o than_o be_v the_o way_n by_o which_o man_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v off_o from_o their_o customary_a and_o profane-swearing_a upon_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n there_o be_v yet_o 5thly_a another_o method_n which_o the_o care_n and_o piety_n of_o our_o law_n have_v set_v before_o we_o and_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v shall_v now_o at_o length_n be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n and_o that_o be_v by_o a_o strict_a exaction_n of_o that_o penalty_n which_o they_o have_v order_v to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o such_o offender_n for_o the_o restrain_v of_o their_o profaneness_n and_o which_o how_o small_a soever_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v and_o in_o truth_n be_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o take_v god_n name_n in_o vain_a yet_o be_v due_o require_v may_v go_v very_o far_o towards_o the_o prevention_n of_o it_o 40._o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v somewhat_o of_o this_o kind_n 20._o long_o before_o attempt_v and_o which_o one_o will_v have_v hope_v shall_v have_v keep_v this_o sin_n from_o become_v so_o common_a or_o rather_o so_o universal_a as_o it_o be_v among_o we_o but_o alas_o what_o can_v the_o best_a law_n do_v if_o they_o be_v never_o put_v in_o execution_n and_o how_o little_a that_o law_n have_v of_o late_a year_n be_v either_o publish_a or_o execute_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v be_v a_o reflection_n that_o may_v deserve_v the_o consideration_n of_o many_o among_o we_o 41._o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o all_o now_o know_v how_o that_o ancient_n and_o almost_o antiquate_a law_n be_v not_o only_o revive_v but_o improve_v too_o in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n and_o such_o care_n take_v that_o if_o we_o will_v but_o hearty_o set_v ourselves_o to_o it_o i_o can_v but_o think_v we_o shall_v soon_o put_v a_o end_n to_o a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o profane_a swear_v that_o have_v of_o late_a so_o scandalous_o prevail_v among_o we_o 42._o and_o to_o engage_v we_o so_o to_o do_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v but_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o for_o any_o of_o we_o to_o neglect_v our_o duty_n in_o this_o particular_a be_v in_o effect_n to_o consent_v to_o every_o such_o act_n as_o we_o refuse_v to_o bring_v to_o light_v it_o be_v to_o abet_v the_o take_n of_o god_n name_n in_o vain_a and_o then_o let_v we_o fear_v lest_o we_o share_v in_o the_o punishment_n as_o we_o do_v partake_v in_o the_o gild_n of_o it_o 43._o but_o 6thly_a and_o to_o conclude_v these_o reflection_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o have_v more_o contribute_v to_o the_o practice_n both_o of_o false-swearing_a and_o of_o common-swearing_a among_o we_o than_o the_o want_n of_o that_o due_a reverence_n man_n ought_v to_o have_v of_o a_o oath_n so_o i_o know_v no_o way_n more_o likely_a to_o reclaim_v man_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o both_o than_o to_o endeavour_v as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v to_o restore_v the_o use_n of_o a_o oath_n to_o its_o just_a veneration_n and_o to_o bring_v man_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o a_o more_o sacred_a esteem_n of_o it_o and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o as_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o duty_n of_o private_a person_n never_o to_o swear_v at_o all_o but_o when_o some_o