say_v of_o custom_n alteranatura_fw-la it_o be_v so_o little_a capable_a of_o be_v plead_v by_o way_n of_o mitigation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o swear_v or_o any_o other_o iniquity_n that_o it_o render_v it_o the_o more_o mischievous_a and_o dangerous_a the_o lord_n by_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o judah_n chap._n 13._o 23._o can_v the_o aethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a who_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a but_o be_v this_o any_o advantage_n to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v so_o accustom_v to_o evil_a that_o they_o can_v not_o leave_v it_o no_o for_o it_o follow_v vers._n 24._o therefore_o will_v i_o scatter_v they_o as_o the_o stubble_n that_o pass_v away_o by_o the_o wind_n of_o the_o wilderness_n this_o be_v thy_o lot_n the_o portion_n of_o thy_o measure_n from_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n let_v man_n take_v heed_n of_o customary_a sin_n if_o man_n will_v be_v wont_v to_o sin_n god_n be_v wont_a to_o punish_v other_o there_o be_v more_o deliberate_a in_o this_o wickedness_n and_o so_o more_o guilty_a they_o think_v it_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o gallantry_n and_o gracefulness_n of_o speech_n to_o interlace_v it_o with_o oath_n and_o execration_n nay_o some_o be_v become_v so_o exceed_o vain_a and_o vile_a that_o they_o will_v study_v new-fashioned_a oath_n as_o well_o as_o clothes_n and_o so_o go_v down_o to_o destruction_n in_o the_o right_a mode_n concerning_o these_o person_n i_o know_v not_o well_o what_o to_o say_v but_o choose_v rather_o to_o stand_v and_o admire_v first_o the_o depth_n of_o wickedness_n and_o madness_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o cast_v up_o such_o mire_n and_o dirt_n and_o than_o the_o infinite_a patience_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n who_o be_v high_o sensible_a of_o such_o affront_n and_o provocation_n and_o easy_o able_a to_o avenge_v himself_o yet_o forbear_v to_o execute_v his_o just_a displeasure_n but_o let_v they_o who_o like_o rage_a wave_n of_o the_o sea_n thus_o foam_v out_o their_o own_o shame_n and_o vent_v the_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o know_v that_o though_o god_n be_v long_o suffer_v yet_o he_o will_v not_o always_o suffer_v his_o patience_n have_v prefix_v bound_n and_o though_o for_o some_o time_n there_o may_v be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o sinner_n to_o he_o that_o swear_v and_o he_o that_o fear_v a_o oath_n as_o say_v the_o preacher_n eccles._n 9_o 2._o yet_o there_o be_v a_o day_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n approach_v and_o then_o will_v the_o lord_n put_v a_o everlasting_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a betwixt_o he_o that_o serve_v god_n and_o he_o that_o serve_v he_o not_o malach._n 3._o ult._n it_o may_v be_v such_o profane_a person_n find_v not_o the_o curse_n enter_v into_o their_o house_n according_a to_o the_o threaten_a zach._n 5._o 3_o 4._o but_o it_o be_v enter_v into_o their_o heart_n which_o be_v of_o worse_a consequence_n for_o by_o their_o hardness_n and_o impenitency_n they_o treasure_v up_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o though_o the_o person_n mention_v do_v most_o notorious_o offend_v against_o this_o rule_n of_o swear_v in_o judgement_n for_o they_o have_v no_o judgement_n in_o their_o go_n or_o do_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o the_o only_a offender_n in_o this_o point_n there_o be_v many_o who_o call_v other_o to_o swear_v and_o be_v call_v lawful_o thereunto_o that_o rush_n upon_o oath_n without_o due_a consideration_n they_o consider_v not_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o oath_n in_o the_o case_n every_o unnecessary_a oath_n be_v a_o vain_a oath_n and_o litigious_a person_n who_o occasion_n many_o oath_n for_o the_o decision_n of_o their_o needless_a controversy_n will_v find_v they_o have_v much_o to_o answer_v for_o their_o sin_n against_o charity_n by_o contention_n against_o justice_n by_o vexation_n and_o against_o the_o name_n of_o god_n by_o call_v man_n to_o swear_v about_o that_o which_o be_v hardly_o worthy_a a_o man_n go_v over_o the_o threshold_n to_o prove_v and_o though_o erasmus_n be_v too_o strict_a in_o say_v non_fw-la est_fw-la ingenui_fw-la christiani_fw-la jur_fw-fr be_v pro_fw-la rebus_fw-la huius_fw-la seculi_fw-la pro_fw-la praediis_fw-la et_fw-la nummis_fw-la yet_o the_o truth_n lie_v very_o near_o it_o and_o that_o be_v man_n shall_v be_v very_o backward_o to_o swear_v in_o such_o case_n and_o utter_o averse_a if_o the_o difference_n may_v otherwise_o be_v determine_v 11._o a_o oath_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v reckon_v in_fw-la necessariis_fw-la quam_fw-la in_fw-la simpliciter_fw-la bonis_fw-la the_o command_n to_o swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n deuter._n 6._o 13._o be_v not_o like_o that_o of_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n but_o the_o meaning_n be_v if_o there_o be_v a_o just_a occasion_n of_o thy_o swear_n then_o let_v it_o be_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o not_o by_o any_o idol_n or_o creature_n other_o consider_v not_o the_o solemnity_n of_o a_o oath_n the_o majesty_n and_o dread_a of_o that_o name_n which_o be_v in_o vocate_v thereby_o but_o light_o hasty_o and_o irreverent_o use_v the_o name_n of_o god_n which_o be_v full_a of_o provocation_n it_o be_v sad_a to_o see_v how_o in_o court_n of_o justice_n where_o magistrate_n be_v tender_a enough_o of_o their_o own_o honour_n and_o power_n the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v profane_v with_o rude_a and_o irreverent_a swear_n what_o huddle_v of_o oath_n there_o be_v with_o very_o little_a sense_n or_o consideration_n of_o the_o weight_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o which_o if_o administer_v with_o deliberation_n and_o solemnity_n will_v conduce_v much_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o right_a end_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v the_o serious_a confirmation_n of_o a_o truth_n in_o question_n and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o small_a degree_n of_o reformation_n among_o we_o in_o civil_a proceed_n if_o the_o number_n of_o oath_n be_v lessen_v and_o those_o that_o must_v be_v take_v be_v administer_v with_o more_o solemnity_n as_o all_o the_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n ought_v to_o be_v let_v i_o therefore_o put_v you_o my_o lord_n maior_fw-la and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o mind_n that_o god_n have_v entrust_v you_o with_o a_o very_a great_a treasure_n which_o be_v the_o glorious_a and_o fearful_a name_n of_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n which_o he_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o and_o expect_v you_o shall_v be_v so_o also_o and_o express_v your_o regard_n thereto_o by_o punish_v unlawful_a oath_n prevent_v unnecessary_a oath_n and_o due_o regulate_v those_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o truth_n and_o peace_n the_o day_n be_v hasten_v upon_o we_o when_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o other_o refuge_n but_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v a_o strong_a power_n to_o the_o righteous_a proverb_n 18._o 10._o and_o how_o sad_a will_v it_o be_v to_o find_v such_o a_o repulse_n as_o this_o what_o have_v you_o to_o do_v take_v my_o name_n in_o your_o mouth_n which_o you_o have_v profane_v and_o suffer_v to_o be_v profane_v for_o want_v of_o execute_v the_o power_n and_o trust_v commit_v to_o you_o by_o god_n and_o man_n be_v not_o every_o man_n particular_a burden_n heavy_a enough_o for_o he_o to_o bear_v let_v we_o not_o then_o neither_o magistrate_n nor_o minister_n for_o we_o be_v most_o concern_v make_v ourselves_o partaker_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n by_o not_o discharge_v our_o duty_n to_o they_o this_o shall_v suffice_v o_o have_v speak_v of_o 〈…〉_z wherein_o i_o have_v have_v more_o special_a respect_n to_o ass_n 〈…〉_z i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o which_o will_v more_o direct_o c_o 〈…〉_z oath_n promissory_a such_o as_o you_o have_v take_v this_o day_n propos._n ii_o it_o be_v utter_o abominable_a to_o forswear_v or_o not_o to_o perform_v our_o oath_n unto_o the_o lord_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n which_o come_v short_a of_o the_o law_n and_o short_a of_o heaven_n as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v yet_o reachâ—d_fw-mi thus_o far_o that_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v if_o scripture_n be_v silent_a the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n will_v speak_v plain_a and_o loud_o in_o this_o point_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o sin_n upon_o which_o they_o have_v set_v a_o foul_a mark_n than_o that_o of_o perjury_n i_o suppose_v because_o of_o the_o peculiar_a mischief_n and_o malignity_n that_o it_o carry_v with_o it_o to_o human_a society_n which_o be_v preserve_v by_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n apud_fw-la omnes_fw-la populos_fw-la et_fw-la ab_fw-la omni_fw-la aevo_fw-la circa_fw-la pollicitationes_fw-la et_fw-la contractus_fw-la maxima_fw-la semper_fw-la vis_fw-la fuiâ—_z
the_o duty_n and_o danger_n of_o swear_v open_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o york_n february_n 3._o 1655._o the_o day_n of_o swear_v the_o lord_n maior_fw-la by_o edward_n bowles_n m_n a._n preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o zach._n 5._o 4._o and_o i_o will_v bring_v forth_o the_o curse_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o it_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o thief_n and_o into_o the_o house_n of_o he_o that_o swear_v false_o by_o my_o name_n and_o it_o shall_v remain_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o house_n and_o shall_v consume_v it_o with_o the_o timber_n thereof_o and_o the_o stone_n thereof_o print_v and_o sell_v in_o york_n by_o tho_n broad_n 1655._o to_o the_o honourable_a stephen_n watson_n lord_n maior_fw-la the_o alderman_n and_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o the_o ancient_a city_n of_o york_n honour_a and_o belove_v it_o have_v please_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n in_o his_o wise_a and_o good_a providence_n to_o allot_v my_o work_n and_o service_n if_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o name_n of_o service_n to_o that_o city_n which_o god_n have_v make_v not_o only_o your_o habitation_n but_o also_o your_o charge_n i_o be_o please_v with_o my_o lot_n not_o only_o as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o lord_n but_o as_o it_o be_v among_o you_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v and_o hereby_o do_v that_o i_o have_v find_v that_o affection_n and_o respect_n from_o you_o as_o become_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o give_v you_o a_o testimony_n that_o i_o have_v not_o seek_v my_o own_o profit_n but_o the_o profit_n of_o many_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v if_o i_o may_v use_v the_o word_n of_o so_o great_a a_o apostle_n concerning_o myself_o i_o have_v be_v induce_v partly_o by_o way_n of_o acknowledgement_n and_o respect_n but_o especial_o by_o the_o sense_n of_o my_o duty_n as_o a_o minister_n to_o offer_v to_o your_o read_n and_o consideration_n the_o substance_n of_o a_o sermon_n late_o preach_v among_o you_o which_o i_o hope_v through_o divine_a blessing_n may_v be_v useful_a to_o you_o you_o who_o be_v awaken_v can_v but_o be_v sensible_a how_o easy_o and_o how_o quick_o the_o word_n speak_v slip_n from_o you_o it_o be_v soon_o go_v from_o we_o who_o study_v it_o and_o write_v it_o and_o speak_v it_o you_o have_v less_o advantage_n to_o retain_v it_o who_o hear_v it_o but_o once_o unless_o the_o peculiar_a promise_n and_o blessing_n make_v to_o the_o word_n preach_v do_v befriend_v you_o i_o be_o jealous_a over_o you_o i_o hope_v with_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n lest_o through_o inadvertency_n of_o mind_n unsuitableness_n and_o unpreparedness_n of_o heart_n earthliness_n of_o affection_n second_v with_o satan_n depth_n and_o device_n this_o counsel_n give_v you_o concerning_o oath_n may_v be_v forget_v i_o know_v you_o have_v almost_o daily_a need_n to_o consider_v of_o this_o subject_a be_v frequent_o call_v to_o action_n relate_v thereunto_o and_o it_o be_v now_o in_o your_o power_n daily_o or_o at_o least_o frequent_o to_o peruse_v it_o if_o you_o walk_v in_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n that_o be_v upon_o you_o it_o will_v not_o be_v charge_v upon_o i_o i_o have_v deliver_v my_o own_o soul_n and_o endeavour_v to_o deliver_v you_o i_o have_v but_o two_o word_n further_a to_o speak_v unto_o you_o at_o this_o present_a first_o that_o you_o will_v more_o frequent_o and_o diligent_o attend_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n it_o please_v god_n out_o of_o his_o bounty_n and_o good_a will_n to_o you_o to_o afford_v you_o beside_o the_o public_a ordinance_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n a_o weekly_a lecture_n which_o i_o apprehend_v to_o be_v very_o much_o neglect_v and_o i_o have_v often_o hear_v the_o paucity_n of_o hearer_n lay_v as_o a_o reproach_n upon_o the_o city_n by_o well_o dispose_a stranger_n i_o pray_v consider_v yourselves_o and_o those_o that_o be_v sorrowful_a for_o the_o solew_a assembly_n to_o who_o the_o reproach_n of_o it_o be_v a_o burden_n zeph._n 3._o 18._o you_o may_v plead_v our_o unworthiness_n wheâ—_z preach_v unto_o you_o but_o that_o plea_n i_o doubt_v will_v not_o be_v admit_v at_o the_o great_a bar_n there_o be_v not_o the_o mean_a oâ—_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n by_o who_o labour_n you_o mighâ—_z not_o profit_fw-la if_o the_o defect_n be_v not_o in_o your_o own_o heart_n remember_v that_o divine_a institution_n and_o blessing_n be_v the_o main_a advantage_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n not_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o speaker_n or_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o hearer_n god_n be_v please_v most_o frequent_o to_o concur_v with_o the_o plain_a i_o have_v almost_o say_v the_o mean_a gift_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n that_o the_o glory_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n i_o be_o sure_a you_o can_v plead_v want_n of_o leisure_n through_o multitude_n of_o trade_v and_o worldly_a employment_n i_o wish_v it_o be_v more_o and_o true_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o better_a way_n to_o help_v it_o then_o to_o deal_v liberal_o with_o god_n in_o public_a duty_n first_o he_o have_v secure_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v no_o loser_n by_o that_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n neither_o shall_v any_o man_n desire_v thy_o land_n that_o be_v thou_o shall_v sustain_v no_o damage_n 24._o the_o lord_n be_v thy_o security_n when_o thou_o go_v up_o to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n nay_o i_o think_v you_o may_v safe_o apply_v that_o passage_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o his_o people_n hagg._n 2._o 18._o consider_v the_o day_n that_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v lay_v consider_v it_o from_o this_o day_n will_v i_o bless_v you_o try_v the_o lord_n or_o rather_o trust_v the_o lord_n you_o complain_v of_o great_a decay_n and_o they_o be_v visible_a you_o sow_v much_o and_o bring_v in_o little_a etc._n etc._n consider_v your_o way_n 7._o whether_o you_o be_v not_o defective_a in_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o second_o be_v this_o that_o you_o will_v study_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o yourselves_o by_o deliver_v up_o unto_o perpetual_a oblivion_n all_o inveterate_a envy_n and_o enmity_n to_o that_o end_v that_o magistrate_n will_v equal_o and_o gentle_o as_o to_o brethren_n administer_v justice_n i_o mean_v only_o such_o a_o gentleness_n as_o to_o execute_v the_o law_n with_o a_o gospel_n spirit_n that_o the_o people_n will_v submit_v themselves_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o not_o wear_v out_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o ruler_n by_o their_o cumbrance_n and_o strife_n but_o turn_v some_o of_o their_o complaint_n into_o prayer_n to_o which_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o sacred_a rule_n *_o 2_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o blame_v then_o understand_v the_o work_n and_o weight_n of_o magistracy_n and_o ministry_n especial_o when_o they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o a_o people_n that_o be_v poor_a and_o foolish_a and_o know_v not_o the_o way_n the_o lord_n nor_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o god_n jer._n 5._o 4._o and_o last_o it_o will_v tend_v much_o to_o unity_n that_o you_o be_v very_o careful_a what_o minister_n be_v plant_v among_o you_o such_o as_o give_v some_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o they_o who_o fruit_n be_v love_n and_o peace_n such_o as_o be_v desirous_a of_o reformation_n lest_o superstition_n vanity_n and_o strife_n proceed_v from_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a promoter_n of_o knowledge_n truth_n and_o peace_n i_o will_v detain_v you_o no_o long_o if_o i_o have_v err_v in_o what_o i_o have_v write_v to_o you_o impute_v it_o to_o the_o largeness_n of_o my_o affection_n to_o the_o city_n which_o may_v possible_o have_v entrench_v upon_o my_o understanding_n in_o what_o i_o have_v say_v 11._o final_o brethren_n farewell_n be_v perfect_a be_v of_o good_a comfort_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n live_v in_o peace_n and_o the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n shall_v be_v with_o you_o york_n march_n 15._o 1655._o your_o affectionate_a servant_n in_o the_o lord_n work_n edw_n bowles_n matth._n 5._o 33_o 34._o again_o you_o have_v hear_v it_o have_v be_v say_v by_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o for_o swear_v thyself_o but_o shall_v perform_v unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o oath_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o etc._n etc._n i_o have_v often_o have_v it_o in_o my_o thought_n to_o speak_v something_o concerning_o oath_n a_o subject_n which_o due_o consider_v will_v administer_v matter_n of_o humiliation_n and_o reformation_n to_o we_o and_o many_o more_o and_o have_v this_o opportunity_n put_v into_o my_o hand_n i_o shall_v deliver_v myself_o take_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n
the_o gift_n be_v by_o their_o covetousness_n advance_v to_o be_v more_o sacred_a than_o the_o temple_n or_o altar_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o these_o word_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o direct_a prohibition_n of_o all_o oath_n and_o hence_o the_o anabaptist_n have_v conclude_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n and_o it_o have_v deceive_v some_o of_o the_o ancient_n hierome_n himself_o say_v upon_o this_o place_n that_o evangelica_fw-la veritas_fw-la non_fw-la recipit_fw-la juramentum_fw-la but_o i_o hope_v we_o shall_v without_o much_o difficulty_n evince_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o forbid_v swear_v in_o all_o case_n by_o this_o expression_n but_o that_o particula_fw-la omnino_fw-la non_fw-la ad_fw-la substantiam_fw-la sed_fw-la ad_fw-la formam_fw-la referenda_fw-la as_o rivet_v well_o observe_v for_o we_o must_v know_v this_o in_o general_a that_o universal_a term_n in_o scripture_n be_v sometime_o to_o be_v take_v with_o restriction_n 22._o as_o in_o that_o passage_n of_o paul_n i_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n that_o be_v all_o lawful_a thing_n and_o so_o i_o conceive_v must_v that_o place_n rom._n â—_z 18._o be_v interpret_v by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o one_o that_o be_v christ_n the_o free_a gift_n come_v upon_o all_o man_n to_o justification_n of_o life_n that_o be_v upon_o all_o that_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o second_o adam_n as_o mankind_n have_v to_o the_o first_o viz._n to_o be_v of_o his_o seed_n so_o that_o this_o expression_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o may_v be_v limit_v notwithstanding_o its_o seem_a universality_n and_o must_v be_v expound_v by_o the_o temper_n of_o those_o time_n in_o which_o it_o be_v speak_v and_o those_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v speak_v for_o where_o the_o scripture_n speak_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la as_o it_o do_v much_o in_o this_o place_n their_o disposition_n and_o opinion_n must_v be_v consider_v which_o be_v to_o swear_v ordinary_o in_o their_o communicaon_n when_o bare_a affirmation_n or_o negation_n will_v have_v suffice_v and_o because_o they_o have_v not_o only_o a_o religious_a but_o a_o superstitious_a apprehension_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o will_v not_o use_v it_o when_o they_o may_v they_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n and_o think_v they_o be_v not_o much_o bind_v by_o such_o oath_n so_o that_o all_o our_o saviour_n intend_v be_v this_o swear_v not_o as_o you_o be_v wont_a to_o do_v or_o as_o you_o think_v you_o may_v do_v swear_v not_o at_o all_o by_o the_o creature_n for_o the_o general_a word_n not_o at_o all_o must_v be_v interpret_v by_o the_o particular_n enumerate_v which_o if_o they_o have_v be_v omit_v or_o if_o the_o name_n of_o god_n have_v be_v put_v among_o they_o it_o must_v have_v be_v construe_v as_o a_o general_a prohibition_n which_o now_o it_o can_v be_v and_o whereas_o this_o not_o mention_v of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v supply_v in_o that_o of_o iam._n 5._o 12._o where_o to_o the_o enumeration_n of_o some_o particular_n this_o general_a clause_n be_v add_v neither_o by_o any_o other_o oath_n it_o must_v be_v restrain_v to_o oath_n of_o that_o kind_n for_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o name_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v intend_v and_o not_o mention_v in_o either_o of_o these_o scripture_n which_o ought_v especial_o to_o be_v vindicate_v from_o profanation_n if_o this_o question_n need_v any_o further_a clear_n i_o shall_v mention_v another_o place_n where_o under_o the_o single_a expression_n of_o swear_v not_o all_o swear_v but_o fall_v vain_a and_o rash_a swear_n be_v discountenance_v viz._n eccles._n 9_o 2._o he_o that_o swear_v and_o he_o that_o fear_v a_o oath_n be_v oppose_v where_o he_o that_o swear_v signify_v a_o profane_a swearer_n and_o he_o that_o fear_v a_o oath_n one_o that_o reverence_v not_o one_o that_o refuse_v it_o in_o all_o case_n so_o that_o you_o see_v it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n and_o circumstance_n of_o this_o place_n as_o also_o to_o other_o scripture_n that_o this_o universal_a clause_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o be_v interpret_v with_o restriction_n to_o the_o vain_a unnecessary_a customary_a abuse_n of_o swear_v among_o the_o jew_n the_o word_n thus_o explain_v offer_v to_o our_o observation_n these_o two_o proposition_n propos._n i._n it_o be_v not_o utter_o unlawful_a to_o swear_v ii_o it_o be_v utter_o abominable_a to_o forswear_v the_o late_a of_o these_o proposition_n be_v never_o under_o question_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n which_o reach_v not_o heaven_n yet_o reach_v thus_o far_o thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o the_o former_a have_v endure_v some_o dispute_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o confirm_v it_o by_o some_o argument_n 1._o the_o first_o take_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o three_o commandment_n to_o which_o swear_v be_v general_o reduce_v and_o indeed_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o main_a intent_n of_o it_o it_o be_v there_o say_v 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 use_v it_o nee_fw-la frustra_fw-la nee_fw-la falso_fw-la for_o the_o word_n vain_a in_o scripture_n signify_v both_o but_o it_o be_v not_o say_v thou_o shall_v not_o use_v it_o or_o lift_v it_o up_o as_o the_o word_n signify_v in_o any_o case_n but_o the_o forbid_n of_o the_o abuse_n do_v imply_v or_o rather_o enjoin_v a_o lawful_a use_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o swear_v which_o be_v the_o affirmative_a part_n of_o the_o precept_n and_o if_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o which_o this_o be_v a_o special_a part_n be_v of_o general_a and_o perpetual_a obligation_n to_o all_o man_n in_o all_o age_n aâ—_n without_o doubt_v it_o be_v we_o yet_o remain_v not_o only_o under_o the_o liberty_n but_o in_o just_a case_n under_o the_o duty_n of_o swear_v 2._o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n not_o a_o ceremonial_a or_o mutable_a part_n there_o be_v no_o shadow_n of_o a_o shadow_n or_o type_n in_o it_o as_o one_o well_o observe_v and_o therefore_o not_o out_o of_o date_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v so_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o worship_n that_o all_o worship_n be_v sometime_o express_v by_o it_o 12._o as_o at_o other_o time_n by_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n 25._o and_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n though_o his_o work_n be_v to_o show_v the_o diasnul_n of_o all_o carnal_a and_o temporary_a ordinance_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o far_o from_o put_v sway_v among_o they_o that_o he_o seem_v to_o establish_v it_o as_o a_o stand_a ordinance_n in_o that_o place_n heb._n 6._o 16._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o oaâ—â—_z for_o confirmation_n be_v not_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n and_o indeed_o it_o iâ—_z a_o action_n which_o due_o and_o reverent_o manage_v do_v give_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o honour_n to_o god_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o worship_n it_o give_v he_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n omniscience_n justice_n and_o truth_n it_o give_v he_o the_o last_o appeal_n in_o all_o differenrence_n which_o be_v a_o great_a trust_n and_o consequent_o a_o great_a honour_n and_o inquisitio_fw-la post_fw-la juramentum_fw-la deo_fw-la irrogat_fw-la injuriam_fw-la it_o reflect_v upon_o god_n himself_o when_o man_n will_v not_o rest_v in_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o end_n of_o strife_n 3._o the_o ground_n and_o occasion_n of_o oath_n yet_o remain_v and_o the_o law_n must_v remain_v till_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v remove_v a_o oath_n be_v appoint_v in_fw-la remedium_fw-la defectus_fw-la and_o these_o defect_n which_o swear_v be_v appoint_v as_o a_o remedy_n for_o yet_o continue_v such_o as_o the_o deceit_n falsehood_n incredulity_n of_o man_n the_o ground_n of_o assertory_a oath_n the_o instability_n and_o changeableness_n of_o man_n the_o ground_n of_o promissory_a oath_n there_o be_v controversy_n yet_o to_o be_v decide_v and_o will_v be_v and_o so_o a_o usefulness_n of_o oath_n for_o the_o end_n of_o they_o human_a society_n can_v subsist_v without_o evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o mutual_a belief_n among_o man_n which_o sometime_o must_v be_v establish_v by_o a_o oath_n and_o therefore_o julian_n the_o apostate_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v forbid_v all_o oath_n insult_v upon_o it_o as_o false_a and_o ridiculous_a because_o it_o do_v tollere_fw-la praecipuum_fw-la humanae_fw-la societatis_fw-la vinculum_fw-la have_v speak_v to_o the_o vindication_n of_o oath_n it_o be_v not_o unnecessary_a to_o add_v something_o concerning_o the_o regulation_n of_o they_o and_o because_o i_o must_v not_o exceed_v the_o limit_n of_o a_o sermon_n i_o shall_v only_o open_v that_o know_a place_n ier._n 4._o 2._o thou_o shall_v swear_v the_o lord_n live_v
in_o truth_n in_o righteousness_n and_o in_o judgement_n where_o we_o have_v the_o form_n and_o qualification_n of_o a_o lawful_a oath_n the_o form_n the_o lord_n live_v in_o every_o oath_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o interpose_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n deut._n 6._o 13._o thou_o shall_v swear_v by_o his_o name_n to_o swear_v be_v to_o confess_v a_o deity_n as_o appear_v by_o compare_v those_o two_o place_n isa._n 45._o 23._o to_o i_o shall_v every_o knee_n bow_n and_o every_o tongue_n swear_v with_o phil._n 2._o 11._o that_o every_o tongue_n shall_v confess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v lord_n and_o because_o we_o find_v this_o expression_n frequent_a in_o scripture_n the_o lord_n live_v it_o deserve_v a_o little_a open_n to_o which_o purpose_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o passage_n in_o hebrew_n 6._o 16._o man_n very_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a and_o when_o the_o lord_n swear_v 40._o he_o do_v it_o by_o that_o in_o himself_o which_o be_v the_o great_a 35._o his_o life_n and_o his_o holiness_n which_o be_v more_o than_o single_a attribute_n his_o life_n be_v his_o fundamental_a excellency_n and_o his_o holiness_n be_v more_o than_o a_o attribute_n for_o it_o be_v that_o complexion_n which_o run_v through_o all_o his_o attribute_n and_o make_v they_o beautiful_a and_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a form_n in_o scripture_n which_o man_n and_o angel_n have_v make_v use_n of_o revel._n 10._o 6._o because_o of_o the_o peculiar_a accommodation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o oath_n for_o it_o import_v that_o he_o see_v and_o know_v our_o appeal_n that_o he_o abide_v ready_a to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n or_o avenge_v the_o falsehood_n of_o he_o that_o swear_v and_o i_o see_v not_o how_o swear_v by_o any_o creature_n can_v be_v exempt_v from_o idoltary_n if_o swear_v be_v as_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v a_o part_n of_o worship_n god_n complain_v that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n swear_v by_o they_o that_o be_v no_o god_n ierem._n 5._o 7._o and_o to_o swear_v by_o creature_n turn_v they_o into_o idol_n if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o before_o to_o worship_v a_o image_n and_o swear_v by_o a_o creature_n may_v be_v rank_v together_o and_o though_o some_o will_v excuse_v that_o expression_n of_o joseph_n by_o the_o life_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v sometime_o swear_v per_fw-la salutem_fw-la imperatoris_fw-la yet_o the_o former_a language_n seem_v fit_a for_o egypt_n then_o for_o canaan_n and_o the_o late_a savour_v more_o of_o courtship_n than_o christianity_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 23._o 21_o 22._o where_o he_o seem_v to_o make_v it_o all_o one_o to_o swear_v by_o some_o creature_n as_o to_o swear_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o he_o say_v that_o he_o that_o swear_v by_o the_o temple_n swear_v by_o he_o that_o dwell_v therein_o and_o he_o that_o swear_v by_o heaven_n the_o throne_n of_o god_n swear_v by_o he_o that_o sit_v thereon_o but_o the_o scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n must_v be_v attend_v who_o reprove_v the_o vain_a conceit_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o think_v god_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o those_o oath_n where_o his_o name_n be_v not_o express_o mention_v and_o tell_v they_o that_o because_o those_o oath_n be_v reducible_a unto_o god_n who_o account_v himself_o interest_v in_o every_o oath_n they_o can_v not_o be_v excuse_v from_o perjury_n in_o the_o breach_n of_o they_o pareus_n express_v it_o brief_o and_o well_o that_o those_o oath_n be_v formaliter_fw-la vitiosa_fw-la sed_fw-la finaliter_fw-la obligatoria_fw-la so_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o countenance_v those_o form_n of_o swear_v but_o discountenance_v their_o great_a vanity_n and_o folly_n in_o the_o construction_n of_o they_o for_o a_o oath_n take_v by_o that_o which_o be_v no_o god_n if_o he_o that_o swear_v put_v it_o in_o the_o room_n of_o god_n it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o oblige_v thus_o much_o for_o the_o form_n of_o a_o oath_n from_o which_o howsoever_o it_o have_v please_v man_n to_o vary_v yet_o it_o be_v good_a to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a use_n of_o oath_n which_o be_v to_o mention_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n to_o heaven_n so_o abraham_n as_o fit_a for_o our_o pattern_n as_o any_o man_n else_o genes_n 14._o 22._o i_o have_v lift_v up_o my_o hand_n to_o the_o lord_n the_o possessor_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o i_o will_v not_o etc._n etc._n thus_o much_o concerning_o the_o form_n the_o qualification_n follow_v in_o truth_n in_o righteousness_n and_o in_o judgement_n hierome_n give_v this_o brief_a and_o clear_a interpretation_n of_o these_o word_n there_o must_v be_v veritas_fw-la in_fw-la re_fw-la justitia_fw-la in_fw-la causa_fw-la juditium_fw-la in_fw-la modo_fw-la jucandi_fw-la first_o he_o that_o swear_v must_v have_v a_o principal_a eye_n to_o truth_n for_o the_o end_n of_o a_o essertory_n oath_n be_v to_o evidence_n truth_n and_o of_o a_o promissory_a oath_n to_o engage_v truth_n veritas_fw-la entis_fw-la must_v be_v look_v to_o in_o the_o former_a veritas_fw-la mentis_fw-la in_o the_o latter_a and_o no_o room_n be_v leave_v for_o equivocation_n which_o cross_v the_o very_a end_n of_o a_o oath_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o most_o horrid_a impiety_n to_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v a_o untruth_n who_o delight_v to_o be_v style_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o affront_n we_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a to_o offer_v a_o person_n of_o honour_n to_o make_v he_o a_o partner_n in_o our_o iniquity_n in_o brief_a he_o that_o swear_v a_o falsehood_n do_v insinuate_v that_o god_n do_v either_o not_o know_v the_o truth_n or_o not_o regard_v it_o but_o his_o eye_n be_v on_o the_o truth_n ierem._n 5_o 2_o 3._o let_v those_o that_o swear_v false_o well_o consider_v it_o lest_o a_o curse_n enter_v into_o their_o house_n as_o the_o lord_n threaten_v zech._n 5._o 3_o 4._o 2._o he_o that_o swear_v must_v do_v it_o in_o righteousness_n in_o a_o lawful_a and_o just_a matter_n if_o the_o oath_n be_v promissory_a the_o thing_n swear_v must_v be_v lawful_a and_o good_a not_o such_o a_o oath_n as_o david_n swear_v against_o nabal_n and_o his_o house_n 1_o sam._n 25._o 22._o or_o herod_n to_o herodias_n matth._n 14._o 7._o if_o the_o oath_n be_v assertory_a let_v it_o be_v with_o righteous_a and_o just_a intention_n to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n and_o upon_o no_o other_o account_n 3._o in_o judgement_n that_o be_v wise_o discern_v the_o occasion_n and_o order_v the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o oath_n for_o instance_n he_o that_o swear_v in_o judgement_n will_v not_o swear_v in_o a_o trivial_a or_o slight_a business_n the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v great_a wonderful_a and_o holy_a and_o not_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o but_o in_o solemn_a and_o serious_a thing_n a_o honest_a man_n will_v not_o swear_v in_o a_o false_a matter_n nor_o a_o wise_a man_n in_o a_o frivolous_a oath_n and_o lot_n be_v of_o like_a nature_n in_o this_o particular_a both_o serious_o to_o be_v use_v and_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n temere_fw-la jurat_fw-la qui_fw-la aliter_fw-la potest_fw-la proximo_fw-la consulere_fw-la be_v a_o sober_a speech_n and_o to_o be_v regard_v if_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n we_o can_v provide_v for_o our_o neighbour_n good_a and_o safety_n it_o be_v rashness_n to_o swear_v on_o his_o behalf_n to_o swear_v in_o judgement_n be_v to_o do_v it_o with_o deliberation_n and_o actual_a consideration_n of_o the_o importance_n of_o a_o oath_n the_o majesty_n truth_n and_o justice_n of_o he_o by_o who_o or_o unto_o who_o we_o swear_v have_v thus_o confirm_v and_o illustrate_v the_o proposition_n a_o word_n of_o application_n will_v be_v needful_a first_o by_o way_n of_o consutation_n to_o those_o who_o utter_o deny_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o oath_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o under_o the_o countenance_n of_o this_o scripture_n which_o i_o be_o insist_v on_o together_o with_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n james_n 12._o already_o mention_v which_o i_o hope_v be_v sufficient_o vindicate_v from_o any_o such_o meaning_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o considerate_a reader_n if_o man_n will_v run_v away_o with_o the_o sound_n of_o word_n instead_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o and_o single_a out_o a_o expression_n of_o scripture_n and_o urge_v it_o against_o the_o evidence_n of_o several_a plain_a place_n speak_v the_o contrary_a it_o argue_v a_o heretical_a disposition_n more_o addict_v to_o opinion_n than_o to_o truth_n calvin_n take_v notice_n of_o such_o a_o temper_n in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o this_o place_n his_o word_n be_v these_o una_fw-la cum_fw-la rixandi_fw-la libidine_fw-la crassam_fw-la inscitiam_fw-la produnt_fw-la anabaptistae_fw-la dum_fw-la vocem_fw-la unam_fw-la morose_fw-la urgendo_fw-la
totum_fw-la sermonis_fw-la tenorem_fw-la clausis_fw-la oculis_fw-la praetereunt_fw-la the_o anabaptist_n by_o occasion_n of_o this_o scripture_n discover_v together_o with_o their_o perverseness_n gross_a ignorance_n while_o they_o froward_o urge_v one_o word_n neglect_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o discourse_n it_o be_v say_v our_o anabaptist_n if_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o that_o name_n which_o they_o must_v rather_o than_o we_o to_o gratify_v they_o with_o the_o name_n of_o the_o baptise_a church_n deny_v our_o own_o baptism_n allow_v of_o oath_n it_o be_v well_o if_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o soundness_n and_o not_o from_o a_o latitude_n of_o principle_n but_o by_o deny_v the_o use_n of_o they_o god_n lose_v honour_n and_o man_n come_v short_a many_o time_n of_o truth_n and_o justice_n it_o be_v true_a if_o man_n be_v as_o they_o ought_v yea_o and_o nay_o may_v suffice_v instead_o of_o oath_n omnis_fw-la fidelis_fw-la sermo_fw-la pro_fw-la juramento_fw-la est_fw-la say_v hierome_n but_o we_o must_v take_v man_n as_o they_o be_v with_o their_o defect_n of_o faith_n truth_n and_o knowledge_n and_o the_o remedy_n of_o those_o defect_n which_o be_v a_o oath_n must_v still_o continue_v 2._o but_o because_o where_o there_o be_v one_o too_o scrupulous_a there_o be_v many_o too_o profuse_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o oath_n a_o severe_a reprehension_n belong_v to_o those_o who_o observe_v no_o rule_n in_o swear_v such_o be_v they_o who_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n light_n bread_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o come_v next_o hand_n whereby_o a_o man_n first_o abuse_v his_o own_o reason_n for_o what_o ridiculous_a folly_n be_v it_o to_o call_v inanimate_a creature_n to_o attest_v any_o thing_n what_o madness_n to_o curse_v ourselves_o by_o our_o blessing_n second_o he_o abuse_v the_o name_n of_o god_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v interpose_v in_o a_o oath_n by_o substitute_v any_o other_o thing_n in_o his_o room_n which_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n fit_a to_o supply_v and_o three_o he_o abuse_v the_o creature_n itself_o by_o employ_v it_o to_o a_o end_n dishonourable_a to_o its_o creator_n a_o use_n to_o which_o it_o never_o be_v appoint_v and_o this_o may_v well_o be_v part_n of_o that_o burden_n under_o which_o the_o creature_n groan_v and_o travel_v in_o pain_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 1._o 22._o and_o of_o that_o vanity_n of_o sin_n and_o trouble_v which_o it_o be_v subject_v to_o to_o swear_v by_o creature_n below_o ourselves_o be_v to_o undervalue_v ourselves_o for_o man_n very_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a hebr._n 6._o 16._o to_o swear_v by_o creature_n above_o ourselves_o as_o glorify_a saint_n and_o angel_n be_v to_o overvalue_v they_o for_o what_o or_o who_o be_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v to_o we_o in_o the_o room_n of_o god_n they_o also_o who_o regard_v not_o truth_n judgement_n and_o righteousness_n in_o their_o oath_n what_o reproof_n be_v sharp_a enough_o for_o they_o to_o swear_v false_o by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n how_o great_a a_o provocation_n be_v it_o those_o that_o swear_v false_o that_o be_v either_o that_o which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a or_o that_o which_o they_o know_v not_o to_o be_v true_o be_v high_o guilty_a of_o offence_n against_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n who_o eye_n be_v upon_o the_o truth_n ierem._n 5._o 3._o and_o also_o against_o human_a society_n which_o be_v knit_v together_o by_o the_o band_n of_o truth_n and_o justice_n the_o egyptian_n have_v so_o reverent_a a_o esteem_n of_o their_o idol_n which_o be_v but_o vanity_n and_o a_o lie_n that_o if_o any_o be_v find_v to_o swear_v false_o by_o they_o they_o be_v adjudge_v worthy_a of_o death_n and_o shall_v we_o make_v light_n of_o abuse_v the_o name_n of_o the_o live_n and_o true_a god_n there_o be_v no_o person_n of_o honour_n and_o honesty_n but_o will_v look_v upon_o it_o with_o high_a indignation_n to_o be_v call_v to_o attest_v a_o untruth_n what_o shall_v we_o then_o think_v of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n will_v he_o not_o be_v very_o jealous_a for_o his_o honour_n in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v sad_a to_o see_v and_o consider_v how_o often_o man_n be_v produce_v to_o swear_v contradiction_n where_o one_o must_v needs_o be_v guilty_a of_o falsehood_n in_o swear_v unless_o both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v find_v true_a which_o be_v impossible_a and_o that_o which_o add_v to_o the_o mischief_n be_v that_o unrighteousness_n be_v bind_v up_o with_o untruth_n in_o the_o most_o false_a oath_n and_o so_o both_o table_n be_v break_v at_o once_o sometime_o man_n swear_v false_o out_o of_o malice_n and_o revenge_n but_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a revenge_n to_o destroy_v a_o man_n reputation_n to_o wound_v his_o conscience_n to_o hazard_v his_o salvation_n that_o he_o may_v require_v another_o oh_o what_o folly_n and_o madness_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n while_o they_o live_v and_o after_o they_o go_v to_o the_o dead_a as_o the_o wise_a man_n complain_v eccles._n 9_o 3._o other_o swear_v false_o out_o of_o a_o covetous_a principle_n love_v the_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n as_o balaam_n do_v but_o what_o profit_n be_v it_o to_o win_v the_o world_n and_o lose_v a_o man_n own_o soul_n say_v christ_n who_o know_v well_o enough_o what_o the_o worth_n of_o both_o be_v matth._n 16._o 26._o such_o a_o man_n be_v like_a to_o come_v to_o judas_n his_o reckon_n who_o dear_o earn_v the_o reward_n of_o iniquity_n act._n 1._o 18._o other_o who_o think_v it_o base_a to_o forswear_v themselves_o for_o money_n will_v yet_o do_v it_o out_o of_o respect_n to_o a_o superior_a or_o kindness_n to_o a_o friend_n but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o pawn_v his_o soul_n in_o courtesy_n be_v madness_n and_o not_o kindness_n and_o most_o desperate_a folly_n for_o one_o to_o lay_v down_o his_o own_o conscience_n or_o comfort_n as_o a_o bridge_n to_o make_v passage_n for_o another_o to_o his_o worldly_a advantage_n but_o i_o shut_v up_o this_o admonition_n with_o that_o of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o prophet_n zechariab_n 8._o 17._o let_v nme_n of_o you_o imagine_v evil_a in_o your_o heart_n against_o his_o neighbour_n and_o love_v no_o false_a oath_n for_o these_o thing_n i_o hate_v say_v the_o lord_n odium_fw-la terminatur_fw-la ad_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la destruction_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o hatred_n and_o last_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o swear_v but_o not_o in_o judgement_n be_v exceed_o great_a alas_o how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o understand_v a_o oath_n and_o few_o that_o consider_v it_o those_o that_o swear_v in_o common_a conversation_n certain_o swear_v not_o in_o judgement_n they_o do_v it_o so_o frequent_o so_o slight_o that_o their_o understanding_n can_v exercise_v any_o deliberate_a act_n about_o it_o they_o take_v so_o little_a notice_n of_o it_o that_o they_o will_v hardly_o be_v bring_v to_o acknowledge_v they_o have_v swear_v if_o they_o confess_v it_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o it_o be_v before_o they_o be_v aware_a and_o so_o be_v find_v witness_n against_o themselves_o that_o they_o swear_v not_o in_o judgement_n but_o if_o every_o idle_a word_n be_v to_o be_v account_v for_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o matth._n 12._o 36._o what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o idle_a oath_n which_o signify_v nothing_o but_o a_o profane_a and_o vain_a spirit_n will_v not_o they_o inflame_v the_o reckon_n exceed_o the_o son_n of_o man_n especial_o great_a and_o noble_a person_n can_v endure_v to_o have_v their_o name_n toss_v up_o and_o down_o among_o vain_a man_n or_o use_v upon_o slight_a occasion_n and_o will_v no_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n take_v it_o in_o great_a indignation_n that_o his_o name_n which_o be_v great_a wonderful_a holy_a shall_v be_v make_v trivial_a or_o common_a by_o the_o frequent_a usurpation_n of_o ignorant_a and_o wicked_a man_n certain_o he_o will_v not_o hold_v they_o guiltless_a that_o thus_o take_v hiâ—_z name_n in_o vain_a it_o be_v not_o the_o plea_n of_o custom_n that_o will_v excuse_v noâ—_z yet_o extenuate_v the_o sin_n it_o be_v true_a some_o place_n be_v so_o profane_a the_o swear_v be_v become_v the_o very_a dialect_n of_o the_o town_n or_o family_n where_o they_o dwell_v and_o shall_v they_o escape_v by_o the_o commonness_n of_o their_o iniquity_n no_o sure_o neither_o nature_n nor_o custom_n which_o be_v the_o second_o nature_n be_v tolerable_a excuse_n for_o any_o evil_a but_o rather_o aggravation_n of_o it_o sin_n be_v not_o the_o less_o but_o rather_o the_o more_o to_o be_v bewail_v because_o of_o the_o deep_a root_n it_o have_v in_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n in_o this_o glass_n it_o be_v that_o david_n and_o paul_n see_v their_o sin_n to_o be_v above_o measure_n sinful_a psal._n 51._o and_o rom._n 7._o and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v
jure_fw-la jurandi_fw-la pacis_fw-la i_o think_v it_o utter_o superfluous_a to_o produce_v any_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o proof_n in_o so_o clear_a a_o point_n as_o this_o be_v i_o only_o give_v this_o argument_n from_o the_o less_o to_o the_o great_a if_o it_o be_v general_o look_v upon_o as_o unworthy_a to_o break_v a_o man_n word_n or_o promise_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v for_o it_o render_v a_o man_n inconstant_a if_o not_o unfaithful_a much_o more_o unworthy_a be_v it_o to_o recede_v from_o a_o promise_n strengthen_v and_o second_v with_o a_o oath_n it_o be_v worth_a the_o consideration_n that_o of_o paul_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 17._o where_o you_o find_v he_o exceed_v solicitor_n to_o preserve_v his_o reputation_n from_o the_o stain_n of_o lightness_n when_o therefore_o be_v thus_o mind_v do_v i_o use_v lightness_n or_o the_o thing_n that_o purpose_n do_v i_o purpose_v according_a to_o the_o flesh_n that_o with_o i_o there_o shall_v bâ—_n yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o but_o as_o god_n be_v true_a our_o word_n towards_o you_o waâ—_n not_o yea_o and_o nay_o and_o so_o it_o become_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n to_o have_v a_o tendeâ—_z respect_n to_o credit_n and_o conscience_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o oath_n and_o promise_n which_o be_v one_o special_a branch_n of_o that_o bless_a exercise_n oâ—keeping_v a_o good_a conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o strictness_n oâ—_z god_n in_o this_o particular_a how_o severe_a have_v he_o be_v in_o reprehension_n and_o punishment_n for_o the_o violation_n of_o promissory_a oath_n though_o some_o excuse_n may_v have_v be_v plead_v for_o the_o breach_n of_o they_o when_o saul_n break_v the_o oath_n make_v by_o joshua_n and_o the_o prince_n oâ—_z the_o congregation_n to_o the_o gibeonite_n joshua_n 9_o 15._o he_o may_v have_v say_v it_o be_v make_v by_o his_o predecessor_n but_o not_o by_o himself_o it_o be_v a_o surprise_n a_o covenant_n obtain_v by_o indirect_a and_o fallacious_a mean_n it_o seem_v to_o clash_v with_o the_o injunction_n of_o god_n for_o destroy_v the_o nation_n and_o last_o that_o he_o do_v it_o not_o out_o of_o revenge_n or_o self-interest_n but_o in_o zeal_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o plea_n the_o lord_n take_v himself_o so_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o breach_n that_o he_o look_v upon_o the_o house_n of_o saul_n as_o a_o bloody_a house_n for_o this_o cause_n and_o take_v a_o sharp_a recompense_n for_o his_o transgression_n 2_o sam._n 21._o 1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n another_o instance_n may_v be_v that_o of_o the_o king_n and_o prince_n of_o judah_n who_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n enter_v into_o a_o oath_n and_o a_o covenant_n with_o he_o which_o afterward_o they_o violate_v by_o send_v ambassador_n to_o egypt_n for_o auxiliary_n that_o they_o may_v get_v their_o neck_n from_o under_o the_o yoke_n forth_o be_v also_o something_o may_v be_v plead_v as_o that_o it_o be_v a_o force_a oath_n draw_v from_o they_o in_o extremity_n that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o promise_n make_v to_o israel_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v high_a above_o all_o nation_n contrary_a to_o the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o be_v under_o the_o oppression_n of_o stranger_n shall_v israel_n be_v a_o servant_n a_o home-born_a slave_n and_o not_o deliver_v himself_o at_o his_o first_o advantage_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o lord_n tell_v they_o that_o though_o the_o oath_n be_v make_v to_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n that_o be_v his_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n oath_n therefâ—re_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n as_o i_o live_v sure_o my_o oath_n that_o he_o have_v despise_v and_o my_o covenant_n that_o he_o have_v break_v even_o it_o will_v i_o recompense_v upon_o his_o own_o head_n and_o i_o will_v spread_v my_o net_n upon_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v in_o my_o snare_n see_v no_o band_n of_o man_n make_v will_n hold_v he_o fast_o i_o will_v make_v a_o snare_n for_o he_o in_o which_o he_o shall_v be_v sure_o hold_v but_o because_o notwithstanding_o the_o strictness_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o promissory_a oath_n there_o will_v be_v sometime_o a_o necessity_n of_o dispensation_n some_o explicatory_a rule_n must_v be_v add_v as_o 1._o a_o unlawful_a oath_n or_o engagement_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o oblige_v to_o a_o sinful_a act_n a_o breach_n of_o any_o of_o god_n commandment_n must_v not_o be_v perform_v august_n juramentun_n non_fw-la debet_fw-la esse_fw-la vinculum_fw-la iniquitatis_fw-la ames_n and_o therefore_o david_n do_v much_o better_o in_o break_v his_o oath_n make_v against_o naball_n and_o his_o house_n by_o way_n of_o revenge_n 1_o sam._n 25._o 22_o 23._o than_o herod_n do_v by_o keep_v that_o rash_a and_o sinful_a engagement_n make_v to_o herodias_n matth._n 14._o 7_o 8_o 9_o for_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n that_o in_o any_o case_n it_o shall_v be_v remit_v yet_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v allow_v to_o tie_v a_o man_n to_o the_o disobedience_n of_o god_n command_n and_o so_o have_v influence_n into_o sin_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o be_v so_o unwarrantable_o engage_v they_o must_v repent_v of_o the_o first_o sin_n in_o make_v such_o a_o oath_n and_o not_o add_v a_o second_o in_o the_o keep_n of_o it_o for_o as_o we_o say_v of_o precept_n so_o we_o may_v of_o promise_n 39_o praeceptum_fw-la inferioris_fw-la non_fw-la obligat_fw-la contra_fw-la potestatem_fw-la superioris_fw-la neither_o precept_n nor_o promise_n make_v against_o the_o lawful_a power_n of_o our_o superior_a much_o less_o our_o supreme_a god_n himself_o be_v bind_v natural_a light_n reach_v thus_o far_o 7._o for_o we_o find_v in_o curtius_n that_o nicomachus_n have_v rash_o swear_v secrecy_n to_o dymnus_n when_o he_o understand_v the_o business_n to_o be_v a_o intend_a murder_n against_o the_o king_n he_o deny_v that_o he_o be_v oblige_v by_o a_o religious_a bond_n to_o a_o wicked_a act_n and_o reveal_v the_o matter_n 2._o a_o oath_n bind_v not_o to_o impossibility_n to_o swear_v that_o which_o be_v at_o the_o present_a impossible_a be_v great_a rashness_n and_o folly_n but_o a_o man_n sometime_o find_v it_o impossible_a to_o perform_v that_o which_o be_v possible_a when_o he_o engage_v to_o it_o but_o certain_o with_o the_o possibility_n the_o obligation_n cease_v and_o it_o suffy_v that_o there_o be_v a_o willingness_n to_o perform_v and_o a_o propensity_n to_o embrace_v a_o opportunity_n of_o fulfil_v it_o when_o god_n shall_v render_v it_o possible_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v and_o here_o the_o lord_n himself_o make_v a_o dispensation_n by_o providence_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o unlawful_a oath_n he_o do_v by_o precept_n 3._o if_o the_o oath_n be_v lawful_a and_o possible_a though_o it_o be_v extreme_o prejudicial_a and_o incovenient_a unto_o the_o person_n so_o engage_v he_o be_v not_o to_o dispense_v with_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o this_o be_v make_v a_o character_n of_o a_o citizen_n of_o zion_n that_o he_o swear_v to_o his_o own_o hurt_n and_o change_v not_o and_o it_o suffice_v not_o for_o a_o excuse_n of_o the_o breach_n to_o say_v we_o do_v it_o rash_o and_o upon_o mistake_n for_o so_o may_v joshua_n and_o the_o prince_n of_o israel_n have_v say_v concerning_o their_o oath_n to_o the_o gibeonite_n which_o be_v a_o oath_n of_o disadvantage_n to_o israel_n as_o saul_n think_v when_o in_o zeal_n to_o their_o good_a he_o break_v it_o and_o a_o oath_n wherein_o they_o be_v surprise_v yet_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o it_o and_o as_o for_o that_o dispensation_n which_o some_o allow_v in_o the_o case_n of_o prejudice_n to_o public_a good_a although_o i_o will_v not_o whole_o reject_v it_o for_o a_o man_n may_v pass_v away_o his_o own_o right_n when_o he_o can_v do_v so_o with_o the_o public_a yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v with_o very_a much_o caution_n and_o tenderness_n because_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n lest_o it_o open_v a_o gap_n to_o unjust_a and_o unnecessary_a violation_n of_o this_o religious_a bond_n and_o be_v make_v a_o cloak_n to_o private_a interest_n as_o frequent_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o let_v it_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o indisputable_a good_a and_o judge_v so_o to_o be_v by_o other_o rather_o then_o he_o that_o be_v to_o dispense_v with_o his_o oath_n about_o it_o to_o keep_v a_o oath_n with_o my_o own_o disadvantage_n be_v a_o demonstration_n how_o far_o i_o prefer_v the_o name_n of_o god_n the_o honour_n