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
kind_n of_o oath_n to_o prevent_v our_o be_v perjure_a in_o take_v of_o they_o §_o 16._o he_o who_o cause_v another_o to_o forswear_v himself_o be_v as_o guilty_a of_o sin_n as_o if_o he_o have_v do_v it_o himself_o §_o 17._o nor_o be_v he_o clear_a who_o require_v another_o to_o swear_v to_o that_o which_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v will_v make_v he_o guilty_a of_o perjury_n §_o 18._o of_o the_o peculiar_a malignity_n of_o this_o sin_n p._n 26._o 1_o sy_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n §_o 21._o 2_o dly_z to_o ourselves_o §_o 27._o 3_o dly_z to_o other_o men._n §_o 34._o chap._n iii_o wherein_o be_v show_v that_o all_o swear_v whatsoever_o be_v not_o forbid_v under_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o enquiry_n be_v make_v what_o that_o swear_v be_v which_o our_o saviour_n have_v prohibit_v as_o absolute_o evil_a and_o unlawful_a p._n 39_o our_o saviour_n word_n seem_v to_o prohibit_v all_o swear_v and_o have_v be_v so_o understand_v by_o some_o §_o 1._o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o show_v in_o the_o three_o follow_a conclusion_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o forbid_v all_o swear_v whatsoever_o as_o simple_o and_o absolute_o unlawful_a under_o the_o gospel_n §_o 3._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o §_o 4._o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v certain_a he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o do_v it_o §_o 12._o etc._n etc._n 2._o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o extend_v the_o mean_v of_o such_o expression_n to_o the_o utmost_a sense_n that_o the_o word_n be_v capable_a of_o when_o it_o otherwise_o appear_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o so_o to_o do_v §_o 20._o 3._o that_o to_o know_v what_o the_o true_a mean_v of_o our_o saviour_n here_o be_v we_o must_v consider_v what_o be_v amiss_o in_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n and_o what_o our_o lord_n design_v to_o correct_v in_o it_o §_o 24._o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jew_n inquire_v into_o §_o 25._o our_o saviour_n prohibition_n from_o thence_o explain_v §_o 27._o and_o show_v to_o forbid_v 1._o common-swearing_a §_o 27._o 2._o swear_v otherwise_o than_o by_o god_n only_o §_o 30._o practical_a observation_n on_o each_o of_o these_o and_o 1._o as_o to_o common-swearing_a to_o swear_v in_o our_o common_a discourse_n with_o one_o another_o be_v absolute_o evil_a and_o unlawful_a §_o 33._o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o choose_v to_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n where_o he_o can_v fair_o avoid_v the_o do_n of_o it_o §_o 37._o but_o especial_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o care_n of_o enter_v into_o promissory_a oath_n as_o the_o most_o dangerous_a of_o any_o to_o be_v take_v by_o us._n §_o 41._o 2._o as_o to_o swear_v otherwise_o than_o by_o god_n only_o it_o be_v certain_o safe_a never_n to_o use_v any_o oath_n but_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n only_o §_o 44._o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o swear_v after_o any_o other_o manner_n for_o those_o evil_a end_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v and_o that_o other_o common_o have_v in_o the_o do_v of_o it_o §_o 47._o 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 sit_v that_o man_n shall_v have_v be_v allow_v to_o go_v any_o far_o p._n 76._o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o passage_n let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o inquire_v into_o and_o the_o account_v give_v by_o some_o of_o it_o reject_v §_o 2._o that_o we_o may_v repeat_v what_o we_o affirm_v or_o deny_v the_o better_a to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o say_v §_o 5._o that_o we_o may_v confirm_v what_o we_o say_v by_o add_v a_o asseveration_n to_o it_o §_o 7._o and_o in_o some_o case_n may_v go_v yet_o high_o and_o do_v more_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o speak_v §_o 10._o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o use_v imprecation_n for_o this_o end_n §_o 15._o a_o enquiry_n make_v into_o the_o reason_n offer_v by_o our_o saviour_n why_o we_o must_v not_o go_v beyond_o those_o bound_n viz._n that_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o these_o come_v of_o evil._n p._n 93._o and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o show_v at_o large_a from_o several_a consideration_n §_o 23._o etc._n etc._n chap._n v._n wherein_o a_o enquiry_n be_v make_v into_o the_o cause_n both_o of_o that_o common_a and_o false-swearing_a which_o so_o much_o abound_v in_o the_o world_n and_o some_o direction_n be_v offer_v for_o the_o better_a prevention_n of_o both_o of_o them_o p._n 112._o 1_o sy_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o common_a and_o false-swearing_a how_o man_n come_v to_o swear_v so_o frequent_o in_o their_o ordinary_a conversation_n §_o 4._o whence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o do_v it_o on_o every_o little_a occasion_n §_o 6._o four_o account_n offer_v of_o it_o to_o §_o 16._o how_o man_n be_v bring_v so_o easy_o to_o forswear_v themselves_o §_o 16._o 2_o dly_z some_o direction_n offer_v for_o the_o correction_n of_o both_o these_o evil_n of_o perjury_n §_o 23._o of_o common_a swear_v §_o 29._o etc._n etc._n the_o whole_a conclude_v §_o 44._o etc._n etc._n st._n mat._n v._n 33._o *_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v by_o they_o of_o old_a time_n *_o thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o but_o shall_v perform_v unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o oath_n 34._o *_o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o by_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v god_n throne_n nor_o by_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v his_o footstool_n neither_o by_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n neither_o shall_v thou_o swear_v by_o thy_o head_n because_o thou_o can_v not_o make_v one_o hair_n white_a or_o black_n 37._o *_o but_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o *_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o these_o come_v of_o evil._n a_o practical_a discourse_n concern_v swear_v chap._n i._o 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 whatsoever_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n so_o often_o repeat_v in_o this_o chapter_n time_n and_o make_v use_v of_o by_o our_o saviour_n as_o a_o introduction_n to_o the_o duty_n he_o be_v here_o about_o to_o propose_v to_o we_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v by_o or_o rather_o 〈◊〉_d to_o they_o of_o old_a time_n whether_o in_o those_o word_n he_o design_v to_o refer_v to_o the_o law_n as_o deliver_v by_o moses_n to_o the_o jew_n or_o as_o expound_v and_o corrupt_v by_o the_o gloss_n of_o those_o who_o follow_v after_o yet_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v without_o all_o doubt_n that_o in_o the_o command_n or_o rather_o prohibition_n before_o we_o there_o be_v nothing_o propose_v to_o we_o but_o what_o may_v if_o not_o in_o express_a term_n be_v find_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n yet_o by_o plain_a and_o undoubted_a consequence_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o word_n of_o it_o 2._o it_o have_v be_v think_v by_o 3d._n some_o that_o what_o the_o evangelist_n here_o render_v thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o be_v original_o deliver_v by_o our_o bless_a lord_n in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o three_o commandment_n thou_o shall_v not_o take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o vain_a 33._o and_o that_o what_o follow_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o verse_n but_o shall_v perform_v unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o oath_n be_v add_v by_o he_o from_o numb_a thirty_o 2_o as_o a_o exegetical_a explication_n of_o that_o precept_n and_o to_o show_v that_o what_o he_o be_v about_o to_o deliver_v concern_v it_o be_v principal_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o promissory_a oath_n and_o to_o which_o he_o suppose_v that_o commandment_n be_v always_o intend_v more_o especial_o to_o refer_v 3._o whether_o this_o conjecture_n be_v good_a or_o no_o yet_o this_o at_o least_o we_o may_v be_v confident_a of_o that_o we_o can_v take_v a_o better_a course_n to_o understand_v what_o our_o saviour_n mean_v to_o prescribe_v to_o we_o christian_n as_o to_o this_o point_n of_o swear_v than_o to_o consider_v how_o the_o case_n of_o a_o oath_n stand_v heretofore_o under_o the_o law_n and_o what_o god_n propose_v to_o the_o jew_n concern_v it_o 4._o and_o here_o one_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o general_n permit_v to_o they_o to_o swear_v provide_v that_o they_o do_v it_o with_o that_o due_a care_n and_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o i_o shall_v present_o show_v god_n require_v they_o to_o do_v it_o 5._o this_o in_o many_o
case_n the_o 21._o law_n of_o moses_n express_o oblige_v they_o to_o 5_o and_o their_o most_o holy_a man_n not_o only_o do_v it_o upon_o other_o occasion_n 29_o but_o when_o they_o do_v it_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o honour_n pay_v to_o god_n and_o as_o a_o service_n which_o shall_v not_o fail_v to_o be_v both_o accept_v and_o reward_v by_o he_o and_o to_o take_v away_o all_o scruple_n as_o to_o this_o particular_a god_n himself_o not_o only_o upon_o several_a occasion_n swear_v to_o they_o but_o declare_v by_o his_o holy_a prophet_n that_o 23_o every_o tongue_n shall_v swear_v by_o he_o 11_o and_o that_o they_o who_o do_v so_o shall_v be_v commend_v 6._o it_o be_v certain_a therefore_o that_o it_o be_v allow_v to_o the_o jew_n to_o swear_v whenever_o a_o just_a occasion_n require_v their_o do_v of_o it_o but_o then_o 2_o they_o be_v to_o swear_v only_a by_o god_n name_n and_o not_o by_o the_o name_n of_o any_o other_o 7._o this_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o three_o commandment_n but_o be_v express_o declare_v to_o they_o in_o several_a other_o part_n of_o their_o law_n so_o in_o the_o vi_o the_o of_o deut._n vers_fw-la 13._o thou_o shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o and_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n and_o again_o chap._n x._o 20_o thou_o shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n him_n shall_v thou_o serve_v and_o to_o he_o shall_v thou_o cleave_v and_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n and_o in_o the_o l_o the_o of_o isaiah_n god_n again_o repeat_v this_o command_n and_o that_o with_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a vehemence_n verse_n 23_o i_o have_v swear_v by_o myself_o the_o word_n be_v go_v out_o of_o my_o mouth_n in_o righteousness_n and_o shall_v not_o return_v that_o unto_o i_o every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v every_o tongue_n shall_v swear_v and_o from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o that_o god_n reserve_v this_o to_o himself_o as_o his_o own_o peculiar_a prerogative_n but_o withal_o for_o what_o reason_n he_o do_v so_o namely_o because_o this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o religious_a service_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o only_o and_o which_o can_v without_o impiety_n be_v apply_v to_o any_o other_o 8._o hence_o we_o find_v that_o when_o joshua_n in_o his_o last_o exhortation_n to_o that_o people_n think_v in_o necessary_a above_o all_o thing_n to_o warn_v they_o against_o apostatise_v from_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o own_o god_n to_o the_o god_n of_o the_o canaanite_n among_o who_o they_o dwell_v he_o think_v himself_o particular_o concern_v to_o mention_v this_o to_o they_o among_o the_o other_o instance_n of_o that_o service_n which_o they_o be_v to_o pay_v to_o god_n only_o josh._n xxiii_o 7_o come_v not_o say_z he_o among_o these_o nation_n that_o remain_v among_o you_o neither_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o name_n of_o their_o god_n nor_o cause_v to_o swear_v by_o they_o neither_o serve_v them_o but_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n 9_o and_o when_o in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o begin_v to_o break_v in_o upon_o this_o caution_n and_o to_o swear_v by_o some_o other_o name_n we_o may_v observe_v how_o grievous_o god_n resent_v this_o almost_o beyond_o any_o other_o of_o their_o sin_n amos_n viij_o 14_o 7_o they_o that_o swear_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o samaria_n and_o say_v thy_o god_n o_o dan_o live_v and_o the_o manner_n of_o beershebah_a live_v even_o they_o shall_v fall_v and_o never_o rise_v up_o again_o 10._o but_o this_o be_v not_o yet_o all_o god_n require_v the_o jew_n not_o only_o when_o they_o do_v swear_v to_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n but_o moreover_o three_o to_o take_v care_v not_o to_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n upon_o every_o ordinary_a occasion_n nor_o without_o a_o due_a regard_n to_o what_o they_o do_v swear_v by_o it_o so_o the_o express_a letter_n of_o the_o commandment_n assure_v we_o exod._n xx_o 7_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 and_o in_o which_o though_o the_o original_a word_n be_v dubious_a and_o may_v indifferent_o signify_v either_o what_o be_v vain_a or_o what_o be_v false_a yet_o i_o think_v we_o ought_v not_o so_o to_o set_v up_o one_o of_o its_o sense_n as_o to_o exclude_v the_o other_o but_o shall_v rather_o suppose_v that_o god_n therefore_o pitch_v upon_o a_o term_n which_o comprehend_v both_o that_o so_o we_o may_v from_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o it_o infer_v that_o both_o those_o kind_n of_o swear_v be_v unlawful_a 11_o now_o in_o this_o opinion_n i_o be_o the_o rather_o confirm_v in_o that_o i_o find_v the_o â—2_n chaldee_n paraphra_v the_o most_o authentic_a as_o well_o as_o most_o ancient_a interpreter_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n render_v it_o in_o one_o part_n of_o the_o command_n by_o a_o word_n which_o proper_o signify_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o other_o part_n by_o a_o expression_n which_o original_o denote_v false_o and_o since_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o light_n and_o vain_a swear_v be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n sinful_a and_o what_o must_v by_o consequence_n have_v always_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n as_o such_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v what_o shall_v move_v those_o who_o free_o allow_v this_o and_o acknowledge_v the_o word_n of_o the_o three_o commandment_n to_o refer_v indifferent_o to_o both_o the_o signification_n here_o propose_v yet_o after_o all_o to_o doubt_v swear_v whether_o god_n design_v to_o prohibit_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o perjury_n by_o it_o 12._o but_o 4thly_a and_o to_o conclude_v these_o reflection_n though_o for_o the_o reason_n now_o mention_v i_o be_o persuade_v that_o all_o vain_a and_o common_a swear_v do_v not_o only_o fall_v within_o the_o design_n of_o the_o three_o commandment_n as_o now_o expound_v to_o we_o but_o be_v original_o forbid_v in_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o it_o yet_o as_o perjury_n or_o false-swearing_a be_v by_o far_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o more_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n so_o i_o do_v not_o at_o all_o question_n but_o that_o it_o be_v more_o especial_o therein_o prohibit_v by_o he_o 13._o and_o so_o much_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n v._n 37_o do_v undoubted_o imply_v who_o for_o this_o reason_n deliver_v this_o not_o only_o as_o a_o good_a sense_n of_o the_o command_n but_o as_o the_o allow_v interpretation_n of_o it_o among_o the_o jew_n thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v they_o self_n but_o shall_v perform_v unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o oath_n nor_o indeed_o can_v they_o possible_o have_v make_v any_o doubt_n of_o this_o after_o that_o express_a prohibition_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n leu._n nineteeen_o 12_o you_o shall_v not_o swear_v by_o my_o name_n false_o neither_o shall_v thou_o profane_v the_o name_n of_o thy_o god_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n 14._o such_o be_v the_o case_n of_o swear_v under_o the_o law_n and_o i_o need_v not_o say_v that_o christ_n 17_o who_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n but_o to_o fulfil_v it_o and_o who_o in_o the_o very_a instance_n before_o we_o have_v effectual_o do_v so_o still_o require_v at_o least_o the_o same_o care_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n of_o we_o now_o that_o god_n do_v of_o the_o jew_n heretofore_o but_o because_o this_o last_o point_n be_v not_o only_o of_o much_o the_o great_a moment_n of_o any_o in_o this_o case_n but_o take_v for_o grant_v by_o our_o saviour_n as_o a_o thing_n of_o which_o no_o one_o can_v make_v any_o doubt_n i_o shall_v therefore_o begin_v my_o reflection_n with_o a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o it_o and_o show_v one_a 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 capable_a of_o so_o do_v and_o then_o two_o wherein_o the_o peculiar_a malignity_n of_o this_o sin_n do_v consist_v and_o have_v so_o do_v i_o shall_v need_v say_v nothing_o more_o to_o persuade_v any_o serious_a consider_v christian_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o sin_n both_o so_o heinous_a in_o itself_o and_o so_o ruinous_a not_o only_o to_o our_o future_a happiness_n in_o the_o other_o world_n but_o even_o to_o our_o present_a peace_n and_o security_n in_o this._n 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 offer_v to_o show_v the_o particular_a heinousness_n and_o malignity_n of_o it_o 1._o to_o proceed_v the_o more_o clear_o on_o this_o great_a point_n oath_n i_o must_v first_o of_o all_o observe_v that_o to_o swear_v be_v proper_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o call_v god_n to_o witness_n to_o appeal_v to_o god_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o speak_v as_o the_o high_a confirmation_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o give_v to_o it_o 2._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
we_o in_o the_o present_a passage_n we_o may_v conclude_v from_o hence_o not_o only_o that_o this_o be_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o assurance_n we_o can_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o say_v above_o that_o of_o a_o simple_a delivery_n of_o it_o and_o neither_o come_v of_o evil_a nor_o tend_v to_o it_o but_o that_o the_o very_a expression_n themselves_o which_o we_o render_v yea_o and_o nay_o do_v import_n not_o a_o bare_a affirmation_n or_o denial_n but_o that_o with_o some_o such_o vehemence_n as_o this_o insomuch_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n themselves_o we_o find_v the_o word_n which_o we_o render_v certè_fw-la yea_o make_v use_v of_o instead_o of_o a_o asseveration_n and_o by_o our_o own_o interpreter_n translate_v according_o 7_o and_o even_o where_o it_o be_v not_o so_o yet_o the_o discourse_n its_o self_n show_v that_o there_o be_v somewhat_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a affirmation_n design_v by_o it_o as_o may_v easy_o be_v make_v appear_v in_o several_a example_n be_v it_o needful_a to_o insist_v upon_o it_o 9_o let_v we_o add_v to_o this_o that_o in_o the_o style_n of_o the_o sacred_a penman_n the_o repetition_n of_o any_o word_n general_o denote_v somewhat_o of_o a_o animo_fw-la vehemence_n design_v by_o it_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o only_o common_o make_v use_n of_o the_o asseveration_n before_o mention_v but_o when_o he_o will_v imprint_v what_o he_o say_v in_o a_o more_o particular_a manner_n upon_o man_n mind_n and_o engage_v they_o to_o a_o more_o serious_a consideration_n of_o it_o double_v it_o too_o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o and_o from_o all_o which_o put_v together_o we_o may_v i_o think_v very_o safe_o conclude_v that_o we_o also_o after_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a master_n may_v not_o only_o with_o great_a plainness_n and_o earnestness_n affirm_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o speak_v but_o may_v if_o need_v be_v add_v some_o such_o asseveration_n to_o it_o as_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o do_v and_o even_o fair_o interpret_v the_o very_a word_n before_o we_o to_o allow_v of_o it_o 10._o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v either_o that_o such_o asseveration_n as_o those_o i_o have_v now_o be_v speak_v of_o do_v express_o fall_v within_o the_o design_n of_o the_o present_a text_n and_o that_o some_o have_v think_v to_o be_v the_o more_o probable_a or_o most_o certain_o b._n be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o it_o but_o now_o 4thly_a and_o to_o advance_v yet_o one_o step_n high_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o another_o sort_n of_o confirmation_n frequent_o make_v use_n of_o heretofore_o and_o not_o uncommon_a with_o we_o at_o this_o day_n whereby_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o say_v and_o that_o be_v by_o pledge_v as_o it_o be_v somewhat_o which_o be_v very_o valuable_a to_o we_o for_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o 11._o this_o be_v that_o kind_n of_o confirmation_n which_o as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o foregoing_a be_v usual_o call_v 4._o obtestation_n and_o it_o differ_v from_o a_o oath_n in_o this_o that_o a_o oath_n have_v always_o a_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o either_o express_o or_o by_o construction_n denote_v a_o appeal_n to_o he_o for_o the_o â—ruth_n of_o what_o we_o utter_v whereas_o in_o the_o way_n i_o be_o now_o speak_v of_o we_o only_o interpose_v the_o authority_n of_o somewhat_o which_o be_v either_o evident_o certain_a or_o apparent_o dear_a to_o we_o to_o bespeak_v our_o sincerity_n in_o what_o we_o deliver_v under_o the_o caution_n of_o it_o 12._o such_o a_o ratification_n as_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o meet_v with_o so_o common_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n 55_o as_o thy_o soul_n live_v and_o it_o have_v be_v think_v by_o some_o that_o joseph_n real_o do_v no_o more_o than_o this_o when_o he_o seem_v to_o 14._o swear_v to_o his_o brethren_n by_o the_o life_n of_o pharaoh_n gen._n xlii_o 15_o and_o as_o for_o the_o new_a testament_n below_o what_o if_o that_o form_n of_o speech_n make_v use_v of_o by_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n xv_o 31_o and_o which_o some_o as_o we_o have_v see_v will_v have_v to_o be_v a_o oath_n be_v indeed_o no_o more_o than_o a_o obtestation_n i_o protest_v by_o your_o rejoice_v which_o i_o have_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n at_o least_o i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o those_o 133._o primitive_a christian_n of_o who_o tertullian_n speak_v mean_v no_o more_o who_o refuse_v to_o swear_v by_o the_o fortune_n or_o genius_n of_o their_o emperor_n lest_o they_o shall_v seem_v to_o appeal_v to_o the_o deity_n of_o the_o heathen_a but_o yet_o free_o give_v assurance_n of_o their_o fidelity_n to_o they_o by_o their_o health_n and_o safety_n which_o as_o he_o express_v it_o be_v very_o dear_a to_o they_o and_o equal_a in_o their_o account_n with_o the_o great_a oath_n 13._o that_o such_o kind_n of_o confirmation_n as_o these_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o speak_v may_v upon_o occasion_n not_o only_o innocent_o but_o commendable_o be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o better_a prevention_n of_o downright_a swear_v be_v i_o think_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o yet_o i_o can_v tell_v whether_o they_o may_v be_v reckon_v to_o fall_v within_o the_o direct_a allowance_n of_o the_o present_a text_n though_o they_o be_v certain_o christ._n consistent_a with_o the_o design_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o do_v suppose_v that_o next_o to_o formal-swearing_a these_o kind_n of_o obtestation_n ought_v the_o most_o rare_o and_o with_o the_o great_a caution_n to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o we_o 14._o but_o if_o the_o matter_n be_v weighty_a and_o if_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o do_v somewhat_o more_o than_o ordinary_a to_o convince_v the_o person_n with_o who_o we_o discourse_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o speak_v and_o if_o such_o a_o lesser_a ratification_n of_o it_o will_v prevent_v our_o recur_v to_o the_o last_o and_o high_a i_o mean_v that_o of_o a_o oath_n i_o can_v see_v why_o we_o shall_v not_o rather_o choose_v to_o pledge_v our_o own_o honesty_n or_o truth_n or_o to_o corroborate_v what_o we_o say_v by_o compare_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o with_o somewhat_o of_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n such_o as_o our_o own_o or_o his_o life_n with_o who_o we_o converse_v rather_o than_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o call_n god_n to_o witness_n in_o any_o case_n in_o which_o it_o may_v lie_v in_o our_o power_n to_o avoid_v it_o 15._o and_o thus_o have_v i_o do_v with_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o confirmation_n of_o what_o we_o affirm_v below_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o oath_n i_o can_v tell_v whether_o it_o may_v be_v needful_a for_o i_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o yet_o another_o method_n which_o have_v but_o too_o much_o obtain_v in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o that_o be_v 5thly_a when_o to_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v man_n flee_v to_o some_o curse_n or_o imprecation_n upon_o themselves_o if_o they_o prevaricate_v in_o it_o but_o as_o every_o oath_n do_v in_o its_o nature_n imply_v a_o appeal_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o to_o his_o knowledge_n and_o by_o consequence_n do_v infer_v a_o 〈◊〉_d tacit_fw-la imprecation_n of_o his_o vengeance_n upon_o we_o if_o we_o deal_v false_o with_o our_o neighbour_n so_o thus_o much_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o that_o be_v such_o imprecation_n otherwise_o never_o so_o lawful_a in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n yet_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v use_v at_o any_o time_n or_o upon_o any_o occasion_n in_o which_o we_o may_v not_o lawful_o take_v a_o oath_n and_o therefore_o that_o both_o out_o of_o charity_n to_o our_o self_n and_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o god_n judgement_n we_o ought_v to_o lay_v aside_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o curse_n altogether_o see_v they_o can_v neither_o be_v ever_o make_v without_o horror_n nor_o may_v be_v make_v in_o any_o case_n wherein_o we_o may_v not_o give_v our_o oath_n not_o only_o with_o a_o equal_a satisfaction_n to_o our_o neighbour_n but_o with_o great_a decency_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n 16._o and_o now_o to_o lay_v together_o in_o short_a the_o several_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o govern_v ourselves_o in_o our_o communication_n with_o one_o another_o according_a as_o i_o have_v hitherto_o be_v more_o large_o state_v of_o they_o to_o you_o 17._o if_o what_o we_o say_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o mere_a indifference_n so_o that_o it_o be_v of_o no_o great_a consequence_n either_o to_o ourselves_o or_o any_o other_o whether_o we_o be_v believe_v or_o no_o in_o that_o case_n it_o may_v suffice_v *_o bare_o to_o relate_v what_o we_o know_v of_o it_o without_o trouble_v ourselves_o by_o any_o of_o the_o way_n i_o
have_v now_o be_v speak_v of_o to_o give_v any_o far_a confirmation_n to_o it_o 18._o if_o our_o discourse_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o it_o may_v concern_v our_o neighbour_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o it_o or_o it_o may_v perhaps_o upon_o our_o own_o account_n be_v convenient_a that_o he_o shall_v do_v so_o we_o may_v then_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o assert_v either_o by_o a_o *_o repeat_v assurance_n of_o it_o or_o if_o that_o will_v not_o suffice_v by_o add_v such_o a_o *_o asseveration_n as_o may_v show_v that_o we_o speak_v very_o serious_o and_o with_o a_o wellgrounded_n confidence_n of_o what_o we_o say_v such_o as_o very_o or_o indeed_o or_o in-truth_n you_o may_v believe_v i_o or_o by_o some_o other_o expression_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n 19_o if_o this_o do_v not_o yet_o satisfy_v the_o mind_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o discourse_n be_v so_o important_a as_o to_o demand_v a_o still_o high_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o then_o three_o i_o conceive_v we_o may_v proceed_v to_o a_o yet_o high_o and_o more_o forcible_a confirmation_n of_o what_o we_o say_v by_o that_o more_o weighty_a kind_n of_o assurance_n which_o if_o not_o comprehend_v under_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o present_a passage_n be_v yet_o certain_o within_o the_o reason_n and_o may_v be_v build_v upon_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o such_o be_v those_o *_o obtestation_n so_o usual_a among_o ourselves_o upon_o my_o word_n if_o i_o be_o alive_a as_o i_o be_o a_o honest_a man_n and_o the_o like_a and_o such_o be_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n heretofore_o 2_o cor._n xi_o 10_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o me._n only_o as_o these_o be_v still_o great_a corroboration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o speak_v than_o the_o other_o so_o ought_v they_o to_o be_v use_v more_o seldom_o and_o with_o great_a care_n and_o upon_o more_o weighty_a occasion_n when_o it_o be_v very_o high_o expedient_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v believe_v in_o what_o we_o say_v 20._o and_o here_o we_o must_v stop_v in_o our_o communication_n with_o one_o another_o for_o the_o next_o degree_n of_o assurance_n above_o this_o be_v a_o oath_n and_o that_o i_o have_v already_o show_v you_o must_v very_o rare_o be_v make_v use_n of_o indeed_o never_o but_o when_o we_o either_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n avoid_v it_o or_o the_o matter_n be_v such_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o decline_v it_o 21._o which_o be_v thus_o resolve_v evil_a in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v let_v we_o go_v on_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o see_v what_o the_o import_n of_o that_o motive_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n here_o propose_v to_o we_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o keep_v within_o these_o bound_n in_o our_o common_a affair_n with_o one_o another_o and_o that_o be_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o these_o come_v of_o evil._n 22._o it_o have_v be_v doubt_v by_o some_o whether_o what_o we_o render_v come_n of_o evil_a may_v not_o more_o proper_o have_v be_v translate_v etc._n come_v of_o the_o evil-one_a but_o as_o the_o original_a be_v certain_o capable_a of_o either_o of_o these_o sense_n so_o the_o assertion_n of_o our_o saviour_n will_v hold_v good_a in_o both_o of_o they_o the_o custom_n of_o vain-swearing_a be_v altogether_o wicked_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o not_o only_a proceed_n from_o a_o evil_a principle_n but_o in_o its_o nature_n tend_v to_o a_o evil_a end_n too_o and_o upon_o all_o these_o account_n come_v from_o the_o evil_a one_o 23._o and_o first_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o these_o come_v of_o evil._n and_o that_o whether_o we_o respect_n *_o ouâ—_n self_n or_o *_o other_o *_o the_o custom_n oâ—_n make_v or_o the_o *_o cause_o of_o require_v a_o oath_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o what_o we_o say_v 24._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o ground_n of_o common-swearing_a with_o respect_n to_o *_o our-selve_n it_o must_v proceed_v either_o from_o a_o *_o evil-custom_n or_o from_o a_o *_o evil-principle_n and_o upon_o both_o those_o account_n be_v utter_o wicked_a and_o vnjustifiable_a 25._o for_o one_a as_o to_o the_o *_o custom_n of_o such_o swear_v we_o know_v that_o every_o sin_n be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o heinous_a in_o its_o self_n and_o more_o dangerous_a to_o our_o soul_n by_o how_o much_o the_o habit_n of_o it_o be_v the_o more_o deep_o root_v in_o we_o insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v from_o this_o that_o a_o man_n take_v his_o denomination_n and_o be_v look_v upon_o to_o be_v either_o a_o good_a or_o a_o bad_a man_n according_a as_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o his_o life_n bespeak_v he_o to_o be_v 26._o the_o best_a christian_n may_v be_v tempt_v and_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o sometime_o do_v that_o which_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v but_o yet_o whilst_o this_o be_v not_o his_o custom_n whilst_o the_o general_n bend_v not_o only_o of_o his_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n but_o of_o his_o action_n and_o conversation_n too_o lie_v towards_o his_o duty_n neither_o will_v god_n exact_v every_o such_o sin_n of_o he_o nor_o ought_v man_n to_o censure_v he_o too_o severe_o for_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o misfortune_n of_o our_o present_a state_n and_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n will_v always_o be_v so_o 2_o that_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o shall_v offend_v all._n 27._o but_o when_o once_o any_o sin_n become_v habitual_a and_o man_n make_v a_o common_a or_o rather_o a_o constant_a practise_v of_o it_o the_o very_a custom_n of_o it_o render_v such_o a_o sin_n both_o unpardonable_a by_o god_n and_o just_o censurable_a by_o all_o good_a men._n 28._o so_o that_o suppose_v then_o that_o common_a and_o vain-swearing_a be_v sinful_a as_o both_o our_o saviour_n here_o warrant_v we_o and_o i_o have_v before_o show_v we_o ought_v to_o account_v it_o the_o custom_n of_o such_o swear_v must_v be_v yet_o more_o evil_a and_o the_o sin_n not_o the_o less_o but_o the_o great_a for_o proceed_v from_o it_o 29._o but_o indeed_o before_o man_n can_v arrive_v to_o such_o a_o custom_n there_o must_v be_v in_o they_o some_o evil_a principle_n or_o other_o to_o give_v birth_n to_o it_o and_o such_o swear_v must_v upon_o this_o account_n also_o come_v of_o evil_a that_o it_o must_v be_v derive_v from_o some_o source_n that_o most_o certain_o be_v so_o 30._o for_o since_o such_o swear_v be_v not_o only_o plain_o forbid_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o be_v withal_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n so_o indecent_a and_o unfitting_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n who_o have_v either_o any_o true_a value_n for_o god_n or_o have_v ever_o serious_o consider_v the_o mean_v of_o a_o oath_n to_o approve_v of_o it_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o that_o man_n must_v be_v either_o very_a negligent_a of_o himself_o and_o very_o unsensible_a of_o his_o duty_n or_o he_o must_v be_v become_v altogether_o wicked_a and_o profane_a who_o allow_v himself_o in_o the_o customary_a practice_n of_o it_o and_o from_o which_o soever_o of_o all_o these_o principle_n his_o swear_v do_v proceed_v what_o our_o saviour_n here_o tell_v we_o of_o it_o will_v still_o remain_v true_a that_o it_o come_v of_o evil._n 31._o nor_o will_v this_o usage_n be_v find_v to_o fall_v any_o less_o under_o the_o same_o character_n if_o we_o shall_v consider_v it_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o who_o require_v such_o oath_n of_o other_o and_o prompt_a man_n on_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o 32._o i._n for_o since_o to_o encourage_v another_o to_o sin_n but_o much_o more_o to_o require_v what_o be_v evil_a of_o he_o must_v be_v high_o criminal_a as_o be_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n but_o also_o to_o that_o charity_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v for_o our_o neighbour_n soul_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o no_o one_o who_o look_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a to_o swear_v vain_o can_v without_o sin_n allow_v much_o lesâ—_n encourage_v and_o oblige_v another_o so_o to_o do_v and_o therefore_o it_o must_v remain_v that_o upon_o this_o account_n also_o as_o well_o as_o upon_o those_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v this_o practice_n must_v be_v confess_v to_o come_v of_o evil._n 33._o but_o indeed_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n there_o will_v be_v neither_o any_o need_n of_o swear_v at_o all_o nor_o any_o temptation_n to_o it_o and_o this_o will_v yet_o more_o verify_v our_o saviour_n assertion_n and_o show_v that_o the_o very_a ground_n and_o foundation_n not_o only_o of_o false_a and_o vain-swearing_a but_o of_o all_o swear_v whatsoever_o come_v of_o evil._n 34._o now_o that_o i_o thus_o make_v out_o the_o only_a solid_a reason_n
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