and_o near_a the_o medium_n both_o of_o humanity_n as_o a_o man_n and_o of_o charity_n as_o a_o christian_a measure_v all_o policy_n by_o christ_n golden_a rule_n to_o do_v as_o i_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o second_o in_o point_n of_o state-policy_n also_o or_o method_n of_o true_a government_n i_o do_v conceive_v that_o mere_a plagiary_n counsel_n and_o punitive_a course_n be_v never_o likely_a to_o obtain_v the_o main_a end_n which_o be_v to_o stop_v the_o contagion_n of_o error_n and_o to_o extirpate_v those_o deprave_a opinion_n which_o be_v just_o think_v to_o be_v the_o spawn_n of_o dangerous_a action_n for_o unless_o the_o generality_n of_o credulous_a people_n who_o be_v spectator_n of_o those_o that_o differ_v and_o suffer_v for_o their_o opinion_n and_o conscience_n do_v also_o see_v so_o much_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o clear_a religion_n as_o may_v justify_v the_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n execute_v upon_o those_o offender_n who_o profess_v conscience_n for_o their_o disobedience_n and_o scripture_n for_o their_o conscience_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o spectator_n of_o their_o suffering_n will_v very_o much_o soften_v to_o a_o compassion_n for_o they_o and_o by_o sympathize_v with_o their_o person_n in_o affliction_n they_o will_v by_o degree_n symbolize_v with_o their_o opinion_n easy_o run_v as_o metal_z that_o be_v melt_v into_o the_o same_o mould_n at_o length_n the_o populacy_n if_o not_o fortify_v by_o pregnant_a demonstration_n of_o truth_n against_o those_o spread_a error_n and_o their_o pseudomartyr_n will_v mighty_o cry_v up_o their_o piety_n admire_v their_o courage_n &_o magnify_v their_o constancy_n at_o last_o they_o will_v conclude_v those_o sufferer_n to_o have_v some_o special_a support_n or_o divine_a spirit_n above_o ordinary_a man_n because_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o much_o above_o the_o ordinary_a passion_n of_o fear_n and_o hope_n self-love_n and_o preservation_n which_o prospect_n of_o patience_n justin_n martyr_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o his_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_n that_o he_o may_v see_v on_o what_o ground_n so_o fix_v a_o constancy_n grow_v which_o show_v a_o divine_a security_n amid_o humane_a infirmity_n by_o such_o popular_a pity_n and_o applause_n not_o only_o sufferer_n will_v be_v confirm_v in_o their_o pertinacy_n but_o their_o spectator_n also_o will_v daily_o increase_v and_o multiply_v as_o the_o shoot_v of_o tree_n do_v by_o the_o lop_n off_o their_o branch_n especial_o if_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o such_o dissenter_n and_o sufferer_n be_v moral_o just_a and_o civil_o innocent_a for_o nothing_o soon_o discover_v and_o blast_v such_o cross_a opinion_n and_o wither_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o factious_a spectator_n then_o vile_a injurious_a and_o insolent_a demeanour_n either_o in_o word_n or_o deed_n such_o as_o all_o man_n confess_v to_o deserve_v the_o gaol_n and_o gibbet_n this_o indeed_o as_o in_o the_o mad_a prank_n of_o john_n of_o leyden_n and_o his_o anabaptistick_a crew_n in_o germany_n and_o so_o in_o our_o hacket_n and_o other_o disciplinarian_o in_o england_n in_o the_o late_a presumption_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a reformation_n and_o independent_a confusion_n full_a of_o perjury_n sacrilâ—dge_n treason_n and_o innocent_a blood_n this_o i_o say_v will_n as_o the_o bark_n of_o tree_n round_o present_o bring_v any_o opinionist_n and_o factionist_n to_o public_a scorn_n and_o hatred_n as_o it_o do_v those_o papist_n who_o heretofore_o in_o the_o marian_n persecution_n in_o the_o horrid_a powder-plot_n and_o in_o the_o late_a irish_a rebellion_n full_a of_o perfidy_n and_o cruelty_n have_v so_o blemish_v the_o repute_n of_o that_o catholic_n cause_n as_o it_o can_v never_o be_v redeem_v from_o just_a jealousy_n but_o by_o action_n of_o extraordinary_a loyalty_n meekness_n and_o humanity_n beside_o the_o renounce_n of_o some_o opinion_n but_o where_o harmlesness_n of_o life_n set_v a_o gloss_n on_o opiniont_n and_o error_n thereby_o grow_v more_o lusty_a and_o rank_n as_o ill_a weed_n in_o good_a ground_n there_o mere_a robu_v power_n or_o punitive_a severity_n can_v no_o more_o pull_v they_o up_o than_o a_o strong_a arm_n do_v thorn_n and_o bush_n when_o they_o be_v deep_o root_v break_v off_o the_o stem_n or_o top_n of_o they_o but_o leave_v the_o root_n still_o in_o the_o ground_n which_o will_v spring_v again_o and_o spread_v far_o here_o nothing_o be_v so_o effectual_a to_o do_v execution_n upon_o error_n as_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n which_o reach_v man_n conscience_n by_o the_o proper_a method_n of_o conviction_n do_v like_o a_o sharp_a spade_n and_o mattock_n fetch_v up_o the_o very_a root_n and_o fibre_n of_o evil_a opinion_n to_o the_o utter_a extirpation_n of_o such_o noxious_a plant_n in_o a_o short_a time_n except_o where_o knavery_n and_o hypocrisy_n do_v husband_n opinion_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n of_o secular_a end_n and_o interest_n of_o reputation_n profit_n or_o power_n after_o this_o charitable_a method_n and_o temper_n be_v those_o many_o learned_a work_n and_o elaborate_a tract_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n irenaeus_n tertullian_n cyprian_n saint_n austin_n prosper_n cyril_n hilary_n optatus_n saint_n jerom_n and_o other_o write_v conform_a to_o the_o canon_n and_o decree_n of_o ecclesiastical_a council_n guide_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o seasonable_o apply_v by_o their_o skilful_a and_o charitable_a hand_n to_o cure_v the_o malady_n and_o stop_v the_o gangrene_n of_o such_o pestilent_a opinion_n as_o spring_v up_o in_o their_o day_n from_o heretic_n schismatic_n and_o fanatic_n nor_o do_v those_o holy_a man_n at_o any_o time_n so_o despise_v the_o meanness_n of_o any_o christian_n outward_a condition_n or_o the_o fatuity_n of_o their_o opinion_n as_o not_o to_o set_v a_o great_a value_n on_o their_o soul_n for_o which_o christ_n have_v die_v ever_o apply_v first_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n in_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n before_o they_o crave_v the_o assistance_n or_o encourage_v the_o severity_n of_o the_o secular_a sword_n from_o christian_a emperor_n and_o magistrate_n use_v all_o rational_a and_o religious_a mean_n until_o they_o find_v that_o deprave_a opinion_n put_v man_n upon_o desperate_a action_n as_o in_o those_o of_o the_o novatian_o donatist_n and_o arrian_n also_o of_o the_o manichee_n euchites_n and_o circumcellian_n a_o primitive_a kind_n of_o quaker_n who_o by_o a_o specious_a constancy_n in_o pray_v and_o affectation_n of_o suffering_n so_o seduce_v the_o vulgar_a people_n that_o the_o number_n of_o their_o devout_a idle_a and_o hungry_a associate_n at_o length_n give_v they_o confidence_n to_o make_v a_o prey_n and_o spoil_v of_o other_o man_n good_n estate_n and_o life_n too_o till_o by_o arm_a force_n they_o be_v repress_v and_o by_o just_a law_n prohibit_v in_o honorius_n and_o other_o emperor_n time_n then_o indeed_o charity_n to_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o welfare_n must_v be_v prefer_v before_o any_o pity_n charity_n forbearance_n or_o indulgence_n to_o private_a person_n party_n and_o opinion_n which_o grow_v rude_a and_o insolent_a in_o their_o word_n or_o deed_n sufficient_o discover_v they_o be_v not_o upon_o the_o pure_a account_n of_o conscience_n or_o principle_n of_o true_a christian_a religion_n which_o be_v as_o far_o as_o heaven_n from_o hell_n or_o christ_n from_o belial_n from_o teach_v or_o impel_v man_n to_o any_o act_n or_o approving_n of_o private_a sin_n and_o immorality_n much_o more_o from_o public_a conspiring_n and_o practising_n of_o faction_n schism_n sedition_n and_o rebellion_n in_o church_n and_o kingdom_n for_o which_o christ_n never_o give_v any_o commission_n to_o his_o disciple_n nor_o the_o least_o countenance_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a most_o eminent_a precept_n and_o example_n of_o humility_n meekness_n and_o patience_n under_o any_o suffering_n for_o conscience_n sake_n sufficient_a for_o ever_o to_o confute_v the_o most_o specious_a pretension_n of_o any_o who_o violent_o carry_v on_o their_o private_a opinion_n and_o pretend_a reformation_n against_o the_o will_n and_o power_n of_o lawful_a magistrate_n and_o settle_a church_n i_o do_v judge_v it_o both_o piety_n charity_n and_o policy_n to_o establish_v the_o rule_n of_o public_a religion_n by_o lâ—wes_n for_o uniformity_n in_o doctrine_n devotion_n discipline_n and_o decency_n accompany_v as_o with_o reward_n and_o privilege_n to_o the_o conformer_n so_o with_o some_o moderate_a pecuniary_a penalty_n on_o dissenter_n according_a to_o man_n estate_n and_o influence_n but_o i_o confess_v i_o be_o not_o for_o heavy_a mulct_n and_o rigorous_a exaction_n which_o shall_v imprison_v banish_v impoverish_v or_o destroy_v modest_a dissenter_n and_o their_o family_n only_o for_o the_o variety_n of_o their_o judgement_n when_o their_o civil_a action_n be_v otherwise_o moral_a just_a and_o inoffensive_a this_o severity_n will_v in_o some_o country_n and_o
they_o excuse_v from_o perjury_n or_o false-swearing_a in_o those_o case_n if_o in_o assertory_n oath_n they_o swear_v false_o apost_n or_o in_o promissory_a either_o not_o intend_v to_o perform_v what_o they_o so_o swear_v or_o not_o after_o perform_v they_o so_o far_o as_o be_v in_o their_o power_n but_o the_o yea_o and_o nay_o the_o affirmative_a or_o negative_a of_o such_o swear_n in_o word_n aught_o to_o be_v also_o yea_o and_o nay_o in_o the_o purpose_n and_o performance_n and_o although_o they_o ought_v not_o so_o to_o swear_v yet_o have_v so_o swear_v they_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o moral_a end_n of_o a_o oath_n ulpian_n which_o be_v to_o make_v it_o good_a in_o truth_n and_o faith_n agreeable_a to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o scope_n and_o almost_o in_o the_o same_o word_n saint_n james_n write_v to_o the_o disperse_a christian_a jew_n who_o still_o retain_v that_o evil_a custom_n of_o ordinary_a swear_v by_o the_o creature_n as_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o other_o such_o like_a oath_n without_o any_o conscience_n of_o the_o manner_n or_o matter_n or_o make_v good_a in_o effect_n such_o oath_n the_o meaning_n therefore_o of_o both_o place_n as_o the_o learned_a grotius_n and_o other_o observe_v be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o take_v away_o the_o ordinary_a abuse_n of_o such_o swear_n swear_v but_o not_o that_o right_a use_n which_o god_n have_v allow_v and_o command_v in_o his_o word_n etc._n nor_o be_v there_o more_o imply_v in_o these_o word_n as_o to_o the_o subject_a matter_n then_o in_o those_o where_o god_n complain_v that_o because_o of_o swear_v the_o land_n mourn_v hos_fw-la 4.2_o 3._o that_o be_v by_o unlawful_a oath_n and_o the_o curse_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o swearer_n zach._n 5.4_o that_o be_v such_o as_o use_v idle_a false_a and_o forbid_v swear_v zach._n 8.17_o not_o those_o who_o swear_v as_o they_o may_v do_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o righteousness_n judgement_n and_o truth_n which_o god_n no_o where_o reprove_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v inveigh_v against_o drink_v and_o feast_v and_o sing_v and_o dano_v and_o dalliance_n there_o where_o the_o usual_a viot_n excess_n and_o wantonness_n of_o any_o people_n have_v general_o run_v these_o thing_n to_o a_o inordinacy_n which_o do_v no_o way_n condemn_v the_o sober_a modest_a and_o seasonable_a use_n of_o they_o that_o this_o thus_o limit_a sense_n of_o christ_n word_n against_o the_o abuse_n of_o swear_v nay_o so_o familiar_a among_o the_o jew_n be_v christ_n meaning_n in_o the_o negative_a part_n of_o his_o word_n appear_v by_o the_o affirmative_a part_n of_o they_o which_o the_o quaker_n themselves_o will_v i_o suppose_v confess_v must_v not_o be_v take_v in_o a_o exclusive_a latitude_n or_o such_o a_o broad_a universality_n of_o command_n as_o enjoin_v we_o to_o use_v no_o other_o word_n in_o any_o communication_n by_o way_n of_o affirm_v or_o deny_v any_o thing_n but_o only_o yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o which_o word_n the_o quaker_n so_o much_o affect_v to_o use_v as_o if_o they_o will_v fancy_v themselves_o literal_o or_o verbal_o tie_v to_o those_o monosyllable_n and_o those_o to_o be_v repeat_v in_o all_o their_o assertion_n or_o promise_n yet_o none_o of_o they_o in_o case_n of_o more_o full_a declare_v their_o assent_n or_o dissent_v upon_o any_o matter_n do_v scruple_n to_o use_v such_o paraphrase_n or_o enlargement_n of_o speech_n as_o the_o matter_n or_o the_o party_n understanding_n or_o diffidence_n may_v require_v for_o if_o they_o will_v keep_v all_o their_o communication_n to_o those_o precise_a word_n yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o they_o will_v be_v no_o less_o obstructive_a to_o civil_a and_o private_a conversation_n than_o they_o seek_v to_o be_v to_o judicial_a proceed_n by_o their_o refuse_v at_o all_o to_o swear_v doubtless_o our_o saviour_n own_v large_a express_v of_o himself_o in_o many_o case_n 〈◊〉_d by_o such_o periphrasis_n or_o commentary_n of_o word_n as_o amount_v to_o affirmation_n or_o negation_n beside_o and_o beyond_o the_o bare_a term_n of_o yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o do_v abundant_o justify_v together_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n that_o these_o proverbial_a phrase_n or_o epitome_n of_o speech_n here_o command_v under_o the_o word_n of_o yea_o and_o nay_o do_v only_o import_v that_o plainness_n or_o simplicity_n of_o christian_n meaning_n and_o do_v as_o may_v be_v consonant_a to_o their_o word_n in_o truth_n and_o honesty_n without_o fraud_n or_o falsity_n in_o common_a speech_n not_o at_o all_o forbid_v either_o more_o ample_a expression_n of_o their_o sense_n in_o private_a converse_v nor_o yet_o forbid_v such_o religious_a and_o judicious_a use_n of_o swear_v in_o great_a and_o public_a matter_n festus_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o carry_v on_o humane_a affair_n with_o justice_n and_o peace_n but_o only_o such_o false_a frivolous_a and_o fraudulent_a oath_n as_o for_o the_o matter_n manner_n and_o meaning_n be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o all_o right_a reason_n and_o religion_n prohibit_v and_o which_o then_o be_v so_o familiar_o use_v and_o abuse_v by_o the_o jew_n paulinum_n upon_o those_o presumption_n and_o dispensation_n which_o they_o have_v take_v up_o as_o then_o the_o affirmative_a part_n of_o christ_n word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v literal_o as_o a_o confine_n of_o all_o christian_n communication_n to_o yea_o and_o nay_o but_o only_o to_o that_o truth_n and_o honesty_n of_o mind_n intent_n and_o action_n which_o christ_n aim_v at_o and_o beyond_o which_o whatever_o be_v of_o fraud_n and_o falsity_n be_v from_o evil_a in_o man_n heart_n so_o as_o to_o the_o negation_n of_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o it_o can_v in_o reason_n or_o religion_n be_v extend_v further_a than_o that_o swear_v which_o be_v from_o evil_a and_o tend_v to_o evil_a not_o that_o which_o be_v from_o good_a philo._n and_o tend_v to_o good_a namely_o the_o veneration_n of_o god_n and_o love_n of_o truth_n and_o justice_n which_o be_v not_o from_o the_o evil_a one_o the_o devil_n nor_o from_o evil_a principle_n in_o man_n nor_o for_o evil_a design_n as_o for_o that_o absolute_a and_o universal_a negative_a which_o they_o urge_v from_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n word_n of_o not_o swear_v at_o all_o nothing_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o usual_a in_o scripture_n then_o to_o confine_v the_o meaning_n of_o such_o general_n to_o the_o particular_a subject_n and_o scope_n intend_v as_o i_o former_o show_v in_o many_o instance_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o yet_o further_o to_o clear_v this_o truth_n from_o the_o most_o short_a and_o exact_a way_n of_o the_o scripture-style_n which_o be_v in_o the_o command_n of_o the_o decalogue_n in_o the_o second_o command_n we_o be_v forbid_v to_o make_v to_o ourselves_o any_o grave_a image_n or_o similitude_n of_o creature_n in_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n or_o religion_n yet_o we_o read_v that_o moses_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n make_v the_o cherubin_n so_o do_v solomon_n several_a image_n of_o flower_n and_o beast_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o for_o his_o throne_n and_o without_o sin_n so_o in_o the_o four_o command_n all_o manner_n of_o work_n be_v forbid_v on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n yet_o the_o intent_n be_v only_o against_o ordinary_a work_n of_o our_o civil_a calling_n not_o against_o work_n of_o religion_n or_o decency_n or_o charity_n or_o necessity_n against_o which_o the_o pharisaical_a rigour_n and_o severity_n have_v stretch_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n beyond_o the_o meaning_n as_o our_o saviour_n convince_v they_o mat._n 12._o mark_v 2._o 27._o luk._n 14._o 3._o in_o the_o six_o command_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v cajeâ—_n the_o putting_z man_n to_o death_n in_o just_a and_o legal_a way_n or_o in_o self-defense_n be_v not_o forbid_v but_o only_o as_o to_o private_a revenge_n and_o malice_n so_o the_o ten_o command_n thou_o shall_v not_o covet_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v thy_o neighbour_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o a_o 9_o evil_a and_o injurious_a covet_v of_o what_o be_v our_o neighbour_n but_o not_o of_o such_o a_o desire_n as_o be_v commensurate_a to_o justice_n and_o charity_n which_o desire_v in_o honest_a way_n of_o buy_v or_o exchange_v to_o get_v those_o thing_n which_o our_o want_n require_v and_o our_o neighbour_n sufficiency_n willing_o afford_v we_o else_o we_o must_v always_o want_v but_o never_o wish_v or_o fair_o endeavour_v for_o supply_v by_o those_o way_n of_o commutative_a justice_n gentia_fw-la which_o by_o mutual_a necessity_n invite_v man_n to_o society_n such_o commodious_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o attain_v their_o true_a meaning_n adhibenda_fw-la as_o the_o contrary_a wrest_n of_o they_o upon_o a_o bare_a letter_n be_v pernicious_a to_o all_o reason_n justice_n and_o true_a religion_n colligi_fw-la and_o indeed_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a word_n
to_o they_o be_v quaker_n because_o they_o be_v a_o sect_n late_o breed_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o equivocal_a generation_n as_o vermine_n out_o of_o the_o putid_v matter_n and_o corruption_n of_o former_a time_n in_o which_o so_o many_o faction_n cast_v forth_o their_o spawn_n and_o filth_n to_o the_o deformity_n and_o confusion_n of_o all_o thing_n civil_a and_o sacred_a in_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n they_o have_v their_o beginning_n from_o the_o very_a rabble_n and_o dregs_o of_o people_n uncatechise_v undisciplined_a and_o ungoverned_a in_o england_n no_o wonder_n to_o find_v these_o people_n fly_v to_o inspiration_n and_o new_a light_n when_o they_o be_v hatch_v in_o dark_a time_n which_o seek_v to_o put_v out_o all_o the_o old_a light_n of_o law_n and_o gospel_n they_o may_v easy_o run_v to_o rudeness_n towards_o their_o better_n and_o refractoriness_n against_o our_o law_n and_o obstinacy_n in_o their_o error_n and_o impatience_n of_o any_o just_a coertion_n when_o they_o have_v their_o first_o original_a and_o extraction_n out_o of_o that_o squalor_n mud_n and_o fedity_n of_o time_n which_o destroy_v all_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o reverence_n of_o man_n which_o deny_v the_o holy_a institution_n of_o minister_n the_o orderly_a presidency_n of_o bishop_n the_o just_a authority_n of_o magistrate_n the_o freedom_n and_o honour_n of_o parliament_n and_o the_o sacred_a majesty_n of_o king_n all_o these_o be_v tread_v under_o the_o foot_n of_o profane_a leveller_n and_o cruel_a usurper_n who_o can_v wonder_v that_o the_o impiety_n and_o scandal_n of_o those_o time_n shall_v lead_v such_o silly_a people_n in_o those_o temptation_n which_o seek_v by_o some_o unwonted_a way_n to_o make_v even_o their_o obscurity_n remarkable_a at_o least_o by_o the_o parallel_n boldness_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o the_o rudeness_n of_o their_o action_n 3._o last_o i_o pity_v they_o because_o to_o i_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n oath_n if_o people_n of_o so_o plain_a breed_n of_o unpolished_a manner_n and_o possible_o of_o no_o evil_a mind_n compare_v to_o other_o of_o those_o time_n though_o easy_a and_o unwary_a as_o the_o quaker_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v if_o i_o say_v they_o be_v scare_v from_o all_o swear_v by_o the_o frequent_a forfeit_v oath_n and_o repeat_v perjury_n of_o those_o time_n in_o which_o the_o cruel_a ambition_n and_o disorderly_a spirit_n of_o some_o man_n like_o the_o demoniac_a in_o the_o gospel_n break_v all_o bond_n of_o lawful_a oath_n by_o which_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o god_n and_o the_o king_n daily_o impose_v as_o any_o new_a party_n or_o interest_n prevail_v the_o superfoetation_n of_o new_a and_o illegal_a oath_n monstrous_a vow_n factious_a covenant_n desperate_a engagement_n and_o damnable_a abjuration_n poor_a man_n the_o quaker_n as_o well_o as_o other_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v lest_o if_o they_o take_v a_o oath_n to_o day_n they_o shall_v to_o morrow_n be_v force_v to_o renounce_v and_o abjure_v it_o not_o as_o to_o own_o a_o quiet_a submission_n and_o profession_n of_o passive_a obedience_n to_o power_n at_o present_a prevalent_a and_o protect_a which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o temporary_a and_o reciprocal_a oath_n of_o allegiance_n among_o those_o subject_n who_o fortune_n lie_v on_o the_o frontier_n of_o dominion_n expose_v they_o to_o the_o vicissitude_n of_o war_n and_o change_n of_o governor_n but_o to_o a_o formal_a comprobation_n of_o most_o unjust_a action_n yea_o to_o renounce_v and_o abjure_v the_o undoubted_a right_n of_o other_o to_o attest_v even_o by_o oath_n the_o usurpation_n of_o those_o as_o lawful_a which_o be_v most_o diametrical_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man._n this_o great_a temptation_n under_o which_o these_o quaker_n then_o live_v quaker_n make_v i_o have_v much_o compassion_n for_o they_o it_o be_v not_o only_o easy_a and_o obvious_a but_o venial_a and_o almost_o commendable_a for_o they_o to_o be_v carry_v to_o a_o utter_a aversation_n from_o all_o swear_v whatsoever_o when_o they_o see_v such_o desperate_a abuse_n and_o break_n of_o public_a and_o solemn_a oath_n in_o those_o dismal_a day_n but_o as_o the_o abuse_n of_o thing_n lawful_a and_o good_a must_v not_o take_v away_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o they_o no_o more_o than_o some_o man_n gluttony_n and_o drunkenness_n may_v deprive_v we_o of_o all_o eat_n and_o drink_v sober_o so_o neither_o may_v christian_n therefore_o deny_v all_o swear_v because_o some_o man_n care_v not_o what_o and_o how_o they_o do_v swear_v and_o forswear_v here_o a_o little_a clear_n of_o those_o superstitious_a fear_n and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o first_o possess_v these_o man_n against_o all_o swear_v may_v at_o once_o let_v they_o see_v the_o liberty_n they_o have_v for_o do_v that_o which_o our_o law_n require_v and_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o gospel_n no_o where_o absolute_o forbid_v but_o only_o regulate_v and_o restrain_v nor_o do_v i_o only_o thus_o pity_v the_o quaker_n commendable_a but_o i_o praise_v they_o also_o in_o some_o respect_n be_v as_o no_o enemy_n to_o their_o person_n so_o a_o friend_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a in_o they_o first_o conscience_n for_o their_o choose_n as_o they_o profess_v in_o those_o paper_n give_v in_o that_o day_n to_o some_o of_o the_o lord_n rather_o to_o suffer_v then_o sin_n against_o their_o conscience_n and_o so_o against_o god_n who_o holy_a will_n shine_v on_o the_o soul_n in_o reason_n and_o religion_n either_o seem_a or_o real_a be_v indeed_o the_o present_a rule_n of_o conscience_n nor_o may_v any_o man_n act_v contrary_a to_o these_o dictate_v which_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v god_n though_o he_o err_v as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o rule_n yet_o his_o judgement_n bind_v so_o far_o as_o it_o represent_v though_o in_o a_o false_a glass_n the_o suppose_a light_n of_o god_n will_n for_o he_o that_o will_v venture_v to_o act_v against_o conscience_n though_o erroneous_a will_v also_o act_v against_o it_o though_o never_o so_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a here_o the_o first_o care_n must_v be_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d judgement_n be_v according_a to_o truth_n and_o then_o to_o act_v according_o else_o however_o the_o integrity_n of_o intention_n may_v be_v commendable_a and_o so_o mitigate_v the_o fault_n yet_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o action_n may_v be_v great_a as_o to_o the_o enormity_n or_o aberration_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o eternal_a truth_n and_o justice_n as_o that_o of_o paul_n be_v when_o he_o persecute_v and_o blaspheme_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v very_o persuade_v that_o he_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v against_o that_o way_n 9_o so_o other_o shall_v think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n while_o they_o kill_v christ_n disciple_n 2._o a_o conscience_n thus_o err_v fall_v into_o the_o snare_n or_o dilemma_n of_o the_o devil_n if_o it_o act_n according_a to_o its_o error_n conscience_n it_o sin_n material_o against_o the_o intrinsical_a justice_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a will_n the_o conformity_n to_o which_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o holiness_n if_o it_o act_v contrary_a to_o its_o appear_a principle_n it_o sin_n formal_o and_o malicious_o as_o wilful_o rebel_n against_o the_o suppose_a will_n of_o god_n so_o much_o it_o concern_v every_o christian_n to_o be_v full_o inform_v of_o that_o divine_a truth_n and_o light_n 20._o which_o alone_o show_v the_o right_a and_o good_a way_n else_o they_o will_v easy_o be_v bring_v to_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n to_o call_v light_a darkness_n and_o darkness_n light_n 16._o to_o be_v over-righteous_a by_o add_v to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n or_o over-wicked_n by_o make_v or_o esteem_v themselves_o sinner_n when_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o so_o either_o negative_o superstitious_a fear_n in_o abstain_v from_o that_o as_o sin_n which_o be_v no_o sin_n or_o affirmative_o superstitious_a in_o count_v that_o a_o duty_n which_o be_v not_o so_o both_o be_v injurious_a usurpation_n upon_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n who_o sceptre_n be_v infallible_a truth_n as_o his_o sword_n be_v just_a and_o irresistible_a power_n so_o dangerous_a be_v erroneous_a fear_n where_o no_o fear_n be_v 5._o or_o presumptuous_a confidence_n where_o be_v no_o divine_a permission_n man_n must_v not_o set_v up_o the_o idol_n of_o their_o own_o imagination_n in_o god_n place_n nor_o may_v they_o be_v falsary_n or_o forger_n of_o that_o coin_n which_o as_o to_o duty_n be_v only_o then_o currant_n when_o it_o have_v not_o only_o good_a metal_n but_o also_o the_o clear_a stamp_n of_o god_n express_a will_n on_o it_o the_o mint_n of_o humane_a fancy_n either_o melancholy_a and_o timorous_a or_o pragmatic_n and_o adventurous_a be_v but_o a_o adulteration_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o stuprate_v of_o conscience_n the_o will_n of_o god_n conscience_n which_o be_v clear_a either_o in_o right_a
the_o high_a and_o holy_a one_o who_o supreme_a power_n and_o inimitable_a excellency_n be_v the_o high_a asseveration_n or_o ascertain_v of_o what_o be_v so_o speak_v either_o to_o win_v we_o to_o belief_n or_o to_o strike_v we_o with_o terror_n leave_v man_n without_o excuse_n if_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o have_v the_o oath_n of_o god_n to_o assure_v they_o of_o a_o truth_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v god_n no_o not_o swear_n for_o their_o sake_n as_o tertullian_n speak_v but_o also_o we_o have_v express_v command_n of_o god_n first_o that_o great_a one_o in_o the_o decalogue_n where_o the_o negative_a of_o not_o take_v god_n name_n in_o vain_a or_o false_o do_v include_v the_o assirmative_a of_o use_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o think_v or_o meditate_v in_o read_v and_o write_v in_o speak_v pray_v blessing_n praise_v promise_a or_o attest_v vow_v or_o swear_v with_o due_a reverence_n and_o adoration_n to_o his_o divine_a majesty_n which_o be_v intimate_v by_o his_o holy_a name_n as_o the_o summary_n of_o all_o his_o attribute_n and_o agreeable_a to_o this_o great_a command_n be_v those_o many_o other_o place_n so_o frequent_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o command_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o swear_v only_o by_o his_o name_n deut._n 6._o 13._o and_o this_o in_o righteousness_n judgement_n and_o truth_n jer._n 4._o 2._o of_o which_o i_o shall_v after_o give_v more_o particular_a account_n when_o i_o prove_v that_o moral_n divine_a and_o eternal_a good_a which_o be_v in_o lawful_a swear_n hence_o god_n frequent_a reproof_n 5._o threaten_v and_o punish_v with_o a_o curse_n not_o all_o man_n that_o do_v swear_v but_o only_o such_o as_o swear_v false_o either_o as_o to_o their_o present_a judgement_n and_o intention_n or_o as_o to_o their_o after_o violate_v of_o their_o oath_n to_o the_o profane_v of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n yea_o and_o those_o who_o by_o trivial_a light_a and_o inconsiderate_a swear_n take_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a have_v no_o reverence_n to_o his_o majesty_n when_o they_o make_v mention_v of_o his_o name_n with_o their_o lip_n last_o those_o that_o swear_v though_o true_o 5._o by_o false_a god_n as_o baal_n or_o by_o any_o creature_n as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o they_o in_o stead_n of_o god_n this_o than_o i_o suppose_v be_v so_o clear_a even_o to_o the_o sillicst_a and_o most_o scrupulous_a quaker_n that_o they_o can_v doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o swear_v lawful_o among_o the_o jew_n not_o only_o as_o permit_v but_o command_v nay_o perhaps_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o a_o christian_a in_o some_o case_n may_v give_v his_o oath_n to_o a_o heathen_a prince_n or_o other_o of_o different_a religion_n from_o christianity_n when_o in_o case_n of_o safety_n or_o ransom_n or_o life_n or_o other_o great_a concern_v they_o may_v be_v thereto_o require_v of_o they_o and_o will_v by_o no_o other_o way_n be_v satisfy_v it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o natural_a divinity_n breed_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o mankind_n that_o the_o invocation_n attestation_n and_o adjuration_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o god_n which_o they_o respective_o own_o be_v the_o great_a assurance_n which_o can_v be_v give_v or_o desire_v as_o i_o shall_v make_v to_o appear_v afterward_o when_o i_o come_v to_o show_v the_o consent_n and_o practice_v of_o nation_n as_o to_o decide_v of_o controversy_n by_o swear_v the_o scruple_n than_o lie_v only_o upon_o these_o prohibition_n in_o the_o gospel_n give_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n saint_n james_n bid_v forbid_v absolute_o as_o they_o suppose_v all_o swear_v at_o least_o among_o christian_n whatever_o be_v use_v or_o indulge_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o be_v revenge_n polygamy_n and_o divorce_n and_o other_o political_a dispensation_n for_o the_o uncharitableness_n wantonness_n and_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n christ_n as_o they_o presume_v restore_v the_o communication_n of_o christian_n both_o public_a and_o private_a to_o that_o integrity_n of_o mind_n simplicity_n of_o speech_n and_o sanctity_n of_o manner_n which_o may_v deserve_v of_o one_o another_o as_o much_o credit_n as_o if_o they_o swear_v essenis_n according_a to_o that_o strictness_n which_o the_o esseni_n among_o the_o jew_n use_v who_o word_n be_v as_o sure_a as_o a_o oath_n so_o that_o they_o say_v we_o may_v not_o in_o charity_n either_o exact_a of_o our_o brethren_n or_o give_v to_o they_o any_o oath_n since_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n which_o they_o believe_v other_o that_o be_v their_z bare_z yea_o or_o nay_o simple_a affirming_n or_o denying_n without_o any_o swear_n which_o they_o think_v a_o old_a judaic_a superfluity_n of_o speech_n now_o circumcise_v and_o precise_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o lip_n of_o christian_n no_o man_n deserve_v to_o be_v believe_v on_o his_o oath_n alex._n who_o have_v lose_v by_o lie_v the_o credit_n of_o his_o bare_a word_n nor_o any_o man_n deserve_v to_o be_v confirm_v by_o any_o honest_a man_n oath_n who_o have_v not_o the_o charity_n and_o humanity_n to_o believe_v he_o without_o it_o and_o certain_o the_o affair_n of_o christian_n both_o public_a and_o private_a will_v be_v no_o less_o to_o their_o honour_n and_o ease_n if_o there_o be_v in_o no_o case_n any_o need_n or_o use_v of_o any_o oath_n or_o swear_v but_o such_o a_o authentic_a veracity_n and_o just_a credulity_n on_o all_o side_n as_o may_v well_o spare_v even_o the_o most_o true_a sincere_a and_o lawful_a oath_n keep_v on_o all_o side_n as_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o lie_v as_o from_o false_a swear_n and_o certain_o as_o these_o two_o true_a speak_v and_o true_a swear_n be_v near_o of_o kind_n of_o the_o same_o father_n god_n and_o the_o same_o mother_n a_o honest_a and_o veracious_a heart_n so_o the_o other_o two_o lie_v and_o false-swearing_a be_v progeny_n of_o the_o same_o parentage_n of_o their_o father_n the_o devil_n and_o from_o a_o perfidious_a heart_n perjury_n and_o lie_v be_v of_o the_o same_o web_n or_o spin_v only_o the_o first_o have_v the_o strong_a twist_n and_o the_o deep_a dye_n or_o tincture_n of_o hell_n be_v more_o the_o devil_n colour_n and_o in_o gram_n the_o eutopian_a desire_n and_o aim_v of_o these_o quaker_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v fault_n with_o if_o it_o be_v feisable_v yea_o practicable_a it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o the_o evil_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o manner_n the_o jealousy_n and_o distrust_n the_o dissimulation_n and_o fraud_n of_o many_o christian_n credere_fw-la their_o uncharitableness_n unsatisfaction_n and_o insecurity_n be_v not_o such_o as_o by_o their_o disease_n do_v make_v these_o application_n of_o solemn_a oath_n and_o judicial_a swear_n necessary_a not_o absolute_o usurpandum_fw-la and_o moral_o or_o preceptive_o as_o the_o schoolman_n note_v well_o but_o by_o way_n of_o consequence_n and_o remedy_n as_o good_a new_a law_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o curb_n or_o cure_v of_o new_a evil_n in_o polity_n and_o kingdom_n possible_o as_o christian_n true_o such_o we_o shall_v need_v no_o swear_n in_o public_a or_o private_a but_o as_o man_n weak_a and_o unworthy_a desectâ—i_fw-la we_o can_v well_o be_v without_o such_o oath_n to_o end_v controversy_n and_o to_o secure_v as_o much_o as_o man_n can_v do_v the_o exact_a proceed_n of_o justice_n if_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o all_o swear_v be_v absolute_o by_o our_o lord_n christ_n forbid_v to_o his_o disciple_n grotius_n god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v not_o obey_v his_o word_n and_o rather_o change_v the_o law_n of_o man_n then_o violate_v his_o command_n to_o who_o we_o christian_n owe_v the_o high_a love_n loyalty_n and_o obedience_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v appear_v to_o religious_a reason_n that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o import_v any_o such_o absolute_a forbid_v of_o all_o use_n of_o swear_v cle._n but_o by_o the_o scope_n of_o they_o and_o the_o analogy_n of_o scripture_n they_o have_v another_o true_a interpretation_n and_o limit_a meaning_n we_o must_v not_o be_v so_o much_o slave_n to_o the_o letter_n as_o to_o lead_v truth_n and_o reason_n captive_a or_o to_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o that_o religious_a liberty_n which_o be_v leave_v we_o and_o so_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a for_o christian_n to_o use_v but_o in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v be_v prudential_o necessary_a as_o to_o the_o expedience_n of_o man_n jealousy_n life_n liberty_n estate_n and_o good_a name_n even_o in_o private_a much_o more_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o justice_n to_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o general_a satisfaction_n of_o whole_a polity_n and_o community_n wherein_o man_n live_v social_o under_o law_n and_o government_n the_o controversy_n therefore_o which_o be_v rise_v between_o the_o quaker_n and_o almost_o all_o other_o christian_n will_v come_v into_o this_o narrow_a room_n controversy_n 1._o not_o whether_o
a_o christian_a may_v swear_v vain_o and_o rash_o forbid_v by_o a_o spontaneous_a and_o occasional_a easiness_n either_o promise_a or_o assert_v although_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o by_o the_o true_a god_n but_o without_o reverence_n to_o god_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o so_o little_a yea_o no_o importance_n or_o difficulty_n as_o neither_o deserve_v nor_o need_n nor_o require_v a_o oath_n to_o this_o we_o all_o agree_v with_o the_o quaker_n christ_n word_n condemn_v all_o such_o profane_a and_o trivial_a swear_n much_o more_o if_o it_o be_v in_o fraud_n and_o falsity_n which_o make_v such_o oath_n as_o the_o coin_n of_o a_o usurper_n which_o be_v false_a metal_n and_o stamp_n too_o a_o complicate_v sin_n and_o one_o of_o the_o strong_a chain_n of_o darkness_n which_o the_o devil_n and_o a_o man_n own_o lust_n hamper_v the_o soul_n withal_o 2._o not_o be_v it_o any_o question_n whether_o christian_n may_v swear_v in_o any_o case_n by_o any_o creature_n as_o such_o creature_n not_o relate_v by_o it_o and_o through_o it_o to_o god_n above_o all_o who_o be_v the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o centre_n and_o circumference_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o who_o they_o have_v their_o be_v and_o in_o who_o be_v the_o idea_n or_o prototype_n of_o all_o their_o perfection_n to_o terminate_v a_o oath_n in_o a_o creature_n be_v to_o put_v the_o stamp_n of_o divinity_n on_o it_o to_o make_v it_o a_o idol_n in_o god_n stead_n and_o to_o profane_v his_o holy_a name_n by_o swear_v by_o it_o as_o by_o a_o false_a god_n the_o swear_n by_o any_o creature_n as_o such_o we_o all_o own_o to_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n according_a to_o those_o instance_n which_o our_o lord_n christ_n and_o saint_n james_n from_o his_o mouth_n give_v we_o when_o they_o explain_v their_o meaning_n of_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o etc._n etc._n 3._o nor_o be_v it_o a_o question_n whether_o a_o oath_n make_v by_o the_o name_n of_o any_o creature_n break_v and_o in_o a_o thing_n lawful_a may_v yet_o be_v break_v or_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o swear_v false_o by_o they_o all_o agree_v that_o though_o the_o oath_n be_v rash_a as_o by_o a_o creature_n yet_o it_o bind_v in_o thing_n lawful_a no_o less_o at_o least_o to_o truth_n and_o justice_n then_o any_o simple_a promise_n and_o it_o may_v be_v something_o more_o here_o that_o be_v true_a fieri_fw-la non_fw-la debuit_fw-la factum_fw-la valet_fw-la like_a bastard_n they_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v beget_v but_o they_o must_v be_v keep_v unless_o the_o matter_n be_v sinful_a as_o herod_n oath_n be_v which_o behead_v john_n baptist_n mat._n 14._o 9_o 4._o but_o the_o question_n be_v christian_n whether_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v utter_o forbid_v all_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o to_o all_o christian_n so_o that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o swear_v as_o in_o private_a so_o in_o public_a transaction_n or_o any_o court_n of_o judicature_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o oath_n never_o so_o just_a and_o true_a and_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o never_o so_o solemn_a and_o sacred_a and_o the_o authority_n require_v they_o never_o so_o lawful_a in_o civil_a respect_n this_o the_o quaker_n affirm_v lead_v thereto_o as_o they_o profess_v mere_o by_o the_o conscience_n of_o that_o obedience_n they_o oweto_o christ_n who_o will_v they_o say_v be_v express_o declare_v in_o those_o word_n to_o all_o his_o disciple_n not_o to_o swear_v at_o all_o in_o no_o case_n at_o no_o time_n upon_o no_o man_n command_n nor_o do_v they_o argue_v any_o thing_n further_o by_o way_n of_o rational_a deduction_n moral_a ground_n or_o religious_a principle_n either_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n or_o from_o the_o consent_n of_o other_o scripture_n or_o from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o glory_n but_o bare_o insist_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o urge_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d letter_n as_o a_o absolute_a or_o universal_a negative_a without_o any_o limitation_n or_o dispensation_n so_o feed_v on_o the_o rind_n or_o shell_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o gnaw_v the_o bone_n of_o the_o bare_a word_n that_o they_o never_o come_v at_o the_o kernel_n and_o marrow_n or_o true_a meaning_n of_o they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n i_o do_v deny_v forbid_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o my_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o consentient_a sense_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n yea_o of_o all_o christian_a and_o reform_a church_n of_o any_o renown_n that_o all_o swear_n be_v forbid_v by_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o that_o our_o saviour_n word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o such_o a_o limit_a sense_n and_o strict_a interpretation_n as_o suit_v to_o his_o scope_n and_o design_n which_o be_v to_o rectify_v popular_a error_n and_o remove_v common_a abuse_n in_o swear_v but_o not_o whole_o to_o forbid_v the_o use_n of_o it_o in_o a_o religious_a and_o lawful_a way_n and_o because_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a in_o order_n to_o my_o design_n which_o be_v to_o justify_v the_o legal_a proceed_n of_o this_o kingdom_n justice_n by_o oath_n and_o to_o satisfy_v the_o scruple_n of_o the_o quaker_n to_o oppose_v my_o nay_o to_o their_o yea_o or_o to_o offer_v the_o husk_n and_o chaff_n of_o word_n void_a of_o such_o reason_n as_o either_o slow_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o all_o action_n as_o good_a or_o evil_n moral_o or_o from_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v a_o treasury_n of_o right_a reason_n as_o well_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o true_a religion_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o give_v those_o reason_n which_o induce_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o quaker_n as_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o saducee_n do_v err_v not_o know_v or_o not_o right_a understanding_n 29._o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o to_o forbid_v all_o swear_v nor_o such_o as_o the_o just_a and_o religious_a law_n of_o england_n do_v require_v of_o all_o under_o its_o subjection_n in_o some_o case_n i_o will_v not_o seek_v to_o oppress_v or_o confound_v the_o quaker_n with_o the_o show_n of_o many_o reason_n as_o if_o i_o will_v carry_v the_o cause_n by_o number_n and_o not_o by_o weight_n but_o content_v myself_o with_o those_o few_o which_o be_v most_o pregnant_a plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o 1._o reason_n christ_n from_o the_o occasion_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n word_n and_o the_o scope_n or_o end_n of_o they_o to_o which_o his_o own_o instance_n by_o way_n of_o explication_n of_o his_o meaning_n do_v best_a direct_v we_o both_o as_o to_o what_o he_o forbid_v and_o enjoin_v to_o some_o of_o which_o the_o quaker_n themselves_o do_v consent_n 2._o reason_n from_o the_o moral_a and_o religious_a nature_n end_n and_o use_v of_o oath_n which_o god_n have_v institute_v and_o approve_v without_o any_o repeal_n by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n 3._o reason_n from_o other_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o give_v light_a to_o these_o both_o by_o principle_n grant_v and_o suitable_a example_n express_v to_o these_o reason_n i_o will_v add_v by_o way_n of_o full_a measure_n heap_v up_o and_o run_v over_o the_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o other_o christian_n and_o church_n ancient_a and_o modern_a in_o their_o interpretation_n of_o these_o word_n with_o answer_n to_o the_o allegation_n make_v from_o the_o say_n and_o manner_n of_o some_o primitive_a christian_n this_o do_v the_o conclusion_n will_v easy_o follow_v with_o great_a clearness_n and_o good_a authority_n to_o all_o that_o be_v true_o wise_a and_o have_v their_o eye_n open_v and_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v good_a and_o evil_n the_o first_o reason_n be_v from_o the_o occasion_n word_n scope_n and_o end_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n and_o so_o of_o the_o apostle_n for_o these_o as_o the_o bias_n of_o all_o speech_n do_v best_a discover_v the_o speaker_n mind_n there_o be_v no_o sure_a way_n to_o wrest_v and_o pervert_v scripture_n then_o to_o take_v they_o abrupt_o and_o absolute_o when_o they_o have_v a_o relative_a comparative_a or_o limit_a sense_n in_o the_o aim_n and_o purpose_n of_o the_o speaker_n our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o this_o divine_a sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n of_o which_o saint_n matthew_n give_v we_o so_o large_a a_o account_n make_v it_o his_o main_a aim_n and_o scope_n thing_n first_o to_o set_v forth_o those_o spiritual_a heavenly_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n which_o beyond_o those_o sensible_a earthly_a and_o temporary_a one_o which_o be_v so_o much_o of_o old_a set_v before_o the_o jew_n to_o invite_v they_o to_o obedience_n of_o god_n law_n be_v now_o to_o be_v chief_o regard_v by_o christian_n as_o their_o peculiar_a comfort_n hope_n and_o reward_n under_o the_o gospel_n
which_o though_o attend_v with_o many_o persecution_n yet_o be_v not_o without_o many_o blessing_n peculiar_a to_o true_a believer_n from_o vers_fw-la 3._o to_o vers_fw-la 12._o second_o our_o saviour_n give_v many_o singular_a lesson_n or_o precept_n of_o more_o eminent_a diligence_n patience_n charity_n mortification_n self-denial_n sincerity_n conspicuity_n perseverance_n and_o perfection_n of_o obedience_n require_v now_o under_o the_o gospel_n above_o what_o either_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n seem_v to_o exact_v or_o by_o the_o pharisaical_a interpretation_n be_v teach_v to_o the_o jew_n so_o that_o unless_o their_o righteousness_n do_v exceed_v that_o so_o popular_o admire_v of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o can_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n vers_fw-la 20._o three_o our_o saviour_n with_o much_o earnestness_n and_o exactness_n apply_v in_o this_o sermon_n to_o reform_v those_o abuse_n which_o either_o by_o the_o pharisaical_a gloss_n either_o too_o much_o loosen_v or_o restrain_v the_o meaning_n of_o god_n law_n or_o by_o their_o deprave_a example_n or_o by_o popular_a custom_n have_v prevail_v among_o the_o jew_n contrary_a to_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o primitive_a institution_n which_o give_v we_o the_o clear_a view_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n intention_n for_o the_o exact_a observation_n of_o which_o however_o by_o divine_a indulgence_n and_o connivance_n or_o by_o the_o hardness_n and_o uncharitableness_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o customary_a depravedness_n of_o time_n and_o manner_n they_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v have_v some_o temporary_a dispensation_n heretofore_o grant_v to_o they_o or_o at_o least_o have_v presume_v to_o take_v it_o to_o themselves_o yet_o now_o under_o the_o evangelical_n strictness_n to_o which_o christ_n come_v to_o restore_v or_o raise_v the_o church_n they_o may_v not_o fancy_v to_o themselves_o any_o such_o liberty_n but_o be_v to_o keep_v themselves_o in_o thought_n look_v desire_v word_n and_o deed_n to_o that_o sanctity_n and_o severity_n which_o be_v require_v by_o the_o law_n and_o most_o conform_a to_o the_o holy_a will_n attribute_n and_o nature_n of_o that_o god_n who_o they_o ought_v to_o imitate_v as_o their_o heavenly_a father_n in_o all_o sacred_a perfection_n which_o humane_a nature_n assist_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n 48._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o the_o visible_a example_n of_o christ_n be_v capable_a to_o attain_v at_o least_o sincere_o to_o aim_v at_o and_o endeavour_v so_o vers_fw-la 22._o he_o tell_v they_o that_o not_o only_o wilful_a murder_n or_o malicious_a kill_n be_v forbid_v but_o rash_a unreasonable_a and_o irreconcilable_a anger_n verse_n 28._o that_o not_o only_a adultery_n but_o all_o lust_n inordinate_a after_o a_o woman_n that_o be_v not_o in_o order_n to_o marriage_n and_o the_o honest_a end_n of_o it_o be_v so_o severe_o forbid_v under_o pain_n of_o hell_n fire_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o deny_v those_o sensual_a pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o seem_v as_o dear_a to_o man_n as_o the_o delight_n of_o their_o eye_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o hand_n then_o to_o indulge_v they_o with_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o soul_n verse_n 32._o so_o in_o the_o case_n of_o humorous_a and_o lascivious_a divorce_n usual_o give_v to_o wife_n upon_o no_o just_a cause_n christ_n restrain_v that_o indulgence_n only_o to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o wife_n deserve_v to_o be_v put_v away_o for_o have_v break_v her_o conjugal_a vow_n and_o band_n of_o matrimony_n by_o her_o adultery_n not_o to_o instance_n in_o many_o other_o particular_n of_o abuse_n which_o christ_n reckon_v up_o and_o reform_v in_o that_o sermon_n as_o touch_v private_a revenge_n vers_fw-la 39_o not_o public_a and_o vindicative_a justice_n so_o of_o love_v our_o enemy_n vers_fw-la 44_o of_o alm_n prayer_n and_o fast_v without_o ostentation_n pride_n or_o hypocrisy_n against_o immoderate_a love_n and_o care_n for_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o like_a the_o immediate_o next_z be_v this_o of_o swear_v vers_fw-la 33_o 34._o in_o which_o as_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n the_o jew_n have_v much_o deprave_a both_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o use_n of_o oath_n 1._o they_o pretend_v indeed_o as_o philo_n and_o josephus_n tell_v we_o a_o great_a reverence_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d and_o seem_v to_o make_v great_a conscience_n of_o swear_v in_o small_a matter_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n yea_o they_o make_v scruple_n to_o swear_v at_o all_o in_o any_o case_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o lord_n live_v for_o which_o the_o heathen_n mock_v the_o jew_n 〈◊〉_d as_o in_o that_o of_o martial_a jura_n verpe_fw-mi per_fw-la anchialum_fw-la these_o oath_n they_o think_v bind_v nor_o will_v they_o in_o these_o easy_o swear_v or_o forswear_v themselves_o which_o regard_n to_o their_o god_n be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o grave_a heathen_n as_o be_v observe_v out_o of_o homer_n therefore_o they_o take_v any_o obvious_a thing_n to_o swear_v by_o 2._o but_o they_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o other_o familiar_a oath_n grotius_n or_o form_n of_o common_a swear_v as_o many_o christian_n now_o do_v by_o whatever_o come_v next_o to_o their_o mind_n or_o tongue_n as_o by_o the_o temple_n and_o holy_a city_n by_o their_o own_o or_o other_o head_n hand_n life_n and_o soul_n so_o by_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o light_n thus_o wave_v the_o attestation_n of_o god_n omniscient_a justice_n and_o the_o swear_n by_o his_o name_n as_o be_v command_v in_o righteousness_n judgement_n and_o truth_n they_o put_v this_o character_n of_o divinity_n on_o the_o creature_n no_o way_n competent_a for_o they_o unless_o as_o they_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o depend_v on_o and_o derive_v from_o the_o bless_a god_n 3._o these_o vulgar_a oath_n they_o use_v not_o only_o in_o a_o familiarity_n and_o facility_n of_o inconsiderate_a swear_n upon_o small_a and_o light_a occasion_n yea_o and_o in_o assert_v of_o thing_n not_o true_a as_o to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o intention_n which_o be_v double_o a_o false_a swear_n but_o in_o thing_n of_o weight_n and_o concern_v as_o to_o that_o charity_n justice_n and_o equity_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o other_o they_o choose_v this_o way_n of_o creature-swearing_a both_o promissory_a and_o assertory_n august_n because_o they_o fancy_v such_o oath_n be_v not_o with_o the_o solemnity_n of_o invocate_a god_n name_n be_v not_o bind_v upon_o their_o soul_n either_o as_o to_o truth_n or_o right_n but_o they_o may_v play_v with_o they_o at_o fast_o and_o loose_a according_a as_o their_o own_o interest_n or_o pleasure_n do_v sway_v they_o hence_o as_o they_o swear_v amiss_o in_o point_n of_o form_n so_o also_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n without_o any_o regard_n in_o these_o case_n to_o that_o command_n of_o god_n against_o forswear_v and_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o oath_n to_o the_o lord_n which_o place_v christ_n cite_v and_o to_o which_o law_n they_o profess_v to_o adhere_v so_o far_o only_o as_o they_o use_v the_o name_n of_o god_n else_o they_o dispense_v with_o their_o oath_n and_o easy_o digest_v even_o perjury_n itself_o upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o to_o reform_v these_o gross_a abuse_n our_o bless_a saviour_n give_v this_o command_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o that_o be_v as_o erasmus_n paraphrase_v not_o after_o those_o usual_a eâ—asm_n presumptuous_a and_o unlawful_a form_n by_o the_o name_n of_o creature_n of_o which_o he_o give_v so_o many_o follow_a instance_n to_o express_v his_o meaning_n for_o he_o do_v not_o instance_n in_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o religious_a oath_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a god_n which_o be_v not_o only_o allow_v but_o in_o such_o case_n as_o do_v require_v a_o oath_n with_o its_o due_a circumstance_n of_o judgement_n justice_n and_o truth_n command_v 2._o he_o tell_v they_o that_o even_o in_o those_o oath_n which_o be_v attest_v only_o by_o the_o name_n of_o any_o creature_n as_o by_o heaven_n or_o earth_n or_o jerusalem_n or_o their_o head_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v a_o tacit_n call_v of_o god_n to_o witness_v continetur_fw-la since_o every_o creature_n depend_v on_o god_n and_o relate_v to_o he_o as_o the_o centre_n and_o circumference_n the_o source_n and_o sea_n of_o all_o thing_n heaven_n be_v god_n throne_n earth_n god_n footstool_n the_o temple_n god_n sanctuary_n jerusalem_n the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o most_o eminent_a place_n of_o the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n residency_n on_o earth_n 3._o he_o imply_v lawful_a that_o however_o such_o various_a and_o irregular_a form_n of_o oath_n by_o the_o name_n of_o any_o creature_n be_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o unlawful_a yet_o they_o oblige_v man_n to_o perform_v they_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v lawful_a nor_o be_v
swear_v the_o lord_n live_v in_o truth_n in_o judgement_n and_o in_o righteousness_n i._n e._n to_o what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v and_o just_a nor_o do_v the_o lord_n ever_o by_o the_o prophet_n condemn_v the_o jew_n for_o swear_v simple_o and_o sincere_o but_o only_o for_o vain_a false_a 5._o perfidious_a and_o perjurious_a swear_n as_o he_o do_v zedekiah_n 16._o for_o despise_v the_o oath_n he_o have_v give_v to_o king_n nabuchadnezzar_n answerable_o we_o read_v the_o unblamed_a practice_n of_o many_o holy_a man_n abraham_n jacob_n joshua_n david_n and_o other_o who_o themselves_o swear_v and_o exact_v oath_n and_o adjure_v other_o without_o any_o sin_n or_o offence_n in_o such_o serious_a and_o weighty_a case_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n right_a reason_n justice_n and_o charity_n do_v permit_v or_o require_v among_o the_o jew_n all_o public_a testimony_n be_v ratify_v by_o a_o oath_n as_o buxtorse_v drusius_n and_o other_o observe_v drusius_n who_o write_v of_o the_o civil_a administration_n of_o justice_n among_o they_o yea_o we_o find_v as_o i_o former_o touch_v the_o lord_n himself_o confirm_v this_o by_o his_o own_o great_a and_o most_o holy_a example_n 17._o swear_v more_o than_o once_o by_o himself_o by_o his_o own_o life_n and_o great_a name_n to_o create_v credit_n and_o give_v confirmation_n to_o what_o he_o say_v if_o then_o from_o all_o these_o premise_n it_o be_v clear_a 8._o that_o some_o swear_v be_v moral_o lawful_a as_o a_o act_n extraordinary_a of_o religion_n 5._o a_o high_a glorify_v of_o god_n by_o appeal_n to_o he_o 11._o agreeable_a to_o the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n even_o in_o the_o three_o commandment_n in_o which_o we_o be_v not_o only_o forbid_v to_o profane_v the_o name_n of_o god_n but_o the_o affirmative_a be_v also_o include_v of_o sanctify_v his_o name_n by_o all_o way_n of_o pray_v praise_v vow_v and_o swear_v as_o he_o allow_v we_o if_o in_o do_v thus_o upon_o just_a occasion_n private_a or_o public_a in_o a_o lawful_a manner_n we_o sin_v not_o against_o any_o moral_a law_n of_o pretty_a justice_n or_o charity_n it_o must_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o by_o this_o procept_n evangelical_n forbid_v or_o annul_v the_o old_a law_n as_o to_o the_o sanctity_n and_o morality_n of_o a_o oath_n but_o only_o take_v away_o the_o corruption_n and_o abuse_n it_o be_v no_o design_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o do_v so_o as_o he_o express_o assure_v the_o jew_n to_o take_v off_o their_o jealousy_n and_o prejudices_fw-la in_o this_o kind_n that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v or_o diminish_v but_o fulfil_v the_o law_n moral_n however_o he_o come_v in_o the_o way_n of_o fulfil_v to_o abrogate_v the_o ceremonial_a yea_o and_o the_o politic_a law_n too_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o jewish_a polity_n in_o church_n and_o state_n this_o speech_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o key_n which_o open_v his_o meaning_n in_o all_o his_o follow_a emendation_n of_o judaic_a pravity_n and_o in_o all_o the_o constitution_n of_o evangelical_n rectitude_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v preposterous_a to_o contradict_v so_o clear_a and_o emphatic_a a_o scripture_n in_o order_n to_o fix_v such_o a_o interpretation_n on_o these_o place_n at_o which_o the_o quaker_n now_o stumble_v as_o be_v only_o conform_v to_o their_o own_o fancy_n but_o contrary_a to_o the_o evident_a tenor_n of_o both_o law_n and_o gospel_n alex._n in_o this_o particular_a of_o lawful_a swear_n in_o lawful_a case_n and_o manner_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o moral_a law_n which_o christ_n signal_o tell_v they_o he_o do_v not_o come_v or_o ever_o intend_v to_o abolish_v but_o to_o maintain_v so_o far_o as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n be_v great_a accomplishment_n of_o all_o law_n to_o both_o which_o religious_a swear_n be_v most_o conform_a it_o be_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o our_o neighbour_n good_a jud._n there_o be_v no_o danger_n then_o of_o do_v hurt_v to_o our_o own_o conscience_n any_o more_o than_o in_o serious_a affirmation_n or_o negation_n a_o oath_n have_v only_o the_o attestation_n of_o god_n to_o it_o who_o be_v witness_n of_o all_o we_o say_v and_o do_v 3._o the_o three_o reason_n for_o the_o limit_v these_o word_n of_o christ_n against_o some_o christian_n but_o not_o all_o kind_n of_o swear_v under_o the_o gospel_n be_v from_o those_o after-evidence_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o sufficient_o clear_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n first_o his_o own_o frequent_a asseveration_n amen_o amen_n be_v by_o many_o esteem_v as_o a_o solemn_a form_n of_o assertion_n jonah_n next_o degree_n to_o swear_v by_o attestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o word_n but_o if_o this_o amount_v not_o to_o so_o much_o in_o our_o saviour_n form_n of_o aver_v what_o he_o utter_v yet_o we_o read_v in_o the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n write_n more_o than_o once_o not_o only_o attestation_n but_o obtestation_n and_o adjuration_n of_o other_o as_o saint_n austin_n observe_v even_o to_o the_o very_a form_n of_o swear_v rom._n 1._o 9_o god_n be_v my_o witness_n etc._n etc._n gal._n 1._o 20._o behold_v before_o god_n i_o lie_v not_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 31._o i_o protest_v by_o your_o rejoice_v which_o have_v the_o very_a form_n of_o common_a oath_n among_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d per_fw-la jupiter_fw-la 2_o cor._n 11._o 31._o the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v bless_v for_o evermore_o know_v that_o i_o lie_v not_o 2_o tim._n 4._o 1._o i_o charge_v thou_o before_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n 13._o as_o a_o ground_n to_o justify_v his_o own_o practice_n in_o thing_n weighty_a and_o of_o great_a concern_v to_o god_n glory_n pertinentibus_fw-la the_o vindicate_a of_o his_o own_o fidelity_n and_o the_o induce_n other_o to_o belief_n in_o case_n that_o can_v otherwise_o be_v so_o full_o clear_v decide_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o this_o great_a apostle_n who_o well_o know_v his_o master_n meaning_n tell_v we_o that_o 16._o a_o oath_n not_o be_v but_o be_v among_o man_n for_o a_o end_n of_o all_o controversy_n or_o strife_n and_o therefore_o man_n swear_v by_o god_n as_o great_a than_o themselves_o and_o all_o creature_n whatsoever_o intimate_v that_o the_o sanctity_n and_o validity_n of_o a_o oath_n still_o remain_v in_o use_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o among_o all_o man_n where_o the_o matter_n form_n and_o end_n require_v by_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o immutable_a principle_n of_o piety_n justice_n and_o charity_n be_v due_o observe_v nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n there_o or_o any_o where_o intimate_v that_o this_o former_a liberty_n of_o swear_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v abrogate_a under_o the_o gospel_n as_o if_o christian_n may_v not_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n which_o have_v be_v so_o necessary_a a_o lesson_n as_o none_o more_o in_o practics_n consider_v that_o all_o those_o civilise_a nation_n where_o he_o most_o preach_v and_o to_o who_o he_o write_v so_o many_o epistle_n will_v never_o have_v believe_v all_o swear_v unlawful_a which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n dictate_v and_o the_o law_n of_o god_n allow_v with_o due_a regulation_n unless_o they_o have_v some_o special_a precept_n from_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o have_v so_o receive_v it_o of_o the_o lord_n which_o have_v he_o write_v he_o have_v contradict_v himself_o as_o to_o his_o practice_n and_o make_v himself_o a_o offender_n but_o the_o reproof_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o of_o the_o apostle_n saint_n james_n be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o corrupt_a custom_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o christ_n speak_v and_o the_o apostle_n saint_n james_n write_v that_o epistle_n especial_o in_o promissory_a oath_n to_o which_o the_o learned_a groâ—ius_n think_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n whole_o and_o only_o relate_v 56._o to_o conclude_v this_o reason_n we_o read_v the_o angel_n in_o the_o revelation_n by_o his_o example_n justify_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o some_o swear_n for_o he_o be_v bring_v in_o thus_o lift_v up_o his_o hand_n to_o heaven_n and_o swear_v by_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o etc._n etc._n after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o angel_n in_o daniel_n do_v swear_v lift_v up_o both_o his_o hand_n to_o heaven_n 7._o in_o which_o form_n we_o can_v think_v the_o holy_a and_o good_a angel_n will_v have_v so_o solemn_o appear_v on_o record_n in_o old_a &_o new_a testament_n as_o exemplary_a to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n if_o the_o great_a angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v precise_o forbid_v all_o swear_v either_o because_o in_o its_o nature_n moral_o and_o utter_o unlawful_a which_o can_v be_v say_v without_o blasphemy_n and_o
contradiction_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n of_o old_a or_o as_o now_o become_v evil_a and_o unlawful_a because_o absolute_o forbid_v by_o a_o positive_a evangelical_n command_v without_o any_o moral_a reason_n either_o allege_v or_o imaginable_a from_o any_o nature_n of_o sin_n which_o false_a gloss_n of_o christ_n word_n can_v be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o other_o principle_n place_n and_o example_n evident_a and_o authoritative_a in_o the_o gospel_n or_o with_o that_o express_a and_o signal_n oracle_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o salvo_fw-la for_o all_o that_o be_v moral_o good_a that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v any_o part_n or_o tittle_n of_o the_o law_n which_o have_v any_o moral_a internal_a and_o eternal_a holiness_n in_o it_o as_o be_v therefore_o express_v in_o his_o reveal_v will_n or_o word_n because_o it_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o essence_n which_o all_o reasonable_a creature_n ought_v ever_o to_o fear_v reverence_n adore_v and_o admire_v above_o all_o thing_n as_o those_o do_v who_o by_o religious_a swear_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n as_o the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o all_o man_n and_o thing_n as_o the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n and_o as_o the_o infallible_a dispenser_n of_o justice_n which_o sacred_a celebration_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n and_o majesty_n in_o solemn_a swear_v be_v no_o way_n derogate_a from_o god_n honour_n but_o high_o advance_v it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o no_o way_n injurious_a to_o our_o self_n or_o other_o but_o advantageous_a to_o justice_n truth_n charity_n and_o peace_n can_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o abolish_v or_o forbid_v by_o christ_n to_o we_o christian_n four_o divine_n have_v thus_o examine_v first_o the_o occasion_n and_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n second_o the_o moral_a nature_n of_o a_o oath_n three_o the_o evangelical_n practice_n my_o four_o and_o last_o work_n be_v to_o justify_v this_o limit_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n word_n which_o i_o have_v give_v consonant_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o the_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o other_o church_n and_o learned_a interpreter_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a nor_o that_o i_o think_v any_o humane_a or_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n sway_v much_o if_o any_o thing_n with_o the_o quaker_n who_o be_v mostwhat_a stranger_n to_o all_o learning_n and_o not_o much_o to_o be_v move_v by_o any_o such_o engine_n but_o only_o to_o confute_v the_o more_o evident_o their_o singularity_n and_o pertinacy_n also_o to_o satisfy_v other_o of_o my_o countryman_n that_o this_o be_v no_o novel_a interpretation_n put_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o true_a meaning_n the_o ancient_a and_o late_a church_n may_v without_o any_o vanity_n be_v think_v to_o understand_v as_o well_o as_o any_o of_o this_o new_a generation_n and_o certain_o we_o may_v with_o more_o modesty_n appeal_v to_o and_o acquiesce_v with_o conscience_n in_o their_o judgement_n of_o place_n dark_a and_o dubious_a then_o listen_v to_o any_o man_n in_o late_a time_n who_o supercilious_o dissent_v from_o they_o all_o doubtless_o if_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v be_v a_o faithful_a preserver_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o may_v not_o be_v suspect_v to_o have_v be_v a_o unfaithful_a interpreter_n of_o they_o in_o any_o main_a point_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o morality_n and_o such_o as_o this_o of_o sober_a serious_a reverend_a and_o judicial_a swear_v the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v not_o only_o very_o cautious_a of_o swear_v rash_o vain_o false_o judgement_n but_o if_o they_o take_v any_o oath_n they_o make_v such_o conscience_n of_o keep_v it_o that_o they_o will_v soon_o die_v then_o break_v it_o wilful_o or_o base_o indeed_o in_o private_a conversation_n christian_n be_v then_o esteem_v so_o strict_a exact_a and_o cautious_a of_o their_o word_n in_o assert_v or_o promise_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o oath_n among_o they_o yea_o they_o so_o keep_v up_o the_o sanctity_n and_o credit_n of_o their_o profession_n among_o unbeliever_n that_o it_o be_v security_n enough_o in_o all_o case_n to_o say_v christian_n sum_n i_o be_o a_o christian_n if_o any_o urge_v they_o further_o to_o any_o oath_n for_o matter_n or_o manner_n or_o authority_n unlawful_a they_o repeat_v this_o as_o the_o only_a satisfaction_n they_o can_v give_v there_o need_v no_o more_o than_o the_o veracity_n of_o their_o bare_a word_n they_o think_v it_o not_o lawful_a for_o they_o in_o such_o case_n to_o swear_v be_v in_o this_o emulator_n of_o the_o joseph_n esseni_n among_o the_o jew_n of_o who_o josephus_n tell_v we_o that_o their_o word_n be_v as_o sure_a as_o a_o oath_n and_o that_o they_o avoid_v not_o only_o all_o forswear_n but_o all_o swear_n or_o that_o which_o bring_v their_o fidelity_n in_o question_n and_o lessen_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o sect._n 〈◊〉_d thus_o christian_n that_o they_o may_v not_o come_v short_a of_o the_o esseni_n among_o the_o jew_n credant_fw-la who_o will_v not_o swear_v but_o in_o judicature_n or_o of_o any_o man_n in_o this_o pious_a severity_n especial_o in_o abstain_v from_o all_o unlawful_a swear_n do_v keep_v themselves_o from_o all_o kind_n of_o swear_v especial_o heathenish_a and_o idolatrous_a their_o profession_n and_o reputation_n be_v test_n enough_o to_o their_o word_n nor_o do_v they_o think_v any_o man_n under_o heaven_n be_v so_o worthy_a as_o christian_n to_o make_v good_a some_o of_o the_o ancient_a and_o sober_a heathen_n dictate_v in_o this_o kind_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o menander_n so_o to_o avoid_v evil_a swear_v as_o not_o to_o swear_v though_o in_o thing_n just_a and_o true_a and_o that_o of_o solon_n a_o good_a man_n shall_v have_v that_o credit_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v believe_v he_o the_o more_o for_o his_o swear_n it_o be_v some_o diminution_n to_o his_o reputation_n to_o be_v put_v to_o swear_v or_o to_o need_v a_o oath_n to_o gain_v credit_n diogenes_n laert._n tell_v we_o that_o the_o athenian_n will_v not_o suffer_v xenocrates_n a_o man_n of_o great_a integrity_n and_o honour_n to_o take_v his_o oath_n at_o the_o altar_n as_o a_o thing_n unworthy_a of_o his_o reputation_n nor_o do_v the_o roman_n exact_a oath_n of_o their_o chief_a priest_n indignum_fw-la credentes_fw-la viro_fw-la tanta_fw-la sanctimoniae_fw-la sine_fw-la juramento_fw-la non_fw-la credere_fw-la hence_o we_o find_v some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n dâ—mini_fw-la as_o origen_n chrysostome_n theophylact_fw-mi oecumenius_n hilary_n athanasius_n s._n jerom_n theodoret_n lactantius_n and_o other_o frequent_o inveigh_v without_o any_o limitation_n or_o reserve_v against_o christian_n swear_v as_o to_o private_a conversation_n yea_o and_o saint_n austin_n himself_o in_o his_o sermon_n on_o these_o word_n of_o christ_n advise_v to_o abstain_v from_o cesie_n and_o ordinary_a swear_v in_o case_n never_o so_o true_a and_o honest_a lest_o by_o wontedness_n of_o swear_v we_o get_v a_o proneness_n to_o swear_v even_o false_o s._n basil_n commend_v clinias_n a_o famous_a greek_a that_o he_o rather_o suffer_v a_o mulct_n of_o three_o talent_n than_o he_o will_v save_v it_o by_o swear_v to_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o honour_n which_o he_o think_v caution_n sufficient_a for_o his_o honesty_n not_o that_o saint_n austin_n hold_v it_o unlawful_a for_o a_o christian_a in_o any_o case_n of_o great_a and_o weighty_a concern_v solemn_o to_o give_v oath_n aust_n as_o a_o further_a ratification_n of_o truth_n and_o justice_n yea_o he_o assert_v it_o as_o lawful_a and_o prove_v it_o by_o those_o instance_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n swear_v or_o obtestation_n in_o his_o epistle_n which_o i_o former_o produce_v not_o as_o if_o faith_n he_o saint_n paul_n have_v forget_v or_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o his_o practice_n he_o show_v we_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o be_v only_o to_o forbid_v false_a and_o frivolous_a swear_n as_o the_o grave_a and_o eminent_a of_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o deny_v oath_n of_o allegiance_n to_o herod_n and_o their_o governor_n as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o so_o neither_o do_v the_o christian_n 3._o however_o the_o zeal_n of_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n in_o their_o sermon_n or_o homily_n to_o the_o people_n whole_o cry_v down_o all_o customary_a and_o vain_a swear_n especial_o according_a to_o the_o wont_a form_n of_o heathenish_a swear_n as_o by_o their_o god_n or_o emperor_n and_o the_o like_a so_o polycarpus_n in_o the_o first_o century_n answer_v the_o perfect_a rep._n who_o promise_v to_o dismiss_v he_o if_o he_o will_v swear_v by_o the_o fortune_n of_o cesar_n but_o he_o refuse_v affirm_v i_o be_o a_o christian_n in_o like_a manner_n basilides_n the_o martyr_n when_o the_o officer_n exact_v a_o oath_n of_o he_o reply_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o i_o be_v a_o a_o christian_n to_o swear_v so_o