who_o know_v our_o thought_n and_o intention_n and_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o word_n to_o our_o knowledge_n and_o purpose_n and_o then_o there_o go_v a_o curse_n upon_o ourselves_o along_o with_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n there_o be_v always_o a_o imprecation_n of_o vengeance_n add_v to_o the_o invocation_n of_o god_n testimony_n in_o case_n we_o speak_v otherwise_o than_o we_o know_v or_o intend_v herein_o we_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v vindicem_fw-la falsi_fw-la a_o just_a and_o powerful_a revenger_n of_o falsehood_n deceit_n and_o particular_o of_o our_o abuse_n of_o he_o by_o draw_v he_o down_o to_o countenance_v our_o lie_n and_o fraud_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o i_o need_v not_o enlarge_v my_o lecture_n upon_o the_o proof_n of_o they_o but_o these_o evident_a truth_n i_o lay_v now_o as_o the_o premise_n out_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v anon_o draw_v my_o conclusion_n and_o that_o will_v the_o easy_o obtain_v credit_n if_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n we_o brief_o recollect_v the_o end_n use_v and_o benefit_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v indeed_o too_o many_o to_o be_v particular_o recount_v and_o unfold_v at_o this_o time_n the_o main_a end_n of_o swear_v be_v two_o 1._o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o natural_o result_v from_o man_n serious_a acknowledgement_n of_o god_n sovereignty_n and_o all_o those_o excellency_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o such_o a_o witness_n and_o judge_n as_o we_o make_v our_o appeal_n to_o whensoever_o we_o swear_v in_o sobriety_n 2._o the_o good_a of_o other_o or_o ourselves_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o procure_v and_o promote_v for_o it_o be_v design_v as_o a_o mean_n 1._o to_o clear_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o reputation_n of_o man_n charge_v unjust_o 2._o to_o discover_v crime_n 6.16_o heb._n 6.16_o that_o evil_a may_v be_v take_v away_o from_o a_o society_n 3._o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o controversy_n 4._o for_o the_o firm_a bind_n of_o contract_n in_o many_o case_n all_o other_o mean_v of_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o magistrate_n friend_n etc._n etc._n may_v be_v ineffectual_a in_o matter_n of_o moment_n where_o the_o require_v and_o take_v of_o a_o oath_n may_v have_v a_o good_a effect_n to_o procure_v quiet_a peace_n and_o justice_n i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o and_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v warrant_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a custom_n of_o the_o nation_n which_o be_v not_o only_o record_v but_o approve_v by_o god_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v therefore_o perverse_o do_v by_o those_o fanatic_n whereof_o the_o anabaptist_n be_v a_o part_n who_o do_v maintain_v in_o show_n at_o least_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n and_o defend_v their_o authority_n against_o the_o quaker_n to_o refuse_v deliberate_a oath_n which_o be_v so_o frequent_o command_v 63.11_o psal_n 15.1_o 4._o &_o 63.11_o and_o commend_v in_o scripture_n because_o christ_n in_o one_o place_n restrain_v man_n from_o rash_a light_a and_o vain_a oath_n which_o be_v very_o near_o a_o kin_n to_o perjury_n and_o because_o one_o apostle_n forbid_v hasty_a swear_v in_o fit_n of_o impatience_n which_o make_v man_n unfit_a even_o for_o prayer_n much_o more_o for_o swear_v for_o that_o st._n james_n mean_v no_o more_o 2.8_o 1_o tim._n 2.8_o it_o be_v manifest_a because_o another_o apostle_n who_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o spirit_n never_o contradict_v himself_o do_v in_o his_o divinely-inspired_n epistle_n pretty_a froquent_o make_v use_n of_o a_o oath_n upon_o several_a weighty_a occasion_n 1._o 2_o cor._n 1.23_o 1_o cor._n 15.31_o gal._n 1.20_o 1_o thess_n 2_o 5_o 10._o rom._n 9_o 1._o whereof_o one_o be_v the_o vindication_n of_o his_o own_o reputation_n because_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o apostleship_n and_o the_o success_n of_o his_o ministry_n do_v in_o a_o good_a measure_n depend_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o same_o apostle_n st._n paul_n charge_v other_o by_o oath_n to_o perform_v their_o duty_n or_o what_o he_o think_v expedient_a for_o the_o public_a benefit_n of_o the_o church_n see_v 1_o tim._n 6.13_o 14._o 1_o thess_n 5.27_o this_o last_o instance_n wherein_o st._n paul_n adjure_v the_o christian_n of_o thessalonica_n be_v a_o parallel_n for_o word_n and_o for_o the_o power_n of_o impose_v of_o a_o oath_n with_o the_o high_a priest_n adjuration_n of_o christ_n himself_o beforementioned_a let_v now_o the_o anabaptist_n find_v a_o more_o commodious_a way_n of_o reconcile_a the_o apostle_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o they_o can_v than_o this_o which_o we_o offer_v say_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n preach_v by_o his_o apostle_n forbid_v temerarious_a swear_n in_o anger_n by_o heaven_n or_o earth_n or_o in_o any_o other_o form_n of_o a_o oath_n unto_o which_o man_n be_v then_o accustom_v who_o be_v wont_a to_o express_v their_o oath_n by_o a_o creature_n conceal_v or_o spare_v the_o name_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n nor_o any_o other_o oath_n which_o these_o man_n vain_o urge_v for_o their_o cause_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o gospel_n allow_v swear_v by_o god_n or_o by_o the_o lord_n upon_o grave_n and_o important_a occasion_n with_o judgement_n and_o also_o charge_v inferior_n under_o a_o oath_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n but_o the_o quaker_n be_v no_o less_o if_o not_o more_o irrational_a than_o the_o former_a for_o they_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o scripture_n which_o jew_n for_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o christian_n for_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n to_o be_v true_a but_o they_o fond_o affirm_v that_o nothing_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o humane_a life_n but_o the_o light_n of_o god_n within_o we_o we_o deny_v not_o the_o light_n of_o god_n within_o we_o to_o be_v the_o director_n of_o we_o but_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n who_o command_v light_a to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n have_v enlighten_v his_o house_n the_o church_n which_o be_v large_a or_o lesser_a as_o he_o see_v good_a to_o proportion_v the_o frame_n of_o it_o under_o several_a dispensation_n of_o grace_n with_o his_o word_n both_o outward_o publish_v and_o inward_o apply_v 6._o 2_o cor._n 4_o 6._o and_o by_o both_o way_n do_v shine_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o we_o further_o affirm_v that_o since_o god_n have_v commit_v his_o live_n and_o lightsome_a oracle_n to_o write_v and_o the_o church_n custody_n as_o a_o standard_n whereby_o we_o may_v try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n the_o father_n of_o light_n or_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n who_o do_v frequent_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n 11.14_o 2_o cor._n 11.14_o that_o he_o may_v with_o false_a light_n delude_v and_o secure_v man_n into_o his_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v accept_v attend_v and_o follow_v as_o the_o light_n of_o god_n within_o we_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a 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patriarch_n and_o of_o god_n servant_n both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o wide_a world_n to_o be_v god_n choose_v and_o peculiar_a people_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o man_n agreeable_a to_o god_n reveal_v word_n and_o will_n show_v that_o the_o light_n of_o conscience_n which_o direct_v and_o move_v the_o nation_n to_o swear_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v it_o not_o a_o prodigious_a obstinancy_n in_o this_o froward_a generation_n not_o to_o entertain_v this_o light_n but_o to_o condemn_v all_o those_o that_o do_v receive_v it_o and_o walk_v by_o it_o till_o then_o the_o quaker_n can_v and_o do_v by_o some_o evidence_n as_o clear_v as_o that_o be_v for_o which_o we_o
a_o examination_n of_o the_o case_n of_o the_o quaker_n concern_v oath_n propound_v by_o they_o a._n d._n 1673._o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o king_n and_o both_o house_n of_o parliament_n with_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o impose_v oath_n and_o the_o liberty_n and_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o swear_v by_o god_n reverent_o humble_o submit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n and_o the_o two_o house_n of_o parliament_n by_o charles_n gataker_n rector_n of_o hoggeston_n in_o the_o county_n of_o buck_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hierocles_n in_o pyth._n carm._n aur._n london_n print_v by_o t._n n._n for_o thomas_n collins_n at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o middle-temple-gate_n in_o fleetstreet_n mdclxxv_o animadversion_n on_o the_o case_n of_o the_o quaker_n concern_v oath_n and_o swear_v propound_v by_o they_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o king_n and_o both_o house_n of_o parliament_n a._n d._n 1673._o section_n i._o the_o design_n of_o this_o treatise_n it_o be_v not_o my_o intention_n to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o many_o assertion_n bold_o affirm_v by_o these_o man_n without_o any_o proof_n or_o show_v of_o probability_n but_o not_o without_o a_o evidence_n of_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n nor_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o sincerity_n and_o pertinency_n of_o all_o the_o example_n and_o testimony_n annex_v to_o their_o frame_n of_o their_o case_n which_o can_v only_o dazzle_v the_o eye_n or_o amuse_v the_o mind_n of_o vulgar_a reader_n but_o my_o design_n be_v out_o of_o the_o love_n which_o i_o owe_v to_o truth_n and_o peace_n 8.19_o zech._n 8.19_o both_o which_o can_v never_o be_v so_o well_o preserve_v as_o by_o the_o holy_a and_o wise_a god_n ordinance_n for_o their_o security_n to_o assert_v with_o as_o much_o brevity_n and_o perspicuity_n as_o i_o can_v well_o use_v the_o warrantable_a use_n of_o oath_n under_o the_o gospel_n when_o christian_n do_v upon_o a_o just_a occasion_n swear_v by_o the_o true_a and_o living_n god_n in_o truth_n 4.2_o jer._n 4.2_o in_o judgement_n and_o in_o righteousness_n notwithstanding_o christ_n inhibition_n in_o his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n that_o the_o jew_n than_o his_o auditor_n shall_v not_o swear_v at_o all_o by_o the_o creature_n nor_o by_o god_n himself_o 37_o matth._n 5._o â—â—_o 37_o in_o ordinary_a communication_n and_o also_o to_o defend_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o lawful_a superior_n to_o require_v a_o oath_n from_o they_o who_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o government_n be_v it_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a now_o because_o these_o subverter_n of_o government_n do_v invite_v or_o rather_o provoke_v the_o whole_a nation_n to_o consider_v their_o case_n that_o they_o may_v gain_v pity_n to_o themselves_o from_o the_o common_a people_n and_o protection_n from_o the_o power_n ordain_v of_o god_n even_o in_o their_o disorderly_a way_n of_o singularity_n wherein_o they_o villify_v authority_n and_o disturb_v that_o peace_n of_o conscience_n with_o which_o good_a christian_n do_v approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v faithful_a subject_n both_o to_o christ_n and_o his_o vicegerent_n on_o earth_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o discover_v not_o only_o the_o defect_n but_o also_o the_o fraud_n of_o these_o new_a casuist_n in_o state_v of_o the_o question_n and_o then_o proceed_v to_o unfold_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n in_o order_n to_o the_o right_n state_v of_o the_o question_n in_o hand_n viz._n whether_o a_o oath_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v be_v consistent_a or_o repugnant_a with_o or_o to_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n â—_o eccl._n 8.2_o exod._n 22._o â—_o and_o last_o i_o shall_v reconcile_v sober_a deliberate_a and_o reverend_a swear_v unto_o christian_a religion_n still_o proceed_v upon_o those_o principle_n and_o maxim_n which_o be_v avow_v by_o all_o who_o be_v indeed_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n teach_v of_o god_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o word_n which_o in_o religion_n derive_v from_o heaven_n by_o revelation_n be_v never_o to_o be_v sever_v since_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v by_o god_n gracious_a providence_n employ_v and_o by_o his_o blessing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o in_o this_o undertake_n i_o do_v earnest_o beseech_v the_o only_a wise_a god_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o free-flowing_a fountain_n of_o wisdom_n to_o direct_v and_o assist_v i_o in_o the_o light_n of_o my_o candle_n at_o his_o write_a word_n and_o in_o draw_v the_o water_n of_o life_n out_o of_o that_o never_o fail_v well_o of_o salvation_n sect_n ii_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o quaker_n this_o late_a upstart_n generation_n raise_v up_o by_o the_o lord_n as_o they_o boast_v and_o we_o will_v acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v true_a in_o some_o sense_n â—6_n exod._n 9_o â—6_n as_o god_n say_v he_o raise_v up_o pharaoh_n first_o to_o be_v a_o destroyer_n and_o then_o to_o be_v destroy_v complain_v that_o for_o 20_o or_o 30_o year_n last_o pass_v under_o the_o various_a revolution_n of_o government_n although_o they_o have_v be_v of_o a_o peaceable_a behaviour_n they_o say_v nothing_o of_o their_o refractory_a disobedience_n to_o authority_n in_o what_o hand_n soever_o have_v be_v a_o suffer_a people_n only_o for_o refusal_n of_o oath_n whereas_o they_o can_v swear_v at_o all_o their_o conscience_n not_o allow_v they_o to_o do_v so_o because_o of_o the_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n and_o out_o of_o obedience_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o allege_v mat._n 5.33_o 34._o jam_fw-la 5.12_o from_o whence_o they_o conclude_v that_o though_o swear_v be_v allow_v in_o the_o law_n yet_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n forbid_v it_o in_o his_o gospel_n they_o dare_v and_o do_v appeal_v to_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n pray_v mark_n how_o near_o this_o come_v to_o a_o oath_n wherein_o every_o swearer_n do_v as_o st._n paul_n do_v 1.23_o 2_o cor._n 1.23_o call_v god_n to_o record_v upon_o his_o soul_n that_o their_o refuse_v to_o swear_v be_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o reputation_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o evangelical_n dispensation_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n which_o exceed_v that_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o solemn_a oath_n thereof_o and_o to_o the_o express_a prohibition_n in_o the_o case_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o case_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o request_n to_o be_v ease_v of_o the_o heavy_a burden_n and_o to_o be_v deliver_v of_o the_o snare_n of_o oath_n sect_n iii_o a_o examination_n of_o this_o pretence_n for_o refusal_n of_o oath_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o make_v inquiry_n whether_o all_o the_o imprisonment_n and_o suffering_n of_o quaker_n have_v be_v only_o for_o their_o refuse_v of_o oath_n exact_v of_o they_o by_o magistrate_n but_o my_o business_n be_v to_o examine_v whether_o their_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v allowable_a in_o this_o case_n to_o exempt_v they_o from_o be_v press_v to_o swear_v or_o to_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o disobedience_n in_o their_o obstinate_a refusal_n of_o all_o oath_n whatsoever_o here_o first_o i_o must_v lay_v open_a two_o thing_n in_o this_o discourse_n to_o wit_n the_o foul_a hypocrisy_n and_o the_o false_a doctrine_n of_o these_o quaker_n in_o the_o groundwork_n of_o their_o perverseness_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o much_o consequence_n to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o this_o serpentine_a breed_n to_o compare_v their_o profession_n here_o of_o respect_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n of_o obedience_n to_o christ_n command_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o their_o know_a principle_n and_o practice_n and_o to_o see_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o uniformity_n in_o they_o and_o these_o man_n bear_v a_o equal_a regard_n to_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n 119.6_o psal_n 119.6_o and_o his_o apostle_n as_o david_n have_v a_o respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n for_o partiality_n in_o keep_v one_o command_n with_o a_o nice_a scrupulosity_n but_o break_v other_o with_o licentiousness_n be_v a_o certain_a token_n of_o insincerity_n and_o a_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o one_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n when_o all_o the_o rule_n beside_o be_v reject_v can_v be_v take_v for_o no_o other_o than_o devilish_a dissimulation_n now_o let_v the_o conversation_n of_o the_o quaker_n in_o relation_n to_o other_o part_n of_o christianity_n be_v a_o little_a look_v into_o and_o you_o will_v quick_o see_v how_o little_a value_n credit_n or_o obedience_n they_o defer_v to_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v they_o not_o cast_v aside_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o worship_n and_o government_n do_v they_o not_o avowed_o refuse_v to_o give_v honour_n 13.7_o rom._n 13.7_o to_o who_o honour_n be_v command_v to_o be_v
give_v as_o due_a do_v they_o not_o dissolve_v or_o weaken_v those_o bond_n of_o civil_a society_n which_o christ_n by_o his_o gospel_n have_v tie_v straight_a than_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n do_v do_v they_o not_o violate_v christian_a charity_n by_o damn_v all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o combination_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o their_o revile_v all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v this_o precept_n of_o not_o swear_v swallow_v up_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o their_o christian_a religion_n or_o shall_v the_o observance_n of_o it_o pass_v current_a for_o universal_a and_o uniform_a obedience_n to_o the_o complete_a law_n of_o liberty_n 1.25_o jam._n 1.25_o be_v not_o then_o something_o else_o in_o the_o bottom_n beside_o the_o tenderness_n of_o the_o reputation_n of_o christianity_n let_v this_o be_v well_o think_v on_o but_o another_o thing_n be_v yet_o more_o remarkable_a who_o will_v not_o think_v but_o that_o these_o hot_a zealot_n for_o christ_n doctrine_n of_o the_o 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yourself_o much_o mistake_v if_o you_o imagine_v that_o these_o man_n make_v the_o write_v oracle_n of_o god_n their_o principle_n of_o religion_n or_o rule_n of_o life_n for_o the_o head_n of_o they_o in_o several_a book_n set_v up_o the_o light_n of_o god_n within_o they_o for_o the_o only_a infallible_a rule_n and_o they_o disparage_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o they_o allow_v to_o be_v at_o the_o best_a but_o a_o shadow_n of_o god_n will_n again_o their_o dissimulation_n of_o what_o they_o dare_v not_o deny_v to_o be_v the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v swear_v together_o with_o their_o impious_a despise_n of_o the_o same_o holy_a word_n be_v apparent_o visible_a in_o their_o sophistical_a conclusion_n thus_o express_v with_o all_o the_o subtlety_n that_o the_o old_a serpent_n can_v inspire_v into_o they_o so_o though_o it_o viz._n swear_v be_v allow_v in_o the_o law_n viz._n of_o moses_n which_o be_v oppose_v by_o they_o in_o the_o precedent_a sentence_n and_o here_o to_o the_o gospel_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n forbid_v it_o in_o his_o gospel_n here_o be_v a_o double_a fallacy_n in_o the_o first_o member_n of_o the_o conclusion_n they_o will_v induce_v a_o conceit_n that_o as_o divorce_n be_v by_o god_n and_o moses_n permit_v to_o the_o jew_n to_o pass_v unpunished_a 2.16_o mat._n 19.8_o mal._n 2.16_o for_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o approve_v by_o god_n as_o good_a in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v regulate_v by_o a_o law_n for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o woman_n which_o law_n do_v but_o permit_v the_o divorce_n but_o enjoin_v the_o give_v a_o bill_n so_o swear_v be_v but_o allow_v bare_o with_o prescription_n of_o form_n for_o solemnity_n and_o not_o command_v 10.12.20_o deut._n 6.13_o &_o 10.12.20_o whereas_o swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v command_v which_o be_v devote_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n as_o a_o solemn_a part_n of_o his_o holy_a worship_n whereby_o man_n give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o sovereignity_n providence_n omnipresence_n omniscience_n omnipotence_n veracity_n justice_n and_o equity_n the_o prophet_n also_o who_o reach_v to_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v 12.16_o be_v rom._n 7.14_o jer._n 4.2_o &_o 12.16_o spiritual_a command_v swear_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o 65.16_o and_o esa_n 19.18_o &_o 45.23_o &_o 65.16_o foretell_v in_o their_o evangelical_n sermon_n that_o way_n of_o serve_v god_n and_o christ_n under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n when_o the_o gentile_n turn_v to_o the_o lord_n mark_v the_o word_n of_o esaiah_n which_o according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n run_v thus_o he_o that_o bless_v himself_o in_o the_o earth_n shall_v bless_v himself_o in_o god_n amen_o as_o we_o render_v it_o not_o amiss_o but_o not_o to_o the_o full_a importance_n of_o the_o word_n 11.9_o esa_n 11.9_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v in_o the_o earth_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v full_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o water_n cover_v the_o sea_n in_o the_o new_a state_n of_o the_o church_n when_o god_n call_v his_o servant_n by_o another_o name_n esa_n 65_o 16_o 17._o and_o what_o be_v that_o new_a and_o bless_a name_n but_o christian_n shall_v swear_v by_o god_n amen_o christ_n himself_o expound_v the_o word_n when_o in_o his_o heavenly_a epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n 3.14_o apoc._n 3.14_o he_o take_v to_o himself_o that_o glorious_a title_n amen_o the_o true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n who_o be_v invoke_v as_o a_o witness_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o every_o oath_n make_v by_o his_o name_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v omit_v that_o the_o oath_n which_o god_n command_v to_o be_v use_v in_o judicial_a proceed_n be_v enjoin_v as_o fit_a mean_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n 6.6_o heb._n 6.6_o and_o decision_n of_o controversy_n which_o benefit_n and_o effect_n be_v common_a to_o all_o nation_n in_o all_o age_n who_o be_v imbrue_v with_o a_o apprehension_n and_o fear_v of_o god_n as_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o imposture_n of_o these_o wolf_n in_o sheepskin_n to_o attempt_v the_o persuasion_n that_o swear_v be_v only_o allow_v and_o not_o as_o express_o command_v in_o the_o law_n as_o these_o dreamer_n dream_v it_o to_o be_v forbid_v in_o the_o gospel_n their_o second_o piece_n of_o juggle_n be_v this_o that_o by_o their_o take_a no_o notice_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n not_o debauch_v into_o direct_a atheism_n and_o of_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o god_n best_a servant_n who_o use_v oath_n for_o firm_a bind_v themselves_o and_o other_o in_o public_a confederacy_n and_o private_a transaction_n which_o be_v make_v between_o god_n servant_n on_o both_o side_n and_o also_o between_o the_o people_n of_o gado_n on_o one_o side_n and_o idolatrous_a people_n on_o the_o other_o part_n of_o which_o proceed_n the_o sacred_a history_n of_o the_o world_n before_o the_o law_n give_v by_o moses_n 2.17_o rom._n 15.4_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 1_o cor._n 10.11_o heb._n 10.1_o col._n 2.17_o yield_v a_o full_a harvest_n of_o precedent_n they_o divert_v we_o from_o look_v after_o those_o thing_n which_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v be_v before_o write_v for_o the_o instruction_n conviction_n reformation_n teach_v and_o admonition_n of_o we_o upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v therefore_o though_o jesus_n christ_n bring_v that_o grace_n and_o truth_n whereof_o moses_n in_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n by_o god_n wise_a contrivance_n give_v the_o jew_n a_o shadow_n and_o that_o shadow_n vanish_v when_o the_o body_n of_o the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n appear_v above_o the_o horizon_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o christ_n in_o his_o gospel_n do_v not_o diminish_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o natural_a religion_n the_o seed_n whereof_o god_n have_v once_o sow_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o mankind_n for_o the_o keep_n up_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o two_o pillar_n of_o justice_n without_o which_o no_o civil_a society_n can_v firm_o subsist_v i_o now_o proceed_v to_o animadvert_v the_o false_a doctrine_n either_o insinuate_v secret_o by_o supposition_n or_o express_v open_o by_o profession_n first_o it_o be_v false_o suppose_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v not_o in_o any_o part_n of_o it_o concern_v or_o oblige_v we_o christian_n i_o shall_v hereafter_o show_v that_o christ_n prohibition_n of_o swear_v in_o familiar_a discourse_n and_o st._n james_n restraint_n of_o the_o tongue_n outrage_n in_o passionate_a heat_n be_v no_o forbid_v of_o what_o the_o law_n command_v but_o if_o the_o law_n of_o swear_v oblige_v christian_n or_o be_v but_o a_o precedent_n to_o direct_v they_o we_o must_v observe_v
affection_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n oppose_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o pharisee_n indulge_v in_o like_a manner_n in_o deal_v with_o the_o three_o commandment_n christ_n forbid_v not_o what_o the_o law_n which_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v give_v unto_o moses_n and_o by_o his_o hand_n unto_o the_o people_n do_v command_v and_o establish_v but_o that_o sinful_a swear_n in_o ordinary_a communication_n which_o be_v grow_v customary_a peradventure_o with_o the_o leader_n as_o well_o as_o the_o follow_a people_n these_o master_n in_o israel_n connive_v at_o who_o seek_v their_o own_o glory_n and_o profit_n and_o never_o serious_o consider_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n which_o christ_n seek_v to_o advance_v in_o all_o that_o he_o do_v and_o teach_v and_o now_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v evince_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o set_v up_o a_o new_a and_o more_o perfect_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n than_o what_o of_o old_a be_v give_v by_o god_n and_o that_o he_o have_v clear_v it_o from_o the_o corruption_n and_o restore_v it_o to_o its_o integrity_n from_o the_o defalcation_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n without_o addition_n or_o detraction_n and_o without_o cross_v or_o abolish_n his_o own_o law_n concern_v reverend_a swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o take_v notice_n now_o of_o the_o fond_a and_o senseless_a tradition_n of_o the_o pharisee_n concern_v the_o bind_a force_n of_o oath_n which_o vary_v with_o they_o according_a to_o the_o several_a form_n of_o they_o as_o they_o be_v expressive_a either_o of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n the_o creator_n or_o of_o the_o creature_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o several_a creature_n they_o defer_v more_o virtue_n to_o some_o than_o to_o other_o though_o the_o preference_n be_v ridiculous_a because_o unreasonable_a 23.16.22_o mal._n 23.16.22_o as_o our_o saviour_n have_v relate_v and_o censure_v they_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o prohibition_n of_o swear_v now_o under_o debate_n appear_v clear_o to_o have_v have_v a_o reflexive_a eye_n upon_o some_o of_o their_o frivolous_a nicety_n but_o these_o be_v beside_o the_o line_n of_o the_o main_a matter_n in_o question_n and_o may_v without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o cause_n be_v pass_v over_o without_o any_o further_a handle_n it_o be_v high_a time_n now_o to_o conclude_v this_o section_n section_n iv_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n a_o oath_n be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o controversy_n the_o right_a understanding_n of_o it_o will_v conduce_v much_o to_o the_o state_v clear_v and_o determine_v the_o question_n concern_v the_o consistency_n thereof_o with_o christianity_n i_o shall_v therefore_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n by_o a_o more_o resplendent_a light_n than_o that_o of_o the_o natural_a conscience_n which_o yet_o be_v a_o divine_a light_n and_o spark_n of_o piety_n which_o god_n in_o his_o wife_n and_o holy_a providence_n keep_v alive_a in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o humane_a society_n from_o our_o universal_a confusion_n the_o holy_a scripture_n inform_v we_o abundant_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o swear_v which_o be_v common_a to_o god_n the_o creator_n and_o the_o creature_n that_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n both_o angel_n and_o men._n by_o the_o way_n hence_o we_o may_v collect_v the_o absurdity_n of_o all_o they_o who_o deny_v deliberate_a swear_v upon_o weighty_a motive_n as_o a_o imperfection_n whereas_o indeed_o to_o swear_v in_o due_a manner_n upon_o just_a ground_n â—8_o mat._n 5._o â—8_o be_v to_o be_v perfect_a in_o truth_n sincerity_n and_o constancy_n as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a and_o to_o make_v christian_n even_o before_o the_o resurrection_n in_o some_o measure_n equal_a to_o angel_n now_o though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o creator_n â—7_n heb._n 6._o â—3_n jer._n 22._o â—â—_o deut._n 32._o â—0_n 41._o jer._n 51._o â—4_n psal_n 89._o â—5_n amos._n 4._o â—â—_o heb._n 6._o â—7_n who_o because_o he_o have_v none_o superior_a or_o great_a than_o himself_o swear_v by_o himself_o by_o his_o life_n hy_o his_o holiness_n that_o be_v his_o incommunicable_a majesty_n and_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o creature_n who_o swear_v by_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o appeal_n to_o a_o sovereign_a lord_n who_o be_v both_o a_o sharp-sighted_a witness_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o severe_a avenger_n of_o falsehood_n yet_o there_o be_v somewhat_o common_a to_o both_o for_o which_o in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n swear_v be_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n attribute_v to_o both_o i_o do_v therefore_o describe_v a_o oath_n in_o general_a to_o be_v the_o bind_n one_o self_n immutable_o to_o speak_v and_o act_v according_a to_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n st._n paul_n lead_v i_o to_o this_o description_n by_o say_v that_o god_n willing_a to_o show_v more_o abundant_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o his_o counsel_n to_o the_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n confirm_v it_o by_o the_o interposition_n of_o a_o oath_n etc._n numb_a â—0_n 2_o etc._n etc._n all_o swear_v as_o moses_n teach_v we_o be_v bind_v the_o person_n with_o a_o bond_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o true_a to_o his_o word_n that_o go_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n now_o god_n be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o be_v bind_v by_o other_o but_o yet_o may_v and_o do_v bind_v himself_o by_o himself_o and_o to_o himself_o primary_o and_o secondary_o by_o a_o gracious_a condescension_n to_o his_o creature_n but_o man_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o other_o may_v not_o only_o bind_v himself_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n by_o a_o oath_n but_o may_v also_o and_o sometime_o aught_o to_o suffer_v this_o sacred_a bond_n to_o be_v impose_v on_o he_o and_o to_o put_v it_o on_o himself_o for_o person_n under_o the_o authority_n of_o magistrate_n parent_n master_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n to_o take_v such_o oath_n which_o upon_o just_a ground_n be_v exact_v of_o they_o and_o those_o of_o equal_a quality_n may_v by_o god_n warrant_n bound_v themselves_o each_o to_o other_o by_o interchangeable_a oath_n it_o be_v superfluous_a now_o to_o recite_v at_o large_a all_o the_o example_n of_o these_o obligation_n record_v in_o scripture_n which_o frequent_o occur_v to_o the_o reader_n and_o be_v set_v up_o by_o god_n as_o pillar_n for_o the_o direction_n of_o traveller_n 1.105_o psal_n 1.105_o or_o to_o use_v david_n word_n be_v design_v to_o be_v a_o light_n to_o our_o foot_n and_o a_o lantern_n to_o our_o path_n but_o the_o swearer_n whether_o by_o his_o own_o motion_n or_o at_o the_o command_n or_o entreaty_n of_o another_o aught_o to_o bind_v himself_o to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o goodness_n and_o justice_n god_n the_o fountain_n and_o measure_n of_o goodness_n and_o justice_n can_v do_v no_o other_o and_o man_n make_v at_o first_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o do_v no_o other_o therefore_o the_o two_o celebrate_a axiom_n of_o divine_n which_o depend_v one_o on_o the_o other_o be_v true_a and_o fix_a rule_n of_o conscience_n 1._o a_o oath_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v make_v the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n 2._o a_o oath_n take_v to_o that_o purpose_n bind_v to_o nothing_o but_o repentance_n now_o that_o by_o which_o a_o person_n bind_v himself_o in_o swear_v be_v suitable_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n or_o quality_n and_o condition_n god_n who_o be_v a_o independent_a be_v as_o his_o name_n by_o which_o he_o reveal_v himself_o to_o moses_n import_v i_o be_o that_o i_o be_o or_o more_o concise_o 14._o exod._n 14._o i_o be_o bind_v himself_o by_o the_o very_a mention_n of_o and_o reflection_n upon_o his_o own_o indeficient_a and_o invariable_a life_n and_o holiness_n 17._o tit._n 1._o heb._n 6.18_o 2_o tim._n 13._o mal._n 3_o 6._o jam._n 1_o 17._o who_o can_v equal_o neither_o lie_n nor_o dye_n who_o be_v one_o and_o change_v not_o and_o be_v incapable_a of_o variation_n and_o engage_v himself_o by_o his_o immutability_n to_o constancy_n in_o his_o word_n but_o man_n who_o be_v a_o creature_n dependent_a and_o obnoxion_n to_o god_n his_o sovereign_a lord_n lawgiver_n and_o judge_n bind_v himself_o over_o to_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n if_o he_o fail_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o his_o swear_v by_o a_o open_a or_o at_o least_o a_o imperfect_a invocation_n of_o god_n to_o be_v first_o a_o witness_n to_o his_o assertion_n or_o engagement_n and_o then_o to_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o avenger_n if_o he_o fail_v of_o truth_n and_o honesty_n in_o either_o furthermore_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o god_n swear_v to_o observe_v what_o very_o many_o do_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o do_v not_o enough_o consider_v and_o therefore_o set_v up_o their_o rest_n
here_o that_o god_n when_o he_o take_v a_o oath_n deal_v with_o man_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n out_o of_o a_o gracious_a condescension_n to_o humane_a infirmity_n that_o comply_v with_o man_n weakness_n he_o may_v cure_v their_o infidelity_n with_o a_o oath_n as_o a_o antidote_n against_o unbelief_n and_o a_o cordial_a strengthener_n of_o faith_n now_o though_o there_o be_v truth_n in_o this_o and_o i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v unsound_a yet_o i_o will_v say_v and_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v too_o short_a or_o narrow_a a_o explication_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n swear_v for_o the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o that_o god_n have_v swear_v not_o only_o to_o we_o who_o be_v mere_a man_n sometime_o in_o mercy_n as_o to_o abraham_n and_o to_o his_o seed_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o to_o david_n and_o other_o and_o sometime_o in_o wrath_n as_o to_o the_o incredulous_a and_o murmur_a jew_n to_o show_v the_o irreversibility_n of_o that_o sentence_n whereby_o they_o be_v exclude_v out_o of_o the_o promise_a land_n â—â—_o â—â—l_n 95._o â—_o heb._n 3._o â—_o 18_o â—â—_o because_o they_o have_v forfeit_v their_o title_n to_o it_o by_o infidelity_n but_o god_n the_o father_n have_v also_o swear_v to_o god_n his_o own_o son_n when_o he_o be_v design_v to_o be_v make_v man_n and_o be_v invest_v with_o our_o flesh_n to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n now_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n â—4_n heb._n 1_o â—4_n be_v more_o excellent_o pure_a than_o the_o very_a angel_n who_o although_o as_o gregory_n nazianz_n speak_v they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d spotless_a mirror_n of_o god_n holy_a light_n in_o their_o original_a estate_n yet_o be_v as_o experience_n prove_v by_o the_o ruin_n of_o some_o capable_a of_o foul_a darkness_n and_o therefore_o christ_n stand_v not_o in_o need_n of_o such_o mean_n to_o preserve_v his_o fix_a purity_n as_o we_o do_v to_o restore_v and_o secure_v our_o health_n which_o depend_v upon_o our_o faith_n on_o god_n word_n yet_o god_n for_o other_o reason_n do_v swear_v unto_o christ_n thou_o be_v a_o priest_n for_o ever_o 110._o â—â—l_n 110._o after_o the_o order_n of_o melchisedeck_v it_o be_v impertinent_a to_o say_v that_o god_n swear_v only_o for_o our_o assurance_n and_o encouragement_n to_o rely_v upon_o the_o alsufficient_a atonement_n of_o this_o high_a priest_n and_o for_o bind_v we_o to_o serve_v and_o obey_v this_o king_n of_o peace_n and_o righteousness_n for_o by_o that_o oath_n as_o we_o do_v not_o swear_v fealty_n and_o allegiance_n to_o god_n or_o christ_n so_o god_n do_v not_o swear_v to_o we_o that_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o faithful_a high_a priest_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n reveal_v the_o transaction_n which_o pass_v in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n for_o settle_v the_o mediatorship_n upon_o christ_n how_o the_o father_n swear_v unto_o his_o son_n 25._o â—â—b_fw-la 7._o â—â—_o 25._o thou_o be_v a_o priest_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o some_o account_n of_o the_o matter_n for_o from_o this_o oath_n of_o god_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o messiah_n to_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n joint_o he_o infer_v the_o dignity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n priesthood_n above_o the_o levitical_a because_o these_o priest_n be_v ordain_v without_o a_o oath_n to_o a_o temporary_a successive_a and_o at_o last_o a_o transitory_a and_o fail_a priesthood_n whereas_o christ_n by_o a_o oath_n be_v consecrate_v to_o a_o unpassant_a and_o eternal_a priesthood_n here_o be_v no_o shadow_n of_o imperfection_n in_o this_o grand_a affair_n of_o state_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n nor_o any_o appearance_n of_o god_n condescension_n to_o humane_a infirmity_n in_o the_o business_n but_o a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o divine_a counsel_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o miserable_a mankind_n by_o the_o mediation_n propitiation_n intercession_n and_o redemption_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a who_o be_v our_o king_n and_o priest_n and_o be_v by_o oath_n inaugurate_v into_o both_o if_o this_o be_v due_o weigh_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o christ_n take_v away_o swear_v from_o christian_n to_o advance_v they_o to_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n above_o the_o jew_n but_o this_o proud_a affectation_n of_o fanatic_n to_o be_v above_o oath_n surmount_v the_o pride_n of_o lucifer_n in_o the_o prophet_n esay_n who_o say_v i_o will_v exalt_v my_o throne_n above_o the_o star_n of_o god_n i_o will_v be_v like_o the_o most_o high_a 6._o esa_n 14.12_o 13_o 14._o dan._n 12.7_o apoc._n 10.5_o 6._o for_o not_o content_v with_o excel_v the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n who_o do_v swear_v by_o the_o live_a god_n nor_o satisfy_v with_o be_v like_a unto_o god_n they_o will_v be_v above_o swear_v that_o their_o single_a testimony_n shall_v pass_v for_o creditable_a this_o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v obtain_v will_v not_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o christ_n have_v adopt_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o all_o mankind_n yet_o full_a of_o imperfection_n but_o of_o these_o singularist_n who_o will_v be_v above_o as_o they_o be_v cross_v to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o above_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v not_o above_o swear_v and_o count_v it_o no_o disparagement_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o truth_n i_o will_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n with_o the_o pious_a meditation_n of_o tertullian_n o_o nos_fw-la faelices_fw-la quorum_fw-la causà _fw-la jurat_fw-la deus_fw-la sed_fw-la &_o miserrimos_fw-la si_fw-la deo_fw-la juranti_fw-la non_fw-la credimus_fw-la o_o how_o happy_a be_v we_o for_o who_o sake_n god_n himself_o do_v swear_v but_o oh_o the_o wretched_a misery_n of_o we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o give_v credit_n to_o god_n when_o he_o swear_v to_o win_v our_o belief_n but_o because_o not_o divine_a but_o humane_a oath_n be_v at_o present_a in_o question_n their_o special_a nature_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v now_o man_n oath_n be_v plenary_o describe_v by_o a_o very_a learned_a divine_a to_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a part_n of_o religious_a worship_n wherein_o god_n be_v solemn_o call_v in_o to_o be_v a_o witness_n with_o we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o our_o speak_n upon_o the_o peril_n of_o his_o wrath_n to_o be_v inflict_v on_o we_o if_o we_o deal_v not_o sincere_o religiosa_fw-la cicero_n offic._n l._n 3._o say_v a_o oath_n be_v affirmatio_fw-la religiosa_fw-la 1._o it_o be_v a_o part_n or_o act_v of_o god_n worship_n because_o it_o be_v not_o a_o bare_a name_n of_o god_n or_o make_v use_n of_o his_o name_n as_o pious_a person_n may_v often_o do_v who_o yet_o may_v live_v many_o year_n without_o swear_v but_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v take_v up_o on_o purpose_n for_o his_o honour_n in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o presidency_n over_o humane_a affair_n thus_o it_o agree_v with_o adoration_n 6.13_o deut._n 32.40_o ex._n 17.16_o numb_a 14.30_o deut._n 6.13_o and_o be_v of_o old_a accompany_v with_o such_o ceremony_n as_o import_v a_o adoration_n as_o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n to_o heaven_n or_o lay_v the_o hand_n on_o the_o altar_n for_o which_o cause_n the_o lift_v up_o of_o the_o hand_n to_o heaven_n be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n when_o his_o swear_v be_v intend_v to_o be_v express_v it_o be_v such_o a_o eminent_a act_n of_o religious_a worship_n that_o it_o be_v put_v sometime_o for_o the_o whole_a service_n of_o god_n 2._o 17._o 1_o thess_n 17._o it_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a piece_n of_o worship_n not_o of_o so_o frequent_a use_n as_o prayer_n be_v which_o be_v enjoin_v to_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n uncessant_a but_o restrain_v to_o certain_a weighty_a occasion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v more_o like_a physic_n than_o food_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n christ_n forbid_v it_o in_o ordinary_a communication_n it_o be_v not_o the_o common_a language_n of_o a_o christian_a nor_o the_o embellishment_n of_o familiar_a discourse_n but_o a_o holy_a weapon_n to_o be_v take_v up_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o truth_n and_o justice_n when_o the_o security_n of_o either_o do_v require_v it_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o special_a nature_n of_o this_o religious_a act_n a_o oath_n be_v a_o appeal_n to_o god_n with_o a_o penalty_n it_o be_v first_o a_o invocation_n of_o god_n to_o bear_v witness_n with_o we_o and_o so_o we_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v videntem_fw-la very_fw-la one_o that_o see_v and_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n doubt_v of_o for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o call_v in_o one_o for_o a_o witness_n who_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o matter_n and_o also_o a_o searcher_n of_o secret_n a_o tryer_n of_o the_o heart_n
oâ—_n the_o world_n shall_v move_v christian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o tâ—_n use_v it_o at_o full_a liberty_n but_o spare_o with_o self-denial_n 1_o coâ—_n 7.31_o abuse_v oath_n or_o rather_o take_v our_o full_a liberty_n of_o swear_v for_o also_o in_o frequency_n of_o swear_v a_o man_n shall_v ready_o fall_v into_o perjury_n but_o keep_v of_o oath_n follow_v upon_o the_o spare_a use_n of_o they_o for_o a_o man_n will_v either_o not_o swear_v or_o when_o he_o do_v will_v swear_v aright_o neither_o will_v his_o tongue_n by_o custom_n out_o run_v his_o mind_n neither_o will_v his_o mind_n be_v overthrow_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o intemperate_a passion_n this_o the_o good_a man_n virtue_n will_v correct_v and_o the_o customary_a abstinence_n from_o swear_v will_v cure_v the_o other_o but_o swear_v aright_o become_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o god_n before_o give_v in_o charge_n we_o must_v remember_v the_o heathen_a philosopher_n speak_v of_o god_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n it_o be_v breed_v together_o and_o a_o companion_n of_o piety_n reverence_n a_o oath_n by_o not_o over_o free_o and_o hasty_o use_v it_o that_o you_o may_v be_v accustom_v to_o swear_v aright_o to_o wit_n when_o there_o be_v a_o fit_a and_o just_a occasion_n by_o not_o accustom_v yourself_o to_o swear_v for_o swear_v aright_o be_v no_o small_a part_n of_o piety_n thus_o the_o philosopher_n have_v secure_v the_o reverence_n due_a to_o oath_n religious_o take_v by_o abstinence_n from_o rash_a light_a vain_a and_o customary_a swear_v without_o banish_v a_o eminent_a piece_n of_o piety_n and_o honour_n due_a to_o god_n out_o of_o the_o life_n of_o men._n this_o one_o testimony_n of_o hierocles_n i_o shall_v oppose_v to_o the_o many_o example_n in_o the_o quaker_n case_n not_o for_o any_o esteem_n i_o have_v of_o the_o person_n but_o for_o the_o solidity_n of_o his_o reason_n which_o give_v we_o a_o precedent_n to_o reconcile_v the_o reverence_n of_o a_o oath_n with_o abstinence_n from_o customary_a dangerous_a and_o profane_a swear_v which_o be_v the_o take_n of_o god_n name_n in_o vain_a and_o as_o much_o forbid_v by_o god_n in_o the_o three_o commandment_n as_o perjury_n which_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n account_v to_o be_v the_o only_a crime_n strike_v at_o by_o moses_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o have_v at_o present_a to_o say_v to_o the_o question_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o oath_n under_o christianity_n i_o shall_v brief_o recollect_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o whole_a discourse_n into_o these_o corollary_n 1._o the_o quaker_n may_v just_o be_v suspect_v of_o a_o false_a pretence_n when_o they_o ascribe_v their_o disobedience_n to_o authority_n in_o refusal_n of_o oath_n to_o their_o conscientious_a regard_n of_o and_o to_o obedience_n to_o christ_n command_n because_o they_o do_v not_o with_o equal_a zeal_n obey_v christ_n ordinance_n of_o worship_n and_o church_n government_n 2._o they_o do_v very_o ill_o consult_v for_o the_o reputation_n of_o christian_a religion_n â—_o tim._n 6._o â—_o pet._n 2._o â—_o when_o by_o their_o allege_v christianity_n itself_o for_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o disobedience_n they_o make_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o 3._o they_o blaspheme_v christ_n and_o his_o holy_a gospel_n by_o father_v their_o pernicious_a error_n and_o heresy_n upon_o the_o truth_n itself_o 4._o they_o reproach_n the_o footstep_n of_o the_o lord_n anoint_v by_o charge_v he_o with_o persecution_n when_o he_o use_v the_o sword_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil_a doer_n 5._o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n justify_v swear_v to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o a_o instrument_n of_o justice_n 6._o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n confirm_v the_o magistrate_n power_n to_o exact_v a_o oath_n of_o his_o subject_n 7._o the_o same_o doctrine_n bind_v all_o subject_n to_o obedience_n when_o a_o oath_n be_v in_o due_a manner_n tender_v to_o they_o 8._o the_o christian_a liberty_n of_o swear_v upon_o some_o occasion_n be_v not_o take_v away_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n 9_o abstinence_n from_o oath_n in_o ordinary_a communication_n be_v command_v by_o the_o gospel_n not_o as_o a_o special_a perfection_n of_o any_o order_n of_o man_n but_o as_o a_o common_a duty_n of_o all_o christian_n who_o be_v oblige_v to_o bridle_v their_o tongue_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o arrive_v at_o this_o perfection_n 10._o the_o religion_n of_o quaker_n who_o refuse_v sober_a oath_n but_o their_o mouth_n be_v full_a of_o curse_v and_o bitterness_n who_o incessant_o spit_v forth_o the_o poison_n of_o asp_n with_o unbridled_a tongue_n be_v according_a to_o st._n jams_n sentence_n a_o vain_a religion_n from_o which_o good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o amen_o a_o appendix_n of_o a_o useful_a consideration_n the_o course_n of_o my_o building_n require_v a_o large_a discourse_n first_o for_o the_o dig_v up_o and_o clear_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o rubbish_n of_o erroneous_a conceit_n and_o then_o for_o lay_v my_o foundation_n deep_a and_o firm_a that_o it_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v and_o strengthen_v the_o superstructure_n now_o this_o be_v finish_v i_o have_v think_v fit_a for_o a_o coronis_n to_o add_v one_o clear_a evidence_n of_o their_o impertinency_n who_o soever_o allege_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n prohibition_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o to_o defend_v a_o refractory_a refusal_n of_o a_o reverent_a oath_n exact_v by_o authority_n let_v this_o parallel_n be_v consider_v mat._n 7.1_o rom._n 14.10.13_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o same_o sermon_n give_v another_o prohibition_n judge_v not_o that_o you_o be_v not_o judge_v st._n paul_n second_v he_o and_o say_v why_o judge_v thou_o thy_o brother_n for_o we_o shall_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n therefore_o let_v we_o not_o judge_v another_o and_o st._n james_n on_o the_o same_o ground_n re-enforces_a the_o restraint_n of_o judge_v jam._n 4.12_o gen._n 18.25_o there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n and_o consequent_o one_o judge_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v to_o wit_n god_n the_o sovereign_n absolute_a and_o almighty_a judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o these_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v in_o their_o sound_n universal_a or_o indefinite_a yet_o that_o they_o may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n elsewhere_o reveal_v their_o sense_n must_v be_v restrain_v by_o such_o distinction_n as_o be_v ground_v upon_o scripture_n for_o if_o the_o law_n do_v not_o limit_v we_o dare_v not_o it_o will_v not_o be_v lose_v labour_n to_o see_v this_o make_v out_o more_o full_o there_o be_v several_a distinction_n observable_a for_o the_o due_a limitation_n of_o this_o interdict_v judge_v not_o first_o the_o person_n both_o judge_a and_o judge_v be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v person_n be_v either_o of_o a_o private_a quality_n and_o consider_v in_o that_o state_n which_o be_v general_a to_o all_o man_n and_o indeed_o the_o most_o of_o christ_n auditor_n and_o of_o christian_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v private_a man_n and_o be_v so_o consider_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n according_a to_o their_o station_n in_o privacy_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o world_n or_o else_o man_n be_v of_o a_o public_a quality_n invest_v with_o authority_n now_o if_o we_o consider_v christian_n in_o their_o private_a quality_n every_o man_n be_v by_o god_n make_v his_o own_o judge_n and_o be_v bind_v to_o judge_n himself_o by_o a_o certain_a rule_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o he_o be_v therefore_o bind_v to_o judge_v of_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o of_o his_o own_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o this_o he_o be_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n 1_o joh._n 4.1_o 2_o cor._n 11.13.14.15_o heb._n 5.14_o 1_o thes_n 5.21_o rom._n 6.13_o 2_o tim._n 1.13_o eph._n 2.20_o 1_o pet._n 1.11.12_o lest_o he_o be_v delude_v and_o seduce_v by_o false_a teacher_n who_o may_v pretend_v to_o be_v minister_n of_o righteousness_n and_o boast_v of_o god_n spirit_n when_o they_o be_v indeed_o the_o actor_n for_o the_o lie_a spirit_n christian_n therefore_o shall_v have_v sense_n exercise_v by_o study_n of_o god_n word_n to_o discern_v good_a and_o evil_n that_o they_o may_v prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o form_n of_o wholesome_a doctrine_n which_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o christ_n the_o inspirer_n of_o both_o have_v teach_v every_o christian_a therefore_o for_o his_o own_o security_n must_v exercise_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n that_o he_o may_v discern_v the_o wolf_n although_o clad_v in_o sheep_n clothing_n from_o the_o good_a shepherd_n of_o the_o lord_n flock_v and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o judgement_n