presumption_n of_o their_o worth_n but_o because_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o love_n to_o cause_v a_o man_n hopeful_o to_o expect_v for_o correspondency_n of_o affection_n in_o they_o who_o it_o love_v though_o there_o be_v almost_o no_o proportion_n in_o desert_n neither_o can_v i_o find_v fit_a patron_n for_o treatise_n of_o this_o nature_n for_o who_o be_v more_o fit_a than_o the_o virtue_n and_o religious_a to_o defend_v and_o countenance_v such_o discourse_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o uphold_v and_o advance_v of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o to_o the_o suppress_n and_o beat_v down_o of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n and_o who_o be_v more_o able_a to_o daunt_v the_o courage_n of_o the_o vicious_a and_o malicious_a which_o be_v daily_o ready_a to_o wreck_v their_o spite_n upon_o those_o who_o inveigh_v against_o their_o darling_n sin_n than_o they_o who_o virtuous_a disposition_n be_v both_o grace_v and_o strengthen_v with_o honour_n and_o eminency_n of_o place_n and_o also_o with_o the_o gracious_a favour_n of_o our_o dread_a sovereign_n as_o therefore_o i_o have_v respectivelie_o dedicate_v these_o my_o labour_n unto_o your_o honour_n so_o accept_v they_o with_o your_o wont_a kindness_n and_o vouchsafe_v they_o at_o your_o leasure_v your_o perusal_n and_o i_o your_o honourable_a favour_n so_o shall_v i_o be_v more_o and_o more_o bind_v to_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v unto_o your_o honour_n a_o daily_a increase_n of_o grace_n and_o true_a honour_n in_o this_o world_n and_o eternal_a glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v your_o honour_n in_o all_o humble_a duty_n to_o be_v command_v john_n downame_n to_o the_o christian_a reader_n christian_n reader_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o discover_v and_o lay_v open_a the_o ugly_a filthiness_n and_o heinous_a wickedness_n of_o four_o sin_n wherewith_o our_o land_n be_v much_o corrupt_v and_o defile_v namely_o the_o abuse_n of_o oath_n in_o vain_a swear_n and_o impious_a forswear_n drunkenness_n whoredom_n and_o bribery_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a how_o distasteful_a these_o discourse_n will_v be_v to_o their_o palate_n who_o have_v already_o rellish_v the_o sweetness_n of_o these_o sin_n and_o do_v still_o nuzle_v they_o in_o their_o bosom_n as_o their_o dear_a darling_n but_o i_o have_v already_o learned_a that_o if_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o my_o labour_n to_o please_v man_n 1.10_o gal._n 1.10_o i_o shall_v but_o thereby_o get_v this_o testimony_n unto_o my_o own_o conscience_n that_o i_o be_o not_o the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n yet_o may_v i_o true_o say_v thus_o much_o for_o the_o answer_n of_o all_o cavil_n and_o calumniation_n that_o i_o have_v not_o willing_o intend_v to_o displease_v any_o man_n but_o have_v labour_v to_o advance_v the_o good_a of_o all_o for_o god_n and_o my_o own_o conscience_n can_v bear_v i_o witness_n that_o i_o have_v not_o in_o any_o spleneticke_a and_o satirical_a humour_n aim_v at_o the_o disgrace_n of_o any_o man_n person_n profession_n or_o call_v but_o have_v have_v my_o only_a quarrel_n against_o their_o sin_n nor_o yet_o discover_v their_o nakedness_n that_o they_o may_v be_v laugh_v to_o scorn_v but_o that_o themselves_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o may_v hide_v it_o and_o turn_v from_o their_o sin_n by_o true_a repentance_n may_v escape_v those_o judgement_n which_o they_o have_v deserve_v in_o the_o day_n of_o god_n visitation_n if_o any_o notwithstanding_o my_o just_a apology_n shall_v yet_o take_v exception_n they_o shall_v but_o by_o their_o kick_a show_n that_o i_o rub_v on_o their_o sore_n and_o by_o their_o complain_v manifest_a their_o guiltiness_n for_o in_o particular_a i_o accuse_v none_o who_o do_v not_o stand_v accuse_v before_o god_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o these_o of_o all_o other_o have_v lest_o cause_n to_o be_v offend_v see_v if_o at_o all_o i_o handle_v they_o rough_o it_o be_v not_o to_o hurt_v but_o to_o cure_v they_o of_o their_o wound_n of_o sin_n which_o otherwise_o may_v fester_v to_o their_o destruction_n and_o thus_o pray_v that_o these_o and_o all_o other_o my_o labour_n may_v tend_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o elect_a i_o commend_v thou_o to_o god_n protection_n 20.32_o act._n 20.32_o and_o unto_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o build_v thou_o further_o and_o to_o give_v thou_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v from_o lothburie_n in_o london_n the_o 30._o of_o october_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1608._o thou_o in_o the_o lord_n i._o d._n a_o treatise_n of_o swear_v wherein_o be_v show_v the_o lawful_a use_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o also_o the_o diverse_a abuse_n thereof_o both_o by_o vain_a swear_n and_o impious_a forswear_n chap._n i._n what_o a_o oath_n be_v and_o of_o the_o diverse_a form_n ceremony_n and_o end_n thereof_o although_o it_o be_v not_o my_o purpose_n in_o this_o my_o discourse_n of_o swear_v treatise_n §._o sect._n 1._o the_o main_a scope_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o entreat_v copious_o and_o full_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o oath_n and_o of_o all_o question_n coincident_a thereunto_o which_o will_v require_v a_o large_a tractate_n than_o one_o so_o bound_v within_o the_o strait_n of_o time_n and_o distract_v with_o multitude_n of_o business_n can_v convenient_o publish_v and_o be_v not_o so_o necessary_a because_o many_o other_o have_v excellent_o and_o happy_o labour_v in_o this_o argument_n but_o principal_o to_o speak_v against_o the_o abuse_n of_o oath_n by_o vain_a swear_n and_o impious_a forswear_n whereby_o the_o glorious_a name_n of_o god_n be_v exceed_o dishonour_v in_o our_o time_n yet_o forasmuch_o as_o contrary_n compare_v and_o oppose_v do_v best_a illustrate_v one_o another_o and_o lest_o together_o with_o the_o lawless_a abuse_n i_o shall_v seem_v to_o take_v away_o the_o laudable_a and_o lawful_a use_n of_o swear_v i_o will_v brief_o touch_v the_o principal_a point_n of_o this_o common_a place_n and_o especial_o those_o which_o make_v way_n to_o that_o discourse_n of_o unlawful_a oath_n which_o i_o chief_o intend_v and_o first_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o general_a definition_n be_v §._o sect._n 2._o what_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o oath_n be_v a_o religious_a and_o solemn_a attestation_n of_o god_n holy_a name_n where_o we_o invocate_v he_o as_o a_o witness_n and_o surety_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o speech_n and_o as_o a_o judge_n to_o punish_v we_o if_o we_o speak_v false_o of_o this_o there_o be_v diverse_a form_n and_o diverse_a ceremony_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o diverse_a form_n a_o oath_n be_v either_o simple_a and_o direct_a or_o compound_v and_o indirect_a simple_n when_o as_o we_o plain_o and_o direct_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v so_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 1.9_o god_n be_v my_o witness_n who_o i_o serve_v in_o my_o spirit_n 1.9_o rom._n 1.9_o etc._n etc._n compound_v when_o as_o there_o be_v prayer_n or_o pawn_n annex_v the_o prayer_n annex_v to_o a_o oath_n be_v either_o the_o desire_n of_o some_o good_a as_o so_o god_n help_v save_v or_o prosper_v i_o or_o the_o imprecation_n of_o some_o evil_n if_o we_o swear_v false_o as_o god_n do_v so_o or_o so_o unto_o i_o if_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v the_o truth_n so_o also_o in_o our_o oath_n we_o sometime_o pawn_v and_o pledge_v unto_o god_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v dear_a unto_o we_o as_o it_o be_v surety_n of_o our_o truth_n as_o by_o my_o soul_n by_o my_o faith_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v i_o pawn_v my_o soul_n and_o faith_n unto_o god_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n so_o joseph_n swear_v by_o the_o life_n of_o pharaoh_n 14.22_o gen._n 42.15_o 1._o cor._n 15.31_o §._o sect._n 3._o ceremony_n and_o rite_n use_v in_o swear_v gen._n 14.22_o gen._n 42.15_o and_o paul_n 1._o cor._n 15.31_o by_o our_o rejoice_v which_o i_o have_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n i_o die_v daily_o the_o ceremony_n use_v in_o swear_v have_v be_v diverse_a in_o diverse_a time_n in_o abraham_n time_n when_o they_o take_v a_o oath_n they_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n towards_o heaven_n thereby_o signify_v that_o they_o swear_v by_o he_o who_o throne_n be_v seat_v in_o the_o high_a heaven_n the_o like_a ceremony_n be_v use_v by_o the_o angel_n dan._n 12.7_o so_o also_o inferior_n in_o the_o same_o time_n swear_v unto_o their_o superior_n and_o master_n ezra_n aben._n ezra_n put_v their_o hand_n under_o their_o thigh_n by_o which_o ceremony_n they_o signify_v their_o subjection_n and_o that_o they_o bind_v themselves_o to_o perpetual_a servitude_n if_o they_o do_v not_o speak_v true_o 47.29_o gen._n 24.2_o and_o 47.29_o in_o salomon_n time_n when_o as_o they_o take_v a_o oath_n they_o touch_v the_o altar_n 2.31_o 1._o king_n 2.31_o the_o which_o ceremony_n be_v also_o use_v among_o the_o gentile_n
whereby_o be_v signify_v that_o they_o do_v call_v he_o to_o witness_v who_o be_v worship_v with_o sacrifice_n offer_v upon_o those_o altar_n the_o jew_n when_o they_o solemn_o swear_v by_o god_n holy_a name_n use_v to_o touch_v the_o bible_n the_o which_o ceremony_n be_v also_o in_o use_n in_o these_o time_n whereby_o be_v signify_v that_o they_o call_v he_o as_o witness_v who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o these_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o as_o the_o content_n of_o this_o holy_a book_n be_v of_o undoubted_a and_o certain_a truth_n so_o that_o which_o they_o deliver_v be_v of_o like_a nature_n and_o free_a from_o all_o untruth_n and_o falsehood_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o brief_o show_v what_o a_o oath_n be_v oath_n §._o sect._n 4._o the_o end_n of_o a_o oath_n together_o with_o the_o form_n and_o ceremony_n thereof_o now_o the_o end_n why_o it_o be_v institute_v and_o ordain_v be_v first_o and_o principal_o that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v when_o as_o by_o a_o oath_n he_o be_v appeal_v unto_o as_o the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o his_o omniscience_n truth_n justice_n and_o power_n be_v acknowledge_v second_o that_o truth_n and_o justice_n may_v be_v maintain_v and_o preserve_v in_o thing_n secret_a and_o unkowne_a for_o when_o all_o other_o argument_n and_o reason_n be_v want_v to_o demonstrate_v a_o weighty_a and_o necessary_a truth_n than_o god_n who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o reins_n the_o patron_n of_o truth_n and_o revenger_n of_o falsehood_n be_v invocate_v as_o a_o witness_n above_o all_o exception_n three_o a_o oath_n be_v ordain_v to_o maintain_v truth_n peace_n concord_n and_o justice_n and_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n as_o the_o apostle_n show_v 6.16_o heb._n 6.16_o heb._n 6.16_o for_o we_o can_v have_v no_o further_o appeal_v when_o as_o the_o matter_n have_v be_v decide_v before_o the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n neither_o can_v we_o bring_v any_o strong_a argument_n for_o proof_n then_o when_o we_o produce_v god_n as_o our_o witness_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o our_o speech_n who_o be_v the_o alone_a searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o secret_a thought_n and_o therefore_o a_o oath_n be_v fit_o call_v the_o great_a proof_n among_o man_n to_o confirm_v their_o speech_n quaest_n plutarch_n rom._n quaest_n and_o the_o christian_n rack_n whereby_o though_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n freeman_n he_o may_v nevertheless_o be_v enforce_v to_o confess_v any_o hide_a truth_n and_o last_o for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o mankind_n both_o of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o also_o ourselves_o for_o our_o neighbour_n have_v good_a and_o benefit_n by_o our_o oath_n when_o as_o thereby_o they_o be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v a_o necessary_a truth_n or_o when_o their_o right_n be_v defend_v and_o their_o good_a name_n preserve_v from_o slander_n and_o false_a imputation_n in_o which_o respect_n also_o the_o benefit_n of_o our_o oath_n redound_v to_o ourselves_o when_o either_o our_o own_o name_n or_o right_n be_v call_v in_o question_n we_o want_v other_o reason_n and_o mean_n to_o maintain_v they_o against_o injury_n and_o injustice_n chap._n ii_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o take_v a_o oath_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o manichee_n and_o anabaptist_n nevertheless_o condemn_v §._o sect._n 1._o that_o all_o manner_n of_o swear_v be_v not_o condemn_v howsoeur_fw-fr a_o lawful_a oath_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o a_o part_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o to_o the_o further_a of_o our_o own_o and_o our_o neighbour_n good_a yet_o the_o manichee_n of_o old_a and_o the_o anabaptist_n of_o latter_a day_n have_v simple_o condemn_v all_o manner_n of_o swear_v both_o public_a and_o private_a as_o evil_a and_o unlawful_a but_o that_o this_o their_o opinion_n be_v false_a heretical_a and_o wicked_a it_o may_v evident_o appear_v by_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o a_o lawful_a oath_n be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n which_o be_v express_o command_v in_o his_o word_n for_o whereas_o in_o the_o three_o commandment_n he_o forbid_v to_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a by_o usual_a or_o false_a swear_n there_o in_o the_o affirmative_a part_n he_o injoin_v that_o we_o shall_v use_v the_o holy_a name_n of_o god_n in_o a_o lawful_a oath_n for_o the_o set_n forth_o of_o his_o glory_n and_o thus_o this_o commandment_n be_v expound_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n so_o deut._n 6.13_o 65.16_o deut._n 6.13_o and_o 10.20_o esa_n 65.16_o thou_o shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o and_o shall_v swear_v by_o his_o name_n and_o deut._n 10.20_o esa_n 65.16_o he_o that_o shall_v bless_v in_o the_o earth_n shall_v bless_v himself_o in_o the_o true_a god_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v in_o the_o earth_n shall_v swear_v by_o the_o true_a god_n jere._n 4.2_o 4.2_o jerem._n 4.2_o thou_o shall_v swear_v the_o lord_n live_v in_o truth_n in_o judgement_n and_o in_o righteousness_n yea_o so_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a a_o part_n of_o god_n service_n be_v a_o lawful_a oath_n that_o sometime_o it_o be_v put_v for_o his_o whole_a worship_n psal_n 63.11_o 63.11_o psal_n 63.11_o all_o that_o swear_v by_o he_o shall_v rejoice_v before_o he_o that_o be_v all_o that_o worship_n and_o serve_v he_o so_o esa_n 19.18_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o egyptian_n shall_v speak_v the_o language_n of_o canaan_n 48.1_o esa_n 19.18_o and_o 48.1_o and_o shall_v swear_v by_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n that_o be_v shall_v make_v profession_n of_o his_o true_a religion_n and_o chap._n 48.1_o hear_v this_o o_o house_n of_o jacob_n which_o swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v profess_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o true_a god_n so_o that_o a_o lawful_a oath_n be_v singular_a part_n of_o his_o worship_n 2._o §._o sect._n 2._o which_o worship_n a_o lawful_a oath_n be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n as_o occasion_n serve_v he_o will_v not_o have_v omit_v and_o therefore_o he_o not_o only_o command_v it_o but_o also_o have_v swear_v that_o those_o who_o worship_v he_o shall_v swear_v by_o his_o name_n esa_n 45.23_o 45.23_o esa_n 45.23_o i_o have_v swear_v by_o myself_o etc._n etc._n that_o every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v unto_o i_o and_o every_o tongue_n shall_v swear_v by_o i_o which_o duty_n that_o they_o may_v be_v encourage_v to_o perform_v he_o have_v promise_v to_o reward_v it_o in_o this_o life_n 12.16_o jere._n 12.16_o jerem._n 12.16_o if_o they_o will_v learn_v the_o way_n of_o my_o people_n to_o swear_v by_o my_o name_n the_o lord_n live_v etc._n etc._n then_o shall_v they_o be_v build_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o my_o people_n and_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v with_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o he_o that_o swear_v and_o change_v not_o though_o it_o be_v to_o his_o own_o hindrance_n he_o shall_v dwell_v in_o god_n holy_a mountain_n glorify_v psal_n 15.4_o §._o sect._n 3._o by_o a_o lawful_a oath_n god_n be_v glorify_v psal_n 15.4_o second_o a_o lawful_a oath_n be_v commendable_a because_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n god_n in_o a_o lawful_a oath_n be_v glorify_v first_o because_o therein_o we_o acknowledge_v his_o omnipresence_n for_o in_o vain_a do_v we_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v unless_o he_o be_v present_v every_o where_n and_o ready_a to_o hear_v us._n second_o his_o omniscience_n for_o when_o we_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v of_o our_o secret_a action_n thought_n and_o intention_n which_o can_v by_o no_o other_o mean_n be_v demonstrate_v we_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o be_v of_o infinite_a knowledge_n 4.13_o job_n 42.2_o psal_n 139.2_o jerem._n 17.10_o heb._n 4.13_o and_o that_o nothing_o be_v hide_v from_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o reins_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n lie_v naked_a in_o his_o view_n three_o his_o truth_n be_v acknowledge_v when_o as_o man_n appeal_v unto_o he_o as_o unto_o a_o witness_n who_o can_v deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v and_o who_o speak_v the_o truth_n himself_o do_v also_o defend_v it_o in_o other_o and_o punish_v the_o contrary_a falsehood_n last_o his_o justice_n and_o power_n be_v in_o a_o lawful_a oath_n confess_v and_o acknowledge_v when_o as_o we_o appeal_v unto_o he_o as_o a_o witness_n of_o infallible_a truth_n and_o unpartial_a justice_n who_o will_v give_v a_o just_a testimony_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n and_o as_o unto_o a_o upright_o and_o most_o powerful_a judge_n who_o be_v able_a to_o patronize_v and_o reward_v truth_n and_o to_o punish_v falsehood_n and_o untruth_n second_o it_o be_v profitable_a for_o man_n because_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a confirmation_n of_o our_o assurance_n in_o any_o truth_n man_n §._o sect._n 4._o a_o lawful_a oath_n be_v profitable_a for_o
man_n and_o more_o to_o be_v credit_v and_o respect_v than_o the_o most_o manifest_a argument_n and_o true_a witness_n that_o can_v be_v produce_v and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v 6.16_o heb._n 6.16_o that_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n heb._n 6.16_o and_o consequent_o great_a be_v the_o profit_n which_o be_v bring_v no_o mankind_n see_v it_o be_v a_o notable_a mean_n not_o only_o for_o the_o maintain_n of_o truth_n and_o justice_n but_o also_o for_o the_o take_v away_o of_o discord_n and_o dissension_n and_o for_o the_o establish_n of_o peace_n and_o christian_a friendship_n last_o example_n §._o sect._n 5._o the_o use_n of_o a_o lawful_a oath_n warrant_v by_o example_n the_o use_n of_o a_o lawful_a oath_n be_v not_o only_o warrant_v but_o also_o commend_v unto_o we_o by_o manifold_a example_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o first_o the_o saint_n and_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o necessary_a and_o undemonstrable_a truth_n and_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o controversy_n and_o dissension_n have_v use_v to_o swear_v one_o to_o another_o as_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n to_o abimilech_n jacob_n to_o laban_n joseph_n to_o jacob_n david_n to_o jonathan_n elias_n to_o obadiah_n and_o many_o other_o and_o lest_o it_o shall_v be_v object_v that_o howsoever_o they_o be_v holy_a saint_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o be_v man_n and_o may_v therefore_o err_v we_o be_v further_a to_o know_v that_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o holy_a scripture_n immediate_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o consequent_o exempt_v from_o all_o error_n and_o sin_n do_v in_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o scripture_n confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n by_o a_o lawful_a and_o pious_a oath_n example_n hereof_o be_v manifold_a rom._n 1.9_o god_n be_v my_o witness_n 9.1_o rom._n 1.9_o and_o 9.1_o who_o i_o serve_v in_o my_o spirit_n and_o 9.1_o i_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n i_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o like_a pace_n we_o have_v 1._o cor._n 15.31.2_o cor._n 1.23_o and_o 11.31_o and_o 12.19_o gal._n 1.10_o phil._n 1.8.1_o thes_n 2.5.10.2_o thes_n 2.1_o so_o likewise_o the_o holy_a angel_n who_o be_v privilege_v from_o sin_n and_o error_n have_v use_v the_o name_n of_o their_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n in_o swear_v by_o it_o 12.7_o dan._n 12.7_o dan._n 12.7_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o angel_n hold_v up_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o his_o left_a hand_n unto_o heaven_n and_o swear_v by_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o 10.5.6_o apoc._n 10.5.6_o so_o apoc._n 10.5.6_o but_o what_o shall_v i_o stand_v upon_o the_o example_n of_o the_o creature_n when_o as_o the_o great_a creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v approve_v the_o holy_a use_n of_o a_o oath_n in_o his_o own_o practice_n 22.16_o gen._n 22.16_o genes_n 22.16_o by_o myself_o have_v i_o swear_v say_v the_o lord_n because_o thou_o have_v do_v this_o thing_n etc._n etc._n numb_a 14.28_o 14.28_o numb_a 14.28_o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v sure_o do_v unto_o you_o even_o as_o you_o have_v speak_v in_o my_o ear_n so_o psal_n 110.4_o and_o 132._o 11._o esa_n 14.24_o and_o 45.23_o and_o 54.9_o jere._n 44.26_o luk._n 1.73_o rom._n 14.11_o heb._n 6.13.16_o against_o this_o the_o anabaptist_n object_n the_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n answer_v §._o sect._n 6._o a_o objection_n out_o of_o math._n 5.34_o answer_v mat._n chap.5_n vers_fw-la 34_o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o by_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n whence_o they_o gather_v that_o howsoever_o swear_v be_v use_v and_o allow_v under_o the_o law_n yet_o no_o manner_n of_o oath_n be_v lawful_a in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o their_o interpretation_n of_o these_o word_n be_v both_o wicked_a and_o absurd_a first_o because_o they_o hereby_o make_v this_o scripture_n contradict_v other_o place_n which_o direct_o enjoin_v a_o lawful_a oath_n second_o hereby_o they_o make_v christ_n condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o his_o holy_a saint_n and_o even_o of_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yea_o of_o god_n the_o father_n himself_o as_o before_o have_v be_v show_v yea_o they_o make_v christ_n precept_n contrary_a to_o his_o own_o practice_n for_o he_o himself_o upon_o weighty_a occasion_n use_v that_o earnest_n and_o solemn_a asseveration_n amen_o amen_n very_o very_o which_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o oath_n 6.14_o heb._n 6.14_o as_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o imply_v that_o it_o be_v heb._n 6.14_o yet_o be_v it_o at_o least_o a_o vehement_a asseveration_n and_o consequent_o more_o then_o yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o and_o moreover_o they_o make_v our_o saviour_n to_o contradict_v his_o own_o word_n verse_n 17._o where_o he_o say_v that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n but_o to_o fulfil_v they_o for_o if_o he_o shall_v take_v away_o the_o use_n of_o a_o lawful_a oath_n he_o shall_v destroy_v part_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o injoin_v it_o as_o a_o part_n of_o god_n service_n and_o consequent_o shall_v spoil_v god_n his_o father_n of_o a_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n which_o be_v not_o only_o require_v under_o the_o law_n but_o also_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v also_o use_v it_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n 65.16_o esa_n 19.18_o and_o 65.16_o esa_n 19.18_o and_o 65.16_o three_o hereby_o they_o overthrow_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n which_o establish_v a_o lawful_a oath_n in_o weighty_a and_o necessary_a cause_n even_o before_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o patriarch_n last_o they_o hereby_o weaken_v truth_n by_o pluck_v from_o it_o the_o chief_a band_n whereby_o it_o be_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v they_o take_v away_o the_o mean_n to_o end_v controversy_n and_o together_o with_o it_o peace_n amity_n and_o agreement_n and_o so_o leave_v a_o wide_a door_n open_a to_o jealousy_n suspicion_n discord_n and_o dissension_n this_o interpretation_n therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v expound_v §._o sect._n 7._o math._n 5.34_o expound_v but_o rather_o another_o which_o admit_v none_o of_o the_o former_a absurdity_n and_o better_a agree_v with_o the_o main_a drift_n and_o scope_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o place_n now_o the_o drift_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o to_o take_v away_o the_o use_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o so_o to_o disannul_v a_o part_n of_o the_o law_n against_o which_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o speech_n he_o protest_v but_o to_o vindicate_v and_o free_v it_o from_o the_o corrupt_a gloss_n and_o false_a exposition_n of_o the_o pharisy_n who_o take_v away_o the_o spiritual_a understanding_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a life_n of_o law_n and_o expound_v the_o commandment_n like_o the_o papist_n in_o these_o day_n in_o a_o literal_a and_o gross_a sense_n only_o namely_o of_o the_o outward_a fact_n alone_o in_o the_o gross_a kind_n for_o example_n that_o the_o six_o commandment_n only_o forbid_v actual_a kill_n the_o seven_o actual_a uncleanness_n and_o the_o three_o perjury_n and_o false_a swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n for_o howsoever_o they_o have_v the_o name_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o some_o outward_a reverence_n yet_o they_o teach_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o swear_v in_o their_o ordinary_a communication_n by_o the_o creature_n which_o do_v not_o immediate_o appertain_v to_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n as_o the_o heaven_n the_o earth_n the_o altar_n their_o head_n and_o such_o like_a because_o the_o commandment_n only_o forbid_v to_o take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n in_o vain_a and_o second_o they_o teach_v that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v swear_v by_o these_o creature_n and_o do_v not_o keep_v his_o oath_n yet_o he_o sin_v not_o 19.12_o levit._fw-la 19.12_o because_o it_o be_v say_v levit._n 19.12_o you_o shall_v not_o swear_v by_o my_o name_n false_o neither_o shall_v thou_o defile_v the_o name_n of_o thy_o god_n and_o this_o appear_v both_o in_o the_o 5._o 5.23_o matth._n 5.23_o and_o 23._o chapter_n of_o mat._n where_o christ_n labour_v to_o confute_v this_o false_a doctrine_n and_o to_o reform_v these_o abuse_n in_o the_o five_o chapter_n and_o verse_n 33._o he_o propound_v their_o doctrine_n you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o be_v say_v to_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o but_o shall_v perform_v thy_o oath_n to_o the_o lord_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o by_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n where_o he_o show_v that_o they_o have_v in_o their_o doctrine_n condemn_v forswear_v and_o
not_o vain_a swear_n and_o this_o false_a swear_n by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o not_o by_o the_o creature_n so_o in_o the_o 23._o 23.16.17_o mat._n 23.16.17_o chapter_n verse_n 16.17.18_o they_o teach_v that_o they_o may_v swear_v by_o the_o temple_n by_o the_o altar_n and_o by_o their_o head_n and_o that_o all_o this_o be_v nothing_o neither_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o vain_a swear_n nor_o yet_o forswear_v by_o these_o creature_n now_o our_o saviour_n labour_v to_o free_v the_o pure_a law_n of_o god_n from_o these_o spot_n of_o their_o false_a interpretation_n and_o show_v that_o not_o only_o he_o who_o have_v slay_v a_o man_n be_v a_o murderer_n but_o he_o who_o have_v be_v unjust_o angry_a with_o he_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o have_v revile_v he_o with_o his_o tongue_n that_o he_o also_o be_v a_o adulterer_n before_o god_n who_o in_o his_o heart_n have_v lust_v after_o a_o woman_n as_o well_o as_o he_o who_o have_v lie_v with_o she_o so_o likewise_o he_o refute_v their_o false_a doctrine_n concern_v oath_n and_o show_v that_o we_o must_v not_o in_o our_o ordinary_a communication_n swear_v at_o all_o no_o not_o by_o the_o creature_n because_o in_o these_o oath_n the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v oblique_o and_o indirect_o take_v in_o vain_a there_o remain_v in_o they_o some_o print_n and_o character_n of_o god_n power_n and_o majesty_n for_o they_o who_o swear_v by_o heaven_n swear_v indirect_o by_o god_n because_o heaven_n be_v his_o throne_n so_o they_o what_o swear_v by_o the_o earth_n swear_v also_o by_o he_o because_o it_o be_v his_o footstool_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o temple_n and_o altar_n belong_v to_o his_o worship_n and_o our_o head_n they_o be_v his_o workmanship_n and_o consequent_o his_o name_n in_o they_o be_v take_v in_o vain_a by_o usual_a swear_n in_o ordinary_a communication_n and_o much_o more_o in_o perjury_n and_o false_a swear_n though_o not_o direct_o yet_o indirect_o and_o oblique_o but_o they_o further_o urge_v that_o our_o saviour_n express_o forbid_v we_o to_o swear_v at_o all_o answer_v §._o sect._n 8._o the_o former_a objection_n further_o urge_v and_o answer_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o swear_v neither_o by_o the_o creature_n nor_o by_o god_n himself_o neither_o true_o nor_o false_o neither_o in_o ordinary_a communication_n nor_o yet_o before_o a_o magistrate_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o these_o word_n at_o all_o be_v not_o to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o oath_n itself_o as_o though_o christ_n shall_v forbid_v to_o swear_v in_o all_o case_n which_o reference_n as_o i_o have_v show_v impli_v many_o absurdity_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o form_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o oath_n namely_o that_o we_o must_v not_o swear_v at_o all_o false_o rash_o and_o usual_o in_o our_o ordinary_a communication_n neither_o direct_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n nor_o indirect_o by_o the_o creature_n which_o notwithstanding_o the_o pharisy_n teach_v to_o be_v lawful_a for_o that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v here_o only_o of_o private_a oath_n it_o be_v manifest_a in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o their_o public_a oath_n before_o the_o magistrate_n swear_v by_o the_o creature_n but_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o so_o also_o it_o may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o text_n itself_o for_o he_o say_v let_v your_o communication_n or_o ordinary_a speech_n one_o to_o another_o be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o neither_o do_v he_o forbid_v they_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n which_o be_v use_v in_o public_a oath_n but_o by_o the_o creature_n namely_o the_o heaven_n earth_n altar_n etc._n etc._n yea_o lawful_o §._o sect._n 9_o that_o a_o oath_n in_o private_a may_v be_v use_v lawful_o will_v some_o man_n say_v but_o howsoever_o public_a oath_n before_o the_o magistrate_n and_o for_o the_o confirm_v of_o new_a convert_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v lawful_a yet_o private_a oath_n be_v here_o utter_o condemn_v i_o answer_v that_o christ_n here_o only_o forbid_v rash_a vain_a and_o usual_a swear_n when_o neither_o the_o weightiness_n nor_o necessity_n of_o the_o cause_n require_v it_o as_o be_v a_o matter_n which_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o prove_v by_o such_o a_o sovereign_a witness_n and_o judge_n or_o which_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o other_o argument_n and_o witness_n otherwise_o in_o weighty_a and_o necessary_a cause_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o truth_n the_o end_n of_o controversy_n the_o take_v away_o of_o doubt_n jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n and_o for_o the_o preserve_n of_o a_o man_n good_a name_n and_o credit_n 22.10_o exod._n 22.10_o to_o swear_v private_o as_o well_o as_o public_o see_v the_o main_a end_n of_o a_o lawful_a oath_n be_v attain_v unto_o as_o well_o in_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n swear_v to_o abimilech_n jacob_n to_o laban_n joseph_n to_o jacob_n david_n to_o jonathan_n and_o in_o many_o other_o last_o 5.12_o §._o sect._n 10._o object_n 2._o jam._n 5.12_o they_o object_n the_o say_n of_o james_n chap._n 5._o verse_n 12._o but_o above_o all_o thing_n my_o brethren_n swear_v not_o neither_o by_o heaven_n nor_o by_o earth_n nor_o by_o any_o other_o oath_n but_o let_v your_o yea_o be_fw-mi yea_o and_o your_o nay_o nay_o lest_o you_o fall_v into_o condemnation_n the_o which_o word_n be_v all_o one_o in_o substance_n with_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o therefore_o admit_v of_o the_o same_o interpretation_n and_o consequent_o the_o objection_n need_v no_o other_o answer_n otherwise_o james_n shall_v condemn_v paul_n the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v be_v contrary_a to_o himself_o and_o all_o those_o absurdity_n before_o speak_v of_o must_v necessary_o follow_v chap._n iii_o of_o the_o object_n of_o lawful_a oath_n where_o be_v show_v that_o it_o be_v only_o lawful_a to_o swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v that_o a_o man_n may_v in_o some_o case_n take_v a_o lawful_a oath_n oath_n §._o sect._n 1._o what_o thing_n be_v require_v to_o a_o lawful_a oath_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o show_v what_o oath_n be_v lawful_a and_o what_o unlawful_a unto_o a_o lawful_a oath_n diverse_a thing_n be_v require_v whereof_o some_o respect_n the_o object_n of_o our_o oath_n some_o the_o end_n and_o some_o the_o manner_n 6.13_o we_o must_v swear_v only_o by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a god_n deut._n 6.13_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n it_o be_v require_v that_o we_o swear_v only_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v as_o strait_o command_v we_o to_o swear_v by_o he_o alone_o as_o to_o worship_n and_o serve_v he_o alone_o so_o deut._n 6.13_o thou_o shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o 65.16_o esa_n 45.23_o and_o 65.16_o and_o shall_v swear_v by_o his_o name_n esa_n 45.23_o i_o have_v swear_v by_o myself_o etc._n etc._n that_o every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v unto_o i_o and_o every_o tongue_n shall_v swear_v by_o i_o and_o 65.16_o he_o that_o that_o shall_v bless_v in_o the_o earth_n shall_v bless_v himself_o in_o the_o true_a god_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v in_o the_o earth_n shall_v swear_v by_o the_o true_a god_n and_o contrariwise_o the_o lord_n have_v as_o strict_o forbid_v we_o to_o swear_v by_o any_o other_o beside_o himself_o 23.7_o jos_n 23.7_o as_o appear_v jos_n 23.7_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o name_n of_o their_o god_n nor_o cause_n to_o swear_v by_o they_o neither_o serve_v they_o nor_o bow_v unto_o they_o which_o when_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n neglect_v the_o lord_n threaten_v to_o punish_v they_o for_o it_o 5.7_o jer._n 5.7_o jer._n 5.7_o how_o shall_v i_o spare_v thou_o for_o this_o thy_o child_n have_v forsake_v i_o and_o swear_v by_o they_o that_o be_v no_o god_n exod._n 23.13_o second_o 23.13_o exod._n 23.13_o a_o lawful_a oath_n be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n as_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o invocation_n and_o therefore_o they_o commit_v gross_a idolatry_n who_o give_v it_o to_o any_o other_o three_o all_o our_o action_n must_v proceed_v from_o faith_n ground_v upon_o god_n word_n but_o in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n we_o have_v no_o warrant_n neither_o by_o precept_n nor_o example_n to_o swear_v direct_o by_o any_o thing_n save_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n or_o to_o call_v either_o angel_n or_o saint_n as_o witness_v to_o confirm_v a_o doubtful_a truth_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v object_v that_o joseph_n swear_v by_o the_o life_n of_o pharaoh_n oath_n §._o sect._n 2._o of_o joseph_n oath_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n unto_o this_o we_o may_v answer_v
first_o that_o joseph_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v continue_v unknown_a unto_o his_o brethren_n take_v upon_o he_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o therein_o sin_v through_o infirmity_n and_o therefore_o his_o example_n be_v no_o precedent_n for_o us._n second_o joseph_n may_v be_v excuse_v by_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o speech_n for_o he_o do_v not_o say_v by_o the_o life_n of_o pharaoh_n but_o pharaoh_n live_v or_o so_o let_v pharaoh_n live_v as_o you_o shall_v not_o go_v hence_o which_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o oath_n but_o a_o prayer_n add_v to_o a_o oath_n wherein_o he_o desire_v god_n to_o grant_v that_o pharaoh_n may_v as_o certain_o live_v as_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v four_o whatsoever_o we_o swear_v by_o that_o we_o deify_v in_o communicate_v unto_o it_o god_n incommunicable_a attribute_n as_o his_o omnipresence_n omniscience_n omnipotence_n whereby_o he_o can_v powerful_o protect_v his_o truth_n and_o punish_v all_o falsehood_n all_o which_o be_v so_o peculiar_a to_o god_n as_o that_o they_o can_v be_v communicate_v with_o any_o creature_n but_o be_v it_o then_o simple_o unlawful_a to_o use_v the_o name_n of_o any_o creature_n in_o our_o other_o oath_n §._o sect._n 3._o whether_o we_o may_v use_v the_o name_n of_o a_o creature_n in_o our_o oath_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o swear_v by_o they_o simple_o and_o direct_o nevertheless_o they_o may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o a_o compound_n form_n of_o a_o oath_n when_o as_o god_n by_o they_o be_v invocate_v as_o when_o we_o pray_v for_o some_o good_a to_o befall_v we_o or_o they_o who_o be_v dear_a unto_o we_o upon_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o truth_n or_o imprecate_v some_o evil_n if_o we_o speak_v false_o or_o when_o we_o oblige_v those_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o make_v great_a esteem_n to_o god_n justice_n as_o surety_n of_o our_o truth_n example_n whereof_o we_o have_v 1._o 25.22_o 1._o sam._n 1.26_o and_o 25.22_o sam._n 1.26_o and_o 25.22_o in_o respect_n then_o of_o the_o object_n we_o swear_v lawful_o he_o §._o sect._n 4._o our_o oath_n be_v unlawful_a when_o we_o swear_v by_o any_o thing_n beside_o the_o true_a god_n or_o join_v any_o thing_n with_o he_o when_o we_o swear_v by_o the_o true_a jehovah_n only_o and_o consequent_o our_o oath_n be_v unlawful_a when_o as_o we_o swear_v direct_o by_o any_o other_o thing_n in_o which_o regard_n there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o unlawful_a oath_n first_o when_o as_o we_o swear_v by_o any_o thing_n beside_o the_o true_a god_n second_o when_o as_o in_o our_o oath_n we_o join_v any_o other_o with_o he_o they_o who_o use_v the_o former_a kind_n of_o swear_v commit_v the_o most_o impious_a kind_n of_o theft_n rob_v god_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o bestow_v it_o upon_o a_o idol_n the_o other_o show_v their_o graceless_a folly_n in_o make_v base_a idol_n and_o silly_a creature_n corrival_n in_o honour_n and_o compeer_n in_o the_o throne_n of_o justice_n unto_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v the_o creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o supreme_a judge_n and_o sole_a monarch_n of_o all_o the_o world_n of_o the_o former_a the_o lord_n accuse_v the_o people_n of_o juda_n 5.7_o jer._n 5.7_o jer._n 5.7_o thy_o child_n have_v forsake_v i_o and_o swear_v by_o they_o that_o be_v no_o god_n whereby_o be_v plain_o imply_v that_o they_o who_o swear_v by_o any_o thing_n beside_o the_o lord_n do_v renounce_v he_o and_o his_o true_a worship_n 1.4.5_o zeph._n 1.4.5_o and_o for_o the_o latter_a he_o threaten_v destruction_n zeph._n 1.4.5_o i_o will_v cut_v off_o they_o that_o worship_n and_o swear_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o swear_v by_o malcham_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o peerless_a sovereign_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n can_v endure_v that_o any_o other_o shall_v have_v 48.11_o esa_fw-la 48.11_o or_o share_v with_o he_o in_o his_o glory_n as_o himself_o also_o profess_v esa_n 48.11_o here_o therefore_o be_v condemn_v all_o oath_n which_o be_v not_o by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a god_n unlawful_a §._o sect._n 5._o petty_a and_o childish_a oath_n unlawful_a of_o which_o there_o be_v many_o kind_n first_o those_o petty_a diminutive_a and_o childish_a oath_n which_o be_v so_o much_o in_o use_n in_o these_o day_n bodikin_o laken_o by_o cock_n by_o my_o faith_n and_o such_o like_a all_o which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n for_o man_n see_v the_o unexcusable_a evil_n of_o profane_v the_o glorious_a name_n of_o god_n in_o their_o ordinary_a communication_n upon_o every_o trifle_a occasion_n and_o have_v so_o enure_v their_o tongue_n to_o swear_v that_o they_o think_v there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o necessity_n of_o use_v some_o kind_n of_o oath_n either_o for_o ornament_n of_o speech_n or_o to_o gain_v more_o credit_n to_o their_o word_n they_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v excuse_v they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o direct_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a but_o use_v only_o these_o trifle_n and_o petty_a oath_n in_o their_o ordinary_a speech_n but_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o jest_v with_o holy_a thing_n and_o to_o mock_v the_o lord_n who_o will_v not_o be_v mock_v as_o though_o he_o regard_v the_o pronunciation_n and_o outward_a sound_n more_o than_o the_o oath_n itself_o or_o be_v displease_v to_o have_v his_o title_n and_o attribute_n common_o use_v shall_v be_v content_v to_o have_v they_o nickname_v in_o a_o ridiculous_a manner_n what_o be_v it_o but_o quite_o to_o overthrow_v the_o lawful_a use_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v ordain_v by_o god_n only_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o weighty_a and_o necessary_a truth_n and_o not_o to_o be_v use_v ordinary_o and_o upon_o every_o trifle_a occasion_n so_o that_o if_o the_o matter_n be_v light_a and_o vain_a we_o must_v not_o swear_v at_o all_o if_o so_o weighty_a that_o we_o may_v lawful_o swear_v then_o likewise_o be_v it_o lawful_a to_o use_v the_o glorious_a name_n of_o god_n in_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a manner_n second_o 23_o §._o sect._n 6._o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n condemn_v matth_n 5._o and_o 23_o here_o be_v condemn_v swear_v by_o the_o creature_n as_o by_o the_o sun_n light_n fire_n bread_n and_o such_o like_a which_o kind_n of_o oath_n be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o pharisy_n as_o our_o saviour_n show_v matth._n 5._o and_o 23._o and_o be_v common_o use_v among_o ignorant_a worldling_n in_o these_o day_n wherein_o as_o they_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o as_o it_o be_v spoil_v the_o creator_n to_o enrich_v the_o creature_n so_o do_v they_o hereby_o exceed_o dishonour_v themselves_o in_o that_o be_v their_o superior_n by_o creation_n they_o make_v themselves_o inferior_a unto_o they_o in_o swear_v by_o they_o for_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v man_n swear_v by_o he_o that_o be_v great_a than_o themselves_o 6.16_o heb._n 6.16_o and_o make_v they_o their_o judge_n who_o god_n have_v make_v their_o servant_n of_o this_o kind_n also_o be_v papistical_a oath_n unlawful_a §._o sect._n 7._o papistical_a oath_n condemn_v as_o unlawful_a by_o the_o angel_n saint_n and_o their_o relic_n by_o their_o idol_n the_o mass_n rood_n and_o such_o like_a for_o as_o they_o worship_v the_o saint_n by_o invocation_n oblation_n pilgrimage_n etc._n etc._n so_o also_o by_o swear_v by_o they_o the_o which_o their_o practice_n be_v impious_a and_o vain_a the_o impiety_n hereof_o be_v manifest_a in_o that_o they_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o deify_v the_o creature_n by_o ascribe_v unto_o they_o divine_a worship_n the_o vanity_n of_o such_o oath_n herein_o appear_v in_o that_o they_o be_v idle_a and_o bootless_a for_o in_o vain_a it_o be_v and_o to_o no_o purpose_n to_o invocate_v any_o to_o bear_v witness_n of_o our_o truth_n and_o to_o punish_v falsehood_n unless_o we_o acknowledge_v they_o present_v every_o where_n the_o beholder_n of_o the_o most_o secret_a action_n yea_o even_o the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o reins_n and_o almighty_a to_o patronise_v truth_n and_o to_o inflict_v deserve_v punishment_n upon_o perjure_a person_n but_o all_o these_o be_v god_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a attribute_n which_o be_v not_o communicable_a unto_o any_o saint_n or_o angel_n for_o neither_o be_v they_o omnipresent_v omniscient_a nor_o omnipotent_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v idle_a and_o vain_a to_o invocate_v they_o by_o a_o oath_n as_o witness_n of_o truth_n and_o revenger_n of_o falsehood_n three_o condemn_v §._o sect._n 8._o elasphemous_a oath_n condemn_v here_o be_v condemn_v those_o blasphemous_a oath_n by_o the_o several_a part_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o be_v common_o use_v by_o impious_a man_n even_o in_o ordinary_a communication_n wherewith_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o tear_v the_o precious_a body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o piece_n and_o crucify_v he_o afresh_o or_o if_o these_o
blasphemy_n proceed_v from_o superstitious_a ignorance_n than_o this_o their_o practice_n be_v idolatrous_a in_o that_o they_o deify_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n by_o ascribe_v unto_o they_o while_o they_o swear_v by_o they_o god_n incommunicable_a attribute_n for_o howsoever_o we_o may_v lawful_o swear_v by_o christ_n man_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o swear_v by_o his_o humanity_n and_o much_o less_o by_o the_o part_n of_o his_o body_n last_o 14.16_o §._o sect._n 9_o heathenish_a oath_n condemn_v exod._n 23.13_o hos_fw-la 2.17_o gen._n 31.13_o jere._n 14.16_o here_o be_v condemn_v heathenish_a oath_n by_o the_o god_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o we_o be_v forbid_v so_o much_o as_o to_o remember_v by_o their_o name_n as_o appear_v exod._n 23.13_o hos_fw-la 2.17_o a_o example_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o laban_n gen._n 31.53_o in_o the_o israelite_n jerem._n 14.16_o and_o in_o many_o scholar_n among_o ourselves_o who_o affect_v the_o latin_a elegancy_n use_v in_o their_o oration_n and_o exercise_n heathenish_a oath_n as_o aedipol_n mehercule_fw-la per_fw-la jupiter_fw-la immortalem_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o accurse_a be_v that_o elegancy_n which_o be_v join_v with_o idolatry_n and_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o bestow_v it_o upon_o idol_n and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o object_n of_o our_o oath_n oath_n §._o sect._n 10._o of_o the_o end_n of_o a_o lawful_a oath_n now_o we_o be_v brief_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o end_n in_o regard_n whereof_o it_o be_v require_v that_o our_o oath_n do_v principal_o respect_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o secondary_o our_o own_o or_o our_o neighbour_n good_a we_o glorify_v god_n in_o our_o oath_n when_o as_o confirm_v thereby_o a_o necessary_a truth_n we_o magnify_v his_o omniscience_n justice_n and_o power_n we_o benefit_v ourselves_o when_o as_o we_o maintain_v our_o own_o right_n or_o defend_v our_o own_o innocence_n our_o neighbour_n either_o when_o we_o persuade_v he_o to_o believe_v a_o necessary_a truth_n or_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n of_o discord_n and_o contention_n in_o respect_n therefore_o of_o the_o end_n we_o swear_v unlawful_o end_n §._o sect._n 11._o how_o a_o oath_n be_v unlawful_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o end_n when_o in_o take_v our_o oath_n we_o do_v not_o respect_n either_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o our_o own_o or_o our_o neighbour_n good_a as_o when_o through_o rage_n and_o anger_n man_n burst_v out_o into_o swear_v as_o though_o they_o will_v revenge_v themselves_o upon_o god_n for_o the_o injury_n they_o have_v receive_v of_o man_n when_o in_o ordinary_a deal_n they_o countenance_v a_o profitable_a lie_n by_o a_o false_a oath_n and_o when_o as_o by_o stuff_v their_o ordinary_a talk_n with_o vain_a oath_n they_o affect_v the_o praise_n of_o a_o generous_a and_o courageous_a spirit_n or_o seek_v for_o their_o oath_n sake_n to_o have_v all_o their_o word_n credit_v but_o that_o be_v but_o a_o weak_a proof_n either_o of_o gentility_n or_o nobility_n which_o be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n that_o we_o be_v the_o slave_n of_o satan_n it_o be_v no_o true_a courage_n desperate_o to_o leap_v into_o hell_n fire_n and_o ordinary_a swear_n be_v no_o sign_n of_o truth_n see_v it_o usual_o proceed_v from_o a_o gulitie_n conceit_n of_o their_o own_o want_n of_o credit_n for_o if_o they_o think_v their_o word_n worthy_a respect_n to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o use_v oath_n nay_o rather_o usual_a swear_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o swearer_n falsehood_n for_o therefore_o they_o swear_v because_o their_o simple_a word_n be_v of_o no_o credit_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v a_o honest_a man_n word_n be_v better_a to_o be_v esteem_v then_o all_o their_o oath_n nam_fw-la qui_fw-la deierat_fw-la peierat_fw-la he_o that_o often_o swear_v often_o forswear_v chap._n four_o of_o the_o property_n of_o a_o lawful_a oath_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o end_n of_o our_o oath_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n we_o swear_v lawful_o when_o we_o swear_v in_o truth_n justice_n and_o judgement_n all_o which_o be_v require_v unto_o a_o lawful_a oath_n by_o the_o lord_n himself_o jere._n 4.2_o and_o thou_o shall_v swear_v the_o lord_n live_v 4.2_o jere._n 4.2_o in_o truth_n in_o judgement_n and_o in_o righteousness_n first_o truth_n §._o sect._n 1._o 1._o we_o must_v swear_v in_o truth_n it_o be_v require_v that_o we_o swear_v in_o truth_n that_o be_v first_o that_o in_o our_o oath_n our_o speech_n agree_v with_o the_o thing_n and_o second_o our_o mind_n with_o our_o speech_n and_o contrariwise_o we_o swear_v unlawful_o when_o we_o fail_v in_o either_o of_o these_o that_o be_v when_o we_o swear_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a or_o false_o a_o thing_n false_a when_o as_o we_o swear_v a_o untruth_n the_o speech_n disagree_v with_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v purposely_o or_o unaduised_o false_o when_o as_o we_o swear_v the_o truth_n but_o deceitful_o and_o with_o a_o purpose_n to_o deceive_v the_o heart_n and_o tongue_n not_o agree_v together_o the_o which_o sin_n be_v forbid_v and_o condemn_v levit._n 19.12_o and_o punish_v with_o god_n fearful_a curse_n 5.4_o levit._fw-la 19.12_o zach._n 5.4_o zach._n 5.4_o nevertheless_o howsoever_o this_o be_v condemn_v as_o a_o great_a sin_n in_o god_n word_n and_o abhor_v as_o a_o detestable_a practice_n even_o among_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n yet_o it_o be_v justify_v as_o lawful_a by_o the_o papist_n both_o in_o their_o practice_n and_o writing_n who_o avouch_v that_o a_o man_n may_v use_v in_o his_o oath_n equivocation_n and_o mental_a reservation_n wherein_o oftentimes_o the_o mind_n &_o tongue_n be_v oppose_v to_o one_o another_o in_o flat_a contrariety_n and_o this_o be_v that_o false_a swear_n which_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v principal_o condemn_v and_o therefore_o to_o be_v of_o all_o christian_n avoid_v as_o be_v a_o mother_n sin_n who_o in_o her_o fruitful_a womb_n contain_v diverse_a impiety_n and_o a_o compound_n wickedness_n comprise_v in_o it_o diverse_a enormous_a transgression_n as_o hereafter_o shall_v appear_v the_o second_o property_n require_v to_o a_o lawful_a oath_n justice_n §._o sect._n 2._o 2._o we_o must_v swear_v in_o justice_n be_v that_o we_o swear_v in_o justice_n which_o property_n have_v his_o special_a place_n in_o a_o promissorie_a oath_n which_o when_o we_o make_v we_o be_v careful_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o that_o which_o by_o oath_n we_o promise_v be_v just_a and_o lawful_a otherwise_o we_o be_v not_o to_o swear_v it_o or_o have_v swear_v not_o to_o perform_v it_o for_o a_o oath_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n and_o as_o one_o say_v those_o oath_n be_v laudable_o break_v which_o be_v unlawful_o make_v in_o this_o respect_n therefore_o our_o oath_n be_v unlawful_a when_o as_o thereby_o we_o promise_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v unjust_a and_o unhonest_a whether_o it_o appear_v unto_o we_o present_o when_o we_o make_v the_o oath_n or_o afterward_o for_o this_o be_v a_o horrible_a wickedness_n when_o as_o we_o make_v god_n not_o only_o a_o witness_n but_o also_o our_o surety_n that_o we_o will_v perform_v a_o unjust_a or_o unhonest_a action_n and_o such_o be_v the_o oath_n of_o david_n 1._o sam._n 25.21_o of_o gehezie_n 23.12_o 1._o sam._n 25.21_o 2._o kin._n 5.20_o 2_o kin._n 6.31_o act._n 23.12_o 2._o king_n 5.20_o of_o achab_n 2._o king_n 6.31_o of_o the_o jew_n act._n 23.12_o and_o such_o be_v the_o oath_n of_o the_o popish_a clergy_n who_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o continency_n vow_v virginity_n and_o of_o those_o who_o be_v young_a swear_v themselves_o to_o the_o cloister_n against_o their_o parent_n will_v etc._n etc._n so_o if_o after_o the_o oath_n be_v make_v we_o find_v that_o there_o be_v impiety_n and_o injustice_n in_o it_o which_o we_o do_v not_o discover_v at_o the_o make_v thereof_o than_o such_o a_o oath_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v break_v then_o observe_v for_o we_o sin_v not_o in_o break_v but_o in_o make_v of_o it_o whereas_o he_o that_o perform_v such_o a_o oath_n add_v sin_n unto_o sin_n that_o be_v to_o say_v unto_o rashness_n in_o swear_v wickedness_n in_o perform_v as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o herod_n who_o after_o he_o have_v make_v a_o wicked_a oath_n 6.23_o mar._n 6.23_o do_v perform_v it_o with_o great_a wickedness_n and_o this_o david_n know_v well_o and_o therefore_o he_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o break_v that_o unlawful_a oath_n which_o he_o have_v unconscionable_o make_v as_o appear_v 1._o sam._n 25.21.3_o the_o three_o property_n require_v to_o a_o lawful_a oath_n be_v judgement_n §._o sect._n 3._o 3._o w_n must_v swear_v in_o judgement_n that_o we_o swear_v in_o judgement_n that_o be_v that_o we_o use_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o our_o oath_n reverent_o and_o holy_o conscionable_o and_o with_o great_a deliberation_n
just_o deserve_v the_o censure_n of_o rashness_n or_o profaneness_n but_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o perjure_a because_o my_o speech_n agree_v with_o my_o mind_n though_o not_o with_o the_o thing_n neither_o do_v i_o swear_v false_o although_o that_o which_o i_o swear_v be_v false_a in_o that_o i_o do_v not_o swear_v with_o a_o mind_n to_o deceive_v but_o be_v myself_o deceive_v whereas_o contrariwise_o if_o i_o swear_v a_o untruth_n know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o yea_o if_o i_o swear_v as_o the_o truth_n be_v be_v persuade_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o it_o be_v false_a and_o untrue_a plato_n ream_fw-la linguam_fw-la facit_fw-la mens_fw-la rea_fw-la plato_n i_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o perjury_n because_o my_o speech_n and_o oath_n agree_v not_o with_o my_o mind_n and_o persuasion_n though_o it_o agree_v with_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o end_n of_o my_o oath_n be_v not_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n but_o to_o deceive_v those_o unto_o who_o i_o swear_v and_o this_o kind_n of_o perjury_n whereby_o a_o man_n deceitful_o swear_v that_o which_o he_o think_v false_a to_o be_v true_a be_v a_o heinous_a sin_n in_o god_n sight_n though_o afterward_o it_o fall_v out_o to_o be_v indeed_o the_o truth_n and_o as_o well_o exclude_v he_o out_o of_o god_n kingdom_n as_o when_o a_o man_n swear_v that_o which_o he_o know_v certain_o be_v false_a 24.4_o psal_n 24.4_o to_o be_v true_a as_o appear_v psal_n 24.4_o for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o grievous_a sin_n and_o a_o evident_a sign_n of_o a_o impious_a man_n 12.1.2_o psal_n 12.1.2_o to_o speak_v deceitful_o and_o with_o a_o double_a heart_n unto_o his_o neighbour_n then_o how_o much_o more_o abominable_a be_v it_o when_o as_o this_o deceit_n be_v grace_v and_o countenance_v with_o a_o oath_n yea_o ambiguous_a §._o sect._n 2._o how_o our_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v be_v ambiguous_a but_o see_v our_o speech_n be_v often_o ambiguous_a admit_v of_o a_o double_a signification_n whereof_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o i_o swear_v in_o one_o sense_n be_o understand_v in_o another_o how_o be_v such_o a_o oath_n to_o be_v expound_v and_o perform_v as_o that_o i_o may_v be_v clear_v from_o deceit_n and_o perjury_n some_o answer_n that_o our_o oath_n must_v be_v understand_v in_o his_o sense_n and_o meaning_n unto_o who_o it_o be_v make_v but_o this_o be_v too_o strict_a and_o hard_a for_o so_o a_o man_n may_v be_v perjure_a swear_n both_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o according_a to_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o persuasion_n because_o he_o be_v misunderstand_v through_o the_o default_n perhaps_o of_o the_o other_o who_o want_v capacity_n and_o apprehension_n what_o then_o must_v it_o be_v understand_v in_o his_o sense_n and_o meaning_n that_o swear_v if_o this_o shall_v be_v grant_v it_o will_v be_v as_o over-partiall_a on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o so_o may_v man_n speak_v doubtful_o with_o a_o purpose_n to_o mislead_v another_o and_o by_o equivocation_n may_v swear_v that_o which_o be_v true_a in_o his_o own_o meaning_n and_o intention_n which_o be_v nevertheless_o direct_o false_a according_a to_o his_o construction_n unto_o who_o the_o oath_n be_v make_v and_o therefore_o the_o most_o equal_a course_n that_o can_v be_v take_v for_o the_o avoid_v of_o both_o extreme_n be_v that_o our_o speech_n which_o we_o confirm_v with_o a_o oath_n be_v understand_v most_o simple_o &_o plain_o according_a to_o the_o usual_a and_o common_a custom_n as_o the_o most_o part_n do_v and_o aught_o to_o understand_v such_o speech_n and_o if_o yet_o any_o doubt_n remain_v the_o sure_a rule_n be_v that_o the_o speech_n confirm_v by_o oath_n be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o he_o unto_o who_o the_o oath_n be_v make_v if_o the_o swearer_n do_v swear_v deceitful_o or_o if_o simple_o plain_o and_o with_o a_o honest_a meaning_n then_o be_v it_o to_o be_v interpret_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n who_o take_v the_o oath_n where_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v observe_v confute_v §._o sect._n 3._o equivocation_n and_o mental_a reservation_n confute_v that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o jesuite_n in_o this_o well_o sort_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o wicked_a and_o abominable_a conceit_n and_o course_n who_o be_v not_o content_a to_o use_v but_o also_o do_v approve_v and_o defend_v in_o their_o oath_n equivocation_n and_o mental_a reservation_n of_o purpose_n use_v to_o blind_a and_o mislead_v he_o unto_o who_o they_o swear_v that_o he_o may_v not_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o in_o such_o gross_a manner_n that_o oftentimes_o there_o be_v a_o flat_a contrariety_n between_o their_o mind_n and_o their_o word_n be_v understand_v according_a to_o common_a custom_n and_o as_o they_o themselves_o desire_v that_o the_o party_n who_o take_v their_o oath_n shall_v conceive_v of_o they_o but_o whatsoever_o flowrish_v they_o make_v to_o hide_v their_o impiety_n yet_o this_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v wicked_a and_o abominable_a and_o their_o oath_n no_o better_o than_o perjury_n and_o that_o in_o the_o most_o impious_a kind_n in_o god_n sight_n see_v unto_o their_o perjury_n be_v join_v devilish_a deceit_n which_o even_o in_o the_o judgement_n and_o practife_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v condemn_v and_o abhor_v for_o their_o usual_a form_n of_o swear_v be_v ex_fw-la animi_fw-la mei_fw-la sententia_fw-la iuro_fw-la i_o swear_v according_a to_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o they_o detest_v as_o impious_a and_o atheistical_a that_o speech_n legib._n cic._n de_fw-fr legib._n iuravi_fw-la linguâ_fw-la mentem_fw-la iniuratam_fw-la gero_fw-la i_o have_v swear_v with_o my_o tongue_n but_o not_o with_o my_o mind_n and_o yet_o the_o admire_a jesuite_n who_o can_v find_v no_o name_n fit_a to_o express_v the_o holiness_n of_o their_o order_n but_o the_o sacred_a name_n of_o jesus_n be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n much_o more_o wicked_a than_o the_o heathen_n common_o use_v and_o stiflie_o defend_v this_o perjurious_a practice_n of_o false_a and_o deceitful_a swear_n but_o let_v all_o who_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n equivocation_n §._o sect._n 4._o the_o evil_n which_o accompany_v equivocation_n and_o desire_v to_o approve_v their_o profession_n by_o their_o practice_n hate_v and_o abhor_v this_o gross_a impiety_n and_o hellish_a monster_n compound_v of_o perjury_n deceit_n and_o treachery_n which_o together_o with_o those_o filthy_a locust_n 9.3_o apoc._n 9.3_o the_o priest_n and_o jesuite_n have_v ascend_v out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n to_o annoy_v and_o hurt_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v they_o know_v first_o that_o these_o equivocation_n &_o mental_a reservation_n be_v admit_v in_o oath_n do_v overthrow_v all_o truth_n when_o as_o every_o man_n may_v coin_n a_o meaning_n of_o his_o oath_n unto_o himself_o according_a to_o the_o stamp_n of_o his_o profit_n or_o conveniency_n and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o simple_a truth_n second_o they_o frustrate_v and_o take_v away_o the_o end_n of_o a_o oath_n 6.16_o heb._n 6.16_o which_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v to_o be_v for_o confirmation_n the_o end_n of_o strife_n for_o who_o will_v rest_v satisfy_v in_o another_o oath_n if_o he_o know_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v construe_v according_a to_o his_o secret_a meaning_n of_o which_o he_o be_v always_o ignorant_a and_o oft_o time_n have_v just_a cause_n to_o surmise_v his_o false_a meaning_n and_o to_o have_v he_o in_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n of_o deceit_n and_o double_a deal_n last_o they_o show_v themselves_o to_o be_v no_o heir_n of_o god_n kingdom_n nor_o to_o have_v any_o title_n or_o interest_n in_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n for_o if_o they_o only_o shall_v dwell_v in_o god_n holy_a mountain_n 15.2_o psal_n 15.2_o who_o speak_v the_o truth_n from_o their_o heart_n then_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o they_o who_o not_o only_o speak_v deceitful_o and_o with_o a_o double_a heart_n but_o also_o confirm_v such_o deceitful_a speech_n with_o a_o oath_n yea_o and_o which_o be_v more_o not_o like_o peter_n who_o fall_v into_o this_o sin_n of_o perjury_n and_o repent_v of_o it_o but_o like_v it_o and_o live_v in_o it_o approve_v and_o defend_v it_o chap._n ix_o of_o the_o diverse_a kind_n of_o perjury_n and_o thus_o much_o general_o concern_v perjury_n 1._o §._o sect._n 1._o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o kind_n thereof_o the_o which_o may_v be_v distinguish_v according_a to_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o a_o lawful_a oath_n for_o as_o a_o true_a and_o lawful_a oath_n be_v either_o assertorie_n which_o be_v the_o affirmation_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n concern_v that_o which_o be_v past_a or_o present_a by_o a_o oath_n or_o else_o promissorie_a whereby_o we_o bound_v ourselves_o by_o oath_n to_o perform_v our_o promise_n concern_v thing_n to_o come_v so_o likewise_o perjury_n be_v either_o assertorie_n or_o promissorie_a assertorie_n perjury_n be_v whereby_o we_o swear_v that_o
to_o be_v true_a perjury_n of_o assertorie_n perjury_n which_o we_o either_o know_v or_o think_v to_o be_v false_a or_o contrariwise_o that_o to_o be_v false_a which_o we_o either_o know_v or_o think_v to_o be_v true_a so_o that_o there_o be_v two_o special_a kind_n of_o this_o perjury_n the_o first_o when_o as_o we_o confirm_v by_o oath_n that_o which_o we_o know_v certain_o to_o be_v false_a the_o other_o when_o as_o we_o swear_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o we_o think_v be_v false_a though_o afterward_o it_o may_v fall_v out_o to_o be_v true_a for_o though_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a yet_o he_o who_o take_v the_o oath_n swear_v false_o because_o his_o speech_n agree_v not_o with_o his_o mind_n and_o his_o scope_n be_v to_o deceive_v he_o to_o who_o he_o swear_v and_o consequent_o it_o be_v no_o better_a than_o plain_a perjury_n and_o all_o one_o in_o god_n sight_n as_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v false_a for_o as_o the_o main_a end_n of_o a_o lawful_a and_o religious_a oath_n be_v the_o confirmation_n of_o truth_n so_o the_o end_n of_o perjury_n be_v falsehood_n and_o deceit_n promissorie_a perjury_n be_v whereby_o we_o either_o plain_o or_o cunning_o promise_v that_o by_o oath_n which_o we_o intend_v not_o to_o perform_v be_v §._o sect._n 2._o promissorie_a perjury_n what_o it_o be_v or_o have_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o take_v our_o oath_n purpose_v after_o a_o lawful_a manner_n to_o perform_v it_o yet_o through_o inconstancy_n change_v our_o mind_n and_o will_v not_o do_v it_o when_o as_o we_o may_v the_o thing_n promise_v be_v both_o lawful_a and_o possible_a whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o this_o perjury_n also_o first_o when_o as_o we_o intend_v at_o the_o make_n of_o our_o oath_n not_o to_o perform_v it_o which_o be_v a_o horrible_a and_o high_a degree_n of_o wickedness_n when_o as_o we_o call_v upon_o god_n by_o oath_n not_o only_o to_o be_v a_o witness_n and_o judge_n of_o that_o we_o swear_v but_o also_o our_o surety_n that_o we_o will_v keep_v our_o promise_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n intend_v nothing_o less_o than_o to_o perform_v our_o oath_n the_o other_o be_v when_o have_v at_o the_o take_n of_o our_o oath_n simple_o and_o sincere_o promise_v that_o which_o we_o purpose_v to_o perform_v we_o afterward_o unconstant_o break_v our_o promise_n because_o we_o either_o think_v or_o find_v it_o inconvenient_a howsoever_o the_o thing_n promise_v be_v both_o lawful_a and_o possible_a and_o both_o these_o be_v do_v two_o way_n first_o plain_o when_o as_o our_o promise_n be_v manifest_a and_o void_a of_o all_o ambiguity_n the_o other_o cunning_o when_o as_o of_o set_a purpose_n to_o deceive_v we_o frame_v our_o word_n so_o ambiguous_o and_o doubtful_o that_o propound_v they_o in_o one_o sense_n unto_o he_o who_o take_v our_o oath_n we_o may_v understand_v they_o in_o another_o and_o so_o perform_v our_o oath_n not_o according_a to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o the_o word_n and_o as_o the_o other_o conceive_v of_o they_o but_o according_a to_o that_o meaning_n which_o we_o have_v secret_o frame_v unto_o ourselves_o as_o if_o a_o captain_n in_o war_n have_v take_v many_o prisoner_n shall_v bind_v himself_o by_o oath_n to_o the_o enemy_n to_o deliver_v half_o the_o captive_n upon_o such_o a_o sum_n deliver_v for_o their_o ransom_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o price_n according_a to_o covenant_n shall_v in_o stead_n of_o half_a the_o number_n as_o the_o other_o understand_v he_o send_v half_o the_o body_n of_o the_o whole_a number_n as_o in_o his_o oath_n he_o guilfullie_o intend_v or_o like_o cleomenes_n lacon_n plutarch_n in_o lacon_n have_v make_v peace_n with_o a_o city_n for_o certain_a day_n shall_v assault_v and_o sack_v it_o in_o the_o night_n but_o this_o cunning_n do_v not_o lessen_v and_o extenuate_v the_o perjury_n in_o god_n sight_n but_o rather_o do_v much_o aggravate_v it_o see_v thereunto_o be_v add_v fraud_n and_o deceit_n chap._n x._o question_n about_o perjury_n resolve_v and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v what_o perjury_n be_v perform_v §_o sect._n 1._o 1._o wkether_o all_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v and_o the_o diverse_a kind_n thereof_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o will_v propound_v and_o resolve_v certain_a question_n about_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o oath_n which_o be_v explain_v and_o understand_v will_v make_v we_o better_o discern_v what_o we_o be_v to_o esteem_v perjury_n that_o we_o may_v avoid_v it_o and_o first_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v whether_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o perform_v all_o our_o oath_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o conscience_n 2._o what_o oath_n bind_v the_o conscience_n whether_o we_o commit_v this_o sin_n of_o perjury_n i_o answer_v that_o our_o oath_n always_o bind_v we_o to_o performance_n if_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o swear_v be_v absolute_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o who_o take_v the_o oath_n lawful_a so_o that_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n enlighten_v by_o god_n word_n we_o may_v do_v they_o and_o withal_o if_o that_o they_o be_v possible_a and_o in_o our_o power_n so_o that_o we_o can_v do_v they_o and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o perform_v such_o a_o oath_n we_o be_v perjure_a 4.2_o jer._n 4.2_o and_o fearful_o transgress_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o lord_n require_v that_o we_o swear_v when_o occasion_n serve_v in_o truth_n justice_n and_o judgement_n 30.3_o num._n 30.3_o so_o also_o that_o have_v swear_v we_o perform_v our_o oath_n so_o num._n 30.3_o whosoever_o swear_v a_o oath_n to_o bind_v himself_o by_o a_o bond_n he_o shall_v not_o break_v his_o promise_n 23.23_o mat._n 23.23_o but_o shall_v do_v according_a to_o all_o that_o proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n reckon_v this_o fidelity_n in_o perform_v our_o oath_n among_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n yea_o even_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n though_o otherwise_o very_o corrupt_a in_o their_o doctrine_n yet_o teach_v this_o truth_n out_o of_o god_n law_n thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o 5.33_o matth._n 5.33_o but_o shall_v perform_v thy_o oath_n unto_o the_o lord_n matth._n 5.33_o and_o this_o be_v make_v a_o true_a sign_n of_o one_o who_o be_v a_o sound_a member_n of_o the_o militant_a church_n and_o a_o assure_a heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n when_o as_o he_o abhor_v deceitful_a swear_n 4._o psal_n 15_o 4._o and_o perform_v those_o oath_n which_o be_v make_v to_o his_o own_o hindrance_n psal_n 15.4_o but_o if_o the_o thing_n which_o by_o oath_n we_o promise_v be_v unlawful_a or_o impossible_a than_o such_o oath_n do_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n but_o be_v present_o void_a as_o soon_o as_o the_o unlawfulness_n or_o impossibility_n appear_v jsidorus_fw-la jsidorus_fw-la for_o a_o oath_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n and_o those_o oath_n be_v laudable_o break_v which_o be_v unlawful_o make_v neither_o can_v they_o tie_v we_o unto_o impossibility_n because_o the_o thing_n so_o promise_v be_v out_o of_o our_o power_n to_o perform_v they_o but_o that_o we_o may_v speak_v of_o they_o more_o distinct_o a_o oath_n be_v unlawful_a first_o when_o as_o we_o swear_v to_o perform_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v repugnant_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v observe_v first_o because_o by_o such_o a_o oath_n we_o make_v the_o lord_n to_o confirm_v our_o testimony_n against_o himself_o and_o to_o be_v our_o surety_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o which_o be_v wicked_a and_o odious_a in_o his_o sight_n second_o because_o these_o oath_n make_v unto_o man_n infringe_v and_o disannul_v our_o oath_n which_o we_o have_v former_o make_v unto_o god_n in_o baptism_n whereby_o we_o have_v bind_v ourselves_o to_o yield_v absolute_a obedience_n unto_o god_n reveal_v will_n now_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v both_o because_o our_o first_o oath_n must_v stand_v as_o have_v already_o bind_v our_o conscience_n to_o performance_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o be_v frustrate_v and_o make_v void_a with_o a_o latter_a and_o also_o because_o a_o oath_n make_v unto_o god_n must_v be_v prefer_v before_o a_o oath_n make_v unto_o man_n in_o that_o he_o be_v our_o supreme_a judge_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n unto_o who_o we_o owe_v ourselves_o our_o obedience_n and_o fealty_n and_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o us._n even_o as_o a_o after_o oath_n make_v to_o a_o rebel_n enemy_n or_o stranger_n can_v disannul_v our_o former_a oath_n whereby_o we_o have_v oblige_v ourselves_o to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o
variety_n of_o oath_n which_o be_v common_o use_v as_o there_o be_v great_a plenty_n so_o be_v there_o also_o great_a variety_n of_o oath_n for_o man_n swear_v more_o in_o pride_n and_o bravery_n then_o for_o necessity_n it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o they_o take_v pride_n in_o change_n of_o suit_n and_o strange_a kind_n of_o apparel_n so_o also_o in_o variety_n of_o new-fashioned_a oath_n and_o as_o there_o be_v some_o who_o tire_v their_o wit_n in_o the_o invention_n of_o strange_a tire_n and_o new_a habit_n so_o be_v there_o in_o our_o sinful_a time_n some_o limb_n of_o satan_n who_o devise_n unheard_a of_o oath_n that_o by_o this_o variety_n they_o may_v take_v away_o all_o satiety_n of_o swear_v and_o keep_v themselves_o and_o other_o from_o be_v glut_v with_o the_o common_a use_n of_o the_o same_o oath_n some_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n some_o by_o the_o saint_n mass_n and_o rhoode_n some_o by_o the_o dreadful_a name_n of_o god_n but_o most_o of_o all_o blaspheme_v our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o pull_v his_o soul_n from_o his_o body_n and_o tear_v piecemeal_o his_o precious_a member_n one_o from_o another_o diversisy_v their_o oath_n according_a to_o the_o diverse_a part_n of_o his_o sacred_a body_n but_o let_v all_o such_o know_v that_o as_o they_o wantonise_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o impious_o invent_v new_a kind_n of_o blasphemy_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o almighty_a god_n so_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v as_o acute_a and_o ingenious_a in_o invent_v new_a and_o unheard_a of_o plague_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o their_o impiety_n and_o will_v glorify_v that_o name_n which_o they_o have_v dishonour_v by_o inflict_v on_o they_o deserve_a vengeance_n and_o if_o a_o whole_a volume_n will_v not_o contain_v the_o multitude_n of_o their_o oath_n than_o the_o lord_n have_v in_o store_n for_o they_o a_o whole_a volume_n of_o his_o plague_n and_o that_o in_o the_o large_a folio_n 5.2.3_o zach._n 5.2.3_o as_o appear_v zach._n 5.2.3_o so_o that_o those_o who_o hear_v their_o blasphemy_n have_v be_v move_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o divine_a justice_n power_n and_o providence_n because_o such_o hellish_a impiety_n be_v not_o present_o punish_v in_o the_o end_n see_v the_o fearfulness_n of_o their_o plague_n shall_v conclude_v with_o the_o prophet_n david_n doubtless_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v the_o earth_n 58.11_o psal_n 58.11_o chap._n v._o motive_n to_o persuade_v all_o man_n to_o leave_v vain_a swear_n which_o judgement_n and_o punishment_n if_o we_o will_v escape_v 1._o §._o sect._n 1._o let_v we_o hate_v and_o flee_v from_o this_o odious_a sin_n of_o profane_a swear_n and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o rather_o be_v move_v hereunto_o let_v these_o reason_n persuade_v we_o first_o it_o 1._o because_o the_o lord_n have_v forbid_v and_o condemn_v it_o because_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o law_n have_v forbid_v and_o condemn_v it_o yea_o and_o that_o after_o a_o special_a manner_n for_o whereas_o he_o have_v give_v we_o ten_o commandment_n he_o have_v add_v a_o commination_n or_o threaten_v but_o unto_o two_o of_o they_o the_o first_o forbid_v idolatry_n and_o false_a worship_n the_o other_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a to_o note_v unto_o we_o that_o idolatry_n and_o profanation_n of_o his_o holy_a name_n be_v such_o odious_a sin_n in_o his_o sight_n that_o of_o all_o other_o he_o will_v not_o let_v they_o go_v unpunished_a and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n our_o saviour_n christ_n likewise_o have_v reviue_v and_o ratify_v this_o law_n by_o his_o repetition_n and_o explanation_n matth._n 5.34_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o 5._o mat._n 5.34_o 35._o dico_fw-la vobis_fw-la ne_fw-la omnino_fw-la iuretis_fw-la ne_fw-la sci'icet_fw-la iurando_fw-la ad_fw-la facilitatem_fw-la iurandi_fw-la veniatur_fw-la &_o ex_fw-la facilitate_v ad_fw-la consuetudinem_fw-la atque_fw-la ita_fw-la ex_fw-la consuetudine_fw-la in_o periurium_fw-la decidatur_fw-la aug._n ad_fw-la consentium_fw-la de_fw-la mendac_fw-la cap._n 15._o chromat_n in_o mat._n cap._n 5._o neither_o by_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n 35._o nor_o yet_o by_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v his_o footstool_n neither_o by_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n 36._o neither_o shall_v thou_o swear_v by_o thy_o head_n because_o thou_o can_v not_o make_v one_o hair_n white_a or_o black_a but_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o these_o come_v of_o evil_a in_o which_o word_n as_o austin_n observe_v our_o saviour_n injoin_v we_o not_o to_o swear_v at_o all_o to_o wit_n in_o our_o ordinary_a communication_n lest_o swear_v beget_v facility_n of_o swear_v facility_n custom_n and_o custom_n perjury_n and_o as_o another_o say_v for_o this_o cause_n our_o lord_n forbid_v not_o only_o to_o forswear_v but_o also_o to_o swear_v lest_o we_o shall_v then_o only_o seem_v to_o speak_v the_o truth_n when_o we_o confirm_v it_o by_o a_o oath_n or_o lest_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o utter_v nothing_o but_o truth_n in_o all_o their_o speech_n shall_v imagine_v lie_v without_o a_o oath_n lawful_a and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o rather_o be_v move_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o this_o commandment_n he_o adjoin_v a_o strong_a reason_n namely_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o in_o our_o ordinary_a communication_n then_o yea_o yea_o or_o nay_o nay_o come_v of_o evil_a for_o either_o it_o be_v evil_a in_o he_o that_o swear_v as_o when_o he_o swear_v voluntary_o vain_o and_o without_o cause_n or_o when_o have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o his_o credit_n by_o his_o customable_a lie_v he_o can_v gain_v belief_n to_o his_o speech_n without_o a_o oath_n or_o else_o it_o be_v evil_a in_o he_o who_o compel_v another_o to_o a_o oath_n when_o as_o causeless_o he_o suspect_v his_o truth_n and_o will_v not_o give_v credit_n to_o his_o assertion_n or_o promise_n though_o his_o word_n be_v of_o approve_a credit_n and_o his_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n upright_o and_o just_a the_o apostle_n james_n also_o follow_v in_o the_o step_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n enforce_v this_o commandment_n with_o no_o small_a vehemency_n 5.12_o jam_fw-la 5.12_o jam._n 5.12_o before_o all_o thing_n my_o brethren_n swear_v not_o neither_o by_o heaven_n nor_o by_o earth_n nor_o by_o any_o other_o oath_n but_o let_v your_o yea_o be_fw-mi yea_o and_o your_o nay_o nay_o lest_o you_o fall_v into_o condemnation_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o commandment_n of_o least_o regard_n or_o a_o matter_n of_o small_a moment_n to_o abstain_v from_o vain_a swear_n see_v the_o apostle_n charge_v we_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o forbear_v from_o these_o unnecessary_a oath_n in_o our_o ordinary_a communication_n and_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o simple_a affirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o negation_n of_o that_o which_o be_v otherwise_o second_o sin_n §._o sect._n 2._o 2._o because_o all_o kind_n of_o vain_a swear_n be_v a_o grievous_a sin_n we_o be_v to_o avoid_v this_o profane_a practice_n of_o vain_a swear_n because_o it_o be_v a_o heinous_a sin_n what_o manner_n of_o oath_n soever_o we_o use_v for_o if_o we_o swear_v by_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o god_n we_o hereby_o deify_v it_o by_o ascribe_v unto_o it_o god_n incommunicable_a attribute_n of_o omniscience_n omnipresence_n omnipotence_n as_o have_v be_v show_v and_o so_o spoil_v the_o lord_n of_o his_o glory_n by_o attribute_v it_o to_o the_o creature_n and_o likewise_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o invocation_n and_o consequent_o a_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n we_o commit_v a_o high_a degree_n of_o idolatry_n when_o as_o we_o communicate_v it_o unto_o any_o creature_n if_o we_o usual_o swear_v by_o god_n holy_a name_n we_o by_o make_v it_o common_a do_v pollute_v and_o profane_v it_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o almighty_a god_n leu._n 22.32_o you_o shall_v not_o pollute_v my_o holy_a name_n 21.32_o levit._fw-la 21.32_o but_o i_o will_v be_v hallow_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n for_o that_o be_v say_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v pollute_v and_o make_v unclean_a which_o be_v in_o itself_o good_a and_o holy_a be_v profane_v by_o common_a use_n whereof_o it_o be_v that_o these_o phrase_n of_o speech_n to_o be_v make_v common_a &_o to_o be_v pollute_v be_v promiscuous_o take_v in_o the_o same_o signification_n 10.14_o act._n 10.14_o as_o appear_v act._n 10.14_o and_o second_o this_o profane_a swear_n exceed_o derogate_v from_o god_n glorious_a majesty_n for_o if_o every_o ordinary_a man_n hold_v himself_o mock_v and_o abuse_v when_o he_o be_v often_o call_v upon_o by_o his_o name_n the_o party_n who_o call_v he_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v unto_o he_o and_o if_o the_o mean_a prince_n upon_o the_o earth_n will_v account_v it_o a_o foul_a disgrace_n and_o great_a disparagement_n to_o his_o
book_n to_o show_v the_o swiftness_n of_o god_n vengeance_n against_o this_o sin_n and_o the_o quick_a dispatch_n he_o will_v make_v in_o destroy_v of_o they_o though_o they_o be_v scatter_v far_o and_o wide_o upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o he_o threaten_v deut._n 28.58_o 28._o deut._n 28._o that_o those_o who_o will_v not_o fear_v this_o glorious_a and_o fearful_a name_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v be_v punish_v with_o wonderful_a plague_n both_o in_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o posterity_n great_a in_o quantity_n grievous_a and_o sore_a in_o quality_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o time_n of_o long_a continuance_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o son_n of_o syrach_n say_v that_o a_o man_n which_o use_v much_o swear_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o wickedness_n and_o the_o plague_n shall_v never_o go_v from_o his_o house_n 23.11_o eccles_n 23.11_o ecclesi_n 23.11_o but_o well_o be_v it_o with_o blasphemer_n if_o they_o have_v their_o whole_a portion_n of_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o they_o may_v die_v like_a beast_n without_o any_o future_a sense_n of_o weal_n or_o woe_n but_o they_o shall_v find_v it_o far_o otherwise_o for_o they_o who_o in_o their_o ordinary_a communication_n in_o stead_n of_o yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o use_v vain_a swear_n and_o bloody_a oath_n 5.12_o jam._n 5.12_o shall_v fall_v as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o into_o eternal_a condemnation_n and_o as_o they_o have_v blaspheme_v god_n in_o earth_n so_o they_o shall_v continue_v their_o wicked_a blasphemy_n in_o hell_n torment_v with_o the_o damn_a spirit_n as_o they_o have_v dishonour_v god_n by_o abuse_v and_o profane_v his_o holy_a name_n in_o their_o accurse_a oath_n so_o the_o lord_n will_v glorify_v it_o again_o in_o their_o fearful_a and_o eternal_a punishment_n and_o these_o be_v the_o reason_n which_o may_v move_v we_o to_o hate_v and_o avoid_v this_o sin_n in_o ourselves_o government_n §._o sect._n 11._o we_o must_v not_o only_o reform_v ourselves_o but_o those_o who_o be_v under_o our_o government_n the_o which_o may_v be_v also_o effectual_a to_o make_v all_o man_n careful_a in_o reform_v this_o vice_n in_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o be_v under_o their_o government_n especial_o magistrate_n in_o the_o common_a wealth_n and_o householder_n in_o the_o family_n and_o the_o rather_o let_v all_o in_o authority_n be_v persuade_v hereunto_o first_o because_o where_o one_o be_v taint_v with_o this_o leprosy_n if_o separation_n be_v not_o make_v he_o will_v likewise_o infect_v those_o that_o be_v about_o he_o as_o therefore_o magistrate_n and_o householder_n in_o the_o time_n of_o common_a sickness_n be_v very_o careful_a to_o stay_v the_o infection_n by_o keep_v the_o sick_a from_o the_o whole_a so_o the_o like_a or_o much_o great_a care_n must_v be_v have_v in_o keep_v these_o who_o be_v infect_v with_o this_o contagious_a sin_n of_o vain_a swear_n from_o those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o taint_v either_o till_o they_o be_v reform_v and_o cure_v or_o if_o they_o be_v uncurable_a by_o banish_v they_o out_o of_o the_o common_a wealth_n and_o exclude_v they_o out_o of_o the_o family_n or_o at_o least_o by_o inflict_v upon_o the_o offender_n such_o severe_a punishment_n as_o may_v utter_o discountenance_v this_o sin_n and_o discourage_v and_o deter_v other_o from_o follow_v their_o lewd_a example_n second_o family_n §_o sect._n 12._o the_o impunity_n of_o one_o sinner_n bring_v god_n judgement_n upon_o the_o whole_a family_n because_o where_o any_o one_o enormous_a sin_n reign_v in_o any_o member_n of_o a_o society_n which_o be_v not_o suppress_v and_o reform_v or_o at_o least_o correct_v and_o sharp_o punish_v that_o sin_n will_v bring_v god_n vengeance_n and_o fearful_a judgement_n not_o only_o upon_o the_o offender_n but_o also_o upon_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o that_o society_n for_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o near_a communion_n which_o be_v between_o the_o diverse_a member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n politic_a it_o come_v to_o pass_v oftentimes_o that_o both_o their_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n benefit_n and_o punishment_n be_v communicate_v so_o that_o as_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o few_o godly_a man_n the_o whole_a society_n fare_v the_o better_a so_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o some_o few_o which_o be_v either_o defend_v wink_v at_o or_o not_o punish_v god_n temporary_a judgement_n be_v inflict_v upon_o the_o whole_a body_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o private_a family_n or_o the_o whole_a common_a wealth_n of_o the_o former_a we_o have_v a_o example_n in_o elies_n house_n ruin_v and_o subvert_v through_o the_o uncorrected_a fin_n of_o hophni_n and_o phinees_n 3.13_o 1._o sam._n 3.13_o of_o the_o latter_a in_o the_o beniamite_n who_o whole_a tribe_n be_v near_o root_v out_o for_o not_o punish_v the_o abominable_a filthiness_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o gibeah_n 7._o jud._n 19_o and_o 20._o jos_n 7._o and_o in_o the_o israelite_n who_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o achan_n fall_v before_o their_o enemy_n if_o then_o we_o will_v not_o have_v god_n curse_n light_n upon_o the_o whole_a common_a wealth_n or_o family_n let_v the_o blasphemous_a swearer_n be_v reform_v or_o banish_v or_o at_o least_o by_o some_o other_o mean_v severe_o punish_v for_o he_o that_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n give_v he_o of_o god_n to_o punish_v a_o sin_n do_v wink_n at_o it_o become_v a_o accessary_a in_o the_o fault_n and_o shall_v be_v a_o partner_n in_o the_o punishment_n chap._n vi_o excuse_n allege_v for_o vain_a swear_v take_v away_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o set_v down_o such_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o may_v persuade_v those_o who_o have_v any_o spark_n of_o grace_n to_o leave_v this_o vain_a sin_n and_o those_o also_o who_o be_v in_o authority_n to_o punish_v severe_o such_o as_o be_v graceless_a and_o incorrigible_a now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o will_v take_v away_o those_o excuse_n no_o less_o vain_a than_o common_a which_o be_v object_v either_o in_o the_o defence_n or_o excuse_n of_o this_o sin_n answer_v §._o sect._n 1._o their_o reason_n who_o defend_v their_o swear_n answer_v for_o some_o there_o be_v who_o by_o long_a custom_n be_v harden_v in_o this_o sin_n be_v grow_v to_o that_o height_n of_o impudency_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o only_o excuse_v their_o vain_a swear_n as_o venial_a but_o also_o defend_v it_o as_o commendable_a and_o to_o that_o high_a degree_n of_o impiety_n that_o they_o audacious_o presume_v to_o turn_v the_o point_n of_o god_n own_o weapon_n against_o himself_o and_o to_o use_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o their_o instrument_n to_o wound_v god_n glorious_a name_n and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o stab_v our_o saviour_n christ_n by_o make_v way_n for_o their_o hellish_a blasphemy_n do_v not_o say_v they_o the_o lord_n himself_o enjoin_v swear_v as_o a_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n 6.13_o deut._n 6.13_o and_o do_v not_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o 63.11_o psal_n 63.11_o that_o all_o who_o swear_v by_o the_o lord_n shall_v rejoice_v before_o he_o the_o more_o therefore_o we_o swear_v the_o better_a service_n we_o do_v unto_o god_n and_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o true_a rejoice_v we_o procure_v unto_o ourselves_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o they_o will_v examine_v themselves_o aright_o their_o own_o conscience_n will_v tell_v they_o that_o in_o their_o vain_a swear_n they_o do_v not_o propound_v unto_o themselves_o as_o their_o end_n god_n glory_n and_o their_o spiritual_a rejoice_v but_o rather_o swear_v to_o despite_n god_n in_o their_o rage_n when_o they_o can_v have_v their_o will_n or_o in_o a_o bravery_n to_o grace_v themselves_o with_o this_o hellish_a ornament_n and_o therefore_o when_o by_o these_o end_v they_o defend_v their_o swear_n they_o do_v but_o play_v the_o graceless_a hypocrite_n cover_v their_o foul_a sin_n under_o this_o fair_a vizard_n but_o though_o we_o leave_v the_o ransack_v of_o their_o heart_n unto_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v the_o only_a searcher_n of_o they_o and_o take_v their_o reason_n as_o they_o propound_v they_o yet_o will_v they_o make_v little_a for_o their_o vain_a swear_n but_o rather_o much_o against_o it_o for_o as_o when_o the_o lord_n injoin_v his_o true_a worship_n he_o do_v not_o thereby_o approve_v of_o all_o manner_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v do_v unto_o he_o but_o only_o that_o which_o himself_o prescribe_v yea_o rather_o thereby_o forbid_v and_o condemn_v all_o humane_a invention_n will-worship_n and_o superstitious_a mean_n of_o his_o service_n and_o restrain_v we_o both_o for_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n unto_o his_o reveal_v will_v so_o when_o the_o lord_n command_v and_o commend_v unto_o we_o a_o lawful_a oath_n that_o hereby_o his_o name_n may_v be_v glorify_v the_o truth_n clear_v and_o defend_v and_o we_o discern_v from_o heathen_n pagan_n
will_v pass_v the_o sentence_n not_o according_a to_o our_o secret_a thought_n but_o according_a to_o our_o word_n and_o work_n matth._n 12.37_o matt._n 12.37_o 12.37_o by_o thy_o word_n thou_o shall_v be_v justify_v and_o by_o thy_o word_n thou_o shall_v be_v condemn_v neither_o let_v they_o suppose_v that_o this_o excuse_n which_o will_v seem_v frivolous_a and_o foolish_a to_o a_o mortal_a man_n will_v go_v for_o currant_n before_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o just_a judge_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n now_o what_o prince_n hear_v himself_o abuse_v to_o his_o face_n by_o the_o reproachful_a word_n of_o his_o base_a subject_n will_v admit_v of_o such_o a_o excuse_n that_o whatsoever_o he_o speak_v with_o his_o mouth_n yet_o he_o think_v no_o ill_a in_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o think_v we_o the_o lord_n be_v as_o jealous_a of_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v most_o dear_a unto_o he_o as_o a_o earthly_a king_n or_o will_v he_o in_o his_o justice_n acquit_v such_o offender_n upon_o such_o frivolous_a and_o vain_a pretence_n other_o shroud_n their_o sin_n under_o the_o example_n of_o the_o multitude_n multitude_n §._o sect._n 4._o their_o excuse_n answer_v who_o pretend_v the_o example_n of_o the_o multitude_n allege_v that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a custom_n of_o all_o some_o few_o only_o except_v who_o be_v but_o too_o scrupulous_a about_o every_o trifle_n but_o let_v such_o know_v that_o after_o this_o manner_n they_o may_v excuse_v and_o countenance_v any_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n see_v no_o custom_n be_v more_o common_a then_o to_o live_v in_o sin_n let_v they_o remember_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v we_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o a_o multitude_n in_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a 23.2_o exod._n 23.2_o or_o to_o fashion_v ourselves_o according_a to_o the_o world_n whereof_o we_o be_v but_o pilgrim_n if_o at_o least_o we_o be_v inhabitant_n of_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n that_o christ_n have_v choose_v we_o out_o of_o the_o world_n not_o that_o we_o shall_v still_o embrace_v the_o impious_a practice_n of_o wicked_a worldling_n but_o that_o become_v his_o disciple_n we_o shall_v follow_v his_o word_n and_o holy_a example_n as_o our_o only_a guide_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o common_a use_n of_o commit_v sin_n do_v not_o excuse_n but_o much_o aggravate_v it_o in_o god_n sight_n and_o that_o it_o do_v more_o inflame_v his_o wrath_n and_o increase_v the_o punishment_n when_o as_o man_n combine_v themselves_o to_o work_v wickedness_n final_o let_v they_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v the_o narrow_a path_n and_o straight_a gate_n lead_v to_o eternal_a life_n 7.13.14_o matth._n 7.13.14_o which_o be_v least_o frequent_v so_o that_o the_o christian_n may_v go_v in_o it_o without_o crowd_v though_o it_o be_v not_o large_a and_o spacious_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o small_a number_n which_o travail_n this_o way_n and_o contrariwise_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n more_o common_o haunt_v then_o the_o broad_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o destruction_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o can_v have_v small_a comfort_n in_o have_v a_o numerous_a multitude_n to_o accompany_v we_o into_o hell_n other_o allege_v in_o their_o excuse_n truth_n §._o sect._n 5._o their_o excuse_n take_v away_o who_o allege_v that_o they_o swear_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o swear_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n which_o may_v lawful_o be_v confirm_v with_o a_o oath_n but_o as_o i_o have_v show_v god_n name_n be_v profane_v and_o abuse_v not_o only_o although_o most_o grievous_o when_o we_o swear_v that_o which_o be_v false_a but_o also_o when_o it_o be_v use_v upon_o every_o trifle_a occasion_n to_o confirm_v a_o unnecessary_a truth_n which_o either_o be_v not_o worth_a prove_v or_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v by_o other_o argument_n or_o without_o that_o reverend_a and_o religious_a respect_n of_o his_o glorious_a majesty_n which_o he_o require_v yea_o oath_n §._o sect._n 6._o their_o excuse_n answer_v who_o pretend_v that_o they_o swear_v by_o small_a oath_n but_o will_v some_o say_v i_o avoid_v this_o danger_n see_v my_o custom_n be_v not_o to_o swear_v by_o god_n but_o by_o slight_a and_o small_a oath_n as_o by_o my_o faith_n troth_n by_o our_o lady_n the_o mass_n and_o such_o like_a and_o therefore_o i_o be_o to_o be_v excuse_v because_o i_o do_v not_o take_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a to_o this_o i_o have_v already_o answer_v whereas_o i_o prove_v that_o the_o lord_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v swear_v by_o his_o name_n only_o to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v that_o our_o saviour_n have_v direct_o forbid_v such_o kind_n of_o oath_n and_o have_v enjoin_v we_o in_o our_o ordinary_a communication_n 5.34_o matth._n 5.34_o to_o use_v only_o yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o tell_v we_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o come_v of_o evil_a though_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o so_o heinous_a a_o sin_n as_o that_o horrible_a abuse_n of_o god_n holy_a name_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n see_v christ_n himself_o have_v forbid_v and_o condemn_v it_o and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v entertain_v and_o much_o less_o excuse_v or_o defend_v by_o any_o christian_a for_o we_o shall_v think_v no_o sin_n so_o small_a that_o we_o may_v willing_o commit_v it_o see_v the_o least_o sin_n merit_v the_o wage_n of_o eternal_a death_n and_o can_v not_o otherwise_o be_v expiate_v and_o do_v away_o but_o by_o the_o inestimable_a price_n of_o christ_n precious_a blood_n or_o if_o we_o do_v let_v we_o assure_v ourselves_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v small_a unto_o we_o for_o the_o least_o sin_n in_o it_o own_o nature_n be_v heinous_a and_o unpardonable_a so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v willing_o commit_v and_o excuse_v or_o defend_v last_o incredulity_n §._o sect._n 7._o their_o excuse_n answer_v who_o allege_v other_o incredulity_n they_o excuse_v themselves_o by_o allege_v the_o incredulity_n and_o suspicion_n of_o other_o which_o be_v such_o that_o unless_o they_o swear_v they_o can_v be_v credit_v and_o believe_v but_o unto_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o best_a way_n to_o have_v our_o word_n credit_v be_v not_o to_o confirm_v every_o thing_n we_o speak_v with_o a_o oath_n for_o so_o our_o oath_n become_v common_a and_o ordinary_a will_v be_v as_o little_o respect_v as_o a_o simple_a affirmation_n nay_o in_o truth_n they_o will_v deserve_v less_o credit_n for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v think_v that_o he_o who_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o transgress_v one_o commandment_n will_v not_o make_v much_o more_o conscience_n of_o transgress_v another_o he_o that_o stick_v not_o to_o use_v deieration_n and_o vain_a swear_n will_v not_o stick_v at_o perjury_n and_o forswear_n or_o if_o he_o do_v it_o be_v not_o because_o he_o want_v a_o heart_n to_o do_v it_o but_o rather_o some_o strong_a inducement_n to_o persuade_v he_o but_o the_o best_a way_n to_o have_v our_o speech_n credit_v be_v to_o accustom_v our_o tongue_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o be_v of_o a_o upright_o just_a and_o unblameable_a life_n and_o conversation_n and_o so_o shall_v our_o word_n be_v more_o regard_v than_o another_o oath_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o oath_n that_o give_v credit_n and_o authority_n to_o a_o man_n but_o a_o man_n to_o his_o oath_n and_o if_o in_o our_o whole_a course_n and_o carriage_n we_o clear_o show_v that_o we_o make_v more_o conscience_n of_o lie_v than_o another_o of_o perjury_n his_o oath_n will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o credit_v as_o our_o bare_a promise_n or_o assertion_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o ordinary_a swear_n be_v either_o needless_a or_o bootless_a for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v of_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a conversation_n there_o will_v be_v no_o use_n of_o it_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o weighty_a cause_n wherein_o a_o oath_n be_v lawful_a because_o his_o word_n will_v carry_v with_o it_o sufficient_a credit_n and_o contrariwise_o if_o he_o be_v know_v to_o have_v accustom_v himself_o to_o lie_v dissemble_a and_o false_a deal_n his_o swear_n will_v not_o profit_v he_o see_v his_o unconscionable_a falsehood_n do_v take_v away_o all_o credit_n and_o authority_n from_o his_o oath_n but_o let_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o though_o we_o be_v just_a and_o faithful_a 8._o §._o sect._n 8._o we_o can_v be_v credit_v unless_o we_o swear_v yet_o this_o give_v we_o no_o dispensation_n for_o oath_n in_o light_n or_o needless_a occasion_n see_v we_o be_v rather_o to_o obey_v our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n commandment_n who_o have_v forbid_v we_o to_o swear_v in_o our_o ordinary_a communication_n then_o by_o vain_a swear_v to_o gain_v credit_n to_o our_o speech_n or_o to_o satisfy_v such_o suspicious_a and_o incredulous_a person_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v we_o without_o a_o oath_n for_o hereby_o we_o shall_v approve_v our_o obedience_n to_o god_n by_o make_v conscience_n of_o transgress_v his_o law_n
respect_n then_o will_v it_o gain_v unto_o they_o such_o authority_n that_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v urge_v by_o swear_v to_o confirm_v our_o speech_n every_o one_o be_v ready_o more_o to_o esteem_v and_o credit_v our_o honest_a protestation_n than_o the_o deep_a oath_n of_o those_o who_o accustom_v their_o tongue_n to_o vain_a swear_n the_o four_o mean_n to_o avoid_v this_o sin_n of_o vain_a swear_n swearer_n §_o sect._n 7._o the_o four_o mean_n be_v to_o avoid_v the_o company_n of_o vain_a swearer_n be_v to_o shun_v the_o company_n of_o such_o as_o much_o use_v it_o because_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v easy_o infect_v if_o we_o do_v but_o breathe_v in_o the_o contagious_a air_n of_o sin_n and_o as_o civil_a man_n live_v among_o a_o barbarous_a people_n quick_o lose_v the_o purity_n of_o their_o own_o language_n and_o have_v their_o speech_n corrupt_v with_o the_o barbarisme_n that_o be_v daily_o sound_v in_o their_o ear_n so_o if_o be_v religious_a we_o haunt_v the_o company_n of_o these_o curse_a edomite_n who_o inure_v their_o tongue_n to_o blasphemous_a swear_n we_o shall_v soon_o forget_v to_o speak_v the_o pure_a language_n of_o holy_a chanaan_n and_o corrupt_v our_o speech_n with_o vain_a and_o wicked_a oath_n and_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n presume_v upon_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o flatter_v himself_o with_o a_o vain_a conceit_n that_o he_o so_o abhor_v this_o customable_a swear_n that_o he_o be_v in_o no_o danger_n of_o be_v corrupt_v with_o it_o though_o he_o frequent_v such_o lewd_a company_n for_o there_o be_v little_a hope_n we_o shall_v long_o firm_o stand_v in_o such_o slippery_a place_n first_o because_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o withdraw_v his_o assist_a grace_n from_o those_o who_o tempt_v he_o with_o their_o presumption_n and_o that_o they_o who_o so_o love_v tentation_n that_o they_o wilful_o run_v into_o they_o shall_v also_o fall_v and_o be_v overcome_v in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n second_o because_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o corruption_n we_o be_v prone_a to_o fall_v into_o any_o sin_n for_o the_o seed_n of_o all_o evil_n remain_v in_o we_o will_n when_o they_o seem_v dead_a and_o rot_a revive_v and_o sprout_v up_o again_o when_o as_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v water_v and_o cherish_v with_o the_o wicked_a example_n and_o encouragement_n of_o profane_a companion_n and_o the_o tinder_n of_o our_o corruption_n be_v easy_o set_v on_o fire_n with_o the_o touch_n of_o the_o least_o spark_n of_o a_o evil_a precedent_n if_o it_o be_v not_o extinguish_v by_o god_n spirit_n and_o last_o because_o such_o company_n will_v even_o compel_v we_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o urgent_a necessity_n to_o follow_v their_o own_o practice_n by_o deny_v to_o give_v credit_n unto_o our_o word_n unless_o a_o oath_n be_v add_v for_o confirmation_n for_o they_o who_o accustom_v their_o tongue_n to_o vain_a swear_n will_v hardly_o believe_v another_o man_n without_o a_o oath_n the_o five_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o leave_v this_o sin_n of_o vain_a swear_n swearer_n §._o sect._n 8._o the_o five_o mean_n be_v to_o meditate_v on_o those_o judgement_n which_o be_v inflict_v on_o vain_a swearer_n be_v often_o to_o meditate_v upon_o those_o fearful_a judgement_n and_o punishment_n which_o be_v by_o the_o lord_n threaten_v and_o inflict_v upon_o impious_a swearer_n and_o blasphemer_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v for_o general_o they_o lie_v open_a to_o all_o god_n heavy_a curse_n and_o malediction_n the_o fire_n of_o god_n wrath_n shall_v consume_v their_o house_n 5.3_o zach._n 5.3_o and_o the_o lord_n will_v punish_v they_o not_o with_o ordinary_a punishment_n but_o will_v make_v their_o plague_n wonderful_a 28.58_o deut._n 28.58_o not_o only_o in_o themselves_o but_o also_o in_o their_o posterity_n manifold_a experience_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o example_n both_o of_o former_a time_n and_o of_o our_o own_o day_n if_o we_o will_v but_o observe_v the_o execution_n of_o these_o heavy_a judgement_n upon_o these_o impious_a blasphemer_n some_o die_v with_o outrageous_a burn_a in_o their_o mouth_n as_o though_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n be_v there_o already_o kindle_v other_o with_o swell_a tongue_n distort_a mouth_n and_o hellish_a blackness_n god_n show_v the_o foulness_n of_o their_o sin_n by_o the_o ugly_a deformity_n of_o their_o punishment_n other_o who_o have_v enure_v their_o tongue_n to_o swear_v by_o the_o blood_n and_o wound_n of_o christ_n at_o their_o death_n in_o fearful_a manner_n have_v have_v unstanchable_a issue_n of_o blood_n over_o all_o their_o body_n other_o have_v die_v utter_v horrible_a blasphemy_n with_o their_o last_o breath_n and_o so_o have_v be_v apprehend_v by_o the_o judge_n as_o it_o be_v with_o their_o theft_n about_o they_o and_o summon_v before_o his_o judgement_n seat_n while_o they_o be_v execute_v the_o very_a act_n of_o treason_n against_o god_n glorious_a majesty_n and_o for_o conclusion_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v arraign_v before_o his_o tribunal_n seat_n and_o there_o indict_v for_o their_o manifold_a abuse_n of_o his_o glorious_a name_n the_o lord_n have_v say_v that_o he_o will_v not_o hold_v they_o guiltless_a but_o they_o shall_v for_o ever_o bear_v their_o fearful_a condemnation_n what_o folly_n therefore_o be_v it_o yea_o what_o more_o than_o frantic_a madness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o hazard_v his_o body_n and_o soul_n which_o be_v of_o more_o worth_n unto_o he_o than_o ten_o thousand_o world_n to_o the_o suffering_n of_o all_o these_o fearful_a punishment_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v for_o a_o vain_a and_o unprofitable_a sin_n which_o bring_v good_a to_o neither_o soul_n nor_o body_n as_o before_o i_o have_v show_v the_o last_o and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n which_o we_o can_v use_v to_o preserve_v we_o from_o fall_v into_o this_o sin_n prayer_n §._o sect._n 9_o the_o last_o mean_n be_v fervent_a prayer_n be_v fervent_a and_o effectual_a prayer_n wherein_o we_o be_v with_o the_o prophet_n david_n instant_o to_o desire_v the_o lord_n that_o see_v our_o negligence_n and_o carelessness_n be_v exceed_o great_a 141.3_o psal_n 141.3_o it_o will_v please_v he_o to_o keep_v a_o strait_a watch_n over_o we_o and_o so_o to_o rule_v and_o over-rule_v we_o with_o the_o good_a motion_n and_o effectual_a operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n that_o we_o may_v make_v precious_a account_n of_o his_o holy_a name_n and_o careful_o avoid_v the_o profanation_n thereof_o by_o vain_a swear_n and_o so_o our_o suit_n tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o to_o the_o further_a of_o our_o own_o spiritual_a good_a 11.13_o joh._n 16.23_o 1._o joh._n 3.22_o luk._n 11.13_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o obtain_v our_o desire_n if_o we_o ask_v in_o faith_n and_o show_v our_o earnestness_n to_o obtain_v that_o we_o pray_v for_o by_o our_o constant_a and_o conscionable_a use_n of_o those_o mean_n of_o which_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v chap._n viii_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o perjury_n and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o abuse_n of_o a_o oath_n by_o vain_a swear_n be_v §_o sect._n 1._o what_o perjury_n be_v now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o abuse_n thereof_o by_o false_a swear_n common_o call_v perjury_n where_o first_o i_o will_v show_v what_o perjury_n be_v that_o we_o may_v know_v it_o and_o then_o the_o greatness_n and_o heinousness_n of_o this_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v avoid_v it_o for_o the_o first_o perjury_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o false_a swear_n or_o more_o full_o it_o be_v a_o know_v or_o imagine_a untruth_n confirm_v by_o oath_n join_v with_o deceit_n which_o be_v either_o purpose_v and_o intend_v before_o the_o oath_n be_v make_v or_o resolve_v on_o afterward_o whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o two_o thing_n do_v always_o concur_v in_o perjury_n first_o the_o general_a matter_n thereof_o which_o be_v a_o untruth_n and_o second_o the_o form_n which_o give_v be_v unto_o it_o namely_o a_o false_a oath_n make_v with_o purpose_a and_o affect_a deceit_n or_o resolve_v on_o afterward_o now_o untruth_n be_v either_o logical_a or_o moral_a logical_a when_o as_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v as_o the_o thing_n be_v or_o when_o as_o our_o speech_n agree_v not_o with_o the_o thing_n moral_a untruth_n be_v when_o as_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v as_o we_o think_v or_o when_o as_o our_o speech_n agree_v not_o with_o our_o mind_n of_o the_o former_a we_o do_v not_o here_o speak_v neither_o do_v it_o make_v perjury_n but_o only_o when_o it_o be_v join_v with_o the_o second_o whereas_o the_o moral_a untruth_n confirm_v with_o a_o oath_n be_v perjury_n although_o it_o be_v a_o logical_a truth_n more_o plain_o if_o i_o swear_v a_o untruth_n be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v true_a it_o may_v be_v my_o oath_n may_v
such_o as_o be_v fundamental_a &_o essential_a and_o for_o the_o better_a performance_n of_o such_o statute_n require_v a_o oath_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n so_o according_a unto_o their_o intention_n the_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o corporation_n take_v their_o oath_n be_v bind_v to_o yield_v simple_a and_o absolute_a obedience_n unto_o such_o statute_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o be_v perjure_a but_o as_o the_o lawgiver_n require_v not_o simple_a obedience_n unto_o such_o statute_n as_o tend_v only_o to_o order_n &_o comeliness_n but_o conditional_a that_o they_o must_v obey_v or_o undergo_v the_o mulct_n so_o they_o swear_v according_o to_o the_o lawgivers_n intention_n do_v perform_v their_o oath_n in_o some_o manner_n when_o they_o bear_v the_o penalty_n for_o their_o non-performance_n although_o not_o as_o they_o ought_v see_v the_o true_a end_n of_o law_n be_v obedience_n and_o not_o punishment_n nevertheless_o they_o be_v hereby_o acquit_v of_o perjury_n and_o in_o some_o case_n whole_o excuse_v as_o when_o some_o necessary_a and_o important_a cause_n move_v they_o to_o omit_v a_o ceremonial_a duty_n the_o eight_o question_n be_v how_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v make_v and_o perform_v perform_v §._o sect._n 15._o oath_n must_v be_v plain_o make_v and_o simple_o perform_v that_o we_o may_v be_v clear_a from_o perjury_n unto_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o we_o must_v both_o make_v and_o perform_v they_o simple_o and_o plain_o without_o any_o manner_n of_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n and_o meaning_n in_o which_o we_o will_v have_v he_o understand_v we_o unto_o who_o we_o swear_v without_o either_o popish_a equivocation_n or_o mental_a reservation_n for_o this_o be_v to_o abuse_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n if_o we_o make_v he_o a_o witness_n and_o surety_n of_o our_o deceit_n and_o to_o delude_v our_o neighbour_n under_o the_o show_n of_o a_o religious_a oath_n but_o of_o the_o two_o it_o be_v more_o wicked_a and_o pernicious_a when_o this_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n be_v use_v in_o the_o make_n of_o a_o oath_n then_o in_o the_o performance_n for_o that_o most_o common_o proceed_v from_o maliciousness_n and_o prepense_a falsehood_n whereas_o the_o other_o may_v be_v commit_v through_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n sudden_o and_o unaduised_o nine_o man_n §._o sect._n 16._o we_o must_v perform_v our_o oath_n make_v to_o all_o man_n it_o may_v be_v demand_v if_o all_o lawful_a oath_n make_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o person_n do_v bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v the_o papist_n affirm_v and_o maintain_v we_o be_v not_o to_o keep_v faith_n with_o heretic_n and_o therefore_o oath_n make_v to_o they_o be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n but_o if_o this_o opinion_n be_v receive_v constan_n council_n constan_n it_o will_v overthrow_v all_o contract_n and_o intercourse_n of_o deal_n between_o nation_n and_o nation_n and_o make_v void_a and_o frustrate_v all_o covenant_n and_o conclusion_n of_o truce_n or_o peace_n it_o will_v also_o give_v public_a scandal_n and_o cause_v those_o who_o be_v without_o to_o abhor_v our_o religion_n as_o maintain_v fraud_n and_o perfidious_a treachery_n and_o final_o god_n name_n shall_v be_v abuse_v and_o dishonour_v which_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o countenance_n falsehood_n and_o breach_n of_o promise_n we_o therefore_o maintain_v and_o hold_v that_o all_o lawful_a oath_n do_v bind_v the_o conscience_n unto_o whosoever_o they_o be_v make_v without_o respect_n of_o person_n either_o friend_n or_o enemy_n true_a professor_n or_o heretic_n christian_n or_o turk_n protestant_n or_o papist_n have_v herein_o for_o our_o example_n the_o holy_a patriarch_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n who_o swear_v and_o perform_v their_o oath_n make_v to_o idolatrous_a infidel_n abimilech_n phicol_n and_o laban_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o who_o break_v such_o promise_n confirm_v by_o oath_n be_v perjure_a person_n in_o the_o ten_o place_n it_o may_v be_v demand_v 17._o §._o sect._n 17._o whether_o any_o man_n have_v just_a authority_n to_o dispense_v with_o a_o lawful_a oath_n i_o answer_v oath_n whether_o any_o man_n have_v authority_n to_o dispense_v with_o a_o lawful_a oath_n that_o howsoever_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n the_o antichrist_n of_o rome_n herein_o match_v himself_o as_o equal_v with_o god_n arrogate_v this_o authority_n to_o dispense_v with_o lawful_a oath_n and_o to_o free_a subject_n from_o their_o swear_a allegiance_n unto_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n yet_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o no_o mortal_a man_n have_v this_o power_n to_o dispense_v with_o a_o oath_n be_v lawful_a because_o the_o lord_n have_v by_o his_o law_n bind_v we_o unto_o performance_n for_o he_o have_v charge_v we_o not_o to_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o forswear_v ourselves_o and_o by_o our_o perjury_n pollute_v his_o holy_a name_n 19.12_o levit._fw-la 19.12_o and_o who_o can_v countermand_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v and_o he_o have_v conjoin_v our_o lawful_a promise_n with_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o by_o the_o religious_a bond_n of_o a_o oath_n who_o therefore_o can_v loose_v that_o which_o god_n have_v bind_v who_o can_v separate_v and_o put_v asunder_o those_o thing_n which_o by_o his_o word_n he_o have_v join_v together_o whereof_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o our_o jesuit_n priest_n and_o other_o papist_n who_o have_v former_o take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o swear_v to_o the_o supremacy_n of_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n and_o afterward_o reconcile_v themselves_o to_o the_o pope_n maintain_v his_o supremacy_n deny_v their_o allegiance_n to_o their_o king_n and_o so_o violate_v their_o former_a oath_n trust_v to_o the_o pope_n dispensation_n be_v no_o better_o then_o perjure_a persous_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o of_o all_o his_o faithful_a servant_n yea_o but_o if_o a_o promise_n be_v confirm_v with_o a_o oath_n between_o man_n and_o man_n may_v not_o he_o unto_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v and_o who_o it_o only_o concern_v release_v the_o other_o of_o his_o promise_n and_o so_o free_v he_o from_o his_o oath_n i_o answer_v that_o no_o man_n have_v this_o authority_n for_o in_o every_o lawful_a promissorie_a oath_n the_o swearer_n oblige_v himself_o in_o a_o double_a bond_n the_o one_o be_v from_o man_n to_o man_n the_o other_o from_o man_n to_o god_n now_o howsoever_o he_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v may_v free_v the_o swearer_n from_o all_o claim_n and_o challenge_v of_o the_o promise_n make_v unto_o he_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o lie_v in_o his_o own_o power_n yet_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o free_v he_o from_o his_o oath_n because_o that_o be_v not_o only_o make_v unto_o he_o but_o also_o unto_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o he_o only_o can_v dispense_v with_o it_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o a_o oath_n make_v between_o man_n and_o man_n be_v call_v notwithstanding_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o lord_n 21.7_o exod._n 22.11_o 2._o sam._n 21.7_o because_o thereby_o the_o swearer_n have_v immediate_o bind_v himself_o unto_o god_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o when_o he_o do_v perform_v it_o he_o be_v say_v to_o perform_v his_o oath_n not_o so_o much_o unto_o man_n as_o unto_o god_n himself_o as_o appear_v matth._n 5.33_o 5.13_o matth._n 5.13_o and_o herein_o consist_v a_o plain_a difference_n between_o a_o single_a promise_n and_o a_o promise_v confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n a_o single_a promise_n be_v only_o make_v unto_o man_n may_v be_v lawful_o release_v by_o his_o consent_n unto_o who_o it_o be_v make_v but_o a_o promise_n confirm_v by_o oath_n can_v be_v reverse_a because_o it_o be_v not_o make_v to_o man_n alone_o but_o to_o god_n also_o who_o only_o have_v authority_n to_o dispense_v with_o such_o oath_n as_o be_v make_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o last_o place_n it_o may_v be_v demand_v himself_o §._o sect._n 18._o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o impose_v a_o oath_n upon_o such_o a_o one_o as_o we_o think_v will_v forswear_v himself_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o impose_v a_o oath_n to_o be_v take_v by_o such_o a_o one_o as_o we_o think_v make_v no_o conscience_n of_o it_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o forswear_v himself_o if_o he_o be_v put_v to_o it_o i_o answer_v by_o distinction_n that_o it_o be_v altogether_o unlawful_a for_o a_o private_a man_n to_o impose_v upon_o such_o a_o man_n a_o oath_n for_o his_o own_o gain_n or_o private_a respect_n because_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o prefer_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o by_o such_o a_o oath_n be_v impeach_v and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o neighbour_n soul_n which_o hereby_o be_v endanger_v before_o any_o worldly_a gain_n and_o advantage_n and_o consequent_o we_o ought_v rather_o to_o lose_v
and_o all_o manner_n of_o idolater_n he_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o vain_a swear_n for_o in_o his_o law_n he_o have_v absolute_o condemn_v this_o take_n of_o his_o name_n in_o vain_a but_o that_o we_o swear_v in_o that_o manner_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v in_o truth_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n that_o be_v for_o confirm_v of_o a_o necessary_a truth_n which_o can_v by_o no_o other_o lawful_a mean_n be_v clear_v and_o not_o upon_o every_o vain_a and_o trifle_a occasion_n with_o fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n majesty_n as_o be_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o not_o in_o a_o swagger_a humour_n impious_o and_o irreligious_o aim_v in_o our_o oath_n neither_o at_o god_n glory_n nor_o the_o good_a of_o man_n other_o there_o be_v who_o be_v not_o come_v to_o that_o audacious_a impudency_n to_o defend_v their_o vain_a swear_n as_o lawful_a away_o §._o sect._n 2._o the_o excuse_n of_o vain_a swear_n by_o custom_n take_v away_o and_o yet_o nevertheless_o if_o they_o be_v tax_v and_o reproove_v for_o it_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o pretend_v many_o excuse_n why_o either_o they_o can_v or_o will_v not_o leave_v it_o some_o allege_v for_o their_o excuse_n that_o they_o have_v be_v enure_v to_o such_o a_o naughty_a custom_n of_o swear_v that_o howsoever_o they_o disallow_v it_o in_o themselves_o yet_o they_o fall_v into_o it_o at_o unaware_o and_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n give_v it_o over_o but_o do_v they_o ever_o indeed_o condemn_v it_o as_o a_o sin_n and_o themselves_o for_o fall_v into_o it_o be_v they_o ever_o serious_o and_o sound_o grieve_v at_o their_o heart_n because_o thereby_o they_o have_v displease_v and_o dishonour_v god_n do_v they_o loath_a and_o hate_v this_o wicked_a custom_n and_o earnest_o labour_v to_o wean_v themselves_o from_o it_o alas_o their_o conscience_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o do_v nothing_o less_o but_o either_o that_o they_o careless_o neglect_v to_o set_v a_o watch_n before_o their_o lip_n that_o they_o may_v not_o thus_o offend_v or_o that_o what_o show_v soever_o they_o make_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o like_v and_o love_v their_o sin_n and_o take_v a_o pride_n in_o use_v of_o it_o whereof_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o howsoever_o these_o man_n please_v themselves_o as_o though_o all_o be_v well_o and_o have_v put_v their_o secure_a conscience_n to_o silence_n by_o this_o vain_a excuse_n yet_o in_o truth_n their_o estate_n be_v most_o wretched_a see_v they_o be_v content_a to_o live_v in_o a_o know_a sin_n without_o repentance_n which_o if_o it_o be_v final_a will_v enter_v they_o into_o the_o certain_a possession_n of_o eternal_a death_n yea_o but_o many_o of_o they_o will_v say_v that_o they_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n for_o after_o they_o have_v vain_o swear_v they_o smite_v themselves_o on_o the_o breast_n and_o ask_v god_n forgiveness_n o_o blindness_n to_o be_v pity_v if_o it_o be_v not_o wilful_o affect_v be_v this_o the_o mend_n which_o thou_o make_v in_o hypocritical_a manner_n to_o smite_v thy_o breast_n for_o pierce_v of_o thy_o saviour_n be_v this_o a_o prayer_n acceptable_a unto_o god_n or_o like_v to_o return_v with_o fruit_n into_o thy_o bosom_n when_o thou_o ask_v forgiveness_n with_o a_o purpose_n still_o to_o offend_v and_o desire_v his_o pardon_n as_o a_o privilege_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o thou_o may_v secure_o go_v forward_o in_o thy_o sin_n be_v this_o the_o repentance_n which_o god_n require_v to_o smite_v the_o breast_n and_o to_o ask_v forgiveness_n with_o feign_a lip_n when_o as_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o heart_n be_v not_o smite_v at_o all_o with_o bitter_a grief_n nor_o earnest_o resolve_v in_o a_o true_a hatred_n to_o leave_v this_o sin_n so_o vain_a and_o so_o unprofitable_a if_o for_o every_o oath_n these_o swearer_n shall_v sustain_v the_o least_o worldly_a loss_n or_o endure_v the_o least_o bodily_a punishment_n even_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o groat_n or_o the_o smart_n of_o a_o philip_n it_o will_v soon_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o evil_a custom_n and_o yet_o so_o base_o do_v they_o esteem_v the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n so_o little_o do_v they_o fear_v the_o hellish_a torment_n so_o slender_o do_v they_o regard_v the_o lord_n commandment_n and_o so_o mean_v a_o respect_n they_o have_v of_o his_o majesty_n either_o to_o love_v or_o fear_v he_o that_o they_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o wean_v themselves_o from_o this_o wicked_a custom_n of_o vain_a swear_n which_o bring_v unto_o they_o no_o benefit_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o worldly_a profit_n or_o advantage_n say_v therefore_o no_o more_o that_o it_o be_v a_o unresistable_a custom_n but_o rather_o thy_o carnal_a profaneness_n and_o utter_a contempt_n of_o god_n which_o continue_v thou_o in_o this_o sin_n neither_o allege_v any_o long_o this_o vain_a excuse_n which_o do_v but_o proclaim_v thy_o folly_n and_o aggravate_v thy_o fault_n make_v it_o questionable_a whether_o thy_o sottishness_n or_o impiety_n exceed_v one_o the_o other_o for_o may_v not_o any_o other_o sinner_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n plead_v possession_n of_o their_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o thou_o may_v not_o the_o murderer_n say_v i_o can_v leave_v murder_v of_o my_o neighbour_n because_o i_o have_v be_v so_o often_o flesh_v by_o kill_v and_o slay_v may_v not_o the_o adulterer_n with_o as_o good_a reason_n and_o more_o necessity_n excuse_v his_o adultery_n because_o by_o long_a custom_n he_o have_v get_v such_o a_o habit_n of_o whoredom_n that_o he_o can_v leave_v it_o may_v not_o a_o thief_n when_o he_o be_v arraign_v before_o a_o judge_n as_o well_o excuse_v his_o theft_n by_o allege_v that_o he_o have_v so_o long_o continue_v in_o his_o rapine_n and_o robbery_n that_o he_o have_v no_o power_n to_o reclaim_v himself_o from_o steal_v now_o if_o in_o these_o case_n every_o one_o will_v condemn_v such_o excuse_n as_o ridiculous_a and_o the_o excuser_n as_o outrageous_o impious_a because_o customable_a live_n in_o sin_n exceed_o aggravate_v the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o sinner_n then_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o condemn_v this_o excuse_n of_o swearer_n of_o like_a folly_n and_o impiety_n when_o as_o be_v reproove_v for_o swear_v at_o some_o time_n they_o plead_v for_o themselves_o that_o it_o be_v their_o ordinary_a custom_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v leave_v it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o swear_v once_o or_o twice_o then_o be_v it_o out_o of_o measure_n sinful_a to_o make_v a_o ordinary_a practice_n of_o it_o and_o so_o to_o bring_v upon_o ourselves_o a_o habit_n of_o swear_v other_o excuse_v themselves_o harm_n §._o sect._n 3._o their_o excuse_n take_v away_o which_o say_v they_o think_v no_o harm_n that_o though_o they_o swear_v yet_o they_o think_v no_o harm_n and_o therefore_o they_o hope_v god_n will_v have_v they_o excuse_v to_o these_o i_o answer_v with_o our_o saviour_n that_o out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o mouth_n speak_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o word_n be_v profane_a we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o the_o heart_n also_o be_v pollute_v 12.34.35_o mat._n 12.34.35_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v a_o good_a treasury_n they_o will_v as_o christ_n say_v bring_v out_o of_o it_o good_a thing_n even_o such_o pure_a golden_a speech_n as_o will_v endure_v the_o touch_n and_o trial_n of_o god_n word_n and_o not_o vent_v forth_o nothing_o else_o but_o dross_n and_o filth_n if_o piety_n and_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n be_v root_v in_o their_o heart_n they_o will_v not_o from_o these_o good_a tree_n bring_v forth_o such_o evil_a fruit_n 3.10.11_o mat_n 7.16.20_o jam._n 3.10.11_o if_o they_o be_v pure_a fountain_n season_v with_o god_n grace_n they_o will_v never_o send_v forth_o such_o bitter_a and_o pollute_a stream_n neither_o will_v they_o blaspheme_v god_n with_o their_o mouth_n if_o they_o bless_v he_o in_o their_o heart_n in_o a_o word_n if_o they_o have_v any_o dram_n of_o true_a religion_n seat_v in_o the_o heart_n it_o will_v bridle_v the_o tongue_n and_o restrain_v it_o from_o vain_a swear_n for_o what_o sin_n will_v a_o man_n leave_v for_o god_n sake_n if_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v this_o which_o be_v every_o way_n unprofitable_a and_o many_o way_n hurtful_a and_o therefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o if_o any_o man_n among_o we_o seem_v religious_a and_o refrain_v not_o his_o tongue_n he_o deceive_v his_o own_o heart_n and_o his_o religion_n be_v vain_a jam._n 1.26_o 1.26_o jam._n 1.26_o neither_o let_v they_o think_v that_o howsoever_o they_o excuse_v themselves_o god_n will_v have_v they_o excuse_v see_v he_o have_v plain_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n for_o every_o idle_a word_n and_o therefore_o much_o more_o for_o vain_a and_o impious_a oath_n and_o that_o when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_v he_o
any_o worldly_a benefit_n then_o that_o by_o such_o a_o oath_n we_o shall_v suffer_v god_n to_o be_v dishonour_v and_o our_o neighbour_n to_o lose_v himself_o to_o this_o purpose_n augustine_n speak_v whosoever_o say_v he_o provoke_v another_o to_o swear_v impressit_fw-la qui_fw-la hominem_fw-la provocat_fw-la ad_fw-la iurationem_fw-la &_o scit_fw-la eum_fw-la falsum_fw-la iuraturun_v vincit_fw-la homicidan_n etc._n etc._n aug._n the_o decoll_n joan._n bapt._n ser_n 11._o tom_n 10._o scrm._n de_fw-fr periurijs_fw-la jlle_fw-fr enim_fw-la se_fw-la svo_fw-la periurio_fw-la interimit_fw-la sed_fw-la icy_a manum_fw-la inter_fw-la ficientis_fw-la pressit_fw-la &_o impressit_fw-la know_v that_o he_o will_v swear_v false_o he_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o murderer_n because_o a_o murderer_n kill_v but_o the_o body_n this_o the_o soul_n yea_o two_o soul_n at_o once_o his_o who_o he_o provoke_v to_o swear_v and_o his_o own_o do_v thou_o know_v that_o to_o be_v truth_n which_o thou_o affirm_v and_o that_o false_a which_o he_o avouch_v and_o yet_o urge_v he_o to_o swear_v behold_v he_o swear_v forswear_v and_o perish_v and_o what_o have_v thou_o find_v hereby_o yea_o thou_o have_v lose_v thyself_o who_o will_v be_v no_o otherwise_o satisfy_v but_o by_o his_o destruction_n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o that_o enforce_v one_o to_o swear_v who_o he_o know_v will_v swear_v false_o be_v a_o murderer_n for_o he_o kill_v himself_o with_o his_o perjury_n but_o the_o other_o thrust_v and_o help_v forward_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o self_n murderer_n but_o yet_o a_o magistrate_n may_v lawful_o put_v such_o a_o one_o to_o his_o oath_n if_o the_o execution_n of_o law_n and_o course_n of_o justice_n do_v so_o require_v for_o better_v it_o be_v that_o a_o private_a man_n shall_v perish_v coelum_fw-la fiat_n institia_fw-la &_o ruat_fw-la coelum_fw-la then_o that_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o law_n and_o justice_n shall_v be_v stay_v and_o hinder_v nevertheless_o the_o magistrate_n ought_v in_o this_o case_n to_o forbear_v the_o imposition_n of_o a_o oath_n if_o the_o truth_n may_v by_o any_o other_o possible_a mean_n be_v clear_v and_o justice_n execute_v and_o if_o not_o yet_o he_o be_v grave_o and_o religious_o to_o admonish_v the_o party_n of_o the_o weightiness_n of_o a_o oath_n the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o perjury_n and_o fearfulness_n of_o the_o punishment_n which_o do_v attend_v it_o and_o so_o have_v do_v his_o best_a to_o prevent_v it_o he_o be_v to_o leave_v the_o party_n to_o himself_o and_o the_o event_n to_o god_n chap._n xi_o reason_n to_o dissuade_v from_o the_o sin_n of_o perjury_n and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n wherein_o i_o have_v show_v what_o perjury_n be_v and_o the_o kind_n thereof_o and_o withal_o have_v clear_v diverse_a question_n whereby_o we_o may_v the_o better_o discern_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n and_o when_o it_o be_v commit_v now_o in_o the_o second_o part_n i_o will_v brief_o set_v down_o some_o reason_n to_o dissuade_v all_o man_n from_o this_o sin_n which_o be_v so_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o so_o pernicious_a unto_o mankind_n all_o which_o i_o will_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o head_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n the_o second_o be_v the_o grievousnes_n of_o the_o punishment_n which_o do_v accompany_v it_o the_o heinousness_n will_v appear_v both_o in_o it_o own_o nature_n god_n §._o sect._n 1._o 1._o because_o perjury_n be_v odious_a unto_o god_n and_o also_o in_o the_o evil_a effect_n and_o fruit_n thereof_o that_o in_o it_o own_o nature_n it_o be_v a_o grievous_a sin_n may_v hereby_o be_v make_v manifest_a first_o because_o it_o be_v odious_a and_o abominable_a both_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n that_o the_o lord_n abhor_v this_o sin_n of_o perjury_n it_o plain_o appear_v zach._n 8.17_o 8.17_o zach._n 8.17_o let_v none_o of_o you_o imagine_v evil_a in_o your_o heart_n against_o his_o neighbour_n and_o love_v no_o false_a oath_n for_o all_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o i_o hate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o law_n have_v so_o strait_o forbid_v this_o sin_n levit._fw-la 19.12_o you_o shall_v not_o swear_v by_o my_o name_n false_o 19.12_o leu._n 19.12_o neither_o shall_v thou_o defile_v the_o name_n of_o thy_o god_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o which_o law_n 7.9_o jer._n 7.9_o the_o jew_n be_v sharp_o reproove_v and_o condemn_v jer._n 7.9_o will_v you_o steal_v murder_n and_o commit_v adultery_n and_o swear_v false_o and_o burn_v incense_n unto_o baal_n etc._n etc._n wherewe_n may_v observe_v that_o howsoever_o the_o son_n of_o belial_n so_o light_o esteem_v of_o this_o sin_n that_o they_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o sell_v a_o false_a oath_n at_o the_o least_o price_n yet_o the_o lord_n count_v it_o a_o heinous_a sin_n and_o therefore_o he_o range_v it_o in_o this_o place_n among_o those_o capital_a crime_n of_o theft_n murder_n adultery_n and_o idolatry_n so_o also_o this_o be_v odious_a unto_o man_n man_n §._o sect._n 2._o 2._o perjury_n be_v odious_a unto_o man_n and_o that_o not_o only_o faithful_a christian_n among_o who_o a_o perjure_a person_n lose_v the_o reputation_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n yea_o even_o of_o civility_n and_o common_a honesty_n and_o be_v for_o ever_o brand_v with_o the_o black_a mark_n of_o a_o profane_a person_n who_o never_o after_o be_v to_o be_v credit_v in_o his_o word_n and_o deed_n but_o also_o unto_o the_o heathen_n turk_n and_o pagan_n for_o howsoever_o these_o man_n be_v but_o dim_a sight_v in_o the_o moral_a duty_n of_o honesty_n between_o man_n and_o man_n have_v only_o the_o obscure_a light_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o be_v their_o guide_n and_o even_o almost_o stark_o blind_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n yet_o have_v they_o abhor_v this_o sin_n of_o perjury_n and_o count_v it_o worthy_a of_o the_o severe_a punishment_n one_o say_v apotheg_n agesilaus_n apud_fw-la aelian_a lib._n 14._o the_o var._n histor_n pericles_n plutarch_n in_o apotheg_n that_o man_n by_o no_o mean_n more_o provoke_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n then_o by_o rash_a violate_v of_o a_o holy_a oath_n another_o be_v importune_v by_o a_o respect_a friend_n to_o afford_v he_o a_o false_a oath_n answer_v that_o he_o can_v be_v his_o friend_n no_o surth_o than_o usque_fw-la ad_fw-la arras_n unto_o the_o altar_n meaning_n that_o no_o friendship_n shall_v make_v he_o swear_v a_o false_a oath_n at_o the_o altar_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o god_n a_o three_o be_v set_v at_o liberty_n rather_o than_o he_o will_v break_v his_o oath_n offic_n regulus_n cic._n lib._n 3._o the_o offic_n return_v again_o unto_o his_o mortal_a enemy_n expect_v nothing_o else_o but_o exquisite_a torment_n second_o lie_v §._o sect._n 3._o the_o manifold_a evil_n contain_v in_o perjury_n 1._o lie_v the_o outrageous_a wickedness_n of_o this_o sin_n appear_v by_o the_o manifold_a evil_n which_o it_o contain_v for_o it_o be_v a_o hellish_a monster_n compound_v of_o many_o heinous_a sin_n the_o least_o whereof_o be_v by_o itself_o damnable_a as_o first_o the_o gross_a kind_n of_o lie_v which_o be_v not_o only_o avouch_v but_o also_o impudent_o outface_v with_o a_o oath_n and_o this_o alone_a as_o it_o exclude_v those_o who_o use_v it_o out_o of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n 21.8_o apoc._n 21.15_o and_o 21.8_o for_o without_o shall_v be_v whosoever_o love_v or_o make_v lie_n so_o also_o it_o purchase_v they_o a_o part_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n as_o appear_v apoc._n 22.15_o and_o 21.8_o second_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o guile_n and_o deceit_n deceit_n §._o sect._n 4._o 2._o guile_n and_o deceit_n and_o that_o in_o the_o high_a kind_n and_o most_o pernicious_a for_o when_o deceit_n and_o falsehood_n come_v mask_v and_o disguise_v under_o a_o religious_a oath_n which_o be_v the_o rich_a robe_n and_o precious_a ornament_n of_o truth_n and_o justice_n man_n not_o only_o do_v lie_v open_a unto_o it_o to_o be_v deceive_v and_o abuse_v by_o it_o after_o a_o ordinary_a and_o voluntary_a manner_n but_o also_o be_v entangle_v therewith_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o unavoideable_a necessity_n it_o be_v altogether_o unlawful_a without_o most_o apparent_a cause_n to_o call_v the_o deceivers_n assertion_n and_o promise_n into_o question_n when_o as_o they_o be_v confirm_v with_o a_o witness_n above_o exception_n and_o ratify_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o as_o therefore_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o avenger_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o fraud_n as_o it_o be_v 1._o thes_n 4.6_o 4.6_o 1._o thes_n 4.6_o so_o especial_o of_o this_o whereby_o himself_o be_v so_o much_o dishonour_v and_o as_o all_o manner_n of_o deceit_n be_v abominable_a unto_o he_o