give_v thou_o christ_n and_o thou_o give_v he_o thyself_o if_o thou_o hold_v god_n will_v not_o flinch_v he_o promise_v heaven_n and_o happiness_n and_o thou_o promise_v love_n and_o obedience_n and_o those_o vow_n which_o thou_o make_v in_o baptism_n and_o renewe_v in_o this_o sacrament_n must_v be_v fulfil_v it_o be_v a_o horrible_a thing_n to_o prove_v treacherous_a to_o this_o god_n and_o to_o break_v covenant_n with_o he_o god_n will_v avenge_v the_o quarrel_n of_o his_o covenant_n it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o have_v god_n for_o a_o enemy_n and_o our_o conscience_n for_o our_o accuser_n resolve_v therefore_o to_o make_v good_a thy_o engagement_n and_o fulfil_v thy_o vow_n consider_v in_o the_o sacrament_n what_o entertainment_n thou_o have_v meet_v with_o from_o god_n and_o what_o welcome_a he_o have_v give_v thou_o have_v thou_o speed_v or_o no_o do_v he_o meet_v thou_o in_o the_o ordinance_n or_o have_v thou_o have_v a_o answer_n of_o thy_o prayer_n or_o have_v be_v frustrate_v of_o thy_o hope_n and_o expectation_n if_o so_o examine_v thy_o preparation_n and_o demeanour_n before_o and_o after_o the_o duty_n haply_o thou_o may_v find_v some_o miscarriage_n if_o so_o humble_v thyself_o and_o be_v more_o careful_a for_o the_o future_a take_v notice_n of_o the_o repulse_n and_o be_v humble_v yet_o despair_v not_o sometime_o the_o ordinance_n may_v be_v more_o beneficial_a after_o than_o at_o present_a as_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n usual_o be_v if_o thou_o have_v meet_v with_o some_o fruit_n but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o thou_o expect_v or_o desire_v consider_v thou_o be_v not_o to_o be_v thy_o own_o carver_n he_o deal_v his_o mercy_n as_o he_o see_v best_o thou_o must_v wait_v upon_o he_o in_o a_o long_a posture_n it_o will_v come_v in_o the_o most_o suitable_a season_n if_o thou_o have_v find_v any_o it_o be_v more_o than_o thy_o desert_n bless_v god_n for_o it_o from_o who_o bounty_n it_o proceed_v if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o thou_o expect_v it_o be_v more_o than_o thou_o deserve_v it_o be_v to_o be_v own_v he_o that_o be_v not_o thankful_a for_o a_o little_a god_n will_v not_o trust_v he_o with_o much_o thou_o give_v he_o thanks_o for_o bodily_a food_n and_o will_v be_v thankful_a for_o crumb_n and_o not_o for_o christ_n for_o temporal_a favour_n and_o not_o for_o spiritual_a mercy_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v express_v in_o deed_n as_o well_o as_o word_n thou_o shall_v live_v thanks_o as_o well_o as_o speak_v thanks_o and_o as_o christ_n give_v himself_o to_o thou_o so_o give_v up_o not_o only_o thy_o name_n but_o thy_o heart_n to_o he_o keep_v alive_a in_o thy_o soul_n the_o spiritual_a fervour_n and_o maintain_v thy_o ground_n against_o thy_o corruption_n see_v how_o thy_o grace_n grow_v and_o how_o thy_o corruption_n die_v this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n walk_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o one_o ordinance_n to_o another_o and_o thus_o do_v thou_o will_v be_v a_o grow_a christian_a and_o thou_o will_v find_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o thy_o endeavour_n that_o the_o sacrament_n which_o many_o get_v little_a benefit_n by_o be_v indeed_o a_o soul-fatting_a ordinance_n chap._n xi_o direction_n about_o oath_n the_o next_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n that_o i_o shall_v direct_v you_o in_o be_v the_o right_a use_n of_o a_o oath_n for_o though_o rash_a swear_n be_v a_o horrible_a sin_n as_o i_o intend_v god_n willing_a elsewhere_o to_o demonstrate_v yet_o a_o oath_n in_o itself_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a yea_o a_o command_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n thou_o shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v he_o and_o shall_v swear_v by_o his_o name_n deut._n 6.13_o the_o like_a we_o find_v deut._n 10.20_o my_o work_n therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n will_v be_v to_o show_v you_o what_o a_o oath_n be_v and_o then_o to_o prove_v it_o lawful_a and_o afterward_o to_o give_v you_o direction_n in_o this_o as_o i_o have_v do_v in_o other_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n a_o oath_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o religious_a worship_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n in_o which_o be_v lawful_o call_v thereunto_o we_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o assert_v and_o our_o real_a intention_n to_o perform_v what_o we_o promise_v and_o to_o reward_v or_o punish_v we_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o what_o we_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n the_o text_n before_o quote_v serve_v to_o prove_v 2_o cor._n 1.23_o moreover_o i_o call_v god_n for_o a_o record_n upon_o my_o soul_n that_o to_o spare_v you_o i_o come_v not_o as_o yet_o unto_o corinth_n 2_o chron._n 6.22,23_o if_o a_o man_n sin_n against_o his_o neighbour_n and_o a_o oath_n be_v lay_v upon_o he_o to_o make_v he_o swear_v and_o the_o oath_n come_v before_o thy_o altar_n in_o this_o house_n then_o hear_v thou_o from_o heaven_n and_o do_v and_o judge_v thy_o servant_n by_o requite_v the_o wicked_a by_o recompense_v his_o way_n upon_o his_o own_o head_n and_o by_o justify_v the_o righteous_a by_o give_v he_o according_a to_o his_o righteousness_n leu._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 profane_v the_o name_n of_o thy_o god_n exod._n 2.7_o you_o see_v it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n for_o herein_o god_n be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n to_o justify_v or_o to_o condemn_v who_o only_o know_v the_o integrity_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o intention_n yea_o sometime_o it_o be_v put_v for_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n isa_n 19.18_o where_o swear_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v mean_v worship_v the_o lord_n nay_o we_o have_v the_o consent_n of_o all_o nation_n that_o always_o have_v esteem_v a_o oath_n sacred_a and_o venerable_a poet_n philosopher_n heathen_n and_o infidel_n make_v conscience_n of_o this_o religious_a band_n and_o reason_n show_v it_o also_o for_o hereby_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o wisdom_n power_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n his_o wisdom_n in_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o know_v the_o hide_a thought_n and_o intention_n of_o it_o his_o power_n in_o be_v able_a to_o punish_v it_o and_o his_o justice_n in_o give_v every_o man_n accord_v to_o his_o desert_n and_o this_o worship_n he_o will_v not_o give_v to_o another_o jer._n 12.16_o they_o teach_v my_o people_n to_o swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o baal_n amos_n 8.14_o zeph._n 1.5_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v confess_v by_o most_o and_o deny_v by_o few_o and_o those_o contemptible_a we_o have_v scripture_n warrant_v for_o it_o yea_o the_o command_n of_o god_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v exod._n 22.10_o where_o a_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o case_n of_o lose_a good_n isa_n 45.63_o unto_o i_o every_o tongue_n shall_v swear_v isa_n 65.16_o he_o that_o swear_v in_o the_o earth_n shall_v swear_v by_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n now_o god_n will_v not_o have_v command_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a in_o itself_o as_o a_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n nay_o he_o do_v not_o only_o command_v it_o but_o lay_v down_o the_o qualification_n of_o a_o oath_n jer._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 and_o in_o what_o case_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v require_v exod._n 22.11_o neither_o can_v there_o any_o reason_n be_v give_v why_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a as_o well_o in_o gospel_n time_n as_o under_o the_o law_n it_o be_v not_o ceremonious_a nor_o typical_a neither_o in_o the_o matter_n form_n nor_o end_n nay_o we_o have_v example_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o intrinsâ—…cally_o evil_a gen._n 22.16_o by_o myself_o have_v i_o swear_v say_v the_o lord_n heb._n 6.13_o because_o he_o can_v swear_v by_o no_o great_a he_o swear_v by_o himself_o jer._n 44.26_o i_o have_v swear_v by_o my_o great_a name_n say_v the_o lord_n amos_n 4.2_o the_o lord_n have_v swear_v by_o his_o holiness_n we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n mat._n 5.18_o for_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o till_o heaven_n and_o earth_n pass_v one_o jot_n or_o one_o tittle_n shall_v in_o no_o wise_a pass_n till_o all_o be_v fulfil_v compare_v this_o with_o heb._n 8.14_o sure_o blessing_n i_o will_v bless_v thou_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v call_v god_n oath_n and_o frequent_a be_v the_o asservation_n of_o christ_n very_o very_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n also_o dan._n 12.7_o the_o angel_n lift_v up_o his_o hand_n and_o swear_v by_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o the_o like_a we_o have_v rev._n 10.6_o we_o read_v of_o the_o saint_n swear_v gen._n 14.22_o &_o
42.15_o josh_n 14.9_o 1_o king_n 20.3_o yea_o in_o gospel_n time_n paul_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 i_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n i_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n also_o bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v the_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n which_o show_v it_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o nature_n who_o when_o witness_n be_v want_v take_v a_o oath_n as_o a_o religious_a band_n and_o because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o heart_n appeal_v to_o god_n that_o do_v know_v it_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o a_o oath_n that_o be_v intrinsical_o evil_a neither_o the_o matter_n form_n nor_o end_v the_o call_n upon_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o intention_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o other_o that_o can_v otherwise_o be_v satisfy_v what_o evil_a can_v there_o be_v in_o that_o heb._n 6.16_o a_o oath_n be_v for_o confirmation_n the_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n 2_o cor._n 1.23_o indeed_o all_o rash_a common_a swear_v be_v forbid_v by_o christ_n and_o also_o by_o st._n james_n 1._o direct_v as_o concern_v oath_n consideration_n must_v be_v have_v of_o the_o party_n themselves_o concern_v and_o they_o be_v either_o the_o party_n require_v a_o oath_n or_o the_o party_n of_o who_o a_o oath_n be_v require_v for_o both_o of_o they_o require_v some_o satisfaction_n he_o that_o require_v it_o shall_v do_v it_o by_o authority_n and_o have_v a_o lawful_a ground_n or_o otherwise_o he_o can_v he_o ought_v not_o to_o exact_v it_o by_o force_n every_o man_n can_v force_v another_o to_o swear_v and_o without_o just_a cause_n no_o one_o ought_v in_o such_o a_o case_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o for_o the_o person_n swear_v which_o be_v agens_fw-la principalis_fw-la the_o chief_a actor_n in_o the_o business_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o that_o he_o be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la his_o own_o man_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o swear_v to_o give_v be_v at_o his_o own_o dispose_n and_o hence_o it_o follow_v the_o child_n before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n ought_v not_o to_o take_v a_o oath_n neither_o indeed_o shall_v their_o oath_n be_v impose_v or_o regard_v neither_o do_v such_o a_o oath_n bound_v the_o conscience_n be_v ignorant_o take_v they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n neither_o can_v they_o come_v with_o deliberation_n as_o they_o ought_v or_o compare_v their_o action_n with_o the_o rule_n or_o right_a reason_n therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v but_o at_o what_o age_n that_o be_v i_o think_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o determine_v for_o doubtless_o some_o attain_v it_o soon_o some_o late_a but_o i_o think_v our_o law_n say_v sixteen_o year_n of_o age_n and_o before_o that_o time_n their_o testimony_n be_v not_o valid_a and_o a_o oath_n may_v bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o some_o if_o otherwise_o lawful_a though_o the_o testimony_n be_v not_o valid_a by_o the_o law_n but_o alas_o how_o common_a oh_o too_o common_a be_v that_o customary_a swear_v of_o child_n even_o before_o they_o can_v speak_v plain_a as_o if_o they_o suck_v it_o in_o with_o their_o mother_n milk_n and_o have_v be_v teach_v it_o with_o their_o mother_n tongue_n as_o doubtless_o they_o be_v either_o by_o precept_n or_o example_n for_o how_o many_o before_o they_o can_v speak_v plain_a lisp_v out_o oath_n against_o god_n himself_o who_o name_n they_o profane_o abuse_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n the_o shame_n of_o their_o parent_n the_o damage_n of_o the_o nation_n where_o they_o live_v for_o because_o of_o oath_n the_o land_n mourn_v and_o to_o the_o apparent_a hazard_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n who_o without_o repentance_n will_v eternal_o curse_v their_o parent_n in_o hell_n for_o their_o sinful_a education_n again_o mad_a and_o frantic_a man_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o take_v a_o oath_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o though_o they_o once_o have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n yet_o through_o their_o distemper_n it_o be_v lose_v the_o like_a we_o may_v say_v of_o fool_n and_o idiot_n that_o never_o have_v it_o and_o so_o never_o know_v the_o use_n of_o a_o oath_n though_o too_o many_o of_o they_o though_o they_o can_v speak_v reason_n can_v swear_v and_o curse_v and_o take_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a and_o their_o proneness_n to_o this_o and_o other_o sin_n and_o their_o backwardness_n to_o what_o be_v good_a discover_v they_o to_o be_v of_o the_o sinful_a offspring_n of_o lapse_v adam_n and_o be_v a_o strong_a argument_n for_o original_a sin_n and_o their_o want_n of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n be_v some_o extenuation_n of_o their_o sin_n god_n require_v little_a where_o little_o be_v give_v yet_o it_o excuse_v not_o a_o toto_fw-la but_o a_o tanto_fw-la it_o discover_v a_o foul_a fountain_n that_o thus_o bubble_n up_o their_o word_n their_o action_n their_o discourse_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v why_o then_o their_o oath_n again_o man_n when_o far_o go_v in_o drink_n or_o passion_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o this_o considerate_a duty_n neither_o can_v they_o do_v it_o without_o sin_n because_o not_o with_o mature_a deliberation_n though_o some_o case_n their_o promisory_a oath_n may_v bind_v they_o and_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o break_v they_o though_o it_o be_v to_o their_o own_o damage_n psal_n 15.4_o for_o drunkenness_n or_o immoderate_a passion_n be_v no_o excuse_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o a_o aggravation_n for_o one_o sin_n will_v not_o excuse_v another_o again_o if_o a_o man_n be_v in_o his_o right_a mind_n and_o otherwise_o qualify_v yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la his_o own_o man_n at_o his_o own_o dispose_n and_o not_o another_o in_o the_o thing_n he_o swear_v otherwise_o he_o can_v avoid_v sin_n what_o course_n soever_o he_o take_v as_o suppose_v a_o son_n under_o the_o tuition_n of_o a_o father_n or_o a_o servant_n of_o a_o master_n shall_v without_o parent_n or_o master_n consent_n swear_v to_o go_v a_o journey_n as_o suppose_v in_o popery_n on_o a_o pilgrimage_n this_o be_v a_o sin_n because_o he_o be_v not_o at_o his_o own_o dispose_n we_o read_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n if_o a_o woman_n vow_v a_o vow_n or_o a_o maid_n in_o her_o father_n house_n if_o her_o husband_n or_o father_n approve_v not_o of_o it_o it_o be_v void_a consider_v then_o whether_o vow_n of_o single_a life_n or_o marriage_n promise_v without_o parent_n consent_n be_v valid_a i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v sinful_a those_o under_o authority_n shall_v not_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o by_o oath_n without_o parent_n consent_v 2._o direct_v have_v already_o show_v you_o who_o may_v swear_v and_o who_o ought_v not_o to_o swear_v i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o tell_v you_o by_o who_o you_o ought_v to_o swear_v and_o here_o also_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o much_o corruption_n in_o practice_n though_o a_o oath_n be_v lawful_a when_o lawful_o require_v as_o by_o a_o lawful_a magistrate_n in_o a_o lawful_a cause_n from_o a_o person_n right_o qualify_v as_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o swear_v by_o who_o he_o please_v for_o a_o oath_n as_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v part_n of_o divine_a worship_n due_a to_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o and_o he_o will_v not_o give_v it_o to_o another_o gen._n 21.53_o jacob_n swear_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o father_n isaac_n that_o be_v by_o the_o god_n who_o his_o father_n fear_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o swear_v by_o god_n i_o have_v show_v you_o already_o both_o by_o scripture_n and_o example_n deut._n 6.13_o &_o 10.20_o and_o many_o more_o but_o where_o we_o have_v any_o injunction_n or_o toleration_n give_v to_o swear_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o god_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o find_v yea_o it_o be_v plain_a idolatry_n to_o ascribe_v unto_o any_o creature_n divine_a worship_n it_o be_v a_o set_n of_o they_o in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n yea_o a_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o set_v up_o something_o else_o in_o his_o stead_n in_o a_o lawful_a oath_n we_o do_v not_o only_o assert_v the_o truth_n for_o that_o we_o do_v or_o aught_o to_o do_v without_o a_o oath_n but_o we_o ascribe_v omniscience_n omnipotence_n omnipresence_n yea_o the_o justice_n wisdom_n and_o truth_n to_o god_n we_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o tryer_n of_o the_o reins_o and_o that_o he_o be_v both_o the_o witness_n judge_n and_o revenger_n of_o falsehood_n and_o lie_v and_o furthermore_o by_o prayer_n and_o invocation_n god_n be_v call_v upon_o to_o give_v testimony_n with_o the_o conscience_n of_o he_o that_o swear_v that_o
to_o be_v worthy_a the_o weight_n of_o a_o oath_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n who_o we_o call_v to_o witness_v and_o under_o who_o divine_a judgement_n we_o set_v ourselves_o in_o case_n we_o speak_v false_a and_o in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o thing_n we_o swear_v be_v lawful_a and_o possible_a and_o like_a to_o bring_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o good_a to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o 4._o direct_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o oath_n for_o this_o also_o be_v stumble_v at_o by_o some_o and_o be_v to_o be_v mind_v as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n this_o shall_v be_v agreeable_a or_o at_o least_o not_o contradictory_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o the_o form_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v either_o external_n or_o internal_a the_o external_n form_n consist_v in_o word_n or_o sign_n or_o both_o the_o internal_a form_n consist_v in_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o oath_n a_o little_a of_o these_o in_o their_o order_n the_o external_n sometime_o consist_v in_o word_n without_o sign_n and_o thus_o a_o man_n swear_v and_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o intention_n in_o plain_a word_n and_o this_o oath_n be_v various_o word_v according_a to_o the_o use_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n man_n live_v in_o and_o thus_o we_o may_v find_v as_o before_o have_v be_v prove_v god_n angel_n and_o man_n have_v thus_o swear_v sometime_o also_o man_n swear_v and_o affirm_v by_o sign_n without_o word_n and_o this_o be_v most_o frequent_a where_o there_o be_v many_o that_o enter_v into_o a_o oath_n or_o covenant_n when_o the_o word_n of_o the_o oath_n or_o covenant_n be_v either_o read_v or_o speak_v and_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o enter_v into_o that_o bond_n make_v it_o know_v by_o some_o external_n sign_n or_o token_n by_o some_o action_n or_o gesture_n as_o by_o a_o nod_n with_o the_o head_n bow_v the_o body_n stand_v up_o or_o to_o a_o side_n lift_v up_o the_o hand_n or_o otherwise_o according_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v require_v by_o the_o imposer_n or_o by_o write_v down_o their_o name_n by_o any_o of_o those_o they_o may_v testify_v their_o consent_n and_o this_o be_v as_o bind_v and_o obligatory_a as_o if_o the_o word_n be_v utter_v and_o sometime_o we_o may_v find_v a_o oath_n take_v both_o by_o word_n and_o sign_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o solemn_a manner_n of_o swear_v thus_o god_n frequent_o be_v say_v to_o lift_v up_o his_o hand_n when_o he_o swear_v to_o his_o people_n thus_o the_o angel_n dan._n 12.7_o he_o hold_v up_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o his_o left_a hand_n to_o heaven_n and_o swear_v by_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n in_o make_v oath_n and_o covenant_n divers_n be_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o the_o heathen_n have_v use_v at_o such_o time_n yea_o many_o and_o various_a be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o such_o case_n one_o be_v the_o put_v the_o hand_n under_o the_o thigh_n thus_o abraham_n swear_v his_o servant_n gen._n 24.2_o and_o thus_o joseph_n swear_v unto_o his_o father_n jacob_n gen._n 47.29_o another_o form_n much_o in_o use_n be_v lift_v up_o the_o hand_n as_o be_v even_o now_o speak_v of_o this_o be_v use_v by_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n by_o god_n deut._n 32.40_o for_o i_o lift_v up_o my_o hand_n and_o say_v i_o live_v for_o ever_o by_o abraham_n gen._n 19.22_o i_o have_v lift_v up_o my_o hand_n unto_o the_o lord_n most_o high_a and_o false_a swearer_n be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o right_a hand_n of_o deceit_n because_o they_o lift_v it_o up_o deceitful_o psal_n 144.8_o 11._o and_o various_a have_v be_v the_o ceremony_n that_o have_v be_v use_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o in_o succeed_a generation_n among_o we_o the_o put_v the_o hand_n upon_o the_o bible_n and_o kiss_v it_o be_v most_o in_o use_n or_o both_o which_o be_v but_o a_o profess_v sign_n of_o our_o consent_n and_o i_o know_v not_o any_o cause_n of_o scruple_n in_o it_o thus_o for_o the_o external_n the_o internal_a form_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v the_o right_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o a_o oath_n shall_v not_o consist_v in_o equivalent_a or_o ambiguous_a word_n or_o phrase_n for_o then_o a_o man_n may_v take_v they_o in_o a_o different_a sense_n from_o the_o imposer_n mind_n and_o may_v require_v one_o thing_n and_o another_o may_v attest_v another_o but_o the_o sense_n shall_v be_v obvious_a to_o both_o giver_n and_o taker_n or_o otherwise_o nothing_o or_o at_o least_o we_o know_v not_o what_o be_v witness_v and_o the_o oath_n prove_v vain_a nay_o the_o very_a end_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v the_o investigation_n of_o truth_n be_v close_v heb._n 6.16_o a_o oath_n be_v the_o end_n of_o strife_n and_o thus_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v take_v in_o vain_a and_o this_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n profane_v and_o abuse_v and_o it_o be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o lie_n when_o we_o affirm_v by_o oath_n what_o in_o the_o imposer_n sense_n be_v not_o true_a and_o so_o it_o prove_v perjury_n but_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v take_v in_o the_o plain_a common_a sense_n which_o be_v obvious_a to_o all_o neither_o shall_v there_o be_v equivocation_n or_o mental_a reservation_n use_v in_o a_o oath_n this_o be_v the_o sallacious_a deal_n of_o the_o papist_n who_o by_o this_o mean_n think_v to_o evade_v all_o oath_n and_o delude_v the_o imposer_n but_o they_o most_o delude_v themselves_o and_o wrong_v their_o own_o soul_n for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v who_o worship_n be_v abuse_v they_o hide_v part_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o so_o subvert_v the_o sense_n as_o thus_o they_o swear_v they_o be_v not_o at_o rome_n and_o think_v in_o their_o mind_n not_o a_o hundred_o year_n ago_o but_o what_o be_v mentire_fw-la but_o contra_fw-la mentum_fw-la ire_n though_o this_o may_v serve_v in_o foro_fw-la humano_fw-la god_n can_v easy_o detect_v such_o juggle_a deceit_n and_o will_v never_o hold_v those_o guiltless_a that_o thus_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a and_o like_o jezebel_n deceive_v under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n 5._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v honour_v god_n in_o this_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n see_v then_o that_o thou_o aim_v at_o right_a ends._n in_o thy_o oath_n the_o end_n must_v be_v lawful_a and_o good_a or_o the_o duty_n will_v prove_v a_o sin_n and_o a_o snare_n a_o man_n may_v swear_v that_o which_o be_v truth_n and_o yet_o if_o his_o end_n be_v bad_a it_o will_v prove_v his_o sin_n now_o the_o end_n of_o a_o oath_n as_o i_o say_v before_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o some_o necessary_a truth_n in_o question_n which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v prove_v heb._n 6.16_o man_n swear_v by_o he_o that_o be_v great_a than_o themselves_o and_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n to_o they_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n now_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o weighty_a business_n that_o require_v a_o oath_n and_o a_o necessary_a truth_n that_o be_v in_o question_n some_o doubtful_a matter_n which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v find_v out_o or_o prove_v that_o can_v be_v evidence_v but_o by_o a_o oath_n in_o this_o case_n we_o find_v the_o apostle_n vindicate_v himself_o this_o way_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o do_v it_o rom._n 1.9_o god_n be_v my_o witness_n who_o i_o serve_v with_o my_o spirit_n that_o without_o cease_v i_o make_v mention_n of_o you_o always_o in_o my_o prayer_n 2_o cor._n 1.23_o i_o call_v god_n to_o record_v upon_o my_o soul_n etc._n etc._n we_o see_v he_o appeal_v to_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n to_o witness_v with_o he_o and_o for_o he_o his_o affection_n to_o they_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n and_o our_o own_o and_o neighbour_n good_a shall_v be_v principal_o mind_v in_o this_o duty_n but_o too_o many_o have_v by_o and_o base_a and_o low_a end_n in_o it_o and_o not_o according_o when_o a_o thing_n depend_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o can_v otherwise_o be_v find_v out_o and_o yet_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v a_o oath_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v impose_v exod._n 22.10,11_o if_o a_o man_n deliver_v unto_o his_o neighbour_n a_o ass_n or_o a_o ox_n or_o a_o sheep_n or_o any_o beast_n to_o keep_v and_o it_o die_v or_o be_v hurt_v or_o be_v drive_v away_o no_o man_n see_v it_o then_o shall_v a_o oath_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v between_o they_o both_o that_o he_o have_v not_o put_v his_o hand_n to_o his_o neighbour_n good_n and_o the_o owner_n of_o it_o shall_v accept_v thereof_o
he_o speak_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o heart_n with_o a_o imprecation_n in_o which_o a_o man_n acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v a_o just_a revenger_n of_o a_o lie_n and_o bind_v himself_o to_o be_v punish_v by_o he_o if_o he_o swear_v false_o or_o speak_v a_o untruth_n witting_o or_o willing_o &_o now_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n conscience_n if_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v attribute_v to_o any_o creature_n without_o gross_a idolatry_n can_v we_o ascribe_v to_o the_o creature_n omniscience_n omnipotence_n search_v the_o heart_n and_o witness_v with_o the_o conscience_n that_o we_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o a_o ability_n to_o punish_v or_o reward_n according_a to_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o protect_v the_o innocent_a and_o detect_v the_o guilty_a what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o make_v they_o god_n in_o give_v to_o they_o the_o incommunicable_a attribute_n of_o god_n can_v all_o this_o be_v do_v without_o idolatry_n we_o may_v find_v god_n in_o scripture_n complain_v of_o this_o sin_n and_o threaten_v to_o punish_v such_o sinner_n jer._n 5.7_o they_o have_v forsake_v i_o and_o swear_v by_o they_o that_o be_v no_o god_n see_v swear_v by_o the_o creature_n be_v in_o god_n account_n and_o scripture_n language_n a_o forsake_v of_o god_n jer._n 12.16_o they_o have_v teach_v my_o people_n to_o swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o baal_n god_n threaten_v such_o as_o swear_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o samaria_n that_o they_o shall_v fall_v and_o never_o rise_v again_o amos_n 4.8_o now_o this_o be_v swear_v by_o the_o idol_n of_o samaria_n for_o samaria_n be_v full_a of_o idol_n let_v those_o look_n to_o it_o that_o swear_v by_o the_o popish_a idol_n the_o mass_n or_o by_o our_o lady_n which_o they_o make_v their_o great_a idol_n and_o set_v she_o up_o as_o high_a and_o in_o some_o case_n high_o than_o christ_n himself_o nay_o those_o that_o in_o their_o oath_n join_v any_o thing_n with_o god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o of_o himself_o sufficient_a can_v be_v excuse_v as_o those_o zeph._n 1.4,5_o that_o swear_v by_o god_n and_o malchom_n and_o the_o excuse_v which_o many_o make_v for_o this_o horrid_a crime_n be_v indeed_o the_o aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n they_o say_v what_o they_o swear_v by_o be_v petty_a trivial_a thing_n and_o therefore_o no_o offence_n they_o take_v not_o the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a but_o be_v not_o the_o offence_n the_o great_a when_o we_o give_v the_o incommunicable_a attribute_n of_o god_n to_o those_o petty_a thing_n if_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o oath_n why_o do_v thou_o swear_v if_o there_o be_v why_o do_v not_o swear_v by_o god_n when_o thou_o have_v so_o many_o direct_a command_n and_o so_o many_o example_n of_o god_n angel_n and_o the_o best_a of_o men._n neither_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o of_o the_o holy_a father_n a_o excuse_v sufficient_a joseph_n swear_v by_o the_o life_n of_o pharaoh_n be_v by_o most_o if_o not_o all_o learned_a expositor_n judge_v his_o fail_n learned_a by_o custom_n in_o pharaoh_n court_n and_o will_v no_o more_o warrant_v the_o practice_n than_o noah_n lot_n and_o david_n example_n will_v drunkenness_n incest_n murder_n or_o adultery_n and_o whereas_o some_o use_v the_o expression_n as_o thy_o soul_n live_v etc._n etc._n this_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o oath_n but_o a_o asserveration_n wherein_o god_n be_v also_o tacit_o invoke_v to_o witness_v the_o truth_n it_o signify_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v as_o real_o true_a as_o thou_o be_v alive_a yet_o do_v invoke_v he_o to_o witness_v this_o truth_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v which_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n to_o swear_v rash_o by_o god_n which_o be_v blasphemy_n or_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v idolatry_n 3._o direct_v have_v show_v you_o who_o may_v swear_v and_o by_o who_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n speak_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o here_o also_o many_o offend_v a_o oath_n for_o the_o matter_n must_v be_v about_o lawful_a thing_n and_o possible_a or_o else_o it_o can_v be_v a_o lawful_a oath_n if_o we_o swear_v to_o do_v a_o unlawful_a thing_n we_o must_v not_o perform_v it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o double_a transgression_n if_o to_o do_v a_o impossible_a thing_n we_o can_v do_v it_o a_o rash_a oath_n be_v better_a break_v than_o keep_v what_o a_o snare_n then_o do_v man_n run_v into_o and_o how_o do_v they_o put_v themselves_o upon_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v that_o swear_v in_o their_o rage_n to_o do_v what_o god_n forbid_v they_o to_o do_v swear_v to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o must_v not_o perform_v see_v this_o in_o david_n when_o he_o have_v rash_o swear_v the_o death_n of_o nabal_n and_o all_o his_o household_n many_o of_o they_o no_o doubt_n innocent_a person_n yet_o after_o be_v pacify_v by_o wise_a abigail_n and_o bless_v god_n for_o the_o prevent_v the_o shed_n of_o innocent_a blood_n 1_o sam._n 25.32,33_o the_o like_a oath_n we_o read_v of_o saul_n who_o swear_v the_o death_n of_o innocent_a jonathan_n but_o be_v prevent_v by_o the_o people_n when_o herod_n perform_v his_o rash_a oath_n to_o herodias_n daughter_n and_o cut_v off_o john_n baptist_n head_n but_o a_o lawful_a oath_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n about_o thing_n honest_a just_a good_a possible_a and_o weigty_n and_o in_o thy_o power_n if_o it_o be_v impossible_a than_o thou_o can_v not_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o thou_o shall_v make_v no_o such_o promisory_a oath_n now_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v impossible_a several_a way_n as_o in_o nature_n as_o for_o a_o man_n to_o fly_v or_o a_o fish_n to_o speak_v some_o thing_n though_o possible_a in_o nature_n yet_o impossible_a in_o regard_n of_o time_n or_o other-like_a circumstance_n it_o be_v possible_a to_o go_v to_o london_n and_o to_o rome_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v at_o both_o place_n the_o same_o day_n and_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v possible_a in_o nature_n yet_o impossible_a by_o accident_n as_o for_o a_o man_n to_o swear_v to_o come_v to_o s_o ch_n a_o place_n by_o such_o a_o time_n and_o he_o be_v take_v captive_a by_o the_o enemy_n or_o fall_v dangerous_o sick_a etc._n etc._n in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v well_o to_o put_v in_o such_o a_o caution_n if_o god_n permit_v the_o bond_n of_o such_o a_o oath_n be_v loose_v as_o it_o be_v in_o abraham_n servant_n in_o case_n the_o maid_n will_v not_o come_v with_o he_o again_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o swear_v to_o perform_v unlawful_a thing_n any_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n as_o to_o kill_v a_o man_n to_o steal_v or_o to_o commit_v adultery_n etc._n etc._n whatsoever_o be_v against_o piety_n towards_o god_n or_o charity_n towards_o man_n whatsoever_o be_v against_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o commonwealth_n thou_o live_v in_o whatsoever_o have_v any_o evil_n in_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o oath_n for_o a_o oath_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v vinculun_n iniquitatis_fw-la a_o band_n of_o iniquity_n no_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v tie_v to_o break_v god_n law_n or_o if_o such_o a_o oath_n be_v take_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v keep_v hence_o herod_n sin_n both_o in_o swear_v and_o also_o in_o perform_v his_o oath_n but_o some_o will_v say_v if_o he_o have_v not_o perform_v it_o he_o have_v be_v perjure_v i_o answer_v when_o a_o man_n swear_v to_o break_v a_o command_n of_o god_n he_o be_v perjure_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v swear_v because_o he_o take_v a_o unlawful_a oath_n and_o if_o he_o perform_v it_o he_o add_v sin_n to_o sin_n as_o herod_n do_v murder_n to_o perjury_n and_o such_o a_o man_n must_v repent_v of_o his_o rash_a oath_n and_o not_o add_v sin_n to_o sin_n in_o persist_v in_o his_o rashness_n to_o the_o further_o break_v of_o god_n command_n the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v we_o a_o rule_n for_o swear_v jer._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 in_o truth_n for_o otherwise_o thou_o will_v forswear_v thyself_o for_o thou_o must_v not_o take_v a_o oath_n against_o thy_o conscience_n nor_o of_o doubtful_a thing_n which_o thou_o know_v not_o to_o be_v true_a now_o there_o be_v a_o double_a truth_n one_o of_o the_o tongue_n and_o another_o of_o the_o mind_n that_o of_o the_o tongue_n be_v when_o a_o thing_n be_v real_o so_o as_o it_o be_v attest_v that_o of_o the_o mind_n when_o a_o man_n think_v in_o his_o conscience_n he_o speak_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n in_o judgement_n not_o rash_a or_o ventrous_o but_o with_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n
god_n to_o witness_n at_o their_o card_n die_n table_n or_o invoke_v he_o to_o their_o assistance_n those_o make_v too_o bold_a with_o god_n and_o shall_v have_v no_o thanks_o for_o their_o labour_n in_o this_o sin_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o bait_v a_o temptation_n it_o carry_v neither_o profit_n nor_o pleasure_n along_o with_o it_o and_o the_o actor_n in_o this_o sin_n serve_v the_o devil_n for_o nothing_o yet_o they_o shall_v not_o go_v un-rewarded_n 7._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v not_o offend_v god_n by_o thy_o oath_n take_v heed_n of_o false_a swear_v for_o this_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a of_o all_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v answer_v for_o every_o idle_a word_n as_o christ_n himself_o affirm_v mat._n 12.36_o and_o for_o every_o vain_a oath_n he_o be_v liable_a to_o damnation_n as_o st._n james_n affirm_v james_n 5.12_o much_o more_o than_o for_o false_a swear_n wherein_o man_n call_v forth_o god_n to_o witness_v to_o their_o lie_n and_o so_o in_o effect_n they_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v god_n but_o their_o damnation_n sleep_v not_o god_n tell_v we_o by_o his_o prophet_n zach._n 5.4_o that_o his_o curse_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o he_o that_o swear_v false_o and_o there_o remain_v and_o consume_v both_o the_o timber_n and_o the_o stone_n thereof_o and_o the_o prophet_n david_n make_v it_o a_o mark_n of_o a_o citizen_n of_o heaven_n that_o have_v swear_v to_o his_o neighbour_n will_v faithful_o perform_v though_o it_o prove_v to_o his_o own_o injury_n and_o dis-advantage_n psal_n 15.4_o and_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o humane_a society_n that_o regard_v not_o his_o oath_n for_o what_o bond_n will_v then_o hold_v he_o now_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o oath_n and_o in_o either_o a_o man_n may_v sorswear_v himself_o there_o be_v assertatory_n oath_n when_o a_o man_n say_v such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v or_o it_o be_v not_o do_v or_o it_o be_v do_v thus_o or_o thus_o or_o these_o and_o these_o word_n be_v thus_o speak_v and_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v the_o same_o that_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n the_o whole_a truth_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n if_o now_o he_o know_v that_o what_o he_o say_v be_v contrary_n to_o the_o truth_n this_o be_v direct_a perjury_n and_o a_o sin_n which_o without_o repentance_n will_v certain_o sink_v he_o into_o hell_n and_o be_v a_o shrewd_a sign_n of_o a_o harden_a heart_n and_o a_o wicked_a mind_n nay_o if_o he_o affirm_v that_o to_o be_v true_a upon_o oath_n which_o be_v doubtful_a to_o he_o and_o of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n he_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a he_o can_v be_v excuse_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v upon_o oath_n affirm_v such_o a_o man_n in_o ireland_n to_o be_v dead_a and_o know_v not_o whether_o he_o be_v live_v or_o dead_a he_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n if_o it_o prove_v true_a and_o the_o man_n be_v dead_a this_o do_v not_o excuse_v he_o for_o aught_o he_o know_v he_o may_v be_v live_v a_o man_n shall_v certain_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o he_o positive_o assert_n by_o oath_n again_o there_o be_v promissory_a oath_n in_o which_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o another_o to_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n for_o he_o or_o give_v such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n to_o he_o and_o do_v not_o only_o promise_v but_o swear_v to_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n as_o when_o a_o man_n swear_v to_o be_v a_o faithful_a and_o loyal_a subject_n to_o his_o sovereign_n or_o a_o faithful_a soldier_n to_o his_o captain_n or_o a_o loyal_a wife_n to_o her_o husband_n or_o to_o give_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o his_o friend_n and_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o to_o punish_v he_o if_o he_o prove_v false_a and_o when_o he_o take_v this_o oath_n intend_v not_o to_o perform_v the_o thing_n promise_v this_o in_o god_n account_n be_v perjury_n though_o man_n can_v perceive_v it_o god_n do_v who_o be_v call_v to_o witness_v the_o integrity_n of_o his_o heart_n when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n nay_o his_o fact_n be_v not_o excuse_v though_o the_o guilt_n be_v lessen_v if_o afterward_o he_o perform_v it_o for_o when_o he_o take_v it_o it_o be_v with_o a_o intent_n to_o deceive_v or_o if_o he_o take_v not_o his_o oath_n in_o the_o know_a sense_n of_o he_o that_o require_v it_o this_o be_v not_o justifiable_a for_o a_o oath_n be_v for_o the_o secure_n or_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o imposer_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v without_o fraud_n or_o aequivocation_n or_o mental_a reservation_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o he_o that_o administer_v it_o again_o though_o a_o man_n intention_n be_v never_o so_o sincere_a when_o he_o take_v his_o oath_n if_o afterward_o he_o fail_v in_o the_o performance_n if_o the_o thing_n promise_v be_v lawful_a and_o possible_a he_o can_v clear_v himself_o from_o perjury_n and_o though_o every_o false_a oath_n be_v dangerous_a and_o deadly_a yet_o there_o be_v aggravation_n that_o make_v some_o worse_a than_o other_o as_o to_o take_v a_o false_a oath_n before_o a_o magistrate_n in_o a_o public_a assembly_n in_o a_o court_n of_o judicatory_a whereby_o a_o unjust_a verdict_n be_v procure_v from_o the_o jury_n a_o unjust_a sentence_n from_o the_o judge_n whereby_o the_o innocent_a person_n lose_v his_o life_n or_o livelihood_n this_o be_v worse_a than_o in_o a_o private_a cause_n to_o a_o private_a person_n in_o a_o business_n of_o small_a concernment_n the_o godly_a in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v very_o careful_a to_o perform_v their_o oath_n as_o joshua_n to_o the_o gibonite_n though_o get_v by_o fraud_n and_o great_a cause_n god_n be_v offend_v at_o the_o breach_n of_o covenant_n as_o we_o find_v many_o year_n after_o when_o saul_n in_o his_o zeal_n have_v slay_v some_o of_o they_o god_n bring_v a_o three_o year_n famine_n upon_o the_o land_n and_o be_v never_o satisfy_v till_o seven_o of_o saul_n son_n be_v hang_v josh_n 9.19_o 2_o sam._n 21.1,2_o chap._n xii_o direction_n about_o vow_n the_o next_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n if_o it_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v so_o be_v a_o vow_n &_o this_o also_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o direction_n in_o as_o be_v a_o business_n of_o great_a concernment_n and_o that_o many_o have_v and_o the_o papist_n this_o day_n do_v much_o err_v in_o i_o shall_v first_o show_v you_o what_o a_o vow_n be_v and_o then_o show_v you_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o vow_n a_o religious_a vow_n be_v a_o solemn_a promise_n make_v to_o god_n by_o a_o fit_a person_n in_o a_o fit_a manner_n of_o some_o lawful_a thing_n which_o be_v in_o his_o own_o choice_n upon_o some_o special_a occasion_n and_o for_o some_o religious_a end_n i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o solemn_a promise_n to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o a_o purpose_n and_o it_o be_v either_o express_v in_o word_n as_o the_o vow_n of_o jephthah_n be_v judge_n 11.30_o and_o jephthah_n vow_v a_o vow_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v if_o thou_o shall_v without_o fail_v deliver_v the_o child_n of_o ammon_n into_o my_o hand_n what_o come_v first_o out_o of_o the_o door_n of_o my_o house_n to_o meet_v i_o shall_v sure_o be_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n or_o in_o the_o heart_n as_o hannah_n who_o vow_v a_o vow_n that_o if_o god_n will_v give_v she_o a_o man_n child_n that_o she_o will_v dedicate_v he_o to_o the_o lord_n 1_o sam._n 11.13_o she_o speak_v in_o her_o heart_n only_o her_o lip_n move_v but_o her_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v now_o these_o religious_a vow_n be_v to_o be_v make_v to_o god_n alone_o this_o we_o have_v precept_n and_o precedent_n for_o but_o not_o prcept_v or_o precedent_n to_o make_v vow_n to_o depart_a saint_n or_o angel_n psalm_n 76.11_o vow_n and_o pay_v it_o unto_o the_o lord_n isa_n 19.21_o they_o shall_v vow_v a_o vow_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o perform_v it_o jacob_n vow_v a_o vow_n to_o god_n gen._n 28.20_o israel_n vow_v a_o vow_n numb_a 21.2_o but_o where_o read_v we_o of_o any_o vow_n to_o angel_n or_o depart_v saint_n it_o must_v also_o be_v make_v by_o a_o fit_a person_n one_o that_o be_v compos_fw-la mentis_fw-la in_o his_o right_a mind_n child_n fool_n or_o madman_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o do_v it_o nay_o he_o shall_v be_v at_o his_o own_o dispose_n especial_o in_o the_o matter_n which_o he_o vow_v a_o maid_n in_o her_o father_n house_n or_o a_o woman_n that_o have_v a_o husband_n their_o vow_n be_v qualify_v by_o the_o father_n or_o husband_n dislike_n numb_a 30.34_o etc._n etc._n it_o shall_v also_o be_v of_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o power_n otherwise_o they_o can_v perform_v in_o a_o fit_a manner_n that_o be_v with_o meditation_n and_o consideration_n for_o some_o lawful_a thing_n for_o a_o unlawful_a thing_n ought_v
etc._n etc._n there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o a_o oath_n as_o those_o that_o have_v be_v hand_v down_o to_o we_o by_o tradition_n as_o whether_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o such_o city_n as_o troy_n or_o carthage_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v sack_v or_o spoil_v though_o we_o be_v confident_o assure_v this_o be_v a_o truth_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o swear_v it_o because_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o personal_a knowledge_n we_o must_v swear_v no_o more_o than_o we_o personal_o know_v to_o be_v true_a some_o thing_n also_o be_v obvious_a to_o common_a sense_n as_o that_o a_o quadrangle_n have_v four_o angle_n a_o triangle_n three_o etc._n etc._n these_o thing_n be_v not_o doubtful_a and_o a_o oath_n will_v not_o make_v they_o more_o clear_a but_o a_o thing_n which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v determine_v when_o we_o dare_v not_o rest_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o revealer_n when_o it_o be_v doubtful_a and_o can_v be_v prove_v but_o by_o witness_n and_o this_o witness_n be_v suspect_v either_o to_o want_v knowledge_n or_o conscience_n every_o man_n be_v a_o liar_n rom._n 3.4_o now_o because_o there_o be_v so_o little_a faith_n and_o justice_n among_o man_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o appeal_v to_o god_n himself_o to_o witness_v which_o can_v deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v the_o ne_fw-fr plus_fw-fr ultra_fw-la the_o end_n of_o contention_n for_o he_o that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o this_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o humane_a society_n the_o very_a heathen_n themselves_o when_o they_o swear_v by_o their_o idol-god_n be_v careful_a of_o swear_v false_o yet_o among_o christian_n in_o name_n every_o one_o have_v not_o this_o care_n nay_o it_o be_v too_o evident_o know_v that_o many_o take_v little_a care_n of_o their_o word_n or_o oath_n but_o this_o be_v a_o strong_a bond_n and_o none_o will_v break_v it_o that_o fear_n god_n or_o make_v conscience_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o how_o much_o do_v those_o stray_n from_o the_o very_a end_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v the_o investigation_n of_o truth_n that_o affirm_v by_o a_o oath_n that_o which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a and_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v to_o a_o lie_n the_o very_a heathen_n will_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o they_o and_o condemn_v they_o those_o that_o seek_v thereby_o to_o hide_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o to_o manifest_v it_o and_o mind_v not_o god_n glory_n but_o their_o neighbour_n injury_n by_o it_o as_o wicked_a doeg_n in_o his_o information_n against_o david_n though_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v to_o a_o bad_a end_n thos_n also_o be_v guilty_a that_o swear_v to_o that_o they_o know_v not_o though_o it_o prove_v to_o be_v true_a yet_o they_o be_v perjure_v person_n they_o swear_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o which_o they_o do_v not_o know_v those_o also_o that_o swear_v vain_o idle_o and_o to_o no_o purpose_n those_o that_o swear_v and_o never_o intend_v to_o make_v good_a their_o oath_n or_o if_o they_o do_v intend_v it_o do_v not_o do_v it_o sure_o these_o man_n when_o they_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v their_o lie_n do_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o god_n or_o that_o he_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o they_o or_o think_v they_o can_v deceive_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n or_o that_o he_o approve_v of_o it_o but_o he_o will_v call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n and_o set_v their_o oath_n in_o order_n against_o they_o 6._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v not_o offend_v by_o thy_o oath_n take_v heed_n then_o of_o rash_a foolish_a customary_a swear_n too_o much_o in_o use_n in_o our_o time_n and_o for_o which_o the_o land_n mourn_v jer._n 23.10_o it_o can_v but_o be_v distasteful_a to_o god_n who_o will_v not_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a that_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a to_o have_v his_o name_n toss_v by_o every_o drunken_a sot_n upon_o the_o ale_n bench_n and_o when_o man_n thunder_v out_o oath_n and_o curse_n upon_o earth_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o god_n thunder_v out_o his_o judgement_n from_o heaven_n when_o those_o ill-boding_a fowl_n feed_v so_o near_o the_o brink_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a presage_v that_o god_n judgement_n be_v near_o customary_a swear_n can_v be_v without_o much_o sin_n for_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n to_o god_n show_v it_o shall_v be_v take_v upon_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o serious_a meditation_n but_o common_a experience_n show_v in_o customary_a swear_v these_o thing_n be_v want_v but_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v irreverent_o toss_v in_o their_o filthy_a mouth_n and_o thus_o many_o man_n curse_v away_o their_o blessing_n for_o the_o most_o of_o man_n be_v guilty_a this_o way_n they_o swear_v down_o vengeance_n from_o heaven_n upon_o they_o and_o ofttimes_o upon_o their_o posterity_n for_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n haunt_v the_o house_n of_o the_o swearer_n zach._n 5.3,4_o and_o god_n will_v be_v a_o swift_a witness_n against_o they_o mal._n 3.5_o the_o common_a swearer_n across_o the_o very_a end_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v as_o i_o say_v the_o investigation_n of_o truth_n of_o some_o necessary_a weighty_a truth_n which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v but_o many_o of_o their_o oath_n be_v spend_v for_o the_o obscure_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o justify_n of_o lie_n and_o if_o truth_n be_v speak_v it_o be_v either_o about_o such_o trivial_a matter_n unfit_a to_o have_v the_o name_n of_o god_n mention_v or_o add_v to_o they_o neither_o be_v it_o any_o great_a matter_n whether_o they_o be_v affirm_v or_o no_o and_o no_o body_n so_o much_o as_o desire_v any_o such_o confirmation_n by_o it_o or_o be_v little_a the_o better_o credit_v to_o the_o oath_n of_o a_o customary_a swearer_n than_o they_o do_v to_o their_o word_n for_o common_a swearer_n be_v ofttimes_o account_v common_a liar_n and_o a_o hundred_o oath_n will_v not_o sugar_n some_o of_o their_o story_n and_o make_v they_o fit_a to_o be_v swallow_v when_o they_o speak_v as_o oft_o they_o do_v against_o reason_n and_o experience_n for_o many_o man_n use_v their_o oath_n to_o fill_v up_o or_o as_o they_o think_v to_o adorn_v their_o discourse_n instead_o of_o other_o eloquence_n but_o such_o rhetorical_a figure_n may_v be_v use_v in_o a_o oration_n in_o hell_n they_o think_v themselves_o the_o brave_a man_n that_o can_v swear_v the_o big_a oath_n and_o wish_v damnation_n to_o themselves_o in_o the_o fit_a expression_n and_o indeed_o they_o be_v some_o of_o the_o devil_n stout_a champion_n but_o from_o such_o many_o time_n a_o oath_n either_o need_v not_o or_o boot_v not_o if_o they_o speak_v reason_n they_o may_v be_v believe_v without_o if_o not_o a_o hundred_o oath_n will_v not_o make_v it_o pass_v for_o currant_n now_o if_o we_o search_v out_o the_o original_a from_o whence_o these_o oath_n proceed_v we_o may_v find_v from_o a_o sinful_a custom_n and_o a_o deprave_a nature_n they_o learn_v to_o swear_v but_o it_o be_v when_o they_o learn_v to_o talk_v and_o in_o some_o it_o be_v more_o custom_n than_o curstness_n it_o befall_v they_o as_o with_o man_n in_o some_o distemper_n their_o excrement_n pass_v from_o they_o at_o unaware_o so_o do_v their_o oath_n they_o know_v not_o when_o they_o swear_v but_o it_o be_v a_o bad_a custom_n which_o make_v god_n our_o enemy_n and_o hell_n our_o portion_n be_v there_o but_o a_o law_n make_v that_o for_o every_o oath_n they_o swear_v they_o shall_v lose_v a_o joint_n or_o forfeit_v a_o pound_n and_o due_o execute_v it_o will_v make_v man_n break_v off_o such_o a_o custom_n sometime_o those_o rash_a oath_n proceed_v from_o some_o perturbation_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o anger_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v a_o short_a madness_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o right_a mad_a man_n part_n they_o act_n when_o another_o offend_v they_o and_o they_o fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o god_n sometime_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o game_n and_o unlawful_a recreation_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o bad_a tree_n that_o yield_v such_o unsavoury_a fruit_n take_v heed_n therefore_o of_o these_o and_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o but_o upon_o just_a occasion_n a_o oath_n in_o itself_o be_v not_o sinful_a as_o be_v murder_n adultery_n etc._n etc._n no_o more_o be_v it_o desirable_a for_o itself_o as_o love_n charity_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v use_v as_o physic_n when_o other_o food_n will_v not_o serve_v not_o for_o it_o be_v own_o sake_n but_o for_o health_n sake_n for_o truth_n sake_n it_o be_v a_o holy_a thing_n and_o the_o more_o holy_a a_o thing_n be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a if_o abuse_v it_o be_v bad_a play_v with_o edge_a tool_n yet_o many_o profane_o call_v