the_o great_a question_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o swear_v under_o the_o gospel_n state_v and_o consider_v of_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o scan_v the_o thing_n in_o the_o weight_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o to_o see_v the_o true_a and_o clear_a determination_n of_o it_o in_o his_o un-erring_a light_n by_o isaac_n penington_n the_o young_a london_n print_v for_o robert_n wilson_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o â—â—â—â—k-spread-eagle_n and_o windmill_n in_o martin_n le_fw-fr grand_fw-fr 1â—â—â—_n the_o great_a question_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o swear_v under_o the_o gospel_n state_v and_o consider_v of_o etc._n etc._n quest_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o christian_n who_o know_v christ_n the_o substance_n of_o all_o the_o shadow_n under_o the_o law_n and_o be_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n to_o swear_v upon_o weighty_a occasion_n as_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o jew_n to_o do_v under_o the_o old_a covenant_n or_o whether_o christ_n allow_v his_o disciple_n to_o swear_v in_o solemn_a case_n as_o moses_n do_v allow_v his_o disciple_n answ_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o weighty_a controversy_n to_o all_o such_o as_o single_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n in_o this_o particular_a that_o their_o heart_n may_v bow_v to_o he_o therein_o and_o not_o be_v overtake_v with_o the_o reason_n and_o subtlety_n of_o the_o carnal_a mind_n which_o never_o know_v nor_o can_v know_v the_o power_n but_o have_v always_o be_v and_o still_o be_v set_v up_o dead_a image_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o of_o his_o worship_n out_o of_o the_o power_n these_o few_o thing_n follow_v will_v be_v consider_v of_o first_o what_o a_o oath_n be_v or_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o right_n and_o true_a oath_n under_o the_o law_n second_o the_o ground_n or_o occasion_n of_o its_o institution_n three_o the_o case_n wherein_o a_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v use_v four_o the_o proper_a end_n and_o service_n of_o a_o oath_n five_o the_o sutableness_n of_o its_o nature_n to_o its_o end_n and_o service_n last_o the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o use_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v proper_a in_o itself_o and_o intend_a and_o allow_v by_o god_n and_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a and_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o allow_v it_o this_o last_o be_v the_o main_a and_o will_v itself_o determine_v the_o thing_n but_o yet_o a_o brief_a consideration_n of_o the_o former_a may_v not_o be_v unprofitable_a to_o make_v way_n for_o a_o clear_a lead_n and_o insight_n into_o it_o first_o as_o touch_v a_o oath_n what_o it_o be_v or_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o a_o true_a and_o lawful_a oath_n under_o the_o law_n be_v a_o engagement_n or_o bond_n upon_o the_o soul_n numb_a 30._o 2._o by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n deut._n 10._o 20._o to_o the_o speak_n of_o truth_n in_o thing_n affirm_v and_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o truth_n in_o thing_n promise_v it_o be_v as_o a_o seal_n to_o bind_v fall_v man_n man_n fall_v from_o the_o truth_n from_o the_o uprightness_n to_o truth_n in_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n this_o be_v the_o nature_n &_o use_n of_o a_o oath_n to_o wit_n to_o bind_v the_o soul_n to_o truth_n to_o be_v such_o a_o engagement_n upon_o the_o soul_n as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o fear_n of_o god_n there_o it_o can_v but_o dread_a to_o break_v know_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a that_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a second_o the_o ground_n or_o occasion_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v the_o fall_n of_o man_n from_o truth_n from_o innocency_n from_o the_o uprightness_n which_o engage_v he_o to_o truth_n before_o his_o fall_n this_o make_v the_o jew_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o this_o bond_n under_o the_o law_n in_o their_o purpose_n and_o promise_v towards_o god_n and_o the_o same_o thing_n likewise_o make_v they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o one_o from_o another_o to_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v truth_n between_o they_o three_o the_o case_n wherein_o a_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v use_v which_o be_v chief_o these_o four_o 1._o in_o case_n of_o a_o promise_n or_o vow_n to_o god_n that_o the_o truth_n integrity_n and_o plain_a intention_n of_o the_o heart_n may_v stand_v and_o there_o may_v be_v no_o depart_v therefrom_o in_o the_o thing_n promise_v either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n a_o oath_n in_o that_o state_n be_v find_v useful_a to_o bind_v the_o soul_n thereto_o 2._o in_o case_n of_o promise_n to_o man_n 3._o in_o case_n of_o pronounce_v or_o declare_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v weighty_a that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o clear_a and_o satisfactory_a ground_n of_o belief_n 4._o in_o case_n of_o controversy_n between_o party_n where_o the_o controversy_n can_v not_o be_v determine_v but_o by_o take_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o one_o party_n for_o truth_n there_o that_o party_n be_v to_o seal_v his_o confession_n with_o a_o oath_n and_o so_o the_o other_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v therewith_o and_o the_o controversy_n thereupon_o end_n four_o the_o end_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v for_o final_a confirmation_n and_o avoid_v of_o all_o further_a strife_n and_o contention_n about_o the_o thing_n swear_v to_o by_o bind_v the_o thing_n promise_v or_o affirm_v with_o a_o oath_n the_o thing_n be_v confirm_v and_o now_o there_o be_v no_o more_o strife_n in_o the_o heart_n concern_v the_o thing_n if_o relate_v to_o god_n or_o between_o man_n and_o man_n in_o thing_n relate_v to_o they_o but_o the_o strive_a nature_n be_v bind_v down_o by_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n wherewith_o the_o thing_n be_v ratify_v and_o so_o the_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n remove_v and_o the_o contest_v end_v thus_o of_o right_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o be_v where_o the_o oath_n be_v forcible_a and_o in_o its_o proper_a service_n five_o the_o sutableness_n of_o its_o nature_n to_o the_o end_n aim_v at_o by_o it_o man_n out_o of_o the_o christian_a life_n can_v go_v no_o further_o than_o to_o engage_v himself_o by_o the_o fear_n and_o dread_n of_o that_o god_n who_o he_o profess_v to_o worship_n and_o serve_v and_o who_o can_v but_o be_v jealous_a of_o his_o name_n and_o honour_n and_o ready_a to_o vindicate_v the_o take_n of_o it_o in_o vain_a man_n under_o the_o law_n can_v not_o bind_v himself_o to_o god_n in_o any_o promise_n or_o service_n more_o than_o thus_o nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o great_a bond_n or_o seal_n of_o truth_n give_v by_o one_o man_n to_o another_o in_o the_o fall_v state_n than_o this_o and_o he_o that_o will_v venture_v to_o break_v this_o what_o but_o deceit_n and_o treachery_n can_v be_v expect_v from_o he_o insomuch_o as_o no_o other_o engagement_n from_o he_o can_v be_v of_o weight_n he_o hereby_o manifest_v the_o want_n of_o that_o in_o his_o mind_n and_o spirit_n whereupon_o all_o tie_n be_v to_o fasten_v six_o the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o use_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v proper_a and_o lawful_a and_o for_o who_o it_o be_v institute_v and_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a and_o lawful_a and_o for_o who_o use_n it_o be_v not_o institute_v to_o find_v out_o this_o distinct_o and_o true_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o several_a condition_n of_o man_n since_o the_o creation_n and_o observe_v to_o which_o of_o those_o it_o be_v useful_a and_o proper_a in_o itself_o and_o allow_v by_o god_n and_o to_o which_o it_o be_v not_o useful_a in_o itself_o nor_o allow_v by_o god_n there_o have_v be_v four_o estate_n or_o condition_n of_o mankind_n since_o the_o creation_n 1._o a_o estate_n of_o innocency_n a_o estate_n of_o integrity_n of_o purity_n of_o righteousness_n wherein_o man_n can_v not_o lie_v or_o deceive_v but_o his_o promise_n to_o god_n and_o his_o word_n to_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v yea_o and_o amen_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o man_n who_o be_v make_v in_o god_n image_n which_o be_v truth_n to_o lie_v or_o deceive_v until_o the_o deceit_n enter_v he_o and_o draw_v he_o out_o of_o the_o truth_n 2._o there_o be_v and_o still_o be_v a_o estate_n of_o deep_a captivity_n wherein_o this_o truth_n and_o innocency_n be_v whole_o lose_v and_o man_n whole_o corrupt_v in_o his_o spirit_n and_o nature_n and_o whole_o degenerate_v from_o god_n this_o be_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o heathen_a who_o know_v not_o god_n general_o nor_o desire_v after_o he_o but_o walk_v in_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o be_v give_v up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n yet_o among_o some_o of_o these_o the_o eternal_a principle_n of_o life_n be_v stir_v which_o do_v check_v they_o and_o offer_v to_o guide_v they_o out_o of_o
also_o more_o true_a ground_n of_o satisfaction_n in_o it_o to_o other_o christian_n at_o least_o than_o a_o jew_n or_o heathen_n swear_v yea_o and_o if_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n will_v but_o free_o speak_v their_o heart_n it_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v of_o more_o weight_n with_o they_o also_o who_o of_o those_o who_o have_v observe_v and_o know_v our_o conversation_n and_o upright_o speak_v and_o behaviour_n for_o these_o many_o year_n both_o towards_o the_o various_a ruler_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o 〈…〉_z also_o towards_o all_o man_n of_o all_o sort_n will_v not_o prefer_v our_o yea_o and_o nay_o before_o the_o oath_n of_o other_o object_n but_o though_o a_o christian_n may_v not_o swear_v in_o relation_n to_o himself_o yet_o why_o may_v he_o not_o swear_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o other_o see_v god_n himself_o swear_v in_o that_o respect_n who_o be_v as_o much_o in_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o that_o life_n which_o bind_v from_o swear_v as_o a_o christian_a can_v be_v answ_n 1._o god_n be_v not_o bind_v himself_o by_o the_o law_n wherewith_o he_o bind_v the_o creature_n may_v either_o himself_o or_o by_o a_o instrument_n in_o his_o immediate_a life_n and_o power_n do_v that_o which_o the_o creature_n have_v not_o liberty_n from_o he_o to_o do_v but_o that_o be_v no_o warrant_n in_o general_n but_o the_o disciple_n be_v particular_o to_o eye_n the_o rule_n from_o his_o master_n christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v lord_n over_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n and_o who_o be_v as_o faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n as_o a_o lord_n as_o moses_n the_o servant_n be_v in_o his_o house_n by_o who_o the_o same_o god_n who_o once_o allow_v oath_n to_o the_o gem_n have_v now_o whole_o forbid_v swear_v and_o let_v the_o disciple_n diligent_o and_o faithful_o eye_n the_o law_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v write_v by_o and_o receive_v from_o the_o engraft_a word_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o heart_n he_o shall_v find_v oath_n exclude_v there_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o old_a covenant_n even_o as_o a_o literal_a and_o shadowy_a confirmation_n of_o truth_n among_o the_o jew_n under_o moses_n his_o dispensation_n for_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o grace_n and_o truth_n itself_o be_v the_o substance_n and_o the_o faith_n receive_v be_v the_o seal_n of_o truth_n under_o the_o gospel_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n answ_n 2._o a_o christian_a may_v not_o swear_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o other_o because_o he_o be_v to_o hold_v forth_o his_o light_n his_o life_n his_o principle_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v to_o testify_v to_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o firm_a bond_n to_o he_o both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n than_o any_o oath_n either_o of_o the_o heathen_a or_o of_o the_o jew_n can_v be_v now_o his_o enter_v into_o their_o way_n of_o confirmation_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v short_a of_o his_o own_o be_v a_o undervalue_v and_o disparagement_n of_o the_o worth_n and_o weight_n of_o that_o principle_n of_o truth_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o and_o raise_v up_o in_o he_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o deny_v of_o it_o for_o enter_v into_o the_o law-bond_n be_v a_o lay_n of_o the_o gospel-bond_n by_o and_o a_o offering_n of_o that_o as_o a_o bond_n which_o indeed_o once_o be_v so_o but_o be_v now_o exclude_v by_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n from_o be_v a_o bond_n any_o long_o and_o have_v lose_v its_o virtue_n and_o if_o man_n will_v but_o open_v their_o eye_n they_o may_v easy_o see_v how_o little_a oath_n bind_v and_o how_o unprofitable_a they_o be_v to_o the_o end_n and_o use_v for_o which_o they_o be_v intend_v but_o the_o yea_o and_o amen_o in_o christ_n the_o principle_n of_o life_n can_v be_v break_v but_o he_o that_o abide_v in_o he_o must_v perform_v the_o yea_o and_o amen_o which_o be_v firm_a in_o he_o answ_n 3._o a_o christian_a or_o disciple_n may_v not_o swear_v under_o the_o gospel_n because_o christ_n have_v bring_v in_o confession_n or_o affirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n from_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o life_n instead_o of_o oath_n which_o be_v make_v good_a not_o only_o by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n render_v of_o swear_v in_o the_o law-time_n confess_v in_o the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o under_o the_o gospel_n but_o also_o by_o christ_n bring_v in_o the_o yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o instead_o of_o the_o law_n be_v swear_v in_o the_o jew_n the_o oath_n be_v the_o seal_n or_o confirmation_n under_o the_o law_n in_o the_o disciple_n who_o be_v in_o the_o life_n and_o have_v learn_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n the_o life_n the_o yea_o yea_o the_o nay_o nay_o be_v appoint_v he_o by_o christ_n instead_o of_o the_o oath_n and_o though_o the_o subtlety_n and_o fleshly_a wisdom_n strive_v hard_a to_o wrest_v that_o place_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o simplicity_n yet_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o but_o he_o that_o look_v on_o it_o with_o a_o single_a eye_n in_o the_o light_n of_o that_o spirit_n wherein_o it_o be_v write_v shall_v plain_o see_v christ_n drift_n to_o be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o shadow_n even_o to_o abolish_v that_o use_n of_o swear_v which_o be_v proper_a and_o allow_v to_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o confession_n or_o denial_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o from_o the_o gospel-spirit_n and_o principle_n in_o the_o disciple_n in_o the_o stead_n of_o it_o which_o to_o make_v more_o manifest_a to_o the_o honest_a simple_a and_o naked_a heart_n which_o be_v willing_a to_o take_v up_o the_o will_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o every_o thing_n with_o all_o the_o cross_n that_o attend_v it_o let_v these_o few_o line_n follow_v be_v upright_o consider_v of_o first_o that_o slight_a trivial_a and_o frequent_a oath_n be_v not_o allow_v under_o the_o law_n but_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n as_o a_o take_n of_o god_n holy_a and_o dreadful_a name_n in_o vain_a second_o that_o though_o vain_a oath_n be_v then_o forbid_v yet_o solemn_a oath_n weighty_a oath_n such_o as_o be_v needful_a and_o useful_a to_o the_o thing_n intend_v be_v allow_v under_o the_o law_n so_o in_o all_o those_o case_n before_o express_v oath_n be_v allow_v and_o justifiable_a so_o that_o they_o be_v but_o careful_a to_o perform_v they_o and_o do_v not_o forswear_v themselves_o three_o christ_n bring_v in_o a_o exception_n against_o the_o use_n of_o this_o lawful_a swear_v under_o the_o law_n as_o the_o word_n but_o do_v plain_o signify_v and_o forbid_v swear_v whole_o altogether_o or_o at_o all_o the_o law_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o that_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o the_o law_n forbid_v it_o allow_v swear_v but_o forbid_v forswear_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o you_o shall_v not_o only_o avoid_v forswear_n but_o swear_v also_o and_o that_o whole_o or_o altogether_o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o four_o christ_n bring_v in_o another_o thing_n instead_o of_o swear_v a_o thing_n far_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o truth_n plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v confess_v the_o thing_n or_o speak_v the_o thing_n in_o truth_n just_a as_o it_o be_v either_o by_o way_n of_o affirmation_n or_o denial_n but_o let_v your_o yea_o be_fw-mi yea_o and_o your_o nay_o nay_o and_o there_o be_v liberty_n enough_o leave_v to_o a_o disciple_n to_o satisfy_v any_o man_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n by_o a_o confession_n as_o much_o as_o by_o a_o oath_n for_o be_v it_o not_o full_a as_o weighty_a under_o the_o gospel_n to_o confess_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n or_o that_o he_o be_v witness_n or_o that_o we_o speak_v the_o thing_n in_o his_o fear_n and_o in_o the_o feel_n of_o his_o life_n and_o power_n as_o it_o be_v under_o the_o law_n to_o swear_v by_o his_o life_n by_o his_o fear_n by_o his_o power_n or_o the_o like_a be_v not_o the_o confess_v of_o god_n by_o a_o christian_a of_o more_o weight_n than_o the_o swear_v by_o he_o from_o a_o jew_n or_o heathen_a o_o nation_n and_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n seek_v truth_n seek_v righteousness_n and_o do_v not_o set_v up_o a_o form_n or_o image_n of_o thing_n in_o your_o own_o will_n and_o according_a to_o your_o own_o wisdom_n and_o invention_n above_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o let_v it_o be_v due_o consider_v whether_o the_o power_n of_o this_o nation_n deal_v kind_o with_o the_o lord_n in_o exact_v a_o oath_n from_o his_o people_n who_o not_o in_o the_o least_o disaffection_n to_o they_o but_o only_o in_o fidelity_n of_o conscience_n to_o christ_n their_o lord_n and_o master_n can_v but_o refuse_v it_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v their_o fidelity_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o king_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o a_o oath_n be_v require_v to_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v now_o the_o swear_v itself_o or_o formal_a take_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v of_o little_a value_n but_o to_o be_v obedient_a to_o be_v faithful_a be_v the_o thing_n of_o value_n the_o case_n than_o stand_v thus_o the_o lord_n have_v so_o form_v they_o that_o they_o can_v but_o be_v faithful_a and_o obedient_a the_o lord_n have_v raise_v up_o that_o principle_n in_o they_o which_o can_v hurt_v the_o king_n or_o any_o man_n nor_o can_v stand_v by_o and_o see_v he_o or_o any_o man_n hurt_n without_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v it_o here_o be_v their_o strength_n of_o perform_v good_a and_o avoid_v evil_n and_o their_o yea_o and_o nay_o from_o this_o principle_n be_v the_o best_a security_n which_o they_o can_v possible_o give_v to_o any_o man_n and_o he_o who_o have_v thus_o form_v they_o in_o the_o pure_a principle_n of_o his_o life_n have_v likewise_o forbid_v they_o to_o swear_v but_o this_o can_v be_v accept_v for_o want_v of_o the_o other_o confirmation_n to_o wit_n of_o swear_v which_o come_v in_o by_o the_o fall_n and_o be_v allow_v among_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o law_n but_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o gospel_n now_o o_o king_n shall_v not_o god_n people_n be_v faithful_a and_o obedient_a to_o the_o lord_n as_o well_o as_o to_o thou_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v true_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o life_n wherein_o they_o be_v beget_v and_o bring_v forth_o in_o the_o love_n and_o goodwill_n to_o all_o and_o out_o of_o enmity_n to_o any_o have_v god_n raise_v up_o in_o they_o a_o principle_n which_o can_v deceive_v and_o will_v not_o the_o yea_o and_o nay_o of_o that_o serve_v after_o so_o much_o experience_n through_o so_o many_o change_n but_o they_o must_v either_o break_v christ_n command_n and_o hazard_v their_o soul_n or_o else_o lose_v their_o liberty_n and_o estate_n o_o that_o man_n will_v wait_v on_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o pure_a fear_n to_o be_v write_v on_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v come_v out_o of_o the_o fleshly_a wisdom_n into_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o eternal_a wisdom_n from_o whence_o our_o principle_n come_v that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o see_v and_o justify_v the_o purity_n righteousness_n nobility_n and_o worth_n of_o it_o and_o that_o they_o may_v feel_v its_o security_n from_o all_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o goodwill_n out_o of_o the_o love_n out_o of_o the_o life_n and_o out_o of_o the_o peace_n that_o so_o there_o may_v be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n rebellion_n heartburning_n plot_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o ungodliness_n which_o have_v no_o place_n in_o it_o but_o daily_o waste_v and_o wither_v where_o it_o be_v sow_v and_o grow_v even_o till_o they_o come_v to_o a_o end_n and_o till_o righteousness_n and_o pure_a innocency_n fill_v the_o room_n and_o place_n which_o they_o have_v both_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n within_o and_o in_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n outward_o and_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n and_o look_v well_o to_o his_o go_n for_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o thick_a night_n of_o apostasy_n be_v already_o past_a and_o the_o true_a light_n now_o again_o shine_v bless_a be_v the_o eye_n which_o see_v it_o and_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v establish_v in_o it_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o terrible_a and_o dreadful_a shake_n and_o confusion_n which_o must_v not_o end_v here_o but_o go_v over_o all_o nation_n o_o that_o this_o nation_n can_v once_o bow_v to_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v happy_a and_o its_o rent_n and_o breach_n heal_v for_o ever_o the_o end_n
this_o estate_n which_o they_o that_o hearken_v unto_o do_v not_o remain_v in_o the_o fall_n with_o the_o rest_n but_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o that_o which_o reprove_v and_o check_v they_o circumcise_n their_o heart_n and_o in_o their_o obedience_n thereto_o justify_v they_o in_o their_o conscience_n before_o god_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o estate_n of_o shadowy_a redemption_n which_o be_v not_o the_o true_a estate_n of_o redemption_n itself_o or_o they_o the_o true_a people_n which_o be_v to_o be_v redeem_v but_o a_o shadow_n of_o it_o the_o redemtion_n a_o shadow_n of_o the_o redeem_a people_n a_o shadow_n of_o the_o way_n and_o path_n of_o life_n wherein_o be_v figure_n of_o the_o heavenly_a substance_n the_o heavenly_a people_n the_o heavenly_a thing_n the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n the_o heavenly_a food_n etc._n etc._n but_o all_o these_o figure_n in_o and_o under_o the_o law_n be_v not_o the_o true_a heavenly_a and_o invisible_a thing_n themselves_o but_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n and_o representation_n of_o they_o 4._o there_o be_v and_o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n now_o at_o length_n after_o the_o great_a long_o and_o dark_a night_n of_o apostasy_n again_o be_v bring_v forth_o a_o estate_n of_o true_a redemption_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v bring_v back_o from_o the_o death_n from_o the_o captivity_n from_o the_o fall_n from_o the_o deceit_n and_o from_o the_o shadow_n into_o the_o truth_n into_o the_o pure_a life_n into_o the_o innocency_n into_o the_o uprightness_n wherein_o christ_n the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v witness_v and_o the_o soul_n new_o form_v in_o his_o pure_a image_n and_o become_v a_o new_a creature_n have_v a_o new_a eye_n a_o new_a ear_n a_o new_a heart_n a_o new_a nature_n a_o new_a life_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o newness_n of_o which_o life_n it_o be_v to_o live_v and_o walk_v a_o new_a course_n and_o conversation_n a_o new_a place_n to_o walk_v and_o have_v its_o conversation_n in_o even_o in_o that_o very_a heaven_n from_o whence_o it_o look_v for_o the_o saviour_n wherein_o also_o all_o old_a thing_n which_o come_v in_o by_o the_o fall_n and_o all_o the_o old_a shadow_n of_o the_o law_n be_v to_o pass_v away_o and_o in_o this_o state_n all_o thing_n to_o become_v new_a and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o this_o state_n but_o belong_v in_o its_o measure_n and_o degree_n to_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o it_o for_o even_o so_o soon_o as_o a_o man_n be_v engraft_v into_o christ_n and_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n even_o than_o he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n and_o all_o thing_n than_o begin_v to_o become_v new_a unto_o he_o and_o he_o be_v then_o to_o begin_v depart_v from_o all_o the_o old_a thing_n both_o of_o the_o natural_a or_o heathenish_a state_n and_o of_o the_o jewish_a state_n until_o he_o have_v leave_v they_o all_o behind_o the_o apostle_n say_v express_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a christ_n the_o lord_n and_o master_n of_o all_o believer_n who_o himself_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n call_v all_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n out_o of_o the_o world_n how_o out_o of_o the_o world_n do_v he_o call_v they_o from_o have_v any_o be_v or_o commerce_n in_o the_o earth_n or_o in_o the_o world_n nay_o not_o so_o but_o to_o come_v out_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a state_n practice_n &_o way_n of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o the_o earthly_a way_n of_o the_o heathen_n out_o of_o the_o earthly_a ordinance_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o jew_n yea_o even_o out_o of_o every_o thing_n in_o both_o which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o father_n but_o of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o make_v they_o a_o gaze_a stock_n to_o both_o and_o the_o scorn_n and_o hatred_n of_o both_o wherever_o they_o come_v these_o be_v the_o four_o estate_n or_o condition_n of_o mankind_n since_o the_o creation_n in_o one_o of_o which_o all_o man_n that_o ever_o be_v have_v be_v to_o be_v find_v and_o according_a to_o the_o estate_n and_o condition_n wherein_o man_n be_v find_v be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o he_o and_o his_o requiring_n of_o he_o now_o let_v any_o man_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n weigh_v and_o consider_v to_o which_o sort_n or_o sort_n of_o these_o a_o oath_n be_v useful_a in_o itself_o and_o allow_v by_o god_n and_o to_o which_o not_o be_v it_o useful_a in_o the_o innocent_a state_n or_o do_v god_n appoint_v it_o there_o when_o man_n can_v not_o but_o speak_v truth_n or_o be_v it_o useful_a in_o the_o redeem_a estate_n where_o a_o great_a bond_n be_v receive_v and_o profess_o hold_v forth_o than_o the_o innocency_n of_o man_n nature_n be_v be_v not_o christ_n the_o truth_n the_o substance_n be_v not_o he_o that_o be_v in_o he_o the_o new-creature_n be_v not_o all_o the_o oath_n and_o shadow_n of_o the_o law_n to_o last_v till_o christ_n the_o substance_n come_v be_v not_o this_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v not_o this_o seal_n truth_n and_o keep_v to_o truth_n more_o firm_o than_o the_o oath_n under_o the_o law_n can_v and_o the_o great_a bond_n be_v come_v do_v not_o the_o lesser_a bond_n which_o signify_v it_o flee_v away_o and_o vanish_v and_o the_o use_n of_o it_o now_o become_v both_o needless_a and_o unlawful_a man_n may_v reason_v subtle_o and_o persuade_v strong_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o we_o know_v certain_o and_o infallible_o in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o the_o use_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v not_o for_o man_n in_o innocency_n nor_o for_o man_n under_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o redemption_n by_o christ_n which_o bring_v man_n back_o into_o the_o truth_n into_o the_o innocency_n and_o into_o that_o life_n and_o strength_n which_o preserve_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o innocency_n but_o for_o fall_v man_n for_o man_n err_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v very_o manifest_a to_o we_o that_o for_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o law_n from_o his_o lip_n against_o swear_v to_o be_v bring_v back_o again_o to_o swear_v the_o bond_n of_o man_n in_o the_o fall_v state_n and_o under_o the_o law_n be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o denial_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v his_o life_n and_o redeemer_n out_o of_o the_o fall_v state_n and_o who_o also_o be_v the_o substance_n which_o end_v the_o oath_n and_o he_o that_o have_v ever_o know_v the_o pure_a power_n of_o his_o life_n and_o receive_v the_o pure_a law_n thereof_o in_o the_o clear_a open_n of_o his_o spirit_n must_v not_o depart_v from_o thence_o from_o the_o feel_n of_o that_o into_o the_o fleshly_a reason_n into_o consultation_n with_o the_o fleshly-wise_a part_n which_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o give_v such_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n as_o may_v avoid_v the_o cross_n but_o keep_v to_o that_o power_n which_o beget_v he_o and_o to_o that_o principle_n wherein_o he_o be_v beget_v and_o there_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o get_v beyond_o the_o yea_o and_o amen_o in_o christ_n beyond_o the_o confess_v of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o presence_n and_o life_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o end_n and_o substance_n of_o swear_v under_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n paul_n who_o several_a time_n and_o in_o several_a case_n relate_v to_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o foretell_v of_o thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n in_o law-phrase_n render_v the_o word_n confess_v instead_o of_o swear_v as_o may_v appear_v by_o compare_v rom._n 14._o 11._o and_o philip._n 2._o 11._o with_o isa_n 45._o 23._o that_o which_o the_o law_n call_v swear_v the_o gospel_n call_v confess_v each_o of_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o proper_a dialect_n of_o each_o which_o confess_v in_o the_o life_n in_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o renew_a principle_n be_v the_o weight_n and_o substance_n of_o that_o whereof_o the_o oath_n be_v but_o a_o shadow_n for_o what_o be_v the_o substance_n and_o intent_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v not_o the_o intent_n of_o it_o to_o bind_v to_o the_o speak_n or_o perform_v of_o truth_n and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o bind_v be_v it_o the_o shadow_n or_o the_o substance_n be_v it_o the_o word_n of_o a_o oath_n or_o the_o sense_n and_o weight_n of_o the_o thing_n upon_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v not_o the_o form_n of_o a_o oath_n but_o the_o weight_n and_o substance_n hide_v underneath_o which_o bind_v the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n and_o if_o there_o be_v more_o weight_n and_o substance_n in_o the_o yea_o and_o nay_o of_o a_o disciple_n under_o the_o gospel_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o bind_v to_o they_o and_o have_v