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excellency_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o and_o give_v you_o mark_v and_o motive_n to_o persuade_v you_o to_o it_o and_o direction_n in_o it_o and_o answer_v the_o objection_n that_o be_v make_v against_o it_o i_o shall_v come_v now_o to_o treat_v of_o it_o in_o particular_a and_o show_v you_o how_o to_o demean_v yourselves_o towards_o god_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o his_o worship_n wherein_o consist_v the_o main_a though_o not_o the_o whole_a of_o holy_a walk_n and_o in_o every_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o direction_n for_o the_o right_a performance_n but_o reader_n will_v thou_o resolve_v to_o follow_v those_o direction_n for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o i_o to_o write_v or_o thou_o to_o read_v it_o will_v but_o make_v thou_o sin_n with_o a_o candle_n in_o thy_o hand_n what_o good_a will_v meat_n do_v if_o not_o eat_v and_o digest_v or_o physic_n do_v if_o not_o take_v or_o a_o plaster_n if_o not_o apply_v so_o what_o good_a will_n direction_n do_v if_o not_o follow_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o read_v thy_o duty_n but_o thou_o must_v do_v it_o nay_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o do_v it_o but_o thou_o must_v do_v it_o well_o those_o that_o worship_n god_n must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o a_o little_a lip_n labour_n or_o knee_n service_n will_v serve_v his_o turn_n without_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o heart_n right_o qualify_v he_o regard_v it_o not_o he_o will_v have_v none_o of_o it_o for_o there_o be_v none_o holy_a as_o the_o lord_n 1_o sam_n 22._o and_o the_o lord_n admit_v of_o none_o into_o his_o service_n that_o be_v not_o holy_a leu._n 10.3_o i_o will_v be_v sanctify_v by_o those_o that_o draw_v near_o to_o i_o leu._n 20.7_o be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a he_o be_v a_o live_a god_n and_o require_v live_a sacrifice_n and_o will_v not_o take_v up_o with_o a_o dead_a heart_n there_o must_v be_v a_o principle_n of_o life_n in_o thou_o or_o thou_o be_v nor_o fit_a to_o come_v into_o his_o presence_n for_o he_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n unto_o his_o enemy_n there_o must_v be_v regeneration_n or_o there_o can_v be_v no_o salvation_n john_n 3.5_o and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o heb._n 11.6_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o worship_v he_o but_o it_o must_v be_v in_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n josh_n 24.14_o what_o be_v thy_o resolution_n will_v thou_o worship_v he_o or_o will_v thou_o not_o there_o be_v few_o in_o plain_a word_n will_v deny_v it_o but_o in_o action_n they_o do_v either_o they_o worship_v he_o not_o at_o all_o or_o give_v he_o that_o he_o
up_o to_o heaven_n upon_o their_o wing_n which_o be_v the_o place_n of_o its_o rest_n in_o they_o the_o soul_n be_v trade_v with_o god_n for_o christ_n and_o if_o we_o make_v not_o this_o use_n of_o they_o they_o will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a god_n regard_v not_o so_o much_o the_o external_a part_n of_o duty_n though_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v disregard_v as_o he_o do_v the_o internal_a he_o look_v especial_o at_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o duty_n my_o son_n say_v he_o give_v i_o thy_o heart_n if_o this_o be_v present_a many_o infirmity_n shall_v be_v pass_v over_o if_o this_o be_v absent_a though_o the_o duty_n be_v never_o so_o glorious_o act_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v hateful_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n cain_n and_o abel_n both_o offer_a sacrifice_n and_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o sacrifice_n we_o know_v not_o the_o one_o exceed_v the_o other_o yet_o one_o be_v accept_v and_o the_o other_o reject_v why_o what_o be_v the_o 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otherwise_o will_v be_v cold_a and_o remiss_a when_o our_o spirit_n be_v raise_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o flesh_n keep_v under_o in_o the_o duty_n than_o we_o be_v like_a to_o prevail_v it_o be_v not_o the_o multitude_n of_o loose_a or_o lone_a and_o cold_a expression_n will_v serve_v turn_n the_o pharisee_n outdo_v many_o christian_n in_o long_a prayer_n but_o it_o be_v the_o spiritual_a performance_n that_o god_n require_v cold_a petition_n do_v but_o put_v denial_n into_o christ_n mouth_n we_o must_v perform_v every_o duty_n as_o if_o it_o be_v for_o life_n and_o death_n for_o eternity_n yea_o as_o if_o it_o be_v our_o last_o duty_n that_o ever_o we_o shall_v perform_v such_o performance_n as_o these_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o beneficial_a to_o man._n 6._o direction_n thou_o must_v perform_v all_o thy_o duty_n as_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n so_o to_o a_o right_a end_n for_o the_o end_n either_o make_v or_o marrs_n the_o action_n now_o the_o end_n be_v such_o as_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n now_o god_n never_o ordain_v duty_n or_o good_a work_n to_o be_v trust_v in_o for_o salvation_n thou_o can_v never_o merit_v heaven_n by_o thy_o prayer_n or_o other_o duty_n they_o be_v not_o command_v for_o this_o end_n indeed_o they_o be_v a_o causa_fw-la sine_fw-la qua_fw-la non_fw-la of_o salvation_n for_o though_o they_o can_v save_v we_o yet_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v save_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o they_o they_o be_v the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n though_o not_o causa_fw-la regnandi_fw-la christ_n have_v purchase_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n they_o be_v of_o special_a use_n for_o we_o in_o the_o way_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o to_o do_v they_o and_o threaten_v we_o and_o will_v punish_v we_o if_o we_o neglect_v they_o as_o i_o shall_v more_o full_o prove_v when_o i_o treat_v of_o they_o particular_o and_o that_o it_o be_v 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spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n teach_v we_o how_o and_o for_o what_o to_o pray_v these_o product_n of_o grace_n will_v yield_v the_o soul_n no_o little_a satisfaction_n yea_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o obtain_v many_o blessing_n from_o god_n what_o sweet_a return_n of_o prayer_n have_v the_o saint_n have_v how_o often_o have_v god_n answer_v they_o in_o the_o very_a petition_n they_o have_v ask_v christ_n bid_v they_o ask_v and_o they_o shall_v have_v seek_v and_o they_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o they_o and_o how_o many_o can_v experience_n this_o truth_n though_o god_n promise_v the_o mercy_n yet_o he_o will_v be_v seek_v to_o for_o it_o and_o what_o sweet_a and_o ravish_a income_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v christian_n oftentimes_o in_o the_o hear_n read_v meditate_v and_o confer_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o religious_a duty_n and_o what_o satisfaction_n and_o comfort_n it_o be_v true_a we_o must_v not_o trust_v to_o they_o for_o comfort_n as_o the_o cause_n but_o as_o the_o instrument_n hezekiah_n find_v comfort_n upon_o his_o sick_a bed_n from_o the_o faithful_a performance_n of_o god_n will._n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o one_o special_a end_n why_o god_n appoint_v they_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o soul_n near_o unto_o christ_n by_o they_o and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o must_v use_v they_o they_o be_v as_o ladder_n to_o help_v we_o up_o to_o heaven_n to_o lift_v we_o above_o ourselves_o to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o christ_n we_o must_v make_v use_n of_o they_o as_o a_o traveller_n do_v of_o a_o boat_n or_o bridge_n to_o help_v we_o over_o unto_o christ_n or_o as_o he_o do_v of_o a_o staff_n or_o style_v to_o help_v he_o in_o his_o journey_n though_o they_o in_o themselves_o have_v no_o excellency_n yet_o they_o help_v we_o over_o where_o true_a treasure_n be_v though_o they_o be_v empty_a in_o themselves_o and_o vain_a to_o those_o that_o trust_v in_o they_o yet_o be_v they_o enrich_v to_o the_o saint_n that_o trust_v not_o to_o they_o but_o use_v they_o for_o the_o end_v appoint_v but_o many_o like_o foolish_a lover_n woo_v the_o maid_n when_o they_o shall_v court_v the_o mistress_n or_o like_o foolish_a traveller_n play_v with_o the_o style_n or_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o the_o boat_n and_o neglect_v their_o way_n they_o trust_v to_o their_o duty_n but_o these_o be_v never_o appoint_v to_o save_v we_o or_o to_o make_v up_o christ_n merit_n satisfactory_a for_o this_o be_v sufficient_a but_o that_o it_o may_v help_v we_o to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o christ_n satisfaction_n use_v they_o therefore_o for_o that_o end_n 7._o direct_v when_o thou_o have_v do_v all_o this_o and_o all_o that_o thou_o can_v say_v thou_o be_v a_o unprofitable_a servant_n and_o have_v do_v no_o more_o nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o be_v thy_o duty_n luke_n 17.10_o and_o take_v heed_n of_o rest_v in_o or_o trust_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o christ_n for_o justification_n or_o salvation_n trust_v not_o to_o thy_o duty_n for_o they_o will_v deceive_v thou_o and_o prove_v like_o egyptian_a reed_n not_o only_o break_v but_o run_v into_o thy_o hand_n they_o be_v never_o appoint_v for_o this_o end_n to_o trust_v to_o they_o let_v the_o papist_n brag_n never_o so_o much_o of_o their_o work_n of_o supererogation_n or_o of_o their_o merit_n let_v the_o ignorant_a person_n brag_v of_o his_o good_a meaning_n his_o good_a heart_n and_o his_o good_a serve_a god_n let_v the_o civil_a man_n brag_v of_o his_o pay_v every_o man_n his_o own_o and_o upright_o deal_n and_o the_o almost_o christian_a of_o his_o repent_v return_v and_o reform_v alas_o all_o this_o will_v deceive_v they_o
many_o especial_o of_o the_o young_a sort_n they_o come_v to_o see_v and_o to_o be_v see_v to_o show_v their_o new_a clothes_n or_o observe_v the_o fashion_n that_o other_o wear_v and_o be_v examine_v this_o be_v most_o they_o can_v remember_v many_o come_v that_o they_o may_v be_v account_v forward_a prosessor_n and_o be_v tickle_v with_o popular_a applause_n but_o when_o it_o be_v more_o in_o credit_n to_o persecute_v than_o profess_v these_o perhaps_o follow_v that_o profession_n some_o come_v with_o the_o butterfly_n to_o paint_v her_o wing_n and_o these_o be_v all_o for_o gaudy_a notion_n and_o store_v their_o head_n and_o not_o their_o heart_n with_o what_o they_o learn_v some_o weary_a of_o their_o own_o house_n come_v to_o drive_v away_o the_o time_n perhaps_o to_o get_v a_o nap_n of_o sleep_n some_o come_v for_o fear_n of_o the_o law_n lest_o that_o take_v hold_v upon_o they_o and_o some_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o conscience_n which_o otherwise_o will_v give_v they_o no_o rest_n some_o come_v to_o speak_v with_o a_o friend_n which_o otherwise_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o meet_v with_o so_o convenient_o and_o as_o they_o come_v by_o chance_n it_o be_v a_o great_a chance_n if_o they_o receive_v any_o good_a by_o their_o come_n some_o come_v to_o inquire_v out_o some_o good_a bargain_n other_o to_o appoint_v some_o merry_a meeting_n or_o some_o drunken_a match_n or_o game_n at_o card_n or_o die_n or_o bowl_n and_o perhaps_o some_o come_v on_o purpose_n to_o entrap_v the_o minister_n in_o his_o word_n or_o wrest_v they_o to_o a_o wrong_a sentence_n these_o man_n memory_n be_v much_o like_o to_z sives_z they_o keep_v the_o refuse_n all_o the_o best_a run_v through_o christ_n himself_o have_v such_o hearer_n if_o these_o or_o like_v to_o these_o be_v thy_o end_n thy_o heart_n be_v rot_v thy_o duty_n stink_v in_o god_n nostril_n and_o they_o will_v never_o do_v thou_o good_a thou_o may_v expect_v a_o curse_n from_o god_n and_o not_o a_o blessing_n but_o a_o true_a christian_a aim_n at_o high_a end_n viz._n that_o he_o may_v know_v his_o master_n will_v and_o know_v may_v obey_v it_o and_o may_v glorify_v he_o by_o obey_v and_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v get_v near_o unto_o christ_n and_o have_v and_o maintain_v more_o communion_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v know_v more_o of_o the_o excellency_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v be_v more_o enamour_v on_o he_o that_o he_o may_v see_v more_o of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o it_o and_o more_o of_o the_o vileness_n of_o sin_n to_o hate_v it_o more_o that_o we_o may_v have_v clear_a evidence_n of_o god_n love_n to_o his_o soul_n and_o of_o his_o interest_n in_o christ_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v a_o believer_n end_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n if_o now_o thy_o end_n be_v low_a it_o be_v a_o bad_a sign_n of_o a_o hypocritical_a or_o profane_a heart_n 3._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v come_v unto_o it_o with_o thy_o heart_n right_o qualify_v and_o right_o dispose_v with_o thy_o affection_n right_o order_v one_o reason_n among_o other_o why_o so_o many_o come_v to_o and_o return_v from_o the_o word_n empty_a be_v because_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o fit_v for_o the_o duty_n get_v thy_o heart_n in_o love_n with_o god_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o thrive_v by_o his_o word_n how_o greedy_o do_v we_o read_v a_o letter_n from_o a_o friend_n especial_o if_o we_o expect_v some_o promise_n in_o it_o of_o some_o great_a courtesy_n the_o word_n be_v god_n epistle_n send_v from_o heaven_n stuff_v thick_a with_o gracious_a promise_n if_o we_o entertain_v hard_a thought_n of_o god_n we_o seldom_o profit_v by_o his_o word_n get_v a_o love_n also_o to_o his_o word_n as_o david_n o_o how_o love_v i_o thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n continual_o we_o remember_v that_o which_o we_o love_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o many_o can_v remember_v a_o idle_a story_n or_o love_v song_n or_o stage_z play_n that_o can_v remember_v one_o passage_n or_o sentence_n in_o a_o whole_a sermon_n why_o because_o they_o love_v it_o better_o exercise_n love_v also_o to_o the_o minister_n or_o thou_o will_v hardly_o profit_v by_o his_o preach_n prejudice_n be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o soul_n see_v this_o in_o ahab_n he_o have_v a_o prejudice_n against_o micaiah_n and_o hate_v he_o and_o therefore_o his_o wholesome_a counsel_n be_v reject_v 1_o king_n 22.8_o etc._n etc._n the_o pharisee_n also_o have_v a_o prejudice_n against_o christ_n carp_v and_o cavil_v with_o he_o but_o few_o or_o none_o believe_v in_o he_o which_o of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v believe_v on_o he_o all_o his_o gracious_a word_n will_v not_o win_v upon_o they_o and_o when_o a_o people_n have_v a_o prejudice_n against_o their_o pastor_n ten_o to_o one_o they_o profit_v little_a by_o he_o come_v also_o with_o a_o believe_a heart_n the_o word_n which_o they_o hear_v profit_v they_o not_o because_o it_o be_v not_o mix_v with_o faith_n in_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o heb._n 4.2_o if_o the_o devil_n can_v but_o bring_v we_o to_o this_o distrust_n in_o god_n and_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n he_o have_v what_o he_o will_v have_v for_o who_o will_v leave_v a_o certain_a inheritance_n for_o a_o uncertain_a hope_n and_o take_v much_o pain_n when_o they_o doubt_v of_o a_o recompense_n or_o leave_v belove_v sin_n or_o perform_v self_n deny_v duty_n upon_o such_o uncertainty_n they_o shall_v bring_v also_o humble_a heart_n to_o the_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v the_o humble_a that_o god_n will_v teach_v when_o he_o look_v upon_o the_o proud_a afar_o off_o james_z 4.5_o 1_o pet._n 5.5_o a_o proud_a spirit_n be_v like_o laodicea_n and_o think_v himself_o rich_a and_o want_v nothing_o when_o he_o be_v poor_a and_o blind_a and_o miserable_a and_o naked_a rev._n 3.16,17_o if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o the_o congregation_n that_o set_v themselves_o against_o god_n and_o his_o word_n it_o be_v common_o the_o proud_a and_o self_n conceit_v person_n it_o be_v they_o that_o set_v themselves_o against_o jeremy_n jer._n 42.3_o it_o be_v the_o proud_a man_n that_o say_v he_o speak_v false_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o that_o come_v with_o absence_n of_o his_o own_o want_n be_v most_o like_a to_o have_v a_o supply_n he_o that_o come_v with_o a_o conceit_n of_o his_o own_o righteousness_n be_v likely_a to_o go_v away_o empty_a he_o fill_v the_o hungry_a with_o good_a thing_n but_o the_o rich_a he_o send_v empty_a away_o luk._n 1.53_o he_o that_o think_v he_o know_v any_o thing_n know_v nothing_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v 1_o cor._n 8.2_o come_v therefore_o to_o the_o ordinance_n with_o a_o hunger_a long_a thirst_v pant_v desire_n after_o this_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n for_o than_o thou_o be_v most_o like_a to_o prevail_v for_o something_o to_o fill_v thy_o soul_n a_o full_a soul_n loathe_v the_o hony-comb_n but_o to_o a_o hungry_a soul_n every_o bitter_a thing_n be_v sweet_a many_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o hungry_a those_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n be_v bless_v mat._n 5.6_o these_o thirst_a soul_n shall_v have_v wine_n and_o milk_n christ_n and_o his_o grace_n without_o money_n or_o money_n worth_n isa_n 5.51_o come_v not_o with_o a_o slight_a apprehension_n of_o or_o a_o slight_a desire_n after_o it_o lest_o it_o be_v deny_v thou_o set_v not_o light_a by_o it_o as_o those_o that_o be_v bid_v to_o the_o wedding_n mat._n 22.2_o etc._n etc._n david_n have_v high_a prize_v thought_n of_o it_o it_o be_v sweet_a to_o he_o than_o honey_n and_o the_o honeycomb_n yea_o better_o than_o thousand_o of_o gold_n and_o silver_n psalm_n 19.10_o and_o to_o job_n better_a than_o his_o appoint_a food_n this_o make_v david_n meditate_v in_o it_o day_n and_o night_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o come_v to_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o his_o teacher_n bring_v also_o a_o mind_n free_a from_o worldly_a care_n and_o fear_n and_o desire_n these_o be_v the_o thorn_n that_o choke_v the_o word_n mat._n 13.22_o bring_v not_o the_o love_n of_o any_o sin_n along_o with_o thou_o for_o this_o will_v make_v the_o word_n unprofitable_a he_o that_o say_v i_o will_v not_o be_v make_v clean_o god_n may_v say_v thou_o shall_v never_o be_v make_v clean_o resolve_v to_o obey_v the_o word_n in_o the_o strict_a passage_n of_o it_o 4._o direct_v will_v thou_o profit_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v it_o be_v necessary_a then_o that_o thou_o make_v some_o preparation_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o ground_n the_o minister_n to_o the_o
heaven_n in_o christ_n and_o glory_n and_o what_o evidence_n for_o salvation_n and_o what_o sign_n of_o his_o election_n vocation_n justification_n and_o adoption_n and_o what_o right_o he_o have_v to_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v his_o father_n legacy_n he_o will_v be_v able_a by_o the_o word_n to_o reprove_v error_n and_o defend_v the_o truth_n yea_o to_o reprove_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o repel_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o satan_n and_o be_v able_a to_o walk_v comfortable_a in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o to_o fetch_v consolation_n out_o of_o god_n word_n to_o bear_v he_o up_o under_o the_o sad_a affliction_n they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o in_o the_o way_n they_o shall_v walk_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o holy_a path_n and_o reprove_v they_o when_o they_o err_v and_o convince_v they_o when_o they_o go_v astray_o and_o reduce_v they_o back_o that_o have_v wander_v and_o go_v awry_o and_o build_v they_o up_o that_o be_v already_o bring_v in_o these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o not_o as_o the_o butterfly_n only_o to_o paint_v her_o wing_n and_o these_o be_v the_o end_v thou_o must_v aim_v at_o in_o thy_o read_n it_o and_o then_o thou_o will_v read_v it_o with_o profit_n 3._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o thy_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o other_o good_a book_n read_v with_o the_o great_a diligence_n attention_n care_n and_o circumspection_n that_o possible_o thou_o can_v for_o all_o thou_o can_v do_v be_v little_a enough_o this_o be_v a_o command_a duty_n and_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o a_o curse_n be_v threaten_v to_o they_o that_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n negligent_o cursory_a reading_n will_v do_v thou_o little_a good_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o read_v much_o and_o profit_v little_a because_o they_o read_v it_o careless_o many_o read_v a_o idle_a romance_n or_o wanton_a lovesong_n more_o attentive_o than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n read_v it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v for_o thy_o life_n and_o the_o life_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o for_o eternity_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v set_v thy_o heart_n upon_o it_o than_o be_v thou_o like_v to_o profit_v by_o it_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o death_n usual_o affect_v we_o and_o shall_v not_o matter_n of_o salvation_n and_o damnation_n affect_v we_o much_o more_o be_v but_o thy_o life_n endanger_v by_o a_o heartless_a careless_a duty_n who_o will_v be_v mindless_a or_o careless_a in_o the_o performance_n nay_o how_o vigilant_a diligent_a careful_a will_v thou_o be_v and_o be_v not_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n much_o more_o worth_a the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o great_a concernment_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o author_n or_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o it_o shall_v put_v we_o on_o to_o the_o utmost_a diligence_n the_o author_n be_v the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n one_o that_o can_v put_v life_n into_o both_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n nay_o will_v do_v it_o for_o he_o be_v faithful_a and_o the_o word_n be_v a_o epistle_n send_v from_o heaven_n from_o this_o great_a god_n and_o that_o for_o our_o instruction_n admonition_n reproof_n and_o consolation_n 1_o cor._n 9.10_o &_o 10.11_o rom._n 15.4_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v afore-time_o be_v write_v for_o our_o hear_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v god_n statute-book_n whereby_o he_o rule_v the_o world_n wherein_o be_v great_a reward_n promise_v to_o obedience_n and_o great_a punishment_n threaten_v to_o the_o disobedient_a than_o any_o king_n upon_o earth_n can_v annex_v to_o his_o law_n or_o can_v execute_v if_o he_o shall_v threaten_v they_o there_o be_v therefore_o great_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o conversant_a in_o those_o law_n than_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n though_o these_o be_v necessary_a because_o the_o danger_n be_v great_a in_o the_o one_o we_o stand_v in_o danger_n of_o life_n or_o liberty_n or_o confiscation_n of_o good_n in_o the_o other_o of_o eternal_a damnation_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o jew_n that_o many_o of_o they_o can_v as_o ready_o answer_v to_o any_o point_n in_o the_o law_n as_o they_o can_v to_o their_o own_o name_n and_o that_o they_o know_v how_o many_o word_n yea_o syllable_n yea_o letter_n be_v in_o the_o whole_a law_n god_n grant_v their_o diligence_n rise_v not_o up_o against_o we_o to_o condemn_v we_o for_o our_o negligence_n if_o a_o father_n or_o master_n or_o ruler_n or_o prince_n can_v command_v reverence_n from_o their_o inferior_n sure_o god_n may_v much_o more_o from_o we_o if_o we_o receive_v a_o letter_n from_o a_o great_a man_n with_o such_o heedfulness_n and_o read_v it_o with_o such_o diligence_n and_o attention_n and_o mark_v every_o passage_n with_o such_o circumspection_n and_o care_n sure_o much_o more_o care_n and_o diligence_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o this_o epistle_n send_v from_o heaven_n from_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n nay_o but_o the_o content_n thereof_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v require_v diligence_n it_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a right_n and_o great_a concernment_n it_o be_v our_o father_n will_n and_o herein_o be_v record_v the_o legacy_n he_o have_v leave_v we_o now_o who_o will_v neglect_v a_o father_n will_n wherein_o a_o inheritance_n be_v bequeath_v here_o be_v the_o rule_n we_o must_v live_v by_o and_o the_o law_n we_o must_v be_v judge_v by_o and_o be_v these_o matter_n to_o be_v slight_v here_o be_v all_o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o heaven_n and_o shall_v this_o be_v disregard_v how_o careful_a be_v man_n of_o their_o evidence_n of_o their_o land_n they_o will_v hardly_o part_v with_o they_o out_o of_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o yet_o alas_o how_o seldom_o do_v many_o man_n take_v these_o evidence_n into_o their_o hand_n too_o evident_a a_o sign_n they_o have_v but_o little_a hope_n of_o good_a by_o it_o now_o without_o the_o diligent_a perusal_n how_o shall_v we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o here_o be_v high_a mystery_n in_o which_o we_o may_v easy_o be_v mistake_v and_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a to_o be_v mistake_v what_o need_n have_v we_o then_o of_o circumspection_n these_o and_o many_o other_o consideration_n may_v put_v we_o on_o to_o diligence_n in_o read_v mark_v and_o observe_v the_o scripture_n 4._o direct_v will_v thou_o profit_v by_o read_v then_o read_v the_o word_n with_o judgement_n understanding_n and_o discretion_n this_o be_v necessary_a in_o every_o duty_n nay_o in_o every_o action_n a_o wise_a man_n say_v solomon_n order_v his_o affair_n with_o discretion_n but_o it_o be_v require_v especial_o in_o a_o work_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n and_o of_o so_o deep_a concernment_n as_o this_o be_v many_o read_v much_o and_o profit_v little_a because_o they_o understand_v little_a they_o be_v like_o the_o eunuch_n to_o who_o philip_n say_v understand_v thou_o what_o thou_o read_v he_o say_v how_o can_v i_o except_o some_o man_n shall_v guide_v i_o act_n 8.30,31_o now_o discretion_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o order_n and_o method_n for_o the_o want_n of_o discretion_n in_o these_o a_o duty_n may_v be_v spoil_v concern_v time_n every_o thing_n say_v solomon_n be_v beautiful_a in_o its_o season_n all_o our_o time_n must_v not_o be_v spend_v in_o this_o duty_n than_o other_o as_o necessary_a will_v be_v omit_v one_o duty_n must_v not_o justle_v out_o another_o yet_o sometime_o must_v and_o as_o much_o as_o can_v well_o be_v spare_v shall_v be_v reduce_v for_o it_o yea_o we_o shall_v rather_o redeem_v time_n out_o of_o our_o sleep_n or_o recreation_n than_o neglect_v it_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o most_o seasonable_a time_n a_o work_n be_v most_o excellent_a in_o its_o season_n morning_n and_o evening_n seem_v ordinary_o the_o fit_a season_n for_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o family_n for_o private_a read_n as_o occasion_n serve_v and_o for_o place_n that_o which_o be_v free_a from_o distraction_n and_o fit_a for_o edification_n and_o order_n for_o private_a read_n a_o private_a place_n this_o do_v most_o benefit_n a_o private_a person_n though_o that_o which_o be_v more_o public_a edify_v more_o than_o one_o a_o method_n also_o be_v to_o be_v heed_v in_o read_v the_o scripture_n or_o any_o other_o book_n a_o disorderly_a action_n or_o duty_n seldom_o profit_v order_n and_o method_n be_v good_a help_n to_o the_o memory_n read_v the_o scripture_n throughout_o in_o order_n except_o some_o chapter_n that_o be_v less_o to_o edification_n and_o so_o for_o other_o good_a book_n read_v they_o throughout_o he_o that_o read_v a_o chapter_n here_o or_o there_o at_o adventure_n or_o a_o leaf_n here_o and_o another_o there_o in_o another_o book_n profit_v little_a and_o it_o
the_o conscience_n of_o he_o that_o swear_v that_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
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
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