honour_n of_o christianity_n the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n be_v that_o it_o outstrip_v and_o excel_v all_o other_o profession_n of_o religion_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v no_o honour_n to_o christianity_n to_o stand_v but_o upon_o equal_a term_n with_o any_o other_o religion_n whether_o heathenish_a or_o jewish_a but_o it_o mount_v far_o above_o they_o all_o and_o lead_v they_o that_o sincere_o embrace_v it_o to_o a_o perfection_n beyond_o whatever_o be_v attainable_a in_o any_o of_o they_o yet_o in_o they_o oath_n be_v attainable_a it_o be_v no_o derogation_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o have_v make_v its_o adherent_n so_o upright_o just_a and_o true_a that_o they_o dare_v not_o speak_v a_o falsehood_n though_o other_o dare_v swear_v it_o be_v it_o any_o derogation_n from_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n that_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o be_v man_n of_o credit_n worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o if_o he_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v such_o there_o be_v then_o he_o confess_v page_n 61._o no_o need_n at_o all_o of_o a_o oath_n the_o primitive_a christian_n say_v bp._n gauden_n do_v so_o keep_v up_o the_o sanctity_n and_o credit_n of_o their_o profession_n among_o unbeliever_n 41._o that_o it_o be_v security_n enough_o in_o all_o case_n to_o say_v christianus_n sum_n i_o be_o a_o christian._n if_o any_o urge_v they_o further_o to_o any_o oath_n for_o matter_n or_o manner_n or_o authority_n unlawful_a they_o repeat_v this_o as_o the_o only_a satisfaction_n they_o can_v give_v there_o need_v no_o more_o than_o the_o veracity_n of_o their_o bare_a word_n but_o be_v this_o a_o derogation_n from_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n no_o they_o keep_v up_o say_v he_o the_o sanctity_n and_o credit_n of_o their_o profession_n by_o this_o nay_o hear_v what_o he_o say_v further_a upon_o this_o subject_a certain_o the_o affair_n of_o christian_n both_o public_a and_o private_a will_v be_v no_o less_o to_o their_o honour_n and_o ease_n if_o there_o be_v in_o no_o case_n any_o need_n or_o use_v of_o any_o oath_n or_o swear_v 22_o but_o such_o a_o authentic_a veracity_n and_o just_a credulity_n on_o all_o side_n as_o may_v well_o spare_v even_o the_o most_o true_a sincere_a and_o lawful_a oath_n keep_v on_o all_o side_n as_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o lie_v as_o from_o false_a swear_v the_o abolish_n then_o of_o oath_n will_v no_o way_n derogate_v from_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n but_o the_o continue_n of_o oath_n do_v great_o derogate_v from_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n why_o be_v oath_n continue_v because_o say_v m_o opponent_n there_o be_v not_o that_o truth_n in_o man_n that_o can_v make_v their_o bare_a testimony_n of_o sufficient_a credit_n for_o if_o there_o be_v he_o confess_v there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n at_o all_o of_o a_o oath_n what_o can_v more_o derogate_v from_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n then_o that_o its_o follower_n shall_v be_v so_o devoid_a of_o truth_n as_o not_o to_o deserve_v credit_n again_o why_o be_v oath_n continue_v because_o say_v my_o opponent_n all_o man_n be_v liar_n mankind_n be_v general_o leaven_v with_o hypocrisy_n and_o fear_n favour_n malice_n or_o interest_n sway_n with_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o men._n if_o his_o far_o great_a part_n of_o man_n be_v such_o as_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o christianity_n his_o instance_n then_o relate_v not_o to_o the_o matter_n but_o if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o by_o profession_n thereof_o have_v relation_n thereunto_o how_o great_a a_o derogation_n be_v this_o from_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n do_v it_o not_o pluck_v down_o christianity_n from_o its_o superexcellent_a sphere_n and_o debase_v it_o to_o a_o equality_n with_o heathenism_n the_o most_o barbarous_a heathen_a can_v be_v believe_v with_o a_o oath_n and_o can_v not_o thou_o a_o strong_a grow_v christian_a have_v thy_o religion_n seat_v in_o the_o rational_a power_n page_z 5._o be_v believe_v without_o a_o oath_n what_o then_o be_v thou_o better_o in_o this_o respect_n than_o the_o misbelieve_a heathen_a or_o how_o be_v thou_o in_o this_o case_n a_o honour_n to_o thy_o religion_n more_o than_o that_o miscreant_n be_v to_o his_o let_v none_o therefore_o imagine_v that_o the_o abolish_n of_o oath_n do_v any_o way_n derogate_v from_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n but_o let_v all_o endeavour_n by_o live_v virtuous_a just_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o by_o speak_v the_o truth_n upon_o all_o occasion_n plain_o and_o sincere_o to_o leave_v no_o cause_n nor_o place_n for_o oath_n and_o thereby_o will_v christianity_n be_v adorn_v and_o its_o honour_n high_o advance_v but_o say_v he_o while_o the_o apostle_n say_v a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v the_o end_n of_o strife_n if_o you_o take_v away_o a_o oath_n you_o take_v away_o that_o which_o by_o god_n be_v ordain_v to_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n of_o end_v it_o page_z 63._o answ._n he_o shall_v rather_o have_v say_v be_v ordain_v then_o be_v ordain_v if_o he_o have_v intend_v to_o deal_v fair_o for_o it_o be_v to_o they_o of_o old_a time_n under_o the_o law_n which_o be_v a_o state_n of_o weakness_n and_o childhood_n and_o so_o of_o contention_n and_o strife_n that_o oath_n be_v appoint_v but_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n there_o be_v no_o such_o ordination_n there_o oath_n be_v take_v away_o not_o ordain_v now_o it_o be_v to_o that_o state_n of_o weakness_n the_o apostle_n refer_v when_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o oath_n heb._n 6._o for_o he_o write_v there_o to_o the_o hebrew_n who_o have_v be_v under_o the_o law_n which_o show_v he_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o in_o all_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o believe_a gentile_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n to_o be_v find_v beside_o he_o fetch_v the_o occasion_n of_o his_o discourse_n in_o that_o place_n from_o the_o old_a time_n wherein_o swear_v be_v allow_v show_v how_o god_n confirm_v his_o promise_n by_o a_o oath_n to_o abraham_n ver_fw-la 13._o and_o then_o add_v ver_fw-la â—6_n for_o men_n very_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a and_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n he_o do_v not_o say_v we_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a and_o a_o oath_n to_o we_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n but_o man_n swear_v and_o to_o they_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o end_n etc._n etc._n which_o plain_o carry_v the_o intent_n of_o his_o word_n to_o they_o that_o be_v under_o that_o state_n of_o the_o law_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v yet_o more_o plain_a if_o we_o observe_v that_o when_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o heir_n of_o that_o promise_n and_o the_o strong_a consolation_n they_o have_v thereby_o he_o do_v not_o then_o use_v the_o word_n man_n and_o they_o but_o we_o and_o we_o wherein_o god_n say_v he_o wâ—lling_v more_o abundant_o to_o show_v unto_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n the_o immutability_n of_o his_o counsel_n confirm_v it_o by_o a_o oath_n that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v we_o may_v have_v a_o strong_a consolation_n who_o have_v flee_v for_o refuge_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o the_o hope_n be_v set_v before_o we_o which_o hope_v we_o have_v &c_n &c_n ver_fw-la 17_o 18_o 19_o so_o that_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o what_o waâ—_n do_v in_o in_o the_o old_a time_n wherein_o swear_v be_v lawful_a he_o express_v himself_o by_o the_o word_n man_n and_o they_o but_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o what_o relate_v more_o immediate_o to_o the_o new_a testament_n time_n he_o express_v himself_o by_o the_o word_n we_o and_o we_o intimate_v that_o as_o he_o distinguish_v between_o the_o time_n and_o state_n of_o law_n and_o gospel_n old_a testament_n and_o new_a so_o also_o he_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o man_n and_o saint_n for_o as_o in_o another_o case_n he_o say_v though_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o flesh_n 10.3_o we_o do_v not_o war_n after_o the_o flesh_n so_o say_v i_o in_o this_o case_n though_o saint_n be_v man_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o walk_v as_o man_n the_o same_o which_o the_o apostle_n also_o intimate_v in_o his_o reproof_n to_o some_o among_o the_o corinthian_n whereas_o say_v he_o there_o be_v among_o you_o envy_v 3.3_o and_o strife_n and_o division_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a and_o walk_v as_o man_n here_o he_o plain_o show_v that_o walk_v in_o strife_n and_o contention_n walk_v as_o man_n be_v not_o the_o sainâ—s_n state_n but_o a_o carnal_a state_n whence_o we_o may_v fairâ—y_o infer_v that_o when_o he_o speak_v in_o heb_n 6_o of_o man_n swear_v he_o do_v not_o by_o man_n intend_v â—aints_n true_a believer_n the_o new-testament_n church_n but_o such_o as_o be_v under_o the_o old_a dispensation_n to_o
perfection_n but_o show_v that_o however_o it_o be_v with_o he_o or_o how_o high_a soever_o his_o attainment_n be_v he_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o contend_v with_o his_o maker_n or_o justify_v himself_o against_o the_o almighty_a but_o submit_v himself_o unto_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v in_o the_o 15_o the_o verse_n who_o though_o i_o be_v righteous_a which_o all_o i_o suppose_v will_v grant_v he_o be_v yet_o will_v i_o not_o answer_v but_o i_o will_v make_v supplication_n to_o my_o judge_n yet_o to_o show_v that_o he_o do_v not_o this_o from_o any_o gild_n of_o sin_n that_o lie_v upon_o he_o he_o appeal_v to_o god_n himself_o thou_o know_v say_v he_o that_o i_o be_o not_o wicked_a 10.7_o &_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o there_o be_v none_o can_v deliver_v i_o out_o of_o thy_o hand_n but_o though_o he_o thus_o express_v himself_o in_o submission_n to_o the_o hand_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o power_n and_o sovereignty_n he_o acknowledge_v yet_o against_o the_o false_a suggestion_n of_o his_o seem_a friend_n who_o like_o this_o priest_n will_v fain_o have_v fasten_v some_o iniquity_n upon_o he_o he_o vindicate_v his_o innocency_n plain_o and_o smart_o 6_o till_o i_o die_v say_v he_o i_o will_v not_o remove_v my_o integrity_n from_o i_o my_o righteousness_n i_o hold_v fast_o and_o will_v not_o let_v it_o go_v my_o heart_n shall_v not_o reproach_v i_o so_o long_o as_o i_o live_v and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o those_o three_o man_n who_o like_v this_o priest_n have_v charge_a sin_n upon_o job_n be_v fain_o to_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o entreat_v job_n be_v prayer_n on_o their_o behalf_n to_o appease_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o they_o have_v kindle_v against_o themselves_o chap_n 42.7_o 8_o 9_o he_o urge_v also_o gal._n 3.22_o but_o that_o be_v the_o same_o with_o rom._n 3.23_o be_v explain_v before_o another_o that_o he_o bring_v be_v james_n 3.2_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o answ._n this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n himself_o be_v a_o offender_n any_o more_o than_o that_o other_o say_n of_o his_o concern_v the_o tongue_n vers_fw-la 9_o therewith_o bless_v we_o god_n and_o therewith_o curse_v we_o man_n can_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n himself_o be_v a_o curser_n which_o i_o do_v not_o helieve_v this_o priest_n as_o forward_o as_o he_o be_v to_o sully_v the_o saint_n will_v dare_v to_o affirm_v of_o the_o apostle_n james._n these_o be_v the_o scripture_n he_o have_v quote_v to_o prove_v that_o st_n john_n in_o those_o word_n whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o do_v not_o intend_v that_o any_o in_o this_o life_n have_v get_v a_o absolute_a conquest_n over_o all_o sin_n but_o in_o the_o respective_a answer_n thereunto_o i_o have_v show_v that_o the_o apostle_n may_v very_o well_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o without_o the_o least_o contradiction_n to_o any_o of_o these_o scripture_n none_o of_o which_o plead_v for_o a_o continuation_n of_o sin_n or_o deny_v a_o possibility_n of_o be_v perfect_o free_v from_o sin_n his_o second_o reason_n why_o those_o word_n of_o john_n can_v be_v interpret_v to_o signify_v that_o any_o in_o this_o life_n have_v get_v a_o absolute_a conquest_n over_o all_o sin_n be_v because_o he_o will_v then_o contradict_v himself_o also_o have_v plain_o say_v 1_o john_n 1.8_o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o we_o pag._n 39_o answ._n from_o the_o last_o instance_n in_o the_o word_n of_o james_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n in_o condescension_n to_o those_o to_o who_o they_o write_v do_v many_o time_n include_v themselves_o as_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o other_o that_o so_o they_o to_o who_o they_o write_v may_v receive_v exhortation_n the_o better_a and_o thus_o do_v john_n in_o this_o place_n he_o as_o well_o as_o paul_n write_v of_o the_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n growth_n and_o degree_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o which_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v some_o who_o can_v not_o at_o that_o time_n true_o say_v they_o have_v no_o sin_n to_o these_o he_o condescend_v with_o these_o he_o include_v himself_o and_o as_o paul_n in_o one_o place_n say_v i_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n because_o of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o your_o flesh_n rom._n 6.19_o and_o in_o another_o place_n to_o the_o weak_a become_v i_o as_o weak_a that_o i_o may_v gain_v the_o weak_a 1_o cor._n 9.22_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v in_o this_o place_n of_o john_n who_o for_o their_o sake_n include_v himself_o with_o they_o do_v in_o his_o own_o person_n joint_o with_o they_o speak_v of_o that_o state_n which_o some_o of_o they_o be_v then_o in_o and_o which_o himself_o also_o have_v once_o be_v in_o as_o well_o as_o they_o but_o from_o this_o condescension_n of_o he_o to_o infer_v that_o he_o himself_o be_v at_o that_o time_n real_o and_o actual_o in_o that_o state_n be_v neither_o fair_a nor_o true_a for_o though_o some_o among_o they_o may_v not_o have_v attain_v so_o far_o yet_o he_o himself_o have_v doubtless_o feel_v the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n cleanse_v he_o from_o all_o sin_n else_o can_v he_o not_o experimental_o have_v say_v 1.7_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o vnrighteousness_n 9_o but_o if_o he_o do_v real_o and_o true_o know_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v cleanse_v he_o from_o all_o sin_n from_o all_o vnrighteousness_n sure_o then_o he_o may_v at_o that_o time_n without_o deceive_v himself_o have_v say_v he_o have_v no_o sin_n he_o write_v to_o little_a child_n 21._o to_o young_a man_n to_o father_n he_o tell_v the_o little_a child_n their_o sin_n be_v forgive_v yea_o and_o that_o they_o know_v the_o truth_n 8.32_o which_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n shall_v make_v they_o free_a but_o he_o tell_v the_o young_a man_n 2.14_o they_o be_v strong_a and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o they_o and_o they_o have_v overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o be_v not_o that_o a_o conquest_n over_o sin_n 28._o he_o exhort_v the_o little_a child_n to_o abide_v in_o christ_n for_o whosoever_o abide_v in_o he_o sin_v not_o 3.6_o and_o we_o be_v in_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n himself_o and_o he_o that_o abide_v in_o he_o 2.6_o ought_v also_o to_o walk_v even_o as_o he_o walk_v do_v he_o tell_v they_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v impossible_a or_o have_v not_o christ_n a_o absolute_a conquest_n over_o all_o sin_n we_o know_v say_v the_o apostle_n that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n 5.18_o sin_v not_o but_o he_o that_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n keep_v himself_o that_o the_o wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o if_o he_o be_v so_o keep_v that_o the_o wicked_a one_o which_o be_v the_o devil_n touch_v he_o not_o how_o can_v he_o sin_v do_v any_o sin_n but_o who_o the_o devil_n touch_v so_o long_o as_o any_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o devil_n reach_n so_o long_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v grant_v they_o may_v be_v without_o sin_n these_o young_a man_n then_o who_o have_v so_o overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o the_o devil_n that_o he_o can_v not_o touch_v they_o have_v not_o these_o get_v a_o absolute_a conquest_n over_o all_o sin_n now_o if_o such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o young_a man_n what_o have_v the_o father_n and_o elder_n arrive_v to_o these_o thing_n say_v john_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o my_o little_a child_n not_o to_o countenance_v your_o continuance_n in_o sin_n not_o to_o beget_v a_o belief_n in_o you_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o you_o to_o live_v without_o sin_n to_o what_o end_v then_o that_o you_o sin_v not_o and_o if_o any_o man_n sin_n 2.1_o we_o have_v a_o advocate_n etc._n etc._n if_o any_o man_n sin_n why_o be_v it_o come_v to_o that_o might_n such_o a_o man_n as_o this_o have_v then_o object_v do_v thou_o make_v a_o if_o of_o that_o which_o be_v so_o certain_a so_o unquestionable_a so_o unavoidable_a if_o any_o man_n sin_n as_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o live_v and_o not_o sin_n yes_o yes_o say_v this_o holy_a apostle_n if_o he_o abide_v in_o christ_n for_o he_o that_o abide_v in_o christ_n sin_v not_o 3.6_o and_o in_o this_o he_o be_v not_o contradictory_n to_o himself_o for_o indeed_o the_o whole_a stream_n of_o his_o epistle_n run_v in_o this_o channel_n but_o it_o seem_v strange_a to_o the_o priest_n that_o our_o lord_n shall_v teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v as_o often_o for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o their_o sin_n as_o for_o their_o daily_a bread_n whilst_o we_o must_v suppose_v say_v
man_n truth_n to_o his_o neighbour_n without_o a_o oath_n from_o reason_n he_o come_v to_o consent_v of_o â—_z the_o second_o medium_fw-la to_o prove_v swear_v a_o aâ—t_n of_o religion_n observe_v reader_n he_o have_v whole_o let_v go_v hâ—s_n hold_v of_o natural_a religion_n wâ—icâ—_n be_v the_o thing_n he_o propose_v a_o first_o to_o prove_v page_n 5â—_n and_o which_o if_o he_o fail_v of_o prove_v his_o heathenish_a example_n will_v stand_v he_o in_o no_o stead_n but_o however_o let_v we_o hear_v his_o inâ—tances_n he_o begin_v with_o aristoâ—le_n to_o who_o he_o refer_v this_o say_v a_o oath_n be_v the_o most_o uâ—â—nerable_a thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o religion_n â—o_o aristotle_n he_o join_v cicero_n who_o he_o say_v give_v this_o account_n of_o a_o oath_n a_o oatha_fw-mi a_o religious_a affirmation_n and_o what_o you_o affirm_v or_o promise_v by_o take_v god_n to_o witness_v aught_o to_o be_v keep_v so_o it_o ought_v whether_o god_n be_v take_v to_o witness_v or_o no_o and_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v he_o have_v these_o word_n our_o foreâ—_n father_n think_v no_o tie_n more_o fast_o to_o bind_v man_n faith_n then_o a_o oath_n to_o these_o two_o he_o add_v a_o three_o seneca_n speak_v thus_o religion_n be_v the_o chief_a bond_n of_o fidelity_n in_o thâ—_n militia_n where_o observe_v that_o seneca_n do_v not_o say_v a_o oath_n be_v the_o chief_a bond_n but_o religion_n be_v the_o chief_a bond_n though_o he_o will_v persuade_v his_o reader_n that_o by_o religion_n be_v mean_v a_o oath_n these_o be_v his_o instance_n now_o let_v we_o see_v what_o use_v he_o â—akes_v of_o they_o those_o testimony_n say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d do_v signify_v the_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o point_n page_n 60._o answ._n dâ—_n they_o so_o that_o methinks_v be_v somewhat_o string_n they_o sâ—â—m_o then_o to_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o wâ—at_fw-la three_o man_n one_a greek_n and_o two_o româ—â—s_n to_o represent_v all_o nation_n and_o signify_v the_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n be_v he_o sure_a these_o three_o man_n be_v depute_v by_o all_o nation_n to_o be_v their_o repâ—esentatives_n in_o this_o case_n that_o have_v be_v proper_a for_o he_o to_o have_v inquire_v before_o he_o have_v be_v so_o positive_a or_o do_v he_o certain_o know_v there_o be_v none_o amongst_o mankind_n that_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n see_v he_o speak_v so_o comprehensive_o of_o the_o universal_a content_n of_o mankind_n to_o show_v he_o the_o rashness_n of_o his_o inconsiderate_a assertion_n i_o will_v gâ—uâ—_n he_o some_o instance_n to_o the_o contrary_n the_o first_o shall_v be_v of_o solon_n one_o of_o the_o sage_n of_o greece_n a_o good_a man_n shall_v have_v that_o repute_n 42._o as_o not_o to_o need_v a_o oath_n it_o be_v a_o diminution_n of_o his_o credit_n to_o be_v put_v to_o swear_v to_o he_o add_v sâ—sâ—ades_n another_o of_o thoâ—e_n seven_o wise_a man_n who_o say_v be_v 25._o abstain_v from_o a_o oath_n with_o he_o agree_v cherâ—llus_n no_o oath_n ought_v to_o be_v use_v neither_o a_o just_a one_o nâ—r_v a_o unjust_a one_o epictâ—â—us_n say_v refuse_v a_o oath_n â—f_o possible_a altogether_o 〈◊〉_d if_o not_o by_o thing_n obvious_a plato_n be_v more_o positive_a away_o say_v he_o with_o â—n_a oath_n altogether_o mâ—nander_n little_a less_o to_o avoid_v evil_a swear_v as_o not_o to_o swear_v in_o thing_n just_a and_o true_a plutarch_n tell_v we_o â—â—id_fw-la it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o jupiter_n be_v priest_n to_o swear_v neither_o take_v a_o oath_n ibid._n nor_o require_v one_o say_v fimiâ—us_o to_o lollianus_n in_o the_o better_a and_o simple_a age_n of_o the_o world_n oath_n be_v sâ—idâ—mused_v in_o judicature_n 36._o but_o after_o that_o perfidy_n and_o lie_v increase_v the_o use_n of_o oath_n increase_v say_v polybius_n judge_v now_o reader_n by_o these_o instance_n whether_o the_o more_o virtuous_a and_o honest_a sort_n of_o heathen_n do_v esteem_v a_o oath_n to_o be_v a_o â—ct_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o be_v whether_o they_o account_v it_o of_o a_o religious_a nature_n in_o itself_o or_o whether_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n they_o only_o make_v use_v of_o oath_n as_o a_o remedy_n or_o expedient_a against_o the_o perfidy_n treachery_n and_o falsehood_n of_o evil_a mind_a man_n and_o therefore_o as_o solon_n say_v a_o diminution_n to_o the_o credit_n of_o a_o good_a man._n but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o his_o tâ—ird_o proposition_n the_o former_a instance_n be_v of_o particular_a person_n take_v one_o instance_n of_o a_o nation_n in_o general_n namely_o the_o seythian_o who_o ambassador_n treat_v with_o alexander_n the_o great_a thus_o deliver_v themselves_o think_v not_o that_o the_o scythian_n confirm_v their_o amity_n by_o oath_n 7._o thâ—y_o swear_v by_o keep_v their_o word_n that_o be_v the_o security_n of_o the_o greek_n who_o seal_v deed_n and_o call_v upon_o their_o go_n we_o be_v bind_v by_o our_o very_a promise_n they_o that_o fear_v not_o man_n wâ—ll_n not_o stick_v to_o deceive_v the_o go_n thus_o reader_n thou_o may_v see_v that_o not_o only_o many_o particular_a man_n but_o even_o a_o whole_a nation_n in_o general_n be_v against_o swear_v what_o now_o be_v become_v of_o his_o consent_n of_o nation_n his_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n may_v be_v not_o have_v come_v â—ff_n with_o less_o shame_n if_o he_o have_v use_v more_o modesty_n but_o he_o say_v these_o testimony_n signify_v the_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o point_n what_o point_n be_v that_o that_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n for_o that_o be_v it_o he_o propose_v to_o prove_v by_o they_o pag._n 5â—_n answ._n if_o his_o instance_n be_v never_o so_o gâ—â—neral_a and_o his_o testimony_n never_o so_o universal_a to_o prove_v oath_n act_n of_o religion_n among_o the_o heathen_a yet_o it_o will_v not_o do_v his_o business_n unless_o he_o can_v also_o prove_v that_o oath_n be_v act_n of_o natural_a religion_n i_o for_o can_v think_v he_o so_o weak_a â—eaded_v as_o to_o imagine_v that_o whatsoever_o tâ—e_v heathen_a do_v as_o religious_a act_n be_v act_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o oath_n be_v use_v among_o the_o heathen_a and_o by_o many_o of_o they_o repute_v religious_a too_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o oath_n be_v act_n of_o natural_a religion_n or_o that_o the_o heathen_a use_v oath_n from_o a_o divine_a instinct_n in_o nature_n 14._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o heathen_a borrow_v many_o ceremony_n from_o their_o neighbour_n the_o jew_n and_o use_v they_o in_o their_o own_o religion_n will_v he_o thence_o infer_v that_o those_o ceremony_n be_v act_n of_o a_o natural_a religion_n or_o that_o they_o spring_v from_o a_o common_a principle_n of_o religion_n in_o nature_n that_o be_v to_o err_v willing_o they_o have_v their_o image_n their_o temple_n their_o priest_n their_o distinct_a habit_n for_o their_o priest_n their_o sacrifice_n the_o ring_n in_o marriage_n wear_v black_a in_o token_n of_o mourn_v for_o the_o dead_a and_o many_o other_o ceremony_n have_v they_o these_o from_o a_o innate_a principle_n a_o principle_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o nature_n to_o acknowledge_v and_o adore_v a_o deity_n to_o do_v justice_n to_o love_v mercy_n to_o speak_v truth_n etc._n etc._n these_o indeed_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o natural_a religion_n these_o spring_n from_o seed_n of_o religion_n sow_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n and_o so_o be_v indeed_o moral_a and_o eternal_a 1.21_o but_o there_o may_v be_v way_n or_o modes_n of_o perform_v these_o which_o be_v not_o the_o dictate_v of_o this_o natural_a religion_n but_o be_v either_o receive_v praeceptive_o from_o god_n or_o invent_v and_o institute_v by_o man_n according_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o humour_n for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o natural_a religion_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o deity_n and_o that_o this_o deity_n be_v to_o be_v adore_v yet_o be_v not_o all_o those_o way_n by_o which_o this_o deity_n be_v adore_v the_o effect_n of_o natural_a religion_n but_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v command_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n the_o rest_n invent_v and_o institute_v by_o men._n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o justice_n mâ—rcy_n and_o truth_n there_o be_v justice_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v justice_n there_o be_v mercy_n and_o the_o way_n of_o show_v mercy_n there_o be_v truth_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o speak_a truth_n now_o a_o oath_n be_v but_o the_o mâ—de_n or_o manner_n of_o 〈◊〉_d truth_n he_o himself_o call_v it_o a_o form_n of_o â—iuâ—ng_a evidence_n pag._n 62_o it_o be_v truth_n itself_o that_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n to_o do_v just_o be_v a_o moral_a and_o eternal_a precept_n to_o shâ—w_v mercy_n be_v the_o like_a to_o spâ—ak_v truth_n be_v the_o
like_a but_o the_o manner_n of_o express_v these_o be_v not_o moral_a not_o eternal_a but_o mutable_a variâ—blâ—_n transient_a to_o speak_v the_o truth_n be_v a_o indispensible_a command_n a_o command_n write_v in_o man_n heart_n from_o the_o beginning_n bâ—t_v the_o manner_n of_o perform_v this_o have_v be_v various_a sometimes_o by_o a_o bare_a single_a affirmation_n sometime_o by_o a_o additional_a asseveration_n sometime_o by_o calling_n god_n verbal_o to_o witness_v sometime_o by_o a_o imprecation_n on_o the_o party_n himself_o sometime_o by_o put_v the_o hand_n under_o the_o thigh_n sometime_o by_o lift_v it_o up_o to_o heaven_n sometime_o by_o lay_v it_o upon_o the_o breast_n sometime_o by_o lay_v it_o upon_o the_o altar_n sometime_o by_o lay_v it_o upon_o a_o book_n sometime_o by_o kiss_v the_o book_n etc._n etc._n now_o all_o these_o out_o of_o which_o a_o oath_n be_v make_v up_o be_v but_o the_o various_a way_n and_o manner_n of_o express_v truth_n the_o oath_n be_v not_o the_o truth_n itself_o but_o a_o medium_fw-la or_o way_n contrive_v to_o gain_v credit_n with_o the_o suspicious_a and_o incredulous_a who_o be_v easy_o persuade_v that_o the_o party_n give_v evidence_n will_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n and_o punishment_n upon_o perjury_n be_v more_o incline_v to_o speak_v the_o truth_n after_o this_o manner_n viz_o of_o a_o oath_n then_o if_o his_o testimony_n shall_v be_v take_v upon_o a_o single_a affirmation_n a_o oath_n therefore_o be_v the_o manner_n not_o the_o matter_n not_o the_o substance_n but_o a_o ceremony_n use_v only_o sometime_o and_o by_o same_o person_n to_o gain_v credit_n with_o the_o suspicious_a and_o that_o various_o according_a to_o circumstance_n &_o occasion_n i_o conclude_v it_o can_v be_v a_o act_n of_o natural_a religion_n it_o can_v be_v a_o moral_a eternal_a precept_n and_o how_o far_o johâ—_n gauden_n late_a bishop_n of_o exeter_n be_v of_o this_o mind_n also_o let_v the_o reader_n judge_v by_o his_o own_o word_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v say_v he_o in_o his_o discourse_n concern_v public_a oath_n 23._o that_o the_o evil_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o manner_n the_o jealousy_n and_o distrust_n the_o dissimulation_n and_o fraud_n of_o many_o christians_n their_o uncharitableness_n unsatisfaction_n and_o insecurity_n be_v not_o such_o as_o by_o their_o disease_n do_v make_v these_o application_n of_o solemn_a oath_n &_o judicial_a swear_n necessary_a not_o absolute_o and_o moral_o or_o preceptiâ—â—â—y_o as_o the_o schoolman_n note_v well_o but_o by_o way_n of_o consequence_n and_o remedy_n as_o good_a new_a law_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o curb_n or_o cure_n of_o new_a evil_n in_o polity_n and_o kingdom_n observe_v reâ—der_n the_o bishop_n here_o deny_v that_o solemn_a oath_n and_o judicial_a swear_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a moral_o necessary_a preceptive_o necessary_a and_o make_v they_o necessary_a only_o by_o way_n of_o consequence_n and_o remedy_n as_o application_n to_o the_o disease_n of_o jealousi_n distrust_n dissimulation_n fraud_n and_o other_o evil_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o manneâ—s_n how_o then_o be_v they_o act_v of_o natural_a religion_n how_o be_v they_o a_o part_n of_o the_o moral_a and_o eternal_a law_n again_o the_o bishop_n go_v on_o thus_o possible_o as_o christian_n true_o such_o we_o shall_v need_v no_o swear_n in_o public_a or_o private_a etc._n etc._n consider_v now_o i_o pray_v what_o act_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v that_o which_o the_o more_o truly-christian_a man_n become_v the_o less_o need_n they_o have_v of_o it_o how_o be_v that_o a_o part_n of_o the_o moral_a and_o eternal_a law_n which_o as_o man_n become_v truly-christian_a they_o shall_v have_v no_o occasion_n to_o use_v but_o i_o need_v not_o have_v go_v further_a than_o his_o own_o word_n to_o refute_v his_o opinion_n of_o the_o morality_n of_o a_o oath_n as_o a_o act_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o eternal_a law_n since_o he_o himself_o say_v pag._n 61._o if_o there_o be_v that_o truth_n in_o man_n that_o their_o bare_a testimony_n be_v of_o sufficient_a credit_n than_o there_o be_v no_o need_n at_o all_o of_o a_o oath_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v nor_o a_o act_n of_o natural_a religion_n as_o he_o call_v it_o not_o a_o part_n of_o the_o moral_a and_o eternal_a law_n which_o be_v never_o to_o be_v abolish_v for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o natural_a religion_n a_o increase_n of_o truth_n in_o man_n will_v not_o render_v it_o needless_a if_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o moral_a and_o eternal_a law_n a_o increase_n of_o truth_n in_o man_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v it_o needless_a that_o it_o will_v rather_o confirm_v strengthen_v and_o â—nforce_v it_o as_o we_o see_v in_o love_n mercy_n justice_n and_o the_o like_a i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o his_o first_o proposition_n which_o prove_v defective_a in_o all_o its_o part_n his_o second_o proposition_n by_o which_o he_o undertake_v to_o prove_v swear_v lawful_a be_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o act_n of_o necessary_a justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o men._n to_o prove_v which_o he_o say_v â—t_a at_o in_o order_n to_o the_o end_v of_o strife_n evidâ—â—ce_n be_v necessary_a aâ—sw_n evidence_n be_v indeed_o necessary_a but_o if_o he_o admit_v nothing_o for_o evidence_n but_o what_o be_v give_v upon_o oath_n he_o err_v egregious_o for_o that_o be_v as_o real_o evidence_n and_o may_v be_v also_o as_o true_a and_o faithful_a which_o be_v deliver_v bare_o by_o a_o plain_a affirmâ—ion_n as_o that_o which_o be_v give_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o oath_n this_o be_v grant_v which_o can_v reasonable_o be_v deny_v a_o oath_n be_v then_o superfluous_a panciora_fw-la and_o whatsoever_o be_v superfluous_a be_v not_o necessary_a and_o indeed_o among_o good_a man_n a_o oath_n be_v needless_a as_o the_o emperor_n antonine_n well_o observe_v in_o his_o description_n of_o a_o good_a man_n the_o integrity_n of_o a_o true_o good_a man_n say_v he_o be_v such_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o oath_n for_o he_o which_o single_a sentence_n of_o a_o virtuous_a heathen_a be_v enough_o one_o will_v think_v to_o put_v to_o shame_n and_o silence_n all_o those_o nominal_a christian_n that_o from_o their_o hypocrisy_n malice_n and_o interest_n infer_v as_o this_o priest_n dâ—es_v a_o necessity_n of_o swear_v but_o if_o he_o will_v still_o have_v oath_n to_o be_v necessary_a i_o will_v show_v he_o from_o one_o of_o sufficient_a authority_n with_o he_o at_o least_o i_o doubt_v not_o whence_o that_o necessity_n come_v 228._o iâ—r_n tailor_n late_a bishop_n of_o down_n and_o conner_n in_o his_o course_n of_o sermon_n late_o print_v speak_v of_o swear_v say_v thus_o but_o let_v we_o consider_v who_o it_o be_v that_o invent_v and_o make_v the_o necessity_n of_o oath_n &c_n &c_n these_o thing_n say_v he_o be_v indeed_o find_v out_o by_o man_n but_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o be_v from_o he_o that_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o lie_n the_o devil_n here_o thâ—n_o the_o priest_n may_v see_v first_o whence_o that_o necessity_n at_o first_o spring_v which_o he_o labour_v so_o hard_a to_o continue_v and_o perpetuate_v 2._o that_o oath_n be_v invent_v by_o man_n and_o therefore_o what_o he_o have_v say_v of_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o act_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o moral_a and_o eternal_a law_n be_v indeed_o but_o a_o mere_a fancy_n but_o he_o say_v if_o there_o be_v that_o truth_n in_o man_n that_o their_o bare_a testimony_n be_v infallible_a and_o of_o sufficient_a credit_n than_o there_o be_v no_o need_n at_o all_o of_o a_o oath_n pag_n 61._o answ._n i_o say_v if_o oath_n be_v infallible_a that_o be_v that_o they_o that_o take_v they_o can_v not_o deceive_v can_v not_o choose_v but_o speak_v true_a then_o there_o be_v more_o reason_n for_o â—he_n take_v of_o they_o but_o oath_n be_v fâ—llâ—ble_a as_o well_o as_o bare_a testimony_n and_o that_o the_o too_o frequent_a perjury_n in_o all_o age_n wherein_o oath_n have_v be_v use_v be_v infallible_a evidence_n of_o but_o be_v nothing_o of_o sufficient_a rudat_n with_o he_o but_o what_o be_v infallible_a if_o so_o then_o neither_o be_v oath_n of_o sufficient_a credit_n because_o not_o infallible_a but_o if_o he_o will_v grant_v that_o a_o evidence_n may_v be_v of_o sufficient_a credit_n although_o not_o infallible_a he_o must_v then_o either_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v in_o any_o man_n that_o truth_n which_o may_v make_v his_o bare_a testimony_n of_o sufficient_a credit_n or_o yield_v that_o there_o be_v some_o man_n from_o who_o there_o be_v no_o need_n at_o all_o of_o a_o oath_n but_o he_o say_v all_o man_n be_v liar_n answ._n i_o do_v not_o believe_v all_o man_n be_v liar_n whatever_o he_o may_v be_v and_o i_o will_v glad_o hear_v in_o what_o