a_o help_n to_o holy_a walk_n or_o a_o guide_n to_o glory_n contain_v direction_n how_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o to_o walk_v with_o he_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n gen._n 5.24_o and_o enoch_n walk_v with_o god_n and_o he_o be_v not_o for_o god_n take_v he_o gen._n 6.9_o noah_n be_v a_o just_a man_n and_o perfect_a in_o his_o generation_n &_o noah_n walk_v with_o god_n john_n 4.23,24_o the_o hour_n come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n seek_v such_o to_o worship_n he_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o those_o that_o worship_n he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n by_o edward_n bury_n late_a minister_n of_o great_a bolas_n in_o shropshire_n london_n print_v by_o f._n l._n for_o nevil_n simmons_n at_o the_o prince_n arm_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1675._o to_o the_o right_n worshipful_a true_o noble_a and_o real_o religious_a lady_n the_o lady_n 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golden_a calf_n yet_o the_o time_n be_v come_v their_o mind_n will_v change_v when_o they_o shall_v see_v all_o their_o glory_n how_o high_a soever_o it_o fly_v vanish_v like_o smoke_n before_o their_o eye_n into_o nothing_o now_o they_o take_v they_o all_o to_o be_v fool_n or_o mad_a man_n that_o run_v counter_a to_o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n and_o most_o man_n have_v rather_o be_v honourable_a than_o religious_a great_a than_o good_n but_o when_o they_o have_v cast_v up_o their_o account_n at_o death_n they_o will_v find_v there_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o reckon_a they_o will_v then_o see_v holiness_n be_v the_o best_a fashion_n though_o lest_o wear_v and_o that_o all_o the_o pomp_n in_o the_o world_n be_v but_o gild_a rottenness_n a_o dead_a carcase_n stuff_v with_o flower_n and_o that_o at_o death_n all_o the_o gold_n in_o the_o indies_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o a_o handful_n of_o dirt_n or_o dung_n the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o long_o it_o can_v be_v that_o one_o dram_n of_o grace_n will_v be_v worth_a a_o world_n and_o one_o glymp_n of_o god_n favour_n worth_n a_o thousand_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n humility_n and_o self-denial_n be_v two_o soul-adorning_a grace_n though_o seldom_o see_v wear_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o great_a person_n they_o be_v the_o first_o lesson_n teach_v in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n though_o few_o ever_o take_v they_o out_o they_o be_v beautiful_a in_o great_a man_n as_o well_o as_o poor_a and_o submissive_a devotion_n in_o religious_a duty_n do_v not_o wrong_a majesty_n itself_o virtue_n be_v better_a than_o a_o thousand_o escutcheon_n and_o it_o be_v true_a nobility_n where_o god_n be_v the_o top_n of_o the_o kin_n and_o religion_n lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n it_o be_v a_o great_a honour_n to_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n than_o to_o be_v bear_v of_o prince_n and_o to_o be_v espouse_v to_o christ_n speak_v more_o of_o honour_n and_o happiness_n than_o the_o world_n can_v confer_v riches_n of_o themselves_o make_v not_o the_o soul_n better_a or_o worse_o neither_o do_v god_n think_v ever_o the_o better_a of_o man_n for_o wealth_n sake_n except_o they_o take_v christ_n counsel_n and_o make_v friend_n with_o this_o unrighteous_a mammon_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n have_v their_o riches_n make_v up_o into_o a_o crown_n for_o their_o head_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o these_o thing_n seem_v questionable_a to_o any_o a_o little_a time_n may_v resolve_v the_o doubt_n when_o it_o will_v plain_o appear_v that_o a_o bare_a profession_n of_o religion_n will_v serve_v no_o man_n turn_n for_o salvation_n mat._n 7.22_o &_o 25.1,2_o etc._n etc._n the_o lamp_n of_o profession_n may_v light_v a_o man_n to_o death_n never_o to_o heaven_n madam_n i_o write_v not_o these_o thing_n for_o your_o instruction_n but_o i_o have_v need_v to_o speak_v they_o out_o that_o other_o may_v hear_v my_o prayer_n to_o god_n be_v that_o you_o may_v go_v on_o in_o honour_v he_o who_o have_v honour_v you_o and_o improve_v all_o for_o his_o glory_n from_o who_o you_o have_v receive_v all_o know_v you_o can_v do_v too_o much_o or_o suffer_v too_o much_o for_o he_o who_o have_v do_v so_o much_o and_o suffer_v so_o much_o for_o you_o you_o can_v buy_v this_o gold_n too_o dear_a the_o world_n you_o may_v buy_v too_o dear_a and_o most_o man_n do_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o soul_n madam_n as_o to_o this_o unpolished_a piece_n though_o i_o be_o conscious_a to_o myself_o of_o many_o want_n yet_o i_o hope_v a_o will_n to_o do_v good_a be_v not_o want_v he_o that_o do_v receive_v a_o turtle_n for_o a_o sacrifice_n when_o a_o lamb_n be_v want_v and_o a_o little_a goat_n hair_n when_o no_o
require_v not_o or_o do_v it_o in_o a_o manner_n he_o regard_v not_o they_o be_v like_o the_o son_n that_o say_v to_o his_o father_n i_o go_v sir_n but_o go_v not_o mat._n 21.30_o but_o shall_v we_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o thou_o will_v worship_v he_o but_o will_v thou_o do_v it_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n otherwise_o god_n will_v not_o regard_v it_o i_o fear_v we_o may_v say_v of_o many_o as_o joshua_n of_o israel_n josh_n 24.19_o you_o can_v serve_v the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v a_o holy_a god_n but_o be_v it_o your_o resolution_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o verse_n follow_v nay_o but_o we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n and_o that_o you_o will_v choose_v the_o lord_n to_o serve_v he_o consider_v what_o you_o do_v you_o must_v take_v he_o to_o be_v your_o god_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v your_o soul_n cleanse_v from_o all_o your_o sin_n and_o must_v be_v willing_a to_o take_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v your_o lord_n and_o husband_n and_o be_v as_o willing_a to_o be_v rule_v by_o he_o as_o save_v by_o he_o and_o must_v resolve_v to_o obey_v his_o law_n and_o do_v his_o will_n and_o live_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o spiritual_a duty_n he_o require_v at_o at_o thy_o hand_n yea_o thou_o must_v have_v a_o settle_a resolution_n to_o cleave_v to_o christ_n and_o obey_v he_o even_o in_o the_o most_o despise_a disgraceful_a dangerous_a difficult_a and_o costly_a part_n of_o duty_n though_o it_o be_v to_o the_o loss_n of_o thy_o worldly_a enjoyment_n yea_o and_o life_n itself_o i_o know_v many_o will_v pick_v of_o choose_v their_o duty_n this_o they_o will_v do_v but_o that_o they_o will_v not_o they_o scum_v of_o the_o fat_a and_o sweet_a of_o duty_n but_o leave_v that_o which_o be_v difficult_a or_o dangerous_a but_o god_n will_v have_v no_o such_o servant_n obey_v he_o thou_o must_v though_o thy_o father_n mother_n and_o all_o thy_o friend_n become_v thy_o enemy_n upon_o the_o account_n yea_o in_o some_o case_n thou_o must_v not_o only_o leave_v but_o hate_v father_n and_o mother_n etc._n etc._n yea_o thy_o own_o life_n for_o his_o sake_n yea_o though_o thou_o lose_v thy_o credit_n and_o esteem_v in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v make_v a_o scorn_n and_o a_o reproach_n for_o his_o sake_n though_o thou_o lose_v thy_o pleasure_n and_o never_o see_v merry_a day_n whilst_o thou_o live_v though_o it_o endanger_v thy_o estate_n and_o bring_v thou_o to_o poverty_n though_o thou_o lose_v thy_o liberty_n and_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o prison_n yea_o though_o thou_o lose_v thy_o life_n and_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o stake_n to_o suffer_v yea_o though_o thou_o see_v few_o or_o none_o walk_v that_o same_o way_n with_o thou_o noah_n must_v obey_v god_n though_o the_o whole_a world_n disobey_v he_o yea_o thou_o must_v obey_v he_o though_o his_o command_n be_v never_o so_o contrary_a to_o thy_o carnal_a interest_n or_o never_o so_o opposite_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o hard_a or_o difficult_a or_o dangerous_a or_o costly_a before_o ever_o thou_o take_v upon_o thou_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n sit_v down_o first_o and_o reckon_v the_o charge_n lest_o like_o many_o thou_o begin_v to_o build_v and_o be_v unable_a to_o finish_v it_o and_o not_o like_o many_o put_v their_o hand_n to_o the_o blow_n and_o then_o look_v back_o or_o like_o the_o stony_a ground_n when_o persecution_n arise_v present_o be_v offend_v resolve_v to_o give_v he_o thy_o heart_n with_o thy_o hand_n or_o he_o will_v have_v none_o of_o thou_o he_o know_v the_o heart_n and_o try_v the_o reins_o and_o thou_o can_v not_o deceive_v he_o with_o a_o dissemble_a show_n when_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n offer_v strange_a fire_n he_o slay_v they_o when_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n play_v the_o hypocrite_n he_o strike_v they_o dead_a cleanse_v thy_o heart_n therefore_o if_o thou_o will_v serve_v he_o and_o serve_v he_o thou_o must_v or_o do_v worse_o thou_o can_v never_o err_v on_o that_o hand_n in_o serve_v he_o too_o well_o he_o deserve_v more_o and_o better_a than_o thou_o can_v give_v he_o his_o wage_n will_v be_v beyond_o thy_o work_n now_o that_o i_o may_v prevail_v with_o thou_o to_o serve_v god_n take_v these_o follow_a motive_n 1._o motive_n we_o shall_v worship_v and_o serve_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n because_o he_o have_v command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v and_o his_o command_n make_v it_o our_o duty_n we_o be_v his_o creature_n and_o we_o owe_v ourselves_o and_o all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o he_o for_o our_o creation_n he_o make_v we_o and_o therefore_o have_v most_o right_a to_o we_o he_o make_v we_o for_o his_o service_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v serve_v he_o for_o who_o be_v the_o pot_n but_o the_o potter_n and_o this_o be_v the_o service_n he_o require_v of_o we_o to_o worship_v he_o according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o praise_v he_o for_o his_o benefit_n this_o be_v all_o he_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n even_o this_o tribute_n of_o praise_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o ingrateful_a to_o our_o great_a benefactor_n to_o deny_v he_o this_o nay_o we_o be_v his_o also_o by_o right_a of_o redemption_n for_o we_o have_v sell_v ourselves_o unto_o slavery_n even_o to_o satan_n and_o be_v become_v bondslave_n to_o this_o hellish_a pharaoh_n who_o exercise_v more_o cruelty_n to_o our_o soul_n than_o ever_o pharaoh_n do_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o israelite_n and_o in_o the_o slavery_n have_v remain_v for_o ever_o have_v not_o god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n to_o ransom_n we_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o shed_n of_o his_o precious_a blood_n satan_n be_v the_o strong_a man_n arm_v that_o keep_v his_o house_n in_o peace_n till_o christ_n a_o strong_a than_o he_o disarm_v he_o and_o take_v away_o his_o weapon_n wherein_o he_o boast_v and_o now_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n we_o shall_v glorify_v god_n with_o our_o body_n and_o with_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v go_n the_o end_n he_o aim_v at_o in_o our_o redemption_n be_v his_o own_o glory_n as_o well_o as_o our_o liberty_n and_o this_o he_o expect_v from_o our_o hand_n be_v we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o our_o enemy_n may_v serve_v he_o without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n before_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n luk._n 2.74,75_o nay_o we_o be_v also_o his_o by_o covenant_n under_o our_o hand_n and_o seal_n in_o our_o baptism_n we_o be_v dedicate_v to_o his_o service_n which_o covenant_n since_o we_o have_v often_o ratify_v at_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n and_o how_o can_v we_o deny_v our_o own_o act_n and_o deed_n he_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o we_o shall_v worship_v he_o psal_n 45_o 1â—_n now_o that_o worship_n and_o service_n be_v require_v of_o we_o be_v evident_a scripture_n and_o reason_n speak_v as_o much_o 2_o king_n 17.36_o you_o shall_v not_o fear_v other_o god_n nor_o bow_v yourselves_o to_o they_o nor_o serve_v they_o nor_o sacrifice_n to_o they_o but_o the_o lord_n who_o bring_v you_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n with_o great_a power_n and_o a_o stretch_v out_o arm_n he_o shall_v you_o fear_v and_o he_o shall_v you_o worship_n and_o to_o he_o you_o shall_v do_v sacrifice_n and_o his_o statute_n and_o his_o ordinance_n you_o shall_v observe_v exod._n 34.4_o you_o shall_v worship_v no_o other_o god_n but_o he_o the_o like_a we_o have_v exod._n 20.50_o 1_o chron._n 16.29_o give_v unto_o the_o lord_n the_o glory_n due_a unto_o his_o name_n bring_v a_o offer_v and_o a_o oblation_n before_o he_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n yea_o christ_n himself_o preach_v this_o doctrine_n when_o the_o devil_n tempt_v he_o to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v he_o he_o answer_v it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v mat._n 4.8_o yea_o he_o direct_v we_o with_o what_o worship_n to_o worship_v he_o john_n 4.23,24_o the_o true_a worshipper_n worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o those_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o of_o this_o spiritual_a worship_n we_o may_v also_o read_v phil._n 3.3_o or_o will_v you_o hear_v the_o counsel_n of_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n you_o have_v it_o rev._n 19.10_o worship_n god_n yea_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o angel_n the_o work_n they_o do_v and_o the_o work_n that_o the_o angel_n and_o gloryfy_v saint_n shall_v do_v through_o all_o eternity_n heb._n 1.6_o but_o what_o be_v testimony_n in_o so_o plain_a a_o case_n few_o deny_v it_o though_o few_o
meditation_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n and_o at_o all_o time_n but_o of_o set_v and_o solemn_a meditation_n which_o be_v a_o duty_n at_o some_o time_n only_o and_o when_o thou_o come_v unto_o it_o thou_o shall_v come_v prepare_o no_o duty_n can_v be_v well_o perform_v without_o much_o less_o this_o so_o serious_a and_o solemn_a a_o duty_n this_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o whole_a bent_n of_o the_o mind_n they_o must_v be_v whole_o set_v upon_o some_o special_a object_n which_o for_o the_o time_n we_o make_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o meditation_n this_o duty_n be_v as_o the_o chew_v of_o the_o cud_n in_o the_o clean_a beast_n or_o as_o in_o digestion_n to_o the_o body_n for_o as_o digestion_n turn_v food_n into_o soil_n and_o blood_n and_o spirit_n and_o flesh_n so_o meditation_n turn_v thou_o truth_n receive_v into_o affection_n resolution_n act_n yea_o into_o a-ho_o life_n and_o conversation_n now_o the_o preparation_n require_v be_v either_o internal_a or_o external_n the_o internal_a be_v chief_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o understanding_n the_o heart_n be_v the_o chief_a instrument_n in_o the_o work_n if_o the_o instrument_n be_v in_o tune_n the_o music_n will_v be_v good_a if_o that_o be_v out_o it_o will_v be_v little_a worth_n the_o success_n of_o the_o work_n depend_v much_o upon_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o heart_n if_o that_o be_v right_a god_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o dwell_v there_o and_o give_v in_o his_o assistance_n in_o the_o duty_n and_o without_o his_o assistance_n the_o duty_n will_v do_v we_o little_a good_a there_o must_v be_v grace_n in_o the_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o knowledge_n in_o the_o brain_n or_o the_o work_n will_v not_o prosper_v in_o our_o hand_n get_v thy_o affection_n as_o much_o off_o from_o the_o world_n and_o as_o resolve_o set_v upon_o christ_n as_o thou_o can_v for_o christ_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o partner_n and_o as_o a_o gracious_a heart_n so_o a_o understanding_n head_n will_v much_o forward_a the_o work_n it_o be_v a_o sweet_a conjunction_n where_o these_o meet_a but_o if_o sever_a the_o former_a be_v most_o requisite_a come_v with_o a_o empty_a heart_n and_o it_o will_v be_v fill_v with_o a_o enlarge_a heart_n and_o it_o will_v be_v satisfy_v this_o duty_n be_v enough_o to_o exercise_v the_o whole_a man_n be_v the_o faculty_n a_o thousand_o time_n more_o capacious_a than_o they_o be_v angel_n themselves_o can_v dive_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o many_o mystery_n lay_v by_o therefore_o all_o other_o thought_n occasion_n business_n and_o concernment_n whatsoever_o and_o gather_v in_o thy_o whole_a strength_n and_o set_v upon_o the_o duty_n bring_v not_o a_o full_a vessel_n that_o can_v hold_v no_o more_o if_o a_o vessel_n be_v full_a of_o water_n there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o wine_n if_o thy_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o muck_n thou_o can_v hold_v no_o money_n if_o thy_o heart_n be_v stuff_v with_o trifle_n it_o can_v hold_v no_o better_a treasure_n when_o thou_o mounte_v this_o hill_n of_o contemplation_n be_v sure_a with_o abraham_n leave_v all_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o hill_n say_v stand_v by_o pleasure_n stand_v by_o friend_n stand_v by_o world_n and_o worldly_a thing_n i_o be_o go_v to_o sacrifice_n and_o will_v come_v again_o when_o we_o come_v into_o our_o prince_n presence_n we_o leave_v our_o muck_n behind_o we_o and_o bring_v no_o unsuitable_a company_n with_o we_o much_o more_o when_o we_o come_v into_o god_n presence_n cast_v off_o all_o sin_n out_o with_o the_o world_n and_o worldly_a thought_n yea_o all_o other_o thought_n though_o at_o other_o time_n good_a which_o will_v any_o way_n disturb_v thou_o and_o dispose_v thy_o business_n so_o that_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v hinder_v and_o for_o external_a preparation_n it_o consist_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o some_o needful_a circumstance_n as_o time_n place_n etc._n etc._n for_o occasional_a meditation_n all_o time_n and_o all_o place_n be_v fit_a when_o a_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v but_o not_o so_o here_o the_o sabbath_n day_n be_v a_o fit_a time_n when_o other_o duty_n be_v not_o on_o foot_n but_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o upon_o other_o day_n experience_n will_v best_o instruct_v thou_o when_o the_o spirit_n be_v most_o lively_a and_o active_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o work_n in_o the_o morning_n or_o in_o the_o evening_n the_o like_a i_o say_v for_o place_n where_o thou_o find_v it_o most_o convenient_a at_o home_n or_o abroad_o in_o the_o house_n or_o in_o the_o field_n the_o place_n which_o be_v most_o suitable_a and_o free_a from_o distraction_n be_v the_o fit_a isaac_n walk_v into_o the_o field_n christ_n in_o the_o garden_n peter_n on_o the_o top_n of_o the_o house_n but_o i_o conceive_v ordinary_o for_o this_o set_a meditation_n that_o place_n which_o christ_n appoint_v for_o private_a prayer_n be_v suitable_a for_o this_o secret_a duty_n viz._n the_o closet_n with_o the_o door_n shut_v mat_n 6.46_o in_o a_o word_n when_o thou_o feel_v a_o sweet_a gale_n of_o the_o spirit_n assist_v thou_o lose_v not_o the_o opportunity_n strike_v while_o the_o iron_n be_v hot_a perhaps_o thou_o may_v do_v more_o than_o in_o a_o hour_n than_o at_o another_o time_n in_o a_o day_n 3._o direct_v have_v thus_o prepare_v thy_o heart_n for_o the_o work_n and_o make_v choice_n of_o a_o fit_a time_n and_o place_n set_v upon_o it_o set_v thyself_o serious_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n apprehend_v he_o take_v notice_n of_o thou_o how_o thou_o perform_v this_o duty_n and_o this_o will_v keep_v thy_o heart_n from_o wander_a and_o thy_o thought_n from_o rove_a yea_o before_o thou_o begin_v put_v up_o some_o pithy_a fervent_a petition_n for_o god_n assistance_n and_o direction_n and_o that_o he_o will_v give_v thou_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o the_o end_n and_o that_o he_o will_v take_v possession_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o keep_v thy_o thought_n from_o wander_v from_o the_o duty_n for_o without_o god_n assistance_n thou_o will_v but_o strive_v in_o thy_o own_o strength_n and_o lose_v all_o thy_o labour_n when_o thou_o have_v make_v this_o entrance_n by_o prayer_n make_v choice_n of_o some_o profitable_a subject_n to_o meditate_v upon_o all_o meditation_n though_o set_v and_o solemn_a and_o serious_a be_v not_o that_o i_o treat_v of_o how_o serious_o do_v the_o covetous_a man_n study_v how_o to_o grow_v rich_a yea_o perhaps_o how_o to_o deceive_v his_o brother_n how_o serious_a be_v the_o voluptuous_a man_n study_v how_o to_o get_v pleasure_n or_o satisfy_v his_o lust_n the_o ambitious_a man_n how_o to_o get_v honour_n &_o the_o envious_a man_n how_o to_o do_v his_o neighbour_n a_o mischief_n yea_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v he_o can_v sleep_v till_o it_o be_v do_v but_o this_o be_v devilish_a and_o not_o divine_a meditation_n but_o single_a out_o some_o choice_n profitable_a subject_n and_o let_v thy_o thought_n run_v upon_o that_o that_o which_o may_v wind_v up_o thy_o affection_n near_o unto_o god_n and_o which_o be_v well_o worth_a the_o time_n thou_o imploye_v about_o it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o nature_n garden_n will_v furnish_v thou_o with_o flower_n enough_o to_o gather_v honey_n on_o the_o scripture_n will_v abundant_o furnish_v thou_o to_o this_o end_n no_o verse_n but_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o meditation_n this_o be_v the_o cannon_n whereby_o thou_o may_v try_v good_a from_o bad_a and_o truth_n from_o error_n by_o this_o thou_o may_v know_v what_o be_v duty_n what_o be_v sin_n what_o be_v true_a and_o what_o be_v false_a or_o thou_o may_v take_v any_o common_a place_n in_o divinity_n for_o the_o subject_a of_o thy_o meditation_n here_o thou_o may_v find_v a_o large_a field_n to_o walk_v in_o and_o many_o necessary_a yea_o fundamental_a truth_n may_v fall_v under_o consideration_n but_o take_v heed_n of_o meddle_v with_o secret_a thing_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o god_n there_o be_v enough_o reveal_v for_o thy_o salvation_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o thy_o satisfaction_n be_v it_o needful_a i_o may_v lead_v thou_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o show_v thou_o matter_n sufficient_a to_o work_v upon_o as_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n but_o this_o be_v such_o a_o bottomless_a gulf_n that_o the_o angel_n themselves_o can_v never_o sound_v or_o fathom_n yet_o here_o we_o may_v sail_v by_o the_o scripture_n chard_n in_o safety_n consider_v also_o the_o work_n of_o god_n the_o decree_n creation_n and_o providence_n consider_v thy_o own_o estate_n in_o the_o creation_n after_o the_o fall_n and_o in_o thy_o restauration_n consider_v christ_n the_o mediator_n in_o his_o nature_n and_o office_n his_o incarnation_n birth_n life_n doctrine_n miracle_n death_n and_o passion_n his_o resurrection_n ascention_n and_o intercession_n and_o his_o come_n at_o the_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
god_n to_o witness_n at_o their_o card_n die_n table_n or_o invoke_v he_o to_o their_o assistance_n those_o make_v too_o bold_a with_o god_n and_o shall_v have_v no_o thanks_o for_o their_o labour_n in_o this_o sin_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o bait_v a_o temptation_n it_o carry_v neither_o profit_n nor_o pleasure_n along_o with_o it_o and_o the_o actor_n in_o this_o sin_n serve_v the_o devil_n for_o nothing_o yet_o they_o shall_v not_o go_v un-rewarded_n 7._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v not_o offend_v god_n by_o thy_o oath_n take_v heed_n of_o false_a swear_v for_o this_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a of_o all_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v answer_v for_o every_o idle_a word_n as_o christ_n himself_o affirm_v mat._n 12.36_o and_o for_o every_o vain_a oath_n he_o be_v liable_a to_o damnation_n as_o st._n james_n affirm_v james_n 5.12_o much_o more_o than_o for_o false_a swear_n wherein_o man_n call_v forth_o god_n to_o witness_v to_o their_o lie_n and_o so_o in_o effect_n they_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v god_n but_o their_o damnation_n sleep_v not_o god_n tell_v we_o by_o his_o prophet_n zach._n 5.4_o that_o his_o curse_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o he_o that_o swear_v false_o and_o there_o remain_v and_o consume_v both_o the_o timber_n and_o the_o stone_n thereof_o and_o the_o prophet_n david_n make_v it_o a_o mark_n of_o a_o citizen_n of_o heaven_n that_o have_v swear_v to_o his_o neighbour_n will_v faithful_o perform_v though_o it_o prove_v to_o his_o own_o injury_n and_o dis-advantage_n psal_n 15.4_o and_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o humane_a society_n that_o regard_v not_o his_o oath_n for_o what_o bond_n will_v then_o hold_v he_o now_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o oath_n and_o in_o either_o a_o man_n may_v sorswear_v himself_o there_o be_v assertatory_n oath_n when_o a_o man_n say_v such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v or_o it_o be_v not_o do_v or_o it_o be_v do_v thus_o or_o thus_o or_o these_o and_o these_o word_n be_v thus_o speak_v and_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v the_o same_o that_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n the_o whole_a truth_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n if_o now_o he_o know_v that_o what_o he_o say_v be_v contrary_n to_o the_o truth_n this_o be_v direct_a perjury_n and_o a_o sin_n which_o without_o repentance_n will_v certain_o sink_v he_o into_o hell_n and_o be_v a_o shrewd_a sign_n of_o a_o harden_a heart_n and_o a_o wicked_a mind_n nay_o if_o he_o affirm_v that_o to_o be_v true_a upon_o oath_n which_o be_v doubtful_a to_o he_o and_o of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n he_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a he_o can_v be_v excuse_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v upon_o oath_n affirm_v such_o a_o man_n in_o ireland_n to_o be_v dead_a and_o know_v not_o whether_o he_o be_v live_v or_o dead_a he_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n if_o it_o prove_v true_a and_o the_o man_n be_v dead_a this_o do_v not_o excuse_v he_o for_o aught_o he_o know_v he_o may_v be_v live_v a_o man_n shall_v certain_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o he_o positive_o assert_n by_o oath_n again_o there_o be_v promissory_a oath_n in_o which_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o another_o to_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n for_o he_o or_o give_v such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n to_o he_o and_o do_v not_o only_o promise_v but_o swear_v to_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n as_o when_o a_o man_n swear_v to_o be_v a_o faithful_a and_o loyal_a subject_n to_o his_o sovereign_n or_o a_o faithful_a soldier_n to_o his_o captain_n or_o a_o loyal_a wife_n to_o her_o husband_n or_o to_o give_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o his_o friend_n and_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o to_o punish_v he_o if_o he_o prove_v false_a and_o when_o he_o take_v this_o oath_n intend_v not_o to_o perform_v the_o thing_n promise_v this_o in_o god_n account_n be_v perjury_n though_o man_n can_v perceive_v it_o god_n do_v who_o be_v call_v to_o witness_v the_o integrity_n of_o his_o heart_n when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n nay_o his_o fact_n be_v not_o excuse_v though_o the_o guilt_n be_v lessen_v if_o afterward_o he_o perform_v it_o for_o when_o he_o take_v it_o it_o be_v with_o a_o intent_n to_o deceive_v or_o if_o he_o take_v not_o his_o oath_n in_o the_o know_a sense_n of_o he_o that_o require_v it_o this_o be_v not_o justifiable_a for_o a_o oath_n be_v for_o the_o secure_n or_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o imposer_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v without_o fraud_n or_o aequivocation_n or_o mental_a reservation_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o he_o that_o administer_v it_o again_o though_o a_o man_n intention_n be_v never_o so_o sincere_a when_o he_o take_v his_o oath_n if_o afterward_o he_o fail_v in_o the_o performance_n if_o the_o thing_n promise_v be_v lawful_a and_o possible_a he_o can_v clear_v himself_o from_o perjury_n and_o though_o every_o false_a oath_n be_v dangerous_a and_o deadly_a yet_o there_o be_v aggravation_n that_o make_v some_o worse_a than_o other_o as_o to_o take_v a_o false_a oath_n before_o a_o magistrate_n in_o a_o public_a assembly_n in_o a_o court_n of_o judicatory_a whereby_o a_o unjust_a verdict_n be_v procure_v from_o the_o jury_n a_o unjust_a sentence_n from_o the_o judge_n whereby_o the_o innocent_a person_n lose_v his_o life_n or_o livelihood_n this_o be_v worse_a than_o in_o a_o private_a cause_n to_o a_o private_a person_n in_o a_o business_n of_o small_a concernment_n the_o godly_a in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v very_o careful_a to_o perform_v their_o oath_n as_o joshua_n to_o the_o gibonite_n though_o get_v by_o fraud_n and_o great_a cause_n god_n be_v offend_v at_o the_o breach_n of_o covenant_n as_o we_o find_v many_o year_n after_o when_o saul_n in_o his_o zeal_n have_v slay_v some_o of_o they_o god_n bring_v a_o three_o year_n famine_n upon_o the_o land_n and_o be_v never_o satisfy_v till_o seven_o of_o saul_n son_n be_v hang_v josh_n 9.19_o 2_o sam._n 21.1,2_o chap._n xii_o direction_n about_o vow_n the_o next_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n if_o it_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v so_o be_v a_o vow_n &_o this_o also_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o direction_n in_o as_o be_v a_o business_n of_o great_a concernment_n and_o that_o many_o have_v and_o the_o papist_n this_o day_n do_v much_o err_v in_o i_o shall_v first_o show_v you_o what_o a_o vow_n be_v and_o then_o show_v you_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o vow_n a_o religious_a vow_n be_v a_o solemn_a promise_n make_v to_o god_n by_o a_o fit_a person_n in_o a_o fit_a manner_n of_o some_o lawful_a thing_n which_o be_v in_o his_o own_o choice_n upon_o some_o special_a occasion_n and_o for_o some_o religious_a end_n i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o solemn_a promise_n to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o a_o purpose_n and_o it_o be_v either_o express_v in_o word_n as_o the_o vow_n of_o jephthah_n be_v judge_n 11.30_o and_o jephthah_n vow_v a_o vow_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v if_o thou_o shall_v without_o fail_v deliver_v the_o child_n of_o ammon_n into_o my_o hand_n what_o come_v first_o out_o of_o the_o door_n of_o my_o house_n to_o meet_v i_o shall_v sure_o be_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n or_o in_o the_o heart_n as_o hannah_n who_o vow_v a_o vow_n that_o if_o god_n will_v give_v she_o a_o man_n child_n that_o she_o will_v dedicate_v he_o to_o the_o lord_n 1_o sam._n 11.13_o she_o speak_v in_o her_o heart_n only_o her_o lip_n move_v but_o her_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v now_o these_o religious_a vow_n be_v to_o be_v make_v to_o god_n alone_o this_o we_o have_v precept_n and_o precedent_n for_o but_o not_o prcept_v or_o precedent_n to_o make_v vow_n to_o depart_a saint_n or_o angel_n psalm_n 76.11_o vow_n and_o pay_v it_o unto_o the_o lord_n isa_n 19.21_o they_o shall_v vow_v a_o vow_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o perform_v it_o jacob_n vow_v a_o vow_n to_o god_n gen._n 28.20_o israel_n vow_v a_o vow_n numb_a 21.2_o but_o where_o read_v we_o of_o any_o vow_n to_o angel_n or_o depart_v saint_n it_o must_v also_o be_v make_v by_o a_o fit_a person_n one_o that_o be_v compos_fw-la mentis_fw-la in_o his_o right_a mind_n child_n fool_n or_o madman_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o do_v it_o nay_o he_o shall_v be_v at_o his_o own_o dispose_n especial_o in_o the_o matter_n which_o he_o vow_v a_o maid_n in_o her_o father_n house_n or_o a_o woman_n that_o have_v a_o husband_n their_o vow_n be_v qualify_v by_o the_o father_n or_o husband_n dislike_n numb_a 30.34_o etc._n etc._n it_o shall_v also_o be_v of_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o power_n otherwise_o they_o can_v perform_v in_o a_o fit_a manner_n that_o be_v with_o meditation_n and_o consideration_n for_o some_o lawful_a thing_n for_o a_o unlawful_a thing_n ought_v