sure_o be_v not_o by_o any_o creature_n but_o by_o his_o name_n nor_o yet_o vain_a and_o rash_a oath_n for_o such_o be_v never_o command_v to_o be_v perform_v unto_o the_o lord_n moreover_o christ_n forbid_v swear_v by_o god_n the_o creator_n when_o he_o forbid_v swear_v by_o heaven_n earth_n etc._n etc._n because_o he_o give_v that_o for_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o swear_v by_o these_o creature_n viz._n because_o heaven_n be_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o the_o earth_n be_v his_o footstool_n and_o none_o can_v swear_v by_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n but_o he_o must_v swear_v by_o his_o creator_n that_o sit_v thereon_o as_o be_v manifest_a in_o mat._n 23._o 22._o object_n 10._o if_o no_o kind_n of_o oath_n be_v lawful_a to_o swear_v why_o do_v the_o apostle_n paul_n use_v such_o a_o form_n of_o oath_n in_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 31._o as_o in_o say_v i_o protest_v by_o your_o rejoice_v i_o die_v daily_a answ._n there_o be_v no_o word_n for_o i_o protest_v in_o the_o greek_a moreover_o if_o these_o word_n can_v be_v make_v a_o oath_n than_o the_o apostle_n must_v of_o necessity_n have_v swear_v by_o their_o rejoice_v and_o so_o by_o a_o creature_n which_o be_v always_o unlawful_a and_o therefore_o this_o can_v be_v account_v a_o oath_n without_o reflect_v upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o transgressor_n both_o against_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n object_n 11._o if_o no_o oath_n must_v be_v use_v in_o any_o case_n how_o can_v justice_n be_v administer_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz._n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n mat._n 18._o 16._o in_o many_o case_n where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o single_a witness_n by_o which_o the_o controversy_n can_v be_v decide_v as_o for_o example_n in_o one_o case_n instance_a in_o exod._n 22._o 10_o 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 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 and_o he_o shall_v not_o make_v it_o good_a now_o if_o in_o this_o or_o such_o a_o case_n the_o man_n be_v bare_a word_n be_v take_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o innocency_n the_o controversy_n will_v be_v decide_v by_o one_o only_a witness_n direct_o against_o christ_n precept_n in_o mat._n 18._o 16._o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v therefore_o in_o such_o case_n the_o guiltless_a party_n must_v take_v in_o god_n to_o witness_n with_o he_o viz._n by_o his_o oath_n that_o so_o the_o matter_n may_v be_v decide_v by_o two_o witness_n at_o least_o according_a to_o christ_n precept_n aforesaid_a to_o wit_n by_o he_o that_o make_v the_o oath_n and_o by_o god_n who_o he_o call_v to_o witness_v with_o he_o answ._n in_o such_o a_o case_n if_o a_o man_n do_v swear_v and_o call_v god_n to_o witness_n with_o he_o unto_o the_o matter_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o make_v it_o to_o be_v decide_v according_a to_o christ_n precept_n for_o christ_n say_v take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v now_o the_o one_o or_o two_o more_o beside_o himself_o must_v be_v humane_a person_n and_o not_o god_n except_o the_o party_n can_v call_v two_o god_n to_o witness_v with_o he_o which_o be_v absurd_a to_o suppose_v and_o also_o in_o such_o a_o case_n where_o there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o witness_n it_o may_v be_v decide_v by_o christ_n rule_n without_o their_o oath_n therefore_o christ_n rule_n to_o have_v two_o or_o three_o witness_n extend_v only_o to_o such_o case_n as_o be_v possible_a to_o have_v so_o many_o witness_n and_o lay_v no_o necessity_n upon_o swear_v to_o the_o decide_n thereof_o according_a to_o or_o by_o his_o precept_n and_o moreover_o if_o one_o swear_v call_v god_n to_o witness_v with_o he_o how_o be_v the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n decide_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o witness_n according_a to_o christ_n precept_n when_o only_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o one_o man_n every_o word_n be_v speak_v to_o testify_v the_o truth_n in_o question_n for_o if_o god_n shall_v testify_v or_o reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o matter_n in_o question_n immediate_o by_o his_o own_o mouth_n there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o man_n testimony_n to_o strengthen_v his_o evidence_n because_o no_o man_n can_v add_v any_o thing_n to_o god_n immediate_a revelation_n or_o testimony_n which_o be_v perfect_a of_o its_o self_n object_n 12._o if_o christ_n prohibition_n to_o swear_v in_o mat._n 5._o 34._o be_v so_o general_a that_o it_o admit_v of_o no_o limit_n or_o exception_n to_o the_o sentence_n so_o that_o none_o ought_v to_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n because_o the_o word_n be_v general_a then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n none_o can_v lay_v up_o for_o himself_o any_o treasure_n on_o earth_n nor_o take_v think_v for_o his_o life_n what_o to_o eat_v or_o drink_v etc._n etc._n nor_o yet_o take_v think_v or_o care_n for_o the_o morrow_n in_o any_o case_n without_o break_v some_o other_o of_o christ_n express_a command_n in_o the_o same_o sermon_n as_o in_o mat._n 6._o 19_o 25._o 34._o all_o which_o be_v as_o general_a as_o that_o against_o swear_v in_o mat._n 5._o 34._o and_o then_o if_o it_o be_v so_o how_o can_v any_o be_v industrious_a in_o their_o employment_n and_o trade_n and_o take_v care_n to_o provide_v for_o their_o family_n which_o he_o that_o do_v not_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 8_o therefore_o for_o any_o person_n to_o put_v such_o a_o general_a and_o unlimited_a construction_n on_o any_o of_o christ_n command_n when_o according_a to_o such_o of_o their_o own_o unlimited_a sense_n they_o themselves_o be_v daily_o guilty_a of_o break_v some_o other_o of_o christ_n command_n and_o so_o condemn_v or_o dissallow_v that_o in_o one_o case_n which_o they_o do_v and_o must_v of_o necessity_n allow_v in_o another_o case_n be_v ridiculous_a and_o great_a disingenuity_n and_o confusion_n answ._n christ_n forbid_v we_o to_o lay_v up_o treasure_n for_o ourselves_o on_o earth_n etc._n etc._n extend_v only_o to_o such_o lay_v up_o earthly_a treasure_n as_o to_o set_v our_o heart_n on_o it_o for_o our_o heart_n ought_v only_o to_o be_v with_o our_o heavenly_a treasure_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o verse_n 20_o 21._o therefore_o if_o any_o one_o can_v lay_v up_o thing_n on_o earth_n where_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o with_o they_o christ_n command_n extend_v not_o to_o he_o because_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o proper_o his_o treasure_n for_o the_o word_n treasure_n most_o proper_o signify_v that_o which_o be_v most_o precious_a in_o his_o esteem_n likewise_o christ_n forbid_v we_o to_o take_v think_v or_o care_n for_o our_o life_n etc._n etc._n and_o for_o the_o morrow_n be_v not_o to_o be_v anxious_a or_o too_o much_o careful_a or_o distract_v or_o over-troubled_n in_o one_o mind_n about_o they_o which_o be_v also_o a_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o they_o for_o so_o the_o word_n in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proper_o signify_v and_o therefore_o these_o prohibition_n be_v not_o so_o general_a as_o that_o in_o mat._n 5._o 34._o concern_v swear_v which_o be_v also_o as_o full_a against_o all_o oath_n whatsoever_o both_o in_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a as_o in_o the_o english_a however_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v for_o argument_n sake_n that_o those_o prohibition_n aforesaid_a be_v as_o general_a in_o all_o case_n as_o that_o of_o swear_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o prove_v that_o of_o swear_v any_o whit_n the_o less_o general_a nor_o that_o any_o person_n ought_v to_o commit_v sin_n in_o break_v a_o command_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o one_o thing_n because_o they_o may_v do_v so_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n but_o rather_o such_o aught_o to_o repent_v and_o leave_v off_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o do_v or_o have_v break_v his_o command_n if_o it_o plain_o so_o appear_v and_o be_v more_o careful_a afterward_o of_o keep_v all_o his_o command_n but_o if_o it_o be_v impartial_o and_o ingenuous_o consider_v there_o be_v but_o little_a sign_n that_o those_o person_n be_v very_o careful_a of_o lay_v up_o for_o themselves_o treasure_n on_o earth_n or_o take_v think_v for_o their_o life_n or_o for_o the_o morrow_n who_o hazard_n the_o lose_n of_o all_o their_o earthly_a thing_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o their_o life_n and_o liberty_n too_o
or_o intelligible_a proportion_n between_o the_o value_n of_o the_o pawn_n or_o pledge_v and_o of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v pawn_v for_o and_o also_o will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o run_v such_o a_o great_a hazard_n in_o case_n of_o any_o mistake_n as_o human_a sense_n and_o understanding_n be_v subject_a to_o though_o not_o design_o as_o be_v frequent_o see_v among_o those_o that_o swear_v in_o court_n and_o before_o magistrate_n notwithstanding_o the_o bond_n of_o their_o oath_n and_o also_o may_v not_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n too_o why_o the_o apostle_n james_n command_v the_o brethren_n that_o above_o all_o thing_n they_o shall_v not_o swear_v see_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a of_o all_o thing_n for_o any_o one_o so_o slight_o to_o put_v his_o soul_n into_o such_o a_o hazard_n like_o lay_v one_o soul_n for_o a_o wager_n by_o his_o own_o consent_n and_o agreement_n and_o will_v not_o all_o esteem_n it_o a_o very_a unreasonable_a thing_n of_o any_o man_n that_o shall_v require_v a_o thousand_o pound_n for_o a_o pledge_n or_o pawn_n for_o any_o thing_n but_o of_o the_o value_n of_o a_o shilling_n and_o yet_o this_o will_v be_v far_o short_a of_o the_o proportion_n of_o the_o value_n of_o a_o soul_n to_o any_o earthly_a temporal_a matter_n and_o do_v it_o not_o also_o show_v that_o such_o as_o will_v give_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a pledge_n for_o a_o small_a and_o trivial_a matter_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o pledge_n when_o due_o consider_v esteem_v but_o light_o of_o their_o soul_n or_o of_o what_o they_o pawn_v as_o esau_n do_v when_o he_o sell_v his_o birthright_n for_o a_o mess_n of_o pottage_n and_o to_o prove_v that_o a_o surety_n pawn_n or_o pledge_v of_o the_o soul_n or_o of_o eternal_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n only_o make_v or_o be_v proper_o call_v a_o oath_n when_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o or_o offer_v or_o give_v for_o temporal_a and_o earthly_a matter_n observe_v that_o a_o oath_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n in_o heb._n 6._o 16._o be_v such_o a_o bond_n as_o be_v make_v by_o a_o great_a which_o consequent_o may_v not_o be_v so_o when_o make_v by_o a_o lesser_a therefore_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o speech_n or_o expression_n that_o be_v a_o oath_n be_v make_v bâ—_n a_o great_a may_v not_o so_o be_v when_o make_v by_o a_o lesser_a as_o by_o these_o follow_a instance_n first_o the_o call_z god_n to_o witness_n to_o bind_v any_o affirmation_n promise_v or_o denial_n especial_o when_o relate_v to_o temporal_a and_o lesser_a matter_n most_o understand_a man_n and_o especial_o the_o learned_a in_o most_o age_n account_v it_o a_o oath_n but_o the_o call_n a_o man_n to_o witness_n to_o any_o matter_n or_o fact_n or_o to_o any_o affirmation_n promise_v or_o denial_n who_o count_v it_o a_o swear_v or_o that_o one_o swear_v by_o the_o man_n so_o call_v second_o to_o say_v so_o do_v god_n to_o i_o and_o more_o also_o if_o i_o do_v not_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o oath_n 2_o sam._n 3._o 35._o but_o to_o say_v to_o a_o man_n so_o do_v thou_o to_o i_o and_o more_o also_o if_o i_o do_v not_o such_o a_o thing_n who_o will_v account_v it_o a_o oath_n by_o the_o man_n three_o to_o say_v our_o life_n for_o you_o i_o will_v do_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o oath_n josh_n 2._o 14_o 17_o 20._o but_o for_o one_o to_o say_v my_o horse_n for_o thou_o i_o will_v do_v such_o a_o thing_n who_o will_v say_v that_o such_o a_o one_o swear_v by_o his_o horse_n except_o any_o will_v say_v that_o every_o one_o that_o lay_v a_o wager_n always_o swear_v by_o the_o wager_n that_o he_o lay_v hence_o may_v be_v see_v that_o a_o temporal_a surety_n and_o security_n be_v only_o proper_a for_o temporal_a matter_n and_o such_o a_o bond_n or_o security_n be_v not_o account_v a_o oath_n but_o whatsoever_o be_v high_o as_o thing_n of_o a_o divine_a and_o eternal_a nature_n be_v too_o high_a and_o great_a to_o be_v offer_v for_o a_o surety_n and_o security_n for_o temporal_a and_o earthly_a thing_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a bond_n or_o security_n for_o such_o a_o improper_a use_n be_v account_v and_o proper_o call_v a_o oath_n therefore_o according_a to_o the_o definition_n and_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n before_o mention_v the_o invoke_v or_o call_v god_n for_o a_o witness_n and_o many_o other_o high_a expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o use_v only_o in_o treat_v of_o divine_a matter_n and_o indeed_o the_o appeal_n after_o any_o manner_n to_o god_n as_o judge_n or_o any_o way_n use_v his_o sacred_a name_n or_o mention_v any_o thing_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v employ_v as_o by_o heaven_n earth_n etc._n etc._n be_v only_o design_v for_o a_o further_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o speech_n affirmation_n promise_v or_o denial_n when_o relate_v only_o to_o humane_a worldly_a and_o inferior_a matter_n may_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v a_o oath_n but_o otherwise_o not_o so_o when_o use_v only_o upon_o a_o divine_a and_o religious_a account_n for_o the_o same_o word_n and_o expression_n either_o such_o as_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o other_o that_o be_v common_o use_v in_o some_o case_n which_o be_v good_a and_o lawful_a in_o themselves_o when_o right_o use_v may_v be_v a_o oath_n or_o no_o oath_n according_a to_o their_o application_n design_n and_o intent_n in_o use_v they_o as_o will_n further_o appear_v by_o the_o instance_n reason_n and_o demonstration_n follow_v 1._o if_o one_o shall_v say_v in_o prayer_n so_o help_v i_o god_n that_o i_o may_v walk_v in_o thy_o way_n here_o the_o word_n so_o help_v i_o god_n who_o will_n say_v be_v a_o oath_n but_o when_o these_o word_n so_o help_v i_o god_n be_v use_v to_o bind_v or_o confirm_v any_o speech_n or_o the_o truth_n thereof_o in_o humane_a and_o temporal_a affair_n they_o make_v up_o the_o common_a national_a oath_n for_o juryman_n witness_n etc._n etc._n 2._o likewise_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v religious_o speak_v by_o christ_n blood_n the_o saint_n be_v justify_v or_o by_o christ_n life_n they_o be_v save_v rom._n 5._o 9_o 10._o who_o will_v say_v that_o there_o be_v the_o least_o sign_n of_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n in_o these_o affirmation_n or_o in_o they_o word_n souse_v but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v use_v these_o word_n by_o christ_n blood_n or_o by_o christ_n life_n in_o affirmation_n or_o deny_v or_o in_o promise_v any_o thing_n relate_v to_o humane_a worldly_a or_o temporal_a matter_n it_o will_v amount_v to_o a_o oath_n of_o a_o high_a degree_n or_o of_o the_o worst_a sort_n that_o will_v be_v very_o irksome_a and_o burdensome_a for_o all_o sober_a and_o religious_a person_n to_o hear_v 3._o also_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v simple_o in_o a_o religious_a and_o serious_a manner_n upon_o some_o good_a occasion_n by_o god_n i_o be_o still_o alive_a and_o enjoy_v my_o health_n mean_v his_o power_n favour_n or_o mercy_n who_o will_v account_v this_o a_o oath_n but_o if_o a_o drunkard_n or_o common_a swearer_n shall_v use_v these_o very_a word_n in_o his_o usual_a manner_n of_o speak_v when_o only_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o speech_n or_o in_o his_o accustom_a manner_n of_o swear_v and_o express_v all_o the_o same_o sentence_n too_o will_v not_o all_o that_o shall_v hear_v he_o grant_v that_o he_o swear_v by_o his_o maker_n that_o he_o be_v still_o alive_a and_o enjoy_v his_o health_n 4._o to_o say_v or_o religious_o to_o affirm_v as_o the_o lord_n live_v he_o will_v preserve_v those_o that_o fear_v his_o name_n and_o continual_o trust_v in_o he_o from_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o evil_a one_o who_o will_v account_v it_o a_o oath_n but_o for_o one_o to_o say_v affirm_v or_o promise_v any_o thing_n relate_v to_o humane_a and_o temporal_a matter_n in_o this_o manner_n as_o the_o lord_n live_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v do_v etc._n etc._n be_v call_v a_o oath_n as_o be_v manifest_a in_o 1_o sam._n 19_o 6_o 20._o 3._o and_o 28._o 10._o and_o also_o in_o jer._n 38._o 16._o 5._o to_o assert_v or_o promise_v any_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n god_n be_v my_o witness_n or_o record_n when_o it_o relate_v only_o to_o humane_a and_o temporal_a matter_n and_o to_o satisfy_v such_o incredulity_n or_o distrust_n that_o will_v be_v content_a with_o no_o less_o security_n than_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n may_v be_v a_o oath_n because_o his_o name_n be_v here_o mention_v and_o use_v as_o a_o bond_n or_o surety_n for_o a_o earthly_a and_o inferior_a matter_n but_o for_o one_o sensible_o and_o sincre_o to_o say_v god_n be_v my_o witness_n or_o record_n that_o i_o have_v live_v in_o his_o fear_n who_o can_v
because_o they_o dare_v not_o do_v that_o which_o they_o believe_v will_v be_v a_o break_n of_o christ_n command_n as_o aforesaid_a object_n 13._o if_o all_o oath_n be_v forbid_v by_o christ_n in_o mat._n 5._o 34._o how_o can_v the_o apostle_n paul_n who_o without_o question_n understand_v the_o extent_n of_o christ_n word_n and_o will_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a thereunto_o so_o often_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v which_o be_v a_o formal_a oath_n as_o god_n be_v my_o witness_n rom._n 1._o 9_o i_o call_v god_n for_o a_o record_n upon_o my_o soul_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 23._o before_o god_n i_o lie_v not_o gal._n 1._o 20._o god_n be_v my_o record_n phil._n 1._o 8._o you_o be_v witness_n and_o god_n also_o 1_o thes._n 2._o 10._o 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 rom._n 9_o 1._o answ._n if_o simple_o the_o say_n god_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v my_o witness_n or_o only_o the_o mere_a calling_n god_n or_o any_o creature_n for_o a_o witness_n or_o record_n etc._n etc._n on_o any_o account_n be_v a_o formal_a oath_n than_o paul_n swear_v by_o the_o man_n he_o write_v to_o in_o 2_o thes._n 2._o 10._o as_o well_o as_o by_o god_n when_o he_o say_v you_o be_v witness_n and_o god_n also_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o swear_v by_o his_o conscience_n in_o rom._n 9_o 1._o when_o he_o say_v my_o conscience_n also_o bear_v i_o witness_n etc._n etc._n and_o also_o by_o the_o like_a reason_n moses_n swear_v by_o heaven_n and_o earth_n in_o deut._n 41._o 26._o when_o he_o say_v to_o the_o people_n i_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o witness_n against_o you_o this_o day_n all_o which_o will_v render_v paul_n and_o moses_n too_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n which_o those_o that_o plead_v against_o the_o universality_n of_o christ_n prohibition_n themselves_o confess_v be_v always_o unlawful_a and_o a_o breach_n of_o christ_n command_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o also_o of_o god_n command_n under_o the_o law_n when_o he_o permit_v man_n to_o swear_v only_o by_o his_o name_n according_a to_o their_o own_o explication_n and_o interpretation_n of_o they_o so_o if_o such_o expression_n can_v be_v prove_v oath_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o imitate_v they_o for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a neither_o be_v such_o example_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n sufficient_a or_o enough_o then_o to_o invalidate_v to_o we_o now_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o abolish_n all_o swear_v no_o more_o than_o paul_n then_o shave_v his_o head_n at_o cenchrea_n because_o he_o have_v a_o vow_n act_v 18._o 18._o or_o his_o purify_n himself_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o offer_v with_o the_o four_o jew_n that_o have_v a_o vow_n act_v 21._o 26._o or_o his_o circumcise_n of_o timothy_n because_o of_o the_o jew_n act_n 16._o 3._o can_v warrant_v we_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o those_o legal_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n now_o nor_o indeed_o ought_v we_o to_o imitate_v the_o prophet_n or_o apostle_n in_o any_o particular_a thing_n without_o have_v any_o warrant_n or_o precept_n to_o we_o for_o the_o same_o especial_o when_o it_o seem_v against_o any_o general_a and_o positive_a command_n in_o scripture_n and_o most_o especial_o when_o it_o seem_v direct_o against_o any_o positive_a command_n or_o prohibition_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o angel_n and_o who_o we_o be_v especial_o to_o hear_v and_o obey_v in_o all_o thing_n act_n 3._o 32._o for_o though_o they_o be_v exemplary_a for_o we_o to_o imitate_v and_o follow_v vet_n it_o must_v be_v in_o such_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v sure_o they_o be_v follower_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o be_v alike_o bind_v to_o all_o christian_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n paul_n own_o exhortation_n in_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 1._o and_o not_o otherwise_o as_o in_o gal._n 1._o 8_o 9_o but_o however_o to_o find_v a_o better_a exposition_n of_o the_o expression_n suppose_v to_o be_v oath_n aforementioned_a than_o to_o make_v the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n transgressor_n as_o aforesaid_a let_v it_o be_v serious_o observe_v what_o the_o definition_n or_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v which_o i_o here_o propose_v to_o all_o man_n as_o well_o to_o the_o ingenious_a and_o learned_a as_o to_o the_o unlearned_a to_o consider_v of_o with_o my_o reason_n hereafter_o follow_v a_o oath_n or_o the_o substance_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o religious_a tie_n or_o a_o sacred_a bond_n when_o it_o be_v give_v for_o a_o temporal_a or_o earthly_a thing_n as_o the_o beseech_v or_o invoke_v of_o god_n or_o any_o thing_n reverence_v and_o esteem_v for_o a_o deity_n or_o the_o express_n or_o name_v any_o superior_a thing_n as_o a_o surety_n that_o most_o proper_o belong_v to_o god_n which_o be_v not_o in_o any_o man_n power_n to_o dispose_v of_o and_o thereby_o bind_v the_o soul_n as_o a_o pawn_n or_o pledge_v for_o a_o security_n to_o a_o inferior_a for_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o human_a or_o temporal_a matter_n in_o question_n be_v a_o swear_v and_o this_o be_v also_o confirm_v by_o the_o original_a or_o etymology_n of_o the_o word_n juro_fw-la to_o swear_v from_o the_o best_a authority_n viz._n juro_fw-la ex_fw-la jure_fw-la vel_fw-la quasi_fw-la jupiter_fw-la oro_fw-la aut_fw-la testem_fw-la invoco_fw-la quod_fw-la jurare_fw-la proprie_fw-la sit_fw-la ita_fw-la sancte_fw-la promittere_fw-la ac_fw-la si_fw-la jus_o esset_fw-la seu_fw-la juris_fw-la servandi_fw-la causa_fw-la religiose_fw-la assevero_fw-la by_o which_o it_o seem_v that_o swear_v being_n first_o among_o the_o heathen_n be_v a_o invoke_v or_o use_v the_o name_n of_o their_o god_n or_o that_o which_o they_o reverence_v as_o a_o deity_n for_o a_o bond-tye_a or_o security_n of_o their_o affirmation_n and_o promise_n whereby_o they_o bind_v their_o soul_n to_o their_o idol_n as_o a_o pledge_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n thereof_o so_o likewise_o when_o the_o israelite_n be_v permit_v to_o swear_v by_o the_o true_a god_n only_o for_o a_o time_n to_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o their_o idol_n they_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n bind_v their_o soul_n to_o he_o as_o a_o pledge_n for_o a_o security_n which_o be_v better_a than_o to_o be_v bind_v to_o a_o idol_n and_o also_o by_o the_o latin_a definition_n of_o the_o word_n juramentum_fw-la viz._n juramentum_fw-la est_fw-la aliquod_fw-la ment_fw-la juratur_fw-la a_o oath_n be_v a_o bond_n or_o security_n of_o something_o understand_v in_o the_o mind_n bind_v the_o soul_n and_o imply_v a_o curse_n in_o case_n of_o not_o then_o speak_v the_o truth_n though_o not_o perhaps_o so_o plain_o express_v in_o word_n at_o length_n as_o it_o be_v but_o in_o few_o oath_n and_o this_o seem_v further_a manifest_v from_o mat._n 5._o 34_o 35_o 36._o where_o christ_n give_v some_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o swear_v by_o heaven_n earth_n nor_o jerusalem_n viz._n because_o one_o be_v god_n throne_n and_o the_o other_o his_o footstool_n and_o the_o last_o his_o city_n and_o none_o can_v swear_v by_o any_o of_o these_o creature_n that_o most_o proper_o belong_v to_o god_n but_o he_o must_v swear_v by_o the_o creator_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o mat._n 23._o 22._o he_o that_o swear_v by_o heaven_n swear_v by_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o by_o he_o that_o sit_v thereon_o so_o here_o be_v a_o swear_v by_o god_n imply_v and_o consequent_o a_o bind_v the_o soul_n when_o only_a heaven_n and_o a_o creature_n be_v use_v or_o mention_v to_o swear_v by_o the_o like_a reason_n be_v when_o one_o swear_v by_o his_o head_n because_o our_o head_n and_o body_n too_o be_v none_o of_o our_o own_o but_o the_o lord_n rom._n 14._o 8._o and_o so_o proper_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v plain_a to_o all_o man_n that_o none_o aught_o in_o any_o case_n to_o assign_v that_o for_o a_o surety_n pawn_n or_o pledge_v though_o but_o a_o earthly_a one_o and_o much_o more_o a_o great_a and_o high_o which_o be_v another_o and_o none_o of_o their_o own_o nor_o that_o any_o one_o can_v lawful_o give_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o dispose_v of_o and_o so_o now_o see_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v such_o a_o bind_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o a_o pawn_n or_o pledge_v in_o temporal_a affair_n be_v there_o not_o great_a reason_n why_o christ_n discontinue_v the_o use_n of_o they_o among_o christian_n by_o his_o prohibition_n in_o mat._n 5._o 34_o for_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a thing_n for_o any_o one_o to_o pawn_v his_o soul_n for_o or_o upon_o any_o temporal_a matter_n where_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a
into_o confess_v in_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o now_o it_o may_v be_v evident_a from_o hence_o that_o no_o sentence_n or_o prophecy_n speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n though_o express_v in_o moysaicall_a term_n or_o in_o such_o term_n as_o be_v under_o the_o law_n aught_o to_o be_v expound_v in_o any_o wise_a to_o contradict_v any_o of_o christ_n general_a command_n or_o prohibition_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o must_v be_v express_v in_o gospel_n term_n that_o agree_v therewith_o as_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o apostle_n example_n aforesaid_a object_n 4._o in_o isa._n 65._o 16._o in_o a_o prophecy_n relate_v to_o such_o time_n wherein_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n shall_v be_v create_v which_o must_v be_v in_o the_o last_o time_n it_o be_v say_v he_o that_o swear_v in_o the_o earth_n shall_v swear_v by_o the_o true_a god_n therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a in_o the_o last_o time_n which_o be_v under_o the_o gospel_n to_o swear_v by_o the_o true_a god_n answ._n if_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n paul_n example_n before_o note_v in_o rom._n 14._o 11._o we_o change_v the_o word_n swear_v by_o the_o true_a god_n into_o confess_v unto_o the_o true_a god_n we_o may_v interpret_v it_o right_n and_o in_o gospel_n term_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v not_o make_v the_o prophet_n seem_v to_o contradict_v christ_n in_o mat._n 5._o 34._o who_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o angel_n and_o who_o we_o be_v especial_o to_o hear_v and_o obey_v in_o all_o thing_n act._n 3._o 22._o and_o also_o to_o confess_v he_o phil._n 2._o 10._o and_o therefore_o if_o there_o shall_v seem_v at_o any_o time_n a_o disagreement_n between_o the_o say_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o prophet_n or_o the_o apostle_n either_o christ_n saying_n ought_v not_o be_v strain_v to_o comply_v with_o they_o who_o be_v his_o servant_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a their_o say_n must_v yield_v and_o comply_v to_o his_o who_o be_v their_o lord_n and_o who_o we_o ought_v especial_o to_o hear_v and_o obey_v in_o all_o thing_n as_o aforesaid_a object_n 5._o in_o jerem._n 12._o 16_o 17._o it_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o gentile_n that_o if_o they_o will_v learn_v the_o way_n of_o my_o people_n to_o swear_v by_o my_o name_n the_o lord_n live_v as_o they_o teach_v my_o people_n to_o swear_v by_o baal_n then_o shall_v they_o be_v build_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o my_o people_n but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o obey_v then_o will_v i_o utter_o pluck_v up_o and_o destroy_v that_o nation_n say_v the_o lord_n now_o here_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o acceptance_n to_o those_o that_o will_v learn_v to_o swear_v by_o god_n name_n and_o a_o threaten_v of_o utter_a destruction_n to_o such_o as_o will_v not_o therefore_o now_o how_o dare_v any_o refuse_n to_o swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n upon_o a_o solemn_a and_o a_o lawful_a account_n answ._n this_o be_v speak_v under_o the_o law_n wherein_o swear_v be_v and_o though_o it_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o gentile_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o such_o gentile_n as_o teach_v israel_n to_o swear_v by_o baal_n and_o which_o must_v be_v in_o baal_n time_n that_o be_v long_o before_o the_o gospel_n time_n therefore_o what_o be_v this_o to_o christian_n under_o the_o gospel_n but_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o this_o prophecy_n do_v relate_v to_o the_o gentile_n under_o the_o gospel_n then_o according_a to_o paul_n exposition_n of_o the_o word_n swear_v under_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n it_o must_v be_v expound_v that_o they_o must_v learn_v the_o way_n of_o his_o people_n to_o confess_v to_o his_o name_n and_o that_o he_o live_v which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o do_v as_o in_o mat._n 10._o 32._o rom._n 10._o 9_o 10._o and_o 14._o 11._o object_n 6._o if_o christ_n prohibition_n to_o swear_v be_v so_o general_a that_o no_o oath_n be_v lawful_a to_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n under_o the_o gospel_n why_o do_v the_o apostle_n in_o heb._n 6._o 16._o say_v for_o man_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 answ._n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o such_o man_n as_o be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o by_o way_n of_o similitude_n why_o they_o use_v a_o oath_n in_o such_o time_n as_o god_n confirm_v his_o promise_n to_o abraham_n by_o a_o oath_n now_o here_o be_v no_o command_n in_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o man_n to_o swear_v nor_o any_o more_o toleration_n for_o man_n to_o swear_v any_o oath_n that_o live_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n than_o there_o be_v toleration_n in_o jam._n 3._o 9_o for_o any_o to_o curse_v man_n because_o the_o apostle_n there_o say_v with_o the_o tongue_n we_o bless_v man_n and_o therewith_o curse_v we_o man_n yet_o this_o ought_v not_o so_o to_o be_v as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o next_o verse_n object_n 7._o if_o christ_n say_v in_o mat._n 5._o 37._o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o these_o come_v of_o evil_a prove_v all_o oath_n to_o be_v evil_a because_o they_o be_v more_o than_o bare_o yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o how_o be_v it_o that_o god_n have_v swear_v himself_o and_o command_v man_n to_o swear_v as_o in_o gen._n 22._o 16._o deut._n 16._o 13_o sure_o god_n never_o do_v or_o command_v any_o thing_n that_o come_v from_o evil_n answ._n the_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n after_o christ_n have_v forbid_v it_o be_v from_o evil_a though_o not_o before_o because_o the_o break_n of_o christ_n command_n be_v from_o evil_a and_o from_o the_o devil_n for_o none_o else_o will_v tempt_v any_o one_o so_o to_o do_v except_o such_o as_o be_v his_o servant_n and_o obey_v he_o under_o the_o law_n god_n allow_v a_o eye_n for_o a_o eye_n and_o a_o tooth_n for_o a_o tooth_n which_o then_o can_v not_o come_v from_o evil_a because_o god_n never_o allow_v any_o thing_n that_o come_v from_o evil_a but_o after_o christ_n have_v forbid_v this_o with_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v allow_v under_o the_o law_n and_o command_v the_o contrary_a instead_o thereof_o the_o break_n of_o his_o command_n come_v of_o evil_a and_o from_o the_o devil_n that_o tempt_v man_n thereunto_o object_n 8._o if_o all_o oath_n be_v forbid_v by_o christ_n and_o account_v then_o to_o be_v from_o evil_a how_o can_v the_o angel_n have_v swear_v in_o rev._n 10._o 6_o which_o be_v after_o christ_n prohibition_n in_o mat._n 5._o 34._o answ._n that_o angel_n have_v a_o peculiar_a commission_n that_o extend_v through_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n wherein_o swear_v be_v and_o speak_v as_o god_n representative_a or_o ambassador_n which_o will_v be_v a_o presumption_n for_o man_n to_o imitate_v for_o as_o god_n aforetime_o confirm_v his_o promise_n unto_o abraham_n and_o to_o his_o whole_a seed_n by_o a_o oath_n gen._n 22._o 16._o so_o again_o by_o his_o angel_n in_o rev._n 10._o 6_o 7._o he_o seem_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o by_o a_o oath_n to_o confirm_v the_o same_o promise_n that_o it_o shall_v then_o quick_o be_v fulfil_v viz._n that_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o long_o but_o that_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v finish_v as_o he_o have_v declare_v to_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n therefore_o that_o be_v no_o example_n for_o we_o to_o follow_v however_o if_o any_o shall_v still_o think_v this_o answer_v not_o sufficient_a or_o full_a enough_o to_o the_o matter_n let_v it_o be_v further_o consider_v that_o we_o read_v no_o where_o that_o christ_n forbid_v angel_n to_o swear_v but_o he_o plain_o command_v man_n not_o to_o swear_v at_o all_o so_o the_o evil_a lie_n in_o break_v christ_n command_n and_o in_o man_n that_o so_o do_v to_o who_o his_o command_n extend_v object_n 9_o christ_n in_o mat._n 5._o 34._o forbid_v only_o such_o oath_n as_o be_v make_v by_o the_o creature_n as_o by_o heaven_n earth_n etc._n etc._n because_o he_o enumerate_v and_o mention_n some_o such_o create_a thing_n and_o all_o vain_a and_o rash_a oath_n in_o familiar_a discourse_n because_o he_o say_v in_o verse_n 37._o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o and_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o these_o viz._n in_o our_o communication_n come_v of_o evil_a answ._n to_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n be_v forbid_v in_o the_o law_n because_o than_o none_o ought_v to_o swear_v by_o any_o thing_n but_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o to_o swear_v by_o god_n name_n in_o common_a discourse_n be_v a_o take_n of_o his_o name_n in_o vain_a but_o christ_n in_o the_o first_o place_n before_o he_o mention_v any_o creature_n forbid_v such_o oath_n as_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v unto_o the_o lord_n in_o old_a time_n that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n which_o
account_v it_o a_o oath_n 6._o though_o the_o apostle_n paul_n call_v god_n for_o a_o record_n upon_o his_o soul_n to_o confirm_v his_o assertion_n of_o spare_v the_o brethren_n be_v in_o some_o divine_a and_o religious_a respect_n as_o seem_v manifest_a in_o the_o next_o chapter_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o then_o be_v a_o oath_n in_o the_o apostle_n yet_o what_o good_a christian_n in_o imitation_n of_o these_o word_n dare_v promise_n or_o say_v in_o any_o thing_n relate_v to_o common_a and_o humane_a affair_n i_o call_v god_n for_o a_o record_n upon_o my_o soul_n that_o i_o will_v do_v or_o i_o will_v not_o perform_v such_o a_o thing_n will_v not_o this_o be_v as_o great_a a_o oath_n as_o if_o he_o have_v instead_o thereof_o use_v the_o word_n as_o the_o lord_n live_v or_o the_o word_n so_o help_v i_o god_n 7._o likewise_o though_o the_o apostle_n say_v now_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o behold_v before_o god_n i_o lie_v not_o may_v not_o be_v a_o oath_n in_o the_o apostle_n because_o he_o treat_v and_o write_v of_o religious_a and_o divine_a thing_n in_o which_o respect_n god_n name_n and_o the_o appeal_n to_o he_o too_o may_v be_v lawful_o use_v by_o sincere_a christian_n in_o many_o case_n as_o for_o instance_n one_o may_v true_o say_v i_o speak_v or_o do_v a_o thing_n before_o or_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n if_o he_o be_v then_o live_o sensible_a thereof_o to_o assist_v he_o in_o the_o perform_v it_o yet_o if_o another_o shall_v speak_v the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v not_o live_o sensible_a of_o his_o presence_n at_o that_o time_n he_o will_v speak_v if_o not_o swear_v false_o as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o say_v the_o lord_n live_v when_o he_o be_v not_o sensible_a thereof_o swear_v false_o though_o the_o lord_n live_v be_v as_o true_a in_o itself_o as_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v speak_v or_o do_v but_o it_o must_v be_v so_o before_o god_n as_o that_o it_o can_v be_v hide_v from_o his_o presence_n and_o further_o for_o one_o to_o promise_v or_o say_v before_o god_n i_o will_v pay_v thou_o that_o money_n or_o before_o god_n i_o will_v not_o stay_v here_o who_o will_v not_o account_n either_o of_o these_o expression_n to_o be_v a_o oath_n and_o moreover_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o be_v the_o apostle_n use_v the_o word_n behold_v before_o the_o word_n before_o god_n and_o which_o in_o the_o greek_a be_v without_o any_o point_n or_o comma_n after_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o behold_v and_o have_v also_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v because_o or_o that_o which_o be_v omit_v in_o the_o english_a as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o expression_n may_v be_v translate_v or_o understand_v in_o a_o moderator_n sense_n than_o it_o be_v common_o take_v in_o the_o english_a as_o behold_v before_o god_n that_o i_o do_v not_o lie_v or_o speak_v false_a as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v i_o do_v not_o speak_v false_a in_o these_o thing_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o because_o i_o be_o now_o sensible_o before_o or_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v mistake_v or_o be_v disappoint_v in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o as_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v also_o signify_v at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o let_v it_o be_v further_o consider_v that_o to_o use_v the_o word_n before_o god_n to_o promise_v any_o humane_a terrene_a or_o earthly_a matter_n by_o can_v be_v lawful_a or_o safe_a in_o any_o sense_n however_o for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n although_o a_o christian_a may_v sometime_o say_v or_o have_v true_o use_v they_o word_n in_o the_o present_a and_o preter_fw-la tense_n yet_o who_o can_v appoint_v a_o time_n in_o the_o future_a when_o he_o will_v approach_v to_o or_o be_v sensible_o before_o god_n to_o perform_v any_o humane_a matter_n in_o his_o presence_n and_o if_o in_o say_v before_o god_n i_o will_v perform_v such_o a_o matter_n can_v be_v only_o understand_v in_o such_o a_o common_a sense_n as_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v and_o must_v be_v perform_v before_o he_o because_o nothing_o can_v be_v hide_v from_o his_o presence_n it_o will_v be_v superfluous_a and_o use_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a because_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v but_o it_o must_v be_v before_o he_o as_o well_o the_o break_n of_o the_o promise_n as_o the_o perform_v it_o or_o if_o such_o a_o sense_n be_v exclude_v the_o possibility_n of_o which_o be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v conceive_v whereby_o god_n be_v appeal_v to_o or_o invoke_v to_o take_v notice_n thereof_o as_o a_o judge_n and_o so_o consequent_o as_o a_o just_a revenger_n in_o case_n of_o non-performance_n of_o the_o matter_n promise_v which_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n to_o what_o purpose_n will_v it_o be_v for_o any_o one_o to_o use_v or_o require_v such_o word_n for_o a_o strengthen_n or_o confirm_v the_o say_a promise_n so_o by_o this_o reason_n also_o it_o will_v be_v a_o use_v or_o take_v god_n name_n in_o vain_a 8._o and_o also_o though_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o rom._n 9_o 3._o after_o have_v just_a before_o mention_v his_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o exercise_n for_o the_o israelite_n etc._n etc._n say_v i_o can_v wish_v myself_o accurse_v from_o christ_n for_o my_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n yet_o what_o good_a christian_a dare_v imitate_v or_o use_v these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o such_o a_o different_a sense_n as_o he_o use_v they_o as_o to_o wish_v himself_o accurse_v from_o christ_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o affirmation_n or_o promise_n and_o most_o especial_o when_o relate_v to_o humane_a and_o temporal_a affair_n and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v promise_v or_o say_v i_o wish_v myself_o accurse_v from_o christ_n if_o i_o speak_v false_a or_o if_o i_o do_v not_o perform_v such_o a_o thing_n what_o sort_n of_o oath_n will_v any_o sincere_a christian_a count_n worser_o than_o such_o a_o expression_n though_o the_o party_n shall_v excuse_v himself_o by_o improper_o plead_v the_o apostle_n example_n for_o it_o as_o beforementioned_a so_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o what_o have_v be_v beforementioned_a that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imitate_v the_o apostle_n in_o any_o such_o extraordinary_a expression_n nor_o yet_o in_o every_o particular_a and_o extraordinary_a thing_n they_o may_v say_v or_o do_v except_o upon_o such_o like_a occasion_n and_o that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o authority_n or_o permission_n or_o a_o command_n or_o precept_n therefore_o for_o we_o be_v only_o to_o imitate_v and_o be_v follower_n of_o they_o and_o all_o christian_n one_o of_o another_o in_o all_o such_o general_a duty_n as_o be_v plain_a we_o be_v all_o alike_o command_v by_o our_o and_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o not_o otherwise_o for_o because_o one_o christian_n have_v a_o gift_n and_o command_n to_o preach_v it_o do_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o all_o other_o christian_n must_v imitate_v he_o and_o be_v preacher_n too_o nor_o because_o another_o may_v have_v a_o gift_n of_o prophesy_v it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o rest_n must_v be_v prophesier_n too_o by_o only_o imitate_v he_o but_o to_o come_v close_o to_o the_o matter_n still_o if_o possible_a and_o to_o answer_v the_o most_o critical_a objection_n as_o may_v or_o can_v be_v if_o any_o will_v yet_o imitate_v any_o of_o the_o say_a apostle_n expression_n in_o their_o epistle_n and_o use_v god_n sacred_a name_n for_o a_o witness_n to_o or_o a_o confirmation_n of_o any_o thing_n sure_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o in_o the_o like_a case_n and_o sense_n and_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o authority_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v and_o write_v their_o epistle_n in_o or_o else_o it_o can_v have_v the_o same_o approbation_n and_o acceptance_n see_v god_n name_n may_v be_v use_v amiss_o and_o in_o vain_a but_o the_o contrary_n as_o for_o example_n will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o presumption_n for_o any_o man_n to_o call_v or_o summons_n a_o earthly_a king_n for_o a_o witness_n or_o as_o a_o surety_n to_o any_o of_o the_o man_n be_v own_o particular_a and_o trivial_a cause_n yet_o if_o the_o same_o king_n shall_v commissionate_v or_o require_v any_o of_o his_o subject_n to_o call_v he_o for_o a_o witness_n or_o to_o be_v a_o security_n for_o a_o thing_n wherein_o the_o king_n cause_n be_v chief_o concern_v it_o will_v be_v then_o no_o presumption_n in_o a_o subject_a so_o to_o do_v and_o furthermore_o see_v according_a to_o several_a express_a scripture_n that_o none_o can_v worship_n or_o adore_v or_o reverence_n according_a to_o the_o greek_a god_n aright_o without_o his_o spirit_n joh._n 4._o 23_o 24._o nor_o can_v any_o ask_v or_o pray_v as_o they_o ought_v except_o in_o christ_n name_n or_o by_o
the_o spirit_n help_v joh._n 14._o 13_o 14._o rom._n 8._o 26_o 27._o no_o nor_o yet_o so_o much_o as_o to_o true_o say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n though_o nothing_o be_v more_o true_a in_o itself_o without_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 3._o how_o can_v any_o consider_v these_o thing_n that_o profess_v either_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v their_o guide_n or_o rule_n invoke_v god_n for_o a_o witness_n or_o any_o other_o purpose_n or_o any_o way_n to_o employ_v and_o use_v his_o sacred_a name_n for_o a_o security_n in_o earthly_a matter_n if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o proper_a oath_n which_o be_v more_o than_o bare_o to_o ask_v a_o petition_n in_o prayer_n in_o their_o own_o time_n or_o at_o the_o requiring_n of_o other_o without_o they_o certain_o know_v that_o they_o have_v his_o commission_n or_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n at_o the_o time_n to_o perform_v it_o right_o and_o with_o such_o due_a reverence_n as_o they_o ought_v for_o if_o none_o can_v approach_v god_n presence_n to_o worship_v he_o or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o ask_v a_o petition_n in_o prayer_n with_o a_o fit_a or_o due_a adoration_n or_o reverence_n without_o christ_n name_n or_o authority_n or_o the_o spirit_n be_v assistance_n much_o more_o can_v any_o invoke_v god_n into_o their_o presence_n for_o a_o witness_n or_o surety_n etc._n etc._n with_o a_o sufficient_a adoration_n or_o reverence_n without_o his_o commission_n or_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o who_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o peremptory_o to_o approach_v the_o presence_n of_o or_o speak_v to_o a_o earthly_a prince_n without_o his_o permission_n first_o obtain_v or_o some_o one_o to_o introduce_v he_o or_o to_o mediate_v for_o he_o much_o more_o how_o dare_v any_o to_o invoke_v god_n into_o their_o presence_n upon_o any_o account_n when_o they_o please_v and_o at_o any_o time_n appoint_v by_o man_n without_o first_o have_v obtain_v a_o divine_a permission_n or_o be_v require_v thereto_o by_o his_o spirit_n therefore_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_o plain_a and_o clear_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o use_v any_o other_o form_n or_o high_a manner_n of_o expression_n for_o assert_v the_o truth_n and_o promise_v any_o thing_n in_o all_o case_n especial_o relate_v to_o temporal_a matter_n but_o what_o may_v plain_o agree_v with_o christ_n precept_n or_o form_n of_o speech_n which_o he_o prescribe_v and_o command_v we_o to_o use_v instead_o of_o a_o oath_n mat._n 5._o 37._o viz._n that_o our_o word_n or_o speech_n be_v yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o as_o be_v according_a to_o the_o greek_a which_o seem_v to_o be_v only_o a_o double_n of_o such_o word_n that_o we_o common_o use_v for_o affirm_v or_o deny_v of_o a_o thing_n as_o christ_n himself_o often_o do_v when_o he_o say_v very_o very_o lest_o we_o shall_v run_v into_o a_o oath_n unaware_o or_o so_o far_o as_o to_o use_v or_o take_v god_n name_n in_o vain_a that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v customary_o or_o formal_o or_o at_o least_o into_o any_o thing_n which_o christ_n count_v be_v more_o or_o high_a than_o yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o and_o say_v come_v of_o evil_n not_o but_o that_o i_o believe_v we_o may_v use_v other_o word_n or_o expression_n for_o yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o that_o be_v equivalent_a thereunto_o as_o true_o or_o very_o or_o such_o like_a for_o yea_o and_o amen_o be_v the_o same_o 2_o cor._n 1._o but_o not_o such_o as_o be_v high_a for_o christ_n saying_n whatsoever_o be_v more_o or_o more_o full_a according_a to_o the_o greek_a than_o these_o come_v of_o evil_a seem_v plain_o to_o intimate_v that_o there_o may_v be_v other_o expression_n high_o than_o these_o though_o not_o in_o the_o superlative_a degree_n that_o be_v dangerous_a to_o use_v if_o they_o can_v be_v lesser_a than_o a_o oath_n or_o else_o why_o do_v christ_n here_o only_o forbid_v what_o be_v in_o the_o comparative_a degree_n to_o yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o after_o he_o have_v forbid_v what_o be_v in_o the_o superlative_a degree_n before_o in_o verse_n 34._o when_o he_o forbid_v all_o oath_n now_o for_o a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o all_o these_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n aforemention_v see_v what_o several_a of_o the_o most_o learned_a famous_a and_o eminent_a father_n doctor_n christian_n and_o martyr_n in_o divers_a and_o former_a age_n have_v say_v and_o believe_v concern_v the_o same_o and_o especial_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o go_v high_o or_o exceed_v christ_n evangelical_n sentence_n of_o yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o in_o all_o case_n where_o oath_n be_v require_v 1._o simocâ—atus_fw-la epist._n 33._o f._n say_v strange_a that_o faithful_a yea_o and_o nay_o be_v stop_v when_o perfidiousness_n with_o a_o oath_n can_v pass_v all_o guard_n court_n and_o office_n observation_n here_o this_o author_n believe_v that_o yea_o and_o nay_o be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v take_v in_o all_o case_n instead_o of_o a_o oath_n 2._o tertul._n de_fw-fr idololatria_fw-la cap._n 11._o he_o which_o sign_n a_o bill_n of_o security_n contain_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n be_v guilty_a of_o swear_v as_o if_o he_o have_v speak_v it_o obseru._n here_o this_o learned_a author_n esteem_v a_o swearer_n guilty_a of_o something_o which_o sure_o must_v be_v evil_a and_o withal_o in_o such_o necessary_a case_n as_o bill_n of_o security_n though_o the_o person_n himself_o speak_v not_o one_o word_n nor_o yet_o write_v one_o syllable_n of_o the_o oath_n therein_o contain_v but_o only_o instead_o thereof_o set_v his_o name_n to_o the_o bill_n 3._o clem._n alex._n strom._n lib._n 7._o it_o suffice_v to_o add_v unto_o his_o affirm_v or_o deny_v this_o viz._n i_o speak_v true_o that_o he_o beget_v faith_n in_o they_o who_o perceive_v not_o the_o stability_n of_o his_o answer_n obseru._n here_o be_v the_o utmost_a confirmation_n that_o the_o author_n allow_v and_o that_o only_a to_o such_o as_o may_v not_o at_o first_o perceive_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o to_o gratify_v such_o as_o question_n it_o mere_o from_o incredulity_n and_o distrust_n 4._o clem._n alex._n strom._n lib._n 7._o neither_o do_v he_o swear_v as_o be_v one_o who_o have_v determine_v to_o put_v for_o his_o affirm_v yea_o and_o for_o his_o deny_v nay_o obseru._n here_o also_o the_o same_o author_n count_v yea_o and_o nay_o sufficient_a instead_o of_o swear_v 5._o athanasius_n on_o the_o passion_n of_o christ_n say_v the_o evangelical_n sentence_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v let_v your_o yea_o be_fw-mi yea_o and_o your_o nay_o nay_o thus_o far_o we_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n may_v confirm_v our_o word_n with_o asseveration_n and_o with_o no_o further_a progress_n let_v we_o flee_v to_o or_o approach_v oath_n obseru._n what_o can_v be_v say_v plain_a against_o rise_v high_o or_o use_v any_o great_a asseveration_n than_o yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o instead_o of_o oath_n 6._o again_o by_o the_o same_o learned_a and_o eminent_a author_n on_o the_o same_o subject_a if_o therefore_o he_o that_o swear_v have_v faith_n and_o truth_n what_o use_n be_v there_o of_o a_o oath_n but_o if_o he_o have_v no_o faith_n nor_o truth_n why_o do_v we_o undertake_v such_o a_o impiety_n that_o for_o poor_a silly_a man_n and_o these_o mortal_a too_o we_o call_v to_o witness_v god_n that_o be_v above_o man_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o base_a part_n to_o call_v to_o witness_v a_o earthly_a king_n to_o the_o low_a judicature_n as_o one_o that_o be_v great_a than_o both_o actor_n and_o judge_n why_o do_v we_o cite_v he_o that_o be_v uncreated_a to_o create_v thing_n and_o make_v god_n to_o be_v despise_v of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d that_o exceed_v all_o iniquity_n and_o audaciousness_n what_o then_o be_v to_o be_v do_v no_o more_o but_o that_o our_o yea_o be_fw-mi yea_o and_o our_o nay_o be_v nay_o and_o in_o short_a that_o we_o do_v not_o lie_v obseru._n here_o be_v eminent_a reason_n against_o all_o swear_v and_o the_o necessity_n thereof_o as_o well_o for_o such_o as_o can_v be_v believe_v and_o trust_v as_o for_o those_o that_o can_v though_o in_o court_n of_o judicature_n and_o likewise_o against_o the_o use_n god_n sacred_a name_n for_o a_o surety_n etc._n etc._n in_o human_a affair_n and_o also_o against_o exceed_v or_o go_v beyond_o the_o simplicity_n of_o yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o in_o all_o humane_a case_n and_o affair_n 7._o hillary_n on_o mat._n 5._o 34._o faith_n do_v remove_v the_o custom_n of_o a_o oath_n make_v the_o business_n of_o our_o life_n to_o be_v determine_v in_o truth_n and_o lay_v aside_o the_o affect_v to_o deceive_v prescribe_v the_o simplicity_n of_o speak_v and_o hear_v that_o what_o be_v be_v and_o what_o be_v not_o be_v not_o that_o the_o business_n of_o deceive_a may_v be_v