what_o he_o teach_v thou_o that_o thou_o know_v not_o before_o now_o when_o thou_o have_v thus_o call_v these_o thing_n to_o mind_n meditate_v upon_o they_o for_o as_o meat_n can_v nourish_v if_o not_o digest_v no_o more_o will_v the_o word_n till_o by_o meditation_n thou_o make_v it_o thy_o own_o meat_n be_v easy_o cast_v up_o when_o it_o lie_v undigested_a in_o the_o stomach_n so_o here_o when_o the_o seed_n be_v sow_o and_o not_o cover_v by_o harrow_n the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n pick_v it_o up_o and_o when_o the_o word_n be_v not_o cover_v by_o mediration_n the_o devil_n steal_v it_o away_o mat._n 13.4.19_o if_o any_o thing_n lie_v dark_a or_o difficult_a to_o thou_o go_v to_o the_o minister_n or_o some_o understanding_n christian_n to_o confer_v of_o it_o make_v know_v thy_o doubt_n and_o this_o be_v a_o good_a way_n to_o get_v knowledge_n the_o two_o disciple_n that_o come_v to_o emaus_n inquire_v by_o the_o way_n and_o discourse_v and_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o word_n in_o thy_o house_n and_o as_o thou_o go_v by_o the_o way_n and_o when_o thou_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o deut._n 6.7_o oh_o what_o benefit_n may_v christian_n get_v be_v they_o careful_a of_o this_o duty_n the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v then_o dwell_v plentuous_o in_o they_o this_o will_v make_v a_o deep_a impression_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o will_v be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n when_o thou_o have_v pass_v thus_o far_o than_o press_v it_o upon_o thy_o own_o heart_n for_o what_o good_a will_v it_o do_v thou_o otherwise_o examine_v thyself_o by_o the_o mark_n and_o character_n whether_o thou_o have_v those_o gracious_a qualification_n yea_o or_o no_o whether_o thou_o be_v yet_o under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o whether_o deliver_v and_o be_v according_o affect_v press_v home_o every_o reproof_n to_o thyself_o and_o see_v how_o far_o guilty_a thou_o have_v be_v mourn_v for_o it_o and_o reform_v lay_v to_o heart_n every_o exhortation_n to_o duty_n and_o let_v every_o motive_n strengthen_v thy_o resolution_n practice_n every_o direction_n and_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o every_o passage_n for_o thy_o soul_n good_a and_o be_v sure_a to_o practise_v what_o be_v teach_v thou_o otherwise_o thou_o may_v hear_v all_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o life_n to_o little_a purpose_n it_o be_v not_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o doer_n that_o be_v justify_v he_o that_o know_v his_o master_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o thou_o practise_v it_o thyself_o but_o thou_o must_v endeavour_v that_o other_o may_v do_v so_o also_o to_o this_o end_n thou_o must_v instruct_v thy_o family_n thy_o child_n and_o thy_o servant_n what_o in_o thou_o lie_v press_v they_o on_o also_o to_o obedience_n this_o be_v a_o command_v duty_n eph._n 6.4_o deut._n 4.9_o and_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o all_o age_n deut._n 18.19_o prov._n 4.4_o and_o 31.1_o and_o because_o all_o thy_o service_n without_o god_n blessing_n be_v worth_a nothing_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o go_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o fasten_v these_o truth_n upon_o thy_o heart_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v and_o open_v the_o heart_n of_o thy_o family_n paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n water_n but_o it_o be_v god_n must_v give_v the_o increase_n mark_v also_o from_o time_n to_o time_n how_o thou_o do_v grow_v or_o decrease_v these_o direction_n well_o use_v through_o god_n blessing_n will_v make_v thou_o profit_n by_o hear_v chap._n iu_o direction_n in_o read_v the_o word_n the_o next_o duty_n i_o shall_v point_v out_o unto_o you_o be_v the_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o other_o good_a book_n which_o open_a and_o apply_v it_o for_o this_o also_o be_v necessary_a and_o very_o beneficial_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a where_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v have_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a addition_n and_o many_o a_o soul_n have_v have_v experience_n of_o much_o good_a receive_v by_o it_o this_o word_n be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n and_o many_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v of_o man_n convert_v by_o it_o especial_o where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v not_o ordinary_o be_v preach_v that_o it_o be_v a_o command_v duty_n see_v deut._n 17.19_o where_o the_o king_n be_v command_v to_o take_v this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o read_v therein_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o may_v learn_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o if_o king_n themselves_o be_v not_o exempt_v notwithstanding_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o their_o business_n who_o then_o can_v plead_v exemption_n yea_o the_o priest_n be_v to_o read_v it_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o israel_n deut._n 31.11_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n advice_n even_o to_o timothy_n to_o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v 1_o tim._n 4.13_o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o command_v duty_n so_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o all_o age_n moses_n take_v the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o read_v it_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o the_o people_n exod._n 24.7_o so_o do_v joshua_n chap._n 8.34,35_o so_o do_v josiah_n 2_o chron._n 34,35_o and_o nehemiah_n chap._n 8.38.18_o and_o 9.3_o thus_o the_o eunuch_n act_v 8.30_o yea_o there_o be_v a_o blessing_n pronounce_v upon_o it_o rev._n 1.3_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v to_o the_o world_n such_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o a_o christian_a the_o very_a light_n of_o their_o life_n and_o the_o life_n of_o their_o soul_n but_o as_o it_o fare_v with_o the_o sun_n because_o it_o common_o rise_v and_o set_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_o heed_v and_o admire_v so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o word_n be_v common_a it_o be_v not_o sufficient_o prize_v mannah_n you_o know_v be_v at_o first_o admire_v at_o the_o last_o loathe_a so_o it_o be_v here_o if_o god_n shall_v send_v a_o famine_n of_o the_o word_n it_o will_v be_v prize_v as_o it_o be_v when_o a_o cart_n load_n of_o hay_n be_v give_v for_o a_o few_o chapter_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o worth_n of_o it_o will_v be_v know_v in_o the_o want_n of_o it_o as_o health_n be_v best_a prize_v in_o sickness_n peace_n in_o war_n and_o liberty_n in_o bondage_n now_o for_o the_o person_n that_o ought_v to_o read_v they_o be_v all_o that_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n for_o if_o any_o be_v exempt_v they_o will_v be_v king_n for_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o their_o business_n but_o the_o book_n of_o god_n must_v be_v to_o they_o a_o vade_fw-la mecum_fw-la a_o constant_a companion_n parent_n be_v to_o teach_v their_o child_n in_o it_o and_o under_o these_o two_o relation_n all_o superior_n and_o inferior_n be_v contain_v deut._n 6.7_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n practice_n and_o policy_n no_o doubt_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o read_v the_o scripture_n christ_n bid_v search_v the_o scripture_n and_o how_o dare_v papist_n and_o other_o speak_v the_o contrary_a we_o be_v command_v to_o let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v plentiful_o in_o we_o and_o it_o be_v make_v a_o mark_n for_o a_o bless_a man_n to_o meditate_v in_o day_n and_o night_n here_o be_v the_o mine_n out_o of_o which_o we_o must_v dig_v for_o knowledge_n prov._n 2.3,4_o oh_o that_o man_n will_v spend_v that_o time_n in_o read_v meditate_v and_o confer_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o do_v in_o vain_a and_o idle_a visit_n needless_a recreation_n card_v dice_a drink_v drab_v and_o such_o like_a how_o much_o will_v it_o conduce_v to_o their_o soul_n health_n this_o make_v more_o to_o the_o evening_n their_o account_n with_o god_n and_o make_v preparation_n for_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o other_o will_v i_o know_v it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v difficult_a to_o understand_v and_o therefore_o dangerous_a to_o be_v meddle_v with_o lest_o they_o be_v abuse_v this_o be_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o papist_n on_o the_o one_o side_n it_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o ignorance_n and_o the_o slothful_a on_o the_o other_o who_o will_v not_o plough_n because_o of_o winter_n prov._n 20.4_o but_o this_o shall_v rather_o quicken_v our_o diligence_n than_o serve_v for_o a_o discouragement_n if_o difficult_a duty_n be_v neglect_v we_o shall_v never_o reach_v heaven_n it_o be_v true_a some_o thing_n be_v difficult_a but_o the_o most_o necessary_a be_v plain_a and_o easy_a here_o indeed_o a_o lamb_n may_v wade_v and_o
the_o ceremonial_a part_n concern_v they_o only_o and_o though_o we_o read_v not_o that_o it_o be_v observe_v in_o those_o first_o age_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o it_o be_v not_o when_o many_o thousand_o thing_n then_o do_v can_v not_o be_v express_v in_o so_o short_a a_o history_n yea_o the_o same_o seem_v to_o be_v know_v to_o the_o jew_n before_o the_o law_n be_v give_v exod._n 16.23_o etc._n etc._n to_o morrow_n be_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o holy_a sabbath_n etc._n etc._n when_o it_o be_v after_o that_o god_n give_v it_o in_o the_o command_n and_o if_o this_o rest_n upon_o the_o seven_o day_n be_v ceremonious_a why_o not_o the_o command_n of_o labour_n on_o the_o six_o other_o day_n also_o and_o why_o do_v not_o this_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o then_o the_o idle_v person_n may_v be_v the_o best_a christian_n we_o may_v find_v this_o command_n reach_v even_o to_o the_o strange_a that_o be_v within_o the_o gate_n when_o i_o think_v the_o ceremony_n be_v not_o press_v upon_o they_o many_o reason_n also_o be_v give_v in_o the_o command_n which_o belong_v to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n as_o from_o the_o equity_n of_o it_o god_n who_o be_v the_o disposer_n of_o all_o give_v we_o six_o day_n and_o reserve_v one_o to_o himself_o which_o he_o call_v his_o own_o the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o christ_n tell_v we_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v lord_n of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o from_o his_o own_o example_n he_o rest_v and_o therefore_o command_v we_o to_o rest_n the_o end_n be_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o it_o and_o to_o dedicate_v it_o to_o his_o service_n for_o the_o rest_a of_o man_n and_o beast_n upon_o it_o and_o distinguish_v his_o people_n from_o other_o etc._n etc._n and_o do_v not_o this_o concern_v we_o as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n god_n require_v no_o less_o proportion_n of_o service_n now_o than_o he_o do_v then_o and_o therefore_o no_o less_o time_n to_o do_v it_o in_o our_o body_n require_v as_o much_o rest_n as_o they_o and_o our_o soul_n as_o much_o food_n and_o why_o shall_v not_o we_o have_v the_o like_a time_n and_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o four_o command_n i_o think_v neither_o man_n nor_o angel_n can_v alter_v it_o for_o who_o can_v proportion_v it_o better_o than_o god_n himself_o nay_o the_o circumstance_n in_o the_o deliver_n of_o this_o law_n show_v to_o be_v moral_a it_o be_v speak_v by_o god_n mouth_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o write_v by_o the_o same_o finger_n of_o god_n in_o the_o same_o table_n of_o stone_n put_v into_o the_o ark_n where_o the_o ceremony_n be_v not_o it_o have_v a_o special_a memento_n put_v upon_o it_o remember_v the_o sabbath_n to_o keep_v it_o holy_a christ_n himself_o own_v it_o when_o he_o bid_v the_o jew_n pray_v that_o their_o flight_n be_v not_o in_o the_o winter_n nor_o on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n mat._n 24.20_o which_o flight_n be_v forty_o year_n after_o his_o death_n the_o opposition_n which_o wicked_a man_n make_v against_o it_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n also_o for_o if_o the_o devil_n herein_o prevail_v we_o may_v almost_o bid_v farewell_n to_o all_o our_o religion_n 1._o direct_v before_o thou_o can_v make_v conscience_n of_o observe_v the_o sabbath_n thou_o must_v be_v well_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o this_o end_n i_o have_v already_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o a_o branch_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n bind_v not_o only_a jew_n but_o christian_n also_o but_o i_o foresee_v one_o main_a rub_n must_v be_v remove_v before_o the_o way_n be_v clear_v that_o doubt_n which_o make_v many_o to_o stumble_v whether_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n or_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o christian_a sabbath_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o whether_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v it_o as_o a_o sabbath_n much_o have_v be_v write_v by_o divine_n to_o satisfy_v this_o doubt_n my_o purpose_n be_v not_o to_o speak_v much_o to_o it_o in_o this_o place_n this_o treatise_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n yet_o something_o be_v necessary_a for_o while_o this_o doubt_n remain_v who_o will_v make_v use_n of_o the_o follow_a direction_n it_o be_v true_a we_o can_v prove_v in_o scripture_n neither_o be_v it_o say_v totidem_fw-la verbis_fw-la that_o christ_n do_v command_v that_o the_o sabbath_n shall_v be_v change_v from_o the_o last_o to_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n than_o there_o can_v be_v no_o controversy_n but_o we_o have_v that_o which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o such_o a_o command_n that_o it_o be_v change_v by_o divine_a authority_n and_o very_o probable_o by_o christ_n himself_o the_o scripture_n yield_v we_o sufficient_a witness_n christ_n be_v call_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n call_v it_o his_o day_n rev._n 1.10_o which_o seem_v to_o intimate_v he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v call_v his_o supper_n because_o he_o institute_v it_o and_o have_v it_o not_o be_v alter_v by_o he_o i_o know_v not_o who_o will_v have_v be_v so_o bold_a to_o have_v distinguish_v it_o from_o other_o day_n by_o this_o name_n he_o be_v every_o way_n as_o faithful_a in_o his_o house_n as_o moses_n be_v yet_o moses_n we_o know_v by_o god_n appointment_n state_v a_o time_n for_o god_n worship_n heb._n 3.2.6_o and_o no_o doubt_n a_o settle_a time_n be_v as_o necessary_a for_o we_o as_o for_o they_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o we_o find_v christ_n himself_o own_v the_o day_n in_o his_o own_o person_n as_o in_o his_o resurrection_n and_o finish_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n a_o great_a work_n than_o that_o of_o creation_n and_o better_a deserve_v a_o special_a memorial_n and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o he_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n and_o cease_v from_o his_o own_o work_n as_o god_n do_v from_o his_o heb._n 4.10_o alude_v to_o the_o creation_n from_o which_o when_o god_n rest_v he_o ordain_v the_o sabbath_n we_o may_v also_o read_v that_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n appear_v divers_a time_n to_o his_o disciple_n upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n when_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o read_v john_n 2.19_o and_o again_o verse_n 26._o and_o doubtless_o not_o without_o divine_a providence_n point_v out_o this_o day_n to_o we_o and_o after_o his_o ascension_n when_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o upon_o that_o day_n he_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o act_v 2.12_o we_o read_v also_o that_o this_o be_v the_o day_n the_o apostle_n do_v keep_v as_o a_o sabbath_n and_o also_o the_o church_n meet_v together_o to_o perform_v sabbath_n day_n duty_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n prayer_n work_v of_o charity_n etc._n etc._n act_v 20.7_o 1_o cor._n 18.2_o upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n let_v every_o one_o of_o you_o lay_v by_o in_o store_n as_o god_n have_v prosper_v he_o and_o as_o it_o be_v conceive_v forty_o year_n after_o christ_n decease_n saint_n john_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n call_v it_o the_o lord_n day_n whereupon_o he_o receive_v his_o revelation_n rev._n 1.10_o neither_o do_v we_o read_v that_o the_o apostle_n ever_o keep_v any_o other_o day_n as_o a_o sabbath_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o upon_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n they_o often_o preach_v take_v advantage_n of_o the_o multitude_n then_o gather_v together_o which_o advantage_n at_o other_o time_n they_o want_v now_o if_o the_o change_n be_v thus_o make_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n it_o be_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v but_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11.23_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o day_n they_o meet_v to_o preach_v and_o break_v bread_n act_v 20.7_o 1_o cor._n 16.1,2_o now_o be_v there_o no_o precept_n the_o constant_a example_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n may_v satisfy_v we_o for_o they_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o appoint_v they_o both_o by_o doctrine_n and_o example_n to_o teach_v his_o church_n and_o to_o this_o end_n give_v they_o instruction_n in_o the_o time_n between_o his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n which_o instruction_n be_v not_o all_o record_v yea_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n give_v we_o no_o little_a light_n for_o though_o christian_n have_v be_v at_o great_a difference_n among_o themselves_o about_o other_o matter_n yet_o few_o question_v the_o change_n of_o the_o day_n both_o greek_n and_o latin_n both_o papist_n and_o protestant_n both_o lutheran_n and_o calvenist_n hold_v to_o this_o and_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
be_v lawful_a it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o subject_a the_o party_n vow_v be_v right_o qualify_v now_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o three_o thing_n be_v requisite_a they_o shall_v be_v endow_v with_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o other_o qualification_n of_o the_o mind_n they_o shall_v be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la at_o their_o own_o dispose_n in_o the_o thing_n they_o vow_v and_o they_o shall_v be_v free_a and_o no_o force_n put_v upon_o they_o in_o what_o they_o do_v but_o shall_v do_v it_o willing_o and_o spontanious_o for_o god_n love_v cheerful_a not_o constrain_v service_n a_o free_a will_n offer_v that_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n be_v necessary_a none_o can_v doubt_v if_o a_o man_n vow_n and_o not_o know_v or_o not_o consider_v the_o nature_n use_v and_o end_n of_o a_o vow_n this_o will_v be_v but_o blind_a sacrifice_n it_o shall_v be_v do_v with_o great_a wisdom_n care_n deliberation_n and_o circumspection_n which_o can_v be_v without_o knowledge_n eccles_n 56._o suffer_v not_o thy_o mouth_n to_o cause_v thy_o flesh_n to_o sin_n neither_o say_v thou_o before_o the_o angel_n it_o be_v a_o error_n it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o folly_n after_o the_o vow_n to_o inquire_v those_o that_o want_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n whither_o they_o be_v child_n in_o their_o nonage_n or_o fool_n or_o idiot_n such_o as_o be_v not_o compos_fw-la mentis_fw-la in_o their_o right_a mind_n but_o mad_a or_o brainsick_a these_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o make_v a_o vow_n now_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o determine_v the_o just_a time_n when_o a_o child_n vow_n be_v obligatory_a or_o become_v oblige_v some_o come_v to_o their_o discretion_n soon_o and_o some_o late_a and_o some_o as_o i_o say_v not_o at_o all_o the_o hebrew_n hold_v the_o vow_n of_o a_o man_n child_n be_v not_o valid_a till_o twelve_o year_n of_o age_n and_o the_o maid_n at_o eleven_o but_o this_o seem_v young_a enough_o there_o be_v many_o that_o have_v live_v many_o more_o year_n before_o they_o be_v fit_a to_o vow_n for_o till_o they_o know_v the_o nature_n end_n and_o use_v of_o a_o vow_n how_o shall_v they_o perform_v such_o a_o duty_n faith_n also_o be_v necessary_a in_o this_o case_n for_z whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n rom._n 14.23_o and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n also_o be_v require_v yea_o a_o gracious_a temper_n and_o disposition_n for_o those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n can_v please_v god_n and_o they_o shall_v have_v grace_n not_o only_o in_o the_o habit_n but_o also_o in_o the_o act_n or_o they_o will_v receive_v little_a benefit_n by_o this_o duty_n again_o the_o party_n shall_v be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la his_o own_o man_n and_o not_o under_o another_o command_n he_o must_v be_v at_o his_o own_o liberty_n as_o touch_v the_o thing_n he_o vow_v or_o else_o his_o vow_n be_v unlawful_a we_o read_v numb_a 30.4,5_o etc._n etc._n that_o if_o a_o woman_n in_o her_o youth_n that_o be_v past_o a_o child_n vow_v a_o vow_n in_o her_o father_n house_n if_o her_o father_n approve_v of_o her_o vow_n it_o be_v rati_fw-la fie_v if_o not_o it_o be_v well_o the_o like_a we_o read_v of_o a-married_n woman_n who_o vow_n be_v ratify_v or_o nullify_v by_o her_o husband_n and_o the_o like_a party_n of_o reason_n show_v that_o a_o son_n or_o servant_n or_o subject_a ought_v not_o to_o vow_v against_o the_o mind_n of_o parent_n master_n or_o prince_n concern_v thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v subject_v to_o they_o can_v a_o son_n vow_v to_o leave_v his_o parent_n or_o a_o servant_n his_o master_n service_n during_o his_o engagement_n without_o their_o leave_n to_o go_v on_o pilgimage_n or_o to_o live_v monastical_a life_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o equity_n make_v such_o vow_n sinful_a when_o it_o be_v to_o the_o wrong_n of_o the_o superior_n the_o inferior_a in_o this_o case_n put_v himself_o upon_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v by_o such_o a_o vow_n if_o he_o keep_v it_o he_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o command_v obedience_n to_o the_o superior_a who_o they_o disobey_v if_o they_o break_v it_o they_o sin_v also_o against_o god_n who_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v better_a not_o to_o vow_v than_o to_o vow_n and_o not_o perform_v some_o of_o the_o papist_n themselves_o who_o give_v the_o large_a liberty_n in_o this_o case_n i_o conceive_v more_o than_o ever_o god_n give_v acknowledge_v that_o a_o wise_a without_o her_o husband_n consent_n ought_v not_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o nunnery_n or_o vow_v a_o monastic_a life_n and_o the_o like_a parity_n of_o reason_n hold_v for_o other_o inferior_n in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v subject_v again_o this_o be_v a_o free_a will_n offer_v and_o no_o absolve_v command_v lie_v upon_o we_o neither_o do_v we_o sin_v if_o we_o vow_v not_o deut._n 23.22_o if_o thou_o forbear_v to_o vow_n it_o shall_v be_v no_o sin_n in_o the_o therefore_o none_o shall_v be_v constrain_v or_o compel_v to_o it_o it_o shall_v be_v voluntary_a at_o every_o one_o be_v own_o dispose_n there_o be_v none_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o it_o by_o force_n or_o fraud_n by_o fear_n or_o violence_n it_o shall_v be_v voluntary_a out_o of_o faith_n and_o conscience_n in_o way_n of_o thankfulness_n for_o mercy_n receive_v and_o for_o the_o obtain_v those_o we_o want_v by_o which_o we_o bound_v ourselves_o to_o some_o necessary_a duty_n for_o good_a end_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v conducible_a to_o those_o end_n deut._n 23.21_o when_o thou_o shall_v vow_v a_o vow_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n thou_o shall_v not_o slack_v to_o pay_v it_o for_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v sure_o require_v it_o of_o thou_o and_o it_o will_v be_v sin_n in_o thou_o i_o will_v pay_v my_o vow_n say_v david_n which_o my_o lip_n have_v utter_v when_o i_o be_v in_o trouble_n psalm_n 66.13,14_o and_o 132.2,3_o 3._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v not_o offend_v in_o thy_o vow_n take_v heed_n thou_o vow_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v unlawful_a or_o unnecessary_a or_o unsuitable_a if_o thou_o vow_v any_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n or_o will_v of_o god_n it_o can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n nay_o whether_o thou_o perform_v or_o no_o thou_o be_v a_o transgressor_n there_o be_v some_o vow_n which_o bound_v unto_o command_v duty_n as_o to_o dedicate_v ourselves_o whole_o unto_o god_n and_o to_o obey_v he_o that_o our_o vow_n in_o baptism_n which_o we_o often_o iterate_v in_o the_o other_o sacrament_n these_o vow_n be_v absolute_a and_o without_o condition_n some_o be_v conditional_a as_o the_o vow_n of_o jacob_n and_o hannah_n before_o mention_v if_o god_n give_v in_o the_o mercy_n then_o be_v we_o oblige_v to_o make_v good_a our_o word_n as_o they_o do_v and_o also_o jepththah_n but_o in_o all_o whether_o absolute_a or_o conditional_a beware_v of_o vow_v any_o unlawful_a thing_n we_o be_v command_v to_o abstain_v from_o evil_a yea_o from_o the_o very_a appearance_n of_o it_o 1_o thes_n 5.22_o if_o in_o our_o vow_n we_o dedicate_v any_o thing_n to_o god_n let_v it_o be_v such_o as_o he_o approve_v of_o he_o like_v not_o the_o halt_a the_o blind_a nor_o the_o lame_a in_o sacrifice_n leu._n 22.23_o neither_o will_v he_o be_v serve_v with_o the_o hire_n of_o a_o whore_n nor_o the_o price_n of_o a_o dog_n deut._n 23.18_o thou_o must_v vow_v something_o that_o be_v thy_o own_o and_o lawful_o get_v thou_o must_v not_o vow_v any_o thing_n sinful_a in_o itself_o or_o sinful_a by_o circumstance_n or_o necessary_a accident_n we_o see_v the_o vow_n of_o paul_n persecutor_n that_o they_o will_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v till_o they_o have_v kill_v he_o act_v 23.12_o be_v sinful_a in_o a_o double_a respect_n first_o as_o it_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v and_o also_o in_o that_o they_o vow_v a_o thing_n not_o in_o their_o own_o power_n so_o that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o break_v it_o our_o vow_n also_o shall_v be_v considerate_a and_o not_o rash_a nor_o heady_a as_o be_v that_o of_o jephthah_n which_o put_v he_o upon_o that_o unpleasing_a work_n of_o sacrifice_v his_o daughter_n judg._n 11.30,34_o and_o that_o of_o saul_n in_o bind_v his_o people_n from_o taste_v food_n which_o have_v like_a to_o have_v cost_n jonathan_n his_o life_n 1_o sam._n 14.25_o neither_o can_v those_o vow_n be_v justify_v of_o the_o papist_n wherein_o they_o bound_v themselves_o and_o take_v the_o sacrament_n upon_o it_o to_o murder_n heretic_n king_n as_o they_o call_v the_o protestant_n and_o to_o massacree_n protestant_n themselves_o but_o by_o what_o warrant_n be_v it_o do_v and_o who_o give_v they_o this_o authority_n a_o vow_n shall_v not_o be_v vinculum_fw-la iniquitatis_fw-la a_o bond_n of_o