of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n else_o what_o shall_v we_o make_v of_o that_o seem_a contradiction_n jer._n 7._o 22._o i_o speak_v not_o to_o your_o father_n nor_o command_v they_o in_o the_o day_n i_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n concern_v burnt-offering_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o thing_n i_o i_o command_v they_o obey_v my_o voice_n etc._n etc._n here_o the_o principal_a intention_n of_o god_n must_v give_v the_o interpretation_n and_o take_v away_o the_o contradiction_n nor_o be_v affirmative_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v many_o time_n less_o limit_v from_o their_o seem_a latitude_n scripture_n indefiniteness_n and_o universality_n as_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o take_v not_o away_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la 21._o the_o property_n of_o christian_n as_o to_o what_o they_o have_v by_o private_a right_n and_o possession_n 23._o so_o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a must_v not_o be_v stretch_v to_o any_o immoral_a licentiousness_n but_o confine_v to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v by_o no_o word_n of_o god_n forbid_v but_o leave_v in_o a_o indifferency_n and_o to_o be_v use_v as_o reason_n and_o religion_n require_v or_o the_o moral_a end_n of_o all_o thing_n do_v permit_v 33._o so_o i_o please_v all_o man_n in_o all_o thing_n 15._o so_o to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a the_o meaning_n must_v not_o be_v after_o the_o manichean_a and_o familistical_a imagination_n as_o if_o such_o as_o be_v pure_a may_v do_v or_o use_v any_o thing_n even_o to_o those_o mixture_n which_o be_v moral_o impure_a or_o sinful_a for_o these_o be_v always_o and_o at_o all_o time_n forbid_v to_o all_o man_n who_o may_v not_o fancy_v that_o pure_a which_o god_n have_v mark_v with_o the_o brand_n of_o sinful_a impurity_n nor_o may_v they_o count_v that_o sinful_o impure_a on_o which_o god_n have_v set_v no_o such_o stamp_n â—y_a any_o law_n forbid_v it_o if_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v large_o show_v must_v be_v understand_v only_o by_o the_o bark_n or_o shell_n of_o word_n and_o not_o by_o the_o kernel_n and_o intent_n we_o shall_v make_v those_o expression_n to_o be_v approbation_n which_o be_v the_o sharp_a reproof_n and_o prohibition_n yet_o by_o way_n of_o irony_n and_o seem_a concession_n as_o eccl._n 11._o 9_o rejoice_v o_o young_a man_n in_o thy_o youth_n walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o eye_n so_o christ_n commend_v the_o unjust_a steward_n do_v not_o import_v his_o justify_n of_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 8._o but_o of_o that_o prudence_n though_o sinister_a which_o he_o show_v to_o preserve_v himself_o from_o temporal_a extremity_n the_o more_o to_o reproach_v the_o improvidence_n negligence_n and_o supineness_n of_o those_o who_o will_v not_o use_v honest_a mean_n for_o their_o eternal_a preservation_n it_o be_v easy_a by_o many_o more_o parallel_a instance_n beside_o those_o i_o for_o mer_o give_v to_o manifest_a to_o the_o quaker_n or_o any_o man_n not_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o that_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n which_o shine_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o since_o the_o holy_a oracle_n of_o god_n be_v speak_v or_o write_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o man_n grotius_n and_o in_o such_o a_o familiar_a style_n or_o mode_n of_o speech_n as_o be_v use_v among_o man_n in_o the_o several_a time_n language_n and_o occasion_n of_o write_v they_o which_o the_o hearer_n or_o reader_n then_o easy_o understand_v it_o can_v be_v any_o part_n of_o religion_n so_o to_o urge_v any_o letter_n phrase_n or_o form_n of_o speech_n as_o to_o swerve_v the_o sense_n of_o word_n from_o the_o evident_a scope_n intent_n or_o end_n of_o the_o speaker_n which_o be_v gather_v both_o from_o the_o rise_n or_o occasion_n and_o end_v why_o he_o speak_v and_o any_o additional_a instance_n which_o be_v oft_o give_v as_o explication_n and_o special_a mark_n or_o boundary_n of_o the_o speaker_n meaning_n which_o be_v here_o evident_a for_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o blamable_a for_o swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a god_n as_o by_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n they_o be_v command_v in_o righteousness_n judgement_n and_o truth_n nay_o they_o even_o superstitious_o wave_v this_o kind_n of_o swear_v but_o for_o their_o new_a and_o customary_a form_n of_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n and_o fancy_v it_o no_o forswear_n themselves_o in_o case_n they_o be_v false_a either_o in_o intention_n or_o execution_n this_o be_v the_o usual_a and_o almost_o only_o swear_v in_o fashion_n among_o they_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o our_o saviour_n aim_v only_o at_o this_o give_v such_o a_o prohibition_n of_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o that_o be_v not_o at_o all_o for_o matter_n or_o manner_n as_o you_o have_v accustom_v yourselves_o to_o swear_v contrary_a to_o or_o beyond_o what_o god_n allow_v in_o his_o law_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o be_v to_o prove_v nature_n 2._o my_o second_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o forbid_v all_o swear_n with_o its_o due_a reverence_n and_o integrity_n be_v from_o the_o moral_a nature_n end_n and_o use_v of_o a_o oath_n first_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o principle_n of_o innate_a divinity_n yet_o unextinguished_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o mankind_n it_o have_v ever_o be_v and_o still_o be_v own_a and_o use_v as_o a_o special_a part_n of_o religion_n sicul._n a_o solemn_a agnition_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v and_o attribute_n in_o omniscience_n justice_n and_o power_n which_o all_o man_n attest_v as_o believe_v that_o none_o can_v escape_v that_o witness_n and_o judge_n of_o all_o thing_n thus_o egyptian_n scythian_n persian_n greek_n roman_n hierocles_n and_o all_o nation_n that_o have_v any_o thing_n civil_a and_o religious_a among_o they_o have_v use_v some_o form_n of_o swear_v by_o their_o respective_a deity_n as_o a_o special_a honour_n and_o appeal_v to_o their_o sovereignty_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n in_o case_n dubious_a to_o give_v satisfaction_n gain_v credit_n and_o make_v man_n assure_v of_o the_o veracity_n and_o honesty_n of_o the_o speaker_n in_o their_o promise_n and_o testimony_n in_o their_o league_n and_o contract_n and_o however_o the_o noble_a and_o wise_a of_o the_o heathen_n require_v no_o less_o veracity_n and_o certainty_n in_o the_o bare_a word_n than_o oath_n of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d yet_o they_o high_o distinguish_v between_o swear_v and_o forswear_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o last_o they_o think_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o to_o be_v punish_v by_o the_o god_n if_o either_o they_o mean_v not_o as_o they_o swear_v or_o perform_v not_o what_o they_o have_v just_o swear_v yea_o and_o they_o oft_o bring_v in_o their_o god_n and_o jupiter_n himself_o as_o chief_a swear_v polybius_n observe_v that_o in_o the_o better_o and_o simple_a age_n of_o the_o world_n oath_n be_v seldom_o use_v in_o judicature_n polyb._n but_o after_o that_o perfidy_n and_o lie_v increase_v the_o use_n of_o oath_n increase_v as_o the_o only_a remedy_n meet_v to_o restrain_v those_o mischief_n that_o where_o man_n can_v not_o see_v or_o be_v sure_a the_o omniscience_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v invocate_v on_o man_n conscience_n quintil._n which_o none_o can_v elude_v or_o escape_v hierocles_n also_o tell_v we_o hierocles_n that_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o swear_v but_o for_o great_a and_o necessary_a end_n which_o can_v otherways_o be_v obtain_v but_o where_o the_o end_n be_v good_a and_o this_o a_o necessary_a mean_n there_o they_o think_v agreeable_a to_o true_a reason_n and_o religion_n that_o swear_v be_v a_o lawful_a mean_n second_o god_n himself_o jew_n the_o great_a pattern_n of_o all_o holiness_n and_o perfection_n will_v not_o have_v give_v so_o many_o express_a command_n and_o regulation_n concern_v swear_v if_o all_o swear_v have_v in_o its_o nature_n be_v moral_o and_o so_o eternal_o evil_a the_o moral_a precept_n be_v exod._a 20._o 7._o thou_o shall_v not_o take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o vain_a or_o upon_o falsity_n which_o import_v a_o lawful_a use_n of_o god_n name_n as_o be_v explain_v lâ—â—_n 19_o 12._o you_o shall_v not_o swear_v by_o my_o name_n false_o nor_o shall_v thou_o profane_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n which_o sense_n be_v further_o clear_v deut._n 6._o 13._o thou_o shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o and_o shall_v swear_v by_o his_o name_n which_o be_v repeat_v deut._n 10._o 20._o so_o of_o vow_v by_o a_o oath_n to_o god_n num._n 30._o 2._o deu_fw-la 23._o 21._o so_o be_v 45._o 23._o to_o i_o every_o tonguâ—_n shall_v swear_v so_o again_o isa_n 65._o 16._o he_o that_o swear_v in_o the_o earth_n shall_v swear_v by_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n jer._n 4._o 2._o and_o thou_o shall_v
to_o choke_v that_o good_a seed_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v sow_v by_o the_o public_a ministry_n and_o fence_v by_o legal_a authority_n as_o i_o will_v have_v that_o religion_n only_o settle_v in_o its_o doctrinal_n devotionals_n discipline_n and_o government_n which_o be_v by_o public_a consent_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o catholic_n prudence_n judge_v to_o be_v the_o best_a for_o truth_n sanctity_n order_n &_o decency_n which_o bless_v be_v god_n be_v in_o england_n so_o i_o will_v have_v it_o and_o it_o only_o to_o enjoy_v all_o public_a countenance_n and_o encouragement_n by_o the_o injunction_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o law_n by_o the_o favour_n and_o example_n of_o the_o prince_n by_o public_a maintenance_n and_o honour_n by_o the_o use_n of_o public_a church_n and_o oratory_n to_o the_o preacher_n and_o professor_n of_o this_o public_a office_n and_o employment_n of_o honour_n and_o authority_n foreign_a and_o domestic_a ecclesiastical_a civil_a and_o military_a shall_v be_v chief_o appropriate_v of_o these_o advantage_n dissenter_n shall_v be_v general_o deprive_v because_o they_o be_v the_o proper_a honorary_n of_o those_o who_o most_o serve_v the_o public_a peace_n by_o their_o due_a observance_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o law_n establish_v from_o which_o whoso_o open_o vary_v and_o dissent_v lay_v the_o foundation_n as_o of_o distraction_n and_o division_n so_o of_o destruction_n and_o confusion_n with_o these_o outward_a advantage_n add_v to_o that_o internal_a power_n of_o truth_n &_o holiness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o establish_a religion_n it_o may_v as_o i_o think_v not_o only_o be_v happy_o support_v but_o easy_o prevail_v in_o a_o short_a time_n by_o god_n blessing_n against_o all_o factious_a and_o feeble_a opposition_n unless_o the_o scandal_n negligence_n levity_n and_o luxury_n of_o its_o minister_n bishop_n presbyter_n and_o professor_n overthrow_v it_o by_o cast_v such_o immoral_a disgrace_n upon_o it_o as_o make_v people_n dissbelieve_v and_o abhor_v both_o it_o and_o they_o as_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o eli_n son_n but_o i_o confess_v i_o will_v not_o have_v this_o legal_a and_o avow_a religion_n of_o the_o nation_n so_o rigorous_a sharp_a and_o severe_a as_o sarah_n to_o hagar_n by_o the_o sudden_a over-awing_a or_o violent_a overlay_v of_o all_o other_o different_a persuasion_n in_o peaceable_a man_n as_o not_o to_o let_v they_o breath_n in_o the_o same_o common_a air_n or_o not_o to_o enjoy_v their_o life_n civil_a liberty_n and_o estate_n with_o their_o dissent_v conscience_n in_o all_o modest_a privacy_n and_o safety_n i_o abhor_v as_o much_o as_o i_o dread_v all_o rack_n and_o torture_n of_o man_n soul_n or_o those_o cruel_a no_o less_o than_o curious_a scrutiny_n of_o man_n conscience_n which_o covet_v first_o like_o god_n to_o search_v man_n heart_n and_o then_o like_o the_o devil_n delight_v to_o torment_v they_o in_o their_o estate_n and_o liberty_n only_o because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o wise_a or_o apprehensive_a as_o themselves_o but_o as_o honest_a perhaps_o and_o sincere_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n true_a i_o think_v that_o some_o little_a pecuniary_a mulct_n as_o one_o or_o two_o shilling_n to_o the_o poor_a for_o every_o lord_n day_n absence_n from_o the_o public_a church_n or_o assembly_n may_v be_v just_o lay_v as_o a_o mark_n of_o public_a dislike_n upon_o dissenter_n and_o separater_n from_o the_o establish_a religion_n not_o for_o their_o private_a difference_n in_o judgement_n which_o possible_o be_v not_o their_o fault_n but_o for_o their_o public_a deformity_n in_o practice_n to_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o establish_a religion_n and_o to_o the_o endanger_n of_o the_o public_a welfare_n who_o strength_n and_o stability_n consist_v in_o unity_n and_o this_o in_o uniformity_n to_o the_o settle_a rule_n and_o in_o conformity_n to_o outward_a practice_n yet_o still_o no_o inquisition_n to_o be_v make_v into_o free_a man_n conscience_n nor_o any_o great_a penalty_n lay_v upon_o they_o for_o their_o persuasion_n further_o than_o their_o word_n and_o action_n do_v discover_v their_o principle_n opinion_n correspondency_n and_o adherency_n to_o be_v contrary_a and_o dangerous_a to_o the_o public_a peace_n order_n and_o justice_n which_o all_o be_v found_v in_o and_o flourish_v by_o our_o settle_a law_n and_o religion_n thus_o permit_v sober_a man_n not_o a_o declare_a toleration_n or_o public_a profession_n by_o way_n of_o open_a rivalry_n to_o the_o establish_a religion_n but_o only_o such_o a_o arbitrary_a connivance_n and_o conditional_a indulgence_n as_o give_v they_o no_o trouble_n for_o their_o private_a and_o untroublesome_a opinion_n while_o they_o be_v keep_v in_o their_o breast_n and_o closert_n or_o in_o their_o private_a house_n and_o family_n to_o which_o all_o dissenter_n ought_v in_o reason_n to_o be_v confine_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n without_o any_o convention_n of_o stranger_n to_o they_o though_o perhaps_o on_o the_o weekday_n they_o may_v have_v their_o meeting_n allow_v yet_o so_o as_o to_o be_v keep_v within_o parochial_a bound_n or_o to_o such_o a_o number_n of_o person_n and_o family_n as_o shall_v be_v think_v safe_a but_o for_o dissenter_n to_o have_v multitudinous_a conventicle_n as_o it_o be_v muster_n of_o their_o force_n when_o where_o and_o as_o many_o as_o they_o please_v can_v be_v safe_a for_o thereby_o they_o not_o only_o affront_v the_o establish_a religion_n but_o confirm_v each_o other_o in_o their_o opinion_n yea_o and_o as_o charcoal_n in_o heap_n they_o more_o kindle_v and_o inflame_v each_o other_o by_o their_o number_n to_o such_o proud_a animosity_n and_o rebellious_a confidence_n as_o may_v hope_v to_o set_v up_o their_o faction_n supreme_a not_o only_o in_o the_o repute_n of_o religion_n but_o in_o civil_a power_n which_o be_v the_o ambitious_a aim_n of_o all_o party_n except_o that_o which_o be_v pure_o christian_a &_o whole_o resolve_v into_o suffer_a principle_n all_z other_o we_o see_v whether_o papist_n or_o presbyterian_o or_o anabaptist_n or_o independent_o affect_v summam_fw-la imperii_fw-la as_o diotrephes_n to_o have_v the_o preeminence_n as_o lucifer_n and_o antichrist_n to_o exalt_v themselves_o above_o all_o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v by_o wise_a and_o vigilant_a power_n as_o well_o as_o by_o good_a preach_n &_o live_v be_v keep_v as_o fire_n within_o the_o hearth_n of_o their_o private_a opinion_n and_o party_n leave_v they_o prevail_v by_o popular_a art_n against_o the_o public_a establish_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o palladium_n or_o conservator_n of_o civil_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n and_o never_o to_o be_v rash_o change_v or_o rude_o contemn_v while_o it_o be_v authorise_v the_o great_a charity_n to_o which_o include_v even_o a_o charity_n to_o all_o those_o which_o differ_v from_o its_o present_a settlement_n who_o common_o be_v more_o miserable_a in_o the_o riotous_a mutation_n which_o their_o folly_n and_o rudeness_n affect_v then_o in_o those_o sober_a restriction_n of_o which_o they_o be_v so_o impatient_a that_o from_o different_a persuasion_n they_o break_v out_o to_o petulant_a opposition_n by_o tongue_n and_o pen_n thence_o they_o be_v betray_v to_o seditious_a project_n and_o at_o last_o these_o must_v be_v bring_v forth_o in_o tumultuary_a and_o violent_a action_n which_o be_v so_o intolerable_a that_o the_o very_o first_o spark_n of_o their_o insolent_a and_o seditious_a expression_n especial_o in_o pulpit_n and_o press_n aught_o by_o great_a penalty_n to_o be_v suppress_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o unreasonable_a then_o for_o any_o man_n rude_o to_o blaspheme_v and_o reproach_v that_o religion_n which_o his_o prince_n and_o country_n profess_v unless_o he_o be_v so_o impudent_a as_o many_o be_v to_o blaspheme_v that_o also_o which_o himself_o ow_v as_o the_o true_a religion_n with_o they_o this_o tenderness_n moderation_n and_o indulgence_n i_o bear_v only_o to_o humble_a modest_a and_o innocent_a dissenter_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o christian_a charity_n which_o ought_v in_o all_o thing_n become_v humanity_n to_o exceed_v all_o other_o man_n as_o tertullian_n well_o observe_v to_o which_o christian_n charity_n of_o i_o towards_o sober_a dissenter_n beside_o the_o confidence_n i_o have_v of_o truth_n and_o its_o prevalency_n perhaps_o my_o native_a temper_n and_o candour_n may_v contribute_v something_o which_o abhor_v after_o the_o genius_n of_o primitive_a christian_n all_o severity_n or_o rigour_n only_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o religion_n far_o than_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o cure_n of_o offender_n and_o the_o conservation_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n i_o know_v the_o roughness_n or_o smoothness_n of_o man_n education_n and_o complexion_n like_o esau_n and_o jacob_n have_v much_o influence_n upon_o their_o opinion_n and_o conversation_n yea_o and_o upon_o their_o conscience_n too_o if_o this_o may_v seem_v to_o some_o too_o great_a a_o facility_n and_o gentleness_n in_o i_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o error_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n
to_o they_o be_v quaker_n because_o they_o be_v a_o sect_n late_o breed_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o equivocal_a generation_n as_o vermine_n out_o of_o the_o putid_v matter_n and_o corruption_n of_o former_a time_n in_o which_o so_o many_o faction_n cast_v forth_o their_o spawn_n and_o filth_n to_o the_o deformity_n and_o confusion_n of_o all_o thing_n civil_a and_o sacred_a in_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n they_o have_v their_o beginning_n from_o the_o very_a rabble_n and_o dregs_o of_o people_n uncatechise_v undisciplined_a and_o ungoverned_a in_o england_n no_o wonder_n to_o find_v these_o people_n fly_v to_o inspiration_n and_o new_a light_n when_o they_o be_v hatch_v in_o dark_a time_n which_o seek_v to_o put_v out_o all_o the_o old_a light_n of_o law_n and_o gospel_n they_o may_v easy_o run_v to_o rudeness_n towards_o their_o better_n and_o refractoriness_n against_o our_o law_n and_o obstinacy_n in_o their_o error_n and_o impatience_n of_o any_o just_a coertion_n when_o they_o 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all_o swear_v whatsoever_o when_o they_o see_v such_o desperate_a abuse_n and_o break_n of_o public_a and_o solemn_a oath_n in_o those_o dismal_a day_n but_o as_o the_o abuse_n of_o thing_n lawful_a and_o good_a must_v not_o take_v away_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o they_o no_o more_o than_o some_o man_n gluttony_n and_o drunkenness_n may_v deprive_v we_o of_o all_o eat_n and_o drink_v sober_o so_o neither_o may_v christian_n therefore_o deny_v all_o swear_v because_o some_o man_n care_v not_o what_o and_o how_o they_o do_v swear_v and_o forswear_v here_o a_o little_a clear_n of_o those_o superstitious_a fear_n and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o first_o possess_v these_o man_n against_o all_o swear_v may_v at_o once_o let_v they_o see_v the_o liberty_n they_o have_v for_o do_v that_o which_o our_o law_n require_v and_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o gospel_n no_o where_o absolute_o forbid_v but_o only_o regulate_v and_o restrain_v nor_o do_v i_o only_o thus_o pity_v the_o quaker_n commendable_a but_o i_o praise_v they_o also_o in_o some_o respect_n be_v as_o no_o enemy_n to_o their_o person_n so_o a_o friend_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a in_o they_o first_o conscience_n for_o their_o choose_n as_o they_o profess_v in_o those_o paper_n give_v in_o that_o day_n to_o some_o of_o the_o lord_n rather_o to_o suffer_v then_o sin_n against_o their_o conscience_n and_o so_o against_o god_n who_o holy_a will_n shine_v on_o the_o soul_n in_o reason_n and_o religion_n either_o seem_a or_o real_a be_v indeed_o the_o present_a rule_n of_o conscience_n nor_o may_v any_o man_n act_v contrary_a to_o these_o dictate_v which_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v god_n though_o he_o err_v as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o rule_n yet_o his_o judgement_n bind_v so_o far_o as_o it_o represent_v though_o in_o a_o false_a glass_n the_o suppose_a light_n of_o god_n will_n for_o he_o that_o will_v venture_v to_o act_v against_o conscience_n though_o erroneous_a will_v also_o act_v against_o it_o though_o never_o so_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a here_o the_o first_o care_n must_v be_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d judgement_n be_v according_a to_o truth_n and_o then_o to_o act_v according_o else_o however_o the_o integrity_n of_o intention_n may_v be_v commendable_a and_o so_o mitigate_v the_o fault_n yet_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o action_n may_v be_v great_a as_o to_o the_o enormity_n or_o aberration_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o eternal_a truth_n and_o justice_n as_o that_o of_o paul_n be_v when_o he_o persecute_v and_o blaspheme_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v very_o persuade_v that_o he_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v against_o that_o way_n 9_o so_o other_o shall_v think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n while_o they_o kill_v christ_n disciple_n 2._o a_o conscience_n thus_o err_v fall_v into_o the_o snare_n or_o dilemma_n of_o the_o devil_n if_o it_o act_n according_a to_o its_o error_n conscience_n it_o sin_n material_o against_o the_o intrinsical_a justice_n and_o truth_n 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possible_o now_o in_o england_n be_v not_o only_o destructive_a to_o many_o thousand_o but_o very_o disadvantageous_a to_o the_o king_n and_o kingdom_n to_o the_o trade_n and_o commerce_n of_o the_o nation_n by_o open_v a_o little_a wicket_n of_o royal_a clemency_n only_o to_o some_o few_o and_o shut_v the_o great_a gate_n to_o many_o who_o tender_a and_o unsatisfied_a or_o scrupulous_a conscience_n do_v as_o much_o expect_v need_v and_o deserve_v it_o as_o those_o that_o have_v it_o in_o petty_a matter_n while_o all_o other_o scruple_n be_v drive_v to_o discontent_n and_o despair_n by_o denial_n of_o all_o indulgence_n to_o they_o in_o great_a scruple_n there_o be_v but_o these_o four_o way_n of_o treat_v any_o party_n that_o dissent_v from_o the_o public_a establishment_n of_o religion_n and_o its_o law_n in_o any_o church_n and_o kingdom_n 1._o either_o to_o impoverish_v imprison_v banish_v and_o destroy_v all_o dissenter_n as_o the_o king_n of_o castille_n do_v the_o moor_n of_o 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law_n or_o to_o obstruct_v all_o judicial_a proceed_n plead_v for_o their_o disobedience_n to_o man_n law_n the_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n saint_n james_n no_o sober_a man_n can_v think_v by_o mere_a penalty_n to_o reduce_v they_o to_o a_o conformity_n with_o our_o law_n or_o to_o stop_v the_o spread_a of_o their_o opinion_n until_o it_o be_v plain_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a religion_n but_o only_a superstition_n in_o they_o a_o fear_n where_o no_o fear_n be_v a_o be_v righteous_a overmuch_o by_o a_o mistake_n of_o christ_n meaning_n a_o wrest_n of_o those_o scripture_n by_o their_o own_o unlearnedness_n and_o unstableness_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o public_a perturbation_n noble_a sir_n this_o great_a work_n for_o so_o it_o be_v to_o convince_v weak_a and_o wilful_a man_n of_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n i_o have_v undertake_v in_o this_o little_a treatise_n by_o god_n blessing_n not_o unreasonable_o i_o hope_v as_o to_o our_o time_n nor_o unsuitable_o as_o to_o my_o profession_n if_o i_o may_v be_v happy_a to_o do_v any_o of_o they_o good_a who_o possible_o may_v err_v in_o this_o with_o no_o evil_a mind_n by_o redeem_v they_o from_o their_o mistake_n and_o so_o from_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n i_o shall_v more_o rejoice_v in_o that_o success_n than_o those_o soldier_n do_v who_o among_o the_o ancient_n be_v reward_v with_o civic_a garland_n for_o preserve_v any_o of_o their_o countryman_n and_o fellow-citizen_n which_o honour_n you_o know_v the_o roman_a valour_n esteem_v more_o than_o any_o victorious_a laurel_n for_o destroy_v their_o enemy_n and_o in_o this_o charitable_a endeavour_n prosper_v by_o god_n grace_n i_o shall_v the_o more_o serious_o triumph_n because_o i_o believe_v it_o most_o agreeable_a as_o to_o my_o saviour_n preoept_n and_o primitive_a example_n of_o christian_a bishop_n so_o to_o your_o generous_a soul_n whereby_o this_o piece_n may_v probable_o be_v fortify_v with_o the_o approbation_n of_o so_o pieu_n and_o judicious_a a_o person_n who_o single_a suffrage_n be_v to_o i_o more_o valuable_a than_o the_o sequacious_a and_o vulgar_a vote_n of_o thousand_o who_o empty_a brain_n and_o clamorous_a mouth_n like_o hollow_a place_n where_o echo_n hide_v herself_o do_v common_o receive_v and_o report_v thing_n not_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o they_o but_o as_o the_o noise_n and_o cry_n be_v loud_a i_o know_v you_o be_v as_o much_o above_o plebeian_a censure_n as_o titular_a honour_n traditional_a philosophy_n and_o popular_a religion_n be_v every_o way_n judicious_o devote_v to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n full_a of_o loyalty_n to_o the_o king_n and_o law_n also_o of_o sober_a conformity_n to_o the_o establish_a religion_n of_o this_o church_n who_o royal_a law_n be_v that_o of_o charity_n the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n and_o centre_n of_o peace_n in_o all_o which_o respect_v you_o deserve_v and_o have_v the_o love_n and_o honour_n of_o all_o worthy_a person_n and_o particular_o of_o he_o who_o may_v without_o vanity_n own_o this_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o some_o worth_n in_o he_o that_o he_o be_v sir_n your_o most_o affectionate_a friend_n and_o humble_a servant_n joh_n exon_n march_n 20_o 1661._o a_o discourse_n concern_v public_a oath_n and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o swear_v in_o judicial_a proceed_n etc._n etc._n find_v late_o in_o the_o most_o honourable_a house_n of_o peer_n piece_n that_o a_o law_n be_v likely_a to_o pass_v in_o order_n to_o punish_v with_o great_a penalty_n those_o english_a subject_n who_o under_o the_o name_n of_o quaker_n shall_v refuse_v to_o take_v as_o other_o legal_a oath_n so_o those_o which_o be_v usual_o require_v in_o judicial_a proceed_n thereby_o to_o prevent_v either_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o good_a law_n and_o custom_n of_o england_n according_a to_o private_a man_n fancy_n or_o the_o obstruction_n and_o violation_n of_o public_a justice_n the_o free_a course_n of_o which_o as_o that_o of_o the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n to_o the_o natural_a be_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o life_n and_o health_n the_o peace_n and_o honour_n the_o happiness_n and_o very_o be_v of_o the_o body_n politic_a which_o by_o the_o law_n and_o ancient_a custom_n of_o this_o kingdom_n of_o england_n can_v be_v due_o administer_v but_o by_o those_o form_n of_o solemn_a and_o religious_a oath_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a god_n which_o be_v the_o high_a obligation_n to_o truth_n and_o justice_n upon_o they_o that_o swear_v also_o the_o great_a satisfaction_n or_o assurance_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o other_o for_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o be_v so_o attest_v and_o for_o acquiescency_n in_o what_o be_v so_o decide_v i_o be_v hereupon_o bold_a thus_o far_o humble_o to_o intercede_v with_o that_o honourable_a house_n quaker_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o those_o poor_a people_n who_o be_v likely_a to_o fall_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o that_o law_n that_o however_o i_o may_v consent_v to_o the_o pass_v of_o that_o bill_n out_o of_o that_o justice_n and_o charity_n which_o i_o owe_v to_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o welfare_n to_o which_o all_o private_a party_n interest_n and_o charity_n must_v submit_v yet_o i_o crave_v so_o far_o a_o respite_n for_o some_o time_n as_o to_o the_o execution_n of_o those_o penalty_n upon_o any_o of_o they_o as_o offender_n until_o some_o such_o rational_a and_o religious_a course_n be_v take_v as_o may_v best_o inform_v those_o man_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n by_o god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n law_n of_o impose_v and_o take_v such_o public_a oath_n that_o so_o answer_v first_o their_o scruple_n and_o fair_o remove_v their_o difficulty_n either_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o cheerful_a obedience_n in_o that_o particular_a or_o else_o be_v leave_v without_o excuse_n before_o god_n and_o man_n while_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o law_n be_v justify_v against_o
their_o error_n and_o the_o severity_n of_o it_o only_o imputable_a to_o their_o own_o obstinacy_n i_o further_o recommend_v this_o previous_a method_n of_o christian_a charity_n or_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n as_o best_o become_v the_o piety_n humanity_n and_o honour_n of_o that_o house_n 2._o as_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o wont_a clemency_n of_o his_o majesty_n to_o all_o his_o good_a subject_n 3._o as_o the_o apt_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v such_o as_o be_v go_v astray_o from_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o error_n of_o their_o fancy_n 4._o and_o to_o stop_v for_o the_o future_a the_o spread_n of_o this_o and_o other_o dangerous_a opinion_n which_o be_v usual_o know_v under_o the_o name_n of_o quakerism_n the_o cure_n of_o which_o be_v easy_o do_v by_o rational_a application_n then_o by_o only_o rigid_a infliction_n upon_o those_o who_o plead_v conscience_n will_v by_o the_o vulgar_a be_v think_v martyr_n for_o their_o suffering_n their_o patience_n spread_v a_o love_n and_o esteem_v of_o their_o opinion_n by_o that_o pity_n and_o sympathy_n which_o people_n will_v be_v prone_a to_o have_v for_o their_o person_n 5._o i_o further_o assert_v this_o humble_a motion_n as_o very_o suitable_a to_o my_o profession_n as_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o special_a care_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o father_n of_o the_o church_n relation_n which_o carry_v in_o they_o great_a obligation_n to_o humanity_n charity_n ministerial_a duty_n episcopal_a vigilancy_n and_o paternal_a compassion_n to_o any_o man_n special_o christian_n who_o be_v weak_a or_o ignorant_a erroneous_a in_o their_o judgement_n or_o dangerous_a in_o their_o action_n 6._o last_o i_o urge_v the_o pattern_n of_o divine_a justice_n who_o usual_a forerunner_n be_v mercy_n vengeance_n rare_o follow_v but_o where_o patience_n have_v go_v before_o instruct_v man_n of_o their_o duty_n warn_v they_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o sin_n bear_v with_o their_o manner_n for_o a_o time_n 2._o and_o call_v 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their_o piety_n and_o charity_n if_o i_o do_v that_o by_o a_o private_a and_o single_a hand_n which_o i_o persuade_v myself_o all_o of_o they_o will_v ready_o assist_v i_o in_o by_o their_o joint_a suffrage_n and_o consent_n if_o their_o leisure_n will_v permit_v they_o in_o common_a to_o consult_v and_o determine_v of_o this_o point_n nor_o can_v i_o but_o believe_v that_o his_o majesty_n royal_a clemency_n which_o have_v seek_v in_o the_o gentle_a way_n to_o convince_v and_o conquer_v all_o his_o enemy_n who_o pride_n and_o folly_n have_v not_o make_v they_o desperate_a and_o so_o the_o severe_a punisher_n of_o themselves_o will_v gracious_o approve_v this_o my_o charitable_a endeavour_n to_o redeem_v many_o of_o his_o well-meaning_a subject_n from_o those_o mistake_n in_o opinion_n and_o mischief_n in_o practice_n which_o must_v either_o expose_v his_o majesty_n and_o his_o kingdom_n to_o great_a trouble_n and_o danger_n if_o unpunished_a and_o permit_v or_o else_o compel_v his_o native_a gentleness_n to_o use_v at_o last_o and_o it_o may_v be_v too_o late_a those_o severity_n which_o not_o his_o own_o benignity_n but_o the_o public_a necessity_n will_v require_v of_o a_o wise_a and_o just_a king_n who_o lenity_n to_o any_o party_n of_o his_o subject_n contrary_a to_o law_n will_v soon_o become_v a_o injury_n to_o the_o community_n which_o can_v be_v safe_a or_o happy_a but_o by_o a_o uniform_a obedience_n to_o the_o same_o law_n which_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o man_n public_a action_n the_o tryer_n of_o their_o fail_n and_o the_o inflicter_n of_o their_o punishment_n this_o office_n of_o christian_a charity_n i_o have_v undertake_v for_o christ_n his_o sake_n intercession_n by_o who_o i_o have_v receive_v many_o mercy_n not_o bespeak_v or_o in_o the_o least_o sort_n oblige_v by_o any_o of_o that_o sect_n call_v quaker_n with_o who_o i_o have_v so_o little_a correspondency_n that_o i_o have_v not_o any_o acquaintance_n not_o know_v any_o of_o that_o way_n by_o face_n or_o name_n or_o one_o hour_n conversation_n they_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o people_n so_o supercilious_a or_o so_o shy_a that_o they_o be_v scarce_o sociable_a or_o accessible_a speak_v much_o in_o their_o conventicle_n behind_o man_n back_n but_o seldom_o argue_v any_o thing_n in_o presence_n of_o those_o that_o be_v best_a able_a to_o answer_v or_o satisfy_v they_o seem_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n then_o seven_o man_n that_o can_v render_v a_o reason_n i_o have_v see_v indeed_o some_o of_o their_o paper_n and_o receive_v some_o of_o their_o letter_n write_v to_o myself_o true_o not_o very_o rude_o nor_o malapert_o yet_o with_o so_o abrupt_a and_o obscure_a a_o way_n so_o blind_o censorious_a and_o bold_o dictate_v that_o save_v a_o few_o good_a word_n and_o godly_a phrase_n in_o they_o i_o find_v very_o little_a of_o rational_a or_o scriptural_a demonstration_n many_o passage_n so_o far_o from_o the_o beauty_n and_o strength_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o have_v not_o the_o ordinary_a symmetry_n of_o reason_n or_o the_o lineament_n of_o common_a sense_n in_o they_o at_o least_o in_o my_o apprehension_n who_o be_o whole_o a_o stranger_n to_o any_o cant_v or_o chemical_a divinity_n which_o bubble_n forth_o many_o specious_a notion_n fine_a fancy_n and_o short-lived_a conception_n float_v a_o little_a in_o a_o airy_a and_o empty_a brain_n but_o not_o endure_v the_o firm_a touch_n or_o breath_n of_o any_o serious_a judgement_n nor_o do_v i_o expect_v any_o thanks_o for_o my_o pain_n from_o any_o of_o that_o faction_n quaker_n while_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o morose_a opinion_n in_o their_o surly_a rude_a and_o uncourteous_a manner_n i_o do_v not_o hear_v that_o they_o be_v general_o a_o people_n of_o so_o soft_a and_o ingenuous_a temper_n as_o to_o take_v any_o thing_n kind_o or_o thankful_o from_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o persuasion_n many_o of_o they_o seem_v to_o affect_v a_o ruserve_v and_o restical_a way_n of_o clownish_a yea_o scornful_a demeanour_n prone_a to_o censure_v despise_v and_o reproach_n not_o only_o their_o better_n but_o even_o their_o benefactor_n and_o instructor_n their_o rude_a and_o level_a humour_n deny_v to_o show_v common_a courtesy_n and_o wont_a token_n of_o civil_a respect_n to_o their_o superior_n contrary_a to_o the_o reverend_a gentle_a and_o humble_a behaviour_n of_o all_o god_n people_n in_o all_o age_n jew_n and_o gentile_n than_o who_o none_o be_v more_o full_a of_o inward_a humility_n or_o of_o outward_a respect_n and_o civility_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n possible_o these_o quaker_n may_v in_o a_o fit_a fear_n and_o flatter_v some_o man_n in_o power_n but_o they_o do_v not_o seem_v much_o to_o regard_v any_o man_n with_o any_o true_a love_n or_o honour_n as_o to_o real_a worth_n unless_o they_o be_v of_o their_o fraternity_n who_o pretend_v to_o a_o divine_a spirit_n and_o high_a light_n than_o either_o reason_n law_n or_o scripture_n afford_v to_o other_o man_n do_v think_v they_o have_v cause_n to_o glory_n in_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o to_o despise_v all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o arrive_v to_o the_o pitch_n of_o their_o presumption_n some_o man_n i_o find_v look_v upon_o these_o quaker_n with_o a_o eye_n of_o public_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n quaker_n lest_o the_o leaven_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n spread_v far_o among_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o people_n to_o who_o humour_n that_o rude_a and_o confident_a way_n be_v very_o agreeable_a while_o in_o a_o moment_n all_o their_o defect_n of_o reason_n learning_n education_n religion_n loyalty_n and_o civility_n be_v make_v up_o by_o a_o presume_a spirit_n and_o light_n within_o they_o lest_o i_o say_v it_o shall_v after_o the_o pattern_n of_o other_o sect_n both_o late_a and_o elder_a such_o as_o be_v the_o montanist_n manichees_n circumcellian_n euchites_n
reason_n or_o true_a scripture-demonstration_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a to_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n without_o any_o addition_n or_o detraction_n 16._o which_o be_v but_o as_o the_o wen_n or_o withering_n the_o excrescency_n or_o deficiency_n of_o man_n extravagant_a mind_n and_o action_n so_o far_o from_o advance_v the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o honour_n of_o true_a religion_n that_o they_o debase_v and_o deform_v both_o of_o they_o as_o no_o law_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o god_n word_n be_v to_o be_v active_o obey_v so_o law_n of_o man_n which_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o scripture_n must_v not_o be_v disobey_v but_o conscientious_o observe_v for_o the_o lord_n sake_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 13._o rom._n 13._o 5._o in_o who_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n such_o law_n be_v make_v and_o execute_v the_o contrary_n will_v not_o only_o trouble_v the_o public_a peace_n but_o that_o also_o of_o a_o man_n own_o soul_n at_o least_o when_o after_o the_o vain_a flash_n of_o light_n kindle_v from_o the_o spark_n of_o their_o private_a fancy_n they_o shall_v lie_v down_o in_o darkness_n as_o to_o their_o comfort_n and_o reward_n from_o god_n 11._o who_o judgement_n be_v according_a to_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n second_o scripture_n i_o can_v but_o commend_v the_o quaker_n for_o their_o declare_a esteem_n in_o this_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o holy_a life_n for_o as_o by_o their_o instance_n allege_v out_o of_o scripture_n they_o profess_v a_o fear_n to_o sin_n against_o the_o command_n there_o give_v by_o christ_n against_o swear_v so_o i_o may_v charitable_o presume_v however_o they_o be_v by_o many_o suspect_v to_o slight_v the_o scripture_n and_o fly_v to_o inspiration_n or_o light_n within_o they_o that_o they_o will_v be_v no_o less_o strict_a in_o do_v what_o therein_o be_v require_v of_o they_o as_o to_z truth_n to_o be_v believe_v mystery_n to_o be_v celebrate_v and_o duty_n to_o be_v do_v to_o god_n and_o man._n the_o only_a caution_n that_o here_o must_v be_v give_v they_o be_v scripture_n to_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o do_v not_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n two_o pel._n 3._o 16._o by_o their_o ignorant_a and_o unstable_a mind_n that_o they_o believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n or_o seem_v and_o partial_a allegation_n of_o scripture_n since_o the_o devil_n oft_o feather_n his_o temptation_n and_o fiery_a dart_n as_o against_o christ_n mat._n 3._o with_o scriptural_a citation_n partial_o and_o preposterous_o apply_v not_o the_o letter_n in_o its_o abruptness_n or_o nakedness_n of_o sense_n must_v be_v swallow_v present_o but_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n must_v be_v search_v out_o in_o the_o scope_n and_o end_n also_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o emphasis_n of_o what_o be_v express_v scripture_n be_v indeed_o sufficient_a for_o the_o substance_n of_o all_o necessary_a truth_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o duty_n to_o be_v do_v or_o leave_v undo_v but_o it_o do_v not_o stretch_v itself_o to_o the_o instance_n of_o every_o particular_a circumstance_n or_o ceremony_n which_o private_a prudence_n or_o public_a law_n may_v regulate_v according_a to_o order_n and_o decency_n to_o edification_n nor_o be_v scripture_n to_o be_v well_o understand_v in_o retail_v that_o be_v by_o single_a place_n take_v apart_o by_o themselves_o but_o in_o wholesale_n by_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n 6._o the_o analogous_a or_o concurrent_a sense_n which_o be_v make_v up_o or_o twist_v from_o many_o place_n many_o thing_n in_o some_o scripture_n be_v express_v dark_o metaphorical_o figurative_o parabolical_o comparative_o by_o way_n of_o allusion_n in_o metonymy_n synecdoches_n ironies_n and_o hyperbole_n in_o vniversality_n which_o be_v limit_v to_o the_o subject_n intend_v many_o popular_a expression_n have_v special_a regard_n to_o particular_a time_n place_n person_n custom_n and_o usage_n and_o must_v be_v so_o take_v as_o temporary_a and_o occasional_a these_o must_v have_v commodious_a interpretation_n consonant_a to_o that_o grand_a tenor_n of_o god_n word_n which_o as_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n run_v through_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o but_o reside_v most_o eminent_o in_o some_o place_n as_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o brain_n or_o heart_n which_o be_v as_o the_o essential_a vital_a integral_a and_o principal_a part_n of_o scripture_n the_o main_a standard_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o other_o and_o of_o true_a religion_n both_o as_o to_o moral_n and_o evangelical_o mystery_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v unless_o we_o observe_v these_o prudential_o in_o search_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o take_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v as_o saint_n austin_n observe_v draw_v poison_n with_o spider_n from_o those_o sweet_a flower_n which_o will_v afford_v we_o honey_n 10._o a_o deprave_a and_o private_a interpretation_n be_v the_o corruption_n wrack_n &_o torture_v of_o scripture_n who_o every_o line_n be_v as_o the_o sunbeam_n light_n and_o straight_o of_o itself_o but_o erroneous_a mind_n like_o glass_n of_o refraction_n or_o false_a medium_n pervert_v they_o from_o their_o simplicity_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n as_o s._n peter_n speak_v 16._o it_o be_v endless_a to_o enumerate_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v either_o more_o or_o less_o out_o or_o something_o other_o in_o their_o meaning_n and_o design_n than_o the_o letter_n seem_v to_o hold_v forth_o in_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o it_o extraordinary_a command_n as_o to_o abraham_n for_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n isaac_n to_o the_o israelite_n to_o rob_v by_o way_n of_o borrow_v and_o recompense_v the_o egyptian_n the_o heroic_a impulse_n and_o action_n of_o other_o as_o moses_n phineas_n elias_n and_o samson_n command_v to_o do_v thing_n less_o comely_a and_o honest_a either_o in_o a_o reality_n or_o in_o a_o vision_n and_o representation_n as_o hosea_n marry_v a_o harlot_n 2._o the_o fault_n or_o fail_n of_o other_o which_o be_v holy_a man_n as_o to_o their_o integrity_n bare_o record_v but_o not_o there_o blame_v as_o rebecca_n and_o jacob_n supplant_n by_o a_o lie_n and_o fraud_n the_o officious_a lie_n of_o the_o midwife_n rahab_n and_o other_o david_n feign_n himself_o mad_a the_o equivocation_n and_o dissimulation_n of_o other_o these_o and_o such_o like_a that_o have_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o which_o seem_v or_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o constant_a rule_n of_o morality_n piety_n sanctity_n honesty_n and_o veracity_n must_v be_v salve_v by_o such_o a_o interpretation_n and_o take_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o may_v no_o way_n bring_v they_o into_o a_o ordinary_a rule_n or_o imitable_a example_n contrary_a to_o the_o express_a and_o constant_a command_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n which_o be_v never_o to_o be_v allay_v by_o the_o mixture_n of_o humane_a passion_n frailty_n and_o infirmity_n so_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v preceptive_a scripture_n either_o enjoin_v or_o forbid_v by_o way_n of_o proverbial_a speak_n the_o meaning_n must_v not_o be_v stretch_v on_o the_o tenter_n or_o rack_n of_o the_o letter_n but_o as_o we_o gather_v some_o fruit_n that_o grow_v with_o thick_a shell_n only_o to_o gain_v the_o small_a kernel_n in_o they_o so_o in_o these_o no_o more_o be_v to_o be_v collect_v from_o the_o letter_n then_o what_o may_v have_v due_a regard_n to_o the_o design_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o speaker_n so_o in_o the_o five_o six_o and_o seven_o chapter_n of_o saint_n matthew_n christ_n sermon_n in_o the_o mount_n have_v many_o such_o expression_n 16._o as_o of_o anoint_v the_o head_n &_o face_n in_o fast_v pull_v out_o the_o right_a eye_n and_o cut_v off_o the_o right_a hand_n give_v to_o they_o that_o ask_v to_o sell_v all_o and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a to_o turn_v the_o other_o cheek_n to_o the_o smiter_n these_o do_v not_o run_v christian_n upon_o maim_v and_o deform_v their_o body_n or_o expose_v they_o to_o poverty_n and_o stupidity_n but_o only_o they_o teach_v they_o to_o bear_v with_o patience_n repeat_v injury_n rather_o than_o be_v put_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o christian_a patience_n and_o charity_n and_o to_o sustain_v any_o outward_a difficulty_n rather_o than_o inward_a enormity_n of_o lust_n or_o covetousness_n and_o the_o like_a so_o not_o to_o lay_v up_o treasure_n on_o earth_n 34._o to_o take_v no_o thought_n for_o their_o life_n or_o care_n for_o to_o morrow_n labour_v not_o for_o the_o meat_n that_o perish_v etc._n etc._n joh._n 6._o 27._o to_o call_v no_o man_n father_n or_o master_n on_o earth_n mat._n 23.9_o not_o to_o salute_v any_o man_n by_o the_o way_n luk._n 10._o 4._o not_o to_o put_v on_o costly_a raiment_n or_o jewel_n etc._n etc._n 1_o pet._n 3._o 3_o so_o hosea_n 6._o 6._o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v so_o rend_v your_o heart_n and_o
a_o christian_a may_v swear_v vain_o and_o rash_o forbid_v by_o a_o spontaneous_a and_o occasional_a easiness_n either_o promise_a or_o assert_v although_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o by_o the_o true_a god_n but_o without_o reverence_n to_o god_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o so_o little_a yea_o no_o importance_n or_o difficulty_n as_o neither_o deserve_v nor_o need_n nor_o require_v a_o oath_n to_o this_o we_o all_o agree_v with_o the_o quaker_n christ_n word_n condemn_v all_o such_o profane_a and_o trivial_a swear_n much_o more_o if_o it_o be_v in_o fraud_n and_o falsity_n which_o make_v such_o oath_n as_o the_o coin_n of_o a_o usurper_n which_o be_v false_a metal_n and_o stamp_n too_o a_o complicate_v sin_n and_o one_o of_o the_o strong_a chain_n of_o darkness_n which_o the_o devil_n and_o a_o man_n own_o lust_n hamper_v the_o soul_n withal_o 2._o not_o be_v it_o any_o question_n whether_o christian_n may_v swear_v in_o any_o case_n by_o any_o creature_n as_o such_o creature_n not_o relate_v by_o it_o and_o through_o it_o to_o god_n above_o all_o who_o be_v the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o centre_n and_o circumference_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o who_o they_o have_v their_o be_v and_o in_o who_o be_v the_o idea_n or_o prototype_n of_o all_o their_o perfection_n to_o terminate_v a_o oath_n in_o a_o creature_n be_v to_o put_v the_o stamp_n of_o divinity_n on_o it_o to_o make_v it_o a_o idol_n in_o god_n stead_n and_o to_o profane_v his_o holy_a name_n by_o swear_v by_o it_o as_o by_o a_o false_a god_n the_o swear_n by_o any_o creature_n as_o such_o we_o all_o own_o to_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n according_a to_o those_o instance_n which_o our_o lord_n christ_n and_o saint_n james_n from_o his_o mouth_n give_v we_o when_o they_o explain_v their_o meaning_n of_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o etc._n etc._n 3._o nor_o be_v it_o a_o question_n whether_o a_o oath_n make_v by_o the_o name_n of_o any_o creature_n break_v and_o in_o a_o thing_n lawful_a may_v yet_o be_v break_v or_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o swear_v false_o by_o they_o all_o agree_v that_o though_o the_o oath_n be_v rash_a as_o by_o a_o creature_n yet_o it_o bind_v in_o thing_n lawful_a no_o less_o at_o least_o to_o truth_n and_o justice_n then_o any_o simple_a promise_n and_o it_o may_v be_v something_o more_o here_o that_o be_v true_a fieri_fw-la non_fw-la debuit_fw-la factum_fw-la valet_fw-la like_a bastard_n they_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v beget_v but_o they_o must_v be_v keep_v unless_o the_o matter_n be_v sinful_a as_o herod_n oath_n be_v which_o behead_v john_n baptist_n mat._n 14._o 9_o 4._o but_o the_o question_n be_v christian_n whether_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v utter_o forbid_v all_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o to_o all_o christian_n so_o that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o swear_v as_o in_o private_a so_o in_o public_a transaction_n or_o any_o court_n of_o judicature_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o oath_n never_o so_o just_a and_o true_a and_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o never_o so_o solemn_a and_o sacred_a and_o the_o authority_n require_v they_o never_o so_o lawful_a in_o civil_a respect_n this_o the_o quaker_n affirm_v lead_v thereto_o as_o they_o profess_v mere_o by_o the_o conscience_n of_o that_o obedience_n they_o oweto_o christ_n who_o will_v they_o say_v be_v express_o declare_v in_o those_o word_n to_o all_o his_o disciple_n not_o to_o swear_v at_o all_o in_o no_o case_n at_o no_o time_n upon_o no_o man_n command_n nor_o do_v they_o argue_v any_o thing_n further_o by_o way_n of_o rational_a deduction_n moral_a ground_n or_o religious_a principle_n either_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n or_o from_o the_o consent_n of_o other_o scripture_n or_o from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o glory_n but_o bare_o insist_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o urge_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d letter_n as_o a_o absolute_a or_o universal_a negative_a without_o any_o limitation_n or_o dispensation_n so_o feed_v on_o the_o rind_n or_o shell_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o gnaw_v the_o bone_n of_o the_o bare_a word_n that_o they_o never_o come_v at_o the_o kernel_n and_o marrow_n or_o true_a meaning_n of_o they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n i_o do_v deny_v forbid_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o my_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o consentient_a sense_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n yea_o of_o all_o christian_a and_o reform_a church_n of_o any_o renown_n that_o all_o swear_n be_v forbid_v by_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o that_o our_o saviour_n word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o such_o a_o limit_a sense_n and_o strict_a interpretation_n as_o suit_v to_o his_o scope_n and_o design_n which_o be_v to_o rectify_v popular_a error_n and_o remove_v common_a abuse_n in_o swear_v but_o not_o whole_o to_o forbid_v the_o use_n of_o it_o in_o a_o religious_a and_o lawful_a way_n and_o because_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a in_o order_n to_o my_o design_n which_o be_v to_o justify_v the_o legal_a proceed_n of_o this_o kingdom_n justice_n by_o oath_n and_o to_o satisfy_v the_o scruple_n of_o the_o quaker_n to_o oppose_v my_o nay_o to_o their_o yea_o or_o to_o offer_v the_o husk_n and_o chaff_n of_o word_n void_a of_o such_o reason_n as_o either_o slow_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o all_o action_n as_o good_a or_o evil_n moral_o or_o from_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v a_o treasury_n of_o right_a reason_n as_o well_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o true_a religion_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o give_v those_o reason_n which_o induce_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o quaker_n as_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o saducee_n do_v err_v not_o know_v or_o not_o right_a understanding_n 29._o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o to_o forbid_v all_o swear_v nor_o such_o as_o the_o just_a and_o religious_a law_n of_o england_n do_v require_v of_o all_o under_o its_o subjection_n in_o some_o case_n i_o will_v not_o seek_v to_o oppress_v or_o confound_v the_o quaker_n with_o the_o show_n of_o many_o reason_n as_o if_o i_o will_v carry_v the_o cause_n by_o number_n and_o not_o by_o weight_n but_o content_v myself_o with_o those_o few_o which_o be_v most_o pregnant_a plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o 1._o reason_n christ_n from_o the_o occasion_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n word_n and_o the_o scope_n or_o end_n of_o they_o to_o which_o his_o own_o instance_n by_o way_n of_o explication_n of_o his_o meaning_n do_v best_a direct_v we_o both_o as_o to_o what_o he_o forbid_v and_o enjoin_v to_o some_o of_o which_o the_o quaker_n themselves_o do_v consent_n 2._o reason_n from_o the_o moral_a and_o religious_a nature_n end_n and_o use_v of_o oath_n which_o god_n have_v institute_v and_o approve_v without_o any_o repeal_n by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n 3._o reason_n from_o other_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o give_v light_a to_o these_o both_o by_o principle_n grant_v and_o suitable_a example_n express_v to_o these_o reason_n i_o will_v add_v by_o way_n of_o full_a measure_n heap_v up_o and_o run_v over_o the_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o other_o christian_n and_o church_n ancient_a and_o modern_a in_o their_o interpretation_n of_o these_o word_n with_o answer_n to_o the_o allegation_n make_v from_o the_o say_n and_o manner_n of_o some_o primitive_a christian_n this_o do_v the_o conclusion_n will_v easy_o follow_v with_o great_a clearness_n and_o good_a authority_n to_o all_o that_o be_v true_o wise_a and_o have_v their_o eye_n open_v and_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v good_a and_o evil_n the_o first_o reason_n be_v from_o the_o occasion_n word_n scope_n and_o end_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n and_o so_o of_o the_o apostle_n for_o these_o as_o the_o bias_n of_o all_o speech_n do_v best_a discover_v the_o speaker_n mind_n there_o be_v no_o sure_a way_n to_o wrest_v and_o pervert_v scripture_n then_o to_o take_v they_o abrupt_o and_o absolute_o when_o they_o have_v a_o relative_a comparative_a or_o limit_a sense_n in_o the_o aim_n and_o purpose_n of_o the_o speaker_n our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o this_o divine_a sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n of_o which_o saint_n matthew_n give_v we_o so_o large_a a_o account_n make_v it_o his_o main_a aim_n and_o scope_n thing_n first_o to_o set_v forth_o those_o spiritual_a heavenly_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n which_o beyond_o those_o sensible_a earthly_a and_o temporary_a one_o which_o be_v so_o much_o of_o old_a set_v before_o the_o jew_n to_o invite_v they_o to_o obedience_n of_o god_n law_n be_v now_o to_o be_v chief_o regard_v by_o christian_n as_o their_o peculiar_a comfort_n hope_n and_o reward_n under_o the_o gospel_n