September, 1649
[5 September, 1649.]
Majors and chief Officers to take this
For the better preventing the great and many Mischiefs that
daily happen, by reason of sundry Unlawful Oathes formerly
imposed upon Majors, Justices of the Peace, and other Officers
within the City of London, and other Cities and places within this
Commonwealth, the Parliament now assembled, do Enact and
Ordain, and be it by Authority of Parliament Enacted and Ordained,
That from and after the Tenth day of September, One thousand
six hundred forty nine, this ensuing Oath be given and administred
to the Major of London, and to all Majors and chief Officers in any
City, Borough or Town Corporate within England, Wales, and
Town of Berwick, to be given and administred by such person or
persons, and at such place and time as former Oathes were used to
be given to the said Majors and Chief Officers as abovesaid, (viz.)
Oath.
You shall swear, That you shall be true and faithful to the
Commonwealth of England, as it is now established without King
or House of Lords: You shall well and truly execute the Office of
Major within the City of and Liberties thereof, according to the best of your skill, knowledge and power. So help you
God.
The like to Sheriffs, Justices, &c.
The like Oath (mutatis mutandis) to be administred and given
to all Justices of the Peace, Sheriffs, Bayliffs, Aldermen, Recorders,
Stewards, Common-Council-men, Coroners, Clerks of the Market,
Barons of the Cinque-Ports, Borsholders, Constables, Tythingmen,
Sergeants of the Mace, Town-Clerks, Marshals, Water-Bayliffs,
or other publique Officers within any City or Town Corporate
aforesaid, or other Liberty, Franchise or place within England,
Wales, and Town of Berwick: And be it further Enacted, That
all or any person or persons that have formerly had power and
authority to administer any Oath to the said Majors, Justices of
Peace, Bayliffs, Aldermen, Recorders, Stewards, Common-Councilmen, Barons of the Cinque-Ports, Constables and Tythingmen,
and other persons and Officers abovesaid, shall from the said Tenth
of September, minister and give the said Oath and Oathes as
abovesaid, to the said Officers and persons abovesaid, and no other
Oath.
Oath for making true accompt, as formerly.
Provided, That all such Officers as abovesaid, as have taken any
Oath for making true Accompt of any Fines, Rents, or other sums
of Money by them received or to be received, shall take the same
Oath in order and relation to make their Accompts, as formerly
was used and accustomed.
Deponent may lay his right hand on the Bible, or hold it up.
And be it further Enacted and Ordained, That all person or
persons that shall take any Oath from any person or persons that
is authorized to give and minister the same, shall and may, at the
time of taking such Oath or Oathes, lay his Right hand upon the
Bible, or otherwise hold up his Right hand during the time such
Oath is ministred to him or them.