THE Legislature being acquainted , with the Quakers Conscienclously scrupling to take any Oath , did very tenderly , and favourably , grant them an Affirmation to be used instead of an Oath .

But the said Affirmation , ( notwithstanding the Union of the two Kingdoms ) doth not extend to Scotland ; and many of the said People in the Northern Countries , and divers other Parts of England , do conscienciously scruple that Affirmation ( even to their own Prejudice , in respect of their Properties ) because as they think , the Title of the Act seems to intimate , as if it was an Oath , ( tho' not in the usual Form ) and that there are Expressions in the Affirmation it self , which are too much like an Oath ; of which mind are the said People in Scotland .

For these Reasons , the said People , call'd Quakers , do now apply to the Parliament , for such an Affirmation , as will be agreeable to the Religious Sentiments of their Friends , in North - Britain , and elsewhere .

And the said People are willing , that not only the present Penalties of Perjury , but also such farther Punishment , as shall be thought meet , be inflicted on them , in case they falsly , or corruptly , make use of the Affirmation they desire .

Thus , with the greatest Security to others , they may be , both eased , with respect to their Scruples , and rendred more generally useful , to their Neighbours , and themselves .