IT is not unknown to this Nation , that ever since we were a People , it hath been our Principle not to Swear , make , or take Oaths , which He who is the searcher of all Hearts knows , is no other than a Case of pure Conscience , in tender Obedience to the Mind of Our Blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ , as we are fully perswaded , according as many Eminent Martyrs , and Men of Wisdom and Renown were , who Testified against Oaths and Swearing in the Gospel-Day , and not any Obstinacy , Disaffection or Worldly Interest whatsoever on our parts : We being really Willing and Desirous to Answer the Just and Good Ends of Law and Government , as a peaceable People fearing God , and for this Cause of not Swearing we have been Exposed to great Sufferings and Inconveniencies in our Persons and Estates , by tedious Imprisonments , and Disabled from Receiving Our due Debts , or defending Our Just Titles and Properties ; not suffered to give Evidence in Courts of Judicature at Common or Civil Law , nor to Answer in Chancery or Exchequer , prove Wills and Testaments , or take Administrations , or to proceed in our Trades at Custom-House , or be admitted to our Lands , or Trusted in our Duties , and Services in Courts Leet , and Courts Baron ; but great Advantage is taken against us , because we so fear an Oath , as that we dare not Swear : For which cause also , our Children and Young Men are not allowed their Freedoms in Cities or Corporations , when they have Faithfully served out their Apprenteships . Nor admitted to give our Voices in Elections of Magistrates , and Parliament Members in divers Places , tho known to have Right thereunto as Free-holders , &c.

Wherefore Our Request is , That in all Cases where OATHES are imposed , and Swearing Required , Our Word , that is , our Solemn Affirmation or Denial as in the fear and presence of God may be accepted instead of an OATH , for which we Humbly Offer , and Freely Submit , That if any under the same Profession among us , break their Word , or be found false in such their Affirmation or Denial , or guilty of Falshood in any Vnsworn Testimony , Evidence , or Answers , That then such Penalty be inflicted on the Person so Offending , as Law and Justice Require in Case of False Swearing or Perjury .