And farther that I will not Plot or practice any evill against it, or consent to any that shall so do: but will timely discover and reveal the same to Lawfull Authority now here established, for the speedy preventing thereof. So help me God in our Lord Jesus Christ. [1665.]
Freemans Oath
Whereas I [A. B.] being an inhabitant of the Jurisdiction of the Massachusets, and now to be made free. Do hereby acknowledge my selfe to be subject to the Government thereof (Considering how I stand obliged to the Kings Majesty, his Heires and Successors, by our Charter and the Government established thereby Do Swear accordingly, by the Great and Dreadfull Name of the Ever-Living GOD, that I will bear Faith and true Alegiance to our Soveraigne Lord the King, his heires and Successors,) and that I will be true and Faithfull to the same, and will accordingly yeild Assistance and Support thereunto with my person and estate, as in equity I am bound; And will also truely endeavour to maintain and preserve all the Liberties and priviledges thereof, submitting my selfe to the wolesome Laws made and established by the same.
And farther that I will not Plot nor Practice any Evill against it, or consent to any that shall so do, but will timely discover and reveal the same to Lawfull Authority now here established, for the speedy prevention thereof.
Moreover I do Solemnly bind my selfe in the sight of God, that when I shall be called to give my Voyce touching any such matter of this State wherein Freemen are to deal, I will give my Vote and Suffrage as I shall in mine own Conscience judge best to conduce and tend to the Publick Weale of the body, without respect of persons or favour of any man. So help me God in our Lord Jesus Christ. [1665.]
The oath of the Goūnor, Dept Goūnor, & other publicke officers, to runne thus:—
Whereas I, A. B., am chosen Gouernor, &c., considering how I stand obliged to the kings majesty, his heires & successors, by our charter and the gouerment here established thereby, doe sweare, &c, as aboue. [1665.]
In their demand for changes in the 1660 Book of the General Laws and Liberties, the Commissioners in their 14th section proposed: “That, page 33, ‘none be admitted freemen but such as are members of some of the churches wth in the limitts of this jurisdiction’ may be explained, & comp̄hend such as are members of ye church of England.”
At the General Court of 23 May, 1666.