Judge. Yes.
J. C. I desire the statute to be read that empowers you to tender the oath to me upon this occasion in this place; for, Vox audito perit, sed litera scripta manet,[24] therefore let me hear it read.
[24] Words only spoken are lost; writing remains.
Judge. Hear me.
J. C. I am as willing to hear as to speak.
Judge. Then hear me: you are here required to take the oath by the court, and I will inform you what the penalty will be, in case you refuse; for your first denial shall be recorded, and then it shall be tendered to you again at the end of the sessions; and upon the second refusal you run into a premunire, which is the forfeiture of all your estate, (if you have any,) and imprisonment.
J. C. It is justice I stand for; let me have justice, in bringing my accuser face to face, as by law you ought to do, I standing at your bar as a delinquent; and when that is done, I will answer to what can be charged against me, as also to the question; until then, I shall give no other answer than I have already done, at least at present.
Then there was a cry in the court, take him away, which occasioned a great interruption: and J. Crook spake to this purpose, saying, Mind the fear of the Lord God, that you may come to the knowledge of his will, and do justice; and take heed of oppressing the innocent, for the Lord God of heaven and earth will assuredly plead their cause: and for my part, I desire not the hurt of one of the hairs of your heads; but let God’s wisdom guide you. These words he spake at the bar, and as he was carrying away.
On the sixth day of the week, in the forenoon following, the court being sat, John Crook was called to the bar.
C. Judge. Friend Crook, we have given you time to consider of what was said yesterday to you by the court, hoping you may have better considered of it by this time; therefore, without any more words, will you take the oath? And called to the clerk, and bid him read it.