Quakers Act 1695

Quakers, instead of Oath, to make Affirmation in the following Form.

To have the Effect of an Oath.

Whereas divers Dissenters co[m]monly called Quakers refusing to take an Oath in Courts of Justice and other Places are frequently imprisoned and their Estates sequestred by Processe of Contempt issuing out of such Courts to the Ruine of themselves and Families For Remedy thereof Be it enacted by the Kings most Excellent Majesty by and with the Advice and Consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal & Co[m]mons in this present Parliament assembled and by the Authority of the same That from and after the Fourth Day of May which shall be in the Yeare of oure Lord One thousand six hundred ninety six every Quaker within this Kingdome of England Dominion of Wales or Towne of Berwick upon Tweed who shall be required upon any lawfull Occasion to take an Oath in any Case where by Law an Oath is required shall instead of the usual Forme be permitted to make his or her Solemne Affirmation or Declarac[i]on in these Words following. (viz^t)

I A.B. do declare in the Presence of Almighty God the Witnesse of the Truth of what I say.

To have the Effect of an Oath.

Which said Solemne Affirmation or Declaration shall be adjudged and taken and is hereby enacted and declared to be of the same Force & Effect to all Intents and Purposes in all Courts of Justice and other Places where by Law an Oath is required within this Kingdome of England Dominion of Wales or Towne of Berwick upon Tweed as if such Quaker had taken an Oath in the usual Forme.