Oath of a Freeman

Massachusetts Bay Colony (ca1634)

I, [___ (name) ___], being by God's providence, an inhabitant and freeman within the jurisdiction of this commonwealth, do freely acknowledge myself to be subject to the government thereof, and therefore do here swear by the great and dreadful name of the everliving God that I will be true and faithful to the same, and will accordingly yield assistance and support there unto with my person and estate as in equity I am bound; and will truly maintain and preserve all the liberties and privileges thereof, submitting myself to the wholesome laws and orders made and established by the same; and further that I will not plot or practice any evil against it, or consent to any that shall do so, but will kindly discover and reveal the same to lawful authority now here established for the speedy preventing thereof; moreover, I do solemnly bind myself in the sight of God that when I shall be called to give my voice, touching any such matter of this state in which freemen are to deal, I will give my vote and suffrage, as I shall judge in mine own conscience, may best conduce and tend to the public weal of the body, without respect of persons or favor of any man, so help me God in the Lord Jesus Christ.