Sheriffs Act, 1725

Oath to be taken by high sheriff, instead of the former by 10 C. 1. 18. sess. 3.

XIII. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That instead of the oath usually administred to the sheriffs of this kingdom at the entring upon their offices the following oath shall be taken by them, and each of them respectively,

I A. B. do swear, that I will well and truly serve the King's Majesty in the office of sheriff of the county of and promote his Majesty's profit in all things, that belong to my office, as far as I legally can or may: I will truly preserve the King's rights, and all that belongeth to the crown; I will not assent to lessen or conceal the King's rights, or the rights of his franchises; and whensoever I shall know, that the rights of the crown are concealed or withdrawn, be it in lands, rents, franchises, suits, or services, or in any other matter or thing, I will do my utmost to have them restored to the crown again; and if I may not do it myself, I will certifie and inform the King thereof, or some of his judges: I will not respite or delay to levy the King's debts for any gift, promise, reward, or favour, where I may raise the same without great grievance to the debtors; I will do right as well to poor as to rich, in all things belonging to my office; I will do no wrong to any man for any gift, reward, or promise, nor for favour or hatred; I will disturb no man's right, and will truly and faithfully acquit at the Exchequer all those, of whom I shall receive any debts or duties belonging to the crown: I will take nothing whereby the King may lose, or whereby his right may be disturbed, injured, or delayed; I will truly return and truly serve all the King's writs, according to the best of my skill and knowledge: I will take no bailiffs into my service, but such as I will answer for, and will cause each of them to take such oaths, as I do, in what belongeth to their business and occupation: I will truly set and return reasonable and due issues of them, that be within my bailiwick, according to their estate and circumstances; and make due pannels of persons able and sufficient, and not suspected or procured, as is appointed by the statutes of this realm: I have not sold nor lett to farm, nor contracted for, nor have I granted or promised for reward or benefit; nor will I sell or lett to farm, nor contract for, or grant for, reward or benefit by myself, or any other person for me, or for my use, directly or indirectly, my sheriffwick, or any bailiwick thereof, or any office belonging thereunto, or the profits of the same, to any person or persons whatsoever: I will truly and diligently execute the good laws and statutes of this realm; and in all things well and truly behave myself in my office for the honour of the King, and the good of his subjects, and discharge the same according to the best of my skill and power.

So help me God.