I. Be it therefore enacted by the Lieutenant Governor, Council, and Assembly, That every Quaker or Moravian, who shall be required to give evidence in any case whatsoever, criminal or civil, shall, instead off taking an oath in the usual form, be permitted to make his or her solemn affirmation or declaration in the words following: that is to say, "I,
A. B. do solemnly, sincerely, and truly declare and affirm;" which said affirmation or declaration shall be of the same force and effect, in all Courts of Justice and other places where, by Law an oath is required, as if such Quaker or Moravian had taken an oath in the usual form; and if any person making such affirmation or declaration, shall be convicted of having wilfully, falsely and corruptly affirmed or declared any matter or thing, which, if the same had been sworn in the usual form, would have amounted to wilful and corrupt perjury, every such offender shall be subject to the same pains, penalties and forfeitures to which persons convicted of wilful and corrupt perjury, are, or shall be subject.