AN ORDINANCE OF The Lords and Commons assembled in PARLIAMENT: For the Levying of MONEYS, by way of Excise, or, New-Impost, As well for the better securing of TRADE, as for the maintenance of the ARMY raised by the PARLIAMENT, and payment of the Debts of the Commonwealth.  
Wherein the said LORDS and COMMONS have thought fit To alter the Rates Printed in a former Ordinance, And to impose other and lower CHARGES upon the several Commodities herein expressed, as by a SCHEDULE hereunto annexed appeareth.  
ORdered by the Commons in Parliament assembled, That this Ordinance be forthwith Printed and Published.  
H Elsing, Cler. Parl. D. Com.  
LONDON: Printed, by Richard Cotes and John Raworth, 1643.   

An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons in Parliament, for the speedy Raising and Levying of Moneys, by way of Charge and New-Impost, upon the several Commodities, in a Schedule hereunto annexed, contained, as well for the better securing of Trade, as for the maintenance of the Forces raised for the defence of the King, Parliament, and Kingdom, both by Sea and Land, as for and towards the payment of the Debts of the Commonwealth, for which the Public Faith is, or shall be engaged.  
THe Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, taking into their serious consideration the great necessity, of providing present supply for the preservation of this Kingdom, our Religion, Laws, and Liberties, from utter ruin and destruction, by the restless and cruel Designs, Practices, and Treacheries of Papists, and Malignant persons; And for that many great Levies have been already made for the purposes aforesaid, which the well-affected of the Kingdom have willingly born, and the Malignants have endeavoured by all cunning ways to evade. By reason whereof, the said Lords and Commons hold it fit, That some constant and indifferent way should be had and established, for the Levying of Monies for the future maintenance of the Parliament Forces, and other great Affairs of the Common wealth; whereby the Malignants and Neutrals may be compelled to pay their proportionable parts of the said Charges, and the Subjects in general be rated and taxed with as much ease and indifferency as may be: For which purpose, an Ordinance was lately made by the said Lords and Commons, for setting of a Charge, or new Impost upon the several Commodities in a Schedule thereunto annexed specified. Now for the better and more speedy advancement of this work, and the more easy Payment of the said Charge, and for other weighty considerations, the said Lords and Commons have thought fit to alter the said former Rates, and to impose other and lower Charges upon the several Commodities in a Schedule hereunto annexed expressed, then were imposed by the said former Ordinance; And do therefore Ordain, That the said former Ordinance, and every matter therein contained, be hereby anulled and repealed, and not to be put in execution in all or any part thereof, by any person or persons whatsoever, but that this present Ordinance do take effect, and be observed by all and every person and persons, as if the said former Ordinance had not been made. And the said Lords and Commons do hereby Ordain and Declare, That the several Rates and Charges in the Schedule hereunto annexed contained, shall be set and laid, and are hereby set, laid, and imposed, upon all and every the commodities within this Realm, the Dominion of Wales, and Town of Berwick, over and above all Customs, and other Duties, due and payable for the same.  

The Schedule.  
IN this Schedule are contained the Excise, and new Impost, by this Ordinance, set and imposed upon the several Commodities herein mentioned.  
  l. s. d. Tobacco FOr every pound of Tobacco which is not of the English Plantations, as well already imported, and remaining in the hands of the Merchant or Importer, as to be imported to be paid by the first buyer thereof from the Merchant or Importer, two shillings 0 2 0 For every Pound of Tobacco of the English Plantations, as well imported, and remaining in the hands of the Merchant or Importer, as to be imported to be paid by the first Buyer thereof, from the Merchant or Importer, four pence 00 00 04 For all Tobacco now remaining in the hands of the Engrosser or Seller thereof, by whole sale, to be paid by the said Engrosser or Seller upon the sale thereof, the like respective Rates as aforesaid.    Wines. For every Tun of Wine already imported or to be imported to be paid by the first Buyer thereof from the Merchant or Importer, and so after that Rate for a greater or lesser quantity, five pound 05 00 00 For every Tun of Wine bought for private use, to be paid by the first Buyer thereof, from the Merchant or Importer, and foe after that Rate for a greater or lesser quantity, five pound 05 00 00 Which Rates so to be paid by the Retailers of Wine shall be allowed them upon the sale thereof in the price.    And for all Wines now remaining in the Vintners or Retailers hands, they shall pay only half Excise, the same to be allowed them in the price thereof upon the sale.    And for all Wines remaining in the hands of the Cooper or other Trader in Wine, they shall pay the whole Excise, the same to be allowed them in the price upon the sale thereof.    Strong Waters For all strong Waters, and Aqua vitae imported, or to be imported, to be paid by the first buyer thereof from the Merchant or Importer, and so after that Rate for a greater or lesser quantity, after the Rate of eight pence the Gallon. 00 00 08 And for all strong Waters and Aqua vitae made or distilled within the Realm, Dominion of Wales, or Town of Berwicke, the like Rate to be paid by the Maker or Distiller thereof.    Beer and Ale. For every Barrel of Beer or Ale of eight shillings the Barrel and upwards sold, to be paid by the Brewer or Maker thereof, and to be allowed him in the price thereof, two shillings. 00 02 00 For every Barrel of Beer or Ale of eight shillings the Barrel, and upwards, which any Housekeeper Breweth for his own spending, to be paid by every such Housekeeper, twelve pence. 00 01 00 For every Barrel of six shillings Beer, or above four shillings the Barrel, sold, to be paid by the Brewer or Maker thereof, and to be allowed him in the price, six pence. 00 00 06 And the like Rate to be paid by all others who Brew the like Beer for their own spending.    Perry and Cider. For every Hog's head of Perry or Cider, sold, to be paid by the first Retailer thereof, and so after the same Rate for a Barrel, or any Measure above a Barrel, two shillings. 00 02 00 For every Hogshead of Perry or Cider bought for private use, to be paid by the first buyer thereof, twelve pence. 00 01 00 For every Hogshead of Perry or Cider which any Housekeeper maketh for his own spending, to be paid by every such Housekeeper, twelve pence. 00 01 00  Provided, That for all Beer or Ale, Perry or Cider now remaining in the hands of any Inne-holders', or other Retailers thereof, they shall only pay the half Excise.     And for all Beer or Ale, Perry or Cider to be used for fishing at Sea, no Excise to be paid.    Grocery For all Grocery Ware imported, or to be imported, for every twenty shillings value thereof, and so proportionably for a greater or lesser value, to be paid by the first buyer thereof from the Merchant or Importer, twelve pence. 00 01 00 Drugs Item, For all sorts of Drugs imported or to be imported, for every twenty shillings value thereof, and so after that Rate for a greater or lesser value, to be paid by the first buyer thereof from the Merchant or Importer, twelve pence. 00 01 00 Mercery. For all sorts of Mercery-ware imported, or to be imported for every twenty shillings value thereof, and so proportionably for a greater or lesser value to be paid by the first Buyer thereof, from the Merchant or Importer, twelve pence. 00 01 00 Silks Imported. For all Raw Silks imported or to be imported for every twenty shillings value thereof, and so proportionably for a greater or lesser value, six pence. 00 00 06 For other Silk in the Gumm, ready thrown imported, or to be imported for every twenty shillings value thereof, and so proportionably, nine pence. 00 00 09 For all other Silks Died, imported, or to be imported for every twenty shillings value thereof, and so proportionably the said several Rates for Silks to be paid by the first Buyer thereof, from the Merchant or Importer, twelve pence 00 01 00 Linen Drapery. For all sorts of Linen, both fine and course imported, or to be imported for every twenty shillings value thereof, and so proportionably to be paid by the first Buyer thereof, from the Merchant or Importer, twelve pence 00 01 00 Haberdashery For all sorts of Habberdashery-ware imported, or to be imported, for every twenty shillings value thereof, and so proportionably to be paid by the first Buyer thereof, from the Merchant or Importer, twelve pence 00 01 00 Upholstry For all sorts of Upholstery Beware Imported and to be Imported, for every Twenty shillings value thereof and so proportionably to be paid by the first Buyer thereof from the Merchant or Importer, Twelve pence. 00 01 00 Saltry. For all sorts of Saltery wares Imported or to be Imported, for every Twenty shillings value thereof, and so proportionably to be paid by the first Buyer thereof from the Merchant or Importer, Six pence. 00 00 06 Sope. For all Soap made within the Realm, Dominion of Wales, or Town of Berwick, for every Firkin of the best sort, Ten pence; and for every Firkin of the second sort, Nine pence; and for every Firkin of the worst sort, Eight pence; and so proportionably for a greater or lesser quantity to be paid by the maker thereof. 00 00 10 00 00 09 00 00 08 For all Soap Imported or to be Imported, for every Twenty shillings value thereof, and so proportionably to be paid by the first Buyer thereof from the Merchant or Importer, Eighteen pence. 00 01 06 Drapery, new & old For all sorts of Woollen Cloth, and other commodities made of, or mixed with Wool, made or spent within this Realm, the Dominion of Wales, or Town of Berwick, for every Twenty shillings value thereof, and so proportionably to be paid by the first Buyer thereof, Six pence. 00 00 06 Paper. For all Paper bought of the Merchant, for every Twenty shillings value thereof, and so proportionably to be paid by the first Buyer thereof from the Merchant or Importer, Twelve pence. 00 01 00 Skins and Leather. For all Skins and Leather Imported or to be Imported, for every Twenty shillings value thereof, and so proportionably to be paid by the first Buyer thereof from the Merchant or Importer, Twelve pence. 00 01 00 Glass-men For all Glasses and earthen Ware Imported or to be Imported, for every twenty shillings value thereof, and so proportionably to be paid by the first Buyer thereof from the Merchant or Importer, Twelve pence. 00 01 00  
All which Rates to be paid for any Foreign Commodities Imported, shall be paid by the first Buyer thereof from the Merchant or Importer, or from the Broker who useth to deal between the Merchant and the Shopkeeper, and for all the Commodities hereby charged with the Excise in manner aforesaid, which shall be sold or delivered at a price.  

I. PRovided that this Ordinance shall not extend to any the Commodities in the said Schedule mentioned, which are already bought from the Merchant, or Importer thereof, by any person or persons who hath bought the same to sell again, or spend, except it be otherwise particularly expressed in the said Schedule.  
II. And be it ordained, That every person or persons who hath Imported, or shall import any the Commodities in the said Schedule mentioned, for his own private use or spending, or for any other purpose then to sell again, shall pay the Rates and Charges hereby set and Imposed upon the same Commodities.  
III. Item, For all Commodities here Rated, which are first Imported, and after Exported beyond the Sea, the Excise thereof being paid, and due proof thereof made by Oath of the party or Witnesses; which Oath the said Commissioners, or the major part of them, or such as they shall appoint under their Hands and Seals, shall have power to administer, shall be repaid, and the said Commissioners and their Deputies shall have power to repay the same accordingly; Provided, that if any Merchant, or other Buyer of any Clothes, or other Woollen commodities made within this Realm, the Dominion of Wales, or Town of Berwick, shall buy the same to Transport beyond the Seas, and shall accordingly Transport the same, than no Excise thereof to be paid.  
IU. And for the better levying of the Monies hereby to be raised, Be it Ordained by the Lords and Commons, That an Office be from henceforth erected in the City of London, called The Office of Excise, or New Impost; whereof there shall be seven Commissioners to govern the same, who are hereby appointed and nominated: And the said Commissioners, or the Survivors of them, or such as shall be hereafter appointed, or the greater part of them, shall have power, and are hereby Authorized from time to time to choose a Treasurer or Treasurers, being one or more of themselves; and also shall choose Registers, Collectors, Clerks, and other subordinate Officers (for whom they shall be answerable) whom the said Commissioners, or the greater part of them, may, & shall from time to time, and have hereby power to displace, and to place others in their rooms & to allow them such several yearly Wages out of the Receipts of the said Office, for their pains and service therein, as the said Commissioners, or the greater part of them shall think fit and reasonable, and as shall be approved of, and allowed by both Houses of Parliament.  
V And it is further Ordained by the said Lords and Commons, That the Seven Commissioners herein named, shall be, and are hereby nominated and appointed to be Governors of the said Office, viz. John Towes Esq; Alderman of the City of London, Thomas Foot Esquire Alderman of the City of London, John ●enrick Esquire Alderman of the City of London, Thomas Cullam Esquire Alderman of the City of London, Simond Edmunds, John Lamet, and Edward Claxton, Citizens of London.  
VI And it is further Ordained by the said Lords and Commons, That the Commissioners hereby, or hereafter to be appointed Governors of the said Office, and such Treasurer or Treasurers us shall be by them chosen as aforesaid, shall respectively before they enter upon the said Office, take a solemn Oath before the Speaker of the House of Peers, or the Speaker of the House of Commons for the time being, for the due execution of their places; And every of the said Speakers shall have power hereby to administer the said Oath.  
VII. And it is hereby Ordained, That all parts of the Cities of London and Westminster, with the several Suburbs thereof, and all other places within Ten miles thereof, or thereabouts, which shall be thought fit by the said Commissioners, shall be subject to the Rule and Government of the said Office.  
VIII. And that the like Office and Offices, and so many of them, and such and so many other subordinate Commissioners shall be erected and appointed in all or any the Counties of England, Dominion of Wales, and Town of Berwick, and in all such Cities, and places thereof, as the said Seven Commissioners, or the Survivors of them, or major part of them, or such other as shall be appointed chief Commissioners, or the major part of them for the time being shall appoint, for whom the said chief Commissioners shall be answerable. And the said subordinate Commissioners shall take the like Oath respectively before the Speaker of either House of Parl. or such person or persons as the said Speaker shall appoint under his hand and seal, or before the said chief Commissioners, or such other person or persons as they or the major part of them, under their hands and seals shall appoint; which said several Speakers, Commissioners, and other persons so by them Authorised, shall have power to minister the said Oath.  
IX. And the said subordinate Commissioners, and other inferior Officers which shall be employed by the said chief Commissioners, shall have for their several pains in and about the said business, such reasonable sum and sums of money allowed them as the said chief Commissioners or the major part of them for the time being shall think fit and appoint, with the allowance of both Houses of Parliament.  
X. Item, that the said several and respective Commissioners shall quarterly make their accounts of all their receipts and disbursements at the said Office in London, unto one or more Auditor or Auditors to be appointed by the said houses to receive the same; which said Auditor or Auditors shall take the like Oath for the due execution of their places, and in such manner as is hereby appointed for the said Commissioners; and shall make and keep a Duplicate or counterpart of all accounts and entries in the said several Offices, the same to be presented by the said Auditor or Auditors to the said Houses, when, and as often as it is required. And _____ Faulconbridge of the City of Westminster, Gent. is hereby nominated and appointed Auditor for the said service.  
XI. Item, that the said Commissioners, or any of them, shall not issue out any money, raised, or levied by virtue of this Ordinance to any person or persons whatsoever, but by order of both Houses of Parliament to be directed to the said chief Commissioners, or the greater part of them, unless it be concerning the payment of the said chief Commissioners allowances Quarterly; and of wages to the said subordinate Commissioners and other Officers; and of Rents due for houseroom or rooms where the said Offices shall be kept, or other necessary expenses in and about the said Offices, the said several sums and disbursments to be such as shall be allowed of by both Houses of Parliament: which said Commissioners upon passing of their accounts, shall from time to time be discharged thereof by both Houses of Parliament: And that it shall and may be lawful to, and for every of the said chief Commissioners to make a Deputy, for whom he will answer.  
XII. Item, that the said Office in all places where it shall be kept, shall be kept upon all the week days (except the Lord's day) from eight of the clock in the morning, till twelve at noon, and from two of the clock in the afternoon, till six in the afternoon, for the entering and Registering of the names and surnames, as well of the Sellers, Buyers, and Makers of the said several commodities in the said Schedule mentioned, and the several quantities and values thereof, and for receiving of all moneys which shall be due and payable for the Excise, and for other things necessary to be done touching the said business, which said entries shall be made accordingly.  
XIII. That all and every the Merchants and Importers of the said foreign commodities in the said Schedule mentioned, and all common Brewers of Ale or Beer, and Distillers of Aquavitae, and Strong-waters, and others chargeable by this Ordinance, with the Excise for any the commodities in the said Schedule mentioned, shall weekly cause to be entered into the said respective Offices a true and perfect list or account of all and every the said commodities respectively, and of the said Ale and Beer and strong-waters, weekly brewed, made or distilled, and shall not deliver any of the said commodities to any of the Buyers thereof, or other person or persons (except such of the said commodities as shall be by the licence of the said chief Commissioners or the major-part of them, or such as they shall appoint, be transported beyond Sea) until the same shall be so entered as aforesaid; And that no person or persons chargeable with the said Excise, shall sell or dispose of any of the said commodities, without first receiving a Ticket or Warrant from the said respective Office, that the Excise or new Impost due for the same is paid or satisfied, and if any of the sellers of any of the said commodities chargeable with the Excise shall refuse or neglect to make a true entry thereof, according to the last precedent Article, or shall do any thing contrary thereunto; the same being proved by Oath of two witnesses before the said respective Commissioners, or the major part of them, who shall have power hereby to minister the said Oath, or confessed by the party, shall forfeit double the value of the said goods or commodities so by him or them neglected to be entered, or so delivered, sold or disposed of contrary to the said Article to the use of the Commonwealth, the same to be levied by the said respective Commissioners or Deputies, or such as they or the major part of them shall appoint by distress and sale of the offender's goods (if they shall not be redeemed within fourteen days) rendering to the party the overplus, and for want of sufficient distress all and every the said Commissioners or Deputies, or the major part of them respectively, or such as they shall appoint, shall have power to commit such offendor to Prison, till he pay the said forfeiture.  
XIV. That no Merchant, Trades-man, Stranger, Ship-master, Mariner, or other person or persons, Importer of any goods or Merchandise into the Port of London, Cinque Ports or other Port, Creek, or place whatsoever within this Realm, the Dominion of Wales, or Town of Berwick, shall land or discharge any goods or commodities upon the shore before they shall have first given notice thereof to the Officers of Excise for that place, by delivery of a Bill of entry under his hand, specifying the said several goods or commodities so imported, their quantities, weights, and measures respectively, under the penalty in the said next precedent Article contained, and to be levied in like manner.  
XV. And be it ordained, that it shall or may be lawful to and for the said respective Commissioners, or the major part of them, out of the forfeitures above mentioned, to give and allow to any person or persons which shall inform them of any abuse committed by any person or persons contrary to this Ordinance, so much money for his and their reward and recompense, of his or their pains, as the said Commissioners, or the major part of them shall think fit, the same to be allowed to the said Commissioners upon their accounts.  
XVI. That if any common Beere-brewer, Alehouse-keeper, Cider or Perry maker, or other person chargeable with the said Excise in the Country, or in any City, Town, or place, do not make a true entry in manner aforesaid in the said Office appointed, in the Country, City or place, where they dwell, or in such Office erected, next to their place of dwelling, and the same be confessed, or proved, as aforesaid, than they shall incur the like penalty as aforesaid, the same to be levied and disposed of in such manner as aforesaid.  
XVII. Item, That the said Chief Commissioners, or the major part of them, shall have power to punish all inordinate Officers, or other persons belonging to the said Offices, which shall be wilfully negligent, remiss, or refractory in the said service, by fine, not exceeding the double value of their yearly wages, the same to be levied, and employed in such manner as aforesaid: And shall likewise have power to punish any other offence, contrary to this Ordinance, (not hereby otherwise provided for) by fine or amercement to be levied and employed in such manner as is appointed for the said other penalties.  
XVIII. And be in further ordained, that the Customers or Commissioners for Tonnage and Poundage, shall from time to time, permit and suffer the said respective Commissioners or any of them, or any of their Deputy or Deputies, or such as they shall appoint, to search, view, or examine, any Note, Book, or Books, belonging to the Custom houses, or to take Copies thereof, or of as much thereof as they please. And that the said Commissioners of Excise or any of them, or any of the said chief Commissioners Deputies, shall have a place to sit in the Custom houses, and shall have power by themselves or their Agents to take notes or copies of all entries of goods and merchandizes imported, or to be imported from time to time.  
XIX. Item. That the said respective Commissioners of Excise, and Deputies of the said chief Commissioners, or the major part of them, respectively shall have power and authority to call before them any person or persons, whom they shall think fit, to inform and testify touching the premises, and to examine any such person, (other than the party himself) upon oath, for the better discovery of any fraud or guile, in the not entering of any of the said Commodities, or not payment of the Excise, or new Impost, according to the tenor of this present Ordinance; which the said Commissioners or the major part of them, or such as they shall appoint under their hands and seals, shall have power to administer, and the testimony of two credible witnesses shall be sufficient in that behalf.  
XX. Item. That there shall be allowed yearly unto every of the said chief Commissioners of Excise for the time being, for his care and pains in and about the said service, the sum of _____ to be paid him quarterly to his own use.  
XXI. Item. That this Ordinance shall begin and take effect from the eleventh day of September, 1643. and from thence to continue for one year, than next following.  
XXII. That the said respective Commissioners, or the major part of them, shall from time to time appoint any Officer or Officers belonging to the said Office, to enter into the Sellers, Shops, Warehouses, Storehouses, or other places of every person or persons that selleth, buyeth, or spendeth, any of the said Commodities in the said Schedule mentioned, to search and see what quantities of any of the said Commodities, every or any such person hath on his hands, or any other person or persons to his use, and for the preventing of all fraud and abuses that may be used of practised to avoid the payment of the said Excise and new Impost.  
XXIII. That all Justices of the Peace, Mayor, Bailiffs, Sheriffs, Constables, and all other Officers, be from time to time aiding and assisting to all and every the said respective Commissioners, and other Officers of Excise, and to every of them appointed by this Ordinance, in the execution thereof, and of the Articles therein contained: and that especial care be taken, as well by the said respective Commissioners, as the said Justices of Peace and other Officers, whom it shall concern, and every of them, That the Assizes of Beer, Ale, Wine, and other things, be duly kept and observed, and the abuses therein punished according to the Laws and Statutes in that behalf made, as they will answer the contrary to both Houses of Parliament.  
XXIV. That the said Commissioners and other Officers, and every of them appointed by this Ordinance, shall have power to call the Trained Bands, Volunteers, or other Forces, of or within any County, City, or Place, respectively to be aiding and assisting to them, to compel obedience to this Ordinance where any resistance shall be made: which said Trained Bands, Volunteers and other Forces, and their several Commanders and other Officers, are hereby required and enjoined to give their aid and assistance accordingly as oft as need shall require.  
XXV. And be it further ordained, That as well all and every the said Commissioners, Deputies, Treasurers, Registers, Receivers, Auditors, or other Officers whatsoever, belonging to the said several Offices, as all and every other person and persons which shall do any thing in execution or performance of this present Ordinance, shall be therein from time to time protected and saved harmless, by the power and authority of both Houses of Parliament.    
FINIS.   

An Ordinance and Declaration of the Lord and Commons Assembled in Parliament, touching the Salary and Allowance to be made to the Commissioners and Auditors for the Excise. Together with the several Oaths to be taken by them. As also directing the manner and time of the Entries to be made of all Goods bought or sold, chargeable with the Excise, since the 11. of September, 1643.  
Die Lunae 18. Sept. 1643.  
WHereas an Ordinance was lately made by the Lords and Commons in Parliament, fon setting of a charge by way of Excise or new Impost upon the several Commodities in a Schedule, thereunto annexed, contained. In which Ordinance no certain Salary is expressed for the Commissioners thereby appointed to execute the same.  
Be it now Declared and Ordained by the said Lords and Commons, that the chief Commissioners appointed by the said Ordinance to put the same in execution, or as many of them as shall execute the same, shall have for their pains and service therein six pence in every twenty shillings that shall be raised and paid in to the Treasurer or Treasurers of Excise appointed by the said Ordinance, the same to be allowed them quarterly upon their accounts by the said Treasurer or Treasurers, without any further Warrant.  
And be it further hereby Ordained, That William Bond of London, Merchant, be appointed an Auditor for the said service, over and besides Master Thomas Fawconbridge, who was appointed an Auditor by the said former Ordinance, and to have the like power with him: And that every of the said Auditors shall have for their several pains and service in that behalf the sum of _____ per Annum, to be allowed them quarterly by the said Treasurer or Treasurers out of their Receipts, without any further Warrant.  
And it is hereby Ordained, That the said Commissioners, upon passing of their accounts before the Auditor or Auditors for the time being, and allowance thereof by the said Houses, shall be discharged of the said accounts from time to time by both the said Houses.  
And be it further Ordained by the said Lords and Commons, That the several Commissioners and Auditors appointed, and to be appointed for the said service, shall take the several Oaths herein prescribed, in such manner as by the said Ordinance is expressed.  

The form of the oath for the Commissioners,  
YOU shall swear to be faithful and true in your place of Commissioner for the Excise during the time you shall be a Commissioner, according to the Ordinance of both Houses of Parliament in that behalf made. You shall according to your knowledge execute the same diligently and faithfully, having no private respect to yourself in prejudice of the Commonwealth. You shall make and deliver a true account of all your Receipts and Disbursments, to such Auditor or Auditors as is, are, or shall be from time to time appointed by both Houses of Parliament, according to the said Ordinance. So help you God, and the contents of this Book.   

The form of the Oath for the Auditors.  
YOU shall swear to be faithful & true in your Office of Auditor for the Excise, during your continuance in the said Office, according the Ordinance of both Houses of Parliament in that behalf made. You shall take the accounts which shall be made unto you quarterly by the Commissioners for Excise, and make true Entries and duplicates or counterparts thereof, and shall truly present the same to both Houses of Parliament, as by the said Ordinance is appointed; And in all things diligently and truly execute your said Office to the best of your skill and knowledge. So help you God, and the Contents of this Book.  
And be it Declared and Ordained, That all manner of persons who have bought or sold any Goods or Commodities chargeable with the Excise, since the eleventh of this instant September, 1643. or shall buy or sell any such Goods before the execution of this Ordinance, shall within ten days next after the twentyeth day of this month (if the said Goods were or shall be bought or sold within the Cities or Suburbs of London or Westminster, or ten mile's compass thereof) or if in any other place or places, then within ten days next after the erection of the said Office of Excise in or near such place or places, cause entry thereof to be made in the several and respective Offices, to which the same shall belong, that so the duty of Excise may be discovered and paid for the same, under pain of forfeiture of double the value of the said Goods or Merchandizes, to be levied in such manner and form, and to such uses as by the said Ordinance is appointed, for not entry of Goods liable to the Excise.  
John Browne Cler. Parliamentorum.   
FINIS.