depiction of the state arms of the Commonwealth (1649-60) consisting of the cross of St. George (patron saint of England) and the Irish harp  
AN ORDINANCE For Repealing of several Acts, and Resolus of Parliament, made for, or touching the subscribing or taking the ENGAGEMENT.  
WHereas many general and promissory Oaths, and Engagements, in former times imposed upon the People of this Nation, have proved burdens and snares to tender Consciences; and yet have been exacted, under several penalties, forfeitures, and losses; upon consideration whereof, and out of a tenderness of requiring such obligations, Be it Ordained by His Highness, the Lord PROTECTOR, by and with the advice and consent of the Council, That one Act of Parliament, published in print the second day of January one thousand six hundred forty and nine, entitled, An Act for subscribing the Engagement; And certain Orders, entitled, Resolves touching the subscribing to an Engagement, etc. And all and every Clause, Branch, Article, and Sentence in them, and every or any of them contained, shall from and after the nineteenth day of J●nuary in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred fifty and three, stand and be absolutely repealed, and anulled; And that all and every Clause, Branch, Article, Proviso or Sentence contained in any other Act, Ordinance, Resolves or Orders of Parliament, whereby the said Oath or Engagement is directed, and appointed to be taken, and administered, and all and every the penalties, losses, incapacities, disabilities, and forfeitures for not taking, or subscribing the same, shall from and after the said nineteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred fifty and three, (as to so much only (and no more) as concerneth the said Engagement, and the penalties, losses, incapacities, disabilities, and forfeitures for not taking or subscribing the same) be, and are hereby, utterly repealed, and made void: And that the said Oath or Engagement, where the same is appointed to be Administered by itself, or where the same is inserted into any other Oath (as to so much only as concerneth the said Engagement) shall not, from or after the said nineteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred fifty and three, be administered unto, or taken by any Officer, Minister of justice, or other Person whatsoever; but the same shall from thenceforth be wholly taken away and abolished to all intents and purposes whatsoever. And that from and after the said nineteenth day of January, in the said year of our Lord one thousand six hundred fifty and three, no place or Office of trust within this Commonwealth, shall be made void, by reason of the not taking or subscribing the said Engagement. And it is lastly Ordained by the Authority aforesaid, That if any person or persons whatsoever have been delayed, hindered, or prejudiced in any Cours or proceed of Law, justice, or Equity, or hath not or cannot have the full benefit thereof, by reason or means that such person or persons hath not or have not taken or subscribed the said Engagement, in such form, or at such time or times as hath or have been limited or appointed for the taking or subscribing thereof, such person or persons shall from henceforth be admitted unto, and have such Cours, plead and Proceed in Law, justice, and Equity, as if such person or persons had taken or subscribed the said Engagement, in such manner & form, and at such time or times, as was or were directed or appointed for the taking or subscribing thereof, and not otherwise.   

Thursday, the 19th of Januarie, 1653.  
ORdered by His Highness, the Lord PROTECTOR, and His Council, that this Ordinance be forthwith printed and published.  
Hen. Scobell Clerk of the Council.   

Printed by William Dugard and Henry Hills, Printers to His Highness the Lord PROTECTOR. MDCLIII.