Barre Evening Telegram

OATH OF THE BOERS
The Holy Covenant Which Binds Burghers of the Transvaal in Peace and War.

This peculiar solemn pledge was subscribed at a meeting held by them on April 12, 1879, Wonderfontein, in the Transvaal, and is given as reproduced in the Natal Witness:

"In the presence of Almighty God, the Searcher of Hearts, and praying for His gracious assistance and mercy, we, burghers of the South African republic, have solemnly agreed for us and our children to unite in a holy covenant, which we confirm with a solemn oath. It is now 40 years ago since our fathers left the Cape Colony to become a free and independent people. These 40 years were 40 years of sorrow and suffering. We have founded Natal, the Orange Free State and the South African republic (Transvaal), and three times has the English government trampled on our liberty, and our flag, baptized with the blood and tears of our fathers, has been pulled down. As by a thief in the night has our free republic been stolen from us. We cannot suffer this, and we may not. It is the will of God that the unity of our fathers and our love to our children should oblige us to deliver unto our children, unblemished. the heritage of our fathers. It is for this reason that we here unite and give each other the hand as men and brethren, solemnly promising to be faithful to our country and people, and, looking unto God, to work together unto death for the restoration of the liberty of our republic. So truly help us, God Almighty."