If a sale of real estate under process of execution shall be adjourned oftener or for a longer time than allowed by section 2A:17-36 of this title, without permission in writing, previously obtained of the party at whose instance the writ of execution was issued, the sheriff or other officer shall be liable to the amount of the debt, or damages and costs, or sum or sums of money mentioned in such writ, with interest, and for the recovery thereof may be amerced and proceeded against in the manner prescribed by law for neglect of duty in other cases on writs of execution.
If, however, the sheriff or other officer shall, after 2 adjournments as authorized by said section 2A:17-36, sell the real estate, and bring the whole amount of the proceeds of such sale, after deducting his lawful fees, into the court from which such execution issued, at any time before the entry of such amercement against him as aforesaid, such sheriff or other officer shall be exonerated from all liability to such amercement.
N.J.S. § 2A:17-37