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THE RELATIVE DUTIES OF MANKIND. [Part III.

to admit the citizens of each particular district to the exerciseof the elective franchise. (2.) Oaths, legal affirmations, which donot differ essentially from oaths,* and affidavits, ought to be abol-ished in all cases where a declaration can be safely substituted.There is room for difference of opinion, how far declarations maytake the place of our system of oaths in the present state of pub-lic sentiment, knowledge, and morals ; but, in my judgment, thetime has come, when they might be safely and beneficially substi-tuted in all cases except the administration of civil and penaljustice. (3.) Oaths fail of making their due impression, unlessthey are administered under circumstances of suitable solemnity,and in a manner becoming their sacred nature.

The remark has before been made, that the form, substance,and accompanying ceremonies of oaths have necessarily beensuited to the character of the times in which they were devisedand used ; and that, looking at them by the light of history, theyhave been simplified as knowledge, good faith, and general en-lightenment have advanced. The present is an age of knowl-edge and of enlarged intercourse ; and it may be said, with greatconfidence, that at no previous period has good faith been somuch respected, or the public mind so much enlightened, bothin England and in the United States. Who can doubt that afurther simplification of the system has become safe, and wouldbe beneficial ? A conviction to this effect has become as gener-al, as can ever be expected in favor of any considerable changeto be made under any circumstances.

Acting upon this general conviction and upon this state ofpublic sentiment, the British Parliament has passed a new act(9th September, 1835), very important in regard to the changesand general provisions which it introduces, and in preparingwhich the entire subject of administering oaths seems to havebeen most carefully reviewed and considered. The act tookeffect on the 1st of October, 1835, and provides for the generalsubstitution of declarations, instead of the former system of oaths,solemn affirmations, and affidavits, — in the collection of the rev-enue, and in all the offices and departments of business under

Paley’s Moral and Political Philosophy, p. 115, note.