A GNOSTIC
It is no novelty (says a home paper) for a juror to object to an oath, but what is to be done with him when he sticks at an affirmation 1 Recently in the Lord Mayor's Court a juror, having objected to the oath, was asked to declare as follows : — '"I — do solemnly, sincerely and truly affirm and declare that the taking of an oath is according to my religions belief unlawful. And I do also solemnly, sincerely and truly affirm and declare that I will well and truly try the issue,' and so forth. But this was equally objectionable. "1 ;vm a Gnostic," said the juror, " and although willing to do my duty I cannot claim to have any religious belief, and in cousequence could not have any religious scruples in taking the oath. On the same ground I cannot affirm under any statute, and will not outrage the feelings of those who are of a religious faith by repeatng words, or going through a form which in my case would be a mockery." In the end the juror was sent about his business, having set an example which not a few people will probably be found to follow. If the simple declaration that one is "a Gnostic" suffices to relieve a man from service on juries, we may expect Guosticism to spread like a plague over the land.
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Bibliographic details
Poverty Bay Herald, Issue 1137, 2 October 1880, Page 2
Word Count
232A GNOSTIC Poverty Bay Herald, Issue 1137, 2 October 1880, Page 2
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