Wesley Corpus

The same oath binds him both to one and the other, laying an equal obligation on his conscience. Howa Magistrate who neglects topunish excess, profaneness, and impiety, can excuse himself from the guilt of perjury, I do not pretend to know. If he reasons fairly, he will find himself as much forsworn, as an evidence who being upon his oath to declare the whole truth, nevertheless conceals the most considerable part of it. And his perjury is so much the more infamous, as the ill example and effects of it will be mis chievous.” (Mr. Disney's First Essay, Page 30.) 7. The same author (in the preface to his Second Essay) goes on : “You, gentlemen of the Grand Juries, take a solemn oath, that “you will diligently inquire, and true presentment make, of all such articles, matters, and things as shall be given you in charge: As also, that you will (not only present no person for envy, hatred, or malice, but) not leave any unpresented, for fear, favour, or affection.” Now, are not the laws against immorality and profaneness given you in charge, as well as those against riots, felony, and treason P Are not presentment and indict ment one method expressly appointed by the statutes, for the punishment of drunkenness and tippling? Are not houses of bawdry and gaming punishable in the same courts, and, conse quently, presentable by you? Is not the proclamation for the punishing of vice, profaneness, and immorality always read before you as soon as you are sworn? And does not the Judge of Assize, or Chairman of the Bench, in the charge given imme diately after the reading it, either recite to you the particular laws against such offences, or refer you for them to that procla mation? It is plain from all this, that you are bound upon your oaths to present all vice and immorality, as well as other crimes, that fall within your knowledge, because they are expressly given you in charge.