Mary Radford, ten, and her eight year-old sister, Elizabeth, were returning home from Sunday school when John Carpenter, 'a full grown man', spoiled their bonnets by throwing dirt on them
The Radfords brought John Carpenter before the Exeter Police Court. Little Mary Radford had to give evidence. The Mayor of Exeter and Mr Blackall, a magistrate, examined Mary in the serious matter of the nature of an oath: The newspaper reported the exchange:
"Mr. Blackall. -You are going to take an oath to speak the truth. Who will punish you if what you say is false?
The Child looked point blank at the Hon. Magistrate and made no reply.
Mr. Blackall. - Will any body punish you if you say what is false?
The Child. - Yes Sir.
Mr. Blackall. - Who?
The Child. - The Devil.
Mr. Blackall. - No, not the Devil - God Almighty will punish you.
The Mayor. - What book is that?
The Child turned it over, as if prepared to hazard a conjecture from its shape.
The Mayor. - You must not look at it. What book is it?
The Child - Common Prayer Book.
The Mayor. No it is not a Common Prayer Book. - You believe it is a religious book? - Yes.
The Mayor. - And by kissing it, you bind yourself to speak the truth? - Yes.
The Mayor.. - And if you do not speak the truth where do you expect to go?
The Child. - To the Naughty Place."
Thus satisfied, the Magistrates proceeded to hear Mary's evidence and to try the case. John Carpenter said he was ' innocent as a babby' but he was fined one shilling for the assault and half-a-crown damages together with expenses which he refused to pay. He went to prison for a week.
The oath, as a guarantee that people will tell the truth, is seen here, in my opinion, for what it is - altogether ridiculous. Nowadays it is still taken but, of course, atheists &c. are provided for and kissing the Bible has gone out of fashion and no one, I hope, gives witnesses more or less credence because they fear neither Almighty God nor the Devil.
Source: The Western Times, 5th December 1840.
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