The Village Shepherd
Promises, Promises
Sermon
Years ago, an Englishman's word was his bond. It was a proud boast which required only a handshake to seal any agreement, but sadly, it didn't stand the test of time. It was too easy to renege on a handshake and deny that it had ever taken place.
Somewhat more binding agreements were undertaken by oath, sworn with a hand placed on the Bible. This is still the method used in English courtrooms, but although the penalties for perjury are considerable, they don't entirely prevent people lying in court, as one or two famous cases have shown in relatively recent years.
Somewhat more binding agreements were undertaken by oath, sworn with a hand placed on the Bible. This is still the method used in English courtrooms, but although the penalties for perjury are considerable, they don't entirely prevent people lying in court, as one or two famous cases have shown in relatively recent years.
