Voices of the People

Nova Scotia House of Assembly Petitions and Correspondence

4 December 1805

Petition of William Cutten and 25 other inhabitants of Onslow objecting to the law which fixes the sitting of the Supreme Court so that the members of the Court are obligated to travel from Truro to Cumberland on Sunday, and asking that the law be amended. Reasons: (1) "It is the incumbent duty of us all to remember the Sabbath day to keep it hold the Violation of which Almighty God has often punished with most awful Judgements." (2) "Consistency requires an amendment of the above act. The Law of the Province now stands, commanding the observance of the Sabbath; and shall their be other enacted authorising its being profaned, then the same authority both commands and prohibits the same thing." (3) "We wish to respect our superiors but in order to (do) this they must appear respectable. How can we duly regard the Judges of our Courts when we see them trampling upon these Laws which they come amongst us to administer"… (4) "Utility is another Plea by the present arrangement there is not sufficient time to do the business of the District while the Court sets, by consequence causes which should have been argued here are carried to Cumberland before they are Terminated, which occasions not only additional expence, but inconveniences to the Parties concerned." "Lastly. The Permitting of the above Law to remain is now enacted obliges the Members of said Courts to travil on the Sabbath as aforesaid, which is cause of offence to those who wish to see the Laws of Morality and Religion maintained inviolate." 26 names signed. (See bill no. 15)

Reference: Nova Scotia House of Assembly Nova Scotia Archives RG 5 Series A volume 12 number 15