An adverb is one of the parts of speech used to limit or qualify the signification of an adjective, verb, or other adverb; as, very cold, naturally brave, much more clearly, readily agreed. Adverbs may be classified as follows: 1) adverbs of time, as, now, then, never, etc; 2) of place, as, here, there, where, etc; 3) of degree, as, very, much, nearly, almost, etc; 4) of affirmation, negation, or doubt, as, yes, no, certainly, perhaps, etc. 5) of manner, as, well, badly, clearly, etc. Research Adverb
Affirmation is a solemn declaration by Quakers and others, who object to taking an oath, in confirmation of their testimony in courts of law, or of their statements on other occasions on which the sanction of an oath is required of other persons. In England the form for Quakers is, 'I do solemnly, sincerely, and truly declare and affirm.' Affirmation is generally allowed to be substituted for an oath in all cases where a person refuses to take an oath from conscientious motives, if the judge is satisfied that the motives are conscientious. False affirmation is subjected to the same penalties as perjury. Research Affirmation
An oath is a sworn statement, affirmation, or pledge, usually based upon religious principles and often used in legal matters. In a court of law, for example, all witnesses must swear that the testimony they give is the truth. Another example is the oath taken by public officials when they assume office. Members of the British parliament swear an oath of allegiance to the monarch - which Sinn Fein politicians elected in Northern Ireland have refused to do, thus causing them to be barred from sitting in the house. Aliens take an oath of allegiance when they become citizens of the USA. Taking an oath generally implies some legal or moral sanction for failing to carry out one' s sworn pledge; a trial witness, for instance, may be charged with perjury for lying under oath. The oath has its origins in religious customs, and some form of binding oath can be found in every culture.
Oaths are administered to those entering such institutions as the military, secret societies, religious orders, and marriage. Research Oath
Charles Bradlaugh was an English secularist and republican. He was born in 1833 and died in 1891. He published many pamphlets advocating republicanism, one of the more famous being entitled 'Fruits of Philosophy', published in 1876. Although being elected as member for Northampton, he was continually barred from sitting because he refused to swear the oath of allegiance - he claimed the right to make affirmation simply instead of taking the oath which members of parliament take before they can sit and vote, but being a professed atheist this right was denied him. Eventually in 1885 he was allowed to take his seat in a new parliament without swearing the oath. He was also editor of the National Reformer. Research Charles Bradlaugh
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Abbreviations
Research Adverb
