After the Roman empire became Christian, not only the testaments of dying men, but the imperial edicts, began with an invocation of the name of God, or of the holy and undivided Trinity. The institutes of Justinian begin 'In nomine Domini nostri Jesu Christi;' and, till lately, the address of grants and charters has been 'To all Christian people.' Vide Sir Henry Spelman of ancient Deeds and Charters, among his English works. A few years ago it was the uniform practice to begin wills with the words, 'In the name of God, Amen;' and frequently to insert therein a declaration of the testator's hope of pardon in the merits of his Saviour; but, in these more refined times, such forms are deemed superfluous. (Hawkins)

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