Credentials

Definition and stakes

Samuel Butler,  The Fair Haven

“ And this applies to a certain extent to the credentials also: for although no man should be captious, nor ask for more evidence than would satisfy a well-disciplined mind concerning the truth of any ordinary fact (as one who not contented with the evidence of a seal, a handwriting and a matter not at variance with probability, would nevertheless refuse to act upon instructions because he had not with his own eyes actually seen the sender write and sign and seal) , yet it is both reasonable and indeed necessary that a certain amount of care should be taken before the credentials are accepted. ”
Source: Gutenberg

Portrait of James Russell Lowell James Russell Lowell,  The Complete Poetical Works of James Russell Lowell

“ One of the most inexcusable weaknesses of Americans is in signing their names to what are called credentials. But for my interposition, a person who shall be nameless would have taken from this town a recommendation for an office of trust subscribed by the selectmen and all the voters of both parties, ascribing to him as many good qualities as if it had been his tombstone. ”
Source: Gutenberg

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