In order that the people may not suffer from the long continuance in place of any justice of the peace who shall fail in discharging the important duties of his office with ability and fidelity, all commissions of justice of the peace shall become void at the expiration of five years from their respective dates, and upon the expiration of any Commission, the same may if necessary be renewed or another person appointed as shall most conduce to the well being of the state.

June 2, 1784