Cylchgronau Cymru

Chwiliwch trwy dros 450 o deitlau a 1.2 miliwn o dudalennau

:#**&*.*, .:«?■?». am.ww THE CHEPSTOW GLEANER No. I. Fiat Lux—-4I Let there be Light." Price 3d. Sir Matthkw IT a lb. The character of Sir M. Hale, as a judge was pre-eminent. His learning was profound ; his pa¬ tience unconquerable; his inte¬ grity stainless. In the words of one who wrote with no friendly feeling towards him, ** his voice was oracular, and his person little less than adored." The temper of mind with which he entered upon the duties of the bench is best ex¬ emplified in the following resolu¬ tions, which appear to have been composed on his being raised to the dignity of Chief Baron at the Restoration:— w Things necessary to be bad in remembrance; 1. That in the administration of justice I am intrusted for God, the King, and country; and, therefore 2. That it be done, 1. Upright¬ ly ; 2. Deliberately; 3. Resolutely. 3. That I rest not upon my own understanding or strength, but implore or rest upon the direction and strength of God. 4. That in the execution of jus¬ tice I carefully lay aside my own passions, and not give way to them, however provoked. 5. That I be wholly intent upon the business 1 am about, remitting all other cares and thoughts as unseasonable and interruptions. 6. That I suffer not myself to be prepossessed with any judg¬ ment at all, till the whole busi¬ ness and both parties be heard. 7. That I never engago myself in the beginning of any cause, but reserve myself unprejudiced till the whole be heard. a & That in business capital. though my nature prompt me to pity, yet to consider there is a pity due to the country. 9. That 1 be uot too rigid in matters purely conscientious, where the harm is diversity of judgment. 10. That I be not biassed with compassion to the poor, or favour to the rich, in point of justice. 11. That popular or court ap¬ plause or distaste have no in¬ fluence in any thing I do, in point of distribution of justice. 12. Not to be solicitous what men will say or think, so long as I keep myself exactly according to the rule of justice. 13. If in criminals it be a mea¬ suring cast, to incline to mercy and acquittal. 14. In criminals that conskt merely in words, where no more harm ensues, Moderation is no injustice. 15. In criminals of blood, if the fact be evident, severity is justice. 16. To abhor all private solid* tations, of what kind soever, and by whomsoever, in matters de¬ pending. 17. To charge my servants: 1. Not to interpose in any matter whatsoever: 2. Not to take more than their known fees: 3. Not to give any undue precedence to causes: 4. Not to recommend counsel. 18. To be short and sparing at meals, that I may be the fitter for business." Under the iniluenco of resolu¬ tions like these, the conduct of Judge Hale appears to have been almost irreproachable. ^-■-<««^^a3MiHWS*^«K<'?fciw