I cannot, therefore, hastily abandon a duty which, from
my success in life, I owe to my profession--which, as a member of this
house, I owe to you and to my country--and which, as a man blessed
with more than common prosperity, I owe to the misguided and
unfortunate."
_Roscoe's Lives of Eminent Lawyers._
* * * * *
AN UPRIGHT JUDGE.
The character of Sir Matthew Hale as a judge was splendidly
pre-eminent. His learning was profound; his patience unconquerable;
his integrity 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 exemplified in the following
resolutions, which appear to be composed on his being raised to the
dignity of chief baron at the restoration.
"Things necessary to be continually had 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. uprightly; 2. deliberately; 3. resolutely.
"3. That I rest not upon my own understanding or strength, but implore
and rest upon the direction and strength of God.
"4. That in the exertion of justice I carefully lay aside my own
passions, and not give way to them, however provoked.
"5. That I be wholly intent upon the business I am about, remitting
all other cares and thoughts as unseasonable and interruptions.
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