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CHAP. XCV.
Of the Study of the Law.
TO this, those vast Gyants have relation, who con∣trary to the Edict of Justinian, have begot so ma∣ny innumerable. Volumes of Comments, Glosses, and Expositions, every one differing in their Interpretation. Besides this, they have gathered together such Storms of Opinions, so many Woods of dark and subtil Coun∣sels and Cautions, wherewith the Iniquity of Advocates is furnished, as if Truth did not consist more in Rea∣son, than in confused Testimonies rak'd together out of such a monstrous heap of Opiniasters, among whom there is so much Dissention, so much Discord, that he that knows not how to differ from another, to contra∣dict the Sayings and Opinions of others, call in questi∣on the justice of Adjudged Cases, and to wrest good Laws to their own Humours and Interests, is not to be thought Learned among um. Thus is the Study of the Law made a deceitful Net and Gin of Iniquity: these are the Crafts, and these the Arts by which the whole Christian world is governed; the Foundations of Empires and Kingdoms, and out of these Knaves are chosen Presidents of Parliaments, Senators, and se∣veral great Officers of Popes and Princes: as if wic∣ked Advocates would prove just Judges, when they came to be the Heads of the Nation! These, like the
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Titans to Jove, become formidable to their Princes themselves. Out of these come the swag-belly'd Se∣cretaries, and Purple Chancellors of Emperours and Kings; who govern all affairs of State, dispose of all Favours, Gifts, Benefits, Offices, Dignities and Patents of the prince; who sell all Right and Justice, all Law, Equity and Honesty, and compel others to purchase of them: According to whose will, such and such are to be Allies, such Enemies to the Prince; with whom sometimes they joyn in Leagues, sometimes make War according to their pleasures. And being rais'd from the lowest degree of Poverty, and meanness of condi∣tion, to so high a pitch of Dignity, meerly by prostitu∣ting their Tongues, at length they grow so bold and audacious, that without calling to answer, without or∣der of Council, they will convict and condemn men, and many times alter forms of Government; they themselves growing fat with Thievery and Robbery.
Of the Study of the Law.
TO this, those vast Gyants have relation, who con∣trary to the Edict of Justinian, have begot so ma∣ny innumerable. Volumes of Comments, Glosses, and Expositions, every one differing in their Interpretation. Besides this, they have gathered together such Storms of Opinions, so many Woods of dark and subtil Coun∣sels and Cautions, wherewith the Iniquity of Advocates is furnished, as if Truth did not consist more in Rea∣son, than in confused Testimonies rak'd together out of such a monstrous heap of Opiniasters, among whom there is so much Dissention, so much Discord, that he that knows not how to differ from another, to contra∣dict the Sayings and Opinions of others, call in questi∣on the justice of Adjudged Cases, and to wrest good Laws to their own Humours and Interests, is not to be thought Learned among um. Thus is the Study of the Law made a deceitful Net and Gin of Iniquity: these are the Crafts, and these the Arts by which the whole Christian world is governed; the Foundations of Empires and Kingdoms, and out of these Knaves are chosen Presidents of Parliaments, Senators, and se∣veral great Officers of Popes and Princes: as if wic∣ked Advocates would prove just Judges, when they came to be the Heads of the Nation! These, like the
Page 327
Titans to Jove, become formidable to their Princes themselves. Out of these come the swag-belly'd Se∣cretaries, and Purple Chancellors of Emperours and Kings; who govern all affairs of State, dispose of all Favours, Gifts, Benefits, Offices, Dignities and Patents of the prince; who sell all Right and Justice, all Law, Equity and Honesty, and compel others to purchase of them: According to whose will, such and such are to be Allies, such Enemies to the Prince; with whom sometimes they joyn in Leagues, sometimes make War according to their pleasures. And being rais'd from the lowest degree of Poverty, and meanness of condi∣tion, to so high a pitch of Dignity, meerly by prostitu∣ting their Tongues, at length they grow so bold and audacious, that without calling to answer, without or∣der of Council, they will convict and condemn men, and many times alter forms of Government; they themselves growing fat with Thievery and Robbery.