Memoirs of John Selden and notices of the political contest during his time - Tapa blanda

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1835 Excerpt: ...this contemptible apology for injustice, "the respect we bear to the proceedings of the court hath caused us to give way that Selden and Valentine should attend you to-morrow." Upon more mature deliberation, about three hours afterwards, even this was altered, the king informing the judges in a second letter, "that all the prisoners would receive the same treatment." Thus did the infatuated court urge on towards ruin. Sir Robert Cotton had warned it of the increasing dissatisfaction of the people; and Lord Carlisle had long previously urged upon its attention the great political truth, that to gain their good opinion is to obtain power. Yet these admonitions were disregarded, and if we trace the public transactions of the government step by step; if we notice the series of violations that were offered to the national institutions and liberties, the conviction is forced upon us, that no conduct could be pursued better calculated to precipitate the governed and the government into that lamentable collision which invariably is fatal to the latter. The parliament also had warned the court that submissive endurance was at an end, and that no government would be obeyed without resistance that did not guide its proceedings by the established laws. The policy dictated by common sense, and common sense is the best political as well as the best domestic mentor, was to adopt such a guide, and to relax rather than outstretch the prerogative of the crown. Had the opposition been a petty faction, an illegal effort of government might have crushed it; but no oppression by that power, however determined, could beat down the united resolve of the nation. Every fresh injustice acted but as a stimulus to those who had already been roused to resistance. Rus...