The Works of Francis Bacon, Lord Chancellor of England (Volume 5); A New Ed. by Basil Montagu (Paperback)

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1826. Excerpt: ... NOTES. NOTE A. 'The house will allow me to substitute for my own imperfect expressions the emphatic terms in which lord Bacon has recorded the suggestions of a mighty intellect. 'In addressing his sovereign, he says that his object is not to tax the laws, ' I speak.' says he, only by way of perfecting them, which is easiest in the best things: for that which is far amiss hardly receiveth amendment, but that which hath already, to that more may be given. 'Besides, what I shall propound, is not to the matter of the laws, but to the manner of their registry, expression, and tradition: so that it giveth them rather new light than any new nature. 'He proceeds to state, that for the safety and convenience of the proposal which he makes, 'it is good to consider and answer those objections or scruples which may arise or be made against this work. 'Objection the first, 'That it is a thing needless; and that the law as it now is, is in a good estate comparable to any foreign law; and that it is not possible for the wit of man in respect of the frailty thereof, to provide against the uncertainties and evasions or omissions of law. The following is the answer of lord Bacon: 'For the comparison with foreign laws, it is in vain to speak of it, for men will never agree about it. Our lawyers will main Vol. v. c tain for oar municipal laws--civilians, scholars, travellers will be of the other opinion. 'But, sir, I must interrupt my reference to lord Bacon by remarking that the lapse of years has supplied us with answer to the first part of this objection which lord Bacon had not to urge. Foreign nations have condensed and simplified their laws--and have disentitled us to vindicate the confusion or uncertainty of our own statutes by the boast (weak and fruitless as an argument, if it were wel...