The Works of Joseph Addison (Paperback)

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. 1870 Excerpt: ...professed Platonist, l that had spent much of her time in exhorting the sex to set a just value upon their persons, and to make the men know themselves There followed a profound silence, when at length, after some recollection, the censor, who continued hitherto uncovered, put on his hat with great dignity; and after having composed the brims of it in a manner suitable to the gravity of his character, he gave the following charge, which was received with silence and attention, that being the only applause which he admits of, or is ever given in his presence. "The nature of my office, and the solemnity of this occasion, requiring that I should open my first session with a speech, I shall cast what I have to say under two principal heads: "Under the first, I shall endeavour to show the necessity and usefulness of this new-erected court; and, under the second, I shall give a word of advice and instruction to every constituent part of it. "As for the first, it is well observed by Phsedrus, an heathen poet, Nisi utile est quod facimus, frustra est gloria. "Which is the same, ladies, as if I should say, l It would be of no reputation for me to be president of a court which is of no benefit to the public' Now the advantages that may arise to the weal public from this institution will more plainly appear, if we consider what it suifers for the want of it. Are not our streets daily filled with wild pieces of justice and random penalties? Are not crimes undetermined, and reparations disproportioned? 1 Sirs. Mary Asiell V. Tat. 32 and note, and No.166 and note.---N How often have we seen the lie punished by death, and the liar himself deciding his own cause; nay, not only acting the judge but the executioner? Have we not known a box on the ear more ...