upon your lordships as a universal maxim; no more dangerous idea can creep into the mind of a judge, than the imagination that he is wiser than the law. I confine this to no judge, whatever may be his denomination, but extend it to all; and, speaking at the bar of an English court of justice, I make sure of your lordships’ approbation when I comprise even your lordships, sitting in Westminster Hall. It is a grievous example to other judges. If your lordships assume this, sitting in judgment, why not the King’s Bench? Why not commissioners of oyer and terminer? If they do so, why not the quarter-sessions? Ingenious men may strain the law very far; but to pervert it, was to new-model it. The genius of our constitution says, judges have no such authority, nor shall presume to exercise it.’ I conclude, my Lords, with the respectful expression of my conviction, that your lordships’ judgment in this case, whatever it may be, will be according to the law and justice of the case; and that you will preserve the high reputation, in the exercise of your judicial functions, which has so long been enjoyed by your lordships and your ancestors.”—The honourable and learned gentleman then bowed to their lordships, and was about to withdraw, when he again turned to the House and said: “Will your lordships allow me to mention, that, on account of the sudden illness of my learned friend, the Solicitor-General, he is deprived of the honour of attending to-day before your lordships, as he had intended.”