[ 1716] Multiplicity of Law-Suits condemned.
IT is related to the honour of Sir Thomas Moor, then Lord Chancellor of England, and the charitable constitution of those Times wherein he lived (as a thing never seen either since,* 1.1 or before) that he having ended a Cause then be∣fore him, did call for the next to be brought; but answer was returned him, That there was never another Cause behind, and so with thanks unto God the Court was dismist at that time; whereupon in perpetuam rei memoriam, it was ordered, That the proceedings of that day should be registred in the Roles of the Chancery, as may be seen at this instant. What a charitable disposition? What a peaceable frame of spirit was upon the hearts of Men in those darker times? And what a raging Torrent of dissention is broke in upon us in dayes that are far more clear?* 1.2 Every Man almost lives like a Salamander in the fire of Contention; Witnesse the multiplicity of Law-Suits, the swarms of Lawyers, the sholes of Clerks and Registers that are to be found in the midst of us; witnesse the crowds of Clyents, dancing attendance upon the Courts of Iustice in the severall Judi∣ca••ures at Westminster and elsewhere; so that what the Apostle said to the Corinths, * 1.3 Is there not a wise man amongst you, why do ye go to Law? may very well be inver∣ted upon us, We are all mad, or else the Lawyers would have lesse employment.