[ 1940] Justice moderated.
IT is observeable that by the place of that sign in the Zodiack, which (accor∣ding to the doctrine of the Astronomers) is called,* 1.1 The Virgin; the Lyon is placed on the one side, and the Ballance on the other; The Lyon bidding (as it were) the Virgin Iustice, be stout and fearlesse; the Ballance minding her to weigh all with moderation and be cautious: Thus it is that Iustice may be said to be remisse when it spares where it ought to punish, and such sparing is Cruel∣ty; And Iudgment may be said to be too severe, when it punisheth where it ought to spare; and rigorous, if at any time it be more then the Law requires and if at all times it be so much. Extream right often proves extream wrong,* 1.2 And he that alwaies doth so much as the Law allows, shall often do more then the Law requires;* 1.3 Whereas the Righteousnesse of God, calls not for an Arith∣meticall proportion, i. e. at all times and on all occasions to give the same award upon the same Law, but leaves a Geometricall proportion, that the consideration of circumstances, may either encrease or allay the censure.