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The Preface.
THe piece presented, according to the nature of it, is as a judge of assize riding his circuit; who being set on the seat of judgement, is as a man ignorant of all causes apertain∣ing to that place where he is so set, as also impartial with re∣spect to any mans person; for he knows no man.
But when the cause is produced, the parties brought in and ex∣amined; with observation of their countenance, carriage, and demeanure, together with manner of speech and all circum∣stances.
The witnesses standing up; being such as are free from the act, as also from passing of sentence, and yet have really com∣municated in the act, by eye or ear, or some of the sences, in way of approbation or dislike.
The voluntary declaring their testimony, without any extra∣ction, obstruction, interruption, or mollestation; and it re∣corded.
The case opened, declared, and made manifest.
The records of the law read seriously, considered, and skil∣fully interpreted.
The Auditours satisfied in the conviction of the guilty, and clearing of the innocent.
And the spirit of the judge animated, through sound and in∣dubicable knowledge of the matter and conscience of his office, freely determineth in case of right and wrong: passeth sentence of absolution, or condemnation, without either fear or flattery; and such manner of progress expect in this presented: and so I adventure it to publick view, as a thing impartiall, having suf∣ficient in it self for its own defence—
S. G.