Reflections on the sixth Section.
WHat Disappointment is here, and Concernedness for it! I always thought the Judges were to be indifferent Persons between the King and People, and keep only to the Rule of Law, without Partia∣lity, and to have no respect of Persons in Judgment; and not against Law, to taunt at Grand-Juries like School Boys, as the Chief-Justice did, when he asked a Reason for our Verdict. If I had replied, My Lord, by what Law do you ask that Question? (as I had much ado to forbear) I believe my Lord would have said, I had been a sawcy Fellow. If any Corruption or Bribery had appeared in our Jury, we ought then severe∣ly to have suffered; but I dare affirm there was not the least touch of it; but I cannot say so for the Witnesses. As to the Motion of Mr. Attorney's, that we might never be Jury-men more, I think my self and Brethren have reason to think him for it: I know no Pro∣fit by it, but only Trouble, Sorrow and Ruin of me and my Fami∣mily: I have found it so, for I may modestly reckon my self 8000 l. (if I should say 10000 l. I should not be extravagant in my Accompt) the worse for serving on Juries; for it is to that I must attribute all my Troubles; I know of no other Reason. It is pretty hard me∣thinks, that there is not better Provision in our Laws, to defend Grand-Juries, and all Juries, that are the great Security to the Lives and Estates of all Ranks of Men.