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 ¬learning ; that the administration of the lav/ was held in the highest reverence, and that no instance had occurred in modern times of any corrupt departure from their duties. — Their in- dependence had exalted the sacred character of their office, and had secured the confidence of the public. — I was presented to the whole bench, and found them as familiarly pleasant in private life as they were dignified in their tribunals of justice. ¬I make no apology for this long digression — I could not possibly alter the world I was cast on, nor depart with truth from what I saw in it ; but wherever the occasion offered, I have ap- plied it throughout, to the illustration of my own country, or for the reformation of what appeared to be errors and defects. — This (as the Preface has spoken for me) has been the only object of my work, and where I may be mistaken my motive should protect me. ¬I have the rather enlarged upon this mo- lt 2 mentous ¬