The

not have advanced him to it; and that he had therefore preferred him, because he knew none that deserved it so well." honour of knighthood is usually granted to those who are advanced to this dignity; but such was the modesty of Mr. Hale, that it was only by the stratagem of meeting him unexpectedly at the Lord Chancellor's, that the king could find an opportunity of conferring the title.

As he felt a real love for his fellow-creatures, so with the strongest emotions of pity did he regard all those, who for their crimes were brought before him in his judicial capacity. During their trials, he expressed himself towards them with a solemnity, that bespoke his deep sense of the awful responsibility of his office, yet accompanied with a certain compassionate and encouraging demeanour, which left them nothing to fear from the influence of private feeling. The terrors of the law were sufficient he thought, without any aggravation or colouring from

him. Not that he omitted to make those salutary impressions which his duty enjoined him; but he preferred exciting them by plain and simple language. And when he had to pass sentence, there was something so fervent and pathetic in his speech to the prisoner, that many persons have said "they heard few such sermons."

In his earlier years, he laid down certain rules for the regulation of his life, which mark by what steps he arrived at eminence. Happily for those who wish to follow his example, a rough draught of these has been preserved.

MORNING.

I. To lift up the heart to God, in thankfulness for renewing my life.

II. To renew my covenant with God in Christ, 1. By renewed acts of faith, receiving Christ, and rejoicing in the height of that relation. 2. Resolution of being one of his people, doing him allegiance.

III. Adoration and prayer.

IV. Setting a watch over my own infirmities and passions, over the snares laid in our way. Perimus licitis*.

DAY EMPLOYMENT.

There must be an employment: two kinds. I. Our ordinary calling: to serve God in it. It is a service to Christ though never so

mean. Colos. iii. Here faithfulness, diligence, cheerfulness. Not to overlay myself with more business than I can bear.

II. Our spiritual employments: mingle somewhat of God's immediate service in this day.

REFRESHMENTS.

I. Meat and drink, moderation seasoned with somewhat of God.

II. Recreations. 1. Not our business. 2. Suitable. No games, if given to covetousness or passion.

*We perish by indulgences.

IF ALONE.

I. Beware of wandering, vain, lustful thoughts: fly from thyself rather than entertain these.

II. Let thy solitary thoughts be profitable. View the evidences of thy salvation, the state of thy soul, the coming of Christ, thy own mortality: it will make thee humble and watchful.

COMPANY.

Do good to them. Use God's name reverently. Beware of leaving an ill impression of ill example. Receive good from them if more knowing.

Cast

EVENING.

up the accounts of the day. If ought amiss, beg pardon. Gather resolution of more vigilance. If well, bless the mercy and grace of God that hath supported thee.

When he was made a Judge, he drew up another paper for his government. Though it has reference to duties which few are placed in situations to perform, it contains some excellent principles of universal application, which render it worthy of attention.

THINGS NECESSARY TO BE CONTINUALLY HAD IN REMEMBRANCE:

I. That, in the administration of justice, I am entrusted for God, the King, and Country; and therefore,

II. That it be done; 1. Uprightly; 2. Deliberately; 3. Resolutely.

III. That I rest not upon my own under

standing or strength, but implore and rest upon the direction and strength of God.

IV. That, in the execution of justice, I carefully lay aside my own passions, and not give way to them, however provoked. V. That I be wholly intent upon the busi

ness that I am about, remitting all other