| Volume 195, Page 94 View pdf image (33K) |
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
94 The English Statutes in Maryland. [558 p. 18 and a Multitude of others, as well as the English History; that the Common Law, though frequently confirmed in Parliament, was not sufficient, to secure Him from Oppression, and Violence: And there is no other Remedy, when Laws are violated, but to punish the Vio- lators, and establish, and confirm the Laws; which have been fre- quently done, and sometimes with great Difficulty, and the Expence of a great deal of Blood, and Treasure. Whoever has read the Par- liamentary Proceedings, in the Last, as well as Queen Anne's Reign; will find, that when the Safety of the Government, rendered a tem- porary Suspension of the Execution of the Habeas Corpus Act necessary: it was always opposed, when proposed to be of any con- siderable Duration: And the longest Time of Continuance of any of those Acts, that 1 ever saw. was not above 18 Months; so careful has the British Parliament been, to preserve to a People, justly fond of Liberty, and wisely jealous, of everything, that might be destruc- tive o(, or hurtful to It; the Benefit of a Law, that is a great Sup- port and Preservative of Liberty. This shews, that the British Subjects, esteem the several Statutes, that have been made to con- firm their Common Law Rights, to be of mighty Consequence, and Advantage to them: And any one, may well imagine, that it any Attempt should be made, to abrogate those great Defences and Bul- warks of the People's Liberty; everybody would be alarmed, and dread the Introduction of the same, or greater Mischiefs, than those, that render'd the making so many confirmatory Acts necessary: And it would be stupid, and irrational, to think the contrary. If then, the Case was. as hath been already mention'd, in England? That, notwithstanding its Common Law, entitles the People, to ample Liberties and Priviledges: that there were great .Numbers of brave, honest Patriots, who understood the Laws P-'9 of their Country, perfectly well, and who never fail'd to use their utmost efforts, in Opposition to every Violation of that Law; that notwithstanding all they could do, themselves, and others, were insecure in their Lives. Liberties, and Properties; and Things were brought to such Extremities, that it became necessary, to confirm, and strengthen, the antient Rights by the Legislative Authority: And that, although That was frequently done, yet Oppressions were frequently renewed, and wicked Men in Power, always found Pretences, to oppress those, that would not abett, or would oppose their Crimes: and they have never wanted Instruments, to execute all their villainous and destructive Schemes. Let us consider our own Circumstances, and enquire, Whether |
| |||
|
| ||||
|
| ||||
Please view image to verify text. To report an error, please contact us.
Sioussat's The English Statutes in Maryland, 1903
| Volume 195, Page 94 View pdf image (33K) |
|
Tell Us What You Think About the Maryland State Archives Website!
|
An Archives of Maryland electronic publication.
For information contact
mdlegal@mdarchives.state.md.us.
Maryland State Archives