nt in our
Parliaments, to hear and deliberate concerning the above-mentioned
Causes."_--From which Words we may learn, First, how _seldom_ the Courts
of Judicature heard Causes in those Days. Next, how few judges sat in
those _Parliaments_. For as to the other Provinces and Governments of
the Kingdom, we have (in the same Book) the _Constitution of Philip the
Fair_, in these Words, [Anno 1302.]--"_Moreover, We ordain that our
Seneschals and Bayliffs shall hold their Assizes in Circuit throughout
their Counties and Bayliwicks once every two Months at least."_

Furthermore, _Budaeus_ in the same Place, [Anno 1293.] writes, that
_Philip_ the _Fair_ appointed, that three Sorts of People shou'd sit in
Parliament, viz. _Prelates, Barons_, and _Clerks mixed with Laymen:_
"Since the Laicks (says he) are chosen promiscuously out of the Knights,
and out of other Sorts of People. Also, that the Prelates and Barons
shou'd select fit Persons out of that third Estate, to exercise every
Sort of Judicature; and at the same Time shou'd chuse three Judges, who
shou'd be sent abroad into those Countries where the written Laws of the
Land had their Course, that they might there judge and determine
according to Law. And if any Question of great Importance were to be
argued, they should take to their Assistance the most Learned Men they
could get.--" In which Place, _Budaeus_ lamenting the Evil Customs of our
Times; that is, this _Kingdom of Lawyers_ now in Vogue, breaks out with
_Juvenal_ into this Exclamation: "_Quondam hoc indigenae vivebant more!
So_ (says he) _may I exclaim, that in Old Times, when this Kingdom
flourished, (as many appear by our Money coined of pure fine Gold) there
was a plain and easy Way of doing Justice; there were few Law-suits, and
those not of long Continuance, or indeed Eternal, as now they are; for
then this Rabble-Rout of pretended Interpreters of the Law had not
invaded the Publick: neither was the Science of the Law stretched out to
such an unlimited Extent; but Truth and Equity, and a prudent Judge,
endued with Integrity and Innocence, was of more worth than Six hundred
Volumes of Law-Books. But now to what a sad Condition Things are
brought, every one sees, but no Body dares speak out. [Sed omnes dicere
mussant.]"_ Thus far honest _Budaeus_; a most inveterate Adversary of
this Art of Chicanery, upon all Occasions.

To return to our Purpose, of giving an Account upon what Foundations and
Beginnings this _R