106 OF SUBORDINATE MAGISTRATES. 



he is set. But if he hath power to rule by private 

 direction, for which there is no law, how can he be 

 questioned by a law, if in his private censure he of 

 fends ? 



5. Therefore, it seemeth, that in giving such au 

 thority, the king ordaineth not subordinate magis 

 trates, but absolute kings : and what doth the king 

 leave to himself, who giveth so much to others, as he 

 hath himself? Neither is there a greater bond to tie 

 the subject to his prince in particular, than when he 

 shall have recourse unto him, in his person, or in his 

 power, for relief of the wrongs which from private 

 men be offered ; or for reformation of the oppres 

 sions which any subordinate magistrate shall impose 

 upon the people. There can be no offence in the 

 judge, who hath power to execute according to his 

 discretion, when the discretion of any judge shall be 

 thought fit to be limited, and therefore there can be 

 therein no reformation ; whereby the king in this 

 useth no prerogative to gain his subjects right ; then 

 the subject is bound to suffer helpless wrong ; and 

 the discontent of the people is cast upon the king ; 

 the laws being neglected, which with their equity in 

 all other causes and judgments, saving this, inter 

 pose themselves and yield remedy. 



6. And to conclude, custom cannot confirm that 

 which is any ways unreasonable of itself. 



Wisdom will not allow that, which is many ways 

 dangerous, and no ways profitable. 



Justice will not approve that government, where 

 it cannot be but wrong must be committed. 



