THE EFFECT OF THAT WHICH WAS SPOKEN 



BY THE LORD KEEPER OF 



THE GREAT SEAL OF ENGLAND, 



AT THE TAKING OF HIS PLACE IN CHANCERY, 



IN PERFORMANCE OF THE CHARGE HIS MAJESTY HAD GIVEN HIM 

 WHEN HE RECEIVED THE SEAL, MAY 7, 161T. 



BEFORE I enter into the business of the court, I shall 

 take advantage of so many honourable witnesses to 

 publish and make known summarily, what charge the 

 king s most excellent majesty gave me when I re 

 ceived the seal, and what orders and resolutions I 

 myself have taken in conformity to that charge ; that 

 the king may have the honour of direction, and I the 

 part of obedience ; whereby your lordships, and the 

 rest of the presence, shall see the whole time of my 

 sitting in the chancery, which may be longer or 

 shorter, as it shall please God and the king, contracted 

 into one hour. And this I do for three causes. 



First, to give account to the king of his com 

 mandment. 



Secondly, that it may be a guard and custody 

 to myself, and my own doings, that I do not swerve 

 or recede from any thing that I have professed in so 

 noble company. 



And thirdly, that all men that have to do with 

 the chancery or the seal, may know what they shall 



