1783-12-04 (static/transcriptions/1783/12/015.jpg)
Severe burden is removed from our minds by the assistance of juries; and it is my ardent wish, that the court had the same relief in civil, especially commercial, causes; for the decision of which there cannot be a nobler tribunal than a jury of experienced men assisted by the learning of a judge. These are my sentiments; and I express them, not because they may be popular, but because I sincerely entertain them; for I aspire to no popularity, and seek no praise, but that which may be given to a strict and conscientious discharge of duty, without predilection or prejudice of any kind, and with a fixed resolution to pronounce on all occasions what I conceive to be the law, than which no individual must suppose himself wiser.
The mention of my duty, gentlemen, leads me naturally to the particular subject of my charge, from which I have not, I hope, unreasonably deviated; but you are too well apprized of your duty to
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