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We find, in the rules laid down by the greatest English Judges, who have been the brightest of mankind We are to look upon it as more beneficial, that many guilty persons should escape unpunished, than one innocent person should suffer. And the trial commences with the prayer of the Court, expressed by the Clerk, to the Supream JUDGE of Judges, empires and worlds: “God send you a good deliverance.” The form of proceeding at their arraignment, has discovered that the spirit of the law upon such occasions, is conformable to humanity, to commonsense and feeling that it is all benignity and candor. I am for the prisoners at the bar, and shall apologize for it only in the words of the Marquis Beccaria: “If I can but be the instrument of preserving one life, his blessing and tears of transport, shall be a sufficient consolation to me, for the contempt of all mankind.” 2 As the prisoners stand before you for their lives, it may be proper, to recollect with what temper the law requires we should proceed to this trial.

May it please your Honours and you Gentlemen of the Jury,