The Ordeal of Edward Bushell

Sacramento, California: Lexicon Publishing, 1988. N5 - A paperback book SIGNED and inscribed by Godfrey D. Lehman on the opposite side of the front in very good condition that has some bumped corners, wrinkling and chipping on some edges, sides and corners, quarter inch tear with peeling on the top spine, light tanning and shelf wear. MUST READING FOR EVERYONE. 9"x6", 256 pages. Satisfaction Guaranteed. Absorbing reading of the 1670 trial of the youthful WILLIAM PENN for the "CRIME" of being indifferent - in this case, being a Quaker. A law had been passed, intended to "require" all English citizens to worship in the Anglican church only - all other religious were outlawed. EDARD BUSHELL AND HIS ELEVEN FELLOW JURORS were "instructed" by the court - even ordered, commanded - to bring in a "guilty" verdict because "you have to follow the law as I give it to you". However, the jury could not agree, they believed that "every man has a right to worship according to his own conscience" and that they and they alone stood between absolutist tyranny and all freedoms. Subjected to almost unbelievable torture, at the risk of health and life, the twelve stalwarts remained adamant, compelling the entire government to crumble before their indomitable will. Our Founding Fathers in writing the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution drew upon this case in guaranteeing our liberties, and devoted more space to ensuring a jury system (161 words) as compared to only 16 guaranteeing freedom of religion, because they knew that a strong, independent jury is the grand bulwark of all liberty - a jury knowledgeable in its supreme power to "nullify" or "overturn" bad law. Judicial autocracy has changed little in the succeeding three centuries as judges still would "illegally dictate" the law to sovereign jurors.. Signed by Author. Paperback. Very Good/No Jacket as Issued. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.