The profession of arms is perhaps that alone, in which success and exaltation, even to the loftiest height of rank, excites no surprize, and provokes no envy. The qualities of personal valour combined with military talent, is that which obtains, extends, and secures the glory of a nation, in which every individual participates, and is more or less anxious to reward.
From the time of the great Marlborough to the period of the immortal Nelson, this sort of prepossession in favour of military valour has existed, whether manifested by sea or by land.
Perhaps also great elevation to dignity and wealth in the profession of the law, is contemplated with comparatively little jealousy, or invidious feelings. There are certain stations to be filled, and certain functions to be performed, which can only properly be sustained by the momentum of sound professional knowledge, aided by great natural ability. Little surprize or discontent was therefore excited or expressed on the elevation of those great characters, personally known to the Sexagenarian—Lords Thurlow, Rosslyn, Mansfield, Erskine, Bathurst, Camden, Ashburton, and various others.
Nor in the list of names which follow, is any thing further presumed to be intimated, than that good fortune came in aid of superior talents and great real merit, with such exceptions and qualifications as readers may choose to make, according to their respective feelings and prejudices, as well as from the extent of their personal knowledge.
The first name which presents itself, is that of Lord S. Though being educated in the profession of the law, he may in some degree be considered as belonging to that class, whose elevation excites little surprize, and seldom, if ever, provokes invidiousness of remark. Yet Lord S. certainly does not come under the denomination of a Law Lord. He owed his great elevation to political pursuits and connections, and by no means to his professional acquirements, whatever these might be.
He was the son of a physician, which physician was not only the professional adviser, but the confidential friend of the great Lord C. The subsequent connection between the two sons of these personages, as it commenced in youth, was cemented in the progress of years, and confirmed by congenial propensities.
Through the influence and friendship of Mr. P. Mr. A. rose, in no very dilatory succession, to the peerage, and to the very exalted station of Prime Minister of the country, exhibiting, perhaps, what rarely occurs, and never but in Britain, an instance, of prosperous fortune, the result of unimpeachable integrity, and undeviating perseverance, rather than of any very extraordinary intellectual endowments.
The two brothers also, who fill, honourably fill, the great and dignified stations, one at the head of the law, the other of Judge of the High Court of C⸺y, exhibit no less memorable examples of success and opulence. Perhaps these distinguished persons might not improperly be classed among those, whose elevation reasonably accompany their meritorious exertions. But the fortunes of men sometimes turn upon very slight hinges; and of the most illustrious of the two, it is reported, that after having for a considerable time attempted, without success, to obtain business at the bar in the metropolis, he had resolved to return to the place of his nativity in the north, and there practice as a Chamber Counsellor. Fortune, however, determined otherwise. The death, or the indisposition of some eminent barrister, engaged in a cause of extraordinary interest and importance, rendered it essential to the parties to employ immediately as a substitute, one who had sufficient leisure to devote himself to the business, and at the same time who possessed legal character and knowledge adequate to the arduousness of the cause in hand.
Sir John (then Mr. S⸺) was distinguished by both these requisites, and so distinguished himself upon the occasion, that all thoughts of removal were instantly laid aside, and his progress to wealth, reputation, and the highest dignities, were as rapid as can well be imagined.