A briefe treatise of testaments and last willes very profitable to be vnderstoode of all the subiects of this realme of England, (desirous to know, whether, whereof, and how, they may make their testaments: and by what meanes the same may be effected or hindered,) and no lesse delightfull, aswell for the rarenes of the worke, as for the easines of the stile, and method: compiled of such lawes ecclesiasticall and ciuill, as be not repugnant to the lawes, customes, or statutes of this realme, nor derogatorie to the prerogatiue royall. In which treatise also are inserted diuers statutes of this land, together with mention of sundrie customes, aswell general as particular, not impertinent thereunto: besides diuers marginall notes, and quotations not to be neglected, especially of Iustinianists, or young students of the ciuil law: vvith two tables, the one analyticall ... the other alphabeticall ... By the industrie of Henrie Swinburn, Bachelar of the Ciuill Lawe.

A BRIEFE TREATISE OF TESTAMENTS AND LAST WILLES , Very profitable to be vnderstoode of all the Subiects of this Realme of England , ( desirous to know , Whether , Whereof , and How , they may make their Testaments : and by what meanes the same may be effected or hindered , ) and no lesse delightfull , aswell for the rarenes of the worke , as for the easines of the stile , and method :

Compiled of such lawes Ecclesiasticall and Ciuill , as be not repugnant to the lawes , customes , or statutes of this Realme , nor derogatorie to the Prerogatiue Royall .

In which Treatise also are inserted diuers Statutes of this land , together with mention of sundrie customes , aswell General as Particular , not impertinent thereunto :

Besides diuers Marginall notes , and Quotations not to be neglected , especially of Iustinianists , or young Students of the Ciuil Law :

With two Tables , the one Analyticall , describing the generall order of the whole Treatise : The other Alphabeticall , disclosing the particular contents therof : That in the beginning ; this in the end of the booke .

By the Industrie of Henrie Swinburn , Bachelar of the Ciuill Lawe .

2. Kings c. 20. Put thine house in order , for thou shalt die and not liue .

LONDON Printed by Iohn Windet . 1590.

TO THE MOST REVEREND FATHER IN GOD , IOHN , BY GODS PROVIDENCE Archbishop of Yorke , Primate of England , and Metropolitane : H. S. wisheth true felicitie now and euer .

WHen I had finished this briefe Testamentarie treatise , bethinking with my selfe ( most reuerende Father , ) vnto whose patronage I might dedicate the same : In the end I did resolue to make an offer thereof vnto your Grace : Being moued thereunto with the consideration , partlie of mine owne duetie , partlie of your Graces interest . For being a member of your Graces Courts Ecclesiastical , and hauing nowe receiued sundrie good fauours at your honours handes : This I thought might fitly serue for a probable argument of my thankfulnesse in that behalfe . And on the other side , forasmuch as before all others within this prouinc● of Yorke , it apperteineth principally vnto your grace , to prouide that testaments lawfully made , be dulie executed , being nowe by Gods merciful prouidence Metropolitane & ordinarie of that sea , I could not see a more worthie Patrone for a testamentary work . Partly therefore by these former considerations , but especially I was encouraged therunto with the contemplation of those diuine graces of piety , learning , zeale , grauitie , bountie , benignitie , affabilitie , and al maner not onely sufficiencie , but excellencie of vertuous giftes , wherewith the giuer of all goodnesse hath wonderfullie enriched your honourable minde . Wherefore as hitherto your wisdome hath bene accustomed to entertaine with comfortable countenance , such as be studious to benefite either the Church , or the common wealth , though otherwise they bee of small reputation : so nowe ( most reuerend ) I am with all duetie to craue the continuance of the same in mine own behalfe , together with the fauourable protection of these my labors , so farre as they bee agreeable to truth , right and equitie : which thing I doo so much the more humblie desire , by how much I may seem ouermuch aduenturous in making choise of so honourable a patrone , for such a trifling treatise . The Lorde of might and mercie multiplie his spirite vppon your grace , to the aduauncement of his owne glorie , and the good of his Church , with encrease of manie yeares in health and happinesse .

Your Graces most readie at commaundement , H. Swinburne .

A Table of the first part , wherein is shewed what a Testament or last will is : and how manie kindes of Testaments there bee . A Testament beeing vnderstood in a generall Sence doth not differ from a last will● § . 1. Wherein if An Executor be named , it is more properly called a Testament . § §. 1. 2. 10. which is eyther 1. Solemne § 9. or vnsolemne . §. 10. 2. written § . 11. or Nuncupatiue . §. 12. 3. priuiledged § . 13. or vnpriuiledged . § . 17 Whereof some be 1. Military testaments . §. 14. 2. amongst the testators children . §. 15. 3. to charitable or godly vses . §. 16. No Executor be named , them it stil reteineth the name of a last will § . 4. And dooth comprehend a 1. Codicill . §. 5. 2. Legacie or deuise . §. 6. 3. gifte in regard , or because of death . §. 7. A Table of the second parte , wherein is declared who may make a Testament , and who may not . Euerie person may make a Testament or last wil , certein persons excepted . § . 1. Of whom some are prohibited by reason 1. They want discretion , as Children . §. 2. Madfolkes . §. 3. Idiotes . §. 4. Oldmen childish . § 5. He that is drunke . §. 6. 2. They want freedome , as Bondslaues and villeynes . §. 7. Captiues and prisoners . §. 8. Women couerte . §. 9. 3. They want some of their principal senses , as Dumbe and deafe . §. 10. Blinde . §. 11. 4. They haue committed some haynouse crime , as Traytors . §. 12. Felons . §. 13. Heretickes . §. 14. Apostataes . §. 15. Manifest vsurers . §. 16. Incestuous persons . §. 17. Sodomites . §. 18. Libellers . §. 19. Wilful killers of themselfes . §. 20. Outlawed persons . §. 21. Excommunicate persons . §. 22. 5. Certein legall impediments , as Prodigall persons . §. 23. He that sweareth not to make a Testament . §. 24. He that is at the very point of death . §. 25. Ecclesiasticall persons . § . 26. 〈◊〉 kinde of 〈◊〉 the grea●● part are not vtterly intestable , but in some cases onely . 〈◊〉 second part 〈◊〉 Question also is briefly touched , viz. Whether a King may bequeath his kingdome to whom he will . §. 27. A Table of the third part describing what things , and how much may be disposed by will . If we would know , What thinges may be disposed by will . If we regard 1. Lands , tenements , and hereditamentes : they are not deuiseable but in certeine cases . §. 2. Whereof some are approued by 1. Custome , viz. when the lands are holden in 1. Gauelkinde . §. 2. 2. Burgage tenure . §. 2. 2. Statutes , viz. when the lands are holden in 1. Socage tenure . §. 3. 2. Knights seruice . §. 3. 2. G●ods & cat●●●ey are 〈◊〉 ●le , ex●●● certein cases . § . 5. As when those things bequeathed ar such , as 1. The testator hath iointly with an other . §. 6. 2. The testator hath as administrator . §. 6. 3. The goodes of the realme , viz. of the auncient Crowne , and Iewels . §. 6. 4. Which belong to anie Colledge . §. 6. Hospitall . §. 6. Citie . §. 6. Church . §. 6. 5. Descend to the heire and not to the executor . §. 6. 6. Belong not to the testator but to an other . §. 6. 3 Committing of the ●●●●on of children especially within the prouince of Yorke . Concerning which thing diuerse questions are examined , viz. 1. Who may appoint a tutor . §. 9. 2. To whom a tutor may be appointed . §. 10. 3. Who may be appointed tutor . §. 11. 4. In what manner a tutor may bee appointed . §. 11. 5. What is the office of a tutor . § . 13. authoritie of a tutor . §. 13. 6. By what meanes the tutorship is ended . §. 14. How much may be disposed by will . If we respect 1. Lands , tenements & hereditaments holden in 1. Socage tenure , all is deuiseable . §. 15. 2. Knights seruice 2. parts of 3. is deuiseable . §. 15. 2. Goods , then in case the debts due by the testator , do 1. Exceede his goods and cattels : The testator cannot bequeath any thing in preiudice of his creditors . §. 16. 2. Not exceede his goods & cattels , but that somewhat doth remain cleare the debts & funerals deducted . Of these cleare goods if there be 1. No custome , all is deuiseable . §. 16. 2. Any custom ( as there is within the prouince of Yorke & in diuerse other places . ) If the testator haue 1. wife & children the third part is ●●●●●●able § . ● . 2. wife alone , or child , alone , the one half , is ●●●●●●able § . ● . 3. neither wife nor child , all is ●●●●●●able § . ● . A Table of the fourth part , decyphering the formes of Testaments . 1. General to all Testaments . § . 1. And of these som do apperteine to the 1. Essence thereof , as the naming of an Executor . §. 2. who may be appointed 1 Simplie § . 4. or conditionally §. 5. 2 To a certein time § . 17 or from a certein time 3 Vniuersally § . 18 or particularly 4 In the first degree § . 19 or in the 2. 3. &c. 5 Alone § 20 or with others . Concerning euerie which kinde or forme of making an Executor diuers thinges are considered , especially concerning the conditionall assignation of an executour these things are examined viz. 1. What it is , & what woords do make the disposition to be conditionall . 2. How many kinds of conditions there be . 3. What is the effect of a condition . §. 6. 4. Whether euery possible condition ought to be obserued precisely . §. 7. 5. Whether the condition be accompted for accomplished , when it doth not stand by the executor or legatary , wherefore the same is not accomplished . §. 8. 6. Whether he that is executor or to whom any legacy is bequethed conditionally , may in the meane time whiles the condition dependeth , be admitted to the executorship , or obteine the legacie by entring into bonds to perform the condition , or els to make restitution . §. 9. 7. Whether it bee sufficient that the condition was once accomplished though the same doo not continue . §. 10. 8. How farre those conditions whereby the libertie of making testaments is hindred , be lawfull or vnlawfull . §. 11. 9. How farre those conditions are lawfull or vnlawfull , wherby the libertie of mariage is hindred . §. 12. 10. How far those conditions are lawfull , which doo prohibite alienation . §. 13. 11. Within what time the condition may or ought to be performed , no certeine time being limited by the will . §. 14. 12. Of the vnderstanding of this condition , If he die without out issue . §. 15. 13. What order is to be taken concerning the administration of the goods of the deceased , whiles the condition of the executorship dependeth vnaccomplished . §. 16. 2. Apparance thereof , that is to say , due proofe , which is to be made by witnesses § . 21. writing §. 21. 2. particular or peculiar to some kind of Testaments . viz. Of a 1 Solemne testament . § . 23. vnsolemne testament . §. 24. 2 Written testament . § . 25. vnwritten testament . §. 26. Who maie be Executor , and is capable of a Legacie . Euerie person may bee Executor and is capable of a Legacie ; certeine persons excepted . §. 1. viz. Whosoeuer cannot make a Testament by reason of some crime by him committed . §. 2. A Bastard . §. 7. An vnlawfull Colledge . §. 9. An vncerteine person ▪ §. 10. Of which persons some are not vtterly incapable , but in some cases onely . A Table of the sixt parte , viz. of the office of an Executor . The office of an executor testamentarie is first to deliberate and resolue , either to accept or to refuse the executorship . §. 1. wherein for his better instruction , amongst other things ( vt in . §. 2. 4 ) he is to consider the estate of 1. the testator ; and therin especially what goods and cattles did belong vnto him , and what debts he did owe , and whether he were executor or administrator to an other . §. 3. 2. Himself , namely whether for his skil , diligence & fidelity , he be able and fit to vndertake the office . §. 3. 3. Others with whom he is to deal chiefly of his coexecutor , if any be . which thinges considered if he resolue to 1. vndertake the executorship : Then it doth belong to his office , to 1. Cause an inuentary to be made : wherein these things are needful to be knowen , viz. 1. whether it he of necessitie that an Inuentary be made . §. 6. 2. what things are to be put into the Inuentary . §. 7. 3. within what time the Inuentary is to be made . §. 8. 4. what forme is to be obserued in making of the Jnuentary . §. 9. 5. what are the benefits and effects of an Inuentary . § . 10 2. Procure the will to be prooued : wherin it behoueth the executor to know ; 1. Before whom the Testament is to bee prooued . § 11. 2. By whom . §. 12. 3. When. §. 13. 4. In what forme . §. 14. 5. What fees are due in this behalfe . §. 15. 3. Paie debts , legacies , & Mortuaries . And here he is to learne 1. How farre the executor is bound to pay debts and legacies . §. 16. 2. Which debts are first to bee discharged : In case there be not sufficient to pay all . §. 16. 3. How muche is due for Mortuaries . 4. Make an accompt And here he is to be aduertised 1. How needfull it is . §. 17. 2. To whom it ought to be made . § 18. 3. When. §. 19. 4. In what manner . §. 20. 5. What is the end and effect thereof . §. 21. 2. Refuse the executorship : Then he must beware that he doo not administer as Executor : viz. He must not do any act which is proper to an executor , as to receiue the testators debts , or to giue acquitances for the same , &c. But other actes of charitie or humanitie , as to dispose of the testators goods about the funerals , to feede his cattell least they perish , to keepe his goods least they be stolen : These things may bee done without danger . A Table of the last parte , shewing by what meanes Testaments or last willes become voide . Sometimes the Testament 1. euen from the beginning is ether void or voideable , wholy or in parte , by reason 1. The testator is such a person as cannot make a Testament . §. 1. 2. The things bequeathed are not deuiseable . §. 1. 3. The forme of the disposition is vnlawfull . §. 1. 4. The executor or legatarie is incapable of the executorship or Legacie . §. 1. 5. Of feare . §. 2. 6. Of fraude . §. 3. 7. Of immoderate flatterie . §. 4. 8. Of Errour . In which case wee are to distinguish whether the Errour doo respect the person of the executor or legatarie . § . 5. name of the executor or legatarie . § . 5. qualitie of the executor or legatarie . § . 5. name of the thing bequeathed . § . 5. substance of the thing bequeathed . § . 5. quantitie of the thing bequeathed . § . 5. qualitie of the thing bequeathed . §. 5. 9. Of vncerteintie , wherein it is materiall whether this vncerteintie , haue relation to the 1. Executor or legatarie . §. 7. 8. 2. The thing bequeathed . §. 10. 3. Date of the testament . §. 11. 10. Of imperfection , which is either in respect of 1. solemnitie . § . 12. or 2. will . §. 12. 11. The testator hath no meaning to make his last will , as when he speaketh vnaduisedly . § . 13. iestingly . § . 13. boastingly . §. 13. 2. Being good at the beginning is afterwards made voide , eyther in respect of 1. The whole testament , as by 1. a later testament . §. 14. 2. reuoking the testament made . § . 15. §. 16. 3. cancelling the testament made . § . 15. §. 16. 4. alteration of the state of the testator . §. 17. 5. forbidding or hindering the testator to make an other Testament . §. 18. 6. refusall of the executorship , §. 19. 2. Particular legacies only : which thinge doth happen by diuerse meanes , whereof some haue relation to 1. the fact of the testator , as by 1. ademption of legacies , §§. 20 , 21. 2. translation of legacies , §§. 20 , 21. 2. the fact of the legatary , as if the legatary 1. become enimie to the testator . §. 22. 2. accuse the testament of falsitie . §. 22. 3. refuse to performe the charge imposed in respect of the legacie . §. 22. 4. apprehend the legacie of his owne authoritie . §. 22. 5. die before the legacie be due . §. 23. 3. other occasions , especially if the thing bequeathed be destroied . §. 24.

To the Reader .

GReat and wonderful is the number of the manifolde writers of the Ciuill and Ecclesiasticall lawes , and so huge is the multitude of their sundrie sorts of bookes ; as lectures , councels , tracts , decisions , questions , disputations , repetitions , cautels , clausules , common opinions , singulars , contradictions , concordances , methodes , summes , practickes , tables , repertories , and bookes of other kindes ( apparant monuments of their endlesse and inuincible labours ) that in my conceite , it is impossible for any one man to read ouer the hundred part of their works , though liuing an hundred yeeres hee did intende none other worke . Wherfore by the publishing of this testamentarie treatise , I may be thought to powre water into the Sea , to carrie owles to Athens , and to trouble the reader with a matter altogether needlesse and superfluous : But yet for all this , in case this one litle booke may serue in steed of many great volumes ; then I hope that in the equal iudgement of such as be indifferently affected , the same is rather to be admitted as commodious , then reiected as superfluous .

And nowe , beleeue me , ( gentle reader ) I haue desired earnestly and endeuoured carefully ( according to the measure of such slender skil as God hath vouchsafed me , and as conuenient leisure from other occasions of needfull profite and healthfull disport haue permitted , ) that this one litle booke which heere I do present vnto thy courteous handes , may stand in steed of many bigger bookes .

The causes wherefore the Author of this booke vndertooke this worke . For whereas by the supreme authoritie and inuiolable power of the high court of Parliament , holden in the xxv . yeere a) a) Stat. H. 8. an. 25. c. 19. of the reigne of the most renowmed King of this lande Henrie the eight , of famous and happie memorie : It was enacted and established ( amongest other Statutes then made , and since that time reuiued in the first yeere of her Maiesties b) b) Stat. Eliz. an. 1. c. 1. most gracious reigne that nowe is ) that such lawes ecclesiasticall being then alreadie made , which bee not hurtfull or preiudiciall to the prerogatiue roiall , nor repugnant to the lawes , statutes , and customes of this Realme , shall still be vsed and executed as they were before the making of that acte , vntill such time as they were viewed , searched , or otherwise ordred or determined by two and thirtie persons , or the more part of them , according to the tenour , fourme and effect of the saide acte : Which lawes so established , reuiued , and confirmed , and not without good cause , and deepe consideration ( in diuerse statutes , made during the reignes as well of the saide most noble king Henrie the eight c) c) Stat. H. 8. an. 27. c. 20. & an. 32. c. 7. , as of the most godly prince Edwarde the sixt d) d) Stat. Ed. 6. an. 2. c. 13. , are termed or intituled , for the more honorable account thereof , with the reuerend and sacred name of the Kinges ecclesiasticall lawes : Like as in those countries and Churches of Germanie , which haue receiued the Gospell , the Canon lawe is admitted and obserued so farre foorth , as it is not repugnant to the newe Testament e) e) Schuediwinus Tracte de nuptijs . part. 4. tit. d diuort●● . n. 13 fol. 48. , and is at this day the Ecclesiasticall law of their consistories .

Whereas also the Ciuill law euer since the Ecclesiasticall law was made , had beene deemed and iudged for part and parcell of the same Ecclesiasticall law , in cases wherein it dooth not differ from the same f) f) c. 1. de no. op. num. c. clerici . de iud. extra c. f●●n auditorium . dist. 10. §. si vero ecclesiasticum . in Auth. vt clerici apud . propr . Episcopo● . : For where these two lawes be not contrarie , the one is suppletorie of the other , and being mutually incorporated doo both make one bodie g) g) Panor . in d. c. 1. de no. ●p . num. Valquius . de success . creat . lib. 3. §. 26. n. 70. Benedict . Cap●a . Thesaur . com . op. verb. leges . fol. ( mihi ) 4●3 . n. 23. , otherwise the Ciuill law being contradicted by the Ecclesiastical law , ought to be silent in the Ecclesiasticall court h) h) d. c. 1. de no. op. nun . gloss . in c. 2. de arb. lib. 6. Arc. in d. c. clerici de iudic . extra . quae sensentia communiter approbatur , teste Benedict . Capra . vbi ●●pra .

And forasmuch as these foresaide lawes , haue not as yet beene viewed , searched , or otherwise ordered or determined by xxxij . persons , or the more part of them , according to the forme and effect of the foresaide act of Parliament : which thing neuerthelesse hath beene ( I confesse ) attempted i) i) Vide licet , per Gualt . Haddon , legum Doctorem consul●● . ( & omnium quos vnquam tulit Anglia legistarum dis●●●simum . lib. de Reformatione legum ecclesiastic . , yet not so sully effected , but may bee and that shortly if God vouchsafe prosperous successe to that notable and profitable worke of that graue and learned man Doctor Percie , now well towardes accomplishment . ) By occasion of which defect of the viewe , examination , order , or determination of the saide two and thirtie persons , those Ciuill and Ecclesiasticall lawes testamentarie not repugnant to the lawes , statutes and customes of this Realme , are yet ( euen as hither to they haue beene ) scattered and dispersed here and there , and secretly hidden from the subiects of this realme in corners of many bookes of straunge Countries , and forreine language , intangled also and incombred with long discourses of farre different argument , and no lesse number of lawes vtterly impertinent to the gouernment of this common wealth : so that the knowledge thereof 〈…〉 fewe in comparison of the rest , whom otherwise I might happily benefite : Albeit I had once begunne , and laid the foundation of the whole tract , in such tearmes as I found it deliuered by others , preferring publique commoditie before particular vtilitie , or mine owne commendation ( in case it be lesse commendable , rather to seeke the benefite of the common wealth , then to hunt after priuate praise ) I did easily alter my former purpose .

That lawes transformed from their natural shape , must needs in some sort be either damnified or disgraced , I do not thinke to be perpetually true : But if it be a thing so necessarily incident to all translations , that it cannot be auoided , it ought therefore to be the rather tolerated .

Sufficeth it therefore these Latin Iustinianists , that those marginall notes especially proper to their studies , be left in Latin : The rest , because it belongeth to all , meete it is that it be written in such a language , as may be vnderstood of all .

Inter causam sinalem & impulsiuam quid interest praeclare Tiraquellus in regulam cessante causa , &c. limitac . prima . Thus ( courteous reader ) I haue discoursed vnto thee , the end wherefore I vndertooke this labour , the cause which mooued me so to do , and wherefore I haue published the same in the vulgare tongue . Now it resteth that I craue thy fauourable acceptance of my good will , and endeuour , which if thou shalt vouchsafe to bestow , I shall not onely thinke my selfe sufficiently recompensed but greatly enriched .

Thine most willingly to his vttermost power , Henry Swinburne .

The principall parts of this Booke .

BEing at last resolued ( in regard of the benefite of this common wealth ) to set forth this treatise of testaments in our vulgar tongue , I thought it meete that the methode should be suteable to the stile : that is to say , plaine and familiar . Whereupon it seemed vnto me most conuenient , to distribute the whole treatise into these parts following .

1 In the first part is shewed what a testament or last will is : and how manie kindes of testaments there be . 2 In the second part is declared what persons may make a testament , and who may not . 3 In the third part , what things , and how much may be disposed by will . 4 In the fourth part , how or in what maner testaments or last wils are to be made . 5 In the fift part , what persons may be appointed Executors , and who be incapable of an executorship or legacie . 6 In the sixt part , is set downe the office of an executor . 7 In the last part is examined by what meanes testaments or last willes become voide .

THE FIRST PARTE OF THIS TESTAMENTARIE TREATISE . WHEREIN IS SHEWED WHAT is a Testament or last Will , & how many kinds of Testaments there be . The Paragraphes , or Chapters of the first parte of this Treatise . WHether a Testament , and a last will , be both one thing , and of the manifolde signification of this word Testament §. 1. The definition of a Testament §. 2. An exposition of the same definition §. 3. The definition of a last will §. 4. The definition of a Codicill §. 5. The definition of a Legacie §. 6. The definition of a gift in regarde , or because of death §. 7. The diuision of Testaments §. 8. Of a solemne Testament §. 9. Of an vnsolemne Testament §. 10. Of a written Testament §. 11. Of a nuncupatiue Testament §. 12. Of priuiledged Testaments §. 13. Of a militarie Testament §. 14. Of the fathers Testament amongst his children §. 15. Of a Testament ad pias causas §. 16. Of vnpriuiledged Testaments §. 17.

A briefe Treatise of Testaments , and last Willes , &c. The first part of this treatise . Whether a Testament and last Will be both one thing , and of the manifould Acceptance of the word Testament .

1 NO vse of solemne testaments heere in England .

2 A testament and a last will haue diuers definitions .

3 Testament , taken generally and specially .

4 The generall signification of this word Testament .

5 Testament , taken generally , doth not differ from a last will .

6 Last Will , is a generall word , comprehending all kindes both of last willes and Testaments .

7 A Testament , according to the definition thereof , is one kind of last will , viz. wherein an Executor is named .

§. j.

IT may seeme , that a testament and a last will be both one thing , and that there is no difference betwixt the one and the other , at least heere in England ; because wee † haue no necessarie vse (a) (a) Tract . de repub. Ang. lib. 3. cap. 7. Lindewood in c. statutum verb. probatis . Tit. de Testam . lib. 3. prouincial . constit . cant . Bracton , de legib. & consuetud . Angl. lib. 2. c. 26. verb. sieri autem . Haddon lib. de reforma . Legum eccl●siast . Angl. Tit. de Testa . ca. 2. Peckius in c. priuilegium de reg. iur. 6. of those solemne testaments , in the making wherof , the presence of vij . witnesses , together with the obseruation of many moe ceremonies , is necessarily requisite by the Ciuill lawe . (b) (b) L. Hac . consultissima C. de Testa . §. sed cum paulatim Instit. de Testa . ordin . & infr. ead. part . §. ix .

On the contrary , it seemeth that they are not both one ; partely because they haue diuerse names , which doth import diuersitie of things ; (c) (c) L. si idem C. de Codicil . especially because † they haue different definitions : for it is receiued for an infallible Axiome , that the definitions being different , the things defined are diuerse . (d) (d) Euerar . & Olden . loco . a definitione . As for the former reason , it may be thus answered . That albeit our Testaments be vnsolemne ; yet it doth not follow that therefore we haue no testaments , or that our testaments are therefore meere last willes . For an vnsolemne testament is a testament , and that properlie or in strict interpretation , as hereafter shall be confirmed , when wee shall speake of vnsolemne testaments . (e) (e) Infrae ead. part . §. x. And so the conclusion seemeth rather necessary then probable , that a testament and a last will are not both one , but different . Notwithstanding , this conclusion is not simply or perpetually true , for in some respects they are both one , though in other respects they differ .

Vnderstand therefore , that † a testament may be taken two manner of wayes ; largely , and strictly . (f) (f) Bar. in L j. C. de saer sanc. ecclesiast. col. pen . Gloss. in L. j. ff. de Test . It is said † to be taken largely or generally , when the signification of the bare name or word Testament , ( which in Latin is Testamentum ) is had in consideration . (g) (g) Gloss. & DD. in d. j. ff. de Testa . This word Testamentum , is as much as Testatio mentis , (h) (h) Lib. 2. instit . Tit. de Testa . ord. princ . that is to say , a testifying or witnessing of the minde . So writeth the worthy Emperour Iustinian , after Sulpitius , (i) (i) Couar . in Rub. de Test. ord. j. par. n. 1. Which deduction others ( without cause I confesse , yet not without scofs ) doe sharply reprehend . (k) (k) Nempe Aul Gel. & Lau. Valla , acerrimus Latinae linguae assertor , qui hanc deductionem libero ore de●ident : ille li. 6. c. 12. hic li. eleg. 6. c. 3. Quòd ( vt aiunt ) non magis dicatur testamentum a mente , quam calc●amentū , quam salsa●ētum quam ornamētum &c As though forsooth , Iustinian or Sulpitius , had contended to deliuer the very Etymologie of the worde Testament , and not a certaine Allusion rather of the voice onely . (l) (l) Ita enim conantur hanc notam excusare . Alciatus in L. Tabernae ff. de verb. fig. Couar . in d. rub . de test . ex . j. part . n. 2. Inter Etimologiam ve●o & allusionem hoc interest , quòd illa in verb● veritate radicata rem ipsam potius quam vocem interpretatur . Ista nuda quadam vocabuli similitudine contenta , vocem magis quam rem refert . Olden & Euerard . loco . ab Etimolog . When this † word Testament is vttered in this generall sence , it differeth not from a last will ; (m) (m) Bar. in l. j. C. de sasan . eccle. col . pen . Bal. in L. omne verbum C. Com. de leg . & Lindw . in c. statutum verb. vlt. vol. de test . l. 3. Prouincial . constit , cant . and any last will , be it a Codicill , or other kinde , may bee so tearmed a Testament , that is to say , a testifying , or declaring of the minde . (n) (n) Glos . in l. 2. de constitu . Pecu C. Bar. Bal. & Lind. vbi supr. And hence it is that not only in our speach , but in our writinges also , wee vse the tearmes of Testament and Last will , indifferently , or one for another .

It is taken strictly , when it is accepted according to that definition inuented by Vlpianus , (o) (o) L. j. ff. de Testam . hereafter ensuing (p) (p) §. Prox. and being taken in that sence , it differeth from a last will , (q) (q) DD post . glos . in d. l j. ff. de testam . yet not as opposite thereunto , but as the speciall differeth from the generall , (r) (r) DD. vbi . supr. for euery Testament is a last will , but euery last will is not a Testament . To speake more plainly thus they differ , A † last will is a generall word , and agreeth to euery seueral kind of last will or testament : (s) (s) Mantic. de coniect . vlt. vol l. 1. tit . ● , vbi tradit quinque species vlt. vol quarum prima est testamentum . Simo de praet . de interp. vlt. vol lib. 2. dub . j. sol . 9. & Phi● . Franc . in Rub. de test . lib. 6. qui lecis praedictis alias insuper species referunt . But a testament † properly vnderstoode , is one kinde of last will , euen that wherein Executor is named . For by the naming of an Executor it differeth from the rest . (t) (t) infr. §. 3. n. 19.

The definition of a Testament .

1 What a Testament is .

2 The definition of a Testament vnworthely reprehended .

§. ij .

A Testament † is defined after this manner : Testamentum est voluntatis nostrae iusta sententia , de eo quod quis post mortem suam fieri voluit . (a) (a) L. j. de Test . ff. A testament is a iust sentence of our will ; touching that we would haue done after our death .

Some † there be , who do censure this excellent definition to be defectiue , (b) (b) Accurs. & Paul . de eastr in d. l. j though vnworthelie , (c) (c) Quam viz. definitionem . vtpote perfectissimam , nemini licere in controuersiam reuocare , refert Michael Grass . Thesaur . com . op §. Testam q j. ( but nothing can content a curious head ) whose error is detected , and the definition susteined in the exposition following . (d) (d) of . § prox . n. 19.

A briefe exposition of the former Definition .

1 Definitions dangerous in Law .

2 The cause of this danger .

3 It is rare if the definition be so iust that it cannot be ouerthrowen .

4 A iust or perfect definition profitable to many purposes .

5 The occasion of this exposition .

6 Iuste , hath diuers significations .

7 Iuste , opposed to that which is wicked .

8 The Testator may not command any thing against iustice or equitie , &c.

9 Iuste , taken for full , or perfect .

10 The testament must not be vnperfect .

11 Imperfection testamentary twofolde .

12 Testament vnperfect in respect of solemnitie .

13 What solemnities be requisite in making of Testaments .

14 Testament vnperfect in respect of will .

15 Whether the testament being vnperfect in respect of will ; be voyde .

16 A further meaning by the worde Iuste , being taken for perfect .

17 Euerie perfect will is not a perfect Testament .

18 Their error detected who reprehende this Definition .

19 What maketh a testament to differ from other kindes of last willes .

20 Of the manifolde signification of this word Sentence .

21 Testaments ought to be made with deliberation .

22 Such as haue not the vse of reason , cannot make a Testament .

23 Vnaduised speeches make not a testament .

24 How it may be proued that the Testator had animum testandi .

25 Boasting wordes doe not dispose .

26 Two kindes of iudiciall sentences , Interlocutory and Diffinitiue .

27 Contrarie effects of these two sentences .

28 Testaments compared sometimes to an Interlocutorie sentence , sometime to a Diffinitiue .

29 The will of the testator , the gouernor of the testament .

30 The meaning of the testator is to be sought diligently , and kept faithfully .

31 Meaning to be preferred before words .

32 Feare and fraud make voyde the testament .

33 The Testator must be sui iuris .

34 The testament not to be referred to another mans will .

35 How a testament doeth differ from other sentences .

36 The Testament is of no force vntill the Testator be dead .

§. iij.

DEfinitions † are saide to be dangerous in lawe , (a) (a) L. omnis diffinitio de reg. iur. ff. vbi Accur. cum suis sequacibus , definitionem pro regula sumendam putauit . Sed probabilior mihi videtur Cagnoli , & aliorum opinio , quòd lex ista loquitur dedefinitione propriè & dialecticè sumptâ . the cause † may be attributed to the multitude of different cases , (b) (b) L. neque L. non possunt ff. de Legil us . the penurie of apt wordes , (c) (c) L 4. de praef. ver. ff. the weakenes of our vnderstanding , (d) (d) L 2. C. de vet. in enucl . macagnanus . de communi opinione in prin. and the contrarietie of opinions . (e) (e) c. quia diuersitatem in prin. de conces . praeben . ex●r . For happely amongest such aboundant varietie of thinges , either we cannot discerne the true essence thereof , (f) (f) Id quod ●emo non fatetur esse difficillimum Dec. Cagnol . & alij in d. L. omnis diffinitio . or we doo not aptly deliuer what we conceaue , (g) (g) Quum plura sint negotia quam vocabula . l. ● . de praescrip. verb. F. or els these perils being past , at least in our owne opinions , yet are we still subiect to the rigorous examination of all sorts of men , and must abide the doubtfull verdict of the sharpest wittes , and endure the dreadfull sentence of the deepest iudgements . (h) (h) L. 1. §. j. ff. de dolo . DD. in Rub Sol. matr . ff. Sane vt mirum sit videre , & ibi , & passim alibi , quomodo pugnant inter se hommes doctissimi in definiend s. tebus . And † it is rare (i) (i) Quod autem sic scribitur . ( Parum est &c. ) in d. l. omnis di●finitio . sic legitur a Budeo ( Rarum est ) quae lectio faciliùs suaderi potest , quum aliàs maneat sermo subobsentus . if at the last ; after long and superstitious reuolution , one man at least among so many subtile heads , and captious conceits , doe not espie some defect or excesse in the definition , wherby the same may be subuerted . (k) (k) Mantic. de coniect . vlt. vol. lib. j. tit. 4. in fin . Which thing if it come to pas , then like as when the captain is slaine , the souldiers are in danger to be discomfited ; or as the foundation being ruinous , the building is in perill of falling : So the definition being ouerthrowen , all the arguments drawen from thence , and whatsoeuer els dependeth thereupon , is in perill to be ouerturned . (l) (l) Quod si definitionem pro regula intelligendam sentias cum Accursio , vnde quaeso illa magna periclitatio subuersionis ? Este enim tot quasi milites occidi quot patiatur exceptiones regula . At horum dux interim ( nempe ipsa regula ) non ideo prosternitur , immo firmat exceptio regulam in non exceptis , ita vt probè contra seipsum hac similitudine fretus disputat Accursius , dum admoneat vt quisque stet firmus regulae , velut Bononiensis Ca●o●io , licet aliqui capiantur de eius custodibus : Et sic licet aliqui casus a regula subtrahantur , respondeatur ( inquit ) hoc esse speciale , & sic regula erit firma in non exceptis . Haec ille in gloss . in d. L. omnis diffinitio . Quod nihil aliud est quam si dixisset , Regula laedi quidem potest , subuerti non potest . Quare quum definitio de qua hic agitur , adeo sit subiecta periculo , vt omnino subuerti possit , certè non magis erit regula , quàm illud nescio quod ( Carolum Bononiense ) est definitio . No maruell then if definitions be reported to be dangerous .

But if contrarie to the common course , the definition be so iust , so perfect , that it cannot be iustly reproued , (m) (m) Nempe quòd singulos complexa casus conuertatur cum definito . Id quod vel necessarium esse ad constituendam legitimam definionē contendit acriter Cagnolus , contra communem , immo negans contrariam esse communem . in d. L omnis diffinitio . this † definition , besides that it is not perilous , it is so profitable , and so necessarie , that from thence as from the roote , and fountaine , euery discourse ought take his beginning ; (n) (n) Cic. lib. j. offic. quod tamen Cagnolus intelligit de definitione Nominis , non Rei . Cuius si vera sit opinio , & nos id ipsum obseruauimus , dum quid , & quot uplex sit haec vox Testamentum superiùs tradidimus . the rather , for that thereby ( amongst many other benefites issuing from the definition , (o) (o) Vt argumentationes , quae saepissimè a definitione deducuntur , quarum quanta sit vis & vtilitas , copiose & eleganter Olden . Topic. legal . loco a definitione . the whol nature or substance of the thing defined , ( which otherwise for the aboundance of the matter thereto belonging may seeme infinite ) is plainly declared , and that in fewe wordes . (p) (p) Gloss. & DD. maxime Cagnol . in d. L. omnis diffinitio . Euerard . loco a definitione .

Now therefore † lest this notable and most absolute definition (q) (q) Quam Alciatus substantialem appellat . li. 9. parergon . c. 2. perfectam Bartolus in ● j. de de testa ff. immo perfectissimam , nec in controuersiam reuocandam dicit Grass . d. §. testam . q. t. of a testament aboue deliuered , not being rightly vnderstoode , might seeme either more dangerous , or lesse commodious then it deserueth ; I thought it expedient to adde this exposition following .

First , whereas a testament is defined to be a Iust Sentence , we are to consider that this † word Iust , hath diuers significations in the law . Sometimes † it is opposed to that which is wicked or repugnant to iustice , equitie , and to good and wholesome manners . (r (r Summa Hostiens . tit. de testa . §. quid sit . Sichar . in Rub. de testa . C. n. 2. Being taken † in this sence , it geueth vs to vnderstand , that the testator cannot commaunde any thing that is wicked , or against iustice , pietie , equitie , honestie , &c. (s) (s) L. Nemo de leg j. L filius de cond. inst. ff. Bar. in d L. j. de testa . n 3. de Rebuff . in L. iusta . ff de verb. sig. fol. 888. For thinges vnlawfull are also reputed impossible : and therefore if the testator should commaund any such thing in his testament , the same were not to be obserued . (t) (t) L. conditiones L. filius de cond. instit . ff. Summa Hostiens . d. tit . de testa §. quid sit & Rebus . in d. L. iusta . As if he shold wil any man to be murthered ; for this is against the law of God : (v) (v) Exod. c. 20. or if he should commaunde his body to be cast into the riuer , for this is against humanitie ; (x) (x) Quidam ff. de cond. instit . Sichard . in Rub. de testa . n. 2. C. or if he should command his goods to be burned , for this is against policie ; y) y) Expedit enim Reipub . ne quis re sua malè vtatur , §. sed & maior . instit . De his qui sui , vel al iu● . or if he should commaunde any ridiculous acte , or preiudiciall onely to his owne credite and dignitie ; as if he should will his buriall or funerals to be solemnised with May-games , or Morrice daunces , for this were to manifest his follie , or at least to make question whether he were of sound minde and memorie . (z) (z) d. L. quidam & L. conditiones , el 1. & 2. ff de cond inst. Sichard . in d. Rub. de testa . C. Cast●ens . in L. Non oportet . C. de his quibus vt indig . In these and the like cases the Executor in not performing the commaundements or requests of the testator is not onely holden excused , but is highly commended . a) a) d. l. quidam & ibi Ang. Paul . de castr. & alij , & videas etiam Mantic. de Coniect . vlt. vol. li 2. tit. 5. n. 9.

Furthermore † this worde Iust , is sometimes taken for full or perfect : (b) (b) Bar. in d. L. j ff. de testa Sichard . in Rub. de testa . C. Couar . in Rub. de testa ext prim . part . So wee say , when a woman hath gone her full time with childe , ( which is commonly nine moneths , ) (c) (c) Tiraquel . in Rep. L. si vnquam . C. de reuoc . dona . verb. susceperit . vbi non minus eleganter quam diligenter docet , quamdiu mulier vterum ferre valeat . that she hath gone her iust time . So wee vse to say iust age for full and perfect age , (d) (d) L. Filius-familias . de leg. 3. ff. Rebuss . in L iusta . de verb sig. and so , iuste waight , iust measure , iust number ; for full and perfect waight , measure , number . (e) (e) Couar . in Rub. de test . ext. pri. part . n. 4 ciusd . farinae estquod ibi dicitur , Iustus exercitus , iusta classis , iusta pugna , iustae stationes , iustum volumen , iustus error , &c. Adde quod scribit Minsing . in Rub L. de testa . lib 2. institu . iur. Ciuil . The † word Iuste , being thus vnderstoode , that is to say , for full and perfect , all testamentarie defectes and imperfections , are thereby excluded . Wherfore the testament ought to be full compleate and perfect ; otherwise being an vnperfect testament , it is said to be no testaments . (f) (f) §. Ex eo instit . Quibus mod. test . infir .

The † testament is said to be imperfect in two respects , vz. in respect of Solemnitie , and in respect of Will or meaning . (g) (g) Bar. & alij in L. hac consultissima . §. ex imperfecto . C , de testa . Boer . decis 240. The † testament is imperfect in respect of solemnitie , wherein some of the Legall requisites , necessarie in the making of a testament , be wanting . (h) (h) Sichard . in d. §. ex imperfecto . Hereupon diuers writers , haue interpreted the worde Iust in this definition to signifie Solemne , (i) (i) Viglius in tit . de testa ord. n. 29. Mins . eod. n. 5. Sichard . in Rub. de testa . C. n. 2. that is to say , furnished with such due rites and formalities , as the law requireth . Howbeit † all the superfluous solemnities of the Ciuill lawe , are vanished out of this kingdome of Englande . Onely those solemnities remaine which be Iuris Gentium . (k) (k) Infr. ead parte . §. 9 So that with vs it is sufficient , to the effect of executing the testament , that the will and minde of the Testator doe appeare , by two sufficient witnesses (l) (l) ● Lindw . in stat●●tum verb. proba . de testa . lib 3. prouincial . constit . cant . : Sauing where landes , tenements , and hereditaments are deuised : for then the solemnitie of writing is also necessarie , and that to be done , in the life time of the testator . (m) (m) Stat H. 8. an. 32. c. prim . The † testament is saide to be imperfect in respect of will , which the testator hath begun , but cannot finish as he would . (n) (n) Bar. Sichard . & alij in L. Hac consultissima §. ex imperfecto . C de testa . L. si quis ita . ff. eod. tit. L. furios . C. qui testa . fac . pos. If therfore † whiles the testator is in making his will , and whiles hee yet intendeth to proceede further at that present , either by adding or diminishing any thing to or from his testament , or by altering any thing therein , ( as commonly men do vse to put in , put out , and change many things before they make an ende , ) (o) (o) Iul. Clar. §. testam . q. 7. in fin . he be sodainly stricken with sicknes , insanity of mind , or other impediment , whereby he cannot then finish , or perfect the same , as he would , and so die : This his testament , being imperfect in respect of will , is therefore voyde , euen touching that which was done , which he did intend then to alter , before he had made an end (p) (p) d L. si is qui , & L. iuriosū Ias . & Sichard . in L. pen . de Inst. & sub . C. ; by reason of the defect of the testators consent , without which the testament is not of any value . (q) (q) Sichard in d. L. hac consultissima . § ex imperfecto de testa . C. n. 2. Neuertheles , not euery testament which is tearmed imperfect in respect of will , is by and by wholy of no force , for in many cases , yea and for the most part , such testaments are effectual , for so much as is already doone , as elswhere more aboundantly is confirmed . (r) (r) Infr. parte prim . § ●● .

There is yet † also a further mysterie , or secrete meaning included in this word Iuste , in that it doeth signifie full or perfect , which meaning is this : That the testament ought to be compleate , not onely in respect of solemnitie , and of will , as is aforesayd : but also that it ought to be perfect in this respect especially , that theris no want of any thing , which is necessary to the constitution , and denomination of a testament (s) (s) Bar. in L. j. de testa . ff. Viglius & Minsing . in tit . de testa . ordin . in princ Alciatus in L. Tabernae de verb. sig. ff. Couar . in Rub. de test . extr. . For if † it doe conteine onely a perfect declaration of the testators will , and want that which is requisite to make it a testament , it may well be tearmed a perfect will , ( for a Codicill , a Legacie , a gifte in respect of death , &c. they are all perfect in their kinde : ) (t) (t) Paul . de castr. in d. L j. de testa . ff. Nec ideo Musca dicitur imperfectum animal quod sit minor Elephante . inquit Couar . in Rub. de test . extr. j part. n 3. But it cannot be tearmed a testament , much lesse a perfect testament . (v) (v) Bar. in d. L j. de testa . ff. Minsing . in d. tit . de testa . ord. This † singular sence and signification of the word iust because some interpreters did not perfectlie apprehend , they did reprehend the definition , as not perfecte nor conuertible with a testament : that is to say , not agreeable to a testament alone , but common to euery kinde of last will : (x) (x) Accurs. & Paul . de castr. in d. L. j. de test . ff. for that they also were perfect euery of them in their seuerall kind . (y) (y) Paul . de casti . in d. L. pri. Wherin neuerthelesse they were deceiued , for the perfection that is here meant , is an absolut perfection , such as none other last will hath but onely a testament , euen that perfection that giueth both name , and nature to a testament . (z) (z) Bar. ( omnium Legistarum facillime princeps ) Bald. Ange. Imol. Aretin . in d L. j. de test . ff. Porcus Viglius Minsing Inst. de testa . ordi . Vasq. de succes . crea . lib. j in prin. n. 26. So that the defect was not in the definition , but in their vnderstanding . To conculde therfore , this perfection specially being here vnderstood by this word iust , which is proper and peculier to a testament , the definition remaineth irreprehensible , and is agreeable to a testament only ; excluding both Codicil , Legacie , gift in regard of death , & euery other kind of last will , (a) (a) Bar. in d. L. prim . de testa ff. Viglius & Minsing in d. tit . de tes . a. ordin . Instit. Couar . in Rub. de testa . extr. part . prim . hauing euery thing , and wanting nothing , which appertaineth to the essence of a testament . (b) (b) Mantic. de coniect. vlt vol. lib j. tit. 4. n. 10 , Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. testa . q. j. Couar . in Rub de testa extr n. 14. 3. & 4. sup. §. in sin .

Now † if you will aske me what kind of perfection or what speciall thing this is , without the which the will howe perfect soeuer otherwise , is no testament . I haue tould it before . c) c) Supr. §. j. in sin . It is the naming or appointing of an Executor d) d) L. pri. de haered. inst. L. pri. de vulg. & pup . sub . L. Haeredes pa●ā de test . L. quod per manus de Cod. cil . il. § ante institut . de Lega . Bracton . de leg . & cons●et . Ang. lib. 2 c. 26. Brooke Abridg tit . test . n. 20. Plowden in casu inter Greisbrook & Fox , & plenius inf. part . 4. § 2. . ( Who in the ciuill Lawe is called Haeres heire ) (e) (e) d. § ante insti . de leg . Haddon de refor. leg ecclesiast. Angl. Doct. & Stud. lib. ● . c. 11 trac . de repub. Ang li. 3 c. 9. ita vt Executor testamentarius iure quo nos vtimur non tàm re q nomine dissert ab eo quem ius ciuile nuncupat haeredem infr. 6. par. . This is said to be the foundation , the substance , the head (f) (f) d. § ante instit . de de lega . and is in deede the true formall cause of the testament , g) g) Wesen . in paratit de test . ff. without which a will is no proper testament , h) h) L. quod per manus ff. de Codicil . Brooke . Abridg. tit . testa . n. 20. Plowden in casu inter Greisbrook & Fox , fol. 276 Haddon . vbi supr. and by the which onely the will is made a testament (i) (i) Vide infr. part . 4. §§ 1. 2. .

Sentence , this word † sentence is a general word , and hath many significations , it is sometimes taken for a short pithy saying of a graue or wise man . (k) (k) Cuius generis sunt sententiae Ciceronis , Prouerbia Salomonis , & altorum hominum cùm Philosophorum , tùm Theologorum , dicta memorabilia . It is sometimes taken for a decree pronounced by the Iudge , (l) (l) Paul . de castr. Lancel . Doc. in L. j. de testa . ff. and in other places it is otherwise taken . (m) (m) Veluti pro opinione , pro persuasione , Coratius de com . opin. in princ . Dictionar Calepin . verb. Sententia . Quandoque sumitur pro pa●na a iure inflicta . Franc. in c. s n. de constit . 6. in fin . It is taken in thys place , for an aduised purpose , or destination of the testators mind , (n) (n) Iusta sententia quid significet , breuissimè & elegantissimè ( vt semper solet ) ae quissimus ille iutis interpres Iohannes Oldendorpius , Hoc est ( inquit ) vera , ac omnibus modis absoluta animi destinatio , quam si ad alias in vita deliberationes conseras , longè excellit omnes . De action . class . ● . in princ . which purpose or destination of mind being reduced into act , ( otherwise reteined within the compasse of sole cogitation , it is no testament ) (o) (o) Quod fortassè fuit in causa , quòd Anglus quidam vertendo dictam definitionem à latino idiomate in vulgare nostrum sic transtulit , Iustam sententiam A true declaration . Termes of Law . Verb. Testament . is termed a sentence by a certaine excellencie : (p) (p) Couar . in Rub. de test . ext. j. par. n. 4 because in † our testamentes , wee should shewe our selues both wise and iust ; representing as it were the persons of graue men , and of iust Iudges . And † certainelie if al the actions of this life ought to be performed with wisedome , and constancie ; if nothing ought to be attempted without carefull consideracion , and due premeditation q) q) Cic. lib. 1. offic. . How much more ought the last acte of our life , our farewel to the world , the memoriall of our immortality , r) r) Olden . de action . class. 5. in prin. euen our testamentes and last wils , to be framed with deliberation , seasoned with discretion , & builded vpon sound and constant determination : s) s) Adde quod quae viu● facimus dicimusu● , ea aliquando non magni sunt momenti , & si quid displiceat obuia nobis sunt emendandi remedia & formulae ; verùm quod in causam mortis destinamus , id ita proponimus , vt post hanc vitam nunquam mutari velimus . Old . vbi supr. without the which it hath neither shape , nor sauour , of a testament ; nor is able to stande for a testament , when it shal be tried or prooued in the forme of Law t) t) Consule Socin . Iun. cons. 179. vol. 2. Hotto . cons. 5. vol. j. Hyero . Franc. in L. quicquid de reg. iur. ff. .

Seeing then euery testament is a sentence , we may note diuers thinges . First that † such personnes as haue not the vse of reason or vnderstanding , as madde folkes , or idiots , are iustlye excluded from making of testamentes , v) v) Vide inf. part . 2. § §. 2 3. 4 5. & 6. for their deuises being full of folly , theyr deedes must needes be voyd of discretion , and their wittes being sencelesse , their wordes are vtterly vnworthy the name of a sentence ; howsoeuer sometimes , more by chaunce then by cunning , they may seeme to speake wisely . x) x) Ias . & Dec. in L suriosi C. de testa contra Io. Andr. Panor . & alios in c. ad nostram de consuetud . ext. cum temperament . tamen vt insi . 2. part , § 4.

Secondly , † that albeit the testator be of perfect mind & memory , neuerthelesse if he speake any thing , eyther vnaduisedly , or incidently , as if a man when he is in perfect health , being demaunded who shall be his executor , or haue his goods after his death ; ( which question is very common amongst familiars ) and he forth with nameth some person , whom he saith hee wil make his executor , or to whom he wil leaue his goods after his death . This is not to be taken for a testament or last will , neither is that person named to be admitted Executor , nor to haue his goods y) y) L. Lucius L. Diuus de mil. testa . ff. § plane instit . de mil. testa . Soc. iun. consil , 179. vol. 2. quod videas velim & perlegas diligenter . : vnlesse it be † proued , that the testator at the time when the words were spoken , had Animum Testandi , that is to say , a mind or purpose then and thereby to make his testament or last will . Which minde and purpose must bee prooued by circumstaunces z) z) Menoc . de Arb. iud. casu 496. vbi copiose respondit , quae & quot coniecturae sufficiant . , ( for words alone are not sufficient a) a) Gloss. in § plane Instit. de testa mil. Hottom . cons. 5. vol. j. : as that he framed or settled himselfe seriously to the making of his last will ; beeing then perhaps verie sicke , or requiring them which were present to beare witnesse of his will b) b) Gloss & DD. iud. L. Diuus Menoch . in d. cas. 496. & plenius infr. part . 7. § 13. &c. Otherwise euen as the opinion of a Iudge , being deliuered priuatly , or extraiudicially , touching the euent of any sute , is but a praediction of that which is likelie to ensue , and not the sentence it selfe , or finall iudgement whereby the controuersie is decided c) c) L. ex stipulatione C. de senten . & interlocu . Sprigel . Lexic. verb. sentent . , ( which sentence ought to be pronounced iudicially , after dewe examination of the cause d) d) Bar. & alij in d. L. ex stipulatione . Vantius Nullita . vz. ex defect . process . n. 69. : ) So when the testator doth only foretell , whom afterwardes or at some other time , he dooth intend to make his executor , or to leaue his goods vnto ; This is but a signification of a future acte , e) e) Paris . consil. 24. lib. 3 n. 10. and so not the testament it selfe , wherein is required present and perfect consent f) f) Hottoman . de consil. 5. Corne. cons. 149. vol. ● . . Much lesse is that to be taken for a testament , when as any man rashely , bostingly , or iestingly , affirmeth that he will make this or that man his executor , when he hath no meaning at all , neither at that time , nor any other tyme to make him executor g) g) Alciat . par e●g . lib. 2. c. 12. Paris . consil. 127. vol. i. n. 40. 41. Hyero . Franc. in L. quicquid de reg. tur . ff. n. j. . For without meaning , or consent of minde , the testament is altogether without life ; and is no more a testament , then a painted Lion , is a Lion .

Thirdly by this that a testament is tearmed a sentence , there is a further consideracion offered to our vnderstanding , in respect of the analogy , betwixt a iudicial sentence & a testament . Of Iudiciall † sentences there bee two sortes , the one interlocutory , the other definitiue h) h) Tit. de sent. & interl . om. Iud. C. . An interlocutory sentence , is a decree giuen by the iudge , betwixte the beginning and ending of the cause , touching some incident or emergent question i) i) Specul . de sentent . § species . . A definitiue sentence is a finall decree , whereby the principall cause and controuersie is decided , in condemning or absoluing the party conuented k) k) Specul . vbi supra . : These † two sentences , haue these two contrary effects . The one one of them , that is to say , the sentence interlocutorie , may be reuoked at any time so longe as the principall cause dependeth vndecided l) l) L. quod instit . ff. de re. iud. c. cum cessante de app. extr. L. si quis iusiur and. § sin . C. de reb. cred. . But the sentence definitiue cannot be reuoked m) m) L. Iudex de re. iud. I. de quaestion . ff. L. j. de rescind . sen. C. Rebuss . in d. L. quod iussit , vbi multifariam limitat vtramque conclusionem . . The † testament of any man , so long as he liueth , may bee compared to a sentence interlocutory . For it maie be reuoked or altered at any time , and as oft as the testator will , whiles he liueth , euen vntil the last breath : n) n) L. 4. de Adimen . leg . ff. c. Matth. c. de Caeleb . miss. ext. and of these the last will preuaileth o) o) § posteriore . Instit. , Quib. mod. iest . infi● . . But after his death , it is compared to a sentence definitiue p) p) d. c. Matth● . , and as it cannot be reuoked by the dead man , so ought it not to be reuoked by any other , but obserued as a law q) q) L. j. C. de sacrosanct . eccle. , and executed as the sentence of a Iudge r) r) O●den . de action . class. 5. in prin. . And they are to be punished that doe hinder the execution of the same s) s) c. Statut. de testa . lib. 3. prouinc . constit . cā● . c●st●t●i●nus eod. tit. lib prouincial . constitut. ●●b●r . .

It followeth in the definition ( of our will ) concerning this worde will . It † is written , that the will or meaning of the testator is the Queene or Empresse of the testament . t) t) S●chard . in R●b . de te●●a . C. n. 2. in sin . Because the will dooth rule and gouerne the testament , enlarge and restraine the testament , and in euerie respect moderate and direct the same , v) v) L. in con licionibus d● co●d . & de mon. L. si mihi § in legat . de leg . j. ff. and is in deede the very efficient cause thereof . x) x) Wesenb . i● tit . de testa . ff. The † will therefore and meaning of the testator , ought before all thinges to bee sought for diligently ; and being found ought in any wise to be obserued faithfully , y) y) Vide infr. par. 4. §. 4. it ought to bee sought for as earnestly as the hunter seeketh his game : z) z) Bald in L. pen . de necess. haered . institu . C. Socin . Iun. cons. 144 vol. 2. n. 23. And † as to the sacred anker ought the iudge to cleaue vnto it : Pondering not the words , but the meaning of the testator a) a) § nostra instit . de lega . For although no man be presumed to thinke otherwise then hee speaketh , b) b) L. Labeo . § caeterum de sup leg . ff. ( for the tongue is the vtterer or interpreter of the heart , c) c) We● ab . in tit . de verb. ●ig●● . yet cannot euery man vtter al that he thinketh , and therefore are his wordes subiecte to his meaning . And as the mind is before the voyce , ( for we conceiue before we speake ) so is it of greater power ; for the voyce is to the minde , as the seruant is to his Lord . d) d) d L. Labeo .

Where it is said in the definition of our will , the interpreters doe gather by this woorde our , that the testator ought to enioy all liberty , and freedome in the making of his will : that is to say full power and habilitie , to withstande all contradicton and countermaund e) e) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib j. tit. 3. n. 10 . And therefore † if the testator be compelled by violence , or vrged by threatnings , to make his testament : the testament being made by iust feare , is vneffectuall f) f) L. j. Quod me . causa L. sin . Si quis aliquem testari prohib . ff. infr. part . ● . § 2. . Likewise if hee bee circumuented by fraud , the testament loseth his force g) g) d. L fin . ●i quis aliq . testari prohib . ff. & inf. par. 7. § 3 : for albeit honest and modest intercession , or request , is not prohibited ; yet these fraudulent and malicious meanes , whereby many are secretly induced to make their testamentes , are no lesse detestable then open force h) h) Olden . de action . class. 5. in princ . & infr. part . j. § 3. .

Moreouer by † occasion of the aforesayde wordes our will , the writers doe collect that the testator must be sui iuris , that is to say , a freeman , not in subiection , as bondmen and other lyke personnes i) i) L qui in potestate ff. de testa . & L si quae●amus eod. , of whom mencion is made hereafter k) k) Inf. part 2. § 7 , 8 , &c. : Which haue not liberty to make a testament .

Likewise † by those wordes our will , are excluded those willes which depend of an other mans will l) l) L. captatorias . C. de test . mil. . Wherfore if the testator should referre his will to the will of another as if hee should say . I giue thee leaue and auctority , to make my will ; and to make executor for mee who thou wilt , &c. If here vpon thou didst make a will , in his name , and didst name an Executor for him , yet this will is voyd in lawe m) m) Bar. in I. quidam . ff. de reb. dub . n. 7. Bald. in L. Executorem . C. de excep. rei iud n. 5. Io. And Gem. & Franc. in c. si patr. de testa . 6. Paris . consil. 38. vol. 3. n. 60. & inf. par. ● . § 11. . For as thy soule is not my soule , so thy will is not my will , nor thy testament my testament n) n) Bald ( qui nihil ignorauit ) & Angel . in L. captator . C. de mil. test . Paris . d. cons. 38 n. 40. .

Furthermore by force of these wordes of our will , the † testament being tearmed a sentence differeth from those other sentences which are not of will : that is to say , from that sentence , which is the saying of some graue man : for that is not a sentence of will but of reason o) o) Paul . de castr. in d. L. j. de testa . ff. ; and from the sentence of a iudge , for that is not a sentence of wil but of iustice p) p) Paul . de castr. & Lancel . dec . in d. L. j. de testa . . And howsoeuer the testator may declare his sentence , that is to say , his testament , as he will q) q) In testame●tis stat pro ra●ione voluntas . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 6. tit. 14. n. 2. : yet the Iudge may not pronounce his sentence as he will r) r) Instit. tit. de offic. Iud. in princ . : But he must iudge according to that which is alleadged and proued s) s) L. illicitus . § veritas ff ●e offic. praesidis . , ( although paraduenture as a priuate man , hee knowe the same to be vntrue ) sauing in certain cases t) t) Tu , si placeat , videas Io. Olden . aequis . iuris interp. Cora● . lib. 3. Miscel. c. 20. Couar . lib. 1. var. resoluc . c. ● . Gentil . Disputac . vj. & generaliter Legistas in d. L. Illicitus & Cannostas . in c. j. de offic. ord. , which because they are impertinent to this discourse , are not here to be handled .

It followeth in the definition touchinge that which we would haue don after our death . By which wordes , a testament differeth from all other sentences , proceeding from our will , and from whatsoeuer actions which take theyr effecte in the life time of the testator v) v) Paul . de castr. in d. L. j. de testa . ff. Minsing . in t●t . de testa . ordin . Instit. Couar . in Rub. de testa . extr. part . j. . For † a testament respecteth that , which is to be performed after the death of the testator , and therefore so long as he liueth , the testament is of no force ; but dooth take his strength , and is confirmed by the testators death x) x) L. 4. de Adim . leg . ff. c. Marth . r. de celeb. miss. extr. . By these wordes also wee may collect , the material and the finall cause of euery testament : Which thing because I haue more amplie enlarged hereafter , let this suffise which hath bene spoken ; for a taste only of such fruite , as growe in this garden .

The Definition of a last will .

1 What is a last will .

2 Wherein the definition of a last will doth agree , or differ with or from the definition of a testament .

3 Of the difference betwixt these two wordes Lawful and Iust .

4 Of the difference betwixt these two wordes Disposition and sentence .

§. iiij .

A Last will is thus defined . † Vltima voluntas est legittima dispositio , de eo quod quis post mortem fieri velit . a) a) Francis . Mantica de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. j. tit. 4. num. 10. A last wil , is a lawfull disposing of that which anie would haue done after death . This † definition differeth not from the definition of a testament , sauing in two wordes : that is to saye , in steede of iusta sentencia , a iust sentence , which is in the definition of a testament ; here is ligitima dispositio , a lawfull disposing b) b) Supr. § 2. & § 3. . Now if wee shall consider the difference betwxit these wordes , iusta sententia , and legitima dispositio ; then shall we vnderstand the full difference , betwixt a last wyll and a testament , ( eyther being vnderstood according to his difinition ) for in the rest both the definitions doe agree , and that which hath beene or may be sayd of the one , may also bee verifyed of the other .

Lawfull † and iust , doe thus differ . This word lawfull hath not all the significations which bee included in the woorde iust . For albeit by this word lawfull , is excluded whatsoeuer is wicked , or whatsoeuer is contrary to iustice , pietie , or equity : or contrarye to good and wholesome manners , as well as by the word iust c) c) Spiegel Lexic . verb , . legitimum . , And although the woord lawfull may also signifye solemne , or furnished with such due rites as lawe requireth , d) d) Gloss. in c. consanguinei de sen. & re. iud. extr. as well as in the woord iust dooth , albeit also that the word lawfull in soome sence doe signifie perfect e) e) L. Certo §. vlt. de serui . rust . praed. verb. legitima latitudo . , that is to saye , not wanting any thing which the testator ment to vtter f) f) Supra §. 3. n. 9. : yet it doeth not signifye perfect in such an excellent or speciall sence as doth the word iust g) g) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. j. tit . ●n 10. ; that is to say , hauing such perfection , as is requisite for the forme of a testament , and is proper thereunto ; namely the appointing of an Executor , by the which forme a testament differeth from all other last willes of what kind soeuer they be h) h) Supra § 3. n. 19. .

This word † dispositio is sometimes taken for a qualitie of the minde , or vnperfect habit , that is to say , an inclination or affection i) i) Io. Casus Oxon. tractat . dialect . ij . part . c. 20. 21. . In this place it doeth signifye an acte proceeding from a firme purpose or resolution k) k) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. j. tit. 4. , like as the word sentence in the former difinition l) l) Supra § 3. n. 20. . And albeit this word sentence : seeme to insinuate a greater heede , or a more discreete consideration , to be taken in the disposing of that wee would haue doone after our death , then the nature of this word disposition doth inforce : Yet no last will is of any force , sine animo disponendi , no more then is the testament sine animo testandi m) m) Vide infr. par. j. § 13. .

The definition of a Codicill .

1 This word Codicill signifieth a little booke .

2 A Codicill rightly defined .

3 How the definition of a Codicill dooth agree , with the definition of a testament or differ from it ?

4 The signification of the word iust in this definition of a Codicill .

5 A testament is called a great will , and a Codicill a little will .

6 A testament and a Codicill , compared to a ship and a boate .

7 Of the inuention of Codicilles .

8 Codicilles may be made in writing , or without writing .

9 Codicilles may be made , either by him which hath made a testament , or which dieth intestate .

10 Who must pay the legacies giuen in a Codicill , by him which dieth intestate .

11 Codicills be reputed parte of the testament , whether they be made after , or before the testament .

12 Codicilles and testamentes doe agree in the efficient cause : But they haue contrary effects .

§. v.

COdicillus , a Codicil , is a diminutiue of Codex a) a) Codicillus à codice , Codex rursus dicitur à caudice , siquidem codex significat contextum tabularum quae priscis temporibus aptabantur cera ad scribendum , tametsi loco tabularum pergameni & chartae commodior successerit vsus Olden . de action . class . quint : in princ . Spiegel . Lexi . verb. codicil . , a booke . And so this † word Codicill beeing rather Latine then English , doeth signifye a little booke , or writing , (b) (b) Gloss. in Rub. inst. de codicil . the reason wherefore it is so called doeth straight wayes appeare .

A Codicill is diuersly defined of diuerse . In my opinion it is † rightly defined after this (c) (c) Sic enim a pletisque definitur , vt sit vltima voluntas minus solennis absque haeredis institutione . Quae definitio vix arridet , vt qua vix intelligam , quî differat codicillus à legato , quum & istud videatur voluntas vltima absque haeredis institutione , nec magis solennis , nec minùs perfecta , quàm est codicillus . Paul . de castr. in L. j. de testa . ff. Couar . in Rub. de testa . ext. par. j. n. 3. manner . Codicillus est voluntatis nostrae iusta sententia de eo quod quis post mortem suam fieri velit absque Executoris constitutione . d) d) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 1. tit. 8. A Codicill is a iust sentence of our will , touching that which anie would haue done , after their death , without the appointing of an Executor . Which definition † doeth agree almost word for woorde with the definition of a testament : sauing that some wordes are heere expressed , which are there omitted e) e) Supr. § ij . , absque Executoris constitutione , without the appointment of an executor . By force of which wordes the Codicill is made to differ from a testament : for a testament can no more consist or be without an Executor , then a Codicill can admitte an Executor g) g) Intellige , directò , nam obliquè seu per fidei-commissum haereditas codicillis iure relinquitur . § Codicillus instit . de Codicil . Adde Vasq . de success . creat . lib. 3. § 25. Vbi regula extat . Ampliationibus octo , & sex Limitac . ornata . . By the † same wordes also is restrained that speciall signifycation of the word iust , which in the definition of a testament , importeth that singular perfection and proper forme , whereby a testament differeth from all other kindes of willes h) h) De qua supr. § 3. n. 19. . For here this word iust is not onlie destitute of that peculier sence : but it doeth not so much as signify solemne , or furnished with testamentarie rites or formalities i) i) Minsing . Instit. de Codicil . . For a Codicill is an vnsolemne last will k) k) Grass . Thesaur . com . op. § Codicil . in prin. . So that by the woord iust in this definition is excluded that which is vnlawfull , and that perfection onelye included , which may stand with the nature of a Codicil l) l) De cuius vocabuli significatione , supr. § 4. n 3. . Whereupon † the writers conferring a testament and a Codicill together , and perceiuing the oddes betwixt the one and the other , they call a testament a great will , and a codicill a little will m) m) Accurs. & alij in R●b . de codicil . Instit. Sichard . in Rub. de Codicil . C. . And doe † compare the testament to a ship , and the Codicill to a boate n) n) DD. maxime . Sich. in Rub. de Codicil . C. in princ . , tyed most commonly to the ship . And not vnfitly , aswell because the Codicill is not able to sustaine , the heauie burthen of an Executor , who representing the person of the testator o) o) Sichard . in Rub. de iure delib . C. n j. Minsi . in Rub. de haered. instituend . Institut. Doct. & Stud. lib. 2. c. 11. , doth as it were ( like Atlas who is fained to carrie the world vpon his shoulders ) beare vpon his backe , the whole masse and weight of all the goods , and cattels which did belong to the deceased p) p) L. Haereditas de reg. iur. ff. & ibi Cagnol . Plowden in casu inter Greisbrooke & Fox , & latiùs infr. part . 6. §. 3. , and on whose necke are laide all the actions , which either might bee intended against the testator by others , or against others by the testator q) q) Instit. de perpetuis & temp. action . Tearms of law . verb. execut . & infr. part . 6. §. 3. : As also because the Codicill beeing ( as I haue sayd ) an vnsolemne last will , can no more containe al those solemnities , ceremonies , and formalities which the Ciuill lawe doeth exacte in a testament r) r) Olden . de action . class. 5. in princ . , then a little boate is able to supporte , the tall mastes , broade sayles , the great store of the huge and weighty tackle and furniture belonging to a great ship , with the burthen whereof the boate must needes sincke and perish t) t) Aduerte tamen , quòd ista similitudo procedit intuitu iuris tantum ciuilis , quia iure quo in hoc regno vtimur , non magis onerantur testantes quàm codicillantes solennitatum obseruatione . . And in deede when † Codicilles were first inuented , they were vsed very sparinglie v) v) Nempe vt condimenti non vt cibi suit olim codicillorum vsus . Olden . vbi supr. , that is to say , in steede of a testament , when the testator had not oportunitie to make a testament , by reason of the manifolde solemnities thereof x) x) L. Codicillorum §. codicilli ff. de codicil . Instit. eod tit . in prin. ; which were remitted in a Codicill y) y) §. vlt. instit . de Cod. : or else as additions to the testament made , when as any thing was omitted in such a testament , which the testator would adde , or some thing put in , which the testator vpon better aduise , would detract . Which emendation of the testament , was alwaies done by way of Codicill z) z) L. conficiuntur in prin. de iure codicil . Cuiacius in tit . de codicil . C. . And this was that reason ( wherof I spoke before ) wherefore this kinde of last will , was tearmed a Codicill : that is to say , a little booke or a little writing .

Concerning † the diuers kindes of Codicilles , although it be denied by some , that there be such two kindes of Codicilles , as there is of testamentes , viz. written and nuncupatiue a) a) Vasq. de succes . crea lib. 3. § 25. n. 25. Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. codicil . n. 10. : yet it is graunted of the more part , that a Codicill may be made eyther in writing or without writing b) b) Gloss in Rub. de codicil . C. Minsing in Rub. de codicil . Instit. Wesenb in tit . de iure codicil . ff. quamuis abusiuè dici codicillos oporteat conditos sine scriptis quum Codicillus sit paruula scriptura . .

Moreouer it is graunted of all , that a † Codicill may be made either by him which dieth intestate , or by him which dieth with a testament c) c) L. conficiuntur in prin. ff. de iure Codicil . §. non tantum . instit . de condicil . .

If the † Codicil be made by that person which dyeth intestate : the Legacies therein giuen must be paied by him , that shal haue the administration of the goods of the deceased , as if he were executor d) d) L. ab intestat . ff. de Codicil . §. non tantum . Instit. de codicil . Brook Abridg. tit . de vise . n. 35 . In so much that if the Codicill were made long before the death of the partie now deceased , who after the making of the Codicill did beget a childe , to whom the Administration of the goods is committed , ( whether he were borne during his fathers life , or after his fathers death , ) he shal be charged with the paiment of the Legacies , as if he had beene borne when the Codicill was made e) e) d. L. ab intestat . L. si quis . §. sed etsi . L. graui . L. is qui. ff. de iure codicil . Minsing . in d. §. ●on tantum . Ias . Sichard . & alij in L. j. C. de codicillis . .

If the † Codicill be made by him which hath a testament ; then whether the same were made before or after the testament f) f) L. conficiuntur . ff. de Codicil . d. §. non tantum Instit. de Cod. , it is reputed for parte and parcell of the testament g) g) Vigel . Method . iur. ciuil . part. 4. lib. 9. c. 23. in prin. , and is to be performed aswell as the testament , vnlesse being made before the testament , it appeare to be reuoked in the testament , or bee contrarye to that which is contained in the testament h) h) Minsing post gloss . in d. §. non tantum . instit . de codicil . .

Codicilles † and testamentes doe both agree in the efficient cause , ( as they doe in diuerse others thinges i) i) Roland . Bonon . de arte notari . vbi resert 4. casus , in quibus conuenit codicillus cum testamento . part. 2. c. 8. fol. 561. ) : Yet neuertheles they haue manie contrarie effectes k) k) In lib. quem appellant Flores vltimarum voluntatum , octo numerantur differentiae inter codicillos & testamenta , quarum tamen pars maxima iam est extincta . . They agree in the efficient cause , because euery person which maie make a testament , may also make a Codicil ; and whosoeuer can not make a testament , the same person cannot make a Codicill l) l) Bar. & alij in L. 2 de leg . j. Grass . Thesaur . com . op. § , codicil . n. 2. qui affirmat hoc procedere non solum prohibente iure , sed etiam prohibente statuto testari . .

They haue diuers contrary effectes . For first whereas no man can die with two testaments , ( because the latter doeth alwaies infringe the former m) m) §. posteriore Instit. Quib. mod. testa . infir . : ) Yet a man may die with diuers Codicilles , and the latter doth not hinder the former , so long as they be not contrary n) n) L. cum proponat . C. de codicil . . Another contrarie effect is this . If two testamentes bee found , and it doe not appeare which was the former or latter , both testamentes are voyde o) o) L. vltim & ibi . DD. de edict diui Adria . toll . C. . But if two Codicilles bee found and it can not be knowne which was first or last , and one and the same thing is giuen to one person in one Codicill , and to another person in an other Codicill : the Codicilles are not voide , but the persons therein named ought to deuide that thing betwixt them p) p) Gloss. & DD. in d. L. cum proponat . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. codicillus vbi attestatur hanc op. esse com . .

Finally it is to be noted , that there be diuers wordes which are common , or indifferent , eyther to make a Codicill or a testament . In which case whether the Iudge is to pronounce for a Codicill or a testament , is hereafter discussed q) q) Inf. parte 4. §. 5. .

The definition of a Legacie .

1 What is a Legacie .

2 Foure thinges to be considered in this definition .

3 Euery legacie proceedeth of the liberality of the testator .

4 Howe a legacie differeth from a gifte in regarde of death , or from other giftes .

5 Not lawfull for the legatarie to take his legacie by his owne sole auctoritie .

6 Legacies paiable aswell by the administrator as by the executor .

7 Diuers kindes of legacies in times past .

8 The distinction of legacies confounded .

§. vj.

A Legacie ( otherwise tearmed of our common lawyers a Deuise a) a) Tearms of law , verb. de vise . ) is † a gifte lefte by the deceased , to bee paide or performed by the Executor , or administrator b) b) §. j. Instit. de lega . . There bee other definitions of a Legacie which I doe willingly omitte , because this one is sufficient c) c) Constat plures esse Legati definitiones , aliam Florentini , aliam Modestini , aliam Iustiniani , quarum nulla est , quam vnus aut alter non tentauit euertere , sed frustrà quidem sudarunt omnes ; quippe quorum fractis argumentis nullam hatum non per se iustam , legitiméque traditam , clarissimè ostendit D. Gentilis Oxoniens . hodie Legistarum decus . lib. 1. Lection . & epistol. c. 14. 15. 16. . Wherein foure † thinges especially are to be noted .

First , in that it is called a gifte , it argueth that it † proceedeth of the meere liberality , & free good will of the dead man ; and consequentlie that he is not of necessity tyed thereunto d) d) Minsing . in d. tit . de legat . instit . §. j. .

Secondly in that it is lest , it † differeth from other giftes ; not onely those which are called deedes of gift , effected and executed in the life time of the Donor : but also from those giftes which be made in consideration of death , wherein the things giuen , are deliuered by the testator in his life time , to become their own to whom they are deliuered in case the testator die e) e) §. j. Instit de Donac . . For legacies are not deliuered by the testator , but are to be payed by his Executor , or administrator f) f) L. j. Quorum lega . ff L. non dubium . de l●ga C. & ibi DD. Pa●kins . tit. testa . c. 7. fol. 94. b. .

And thirdly , because the legacy is to be paid by the Executor or administrator , ( as appeareth by the definition , ) it is noted , † that it is not lawfull for the legatarie , to take his legacie by his owne sole auctority g) g) d. L. non dubium & Sichar . ●bid . n. 2. , ( onely the executor may of his owne auctority enter to the goodes and cattelles of the deceased , h) h) Infr. 6. § j. & iij. ) otherwise if the legatarie presume to bee his owne caruer , & do enter to the possession of the thing bequeathed , without deliuery or consent of the executor , he therby loseth his legacy i) i) d. L. non dubium . C. de lega . : except in certaine cases , whereof hereafter k) k) Infr. part . 7. §. 22. in fin . . Fourthlie , in that here is mention aswell of the administrator as of the Executor , the meaning is , that † not onely those legacies are dew , which are left in a testament , wherin is appointed an executor , and where the party doth not die intestate : But those legacies also which are left in a Codicill or last will , wherein no Executor is appointed , and where the partie dyeth intestate l) l) §. non autem Instit. de Codicil . ; which Legacies as they bee due , so are they payable in both cases : in the one by the Executor ; and in the other case by the administrator m) m) Eod. §. non autem . & L. ab intestat . ff. de iure codicil . . Nay more then this ; if any legacie be left in a testament , although the executor therin named can not bee executor , or doe refuse the executorship , and so the partie die in a maner intestate , and thereupon administration of his goodes graunted , according to the statutes of this realme n) n) Stat. H. 8. an. 21. c. 5. . In this case also by the lawes and custome of this realme , the Legacies bee due and payable by the administrator o) o) Brooke Abridg. tit . testa . n. 20. inf. par. 7. §. 19. , though it be otherwise by the ciuill lawe p) p) L. j. in sin . de Iniust . testa . L. fidei commis . de Leg. j. L. Imperator . de Leg. 2. ff. Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. ●8 . .

In auncient time † there were foure seuerall kindes of legacies . Per vindicationem q) q) §. sed olim . Instit. de lega . , per damnationem r) r) Alij legunt per vendicationem , vt Porcius , & Minsing . in d. §. sed olim . , per sinendi modum s) s) i. obligationem , vel condemnationem . , per praeceptionem t) t) i. ante captionem . Minsin . in d. §. sed olim , . That is to say , by challenge , by condemnation , by suffering , by foretaking , being so distinguished , by occasion of a certaine solemnity or formalitie of wordes , assigned to euery kinde of legacie v) v) Accipe singulorum legatorum exempla , 1. Titius rem illam habeto . 2. Haeres meus damnas esto dare . 3. Haeres meus sinito Titium rem illam sumere , sibíque habere . 4. Haeres praedium illud praecipito . gloss . in d. §. sed olim . : With seuerall actions or remedies , ascribed to euery such legacie , for the recouerie thereof x) x) Legato videlicet per vindicationem relicto , actio realis : per damnationem verò personalis nascebatur . Sinendi modo relictum , sola legatarij autoritate sine vitio capitur , legatum per praeceptionem actione familiae Herciscundae exigebatur . Minsing . & alij in d. §. sed olim . . But afterwardes the † lawes beeing more fauorable to dead mens willes , this precise solemnitye of wordes was taken away , and libertie graunted to make bequests by anie manner of wordes (y) (y) L. j. C. com . de lega . §. nostra Instit. de lega . . ( As else where more fullie (z) (z) Infr. part 4. §. 4. . ) Whereby in the ende , all legacies bee came of one and the same nature , and are all at this present recouerable by like actions (a) (a) d. §. nostra . Instit. de lega . . Which by the ciuill lawe is threefolde (b) (b) Iure ciuili tres actiones Legatarijs competere dignoscitur , personalem , realem , Hypothecariam . Iure autem quo nos vtimur , quin prima actio qua executor ex quasi contractu teneatur , etiamnum vigeat , nulla est dubitatio . Secunda etiam qua rem Legatam persequimur competit quidem Legata●io primo aduersus executorem , seu administratorem pro re tradenda , deinde adepta possession● , aduersus quemlibet possessorem conceditur actio transgressionis . Tertiae verò actioni qua res testatoris legatarijs pignorari dicitur , suspicor nullum in hoc regno locum esse relictu● . , with vs if the executor detaine the legacie , or doe slacke the performaunce of the testators will . The legatorie must sue the executor in the Ecclesiasticall courte , for the same Legacye so detained or not satisfied c) c) Tract . de repub. Ang. lib. 3. c. 9. Bracton . de legib. & cons. Angl. lib. 2. c. 26. in En. Brook Abridg . tit. de vise . n. 27. 45. Fitzherb Nat. Bre● . fol. 50. in Br. de consultac . in princ . Plowd. a cas. inter Paramor & Yardley . Termes of law , verb. deuise . .

The Definition of a gifte in consideration , or because of death .

1 What is a gift in consideration of death .

2 Three sortes of giftes in consideration of death .

3 Which of these three giftes is compared to a Legacie .

§. vij .

A Gifte in consideration of death , is † where a man mooued with the consideration of his mortalitye , dooth giue and deliuer something to another , to be his , in case the giuer dye ; or otherwise if hee liue he to haue it againe a) a) Instit. de donac in princ . . Of † gifts in case of death there be three sortes b) b) L. 2. ff. de donac . mor. caus . . One when the giuer is not terrified with feare of any present perill , but mooued with a generall consideration of mans mortalitie , giueth any thing c) c) d. L. 2. L. Seni. L. vbi ita . ff. de mor. can . donac . . Another , when the giuer being mooued with imminent daunger , doeth so giue , that straight wayes it is made his to whom it is giuen d) d) d L. ● . . The third is when anie being in peril of death , doeth giue some thing , but not so , that it shall presently be his that receiued it , but in case the giuer doe die e) e) Ibidem . . This † last kinde of gifte , is that which is compared to a legacie f) f) Bar. in d. L. seni . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. donatio . q. ● . : But the other two are reputed simple giftes : If the giuer doe not make expresse mention of his death , and so they can not bee reuoked g) g) Iul. Clar. §. donatio . q 4. , but take full effect from the time of the making of the gifte , if the same bee not fraudulent h) h) Stat. Eliz. an. 13. c. 5. & an. 14. c. 11. .

The Diuision of Testaments .

1 Of the auncient diuision of testamentes .

2 An other threefolde diuision .

§. viij .

FOrasmuch as that † auncient diuision of testamentes , whereby they † were first distributed into two sortes a) a) Instit. de testa . ordin . §. j. , the one testament beeing tearmed Calatis Comitijs b) b) ● . vocatis comitijs , seu vocato populo , à graeco verbo 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , quod est voco . Tempore namque pacis , bis tantùm in anno Testator con●ocato per cornicinem populo , eóque praesente , ac quasi teste , vltimam suam voluntatem decla . rare solebat . Minsing . in d. §. j. , the other Procinctum c) c) Ho● testamentum fieri consueuit ab exitutis in praelum ob dubiam bel●● aleam . In de procinctum dicitur , non quòd succincte sieret , sed quòd procin●i dicuntur milites qua● praecincti & expediti . Vi●●ius in d. §. j. , ( whereunto afterwardes a thirde kinde was added called Per aes & libram (d) (d) i. per imaginariam venditionem . praesentibus enim testibus , vnà cum libripende , se● estimatore patrimonij is qui successor defuncti futurus erat , mo●●turi bena emebat , d. inde percutiés libram , illud aeris quasi pretium dabat e●à quo haereditatem expectabat . Minsing . post Vigl . in d. §. j. ) hath beene long since abolished (e) (e) Text. in d. §. j. , and worne not onely out of fashion , but almost out of memory ; in so much that vnto some their very names may seeme straunge . Vnwilling therefore to offer any thing , more tedious then profitable , I thought good to make reporte of some other kinde of testaments , whereof happely we may haue some vse in England .

Vnderstand therefore , that † of testamentes some be Solemne , some vnsolemne ; some written , some vnwritten or noncupatiue f) f) Iure ciuili testamentum scriptum , non vocatur alia species a testamento solemni , plerunque enim haec duo consunduntur , & indifferenter , seu promiscue v●ui pantur . ( Bar. in L. tabular . ff. Quemad . testa . app. & apertiùs . Minsing . in §. sed cum . Instit. de testa ord. in §. fin . ibid. Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. testa q. 10. n. 1. ) At verò iure quo nos vtimur inspecto , planc diuersa sunt . Saepiùs etenim necessarium est , vt testamenta nostra sint scripta , sed vt sint solennia nunq̄ , quinimo vel eod. iure ciuili testamentum insolemne diuiditur in scriptum & non scriptum . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. testa . q. 10. & q. 11. n. 3. , some Priuileged , and some not priuileged g) g) Mantic. de contect . vlt. vol. lib. 1. tit . 7. Adde Iul. Clar. §. testm . q 3. vbi tradit nobis aliam testamen● torum diuisionem . .

Of Solemne Testaments .

1 What is a solemne testament .

2 No vse of solemne testaments here in England .

3 The rigour of the ciuill lawe concerning testamentes .

4 This rigour iustely reformed .

5 What mooued Iustinian to exacte the number of seuen witnesses in testamentes .

6 Two or three witnesses sufficient by the law of God .

§. ix .

SOlemne testamentes are they † , wherin bee all those solemnities of the ciuill lawe , ( as the presence of vij . witnesses , and required thereunto , their subscription , their subsignation , the expedition of the act at one time , &c. ) a) a) ● Solemn paulatim 〈…〉 testa ordin . 〈…〉 consul●●s . m● . C●●e testa . But † of this kinde of testamentes , we haue no vse in England b) b) Supr. 〈…〉 1. . Wherefore it shall suffise , that I haue shewed ( as it were onely by the pointing of the finger , ) that such a kinde of testament there is mentioned in the Ciuill lawe ; to the † obseruation whereof the Romane people were strictly tyed , in the making of their testamentes . ( Much like as were the Iewes to their Iewish ceremonies : ) so that if any one of these solemnities were omitted , the testament was voide c) c) L j. de Iniust . rupt . & i●rit . test . ff. Minsing . in d. §. sed cum . n. 12. . Which thing was not onely hard to be performed , but in some respectes also vngodly . For that it was not sufficient for any man , to prooue a testament by two or by three witnesses , ( the lawe of God requireth no moe d) d) Deut. c. 18. Matth c. 18. Mantic. de con●ect . vl● . v l. lib. 6. tit 3. n. 18. ) but it must be prooued forsooth by seuen witnesses e) e) d. §. sed cum paulatim . . Wherefore with † good reason , was this excesse reformed : First by the ecclesiastical law , which did reduce the number of seuen witnesses to three , ( the parochiall minister beeing one , f) f) c. cum esses de testa . extr. ) & in some cases to two g) g) Testa . videlicet ad p●as causas condito . caelatum elij . de testa . extr. . And then by the general custome of this realme , which distinctly requireth no moe witnesses but two , so they be free from any iust cause of exception h) h) Lindw . in c. statut de testa . lib. 3. prouincial . constitu . verb. probatis . Peckius in c. priuilegium de reg. iur. lib. 6. n. 7. . The reason † wherewith Iustinian was mooued , to approoue of these solemnities , and to adde thereunto as he did , was as he doeth franckelie acknowledge , ( Propter testamentorum sinceritatem , vt nulla fraus adhibeatur i) i) d. § sed cum paulatim . instit de testa . ord. . ) For the sincerity of testamentes , and that no fraude shoulde bee practised . And I doubt not , but before hee dyd set down so precise a law , he had sufficient triall of great cunning , and craft practised , in the making and proouing of testamentes . ( I woulde there were none in England ) which vrged him to goe from that rule † , and lawe of Vlpian the famous lawyer , the same also being most agreeble to the lawe of God . Vbi numerus testium non adijcitur etiam duo sufficiunt , pluralis enim elocutio , duorum numero contenta est k) k) L. vbi de testibus . ff. . ) Where the number of witnesses is not expressed , euen two are sufficient , for the plurall speach is content with two . Where hee sayeth the plurall speach is content with two , which is the reason of the lawe : It hath this sence . It was a thing very well knowne , that one witnesse alone , was not sufficient to decide a controuersie , ( the testimony of one beeing as the testimonie of none l) l) c. licet c. veniens &c. Iusiurandi de testibus . extr. c. admonere . 33. q. 2. ; ) and therefore there were required witnesses , but how many witnesses were sufficient was doubted of : whereupon Vlpian answereth , that albeit witnesses are required ; Yet that plural speach , witnesses , is satisfied with two , and so two witnnesses are sufficient , where a greater number is not required m) m) DD. in d. L. vbi . .

Of vnsolemne testamentes , and whether the aforesaid definition of a testament doe agree to our testaments in England .

1 What is an vnsolemne testament .

2 Of the freedome we enioye in England , in makinge our testamentes .

3 Writing required in the deuise of landes .

4 Many thinges permitted which be not necessary .

5 Whether it be needefull that witnesses bee required in a testament .

6 Whether our testamentes in England doe agree , with the former definition of a testament .

7 Some reasons whereby it should seeme , that the former definition , and our testaments doe not agree .

8 The former definition of a testament , doeth comprehend both solemne and vnsolemne testaments .

9 The reasons which prooue that this foresaide desinition doeth comprehend both testamentes .

10 Vlpian did floorishe before Iustinian .

11 The encrease or decrease of solemnities doe not make the testament to swarue from the former definition .

12 An vnsolemne mariage is a true mariage , in respect of the knot or essence of matrimonie .

13 A Military testament , though vnsolemne , is properly a testament .

14 A testament amongest children is properly a testament though vnsolemne .

15 A great inconuenience , if an vnsolemne testament were not properly a testament .

16 What is a testament properly so called ?

17 In England our testamentes though vnsolemne , haue the effect of testamentes properly so called .

18 An answer to those reasons , which seeme to prooue our testamentes doe not agree with the former definition .

19 The former definition is not of any speciall testament .

20 The conclusion .

§. x.

VNsolemne testamentes are † so tearmed , whereas the solemnities of the Ciuil law aboue mentioned , or any of them are omitted , at the making of the testament a) a) L. j. de iniust . rupt . & irrit . testa . ff. : Without the which by the Ciuil law , the testaments were voyd b) b) d. L. j. I. Hac consultissima §. ex imperfect . C. de testa . Minsing . in § sed cum paulatim . Instit. de testa . ord. 12. , except in certaine cases . But † with vs in England they are not void : for that our testaments are not subiect , to the ceremonies of the Ciuill law , but are made with all libertie and freedome , and as ( one reporteth ) Iure militari c) c) D. Smith . tract . de repub. Ang. lib. 3. c. 7. Quod tamen indistinctè non admitterem , quandoquidem multa priuilegia testamentis militaribus competere videantur , qualia sunt cum duobus testamentis decedere , & id genus alia ( de quibus infr §. xiiij . ) quae nostratibus non licet vendicare . ( vt eod. §. xiiij . ) Et contra Rogatio testium quae pro solennitate in militari testo requiritur ( communi interpretum calculo ) ab Anglis testantibus , non ita necessario obseruatur . : And so wee are no further tied then to the obseruation of those requisites , that be necessary iure gentium d) d) Milites ad solennitates tantum iuris gentium astringi videre est apud Dec. in L. milites C. de testa . mil. post Bar. in L. j. C. de sacrosan eccle. & DD. in L. j. ff. de nul . testa . Quibus adde Tiraquel . de priuileg . piae causae . c. 3. . Which requireth but two witnesses e) e) Dec. in d. I. Milites Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 6. tit. 3. n. 9. in f●n . : sauing that in † a legacie or deuise of lande , writing is also necessarie , and that to bee made in the life of the testator (f) (f) Stat. H. 8. an. 32. c. 1. . How be it , it is not to be doubted , but that a man may make his testament in writing , wherein he disposeth of his goodes onely , and so hee may vse the testimonie of moe witnesses then two . Also † if he will hee may procure the witnesses to subscribe their names to the testament ; yea to euery page of the testament , ( if there be diuers ) and it is a good & a safe course whereby many forgeries might be preuented , or more easilie detected . But no † man is tied to the obseruation of these cawtels (g) (g) Lindw . in c. statutum de testa . lib. 3. prouincial ; constit . Cant. verb. probat . , ( except as before ) no not so much as to require the witnesses h) h) Ratio est quia rogatio testium non est iuris gentium aut diuini . Ab. Couar . & alij in c. relatum . el. j. detest a. extr. Tiraquel . de priuilegijs piae causae . c. 3. quo posito constat Anglos pleniore libertate frui in condendis testamentis , quam quae vel ipsis militibus indulta fuit a iure ciuili : quo ( si communi sit credendum opinioni ) rogatio testium est necessaria . Iul. Clar. §. testim . q. 58 quamuis non desint qui contendunt rogationem huiusmodi , non ad solennitatem exigi , sed vt ex eo facilius diiudicari possit , Militem proferendo verba quae sonant in testm , ea deliberatè & seriò , animoque testandi , non ioco , non perfunctoriè protulisse , vt saepè solent aliàs . Tiraquel . de priuileg . piae causae . c. 3. Wesenb . consil. 38. n. 65. Adde quod in testamento inter liberos , vbi attenditur solennitas iuris gentium , non est necessarium vt testes sint rogati . Grass . Thesaur . con. op §. testm . q. 11. Clar. §. testm . q. 18. Dec. consil. 610. Denique nec in testo ad pias causas ( in cuius confectionem adhibendaesunt iuris gentium solennitates ) requiritur vt testes sint rogati , vt habet com . op. teste Couar . in c. relatum . el. j. de testa . & infr. §. 16 , : so beneficial are the laws of this realme to the subiectes of the same .

But † here me thinkes a question doeth offer it selfe to be resolued . If all our testamentes in England be vnsolemne , and † if by the Ciuill lawe regularlie , all vnsolemne testamentes bee voide , in so much that if but one onely solemnity be omitted , the testament is no testament i) i) L j. de iniusto rup . & irrit . testo . ff. L. ex imperfect . L. si vnus . de testa . C. : Howe doeth the definition of a testament aboue mentioned , borrowed out of the Ciuill lawe , agree with our testamentes heere in England , being al vnsolemne testamentes ? It should seeme we had need to seeke a new definition , & that I haue erred , together with other our common and temporall lawyers of this realme , in borrowing that definition , which agreeth so iust with their testamentes , with which testamentes our testamentes doe not agree . For if the definition did agree with both testaments , they should agree betwixt themselues , but the testaments doe not agree betwixt themselues ; & therfore the definition doth agree but with one alone : If it agree but with the one , and we confesse it doeth agree with their testaments , how then can it agree with ours also ?

To this question breefely my opinion is this , that the † definition doeth comprehend , both solemne and vnsolemne testaments : and therefore is agreeable to our testaments . The antecedent I prooue thus † . The Definition ( as appeareth ) was made by Vlpian k) k) Vlp. in L. j. de testa . ff. , this Vlpianus † is one of those auncient lawyers , whose aunswers , definitions , rules , and conclusions , are contained in the digestes ˡ , and who florished no lesse then two hundereth yeeres before Iustinian m) m) Iustinianus adeptuus fuit Imperium an . Christi nato 527. Vlpianus autem floruit longe ante , nimirum , tempore Alex. Seueri Imp. Ro. paulo plus CC. annis post Christum natum . Cagnol . in L. vnic. si quis ius dicenti . ff . Which Iustinian did adde certaine other solemnities : without the which he ordained , that the testament should be voide n) n) §. sed cùm paulatim verb. sed his Instit. de testa . ordin . L. iubemus . L. cum antiquitas C. de testa . . It must bee graunted therefore , that the definition being perfect , before those newe solemnities were deuised , and agreeable to those testamentes which had not these solemnities , because as yet they were not : so nowe the same solemnities beeing taken away , the definition comprehendeth those testamentes , which haue them not at this present , as it did those other testaments which had them not at the beginning o) o) Eadem enim ratio oppositi in opposito , ac propositi in proposito . Socin . consil. 16. lib. 3. n. 15. Euerard . loc. a con●rarijs . . So that the † encreasing or decreasing of the number of solemnities , maketh not the testament to come neerer , or departe further from the definition p) p) Nam differentia quae est tantum secundum maius & minus , non constituit diuersas species , & sic nec diuersas definitiones . L sin . de fund. instruct . legat . ff. Olden . de culpa . . Indeede the presence or absence of solemnities make the testament solemne , or vnsolemne , but they doe not make it a testament , or no testament q) q) Si enim equus caecus sit equus ita vt caecitas non faciat equum non esse equum , sed non esse oculatum , à fortiori testamenti insolennitas , non facit testam . non esse testamētum , sed non esse solemne à fortiori in q quum cae citas sit defectus in iure naturae , insolennitas autem defectus iuris tantum ciuilis . Nam illa requisita de quibus in c. cùm inhibitio de clan. despons . ext. non esse de forma & substantia matrimonij , vel legittimationis prolis . sed de solennitate tantum , & ad ipsius decorem introducta post Theolog. & Canonistas prodidit Granis . consil. ciuil . 168. & hanc op. communi calculo receptam dicit . lo. Lup. & Mascard . de probac. verb. filius conclu. 798. n 8. Et licet hodie per concil . Tridentin . huiusmodi mattimonia fiant irrita . Nos tamen sequimur antiquum ius come . tanquam non mutatum . Stat. H. 8 an. 25. c. 19. . For † as an vnsolemne mariage is not therefore no mariage because it is vnsolemne , ( the baynes perhappes not being published , or the mariage not being celebrated in the face of the church , but priuately in a chamber , or some other rite or ceremonie therof being omitted , ) but is neuertheles reputed for a true mariage (r) (r) c. aliter . 30. q. 5. c. ● . de cland . despons . extr. , both in the ecclesiasticall courtes , in respect of the knot or essence of matrimonie s) s) Abb. in c. 1. de cland . despons . extr. Dec. consil. 163. Couar . de sponsal . secunda part . c. 6. in principio . n. 7. Lindwood . in c. Humana . de clandest . desp . lib. 4. prouincial . constitut. Cant. ; and in temporall courtes in respect of the wiues dower , and other legall effectes t) t) Perk. tit . Dower . fol. sexagesimo pri. quod verum est iure hodierno . Licet olim regnante H. 3. & longe ante cum contrarium ius obtinait . Fitzh . Nat. Bre. fol. 150. : euen so an vnsolemne testament doeth still remaine a testament ; when these solemnities do rather appertaine to the proofe , or apparaunce , then to the substance of the testament v) v) Minsing . in d. §. sed cum paulatim . Old . de Act. class. 5. in prin. Ripa . in L Nemo . de leg . j. & Io. Crot. in eand . L. col 6. Quorum opinione hae solennitates testamentariae non ad substantiam sed ad probac. testi . pertinent : quae quidem opinio sine difficultate procedit hîc in Anglia vbi istiusmodi solennitates omnino non sunt necessariae . licet fortasse alias contraria tanquam communis opinio locum sibi vendicaret . Bar. in d. L. Nemo . Couar . in c. cum esses . de testa . extr. n. 8. . For it is not said in the definition ; there must be this or that number of solemnities in the testament , onely it is requisite , that there be a iust number x) x) Iusta sententia . , that is to say , so many as the lawe requireth , and if the lawe require none , the definition requireth none ; more then is sufficient for a due proofe y) y) Bou. in c. cum esses . de testa . ext. in sin . Soarez . lib. rec . Senten verb. testa . n. 72. Ias . in L. cunctos de summa . tri . C. n. 39. .

If an vnsolemne testament were no testament , then testamentum militare , were no testament : for it is an vnsolemne testament z) z) Wesenb . in tit de testa . mil. ff. Bald. in L. filij . C. famil . Herciscun . n. 5. : And yet testamentum † militare is both in name and nature a testament a) a) Tit. de testam . mil. ff. Instit. & C. Vasquius de success . crea . §. 21. n. 47. . Likewise if an vnsolemne testament were no testament , then testamentum inter liberos were no testament ; being vnsolemn and vnperfect (b) (b) L. Hac consultissima . §. ex imperfecto . C. de testa . : But testamentum † inter liberos though vnsolemne , euen properly , and by the Ciuill lawe , is a testament (c) (c) Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. testam . q. 11. n. 2. vbi refert hanc op. esse com . ex Alex. Decio . Curtio Nat. Emanuele Costa , Vasquio , & alijs , cont. gloss . in d. §. ex imperfecto . . Besides this , † if an vnsolemne testament were no testament , then ( all the testamentes here in England being vnsolemne , ) we should all die intestate (d) (d) Instit. de haered. quae ab intestat in princ . : And dying intestate , then ( marke what an inconuenience would followe , ) by the statutes of this realme , the administration of the goodes of euery man dying intestate , ought to be committed to the widdowe , or next of kinne to the deceased . But the contrarie hath beene generally obserued , that is to say , where an executor hath beene appointed , able and willing to vndertake the executorship ; there the maker of this will , hath beene adiudged not to haue dyed intestate , and so the administration of his goodes hath not beene committed to the widowe , or next of kinne , according to the statute , although the testament were vnsolemne , which administation otherwise , ought to haue beene committed according to the said statute , as is aforesaid e) e) Id quod viridi obseruac . ficri vbique conspicitur . . And therfore by common obseruation also , an vnsolemn testament is not no testament : but rather euen properly a testament . For by the † opinion of the most & best writers that is concluded to be properly a testament , the author wherof can not be said to die intestat : & whose executor therin named , is to succeede ex testamento ; f) f) Bald. in L. cunctos de summa trinitate C. n. 17. Sichard . in L. Hac consultissima . §. ex imperfecto . C. de testa . n. 5 in sin . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. testa . q. 11. n. 2. Iul. Clar. § testm. q. 13. Euerard . consil. 185 n. 8. ; though it be but in respect of the lawes or customs of the place wher the testament is made being contented with fewer solemnities then are requisit in other places g) g) Andr. Gail lib. 2. practic . obseruac . 123. Soarez . lib. recep . senten . verb. testm̄. 72. Baptist . Villabol . lib. com . op. verb. testm̄. 57. Gabr. Rom. lib. 4. tit . de testa . conc 4. Vasq. de success . crea . §. 21. n. 47. 48. Paris . consil. 12. n. 45. vol. 3. quorum opinio est proculdubio communis , licet aliter sentiat gloss . in d. §. ex imperfecto . . Which † effect our vnsolemne testaments haue wherin an able & willing executor is named : For neither he is reputed to die intestat , which appointeth such an executor h) h) Hoc nemo nesei● qui vel mediocriter in alter●t●o ●oro versatur . , but is plainely , euen in laws of strict interpretation ( I meane the statuts of this realme ) tearmed a testator i) i) Stat. Ed. 3. an. 4. c. 7. & an. 25. c. 5. stat: H. 8. an. 21. c. 5. & alijs penè infinitis locis . : Nether is the administration of his goods committed to the widdow , or next of kin , by the auctoritie of the ordinarie : according to the statute as in case of one dying intestat k) k) Id quod non semel dictum est , sed & saepius est dicendum . . But the executor deriuing his auctority from the testator onely , doth succeed in the place of the dead man , by force of the testament , according to the testators meaning and disposition l) l) Plowden in casu inter Greisbrook & Fox , fol. 280. his verbis : Lez executores nosmes sount executores magnetent & deuant probate del testament , Car le probate nest que confirmation & allowance de ceo que le testator fist , &c. lit ils poyent executeur deuant . probate , &c. . Wherefore an vnsolemne testament , is euen properly a testament . Which conclusion being true , the definition is not more proper to the one , then to the other .

Now for the answering of the argumentes obiected . First † where it is obiected , that al vnsolemne testamentes are voide , although one onely solemnitie were omitted . That is true onely by the Ciuill lawe : But it doeth not therfore follow , that an vnsolemne testament is no testament , in respect of his definition m) m) Vasq. de success . crea . §. 11. n. 48. , how so euer it haue not the same effect , to all intentes in lawe . But if it bee therefore a testament , because it taketh effect in lawe , then are all our testamentes , ( though vnsolemne , ) good and sufficient testamentes ; because they haue as much force without those solemnities , as if they had them al and C. more n) n) Soarez . lib. recep . sen. verb. testm̄. 72. Grass . d. §. testm. q. 11. Clar. §. testm q. 13. And. Gail . lib. 2. pract. obser . c. 123. Vasq. de success . crea . §. 21. n. 47. Sichard . in L. Hac consul●ss § ex imperfecto . C. de testa . . Secondly , where it is obiected , that the definition dooth agree to their testamentes ; and that their testaments and ours doe not agree betwixt them selues : I answere , that the † definition is not of any speciall testament , that is to say , it is not of a solemne testament alone , nor of an vnsolemne testament alone , nor of a written testament alone , nor of an nuncupatiue testament alone , nor is conuertible with any speciall kinde of testament , mencioned in any part of the Ciuill lawe , from the which our testamentes made in England doo differ . For indeede if the definition were made of any speciall testament alone , mencioned in the lawe , from the which our testamentes doe differ : Then could not our testamentes differing from the testament defined , agree with the definition o) o) Quod enim differt à definito , differt à definitione : vt , quod non est homo , non est animal rationale . Euerard & Olden . loc. à definicione . lo. Casus Oxon. tract . de dialect fo. 225. . But the definition is of a testament which is also common to all those , or any other kinde of testamentes , aswell solemne as vnsolemne , as appeareth before : and therefore the testament so defined , although it bee speciall in respect of the definition , yet is it generall in respecte of the seuerall kinde of testamentes aboue recited p) p) Testm . superius definitum genus est subalternum : Id quod potest es●e & species & genus diuerso tamen respectu ; nimirum species respectu superioris , id est , sententiae ; Genus respectu inferioris , id est , paganici , & militaris : scripti , & nuncupatiui ; solennis , & insolēnis testamenti . Huiusmodi autem testamenta differunt non numero sed specie , & sic testamenta , cuius supra est definitio posita , genus est , quia praedicatur de pluribus differentibus specie . , and is verified of euery of them ; solemne or vnsolemne , and so consequentlie is common aswel to our testaments as to theirs , distributing both name and nature to euery speciall testament q) q) Id quod est generi proprium . Olden . Topic Legal . Loco a genere . , howe so euer they differ amongest them selues r) r) Species namque performam discrepat à specie . Conueniunt autem omnes species in suo genere . Olden . & E●erard vbi supra . . To † conclude therefore , we neede not to seeke any newe definition , but rather they themselues , by reason of their newe solemnities , deuised since the making of the olde definition s) s) Alciat . in L. j. C. de sacrosanc . eccle. n. 12. .

Indeed we haue not these solemne testaments of the Ciuill law , but that in respect we are the more happy , and our law the more godly ?

Of a written testament .

1 What is a written testament .

2 A testament nuncupatiue is not made a written testament by after writing except in certain cases .

3 Some thinges common both to a written and to a nuncupatiue testament .

4 Some thinges peculier to a written testament .

5 Deuise of landes , tenementes , or hereditamentes , is not good without writing .

6 In a written testement it is not necessarye that the witnesses be priuy to the contentes .

7 Causes wherefore testators many times would haue their willes secret .

8 In what manner the testament is to be made when the witnesses know not the contentes .

9 The witnesses must be learned , and must write their names on the testament , when they doe not know the contentes thereof .

§. xj .

A Written a) a) Testamentum in scriptis ansit alia species à testo solenni examinaui . supr. §. 8. in margine . testament , is † that testament which at the time of the makinge thereof , is committed to writing b) b) Minsing . in §. sed cum paulatim . Instit. de testa . ordin . . By which wordes , at the time of the making thereof : are excluded † such testaments as are afterwardes put in writing . For beeing made first by worde of mouth they doe still remaine nuncupatiue , notwithstanding the reducing thereof to writing Minsing . in §. fin . Instit. de testa . ord. : Vnlesse the testament being first made by word , and afterward ( in the life time of the testator ) being written , it were brought to the testator , and by him approoued for his testament : Or vnlesse the testator , when he declared his testament , did wil that the same should be written , & that thereupon the same was written accordingly , during his life . For then it is effectuall , for the deuise of landes , tenementes , and hereditaments , as if it had been written at the first d) d) Dier . fol. 72. & ita saepè audiui à nonnullis huius regni Angliae ●urisperitis . .

A written † testament albeit it haue some thinges thereunto belonging , which also belong to a nuncupatiue testament , and so common to both ; as the appointing of an executor , ( without the which there can be no testament at all , neither written nor nuncupatiue e) e) Infr. part . 4. §. 2. , ) and as the deuising or disposing of goodes or cattelles ( which may be done indifferently eyther by word or by writing : f) f) Supr. §. 9. ) yet there bee † some thinges , which be proper and peculier to a writen testament . One is the † deuise or graunt of landes , tenementes , and hereditamentes ; which can not passe by a nuncupatiue testament , or will without writing g) g) Stat. H. 8. an. 32. c. ● . : As doeth afterwardes more fully appeare , where is also shewed , what landes , and how much , may bee deuised by will h) h) Infr. 3. part . §. 4. . An other thing peculier to a written testament is this : In a written testament † the testator hath this benefit ; he maie conceale and keepe secreete the tenor or contentes of his will , from the witnesses i) i) L. hac consultis . C. de testa . & gloss . ibidem . : Which he cannot doe when he maketh a nuncupatiue testament . And therfore if the testator be loath to haue his will knowne , which thing happeneth very often † , either because the testator is afraid to offende such persones as doo gape for greater bequestes then either they haue deserued , or the testator is willing to bestowe vpon them : ( least they peraduenture vnderstanding thereof , would not suffer him to liue in quiet , ) or else because hee should ouer much encourage others , to whom he meante to bee more beneficiall then they expected , ( and so giue them occasion to be more negligent husbandes , or stewards , about their owne affaires , then otherwise they would haue beene , if they had not expected such a benefit at the testators hands ) or for some other considerations . In these and like cases , after the testator hath written his will with his owne hand , or procured some other to write the same , he may close vp the writing , without making the witnesses priuie to the contents thereof ; and shewing the same to the witnesses , he may say vnto them : This is my last will and testament , or herein is contained my wil : and this is sufficient k) k) Authen . Et non obseruato . C. de testa . & DD. ibidem . . Neither is the testament therfore the lesse auailable , because the witnesses doo not know what is contained in the same l) l) Minsing . in §. sed cum paulatim . Instit. de testa . ord. accedit Kling . in eund. tit. in . 8. , in case † the witnesses be able to prooue the Identity of the Writing ; that is to say , that the writing nowe shewed , is the very same writinge which the testator in his life time , affirmed before them to bee his will , or to containe his will m) m) DD. in d. L. Hac consultiss . & in Auth. & non obseruato . C de testa . Couar . in c. cum tibi de testa . extr. n. 5. & inf. par. 4 §. 25. . Otherwise the will can take no effect , through the defect of sufficient proofe n) n) Bar. & alij in L. si ita scripsero . ff. de cond. & demon . Paris . cons. 19. vol. 3. n. 25. 26. . And therefore † least the will should perishe for wante of due proofe , when the testator would not haue the contents knowne , it is not onely requisite that the witnesses be learned , but expedient also that they write their names , on the backside , or some part of the testament o) o) Specul . de Instr . Edi. §. compendiose . n. 10. Kling . in tit de testa . ordin . Instit. n. 8. & 9. , or vse some other like meanes , that they may be able to depose and testifie vndoubtedly , that the same is the very writing it selfe , which the testator affirmed to be his will , or to containe his will p) p) Sichard . in Auth. quod sine . C. de testa . Couat . in c. cum tibi de testa . extr. Specul . vbi supr. & infr. part . 4. §. 25. .

Whether a testament may be written with notes or figures , and whether it may be prooued without witnesses , by the hand and seale of the testator , with other like questions , is declared afterward q) q) Infr. part. 4 §. 25. .

Of a Nuncupatiue Testament .

1 What is a nuncupatiue testament .

2 Wherefore it is called nuncupatiue .

3 Of the force and efficacie of a nuncupatiue testament .

4 At what time commonly nuncupatiue testamentes are made , and what is the reason .

5 Testamentes fauorablie expounded .

6 A nuncupatiue testament made diuers waies .

§. xij .

A Nuncupatiue testament † is , when the testator without any writinge , doeth declare his will , before a sufficient number of witnesses a) a) §. Fin. Instit. de testa . ordin . L. Haeredes palam . ff. de testa . . And it is called nuncupatiue † à nuncupando i. nominando , of naming b) b) Minsing . in d. §. fin . & Kling . in d. tit . de testa . ordin . n. 11. . Because , when a man maketh a nuncupatiue testament , hee must name his executor , and declare his whole minde before witnesses c) c) Minsing . in d. §. fin . : And † a nuncupatiue testament , is of as great force and effecacie , ( except for his landes , tenements , and hereditaments , ) as is a written testament d) d) L. Hac consultissima §. per nuncupationem . C. de testa . d. §. fin . Instit. de testa . ordin . . This kind † of testament is commonly made , when the testator is now very sicke , weake , and past all hope of recouerie e) e) Termes of law . verb. deuise . . For † ( as one reporteth ) it is receiued for an opinion amongst the ruder and more ignorant people , that if a man should chance to be so wise , as to make his will in his good health , when hee is strong and of good memorie , hauing time and leasure , and might aske counsell ( if any doubt were ) of the learned ; that then surely he should not liue long after . And therfore they defer it vntill such time , when it were more conuenient to applye themselues to the disposing of their soules , then of their landes and goodes f) f) Ibidem . . And † in consideration hereof it is , that testaments are so much fauored which be made in such perilous times ; namely , for that the testator then cannot conueniently stay to aske counsell of such pointes as be doubtfull in lawe g) g) Infr. part . 4. §. 4. .

A † nuncupatiue testament may bee made not onely by the proper motion of the t●stator ; but also at the Interrogation of another , as is hereafter declared h) h) Infr. part . 4. §. 26. .

Of Priuileged Testaments .

1 What is a priuileged testament .

2 Wherefore they be called Priuileged .

3 Diuerse sortes of priuileged testamentes .

§. xiij .

PRiuileged testamentes are those , † which are enriched with some speciall freedome or benefit , contrarie to the common course of law a) a) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 1. tit. 57. infi . . They bee tearmed † priuileged à priuilegio quasi a priuata lege b) b) Summa Hostiens . tit. de priuileg in prin. . For a priuiledge doeth signifie a priuate lawe . For as much therfore as by a priuate or speciall lawe , some testamentes be discharged or disburdened , from the vsuall orders , or obseruations of common or generall lawe : in that respect they are called priuileged .

Of † priuiledged testamentes there are three sortes , Testamentum militare , testamentum inter liberos , testamentum ad pias causas , a testament made by a Souldier , a testament made by a father amongest his children , and a testament made for good and godly vses . And although there be some other priuiledged testamentes , yet their priuiledges are but small in comparison of these three d) d) Videlicet , testamenta rusticorum . testa . tempore pestis condita , & huiusmodi , de quibus Ripa . in tract . de peste . c. 2. .

Of a Militarie Testament .

1 The causes wherefore Souldiers enioy such priuileges in making their testamentes .

2 Wherein Souldiers are priuileged concerning the making of their testamentes .

3 Souldiers priuileged in respect of their owne persons and of others also .

4 Souldiers priuileged in respect of solemnities testamentarie .

5 Souldiers priuileged in respect of the substance and forme of a testament .

6 Three sortes of men called Souldiers .

7 Whether all armed souldiers enioye these priuileges .

8 Whether doctors of the lawe , and clergie men enioy these priuileges .

9 The fruite which the common wealth reapeth by the studie and practise of lawe .

10 What benefite doeth redounde vnto vs by the Cleargie .

11 Whether the souldier , or the lawyer are more honorable .

12 What manner testamentarie priuileges Diuines and Lawyers doe enioy .

13 All Doctors and Diuines be not priuileged .

§. xiiij .

FOr as much † as Souldiers being better acquainted with weapons then bookes , are presumed to haue so much the lesse knowledge in the lawes of peace , by how much they are the more expert in the lawes of armes a) a) L. fin . §. C. de iure de . lib in fin . Vigli & Minsing . in tit . de testa . mil. Instit. . For as much also as noble warriors , in the defence of their countrie , doe often times vndertake perilous enterprises , wherein they loose their liues or their limmes ; and seldome escape without woundes or bodily hurt b) b) L. quanquam C. de testa . mil. & ibidem . Dec. : As well therfore in regard of their small skill , in our peaceable laws on the one side c) c) Instit. de mil. testa . in p●inc . And. Gail . lib. 2. practic . obseruac . c 118. ; as in recompence of their great perilles and hurtes in furious and cruell battailes , on the other side d) d) Dec. in d. L. quan. quam C. de mil. testa . Atque hatum causarum p●or est impulsma , posterior finalis . Gail . vb● supr. : They enioy manie notable priuiledges , and benefittes in the making of their testamentes , ( especially by the Ciuill lawe , ) which are not allowed vnto others e) e) Vasquius de success resolue . lib. 2. §. 20. vbi ●nun●ra●●xx . priuleg●● , militibus in ●●lta . .

Of these † priuiledges , some doe respect the person of the testator , some respect the person of the executor , or legatarie , some respecte the solemnities about the making of the testament , and some respecte the substaunce or forme of the testament made f) f) L. neque enim ff de mil. test . & ibi Bar. Sichard . in Rub. de testa . mil. C. Mantic. de coniect . vlt. vol. lib. 6. tit. 1. . Concerning the first kind of priuiledge , whereas † there bee manie which be disabled to make their testament , ( as afterwardes doeth appeare ) g) g) Infr. 2 part . : Yet a Souldier is not disabled by any of these impedimentes , vnlesse it be by reason of furor , or lacke of reason , or for some other causes , when he is disabled Iure gentium h) h) Bar. in d. L. Neque enim . Minsing in tit . de mil. testa . Instit in prin. . Concerning the person of the executor or legatarie : Whereas there bee dyuers which be prohibited to be executors , or legataries , to other persons ; yet they are not to be prohibited to bee executores or legataries to a Soldier ( except in some fewe cases i) i) Bar. in d. L. neque enim , & infr. par. 5. . ) Concerning † the solemnities of the Ciuill lawe , to bee obserued in the makinge of testamentes : souldiers are clearely acquited from the obseruation thereof k) k) L. Dinus ff de test● . mil. § plane . Insi●● . cod . tit. : Sauing that in the opinion of diuers , Souldiers when they make their testamentes , ought to require the witnesses to be present l) l) Quorum opinio communis ●● vt ●●●ert fal . Clar. § testm 〈…〉 . But for as much as no subiect of this land , is strictly tyed to this obseruation of requiring the witnesses , in the making of his testamente m) m) Supr. §. ●i● prin. cum nota● 〈◊〉 . , ( those onely solemnities beeing necessary which be Iuris gentium n) n) Supr. §. x. in prin. : ) Therefore that opinion is not to take place here in England ; otherwise this absurdity would followe , that Souldiers should be tyed to more strickt obseruation , then men of greater skill ; and enioye lesse libertie , then they of lesse deserte o) o) Vide quae superius dicta sunt . §. x. n. 5. c●●● notis marg. . Concerning † militarie priuileges which respecte the forme and substaunce of the testament made : First , whereas no other person , can die with two testamentes ; yet a Souldier may , and both testamentes shall bee deemed good , according to the wil and meaning of the testator p) p) L. Qu ●rebatur ff. de mil. testa . . And whereas an other person , can not die partely testate and partly intestate ; ( at least by the Ciuill lawe q) q) L. ●us nostrum de reg. iur. ff. ) yet a Souldier may r) r) L. Miles C. de testa . mil. . And therefore if a Souldier make his testament , and therein appoint an executor for goods in one place , the next of kinne shall haue administration of goods in an other place s) s) d. L. Miles . . But this priuiledge dooth also belong to euery subiect of this realme t) t) Fitzherb . Abridg. tit . exec. n. 26. & infr. par. 4. §. 17. & §. 18. . Other priuileges there bee , but it were to long to repeate them all v) v) Vide ( si placeat ) Vasq. de success . resoluc . lib. 2. §. 20. vbi enumerat 70. priuilegia , quae militibus competunt . .

After we haue viewed what priuiledges doe belong to Souldiers , it shall be expedient to shewe what manner of Souldiers they bee to whom these priuileges are graunted . Wherefore we are to vnderstand , that there † be three sortes of men , which be tearmed in law by the name of Souldiers . The first be milites armati , armed Souldiers : ( such as are aboue described ) the second be milites literarij , lettered Souldiers , as Doctors of the lawe : the third sorte are milites caelestes , celestiall or heauenly Souldiers , as cleargy men and diuines : for so the lawe doeth tearme them x) x) Minsing . in Rub. de testa . mil. In. tit . . Concerning the first sort † eyther they be such as lie safely in some castle or place of defence , not besieged by the enimie , onely in readinesse to be imployed , in case of inuasion or rebellion , and then they doe not enioy these militarie priuileges y) y) Intellige stationarios & Limitancos milites . de quibus Viglius , & post eum Minsing . in §. illis autem . Instit. de testa . mil. & lul . Clar. §. testm. q. 15. in fin . Adhibe duas alias micas salis , vnam ex Zasio in L. Miles . ff. de re. iud. n. 5 alteram è Decio in Rub. de testa . mil. C. n. 3. : Or else they be such as are in expedition or actuall seruice of warres , and such are priuileged z) z) L. Pen. C. de testo . mil. Mantic. de coniec . vlt. vol. lib. 6. tit. 1. n. 32. , at least during the time of their expedition a) a) §. Sed hactenus . Instit. de mil. test . Clar. §. Testa . q. 15. n. 4. And. Gail . d obseruac . 118. , whether they be employed by lande or by water b) b) Michael . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. testm. q. 3. n. 1. Zas . in L. miles . ff. de re iud. n. 5. in fin . , and whether they be horsemen or footemen c) c) Dec. in Rub. de testa . mil. C. n. 5. Ripa . in L. centurio . ff. de vulg. sub . n. 11. . Concerning the other two sorts of Souldiers , many are of this opinion , that they doe not enioy the foresaid priuiledges d) d) Sichard . in Rub. de mil. test . C. 9. las . Ripa . & aljj in L. centurio . inde vulg. sub . ff. quo●um op. com . est . vt refert . Vasq. de succes . crea . §. 24. n. 23. , because that they are not souldiers properly so called , but metaphorically e) e) Minsing . in Rub. de nul . testa . Instit. n. 2. . Others are of a contrary opinion ; affirming † that the great paines , and studious trauell of learned lawyers , ( especially doctors of lawe and such like , ) are no lesse beneficiall to their countrie , then the hardy aduenturers , of those armed souldiers . For that without lawes no common wealth can be gouerned : And in that respecte deserue as great priuiledges as they f) f) Michael . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. testm. q. 4. Alex in d. L. centurio qui tamen alijs fundamentis nititur . . Much † more then ( by all probabilities ) are those spirituall souldiers worthy of all priuiledges by whose praiers and intercessions , the wrath of God is appeased , and victory many times obtained , and without whose ministery christianity would quickly be ruinated and subuerted g) g) Alex. in d. L. centurio . n. 18. .

And yet doubtlesse it is more doubtfull in lawe , whether these militarie priuiledges doe appertaine to testaments made by cleargy men , then if they were made by lawyers h) h) Ripa . in d. L. centurio . ff. de vulg sub . n. 19. post Socin . Iason . Claud. & alios ibidem . & Mathesilla . not . 61. Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. testm. q. 5. . The reason may be , because howsoeuer deuines be worthy : yet they bee otherwise rewarded , though not in this (i) (i) Vasq. de succesi . c●e a. §. 24. n. 31. in sin . , which reason notwithstanding dooth not so fullie satisfie . For if doctors and pleaders of the lawe be therefore priuileged , because they be compared to souldiers k) k) Gloss. & DD. in L. miles . ff. de re. iud. Mentionem autem feci non solùm de doctoribus , sed de alijs etiam causidicis , propterea quòd licenciati ratione exercitij priuilegijs militaribus fruuntur . Teste Ripa . in d. L centurio . n. 18. ; for that like valiant champions , by force of learning , strength of witte , and mightye power of eloquence , they defend their clients causes , against the subtilties , and iniuries of their aduersaries : how much more ought our cleargie men diuines , our captaines in the spirituall warfare of this life , by meanes of whose sacred ministerie and vertue of whose godlye instruction , and might of preaching that powerfull and inuincible woorde : not our purses , nor our bodies , but euen our soules are defended and in safetie , against the cruell assaultes of that bloudy and mortall enemie of man kinde , ( who seeketh by all malicious meanes , like a roaring lion whom hee may deuoure ) and against his huge hoast of wicked spirites , who neuer rest day nor night , nor minute of an hower , but still striue with might and maine to ouerthrow vs , and to bring vs all to euerlasting destruction : how much more , I say , are these our captaines in these so terrible conflicts , to be gratified and dignified , with all manner of military priuiledges l) l) Arg. à min. ad ma. . Wherefore if the matter rest vpon the issue of desert & worthinesse , without doubt of these three forenamed souldiers ; the diuine is not the last , but the foremost . Concerning the other two , ( the lawyer I meane and the souldier ) whether of them deserueth better of the common wealth , and whether is to bee preferred before the other , is a question so incident to this controuersie , and cleaueth so close thereunto , that there bee fewe writers which handle the one , but they also touch the other m) m) Alex. Ias . Ripa . in d L. centurio . Vasq. de succes . creat . §. 24. n. 31 . In the determination whereof , if the interpreters of the lawe may be iudges in their owne cause , then the sentence must needes be , cedant arma togae n) n) Vasq. in d. §. 24. n. 31 Ias . in L. pen . C. de pactis . n 4. Angel . Arc. in §. fin . Instit de mil. testa . Alex. in d. L. centurion . 14. & Ripa . ibidem n. 15. Panor . & Canonistae in C. quando de magistr. extr. n. 3. Felj . in Rub. de maior . & ob . extr. col. 2. .

Comparisons be odious . For mine own part , if you will giue me leaue , I will tell you a tale out of Zasius o) o) Zas . in L. miles . de re. iud. ff. n. 8. , writing vpon this Q. which shal be as true as any is in Aesops fables . A certaine painter ( saith hee , ) meaning by his arte to describe the strength of man , did paint a little man riding vpon a huge lion , as if a man were stronger then a lion . A lion passing by , demaunded of the painter , wherefore he made such a picture . Because ( quoth the painter ) my man is able to tame any lion , as easily as a horse or an asse . Well sir said the lion , if we could painte , thou shouldest see a lion deuouring a painter . Eloquent men are as painters , valiant souldiers as lions : hither to in iest : But nowe in earnest , yet without offence . It is not the golden chaine , nor the plume of fethers , nor the bigge lookes , nor the proud bragges , which make a right souldier p) p) Zas . in d. L miles . n. 5 . Neither is it the long gown nor the graue beard , nor the stately gesture which make a good lawyer q) q) Cucullus non sacit monachum . . The counterfeit of either deserueth no honour : be hee neuer so braue , neuer so graue . If both be as they should , the praeeminence in matters of warre is the souldiers ; in matters of peace it is the lawyers r) r) Zas . in d. L. centurio . n. 20. Alex. in eand . L. n 14. Gail . lib. 2. pract. obser . n. 8. n. 16. . In other matters , he is the more honorable , which doeth more honour the other . To returne to the former question , whether these souldier like lawyers may challenge these former testamentarie priuileges : we are to distinguish betwixt priuileges graunted to souldiers , ( so properly called ) in respect of their want of skill and ignoraunce in matters of that qualitie , ( for such doe not belong to the learned ; ) and priuileges of prerogatiue or deserte . For these kinds of priuileges belong also to doctors and clergie men s) s) DD. in L. miles . & L. centurio . ff. de re iud. Michael Grass . Thesau . com . op. §. testm. q. 5. nu 5. : but † with this restriction ; that as they belong not to euery souldier , but onely to such as are in action : so they belong not to doctors vtterly non proficient , or clarkes vnlawfullie non resident , but such as painefully attend their profession , and diligently labour in their vocation t) t) Grass . d. q. 5. Viglius in d. §. j. Instit. de testo . mil. Sichard . in L. fin . §. si quis vero . C. de codicil . n. 5. .

Of the testament of the father amongest his Children .

1 What is a testament amongest children .

2 That testament is presumed last which is made in fauour of children .

3 If two testamentes be found , and it doe not appeare which is first or last , neither is good .

4 The testament made in fauour of children , is not so easily reuoked as an other testament .

5 What manner mention is to be made in the latter testament , to take away the former made in fauour of children .

6 Certaine cases wherein the testament made in fauour of children , may be taken away by the second , without any mention of the former .

7 Whether a testament may bee prooued which hath no witnesses of the making thereof .

8 The priuilege of proofe without witnesses , whether it be peculiar to one kind of testament ?

§. xv .

THe second kinde of priuileged testaments is , testamentum inter liberos ; a testament amongst children a) a) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 1. tit. 7. in fin . : that is to say , † wherin the father nameth his lawfull and naturall children his executors , giuing to them the residue of his goodes b) b) L. ex hac consultissima . §. ex imperfecto . C. de testa . & ibi DD. , vnto which kinde of testament diuers priuileges doe appertaine c) c) d. §. ex imperfecto . & L. fin . C. famil . Herciscun . Mantic. de coniec . vlt. vol. lib. 6. tit. 2. . The first priuilege is this , if † two testaments bee found after the death of the testator , of diuers tenores , and it dooth not appeare which of them is the latter testament , in this doubte that testament is presumed the latter , and so shall preuaile , which is made in fauour of the children d) d) Bar. in L. j. §. j. de bon. poss. secudum tab. ff. Clar. § testm . q. 100. . Whereas if † neither be in fauour of the children , nor otherwise priuileged , neither testament shall preuaile , but both are voyd , the one destroying the other e) e) L. sin . de haered. Insti . L. ius nostrum . de reg. iur. & Cagnol . ibidem . n 8. Bald. & Castr. in L. cum qui. de acquir . haer. ff. : Vnlesse the testaments be made by a souldier , for then it seemeth that both testaments shall preuaile , because hee may , ( if he will ) die with two testamentes f) f) L. quaerebatur de testa mil. ff. Bar. in d. L. j. §. j. de bon. poss secundum . tab. ff. .

Another priuilege is this , the † testament made in fauour of children , is not so easily reuoked as other testaments are g) g) Auth. hoc inter liberos . C. de testa . & gloss . ibidem . , for whereas in other testaments , the former is reuoked or infringed by the latter , and that ipso iure h) h) § posteriore . Instit. quibus mod. testa . infir . ; without any expresse reuocation of the former , and without any kinde of mencion of the former testament either generall or speciall i) i) Infr. part . 7. §. 14. ( certaine causes excepted ) . Yet † by the ciuill lawe , if the father haue once made a testament , wherein he hath preferred his children as before , the same is not reuoked by a latter testament , wherin straunger are preferred ( whether the former be a written testament or nuncupatiue , ) vnlesse in the latter testament there be speciall mencion of the former k) k) d. Auth. hoc inter liberos . Alex. Ias . Sichar . ibidem . quorum opinio communis est contra Angel . vt inquit Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. testm. q. 86. n. 11. , so † that it is not sufficient for the testator , to make generall mention , saying , I make this my last will , notwithstanding anie former testament , but he must make speciall mention , as notwithstanding any former testament made amongest my children l) l) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 6. tit. 2. n. 19. & Sichard . in d. Auth. Hoc inter . , or vnlesse the second testament be made ad pias causas m) m) ●as . in d. Auth. hoc 〈◊〉 . : Or else some great displeasure , or enmity haue happened , betwixt the father and the children , n) n) Grass . Thesaur . com . op. § testm. q. 8● . n. 11. or some like cause haue come to passe , whereby it may appeare that the father did repent him of the making of his said will . o) o) Grass . ibidem .

An other priuiledge graunted by the ciuill law , to fathers testaments amongst his children is this , that the † same may take effect , albeit there be no witnesses to prooue the same ; as when there is a testament found in some chist , or like place , written or subscribed with the testators hand , or by him procured to be written by some other p) p) Bald. Paul . de castr. & Ias . in Auth. quod sine C. de testa . . Howbeit I doo suppose that by † the generall custome of this realme of England , those two priuileges be not proper or peculier to fathers testaments alone , but that the same are common to al other English mens testaments , and namely the latter priuilege : when it dooth appeare vndoubtedly , to bee written or subscribed with the testators owne hand , or is prooued that the testator caused the same to bee written by another . Howe this proofe is to be made , that the testament is written or subscribed with the testators own hand , is declared in another place q) q) Infr. part . 4. §. xxv . .

Other priuileges there be , wherby these kinds of testamentes are free , from sundry obseruations and solemnities , wherewith other testamentes are charged . But because they are also common to all our testaments here in England ; it were improper to repeate them in this place vnder the title of priuileges .

Of a testament ad pias causas .

1 A testament ad pias causas may be so tearmed either in respect of persons or places .

2 A testament ad pias causas may bee made by straung and vnaccustomed notes .

3 A testament ad pias causas being found cancelled , is not presumed to bee aduisedly cancelled by the testator .

4 In a testament ad pias causas whether the condition ought to be obserued precisely .

5 A testament ad pias causas is not voyde by reason of vncertaintye .

6 Whether all priuileges which belong to a militarye testament , or to a testament amongest the testators children , doe also belong to a testament ad pias causas ?

7 What if there appeare two priuileged testaments , and it doeth not appeare which is later , whether , shal be preferred .

§. xvj .

THe third kind of priuileged testaments , is that testament ad pias causas a) a) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 1. tit. 7. in fin . & in lib. 6. tit. 3. : Which is so tearmed † not onely in respecte of persons , ( as when the testator willeth his goods to be distributed to younge Orphanes , widdowes , straungers , prisoners , lame , and diseased persons , so that they be poore and needie , such as the law tearmeth miserable persons : ) but also in respect of places : as when the same is lefte to hospitalles , to churches , to repairing of high waies , bridges , walles of a towne or citie when the same bee decaied ; and stand in neede to be repaired b) b) Lindw . in c. ita quorundam verb. pias causas de testa . lib. 3. prouincial . constituc . Cant. & latissimè Tiraquel . tract . de priuileg . piae causae . in praefac . eiusd . , and such a testament hath very many priuileges c) c) Tiraquel . in d. tract . vbi enumerat 170. priuilegia piae causae , quarum tamen longe maxima pars competit singulis Anglorum testamentis , etiamsi non sint condita ad pias causas . .

One priuilege is , that † this kind of testament may be written with straung & vnaccustomed characters , or notes ; as in steed of A. the first figure 1. in steed of B. the second figure 2. in steed of C. the third figure 3. or with some other more straung deuised letters . Yet neuerthelesse the same is as effectuall as if it hadde beene written after the vsuall and accustomed manner d) d) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 6. tit. 3. n. 3. Tiraquel . de priuileg . piae causae . c. 12. vide inf par. 4. § 25. .

An other priuilege is this , that if the † testament ad pias causas be found cancelled and it is not known , whether the testator did willinglie and wittingly cancell the same ; the law doth presume it to bee cancelled vnaduisedly e) e) Couar . in Rub. de testa . 3. part. n 19. Grauetta . consil. 128. M●ntic . de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 1. n. 32. , and so it is in effect , as if it had not beene cancelled at all , whereas in other testaments , the contrarie is presumed : that is , that the testator did wittingly and willingly , cancell the same f) f) Alex. consil. 104 n. 6 vol. 7. Mantic. de coniect . vlt vol. lib. 12. tit. 1. num. 30. : whereby they are made voyd , as afterwarde is declared g) g) Infr. part . 7. §. 16. .

An other priuilege is , that for the obtaining of any thinge lefte condicionallie ad pias causas , it † is sufficient the condition bee accomplished by other meanes , then according to the precise forme of the condition h) h) Tiraquel . de priuileg . piae causae . c. 83. : Wheras in other testamentes or legacies , it is not sufficient , vnlesse the condition bee preciselye obserued i) i) L. M●uius . L. qui haeredi de cond. & demon . ff. vide inf. par 4. §. 7. .

An other priuilege is , that the † testament ad pias causas is not voyd in respect of vncertaintie , ( as other testamentes are : ) and therefore if the testator say , I make the poore my executors , or I will that my goodes be distributed amongest the poore : suc● manner of appointing Executors or legacies is not voyd k) k) ●ar . & Ias in ●●●j C. de sac●●sa . e●cle . ●rass . Thesaur . com . op. §. Institut. q. 1● . .

Generallie I suppose , that † whatsoeuer priuilege dooth belong , eyther to a Militarie testament , or to a testament made by the father amongest his children , in respecte of the solemnities to bee obserued in the making of testamentes l) l) Iure ciuili non valet testm ad pras causas , absque solennitatibus conditum , lecus iure com . modo adhibeatur solen . si●as iuris gentium . & haec est communis opinio . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. testm. q. 18. Boer . Decis . 93. n. 3. vnde non requiritur , vt testes sint rogati in confection : testm ad p●as causas , vt habet communis opinio . Testibus Couar . in c. relatum . cl. j. de testa . extr. n. 4. Tiraquel . de priuileg . piae causae . c. 3 & Grass . d. q. 18. n. 5. , or the substance of testaments m) m) c. cum tibi de testa . extr. Quid autem respectu personae testanus Die , vt per Iu. Clar. §. testm. q. 5. ; that the same doe also appertaine to a testament ad pias causas , sauing in some cases , and namely , where the priuileges of both the former kindes of priuileges be contrarie , as where two testamentes bee extant , and it dooth not appeare which is former or latter . In which case it seemeth , that if they bee militarie testamentes , that then they are both good , otherwise they are both voide n) n) Supr. § , 14. : But if the one of them be ad pias causas , then that is presumed last and so auaileable , the other not being priuileged o) o) Ias . & Sichard , in L. fin G. de edict . D. Adrian . tollend . .

But † what if both testamentes bee priuileged , the one being inter liberos , the other ad pias causas , and it dooth not appeare , which is former or latter ; which shall preuaile ? I suppose that which is inter liberos p) p) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 6. tit 3 n. 13. , for the children are to succeede in case both the willes were voide q) q) Bar. in L. j. §. de bon. poss. secundum tab. ff. stat. H. 8. an. 21. c. 5. , and so haue a double helpe , the one of the testament , the other of prouision of law r) r) L. vtrum . §. vlt. ff de minor . Alciat de praesump . reg. 3. praesup . 13. n. 3 . And it were harde to take the testators goodes from his children , vnlesse it did plainelye appeare that the other were the latter s) s) Vn ie Augu t. Quicumque ( inquit ) vult exhaeredato filio , haeredem facere ecclesiam alium patronum quaerat q Augustinum c. vlt. 17. q. 4 . How bee it , it seemeth that if the testament were not in fauour of his children , but of some other of his kinne ; that then the testament ad pias causas , were to bee preferred ; vnlesse they did prooue the testament made in their fauour to be the latter t) t) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 6. tit . ● . n. 43. .

Of testamentes vnpriuileged .

1 Vnpriuileged testaments what they are .

§. xvij .

VNpriuileged testamentes are they † , which haue not any freedome or benefite contrarie to the common course of ordinarie lawe , but are tied to such obseruations as the law requireth , and hath appointed regularly for all testaments . Of which formes wee shall discourse heereafter ; when oportunitie shall serue .

THE SECOND PART OF THIS TESTAMENTARIE TREATISE : WHEREIN IS DECLARED what persons may make a Testament , and who may not so doe . The Paragraphs , or Chapters of the second parte . WHether euery person may make a testament §. 1. Of Children §. 2. Of madfolkes and lunaticke persons §. 3. Of Idiots and fooles §. 4. Of olde men §. 5. Of him that is drunk §. 6. Of Slaues and villaines §. 7. Of Captiues and prisoners §. 8. Of a woman couert §. 9. Of those which be deafe and dumbe §. 10. Of him that is blinde §. 11. Of traitours §. 12. Of Felons §. 13. Of Heretikes §. 41. Of an Apostata §. 15. Of manifest vsurers §. 16. Of incestuous persons §. 17. Of Sodomites §. 18. Of a libeller §. 19. Of him that killeth himselfe §. 20. Of him that is outlawed §. 21. Of an excommunicate person §. 22. Of prodigall persons §. 24. Of him that hath sworde not to make a testament §. 25. Of him that is at the very point of death §. 26. Of ecclesiasticall persons §. 27. Of Kinges §. 28.

WHETHER EVERIE PERSON MAY MAKE A TESTAMENT . The second part .

1 Euerie person may make a Testament which is not forbidden .

2 Diuers persons forbidden to make their testaments .

3 Some forbidden for want of discretion .

4 Some forbidden for want of freedome .

5 Some forbidden for want of their principall sences .

6 Some forbidden by reason of some hainous crime .

§. j.

IN the second part of this Testamentarie treatise , shal be declared ( God willing ) what person maye make a testament , & who may not so do .

Wherein it maye be set downe for a rule , that † euery person ( both man and woman , Christian & Iewe , sound or sicke ; and generally of what state or condition so euer he , or she be ) hath full power and liberty to make a testament or last will a) a) Instit. Quibus non est permissam testa . fac . in prin. & gloss . ibidem . Suno de Praetis de inter . vlt. vol. lib. 2. inter . 1. sol . 4. Vasq. de success . progress . lib. 1. § j. Michael Grass . Thesaur , com . op § testm. q. 20. , and may therein dispose of his goods and cattelles b) b) Quibus enim permissum est testa● eisdem , & codicillari , & legata relinquere . Roland . tract . de codicil . n. 6 Michael . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. Codicil . n. 2. , sauing such persons onely as be prohibited by law or by custome c) c) Est enim edictum de testamentis , plubitoriū certarum personarum gloss . in §. j Instit Quibus non est permissum testa . fac . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. testm q. 20. n. 1. .

Therefore if we shall diligentlye examine , what persons are forbidden by lawe or by custome , it will easely appeare who they are that can make a testament , or dispose of their goods and cattelles . And albeit † many persons are forbidden by lawe , or custome to make testamentes , yet they are reduced of some vnto fower or fiue sortes d) d) Bar. & Bald in L. Si quaeramus ff. de testa . Lindw . in c. cum viris de testa . lib. 3. prouincial constit . Cant. . Amongest the first † are comprehended such as want discretion or iudgement , as children e) e) Infr. ead. part . §. 2. , madde folkes f) f) Infr. ead. part . §. 3. , and idiots g) g) Infr. ead. part . §. 4. , to whom also I may ioyne those persons who be so very olde , that they become childishe againe h) h) Infr. ead. part . §. 5. , and him that is drunke i) i) Infr. ead. part . §. 6. .

Amongest the second † sort are comprehended such as lacke freedome , & full liberty , as bondslaue , slaues , and villeines k) k) Infr. ead. part . § 7. , vnto whome may be added captiues and prisoners l) l) Infr. ead. part . §. 8. , and women couert m) m) Infr. ead. part . § 9. .

In the third sort † are contained such as lacke some of their principall senses , namely such as bee dombe and deafe n) n) Infr. ead. part §. 10. , and blinde o) o) Infr. ead. part . §. 11. .

Among the fourth sorte † are placed such as , for some heinous crime , are depriued of abilitie , of making of testaments , as traitors p) p) Infr. ead. part . §. 12. , felons q) q) Infr. ead. part §. 13. , heretikes , r) r) Infr. ead. part §. 14. , apostataes s) s) Infr. ead. part . §. 15. , many others t) t) De quibus infr. ead. part . §§. 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 21 , 22. .

And last of all , others † for other causes hereafter specified v) v) Infr. ead. part §§. 23. 24. cum sequentibus . vide Io. ab Imol. in c. qua ingredientibus . de testa . extr. vbi haec sunt carmina : Testari nequeunt impubes , religiosus , Filius in sacris , morti damnatus , & obses , Crimme damnatus , cum muto surdus , & ille , Qui maiestatem laesit , sit caecus & ipse . .

Of Children .

1 At what age a testament may be made of landes .

2 At what age a testament may be made of goods .

3 What if the minor be doli capax , or a souldier , or the testament be ad pias causas .

4 What if the testament be made with the auctoritie of the tutor .

5 What if the testator doe liue vntill he come to lawfull age .

6 A boye after 14. yeeres , a woman after 12. maie make a testament of their goods .

7 What if the last day of the yeere be not finished .

8 What if the testament made during minority , bee approoued by the testator after he be of full yeeres .

§. ij .

IF we wil vnderstand when a child may make his testament , we must distinguish whether the testament be of landes , or of goods .

If of landes † it is prouided by the statutes of this realme , that willes or testamentes made of any mannours , landes , tenementes , or other hereditaments , by any person within the age of 21. yeeres , shall not bee taken to be good or effectuall in law a) a) Stat. H. 8. an. 34. c. 5. , for vntill that time , by the common laws of this realme , they be accompted infantes b) b) Doct. & Stud. lib. j. c. 21. lib. 12 c. 28. .

If † of goodes we must distinguish , whether the child bee man or woman . A boye cannot make his testament before hee haue accomplished the age of 14. yeeres , nor a wench before she haue accomplished the age of 12. yeeres c) c) L. qua aetate . ff. de testa . §. praeterea . Instit. quibus non est permissum . testa . fac . L. si frater . C. qui testa . fac . pos. . In so much that † if before these foresaide yeeres they were of that ripenesse of witte , that they were doli capaces , capable of deceite , or able to discerne betwixt good and euill , and betwixte trueth and falsehood , yet could they not make any testament , nor dispose of their goods d) d) DD. in d. L. qua aetate , quorum opinio communis est , vt aiunt Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. testm. q. 20. & Viuius eod. lib. verb. pupillus . n. 7. : or if the boy were of that strength , that he were a souldiour , notwithstanding those great priuileges which doe belong to souldiours in making of their testamentes : yet could not hee make his testament , before he had accomplished his age of 14. yeres e) e) L. vlt. C. de teston . mil. Grass . & Viuius . vbi supra . referentes hanc op. esse com . . Neither can a boy before hee haue accomplished 14. yeeres of age , nor a wench before she haue accomplished 12. make a testament ad pias causas f) f) Ias . in L. si frater qui testa . fac . poss. C. atque haec opinio communi calculo comprobatur . Iul. Clar. §. testm. q. 5. & Grass . §. testm q. 17. : Neither † is the testament good , made by the boy or wench before the said ages , although the same should bee made by the auctoritye or consent of the tutor g) g) Ias . in d. L. si frater . C. qui testa . fac . poss. : neither dooth † the testament become good , being made in their minorities respectiuely aforesaid , albeit they should afterwardes attaine to their seuerall ages , wherein they might make their testaments h) h) §. pra terea . Instit. quibus non est permis . testa fac . L. si siliul familias ff. qui testa . fac . poss. .

Howbeit † a boy after the age of 14. yeeres , and a wench after the age of 12. yeeres , maie make a testament and dispose of their goodes and cattelles i) i) d. L. qua aetate ff. de testa . Perkins . tit. deuise . fol. 97. quamuis impressi . sit viciosa . vz. litera ( x ) omissâ , nam quod sic scribitur , iiij. ante scribi debuit xiiij. ans . , and that not onely without the auctoritie or consent of their curator or garden k) k) Ias . in L. si frater . qui testa . sac . poss. C. , but also without the auctoritie and consent of the father , if he haue any goodes of his owne l) l) Verum quidem est , quod iure ciuili filius-familias testari nequeat ob illam patriam , cui subijcitur , potestatem . At verò in Anglia cessat perampla haec potestas & praerogatiua . trac . de repub. Angl. lib. 3. c. 7. & sic cussante causa , cessat effectus . . Or if † he or she haue attained to the last day of 14. or 12. yeres , the testament by him or her , in the very last day of their seuerall ages aforesaid is as good and lawfull , as if the same day were already then expired m) m) d. L. qua aetate . & ibi Bar. . Likewise † if after they haue accomplished these yeres of 14. or 12. he or she doo expreslie approoue the testament made in their minoritie , the same by this new will , and declaration is made stronge and effectuall n) n) Paul . de cast . & alij in L. si frater qui testa . fac . poss. C. .

Of madde folkes and lunaticke persons .

1 Madde and Lunaticke persons cannot make a testament , and what is the reason .

2 Whether the testament made in the time of furour be good when the testator is come to himselfe .

3 A testament may be made by a Lunaticke person , betwixt his fittes .

4 Euery one is presumed to be of perfect minde and memorie , vntill the contrary be prooued .

5 He that obiecteth insanitie of minde must prooue the same .

6 Whether it be sufficient to prooue that the testator was madde before the making of the will .

7 Whether he that is once madde bee presumed so to continue .

8 Insanity of minde hard to be prooued .

9 Witnesses must yeelde a reason if they will prooue a man to be madde .

10 Argumentes of madnes .

11 Whether a generall reason suffice to prooue insanitie of minde .

12 Whether madnes may be prooued by singuler witnesses .

13 Those witnesses are to be preferred , which depose that the testator was of sound minde .

14 What if the testament be made by a lunatike person , and the time of the making vnknowen , whether is the testament good or no ?

15 What if it cannot be prooued that the testator had quiet intermissions .

16 What if there be a mixture of wise things and folish in the testament .

§. iij.

MAdfolkes † and Lunaticke persons , during the time of their furor or insanitie of minde , cannot make a testament , nor dispose anie thing by will a) a) §. Praeterea . Instit. quibus non est permissum . L. furiosum . C. qui testa . fac . poss. L. nec codicillos C. de codicillis . , no not ad pias causas b) b) Bar. in L. j. C. de sacrosanc . eccle. n. 16. Dec. in d. L. furiosum . & haec opinio communiter est recepta . Iul. Clar. §. testm. q. 5. Grass . §. testm. q. 17. : the † reason is most forcible , because they knowe not what they do c) c) Grass . d. §. testm. q. 21. in prin. : for in making of testaments , the integrity or perfitnes of minde & not health of the body is requisite d) d) L. senium . C. qui testa . fac . poss. ; and there vpon arose that common clause , vsed in euery testament almost , sick in body , but of perfit minde & memory (e) (e) Minsing . in d. §. praeterea Instit. quibus non est permiss . quae tamen clausula non est adeo necessaria , vt semper obseruetur . . And so † strong is this impediment of insanitie of minde , that if the testator make his testament after this furor haue ouer taken him , and whiles as yet it doeth possesse his minde , albeit the furor afterwardes departing or ceasing , the testator recouer his former vnderstanding : yet dooth not the testament made during his former fit , recouer any force or strength thereby f) f) d. L. furiosum . C. qui testa . sac . poss. d. §. praeterea . Instit. quibus non est permissum , &c. . How be it † if these madde or lunatike persons haue cleere or calme intermissions , then during the time of such their quietnesse and freedome of minde , they may make their testamentes , appointing executors , and disposing of their goodes at their pleasures g) g) d L. furiosum . & d. §. praeterea . & DD. ibid. . So that neither the furor going before nor following the making of the testament , doth hinder the same testament begunne and finished in the meane time h) h) d. Locis . .

And here note , that † euery person is presumed to be of perfite minde and memorie , vnlesse the contrary be prooued i) i) Bar. in L. nec codicillos . C. de codicil . Alciat in tract . de praesump . regula j. praesump. 78. . And therefore if any person goe about to impugne or ouerthrowe the testament by reason of insanitie of minde , or want of memorie , hee must prooue that impediment k) k) Bar. in d. L. nec codicillos . Minsing . in d. §. praeterea . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 2. tit. 5. . If it bee asked wherefore then is that vsuall clause ( of perfit minde and memorie ) so duelie obserued in euery . testament , if he that doth preferre the will bee not charged with the proofe thereof ? It may be answered , that that which is notorious is to be alledged not prooued l) l) L. si adulterium . §. idem ff. de adul . : And so this beeing accompted notorious ; ( because where the contrarie appeareth not , the lawe presumeth it ) it neede not be prooued m) m) Vas. de success . progress . lib. 1. §. j. vbi contra Socin . & Boer . sentientes , quod allegans mentis sanitatem tenetur eandem probare , non dubitat hanc opinionem indignam tantis viris affirmare . Ego verò sententiae Vasquij subscribo , nisi constet testatorem ante fuisse furiosum . vide Mascar . de probac. concl. 814. n. 10 , 11 , 12 , 13. : and therefore I suppose , that clause to be more vsuall then necessarie , and yet not hurtfull n) n) Immo prodest huius . modi clausula , quoad probationis adminiculum a Notario scripta . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 2 tit. 5. in fin . .

Seing then he whose intent is grounded vpon the madnesse & lunacie must prooue the same , it shall not be amisse , to set down some obseruations concerning the manner of proofe therof .

First therfore it may be deliuered for a rule , that † it is sufficient for the partie which pleadeth the insanitie of the testators minde , to prooue that the testator was besides him selfe , before the making of the testament , although he doo not prooue the testators madnesse , at the very time of the making of the testament o) o) Gloss. in c. fin . de succes . ab intestat . extr. Lanfranc . in c. quoniam contra de probac. extr. verb testm̄. . & est communis opinio , per praepos . in c. dilectus . despons . extr. , the reason is : It being † prooued that the testator was once mad , the lawe presumeth him to continue still in that case , vnlesse the contrarie be prooued p) p) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 2. tit . 5. Dec. in L. furiosum . C. Qui testa . fac . pos. . For like as the lawe presumeth euery man to be an honest man , vnlesse the contrarie be prooued q q Alciat . de ipraesump . reg. 2. praesump . 8. , and beeing prooued , then he which is euill to be euill still r) r) c. semel malus . de reg. iur. 6. : So concerning furor ; the lawe presumeth euery man to haue the vse of reason and vnderstanding vnlesse the contrarie be prooued , which being prooued accordingly , then hee is presumed in law to continue still void of the vse of reason & vnderstanding s) s) Panor . Io. And. & Butr . in c. cum dilectus de success . ab intestat . ext. quorum op. com . esse multis testimonijs probat . Mascard . de p●ac . verb. furiosum . concl. 825. n. 5. , vnlesse the testator were besides him selfe but for a short time , and in some peculiar actions , and not continually for a long space , as for a moneth or more t) t) Bat. in L. 2. de bon. poss. infan . & furios . delat . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 2. tit. 5. n. 7. verb. sed tamen . , or vnlesse the testator fell into some frenzie vpon some accidentall cause , which cause is afterwardes taken away v) v) Are. in L. 2. ff. de testa . Couar . in tract . despons . & in●●ion . 2. parte . c. 2. n. 6. Mantic . vbi sup. verb. tertio . , or vnlesse it be a long time since the testator was assaulted with the maladie x) x) Bald. & alij . in L. furiosum . C. qui testa . fac . pos. Couar . in d. c. 2. n 6 , for in these cases the testator is not presumed to continue in his former furor or frensie y) y) Paul . de castr. in d. L. furiosum . & Mascard . de probac. verb. furiotus . concl. 825. .

An other obseruation is this , † that it is a hard and difficulte point , to prooue a man not to haue the vse or vnderstanding of reason ; and therefore † it is not sufficient for the witnesses to depose that the testator was madde , or besides his wittes , vnlesse they render or yeelde a sufficient reason z) z) Bald. in d. L. furiosum . Mascard . tract . de probac. verb. furiosus . concl. 824. 827. , to proue this their deposition , as that they did see him to doo such things or heard speake such wordes , as a man hauing wit or reason , would not haue doone or spoken a) a) Paul de castr. in d. L. furiosum . Boer . Decis . 23. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 2. tit . 5. & Mascard . d. concl. 827. Minsing . in §. praeterea Instit. quibus non est permissum , &c. : namely , † they did see him throwe stones against the windowes b) b) Bald. in L. Diuus . ff. de offic. praesid . gloss . & DD. in L. si cum dotem . §. sin autem . Sol. matr . Adhibe micam salis , vt per Mantic. d. tit. 5. n. 12. & per Dec. consil. 448 , or did see ●im vsually to spit in mens faces c) c) Corn. consil. 22. vol. 4. Mantic. d. tit. 5. n. 11 Mascard . de probac. concl. 826. n. 29. , or being asked a question they did see him hisse like a goose or barke lyke a dogge d) d) Mascard . d. concl. 828. n. 28. Mantic. vbi sup. & Corne. cons. 319. , or play such other parts as madfolks vse to doo . This or the like reason ( whereby the iudge may be induced to esteeme the testator not to be found of minde , ) ought the witnesses to yeelde , although they be not interrogated of the cause of their knowledge e) e) Paul . de castr. in d. L. furiosum . C. qui testa . fac . poss. Mantic. vbi supr. Boer decis . 23. n. 4. Mascard . de probac. concl 827. n. 4. . And some † there be which holde this for a sufficient reason in this case , if the witnesses doo say , I knowe he was mad , for I did see him mad , although he doo not expresse anie particular act whereby such madnesse may be collected f) f) Ar● . in L. vlt. §. vlt. ff. de verb. ob . Boer . decis . 23. n 44. 45. Mantic. d. tit. 5. lib. 2. n. 16. . Furthermore † this furor or madnes , may be proued by singuler witnesse g) g) Gabr. lib. 1. com . conclus . tit. de testibus . con. cl 2. n. 43. post Alex. ●aus . Dec. & alios ibi nominatos . ; so that the witnesses bee not singular in time ( for if one witnesse depose , of the madnes of the testator at one time , and an other witnesse of his madnesse at an other time , this dooth not sufficientlye prooue that the testator was mad h) h) Quod procedit , siue agatur de probatione furoris in specie , siue in genere . vbi tempus est de substantia actus . Ruin . consil. 67. vol. 1. Mascard de probac. concl. 827. n. 9. : ) But when the witnesses agreeing in time , one deposeth of one madde pranke , an other witnesse of an other madde acte at the same time , these prooue that the testator was then madde , though they doo not both depose of one and the same madde act i) i) Mascard . post Ruin . vbi supr. . If some witnesses doe † depose that the testator was of perfit minde and memorie , and others depose the contrarie , their testimonie is to be preferred , which depose that he was of sound memorie k) k) Gabriel . lib. 1. com . concl . tit. de testibus . concl. 4. n. 19. vbi ad hunc finem citat Ias . Corne . Socin . Dec. Grauet : Boer . & alios , quibus adde Mascard . d. concl. 827. n. 11. , aswell for that their testimonie tendeth to the fauour and validitie of the testament , as for that the same is more agreeable to the disposition of nature m) m) Idm̄ . ibid. n. 18. , for euerie man is a creature reasonable .

l) l) Simo de Praetis . de Inter. vlt. vol. lib. 2. solu . 4. n. 19. The laste obseruation is this , if † a Lunatike person , or one that is besides him selfe at some times but not continually , make his testament , and it is not knowne , whether the same were made whiles he was of sound minde and memorie or no : then in case the testament be so conceiued , as thereby no argument of frensy or follie can be gathered , it is to be presumed that the same was made during the time of his calm & cleer intermissions : and so the testament shal be adiudged for a good testament n) n) Michael Gras . Thesaur . com . op. §. testm. q. 21. vbi attestatur hanc op. esse com . Vasq. de success . progress . lib. 1. §. j. n. 90. Viuius lib. com . op. verb. testm̄. . Yea † although it can not be prooued , that the testator vseth to haue any cleer & quiet intermissions at al , yet neuertheles I suppose , that if the testament be wisely and orderly framed , the same ought to be accepted for a lawfull testament o) o) Hanc opinionem communiter receptam esse contra Abb. & alios , refert idem Gras . d. q. 25. n. 4. Idem Boer . q. 23. n. 88. veriorem etiam & magis com . affirmat Ioseph Ludo. decis . 1. n. 13. Quinimo ne ab hac opinione recedas , monet Grass . vbi supra . . But if in the testament there be mixture of wisedome and follie , it is to bee presumed that the same was made during the testators frensie p) p) Bald. & Angel . in L. furiosum . C. qui testa , fac . poss. ; in so much that if there be but one worde sounding to follie , it is presumed that the testator was not of sounde minde and memorie when hee made the same . And therefore in this case is the testament voide q) q) Idem Angel . in ead ● L. furiosum . , vnlesse that it may bee prooued , that there was intermission of furor the same time .

Of Idiots .

1 What person is deemed an Idiote .

2 An Idiote can not make a testament .

3 He that is of a meane capacitie , or indifferent betwixt a wise man & a foole , may make a testament .

4 Although a man be not an Idiote , yet if hee bee so very simple , that there is but small oddes betwixte him and a naturall foole , such a person can not make a testament .

5 What if an Idiote should make his testament wiselie and resonably to the shewe , whether were that testament good or not .

6 A pleasant iest of a very foole , which gaue a verie wise sentence .

7 An other iest of a foolish magistrate .

8 A naturall foole dooth not vnderstande what hee saith , although he seeme to speake wisely .

9 A fooles testament wiselye conceiued is sometimes good in law .

§. iiij .

AN Idiote a) a) Idiota apud Ciceronem & alios , indoctum , seu ill . teratum plerunque significat . , or a naturall foole is † he , who notwithstanding he bee of lawfull age , yet he is so witlesse , that hee can not number to twentie , nor can tell what age he is of b) b) Fitzherbert Na. Bre. de idiota inquirendo . , c) c) Quid ? estnè statim fatuus quisquis non potest demonstrare patrem ? Absit . Nam , vt concedam filium illum meritò sagacem dici , suum qui nouit patrem : certè si concluderem reliquos omnes elle fatuos , vercor , ne excluderem paucos . Notum est , quod cecinit de Telemacho , insignis Homerus : Ex illo natum mater me dicit : At ipse Nescio . Nam certum quis possit scire parentem ? Quod igitur scriptum reliquit Fitzherbert . Que tiel person serra dit sot & ideote , que ne scier dire que fuit son pere ou mere , &c. ita exaudiendum est , si nesciat respondere , quis appellatur ipsius pater . nor knoweth who is his father , or mother , nor is able to answer to any such easie question . Whereby it may plainelye appeare that he hath not reason to discerne what is to his profite or dammage , though it be notorious , nor is apt to be informed or instructed by anie other d) d) Fitzherbert . vbi sup . Such † an Idiote cannot make any testament nor may dispose either of his lands e) e) Stat. H. 8. an. 34. c. 5. , or goodes f) f) Sichard in Rub. qui testa . fac . poss. C. n. 16. Simo. de Praet . de interp. vlt. vol. lib. 2. dub. 1 fol. 4. . But † if a man be of a meane vnderstanding ( neither of the wise sorte nor of the foolish ) but indifferent , as it were betwixt a wise man & a foole , yea though he rather incline to the foolish sorte , so that for his dull capacity he might worthily bee tearmed Grossum caput , a dulpate or a dunse , such an one is not prohibited to make a testament g) g) Simo de Praetis . vbi supr. Minsing . in §. praeterea . Instit. quibus non est permiss &c. : Vnlesse he † bee yet moore foolish , and so very simple and sottishe , that he may easilie be made to beleeue thinges incredible or impossible , as that an asse can flie , or that in olde time trees did walke , beastes and birdes could speake ; as it is in Aesops fables : For he that is so foolish , cannot make a testament h) h) Simo de Praetis de interp. vlt. vol. lib. 2. dub. 1. fol. 4. n. 21. , because he hath not so much witte as a childe of tenne or eleuen yeeres olde , who is therefore intestable ( as the text witnesseth ) namelie for want of iudgement i) i) Text. in d §. praeterea Instit. quibus non est permiss . testa . fac. .

But what † if an Idiot or natural foole should make his testament so well and wisely ( in apparaunce , ) that the same may seeme rather to be made by a reasonable man , then by one voyde of discretion , whether is this testament good in lawe or no ? Surely some haue beene of this opinion , that such a testament is good and auailable in lawe k) k) Ita fuisse decisum in Senatu Romano commemorant Io. And. & And. Barba , cum alijs . in c. ad ●●ram de consuetud . extr. , because almightye God dooth sometimes so illuminate the minds of the foolish , that for that present in that case they are not much inferior to the wise l) l) Gloss. in d. c. nostram . . And † to this purpose diuers credible writers doe remember a mery accident , which ( if they say truely ) was no fable , but an vndoubted facte m) m) Io And. Panor . Barba . & alij . in d. c. ad nostram . Hyero . Franc. in L. furiosi . de reg. iur. sf . Boer . decis . 23. n. 58. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 2. tit. 5. n. 8. , and this it is .

At Paris one morning a hungrie poore man begging his almes from doore to doore , did at the last espie verye good cheere at a cookes house : whereat by and by his teeth beganne to water , and the spurre of his emptie and egar stomacke pricking him forwardes , hee made as much hast towardes the place as his feeble feet would giue him leaue , where he was no sooner come , but the pleasaunt smell partlye of the meate partlie of the sauce , did catch such sure hold of the poore mans nose , that ( as if he had been fast holden with a paire of pinsers ) he had no power to passe from thence , vntil he had ( to stay the furie of his raging appetite ) eaten a peece of bread , which hee had of charitie gotten in an other place . In the eating whereof his sence was so delighted with the fresh smell of the cookes cates , that albeit he did not laye his lippes to any morsell thereof : yet in the end his stomacke was so well satisfied with the onely smell thereof , that he plainly acknowledged himselfe thereby to haue gotten as good a breakefast , as if he had in deede there eaten his belly full of the best cheere . Which when the cooke had heard , being an egregious wrangler and an impudent companion , what dooth hee but all hastily steppes foorth to the poore fellowe , laies fast hand vpon him , and in a whote cholericke moode , bids him pay for his breakefast . The honest poore man halfe amazed at this straung demaunde , wist not well what to say : but the cooke was so much the more fierce and earnest , by howe much hee perceiued the good man to be abashed at his boldnesse , and did so cunningly cloke the matter , that in the ende the poore man was contented to referre the deciding of the controuersie to whatsoeuer person should next passe by that way , & without any more adoe to abide his iudgement . Which thing was no sooner concluded , but by and by commeth vnto the place , a very natural foole and such an notorious idiote , as in all Paris his like was not to be found . All the better for me thought the cooke , for more hee doubted the sentence of a wise man then of a foole . Well sir , to this foresaid iudge they rehearsed the whole fact , the cooke cruelly complaining , and the other patiently confessing as before . A great multitude of people were gathered about them , no lesse desirous to knowe what would followe , then wonderinge at that which had gone before . To conclude , this naturall perceiuing what monie the cooke exacted , caused the poore man to put so much mony betwixt two basons , and to shake it vp and downe in the cookes hearing , which doone , he did arbitrate and awarde , that as the poore man was satisfied with the onely smell of the cookes meate , so the cooke should bee recompensed with the only noise of the poore mans monye . Which iudgement was so commended , that who so heard the same , thought , if Cato or Salomon had beene there to decide the controuersie , they could not haue giuen a more indifferent or iust sentence .

The like † case is reported to haue happened at Bononia n) n) And. Barl a. in d. c. ad nostram . de consuetud . extr. n. 8. . There a certaine couetous man loste his purse , with 21. ducates in it , which when hee coulde not recouer with diligente search , he fared like a madde man , and in the ende was readye to haue hanged himselfe for sorrowe . An other honest man hauing founde such a purse , mooued with compassion came and deliuered the same to this couetous person , who neuer thanking the bringer , fell forthwith to telling of the monie , and finding but 20. ducates therein , with great greedinesse he exacted the odde ducate : which because the finder denied , he is brought before the magistrate , a man of very great wealth , but of very little wit ( but such magistrates are many times elected , where the matter lieth in the mouthes of the multitude . ) The one partie sweareth , that there were 21. ducats in the purse which he lost . The other partie sweareth , that there were but 20. ducates in the purse which hee found . The magistrate although a foole , giueth no foolish sentence , for hee pronounced that the purse which was found , was not that purse which was lost , and therfore condemned the couetous person to restore the 20. ducates to the other partie .

By these reasons and examples , therefore it may be reasonablie inferred , that if a foole doe make a wise and reasonable testament , the same ought to be allowed as lawfull .

Neuerthelesse this is the truer opinion , that such a testament is not good in lawe o) o) Ias . & Dec. in L. futiosi . C. qui testa . fac . poss. , the reason is , because a testament is an act to be performed with discretion and iudgement p) p) Supr. prim . part . §. 3. verb. Senten . . But † a naturall foole by the generall presumption of lawe , dooth not vnderstand what he speaketh , though hee seeme to speake reasonably q) q) Dec. in d. L. futiosum . C. qui testa . fac . poss. lim. 3. , no more then did Balams asse r) r) Num. c. 22. vers. 28. 2. Pe. c. 2. versic. 10. , when hee reasoned with his maister , or dooth a Parret speaking to the passengers . And although almightye God do sometimes so illuminate the minds of verie naturall fooles and idiotes , that they doe well perceiue , and vnderstand what they speake : yet because this thinge happeneth but verye seldome , the lawe dooth not presume the same by occasion of wordes onely s) s) Dec. in d. L. furiosi . & in L. in negotijs de reg. iur●f . . And therefore vnlesse further proofe bee made thereof , by other circumstances , the lawe dooth not approoue such testamentes .

In deede if it † may appeare by sufficient coniectures , that they had the vse of reason or vnderstanding at such time , as they did make their testamentes , then dooth the former opinion take place , that such testamentes are good in lawe t) t) Dec. in d. L. In negotijs , & in Hiero. Franc. in d. L. furiosi . de reg. iur. ff. .

Of olde men .

1 Age alone dooth neuer depriue a man of the power of making a Testament .

2 He that by extreame olde age is become a childe in his vnderstanding , cannot make a Testament .

3 He that hath lost his memorie , cannot make a Testament .

§. v.

ALbeit † olde age alone doeth not depriue a man of authoritie and power of making a testament a) a) L. senium . C. qui testa . fac . poss. , ( for a man may freely make his Testament how olde soeuer he be , for it is not the integritie of the bodie , but of the minde , that is requisite in testaments b) b) d. L. senium . : ) yet † if a man in his olde age , do become a very childe againe in his vnderstanding c) c) Simo de Praetis . de inter . vlt. vol. lib. 2. dub. 1. solue . 4. n. 22. , which thing doeth happen to diuers persons , being , as it were , worne away with extreame age , and depriued , not onely of the vse of reason , but of sence also almost : such a person can no more make a testament , then a childe d) d) Ibidem . .

So it is , † if a man , either by reason of age , or some other infirmitie , become so forgetful , that he hath forgotten his own name e) e) L. fin . C. de haered . Inst. , ( which thing also hath happened to diuers wise and learned men , ) because for any acte which is to bee performed with discretion , he is no more fit then a foole or an idiote f) f) Bald. in d. L. fin . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 2. tit. 15. n. 16 , , of whom we haue spoken already .

Of him that is drunke .

1 Whether he that is drunke may make a testament .

§. vj.

HEe † that is ouercome with drinke during the time of his drunkennesse , is compared to a madde man , and therefore if hee make his testament at that time , it is voide in lawe a) a) Vasq. de success . crea . lib. ● . §. 13. requis . 7. n. 8 Simo de Praetis . de inter . vlt. vol. lib. 2. dub. 1. soluc . 4. n. 22. : which is to bee vnderstood when hee is so excessiuely drunke , that he is vtterly depriued of the vse of reason and vnderstanding . Otherwise , if hee bee not cleane spent , albeit his vnderstanding be obscured and his memorie troubled , yet may he make his testament being in that case b) b) ijdem . Vasq & Simo de Praetis . vbi supra . .

Of slaues and villeines .

1 Of all men the slaue is in greatest subiection .

2 What is a slaue .

3 A slaue hath neither landes nor goods , for both are his lordes .

4 Whether the children of bonde parentes , be subiect to seruitude .

5 By the ciuill lawe the childe is free , if the mother be free , notwithstanding the bondage of the father .

6 By the lawes of this realme the childe is freeborne whose father is free , though the mother be a bonde woman .

7 No bastard is borne a slaue , though the father bee a bond-man .

8 A bond-man cannot make a testament .

9 Of the difference betwixt a bond-slaue and a villeine .

10 A villeine , like vnto him which is called in the ciuill lawe Ascriptitius Glebae .

11 Whether a villeine may make a testament .

12 The Lord may take from his villeine , whatsoeuer he hath , life excepted .

13 The testament of the villeine is not voide , but voidable .

14 Sometimes the Lord can not make voide the testament of his villeine .

15 The Prince may at any time make voide the alienation or gifte of his villeine , and consequentlie his testament .

16 What manner villeines be here ment ?

17 A villeine executor may make a testament .

18 A villeine executor may maintain action against his Lord .

19 The reason of the former conclusion .

§. vij .

OF all † men which be destitute of libertie or freedome , the slaue is in greatest subiection , for a † slaue is that person which is in seruitude or bondage to an other , euen against nature a) a) §. Seruitus . Instit. de iure personarum . Et dicitur latinè seruus ; non à seruiendo , sed a seruando : propterea quòd seruandi non oriēdi sunt à dominis . Nam cùm antiquitùs multi sçuijssent in captiuos , eósque necassent , prohibitum id fuit , constitutúmque vt potiùs venderentur , quàm occiderentur . Et inde à seruando , nomé mutu arunt serui . §. serui autem . Instit. de iure personarum . . Neither † hath he any thing of his owne , but whatsoeuer he possesseth , all is his Lordes (b) (b) §. in potestate . Instit. de his qui sui vel alie . iur. : Not onely landes , goodes , and cattelles , and generallie whatsoeuer he getteth , either by his owne industrie , or by the gifte of other , or by any other meanes (c) (c) §. iterum . Instit. per quas personas . : But † euen his children also are infected with the Leprosie of his fathers bondage d) d) Bracton . de legib. & consu . Ang. lib. 1. c. 6. principall grounds . fol. 44. .

And although by † the ciuill lawe the wife being a free woman , the children are likewise free , Quia partus sequitur ventrem e) e) §. sed etsi . Instit. de ingenuis . ; in so much that if the mother be free , either at the conception or at the birth of the child , or in the meane time by the same ciuill lawe , that child shall be free , notwithstandinge the bondage of the father f) f) Eod. ● sed etsi . : Yet it † is otherwise by the lawes of the realme , for the childe dooth follow the state & condition of the father , and therefore in England the father being a bondman , the child shal be in bondage , without distinction whether the mother be bond or free g) g) Bracton . de legib. & cons. Ang. lib. 1. c. 6. : So that the childe be begotten or borne in lawfull matrimonye . But † a bastarde shall not be bound though the father were a bond-slaue h) h) Btacton . vbi supr. principall grounds . fol. 44. , because the lawe dooth not acknowledge any father in this case , for by the lawe a bastard is sometimes called , filius nullius , the sonne of no man : sometimes filius vulgi , the sonne of euery man i) i) Cui pater est populus , pater est sibi nullus , & omnis . Cui pater est populus , non habet ipse patrem . gloss . in §. pen . Inst. de nuptijs . . But howsoeuer the ciuill lawe and the laws of this realme differ in this , whether the bondage of the father or of the mother , doo make the childe bonde : Yet in † this they doo agree , that a bond-man can not make a testament k) k) L. liber . de petic . haered . L. seruus . Comm̄. de success . C. Vasq . de sucsess . progress . lib. 1. §. j. vbi multis ampl . hanc propositionem ornat . .

A villeine † howsoeuer he may seeme like vnto a slaue , yet his bondage is not so great , for whatsoeuer a bond-slaue getteth , by and by it is his Lords ; albeit ignoraunt and vnwillinge l) l) §. Item nobis Instit. per quas personas . , not onely in respect of property , but also in respect of possession : for whatsoeuer a bond-slaue dooth possesse , he doth also possesse it for his Lord m) m) Eod. §. Item ibi , non solum . . But it is not so with a villeine , for the Lord hath no title to the goodes of his villeine before seasin ; nor any title to his landes before entrie , nor anie title to any rent , reuersion , common , or the aduowsement of a church , belonging to the villeine , but by clame n) n) Perkin . tit. Grant . fol. 6. Brooke Abridg. tit . villenage . Doct. & Stud. lib. 2. c. 43. . And so the velleine in the meane time hath perfecte propertie therein o) o) Doct. & Stud. d. c. 43. lib. 2. . And therefore † a villeine is more like vnto him , which in the ciuill lawe is called Ascriptitius Glebae p) p) Ascriptitius Glebae , id est , adscriptus praedio . Spieg. Lexicon . , ( that is to say , one that is ascribed or assigned to a ground or farme , for the perpetuall tilling or manuring thereof q) q) Quemadmodum enim Ascriptitius verè seruus non est , sed ser● li tantùm macula as●●rsus . Bald. in L. cum precum . C. de lib. causa & sicut . qui ascribitur glebae , seu praedio perpetuò colendo , nunquam inde recedere debet : vel si aufugiat ad antiquos penates , nempe vbi natus est , redire compellitur . L. omnes de Agricul . censit . lib. 11. C. Eodem prorsus modo isti , quos Villeins appellat vulgus . Licet non sunt propriè serui ; perpetuae tamen praedij culturae astringuntur nunquam inde recessuri inuito vel ignorante domino . Quod si aufugiunt , conceditur statim breue , quod dicitur De natiuo habendo . Fitzh . Nat. Bre. , ) then to a slaue .

If you will † vnderstand whether a villeine , may make his testament or not : we must † note that whatsoeuer villeines haue of their owne , be it landes or goodes , the lorde may by entrie or seasing take and enioye the same as his owne r) r) Brooke Abridg. tit . villenage . Perkins . tit. Graunts . fol. 6. Litleton tit . villenage . Termes of law . verb. Them . , onely he may not slay or maine his villeine s) s) Old tenur̄ . tit. villen . . And therefore † if the villeine make any deuise of landes or goodes , the Lord may before the approbation of the will , or apprehension of the goodes , by the executor , enter to those landes and sease those goodes or some parcell thereof , in the name of the whole , and by that meanes make voide the gifte or deuise of the villeine t) t) Doct. & Stud. lib. 2. c. 43. . The will is also voyd , though the Lord doe not really sease any goods of his villeine , in case he did claime the villeine in his life time , and by wordes onely did sease his goodes , for then the executor shall not haue them but the lord of the villeine v) v) Brooke . tit. villeine . n. 50. .

But if † the will be prooued before the ordinarie , and by him approoued ; and the executors ( by vertue of the same will or deuise ) enioie or possesse the same landes or goodes , accordingly , then I suppose the lord may not enter , to such landes or sease those goodes , no entrie , seasing or claime being made before x) x) Brooke eodem titu . num. 73. Doct. & Stud. lib. 2. c. 43. Adde quod Ascriptitius potest testm facere . Spec. de Instr . edi . §. compendiose . Lindw . in c. statutum . verb. Ascriptitiorum . de testa . lib. 3. prouincial . constit . Cant. : for if a villeine purchase landes and alieneth the same to an other , before his lorde enter ; then the lord may not enter afterwardes , but it shall be imputed to his owne follie , that hee entred not when the lands was in the villeines hands y) y) Litleton . tit. villenage . . And so it is of other goodes , which if the villeine sell or giue to an other before the Lorde doe sease them , the sale or gift is good , and the lord can not afterwardes haue the same z) z) Ibidem . .

Neuerthelesse if the † prince haue anie villeine , which purchaseth lands , and alieneth the same before the prince doo enter , yet maie the prince at any time after enter vnto the landes to whom so euer the same doe come a) a) Litleton . vbi supr. . And likewise , if the princes villeine sell or giue any goodes , yet may the prince at any time after sease those goods in whose hands so euer they doo remaine b) b) Ibidem . , for the prince is not preiudized by any course of time . And therefore I doe collect , that if the princes villeine should by testament dispose either landes or goodes , the prince ( notwithstanding the approbation of the same testament , and execution thereof ) might enter to the lands and sease the goods so deuised , or disposed , in whose hands so euer the same were c) c) Arg. à contract . ad vlt. vol. de quo Olden . Topic. Legal . loco à contract . .

Note that † what I haue here spoken of villeines , is not to be vnderstood of such persons as onely holde lands in villenage , being themselues no bond-men but free ( for diuers persons holde by tenure in villenage , and yet be no villeines themselues d) d) Brooke , Littleton , Old . tenures , tit . villenage . ) but of such as bothe hold by villenage and are villeines also : For these are they whose testaments or last willes are voidable , sauing as before , where the will is prooued and the executor or legatary possessed of the thinges deuised : And sauing where † the villeine is executor to an other person , for being executor himselfe he may appoint an other executor , who shall haue those goodes which the villeine had as executor , and not the Lord of the villeine e) e) Brooke tit . villenage . n. 73. . For if the † villeine himselfe were liuing the Lord could not take from him such goodes , as hee hath as executor to an other man , & if he did , his villeine might bring an action against him for the same , and recouer both the goods and dammages f) f) Brooke . d. tit . villenage . n. 68. : the † reason is , because that which the villeine hath as executor , hee hath it not to his owne vse g) g) c. Statutum . §. nullus de testa . lib. 3. prouincial . constituc . Cant. & infr. part . 6. §. j. , but is to be imployed in the behalfe of the testator , as to the paiment of his debtes and legacies , and to other godlye vses : as appeareth more at large in the office of an Executor h) h) Infr. 6. part . §. j. §. iij. §. xvj . §. xxj . .

Of captiues and prisoners .

1 A captiue during his captiuitie , can not make a testament .

2 If the captiue escape , whether the testament made during his captiuitie be good ?

3 What if the testament were made before hee were captiue .

4 What if the testator be taken captiue , by some pirat , Turke , Insidle or christian , when warre is not proclamed .

5 Whether he may make a testament which is condemned to perpetuall prison .

6 What if the testator be imprisoned for dette .

§. viij .

HEe † that is taken captiue by the enemie , during his captiuitie , can not make a testament a) a) L. eius qui apud hostes . ff. de testa . : In so much that † if afterwardes hee doo escape , yet the testament made whiles he was with the enemie , is voyd b) b) Ead. L. eius . . But if † his testament were made before his captiuitie ; then after his escape , the testament is of like force , as if he had not beene captiue c) c) L. ratio . ff. de captiuis . Grass . Thesaur . con. op. §. testm q. 25. vbi hanc opinionem communiter approbatam oftendit . . Likewise if the testament were made before he were apprehended , and the testator die in captiuitie , yet is the testament allowed , and the executor by force therof , is to haue all his goodes here within this realme of England , as if he had died the day before his captiuitie d) d) L. lege Cornelia . ff. de testa . . Likewise † if any person be taken as captiue by any Piratte , Turke , Infidell or Christian , where warre is not proclamed , hee that is so taken remaineth still a free man : and therefore if hee make his testament whiles he is so deteined , the testament is good and lawfull e) e) L. qui à latronibus . ff. de resta . . If a † lay man be condemned to perpetuall prison for some offence , it seemeth that he can not make a testament f) f) Panor . in Rub. de testm. extr. Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. testm. q. 28. cui tamen opinioni quantumuis communi non acquiescit Clar. §. testm. q. 23. : but if † any person be imprisoned for dette , such imprisonment being ordained for safety not for punishment , he is not thereby disabled to make his testament g) g) Bald. in L. 1. C. si quis aliq . testari prohib . n. 5. ; sauing that the testament is not good , when it is made in his fauour , at whose suite the testator is imprisoned , of intent to extorte the same h) h) L. qui carcerem . ff. quod me caus . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 2. tit. 7. n. 2. .

Of a woman couert .

1 A maried woman cannot make her testament of lands .

2 Especially not to her husband , and wherefore .

3 What if she be not constrained , but doeth deuise the same freely of her owne accord .

4 What if the testament be made before mariage .

5 What if the testament being made during mariage , she ouer liue her husband .

6 Certain cases wherin the deuise of lands is good , not withstanding the couerture of the testatrix .

7 A wife cannot make her ●●●●nent of goods , without her husbands licence 〈◊〉 ●●●sent .

8 The reason wherefore the wife cannot make her testament of goods , without the husbands licence or consent .

9 Whether it be necessarie that this licence or consent should goe before the making of the will , or concur , or may follow .

10 Whether , and when the husband may reuoke the licence giuen to his wife .

11 Certaine cases wherein the wife may make her testament without her husbandes consent .

12 Whether an Emperesse or a Queene may make a testament without the consent of the King or Emperour .

13 Of that which is due to the wife , whereof the husband was neuer possessed , she may make her testament without his consent .

14 A woman contracted in matrimony , if the mariage be not solemnized , may make her testament .

15 A wife being executrix , may make an executor to the former testator without her husbands consent .

16 The reason of the former position .

17 Whether a wife being executrix , may make her husband executor in her place .

18 A wife executrix may not giue away the testators goods by her will .

19 A wife both executrix and legatarie , cannot make a testament of that which she did accept not as executrix , but as legatarie .

20 The reason wherefore an executor can not dispose the testators goods by legacies .

21 The reason wherefore a wife executrix and legatarie , may not make her testament of that which she did accept as legatarie .

22 Whether shall the wife which is bothe executrix , and legatarie , bee deemed to haue accepted of the testators goods as executrix or legatarie ?

23 Whether the wife being licenced to make her testament may make any moe willes but one .

§. ix .

A Maried † woman by the lawes and statutes of this realme , can not make her testament of any mannors , lands , tenementes or hereditaments a) a) Stat. H. 8. an. 34. c. 5. . This conclusion is diuersly enlarged : And first shee † cannot deuise the same to her husband b) b) Brooke Abridg. tit . deuise . n. 32. 34. : the equitie of which prohibition , ( If I may be so bolde with the good fauour of our temporall lawyers , to insert the reason & consideration of the ciuill lawe ) is not obscure . For if this gappe were lefte open , fewe children should succeede in the mothers inheritaunce c) c) L. 1. 2. 3. ff de donac . inter vir . & vx . : But by howe much the husband were more cruel , & the wife more timerous , he crafty , she credulous , by so much the more were the lawfull heire in danger to be disherited , and the cruel & deceitfull husband in hope to be vnworthilye enriched and aduaunced . Wherefore if the wife should deuise any her mannors , lands , tenements , or hereditaments or any part therof to her husband , this deuise were voide , because the same is presumed to haue beene made by constrainte of the husband , or other sinister meanes d) d) Brooke . vbi supra . . Secondly , albeit † it did appeare by due proofe , that the husband did not constraine his wife therevnto ; but that she of her owne accorde or free motion did make any such deuise either to her husband or to any other person by his consent : yet is not the deuise good e) e) Ita saepius accepi à nonnullis huius regni iurisperitis , non vulgaribus , quos ipse velim consulas . , as well because the words of the statute are generall ( and where the lawe dooth not distinguish , there may not we distinguish f) f) L. p. ecio . ff. de public . in rem . action . , ) as for diuers other reasons grounded in the common laws of this realme . Thirdly , albeit † the testament be made before the mariage , yet she being intestable at the time of her death , by reason her husband is then liuing , the testament is voyd g) g) Arg. §. alio . Institu . quib . mod. testa . infir . : for it is necessarie to the validity of a testament , that the testator haue ability to make a testament , not onelie at the time of the making thereof , when the testament receiueth his essence or being : but also at the time of the testators death , when the testament receiueth his strength and confirmation . h) h) d. §. alio . & §. non tamen . Instit. quib . mod. testa . infir . L. 1. §. exigit . ff. de bon. poss. secundum tab. Porcus in §. in extra neis . Instit. de haered. qual. & dr̄ia . Fourthly , albeit † the wife doo ouerliue the husband , yet the testament made duringe the mariage is not good i) i) c. Non firmatur de reg. iur. 6. L. 1. § j. de leg. 3. : the reason is yeelded before , because she was intestable at the time of the will making k) k) Arg. §. praeterea . Instit. quib . non est p●rmiss . testa . fac . verb. nec ad rem . Plowd . in cas inter Br●t . & Rigden . fol. 341. . But if † the testament beeing made during the couerture , she doo approoue and confirme the same after the death of her husband , in this case the deuise is good , by reason of her new consent , or new declaration of her will l) l) L. 1. §. j. de leg. 3. ff. & ibi Paul . de castr. & alij . . What if the testament be made before the mariage , and shee ouer liue her husband , whether in this case is the testament good or not ? By the ciuil law it is of as great force , as if she had not beene maried at all m) m) d. §. non tamen . & §. pen . verb. denique . Instit. de mil. testa . : and so I am informed that it is by the lawes of this realme n) n) Plowd . d. cas. inter Bret & Rigden . fol 343 . Neuerthelesse I shall willingly referre thee to the learned professors thereof . This much of the deuise of lands .

Of † goods and cattelles the wife can not make her testament , without the licence or consent of her husband o) o) Bracton de legib. & consuc . Ang. lib. 2. c. 26. Brooke . tit. deuise . n. 34 & in tit . testament . n. 21. Lindw . in c. stat. verb. propriorum de testa . lib. 3. prouincial . constituc . Cant. cui tamen hoc durum videtur . , ( except in certaine cases hereafter specified p) p) Hoc ipso . §. n. 11. cum sequen. ) because † by the laws and customes of this realme , so soone as a man and a woman be married , al the goods and cattels personal that the wife had at the time of the spousals , or celebration of the mariage , or after r) r) Tract . de repub. Ang. lib. 3. c. 6. Doct. & Stud. lib. 1. c. 7. , and also the cattelles reall , if he ouer liue his wife ; belong to the husband , by reason of the said mariage s) s) Doct. & Stu. lib. 1. c. 7 : and therfore with good reason she can not giue that away which was hers without the sufferance or graunt of the owner : t) t) L. id quod nostrum . de reg. iur. ff. c. filius de testa . extr. : Notwithstanding † vpon licence or consent of the husband the wife may make her testament , euen of his goods v) v) Lindw . in d. c. statutum verb. propriorum . de testa . lib. 3. prouincial . constituc . Cant. Bract. d. lib. 2. c. 26. Brook . tit . deuise n. 34. . And albeit the nature of a licence is to goe before the acte x) x) Phil. Franc. in c. Ratishibitio . de reg. iur. 6. , and the propertie of auctoritie , or auctorizable consent is to concurre with the acte y) y) Tiraquel . de legib. Conub . gloss . 4. in prin. : yet by the lawes of this realme , if a wife make a testament of her husbands goods , the husband not vnderstanding thereof , and after her death the executors prooue the same , if the husband deliuer the goods deuised in the will to the executor , therby he hath made the testament good , notwithstanding hee were not priuie to the making thereof z z Perkin . tit. deuise . c. 8. fol. 97. Tiraquel . vbi supr. ; because in this case the same law presumeth , that the husband gaue his consent in the beginning , at the time of the will making . And therfore the same being proued and the goods deliuered accordingly , it is then too late for him to reuoke the same a) a) Perkin . vbi supr. . Albeit otherwise , if † the husband doo giue licence to his wife , to make a wil of his goods , yet he may reuoke the same , not onely at the making of the wil , but after her death , at the least before the will be proued b) b) Brook . Abridg. tit. deuise . n. 34. .

The † cases wherein a wife may make a testament of goodes and cattelles , without her husbands licence and consent are these . First I suppose that an Emperesse † or a Queene maie make her testament without the licence of the Emperor or King her husband , so that it be not in preiudice of her said husband c) c) De Augusta , & Regina , an & quando exemptae sint à legibus , vel statutis , quibus cauetur , ne vxor testamentum condere valeat sine mariti consensu , videre est apud Peckium , in praeclaro suo tractatu de testam . coniug. . lib. 3. c. 26. . The second case is when any thinge is † due vnto the wife , wherof she was not possessed during the mariage : For it seemeth that she may make her testament thereof , and that she may make her husband executor in that case d) d) Brook . Abridg. tit. testam . n. 11. Fitzherb . Abridg tit . executor . n. 109. . Thirdly , if † a man and a woman be contracted together in matrimonie , and the woman die before espousals or celebration of the mariage , albeit the lawe dooth often call this woman thus betrothed and assured by the name of wife , because of the certaine hope of mariage , shortly to be solemnized , whereby she shall become a wife e) e) Couar . de sponsal . 2. part . c. 1 n. 4. Peckius . de testa . coniug. lib. 4. c. 5. : yet I take it for a cleare case , that the woman so dying may make her testament without his agreement , to whom she was contracted in matrimonie f) f) Perkins tit . feoffment . c. 3. fol. 40. quod verum est iure huius regni . Caeterum attenta legistarum opinione communi , si statuto caue atur , ne quid coniuges inuicem relinquere possi●t : intelligitur etiam de sponsis . Peckius . tract de testa . coniug. lib. 4. c. 11. . Fourthlie † if the wife bee executrix to an other man , she may make her testament without the licence of her husband g) g) Fitzherb . Abridg. tit . exec. n. 40. Brook . eod. tit n. 11. Perkins . tit. de use . c. 8. fol. 97. : the reason † is because such goods as she hath as executrix , are not her husbands , but are to be distributed for the deade , as for the paiment of his dettes , performance of his wil , & for such other good and godlye purposes h) h) Latiùs inf. par. 6. §. j. : and therefore if the executrix should make no executor but die intestate , administration might be obteined of the goods not administred by the next of kinne of the testator deceased i) i) Plowden in cas. inter Greisbrook & Fox . , ( for where an executor dieth intestate , the testator from that tyme is esteemed to die intestate k) k) Brook Abridg. tit . administrator . n. 45. , ) so farre is it from the husband to haue any of those goods wherof his wife is executrix ; much like vnto that lord whose villeine is executor , in which case he can not take from his villeine that which did belong to the testator , but his villeine may haue an action against him for the same and may recouer bothe the goodes and dammages , ( as hath beene said before . l) l) Supr. ead. part . §. viij . n. 18. ) Although otherwise whatsoeuer dooth appertaine to the villeine , the lord may take the same from him , and ( as our common lawyers tearme it ) maie euen robbe his villeine m) m) Olden tenures . tit. villenage . . Furthermore † it is not onely lawfull for the wife being executrix to make a testament without her husbands licence , but she may name and appoint him executor n) n) Brook Abridg. tit . exec. n. 11. . Howbeit this position † , that the wife being executrix , may make her wil of those goods wherof she is executrix , without her husbands licence is restrained in two cases : the one is when shee dooth not make an executor , but bequeatheth the goods whereof she is executrix , by deuise or legacie o) o) Plowd . in casante● Bransby & Grantham . fol. 525 imo nec cum consensu marits , potest legare testatoris bona . . The other is , when † she is not onely executrix , but legatary also , and hath accepted of the thing bequethed , not as executrix but as legatary p) p) Infr. hoc ipso . §. n. 21. . In these two cases the will is void , the † reason of the former of these two limitations is , because an executor may not dispose of the goods of the testator , otherwise then to the vse of the testator , as to the paiment of his dettes performaunce of his will , and to other charitable vses q) q) c. statutum . lib. 3. prouincial . constituc . Cant. Plowd . d. cas. inter Bransby . & Grantham . & infr. 6. part . §. j. & §. iij. : and therefore may not giue or deuise the same by legacie , for that were to dispose of the testators goods , as if they were the proper goods of the executor , and to conuert the same to the priuate vse of the legatary r) r) Plowden . vbi supr. facit . c. filius . de testa . ext. , and not to the vse of the testator . But when an executor dooth onely make an other executor , the second executor dooth stand chargeable and accomptable for the distribution of the first testators goods to the vse of the same testator , as did the former executor , and is by the lawes of this realme reputed for the executor , not of the executor , but of the former testator s) s) Brook Abridg. tit . execut . n. 132. & infr. par. 6. §. j. & §. iij tu vide Bar. in L. veluti . ff. de petic . haer. ; so is not a legatarie . The reason † of the second limitation is this , for that which one hath as legatarie , hee hath it to his owne priuate vse t) t) L. legatum . de leg . 2. L. à Titio de furtis ff. , and not to the vse of the testator : and the wife being not onely executrix , but legatarie also ; accepting of the thing bequeathed , not as executrix , but as legatarie ; doth thereby make it her owne proper goods , & consequently her husbandes : For that which is the wiues , is by reason of the mariage her husbandes , and being inuested in him v) v) Tract . de repub. Ang. lib. 3. c. 6. , ( as hath beene saide before : ) cannot bee giuen from him without his licence or consent x) x) L. id quod nostrum . de reg. tur . ff. . Great difference there is therfore betwixt these two cases , of accepting the thing bequethed as executrix , or as a legatarie , for in the one case it is not her husbands , and so she may make a testament therof , by appointing an executor to distribut the same to the vse of the first testator y) y) Brook . tit . exec. n. 11. : and in the other case it is her husbands ; and so she can not make any testament of the same without his licence z) z) Supr. eod. §. .

But † here ariseth an other question , what if it doo not appeare whether the wife did accept the thing bequeathed , as executrix or legatary : In whether name is shee presumed in lawe to haue accepted the same ? as executrix ? or as legatarie ? Some are of this opinion , that she is esteemed to haue accepted the same as executrix , not as legatarie f f Plowd . in cas. inter Paramor & Yardley . lib. 2. fol. 543. , because it is not lawfull for legataries to carue for themselues , taking their legacies at their own pleasures g) g) L. 1. Quorum lega . ff. L. non d. ●●rum . de leg . C ; but must haue them deliuered by the executor h) h) Perkins tit . testam . c. 7. fol. 94. b. . And therefore if any shold determine to accept such a legacie , it behoueth him by protestations or other acte answerable , to manifest the same i) i) L. detestatio . de verb. sig. L. pro haerede de acquir . haered . ff. . Others are of contrarie opinion , namelie that in this case she is reputed to haue accepted the thing bequeathed as legatarie , not as executrixe k) k) Plowd . in d. cas. inter Paramor & Yardley , vbi varijs arg. ●●t●git hoc ipsum confirmare . : Because where any act may be doone , or any thing taken or possessed by a double right , the party is presumed to doe that act , or to take and possesse that thinge by force and vertue of that right , which is more fauorable and more beneficiall to the partie l) l) Alciat de praesump . reg. 3. praesump. 36. n 4. 5. post Alex. ● L. Gallus . §. vlt. de lib. & post . ff. n. 10. & Io. And. in c. si super de offic. del . in 6. Mascard . tra●● . de probac. concl. 42. n. 30. . Nowe it is more profitable for euerye one which is both executor and legatary to accept the thing bequeathed as legatarie , then as executor : because the legatarie hath full right in the thinge bequeathed and may dispose therof at his pleasure m) m) L. legatum . de leg. 2 L. à Titio . de sur . ff. : Whereas an executor hath not any such right , but must dispose the testators goodes to the only vse & for the onely behoofe of the testator : n) n) c. statutum de testa . §. null ▪ lib. 3. p●incial . constituc . Cant. Magna charta , c. 18. Perkin . tit. deuise . fol. 97. And therefore vnlesse by solemne protestations o) o) Nam declaranti ꝑti credendum est , cùm dubitatur an ex hac vel illa causa rem possidebat DD. in d. L. Gerit . ff. de acquir . haered . M●scard . tract . de probac concl. 47. n. 9. , or other meanes it maye appeare that the executor did accept of the thinge bequethed as executor , the party shal be deemed to haue accepted the same as legatary , which opinion ( if I doe not erre ) is more agreeable to the rules of the ciuill lawe p) p) L. in toto iure . de reg. iur. ff. Mascard . tract . de probac. concl. 46. n. 29. 37. 57. Grauet . consil. 197. n. 4. . As for the reason of the other opinion , that a legatarie may not take his legacie of his owne auctoritie : that is true , when an other person is appointed executor , otherwise not q) q) Sichard . in L. non dubium . C. de lega . n. 53. & Ias . in ead. L. lim . 2 .

What † if the case be such , as the wise can not make her testament without licence , and that the husband dooth graunt licence to the wife , to make her testament of a certaine portion of his goodes ( as many times it hath happened and may againe fall out , by reason of bondes and couenauntes at or before the mariage ) and that the wife so licenced to make a testament , dooth first make one testament , and afterwardes an other , and peraduenture the third , or fourth , whether shall the licence bee extended to the last testament , or shall it bee vnderstood of the first testament onely ? For that testament is to bee approoued by the ordinarie for the makinge whereof the wife is licensed . Diuers and those of great auctority , are of opinion , that the licence is to be vnderstoode of the first testament , and not to be extended to any other testament r) r) Socin . consil. 89. vol. 1 Dec. consil. 512. . Others are of this iudgment , that the licence is to bee extended to the last testament s) s) Sarm entus . tract . de redditibus ecclesiast. c. 4. : otherwise the former testament should be voyde , because it is reuoked by the latter t) t) §. posteriore . Instit. quib . mod. testa . infir . , and the latter testament should be voyd for want of the husbands licence : v) v) Lindw . in c. statutum verb. propriorum vx . de testa . lib. 3. prouincial . constituc . Cant. and so no testament at all should take place ; or if the former testament were not reuoked by the latter , as being vnlawfull , then it must bee graunted that a testament may take place not onely without the will , but euen against the will of the testator x) x) Quod certè valdè absurdum est . Quum potius tolerandum sit , vt quis decedat intestatus , quàm vt testamentum contra voluntatem testatoris sustineatur . Mantic. de coniect. vol. lib. 2. tit . 15 , whereas it ought to be directed and ruled according to the will of the testator , from whence it hath his life & being y) y) Supr. prim . par. §. 3. . And although it be so , that when licence is graunted to anie to doe an iterable acte , otherwise against lawe , it ought to be restrained to the first acte onely z) z) L. Boues . §. hoc sermone . de verb. sig. ff. , wherof a hundreth instances might be brought a) a) Tiraquel . in repet . d. §. hoc sermone . : yet that rule is to be vnderstood , when the first acte dooth or may take effect in the life time of the person to whom such licence is graunted b) b) Sarmientus . vbi supr. . But in our case the acte , that is to say , the testament is of no force before the death of the testator c) c) c. Marthae . de celebr . miss. extr. , and therefore that ought not to minister an impediment , which is without effect in lawe d) d) c. non praestat . de reg. iur. 6. .

Of those which be Deafe and Dumbe .

1 Some persons are both deafe and dumbe ; others deafe but not dumbe ; and others againe dumbe but not deafe .

2 Whether he which is bothe deafe and dumbe maie make a testament .

3 Whether he may make a testament which is deafe , but not dumbe .

4 Whether he may make a testament which is dumbe but not deafe

§. x.

WHere it is said , that some persons can not make a testament by reason of the defect of some of their principall sences a) a) Supr. ead. part . §. j. , that wee may the better vnderstand who those be ; wee are to note † that some persons can neither heare nor speake ; others can speake but not heare ; some againe can heare and not speake b) b) Minsing . in §. Item surdus . Instit. quib . non est permiss . testa . fac. . Touching the first sorte † , that is to say , those which are both deafe and dumbe , if any be so by nature , then can hee not make any kinde of testament or last will c) c) L. discretis . C. qui testa . fac . poss. §. Item surdus . Instit. quib . non est permiss . testa . fac. ; vnlesse it doo appeare by sufficient argumentes , that he vnderstandeth what a testament meaneth , and that he hath a desire to make a testament , for if he haue such vnderstanding , and desire , then hee may by signes and tokens declare his testament d) d) Dec. in d. L. discretis . Tiraque l. de priuileg . piae causae c. 9. Hoc scilicet subintellecto , vt in confectione testamentorum Anglicorum sufficiat probatio iuris gentium . Id quod non semel dixi , sed , & saepiùs est dicendum . , if he be not deafe & dumbe by nature . But beeing once able to heare and speake , if by some accident afterwardes he looseth both his hearing and the vse of his tongue , then in case he be learned and be able to write , he may with his owne hand write his testament or last will , and so by arte supplie the defect of nature e) e) d. §. Item surdus . Instit. quibus non est per. miss. testa fac. . But if he be not able to write , then is he in the same case that they are , which be both deafe and dumbe by nature , that is to say , if he haue understanding he may make his testament by signes , otherwise not at all f) f) Dec. in d. L. discretis Tiraquel . de priuileg . d. c. 19. piae causae . .

Such † as can speake and can not heare , they may make their testamentes , as if they coulde both speake , & heare : neither skilleth it whether that defect came by nature , or otherwise g) g) Minsing . in d. §. item surdus . . But there is none found so deafe , but that he is able to heare somewhat , if not the crying voice of a man , yet the loude voice of some instrument , as of a horne , or a trumpet , or a gunne h) h) Paul . de castr. & I●s . in d. L. discretis . : and if he can speake , it is certaine that hee could once heare , otherwise if he could neuer haue heard , he could neuer haue spoken , for howe coulde he bee instructed to speake , if hee could neuer heare i) i) DD. in d. L. discretis & in d. § Item surdus . .

Such † as bee speechlesse onely , and not voyde of hearing , if they be learned , may very wel make their testamentes themselues by writing , or beeing vnlearned , may also make their testamentes by signes , so that the same signes be sufficient , well knowen to such as then be present k) k) DD. in L. discretis . .

Of a blinde man .

1 A blinde man may make a nuncupatiue testament .

2 Whether a blinde man may make a written testament .

§. xi .

HE that † is blinde may make a nuncupatiue testament , by declaring his will before a sufficient number of witnesses a) a) Sed an requirantur omnes solennitates , de quibus in L. hac consultissima . C. qui testa . fac . poss. & videtur eas adhiberi debere , quia communi Doctorum opinione , solennitas huius L. adhibenda est , vel in testamento ad pias causas , à caeco condito ; nec aliàs quicquam valet . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. testm. q 31. Ego verò adhaereo Alex. Ias . Decio . Sichardo , & alijs in ead. L. hac consultissima . & Tiraquel . qui putarunt hanc solennitatem non esse necessariam in huiusmodi testamento , sed sufficere probationem iuris gentium , & hanc opinionem recepit generalis regni nostri consuetudo . : But † he cannot make his testament in writing vnlesse the same be reade before the witnesses , in their presence , and acknowledged by the testator for his last will . And therefore if a writing were deliuered to the testator , and he acknowledged the same for his will , this were not sufficient ; for it may be that if he shold heare the same reade hee would not acknowledge the same for his will (b) (b) DD. in d. L. hac consultissima . C. qui testa . fac . poss. .

Of Traitours .

1 Traitours loose both their liues , landes and goods , and consequentlie , are intestable .

2 Traitours are intestable not onely from the time of their conuiction , but from the time of the crime committed .

3 A traitour pardoned and restored , may make his testament .

§. xij .

OF those who are prohibited to make their testaments as malefactors ( who now are to make their appearance and to shew themselues in the course of this treatise ) traitours , because they are most pernicious to the common wealth , are most worthie the first place in punishments .

Vnderstand † therefore , that whosoeuer is lawfully conuicted of high treason , by verditte , confession , outlawrie or presentment , besides the losse of his life , shall forfeite to the prince all his goods and cattelles , and all such landes , tenements and hereditaments ; as he shal haue in his owne right , vse or possession , of any estate or inheritance at the time of such treason committed , or at any time after a) a) Stat. Ed. 6. an. 5. c. 11. , and so consequentlie is intestable b) b) L. quisquis . §. j. C. ad L. Iul. maiest . L. si quis . de iniust . test . L. nemo . ff. de leg . 1. Vasq. de succoss . progress . lib. 1. §. j. n. 165. qui multis ampli . hanc . concl . ornat . : in so much † that traitours are not onely depriued of making any testament , or other kinde of last will , from the time of their conuiction , but also the testament before made dooth by reason of the same conuiction become voide , both in respect of goodes , and also in respect of lands , tenements and hereditaments c) c) Stat. Ed. 6. an. 5. c. 11. DD. in d. L. nemo . de leg 1. ff. & Vasq . vbi . sup .

Neuerthelesse if † any person being attainted of treason obtaine the princes pardon , and be thereby restored to his former estate ; then may he make his testament as if he had not been conuicted d) d) L. si quis . § quatenus ff. de iniust . rupt . & irrit . testa . : or if he made any before his conuiction and condemnation , the same by reason of such pardon recouereth his former force and effect , as hereafter is more fully declared e) e) Infr. 7. part . §. xvij . .

Of Felons .

1 Felons loose life and goods , and so be intestable .

2 Who shal haue felons landes .

3 Whether hee that is onely indited of felonie maie make his testament .

4 Whether he that standeth mute may make his testament of his landes .

5 Whether a man after he is apprehended for felonie , may make his testament .

6 Felons goods not to be seased before attainder .

7 The testament of a Felon conuicted is void , though he be neuer executed .

§. xiij .

IF any person † be condemned of felonie he ought to suffer death , and † the Prince shall haue all his goods , where so euer they bee found a) a) Stat. Eliz. an. 5. c. 14. Termes of law . verb. robberie . : and if he † haue any free holde it shall forthwith be seased into the Princes hands , and the Prince shall haue the profite thereof by the space of a yeere and a day , and also waste b) b) Praerog . Reg. c. 16. Eliz. an. 5. c. 14. : and after the Prince haue had it , the yeere and the day , and waste , the land shall be restored to the cheefe lord of the fee , except in certaine places , as in the countie of Glocester , where after a yeere and a day the lands and tenements of felons , shal reuert to the next heire to whom it ought to haue descended , if the felonie had not beene committed c) c) Praerog . reg. c. 16. : Or in Kent in Gauelkind , whereas it dooth descend to al the heires males , equally to be deuided , or to the daughters , where there be no sons , to be deuided amongst them , for there it is said , the father to the boughe , and the son to the ploughe d) d) Eod. c. 16. . Felons therfore lawfully conuicted can not make any testaments , or other dispositions of anie goods or landes , whereof ( as wee see ) the lawe hath disposed already e) e) Duplici ratione dānatus ad mortem , fit intestabilis : nimirum , bonorum publicatione & damnatione ad mortem . Damnatus autem ad mortem naturalem efficitur seruus poenae , quod communi opinione nititur , aduersus eos , qui existimarunt ingenuum hodie non effici seruum poenae huiusmodi damnatione : sed procedit prior opinio , siuè quis damnatus sit secundum ius commune , siuè etiam secundum statutum alicuius loci . Iul. Clar. §. testm. q. 21. Couar . in Rub. de testa . extr. 3. part . n. 27. Michael . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. testm. q. 26. .

But † if any man be indited onely of felony and die before he be conuicted or attainted , he may make his testament of his goods and also of his lands f) f) Quia non condemnatus non reperitur prohibitus . vide stat. R. 3. an. 1. c. 3. : or if † he be indited at the Princes suite , and so beeing arraigned vpon that inditement will not answer , but standeth mute or dumbe , whereupon he is to receiue paine ( as it is tearmed ) Forte & Dure , and bee pressed to death g) g) Do. & Stu. lib. 2. c. 41. . In this case his goods onely be confiscate , but not his lands h) h) ibidem . , and therefore in this case I suppose he may make his testament of his landes i) i) Quia viz. non ꝓhibetur , q non condēnatur . .

If a felon † bee indited , and afterwards attainted by verdit or confession , the time of the fact committed comprised in the inditement , is to be regarded in respect of his lands : but in respecte of his goodes , in the time of his iudgement k) k) Perk. tit . grants . fol. 6 . And therefore if before iudgement he doe sell , giue , or otherwise alienate his goodes , such saile , gift , or alienation is good l) l) Perkins . vbi supr. cōcordatius ciuile . L. post contractum . ff. de donac . cum distinctione tamen , vt per Bar. in d. L. Grass . §. testm. q. 26. . Neither † may the Sherife or other person , take or sease the goods of any person arrested and imprisoned , before the same person be conuicted or attainted of felonie , according to the law , or that the goods bee otherwise lawfullie forfeited m) m) Stat. R. 3. an. 1. c. 3. . Howe be it if hee make his testament before the condemnation , for as much as the testament is not good before his death n) n) c. Matthae . de celebr . miss. extr. , such disposition beeing preuented by iudgement or condemnation , is made frustrate o) o) Panor . in Rub. de testa . ext. Iul. Cla. §. testm. q. 21. Grass . §. testm. q. 26 Vasq de succes . resol . lib. 1. §. 6. n. 18. , in so much that if the † testator beeing conuicted of felonie , be neuer executed , for that perhaps he dieth in prison , or escapeth out of prison & dieth naturally : yet is the testament voyde by force of the condemnation o) o) Panor . in Rub. de testa . extr. Iul. Clar. §. testm. q. 21. Grass . §. testm q. 26. Vasq. de success . resoluc . lib. 1. §. 6. n. 18. , vnlesse hee doo obtaine his pardon , and there withall full restitution to his former estate p) p) L. si quis . §. quatenus ff. de iniust . testo . .

Of Heretikes .

1 An heretike can not make a testament .

2 Whether and when dooth an heretike forfeite his landes or goods .

3 Whether is the testament good , if the heretike were neuer conuicted .

4 An heretike may be condemned after his death .

5 Whether an heretike hauing reclaimed his heresie . may make a testament .

§. xiiij .

AN † heretike can not make a testament a) a) Auth. credentes . C. de haere . Lindw . in c. 1. de haeret . Vasq. de success . resoluc . lib. 1. §. iiij . n. 23. Simo de Praetis . de inter . vlt. vol. lib. 2. dub. 1. soluc . 4. . And albeit by the lawes and customes of this realme an † heretike do not forfeite his lands ; vnlesse beeing deliuered to laye mens handes , he be executed for his heresie b) b) Doct. & Stud. lib. 2. c. 29. ; nor his goods , vnlesse being conuicted of heresie , he be deliuered to lay-mens handes c) c) Ibidem . : Yet if he be conuicted , and publikelie excommunicated , though not as yet deliuered , he can not make a testament of his goods or cattels d) d) Bar. in d. Auth. credentes . Grass . § testm. q. 24. Clar. § testm. q. 24. Gabr. com . conc . lib. 4. tit . de testa . c. 1. Quaere tamen p stat. 2. Hen. 5. c. 7. .

If he † were neuer conuicted of heresie , and yet die an vndoubted heretike , in this case it may seeme that his testament is void , in respect of his goods ; the rather by force of the excommunication , into the which by reason of his heresie he did fall ipso facto e) e) c. Abolend . de sen. excom. extr. Lindw . in d. c. 1. de haeretic . & inf. ead. part . §. 18. , especially if in his life time he were so publikely denounced f) f) At non sufficit excommunicatio , etiam ob crimen , quo efficitur quis intestabilis , nisi fit publicata , si verum dicat Simo de Praetis . de interp. vlt vol. lib. 2. fol. 148. n. 75. : yea though he were not so denounced , yet † so odious is the crime of heresie , that hee may bee condemned of heresie after he bee dead g) g) c. sané profertur . 24. q 2. L. ex iudiciorum ff. de accu . L. Manichaeos . C. de haeret . c. vrgentis de haer. extr. Iul. Clar. §. haeresis . n. 21. Aegid . Boss . tract . var. tit . de haeretic . Bellam. dec. 677. cum seq. : at least the exception of intestabilitie , may be opposed against the probate of the testament h) h) Per ea quae habet Dec. in L. 1. de secundis nuptijs . C. n. 7. Cardinal . in clem . eos de sepultur . q. 19 & infr. ead. part . §. 18. . If the † testator reclaime his heresie , them he is not intestable ; although hee did not reclaime the same before condemnation , so that hee doe it before he be deliuered to the seculer power i) i) Hoc verum iure quo nos vtimur , nam iure ciuili reclamans haeresim post sententiam solùm euitat paenam mortis . Panor . in c. pen . de haeret . extr. Boer . decis . 343. Boss . tract . var. tit . de haereticis . . But how so euer he recouer abilitie to make a testament , which reclaimeth his heresie , yet the testament made by an heretike , whiles he persisteth in his heresie , doth not recouer any force by such recantation (k) (k) Simo de Praetis . de interp. vlt. vol. lib. 2. dub. 1. soluc . 4. n. 56. cuius rei ratio est , quia testm suit ab initio nullum . : and if he fall againe into the heresie , by such relapse hee dooth incurre all the punishments , whereunto he was subiect before : neither is his recantation any more to be accepted (l) (l) Clar. Boss . Carerius , Grillandus , & alij de haereticis . .

Of an Apostata .

1 An Apostata can not make a testament .

2 An Apostata woorse then an heretike .

3 Who is an Apostata .

4 The state of the heretike and of the Apostata damnable .

5 Three kindes of Apostasie .

6 Euery Apostatae is not intestable .

§. xv .

THat † which hath beene spoken of an heretike may also be verified of an Apostata a) a) L. 1 , 2 , & 3. C. de apostat . Summa Hostiens . tit. de apostat . §. qualiter . . For he is † as bad or rather worse and more execrable b) b) Wesenb . in tit . de apost. C.L. vlt. C. eod. . For † an Apostata is he which dooth wholie starte backe from the Christian faith , which once hee did professe and wherin he was once baptized , and becommeth in profession a Iewe , c) c) Summa Hostiens . tit. de apostat . extr. c. non potest . 2. q. 7. c. quidam de apost. &c. contra christianos . de haere . 6. or a Turke , or some other infidel approouing their detestable rites , and superstitions : wheras an heretike , albeit he doo obstinately perseuer in his error ; yet he erreth not wholy , but particularly in some part of christian religion d) d) Summa Hostiens . tit. de haere . & de Aposta . . Both in truth are abhominable and the † state of either miserable , and damnable . But of the two the Apostata is more horrible , and better were it neuer to haue knowne the way of trueth , then after the knowledge thereof , to reiect it or start away from it e) e) 2. epistol. Petr. c. 2. vers. 21. epist. Paul . ad Hebraeos . c. 6. vers. 6. ; worthily therefore is the Apostata to be as seuerelie punished , as an heretike f) f) Panor . in c. 1. de apostat . ext. .

There † be three kinds of Apostasie : Persidiae , Inobedientiae , Irregularitatis ; one of misbeleefe , an other of disobedience , the third of irregularitie g) g) Summa Hostiens . tit de aposta . §. quot species . . Apostasie of misbeleefe is where a man dooth vtterlye forsake the christian beleefe , as mention is made before : so did Iulian the Apostata . Apostasie of disobedience is , when the subiect refuseth to obey the lawfull commaundement of his ordinary or superior h) h) Summa Hosticas . d. tit . de aposta . epist. ad Hebr. c. 13. vers. 17. : and so do many Anabaptistes at this day . Apostasie of irregularity is , when he that hath entred into the ministery and taken holy orders , forsaketh his spirituall profession ; and becommeth not in habite onely , but in actions a laie man i) i) c. à nobis . de aposta . extr. : But † I suppose that an Apostata from obedience , or from spirituall profession , is not disabled to make his testament k) k) Bar. in Rub. de aposta . C. , though he bee worthilie subiect to other greeuous punishments l) l) De quibus Ab. in c. 1. de aposta . ext. & Hostiens . summa eod. tit. §. qualiter puniantur . .

Of Vsurers .

1 A manifest vsurer can not make a testament .

2 Euery vsurer is not intestable .

3 Who is a manifest vsurer .

4 Whether one acte may make an vsurer to be manifest .

5 Whether he be an vsurer which lendeth for gain , but dooth not receiue any more then the principal .

6 An vsurer is not intestable in England , vnlesse hee take aboue 10. in the 100. for a yeeres forbearaunce , or after that rate .

7 The punishment for vsury in England .

8 A manifest vsurer is not to bee buried in anie church or churchyard .

§. xvj .

A † Manifest vsurer cannot make a testament , and though he make one , it is voyd in law concerning goods and cattelles , vnlesse he satisfie for the vsury , or put in caution for satisfaction to be made a) a) c. quanquam de vsur . lib. 6. Clar. §. testm. q. 26 Michael Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. testm. q. 33. .

Where it is † said , a manifest vsurer , we are to note , that not euery vsurer is excluded from making a testament , but a manifest vsurer onely b) b) d. c. quanquam . & ibi gloss . & DD. , that is to say , † such an one as hath beene condemned for an vsurer , or hath publikly confessed that he hath taken vsurie , or is publikelie reputed and taken for a vsurer amongest his neighbours , who are presumed to know his life and conuersation c) c) Gemi . & Franc. in d. c. quanquam . . And † albeit some are of this opinion , that a man can not be said to be a manifest vsurer , vnlesse he haue diuers times taken vsurie d) d) Bat. in L. 3. de furt. ff , yet that opinion is not helde for sound , amongst the writers of the ecclesiastical laws ; who thinke that a man may be a manifest vsurer , by occasion of one onely acte the same being publike and manifest e) e) Card. in clem . eos de sepul . q. 19. . Neuerthelesse † it is not sufficient in lawe to depriue a man of the auctority or libertie of making a testament , because he hath lente his mony or goods to vsurie , vnlesse he haue taken encrease , ouer and aboue the principall f) f) Dom. & Franc. in d. c. quanquam de vsur . lib. 6. Ripa . respons. 116. . Neither † is it sufficient , to haue taken vsury , and that manifestlie , to the effect of making the vsurer intestable ; vnlesse he haue receiued aboue the summe of 10. pound for the lone or forbearing 100. pound for one yeere or after that rate g) g) Stat. Eliz. an. 13. c. 8. . For † although all vsury be worthily condemned by the lawes and statutes of this realme , as vnlawfull and vngodly h) h) d. Stat. : Yet neuerthelesse euery kind of vsury , is not punishable with like penaltie : for if anie doo receiue vsurie onely after the rate of 10. pound in the hundreth for a yeeres forbearance , or vnder that rate , he shall onely forfeite so much as shal be reserued or receiued by way of vsurie aboue the principall i) i) Ibidem . : but if any shall receiue aboue that rate , hee dooth not onelie loose his principall together with the interest , but is also to be punished and corrected according to the lawes ecclesiasticall k) k) Eod. stat. Eliz. an. 13. c. 8. . By † the which lawes ecclesiasticall , if any be a manifest vsurer , not onely his testament is voide , as is aforesaid , but his body after he bee dead is not to be buried amongst the bodies of other christian men , in any church or church-yard , vntill there be restitution or caution tendered according to the value of such goods l) l) d. c. quanquam . de vsur . 6. .

Of Incestuous persons .

1 Whether incestuous persons may giue any thing by their testament and to whom .

2 What mariages be incestuous .

3 What degree of consanguinitie dooth hinder mariage .

4 Certaine cases wherein the testators may bequeath some thing to their incestuous children .

§. xvij .

HE † which dooth contracte incestuous mariage , is prohibited to dispose any goods or cattelles by his testament or last will , either to his children begotten in such incestuous mariage , or to any other person a) a) L. si quis . C. de incest . nup. , sauing to his children begotten in lawfull mariage ( if he haue any by a former wife ) or to his parents , or to his brother , or sister , or to his vncle or aunte b) b) d. L. si quis . Per liberos autem intellige non solùm siliam & siliam , sed nep●tem , & neptem , & d●inceps altos vtriusque sexus descendentes : & per parentes , non solùm patrem & matrem , sed etiam auum , auiam , & altos ascendentes . Accurs. Bald. & alij in d. L. si quis . Simo de Praetis . de interp. vlt. vol. lib. 2. dub. 1. soluc . 4. n. 92. . By † incestuous mariage in this place , I vnderstande such mariages as are solemnized or had betwixt a man and a woman , being of kinred or aliaunce , the one to the other , within those degrees of consanguinitie or affinitie , within the which it is not lawfull to marrie c) c) Couar , de spons . & matr 2. part . c. 6. §. 8. c. le cilla . §. incestus . 36. q. 1. ; that is to say , within the leuiticall degrees , or the degrees prohibited by Gods lawe . For at † this present , by the statutes of his realme it is declared and established , to be lawfull for all persons to marry , which be not prohibited by Gods law ; and that no prohibition ( Gods lawe excepted ) shall trouble or impeach any mariage , without the leuitical degrees d) d) Stat. H. 8. an. 32. c. 38. . And therfore whosoeuer dooth marie being prohibited by Gods lawe , or being within the leuiticall degrees , can not dispose any thing by testament but to the persons aboue named , and especiallye not to his or her children begotten in such incestuous mariages ; vnlesse † the parentes were ignoraunt of the impediment of such consanguininitie or affinitie e) e) Simo de Praetis . de interp. vlt. vol. lib. 2. dub. 1. soluc . 4 n. 92. : In which case the mariage being publikly solemnized ; the children which are borne during such their ignoraunce , or the ignorance of one of them are legitimate f) f) c. cum inhibitio . §. si quis . de cland . despons . ext. & ibi Panor . Brook . tit . bastardie . n. 23. Fitzherb . tit. bastardie . n. 2. , albeit the parentes afterwardes should be diuorced g) g) Couar . epit . de sponsal . 2. part . c. 8. §. j. contrarium tenet Brook . tit . bastardie . n. 23. & alibi ꝑ eundem intersuos casus an . 24. Hen. 8. quem locum diligenter obserues cupio . : or vnlesse so much onely were lefte vnto their said children , as would serue for their competent sustentation or nourishment h) h) Plad ita ●ure Can. c. cum haberet de eo quit dax . in vx . ext. quod . c. locum habet non solum in spurijs , sed etiam in incestuosis , vt est com . op. teste Decio , in c. in patria de prob . extr. n 39. Gabr. lib. 6. de alimen concl. 1. n. 5. : or vnlesse the children were appointed bare executors without any other benefit : In which cases the testamente is good i) i) Inf. 5. part . §. 7 Petr. Duen . reg. 366. Limitae 9. verb. filius . Simo de Praetis . de interp. vlt. vol. lib. 5. fol. 17. n. 27. , as heereafter more at large k) k) Infr. part . 5. §. 7. .

Of a Sodomite .

1 Who is a Sodomite .

2 A Sodomite can not make a testament .

3 What if he were neuer condemned of Sodomitrie .

§. xviij .

A † Sodomite , that is to say , a) a) Sodomia autem dicitur non solùm illud nefandum peccatum inter masculos , sed etiam flagitium illud contra naturam cum faemina . Et haec opinio communis est contra Socin . contendentem istiusmodi peccatum , non sodomiam , sed extraordinariam quandam pollutionem dici debere , quem DD. communiter reprobant , vt refert Viuius , lib. com . op. verb. sodomia . Dec. in L. j. de secundis nuptijs . n. 9. C. Card. in clem. 1. de consang . & aff. q. 13. he or she that dooth commit that wicked & horrible sinne against nature , as did the Sodomites , whereof mention is made in the holy scripture b) b) Gen. c. 19. , is † prohibited to make a testament c) c) Spec. de Instr . edit . §. compendioso . n. 5. , and to bequeath his goods and cattelles . And albeit hee were neuer conuicted , † or condemned thereof in his life time , yet I suppose this exception may be obiected against the probate of the testament d) d) Dec. in L. 1. de secundis nup. C. Simo de Praetis . de interp. vlt. vol. lib. 2. dub. 1. soluc . 4. n. 97. , for that he was intestate at the time of the fact committed e) e) Simo de Praetis . & Dec. vbi supra . Adde Cardinal . in clem . eos . de sepul . q. 19. .

Of a Libeller .

1 What is a famous Libell .

2 A Libeller intestable .

§. xix .

A † Famous a) a) Famosum quandoque in malam partem sumi multis exemplis ostendit Petrus à Placa . epit . delict. c. 3. Libell is a writing made to the infamie of any man , published abroad to that ende b) b) Summa Angel . Summa Siluest. verb. libellus . : and he that † is condemned for deuising , writing , or publishing the same , is thereby depriued of the abilitie of making a testament , or disposing of any his goods or cattelles c) c) L. si cui . §. si quis . ff. de testa . L. vnic. de famos . libel . C. Petr. á Pla. epit . delict. lib. 1. c. 3. .

Of him that killeth himselfe . §. xx .

IF any man do wittingly & willingly kil himself , his testament , if he made any , is voyd a) a) L. si quis filio . §. eius . de testa . ff. L. 2. qui testa . fac . poss. C. , both concerning the appointment of the executor , and also concerning the legacie or bequest of any goods , for they are confiscate b) b) Vasq. de success . resoluc . lib. 1. §. 3. n. 31. .

Of him that is outlawed .

1 An outlawed person looseth his goods and benefite of the lawe .

2 What if the action be personall ?

3 What if the action be vniust ?

4 Whether an outlawed person may make his testament ?

5 What if the prince giue the goods to the executor , whether is he therefore chargeable with the paiment of legacies ?

6 He that is outlawed dooth some time forfeite not goods onely but lands also .

7 An outlawed person may make his testament of landes not forfeited .

8 An outlawed person may assigne tutors testamentarie to his children .

9 Certaine other cases , wherein hee that is outlawed may make his testament .

§. xxj .

AN † outlawed person is not onely out of the protection of the Prince , & out of the aid of the laws of this realme a) a) Fitzher . Nat. Br. fol. 161. Termes of law . verb. vt legarie . , but also all his goods and cattelles be forfeited to the Prince , by meanes of the outlawrie b) b) Doct. & Stu , lib. 2. c. 3 , although † hee were outlawed but in an action personall c) c) Termes . vbi supr. , and although † also the action peraduenture were not iust : neuerthelesse his goodes and catelles are forfeited , by reason of his contempt in not appearing : for it is a maxime in the common lawes of this realme , that he that is outlawed doeth forfeite all his goods and cattelles to the Prince ; without distinction whether the action be iust or vniust d) d) Doct. & Stu. lib. 2. c. 3 . And therefore † it followeth , that he that is outlawed can not make his testament of his goodes so forfeited e) e) Iul. Clar. §. testm. q. 19. . In so much that † if the prince hauinge seased the forfeited goods of the testator , should giue the same againe to the executor ; neuerthelesse the testament is voide in respect of such goods ; neither can the legatarie recouer the same at the hands of the executor f) f) Doc. & Stu. lib. 1. c. 6. , for by the forfeiture and seasin the propertie thereof is altered , and so ceasing to bee the goodes of the testator , doe not charge the executor , as assets g) g) Doc. & Stu. lib. 2. c. 3. & lib. 1. c. 6 .

If † the testator be outlawed by an outlawrie for felonie , then he doth not onely forfeite his goods and cattelles , but also his landes and tenementes , whether they be holden in fee simple or for terme of life h) h) Termes of law . verb. vt legat . : And hee that is thus outlawed , can neither make his testament of those goods nor of those landes , for they are none of his .

Howbeit † I suppose that he that is outlawed in an action personall , may make his testament of his landes , for they are not forfeited i) i) Vide quae sequuntur hoc §. litera L. quo etiam tendit quod scripserunt Brook . Tit. Gard. n. 6. & Perkins . tit. grants fol. 6. . Or if † he doe assigne tutors to his children ( as within the prouince of Yorke and other places by custome there vsed parentes may doe k) k) Infr. part. 3. § vij . ) the same assignation is to be confirmed l) l) Is enim qui nostratibus dicitur vt legatus , parùm differt à relegato . Cùm relegatio ( sicut vtlegatio ) nihil aliud est , quàm exilium temporarium . L. relegati . ff. de paen . Quinimo & relegati quandoque ( prout etiam vtlegati ) bona confiscata sunt . Iul. Clar. §. testm. q. 22. Attamen non amittit testm. factionem relegatus quoad bona , si quae sint non confiscata . Iul. Clar. d. q. 22. Quare , sicut relegatus , ita etiam vtlegatus testandi facultatem retinet : Si quid supersit non proscriptum , siue publicatum . Porrò bannitus non est intestabilis . Clar. q. 17. Denique nec deportatus ad pias causas . Grassus . §. testm. q. 17. n. 9. multò minùs efficitur vtlegatus intestabilis , quoad ea quae non sunt applicanda fisco . , by the ordinarie to whom the probate of testaments appertaineth . Or † if there be any error or discontinuaunce in the sute , or processe , by meanes whereof the outlawrie is reuersed or anulled : Or if the partie outlawed were beyond the seas at the time of the outlawrie pronounced m) m) Termes of law . verb. vtleg . , or if three proclamations were not made according to the statute lately made in that behalf , viz. one in the open countie courte , an other at the general quarter sessions , & the third at the church or chappell where the partie defendant dwelleth n) n) Stat. Eliz. an. 31. c. 3. ; in respect whereof the outlawrie is reuersed and voide : In these and like cases the testament is good , notwithstanding such outlawrie : And so it is if pardon be obtained , and he therby fullie restored o) o) L. si quis . §. quatenus . de iniust . test . ff. .

Of an Excommunicate person .

1 An Excommunicate person may make a testament .

2 Sauing in certaine cases .

§. xxij .

WHether † an Excommunicate person may make a testament or not is a question which hath many patrons , both of the affirmatiue and negatiue parte , howbeit the affirmatiue hath moe in number . And those also greater in weight or auctority a) a) Gabr. Rom. lib. 4. con. concl . tit. de testa . concl . 1. Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. testm. q. 24. Petr. Duen . tract . reg. & sall . vbi citantur & huius , & illius opinionis Authores paenè infiniti . : And this affirmatiue conclusion proceedeth , although he be publikelie exommunicated b) b) Grass . & Duen . vbi supra . , vnlesse he be † excommunicate for heresie , or manifest vsury , or for some other cause , for the which he is prohibited to make any testament c) c) Sed an hîc etiam opus sit denunciatione ; vide quae superiùs dicta sunt ead. part . §. 14. & § 18. : or vnlesse he be excommunicate with that great curse , which is called Anathema , which is not to bee inflicted but vpon great cause , with great deliberation and solemnitie d) d) Socin . tract . reg. & fall . verb. excommunicatus . .

Of Prodigall persons .

1 Diuers persons intestable by the ciuill lawe , which are not prohibited by the lawes and customes of this realme .

§. xxiiij .

OThers † also for other causes are forbidden to make their testaments , by the ciuill lawe a) a) De quibus Vigelius in sua method . iur. ciuil . lib. 9. c. 5. & 6. cum sequentibus . , namely prodigall persons b) b) L. is cui . ff. de testa . §. Item prodigus . Instit. quibus non est permiss . , and such as are doubtfull of their state of freedome or bondage c c L. de statu . de testa . ff. ; the son also , so long as his father liued ( in whose power he was ) could not make a testament , by the ciuill lawe d) d) L. qui in potestate . ff. de testa . . But seeing the lawes of our realme are contrarie , I shal not neede to enter into any discourse of that lawe about these persons .

Of him that hath sworne not to make a Testament .

1 It is an olde question , whether he that hath sworne not to make a testament , may notwithstanding make a testament .

2 The greater parte holde the affirmatiue .

3 No cautele vnder the same whereby the libertie of making a testament , may be taken away .

4 Whether it be needefull that the testator doe expreslie reuoke his oath .

xxv .

IT is † an olde question , whether he that hath taken an oth not to make a testament , may notwithstanding make a testament a) a) De qua . q. Bar. in L. si quis . ff de leg . 3. Io. And. in c. quod semel . de reg. iur in 6. Blad . in Auth. hoc inter . C. de testa . Spec. de Instr . edi . §. compendiose . vers. quid si quis . Summa Hostiens . tit. de sepulturis . §. an licitum . Oldrad . cons. 127. : and † although there were many which did hold , that in this case he could not make a testament b) b) Specul . Hostiens . Oldrad . & alij . vbi supra . , yet the greater number are of the contrarie opinion c) c) Bar. in d. L. si quis . Iul. Clar. §. testm. q. 94. Michael Grass . §. testm. q. 87. Soarez . lib. rec . senten . verb. testm̄. 67. & haec opinio proculdubio communis est , testimonio eorundem Clar. Grass . Soarez . ; esteeming the othe● not to be lawfull , and consequently not of force to depriue a man of the libertie of making a testament d) d) Bar. vbi supr. cui accedunt etiam Olden . de action . class. 5. in prin. Couar . in Rub. de testa . extr. 2. part . . And therefore if a man first make a testament , & then sweareth neuer to reuoke the same , yet notwithstanding he may make an other testament and therby reuoke the former e) e) Bar. Clar. Grass . vbi supr. Gabr. lib. 2. com . concl . tit. de iureiuran . concl. 1. n. 8. cum infinitis alijs . : for † there is no cautele vnder heauen , whereby the libertie of making or reuoking his testament can be vtterly taken away f) f) Bar. & Olden . vbi supra . . Howbeit if † the testator will make his testament contrarie to his othe , then it is necessarie that he reuoke his othe also , for the former testament is not reuoked , vnlesse the othe be also specially or expreslie reuoked g) g) Iul. Clar. §. testm. q. 94. Soarez . lib. rec . sen. verb. testm̄. 67. Grass . §. testm. q. 87. vbi dicit hoc esse valdè notandum . .

Of him that is at the verie point of Death .

1 He that is at the pointe of death cannot alwaies make his testament .

2 What if it appeare that he is of perfite minde and memorie .

3 What if his words can scarcely be vnderstood .

4 What if it bee doubted whether hee bee of perfite minde and memorie .

5 Whether the testament made at the point of death by the motion of an other be good or not .

6 What if the person be suspected which dooth aske the question .

7 They which be extreamely sicke doo easilie answer ( yea ) to anie question .

8 The former testament is not reuoked by the second , made by him that is readie to die at the interrogation of a suspected person .

9 Whether the testament be good , which is made at the interrogation of a person not suspected .

10 What if the sicke mans meaning doo not appeare but by his bare answer .

11 Whether that testament bee good , which beeing written by the Kinsfolkes of the sicke man , and afterwardes reade vnto him , and hee demaunded whether he be content to haue the same stande for his will , answereth ( yea ? )

§. xxvi .

WHether † he that is at the very pointe of death may make a testament , or whether the testament made by him when hee is halfe dead bee good or no , may be knowen by these cases following .

The first case is , when a man beeing so extreamely sicke , that he is wel nie dead , yet † neuertheles it appeareth vndoubtedly by his gestures & sensible speeches , that he is of good vnderstanding and sounde memorie ; in this case there is no question , but he may make his testament a) a) L. quoniam indignum . C. de testa . & DD. ibidem . Mantic . de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 2. tit . 6. Simo de Praetis . de interp vlt. vol. lib. 2. dub . vlt. soluc . 4. , for the integritie of the minde , and not of the bodie , is required in the testator b) b) L. 2. ff. de testa . L. senium . C qui testa . fac . poss. , and the libertie of making a testament , dooth continue euen vntill the last gaspe c) c) L. 4. de adimen . leg . ff. . In so much that † if the testator bee not able to pronounce his wordes so plainely and distinctly as he had beene accustomed , but scarcelie and with great difficultie can be vnderstood of such as be present , ( his tongue perhappes being swolne or become stiffe , and vntrulie , or otherwise disturbed by meanes of his sicknesse , ) yet dooth not the testament therefore loose his force or vertue d) d) d. L. quoniam indignum . Simo de Praetis . vbi supr. Phil. Franc. in Rub. de testa . lib. 6. Alex. consil. 33. vol. 3. n. 7. .

The second case is , † when a man is at the pointe of death , but it dooth not appeare plainely whether hee bee of perfect minde and memorie . In which case , some are of opinion , that neuerthelesse he is to be presumed of perfect minde and memorie e) e) Panor . in c. fin . de success . ab intestat . extr. n. 9. . Others are of the contrarie opinion , comparing him that is in this case to a dead man , partely through the intollerable extremitie of the sicknesse , and partly through the cogitation of imminent death f) f) Paul . de Castr. consil. 155. vol. 1. . Others more indifferent do reconcile these contrarie opinions , with this distinction : either the sicke person dooth speake so distinctlie as hee may be vnderstood , and then he is presumed to be of perfect minde and memorie , and so to be in that case that he may make his testament : or else hee can not speake so distinctly as hee may be vnderstood , and then hee is not in case to make his testament g) g) DD. in L. iubemus . C. de testa . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 2. tit. 6. n. ● . Viglius . in §. sed cùm paulatim . Instit. de test . ord. hoc distinctionum soedere conciliat istas contrarias leges , nempe L. quoniam indignum . & L. iubemus . C. de testa . .

The † third case is , when hee that is at the point of death and hardlie able to speake , so as he may be vnderstood , dooth not of his owne accorde make or declare his testament , but at the interrogation of some other , demaunding of him whether he make this or that person his executor , and whether he giue such a thing to such a person , answereth yea , or I doo so . In which case it is a question of some difficultie , whether the testament be good or not , neither can it be answered simplie , either negatiuelie , or affirmatiuelie , but diuerslie in diuers respects h) h) De hac q. consulas velim Mantic. de coniect . vlt. vol. lib. 2. tit . 6. & Gab. Rom. lib. ● . con. conclus . tit. de testa . concl. 2. vbi non paucis contentus est distinctionibus . , for if † the which doth aske the question of the testator , be a suspected person i) i) Paul . de Castr. consil. 155. col . pen . vol. 1 Zas . cons. 3. vol. 1. n. 37. So. cin . Iun. consil. 183. n. 27. vol. 2. qui refert hanc op. esse magis com . , or be importunate to haue the testator to speake k) k) Zas . d. cons. 3 n. 37. vol. 1. vbi attestatur hanc op. esse com . , or make request to his owne commoditie l) l) Socin . d. consil. 183. vol. 2. n. 39. Sichard . in L. iubemus . C. de testa . n. 7. in fin . ; as if he say , doe you make me your executor , or doe you giue me this or that ? And therupon the testator answer yea : in this case , it is to bee presumed , that the testator did answer , yea , rather to deliuer himselfe of the importunitie of the demaundant , then vpon deuotion or intente to make his will m) m) Paul . de Castr. in L. hac consultistima §. at cum humana . C. qui testa . fac . poss. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib , 2 tit. 6. n. 10. Socin . Iun. consil. 144. vol. 2. n. 49. Sichard . in d. L. iubemus . C. de testa . n. 7. Peckius . tract . de testa . coniug. lib. 1. c. 17. ; because it † is for the most part painefull and greeuous to those that be in that extremitie , to speake or bee demaunded anie question : and therefore are readie to answere ( yea , ) to anie question n) n) Hic , cui moribundus ( ait Alex. ) responderet ; Ita : etiamsi interrogares num interfecisset hominem , cons. 33. vol. 3. almost , that they may be quiet : which aduantage , craftie and couetous persons knowing verie well , are then most busie , and doo labour with toothe and naile , to procure the sicke person to yeelde to their demaundes , when they perceiue he cannot easilie resist them , neither hath time to reuoke the same afterwardes beeing then passing to an other world o) o) d. L. iubemus . & DD. ibidem . . And therfore worthilie and with great equitie and reason , is that to be deemed , for no testament , when the sick person answereth , yea , the interrogation beeinge made by a suspected person ; aswell in respect of presumption of deceite in the one , as of defecte of meaning of making of a testament in the other p) p) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 2. tit. 6. n. 9. Couar . in c. cum tibi . de testa . ext n. 4. Peckius . d. c. 17. n. 2. . And † this is true especiallie , when there is an other former testament , for that is not to be reuoked by a second testament made at the interrogation of an other , in maner aforesaid q) q) Socin . Iun. d. consil. 183. n. 34. Zas . d. cons. 3. n. 45. Molineus in addic . ad consil. Decij . 489. vbi non dubitat affirmare , Decium & alios contrarium consul : pessimè consuluisse . . But † if the person which maketh the motion be not anie waie suspected , and it dooth appeare withall by some coniectures , that the sick person had a desire to make his will , as if the sicke person send for his freend , who being comen vnto him , asketh him whether hee make this or that man his executor , which otherwise were to haue the administration of his goodes if he died intestate ; to whom the sicke person answereth ; yea , or I doe make him my executor : In this case this testament is good r) r) Zas . d. consil. 3. n. 37. Socin Iun. consil. 183 n. 31. Couar . in d. c. cùm tibi . n. 4. Peckius . d. c. 17. n. 5. , albeit it were in preiudice of an other testament made before s) s) Dec. d. consil. 489. Socin . Iun. consil. 144. vol. 2. n. 44. 45. . But † what if it doe not appeare by any coniecture , that the testator had a meaning to make his testament , and yet no suspition can be conceiued against the person which demaundeth the question , whether is the testament good , if the testator doo onelie answer , yea ? I suppose , that without some coniecture of the testators meaning , it is not sufficient t) t) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 2. tit. 6. n. 9. Socin . Iun. consil. 183. vol. 2. n. 6. 37. .

The fourth case is , when the † sicke mans kinsfolkes , or some other persons doo cause a testament to be written , after then inditinge , ( the sicke man as yet no● knowinge thereof ) and then afterwardes the same being read vnto him , and he being demaunded , whether the same , shall stande for his testament , aunswereth , yea , and shortlie after dieth : in this case the testament is not good v) v) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 2. tit. 6. n. 10. qui dicit hanc op. esse magis com . Couar . in d c. cùm tibi . n. 4. , vnlesse the testator had first vttered his meaning to the writer or inditer therof x) x) Sichard . in L. iubemus . C. de testa . n. 7. Gabr. lib. 4. com . conclus . tit. de testa . concl 2. n. 13. 17. , or had requested them to write his will y) y) Gabriel . vbi supr. , or vnlesse the testator being of good minde & memorie , had by plaine and expresse wordes , or other apparant coniectures , confirmed the same , then onelie by answering yea z) z) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 2. tit. 6. in sin . .

But what if a will bee brought to the sicke man , which beeing reade ouer in his hearing , and hee demaunded whether the same shall stand for his last will and testament ; answereth yea : and it doeth not appeare whether the same was written and prepared by the direction of the sicke man , or else of his kinsfolkes and frindes , whether is it to be presumed , to haue been prepared by his direction or by theirs ? It seemeth by the sicke man , in fauour of the testament a) a) Alex. consil. 33. vol. 3. Gabr. lib. 4. tit . de testa . concl. 2. n. 15. ; but when it appeareth indeede to haue beene made readie by others , then albeit the testator beeing interrogated doe answere as before , it is presumed that the question was made by the suggestion or of the executor b) b) Mantic. de coniect. vlt vol. lib. 2. tit. 6. n. 10. , and so the testament is not good , as is aforesaid .

Of Ecclesiasticall persons .

1 Two sorts of Ecclesiasticall persons , regular , and secular .

2 Who are meant by regular persons .

3 Religious persons compared to bond-men .

4 Religious persons compared to dead men .

5 Who be here meant by secular clerkes .

6 Ecclesiasticall persons are not simplie prohibited to make their testamentes .

7 Ecclesiasticall persons may make their testamentes of all goods , which they haue not in right of their church .

8 Ecclesiasticall persons can not make their testamentes of thinges immoueable , which they possesse in right of their church .

9 An Ecclesiasticall person may make his testamente of the glebe by him sowen .

10 Whether an ecclesiasticall person may make his testament of the fruites not receiued .

11 All fruits which happen during the vacation , are due to the next incumbent .

12 Whether an ecclesiasticall person may make his testament of all moueable goodes , which hee hath in right of his church .

13 Some cases wherein ecclesiasticall persons cannot dispose of their goods .

§. xxvij .

OF † Ecclesiasticall persons there be two sortes , the one Regular , the other Secular a) a) c. duo . 12. q. 1. gloss . in Rub. de regularibus . extr. . By Regular † I doo vnderstand Monkes , friers , and other religious persons b) b) c. 2. de testa . extr. , whereof because we haue none this day in the church of England , I shall not neede to enter into any discourse concerning them : Onelie this by the waie , that these religious persons in respecte of their canonicall obeisaunce , vowed vnto their Abbots and prelates , are in lawe compared vnto bond-men c) c) Specul . de statu . Monach . , and † in respect of their vowe of their perpetuall pouertie , or renouncing the world , they are compared vnto dead men d) d) Litleton . tit. villenage . circa medium . , & in these respectes they could not make a testament e) e) Quod si quis scire cupiat , an , & quatenus Monachus sit testabilis , legat Iul. Clar. §. testm. q 28 , 29 , 30. Michael . Grass . §. testm. q. 34. & Ferdinan . Vasq. de success progress . lib. 1. §. j. . But if a religious man had made a testament before his enteraunce into that profession , then was the same to haue beene prooued and executed , as if hee had beene naturallie dead f) f) Litleton . vbi supr. : and if he had made no testament , when he had entred into religion , then the ordinarie might haue committed the administration of his goods , as of one that had died intestate g) g) Ibidem . . But it was and is otherwise with secular clerkes , who albeit they be sometimes comprehended vnder the name of religious persons h) h) Panor . in Rub. de regular . extr. , yet the law disposeth otherwise concerning their testamentes , then of the testamentes of religious persons i) i) vt statim sequitur hoc §. .

By † Secular clerkes I vnderstande Archbishops , Bishops , Deanes , Archdeacons , Prebendaries , Parsons , Vicars , and other ecclesiasticall ministers or cleargie men k) k) Michael Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. testm. q. 34. Iul. Clar. §. testm. q. 27. . These persons † are in some respectes prohibited to make their testaments , but they are not simplie forbidden l) l) c. 1. c. cum in officijs . c. relatum . el. 2. c requisisti . de testa . extr. Couar . in d. c. 1. . Wherefore that we may the better know when they may make a testament , & when they may not ; we are first to consider whether the things whereof they make their testamentes , doe belong vnto them in anie other respect then in the right of the church , or of their ecclesiastical liuing m) m) Ita distinguitur in d. c. relatum . cl. 2. .

For † of other thinges then such as are gotten by right of the church , whether the same be lefte vnto them by their parentes , or giuen by some friend , or whether they got the same by their owne industrie , either by preaching of the gospell or by teaching of schollers , or other labour n) n) Panor . in d. c. relatum . cl. 2. de testa . extr. flores vlt. vol. part. 1. fol. 4. , of such thinges they may freelie dispose and make their testamentes , aswell as laie persons o) o) d. c. 1. de testa . extr. & Couar . ibidem . Grass . §. testm. q. 34. Perkins . tit. deuises . c. 8. in prin. , although the same be giuen , or gotten after they be entred into the ministerie , and also after they haue obteined such spirituall promotion p) p) Cyn & alij in Authen . licentiam . C. de Episcopis & Cler. Grass . d. §. testm. q. 34. n. 2. .

If any thing doe appertaine vnto them in right of their church , then wee are to consider , whether the same be moueable or not . For of † immoueable thinges , as of houses , or of demeanes , or of glebe , and such like , ecclesiasticall persons can not dispose by their testaments q) q) L. iubemus . C. de sacrosan eccle. c. cùm in officijs . c. relatum . cl. ● . de testam . extr. Perkins tit . deuises . in princ . , nor of the trees , or fruites , growing vpon the same demeanes , or glebe r) r) Perkins vbi supr. Epistola cuiusdam libri qui inscribitur , An answere to an Abstracti , &c. : Sauing † whether the incumbent before his death , hath caused anie of his gleebe landes to be manured and sowen , at his proper costes and charges , with anie corne or graine , for in this case such incumbent , maie make and declare his testament of all the profits of the corne , growing vpon the same glebe landes , so manured and sowen s) s) Stat. H. 8. an. 28. c. 11. . And although † heretofore , as well by generall custome of this realme t) t) Lindw . in c. nullus rector . de consuetud . lib. 1. prouincial . constituc . Cant. , as by speciall constitution v) v) c. cùm inter rectores tit . de consuetud . lib. 1. prouincial . constituc . Ebor. , it was lawfull for parsons and vicars , after the feast of the annūciation of the blessed virgin x) x) d. c. nullus . , & in some places after the feast of S. Marke y) y) d. c. cùm inter rectores . lib. 1. prouincial . constit . Eborac . , to make their testaments of the fruites of their liuings , albeit not as yet receiued , but paiable that yeere or haruest following . Neuerthelesse by the statuts of this realme , such custome and constitution is taken awaie , by which statut z) z) d. Stat. H. 8. an 28. c. 11. † al fruits , tithes oblations , and other emolumentes whatsoeuer belonging to anie Archdeaconrie , denary , prebend , parsonage , vicarige , hospitall , wardenship , prouost-ship , or other spirituall promotion , benefice , dignitie or office , ( chaunteries onelie excepted ) growing , rising or comming , during the time of the vacation of the same spirituall promotion , belonge to the next incumbent , and to his executors towards the paiment of the first fruites .

Of goods † moueable which an ecclesiasticall person possesseth , albeit the same were gotten in right of the church , or by meanes of his ecclesiasticall liuing , he may make his testament , like as of anie other his temporal goods a) a) Lindw . in d c. nullus . verb. legata . Doct. & Stud. lib. 2. c. 39 , 40. quod verum quidem est , iure seu consuetudine huius regni Angliae : sed attento iure cano . non procedit indistinctè . Abb. in d. c. relatum cl. 2. de testa . extra . , whether such ecclesiastical person be bishop , deane , archdeacon , prebendarie , parson , or vicar , or otherwise tearmed or intituled ( certaine cases onelie excepted ) b) b) Iul. Clar. §. testm. q. 27. Grass . §. testm q. 34. viz. † of goodes which a bishop hath common with a deane or chapiter c) c) c. relatum . cl. 2. de testa . extr. Perkins . tit. deuises in princ . Doct. & Stud. lib. 2. c 39. , or which a deane or chapiter haue common to themselues d) d) Fitzherb . Abridg. tit . testm n. 1. , or which a maister or brethren of an hospitall or colledge haue also amongest themselues , in the right of their house e) e) Perkins . Doct. & Stu. vbi supra . , or of goods which are dedicated to the seruice of God , as ornamentes of the church f) f) Aetiologia , est quia huiusmodi rerum nullum est commercium . §. nullius . Instit. de rerum diuis . , or of the ecclesiasticall rightes , not receiued or not due , nor paiable in the time of the incumbencie of the testator , but reserued to the next incumbent g) g) d. Stat. H. 8. an. 28. c. 11. : In which cases it is not lawfull for ecclesiasticall persons to make their testaments of such goods ; which cases excepted , it is lawfull for an ecclesiasticall person to declare his will h) h) Exceptio enim firmat regulam in non exceptis . Dec. in L. 1. de reg. iur. ff. , either of the goods themselues , ( if the remaine and are extant ) or of the mony taken for the same being solde or alienated i) i) Istud verum iure quo nos vtimur . artic. cler. c. 1. Doct. & Stud. lib. 2. c. 39. secùs iure can . Panor . in d. c. relatum . cl. 2. n. 3. Grass . d. §. testm. q. 34. Iul. Clar. §. testm. q. 27. .

Of Kinges .

1 Examples borrowed out of the olde testament , whereby it maie seeme lawfull for kinges to giue awaie their kingdomes .

2 Certaine humane reasons , tending to the same purpose .

3 Other examples taken out of prophane histories of Kinges , which haue disposed of their kingdomes by their testamentes .

4 By the ciuil and cannon lawes , a King can not giue awaie his kingdome .

5 Whether by the lawes of this realme , a King maie giue awaie his kingdome .

6 An vncertaine conclusion .

§. xxviii .

IT may seeme lawful for a king by his testament , to make his heire whomsoeuer he shall thinke good , or to leaue his kingdome to whome hee will , both by gods lawe and mans lawe .

By gods law , because † Moses a man , to whom God did speake as it were face to face , lefte the principallitie or gouernement of the Isralites to Iosua a) a) Deutero. c. vlt. vers. 9. 10. , being of the tribe of Ephraim b) b) Gloss. in c. Moses . 8. q. 1. , and not to anie of his owne tribe , which was the tribe of Leui c) c) Phil. Franc. in Rub. de testa . lib. 6. post gloss in d. c. Moses . . King Dauid likewise , a man after gods owne heart did bestowe the kingdome on Salomon d) d) Lib. 1. reg c. 1. versic. 28 , 29 , 30. cum sequent . , hauing the same time an elder son , namelie , Adoniah e) e) eod. c. versic 41. cum sequen. : the same Salomon , the wisest man that euer was or shal be f) f) ● . reg. c. 3. vers. 12. , whiles he raigned as king did giue vnto Hyram king of Tyrus , twentie citties of the kingdome of Israell , situate in the lande of Galile g) g) 1. reg. c. 9. vers. 11. . The holy Patriarke Iacob also , euen he that wrastled with an angell h) h) Genes. c. 32. vers. 24. &c. , depriued his eldest sonne Ruben of his birth right , and gaue the same to the sonnes of Ioseph i) i) Genes. c. 49. Paralip . c. 5. in princ . .

By mans lawe , because † the voice and will of a Prince hath the force of a lawe k) k) §. sed & quod . Instit. de iur . na. gen. & ciuil . ; because also a king is said to be a mortal God l) l) Bald in §. praeterea . de prohib . alienac . feud . per feder . n. 14. psal 82. vers. 6. ; and therfore what he commaundeth ought to be obeyed without resistaunce m) m) Bald. in auth. hoc amplius . C. de fidei com . n. 10. quem velim videas . , if it doe not repugne the lawe of God immortall n) n) Act. Apost. c. 4. vers. 19. &c. 5. vers. 29. . To be shorte , if a king might not dispose of his owne kingdome at his owne pleasure , then his state were not so good as the state of his subiect o) o) Oldrad . consil. 94 in fin . , for the meanest subiect may freelie dispose of his own p) p) Supr. ead. part . in prin. . Besides which vrgent reasons , whereby appeareth the roote and life of this humaine lawe , there bee sundrie pregnant examples , which as branches springing from that liuelie roote , haue in sundrie ages and countries brought foorth faire and goodlie fruite ; whereby the force and efficacie of that lawe hath beene made manifest to all the world ; let these fewe suffice for a taste . It is recorded that Attalus a king in Asia the lesse , did in his testament institute the Romane people his heire , who by vertue of that testament did enioie the kingdome q) q) Florus lib. 2. Hottoman . illustr. quaest. c. 1. : likewise that Alexander king of Aegypt , did bequeath vnto the same Romaine people the kingdomes of Alexandria and Aegypt r) r) Cicero Ora. 1. pro lege agrar . aliàs lib. 2. c. 15. , Ptolemaeus the king of Aegypt gaue away the kingdome of the Cyrens s) s) Hottoman . d. c. 1. , Vnguinus was king of the Gothes by the appointment of Haldanus t) t) Eodem loci . : To come neerer ( I meane in respect of place not of time ) we maie reade how Prasutagus , one of the kinges of this realme of England , a little after the death of Christ , did make the Emperour Nero his heire v) v) Cornel. Tacitus . lib. 14. Camden . fol. 290. aliàs fol. 355. : And diuers other kinges haue doone the like x) x) Quorum meminit Gentilis disp. 2 fol. 45. . So that it is neither newe or straunge , that kinges haue by their testamentes giuen away their kingdomes from those , who otherwise should haue enioyed the same .

Notwithstanding † aswell by the ciuill law y) y) Bar. & Angel . in L. prohibere . §. planè . ff. quod vi aut clam . Ias . in L. debito●um C. de pactis . Bald. in proem de feudis . n. 32. Vasq. de succes . crea §. 26. lim. 3. as by the cannon lawe z) z) Innocen . Cardinal . Imol. Panor . Io. de Anan . & alij . in c. intelecto . de iureiur . extr. Felin . in c. dilecti de maior . & ob . extr. , ( with the which lawes the lawes of this our realme of England , doe in this point seeme to ioyne hands a) a) Fitzherb . Abridg. tit . deuise . n. 5. tit . execut . n. 108. hisce verbis : L opinion de plus Iustices & Doctors del cannon & ciuil ley , assembles in le Eschequer chambre , quant Roy Henry quart morust , fuit que il puit saier testm & legacy des biens que il auer , mez dez biens de Royalme , cest assauoyer ancient , Corone & Iuells il ne puit . Eodem tendunt quae à Guiliel . Lamberto , viro doctissimo , transcripta sunt , sub hac verborum serie : Debet verò de iure rex onmes terras & honores , omnes dignitates , & iura , & libertates Coronae regni liuius , in integrum cum omni integritate , & sine diminutione seruare , & defendere , &c. lib. de priscis Angl. legib. tit. de reg. offic. fol. 130. : ) It is vnlawfull for a king to giue awaie his kingdome from his lawfull heires , for the confirmation whereof diuers writers vse diuers reasons b) b) De hac q. consulas Franc . Hotto . iurisconsultorum omnium , quos ista peperit aetas , celeberrimum . lib. 1. illustr. quaest. c. 1. .

But † amongest all their reasons , I see no reason to induce me to aduenture anie further into the examination of this deepe and dangerous question , much lesse to proceede to the conclusion ; not onelie because the same beeing so high an obiect , dooth farre exceede the slender capacitie of a meane subiecte : but also for that this princelie controuersie , as it hath seldome receiued ordinarie triall heretofore ; so hereafter if the case were to be argued in verie deede , verie likelie it is to bee vrged with more violent arguments and sharpe syllogismes , then by the vnbloodie blowes of bare words , or the weake weapons of instrumentes made of paper and parchment : And on the other side to bee answered with flatte denials of greater force , and distinctions of greater efficacie , then can proceede from anie legall or logicall engine ; and in the end to be decided and ruled by the dead stroke of vnciuill and martial cannons , rather then by anie rule of the ciuill or cannon lawe .

Videant quorum interest .

THE THIRD PART OF THIS TESTAMENTARIE TREATISE : WHEREIN IS EXAMINED what thinges may be deuised by will . The Paragraphes , or Chapters of the third parte . WHat thinges are examined in this third part §. 1. Landes , tenementes and hereditamentes , can not passe by will but in certaine cases §. 2. Certaine cases approoued by custome , wherein it is lawfull to bequeath , or deuise landes , tenementes and hereditamentes . §. 3. Certain cases auctorized by the statuts of this realme , whereby it is lawfull to deuise landes , tenementes , and hereditamentes §. 4. Of the deuise of goods and cattelles §. 5. Diuers kindes of goods and cattelles not deuisable by will §. 6. Of the assigning of tutors , and disposing of childrens portions §. 7. Of committing the tuition of children , and custodie of their portions , within the prouince of Yorke §. 8. Who may appoint a tutor §. 9. Who may be appointed tutor §. 10. To whom a tutor may be appointed §. 11. Of the manner of appointing tutors §. 12. Of the office and auctoritie of a tutor §. 13. By what meanes the tutor-ship is ended §. 14. What quantitie of landes may be deuised §. 15. What quantitie of goods or cattelles may be deuised §. 16. If the testator doe in fact bequeath more then he may by lawe , which legacie is to be preferred , or what other course is to be followed §. 17.

WHAT THINGES ARE EXAMINED IN THE THIRD PART . The third part .

1 The thirde principall parte deuided into two members .

2 The first member three-foulde .

§. j.

IN the third parte of this Testamentarie treatise , there is to bee shewed , firste what thinges , & then how much the testator maie dispose , or deuise by his testament .

Concerning the former of these , it shall not be a misse to speake first of the bequeathing or deuising of landes , tenementes , and hereditaments a) a) Infr. ead part . § §. 2 , 3 , 4. .

Secondlie of the bequeathing or deuising of goods and cattelles b) b) Infr. ead. par. §§. 5 , 6. , and thirdlie of the committing of the tuition of children , and custodie of their portions and rights , during their minorities c) c) Infr. ead. part . §§. 7 , 8 , &c. .

Of the deuise of landes .

1 The rule of the deuise of landes is negatiue .

2 The exceptions of this rule are of two sortes .

§. ij .

TRue it is , that this matter of the deuise of landes , tenementes and hereditamentes , which in this realme of Englande with all questions incident thereunto , is to be determined according to the lawes temporall of this realme ; and is not subiecte to the rules and decisions of the lawes ciuill or ecclesiasticall : lest therefore whilest I would seeme a meere professor of the ciuill lawe , I might seeme altogether to neglecte both lawe and ciuilitie , by thrusting my sickle into an others haruest , and setting my foote in an others possessions without licence first obtained : for the auoiding of this offence , before I go any further , I am to craue this fauour ( learned professors and serious students of the laws temporal of this realm , ) that for as much as this your fielde , wherein groweth all these questions concerning the deuise of landes , dooth lie so iust betwixt me and those other groundes , wherein the marke whereat I aime , is placed , and wherein the fruite which I would gladlie vtter is planted : so that I can not ( as nowe my iourney lieth ) haue readie accesse vnto the one but through the other : It would therefore please you giue mee a little leaue to walke through a corner of your large dominions , vnto those foresaid places , more proper to them of mine own profession . ( Your territories I confesse are verie fertile , and ful of hidden treasure , the fruite also of that soile , I meane the golden cases much like the golden fleece of Colchos : the growing very pleasant & profitable : Howbeit you neede not be afraid of any preiudice , for neither wil I disturbe your quiet possession with any long abode : neither can I if I wold , conueigh away the riches you should reape , by disclosing of the mysteries of your gaineful arte to me vnknown , vnles I would seeme to be more bold then blinde baiarde , more arrogant then the ignoraunt Cobler , who for his saucinesse receiued this admonition : Ne sutor vltra crepidam . ) And further that as a poore passenger , I maie bee allowed to take a taste of those thinges which you haue set abroache to all the world , and which by your sundrie bookes you haue made common to all trauellers , the rather for that I am prepared in some sorte to requite the same . This onelie I desire , and this I hope you will not denie , to the purpose therefore .

Touching the bequest or deuise of landes , tenementes and hereditamentes , this appeareth to be a true position , and ground agreeable to the ciuill lawe a) a) c. imperialis . de prohib . feud . alien . lib. 2. Feud . Bald. in c. 1. de success . feud . , and also the laws of this realme b) b) Stat. H 8. an. 27. c. 10. in princ . Doct. & Stud. lib. 1. c. 8. Perkins . tit. deuise . 102. , that landes , tenementes or hereditamentes , can not be disposed or deuised by will , but in certaine cases , of which some are approued by force of certaine customes c) c) Infr. §. prox . , within this realme ; and some by force of certaine statutes d) d) Infr. ead. par. §. 4. .

Certaine cases approoued by custome , wherein it is lawfull to deuise landes , tenementes , or hereditaments .

1 Gauelkinde landes may be deuised by will .

2 The cause wherefore the custome of Gauelkinde did continue .

3 Burgage lande deuiseable by will .

4 To whom and after what manner Burgage landes be deuiseable .

5 Whether anie other person maie deuise Burgage landes but a citizen .

6 Burgage tenure a kinde of tenure in Soccage .

7 Whether liuerie or seasin bee needefull , where burgage land is deuised .

8 Whether the Iointenaunt may bequeath his part of Burgage land otherwise deuiseable .

9 Of landes deuised to certaine vses .

10 The custome of deuising landes to feoffes reformed .

11 The causes of this reformation .

12 The statute or acte of reformation .

§. iii.

THe first case wherein by custome of this realme of England , it is lawfull for a man by his laste will or testament , to deuise or bequeath landes , tenements or hereditaments , is this , namely , when lands , tenements or hereditaments , are holden in Gauel-kind : for such † landes , tenements or hereditaments by ancient custome , maie be giuen or deuised by wil a) a) Dyer . fol. 153 verb. deuise . Termes of law . verb. Grauelkind & ita saepissimè accepi à nonnullis huius regni iurisperitis . , ( the same otherwise being duelie made . ) For † after that William duke of Normandie , had inuaded and conquered all England , Kent onelie excepted , at last also the kentish-men yeelded , but vpon condition that they might enioy their auncient customes of Gauelkind , which was graunted vnto them , & since hath continued b) b) Lambert . perambulation of Kent . fol. 23. : amongest which customes , being verie large and benificiall , this is one ; that they which holde landes in Gauelkinde , may giue and sell the same , without licence asked of their lordes : sauing vnto the lordes , the rentes and seruices due out of the same tenementes c) c) Termes of law ▪ vbi supr. Lambert . vbi supr. fol. 416. .

The † second cause is , when the lands or tenementes be holden in Burgage tenure d) d) Fitzherb . Nat. Bre. ex graui querela . in prin. Doct. & Stud. lib. 1. c. 7. & 10. . For it is the custome of diuers Cities and Borroughes of this land , ( as in London , Yorke , Oxford , &c. ) that such persons as are seased of landes , tenementes , or hereditamentes , lyinge and being in such cities or boroughes , and hold the same in burgage tenure , maie by their testamentes or last willes , giue or bequeath the same to whom they will e) e) Brook . Abridg. tit. deuise . n. 22. 51. Fitzber in d. Br. ex graui querela . Doct. & Stud. d. c. 7. & 10. Lindw . in c. statut. de testam . lib. 3. prouincial . constituc . Cant. verb. de consuctudine . & verb. laicalis feodi . eod c. , to holde in fee simple , or in fee taile , or for life or yeeres , or otherwise , and such bequest or deuise is good f) f) Fitzherb . in d. Breui ex graui querela . , the will being lawfullie made , and prooued before the ordinarie , as touching the goodes and cattelles bequeathed in the same , and enrowled before the maior of the said citie or borough g) g) Fitzher . in d. Bre. ex graui querela . . Howbeit , it is not alwaies necessarie , that the testament be proued before the ordinary , or inrolled , wherein landes onelie , and no goodes and cattelles are bequeathed h) h) Brook Abridg. tit . deuise . n. 43. : For in some places by the custome there vsed , the deuisee maie enter to the landes deuised of his owne auctoritie , without any probation or inrolment praecedent , and in other places hee is to bee put in seasin or possession by the Balife i) i) Brook . d. tit . deuise . n. 43. principall grounds . tit. burgage . fol. 43. . And it seemeth not to be needeful , to the validitie of the deuise in this case , that the testator should be a citizen , or burgesse of that citie or boroughe , where the landes or tenementes deuised doo lie : but it is sufficient , if the landes and tenementes be holden in burgage k) k) Brook tit . deuise . n. 22 : For that not he onelie is said to holde in burgage , who is a citizen or burgesse of the place where the lands or tenementes be , and holdeth of the kinge , or other lorde landes or tenementes lying in the citie or borough , yeelding therfore to his said lord a certaine yeerelie rent : but he also that is no citizen or burgesse , which holdeth of anie lord landes or tenementes in burgage , yeelding vnto him a certaine rente by the yeere l) l) Old . tenures . verb. burgage . , which tenor in burgage is but a kind of tenure in soccage m) m) Litleton . tit. burgage . in princ . . Howbeit there is this difference betwixt citizens , burgesses and freemen , and those which be not citizens , burgesses or freemen , that is to saie , citizens , burgesses and freemen , maie bequeath their burgage landes to Mortmain , which others can not doe n) n) Brook Abridg. tit . custome . n. 7. 38. 41. tit . deuise . n. 22. 28. Doct. & Stud. lib. 1. c. 10. . And in some borough by the custome thereof , a man may deuise by his testament lawfullie made , his landes and tenementes , which hee hath in fee-simple within the same borough at the time of his death , and by force thereof the deuisee , after the death of the testator , maie enter into the tenementes to him deuised , to haue and to holde to him after the forme and effect of the deuise , without anie libertie of seasin thereof to be made vnto him o) o) Litleton . tit. burgage . But if there be two iointe tenauntes in fee-simple , within one borough , where the landes and tenementes within the same be deuisable by testament , if one of the said iointe tenauntes deuise that which to him belongeth , by testament and die , this deuise or legacie is voide p) p) Principall grounds . fol. 20. b. : The reason is , for that no deuise can take effect till after the death of the testator , who did bequeath and deuise the same , but by his death all the lande dooth incontinentlie by the lawe of this realme , come to the suruiuor , who neither claimeth nor hath anie thing by deuise but of his owne right by the suruiu●ir according to the course of the lawe of this lande , and for this cause such deuise is voide q) q) Principall grounds . fol. 20. b. .

An other case there was also some-times vsed and practised , of deuising lands , tenements , and hereditamentes by willes to certaine vses , intentes and trustes : which willes or testamentes of landes , tenementes and hereditamentes in feoffees handes were for the time accompted and taken for good r) r) Stat. H. 8. an. 27. c. 10. .

But this custome was reformed in manie things , for diuers good considerations : namelie , because by the common law of this realme , lands , tenements & hereditaments , be not deuisable by testament : and also for that such deuises were not onelie hurtfull to the heire of the testator , beeing manie times thereby disinherited , but also for that diuers other inconueniences did by reason thereof insue : as that the lordes lost their wardes , mariages , reliefes , harriots , escheates , aids , Pur faire fitz chiualer & pur file marier . Furthermore by occasions of suche willes , and other conueiaunces , to secrete intentes , vses and trustes , men could not be certainelie assured , of anie landes by them purchased , nor knew not against whom they should vse their actions & executions , for their rights and titles . Besides this men married lost their tenances by the curtesie , women their dowries ; finally the prince himselfe lost the profits of the landes of persons attainted : For reformation whereof a statute was made in the time of King Henrie the eight , and enacted as followeth s) s) d. Stat. H. 8. an. 27. c. 10. .

That is to say , that where anie person or persons , stand or be seized , or at anie time hereafter shal happen to be seized of and in anie honors , castels , mannors , landes , tenementes , rentes , seruices , reuersions , remainders , or other hereditamentes , to the vse , confidence or trust of anie other person or persons , or of anie body politike , by reason of anie bargaine , saile , or feofment , fine , recouery , couenant , contract , agreement , will , or otherwise , by anie maner meanes whatsoeuer it be , that in euerie such case , all & euerie such person & persons , & bodies politike , that haue or hereafter shall haue anie such vse , confidence , or trust , in fee simple , fee taile , for terme of life or of yeeres , or otherwise : or anie vse , confidence , or trust in remainder or reuerter , shall from hence-foorth stand and bee seized , deemed , and adiudged in lawfull seizon , estate , and possession of and in the same honors , castels , manors , lands , tenements , rentes , seruices , reuersions , remainders , and hereditaments with their appurtenances to all intents , constructions , and purposes in the lawe , of and in such like estates as they had or shall haue , in vse trust , or confidence , of or in the same . And that the estate , title , right , and possession , that was in such person , or persons , that were or hereafter shall be seized , of anie landes , tenements , or hereditaments , to the vse , confidence , or trust , of anie such person or persons , or of anie bodie politike , bee from hence-foorth cleerelie deemed and adiudged to be in him or them , that haue , or hereafter shall haue , such vse , confidence , or trust , after such qualitie , maner , forme and condition , as they had before , in or to the vse , confidence , or trust , that was in them .

And bee it further enacted by the authoritie aforesaid , that where diuers and many persons be or hereafter shall happen to be , iointlie seized of and in anie landes , tenements , rents , reuersions , remainders , or other hereditaments , to the vse , confidence , or trust , of anie of them that bee so iointlie seized , that in euerie such case , that those person or persons , which haue , or hereafter shall haue , any such vses , confidence , or trust , in anie such landes , tenements , reuersions , remainders , or hereditaments shall from hence foorth haue and bee deemed & adiudged to haue , only to him or them , that haue , or hereafter shall haue , such vse , confidence , or trust , such estate , possession and seizon , of and in the same lands , tenements , rents , reuersions , remainders , or other hereditaments in like nature , maner , forme , condition , and course , as he or they had before in the vse , confidence , or trust of the same landes , tenements , or hereditaments : sauing and reseruing to all & singular persons , and bodies politike , their heirs and successors , other than those person or persons , which be seized , or hereafter shall be seized , of anie landes , tenementes , or hereditaments , to anie vse , confidence or trust , all such right , title , entree , interest , possession , rents , and action , as they or anie of them had or might haue had , before the making of this acte .

And also sauing to all and singuler those persons , and to their heires , which be or hereafter shall he seized , to anie vse , all such former right , title , entree , interest , possession , rents , customs , seruices , and action , as they or anie of them might haue had to his or their own proper vse , in or to any manors , lands , tenements , rents , or hereditaments , wherof they be or hereafter shal be seized to anie other vse , as if this present act had neuer beene had or made : any thing conteined in this acte to the contrarie not withstanding .

And where also diuers persons stand and be seized of and in any lands , tenements , or hereditaments , in fee simple , or otherwise , to the vse or intente that some other person or persons , shall haue and perceiue yeerely to them , and to his or their heires , one annuall rent , of tenne pounds , or more , or lesse , out of the same lands and tenements , and some other person , one other annuall rent to him and his assignes , for terme of life , or yeeres , or for some other speciall time , according to such intent and vse , as hath bin heretofore declared , limited , & made thereof . Be it therefore enacted by the authoritie aforesaid , that in euery such case , the same persons , their heirs , and assignes , that haue such vse and interest , to haue and perceiue any such annuall rents , out of any lands , tenements , or hereditaments , that they and euery of them , their heires , and assignes , be adiudged and deemed to be in possession and seizon of the same rent , of and in such like estate , as they had in the title , interest , or vse of the said rent or profit , and as if a sufficient grant , or other lawful conueiance , had bin made & executed to them , by such as were or shal be seized to the vse or entent of any such rent , to be had , made , or paied according to the very trust & intent therof . And that al & euery such person or persons , as haue , or heereafter shall haue , any title , vse , and interest , in or to any such rent or profit , shall lawfully distreine for non paiment of the said rent , and in their owne names make aduouries , or by their balifs or seruants , make cognizances and iustifications , and haue all other sutes , entries , and remedies for such rents , as if the same rents had bin actually and really graunted to them , with sufficient clauses of distresse , reentree , or otherwise , according to such conditions , paines , or other things , limited and appointed vpon the trust and intent , for paiment of suretie of such rent .

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid , that where as diuerse persons haue purchased or haue estate , made and conueied , of and in diuers lands , tenements , and hereditaments , vnto them and to their wiues , and to the heires of the husband , or to the husband and to the wife , and to the heires of their two bodies begotten , or to the heirs of one of their bodies begotten , or to the husband and to the wife for terme of their liues , or for terme of life of the said wife : or where any such estate or purchase of any lands , tenements , or hereditaments , hath bin or hereafter shall bee made to any husband and to his wife , in manner and forme aboue expressed , or to any other person or persons , and to their heires and assignes , to the vse and behoofe of the said husband and wife , or to the vse of the wife , as is before rehearsed , for the iointer of the wife : that then in euery such case , euery woman married , hauing such iointer made or hereafter to be made , shall not claime , nor haue title to haue any dower of the residue of the lands , tenementes , or hereditaments , that at any time were her said husbands by whom she hath any such iointer , nor shall demand nor claime her dower of and against them that haue the lands and inheritaunces of her said husband . But if she haue no such iointer , then she shall be admitted and inabled to pursue , haue and demand her dower , by write of dower , after the due course and order of the common lawes of this realme : this act or any law or prouision made to the contrarie thereof notwithstanding .

Prouided alway , that if any such woman be lawfully expulsed or euicted from her said iointer , or from any part therof : without any fraud or couin , by lawfull entree , action , or by discontinuance of her husband : then euery such woman shal be indowed of as much of the residue of her husbands tenements , or hereditaments , whereof she was before dowable , as the same lands and tenements so euicted and expulsed , shall amount or extend vnto .

Prouided also , that this act , nor any thinge therein conteined or expressed , extend , or be in any wise hurtfull or preiudiciall to any woman or women heretofore being married , of , for , or concerning such right , title , vse , interest , or possession , as they or any of them haue , claime , or pretend to haue , for her or their iointer or dower , of , in , or to , any manors , lands , tenementes , or other hereditamentes of any of their late husbands , being now dead or deceased , any thing conteined in this act to the contrary notwithstanding .

Prouided also , that if any wife haue , or hereafter shall haue , any manors , lands , tenements , or hereditaments , vnto her giuen or assured , after mariage for terme of her life , or otherwise in iointer , except the same assurance be to her made by act of parliament , and the said wife , after that fortune to ouer-liue the same her husband , in whose time the said iointer was made or assured vnto her , that then the same wife , so ouer liuing , shall and may at their liberty , after the death of her said husband , refuse to haue & take the lands and tenements , so to her giuen , appointed , or assured , during the couerture , for terme of her life , or otherwise in iointer : except the same assurance be to her made by acte of parliament , as is aforesaid , and thereupon , to haue , aske , demaund and take , her dower by write of dower or otherwise , according to the common law , of and in all such landes , tenements , and hereditaments , as her husband was and stood seized of any state of inheritance , at any time during the couerture , any thing conteined in this act to the contrary , in any wise notwithstanding .

Prouided also , that this present act , nor anie thing therein conteined , extend , or be at anie time hereafter interpretated , expounded , or taken to extinct , release , discharge , or suspend anie statute , recognizance , or other bond , by the execution of any estate , of or in any lands , tenements , or hereditaments , by the authority of this act , to any person or persons , or bodies politike : any thinge conteined in this acte to the contrary thereof notwithstanding .

And for as much as great ambiguities and doubts may arise of the validity and inualidity of wils heretofore made of any landes , tenements , & hereditaments , to the great trouble of the kings subiects , the kings most roial maiesty , minding the tranquillitie and rest of his louing subiects , of his most excellent and accustomed goodnesse , is pleased , and contented , that it be enacted by the authority of this present parliament , that all maner true and iust willes and testaments heretofore made by any personne or persons , deceased , or that shall decease before the first day of May , that shall be in the yeere of our Lord God 1536 , of any lands , tenements , or other hereditaments , shall be taken and accepted good and effectual in the law , after such fashion , maner , and forme , as they were commonly taken , and vsed at any time within forty yeeres next afore the making of this acte : anie thing conteined in this act , or in the preamble thereof , or any opinion of the common law , to the contrarie thereof notwithstanding .

Prouided alwaies , that the kinges highnesse shall not haue , demand , or take any aduantage or profit , for or by occasion of the executing of any estate onely , by authority of this act , to any person or persons , or bodies politike , which now haue , or on this side the said first day of Maie , which shall be in the yeere of our Lorde God 1536 , shall haue any vse or vses , trustes or confidences , in any manors , lands , tenements , or hereditaments , holden of the kinges highnesse , by reason of primer seizon , liuerie , Ouster le maine , fine for alienation , releefe , or hariotte : but that fines for alienations , releefes , and hariots , shal be paied to the kings highnesse . And also liueries and Ouster le maines shall bee sued for vses , trusts , and confidences to be made and executed in possession , by authority of this act , after and from the said first day of May , of lands and tenements , and other hereditamentes holden of the king , in such like maner and forme , to all intents , constructions , and purposes , as hath heretofore beene vsed or accustomed , by the order of the laws of this realme .

Prouided also , that no other person or persons , or bodies politike , of whom any lands , tenements , or hereditaments , be or hereafter shal be holden mediat or immediat , shal in any wise demand or take any fine , releefe , or harriot , for or by occasion of the executing of any estate by the authority of this acte to any person or persons , or bodies politike , before the said first day of May , which shall be in the yeere of our Lord God 1536.

And bee it enacted by the authority aforesaid , that all and singuler person and persons , and bodies politike , which at any time on this side the said first day of Maie , which shall be in the yeere of our Lord God 1536 , shall haue anie estate vnto them executed of and in anie lands , tenements , or hereditaments , by the authority of this act , shall and may haue and take the same or like aduantage , benefit , voucher , aid , praier , remedy , commoditie , and profit by action , entree , condition , or otherwise , to all intents , constructions , & purposes , as the person or persons seized to their vse , of or in any such lands , tenements , or hereditaments , so executed , had , should , might or ought to haue had at the time of the execution of the estate thereof by the authority of this act , against any other person , or persons , of or for any wast , disseizon , trespasse , condition broken , or any other offence , cause or thing concerning or touching the said lands , or tenements , so executed by the authority of this act .

Prouided also , and be it enacted by the authority aforesaid , that actions now depending against any person or persons , seased of or in any lands , tenements or hereditaments , to any vse , trust , or confidence , shal not abate ne be discharged for or by reason of executing of any estate therof by authority of this act , before the said first day of May , which shall be in the yeere of our lord God . 1536. any thing conteined in this act to the contrarie notwithstanding .

Prouided also , that this acte nor any thing therein conteined , shall not bee preiudiciall to the kings highnes for wardships of heires now being within age , nor for liueries or for Ouster le mains , to be sued by any person or persons , now being within age , or of ful age , of any landes , or tenementes , vnto the same heire or heires now all ready descended : any thing in this act contained to the contrarie notwithstanding .

Prouided also , and be it enacted by the authority aforesaid , that all and singuler recognisances heretofore knowledged , taken , or made to the kinges vse , for or concerning any recoueries of any landes , tenementes , or hereditaments heretofore vsed or had , by write or writs , of entree vpon disseizon in Le post , shall from henceforth be vtterly voide and of none effect , to all intents , constructions , & purposes .

Prouided also , that this act , nor any thing therein conteined , be in any wise preiudicial or hurtfull to anie person or persons borne in Wales , or the marches of the same , which shall haue any estate to them executed by authority of this act in any lands , tenements , or other hereditaments within this realme , whereof any other person or persons now stand or be seized , to the vse of any such person or persons borne in Wales , or the marches of the same : but that the same person or persons borne in Wales or the marches of the same , shall or may lawfullie haue , reteine and keepe the same lands , tenements , or other hereditaments , whereof estate shall be so vnto them executed by the authority of this act , according to the tenor of the same : any thing in this act conteined , or any other acte or prouision heretofore had or made , to the contrary notwithstanding .

Certaine cases wherein by the statutes of this realme , it is lawfull to deuise landes , tenementes or hereditaments . §. iiij .

NOwe follow certaine other cases authorised by the statuts of this realme of England , wherein it is lawfull to bequeath or deuise lands , tenements and hereditamentes by will ; sometimes wholy , and sometimes in part onely , or rateably , according to the nature of the tenure of such lands , tenements and hereditamentes , as in the same statuts , which I haue here set downe at large doth appeare .

An Acte , declaring how by the Kinges grant landes , tenementes and hereditamentes , may be by will , testament , or otherwise disposed , and concerning wards and primer seasin , &c. Anno 32 II. 8. c. 1.

WHere the kinges most roiall maiestie in all the time of his moste gratious and noble reigne hath euer beene mercifull , louing and beneuolent , and most gratious souereigne lord vnto all and singuler his louing and obedient subiectes , and at many times past hath not onelie shewed and imparted to them generally by his manie and often great & beneficial pardons heretofore by authority of his parlements granted , but also by diuers other waies and meanes many great and ample grants and benignities in such wise , as al his said subiects bin most bounden to the vttermost of all their powers and graces by them receiued of God , to render and giue vnto his maiesty their most humble reuerence & obedient thanks and seruices , with their daily and continuall praier to almighty God , for the continual preseruation of his most roiall estate , in most kingly honour and prosperity : yet alwaies his maiesty being repleat and endowed by God with grace , goodnes , and liberality , most tenderly considering that his said obedient and louing subiects can not vse or exercise themselues , according to their estats , degrees , faculties and qualities , or to beare themselues in such wise , as that they may conuenientlie keep and maintaine their hospitalities and families , nor the good educations , and bringing vp of their lawfull generations , which in this realme laude be to God , is in all parts very great and abundant , but that in maner of necessity , as by daily experience is manifested and knowen , they shal not be able of their proper goods , cattelles , and other moueable substance to discharge their debtes , and after their degrees set foorth and aduance their children & posterities : Wherefore our said soueraigne Lord most vertuously considering the mortality that is to euery person at Gods will and pleasure most common & vncertaine , of his most blessed disposition and liberality being willing to releeue & help his said subiects in their said necessities and debility , is contented and pleased that it be ordained , and enacted by authority of this present parliament in manner and forme as hereafter followeth ; that is to say , that all and euery person and persons hauing , or which hereafter shall haue any manours , landes , tenements or hereditaments , holden in socage or of the nature of socage tenure , and not hauing any manours , lands , tenements , or hereditaments , holden of the king our soueraigne Lord by knights seruice , by socage tenure in chefe , or of the nature of socage tenure in cheef , nor of any other person or persons by knights seruice from the 20. day of Iulie in the yeere of our Lord God 1500. & forty , shall haue ful and free liberty , power and authority to giue , dispose , will and deuise , as well by his last will and testament in writinge or otherwise , by any acte or actes lawfully executed in his life , all his said manours , landes , tenementes , or hereditaments , or any of them at his free will and pleasure , any lawe , statute , or other thing heretofore had , made or vsed , to the contrary notwithstanding .

And that all and euery persone and persons , hauing manours , landes , tenementes , or hereditamentes , holden of the king our soueraigne Lorde his heires or successours in socage , or of the nature of socage tenure in cheefe , and hauing any other manours , lands , tenementes , or hereditamentes holden of any other person or persons in socage , or of the nature of socage tenure , and not hauing anie manours , landes , tenementes , or hereditamentes , holden of the king our soueraigne Lorde by knightes seruice , nor of anie other Lorde or person by like seruice , from the 20. daie of Iulie in the said yeere of our Lord God 1500 , and fortie , shal haue full and free liberty , power and authority to giue , will , dispose and deuise , as wel by his last wil or testament in writing or otherwise , by any acte or actes lawfullie executed in his life , all his said manors , landes , tenements and hereditaments , or any of them at his free will and pleasure , any law , statute , custome or other thing heretofore had , made , or vsed to the contrarie notwithstanding . Sauing alway and reseruing to the king our soueraigne lord his heires and successors , all his right , title , and interest of primer seizon , releefes , and also all other rights and duties for tenures in socage or of the nature of socage tenure in cheefe , as heretofore hath beene vsed and accustomed , the same manors , lands , tenements or hereditaments to be taken , had , and sued out of and from the hands of his highnesse his heires and successors by the person or persons to whome any such manors , lands , tenements or hereditaments , shall be disposed , willed , or deuised in such and like manner and forme as hath beene vsed by any heire or heires before the makinge of this estatute . And sauing and reseruing also fines for alienations of such manors , landes , tenements , or hereditaments holden of the king our soueraigne lord in socage , or of the nature of socage tenure in cheefe , wherof there shal be any alteration of freehold or inheritance , made by will or otherwise as is aforesaid .

And it is further enacted by the authority aforesaid , that al and singuler person & persons hauing any manors , lands , tenements or hereditaments of estate of inheritance , holden of the kings highnesse in cheefe , by knights seruice , or of the nature of knights seruice in cheefe , from the said twentie day of Iulie , shall haue full power and authoritie , by his last wil by writing or otherwise by anie act or acts lawfullie executed in his life , to giue , dispose , will or assigne two partes of the same manors , landes , tenements or hereditaments , in three partes to bee diuided , or else as much of the saide manors , lands , tenements or hereditaments , as shall extend or amounte to the yeerelie value of two parts of the same in three partes to be deuided in certentie and by speciall deuisions , as it may be knowen in seueralty , to and for the aduancement of his wife , preferment of his children , and paiment of his debtes , or otherwise at his will and pleasure , anie law , statute , custome or other thing to the contrarie thereof notwithstanding . Sauing and reseruing to the king our souereigne lord , the custodie , wardship , & primer seizon or any of them , as the case shall require , of as much of the same manors , lands , tenements or hereditaments , as shal amount and extende to the full and cleere yeerelie value of the third parte thereof without any diminution , dower , fraud , couin , charge , or abridgment of anie of the same third part , or of the full profits thereof : Sauing also and reseruing to the king our said soueraigne lord , all fines for alienations of all such manors , lands , tenementes , and hereditamentes , holden of the kinge by knights seruice in cheefe , whereof there shal be any alteration of free-holde or inheritaunce , made by will or otherwise , as is abouesaide .

And be it enacted by authority aforesaide , that all and singuler person and persons , hauing manors , lands , tenementes , or hereditaments of estate of inheritance , holden of the king in cheefe by knights seruice , and hauinge other manors , lands , tenements , or hereditaments , holden of the king , or of any other person or persons , by knights seruice or otherwise , euerie such person and persons , from the said twentie daie of Iulie shall haue full power and authoritie to giue , dispose , will or assigne by his last will in writing or otherwise by anie acte or acts lawfullie executed in his life , two parts of same manors , lands , tenementes , or hereditamentes , in three partes to be deuided , or else as much of the same manors , lands , tenements , and hereditaments , as shal extend or amount to the yeerelie value of two parts of the same , in three partes to be deuided in certeintie and by speciall diuisions , as it may be knowen in seueraltie , to and for the aduancement of his wife , preferment of his children , and paiment of his debts , or otherwise at his will and pleasure , any lawe , statute , custome or other thing to the contrarie thereof notwithstanding . Sauing alwaie and reseruing to the king our souereigne lorde , the custodie , wardship , and primer seizon or any of them , as the case shal require , of as much of the same manors , lands , tenements , or other hereditaments , as shall amounte and extend to the full and cleere yeerelie value of the third parte thereof , without anie maner diminution , dower , fraud , couin , charge , or subtraction of the same third parte , or of the full profites thereof .

Sauing alwaie & reseruing to our saide soueraigne lord the king all fines for alienation of anie such manors , lands , tenements , or hereditaments , holden of the king by knightes seruice in cheefe , whereof there shall be anie alteration of freehold or inheritaunce , made by will or otherwise , as is abouesaid .

Be it further enacted by the authoritie abouesaid , that if anie person or persons , hold any manors , lands , tenementes , or hereditaments , onelie of any other lord or person , than of the king our said souereigne lorde by knightes seruice , and other lands , and tenementes in socage , or of the nature of socage tenure , that then euerie such person shall or may giue , dispose , or assure , by his last will or otherwise by anie act or actes , lawfullie executed in his life , two partes of the said manors , lands , and tenementes , holden by knights seruice , or of as much thereof as shall amount to the full yeerelie value of two partes , in maner and forme as is aboue declared : and also all the landes and tenementes , holden by socage , or of the nature of socage tenure , at his will and pleasure as is aboue written , sauinge and reseruing to the lord of the lands and tenements , holden by knightes seruice , for his custodie and wardship , as much of the same lands and tenementes , as shall extend or amounte to the full and cleere yeerelie value of the third part of the same landes and tenements , holden by knights seruice , without anie diminution , dower , fraud , couin , charge , or subtraction of anie portion of that third part , or of the cleere yeerelie value thereof in manner and forme aforesaid .

And be it further enacted by the authoritie abouesaid , that if any person or persons hold anie manors , landes , tenementes , or hereditamentes , onelie of the king our soueraigne lord by knightes seruice and not in cheefe , or hold anie manors , landes , tenementes , or hereditamentes of our said soueraigne lord by knights seruice and not in cheefe , and also holde other manors , landes , tenementes , and other hereditamentes , of anie other person or persons by knights seruice , and also holde other manors , landes , tenementes , or hereditamentes , of anie other person or persons in socage , or of the nature of socage tenure , that then all and euerie such person and persons , shall and maie giue , dispose , will , deuise , and assure , by his last wil or otherwise , by anie acte or acts lawfullie doone and executed in his life two partes of the same manors , landes , tenements and hereditaments , holden of our said soueraigne lord the king by knights seruice , and two partes of the manors , landes , tenements , and hereditaments , holden of anie other person or persons by knights seruice , or as much of either of them as shall amount to the full yeerelie value of two partes , in maner and forme as is aboue declared : and also of all his lands and tenements , so holden in socage , or of the nature of socage tenure , at his free will and pleasure . Sauing and reseruing to the kings highnesse , the custodie and wardship of as much of the same manors , landes , tenementes , or other hereditaments , as shal extend and amount to the ful and cleere yeerelie value of the third part of the said manors , lands , tenementes , and hereditaments , so holden of his highnesse by knightes seruice , without anie diminution , dower , fraud , couin , charge , and subtraction of anie portion of that third part , or of the full profites thereof . And also sauinge and reseruing to the lords of whom anie of the said manors , landes , tenementes , or other hereditamentes beene holden by knightes seruice for custodie and wardship , as much of the same manors , lands , tenementes or hereditamentes , holden of them or anie of them by knights seruice , as shall extend and amount to the full and cleere yeerelie value of the third parte of the same , without anie diminution , charge , fraude , couin , or subtraction of anie portion of that third , or of the cleere yeerelie value of the third part therof , in maner & forme aboue declared .

Prouided alwaie and it is further enacted by the authority aforesaid , that if that third part of the manors , landes , tenementes , or hereditaments , of anie of the kings subiectes , which in anie of the cases aboue said , shal hereafter come to the kings highnesse , his heires or successors , by vertue of this acte , as is abouesaid , be not or doo not amount to the cleere yeerelie value of the third part of all the said manors , lands , tenementes , or other hereditaments , whereof the kings highnesse is or shall be intituled to haue the custodie or primer seizon , as is aboue said : that then our said soueraigne lorde , and his heires shall and maie at his or their free libertie and pleasure , take into his or their handes & possessions , as of the other two partes of the said manors , landes , tenementes , and other hereditamentes , as with that of the same manors , lands , tenementes , or hereditamentes , holden and remaining in the kings hands , shal make vp the cleere yeerelie value of the full third parte of the said manors , and tenementes , so to bee had to the kinges highnesse in title of wardship and primer seizon , or anie of them , as the case shall require , and like benefit and aduantage to be giuen to euerie lorde and lordes , of whom anie such manors , lands , tenementes , or hereditamentes , beene or shall bee holden by knightes seruice as is abouesaid , concerninge onelie his third part of or for title of wardship .

Prouided alwaie , and bee it further enacted by the authoritie aforesaid , that euerie person and persons , shall sue their liueries , for possessions , reuersions , or remainders , and also paie releefes and heriots after such maner and forme , as they should or ought to haue doone before the making of this acte , and as if this acte had neuer beene made . And that fines for alienations shall be paid in the kinges chancerie , for and vpon writes of entree in the post , to be obteined in the same courte of chancerie , after the said twentie daie of Iulie , for common recoueries , to be had or suffered of anie manors , landes , tenementes , or hereditamentes , holden of the king in cheefe : in like maner and forme as is vsed vpon alienations of such manors , landes , tenementes , or hereditamentes , so holden in cheefe , by fine or feoffement .

Prouided also and be it enacted by the authoritie aforesaid , that in such cases , where fines for alienations shal be paied in the kings chancerie , for writes of entree in post , as is aforesaide , that then none other fine shall bee paied in the same courte for anie such writes , anie vsage or custome to the contrarie thereof notwithstanding .

And be it further enacted by the authoritie afore-saide , that where two or more persons now holde , or hereafter shall holde anie manors , landes , tenementes or hereditamentes , of the king our soueraigne lorde by knightes seruice , iointlie to them and to the heires of one of them , and he that hath the inheritance therof dieth , his heire being within age , that in euerie such case the king shall haue the warde and mariage of the bodie of such heire so being within age , the life of the freeholder or freeholders of the said manors , landes , tenements , or hereditaments , so holden by knights seruice notwithstanding . Sauing and reseruing to all and euerie woman and women all and euerie such right , title , interest of dower , as they or any of them ought to haue , or bee or shall be iustlie intituled to haue claime or demand of anie manors , landes , tenementes or hereditamentes by the lawes of this realme , to be taken or assigned vnto them or anie of them , out of the two partes of the said manors , landes , tenementes or hereditaments , seuered and deuided from the third part , as is aboue said , and not otherwise : And sauing also to the king our soueraigne lord , his heires and successours , the reuersions of all such tenauntes in ioyntenure and dower , immediately after the death of such tenauntes , if they shall happen to die , duringe the minoritie of the kinges wardes .

An other acte for the Explanation of the former , concerning willes , and the deuise of landes .

WHether in the laste parliament , begunne and holden at Westminster the 28. day of Aprill , in the 31. yeere of the kinges most gratious raigne ( cap. primo willes . 2. ) And there by diuers prorogations holden and contiued vnto the 24. daie of Iulie , in the 32. yeere of his saide raigne . It was by the kings most gratious and liberall disposition , shewed toward his most humble and obedient subiects , ordeined and enacted , howe and in what manner , landes , tenementes , and hereditamentes , might by will , or testament , in writing , or otherwise by anie acte or actes lawfullie executed in the life of euerie person giuen , diposed , willed , or deuised , for the aduauncement of the wife , prefermente of children , paiment of debtes , of euerie such person , or otherwise , at his wil or pleasure , as in the same acte more plainelie is declared . Sithen the making of estatute , diuers doubtes , questions , and ambiguities , haue risen , beene moued and growen , by diuersity of opinions taking , in and vpon the exposition of the letter of the same estatute .

For a plaine declaration and explanacion whereof , and to the intent and purpose , that the kinges obedient and louing subiectes , shall and may take the commoditie and aduantage of the kinges said gratious and liberall disposition , the lordes spiritual and temporall , and the commons in this present parliament assembled , most humbly beseeching the kings maiestie , that the meaning of the letter of the same estatute , concerning such matters hereafter rehearsed , may be by the authority of this present parliament enacted taken , expounded , iudged , declared , and explaned , in manner and fourme following .

First where it is contained in the same former statute , within diuers articles & branches of the same , that all and singuler person and persons , hauing any manors , lands , tenements , or hereditamentes , of the estate of inheritance , should haue full and free libertie , power and authoritie , to giue , will , dispose , or assigne , as well by last will and testament in writing , or otherwise , by anie act or actes lawfullie executed in his life his manours , landes , tenementes , or hereditaments , or anie of them in such manner and fourme , as in the same former act more at large it dooth appeare . Which wordes of estate of inheritaunce , by the authority of this present parliament , is and shall be declared , expounded , taken , and iudged , of estates in fee simple onelie . And also that all and singuler person and persons , hauing a sole estate or interest in fee-simple , or seized in fee-simple , in copercenarie , or in common in fee-simple , of & in anie manors , lands , tenements , rents , or other hereditaments , in possession , reuersion or remainder , or of rents or seruices incident to anie reuersion or remainder , and hauing no manors , lands , tenements , or hereditaments holden of the king , his heires or successors , or of any other person or persons by knights seruice , shall haue full and free liberty , power and authority to giue , dispose , will or deuise , to anie person or persons ( except bodies politike and corporate ) by his last wil and testament , in writing , or otherwise , by any act or actes , lawfullie executed in his life , by him selfe soly , or by himselfe and other iointly , seuerally , or particularlie , or by al those waies or any of them , as much as in him of right is or shall be , all his said manors , lands , tenements , rentes , and hereditaments , or any of them , or any rents , commons , or other profits , or commodities , out of , or to be perceiued of the same , or out of any parcell thereof , at his owne free will and pleasure any clause in the saide former acte notwithstanding .

And further be it declared & enacted by the authority aforesaid , that al & singuler person & persons , hauing a sole estate or interest in fee-simple , or seized in fee-simple in copercenery , or in common in fee-simple , of or in , anie manors , lands tenements , rentes , or other hereditamentes , in possession , reuersion , or remainder , or of & in , any rents or seruices incident to any reuersion or remainder , holden of the king by knights seruice in cheef , or of the nature of knights seruice in cheefe , hath & by the authority of this present parliament shall haue full and free liberty , power , & authoritie to giue , dispose , will , or assigne to any person or persons ( except bodies politike & corporate ) by his last will & testament in writing , or otherwise by any act or acts , lawfully executed in his life , by him selfe soly , or by himself & other iointly , seuerally , or particularly , or by al those waies or any of them , as much as in him of right is or shall be , two parts aswell of al the said manors , lands , tenementes , rents , and hereditaments , as of all and singuler his other rents & hereditaments , or of any of them , or anie rents , commons , or other profits or commodities , out of , or to be perceiued of the same two parts , or out of any parcell thereof , in three partes to be deuided , or as much therof as shal amount to the full and cleere yeerelie value of two parts thereof , in three parts to be diuided , of what person or persons so euer they be holden , at his free will and pleasure . And that by the authority aforesaid , the said will so declared shal be good and effectuall for two parts of the said manours , lands , tenements and hereditaments , although the will so declared be made of the whole , or of more than of two parts of the same . The same diuision to be made and set forth , by the deuisour or owner of the same manours , lands , tenements and hereditaments by his last will in writing , or otherwise in writing . And in default therof , by a commission to be graunted out of the kinges courte of the wards and liueries , vpon the enquirie of the true value therof , by the othes of 12. men , and returne or certificate thereof had in the same court , of the said manours , lands , tenementes , and hereditaments , diuision to be made by the master of the wards and liueries , if the maister of the wards and liueries for the time beeing , and the parties therunto can not otherwise agree vpon the same diuision . And that the issues and profits of the two partes of the same manours , lands , tenements , and hereditaments vpon euery such diuision , to bee restored to them , that shall haue right , or title to the same , from the death of the owner or deuisour therof .

And further be it enacted and declared , by authoritie aforesaid , that all and singuler person and persons , hauing a sole estate or interest in fee-simple , or seized in fee-simple , in copercenary , or in common , in fee-simple , of and in any manours , lands , tenements , rents , or other hereditaments , in possession , reuersion or remainder , or of and in any rents , or seruices , incident to any reuersion or remainder , holden of the king , his heires or successours by knights seruice , and not in cheefe , or holden of any other person or persons by knights seruice shall haue full and free libertie , power and authority , to giue , dispose , will , or deuise , to any person or persons , except bodies politike and corporate , by his last will and testament in writing , or otherwise , by any act or acts lawfully executed in his life , by himselfe solie or by himselfe and other iointly , seuerally , or particularly , or by all those waies , or any of them , as much as in him of right is or shall bee , two parts of all the saide manors , lands , tenements and hereditaments , or any of them so holden by knights seruice , or any rents common or other profits or commodities , out of , or to be perceiued of the same two parts , or out of any parcell thereof , in three parts to be deuided , or as much thereof , as shal amount to the full and cleere yeerely value of two parts thereof , in three parts to be deuided , at his free will & pleasure . And that the said will so declared , by authority aforesaid , shal be good and effectuall , for two parts of the said manors , lands , tenements , or hereditaments , although the will so declared be , or shal be made , of the whole landes , and tenementes , so holden by knights seruice , or of more , than of two partes of the same . And also for the whole of all other such manours , lands , tenements , and hereditaments , or any of them , not holden of the kinge by knights seruice in cheefe , or otherwise by knights seruice , nor of anie other person by kinghts seruice , and of any rents , commons , or other profits or commodities , out of , or to bee perceiued of the same , or out of any parcell thereof at his free will and pleasure . The same diuision to be made and set foorth , by the owner of the said manours , lands , tenementes , and hereditaments , by his last will and testament in writing , or otherwise in writing . And in default thereof , for as much of the same manors , lands , tenements , and hereditaments , as shall concerne the kings interest , by commission , to be directed out of the kings court of the wards and liueries , in maner & forme as is aforesaid , if the master of the wardes and liueries for the time being , and the parties thereunto can not otherwise agree vpon the same diuision . And that restitution of the issues and profits of the two parts thereof , shal be had and made , in maner and fourme abouesaid . And for such of the same manors , lands , tenementes , and hereditaments , as shall concerne the interest of any other lord or lords , by commission to be graunted out of the kings court of the Chauncery , to enquire thereof , by the othes of 12. men , if the same lord or lordes , and the parties thereunto can not otherwise agree vpon the same diuision .

And be it further enacted and declared by authority aforesaid , that the sauings , reseruings , and prouisions , concerning sauing of the custodie , wardship , releefe , and primer season to the king , of such manors , lands , tenements , and hereditaments , or as much thereof , as shall appertaine vnto him , by vertue of the said former act , and by the declaration and exposition thereof , declared by this present act , during the kings interest therein . And also of the custody and wardship to other lords , of as much of such manours , lands , tenements , and hereditaments holden of them , as shall amounte and extende to the cleere yeerelie value of the third parte thereof ouer and aboue all charges , without any diminution or abridgement of the thirde part , or of the full profits thereof , comprised and mencioned in diuers articles in the saide former act contained , by the authority aforesaid be and shal be intended , expounded , and taken , as hereafter ensueth : that is to say , that the king shall haue and take for his full thirde part , of all such manours , lands , tenements , and hereditaments , where vnto he is or shall be intitled by the said former act , and by this present act , such manours , lands , and tenements , as shal by any meanes discend , or come by discent , as well of the estate of inheritaunce in fee taile , as in fee-simple , or in fee taile onely to the heire of any such person or that shall make any will , gifte , disposition , or deuise , by his last will in writing , or by any act or acts lawfully executed in his life , immediately after the death of the same deuisour or owner thereof . And that the will , gift and deuise , of euery such deuisour or owner , of and for the two partes of the saide manours , lands , tenements , and hereditaments residue , shall by the authority aforesaid , be and stand good and effectuall in the law , albeit , the same will , gift or deuise , be had and made of all his fee simple lands , tenementes , and hereditamentes , and in case the same manours , landes , tenementes , and hereditamentes , which after the death of anie suche owner or deuisour , which shall make any such gift , disposition , or deuise , by his last will , in writing , or otherwise , by any act or acts , lawfully executed in his life , to his wife , children or otherwise , as is aforesaid , which shall immediatly after his death , discend , reuert , remaine or come , to his heire or heires , as well of estate of inheritaunce in fee taile , as of estate in fee simple , or fee taile onely , be not , or shall not amount or extend to the full cleere yeerelie value of the full thirde part , with the full profites thereof , of all the said manours , lands , tenements , or other hereditaments of the said deuisour or owner , according to the true intent and meaning of the said former act , and of this present acte , that then the king shall and may haue & take , into his handes and possession , to make vp his full third parte , with the full profites thereof , according to his interest therein , as much of the other manours , lands , tenements , or hereditaments , willed , giuen , disposed , or assigned by any such person , to his wife , children or otherwise , as is aforesaid , as with such of the same , manours , lands , tenements , and hereditaments discended , or by any meanes come vnto the heire , as heire of anie such deuisour or owner , shall make vp the cleere yeerelie value of the said full third parte with the full profits thereof , of all the said manours , lands , tenements , hereditaments , of euerie such owner or deuisour , so to bee had to the king , in the title of wardship or primer season , as the case shall require . And the deuision thereof , to be had and made , and with the restitution of the profits of the two partes of the said manours , lands , tenementes , and hereditamentes , in such maner and fourme as is aboue rehearsed . And like benefit and aduantage , to be giuen , had and taken , by the said authority , to euerie Lord and Lordes , of whom anie such manours , lands , tenements , or hereditaments , beene or shall be holden by knightes seruice , in maner and fourme as is aboue said , concerning onelie his or their third partes thereof , according to their said interest therein .

And be it further enacted , by the authoritie aforesaid , that if it happen the same third parte , or anie part thereof , left , willed , or assigned , to the king or other lord , at anie time during their interestes therein , to be lawfullie euicted or determined , that than the king and the other lord , shall haue as much of the two partes residue , as shall accomplish and make vppe a full thirde part , in cleere yeerelie value , after the rate and portion of such manours , landes , tenementes , and hereditamentes , as shall then happen to remaine of the same third part , not deuicted nor determined , and of the other two parts of such manours , landes , tenementes , and hereditamentes , as the kinge or other lorde shoulde or ought to haue had , by vertue of the said former act , and this present act : and the same to be deuided , in maner and fourme aboue rehearsed , anie clause in the said former acte notwithstanding .

And be it further enacted and declared by the authoritie aforesaid , that the sauing and reseruing for fines for alienation , by anie such last will and testament , of such manours , landes , tenements , or hereditaments , holden of the king by knightes seruice in cheefe , or of the nature of knightes seruice in cheefe , or by socage in cheefe , or of the nature of socage tenure in cheefe , or for fines for alienation , of such manours , landes , tenementes , or hereditamentes , whereof there shall be anie alteration of freeholde , or of inheritance , made by anie such last will , comprised in diuers and sundrie articles , mencioned in the said former acte , be and shall be intended , expounded , taken , deemed and iudged , by the authoritie aforesaid , that all such person or persons , to whom the said manours , landes , tenementes , or hereditamentes , or anie of them , be or shall be giuen , disposed , willed , or deuised , by anie such last will , shall be exonerated , acquited and discharged for euer , against the king , his heires , and successours , for all such fines for alienations , by anie such last will or testament , without licence , by suing forth of the kinges pardon for alienation out of the kinges courte of Chauncerie , paying to the king , his heires or successours , for the fine of euerie such alienation , the third parte of the yeerelie value of the same manors , landes , tenementes or other hereditamentes , to him or them willed or deuised , and this acte from time to time , shall be a sufficient warrant , to the lord chauncellor of England , or keeper of the great seale , for the time being , for the graunting out of the saide pardon or pardons , vnder the kings great seale as heretofore hath beene vsed for pardons for alinations , without anie further suite to bee made to the king for the same .

And it is further declared & enacted , by the authoritie aforesaid , that willes or testamentes , made of any manours , lands , tenements , or other hereditaments , by any woman couerte , or person within the age of 21. yeeres , idiote , or by any person de non sane memorie , shall not bee taken to be good or effectuall in the lawe .

And further be it enacted by the authoritie aforesaide , that if anie person or persons hauing estate of inheritaunce , of or in , manours , landes , tenementes or hereditamentes , holden of the king by knightes seruice in cheefe , or otherwise of the kinge by knightes seruice , or of anie other person or persons by knights seruice , hath giuen at anie time sithen the 20. daie of the said month of Iulij 32. H. 8. An. do. 1540. or hereafter shall giue , wil , deuise , or assigne , by will or other acte executed in his life , his manours , landes , tenementes , or hereditamentes , or anie of them by fraude or couin , to anie other person or persons , for terme of yeeres , life or liues , with one remainder ouer in fee , or with diuers remainders ouer for terme of yeeres , life or in taile , with a remainder ouer in fee simple to anie person or persons , or to his or their right heires , or at anie time sithen the said 20. daie of Iulie , hath conueied or made ; or hereafter shall conueie or make by fraude or couin contrarie to the true intent of this act , anie estates , conditions , menalties , tenures , or conueiaunces , to the intent to defraud or disceiue the king of his praerogatiue , primer season , liuerie , releef , wardship , mariages or rights : or any other lord of their wardships , releefs , heriots , or other profites which should or ought to accrue , grow or come vnto them or any of them , by or after the death of his or their tenant , by force and according to the former estatute and of this present acte and declaration : and the same estates and other conueiaunces , beeinge found by office to be so made or contriued by couin , fraude or disceipt , as is abouesaid , contrarie to the true intent and meaning of the said former acte , and of this act : That then the king shall haue as well the wardshippe of the bodie , and custodie of the landes , tenementes and hereditamentes , as liuerie , primer season , releefe , and other profites , which shoulde or ought to appertaine to the kinge , according to the true intent and meaning of the said former acte , and of this present acte , as though no such estates or conueiaunces by couin , had neuer beene had or made vntill the said office bee lawfullie vndon by trauers or otherwise . And that the other lord and lordes , of whom anie such manours , landes , tenementes , or hereditamentes , shal be holden by knightes seruice , as is aforesaid , shall haue their remedie in such cases , for his or their wardships of bodies and landes , by write of right of warde , and shall distreine and make auowrie or cognisaunce , by themselues or their balifes , for their releefes , heriots , and other profits , which should haue beene to them due , by or after the death of their tenaunt , as if no such estate or conueiaunce had bene had or made . Sauing and reseruing alwaies , by the authoritie aforesaid the right and title of the donees , feoffees , leassees , and deuisees thereof , against the said deuisour and his heires , after the interest and title of the king or other lord therin ended and determined .

Prouided alwaies that this acte , explanation , and declaration , or anie of them , or anie thing in this said acte , explanation or declaration contained , shall not extend to the wil or deuise of sir Iohn Gaynsforde , late of Crowherst in the county of Surrie knight deceased : Nor to the will or deuise of sir Peter Filpot knight deceased : Nor the wil or deuise of Richard Creswel late of Mattingley in the countie of South . gentleman deceased , nor to the will or deuise of Thomas Vnton late of the countie of Berk. gentleman deceased , sonne of sir Thomas Vnton knight also deceased : or shal be in anie wise preiudiciall or hurtfull , to anie person or persons , for or concerning anie manours , landes , tenements , or hereditaments , conteyned or specified in the said willes or deuises , or in any of them , but that the said last willes and deuises , and euery of them , shall stande , abide , remaine , and be , in the same case , force and effect in the law , to all intents , purposes and constructions , as the said last willes and deuises , and euerie of them , were before the making of this act , declaration , and explanation , and of none other effect or force : this act , declaration , & explanation , or anie of them , or anie thing therein contained to the contrarie thereof in anie wise notwithstanding .

Prouided alwaie , and bee it enacted by the authoritie aforesaid , that all and euerie person and persons from whom the king or other lord or lordes , shall take anie manours , landes , tenementes or hereditamentes for his or their full thirde part , or to make vp his or their third part , shall and maie , by authoritie of this present act , in anie of the cases aforesaide vpon his or their bill exhibited in the kinges courte of Chauncerie , against al and euerie such person and persons , which shall be entitled by or vnder anie such will , gifte , disposition or deuise , to the other two partes , haue such contribution or recompence for the same , as by the chancellour of England , or by the keeper of the great seale of England for the time being , shall be thought good and conuenient .

Of the deuise of goods and Chattelles .

1 All manner of goods and chattelles may be deuised by will , certaine cases excepted .

2 The rule of the deuise of landes contrary to the rule of disposing of goodes .

§. v.

COncerning the second kind of thinges deuiseable by testament , namelie goods & chattelles ; this may be deliuered for a rule : That all manner of goods and chattelles , maie be bequeathed or deuised by will or testament a. a. L. caetera . ff. de leg . 1. §. tam corporales . Inst. de legat . & ibid. DD. Lindw . in c. statutum . de testa . lib. 3. prouincial . constituc . Cant. Perkins . tit. deuise . c. 8. fol. 99. , certaine cases onelie excepted b) b) De quibus . §. pro● . .

Which rule is cleane contrarie to the former of the deuise of lands , tenementes , and hereditamentes ; for they can not be deuised , sauing where some custome , or statute hath gained libertie , of bequeathing or deuising of the same c) c) Vt supr. ead. part . §§. 2 , 3 , 4. : But here in steede of the Negatiue rule , is set downe the Affirmatiue , the exceptions of which rule are prosecuted in the next Paragraphe .

Diuers kindes of goodes , not deuiseable by will .

1 Goods which a man hath iointlie with an other , can not be deuised by will .

2 What if the other ioint-tenannt be made Executor whether is the bequest good ?

3 Goods which a man hath as administratour , cannot be giuen by will .

4 Euerie administrator accomptable to the ordinarie .

5 Difference betwixt the executor , and the executor of an administrator .

6 Goods of the realme , that is to saie , of the auncient crowne and iewelles , can not bee giuen by will .

7 Goodes belonging to a church or hospitall , can not be deuised .

8 Goodes belonging to a citie , boroughe or communaltie , can not be deuised .

9 Church goodes can not be deuised .

10 Things which descend to the heire and not to the executor , are not deuiseable by will .

11 Whether the corne growinge vpon the grounde , whereof a man is seased in right of his wife , be deuiseable ?

12 Whether corne on the ground be deuiseable by the lessee , the lessor being seased in right of his wife .

13 Corne growing deuiseable by the tenaunt , by the curtesie of England .

14 Corne growing deuiseable by the tenaunt in dower .

15 Whether corne growing on lande morgaged , bee deuiseable ?

16 Whether corne growing , maie be deuised by the testators daughter , where a sonne and heire is afterwardes borne , or wherein the mother dooth recouer her dower ?

17 The testator cannot bequeath that which is an other mans .

§. vj.

FIrst a man can not giue or bequeath by wil any of those goods or catelles which he hath iointlie with an other , for if he should bequeath his portion thereof to a third person , this bequest is voide by the laws of this realme a) a) Perkins . tit. deuise . fol. 101. Doct. & Stud. lib. 1. c. 6. licet ius ciuile contrarium dictet . L. cùm alienum . C. de legatis . , and the suruiuor , which had those goodes or cattelles iointlie with an other , shal haue that portion so bequeathed notwithstanding the said will b) b) Hoc verum iure regni nostri Angliae . Doct. & Stud. lib. 2. c. 25. secùs iure ciuili , vt latè per Olden . de action . class. 4. action . pro socio . In so much that if the testator make the other iointenaunt his executor , against the which executor , an action is commenced in the ecclesiasticall courte in a cause of legacie : neuerthelesse the executor is not to be adiudged to possesse the said goodes as executor , or by right of the will , but by the title and right of the suruiuor c) c) Doct. & Stud. lib. 2. c. 25. , and so the executor is to be dismissed , and the will in that respect to be iudged voide d) d) Vide supr. ead. part . §. 3. n. 8. .

Secondlie , an administrator can not make a testament of those goods which he hath as administrator , to anie person dying intestate e) e) Brook tit . administrator . n. 7. Fitzherb . eod. tit. n. 3. , because he hath not anie such goodes to his own proper vse f) f) Plowd . in cas. inter Bransby & Grantham . fol. 525. 526. , but ought there withall to paie the debtes and legacies of the dead person , and to distribute the rest , ( if anie thing doe remaine ) in Godlie and charitable vses g) g) c ita quorundam . de testam . lib. 3. prouinci . const. Cant. stat. Ed. 3. an 31. c. 11. , and for that cause , euerie administrator is accomptable to the ordinarie for such distribution of the goods of the deceased , committed to his administration h) h) d. Stat. Ed. 3. an. 31. c. 11. . And albeit an executor of an executor maie administer the goodes of the former testator i) i) Stat. Ed. 3. an. 31. c. 25. : yet the executor of an administrator can not administer the goodes of the former deceased , but a new administration is to be committed by the ordinarie of all the goods vnadministred , by the late administrator , as if he had also died intestate ; any testament or assignation of an executor by him notwithstanding k) k) Brook . Abridg. tit. administ . n. 7. Principall grounds . fol. 61. . By this then it appeareth , that the authority of an executor is greater then of an administrator : for an executor maie appointe an executor to the first testator , so can not an administrator : Howe be it an executor can not giue awaie the goodes of the testator in his will by legacies , no more then an administrator l) l) Plowd . d. cas. inter Bransby & Grantham . , for those goodes are not the proper goodes of the executor : but are to bee imploied for the behoofe of the testator m) m) c. stat. de testa . lib. 3. prouincial . constit . Cant. ; and in that respecte also is the executor accomptable to the ordinary as wel as th' administrator n) n) Eod. c. statutum . ; I meane of a bare & mere executor , of whose diligence the testator made special choise , to whom nothing is bequeathed in the said testament .

Thirdlie , by the opinion of diuers iustices of this realme , and doctors of the cannon and ciuill lawe , the goodes of this realme , that is to saie , of the auncient crowne , and iewelles , cannot be disposed by will o) o) Fitzherb . Abridg. tit . exec. n. 108. , as is aforesaid p) p) Supr. part . 2. §. vlt. .

Fourthlie those thinges , which belong to anie colledge or hospitall , can not bee deuised by the testament or laste will of the maister of the sayde Colledge or Hospitall q) q) Perkins . tit. deuise● fol. 96. Doct. & Stud. lib. 2. c. 39. . The same maie bee saide of a Maior of anie citie or borough , for hee can not by his testament , bequeath anie thing belonging to the citie , borough or comminaltie r) r) Perkins . tit. deuise . fol. 96. §. non solùm . Instit de lega . vers . sed si . , no more then a master of a colledge or hospitall , such thinges as he hath in right of the colledge or hospitall s) s) Perkins . vbi supra . .

Fiftlie , the goodes of the church can not be deuised by testament t) t) c. 1. de testam . extr. : But the corne growing vpon the glebe v) v) Stat. H. 8. an. 28. c. 11 , and certaine other goods may be bequeathed , as hath beene before declared x) x) Supr. part . 2. §. penul . .

Sixtlie , those thinges which after the death of the testator , descende to the heire of the deceased , and not to his executor , can not bee deuised by testament y) y) Perkins . tit. deuises . à quo sequentes casus mutuatus sum . , except in such cases , where it is lawfull to deuise landes , tenementes , or hereditaments . And therefore if a man seased of landes in fee or fee taile , bequeath his trees growing vpon the said lande at the time of his death , this deuise is not good except as before : but if hee deuise the corne growing vpon the same lande at the time of his death , from the heire to some other person , this deuise is good , albeit the land whereupon it groweth bee not deuiseable : the reason of the difference is , because the trees are parcell of the free-hold , and descend together with the lande to the heire and not to the executor : but it is not so of corne , for the same shall goe to the executor as parcell of the testators goodes . And therefore if a man be seased of landes in the right of his wife , and sowe the lande , and deuise the corne growing vpon the same lande , and die before the corne be reaped : in this case the legatarie shall haue the corne and not the wife : but it is otherwise of grasse , and hearbes not separated from the ground , at the time of the death of the testator . If a man seased in fee in right of his wife doe let the same lande for yeeres to a straunger , and the lessee soweth the grounde , and afterwardes the wife dieth , the corne not being ripe : In this case the lessee may deuise the same corne , notwithstanding his estate bee determined . So is it , if he that is tenaunt by curtesie of England of landes , tenementes or hereditamentes for his life , let the same lande to an other for yeeres , and the leassor die within the tearme of those yeeres : In this case the lessee maie deuise the corne which shall bee growing vpon the same lande , not ripe at the time of the death of the testator . Likewise if the tenante in dower , sowe those landes which he hath in dower , and make his executors , and after dieth , the corne not separated , there the executors shall haue the corne , notwithstanding the same be not seeded , and so the tenant in dower , may deuise the corne , growing vpon that land which she holdeth in dower at the time of her death . But it is not alwaies lawfull for a man or a woman to deuise the corne by them sowen , for if a man seased of lande in fee doe infeoffee a straunger in morgage vpon paimente , and not paiment made on the partie of the feoffer , at a certaine daie : and the feofee sowe the land , and the feoffer paie the monie at the daie appointed , and enter : in this case it is thought , that the feoffee cannot deuise the corne growing vpon the said lande . Likewise if he that is tenaunte in taile of certaine land , doe let the same lande for terme of life , and the lessee doe sowe the same lande , and the tenaunte in taile die , and the issue do recouer the same in form don in the discent before the corn be separated : it is thought in this case that the issue in taile maie bequeath the same by his testament . Moreouer if a man seased in fee , haue issue a daughter and die , his wife being great with childe , and the daughter enter and sowe the ground , and afterwarde before the corne be seuered , the wife is deliuered of a son , and thereupon his next freind do enter for him ; yet the daughter maie deuise the corne growing vpon the same land : but if after the sowing of the corne and before the birth of the son , the mother hath recouered her dower against her daughter , and the same land that is sowen , is alotted or assigned vnto her by the Sherife , for her dower , in allowance of other lands , there the mother may deuise the corne , growing vpon the saide lande , and not her daughter .

Finallie , whereas by the ciuill law , it was lawfull for the testator to bequeath not onelie his owne thinges , but an other mans also a) a) §. Non solum Instit. de lega . L. cùm alienum . C. de lega . : in so much that the executor was compellable to redeeme the same thing , and deliuer it to the legatarie , or if the owner would not sell it , then to paie the iuste value thereof to the same legatarie b) b) Eod. §. non solùm . L. non dubium . ff. de lega . 3. , vnlesse the testator were ignorant that the same thing did belong to an other , and did suppose it to be his owne : In which case the legacie is void , so that the executor is neither bound to buie the thing , nor to paie the value therof c) c) d. §. non solùm . L. si vnum . §. si rem . ff. de lega . 2. , because peraduenture if the testator had knowen that it had been an other mans , he wold not haue bequeathed the same d) d) d. §. non solum . Instit. de lega . : yet neuertheles both by the laws ecclesiastical e) e) c. filius . de testa . extr. & ibi Couar . in fin . Panor . in repe . c. cùm esses . eod. tit n. 18. Bar. tract , de differentijs interius can . & ciuil . n. 86. , & also by the laws of this realm f) f) Plowd . in cas. inter Bransby & Grantham . huc etiam pertinent quae superiùs scribuntur in initio huius §. de coemptore , seu condomino disponente . , no man can bequeath or deuise anything by his testament or laste will , sauing onelie that which is his own , and that which he hath to his proper vse g) g) Plowd . vbi sup. ; and if hee do bequeath anie other mans , the bequest is void ; so that the executor is neither bound to redeeme the thing for the legatarie , nor to pay the value thereof h) h) Couar . Panor . Sichard . vbi supra . ; and that without distinction , whether the testator did know or not know , whether the thing bequeathed were his own , or an other mans i) i) Si enim ignorasset rem esse alienam , tunc vel ciuili iure non valet legatum . §. non solùm . Instit. de lega . . But what if the testator do bequeath some thing , which at the time of the making of the testamente is not his , but the testator afterwardes dooth buy the same : Whether is this thinge due or recouerable by the legatarie yea , or naie ? By the ciuill lawe it is not due k) k) L. 1. ff. de regul. Caton . , but in some fewe cases l) l) Repertor . Bertachni . verb. regula . Caton . . By the lawes of this realme it seemeth that we are to distinguish , whether some speciall thing be deuised or not ; for if a special or certain thing be deuised , as if the testator doo bequeath the manour of Dale , then albeit the testator had no such manor when the wil was made : yet by the purchase made afterwards , the testator is presumed to haue had this meaning from the beginning , to purchase the same for the benefit of the legatarie , and so the deuise is good m) m) Plowd . in cas. inter Bret & Rygden . fol. 344 . But if the legacie be not speciall but generall , as if the testator doo bequeath all his landes , then the testator hauing some lands at the time of making the testament , and purchasing other lands afterwardes , these landes purchased after the making of the testament shal not passe n) n) Plowd . vbi supra . . But howsoeuer the lawes of this realme haue determined concerning the deuise of lands , tenements and hereditaments , purchased after the making of the testament : yet concerning goods , if the testator doo bequeath anie such thing in generall tearmes , as a horse or an oxe , although the testator haue neither horse nor oxe at the time of his testament made , neither yet at the time of his death , the legacie is not therefore voide o) o) Bar. Paul . de Castr. & al●j . in L. legat . generaliter . de leg. 1. ff. , but the executor is bound to deliuer an horse , or an oxe , as else where is confirmed , where also is shewed to whom the choice belongeth in this case , and what manner thing is to be deliuered p) p) Infr. part . 7. §. x. .

Of Assigning tutors , and disposinge of childrens portions , during their minorities generallie considered .

1 Manie questions about the tuition of children .

2 The matter of tuitions both large and vncertaine .

§. vij .

IF I should vndertake to speake fullie of the assignement , or appointinge of tutors to children , and custodie of their portions or other rightes during their nonage , not onelie manie questions would offer themselues to be handled , ( namelie who maie graunt the tuition , of whom , to whom , after what manner , what is the office and authoritie of a tutor , when the tuition is finished , what action the pupill hath against the tutor for the recouerie of his rightes , or the tutor against the pupill for the charge of his education and conseruation of such thinges as are due to the childe ; and finallie if the tutor testamentarie excuse him selfe , or refuse the tutorship , what order is to be taken in the behalfe of the child , ) which questions are so ample & minister so great aboundance of matter , that it is not possible to comprehend the same within anie compasse fitte for this breefe treatise . And further the customes of this realme are so diuers and contrarie one to an other , which doe concerne this matter , that I might easilie fall into diuers errors .

Wherfore as well for that this matter should not exceed the proportion of a iust member , as also for that I would be loath to play the blinde guide , I thought it better , and more safe , to refer the Reader to the learned of euery place , of whom he may be more sufficiently certified of their particular customes , then to fill vp this volume with the multitude of different ; yea and contrarie obseruations , of sundrie countries , and places within this Realme , whereof I can obteine no sounder warrant nor better assurance of the legalitie thereof , then the bare reports , and relations of others .

Howbeit , forasmuch as within the Prouince of Yorke , I my selfe haue had some reasonable experience in these affaires for many yeeres , I thought it not amisse briefly to signifie what is there obserued .

Of the committing of the tuition of children , and custodie of their portions , within the prouince of York .

1 No parents of any Countrey haue like power ouer their children , as had the Romanes .

2 Whence the authoritie of assigning children , did descend .

3 The customes of the North parts of this Realme , doe very much resemble the Ciuill lawe .

§. viii .

ALbeit neither within this Realm of England , nor within anie realme christian , anie parents haue the like power ouer their children , as had the Romans a) a) §. Ius autem . Instit. de tutelis . & ibi glossa in qua enumerantur septem aut octo in quibus ius patriae potestatis consistit . ; to whom alone that patria potestas was proper and particular b) b) Eod. §. nec non tract . de repub. Angl lib. 3. c. 7. Intellige tamen vt in gloss . in d. §. ius autem . ; which was the cheefe cause wherby they did & might by their testamentes , commit the bodies of their children , and their portions at their pleasures to the custodie of others according to the ciuill lawe c) c) L. 1. ff. de testa . tutel . §. permissum . Instit. de tutel . : yet in diuers places within this realme , and namelie throughout the prouince of Yorke , there dooth remaine a certaine resemblance of that power and determination of the ciuil law ; as in manie other things , so also in the assigning or appointinge of tutors by their testaments or last wils d) d) Vt patet ex his quae subsequuntur §§. 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14. , whether we regard the person of the testator or of him that is assigned tutor , or of the children , or the maner of assignation , or the office and authoritie of the tutor , or the meanes wherby the tuition is ended , which I must onelie point at .

Who maie appoint a Tutor .

1 The father maie appoint a tutor , by his testamente or last will .

2 Whether the mother maie appoint a tutor .

3 Whether a straunger maie assigne a tutor .

4 Whether the ordinarie maie assigne a tutor .

§. ix .

VNderstand therefore that by generall custome obserued within the prouince of Yorke a) a) De qua consuetudine apertissimè , per indubitatae fidei acta & instrumenta antiqua , in archiuis Archiepiscopi E●o●ac . reposita , constat . , the father by his last will or testament maie for a time commit the tuition of his childe , and the custodie of his portion b) b) Fat●or quidem nostratium liberos ab illa prima potestate ferè solutos , & quasi emancip●tos esse , vt refert D. Smith in suo tract . de repub. Angl. Qu●● tamen haec consuetudo , quae vel praecipuè in partibus borealibus viget , summa nitatur aequitate & ratione , negari non potest . Quis enim diligentiùs de pupilli rebus cogitat quàm parentes ? aut cui maiori curae esse poterit , vt ex eo maximè quantúms nulla alia subesset causa , ijs liceret morientibus , in testamentis suis designare liberis vice parentes eos , quorum experta fide norunt futuros esse liberis suis tutores , id est , tu●ores , siue defensores . , for within that prouince , children haue their filial portions of their fathers goods according to the ciuill lawe (c) (c) Et quidem debetur eadem prorsus quantitas , nam vt quandoque triens , quandoque semis competit . ( auth. nouissimo C. de inoffic . teston ) pro numero liberorum , ita iure quo nos vtimur , media pars debetur liberis , nulla relicta vx●re , quà superstite , certia pars bonorum ijs competere dignoscitur . infr. ead. part . §. 16. , except he be heire , or aduaunced in the life time of his father d) d) Vide infr. ead. part . §. 16. , which testament and assignation is to be confirmed by the ordinarie e) e) Id quod iuri ciuili consonat sed si pater filio emancipato tutorem assignauerit omnino Iudicis sententia confirmandus est . §. fin . Instit. de tutel . , who also is to prouide for the execution of the same testament f) f) Infr. part. 6. § j. .

If the father die , no tutor being by him assigned , and the mother doo in her last will and testament appointe a tutor , the same will is to be prooued , and the assignation of the tutor confirmed g) g) Confirmatur quidê tutor à matre datus , sed cum inquisitione propter fragile mulieris consilium . Sufficit verò modica inquisitio filius si instituatur , alias requiritur magna . L. mater . C. de testa . tutel . L. 2. ff. de confir . tut . Bar. in L. naturali . §. si quaeratur . eod. .

And if no tutor be assigned by either of the parents , then maie a stranger if he make the Orphane his executor , and giue him his goodes , assigne a tutor vnto him h) h) L. patronus . ff. de consir . tit. nam qui instituit impuberem videtureum eligere quasi in filium . Et ipse habetur loco patris . Bald. in d. L. si patronus . , which tutor is by the ordinarie to be confirmed i) i) d. L. si patronus . .

And if there be no tutor testamentarie at all , then maie the ordinarie commit the tuition of the childe to his next kinse-man l) l) De hac potestate testimonium non obscurum perhibent omnia ferè acta & instrumenta tùm recentia , tùm antiqua , quae in archiuis publicis Archiepiscopi Ebor. fideliter custodita . demaunding the same , according as in administrations where anie dieth intestate (m) (m) Nam vbi successionis emolumentum ibi residet tutelae onus . L. 1. ff. de tutel . , so that the childe be not warde , for then the ordinarie maie not dispose of the custodie of his person , as is hereafter declared (n) (n) Infr. ead. part . §. xj . .

Who maie be appointed Tutor .

1 He that cannot be executor cannot be tutor .

2 Whether he that is vnder age or lunatike maie bee appointed tutor .

3 Whether a woman maie be tutrix .

§. x.

ANie person maie bee assigned tutor which is not forbidden a) a) Quando excipiuntur aliqui , reliqui proculdubio admittuntur . Nam firmat exceptio regulam in non exceptis . Dec. & Cagnol . in L. 1. de reg. iui . ff. , who is forbidden may appeare by that which is herafter spoken of an executor b) b) Infr. part. 5. , for hee that can not be an executor can not be tutor c) c) L. testa . ff. de testa . tutel . .

He that is not 21. yeeres olde , or is not of perfect minde and memorie , maie be assigned tutor : but it is to be vnderstoode that hee shall be tutor when he is of ful age , or when he doth returne to sanitie of minde d) d) § furiosus . Instit. qui tut . testa . dari poss. .

By the ciuill lawe a woman ( the mother and grand-mother excepted ) can not bee assigned tutrix e) e) L. iure nostro de testa . tuit . ff. : but it is not obserued as a law within the prouince of Yorke , where not onelie the mother and grand-mother are admitted , but other women also , albeit they bee married , and vnder the gouernement of their husbands f) f) Vt per acta & instrumenta . d. scacarij Archiepiscopi Ebor. .

To whom a tutor maie be appointed .

1 A tutor may bee assigned to him that is not 14. yeeres olde , and to her that hath not accomplished twelue .

2 After 14. and 12. he and she maie chuse their curators .

3 When the curator is to be confirmed .

4 A tutor may be assigned to the childe vnborne .

5 No tutor can be assigned vnto him that is warde by reason of his landes .

6 Neither to infants or idiots wardes .

7 Who shall haue the ward-ship of a childe that hath landes .

8 What the Gardian maie doo .

9 The hard estate of wardes .

10 All infantes wards , are not subiect to like conditions .

11 Who shal be Gardian to the infante , which hath landes in socage .

12 Procheyn amie accomptable to the ward after his full age .

13 Idiots in the custodie of the prince , whether the custodie of an infant or ideote may be deuised by the testator .

§. xj .

BY the said custome generallie obserued within the prouince of Yorke , a Tutor maie be assigned to a boie at anie time vntill hee haue accomplished the age of 14. yeeres , and to a wench vntil she haue accomplished the age of twelue yeeres a) a) L. tutelae . C. de testa . tut . §. permissum . Instit. de tutel . tit. quibus modis tut . finitur . Instit. in prin. . But after those yeeres he or she respectiuelie maie chuse their owne curators , notwithstandinge their fathers will b) b) §. Item inuiti . Instit. de curator . L. diuus . §. curatores . ff. qui pe. tut . L. matris . C. eod. in fin . quam op. longaeuus approbauit vsus . : but if they doo not electanie other curator after their seuerall ages , then hee that is assigned in the will , is to bee confirmed curator to either of the said children , albeit hee were aboue 14. yeeres , and she aboue 12. when the wil was made c) c) L. tutelae . C. de testa . tut . §. dantur . Instit. de cura . .

A tutor maie also be assigned to a childe that is not borne d) d) §. cum autem . Instit. de tut . : likewise to an ideote , or him that is lunatike e) e) §. furiosi . Instit. de cura . & licet huiusmodi personae , maiores sint 25. annis erunt sub curatione . d. §. furiosi . an haec authoritas fit penes testatorem , vel ordinarium , an ad regem spectet iure praerogat . Quaere vt inf. in d. §. .

But all this which is here aforesaid is to bee restrained , so that it be not to the preiudice of him that is a Gardian , or hath the wardship of anie infant or minor f) f) Habenti tutorem tutor non est dandus . §. interdum . Inst. de cura . , or of anie idiote , by reason of anie landes , tenementes or hereditaments , belonging to such infant or idiote g) g) Stat. praerogatiuae regis . c. 9. Fitzh . Bre●e de idiota inquirendo . . For by the common lawes of this realme of England , the lorde of whom the infant dooth hold his landes , so soone as the father dieth , hath the wardship and keeping of the heire , and thereby maie sease vpon the bodie of the warde and his landes h) h) Tract . de repub. Ang. lib. 3. c. 5. per stat. de praerog . regis . an . 17. Ed. 2. c. 1. & 6. , whereof also he maie take the profites , without accompt , so that he nourish and bring vp the warde i) i) d. tract . de repub. An. : And not that onelie , but also offering to his warde conuenable marriage , without disparagement before 21. yeeres , if it be a man , or 14. if it be a woman ; if the ward refuse to take that mariage , he or she must paie the value of the mariage k) k) Stat. West . c. 22. , which is commonlie rated accordinglie to the profites of his lands , which is a thing vtterlie condemned of some & greatlie lamented of manie , both graue and godlie ; because of the insatiable couetousnesse of diuers in these daies l) l) Vide d. tract . de repub. Angl. lib. 3. c. 5. Termes of law . verb. gardein . , for that therby it commeth to passe manie times , that a free man and a gentleman whiles he is an infant , of slender discretion and lesse experience , destitute of his beste friende , that is to saie , his naturall father , and consequentlie subiect to the subtilties and importunities of his craftie and couetous Gailor , is bought and solde like a beast , to such as seeke to make most aduantage of him ; and in the ende besides manie moe inconueniaunces , matched to my maisters daughter , sister , cosin , or some other female , to whom for her vertues and gentle conditions , if thine enimie shoulde be preferred in mariage , thou couldest wishe him no greater torment ( if it were lawful for thee to wishe him anie torment ) hell excepted .

To these perils are these infants subiect which holde landes of other by knightes seruice , called in french Garde noble m) m) d. tract . eod. c. 5. , for there is an other kind of seruice , called Gard Returier alias Gard in socage , or tenure by the ploughe n) n) Eodem loco . . This wardship falleth to him that is next of kin , and can not inherite the lande of the warde o) o) Stat. Marleb . c. 17. an . 52. H. 3. , as the vnckle on the mothers side , if the land descend by the father ; or the vnckle on the fathers side , if the land descend by the mother p) p) Brook . tit . gardeins & prochein amye . n. 11 12. 13. Termes of law . verb. prochein amye . .

This Gardyan otherwise called prochein amie is accomptable for the profites and reuenues of the lande to the warde , as the tutor for the goods and chattelles to the pupill when he is of full age q) q) d. stat. Marleb . c. 17. d. tract de repub. Angl. lib. 3. c. 5. .

Concerning Idiottes such is the praerogatiue of the princes of this lande , that they shall haue the custodie of all the landes of naturall fooles , and maie take the profite thereof without waste or destruction , of whose fee so euer the same be holden , findinge to them necessaries r) r) Stat. Ed. 2. de praerog . reg. c. 9. : And after the death of such Idiottes , the lande must be restored to the right heires s) s) Eod. stat. . But in the meane time , that is to saie , during the nonage of the warde , or during the life of the Idiote , the tuition of the bodie of the warde or Idiote , or of his landes can not bee deuised by testament , to anie other person contrarie to the course of common lawe , in preiudice of him to whom the wardship dooth belong t) t) Quia tutorem habenti tutor non datur . , sauing the testator maie committe the custodie of suche goods and chattelles , as he dooth bequeath to the said infant or ideot , to whom hee will and during so long time as he will v) v) Siquidem vnusquisque potest rebus suis quam velit legem imponere . Mantic. lib. 7. tit. 1. nu. 38. & testatoris voluntas habetur pro lege . L. seruus . ff. de manumiss . licet alias videatur per Fitzherb . Nat. Bre. de idiota inquirendo quòd bonaquae idiotae obueniunt , suo gardiano accrescunt . Quaere tamenper Stamford . super d. praerog . reg. c. Idiot . .

Of the manner of appointing Tutors .

1 A tutor maie be appointed simplie or conditionally to a daie or from a daie .

2 The condition depending , what is to be doone in the meane time .

3 Lawfull to appointe one or manie tutors .

4 Whether where one tutor is appointed an other maie be receiued .

5 Whether diuers being assigned , one tutor alone may be admitted .

6 By what wordes a tutor maie be appointed .

7 What if the testator saie , I committe my children to thy power or to thy handes .

8 What if he saie , I committe my children vnto the quicke and deade .

9 What if he saie , I desire thee to take care of my son .

10 The testator maie vse anie language in the assignation of a tutor .

§. xij .

BY the saide generall custome it is obserued within the prouince of Yorke a) a) De qua per plurima acta & testa . in d. sacro . existen . , that a tutor maie bee assigned either simplie , or conditionallie b) b) §. ad certum . Instit. qui testa . tutor dari poss. , and vntil a certaine time , or from a certaine time c) c) Eod. §. ad certum . L. tutor . §. tutorem . de testaria . tut . ff. . But no tutor maie intermeddle as tutor , vntill he be confirmed by the ordinarie , albeit he be assigned tutor simplie d) d) L. legitimus & ibi Bar. ff. de legit . tutel . , much lesse where he is assigned conditionallie , or from a certaine time , maie hee intermeddle as tutor vntill the condition be extant e) e) L. qui sub conditione ff. de testa . tutel . , or the time limited be expired f) f) d. L. qui sub conditione . : but the ordinarie maie in the meane time commit the tuition , and hee that is so appointed by the ordinarie , maie for that time administer g) g) Bar. & alij in d. L. qui sub conditione . .

Moreouer it is lawfull to appoint either one tutor alone , or manie together h) h) L. si plures . ff de testa tut . . Where one alone is appointed tutor by the testator , the ordinarie ought not to ioine an other tutor i) i) §. interdum . Instit. de cura . , vnlesse he that is named tutor be lunatike k) k) L. non solùm . §. vlt. ff. de excus . tut . gloss . in d. §. interdum . Instit. de curator . , or bee absent about the affaires of the common wealth l) l) L. tutor . §. si quis abfuturus . ff. de suspect . tut . , for in these and other like cases an other tutor maie be ioined m) m) Gloss. & Minsing . in d. §. interdum . Instit. de cur . ; at leaste duringe the impediment . Where diuers are appointed , there one alone may administer n) n) L. 3. de administ . tut . ff. : which conclusion doth proceede with lesse difficultie , when cotutors can not or wil not meddle o) o) L. legitimos . §. in legitimis . ff. de legit . tut . L. 47. de administ . tut . or transferre their authoritie to him which dealeth p) p) Bald. in L. qui pupille . C. de negotijs . gest . , for they maie doo that , and so also be his sureties q) q) L. Romanus . ff. de tutor . vel curator . dat . ab his . .

It skilleth not by what wordes the tutor bee appointed , so that the testators meaning doo appeare : for they are neuerthelesse to bee confirmed tutors r) r) L. 1. de confir . tut . ff. & ibi Bar. L. quoniam . C. de testa . Socin . consil. 83. vol. 1. .

Wherefore if the testator saie , I commit my children to the power of A.B. or I leaue them in his hands , it is in effect , as if the testator had said , I make A.B. tutor to my children s) s) Ias . in L. manumissionis . ff. de Iustit . & iure . Boer . decis . 124. vbi attestatur hanc opinionem , & tutiorem , & veriorem esse . : so it is if he saie , I leaue them to his gouernement , regiment , administration &c t) t) Molin . in addic . ad Decium . in c. ex parte de app. extr. Socin . consil. 83. vol. 1. .

If the testator saie , I commit my sonne to A. B. both quicke and dead with all his legacies by me giuen , by these wordes it is presumed that the testator meant , that A.B. should be tutor to his child if he liued , and if he died , then to haue those legacies v) v) Socin . d. consil. 83. .

If the testator saie , I desire my wife to take care of my children , during their minorities , albeit those wordes doo not necessarilie infer or conclude a tuition of their owne nature , but rather that she should chastice them , when they deserued to be corrected x) x) Dec. in d. c. ex parte de app. extr. Boer . decis . 124 in princ . , ( for to haue tuition of children is a greater thinge and extendeth further then to haue a care of them onelie y) y) Dec. in d. c. ex parte . : ) Neuerthelesse for as much as the ruder sorte of people , doe not know the difference of termes , nor the naturall force of wordes z) z) Socin . d. consil. 83. vol. 1. : Therefore if any be assigned tutor by these foresaid words he is to be confirmed a) a) L. 1. de confir . tut . ff. & ita limitatur . §. quamquam in L. qui aliena . ff. de neg. gest . vt per Ias . in L. manumissiones . ff. de Iustit . & iur . .

The same also maie be saide where the testator dooth commit his childe to the custodie of an other : For albeit , it be a greater thinge to haue the tuition of a childe , then to haue the bare custodie of a child committed vnto him b) b) Rom. Sing . 164. Dec. in c. ex parte . de app. extr. : Yet in all thinges the will and meaninge of the testator , c) c) d. L. 1. de confir . tut . & DD. in eand . L. molin . in addic . ad lect. Decij in d. c. ex parte . M. is to be obserued and preferred before the propertie of the wordes d) d) L. quoniam indignum . C. de testam . , whereof perhaps he is ignorant , which meaning is to be collected by that which went before or folleweth after in the will , and by other circumstances , which the discreete iudge ought to enquire e) e) Boer . decis . 124. .

Finallie , it skilleth not in what language the tutor be assigned , whether in English , Latine , Greeke , or anie other tongue f) f) L. vlt. C. de testa . tur . .

Of the office and auctoritie of a Tutor .

1 The office of a tutor dooth principallie respect the person of the pupill .

2 The office of a tutor dooth secondarilie respecte the good administration of the pupilles goods .

3 The tutor ought to make an inuentarie and is chargeable with an accompt .

4 Whether a tutor ought to enter into bondes for the performaunce of his office .

5 Of the authoritie of a tutor .

6 Whether the tutor maie alienate the goodes of the pupill .

§. xiij .

THe office and authoritie of the Gardyan or him that hath the wardship of any infant , by reason of anie lands , tenements or hereditaments , whether the same be holden by knights seruice , or by soccage tenure is alreadie declared a) a) Supra ead. part . §. x , n. 8. 9. , wherefore in this place I shall onelie touch the office and authoritie of a tutor , according to the custome obserued within the prouince of Yorke , not greatlie differing from the disposition of the ciuill lawe .

This therfore is the office of a tutor . Firste and principally to defend the person of his pupill b) b) Inde rutores quasi tuitotes , id est , defensores , à tuendo , & defendendo appellantur , sicut aeditui dicuntur , qui aedes tuentur . §. tutores . Instit. de tutel . L. 1. ff. eod. , that is to saie , to prouide that hee bee honestlie and vertuouslie brought vp , and to prouide for him meate , drinke , cloth , lodging , and other necessaries , according to the childs estate or condition and abilitie c) c) Nec tantùm alimenta praestari debent pupillo , sed etiam in studia impensae debent impédi pro facultate patrimonij , & dignitate natalium . Wigand . Happel . tract . de tutel . tit. 138. n. 44. fol. 350. .

Secondarilie , the office of a tutor consisteth in the good and faithfull administring , or disposing of the goodes and cattelles of the saide pupill d) d) §. datus . Instit. de excus . tut . & Minsing . ibidem . , that is to saie , the tutor maie not commit anie thinge that maie bee hurtfull , nor omit anie that maie be profitable to his pupill e) e) Latiùs de offic. tutoris . Happelius tract . de tutel . tit. 38. per totum . ; and in the ende restore vnto the pupill all his goodes and cattelles , by him the said tutor before receiued f) f) L. tutorem quendam . C. de arbitr. tut . Olden . de action . class. 4. action . tutel . directa . . And for that purpose euerie tutor ought euen at the verie entrie into his office , to make a true inuentorie of al the goods and cattelles of his pupill g) g) L. tutor qui repertorium . ff. de administr . tut . L. tutores , vel curatores . C. de administr . tut . Bar. in d. L. tutor . : and to make a iuste and true accompt of his dealinges , in the behalfe of his pupill h) h) L. 1. §. offic. de tut . & ration . distrahend . ff. , and it is generallie obserued within the saide prouince , that euerie tutor as well testamentarie , as other appointed by the ordinarie , dooth enter into bonde with suerties to the effecte aforesaide , accordinge to the discretion of the ordinarie i) i) Hoc vsitatissimum esse infr. prouinc . Ebor. certo certius est , vtcunque iure ciuili tutor testatorius , vel datiuus , satisdare non teneatur . L. testamento . de testa . tutel . L. 2. de confir . tut . ff. .

Concerning the authoritie of a tutor , assoone as he is confirmed , he maie sease vpon the bodie of the pupill k) k) Aymo . consil. 18. , and maie likewise take possession of all his goods l) l) L. 1. ff. de adm̄str . tut . . And if anie doe conueie awaie the person of the said pupill , hee maie be conuented and in the ende compelled to restore him m) m) Gabr. lib. 5. com . conclus . c. 1. n. 41. post Cas. consil. 120. Aym cons. 18. n. 6. fortè etiam incidit in sententiam excommunicationis , quia impedit executionem testamenti . per c. statu . de testa . lib. 3. prouinci . constit . Cant. Fitzh . Nat. Bre. fol. 44. . Likewise if anie person do detaine anie thing belonging to his said pupill , recouerable in the ecclesiasticall courte , hee is vsuallie conuented by the tutor in the behalfe of the pupill n) n) Sed an debet agere , vel conueniri nomine tutorio . Bar. in L. 1. §. sufficit . ff. de adm̄str . tut . Brooke Abridg. tit . gard . el. 2. .

Furthermore the tutor maie alienate and sell such goodes belonging to the pupill , as can not be kept vntill he come to lawfull age o) o) L. lex C. de adm̄str . tut . : but other goods which maie conuenientlie be kept , and continued vntill the pupill attaine to lawfull yeeres , and especiallie goodes immooueable , the tutor maie not sell nor alienate p) p) Eadem L. lex . & ibi Angel . & alij . .

By what meanes the tutorship is ended .

1 The tutor-ship is ended by diuers meanes .

2 In respect of pupill the tutor-ship is ended when he commeth to lawfull age .

3 Sufficient age in a man at 21. sometimes at 14.

4 Sufficient age in a woman , at 12. 14. 16. yeeres in diuers respectes .

5 In respect of the tutor his office is ended , if he cannot be executor or doe excuse himselfe .

6 Likewise if he be remooued as suspected , or become lunatike or deafe and dumbe , or be absent or die .

7 Howe the tutorship is ended in respect of the forme of the tuition .

§. xiiij .

THe tutor-ship is ended by diuers meanes , whereof some respecte the person of the pupill , some doe respect the person of the tutor , and some doe respecte the manner and forme of the tuition it selfe a) a) Vigel . method . iur. ciuil . part. 2. lib. 5. c. 8. Wigand . Happel . tract . de tutel . tit. 55. 56. &c. .

In respect of the person of the pupill , the tutorship is finished , when the pupill hath accomplished sufficient age . Sufficient age in a man is sometimes at 21. yeeres and not before , sometimes at 14 b) b) Minor quibus casibus habetur pro maiore , vide Repertor . Bertachni . verb. minor . gloss . & DD. in c. ex part . de restitue . spol . extra . . In a woman sometimes at 12. sometimes at 14. and sometimes at 16 c) c) Tract . de repub. Ang. lib. 3. c. 5. Principall grounds . fol. 35. Brook tit . gard . el. 2. . He that is warde by reason of landes holden in knights seruice is not out of ward-ship vntill hee bee of the age of 21. yeeres d) d) Mag. Char. c. 3. an . 9. H. 3. Bract. de leg . & cens . Angl. lib. 2. c. 37. Brook tit . gard . n. 111. : he that is ward by reason of lands holden in socage , is then out of wardship when he is of the age of 14. yeeres e) e) Termes of law . verb. prochein Amy. , at which yeeres hee maie refuse his gardian , and call him to an accompt f) f) Marlebr . c. 17. an . 52. H. 3. , at the same age also is the tutor-ship ended ( if he haue no landes but goodes ) and the minor maie then also call his late tutor to accompt g) g) L. indecorum . C. cum tut . esse desin . Instit. quib . mod. tut . fin . in prin. : and if he will hee maie then choose a curator , either the same person that was tutor or some other h) h) Supr. ead. part . §. x. .

A woman assoone as she is 12. yeeres of age , is out of the gouernement of her tutor i) i) Inst. quib . mod. tut . fin . in princ . , vnles she be warde in respect of landes , for then shee shall continue warde vntill shee bee 16. yeeres olde k) k) Brook tit . gard . el. 2. n 7. Principal grounds . fol. 35. , except she be of the age of 14. yeeres at the death of her auncestors , for being of those yeeres at her auncestors death , for as much as she maie haue an husband able to doo knights seruice , she shall not be warde l) l) Tract de repub. Ang. lib. 3. c. 5. Fitzh . Nat. Bre. fol. 141. D. .

In respect of the person of the tutor the tuition is ended , if he become such a one , as can not be made executor m) m) L. testament . de testa . tut . ff. , of whom mention is made hereafter n) n) Infr. 5. part . , or if he iustlie excuse himselfe o) o) Instit. tit de excus . tut . l. 2. §. remittit . ff. eod. : ( But those lawes concerninge excusinge of tutors and curators are verie seldome or not at all practised : for tutors now a daies are so far from excusing themselues , that on the contrarie they striue and labour mightilie to bee admitted , turning that to a benefit , which was wont to be a burthen p) p) Olden . in L. 12. tab. tit. 3. fo. ( mihi ) 55. Trac de repub. Ang. lib. 3. c. 5 or if the tutor be remooued as susspected , the tuition is determined q) q) L. si arrogati . §. pen . ff. de tut . §. pen . Instit. de suspec . tut . , ( and he is said to be a suspected tutor which dealeth not faithfullie in his office r) r) §. suspectus . Instit. de susp . tut . vel cur . or if the tutor become lunatike , or deafe and dumbe , or in that case , that hee can not gouerne or administer his goodes s) s) L complurima ff. de tutel . L post susceptum de excus . tut . , or if he die t) t) L. Cuius bonis . C. de curator . furios . , or is absent , being taken of the enemie v) v) L. si arrogati . ff. de tutel . .

In respect of the manner and forme of the tuition , the office and authoritie of the tutor is determined , as if the tutor bee appointed vpon condition , which condition is broken , or if the tutor bee appointed duringe a certaine time , which time is finished x) x) § praetereà . Instit. quib . mod. tut . fin . L. si adrogati . §. sed etsi . & §. fin . ff. de tut . , in these and manie other respectes ( which for breuitie I omitte ) the tutor-ship is determined y) y) Videant Iustinianistae Vigelij methodum iuris ciuilis , vbi perplures traduntur causae finiendi tutelam . .

Of the quantitie of landes deuiseable by will .

1 Of landes , tenementes , and hereditamentes , sometimes all , sometimes but two partes of three , is deuiseable .

§. xv .

NOwe that I haue shewed what kinde of thinges maie be deuised by will , it remaineth to shew how much is deuiseable , of landes or goodes .

And first concerning landes , tenements and hereditamentes , sometimes they maie be deuised wholie , as landes , tenementes and hereditamentes holden in socage , or of the nature of socage tenure a) a) Sup● . ead. part . §. 4. : sometimes two partes of three maie be deuised , namelie of landes , tenements and hereditaments holden in cheef by knights seruice , or of the nature of knightes seruice in cheefe b) b) Eod. § 4. , as appeareth more fullie heretofore , where I haue set downe the statutes at large .

What quantitie of goods or chattels maie be deuised by testament .

1 Legacies to be paid out of the cleere debtlesse goods .

2 The executor compellable to paie dettes out of his owne purse , if he paie legacies first .

3 Funerall expenses to be deducted out of the whole goodes .

4 The testator maie sometime bequeath all his detlesse goodes , sometimes halfe , and sometimes but a third part .

5 When halfe the testators goodes is due to the wife or children .

6 When the wife and children ought to haue either of them a third part .

7 Whether the wife and children ought to haue anie part of the dettes due to the testator .

8 Whether the wife and children maie claime anie reasonable part of leases .

9 Whether the wife and children maie claime a reasonable part of goodes , where there is no custome .

10 The reason of the lawe which leaueth all to the disposing of the testator .

11 The reason of the custome wherby the power of the testator is restrained .

§. xvj .

COncerning the quantity of goods and chattelles to be disposed , this is first to be noted , that the testator can not bequeath anie parte of the goodes , but where something remaineth cleere , the moderate funerals , and the debtes due by the testator first discharged a) a) Bracton de legib & cons. Angl. lib. 2. c. 26. n. 2 L. scimus . §. & si praesatam . C. de iure de lib. In qua lege assignatur ratio quare legatarijs praeferuntur creditores : nempe legatarij de lucro captando , creditores autem de damno vitando contendunt . d. L. scimus . Et licet haeres qui inuentario legitimè confecto , leg atarijs satisfaciat , securus sit iure ciuili aduersus creditores , quibus eodem iure concessum estactionem intentare , non contra haeredem , sed contra legatarios . Longè tamen aliter iure nostro , cautum est , quo non legatarios , sed ipsum executorem conuenire permittitur , vt statim subijcitur . . And therefore if the testator doo bequeath any legacies by his testament where his goodes and chattelles will not suffice to discharge his funeralles and debts , and the executor paie anie of those legacies , before hee haue discharged the debts , by meanes wherof there is not sufficient goodes lefte wherewith to pay the testators debtes : in this case the executor shall be charged with the payment thereof out of his owne purse b) b) Fitzherb . Abridg. tit . deuise . n 1. Brook . tit . adm̄str . n. 37. Perkins . tit. deuise . fol. 109. , as one that had otherwise wasted the goodes of the testator c) c) Doc. & Stud. lib. 2. c. 11. quam conclusionem facile admitterem , conscio executore aeris alieni . Sichard . in d. §. & si praefatam . verb. 3. vtilitas . & Minsing . in §. sed nostra Instit. de haered. qual. & diff. n. 12. Caterùm quod nonnulli ex nostratibus eandem conclusionem extendunt , vt locum habeat vel ignorante executore , alios esse creditores : An istud verun . sit dubito , durum esse non inficior . Et quidem summus Iusticiarius Brook oppositam sententiam tenet , nisi vbi principi quid sit debitum , quia regia debita suo periculo scire debet . Brook . tit . exec. n. 116. .

This then being vnderstood that no legacie is due , but where there cleerlie remaine some goodes and cattelles , the funeralles and debtes first deducted ( for funeral expences are to be deducted foorth of the whole goods both by the ciuill lawe d) d) L. scimus . §. in computatione C. de iure delib . , and by the lawes of this realme e) e) Fitzh . Na. Br. fol. 121 Doct. & Stud. lib. 2. c. 10. Brook Abridg. tit . exec. n 172. . ) Thou shalt vnderstande that of that which remaineth , sometimes the whole , sometimes the halfe , and sometimes the third part , maie be bequeathed or deuised by the testator , according to the diuersitie of these cases following .

The first case is , when the testator hath neither wife nor childe , at the time of his death , for then hee maie dispose all the residue of his cleare goodes and cattels at his pleasure f) f) Lindw . in c. statut. de testam . lib. 3. prouincial . constit . Cant. verb. defunctum . Bracton . de legib. & consuetu . Ang. lib. 2. c. 26. Tract . de repub Angl. lib. 3. c 6. Fitzherb . Bre. de rationabil . parte bon . .

The second case is , when the testator at the time of his death hath a wife and no childe , or else some child or children , but no wife . In which case by a custome obserued , not onely throughout the prouince of Yorke , but in manie other places besides , within this realme of England ; the goodes are to be deuided into two partes , and the testator can not bequeath anie more then his part , that is to say , the one halfe , for the other halfe is due to the wife , or else to the children , by vertue of the said custome g) g) Lindw . Bracton . & Fitzherb . vbi supr. .

The third case is , where the testator leaueth behinde him bothe a wife , and also a childe or children : In which case by the custome obserued in diuers places of this realme of England , and namelie within the prouince of Yorke : the testator can not bequeath anie more of his goods , then the third part of the cleere goods h) h) Act. & computat . in scaccario Archiepiscopi Ebor. Lindw . Bract. & Fitzher . vbi supr. , for in this case the said cleere goodes are to be deuided into three partes , whereof the wife ought to haue one parte , the child or children an other parte , and the third part ( which is called the deathes part ) remaineth , to the testator , by him to be giuen or bequeathed to whom he thinketh good h) h) Lind. Bract. & Fitzh . in locis praed. .

And here note that where the wife or children ought to haue a ratable parte of the goods of the deceased , be it a third parte or halfe as the case yeeldeth , there also they ought to haue a like parte of the debtes due vnto the testator after they be recouered by the executor or administrator , for then they are numbred or accompted amongest the goodes of the testator but not before i) i) Brook Abridg. tit . exec. n. 112. Siquidem si ista ex cōsuetudiue tantum debentur , hac non prob●ta , sine difficultate illud procedet quod est iuri recepto magis consonum . . But of leases the wife and children can not haue anie ratable parte within the prouince of Yorke , or other places , where they haue beene accustomed to haue their ratable parte of the moueable goodes and debtes recouered , vnlesse the saide wife or children demaunding their ratable parts of leases , do proue that by speciall custome of that place , ( namelie of that citie , countie , deanrie or parishe where the testator dwelled and had such leases , ) the wiues and children were accustomed to haue their ratable parte , as well of the leases , as of the mooueable goodes of the testator , which speciall custome being prooued , they maie recouer their ratable part as before k) k) Fitzh . in Br. de rationab . part . in quo Breui fit mentio , non solùm bonorum , sed etiam . cattallorum . Atque huc facit , quod habemus in Mag. Chart. c. 18. .

The fourth case is , when there is no suche custome , of deuiding the goodes of the testator into two partes , or into three partes , as is before mentioned , in which case albeit some were of this opinion , that euen by the common lawes of this realme , the cleere mooue-able goodes were to be deuided into three parts or into two partes as before , whereof the wife and children were to haue their partes l) l) In hac sententia stetit Glandeuile , antiquus huius regni iurisconsultus , motus per stat. de Magna . Chart. c. 18. vt refert Fitzh . in d. Breui de rationab . part . bon. Brook Et per de rationab part : bo : sic enim post multam disputationem inquit . Et fuit dit pue . ley M. 31. Henr. 8. que ceo ad estre mise en vre come vn com̄en ley & nunque demurr , & ideo videtur que ceo est le com̄en ley . , and consequentlie that the testator could not dispose anie more thereof , then the halfe or third , being the deathes part . Neuerthelesse others ( whose opinion hath preuailed ) doo holde the contrarie , to wit that there is no such deuision to bee made by force of the common lawes of this lande , but onelie by force of custome m) m) Fitzh . d. Br. de rationab . part . bonor . Brac. de legib. & consuet. Ang. lib. 2. 26. Tract . de repub. Angl. lib. 3. c. 6. , and consequentlie that it is lawfull for the testator , by the lawes of this realme ( except in those places where the custome aforesaid is obserued ) to dispose all the whole residue of his goodes , his funeralles and debtes deducted ) at his likinge , and that the wife or childe can claime no more thereof , but accordinge as the testator shall deuise by his testament .

And in the opinion of some , the lawe of this lande which leaueth all the residue to the disposition of the testator , funeralles and debts deducted , seemeth to haue better grounde in reason , then the custome , whereby he is forced either to leaue two partes of three , or at leaste the one halfe to his wife and children n) n) Bracton . d. lib. 2. c. 26 . For what if the sonne be an vnthrifte , or naughtie person , what if the wife be not onelie a sharpe shrowe , but perhaps of worse conditions ? Is it not harde that the testator must leaue either the one halfe of his goods to that wife or child or more , for the which also peraduenture hee had labored full sore all his life ? were it not more reason that it should be in the libertie of the father , or husband to dispose thereof at his owne pleasure ? which when the wife and children vnderstood , it might be a meanes whereby they might become more obedient , liue more vertuouslie , and contend with good desert , to winne the good will and fauour of the testator o) o) Hisce rationibus vtitur Bracton in desensionem ●u● is huius regni . d c. 26. cui adde Rebuff . in L obuenire de verb. signif. ff. fol. 682. . These reasons make for the testator , and for the equitie of the common law , which leaueth the whole residue to his disposition .

But the custome whereby the libertie of the testator is restrained is not without reason also . Forwhere it is asked , what if the child be an vnthrifte , the wife worse then a shrowe ? So it maie be demaunded with like facilitie , what if the childe be no vnthrifte , but frugall and vertuous ? what if the wife be an honest and modest woman ? which thing is the rather to be presumed p) p) c. dudum . &c. vltim . de praesump . extr. Mas. card . tract . de probae . conclus. 222. . But if it be not amisse to feare the worst , then on the contrarie , what if the testator be an vnnaturall father or vnkinde husband ? perhaps also greatly inriched by his wife , wheras before he was but poore , standeth it not with as great reason that such a wife and children should be prouided for , and that it shoulde not be in the power of such a testator , to giue all from them , or to bestowe it vpon such as had not so well deserued it , and by that meanes set his wife & children a begging ? surelie the custome hath as good ground in reason against lewd husbands and vnkinde fathers , as hath the lawe in meeting with disobedient wiues and vnthrifty children q) q) Mediam viam elegit Iustinianus , tàm quoad vxorem , quàm quoad liberos . Nam quod ad vxorem attinet , inbet imperator illa bona restitui , quae marito vel ab ipsa vxore , vel ab alio nuptiarum causa , nempe ad sustinenda matrimonij oneradonata suere . L. 2. fol. matr . ff. Bar. in Rub. solu . m●iom . ff n. 21. quod autem attinet ad liberos iure ciuili , Assis nunc triens , id est , tertia pars totius patrimonij , nunc semis , seu dimidium assis pro legitima debetur . Auth. nouissimo . C. de inoffic . testa . quae quidem legitima gratis tantum liberis deberi intelligitur : nam ingratis nihil habet parens pro legitima ●●linquere . Claud. Battandier . tract . de legitima . c. 13. .

If the testator doo bequeath more then he maie , which legacie is to bee preferred or what other course is to bee followed .

1 If the testator bequeath more then the deaths parte , whether one legacie is to be preferred before an other ?

2 Diuers opinions about this question .

3 First concerning this question wee are to consider , whether there be an inuentarie or not .

4 An inuentarie beeing made the legatarie neede not paie anie one whole legacie , where there is not sufficient to paie the rest .

5 Certaine cases wherein an inuentarie being made , the executor is forced to discharge some legacies wholie , though there be not sufficient goods wherewith to discharge the rest .

6 If the executor paie to some legatarie his whole legacie , whether he thereby tie himselfe to paie the rest wholie also .

7 Whether the legacie beeing vnduelie paied , maie be recouered .

8 No inuentarie being made , how farre the executor is bound to paie legacies .

§. xvij .

NOwe that we haue seene when the testator maie dispose all the residue of his cleere goodes or halfe , or but the third part onelie : and what be the reasons of enlarging or restraining of the libertie of the testator in that behalfe , for as much as it dooth often fall out in facte , that the testator dooth bequeath more by his testament , then he maie by lawe or custome , that is to saie , more then the whole residue where hee maie dispose all , or more then the halfe , where hee can giue but the halfe , or more then the third , where he can giue no more but the third . It shall not bee vnprofitable to examine which of the legacies are first to bee discharged , and namelie whether that legatarie which is firste named in the will , ought to haue his legacie first answered before the rest , and that he that is named in the seconde place to haue his legacie next , and so the third and fourth , vntill the deathes part be wholy spent , & then the rest of the legataries to haue nothing : or whether the executor maie gratifie which of the legataries he will , without difference whether he be first or last named in the will , or else whether ought euery legatarie to suffer defalcation , or ratable deduction from euerie legacie , to wit , from the greater legacie the greater part , and from the lesser legacie the lesser part , proporcionably , so that the legacies doo not exceede the deathes part , and that the deaths part maie suffice to paie the legacies .

It seemeth by the opinion of some , that a ratable part is to be deducted , & taken from euerie legacie , and that it is not in the power of the executor to gratifie anie one legatarie to the preiudice of an other legatarie , whether he bee first or last in the testament a) a) L. si quis testamento § apud Iulianum . ff. de leg . 1. & Ias . ibid. Paul . de castr. in L. scimus . §. legitimam creditorib . C. de iure delib . , but rather , if the executor paie to one legatarie his whole legacie , that then he bindeth himself to paie to the rest of the legataries their whole legacies also b) b) In Auth. de haered. & falcid . §. non autem . & ibi Bar. .

On the contrarie it seemeth by the opinion of others , that if the executor doe make an inuentorie , then it is in the power and choise of the executor , to paie to which of the legataries he will , his whole legacie c) c) L. scimus . §. & si praefatam . C. de iure delib . & ibi Ias . verb. tertia vtilitas . Plowd . in cas. inter Paramor & Yard . his verbis : Si home deuise a A. 20. li. a B. 20. li. & a C 20. li. & fait son . exec. & morust ayant biens forsque al value de 20. li. Orc. il est id election de executor , a queux de euxe Troyes il voyl payer lez 20. li. & sil payer a lune , lauter ne poyet contradire ceo , ne ad ascun remedy pur son legacy . fol. 545. : like as it is in his choise to paie to which creditours hee will his whole debte d) d) d. §. & si praefatam . , albeit he be not ignorant of other debtes , of the same nature e) e) Et hoc ita iure huius regni . vt infr. part . 6. §. 16. secus iure ciuili . vt eod. §. 16. , and that paiment being made accordinglie , and no assettes remaning in the hand of the executor , the legatarie hath no more remedie against the executor for his legacie , then hath the creditor for his debt , who by the lawes of this realme is vtterlie excluded , and by which lawes it is lawfull for the executor , to gratifie which of the creditors he will f) f) Do. & Stu. lib. 2. c. 10. , sauing in certaine cases else where mencioned g) g) Infr. part . 6. §. 16. .

In which contrarietie of opinions this is first to be considered : whether the executor doo make an inuentorie or not .

If the executor doo make an inuentorie , according to the lawes and statuts of this realme , then hee neede not paie to anie legatarie his whole legacy h) h) Paul de Castr. in L. scimus . §. Im̄a . creditoribus . C. de iure delib . Alex. in d. L. §. & si praefatam . , though he be first named in the will i) i) Ias . in L. si quis testa . §. apud Iul. ff. de leg. 1. , ( I meane where there is not sufficient , to aunswer to euerie legatarie his whole legacie ) but maie retaine a ratable part , according to the proportion aforesaid k) k) Immò iure ciuili legatarius partem indebite solutam restituere tenetur . Castrens . & Alex . vbi supr. vnde frustra peteret , quod statim restitueret . c. dolo . de reg. iur. 6. non tamen potest executor falcidiam retinere . Spec. de Instr . edit . §. xij . n. 26. ; sauing in certaine cases , whereof one is , when some speciall thing is bequeathed , as the testators signet or his white horse , which speciall legacie , ( as some doo deeme , ) is to bee satisfied and paied wholie without diminution in respecte of anie other generall legacies , or of legacies which doe consist in quantitie l) l) Ias . post Paul de Castr. in d. L. si quis testo . §. apud Iul. quamuis non negem propositionem hanc non sine difficultate procedere . . An other case is when the legacie is to be distributed in pios vsus m) m) Castrens . in d. §. apud Iul. . An other is when the father doth bequeath some thinge to his daughter for her dower , or towardes her marriage n) n) Castrens . vbi supr. . An other is when the testator doeth bequeath anie thinge in satisfaction or recompence of some iniurie by him don , or of goods euill gotten o) o) Castrens . in d. §. Federic . de senis consil. 243. , for those legacies also are not to be diminished by reason of other generall legacies , or legacies consisting in quantitie , the which shall remaine wholie vnsatisfied , rather then those foresaide legacies shall bee diminished : and consequentlie in these cases it is not in the power of the executor , to gratifie anie other legatarie at his election p) p) Paul . de Castr. in d. §. apud Iul. cuius consilio haec sunt menti tenenda , quia ( inquit ) sunt singularia . .

Furthermore if the executor doo make an inuentorie , and afterwardes paie to some legatarie his whole intire legacie , yet is he not therby tied , to paie the rest of the legacies wholie , ( the deathes part not being sufficient ) and this is vndoubtedlie true , if the executor were ignoraunt of other legacies giuen by the testator q) q) Plowden in cas. inter Paramor & Yardley . Quod verò Bar. scripsit quòd haeres subtiliter seu scienter vni legatario integraliter soluens , omnibus alijs in solidum soluere compellitur , omni penitus inconstantia amota , intelligendum est , sine deductione salcidiae , id est , quartae haeredi debitae . ( Bar. in §. non autem . de haered. & falcid . in Auth. ) Nec enim dixit , neque profecto somniauit Bartolus haeredem compellendum soluere reliqua legata sine diminutione legatorum , quae superant vires haereditatis , facto scilicet inuentario . DD. in Auth. sed cùm testator . C. ad L. falcid . , exceeding the deathes parte when he did paie the whole legacie r) r) L. scimus . §. & si praefatam . C. de iure delib . & ibi gloss . ibidem . . But neither the executor nor anie other legatarie , can reclaime or recouer that ouerplus paide and deliuered to the handes of the legatarie , as vnduelie paide vnto him , in respect that there is not sufficient to pay all the reste of the legacies out of the deathes part s) s) Hoc verum iure quo nos vtimur , quo neque executori , neque legatario competat indebiti condictio , vel aliqua actio quae sapiat eius naturam . Immo verò vel ipso iure ciuili , vtcunque creditoribus , vel legatarijs , per huiusmodi actiones subueniatur ; at certe executori legis Falcid . vel Trebel . beneficium prorsus denegatur . Spec. de Instr . edit . §. nunc verò aliqua . n. 26. .

If the executor enter to the testators goodes and will make no inuentarie thereof , then maie euerie legatarie recouer his whole legacie at his handes t) t) L. scimus : C. de iure delib . facit . c. in literis . de raptor . extr. , for in this case the law presumeth that there is sufficient goodes to paie all the legacies , and the executor dooth secretlie and fraudulentlie substract the same v) v) Sichard . in d. L. scimus . §. & si praefatam . quod intellige nisi executor doceat de bonorum insufficientia , nam tunc licet non conficiat inuentarium , non tenetur vltra vires haereditatis . Ias . in d. § & si praesatam . limitac . 4. Couar . in c. 1. de testa . extr. n. 15. De iure verò regni nostri , siue sit inuentarium confectum , siue non , creditor , seu qualiscunque petens , sufficientiam probet bonorum , vt videtur per Dyer . M. 6. Hen. 8. c. 3. & alibi . , whereas otherwise the executor is presumed not to haue anie more goods which were the testators , then are described in the inuentarie , the same being lawfullie made x) x) Bald. & Sichard . in §. Im̄ia . d. L. scimus . & haec opinio communis est , vt ait Franciscus Herculan . tract . de probac. ne●a . n. 256. .

THE FOVRTH PART OF THIS TREATISE , SHEWING HOWEORIN what manner Testaments maie or ought to be made . The Paragraphes or Chapters of the fourth part . OF the formes of testamentes §. 1. Of the generall , substauntiall , forme of a testament §. 2. After how manie sortes an executor maie be made §. 3. Of a simple assignation of an executor §. 4. Of a conditionall assignation , or nomination of an executor §. 5. Of the effect of a conditionall disposition §. 6. Whether euerie possible condition ought to bee obserued preciselie §. 7. Whether the condition be accompted for accompished in lawe , when it dooth not stand by the executor or legatarie , wherefore the same is not accomplished . §. 8. Whether he that is made executor , or to whom any legacie is bequeathed conditionallie , maie in the meane time whiles the condition dependeth , be admitted to the executorship or obteine the legacy by entring into bonds to perform the condition , or else to make restitution . §. 9. Whether it be sufficient that the condition was once accomplished , though the same doo not continue . §. 10. Of diuers conditions which maie seeme doubtful whether they be lawfull or vnlawful : And first of those conditions whereby the libertie of making testamentes is hindred ; how far the same are lawfull or vnlawfull §. 11. Of those conditions whereby the libertie of mariage is hindered ; howe far the same are lawfull or vnlawfull §. 12. Whether the prohibition or forbidding of alienation of the goods bequeathed be good or not §. 13. Within what time the condition maie or ought to bee performed , no certaine time being limited by the will §. 14. Of the vnderstanding of this vsuall condition , ( If he die without issue . ) §. 15. What order is to be taken concerning the administration of the goodes of the deceased , whiles the condition of the executorship dependeth vnaccomplished §. 16. Of the making of an executor , to or from a certaine time §. 17. Of the making of an executor vniuersallie or particularlie §. 18. Of making of executors by degrees §. 19. How manie maie be appointed executors §. 20. Of those things which doe appertaine to the apparance of testamentes §. 21. Of the particular formes of testaments §. 22. Of the forme of a solemne testament §. 23. Of the forme of an vnsolemne testament §. 24. Of the forme of a written testament §. 25. Of the forme of a nuncupatiue testament §. 26. Of the particular formes of other testamentes or laste willes §. 27.

IN WHAT MANNER TESTAMENTES OR LAST WILLES ARE to be made . The fourth part . Of the formes of testaments .

1 So manie seuerall formes of testamentes as there bee kindes .

2 Of testamentarie formes some be generall , some particular .

3 The generall forme of testamentes is two-fold essentiall and accidentall .

§. j.

HEere followeth the fourthe principall part of this testamentary treatise : wherin I vndertook to shew how or in what maner testamentes or laste willes maie or ought to be made .

For performaunce whereof I thought it conuenient , first to deliuer certaine aduertisements , and then to proceede .

The † first aduertisement is this , that as there be diuers kindes of testamentes or laste willes ( wherof heretofore a) a) Supr. 1. part . §§. 7 , 8 , 9 , &c. ) so there be diuers formes of testamentes or last willes : for euerie kinde hath his seuerall forme , and euerie kinde differeth from an other by his forme b) b) L Iulianus §. si quis . ad exhibend . ff. .

The † next aduertisement is this , that albeit euerie particular kinde of testament haue his proper forme peculier to it selfe c) c) Supr. 1. part . §§. 7 ; 8. &c. & infr. ead. par. §. 22. cum reliq. vsque ad finem ; neuerthelesse they haue also generall formes common to them all d) d) Vt infr. eod. §. & §. p●ox . .

Wherefore before I speake of those particular formes , order requireth that I speake of the generall .

Of † which generall formes some doe respect the substance or inward essence of the testamente , whereby that is made to be , which was not e) e) Bar. & Ias . in L. nemo ff de leg. 1. , and some doe respect the outward appeeraunce or proofe of the testament , whereby that is made to appeare , which otherwise though it were shold not seeme to be f) f) Olden . de action . class. 5. in prin. vbi tenet contra Bar. & alios , solennitatem testamentariam non esse de forma substantiali , s●u essentiali , sed de forma probatoria . Cuius opinio hand dubie vera est , vbi solennitas non est de necessitate eiusdem , vt hic in Anglia Conar in c. cùm esse● . de testa . extr. n 8. Minsing in §. sed cùm pa●latim . instit . ●e t●●●a . o●din . n 4. .

Of the generall substantiall forme of euerie Testament .

1 The essentiall forme common to euerie testament , is the naming of an executor .

2 What it is to appoint an executor .

3 The naming of an executor is said to be the head of the testament .

4 The naming of an executor is also saide to bee the foundation of the testament .

5 No will properlie tearmed a testament , wherein no executor is named , albeit other legacies be left therin .

6 The effect of dying without or with an executor .

7 An occasion of further consideration concerning the making of an executor .

§. ij .

THe generall , † substantiall , or essentiall forme common to euerie testament , is the naming or appointing of an executor a) a) L. 1. de haered . Instit. L. 1. de vulg. sub . L. haeredes palam de testa . ●●●nce obstat quod ius ciuile mentionem faciat de haerede , non d executore . N●m executores quales passim constitutos videmus in Anglia , ex omni ferè parte conueni●e cum ijs , quos ( nomen tant●̄ si excipias ) ciuile ius appellate haeredes compertum est , ita , vt executor huiusmodi ●●●ritò vice haeres dici debeat . Quinimo & legistae , & canonistae omnes , illum pro haerede agnoscunt executorem , qui nullo allo instituto haerede deputatus est ad distribuendum bona defuncti in pios vsus . Bar. in L. nulli . C. de episcopis & cler. Zas . in L. precibus de vulg. sub . Ripa . in L. filiosa de leg. 1. n. 21. ff. Pano● . & Couar . in c. cùm tibi de testa . ext. Lindw . in c. statutum de testa . lib. 3. prouincial . const. Cant. verb. prius . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 4 tit. 1. n. 7. , the which alone dooth make a testament , and without the which no will neither is , neither can be rightly tearmed a testament b) b) L. quod per manus . de iure codicil . Bar. & Ias . in d. L. nemo de leg. 1. ff. Idipsum Ias . in Rub. de leg. 1. qua etiam in re conspirant iura huius regni , vt per Brook his verbis : Alias citatis , & nunc denuo citandis . Nota per lez doctors del ciuil ley , & seriants del commen ley , si home sait son testament & nosme nuls executors , ceo nest testament , &c. Et alibi per Plowd . sub hac verborum forma : Sans testament home ne serra executor . Brook tit . exec. n. 20. Plowd . in cas. inter . Gre●sbrook & Fox . fol. 276. b. . To † name or to appoint an executor , is to place one in the steede of the testator , who maie enter to the testators goods and cattels , and who hath action against the testators debters , and who maie dispose of the same goodes and cattelles , towards the paiment of the testators debtes , and performaunce of his will c) c) Sichard . in Rub. de haered. Instit C. Termes of lawe . verb. execut . , which if he neglect to do , he maie be conuented by the said creditors , & legataries , so long as he hath assets in his hand d) d) Termes of law . verb. exec. & latiùs infr. part . 6. §. 3. .

This † naminge or appointinge of an executor , is said to be the head of the testament e) e) §. ante Instit. de lega . . And as the bodie is dead which lacketh a heade , so the testament is as it were dead , wherein no executor is appointed f) f) §. imprimis . Instit. de fide●com . haered . : it is also said † to be the foundation of the testament g) g) d. §. ante . Instit. de lega . , wherefore as no building can stand without a foundation , so no testament can stande without the appointinge of an executor h) h) d. L. quod per manus de iure codicil . ff. & DD. ibidem . Iul. Clar. §. testm. q. 5. n. 2. , neither can be properlie named a testament . And † although neuer so manie legacies or deuises be giuen , al those legacies and deuises notwithstanding such disposition maie be called a codicill , or a will , or otherwise tearmed , but certainelie a testament , it is not , neither can be properlie so named i) i) Quippe legata sunt accidentia quae adesse , & ab●sse possunt , sine subiecti ( id est , testamenti ) interitu . Ias . in Rub. de leg. 1. ff. Vasq. de success . crea . §. xvij . : and therefore † he that made anie such disposition , shall bee deemed to haue died without a testament k) k) d. L. quod per manus . de iure codicil . ff. Instit. de haered. quae ab intestat . , and so the administration of his goodes to be committed to the widdowe or next of kinne , as of one dying intestate l) l) Stat. H. 8. an. 21. c. 5. : whereas on the contrarie , if an executor be appointed , suppose no other legacie be lefte nor deuise made , yet such disposition both is and maie be lawfullie and properlie said to be a testament m) m) L. 1. §. qui neque de haered. Instit. ff. , whether the same be solemne or vnsolemne , written or nuncupatiue , priuiledged or vnpriuiledged n) n) Supr. part . 1. §. x. , and the person so disposinge is called a testator o) o) Stat. Westm. 2. c. 23. an . 13. Ed. 1. stat. Ed. 3. an. 4. c. 1. & an. 25 c. 5. stat. 4. Brook & Fitzh . Abridg tit . execut . & tit . testam . omnibus in locis cum sexcentis similibus clare constat , testatorem & executorem testamentarium relatiuorum naturam sape●e . : and in this case the ordinarie can not commit the administration of the dead mans goods , as of one that died intestate ; the executor being able and willing , to vndertake the execution of the testament p) p) ●atr . part . 7. §. xix . .

Seeing † therefore , the force and efficacie of making of an executor is such , as without the which no will or disposition is , or deserueth to bee tearmed , a testament , and without the which the partie deceased shall bee deemed to haue died intestate , notwithstandinge the multitude of other legacies or deuises , and so administration of the goods to be committed as is aforesaid : It shal be therfore behooful to step a litle further into the consideration of this matter , of making an executor , as the most excellent parte and foundation of euerie testament , and to shewe after howe manie sortes an executor maie bee made q) q) Infr. §. prox . , and what are the different effectes of euerie seuerall sorte or manner of appointing an executor r) r) Infr. ead. part . §. 4. .

After how manie sortes an Executor maie be made .

1 An executor maie be appointed simplie or conditionallie , from or vntill a time , directlie or indirectlie , vniuersallie or particularlie , in the first degree , second , third , &c. and one alone maie be appointed executor or manie .

2 After how manie sorts an executor maie bee made , after so manie maie a legacie or deuise be giuen .

§. iij.

AN † executor maie be appointed after diuers manners , especiallie after these following . First either simplie a) a) Infr. ead part . §. 4. , or conditionallie b) b) Infr. ead. part . §. 5. . Secondlie either from a certaine time , or to a certaine time c) c) Infr. ead. part . §. 17. . Thirdlie either vniuersallie or particularlie d) d) Infr. ead. part . §. 18. . Fourthlie either in the first degree , or in the seconde degree , or in the third degree , or in the fourth , &c e) e) Infr. ead. part . §. 19. . & last of al either one maie be appointed sole executor , or diuers maie be appointed executors together f) f) Infr. ead. part . §. 20. , of which I meane to intreate seuerallie . But by the waie I would haue the reader to obserue , that † as an executor maie be made diuerslie , so a legacie maie bee giuen or a deuise made accordinglie , that is to saie , simplie or conditionallie , from a time or for a time , vniuersallie or particularlie , in the first , second , or thirde degree , &c. and to one or manie , which order of semblaunce or imitation , if the diligent reader shall note ( which thing is verie easie to be performed ; for that which is said of the one maie also be said of the other , in euerie respect almost , sauinge where I haue noted the difference ) hee shall reape two benefites in one reading , and case me of double labour .

Of a pure or simple assignation of an Executor .

1 The cheefe pointes considerable about the simple assignation of an executor .

2 What is a pure or simple assignation of an executor .

3 Diuers examples of a simple appointment of an executor .

4 Whether is hee vnderstood to be made executor to whom the testator dooth giue all , or the residue of his goodes .

5 It is not alwaies needefull to expresse this word executor , in making of an executor , namelie when the testators meaning is knowen .

6 Other examples of the former conclusion .

7 The generall legatarie is not alwaies vnderstood to be executor .

8 What if the words be indifferent either to make a testament or a codicill .

9 An executor maie bee made either by the proper motion of the testator , or at the interrogation of an other .

10 The testator must haue a firme purpose of makinge his testament , otherwise wordes are of no force .

11 It skilleth not of wordes , so that the meaninge appeare , neither in what part of the testament , the executor be appointed .

12 Of the effect of a pure or simple nomination of an executor .

13 Certaine cases wherein the mention of a condition dooth not make disposition conditionall .

14 Whether impossible or vnhonest conditions doo make the disposition conditionall .

15 Whether necessarie conditions make the disposition conditionall .

16 Conditions referred to that which is paste or present are not properlie conditions .

17 Conditions necessarilie vnderstoode doo not make the disposition condicionall .

18 The application of that which hath beene spoken of the assignation of an executor to a legacie or deuise .

19 Certaine cases of the deuise of landes wherein the meaning of the deuisour is preferred before the proprietie of wordes .

20 The different effectes of a simple assignation of an executor and a simple legacie .

21 A legatarie maie not of his owne authoritie take his legacie , and what is the reason .

22 What remedie a legatarie hath for the obtaining of his legacie .

23 Certaine cases wherein the legtarie may of his own authoritie apprehend his legacie .

§. iiij .

COncerning † the pure and simple making of an executor , I thought good to remember these points , viz: what it is , in what forme of words it maie be made , what is the effecte thereof , & finallie how a simple nomination of an executor , and a simple legacie or deuise doo agree or differ .

A † simple nomination or appointinge of an executor is , when the testator maketh his executor without anie condition a) a) §. haeres . Instit de haered. Instit. & Minsing . ibidem . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 43. n. 2. , as if the † testator saie , I make A.B. my executor , or thus , I institute A.B. my executor , or thus , I will that A.B. be my executor , or thus , I desire A.B. to bee my executor , or thus , A.B. shall be my executor , or thus , let A.B. be my executor b) b) L. quoniam indignum . C. de testa . & DD. ibidem . : For the lawe regardeth not so much the wordes , as the meaning of the testator c) c) d. L. quoniam Mantic . de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 4. tit . 3. Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. Institutio . q. 14. . And therefore if the testator saie , I commit all my goodes to the disposition of A.B. it is in effect as if he say , I make him my executor d) d) Cùm tibi de testa . extr. summa Rosella . verb. testm̄. j. vers. quibus verb. : So it is if the testator saie , I commit my soule and all my goodes to the handes or disposition of A.B. e) e) Io. de An. And. Barba . in d. c. cùm tibi . Brook Abridd . tit. executor . n. 98. or I make A.B. Lord f) f) L. his verbis . ff. de haer. Instit. of all my goodes : or I make my wife ladie of all my goods g) g) Bald. in d. L. his verb. , or I leaue all my goodes to A.B. h) h) Gloss. Bar. & Bald. in d. L. his verbis . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. Institutio . q. 14. quem velim videas . or I make A. B. legatarie of all my goodes i) i) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 4. tit. 3. n. 8. Bald. in L. id quod pauperibus . C. de episcopis & cler. n. 1. verb. contrarium . : Or I leaue † the residue of all my goodes to A.B. k) k) Panor . in c. Ranutius de testa . ext. n. 3. for in those cases he to whom all or the residue is bequeathed , is thereby vnderstood to be made executor l) l) Rationem assignat Panor . in d. c. Ranutius Quia ( inquit ) iuris imperiti nesciunt aptiùs loqui . . And this I suppose to bee true when it dooth sufficientlie appeare by other meanes also , to be the meaning of the testator not to die intestate , but that he to whom all or the residue is bequeathed , shold immediatelie by vertue of the will , enter to all the testators goods , and ( paying his debts and legacies ) retaine the residue to himselfe m) m) Quo c●●● , nihil reor interesse , n●●é testamétum solenne , vel non solemne . Nam quod quidam volunt verbum ( relinquere ) adiectum vniuersitati bonorum : in voluntate minus solenni importare sideicommissum , non institutionem , actumque valere iure codicillorum donationísue causa mortis non testamenti ( vt in apostil . ad Panor . in d. c. Ranutius . ) ita est intelligendum , quando testamentum aliàs non valeret . Bald. L. epistola . C. de fideicom . n. 4. Sichard . in L. sin . C. de codicil . n. 4. Couar . in d. c. Ranutius . §. j. n. 3. . For † it is not alwaies necessarie to expresse this worde ( Executor ) in making of an executor n) n) c. cùm tibi de testa . extr. Brook . tit . exec. n. 98. , neither hath euerie testator skill so to doo o) o) Panor . in . d. c. Ranutius . n. 3. , wherefore it is sufficient if the testators meaning doo appeare by other words of like sence or purpose p) p) L. quoniam indignum . C. de testa . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 4. tit. 3. . And † hence it is that if the testator write after this manner : In all my goods mooueable and immoueable , I make A.B. though the testator doo not adde executor , yet it is to be vnderstoode , and supplied , and so is in effect as if the testator had said , In all my goodes mooueable and vnmooueable , I make A.B. my executor q) q) Paul . Castrens . & alij in L. errore . C. de testa . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 4. tit. 3. n. 5. . Hence also is it that if the testator saie , I will that A.B. be my executor , if C.D. will not : In this case C.D. is presumed to be appointed executor : and maie if he will be admitted to the executor-ship , and exclude the other executor r) r) Iul. Clar. §. testm. q. 35 n. 2. . Likewise if the executor supposing his childe , brother , or kinsman , to be dead , do saie in his will ; for as much as my childe , brother , or kinse-man is deade , I make A.B. my executor : in this case if the child or other person whom the testator supposed to be deade , bee aliue : hee that is named executor shall not be admitted to the executorship , but the child , brother or kinse-man , whom the testator thought to haue been dead s) s) Sichard . in Rub. de haered. Insti . C. n. 3. , for that it is presumed to haue beene the meaning of the testator , to haue made that childe , brother or kinse-man , his executor , if he had thought him to haue beene liuinge , and not the partie named t) t) Sichard . vbi supr. ꝑ L. fim̄r . C. de in of . Testa . Alex. consil. 185. lib. 2. .

But † if on the contrarie , it doo appeare to be the testators meaning , not to make him executor to whom he dooth bequeath his goodes , as when the testator hauinge bequeathed his goodes to one person , dooth expreslie name an other to be his executor v) v) Bar. in L. his verbis : de haered. Instit. ff. cuius opinio communiter approbatur , ait Grass . Thesaur . com . op §. Institutio . q. 14. Berous in c. Ranutius de testa . extr. n. 20. , or if he to whom all is bequeathed , be vnable x) x) Instit. de haered. quae ab intestat . in princ . to execute the testament , or if the testator bequeath the residue of his goodes , the debtes discharged y) y) Imol. in d. c. Ranutius n. 8. Berous ibi . 37. quae opinio communis est , teste Grass . d. §. Instit. q. 14. n. 6. : In these cases the vniuersal legatarie dooth still remaine legatarie , and is to receiue his legacie , at the hands of the executor , or administrator .

If the † wordes be indifferent either to make an executor or an vniuersall legatarie ; a testament or a codicill z) z) Defunctus quando censendus est voluisse codicillari , vel testari . Pulchrè Bald. in L. filij . C. familiae Herciscund . sed pleniùs Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 2. tit. 3. , and no circumstances to or fro , to maintaine the one rather then the other , either else the circumstances being indifferent : although in this case the iudge ought rather to pronounce the deceased to haue made a testament , then a codicill , and to haue lefte an executor rather then to haue died intestate , in respect of the ciuill and ecclesiasticall lawes a) a) Legistae . in L. verbis ciuilibus . de vulg. sub . ff. Canonistae . in c. cùm tibi , de testa . extr. Mantic . de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 2. tit. 3. n. 12. : Yet in regarde of the statute , it is more safe to commit the administration to the widdow or the next of kin demanding the same , for feare of forfeiture of tenne pounds b) b) Stat. H. 8. an. 21. c 5. , least peraduenture the iudge before whom the penaltie is to be demaunded shall deeme the partie to haue died intestate .

Furthermore † the testator maie lawfullie make his executor not onelie of his owne accorde without interrogation , but also at the intreatie or request of an other ( except in certaine cases else where declared c) c) Supr. part. 2. § , xxvj . , ) and that not onelie by the wordes aforesaid , but by others of like effect d) d) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 4. tit. 3. . And therfore if the testator beeing demaunded by an other , whether he doe make A. B. his executor , doo answere yea , or I doo , or what else , or why not , or whom else shoulde I make executor , or I cannot denie ; this is a pure and a simple assignation of an executor e) e) Ripa . Alcia . Zasius & alij Doctores . in L. 1. §. si quis ita . de verb. ob . ff. Clar. §. testm. q. 37. .

Prouided † alwaies in all the cases aforesaid , and in euerie other like case , that the testator haue a firme & constant purpose and meaning to make his will , when hee vttereth anie such words f) f) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 4. tit. 4. in prin. supr. 1. part . §. iij. verb. sententia . , for otherwise if the testator haue no meaning to make his will , although he vsed the most plaine wordes that might be deuised , for the making of an executor , yet ( as I saide ere while ) it were no more a testamente or a will , then a painted lion is a lion g) g) Supr. part . 1. §. 3. n. 25 , for the purpose and meaning of the testator is the life and soule ( as I maie tearme it ) of the testamente , without the which the testators wordes are but winde : if that doo not appeare , suche onelie words shal not be admitted for a will h) h) L. diuus L. Lucius . ff. de mil. testa . § plane . Instit. de mil. testa . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 2. tit. 4. , for what if the testator saie in ieaste , I make thee my executor ? what if he said so for fear ? what if he were ouercome with drink ? therfore it is not inough to prooue the testators wordes , vnlesse it bee prooued that the testator had animum testandi : which how it is proued , is else where declared i) i) Infr. 1. part . §. xiij . .

Note also that as it skilleth not by what wordes the executor is appointed , so † it is not material in what part of the testament he be appointed , whether in the beginninge or in the middest , or ending k) k) §. ante Instit. de lega Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. Institutio . q. 1. .

The † effect of a pure and simple assignation of an executor is this , that the executor maie immediatelie after the death of the testator vndertake the executorshippe , and enter vpon the testators goodes and cattelles l) l) Wesemb . in tit . de acquir . haered . ff. & in tit . de haered. Instit. Et hoc verum est , etiam ante probationem testamenti Plowd . lib. 1. in cas. inter Greisbrook & Fox . Cagnol . in L. si precibus C. de impub. & alijs . sub . n. 276. 277. 278. : whereas on the contrarie , the effect of a conditionall assignation , dooth suspend his admission and execution of the testament , as afterward more fullie dooth appeare m) m) Infr. ead. part . §. 6. 7. .

And † there note that if the testator say , I make A. B. my executor according to the conditions afterwards expressed , if the testator afterwardes expresse no conditions , it is in effecte as if the testator had made him his executor simplie n) n) L. pen . C. de Instit. & sub . . And so hee maie enter vpon the testators goodes presentlie after his death , for the testator in not expressing anie conditions , is presumed to haue altered and reuoked his purpose concerninge the adding of conditions o) o) DD. in d. L. Pe● . , and consequentlie that he would haue the appointment of the executor to be pure and simple : howbeit if the testator making his executor vpon conditions , to be then expressed afterwardes , in the meane time , whiles he is in making his will , be sodainlie preuented by death , or insanitie of minde , that he can not expresse those conditions , according to his purpose and determination : In this case the assignation is voide , and he which is so appointed executor is not to be admitted to the executorship p) p) L. si quis destinauerat . aliàs , si is qui. ff. de testam . Paul . de Castr. in L. iubemus . C. de testa . & latiùs infr. part . 7. §. 12. . Likewise if the testator doo make his executor after this maner : I make A.B. my executor if I shall expresse anie conditions , in this case no conditions beeing expressed , he that is so appointed ought not to be admitted q) q) Dec. & alij . in d. L. Pen. C. de Instit. & sub .

It is † also to be noted , that , that assignation of an executor is in effect pure & simple , where the condition is impossible or vnhonest , for such conditions are reputed as not written but omitted r) r) §. Impossibilis . Instit. de haered. instituend . L. obtinuit . de cond. & demon . L. conditiones . de condic . Instit. ff. , and so the executor without accomplishment of anie such condition , is forth with to be admitted to the executorship , excepte in some cases , as hereafter is declared s) s) Infr. ead. part . §. 6. 7. .

Furthermore † when it is certaine , that the condition will necessarilie followe or bee extant ; the appointmente of the executor made vnder such condition , is reputed pure and simple , as if the testator make A.B. his executor if the sunne shall rise the next daie t) t) L si pupillus . §. sub conditione . ff. de nouac . Alex. consil. 59. n. 14. vol. 4. : vnlesse the time when the condition will be extant , be vncertaine , as I make A.B. my executor if my sonne shall die , for though it be most certaine that he will die : yet nothing is more vncertaine then the time when , and therefore the assignation is in effect conditionall v) v) Sichard . in Rub. de condic . Instit. C. & fusiùs . infr. ead. part . §. 17. & part . 7. §. 23. .

And the like maie be said , † when the condition is referred to that which is paste or present , as if the testator saie , I make A.B. my executor , if he be bachelar of the ciuill lawe , or if hee haue beene student in the vniuersitie of Oxforde , for this kinde of condition , is not properlie a condition x) x) L. si ita stipulatus . ff. de verb. ob . Bar. in L 1. de cond. & demon . ff. , but rather a finall cause , wherefore the testator made his executor y) y) Ias . in L. stichum . de leg. 1. ff. . And although the testator be vncertaine whether the executor be bachelar of lawe , or haue beene student , yet it is certaine in respect of the facte it selfe : and is either true or false at that instant when it is made , and so the condition worketh no delaie or suspension , but is either a good or void assignation at that moment z) z) DD. in d. L. si ita stipulatus . .

Finallie † that assignation of an executor is pure and simple , when that condition is expressed which is necessarilie vnderstoode a) a) L. haec verba de leg. 1. ff. L. conditiones . de cond. & demon . ff. as if the testator saide , I make A.B. my executor if the lawe will b) b) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. , or if he will vndertake the executorship c) c) Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 47. .

That † which hath beene spoken of the making of an executor ( accordinge to my former aduertisementes ) maie easilie bee applied to a legacie , mutatis mutandis : wherefore as that nomination or assignation of an executor is pure and simple which is made without condition , so that legacie is pure and sure which is giuen without condition .

Secondlie , by the like application it maie appeare , that it is not materiall in what forme of wordes a legacie be bequeathed , so that the testators meaning doo appeare : which meaning is to be preferred before the proprietie of wordes d) d) §. nostra . Instit. de lega . , and that not onelie concerninge goodes and cattelles , but also concerning lands and tenementes , for further declaration whereof I haue added these examples following which I haue borrowed out of a little booke called the tearmes of lawe e) e) Verb. deuise . .

First † therfore if a man doo by his will deuise to A.B. all his landes and tenementes : In this case not onelie all his landes and tenementes , which the testator hath in possession doo passe , but those also which hee hath in reuersion by vertue of this word tenements .

Item if landes be deuised to a man to haue to him for euermore , or to haue to him , and his assignes : in these two cases the deuise shall haue a fee-simple , wheras if it be giuen by feoffement in such tearmes , the feoffee hath but an estate for his life , for a deuise made without expresse wordes of heires is good euen in fee-simple .

Item if a man deuise his lande to an other to giue or sell , or doo therewith at his pleasure , & will this in fee-simple .

Item a deuise made to one and to his heires , males , dooth make an estate in taile , but if suche wordes be put in deede of feoffement it shall be taken in fee-simple , because it dooth not appeare of what bodie the heires males shall bee begotten .

Item if landes be giuen by deede to A.B. and to the heires males of his bodie , who hath issue a daughter , which daughter hath issue a sonne , and dieth , there the lande shall returne to the donor , and the sonne of the daughter shall not haue it : because he cannot conueighe himselfe by heires males , or his mother is a let thereunto . But otherwise it is of suche a deuise giuen by will , for there the sonne of the daughter shal haue it , rather then the will shall be voide .

Item if one deuise to an infante in his mothers wombe it is a good deuise , though such a feoffement , graunt or gift be voide .

Item if one will that his sonne shall haue his lande after the death of his wife , heere the wife of the deuisour shall haue the lande firste , for tearme of her life . So likewise if a man deuise his goodes to his wife , and that after the decease of his wife , his sonne and heire shall haue the house where the goodes are , there the son shall not haue the house during the life of the wife : for it is presumed that his intente was , that his wife shoulde haue the house also for tearme of hir life , notwithstanding it were not deuised vnto her by expresse wordes .

Item if a deuise of land be made to A.B. and to his heires males of his bodie begotten . After the deuise hath issue a sonne and a daughter , and dieth , heere the daughter shall haue the lande , and not the sonne ; howsoeuer he bee the more worthie person , and heire to his father , but because the will of the deade person is that the daughter shall haue it : therefore lawe and equitie would that it should so be .

Thirdlie it maie appeare by that which hath beene saide of an executor , that the legacie is voide where the testator hath not animum testandi f) f) Infr. part . 7. § 13. .

Fourthlie that there bee diuers conditions , which doe not make die legacie conditionall g) g) Infr. §. 5. 6. .

Lastlie † concerning the effect of the one & the other , albeit otherwise the appointinge of an executor , and the bequeathing of a legacie doo agree in diuers thinges : yet in this they do differ greatlie . That is to saie , an executor simplie instituted , maie as soone as the testator is deade , enter to the goodes and cattelles of the deceased h) h) L. cùm haeraedes . ff. de acquirend . poss. Bar. in L. ex facto . ff. de haered. instituend . Cagnol . in L. precibus . C. de imp. & alio . subst. n. 276. : But † a legatarie or deuisee maie not of his owne authoritie take the legacie , & serue himselfe , but muste receiue the same at the handes of the executor i) i) L. 1. quorum lega . ff. L. non dubium . C. de lega . Perkins . tit. testament . c. 7. fol. 94. Brook . tit . deuise . n. 3. : the reason is for that the executor is charged with the paiment of all the testators debtes , so farre as the goodes and cattelles will extend , and the legacies are not to be paide but of the residue , if anie thing remaine k) k) Perkins vbi supr. & in tit . deuises . ( vbi etiam tradit aliam cautelam , sed parum honestam frustrandi legata & fraudandi testatorem . ) Aliam rationem assignatius ciuile ; nempe , ob detractionem falcidiae , quae ratio quàm sit apud nos debilis , facile est conijcere , quandoquidem nullu● est falcidiae locus infra regni nostri limites . . And † the legatarie hath no remedie by the common lawes of this lande , for anie legacie of goodes to him bequeathed , if the executor will not deliuer the same : But it behooueth the legatarie in this case to take a citation against the executor of the testamente , to appeare before the ordinarie or other ecclesiasticall iudge competent to answer him in a cause of legacie l) l) Tract . de repub. Angl. lib. 3. c. 9. Fitzh . Na. Br. breui de consultatione Brook . tit . deuise . n. 3. 27. 44. Plowd . in c●s , inter Paramor & Yard . Termes of law . verb. deuise . . Notwithstandinge † in some cases the legatarie may be lawfullie possessed of his owne legacie , without deliuerie thereof to be made by the executor , for if there be sufficient goodes and cattelles in the handes of the executor , to paie all the testators debtes and legacies , & the legatarie is possessed of the thinge bequethed , at the time of the death of the testator : in this case the legatarie doubtlesse by the ciuill lawe maie still retaine the same in his own handes m) m) Socin . consil. 11. vol. 1. Ripa in . L. 1. ff. quorum lega . n. 15. Olden . de action . clas. 2. act. 2. fol. 113. : Neither is he to deliuer the same to the executor , and afterwardes to receiue the same againe at his hands n) n) c. dolo . de reg. iur. 6. . Likewise if the testator giue licence to the legatarie , to enter to his legacie : In this case the legatarie maie without the priuitie or consent of the executor take his legacie and keepe the same , so that there be sufficient besides to discharge the testators debts o) o) Ias in L. non dubium . C. de lega . . Peraduenture also in case of such sufficiencie of goods , a certain special thing being bequeathed ( as the testators riding horse , his bookes , or his signet ) though an other person then the executor detain the same , the legatarie maie as wel by the laws of this realme p) p) Brook Abridg. tit . deuise . n. 6. 30. , as by the ciuill lawe q) q) Sichard . in L. 3. C. de lega . n. 16. , commence sute against : the occupier therof and recouer the same legacie r) r) Ratio est quia dominium rei legatae statim post mortem testatoris transit in legatarium , etiam nondum facta traditione . gloss . & DD. in §. in nostra Instit. de lega . & in L. à Titio . ff. de fur . , vnlesse this third person were able to iustify his possession , euen against the executor or against the testator himselfe if he were liuing : for that is a lawfull barre or exception against the legatarie also s) s) L. si rem legatum . ff de excep & praeiudic . . But if there bee not sufficient goodes to paie the testators debtes , or if the legacie consiste in quantitie or be generall , ( as if the testator bequeath twentie poundes or a horse ) the legatarie can not of his owne authoritie take so much of the testators monie , nor anie horse which was the testators without licence giuen by the testator or permission of the executor t) t) Brook . tit . deuise . n. ● . & n. 30. , nor maie bring anie action against anie thirde person for the same legacie , albeit he possesse all the testators goodes v) v) Quod autem diximus iure ciuili triplicem concedi actionem legatario , ꝓ consequédo legato , procedit specie relictâ , sed si quantitas , vel genus relinquatur , non competit rei vendicatio . Bar. in L. ● . ff. de leg . 1. Sichard . in I. non dubium . C. de lega . nisi fortè quantitas , non vt quantitas , sed vt corpus relinquatur , vel nisi genere relicto , facta sit electio debita , tunc enim idem iuris est , ipsòque iure transit rei dominium , ac si legata fuit species . Angel . Are. & alij . in d. §. mr̄a . Instit. de lega . vide supra part . 1. §. 6. in fin . & quae ibidem adnotantur . . Finallie if the legatarie bee also executor , then maie he if he will as legatarie accept the same x) x) Sichard . in L. non dubium . C. de lega . n. 13. . But what if it doo not appeare whether he did accept the same as legatary or as executor , whether is it presumed that hee did accept the same as executor or as legatarie , this question is else where absolued .

Of a conditionall assignation of an executor .

1 The cheefe pointes considerable about the conditionall assignation of an executor .

2 When the assignation of the executor is condutionall .

3 By what wordes the disposition is made conditionall .

4 Of conditions some be necessarie , some impossible , some indifferent or possible .

5 What conditions be necessarie .

6 Two sortes of necessarie conditions .

7 Of impossible conditions there be diuers kindes .

8 Impossible by nature .

9 Impossible by lawe .

10 Impossible in respect of some persons .

11 Impossible by reason of contrarietie or perplexitie .

12 Possible conditions are those which are indifferent betwixt necessarie and impossible .

13 Of possible conditions , some be arbitrarie some casuall , some mixt .

14 Item of possible conditions , some consiste in chancing , some in dooing , some in giuing .

15 Of conditions some are affirmatiue , and some negatiue .

§. v.

COncerninge a † conditionall assignation or nomination of an executor , I thought good to deliuer first , what it is a) a) Eod. § n. 2. secondlie what manner of wordes doo make the disposition to be conditionall b) b) Infr. n. 3. , thirdlie how manie kindes of conditions there be c) c) Infr. n. 4. fourthlie what is the effect of a condicionall assignation of an executor d) d) Infr. ead. part . §. 6. , fiftlie I haue examined certaine questions , not impetinent hereunto e) e) Infr. ead. part . §. 7. §. 8. § 9. cum sequé . vsque ad §. 16. .

The assignation † of an executor is conditionall , when the testator dooth not make his executor simplie , but dooth adde some qualitie to the assignation , wherby the effect of the disposition is suspended or hindred , and dependeth vpon some future euent f) f) Sichard . in Rub. de Instit. & sub . C. n. 1. Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 46. , as for example , the testator maketh A.B. his executor , if his ship shall returne from Venice .

Diuers † words there be wherby the disposition of the testator is made conditionall . First & principallie , by this word ( If ) g) g) Bar. in L. 1. de cond. & de●●n . ff. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 10. tit. 5. , as in the former example , by this worde also ( when ) the disposition is sometimes made conditionall , namelie when it is ioined to a verbe of the future tense : as I make A.B. my executor , or giue him a hundred pound when he shall bee of the age of twentie one yeeres h) h) Sichard in Rub. de Instit. & sub . C. n. 4. , or when he shall bee married i) i) Bar. in d. L. 1. de cond. & demon . ff. n. 8. 9. & Paul . de Castr. in eand . L. Vasq . de succes . progres . lib. 3. §. 29. n. 3. in fin . . Sometimes by this worde ( whiles : ) as I make my wife executrix , or giue her a hundred pound , whiles she shall abide with my children : for it is in effect as though the testator had said , if she abide k) k) Sichard . in d. Rub. Bar. in L. si . Titio . ff. quando dies lega . cedit . . Also these wordes ( when so euer , where so euer ) the disposition is made conditionall l) l) L. si ita scriptum . §. fin . de leg. 2. ff. Sichard vbi supra . : sometimes also by these wordes ( which , what person , whosoeuer : ) as I make him my executor , or giue him a hundred pound which shal marie my daughter m) m) Sichard . in d. Rub. n. 4. : sometimes the ablatiue case absolute , dooth infer a condition , as ( my sonne being deade ) I make A.B. my executor n) n) Ripa . in L. centurio . ff. de vulg. & pupil . sub n. 160. 161. in which case not onelie A. B. is assigned conditionallie , that is to saie , if the testators sonne be deade , but also the testators sonne if he be liuing , is presumed to bee assigned , during his life o) o) Ripa . vbi supr. Alex. consil. 185. lib. 2. . Diuers other words there bee whereby the disposition is made conditionall , wherein Bartolus p) p) Bar. in L. 1. de cond. & demon . ff. hath not onelie taken great paines , but hath also beene at some coste ( as it should seeme ) in making a great feaste , marshalling togeather all such nowns , pronownes , verbs , &c , which make the disposition conditional , to whom I referre the reader to be satisfied .

Manifolde † are the diuisions of conditions q) q) Vide Sichard . in Rub. de Instit. & sub . C. à quo multifariam diuiditur conditio , 1. in tacitum & expressum , quarum deinde vtraque species in tres species subdiuiditur . Tacita nimirum ( ait ) ex dispositione vel naturae , vel iuris , vel testatoris suboritur : expressa autem aut est necessaria , aut impossibilis , aut indifferens , seu possibilis . Et harum rursus quaelibet species multiplex , quas ego species in hoc §. explicaui . , but the plainest and fittest for this treatise , I suppose to be this , viz. Of conditions some be necessarie , some impossible , some possible r) r) Sichard . in d. Rub. or indifferent .

Of necessarie † conditions some maie bee so tearmed in respect of facte , some in respecte of law s) s) Bar. in L. 1. de cond. & demon . ff. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 10. tit. 5. . By necessarie conditions in respecte of facte I vnderstande those conditions , whereof there is a certaine and infallible naturall cause , by force whereof the condition must necessarilie followe : as if the testator make A.B. his executor , or giue him a hundred pound if the sun shall rise the next daie t) t) Paul . de Castr. in L. si pupillus . §. sub cond. ff. de Nouac . Alex. consil. 59. n. 14. vol. 4. Sichard . vbi supra . . Of † this kinde of necessarie conditions there be two sortes v) v) Tu si placeat ( Iustinianista ) videas Bald. in d. L. si pupillos . §. qui sub cond. vbi post gloss . ponit tria exempla necessariae conditionis ; vnum necessitatis fut●rae secundum naturam , veluti si moriar : aliud necessitatis futurae secundum fidem catholicam , vt si Antichristus natus fuerit : tertium necessitatis praesentis , veluti si non tetigero caelum digito . , some are certaine in euerie naturall respecte , that is to saie , it is not onelie certaine that the condition will follow , but also when , as in the former example of the risinge of the sunne : and some againe are certaine but not in euerie respecte : As when the testator maketh A.B. his executor if his sonne shal die , or when his sonne shal die ; for albeit , it bee certaine that euerie man must die , yet when , where , or how , it is vncertaine x) x) Sichard . in d. Rub. de Instit. & sub . C. . By necessarie conditions so tearmed in respect of law , I vnderstande all such conditions , which the lawe requireth in euerie acte , albeit the same were not expressed , as for example , the testator saith , I make A.B. my executor , if hee will intermeddle therewith y) y) Grass . Thesaur com . op. §. legatum . q. 47. , or I giue A. B. a hundred pound , if he will z) z) L. haec verba . de leg. 1. ff. . This kinde of necessarie condition is sometimes expressed by the testator and sometimes not expressed a) a) DD. in d. L. ch●● verba . .

Of † impossible conditions there bee foure sortes b) b) Sichard in d. Rub. de Instit. & sub . C. cui adde Zasium in L. impossibilis . de verb. ob . st. ; in the first sorte † are contained those whereunto nature is an impediment : for example , the testator maketh A.B. his executor , or giueth him a hundred pounde if hee touche the skies with his finger : or if hee drinke vp all the water in the sea c) c) §. impossibilis . Instit. de haer. instituend . & Minsing . ibid. L. impossibilis . ff. de verb. ob . & Bar. ac alij ibid. . In † the second sorte are contained those conditions which bee contrarie to lawe or good maners , as for example , the testator maketh A.B. his executor , or giueth him a hundred pound if he murther such a man , or deflower such a woman d) d) Minsing . in d. §. impossibilis . & DD in d. L. impossibilis . : this condition is vnlawfull and vnhonest , and consequentlie to be deemed impossible : For the lawe would haue vs to thinke euerie thing impossible to be don , which is vnlawfull to be done e) e) L. si filius . ff. de cond. Instituc . : heere vppon it is saide , id possumus quod de iure possumus , as if euerie thing vnlawfull were also impossible f) f) DD. in d. L. si filius . . In † the thirde sorte are contained these conditions , which albeit they are not otherwise vtterly impossible in respect of nature or of law , yet in respect of the person are so harde , that they seeme impossible : as if the testator make A.B. his executor if hee shall marie the kinges daughter , he being but a base subiecte g) g) Sichard . in d. Rub. de Instit. & sub . C. Minsin . in d. §. impossibilis . Zas . in d. L. impossibilis . ff. de verb. ob . . In † the fourth sorte are contained those conditions which by reason of contrarietie or repugnant perplexitie be impossible , or incompatible h) h) L. si Titius . ff. de con. Instit. , as if the testator say if my sonne be executor , I make my daughter my onelie executrix , & if my daughter be executrix I wil that my sonne be sole executor i) i) d. L. si Titius . Minsin . in d. §. impossibilis . .

Possible † conditions are those which are as it were in the middest betwixte necessarie and impossible conditions , and which are indifferent either to be , or not to be k) k) Sichard . in Rub. de Inst. & sub . C. n. 9. . Of † possible conditions some are tearmed casuall , some arbitrary , and some are said to be mixt conditions l) l) L. vnic. §. sin autem . C. de cad. tol. Bar. in● L. 1. de Instit. & sub . C. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 10. tit. 5. n. 3. Wesenb . in tit . de cond. Instit ff. . Casuall conditions are those wherof the euent is vncertain , in respect of humane knowledge m) m) Spiegel . Lexic. verb. fortuitum . : as for example the testator doth make A.B. his executor , or giue him a hundred pound , if the king of Spaine die this yeere n) n) Minsing . in §. pen . Instit. de haered. instit . . Arbitrarie conditions are those which the lawe esteemeth to bee in his power , on whom the condition is imposed o) o) Sichard . in d. Rub. Vigl . & Minsing . in §. pen . de haered. instit . : as for example , the testator maketh A.B. his executor , or giueth him a hundred pound , if he shall goe to the church p) p) Ias . in L. si filius à patre . ff. de lib. & posthu . n. 1. . Mixt conditions are those which are partlie abitrarie and partlie casuall q) q) Bar. in L. 1. de Instit. & sub . C. , or partlie in his power on whom the condition is imposed , and partly in the power of some other : as for example , the testator maketh A.B. his executor or giueth him a hundred pound , if he marie the testators daughter . Furthermore † of possible conditions some consiste in chauncing , some in giuing , and some in dooing r) r) L. in facto ff. de cond. & demon . . Finallie † of conditions some be affirmatiue , some negatiue s) s) d. L. in facto . , the vse of all which distinctions dooth hereafter ensue t) t) Infr. ead. part . §. pr●x cum sequen. vsque ad §. 16. .

Of the effect of a conditionall disposition .

1 Diuers and contrarie effects of conditions .

2 Two rules whereof the former is , that necessarie and impossible conditions doo not suspend the effecte of the disposition .

3 Examples of this former rule .

4 The second rule is , that possible conditions doe suspend the effect of the disposition .

5 Example of the same rule .

6 Conditions partelie certaine , and partlie vncertain , doo suspend the effect of the disposition .

7 Necessarie conditions beeinge otherwise expressed then vnderstood , suspend the effect of the disposition .

8 Impossible conditions which the testator supposed to be possible , doo suspend the effect of the disposition .

9 Diuers restraintes of this laste position beeinge the fourth limitation of the former rule .

10 Verie hard conditions or almost impossible , doo suspend the effect of the disposition .

11 A restraint of this last position beeing the fifte limitation .

12 Impossible conditions negatiuelie conceiued , are not voide themselues , but make voide the disposition .

13 A restraint of this last conclusion being the sixt limitation .

14 Conditions which become impossible being at the first possible , doo hinder the effecte of the disposition .

15 A restraint of this conclusion being the seuenth limitation of the former rule .

16 The condition which is both impossible and vnhonest maketh void the disposition .

17 Conditions which be impossible by reason of repugnancie , make voide the disposition .

18 A restraint of this last limitation .

19 Possible conditions doo suspend the effect of the disposition vntill they be accomplished .

20 Diuers limitations of this position being the second rule .

21 A further consideration of the former conclusions together with other questions .

§. vj.

THe † manifolde diuersitie of conditions breedeth many sundrie and contrarie effectes . For sometimes hee that is appointed executor conditionallie , or to whom anie legacie is giuen conditionallie , is not to be admitted to the executorshippe , nor can effectuallie demaund the legacie , vntill the condition bee accomplished . And againe , sometimes hee that is named executor , or to whom anie thinge is bequeathed vpon condition , maie presentlie be admitted to the executorshippe , or demaunde the legacie , though the condition be not yet accomplished , or as though no condition at all were expressed .

Wherefore that we maie knowe , when the condition is to bee firste accomplished , before the executor can be admitted , or the legatarie demaund his legacie ; and contrarie wise when the executor maie be admitted , or the legatarie make his demaund before the accomplishment of the condition ; I thought good to deliuer two rules with their limitations .

The † former rule is this , that when the condition is extreame , that is to saie , either necessarie or impossible , such condition hindereth not the executor nor legatarie , but that he maie be admitted to the executorship or recouer the legacie , as if such had not beene at all expressed a) a) L. si pupillus . §. qui sub conditione de Nouac . L. nam etsi . L. quod si ea . de cond. indeb. L. Iulianus de iure . de lib L. haeres meus . de cond. & demon . L. 1. L. conditiones . L. filius . L. q̄dam . L. mulier . de condic . Instituc . ff. L. repraehēdenda . de Instit. & sub . C. §. impossibilis . Inst. de haered. inst. : for example , † the testator dooth make thee his executor , or dooth giue thee a hundred pounde if the sunne shall arise vpon Easter daie b) b) Paul . de Castr. in d. L. si pupillus . §. qui sub condic . Sichar . in Rub. de Instit. & sub . C. n. 7. : Or if the testator dooth make thee his executor , or giueth thee a hundred pound if thou shalt drinke vp all the water in the sea c) c) Minsing in §. impossibilis . Instit. de haered. instit . ; bothe these conditions are extreame , the one necessary , the other impossible : and therefore in these two cases thou maiest be admitted executor , or obtaine the legacie , as if the disposition had beene simple or without anie such condition d) d) Per LL. supradictas . .

The † second rule is this , that when the condition is not extreame , but indifferent or possible , then the same condition must first be satisfied before the executor can be admitted , or the legatarie recouer his legacie e) e) L. qui haeredi . de cond. & demon . L. si quis sub conditione . si quis omis . can . Testa . L. cedere diem . de verb. sig. ff. Grass : com . op. §. egatum . q. 52. Simo de Praetis . de interp. vlt. vol lib. 5. interp. 2. dub. 2. fol. 66. n. 109. . For † example , the testator dooth make thee his executor , or dooth giue thee a hundred pound if his ship shal returne from Venice ; this condition is indifferent , neither necessarie nor impossible . In the meane time therefore vntill the same condition be extant , thou canst neither be executor nor obtaine the legacie by force of that disposition g) g) d L. qui haered. & ibii gloss . Bar. & alij . . f) f) Minsing . in §. haeres . Instit. de haered. instit . To returne to the former rule the same is diuerslie limitted or restrained .

The first limitation thereof may be this , that albeit † that condition which by course of nature must needes followe , is accompted as it were alreadie accomplished by reason of the infallible certaintie , yet when the condition is not in euery respect certain , but certaine & vncertain in diuers respects : as for example , the testator maketh A.B. his executor , or giueth him a hundreth pounde if or when his sonne shall die h) h) nihil interesse vtrum testator dixerit si morietur , vel cùm morietur prius per Bar. Castrens . & Alex in L. extraneum . el. 1. C. de haered . instit . quorum opinio communis est , ait Alex. in d. L. extranaeū . licet secus sit in contractibus . : howsoeuer this condition be certaine in respect of death , because it is not certaine in respect of the time of his death , therefore in the meane time the executor or legatarie , where there is suche a condition can not obtaine the executorshippe or legacie , but must expect the euent of the condition i i Paul . de Castr. & Ias . in d. L. extraneum . Sichard . in d. Rub. de Instit , & sub . C. .

An other † limitation to the former rule is this , although the disposition bee not made conditionall by expressing of that condition , which by the lawe is necessarilie vnderstood k) k) L. haec verba . ff. de leg. 1. : Neuerthelesse , if the condition be expressed in other manner then is vnderstood , the disposition is thereby made conditionall l) l) L. si ita . §. illi . ff. de leg . 1. ; so that in the meane time , the effect thereof is suspended , as for example , the testator saith , I giue to A.B. twentie pound if he wil m) m) d. §. illi . ibi , si volet , id est , si se velle declarauerit . . In which case except the legatarie doo by some meanes declare his willingnesse , the legacie is not due , and if hee die in the meane time , before hee haue declared his willingnesse , the legacie is not transferred to the executor or administrator of the legatarie n) n) Ias . & alij in d. §. illi . Quaere tamen , isto siquidem casu distinguit Practic . Papiens . in forma libelli , pro legat . rei singular . fol. 455. , whereas if no such condition had beene expressed , but that the legacie had beene left simplie , then albeit the legatarie had died not knowinge of the saide bequest , his executors or administrators might haue obtained the same o) o) Bar. Zas . & alij in d. L. haec verba . ff. de leg. 1. .

The third limitation is , when it dooth appeare to be the testators meaninge , by the expressing of the said necessarie condition to make the disposition conditionall p) p) Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 47. vbi etiam ostenditur quomodo appareat huiusmodi testatoris voluntas . .

The fourthe is , that † although impossible conditions , whether they be impossible by nature or by lawe , doo not hinder the effecte of the disposition , beeing reputed as if they were not written nor vttered q) q) L. 3. ff. de cond. & demon . §. impossibilis . Instit. de haered. instit . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 50. : Neuerthelesse if the testator did suppose the same condition to bee possible or lawfull , then is not the condition voide but the disposition whereunto it is added r) r) L. seruo manumiss . ff. de cond. indebit . . As for the example , the testator maketh A.B. his executor , or giueth him a hundred pound if he marrie his , the testators daughter , supposing her to be liuing whereas she is dead : in this case the condion is impossible , for the legatarie can not marrie a dead woman : And yet neuerthelesse , because the testator did think her to be liuing , and so the condition to be possible . A.B. cannot be executor , nor obtaine the legacie , for it is not likelie , that the testator would haue made him executor , or haue giuen him a hundred pound , if he had knowen or beleeued his daughter to haue beene dead s) s) DD. in d L. serue manumisso . . Howbeit † there be diuers cases , wherein the disposition is not voide by reason of an impossible condition , which the testator did accompt possible and lawfull , but the condition itselfe is voide howsoeuer it seemed possible in the opinion of the testator : one is where the condition maie bee accomplished by some equiualent meanes though not in the same manner described in the disposition t) t) L. huiusmodi §. si ita cui . ff. de leg . 1. Bar. in L. 1. de con. & demon . ff. Ias . in d. L. si ita . §. illi . de leg. 1. . An other case is , when the testator after the making of his will vnderstanding the condition to be impossible , did neuerthelesse confirme his will by codicils v) v) Ias . in d. L. seruo manumiss . Arc. in L impossib . de verb. ob . ff. . The like is , when the testator was doubtfull whether the condition were possible or no x) x) Bar in L. ab omnibus . §. in teston . de leg . 1. Arc. in L. impossibilis de verb. ob . Ias . in d. L. seruo manumiss . de cond. indeb. ff. , or the bequest were in fauour of libertie y) y) L. ciuitatem . §. falsum iuncta gloss . de cond. & demon . L. cùm Stichus . de statu lib. ff. & Ias . in d. L. seruo . , or in fauorem piae causae , when the testator doth bequeath any thing to be imployed to godly vses , for then the condicion which he supposed possible is reiected , and the disposition auaileable as pure and simple z) z) Bald , in L. 1. C. de com . seruo . manumiss . Bar. in L proxime . §. 1. de his quae in testa . del . ff. & clarius per Ias . in d. L. seruo manumiss . .

The fifth , is when the † condicion is not vtterly impossible , but very harde and as it were impossible to bee performed by him on whom it is imposed . In which case it seemeth to bee the purpose of the testator , that the partie shall reape no benefit by that disposition : Otherwise the testator would not haue imposed so harde and difficult a condition a) a) Sichard . in Rub. de Instit. & sub . C. Minsin . in §. impossibilis . Instit. de haered. instituend . , and therefore in this case the condition doth suspend the effect of the disposition , vntill the condition perhaps bee accomplished b) b) L. cùm haeres . §. 1. de statu lib. L. continuus . §. illud . de verb. ob . ff. . Notwithstanding † if the condition be impossible onely in the respect of the shortnes of the time prescribed by the testator : as if he make A. B. his executor , or giue him an hundred pound , if he doo erect a monument within three daies after his death : in this case the condition hurteth not c) c) L. si mihi & tibi , § 1. ff. de leg. 1. , for that it respecteth the execution and not the substance of the will . And it is to be vnderstood that the testator would haue it performed with as great expedition as is possible d) d) Ias . Lanc. Dec. & alij in d. §. 1. Zas . in L. continuus . §. illud . de verb. ob . ff. .

The sixt is when † the impossible condition is conceiued negatiuely , for then it is not accompted as if it were voide it selfe , ( as is the affirmatiue possible condition ) but it maketh void the disposition whereunto it is adioyned : as for example , the testator chargeth his executor to whome he hath also giuen the residue of his goods , that if hee doo not touch the skies with his finger , or doo not kill his father , then to pay to A.B. an hundred pound ; in this case the legacie is voide e) e) §. L. vltim . Instit. de lega . in fin . L. ab eo . C. de fideicom . L. vnic. C. de his quae Paen. nomine . : The reason is , because the executor who otherwise shoulde haue the same thing bequeathed , is not to be punished for not doing that thing which is impossible or vnhonest to be done f) f) Minsing . in d. §. vlt. Instit. lega . Castrens . in d. L. vnic. C. de his . Paen . But † if the negatiue impossible condition bee not set downe in way of penaltie but simply , the disposition is not voyde but taketh effect presently : as for example , the testator maketh A. B. his executor or giueth him an hundred pound , if hee doo not drinke vp all the water in the sea : In this case ( if any were so fonde as to adde any such condition ) the effect of the disposition is not hindred , and so A.B. is to be admitted executor , or may obteine the legacie , as if no condition were expressed g) g) L. impossibilis . de verb. ob . ff. Bar. & alij in eand . L. Paul . de Castro . in d. L. vnic. quem videas . .

The seuenth limitation is , when † the condition was not impossible at the first , but becommeth impossible afterwardes , for then it is not void , but maketh the disposition void : for example , the testator maketh A.B. his executor , or giueth him a hundred pound if he marie his , the testators daughter : afterwardes and before mariage this woman dieth , whereby the condition is made impossible : In this case the condition although nowe impossible is not void , but maketh void the disposition ; and so A.B. cannot be executor , nor obtaine the legacie by vertue of such disposition h h Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 16. n. 23. . But † if the woman were not dead , but did refuse to be maried , and so the condition become as it were impossible , for lacke of her consent ; In this case the disposition were not void , & so he might be admitted to the executorship or obtaine the legacie , as if no condition had beene imposed , or rather as if the same had beene accomplished : as else where i) i) Infr. ead. part . §. 8. , is more fullie declared .

The eight is when † the condition is both impossible and vnhonest , for then the disposition is thereby void : and that in disfauour of the the testator , who added suche a condition k) k) Bald. in L. si pater . de Instit. & sub . C. n. 5. , whereas if the condition had beene onelie impossible or vnlawfull , the disposition had beene good , and that in fauour of the testament l) l) Gloss. in §. impossibilis . Inst. de haered. instit . aliud autem in contractibus obtinet . .

The ninth is when the condition is impossible by reason of perplexitie , whereof there is example before , for then the disposition is void m) m) L. vbi repugnantia . de reg. iur. ff. & ibi Cagnol . limitans eand . reg. gloss . in d. §. impossibilis . adde Petr. Duen . Tract . reg. & fal . verb. conditio : vbi tradidit tres limitationes . .

The tenthe is , when † the condition is repugnant to the nature of the disposition , as in captious dispositions , wherof I haue spoken hereafter more at large n) n) Infr. ead. part . §. 11. . Notwithstanding † if the repugnancie be not in such sort but that it maie be reconciled , it hurteth not the disposition o) o) Cagnol . in d. L. vbi repugnantia . de reg. iur. ff. : And therefore if the executor doo name two executors , for example , his son and his daughter with a condition or prouiso that his daughter doo not administer : albeit here seeme a repugnancie in the assignation of the daughter , for that it is the office of euerie executor to administer : yet because the same may be reconciled , the daughter is to be admitted to the executorshippe , namelie , to prosecute anie action , though not to administer further of any goods wherof they are in possession or which shal after be by action so recouered p) p) Brook Abridg. tit . executor . n. 2. .

The eleuenth limitation is , when the vnhonest condition is referred to the time past , for then it is not reiected , but doth either presently confirme or infirme q q Couar . Tract : de sponsal . part. 2. c. 3. §. 1. n. 9. the effect of the disposition .

Now that we haue seene the limitations of the first rule , let vs take a viewe of the limitations of the second rule , which is that , when † the condition is possible , the effect of the disposition is suspended , vntill the condition bee accomplished . So that he which is made executor or to whom anie thing is bequeathed vnder such condition , can not be admitted to the executorshippe , nor obtaine the legacy in the meane time r) r) L. qui haered. de cond. & demon . L. si quis sub conditione . Si quis omiss . causa . testa . L. caedere diem . de verb. sig. ff. Grass . Thesaur . co. op. §. legatum . q. 52. Simo de Praetis . de interp. vl. vo. li. 5. Interp 2. dub. 2. n. 109. : In so much that it is not enough to perform the condition by an other equiualent meanes , but it must be accomplished in that precise manner and forme of the condition , without varyinge in anie one iot s) s) L. qui haeredi . L. Me uius . de cond. & demon . f● . .

The first limitation of this 2 rule is this † when it dooth not stand by the executor or legatary wherefore the conditon is not performed : for then it is accounted to be accomplished t) t) c. Imputari . de reg. iur. lib. 6. . An other limitation is this , when the condition is negatiue , for there the executor or legatary may in the mean time be admitted to the executorship , or recouer the legacy entering first into bond to make restitution , v) v) L. Mutianae . ff. de cond. & demon . if the condition be not performedo.

The third limitation is when the condition was once accomplished , though it do not continue x) x) L. in substitutione . ff. de vulg. sub . .

The fourth limitation is , when the condition is possible in respect of facte but not lawful y) y) L. filius . ff. de cond. instituc . supra ead. par. §. 5. .

But † for as much as none of these conclusions dooe proceede simplie or indistinctlie , I thought good to examine euery of them seuerally and at large , namely ;

First whether euery possible condition ought to be obserued preciselie and ad vnguem a) a) Infr. ead. part . §. ꝓx . .

Secondly , whether it be sufficient for the executor or legatary that it stande not by them , wherefore the condition is accomplished b) b) Infr. ead. part . §. 8. .

Thirdly , when and in what cases the executor or legatarie is to be admitted to the executorship , or may obtaine his legacie before the accomplishment of the condition by entringe into bonde c) c) Infr. ead. part . §. 9. .

Fourthly , whether it bee sufficient that the condition was once performed , though it doo not so endure d) d) Infr. ead. part . §. 10. .

Fiftlie , whereas it may be doubted of diuers conditions , whether they bee lawfull or no : I haue declared how farre the same be lawfull or vnlawfull e) e) Infr. ead. part . §§. 11 , 12 , 13. .

Vnto the which questions I haue also added these following .

Within what time the condition maie or must be accomplished , when no certaine time is limited by the testator f) f) Infr. ead. part . §. 14. .

Than how that vsual condition ( if he die without issue ) is to be vnderstood , or when it is said to be accomplished g) g) Infr. ead , part . §. 15. .

Finally , what order is to bee taken concerning the administration or possession of the goodes of the deceased , whiles the condition of the institution of the executor dependeth vnaccomplished h) h) Infr. ead. part . §. 16. .

Whether euerie possible condition ought to bee obserued preciselie .

1 Conditions are of a strict interpretation .

2 Conditions inducing a forme are to bee obserued preciselie .

3 Examples hereof .

4 When the testator dooth respect the ende it skilleth not of the meanes .

5 Voluntarie conditions are to be obserued preciselie , not necessarie conditions .

6 He in whose fauour the condition is made , may consent to other meanes .

7 The condition of paiment to be made to the infante is satisfied by paiment to the tutor .

8 In substitutions it sufficeth that the condition be effected by other equiualent meanes .

9 In fauour of libertie or of godlie vses the condition neede not to be preciselie obserued .

10 Whether the condition may be performed by an other person then him that is named in the condition .

11 Where the lawe alloweth other meanes the precise forme neede not to be obserued .

§. vij .

FOr as much † as conditions are said to be of a strict interpretation a) a) Michael . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 52. n. 1. , and to induce a forme to euerie disposition , whereunto they are ioyned b) b) Bald. in Authen . vt liceat C. quando Mul. Tut offic. Fung. Tiraquel . de retract . §. 1. gloss . 21. n. 13. , vnto which forme nothing maie bee added , nothing detracted , nothing altered c) c) Tiraquel . de retract . §. 1. gloss . 11. n. 11 Peckius in c. cùm nom . de reg. iur. in 6. n. 6. . Therfore it is holden for a rule that † euerie possible condition ought to bee preciselie obserued , neither is it sufficient ( but in some cases ) to accomplishe the same by any other meanes , d) d) Grass . Thesaur . com . op. § legatum . q. 52. vbi attestatur de communi opinione . or in any other manner then is prescribed . For † example , the testator maketh thee his executor , or giueth thee a hundred pound if thou shalt giue to A.B. tenne pound , thou not knowing of the testators will , doost of compassion or good will giue tenne pound to A.B. because he is poore , and thou art riche : In this case thou shalt not bee reputed to haue accomplished the condition , because thou being ignorant of the disposition , diddest it not with a minde or purpose to satisfie the condition e) e) Gloss. & DD. in L. si quis haeredem . C. de Instit. & sub . & haec est communis opinio , vt per Michael . Grass . d. §. legatum . q. 52. n. 3. : Neuerthelesse , if thou diddest first knowe of the condition , thou art presumed to haue giuen the tenne pound with a minde to perform the condition , vnlesse the contrarie doo appeare f) f) Bar. & Paul . de Cast. in L. 2. de cond. & demon . ff. : So that it is not necessarie to protest or to affirme by words , that thou diddest giue the tenne pound with a minde or intente to perform the condition , seeing the same is presumed vnlesse the contrarie be prooued g) g) Bar. & Paul . de Cast. in d. L. 2. . An other example to the same effect is this , the testator maketh thee his executor or giueth thee a hundred pound if thou paie tenne pound to C.D. before a certaine time , within which time C. D. dieth , and thou paiest the same tenne pound within the same time , to the executor or administrator of C.D. in this case the condition is not said to be performed , and so thou canst not bee executor nor obtaine the legacie of a hundred pound , because thou diddest not pay the tenne pound to C.D. himselfe , for the paiment ought to haue beene made to C.D. himselfe h) h) L. sub diuersis . §. vlt. & ibi Bar. de cond. & demon . ff. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol lib. 11. tit. 17. n. 25. & hoc quidem sine difficultate in haerede legatarij , quia haeredi legatarij solutio fieri non potest per d. § vlt sed an idem iuris sic in haerede haeredis , quaest●o est magis dubia , de qua legendus est Mantic. vbi supr. , and not to his executors or administrators .

The first limitation of this foresaid rule is , † when it dooth appeare that the testator hath more respect to the end , then to the meanes ; for then it is sufficient that the testament be accomplished , although in other manner then it is expressed in the condition i) i) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 16. n. 3 .

The second limitation is , when † the condition is not voluntarie , but necessarie : for in necessarie conditions it skilleth not , whether the same bee accomplished in that manner expressed by the testator , or in anie other good manner k) k) Bar. in L. Gallus . §. quid si tantum . n. 2. de lib. & posthu . ff. Grass . Thesaur . com . op. § legatum . q. 52. Simo de Praetis . de interp. vlt. vol. lib. 1. in fin . vbi etiam respondit quaenam conditio sit dicenda necessaria , vel voluntaria . .

The third limitation is , when † the person in whose fauour the condition was made , doth consent that the same bee accomplished in other manner ; l) l) Simo de Praetis . de interp. vl. vo. lib. 1. solue . vlt. n. 34. for example , the testator maketh thee his executor or giueth thee a hundred pound , if thou giue to A.B. tenne pound : So it is that A.B. did owe vnto thee tenne pound , & is contented to be released of that tenne pound which he oweth , in steede of that tenne pound which he is to receiue : In this case the condition shall bee accompted for accomplished , as if the tenne pounde had beene reallie paide m) m) Simo vbi supr. licet ortasse contrarium obtineat in contractibus , attenta dispositione huius regni Angliae . Perkins . tit. condit . fol. 146. . These three limitations ( especiallie the first of them , ) be so generall , that they maie seeme to comprehend the residue of the limitations , neuerthelesse it shall not be amisse , if I expresse them for the better vnderstandinge of those former limitations .

The fourthe limitation therefore † is this , when that is paid to the tutor , which is limited to the childe : n) n) L si fundus . ff. de cond. & demon . for example , thou art made executor , or a hundered pounde is bequeathed to thee , if thou pay vnto the testators son ( being an infant ) tenne pound : in this case the condition is sufficientlie performed , if paiment bee made to the tutor of the childe o) o) d. L si fundus . Grass . d. §. legatum . q. 52. Mantic . de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 17. n. 29. : especiallie if the monie be conuertede to the benefitte of the child p) p) Bar. in d. L. si fundus . Mantic. d. tit. 17. n. 29. . And albeit this condition may bee saide to be a voluntarie condition , because it dooth consist in giuing , yet in this case the testator is presumed to haue more regard to the condition , namelie , the benefit of the child , then to the forme of the condition : For if paiment should be made to the childe , it might easily be consumed & do the childe little benefit q) q) Mantic. vbi supr. , and therefore better for the childe , and more agreeable to the meaning of the testator , and more safe for him that paieth the monie , to pay the same to the tutor , rather then to the infante r) r) Alciat . de verb. signif lib. 3. col. 81. in fin . .

The fifte limitation is † in vulgar or common substitutions , for then it is sufficient likewise that the condition bee effected by other meanes , then according to the stricte forme of the condition s) s) Paul . de Castr. in L si magister . C. de Instit. & sub . n. 2. in fin . . For example , the testator maketh his sonne executor , and if he will not , hee doth substitute thee executor in his steed if the testators sonne can not be executor , in this case thou shalt be executor , as if he had refused to be executor , although respecting the forme of the condition thou art substitute onely in case the other will not , and not in case he cannot : the reason is , because in substitutions the lawe presumeth that the testator dooth more regarde the effect , then the forme of the condition t) t) Paul . de Castr. vbi supr. Alciat . de verb. signif. lib. 3. reg. 4. q. 3. .

The sixt limitation is † in fauour of libertie , that is to saie , when the lord or soueraigne by his testamente graunteth vnto his villeine or bond-man freedome vpon some condition v) v) Bar. in L. Maenius de cond. & demon . ff. .

The seuenth limitation is when that which is left conditionallie is to be distributed in pios vsus : for in these two limitations it is sufficient , that the condition be effected by other equivalent meanes , though not according to the precise literall forme of the condition x) x) Bar. in d. L. Maenius . cum addic . ibid. .

The eight limitation is , when † the condition which consisteth in giuing , is performed by another person , then by him ( yet for him ) who is named executor , or to whom anie thing is giuen vpon condition , if hee giue to an other : In which case it is all one , as if he himselfe had giuen the same y) y) Bar. in L. Arethusa . de stat. hom. ff. & in L. fin . de cond. instit ff. atque hoc est magis commune , teste Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 17. n. 10. .

The ninth limitation is , when the condition can not be performed in such manner as is prescribed in the condition : as for example , the testator giueth a summe of money if so manie sermons be made in such a church within such a time , during which time the church is interdicted , by occasion whereof the condition can not be accomplished : In this case the disposition is not absolutly void z) z) L. legatum . de admistr . rerum . ad ciuit . pertin . ff. , but the monie maie be conuerted to some godlie vse a) a) Simo de Praetis . de interp. vlt. vol. lib. 1. in fin . .

The tenth limitation is , † when the law doth interprete it , as if it were precisely obserued , as maie appeare in the next question b) b) Infr. §. proxim . .

Whether the condition bee accompted for accomplished in lawe , when it dooth not stand by the executor or legatarie wherefore the same is not accomplished .

1 No man to be punished but such as be faultie .

2 He is not reputed faultie in lawe who dooth what he can .

3 Whether the condition be reputed for accomplished if it stand not by the partie .

4 Certaine distinctions about the former question .

5 Arbitrarie conditions are accompted for accomplished if it doo not stand by the partie .

6 The reason of the former conclusion .

7 Arbitrarie conditions are not accompted for accomplished where the partie is in fault .

8 Casuall conditions are not reputed to bee accomplished before the euent .

9 The reason of the different effect , betwixt casuall & arbitrarie conditions .

10 Certaine cases wherein casuall conditions be reputed as accomplished , albeit the same bee not so in deede .

11 In mixt conditions this consideration is first to be had , how the impediment commeth .

12 The impediment in mixt conditions maie happen diuers waies .

13 When it standeth by him by whom the condition is to be preformed , the same is not reputed for complete .

14 What if after first refusall hee consent , and then the other partie is willing .

15 A restraint of the last position .

16 When it standeth by the party in whom the condition is to bee performed , the same is not reputed for complete .

17 A limitation of the former conclusion .

18 When the testator dooth hinder the performance of the condition , it hurteth not the executor or legatarie .

19 When a third person dooth hinder the performance of the condition , whether it hurt the executor or legatarie .

20 The accomplishment of the condition beeing hindred by casuall meanes , whether it hurt the executor or legatarie .

§. viij .

IT agreeth † with equitie and humanitie that no man be punished , or depriued of his righte without his fault a) a) c. sine culpa . de reg. iur. 6. , and it seemeth that † hee is not in faulte , but worthie to bee excused , who dooth whatsoeuer lieth in him for the accomplishing of that which is imposed vpon him b) b) Peckius . in c. imputari . de reg. iur. 6. , wherefore no meruaile if at the first viewe it seeme true , that when it doth not stand by the executor or legatarie , wherefore the condition is not performed ( they dooing whatsoeuer in them lieth for to accomplish the same ; ) that then the same should be accompted as it had beene fullie performed c) c) c. cùm non stat. c. imputari . de reg. iur. lib. 6. . And in deed so it is † regularlie for the most parte verie true that when it dooth not stand by him to whom it appertaineth , wherefore the condition is not accomplished , it ought to be accompted as if it were performed : d) d) d. c. cùm non stat. d. c. imputari . de reg. iur. lib. 6. but this rule dooth not take place perpetuallie .

Wherefore † if wee will vnderstande when this rule dooth hold or faile , wee are to call to minde some of the former distinctions or diuisions of conditions e) e) Supr. ead. part . §. 5. , especially this : That of conditions some be arbitrary , such as the law presumeth to be in the will and power of the man to whom they are imposed f) f) L. vnic. §. sin autem . C. de cad. tollend . Vigli . & Minsing . in §. Pen. Instit. de haered. instit . : Some be casuall , such as are not in the power of that man to whome they are imposed , but either in the power of some other thing , or person , so that the euent thereof is to vs vncertaine g) g) d. §. sin autem . : and some be mixte conditions such as doo consist partlie in our owne power , and partlie in the power of some other thing or person h) h) d. §. sin autem . Vigl . & Minsing . vbi supr. , for example of which seuerall conditions I referre the reader to those former which I haue there set downe i) i) Supr. ead. part . §. 5. .

When † the condition is meere arbitrarie , then if it stand not by him , by whom the condition is to be performed , the lawe reputeth the same as if it were fully accomplished , though in deed it remaine vnperformed : k) k) L. quae sub conditione . §. 1. ff. de cond. Instit. Bar. in L. 1. C. de Instit. & sub . for example , the testator dooth make thee his executor , or giueth thee a hundred pounde if thou ●oe to church on Easter daie l) l) Hoc esse exemplum pōtatiuae conditionis , patet ex Sichardo in Rub. de Instit. & sub . C. n. 9. & Minsingero , in §. Pen. Inst. de haered. inst. n. 2. quorum alter profert exemplum eundi Francfordium , alter eundi Biscanum : reliqui ferè omnes instant in hoc exemplo , si ascenderis capitolium . DD. in d. §. sin autem . C. de cad. tol. & in d. §. Pen. Instit. de haered. instituend . , that daie beeing ●ome ; by reason of ouerflowing of waters or some other necessarie impediment , thou arte not then able to goe to the church being otherwise willing to goe , if thou haddest not been hindered . In this case thou art to bee admitted executor , and maiest recouer thy legacie , as if thou haddest gone to the church that daie m) m) d. L. quae sub . conditione . §. 1. ff. de condic . Instit. & . c. imputari de reg iur. 6. ; the † reason wherefore the condition is accompted for accomplished in lawe , albeit respecting the facte it is not accomplished , I suppose to be this , because the testator is presumed to haue more regard to thy good will and indeuour , in these conditions which be within thy power , then to the euent of the condition n) n) Sichard . post Bar. & Bald. in d. L. 1. C. de Inst. & sub . , so that by satisfying the expectation of the testator , thou haste also satisfied the exaction of lawe o) o) DD. in d. L. 1. .

Howbeit † euen there also where the condition is arbitrarie , and where the testator doth as it were accepte good will for a full performance , if he by whom the condition is to bee performed , were in fault , by occasion of which fault the condition can not in deede be accomplished , though perhappes the partie wold willinglie performe the same if hee then coulde , there the same condition is not reputed to bee performed in fiction of lawe p) p) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 16. n. 24. post Bar. & Bald. in d. L. 1. C. de Instit. & sub . : for example , the testator maketh A.B. his executor or giueth him a hundred pound , if hee goe to the church on such a daie : vpon the which daie A.B. intending to accomplish the condition , proceedeth towards the church , and as he is going committeth some crime or offence , whereupon he is arested and staied , so that hee can not goe to the church according to his purpose : In this case the condition is not accompted for accomplished , for that he , by whom the condition was to be accomplished q) q) Bar. & Bald. vbi supr. gloss in c. imputari de reg. iur. 6. Aymo Crauetta . consil. 202. n. 8. , was himselfe in the faulte , and the cause wherefore the same was not accomplished . So it is if the condition can not bee performed , by the negligence or delaie of the person , by whom the same ought to haue been performed r) r) Bar. in d. L. 1. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 16. n. 14. : and although an impediment is said to excuse a man from delaie s) s) DD. omnes in L. quod te ff. si cer. Pe. , yet when the impediment maie bee foreseene and preuented , such impediment shal not excuse him which dooth not auoid the same t) t) Gloss. & DD. in d. L. quod te . Zas . post alios in L. continuus . §. illud . ff. de verb. ob . . If thou craue an example , let this be the same , the testator maketh thee his executor , or giueth thee a hundred pound if thou go to the church within two monthes , during the first moneth thou doost not goe , duringe the seconde thou knowest thou shalt not be able to goe by reason of some impediment , be it by occasion of warres , or of the weather , or of the waie , or of some infirmitie in thy owne bodie and then being letted , thou makest an offer to goe , and doost protest that it doth not stand by thee , and that thou wouldest goe if it were possible : Neither this protestation nor this impediment wil relieue thee because thou diddest wittinglie fal into these difficulties , and wouldest not goe when thou mightest safelie haue gone v) v) c. Mona . de reg. iur. 6. Zas . in d. §. illud . n. 6. fall . 4. & Peckius in L. fin . ad L. Rhodiam . de iactu . . When † the condition is meere casuall , the same is neither accompted for accomplished or extant in presumption or fiction of law , neither yet for vnaccomplished or deficient , vntill the actuall euent of the same condition doo first come to passe x) x) L. vnic. §. sin autem . C. de cad. tol. & ibi Bar : And therefore if the testator make thee his executor or giue thee a hundred pounde , if the king of Spaine die this yeere y) y) Vigli . & Minsing . in § pen . Instit. de haered. instituend . : In this case vntill the euent do indeede declare whether ᵏ the K. die this yeare or no , the condition is neither accompted for extant or deficient , but is suspended z) z) Sichard . in Rub. de instit . & sub . C. . And if he die , then is the condition said to be purified or extant , and so thou art to bee admitted , otherwise not a) a) L. vnic. §. sin autem . C. de cad. tol. . So there is a great difference , whether the condition be arbitrarie or casuall , for the one is diuers times accompted for accomplished in law though not in fact : but the other is not accompted for accomplished or extant in law , vnlesse the same be accomplished in fact also b) b) Eod §. sin autem . . The † reason of the difference is partlie shewed before ; for in arbitrarie conditions the testator is presumed not to exacte more then he maie easilie performe , on whom such condition is imposed c) c) Sichard . Bar. Bald. & ferè omnes interp. in L. 1. de instit . & sub . C. , and so it is sufficient that it stand not by him , that the same condition is not performed : But herein casuall conditions , for as much as the testator dooth not referre it to that which is in his power on whom the condition is laide , therefore the testator is thought to referre the force or effect of this disposition , to the determination of fortune d) d) Paul . de Castr. in L. quae sub . conditione . ff. de condic . institu . , ( or rather to speak more christianlie , to the will of God , ) and therfore this euent of gods wil must decide the doubt , I mean whether hee that is appointed vnder such condition shall bee executor or not , or obtaine his legacie or not . Notwithstanding † somtimes euen in casuall conditions , it is sufficient that it dooth not stand by the executor or legatarie , wherefore the same condition is not accomplished , like as in arbitrarie conditions e) e) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 16. n. 15. . The first case is , where the testator would haue so disposed howsoeuer the condition should fall out f) f) Gloss. in L. 1. C. de instit . & sub . . The second is when by his facte , the accomplishment of the condition is hindred , to whom it is beneficiall that the same shoulde neuer bee performed g) g) L. iure ciuili . ff. de cond. & demon . . The third case is in fauour of freedome or libertie from seruitude h) h) L. fin . C. de necessar . instituend . .

If we † will knowe when a mixt condition is reputed in lawe to be accomplished , albeit in fact the same be not performed , we must consider by what meanes the impediment is ministred , namelie † whether it proceede from the person by whom the condition is to bee performed , or from that person to whom the condition is to be performed , or from the testator himselfe who deuised the condition , or from some other third person , or whether it happen by some other meanes according to the secrete purpose and will of God , which wee no lesse foolishlie then commonlie , call Chaunce or fortune .

When † he that is made executor , or to whom a legacy is giuen vpon a mixt condition , is him selfe the onelie cause wherefore the condition is not performed ; then worthilie is the same condition not to be accompted for accomplished i) i) L. in teston . el. 2. ff. de cond. & demon . Mantic . de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 18. n. 37. : for example , the testator maketh thee his executor or giueth thee a hundred pounde if thou marie his daughter ; thou refusest so to do ; with great reason is the condition not reputed for performed , and so thou canst not be executor nor obtaine the legacie k) k) Bar. in d. L. in testa . Sichard . in L. 1. C. de instit . & sub . : In so much † that albeit afterwards thou become willinge , and doest offer to marie her , and she then refuse this thy offer , and so it dooth nowe stande by her and not by thee , that the condition is not performed : Neuerthelesse thou canst not reape anie benefit by her refusall , because thou haddest broken the condition before , whereby thy right passed awaie and was extinguished , and so thy repentaunce is nowe too late l) l) Ias . in d. L. 1. de Instit. & sub . C. n. 7. & Sichar . in eand . L. n. 9. & est con. op. teste Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 46. n. 16. post Dec. in d. L. 1. n. 13. quam sententiam intellige vt ꝑ Molin . in addic . ibid. : Vnlesse † at such time as thou diddest refuse , thou then couldest not marie , for that perhappes at that time thou were not of sufficient age to marrie , for thy dissent at that time when thou couldest not consent , dooth not hinder thee m) m) L. eius est nolle . de reg. iur. ff. .

When † the condition is not performed by his meanes onelie , vnto whom or in whose person the same is to be accomplished , then it is reputed in law as if it were fulfilled in deed n) n) L. Titio centum . §. Titio . ff. de cond. & demon . : for example , the testator maketh thee his executor , or giueth thee a hundred pounde if thou marie his daughter , thou arte willing and doost offer her mariage , which shee refuseth : In this case the condition is reputed for complete , and so thou maiest recouer the executorship or legacie o) o) d. L. Titio . §. Titio . . Notwithstanding if † the wordes of the condition be directed vnto her , not vnto thy selfe : as for example , the testator maketh thee his executor or giueth thee a hundred pound , if his daughter marie thee . In this case if she do refuse , and it dooth not stand by thee , the condition is not reputed for accomplished p) p) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 18. n. 37. , vnlesse it were the meaninge of the testator , that thou shouldest haue the benefit of the disposition , in case of this her refusall q) q) L. iure ciuili ff. de cond. & demon . . And yet there is no great difference betwixte the one Phrase and the other , for the testator in saying , if thou marrie her , dooth necessarilie vnderstand therby , if she also bee content to marie thee , for thou canst not doo the one , vnlesse she also do the other r) r) Socin . in . d. L. in teston . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 8. n. 37. , and therefore this limitation is suspected of some not to bee sounde s) s) Michael Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 46. n. 17. , notwithstandinge it is more generallie approoued and rather admitted then the contrarie opinion t) t) Alex. in L. 1. C. de Instit. & sub . : what if the testator make A.B. his executor , or giue him a hundred pounde if hee marie his daughter , and at the firste A.B. is willinge and offereth to marrie her , but shee refuseth ; afterwarde she is willinge , but he refuseth : whether in this case is the condition said to be complete : this question is satisfied afterwardes v) v) Infr. ead. part : §. 10. in sin . .

When † the impediment dooth proceede from the testator himselfe , then the condition is reputed for complete : as for example , the testator dooth make thee his executor , or giueth thee a hundred pounde vpon condition , if thou bury his bodie within the Cathedral church of Saint Peter at Yorke : the testator dieth excommunicate ( because he refuseth to come to the church , or because he is an Heretike or Scismatike , a manifest vsurer , or for some other like cause ) for the which his sepulture in that case is denied : Seeing in this case it doth not stand by thee , but by him , wherefore the condition is not complete , it shall not preiudice thee , but that thou maiest be admitted to the executorship or obtaine the legacie , as if thou haddest in deede performed the condition x) x) DD. in L. milites . §. vlt. Ad L. Iul. de adul . ff. Sichard . in L. 1. de Instit. & sub . C. n. 1. .

When † the impedimente dooth proceede from a thirde person , then I suppose the condition to bee accompted in lawe for accomplished y) y) Bar. in L. in teston . el. ff. de co. d. & d. mon. : For example , the testator maketh thee his executor , or giueth thee a hundred pounde if thou mary his daughter within a moneth , during which moneth , a thirde person dooth purposelie holde her from thee , so that thou canst not marie her within the time prescribed : In this case the condition is reputed to bee accomplished , and so thou maiest obtaine the executorship or legacy , as if thou hadst maried her within the said time z) z) Bar. in d. L. in teston . Bald. & Alex. in L. 1. de Instit. & sub . C. & hoc ego quidem procedere puto in hoc regno , etiam si ille tertius iniustè detineat mulierem : cùm apud nos Honoratus non habeat aliquam actionem contra iniustum illum detentorem , pro damno , seu interesse . Videant autem Iustinianistae Manticam . de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 16. n. 22. . But if the thirde person doo not purposelie detaine her , beeing ignoraunt peraduenture of the testators will , then it seemeth that the condition is not reputed for complete a) a) Bald. Alex. & DD. in L 1. C. de Instit. & sub . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit 16. n. 22. .

When † the impediment dooth not arise by anie of the meanes aforesaide , but by casuall meanes ( as we tearme it ) when it proceedeth from the wil and prouidence of almighty God , the law dooth not accompt that condition for complete b) b) Hen. B●ic . in c. sicut ex literis . de spons . extr. Bar. in L. 1. C. de Instit. & sub . . And therefore if the testator make thee his executor , or giue thee a hundred pound if thou mary his daughter , and she dieth before thou hast married her : in this case the condition shall not be accomted for accomplished or extant , but contrariwise ( as it is indeede , ) vnperformed and deficient , so that thou canst not receiue anie benefit by that conditionall disposition c) c) Gloss. & Dyn . in c. imputari de reg. iur. 6. Sichard . & alij DD. in d. L. 1. C. de Instit. & sub . : for where the performaunce of the condition is hindred by the will and prouidence of God , whereunto the testator made relation , there the law dooth not allowe anie feined performaunce d) d) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 16. n. 23 , except it bee in fauour of libertie from bondage e) e) L. libertatem . ff. de manumiss . teston . Couar . in c. 3. de testa extr. , or of alimentation or in a disposition f) f) Sichard . in L. 1. C. de Instit. & sub . n. 6. in fin . ad pias causas g) g) Tiraquel . de priuileg . piae causae . c. 57. , or excepte the condition be not conditionall but modall h) h) Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 58. n. 4. & haec opinio communiter approbatur . Alex. ● L. 1. de Instit. & sub . C. , for ( conditio ) and ( modus ) doo greatlie differ , as in the next paragraphe is declared .

Whether hee that is made executor , or to whom anie legacie is giuen conditionally , may in the meane time , whiles the condition dependeth , be admitted to the executorship , or obtaine the legacie , by entring into bondes to performe the condition , or else to make restitution .

1 Diuers kindes of conditions to bee remembred in this question .

2 When the condition is affirmatiue it sufficeth not to put in bondes .

3 What if the affirmatiue doo also implie a negatiue .

4 What if the disposition be made sub modo , and not sub conditione .

5 How Modus and Conditio doo differ .

6 When the testators will is not repugnaunt , then it sufficeth to put in bonde .

7 If the condition be negatiue , then what thinges are to be regarded ?

8 If the condition consist in not doing , then it is materiall whether the same maie be accomplished during life .

9 If the condition can not bee accomplished duringe life , then it sufficeth to put in bonde , to the effect aforesaid .

10 Example of such condition as can not be accomplished during life .

11 The reason of deuising this bond , and who was the inuentor thereof .

12 Certaine cases wherein the legacie maie be obtained without bonde , beeing giuen vpon condition , which maie seeme not to be accomplished duringe life .

13 If the condition negatiue maie bee accomplished during his life , to whom it is imposed , this caution hath no place .

14 A condition negatiue is saide to bee accomplished when it cannot be infringed .

15 Great oddes whether the condition maie bee accomplished during his life , to whom it is imposed or not .

16 What if the negatiue condition can not be infringed without sorrowe .

17 If the condition consist in not giuing , then we must inquire and resolue as in the condition of not dooing .

18 When the condition dooth consiste in not happening , then this bond hath no place .

19 The forme of the bonde , to whom it is to be made , and whether sureties be necessarie .

§. ix .

IF anie † be desirous to know whether he that is made executor , or to whom anie legacie is left by the testator , vndersome possible condition , may in the mean time whiles the condition dependeth vnperformed , bee admitted to the executorship , or obtaine his legacie so lefte by entring bond or putting in sufficient caution either to performe such condition , or else to make full restitution of al things by him receiued : It shall be behoofull to call to his remembraunce howe manie kindes of possible conditions there be a) a) De quibus . supra . ead. part . §. 5. , especiallie he must not forget , that of these conditions some bee affirmatiue , and some bee negatiue b) b) L in facto . ff. de cond. & demon . : and againe , that as wel of the affirmatiue as of the negatiue , there be three sortes , that is to saie , som consist in chancing , some in giuing , & some in dooing , & on the contrarie , some consist in not chauncinge , some in not giuing , and some in not dooing c) c) d. L. in facto . . Nowe to applie these distinctions to the question .

When † the condition is affirmatiue ( whether it doo consist in chauncing , giuing , or doing : ) he that is made executor , or to whom anie legacie is giuen , vnder such condition , cannot be admitted to the executorship , nor demaund the legacie by vertue of the last will or testament of the deceased , so longe as the same condition dependeth vnfulfilled , or is not extant d) d) L. Mutian . in ff. de cond. & demon . & gloss . ac DD. ibid. , albeit the executor or legatarie shoulde put in sufficient bond to make restitution , in case the condition should be deficient : For the euent of such affirmatiue condition is to be expected and must be extant , before the disposition of the testator can take effecte e) e) L. qui haeredi . ff. de cond. & demon● D. in d. L. Mu●●an . , excepte in these cases following . One is † when the affirmatiue condition which dooth consist in dooing or giuing , dooth with all secretlie implie or containe a negatiue f) f) L. par●●● §. socrus ff. de cond. & demon . Bar. & Paul . 〈◊〉 Castr. in d. L. Mut●a●●● . Ripa . in L. ita scipula●●●s . ff. de verb. ob . ff. n. 46. : as for example , the testator maketh his wife executrix , or giueth her a hundred pound , if she abide with his children ; which affirmatiue condition , ( if she abide with his children ) consisteth in dooinge , and dooth withal secretlie implie a negatiue , that is to saie , ( If she doo not depart from his children g) g) Bar. & Paul . de Cast. in d. L. Mutianae . per. d. §. soc●●● . : ) and therefore in this case , the executor or legatarie , by entring into sufficient bond to performe the condition , or else to make restitution , is to be admitted to the executorship or maie obtaine the legacie , as if the negatiue had beene expressed h) h) Bar. & Paul . Castr. vbi supra . Simo de Pretis . de interp. vlt. vol. lib. 5. interp 2. dub. 1. n. 24. 25. fol. 42. . An other case is , when † the disposition is not made sub conditione , sed sub modo i) i) L 1. C. de his quae sub modo . L. quibus diebus §. Termilius . ff de cond. & demon . verum prop●●è loquendo Cautio de modo implendo , non est cautio mutiana , sed al●a ei similis . Bald. in Auth. cui C. de indict . vid. n. 22. in sin . . For † thou shalt vnderstand , that conditio and modus doo differ , Conditio is a qualitie which so long as it dependeth vnperformed or is not extant , dooth hinder the effect of the disposition , so that , that thinge which is disposed conditionallie , can neither be demaunded , neither is due in the meane time k) k) Bald. & Sichard . in Rub. de Instit. & sub . C. : Modus is a moderation , whereby a charge or burthen is imposed , in respecte of a commoditie , which moderation dooth not so farre hinder the effect of the disposition , but that the thinge disposed is due , and maie bee demaunded in the meane time l) l) Bar. in d. L. quibus diebus . §. Termilius . de cond. & demon ff. Sichard . in d. Rub. de Instit. & sub . C. Grass . Thesau . com . op. §. legatum . q. 58. Modus ( inquit Cuiacius ) est finis , propter quem legatur , vel causa legandi collata in futurum . Cuiac . in tit . de his quae sub mod. C. : and it is called modus a moderando . The one of them is thus knowen from the other , that is to saie , the condition is commonlie knowen by this word ( if ) or by wordes of like value m) m) Bald. & Sichard . in Rub. de Inst. & sub . C. , whereof I haue giuen examples before n) n) Supra . ead. part §. 5. : the meane or moderation is knowen by this worde ( that ) as I make A. B. my executor or giue him a hundred pound , that he maie erect a monument . o) o) Bar. in d. §. Term●lius . & Sichard . in d. Rub. de Instit. & sub . C. Nowe in this case when anie thing is lefte vnder a moderation or with the exaction of a remuneration , that thing which is so bequeathed , is presentlie due and maie now also be demaunded , so that he which maketh demaunde doo enter into bonde in manner as hereafter is described , to performe that which is exacted by the testator , or else to make full restitution p) p) L. quibus diebus . §. Termilius . ff. de cond. & demon . L. 1. 2. C. de his quae sub modo . . An other case is , when † the testators will is not repugnant thereunto : for then this bonde ( as it is affirmed ) hath place euen in affirmatiue conditions q) q) Bar. in d. L. Mutianae . de cond. & demon , ff. n. 3. .

When the † condition is negatiue , then wee are to regarde what kinde of negatiue condition it is , that is to saie , whether the same consist in not dooing or not giuing or not chauncing .

If † the condition consiste in not dooing , then it is material , whether the same maie be accomplished so long as he liueth on whom the same is imposed , yea , or no.

If † the condition consistinge in not dooing can not be performed so longe as the person , on whome it was imposed liueth , then maie hee obtaine the bequest , by puttinge in bondes to accomplishe the condition , or else in defect thereof to make full restitution r) r) d. L. Mutianae & ibi Bar Bal● . & Paul d● Ca●●r . Zas . in L. dedi tibi . ff. de cond. caus . dor. : as for † example , the testator maketh one his executor or giueth him a hundred pounde , if he neuer plaie at the Cardes or Dice : This condition we see is negatiue , it consisteth in not dooing , and it is such a condition withall , as can not be fullie performed , so long as hee liueth on whom it is imposed , because at anie time during his life , hee maie infringe the same , by playing at the Cardes or Dice s) s) S●m● de Praetis . de interp. vlt. vol. lib. 5. inter . 2. Iub . 1. n. 23. , for albeit he did abstaine this daie , yet might hee plaie the next daie , or if not the next daie , yet some one daie , or other so longe as hee had anie daies to liue t) t) Simo de Praetis . vbi supr. Paul . de Castr. in d. L. Mutianae . , and so in the meane time , that is to saie , all his life longe hee shoulde not reape anie commoditie by the testament , if the full performaunce of the condition were first exacted . Wherefore † leaste the testators will should be vneffectuall , and leaste the executor or legatarie should reape no benefit therby , if the full performaunce of the condition should bee expected , ere the bequest coulde bee obtained : one Mutius Sceuola did deuise this remedie , that hee who is made executor , or to whom anie legacie is bequeathed , vpon a condition negatiue , which coulde not bee fullie performed duringe his life , shoulde enter into bonde to performe the condition , ( that is to saie , neuer to doo that which is prohibited , or else to make a full restitution ) and by that meanes obtaine the executorshippe , or legacie v) v) d. L. Mutianae . cum gloss . ibid. Simo de Praetis . vbi supr. Zas . in L. ded● tibi . de cond. caus . dot. ff. n. 7. 9. , which bonde or caution is of Mutius the author thereof , called Mutiana cautio x) x) Gloss. in d. L. Mutianae . , and after a sorte hath the effecte of the full accomplishment of the condition y) y) ●ar . & Castr. in d. L. Mutianae . . Yea in some cases † the legacie which is giuen vnder a condition negatiue consisting in not dooing , maie be obtained without anie such bond , albeit the same condition maie be infringed duringe the life of the legatarie , namely , in a legacie of libertie or free-dome from bondage z) z) L. libertatem . L. libertas . §. 1. de manumiss . testa . ff. , & in a legacie ad pias causas a) a) Tiraquel . de priuileg . piae causae . c. 48. : The reason of the difference is , because in these fauorable legacies the testator is presumed to haue meante onelie of the firste acte when the legatarie had oportunitie of doinge the thinge prohibited b) b) Tiraquel . vbi supra . : So that if at that season or firste oportunitie , the legatarie doo not infringe the condition by dooing contrarie to the disposition of the testator , it is not hurtefull though after that first oportunitie past the legatarie goe against the condition c) c) Gloss. in L. Titio . §. fundus . ff. de cond. & demon . Tiraquel . d. c. 48. , vnlesse the meaning of the testator doo appeare to bee contrarie , viz. that the condition should be extended to euery act during the life of the legatarie d) d) L. vlt. de manumiss . testa . ff. Tiraquel . vbi supra . .

But † if the negatiue condition bee suche as maie be performed during his life on whom it is imposed , this aforesaide bonde or caution hath no place e) e) L. cum tale . §. 1. ff. de cond. & demon . L. pater . §. socrus . eod. , and consequentlie the executorship or legacie disposed vnder such condition , so long as the same dependeth not fullie performed , can not be obtained f) f) L. cum tale . §. 1. & gloss . in d. L. Mutianae . ; For example , the testator maketh thee his executor , or giueth thee a C. pound if thou neuer plaie at dice or cardes with A.B. or if thou do not at any time giue away thy lands to A.B. this condition howsoeuer it be negatiue , & also consisteth in not giuing , or not doing : Yet it may be fullie & perfectly complete and performed in thy life time : For A. B. with whom thou art forbidden to play , or to whom thou art forbidden to giue thy lands , may die before thee , & then thou canst not play with him nor giue him thy lands when he is dead , and so it is euident , that this condition may be fullie performed , & accomplished in thy life time , for a † negatiue condition is then said to bee fullie accomplished , when it is brought to an impossibilitie g) g) Gloss. & . DD. in d. L. Mutianae . ff. de cond. & demon . , and therefore in this case thou canst not be admitted executor nor obtaine the legacie , vntill the condition bee brought into that state , that it can not be infringed h) h) DD. in d. L. Mutianae . & d. L. cum tale . §. 1. Simo de Praetis . de inter . vlt. vol. lib. 5. interp. 2. dub. 1. n. 23. . Great † ods therefore there is , betwixte those negatiue conditions which can not be performed in the life time of that person , on whom they are imposed , & those negatiue conditions which maie be performed during his life : For there the executor or legatarie maie obtaine the executorship or legacie by putting in bondes , but here he can not , vnlesse it be † such a case as the euent thereof dooth bring greefe and sorrow , to the partie on whom the condition is imposed , for in such cases where the condition can not be infringed or become deficient , without sorrowe or heauines , it is lawfull for the executor or legatarie to enter into bondes for making restitution , ( if the condition be not performed , ) and so to be admitted to the executorship , and to obtaine the legacie in the meane time i) i) d. L. cum tale . L. pater . §. socrus . ff. de cond. & demon . : as for example , the testator maketh his wife executrix or giueth her a hundred pound if she depart not from her children : This condition maie be extant in the life time of the mother , for it maie happen the children to die , & the mother to ouerliue , and then the condition must needes be extant , for after their death she cannot infring the condition by departing from them that are not : neuerthelesse , because the death of the childe is a harde and heauie thing to the mother , therfore the lawe is not so hard , but that in this case the condition depending , the mother is to bee admitted to the executorship , and maie recouer the legacie vpon bondes , to accomplishe the condition , or else to make restitution k) k) d. L. cum tale . & gloss . in d. L. Mutianae . .

When † the condition dooth consist in not giuing , then as before , we are to enquire whether the condition be such as the same can not be accomplished during his life , on whom it is imposed : for if it bee suche a condition , that which is disposed vnder such a condition maie be obtained by entring bonde as before l) l) d. L. Mutianae . ff. de condic . & demon . : for example , the testator dooth make thee his executor , or dooth bequeath vnto thee a hundred pounde if thou doo not giue awaie thy lands m) m) L. 4. §. idem Iulianus . ff. de condic . instit . , this condition can not bee fullie performed , but by thy death , because so longe as thou liuest thou maiest giue awaie thy landes , and so infringe the condition n) n) DD. in d. §. idem Iulianus . , wherefore least the testators will shoulde be deluded , or thy selfe defrauded , thou maiest be admitted to the executorship or obteine the legacie in the mean time so that thou becom bounden as before , to performe the condition or els to make full restitution . o) o) d. L. Mutianae . Simo de Praetis . de interp. vlt. vol. lib. 5. Interp. 2. dub. 1. n. 23.

When † the condition dooth consist in not chauncing , then this bond or condition can not be admitted , neither can the thing disposed vnder such condition be obtained before the condition be performed p) p) d. L. Mutianae . & ibi Bar. & alij . : And therefore ( for example ) if the testator make thee his executor or giue thee a hundred pounde if thy ship doo not returne from Spaine , in this case the euent of the condition is to be expected . And if it so come to passe that thy ship dooth returne , then is the condition deficient , and so thou canst not be admitted to the executorshippe , nor obtaine the legacie by vertue of the saide disposition q) q) Bar. & Paul . Castr. in d. L. Mutianae . L. vnic. §. sin autem . C. de cad. tol. : But if the Shippe can not returne ( which thinge maie happen by ship-wracke , or by some other accident ) and so all hope or possibilitie taken awaie , then the condition is said to be accomplished or extant , and so thou art to be admitted to the executorship , or maiest recouer the legacie , as if the disposition had been simple r) r) Idem Paul . de Castr. in d. L. Mutianae . d. §. sin autem . .

Nowe † that wee haue seene in what cases the aforesaide bonde , hath place , and in what case it hath no place , it shall not be amisse in worde to shewe the manner and forme of the bonde and to whom it must be made , and whether sureties be required . The forme therof is this ( not to doo that thing which is contained in the condition , or else to restore the thinges disposed together with all the meane fruites and profites therof s) s) L. cùm filius . §. qui Mutianam . ff. de leg. 2. , ) the bonde is to bee made by the executor , vnto the substitute t) t) Bald. in Auth. cui relictum . C. de Indict . viduitat . n. 20. , or him that is appointed executor in place of him that is bounde if the condition be not obserued v) v) Bald. in d. Auth. , and if there be no such substitute , then to the executor x) x) Idem Bald. ibid. ; and if there be no executor , then to the ordinarie , because he dooth as it were succeede where anie dieth intestate y) y) Stat. Ed. 3. an. 18. c. 19 vel forte praestanda est huiusmodi cautio Mutiana administratoribus casu , quo administratio sit concessa . : likewise the legatarie must enter bonde to him that is substituted vnto him , if there be no substitute , then to the collegatarie , if there be none such , then to the executor , if there be no executor , then to the ordinarie z) z) Bald. in d. Auth. cui relictum . C. de Indict . vid. , there neede no suretie neither for anie thing immoueable , nor for a thing mooueable , vnlesse the party be not fit or sufficient a) a) d. Auth. cui relictum . .

Whether it be sufficient , that the condition was once accomplished , though the same doo not continue .

1 Manie cases wherein it is sufficient that the condition was once accomplished , though it doo not so continue : and contrariwise manie cases wherein it is not sufficient , that the condition was once accomplished vnlesse it doo continue .

2 The order to be obserued in this diuersitie of cases .

3 If the condition be casuall , then it is sufficient that the condition was once accomplished .

4 Diuers examples of this conclusion .

5 If the condition be arbitrarie , then it is not sufficient that the condition was once accomplished .

6 Diuers examples of this conclusion .

7 If the condition be mixt , then it is sufficient that the same was once accomplished .

8 Example of this conclusion .

9 What if the condition endure not by the faulte of the partie by whom it is to be accomplished .

10 What if the partie be alreadie maried , to whom anie thinge is bequeathed conditionallie , ( If hee shall marrie . )

11 What if the executor or legatarie were once willing and afterwardes vnwilling ; whether shall the condition be reputed for accomplished ?

12 In this last Q. either hath diuers authors .

13 The opinion of the author of this booke .

14 An answer to an obiection .

15 Diuers limitations of the former conclusion , whereunto the author of this booke did subscribe .

§. x.

MAnie † cases there be wherein it is sufficient for the performaunce of the condition , that the same was once accomplished , albeit the same do not still endure in the same estate a) a) Ias . in L. si quis haeredem . C. de Instit. & sub . vbi tradita est regula non paucis ampliationibus & limitationibus illustrata . : other cases there be , wherein it is not sufficient once to haue performed the condition , vnlesse there be a continuance of the performance b) b) Ias . in L. in substitutione . ff. de vulg. & pupil . sub . vbi regulam tradidit sex fallentijs exornatam . .

But because it woulde growe to an infinite matter to recite euerie particular case c) c) Qua in re nimium desudasse videtur Iason . vt refert Ber. Diaz . Tract . reg. & fal . verb. conditio reg. 110. , it is meete to set downe some generall conclusions or distinctions , whereunto and whereby al those particular cases maie be reduced and decided .

First † of all therefore we are to enquire the nature of the condition , whether it be casuall , arbitrarie , or mixt d) d) De quibus supr. ead. part . §. 5. & Bar. in L. 1. de Instit. & sub . C. Minsing . & Vigl . in §. pen . Instit. de haered. instit . .

If † the condition be meere casuall , that is to saie , such a condition whereof the euente is to vs vncertaine e e Supr. ead. part . §. 5. n. 14. Spiegel . Lexic. verb. fortuitum . , then it is sufficient that the same was once accomplished , though it do not continue still in the same state f) f) L. si quis haeredem . C. de Instit. & sub . : as † for example , the testator maketh thee his executor or giueth thee a hundred pounde , if A.B. shall bee proctor of the vniuersitie of Oxforde g) g) d. L. si quis haeredem . cuius exemplum est . Si Titius fuerit Consul vel Praetor , &c. cui nostrum exemplum non est dissimile . : nowe if at anie time after the makinge of this will A.B. be proctor , whether after the testators death or before , or whether hee continue still Proctor or not , it is not materiall h) h) d. L. si quis haeredem . : yea though hee were deposed from his office , it skilleth not , it is sufficient that once he was Proctor , the condition beeing casuall , and so thou art to bee admitted to the executorship , and maiest obtaine the legacie , as though A.B. were Proctor still i) i) Sichard & alij in d. L. si quis haeredem . . So it is if the testator make thee his executor , or giue thee a hundred pound if A.B. shall bee Doctor of the ciuill lawe , though afterwardes he be degraded k) k) Zas . in L. in substitutione . ff. de vulg. sub . n. 11. . Likewise if the testator dooth make thee his executor or giue thee a hundred pound if his daughter shall bee widdowe : In this case if his daughter happen at anie time to be widdow , thou maiest be admitted to the executorship or obtaine the legacy , albeit shee doe afterward take a new husband l) l) Bald. in L. fin . de indict . vid. C. Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 53. referens ibi hanc op. esse veram . cui concinnit Mantic. de coniect . vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 19. .

If † the condition be arbitrary , that is to say , such a condition as the lawe esteemeth to be in our power m) m) Sichard . in Rub. de Inst. & sub . C. Viglius et Minsing . in §. pen . Instit. de haered. instituend . ; then it is not sufficient that it be once accomplished , vnlesse it doo continue n) n) Bar. in L. 2. de cond. et demon . ff. Sichard . in L. si quis haeredem . de Instit. et sub . C. quorum opinio communis est . ex relatione Grassi Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 57. n. 3. : As † for example , the testator maketh thee his executor , or giueth thee a hundred pounde if thou paie to A.B. tenne pound , thou paiest ten pound to A.B. and when thou hast so doone , thou takest it from him againe , this paiment is no paiment , because thou diddest not suffer the monie to continue with him , and therefore in this case thou art worthilie repelled from being executor , or obtaininge the legacie o) o) L. si soluturus . ff de soluc . et Angel . ibid. Sichard . in d. L. quis haeredem . n. 6. . So it is if the condition doo include a continuaunce of time : as for example , the testator maketh thee his executor or giueth thee a hundred pounde , if thou permit A.B. to haue a waie through thy ground : in this case it is not sufficient , that thou permit him to haue a waie or to passe through thy ground for a day or two , but thou must suffer him so longe time as the testator hath assigned , otherwise the condition is not said to be complete p) p) Dec. et Sichard . in d. L. si quis haeredem . de Instit. et sub . C. . But what if the testator make thee his executor or giue thee a hundred pound , if thou giue ten pound to A.B. thou of pitie & compassion giuest him tenne pound , being ignorant of this condition : whether is it sufficient that thou didst once giue him ten pound ? In this case the condition is not reputed for accomplished , and therefore if thou wilt bee executor or obtaine the legacie , thou must once againe giue him tenne pound , as else where I haue declared q) q) Supr. ead. part . §. 7. in prin. per gloss . et DD. in d. L. si quis haeredem . et Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 52. : for where the condition is arbitrary , it must be obserued preciselie r) r) Supra ead. part . §. 7. , vnlesse it be in such a case as it can not be iterated s s d. L. si quis haeredem. et p. Sichar . ibid. n. 3. : For example , thou art made executor or hast a hundred pound bequeathed vnto thee , if thou manumit thy bondman , or if thou remit to A.B. ten pound which he oweth thee : in which case if thou shalte graunt libertie to thy seruaunt , or release the saide debte of tenne pound , before thou know of the conditionall disposition , this acte shal be accompted for an accomplishment of the condition , because now thou canst not do it againe t) t) Sichard . & alij in d. L. si quis haeredem . de Instit. & sub . C. .

When † the condition is a mixte condition , then it is sufficient that the same was once accomplished , though it doo not so continue v) v) d. L. Squis haeredem . : for † example , the testator maketh his daughter executrix , or giueth her an hundred pound if she marie ; she marieth ; afterwardes her husband dieth , or they are diuorced by occasion of his faulte : In this case she is to bee admitted to the executorship , or maie obtaine the legacie , as if the mariage had not beene dissolued , by death or diuorce x) x) DD. in d. L. si quis haeredem . . But if † the faulte were the occasion of the diuorce , it is more doubtfull whether the condition shall be accompted for complete to her benefit y) y) DD. in d. L. si quis haered. quorum Bald. Sal. & Alex. in ea opinione sunt , vt conditio non sit completa : sed Ang. Ias . Dec. & moder ni ferè omnes contrarium defendunt . : In which case neuerthelesse , their opinion seemeth the truer & sounder , who holde that the lawe dooth exact no more at her hands by reason of this former condition , but that she marie , not that she shold commit no faulte whereby the mariage must be dissolued z) z) Hoc tutius esse refert Iason , verius esse refert Dec. in d. L. si quis haeredem . quia viz. Lex illa loquatur indistinctè . : and therefore hauinge performed the condition by mariage , the diuorce dooth not repel her , the rather because she did not offend of purpose , to infringe the condition a) a) Dec. in d. L. si quis haeredem . cuius opinio faciliùs admitti debet , quandoquidem apud nos pro crimine solum ipsum matrimonij aliàs debitè ritéque contracti , vinculum non dissoluatur ; sed separatio tantum sit à mensa & à thoro . . In deede if shee did marrie onelie to obtaine the executorship or legacie , not with purpose to continue a duetifull wife , & afterwards committe adulterie , wherby she is separated ; the condition is not satisfied by that mariage , and consequently she can neither be executrix nor obtaine the legacie b) b) Dec. Sichard . & alij in d. L. si quis haeredem . But how maie it bee knowen , whether she did marie with purpose onelie to obtaine the benefit of the disposition , or with purpose to continue a duetifull wife ? the shortnesse of time betwixt the mariage and the committing of the fault dooth declare , for if she marie on the one daie , and commit the crime on the next , this is a testimonie that she had not a meaning to endure the yoke of mariage c) c) Sichard . vbi supr. Arg. L. ventri §. ●in . ff. de priuileg . cred. : furthermore if the mariage were not lawfull from the beginning , either by reason of the minoritie of the person , or by reason of consanguinitie or affinitie , the condition is not reputed accomplished d) d) L. pen quando dies leg . ced. L. haec conditio . de cond. & demon . ff. Mantic. de coniect , vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 18. n. 22. .

What † if the partie whom the testator maketh executor , or doth bequeath any legacy vnto conditionallie ( If shee shall marie ) be alreadie maried at the time of the will making , whether by this mariage is the condition said to be complete ? If the testator were ignoraunt of the mariage , the condition is said to be accomplished , otherwise not ; e) e) L. si ita scriptum . §. si pater . ff. de leg . 2. Mantic . de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 18. n. 16. as hereafter is more fullie declared .

What † shall we saie to this question , the testator maketh A.B. his executor , or giueth him a hundred pound if he marie his daughter . A.B. offereth to marie her , she refuseth : afterwardes shee beeing willing consenteth , and then hee refuseth : whether in this case ought A.B. to be admitted executor and maie recouer the legacie , as if he had maried her , yea or no ? In deede if she had neuer beene willinge or consenting to be maried , it were a cleere case , that seeing it stoode not by him , wherfore the condition was not accomplished , but by her , then the condition shoulde haue beene reputed in lawe to haue beene accomplished f) f) c. cùm non stat. c. imputari . de reg. iur. 6. , as hath beene heretofore declared g) g) Supr. ead part . §. 8. . But the case being altered , and shee which was vnwillinge before , being now at length become willing and consenting , the question is more doubtfull h) h) vt per DD. in L. 1. de Instit. & sub . C. & per Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 18. n. 38. : wherin verie † manie doo holde the affirmatiue , esteeming that the condition being once accomplished by her refusall it is sufficient , though it do not so endure , and that in this case , we are to respect the beginninge and not the successe i) i) Bald. Sal. Alex. Sichard . in d. L. 1. G. de Instit. & sub . & Molin . in Apostil . ad Dec. in eand . L. . Others doo holde the negatiue , supposinge that the condition ought not to be accompted for accomplished , vnlesse hee that is to reape the benefit by the performaunce thereof , doo continue and perseuer in readinesse and willingnesse to performe the same , and that the laste delaie is euer hurtfull k) k) Petr. Cyn. Fulgos . & alij in d L. 1. .

Either opinion hath manie authors of great authoritie , and albeit it maie seeme , that this condition being a mixte condition , not consisting in his owne power alone on whom it is imposed , but in hers also , that therefore beeinge once accomplished it is sufficient , though it do not so continue : as in the former examples of being Proctor , Doctor , wife , or widow , where the conditions bee reputed for fullie performed , howsoeuer afterwardes the Proctor bee deposed , the Doctor degraded , the wife diuorced , or the widdowe maried .

Yet notwithstanding for mine † owne part , I doo rather cleaue to them which doo holde the negatiue opinion l) l) non tamen indistinctè vt infra hoc ipso §. in fin . , and so that howsoeuer in this case , A.B. were at the first willinge and ready to haue accomplished the condition , and that it did not then stand by him wherefore the same was not performed , yet afterwardes shee consenting and he dissenting , it is in effecte , as if he had beene vnwillinge at the beginninge , and consequentlie , that he is not to bee admitted executor , nor to recouer his hundred pound by vertue of this disposition .

To † the former obiection , that is sufficient that a mixte condition be once accomplished , though it doo not so endure : as appeareth by those late recited examples . It maie bee answered , that there the condition was once actuallie complete , which was all that the testator seemed to require m) m) Ias . Dec. Sichard . & alij in d. L. 1. d● Instit. & sub . C. in those cases : but here the condition was neuer in acte , and so the performaunce thereof came shorte of the testators desire n) n) Id quod clarè mihi constare videtur ex verbis testatoris dicentis ( si duxerit filiam meam , ) nec obijcias per eum non stetisse , ex quo nunc stat. Sin adhuc vrgeas conditionem , tunc primùm pro impleta haberi , quando per eum non stetit . Respondeo illud plus habere subtilitatis quàm aequitatis , quippe qui non credam satisfactum esse voluntati testantis vnica nuptiarum oblatione , muliere postea consentiente , ita vt non subsecutis nuptijs legatum iure posci non possit . . Wherefore as I said before , I doo rather subscribe to their opinion , who doo holde that in this case the condition is no more reputed for complete in lawe , then it is in fact : and consequentlie that hee can reape no benefite thereby , by whom it ought to haue beene performed o) o) Fateor tamé contrariam opinionem dici communem , teste Sichardo in d. L. 1. de Instit. & sub . & quidem attenta iuris subtilitate , eandem opinionem magis ferendam esse non prorsus nego , sed inspecta testatoris voluntate , non ita . .

And this opinion I suppose to bee more agreeable to the meaninge of the testator , and therefore to be preferred p) p) Mens autem testatoris quàm diligentissimè inuestiganda , & tanquàm regina colenda est , vt ait Sichar . in Rub. de testa . C. , certaine cases excepted . † One case is where the executor or legatarie vpon the refusall of hir offer , dooth marie an other woman , for then it is too late to repent , seeing from that time he hath iuste cause to refuse her offer after hee hath maried an other woman q) q) Socin . in L. in teston . el. 2. ff. de cond. & demon . Mantic. de coniect . vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 18. n. 38. . An other case is , when the testator remitteth a debt which is due vnto him : as for example , the testator remitteth to A.B. a hundred pound which he oweth him if hee marie his daughter : A.B. is willing and offereth to marie her ; she refuseth , afterwardes shee is willing : this newe willingnes dooth not hinder the legatarie , being before deliuered , and the action extinguished by her refusall r) r) Mantic. vbi supr● . . An other case is like vnto this , when after the refusall made by the woman , and before her repentaunce , hee whose offer was before refused is admitted to the executorship , and dooth obtaine his legacie , and is possessed thereof , for notwithstandinge her repentaunce and newe willingnesse , he maie retaine that whereof hee was possessed s) s) Mantic. vbi supra . post Socin . in d. l. in testo . el. 2. de cond. & demon . ff. . An other case seemeth to bee this , namelie , when some speciall thinge is bequeathed : as for example , the testator doth bequeath vnto thee his white horse , or a hundred pounde lyinge in his cheste , if thou marie his daughter , for straight waie by her refusall thou hast gotten a certaine right in the thing bequethed t) t) Socin . vbi supr. huc pertinent quae superiùs dicta sunt . ead. part . §. 4. in fin . Brook Abridg. tit . deuise . n. 6. 30. Bald. Sal. & Alex. in L. 1. de Instit. & sub . C. . If there be anie other cases wherein the affirmatiue hath place , they are more straung , nor easilie like to happen , and therefore not so necessarie to be knowen .

Of diuers conditions which maie seeme doubtfull , whether they be lawful or vnlawful , and first of those conditions , wherby the libertie of makinge testamentes is hindred , how far the same are lawfull , or vnlawful .

1 Certaine conditions whereof it maie be doubted of some , whether they be lawfull or vnlawfull .

2 Captious conditions destroy the testament .

3 Captious conditions wherefore they bee so tearmed .

4 Testamentes are to be made with all freedome , not onelie without feare of losse , but also without hope of gaine .

5 This proposition that captious dispositions are void , diuerslie extended .

6 The same proposition diuerslie limited .

7 An other kinde of condition against the libertie of making a testament .

8 The testament improperly tearmed captious , which is referred to the will of an other .

9 The testators will may not depend of an other mans will , and what is the reason thereof .

10 What if he to whose will the testator did referre his owne will , should make a will in the name of the testator .

11 As an other mans soule is not my soule , so his will and testament is not my will and testament .

12 It is lawfull for the testator to referre his will to the will of an other being ioyned with a fact .

13 So is it when the testator dooth referre his will to the limited will of an other .

14 When is the testator said to referre his owne will to an others absolute will , and when to his limited will .

15 The declaration of the testators will maie be referred to an other .

16 What if relation be made to the will of the executor or cegatarie .

17 In fauour of libertie the disposition maie be referred to an others will .

18 So maie the disposition which is made ad pias causas .

19 He that dooth commit all his goodes to the disposition of an other , doth not die intestate .

§. xj .

FOr as much † as there bee diuers conditions which be neither simplie lawfull , nor simplie vnlawfull , but in diuers respectes lawfull and vnlawfull , especiallie those conditions whereby the libertie of makinge a testament a) a) de qua conditione statim subijcitur hoc ipso §. , or the libertie of mariage b) b) De qua infr. §. prox . , or the libertie of alienating the thing disposed c) c) De qua infr. ead. part . §. 13. , maie seeme to be hindred or restrained : I thought it conuenient in this place to shewe howe farre , and in what cases these conditions be lawful or vnlawfull , and what effect they haue .

And first of all † concerning those conditions which do impugne and hinder that libertie , which ought to bee had in makinge of testamentes , and whereby the disposition of the testator is said to be captious , or to depende of the will of some other person : such conditions are vnlawfull , and doo destroie the force of the disposition d) d) L. Captatorias . de haered. instituend . L. captatoriae . de leg. 1. ff. L captatorias . de mil. teston . C Couar . in c. cùm tibi de testa . ext. ; and † therefore if the testator make thee his executor vpon condition , if thou shalt make him thy executor , or giue thee a hundred pound by his testament conditionally , if thou shalt giue him a hundred pound in thy testament : this kinde of disposition is saide to be captious e e Illa enim voluntas propriè dicitur captatoria , quae fit sub spe reciprocae voluntatis . Couar . in c. cùm tibi . de testa . ext. Sichard . in I. captatorias . de mil. teston . C. , because hereby the testator goeth about to catche or intrappe thee to make him thy executor , or to giue him a hundred pound , in case thou die first f) f) Alciat . Perergon . lib. 2. c. 31. August . lib. 4. Emendac . c. 15. , and to hinder that libertie which thou shouldest enioie in makinge of thy testament . For when thou hast made him thy executor and diest , then hath he that which he looked for , he is now thy executor , and thou on the contrarie , arte frustrated of that which thou perhappes diddest looke for , for beeinge dead thou canst not be his executor g) g) Vide Minsing . lib. 1. obseru. c. 8. : and therfore † as in mariages the same ought to be free , not onelie from feare of suffering losse , but also from feare of not obtaining gaine h) h) c. Gemmae . de spons . extra . : so in testamentes , the same ought to be made withall freedome , not onelie without feare of punishment of losse , but also without hope of gaine or reward i) i) Sichard in L. captatorias . C. de mil testo . n. 6. .

And in this consideration , † these captious willes , whereby manie vnder pretence of making others their executors , or gratifiing them with legacies doo subtillie procure themselues to be made executors , or otherwise to be benefited by the dispositions of others , are so odious , that they are vtterlie voide k) k) L. illa . L captatorias . de haered. instituen . L. captatorias . de leg. 1. ff. , albeit they be militarie testamentes l) l) L. captatorias . de mil teston . C. , or of the father amongest his children m) m) Vasq. de succes . crea . lib. 2. §. 17. n. 28. , or of a straunger n) n) Vasq. ibidem . , or testamentes ad pias causas o) o) Nam quod dicitur captatoriam dispositionem valere quoad piam causam , ( vt in c. cum tibi de testa . extr. ) Id verum est in captatoria dispositione impropriè sic dicta , quae viz. pendet ex alieno arbitrio , prout in d. c. cùm tibi . & Couar . ibid. n. 2. & statim subijcitur , non autem quando dispositio fit sub spe remunerationis . Sarmientus . lib. 2. select . op. c. 4. n. 8. c. 6. n. 33. Sichar . in d. L. captatorias . , or testaments made in time of warres p) p) Vasq. de succes . crea . lib. 2. §. 17. n. 83. , or testamentes made in the time of pestilence q) q) Vasq. vbi supr. , or testaments made in the person of a tirant r) r) Ibidem . , or in place wherein is wante of witnesses s) s) Ibidem . , or before the prince t) t) Ibidem . , or whether it be testament or codicill v) v) Ibidem . , for in all these cases and diuers others such captious wils be voide x) x) Ibidem . .

Notwithstanding † if the condition bee not referred to the time to come , but to the time paste , or present , the condition is not vnlawfull nor the disposition voide : and therefore if the testator make thee executor of his testament , if thou hast named him executor in thy testament , or giueth thee an hundred pounde in his will , if thou hast giuen him a hundred pounde in thy will , this condition is not vnlawfull y) y) Sichard . in L. captatorias . de mil teston . C. , for two persons maie make either other executors , or otherwise benefit one an other by their testaments , so it bee doon in regard of good will , and affection , and not in hope of gaine or remuneration z) z) Alciat . Perergon . lib. 3. c. 31. Couar . in d. c. cùm tibi de testa . ext. n. 1. .

Besides this former kinde of disposition which by reason of the cunning condition appeareth to be made in hope of gaine , and is therefore properlie tearmed captious : there † be other like dispositions which be repugnant to the libertie of making testaments , which also are said to be captious : that is to saie , when the testators will dooth depend of the will of an other a) a) Couar . in d. c. cùm . tibi . de testa . ext. : as for example , the testator maketh thee his executor or giueth thee a hundred pound if A.B. will , or thus . The testator maketh that person his executor , or giueth him a hundred pound whom thou wilt appoint b) b) Canonistae . in d. c. cùm tibi . de testa . ext. Legistae . in d. L. captatorias . de mil. teston . C. : In both these cases † the disposition is said to bee captious c) c) DD. in d. L. captatorias . & in d. c. cum tibi . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. Institut. q. 18. , though not so fitlie as commonlie d) d) Alciat . Perergon . c. 31. Couar . in d. c. cùm tibi . Soarez . lib. rec . senten . verb. captatorias . An autem valeat huiusmodi dispositio , quaere vt infr. d. §. . Neuerthelesse the condition is vnlawful , because it is against the libertie of making testamentes , wherein † the testators will ought not to depend on the wil of another e) e) L. illa institutio . ff. de haered. instituend . : For the ancient lawmakers considering , that if it should be lawfull for testators to referre their willes to the willes of others , and to depend vpon them , then hee on whom the testator did depend , either not dooing anie thing at all , or else dooing otherwise then the testator woulde , by that meanes the testator shoulde remaine deceiued , & they to whome the testator did wish well , should be disappointed . f) f) Sichard . in L. captatorias . C. de mil. testo . n. 4. For the auoyding of which inconueniences they did ordaine , that euery testament should personally depend of the testators owne will , and not of the will of another , by whom the testator might be deceiued . g) g) Sichard . vbi supra . Peckius . in Tract . de testa . coniug. lib. 1. c. 27. And † thence it is that a testament is defined to bee a sentence of our will , not of another mans will h) h) Supr. 1. part . §. 2. & 3. . Therefore when thou art made executor , or some legacie is bequeathed vnto thee ( if A.B. will ) as is set downe in the former instance , although A.B. should wil that thou shouldest be executor , or haue the legacie : notwithstanding thou couldest neither bee executor i) i) L. illa institutio . ff. de haer. instit . Paris . cons. 38. lib. 3. n. 60. 73. , nor obteine the legacie k) k) L. non nunquam . de cond. & demon . L. captatoriae . de leg. 1. ff. & est communis opinio , quam etiam defendit Couar . in d. c. cùm tibi . de testa . extr. . And euen so where the testator maketh that person his executor , or giueth him an hundred pound , whom thou wilt appoint ( as in the seconde instaunce ) though thou shouldest appoint one , yet this appointment should not benefit him l) l) Bar. in L. quidam . de Reb. dub . ff. n. 7. 8. Bald. in L. executorem , C. de execu . rei iud. n. 5. Paris . cons. 38. vol. 3. n. 6. Grass . §. Institutio . q. 18. n. 4. : For † as thy soule is not the soule of the testator , no more is thy will his will , nor thy testament his testament m) m) Bald. & Angel . in L. captatorias . C. de mil. test . Vasq. de succes . creat . lib. 2. §. 17. n. 81. Peckius . Tract . de testa . coniug. c. 27. n. 3. Paris . d. consil. 38. , neither is it in the power of the testator to referre the substance of his will to the will of an other , n) n) d. L. illa institutio . ff. de haered. instit . Bar. in L. quidam de reb. dub . ff. Peckius . Tract . de testa . coniug. lib. 1. c. 27. n. 3. being such a qualitie as cleaueth to his owne person , and cannot bee committed to another o) o) Sarmientus . lib. 2. select . interp. c. 6. n. 2. , except in certaine cases .

The first is when † the testator doth not referre his disposition to the sole onelye will of another person , as in the former example , viz. if A.B. will ; but to the concreate will , or will ioyned with fact p) p) L. nonnunquam . ff. de cond. & demon . : as for example , the testator maketh thee his executor , or giueth thee an hundred pounde , if his sonne shall goe to the Church , this is a lawfull condition , and therefore the condition being complete , thou art to be admitted executor , or maiest obteine the legacie q) q) d. L. nonnunquam . Sarmient . lib. 2. select . interp. c. 6. n. 28. : And yet there seemeth but a little difference betwixt these conditions ( if A. B. will ) or ( if A.B. shall goe to the Church ) for that it is in his will , whether he will go to the Church or not . But many things doe greatly hurt being expressede , which not expressede doe no harme r) r) d. L. nonnunquam . .

An other case is this , when † the testator doth not referre his will to the meere absolute will of another ( as if A. B. will ) but to his limited will s) s) Sichard . in d. L. captatorias . C. de mil. testo . As for example , the testator doth make thee executor , or giueth thee a hundred pound ( if A.B. shall esteeme it couenient . ) In which case , if A.B. shall esteeme it meete or conuenient that thou bee executor or haue the legacie of an hundred pound , then thou art to be admitted to the one t) t) Sichard . vbi supr. quamuis quoad haeredis institutionem istud non procedit sine difficultate maiori iure ciuili . Sarmient . lib. 2. select . interp. c. 6. n. 4. , or maist obteine the other v) v) L. si sic . de leg . 1. L. 1. de leg . 2. L. fidei commissa de leg. 3. ff. . The † testator is saide to referre his disposition , to the meere absolute will of another , when he committeth the same to his will , to his lust , to his appetite x) x) Menoch . de Arb. Iud. sentent . lib. 1. q. 7. : to his limited will , when he referreth the same to his discretion , iudgement , wisedome , good pleasure , disposition , and conscience y) y) Ias . in L. si sic . de leg. 1. ff. Menoch . d. lib. 1. q. 8 .

Thirdly , when † the substance of the testators will is not referred , but only a declaration or election z) z) L. vtrum . §. cùm quidam . ff. de reb. dub . Bar. in L. quidam . eod. tit. n. 8. Peckius . de testa . coniug. lib. 1. c. 27. : as for example , the testator maketh one of his seruants his executor , or giueth him an hundred pounde , whome thou shalt choose . In this case he whom thou shalt choose of the testators seruants shall be executor , or recouer the legacie . a) a) L. fidei commiss . de fidei com . lib. in fin . ff. Paris . cons. 38. lib. 3. Grass §. Institutio . q. 18. n. 6. vbi . ait hanc opinionem esse . com . Another † case is when the disposition is referred to the will of the executor touching the executorship , or of the legatarie , touching the legacie : as for example , the testator maketh thee his executor , if thou wilt , or doth giue thee a hundred pound , if thou wilt , for this condition is not onely permitted , but is necessarily required b) b) Supr. ead. part . §. 6. .

Another case † is in fauour of libertie or freedome from bondage , and therefore if the testator doe manumit his villeine , if his executor will , it is as effectuall , as if he had referred the same to the discretion , or wisedome , or conscience of his executor c) c) L. fidei commissa . de fidei commiss . lib. ff. Sichard . in L. captatorias . C. de mil. teston . .

And further , † when the disposition is made ad pias causas , then it is also lawfull for the testator to commit the verie substance of his will , to the free and absolute wil of another , d) d) Paul . de Castr. & Alex . in d. L. captatorias . Abb. cons. 32. lib. 2. Boic . & Couar . in d. c. cùm tibi . Bald. in c. in causis de elect . extr. quorum opinio est com . Grass . §. Institutio . q. 18. and therfore if the testator make the poore of the parish his executor , or giue them an hundred pound , if A. B. will , this is a good disposition e) e) Et hoc procedit iure Can. non solùm quo ad legata , sed etiam quoad institutionem . Couar . in d c. cùm tibi . n. 12. referens hanc op. esse veriorem . Tu adde Gabr. lib. 6. com . conclus . Tit. pia causa . concl. 3. vbi pulcherrimè hanc conclusionem ornat varijs ampl . & limitac . .

Finally † if the testator commit the disposition of all his goods to another , this is lawful , and he to whom the disposition is committed , is vnderstoode to bee made executor , to distribute all the said goodes in pios vsus f f c. cùm tibi . de testa . extr. & ibi Couar . n. 10. Grass . d. §. Institutio . q. 18. Peckius . de testa . coniug. lib. 1. c. 27. quorum testimonio haec opinio est communis . : so it is , if the testator commit his soule and all his goods to the hands of another , as hath beene heretofore delcared g) g) Supr. ead part . §. 4. .

Of those conditions whereby the libertie of mariage is restrained , viz. howe far the same be lawfull or vnlawfull .

1 Of conditions against the libertie of mariage , some are lawfull , some vnlawfull .

2 Conditions against the libertie of mariage , are all vnlawfull , except in certaine cases .

3 The reasons wherefore the conditions against the libertie of mariage , are vnlawfull .

4 The prohibition of the first mariage more odious then of the second .

5 The condition of mariyng with the arbitrament , will , or consent of another is vnlawfull .

6 The reason wherefore the former condition is vnlawfull .

7 The condition prohibiting mariage for a short time is not vnlawfull .

8 The condition prohibiting mariage with some persons , is not vnlawfull .

9 Whether the condition prohibiting mariage haue respect onely to the first mariage .

10 An occasion of doubt , whether the former conclusion be true .

11 An answer to the same doubt , distinguishing whether the conditions be affirmatiue , or negatiue .

12 The condition prohibiting mariage in some place , is not vnlawfull .

13 The condition hauing relation to the mariage of a third person , is not lawfull , sauing where that third person is of kinne .

14 The condition prohibiting mariage , is not reiected where pia causa is substituted .

15 Affirmatiue conditions about mariage are not reiected but in some cases .

16 Some affirmatiue conditions of marying , harder then the negatiue of not marying .

17 The condition of marying with the aduise or counsell of another , is not vnlawfull .

18 The condition of marying with the consent of an other , is to be obserued in part .

19 Difference betwixt these phrases , If he doo not marrie , and , so long as he doth not marrie .

20 The condition of not marying doth not hinder restitution simplie imposed .

§. xij .

ALbeit † all those conditions wherby the libertie of marying is wholy taken away , are generally disliked a) a) L. quoties . de cond. & demon . L. seruo . §. si testator . Ad. Trebell . ff. : neuerthelesse , where the conditions be such whereby marriage is not altogether prohibited , but in parte restrained , as in respect of time , place , or person , they are not to be vtterly reiected b) b) L. cùm ita . L. hoc modo . L. sed si . §. cùm vir . de cond. & demon . ff. & infr. hoc §. .

Wherefore , that wee may the better knowe when these kinde of conditions be admitted or not , I thought it best , and the moste easie way to set downe a rule , with ampliations and limitations of the same , according to the diuersitie of cases , incident to that purpose .

The † rule shall bee this , that all conditions agaynst the libertie of marriage are vnlawfull c) c) Eand . reg. tradit Vigelius in sua methodo exactissima iu●is ciuilis . part. 4. lib. 14. c. 3. cum decem exceptionibus . Et licèt idem Vigelius postea existimet contrarium iure nouo constitui , & ita superuacaneas esse illius regulae exceptiones , pace tamen tanti viri , nihil noui statuitur in primis nuptijs , in quibus vel hodie ius antiquum obtinet , vt verè attestatur Mantica de coniect . vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 19. in prin. Cui concinnit Grass . Thesaur . con. op. asserens conditionem qua in totum prohibetur matrimonium in virgine turpem , contra bonos mores , atque adeo de iure impossibilem esse , denique communi Doctorum calculo reiectam . §. legatum . q. 50 ; and that whensoeuer the testator dooth appoint his executor , or make any bequest vpon such condition , that then the condition is voyde , as if it were not written ; and that hee who is made executor , or to whom any legacie is giuen vpon such condition , may bee admitted to the executorship , or may obtaine the legacie , as if the disposition had beene simple d) d) L. quoties . L. sed si . §. fin . L. cum tale . §. Meuiae . de cond. & demon . ff. L. 2. C. de indict . vid. .

The † reason which the lawyers do yeeld , ( I meane ) of the vnlawfulnesse of this condition , is , because it is contrarie to the procreation of children , and repugnant to the lawe of nature , and hurtfull to the common wealth e) e) Mantic. de coniect. vl. vo. li. 11. tit. 19. in prin. : wherevnto it may bee added , that howsoeuer virginitie is commended , yet mariage is not thereby condemned , and therefore ( as I sayde before ) if the testator make one his executor , or giue him an hundred pounde , if he doe not marrie , this condition is vnlawfull , and as if it were not written f) f) L. quoties . L. hoc modo . L. cùm ita legatum . de cond. & demon . ff. : which † thing is rather true , if the executor or legatarie were neuer married before , for the prohibition of the first mariage is much more odious in law then the second g) g) Istiusmodi siquidem conditio , si permanserit vidua , vel castè vixerit , in ijs non reijcitur , in alijs secus . Auth. cui relictum . C. de indict . vid. Couar . Epiton . de sponsal . c. 2. §. 9. n. 11. Grass . Thesau . com . op. §. legatum . q. 50. quamuis eam non modo duran , sed & iniquam existimauit Peckius . Tract . de testam . coniug. lib. 1. c. 24. : for albeit it be commonly and truely sayde , that the common wealth hath an interest that testaments shoulde bee executed (h) (h) L. Gallus . §. quid si is . de lib. & posthu . L. vel negare . quemad . testa . app. ff. , yet the common wealth hath a greater interest , that it should bee throughly peopled , and therfore mariage not to be prohibited i) i) L. 1. sol . matr . L. cùm ratio . §. si plures . de bon. dam. ff. Mantic. de coniect . vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 19. in prin. .

And in consideration hereof , this rule is extended , that if † the testator make some person his executor , or giue him any legacie , if he marrie according to the appointment , arbitrement or consent of some other ; this condition is reiected as vnlawfull k) k) L. cùm tale . §. si arbitratu . d. §. si Meuiae . Grauetta . consil. 1. n. 3. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 18. n. 8. . And therefore in this case if he that is made executor , or to whome anie legacie in such sort is giuen , doo marrie contrarie to the sayde restraint , mentioned in the testament , he is to bee admitted to the executorship , and may obtaine the legacie , as if no such condition had bene expressed l) l) d. §. si arbitratu . L. turpia . §. si Titiae . de leg. 1. ff. Grauetta . & Mantic. vbi supr. Peckius de testa . coniug. lib. 1. c. 24. n. 6. vbi dicit hoc procedere in virginibus , non in viduis , ob nouellam Iustiniani constitutionem , qua ꝑmittitur conditio viduitatis : quod etiam alijs placet . vt Grass . d. §. legatum q. 50. n. 10. .

The † reason of the vnlawfulnesse of this condition is , least hee whose arbitrement were to bee followed , or whose good will were to bee procured , might make an hard choise for the executor or legatarie , either by reason of the dislike of the parties m) m) Quam rationem communiter esse receptam refert Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 50. n. 9. post DD. in d. L. turpia . §. si Titiae . , inequality of age , disparitie of kinred , disagreeing in maners or such like , which , if it were suffered , woulde breed greater mischiefe , then may be in a case of that qualitie tolerated or indured .

Moreouer , if the testator doo bequeath any legacie to a woman condicionally , if shee doo not marrie , willing her to restore the same to some other , if she doo marrie : Albeit in this case the woman doo marrie , shee may obteyne the legacie , neither is she bound to restore the same n) n) L. quoties . de cond. & demon . ff. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 19. n. 4. Grass . Thesaur com . op. §. legatum . q. 50. n. 7. 8. vnlesse it were the meaning of the testator not to forbid marriage , but to graunt the vse of the thing bequeathed vntill the legatarie did marrie o) o) Peckius de testa . coniug. lib. 1. c. 24. L. sed si §. cum vir . de cond. & demon . ff. . Other extensions there bee also of this rule , but let vs returne to the limitations .

The first limitation therefore is , when † the condition is not perpetuall , but temporall p) p) L. sed si §. cùm vir . ff. de cond. & demon . , as if the testator make his daughter executrix , or bequeath her a hundred pound , if shee doo not marie before the age of 20. yeares : this condition is to be performed q) q) Ias . in Auth. cui relictum . de indict . vid. C. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol lib. 11. tit. 18. n. 8. : Howbeit if the time of the prohibition be such , that it is verie like , if she should continue a maide during that space , that her mariage should bee greatly hindered , the condition is reiected , as being made in fraude of mariage r) r) Ias . in d. Auth. cui . n. 3 per L. cùm tale . ff. de cond. & demon . Fran. de Are. consil. 67. Mantic . de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 19. n. 8. .

The second limitation is when † the prohibition doth onely exclude some persons : as for example , the testator dooth make thee his executor , or giueth thee an hundred pounde , if thou do not marrie a widdow ; this condition is not vnlawfull s) s) L. cùm ita legatum . ff. de cond. & demon . Peckius de testa coniug. lib. 1. c. 24. n. 4. : And therefore if at any time after thou doo marrie a widdowe , thou canst not be executor , nor obtaine thy legacie : In so much that † if thou shouldest mary a mayde , & after her death shouldest marrie a widdowe , all thy hope of beeing executor , or obteining thy legacie is extinguished , by this thy seconde mariage t) t) Oldrad . consil. 16. Alciat . in L. boues . § hoc sermone . de verb. sig. ff. & Tiraquel . in d. §. limitac . 7. , much more is the condition lawfull , if the testator make thee his executor , or giue thee any legacie , if thou doo not marie this , or that particular woman v) v) d. L. cum ita legatum . Mantic de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 19. n. 9. Pecki● de testam . coniug. lib. 1. c. 24. , for here thou hast greater libertie , and more choise , then in the former . Where † I said that the hope & interest of the executor or legatarie is extinguished , if at any time he mary contrarie to the prohibition of the testator , whether it bee the first or the second mariage , this may seeme doubtfull : for that when mention is made of mariage , it is to be vnderstood of the first mariage onely x) x) d. L. boues . §. hoc sermone . . And therefore if the testator make thee his executor , or giueth thee an hundred pounde if thou marie his daughter ; if thou after the making of this will , shouldest firste marie some other woman , and after her death shouldest marrie the testators daughter y) y) Paul . de Castr. in L. hoc genus . ff. de cond. & demon . : yet couldest thou not bee executor , nor obteine the legacie : for in this case , the testator is presumed to meane of the first mariage , not of the second mariage z) z) Tiraquel . in d. §. hoc sermone . n. 3. 4. facit L. matrimonij . ff. qui & à quibus . ma. . How then commeth it to passe , that thou beeing made executor , or hauing any thing bequeathed vnto thee , if thou doo not marrie the testators daughter , losest all thy hope and interest , whensoeuer thou doost marrie her , supposing thou haddest married one , two or three before . The † answere is this , when the condition is affirmatiue , then it is to bee vnderstoode of the first act onely : but when the condition is negatiue , then not onely the firste act , but the seconde , thirde , and euery other act is perpetually forbidden a) a) Oldrad . d. consil. 16. Alciat . & Tiraquel in d. §. hoc sermone . Bar. & Paul . de Castr. in d. L. hoc genus . ff. de cond. & demon . , the reason of the difference is , because there is greater force in the negatiue then in the affirmatiue b) b) Pius negat negatio quam affirmat affirmatio , inquit Paul . de Castr. in d L. hoc . genus . .

The thirde limitation is , † when the condition is limited , onely in respect of some place , as if thou doost not marrie in the Citie of Yorke c) c) L. hoc modo . ff. de cond. & demon . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 50. Peckius . de testa . coniug. lib. 1. c. 24. n. 10. .

The fourth limitation is , when † the condition of not marrying , is not referred to the executor or legatarie , but to some other person : as for example , the testator maketh thee his executor , or giueth thee an hundred pound , if his daughter doo not marrie : in this case the condition is not reiected , wherefore thou art to expect the euent thereof d) d) L. 1. C. de indict . vid. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 19. n 5. , for if shee marrie thou art excluded , if shee die vnmarried thou art to bee admitted e) e) DD. in d. L. 1. C. de indict . vid. . But if the testator make thee his executor , or giue thee an hundred pounde , if thy daughter doo not marrie : this condition is vnlawfull f) f) L. haeres meus . §. vlt. de cond. & demon . ff. , for where the person whose mariage is prohibited , is of thy neer kinred which art made executor or legatarie , it is likely that such person will by thy perswasions abstaine from marriage , to inrich thee by the testament g) g) d. §. vlt. & ib. Bar. & Paul . de Castr. , and therefore the lawe to preuent such fraude , hath reiected that condition h) h) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 19. vbi tradit alias limitationes . .

The fift limitation is , when † that which is giuen with condition of not marying , is to bee distributed in pios vsus , in case the condition be not obserued : as for example , the testator doth bequeath vnto thee an hundred pound , if thou doo not marrie ; and if thou doost marrie , then he dooth will that the same bee distributed amongst the poore schollers of Oxford . In this case the condition is not reiected as vnlawfull , and so if thou shalt marrie , thou losest thy hundred pound , and the same is to bee distributed amongst the saide poore schollers i) i) Paul . de Castr. in I. Titio . §. vlt. de cond. & demon . ff. Mantic de coniect vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 18. n. 9. , the reason is , for that the law doth more fauour pietie than the libertie to marrie k) k) Mantic vbi supr Imol . in d. L. Titio . §. vl. Tiraquel . de priuileg , piae causae . priu . 18. .

The sixt limitation is , when † the condition is conceiued affirmatiuely , not negatiuely : for example , the testator maketh thee his executor , or giueth thee an hundred pounde if thou marrie his daughter l) l) L. vter . de cond. & demon . ff. Mantic. de coniect . vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 18. n. 2. , or if thou marrie a maid m) m) Peckius . Tract . de testa . coniug. lib. 1. c. 24. , or if thou marrie within a moneth n) n) Mantic. d. tit. 18. , or if thou marrie at London o) o) Peckius . d. c. 24. n. 5. in fin . , for albeit in these affirmatiue conditions , is also included a negatiue , that is to say ; if thou doo not marrie another woman , nor at anie other time , nor in any other place : neuerthelesse , these conditions are not vnlawfull , seeing the included negatiue is not vniuersall but particular p) p) L. cùm ita . L. hoc modo . ff. de cond. & demon . .

But if † the woman appointed by the testator be such as thou canst not with honestie marie her q) q) d. L. cùm ita legatum . , then howsoeuer the condition bee affirmatiue , yet in verie truth it is a harder condition , and more against the libertie of mariage , then this negatiue ( if thou doo not marrie ; ) for by this affirmatiue , thou art not onely excluded from marrying any other , but thou art , as farre as is in his power , inforced to accept her , whom thou canst not with thy credite marrie r) r) d. L. cùm ita in fin . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 18. n. 5 & Bar. in d. L. cùm ita , vbi respondit , quae persona sit indigna tuis nuptijs , nempè illa , cui non potes sine dedecore nubere , inspecta natalium qualitate : Ne dum si iure vel ciuitatis moribus prohibeantur huiusmodi nuptiae , indigna erit persona , & inutilis conditio . . And the like may bee saide , if the time or place be not conuenient , for then also the condition is reiected s) s) Mantic. & Peckius . vbi supra . .

The seuenth limitation is , when † by the condition the executor or legatarie is not to marrie without the counsell or aduise of another person t) t) Castrens . & Alex. in L. Turpia . §. si Titiae . de leg. 1. ff. Bar. in L. 1. §. si plures . de exercit . action . ff. Mantic. de coniect . vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit . 18. ● ▪ 10. : as for example , the testator dooth make thee his executor , or giue thee an hundred pound , if thou doo marrie with the counsell or aduise of his brother ; for if thou do marie without his counsell or aduise , thou art excluded v) v) Mantic . vbi supr. Ay● . Grauet . consil. 1. Couar . de sponsal . 2. part . c. 3. §. 8. n 3. : Neuerthelesse , in this case thou art not bound to follow his counsell or aduise , but to request the same x) x) Paul . de Castr. consil. 300. vol. 1. Felin . in c. ex part . de constit . extr. col. 2. Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 50. n. 11. licèt impressio in illo loco sit corrupta . .

The eight limitation is this , where † it is said before , that the condition of marying with the consent , good will , and arbitrament of an other is voide , ( so that the executor or legatarie , to whom the condition is imposed , is neither bound to obteine , nor yet to craue the consent , good will , or arbitrament of that other ) yet the person on whom the condition is imposed , cannot be executor , nor get the legacie , vnlesse he doo marrie y) y) Alex. & Paul . Castrens in d. L. turpia . §. 1. ff. de leg. 1. , for though he need not so much as to craue the consent , or good will of any third person in this case , seeing that part of the condition is vnlawfull ; yet must he marie ere he can pretende anie title to the executorship or legacie , seeing that part of the condition is not vnlawfull z) z) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 18. n. 8. post Alex. & Castrens . in d §. 1. .

The ninth limitation is , when † the prohibition of mariage is not made conditionallie by this worde If , ( as I make thee my executor if thou doost not marrie ) but by other wordes or aduerbes of time , as when the testator willeth , that his daughter or wife shall bee executrix , or haue the vse of his goods , so long as she shall remaine vnmaried a) a) L. legatum ita est . de an . leg . ff. Peckius . de testa . coniug. lib. 1. c. 24.

The tenth limitation is , when † the person on whom the condition is imposed , is simplie charged to restore the thing bequeathed b) b) L. non dubium . ff. de leg . 3. : As for example , the testator doth bequeath to thee an hundred pound , if thou doo not marry , and hee dooth will thee to restore the same to his sonne when he shall come to lawfull yeares : In which case thou art by lawe to restore the same accordingly c) c) d. L. non dubium . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 19. n. 4. Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 50. , neither is this limitation contrarie to the former ampliation of the rule , for here thou art charged with restitution simplie , there conditionally d) d) Mantic. d. tit. 19. n. 4. .

Whether the condition forbidding alienation of goodes bequeathed , be lawfull or vnlawfull .

1 Prohibition of alienation is sometimes to be obserued as lawfull , sometimes not .

2 Prohibition apparelled with a cause is lawfull .

3 Naked prohibition dooth not binde the executor , or legatarie .

4 Whether the feoffee may be prohibited to alienate .

5 Whether the dower of landes in taile may prohibite alienation .

6 As it is lawfull to prohibite alienation in fauoure of some persones , so in disfauoure of others .

7 Of those causes wherewith the prohibition is saide to be apparelled .

8 In what cases the executor or legatarie may alienate the thing deuised , notwithstanding the apparelled prohibition .

9 Bond ought to be put in where there is a condition prohibiting alienation .

§. xiij .

THe † prohibition of the testator , forbidding the executor or legatarie to alienate the goods bequeathed , is somtimes to bee obserued as lawfull , sometimes not .

The prohibition is then † lawfull and to be obserued , when it is made in fauour of some other person , who is to enioy the thing disposed , after the executor or legatarie , or when there is some speciall a) a) L. filiussamilias . §. diui. de leg. 1. ff. cause whereuppon this restraint is grounded .

The † condition is not of any force , when it is without cause , or not made in fauor of any other person , saue onely of the executor or legatarie b) b) d. §. diui. . In which case they may renounce this fauour , and alienate the thinge deuised , notwithstanding such single prohibition , which is rather said to be a counsell , then a commaundement c) c) Ias . in d. §. diui. n. 1. : For the lawe dooth deeme it an absurde matter , that a man should bee lorde and owner of a thing , and yet shoulde not at pleasure alienate the same d) d) Ias . in d. §. diui. n. 9. Doct. & Stud. lib. 1. c. 24 . In which point also I suppose that † the temporall lawes of this realme haue the same effect in landes , which the lawes ecclesiasticall & ciuill haue in goods . And therefore if a feofment be made of lands in fee simple , vpon the condition that the feoffee shall not alienate or put away the same : this condition is voide , because the feoffee is without any cause wholye restrained of that power which the lawe yeeldeth vnto him in such a case e) e) Brook Abridg. tit . condition . n. 135. Fitzherb . tit condition . n 4. Principall grounds . fol. 28. Doct. & Stud. lib. 1. c. 24. Litleton . tit. estates vpon conditions .

But when the prohibition hath a cause annexed , or the same is made in fauour of some other person , who is afterwardes to enioy the landes ; then this condition of not alienating the same , is good and effectuall in the lawe , as may appeare by the gifts of lande in taile . For if † landes be giuen to a man , and to the heires of his bodie lawfully begotten , vppon condition , that neither he nor his heires shall alienate the landes to any other person : this condition is good and effectuall . In which case , if hee or his heires to whome the land is giuen , alienate the same , then the giuer or his heires may lawfully enter and retain the lands for euer f) f) Fitzherb . Abridg. tit . condition . n. 4. Litleton . tit. estates vpon conditions . fol. 77. . And † as it is not lawfull to alienate from particular persons , in whose fauour the prohibition is made : no more is it lawfull to alienate to those particular persons , in whose disfauour the prohibition is made g) g) Alex. in d. L. filiussamilias . §. diui. ff. de leg. 1. n. 1. . In which case also concerning landes , the lawes of this realme , doo not differ from the ciuill and ecclesiasticall lawes concerning goodes : for howsoeuer it is not lawfull for the feoffer to cutte off the whole power of the feoffee , yet hee may abridge or restraine some part therof , by condition that he shall not alienate his landes to such or such persons h) h) Brook Abridg. tit . cond. n. 135. Litleton . tit. estates vpon condition . fol. libri mei . 77. .

The † cause wherewith the prohibition is saide to bee apparelled , besides these former respects of the fauour and disfauour of persons , ariseth for the most part of the testators affection , towards the thing bequeathed : as when the testator dooth bequeath some cuppe of golde which was his ancestours , forbidding the executor or legatarie to alienate the same , but to keepe it for a memoriall i) i) L. si in emptione . de Minor . ff. Paul . de Castrens . in d. §. diui. : or when he doth bequeath some iewell , or other ornament being the gift of the prince k) k) Alex. & Ripa . in d. §. diui. , and for that cause dooth prohibite the alienation thereof ; or when hee dooth bequeath some prize by him gotten in the warres , as a sworde or an helmet , and therefore dooth forbid the alienation thereof l) l) Alex. & Rip . vbi supr. .

Which prohibition in this sort is to bee obserued , as well as if it were in regard of some other person m) m) d. L. filiusfa . §. diui. , except it be in certaine cases , for it is not perpetually true , that the prohibition vpon a cause , or made in respect of some person is to be obserued .

The first exception therefore of this rule is , when the alienation is necessarie , not voluntary , that is to say , when the rest of the testators goods will not suffice to pay his debtes : for then it is lawfull for the executor to sell the same goods prohibited to be solde n) n) d. §. diui. in fin . L. peto . §. praedium . ff. de leg . 2. Ias . & Ripa . in d. §. diui .

The seconde , when the alienation is momentanie , or of a short time , not perpetuall , with a couenant to restore the thing alienated againe o) o) Angel . in L. voluntas . C. de fideicommiss . Ripa . in d. §. diui. n. 10. vbi limitat hanc exceptionem duobus modis . .

The third exception is , when the thing bequeathed is in place farre distant from him to whom it is bequeathed , and who by reason thereof , cannot haue any benefite thereby , if he should not alienate the same : for then the prohibition of alienation , beeing made in his fauour , it seemeth that he may alienate the same p) p) Bald. in L. voluntas . C. de fideicommiss . .

The fourth is , when the alienation is made by him who is the last of the familie , in whose fauour the testator did prohibite the thing bequeathed to be alienated q) q) Ias . & Ripa . in d. §. diui. .

The fift is , when the executor being prohibited to alienate the thing bequeathed , except to certaine persons , and the offering to sell the same vnto them , they refuse to buie it . In which case hee maye sell the same to others , notwithstanding the prohibition r) r) Ias . in rep. d. §. diui. n. 8. per L. qui Romae . §. cohaeredes . ff. de verb. ob . .

The sixt is , when the thing bequeathed was first sold to the person permitted by the testator , for afterwardes it may be simplie sold to any other s) s) Ias . in rep. d. §. diui. n. 76. per. L. pater . §. quindecim . ff. de leg. 3. .

The seuenth is , when the executor or legatarie doth sell the fruites and commodities of the things bequeathed , during his his life t) t) Ias . in rep. d. § diui. n. 84. post . Bar. in L. codicillis . §. Institutio . ff. de leg. 2. .

Diuers other exceptions there bee v) v) De quibus Ias & Ripa . in d. §. diui. & Vig. in sua methodo iur . ciuil . part. 4 lib. 14. c. 11. in prin. concerning this presente purpose , because I doo not see howe there can bee any great vse thereof in the ecclesiasticall Court , I haue omitted the same , ayming especially at these cases wherof there is like to be most vse , and most benefite to the reader : Onely this thing I thought good to adde in this place , that where † the testator dooth make an executor , and giue him the residue of his goods conditionally , if he do not alienate the saide residue of goodes , the executor cannot be admitted to the executorship , vnlesse hee first enter into bondes not to alienate the same x) x) L. 4. §. idem Iulianus . ff. de cond. Instit. & ibi Bald. Ias & Ripa . in d. §. diui. quae sententia firmior erit existente cohaerede , seu coexecutore . Cui Mutiana praestari possit cautio .

Within what time the condition maie or ought to be performed , no certaine time being limited by the testator .

1 In this question , three times , and three conditions , are to be considered .

2 Whether the condition may bee perfourmed before the making of the will .

3 When the condition is arbitrarie , the same must be performed after the death of the testator .

4 What if the arbitrary condition be such as the same cannot be iterated .

5 What if the arbitrarie condition haue relation to the time past .

6 Casuall and mixt conditions may bee performed before the making of the testament , if the testator were ignorant of the performance .

7 If the testator did know of the former performance , it must be performed againe if it be possible .

8 Whether the condition may bee performed during the time betwixt the making of the testament , and the death of the testator ?

9 Within what compasse of time , may or ought the condition to bee performed after the death of the testator .

10 The condition being arbitrarie , it is materiall whether the condition bee imposed on the executor or legatarie .

11 The executor may at any time accomplish the arbitrarie condition after the testators death .

12 Whether the ordinarie may limit a certaine time for performance of the condition .

13 The legatarie muste performe the arbitrarie condition , so soone as he can .

14 The reason wherefore the executor hath longer time of performing an arbitrarie condition , then the legatarie .

15 No time dooth preiudice the legatarie , whiles hee is ignorant of the condition .

16 If the condition be casuall , it may be accomplished at any time .

17 What if the condition bee extant after the death of the legatarie .

18 If the condition bee mixt , it may bee performed at any time .

19 What if the condition do concerne mariage , whether ought it to be performed within three yeares ?

§. xiiij .

IF † wee will vnderstande within what compasse of time the condition whereuppon the executor is made , or any legacie bequethed , may be or ought to be performed , where there is not anie certaine time limited by the testator , we are to consider three seuerall times , and three seuerall sorts of conditions .

Of the three times , the first is the time before the making of the testament : the seconde is the time betwixt the making of the testament , and the death of the testator : the third is the time after the death of the testaior a) a) L. ●i iam facta . ff. de cond. & demon . .

Touching the conditions wee are to consider , whether the same bee arbitrarie , casuall , or mixt b) b) L. vnic. §. sin autem . C. de cad. toll . & supra ead. part . §. 5. . For the † time before the making of the testament , if any do inquire whether within that time , the condition may bee performed : It is to bee answered , that † if the condition bee arbitrarie , that is to say , such as dooth consist in his power on whome it is imposed , the same cannot bee perfourmed but after the death of the testator c) c) L. 2. de condic . & demon . ff. L. si quis haeredem . de instit . & sub . C. . For example , the testator maketh thee executor , or giueth thee a hundred pound , if thou wilte goe to the Church , or if thou wilt giue ten pounde to the poore : In this case it is not sufficient that thou didst go to the Church , or that thou diddest giue tenne pounde to the poore at anie time before the making of the testament , or yet after the making of the testament , before the death of the testator : for an arbitrarie condition must bee performed after the testators death d) d) Gloss. & DD. in d. L. si quis haeredem . & hoc etiam fieri debet , non fato aut casu , sed animo & studio implendi conditionem , vt habet communis omnium Interpretum sententia . teste Grasso . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 57. & huc faciunt quae superiùs dicta sunt ead part . §. 7. in princ . , sauing in some cases . One † is when the condition cannot bee iterated : for then it is sufficient that the same was performed in the life time of the testator , euen before the making of the testament e) e) L. si iam facta . L. haec conditio . ff. de cond. & demon . Paul . de Castr. in d. L. si quis haeredem . n. 4. : for example , the testator maketh thee executor , or giueth thee an hundred pound , if thou shalt remit vnto A.B. the debt which he oweth thee , and burne the obligation ; which thing is by thee alreadie done : In this case it is sufficient that thou hast done it , seeing it cannot be iterated f) f) L. haec conditio . el. 1. ff. de cond. & demon . Bar. in L. 2. de cond. & demon . Paul . de Castr. & Sichard . in L. si quis haeredem . de instit . & sub . C. . And this I suppose to bee true , not onely if the testator be ignoraunt of the performance of the condition g) g) d. L. si iam & facta . & L. haec conditio . el. 1. ff. de cond. & demon . & eo loci Interpretes . ( for it is not likely that he woulde haue imposed anie condition to haue beene performed , if he had knowen the same to haue beene performed before , and that it could not be performed againe ) but also , if hee did knowe the condition to haue beene performed before , in which case the condition not being iterable , is impossible , and so reiected , the disposition remaining pure and simple h) h) Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 57. in fin . per L. quae sub conditione . §. quoties . ff. de cond. instit . . Another exception is , when † the condition is referred to the time past : For example , the testator maketh thee his executor , or giueth thee some legacie , if thou hast done this or that thing i) i) L. talis institutio . de cond. instit . L. cum ad praesens . si cer. pe. ff. . In which case it is not only sufficient , that the condition was performed before the making of the testament , but it is necessarie that it should so bee , for obteining the executorship or legacie k) k) d. L. Institutio talis . .

But if † the condition be not arbitrarie , but either casuall or mixt , that is to say , either wholy without the power of the person on whome it is imposed , or partly in his power , & partly in the power of som other l) l) Bar. in L. 1. C. de Inst. & sub . supr. cad. part . §. 5. in fin . ; than it is material whether the testator were ignorant of the accomplishment of the condition when he made his testament , or not : for if the testator , when he made his testament , were ignorant that the condition was performed before , the same is deemed to be sufficiently complete m) m) d. L. si iam facta . ff. de cond. et demon . d. L. siquis haeredem . C. de instit . et sub . . Example of the casuall condition , the testator maketh thee his executor , or giueth thee an hundred pound , if his ship shall returne from Venice : this ship is returned alreadie , but the testator is ignoraunt thereof , at the time of making his testament . In this case the condition is sufficiently extant , as if the same had returned after his death n) n) L. haec conditio . §. si sic . ff. de cond. et demon . et d. L. si quis haeredem. . Example of the next condition : the testator doth make thee his executor , or giueth thee an hundred pound , i● thou take a wife ; thou hast a wife alreadie , but the testator did not then knowe so much , when he made this condition . In this case also thou art reputed to haue sufficientlie accomplished the condition o) o) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 18. n. 16. per d. L. si quis haeredem . et d. L. si iam facta . .

But if † the testator were not ignorant therof , but did knowe of the returne of his shippe , and of thy mariage , at the time when hee did impose the condition , then the condition is not reputed to be extant or accomplished : but it is to be vnderstoode of the next returne , and of thy next mariage p) p) L. si ita scriptum . ff. de leg . 2. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. tit. 18. lib. 11. n. 16. . Howbeit , if the condition were such , that the same could not be iterated , then it should bee reputed for extant and accomplished : albeit the testator at that time when hee did impose the condition , were not ignorant of the accomplishment thereof : For example , the testator maketh thee his executor , or giueth thee an hundred pound , if thou shalt bee baptized , or if thou shalt take his daughter to wife : for it is sufficient , albeit the testator did knowe thee to bee baptized before , or that thou hast taken his daughter to thy wife before , seeing the condition cannot bee iterated q) q) L. quae sub conditione §. quoties . de cond. inst. L. haec conditio . el. 1. et L. si iam facta . de cond. et demon . ff. L. si quis haeredem . de inst. et sub . C. et DD. in dictas LL. .

Concerning † the second time , that is to say , the time betwixt the making of the testament , and the death of the testator ; if any be desirous to knowe , whether the condition may be performed during this time , I referre him to that which hath beene saide immediatly before : that is to say , either is the condition arbitrarie ; and then it is not sufficient to performe the same , so long as the testator liueth , vnlesse it bee such a case as cannot be iterated ; or that the condition dooth respecte the time past ; or else the condition is casuall , or mixt ; and then it is sufficient that it is compleated whiles the testator liueth , for seeing it is sufficient , if it bee performed before the making of the testament , much more if it be performed after the making of the testament .

Concerning † the thirde time , which is the time after the testators death , if we would now also knowe within what space or compasse of time immediately from his death , the condition maie or must bee performed , no certaine time being prescribed by the testator , wee must first inquire the nature of the condition , obseruing diligently as before , whether the same bee arbitrarie , casuall , or mixt , for according to the diuersitie of the conditions , Lawe hath determined diuerslie .

In the first case , viz. when † the condition is arbitrarie , we are to consider whether the same be imposed on the executor or on the legatarie . If the † condition bee imposed on the executor , the same may be performed at anie time , so long as the executor liueth r) r) L. si quis instituatur . §. 1. de haered . instit . ff. : For example , the testator maketh thee his executor , if thou shalt giue to the poore tenne pound . In this case thou maiest at anie time during thy life accomplish the condition , and it is of the same effect , as if thou haddest performed the same immediately after the testators death s) s) Gloss. Bar. et Bald. in d. §. 1. Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 57. n. 2. , vnlesse the † ordinarie doo appoint a certaine competent time for the performance thereof , for so he may doo in this case ( as hereafter is more fully declared t) t) Infr. ead. part . §. 16. ) within which time if thou doo not accomplish the condition , he then may commit the administration of the goodes of the deceassed , as of one dying intestate v) v) Bar. Bald Paul . de Castr. in d. L. si quis . §. 1. et infr. ead. part . §. 16. . If the † condition do appertaine to the legatarie , then the same must bee performed so soone as the legatarie conueniently may performe the same , or else the legacie is lost x) x) L. haec conditio . ff. de cond. et demon . Dec. in L. 1. de instit . et sub . C. . For example , the testator dooth bequeath vnto thee an hundred pounde , if thou wilt goe vnto the Church , or giue ten pound to the poore . In this case so soone as thou arte well able to goe to the Church , or to giue the ten pounde after the death of the testator , thou must performe the condition , otherwise thou hast lost thy legacie y) y) Bar. in d. L. haec conditio . Alex. in L. si insulam . n. 24. Ripa . n. 103. de verb. ob . ff. quae opinio communiter est recepta , ait Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 57. n. 2. . The † reason of the difference betwixt the executor and the legatarie in this respect , is , because greater preiudice maie growe to the executor , by vndertaking the executorship , then to the legatarie by accepting the legacie . And therefore in equitie the executor ought to haue longer time , to deliberate of the performance of the condition , and vndertaking of the burthen of the executorship , then the legatarie , to whom no preiudice at all may happen , or not so much , as to the executor z) z) Grass . vbi supr. Bar. Bald. Castr. & alij in L. si quis . §. 1. ff. de haered. instit . . Notwithstanding † if the legatarie were ignorant of the testament or condition , so long as he is ignorant , no negligence is to bee imputed vnto him , nor any preiudice dooth growe vnto him , by not perfourming the condition , as otherwise it might , if he had knowne thereof a) a) Bald. in L. 1. C. de Instit. & sub . n. 20. .

In the second case , that is to say , when the condition † is casuall , then the euent therof is to be expected , and whensoeuer the same shall be extant , then maie he that is made executor , or to whom anie legacie is left vpon such casuall condition , be admitted to the executorship , or obtaine the legacie , and not before b) b) L. intercidit . de cond. & demon . L. fideicommissa . §. sic . fideicommiss . in sin . de leg. 3. ff. : As for example , the testator maketh thee his executor , or giueth thee an hundred pounde , if his shippe returne from Venice . In this case whensoeuer the shippe shall returne from Venice , during the life of the executor or legatarie , then is he to be admitted to the executorship , and may obtaine the legacie , but not before c) c) d. L. intercidit . L. v. ric . §. sin autem . C. de cad. tol. Tiraquel . de retract . §. 1. gloss . 2. n. 25. . So that † if hee die in the meane time , the executorship or legacie shall not be transmitted to his executors or administrators , although the condition be extant afterwardes d) d) L. liber . §. si ita de haered. instituend . L. in teston . de cond. & demon . ff. L. vnic. §. sin autem . C. de cad. tol. Zas . in L. si decem . ff. de verb. oblig . ; vnlesse some legacie be left vnto the Prince , who if he die before the condition bee extant , yet is the same due to his successors , in whose time the condition is extant e) e) L. quod principi . ff. de leg. 2. , or vnlesse it bee the will and meaning of the testator , that the same be transmitted : for the testator , if he will may make the same transmissible , which otherwise is not transmissible f) f) L. in conditionibus . §. 1. ff. de cond. & demon . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 10. .

In the third case , that is to say , when the † condition is mixt , then the same maie bee accomplished at any time , as in casual conditions , except the condition be of mariage g) g) Ias . in L. 2. de Instit. & sub . C. . But if the testator † make thee his executor , or giue thee an hundred pound , if thou marrie : In this case verie manie be of this opinion , that thou oughtest to marrie within three yeeres h) h) Bar. in L. 2. §. ad filiorum . C. quando & quibus quarta pars . Ias . Sichard . & alij in L. 2. C. de Instit. & sub . . Others are of a contrarie opinion , and that it is sufficient to marrie at anie time , either within three yeeres or after i) i) Paul . de Castr. in d. L. 2. Mantic. de coniect vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 18. n. 23. . In which contrarietie of opinions , I suppose that if the executor be appointed vpon condition , if he marrie , that then he maie at any time accomplish the same , not onelie within three yeeres , but after k) k) Paul . de Castr. ind. L. 2. Grass . Thesaur . com . op §. legatum . q. 46. n. 18. . But if a legacie bee giuen vppon condition , if the legatarie marie , then it is the common opinion of the writers , that the legatarie must be married within three yeeres , or else the condition is saide to bee deficient , and so is the legacie lost l) l) Bar. Ias . Dec. Sichar . & alij , in d. L. 2. quorum opinio communis est , inquit Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 46. n. 18. . And albeit the other opinion is said to be truer , that the condition is sufficiently accomplished by marying after three yeeres m) m) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 18. n. 23. Grass . vbi supr. , yet the iudge may not easilie depart from the common opinion : for whatsoeuer is affirmed for the truth of the singular opinion ; yet that is presumed to be the truer opinion , which is more commonly receiued n) n) Corasius . Trac . com . op. lib. 2. cas. 14. . The reason of the difference wherefore the legatarie is excluded rather then the executor , if he doo not marrie within three yeeres ( as is before shewed ) namely , for that the executor otherwise is subiect to more perill then the legatarie o) o) Vt supra in pluribus . .

Of the vnderstanding of this condition , viz. If he die without issue .

1 Manifolde questions by occasion of this condition , if he die without issue .

2 Whether he be said to die without issue , whose issue is naturall , but not lawfull .

3 What if the father and mother doo afterwards marie together .

4 When the issue is lawfull , not naturall , whether he be saide to die without issue ?

5 What if the childe were got by another man before marriage .

6 If another haue to do with the wife besides her husband , yet the child shall be deemed the husbands .

7 Diuers extensions of this conclusion .

8 What if the childe be like the adulterer .

9 How commes it to passe , that the childe is sometimes like vnto another then him which did beget it .

10 In some cases the husband shall not bee iudged the father of the child begotten during mariage .

11 Whether shall the childe be the former or the seconde husbandes , when it is vncertaine whether of them did beget him .

12 Whether hee bee saide to die without issue , who had children , but not at his death .

13 Difference betwixt this condition , If hee die without issue , and this , If he haue no issue .

14 Whether that father is to be deemed to die without issue , whose child is vnborne when he dieth .

15 Whether he be deemed to haue died without issue , whose child dieth so soone as it is borne .

16 If the childe be heard to crie , the father shall be tenant by the curtesie .

17 What if the childe were not heard to crie .

18 What if the issue be borne dead , or dieth as it is borne .

19 What if a monster be borne , whethr shall the parents be iudged to haue died without issue .

20 What if the childe in the mothers wombe , being made executor , she be deliuered of diuers children at one birth , whether shall euerie of them bee executors ?

21 What is to be obserued in legacies , where moe are borne at one birth .

§. xv .

AS there † is no condition more vsual then this , ( If he die without issue ) so there is none that dooth minister moe questions ( although some of them be not altogither so difficult ) which thing that it may the better appeare , let vs first suppose that the testator doth make thee his executor , or dooth bequeath vnto thee an hundred pound , if he die without issue . This case dooth minister all these questions , What if the testator haue issue naturall , but not lawfull ? Or what if he haue issue lawfull , but not naturall ? What if he haue issue both naturall and lawfull , but the same dieth before the father ? Or what if hee beget his wife with childe , and then die before the childe be borne ? Or what if the child die before it be borne ? Whether shall the testator bee iudged to die without isse ; yea , or no ? All these and manie moe like questions , may be demaunded by reason of that condition ( If he die without issue ) whereunto I shall answere in order as they bee propounded : presupposing that to haue issue , is to haue a childe , or children : and to die without issue is to die with out any childe .

When † the issue is naturall , but not lawfull , if the will and meaning of the testator do not appeare , the testator is deemed to haue died without issue a) a) L. in conditionibus . de cond. & demon . L. ex facto . §. si quis rogatus . ad Trebel . L. vulgo de statu hom. ff. Mantic . de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 9. in prin. Sichard in L. generaliter . §. cum autem . C. de Instit. & sub . Bract. de leg . & consue . Angl lib. 5. c. 30. n. 10. in sin . : for it is not likelie that an honest person speaking of children , did meane of bastards , but of lawfull children b) b) Ripa . in d. L. ex fact . §. si rogatus . ad Trebel . ff. n. 16. Grass . Thesaur . com . op. § fideicommis . q. 37. n. 6. : Insomuch † that if the testator do beget a childe , and after the birth of the childe marie the mother : yet in this case I am of this opinion , that by the lawes of this realme he shall be iudged to haue died without issue . For thou shalt vnderstande that in the time of King Henrie the thirde c) c) Merton . c. 9. an . 20. H. 3. , this question being propounded in the Parliament , Whether one borne before matrimonie might inherite , as one borne after matrimonie ? All the Bishops answered , and saide , that it was against the common order of the Church , that such shoulde not inherite d) d) Per c. 1. &c. tanta . qui filij sunt le git . extr. §. vlt. Instit. de nuptijs . c. nullum . 3. q. 5. : and they all instanted the Lordes temporal and Barons then assembled in Parliament that they woulde consent , that all they that were borne before matrimonie , should bee legitimate , as well as they that were borne within matrimonie , concerning the succession of inheritaunce , for as much as the Church accepted such as legitimate . But they all with one voice answered , that they woulde not chaunge the lawes of this realme , which hitherto had beene vsed and obserued e) e) Merton . c. 9. an . 20. H. 3. .

When † the issue is lawfull , not naturall : By lawfull issue in this place , I vnderstande that childe which is begotten of a married woman , by another then her husband f) f) Bracton . de consuet. Angl lib. 2. c. 29. n. 4. verb. & licet . , ( for of adoption , arrogation , or any other meanes to make children lawfull , except marriage , wee haue no vse here in England g) g) Tract . de repub. Ang. lib. 3. c. 7. , ) In this case , first of all , the meaning of the testator is to bee regarded h) h) d. §. si quis rogatus . L. vlt. C. de his qui vaen . aetat . imp. L. Sancimus . de nuptijs . C. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. l.b. 11. tit. 8. in prin. , the which if it doo not appeare , then it seemeth by the lawes of this realme , that hee is reputed not to haue died without issue , but as if he had got it himselfe : because by the same lawes i) i) Bract. vbi supr. Fitzh . Abridg. tit . bastardy . n. 1. 4. Brook . eod. tit n. 43. in sin . Tract . de repub. Ang. lib. 3 c. 6. it is prouided , † that if a man take to wife a woman , which is great with childe by another that was not her husband , and after the childe is borne within espousalles or mariage ; he which maried the woman , shall bee saide to bee the father of the childe , and not hee which did beget the same , although the childe were borne the next day after the mariage solennized k) k) Iuxta illud , pater est quem nuptiae demonstrant . : for whose the cow is , as it is commonly said , his is the calfe also l) l) Quod tamen non est simpliciter verumin viduis , vt per Termes of lawe . verb. bastardy . etinfr . d. §. .

Much more † if after the mariage an other man haue carnal coniunction with his wife shal the husband be deemed the father of that child , which is not onely borne , but begotten during mariage : for then by al lawes the husband is presumed to haue begotten the childe himselfe , and not the adulterer m) m) L. filium . de his qui sunt sui vel alien . iur. L. miles . §. defunct . de adul . ff. & ibi Legistae . c. Michael . de sil . praesbit . c. per tuas . de probac. ext. & ibi Canonistae . Bract. de leg . & consuetud . Angl. lib. 2. c. 29. , albeit another had to do with her besides her husband . Which † conclusion because it is in fauour of matrimonie , and tendeth to the benefite of children , is diuersly extended .

First therefore , although the mother doo cohabite with the adulterer , yet if the husbande haue free accesse vnto her , he is presumed to be the father and not the adulterer n) n) Bald in L. si à matre . C. de suis & legit . Abb. in c. accedens de purg . cano . ext. Mascard . de probac. verb. filius . concl. 788. . For albeit it bee likelie that the adulterer did begette the childe , yet seeing it is possible that the husband did beget it : Honest possibilitie is preferred before that other possibilitie , which is linked with dishonestie o) o) Bald. in d. L. filium . de his qui sui , vel alien . iur. ff. Palaeotus de Noth . & spur . c. 24. . Secondly , albeit the wife were as common as the Cart-waie , making an open profession of her filthinesse , yet the husband , if she be not altogether out of his guard , shall be iudged the onely father p) p) Cyn. post Iac. de Butr. in L. si minus . C. de nup. Gab. lib r. tit . de praesump . concl. 14. n. 9. Mascar . de ꝓbac . d. concl. 788. n. 39. . Thirdly , albeit the mother had beene barren a long time beefore , yet the childe is presumed to haue beene begotten by the husbande , and not by the adulterer q) q) Ab. in c. per tuas . de ꝓbac . ext. Alcia . de praesump . reg. 3. praesump . 37. Gabr. d. concl . 14. n. 8 . Fourthly , albeit the mother doo confesse that the adulterer did beget the childe , yet her sole confession dooth not hurt the childe r) r) Abb. in c. officij . de poeniten. extr. quod procedit etiam si patris confessio accederet Palaeot . de Noth . & Spur. c. 24. n. 2. Alciat . de praesump . reg. 3. praesump. 37. n 6. Petr. Duen . Tract . reg. & fal . verb. filius . reg. 344. contra Bald. Anch & Alex. de quibus Gabr. d. concl. 14. n. 13. .

Fifthly , albeit the childe be borne blind , or lame , yet is the husbande presumed to haue begotten the same , and not the adulterer s) s) Couar . epitom de sponsal . 2. part . c. 8. §. 3. n. 8. Mascard . d. concl. 788. n. 18. Petr. Duen . d. reg. 334. limit . 2. . In which case , neuerthelesse some haue beene of this opinion , that this childe was begotten in adulterie t) t) Barba . in c. praesentia de probac. extr. & in cons. 68. in prin. vol. 4. Alex. cons. 157. vol. 5. Dec. consi . 183. Hyppol . Sing . 530. vbi alios citat huius opin. Authores quamplures . Quibus si placeat , adde Ed. Fēton . Anglum . Tract . de mirabil . secret . naturae . c 5. , being so borne ( as they imagined ) by Gods prouidence and iustice , because of the sinne of the parentes : whose rash opinion is by others refelled as erronious and blinde v) v) Couar . de spons . c. 8. §. 3. n. 8. 2. part . Duen . d. reg. 344. in fin . , hauing no better grounde then had their conceipt , who asked of our Sauiour Christ ( as he passed by a blinde man ) who had sinned , he or his parentes , that he was borne blind x) x) Euangel. S. Iohan. c. 9. in prin. : To which demaunde our Sauiour answered : neither he nor his parents , but that the power of God might be made manifest y) y) eod. c. 9. vers. 3. .

Sixtly , albeit † the childe bee verie like the adulterer , yet shall the husbande bee deemed the father z) z) Bald. in L. Gallus . de lib. & posthu . ff. n. 13. Paul . de Castr. consil. 257. vol. 3. Alciat . d. praesump. 37. n. 3. . Wherein diuerse ( I confesse ) of no small aucthoritie haue contended mightilie , that this childe is to bee adiudged the adulterers a) a) Alberic . in L. 7. ff. de stat. hom. Paris . consil. 10. vol. 2. n. 59. Bald. cons. 390 vol. 2. Fulgos consil. 212. col . 3. Coras . L 2. Miscel. c. 22. n. 5. , fortifiyng their assertion with this reason especially , because in other creatures nature hath so prouided , that each thing dooth beget that which is like vnto it selfe b) b) Paris . Coras . & alij , vbi supr. Tiraquel . de leg . Conub . leg . 7. Masc . de ꝓbac . concl. 79● . n. 2. : yet contrariwise , their opinion hath preuailed ( as being armed with arguments of the inuincible truth , ) who defende that the husbande ought to bee iudged the father of that childe which is so like the adulterer , and so vnlike himselfe c) c) Bar. Ias . & communiter DD. in L. Gallus . ff. de lib. & posth . quam sententiam propiùs ad veritatem accedere resert Mascard de probac. d. conclus. 792. n. 7. . Neither is that other reason of such force as is pretended because † this forme or similitude maie happen to the infant by the mothers serious cogitation or firme imagination at the time of the conception d) d) Alciat . d. praesump. 37. post Bald. in d. L. Gallus . vnde mulieres simulachra saepissime statuasque in delicijs habuisse legitur , similesque ijs partus enixas . Coras . d. c. 22. n. 2. : For proofe whereof we may read in the holie Scriptures , howe by Iacobs deuice of the spotted stickes being laide before Labans sheepe at the ramming time , the lambs became spotted e) e) Genes. c. 30. . Famous also is that accident ( registred in the bookes of sundrie writers f) f) Ias . in L. Gallus . ff. de lib. & posthu . a 69. Coras . lib. 2. Miscel. c. 22. Fenton . de secretis naturae . c. 5. ) of a beautifull ladie , who hauing a husband of a faire and white complexion , was deliuered of a childe as blacke as pitch , like vnto a Moore or Ethiopian : and hereupon being accused of adulterie , shee was acquited and absolued , for that by the opinion of the best learned in phisicke and philosophie , the same did so come to passe by reason of the picture of a black boie , or litle Nigro , which did hang in the bedchamber at the time of the conception . Like vnto this is that credible historie of another woman in the time of Charles the fourth , Emperour and king of Boemia , who because she had too much regard to the picture of Saint Iohn clothed in a Camels skinne , which did hang at the beds feete during the conception , shee brought foorth a childe all rough , couered with haire like vnto a Beare g) g) Coras . in annotac super quodam Arresto Tholoss . fol. 31. Fenton . vbi supra . . The histories are full of these kinde of accidents , I shal content my selfe with one more , which did befall in the time of the Emperour Maximilian , in a towne in Brabant h) h) Coras . in d. annotac . eod. fol. 31. Ludouic . Viues in 12. lib. Augus. de ciuitat . Dei . : There in a publike plaie or spectacle , a certaine man whose part was to plaie a dauncing deuill , assoone as the plaie was ended , ranne home to his wife in his deuils attire : and being moued in spirit , catched his wife hastilie in his armes , and muste needes &c. in that habite , saying he would beget a deuill ; and so it came to passe , that at her childes birth shee was deliuered of a deuillish monster , which as soone as it was borne , began to leape and daunce like to the father . Which examples ( with diuerse other like experiments ) being made notorious , manie women ( that they might bring foorth beautifull children ) haue gotten beautifull pictures , and fixed the same nigh to their beddes , and haue in deede oftentimes brought foorth children like vnto those pictures , in the sight whereof they were formerlie most delighted i) i) Plutarch . de placitis . philos. lib. 5. c. 12. Coras . in d. c. 22. n. 2. lib. 2. Miscel. . Seeing then the conceite or imagination of the woman is of such force in the act of generation , that whose forme or similitude is then in their minde , the same is not seldome represented in the childe k) k) Gloss. in L. quaeret aliquis . de verb. sig. & in L. non sunt . de stat. hom. ff. : What maruel then if the child which is begotten by the adulterer bee like vnto the husband , when the adulteresse fearing to be interrupted by his returne , who woulde take but small pleasure at such sporte , cannot but still haue an eye to that doore , vntil the peril be past l) l) Alciat . de praesump . reg. 3. praesump . 37. Ias . & alij in d. L. Gallus . ff. de lib. & posthu . ? And wherfore then also shoulde we wonder , that the childe which is begotten by the husband , shoulde bee like to the adulterer m) m) Bald. in d. L. Gallus . Mascard . de probac. verb. filius . concl. 792. , vpon whose face and fauour her minde is fullie fixed , who in the middest of her delights imagineth the stolne water to bee the sweeter n) n) Prouerb . Salom. c. 9. vers. 17. ? Nay rather , it is to be maruailed that it should bee otherwise , but that the almightie dooth still reserue his prerogatiue , besides and contrarie to the course of nature , bestoweth what formes it best liketh him , vpon euery creature . Other extensions there bee of this rule o) o) de quibus Mascard . de probac. d. concl. 788. Petr. Duen . Tract . reg. & fal . reg. 344. Alciat . de praesump . 37. Menoch . de Arb. Iud. sent. 89. Gabriel . de praesump . concl. 14. , but let vs returne to the limitations .

The first limitation is this † , when the husband was not within the foure seas at such time as the childe was conceiued q) q) Bract. de leg . & cons. Angl. lib. 1. c. 9. in fin . & lib. 2. c. 29. n. 3. & 4. Kitchin . tit . discent . fol. 108. Brook . tit . bastardy . n. 4. , or at the least was so farre absent from his wife , or imprisoned the same time , that thereby it was impossible for him to haue begotten the same childe r) r) c. ex tenore . de testib . extr. & Panor . ibid. Paris . consil. 64. vol. 3. n. 6. 7. & consil. 10. vol. 2. n. 36. 78. Mascard . de probac . concl. 788. n. 40. Petr. Duen . d. reg. 344. lim . 3. Brook Abridg. tit . bastardy . n. 4. . Which time of conception when it was , may best bee knowne by relation to the birth of the childe : For a woman cannot bring forth a perfect childe , before the beginninge of the 7 month s) s) L. septimo . de stat. hom. ff. ex sententia Hyppocratis . lib. de partu septimestri , à quo non dissentiunt Aristotel . lib. 1. de natura animal . Plutarch . lib. 5. de placit . philos. c. 18. Plin. lib. 11. natural . histo. c. 31. : neither can shee beare a childe in her wombe after the ende of the tenth moneth from the time of the conception at least by presumption of law t) t) L. intestato . §. vlt. ff. de suis , & legit . & §. vlt. Tiraquel . in rep. L. si vnquam . C. de reuoc . don . verb. susceperit . vbi multa scitu non indigna de partu septimestri & decimestri , ex Hyppocrate , Aristotele , & alijs , tùm Medicis , tùm Philosophis deprompta , videre licet . Sed prae caeteris Legistis , praeclarissimè , & copiosissimè de nascendi tempore , scripsit Gentilis noster . , except it be for one , two or three daies more at the verie fardest v) v) Accurs. in d. §. vlt. Auth. de restit . & eaquae parit , &c. Salmo in L. Gallus . de lib. & posthu ff. Menoch . de A●b . iud. quest. lib. 2. cal. 89. n. 41. : So that if the husband did depart from his wife aboue tenne monethes with those fewe daies added thereunto , nor retuned vntill within sixe monethes next before her deliuerie , it is impossible for him to be the father of this childe , being otherwise a perfect childe .

Secondly , if the husband were not able to beget a childe , at such time as his wife did conceiue , hee is not to be deemed the father of that childe x) x) L. filium . ff. de his qui sunt sui , vel al. iur . & DD. ibidem . Gabr. lib. 1. com . concl . tit. de praesump . concl. 14. n. 19. Pract. Andr. Gail . lib. 2. obseru. 97. n. 15. : For seeing law is but an arte of righte and good y) y) L. 1. ff. de Instit. & iur . , by imitation of nature z) z) §. minorem . Inst. de adop . Paris . consil. 10. vol. 2. , it were against all right and reason that he should be iudged the father of that childe , by fiction of lawe , which he could not beget by possibilitie of nature a) a) Paris . d. consil. 10. & consil. 29. vol. 2. Bar. in L. si is qui ff. de vsucap . n. 22. : whether he were disabled by grieuous sickenesse b) b) L filium . ff. de his qui sunt sui , vel alien . iur. Mascard . de probac. concl. 788. n. 40. 41. 42. Abb , & Felin . in c. per tuas . de probac. extr. Bracton . de leg . & consuetud . Angl. lib. 2. c. 29. n. 5. & lib. 1. c. 9. in sin . , ( especially such whereby those parts of the generation are affected c) c) Menoch . de Arb. iud. quaest. cas. 89. n. 53. Paris . d. cons. 29. n. 80. ) or it were by reason of olde age d) d) Mascard . de probac. concl. 788. n. 43. 44. Palaeot . de Noth . & Spur. c. 24. n. 3. & ante eos scripserunt Bald. & Cyn. in d. L. filium . . For howsoeuer it maie seeme a paradoxe to some , yet is it commonlie receiued for a true conclusion amongst the learned , that as a woman in processe of time becommeth barren , namely after fiftie yeares : so a man also is at the length depriued of the abilitie of begettinge a childe e) e) De hac re , vt de re qualibet praeclare Tiraquel . de leg . conub . Lege 5. sub finem . verb. Nec erit intempestiuum . , that is too say , at fourescore yeers , if not before : (f) (f) Socin . consil. 65. vol. 3. Paris . consil. 29. vol. 2. Menoch . d. cas. 89. n. 57. Attamen in hoc regno Angliae vulgò creditur , senes etiam plus quàm octogenarios , hac potestate non esse penitùs orbatos , eorúmque liberi communiter reputantur legitimi , & proinde succedunt ijs ac reliqui , hoc impedimento non obstante . neither is that contrarie where I said before , that by the lawes of this realme , if a man take to wife a single woman great with childe by an other man , then he which married her shall bee the father of the childe , albeit she were deliuered the next day after the marriage solemnized : For there it is possible for the husbande to haue begotten the childe : here impossible g) g) d. L. filium . quo etiam tendit quod Bractonus Iurisconsultus Anglus , non minùs peritus , quam antiquus scriptum reliquit . Legitimus ( inquit ) & haeres iudicabitur , qui nascitur ab vxore , dum tamen praesumi possit , quòd maritus potuit ipsum genuisse . . Now the lawe doth often presuppose or allowe that for true which is false , because it may bee true h) h) Bar. Angl. & alij , in L. si is qui pro emptore ff. de vsucap . Menoch . de praesump . lib. 1. q. 8. : but the lawe dooth neuer presuppose or feigne that thing to be which is impossible so to bee , for that were vnreasonable , and against nature which directeth arte i) i) Bar. in d. L. si is qui. n. 22. Alciat . de praesump . in princ . . Againe , in that case he is worthilie the father of anothers bastard , because he when he is free , yet willinglie taketh her with all her faultes , whome hee knoweth to bee anothers whore : But here an honest man is greatly beguiled by her to whome he is alreadie tied , and therfore lesse worthie to bee further afflicted k) k) Afflictio afflicto non est infligenda . Bar. in L. 2. ff. de no. op. nun . Bald. in L. praecibus . C. de impub. & al. sub . . But is it not manifest that many haue succeeded in the inheritance as lawfull & natural children of those persons , who neither were principall , neither accessarie , nor any way priuie to the begetting either of a leg or an arm , no not so much as of the litle finger of that issue ? Indeed no maruaile , when there is not due proof of impossibilitie l) l) Nam cùm par militet in vtroque casu ratio , cur non idem ius ? cur quaeso magis fauendum est absenti , ne habeatur pro patre illius quem genuit alter , quam qui morbo , vel senio confectus generare nequeat ? Quod si dixeris difficiliùs probari generandi impotentiam , quàm absentiam : Attamen probatâ hac impotentia , eadem tunc prorsus manet hinc , ac indè ratio . , the defect is not in lawe , but in proofe m) m) L. duo sunt Titij . ff. de testa . tutel . , which proofe is saide to be the chariot wherein the Iudge doth ride towards his sentence n) n) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib 4. tit. 11. n. 43. : Or howsoeuer such issue is admitted to the succession by interpretation of the lawes of this realme (o) (o) Immo non admittitur probatâ gignendi impotentia , si Bractono fidem adhibeamus . lib. 2. c. 29. n. 4. in fin . vbi non aliter ab alio genitum , pro marit● filio iudicandum fore censet , quam si praesumi possit , eum à marito gigni potuisse . : Yet when the testator speaketh of issue , it is not likelie that hee did meane of such issue , which is not aswell naturall as lawfull p) p) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 8. n. 2. per L. vlt. de his qui vaen . aetatis . , which meaning of the testator as in other cases , so in this also ought to be obserued q) q) L. in conditionibus . ff. de cond. & demon . L. cùm quaestio . C. de lega . §. disponat in Auth. de nup. Dec. cons. 399. .

Diuerse other limitations there bee of this former rule , shewing that the childe is not to be ascribed to the husband , but to the adulterer r) r) Quas videre est apud Gabr. lib. 1. com . concl . 14. Mascard . de probac. con. 788. : namely , when the wife doth make an elopement from her husband s) s) Brook . tit . bastardie . n. 4 Alcia . de praesump . reg. 3. praesump. 37. n. 11. Paris . consil. 10. n. 34. vol. 2. Mascard . de probac. concl. 788. n. 11. , and doth altogether cohabit with the adulterer , and especially if then also the childe bee borne blinde , or lame , or be like vnto the adulterer , for then it seemeth that the adulterer shall be iudged to bee the childes father , vnlesse it be prooued that the husband had free & often accesse vnto the mother : but because I doubt of the truth of these limitations , I dare not deliuer them for currant : neuerthelesse in testamentes , the will and meaning of the testator is to be regarded , and so the husbande is to be iudged to haue had issue , or not to haue had issue accordingly v) v) Mantic. vbi supra . Paul . de Castr. consil. 30. vol. 1. . What if the wife be maried to another husband very shortly after the death of her former husbande , and after her seconde mariage bee deliuered of a childe , whose issue shall this be , the former or the second husbands ? If the wife were great , or apparantly with child at the death of her former husband , then there is no question , but that the issue is to be ascribed to the former husbande x) x) DD. in L. Gallus . ff. de lib. & posthu . Terms of law . verb. bastardy . Kitchin . in tit . descent . fol. 108. . But if shee were not apparantly with childe , so that by possibilitie of nature , it might be the child , either of the former or the second husband , for that perhapps she is deliuered within eight or nine monethes after the death of her former husbande ; yet not before the seuenth moneth next after her second mariage , then the question is much more doubtful y) y) De qua . Bar. Bald. Alex. Ias . & alij . in L. Gallus . ff. de lib. & posth . Alciat . de praesump . reg. 3. praesump. 37. in fin . : wherein how manie heads , so many wittes ; howe many men , so many mindes ; and no man which hath not somewhat to say , as wel for the defence of his owne opinion , as for the confutation of the contrarie . But I will not trouble you with their tedious disputations z) z) Si quis horum altercationes & pugnas videre cupiat , legat Ias . in d. L. Gallus . & Iacob . de Beluis . in quadam disputatione , quam habet in L. 1. de bon. poss. secundum Tabul . , I will briefly repeate their opinions touching this question : Some therefore doo holde that the former husbande ought to bee iudged the father a) a) Multos in hac sententia stetisse refert Coras . in annotac . ad Arrestum quoddam Tholoss . fol. 33. : some that the seconde husbande b) b) Anto. Vacca . in L. 7 ff. de stat. hom. post Imol . in d. L. Gallus . : Others that both c) c) Angel . in L. duo . de haered. instituend . ff. : and others againe that neither d) d) Iac. de Beluis . in d. disputac . is to bee deemed the father of the issue . Some say that the mother is to bee credited e) e) Alciat . d. praesump. 37. n. 15. per L. etiam . ff. de probac. , which of them is the father : and some say that it is in the childe to elect and choose f) f) Alex. in d. L. Gallus . n. 14. vers. hoc tamen dictum . & cum eo consentit Berry Iusticiarius Angliae , de quo Brook . tit . bastardie . n. 18. in fin . whether of them hee will for his father : Others are of this minde , that he shall bee deemed the father by whom the child may receiue the greater benefite g) g) Dec. in c. per tuas . de probac. extra . n. 2. vers. 4. : And others , that he shal be the father , vnto whom the childe is more like in fauour , complexion and proportion of bodie h) h) Coras . lib. 2. Miscel. c. 22. : Manie do leaue it to the discretion of the circumspect Iudge , who is not tied to anie one opinion alone , but according to the varietie and probabilitie of circumstances ( together with the aduise of Phisitians , Midwiues , & especially such as bee skilfull in astrologie i) i) Apostil . ad Alex. in d. L. Gallus . vbi Astrologi longè praeponuntur medicis . is to decide the controuersie (k) (k) Bar. in d. L. Gallus . cuius opinio & verior , & crebrior , & tutior esse dicitur , attento iure ciuili . Ias . in d. L. Gallus . n. 72. & Alex. in fin . . Finally , by the lawes of this realme , at least in cases of succession of lande , it seemeth that the second husband shal be the father of this child l) l) Tract . de repub. Ang. lib. 3. c. 6. Termes of law . verb. bastardy . Kitchin . tit. discent . fol. 108 , because it being certaine that the childe is borne during the marying and cohabitation betwixt the second husband and the mother , and vncertaine whether hee were begotten before , it were verie harde and daungerous to adiudge him to bee another mans child , rather then the second husbands , who by possibilitie of nature may be his father m) m) Apostil . ad Bar. in d. L. Gallus . , and to whom it is to be imputed , that hee aduentured so soone vpon an other mans widow n) n) Anto. Vac . in L. 7. de stat. hom. ff. .

When the issue is both naturall and lawfull , but † dieth before the father : In this case the father is saide to die without issue o) o) L. ex facto . §. si quis autem . ff. ad Trebel . Bar. in L. haered. eod. tit. Zas . in L. in substitutione . de vulg. & pupil . sub . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 6. n. 3. . And therefore he that is made executor , or to whom anie thing is bequeathed vppon condition , if the testator die without issue , may in this case bee admitted to the executorship , or obtaine the legacy p) p) d. §. si quis autem . : for albeit the testator may be said to haue had issue , yet can it not be denied , but that he died without issu , because at the time of his death he had no issue q) q) Bar. in d. L. haeredibus . Zas . in d. L. in substitutione . Mantic. in d. tit. 6 Grass . Thesau . com . op. §. fideicommiss . q 35. . Indeede † if the testator make thee his executor , or bequeath vnto thee a hundred pound vpon condition , if he shall haue no issue : then if the testator after the making of the will had issue , although the same were not extant , nor liuing at the time of the testators death , it is sufficient to exclude thee from the executorship and legacie r) r) Iac. de Arc. Alberic . de Rosa . in d. L. ex facto . §. pen . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 6. n. 5. , vnlesse it do appeare that the testator did meane of hauing children at the time of the death s) s) Mantic. vbi supr. Zas . in d. L. in substitutione . n. 15. : which meaning is said to appeare sometimes by this word ( then t) t) L. si his . §. si ita . de cond. & demon . ff. Zas . in d. L. in substitutione . n 15. fol. 3. 0. , ) as when the testator saith , If I haue no issue , then I will that A.B. bee my executor , for this worde ( then ) is saide to signifie extremitie of time , so that it is not sufficient that the testator had issue in the meane time v) v) d. §. si ita . , vnlesse euen then hee had issue when his testament shoulde tak effect , which it can not doo so long as the testator liueth x) x) Mantic. post . Bar. & Alex. d. lib. 11. de coniec . vlt. vol tit. 6. n. 5. .

When † the childe is in the mothers wombe at such time as the father dieth ; If we would in this case knowe , whether that man is to bee iudged to haue died without issue , wee muste consider whether it bee for the benefite of the childe that the father shoulde bee accounted to haue died without issue , or not : For howsoeuer the rule be , that he is not saide to die without issue , whose wife is with childe at his death y) y) L. si quis praegnantem . de reg. iur. ff. L. iubemus . §. si quis autem . C. ad Trebel . ; yet that rule ought to take place when it tendeth to the benefite of the childe z) z) L. qui in vtero . ff. de stat. hom. , not when it tendeth to the preiudice of the childe , or onely benefite of another a) a) d. L. qui in vtero . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 6. n. 9 . Wherefore , if the testator make thee his executor , or giue thee an hundred pounde , if he die without issue , after which will made , he dieth , leauing his wife with child : In this case he is reputed to die without issue ; and so thou art to be admitted to the executorship , & maist recouer thy legacie b) b) Mantic. d. tit. 6. n. 9. post . Bald. in d. L. qui. in vtero . el. 2. , vnlesse it be more beneficiall to the childe , that his father shoulde haue beene reputed to haue died without issue : for then thou art excluded c) c) L. iubemus . §. pen . C. ad Trebel . & ibi Paul . de Castr. .

When † the childe dieth so soone as it is borne , we must consider whether it were borne in due time or not : if it were borne in due time , so that by possibilitie of nature it might haue liued longer ( as in the vii . ix . or x. moneth d) d) L. septimo mense . de stat. hom. L. Gallus . in princ . de lib. & posthu . L. intestat . §. vlt. de suis & legit . ff. ) the father is iudged to haue issue , especially † if the childe were once heard to crie e) e) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 6. n. 10. Mascard . Tract . de probac. verb. Natus . concl. 1088. n. 9. & 10. per L. quod certatum . C. de posthu. haered . instituend . & Sichard . in d. L. n. 4. : for then also by the lawes of this realme , that man whose wife was seased in fee simple , or in fee taile generall , or as heire in fee taile speciall , shal be said to haue had issue , and by reason thereof after the decease of his wife , shall holde the same land during his life , and shall be called tenant by the curtesie of England , for that it is thought , that the same law is not vsed in any other Countrey , sauing onely in England f) f) Litleton . tit. curtesie d'engleterr . . But † if the childe which he had by his wife were not heard to crie , it is thought that he cannot be tenant by the curtesie g) g) Bract. de leg . & consuet. Angl. lib. 5. tit . de excep. c. 30. n. 7. & 8. . Which opinion , though auncient , hath beene strongly encountered of late , and shrewdly shaken by men of deepe iudgement , and reuerent aucthoritie *) *) Dyer . fol. 25. n. 159. post Fitzh . ; and so the same not being free from contradiction , cannot bee vtterly voide of doubt : and therefore , ( as it becommeth me ) I doo verie willingly referre the determination thereof , to the lerned and expert in the studie and practise of the lawes temporall of this land . Neuerthelesse , to other purposes and testamentarie effectes determinable in the ecclesiasticall courts , I suppose he shall not bee reputed to haue died without issue , although his childe did neuer crie , so that it did sensible breath or moue h) h) L. quod dicitur . ff. de lib. & posthu . L. 2. & 3. C. de posthu. Felin . in c sicut . de homicid . ex●r . Mascard . Tract . de probac. verb. natus . conclus. 1088. sub finem . ; for what if the childe were borne dumbe i) i) d. L. quod dicitur . & d. L. 2. & 3. & DD. ibid. . Therefore I say by the ciuill and ecclesiasticall lawes , concerning testamentarie effectes , the father shall not bee accounted to haue died without issue , if the childe did but breath , and though it did not , nor coulde not crie , but died in the handes of the midwife k) k) d. L. 3. C. de posthu. , for crying is not an onely proofe of life l) l) L. quod certatum . C. de posthu. & ibi Sichar . n. 4. Mascard . de ꝓbac . conclus. 1088 n. 10. , since it may be prooued by other meanes , as by motion , breathing , and such like m) m) L. si magister . C. de Instit. & sub . Mascard . d. concl. 1088. sub finem . Sichard . in d. L. quod certatum . . In deede † if the childe be borne deade n) n) L. qui mortui . ff. de verb. signif. , or being halfe borne aliue , yet dieth before it be wholy borne o) o) Alciat . in d. L. qui mortui . Cui adde Tiraquel . in rep L. si vnquam . C. de reuoc donac . verb. susceperit . n. 132. vbi etiam disputat an talis baptizari possit , cuius tantum caput in partu apparet . , hee shall not bee reputed to haue issue p) p) d. L. 3. in sin . d. L. qui mortui . & DD. in LL. . Likewise in the other case , that is to say , when the child is not brought forth in due time , as ( perhappes before the seuenth moneth , or in the eight moneth ) so that it is impossible for the same to liue : the parents for and concerning testamentarie effectes , shal not be accompted thereby to haue had issue , howsoeuer the childe for a while after the birth did sensiblie breathe and moue q) q) L. 2. C. de posthu. Socin . sen. cons. 275. n. 20. vol. 2. Mantic. de coniect . vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 6. n. 10. Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. fideicommissum . q. 33. in fin . .

If † the testator make thee his executor , or do bequeath vnto thee any legacie conditionally , if he shall haue no issue , and afterwards his wife doe bring foorth a monster , or misshapen creature , hauing peraduenture a heade like vnto a dogges heade , or to the head of an asse , or of a Rauen , or Ducke , or of some other beast , or birde : such monstrous creature , though it should liue ( as commonly none doo ) yet is it not accounted amongst the testators children r) r) L. non sunt . ff. de stat. hom. Olden . in eand . L. & Sichard . in d. L. 3. C. de posthu. , for the lawe doth not presume that creature to haue the soule of a man , which hath a forme and shape so straunge and different from the shape of a man s) s) Bald. in d L. non sunt . Sichard . in d L. 3. n. 5. . But if the creature brought forth , do not varie in shape from a man or woman , but haue somewhat more then God by the ordinarie course of nature alloweth , as hauing sixe fingers on either hand t) t) DD. in d. L. 3. C. de posthu. & in d. L. non sunt . & in L. ostentum . & in L. quaeret . ff. de verb. sig. Idem quoque iuris est si quis habeat tres testes . Alciat . in d L. quaeret . n. 9. ; or on the contrarie , wanting some of the ordinarie members , as hauing but one hande , or one foote v) v) Bald. & Aug. in L. quod dicitur . ff. de lib. & posthu . : such creature is not excluded , but is to be accounted for the testators childe . What if there be duplication of notable members , as to haue foure armes , or two heades , or disorder in the principall members , as the face standing backwardes , or in the breast ? In this case I suppose much to bee attributed to the discretion of the Iudge x) x) Sichard . in d. L. 3. C. de postu . n. 5. verb. cum autem . . And albeit the writers seeme rather to encline to this opinion , that they be monsters , & so not to be accounted as children y) y) L. ostentum . ff. de verb. signif. DD. in d. L. quod dicitur . : notwithstanding , if any legacie bee left , not by the parents to another , but to the parents by another , vpon condition , if they shal haue issue : in this case it seemeth that it doth not hinder the parents , though the father did beget , and the mother bring foorth a monster , when it cannot bee imputed to their fault , wherefore the issue was monstrous z) z) d. L. quaeret . de verl signif. & Alciat . ac Rebuff●bid . .

If † the testator make the childe in the mothers wombe his executor , & the mother bring forth two or three children at that brith , whether are they al to be admitted executors ? Likewise † the testator bequeathing to the childe in the mothers wombe , if it bee a man childe , a greater summe , if a woman childe , then a lesser summe : the mother bringing forth both a sonne and a daughter at one burthen , howe much is to either ? These questions are elsewhere absolued a) a) Inf. ead. part . §. 20. sub sinem . .

What order is to bee taken concerning the administration of the goodes of the deceased , whiles the condition of the executorship dependeth vnaccomplished .

1 Of the remedie which creditors and legataries haue during the suspence of the condition of the executorship .

2 The first remedie , is to commit the administration to him that is conditionally assigned executor .

3 The effect of this administration .

4 What if the executor will not meddle with the administration or possession of the goods in the meane time .

§. xvj .

FOrasmuch † as the nature of euerie honest and possible condition is such , as it dooth suspende the execution and effect of the disposition a) a) L. qui haeredi . de cond. & demon . L. si quis sub conditione . Si quis omissa causa testa . L. cedere diem . de verb. sig. ff. Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 52. & supr. ead part . § 6. , so that in the meane time the partie deceased cannot be iudged to haue died either testate , or intestate ; and consequently he that is made executor , is neither to be receiued nor repelled in the meane time to or from the executorshippe b) b) L. quamdiu . ff. de acquir . haered . Minsin . in § haeres . Instit. de haered. instituend . : It shall not be amisse to shew what order is to be taken , for and concerning the possession and administration of the goodes of the deceased , and what remedie the creditors and legataries haue , for the obteining of their debts and legacies , which are due presently after the death of the testator , whiles the condition of the executorship dependeth c) c) Quod autem iure ciuili non possunt legata peti pendente conditione institutionis , vt in qua tota vis testamenti collocata sit , non obseruatur in Anglia , prout aliàs pleniùs diximus , infra part. 6. : For it seemeth not onely inconuenient , but vniust also , that they , especially the creditors d) d) Creditores enim de damno vitando : Legatarij autem de lucro captando certare dignoscuntur . L. scimus . §. & si praesatum . C. de iure delib . , should be remedilesse all that while , during the suspence or expectation of the performance of the condition , vntil that bee performed by the executor , which perhaps would not , nor could not be effected in seuen yeares .

The first † remedie therefor is this , considering that hee which maketh an executor conditionally , cannot be iudged to haue died intestate , the condition depending , or so long as the testament may take effect e) e) d. L. quam diu . ff. de acquir . haered . : and so the administration of the goodes cannot be committed according to the statutes of this Realme , which prouide onely in that case , where a man dieth intestate , or where the executor dooth refuse to prooue the testament f) f) Stat. H. 8. an. 21. c. 5. & stat. Ed. 3 an. 32. c. 11. . It is prouided by the ciuill & ecclesiasticall lawes , that it shall bee lawfull for the Ordinarie , to commit the administration and possession of the goodes of the deceased , to him that is made executor , onelie for and during so long time as the condition dependeth , and is not extant , or else deficient g) g) L. si quis instituatur . §. 1. & §. 2. ff. de haered. instituend . : By † vertue of which administration , or decree of possession , the said executor may enter to the said goods , and may administer and sel the same for the satisfiyng of the debts due by the testator , and payment of his legacies simply bequeathed , and may bee conuented by them , if hee make delaies during the time aforesaide h) h) d. L. si quis . Quae lex etsi creditoribus tantum praebeat remedium , tamen iure quo vtimur , legatarijs quoque succurritur , vtpote quibus legata omnino debeantur , etiamsi deficiat institutionis conditio . nec aliquis existat haeres , seu executor ( infr. part . 7. §. 19. ) nedum vbi pendeat adhuc conditio . : And if afterwards the condition bee performed or extant , then may hee still retaine the goodes of the deceased , as executor to the will i) i) Dum tamen probatum sit testamentum . & ab Ordinario approbatum . : But if the condition be infringed or deficient , then ought he to make restitution to the next of kinne to the deceased , or to those that shall haue administration of his goodes k) k) L. 2. § si sub conditione . ff. de bon. poss. secundum Tabul . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. bon. poss q. 5. n. 7. : For by breach or defect of the condition , the deceased is reputed to haue died intestate , or as hee had neuer made executor l) l) L. haeres . de acquir . haered . L. quod dicitur . de mil. test . ff. , and the former administration is finished , and a new may be committed m) m) d. L. si quis instituatur . ff. de haered. instit . .

If he † that is made executor conditionally , will not meddle with the administration of the goodes of the deceased , ne yet performe the condition , the next remedie is this : you must consider the nature of the condition , that is to say , whether the performance of the same doo consist in the power of the executor or not n) n) d. L. si quis . §. 1. & 2. : If it bee such a condition as hee may easily performe , then may the ordinarie assigne vnto him a competent tearme , for the accomplishment thereof o) o) Fortasse 100. dies extraneis , & annum defuncti liberis , secundum Bar. & Bald. in d. §. 1. ; within which time , if the executor doo not performe the same , it is reputed for infringed or deficient p) p) Bar. & Paul . de Castr. in d. §. 1. ; and so the administration may bee committed according to the statute , in this case , as of one dying intestate q) q) Stat. H. 8. an. 21. c. 5. : And the executor shall bee excluded , if he doo not purge his delay , before the administrators doo meddle with the goods r) r) Bald. & alij . in d. §. 1. . If the condition consist not in the power of the executor , s) s) d. §. 1. & DD. ibid. then may the ordinarie at the petition of the creditors , appoint a time to the executor to vndertake the administration & possession of the goods , during which time , if he refuse or neglect to vndertake the same administration ; then may the ordinarie commit the same to such as haue interest , vntill such time as the condition bee either extant or deficient s) s) d. §. 1. & DD. ibid. .

Of the making of an executor , to or from a certaine time .

1 An executor may be ordeined , either for a time , or from a time .

2 The Ordinarie may commit administration vntill there be an executor , or after the executorshippe is ended .

3 Whether a man may die partlie testate , and partly intestate .

4 Whether he is saide to die partly testate , and partly intestate , which appointeth an executor , to or from an vncertaine time .

5 A legacie may be giuen to or from a certaine time , or to or from an vncertaine time .

6 That legacie is not transmissible , which is giuen from an vncertaine time .

7 What if the vncertaintie be not about the question whether , but about the question when ?

8 What if the vncertaintie be not ioined to the substance of the legacie , but to the execution .

9 The legacie is not transmissible , when the question is onelie when , not whether .

10 The testator may make that transmissible , which otherwise is not transmissible .

11 Whether that legacie be transmissible , which is giuen after a certaine age .

12 Difference whether the legacie bee ioined to the substance , or to the execution of the disposition .

13 Certaine cases wherein a legacie is transmissible , albeit the age bee ioined to the substaunce of the legacie .

§. xvij .

ALbeit † by the ciuill lawe Haeres the heire cannot bee instituted , either from a certaine time , or vntill a certain time a) a) L. haereditas . ff. de haered. instituend . §. haeres instit . eod. tit. , least the deceased might seeme to die , partly testate , & partly intestate b) b) Llus nostrum . de reg. iur. ff. cuius regulae rationem assignat Porcius . in §. & vnum Inst. de haer. instituend . : yet where an executor is ordeined , howsoeuer the executor bee , quasi haeres c) c) Supr. 1. part . §. 3. n. 19. Haddon . de reform . leg . ecclesiast. Ang. Doct. & Stud. lib. 2. c. 11. Tract . de repub. Ang. li. 3. c. 19 ; at least by the lawes of this realme , hee may bee appointed either from a certaine time , or vntill a certaine time d) d) Brook Abridg. tit . exec. n. 155. tit . admistr . n. 45. Plowd . in cas. inter ▪ Greisbr . & Fox . : For example , the testator maketh thee his executor after the expiration of fiue yeares next after his death , or he dooth make thee his executor , for and during fiue yeares next after his death : This assignation is lawfull by the lawes of this realme e) e) Brook vbi supra . . And the † Ordinary may commit the administration of the goodes of the deceased to the next of kinne in the meane time , during which time , the act of the administrator is good , and cannot bee auoided by the executor afterwards f) f) Plowd . in casu inter Greysb . & Fox . ; for in the mean time he dieth intestate : And likewise he maie commit the administration of the goods of the deceased vnadministred by thee , after the expiration of the time of thy executorship , where thou art appointed executor but for a time . For after the tearme be expired , he is said to be intestate g) g) Brook . Abrid . tit. administ . n. 1. & n. 45. .

Where † it is saide that a man cannot die partly testate , and partly intestate , that is true where the strictnesse of the ciuill lawe is obserued h) h) Dec. Cagnol . & Hye ro. Franc. in d. L. ius nostrum . de reg. iur. ff. : But where the testator is not tied to such strict obseruance , whether it be by reason of legall priuiledge , as in militarie testaments i) i) L. miles . ff. de mil. teston . Cagnol . & Dec. in d. L. ius nostrum . , and in testaments ad pias causas k) k) Bar. in L. 1. C. de sacrosan . eccle. Hyero . Franc. in d. L. ius nostrum . in fin . , or whether it be by custome of the place , where the testator abideth l) l) Hyero . Franc. in d. L. ius nostrum . , as in England , where we inioy all immunitie , nor bee tied to any other obseruance in makinge of testaments , then that which is iuris gentium m) m) Supr. 1. part . §. 10 , in prin. Tract . de repub. Angl. lib. 3. c. 7. , in these cases and places , a man may die partly testate , and partly intestate n) n) Brook & Plowd . vbi supr. adde Socin . Tract . reg. & fal . reg. 400. vbi tradidit 20. casus , in quibus potest quis decedere pro parte testatus , pro parte intestatus . .

If the † testator doo ordeine , or make an executor , from or vntill an vncertaine time , as from or vntill the death or marriage of his sonne : this assignation is good and sufficient , euen by the ciuill law o) o) L. in tempus . ff. de haered. instit . L. extraneum eod. tit. C. gloss . in §. haeres . Instit. de haered. institued . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. Institutio . q. 24. n. 4. , neither is the testator in this case saide to die partly testate , and partly intestate p) p) Hyero . Franc. in d. L. ius nostrum . : for an vncertaine time is compared to a condition q) q) L. dies incertus . ff. de cond. & demon . Ias . in L. si cui legetur . de leg. 1. n. 6. Cuiac . obseruac . lib. 18. c. 1. , which if it come to passe , and be extant , the testator is reputed to haue died wholy testate r) r) L. haeres quandocumque . de acquir . haered . Hyer . Franc. in d. L. ius nostrum . de reg. iur. ff. : for a condition purified hath reference back ward , & is vnderstood , as if it had bene accomplished immediately vpon the death of the testator s) s) L. quod dicitur . de mil. teston . L. haeres quandocunque de acquir . haered . ff. Minsing . in §. haeres . Instit. de haered. instituend . Tiraquel . de retract . §. 1. gloss . 2. n. 27. , neither can the testator be saide to die intestate in the meane time before the euent , or whiles the condition dependeth in expectation (t) (t) Minsing . in d. §. haeres . n. 4. : But if the condition be infringed , or become deficient , then is the testator to be adiudged to haue died alwaies intestate , and not from the time of the breach , or defect of the condition v) v) Hyero . Franc. in d. L. ius nostrum . de reg. iur. ff. , which is the cause wherefore in condicionall assignations , the administration cannot be committed to the next of kinne , as in case of one dying intestate , so long as the condition is in suspence , as hath bene before declared .

And here † note , that as an executor may be appointed from a certaine time , or vntill a certaine time : so a legacie may bee bequeathed either from a certaine time , or vntill a certaine time x) x) Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. ●egatum . q. 43. . And albeit where † a legacie is giuen from or after a certaine time , the legatarie dying in the meane while , before the time bee come , the executors or administrators of that legatarie may demaund and recouer the legacie , after the day be past , as might the legatarie himselfe if he had liued y) y) L. 5. ff. quando dies . leg . c●d . Grass . d. q. 43. Vasq. de success . progress . lib. 3. §. 29. n. 2. : vnlesse the meaning of the testator be contrarie z) z) L. in conditionibus . de cond. & demon . ff. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 20. n. 8 , or vnlesse it be such a thing as cannot be transmitted to the executor , as personall seruice a) a) L. si post . in princ . ff. Quando dies . leg . ced. & ibi Bar. : Yet † if the legacie be giuen after an vncertaine time ( for so also it is lawful for the testator to doe b) b) Grass . d. q. 43. ) the legatarie dying in the mean while , the executors or administrators of the legatarie deceased cannot demaunde the same , but are vtterly excluded c) c) d. L. si post diem . L. si Titio . ff. Quando dies . leg . ced. Grass . d. q. 43. : and that † not onely when it is vncertaine , whether it shall happen d) d) L. cum testator . C. de manumiss . test . , but also when it is vncertaine when it shall happen e) e) L. si Titio . ff. quando dies . leg . ced L. si cui . §. 1. de leg . Grass . d. q. 43. : for example , the testator giueth thee an hundred pound when his daughter shall be maried . This is vncertaine whether f) f) Alex. consil. 55. vol. 2. it shall happen at all or no : or the testator giueth thee an hundred pounde when his sonne shall die . This is vncertaine when g) g) Cuiac . obseruac . lib. 18. c. 1. Vasq. de . success . ꝓgress . lib. 3. §. 27. n. 11. & . §. 29. n. 3. in fin . it shall happen , not whether it shall happen , for it is certaine we must all die . In both which cases , if thou die before the day be come , that is to say , before the marriage of the testators daughter , or death of his sonne , the legacie is vtterly extinguished , or as if it had beene conditionall h) h) L. si Titio . quando di es . leg . ced. L. quibus diebus . §. 2. de cond. & demon . ff. Bar. in L. si cui legetur . §. 1. de leg . 1. Vasq. vbi supra . . Neither † is it material whether the vncertainty be ioined to the substance of the disposition , or to the execution thereof : for in both cases the legacie or disposition is reputed conditionall i) i) Alex. in L. senis . ad Trebel . ff. Ias . post Bald. & Paul . de Castr. in d. L si cui . §. 1. de leg . 1. Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 43. Vasq de success . ꝓgress . lib. 3. §. 29. n. 4. quae opinio scilicet quod legatum huiusmodi non fit in diem , sed conditionale , vbi dies est incertus . quando ( veluti post mortem alterius ) vt communior , ita & est verior , ex relatione Grass . §. legatum . q. 43. n. 8. cui subscribit Mantic . de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 20. n. 3. : and so it is not materiall , whether the testator say , I giue to A.B. an hundred pounde when my daughter shall marrie , or when my sonne shall die : In which case the vncertaintie is saide to be ioined to the verie substance of the disposition : or whether the testator say , I giue to A. B. an hundred pounde , and I will that the same shall be paied when my daughter is maried , or my sonne dieth k) k) DD. in L. si cui . §. 1. de leg. 1. ff. : In which case it is saide to be ioined to the execution of the disposition l) l) Bar. Paul . de Castr. Lancel . Dec. in d. §. 1. . For as well in the one case as in the other , if the legatarie die before the mariage of the testators daughter , or death of the testators sonne his executors or administrators cannot demaunde the legacie m) m) Vasq. de success . progress . lib. 3. §. 29. n. 4. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit , 20. n. 3. .

But in verie truth ( if we looke a litle neerer vnto the cause ) the time of anothers death is not onely vncertaine , in respect of the question when , but also in some respect of the question whether n) n) L. haeres meus . ff. de cond. & demon . & Bald. in d. L. : for who is certaine whether that the other shal die before the legatarie ? and this I suppose to be the principall cause , wherfore the legacie which is giuen , or is to bee performed after the death of another , is reputed to be conditionall : namely , because it is vncertaine whether that time shal happen during the life of the legatarie o) o) Bald. in d. L. haeres . Cuiac . lib. 18. obseruac . cap. 1. Mantic. de coniec . vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 20. n. 4 . For † if the question be onely when the time shall happen , and not whether it maie happen during the life of the legatarie , then the legacie in respect of transmission , is said to bee pure and not conditionall p) p) d. L. haeres meus . & ibi Bald. cum Paul . de Castr. : As for example , the testator giueth thee an hundred pounde to be paied the day before thy death : heere the vncertaintie is onely when the time shall happen , not whether it shall happen during thy life : wherefore in this case , after thy death , thy executors or administrators may recouer the legacie q) q) d. L. haeres meus . L. 4. ff. quando dies . leg . ced. , and that without distinction , whether the vncertaintie be ioined to the substaunce of the legacie ; as I giue thee an hundred pounde the day before thy death ; or whether it bee ioined to the execution of the legacie ; as I giue thee an hundred pounde to be paied the day before thy death r) r) d. L. haeres . Et licet in illius legis exemplo incertitudo videri possit adiungi praestationi legati , & non substantiae tamen cùm ratio illius legis sit generalis , & in vtroque casu militet , nempe quia dies non potest non cedere viuente legatario , vis legis non est per vnicum exemplum angustanda .

Wherefore where it is saide , that when a legacie is giuen after an vncertaine time , if the legatarie die in the meane while , his executors or administrators are excluded from demaunding the same legacie , albeit the vncertaintie be about this question when ; that conclusion hath diuerse limitations . The first limitation or restraint is , in case also it bee vncertaine whether the same shall happen during s) s) Bald. in d. L. haeres . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 20. n. 4. Cuiac . lib. 18. obseruac . c. 1. Ias . in L. si cui . §. hoc autem . de leg. 1. n. 7. the life time of the legatarie : otherwise , if it must needs happen during the life of the legatarie , then the executors or administrators of the legatarie are not excluded , although it bee vncertaine when it shall happen t) t) d. L. haeres meus . ff. de cond. & demon . . Another limitation is , when † it is the meaning of the testator , that the executors or administrators of the legatatie shal haue the legacie , notwithstanding the death of the legatarie in the meane time , for then the vncertaintie of the time dooth not make the disposition conditional , because the testator maie if he will , make that transmissible , which otherwise is vntransmissible v) v) L. in conditionibus . ff. de cond. & demon . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 20. n. 8. Vasq. de success . progress . lib. 3. c. 29. n. 15. 16 .

What † if the testator dooth bequeath some legacie , when the legatarie or some other person hath accomplished a certaine age , whether ( if the legatarie , or that other person die before that age ) may the executors , or administrators of the legatarie obteine the legacie x) x) De hac q. vberrimè scripsit Vasq. de succes . progress . lib. 3. c. 29. & generaliter DD. in L. si cui . §. hoc autem . ff. de leg. 1. ? This question I suppose is thus to be answered .

If † the time be ioined to the substaunce of the legacie , them the executors or administrators of the legatary deceased before the accomplishment of that age , are without hope of obteining the legacie y) y) L. si Titio ff. Quando dies . leg . ced. d. L. si cui . §. hoc autem . de leg. 1. : For example , the testator doth giue thee an hundred pounde , when thou shalt bee of the age of 21. yeares , thou diest before that time , thy executors or administrators cannot obteine the hundred pounde z) z) DD. in d. §. hoc autem . : except in certaine cases , whereof the first † case is , when relation is made to the age of the executor , who is charged with the paiment of the legacie , and not to the age of the legatarie , or of anie thirde person a) a) Bar. in d. §. hoc autem . : For example , the testator doth will or charge his executor to pay vnto thee an hundred pounde , when hee shall be of the age of xxi . yeares , before which time the executor dieth . In this case ( by the opinion of diuerse b) b) Par. Angel . Paul . de Castr. & Lancel . Dec. in d. §. hoc autem . per L. libertis quos . §. ab haeredibus . ff. de Alimen . & cibar . leg . ) thou maist recouer thy legacie against the executor of that executor dying at such time , as the former executor , if he had liued , should haue accomplished the age prescribed in the testament : Their reason is , because the testator is presumed to beare greater loue to his owne executor , on whome hee hath bestowed the residue of his goodes , then to the executors executor , whom peraduenture he did not knowe c) c) Bar. & Lancel . Dec. in d. §. hoc autem . : Wherefore seeing the testator charged his owne executor whom he more loued , the rather then is he presumed to charge his executors executor whom he lesse loued d) d) Arg. à maior . ad mi. . Howbeit if the testator charge his executor with the paiment of the legacie by this worde if , as if the testator commaunde his executor to pay vnto thee an hundred pounde , if hee shall accomplish the age of xxi . yeares : Here the legacie is condicionall , and therefore if the executor die in the meane while , the legacie dieth together with the executor e) e) Bar. in d. §. hoc autō . per L. si seruus . ff. de stat. lib. . And so it is if the executor bee charged with the paiment of the legacie after he bee of such age f) f) L. fideicommissaria . el. 1. §. etiam . ff. de fidecommiss . Lib. & Bar. cum Paul . de Castr. & Lancel . Dec. in d. §. hoc autem . ff. de leg. 1. : Nay more ( contrarie to that which is saide before ) although the testator do charge his executor with the paiment of the legacie by this worde when , as in the first example ; euen there also by the receiued opinion of the more parte , the legacie is concluded to be condicionall g) g) Dyn . Sal. Imol. Raph. Cuma : Alex. Aret. & Ias . in d. §. hoc . autem . quorum opinio communis est contra Bar. & eius sequaces , ait Ias . vbi supra . : and therefore if the executor die before that age , the legacie cannot bee recouered against the executor of the executor deceased h) h) L. intercidit . ff. de con. & demon . ff. L. vnic. §. sin autem . C. de cad. ●ol . , no more then where it is giuen after his executor haue accomplished such an age , for albeit this worde ( after ) doth import a more full perfection of time then dooth this worde when i) i) Ias . Alex. & alij . in d. §. hoc autem . , yet they differ not in making the disposition conditionall : for that is done as well by the worde when , as by the worde after k) k) Ita contra Bar. sentiunt Salic . Imol. Alex. & Ias . ac Moder . in d. §. hoc autem . . What if the executor being charged with the paiment of the legacie , when , or after hee haue accomplished a certaine age , the legatarie himselfe doo die , the executor still liuing , whether may the executors or administrators of the legatarie deceased recouer the thing bequeathed of the executor then liuing , after he haue accomplished the age limited in the testament ? It seemeth that he may l) l) Paul . de Castr. in d. §. hoc autem . in lect. pad . vers . & multo fortius . , because the condition is heere extant : notwithstanding because it is concluded , that the legacie in this case is condicional , therfore howsoeuer the condition doo afterwards come to passe , yet was the legacie extinguished by the death of the legatarie , the condition then depending m) m) L. vnic. §. sin autem . C. de cad. tol. L. intercidit . ff. de cond. & demon . , and so cannot be recouered by his executors or administrators , vnlesse it be proued ( for it is not presumed n) n) Nam cùm praesumitur testator magis diligere ipsum legatarium quàm eius executorem , licet velit dare primo , non sequitur quòd dabit secundo . Bar. in d. §. hoc autem . ) that the testator did meane the contrarie o) o) L. in conditionibus . ff. de cond. et demon . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 20. n. 8. Bar. in d. §. hoc autem . in fin . .

The second case is in fauour of libertie or freedome from bondage p) p) L. si ita scriptum . ff. de manumiss . testa . : For example ; the testator doth manumit his villeine , when his son shall attaine to the age of xxi . yeeres . In which case albeit his sonne do not attaine to that age , yet shall the villeine be free , at such time as hee should haue attained vnto that age , if he had liued q) q) d. L. si ita scriptum . et DD. in d. §. hoc autem . .

The thirde case is , when anie legacie is left to some godlie vse , for then also the legacie may be recouered , notwithstanding the death of that person , to whose age the testator made relation r) r) Vasq. de success . progress . lib. 3. §. 29. n. 5. in fin . vbi conclusionem hanc varijs confirmat medijs . .

The fourth case is , when the time tendeth to the dissolution of the legacie : For example , the testator dooth giue thee tenne pound yearly , vntill his sonne doo attaine to the age of xxi . yeares : In which case , if his sonne die in the meane time , thou maist obtaine the legacie of tenne pound yeerely , vntill such time as the testators sonne should haue attained to that age , if he had liued s) s) L. ambiguitatem . C. de vsufruct . Bald. in d. L si cui . ff. de leg . 1. Vasq. de success . ꝓgress . lib. 3. § 29. n. 3. .

The fift case is , when it is the will and meaning of the testator , that the legacie should be transmitted t) t) Bar. in d. L. si cui . §. hoc autem . in fin . Bald. in eand . L. et in L. Scius . ad Trebel . ff. Paul . de Castr. in d. L. ambiguitatem . n. 2. .

But if the time of the age bee not ioined to the substance of the legacie , but to the execution or performance of the same : then the legatarie dying in the meane time , his executors or administrators may recouer the same when the time is expired , wherein the legatarie if he had liued , should haue accomplished that age v) v) Bar. et alij , in d. §. hoc autem . ꝑ L. ex his C. quando dies . leg . ced. .

Of making an executor vniuersallie or particularlie .

1 It is lawfull to appoint an executor either vniuersally or perticularly .

2 The vniuersall executor maie enter to all the testators goodes and cattels , and therefore chargeable with paiment of all his debts .

3 The particular executor maie meddle with no more then is allotted vnto him , and therefore not charged but according to his portion .

4 A man may die both testate and intestate , in respect of his goodes .

5 Of a particular and vniuersall legatarie .

§. xviij .

THirdly † , an executor may bee ordeined either vniuersally or particularly a) a) §. haereditas . Instit. de haer. instit . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. Institutio . q. 21. n. 1. Fitzh . Abridg. tit . executor . n. 26. Brook . tit . execut . n. 2. & n. 155. : vniuersally , that is to say , when the testator maketh an executor of his whole will , or dooth commit vnto him the distribution of all his goodes : or when the testator dooth appoint an executor indifferently , that is to say , without any signe vniuersall of whole or all : as I make A. B. my executor b) b) L. 3. C. de mil. teston . : particularly , that is to say , when the testator dooth commit the execution of some part of his wil , or the disposing of some part of his goods onely ; as if the testator should make thee his executor of his plate , or of his goodes within the Countie of Yorke , or of his debts onely c) c) Fitzherb . Abridg. tit . exec. n. 26. Brook . eod. tit. n. 2. & n. 155. .

He † that is made executor vniuersally or simplie may enter to all and singular the goods and cattels of the testator d) d) L. haereditas . de reg. iur. ff. & ibi Cagnol . Plowd . in cas. inter Greysbrook & Fox . & infr. part . 6. §. 3. , and in that respect is vniuersally and simplie chargeable , with the paiment of all and singular the debts and legacies of the testator , so far as the same goods and cattels do extend e) e) Termes of law . verb. executor . .

He † that is made executor particularly , cannot meddle with any other of the testators goods and cattels , then such whereof he is made executor , and is onely so farre chargeable with the paiment of the debts and legacies of the testators , as the portion of the goodes to him allotted doth extend vnto f) f) Fitzh . & Brook vbi supra L. si haeredes . de leg . 1. L. legatorum . de leg. 2. ff. Sichard . in L. 1. C. de impub. & al. sub . n. 4. Est enim eadem ratio partis ad partem , atque totius ad totum . : and if there be no other executor appointed , the particular executor cannot meddle with the residue as executor : for touching † the other goods , the testator by the lawes of this realme , is saide to die intestate g) g) Fitzherb . & Brook in locis suprascriptis . , & so may die partly testate , and partly intestate , not onely in respect of time ( as hath beene before declared h) h) Supra ead. part . §. 17. in prin. Brook tit . administrator . n. 45. Plow . in cas. inter Greysb . & Fox . ) but also in respect of place , and of goodes i) i) Fitzh . tit. executor . n. 26. Brook eod. tit. n. 155. , contrarie to the ciuill lawe .

And heere note † that as an executor maie be made vniuersallie or particularlie ; euen so one may be made particular or vniuersall legatarie , in respect of some vniuersall or particular legacie left by the testator k) k) Vide supr. 3. part . §. 17. & hac parte §. 4. .

Howbeit , where the testator doth leaue all his goodes , or the residue of his goods to some person , none else being appointed executor , he to whom such general legacie is made , seemeth to be appointed executor l) l) L. his verbis . ff. de haeredibus instit . & gloss . ac DD. ibid. Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. Institutio . q. 14. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 4. tit. 3. n. 8. , at least he hath bene admitted to the administration of the goods of the deceased m) m) Et ita sae piss . practicari , obseruaui in foro Archiepiscopi Ebor. , as heretofore more largely n) n) Supra ead. part . §. 4. . But if the testator giue his goods to one person , and make another executor : this executor is called Nude executor , for that he reapeth no commoditie by the testament o) o) Io. de Athon . in legat . libertatem . de execut . testament . Lindw . in c. statutum . de testa . lib. 3. prouinc . constit . Cant. & in c. religiosa . eod. tit. verb. de damnis . .

Of making executors by degrees .

1 How executors are made by degrees .

2 He that is made executor in the first degree , is said to be instituted , the rest substituted .

3 Diuerse kinds of substitutions , wherof certaine haue but little vse in England .

4 Of the diuerse formes of a vulgar substitution .

5 Of the effects of substitutions .

6 So long as the executor instituted in the first degree maie bee executor , the substitute is not to bee admitted .

7 If any one executor in the first degree may be admitted , the substitute is excluded .

8 What if euerie executor haue a seuerall substitute .

9 The first substitute being repelled , whether the rest be repelled likewise .

10 What if the executor in the first degree die intestate .

11 The admission of the executor instituted in the first degree , doth not alwaies exclude the substitute .

12 The substitute ought to succeede in that part and quantitie , which was assigned to the former executor .

13 Where diuerse be substituted to one , whether they shall succeed equally or vnequally .

14 Diuerse cases wherein the executors being vnequally instituted , and the same also substituted , doo succeede equally .

15 Of the great difference betweene substituting by proper names , and substituting by names appellatiue .

16 What if the substitution be made by both names .

17 What if some be instituted by their proper names , others not .

18 What if it bee doubtfull by what names they bee substituted .

§. xix .

FOurthly , an executor may be made either in the first degree , or in the seconde degree , or in the thirde , fourth , a) a) L. potest quis . ff. de vulg. pup . sub . Instit. de vulg. sub . in princ . Fran. post gloss . in c. vlt. de testa . 6. Brook tit execut . n. 9. &c.

The † testator is saide to make degrees of executors , when he doth substitut one in place of another : For example , the testator maketh his wife executrix , & if she wil not , or cannot be executrix , he maketh his sonne executor ; and if his sonne be not executor , he maketh his brother executor b) b) d. L. potest . & ibi DD Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. substitutio . q. 1. . In which example there be three degrees , whereof the wife is in the first degree , the sonne in the second degree , and the brother in the thirde degree : For looke how manie substitutions there bee succedinge one another : so many degrees there bee besides the principall institution , which maketh the first degree c) c) L. 1. L. potest . ff. de vulg. & pupil . sub . : and who † so is executor in the first degree c) c) L. 1. L. potest . ff. de vulg. & pupil . sub . , he is saide to be instituted , and they which are executors in the second , thirde , and fourth degrees , are said to be substituted d) d) Zas . Tract . de substit . in princ . .

There † bee diuers kindes of substitutions or sortes of placing of executors one after another e) e) Vt substitutio vulgaris , pupillaris , exemplaris , breuiloqua , compendiosa , de quibus sigillatim & copiosè Zas . in suo praeclaro Tractatu de substitu●ionibus . ; whereof either because we haue no vse at all f) f) Vt de pupillari subst. & de exemplari ? quae pupillaris subst. idcirco corruit , nempe ob defectum patriae potestatis , fine qua consistere non potest ( Instit. de pup . sub . in princ ) & consequenter cadit exemplaris substitutio , quum haec ad pupillaris imitationem fieri dignoscatur . here in England , or verie little g) g) Vt de breuiloqua & compendiosa : quarum disceptatione mirum in modum inuoluunt se DD. à quibus nihil ferè aliud quàm quod ad fatigationem studiosorum , & ad obscuritatem rei , quae vel vltro perdifficilis est , capere valeas . ; I shall onely speake of that vulgar or common kind of substitution , whereof there is more vse . Concerning the which this is to bee noted , that it † is lawfull for the testator to make so many degrees of executors as he list h) h) Instit. de vulg. sub . in princ . L. potest . cod . tit. ff. , and he may substitute into the place of one executor , either one or more ; and into the place of manie executors , he may substitute one alone i) i) § plures . Instit. de vulg. sub . : likewise he may substitute or ordaine many executors , and appoint to euery of them a seuerall substitute ; or he may substitute one of the same executors to another k) k) d §. plures . : or the testator hauing instituted diuers executos , may substitute executors to some of them , but not to others l) l) d. L. potest . & DD. in eand . L. .

It is also lawfull for the testator to institute an executor simplie , and to substitute another in his place conditionally m) m) L. qui liberis . de vulg. sub . ff. ; or contrarie wise , to institute conditionally , and to substitute simplie n) n) L. sub conditione . ff. de haered. instituend . : Simplie , I say , not because I denie any substitution to be conditionall ; for in deede euerie substitution is in this respect conditionall , because euerie substitute is appointed with this condition , viz. If the person to whom he is substituted , wil not or cannot be executor o) o) Ias . in L. quamdiu . ff. de acquir . haered . in princ . Sichard . in Rub. de impub. & al. sub . C. : But I saie simplie , when no other condition is expressed or vnderstoode in the substitution , then is expressed or vnderstoode in the institution p) p) L. qui liberis . de vulg. sub . ff. .

Very † many and infinite almost , are the diuers effects issuing from the diuers kindes of substitutions q) q) De quibus Zasius , Politus Fumeus , & alij , in suis Tract . de substituc . , the discourse whereof woulde be much more laborious then commodious : wherefore least I should make long haruest about little corne , I shall content my selfe with declaration of two conclusions , whereby wee may vnderstand , when and how the vulgar substitute is to be receiued or repelled , to or from the executorship .

The first and principall conclusion is this , so long † as he which is instituted executor in the first degree may be executor , the substitute or hee which is appointed executor in the second degree , cannot be admitted to the executorship r) r) L. quandiu . de acquir . haered . L. cum in testamento . de haered. Inst. ff. L. post aditam C. de impub. & al. sub Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. sub . q. 9. : and likewise , so long as he may bee executor , which is assigned in the second degree , he that is appointed in the third degree is excluded : So by the first , the second is repelled , by the second the third , by the thirde the fourth , &c s) s) d. L. quamdiu . Zas . in d. Tract . de sub . c. 1. n. 5. .

And if the † testator doo institute diuers executors , substituting one or moe , so long as any one of them which was first instituted may be executor , the substitute is not to be admitted t) t) L. quidam de impub. & al. sub . C. Zas . in d. Tract . de substit . c. 6. vers. quinta conclusio . sed consulas Ripam . in L. 1. ff. vulg. sub . n. 187. &c. qui de hac q. pluribus disputat . ; vnlesse † the testator doo appoint to euery executor first instituted , his seuerall substitute : for then any one of those first instituted executors , not being able or refusing to bee executor , his substitute is to be admitted with the other executors first instituted v) v) Zas . in d. Tract . de substit . c. 1. membro 5. conclu. 1. limitac . 3. : Whereas † otherwise any one of the executors in the first degree lawfully vndertakinge the executorship , all the substitutes are excluded ; not onely those which are placed in the second degree , but also those which be placed in the third and fourth x) x) Bar. in L. 1. de vulg. & pup . sub . ff. n. 47. & Ripa . ibid n. 185. Dec. in L. post aditam . C. de impub. & al. sub . n. 2. . In so much that † if the executor vndertaking the office , doo afterwards die intestate , yet the executors instituted do stil remaine excluded y) y) L. post aditam . C. de impub. & ali . sub . & Sichard . in eand . L. n. 1. vers. ita deinde . , & so by the lawes of this realme , the administration is to be committed of the rest of the goods of the testator deceased not administred by the executor z) z) Brook Abridg. tit . admistr . n. 45. & tit. executor . n. 149. : the reason is , for that they which are substituted are made executors conditionally ; that is to say , if hee which is instituted executor in the first degree , will not , nor cannot be executor a) a) Odofred . & Fulgo . in d. L. post aditam . : wherefore he that was first instituted lawfully , vndertaking the executorship , can not be saide to be vnwilling or vnable ; and so the condition expireth , and is become deficient , without the accomplishment whereof , that is to say , vnlesse the executor in the first degree will not or cannot be executor , the substitute cannot claim any thing b) b) Constat aliàs à Iasone , Sichardo . & alijs , in d. L. post aditam , assignari rationes , quae tamen non tanti sunt apud nos momenti ; non tamen erit inutile illos in hac re consulere . . Howbeit , if † the executor instituted in the first degree , be depriued of the executorship , by reason of his negligence in not performing the will , then is the substitute to be admitted c) c) Zas . in d. Tract . de substit . c. 1. membro 5. concl. 1. limit . 1. : likewise , if the executor first instituted , notwithstanding his intermedling , be admitted to renounce the executorship , then also the substitute is to be receiued d) d) Bar. in d. L. 1. de vulg. sub . n. 49. cuius opinio communis est , testimonio Grass . Thesaur . con. op. §. substitutio . q. 15. : likewise if hee that is first instituted , doo delay to take vppon him the executorship , by the space of thirtie yeares , hee is to be excluded , and the substitute to be receiued e) e) Ias . in L. quamdiu . de acquir . haered . ff. quam opinionem dicit esse communem . n. 9. : but I suppose he is not to be excluded by lapse of lesser time , vnlesse the ordinarie doo assigne a certaine time , to take or refuse the executorship f) f) Vide infr. 6. part . §. 13 : likewise , if he that is first instituted cannot bee executor , the substitute being appointed vpon this condition , if the former will not be executor , neuerthelesse the substitute is to be admitted , as if the former executor had refused g) g) Bar. in d. L. 1. ff. de vulg. sub . & post eum Zas . in d. Tract . de subst. c. 1. verb. primus effectus . . And finally , wheresoeuer it is likelie that the testator would haue substituted in the case not expressed , if hee had remembred the same , as wel as in the case expressed ; there the substitute is to bee admitted , as if the same case had beene expressed h) h) Bar. & Ias . vbi supra . .

The second conclusion is , that † the substitute shall succeed in such part and quantitie of the testators goods , as was assigned to him that was instituted executor in the former degree , be it more or lesse i) i) L. 1. C. de impub. & al. sub . §. & si . Instit. de vulg sub . L. si plures . ff. de vulg. & pup . sub . : so that if the instituted person were made executor of the one halfe of the testators goodes , the substitute shall be admitted executor of the one half ; or if the instituted person were made executor of a third part , or of goodes in a certaine place , the substitute shall succeed and be admitted accordingly k) k) DD. in d. L. 1. Minsin . in d. §. & si plures . de vulg. sub . . And † if diuerse be substituted to one , they shall succeed equally : but if the same substitutes were also instituted executors , and that vnequally ( for that perhaps to some more , to some lesse is allotted : ) In this case , if any of the instituted executors , will not , or can not be executor , the portion of that executor shal not be equally distributed amongst the substituted executors , but according to the portion of the first assignation : that is to say ; he that is an instituted executor of a greater part , shal be substitute of a greater part ; & he that was instituted of lesse , shal be substituted of lesse l) l) Bald. Paul . de Castr. & Sichard . in d. L. 1. de impub. & alijs . sub . C. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 5. tit. 1. n. 20. ( a ratable & iust proportion obserued ) the reason is , because the same affection is presumed in the substitution which was in the institution m) m) Minsing . in d. §. & si Instit. de vulg. sub . per L. licet imperator . ff. de leg . 1. & L. publius . §. Titio . de cond. & demon . & Mantic. vbi sup. .

Notwithstanding , if † the executors vnequally instituted , bee substituted to a legatarie ; then in case the legatarie will not , or cannot haue the legacie , the same shall be equallie diuided amongst the substitutes n) n) L. vnic. §. sed vt manifestetur . C. de cad. tol. & ibi Paul . de Cast . Sichard . in d. L. 1. de impub . & al. sub . col. 5. ver. nec mouet . .

Or if the substitutes be equally charged by the testator , then also they shall succeede equallie , notwithstanding they were vnequallie instituted o) o) L. quoties ad Trebel . L. vtrum . §. sin . de rebus dub . ff. Dec. in d. L. 1. n 10. .

Or if the persons instituted executors in the first degree be assigned conditionallie , the substitutes assigned simplie shall not bee charged with the performance of that condition p) p) L. si sub conditione . de haered. instit . & ibi Bar. Bald. Imol. & alij . ff Et haec est communis sententia , vt ꝑ Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 10. tit. 6. n. 2. , vnlesse they be substituted to a conditionall legatarie : for then the condition expressed in the former disposition , is vnderstoode to bee repeated in the substitution ; and therefore the substitute cannot obtaine the legacie without the performance of the condition q) q) Dec. in d. L 1. de impub . & al. sub . C. in sin . L. 1. §. pro secundo . C. de cad. tol. quod tamen intellige , vt per Mantic . de coniect. vlt. vol. li. 10. tit. 6. n. 9. cum seq. .

Or † if in the substitution , the persons substituted be not all named by one name appellatiue , but euerie one seuerally by his owne proper name ; then notwithstanding they were first instituted executors of vnequall partes , the distribution amongst them as substitutes ought to be equall r) r) L. nonnunquam . ff. ad Trebel . & ibi DD. Viglius , & Minsing . in § & si . Instit. de vulg. sub . .

By names appellatiue in this place , I vnderstand euerie name , which is common or maie comprehend diuers persons , or all names except the christian name , or surname of any person , as when the testator doth substitute , his executors his children , his brethren , his kinsfolkes , all which I doo account names appellatiue in this present case s) s) Sichard . post Paul . de Castr. & alios , in d. L. 1. de impub. et al. sub . C. n. 5. in fin . Minsing . et Vigl . in d. §. si ex disparibus . : the cause of the difference ( as most doo thinke ) is the force of this worde and , which worde being most commonly vsed , and almost necessarie , where soeuer the testator dooth substitute diuers persons , by their seuerall proper names , the nature and force thereof is such , as it doth make equall distribution t) t) Paul . de Castro . Ias . & Sichard . in d. L. 1. de impub. & alijs . sub . C. ; without the which the substitution shall be proportionable to the institution : insomuch that if the testator doo substitute diuers by their proper names , without that worde and ; as if the testator say , I substitute the two Iohns at Noke . In this case , the testators being instituted vnequallie in the first degree , the substitutes are to succeede vnequallie likewise v) v) Iidem Castrens . Ias . Sichard . in d. L. 1. .

But what † if the testator doo substitute by both kinde of names , aswell by the appellatiue , as by the proper names : or what if some be substituted by the proper names ; others by some name appellatiue : what if it bee doubtfull by whether kinde of name they were substituted : whether in this case ought the substitutes to succeed equally , or vnequallie , according to the proportion of the substitution x) x) Has quaestiones cum multis alijs expeditas habet Ias . in d. L. 1. .

When the substitution is made by both names iointly , we are to consider , whether the names appellatiue , or the proper names haue the first place in the disposition : For if the appellatiue goe before , then the substitutes are to be admitted , as if their proper names were not at all expressed , that is to say , according to the proportion of the institution : but if the proper names enioy the first place , then the substitutes are admitted equally , notwithstanding their vnequall institution y) y) Ias . & Sichard . in d. L. 1. quae quaestio communis est , quam etiam aduersus Curtium defendit Viglius , in d. §. & si ex disparibus . Instit. de vulg. & pupil . sub . n. 7. .

When † some be substituted by their proper names , others by names appellatiue ; they which be substituted by their proper names do succeede equally : the others according to the proportion of their institutions z) z) Ias . post Salicet . in d. L. 1. .

When it is doubtfull , by whether names they be substituted ( for that perhaps the witnesses do not remember what maner of wordes the testator did vse ) in this case , they shall succeede according to the proportion of their institution a) a) Bar. in L. 1. ff. de vulg & pupil . sub . Ias . & Sichard . in d. L. 1. C. de impub. & al. sub . .

Howe manie may be appointed executors .

1 Either one alone , or moe persons may bee appointed executors .

2 What if the testator make all the worlde his executor .

3 What if he say , I make the poore my executor , or the Church , or my kinne .

4 Where diuerse be named executors , all are to be admitted , and not one without the rest .

5 The extensions of this former conclusion .

6 The limitations of the same conclusion .

7 Whether the executor of the executor is to be ioined with the executor suruiuing .

8 What if the executor suruiuing die intestate .

9 The executor of the executor , may somtimes be sued as executor in his owne wrong .

10 If the impediment be not long , the executor is to be expected .

11 One of the executors may execute when the rest refuse .

12 Whether the coexecutor be excluded by his refusall before the ordinarie .

13 Other causes wherein one executor alone may sue , or be sued without his fellowes .

14 Whether one executor may sue another .

15 Certaine cases wherein one executor maie sue another .

16 Howe the goodes are to be distributed among the executors , to whome the testator giueth the residue .

17 If the testator make the child in the mothers womb executor , and the mother bring forth two or three children at one birth , they are all to bee admitted executors .

18 If the testator doo bequeath an hundred pounde to the childe in the mothers wombe , and the mother is deliuered of two or three , whether are each of them to haue an hundred pound , or but one hundred amongest them .

19 What if the testator make his wife and the childe in her wombe executors , willing that if it be a man childe , hee to haue two partes of the residue of his goodes , and his wife but one : and if it be a woman childe , then his wife to haue two partes , and his daughter but one : Admit nowe , the mother haue both a sonne and a daughter at one birth , howe is the goodes to be distributed ?

§. xx .

FIftly , either one person † may bee appointed executor alone , or diuerse persons together a) a) §. & vnum . Instit. de haered. instituend . , euen as many as the testator list to appoint , so that † the number be not infinite , as to say , I doo make all the men of the worlde my executors b) b) Porcius . in d. §. & v. num. qui refert hanc pinionem esse communem , licèt Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. Institutio . q. 13. existimet contrariam esse magis communem , nempe huiusmodi institutionem mero iure subsistere , sed re & effectu irritam , & inanem reddi . : for to appoint executors in that sort , were an argument that the testator were not of perfect minde , and memorie c) c) Porcius in d. §. & vnum . : Besides that it is impossible d) d) Idem Porcius . ibid. , for all to execute , and therfore a voide assignation , at least in effect e) e) Gloss. in d. §. & vnum . Grass . d. q. 13. . But † if the testator make the poore his executors , or the Church , or his kinne , giuing to them the residue of his goodes , albeit hee doo not declare which poore , what Church , or which kinnesfolkes , neuerthelesse the disposition is not void , as elsewhere is declared f) f) Infra 7. part . §. 8. vide Dyer . fol. 160. .

When † the testator dooth make diuerse persons executors , they are all to be admitted to the executorship , and not one alone without the rest g) g) c. religiosa . §. sanc . de testa . lib. 6. , which conclusion is diuersly both extended and limited .

The † first extension is , that albeit the testator doo appoint his owne sonne , and a stranger his executors ; the stranger if he can and wil , is to be admitted with the testators sonne : for howsoeuer in this case by the ciuill lawe , the testators sonne is vnderstoode to bee instituted in the first degree , and the stranger no more but substituted , or appointed in the second degree , and so to be admitted , in case the sonne cannot or will not be executor h) h) Gloss. & Bar. in L. Gallus . §. quidam rectè . ff. de lib. & posthu . Grass . Thesaur . com . op §. Institutio . q. 20. n. 6. , yet by the lawes and customes of this realme it is otherwise , & both are to be admitted alike i) i) Quippe cessante causa . & ratione iuris ciuilis nimirùm instituendi necessitate , cessat & ipsius legis effectus . c. cum cessante . de app. extra . .

The second extension is , that although the executors bee appointed alternatiuely , or disiunctiuely : As for example , the testator maketh A.B. or C.D. his executors : In this case both the persons are to bee admitted executors k) k) L. quidam . C. de verb. sig. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 4. tit. 3. n. 19. , and this worde , or , in fauour of testaments is taken for and l) l) d. L. quidam . & ibi Bar. & Ias . , and so it is in effect , as if the testator had saide , I make A.B. and C.D. my executos , sauing in certaine cases else where expressed m) m) Infr. 7. part . §. 9. & ibi tres extant limitationes . .

The thirde extension is , that where there be diuerse executors , the action commenced by them , or against them , ought to be commenced in all their names , and not in the name of some of them onely n) n) Io. de Athon . in legat in . libertatem . de execu . testa . Brook Abridg . tit. exec. n 117. Intellige in executoribus haereditatem adeuntibus , aliàs indistinctè in vtroque casu non est verum . .

The † limitations of the former conclusion are many , but they may all almost be reduced to two , whereof the first is , when the other coexecutor cannot be executor o) o) c. religiosa . §. sane . de testa . lib. 6. : the second is when he will not vndertake the executorship p) p) d. §. sane . & ibi Domi . & Phil. Franc. . For the better vnderstanding of the which two limitations , First , concerning the former of them , we are to note , whether the impediment be perpetuall or temporall .

If the impediment be perpetuall , because perhaps the coexecutor is dead , or perhaps such a person as is vtterly incapable of an executorship , then he that is liuing and able to execute , may be admitted to the executorship ; notwithstanding the impediment of the coexecutor q) q) d. §. sane . & ibidem Franc. et alij . , vnlesse the testator did will expresly , that the one should not execute without the other r) r) Eod. §. sane . in sin . : otherwise if † two be appointed executors , and the one maketh his testament , wherein hee nameth his executor , and dieth , his executor suruiuing : In this case the executor of the executor , is not to bee ioined with the executor suruiuing : neither in the execution of the will s) s) d. §. sane . et ibi gloss . ; nor in suits or actions t) t) Brook Abridg. tit . executor . n. 92. 160. . And if the executor of the executor , haue any goods or cattels in his hand , which did belong to the first testator , the executor of the same testator suruiuing , may haue an action against the executor of the executor for the same v) v) Brook , tit . executor . n. 99. : In so much that if the † executor suruiuing , doo afterwardes die intestate , yet may not the executor of the executor meddle with the goods of the former testator : for the power of the executor who died first , was determined by his death , the other then suruiuing x) x) Brook . tit . executor . n. 149. : and the ordinarie in this case may commit the administration of the goodes of the suruiuing executor , who died afterwardes intestate , to the widowe , or to the next of his kinne : and may also commit the administration of the goods of the former testator not before administred , to the widdowe , or next of kinne to the same testator y) y) eod. n. 149. . And † if the executor of the executor who died first , meddle with the goods of the first testator , hee may be sued by the creditors of the first testator , as executor in his owne wrong z) z) Brook Abridg. tit . exec. n. 29. 99. .

If the † impediment be not perpetuall , but temporall ; then we are to consider , whether the same be like to endure for a long time or but for a short time : If the impediment bee like to continue long , for that perhaps the coexecutor is beyond the seas , or in some by place farre distant a) a) Io. And. et Phil. Franc. in d. §. sane . , or for that peraduenture the coexecutor is yet vnborne , or but a babe ( for such persons may bee named executors b) b) Vt infr. part . 5. §. 1. : ) then the other executor is to bee admitted in the meane time c) c) d. §. sane . et DD. ibid. , for the lawe woulde not that mens testaments or last willes should be deferred , but with al conuenient speed executed and perfourmed d) d) Franc. in d. §. sane . : But if the impediment be but of a short time , then the one executor is to expect his fellowe , and is not in the meane time to be admitted alone to the executorship e) e) Idem Francus post Io. And. in d. §. sane . .

When † the executor may vndertake the executorship , but doth refuse so to doo , then is the other executor to be admitted alone , and may execute the will , or commence any suite , or be sued alone , as if none other had beene named executor f) f) d. c. religiosa . §. sane . de testa . lib. 6. ▪ which conclusion is true , if the executor refusing do still perseuer in his vnwillingnesse : but † if he alter his minde , and afterwards become willing , then so long as the executor who prooued the will is liuing , ( his former refusall before the ordinarie notwithstanding ) he may by the lawes and customes of this realme , ioine with the other executor , who prooued the will g) g) Brook Abridg. tit . exec. n. 38. & n. 117. . And if he release any debt due to the testator , the release is as sufficient , as if he had neuer refused h) h) Brook . d. tit . n. 117. & n. 177. . To these two limitations may a thirde be added , whereby one executor may sue or be sued , without the other coexecutor : namely , † when no exception is made against the proceedings by the partie i) i) Io. de Athon . in legatin . libertatem . de execut . testam . : heerevnto also may be added a fourth limitation , that is to say , when any one of the executors , dooth sell some of the testators goodes for a summe of money , for then that executor which solde the goodes , may himselfe alone sue for the money due for the same goods k) k) Brook Abridg. tit . exec. n. 66. .

Furthermore it is to be noted , that when the testator doth make diuers executors , if † anie of them do get the possession of the goods of the testator , the other executor hath no action for recouerie of the same goods , or any part thereof l) l) Brook . tit . exec. n 98. : for one executor can not sue another m) m) Infr. part . 6. §. 3. . Howbeit † if the testator make diuerse executors , and do bequeath to the one of them the residue of his goodes ; it is not onely lawfull for him to whom they are bequeathed , to retaine the same ; but also if the other executor enter thereunto , hee is subiect to an action of trespasse n) n) Brook . d. tit . execut . n. 104. . Likewise , if the testator do bequeath vnto all his executors the residue of his goods , the same ought to bee equally distributed amongst them : In which case I suppose the office of the ordinarie to whom they are accomptable , is of great aucthoritie , if one of them seeke to defraude another o) o) c. tua nos . de testam . extr. Brook Abridg. tit . accompt . n. 8. .

But † what if the testator make many executors , giuing them the residue of his goods , of which executors he nameth one by his proper name , the rest by a name collectiue : As for example , the testator saieth , I make my brother and his children my executors , to whom I bequeath the rest of my cleare goodes : whether in this case ought the father to haue as much as all his children , or whether ought euery childe to haue as muche as the father : I suppose that in this case the residue of the deathes part ought to be diuided into two partes , and that the father ought to haue as much as all the children p) p) Ias . in L. fin . de impub . & al. sub . C. Dec. consil. 236. & cons. 254 : for it is deliuered for a rule , that where diuerse persons be comprehended vnder one name collectiue , with another third person , then all they which be included vnder that one name , doo represent one onely person q) q) Ias . in d. L. fin . Mantic . de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 4. tit. 9. quem operepretium crit videre . . Of which rule , neuerthelesse there be diuers exceptions : One is , when the testator willeth the said goodes to bee equally diuided amongst them r) r) L. interdum . & ibi Paul . de Castr. ff. de haered. instit . Dec. consil. 597. . Another is , when the children were not borne at the time of the making of the testament s) s) Ias . in d. L. fin . per L. quidam . §. si tibi de reb. dub . ff. . The third , and that is generall , is when the testator meaneth that euery person shall haue a like portion t) t) Ias . in eand . L. fin . quem velim videas , nam ibi tradidit regulam septem limitationibus dotatam . : for in those cases the rule ●oth not hold , but distribution is to be made according to the number of the persons : that is to say , if there be three persons , then the residue of the deathes part is to be diuided into three parts , & if there be foure persons , then into foure parts , and if there be mo , then into mo parts , euery part equall for euery person .

If † the testator do appoint the childe in the mothers wombe his executor , and it falleth out that the mother dooth bring forth two or three children at that one burthen , they are all to be admitted executors v) v) Ias . in L. placet . ff. de lib. & posthu . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 4 tit. 8. n. 4. : And as they are all to be admitted to the executorship , so are they all to enioy the legacie . And therefore if the testator say , I doo bequeath an hundred pounde to the childe in the mothers wombe , and if she dooth beare two or three children , the legacie is to be diuided amongst them x) x) Paul . de Castr. in L. qui filiabus . §. 1. ff. de leg . 1. . But if the testator say , if my wife shall bring forth any child , I giue to the same an hundred pound : and she bring forth two or three children ; in this case euery childe may obtaine an hundred pound , if the testators goodes do suffice to satisfie the same y) y) d. L. qui filiabus . §. 1. & DD. ibid. , vnlesse it be prooued , that it was the testators meaning that they should haue no more but an hundred pound amongst them z) z) Text. in d. §. 1. .

What shall we say to this question , The † testator maketh the childe in the mothers womb executor , and willeth that if it be a man childe , hee shall haue two partes of the residue of his goodes , and the mother but one ; and if it bee a woman childe , that then the mother shall haue two parts of the said residue , and the daughter but one : The will being thus framed , the mother bringeth forth a sonne & a daughter , how much of the testators goods is due to each person ? In this case euery person is to haue a portion of the testator a) a) L. si ita . ff. de lib. & posthu . : that is to say , the sonne shal haue twise so much as the mother , and the mother twise so much as the daughter : for example , the residue of the testators goods arising to seuen score poundes , the sonne ought to haue fourescore pounds , the mother fortie , and the daughter twentie : so the mother hath double so much as the daughter , and the sonne hath double so much as the mother .

But what † if the will being such as before , viz. that the issue being masculine , shall haue two partes , and the mother but one : and being feminine , to haue but one part , and the mother two : the mother doth bring foorth an Hermophrodite , or person hauing the part both of a man & a woman : whether shal this Hermophrodite haue so much as if two children male & female had bene both borne ? The Hermophrodite can haue but one portion : that is to say , the portion due to that Sex , whereof the Hermophrodite doth most participate b) b) L. quaeritur . ff. de stat. hom. : and if that also be doubtfull , it is to be presumed according to the more worthie kinde c) c) Addic . ad Bar. in d. L. quaeritur . .

Of those things which doo appertaine to the apparance of the testament .

1 Euerie testament is to be proued by witnesses , or by writing .

2 Two witnesses needfull , and two sufficient .

3 What if the witnesses be not free from all exception , whether doth the number supplie the defect .

4 Somtimes one witnesse is sufficient .

5 Euerie one maie bee a witnesse which is not forbidden .

6 Three especiall causes , which do minister exceptions against witnesses .

7 Who are excluded for their dishonestie .

8 All malefactors are not repelled from witnessing .

9 Who are excluded for want of iudgement , and how long .

10 Who are excluded for affection , and how farre .

11 Whether a legatarie may be a witnesse .

12 Whether a woman may be a witnesse .

13 Whether a poore man may be a witnesse .

§. xxj .

HAuing spoken of the general internall forme , common to euery testament , that is to say , of the making of an executor : nowe let vs returne to the generall externall forme , that is to say , the forme whereby euery testament may lawfully appeare .

Wherefore † that willes and testamentes may lawfully appeare , it is requisite that there bee sufficient proofe , either by witnesse , or by writing a) a) Mascard . Tract . de probac. verb. testamentum . alioquin praesumi quemlibet ab intestato decessisse confirmat , Mantic. de con. iect . vlt. vol. lib. 2 tit. 1. .

Of proofe by writing , it followeth afterwards , in the handling of the particular forme of written testaments b) b) Infr. ead. part . §. 25. .

Concerning proofe to be made by witnesses , two things are especially to be examined : First , howe many witnesses are required for the full proofe of a testament or last will : Secondly , what maner persons maie bee receiued for witnesses .

For the number , By † the lawes and customes of this realme , two witnesses are needfull c) c) Ius autem ciuile exigit septem . §. sed cum paulatim . & §. fin . Instit. de testa . ordin . , and againe two are sufficient d) d) Lindw . in c. statutum . verb. probatis . de testa lib. 3. prouinc . constitu . Cant. Peckius . in c. priuilegium . de reg. iur. 6. n. 7. : So that as it is not necessarie to haue any more then two ; so it is vaine to haue no more but one e) e) Ias . in L. cunctos . C. de summa Trinitate . Hyppol . Singul. 102. : For the better vnderstanding of the which twofold conclusion :

First , where it is affirmed that two witnesses be sufficient : that is to be vnderstood , in case the same two witnesses be without cause of exception f) f) c. relatum . el. 1. de testa . extr. Lindw . in d. c. statutum . verb. ꝓbatis . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 6 tit. 3. n 5. 6. : but if they be not lawfull witnesses , two alone are not sufficient for the proofe of a last will g) g) d. c. ●elatum . &c. cum esses . de t●sta . ext. & ibi DD. , at the least where the same is to be prooued in forme of law .

But what if † the witnesses be not free from al exception , but yet are more in number then two , suppose three or foure : whether be they sufficient for the proofe of the will ? It may be answered ; that if the exceptions whereunto the witnesses are subiect , be light or slender , such as do in part diminish the credite of their testimonie , as the exception of friendship , domesticitie , or of suspition of some small fault ; there the number dooth supplie the defect , and so the testimonie of three witnesses , not altogether cleare from those exceptions , is as the testimonie of two witnesses without all exception h) h) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 6. tit. 3. n 8. : But when the exceptions whereunto the witnesses be subiect , are great and heinous ; as the exception of periurie , which dooth vtterly extinguishe all the credite of the deposition i) i) Mascard . de probac. verb. periurus . Ampl. 1. Alciat . de praesump . reg. 2. praesump. 10. ; or when the witnesses are subiect to double exception k) k) Soarez . lib. recep . sen. verb. testis n. 215. Gabr. lib. 1. com . concl . tit. de testib . conclus. 7. n. 13. Hyp. de Marsil . Sing , 385. Menoch . de arbr . iud. lib. 2. cas. 99. Grauetta . cons. 249. ; or when the lawe dooth resist the examination l) l) Felin . in c. dilecti . de accus . extr. Paris . consil. 58. n. 52. vol. 4. of the witnesses , as of those that be perpetually mad , or haue no understanding ; or when the defect is not in the person , but in the deposition m) m) Ruin . cons. 149. 150. vol. 5. Gabr. lib. 1. com . conclus . tit. de testib . concl. 6. n. 9. ; in these and like cases the number doth not supplie the defect , but the testimonie of them all is as the testimonie of none n) n) Vide eund. Gabr. d. concl. 6. .

Secondly , where † it is affirmed that one witnesse is as none ; yet such is the power and aucthoritie of the testator , that he may ordaine that that one witnesse shall make a full proofe , as if the testator commit somewhat in secrete vnto him ( being loth perhaps that anie other should knowe thereof ) and willeth in his life , that that person alone shall bee credited for the declaration of his will : In this case that one person alone is sufficient to prooue the contents of the last will and testamente of the person deceased o) o) L. Theopom . ff. de dote praeleg . Olden . de probac. fol. 286. b. .

For the second question ; that is to say , what maner of persons are to be receiued for witnesses : This maie be deliuered for a rule , that † whatsoeuer person is not by lawe forbidden to bee a witnesse , the same person is to bee admitted p) p) L. 1. §. 1. ff. de testib . . This rule is short ; but if we should descende to the exceptions , and shewe in particular , what persons are in this case forbidden to beare testimonie by the ciuill and ecclesiasticall lawes , we should finde it a matter of such discourse , as the same should farre exceede the quantitie of this small volume : for there be manie volumes of this argument onely q) q) Id quod plusquam manifestum est per illum lib. qui inscribitur Tractatus de testibus probandis , vel reprobandis . Var. authorum . &c. . Besides it is a matter wherein verie much is left to the discreet consideration of the circumspect Iudge r) r) L. 3. §. 1. de testibus . ff. , so that it is verie hard also , to prescribe any certaintie in this behalfe s) s) Bar. Bald. & alij ind. L. 3. §. 1. : onely I will remember three † speciall causes whereby the witnesses are not omni exceptione maiores : the first is dishonestie in maners : the second is want of iudgement or vnderstanding : the third is affection more to the one partie then to the other t) t) Has causas veluti praecipuas prosequitur Albericus in Tract . de testib . part. 1. .

The first † cause dooth minister exception , not onely against periured or foresworne persons v) v) De periuri testimonio latè Mascard . de ꝓbac . verb. periurus . concl. 1168. , but also against al other malefactors , or law-breakers x) x) De teste criminoso idem Mascard . de probac . verb. criminosus . concl. 469. , which by anie crime by them committed become infamous y) y) De infamibus , siue iuris , siue facti . optimè Ias . in L. cunctos . C. de summa Trinitate . : for it is saide to bee a dignitie to be a witnesse z) z) Aufrer . Tract . de testibus . verb. dignitas . . But al such persons , as are infamous by their euill life , the lawe esteemeth vnworthie of any dignitie a) a) c. infamibus . de reg. iur. 6. , which also pondereth the credite of each mans saying , with the grauitie of his life b) b) L. 2. & 3. ff. de testibus . ; and therefore light life , light credite also . Howbeit † amongest many limitations of this exception , drawen from the euil life of the witnesse c) c) De quibus Mascard . & Ias . ille . conclus. 464. & conclus. 1168. hic in L. cunctos . C. de summa Trinitate . , this is one , that if any man hauing committed any crime , ( periurie excepted d) d) Mascard . de probac. concl. 1168. n. 16. ) hath reformed his manners , cleare from his former fault , & hath liued honestly & laudably by the space of three yeares before his said production , such a person is not repelled from being a witnes e) e) c. testimonium . de testibus extr. .

The second † cause doeth comprehend children f) f) §. testes Instit. de testa . ord. , idiotes g) g) Rebuff . de reprobac . & saluac . test . verb. furiosus . Campeg . Tract . de testib . reg. 114. Bar. Tract . de testib . n. 98. vbi constituit diff●rētiā inter stultos & fatuos . , lunatike persons h) h) d. §. testes . & Minsin . in §. furiosi . Instit. de Curator . vbi distinguit inter furiosum & mente captum . , and such like , of whom it may be said as of the former : that as they which reforme their euill manners , and afterwardes liue an honest and commendable life are not to be repelled , so these persons being altered in their knowledge , that is to say , the child being growen to yeares of discretion , the idiote made wise , or the lunatike person not distracted by his fitte , or frensie ; then their testimonie is to be receiued euen of those thinges which were done during the time of their minoritie i) i) Angel . Ate. in d. §. testes . Alberic . Tract . de testib . c. 5. n. 18. , or madnes k) k) Mascard . Tract . de ꝓbac . verb. furiosus . concl . 828. , so that they were not vtterlie voide of vnderstanding in those former estates l) l) Iul. Clar. pract. cr̄ial . q. 24. Alberic . d. Tract . c. 5. n. 24. .

The third † cause , which is affection , doeth reach vnto those witnesses which be of kinred or alliance m) m) De quibus Alberic . ● Tract . 〈◊〉 . & Hector Aemilius . Tract . de testibus . verb. assinis . , or which be tenants , seruants , or of the housholde of the partie producting them n) n) De his te●tibus . idem Alberic . d. Tract . c. 2. , and to the enimies of the partie against whom they are producted o) o) Inimicus quatenus repellendus , docet Mascard . in d. Tract . de probac. concl. 899. quatenus verò recipiendus , Campegius . Tract . de testibus . reg. 23. : Item to all those which are to reape any benefite by their deposition p) p) Albericus . Tract . de testibus . c. 4. : wherein ( as in many thinges els ) very much is attributed to the discretion of the Iudge , who as the kinred or affinitie betwixt the witnesses and the partie , is neare or farre off , the feare of the tenant or seruant , of the displeasure of his Lord and master , great or little , the enmitie betwixt the witnes and the aduerse partie , hoat or colde , or the commoditie of the witnes is to reape , more or lesse : So the wise Iudge ought to giue more or lesse credite to their saiyngs and depositions q) q) De huiusmodi testibus , Hector Aemilius . Tract . de testibus . verb. affectionem habens . Gabr. lib. 1. com . concl . tit. de testib . concl. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. Panor . in c. super eo . de testib . extr. n. 8. Rebuff . de reprobac . & saluac . testium . verb. inimicus . verb. domesticus . & verb. consanguineus . .

What shall wee saye of the testimonie of these persons ? namely , of a legatarie , of a woman , and of a poore man .

I suppose the † testimony of the legatary to be good for the rest of the will r) r) §. legatarijs . Instit. de testam . ord. , but not for his own legacy s) s) Porcius . in d. §. legatarijs . : and therfore where there be but two witnesses of a will , wherin either of them hath somewhat bequeathed vnto him , this will is not sufficiently prooued for those legacies t) t) Bar. in L. omnibus . C. de testibus . & Porcius in d. § legatarijs . , but for the rest of the will it seemeth to be sufficiently proued v) v) Albericus . Tract . de testib . c. 4. n. 57. vers. in hoc ar̄. .

A woman † is also a good witnes in this case by the lawes Ecclesiasticall x) x) Panor . & Couar . in c. cum esses . de testa . extra . : And whatsoeuer diuers doo write , that a woman is not without all exception y) y) Dec. in L. faemina . de reg. iur. ff. Grauetta . consil. 99. n. 5. , because of the inconstancie and frailty of the feminin Sex , wherby they may the sooner be corrupted z) z) c. sorus . de verb. signif. extr. : yet I take it that their testimony is so good , that a testament may be proued by two women alone , being otherwise without exception a) a) Sichard . in L. hac consultissima . § ex imperfecto . C. de testa . Ripa . Tract . de peste . c. 2. n. 24. quae sententia communis est . Couar . in d. c. cum esses . n. 14. .

A poore † man likewise , being an honest man is not forbidden to be a witnes b) b) Viuius Thesaur . con. op. verb. testis . Tu verò Iustinianista , vide Gab. lib. 1. com . conclu . tit. de testib . concl. 18. vbi tradita est regula de paupere teste , variè tùm ampliata , tùm limitata . .

Of the particular formes of Testaments .

1 So many particular formes , as kindes of Testamentes .

§. xxij .

THe † particular formes of testaments be no fewer in number , than are the seuerall kindes of testaments : For euery kinde hath his particular forme , by the which it differeth from the rest a) a) L. Iulianus . §. si quis . ff. ad exhibendum . .

The seuerall kindes of testaments are these : that is to say , Some be solemne testaments , and some be vnsolemne : some written , and some nuncupatiue : some priuiledged , and some vnpriuiledged b) b) Supra prima parte §§. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. &c. . Of the particular formes of euery which kinde , albeit I haue already said something in their seuerall definitions : yet now also it shall not be in vaine to adde thereunto these things following .

Of the forme of a solemne testament .

1 Diuers things ought to concurre to the forme of a solemne testament .

2 No man tied to the obseruation of this solemne forme .

§. xxiij .

IN the making of solemne testaments manie things are requisite , whereof if any one be wanting , it is not reputed a solemne testament a) a) §. sed cum paulatim . Instit. de testa . ordin . & ibi Minsing . . First † it is requisite that there be seuen witnesses present at the making thereof b) b) d. §. sed cum paulatim . : Secondly , they must all be required , neither is it sufficient , that they bee present by chaunce , or vnrequired c) c) Auth. rogati . C. de testa . L. haeredes palam ff. de testam . : Thirdly , it is required , that euery witnesse doo subscribe his name with his owne hande , if he can write , or els two or three others for him d) d) L. singulos . de testa . ff. & Minsing . in d. §. sed cum paulatim . : Fourthly , it is requisite , that the testator doo with his owne hande write his name , whom he will shall succeede , and haue all his goodes ; and if he cannot write , that then he name him before those witnesses e) e) L. iubemus . L. cum antiquitas . C. de testa . Non tamen ita necessaria est nominatio haeredis , vt proprio testatoris ore fiat , quin sufficit , si testator , alio interrogante , an velit talem fore haeredem ? Respondeat ita . DD. in d. L. iubemus . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. Institutio . q. 17. : Fiftly , it is requisite that the witnesses bee such as are not forbidden to beare testimonie in that behalfe f) f) §. testes . Instir . de testa . ordin . : Sixtly , it is necessarie that the witnesses do see and behold the testator , and not heare him onely g) g) Menoch . de arbitr. Iud. q. lib. 2. cent. 5. cas. 475. n. 23. Minsing . in d. 5. sed cum paulatim . . It is also necessarie that the witnesses doo seale the testament , either with their owne seales , or with the seale of another h) h) d §. sed cum paulatim . . Finally , it is necessarie that the testament be made at one time , without any intermission , except naturall , such as cannot be auoided i) i) Eod. §. & ibi Minsing .

A will thus † made is called a solemne testament , which forme if men would obserue , ( but no man is necessarily tied therevnto heere in England k) k) Supr. part . 1. §. 9. ) it were a more safe way , aswell against the forging of false willes , as suppressing of true willes .

Of the forme of an vnsolemne testament .

1 What is requisite in the making of an vnsolemne testament .

§. xxiiij .

IN the † making of an vnsolemne testament , it is not precisely necessarie to vse any of the foresaide ceremonies : This onely is needfull heer with vs in England , that the testator do appoint his executor , and declare his will before two or three witnesses , whose testimonie , partly by the lawes ecclesiasticall a) a) C. cum esses . c. relatum . el. 1. de testa . ext. , and especially by the generall custom of this realm b) b) Lindw . in c. statutum . verb. probatis . lib. 3. prouincial . constit . Cant. Tract . de repub. Angl. lib. 3. c. 7. Peckius . in c. priuileg . de reg. iur. 6. , is sufficient for the probation and approbation of the same will , concerning the appointing of an executor , or the disposing of goods and cattels c) c) Atque huc tendit quod scriptum reliquit Minsing . in Rub. de mil. test . n. 6. videlicet , apud eas gentes , quae iuris ciuilis obseruatione non tenentur ( quarum Anglia est praecipua ) ius militar●s tes●●menti obtinere , si nulla , propria lex extet . .

Of the forme of a written testament .

1 Diuers things considerable in a written testament .

2 In what matter or stuffe the testamente is to bee written .

3 In what language the testament is to be written .

4 In what hand may the testament be written .

5 With what notes or characters is a testament to be written .

6 Limitations of the former conclusion .

7 Of the words and sentences of a written will .

8 Whether it be necessarie that there be witnesses in a written will .

9 How the witnesses are to depose in proouing the will to be written by the testator .

10 What if the testament bee founde in the testators Chist .

§. xxv .

WE haue heard elsewhere , in what cases it is needefull that the testament bee written a) a) Supr. 1. part . §. 11. , namely where the testator doth deuise any lands , tenements , or hereditaments b) b) Stat. H. 8. an. 32. c. 1. , and also when the same ought to be written : that is to say , in the life time of the testator c) c) Eodem stat. , with diuerse other questions there absolued : Now † let vs heare of some other things which may seeme to appertaine to the forme of a written testament , namely in what matter or stuffe the testament is to bee written , in what language , with what hand , letters , notes or characters , with what wordes or sentences , and whether it bee alwayes necessarie that there be witnesses of a written testament

For the † matter wherein the testament is written , the law regardeth not whether it bee paper , or parchment , or other like stuffe apt for writing d) d) §. nihil Instir . de testa . ordi . Spec. de Instr . edit . §. 8. n. 21. Sed quid si quis scripserit voluntatem suam in puluere ? numquid valebit testamentum vt scriptum ? Et videtur quod sic per L. milites . C. de testa . Hoc vno subaudito , nimirum nostratium testamenta , omni immunitate , atque adeo iure militari gaudere , vt scriptum reliquit D. Smitheus . Tract . de repub. Angl : lib. 3. c. 7. Contrarium tamen scilicet non valere huiusmodi testm. tanquam in scriptis conditum , existimo : Saltem ad effectum illum , de quo sit mentio in d. stat. H. 8. an. 32. c. 1. id quod ex mente illius statuti sacile colligere licet . Et huc pertinet quod scriptum reliquit Molin . in L. 1. §. eod. ff. de verb. ob . n. 9. .

Neither is it material in what † language e) e) Minsing . in d. §. nihil . the same be written , either Latine , French , or anie other tongue .

For the † hande or letters wherewith the testament is written , the lawe is indifferent whether it be Secretarie hand , Roman hand , Court hand , or any other hand , either faire , or otherwise , so that the same may bee read and vnderstoode f) f) DD. in L. quoniam . C. de testa . .

For the † notes or characters it skilleth not whether the same be vsuall or vnaccustomed g) g) Hoc intelligant Iustinianistae ꝑcedere iure gentium quo nos vtimur . Nam iure ciuili testm. in scriptis fieri non potest per notas aut zypheras inusitatas , vt tenent Bar. Bald. Ang●l & alij , in L. quoties . §. 1. ff. de haered. instituend . praeterquam in casibus exceptis , veluti in testamento militis , ad pias causas , &c. de quibus Vasq. de success . creat . lib. 2. §. 15. requisit . 16. Tiraquel . de priuileg . piae causae . c. 13. Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. testm. q. 10. . Vsuall or accustomed notes bee these , xx . s. for twentie shillings . Cl. li. for an hundred and fiftie pounds , 1590. for a thousande fiue hundred fourescore and ten , with such like , whereof I might bring infinite examples : vnaccustomed notes and characters bee , as when the testator dooth vse the figure ( 1 ) in stead of the letter ( A ) the figure ( 2 ) in steade of the letter ( B ) the figure ( 3 ) in stead of ( C ) &c. or perhaps some other more straunge characters then these in place of letters . Howbeit † if the characters bee such as the same cannot be read or vnderstood , the testament is as if it were not written h) h) L. 1. ff. si Tabul . testa . Vasq. d requis 16. ; or if they may be read and vnderstood , either by the same , or by some other writing , or by any other meanes : yet if that writing were but a draught , or preparation to the testament , and not the testament it selfe , it is without anie force i) i) L. ex ea scriptura . ff. de testa . L. fidei commiss . §. 1. de leg. 3. .

Wordes † and sentences , are not required for the forme of a testament , but for the expressing of the will and meaning of the testator k) k) L. quoniam indignum . C. de testa . Molin . in L. 1. §. eodem . ff. de verb. ob . n. 8. in sin . ; and therefore if the writer by error omit some wordes , whereby the sense is vnperfect : As for example , the Notarie dooth write thus ( I make my wife my , of this my last will and testament ) leauing out this worde ( executur : ) in this case the error of the writer ought not to preuaile against the truth of the testament l) l) L. errore . C. de testa . : for the lawe presumeth that more was spoken , though lesse was written m) m) d. L. errore . Ita vt in hoc exemplo non sit necessaria aliqua probatio quòd Scriba errauerat , vel quod testator omnia nuncupauerat , cùm lex ipsa sit loco probationis . Sich. in d. L. errore . Attamen necesse est probare mulierem istam esse testatoris vxorem , quam vult esse suam executricem . Ias . in d L. in sin . : much lesse ought it to bee preiudiciall to the testament , where in steede of the wordes omitted , other wordes of the same sense to such purpose are vsed and expressed n) n) L. quontam . C. de testam . : For example , suppose that in the testament it is written , that the testator dooth bequeath such landes to such person , to haue and to holde to him and to his assignes for euermore . How soeuer in this deuise there is not any mention of heires , without which worde an estate of inheritance cannot passe , by any deed or gift made whiles a man yet liueth ; yet because in testaments , the wil and the intent of the testator is preferred before formal or prescript wordes , an estate of inheritance dooth thereby passe , as if he had made expresse mention of his heires o) o) Supr. ead. part . §. 4. . Other examples to the same effect are extant in other places of this booke , which to repeate were superfluous .

Concerning the last question , viz. whether † it be necessarie that there be witnesses of a written will ; this is the answere , that if it be certaine and vndoubted , that the testament is written or subscribed with the testators owne hand : In this case the testimonie of witnesses is not necessarie p) p) Auth. quod sine . C. de testa . & DD. ibid. Io. dilect . de arte testandi . tit. 2. c. 2. in sin . Mascard . de probac. verb. testm̄. 1352. n. 60. &c. : But if it be doubtfull , whether the testament were written or subscribed by the testator ; in this case the testimonie of witnesses is necessarie , to confirme the same to be the testators owne hand q) q) Bar. in L. si ita scripsero . ff. de cond. & demon . Alex. consil. 76. vol. 3. n. 2. 3. Paris . consil. 19. vol. 3. n. 26. Couar . in c. cùm tibi . de testa . extr. n. 5. . But † it is not inough for the witnesses to say this is the testators owne hand , for we knowe his hand r) r) Sichard . in d. Auth. quod sine . Alex. d. consil. 76. n. 3. 4. Menoch . de arbitr. Iud. q. lib. 2. cas. 114. n. 22. Afflict . decis . 181. n. 7. , neither is it sufficient ( in the opinion of diuers ) to bring forth other writings of the knowne hande of the testator , and so proue the will to bee written or subscribed by the testator , by comparing such writings with the testament s) s) Sichard . in d. Auth. quod sine . Alex. d. consil. 76. vol. 3. Molin . in addic . ad Alex. consil. 114 vol. 7. : For the witnesses may be deceiued ( the testators hand being easie to be counterfeited , ) and therefore proofe by similitude of handes is not a full proofe t) t) Bar. & ali● . in L. admonendi . ff. de iureiur . afflict . decis . 181. Mascard . Tract . de probac. verb. comparatio . , sauing in those courts where the stile or custome doth approoue such testimonie for a full proofe v) v) Vestrius . pract . cur . Rom. lib. 6. c. 1. , or when the testament is to bee proued in vulgar forme : neuerthelesse in this case where it is doubtfull whether the testator did write or subscribe the testament , if the witnesses doo depose that they did see the testator write or subscribe the testament , and being learned knowe the same to be his hande x) x) Sichard . i●n d. Auth. Alex. d. consil. 76. & consil. 123. vol. 1. n. 5. , or else that they did heare the testator confesse that he had made his testament , or that the same was in the handes of such a person y) y) Bar. Imol. & alij , in L si ita scripsero ff. de cond. & demon . quorum opinio magis est communis , teste Grasso , Thesaur . com . op. §. Institutio . q. 16. n. 5. & §. testm. q. 16. in fin . ; or if the testament were found in the testators Chist amongest his other writings : In these cases the proofe made by comparing of handes , albeit the testament be to be prooued in forme of lawe , is a full and sufficient proofe z) z) Natta . in d. Auth. quod sine . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. § testm. q. 16. in fin . Mascard . de probac. verb. testm̄. 1352. n. 66. : Or if there be none of these helpes by likely circumstances , yet if on the contrarie there be no suspition of fraud or feare of subornation , I am of their opinion who do hold that the circumspect Iudge may allowe the proofe made by comparing of hands for a full proofe a) a) Alex. consil. 114. vol. 7. n. 4. 5 Natta . in d. Auth. quod sine . et . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. § Institutio . q. 16. n. 6. Dec. consil. 219. in fin . Socin . consil. 162. n. 4. & hanc opinionem ego non falsam , cum Molineo , immo communem , cum Alex. periculosam tamen cum Mascardo : ideoque in arbitrio iudicis positam esse , cum Decio , sentio . : But then also the writings so found in the testators Chist , must be so written , as it may appeare , not to be a draught or preparation of a will , but the testament it selfe b) b) Bar. in d. L. quoties . §. 1. ff. de haered. instituend . Mascard . d. concl. 1352. n. 63. Non tamen opus esse puto , vt seruentur illa requisita , de quibus in d Auth. quod sine . videlicet dici expressionem , extensam scriptionem , liberorum nominationem , &c. Quorum sine obseruatione , nec inter liberos , nec ad pias causas testamentum valet , etiamsi constet de manu testatoris : nam ista requisita inducta sunt à iure ciuili , nec sunt sublata iure canonico , vt author est Euerard . Verum autem , inspecto iure gentium , quo iure nos Angli , haud aliter ac Romani milites , liberè fruimur , non est necessaria vel dici expressio , vel extensa scriptio , &c. Illud solùm exigitur , vt constet scripturam manu testatoris exaratam fuisse , vel subscriptam sine alia quauis solennitate , dum tamen huiusmodi scriptura non sit praeparatio ad testandum , sed ipsa dispositio , vt aliàs inpradictum est , & infra dicendum part . 7. §. 13. in fin . .

But what if † the testament be found in the testators Chist , or safely kept amongest other writings , which testament is neither written by the testator , nor by him subscribed , but altogether of another mans hand : whether shall this writing preuaile as the last wil and testament of the deceased or not ? It shall not c) c) Ias . in d. Auth. quod sine . C. de testa . Iul. C ar. §. testm. q. 14. n. 5. vbi dicunt hanc opinionem esse communem . , vnlesse it be proued that the same was written by the commandement of the testator d) d) Ias . in d. Auth. Mascard . de probac. d. concl. 1352. n. 67. , or vnlesse it be sealed with the seale of the testator e) e) c. 2. de fide Instr . extr. Et licet Decius ibidem teneat contrarium , nisi Sigillationi , accedat etiam subscriptio . Quia tamen haec opinio fundata est in solennitate iuris ciuilis , nobis ius gentium attendentibus , opinor hanc Decij . sententiam non audiendam fore in foro nostro . .

Of the forme of a Nuncupatiue testament .

1 Of the forme of wordes in a Nuncupatiue testament .

2 Obscuritie and ambiguitie to be auoided .

3 Obscuritie what it is , and howe it maie bee auoided .

4 Ambiguitie what , and howe it may be auoided .

5 The difference betwixt obscuritie and ambiguitie .

6 Willes fauourablie interpreted .

7 In contractes interpretation to be made against the partie .

§. xxvj .

IN the making of a Nuncupatiue wil or testament , this is chiefly to be obserued , that the testator do name his executor , and declare his minde by wordes of mouth , without writing before witnesses a) a) §. fin . Instit. de testa . ordin . Auth. hoc inter . §. per nuncupationem . C. eod. tit. numerum tamen septinarium testium . de quo in d. §§ . non esse necessarium supra diximus . . As † for any precise forme of wordes , none is required b) b) Molineus . in L. 1. §. eodem . ff. de verb. ob . n. 8. in fin . , neither is it materiall , whether the testator doo speake properly or vnproperly c) c) L. quoniam indignum . C. de testa . , so that his meaning do appeare , as hath beene heretofore confirmed by diuers examples d) d) Supra ead. part . §. 4. . But it is not sufficient for the testator to leaue a sounde in the eares of the witnesses , vnlesse he do leaue some vnderstanding also of his will and meaning e) e) L. sed & si . §. proscribere . de Instit. action . L. aetate . §. nihil . de inter . action . ff. .

And although in written testaments it be also required , that the wordes and sentences be such as thereby the testators meaning may appeare f) f) Supra §. prox . praeceden . : yet more specially it is required in a Nuncupatiue testament , for more supplie may be made in written testamentes then can bee made in Nuncupatiue testaments concerning the testators meaning g) g) Auth. quod sine . C. de testa . .

Wherefore † that the testator may the better performe this thing , and that his meaning may be the better vnderstoode , he must as much as he can auoide obscuritie , and ambiguitie h) h) De obscuro & ambiguo . vide Spiegel . Lexic. verb. ambiguum . & verb. obscurum . .

Obscuritie † is auoided by speaking plainly ; for an obscure speech is that which either cannot be vnderstood at all , or verie hardly by reason of the cloudie darkenesse therof , or want of the light of plaine vtterance i) i) Spiegel . Lexic. verb. obscurum . Cagnol . in L. semper . de reg. iur. ff. .

Ambiguitie † is auoided by speaking simplie and certainly : for an ambiguous speech is that which yeeldeth diuers senses to the hearer , who remaineth doubtfull in whether sense the speaker is to be vnderstoode k) k) Spiegel . & Cagnol . vbi supra . .

The † difference betwixt obscuritie and ambiguitie is this . By obscuritie , the hearer is made like to him which walketh in a darke place , not knowing where the way lieth , whether on the right hand , or on the left ; before him , or behind him ; or whether he be in the way , or out of the way : By ambiguitie , the hearer is made like vnto him , who walking in the light , meeteth with two or three wayes , and knoweth not which way to take , nor which of those wayes leadeth to that place whereunto hee ought to goe l) l) Zafius in L. veteribus . ff. de pactis . Spiegel . & Cagnol . vbi supra . Fateor tamen alias ab aliis differentias excogitari , & quandoque etiam confundi . : both of them are to bee auoided .

And albeit † the lawe hath prouided fauourable interpretations , to sustaine the testament where the disposition is obscure , ambiguous , or vncertaine m) m) L. in testamentis . de reg. iur. ff. & DD. ibid. , contrarie to the † nature of contracts , where he that speaketh obscurely or ambiguously , is saide to speake at his owne perill , and that such his speeches are to bee taken stronglie against himselfe n) n) L. veteribus . ff. de pactis . : neuerthelesse howe fauourable soeuer the law be towards dead mens willes , the lawyers are not so fauourable to their clients , and therefore if it were but to auoide long and costlie suites , it is meete that the testator vtter his minde , as plainely and certainlie as he can .

Of the particular formes of other testamentes or last willes . §. xxvii .

COncerning the formes of testaments priuiledged or not priuiledged , or of other kindes of willes , as of codicils , or of giftes in case of death , I referre the reader to those places where speciall mention is made of euerie of them , and of their differences of formes a) a) Supra 1. part . §§. 5. 6. 7. &c. .

And chiefly concerning the formes of legacies , I wish the reader to peruse the manifold formes of making an executor : For as I haue often said b) b) Supra ead. part . §. 3. & §. 4. n. 18. cum seq. , by vnderstanding after how many sortes an executor may bee appointed , it is an easie matter to collect how diuersly a legacie may be left also .

THE FIFTH PART OF THIS TESTAMENTARIE TREATISE , WHEREIN APPEARETH WHO may bee Executor , and is capable of a legacie , and who not . The Paragraphes or Chapters of the fifth part . WHat persons may bee appointed executors or be capable of a legacie . §. 1. Of an heretike . §. 2. Of an Apostata . §. 3. Of traitors and felons . §. 4. Of him that is outlawed . §. 5. Of an excommunicate person . §. 6. Of Bastards . §. 7. Of him that is madde . §. 8. Of an vnlawfull colledge . §. 9. Of a libeller . §. 10. Of vsurers , Sodomites , and other vicious persons . §. 11. Of an vncertaine person . §. 12.

●HAT PERSON ●AIE BE EXECVTOR OF 〈◊〉 TESTAMENT , OR IS CApable of a legacie . The fifth part .

Euery one may be executor which is not forbidden .

The testator may omit or exclude his owne childe , and make others executors .

The testator may make executors either bonde men or free .

Not onely lay men but Clearkes also may bee made executors .

Women as well as men may be executors .

Infants as well as those of full age may be made executors .

The testator may make his executors either knowne or vnknowne persons .

The testator may appoint executors either one person or many .

§. j.

IN the fift principall part of this Testamentarie treatise is declared , what persons may bee appointed executors , and are capable of a legacie , and what persons are incapable of an executorship or legacie .

Wherein forasmuch as the lawe dooth giue libertie to the testator to appoint whom he will to bee his executor a) a) Tit. de haered . instit . lib. 2. Instituc . in princ . Benedict . de Capra . Tract . regul. & fal . verb. executor . , and likewise to giue legacies to whom he will , certaine persons excepted b) b) §. legari . Instit. de lega . : This may be deliuered for a rule , that euerie person may be an executor , and is capable of a legacie sauing such as are forbidden c) c) Minsing . in d. tit . de haered. instit . in prin. pract . Petr. de Ferrar. in forma libelli , ad reddend . ration . Tutel . §. an ●●ecutores . n. 1. . Now what persons these be which are forbidden , shal streight way bee shewed , after the view of the greatnes of the testators libertie in appointing his executors .

First , it is to be vnderstood that this libertie of the testator is so large & ample , that albeit the testator haue children of his owne , naturally and lawfully begotten , yet by the lawes & customes of this realme , he maie appoint others to be his executors ; secretly omitting , or openly excluding his owne children d) d) Bract de consuetud . & leg . Angl. lib. 2. c. 26. Tract . de repub. Angl. lib. 3. c. 7. vnde perspicuum est , nullum ferè vsum apud nos manere huiusmodi titulorum iuris ciuilis , viz. de exhaeredac . liberorum . lib. 2. Instituc . de lib. & posthu . haered . instituend . vel exhaeredand . ff. & de in offic. test . ff. Instit. & C. vnà cum pluribus alijs eiusdem farinae , cùm titulis , tum legibus . .

Secondly , the testator hath libertie to appoint executors , not onely those which be free , but also bondmen , or villeines e) e) Lib. 2. Instit. tit. de haered. instituend . in prin. Litleton . tit. villenage . fol. ●0 . Brook Abridg . tit. villein . n. 68. Et licèt iure ciuili seruus institui quidem potest , non executor , vt per Bald. in L. id quod C. de episcopis & cler. n. 3. Tamen iure quo nos vtimur , institui possunt serui nostrates executores , vt per Litleton & Brook . vbi supra . Quinimo eodem iure ciuili seruus constitui potest nudus executor . Io. de Canib . Tract . de exec. vlt. volunt . part. 1. q. 3. n. 47. , either his owne villeine , or the villeine of another f) f) d. tit . de haered. instit . in prin. . And if the testator do make his owne villeine executor , he doth manumit , or deliuer his villeine from bondage g) g) Io. de Platea . in d. tit . in prin. : And if anothers villeine bee made executor , such villeine may as executor haue action against his owne Lorde , in case he were indebted to the testator h) h) Litleton . tit. villenage fol. 40. Brook . tit . villein n. 68. , because hee shall not recouer the debt to his owne vse , but to the vse of the testator i) i) Litleton . vbi supra . & sic nota quod non obtinet ius ciuile , quo seruus alienus institutus acquirat domino . §. alienus . Instit. de haered. instit . .

Thirdly , the testator hath libertie to appoint his executors , not onely laymen , but Clearkes also k) k) Imo etiam religiosos obtenta licentia Fitzh . tit. execut . n. 47. Brook . eod. tit. n. 63. 77. .

Fourthly , the testator may make executors , not onelie men , but also women l) l) Couar . in c. tua . de testa . extr. Et est communis opinio . Peckius de testa . coni●g . lib. 1 c. 20. , either single or maried m) m) Peckius . d. c. 20. Fitzh . & Brook . d. tit . executor . .

Fiftly , the testator hath power to appoint executors , not onely persons of ful age , but also infants (n) (n) Brook Abridg. tit . executor . n. 115. tit . couerture . n. 56. : and the act done by the infant as executor , as the releasing of the debt due to the testator , or the selling or distributing of the testators goods , is saide to be sufficient (o) (o) Brook . vbi supra . & sic non recipitur iuris ciuilis disciplina , quâ minor 17. annis non admittitur executor . in law . And here note , by the lawes of this realme , euery one is accounted infant vntill he be xxi . yeares old (p) (p) Doct. & Stud. lib. 1. c. 21. lib. 2. c. 28. . But if the infant be so yong that he hath no discretion ( for it is not onely lawfull to make such an one executor , but also the childe in the mothers wombe , and vnborne at the death of the testator (q) (q) L. placet . ff. de lib. & posthu . quae lex etsi loquatur de haeredis institutione , idem tamen iuris vel in executoris constitutione , passim ab Anglis obseruari notoriè constat , quicquid dixerit ius ciuile . ) In that case the ordinarie , or other to whom the approbation of the testament appertaineth , after the birth of the childe dooth commit the execution of the will to the tutor of the childe , for the childes behoofe , vntill hee be able to execute the same himselfe , the which tutor hath authoritie to deale as executor vntill the childe bee able to vndertake the executorship r) r) Quod sine vlla contradictione saepissimè obseruatur , saltem infra prouinciam Eborac . .

Sixtly , it is lawfull for the testator not onelie to appoint his knowne friendes and acquaintance his executors , but also straungers , and such persons as he did neuer see s) s) §. fin . Instit. de haered. instituend . L. extraneum . C. de testa . vide infra ead. part . §. vlt. & intellige vt ibi . .

Finally , the testator may appoint one person alone , or manie t) t) §. & vnum Instit. de haered. instituend . : manie I say , seueral , or manie representing one bodie , as a Colledge , a Citie , an vniuersitie v) v) L. haereditatis . C. de haered . instit . Minsing . in d. §. & vnum . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. Institutio . q. 20. .

After this view of the greatnesse of the power of the testator in making executors , let vs returne to the restraint of the testators libertie , and shewe what persons are forbidden to be executors , or to reape any commoditie , by a testament or last will .

Of an Heretike .

1 An Heretike cannot be executor .

2 Whether an Heretike may be executor in a militarie testament .

3 What if the Heretike do reclaime his heresie .

§. ij .

AN Heretike can not bee executor ; neither is he capable of a legacie a) a) L. Ariani . C. de haeretic . Sichard . in Rub. de haered. instit . C. n. 5. Minsing . in tit . de haered. instit . lib. 2. Insti●uc . in prin. : and so odious is the crime of heresie , that albeit the partie bee not yet condemned of heresie : neuerthelesse perseuering in his heresie , hee is not to bee admitted b) b) Vasq. de success . progress . lib. 1. §. 2. n. 20. , no not in a militarie testament c) c) L. vlt. C. de haereticis , howsoeuer a souldier hath more libertie in making an executor then another d) d) Supra . 1. part . §. 14. .

And albeit he that is named executor , doo repent and reclaime his heresie , yet being an heretike , either at the time of the making of the testament , or at the time of the death of the testator , or at the time when hee vndertaketh the executorship , he is excluded e) e) §. in extraneis . Instit de haered. qual. & differentia . .

For this is perpetuall , that if any person be incapable , either when the testament is made , or when the testator dieth , or when hee taketh vpon him the executorship , it is as if he were alwaies incapable f) f) d. §. in extraneis . L. si alienum . §. 1. ff. de haered. instituend . Sichar . in Rub. de testa . C. in fin Grass . Thesaur . con. op. §. Institutio . q. 28. : but it hindereth not if he be not incapable at other times g) g) d. § in extraneis . L. sed & si . §. solemus . ff. de haered. instit . ; neither dooth it hinder the legatarie though he be incapable of the legacy at the making of the testament , so that he be capable thereof at the time of the testators death h) h) Bar. in L. non oportet . ff. de leg . 2. Peckius Tract . de testa . coniug. lib. 4. c. 31. Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. Institutio . q. 28. , ( as appeareth more at large hereafter i) i) Infr. part . 7. §. 19. ) the reason of the difference is , because the legacie dependeth of another acte ; that is to say , of the testament , from whence it receiueth his power and vertue , but the testament or appointment of the executor dooth not depende of an other acte , whereby it may receiue either life or strength k) k) Peckius . d. c. ●1. .

Of an Apostata . §. iij.

AN Apostata also is incapable of an executorship , or legacie a) a) L. hi qui secundum . C. de Aposta . : what an Apostata is , and how manie kindes of Apostacy there be , I haue else where declared b) b) Supra §. 2. §. 15. .

That which is heere spoken , is ment of Apostasie , properly so called , that is to say , of back-starting from the Christian faith c) c) Bar. in Rub. de Aposta . C. : to whome I might ioine also Anabaptistes , for they are also incapable of executorships and legacies d) d) L. vlt. de sacr. baptis . reit . C. Minsin . in d. tit . de haered. instit . lib. 2. Instit. in prin. .

Of traitors and felons . §. iiii .

WHosoeuer is conuicted of treason , or felonie , as he cannot make a testament or last will , as is before confirmed a) a) Supra §§. 12. 13. part. 2. , no more is he capable of anie thing disposed by testament or last will b) b) Nam cùm sit damnatus ad mortem naturalem , mortuo aequiparatur , & sic non potest institui Bar. in L. qui vltimo . ff. de paenis . & est com . op. Grass . §. Institutio . q. 5. Vasq. de success ꝓgress . lib. 1. §. 2. n. 13. .

Of him that is outlawed . §. v.

HE that is outlawed , is out of the protection of the prince , & all his goods are forfeited , and is destitute of all the aide of the lawes of this realme a) a) Supra part . 2. §. 21. : And therefore so long as hee standeth in that case , he is not to be admitted to the executorship , nor can sue for his legacie b) b) Fitzh Abridg. tit . adm̄str . n. 3. Sed non existimo vtlegatum penitus incapacem reddi , vtpote quem relegato verius quàm deportato , comparandum putem , ( nam & relegati bona quandoque publicantur : ) sed quia non habet personam standi in iudicio , vtlegatus non est audiendus in iudicio durante vtlegatione . , except it be in such cases as he may make his testament , whereof mention is made before c) c) Supra d. part . 2. §. 21. .

Of an excommunicate person . §. vi .

ALbeit an excommunicate person may be appointed executor , and is capable of a legacie a) a) Phil. Franc. in Rub. de testa . lib. 6. n. 32. quae sententia communiter approbatur , ait Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. Institutio . q. 4. Bald. in L. id quod pauperibus . C. de episcopis & cler. n. 6 , yet so long as he standeth in the sentence of excommunication , he is not to be admitted by the ordinarie , nor can commence anie suite for his legacie b) b) c. intelleximus . de iudic . c. post cessionem . de probac. extr. .

Of Bastards .

1 Three sortes of Bastardes .

2 Incestuous and adulterous Bastardes , are incapable of all testamentarie benefite .

3 Diuerse extensions of this former conclusion .

4 Diuerse limitations of the same conclusion .

5 Difference betwixt the lawes Ecclesiasticall and the ciuill lawe , about the alimentation or nourishment of children , begotten in adulterie and incest .

6 Of the lawes and statutes of this realme , concerning Bastards .

7 Of Bastardes begotten betwixt single persons .

8 Whether the legacie left vnto the Bastard , be presumed to be left for his alimentation or reliefe .

§. vij .

OF Bastards or children begotten out of matrimonie , there be diuers sorts : some are begotten and borne in simple fornication , that is to say , of carnall copulation betwixt single persons , such as at the time of the conception or birth of the childe , may be married together a) a) Couar . Tract . de matrimonio . 2. part . c. 8. §. 4. Iul. Clar. lib. 5. §. fornicatio . . Some are begotten in adultery ; that is to say , of such parents , as both , or the one of them being maried to some other at the time of the birth and conception of the child , cannot then marie together themselues b) b) Couar . in d. c. 8. §. 5. Iul. Clar. §. adulterium . . Some againe are begotten in incest ; that is to say , betwixt such persons as are prohibited to marrie , by reason of Consanguinitie or Affinitie c) c) Couar . in d. c. 8. §. 5. & 6. Iul. Clar §. incestus . .

Bastards begotten and borne in adulterie or incest , are not capable of any benefite by the testament or last wil of their incestuous or adulterous parents c) c) Auth. ex complexu . C. de incest . nup. & DD ibid. Couar . de sponsal . 2. part . c. 8. §. ● . Grass . Thesaur . com . op §. Institutio . q. 7. , which conclusion is accompāied with no smal traine of ampliations & limitations f) f) Petr. Duen . Tract . reg. & fal . verb. filius . vbi tradit regulam 14. ampliat . & 11. limitac . illustratam . , of which companie these are not the meanest .

The first ampliation is , that albeit the incestuous or adulterous father doo name an other person to be his executor , to whom he giueth the residue of his goodes , willing him to restore the same goodes to his incestuous and adulterous childe : this disposition is voide in respect of the Bastard g) g) Barth . Caepol . Cautela . 38. verb. quinta . : ( neither is the executor bound to restore the same , but may retaine the same to himselfe h) h) Couar . de sponsal . 2. part . § 5. n. 7. ) for whereof any person is not capable directly or by himselfe , he is not capable thereof , indirectly or by an other i) i) Duen . verb. silius . reg. 366. : yet I denie not but that the executor maie of his owne liberalitie giue anie goods to the bastard , though not as the gift or goodes of the father k) k) Caepol . vbi supra . Io. Dilect . de arte testandi . tit. 1. cautela 14. n. 8. Couar . vbi supra . .

The second ampliation is , that albeit the father should appoint his incestuous or adulterous childe his executor , willing him to bestowe his goodes on such a person , who of likelihoode would neuer demaund the same : as if he should will his executor to giue his goodes to the Emperour , or to the Turke , if hee should in person come into England to receiue the same ; this is but a fraudulent cautele , whereby the executor might haue some colour stil to retaine the same in his owne handes l) l) Alex. in L. cogi . §. hi qui solidi . ad Trebel . ff. Caepol . d. cautela . 38. Io. Dilect . de arte testandi . d. cautela 14. : And therefore by reason of this fraude the disposition is voide , at least so farre as it dooth respect the benefite of the executor m) m) Bald. consil. 399. vol. 2. Imol. in L. in tempus , de haered. instit . ff. Alex . Dilect . & Caepol . vbi supra . .

The third ampliation is , that euen he which is begotten and borne in adulterie , much more he which is begotten and borne in incest , is not onely incapable in respect of his fathers testament , but is also excluded from all testamentarie benefite by his mother n) n) Couar . Epitom . despousal . 2. part . c. 8. n. 15. .

The fourth ampliation is , that the disposition is voide , ipso iure , which is made in fauour or for the benefite of incestuous or adulterous bastardes o) o) Duen . d. reg. 366. am . pliac . 4. .

The fift ampliation is , that although the incestuous or adulterous bastard , be possessed of the thing to him bequeathed ; yet he cannot retaine or prescribe the same by that title p) p) Bald. in L. id quod pauperibus . C. de episcopis & cler. per gloss . in L. nemo . ff. de vsucap Duē . d. reg. 366. ampl . 5 .

The sixt ampliation is , that the adulterous , and especially the incestuous bastarde is excluded , not onely by the ciuill and ecclesiasticall lawes , but also by the lawe of God q) q) Augustin vt habet 35 q. 7. c. quid est . Duen . d reg. ampliac . 2. ; but whether this ampliation be true or not , I leaue to the consideration of the reuerent diuines . Diuers other ampliations also there bee of this conclusion r) r) De quibus Duen . d. reg. 366. Barth . Caepol . cautela . 38. & Io. Dilect . cautela . 14. , which I omit , because they seeme to repugne the lawes of this realme . Nowe to the limitations .

The limitations of the former conclusion are these : First these incestuous and adulterous bastards may be executors vnto anie other person , sauing vnto their naturall parents , and are likewise capable of anie legacie , or deuise bequeathed vnto them by anie other , sauing by their owne parents s) s) Gloss. in Authen . quib . mod. na. effic fin . §. fin . Clar. § testm q. 31. n. 4. Panor . in c. cùm haberet . De eo qui dux . in matrimo . quam pol. extr. ; euen vnto their incestuous or adulterous brethren , they maie bee executors , or receiue anie other testamentarie benefite from them t) t) Duen . verb. filius . reg. 366. limit . 10. Afflict . decis . 96. .

The second limitation is , when they are appointed nude Executors v) v) Simo de Praetis . de Interp. vlt. vol. lib. 5. fol. 17. n. 27. Nec obstat quod dicitur per incapacem nihil posse capi . quia attento iure Can. spurius etiam incestuosus non est om●ino incapax , vtpote , cui alimenta licitum est relinquere . Duen . d. reg. 366. limitac 9. , that is to say , when they doo not reape anie commoditie by the testament x) x) Io. de Athon . in legatin . libertatem . de executor . test . , for then they may be executors euen to their owne naturall parents .

Thirdly , by the lawes ecclesiasticall they are also capable of so much of that which is bequeathed vnto them by their incestuous and adulterous parents , as will suffice for their competent alimentation or reliefe y) y) c. cùm haberet . de eo qui dux . in vx . quam poll . per adult . : that is to say , for their foode , clothing , lodging , and other meete and conuenient necessaries z) z) L. legatis . ff. de alimen . leg . Caetera quae ad disciplinam pertinent , legato alimentorum non continentur , nisi aliud sensisse testatorem probetur . L. nisi . eod. tit. , according to the wealth and abilitie of the parents a) a) d. c. cùm haberet . in sin . sed neque pro necessitate tantùm ( vt volunt quidam ) sed etiam ad decentiam , constituenda sunt alimenta , si modo sacultates suppetant . Gab. lib. 6. com . conclus . tit. de alimen . concl. 1. n. 31. . And although the ciuill lawe in detestation of this heinous sinne of incest and adulterie , did depriue this incestuous and adulterous issue , of the hope of all testamentarie benefite , though it were left for , and in the name of alimentation , or needfull reliefe b) b) d. Auth. ex complexu . C. de incest . nup. , the rather by this meane to restraine the vnbrideled lusts of some , and to preserue the chastitie of others c) c) L. isti quidem . ff. de eo quod met . caus . in fin . & §. fin . Instit. de noxal . action . : Neuerthelesse , forasmuch as nature hath taught all creatures to prouide for their yong , so that the very brute beastes haue a naturall care to bring vp whatsoeuer they bring forth d) d) Cic. lib. 1. offic. L. 1. §. 1. ff. de Iustic . & iur . : Seeing also in equitie the poore infants ought not to be punished ( at least not to perish for want of foode , by occasion of the fathers faulte , whereof they are altogether faultlesse e) e) Deutro. c. 24. vers. 16. Ezech. c. 18. vers. 20. L. Sancimus . C. de paenis . L. si paena . eod. tit. dist. 56. c nasci . : ) Therefore the ecclesiasticall lawe , whereby not only adulterous f) f) Text. in d. c. cùm haberet . , but incestuous g) g) Dec. in c. in praesentia . de probac. extr. n. 39. Gabr. vbi supra . n. 5. quae opinio communis est contra Bald. in d. Auth. ex complexu . issue also is made capable of so much as is sufficient for needfull and conuenient sustentation , hath preuailed against the rigour of the ciuill lawe , and is to be obserued especially in the ecclesiasticall Court h) h) Idem iuris est in terris imperij gloss . & Panor . in d. c. cùm haberet . Bar. in ● . Auth. ex complexu . Decis . Neap . 164. n. 2. Dec. vbi supra . Duen . verb. filius . reg. 367. , as more agreeable to nature , equitie , and humanitie . And in this respect the lawes and statutes of this realme , in prouiding aswell for the conuenient reliefe and keeping of poore and miserable children , begotten & born out of lawful matrimonie , at the charges of the reputed father or mother i) i) Stat. Eliz. an. 18. c. 3. , ( without distinction whether such infantes were begotten in incest and adulterie , or fornication k) k) Vbi enim lex non distinguit , nec nos distinguere debemus . L. de precio . ff. de pub . in rem . action . ; ) as for the punishment of the mother and reputed father of such vnlawfull issue , are worthily commended , although in respect of the next limitation following , they may seeme not altogether so worthie commendation .

The fourth limitation is grounded in the lawes of this realme , which doo permit euerie man , both by deede made and executed during their liues l) l) Perkins . tit. graunts . fol. 11. Bract. lib. 2. c. 7. , and also by their last willes and testaments to be executed after their deathes m) m) Perkins . tit. deuise . fol. 98. , to giue & to deuise vnto anie their bastards without distinction , all their lands , tenements , or hereditaments , without restraint , at the least more then wil suffice for their sustentation , and much more then they are worthie of . Which thing cannot but redounde to the great preiudice of right heires , considering the daunger whereunto lawfull children are subiect , and which they doo manie times sustaine , through forcible ●latteries of vile dissembling harlots , no lesse voide of all modestie , then full fraught with all kinde of subtiltie , with whose sweete poison and pleasant sting manie men are so charmed and inchaunted n) n) Videas c. 5. Prouerb . Salom. , that they haue neither power to hearken to the iust petitions of a vertuous wife , praying and crauing for her children , nor grace to denie the vniust demaunds of a vicious and a shamelesse whoore , prating and grating for her bastardes ; neuer remembring that when Sara said to Abraham : Cast out this bonde woman and her sonne , for the sonne of this bond woman shall not be heire with my sonne Isaak . Abraham by the commaundement of God hearkened to the voice of Sara o) o) Gen. c. 19. , neuer once regarding ( that which diuers haue diligently noted ; ) that the brood of bastardes are commonly infected with the leprosie of the Sires disease p) p) c. si gens Anglorum , & ibi praepos . distinct . 56. Hinc est ( ait Peckius ) quod Sodomitarum vnà cum parentibus , paruulos etiam coelesti igne consumpsit Dominus , nempe quòd prospexerat paruulos hos idem flagitium admissuros . Pec. in c. non decet . de reg. iur. 6. : and being encouraged with the example and patterne of their fathers filthinesse , they are not onely prone to follow their sinfull steppes q) q) Mali cor●● malum ouum , & metuenda sunt paterni criminis exempla L. quisquis . C. ad L. Iul. maiest . §. 1. , but do sometimes exceede both them and others in all kinde of wickednesse .

The fift limitation is in the bastardes of kings and princes , for a king may ex plenitudine potestatis , make his vnlawfull issue capable of whatsoeuer by will deuisable hee dooth giue or bequeath vnto him r) r) Boer . Decis . 127 n. 17. Duen . d. reg 366. lim. 7. .

The sixt limitation is this , the adulterous grandfather may bequeath anie thing to the lawfull children of his owne vnlawful sons or daughters , or make them his executors s) s) Ias . in L. haereditas . C. de his quibus , vt indig . n 7. & 8. Cui opinioni locum concederem , etiamsi hic Auus habeat legitimos filios . Cùm apud nos nulla sit necessitas instituendi suos , vt supra ead. part . §. 1 ; but so cannot the incestuous grandfather t) t) Bald. in L. si quis incestus . C. de incest . nup. Couar . in d c. 8. de sponsal . 2. part . §. 5. n. 13. .

The seuenth limitation is this , that the testator may bequeath vnto his incestuous or adulterous daughter a competent portion for her dowrie , or preferment in mariage : for this is accounted all one , as if he did bequeath it vnto hir for hir alimentation v) v) Panor . in d. c. cum haberet . n. 5. Bar. in d. Auth. ex complexu , quae conclusio ampliatur per Petr. Duen . verb. filius . reg. 367. ampl . 3. .

The eight limitation is this , that an executor may make the testators bastard his executor x) x) Bar. in L. si his . ff. de vulg. sub . Bald. in L. eam qua . C. de fidei commis . n. 4. Clar. § testium . q. 31. Intellige tamen nisi coniecturae interuenerint , ex quibus fraus praesumatur . Grass . §. Institutio . q. 7. n. 13. .

The ninth limitation is , when the adulterous parents doo solemnize lawful matrimonie together before the birth of the childe y) y) Praepos . in c. tanta vis . Qui filij sunt legitimi . extra . n. 10. Card. eod. c n. 7. Melch. Kling Tract . de caus . inr̄ion . fol. 85. 86. : for example , A married man doth beget a single woman with childe ( for this is adulterie by the laws ecclesiastical of this realme z) z) Card. praepos . & alij , in d. c tanta vis . Kling . vbi supra . c. nemo . 32 q. 4. Panor . in c. transmissae de eo qui cog . consang . vx . extra . Clar. §. adulterium . n. 2. , although by the ciuill lawe it is but fornication a) a) L. 1. C. de adul L. inter liberos . ff. ead. Clar. vbi supra . ) immediatelie after his wife dieth , after whose death he marieth the woman ( for so he maie b) b) Nisi praeter copulam mortis machinatio interuenisset , vel fides data fuisset , quia tunc non valet inter eos matrimonium iure can . c. super hoc c. significasti de eo qui dux . in matr . quam poll . per adul . extr. sed an dissolui possint hodie nuptiae huiusmodi , multum dubito , occasione statuti H. 8. an. 32. c. 38. ) after the mariage the child is borne : In this case the childe is not onely capable of anie testamentarie benefite , but is reputed a lawfull childe , and not a bastarde c) c) d. c. tanta vis . & DD. ibidem . , as heeretofore hath beene disputed more fullie d) d) Supr. part . 4. §. 15. .

Concerning those bastards which are begotten of single persons , such ( I meane ) as may lawfullie marrie together , then in case the mother were a maide , or an honest widdow , immediatelie before such vnlawfull copulation and conception of the childe : This kind of fornication is tearmed Stuprum (e) (e) L. inter liberos . L. stuprum ff. de adul . , and this kinde of bastarde seemeth to be in the same case as if he had bene begotten in adulterie .

If the mother were an harlot before the conception of the child , howsoeuer by the ciuil law such a bastard is not incapable of any testamentarie benefit (f) (f) Couar . de sponsal . 2. part . c. 8. §. 5. n. 15. 16 17. ; yet forasmuch as by the lawes ecclesiasticall (g) (g) c. Nemo . 32. q. 4. Panor . in Rub. de adul . extra . and statutes of this realme (h) (h) Stat. Eliz. an. 18. c. 13. , such copulation is condemned as vnlawfull , and to be punished as vngodly : I suppose that this kinde of bastarde is no more capable of an executorship or legacie , then if the mother had bene honest before i) i) Videas Couar . in d. §. 5. , especiallie if the mother were a common harlot , the testator neuertheles esteeming hir to be cleare from pollution with anie other , and himselfe onely to be the vndoubted father of the childe , whom hee dooth make his executor , or to whom he dooth bequeath anie legacie by the name of his childe , when as indeede he is not the certaine father of the childe , the mother hauing prostituted hir self to the filthinesse of others also . For in this case euen by the ciuill lawe , the Bastarde cannot be executor , nor obtaine the legacie k) k) Bald. in L. quisquis ad L. Iul. C. de adult . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. Institutio . q. 7. n. 10. & infr. part . 7. §. 5. , if not by occasion of the fathers crime , yet by reason of the testators errour and follie , who of all likelihood woulde neuer haue made that childe executor , nor haue shewed himselfe so good a father if hee had knowen the bad conditions of the mother . Where it is saide that the parentes maie bequeath so much to their bastardes as will suffice for their alimentation or reliefe , what kinde of Bastardes soeuer they bee without distinction : It maie bee demaunded not impertinently , nor vnprofitablie , What if the testator doo simplie bequeath a summe of money or some other thing to his vnlawfull childe , not making any mention that hee dooth bequeath the same for the childes reliefe or alimentation : Whether in this case is it to bee presumed that the father did meane it for the childes alimentation or no : but if hee did so meane , the legacie is good , otherwise it is voide . Briefly , howsoeuer in this matter al men are not of one minde , I doo rather subscribe to their opinion , who do hold the affirmatiue l) l) Aymo . Grauetta consil. 219. n. 8. .

Of an vnlawfull Colledge .

1 An vnlawfull Colledge cannot be executor .

2 What is vnderstoode by an vnlawfull Colledge .

3 Whether the Churchwardens may sue for a legacie left vnto the Church .

4 Particular persons of an vnlawfull Colledge may be appointed executors .

§. ix .

AN vnlawfull Colledge cannot bee executor a) a) L. collegium . C. de haered . instit . : By an vnlawfull Colledge in this place , I meane al companies , societies , fraternities , and other assemblies whatsoeuer , not confirmed nor allowed for a lawfull corporation by auctoritie of the prince , or of som other by whom they ought to bee confirmed or allowed b) b) d. L. collegium . Bar. in L. cum senatus de reb. dub . ff. Abbas in c. dilecta . de excess . praela . extr. . Notwithstanding , if the testator bequeath anie goods or money to the parishiōers of any parish to the vse of the Church , such a bequest is good c) c) Lambert . Tract . de offic. gardianorum . fol. 43 Brook . tit . corporation . n. 55. 73. 77. 84. tit . done . n. 17. 50. contra Fitzh . tit. done . n. 1. , and the legacie maie be recouered by the Churchwardens , who albeit in euerie respect they bee not a lawfull corporation , yet in this respect they bee accounted a lawfull corporation , I meane in fauour of the Church d) d) Lambert . vbi supr. : or if the seuerall and particular persons of an vnlawfull Colledge bee appointed executors , they are not to be repelled e) e) Paul . de Castro . in L , cum senatus . ff. de reb. dub . .

Of a libeller . §. x.

HE that is condemned for a famous libell is intestable , both actiuely and passiuely : that is to say , he can neither make a testament , nor receiue anie benefite by a testament a) a) L. is cui . §. vlt. ff. de testam . Vasq. de succes . progress . lib. 1. §. 2. n. 18. .

Of vsurers , Sodomites , and others .

1 Manifest vsurers & Sodomites , can neither make a testament , nor reape any benefite by anothers testament .

2 Whosoeuer is forbidden to make a testament by reason of some crime , the same person is incapable of anie benefite by the testament of another .

§. xi .

AS manifest vsurers , Sodomites , and other criminous persons , are forbidden to make testaments themselues , or to dispose their goods by their last willes ( as is before at large declared a) a) Supr. part . 2. §§. 15. 16. 17. 18. ; ) so are they forbidden to reape any such benefite by the testament of others : for this is a common receiued conclusion , that hee that cannot make a testament or last will , by reason of some crime by him committed , the same person is incapable of any legacie of goodes , disposed by the testament or last will of another b) b) Gloss. in L. is cui ff. de testa . Soarez . lib. rec . Sen. verb. testm. n. 82. referens hanc op. esse com . Idem Iul. Clar. §. testm. q. 43. n. 2. .

Of an vncertaine person .

1 If the testator make Iohn at Stile his executor , and there be two persons of that name , neither of them is to be admitted .

§. xij .

AN vncertaine person cannot bee executor nor legatarie a) a) §. incertis . Instit. de lega . Io. And. Gem. & Franc. in c. si pater . de testam . 6. : For example , the testator dooth make Thomas Lante his executor , to whom also he giueth all his goodes : and there be two persons either of them being called Thomas Lante : In this case neither is to be admitted b) b) Minsing . in d. §. incertis . per L. si quis . §. si inter . de lega . 2. .

Diuers other examples of vncertaintie , with diuers declarations of euerie example , doo appeare in the last parte of this booke , where the reader maie bee more fullie satisfied c) c) Infr. part . 7. §. 6. cum seq. , in what sorte this former conclusion is to be admitted .

THE SIXTE PART OF THIS TESTAMENTARIE TREATISE , WHEREIN IS DESCRIBED THE office of an Executor . The Paragraphes or Chapters of the sixt part . OF the office of an executor . §. 1. Of accepting or refusing the executorship : And first whether the executor may be compelled to accept the same . §. 2. What is to be considered of the executor , desirous to be resolued , whether it were better to accept , or to refuse the executorship . §. 3. Of the time which the executor hath to deliberate , whether he will vndergo the executorship . §. 4. Of the office of an executor testamentarie , vndertaking the executorship . §. 5. Of diuerse questions about the making of an inuentarie : And first whether it be of necessitie that an inuentarie be made . §. 6. What things are to be put into the inuentarie . §. 7. Within what time the inuentarie is to be made . §. 8. Of the forme to bee obserued in the making of an inuentarie . §. 9. Of the effect and benefite of an inuentarie . §. 10. Of the probation and approbation of testaments : and namelie before whom the same are to bee prooued . §. 11. By whom the testament is to be prooued . §. 12. When is the testament to be exhibited & proued . § . 13 Of the maner or forme of prouing and approuing testaments . §. 14. What fees are due about the probation and approbation of testaments . §. 15. Of the paiment of debtes , legacies , and mortuaries . §. 16. Of the making of an account ; and first of the necessitie thereof . §. 17. To whom the account ought to be made . §. 18. Of the time of making the account . §. 19. Of the maner of making an account . §. 20. Of the ende and effect of an account . §. 21. Of the executor refusing the executorship , and what he is to take heede of . §. 22.

OF THE OFFICE OF an executor . The sixt part .

1 Three kindes of executors .

2 Executor by the lawe .

3 Executor by the Ordinarie .

4 Executor by the testament .

5 Diuerse kindes of executors testamentarie .

6 The office of an executor testamentarie .

§. i.

NOwe followeth the sixt principall parte of this Treatise , wherein I promised to set foorth the office or duetie of an executor , I meane of an executor Testamentarie : that is to say , of him that is appointed by the testator for the performance of the will .

For thou shalt vnderstand that there bee † three kindes of executors , or persons which haue to deale with the execution of dead mens willes , and disposition of their goodes a) a) Specul . de Instr . edit . §. nunc vero aliqua . in prin. , euerie of which haue their seuerall offices . The first hath his auctoritie from the lawe , the second from the Ordinarie , the third from the testator b) b) De hac trimembri executoris diuisione in legitimum , datiuum , & testamentarium . Specul . vbi supra . Cui adiungas velim Io de Canibus . Tract . de executorib . vlt. volunt . part. 1. q. 3. n. 22. fol. mihi . 120. .

The † executor which deriueth his authoritie from the lawe , is the Bishop or Ordinarie of euerie diocesse , vnto whom the execution of testaments and last willes , especiallie ad pias causas , ( no executor being appointed by the testator ) hath apperteined and belonged c) c) L. nulli . L. si quis ad declinand . C. de episcopis & cler. c. tum nobis . c. nos quidem . c. Io de Testa . extr. c. statutum . de testa . lib. 3. prouincial . constit . Cant c. statuimus . eod. tit. lib. constit . prouinc . Ebor. , and that not of late time ( as some haue lately diuined , or rather dreamed ) but euer since Christianitie was first receiued , and established by emperiall aucthoritie , or verie shortly after : nor within this realme of England only , where the bishops to whom the approbation of testaments apperteine d) d) Lindw . in d. c. statutum . & in c. ita quorundam de testa . lib. 3. prouincial . constit . Cant. Io de Athon in legatin . libertatem . de execut . testa . Doct. & Stud. lib. 2. c. 28. , haue continuallie by the roiall consent of the godly kings and princes of this realme e) e) c. accidit de immunitate ecclesiasticarum libertatum . lib. 3. prouin . constit . Cant. Lindw . in d. c. statutum . verb. ecclesiasticarum libertatum . , exercised this office , and executed this charge , for , and during so long time , and so manie ages , that ( if I be not deceiued ) there is not anie memorie or ancient recorde to the contrarie f) f) Lindw . in d. c. accilit , qui etsi antiquus sit , non potuit tamen huius antiquitatis initium inuestigatione assequi , nempe cuius regis tem poribus istud primo fuerat concessum , vt ille ingentiè fatetur . , ( I meane since Christianitie was first embraced , and Paganisme abolished : ) but also throughout all the kingdomes and nations within the Christian Empire . For not onelie by the lawes ecclesiastical (g) (g) c. tua . c. nos . c. Io. de testa . extr. , vsed and obserued for many hundred of yeares , but also by the ciuil law (h) (h) L. nulli . L. si quis ad declin . C. de episcopis & cleric . , composed aboue a full thousand yeares since (i) (i) Anno viz. Christi 536. editus est ille Iustiniani codex , in quo leges istae inter alias inseruntur . , this office and charge of executing the aforesaide testaments and last willes hath beene imposed vpon the reuerend Bishops : in the sinceritie of whose consciences all Christian lawes and namely the lawe of this land , hath reposed greater confidence then in other lay people , about the performance of deade mens willes k) k) Perkins in tit . de testamentis , fol. 94. . Hence it is , that euerie Bishop is called Ordinarie , as if other Iudges were in this behalf incompetent or extraordinarie l) l) Ordinarius verò dicitur , qui lege , vel consuetudine , vel principis beneficio iurisdictionem vniuersaliter exercet . DD. in L. more de iur . om̄ . iudic . : Hence also is it that the Bishop is called Executor legitimus , Legall executor , because he onely is appointed executor by lawe , where no executor is appointed by the testator m) m) Specul . in d. §. nunc verò aliqua de Instr . edit . Io. de Canib . de exec. vlt. vol. part. 1. q. 3. Olden . de execut . vlt. vol. tit. 2. .

The executor † which deriueth his authoritie from the Bishop , or Ordinarie , is he whome we call Administrator n) n) Specul . vbi supra . : For when the executor named in the testament , dooth refuse to be , or cannot be executor ; or when no executor is named in the will ; it is lawfull for the Bishop or Ordinarie to commit administration o) o) Stat. Ed. 3. an. 31. c. 21 & stat. H. 8. an. 21. c. 5. , and to annex the wil to the letters of administration p) p) Brook Abridg. tit . testament . n. 20. . And this administrator hauing his aucthoritie from the Ordinarie , is chargeable with the performance of the will , as if he had bene appointed by the testator q) q) Brook Abridg. tit . deuise . n. 35. stat. Ed. 3. an. 31. c. 11. , and is called in lawe , Executor datiuus r) r) Specul . in d. §. nunc . verò aliqua . de instr . edi . Io. de Can. & Olden . Tract . de executore . , because he is giuen or assigned by the Ordinarie , to whom originallie and by law this execution doth appertaine : But with vs he is vsuallie called Administrator s) s) Stat. Ed. 3. an. 31. c. 21. & stat. H. 8. an. 21. c. 5. , because hee is the Ordinaries deputie , or as it were his steward or bailife , to deale and to administer in steade of the Ordinarie ; and in that respect the Ordinarie may cal this his administrator to an account t) t) Stat. Ed. 3. an. 31. c. 11. , and if he will , may at anie time reuoke his office or administration , like as anie other man maie reuoke his attorney v) v) Brook . tit adm̄str . n. 3. & n. 33. sed . si statutum 21. Hen. 8. non obstat quod quaere , et tamen videtur quod ex iusta causa poterit reuocari vt in casu Caroli ducis Suffolciae . 5. Edw. 6. non tamen pro suo libito . .

The executor † which deriueth his aucthoritie from the testator , is he that is named executor in the testament , or to whome the execution of the testament is committed by the dead man : For it is lawfull for euerie one hauing authoritie to make a will , to appoint an executor for the performance of the same will x) x) Supra part . 5. §. 1. . This executor is tearmed Executor testamentarius , a testamentarie executor y) y) Specul . in d. §. nunc verò . & Io de Can. ac Io Old . de execu . vlt. vol. , & hath his aucthoritie immediately from the testator z) z) Plowd . lib 1. in cas. inter Greisb . & Fox . , representing the person of the dead man a) a) Sichard . in Rub. de iur . delib . C. n. 1. Minsing . in tit de haered. instituend . Instit. lib. 2. Zas . in L. si res . ff. de e●cep . & praeind . Doct. & Stud. lib. 2. c. 7. , and may without the aucthoritie of the Ordinarie , enter to the testators goodes and cattels b) b) Plowd . d. cas. inter Greisb . & Fox . , and maie bee conuented by the creditors and legataries of the deceased , as else where is declared c) c) Supra part . 4. §. 2. & infra hac parte §. 3. : And after the probation of the testament , maie also commence sute against the testators debtors d) d) Perkins . tit. testament . fol. 93. Brook . tit . executor . n. 49. , & doth not much differ from him in nature , whose name in the ciuil lawe is haeres e) e) Specul . de Instr . edit . §. nunc verò aliqua . n. 16. Lindw . in c. statutum . lib. 3. prouincial . const. Cant. verb. prius . Tract . de repub. Angl. lib. 3. c. 9. Haddon lib. resor . leg . ecclesi . Angl. tit . de testa . c. 1. c. 18. Adde quae superiùs adnotaui part . 4. § 2. in princip. , sauing that haeres by the ciuil law , is to haue the residue of the testators goods , & maie conuert the same to his own vse , ( the funeral , dets & legacies discharged , ) albeit the testator do not expresly wil that he shal haue the same f) f) L. 3. C. de testam . mil. §. haereditas . Instit. de haered. instituend . L. interdum . ff. de haer. instit . Lindw . in d. c. statutum . verb. effectus . in fin : where as an executor may not conuert the residue to his own priuate vse g) g) Magna charta . c. 18. Plowd . in c. inter Norwood . & Rede . Perkins tit . deuise . c. 8. fol. 97. Litleton . fol. 40. Rip● . in L. cùm silius famil . ff. de leg. 1. n. 21. , nor anie part of the testators goods , more then that which is left vnto him by the testator , or which the Ordinarie shall allowe him for his trauaile and charges , or for some other causes hereafter expressed h) h) Text. in d. c. statuimus . Dom. Gem. in c. religiosus . lib. de testa . 6. n. 9. Doct. & Stud. lib. 2. c. 10. Dyer . fol. 2. & infr. ead. part . §. 3. n. 14. : Insomuch that if the executor die intestate , the testator also from that time shall bee deemed intestate , and administration maie bee committed in this case of the goods not administred i) i) Brook . Abridg. tit. admstr . n. 1. 41. tit . exec. n. 149. Plowd . in cas. inter Grersb . & Fox . .

Concerning the office of him that is appointed executor by lawe , that is to say , of the Bishop or Ordinarie : and likewise concerning the office of the executor appointed by the Ordinarie , that is to say , of the administrator : I doo not heere purpose to entreate , but only of the office of an executor testamentarie .

Of † executors testamentarie there bee diuerse kindes ; that is to say , some be nude executors , such as do reape no commoditie by the testament k) k) DD. in L. si quis . de leg. 2. ff. Io. de Athon . in legatin . libertatem . de executor . testam . : others not meere or naked executors , but are to receiue some benefite thereby , and may commence iudiciall action l) l) Consule Bald. in d. L. si quis . vbi docet executorem dici posse nudum , duplici respectu , vel ob defectum commodi , vel ob defectum actionis . ; and againe , of executors some be vniuersall , and some particular m) m) Olden . Tract . de executor . vlt. vol. tit. 3. & supr. part. 4 §. 18. Bar. in L. à filio . ff. de alimen . leg . : But because I see no great vse of these distinctions here in this place , I shall speake of an executor testamentarie generallie , and as it is agreeable to euerie testamentarie executor , bee hee nude or other wise , vniuersall or particular n) n) De officio executoris in genere , deinde de officio executoris testamētarij , legitimi datiui in specie . Vide post alios Io. de Canib . de executor . vlt. volunt . 2. part . .

The † office of euerie executor testamentarie consisteth in two things : the first is , in accepting or refusing the executorship o) o) Vide Sichar . in Rub. de iure delib . C. & infr. ead. part . §§. 2. 3. 4. . The second dependeth of the resolution of the executor in accepting or refusing the executorship . For if hee doo accept of the executorship , then his office is extended diuersly , but especiallie it consisteth in making of an inuentarie p) p) Infr. ead. part . §. 6. , in procuring the probation and approbation of the testament q) q) Infr. ead. part . §. 11. , in the payment of debts and legacies r) r) Infr. ead. part . §. 16. , and finallie in the making of an account s) s) Infr. ead. part . §. 17. . But if he resolue to refuse the executorship , his office is so much the lesse , consisting onlie in the auoiding of such things whereof mention is made hereafter t) t) Infr. ead. part . §. 22. .

Of accepting or refusing the executorship : and first whether the executor maie be compelled to accept the same .

1 Diuerse questions about the accepting or refusing of the executorship .

2 The executor may be cited to accept , or to refuse the executorship .

3 If the executor being cited will not appeare , the Ordinarie may commit the administration of the goodes of the deceased .

4 If the executor named refuse the executorship , the ordinarie may commit the administration .

5 The executor cannot be precisely compelled to vndertake the executorship .

6 What if he haue alreadie medled with the goods of the testator .

7 Whether the executor refusing the executorshippe , shall loose his legacie giuen vnto him in the same testament .

§. ii .

COncerning † the accepting or refusing of the executorship , three questions maie bee demaunded : First , whether hee that is named executor in the testament may be compelled to vndertake the executorship , or that it is in his power to refuse the same a) a) De hac Q. consulas Henr. Boic . in c. tua nos . de testa . extr. Panor . in c. Iohannes . eo . tit. & Bar. in L. 1. de . leg 2. ff. . Secondlie , what is to be considered of him that is named executor , whereby he maie be resolued whether it were better to accept or refuse the executorship b) b) Infr. §. prox . . Thirdly , how long time , he that is named executor , hath to deliberate and determine of accepting or refusing the executorshippe c) c) Infr. ead. part . §. 4. .

To the first it maie bee answered , that hee † that is named executor , maie bee cited to appeare before the Ordinarie , or other hauing authoritie to proue the will , and there either to accept the executorship , or at least to refuse the same d) d) Boic . Panor . & Bar. vbi supra Plowd . in casu inter Greisb . & Fox . . And in case † either he will not appeare , or appearing † refuse to proue the testament , the Ordinarie or other Iudge maie commit the administration of the goods of the deceased , as if hee had died intestate e) e) Brook Abridg. tit . adm̄str . n. 32. tit . exec. n. 49. 102. stat. H. 8. an. 31. c. 5. ; and the administrators haue action and may administer the goods of the deceased , as if he had died intestate , and their authoritie or act done is good and effectuall in the lawe f) f) Brook vbi supra . & Plowd . vbi supra . in the meane time , vntill the executors vndertake the executorship g) g) Bald. in L. de beri . C. de fidei commiss . liberta . Plowd . in d. cas. inter Greisb . & Fox . , for then the Ordinarie maie reuoke the administration before by him committed h) h) Brook Abridg. tit . adm̄str . n. 33. quod facilitis procedit , cum administratio commissa fuerit ( vt semper solet ) saluo iure cuiuscunque &c. .

But he † that is named executor , cannot be precisely compelled to stand to the will and vndertake i) i) Panor . in c. Io. de testa . extr. n. 3. Olden . de exec. vlt. volunt . tit. 7. in fin . the executorship , vnlesse † hee haue alreadie medled with goodes of the testator , as executor , for then he is not only to be compelled to performe the office of an executor k) k) Panor . & Olden . vbi supr. Boic . in c. tua . de te sta. extr. Plowd . in cas. inter Greisb . & Fox . ; but also if he should refuse , and the Ordinarie commit the administration vnto him : this refusall is void , and he shall be charged as executor l) l) Fitzh . Abridg. tit . execut . n. 35. .

Moreouer , albeit † the executor named , who hath not medled with the administration of the goodes of the deceased , cannot be precisely or absolutely compelled : yet if anie legacie bee left vnto him in the testament , he maie be compelled to stand to the executorshippe , or else to loose the legacie : so that he shall not reape the benefite , if being duely admonished , he refuse the burthen m) m) Quae positio locum vendicat , etiamsi executor sit coniuncta persona , vt habet communis opinio . Gribald . Thesaur . com . op. verb. tutor . Rom. consil. 235. Adde Io. de Canib . d. Tract . de executore . vbi plures enumerat huius regulae limitationes , nempè quod non est compellendus , quarum firmitatem , quia suspectam habeo , eas silentio praetereo . .

What is to be considered of the executor , desirous to be resolued whether it were better to accept or to refuse the executorship .

1 Diuerse things to be considered of him which would be resolued , whether it were better to accept or to refuse the executorship .

2 The first thing to bee inquired in this case concerning the testator .

3 Of the aucthoritie and charge of the executor .

4 The executor may not medle with the landes , tenements or hereditaments of the testator , but the heire .

5 The heire hath not to deale with the goods and cattels of the testator , but the executor .

6 The testator may giue power to his executor to sel his landes for paiment of his debts , or other purpose .

7 What if some of the executors named do refuse , whether may the rest sell the lands according to the testament .

8 Whether the executor of him that had lands in see simple , fee taile , or for tearme of life , maie recouer the rents , fee fermes , or other arrerages against the tenant which ought to haue paied the same in the life of the testator .

9 The second thing to be required concerning the testator .

10 Of the authoritie and charge of the executor of an executor .

11 Whether diuerse being assigned executors , whereof some be dead , the executor of the executor deceased may bee ioined in action with the executor suruiuing .

12 Of the aucthoritie and charge of the executor of an Administrator .

13 What is to be considered about the last will of the testator .

14 Whether the executor maie conuert the residue to his owne vse .

15 Whether he that is named executor , shall lease his legacie if he do refuse the executorship .

16 What is to be considered in the person of the executor .

17 What is to be considered in a wise executrix .

18 What is to be considered in the person of the coexecutor .

19 Whether one executor maie preiudice another .

20 Whether one executor maie sue another .

21 Whether one of the executors maie alone sell the goodes of the testator .

22 Whether the coexecutor after refusall , maie meddle as executor .

23 What is to bee considered in other persons with whom the executor is to deale .

§. iij.

HE † that is desirous to be resolued whether it were better for him to vndertake the executorship , or to refuse the same , muste consider diuers things , whereof some concerne the testator ; some concerne the executor him selfe ; and some concerne the persons of others a) a) Haec & alia quae ab executore deliberante consideranda sunt , tradunturà Io de Canib . in Tract . de executor . vlt. vol. 2 part . q. 1. cum seq. Cui , si place at , adiungas Sichar . in Rub. de iure de lib. C. .

Of those things which concerne the testator , the first and principall thing to be regarded in this consultation , is his substance or wealth .

First of all therefore † it behoueth him that is named executor , to enquire diligently , and to learne certainly ( if he can ) what goodes and cattelles did belong to the testator at the time of his death b) b) Sichard in d. Rub. de iure de lib. C. , and what debtes were then due vnto him : And on the contrarie , what debts he the said testator did owe vnto other men c) c) Cuius rei vtilitas statim subijcitur . .

For † as the executor may enter to all the goodes and cattels which did belong vnto the testator d) d) L cùm haeredes de acquir . post . L. haereditas . de reg. iur. ff Plowd . in cas. inter Greisb . & Fox . , and were in his possession at the time of his death e) e) Cagnol . in L. in precibus . C. de impub. & alijs . sub n. 278. , and hath action against euerie debtor of his testator f) f) ●nstit . de perpet . & temp. action . Terms of law . verb. executor . : So shall euerie one , to whom the testator was indebted , haue action against the executor ( especially hauing an obligation or other specialtie ) so farre as the goods of the testator will extend g) g) L. fin . & . sin . de iure de lib. C. , and so long as the executor hath assets in his hands h) h) Terms of Law . verb. executor . : howbeit , where anie debt is due to the testator , this shall not charge the executor as assettes , because it is a thing in action , not in possession i) i) Brook Abridg. tit . executor . n. 112. : which conclusion is very reasonable , when as the executor hath vsed such diligence for the recouerie : thereof , that he cannot be iustly charged or woorthily blamed for not hauing the same in his owne hands k) k) c. sine c●lpa . de regiur . 6. quod si per cum st●tit , quo minus ha●eat , in eo casu est , de iure ciuili et ●an . ac si in manibus retineret . L. iure ciuili . ff. de cond. & demon . Peckius in c. cùm non stat. de reg. lib. 3. c. 6. & 7. .

As † for landes , tenements , and hereditaments of the testator , they shall descende to his heire , and shall not come to the executor : For by the lawes of this realme , as † the heire hath not to deale with the goods and chattels of the deceased l) l) Doct. & Stud. lib. 1. c. 7. &c. 24 Idem lib. 2. c. 10. &c. 12. termes of law . verb. executor . , no more hath the executor to doo with his lands , tenements , and hereditaments m) m) Doct. & Stud. vbi supra . Tract . de repub. Angl. lib. 3. c. 6. 7. . Albeit , where lands be deuisable by wil , ( wherof we haue spoken before n) n) Supr. part . 3. §. 1. cum sequentibus . ) the † testator maie giue power and authoritie to his executor to sell the same landes , either for the paiment of his debts , or for some other purpose o) o) Perkins . tit. deuise , fol 104. 105. , and the sale made thereof by the said executor is good and lawfull p) p) Perkins . eod. loco . : insomuch that diuers persons being named executors by the testator , though † part of the executors named in any such testament of any such person , making or declaring any such will of any landes , tenemens , or other hereditaments , to be solde by his executors after the death of any such testator , doo refuse to take vpon him or them the administration & charge of the same testament and last wil , wherein they be so named to be executors , and the residue of the same executors doo accept and take vppon them the care and charge of the same testament and last will , it is enacted by the statutes of this realme q) q) Stat. H. 8. an. 21. c. 4. , that then all bargaines , and sales of such landes , tenements , and hereditaments so willed to bee solde by the executors of anie such testator , as well before the making of that statute , as after made , or to be made by him or them onely of the same executors that so doth accept , or hath accepted or taken vpon him or them , any such cure or administration of any such will and testament , shall be as good and effectuall in lawe , as if all the residue of the same executors , named in the saide testament , so refusing the administration of the same testament , had ioined with him or them in making of the bargaine and sale of such landes , tenements , or other hereditaments , so willed to be solde by the executors of any such testator , which before that time had made or declared , or that after should make or declare any will of any such landes , tenements , or other hereditaments after his decease to be solde by his executors , as may appeare by the statute in that behalfe made . Howbeit it is prouided , that the said statute shal not extend to giue power and aucthoritie to anie executor or executors at anie time after , to bargaine , or to put to sale , anie landes , tenements , and hereditaments , by vertue and aucthoritie of anie will or testament , made before the saide statute , otherwise then they might doo by the course of the common lawe , afore the making of the same .

Besides that , supposing the case were such , as the landes being deuisable , the executors had power by testament to sell the same lande , and to distribute the profits in pios vsus : yet after the death of the testator , the inheritaunce shall descende vnto the heire , and shall remaine in him , vntill the executor haue solde the same r) r) Perkins . tit. deuises . fol. 104. 105. . And if the executors themselues doo enter into the landes , after which entrie some man offereth a summe of money or price of the same land , and the executors refuse to take the money offered , because the money offered , is vnder the value of the lande , and the executors intende to sell the same dearer , and so keepe the lande in their owne handes , by the space of one , two , or three yeares , conuerting in the meane time the profites arising forth of the same land , to their own proper vse . In this case , the heire of the testator deceased , may enter to the landes , and put out the executor s) s) Perkins . vbi supra . Brook Abridg. tit . deuise . n. 19. .

As † for rents due to the testator by the order of the common law of this realme t) t) Vide stat. H. 8. an. 32 ▪ c. 37. , the executors or administrators of tenants in fee simple , tenantes in fee taile , and tenants for tearme of life , of rent seruices , rent charges , rent secks and fee fermes , haue no remedy to recouer such arrerages of the said rentes or fee fermes , as were due vnto those testators in their liues , nor yet the heires of any such testator , nor any person hauing the reuersion of his estate after his decease , may distraine or haue any lawfull action to leaue any such arrerages of rentes or fee fermes , due vnto him in his life , by reason wherof the tenantes of the demaine of such landes , tenements , or hereditaments , out of the which such rents were due and paiable , who of right ought to pay their rents & fermes , at such daies & terms as they were due , did many times keep holde , and retaine such arrerages in their owne handes , so that the executors and administrators of the persons , to whom any such rents or fee ferms were due , could not haue or come by the arrerages of the same , towards the paiment of the debts , and performance of the will of the said testator . For remedie wherof , it is enacted by the statutes of this realme , as followeth , viz. that the executors and administrators of euery such person or persons , vnto whome anie such rents or fee fermes , is or shall be due , and not paide at the time of his death , shall and maie haue an action of debt for all such arrerages against the tenant , or tenants , that ought to haue paide the saide rent or fee ferme , so being behind in the life time of their testator , or against the executors and administrators of the said tenants . And also furthermore , it shall be lawfull to euerie such executor or administrator of any such person or persons , to whom such rent or fee ferme is or shall be due , and not paide at the time of his death , as is aforesaid , to distraine for the arrerages of all such rentes and fee fermes , vpon the landes , tenements , or other hereditaments , which were charged with the paiment of such rents or fee fermes , and chargeable to the distresse of the saide testator , so long as the saide landes , tenements , or hereditaments , continue , remaine , and be in the seasin or possession of the said tenant in demaine , who ought immediately to haue paide the saide rent or fee ferme so being behinde to the saide testator in his life time , or in the seasin or possession of any other person , or persons , claiming the said lands , tenements , and hereditaments onely by and from the said tenant by purchase , gift , or discent , in such like maner & forme , as their said testator might , or ought to haue done in his life time : And the saide executors and administrators shall for the same distresse , lawfully make auowrie vpon their matter aforesaid . Prouided alwaies , that this act nor any thing therein conteined , shall not extend to any such mannour , lordship , or dominion in Wales , or in the marches of the same , whereof the inhabitants haue vsed time without minde of man , to pay vnto euerie Lord or owner of such lordship , mannor or dominion , at his or their first entrie into the same , any summe or summes of money , for the redemption and discharge of all duties , forfaitures , and penalties , wherewith the same inhabitantes were chargeable vnto any of the saide lordes , auncestors , or predecessors before his said entrie .

And further , be it , &c. that if any man which now hath , or hereafter shall haue , in the right of his wife , any estate of fee simple , or fee taile , or fee ferme , and the same rents , or fee fermes now be , or hereafter shall be due , behinde and vnpaide in the wiues life , then the said husbande after the death of his saide wife , his executors , and administrators , shall haue an action of debt for the said arrerages , against the tenant of the demaine , that ought to haue paid the same , his executors or administrators ; and also the saide husbande , after the death of his saide wife , may distraine for the saide arrerages in like maner and forme , as he might haue done if his said wife had beene liuing , and make auowrie vpon his matter , as is aforesaid . And likewise it is , &c. that if any person or persons , which now hath , or heereafter shall haue , any rentes , or fee fermes , for tearme of life , or liues , of any other person or persons , and the saide rent or fee ferme , nowe or hereafter shall be due , behinde and vnpaide in the life of such person or persons , for whose life or liues the state of the saide rent or fee ferme did depende and continue : And if the saide persons doo die , then he vnto whome the saide rent or fee ferme was due in forme aforesaide , his executors or administrators shall , and may haue an action of debt against the tenant in demain , that ought to haue paide the same when it was first due , his executors and administrators , & also distraine for the same arrerages vpon such lands and tenements , out of the which the saide rentes or fee fermes were issuing and paiable , in such like maner and forme as he ought , or might haue done , if such person or persons , by whose death the aforesaid estates in the said rents and fee fermes was determined and expired , had been in full life and not deade ; and the auowrie for the taking of the same distresse , to bee made in maner and forme aforesaid .

Secondly † , concerning the testator , it shall be behouefull for thee that art desirous to bee resolued , whether it were better to accept or refuse the executorship , to inquire & learne whether the same testator were executor or administrator to anie other person .

If he were executor , then by the statutes of this realme v) v) Stat. 4. Ed. 3. an. 25. c. 5. Idem iure ciuili in haerede haeredis . L. 2. & 3. de petic . haered . ff. Contrarium in haerede executoris , tàm iure ciuili , quàm canonico , Bar. & alij , in L. à filio . ff. de alimen . leg . gloss . in c. fin . de testa . 6. verb. mortuo . , thou † being executor of an executor , shalt haue actions of debts , accountes , and of goodes caried away of the first testator , and execution of recognizances made in court of recorde , to the first testator , in the same maner as the first testator shoulde haue , if hee were in life , aswel of actions of the time past , as of the time to come , in all cases where iudgement is not as yet giuen betwixt such executors ; but the iudgement giuen to the contrarie in times past , ought to stand in their force . And on the contrarie , the executor of the executor shal answere to others to whom the first testator was indebted , as much as he shall recouer of the goods of the first testator , euen as the first executor should doo , if he were in full life . But the goods which did belong to the first testator , shall not bee put in execution for the debt of the second testator , which goods the executor of the executor shall haue , by relation to the first testator , as immediately executor vnto him , and not by relation to the second testator , executor to the first testator x) x) Plowd . in casu inter Bransby & Grantham . Atque ita soluitur nodus de quo Bar. & alij in L. veluti . ff. de petic . haered . vtrum videlicet haeres haeredis succedat priori testatori , ex testamento vel ab intestato ? nobis enim intelligitur succedere ex testamento , vtcunque●on fuit in primo testamento nominatus , id quod disputandi rationem praebuit . , and so the propertie which the second testator had by the saide relation is taken away , and is in such case as if the second testator had neuer beene executor y) y) Plowd . vbi supr. . Howbeit this is to bee vnderstoode with this limitation , viz. if there bee no executor of the first testator suruiuing . For † if the testator did make diuerse executors , whereof some be yet liuing , that executor of the first testator suruiuing , and the executor of his coexecutor , cannot be ioined both together in one action z) z) Brook Abridg. tit . execut . n. 99. Contrarium in haeredibus constituit ius ciuile , quo si aliquis ex haeredibus decesserit , pluribus relictis haeredibus , hi omnes accipere debent illampartem , quae ad haeredem defunctum pertinuit , familiae herciscund●e actione . L. si familiae hercis . eod. tit. : but the executor of the first testator suruiuing , he alone shall haue action against the debtors of the first testator , and he alone shall be conuented by them , to whom the first testator was indebted , and not both iointly together a) a) Brook Abridg. tit . exec. n. 99. : for the executor of an executor hath not to deale with the goodes of the first testator in this case , that is to say , where there is an other executor of the first testator suruiuing : in so much that where there bee two executors , whereof one maketh an executor , and dieth , his coexecutor suruiuing , which coexecutor afterwardes dieth intestate : yet in this case the executor of the executor may not medle with the goodes of the first testator b) b) Brook Abrid . tit. execut . n. 149. : for so soone as the executor which made his testament died , ( the other suruiuing ) his power was determined or finished by his death , and all the power did remaine in the coexecutor suruiuing , who afterwardes dying intestate , it is in the power of the Ordinarie , to commit the administration of the goodes of the first testator not administred to the next of kinne to the first testator , and not to the executor of that executor which died first c) c) Brook . d. n. 149. & in tit . adm̄str . n. 45. : Much lesse may the executor of the executor meddle with the goods of the first testator , when the coexecutor is yet liuing : And if he doo , the executor suruiuing maie haue action against him for such goodes as he hath of the first testator d) d) Brook . tit . exec. n. 99. . And besides that , the creditors of the first testator may haue action against the executor of the executor in this case , as executor of his owne wrong e) e) Brook . eod. n. 99. . Moreouer , it is to be noted , that the executor of an executor cannot sell the lande of the first testator , who by his testament gaue power to his executor to sell the same f) f) Brook . tit . exec. n. 3. : for after the death of that executor the power ceaseth ; vnlesse diuers being appointed executors , some of them die , or refuse to prooue the will , for then the others suruiuing , or accepting , maie sell the same , as is aforesaide .

If † the partie deceased to whome thou art executor , were not executor to another , but administrator onely : thou art not to succeede in his place in the admin●stration of the goodes g) g) Fitzh . Abridg. tit . adm̄str . n 3. , but a newe administration is to be graunted of the goodes not administred by the administrator to the next of kinne , not of the administrator , but of him that died first h) h) Fitzh . vbi supr. principall grounds . fol. 61. pag. 2. .

There is yet † a further consideration to be had of some thinges , which seeme to concerne the testator , not to be neglected by the executor desirous to bee resolued , whether it were better to accept or refuse the executorshippe , namely the consideration of the last wil and testament of the deceased , & of the legacies and deuises therein giuen : Wherein the executor is not onely to consider , whether the testator hath giuen more then the deathes part doth extend vnto , ( in which case what course is to bee followed is alreadie elsewhere prescribed i) i) Supr. part . 3. §. 17. : ) but also in case † any thing do remaine , the funeral , debts & legacies discharged , the executor may not thinke to conuert the same to his owne proper vse k) k) Magna charta . c. 18. c. statutum . §. statuimus . de testa . lib. 3. prouincial . constit . Cant. Dominic . à S. Gem. in c. religiosus ▪ de testam . 6. n. 9. Doct. & Stud. lib. 2. c. 10. circa medium . , nor any more of the testators goods then is giuen to him by the testator in his life time , or by his will , or which the ordinarie shall allowe him for his labour , or in lieu of some debts due vnto him by the testator , or due by the testator to some other person , and discharged by the executor l) l) Text. in d §. statuimus . Dyer . fol. 2. & fol. 310. . And † if after due admonition to him giuen , he refuse the executorship , or to performe the will , he shall lose his legacie bequeathed vnto him by the same testator , although hee were of kinne , or allied vnto the same testator m) m) Rom. cons. 207 & 235. cuius opinio communis est , vt per eand . cons. 235. & ꝑ Gribald . Thesaur . com . op. verb. tutor . : the reason is , because he is deemed vnworthie the benefite that refuseth the burthen n) n) c. qui sentit . de reg. iur. 6. . Moreouer , l●●re the executor dooth what in him lieth , to make the partie deceased to die intestate o) o) Gribald . Thesaur . com . op. verb. tutor . . But if the executor be not admonished to vndertake the office , then being the testators kinsman , or such a person to whom the testator woulde haue giuen the legacie , though he did not performe the will , he dooth not loose that legacie in not vndertaking the executorship p) p) Ias . Alex. & Sichard . in L. si legatarius . C. de leg . ; neither shall the wife loose her thirds , nor the children their filiall portions in refusing the executorshippe q) q) Auth hoc amplius . C. de fidei commis . Nouel . de haered. & falcid . §. si quis autem . : much lesse shall the creditour loose his debt due by the testator .

After the consideration of the estate of the testator , he † that is named executor must also consider his own person , in whom many things ought to concurre , but chiefly it is requisite that he be prudent , diligent and faithful r) r) Io. de Canib . Tract . de execut vlt. volunt . ● . particula . q. 1. : wherein if there bee anie defecte , I meane if either he be ignorant , negligent , or vnfaithful , he is verie like to finde the office verie troublesome , peruaduenture also discommodious s) s) Io. de Cani . vbi supr. , vnlesse there be certaine hope , that being ignorant hee will vse the aduise of those that be skilfull , and that of a negligent person he will become diligent , easinge himselfe also of such businesse , as might hinder the expedition of this office , and that howsoeuer hee had behaued himselfe in other affaires vnfaithfully : yet in this office hee will haue an honest care , well and truely to discharge that trust committed vnto him , alwaies hauing before his eies , not onely the forfeiture of his bonde , by his vnfaithfull dealing , together with the ignominie by deceiuing the dead mans expectation , but also the daunger of his soule by the breach of his othe : for he must bee sworne to execute the will , and to administer the goods well & faithfully t) t) Hoc viridi obseruantia passim fit notorium , maxime infra prouinciam Ebor. . If † a wife during the couerture be named executrix , there is this further to be considered in her person , that she alone cannot sue for any debt due to the testator , nor be sued for any debt due by the testator , without her husband v) v) Brook Abridg. tit . execut . n. 178. : but she alone may doo any acte extraiudiciall , as the paying of debts or legacies , or the receiuing or releasing of anie debtes due to the testator x) x) Brook . eod. n. 178. : yea the husbande without the wife ( though she alone be executrix ) may doo any extraiudiciall acte , aswell as his wife executrix y) y) Fitzh . Abridg. tit . exec. n. 23. 40. Brook . eod. tit. n. 147. 151. 152. : and therfore if the husband release or remit any debt due to the testator , the same is good and auailable , not onely during the mariage , but also after the death of her husband z) z) Fitzh . & Brook . vbi supra . . But if the wife die , the husband cannot conuert any of the goods and cattels belonging to the first testator to his owne proper vse ; for of such goodes the wife her selfe may make a testament , appointing an executor without the licence of her husband , as is before more fully declared a) a) Supra . 2. part . §. 9. .

Finally , concerning the persons of other with whome thou that art named executor in the testament hast to deale ; it behoueth † thee to haue a speciall consideration of thy coexecutor b) b) Io. de Canibus . Tract . de exec. vlt. vol. particula . 2. q. 1. n. 17. , ( if any be ) least he be an ouermatch for thee , that is to say , whether he be of more experience , and greater wealth then thou art , and namely whether he be a couetous and contentious person c) c) Io. de Cani . d. q. 1. n. 18 . If he be , take thou good heed , for it is to be feared , that † he wil keepe all the goods from thee d) d) Brook Abridg. tit . exec. n. 98. , that he alone will receiue the debts due to the testator , and make them a release , for this also he may doo e) e) Brook . tit . exec. n. 37 : without doubt , if he be such a person , he hath learned this lesson , that one † executor cannot sue another , for possession of the testators goods f) f) Brook . eod. tit. n. 98. , because howe many executors soeuer they bee , they are all but as one person , and no man can sue himselfe g) g) Arg. c. debitum de baptis . extr. L. praeter . ff de tut . & cur . dat . ab his Plowd . in casu inter Panor . & Yardley . fol. 143. : and so the possession of one is as the possession of another h) h) Fitzh . tit. exec. n. 32 ; & herby thou shalt remain without remedie , vnlesse it be for a legacy left vnto thee alone i) i) Brook . tit . exe . n. 104. , or vnlesse thou maist haue some slender remedie before the Ordinarie k) k) Brook . eod. tit. n. 37 . It is also verie likelie , that he alone † wil sell the testators goods : In which case he alone will & may sue for the money due for the same l) l) Brook . tit . exec. n. 66 : but if there be any debt due to be paied in the behalfe of the testator , then looke assuredly that thou shalt be sued as well as he m) m) Supra part . 4. §. 20 , howsoeuer execution may passe against him alone which hath the goods n) n) Brook . tit . exec. n. ●6 . To conclude , if thy coexecutor be such a person , as is aforesaid , a hundred to one he will not suffer thee to partake of the commoditie , but of the trouble thou shalt not auoid but be partaker .

This also is not to be omitted , that † if thy coexecutor doo refuse the executorship before the ordinarie , and thou alone dost proue the testament , yet may he afterwards ( so long as thou liuest ) administer the goods , or remit the debts due to the testator o) o) Brook . tit . exec. n. 38 Dyer . fol. 160 , and thou canst not hinder him ; neither canst thou recouer against the persons by him so released p) p) Brook . eod. tit. n. 37 & n. 117 . After † consideration of thy coexecutor , there is regard also to be had to the rest of those persons with whome thou art to deale , viz. to the creditors and legataries , and to the paiment of debts ; for debts are to be paide before legacies q) q) L. scimus . C. de iure delib . : and of debtes some are to be preferred and satisfied before others , and likewise of legacies , as els where hath bene r) r) Supr. part . 3. §. 17. , and shal be s) s) Infr. ead. part . §. 16. shewed : otherwise it may come to passe that the executor shal be forced to pay out of his owne purse , after he haue spent all the testators goodes and cattels t) t) d. L. scimus . Doct. & Stud. lib. 2. c. 10. .

By the due consideration of those things , viz. First , of the estate or condition of the testator : secondly , of his owne estate ; and thirdly of the coexecutor or other person with whom he is to haue any dealing , it is not hard in my opinion for the executor to collect , whether it is likely to be beneficiall or hurtfull , to accept or refuse the executorship , and to resolue accordingly , at the least if hereunto hee also take a viewe of those things which doo appertaine to the office of an executor , accepting the executorship hereafter described v) v) Infr. ead. part . §. 5. tum §§ . sequentibus . .

Of the time which the executor hath to consult , whether he will vndertake or refuse the executorship .

1 The time of deliberation arbitrarie .

§. iiii .

THe time † wherein he that is named executor in the testament , is to deliberate and determin , whether he will accept or refuse the executorship is vncertaine , and left to the discretion of the Ordinarie a) a) Legatin . libertatem de exec. testa . & ibi Io. de Athon . v●●b . approbatam consuetudi●em . , who vseth at his pleasure , and when he wil , not onely within the yeare b) b) Quod verò annus deliberandi iure ciuili conceditur ( L. cum in antiquioribus . C. de iure delib . ) Illud ita intelligendum , vbi haeres non confecto inuentario tenetur vltra vires haereditatis . Siquidem non tenetur haeres inuentarium facere , si iuri tantùm ciuili attendamus ( L. scimus . §. fui . de iure delib . C. & ibidem Sichard . ) dummodo velit subire periculum soluendi vniuersa defuncti debita : Sed iure Legatin ▪ quo nos communiter vtimur , executor tenetur praecisè ad confectionem inuentarij , nec tenetur vltra vires bonorum . Quare sublata causa , id est , periculo soluendi debita vltra vires bonorum defuncti , per confectionem inuentarij , quam non potest euitare ( vt infra eadem parte §. 6. ) sublatâ ( inquam ) causâ , tollitur effectus , id est , annuale tempus deliberandi : Num velit huic periculo seipsum subijcere ? nam executores quoad confectionem inuentarij , tutorum potius quàm haeredum naturam sapiunt . Lind. in c. statutum . §. inhibemus . de testa . L. 3. prouincial . constit . Cant. verb. prius . , but within a moneth or two , to cite him that is named executor , to accept or refuse the executorship .

Of the office of an executor testamentarie , vndertaking the executorship .

1 Wherein the office of an executor doth principallie consist .

§. v.

1IT † appertaineth to the office of an executor testamentarie heere in England , accepting the executorship ( amongst other things a) a) De quibus consulas velim Io. de Canib . Tract . de executor . vlt. vol. part. 2. q. 1. n. 26. vbi decem enumerat executoris officio incumbentia . ) to cause an inuentarie to be made b) b) Vt infr. ead. part . §§. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. , to procure the will to be proued and approued c) c) Vt infr. ead. part . §§. 11. 12. 13. 14. & . 15. , to pay the testators debts and legacies d) d) Infra §. 16. : and finally to make an account e) e) De quo infr. ead. pat. §§. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. .

Of diuers questions about the making of an inuentarie : and first , whether it be of necessitie that an Inuentarie be made .

1 By the lawes ecclesiasticall of this realme , and statutes of the same , an inuentarie is necessarie .

2 The executor which presumeth to administer the goodes , and refuseth to make an inuentarie , may be punished .

3 The reason of this necessitie .

§. vi .

COncerning the making of an inuentarie , it is expedient to vnderstand whether it bee simplie necessarie that an inuentarie be made , what things are to be put into the inuentarie ; within what time the inuentarie is to bee made ; in what maner ; and what be the effects of an inuentarie .

That † an inuentarie is necessarie to be made by an executor testamentarie , is euident , as well by the lawes ecclesiasticall of this realme a) a) Legatin . libertatem . tit. de executor . testam . c. statutum . §. inhibemus . lib. 3. prouincial . constit . Cant. , confirmed by continual vse ; as also by the statutes b) b) Stat. H. 8. an. 21. c. 5. of the same : neither † ought the executor to meddle with the goods of the deceased , before hee make an inuentarie c) c) d. §. inhibemus . . And if any executor refuse to make an inuentarie , & neuerthelesse presume to administer the goodes of the deceased , he may be punished at the discretion of the Bishop or Ordinarie d) d) Legatin . libertatem . de executor . testa . .

The † reason is , least the executor being disposed to deale vnfaithfully , shoulde defraude the creditors or legataries , by concealing the goods of the deceased e) e) Francis . Porcellin . Tract . de inuentario . q. 1. per §. sancimus . de haered. & fal . in Auth. .

What things are to be put into the inuentarie .

1 All goodes , cattels , wares , merchandizes , moueable and immoueable , are to be put into the inuentarie .

2 Leases are to be put into the inuentarie .

3 Corne on the grounde is to bee put into the inuentarie .

4 Grasse or trees growing , are not to bee put into the inuentarie .

5 Whether such things as are affixed to the freeholde , ought to be inuentaried .

6 Whether debts are to be put into the inuentarie .

7 Whether money due for land , is to bee put into the inuentarie .

§. vij .

THe † things that are to be put into the inuentarie , are all the goods , & cattels , and rights which were the testators , or did belong , or were due vnto him at the time of his death , whether they bee moueable or immoueable , corporal or vncorporall a) a) Francis . Porcellin . Tract de inuentar q 3. Pract. Petr. de Ferrar. de forma libelli , quo agitu● 〈…〉 tationem Tutel . Sichard . i● §. sin autem . L. fin . C. de iure de lib. n. 9. : wherunto also agreeth the statutes of this realme , wherby it is enacted , that a true and perfect inuentarie be made of the goods , cattels , wares , merchandizes , as well moueable as not moueable , whatsoeuer that were of the person deceased b) b) Stat. H. 8. an. 21. c. 5. : and therefore † leases ought not to be omitted foorth of the inuentarie c) c) Cattalla et●nim sun● realia . Termes of law . verb. chattels . , how many soeuer they be .

Likewise † emblemetes , or corne growing vpon the ground ought to be put into the inuentarie , seeing they belong to the executor d) d) Perkins . tit. deuise . fol. 99. & hanc opinionem longaeuus comprobanit vsus , quicquid dicat Sichard . post Angel . in d. §. sin autem . : but † not the grasse or trees so growing , which belong to the heire e) e) Parkins . vbi supra . , nor † things that are affixed to the tenement , and are made parcell of the free holde : such I meane as belong likewise to the heire , and not to the executor f) f) L. accessorium . de reg. iur. 6. huc facit . L. caetera . de leg. 1. ff. in princ . .

The † debts due to the testator are to bee put into the inuentarie g) g) Gloss. in L. chi . ographus . ff. de adm̄str . tut . Quod verum quidem est , si existant instrumenta , aliàs non requiritur , vt inscribantur , donec recuperentur , & in manibus tractentur , vt quae inte●im non rectè dicantur reperta . Lindw . in d. c. statutum . §. inhibemus . verb. bonis . Pract. Ferrar. forma libelli , ad reddendam rationem tut . §. in suo . n. 13. Aequum tamen est , vt aliqua fiat commemoratio huiusmodi creditorum , vtut incertorum , ne sublata penitus corum memoria decepti maneant defuncti creditores , liberi , legatarij , vel alij interesse habentes in ea parte . . But the debts due by the testator , they need not to be put into the inuentarie h) h) Lind. in d. c. statutum , & Ferrar. vbi supra . : and if any such debts be put into the inuentarie the Ordinarie shall do well to make diligent examination , whether the testator did owe any such : for many times debtes are thrust into the inuentarie which are not due by the testator , and so the legataries and children of the deceased , are often defrauded , at least of some part of their due , by the vnfaithfulnesse of the executor , and negligence of the Ordinarie , or his officer .

Landes † , tenements , and hereditamentes , with their appurtenances , such I meane as doe not belong to the executor , but descend to the heire , are not to be put into the inuentarie : Insomuch that if the testator will by his testament or last will , that the same lands be solde : In this case by the statutes of this realme , neither shall the money thereof comming , nor the profites of the saide landes for any time , be accounted as any of the goodes or cattelles of the person deceased i) i) Stat. H. 8. an. 21. c. 5. : and consequently are not to be put into the inuentarie .

Within what time the inuentarie is to be made .

1 The time for making and exhibiting the inuentarie , is left to the moderation of the ordinarie .

2 The inuentarie ought to bee made before the executor meddle with the testators goodes , except in some cases .

§. viij .

THe † time appointed for the making and exhibiting of the inuentarie , by the lawes ecclesiasticall of this realm , is left to the discretion and moderation of the Ordinarie a) a) Text. in c. statutum . §. inuentarium . tit. de testa . lib. 3. prouincial . constit . Cant. vnde palam est non obtinere ius ciuile , quo haeres ad perficiendum inuentarium quandoque 66. dies , quandoque annum habeat , maxime si incipiat intra mensem à mor te defuncti . Sichard . in L. fin . §. sin autem . C. de iure delib . , who may appoint a shorter or longer time , as the distance of the place where the goodes remaine , being more or lesse , together with other circumstances , shall minister occasion b) b) Lind. in c. statutum . verb. arbitrio . .

And † if the ordinarie doo not appoint a time , the executor had neede to beware , that he doo not administer the goodes of the deceased , vntill he haue caused an inuentarie to be made : For how soeuer the acte of him that is named executor , is saide to holde in lawe before the prouing of the will c) c) Plowd . in cas. inter Greisb . & Fox . , and the making of the inuentarie d) d) Lindw . in d. c. statutum . verb. prius . in fin . illius gloss . : neuerthelesse , hee that so presumeth to meddle and administer as executor before he make an inueniarie , is subiect to ecclesiasticall punishment e) e) Legatin . libertatem . de executor . testam . , vnlesse it be for doing such things , as cannot be deferred till the inuentarie be made ; as for intermedling about the funerals , or disposing of such thinges as cannot bee preserued with keeping , and such like f) f) Io. de Athon . in d. legatin . libertatem . verb. inuentarium . d. c. statutum . §. inhibemus . in text . & in gloss . .

Of the forme to be obserued in the making of an inuentarie .

1 What persons ought to be present at the making of the inuentarie .

2 Whereof the inuentarie is to be made .

3 Inuentarie indented .

4 Of the othe of the executor about the inuentarie .

5 The goods and cattelles are to be valued .

6 Of the auncient forme of preising the goodes .

§. ix .

BY the statutes of this realme a) a) Stat. H. 8. an. 21. c. 5. , it is thus enacted concerning the forme to be obserued by the executor testamentarie in making of an inuentarie ; viz. that the † executor or executors , named by the person deceased , calling or taking vnto him or them of such persons two at the least , to whom the person dying was indebted , or made any legacie , & vpon their refusall or absence two other honest persons , in their presence & by their discretions shall make , or cause to be made , a true and perfect inuentarie † of all the goodes and cattels , wares and merchandizes , as well moueable as not moueable , whatsoeuer that were of the said persons so deceased ; and the † same shal cause to be indented , whereof one part shall be by the saide executor vpon † his othe to bee taken before the Bishops ordinaries , their officials , & ordinaries , or other person hauing power to take probate of the testament , vpon the holy Euangelist to be good and true ; and the same one part indented shall present and deliuer into the keeping of the said bishop , ordinarie , or ordinaries , or other person hauing power to take probate of testaments ; and the other part of the saide inuentarie indented , to remaine with the executor : and that no bishop , ordinary , or other person whatsoeuer , hauing aucthoritie to take probate of testaments , vpon paine in the saide statute conteined ( viz. tenne pound ) doo refuse to take any such inuentarie to him or them presented or tendered , to be deliuered , as is aforesaide .

Thus farre the statute , whereunto it may be added , that † it is not sufficient to make an inuentarie , conteining all and singular the goods of the deceased , vnlesse the same be particularly valued and praised b) b) Bar. in L. fin . C. de magist . conuen . Hoc addito . quòd quoad confectionem inuentarij executores magis assimulantur tutoribus , quàm haeredibus , vt superiùs adnotaui ex Lind. in c. statutum . §. in hibemus . de testa . lib. 3. prouincial . constitu c. Cant. verb. prius . by some honest and skilfull persons , to be the iust value thereof in their iudgements and consciences , that is to say , at such price as the same may be solde for at that time c) c) De probatione rei mobilis vel immobilis , vide Mascard . Tract . de probac. verb. valor . .

In ancient † time amongst many other solemnities of inuentaries d) d) De quibus DD. in L. fin . §. sin autem . C. de iure delib . , this order was obserued : First of all the moueable goodes were inuentaried and praised , as houshold stuffe , corne , and cattell , &c. then the immoueable , as leases of groundes or tenements , after that the debts due to the testator were set downe e) e) Franc. Porcel . Tract . de inuentario . , which order is for the most parte obserued at this time here in England : sauing that some doo omit leases , wherein they do amisse f) f) Supra ead. part . §. 7. : others praise them among the moueables : but it were better to praise them seuerally .

Of the effect and benefite of an inuentarie .

1 The goodes conteined in the inuentarie are presumed to be in the hands of the executor .

2 The testator is presumed to haue no more goodes then are described in the inuentarie .

3 Whether sufficiencie of goodes bee presumed when there is no inuentarie .

§. x.

DIuerse be the effects and benefites of an inuentarie a) a) Quorum Castrensis quinque , Minsingerus septem . ostendit : ille in d. L. scimus , iste in §. sed nostra . Instit. de haered. qual. & differentia . Sed hotum maxima pars nostratibus parum prodest . , this one I thought good to note , namely , that † all such goodes and cattels as are conteined in the inuentarie , are presumed to haue belonged to the testator , and after his death to belong , and to be in the power of the executor b) b) L. scimus . §. legitima . C. de iure delib . & ibi Sichard . . And on the † contrarie , that no more goodes , and cattels , are presumed to haue belonged to the testator then are conteined in the inuentarie c) c) Bald. & Sichard . in d. §. legitima . .

And therefore if any creditor or legatarie doo affirme , that the testator had any more goodes then be comprised in the inuentarie , he must proue the same ; otherwise the Iudge is to giue credite to the inuentarie , being made in maner and forme aforesaide d) d) Alciat . Tract . de praesump . reg. 3. praes. 20. Mascard . de probac. concl. 939. . Although indeed when † the executor entereth to the goodes of the deceased , and maketh no inuentarie therof , nor wil not suffer the quantitie thereof to be knowen : In that case our lawe presumeth , that the testator ●ad sufficient to discharge , not onely all his debts , but all his legacies also e) e) Bald. in L. filium . C. famil . herciscund . n. 37 Sichard . in L. fin . §. & si praefatam . C. de iure delib . n. 1. .

Of the probation and approbation of testaments and namely before whom they are to be proued .

1 Diuers questions about the probation of testaments .

2 Testaments are to be prooued before the Bishop or Ordinarie .

3 Certaine cases wherein testaments are to be proued before others , then before the Bi●hop .

4 Of the prerogatiue of either Arch●ishop .

5 What is ment by Notable goods .

§. xi .

COncerning † the probation and approbation of testaments , these things are chiefly to bee enquired , before whome the testament is prooued , by whom , when , howe , and what fees hee due in that behalfe .

The person † before whom the testament is to be proued , is the Bishop of the Dioces , where the testator dwelled a) a) Legatin . libertatem . de execut . testam . c. item quia . c. statutum . de testa . lib. 3. prouincial . const. Cant. c. statuimus . lib. prouincial . constit . Ebor. & Lindw . in d. c. statutum . Doct. & Stu. lib. 2. c. 28. Perkins . tit. testament . fol. 94. Trac . de repub. Angl. lib. 3. c. 7. stat. H. 8. an. 21. c. 5. , or his officer b) b) Perkins . vbi supra . Fitzh . Abridg. tit . testament . n. 3. Brook . eod. tit. n. 12. c. fin . de fide instr . extr. Sichard . in L. 2. n. 3. C. de testa . , to whom by auncient custome obserued this many hundred yeares , together with the roiall consent of the kings and princes of this land , the probation and approbation of testaments haue apperteined c) c) Lindw . in d. c. statutum . verb. ecclesiasticarum libertatum . Qui in d. c. Item quia verb. insinuationem , vbi existimat testamentorum insinuationem , seu publicationem , iure ciuili non pertinere ad episcopos , sed iure tantùm authenticorum , ( quo ius codicis corrigitur , & quod ius authenticum sancitum fuit ab Imperatore Iustiniano vltra mille annos retro numerandos , ) non solùm executio , sed etiam ipsa insinuatio & publicatio , coram episcopis ordinariam iurisdictionem exercentibus fieri potest , vt firmat Sichard . in L. 2. C. de testa . n. 3. : Sauinge † in certaine Signories or Lordships , where the probation and approbation of testamentes of the tenaunts there dwelling , dooth by prescription appertaine to the principall Lord d) d) Fitzh . tit. testament . n. 2. Doct. & Stud. lib. 2. c. 28. : and sauing in certaine peculiar iurisdictions , where by prescription or composition , or other speciall title , the probation and approbation of the testaments of such as dwell and die within those places , dooth appertaine to the iudge of the peculiar e) e) Io. de Athon . in legatin . libertatem . de exec. testa verb. Ordinario . : And sauing where no goodes are bequeathed in the testament , but onely landes , tenements , and hereditaments , or other lay fee are deuised ; and that in such places where neither insinuation , nor inrotulation is necessarie f) f) Supr. part . 3. §. 3. : And sauing † where the partie deceased at the time of his death had notable goods extant in diuerse diocesses or iurisdictions , for the probation , approbation , and insinuation or publication of the last willes and testaments of such persons , doth appertaine to the Archbishop or metropolitan , within whose prouince such notable goods be dispersed in diuerse diocesses or other inferior iurisdictions g) g) Lind. in d. c. statutum . verb. ad quos pertinet . Perkins . tit. testament . fol. 94. Fitzh . Abridg. tit . adm̄str . n. 7. Brook . eod. tit. n. 48. , whether it be within the prouince of Canterburie (h) (h) Lindw . in d. c. statutum . verb. laicalis feodi stat. H. 8. an. 23. c. 9. & pleniùs per Instrum . & Actorum libros . Curiae praerogatiuae Archiepisc . Cant. , or within the prouince of Yorke (i) (i) Perkins . tit. testament . fo. 94. pag. 2. stat. H. 8. an. 23. c. 9. & euidentius per Instrum . & Actorum libros in archiuis Archiepiscopi Ebor. fideliter per plurimorum seculorum curricula conseruata . .

What † is ment by Notable goods , in this place , or when they are so to be tearmed , diuers authors haue bene of diuers opinions . Some haue bene of this opinion , that if the testator died possessed of goods , or cattels , to the value of fortie shillings , in two seueral diocesses ; then he ought to be deemed to haue notable goodes k) k) Perkins . tit. testament . fol. 94. . Others haue beene of this minde , that the testator is to be deemed to haue notable goodes , though at the time of his death he had but one penie in another Diocesse l) l) Fitzh . tit. adm̄str . n. 7. . Others do not only varie from the former opinions , but are also at variance with them selues , accounting those for notable goodes , sometimes when they extend cleerely to a hundred shillinges sterling : some times when they extend to ten pounde eleuen shillings , vj. pence : sometimes when they extend to xxiij . pound three shillings , farthing , & not vnder m) m) Lindw . in d. c. statutum . verb. laicis . . Finally , others are of this iudgement , that he is said to haue notable goods , which hath goods to the value of ten pounde of currant money of England , dispersed in diuers diocesses or iurisdictions : and this opinion seemeth to me to be most commonly receiued n) n) Plowd . in casu inter . Greisb . & Fox . fol. 281. .

By whome the testament is to be proued .

1 The testament is to be proued by the executor .

2 Any person hauing the testament may be compelled to exhibite the same .

§. xij .

THe † person by whome the testament is to be prooued , is the executor named in the testament a) a) Perkins . tit. testament . fol. 93. , whom the Ordinarie or other person hauing aucthoritie for the probate of the testaments , may conuent , to the intent to proue the testament , and to take vpon him the execution thereof , or else to refuse the same b) b) Stat. H. 8. an. 21. c. 5. . This may the Ordinarie or other competent iudge doo † , not onely ex officio c) c) L. 1. ff. quemadmodum testa . app. & ibi Bar. n 1. , but at the instance of any partie hauing interest d) d) Bald. & Angel . in d. L. 1. Opinor etiam quòd ad eius instantiam , cui nihil est relictum exhibendum testm. scilicet , vt inde certior fiat , Nunquid legatum aliquod sibi relictum sit a defuncto . gloss . & Bald. in L. 2. ff. quemadmodum . testa . app. in princ . , which interest is proued by the othe of the partie e) e) Bar. & Bald. in d. L. 1. .

If the executor haue not the testament in his custodie , but some other person , then may such person be compelled to exhibit the same f) f) L. 1. in prin. & §. hoc interdict . ff. de Tab. exhibend . . And it is sufficient to proue that once he had it , for he is presumed still to haue the same , vnlesse he affirme vpon his othe , that the same is not in his possession g) g) Alex. in L. 2. C. de testa . n. 3. verb. tamen . .

When the testament is to be exhibited and prooued .

1 The testament is not to bee proued whiles the testator liueth , but after his death .

2 If it be vnknowen whether the testator be dead or aliue , whether may his testament be proued .

§. xiii .

IF † the testator bee yet liuing , the Iudge may not proceede to the prouing and publishing of his testament a) a) L. 2. §. si dubitetur . in fin . ff. quemadmodum testa . app. , at the petition either of the executor , or any other , sauing at the request of the testator himselfe b) b) Bar. in d. §. si dubitetur . Sichard . in L. 2. C. de tes●a . .

If the testator bee dead , the Iudge maie proceede to the prouing of the will c) c) L. 2. C. de testam . & DD. ibidem . : and the time of exhibiting and proouing the same , is left to his discretion , and he may appoint a longer or a shorter time , according as the place is further distant , or nearer , or as other due circumstances shall induce him d) d) L. 2. §. vtrum . ff. quemadmodum testa . app. .

If † it be vnknowen whether the testator be liuing or dead : For as much as some are of opinion , that euery man is presumed to liue till he be an hundred yeares olde e) e) Quam opinionem ( tanquam communem ) acriter defendit Viuius . Thesaur . com . op. verb. viuere . Molinaeum haereticum appellans qui contrariam crebr●orem dixit . : it seemeth by this opinion , that the Iudge may not in the meane time proceede to the publication of the testament , vnlesse there be lawfull proofe , or sufficient prescription for the testators death . On the contrarie , others are of opinion , that a man is not presumed to liue so long , that is to say , vntil he attaine to an hundred yeares f) f) Quorum opinionem magis communem refert Molinaeus in Apostil . ad Alex. consil. 1. vol. 5. n. 24. , for that men commonlie die betwixt lx , and lxx . yeares of their age g) g) Franc. Herculan . de probac. negatiuae . n. 290. pro quo sacir . Psalmus 89. : and so by their opinion , it seemeth that the will may be prooued after the age of seuentie yeares , of him that is absent , for that hee is not then presumed to be liuing .

I suppose if a man be absent , and no certaine proofe of his death , or life , that the will maie be prooued , and that the testament it selfe is a presumption of his death in this case h) h) Ias . & Sic●ard . in d. L. 2. C. de testa . alter . n. 7. alter . n. 8. .

Of the maner of proouing Testaments .

1 The forme of proouing testaments , is twofold .

2 Of the vulgar forme .

3 Of the forme of lawe .

4 Of the difference betwixt the vulgar and the legall forme .

5 Of a thirde forme of probation of testaments .

6 Of the othe and bond of the executor .

§. xiiij .

THat it is necessarie for the proofe of testaments , that there be either witnesse or writing , is alreadie declared a) a) Supra p●rt . 4. §. 1. : Also what number of witnesses , and what maner of writing is sufficient , is likewise declared b) b) Supra d. part . 4. §. 25. 26. : wherfore in this place , I ●hall not neede to speake , sauing onely of the manner of procee●ing in the probation and approbation of testaments .

This † maner and forme therefore heere in England , is of two sortes , the one is called the vulgar or common forme , the other is tearmed , the solemne forme , or forme of law c) c) Ad imitationem confirmationis , quae nunc fit in forma communi , nunc in forma solenni , & specifica . Molin . in consuet. Paris . §. 5. Alex. consil. 123. vol. 4. n. 18. &c. Dec in Rub. de consir . vtili vel inutili . .

The † vulgar or common forme , is more compendious or briefe then the other : For after the death of the testator , the executor presenteth the testament to the Iudge , and in the absence , and without citing or calling of such as haue interest , produceth witnesses to prooue the same , who testifiyng vpon their othes ( viua voce ) that the testament exhibited , is the true , whole , and last testament of the partie deceased d) d) Stat. H. 8. an. 21. c. 5. : The iudge doth therupon , and sometimes vpon lesser proofe , annex his probate and seale to the testament , whereby the same is confirmed e) e) Quae omnia frequētissimà passim obseruatione fieri est manifestum . .

When † the testament is to be prooued in forme of lawe , it is requisite that such persons as haue interest f) f) Bald. in L. 2. C. de testa . n. 2. Sichard . in eand . L. ( that is to say ) the widow and next of kinne to the deceased , to whom the administration of his goods ought to be committed , if he had died intestate g) g) Stat. H. 8. an. 21. c. 5. Et hi quidem , vt videtur , citandi sunt nominatim , licet si incertum sit quis succedere debeat ab intestato sufficit citatio genera . lis omnium , scilicet quorum interest . Sichard . post Bald. in d. L. 2. Kling de testa . ordin . Instit. n. 10. & n. 14. , are to be cited to be present at the probation and approbation of the testament h) h) Aliàs quoad non citatos , nullum facit praeiudicium . Paul . de Castro . consil. 96. vol. 1. Sichard . in d. L. 2. n. 4. Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. testm. q. 61. Kling . vbi supra . , in whose presence the will is to bee exhibited to the iudge , and petition to bee made i) i) Non tum requiritur libellas , vel litis contestatio . Sichard . in d. L. 2 n. 7. in sin . Simode Praetis de interp. vlt. vol. lib. 2. dub. 2. fol. 3. n. 4. by the partie which preferreth the will k) k) Nec . refert an sit executor , vel fideicommissarius , vel legatarius ; vel an futurus sit reus , an actor , quamuis contrarium quoad legata●ium respondeat Paris . cons. 24. vol. 3. sed male , vt per Simo. de Praetis . vbi supra . , and enacted l) l) Bald. in d. L. 2 C. de testa . n. 3. vbi assignat rationem . for the receiuing , swearing and examining of the witnesses vpon the same , and for the publishing or confirming thereof m m Formam petic . vide apud Sichard . in d. L. 2. n. 2. : whervpon witnesses are receiued , and sworne accordingly , and are examined euerie one of them secretly , and seuerally , not onely vpon the allegation or articles made by the partie producing them : but also vpon interrogations ministred by the aduerse partie n) n) Bald. & Sichard . in d. L. 2. , and their depositions committed to writing o) o) Bald. Alex. & Sichar . in d. L. ● . : afterwards the same be published , and in case the proofe be sufficient , the Iudge doth by his sentence or decree , pronounce for the validitie of the testament p) p) Non tamen opus est sententia definitiua in scriptis , sed interlocutoria . Bald. Alex. Castrens . & alij in d. L. 2. .

Which † two formes being compared together , we may easily perceiue the differences betwixt the one and the other : of which differences , I suppose this to be of the greatest moment , that in the vulgar forme , such as haue interest are not cited to be present at the probation of the will , whereas obseruing the forme of lawe , they are to be cited to that ende : which difference of forme woorketh this diuersitie of effect , namely that the executor of the will proued in the absence of them which haue interest , may be compelled to proue the same againe in due forme of lawe q) q) Paul . de Castr. consil. 96. vol. 1. Simo de Praetis . de interp. vlt. vol. lib. 2. dub. 2. soluc . 3. fol. 207. n. 4 & 5. . And if the witnesses be dead in the meane time , it may indaunger the whole testament r) r) Paul . de Castr. d. consil. 96. DD. in L. 2. C. de testa . , especially if ten yeares be not past since the probation , whereby necessarie solemnities are presumed to haue bene obserued s) s) L. filiusfamil . C. de petic . haered . nisi sortè contrarium probetur ex inspectione actorum . : whereas the testament being prooued in forme of lawe , the executor is not to be compelled to proue the same any more : and although all the witnesses afterwardes bee dead , the testament doth still retaine his full force t) t) L. 2. C. de testam . Socin . Iun. consil. 89. vol. 1. Kling . in tit . de testa . ordin . lib. 2. Instit. n. 10. .

Besides † these formes of prouing testaments aboue recited , which are referred to that kinde of probation which is called publicatio testamenti v v De qua in d. L. 2. C. de testa . ; there is yet another forme , which is called apertura testamenti x) x) De qua in L. 1. ff. quemadmodum . testa . app. , which forme doth onely respect written or closed testaments y) y) L. 1. & 2. quemadmodum testa . app. ff. & DD. in L. 2. de testa . C. : in the making wherof , amongst many other solemnities , the ciuill lawe did require that the witnesses should put to their seales , and after the death of the testator , at the opening of this written or closed testament ; the same lawe did also require that the same witnesses should be called by the magistrate to acknowledge their seales z) z) L. 4. ff. quemadmodum testa . app. , or to denie the sealing a) a) L. 5. eod. tit. quemad . . But as we doo not obserue that solemnitie of the ciuill lawe in the sealing of the testaments by the witnesses ; no more doo we obserue that solemnitie which the ciuill lawe requireth in opening of testamentes sealed , vnlesse this may seeme to haue some resemblance with this third forme , de apertura testamenti , which is enacted in the statutes of this realme , viz. that the Bishop or Ordinarie , or other person hauing aucthoritie to take probate of testaments , vppon the deliuerie of the seale and signe of the testator , do cause the same seale to be defaced , and thereupon incontinent redeliuer the same sealed vnto the executoror executors , without claime or chalenge thereunto , to be made b) b) Stat. H. 8. an. 21. c. 5. Crederem tamen huiusmodi verba statuti non referre veterem illam formam de apertura testamenti : sed potius , quoniam multa solent astutè sieri , quando sigillum mortui interceptum est , eapropter statuto caueri , vt sigillum ad Iudicem deducatur , vt ipsius forma ab eodem peruertatur . Materia autem executori statim restituatur . Haddon . de reformac . legum ecclesiastic . tit. de testa . c. 19. , &c.

Furthermore † , it is to bee noted that in what manner soeuer the testament be prooued , the executor before he be admitted by the Ordinarie to execute , and before hee haue the will vnder the seale of the Ordinarie , is to promise by vertue of his othe , and if it be behooful also to enter into bond , to make a true account when he shall be thereunto lawfully called by the Ordinarie c) c) c Statutum . §. & postquam . de testa . lib. 3. prouincial . constituc . Cant. .

What fees are due for and about the probation and approbation of testaments .

1 Where the cleere goodes doo not exceede the value of fiue pounde , onely sixe pence is due to the Register .

2 Where the cleere goodes being aboue fiue pound , doo not amount to fortie pound , onely three shillinges sixe pence is due , viz. two shillings six pence to the Ordinarie , and twelue pence to the register .

3 Where the cleere goods exceede fortie pounde , there fiue shillings is due , viz. two shillings sixe pence to the Ordinarie , and two shillings sixe pence to the Register .

4 What fees are due for the copies of testaments or inuentaries .

5 The penaltie whereinto they fal which offend by extorting greater fees then are here limited .

§. xv .

IT is enacted and established by the statutes of this realme a) a) Stat. H. 8. an. 21. c. 5. , that from the first day of Aprill , anno domini 1530 , that † nothing shall be demaunded , receiued , or taken by any Bishop , Ordinarie , Archdeacon , Chancellour , Commissarie , Officiall , nor any other maner of person or persons , whatsoeuer they be , which now haue , or at any time hereafter shall haue authoritie or power to take or retaine probation , insinuation , or approbation of testaments , or testaments by himself , or themselues , nor by his or their registers , scribes , praisers , summoners , apparators , or by any other of their ministers for the probation , insinuation , and approbation of any testament , or testaments , or for what writing , sealing , praising , regestring , sines making of Inuentaries , and giuing in of acquittances , or for any other maner of cause concerning the same , where the goods of the testator of the said testament , or person so dying , doo not amount cleerly ouer and aboue the value of an hundred shillings sterling , except onely to the scribe , to haue for writing the probate of the testament of him deceased , whose goodes shall not be aboue the same cleere value of an hundred shillings , sixe pence ; and for the commission for the ministration of the goodes of any man deceasing intestate , not being aboue like value of an C. shillings cleare , sixe pence . And that neuerthelesse , the Bishop , Ordinarie , or other person or persons , hauing power or aucthoritie to take or receiue the probation or approbation of testaments , refuse not to approue any such testament , being lawfully tendered or offered to them , to be proued or approued , whereof the goodes of the person so dying , amount not aboue the value of an hundred shillings sterling : so that the same testament be exhibited by him or them in writing , which was thereunto affixed readie to be sealed , and that the same testament be lawfully proued before the same Ordinarie ( before the sealing ) to be the true , whole , and last testament of the same testator , in such forme as hath beene commonlie accustomed in that behalfe .

And when † the goodes of the testator doo amount ouer and aboue the cleare value of an hundred shillinges , and doo not exceede the summe of fortie pounde sterling , that then no Bishop , Ordinarie , or other kinde of person or persons , whatsoeuer he or they be , now hauing , or hereafter shall haue aucthoritie to take probation or approbation of any testament or testaments , as is aforesaid , by them selues , or any of their said Registers , scribes , praisers , summoners , apparators , nor to any other their ministers , for the probation , insinuation , or approbation of any testament , or testaments , or for the registring , sealing , writing , praising , making of inuentaries , giuing of acquittances , fines , or any other thing concerning the same , shall take , or cause to bee taken of any person or persons , but onely three shillings sixe pence , and not aboue ; whereof to be to the Bishop , Ordinarie , or to any other person or persons , hauing power and aucthoritie to take probation and approbation of any testament or testamentes , for him or his ministers , two shillings sixe pence , and not aboue , and twelue pence residue of the same three shillings sixe pence , to the scribe , for the registring of the same .

And where † the goods of the testator , or person or persons so dying , doo amount ouer and aboue the cleare value of fortie pound sterling , that then the Bishop nor Ordinarie , nor other person or persons , nowe hauing , or which hereafter shal haue power or aucthoritie to take probate of testaments , as is aforesaid , by him or themselues , or any of his or their registers , scribes , praisers , summoners , apparators , or anie other their ministers , for the probation , insinuation and approbation of any testament or testaments , or for the registring , sealing , writing , praising , making of inuentaries , fines , giuing of acquittances , or any thing concerning the same probate of testaments , shall from the saide first day of Aprill , take or cause to be taken , of anie person or persons , but onely fiue shillings , and not aboue , whereof to be to the saide Bishop , Ordinarie , or other person , hauing power to take the probation of such testament or testaments , for him and his ministers , two shillings sixe pence , and not aboue , and two shillings , six pence residue of the same fiue shillings , to be to the scribe for registring of the same , or else the same scribe to bee at his libertie to refuse two shillings sixe pence , and to demaund and haue for writing of euerie ten lines of the same testament , wherof euery line to containe ten inches in length , one penie .

And in † case any person or persons , at any time hereafter require a copie or copies of the said testamentes so proued , or of the said inuentarie so made , that then the saide Ordinarie or Ordinaries , and the other persons hauing aucthoritie to take probate of testaments , or their ministers , shall from time to time , with conuenient speede , without any frustratarie delay deliuer , or cause to be deliuered , a true copie or copies of the same , to the saide person so demaunding them , or any of them , taking for the serch , & for the making of the copy , either of the said testament or inuentarie , but only such fee as is before rehearsed , for the registring of the said testament ; or else the said scribe or register to be at his election , to demaund , haue , and take for euery ten lines thereof , being full proportion before rehearsed , one penie .

Prouided alwayes , that where any person or persons , hauing power or aucthoritie , haue vsed to take lesse summes of mony then is abouesaid for the probate of testaments commissions , or administrations , or other cause concerning the same , shall take or receiue such summe or summes of mony for the probate of testaments and commissions of the administrators , and other causes concerning the same , as they before the making of this acte haue vsed to take , and aboue .

And it is enacted † , that euerie Bishop , Ordinarie , Archdeacon , Chancellor , Commissarie , Officiall , & other person and persons , hauing , or they which hereafter shall haue aucthoritie to take probate of testaments , their registers , scribes , praisers , apparators and all other ministers what soeuer they be , that shall do , or attempt to bee done , and attempted against this acte or ordinance in any thing shall forfaite for euery time so offending to the partie grieued in that behalfe , so much mony as any such person abouesaide shall take contrarie to this present acte , and ouer that shall loose and forfaite tenne pounde sterling , whereof the one moitie shall bee to the king , and the other moitie to the partie grieued in that behalfe , that will sue in anie of the kings Courts for the recouerie of the same , in which action , no assoine shall be admitted or allowed .

Of the paiment of debts , legacies , and mortuaries .

1 Many questions about the paiment of debts and legacies .

2 What debts are first to be discharged .

3 Of the debt due to the prince .

4 Of debts due by recognizance and statute merchant .

5 Of iudgements and condemnations .

6 Of obligations .

7 Of billes and bookes .

8 Of debts without specialtie .

9 Whether the executor may allow his owne debt .

10 Of paying part , and receiuing an acquittance for the whole debt .

11 Of paying the testators debts with the executors owne money .

12 Of Mortuaries .

13 No Mortuarie to be taken but in certaine cases , and that vnder a certaine paine .

14 No Mortuarie due where the moueable goodes doo not extend to ten markes .

15 No Mortuarie due , but in those places where they haue bene vsed to be paied .

16 One onely Mortuarie due , and that in the place of the most abiding of the deceased .

17 Three shillings foure pence due for a Mortuarie , where the moueable cleare goodes doo exceede ten markes , but doo not amount to thirtie pound .

18 Sixe shillings viii . pence due for a mortuarie , where the cleare moueable goods extend to thirtie pounde or aboue , and be vnder fortie pound .

19 Ten shillings due for a Mortuarie , the cleare moueable goods extending to fortie pound or aboue .

20 Diuerse persons discharged of Mortuaries .

21 Other interpretations extending and limiting this statute concerning Mortuaries .

§. xvi .

HOw † far the executor is bounde to pay debts and legacies a) a) Supr. ead. part . §. 3. , how the paiment of debts is to be preferred before legacies b) b) Supr. part . 3. §. 16. , how legacies are to be paid out of the deathes part c) c) Eod. §. 16. , howe the deathes part is sometimes the whole cleere goods , some times halfe , and some times but a thirde part d) d) Eod. §. 16. : Also whether in case the legacies do exceed the deathes part , it be in the election of the executor to preferre one legacie before another ; or what other order is to be taken e) e) Supr. part . 3. §. 17. : Al these things are more fully heretofore declared , and neede not here to be iterated . It remaineth † therefore that in this place bee shewed , which debts are first to be discharged , in case there be not sufficient goods and cattels to pay all the testators debts , or whether it be in the power of the executor to pay which debts he will : and if any remaine cleere , then whether Mortuaries are to be paied , and how much is to be paid for Mortuaries .

First † of all therefore , I suppose that the debt due by the testator to the Prince is to be discharged , and that it is not in the choise of the executor , to preferre any other debt due to anie subiect f) f) Magna charta . c. 18. quod verum est non solùm in actionibus personalibus , sed etiam in hypothecarijs , saltem iure quo nos vtimur , vtcunque iure ciuili ex hypothecarijs creditoribus prior tempore , potior iure . .

Secondly † , the debt due vpon statute merchant & recognizance is to be discharged ( if there be assets ) before any personal debt g) g) Quibus enim res obligatae sunt , sunt illi potires quàm creditores , qui personali tantùm actioni incumbunt . L. eos . C. qui potiores in pig . : for that by force of the recognizance , not only the person of the debtor is bounde , but also after the day of payment be expired , the moueables of the debtor may be apprehended and solde for the paiment of the debt h) h) Anno 13. Ed. 1. .

Thirdly † ( if yet there remaine sufficient goods and cattels ) before other personal debts , whether they be due by obligation , bill , or otherwise , iudgements and condemnations are to bee discharged i) i) Brook Abridg. tit . execut . n. 172. Do. & Stu. lib. 2. c. 10. .

Fourthly † , ( if the goods and cattels will suffice ) obligations are to be discharged k) k) Brook . d. n. 172. . And if there be diuerse obligations , then it seemeth to be in the power of the executor , to discharge which obligation , & to gratifie which of the creditors he wil l) l) Brook . vbi supr. Doct. & Stud. lib. 2. c. 10. ; which being done , the other creditors be without remedie , if there be no assets , vnlesse the day of paiment in the one obligation be expired , and the day of paiment of the other obligation is not yet come ; in which case the former obligation is to be first satisfied m) m) Brook . d. tit . exec. n. 172. ; or vnlesse there be suite commenced for some obligation , for then it is not in the power of the executor to discharge an other obligation , for the which no action is brought in preiudice of the former suite n) n) Brook . d. n. 172. : But if there be two obligations , and the two seuerall creditors bring seuerall actions against the executor , he that first obtaineth iudgment , must be first satisfied o) o) Brook . eod. n. 172. .

Fiftly † , after obligations ( supposing sufficiencie of goods ) debts due vpon simple billes , or merchant bookes , or other like specialties , are to bee discharged p) p) Doct. & Stud. lib. 2. c. 10. .

Finally † , if the creditor haue no specialtie , or writing , it seemeth that the executor is not bounde by the lawes of this realme to pay the same , albeit he had assets in his handes ( sauing seruants wages q) q) Brook . tit . exec. n. 87 163. ) because in euerie case where the testator might wage his lawe , no action lieth against the executor r) r) Termes of law . verb. executor . . Howbeit an action of the case may be brought against the executor , vpon the promise or assumption made by the testator in his life time by worde onely without writing , if there be assets s) s) Brook . tit . executor . n. 171. : But if there be no assets to satisfie all these aforesaide creditors , then obseruing the order aforesaid , beginning with the paiment of the debt due to the prince , and so forward , I suppose it is a discharge against the rest t) t) Quod facto inuentario sine impedimento procedit , alias secus si respiciamus ius ciuile . L. scimus . §. & si praefatam , ídque ob praesumptam fraudem . ; otherwise it is daungerous to the executor , if hee pay debts without specialtie before those debts which are due vpon specialtie , or if hee discharge obligations before iudgements v) v) Brook . Doct. & Stud. locis supradictis . , &c.

Bur here it may be demaunded , what if the testator were indebted to the executor , whether may † the executor allowe his owne debt in preiudice of other creditors ? By the ciuill x) x) L. scimus . §. in computatione . C. de iure delib . and our ecclesiastical y) y) c. statutum . §. statuimus . de testa . lib. 3. prouincial . const. Cant. lawes , he is in the same case as other like creditors : and I suppose also that by the lawes of this realme , he may allow his owne debt in preiudice of other like creditors z) z) Plowd . in cas. inter Woodward . & Darcy . licet contratium teneat Brook . tit executor . n. 57. 59. 112. 114. 118. cuius opinio communiter hodie reprobatur , vt non semel mihi nunciarunt iurisperiti huius regni Angliae , non pauci , nec mediocriter docti . , in case he haue made an inuentarie .

Furthermore it is to be noted in this place , that † if the executor pay to some of the creditors part of the debt due by the testator , and receiue an acquittance for the whole , as if the testator be indebted to one in fortie pound , wherof the executor paieth but ten pound , and neuerthelesse taketh an acquittance of the whole fortie pounde , this acquittance shall not preiudice anie other creditor , but for ten pounde onely a) a) Brook . tit . assets . n. 1. & tit . executor . n. 6 .

Moreouer , it is to be noted , that this hath beene deliuered and receiued for lawe , viz. that if † the executor did pay with his owne money so much of the testators debts , as the value of the testators goods or cattels did arise vnto , and retaine in his handes the testators goodes or cattels , then such paiment should not preiudice the other creditors , to whom the testator was indebted , but should charge the executor as assets b) b) Brook Abridg. tit . assets . n. 6. 8. tit . exec. n. 116. 150. tit . adm̄str . n. 38. 37. 51. Lindw . in c. ita quorundam . verb. sibi . de testa . lib. 3. prouincial . constit . Cant. , and therefore that it behoueth the executor to alienate the goods of the testator for the paiment of his debts , if he would bee safe from paying any more debts then the goodes of the testator did extend vnto c) c) Brook . & Lindw . vbi supra . Quibus adiungas Sichard . in L. vlt. §. & si praefatam . n. 11. 12. C. de iure delib . . Howbeit , at this present the contrarie opinion seemeth to preuaile in this our realme , namely , that the executor paying the iust value of the testators goodes to the creditors , maie retaine the same goodes in his hands , which neuerthelesse shall not charge the executor as assets d) d) Dyer . fol. 2. & fol. 187 .

Concerning † Mortuaries , it is enacted by authoritie of Parliament as followeth e) e) Stat. H. 8. an. 21. c. 6. . No † parson , vicar , curate , parish priest , ne any other spirituall person , nor the fermers , bailifes , ne lessees , take , demaund , or receiue of any person or persons within this realme , for any person or persons dying within this Realme , for anie Mortuarie or corse present , ne any summe or summes of money , ne any other thing for the same , more then is hereafter mentioned , ne also shall conuent or call any person or persons before the Iudge spirituall , for the recouerie of any such Mortuaries or corse present , or any other thing for the same , more then is hereafter mentioned , vpon paine to forfait for euery time so demanding , receiuing , taking or conuenting , or calling any such person or persons before any spirituall Iudge , so much value as they shall take aboue the same limited by this acte . And ouer that fortie shillings to the partie grieued contrarie to this act ; for the which forfaiture , the partie so grieued contrarie to this acte , shall haue an action of debt by write , will , plaint or information , in any of the Kinges Courtes wherein no wager of law &c. shal be allowed .

First † it is enacted , that no maner of Mortuarie shall be taken or demaunded of any such person whatsoeuer he be , which at the time of his death hath no moueable goodes vnder the value of ten marke .

Also † that no Mortuarie shall be giuen or demanded from henceforth of any maner person , but onely in such place as a Mortuarie heretofore hath bene vsed to be paid and giuen , and in those places none otherwise but after the rate and forme hereafter mentioned .

Ne † that any person pay Mortuaries in more places then one , that is to say , in the place of their most dwelling and habitation , and there but one Mortuarie .

Nor † no parson , vicar , curate , parish priest , r other , shall for any person dying , or dead , & being at the time of his death of the value of moueable goods of ten markes or more , cleerely aboue his debtes paied , and vnder the summe of thirtie pounde , take for any Mortuarie more then three shillings foure pence in the whole .

And † for a person dying or dead , being at the time of his death of the value of thirtie pound or aboue , cleerly aboue his debts paid in moueable goods , and vnder the value of xl . pounde , there shall bee no more taken and demaunded for a Mortuarie then sixe shillings eight pence in the whole .

And † for anie person dying or dead , hauing at the time of his death of the value in moueable goods of xl . pound or aboue , to any summe whatsoeuer it be cleerly aboue his debts paide , there shal be no more taken , paied or demanded for a Mortuarie , then ten shillings in the whole .

Prouided † that no woman being couert baron , ne child , nor for any person not keeping house any Mortuarie be paied , ne that any parson , vicar , curate , parish priest or other , aske , demaunde , or take for any such woman , childe , or for any person not keeping house , dying or dead , any maner of thing or money by way of Mortuarie .

Ne also for any warfaring man , or other that dwelleth not , ne maketh residence in the place where they shall happen to die , but that the Mortuarie of such warfaring persons be answerable in places where Mortuaries be accustomed to be paied , & in maner and forme , and after the rate before mentioned , and no otherwise in place or places where such warfaring persons at the time of their death had the most habitation house and dwelling places , and no else where .

Prouided † alwaies , that it shall bee lawfull to all maner parsons , vicars , curats , parish priests and other spirituall persons , to take and receiue all manner summe of money , or other thing , which by any maner of person dying shall fortune to be disposed , giuen or bequeathed vnto them , or any of them , or to the high altar of the Church , this act or any thing therin mentioned notwithstanding .

And be it , &c. that no Mortuaries or corses presents , or any summe or summes of money , or other thing for any Mortuarie or corse present , shall be demaunded , taken , receiued , or had in the parts of Wales , nor in the marches of the same , nor in the townes of Calice , or Berwicke , nor the marches of the same , but onely in such parts and places of Wales , marches , & townes aforeraide , where Mortuaries haue beene accustomed to bee taken , and paied : and in those parts & places , no mortuaries or corses presents , ne any other thing for Mortuarie or corse present , from henceforth shall bee demaunded , taken , receiued or had , but onely after the forme , order , and maner aboue specified in this present acte , and none otherwise , ne of any other person or persons then is limited in this present act , and none otherwise , vpon paine aboue contained in this present act .

Prouided also , that it shall be lawfull to the Bishops of Bangors , Landaffe , Saint Dauids , and Saint Asse , and likewise to the Archdeacon of Chester , to take such Mortuaries of the Priests within the Diocesses and iurisdictions as heretofore hath beene accustomed .

Prouided alwayes , that in such places where Mortuaries haue beene accustomed to bee taken of lesse value then is aforesaide , that no person shall bee compelled to pay in anie such place , anie such Mortuarie then hath bene accustomed , ne that any mortuarie in such place shall bee demaunded , taken , receiued , or had of any such person or persons exempt by this acte , nor in any wise contrarie to this acte , vpon paine afore limited .

Of making an account , and first of the necessitie thereof .

1 Diuerse reasons wherefore executors are to account .

2 Whether the executor be subiect to account , being released by the testator .

§. xvii .

HEre many things may be considered a) a) Super hac materia vide . Io. de Can. in Tract . de executor . vlt. vol. §. nouissimum . n. 4. & Io. Olden . consi . Tract . tit. 8. , namely , howe needfull it is that executors should be accomptable ; To whom the account is to be made ; within what time ; in what manner , and what effectes the same hath .

How † requisite and needfull a thing it is , that executors should be charged with the making and rendering of an account , the vnfaithfull dealing of a great sorte of faithlesse executors , to the vtter vndoing and spoiling of many fatherlesse and friendlesse children , it is a proofe ouer well knowen b) b) Argument . à §. quoniam in Authentic . vt hi qui oblig . . Surely if it stand with reason , that stewardes , receiuers , bailifes , tutors , factors , and such as haue to deale for other persons , shoulde bee accountable of their stewardship , receiuership , and their other offices c) c) Io. de Canib . in d. §. nouissimum . n. 1. Menoch . de arb. iud. lib. 2. cas. 209. , with greater reason may it be mainteined , that an executor should bee subiect to account , rather then they : for they for the most part haue to deale for such as be liuing , who may haue an eie to their dooings : but an executor hath to deale for a dead person , who can neither see nor heare , if his executor deale vniustly . Again , if the executor haue well and faithfully executed his office , and fully discharged the trust reposed in him : what should moue him that hee should not willingly make a due account thereof ; and thereby obtaine an acquittance , and be deliuered from the burthen laid vpon him d) d) Io. Oldendorp . Tract . de executor . vlt. vol. tit. 8. ? On the contrarie , if hee haue plaied the vniust steward , much rather in that case , ought he to be vrged & compelled to make his account , that his fraude and deceite being detected , hee may be iustly punished , and others by his punishment premonished e) e) Olden . vbi supra . . By this also that aswell the ciuill lawes , as the ecclesiasticall lawe , be so precise in making of inuentaries , wee may learne the necessitie in making of an account : for if executors were not accountable , the vse of inuentaries were to little purpose f) f) Io. de Canib . in d. §. nouissimum . .

To conclude , all equall lawes of euery well gouerned common wealth , haue fauoured the execution of testaments , and last willes of men deceased , and haue had speciall care that they should not be frustrated : and therefore no man can with safe conscience , speake against the rendering of an account , or seeke immunitie from the same g) g) Old . d. Tract . tit. 8. . Insomuch that if † the testator should discharge his executor from making an account : yet neuerthelesse , if the executor deale fraudulently , the Ordinarie may in his discretion , exact an account at his hands for the reformation of such fraude h) h) Lind. in c. religiosa . verb. rationem . de testam . lib. 3 prouincial . constit . Cant. Io. de Athon . in magna gloss . in Legatin . libertatem . de exec. testam . Io. de Canib . & Io. Olden . locis superius citat●s . : for it is not to be presumed , that the testator in graunting to the executor immunitie from making an account , did thinke that the executor would deale vniustly and fraudulently i) i) Lind. Io. de Canib . & Io. Olden . vbi supra . , and so did not pardon any such vniustice or fraude , whereof he had no conceite k) k) L. si quis . ff. de lib. leg . , but rather hoped that the executor would discharge his office with all fidelitie , so that there should not need any account , and in that respect onely ( I meane in the case of his fidelitie ) did acquite him from rendering of an account l) l) Lind. vbi supra . .

To whom the account ought to be made .

1 The account is to be made to the Ordinarie .

2 Whether the account is to be made to the creditors or legataries .

3 Whether the account is to be made to the coexecutor .

§. xviij .

THe † account is to be made by the executor testamentarie to the Bishop or Ordinarie , to whome the probation of the testament appertaineth a) a) Clem. Vnic . de testa . c. statutum . §. & postquam . de testam . lib. 3. prouincial constit . Cant. Io. de Canib . de executor . vlt. vol. 2. particula . §. nouissimum . per L. nulli . C. de Episc. & cleric . , who therefore not vnaptly may be tearmed the executor of executors , because he examineth the account of euery executor ; and the father of the fatherlesse , for that to poore Orphanes he is in steed of a father b) b) Io. de Canib . in d. §. nouissimum . n. 9. , in prouiding how they may obtaine that which is left vnto them , by the testament of their father or other person deceased .

And albeit † it seemeth that the executor is not tied to make an account to the legataries or creditors extraiudicially c) c) Io. de Canib . in d. §. nouissimum . , yet I suppose that at the instance or promotion of such legataries & creditors inuocating the office of the Iudge , he may be compelled to render an account to the Ordinarie iudicially d) d) Per ea quae inferius scribuntur ead. part . §. 20. .

To † this question , whether an executor be bound to make an account to his coexecutor , it is answered , that extraiudicially an executor may exact an account of his coexecutor , but not in iudgement e) e) Lind. in d. c. statutum . §. & postquam . verb. rationem . in fin . gloss . suae ibidem . : but the ordinarie may call them both , or either of them to a iudiciall account f) f) L. 2. de adm̄str . tut . C. Lind. vbi supr. .

Of the time of the account .

1 The time is left to the discretion of the Ordinarie .

2 Of the generall and particular account .

§. xix .

THe † time appointed for making of the account seemeth to be arbitrarie , that is to say , left to the discretion of the Ordinarie a) a) Text. in c. statutum . §. & postquam . de testam . lib. 3. prouincial . constit . Cant. . And † although it may seeme that the executor ought not to bee called to a generall account of his whole executorship , before he haue had sufficient time for the performance of the will b) b) Lindw . in d. §. & postquam . verb. congruè . & verb. rationem reddere . ( which is a twelue month c) c) L. nulli . C. de Episc. & cler. Boie . in c. tua nobis . de testa . extra . Conar . in c. 3. eod. tit. : ) Neuerthelesse in the meane time , if the executor doo not administer faithfully ; or if the Ordinarie thinke it conuenient , the executor may bee compelled to make a particular account d) d) Lind. in d. c. statutum verb. congruè . & verb. rationem reddere . Io. de Canib . de executor . vlt. vol. §. nouissimum . q. 10. , and so in diuers respects the lawe hath appointed the time diuersly .

But whatsoeuer the lawe hath determined herein , it is for the most part euerie where within this realme obserued , that the executors promise to the Ordinarie by vertue of their othe , to make a true and perfect account , whensoeuer they shal be thereunto called by the said Ordinarie e) e) Text. in d. §. postquam . , and therfore may be called to a generall account within the yeare f) f) Io. de Athon . gloss . in Legatin . libertatem . verb. approbatam . : yet I referre the reader to the seuerall stiles of seuerall Courts , for his further information in this behalfe .

Of the maner of making an account .

1 What proofe is requisite in the account .

2 Of the distribution of the residue .

3 Of the office of the ordinarie in the account .

4 What manner of expences are to bee allowed to the executor .

5 Of the citation in the account .

§. xx .

IF we respect what is to bee performed by the executor , who maketh the account a) a) De forma reddendi rationem praeclarè Olden . in Tract . de executor . vlt. vol. tit . 8. & Menoch . de arb. iud. lib. 2. cas. 209. , he is not onely to declare what goodes and cattelles belonging to the testator , he hath receiued b) b) Molineus in consuetud . Paris . §. 6. gloss . 6. n. 18. , and what debts and legacies he hath paied for the testator c) c) Molin . ibid. : and to † make due proofe of euery paiment , that is to say , of lesser summes by his othe , and of greater summes by other proofes d) d) Io. And. in addic . ad Specul . de Instr . edit . §. nunc verò . verb. quid si executor . Lind. in c. statutum . verb. reddere rationem . lib. 3. prouin . constit . Cant. Io. de Athon . in Legatin . libertatem . de executor . testam . Mascard . Tract . de probac. verb. expensae . concl. 722. , such as the Ordinarie shall allowe of e) e) Menoch . d. cas. 209. Old . de executor , vlt. vol. tit . 8. Mascard . de probac. conclus. 720. , but also if any thinge doo remaine of the said goodes and cattels f) f) L. cùm seruus . ff. de cond. & demon . , ( the funerals † together with the debtes and legacies satisfied and discharged g) g) Magna charta . c. 18. ) the same ought to be distributed , and conuerted in pios vsus h) h) c. statutum . §. statuimus de testa . lib. 3 prouincial . constit . Cant. c. cum tibi de testa . extr Plowd . in cas. inter Norwood . & Read . Doct. & Stud. lib. 2. c. 10. circa medium . : neither ought the executor to applie anie part thereof to his owne priuate vse , more then is giuen him by the testator , or which the Ordinarie shall allowe him for his laobur , or for the like consideration i) i) Text. in d. §. statuimus , Quod tamen intellige prout supra scripsi ead. part . §. 1. in fin . . But of this distribution of the residue ( in pios vsus ) there is but small vse in these daies , as well for that the residue is commonly left to the executors , as also for that the executors are afraid that some vnknowen debts due by the testator , shoulde afterwarde arise , and so the executor be compelled to pay the same out of his owne purse .

If we respect what is to bee performed by the Ordinarie in the making of this account , I suppose that it † dooth appertaine vnto his office , not onely to examine the account , and to see whether the same be rightly calculated , and whether the accomptant doo charge himselfe with the receite of the whole goodes and cattels of the testator , and how much he hath disbursed , either for funerals , debts , or legacies k) k) Menoch . d. cas. 209. Olden . d. tit . 8. : but also to haue a regard what maner of expences the accomptant requireth to bee allowed vnto him : for † sumptuous and delicate expences are not to be allowed , but honest and moderate , according to the condition of the persons l) l) d. c. statutum . §. statuimus . Old . d. tit. 8. n. 5. . And after due examination of the saide account , the Ordinarie finding the same to bee true and perfect , may pronounce for the validitie thereof , and so acquite the executor , so farre forth as appertaineth to the ecclesiastical court m) m) De qua re attendēdus est cuiusque fori stilus . . But if vppon the examination of the saide account , it doo appeare , that the executor hath not dealt faithfully , the account is to bee reiected n) n) Vide infr. §. ꝓx . .

But whether † we respect the office of the accomptant , or of the ordinarie , this is perpetuallie to be obserued , that the creditors to whom the testator did owe any thing , and the legataries to whome the testator did bequeath anie thing , and all others hauing interest are to be cited to be present at the making of the saide account o) o) Specul . de Instr . edit . §. nunc vero aliqua . n. 45. Lind. in d. c. statutum . §. & postquam . verb. ordinarios . , otherwise the account made in their absence , and they neuer called , is not preiudiciall vnto them p) p) L. de vnoquoque . ff. de re iud. & DD. ibid. & supr. ead. part . §. 14. .

Of the ende and effect of an account .

1 The making of an account , ordained in fauourable regard of testaments .

2 The effect of a perfect and iust account .

3 The effect of an vnperfect account .

§. xxj .

THe † ende for which it is ordeined , that euery testamentarie executor should be subiect to make an account , is this , that the lawfull testaments and last willes of them which depart this life , should be fullie effected and accomplished , according to their true and honest intents , & that the occasion of defrauding the dead man , & mispending his goods by vnhonest executors , might be preuented a) a) Io. de Canib . Tract . de exec. vlt. vol. §. nouissimum . Io. Olden . eod. Tract . tit. 8. & supr. ead. part . §. 17. .

The † effect which ariseth of a true and iust account , is this , the executor hauing well and faithfully performed his office , and made his account accordingly , ought to be acquited & discharged from further molestation and suites , as one that hath fully administred and finished his office b) b) Menoch . d. cas. 209. in fin Brook Abridg. tit . adm̄str . n. 14. , neither is he to bee called by the Ordinarie to any further account c) c) L Semel . C. de Apoch . Olden . de exec. vlt. vol. tit. 8. n. 17. .

But this finall † discharge & acquittance can not be obteined , vntill the executor haue fully administred & accompted . And if any inferior Iudge ( I meane vnder the degree or dignitie of a Bishop ) do grant vnto any executor letters of acquittance or final discharge , before a lawful account of full administration and faithful execution be made , that Iudge is ipso facto suspended ab ingressu ecclesiae by the space of sixe moneths d) d) c. fin . de testam lib. 3 prouincial . constit . Cant. in fin . . Besides that , the acquittance it self doth not benefite the executor , when it appeareth that hee hath not fully and faithfully administred e) e) Lind. in d. c. fin . verb. acquietanciarum . .

Of the executor refusing the executorship , and what he is to take heed of .

1 The executor resolued to refuse , must not meddle as executor .

2 Who is said to meddle as executor , or not .

§. xxij .

IF the † executor named in the testament resolue not to stand to the executorship , but to refuse the same ; then must he beware that he do not administer the goodes of the deceased as executor , for hauing once administred as executor , he may at anie time after be compelled to vndergoe the burthen of an executor a) a) Panor . in c. Iohannes . Boic . in c. tua nobis . de testa . extr. , and also may be sued as executor by the creditors of the testator , though he cannot sue others as executor , for that he hath not the will vnder the ordinaries seale b) b) Perkins . tit. testament . fol. 93. Plowd in cas. inter Greisb . & Fox . Brook . tit . exec. n. 49. .

A † man is then saide to administer as executor , so that thereby he may be compelled to stand to the executorship , when he dooth performe those acts which be proper to an executor c) c) L. pro haerede . ff. de acquir . haered . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 9. n. 18. , as to pay the debts due by the testator , or to receiue any debtes due vnto the testator , or to giue acquittances for the same d) d) Mascard . de probac. concl. 44. n. 5. 29. 45. Fitzh . Abridg. tit . executor . n. 38. , with other like actes e) e) Aditio haereditatis quomodo ꝓbatur copiosè Masca . Tract . de ꝓbac . qui per multas conclusiones hanc materiam prosequitur . in verb. aditio . .

But if a man do those acts , which are not proper to an executor , he is not said to haue administred as executor to the effect aforesaid f) f) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 9. n. 18 , as to feed the cattel of the deceased , least they should perish g) g) d. L. pro haerede . Fitzherb . tit. exec. n. 45. , or to take into his custodie the goodes of the deceased , to the ende they may bee safe from being stolne or purloined h) h) d. L. pro haerede . , or to dispose of the testators goods about the funerals i) i) Ead. L. pro haerede . & ibi DD. Lind. in d. c. statutum . Fitzh . tit. execut . n. 38. Brook . tit . adm̄str . n. 6. 28. , for these be deedes of charitie common to euerie christian , and not peculiar to an executor k) k) L. non hoc . C. vnde legitimi . d. L. pro haerede . Fitzh . tit. exec. n. 38. . Likewise to make an inuentarie of the goods of the deceased , is not to administer as executor l) l) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 9 n. 15. Ias . & Alex. in L. vlt. §. sin autem . C. de iure delib . quae opinio communis est aduersus Bar. & eius sequaces . vt refert Mascard . de probac. concl. 48. sed cum distinctione , vt ibi per eundem . , or to deliuer to the wife her conuenient apparel m) m) Brook . tit . adm̄str . n. 6. Tu autem vide Mascard . de probac. concl. 44. n. 46. &c. , or to take the testators horse & ride him , or to vse him as his owne , supposing him not to be the testators but his own n) n) Brook . tit . adm̄str . n. 28. Huc . pertinet quod scriptum reliquit Mascard . de probac. concl. 45. n. 46. &c. , or to take of the goods of the testator by the lawful & vnfraudulent gift of the testator o) o) Brook . tit . executor . n. 162. Mascard . d. concl . 45. n. 29. &c. : And generally , whosoeuer as a meere trespasser , entereth into the goods of the testator , whether it be to things liuing , as horse , kine , sheepe ; or dead things , as pots , pannes , dishes , conuerting the same to his owne proper vse , and not to the vse of the testator , as to the paiment of the testators debts or legacies , doth not administer as executor p) p) Brook . tit . executor . n. 165. tit . adm̄str . n. 42.

Howbeit in these cases and such like , whosoeuer feareth to be adiudged executor , administring of his own wrong , the most safe course is , not to meddle at all , but vtterly to abstaine from all manner of vse of the testators goodes , and namely , let him beware that he do not sell any goodes , or kill any cattell of the deceased q) q) Brook . tit . adm̄str . n. 26. Quamuis iure ciuili certo certius est , eum , qui res perituras , quae videlicet , seruando seruari non possunt , distraxit , in ea causa esse , vt pro haerede non gesserit , quia hoc non adeundi animo factum esse praesumitur . d. L. pro haerede . .

THE SEVENTH PART OF THIS TESTAMENTARIE TREATISE , DECLARING BY WHAT MEANES TESTAments or last willes become voide . The Paragraphes or Chapters of the last part . BY what meanes testamentes or last willes become void . §. 1. Of testaments made by feare . §. 2. Of testaments made by fraud . § . 3 Of testamentes made by flatterie . §. 4. Of errour . §. 5. Of vncertaintie . §. 6. Of vncertaintie , either because no certaine person is named , or some being named , none of that name is to be found . §. 7. Of vncertaintie arising for that there be diuerse persons of one name . §. 8. Of vncertaintie by occasion of alternatiue or disiunctiue speech . §. 9. Of vncertaintie respecting the thing bequeathed . § . 10 Of vncertaintie respecting the time or date of the testament , viz. where two testaments appeare , and it is vncertaine whether is the latter . §. 11. Of an vnperfect testament . §. 12. Of the defect in the testators meaning . §. 13. Of a later testament . §. 14. Of reuoking the testament made . §. 15. Of cancelling the testament made . §. 16. Of the alteration of the state of the testator . §. 17. Of forbidding or hindering the testator to make an other testament . §. 18. When he that is named executor , cannot or will not be executor . §. 19. Of ademption of legacies . §. 20. Of translation of legacies . §. 21. Of diuerse meanes whereby legacies are lost , considerable in the person of the legatarie as of enmitie , &c. §. 22. Of the death of the legatarie before the legacie be due . §. 23. Of the destruction of the thing bequeathed . §. 24.

BY WHAT MEANES testaments or last willes become voide . The seuenth part .

1 Testaments lose their force two wayes .

2 By what meanes testaments are voide from the beginning .

3 By what meanes the testament once good , is made voide afterwards .

4 Howe we may knowe when the testament is voide from the beginning .

§. i.

HItherto of those things which apperteine to the making and accomplishing of testaments : nowe of such things as tende to the dissolution therof .

Albeit † the meanes whereby testaments and last willes doo loose their force , be many a) a) De quibus Vigelius in sua method . iur. ciuil . lib. 9. c. 5. cum seq. : yet they may be reduced to two b) b) Viglius in tit . quib . mod. testa . infir . Instit. .

The firste is , when † there is some originall defect or corruption in the testament c) c) L. si quaeramus . ff. de testa . , which may happen diuers waies , either because the testator is such a person as cannot make a testament or last will d) d) Supra part. 2. , or because the thinges bequeathed are not deuisable by will e) e) Supra part. 3. , or because the maner of the disposition is vnlawful f) f) Supra part. 4. , or for that the person named executor is incapable thereof g) g) Supra part. 5. , or for some other cause hereafter expressed h) h) Infr. §. prox . cum §§ . seq. vsque ad §. 14. : and such a testament or last will being voide originally , or from the beginning , is called Nullum , somtimes iniustum , or non iure factum i) i) Minsing . & Vigl . in d. tit . quib . mod. testa . infir . Instit. .

The other meanes is , when † the testament or last will being free from originall fault , dooth afterwards become voide k) k) Vigl . in d. tit . quibus mod. testa . infir . . And this also may happen diuerse waies , as by the making of a later testament l) l) §. posteriore . Instit. quib . mod. testa . infir . & infra §. 14. , or by reuoking or cancelling of that which is made m) m) L. 1. de his quae testa . del . ff. & inf. §§. 15. 16. , or by alteration of the state of the testator n) n) §. alio Instit. quibus mod. testa . infir . & infra §. 17. , or by forbidding or hindering the testator to make another testament o) o) Tit. si quis aliquem restari prohib . ff. & C. & infra §. 18. , or if he that is named executor will not , or doth become vnable to be executor p) p) L. 1. ff. de iniust . rup . & irrit . testam . & infr. §. 19. , and by many other meanes more particularly shewed hereafter q) q) Infr. §. 20. cum reliquis §§ vsque ad finem . And this kind of testament which once being good , becommeth voide ex post facto , is sometimes called ruptum , sometimes irritum r) r) Tit. de iniust . rupt & irrit . testam . ff. d. §. alio Instit. quib . med. testa . infir . .

Touching the former of these voide testaments , forasmuch † as we haue alreadie declared who may make a testament , what thing may be disposed , what forme is lawfull , and who maie be executor or legatarie : and on the contrarie , what person can not make a testament , what thing cannot bee deuised , what forme is not lawfull , and what person is not capable of an executorship or legacie , it is a matter of little labour , and lesse difficultie , by examination of the premisses , to collect and discerne when the testament is originally voide , either in respect of the testator , or of the thing bequeathed , or of the forme of the disposition , or of the person of the executor or legatarie . Whereunto it maie be added , that the testament is originally voide , or at the least voidable by exception , when the testator is compelled by feare s) s) Infra §. prox . , or circumuented by fraude t) t) Infra . §. 3. , or ouercome by immoderate flatterie v) v) Infra §. 4. , to make the same . It is also voide from the beginning , sometimes by reason of error x) x) Infra §. 5. , sometimes by reason of vncertaintie y) y) Infra §. 6. cum seq. , and sometimes by reason of imperfection z) z) Infra §. 12. , and sometimes because the testator hath not animum testandi a) a) Infr. §. 13. , a meaning to make his testament or last will .

Touching the other kinde of these testamentes , such I meane as were good at the first , but do become voide afterwards , we shal speake more particularly hereafter .

Of the testament made by feare .

1 Exception of feare destroieth the testament .

2 Whether this exception be preiudiciall to anie other then to the author thereof .

3 What if the testament be confirmed with an othe .

4 What if the feare be not of present hurt .

5 What if the testament bee made after the time of the violence offered , and not at that instant .

6 Whether the testament made by feare bee voide , ipso iure .

7 Vaine feare hindereth not the validitie of the testament .

8 The testament confirmed after feare be past , is good .

9 The testament is good , sauing in fauour of the author of this feare and his complices .

10 What if the testator protest that he made his testament being compelled by feare , whether dooth this protestation make voide the testament .

§. ii .

NOthing is more contrarie to free consent then feare a) a) Nihil consensui . de reg. iur. ff. : worthilie † therefore is that testament to bee repelled which is made vpon iust feare b) b) Bar. in L. fin . si quis aliquem testari ꝓhib . ff. Ias . & Sichard . in Rub. si quis aliquem . C. quamuis communi Doctorum opinione , huiusmodi testamentum non sit ipso iure nullum . vt per Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. testm. q. 83. Soarez . lib. rec . senten . verb. testam . n. 56. 57. , which conclusion is diuersly both extended and limited .

The first extension is , that the testament made by feare is vneffectuall , not † onely in respect of that person who put the testator in feare , but also in respect of other persons also c) c) Gloss. in Rub. si quis aliquem prohib . ff. Bar. in d. L. fin . Boss . Tract . var. tit . de his qui prohib . aliquem testari . n. 4. ; albeit ignorant of that feare wherewith the testator was constrained in that behalfe d) d) Bar. & Boss . vbi supra contrariam tamen opinionem tenent Ias . & Sichard . in Rub. si quis aliquem . C. sed distingue , vt infra in limitac . 4. .

Secondly the † testament is ouerthrowne by the exception of feare , albeit the testator did with an othe confirme the same , during the feare e) e) c. quamuis . de pactis . lib. 6. . For where a man being ouercome with feare , to the ende hee may escape that daunger , doth sweare with his mouth to performe that thing , which he intendeth not in his heart : this othe dooth not giue any strength to that acte f) f) DD. in d. c. quamuis . Felin . in c. si vero . de iureiur . extra . n. 8. declar . 4. ; but contrariwise the act is so much the weaker , by how much the suspition of feare by this extorted othe is made the stronger .

Thirdly † , not onely that testament is depriued of lawfull force , which the testator is constrained to make by present force and violence , but that also where the testator is not only threatned with future euils , being such as maie moue iust feare g) g) Sichard . in d. Rub. si quis aliquem . C. n. 1. Ias . in §. quadrupli . Instit. de action . vbi tradit quinque genera metus : although by the ciuill lawe in other respects , that is to say , of greater or lesser punishment of the authour of this feare , there is great difference , whether hee exercise violence against the testator , or threatnings onely , as also whether the violence bee open or secrete h) h) Sichard . in d. Rub. Iul. Clar. §. falsum . & pract. criminal . q. 83. , of which punishment we haue no great vse in Englande except it bee for forgerie of willes i) i) Stat. Eliz. an. 5. c. 14. .

Fourthly , albeit † the testament were not made at the time of the violence or threatnings executed , but afterwards : yet the cause of the feare still enduring , it is of no lesse force then if it had bene made at the time of the former beating or threatnings k) k) Zas . in L. si ob turpem . ff. de cond. indeb . Peckius . Tract . de testa . coniug. lib. 1. tit. 9. n. 3. .

The limitations of this former conclusion are these . First , the testament † made by feare is not voide ipso iure , but voidable by the helpe of excepton l) l) Bar in L. sin . si quis aliquem testari ꝓhib . ff. Are. in L. 1. ff. de testa . : the reason is , because he that doth an act through feare , doth after a sort consent m) m) L. si mulier . § pen . ff. quod me . causa . , that is to say , of two euils he chuseth the lesse n) n) Wesenb . in tit . quod met . causa . ff. , and is willing rather to make a testament , then to incurre the perill threatned o) o) Wesenb . ibid. . And albeit some be of this opinion , that the testament made by feare is voide , ipso iure ; and that in this case a constrained will is no will , being rather noluntas then voluntas p) p) Vasq. de success . crea . §. 17. requisit . 22. Ias . in Rub. si quis ali . quem testari prohib . C. , yet the common opinion is against them q) q) Vasq. d. §. 17. n. 5. , vnlesse the coaction be not conditionall , but precise , necessarie , and ineuitiable r) r) Quia tunc omnino deest voluntas . Wesen . in tit . quod met . causa . . q) q) Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. testm. q. 83. Soarez . eod. lib. verb. testm. n. 56. 57. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 1. tit 3. lib. 2. tit. 7.

The second limitation is , when † the feare is but a vaine feare s) s) L. si quis ab alio . ff. de re. iud. L. vani de reg. iur. ff. ( for a iust feare onely , that is such a feare as may moue a constant man or woman , maketh voide the testament t) t) c. ad audientiam . c. cum dilectus de his quae me . cum extra . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol lib. 2. tit. 7. n. 6. ; as the feare of death , or of bodily hurt , or of imprisonment , or of the losse of al or most part of goods , and such like feare ) whereof no certaine rule can be deliuered , but is left to the discretion of the Iudge , who ought not only to consider the qualitie of the threatnings , but also the persons as well threatned , as threatning ; and in the threatned the sexe , the age , the courage , or pusillaminitie : and in the person threatning , the power , the disposition , and whether hee bee a meere boaster , or performer of his threates v) v) Menoch . de Arb. Iud cas. 135. Mascar . Tract . de probac. concl. 1054. Idem Menoch . Tract . de praesump . lib. 3. praes. 126. .

Thirdly , if the † testator afterward , when there is no cause of feare , doo ratifie and confirme the testament , I suppose the testament to be good in law x) x) L. 2. C. de his quae vi , &c. L. si ob turpem . ff de condict . in deb. Sichard . in L. si per vim . C. de his quae vi , &c. n. 3. .

Fourthly , where † it is saide that the testament is vneffectuall , as well in respect of the authour of the feare , as of others for whome he extorteth any benefite in the testament : yet if the testator of his owne accorde , do in the same testament bequeath any legacie to any other persons besides these afore named , the testament in that respect is not vnlawfull y) y) Bar. in d. L. ●in . n. 3. si quis . aliq . ff. Bal. in L. 1. eod. tit. C. n. 7. .

Fiftly , if the † testator after the making of the ●estament , do affirme or protest generallie , that the testament by him made was done through feare : not expressing particularly by whom he was compelled thereunto , such bare protestation doth not make voide the testament z) z) Bald. in d. L. 1. Mantic . de coniect. vlt. volu . lib. 2. tit. 7. n. 5. : but if the testator doo expresse by whome hee was constrained , protesting that he would gladly alter the testament , but for feare of the persons by him named ; by such assertion the testament is voide , at the least in the preiudice of those persons a) a) Mantic. vbi supra . Sichard . in Rub. si quis aliquem testari prohib . C. n. 5. .

Of testaments made by fraude .

1 Fraude as detestable as force .

2 Whether all maner of deceit be euill .

3 What if the deceite be verie small .

§. iii.

FRaude † is no lesse detestable in lawe then open force a) a) Olden . de action . class. 5. fol. 518. in action . ex testamento . , wherefore when the testator is circumuented by fraude , the testament is of no more force , then if hee were constrained by feare b) b) L non enim . de inoffic . testa . L. 1. de excep. doli . ff. .

Neuerthelesse † when the deceit is not euil , but good , ( for all deceite is not euill c) c) Zas . in tit . de dolo malo . ff. ) such deceit doth not hinder the testament d) d) Bald. in L. 1. si quis aliquem testari prohib C. & Sichard . in Rub. ibidem . : for example , the testator intending to bestowe all his goodes vpon some vile and naughtie person , omitting his honest wife and dutifull children ; if the wife or children beguile the testator , perswading him that that lewde person is dead , or by some other meanes deceiue the testator , and so procure themselues to be made executors , or vniuersall legataries : this deceit is not reproued as euill , and therefore the testament is not to be repelled as vnlawfull e) e) Bald. in d. L. 1. n. 17. .

It seemeth † also , that the testament is not void , when the deceite is verie light and small , such as can not beguile a prudent man or woman f) f) c. cum dilectus . de his quae vi vel metus causa extra . : for as that feare onely is tearmed iust , and is able to ouerthrow the testament , which may ouercome a constant man : so that deceite onely seemeth sufficient to repell the approbation of a testament , which may deceiue a prudent person g) g) Panor . in d. c. cum dilectus . n. 4. Marsil . sing . 207. Alex. in apostil . ad lect. Bar. in L. eleganter . ff. de dolo . in prin. d. L. . Howbeit ( if this limitation bee true ) yet as in that case it is left to the discretion of the Iudge to determine what feare is iust , respecting the qualitie of the threates , together with the disposition of the parties : so in this case the iudge comparing the deceite with the capacitie or vnderstanding of the person deceiued , may best discerne , whether it be such a deceite as maie ouerthrowe the testament or not h) h) Arg. d. c. dilectus . .

How the testator may be induced by fraude too make or reuoke his testament , were it not that the craftie would put the same in practise , is a thing not altogether vnworthie the vnderstanding . But lest by instructing the better to auoide the same , I might also teach the euill affected to follow the same : Sufficeth it , to refer the reader to that which hath beene spoken of captious willes i) i) Supra part . 4. §. 11. , and to that which hereafter shall be vttered of forbidding or hindering the testator to make or alter his will k) k) Infra §. 18. .

Of testaments made by flatterie .

1 Flatteringe perswasions not alwaies vnlawfull .

2 What if feare go before .

3 What if fraude be intermingled with flatterie .

4 What if the testator bee vnder the gouernment of the flatterer .

5 What if the flatteries be immoderate .

6 What if the testator haue made a former testament .

§. iiij .

IT is not † vnlawfull for a man by honest intercessions and modest perswasions , to procure either another person or himselfe to be made executor a) a) Olden . de action . class. 5. fol. 518. action . ex testament● . : neither is it altogether vnlawful for a man , euen with faire & flattering speeches , to moue the testator to make him his executor , or to giue him his goods b) b) L. vlt. si quis aliquem testari prohib . ff. & C. ac DD. ibidem . , except in these cases following .

The first case is , when † he that is made executor , did first beate or threaten the testator , and thereby did put him in feare : for then it is iustly suspected and presumed , that the testator is moued to make his testament , rather by feare then by faire speeches c) c) Peckius de testa . coniug. lib. 1. c. 9. n. 23. Ias . & Sichar . in L. vlt. C. si quis aliquem testari ꝓhib . Menoch . de arb. Iud. cas. 395. n. 41. verb. hoc fortius . .

The second case is † , when vnto flatterie is ioyned fraude or deceit d) d) Sichard . in d. L. vlt. n. 13. Olden . de action . class. 5. fo. 518. Menoch . d. cas. 395. n. 41. Afflict . decif . 69. .

The third case is , when the testator , is a person of weake iudgement , and easie to be perswaded , and the legacie great e) e) Molin . in apostil . ad Dec. consil. 489.

The fourth † case like vnto this is , when the testator is vnder the gouernment of the perswader , or in his daunger f) f) Molin . in d. Apostil . : And therefore if the phisition during the time of sicknesse , be instant with the testator to make him his executor , or to giue him his goods , this testament is not good g) g) Peckius de testam . coniug. lib. 1. c. 9 n. 6. Bar. in L. Archiatr . de profess . & med. lib. 10. C ; for the lawe presumeth , that the testator did it , least the phisition should forsake him , or negligently cure him h) h) Peckius vbi supra . & in c. 17. eod. lib. Lucas de penna in d. L. Archiatri . iuxta illud Poetae . Garrulus aegroto medicus , si forte medetur : Alter adest morbus continuusque dolor . . So it is if the testator being sicke , his wife neglect to helpe him , or to prouide remedie for the recouerie of his health , and neuerthelesse in the meane time busily applie him with sweete and flattering speeches , to make her his executrix , or to bestow his goodes vpon her : for in this case , the disposition is vneffectuall i) i) Peckius . d. lib. 1. de testa . coniug. c. 9. n. 5. Mathe. de afflict . decis . 69. .

The fift case is † , when the perswader is verie importunate k) k) c. fin. 20. q. 3. Abb. in c. praeterea . de offic. delega . extr. Menoch . de Arbitr . Iud. cas. 395. n. 41. & latiùs Peckius . d. c. 9. n. 9. : for an importunate begger is compared to an extortor l) l) ●mol . in c. petitio . de iureiur . Peckius in d. c. 9. n 9. L. 1. §. persuadere . ff. de ser. cor. , and it is an impudent part still to gape and crie vpon the testator , and not to bee content with the first or seconde deniall m) m) Peckius vbi supra . Rebuff . Tract . de rescrip . ar. 2. gloss . 3. .

The sixt case is † , when the testator hath made another testament before , for then the later testament made at the instigation or request of another person , is not good in preiudice of the former n) n) Socin . Iun. consil. 14 vol. 2. Peckius in d. c. 9. versic. tertio . , as elsewhere is and shall be declared o) o) Supra part . 2. §. 27. inf●a §. 14. limitac . 4. .

Of errour .

1 Error may happen in diuerse respects .

2 Of error in the person of the executor or legatarie .

3 Of error in the name of the executor or legatarie .

4 Of error in the qualitie of the executor or legatarie .

5 Whether a false cause make voide the disposition .

6 Error in the thing bequeathed , manifold .

7 Of error in the proper name of the thing bequeathed .

8 Of error in the name appellatiue of the thing bequeathed .

9 Of the difference betwixt a proper name , and a name appellatiue .

10 An obiection with the answere .

11 Certaine cases wherein error in the name appellatiue is not hurtfull .

12 Error in the substance of the legacie , dooth destroie the legacie .

13 Error in the quantitie of the thing bequeathed , is not hurtfull .

14 Certaine cases wherein error in quantitie doth destroie the legacie .

15 Certaine cases wherein the error in the quantitie of the thing bequeathed as a certaine bodie is not hurtfull .

16 Error in the qualitie of the thing bequeathed , doth not destroie the legacie .

17 Error in the forme of the disposition , doth destroie the force thereof .

§. v.

ERror dooth sometimes ouerthrow the disposition of the testator , somtimes not : Therefore that we may vnderstande whether this errour hurt or not , wee are to consider † whether the error dooth respect the executor or legatarie , or the thing bequeathed , or the forme of the disposition : And if it doo respect the executor or legatarie , then whether the testator doo erre in the person , or in the name , or in the qualitie of the executor or legatarie .

When † the testator doth erre in the person of the executor or legatarie , supposing him whom he maketh executor , or to whom he doth bequeath any legacie , to bee another person then he is , the disposition is voide a) a) L. quoties . ff. de haered. instit . : for example , the testator intending to make Iohn at Stile his executor , or to giue to Iohn at Stile an hundred pound , he saith , I make Iohn at Noke my executor , or giue I to Iohn at Noke an hundred pound . In this case neither can Iohn at Stile , nor Iohn at Noke be executors , or obtaine the legacie b) b) DD. in d. L. quoties . The reason is this : Iohn at Noke is excluded , because the testator neuer thought it . Iohn at Stile is excluded , because the testator neuer spoke it : for meaning without speaking is nothing , and speech without meaning is lesse c) c) d. L. quoties . & L. in ambiguo . ff. dereb . dub . .

When † the testator doth erre in the name of the executor or legatarie , and not in the person , such error doth not hurt d) d) L. si . in nomine . C. de testa . , but in certaine cases : one is when the testator is blind ; for then it is suspected that the testator dooth mistake the person , together with the name e) e) Ias . & Sichard . in d. L. si in nomine . Ripa . in L. si quis in fund . ff. de leg. 1. n. 9. quem vide . . Another is , when the testator dooth erre in the name of his owne sonne f) f) Sicha . in d. L. si in nomine . n. 14. Ripa . in L. si quis fundi . ff. de leg. 1. vbi sublimitat hanc limitac . quando viz. natus & educatus esset silius in loco remoto . , or of his father g) g) Ripa . in d. L. si q̄s . n. 8 : the reason is , for that this grosse error doth note the testator of follie h) h) Sichard . & alij in d. L. si in nomine . : But a foole , or he that is not of sound memorie cannot make a testament i) i) Supra 2. part . §. 1. : much more is the disposition voide , if the testator do erre in his owne name k) k) Ias . in d. L. si in nomi . : as if the testator say , I Peter make my testament , where his name is Iohn : for this is a plaine and euident proofe of his follie , or lacke of sufficient memorie l) l) Bar. in L. cum in liberis . C. de haered . instit . & est communis opinio , vt per Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. Institutio . q. 29. n. 2. .

When † the testator doth erre in the qualitie of the executor or legatarie , this error is not hurtfull m) m) L. falsa demonstratio . ff. de cond. & demon . c. 1. 29. q. 1. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 4. tit. 5. n. 16. Paul . de Castro . in L. quoties . ff. de haered. instit . , vnlesse that qualitie were the finall cause wherefore the testator made him executor or legatarie : for the error in such a qualitie dooth make voide the disposition n) n) L. neque professio . C. de testa . : for example ; the testator saith , I make my cosin Iohn at Stile my executor , or I giue to my cosin Iohn at Stile an hundred pound : in this case , if Iohn at Stile be not cosin to the testator , he cannot obtaine the executorship , or legacie o) o) d. L. neque . & ibi DD. & Grass . Thesaur . con. op. §. Insti . q. 29. n. 4. vbi refert hanc op. esse receptam ab omnibus , nisi fortassè restator solet appellare illum consanguineum suum . . Hereunto it may be added , that if the testator do erroniously expresse a false cause , the disposition is void p) p) Bar. in L. demonstratio . §. quod autem ff. de cond. & demon . n. 13. : for example ; the testator saith , because thou didst lend me an hundred pounde , I bequeath vnto thee an hundred pound q) q) Bar. vbi supra . verb. quaedam causa proxima . ; or because my sonne is dead , thou shalt be my executor r) r) L. sui ff. de haered. instit . Sichard . in Rub. de haered. instit . C. n. 3. : In which cases the cause being false , the disposition is of no force . And although it be written , that a false demonstration or false cause , dooth not hurt the disposition s) s) L. cum tale . §. falsam . de cond. & demon . ff. §. longè . Instit. de lega . : yet that is to bee vnderstoode , where the testator dooth not ignorantly , but wittingly t) t) Gloss. in L. 1. C. de falsa causa adiect . & ibi Doctores . expresse the same .

But † when the testator dooth ignorantlie expresse a cause , which is so annexed vnto the legacie v) v) Bar. in d. L. demonstratio . §. quod autem . de cond. & demon . ff. n. 13. & Paul . de Castr. in d. L. n. 5. , as without the which cause hee would not haue giuen that legacie x) x) Secus si causa sit impulsiua tantum , quae ab ignorante adijcitur , nam illa quantuncumque falsa , non viciat dispositionem , nisi fortè non causatiuè , sed conditionaliter sit adiecta , quia tunc viciatur dispositio , siue intellexerit , siue ignorauerit testator causam illam non existere . Sichar . in d. Rub. Paul . de Castr. in d. L. demonstratio . Minsing . & alij , in d. §. longè . Instit. de lega . Vigelij Method . iur. ciuil . lib. 12. c. 10. excep. 71. : in this case the cause being false the legacie is voide y) y) Porcius in §. longè . Instit. de lega . & ibi Minsing n. 2. Sichard . in Rub de haered. insti . C. & Paul . in d. L. demonstratio .

If the † error touch the thing bequeathed , then we are to enquire whether the testator doo erre in the name , or in the substance , or in the qualitie , or in the quantitie of the thing bequeathed .

The † error of the testator in the proper name of the thing bequeathed , doth not hurt the validitie of the legacie , so that the bodie or substance of the thing bequeathed bee certaine z) z) §. siquidem in nomine . Instit. de lega . quae sententia communis est . Grass . Thesaur . con. op. §. Legatum . q. 65. : for example ; the testator dooth bequeath his horse Bucephal , whereas the name of his horse is Arundell : this errour is not hurtfull , but that the legatarie may obtaine the horse Arundell , if the testators meaning be certaine a) a) Bar. Zas . & alij , in L. si quis in fundi . ff. de leg. 1. : for names were deuised to discerne things b) b) L. labeo . ff. de sup. leg . : If therefore wee haue the thinge , it skilleth not for the name c) c) d. §. si quidem in nomine . Inst. de lega . .

The † errour in the name appellatiue of the thing bequeathed , doth destroy the legacie d) d) Si quis in fundi . ff. de leg . 1. : for example ; the testator intending to bequeath a horse , doth bequeath an oxe , or meaning to bequeath gold , doth bequeath apparell : in both these cases the legacie is voide e) e) d. L. si quis in fundi . . The reason of the difference ( I meane of the diuers effects betwixt the error in proper names , and the error in names appellatiue ) is because † a proper name is an accident , attributed to some singular or indiuiduall thing , to distinguish the same from other singular things of the same kinde : whereas names appellatiue doo respect the substance of things , and being common to euerie singular of the same kinde , make them to differ from things of other kinde or substance f) f) Minsing . in d. §. si quidem in nomine . n. ● DD. in d. L. si quis . & in L. si in nomine . C. de testam . . Against † this reason it is commonly obiected , that words or names are but inuented to signifie thinges g) g) Text. in d. §. si quidé in nomine . , and that the wordes of the testator are to bee drawen euen into an improper sense , to maintaine the will and disposition of the testator h) h) L non aliter . de leg. 3. ff. Mantic , de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 3. tit. 5. n. 2. . To the which obiection it is answered , that these woordes which haue a manifolde sense , may be stretched to that sense which is contained therein , albeit improperly : but to comprehend that sense , which is not at all within compasse of the wordes , neither properly nor improperly , they may not be stretched so farre i) i) Ripa . & Zas . in L. si quis in fundi . ff. de leg. 1. ille . n. 26. iste . n. 20. , for then this conclusion hath place : That which I would , I spake not ; that which I spake , I would not ; and so neither is good k) k) L. in ambiguo . de reb. dub . ff. .

Neuerthelesse † , it is not perpetually true , that the errour in the name appellatiue of the thing bequeathed , doth make voide the disposition : for if the thing bequeathed be present , & the testator doth with his hand demonstrate the same , albeit he doo erre in the name appellatiue , it dooth nothing hinder the validitie of the legacie l) l) Gloss. in L. quae extrinsecus . ff. de verb. ob . Ias . in d. L. si quis in fundi . qui ibi refert hanc opinionem esse veram . . Likewise if there bee some conformitie or similitude betwixt the name appellatiue , and the name wherein the testator dooth erre , the legacie is not voide : as if the testator meaning to bequeath his bookes , dooth bequeath his papers m) m) Gloss. in d. L. si quis in fundi Bar. in L. quaesitum . §. si mihi . de leg. 1. & est com . op. ait Grass . Thesaur . com . op §. legatum . q. 65. : or if the testator protest , that the legacie shall passe by those tearmes , for then the error in the name appellatiue is not hurtfull n) n) Gloss in d. L. si quis in fundi . & quod haec . communis sit , numerat Ripa in d. L. si quis . n. 27. & Grass . §. legatum . q. 65. : or if by common vse of speech the name appellatiue be altered ; for then it is in the election of the testator , to vse whether name he will , euen that which is lesse proper o) o) Ias . Zas . & Ripa . in d. L. si quis in fundi . : or if the names be artificiall , not naturall , as to vse proctorship , for curatorship p) p) Minsing . in §. si quidem in nomine . Instit. de lega . n. 2. .

The † error in the bodie or substance of the thing bequeathed , dooth destroy the legacie q) q) Si quis in fundi . de leg. 1. ff. , like as in the person of the executor or legatarie r) r) L. quoties . de haered. instit . ff. .

When † the error is in the quantitie of the thing bequeathed , it doth not hurt the legacie s) s) L. qui quartam . de leg. 1. ff. : For example ; the testator meaning to bequeath the fourth part of his goodes , dooth by wordes bequeath the one halfe ; or meaning to giue but fiftie pound , dooth bequeath an hundred pound : or contrariwise the testator meaning to bequeath a great quantitie or summe , dooth expresse a lesser rate or summe t) t) Et sic valet legatum , siuè quantitas sit continua , siuè discreta : vel vt alij loquuntur , siuè pars sit quotitatiua , siuè numeralis . Ias . & Zas . in d. L. qui quartan . : In these cases the legacie is good , and the legatarie may obtaine so much as the testator did meane , bee it more or lesse then the portion or summe vttered v) v) Bald. Paul . de Castr. Alex. Ias . & Zas . in d. L. qui quartam . quamuis Bar. contrariam partem teneat , casu quo minor summa sit ex pressa , cuius opinio communiter reprobatur . Et sic valet legatum vtroque casu . .

Howbeit † if the quantitie be bequeathed as a certaine bodie : as if the testator bequeath an hundred pound lying in such a chest , when as there is no money in the chest , in this case the legacie is voide x) x) L. si seruus . §. si quinque . L. sed & si certos nummos . ff. de leg . 1. Minsing . in §. huic ꝓxima . Instit. de lega . n. 8. Grass . §. legatum . q. 59. n. 3. . Likewise if the testator doo generally bequeath vnto another whatsoeuer he himselfe doth owe vnto that other , the testator not being indebted ; the legacie is voide y) y) L. si sic . §. si mihi . ff. de leg. 1. . So it is if the testator do say , I do bequeath vnto such a man tenne pounde which hee oweth me ; in this case also the legacie is voide , if the legatarie be not at all indebted to the testator z) z) Minsing . in d. §. huic proxima . Instit. de lega . . So it is , if the testator doo bequeath a certaine summe to one , which either hee ( the legatarie I meane ) or some other doth owe vnto the testator , when no such summe is due by either of them to the testator a) a) L. si sic . §. si mihi . & Ias . in d. §. : for whether the testator did knowe , or not know , that nothing was due vnto him : in both these cases the legacie is voide b) b) Paul . de Castr. in d. §. si mihi . & Minsing . in d. §. huic proxima . . So it is , if the testator supposing himselfe to be indebted to another , dooth bequeath that debt to the person to whom he erroniously supposeth himselfe to be indebted , not expressing any quantitie , for the legacie is in this case voide , as is aforesaid c) c) d. §. si mihi . . But if the testator knowing himselfe not to be indebted , doth say , I bequeath to such a person ten pound which I do owe vnto him , in this case the legacie is good , notwithstanding the false demonstration d) d) Eod. §. si mihi . & Minsing . in §. huic ꝓxima . Instit. de lega . n. 6. : neither is the testator presumed to erre in this case , and therefore vnlesse the executor make proofe of the error , the legatarie may recouer the legacie e) e) Castrens . in L. 2. C. de falsa causa adiect . .

Where † I said a little before , that the legacie of quantitie being bequeathed as a certaine bodie , as when the testator dooth bequeath an hundred pound lying in such a chest , or which such a person doth owe vnto him , that then no mony being found in the chest , or nothing being due by that person , the legacie is voide f) f) L. si seruus . §. si quinque . L. sed & s●certos nummos . ff. de leg. 1. . This conclusion dooth admit these limitations : one is when the misreport or false demonstration is not ioined to the substance of the legacie , ( as before g) g) Hoc ipso §. & plenius supr. part . 4. §. 17. n. 8. &c ) but to the execution thereof : as thus , viz. I giue to A.B. an hundred pound , and I will that the same be paide of the money which I haue in such a chest , or of the mony which such a man doth owe vnto me . For albeit there bee not any mony in that chest , nor any due by that person named by that testator , neuerthelesse the whole legacie is due , and is to bee paide of the testators goodes h) h) L. quidam testamento . ff. de leg . 1. : for the legacie being once pure and simple , and perfect in it selfe , it is not made conditionall by that which followeth , in another sentence respecting the performance , and not the substance of the legacie , for by such demonstration the testator is presumed to haue had a care onely howe the legacie might bee paide , the more easily , or with lesse discommoditie to the executor , not whether it should bee paide at all vnto the legatarie i) i) d. L. quidam . & L. paulo . de leg . 3. Bar. Castrens . & alij in d. L. quidam . .

Another limitation is this , when some part of the legacie consisting in quantitie is extant , though not al , according to the demonstration of the testator k) k) L. si seruus . §. si quinque . ff. de leg . 1. : For example , the testator doth bequeath ten pound remaining in such a chest , at whose death fiue pounde onely is founde in that chest : In this case howsoeuer this legacie be , as of a certaine bodie , yet fiue pound is due and recouerable by the legatarie l) l) d. §. si quinque . , but no more then fiue pound : Insomuch that if at the death of the testator there were ten pounde found in that chest , whereas at the time of the making of the testament there was no more but fiue pound in the chest : In this case fiue pounde onely is due m) m) Paul . de Castr. in d. §. quinque . n. 9. , vnlesse the testator at the will making did thinke that there had beene ten pounde in the chest , and so did adde other fiue pounde thereunto , to make the summe answerable to his opinion , for then the legatarie may recouer the whole ten pounde , as if the same had beene all there , as well at the making of the testament , as at the testators death n) n) Idem Castrens . in d. §. quinque . n 9. .

And here note , that the testator is presumed to haue thought that there had bene ten pound in the chest , like as it is set downe in his testament , vnlesse the executor doo proue the contrarie , viz. that the testator did know that there was but fiue pound in the chest when he made his testament o) o) Idem Castr. in d. §. .

Error † in the qualitie of the thing bequeathed , doth not hurt the legacie , when the bodie or substance is certaine p) p) Angel . in d. L. si quis in fundi . ff. de leg 1. , no more then the error in the proper name : and therefore if the testator bequeath his white horse , hauing but a blacke horse , the legacie is good q) q) Et est com . op. Ripa . in d. L. si quis in fundi . Grass . §. legatum q. 56. .

Error † in the forme of the disposition , maketh the same to be of no force r) r) L. quoties haeres . §. tantundem . ff. de haere . instit . : For example ; the testator intending to make an executor , or to bequeath any legacie conditionally , and not otherwise , doth by error omit the condition : In this case the disposition concerning the executorship or legacie is voide s) s) d. §. tantundem . & DD ; ibidem . . Howbeit if the testator doo appoint an executor , or bequeath anie legacie , according to certaine conditions afterwards to be written , no conditions being afterwards written , the disposition is good , and as it were simplie made t) t) L. pen . C. de Instit. & sub . ; vnlesse it doo appeare that the testator did meane , that the disposition should not take place without those conditions following v) v) Molin . in apostil . ad Dec. in d. L. pen . , as in the former example x) x) d §. tantundem . .

Of vncertaintie .

1 Diuerse are the meanes whereby vncertaintie doth growe .

§. vi .

THat we may the better vnderstand when the vncertaintie is such , as it dooth ouerthrow the disposition , ( for sometimes it doth destroy the same , and sometimes not ) wee are to be aduertised † , that the vncertaintie dooth somtimes respect the person of the executor or legatarie a) a) Infra §. 7. §. 8. : somtimes it doth respect the thing bequeathed b) b) Infra §. 10. : and sometimes it doth respect the time or date of the testament c) c) Infra §. 11. .

The testament is vncertaine in respect of the person of the executor or legatarie by diuerse meanes , especially by these meanes following .

First , when it cannot bee vnderstoode by whome the testator meaneth , either for that there is no person certainly named , or else some being named , yet no person of that name to bee founde d) d) Infra §. prox . .

Secondly , when there bee diuerse persons of one and the same name , whereby the testator maketh his executor , or dooth bequeath anie legacie e) e) Infra §. 8. .

Thirdly , when the testator dooth appoint executors or giue legacies alternatiuely , or disiunctiuely , as I make A. or B. my executor f) f) Infra §. 9. .

Of the other vncertainties ; viz. in respect of the thing bequeathed , or date of the testament , it followeth afterwards g) g) Infra §. 10. §. 11. . In the meane time therefore of the vncertaintie concerninge the person of the executor or legatarie .

Of vncertaintie , either because no certaine person is named , or some being named , none of that name to be founde .

1 The vncertaintie of the person maketh voide the disposition .

2 If the person at the first vncertaine , be afterwardes made certaine , whether is the disposition good or no.

3 What if some person be named , but no person found of that name .

§. vij .

WHere † no certaine person is named executor or legatarie , the will in that point is voide a) a) Bar. in L. quidam . ff. de reb. dub . Clar. §. testm. q. 36. Grass . Thes. com . op. §. legatum . q. 64. : and therefore if the testator say , I make one man of the world my executor , or I giue to one of the world an hundred pound , no man can be executor , nor recouer the hundred pound by this disposition b) b) Aetiologia est , quia ista persona est incerta ex incertis . Bar. Grass . & Clar. vbi supra . Are. in §. ex incertis . Instit. de lega . & Mantic . de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 8. tit. 4. , vnles he be able to proue , that the testators meaning was that he should be executor , or haue the legacy c) c) Minsing . in d. § ex incertis . Saltem valet legatum iure can . Felin . in c. 1. de pact . extra . . Likewise wher the testator saith , I make that person my executor , or giue him an C.li. whose name is written in a schedul . in the custodie of such a man , when as in deede there is no such schedule to be found , or being found , yet no name therein : this disposition is voide d) d) Bar. in L. si ita ff. de cond. & demon . Couar in c. cum tibi de testam . extra . Simo de Praetis . de interp. vlt. vol. lib. 3. soluc . 1. n. 12. : neither is it sufficient that a paper or schedule be extant , and that the name be therein plainly conteined , vnlesse also it appeare by sufficient proofe or lawfull coniectures , that this schedule is the verie same , whereunto the testator made relation e) e) Bar. in d. L. si ita . Couar . in d. c. cum tibi . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. Instit. q. 16. Mant. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib 1. tit. 7. n. 7. Clar. § testm. q. 36. in fin . .

If † no certaine person bee named at the first , but afterwards made certaine by euent , the testament or disposition is of no lesse force then if the person had beene especially and certainly named at the first f) f) L. quidam . & ibi . Bar. de reb. dub . ff. Angel . Are . in d. §. incertis . Inst. de legat . : For example ; the testator maketh that man executor , or giueth him an hundred pound , which shall marie the testators daughter : In this case whosoeuer shall marrie the testators daughter , he is to be admitted to the executorship , and may obtaine the legacie , as if he had beene named at the first g) g) d. L. quidam , de reb. dub . ff. Nec obstat quòd tutor non potest dari is qui venit aliquo euentu certificandus , quia contrarium procedit iure cano . Apost. ad Bar. in L. duo . ff. de testa . tute . Adde quod licèt executor non nunquam assimuletur tutori , vt ꝑ Bar. in d. L. quidam . & per DD. in L. si quis a filio . §. si quis pluries . de leg . 1. Tamen in Anglia aptiùs comparatur haeredi , qui incertus ex incertis euentu certificandus potest institui . Are. in d. §. ex incertis . Instit. de lega . . And this conclusion proceedeth whether the marriage be made in the life time of the testator , or afterwards (h) (h) L. vter . cum sequent . ff. de cond , Instit. Donellus in L. quidam . de reb. dub . Bald. consil. 188. vol. 5. : sauing where the mariage is made after the death of the testator , if it be likely that the testator would not haue made that person executor , or haue giuen him the legacie , if he had thought that it would so fall out , that he should haue married his daughter , ( for that perhaps that person was enimie to the testator , or otherwise vnworthie of any benefite by the testator : ) In this case the person marrying the testators daughter after his death , cannot be executor , or recouer the legacie i) i) Donel. in d. L. quidād● reb. dub . Simo. de Praetis . lib. vlt. de Interp. vl. vol. fol. 128. n. 9. .

If † a certaine person be named , but no such person be to be found , and the meaning of the testator vtterly vnknowen ; it is as if the testator had made no mention of any k) k) L. 2. ff. de his quae pro non script . .

Of vncertaintie arising because there be diuerse persons of one name .

1 Where diuerse persons be of one name , the disposition is voide .

2 What if the testators meaning be knowen .

3 What if the one of them be a familiar friend , the other not .

4 What if the one be of kin to the testator , the other not

5 The disposition ad pias causas , is not voide by reason of vncertaintie .

6 What if the testator giue somewhat to the Church , what Church is vnderstood .

7 What if there be diuerse churches of one name .

8 If the testator giue any thing to the poore : which poore are to haue the same .

9 The authoritie of the executor testamentarie , in distributing to the poore .

10 What if the executor make his kin his executor , who is to be admitted .

11 What if the testator make an others kinne his executor .

§. viii .

WHere † the testator nameth some one man his executor , or doth bequeath some legacie vnto him , and there be diuerse men of that name ; this vncertaintie maketh voide the disposition a) a) L. si quis . §. si inter . ff. de leg . 2. Bald. in L. hac consultissima . C. Qui testa . fac . poss. n. 4. : For example ; the testator maketh Titius his executor ; whereas there be diuerse persons so called : or to speake after the maner of our temporall lawyers , the testator maketh Iohn at Stile his executor , or giueth to him an hundred pound , and there be two persons called Iohn at Stile , and the testator maketh no difference , but leaueth it vncertaine of whome he did meane : In this case neither of them can obtaine the executorship or legacie b) b) DD. in d. §. si inter . .

But † if the one of them doo prooue that the testator did meane , that he should be executor or haue the legacie , it is sufficient for the obteining of the executorship or legacie c) c) Bar. in L. quidam . ff. de reb. dub . Simo. de Praetis . de interp. vl. vo. lib. 1. fol. 97. n. 1. .

Or if † one of them appointed be one of the testators familiar acquaintance , and his friend , the other a straunger : In this case the straunger is excluded , and the other admitted d) d) L. quem haered. ff. de cond. & demon . Man●ic . de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 8. tit. 4. n. 5. : or both of them being friends ; yet if one of them bee ioined in greater friendship with the testator then the other , he is to be preferred to the executorship or legacie befor the other e) e) Simo. de Praetis . de Interp. vlt. vol. lib. 1. fol. 100. n. 3. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 8 tit. 4. n. 5. .

Or if the one of them † be of kin to the testator , and the other not of kin , the kinsman is to be preferred f) f) L. cohaeredi . §. qui discretas . ff. de vulg. sub . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 8. tit. 4. n. 5. : and if they bee both cosins , then I suppose that whether of them were to be admitted to the administratorship , in case the testator had died intestate , that he is to bee admitted to the executorship g) g) Ias . in L. 1. §. hoc autem . ad Trebel . lect. 3. ff. Simo de Praetis . de Interp. vlt. vol. lib. 1. fol. 98. n 9 ▪ Mantic. de coniect . vlt. vol. lib. 4. tit. 6. n. 3. 4. .

Or if † the disposition be made ad pias causas , it is not voide , by reason that the name is common or agreeable to diuerse . And therefore † if the testator doth bequeath any thing to the Church , not expressing what Church hee dooth meane , the disposition is not voide , but is to be vnderstood of his parish Church h) h) Gloss. in L. quidam . ff. de reb. dub . Abb. in c. iudicante . de testa . extr. Bar. & Ias . in L. 1. de sacrosan . eccle. C. Grass . Thesaur . com . op §. Institutio . q. 12. & §. Legatum . q. 64. Manti . de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 8. tit. 6. . And if the testator † name a Church , and there be diuerse Churches of that name , it is to bee vnderstoode of his parishe Church i) i) Bar. in L. conditione . §. cum ita . ff. de cond. & demon . Panor . in c. iudicante de testa . extra . : For ex-example ; the testator dooth bequeath to Saint Peters Church in Oxford an hundred pound , where there be two churches of that name ; this disposition is not voide : But the bequest is due to the testators parish Church , or where he did more vsually resorte to pray vnto God , or to heare his worde k) k) Et haec est com . op. ait Ias . in L. qui insulam . ff. de verb. ob . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 64. Couar . in d. c. iudicante de testa● . extra . . And if neither of them bee his parish Church , neither can it appeare that the testator did more frequent the one then the other : or on the contrarie , if both of them were his parish Churches , for that perhaps he kept a family in either parish , and did equally frequent either Church : In these cases , by the opinion of some writers , the legacie is to be diuided betwixt the Churches l) l) Barba . in d. c. iudicante . & ibi Couar . asterens hanc opinionem esse veriorem . . But by the opinion of the more part , it is in the power of the executor , or if the executor do refuse to proue the will , or that there be no executor appointed by the testator , them it is in the power of the ordinarie , to bestow the same legacie on whether church he thinketh good m) m) Hostiens . & alij in d. c. iudicante , quorum op. esse com . fatetur Couar . in d. c. iudicante . Idem quoque dicit Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 64. Benedict . Capra . Tract . regul. & fall . reg. 113. , as the consideration of diuers circumstances shall induce him : wherein ( amongest other things to be remembred by the Ordinarie ) this is not to be forgotten , viz. whether parish is the poorer n) n) Gloss. in d. c. iudicante . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 8. tit. 5. n. 4. .

In like maner if the testator † make the poore his executors , giuing them the residue of his goods : this disposition is not voide by reason of vncertaintie , for that it is a testament ad pias causas o) o) Tiraquel . Tract . de priuileg . piae causae . priuileg . 56. . By the poore therefore in this place , is vnderstoode the poore of the parish where the testator did dwell and keepe house p) p) L quis ad Declind . §. vbi . C. de episcopis & cler. gloss . in c. si pater . verb. pauperes . de testa . lib. 6. Couar . in c. cum tibi de testa . extr. Mantic . de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 8. tit. 5. n. 2. : for it is likely that he did beare a great affection to the poore where he dwelled q) q) Mantic. d. tit. 5. n. 2. , especially also if the testator were buried in the same place r) r) Panor . consil. 99. lib. 2. n. 4. : and therefore the Ordinarie in this case ought to prouide , that the poore haue their due , according to the meaning of the testator s) s) L. nulli . C. de episcopis & cler. d. c. iudicante . de testa . extra . & gloss . ibidem . . But if the † testator doo bequeath a certaine summe to be distributed amongst the poore , and doo appoint an executor , then it is the office of that executor to distribute the same t) t) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 8. tit. 5. n. 2. , who in the distribution thereof is not necessarily tied to bestowe it wholy vpon the poore of that citie , parish , or place where the testator did dwell v) v) Gem. & Franc. in c. si pater de testa . lib. 6. ( vnles the testator did meane that the same should be bestowed on them alone x) x) Mantic. d. tit. 5. n. 2 : ) neither is he precisely tied to make choise of the poorest persons y) y) Bar. in L. vnum ex familia . §. 1. ff. de leg . 2. Bald. in rep. L. 1. de sacrosan . eccle. C. Mantic . d. tit. 5. n. 6. ; but may vse a further libertie , so that he do not abuse the same z) z) Paris . consil. 45. vol. 3. & Mantic. d. tit. 5. n. 8. : for he may not so make choise of any person , as it may seeme too oppugne the testators liking and meaning a) a) Angel . in L. sed & si . §. si libertis . ff. de iud. Paris . consil. 26. vol. 4. n. 29. : neither may he bestow the whole legacie vpon one person alone b) b) Bar. in L. 1. ff. de op. leg . Bald. in rep. L. 1. C , de sacrosa . eccle. Mantic . de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 8. tit. 5. n. 18. 19. , nor vpon himselfe , nor his children vnlesse they be verie poore c) c) Brook . tit . exec. n. 116 c. tua nos de testa . extr , Imol. in Clem. 1. de testa . Mantic. d. tit . n. 9. , nor vpon such persons as will vnthriftily spend it ; but vpon such poore to whom it may do good , and especially if the kinsfolkes of the testator be poore , and of the same parish where the testator did dwell , they are to be preferred d. d. Bald. in L illa Institutio . ff. de haered. instit . Paris . consil. 26. vol. 4. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. tit. 5. n. 17. .

Hereunto it may be added , that if the † testator make his kinne his executor , or giue his goodes to his kinne , that this disposition is not voide , but that they which bee in the next degree of kinred to the testator , to whom the administration of his goodes were to be committed , if he had died intestate , are to be first admitted to the executorship e) e) Ias . in L. Gallus . §. quidam rectè . ff. de lib. & posthu . Tiraquel . de retract . ligniager . §. 11. gloss . 12. Grass . Thesau . com . op. §. Institutio . q● 20. n. 12. , or to enioy the legacie during their liues f) f) Bar. in L. cum ita . §. fin . ff. de leg . 2. Paris . con. sil . 49. vol. 2. Gra. ff Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 41. & §. fideicommissum . q. 16. , and after their deathes , the other next of kin to the testator are to be admitted one after another , successiuely by degrees , and not altogether g) g) Paul . de Castro . in d. L. cum ita . §. fideicommisso . Cuius op. con. est vt tef●rt Paris . consil. 11. n. 28. vol. 3. Couar . in c. Ranutius . §. 2. de testa . extra . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. fideicommissum . q 16. ; sauing where the testator doth make anothers kinred his executor , or doth bequeath some legacie to any others kin : for then they are all to bee admitted together , without respect or degree , neerer or further of (h) (h) Bar. in L si cognatis . ff. de reb. dub . Simo. de , Praetis . de interp. vlt. vol. lib. 3. fol. 91. n. 28. Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. Institutio . q. 20. n. 10. : The reason of the difference is , because the testator is not presumed to carie an equall affection towardes euerie of his owne kinne , but to him that is neerer of kinne greater loue , and to him that is further off , lesser : And therefore of his owne kinred the best beloued is first preferred , which inequalitie of good will , is not presumed towardes anothers kinred , and therefore they are admitted without difference i) i) Bar. & Simo. de Praeris . vbi supra . .

Vncertaintie arising by reason of alternatiue or disiunctiue speech .

1 The executor saying , I make A. or B. executor , it is as if he had saide , I make A. and B. executor .

2 What if the testator be more affected to the one then to the other .

3 What if the election be referred .

4 What if the one be capable , the other not .

§. ix .

THe alternatiue † or disiunctiue speech of the testator in making executors or disposing of any legacie , doth not hurt the testament a) a) L. cum quidam . C. de verb. signif. : And therefore if the testator say , I make A. or B. my executors , or I bequeath to such or such a person an hundred pound : this disposition is not voide , but both of them shall be admitted executor , and both of them obteine the legacie , to be diuided betwixt them b) b) d. L. cum quidam . & DD. ibidem . .

And albeit , at the first there was great dissension and conflictes in opinions about this question ; at last it was established for lawe that this worde ( or ) in fauour of testamens should be taken for ( and c) c) Text. in d. L. cum quidam . ) when it is so placed betwixt two persons , as it may seeme to minister doubt to the hearer , of whether person the testator did meane d) d) §. melius . in d. L. cum quidam . : And therefore the testator saying , I make A. or B. my executor , it is in effect , as if hee had saide , I make A. and B. executors e) e) d. §. melius . , &c. which conclusion notwithstanding is sometimes limited , and one onely of the persons is to bee admitted .

The first limitation is , when † the testator dooth beare more affection to the one then to the other ; for then he to whom the testator beareth more affection , is to bee preferred before the other f) f) Ripa . in c. inter caeteras . de rescrip . extra n. 54. Paris . consil. 21. vol. 3. Iul. Clar. §. testm. q. 80. n. 5. : For example ; the testator saith , I make my brother , or his children my executors , or I bequeath to my brother , or his children such a thing : In this case , forasmuch as the testator is presumed to carrie a greater loue to his brother then to his brothers children , hee shall first be admitted to the executorship , and obtaine the legacie , and enioy the same during his life , and after his decease , his children then shall be admitted g) g) L. cum pater . §. à te . ff. de leg . 2. Bald. in c. 1. de eo qui sibi & haered . suis . lib. feud . Iul. Clar. d. q. 80. n. 5. . But this vnequall order of affection hath not such vnequall effect , when the testator doth make his brother and his children executors , by this worde and , or with , as before hath beene declared , for then they bee all admitted equally and not successiuely h) h) Ias . in L. Gallus . §. quidam rectè . ff. de lib. & posthu . Clar. §. testm. q. 80. n. 6. quae opinio ab omnibus iuris interp. est recepta , ait Clar. eod. n. 6. .

An other limitation is , when † authoritie is granted to another of making election : For example ; the testator maketh his executors A. or B. whome the Ordinarie shall chuse , or giueth an hundred pound to A. or B. whome the executor shall chuse . In this case , this disiunctiue or , standeth properly , and is not changed into a coniunctiue : and so election being made of the one , the other is excluded i) i) L. ●● Titio . aut Serio . de leg . 2. L. vtrum . §. cum quidam . de reb. dub . ff. .

An other limitation is , when † the one of the persons is not capable of the executorship or legacie : for then also the disiunctiue standeth properlie , and the other person alone shall obtaine the executorship or legacie k) k) Ias . in L. cum quidam . C. de verb. signif. limi . 5. quippe qui alias habet in eo loco istius regulae limitationes . .

Of vncertaintie respecting the thing bequeathed .

1 Whether vncertaintie by reason of generalitie in the thing bequeathed , dooth make void the disposition .

2 Whether the disposition bee voide when that is bequeathed which of the Logitians is called Species .

3 Whether the legacie of wine or corne , no quantitie being expressed , be voide .

4 By the equitie of the ecclesiasticall lawes , vncertaine testaments are saued from destruction .

5 Who ought to choose where a legacie is giuen generally , the executor or the legatarie .

6 The maner of election .

7 Of legataries who must choose first .

8 Of collegataries dissenting amongest themselues , what meanes is to be vsed .

§. x.

THat the disposition or bequest is sometimes ouerthrowne or destitute of effect , by reason of the vncertaintie of the thing bequeathed , may appeare by that which hath beene alreadie spoken of error in the thing bequeathed a) a) Supra . ead. part . §. 5 . : For by what meanes the testator dooth erre , by the same meanes is his disposition made vncertaine : concerning which kind of vncertaintie , whether it destroy the legacie or no , dooth there appeare . Now therefore of some other kinde of vncertaintie respecting the thing bequeathed , and namely whether the vncertaintie growing by occasion of generalitie , make voide the bequest , or not .

First , when † any thing is bequeathed vnder such generall wordes , that the meaning of the testator is vnknowne , the disposition remaineth without effect : as when the testator saith , I do bequeath something , or I bequeath a substance , or I bequeath a bodie , or a liuing creature b) b) Gloss. & DD. in L. legato . generaliter . & L. si domus . ff. de leg 1. , for that which the Logitians call genus either generalissimum , or subalternum , being bequeathed , the executor is said to bee deliuered , if he giue but a peece of bread , or a flie c) c) Accurs. Bar. & communiter DD. in d. L. legato . quamuis Zasius in d. L. & Io. Rub. lib. 2. sententiarum . c. 14. dicunt inutile quidem esse legatum , non tamen quia haeres dando quid minimum liberetur , sed quia effusum adeo & incertum est legatum , vt inutilem ▪ potius quam vtilem actum , concipere voluisse , testator intelligatur . .

If the † testator bequeath such a thing , which in Logicke is called species d) d) Quod enim dialecticis est species Iuristae genus appellant , quemadmodum & species dicitur à iurisc●nsultis , id quod Dialectici appellant indiuiduum . Minsing . in §. si generaliter . Instit. de legat . , & in law genus , then we are to consider , whether the same thing do receiue his limits of nature , as a horse , a tree , &c. or of a man , as a shippe , a gold chaine , or of weight , number , or measure , as lead , money wheat e) e) Zas . lib. 1. Sing . respons. in princ . n. 33. Minsing . in d. §. si generaliter . , &c.

In the first case , viz. if the testator bequeath a horse , the bequest is good , whether the testator haue any or none f) f) Bar. Paul . de Castro . & omnes Doctores in d. L. legato . .

In the second case , viz. if the testator bequeath a shippe , or a golde chaine , by the common opinion of writers , the legacie is voide g) g) Angel . & Alex. in L. si domus . ff. de leg . 1. Ias . in eand . L. n. 16. ampl . 2. & 3. Bar. & Lanc. Dec. ●n L. quod in●erum . §. & si Nauem eod. , vnlesse the testator haue a shippe , or a chaine . But others are of opinion that the legacie is good , although the testator haue no ship , or chaine h) h) Zas . Sing . intel . lib. 1. c. 1. n. 42. 43. &c. Peckius de testa . coniug lib. 5. c. 26. Minsing in §. sed si generaliter . Instit. de lega . n. 9. 10. Claud. cautiuncula , & alij , de quibus Peckius in d. c. 26 , qui hanc sententiam vt veriorem defendunt in re magis dubia , nempe in domo simpliciter legata . Grass . §. legatum . q. 61. n. 4. in fin . : and this opinion seemeth more reasonable , & more agreeable to the equitie of the ecclesiasticall lawes i) i) Zas . in L. Triticum . & in L. ita stipulatus , de verb. ob . ff. , especiallie if the testator knew that he had no ship , or chaine of his owne , when he made his will .

In the third case , viz. if the testator doo bequeath lead , or money , or wheate , not expressing the quantitie , the bequest is vnprofitable , because of the great vncertaintie : at least it seemeth the executor is deliuered , by deliuering a verie little k) k) L. nummis . ff. de leg . 3. Gloss. in d. L. legato . . Howbeit if the legacie consisting in weight , number , or measure , be disposed for the performance of some acte , or other certaine consideration , as for the building of some bridge , or amending of high waies , or for the education or alimentation of some person , or maintaining him at studie , or for the reliefe of the poore , or for the repairing of the Church , or for other like vses : In these cases the legacie is not voide , albeit no quantitie be expressed : for so much is vnderstoode to be disposed , as may satisfie or answere that purpose , whereunto it is appointed ; and as the ordinarie considering the necessitie of the thing , and the abilitie of the testator , and the continuance of the gift , shall deeme conuenient l) l) Zas . in L. ita stipulatus . de verb. ob . ff. n. 14. 15. & Ripa . in eand . L. n. 19. 20. 21. &c. .

Moreouer , by the † equitie of the lawes ecclesiasticall , not onely the legacie generall of things consisting in weight , number , or measure , as of wine , of oile , of corne , of iron , of brasse , mony , &c. is good and auailable , without any quantitie expressed by the testator , which quantitie is vnderstood to be left to the discretion of the ordinarie , to be limited by him as due circumstances shall induce him m) m) Archid. in c. sunt nonnulli . 1. q. 1. Abb. in c. 1. de dec . extr. gloss . & DD. in c. nos quidem . de testa . extra . : but also by the same † equitie , it seemeth that the general legacie euen of that which the Logitians cal genus ( which may be verified of things different in kind ) is not void n) n) Veluti si animal legatum fuerit Zas . in L. Triticum . ff. de verb. ob . n. 11. Archid. in c. sunt nonnulli . 1. q. 1. ; but it is to be certified and declared by the Ordinarie according to the estate of persons , the common cause , and whatsoeuer may be collected by other circumstances o) o) Zas . vbi supra . & in L. si ita stipulatus . ff. de verb. ob . & ibi Alex. & Ripa . : much lesse is the legacie void , where the testator doth bequeath a certaine quantitie of corne , or wine , or other things consisting in number , weight , or measure , not expressing the kind of corn , viz. wheat , rie , or barlie ; or of wine , viz. white , secke , or claret p) p) Zas . & Ripa . in d. L. si ita stipulatus . .

Here it may bee demaunded , who † shall choose , where the legacie is generall , the executor or legatarie ? To this question thus : If the testator doo expresly graunt the election , the doubt is easily answered : he to whom the election is granted q) q) Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 62. in . prin. Lanc. Dec. & Ias . in l. legato . ff. de leg. 1. .

If there be no expresse graunt made by the testator , then if the woordes of the disposition be directed to the legatarie : as if the testator shall say , I will that A. B. shall haue a horse , the election dooth belong to the legatarie r) r) Gloss. in L. lucio . ff. de leg. 2. & h●ec opin●o communis est , tes●e Grasso , d. ●●legatum . q. 62. n. ● . : but if the wordes of the disposition be directed to the executor : as if the testator say , I will that my executor giue to A.B. a horse , then the election doth appertaine to the executor s) s) Couar in c. ●●dican●e . d●●e●●a . extr. n. 3. ●as . & a●ij in d L. legato quo●um opinio commua● est , vt per Gras . vbi supra . . If the wordes be neither directed to the executor , nor to the legatarie , it is answered , that if the thing bequeathed haue his limites assigned of nature , then the election is in the legatarie , in case such things be extant amongst the testators goods : and in case there be no such extant , the election is in the executor t) t) Gloss. Alex. Ias . Zas . in d. L. legato generaliter . & horum sententia communis est , ait Grass . d. q. 62. n. 3. . But if so be that the thing bequeathed be limited by man , the election dooth apperteine to the executor v) v) Ias . in d. L. legato . n. 20. Grass . d. q. 62 n. 3. verb. aut verò . contrarium Minsing . in d. §. si generaliter . n. 9. sed prior opinio est communis , vt per eund. Grass . : and so it is of things consisting in number , weight , or measure x) x) L. 3. & 4. ff. de Tritic. vin. & oleo leg . Zas . in d. L. legato . n. 18. , albeit there be of those things extant amongest the goodes of the deceased y) y) Atque haec opinio communiter approbatur , siuè test●tor de certo senserit , siue non , vt per Grass . vbi supra . qui ●amen distinguit . , much more if there be none extant z) z) Minsing . in d. §. si generaliter . n. 7. Zas . ●n d. L. legato in sin . .

Prouided † alwayes , that of those things whch be extant the legatarie hauing the benefite of election , must not choose the very best a) a) Gloss. in L. si quis à filio . §. si quis plures . ff. de leg. 1 Zas in d. L. legato generaliter . n. 13. 14. Minsing . in d. §. si generaliter . n. 6. , vnlesse there be no more but two of the things extant ( for then he may choose the better b) b) L. si seruus . §. cum homo . ff. de leg . 1. Zas . in d. L. legato . n. 14. ) or vnlesse the testator do graunt election , for then he may choose the best (c) (c) L. 2. ff. de option . leg . & Wesenb in eund. tit. n. 1. per L. in testamentis . de reg. iur. ff. è regione stat Zasius scribe●s , quòd etiamsi legatatio detur optio , non tamen optima , sed mediocria sunt eligenda . in d. L. legato . n. 13. . And likewise on the contrarie part , where the election belongeth to the executor , he may not obtrude to the legatarie , the very worst of those things which be extant in the patrimonie d) d) DD. in d. L. legato . Couar . in c. iudicante de testa . extra . n. 3. & hoc indubitatum in speciebus . Sed in quantitatibus & in summis , quod minimum est deberi intelligitur , si Castrensi credamus . in d. L. legato . n. 4. Verum in huiusmodi legatis seruandum est boni viri arbitrium . Archid. in c. nonnulli sunt . 1. q. 1. Abb. in c. 1. de dec . extra . n. 6. : and whereas there be not any such thinges amongest the testators goods , the executor must prouide some competent thing e) e) Zas . in d L. legato . n. 22. post gloss . ibidem . .

Furthermore , it is to be remembred , that if the testator hauing two things , wherof the one is much better then the other ( be it for example two horses ) do bequeath to two persons either of them a horse , he that is first named in the testament may first choose f) f) Bar. in L. qui duos . ff. de leg. 1. quae sententia communiter approbatur , vtrefert . Grass . d. §. legatum . q. 62. in fin . .

Finally , this is not to be omitted , that if the † legataries dissent aboute the election of the thing bequeathed , this controuersie is to be decided by lot , if it be not otherwise resolued who in that choise is to be preferred (g) (g) §. optionis . Instit. de lega . .

Of vncertaintie in respect of the time or date of the testament .

1 When it is vncertaine whether of two testaments is later , both are voide .

2 The testament in fauour of children is presumed last .

3 The testament ad pias causas , is presumed last .

4 The will once proued , is not to be reproued by an other of the same date .

5 A souldier may die with two testaments .

6 Which of these two testaments is presumed later , the testament ad pias causas , or the testament inter liberos .

§. xj .

WHere † two testaments be founde , but vncertaine whether of them is the later : in this case neither testament is good a) a) Gloss. in L. vlt. C. de edict . ●i . Adria . toll . Clar. §. testm. q. 100. , for no man can die with two testaments b) b) L. quaerebatur . ff. de teston . mil. , and so the one testament doth destroy the other c) c) Bar. in L. 1. §. 1. ff. de bon. poss. secundum Tabul . .

Neuerthelesse , if the † one testament be made in fauour of the testators children , or of those who are to haue the administration of his goods , in case he had died intestate , and the other testament in fauour of others ; then that testament shall preuaile which is made in fauour of the testators children , or of them which otherwise are to haue the administration of his goods d) d) Bar. in d. §. 1. Sichar . in L. vlt. C. de edicto Di. Adr. toll . Mantic. d● coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 2. tit. 15. n. 17. .

Or if † the one testament be made ad pias causas , the other not ; then that testament ad pias causas is presumed last , and so to take place e) e) Ias . & Sichard . in d. L. vlt. .

Or if † the one testament be proued ( the other perhappes not as yet appearing ) and the executors in possession of the testators goods by vertue of the testament alreadie proued , it is not afterwards to be reproued , nor the executors dispossessed , by meanes of the other testament of the same date f) f) Bar. in d. §. 1. Ias . & Sichard . in d. L. vlt. .

Or if † the testaments be militarie testaments , for then perhaps they are both good , because a souldier may die with two testaments g) g) L. quaerebatur . ff. de mil. testa . .

Where it is saide , that that testament is presumed later , which is made in fauour of them that are to haue the benefite of the administration of the testators goods , or ad pias causas , rather then those testaments which are not made ad pias causas , nor in fauour of them which are to haue the administration : What † if two testaments be found , the one in fauour of the testators children , or such as are to haue the administration of the goods of the deceased ; the other made ad pias causas , and it dooth not appeare whether of them is former or later , whether is to be presumed last , and so of force ? I suppose that if they which are to haue the administration of the testators goods , in whose fauour the testament is made , be the testators children , then that testament made in their fauour is to be presumed later , rather then the testament ad pias causas h) h) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 6. tit. 3. n. 43. Vide supra 1. part . §. pen . in sin . & quod ibi adnotaui ex Augustino . : otherwise the testament ad pias causas is to be presumed later , rather then that testament made in fauour of collaterall kinsmen i) i) Mantic. vbi supr. per L. sancimus . C. de sacrosan . ecclesia . .

Of an vnperfect testament .

1 Two sorts of vnperfect testaments .

2 Whether a testament which is vnperfect in respect of solemnitie be voide .

3 When a testament vnperfect in respect of will is voide .

4 Two meanes whereby testaments are saide to be vnperfect in respect of will .

5 Whether the testament be voide which is vnperfect by the former of these two meanes .

6 By the ciuill lawe the testament vnperfect in respect of will is voide .

7 Whether a testament ad pias causas being imperfect in respect of will , be voide .

8 That which hath place in testaments ad pias causas hath place also in our testaments .

9 Whether a testament being vnperfect in respect of will , by the second meanes be voide or not .

10 What if the testator after hee haue declared his whole will , reserue somewhat to be done at an other time .

11 What if the testator hauing declared his testament doo sende for a Notarie to write , and die in the meane time .

§. xij .

OF imperfect † testaments there be two sorts , the one vnperfect in respect of solemnitie ; the other vnperfect in respect of will a) a) L. hac consultissima . § ex imperfecto , C. de testa . & ibi Paul . de Castro . Ias & alij . Boer . decis . 240. n. 4. & 5. .

That testament is said to be vnperfect in respect of solemnitie , which wanteth some of the legall requisites , necessarie to the constitution and denomination of a solemne testament b) b) Sichard . & alij . in d. §. ex imperfecto . , of which we haue alreadie spoken c) c) Supra 1. part . §. 7. & part. 4 §. 23. .

That testament is said to be imperfect in respect of will , which the testator hath begun , but cannot finish as he would , being preuented by death , insanitie of minde , or other impediments d) d) Ias . Sichard . & alij , in d. §. ex imperfecto . L. si is qui de testa . ff. L. furiosus . qui testa . fac . poss. C. .

The † testament which is vnperfect in respect of solemnitie , is vtterly voide by the ciuill lawe e) e) L. 1. de iniusto teston . ff. L. hac consultissima . §. ex imperfecto . C. de testa . & DD. ibid. Minsing . in §. sed cum paulatim . Instit. de testa . ord. 12. Iul. Clar. §. testm. q. 89. : but by the lawes ecclesiasticall f) f) c. relatum . el. 1. c. cum esses . de testa . extra . , and especially by the generall custome of this realme g) g) Tract . de repu . Aug. lib. 3. c. 7. Lindw . in c. statutum . de testa . lib. 3. prouinc . const. Cant. , the testament is good without any such solemnities , sauing that where lands , tenements , and hereditaments be deuised by will , the solemnitie of a writing in the life time of the testator , is precisely necessarie , without the which the deuise of lands , tenements , and hereditaments is meerely void h) h) per Stat. H. 8. ●an . 32. c. 1. vt refert D. Smith . Tract . vt supra . Quod tamen quaere . .

The † testanent which is vnperfect in respect of will , is sometimes vtterly voide , and sometimes it is good , so farre forth as it is done : which diuersitie of effects , doth arise by the diuersitie of the meanes whereby the testament is vnperfect .

If we would therefore know particularly when the testament is vtterly void or not , which is vnperfect in respect of will , it behooueth vs to take particular view of the seuerall meanes whereby the will of the testator is made vnperfect .

The † meanes whereby the testament is vnperfect in respect of will , seeme to be two i) i) Mascard . Tract . de probac. verb. testm̄. . 1352. n. 70. ibi . Secundus casus . Grass . T●esaur . con. op. in §. testm. q. 19. vbi proponit tres casus . : the first is , when the testator after he haue begunne to make his testament , and intending to proceed further at that present , is then suddenly euen whiles he is making of his testament , preuented by death , or insanitie of minde , or by some other impediment , so that he cannot finish the same according to his purpose k) k) L. si is qui de testam . ff. L. furiosum . qui testa . fac . post . C. Ias . & Sichard . in L. pen . de Instit. & sub . C. .

The other meane is , when the testator is not hindered at that present time of making his testament , but after he haht begun to make his testament , deferreth the finishing or perfecting thereof vntill another time , and in the meane time dieth , or otherwise becommeth intestable l) l) Oldrad . consil. 119. Paul . de Castr. cons. 75. vol. 1. & consil. 450. vol. 2. Peckius . Tract . de testam . coniug. lib. 1. c. 18. .

When † the testament is vnperfect after the first maner , it may seeme that the same is vtterly voide , euen touching that which is alreadie done ; yea although the testator had appointed an executor , which is the substance of the testament : and there † is no question , but that by the ciuill lawe it is voide , though it were the testament of the father amongst his children m) m) Bar. Bald. Castrens . & alij , in L. hac consultissima §. ex imperfecto . C. de testa . quorum op. com . est , vt referunt Iul. Clar. §. testm. q. 9. & Michael . Grass . Thesa . com . op. §. testm. q. 12. . But whether it bee voide iure gentium , and consequently by that law which we vse here in England , is a question not altogether vndoubtfull : and the resolution seemeth to depend vppon the veritie of another question : namely , whether a testament ad pias causas being vnperfect with that imperfection of will , be good or not : For if a testament ad pias causas be good , notwithstanding such imperfection , then our testaments are also good : and if that testament bee not good ; then ours are likewise nought : for these testaments ad pias causas , are ruled secundum ius gentium n) n) Panor . in Rub de testa . extr. n. 9. Tiraquel . de priuileg . piae causae . c. 3. &c. 5. Corne. cons. 307 Couar . in c. relatum . cl. 1. n 6. Paul . de Castr. consil. 75. circa medium . vol. 1. & consil 450. vol. 2. Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. testm. q 18. vbi dicit hanc op. com . esse iure can . ; and so are ours o) o) Dixi supra part . 1. §. 9. .

Now † that a testament ad pias causas being vnperfect in respect of will , is vtterly void , euen touching that which is alreadie done , is holden by a great many of writers , and those of great account and authoritie p) p) Bald. in rep. L. 1. de sacrosan . eccle. C. q. 6. Angel . in L. si is qui de testa . ff. Fulgos . consil. 117. Anch. in c. 2 de testa . extr. Are. in d. L. si is qui. Boer . decis . 210 Vasq . de success . crea . §. 22. n. 6. Paris . consil. 24. vol. 3. Tho. Gram. decis . 62. Sichard . & Curtius Iun. in d. L. hac consultissima . §. ex imperfecto . , whose opinion is also testified to be common q) q) Iul. Clar. §. testm. q. 7. Immo magis est com . ait . Grass . , and highly extolled r) r) Ab hac opinione in Prax. non licere recedere scripsit Ruinus . consil. 7. n. 8. vol. 3. Eand . op. esse non modo com . sed canonicam & verissimam , laudat Vsuius . Thesau . com . op. verb. testamentum . tandem magis communem esse , asserit Grass . §. test . n. q. 19. : their reason is , because in this case here is defect of consent , without which consent no testament is good s) s) Sichard . in d. §. ex imperfecto . . There is defect ( say they ) of consent in this case , because testators whiles they are making of their testaments , vntill they haue finished the same , doo put in , and put out , they adde , they reuoke , and they alter manie things alreadie by them disposed t) t) Clar. §. testm. q. 7. : Other reasons also they haue , the which in my opinion are not altogether so forceable v) v) Nempè quod testm. ratione voluntatis imperfectum . non valet inter liberos , ergo nec fauore piae causae : Sed negatur argumentum per ea quae superiùs dicta sunt prima parte de priuileg . vtriusque testamenti . .

On the contrarie , others whose not onely number is more exceeding , but authoritie and estimation more excellent , are of this opinion , that where the testator hath begunne his testament , and hath bequeathed certaine legacies ad pias causas , and intending at that present to proceed further , is then suddenly by death or other impediment preuented , or hindered , that he cannot finish his testament : neuerthelesse those legacies alreadie made ad pias causas , are not thereby infringed , but do continue still firme and effectuall , as if the testator had finished his testament , according to his former purpose x) x) Bar. & Imola . in L. is qui. ff. de testa . Castren . consil. 456. vol. 1. Panor . in c. 1. de success . ab intestat . extr. Alex. in L. hac consultissima . §. ex imperfecto . C. de testa . A●e . in §. fin . Inst. quib . mod. testa . infir . Ias . consil. 15. vol. 4. Socin . Tract . reg. & sal . reg 300. Ioh de Ana. consil. 7. Barba . consil. 42. vol. 4. Calca . consil. 13. Dec. in c. 1. de fide instr . extr. Tiraquel . de priuileg piae causae . c. 7. Mascard . de probac . verb. testm̄. . in c. relatum . el. 1. de testa . extr. , and this their opinion is testified to be more commonly receiued y) y) Tiraquel . Tract . de priuileg . piae causae . priuileg . 7. Mascard . de probac. verb. testm̄. . The reason of their opinion is , because touching those legacies alreadie giuen , there is no defect of naturall consent z) z) Panor . in d. c. 1. de success . ab intestat . extra . : For although there bee imperfection of will in respect of his whole testament , because the testator cannot absolutely finish the same according to his purpose : yet in respect of that which is done , there is no imperfection of will a) a) Tiraquel . de priuileg piae caus . e. priuileg . 7. Dec in c. 1. de fide instr . extr. ( the perfect is not to be hurt by the imperfect b) b) c. vtile . de reg , iu● . extra . ) And albeit testators whiles their willes and testaments are in making doo many times adde and diminish , and alter diuerse things , yet who is able to say that concerning this , or that particular legacie alreadie giuen , the testator would haue made any addition , diminution , or alteration : The presumption is rather to the contrarie , for perseuerance and not mutation of will is presumed c) c) L. cum qui volunta tem . ff. de probac. . In deed if it can be prooued that the testator did meane at that present to alter those legacies before giuen ere he had finished his testament and could not , being then suddenly preuented by death , or otherwise , then the former opinion hath place d) d) Paul . de Castr. in L. iubemus . de testa . & DD. in L. pen . de Instit. & sub . C. , that the disposition is voide , otherwise not e) e) Quia nemo praesumitur habere plus in corde quam in ore . Bald. in L. si is qui. ff. de testa . .

By † this now which hath beene spoken of testaments ad pias causas , we may iudge whether our testaments here in England bee good or not , when they be inperfect by the first meanes , viz. where the testator whiles he is in making his testament , after he haue appointed an executor , or giuen some legacies , and intending to proceed further , is euen then suddenly interrupted and hindered , that he cannot finish the same accordingly .

When † the testament is imperfect by the second meanes of imperfection of will , that is to say , when the testator after he haue begun to make his testament , doth put off or defer the finishing thereof vntill an other time , and in the meane time dieth , or is otherwise letted , that he cannot make an end thereof , as he meant , howsoeuer by the rigour of the ciuill lawe the testament in this case may seeme to be void , euen touching that which is alreadie done f) f) Paul . de Castr. consil. 150. vol. 2. : yet by that lawe which this realme of England doth admit , in this case ( I meane ius gentium ) concerning those things alreadie disposed , the testament is not voide by the reasons before alledged . For as in the former case the legacies alreadie giuen are not voide , where the testator cannot finish his testament as he woulde at that time : so in this case , the legacies before disposed , or the constitution of the executor befor made , dooth not become voide , where the testator cannot finish his testament as he purposed at another time g) g) Cum igitur eadem ratio in vtroque casu militet , idem etiam ius constitui oportet . Nec casus diuersitas , sed rationis identidas inspici debet Aymo Grauetta . consil. 190. .

Much lesse † is that testament voide , where the testator hauing declared his whole will and intending to do no more at that present , reserueth somewhat to be done at another time , and in the meane time dieth : For euen by the ciuill law in this case the testament is perfect , notwithstanding such reseruations h) h) Aret. Ias . & Sichard . in L. pen . C. de Instit. & sub . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. testm. q. 12. n. 4. quam sententiam communiter receptam monstrat . post Lud. Zant. Respons. pro vx . n. 302. . Wherefore if the testator after that he hath made his will , do say that he wil adde , diminish , or alter any thing in his will the next day , and die in the meane time , before any such additions , detractions , or alterations be made , the testament is not to be noted of imperfection by any such reseruation of adding , diminishing , or altering his testament i) i) Simo. de Praetis . de Interp. vlt. vol. lib. 1. fol. 195. Io. de Ana. cons. 44 ; because these things may be don by way of codicill , without the which the testament is sufficiently perfect k) k) Sichard . in L. pen . de Instit. & sub . C. in sin . , and especially the testament remaineth firme and effectuall , where the testator dooth ouer-liue the time by him prescribed for such additions , diminutions , or alterations , for then he is presumed to haue repented him of such additions , by not dooing the same when he might l) l) Alex. cons. 74. vol. 1. Olden de action . class. 5. fol. 498. Paul . de Cast. in L. iubemus . C. de testa . .

Hereunto † it may be added , that where the testator hauing declared his whole will before witnesses , causeth the ᵃ Notarie or Scribe to be called vnto him intending to haue the same committed to writing , for a more sufficient proofe of his testament , and before the comming of the Notarie dieth : In this case the testament is good , and ought to preuaile as a Nuncupatiue testament m) m) Alex. in L. hac consultissima . §. ex imperfecto . C. de testa . Grass . Thesaur . com . op. q. 12. n. 6. Mantic. de coniec . vlt. vol. lib. 1. tit. 7. n. 6. vbi ostendit hanc op. esse com . : neuerthelesse , if it may be prooued , that the testator did restraine himselfe to the written testament , and that it was his will and meaning , that the testament should not be of force , vnlesse it were written , then the testator dyeth in the meane time before it be written , the testament shall not be allowed as a Nuncupatiue testament , & so not at all n) n) Bar. post Dyn , in L. vlt. ff. de iure codicill . Oldrad . consil. 119. Castrens . consil. 75. vol. 1. & cons. 450. vol. 2. Peckius . de testa , coniug. lib. 1. c. 18. Grass . Thesaur . com . op §. testm. q. 11. el. 1. : But it is not presumed , by sending for a Notarie , that otherwise the testator would that his testament should take no place , vnlesse it were written o) o) Couar . in c. relatum . el. 1. de testa . extra . n. 11. ibi tertia conclusio . Mantic. d. c. 7. n. 6. , but rather for a more ready proofe of his will p) p) Grass . d. §. testm. q. 12 in sin . .

Of defect in the testators meaning .

1 No testament good without a firme resolution of the minde to make a testament .

2 Wordes vttered rashly , or vnaduisedly done , not import a firme purpose in the testator .

3 It is the minde and not the words which giueth life to the testament .

4 What is to be considered to prooue a firme intent of making a testament .

5 Of the draught of a will in writing .

6 If a writing be founde in manner of a will , whether is it presumed the verie will , or but a draught thereof .

§. xiij .

IF the † testator haue not animum testandi , that is a firme resolution , or aduised determination of making his testament , his testament is voide , or rather no testament a) a) L. Diuus . ff. de mil. testa . §. plane . Instit. de mil. testa . . And therefore † if any man rashly , vnaduisedly , incidently , ieastingly , or boastingly , and not seriously , nor with a firme purpose to make his will , do say and affirme ( as oftentimes it happeneth ) that he will make such a man his executor , or will leaue vnto him all his goods , this is no testament b) b) L. vlt. ff. de testa . & DD. ibi , & in d. L. diuus & §. plane . Hottoman . cons. 5. vol. 1. Socin . iun consil. 179. vol. 2. Paris . consil. 89. vol. 3. Hyero . Franc. in L. quicquid . de reg. iur. ff. : For † it is the mind and not the wordes of the testator , that giueth life to the testament c) c) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 2. tit. 15. in fin . L. ex feodo . ff. de haered. instit . Atque huc pertinent quae superius à me scripta sunt in explicatione definitionis testamenti . verb. sententia . 1. part . §. 3. . Which † minde or earnest purpose ought to be proued by circumstances d) d) Gloss. in §. plane . Instit. de testa . mil. , as that the testator was verie sicke when hee spake these wordes e) e) Gloss. in L. diuus . ff. de mil. testa . , or that he did require the witnesses to beare witnesse thereof f) f) eadem gloss . in d. L. diuus . , or that hee framed and setled himselfe earnestly to the making of his testament g) g) Gloss. in d. L. plane . , or by other circumstances of like effect h) h) L. Pamphilo . §. propositum . ff. de leg . 3. & DD. ibidem . , wherein the Iudge is to consider the condition of the person speaking the words , the time , the place , the occasion , the maner of speech , and in whose presence i) i) Menoch . de arbitr. Iud. lib. 2. centur. 5. cas. 496. , and namely whether the words were of the present or future time k) k) Paul . de Castr. in L. fin . ff. de testa . Hottom . d. consil. 5. : and if the words be of the future time , then whether they bee such as doo import the acomplishment of the act , or but the beginning onely : for those of the former sort being executorie , are equiualent to woordes of the present time l) l) Alciat . Ripa . & alij , in L. serui electione . ff. de leg. 1. : By which circumstances the discreete Iudge may the better collect , whether he that vttered the words had a minde or purpose thereby to make his testament or not m) m) Menoch . d. cas. 496. ex quo abundè haurire poteris , vnde sitim tuum extinguas . .

As wordes † onely without a constant purpose of making a testament , do not make a testament , so that writing which is prepared or destined for a draught or image of the testators will onely , or for a more readie direction of the testator wherby to make his testament afterwards , is no more to be accounted a testament before it be acknowledged by the testator for his testament n) n) L. ex ea scriptura . de testa . L. fidei commissa . §. 1. de leg. 3. ff. , then is the draught of a sentence to be taken for a sentence , vntill it be pronounced by the Iudge o) o) L. 2. & 3. de senten . ex breuiloqua recit . C. c. sin . de re iud. 6. Vantius de nullitat . viz. de null . ex defectu processus , &c. n. 69. 70. Bald. in d. L. fidei commiss . §. 1. Euerard . consil. 155. n. 8. , or the draught of an obligation is to be accounted for an obligation before it be sealed and deliuered by the oblige as his acte and deede p) p) L. contractus . C. de fide Instr . .

Notwithstanding I do not hereby meane , that it is alwayes necessarie the testator should acknowledge before witnesse the testament by him written , to be his last will and testament , or that it is alwayes necessarie , that he should subscribe his name , or put his seale thereunto , for the testament written with the hand of the testator , may be good without anie of these things , as heretofore I haue confirmed q) q) Supra part . 4. §. 25 . .

But now this doubt may arise , what † if a writing bee found written indeede with the hand of the testator in maner of a will , wherein he hath disposed his goodes and appointed an executor , but the writing is neither sealed with the testators seale , nor subscribed with his name , nor by him acknowledged before witnesses , to bee his last will : whether shall this writing be accounted to be a draught of the testators will , or the testament it selfe ? I suppose that the solution of this question , resteth in the varietie of circumstances : For if the writing be vnperfect r) r) L. ex ea scriptum de testa . L. fidei commissa . de leg. 3. ff. , for that perhaps the testator dooth leaue of in the middest of a sentence s) s) Bald. & Angel . in d. L. ex ea scriptura Euerard . cons. 155. n. 9. , and without any date t) t) Auth. quod sine . C. de testa . Euerar . d. consil. 155. Non tamen affirmo necessarium 〈◊〉 vt tempus inscriba●●● prout ius ciuile in omni testamento , etiam inter liberos exigit , sed quia communiter apponi solet tempus à nostratibus in suis testamentis scriptis , omissio igitur temporis ( argumento à cōmuniteriac cidentibus ) denotat praeparationem rei , potius quam ipsam rem . , or if the same bee written with straunge characters v) v) L. quoties . § 1. ff. de haered. instit . Bar. Bald. Ang. & alij ibidem . Non quòd idcirco vitiosum sit testm. quia scriptum notis vel zypheris inusitatis maxime iure gentium attento sed quod deducto argumento à communiter acciden . praeparatio magis quam res ipsa videatur , quia perpauci vera sua testamenta literis vel characteribus inusitatis conscribant . , or if the same be written in paper , and great distance betwixt euery line , with diuers emendations and corrections made betwixt the lines x) x) Paul . de Castr. Sich. & alij , in L. contractus . C. de side instr . : if also the same be founde amongst other papers of small value or account y) y) DD. in D. Auth. quod sine . , by these circumstaunces it seemeth rather a draught or preparation to a testament , then the testament it selfe z) z) Euerard . d. cons. 155. . But on the contrarie , if the writing be perfect or fullie finished , hauing a certain date of the day , moneth , and yeare , and be written with vsual and accustomed letters in parchment , without corrections , and with small distance betwixt the lines ; and also found in some chest of the testator amongst other writings of the testators , of great value and moment : by these circumstances it seemeth rather to be the very testament it selfe , then a draught onely a) a) DD. in d. Auth. quod sine . Euerard . d. consil. 155. Adde quae supra scripsimus . part . 4. §. 25. .

Of a later testament .

1 Diuerse meanes whereby the testament being good at the first , is afterwards infringed .

2 A man may make as many testaments as he list .

3 Onely the last testament is of force .

4 This conclusion that the later testament dooth infringe the former , diuersly extended .

5 The same conclusion diuersly restrained .

6 Of the clause derogatorie of future testaments .

7 Questions about clauses derogatorie .

8 Of clauses derogatorie , some are derogatorie of the power of making testaments , some of the will .

9 When the clause is derogatorie of the power of making testaments , mention or reuocation thereof is not necessarie .

10 When the clause is derogatorie of the will of making testaments , then it is needful to make mention thereof .

11 Certaine cases wherein mention or reuocation of the testament derogatorie is not necessarie .

12 Three manner of reuocations , generall , speciall , and singular .

13 The force of the generall reuocation .

14 The effect of the speciall reuocation .

15 The effect of the singular reuocation .

16 The effect of generall mention .

17 The effect of particular mention .

18 How a testament may be reuoked , wherein is a special clause derogatorie circumscribed with certaine limites .

19 What is chiefly to bee obserued about those testaments , wherein be clauses derogatorie .

20 Clauses derogatorie of small force in the testaments of simple persons .

21 What if two testaments appeare , but doth not appeare whether of them is later .

§. xiiii .

IT hath beene signified alreadie , that † a testament which is good and lawfull at the beginning , may afterwards become voide by diuerse meanes a) a) Supra ead. part . §. r. : as by the making of a later testament b) b) In hoc ipso §. , and by reuoking c) c) Infra §. 15. and cancelling d) d) Infra §. 16. the testament made , by alteration of the testators state e) e) Infra § 17. , by forbidding or hindering the testator to make another testament , or to correct the former , and by diuerse meanes hereafter ensuing g) g) Infr. §. 19. 20. cum sequen. vsque ad finem libri . .

Concerning the first of these meanes , that is to say , the making of a later testament , so large and ample is the libertie of making testaments ; that † a man may as oft as hee will make a newe testament , euen vntill the last breath h) h) L. 4. ff. de adim . lega . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 1. n. 1. , neither is there any cautele vnder the sunne to preuent this libertie i) i) Bar. in L. si mihi . §. in legatis . ff. de leg . 1. Olden . de action . class. 5. in prin fol. 197. . But no man can die with two testaments k) k) L. ius nostrum . de reg. iur. ff. L. sancimus . C. de testa . , and therefore † the last and newest is of force l) l) §. posteriore . Instit quib . mod. testa . instr . : so that if there were a thousand testaments , the last of all is the best of all , and maketh voide the former m) m) Paris . consil. 10. lib. 3 n. 4. .

This † conclusion , that the later dooth infringe the former , is diuersly enlarged . First the later testament dooth infringe the former , albeit it the executor of the later do refuse the executorship , or die , either during the life of the testator , or after his death n) n) d §. posteriore . Instit. quib . mod. testa . infir . Mascard . Tract . de probac. concl. 1282. n. 2. , for it is sufficient that once he might haue beene executor o) o) Eod. §. posteriore . . Secondly , the later testament doth infringe the former , albeit the prince or Emperour himselfe were appointed executor of the former p) p) L. si quis . C. qui testa fac . poss. . Thirdly , the later testament doth make frustrate the former , albeit the former were a written testament , and the later but a nuncupatiue testament q) q) Vasq. de success . resolue . lib. 1. §. 1. n. 26. 27 Perkins . tit. testament . fol. 92. , Fourthly , the later dooth infringe the former , albeit there be no mention in the second testament of reuoking the former r) r) Minsing . & Vigli . in d. §. posteriore . . Fiftly , the later testament dooth reuoke the former , albeit in the former there bee a clause derogatorie of willes and testaments afterwards to be made s) s) Bar. in L. si mihi & tibi . §. in legatis . ff de leg . : but then whether it be necessarie , that in the later testament there be mention or reuocation of that former testament , or of the clause derogatorie , is hereafter declared t) t) Infra §. 15. . Sixtly , the later testament doth make voide the former , albeit there be xx . witnesses of the former , and but two of the later v) v) Couar . in Rub. de testa . extr. part. 2. in prin. Vasq. de success . resolu . lib. 1. §. 1. . Seuenthly , the later testament dooth take away the former , albeit in the former testament the executor is appointed simplie or without condition , & in the later conditionally , and the same condition also violated x) x) d. §. posteriore . Instit. quib mod. testa . infir . , so that the condition be of something then to come at the time when the condition was made . But if the executor of the later testament be made vppon some condition then present , or past , the condition not existing , the former testament is not reuoked y) y) Minsing . in d. §. posteriore . n. 6. . Eightly , the later testament doth make void the former , albeit the testator haue sworne not to reuoke the same z) z) Couar . in Rub. de testa . extra . part. 2. n. 9. , the othe also being reuoked together with the testament a) a) Iul. Clar. §. testm. q. 94. Grass . Thesaur . con. op. §. testm. q. 87. & hoc ( inquit ) est valdè notandum . .

The restrictions † of this former conclusion are these : First , the later testament dooth not make voide the former , when the later is vnperfect , in respect of the testators will b) b) §. ex eo Instit. quib . mod. testa . infir . L. sancimus . C. de testa . ; and not in respect of solemnitie c) c) Supra hoc ipso §. Ampliac . 3. & 6. . Secondly , the later testament doth not make voide the former , when it is vehemently suspected that the testator was compelled to make the later testament by feare , or violence d) d) Simo de Praetis . de Interp. vlt. vol. lib. 4. fol. 226. n. 49. sed an sufficiat probac. per vnicum testem , vide ibid. . Thirdly , the later testament doth not make voide the former , when it is suspected that the testator was induced to make the later by fraude or deceite e) e) Simo de Praetis . vbi supr. & supra ead. part . §. 3. . Fourthly , the later testament doth not take away the former , the later being made at the interrogation or suggestion of some other person f) f) Zas . cons. 3. vol. 1. n. 41. Aymo . consil. 10 n. 13. Apostil . ad Ripam . in L. 1. §. si quis ita ff de verb. ob . n. 9. vbi dicitur hanc op. esse com . & supra ead. part . §. 4. , especially when the testator is very sick , & in peril of death g) g) Socin . Iun. consil. 148 vol. 2. n. 15. : for then it doth not take away the former , made by the proper motion of the testator h) h) Vide quae scripsi supra part . 2. §. 26. , vnlesse it appeare plainly of the expresse will of the testator to reuoke the former i) i) Gabriel . lib. 4. com . conclus . tit de testa . conclus. 2. n. 9. post Rui. cons. ●2 n. 11 ▪ vol. 2. , or vnlesse the testator himselfe did dictate the testament k) k) Gabriel . ibid. n. 21 , in fin . , or vnlesse the later testament be in fauor of the testators children , or others , who were to haue the administration of his goods if he died intestate l) l) Socin . Iun. consil. 144. n. 5. vol. 2. . Fiftly , where the testator hath made two testaments , a former and a later , both being written ; and the same testator afterwardes lying sicke vppon his death bed , some neighbour of his presenting to the testator both the testaments , willing him to deliuer to them which of these testaments he will shal stand for his last wil , if the testator being of perfect minde and memorie , shall deliuer to them the former testament : In this case the testament so deliuered shall be the testators last will , albeit it were first made m) m) Perkins . tit. testament . fol. 92. . Sixtly , the second testament dooth not reuoke the former , when the second testament dooth not in any wise dissent from the former , but agreeth with the same in all points , especially if the later were made verie shortly after the former , for then they both seeme but one testament in diuers writings n) n) Vigl . in d. §. posteriore . Instit. quibus modis testa . infir . . Seuenthly , the former testament is not reuoked , when in the later will , there be no executors named , for then the later is but a codicill or addition to the former testament , wherein executors be named o) o) Instit. de Codicil . vide supra part . 1. §. 5. . Eightly , the former testament is not reuoked by the later , where the testator dooth take an othe not to reuoke the former , vnlesse there be expresse mention of the same testament , or of the othe p) p) Vasq. de success . refoluc . lib. 1. §. 1. n. 32. Grass . Thesaur . com . op §. testm. q. 86. Iul. Clar. §. testm. q. 94. n. 5. . Nienthly , the later testament doth not take away the former , when it is made in heate of anger , and displeasure conceiued by the testator against the executor of the first testament , whereas afterwards they be reconciled and ioined in amitie as before q) q) L. quicquid de reg. iur. ff. Mantic. de coniect . vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit . l. n. 25. . Tenthly , the † former testament wherein is a clause derogatorie of willes and testaments afterward to be made ( as if the testator say , What soeuer testament I shall hereafter make , I will that the same be of no force , &c. ) is not alwais infringed by the later testament , vnlesse there be sufficient mention or reuocation of the former testament or clause derogatorie r r Gloss. in L. si mihi & tibi . §. in legatis . ff. de leg. 1. quam communiter receptam dicit Ias . in L. Horatius . ff. de lib. & posthu . .

If you demaund in what † cases mention or reuocation is to be made of the former testament hauing a clause derogatorie , and in what maner this mention or reuocation ought to be made , and is sufficient for the reuoking of the former testament , with the clause derogatorie : Surely this question , especially concerning the maner of mention or reuocation to be made in the second testament , is very difficult , and such as in the answering whereof , the writers doo fight amongst themselues mightily , and doo contradict one another verie strongly s) s) Vt prius per Couar . in Rub. de testa . extra . part. 2. & per Iul. Clar. §. testm. q. 99. & per Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. testm. q. 89. & per Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 8. , so that the victorie is verie doubtfull , and verie hard it is to know whether opinion is truer , or more commonly receiued . Others labouring to reconcile these contradictions , and to pacifie these contentions , haue waded so farre for fine and daintie distinctions , that they seeme to swimme vp and downe , and to slote hither and thither , I know not whither , in a deepe and bottomlesse sea of intricate & confused diuisions t) t) Bar. in L. si quis in prin. de leg . 3. Michael . Grass . §. de testm. q. 89. DD. in L. si mihi & tibi . §. in legatis . ff. de leg. 1. , so that if a man would aduenture to followe them to the end of their voiage , he might well doubt whether euer he should obtaine any hauen or safe landing : wherefore for mine owne part , I thought to wade no further from the shore then I should find fast footing , & where I might be within the readers reach .

Concerning the question therefore , first of all we are to vnderstand † that of clauses derogatorie there be two sorts , the one derogatorie of the power of making testaments , the other derogatorie of the will of making testaments v) v) Clar. Grass . Couar . vbi supra . DD. in d. §. in legatis . : Example of the first is , when the testator vseth these or the like words : I doo from henceforth renounce the power of making any other testament : Or thus ; I will that hereafter I haue no more libertie or authoritie to make mo willes or testaments , &c. Example of the second ; when the testator vseth these or the like words : If I make any testament hereafter , I will that the same be of no force : or thus ; If I make any testament hereafter , except therein I write the Lordes praier , my minde and will is that the same be voide and of none effect x) x) DD. in d. §. in legatis . Couar . in d. Rub. Clar. & Grass . vbi supr. . The vse of this distinction or difference betwixt clauses derogatorie of power and of will is this .

If † the clause be derogatorie of the power or libertie of making of testaments , & afterwards the testator maketh another testament , it is not needfull therein to make any mention , or reuocation of the former testament , or clause derogatorie therein conteined y) y) Bar. in L. si quis in prin. de leg . 3. Ias . in d. § in legatis . Clar. §. testm q. 99. n. 2. Grass . §. testm. q. 89. n. 3. , for the former is taken away by the second , as if there had not bene any such clause derogatorie therein at all : the reason is , because the clause derogatorie of the power of making testaments is vtterly voide in law , neither can a man renounce the power or libertie of making testaments z) z) Bar. d. L. si quis . n. 4. Clar. & Grass vbi supr. , neither is there any cautele vnder heauen to preuent this libertie a) a) Bar in d. §. in legatis Olden . de action . class. 5. in prin. fol. 497. Mantic . de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 1. n. 1. , which also indureth whiles any life endureth b) b) L. 4. ff. de adimen . legatis . , as hath bene aforesaid .

If † the clause be derogatorie of the testators will , then it is necessarie that in the later testament there be mention or reuocation of the testament with the clause derogatorie , otherwise the former testament is still in force c) c) Bar. in L. si quis . de legatis . 3. Clar. § testm. q. 99. Grass . §. testm. q 89. : the reason is , because there is presumed a defect of the testators will in the second testament , and that his meaning is not to haue the former reuoked , without making mention of the former derogatorie testament d) d) Couar . in d. Rub. de testa . extra . part . 2. Clar. & Grass . vbi supra Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit . 8. Paris . consil. 10. vol. 3 n. 9. 24. &c. .

Neuerthelesse † it is not perpetually true , that the testament wherein is a clause derogatorie of the testators will , is not infringed by the later testament , wherein is no mention or reuocation of the former testament derogatorie , for it faileth in diuers cases . The first case is , when it may be prooued by other coniectures , that it was the testators meaning , that the former testament should be reuoked e) e) Couar . in d. Rub. 2. part . n. 19. vers. quart. conclus . Paris . consil. 10. vol. 3. n. 21. Grass . d. q. 89. n. 6. Clar. d. q. 99 n. 8. Mantic. de coniec . vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 8. n 13. Mascard . de probac. conclus. 1282. n. 43. . Another case is , when there be ten yeares expired from the time of the first testament f) f) Bald. in L. sancimus . C. de testa n. 6. Grass . d. q. 89. n. 10. Clar. d. q. 99. n. 19. . The third case is , when the testator dooth with an othe confirme the later testament g) g) Bald. in d. L. sancimus in fin . Grass . d. q. 89. n. 8. Clar. d. q. 99. n. 10. . The fourth case is , when the second testament is made in fauour of the testators children h) h) L. vlt. C. de Curator . furios . Grass d. q. 89. n. 9. Mantic. d. tit. 8. n. 27. , or some other person intirely beloued of the testator i) i) Ias . in d. L. sancimus . C. de testam . limi . 6. . The fift case is , when the executor named in the former testament after the making thereof dooth grieuously offend the testator k) k) Ias . in d. L. sancimus . lim. 2. .

For the other question , ( viz. what maner of reuocation is to be made in the second testament , that it may suffice to reuoke the former testament , wherein is a clause derogatorie of the will of the testator ) we must note † that there be three sorts of reuocations , one generall , another speciall , the third singular , or indiuiduall l) l) Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. testm q. ●9 . n. 4. Clar. §. testm q 99. n. 7. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 8. n. 6. . Generall , when the testator in his later testament vseth these or the like wordes : I will that this testament shall stand , notwithstanding any other will or testament by me heretofore made : or thus ; I reuoke and make voide all former willes and testaments , &c. Speciall when the testator hath these or the like tearmes . I doo hereby reuoke all former testaments , notwithstanding any clause derogatorie in the same . Singular , wherin the testator saith , I make my last wil and testament , notwithstanding that clause derogatorie of my former will , that I would not haue that testament reuoked , vnlesse I should insert in this testament the Lordes praier . Or thus : Notwithstanding that clause derogatorie in my former will , wherby I would that no will or testament afterward to bee made should preuaile , albeit I should specially derogate from the former . Or thus : Notwithstanding that wil where I made such a person my executor . Or thus : Notwithstanding that will which I made in such a place , at such a time , and before such witnesses , &c m) m) Bar , in L. si quis in prin. ff. de leg . 3. Couar . in Rub. de testa . extra part. 2. n. 19. Clar. §. testm. q. 99. Grass . §. testm. q. 89. Mantic. de coniect . vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 8. . These distinctions obserued , I make these conclusions .

The first conclusion is , that † if in the later testament there be a generall reuocation , as notwithstanding all former testaments , &c. the former testament wherein is a clause derogatorie of the testators will , is not thereby taken awaie n) n) Bar. in d. L. si quis . Socin . Iun. in eand . L. n 24. Grass . Thesau . com . op. § testm. & haec opinio ( inquit ille ) est vera . q. 89. n. 4. , albeit there bee but one former testament o) o) Ias . in L. sancimus C. de testam . quae sententia communis est . teste Grass . d. q. 89. n. 5. contrarium Bar. in d. L. si quis , cuius opinio communiter reprehenditur , asserit Tobias Nonius consil. 26. col. 2. & secundum communem opinionem esse pronunciandum à Iudice , monet . Tiraquel . de leg . conub . gloss . 7. n. 131. Clar. d. q. 99. n. 3. affirman● quòd in lib : suo aut Bar. verba sunt corrupta , aut non fideliter à Doctoribus recitata . Tu igitur consu . las librum proprium . .

The second conclusion is , that † if in the second testament there be a speciall reuocation , as notwithstanding any testamentes with their clauses derogatorie , &c. the former testament with the clauses derogatorie of the testators wil is thereby taken away p) p) ●y . in c. quod semel de reg iur . 6. Alex. d. L. sancimus . Clar. §. testam . q. 99. n. 4. & per eum centetur communis opinio . .

The third conclusion is , that † if in the second testament there be a singular reuocation of the former testament , as notwithstanding such a testament made before such a Notarie , &c. the same former testament hauing therin a general clause derogatorie , is sufficiently reuoked , although in the second testament there be no mention of the clause derogatorie in the former testament q) q) Bar. in . d. L. si quis . n. 8. Couar . in d. Rub. de testa . extr. n. 19. versic. cert . conclus . qui ibi attestatur hanc op. esse & com . & veriorem . .

The fourth conclusion is this † , that if in the former testament , there be a speciall clause derogatorie , the same is taken away by the second , wherein is generall mention made of the former testament , and of the clause derogatorie r) r) Bar. in d. L. si quis . col. 3. DD. in d. L. sancimus . Couar . in d. Rub. de testa . n. 19. versic. cert . conclusio , vbi dicit hanc op. esse com . .

The fift conclusion is † , that if in the former testament there bee a speciall derogatorie clause , the same is not taken away by the second testament , wherein is particular mention of the same testament without mention of the clause derogatorie s) s) Paul . de Castr. consil. 206. vol. 1. Couar . in d. Rub. n. 19. verb. primum in quaestione . .

The sixt conclusion shall be , that † if in the former testament there be a special clause derogatorie , circumscribed with certaine limits : for Example ; I will that this testament shall stand , notwithstanding any other to be made hereafter , vnlesse in the same I shall write , or cause to bee written the Lordes praier , &c. The same former testament may be taken away by a second , albeit the lords praier be not written in the same t) t) Bar. in d. L. si quis . Couar . in d. Rub. n. 19. verb. secundum Apostil . ad Bar. in d. L. sancimus . C. de testa . Bald. consil. 178. vol. 4. : but then it is behoouefull that in the second testament there be mention , not onely of the testament , but also of the clause derogatorie : as , I will that this later testament shall stand , notwithhanding any former testament by me made conteining whatsoeuer wordes or clause derogatorie : Which done , the former testament is taken away v) v) Bar. in d. L si quis . Paul de Castro . consil. 284. vol 1. Couar . in Rub. de testa . extr. part. 2. n 19. Mantic. de coniect . vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 8. n. 10. Atque hanc opinionem communem laudat Couar . Sal. Dyn . & alijs refragantibus . .

Other conclusions x) x) Videant Iustinianistae . Mantic. de coniec . vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit . 8. & Couar . in d. Rub. de testa . part. 2. n. 19. I might adde , but I thought † good to deliuer this one for all , the same in my opinion being more worthie to be remembred , which conclusion is this , that it behooueth the Iudge where hee findeth such clauses derogatorie in any testament , to consider the persons of these testators , namely whether they be such persons as do vnderstand the force and effect of these clauses derogatorie , and reuocatorie , yea , or nay : and to examine the occasions of inserting the same clause ; especiallie this is to be considered , whether these clauses be added by the proper motion of the testator himselfe , or at the instigation and perswasion of some other , as the executor , the legatarie , the Notarie y) y) Simo de Praetis . de Interp. vlt. vol. lib. 4. fol 227. n. 60. &c. , &c. For if the testator do vnderstand the effect of such clauses derogatorie , and did insert the same wittingly and willingly of his owne accord , it is presumed that he did so , least peraduenture afterwards he might be solicited and induced by the instigation and importunitie of his kinsfolkes , or the molestation of some other , receiuing small benefite by the testament , and hoping to gaine more by the alteration or reuocation thereof , to chaunge or reuoke the same , contrarie to his former setled purpose , and firme resolution . In which case , if at any time after the testator make a newe testament , the former is not easily reuoked z) z) Paris . consil. 10. lib. 3. n. 10. 11. &c. , vnlesse in the second he doo make mention and reuocation of the former testament , with the clause derogatorie a) a) Simo. de Praetis . de Interp. vlt. vol. lib. 4. fol. 227. n. 61. &c. , in cases where reuocation is necessarie , as in the former conclusions is prescribed : otherwise the said forme not obserued , it is to be presumed , that it is not the testators meaning to infringe and frustrate his former testament , made with such constant resolution , and precise caution b) b) Simo. de Praetis . vbi supra . . But on the contrarie , if † the testator were but a simple person , not vnderstanding the effect of such derogatorie , or reuocatorie clauses , and the rather if the same clauses were inserted in the former testament by the Notarie , at the petition or by the direction of such as were benefited by the same testament , or some of their friends , being loth to haue the same altered or reuoked : then howsoeuer the former testament be corroborated with cunning or precise clauses , of inserting the lords praier in the second testament , or of not reuoking the former testament , although in the second he should specially reuoke the same : all these cunning clauses & curious cautions notwithstanding , the former testament may be the more easily reuoked , without any such precise obseruation of speciall reuocation aboue described c) c) Idem Simo de Praetis . loco superiùs allegato , vbi locupletissimè de hac re . Cui adijcias Didac . Couar . in Rub. de testa . extra . n. 19. verb. decimotertio . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 8. n. 15 Barba . consil. 72. vol. 3. Paris . consil. 10. vol. 3. n. 21. &c. .

Thus we haue seene in what cases the former testament is infringed or not infringed by the last testament . If any doo here demaund of me , what † if two seuerall testaments doo appeare to bee made by one person , but it dooth not appeare which is former or later , which of these shall preuaile . This question is satisfied a little before d) d) Supra ead. part . §. 11. & supra . 1. part . §. 16. n. 17. , thither I referre the reader .

Of reuoking the testament made .

1 Lawfull for euery man to reuoke his testament , and to die intestate .

2 Reuocation of a mans testament is not presumed .

3 Diuerse extensions of this former conclusion .

4 Diuerse limitations of the same conclusion .

5 Whether a bare reuocation doo ouerthrowe the testament .

§. xv .

AN other of those meanes whereby the testament which was good at the beginning , is afterwards made void , is reuocation of the same testament . For † as it is lawfull for euery testator to adde and diminish , to and from his testament , and to alter the same : So is it likewise lawfull for euerie person hauing made his testament , to reuoke the same , and to die intestate a) a) Bald. in L. sancimus . C. de testam . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 2 tit. 15. .

But † no man is presumed to haue reuoked his testament once made , vnlesse it be proued b) b) L. eum qui voluntatem . ff. de ꝓbac . Mascard . Tract . de probac. concl. 1280. qui varijs & ampliac . & limitac . hanc conclus . ornauit . : Insomuch † that if a man do liue by the space of fortie yeares , after he haue made his testament , yet is not the testament presumed to be reuoked by the course of so long time c) c) Paul de Castr. Alex. & Ias . in d. L. sancimus . C. de testa . Quaere tamen Bart. Sing . 183. & Mantic. lib. 6. tit. 3. n. 46. etiamsi prius fuerit testamentum ad pias causas . . And albeit during the same time his wealth and substance doo greatly increase , yet is not the testament presumed to be reuoked d) d) Alex. & Ias . in d. L. sancimus . . And albeit the testament be in preiudice of such as otherwise were to haue the administration of the goods of the deceased : yet all those things concurring , viz. the long time , the increase of the testators wealth , and the preiudice of such as are to haue the administration of the testators goods , the testament is not presumed to be reuoked e) e) Paul . de Castr. Ias . & Alex. vbi supra . . And albeit the testament be made in time of sickenesse and peril of death , when the testator doth not hope for life , and afterwards the testator recouer his health , yet is not the testament reuoked by such recouerie f) f) Alex. & Ias . in d. L. sancimus . Masc . Tract . de probac. conclus. 1280. n. 17. 18. : Or albeit the testator make his testament by reason of some great iourney , yet it is not reuoked by the returne of the testator g) g) Dyn . in L. potest . de haered. instit . ff. repertorium Bertachini . verb. testm̄. . n. 48. . And albeit the testator after the making of the testament haue a childe borne vnto him , I suppose that the testament is not presumed thereby to be reuoked h) h) Hoc ita ob defectum patriae potestatis . L. quod dicitur . ff. de lib. & posthu . , especially if the testator did liue a long time after the birth of the childe , and might haue reuoked the testament , and did not i) i) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 2. in fin . quamuis inspecta iuris ciuilis dispositione , contraria opinio approbatur . Grass . §. legatum . q. 67. Ripa . in L. si vnquam . C. de donac . 42. Mascard . de ꝓbac . conclus. 1280. n. 153. quae conclusio ampliatur & limitatur per Prat. Tract . reg. & fal . lib. 2. reg. 466. fol. mihi 16. verb. legato . .

On the † contrarie , the testament is sometimes presumed to bee reuoked , and the will of the testator altered . One case is , when he that is appointed executor or legatarie after the making of the testament , doth become enemie to the testator , or doth him some great iniurie k) k) Auth. si captiui . C. de episcopis & cler. Mantic . de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 1. n. 34. quod quidem in legatis & fideicommiss . quae nuda voluutate adimi possunt , multo facilius admittitur , quàm in haeredis institutione , vt in L. 3. §. vlt. & L. ex parte . ff de adimen . lega . & Mascard . de probac. concl. 1280. n. 150. Verum tum dic vt per Bar. in d. L. ex parte . Institutum propter grauiss . inimicitias à se ortas haereditatem amittere . . An other case is , when the testator in heat of anger or displeasure conceiued without iust cause against his sonne , or other persons , to whom the administration of his goods were to be committed , if he had died intestate , making his testament in fauor of others & afterwards ( the heat of his displeasure being extinguished ) they be reconciled : for by this reconciliation , the testament is presumed to be reuoked l) l) L. filium . de inoff . teston . Hyero . Franc. in L. quicquid de reg. iur. ●f . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 1. n. 25. . The third case is , when the testator hath begun to make his testament , but is letted or hindered by the executor that he cannot proceed as he would to the finishing of the testament , or further disposing of other legacies : For in this case the will of the testator is presumed to be reuoked m) m) L. si scriptis . ff. de his quibus vt indig . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 1. n. 24. , concerning any benefite which the person so hindering the testator , otherwise ought to haue reaped n) n) L. 2. ff. si quis aliq . testari prohib . vide quae inferiùs scripta sunt §. 18. . The fourth case is , when the testator being extremely sicke , and afraid to die , dooth bequeath some legacie ad pias causas , and after dooth recouer his health : for there the legacie is also presumed to be reuoked o) o) Bar. in rep. L. 1. C. de sacrosanct . eccles. n. 41. Repertor . Bertachin . verb. testm reuocatur . n. 47. . It may seeme strange , that legacies left to good and godly vses should bee reuoked , rather then other prophane legacies , but I take the reason to be , for that it is presumed that the testator did not intend to giue legacies to so good an vse in that extremitie , but in case he should die of that sicknesse , and so not dying , the legacie is reuoked p) p) Bar. & Bertachin . vbi supra . .

It is † a question appertaining to the reuocation of a testament not altogether free from doubt , whether a testament may be reuoked by a bare and naked reuocation , that is to say , whether the testament bee sufficiently reuoked , when the testator saith , I reuoke my former testament , or I will that my former testament be of no force ?

Manie writers are of this opinion , that the testament is not reuoked by a bare reuocation before witnesses , vnlesse the testator had added vnto his former words , and saide , because I will die intestate q) q) Bar. in L. si iure . ff. de leg 3. Alex. & alij , in L. sancimus . C. de testa . quorum opinio multorum testimonio communis est . Dec. consil. 582. Clar. §. testm. q 91 Grass . §. testm. q. 84. Simo de Praetis de Interp. vlt. vol. li. 4. fo. 226 Vasq . de success . crea . lib. 2. §. 15. requisit . 17. n. 62. vbi sic , sicut ( inquit ) si vas aureum , vel argenteum , vel luteum feceris , deinde iustetis illud infectum fieri , non per hoc infectum fiet , nisi manus adhibeas , illúdque fregeris ita quoque testm. &c. Sed Bar. alia ratione nititur , quia vz ex hac voluntate non potest adiri haereditas . .

Others are of a contrarie opinion , esteeming that it is sufficient to make a bare reuocation without any expresse mention of dying intestate r) r) Bald. in L. sancimus . C. de testa . Socin . Iun. consil. 145. asserens hanc sententiam pluribus , & maioris ponderis auctoritatibus confirmatam . Quinimo narrat eandem cuilibet sensato & rationabili intellectui quadrare , & quemlibet Iudicem posse ab opinione Bar. recedere : cum quo etiam conuenit Mantic. de coniect . vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 19 Item Gid . papa q. 200. Barba . consil. 60. vol 2. & Raph. Cuma . in d. L. si iure , non dubitans pronunciare considerationem Bartoli esse Truffam . . And this opinion in my vnderstanding is more sound , and more reasonable : for whiles the testator wil not haue his testament to stand , it followeth that it is his will and meaning to die intestate (s) (s) Alex. consil. 104. vol. 2. , and so the next of kin to be called to the administration of his goods . Besides it seemeth absurd and vnreasonable to maintaine a testament , not onely without a mans will , but euen against his will (t) (t) Mantic. d. lib. 2. tit. 15. n. 22. , at least within this realme of England , where we doo not obserue the solemnities of the ciuill law : this opinion is to be preferred ; for euen by the ciuil law , legacies are taken away by a simple and naked reuocation (v) (v) L. 3. ff. de alimen . leg . : and so bee diuerse testaments ; those I meane wherein those solemnities are not necessarie , as testaments ad pias causas (x) (x) Alex post Bald. d. consil. 104. , or amongst the testators children (y) (y) Alex. eod. consil. 104. , or militarie testaments (z) (z) Vasq. de success . resoluc . lib. 1. §. 9. n. 7. : wherefore as those testaments are reclaimed and made void by a bare reuocation , so ought our testaments to be measured with the same line , and to enioy like libertie , aswell in the dissolution , as in the constitution (a) (a) Consulas Vasq. d. n. 7. vbi testm militare eam ob causam nuda voluntate posse dissolui contendit , quia nuda voluntate potest constitui per L. nihil tam naturale . de reg. iur. ff. Consulas etiam de hac re Masc . de ꝓbac . concl. 1282. n. 36. quam has dissidentes op. distinction●s faedere conciliare conatus est .

Of cancelling the testament .

1 A mans minde is knowen as well by deedes as by wordes .

2 Of the effect of cancelling testaments .

3 Whether a nuncupatiue testament lease his force by cancelling the writing .

4 Diuerse cases wherein the testament is not hurt by cancellation .

5 If it bee vnknowne who did cancell the same , to whom is the same to be attributed .

§. xvj .

AN other of the meanes whereby the testament which was good at the beginning , is afterwards made voide , is the cancelling or cutting of the testament a) a) Cancellare est in modum crucis expungere vel illinire . Bar. in L. 1. § sed consulto . ff. de his quae teston . del . Spiegel . Lexic. verb. cancellare . , for the † will and meaning of a man is no lesse shewed by his deedes than by his woords b) b) Minsing . in §. ex eo . Instit. quib . mod. testa . infir . Vasq. de success . crea . lib. 2. requis . 17. n. 62. : And therefore hee that cancelleth or defaceth his testament , is thereby thought to haue this will and meaning , to take away the force and vertue thereof c) c) L. 1. & L. proximè . ff. de his quae testa . del . & DD. ibid. Vas. de succes . crea . §. 15. requisit . 17. n. 60. 61. &c. : which will in this respect ought to bee obserued for a lawe , and so the testament cancelled and defaced , is to bee adiudged void d) d) Intellige ope exceptionis , non ipso iure . gloss . in L. 1. ff. de his quae teston . del . quae op. est com . Grass . Thesau . com . op. q. 85. n. 1. .

And † that this cancelling or defacing of the testament being obiected e) e) Aliàs ipso iure non viciat . d. gloss . communiter recepta . , doth destroy the force thereof , is supposed to bee extended to those testamentes Nuncupatiue , which afterwards be reduced to writing f) f) Paul . de Castr. in L. fin . ff. de his quae test . del . : so that † if a man first make his testament by word of mouth , then causeth the same to be written , and afterwards doth wittingly and willingly cancell or cut the same writing , or otherwise deface it , that then such testament is void , as if it had bene written at the beginning g) g) Zas . consil. 2. vol. 1. n. 29. Grass . Thesaur . co. op. §. testm. q. 85. vbi hā● sententiam & veriorem , & humaniorem refort , & huic etiam sententiae subscripsit Vasquius de success . crea . lib. 2. §. 15. requis . 17. n. 61. 62. quicquid in contrarium statuat Iul. Cla. §. testm q 93. vel Minsinger . in §. pen . Instit. quib . mod. testa . infir . vel ante eos Bald. in d. L. sin . vel post eos Mascard . de proba . conclus. 1282. n. 31. : neither doth it profite to proue the same by witnesse h) h) Vasq. d. requisit . 17. n. 63. , for although the instrument or writing doo not appertaine to the substance of the testament : yet by the cancelling thereof , the testator is p●esumed to haue repented of the making thereof , and to haue reclaimed or reuoked the same i) i) Vasq. & Grass . vbi supra . . Furthermore , albeit there appeare no cause of vnworthinesse either in the executor , or any other legatarie , whereby the testator might be mooued to disappoint them of their hope ; yet by cancelling the testament , the whole testament shall be voide k) k) Vasq. de success . resoluc . lib. 1 §. 4. in prin. Doctores in L. cancellauerat . & in L. proximè . ff. de his quae testa . del . : And the testator is presumed to haue done it in their fauour , who are to haue the administration of his goods after he dieth intestate l) l) Dyn . & DD communiter . in L. nostram . ff de his quae teston . del . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 1. n. 31. Clar. §. testm. q. 93 Grass . §. testm. q. 85. .

The cases † wherein this former conclusion , ( viz. that by cancellling or defacing the testament , the same is made voide ) dooth faile , are these .

The first is , where the testament was cancelled by the testator himselfe vnaduisedly , or by some other person without the testators consent , or by some other casualtie m) m) L. 1. §. sed consulto . ff. de his quae teston . del . Bar. in L. si iure . de leg . 3. Angel . Are. & Minsing . in §. ex eo . Instit. quib . mod. testa . infir . .

The second case is , when the testator after he haue wittingly and willingly pulled away the seales , doth seale the same againe n) n) L. si t●stamentum . ff. qui testa . fac . poss. .

The third case is , when the whole testament is not cancelled or defaced , but some part therof onely raced , blotted , or put out , for the other parts of the testament doo remaine firme and safe o) o) L. proximè . §. sententia ff. de his quae in teston . del . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 1. n. 31. infin . , as they were before , although the deletion were in the chiefe part of the testament , namely the assignation of the executor p) p) Wesenb . in d. tit . de his quae in teston . del ff. Mantic. vbi supra . .

The fourth case is , when there be seuerall papers or writings of one tenure , each of them conteining the whole testament , the defacing or cancelling of some of them dooth not hurt the testament q) q) L. pluribus . ff. de his quae in testato . del . , vnlesse it be proued that the testators mind was contrarie r) r) d. L. pluribus . & ibi Doctores . .

The fift case is , when the testament is lost , either in the life time of the testator , or after , for so much as may be prooued by witnesses , is still in force s) s) L. 1. § sed consulto . ff. de his quae in testato . del . cum gloss . ibid. .

What † if the testament be found cancelled and defaced , but it is not knowen who did cancell it or deface it , to whom is this acte of cancelling or defacing the testament to be attributed , to the testator which made it , or to some other , which otherwise peraduenture might be hindered by it .

It seemeth not to be reputed the act of the testator t) t) Zas . consil. 2. lib. 1. , for mutation or change of the minde is not to be presumed v) v) L. eum qui. ff. de probac. , especially after a man hath done a thing with such deliberation and resolution , wherewith testaments commonly are made and finished x) x) Supr. 1. part . §. 3. verb sententia . & hac ipsa parte paulò superiùs , viz. §. 13. .

On the contrarie , it seemeth that it ought not to be accounted the act of any other y) y) Io. Fa●er . in §. ex eo . Instit. quib . mod. testa . infir . Peckius . de testa . coniug. lib. 1 c. 46. n. 1. ; for that were to presume fraud and deceite in men which ought not to be presumed , vnlesse it be proued z) z) L. dolum . C. de dolo . .

In this controuersie therefore I suppose that the person in whose custodie the testament is found so cancelled or defaced , is to be adiudged to haue done the acte , whether it be the testator or another a) a) DD. in L. si vnus . C de testa . Mantic. de coniect . vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 1. n. ●0 . .

And if it be so that the testament were kept in such a place , as not onely the testator , but others might haue accesse vnto it : In this case the arguments and circumstances of the fact being equall and indifferent , the cancelling or defacing of the testament , is rather to be ascribed to the testator then to others b) b) Zas . d. consil. 2. vol. 1. n. 1. & n. 15. Faber . in §. ex eo . Instit. quib . mod. testa . infir . , who is also presumed to haue done the same wittingly and willingly c) c) Paul . de Castr. in L. 1. §. sed consulto . ff. de his quae in teston . del . : sauing in legacies of freedom , or ad pias causas , which being blotted or put foorth by the testator , it is not presumed to haue beene done willingly d) d) Paul . de Castro , in d. §. Tiraquel . de pia causa . priuileg . 16. Mantic . de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit 2. n. 25. . But when the arguments and circumstances be vnequall , and the greater presumptions that it should be the acte of another rather then of the testator , it is to be adiudged accordingly e) e) Zas . d. consil. 2. n. 15. 16. 17. 18. &c. : for the fewer and weaker presumptions giue place to the more & stronger f) f) c. afferte mihi glad●um de pr●●sump extr. Mantic . de coniect. vlt vol. lib. 12. tit . 17. & Zas . vbi supra . .

Of the alteration of the state of the testator .

1 What maner alteration of the state of the testator doth make voide his testament .

2 Two times wherein the testator must haue power to make a testament .

§. xvij .

THe alteration † of the state of the testator , is also a meane whereby the testament which was good at the beginning , doth after become voide a) a) §. alio Instit. quibus modis testa . infir . ; the which alteration may happen diuerse waies b) b) Videlicet ▪ maxima & media capitis diminutione . gloss . in d. §. alio . Item voluntariè & inuitè . Minsing . in §. non tamen . Instit. eod. tit. , but especially when the testator is conuicted or condemned of such a crime , after the making of his testament , for the which the law depriueth him of this power and abilitie of making a testament c) c) d. §. alio . & ibi gloss . & DD. .

What maner of crimes they be , whereby the state of the testator is so altered , that thereby he is made intestable , is aboue expressed d) d) De quibus sigillatim . supra part. 2. & part. 5. , to wit heresie , apostasie , treason , felonie , sodomie , incest , manifest vsurie , and such like : whereunto also I might adde captiuitie e) e) L eius qui apud hostes . ff de testa . supr. part . 2. §. 8. , not for that captiuitie is a crime , but for that it hath the same effect with those crimes , to ouerthrowe the testament . But if the captiue recouer his former libertie , then the testament made before the captiuitie recouereth his former force f) f) §. non tamen Instit. quib . mod. testa . infir . . And if he that is conuicted or attainted of treason , or felonie , obtaine the princes pardon , with restitution to his former state , then the testament made before such his conuiction is likewise reuiued and restored g) g) L. si quis §. quatenus . ff. de iniust . testam . ; and in both cases the testament is good , without any newe confirmation or declaration h) h) Quod verum quidem est in capitis diminutione necessaria , secùs in voluntaria . Minsing . & Platea . in d. §. non tamen . . Howbeit in this they differ ; for the testament of the person which recouereth his former libertie , is good euen from the beginning , as if he had neuer beene in captiuitie i) i) Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. testm. q. 25. : but his testament whose crime is pardoned , and himself restored , is of force onely from the time of restitution k) k) Ioh. Platea . in d. §. non tamen . . Againe , if the pardon doo onely import a remission of the penaltie , without restitution of his former estate , then the testament before made dooth still remaine voide l) l) Minsinger . in d. §. non tamen . .

And here note † that there be two times wherein it is necessarie , that there be in the person of the testator abilitie to make a will , the one is , the time of the making of the testament , when it receiueth his substance or being : the other is , the time of the death of the testator m) m) d. § non tamen . L. 1. § exigit . de bon. poss. secundum Tab. infr. §. 19. Porcius . in §. in extraneis . Institut. de haered. qual. & differ . , when it receiueth his strength and efficacie ( as for the time betwixt the making of the testament , and the death of the testator , it skilleth not whether the testator haue any such power or not n) n) d §. non tamen . & Minsing . ac alij ibid. : ) and therefore if any person being attainted of some crime , doo whilest he is intestable make his testament , and afterwards obtaine a full pardon , with full restitution , the testament neuerthelesse is voide , because of the originall defect o) o) Aretin . in d. §. non tamen . Simo de Praetis . de Interp. vlt. vol. lib. 1. fol. 146. n. 56. .

Of forbidding or hindering the testator to make an other testament .

1 The former testament is voide , where the testator is forbidden to alter the same , or to make a new testament .

2 Diuerse extensions of this foresaid conclusion .

3 Of hindering the Notarie or witnesses to haue accesse to the testator .

4 Of disturbing the testator by making a noise .

5 Of immodest perswasions .

6 Whether this prohibition be proued by the assertion of the testator .

7 Diuers limitations of the first conclusion , viz. that the testament is ouerthrowen , where the testator is hindered in altering the same .

8 Of disturbing the testator with noise and weeping .

9 Whether the prohibition of one bee preiudiciall to others .

§. xviij .

Amongst many other meanes wherby the testament which was good at the beginning , is afterwards made void , this is one not to be omitted , ( seeing it is so often practised ) namely when † the testator intending to alter the testament before made , or to make a new testament is forbidden or crossed , so that he cannot or dare not doo as hee intended a) a) Tit. si quis aliquem testari prohib . ff. & C. . By this prohibition and maner of crooked dealing , the testament which should haue beene altered is made voide b) b) L. 1. & 2. ff. si quis aliquem testari prohib . Boss . Tract . de var. crim . Tit. de his qui aliq . testari ꝓhib Menoch . de arb. iud quaest. cas. 395. Socin . l. in . consil. 148. vol. 2. qui omnes locupletissimè scripserunt de hac ●e . Eos igitur videas vel●m . .

The reason is , because as those testaments are not found at the beginning which are made by feare or fraude c) c) Supr. ead. part . §§ 2. & 3. : so that testament which for feare , or by fraude the testator dare not , or cannot alter , is from hencefoorth infected with the same disease , and so from henceforth to be esteemed of no more force or efficacie then these other d) d) Wesenb . in tit . si quis aliq . &c. ff. n. 1. .

This conclusion , † that the testament doth become voide , when the testator is prohibited to alter the same , doth proceed not onely when the testator himselfe is prohibited or put in feare : but also when the † Notarie or witnesses be letted or stopped , that they cannot haue accesse vnto the testator e) e) Bar. in L. fin . ff si quia aliquem testari prohib . Boss . in d. tit . de his qui prohib . &c. n. 2. Paris . cons. 67. lib. 3. : for he that dooth not permit , is said to prohibite f) f) Paris . d. consil. n. 13. . And therefore if the wife being made executrix , or any other person benefited by the testament , vnderstanding that the testator is about to alter ●is will , will not suffer his friends to come vnto him , pretending peraduenture that hee is fast asleepe , or in a slumber , or the Phisition gaue in charge , that none should come to him g) g) Peckius . Tract . de testa . coniug. lib. 1. c. 13 , or pretending some other excuse , ( or els all excuses set apart , do for charities sake shut them forth of the doores h) h) Vt est apud Teren. prae amore exclusit cum soras . : ) In these cases the testament is void , in detestation of such odious shiftes and practises i) i) Peckius vbi supra . .

Secondly , this conclusion hath place , if † after the comming of the Notarie or witnesses , & preparation of all things necessarie for the alteration of the former testament , some person of intent and purpose to hinder the altering of the same will , doth make a noise , and keepeth such a sturre , exclaiming and quarrelling with such as seeke to haue the testament altered , that the testator being therewith disturbed and offended , did not then alter his will , and shortly after died g) g) Anch. consil 337. Menoch , de A●b●●r . Iud. cas. 395 n. ●8 . 39. .

Thirdly † , this conclusion hath place not only where the testator is prohibited by threatnings , or hindered by fraude , but also when he is ouercome with importunate requests , and fraudulent perswasions , not to alter his former testament h) h) Afflict . decis . 69. n. 7. Menoch . d. cas. 395. n. 41. huc pertinet quod scripserunt Inno. in c. petitio . de iureiur . extr. & Rebuff . Tract . de rescript . tom. 2. art. 2. gloss . 3. .

Fourthly † , this conclusion doth proceed , albeit there bee no stronger proofe of violence , or impediment offered to the testator in this case , then the assertion of the testator himselfe i) i) Paris . consil. 66. n. 119 vol. 3. Socin . Iun. consil 148. n. 14. Menoch . d. cas. 395. n. 40. .

In these cases following † , the former conclusion doth not proceede . The first case is , when the testator had no purpose to alter his testament : for if any doo forbid the testator to alter his testament , when the testator hath not anie purpose to alter the same ; this prohibition dooth not hurt the force of the testament alreadie made k) k) L. 1. ff. si quis aliquem . Bar. in L. vlt. eod. tit. n. 13. Menoch . d. cas. 395. n. 31. & est co. op. quod duo sunt probanda , vz. voluntas mutandi testm. & prohibitio . Socin . Iun. consil. 148. vol. 2. . The second case is , when the feare which is vsed in the prohibition is vaine , or but light , such ( I meane ) as cannot moue a constant person l) l) Paris consil. 97. n 41. vol. 3. Menoch . d. cas. 395. n. 32. & nos diximus supr. ead. part . §. 2 . The third case is when the testator is prohibited , but not at that present time , when he intended to alter his former testament , for such prohibition is not hurtfull m) m) Socin . sen. concil . 105 vol. 3. Socin . Iun. consil 148. n. 3. vol. 2. Paris . consil. 67. n. 33. vol. 3. Menoch . d. cas. 395. n. 32. Boss . d. tit . de his qui prohib . &c. n. 2. in fin . . The fourth case being like to the former , is when the testator after the prohibition might verie well at sundrie times haue altred his testament , and did not n) n) Mar. Socin . Iun. con . sil . 148. n. 48. vol. 2. Paris . consil 67. n. 62. vol. 3. Menoch . d. cas 395. n. 25. : for in not altering the testament when he might , he seemeth to allowe it and confirme it o) o) Mascard . de probac. conclus. 1280. n. 54. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit . ● . n. ●2 . per L. tractabatur . ff. de testa . mi● . quod tamen se●●o con●ide●andum est , vt per Mantic . vbi supr. & Pe●kius Tract . de testa . coniug. lib. 1. c. 11. . The fift case is , when the testator is not compelled by feare , nor circumuented by fraud , but induced with flattering speeches voide of deceite , ( such as may become an honest wife , or faithfull friend ) not to alter his testament p) p) Menoch . d. cas. 395. n 42. per L. vlt. ff. si qui● aliquem testari ꝓhib . . The sixt case is , when † all things necessarie for the alteration of a testament being prepared , the executor or legatarie , or other person , with his noise or weeping , dooth disturbe the testator that he cannot alter his testament , not of purpose to hinder such alteration , but being moued with compassion , to see the testator grieuously afflicted with sicknes , or being stricken with an vnfeigned sorrowe , through feare of the testators death , or otherwise ouercome with an honest or kinde care or griefe , and not able to suppresse the force of this vehement passion ; dooth burst into teares , and so with noise of his lamentations dooth disturbe the testator , that he cannot proceed in the alteration of his will : In this case the former testament is not made frustrate by such disturbance , albeit after that , the testator neuer had the like opportunitie of altering his testament q) q) Paris . consil. 67. vol. 3. n. 47. 48. Socin . Iun. consil. 148. vol. 2. n. 33. verb. nam dum primo ▪ &c. . Howbeit the iudge must be verie wary , and learne by the circumstances of the fact , whether this noise and exclamation be of policie , or of simplicitie r) r) Menoch . d. cas. 395. n. 39. . The seuenth † case is , when the executor or legatarie dooth forbid or hinder the testator to alter his testament , in which case the former testament is voide , onely in preiudice of that person , which doth prohibite or hinder the testator to alter the same , but not in preiudice of another not consenting therunto s) s) L. 2. si quis aliquem testa . prohib . ff. : much lesse doth the prohibition of that person , who is to reape no benefite by the testament , hurt those executors which otherwise should be administrators , in case the partie died intestate t) t) Menoch . d. cas. 395. n. 20. post Bar. in L. vltim . si quis aliquem testari prohib . ff n. 11. , vnlesse it doth appeare that the testator would haue chaunged his whole testament , and haue appointed newe executors , for then this prohibition maketh voide the whole testament , like as if the testator had beene compelled to make the same at the first v) v) Bar. in d. L. vlt. Menoch . d. cas. 395. n. 17. Paris . consil. 67. vol. 3. .

There is much adoo in the ciuill lawe about this question ▪ who ought to haue the testators goods , when hee is compelled to make his testament , or hindered that hee can not reuoke his testament , the prince or the heires of the deade person x) x) De qua q. Menoch . de arb. iud. cas. 395. ? But with vs if any die intestate , the administration of his goodes is to bee committed to the widow , or next of kinne y) y) Stat. H. 8. an. 21. c. 5. , and doth not go to the prince though the executor or legatarie be vnworthie .

When he that is made executor can not , or will not be executor .

1 Though the executor be incapable , the legacies are still due .

2 The executor ought to be capable of the executorship at three seuerall times .

3 It is sufficient for the legatarie , if he be capable of the legacie at the testators death .

4 What if the disposition be conditionall .

§. xix .

ALbeit † where he that is named executor in the testament , either cannot or will not be executor , by the lawes of this realme the legacies bequeathed in the same will are still due , and to bee paied by such as shall haue the administration of the goodes of the deceased a) a) Brook Abridg. tit . executor . n. 20. dixi iure huius regni , nàm secus est iure ciuili , haereditate non adita . L. 1. in fin . de iniusto teston . L. fidei commissum . de leg . 1. L. imperator . de leg. 2. ff. L. hoc non sit indistinctè verum , vt per Vigelij method . iuris ciuil . à quo tradita est regula cum plurimis limitationibus & sublimitac . lib. 12. c. 9. : in which case the will is to bee annexed to the letters of administration ( as heretofore I haue declared b) b) Supr. part . 1. §. 6. n. 6 ) yet by reason of the incapacitie or refusall of the executor , such disposition is thereby depriued , both of the name and nature of the testament c) c) Instit. tit. de haeredit . quae ab intestat . def. in princ . Brook vbi supra . , and so the partie is said to die intestate .

I shall not neede to repeate here particularly , by what means the executor may become incapable of the executorship .

This one thing I thought good to note in this place , that by the ciuill lawe † hee which is named executor , must be capable of the executorship at three seuerall times d) d) §. in extraneis . Inst●t de haered. qual. & differentia . vide supra part . 5. §. 2. & quae in illo §. ad notaui . : First at the making of the testament , for then the testament taketh his substance or being e) e) Christ . Porcus . in d. §. in extraneis . . Secondly , at the time of the death of the testator , for then the testament receiueth his strength & confirmation f) f) Idem Porcus . in eod. §. . Thirdly , at the time of the probation of the will , and vndertaking the executorship , for then the testament entereth to his effect and execution g) g) Idem ibid. quamuis Ias hisce rationibus , totus non acquiescat . quippe qui alias meliores , atque ( vt ille inquit ) fundamentaliores assignat , in suis addic . ad Christ . Porcum . in d §. . Howbeit it is † sufficient in a legatarie , if he be capable of the legacie or deuice at the time of the death of the testator h) h) Bar. in L. si alienum . §. 1. ff de haered. instit . in fin . Peckius . Tract . de testam . coniug. lib. 4. c. 31. n. 5. Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. Institutio . q. 28. n. 4. , vnlesse the deuise be not pure and simple , but conditionall : for in conditionall dispositions both the executor , and also the legatarie , must be capable at the time of the performance or existence of the condition i) i) Bar. Grass . & Peckius vbi supra . ; as for any other time , whether it bee betwixt the making of the will , and the testators death , or betwixt his death and the probation of the will , it skilleth not ▪ for though the executor be then incapable , it hurteth not k) k) §. in extraneis . Instit. de haered. qual. & differentia . , especially if † the disposition be conditionall ; for then it is not required in the executor ( much lesse in the legatarie ) that he be capable at another time , sauing onely at the time of existence or performance of the condition , no not at the making of the will , or death of the testator l) l) Alex. in L. 2. ff. de vulg. & pup . sub . n. 11. Grass . d. §. Institutio . q. 28. n. 3. quae op. com . est Licèt non desint qui contrariam teneant . .

If the executor doo refuse to vndergo the burthen or office of an executor , then he looseth whatsoeuer legacie is left vnto him in the testament m) m) Bar. & Sichar . in L. si legatarius . C. de legatis . , sauing as elsewhere is recited n) n) Supra part . 6. §. 3. .

Of ademption of legacies .

1 By what meanes legacies become voide .

2 Ademption of legacies what it is .

3 Ademption of legacies two fold .

4 The testator may at any time alter his will , either wholy , or in part .

5 Ademption of legacies not to be presumed .

6 Corne in the barne being bequeathed , whether the same being spent , and other corne there at the death of the testator , the legacie be extinguished .

7 Whether the ship bequeathed , being altered and renewed , the legacie be extinguished .

8 Whether the house bequeathed , being by peecemeale reedisied and renued , may be recouered .

9 What if the testator do voluntarily pull downe the house , and erect another in place thereof .

10 What if the house bee burned , or blowen downe , and another erected , whether may this newe house be recouered .

11 An answere to an obiection .

12 Whether by necessarie alienation of the thing bequeathed , the legacie be adempted .

13 What if the alienation be voluntarie , the legacie is extinguished .

14 What if the voluntarie alienation bee voide in lawe .

15 What if the testator should redeeme the thing alienated .

16 Whether lands deuised , alienated , and redeemed , may be recouered .

17 The reasons of either lawe being contrarie in this point .

18 If the thing bequeathed be pledged , it is not thereby adempted .

19 Whether the receiuing of the debt bequeathed by the testator , be an ademption of the legacie .

20 A flocke of sheepe being bequeathed , whereof one alone is left , whether that one be due .

§. xx .

MAny other † meanes there be , whereby the testament which was good at the beginning , becommeth void afterwards a) a) Centum penè casus quibus resolouitur testm. commemorat Vasq. de success . resoluc . lib. 1. : but it were too long to rehearse them all : let it suffice therefore , that I haue spoken of such as happely may the ofter fall out in fact . Now it remaineth that I speake of such meanes , whereby legacies giuen and bequeathed by the testator become voide : Of which meanes some do proceede from the fact of the testator b) b) Hoc ipso §. & §. seq. : some haue relation to the fact or person of the legatarie c) c) Infra §§ . 22. & 23. : some to the thing bequeathed d) d) Infra §. vlt. .

In respect of the fact of the testator are legacies made voide , especially by ademption , and by translation of the thing bequeathed e) e) Instit. tit. de ademp . & translac . legatorum & tit . de adimen . vel transferend . leg . ff. .

Ademption † is a taking away of the legacie before bequeathed f) f) DD. in d. Rub. de ademp . & translac . leg . Instit. : Translation is a bestowing of the legacy bequeathed vpon some other person g) g) Minsing . in d. Rub. . Ademption may be without translation , but translation of a legacie cannot be without ademption h) h) Minsing . vbi supra . Wesenb . in tit . de adimen . vel transfferend . leg . ff. .

Ademption † of legacies is two folde , expressed and secrete i) i) Wesenb . in d. tit . de adimen . leg . ff. : expressed , when the testator doth by words take away the legacie before giuen k) k) L. 2. & 3. de adimen . leg . ff. : secrete , when the testator doth by deedes without words take away the legacie : as when he doth giue away the thing bequeathed , or doth voluntarily alienate the same before his death l) l) L. rem legatam . de adimen . leg . ff. .

It is † lawfull for euery testator m) m) L. 3. de re. iud. L. 3. de reg. iur. ff. so long as he liueth , to reuoke or alter his will n) n) L. 4. ff de adimen . leg . ff. , either wholy or in part o) o) L. vlt. de adimen . leg . ff. , either in the same will , or in another , either solemne or vnsolemne p) p) Quod si alio testamento insolenni fiat ademptio , tunc non ipso iure , sed ope exceptionis tollitur legatum . Grass . Thesau . com . ●● . §. legatum . q. 78. , simplie , ●r conditionally q) q) L. datum . C. de legatis . .

When the testator dooth expresly reuoke the legacie , it is not materiall whether he doo vse wordes direct contrarie : as I doo not giue , I do not bequeath , or any other words whatsoeuer , so that his meaning may appeare r) r) L. 2. & 3. ff. de adimé . leg . Insti . tit. de ademp . legat . .

Ademption † of legacies is no more to be presumed , then the reuocation of the testaments s) s) Bald. in L. si pluribus ff. de leg . 1. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 2. n. 2. vnlesse it be prooued t) t) L. eum qui voluntatem , ff. de probac. . And therefore † if the testator doo bequeath all the corne in his barne , and after the making of his will , the testator suruiueth vntil all the corne be spent , and other corne put in the pleace thereof v) v) Secus si non sit repositum per modum surrogationis , ait Angel . in L. si seruus . §. qui quinque . ff. de leg . 1. Mascard . de probac. conclus. 1283. n. 33. : this spending of the corne is no ademption of the legacie ; and therefore the legatarie shall haue such corne as is founde in the barne when the testator dieth x) x) Bar. in d. §. qui quinque . Mantic. de coniect . vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 2. n. 9. , vnlesse the corne found in the barne at the death of the testator , bee greater in quantitie then was the corne at the time of the will making : for so much is due , but not a greater quantitie then was the first y) y) Paul . de Castr. in d. & . qui quinque . Mascard . de probac. d. concl . 1283. n. 33. 34. .

Likewise if † the testator do bequeath a ship , and afterwardes dooth by peecemeale repaire and renue the same , so that there remaineth nothing of the olde shippe but onely the bottome tree : here is no ademption of the legacie , and therefore the legatarie may recouer the whole shippe z) z) L. quod in rerum . §. & si nauem . ff. de leg . 1. Spiegel . Lexic. verb. carina . Mantic. de coniect . vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 2. n. 7. .

Or if the † testator doo bequeath a house , and afterwards by peecemeale repaire the same , so that there is no parte of the olde matter or stuffe remaining , the will of the testator is not hereby presumed to be chaunged , and therfore the legatarie may recouer the house so repaired a) a) L. si ita legatum . §. fi domus . ff. de leg. 1. : For it is deemed to bee the same house still in lawe , as in the former case it is deemed to be the same ship b) b) Ias . in d. §. si domus . n. 1. Mascard . de probac. conclus. 1280. n. 21. Zas . in d. §. & si nauem . .

But if the † testator did at once voluntarily pull downe all the whole house bequeathed , & did afterwards erect anew house in the same place ; then by the ciuill lawe , the will of the testator is presumed to be changed , and the legacie extinguished c) c) Paul . de Castr. in d. § si domus . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 2. n. 6. . And although by the lawes of this realme , it may be otherwise in contracts and couenants amongst such as be liuing d) d) Id quod non semel mihi nunciatum fuit . : admit it were so ( as in some sort it is answerable to the ciuil law e) e) Intellige quoad iura realia quorum intuitu aedificium destructum & restitutum cen●●tur idem . L. seruitutes . §. sublatum . ff. de seruit . verb. praed. ) yet the reason of the difference is not obscure , which is this . In contracts , couenants , and graunts made amongst such as be liuing , he to whom this or that is lawfully graunted , hath by and by a certaine right and interest therein f) f) Bar. & alij . in d. §. vlt. , which without his consent ought not to bee impaired g) g) L. Id quod nostrum . de reg. iur. ff. , and whatsoeuer is builded vpon anothers ground , yeeldeth thereunto , and thereby becommeth his , which is the owner of the ground h) h) §. cum in suo solo . Instit. de rerum diuis . . But in a testament or last will , there is no such right deriued to the legatarie , in , or to the thing bequeathed , vntill the testator bee dead i) i) Bar. in d. L. si ita legatum . §. vlt. de leg. 1. verb die ergo . : and therefore , if in the meane time the testator do alter his minde ( which alteration is manifest , as well by deeds as by words k) k) L. Paulus . ff. rem rat . haberi . Wesenb . in tit . de adimen . leg . ff. n. 2. & 4. : ) In this case the legatarie which hath no right , cannot make such claime to the thing bequeathed as another may doo , to whom a thing is couenanted or graunted , and so hath a right and interest therein l) l) Bar. in d. §. vlt. & Ias . ibid. n. 6. . In deed if the testator were deade , and so a right in the legatarie , and then the heire or executor should pull downe the house deuised , and erect a new house in the same place , the legatarie might recouer the newe builded house m) m) L. domos . de leg. 1. ff. & ibi DD : but being pulled downe by the testator , whiles as yet there was no right or interest in the legatarie , the legacie is extinguished n) n) Text. in d. L. si ita legatum . § si domus . Mascard . de probac. conclus. 1280. n 27. , as is aforesaid : vnles a contrarie meaning be proued in the testator , viz. that he did not intend to reuoke the deuise , by destroying the thing deuised o) o) Eod. §. si domus . , because peraduenture he did protest p) p) L. at si cleric● . §. plerique ff. de relig. & ibi Bald. before he caused the house to be pulled downe , that hee did not thereby meane to make voide the deuise , or after the reedifiyng thereof , did ratifie and confirme his former will q) q) Arg. L. 1. §. 1. de leg 3 ff. Brook Abridg. tit . deuise . n. 8. , or did manifest his meaning by other equiualent coniectures , without which proofe of such the testators meaning , the legacie is so surely extinguished , that albeit the testator did pull downe the house , with intent to reedifie the same , or to make it bigger r) r) Ias . in d. L. si ita . §. vlt de lega . 1. ff. n. 13. in sin . : and albeit it were reedified of the same matter or stuffe s) s) Paul . de Castr. & Ias . in d. §. si domus . Mascard . de probac. concl. 1280. n 25. , yet it cannot be recouered as due to the legatarie : for now hauing a new form , it is not the same but another house t) t) Iidem Castreus . Ias . & Mascard . vbi supra . Mascard . de probac. conclus. 11●0 . n. 25. , and so being another thing than that which was bequeathed , how can it be rightly chalenged by the legatarie v) v) Vide DD. in L inter stipulantem . ff. de verb oblig . .

What if † the house bequeathed be blowen downe with violence of the winde , or be consumed with fire , or otherwise by casuall means destroyed , against the will of the testator , and a new house erected by the testator , in the ●l●ce where the former stood ; whether may the legatarie recouer the house newly erected ? By the opinion of some he may x) x) Ias . in L. domos . ff. de leg. 1. n. 1. & in L. si ita legatum . §. si domus . eod. tit. n. 13. , for if the testator had not erected a new house , by the ciuill lawe the ground whereon the house did stand , should belong to the legatarie y) y) L. si grege legato . ff. de leg. 1. in fin . Paul . de Castr. in d. §. si domus . verb. sed ponc . & ibi Ias . n. 2. & 7. . Seeing then the ground is the legataries , it followeth that the house is the legataries also z) z) L. si seruum filij . §. si a cae . ff. de leg . 1. Ias . & Paul . de Castr. vbi supr . Howbeit the authour of this opinion in another place is of another opinion a) a) Ias . in L. domus . ff. de leg 1. n. 13. , which opinion is also commended of other writers , as more agreeable to law b) b) Mascard . Tract . de probac conclus. 1280. n. 27. & Mantic. de coniect . vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 2. n. 6. , because this house is another house then that which was bequeathed . And again , the text of the ciuill law is plaine , that the house bequeathed being destroyed , if the testator build another in the same place , the legacie is extinguished , vnlesse the meaning of the testator were otherwise c) c) Text. in d. § si domus . . Seeing then , the text dooth not distinguish of the meanes whereby the house is destroied , neither may we d) d) Mas●● . & Mantic. vbi sup .

To the † former reason that the ground had belonged to the legatarie , if the testator had not builded a new house , ergo the house also : It is answered , that if it were graunted ( which of diuers is denied ) that the ground should be ong to the legatarie e) e) Raph. Cu. Petr. de Bexu . in d. §. si domus , & ibi Ias . n. 13. , yet should it not belong vnto him as principall , but as accessarie , or part of the house bequeathed f) f) Bar. Paul . de Castr. Ias . in d. §. si domus . : and therefore being but accessarie , it dooth not receiue any other accesse or augmentation g) g) Iidem Bar. Ias . & Paul . de Castr. vbi supr. . How be it , forasmuch as these questions aboute houses deuised by will , afterwards destroyed , and then reedified , are rather to be determined by the lawes of this realme , then by the ciuill law : I do willingly yeeld the matter into their hands , to whom it principally apperteineth .

Furthermore , if † the testator being constrai●●● neede h) h) L. fideicommiss . §. si rem . ff. de leg . 3. L. rem legatam . de adimen . leg . , as to pay his debts , or to prouide him food , or other like necessarys i) i) Mi●sing . in §. si rem . Instit. de lega . Berous . q. 9. Adde quod siuè necessitas sit ex re familiari . siuè ex lege vtraque impedit praesumptioneth reuocationis le●ati . Mascard . de probac . conclus. 1280. n 126 , do as it were vnwillingly alienate the thing by him before bequeathed , this is no ademption of the legacie k) k) d. L. fideicomissa . §. si rem . , and therefore is the executor bounde to redeeme the same , or to pay the iust value therof to the legatarie , vnlesse he prooue that the testator did purpose by the saide alienation to take away the legacie l) l) d. §. si rem . Instit. de lega . Mascard . de probac . d. concl . 1280. n. 127. , or vnlesse the legacie were conditionall , and the alienation made before the condition were extant or accomplished m) m) L. Stichum . ff. de lega . 1. Bald. in L. 3. C. de lega . n. 6. . But † if the testator not constrained by necessitie , doo of his owne accord alienate the thing bequeathed ( as if he giue the same freely n) n) L. rem legatam . ff. de adimen . lega . , or doo sell the same of intent to gaine thereby o) o) Berous . d. q. 9. ) this is an ademption of the legacie p) p) Bar. & alij , in L. r●● legatam . ff. de adimen . leg . & in L. 3. C. de lega . : which conclusion † hath place , although the gift or alienation bee void in lawe q) q) L. legatum . §. pater ff de adimen lega . Bar. in L. cum dn̄● . § fin . de pecul . leg 1. Socin . sen. consil. 104. n. 11. vol. 3. Couar . in Rub. de testa . extra . 2. part . n. 21. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 6. n. 2. quod locum habet tametsi legatum fuerit expressim legatum , & h●●c sententia verior est . & receptior . testibus Mantica vbi supra . Mascardo de probatione concl. 1280. n. 98. Gabriel . cons. 103. Idem iuris est si facta alienatione dominium non sit tra●●atum . Mantic. d. tic . 6. n. 3. Mascard . d. concl. 1280. n. 100. Et licèt non desint magni nominis Interpretos , qui in contraria stant sententia , per L. praedia §. libert. de Instr . leg . Falsissima tamen est horum sententia , si verum dicat Gabr. d. consil. 103. Tu verò dic vt per D. Gentilem , acutissimè de hac re differentem . lib. 1. epist. c. 10. : For it is sufficient in last willes , for the reuoking of a legacie that the testators meaning doo appeare euen by a sufficient acte r) r) Couar . in d. Rub. part. 2. n. 21. verb. aduertendum . Grass Thesaur . com op. §. legatum . q 78. in sin . .

Secondly , this conclusion † hath place although the testator should redeeme the thing alienated , the alienation being lawful s) s) L. cum seruus . ff. de adimen . leg . : and therfore if the legatarie should after the death of the testator demaund the legacie alienated , and redeemed , his petition were to be repelled , vnlesse he did prooue a new will of the testator , or some approbation or ratification of the former will , after the redemption of the thing alienated t) t) d. L. cum seruus . , or vnlesse the legacie be of freedome from bondage v) v) L. verum . ff. de testam . manumiss . , or giuen to some godly or charitable vse x) x) M●nsing . in d. §. si rem . Instit. de lega . Mantic. d. tit. 6. n. 6. Mas●a●d . d. conclus. 1●80 . n. 112. : or vnles the alienation were necessarie , not voluntarie y) y) Bar. ●n d. L. cum seru●s . , or vnles the legatarie be neere of kin or allied vnto the testator z) z) L. si●ia . § Titio . ff. de cond. & demon . Masc . d. concl. 1280. n. 111. : In these and in some other cases , the legacie redeemed may be recouered , as if the same had neuer bene alienated a) a) Mascard . d. conclus. 1280. n. 108. 109. &c. vbi alias videre licet huius regulae exceptiones . . Peraduenture also by the lawes of this realme † landes , tenements , and hereditaments , being first deuised , and after the deuise alienated , and after the alienation redeemed , may be recouered , as if the same had not bene alienated b) b) Brook abridg . tit. deuise . n. 8. . The † reason of this law may be , because the alienation dooth not defeate the will , which is not as yet of any force vntill the testator be deade c) c) Brook . eodem loco . : but the reason of the ciuill lawe is , because by this voluntarie or vnconstrained alienation , or gift of the thing bequeathed , being an act contrarie to the former acte of the testator , his will and meaning , ( which is the life and soule of the testament , ) is straight wayes presumed to be changed d) d) Aretin . in §. si rem Instit. de lega . Socin . sen. consil. 103. in fin . Mascard . de probac. concl. 1280. n. 100. Sichard . in L. 3. C. de leg . n. 5. , and consequently the legacie not to be asleepe , ( as some doo dreame ) but to be quite dead and extinguished e) e) Sichard . in d. L. 3. C. de leg . ● . 5. 8. ; and being once dead , cannot easily be awaked , but standeth in need of a new consent or other liuely act before it can be reuiued f) f) L. cum seruus ff. de adimen . lega . .

If † the thing bequeathed be not fully alienated , as if it be pledged or pawned , the legacie is not thereby extinguished g) g) L. qui post . C de lega . : and therefore the executor in this case is bound to redeeme the same , and to restore it to the legatarie , or to pay the price thereof if he suffer it to be forfaited h) h) Istam conclusionem limitat & sublimitat Mascar . de probatione conclus. 1280. n. 56. &c. quem velim videas . . Likewise , if some part onely of the legacie be alienated , the other part not alienated is due , and may be recouered i) i) § ff rem . Instit. de lega , vnlesse it be prooued that the testator did meane by alienating part , to take away the whole legacie k) k) Eod. §. in fin . ; or if the legacie be alternatiue , as if the testator bequeathe something , or the value thereof , the thing being alienated , yet may the value be recouered l) l) Bald. & Paul . de Castro . in L. 3. C. de lega . .

If the † testator doo bequeath an obligation , or a summe of money due vnto him , and afterwards the debter vnprouoked dooth voluntarily pay the debt due vnto the testator , the receit of the same is no ademption of the legacie m) m) L. fideicommissa . §. sed si rem . ff. de leg . 3. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 2. n. 19. : but if the testator do prouoke the debter to make paiment , then by receit thereof the legacie is extinguished n) n) d. §. sed si rem . & ibi Bar. & alij . L. pater . ff. de adimen . leg . Mascar . de probac. concl. 1280. n. 130. , vnlesse the legatarie be able to prooue , that the testator did not thereby meane to reuoke the legacie o) o) d. §. sed si rem . , for that peraduenture the testator exacting and receiuing the money , did lay it vp , and safely keepe it for the legatarie p) p) Eod. §. s●d si rem . & ibi Bar. in fin & Bald. circa med. , or did vtter in woordes that he did not intende thereby to reuoke the legacie q) q) Bar. in d. §. sed si rem . : In these cases the legacie is not reuoked r) r) Vide Mascar . d. conclus. 1280. n. 132. 133. .

Finally † , If the testator do bequeath a flocke of sheepe , and afterwards the number decreasing , they become fewer then a flocke , ( a flocke consisteth of ten at the least s) s) L. si grege . ff. de leg . 1. & DD ibid. ) be it that of al the flocke there be left but one : In this case the will of the testator is not presumed to be altered , nor the legacie adempted , and therefore that one sheepe is due t) t) §. si grex . Instit. de lega . .

Of translation of legacies .

1 Translation of a legacie what it is .

2 Euery translation includeth an ademption .

3 What if the person to whom the legacie is transferred , be incapable thereof .

4 Certaine cases wherin translation of the legacie doth not include an ademption .

5 The legacie is presumed to be transferred with the charge imposed on the first legatarie .

6 Certaine exceptions of this conclusion .

7 One and the same thing bequeathed , first to one , and afterwards to another , whether it be wholy taken from the former legatarie .

8 If in the second disposition there be no mention of the former , it is not wholy taken from the former legatarie .

9 If there be mention of the former bequest , yet the thing bequeathed is not wholy taken away .

10 Certaine limitations of this last position .

11 Difference betwixt these wordes , I giue ▪ and I bequeath .

12 What if the legacie consist in quantitie .

13 What if one summe be twise bequeathed to one person , whether is it twise due .

§. x●● .

TRanslation † of a legacie is a bestowing of the same vpon an other a) a) Minsing . in tit . de ademp . lega . Inst. t. n 4. , as ademption may be made either in the same testament or in codicils , simplie or condicionally : so may translation of legacies likewise b) b) Tit. de ademp . leg . Instit. L. translatio . eod. tit. ff. & DD. ibid. .

A legacie † being transferred from one to another , the legacie is taken away from the former legatarie , albeit † the second legatarie be incapable of the legacie c) c) L. plane . §. 1. de leg . 1. L. & si transferam de adim . leg . ff. : for howsoeuer that acte is saide not to minister impediment , which is altogither without effect d) d) c. non praestat . de reg. iur. ● . , yet forasmuch as by this translation it dooth appeare to be the testators will and meaning , first to haue the legacie taken away from the former legatarie : this will and meaning ought to be obserued , so far as it may e) e) Minsing . in d. tit . de ademp . leg . n. 6. , and ought not therefore to be hindered in one thing , because it cannot be performed in another f) f) Bar. Ias . & alij , in d. L plane . . For as I said before , euerie † translation doth presuppose & include an ademption g) g) Caeterum an translatio sit expressa vel tacita primi legati reuocatio , quaestio est cui non eod●m modo respondent omnes : Tu autem videas Couar . in Rub. de testa . extra . 2. part. n 21. , except in certaine cases following . The first case is , when the testator in the time of great & extreme sicknesse , transferring a legacie , or bestowing the same vpon an other , dooth afterwards recouer his health : for by this recouerie the translation is voide , and the former legacie confirmed h) h) L. Titia . §. vlt. de adimen . leg . ff. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 3. n. 2. . Another case is , when the testator hauing bequeathed a legacie to one , and hauing prouided that if the legatarie will not do such a thing to another person , that then that other person shall haue the legacie : In this case if the former legatarie be preuented by death , that he cannot perfourme the condition though hee would , the second legatarie cannot obtaine the legacie i) i) L sancimus C. le paenis . Ias . in L. cum proponas . C. de h●●red . in●●●t . & Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 3. n. 2. . The thirde case is , when the legacie dooth consist in quantitie ; as when the testator dooth bequeath to one man an hundred pound , and immediately after to another man an hundred pound : here is neither translation nor ademption of the former legacie , but two seuerall legacies k) k) L. plane . §. 1. de leg . 1. L. paulo . in prin. de leg. 3. ff. . But yet if the testator do limit this summe to some certaine bodie , as if the testator bequeath to one man an hundred pound which lieth in his chest ; then it is all one as if he said , he did bequeath his signet , his bookes , or his armour , whereof we shall haue occasion to speake shortly after l) l) Infra hoc ipso §. n. 7. 11. .

Furthermore , it is to be † noted in this place , that where any legacie is transferred from one to another , it is presumed to be transferred to the second legatarie , with such charge , or vpon such condition , as it was left to the former legatarie , albeit in the translation there be no expresse mention of any such charge of condition m) m) L. Gaio . ff. de alimen . & cib . leg . L. legatum . de adimen . ●eg . Paul de Castr. consil. 327. vol. 1. : For example ; the testator giueth to one person an hundred pound , charging him to destribute ten shillings yearly amongst the poore during ten yeares : afterwards the testator doth bestow that hundred pound vpon an other person , without mention of any such yearely destribution : In this case the second legatarie is charged with the yearely paiment and distribution of ten shillings , euen as the former legatarie n) n) Bar. in d. L. Gaio . M●ntic , de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 3. n. 3. : neither can he accept the one part of the legacie without the other o) o) L. legatarius . §. si legatum . de leg . 1. : sauing † in certaine cases . One case is , if he be able to prooue the testators meaning to be contrarie , viz. that it was the testators meaning to transferre and bestow the legacie simplie without any such charge or condition p) p) d. L. Gai● . . Another case is , when the condition is such , as the same dooth cleaue to the person of the former legatarie q) q) L. legatum sub conditione . de adimen . leg . L. legatum sub conditione . de condict . & demon . ff. : For example ; the testator dooth bequeath to a woman with childe an hundred pound , if she be deliuered of a boy : this condition doth cleaue to the person of the former legatarie , and so is not transferred with the legacie r) r) d. L. legatum sub conditio . de adim . legat . & ibi DD. . The third case is , when the translation is made to the same person , without mention of any further charge or condition : for then least the second bequest should seeme superfluous , it is thought to be the meaning of the testator , by the second bequest to giue the same simplie s) s) L. si tibi . de adimen . leg . ff. . The fourth case is , when in the translation of the legacie , there is a new speciall charge imposed vpon the second legatarie : for then the olde charge imposed to the former legatarie is presumed to be remitted , least otherwise the later legatarie should bee pressed with a double charge t) t) L. Alumne . de adimen . le Paul . de Castr. consi . 327. vol. 1. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 3. .

What if the testator after he haue giuen a legacie to one personne , doo afterwardes bequeath the same to another person , whether is this an ademption of the former legacie , or whether ought both the legataries to concurre , and to haue the legacie betwixt them .

For answere , we are to consider , whether some speciall and certaine thing is bequeathed , or a thing consisting in quantitie .

In the former case , namely when some speciall or certaine thing is bequeathed ; it is materiall whether the legacie be of lands , tenements , or hereditaments , and so the question determinable in the temporall court , according to the lawes temporall of this land , are of goods , and so the controuersie to be decided in the ecclesiasticall court , according to the lawes ecclesiasticall of this realme . If of lands , tenements , & hereditaments , as when the testator ( for example ) doth in the former part of his wil , deuise his lands in such a place to one in fee , and afterwards in the later part of the same will , to another person in fee : it seemeth by the lawes of this realm , that the later part doth ouerthrow the former s) s) Plowd . in cas. inter Paramor & Yardley . fol. 541. . And that as the later testament dooth destroy the former testament : t) t) Eadem enim est ratio partis ad partem , atque totius ad totum . Euerard . loc. top . à toto ad partem . so the later part of a testament , doth infringe the former part of the same testament , when it is contrarie thereunto : neuerthelesse I wil not presume to affirme , that this conclusion is vndoubtedly certaine , but with due submission surrender the same , to be discussed by the learned in the lawes temporall , vnto whom it rightly appertaineth .

If the deuise be of goods ; as when the testator dooth bequeath his signet , his bookes , or his horse , &c. First to one person , and afterwards to another person : then in case the second legacie be simple , ( I meane without mention of the former ) the former legacie is not taken away , but the two legataries concurring , ought to diuide the legacie betwixt them v) v) Paul . de Castro . Ias . & Zas . in L. si pluribus . ff. de leg . 1. Ripa . in L. re coniuncti . n. 21. de leg 3. . The reason and foundation whereupon this conclusion is builded , is the testators constancie , wherin the ciuill law dooth repose such confidence , that when he hath once bequeathed a thing , he is not presumed to take the same away x) x) d. L. si pluribus . verb. si quidem euidentissimè . , without euident presumption y) y) Raph. Cum. in d. L. si pluribus . & ibi Ias . n. 12. & 13. & zas . n. 14. qui omnes tenent sufficere coniecturalem probationem , non obstante quod Textus exigat euidentissimam . Quin imo , probatio vel ex coniecturis emergens , dicitur euidentissima , in translatione legatorum . Ias . vbi supra . post Bar. in L. si constante . ff. sol . ma. n. 12. of the alteration of his former resolution . Insomuch that if one and the same thing be left to one person in the testament , and to another in the codicill , yet is not the testator presumed so variable , as vtterly to take away the former legacie , but rather that both the legataries are to concurre , and so to diuide the legacie betwixt them z) z) Bald. in L. cohaeredi . §. cohaeres . in fin . de vulg. & pup . sub . ff. Alex . consil. 169. vol. 5. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 2. n. 3. . Where it is said that as the later testament doth destroy the former testament : so likewise the later part of the testament , dooth ouerthrow the former part thereof : That is true , when it is euident that the testator did meane it should be so a) a) d. L. si pluribus . & ibi DD. Mantic. de coniec . vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 2. n. 3. in fin . : But if it be doubtfull , then without all doubt we ought to labour diligently to saue the testament from contradiction b) b) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 3. tit. 5. in fin . Socin . Iun. consil. 125. vol. 1. n. 5. , and not suffer one part to fight and brawle with another ; much lesse to permit one part to kill and destroy another , in case there be any place for peace , or hope of reconciliation to be had betwixt them . Againe , the argument is not of equall force , à parte ad partem , with the argument à toto ad totum , in case there be inequalitie or diuersitie of reason betwixt the one and the other c) c) Euerard . d. loco , à toto ad partem . n. 7. post Cyn. & alios legû interpretes . in L. cum notissimi . §. in his . C. de praescrip. 30. ann. , as in this case : For say that such is the force of posterioritie in testaments , that the later dooth still destroy the former d) d) §. posteriore . Instit. quib . mod testam . infirm . , without any other reuocation e) e) Viglius . & Minsing . in d. §. posteriore . : Say and thinke , that the life of the later testament is euermore the death of the former testament , euen because it is the later f) f) Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. testm. q. 860. in prin & supra eadem part . §. 14. : yet how can it be thereby iustified , that the later part of a testament dooth destroy the former part , whereas neither part doth receiue any life before the other g) g) Bar. in L. si quis . ff. de testa . L. ex ea scriptura . eod. tit. : for vntill the whole testament be completed , the partes thereof are as the sencelesse partes of an vnperfect creature , or confused embrio h) h) d L ex ea scriptura , Imo ( inquit Textus ) testamentum imperfectum est sine dubio nullum . §. pen . Instit. quib . mod. testa . infir . : and doo receiue their life altogether at one instant ; namely when the testator hauing finished his testament , dooth approue the same for his last wil , and not before i) i) Iul. Clat. §. testm. q. 7. in fin . : Like as they do receiue their strength all at one moment , namely at the death of the testator , and not before , at which time the foresaid Embrio being now growen to a perfect childe , is then brought into the world , when the testator doth depart out of the world k) k) Chrof . Porcus . in §. in extraneis . Instit. de haer qual. & different . c. Marth . de celebr . miss. extra . .

If the second bequest be qualified with mention of the former : for example ; the testator saith , my signet which I bequeathed to A.B. I bequeath to C. D. whether in this case the former legacie be quite taken away , or in part , is a question wherin the writers do greatly vary l) l) Id quod patet per Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 4 per Couar . in Rub. de testa . extra part. 2. per Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 8. per Vasq. de success . progress . lib 3. §. 23. n. 96. &c. & per Doctores , in L. plane . & L. si pluribus . ff. de leg. 1. : but the greater number incline to this opinion , that the former legacie is not wholy taken away , but that they are both ioint legataries m) m) Bar. in L. re coniuncti . ff. de leg. 3. cuius opinionem frequentiori calculo receptam monstrat nobis Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 4. n. 1. et refert Grass . Thesaur . com . op §. legatum . q. 180. , except in certain cases . One is when it may appeare ( at least by coniectures ) that it was the testators meaning to take away the legacie from the former legatarie wholy . n) n) Bar. in d. L. re coniuncti . Mantic. d. tit. 4. n. 8. Grass . d. §. legatum . q. 80. n. 2. . Another is , when the second bequest is not made in the same testament , but after in some codicill o) o) Ripa . in d. L. re coniuncti . n. 23. de leg. 3. ff. Mantic. d. tit. 4. n. 10. . Another case is , when the testator in the second disposition saith , that which I did bequeath to A. B , I giue to C. D : for this word giue , is of such force , that it seemeth wholy to take away the former legacie (p) (p) Couar . in Rub. de testa . extra . part. 2. n. 21. Alciat . in L. triplici . de verb. sig ff. n. 13. Mascard . Tract . de probac. conclus. 1280. n. 47. .

In the second case , that is to say , when the legacie dooth consist in quantitie , if the testator doo bequeath to one man an hundred pound , and immediately to another man an other hundred pound : here is neither translation , nor ademption , but two seuerall legacies ; and either legatarie in this case shall recouer an hundred pound q) q) Atque haec conclusio sine contradictione vera est . Minsing . in §. transferri . Instit. de ademp . leg . n. 8. , as I haue shewed before . Where also I signified , that if the testator doo restraine this quantitie to a certaine bodie , as to the hundred pound sealed vp in such a bagge , then it is reduced to that case of bequeathing a certaine speciall thing , as the testators signet , first to one ; and then to another r) r) L. plane . §. si eadem . de leg. 1. ff. verb. sed hoc ita . & Zas . eod. §. n. 3. verb. sed finge . .

If the testator doo bequeath to one man an hundred pound , and afterwards in the same testament bequeatheth to the same man an hundred pound ; the second disposition is vnderstood to be but a repetition of the former , and all but one legacie s) s) Gloss. in d. L. plane . §. 1. & ibi Ias . n. 11. & Zas . n. 14. Michael . Gras . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 60. Contra quam opinionem quantumuis communem , emanauit disputatio à D. Gentil . condita , non in elegans , nec iniucunda . Hanc ipse legito . lib. disputac . fol. 51. : wherefore the legatarie in this case can recouer but one hundred pound ; vnlesse he make proofe that it was the testators meaning , that he should haue two hundred pound t) t) Tunc enim saepiùs praestanda est summa , si modò euidentissimis probationibus ostendatur testatorem multiplicare legatum voluisse . d. §. 1. : or vnlesse an vnequall quantitie be giuen to the same legatarie ; as if the testator doo bequeath in one part of his testament an hundred pound , and in another part fiftie pound : for in this case the legatarie may recouer an hundred and fiftie pound v) v) L. cum centum . de adimen . leg . ff. Ias . in d. § 1. Grass . d. q 60. vbi scribit hanc op. esse com . : or vnlesse where two equal summes be left to one person , the one quantitie were left in one writing , and another quantity in another writing , suppose one C. pound in the testament , another hundred pounde in the codicill ; for here the legatarie may recouer two hundred pound x) x) Ias . & Zas . in d. L. plane . §. si eadem . de leg. 1. & haec op. com est , vt per eosdem Doctores : & per Grass . d. §. legatum q. 60. & per Ripam . d. L. coniuncti . de leg. 3. ff. , as two seuerall legacies , except the executor proue the testators meaning to be contrarie y) y) Minsin . in tit . de adē . legat . Instit. n. 8. .

Of diuerse meanes wereby legacies are lost , considerable in the legatarie .

1 By what meanes he that is named executor is made incapable of the executorship , by the same meanes doth the legatarie lose his legacie .

2 The legacie is lost by reason of enimitie betwixt the testator and the legatarie .

3 Diuerse extensions of this conclusion .

4 What if the testator were the cause of the enimitie , and the legatarie in no fault .

5 Certaine cases wherein the legacie is not lost by reason of enimitie .

6 The legatarie being appointed tutor , looseth his legacie , if he refuse the tutorship .

7 The legatarie , if he accuse the testament of falsitie , looseth his legacie .

8 The legatarie which dooth cancell the testament , doth loose his legacie .

9 The legatarie dooth loose his legacie , who of his owne authoritie dooth take and possesse the thing bequeathed .

10 Certaine cases wherein the former conclusion is limited .

§. xxii .

IN respect of the fact and person of the legatarie , the legacie may become void diuers wayes . And first generally † by all the meanes aboue recited , whereby the executor is made incapable of the executorship a) a) Gloss. in L. 3. §. fin . de adimen . leg . ff. L. ex part . eod. tit. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 4. n. 2. : as if the legatarie doo become an heretike , an apostata , or doo forbid the testator to alter his will , &c. of all which meanes we haue spoken alreadie b) b) Supra part . 5. §§. 2. 3. 4. cum seq. & supr. ead. part . §. 18. , wherefore wee shall let them passe , and descende to some particular causes not yet mentioned .

First therefore , if the † legatarie become enimie to the testator , he looseth his legacie c) c) L. 3. §. fin . de adimen . leg ff. Tiraquel . in reg. cessante causa . n. 127. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 5. in prin. . For besides that he seemeth vnworthie of a benefite at his handes , whom he dooth offend and iniurie , it is not likely that the testator would , that that person which doth persecute him with hatred and enimitie whiles he liueth , should reape any commoditie by his testament when he is dead d) d) L. si inimicitiae . ff. de his quib . vt indig . L. nec adiecit . ff. pro socio . Mascard . de probac. conclus . q. 1280. n. 137. : and therefore if the testators enimie should demaund any legacie , he might iustly be repelled , by reason of the defect of the testators will and consent e) e) DD. in d. L. si inimicitiae . & in d. §. fin . , which consent is the life and soule of the testament .

The † extensions of this conclusion are these . First , albeit the testator doo afterwards make some codicill , or additions to his testament , and do not therin expressy reuoke the legacy , before bequeathed in his last testament , yet is it still presumed to be reuoked secretly , and in the intent of the testator , by reason of the aforesaid hatred or enimitie f) f) L. filio . §. scia . & ibi Bar. de adimen . leg . ff. Rip . in L. vlt. de reuoc . don . C. Mantic. de coniect . vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 5. n. 2. Mascard . de probac . concl. 1280. n. 138. .

Secondly , the former conclusion hath place , albeit the testator were ignorant of the iniurie done vnto him by the legatarie , when it is such an iniurie , for the which it is verie likely that the testator would haue reuoked his legacie , if he had knowen thereof : as if the legatarie haue committed adulterie with the testators wife , or haue deflowred his daughter g) g) Gloss. in L. fideicommissum . C. de fideicommiss . Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 5. n. 6. & quidem ipso iure tollitur legatum . si viuente testatore stuprauit eius vxor . eo verò de functo , ope exceptionis Apost. ad gloss . in d. L. fideicommissum . .

Thirdly , if the wife diuert or depart from her husband , without his good fauour , she looseth hir legacie h) h) L. vxori de aur. & argent. leg . ff. & ibi gloss . cum Bar. Mascard . de probac. conclus. 1280. n. 140. Mant. d. tit. 5. n. 3 .

Fourthly , he which dooth accuse the testator of any capitall crime , looseth his legacie i) i) L. filio . §. scia . ff. de adimen . leg . .

Fiftly , he which becommeth capitall enemie to the testators brother , loseth his legacie k) k) Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 5. n. 8. .

Sixtly † , albeit the testator himselfe were the cause of the enimitie , and the legatarie in no fault , yet shall the legatarie loose his legacie l) l) Mantic. d. tit. 5. n. 9. Ias . in L. si filiam . C. de inossic . test . Ripa . in L. vlt. C. de reuoc . don . n. 151. Couar . in Rub. de testa . extr. part. 2. n. 19. versic. 5. in fin . contra opinionem Bar. à multis olim quidem receptam ( quorum diligenter meminit Cotta in causa sororis suae , asseuerans eam esse communem in memorabilibus . verb. inimicitiae ) sed hodie magis communiter reprobatā , vt refert Mascard . de probac . concl. 1280. n. 144. : which conclusion may seeme hard , but the reason is easie , namely , because where the testator hath conceiued enimitie , there is he presumed to haue altered and reuoked his will m) m) Mant. d. tit. 5. n. 9. L. 3. §. vlt. de adimen , leg . ff. : which alteration and reuocation is so much the rather presumed when the testator himself is the cause of the enimitie , for he that wil be enemie without a cause , is lesse a friend then he that is vnwillingly made an enemie . And therefore I do the rather incline to their opinion , which hold that the legacie is taken away by enimitie arising from the testator , without any iust cause giuen by the legatarie . If any thinke that this opinion dooth sauour more of law then of equitie , let him yet consider that euen in equitie , the legatarie , although innocent , ought not to receiue any fauour against the wil of the testator n) n) Dec. consil. 426. Mantic . de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 3. tit. 19. n. 11. : At least howsoeuer the legararie were in no fault at the first , if at the last being prouoked by the testator , he become his enemie , seeking to be reuenged for the iniurie done vnto him : in this case hee leeseth his legacie , euen as well as if he himselfe had first broken the bond of amitie o) o) Mascard . de probac. concl. 1280. n. 145. qui hoc distinctionis foedere contrarias opiniones conciliari putat . .

Seuenthly , if the legatarie did neglect to minister necessarie helpe to the testator in time of his sickenesse , when as he might easily haue done the same , through the want whereof the testator died , the legacie is lost p) p) L. indignum . ff. de his quibus vt indignis . : For who so looketh to be benefited by a mans death , hee ought to beware that he be not the occasion thereof , either in committing , or in omitting any thing , contrarie to the rule of pietie and charitie q) q) Mantic. d. tit 5. n. 10. Mascard . d. concl. 1280. n. 134. 135. .

Eightly , if the legatarie by iniurious and contumelious wordes doo grieuously defame and slaunder the testator , or curse him with wicked speeches : In these and such like cases the legacie is lost r) r) L. si inimicitiae . ff. de his quibus vt indignis . Mantic. d. tit. 5. n. 11. quem velim te videre . .

The † limitations of the former conclusion are these : First , when the enimitie is not great and grieuous , but small and light s) s) L. ● . § vlt. de adimen . leg . L. si inimicitiae . ●e his quibus vt indig . ff. : for the testator is not presumed to haue altered or reuoked any part of his will and testament , made with deliberation and constancie , by reason of any light offence , or small displeasure : But then when as the testator is mooued and stirred , as it were with violence of great displeasure , and thereby driuen to such bitternesse of minde against the legatarie , that it may seeme that it repented the testator that he had bequeathed any thing in his testament to such a legatarie t) t) Mantic d. tit. 5. n. 14. Zaf Tract . de sub . c. 2. col . pen . Ias . in L. si filiam . C. de inoffic . testa . .

Secondly , when the legacie is left in respect of the good desert of the legatarie v) v) Mascard . de probac. concl. 1280. n. 147. Ripa . in L. vlt. C. de reuoc . don . n. 150. : for where desert went before , the legacie is not presumed to be taken away by the offence following x) x) L. si pater . §. pen . ff. de donac . Bald. in L. si cum tibi ff. de dolo . Mantic. d. tit. 5. n. 17. ; at the least if the offence be not very great and heinous , such as may be thought to alter a mans purpose , euen against him that had well deserued y) y) Mantic. vbi supra . vide Mascard . d. concl. 1280. n. 148. .

Thirdly , when the testator and legatarie be reconciled and reduced into friendship againe , for then the former enimities do not preiudice the legatarie z) z) L. 4. de adimen . leg . ff. Grass . Thesau . com . op. §. legatum . q 78. Masc . d. conclus. 1280. n. 149. : Not onely by reason of enimitie betwixt the testator and the legatarie , during the testators life ; but also by other occasions after the testators death , considerable likewise in the person of the legatarie , the legacie may bee lost .

If the † legatarie being appointed tutor in the testament , or charged by the testator with the bringing vp of some childe , do refuse to vndergoe the charge , he loseth his legacie a) a) L. post legatum . verb. amittere ff. de his quibus . vt indignis . : which conclusion proceedeth whether he were appointed tutor , either in the same testament wherin the legacie is conteined , or in some codicill , the legacie being conteined in the testament b) b) L. Nefensius iuncta . L. seq. de excus . tut . ff. , or whether he were appointed by the father of the childe , or by any other hauing authoritie to appoint a tutor c) c) d. L. Nesensius . L. naturali . de confir . tut . ff. & ibi Bar. L. si patronus . eod. tit. & ibi Bald. , ( of whom we haue spoken before d) d) Supra 3. part . §. 9. cum sequen. ) or whether the legacie were left conditionally , ( viz. if he did vndertake the tutorship ) or simply e) e) L. sed haec . ff. de excus . tut . Gribald . Thesaur . com . op. verb. tutor . , or whether the tutor appointed be of kin or allied to the testator or no f) f) Gribald . d. verb. tutor Bar. Ias . Sichard . & alij , in L. si legararius . C. de lega . Et ista opinio communis est iure Authent . ꝑ §. his omnibus de haered . & falcid . refragante Couar . in c. Iohannes de testa . extra . sed distingue , vt per Alex. & alios . in d. L. si legatarius . . But the said conclusion faileth , when the legararie would be tutor , but cannot g) g) DD. in d. L. si legatarius . C. de lega . , or when it doth not stand by the legatarie , that he is not admitted tutor h) h) L. cum filius . §. non iure . de leg. 2 ff. : or if by other circumstances it may appeare that the testator would that he should haue the legacie , albeit he did not vndertake the tutorship : In which case the tutor not being monished to vndertake the tutorship , dooth not loose his legacie i) i) Alex. & Sichard . in d. L. si legatarius . C. de lega . .

Item , if † the legatarie after the death of the testator , doo accuse the testament , as a false testament , he looseth his legacie therin bequeathed k) k) L. post legatum . de his quibus vt indig . ff. , vnles hee being tutor to the testators children , or to some other hauing interest , that the testament should not take place , doth prosecute the cause against the testament , not in his owne name , but as tutor , or for the behoofe of the pupill l) l) L. tutorem . ff. de his quib . vt indig . , or vnlesse he accuse the testament , not as a false testament , but as vnlawfully made m) m) L. pen . eod. tit. Aetiologia est , quia non tam iudicium defuncti impugnat , quàm de iure disputat . , or vnlesse he desist from the sute before sentence be giuen n) n) Sichard . in Rub de his quibus vt indignis . C●n. 7. per L 2. & per L. aliam causam . eod. tit. : In these and diuers like cases he doth not preiudice himselfe .

Item , if † the legatarie cancell or destroy the testament , he looseth his legacie p) p) L si quis cum falso . §. diuus . L. si quis patris . Ad. L. Cornel. de falsis . ff. ; & so it is , though o) o) Doctores in c. ex eo . de reg. iur. 6. Gabr lib com conclus . lib. 6. tit . de reg. iur. conclus . 1. Vigel . method . iur. ciuil . lib. 12. c. 8. causa 17. he do not deface the testament , but maliciously and fraudulently conceale the same q) q) L. si legatarius . C. de lega . .

Item , if † the legatarie of his owne authoritie , without the consent of the executor , do apprehend and occupie the legacie to him bequeathed , he looseth his right and interest thereunto r) r) L. 1. quorum legatorum . ff. L. non dubium . C. de lega . : For he may not be his own caruer in this case , but ought to receiue his legacie at the handes of the executor s) s) Sichard . in d. L. non dubium . Perkins tit . testament . fol. 94. : which executor ought first to haue all the testators goods and cattels in his hands , for the paiment and discharge of the testators debts t) t) Old . de actione class. 2. action . 2 fol. 112. Perkins . vbi supra . Castrens . & Sichard in d L. non dubium . assignantes aliam rationem , nempè ob detractionem falcidiae . : which debts ought to be paied before legacies v) v) L. scimus . C. de iure de lib. Paul . de Castro . in d. L. non dubium . Brook Abridg. tit . deuise . n. 6. .

The † limitations of this former conclusion are these : First when the testator doth in his testament giue licence to the legatarie to take and occupie the same , without deliuerie of the executor x) x) Bar. in L. Titia . §. Lucius . de leg . 2. Rip . in L. 1. quorum lega . ff. Sich. in d. L. non dubium . C. de lega . ; which licence may be granted either expresly or secretly y) y) Sichard . in d. L. non dubium . Ripa . in d. L. 1. : expresly , when the testator saith , I bequeath my horse to A.B. giuing him licence to take him , and to possesse him of his owne authoritie , without any deliuerie to be made by my executor z) z) Sichard . in d. L. non dubium . n. 11. : Secretly , when the testator saith , I bequeath vnto him my horse , which I will that he quietly enioy without trouble or molestation a) a) Sichard . in d. L. non dubium . n. 12. ; or by words of like importance b) b) Ripa . in d. L. 1. ff. quorum lega . n. 10. 11. 12 13. 14. .

The second limitation is , when the legatarie was in quiet possession of the thing bequeathed , at the time of the death of the testator : In which case if there be sufficient goodes to pay the testators debts , he may still retaine the legacie c) c) Socin consil. 11. lib. 1. Ripa . in d. L. 1. n. 15. Olde n. de action . class. 2. action . 2. fol. 113. .

The third limitation is , when the executor dooth willingly permit the legatarie , to take and occupie the legacie without contradiction d) d) L. 1. §. prodest . ff. quorum leg . .

The fourth limitation is , when the legatarie dooth apprehend his legacie , before the executor haue prooued the will , and vndertaken the executorship e) e) Paul . de Castr. in d. L non dubium . Ratio est , quia vacante haereditate , legatarius non dicitur vitiose occupare . , or before administration be graunted f) f) Forte tamen censuri● ecclesiasticis puniendus est . per Legatin . vnic . de bonis intestatorum . .

The fift limitation is , when the executor is negligent , and the legacie like to perish , as when certaine fruites or corne on the ground are giuen , and the same readie for reaping g) g) Ias in d. L. non dubium . in fin . .

The sixt limitation is , when the legatarie is ignorant , that the thing by him apprehended and possessed , was bequeathed vnto him h) h) Sichard . in eand . L. non dubium . n 1. .

The seuenth limitation is , when the legatarie is also executor i) i) Sichard . ibi . n. 13. . In these and other cases the legatarie dooth not loose his legacie k) k) Old . de action . class. 2. action . interdicti quod legatorum . fol. 109. : albeit ( if neede be ) he may be compelled to restore the same l) l) d. L. 1. quorum legatorum , & ibi Zas . & Ripa . d. L. non dubium . & ibi Ias . & Sichard . .

Of the death of the legatarie before the legacie be due .

1 If the legatarie die before the legacie be due , the legacie is extinguished .

2 A simple legacie beginneth to be due at the death of the testator .

3 What if the legatarie die at the same instant when the testator dieth .

4 If the prince die before the testator , his successors may obtaine the legacie .

5 A conditionall legacie is not due before the condition be extant .

6 If the legatarie die before the condition bee extant the legacie is not transferred to his executors .

7 Extensions of this former conclusion .

8 Limitations of the same conclusion .

9 If the legacie be referred to a certaine day , whether it beginne to bee due at the death of the testator .

10 When the day is vtterly vncertaine , the legacie is as if it were conditionall .

11 What if the day be certaine in some respects , and vncertaine in other respects .

§. xxiij .

IF the † legatarie die before the legacie be due , the legacie is extinguished a) a) L. si post . ff. quando dies . leg . ced. . That we may know when the legacie is due , we are to consider , whether the same be pure and simple , or conditionall , or referred to a day b) b) Gloss. in Rub. de cond. & demon . ff. Grass . Thesaur . co. op. §. legatum . q. 43. in prin .

When † the legacie is pure and simple , the day wherein the legacie beginneth to be due , is the day of the death of the testator c) c) L. vnic. § cum igitur . & §. in nouissime . C. de cad. tollend . , and therfore if the legatarie die before that day , the legacie is voide : neither can the executors or administrators of the legatarie demaunde the same d) d) d. L. vnic. §. cum triplici . . And † so it is although the legatarie liue as long as the testator : for if he doo not ouerliue the testator , but that they die both at one instant ( both peraduenture being drowned together , or both being stroke to death at once with the fall of an house : ) In this case also the legacie is not due e) e) L. quod ff. de reb. dub . , and consequently , not transmissible to the executors or administrators of the legatarie . But if the legatarie do ouerliue the testator , though it be but a verie little , euen a moment , then the legacie is due f) f) Castrens . in d. L. quod de Tiraquel . de iudic . in reb. exig . lim. 3. nee longè abest Ias . L. si quis . C. de Instit. & sub . n. 5. , and so may be recouered by the executors or administrators of the legatarie g) g) L. si post diem . ff. quando dies . leg . ced. : neither is it materiall whether the legatarie did know , or were ignorant h) h) L. vlt. quando dies . leg ced. ff. of the legacie , or whether the will were proued , or the administration of the goods committed , whiles the legatary liued i) i) L. vnic. §. sin autem C. de cad. tollend . : for in this case also the same is due to his executors or adminisrators . Howbeit † the former conclusion , that if the legatarie die before the testator , the legacie is extinguished , doth not proceed where any thing is bequeathed to the prince : for though the prince die before the testator , yet the legacie is due to the princes successor k) k) L. quod principi . ff. de leg. 2. .

When † the legacie is conditionall , the day wherein the legacie beginneth to be due , is the day wherein the condition is performed or extant l) l) L. vnic. § sin autem . C. de cad. tol. Bar. in L. si post . ff. quando dies . leg . ced. : and therefore † the rule is , that the legatarie dying in the mean while , before the condition bee extant , the legacie is extinguished m) m) L. intercidit . ff. de cond. & demon . & Bar. in d. L. si post diem . : which rule † is extended although the legatarie were one of the testators children n) n) Gloss. in L. vnic. de his qui ante aper . tab. C. Vasq . de success . progress . lib. 3. §. 29. n. 19. quae opinio communis est , vt latiùs per Mantic . de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 20. n. 1. . Item , although the condition were referred to the will of the legatarie : Example ; The testator giueth to A.B. an hundred pound if he will : for in this case also , if the legatarie die before he haue declared himselfe willing , the legacie is extinguished o) o) L. si ita . §. si illi de leg. 1. ff. , and so nothing is due to his executors or administrators . likewise , if the condition be alternatiue , whereof one part is simple , and the other conditionall , if the legatarie die before the condition be extant , the legacie is vtterly void p) p) L. cum illud . ff. quando dies . leg . ced. : For example ; the testator dooth bequeath to A.B. all his plate , or if his wife haue a childe , an hundred pound : albeit A.B. doo ouerliue the testator , but die before his wife haue a childe , the executors or administrators of the legatarie can neither obtaine the hundred pound , nor the plate q) q) DD. in d. L. cum illud . Aetiologia est , quia in alternatiuis non sunt duo legata , sed vnum . .

Limitations † of this former rule are many r) r) Vigel . method . iur. ciuil . part. 4. lib. 13. c. 7. except . 2. : First , when it is the testators will and meaning , that the conditionall legacie be transmitted s) s) Vasq de success . progress . lib. 2. §. 18. n. 94. lib. 3. §. 29. n. 16. Bar. in L. si is cui . §. hoc autem de leg. 1. in fin . .

Secondly , when it dooth not stand by the legatarie wherefore the condition is not performed , and in that respect the condition is reputed for accomplished t) t) c. cum non stat. de reg. iur. 6. pleniùs supra part . 4. §. 8. .

Thirdly , when the legacy is not conditional , but modall v) v) L. cum tale . ff. de cond. & demon . , ( of which difference we haue spoken before x) x) Supra part . 4. §. 9. . )

Fourthly , when the legacie which was first conditionall , is afterwards repeated without any condition y) y) L. non ad ea . ff. de cond. & demon . et Castrens . ibid. .

Fiftly , when the testator dooth giue the legacie vpon condition afterwards to be expressed , but expresseth none z) z) L. pen . C. de Instit. & sub . .

Finally , wheresoeuer the condition dooth not make the legacie conditionall ( either because it is secretly included a) a) L. si dies . §. vlt ff. quando dies leg . ced. Manti . de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 12. tit. 20. n. 5. in the disposition , or reiected b) b) L. conditiones . de condic . Instit ff. §. impossibilis Instit. de hae . red . instit . & supra §§ . 4. & 5. part. 4. ) it doth not hinder the transmission of the legacie to the executors or administrators of the legatarie deceased , no more then if it were a simple and pure legacie .

When † the legacie is referred to a day , then it skilleth whether the day be altogether certaine , or altogether vncertaine , or in some respect certaine , and in other respects vncertaine .

In the first case , that is to say , when the day is certaine , the legacie beginneth to be due at the time of the death of the testator , although it can not be demaunded effectually before the day doo come c) c) L. cedere diem . de verb. sig. ff. & ibi Alciat . & . Rebuff . . And therefore if after the death of the testator , the legatarie die also before the day of payment , the legacie is transmitted to the executors or administrators of the legatarie , as if it had bene a pure and simple legacie d) d) L. si dies . ff. quando dies lega . ced. : For example ; the testator dooth bequeath to A.B. an hundred pound at Easter , anno domini 1600 , and afterwards dieth , and after him the legatarie dieth also before Easter anno 1600 : In this case the executors or administrators of the legatarie , at Easter 1600. may demaund and recouer the legacie , because the time is vndoubtedly certaine ( in the reputation of lawe ) aswell in respect of the question when , as in respect of the question whether e) e) DD. in d. L. si dies . & in L. si post diem . ff. quando dies leg . ced. Grass . Thesaur . con. op. §. legatum . q. 43. n. 3. 4. 5. .

In the second case , that is to say , when † the day is vtterly vncertaine , the legacie is compared to a conditionall legacie f) f) L. dies incertus . ff. decond . & demon . : and therefore if the legatarie die in the meane time , the legacie is lost without hope of deuolution thereof , to the executors or administrators of the legatarie deceased g) g) L. vnic. §. sin autem . C. de cad. toll . : For example ; The testator saith : I do bequeath to A. B. an hundred pound when he shall be maried : or thus ; I bequeath to A.B. an hundred pound to be paied when he shall be maried : here the day is vtterly vncertaine : for neither is it certaine when , neither yet whether the legatarie shall marie before the euent : and therefore if the legatarie die before he be married , his executors or administrators haue no action or right to demaunde the legacie h) h) DD. in d. §. sin autem . : neither is it material , whether the day be ioined to the substance of the legacie , as in the former example , or to the execution thereof , as in the second example : for it is not deuolued neither in the one case , nor in the other i) i) Bar. in L. si cui . §. hoc autem de leg 1. post gloss . in L. Seius . ad Trebell . ff. & Alex. ibid. Mantic. de coniect. vlt. vol. lib. 11. tit. 20 n. 3. & est communis opinio , teste Grass . Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 43. n. 7. .

In the third case , that is to say , when † the day is partly certaine , and partly vncertaine , we are to distinguish , whether the vncertainty be in respect of the question whether , or of the question when .

If the vncertaintie be in respect of the question whether , not of the question when : as if the testator do bequeath an hundred pound , when his sonne shall come to the age of xxi . yeares , ( for here it is certaine when he shall be of that age , but vncertaine whether he shall liue till he come to that age : ) In this case we must yet againe distinguish : for either the time is ioined to the substance of the disposition , as when the testator saith ; I giue to A.B. an hundred pound when he commeth to the age of xxi . yeares , and the legacie is not deuolued to his executors or administrators , if he die in the meane time k) k) Bar. in d. L. ff cui . §. hoc autem . de leg . 1. L. ff Titio . in prin. quando dies . leg . ced. ff. Vasq. de success . progress . lib. 3 §. 29. n. 3. ( except in certaine cases elsewhere before specified l) l) Supra part . 4. §. 17. sub fine . ; ) or else the day is ioyned to the execution or performance of the legacie : as when the testator dooth bequeath to A. B. an hundred pound , which he willeth to be paid when the legatarie shall be of the age of xxi . yeares , and then the legatarie dying in the meane time , his executors or administrators may recouer the legacie , when the time is expired that the legatarie should haue beene of the age of xxi . yeares if he had liued m) m) L. ex his verbis . C. quando dies . leg . ced. Bar. & Paul . de Castr. in L. si cui . §. hoc autem ff. de leg . 1. Alex. in L. Seius ad Trebel . in fin . ff. Vasq. de success . ꝓgress . lib. 3. §. 29. n. 3. verb. quandoque . & 3. .

If the vncertaintie be not in respect of the question whether , but of the question when , as if the testator do bequeath to A.B. an C. pound , when the executor of the testator shall die , or to be paied when the saide executor shall die . For here it is certaine whether the executor must die ( we must all die ) but when hee must die it is vncertaine : In this case the legacie is not transmitted , the legatarie dying before the executor of the testator n) n) L. huiusmodi . ff. quando dies . leg . ced. DD. in L. haeres meus . de con. & demon . Caeual . de vsufruct . mulier . n. 70. 71. quorum opinio est magis recepta , vt per Grass : Thesaur . com . op. §. legatum . q. 43. n. 8. Vasq. de success . progress . lib. 3. §. 27 , n. 11. : howbeit this legacie after anothers death , if it be duely considered , is not onely vncertaine , in respect of the question when , but also in respect of the question whether , because it is vncertaine also whether the legatarie shal ouerliue the executor , not only when the executor shall die o) o) d. L. haeres meus . de cond. & demon . ff. , as elsewhere hath beene declared p p Supra . part . 4. §. 17. .

Of the destruction of the thing bequeathed .

1 The legacie is extinguished , if the thing bequeathed do perish .

2 What if it perish by the fact or negligence of the executor .

3 What if the legacie be generall , or doo consist in quantitie .

4 What if one thing of two things be bequeathed , whereof the one doth perish .

5 What if the thing bequeathed be not destroyed , but the forme thereof altered .

§. xxiiij .

IF the † thing bequathed do perish or be destroied , the legacie is extinguished a) a) §. si res legata . Instit. de lega . , and the legatarie destitute of remedie : For example ; The testator doth bequeath vnto thee his best oxe , which oxe i● afterwards killed : In this case the legacie is extinguished b) b) L. mortuo boue . ff. de leg . 2. , insomuch that neither the skin , nor the flesh , nor the price , is due vnto thee c) c) d. §. si res legata . & ibi Minsing . : which rule notwithstanding is limited in certaine cases .

First , when † the thing bequeathed dooth perish by the fact or negligence of the executor : as when the executor after the death of the testator , conuerteth the thing bequeathed to his owne proper vse d) d) Gloss. in d. L. boue . & in L. lana . de leg. 3. ff. , or when he maketh delay , in not paying or deliuering the thing bequeathed so soone as he may , after he haue vndertaken the executorship e) e) L. omnia . de leg . ff. Intellige si modo praecedat interpellatio , vel hominis , vel certae diei . L. si ex legati causa . ff. de verb. ob . sed non sufficit mora irregularis , nempè quae ex iuramento oritur . Cagnol in L , quod te . ff. si cer. pe. n. 97. , or dooth vniustly deferre the proouing of the will , and vndertaking the executorship f) f) L. equis . ff. de vsur . & fruct. , and the thing bequeathed perish in the meane time : for then the legacie is not so extinguished , but that the legatarie may recouer the value thereof : albeit the thing it selfe be not extant g) g) Paul . de Castr. in L. seruum filij . §. si pocula . de leg . 1. L. senatus . eod. tit. Mantic. de coniect . vlt. vol. lib. 9. tit. 12. c. 3. : And albeit peraduenture it would haue perished likewise , if it had beene deliuered to the legatarie in due time h) h) Alex. Ias . & alij , in L. nemo de verb. ob . ff. quotum op●nio est communis , vt refert Ias . vbi supra . & Soarez lib. recept . sententiarum . litera M●n 222. de qua sententia tanto minùs dubitatur , quanto magis dubitatur an res apud legatarium peritura fuisset . Quod si manifestè constat rem eodem modo fuisse perituram apud legatarium , hie multi recedunt ab illo communi dogmate existimantes aequiorem opinionem esse , vt non teneatur executor . Soarez vbi supra . Ripa . in L. si insulam . de verb. ob . n. 97 .

Secondly , when † the legacie is generall , or consisteth in quantitie ; as when the testator dooth bequeath a horse , or an oxe ( not this horse , or that oxe : ) or when the testator doth bequeath certaine quarters of wheate , or other graine , not this or that graine lying in such a barne or garner : this kinde of legacie cannot perish , though all the testators cattell do perish , and all his corne be consumed i) i) L. incedium . C. si cer . pe. L. non amplius §. 1. de leg. 1. ff. Minsing . in §. si res legata . Instit. de lega . ff. : and therefore the legatarie may recouer his legacie , vnlesse some certaine thing were offered to the legatarie , which he without iust cause refused to take : for then if the same thing do perish afterwards , the legacie is extinguished k) k) L. huiusmodi . §. stichum . & §. si cui . de lega . 1. ff. .

Thirdly , when † one of two things is bequeathed alternatiuely ; as if the testator doo bequeath his apparell , or his bookes , the one of these being consumed , the other of them may be recouered l) l) L. cum res . §. sed si . de leg 1. , vnlesse the election appertaining to the executor , he offred the one of them to the legatarie , which afterwards perished m) m) L. huiusmodi . §. stichum . & §. si cui . de leg . 1. L. statu liberum . §. vlt. de leg. 2. ff. .

Fourthly † , when the thing bequeathed , wherof the former is altered , may be reduced to his first matter ; as when the testator doth bequeath some masse of metall be it gold or siluer , tinne , or such like , whereof the testator afterwardes dooth make some vessell , or other instrument . Or on the contrarie , the testator hauing bequeathed a cuppe of golde , or other vessell , or instrument of metall , dooth afterwardes dissolue the same to his first matter : or the testator hauing bequeathed a cup of golde , dooth make a chaine thereof : the will of the testator by such alterations is not presumed to bee altered , and therefore the legacie is not thereby extinguished n) n) Bar. Lancel . Dec. & alij , in L. seruum silij . §. si pocula . ff. de leg. 1. quorum opinio communiter approbatur , vt refert Ias . cod . §. n. 5. .

But if the thing bequeathed after the forme therof be altered , cannot be reduced to that which it was before ; as wooll when it is made clothe ; or timber , when it is hewen or made parcell of a ship : the testator hauing bequeathed certaine wooll or timber , and afterwards translating the same to other forms , from whence they cannot be reduced to the former , the legacie is extinguished o) o) L lana . ff. de leg 3. Bar. Paul . de Castro . & alij communiter . in d. L. seruum filij . §. si pocula . de leg . 1. , vnlesse it doo appeare that the will of the testator therein is not chaunged p) p) d. §. si pocula . .

Other limitations there be of this rule , as also diuers other causes whereby legacies may be lost : But neither haue I conuenient leisure to proceede in the discourse thereof , neither do I thinke the same either so needfull or profitable to be knowen , as these wherof I haue made choise , and which I haue alredie deliuered . And therefore I thought good onely to referre such as are q q De quibus plene Vigelius in sua methodo exactissima iuris ciuilis . lib. 12. c. 10. caus. 51. vbi enumerat 70. causas amittendi legata . farther studious in that point , and here cut off the threed of this testamentarie treatise .

FINIS .

An Epilogue .

THus for thy loue ( louing countrieman ) haue I deliuered vnto the view of thy iudgement , the picture of my conceite concerning testaments , which if thou shalt beholde sharply , then I feare strongly , thou wilt espie in steed of iust proportion , lamenes , or want of some notable members ; and in steed of delectable beautie , deformitie , or spots of soule and loathsome errors . Wherefore as at the first I did earnestly intreat for fauour ; so now in the ende I do humbly begge for pardon . And although peraduenture I might vse some reasons to draw thee therunto , ( as by giuing thee to vnderstand , First that all the lims and bones of this my testamentarie picture , were not onely heretofore out of ioint ; but scattered and dispersed farre asunder , some amongst the lawes ciuil , some amongst the decrees and decretals , some amongst our prouinciall constitutions , and some amongst the lawes , statutes , and customes of this realme : and therefore the labour in searching and ioining of some of these dismembred members , to be rather thankfully accepted , than the not collecting of al to be accounted a fault . Secondly , that these manifolde lawes being so contrarie one to another , and the interpreters of euery seueral law being at euerlasting variance amongst themselues about euery sentence , euery worde , and euerie letter almost ; the blots and blemishes of the worke are so much the more tolerable , by how much the simple truth is often obscured and mistaken for error ; and error ( clothed in truthes garment ) imbraced manie times for truth it selfe , euen of the learned . And thirdly , that forasmuch as no man hitherto since England was Albion , hath set forth a perfect Idea of an English testator , or a right paterne of a lawfull testament within this land : The authour therefore in aduenturing to breake the yse to make the passage easie for his countrymen , failing sometimes of the fourd , and falling into the pit , may seeme worthie to be pitied , or at least vnworthie to be reprehended in this interprise , no lesse profitable for this common wealth , then it is vsuall to die : ) Neuerthelesse , because it more tendeth to the aduauncement of thy commendation , to bee intreated then perswaded , and more fitte for mine owne safetie to craue with humilitie , then proudly to chalenge that which may be denied : reiecting therfore these foresaid reasons , I do wholy submit my selfe vnto thy courtesie , beseeching thee to vse me friendly , and either to pardon freely , or to admonish charitablie : so shall I haue iust cause to commend thy vertue and gladlie amend any fault committed .

H. S.

Whereas there be sundrie escapes in the print , I haue ( for thy ease ) caused those of greater consequence to be amended with a penne : the rest I shal desire thy selfe to amend , or to sustaine without griefe .

AN ALPHABETICALL TABLE of the particular contents of this treatise , wherin is relation to the leafe . A ACcount wherefore exacted of the executor . fol. 232 Account whether it may be released by the testator . 233 Account to bee made to the ordinarie . 233 Account whether it is to bee made to the creditors or legataries . 234 Account whether it is to bee made to the coexecutors . 234 Account when it is to be made . 234 Account generall and particular . 234 In the Account what proofe is requisite . 234 By accusing the testament of falsitie the legatarie doth loose his legacie . 288 Ademption of legacies what it is . 277 Ademption of legacies two fold . 277 Ademption of legacies not presumed . 278 Administrators to bee accountable to the ordinarie . 92 Administration of the testators goodes , to whom it is to be committed , the condition of the executorship depending vnaccomplished . 169 Administration of the testators goods may be committed to the ordinarie , vntill the executorship take place , & after it is ended . 171 Affirmatiue conditions about mariage , are not reiected , but in some cases . 152 Affirmatiue conditions of marrying somtimes harder then the negatiue part . 152 Age of testators , wherein they may deuise their lands . 35 Age of testators , wherein they may deuise their goods . 35 After the Age of fourteene yeeres a boy , and after twelue a woman , may make their testamentes of their goods . 35 Age , how old soeuer dooth not depriue a man of libertie to make his testament . 42 Alienation of pupils goodes by the tutor , whether it be good or not 102 Alienation of the things bequeathed , whether it may be prohibited , or no. 154 Alienation of the thinges bequeathed sometimes lawfull , notwithstanding the testators prohibition . 155 By Alienation of the thing bequeathed , whether the legacie be extinguished . 285 Alteration of the testators state , whether it make voide the testament . 272 Alter his will the testator may at any time . 277 Ambiguitie , what it is , and how it may be auoyded . 192 Analogie betwixt a testament , and a iudiciall sentence . 9 Animus testandi , howe it is prooued . 8 An Apostata cannot make a testament . 55 Apostata worse then an heretike . 55 Apostata what he is . 55 Euery Apostata is not intestable 56 An Apostata cannot bee executor . 197 Armed souldiers . 26 Of Armed souldiers , whether euerie one be equally priuiledged . 27 Arguments of madnesse . 38 Arbitrarie conditions accounted for accomplished , when the let is not in the partie . 132 Arbitrary conditions not accounted for accomplished , when it doth stande by the partie . 132 Arbitrarie conditions when the same must be performed , no time being expressed by the testator . 157 Arbitrarie conditions , in what compasse of time it ought to bee performed , after the testators death 158 Ascrip●itius glebae . 44 The authoritie and charge of an executor . 209 The Authoritie & charge of the executor of an executor . 213 The Authoritie and charge of the executor of an administrator . 214 Authoritie of the executor testamentarie in distributing to the poore . 251 The Authoritie of a tutor . 101 The Auncient forme of making inuentaries . 220 B Of Bastards there bee three sortes . 198 Bastards begotten in incest , or adulterie , whether they be capable of any testamentarie benefite . 198 Bastards by whom they are to bee nourished by the lawes of this realme . 200 Bastards , how farre they be capable of any benefite by the lawes of this realme . 200 Of Bastards begotten betwixt single persons . 201 Benefite by the ministers of Gods worde . 27 Benefite by the studie and practise of law . 27 A Blind man may make a nuncupatiue testament . 52 A Blind man , whether he may make a written testament . 52 Boasting words do not bind or dispose . 8 The Bonde called Mutiana cautio , whence it had the name 138 Bonde ought to bee put in , where there is prohibition of alienation . 155 A Bondslaue cannot make a testament . 43 Bondmen as well as free , may be executors . 196 Burgage landes deuisable by will . 71 Burgage lands to whom , and after what maner are they deuisable . 71 Burgage lands whether they be deuisable by any other , but a citizen . 71 Burgage tenure is a kinde of tenure in soccage . 71 Burgage lands being deuised , whether liuerie or seisin bee needfull . 72 C Cancelling of a testament ad pias causas , is presumed to be done vnaduisedly . 31 By Cancellation the force of the testament is ouerthrowne . 270 By Cancellation , whether a nuncupatiue testament lose his force . 270 Cancelling of a testament somtimes is not hurtfull to the testament . 271 Cancelling of the testament , to whom it is to be imputed , when it is vnknowne who did it . 271 By Cancelling the testament , the legatarie doth loose his legacie . 288 A Captiue during his captiuitie , can not make a testament . 45 If the Captiue escape , whether the testament made during captiuitie , be good or not . 45 Captiuitie doth not make voide the testament made before . 45 Captious conditions , wherfore they be so tearmed . 146 That Captious dispositions are void , this position is diuersly extended . 146 Captious conditions do not alwaies make void the disposition . 147 Casuall conditions not accounted for accomplished , before the euent . 133 Casuall conditions sometime reputed for accomplished , albeit the same be not indeed performed . 133 Casuall and mixt conditions , whether the same may be performed before the making of the will . 157 A Casuall condition may be accomplished at any time . 157 No Cautell can take away the libertie of making a testament . 61 Children , whose father or mother is in bondage , whether they be free or bond . 43 The childe begotten before mariage shal be the husbands , though another got it . 162 The Child begotten during mariage is deemed to be the husbandes , though another man had to doo with the wife . 162 The Child sometime like to the husband , being begotten by the adulterer , & what is the reason . 163 The Childe begotten during mariage , in some cases is not adiudged the husbands . 164 The Child whether shall it bee deemed the former , or later husbands , when it is vncertaine whether of them did beget the same . 165 If the Child be heard to crie , the father shall be tenant by the courtesie . 167 The Child , if it were not heard to crie , whether shall the father bee tenant by the curtesie . 167 The Childe in the mothers wombe , being made executor , & she deliuered of diuers children , whether shal euery of them be executors . 168 Church goods cannot be deuised . 93 Churchwardens may sue for a legacy left vnto the Church . 202 Church , if any thing be left vnto the Church , what Church is vnderstood . 251 Citation , whether it be necessarie in prouing of testamants . 224 Citation whether it be necessarie in making of an account . 235 By the Ciuill and Canon lawes a King cannot giue away his kingdome . 67 Clause derogatorie manifold . 265 Clause being derogatarie of the power of making testaments , mention or reuocation thereof is not necessarie . 265 Clause being derogatorie of the will of making testaments , then it is needfull to make mention thereof . 265 In clauses derogatory , what is chiefly to be obserued . 267 Clauses derogatory of small force in the testaments of simple persons . 268. This worde Codicill what it is . 12 Codicill rightly defined . 12 Codicill called a little will , testament , a great will . 12 The Codicill compared to a boate , the testament to a ship . 13 Codicils vpon what occasion they were deuised . 13 Codicils may be made in writing , or without . 13 Codicils may bee made , either by him who hath made a testament , or which dieth intestate . 13 Codicils part of the testament , whether they be made before , or after the testament . 13 Codicils , & testaments agree in the efficient cause , but they haue contrarie effects . 14 Coexecutor not excluded by his refusall before the ordinarie . 183 In the Coexecutor many thinges considerable . 215 Condemned to perpetuall prison , whether hee may make a testament . 46 Condition in a testament ad pias causas , neede not be obserued precisely . 31 Conditions expressed in the disposition , do not alwais make the same conditionall . 116 Conditions impossible , or vnhonest , do not make the disposition conditionall . 117 Conditions necessarie , whether they make the disposition conditionall . 117 Conditions being referred to that which is past , are improperly conditions . 117 Conditions necessarily vnderstood , do not make the disposition conditionall . 117 Of Conditions , some be necessarie , some impossible or indifferent . 121 Conditions necessarie . 121 Conditions impossible diuers . 122 Conditions possible manifold . 122 Conditions necessarie , or impossible doo not suspende the effect of the disposition . 124 Conditions possible , do suspend the effect of the disposition . 124 Conditions partly certaine , & partly vncertaine , do suspend the effect of the disposition . 124 Conditions first possible , afterwards impossible , whether they make void the disposition . 126 That Condition which is both impossible , and vnhonest , maketh voide the disposition . 126 Conditions impossible , by reason of repugnancie , whether they make void the disposition . 126 Conditions possible whether they do alwaies suspend the effect of the disposition . 127 Conditions inducing a forme , are to be obserued precisely . 128 The Condition whether it may bee performed by an other person , than him , that is therein named . 130 The Condition whether it be reputed for accomplished , when the impediment is not in the partie . 131 Conditions arbitrarie are accounted for accomplished , if the let proceed not from the partie . 132 The condition not performed by the impediment of the testator , whether the same be reputed for accomplished in law . 134 The Condition being affirmatiue , it sufficeth not to put in bonds . 137 The condition being negatiue , whether it be sufficient to put in bonds . 138 The condition , if it cannot be accomplished during life , then it sufficeth to put in bonds . 138 The condition being negatiue , if it may be performed , during his life to whom it is imposed , there the caution hath no place . 139 A condition negatiue is then said to be accomplished , when it cannot be infringed . 139 The Condition being once accomplished , whether it be sufficient , though it doe not endure . 141 The Condition being casuall , it sufficeth if it were once accomplished . 141 The Condition being arbitrarie , it is sufficient that the same was once accomplished . 142 The Condition being mixt , then it is sufficient that the same was once accomplished . 142 The Condition , if it endure not by his fault , by whom it is to be accomplished , the thing bequethed cannot be obteyned . 143 The Condition beeing of mariage , whether it be reputed for accomplished if the executor were once willing , though afterwards vnwilling . 143 Conditions against the libertie of mariage vnlawfull , except in certaine cases . 150 Condition with the arbitrement , will or consent of another , vnlawfull . 150 Condition of prohibiting mariage with some persons , not vnlawfull . 151 Condition hauing relation to the mariage of a thirde mariage , whether the same be vnlawfull . 151 Condition prohibiting mariage not reiected , when pia causa is substituted . 152 Conditions affirmatiue about mariage not vnlawful but in some cases 152 Condition of mariage , with the aduise or counsell of another , not vnlawfull . 152 Condition of mariyng with the consent of another , to be obserued in part . 153 Condition of not marrying , doeth not hinder restitution simply imposed . 153 Conditions , within what time the same ought to be performed , no certaine time beeing expressed 156 The Condition , whether it may be performed before the making of the will . 157 Conditions arbitrarie , when the same ought to be performed . 157 The Condition , whether it may be performed betwixt the making of the will , and the death of the testator . 158 The Condition , within what compasse of time it may , or ought to be performed after the Testators death . 158 Condition of mariage , when it ought to be performed . 159 Condition of prohibiting mariage , whether it bee meant of the first mariage onely . 151 Condition prohibiting mariage , in some place not vnlawfull . 151 Conditionall legacie not due before the condition be extant . 290 The Condition depending , if the legatarie die , whether the legacie be transferred . 290 Corne on the ground , wherof a man is seised in right of his wife , whether the same be deuisable . folio 93 Corne on the ground , whether the same be deuisable by the lessee , the lessor being seysed in right of his wife . 93 Corne on the ground , whether the same be deuisable by the tenant , by the curtesie . 93 Corne on the ground deuisable by the tenant in dower . 93 Corn growing on lands morgaged , whether the same be deuisable . so . 93 Corn on the ground , whether the same may be deuised by the testators daughter , where a sonne and heire is afterwards born , or wherin her mother dooth recouer her dower . 94 Corn on the ground to be inuentaried . 218 Corn in the barn bequeathed , the same being spent , and other corn there at the testators death , whether the legacie be good . 278 Custome of Gauelkind , whence it sprang . 71 Custome of deuising lands to certain vses , reformed . 72 D He that is both Deaffe and Dumbe may make a testament . 51 Deaffe , but not dumbe , whether he may make a testament . 52 Declaration of a mans will may be referred to another . 148 Definition of a testament . 3 The Definition of a testament vnworthily reprehended . 3 Definitions dangerous in law . folio . 4 Definitions wherfore dangerous . fol. 4 A perfect Definition very profitable 5 Definition of a last wil. 11 Definition of a codicill . 12 Definitions of a codicill and a testament , how they agree or differ . 12 Definition of a legacie or deuise . fol. 14 Definition of a gift in consideration of death . 16 Definition of a solemne testament . 17 Definition of a testament mentioned in the Ciuil law , whether it agree with our testaments in England . 19 Definition of a testament comprehendeth both solemne and vnsolemne testaments . 19 Definition of a testament is not of any speciall testament . 21 Definition of a priuiledged testament 24 Definition of a testament amongst children . 29 Definition of a testament ad pias causas . 30 Definition of an idiot , or naturall foole . 39 Definition of a slaue . 43 Definition of an Apostata . 55 Definition of a famous libel . 58 Definition of appointment of an executor . 112 Defect in the testators meaning . 261 Defect of solemnitie , whether it doe make void the testament . 257 Defect of will , whether it destroy the testament . 258 Degrees of consanguinitie prohibiting mariages here in Englande . 57 Of Degrees of Executors . 177 Debtes , whether they ought to be put into the inuentarie . 218 Debtes , which are first to be payed . 228 Debtes to the Prince are first to be payd . 229 Of Debts due by recognisance , and statute merchant . 229 Of Debts vpon iudgementes . folio . 229 Of Debtes vpon obligation . folio . 229 Of Debts vpon billes and bookes . 229 Of Debts without specialty . 229 Debt due to the executor , whether it is to be allowed . 230 Debts due by the testator , discharged by the executor with his own mony , whether he may retain the testators goods . 230 A Debt being bequeathed , and afterwards receiued by the testator , whether the legacie be extinguished . 281 Difference betwixt a testament , and all other kindes of last willes . 7 The Difference betwixt a testament and other sentences . 10 Difference betwixt the definition of a last will , and the definition of a testament . 11 Difference betwixt these two words , Lawfull , and Iust. 11 Difference betwixt these two words , Disposition , and Sentence . 11 Difference betwixt a legacie , and a gift in case of death . 14 Difference betwixt a slaue and a villeine . 43 Difference betwixt the executor of an executor , and the executor of an administrator . 92 Difference betwixt these two phrases , ( if he do not marry , ) and , ( so long as he doth not marry . ) 153 Difference betwixt these phrases ( Jf he die without issue ) and ( If he haue no issue . ) 166 Difference , whether the legacie be referred to the substance , or execution of the disposition . 173 Difference betwixt substituting by proper names , and by names appellatiue . 179 Difference betwixt obscuritie & ambiguity . 192 Difference betwixt the lawes Ciuill , & the lawes Ecclesiasticall , about the education of bastards . 200 Difference betwixt the vulgar and legall forme of prouing testaments 224 Difference betwixt a proper name , and a name appellatiue , 246 Difference betwixt these wordes , ( J geue ) and ( I bequeath ) 284 Different effects of a simple assignation of an executor , and a simple legacie . 119 Distinction of legacies confounded . 15 Distribution of the residue of the testators goods . 235 Diuers kinds of conditions . 121 Deuise of landes not good without writing . 23 Doctors of the law , and cleargy men , what priuiledges testamentary they enioy . 27 All Doctors or Diuines , not priuiledged . 28 Donor of lands in taile , whether he may prohibite alienation . 154 Doubt about the date of willes , maketh both voyd . 29 Dumbe , but not deaffe , whether such a person may make his testament . 52 A Drunken person , whether he may make a testament . 42 E Of Ecclesiasticall persons , some be regular , some be secular . 64 Ecclesiasticall persons are not simply prohibited to make their testaments . 64 Ecclesiasticall persons may make their testamentes of all goods which they haue , not in right of the Church . 64 Ecclesiasticall persons cannot make their testaments of things immoueable , which they posses in right of the Church . 65 An Ecclesiasticall person may make his testament of the glebe by him sowen .. 65 An Ecclesiastical person , whether he may make his testament of all mouable goods which he hath in right of the church . 65 Effects of interlocutorie and definitiue sentences , be contrary . 9 The Effects of testaments and codicils , contrarie . 14 Efficacie of a nuncupatiue testament . 24 The effect of dieng with or without a testament . 112 Effect of a pure or simple nomination of an executor . 116 Effects of conditions diuers and contrarie . 123 The Effect of the disposition is not suspended by necessary or impossible conditions . 124 The Effect of the disposition is suspended by possible conditions . 124 Effects of substitution of executors . 177 Effects of an inuentarie . 220 Effects of a perfect account , 236 Effects of a bare reuocation . 169 Effectes of an vnperfect accoumpt 236 Effect of cancelling testamentes . 270 Election , whether it belong to the executor , or legatarie . 255 Election , in what maner it ought to be made . 255 Election belonging to the Legataries , which of them ought to chuse first 256 In Election , if the collegataries dissent , what meanes is to be vsed . 256 Emblements . See corn on the ground Encrease or decrease of solemnities , doeth not make any disagreement betwixt our testamentes , and the definition of a testament . 20 In England testators are not tied to the obseruation of any other solemnities , the such as bee Iuris Gentium . 6 In England our testaments , though vnsolemne , haue the effectes of testaments properly so called . 21 End of an account . 236 Enimity a cause whereby the legatarie doeth lose his legacie . 286 By Enimitie , whether the legacie be lost , if the testator were the cause thereof . 286 By Enimitie the legacie is not alwayes lost . 287 Errors detected about the definition of a testament . 7 Error may happen diuers wayes . 244 Error in the person of the executor , or legatarie , doth destroy the disposition . 244 Error in the name of the executor , or legatarie , whether it hurte the disposition . 244 Error in the qualitie of the executor or legatarie , whether it destroy the disposition . 245 Error in the thing bequeathed , manifold . 245 Error in the proper name of the thing bequeathed , whether it destroy the legacie . 245 Error in the name appellatiue of the thing bequeathed , whether it destroy the legacie . 245 Error in the substance of the legacy , whether it make voyd the legacie 246 Error in the quantitie of the thing bequeathed , whether it be hurtful 246 Error in the quality of the thing bequeathed , whether it be hurtfull . 248 Error in the forme of the disposition destroyeth the force therof . 248 Essentiall forme of a testament , is the naming of an executor . 112 Examples out of the olde testament , whereby it may seeme lawfull for kings to geue away their kingdomes . 66 Examples out of prophane histories , tending to the same ende . 66 Examples of a pure or simple appointment of an executor . 114 An Excommunicate person maye make his testament , except in certaine cases . 60 An Excommunicat person , whether he may be executor . 198 An Executor , wherefore he cannot dispose the testators goods by legacie . 49 An Executor made without expresse mention of this worde Executor . 115 An Executor may bee made , either by the proper motion of the testator , or at the interrogation of an other . 116 Executor , when is he said to be appointed conditionally . 120 An Executor may be made vniuersally , or particularly . 175 An Executor may be ordeyned , eyther from a time , or for a time . 171 An Executor may bee made in the first , second , or third degree . 176 The Executor of an executor may sometimes be sued , as executor in his owne wrong . 182 Executor euery one may be , which is not forbidden . 196 Executor by the law . 205 Executor by the Ordinary . 206 The Executor is not to meddle with lands , tenements , & hereditaments . 210 The Executor may be cited to accept or refuse the executorshippe . 208 The Executor being cited , if he will not appeare , the Ordinarie may commit administration . 208 The Executor cannot be compelled to vndertake the Executorshippe . 208 Executor of an executor , whether he may ioyne with the executor suruiuing 213 The Executor punishable , which doeth administer without an inuentarie first made . 217 The Executor resolued to refuse the executorship , must not meddle as executor . 236 Executor , when doeth he administer as executor . 236 Executor ought to be capable of the executorshippe at three seuerall times . 276 Expences to be allowed to the executor . 235 Exposition of testaments fauorable . 24 F False cause , whether it destroy the disposition . 245 A Famous libel what it is . 58 The Father may by his will appoint a tutor to his childe . 96 In Fauour of libertie the condition need not to be obserued precisely . 130 Feare and Fraud make voyd the testament . 10 Feare hindereth the effect of the testament . 240 Feare , whether it be preiudiciall to any other then vnto the author thereof . 240 Feare , whether it destroy the testament confirmed with an oath . fol. 240 Feare of future hurte , whether it destroy the testament . 241 Feare , whether it be proued by the protestation of the testator . 242 Fees due about the probation of the testaments . 225 Fees due for copies of testamentes , or inuentaries . 227 Felons intestable . 53 Felons landes who shall haue . 53 Whether he that is onely indited of Felony may make his testament . 53 Whether he that is only apprehended for felonie , may make his testament . 54 Felons goods not to be seised before atteindure . 54 A Felons testament conuicted , is voide , though he be neuer executed . 53 Flatterie not alwayes vnlawful . 243 Flattery mingled with feare , doeth hurt the testament . 243 Flatterie mingled with fraude , destroyeth the testament , 243 Flattery destroyeth the force of the testament , when the testator is vnder the gouernment of the flatterer . 243 Flattery if it be immoderat , hindereth the disposition . 243 A Flock of sheep being bequeathed , if all perish but one , whether that one be due . 281 Formes of testaments so many as there be kindes . 111 Of Formes testamentary , some be generall , some particular . 111 Forme essentiall of a testament , is the appointment of an executor . 112 The Forme of the bond called Mutiana cautio . 140 The Forme of a solemne testament . 188 The form of an vnsolemne testament 189 The Forme of a nuncupatiue testament . 192 Forme to be obserued in making of an inuentary . 219 Forme of prouing testaments , twofolde . 223 The former testament is not reuoked by the second , made by flatterie . 243 Former testament voyd , where the testator is forbidden to alter the same . 273 Former testament in some cases is not void , although the testator be forbidden to alter the same . 274 Forfeiture for extortion of fees . 227 Foundation of the testament . 112 Fraud as detestable as force . folio 242 Fraud doeth not alwaies destroy the testament . 242 Freedome requisite in the testator . 10 Funerall expences to be deducted out of the whole goods . 104 G Gardian , see Wards . Gauelkind lands may be deuised by will . 70 Gauelkind lands , by what occasion they were made deuisable . 70 The Generall signification of this word testament 2 The Generall forme of testamentes twofolde , essentiall , & accidentall . 111 Generall legacie of all , or the residue of the testators goods , whether it make an executor . 115 Generall legatarie is not alwais vnderstood to be the executor . 115 A Gifte in consideration of death , what it is . 16 Three sorts of Gifts in consideration of death . 16 Which Gift in case of death is compared to a legacie . 16 Goods , at what age they may be deuised . 35 Goods of any kinde , are deuiseable , except in certain cases . 91 Goods which a man hath ioyntly with another , are not deuiseable . 92 Goods which any hath as administrator , are not deuisable . 92 Goods of the Realm , vz. of the auncient crown , and iewels , not deuisable . 22 Goods belonging to a church or hospitall , cannot be deuised . 93 Goods belonging to a city , borough or comminalty , not deuisable . 93 Goods conteined in the inuentary , are presumed to be in the hands of the executor . 220 Goods , other then are described in the inuentary , the executor is not presumed to haue . 220 Grasse , or trees growing , are not to be inuentaried . 218 H Hard conditions , whether they suspend the effect of the disposition . 125 An Hereticke cannot make a testament . 54 An Heretick , whether , and when he doth forfeite his landes or goods . 54 An Hereticks testament not conuicted , whether it be good . 54 An Heretick may be condemned after death . 55 An Heretick reclaiming his heresie , whether he may make a testament 55 An Heretick cannot be executor . 197 An Heretick cannot be executor in a military testament . 197 An Heretick reclaiming his heresie , whether he may be executor . 197 Heire hath not to deale with goods and cattels of the testator . 210 An House bequeathed , and afterwards reedified , and renued , whether the same may be recouered . 278 The House bequeathed , being burned , or blowen downe , and afterwardes another erected , whether may this new house be recouered . 279 Husbands licence necessary to the validity of the wiues testament . 47 The Husbande , whether hee may reuoke the licence graunted to his wife . 47 I An Idiot or natural foole who , 39 An Idiot cannot make a testament . 39 An Idiot , if he do make such a testament as seemeth reasonable , and voyd of folly whether is the same good in law . 39 That Idiotes haue giuen very wise sentences , confirmed by examples . 40 Idiots in the custodie of the Prince . 99 What Immunitie wee enioy in England concerning testaments . 18 Imperfection testamentary twofold . 6 Impossible conditions do not make the disposition conditionall . 126 Of Impossible conditions there bee diuers kindes . 122 Impossible conditions doe not suspende the disposition . 124 Impossible conditions , which the testator supposed to be possible , whether they suspend the disposition . 125 Impossible conditions negatiue make voyd the disposition . 126 Incestuous mariages . 57 Incestuous persons , whether they may giue any thing by their testaments , and to whom . 57 Incestuous persons may in some cases bequeath something to their incestuous children . 57 What Inconuenience would follow if vnsolemn testaments were not properly testaments . 20 Indifferent betwixt a wise man and an Idiote , may make a testament . 39 Indited of felony , whether hee may make a testament . 53 Infants as well as others of full age , may be made executors . 196 Infanitie of minde , see Madnes . Intestable actiuely , by occasion of any crime , is intestable also passiuely . 203 Inuentary to be made by the tutor . 101 An Inuentarie being made , the executor need not to pay any legatarie his whole legacie , where there is not sufficient to pay the rest . 107 No Inuentary being made , how far the executor is bounde to pay legacies . 108 Inuentary necessary . 217 Inuentarie wherefore necessarie . 217 In the Inuentary what things are to be put . 218 Inuentarie to bee made before the executor meddle with the testators goods . 219 Inuentary indented . 219 Ioyntenant whether he may bequeath his part of Burgage land . 71 Whose Issue is naturall , not lawfull , whether he is said to die without issue . 161 Whose Issue is lawfull , not naturall , whether he be said to die without issue . 261 The Issue , whether it is the former , or second husbands , when it is doubted which of them did beget the same . 165 Issue , whether shall he be deemed to haue , who had children , but not at his death . 166 Issue whether shall he be deemed to haue , whose childe is vnborne when he dieth . 167 The Issue , if it die so soone as it is borne , whether shall the father be deemed to haue died without issue . 167 If the Issue be borne dead , or die as it is borne , whether shall the father be sayde to haue had Issue . folio . 168 This word Iust hath diuers significations . 5 Iust opposed to that which is wicked . 5 Iust , taken for full and perfect , 6 Iust , what it signifieth in the definition of a codicill . 12 K Hee that Killeth himselfe , is intestable . 58 Kin , if the testator make his Kin executor , which of his kin is to bee admitted . 252 Many kindes of testaments . 16 Two Kinds of iudiciall sentences . 9 Diuers Kindes of legacies now confounded . 15 Three Kindes of giftes in regarde of death . 16 Diuers Kindes of priuiledged testaments . 25 Three Kinds of Apostasie . 55 Two Kindes of Ecclesiasticall persons , regular and secular . 64 Diuers Kinds of conditions . 121 Diuers Kinds of Bastards . 198 Diuers kinds of executors 205 Diuers Kindes of executors testamentarie . 207 A King , whether by his testament he may bestowe his kingdome at his pleasure . 66 Knowne or vnknowne persons , may be made executors . 196 L Landes not deuisable without writing . 23 Lands at what age they may be deuised . 35 Lands are not deuisable , but in certaine cases . 70 Lands holden in gauel kind , deuisable . 70 Landes holden in burgage tenure deuisable . 17 Lands deuisable to certaine vses . 72 Lands in what cases they may be deuised by the lawes of this realm . 77 Lands deuised , alienated , and redeemed , whether the same may bee recouered . 280 Last will is a generall worde . 3 Last will how it is defined 11 Later testament doth infringe the former . 263 By the lawes Ciuill and Canon , a King can not giue away his kingdome . 67 Whether by the lawes of this realm a King may giue away his kingdome . 67 Leases are to be put into the inuentarie . 218 Legacies bequeathed by him which dieth intestate , by whom they are to be paied . 13 Legacie what it is . 14 Legacies proceede of liberalitie . 14 Legacies payable , as well by an administrator , as by an executor . 15 Legacies are to be payed out of the cleare goods . 104 Which legacie is firste to bee paied when there is not sufficient goods to pay euery legacie wholie . 107 A Legacie may be giuen to or from a certain time , or to or from an vncertaine time . 172 The Legacie is not transmissible , which is giuen from an vncertaine time . 172 The Legacie whether it bee transmissible the vncertaintie being about the question whether , not this question when , 172 The Legacie is not transmissible , if the question bee onely when , not whether . 173 The Legacie whether it be transmissible , which is giuen after a certaine age . 173 The Legacie sometimes transmissible , albeit the age be ioined to the substance of the legacie . 173 A Legacie being left to a bastarde , whether the same bee presumed to bee left for his alimentation . 202 A Legacie of wine or corne , no quantity being expressed , whether the same be void . 255 Legacie due , though the executor cannot , or will not vndertake the executorship . 276 The legacie if it be referred to a certaine day , whether it begin to be due at the death of the testator . 291 The Legacie is extinguished , if the thing bequeathed doo perish . 292 The Legacie is not extinguished , if the thing bequeathed do perish by the negligence of the executor . 292 The Legacie which is generall , or doth consist in quantitie , cannot perish . 293 The Legacie whether it be extinguished , if the thing bequeathed be not destroied , but the forme onely altered . 293 The Legatarie may not take his Legacie of his owne authoritie 15. A Legatarie may not of his owne authoritie take his legacie , and what is the reason . 119 Legataries , what remedie they haue for the obteining of their legacies . 119 The Legatarie may sometimes take his legacie of his owne authoritie . 119 A Legatarie whether hee may bee a witnesse . 187 Legatarie ought to bee capable of the legacie at the testators death . 276 Legataries by what meanes they may be made incapable of their legacies . 286 A Legatarie whether he loose his legacie , by reason of enimitie betwixt him and the testator . 286 The Legatarie looseth his legacie by accusing the testament of falsitie . 288 The Legatarie looseth his legacie by cancelling the testament . 288 The Legatarie whether he loose his legacie by entring to the possession without authoritie . 288 The Legatarie if he die at the same instant when the testator dieth , whether the legacie be lost . 289 A Libeller cannot make a testament . 58 A libeller cannot bee executor 203 Licence of the husbande maketh good the wiues testament . 47 Licence of the husband , whether it must go before , or may concurre or follow the wiues testament . 48 Licence granted by the husband to the wife , whether , & when it may be reuoked . 48 M Mad folks cannot make their testaments . 36 Madnes being past , whether the testament be good . 36 A mad man may make his testament betwixt his sits . 37 Madnes to be proued by him which obiecteth the same . 37 Madnes before the making of the testament , whether it be presumed to continue . 37 Madnes hard to be proued . 38 Madnes how it may be proued . 38 Madnes whether it may be proued , by singular witnesse . 38 Madnes whether it may be proued , when the witnesses yeelde a generall reason of their knowledge . 38 A Manifest vsurer cannot make a testament . 56 A Manifest vsurer not to be buried in any Church or Churchyarde . 57 Many being appointed executors , whether one may be admitted without the rest . 181 Manifest vsurers incapable of testamentarie benefite . 203 Many things to bee considered of him that would be resolued , whether it were better to accept or refuse the executorshippe . folio 209 Mariage though it be vnsolemne , yet it is a true mariage . 20 Mariages incestuous . 57 Meaning , or will of the testator chiefe gouernour of the testament . 9 The Meaning of the testator diligently to be sought , and faithfully to be kept . 9 Meaning to be preferred before words . 9 Meaning not wordes to be regarded . 116 The meaning of the testator to be preferred before the proprietie of words in the deuise of lands , proued by diuers examples 118 For the Means it skilleth not where the end is regarded . 129 To medle as executor what it is . 236 Mention of condition doth not alwaies make the disposition conditionall . 116 Mention to be made in the later testament of the former amongest children . 29 Militarie testaments vnsolemne , yet properly testaments . 20 In Minoritie , whether a testament may be made with the authoritie of the tutor . 35 In Minority whether a souldier may make his testament . 35 Mind and memory presumed to be perfect . 37 The mind of the testator giueth life to the testament . 261 Mixt conditions , whether they be reputed for accomplished , when it dooth not stand by the partie , wherefore the same is not performed . 133 Modus & conditio , how they differ . 137 A Monster being born , whether shal the parents be iudged to haue died without issue . 168 Mony due for land , whether the same ought to be put into the inuentarie . 218 Of Mortuaries . 230 Mortuaries to be taken but in certaine cases . 230 Mortuaries not due where the moueable goods do not extend to ten marks . 230 Mortuaries not due but in places where they haue bene vsed to be paid . 231 Mothers whether they may appoint tutors to their children . 97 Multitude or scarcitie of solemnities doth not make our testaments to disagree with the former definition of a testament . 20 He that standeth Mute at the barre may make his testament of his lands . 54 Mutiana Cautio , why it is so tearmed . 138 N Necessarie conditions , whether they make the disposition conditionall . 117 Necessarie conditions which they be . 121 Of Necessarie conditions there be two sorts . 121 Necessarie conditions doo not suspend the effect of the disposition . 124 Necessarie conditions being otherwise expressed then vnderstoode , suspend the disposition . 124 The necessitie of an inuentarie . 217 A Negatiue condition is then saide to be accomplished , when it cannot be infringed . 139 Notes vnaccustomed do not hurt a testament ad pias causas . 30 Notes or characters of a written testament . 190 Notable goods . 222 Nuncupatiue testament what it is . 24. Nuncupatiue , wherefore so called 24 Nuncupatiue testament , of what efficacie . 24 Nuncupatiue testaments when they be commonly made , and why then . 24 Nuncupatiue testament made diuers wayes . 24 A Nuncupatiue testament whether it lose his force by cancellation . 270 Number of witnesses needfull or sufficient for the proofe of a testament . 185 The number of witnesses doth somtimes supply the defect . 186 O Obiections against the definition of our testaments in England . 19 Obscuritie what it is , and howe it may be auoided . 192 The office of a tutor dooth principally respect the person of the pupill . 101 The office of an executor testamentarie wherein it doth principally consist . 217 Office of the ordinarie in an account . 235 One onely vsurarie act , whether it make a manifest vsurer . 56 One alone , or mo together , may be appointed executors . 181 One of the executors may execute when the rest refuse . 183 One executor alone , whether hee may sue or be sued without his fellowes . 183 One executor cannot sue another . 183 One witnesse sometimes sufficient for the proofe of . a testament . 186 One executor whether he may sue another . 215 One executor whether he may preiudice an other . 215 One of diuers executors may sell the testators goods . 216 One onely mortuarie due . 231 One and the same thing being bequeathed , first to one , and afterwards to another , whether it may be wholy taken away from the former . 283 The Ordinarie whether he may appoint a tutor . 97 The office of a tutor secondarilie doth respect the good administration of the pupils goods . 101 The Ordinary , whether he may limit a certaine time for the performance of the condition . 159 The Ordinary may commit administration vntill the executorship take place , or after the executorship is ended , 171 Oath about the inuentarie . 220 Oath of the executor prouing the wil. 225 An other person cannot make my testament . 10 Old age alone doth depriue no man of the libertie of making a testament . 42 An Old man childish cannot make his testament . 42 An Old man which hath lost his memory , cannot make a testament . 42 An Outlawed person looseth his goods , and the benefite of the lawe . 59 An Outlawed person , whether hee may make his testament . 59 An Outlawed person doth somtimes forfeit his lands , as well as his goods . 59 An Outlawed person , may make his testament of his lands not forfeited . 59 An Outlawed person , may assigne tutors testamentary to his children . 59 An Outlawed person may make his testament , when there is some errour in the writ . 59 An Outlawed person , whether he may bee executor . 198 P Of Paying part of the testators debts , & receauing an acquittance for the whole . 230 Peculiar to a written testament . 23 A Perfect definition , profitable to many purposes . 5 Euery Perfect wil is not a perfect testament . 7 Euery Person may make a testament , which is not prohibited . 34 What Persons are prohibited to make a testament . 34 Perticular executor may meddle with no more then is alotted vnto him , and therefore no further charged , but according to that portion . 175 Perticular formes of testaments , be so many as there be seuerall kindes of testaments , 188 Perticular persons of an vnlawfull colledge may be executors . 202 At the Point of death , whether a testament may be then made . 61 A Poore man whether he may be a witnesse . 188 Poore if the testator leaue any thing to bee giuen to the poore , which poore are to haue the same . 251 By Possessing the thing bequeathed of his owne authoritie , whether the legatary doo loose his legacy . 288 Of Possible conditions there bee diuerse kindes . 122 Possible conditions , whether they do alwaies suspend the effect of the disposition . 127 Posteriority presumed , for that testament which is among children . 29 The Power of parents in assigning tutors to their children . 96 The Power of Gardians . 99 Precise obseruation of the condition in a testament ( ad pias causas ) not necessary . 31 Of the Prerogatiue of either Archbishop . 221 If the Prince giue goods to the executor of an outlawed person , whether he be therby chargeable with the paiment of legacies , as hauing assets , 59 The Prince though he die before the testator , his successors may obtaine the legacie . 290 The Prince may frustrate the gifte or testament of the villaine at any time . 44 Priuiledged testaments , what they be . 24 Priueledged , wherefore so called . 24 Of Priuiledged testaments diuers kinds . 25 What Priuiledges , Diuines and Lawiers enioy , concerning their testaments . 28 What Priuiledges Souldiers enioy , in making their testaments . 25 What Priuiledges belong to the testament , amongst testators children . 29 Priuiledge of proofe , whether it be peculiar to the fathers testament amongst his children . 29 Priuiledges of a testament , ad pias causas , what they be . 30 Priuiledges belonging to a military testament , or amongst children , whether they belong to a testament ad pias causas . 31 Priuiledged testaments being sound without date , which is presumed to be later . 31 A Prisoner , whether hee may make a testament . 46 Probation of testaments belongeth to the Bishop of the dioces where the testator dwelleth . 221 Probation of testamentes , sometime belongeth to other then to the Bishop . 221 Probation of testaments , to be made by the executor . 222 Probation of the testaments to be made after the death of the testator , not before . 223 Prodigall persons , whether they be intestable . 60 Prochein Amie , accomptable to the warde after his full age . 99 Prohibition of the first mariage , more odious then the second 150 Prohibition of alienation , sometimes to be obserued as lawfull , sometimes not . 154 Prohibition with a cause lawfull . 154 Proofe of making the testament , to be made either by witnesses , or by writing . 185 Proofe requisite in making an accompt . 234 Protestation of feare by the testator , whether it be a sufficient proofe of feare or not . 242 A Pure appointment of an executor , what it is . 114 Q Of the Quantitie of lands deuisable . 103 Of the Quantitie of goods and cattels deuisable . 104 What Quantitie of goods is due to the wife and children . 104 A Quantitie bequeathed first to one , and afterwards to an other , whether this be an ademption or translation of the former legacy , 285 Whether a Queene may make her testament . 48 Questions about the tuition of children , 95 Questions about conditions . 126 Questions about accepting or refusing of the executorship . 208 Questions about the making of an Inuentary . 217 Questions about the probation of testaments . 221 Questions about the paiment of debts and legacies . 228 Questions about accompts . 232 Questions about clauses derogatory . 265 R Rare is that definition , which can not be ouerthrowne . 4 Of Reason destitute cannot make a testament . 8 Reasons tending to this purpose , that a King may by his testament make away his kingdome . 66 A Resonable part , whether it be due to the wife and children , when there is no custome . 105 The Reason of the lawe , which leaueth all to the disposition of the testator . 106 The Reason of the custome , whereby the libertie of the testator is restrained . 106 Reasons wherefore executors are accomptable . 232 Referring of the testators will , to an others will , sometimes lawfull . 148 By Refusal before the ordinary , whether the coexecutor be excluded . 183 By Refusall of the executorship , the ordinary hath power to commit administration . 208 By Refusall of the executorship , whether the executor loose his legacy . 208 After Refusall , whether the executor may meddle as executor . 216 Regular persons . 64 Religious persons compared to dead men . 64 Religious persons compared to bond men . 64 What Remedie the creditors & legataries haue during the suspence of the condition of the executorship . 169 Rentes , whether they may be recouered by the executor . 211 The Residue of the testators goods , whether the executor may conuert to his owne vse . 214 Residue of the testators goods to bee distributed . 235 Resolued to refuse the executorship , must not meddle as executor . 236 Of Reuocations , some be generall , some speciall , some singular . 266 Reuocation generall , what it worketh . 266 Reuocation special , what it worketh . 266 Reuocation singular , what it worketh . 267 Reuoked , by what means may that testament be , wherein is a speciall clause derogatorie circumscribed with certein limits . 267 Reuoke his testament may euery one . 268 Reuocation of a mans testament is not presumed . 268 Reuocation sometimes presumed . 269 Rigor of the Ciuill lawe , concerning testaments . 17 The Rigor of the Ciuill lawe iustly reformed . 17 S Secular clarkes . 64 Sentence , what it signifieth . 7 Sentences iudiciall of two sortes . 9 Sentence , how it differeth from this word disposition . 11 A simple legacy beginneth to be due at the death of the testator . 289 Seuerall sortes of sentences , haue seueral effects . 7 How a testament differeth from other Sentences . 10 A Slaue , what he is . 43 A Slaue cannot make a testament . 43 A Slaue hath nothing of his owne . 43 A Sodomite who . 58 A Sodomite cannot make a testament . 58 He that hath sworne not to make a testament , whether hee may make a testament . 60 Solemne testamentes not vsed in England . 17 What Solemnities are requisite in our English testaments . 6 Souldiers , wherefore they enioy so great priuiledges about their testaments . 25 Soldiers , wherin are they priuiledged concerning their testaments . 25 Souldiers priuiledged , not onely in respect of their owne persons , but others also . 26 Souldiers priuiledged in respect of solemnities testamentary . 26 Souldiers priuiledged in respect of the substance or forme of a testament . 26 Three sortes of Souldiers . 26 Souldiers armed . 26 Souldier during minoritie , whether he may make a testament . 35 A Ship being bequeathed , & the same afterwards altered and renewed , the legacy is extinguished 278 Studie & practise of the law , profitable to the common wealth . 27 A Stranger , whether he may appoint a tutor to an others child . 97 Substitutions of diuers kindes . 177 Substitutions haue sundry effects . 177 The Substitute executor is not to be admitted , so long as he which is instituted in the first degree may bee executor . 178 The first Substitute being repelled , whether the rest be repelled likewise . 178 The Substitute is not alwaies excluded by the admission of the executor first instituted . 178 The Substitute ought to succeede in that part and quantity , which was assigned to the former executor . 179 Sufficiency of goods , whether it be presumed . 221 T Testament and last will , haue diuers definitions . 2 This word Testament is sometimes taken in a generall signification , sometimes in a speciall . 2 This word Testament taken generally , doth not differ from a last will . 3 A Testament taken specially , or according to definition , is but one kinde of last will . 3 A Testament what it is . 3 Testaments must be iust . 5 Testaments must be perfect . 6 What maketh a Testament to differ from other kinds of last willes . 7 The Testament not to be referred to an others will . 10 The Testament of no force , vntill the testator be dead . 10 Testaments amongst children vnperfect , yet properly testaments . 20 Testaments , when they be properly so called . 21 Testaments fauourably expounded . 24 Testaments amongst children what it is . 29 Testaments amongst children , presumed to be last . 29 Two Testamentes appearing , and no proofe which is first or last , both are void . 29 Testament , ad pias causas , what it is . 30 Two Testaments priuiledged found without date , which is presumed to be the later . 31 Testament may be made by any person which is not forbidden . 34 Testament made in minority , whether it be good if the testator liue vntill hee come to lawfull age . 35 Testament made during the time of madnes , whether it be good when the testator is come to himselfe . 36 Testament made by a lunatike person , whether it be presumed to haue bene made during his lunacy or not , 38 Testament , whether it may be made by him which is at the very point of deth , 61 Testaments to be prooued before the ordinary . 221 Testaments loose their force 2. waies . 239 Testaments , by what means they be void from the beginning . 239 Testaments being good at the first , by what meanes they become void afterwards . 239 Testament made by force , whether it be void , ipso iure . 241 Testament confirmed after feare past , whether it be good . 241 Testament made by feare is good , sauing in fauour of the author of his feare . 241 Testament made in fauour of children , is presumed to be later . 256 Testament ad pias causas , is presumed later then others to prophane vses . 256 Which Testament is presumed later , the one made ad pias Causas , the other inter Liberos . 257 The Testament improperly tearmed Captions , which is referred to the will of an other . 147 The Testator must be sui iuris . 10 Testator at what age he may deuise lands . 35 Testator , at what age he may make a testament of his goods . 35 The Testators will may not depend of an other mans wil , and what is the reason thereof . 147 The Testator may referre his will to anothers will , ioyned with a fact . 148 The Testator whether he may die partly testate , partly intestate . 171 The Testator may omit or exclude his own child , & make others executors . 195 The Testator may bequeath sometimes all , sometimes halfe , sometimes the third part of his goods . 104 Things discending to the heire , and not to the executor not deuiseable . 93 Translation of legacies , what it is . 281 Whether euerie Translation do include an ademption of the legacie . 28 Translation of legacies doth not alwaies include ademption . 282 In Translation of legacies , whether the charge imposed on the first legatarie be transferred to the second legatarie . 282 Traitors or fellons cannot be executors . 197 Traitors be intestable . 52 Traitors intestable from the time of the crime committed . 53 A Traitor pardoned and restored , may may make a testament . 53 Tutors by whom they may be appointed . 96 Tutors who may be appointed . 97 Tutors to whom they may be appointed . 98 A Tutor cannot be assigned to him that is in ward . 98 Tutors may be appointed simplie or conditionally . 99 Tutors whether they ought to enter into bond for the performance of their office . 101 Tutorship ended by diuers meanes . 102 Tutorship ended in respect of sufficient age of the pupill . 102 Tutorship ended sometimes in respect of the tutor himselfe . 102 Tutorship ended in respect of the forme of the tuition . 103 Two testaments priuiledged found without date , which is presumed to be the later . 31 Two witnesses needful , and two sufficient for the proofe of a testament . 185 Time of the crime committed . 53 What time hath the executor to consult whether he will take or refuse the executorship . 216 Time for making an inuentarie . 219 V Vaine feare hindereth not the testament 241 Villaine compared to him that is Ascriptitius Glebae . 44 A Villaine whether he may make a testament or no. 44 A Villaine whatsoeuer he hath , his lord may take it from him . 44 A Villaines testament , whether it may be made void by his lord . 44 A Villaine being executor may make his testament . 45 A Villaine executor may maintain action against his lord . 45 Vlpian liued long before Iustinian . ●9 Volun●arie conditions are to be obserued precisely . 129 Vnaduised speeches make not a testament . 8 Vnaccustomed notes do not hurt a testament ad pias causas . 30 An vncertaine person cannot be made executor . 203 Vncertaintie manifold . 248 Vncertaintie of the person , whether it destroy the disposition . 249 Vncertaintie by reason there be diuers persons of one name , maketh void the disposition . 250 Vncertaintie vnhurtfull , if the testators meaning be certaine . 250 Vncerteintie doth not hinder the disposition ad pias causas . 251 Vncertaine by reason of alternatiue speech vnhurtfull . 252 Vncertaintie by reason of generalitie in the thing bequeathed , whether it destroy the disposition . 254 Vncertaine testaments preserued from destruction by the equitie of the lawes Ecclesiasticall . 255 Vncertaintie about the date of two testaments , maketh both voide . 256 Vniust things not to be commanded by the testator . 5 Vniuersall executor may enter to all the testators goods and cat●els , and therefore chargeable with the payment of all his debts . 175 An Vnlawfull Colledge cannot be executor . 202 An Vnlawfull Colledge , when it is so reputed 202 Vnperfecte is the testament by two meanes . 6 Vnperfect in respect of solemnitie , folio 6 Vnperfect in respect of will . 6 Vnpriuiledged testaments what they are . 32 Of Vnperfect testaments there be two sorts . 257 Vnperfect in respect of solemnitie , whether the testament be void . 257 Vnperfect in respect of will , whether the testament be void . 258 Vnperfect in respect of will , the testament may be by diuers meanes . 258 An Vnperfect testament is voide by the Ciuil law . 258 An Vnperfect testament ad pias causas , being vnperfect in respect of will , whether it be voide . 258 Vnperfect in respect of will , the testament is not by reseruation of some thing to be added . 2●9 Vnsolemne testament , what it is . 18 An vnsolemne testament , if it were not properly a testament , what inconuenience would follow . 20 Vsurer manifest , cannot make a testament . 56 Euery Vsurer is not intestable . 56 A manifest Vsurer , who is . 56 Whether he be an Vsurer which lendeth for gaine , but dooth not receiue any more then the principall . 56 An Vsurer is not intestable in England , vnlesse he take aboue ten in the hundred for a yeares forbearance , or after that rate . 56 Vsurie how it is punished in England 56 Vsurer manifest not to be buried in any Church or Churchyard . 57 Vsurer manifest , incapable of any testamentarie benefite . 203 Vulgar forme of prouing testaments . 223 W The wardship of a child that hath lands , who shall haue . 98 Of Wards the hard estate . 98 All Wards are not subiect to the like conditions . 99 The Wardship of an infant hauing lands in soccage to whom it belongeth . 99 Wardship ended by diuers meanes . 102 The Wife cannot make her testament of lands though her husband consent . 47 The Wiues testament , whether it bee good after the death of hir husbande . 47 The Wiues testament of lands somtimes good in law , notwithstanding the couerture . 47 The Wife cannot make hir testament of goods without hir husbandes license , and why . 47 The Wife may in some cases make hir testament without hir husbandes license . 48 The Wife may make hir testament of a thing in action whereof her husband was neuer possessed . 48 A Wife executrix may make an executor without hir husbands license . 48 A Wife executrix cannot giue away the testators goods by hir will . 49 A Wife both executrix and legatarie , cannot make a testament of that which she did accept , not as executrix , but as legatarie . 49 A Wife executrix and legatarie , whether shall she be deemed to haue accepted the testators goods as executrix , or as legatarie . 50 A wife wherefore may she not make hir testament of that which she did accept as legatarie . 49 A Wife licensed to make hir testament , whether she may make any mo willes but one . 50 Of a Wife Executrix . 215 The Will of the testator chiefe gouernor of the testament . 9 Willes are to be fauourably interpreted . 193 Witnesses to the number of seuen , wherefore they were exacted rather in testaments then in other acts . 17 Witnesses two or three sufficient by the law of God . 18 Witnesses whether they are to be required in the making of a testament . 19 Witnesses not priuy to the contents . 23 Witnesses whether they be necessary in a testament amongst children . 29 Witnesses must be learned when they do not know the contents of the wil. 23 Witnesses deposing that the testator was of sound minde and memory , to be preferred before those which depose the contrary . 38 A Witnes euery one may be , which is not forbidden . 186 The Witnesses not being greater then all exception , whether the number may supply the defect . 186 Witnesses no greater then all exception in three respects . 186 Witnesses are sometimes excluded for their dishonesty . 187 Witnesses sometimes excluded for want of iudgement . 187 Witnesses sometime excluded for affection 187 Witnesses whether they be always necessary in a writen will . 191 A Woman couert cannot make a testament of her lands . 47 A Womans testament made before marriage , whether it be good if she dy during the couerture . 47 A Woman whether she may be a witnes . 187 Women as wel as men may be executors 196 This word testament what it signifieth . 2 This Word last will what it signifieth . 3 This Word lust , what it signfieth . 5 This Word lust , taken for ful and perfect . 6 This Word Sentence , hath many significations . 7 Words vnaduisedly spoken , make not a testament . 8 The Wordes of the testator are not so greatly to be regarded as his will and meaning . 9 These Words lawfull and iust , how they differ . 1● These Words disposition and sentence , how they differ . 11 This word codicill what it signifieth . 12 This word lust , what it signifieth in the definition of a codicill . 12 Words without meaning are of no force 116 By what Words the disposition is made conditionall . 121 Of the Words and sentences of a written testament . 190 Writing necessary in the deuise of lands . 19 Written testament what it is . 22 Writing after the making of the testament whether it do make it a written testament . 23 A Written testament hath some things peculiar to it selfe . 23 Without writing , the deuise of lands is not good . 23 A Written Testament may be proued , though the witnesses be not priuy to the contents . 23 What is to be obserued in written testaments , where the witnesses are not priuy to the contents . 23 A Written testament , in what manner of stuffe it ought to be written . 190 A Written testament , in what language it ought to be written . 190 A Written testament , in what hand it ought to be written . 190 A Writing being found in manner of a will , whether it be presumed the very will , or but a draught therof . 262 Y Yeares 21. requisit for the deuise of lands . 35 Yeares after fourteen a boy , and a woman after twelue , may make their testaments of goods . 35 Yeares , See age . FINIS .

Printed at London by I. Windet , 1591.