[It appears doubtful whether this work was ever printed, for in a
pamphlet published April 27, 1653, entitled _A Supply to a Draught of
an Act or System proposed (as is reported) by the Committee for
Regulations concerning the Law_, &c., the writer thus notices
it:--"Having _lately heard_ of some propositions called 'The System of
the Law,' which are said to be intended preparatives to several Acts of
Parliament touching the regulation of the law, we cannot but with
thankfulness acknowledge the care and industry of those worthy persons
who contrived the same, it containing many good and wholesome
provisions for the future perpetual good and quiet of the nation.... We
know not, at present, wherein we could give a more visible testimony of
our affections to the peaceable government of the free people here,
than by offering to them and the supreme authority, what we humbly
conceive prejudicial and inconvenient to well-government, in case that
System (_as it is said to be now prepared_) should take effect." A week
before the publication of this work, the Long Parliament had been
turned out of doors by Cromwell.]
_Saint Malachy on the Popes._--Saint Malachy, Archbishop of Armagh, who
flourished in the first half of the twelfth century, is said to be the
author of a curious prophecy respecting the Popes. Some years ago I met
with this prophecy in an old French almanack, and was particularly struck
with its applicability to the life and character of the present Pope; but I
omitted to make a Note.
Can you inform me where I may find a copy of this prophecy?