KNOW THE FUTURE

John Bate was a British merchant in the 17th century. In 1606, he imported some currants. When taxes were imposed on his goods upon entering the country, he refused to pay the tax. He argued that it was a royal tax issued solely by King James I (1566-1625) through his authority, without the support of any law enacted by Parliament. To address royal financial issues, King James I had implemented such taxes.

The lower court judge upheld the validity of the tax, citing the King’s absolute power. John Bate then appealed to the High Court. At that time, Sir Edward Coke was the Chief Justice of the High Court. After reviewing the case, he ruled in favour of John Bate, stating that the King did not have the authority to impose any tax on his own without Parliament’s consent.

King James was furious about this decision. Using his royal prerogative, he removed Justice Coke from his judicial position and reinstated the royal tax law through his decree. (Encylopedia Britannica, Vol. 3, pp. 240-14)

Almost four hundred years have passed since this incident. Today, the situation has completely changed. It is universally accepted in the UK and other countries that Parliament is the supreme legal authority. Neither the king nor any other personality is above it; all are subject to its authority.

In the present world, everyone is speaking words that will become meaningless in the future. People are engaging in actions that will hold no value in the life after death. The successful person is the one whose words and actions have significance in the hereafter, while the unsuccessful person is the one whose words and actions become insignificant in the afterlife.