Initially
impressed by the current consensus as to the kerygmatic
nature of the Gospels (7), Stauffer bases the possibility of a positivistic quest
upon the existence of new sources (8).
If therefore the student in our laws hath formed both his sentiments and style, by perusal and imitation of the purest classical writers, among whom the historians and orators will best deserve his regard; if he can reason with precision, and separate argument from fallacy, by the clear simple rules of pure unsophisticated logic; if he can fix his attention, and steadily pursue truth through any the most intricate deduction, by the use of mathematical demonstrations; if he has enlarged his conceptions of
nature and art, by a view of the several branches of genuine, experimental, philosophy; if he has
impressed on his mind the sound maxims of the law of
nature, the best and most authentic foundation of human laws; if, lastly, he has contemplated those maxims reduced to a practical system in the laws of imperial Rome; if he has done this, or any part of it, (though all may be easily done under as able instructors as ever graced any feats of learning) a student thus qualified may enter
upon the study of the law with incredible advantage and reputation.