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.