A discourse of the true nature of the Gospel demonstrating that it is no…

I shall only add, that Cicero when he defines a Law in the general Notion of it, as comprehending the Law of Nature, as well as others, makes no mention of a Sanction, but describes it only to be the^a highest Reason implanted in Nature, which commands what is to be done, and forbids the contrary.

1. aLex est ratio summa infita in naturâ, quae jubet ea quae facienda sunt, prohibetque contraria. Cicero de Leg. lib 1. pag. 312. Tom. 4. oper. Edit. in Fol. R. S. 1538.

Thus also the Roman Lawyers, of whose vast Volumes lost by the Injuries of Time we have a Breviate in the Pandects, define a Law, without mentioning a Sanction;^b The Law (says Papinian) is a common Instruction, the Decree of prudent Men. By which no more can be understood, than a Doctrine which teacheth us what is best for us to do, if we will be taught by the Counsel of those who are wiser than our selves. And in this Sense I will easily grant the Gospel to be a Law; for it is the Instruction of ⟨p. 27⟩God (whose Wisdom is, beyond all denial, infinitely superior to ours) to our perishing Souls; and thrice blessed is that Person whom his enlightening Grace hath made so wise as to follow it. It is too the Decree of God's Eternal Counsel, that we shall not be justified by any Righteousness, but that of Christ alone.

Thus also the Roman Lawyers, of whose vast Volumes lost by the Injuries of Time we have a Breviate in the Pandects, define a Law, without mentioning a Sanction;^b The Law (says Papinian) is a common Instruction, the Decree of prudent Men. By which no more can be understood, than a Doctrine which teacheth us what is best for us to do, if we will be taught by the Counsel of those who are wiser than our selves. And in this Sense I will easily grant the Gospel to be a Law; for it is the Instruction of