Justice Quote by Samuel Bolton
““That part of the judicial law which was typical of Christ's government has ceased, but that part which is of common and general equity remains still in force. It is a common maxim: those judgments which are common and natural are moral and perpetual.””
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Art of Government, Samuel Bolton, 1655
The quote distinguishes between legal rules specific to Christ's rule, which have ended, and enduring principles of equity that remain moral and timeless.
In simple terms: Legal rules change, but basic fairness stays.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and apply timeless equity.
Themes
law
morality
equity
history
theology
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
historical
When to use this quote
- judicial decisions
- ethical debates
- policy making
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
natural law
common sense
perpetual principles
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance historic equity with modern law?
- When should timeless fairness override new statutes?
A Different Perspective
Legal systems evolve, sometimes overriding historic equity.
![“We are no longer under the 'Law', but rather the Grace of God in Christ." ~R. Alan Woods [2013]” quote by R. Alan Woods](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a61/r-alan-woods-1455_grace_we-are-no-longer-under-the-law-but-rathe_1901310.jpg)
![“Judicials of common [or general] equity are such as are made according to the law or instinct of nature common to all men: and these in respect of their substance, bind the consciences not only of the Jews but also of the Gentiles” quote by William Perkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b0b/william-perkins-167247_ethics_judicials-of-common-or-general-equity-ar_2850253.jpg)
![“Whatever they [antinomians] say of the law, though they cast contempt and disgrace upon it, and upon those who preach it, yet we know that, for the substance of it, it is the image of God, a beam of His holiness. The things therein commanded and forbidden are things morally, and therefore…” quote by Samuel Bolton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/035/samuel-bolton-40683_good-and-evil_whatever-they-antinomians-say-of-the-law_1030327.jpg)
![“We are not under its [the laws] curses, but we are under its commands. We are not under the law for judgement, but we are under the law for conduct.” quote by Samuel Bolton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/017/samuel-bolton-40683_law_we-are-not-under-its-the-laws-curses-but_2821376.jpg)
![“This cold weather has set all the young Folks to providing Bedfellows. I have signed two or three Licences every Day [as a Fairfax Justice of the Peace] since I have been at Home. I wish I knew where to get a good one myself; for I find cold Sheets extreamly disagreeable.” quote by George Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b92/george-mason-8435_bedfellows_this-cold-weather-has-set-all-the-young_3953.jpg)
