198 Of Godlinefs. SERM. gives this as the general charátter of chri- VIII. ftianity, that it is a dottrine according to godlinefs, or after godlinefs, we muff un- derftand the word in the fame large fignifica- tion. But, in other paffages, and particu- larly in my text, when the particular parts of our duty, or of practical religion, are enu- merated, and godlinefs diftinguifhed from the reft, it is to be taken in a more limited fenfe, fignifying that refpe t or practical re- gard which we owe to the fupreme Being himfelf, and whereof he is the proper imme- diate object. From whatever fpring moral obligations are derived, whether from in- ftin&s and affections planted in our nature, determining us to an effeem of and compla- cency in fuperior and more perfect beings, and a love and defire of doing good to thofe who are capable of happinefs; or whether they be all deduced from the will of the one great law- giver, Rill there is a diverfity of objefts in which our duty terminates, and according to them it is divided into godlinefs, righteouf- nefs, and charity, containing all the good offices we owe to our fellow- creatures, and fobriety, or a due government over our ap- petites and paflions. I (hall endeavour in this difcourfe briefly to íhew you wherein godlinefs
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