The Blefednefs of the Peace- makers. 333 joineth chriftians, without diftinEion of na- S E R M. tions or profeffions, if it be poffible, as much XIV. as lieth in them to live peaceably with all men, `'^rte Rom. xii. 18. But aäing according to the direction of our nature, and the evident ne- ceffity of our condition, and according to the obvious defign of chriftianity, we form ourfelves into families, into nations, and churches, befides a great many other parti- cular affociations for the conveniency and comfort of life and for the purpofes of vir- tue, in all which there is an opportunity and we lie under an obligation of exerting a peaceable difpofition. Families are the moft ancient kind of focieties, which the prefervation of the fpecies, and the fafety and convenience, of every individual dire ted men to enter into ; but it is plain they can- not fubfift, nor the ends of them be at all purfued without peace; for upon the fop. pofition of difcord and enmity, the near re- lation of the members and their living toge- ther, give them the fame opportunity of be- ing mifchievous to each other, as in the contrary cafe of amity and good will, of be- ing mutually ufeful. Domeftick difcords are often known to be the moft violent and molt fatal, as, on the other hand, family agreement on the foundation of a fincere and virtuous
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