The Ble dnefs of the Peace - makers. 3 8 9 chriflian revelation, and the praftice of chri- S E R M. fiian virtue ; not a harmony of outward pro- XIV. feffions, and outward rites of worfhip, and a united zeal for them, but an union in the affeftionate belief of the great doEtrines of religion, and obedience to its effential pre- cepts, of judgment, mercy, and the love of God. From what hath been Paid, we may infer the principal offices which belong to the cha- rafter of a peace - maker ; and it is plain, that benevolence to mankind and charity to our brethren, accommodating itfelf to their va- rious circumflances and conditions, as far as can confift with fincerity and the love of truth, together with publick affeftions to the interefls of fociety as fuch, are the effen- tial parts of it. Since the peace we are con - fidering is the peace of men, or their har- mony and concord, upon what other foun- dation can it poffibly fubfift than mutual good will and fincere affe &ions ? And if we heartily fulfil the fecond great command- ment of the divine law, thou Atilt love thy neighbour as thylelf, we contribute to it in the bell manner we can : And for chriflian peace, in particular, the fcripture always re- prefenteth brotherly kindnefs and charity, as the folid ground of it St. Paul having in C c 3 the
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