érrri CXLVIII. the fame with MoralZirtues. 3 z 3 filence the ignoranceoffòolif men. So likewife praying for thofe that are in Au- thority, I Tim. 2. 1, 2, 3. I exhort therefore, that firfi ofalllf applications, prayers, intercefJions, andgiving ofthanks be madefor all men; for Kings, and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable lip in all goddnefr and honefiy. For this isgood and acceptable in the fight of God our Saviour. In like manner, a confcientious difcharge of the Duties which other relations require is recommended to us under the notion of goodnefs, and that which is a fpectal grace and ornament to Religion, a Tim. 5.4. Let them learn frfl tofhew piety at home, and to requite their parents,for that is good and acceptable before God. And Tit. 2. 9, 10. the Apoftle exhorts fervants to be obedient to their ma- fíers; that by this inflance of goodnefs, as well as others, they may bring credit and reputation to Religion , Exhortfervants to be obedient unto their own maflers and to pleafe them well in all things, not anfwering again : not purloining : hut fhewing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doflrine of God our Saviour, in all things. More particularly, thefeveral virtues of Converfation are frequently, inftanced in, as brandies of goodnefs, as unity, peaceablenefs,'courie(ie, coinpaffion, and good will towards all men. The praettce of thefe things the Apoftle calls the fò1- lowing of that which is good, Rom. 12. 9, i0, 6c. Let love be Without diiffimula- tion: Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good. Be kindlyaffeflioned one towards another. Blefs themwhichperfecute you: blefi, and curfe not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, andweep with them that weep.. Be of the fame' inindone towards another. Mind not high things, but condefcend to men of low eflate. Be not wife in your ownconceits. Recompence to noman evil fòrevil. Provide things honefl in the fight of all men. If it be poffible, as much aslieth inyou, live peaceablywith all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourfelves, but rathergiveplace untowrath. Be not overcome of evil: but overcome evil with good. So likewife the Apostle, 1 Thef. 5. 15. inflanceth in abftaining from Revenge, as an eminent piece ofgoodnefs. See that none render evil for evil unto any man: but ever follow that which is good, both among your felves, and to all men. And St. Peter alfo gives much the fame inflances ofgoodnefs that St. Paul hath done, 1 Pet.;. 8, y; &c. Finally, beye all of one mind, having coinpalio; one ofanother, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous, not rendring evil for evil, or railing for railing 5 but contrariwife bleffing, knowing thatye are thereunto called, that yefhould inherit a bleglng. For he that will love life, and feegood days, let him refrainhis tongue from evil, and his lips that they fpeak no guile : let him efchew evil, and do good, let him leek peace, and enfue it. And who is he that will harm you, ifye be followers of that which is good? that is, if ye praftife goodnefs in the inflances I have mentioned. You fee then what goodnefs is, by the inflances which theScripture gives of it ; obedience to our fuperiors and governours, and a confcientious care of the ditties ofour feveral relations, fincere love andcharity, compaffion, humility, peace and unity, abftaining fromwrath and revenge, and rendring good for evil; thefe are unqueftionable inflances of goodnefs, and pafs for current among all Mankind, are on all hands agreed to be good, and have an univerfal approbation among all parties and profeflìons, how wide foever their differences may be in other mat- ters. Thefe are the things which are in Scripture more peculiarly called good,becaufe they are fo in them{elves and in their own nature; and not meerly becaufe they are commanded, as the Rites and Ceremonies of the yewifh Religion were, which are therefore called by God himfelf, in the Prophet, Statutes that were not good, Ezek. 20. 25. Wherefore I gave them flatutes that were not good, that is, I gave them laws concerning feveral things, which had no intrinfical goodnefs in them. But moral Duties; becaufe of the eifential and eternal goodnefs of them, are emi- nently called good; as in that known paifage of the Prophet, Micah 6. 8. He hash fhewed thee , O Man, what is good ; and what cloth the Lord require of thee , but to do juRly , and to love mercy , and to walk humbly with thy God? S f The
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