396 CìMRIST /AN MORALITY, VIZ. JUSTICE, &c. [SERM, XXII!!. justice, which is of so much greater importance in the ehristian life. I take them therefore in the order in which they lie ; and having treated of truth and gravity, I proceed now to consider the third piece of morality which he mentions, that is, justice. Whatsoever things are just,---think on these things let these be the objects of your meditation and ofyour . practice. And here if I should entertain you in two discourses with this single subject of justice, .I hope I shall not ex- ceed the limits of your patience: For it is what the apostle frequently insists upon as a glory to christianity, that those that profess it be just or righteous; You who have fixed your hope on the grace of God, and have a design to honour the gospel, to you I would recommend this great duty of the law, and that in this method : I. I shall endeavour to shewwhat is the general nature of this justice, and lay down the universal rule of it. II. Discover in various special instances what those things are which are just, or wherein our justice or righteousness must appear. III. I shall give some proof of this great duty ofjus- tice or righteousness by the light of nature, and accord- ing to the law of reason. IV. Shew what forcible influence the gospel of Christ has to recommend justice to your meditation and prac- tice: V. Propose a few directions how to guard yourselves against temptations to injustice, or rather point out. some of the chief springs of injustice, that you may avoid them. And while I proceed in this work, you will rejoice in- wardly if you find your own consciences sincerely an- swering to the characters of this virtue in any good mea- sure : And if there be any shall find himself a guilty sin- ner, and very deficient in this practice, let him be re- proved, ashamed, and amend. First then,, Let us consider the nature of this justice, and what is the most universal rule of it. In general, justice consists in giving to'every one their due. According to the stations in which God has placed us, and according to the several relations in which provi- dence has joined us to our fellow-creatures, every person 4
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