sgs CYiRtSTIAN KORALITY,'VIZ: J05TICE ñ'C. jSERM. %XIV which belongs to magistrates, and that which belongs to private persons. That which belongs to magistrates is called distributive justice, because it divides and distributes such rewards and punishments as are due to every one, according to the merit or demerit of the person ; and this is done ei- ther by the law and light of nature, or by the laws of the land in which we dwell. Now in this sort of justice, the general rule ofour Saviour, of which we have been speak- ing, is of excellent and constant use. Let a prince or a magistrate place himself in the room of a subject or infe- rior, and ask what is equitable and just that his governor should practise towardhim, and let that be the measure of his own conduct toward his subjects or inferiors : Let him exercise his authority according to this sacred rule of righteousness. But in our separate assemblies we have very little need to speak of the duty ofmagistrates, or of distributive jus- tice, since there are very few of that rank and order of men among our hearers. We have reason togive hearty thanks to our present governors, who distribute so much justice to us, as to give us the liberty of worshipping God in a manner that differs from theirs. I apply myself therefore immediately to consider that justice which belongs chiefly to private persons, . and which is their duty topractise. This is called commuta- tive justice. This is that equity of dealing, that mutual exchange of benefits, and rendering to every one their due, which is necessary between man and man, in order to the common welfare of each other. This is that jus- tice that is due from every person toward his neighbour, whether he be superior, inferior, or equal: And I think the following instances which I shall mention, will com- prehend most of the cases wherein the practice ofjustice is required I. It is just that we honour, reverence and respect those who are our superiors in any kind ; whether pa- rents, masters, magistrates, ministers, or teachers, or whatsoever other character ofsuperiority there be in the natural, the civil, or the religious life ; otherwise we do not pay them their due. Honour and obedience are due to parents. It is the first command of the second table. " Honour thy father
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