404 CHRISTIAN MORALITY, VIZ. JUSTICE, &C. tSYRM. XXII. consists the practice of justice, that every one render to his neighbour that which is due upon the account of any of these benefits- or conveniences of life he receives from him. . Let us give the first place to kings and rulers in this discourse, as justice requires. Though the distribution of special rewards and punishments may have some- thing in it of a distinct nature, yet the common protec- tion which they owe all their. subjects, and the obedience and tribute which their subjects owe,.: them upon that account,. are properly a :part of commutative justice. By their oath of magistracy, and by our engagements of allegiance expressed or implied, we bargain with themfor protection, and we ought to pay them tribute. They ac- cept of a high and heavy charge, and agree to execute the laws ofthe land for the good of the people : Therefore not only the purses, but the consciences of the people are under obligations to pay taxes to the magistrate for the support of his governing power, and the maintenance of his honour and authority, that he may the better fulfil the glorious and useful work. This is what the apostle insists upon, and argues in that known place, the xiii. chapter to the Romans : " Rulers are ordained of God, not for a terror to good works, but to the evil. The ruler is the minister of God to thee for good, and he beareth not the sword in vain ; he is an avenger to exe- cute wrath upon him that Both evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, that is, for fear of his anger; but for conscience-sake, as a matter ofjustice and duty :' And for this cause also pay tri- bute. And it is to be noted, the apostle puts our duty in this respect upon the foot of justice ; ver. 7. Render therefore to all their dues, that is, whatsoever things are just, perform to them ; render tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, fear to whom, fear, honour to whom honour. As the payment of tribute and taxes to thosewho un- dertake our protection, defence, and safety, is a neces- saryduty : so the payment of a salary to a teacher, of wages to a servant, of money or merchandize to a trader; of hire to the workman, are other parts of justice. Let not the labourer that bath reaped down your fields, or wrought in your service, go without his hire, which was
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