( 4;1 ) SERMON XXIX. CHRISTIAN MORALITY, viz. THINGS OF GOOD REPORT, &c, PHILIP. iv. 8. Whatsoever things are ofgood report----think on these things. fox 4mi a,&c. THE value of a good name was so great under the jew- ish dispensation, that the Spirit of God does not think it beneath his care to recommend it to his chosen people, by the mouth of Solomon, the wisest ofmen. It is better and Of more wórth thanprecious ointment : Eccl. vii. 1. It was counted an ornament and entertainment at public feasts,, to-have rich- oils poured upon the bead ; the price ofsome of them was exceeding great; they gave refresh- inent to the natural spirits, and spread a perfume through all the company. ßut a good name is ofgreater price, it is a rich ornament to the character of him that possesses it, and has a considerable influence toward his happi- ness; so that to use the words of Solomon again; Prov. 1. " It is rather to be chosen than great riches.'' The blessed apostle of the.gentiles is ofthe same mind, and he recommends to the christian world, the practice of those things that are of good report,. which is the way, whereby a good name is to be obtained. He had just be- fore recerzarercled to us the things that are lovely in the eyes'öf men, and such as will render us well beloved among our neighbours :: New he invites us to the prac- tise of t ru e things:tha:t are of goòd report irì the world, such as will procure us reputation and a good name, }vfrere we may:live; especially among the wise and sober part of mankind. This bath some,difference in it from the former, though it must be granted, that all things that are lovely, have also a tendency to obtain a good name. There are many things in the conduct of life, which dó not so directly offer themselves to us, as. parts of. neces- sary justice, piety, or goodness. But yet they are such as hear a good character in the world, and they give to the man that practises them; a good reputation among
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