SERMON XXIV. Christian Morality, viz. Justice, &c. Pahl. iv. 8.=Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, or grave, whatsoeverthings are just thinkon these things. bPá ervv avxata IN many parts ofthe sacred writings, there appears a very close connexion of the subjects which are handled ; a natural order is observed, and a beautiful transition made from one to the other : But this is not to be expected in every text, nor is it at all neces- sary that it should be so. When St. Paul enumerates several virtues or vices, he sometimes heaps them together, and dothnot design any regularity or natural order in placing them. Our commentators therefore in such cases, when they are once resolved to find these beautiesand connections where the holy writer did notintend them,they oftentimestorture and strain both their own . invention, and the words of scripture. Thus, I fear, I should do, if I would attempt to give a reason why the apostle in this col- lection ofvirtues, named gravity or decency before justice, which is of so much greater importance in the christian 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 objectsof your meditation and of your practice. And here if 1 should entertain you in two discourses with this single subject of justice, I hope I shall not exceed 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 hopeon the grace of God, and have a design to honour the gospel, to you I would recommend this great dutyof 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, whichare just, or wherein ourjustice orrighteousness must appear. III. I shall give someproof of this great duty of justice or righteousness by the light of nature, and according to the law of reason. IV. Shew whatforcible influence the gospel of Christ has to rectum-
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