SERMON XXIV. 333 The second thing proposed, was to discover in various in- stances what those things are which are just, or wherein our righteousness must appear. Here it is necessary to distinguish.justice into that which belongs to magistrates, and that which belongs to private persons. That which belongs to magistrates is called distributive jus- tice, because it divides and distributes such rewards and punish- ments as are due to every one, according to the merit or demerit of the person ; and this is done either by the law and light of nature, or by the laws of the land in which we dwell. Now in this sort of justicethe general rule of our Saviour, of which we have been speaking, is of excellent and constant use. Let a, prince or a magistrate place himself in the roomof a subject or inferior, and ask what is equitable and just that his governor should practise toward him, 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 of magistrates, or of distributive justice, since there are very few of that rank and order of men among our hearers. We have reason to give 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 taconsider that justice which belongs chiefly to' private persons, and which is their duty to practise. This is called commutative justice. This is that equity of dealing, that mutual exchange of benefits, and render- ing to everyone their due, which is necessary between man and man, in order to thecommon welfare ofeach other. This is that justice that is due from every person toward his neighbour, whe- ther hebe superior, inferior, or equal : And I think the following instances which I shall mention, will comprehend most of the cases wherein the practice of justice is required : I. It is just that we honour, reverence and respect thosewho are our superiors in any kind ; whether parents, masters, magis- trates, ministers, or teachers, or whatsoever other character of superiority there be in the natural, the civil, or the religious life ; otherwise we do notpay them their due. Honour and obedience are due to parents, It is the first command of the second table. Honour thyfather and thy mo- ther, that thy days may be long in the land. Children obey your parents, for this is right in the Lord. Manifest your affectionate duty toward them. Pay all due submission to their commands, and all honourable regard to their advice. Honour the king as supreme, and other ministers of justice
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