31i CHRISTIAN Aiom .IT. as subordinate to him, and submitto them in all thejust execntionti of their authority : This is due from subjects tó princes. Ser- vants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, in singleness of heart as unto Christ, with good-will, doing service as to the Lord, and not to men. Your faithful, diligent, and cheerful service is their due. Let those that labour in the wordanddoctrine be counted worthy of double honour, that is, of respect and maintenance : It is due to them in the church where they are set as elders, if they rule well. I mention these hints but verybriefly; and for the most part in the language ofscripture, as instances wherein these characters of superiority demand ho- nour and duty from inferiors. Igrant there may be other obligations to respect and honour our superiors in some of these cases, besidesthe mere law of jus- tice : but this law ofcommutative justice that I am now treating of, obligesus to it. The light of nature and scripturd both sup- pose and oblige parents to take care of their children, to advise and instruct, nourish and provide for them ; therefore obedience and honour becomes their due. The command of submission given to subjects, supposes and obliges princes and rulets to pro- tect and defend them from all injury. Theprecept of chearful and willing obedience given to servants, supposes and obliges masters to do the..samethings unto them; that is, to treatthem with good-will, and cheerfully give them their food and clothing, or their wages and hire ; Eph. vi. 9. Nature and scripture suppose ministers and teachers to be capable and willing to give good ad- vice, counsel, and instruction to those who are younger, or who accept of their preaching; therefore let respect and honour be paid where it is due. It is the foundation and role of commutative justice in all these instances, thatwhilst inferiors are obliged to pay due regards to those that are above them, the superiors are equally obliged to confer these benefits on persons of a lower character, which the law of God, and the light of nature require ; but some of the cases I have mentioned, will fall in naturally under the following particulars. II. Another instance of commùtative justice, is the parti cider kindness that is due to near relations. This is a very beau- tiful and apleasant part of life, where it is well managed, this affectionate and delightful exchange of good turns one for another. Now that it is tine to dear relatives; according totheappoint- ment of God, will be made evident in this manner : God, the great Creator ofall things, could have producedall men immediately by his own power, and have made them arise up in several successions, of time, without such a prOpagation or dependance one upon another, if he had pleased ; and filet' there
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