SERMON XXIX. Christian Morality, viz. Things of goodReport, 4-e. PHILIP. iv. 8.Whatsoever things are of good report,think on these things. Ocz evtPnpice, ÓLC. THE value of a good name was so great under the Jewish 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 of men. It is better and more worth than precious ointment ; Eccl. vii. 1. It was counted an ornament and entertainment at public feasts, to have rich oils poured upon. the head ; the price of some of them was exceeding great; they gave refreshment to the natural spirits, and spread a perfume through all the company. But a good name is of greater price, it is a rich ornament to the character of himthat possesses it, and has a considerable influence toward his happiness ; so that to use the words of Solomon again; Prov.xxiî. 1. It is rather to be chosen thangreat riches. The blessed apostle of the Gentiles is of the same mind, and he recommends.to the christian world, the practice of those things that are of good report, which is the way, wherebya good name is to be obtained. Hehad just before recommended to us the things that are lively in the eyes of men, and such as will render uswell-beloved among our neighbours. Now he invites- us to thepractice ofthose things that areofgoodreport in the world, such as will procure us reputation, and a good name, where we may live, especially among the wise and sober part of mankind. This bath some difference in it fromthe 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 do not, so directly offer themselves to us, as parts of neeessary justice, piety, or goodness. But yet they are such as bear a good cha- racter in the world, and they give to the man that practises them, it good reputation among his fellow creatures : on the contrary, there are several other practices, which is not easy to prove di- rectly sinful, yet they are of ill report, and they ought not to ht VoL I. I) d
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