460 tsxtVF.atAt aSJLE OF ÉQt1ITt% all the dictates of the law and prophets dependon these tWocoat, mandments. Then we answer the design of the Iaw, then we obey the prophets, then,we fulfil the commands of Moses, and of Christi when we give to Godour supreme love, and when we put our- selves in the room of our neighbour, and then carry it toward him, according to the lovewe expect he should bear us. This is loving our neighbours asourselves, and this love is the fulfilling of the law ; Rom. xiii. N. When our 'Saviour delivers the words of my text, it is as if he had said to us, " If ye would practise all the duties that you owe to your fellow-creatures, and fulfil all the laws of the second table, in the most compendious and perfect manner, remember and practise this one general direction, deal with the rest` of mankind as your conscience judges they should deal with you." But this leads me to the Third enquiry, viz. wherein do thepeculiar excellencies of this rule appear : This golden rulebath many exceIIent properties belonging to' it. I shall mention a few on purpose to impress it on your con- sciences with moreconviction, pleasure and power. I. It is a rule that is easy to be understood, and as easy to be applied by the meanest and weakest understanding. It is so plain, that what is said by Isaiah concerning all the precepts of the gospel, is more eminently true of this ; it is a highwayof ho-, lines, and the zoá ,faringman, through a fool, shall not err therein; Is. xxxv. S. The laws of man are often expressed in such ob-' scure language and terms of art, that they puzzleus to find out themeaning of them : And the nice distinctions and subtle ma., sonings of men, oftentimes add to their darkness, and raise new disputes : But this is a law that every man understands ; nor is it easy to be clouded by the comments and glosses of crafty men, if we are but sincerely resolved to judge and practise according to it. By the means of this rule, they who never studied the civil law, nor tookpains in enquiring the moral dictates of the light of nature ; they who never examined the statutes of a nation, nor the rules of natural justice, are all furnishedwith a law or ruleof equity intheir own minds, by which to manage their whole prao- lice, with regard to their neighbours. Those who are not capa- . ble of long trains of reasoning, or of applying several general rules to all their particular cases: yet are able, to look into their own hearts, and to ask this easy question," Would I myself he content to have others deal thus with me ? Why then should I deal thus withpother ?" II. It is a very short rule, and easy to be remembered : The . weakest memory can retain it ; and the meanest of mankind may carry thisabout with.them, and have it ready upon all occasions.
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