3. Hence we may easily learn, in how wide a sense, the term, _peace-makers_ is to be understood. In its literal meaning it implies, those lovers of God and man, who utterly detest and abhor all strife and debate, all variance and contention: and accordingly labour with all their might, either to prevent this fire of hell from being kindled, or when it is kindled, from breaking out, or when it is broke out, from spreading any farther. They endeavour to calm the stormy spirits of men, to quiet their turbulent passions, to soften the minds of contending parties, and, if possible, reconcile them to each other. They use all innocent arts, and employ all their strength, all the talents which God has given them, as well to preserve peace, where it is, as to restore it, where it is not. It is the joy of their heart, to promote, to confirm, to increase mutual good-will among men: but more especially among the children of God, however distinguished by things of smaller importance; that as they have all _one_ Lord, _one faith_; as they _are_ all _called in one hope of their calling_, so they may all _walk worthy of the vocation wherewith they are called: with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit, in the bond of peace_.
4. But in the full extent of the word, a _peace-maker_ is one, that as he hath opportunity, _doth good unto all men_: one that being filled with the love of God and of all mankind, cannot confine the expressions of it to his own family, or friends, or acquaintance, or party: or to those of his own opinions; no, nor those who are partakers of like precious faith: but steps over all these narrow bounds, that he may do good to every man: that he may some way or other manifest his love to neighbours and strangers, friends and enemies. He doth good to them all, as he hath opportunity, that is on every possible occasion; _redeeming the time_, in order thereto, _buying up every opportunity_, improving every hour, losing no moment wherein he may profit another. He does good, not of one particular kind, but good in general: in every possible way, employing herein all his talents of every kind; all his powers and faculties of body and soul; all his fortune, his interest, his reputation; desiring only, that when his Lord cometh he may say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
5. He doth good, to the uttermost of his power, even to the bodies of all men. He rejoices to _deal his bread to the hungry_, and to _cover the naked with a garment_. Is any a stranger? He takes him in, and relieves him according to his necessities. Are any sick or in prison? He visits them, and administers such help as they stand most in need of. And all this he does, not as unto man; but remembring him that hath said, _Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me_.
6. How much more does he rejoice, if he can do any good to the soul of any man? This power indeed belongeth unto God. It is he only that changes the heart, without which every other change is lighter than vanity. Nevertheless it pleases him who worketh all in all, to help man chiefly by man; to convey his own power and blessing and love, through one man to another. Therefore, although it be certain, that _the help which is done upon earth_ God _doth it himself_, yet has no man need, on this account, to stand idle in his vineyard. The peace maker cannot: he is ever labouring therein, and as an instrument in God’s hand, preparing the ground for his Master’s use, or sowing the seed of the kingdom, or watering what is already sown, if haply God may give the increase. According to the measure of grace which he has received, he uses all diligence, either to reprove the gross sinner, to reclaim those who run on headlong in the broad way of destruction; or _to give light to them that sit in darkness_, and are ready to _perish for lack of knowledge_; or to _support the weak_, to _lift up the hands that hang down and the feeble knees_; or to bring back and heal that which was _lame_ and _turned out of the way_. Nor is he less zealous to confirm those who are already striving to enter in at the strait gate; to strengthen those that stand, that they may _run with patience the race which is set before them_; to _build up in_ their _most holy faith_, those that know in whom they have believed: to exhort them to stir up the gift of God which is in them, that daily _growing in grace, an entrance may be ministered unto them abundantly, into the everlasting kingdom of our_ Lord _and Saviour Jesus Christ_.