We are at no loss to arrange the particular duties that are here enjoined, since the Apostle himself distributes them into classes :
1. Things " virtuous" — [Among these " truth" is the first in nature and import- ance ; since, without it, all the bands of society would be dis- solved : there would be no such thing as confidence between man and man. Of such consequence is this esteemed in the world, that no virtues, however eminent, can supply the want of it, or render a man respectable, that is regardless of it. And so necessary is it in the eyes of God, that he will banish from him with abhorrence all who wilfully violate its dictates3, and admit those only to his presence whose adherence to it is strict and uniform b. This therefore is in the first place to be rigidly adhered to, especially by those who are members of Christ's mystical body c. It is not indeed necessary, nor would it be proper, on every occasion, to declare all we know : but we must on no account affirm, or insinuate, what is contrary to truth, either with a view to set off or to exculpate ourselves, or for the purpose of criminating or exalting another. Every species and degree of falsehood should be scrupulously avoided ; and every word we utter should bear the stamp of simplicity and godly sincerity.
Next to this, and inseparably connected with it, is "jus- tice." A Christian is to know but one rule of conduct : he is, in all his intercourse with men, to do as he would be done unto ; that is, to act towards others, as he, in a change of cir- cumstances, would think it right for them to act towards him. To be guilty of fraud in a way of traffic, or in withholding just debts, or in evading taxes, or putting off base coin, or in any other way whatever, is as inconsistent with the Christian character as adultery or murder. Whatever specious pre- texts an ungodly world have invented for the justifying of fraud, no one of us approves of it when it is exercised towards himself; nor will God ever approve of it, however men may extenuate or excuse it: his word to every one of us is, " That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest lived." And " he knoweth how to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punishede."
Besides these virtues which have respect to our words and actions, there is one that extends to our very thoughts, and that is no less necessary to be cultivated by us than either of the foregoing, namely, "purity." .None are so ignorant as not to know, that they ought to restrain their passions, and
a Prov. vi. 16, 17. Rev. xxi. 8. & xxii. 15. b Ps. xv. 2.
c Eph. iv. 25. <J Deut. xvi. 20. e 2 Pet. ii. 9