1 Peter 3:10-11 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:… I. WHAT WE ARE OBLIGED TO DO. 1. To reform our hearts and lives. We must subdue our lusts and bridle our passions, and govern our tongues, and conduct ourselves by the holy laws of our religion. 2. To obey our superiors as far as lawfully we can. 3. In those things in which we dissent from others we are to judge for ourselves only, and not for others. 4. That we be very diligent in the search after truth, as well as sincere lovers of it. 5. That we preserve in our minds a difference between the great things of religion and the smaller things relating to it, and let them have a proportionable regard and esteem. 6. That we endeavour to be exemplary in all those things in which we are all agreed. 7. We must put as favourable a construction upon things and judge as charitably of all men as they are capable of. 8. We must be careful that we give no offence to our weak brother in things that are indifferent. 9. Let us often consider how great mercies we enjoy, and with all thankfulness bless the holy name of God. This method will divert our complaints into praises, and greatly tend to the peace of the Church. 10. Let us put up our fervent prayers to God for the peace of the Church and State: to God, who maketh men to be of one mind: to God, who is the God of peace and unity and love. II. SOME OF THE ADVANTAGES OF PEACE AND UNITY, AND ITS TENDENCY TOWARDS OUR HAPPINESS. Peace and unity hath given us the advantage of waiting upon God without distraction; it strengthens us against a common enemy and commends our holy religion to those who are strangers to it. It abates from the care and burden of our superiors and secures our rights and properties. It is at once our glory and our defence, and the summary of all the blessings of this lower world. It encourages all worthy and useful undertakings, and makes us formidable to those who wish us evil. Applications — 1. It is evident from what hath been said that our irregular heats and disputes are to be imputed to our lusts. 2. This may serve for the reproof of those among us who by their profligate lives and their intemperate speeches, their rash censuring and notorious uncharitableness, lay a foundation for new quarrels and contentions. These are the men that trouble the world. 3. Let me exhort you all to comply with my text. But what words shall I make use of to persuade you to unity and concord? (1) I cannot forbear to tell you that it is your interest as well as your duty to seek peace and ensue it. (2) I might exhort you to it for your brethren's sake also. (3) I pray and beseech you for the Lord's sake also: for His sake who hath commanded it; for His sake who came to restore it to the world, who is the great Mediator, and came to reconcile us to God, and to one another. (Bp. Kidder.) Parallel Verses KJV: For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: |
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