AND DISCUSSIONS.

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is in some measure the case with the doctrines of the New Tes-tament, but is still more so with respect to its moral principles.

3. Many of the moral precepts of the New Testament areexpressed in absolute terms ; they require to be qualified andlimited, and it is the office of moral philosophy to ascertain theselimitations and qualifications. Thus, “ Children, obey your pa-rents in all things,”* “ Let wives be subject to their own hus-bands in every thing,” f “ Submit yourselves to every ordinanceof man,” | must all be suitably limited and qualified.

4. Again ; some precepts are proverbial, and describe thespirit and temper at which we ought to aim, rather than the par-ticular actions we are to perform. Such are the directions, notto resist evil, to turn the other cheek, to go with him two mileswho shall compel you to go one, to give your cloak to him whoby process of law has taken your coat, not to lay up treasureson earth ; § these and many such like maxims are to be com-plied with in the spirit which they teach, and not in their literalmeaning. Constant exemplifications of these four observa-tions will be seen, as I proceed to collect, define, expand, illus-trate, and apply the scriptural system of morals, to the variousemployments, situations, and circumstances of mankind, and tothe various relations in life, which they are accustomed to sustain.

* Col. iii. 20.

§ Matt. v. 39 - 42

t Eph. v. 24.

t 1 Peter, ii. 13.