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Observe here, 1. The duty directed and exhorted to, namely, peaceableness; Live peacably, that is, be of a peaceable temper, and follow those things which make for peace.
Observe, 2. The extent and latitude of this duty: With all men live peacably; not with friends only, or with those of your own judgment and persuasion, but with men of disagreeing humours and interests, with men of different principles and apprehensions, from you.
Again observe, 3. A double restriction and limitation with which it is bounded: first, If it be possible, implying, that there is a sort of men in the world who make peace impossible; but for others, if it may be enjoyed upon honest terms, though upon hard terms, we must not stick at them, always remembering that peace and truth are two precious things, which can never be bought too dear, of they be not purchased with sin and baseness.
The second restriction follows, As much as in you lieth: now this respects our endeavours, not our success. If we follow peace with all men, though we cannot overtake it, yet we shall not miss of our reward in pursuing it. Peace is the most important duty, a singular benefit and blessing, which every Christian is bound to pursue and promote, and that with all men: If it be possible, &c.