selves more about sin than about anything on earth. The remembrance of it is grievous to them. The burden of it is intolerable. Blessed are all such ! '^ The sacrifices of God are a broken and contrite spirit." One day they shall weep no more. " They shall be comforted."
The Lord Jesus calls those blessed, who are meeJc. He means those who are of a patient and contented spirit. They are willing to put up with little honor here below. They can bear injuries without resentment. They are not ready to take offence. Like Lazarus in the parable, they are content to wait for their good things. Blessed are all such ! They are never losers in the long run. One day they shall " reign on the earth." (Kev. v. 10.)
The Lord Jesus calls those blessed, who hunger and thirst after righteousness. He means those who desire above all things to be entirely conformed to the mind of God. They long not so much to be rich, or wealthy,. or learned, as to be holy. Blessed are all such ! They shall have enough one day. They shall " awake up after God's likeness and be satisfied." (Psal. xvii. 15.)
The Lord Jesus calls those blessed, who are merciful. He means those who are full of compassion towards others. They pity all who are suftering either from sin or sorrow, and are tenderly desirous to make their sufferings less. They are full of good works, and endeavors to do good. Blessed are all such ! Both in this life and that to come, they shall reap a rich reward.
The Lord Jesus calls those blessed, who are' 'pure in heart. He means those who do not aim merely at out- ward correctness, but at inward holiness. They are not satisfied with a mere external show of religion. They 2*