That the poor have cause to rejoice in their exalta- tion, is obvious enough —
[Tliiiik only wliat the poorest of the Lord's people are privileged to enjoy —
First, ih^y have the most exalted of all characters. — Though some few of the Lord's people have been opulent, the gene- nilityhave been "a poor and afflicted people." The Apostles had little else besides a scrip and a statf : they were " poor, though making many rich ; and had nothing, though in some respect they possessed all things." When it pleased God also to send his only dear Son into the world, wliat was the state to which he appointed him P It was that of a poor man, who " had not where to lay his head." And has not this digni- fied the condition of the poor ? Yea, have they not reason to glory, in being so assimilated to their Lord and Saviour ? Th6 tribe of Levi had no portion allotted to them in Israel : but were they therefore less honourable than the rest ? No : the Lord was their portion : and their want of earthly possessions was a favour conferred, and not a privilege denied. Thus it is an honour to the poor that they have their all in God : and though flesh and blood cannot receive the saying, it is really a greater honour to be fed like Elijah from day to day by the special providence of God, than to be living upon stores col- lected by the hands of men.
Next, they are in the most favourable of all states. — Our adorable Saviour has determined this point beyond a doubt. He has declared, that " it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the king- dom of heaven:" "with men," he says, *' it is altogether impossi' lie." The Rich Youth perished only because he could not sacrifice his earthly possessions : had he been a poor man, he would in all probability have followed Christ, and have been at this moment in heaven. Besides, a rich man is afraid of being thought singular, if he " follow the Lord fully :" he fan- cies that his situation obliges him to conform to the customs of the world : he is ashamed to associate with the Lord's people : nor will he suffer any one to deal faithfully with him : but a poor man may follow his own ways, and seek instruction where- ever he can obtain it ; and nobody will trouble himself about him : his instructor also may, without compliment or circum- locution, come at once to the point, and " declare unto him all the counsel of God." What an advantage is this for the ob- taining of everlasting happiness ; and what a solid ground of joy to all who possess it.
Once more; They have a sovereign antidote against all their disadvantages. — Be it granted ; tliey want the benefit of lumian learning: but they have the teachings of God's Spirit. They
want