Matt. V. 5. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the
earth.
WHILST it is acknowledged on all hands, that Christianity far surpasses all other religions in the sublimity of its doctrines, few are aware how much it excels them also in the purity of its precepts. But we need go no further than to the words before us.
to illustrate the superiority of the Christian code above all others. Whatever might assimilate us to ferocious beasts, has been a subject of praise among the heathen world. To contend with enemies, to revenge affronts, to be foremost in deeds of heroism, this has exalted men to deities : but to be of a meek and yielding spirit has been deemed rather an indication of weak- ness, and a reason for contempt. Yet this is the spirit which our blessed Lord particularly commands, and declares to be intimately connected with true hap- piness.
In vindication of his assertions, we propose to set before you, I. The character here specified —
The disposition which distinguishes the persons here spoken of, is not that natural mildness and gentleness with which some are favoured even from the womb : (persons of this description may be as far from true Christian meekness, as others who are of a more vio- lent temper:) but a meekness founded " in poverty of spirit," and in ''mourning for sin," a fruit of the operation of the Spirit of God upon the soul''. To view the Christian in the exercise of this grace, let us look at him,
1. In his conduct towards God —
[He no longer, like others, disputes against the word of God, or murmurs on account of the dealings of his Frovidoice. Whatever God requires, appears, in his eyes, to be right ^: and whatever he does, though for the present it may be dark and inexplicable, is considered as wise and good. He dares not on any account to " reply against God^" Instead of objecting to any declaration, command, or threatening, as " an hard saying," he " trembles at it^;" and receives it with meekness as an engrafted word, " able to save his soul^" He may have many and great trials; but instead of " fretting against the Lord," he bows with humble submission, saying, " Not my will, but thine be done." " He is dumb, and openeth not his mouth," from the consideration that it is done l)y a loving and gracious Father^.]
2. In his conduct towards men —
a Gal. v. 22, 23. ^ Ps. cxix. 128. c Rom, ix. 20.
^ Isai. Ixvi. 2. e j^^ j oi. f Ps. xxxix. 9.