we may be well assured that it deserves from us the most attentive consideration.
Let us then, as on former occasions, consider,
I. The character here spoken of —
The term which we translate *' peace-makers," may be understood, like those which have preceded it, as marking only a pacific temper and conduct\ But in that view it will correspond very nearly with " the meek," whose character has been already considered. We therefore take the word agreeably to the sense in which it is translated ; and observe, that the peace- makers are they who are studious,
1. To preserve peace where it is —
[View them in the whole of their conduct, and they will be found " following after the things which make for peace."
View them in the State. They are not like many who take upon them to condemn every thing which their governors do : no: they see the evil of a murmuring, discontented, turbulent, and seditious spirit : they are " afraid to speak evil of dig- nities'':" they bear in mind the command of God, " Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people '^:" and, instead of " exercising themselves in matters that are too high for them*^," and presuming to judge of measures without having one half the grounds of judgment before them, and " meddling with those who are given to change ''," they are characterized as people " quiet in the land^."
View them in the Church. It is their constant endeavour so to walk as to " give no offence in any thing," to " cast no stumbling-block before any," but to edify all in faith and love. Many there are, so bigoted to their own sect or party, or so fond of some particular doctrines, that they can scarcely meet a brother or a sister without bringing forward their favourite opinions ; and not at all concerned what perplexities they cause in the minds of individuals, or what divisions in the Church, provided they can but luake proselytes, and increase their own party ^. Such generally obtrude themselves wherever the Gospel is faithfully preached ; and are but too successful in " beguiling unstable souls," and in " corrupting them from the simplicity that is in Christ^." This they do in direct opposition to the command, " Him that is weak in the faith
* Compare 1 John ii. 29. and iii. 4. with the text, in the Greek. ^ 2 Pet. ii. 10. <= Acts xxiii. 5. ^ Ps. cxxxi. 1.
e Prov. xxiv. 21. ^ Ps. xxxv. 20. e Tit. i. 10, 11.
ii 2 Cor, xi. 3.