meet with from the obstinacy of those whom they attempt to reconcile. The more blameworthy of the two will usually be found the more unreasonable and perverse^: but they Avill patiently bear with much opposition, if by any means they may attain the great object of their wishes.]
In the exercise of this benevolent disposition, they are sure to find,
II. The blessedness annexed to it —
When it is said that "they shall be called the children of God, we must understand, that,
1. They shall be so in reality —
[That this is the import of the expression, appears from the parallel passage in St. John's Epistles ; where, having represented believers as called the children of God, he im- mediately adds, " Now are we the sons of God*:" and to the same effect he speaks in his Gospel ; " To as many as believed, to them gave he power to become the sons of God"." Of course we must throughout all these beatitudes, guard against sup- posing that the reward annexed to the different dispositions is founded on any merit in man. The reward must always be considered as "a reward of grace, and not as a debf^." It is not to be conceived that there should be such merit in making peace between our fellow-creatures, as that it should deserve such a reward at the hands of God. If we only bear this in mind, we need not be afraid of expecting all the honour which God here promises to the peaceful man. It is taken for granted, that, in our offices of love to man, we are actuated by a sense of love to God: and that, whilst we labour to promote peace amongst our brethren, we are careful to have peace maintained between God and our own souls by the blood of Christ. Then shall we be " sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty ^ :" yea, we shall " have a name given to us better than of sons and of daughters''." Together with this relation to God, the peace- makers shall possess all the exalted privileges connected with it : " being sons, they shall be heirs ; heirs of God, and joint- heirs with Christ ^" It does " not indeed fully appear what they shall hereafter be : but this we know, that when they shall see their heavenly Father, they shall be like him ; for they shall see him as he is''."]
2. They shall be reputed such by their fellow- creatures —
s Acts vii. 27.
t I John iii. 1,2.
u John i. 12.
^ Rom. iv. 4.
y 2 Cor. vi. 18.
z Isai. Ivi. 5.
a Rom. viii. 17.
1^ 1 John iii. 2.