The triumphs of humility.
The originality of Christ is evinced in these first sentences of his discourse. "Nothing," says David Hume, "carries a man through the world like a true, genuine, natural impudence." Sturdy qualities are approved by men of the world, and quiet virtues are despised. Christ places these in the forefront, and associates with them benedictions in a manner which astonishes the poets, philosophers, and sages of antiquity. Let us—
I. REVIEW THE QUALITIES HERE COMMENDED.
1. Poverty of spirit.
2. Mournfulness.
3. Meekness.
II. MEDITATE UPON THEIR BLESSEDNESS.
1. The kingdom of heaven is for the poor in spirit.
2. There is comfort for the mourner.
"'Midst blessings infinite,
Be this the foremost, that my heart has bled!"
"It is better to go to the house of mourning than to the house of feasting."
3. The meek shall inherit the earth.
Let us qualify for this blessedness by cultivating the virtues that may claim it.—J.A.M.
Righteousness and mercy.
The cry of humanity is after happiness. Men seek it in all manner of avenues. They are commonly mortified and disappointed. In the text we may learn—
I. THAT IN RIGHTEOUSNESS ALONE IS SATISFACTION.
1. The sphere of intellect is filled with God.
2. The sphere of affection is filled with God.
3. Righteousness secures the highest favour.
II. THAT RIGHTEOUSNESS MUST BE SOUGHT IN THE SPIRIT OF EARNESTNESS,
1. God is in earnest.
2. Satan is in earnest.
3. True repentance is earnest.
III. THAT RIGHTEOUSNESS MUST BE SOUGHT IN THE SPIRIT OF MERCY.
1. The righteousness of God cannot be compromised to his mercy.
2. Hence the spirit of mercy is required in the suppliant.