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I. What we are to UNDERSTAND BY THE MOURNING mentioned.

1. It is not the mourning of a melancholy disposition.

2. It is not sorrow over temporal distress.

3. It is not sorrow in adversity.

4. It is not sorrow because of disappointed hopes. It arises purely from religion.

II. What are the CAUSES of this mourning?

1. Sin is one —

(1)  Because it dishonours God;

(2)  Because it cleaves to himself.

(3)  The prevalence of sin causes him to mourn

(4)  because of the punishment it shall receive.

2. Another cause of his mourning is the absence of spiritual joys.

3. Another cause is the imperfect and afflicted state of the Church.

III. The import of the GRACIOUS PROMISE made by the Saviour.

1. Spiritual mourners shall be comforted by an assurance of their personal interest in Christ.

2. By the assurance that the causes of their present mourning shall be removed.

3. By the expression of Divine approbation.

4. If the Christian be thus comforted here, what must be his comfort in heaven?To conclude.

1. How mistaken is the world in its decisions! It supposes the mourner miserable; he only has joy.

2. Are you a spiritual mourner?

(J. Jordan.)

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KJV: Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

WEB: Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.