---

Here is comfort to the people of God.

I. God hath provided them with a kingdom.

1. A child of God is oft so low in the world that he hath not a foot of laud to inherit; he is poor in purse, as well as poor in spirit.

2. Here is a fountain of consolation opened.

3. The poorest saint who hath lost all his golden fleece is heir to a kingdom.

II. This kingdom excels all the kingdoms and principalities of the world.

III. The hope of this kingdom, saith Basil, should carry a Christian with courage and cheerfulness through all his afflictions; and it is a saying of Luther's "The sea of God's mercy, overflowing in spiritual blessings, should drown all the sufferings of this life."

IV. What though thou goest now in rags! Thou shalt have thy white robes. What though thou art fed like Daniel, with pulse, and hast coarser fare! Thou shalt feast when thou comest to the kingdom. Here thou drinkest the water of tears; shortly thou shalt drink the wine of paradise. Be comforted with the thoughts of a kingdom.

(Thomas Watson.)

I. WHO ARE MEANT by the poor in spirit? To the poor in spirit, or those that possess a spirit of poverty, the text annexes a blessedness, and promises a reward.

II. What are THE PROPER VIRTUES of a poor and low estate, such as every man, whether high or low, rich or poor, is bound to endeavour after?

(1)  Humility;

(2)  Patience;

(3)  Contentment;

(4)  Trust and hope in God.

(Bishop Ofspring Blackall, D. D.)

---

---

KJV: Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

WEB: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.