Blessed are they that mourn
It is true that a person who is only beginning to know the inward kingdom of heaven has scarcely any conception of this. In his prosperity he says, I shall never be moved. You, Lord, have made my hill so strong. Sin is so utterly bruised beneath his feet that he can scarcely believe it remains in him. Even temptation is silenced and does not speak again. It cannot approach, but stands far off. He is carried aloft in the chariots of joy and love. He soars as on the wings of an eagle. But our Lord well knew that this triumphant state does not often continue long. He therefore immediately adds, Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.
1771 text
II. 1. It is true, he has scarce any conception of this, who now begins to know the inward kingdom of heaven. In his prosperity he saith, I shall never be moved; Thou, Lord, hast made my hill so strong. Sin is so utterly bruised beneath his feet, that he can scarce believe it remaineth in him. Even temptation is silenced and speaks not again: it cannot approach, but stands afar off. He is borne aloft in the chariots of joy and love: he soars as upon the wings of an eagle. But our Lord well knew, that this triumphant state does not often continue long. He therefore presently subjoins, Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 21 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 5:1-4.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.