Who are persecuted
In order to understand this thoroughly, let us first ask who they are that are persecuted. And this we may easily learn from Saint Paul. As of old, the one who was born after the flesh persecuted the one who was born after the Spirit (Galatians 4:29), so it is now. Yes, says the apostle, and all who will live in a godly way in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). The same we are taught by Saint John. Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you (1 John 3:13). We know that we have passed from death to life (1 John 3:14), because we love the brothers and sisters. As if he had said, the brothers and sisters, the Christians, cannot be loved except by those who have passed from death to life (1 John 3:14). And most expressly by our Lord: If the world hates you, you know that it hated me before it hated you (John 15:18). If you were of the world, the world would love its own (John 15:19). But because you are not of the world, therefore the world hates you (John 15:19). Remember the word that I said to you: The servant is not greater than his Lord (John 15:20). If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you (John 15:20).
By all these scriptures it plainly appears who they are that are persecuted: namely, the righteous, the one who is born after the Spirit, all who will live in a godly way in Christ Jesus, those who have passed from death to life, those who are not of the world, all those who are meek and lowly in heart, who mourn for God, who hunger after his likeness, all who love God and their neighbor, and therefore, as they have opportunity, do good to all people (Galatians 6:10).
1771 text
2. In order to understand this throughly, let us, first enquire, who are they that are persecuted. And this we may easily learn from St. Paul: As of old, he that was born after the flesh, persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Yea, saith the apostle, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution. The same we are taught by St. John. Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. As if he had said, the brethren, the Christians cannot be loved, but by them who have passed from death unto life. And most expresly, by our Lord: If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love its own; but because ye are not of the world――therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you.
By all these scriptures it manifestly appears, who they are that are persecuted: namely, the righteous, he that is born after the Spirit; all that will live godly in Christ Jesus: they that are passed from death unto life; those who are not of the world: All those who are meek and lowly in heart, that mourn for God, that hunger after his likeness; all that love God and their neighbour, and therefore as they have opportunity, do good unto all men.
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 23 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 5:8-12.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.