the unfortunate, and the despised. He was holy, harmless, and undefiled, in all his communications with the world; submitting to daily contradictions, and meekly overlooking the most painful insults.

By this divine pattern, he who is poor in spirit very solicitously endeavours to form himself; most earnestly desiring to have the mind in him, which was also in Christ Jesus. Nothing less can truly satisfy him than an entire conformity to his Lord and Master. And with this view he solemnly determines, whatever it may cost him, ever carefully to tread in the steps of so infallible a guide, following the Lamb whithersoever he goeth, and everywhere shewing himself mild and gentle, simple and unassuming, through all the varying circumstances of human life.

Thirdly-The poor in spirit are of a forgiving temper, and easy to be entreated. So long as we are in the world, we shall necessarily be exposed to unkind and injurious treatment, from this or that quarter. We shall be occasionally misunderstood, misrepresented, and defamed; perhaps persecuted and abused. But in all such cases, to how

ever great an extreme they may be carried, the poor in spirit maintain the consistency of their character, in the truly christian manner of Paul and his associates-God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle to the world, and to angels, and to men. Even unto this present hour we both hunger and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it; being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the earth, and are as the offscouring of all things unto this day.

Our gracious Master once found himself under the necessity of rebuking James and John for the want of this desirable temper. The circumstance is recorded by St. Luke. On the near approach of our Lord's sufferings, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem. And certain messengers, who had the charge of providing for his reception at the intermediate stages, entered into a village of the Samaritans, and began to make ready. But the inveterate prejudices of that people would not allow them to entertain a person who was then on his way to

worship at Jerusalem. Such an inhospitable mode of acting excited the angry passions of James and John, who could not witness so unexpected a slight shewn to their Master, without feeling a strong disposition to resent it. Upon which they hastily applied to Jesus for permission and assistance to inflict exemplary punishment on the offenders; Lord, wilt thou that we command fire from heaven to consume them, even as Elias did? But Jesus turned and rebuked them, saying, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of: for the Son of Man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

To resent an affront, is considered by men of the world as nothing more than the exhibition of a becoming spirit; while the children of the kingdom esteem it a high point of honour, to pass by an offence, and, if possible, to requite the

some unexpected good turn.

upon higher principles and

offender with

This is to act nobler views

than the greater part of mankind are acquainted with. And to this purpose is that apostolic exhortation, which is worthy to be written upon the pillars of every palace,

and upon the walls of every cottage, in our land-If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if

he thirst, give him drink; for in so doing, thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head: be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. In these cases, most assuredly, an extraordinary degree of grace is required. But, then, it is to be remembered, that our Heavenly Father giveth grace to the humble in a more abundant measure than to other men. Nor should it ever be forgotten, that, when a man ceases to avenge himself and gives place unto wrath, the righteous Judge, to whom vengeance belongeth, never fails to undertake the defence of such a sufferer. He gives his angels charge to encamp about the person of such a man, to bear him in their arms, and to shield him against all the furious assaults of his enemies. The invisible and invincible hosts of God are the perpetual guard of such an unresisting child of peace. He sees them with the eye of faith, as Elisha once beheld his divine protectors encompassing him, in close array, upon a certain mount in Dothan. Amid their shining ranks he walks about at large; or he casts himself quietly down at their

feet, with the language of the psalmist on his lips-I will lay me down in peace, and take my rest; for it is thou Lord only who makest me to dwell in safety. I will close this division of my discourse with one of the most affectionate and pressing invitations, that was ever uttered by our condescending Lord-Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

All this, and much more than I have here recounted, is signified by poverty of spirit— first, it consists of a humble and lowly heart: secondly, of a meek and gentle carriage: and, thirdly, of a mild and forgiving temper. And truly, my brethren, these marks of distinction are to be found upon all the faithful people of God, according to that which is written, such honour have all his saints. Let me not, however, be understood to assert, that every real Christian possesses the grace I have been describing, in an eminent degree. Daily experience proves the fact to be otherwise. But what I mean to

affirm, is, that the religion of Jesus has this tendency, and works this way: so that there is no sincere follower of Christ to be found