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5 Q. Can those who trust in themselves that they are righteous be admitted into this state of grace on earth?

A. No:-It is the privilege of those only who are poor in spirit; for "God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble."

6 Q. Can any one gain admittance into the kingdom of glory in heaven, who is not a member of the kingdom of grace on earth?

A. No:-For" without holiness no man shall see the Lord."

7 Q. Concerning whom does our Lord speak when he says, "Blessed are they that mourn?" A. Concerning those who are grieved on account of sin in themselves and others.

8 Q. Do you remember any instances of such blessed mourners mentioned in Scripture? A. The publican who "smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me, a sinner;" the Apostle Peter, who" wept bitterly" when he had denied Jesus Christ; and David, who complained to God of the wicked, saying, "Rivers of water run down mine eyes because men keep not thy law."

9 Q. Wherefore are they that mourn to be accounted "blessed?"

A. Because "they shall be comforted." 10 Q. In what manner?

A. By the inward consolations of the Holy Ghost in this life, and by that fulness of joy which is at God's right hand in the world to

come.

11 Q. Who are "the meek?"

A. They who preserve their tempers and affections calm and well regulated, under provocations, temptations, or afflictions.

12 Q. Wherefore are they to be accounted

A.

"blessed?"

Because "they shall inherit the earth.” 13 Q. What do you understand by this promise?" A. That they shall enjoy such a portion of earthly things as God knoweth to be necessary and good for them here, and that they shall hereafter inherit those new heavens and that new earth wherein dwelleth righte

ousness.

14 Q. Who are "they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness?"

A. They, who feel the same earnest desire for holiness of heart and life which they feel for meat and drink when they are hungry and thirsty.

15 Q. Wherefore are they to be accounted "blessed?"

A. Because" they shall be filled.”

16 Q. What do you understand by this promise? A. That God will sanctify them wholly in body, soul, and spirit, and thus satisfy their desires.

17 Q. Who are "the merciful?"

A. They, who are tender-hearted, and love all men as themselves; or do unto others as they would have others do to them.

18 Q.

Wherefore are they to be accounted "blessed?"

A. Because "they shall obtain mercy" from

God, who will forgive them their trespasses as they forgive others, and repay them abundantly for all their work and labour which proceedeth from love.

19 Q. Who are "the pure in heart?"

A. They, in whom there is no guile, and whose hearts are cleansed from every unholy design, temper, and affection.

20 Q. Wherefore are they to be accounted "blessed?"

A. Because" they shall see God."

21 Q. What do you understand by this promise? A. That God will manifest himself to them as he does not unto the world; that they shall see his wisdom, power, and love, ordering all things for their good on earth; and that they shall at length behold his glory in heaven.

22 Q. Who are "the peace-makers?"

A. They, who strive to promote love and good-will among men, and to persuade sinners to be reconciled to God.

23 Q. Wherefore are they to be accounted "blessed?"

A. Because "they shall be called the children of God."

24 Q. Why shall they be honoured with such a glorious title?

A. Because they have been born again in the likeness of him who is the God of peace.

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25 Q. Who are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake?"

A. They, who are hated, reproached, and ill

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treated, because they do the will of God, hold the faith, and follow the example of Jesus Christ.

26 Q. Must every faithful follower of Christ expect hatred and persecution from the world? A. Yes:-For Jesus hath said to his disciples, "Ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake." And both St. John and St. Paul confirm this declaration, saying, "Marvel not if the world hate you." "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." 27 Q.But must not those persons be very unhappy who are exposed to the malice, ridicule, contempt, and ill-usage of the world?

A. No:-Jesus Christ, whose judgment is true, declares that they are 66 blessed;" and tells them to" rejoice and be exceeding glad." 28 Q. But in what can they find cause for joy under such circumstances?

A. First, In the confident expectation of a great reward in heaven; for they who suffer with Jesus Christ shall also reign and be glorified with him. Secondly, In the reflection that the same reproach and persecution has been endured by the holy prophets, and all others who have gone before them in the way of righteousness.

29 Q. Does it become us always to rejoice when men speak evil of us?

A. No:-Only when they speak evil of us falsely for Christ's sake."

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30 Q.

SECTION II.

NO what does our Lord compare the church or people of God?

T

A. To" salt."

31 Q. Wherein do they resemble salt? A. Because as salt prevents the progress of putrefaction in flesh or fertilizes the barren land on which it is spread; so should every member of the church by his holy conversation and example check the progress of sin and promote the increase of righteousness in the earth. 32 Q. Whom does our Lord compare to "salt which has lost its savour?"

A. They, who, like the Jewish nation, after having been enlightened by the word of God, have relapsed into ignorance and sin.

33 Q. Is the case of such represented as awfully dangerous? A. Yes:-For Jesus enquires concerning the salt which has lost its savour, "Wherewith shall it be salted?" thus intimating, that when they who are favoured with the light of revelation depart from the faith and service of God, they render the most powerful means of grace ineffectual for their salvation.

34 Q. What must be the end of such as thus finally fall away?

A. They must be exposed to shame and everlasting contempt, like salt which has lost all its useful properties, and is "fit for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under foot:"

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