St. Paul says in his letter to the Ephesians: "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children."
It is only as we strive day by day to remember to be loving and peaceful, that we shall attain to the honour of being called a "Peacemaker."
The Eighth "Blessed."
"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."
Let us think of the long Roll of Martyrs who have given their lives for Christ's sake! This blessedness can only be known, and the Prize obtained, by firm faith in God!
Those who have esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of the world have already entered into the recompense of the reward.
CHRIST ADDRESSING THE MULTITUDES.
They had seen the promises of God afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
And this country is a heavenly one, and God is not ashamed to be called their God, and He has prepared for them a city. Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven!