Let me pause just a moment here. Blessed are the poor in spirit—who do what? Are they blessed simply because they are poor in spirit? No; don't forget that. Let this rest upon your minds. "Blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me." There is the substance of it. There is the truth: "Blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." And thus it is made a little plainer here than you will find it in the New Testament.
"And again, blessed are all they that mourn, for they shall be comforted;
"And blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
"And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled"—what with? The Lord tells us here, "Blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost.
"And blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."
Of all people under the heavens, the Latter-day Saints should be the most merciful people, the most forgiving, the most charitable, for no man can more easily forgive and show mercy to his fellow creatures than he who has received mercy and forgiveness from God.
"And blessed are all the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
"And blessed are all the peace-makers, for they shall be called the children of God.
"And blessed are all they who are persecuted for my name's sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"And blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake,