What will the text of this great Preacher be? What is the thought uppermost in His mind and heart? This—to teach us what we must do to be happy. He knows that we are made for happiness, and that we long to be happy. But He knows, too, that very many try to find happiness in things that will not satisfy them, in the riches, pleasures, and honors of this world which can never content our hearts. And so He tells us in the beginning of His Sermon on the Mount who are really blessed or happy.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the land.
“Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.
“Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice, for they shall have their fill.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
“Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.
“Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.”