Christ, therefore, commences His sermon by this subject, as if He were to say, you all desire to be happy; listen then, and I will point out the ways that lead to felicity. Do you, therefore, take care to set your affections on this true happiness, and seek for it by the means which Christ shall point out.
II. How contrary are the ways of God to the ways of man, and His judgments to those of the world. The world believes that happiness exists in honors, riches, and pleasures, and freedom from pain and grief. " They have called the people happy, that hath these things." (Ps. cxliii. xv.) On the contrary, Christ pronounces those happy, who are poor, meek, and humble, who hunger and thirst after justice, and who suffer reproaches and torments. " As the heavens are exalted above the earth, so are My ways above yours," (Is. lv. 9.) says the Lord. Examine to which of these classes you belong, whether you follow the principles of Christ, or the principles of the world.
III. Christ honored eight virtues, which are contemptible in the eyes of the world, with the titles of beautitudes. He has made these so many steps, by which we may ascend to Heaven, in order to enjoy our ultimate and everlasting happiness. These are poverty of spirit, meekness, sorrow for sins, hunger and thirst after justice, mercy, purity of heart, the making of peace both with God and men, and the suffering of persecutions for Christ's sake. You must ascend these steps, if you wish to enter into the joys of your Lord. " Blessed is the man, whose help is from Thee; in his heart he hath disposed to ascend by steps." (Ps. lxxxiii. 6.)
