The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-01-22
Matt. V; l-l2.

of It. and finds the forgiveness which
God has promised, u. John, /, ~ Ia likely
TO become gentle, forbearing, forgiving
teachable, submissive, which qualities
are included in the term meekness.
Verse So This should be distinguished
from constitutional quietness resulting
from love of ease or from defect in sem
sibility and firmness; a timid and plant
temper, easily deferred from good and
persuaded to evil. The meekness COM
mended by Jesus is not negative, but
positive; not natural, but SPACIOUS. Men
of the most vehement and implacablc
dispositions, when they have Viewed
themselves with sorrow and looked to
Jesus with trust, have learned to curb
their anger to cease from resentment,
to make concessions and to forgive in
juries. Such people Jesus declares "shpll
inherit the earth" psalm XIV, 49,
They will be beloved and respected by
their fellow men, and they will extract
from life its real sweets, being free from
many serious veNations.
RIGHTNEss. of all that has thus
far been enumerated, there ought to come
a genuine desire to be conformed to ;he
will of God. 1t was the broken law that
awakened the sense of pain described
under the terms poverty and mourning,
and led to meekness. Further consid-
erations of that law will reveal its per-
fection psalm xix, y, as the wise and
good rule of life. the just standard of
character He who meditates upon It
psalm /, -, will perceive that under obe-
dience to it's requirements an absolutely
perfect society might be established IN
the earth. Hence, the prayer that the
will of God may be done (Matt. vi, 1OD is
Il desire for the highest good of the race.
1t is therefore to be expected that man
too.
sonal righteousness desiring it as much
and truly as food and drink. Matt. vi.
S3) To be right, absolutely and always,
is the highest ambition of a noble man,
the source of constant blessedness.
MERCY.-No man may absolve an i'm
penitent sinner without becoming party
to his offense. We are only required TO
initiate God, who forgives on confession.
duke xvii, 80 But mercy is that attri-
butte which restrains anger and prompts
to those deeds that secure repentance.
(Rom. xii, 20) 1t overcomes the evil
that is in an enemy. through ii desire
to reclaim him from his error. He who
has found mercy ought to cherish mercy
toward others. Matt xviii, 32D A sin
ner whom God had pardoned, remember
ing the experiences through which he
passed, and realizing the JOY that comes
at the end. ought to look with pity upon
all who do him an injury and earnest
ly desire that they may pass through the
same states of mind. blessed are the
merciful." because of the richer life into
which they are uShered. Verse -
Blessed also because of the clcmency
that will be shown toward them both by
God and man. Gamcs ii. 49, Nothing
can be more delightful than to know
that others weigh not our transgressions
except for the purpose of releasing us
from their power!
PURITY.-Sin is frequently mentioned
in Scripture as defilemcnt q. Cor. viii y,
probably because by it the soul becomes
loathsome in the sight of n holy God.
(Hab. |, 49, Hence. every act by which
sin Is removed is called purifying. (Acts
XIV, 81 And when the sin is taken away
the person is said to be pure; that is,
clean. G. John, iii, 81 Alas, no man in
this life Is absolutely free from sin.
G. John, i, 81 But through repentance
and faith the heart may be cleansed so
that the motives shall be right and good.