III. THE JOY OF PERSECUTION.

10. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake.

The Jews expected the Messiah to be. great conqueror, his kingdom to be. conquering kingdom, and its citizens to be lords among the nations, but he pronounces. blessing on those who are persecuted, not on account of their misdeeds, but for righteousness. These are they who shall have the kingdom; the same promise as was made to the poor in spirit. The highest of all blessings is the kingdom of heaven, for it includes every other. Doubtless these words have sustained and cheered many. martyr.

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