The foundation is poverty of spirit
The foundation of all is poverty of spirit. Here, therefore, our Lord begins. Blessed, he says, are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
It may fairly be supposed that our Lord, looking at those who were around him, and observing that not many rich were there, but rather the poor of the world, took occasion from that to pass from temporal things to spiritual things. Blessed, he says, or happy, for so the word should be rendered, both in this verse and in the following verses, are the poor in spirit. He does not say, those who are poor as to outward circumstances. It is not impossible that some of these may be as far from happiness as a monarch on his throne. He says, the poor in spirit: those who, whatever their outward circumstances are, have that disposition of heart which is the first step to all real, substantial happiness, either in this world or in the world to come.
1771 text
2. The foundation of all is poverty of spirit: here therefore our Lord begins: Blessed, saith he, are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
It may not improbably be supposed, that our Lord looking on those who were round about him, and observing that not many rich were there, but rather the poor of the world, took occasion from thence, to make a transition from temporal to spiritual things. Blessed, saith he (or happy; so the word should be rendered, both in this and the following verses) are the poor in spirit. He does not say, they that are poor, as to outward circumstances; it being not impossible that some of these may be as far from happiness as a monarch upon his throne: but the poor in spirit, they who, whatever their outward circumstances are, have that disposition of heart, which is the first step to all real, substantial happiness, either in this world or that which is to come.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 21 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 5:1-4.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.