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Testimonies for the Church Volume 2
in this world. They are afraid to do right and follow Christ, lest they
should meet with pecuniary loss. They neglect their duty, to avoid
reproach and trials, and to escape dangers. Those who dare not do
right because they will thus expose themselves to trials, persecution,
loss, and suffering are cowards, and, with idolaters, liars, and all
sinners, they are ripening for the second death.
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Christ’s Sermon on the Mount declares who are the truly blessed:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit [those who are not self-exalted, but
candid, and of a humble disposition, not too proud to be taught, not
vain and ambitious for the honors of the world]: for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn [those who are
penitential, submissive, and who grieve over their failures and errors
because the Spirit of God is grieved]: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek [those who are gentle and forgiving, who, when
reviled, will not revile again, but who manifest a teachable spirit,
and do not hold themselves in high esteem]: for they shall inherit
the earth.” Those who possess the qualifications here enumerated
will not only be blessed of God here in this life, but will be crowned
with glory, honor, and immortality in His kingdom.
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