432.
Beatitude. 1.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of
Heaven.”
1
Are there blessings? are there curses?
Both there are, and both will be!
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
Those, O Lord! who worship thee;
But the foes of the Redeemer,
Shall not God, in glory, see.
2
Pride is restless as the ocean
That in slumber breathes alarm;
Honours, scrupulous, exacting,
Fancying foes in every form;
Tumult, his commanding passion,
And his element, the storm!
3
Blessed are the poor in spirit;
Their commotions long have ceas'd;
Striving not to be the greatest;
Satisfied to be the least.
Through the sovereign balm, contentment,
Theirs is a continual feast.
4
What in them should wake the tempest?
Though the world, inconstant, frown,
Safe, beyond these scenes of turmoil,
They behold a radiant crown!
Taught by wisdom, little heeding
Earth's possessions or renown.
5
Father! ever good and bounteous,
On my heart, unceasing, shine!
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
May that blessing, Lord! be mine!
May I, in the darkest season,
On thy word, in hope, recline!
