Blessed are the poor in spirit. For in leaving the prejudice of
restricted nationalism they will gain the inspiration of the world
view and possess more of the kingdom of heaven.
* * * * *
Blessed are the meek, those possessing the childlike but world view
point of Christ, for they shall inherit the environment of the
earth.
* * * * *
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness. For the
ethics of true religion is to be sifted from the chaff of
superstition, and righteousness is to cover the whole earth as the
waters cover the seas.
* * * * *
Blessed are the merciful nations. For they shall obtain mercy in return
from other nations, and learn that impulsive retaliation is too
costly and that patient and honorable conciliation makes for world
peace and national prosperity.
* * * * *
Blessed are the peacemakers. For now that the nations have entered
through the united seas into a neighborhood; they--by encouraging
disarmament and teaching the gospel of contact as well as good
will--will hasten the day when the nations can live together without
war in the spirit of council and peace.
* * * * *
Blessed is he who is persecuted by people whose minds are filled with
race prejudice, national pride and selfishness; for he has
discovered the secret of seeing good in all nationalities, of
detecting the soul behind the color, and shall be honored by
humanity as a pioneer of international brotherhood.
* * * * *
Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you and say all
manner of evil against you falsely, for so persecuted they Him who
said "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every
creature." Rejoice and be exceeding glad for great is your reward in
heaven and in the councils of the world.
* * * * *
Blessed are the pure in heart. For they shall see God as transcendant
and immanent in the resurrected Christ. They shall find His spirit
in all life and behold His glory wherever they journey throughout
the wide world.
* * * * *
Blessed is this noble brotherhood of manly souls. For ye are not only
the salt of the school, the city, the state and nation; but also of
the earth. Yours is not the light of bigoted patriotism. But ye are
the light of the world. And your city placed upon a hill cannot be
hid.
* * * * *
Blessed are these pathfinders who do not fear the seas, for they have
discovered that the very waters are resolutely moving toward
freedom; and they are being led forward by a pillar of light into
the promised land of the essentially unified races.