Blessed are They that Mourn.
By C. A. Osgood
“Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.” How different from the ideas of worldly men are the teachings of Jesus Christ. They “call the proud happy,” they think that the rich, the gay, the mirthful, those who “live in pleasure on the earth,” are the blessed ones. But the Saviour pronounced blessings upon the humble poor, the sorrowful, the persecuted ones, and gave assurance, that such should enjoy the favor of God, and a possession in the kingdom of Heaven. But to the gay and sportive multitude he said, “Woe unto you that laugh now for ye shall mourn and weep.” The promise of comfort is not to all in the world that may mourn from any cause, for “the sorrow of the world worketh death.” But it is to those who “sorrow after a godly sort,” that is, in a manner pleasing to the Lord. “It is to those heavy laden ones who come to Christ, take his yoke upon them and learn of him. “They will find rest to their souls.” The children of God as truly as others have their sorrows and joys here in this world. Some of the sorrows that ungodly persons have, they have not; some they have that the world have not; and some, both classes share in common. Sometimes the children of God are “in heaviness through manifold trials.” And again they are enabled to “rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” For their comfort God has given “exceeding great and precious promises.” The Holy Spirit is called the Comforter. He “takes of the things of Jesus and shows them” to his disciples. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirits that we are the children of God; and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” The sinner, truly sorrowful on account of his sins against a God of perfect righteousness, justice, and goodness, crying out “God be merciful to me a sinner,” finds peace in believing in the Lord Jesus, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Fleeing “for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before him,” he finds strong consolation in the oath and promise of him who cannot lie. Though God was angry with him, his anger is now turned away and he comforts him. The backslider who has wandered from the fold of Christ, and sinned grievously, repenting with bitter tears over his guiltiness, crying to God, that he would “have mercy upon him according to the multitude of his tender mercies,” confessing his guilt, and acknowledging that he is not worthy to be called a child of God, has restored to him the joys of God’s salvation, so that his broken bones are made to rejoice, and his tongue to sing aloud of God’s righteousness. The glorious things foretold by the prophets are exceedingly comforting to Christian mourners. Do they sorrow on account of the loss of dear Christian friends by death? They do not “sorrow as those who have no hope.” “For the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven, with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” Those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake are assured that their reward will be great in Heaven, and thus are encouraged to follow the Saviour through evil report, and endure long in hope of an eternal crown. The laborers in the gospel field, who toil with much anxiety to save souls, warning every man night and day with tears as Paul did, are comforted, by the conversion and steadfastness, and growth in grace of those for whom they have labored. These are their glory and joy. “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.” And converts saved will be the joy and crown of rejoicing of the ministers of Christ, in his presence at his coming. 1 Thess. 1:19. The people of God are distressed now in view of the prevailing wickedness of the world. “Rivers of waters run down mine eyes because they keep not thy law.” As they behold the transgressors they are grieved. But they are comforted in remembering the promise of God, that he will create a new earth, wherein the righteous shall dwell. There will be no Sabbath breakers there. For “from one Sabbath to another shall all flesh come to worship before the Lord.” No profane swearer, or liar, or fornicator, or drunkard, or murderer, or extortioner, or covetous man will be there; but only the peaceful, just, true and holy ones will inherit the land. It is a great comfort to the afflicted people of God, to know that “all things shall work together for good to them that love God;” and that “these light afflictions which are but for a moment,” comparatively, “work out for them a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” Oh! how the people of God may be comforted, amidst all the cares, perplexities, toils and trials of the present state, when they think that these are not long to continue, but will be succeeded by everlasting comfort, peace and joy! “God will wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there will be no more death, nor mourning, nor crying; for the former things will have passed away.” “There will be no more curse.” C. A. Osgood.