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I. IN WHAT RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION CONSISTS.

1. Negative persecution which falls short of violence.

2. Domestic persecution.

3. Private persecution.

4. Public persecution.

II. THE FOLLY AND WICKEDNESS OF THOSE WHO INFLICT PERSECUTION.

1. It is contrary to mound reason.

2. It is contrary to sound policy.

3. It is contrary to Scripture.

4. Persecution for righteousness is virtually aimed at Christ.

III. THE HAPPINESS OF THOSE WHO ENDURE IT.

1. They are furnished with satisfactory evidence of the sincerity of their religion.

2. They are blessed in the enjoyment of those consolations which are generally administered under circumstances of persecution.

3. They largely share the sympathy of the children of God.

4. They are encircled with high associations," so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."

5. They are blessed. in extensive usefulness.

6. Great reward in heaven.

7. Let us be thankful that we are happily exempted, in a great measure, from the evil of persecution.

8. Let us not go out of our way to provoke persecution.

9. Support those who suffer persecution.

(E. Clagton.)

I. The nature of true religion.

1. Its principles — These are spiritual — unpopular — present. Not something without a man, but within. Not of earth, but from above. They are: poverty of spirit, docility of mind, intense aspirations after God, purity of heart.

2. Its practice. Penitential sorrow, mercy, peaceableness, endurance.

II. The blessedness of those who possess true religion. They have peace, true satisfaction. They enjoy all spiritual blessings. they are children of God — then all things are theirs.

1. Have you in possession the principles of true religion?

2. Do you daily reduce them to practice?

(Good Seed for the Lord's Sowers.)

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KJV: Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

WEB: Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.