Sermon V - Comfort for the Poor in Spirit - Matthew 5:3
Heaven. You who have pursued the world and believed that you would be blessed if you could live luxuriously and enjoy a comfortable income, recognize that there is a kingdom that concerns you. As far as we know, this kingdom applies to every soul present here. Therefore, above all else pursue that kingdom so that you may obtain your portion in it.
SERMON V OR Comfort for the Poor in Spirit "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 5:3
As you may recall, we are currently discussing the first blessedness attributed to those who are poor in spirit. We have extensively covered the subject of this blessedness, examining who the poor are according to Scripture, and emphasizing that they are indeed blessed.
However, we have now reached the point where we delve into the blessedness pronounced by Christ upon them: "theirs is the kingdom of heaven." We made several observations from the context, "Blessed are the poor, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Christ does not say, "Blessed are the poor, for God will show them mercy," but rather, "theirs is the kingdom of heaven." It is a fitting blessing for the grace that shines most prominently in them. Christ uplifts them
from their poverty of spirit and crowns them with the glory of a kingdom—the kingdom of heaven. Yet it is not just any kingdom; it is the kingdom of heaven. In our previous discussion, we established that worldly possessions cannot bring true blessedness; it must be something from the kingdom of heaven. It is noteworthy that Christ does not say, "the kingdom of heaven will be theirs," as He says of others, such as "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
No, He declares, "theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Christ assures the poor that they cannot wait, for they have immediate needs. He promises not only what they will have after death, but a kingdom that they can possess in the present—"theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
We have begun to explore the nature of this kingdom of heaven and the various meanings of the term "kingdom" in Scripture. However, the main purpose of Christ's words here is to convey the state of the Messiah and the blessings He would bring into the world through His administration. That is the kingdom of heaven referred to in this context. I do not believe Christ intended to focus solely on going to heaven and experiencing glory after death, although that is one aspect among many. His aim here is to emphasize that those who are poor in spirit are blessed because they partake in the present blessedness of God's people during the time of the Messiah's arrival.
Therefore, I do not intend to discuss the glory of heaven in this sermon. Any discussion on that matter will be more relevant to verse
10: "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." For now, I will focus solely on the blessed state of those who are poor in spirit, which involves enjoying the good things in the Messiah's era. That is the meaning of the Scripture that calls for repentance because "the kingdom of heaven is at hand." It is an invitation to turn away from sinful ways and not
indulge in our desires as we used to. Repent, for Jesus Christ has come into the world, bringing great glory with Him. Since I aim to conclude within this session, I will skip over our previous discussion and proceed to what remains. Moreover, what remains will build upon some of the points we previously explored concerning the kingdom of heaven. This leads us to the following:
What comfort can be derived from considering the Messiah's arrival in the world? What encouragement does it bring to those who are poor in spirit, and how do they specifically find happiness? This is the focus of this sermon and the aim of Christ's message. Therefore, to further elaborate on this, I will present the following three points.
Firstly, let us consider the comfort for those who are outwardly poor —those who have spirits that align with their outward conditions, who are godly in their poverty, and willingly submit to God in their humble state. What encouragement can they find from the Messiah's state and the kingdom of heaven? I believe Christ intended to speak comforting words to such godly, impoverished individuals, as we can see in Luke 6, where Christ contrasts the rich in this world with the poor in spirit. Therefore, in this scripture, Christ undoubtedly aims to bring comfort to the godly poor.
Secondly, let us consider those who are poor in abilities and gifts, men and women of meager talents who are godly and humbly acknowledge their limited capabilities. What good can they derive from the kingdom of heaven, and what comfort can they find in it?
Thirdly, let us consider those who are poor in grace, those who recognize their spiritual poverty. What blessedness do they receive from the kingdom of heaven?
Firstly, let us address those who are outwardly poor—godly poor individuals. I am speaking directly to you, and I truly believe that Christ is also addressing you. Likewise, He desires His ministers to speak comforting words to you. You are individuals whose outward circumstances have left you lowly and humble. However, as you willingly submit to God's plan for your lives and honor Him in your poverty without complaint, Jesus Christ pronounces you blessed today. He declares that the kingdom of heaven belongs to you. In other words, do not be disheartened by your lowly status in this world, for your spirits align with the condition God has placed you in. The Lord has appointed a kingdom for you—the kingdom of heaven. Although you may not be esteemed in this world, you possess a great deal within the kingdom of heaven.
Now, let us consider several aspects of being poor in this world yet godly. In Luke 12:29-31, Christ addresses those who are outwardly poor in relation to the kingdom of heaven. He advises them, "And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you." He further assures them,
"Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." When contemplating what to eat and drink, the thoughts of many poor individuals—particularly the godly poor— revolve around how they will provide for their families. However,
Christ instructs them not to be anxious about such matters. Even those to whom Christ spoke faced severe hardships, perhaps comparable to the struggles encountered by the godly poor who hear me today. Yet, they were urged not to worry. Why should they not be concerned about what they would eat and drink? Because, as Christ states, "all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your
Father knows that you need them." Instead, they should seek the
kingdom of God, and everything necessary for their well-being would be provided. Christ emphasizes, "Fear not, little flock, for it is your
Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Therefore, focus on the kingdom of Jesus Christ, for if you possess that, you have an abundance. Though you may be a small flock, it brings joy to your
Father to bestow a kingdom upon you. Consequently, the awareness that your Father has appointed a kingdom for you and is giving you that kingdom should bring solace to your hearts despite the hardships you face in your impoverished state.
Now, let us consider specific aspects that bring comfort to those who are outwardly poor but godly. Firstly, reflect on the fact that the King of the kingdom of heaven, Jesus Christ Himself, experienced poverty.
You may speak of the kingdom of heaven, but in the meantime, we endure difficulties in this world. However, remember that you are not enduring greater hardships in this world than the King of the kingdom you have been translated into. Jesus Christ Himself, the great Prince and King of Heaven, was poor in this world. Therefore, the realization that your King shares the same humble circumstances and experiences as you should be a tremendous source of support. It is akin to a general saying to his soldiers, "Continue, even if all you have to drink is water. Remember, you drink the same as your general." Likewise, Christ can rightfully say to you, the poor in spirit,
"Why are you dismayed by your poverty? Am I not poorer than you?
Perhaps you have a modest house, but consider what is said of Christ: 'Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.'" Christ did not even have a home to call His own. Your diet may seem humble and modest, lacking the bountiful dishes enjoyed by others. In John 21:5, after His resurrection and when His suffering for sin had ended, Christ came to His disciples and asked, "Children, do you have any fish?"
He did not inquire about the specific types of dishes they possessed,
but simply whether they had anything at all. This emphasizes Christ's contentment with whatever was available.
Additionally,
Corinthians 8:9 tells us that "though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich." There is no godly person in Scripture who was in a poorer condition than
Christ, in many respects. Therefore, take comfort in the knowledge that your King, both then and now, willingly subjected Himself to a state of poverty. This should alleviate any murmuring thoughts regarding your own impoverished condition. Remember, the kingdom of heaven is yours. If you truly comprehend the meaning of the kingdom of heaven and consider who the King of this kingdom is, understanding that His own state was marked by poverty, it will dispel any discontentment you may feel towards your humble circumstances. My kingdom is not of this world, says Christ. So, even if you lack the worldly riches, know that Christ Himself did not possess them either.
But secondly, consider this: Christ's poverty was to sanctify your poverty. Merely considering that our Captain or King suffers alongside us is something, but no poverty or suffering of a King or Captain can remove the curse of his subjects' sufferings. However, the poverty of Jesus Christ, the Heir of this kingdom, was meant to take away the curse of your poverty and sanctify it. When you hear that He was poor in this world, you can exercise your faith, saying,
"Lord, this was to sanctify my poverty." Indeed, poverty itself is a curse, but for the godly, the curse is removed through the poverty of Jesus Christ. Just as the death of Jesus Christ sanctified the death of the godly, removing the sting of death, so too are their poverty and afflictions sanctified by the poverty and afflictions endured by Christ
Himself. Therefore, in this kingdom, you can find comfort and goodness.
Thirdly, this kingdom of heaven is primarily comprised of the poor in the world. The mere consideration of this fact is immensely helpful for those who are outwardly poor. I admit that there are occasions when rich individuals are also subjects of this kingdom, as mentioned in Mark 15:43, where it is said that an honorable counselor waited for the kingdom of God. Great men may become subjects, but ordinarily it is the poor who are the subjects of this kingdom.
Then fourthly, the Lord has orchestrated things in such a way that the significant events in this kingdom of heaven have been carried out by the lowly and poor, not by the great ones of the world. The Lord Christ has not relied heavily on the great ones of the world to advance His kingdom.
From this, it follows in the fifth place that poverty is not a hindrance to attaining the highest position in this kingdom of heaven. While poverty may hinder one from attaining high positions of honor in a worldly kingdom, a poor person in the kingdom of heaven can reach the same high degree as the richest individual. Therefore, when choosing officers for the church, there should be no consideration of a person's wealth. I acknowledge that when selecting officers for the state, a poor person, though possibly wiser than someone of means, may not be the ideal choice, as it is not suitable for someone without means to have control over others' estates. However, when it comes to the kingdom of heaven, where matters concern solely spiritual power and dealing with consciences rather than estates or outward liberty, the selection of officers should not be influenced by wealth.
The kingdom of heaven is not concerned with worldly possessions or social status, but solely with dealing with individuals' consciences in regard to their spiritual well-being and their path to heaven.
Therefore, in the church, considerations of a person's wealth should
not outweigh the slightest trace of godliness and understanding in matters of the kingdom of heaven. It is indeed a carnal approach to focus on the chief of the parish without considering their godliness or lack thereof. If the chief possesses the same godliness and understanding as others, then they should be chosen as an officer.
However, it is wrong to allow wealth to be the deciding factor when there is a lack of godliness and understanding. Such an approach only serves to align the state of the kingdom of heaven with the world. In contrast, those who are poor in this kingdom are just as capable of reaching high positions as anyone else. This is a great source of help and comfort for the godly poor who partake in the kingdom of heaven, as they enjoy all the privileges associated with this kingdom. Although they may not have the privileges of a worldly kingdom in terms of wealth and status, they can fully partake in the privileges of the kingdom of heaven.
Sixthly, even those who are outwardly poor but godly have a rightful claim to all things in this world as far as it is good for them. It is said of Abraham in Romans 4:13 that he was the heir of the world. This is spoken of Abraham as a believer, and every believer is a child of Abraham and therefore inherits Abraham's blessings. Hence, every believer is an heir of the world. All things belong to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. You may wonder why, if believers have the right to all things, they do not possess them. The answer lies in their condition; they are not in a state that allows for possession. However, all things work for their good in one way or another. Just as all the kingdoms of the world are subject to Jesus
Christ and are surrendered to Him for the advancement of His kingdom, all things in the world are surrendered to the saints for their benefit, as they partake in the kingdom of heaven.
Seventhly, in this kingdom, there are spiritual riches that can fully compensate and are infinitely superior to all outward riches. You may think that if the state were to provide you with a certain amount, you would be a happy person. However, valuing the riches of the world more than the things of the kingdom of heaven is a mark of a carnal heart. The things of the kingdom of heaven make you rich in faith, holiness, promises, your relationship with God and Christ, and the enjoyment of the Holy Spirit and His gifts and graces. These things are abundantly shared within the kingdom of the Messiah, even more so than in the times of the Law. Back then, being poor was a greater evil because spiritual riches were not as abundantly communicated by God. Instead, those spiritual riches were reserved for the coming of the Messiah. Consequently, God was more lenient with the outward estates of individuals during the times of the Law.
If you had lived during the times of the Law, it is likely that you would not have been as poor. However, on the other hand, it is unlikely that you would have had the same measure of grace, the same manifestations of God to your soul, as you have now.
Therefore, it is well for you to be in the kingdom of heaven, where there is such abundant communication of spiritual riches.
Eigthly, from all these considerations, it follows that the great temptations that trouble those who are poor and godly can be alleviated through the contemplation of the blessings of the kingdom. What are these temptations, you may ask? There are three significant temptations that afflict those who are poor and godly, temptations that are not as troubling for those who possess wealth.
Firstly, I am afraid that God is against me and does not bless me in anything I undertake. This fear and bondage have already been addressed.
The second temptation is feeling despised due to being in a poor condition. No, you are a king. You have been translated into the kingdom of His dear Son and have a share in His kingdom.
Therefore, do not listen to the temptation that arises from contempt and being despised. Does the world not regard you? The Lord God highly regards you, for He has given you a kingdom.
Then there is a third temptation: feeling useless in the world.
However, this text will address that temptation. The kingdom is yours, and as you have heard, the Lord Christ advances His kingdom through the poor. So do not be troubled by your perceived uselessness in the world. This is the eighth support for those who are outwardly poor and humble in spirit, in line with their poverty.
The ninth support is this: eventually, even the poor and godly will possess all things. I find scripture to support this in Revelation 21:7.
Some may doubt such a claim, but by comparing different passages, it becomes clear that it does not refer to the glory in the highest heaven, but to another glory. "He who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shall be my son." There will come a time when they will possess everything, and they will certainly receive abundant honor. In Zechariah 9:16, there is an excellent expression of the honor God will bestow upon His saints when speaking of the kingdom of Christ. The Lord their God will save them in that day, and they will be as precious stones in a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon His land. This promise applies to all the saints. There is a coming time when they, who may currently be despised and clothed in rags, will shine as brightly as the sun. Just as you see the sun in the sky, your poverty-stricken body, which lacks food and proper clothing, will soon shine as brightly as the sun in the firmament. Concerning possession of worldly things, consider
Matthew 19:29: "And every one that hath forsaken houses, or
brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life." The passage does not speak solely of being rewarded in heaven; it goes beyond that. In addition to everlasting life, they shall receive a hundredfold. You may argue that in another
Gospel, the hundredfold is mentioned alongside persecution, as in Mark 10:30. However, if you carefully examine the promise, you will find it even more extensive: "He shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands." You may say that receiving a hundredfold means receiving grace worth a hundred times the value of their lands. Yet, you see that the Holy Spirit mentions specific things like houses and lands. Nevertheless, there is a passage that seems to contradict this. It states that they will receive houses and lands (and the like) in this time, but with persecution, and in the world to come, eternal life. It mentions persecution, so how can these two ideas coexist? To answer that, I genuinely believe that this is a correct interpretation: the phrase "with persecution" in your book is translated from the Greek word "meta," which does not always mean
"with" but can also mean "after." There are various instances where "meta" signifies "after" rather than "with." For example, in Mark
8:31, it is translated as "after three days, He shall rise again."
Therefore, you can use the same justification to translate the other phrase, that they shall receive houses and lands a hundredfold after enduring persecution. Determining how, when, and in what manner the Lord will fulfill this is challenging. The fulfillment of prophecies often serves as the best interpretation of them. However, it seems evident to me that the Scripture indicates that it is part of the kingdom of Jesus Christ, which He will eventually bring His people to enjoy. Whatever good things are to be enjoyed here will be part of the reward for His people. This reward is bestowed in a spiritual and holy way, not in a sensual way as some may have dreamed. This is
the blessing for those who are poor in their outward circumstances and possess spirits in harmony with their condition.
Now, there are many who are troubled by their limited abilities.
However, if they possess spirits that are in harmony with their abilities and are willing to honor God with them, the kingdom of heaven also belongs to them. But for now, I will leave them aside and address the third group: those who are poor in grace.
Firstly, if you have only a small amount of grace and feel poor and insignificant, do not be troubled. You are blessed because, first and foremost, you have been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of heaven. As stated in Colossians 1:13,
"He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love." Though there may be much darkness in your mind, the power of darkness has been taken away, and you have been brought into the kingdom of God's dear Son. In Matthew 12:28, Jesus states that the casting out of demons is a result of the kingdom of God coming. Before the coming of the Messiah, demons had dominion over people. But now, the kingdom of heaven has come to your soul, and the devil can no longer reign over you.
The devil may still trouble you when you are melancholic or in darkness, but all those who possess even the smallest amount of grace, no matter how poor they may be, have the kingdom of heaven.
This means that the power of the devil has been cast out, and you will never be under the dominion of darkness again.
Secondly, the limited abilities of anyone cannot hinder them from understanding the highest things in the kingdom of heaven. It does not depend on one's abilities. In fact, those with limited abilities are often chosen to confound the wisdom of the world. Even those with
humble abilities may have a greater understanding of the things of the kingdom of heaven than the greatest scholars in the world.
Thirdly, a remarkable comfort for those who are aware of their small measure of grace is that, being in the kingdom of heaven, they are no longer required to answer for their wrongdoings in the court of divine justice. If you were in the kingdom of God's power solely as the Creator, you would have to answer for all your offenses in the court of God's justice. However, having been translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son, you will answer for all your failures there and not be hauled before the court of divine justice. This is a great help for those who are poor in grace, and it is a privilege of being in this kingdom.
Fourthly, Christ Himself, your King, is both your Judge and Advocate. It is a blessed thing to be in such a kingdom, especially when you realize your own faults and weaknesses. O you who are poor in grace, yet are in the kingdom of heaven, know that Jesus
Christ, your King, will be your Judge, determining your eternal destiny. He will also be your Advocate, pleading for you. Therefore, do not let the poverty of your grace discourage you or cause you to despair.
Fifthly, the righteousness of your King is your righteousness when you enter this kingdom. In 1 Corinthians 1:30, it is written, "But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God— and righteousness and sanctification and redemption." When you enter the kingdom of the Messiah, you receive a privilege that no subject in any earthly kingdom can possess. There may be subjects in other kingdoms who have good kings, but the goodness of their king is not their own goodness. However, you are in a kingdom where the King is perfectly righteous, and His righteousness becomes your
righteousness. Even though you are poor and your corruptions may overcome you, you are blessed, for you are poor in spirit and have entered a kingdom where the righteousness of the King is your righteousness. This is the fifth comfort of being in this kingdom.
Sixthly, the wisdom of your King also becomes yours. Jesus Christ, your King, possesses all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. He has become wisdom to us, so do not let the insignificance of your abilities discourage you.
The seventh comfort is this: if you have entered this kingdom, then the little grace you possess, no matter how small, will be upheld for eternity. It is a special aspect of the glory of the kingly power of Jesus
Christ to uphold the graces in the hearts of His people. This makes them more enduring than all the grace Adam had in his state of innocence. Adam had perfection in his state of innocence. Now, although you are weak and poor and may think that if Adam fell, you will fall even more, you are in a kingdom where the power of Christ, your King, is exercised in upholding the little grace you have. In 2
Timothy 4:18, there is a comforting passage: "And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!" It is as if the text is saying, "The Lord has already brought me into the possession of the kingdom of heaven, and He must preserve me until I come to enjoy it fully." You may fear certain temptations and believe they will overcome you, but take heart, for it is the kingly power of Christ to preserve the little grace you have until you enter His heavenly kingdom. Your situation is similar to that of David. After being anointed, David was persecuted by Saul to the point where he said, "I shall perish one day by the hand of Saul." However, if he had faith to believe the promise that was made to him, he would never have reasoned in such a manner. Likewise, many souls who are anointed
for this heavenly kingdom, often think, "Certainly, I shall perish by the hand of this corruption." Remember that you are an anointed one, and it is the power of Jesus Christ to uphold the little grace you have. This is another benefit and fruit of being in this kingdom.
And then, in the eighth place, know that being brought under this kingdom, even if your grace is poor, you are as perfectly justified before God as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Paul, Peter, or any other strong saints who have ever lived. Your grace may be poor in terms of sanctification, but in terms of justification, it is as rich and glorious in this kingdom as the grace in the justification of any godly person who has walked the earth. Indeed, this can be considered as the fruit of the kingdom of heaven. During the time of the Law, this aspect was not fully revealed. It was such a great treasure of God's goodness that it was reserved to be unveiled when the Messiah was to come into the world. The treasury existed before, but the opening of this treasury of justification, I say, was reserved for the arrival of the Messiah. The Messiah has come to open this rich treasury of justification and to assure all those who are poor in spirit, troubled by the poverty of their grace, that although they may be poor in terms of sanctification, they are perfectly justified, just like any other godly person. Isn't it a blessedness to be a member of the kingdom of heaven? Oh, it should greatly stir the hearts of men and women to seek after the kingdom of heaven.
Ninthly, know that the right to your inheritance in this kingdom, as well as the very peace and joy of this kingdom, is not forfeited by your failures. In Romans 14:17, it is written that the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. As long as you are in this kingdom, you possess righteousness and peace, and you have reasons for joy.
And then, in the tenth place, surely you will be perfected soon.
Judgment will be victorious. Satan will be trodden under your feet, and all imperfections will be swallowed up by perfection. The seed that is in you now will come to fullness. Although you may be weak now and not love God as much as you desire, soon you will love, delight in, glorify, and fear God as much as you desire.
Furthermore, in the eleventh place, all the ordinances in this kingdom belong to you, and you should not be deprived of them if there is any grace of Christ in you. Indeed, one must be cautious when entering this kingdom. If I had time, I would have spoken a word or two on that matter. No one who has no grace at all should claim the benefits of this kingdom. However, one who is poor in grace must not refrain from coming to the ordinances or praying out of fear. No, you should rather come, for all the ordinances belong to you. The kingdom of heaven is yours. Therefore, whenever you look upon any ordinance of the Word or sacrament, you may think, "Well, this is the ordinance that Jesus Christ has appointed for the building up of my soul and the strengthening of my grace." Therefore, come to it in such a way that it strengthens your grace.
Twelfthly, by entering this kingdom, you gain free access to heaven.
Just as those who live in the city have free access to various parts of the world that others do not, those who remain in the world and are still in their natural state are banished from the presence of the Lord.
They do not have the freedom to trade for grace, comfort, happiness, and glory in heaven as the saints do when they enter this kingdom.
Through Jesus Christ, you may trade to heaven every day and have the privilege and right to enrich yourself in heaven. Even if you are poor when the trade for heaven is open, why should you be discouraged by the little grace you have? Oh, blessed are you, for you have this privilege in the kingdom.
The last thing I shall speak of now is that in this kingdom, the Spirit is poured out in much greater abundance than before. Do not be discouraged if you have not yet experienced a great work of grace in your heart. In this condition, the Spirit of God is communicated in a far more abundant manner than in the time of the Law. During the time of the Law, only David and those who were to be employed in public work might have expected it. But even if you are not employed in any public work, you can expect to be glorious in grace in this world. We have the promise that the feeble shall be as David, and those of the house of David shall be as the Angel of the Lord. There will be a time when the gifts of the saints will be elevated, and they will have clearer and deeper understanding of the mysteries of godliness than ever before. One significant hindrance to the growth of grace in those who are poor in spirit is their lack of faith to act upon the promises that are made regarding the outpouring of the Spirit in the times of the Messiah. If evildoers know how to give good things to those who ask, how much more will the Lord give His Spirit to those who ask Him? Considering these things is a great help to those who are poor in spirit, revealing their blessedness. And what binds all these together is that in this kingdom of heaven, the Lord desires His people to be delivered from the spirit of bondage. As there is a spirit of bondage, there is also a spirit of adoption, a free spirit to come into God's presence. The Lord does not want His people to be afraid of His presence but wants them, those who are apprehensive of their spiritual poverty, to look upon themselves as the children of this kingdom and to approach their Father with freedom of spirit. Now, my brethren, I have shown you the blessedness of those who are poor in spirit. I wish that I had spoken only to those who are poor in spirit. I confess that discussing such matters in these wanton times can make one fear and tremble.
However, even if only one person who is poor in spirit benefits from it, although there may be a thousand hardened individuals in this