Not a virtue to be proud of
Poverty of spirit, then, as it means the first step we take in running the race that is set before us, is a just sense of our inward and outward sins, and of our guilt and helplessness. Some have monstrously styled this the virtue of humility, thus teaching us to be proud of knowing we deserve damnation. But our Lord's expression is quite of another kind. It conveys no idea to the hearer but that of mere want, of naked sin, of helpless guilt and misery.
1771 text
7. Poverty of spirit then, as it implies the first step we take in running the race which is set before us, is, a just sense of our inward and outward sins, and of our guilt and helplessness. This some have monstrously stiled, the virtue of humility; thus teaching us to be proud of knowing we deserve damnation. But our Lord’s expression is quite of another kind; conveying no idea to the hearer, but that of mere want, of naked sin, of helpless guilt and misery.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 21 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 5:1-4.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.