They shall inherit the earth
Meanwhile the meek shall inherit the earth. Such is the foolishness of worldly wisdom. The wise of the world had warned them again and again that if they did not resent such treatment, if they would quietly allow themselves to be abused in this way, there would be no living for them on earth, that they would never be able to get the common necessities of life, or even to keep what they had, that they could expect no peace, no quiet possession, no enjoyment of anything. Most true, if there were no God in the world, or if he did not concern himself with the children of men. But when God rises to judgment, and to help all the meek on earth, how he laughs all this heathen wisdom to scorn, and turns the fierceness of man to his praise. He takes particular care to provide them with everything needed for life and godliness. He secures to them the provision he has made, in spite of the force, fraud, or malice of men. And what he secures, he gives them richly to enjoy. It is sweet to them, whether little or much. As in patience they possess their souls, so they truly possess whatever God has given them. They are always content, always pleased with what they have. It pleases them because it pleases God. So that while their heart, their desire, their joy is in heaven, they may truly be said to inherit the earth.
1771 text
12. Mean time the meek shall inherit the earth. Such is the foolishness of worldly wisdom! The wise of the world had warned them again and again, “That if they did not resent such treatment, if they would tamely suffer themselves to be thus abused, there would be no living for them upon earth; that they would never be able to procure the common necessaries of life, nor to keep even what they had; that they could expect no peace, no quiet possession, no enjoyment of any thing.” Most true――suppose there were no God in the world; or suppose he did not concern himself with the children of men. But when God ariseth to judgment, and to help all the meek upon earth: how doth he laugh all this Heathen wisdom to scorn, and turn the fierceness of man to his praise! He takes a peculiar care, to provide them with all things needful for life and godliness. He secures to them the provision he hath made, in spite of the force, fraud, or malice of men. And what he secures, he gives them richly to enjoy. It is sweet to them, be it little or much. As in patience they possess their souls, so they truly possess whatever God hath given them. They are always content, always pleased with what they have. It pleases them, because it pleases God. So that while their heart, their desire, their joy is in heaven, they may truly be said to inherit the earth.
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 22 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 5:5-7.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.