Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/381

 II. Christ descended  from  the  throne  of  His  Eternal Majesty, that  He  might  be  the  Mediator  of  peace  between God and  His  creatures. Hence He  is  called  "  the  prince of  peace." (Is. ix.  6.)  At  His  birth  the  angels  sang  to the  shepherds,  that  their  Redeemer  had  come,  to  bring " peace  to  men  of  good  will." (Luke ii.  14.)  And  when this Divine  peace-maker  left  the  world,  He  said,  "  Peace  I leave  with  you,  My  peace  I  give  to  you." (John xiv.  27.) He wished  that  the  common  salutation  of  his  disciples should be  the  watchword  of  peace;  hence,  after  His  resurrection  He  more  than  once  addressed  them  in  the memorable words,  "  Peace  be  to  you."

III. Peace-makers, "  shall  be  called  the  children  of God." Reflect what  a  dignity  it  is,  "  That  we  should be  named  and  should  be  the  children  of  God!" (1 John, iii.  1.)  If  worldly  men  conceive  themselves  elevated, when they  happen  to  be  the  descendants  of  some  earthly potentate, and  pride  themselves  on  their  accidental  prerogative, how  much  greater  is  the  dignity  of  being  by real  adoption  a  son  of  God? Your Lord  loves  in  a special  manner  all  peace-makers;  He  treats  them  as  His favorite children,  and  cherishes  them  with  more  than paternal affection. Examine how  you  practice  this heavenly virtue,  and  secure  to  yourself  "  the  peace  of God,  which  surpasseth  all  understanding,"  and  which may "keep  your  hearts  and  minds  in  Christ  Jesus." (Phil. iv.  7.)

I. "Blessed  are  they,  that  suffer  persecution." (Matt v. 10.)  Under  the  term  persecution,  are  comprehended all kinds  of  injuries,  afflictions  and  inconveniences,  in  re-