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THE PEACE-MAKERS
RELIGION is altogether a practical thing: it has its foundation indeed in principles; but it has a superstructure of dispositions and actions, which are necessary both to its completion and utility. Nothing can be a stronger proof of this than the discourse before us: for, however we may suppose it designed to rectify men’s notions respecting the nature of the Messiah’s kingdom, and to explain the law in opposition to the false glosses of the Scribes and Pharisees, its direct tendency is to raise the standard of morality both in the hearts and lives of men. The beatitudes which we have already considered, refer principally to the exercises of the heart: that which we propose to notice at this time, relates to the conduct: and, as our blessed Lord has counted it worthy of such a conspicuous place in his discourse, we may be well assured that it deserves from us the most attentive consideration.
Let us then, as on former occasions, consider,
I. The character here spoken of—
The term which we translate “peace-makers,” may be understood, like those which have preceded it, as marking only a pacific temper and conduct [Note: Compare 1Jn_2:29; 1Jn_3:4. with the text, in the Greek.]. But in that view it will correspond very nearly with “the meek,” whose character has been already considered. We therefore take the word agreeably to the sense in which it is translated; and observe, that the peacemakers are they who are studious,
1. To preserve peace where it is—
[View them in the whole of their conduct, and they will be found “following after the things which make for peace.”
View them in the State. They are not like many who take upon them to condemn every thing which their governors do: no: they see the evil of a murmuring, discontented, turbulent, and seditious spirit: they are “afraid to speak evil of dignities [Note: 2Pe_2:10.]:” they bear in mind the command of God, “Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people [Note: Act_23:5.]:” and, instead of “exercising themselves in matters that are too high for them [Note: Psa_131:1.],” and presuming to judge of measures without having one half the grounds of judgment before them, and “meddling with those who are given to change [Note: Pro_24:21.],” they are characterized as people “quiet in the land [Note: Psa_35:20.].”
View them in the Church. It is their constant endeavour so to walk as to “give no offence in any thing,” to “cast no stumbling-block before any,” but to edify all in faith and love. Many there are, so bigoted to their own sect or party, or so fond of some particular doctrines, that they can scarcely meet a brother or a sister without bringing forward their favourite opinions; and not at all concerned what perplexities they cause in the minds of individuals, or what divisions in the Church, provided they can but make proselytes, and increase their own party [Note: Tit_1:10-11.]. Such generally obtrude themselves wherever the Gospel is faithfully preached; and are but too successful in “beguiling unstable souls,” and in “corrupting them from the simplicity that is in Christ [Note: 2Co_11:3.].” This they do in direct opposition to the command, “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations [Note: Rom_14:1.].” The peace-makers, on the contrary, will “bear the infirmities of the weak [Note: Rom_15:1.];” will deny themselves many lawful things, rather than wound a tender conscience [Note: Rom_14:21. 1Co_8:13.]; and will “become all things to all men [Note: 1Co_9:19-22.]:” in short, they will do any thing, or forbear any thing, that they may “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace [Note: Eph_4:3.].”
View them in the family. Here they are conspicuous for their unremitting exercise of forbearance and love. They do not take offence at every trifle: and, instead of thwarting the little humours and peculiarities of those around them, they are happy to gratify them, and to win their affections by courtesy and condescension. They remember that wise proverb, “Where no wood is, the fire goeth out; so where there is no tale-bearer, the strife ceaseth [Note: Pro_26:20.]:” and, from a regard to this, they will not listen to tales and stories; much less will they contribute to the circulation of them. If constrained to hear one side of a question, they will suspend their judgment till they have heard the other: and will be studious to weaken, rather than confirm, the unfavourable impressions of the accuser’s mind. If a person seem determined to strive with them, they will rather yield their right, than maintain a controversy with him [Note: 1Co_6:7. See Gen_13:8-9.]. Their conduct in their families may be briefly summed up in those words of David, “They keep their tongue from evil, and their lips from speaking guile: they depart from evil, and do good; they seek peace, and pursue it [Note: Psa_34:13-14. with 1Pe_3:8-11.].”]
2. To restore it where it is not—
[They do not impertinently obtrude themselves on others, or interfere in concerns which belong not to them: they are aware that “he who meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one who taketh a dog by the ears [Note: Pro_26:17.].” Yet, if they see an opportunity where they may properly interpose, they are willing, even at a considerable risk, to exert themselves to the utmost for the restoration of peace. If chosen, or permitted to arbitrate between parties, they will not undertake the office but in a spirit of love, and with an ardent longing to accomplish the desired end. In executing the office of an umpire, they guard against any undue bias; well knowing, that without the strictest impartiality they can never hope to bring over the contending parties to an acquiescence in their decisions. Having begun the good work, they will persevere in it, notwithstanding all the discouragements which they may meet with from the obstinacy of those whom they attempt to reconcile. The more blameworthy of the two will usually he found the more unreasonable and perverse [Note: Act_7:27.]: but they will patiently bear with much opposition, if by any means they may attain the great object of their wishes.]
In the exercise of this benevolent disposition, the are sure to find,
II. The blessedness annexed to it—
When it is said that “they shall be called the children of God, we must understand, that,
1. They shall be so in reality—
[That this is the import of the expression, appears from the parallel passage in St. John’s Epistles; where, having represented believers as called the children of God, he immediately adds, “Now are we the sons of God [Note: 1Jn_3:1-2.]:” and to the same effect he speaks in his Gospel; “To as many as believed, to them gave he power to become the sons of God [Note: Joh_1:12.].” Of course we must throughout all these beatitudes, guard against supposing that the reward annexed to the different dispositions is founded on any merit in man. The reward must always be considered as “a reward of grace, and not as a debt [Note: Rom_4:4.].” It is not to be conceived that there should be such merit in making peace between our fellow-creatures, as that it should deserve such a reward at the hands of God. If we only bear this in mind, we need not be afraid of expecting all the honour which God here promises to the peaceful man. It is taken for granted, that, in our offices of love to man, we are actuated by a sense of love to God: and that, whilst we labour to promote peace amongst our brethren, we are careful to have peace maintained between God and our own souls by the blood of Christ. Then shall we be “sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty [Note: 2Co_6:18.]:” yea, we shall “have a name given to us better than of sons and of daughters [Note: Isa_56:5.].” Together with this relation to God, the peace-makers shall possess all the exalted privileges connected with it: “being sons, they shall be heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ [Note: Rom_8:17.].” It does “not indeed fully appear what they shall hereafter be: but this we know, that when they shall see their heavenly Father, they shall be like him; for they shall see him as he is [Note: 1Jn_3:2.].”]
2. They shall be reputed such by their fellow-creatures—
[It is true, that the world at large are not very ready to acknowledge the excellencies of believers, or to allow their claims of relationship to God. But there is something in a peaceful spirit, which carries its own evidence along with it, and constrains the beholder to do it homage. St. Paul particularly notices this; and declares, that he who acts under its influence for the honour of Christ, is both “accepted of God, and approved of men [Note: Rom_14:18-19.].” We know indeed that the enmity of the human heart against God is such, as to instigate men to persecute even unto death the very persons whom in their consciences they cannot but admire. We therefore do not mean to say that the peace-makers shall meet with no hostility from men; (for our blessed Lord and his Apostles were all crucified or slain:) but that the proper tendency of their conduct is, to conciliate the regard of men, and to impress them with the idea, that they are actuated by the grace of God, and honoured with his peculiar favour.
Surely this blessedness is worthy of our pursuit. To be Children of the Most High God is the great object to which we should continually aspire: and to approve ourselves such to others is also most desirable; because we shall thereby “silence the ignorance of foolish men,” and constrain them to “glorify our Father which is in heaven.”]
Let me, in conclusion, urge you to seek this blessed character—
[Think how happy you will be in the possession of it. “The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace [Note: Jam_3:18.].” It is not possible to engage much in such labours of love, without having our own souls refreshed and comforted with the heavenly employment. The sacred oil which you pour on the heads of others, will regale you with its odours; and the dews of divine grace, which, through your instrumentality, descend on others, shall enrich and fertilize your own souls [Note: Psa_133:1-3.].
Consider further, how serviceable you will be in your day and generation. As one litigious or contentious person may be the means of producing incalculable evils to the Church and to society; (for a little fire is sufficient to destroy a whole town [Note: Jam_3:5.];) so one pious, discreet, and active peace-maker may extinguish flames, which might have spread desolation and misery all around. See an instance of this in Abigail, who, by her seasonable interposition, restrained the wrath of David, and saved the lives of Nabal and all his family [Note: 1Sa_25:18-31.]. Thus may you confer blessings on all around you, and heap blessings also on your own heads [Note: 1Sa_25:32-33.].
Lastly, consider what a recompence awaits you in the eternal world. There shall this promise be fulfilled to you in its utmost extent.
Cultivate then this amiable disposition, that you may be “sons of God, without rebuke, and shine as lights in a benighted world [Note: Php_2:14-15.].”]