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Orthodox Confession
St Peter Mogila, tr. Lodvel, 1762
Part 2, 6. Questions 51–60
Question 51
What is the fourth spiritual Work of Mercy?
Answer.
That we should pray unto God for each other. And although this Duty more particularly obligeth the Priests of the Church and spiritual Fathers, yet are Laymen also bound by it. Concerning which we spake more at large when we treated concerning the sixth Precept of the Church.
Question 52
What is the fifth spiritual Work of Mercy?
Answer.
To comfort the Sorrowful. And in order to this, we must first take care that no one suffers Affliction or Damage through our Means, and that we do not become grievous unto any: as saith the Apostle to the Romans, chap. xii. 18, If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all Men. Dearly Beloved, avenge not yourselves, but give Place unto Wrath; for it is written, Revenge is Mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. But most especially are we bound to the Observance of this Duty when any one either labours under any grievous Crime, or is afflicted with any dangerous Sickness, or is oppressed with any great and uncommon Calamity: In all which Cases we must not fail to comfort and relieve our suffering Brethren with our Consolation and good Offices.
Question 53
What is the sixth spiritual Work of Mercy?
Answer.
That we bear with Injuries patiently. And we discharge this Duty when we cheerfully and meekly suffer for Christ’s Sake, remembering that he endured much more grievous Things for our Sakes: As it is written (1 Pet. ii. 21), Because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an Example, that we should follow his Steps. Wherefore we must not wish Evil to those who tyrannically vex and afflict us, nor return Evil for Evil: According to the Apostle (1 Pet. iii. 9), Not rendering Evil for Evil, but rather giving Thanks unto God that we are thought worthy to suffer for his Sake, we should pray unto him earnestly that he would forgive our Enemies.
Question 54
What is the seventh spiritual Work of Mercy?
Answer.
That we readily and heartily forgive those that offend us. And in order to discharge this Duty effectually we must forgive unto our Enemies whatsoever they have done against us; and not only so, but we must, moreover, sincerely endeavour to obtain the Peace and Forgiveness of God for those who have injured us, as we have before said. And this, our Forgiveness, must not be confined to once, but even unto seventy Times seven; according as our Lord and Saviour taught unto Peter, saying (Matth. xviii. 22), I say not unto thee, until seven Times, but until seventy Times seven.
Question 55
What is the sixth Beatitude?
Answer.
Blessed are the pure in Heart, for they shall see God.
Question 56
What doth this Beatitude teach?
Answer.
In this Beatitude the Virtue of Chastity is recommended. For whosoever desireth to see God, he must be chaste and continent, both in Body and Mind, and in all his Thoughts, for impure Thoughts defile the Image of God, and drive away the divine Presence out of the Soul.
Question 57
What is the seventh Beatitude?
Answer.
Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called the Children of God.
Question 58
What doth this Beatitude teach?
Answer.
In the first Place, those are entitled to the Blessing and Reward of this Beatitude who daily offer up the unbloody Sacrifice to God, with Fastings and Prayer, to turn away the Wrath of God from Men, which we most justly have deserved, and reconcile him to his sinful Creatures. Secondly, Those obtain the Promise of this Beatitude who, by prudently and seasonably interposing, put away Strife and Quarrelling; and uniting Men in mutual Love and Charity, cause them to become Friends who before were Enemies. And, lastly, those are intended who by their Counsel and Advice heal the Differences arising among Kings and Princes, and stifle and extinguish the first Sparks of War, that Bloodshed and Slaughter may be prevented.
Question 59
What is the eighth Beatitude?
Answer.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake; for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Question 60
What doth this Beatitude teach?
Answer.
They are the Objects of this Beatitude who speak the Truth undauntedly, and reprove Men for their Sins and Faults, notwithstanding for so doing they suffer Hatred, and even Death: As did John the Baptist from Herod (Matth. xv. 16), and many others. In which Number are to be reckoned all the Doctors of the Church, Preachers of the Gospel, and Confessors, who, for the Truth of their Doctrine and the Purity of their Rules, have been hated and persecuted oftentimes even by their own ungrateful Hearers and Disciples.