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Longer Catechism

St Philaret of Moscow, in Blackmore, 1845

Part 2, 15. On the Second Beatitude

Q. What is the Lord’s second precept for blessedness?

A. They who would be blessed must mourn.

Q. What is meant in this precept by the word mourn?

A. Sorrow and contrition of heart, with unfeigned tears, for that we so imperfectly and unworthily serve the Lord, or even rather deserve His anger by our sins. For godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation not to be repented of; but the sorrow of this world worketh death. 2 Cor. vii. 10.

Q. What special promise does the Lord make to mourners?

A. That they shall be comforted.

Q. What comfort is here to be understood?

A. That of grace, consisting in the pardon of sin, and in peace of conscience.

Q. Why is this promise joined with a precept for mourning?

A. In order that sorrow for sin may not reach to despair.