Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:3
Words: Paul H. Sweetser, in The Sabbath School Lute, edited by Edward L. White & John E. Gould (Boston, Massachusetts: Oliver Ditson, 1848), number 30.
Music: Holy Hill William H. Pontius (1857–1937) (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tunes:
If you know where to get a good picture of Sweetser or Pontius (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
O, blest in spirit are the poor;
The heav’nly kingdom they possess;
And they that mourn shall mourn no more,
The mourners, God will surely bless.
The meek in heart the Lord will bless,
And they shall dwell in all the land;
And those who thirst for righteousness,
They shall be filled from God’s own hand.
O, blessèd are the merciful,
For mercy they shall sure obtain;
And blessèd are the pure in soul,
For they God’s favor shall reclaim.
O blest are they who strive for peace,
For they shall be the Lord’s delight;
The heav’nly kingdom shall increase,
In those who suffer for the right.
O blest are they whom men revile,
And persecute for Jesus’ sake—
They shall rejoice in God’s own smile,
And rich rewards from Heaven take.