The hindrances removed
Our Lord has so far been more immediately employed in removing the hindrances of true religion. Such is pride, the first great hindrance of all religion, which is taken away by poverty of spirit. Such are levity and thoughtlessness, which keep any religion from taking root in the soul until they are removed by holy mourning. Such are anger, impatience, and discontent, which are all healed by Christian meekness. And when once these hindrances are removed, these evil diseases of the soul, which were continually raising false cravings in it and filling it with sickly appetites, the native appetite of a heaven-born spirit returns. It hungers and thirsts after righteousness. And blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.
1771 text
II. 1. Our Lord has hitherto been more immediately employed, in removing the hindrance of true religion: such is pride, the first, grand hindrance of all religion, which is taken away by poverty of spirit; levity, and thoughtlessness, which prevent any religion from taking root in the soul, till they are removed by holy mourning: such are anger, impatience, discontent, which are all healed by Christian meekness. And when once these hindrances are removed, these evil diseases of the soul, which were continually raising false cravings therein, and filling it with sickly appetites, the native appetite of a heaven-born spirit returns; it hungers and thirsts after righteousness: and blessed are they which hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled.