Preface
The Sermon on the Mount is Heaven's benediction to the world--a voice
from the throne of God.
It was given to mankind to be to them the law of duty and the light of
heaven, their hope and consolation in despondency, their joy and comfort
in all the vicissitudes and walks of life. Here the Prince of preachers,
the Master Teacher, utters the words that the Father gave Him to speak.
The Beatitudes are Christ's greeting, not only to those who believe,
but to the whole human family. He seems to have forgotten for a moment
that He is in the world, not in heaven; and He uses the familiar
salutation of the world of light. Blessings flow from His lips as the
gushing forth of a long-sealed current of rich life.
Christ leaves us in no doubt as to the traits of character that He will
always recognise and bless. From the ambitious favourites of the world, He
turns to those whom they disown, pronouncing all blessed who receive His
light and life. To the poor in spirit, the meek, the lowly, the sorrowful,
the despised, the persecuted, He opens His arms of refuge, saying,
"Come unto Me, . . . and I will give you rest."
Christ can look upon the misery of the world without a shade of sorrow
for having created man. In the human heart He sees more than sin, more
than misery. In His infinite wisdom and love He sees man's possibilities,
the height to which he may attain. He knows that, even though human beings
have abused their mercies and destroyed their God-given dignity, yet the
Creator is to be glorified in their redemption.
Throughout all time the words that Christ spoke from the mount of
Beatitudes will retain their power. Every sentence is a jewel from the
treasure house of truth. The principles enunciated in this discourse are
for all ages and for all classes of men. With divine energy, Christ
expressed His faith and hope as He pointed out class after class as
blessed because of having formed righteous characters. Living the life of
the Life-giver, through faith in Him, everyone can reach the standard held
up in His words.
E.G.W.
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