The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-01-22

Jesus pronounces Il blessing upon such;
He does not bestow 1t, but declares that
they have come into possession OF II.
This must be evident to all who have
struggled in vain with their baser ma
lures. (Rom. vii, 2i) But Jesus assigns
reason for this beatitude-these persona
shall see God" Verse 81 They shall
see him everywhere-in nature, in provi-
dence, in history, in the word. For, as
sin blinds the eyes Matt xiii, 10, SO
its removal restores the sight.
PEACEMAKERs.- s.-The world is full Of
strife because of sin. CJames, iv. -
The pages of national history are stained
with human blood. Families and COM
munities have been disturbed by innum-
cradle feuds. What enemity, discord and
misery have come to the race, to mar
the best interests of ALL Who is not
pained with this spectacle? who more
deserves praise than he who promotes
peace? blessed are they" said Jesus.
Happy in all their interpretations between
Contending parties! U. Cor. xii, 49,
Happy in the consciousness that they
are doing a good service Happy in the
prospect of Il better day! But happy
because they shall be held i'm high es
teen by all being "caled the children OF
God" Verse 81 The peacemaker is a
benefaCtor to both of those who were at
strife, and knew not how to compose
their differences! lie is a benefactor of
the race for he has conserved energies
that may be used for the good of all.
lie is Christ-like who is called the Prince
OF Peace. lisa. iX, 6, and he helps to
bring in that good day when wars shall
cease. Micah iv, 81
PROSECUTIONS 49, After mentioning
these seven qualities our Lord refers to
conditions which may result from con-
tact with a wicked world. 1t is a fact
that some are so sinful as to hate good
ness in any form. Jesus told His Gis-
ciples that they might expect persecu-
tion Matt. y, 10; the same in kind as
that which had been visited upon Him.
In our lesson He assures them that it
would be no misfortune but, rather,
blessing (Verse ~ and IL For all such
treatment would only show that they
were part of the kingdom of heaven, the
members of which have suffered through
the whole history of the world. Verse
12) The prophets were put to death, al
though servants of God We're sent to turn
people from their sins. (AIatt. xxiii, ~
Surely a man may rejoice to be counted
one of the noble band worthy to suffer
for the right. (Acts V. Al But what
most ought to sustain the heart in such
q trying hour is the fact that the reward
is sure in the world to come. GI. Cor.
w. IL "Heaven's long age of bliss shall
repay
REFLECTIONS.-!Tw features of this
lesson are especially to be noted. First,
our Lords words are paradoXical. He
places happiness in those dispositions
ana circumstances which men generally
deem incompatible with it. This shows
that human wisdom forms very made
quate and incorrect view of life. Men go
in the wrong direction from their highest
TO 1t.i,n cot, IiNy-
ing water may not be found. Second it
will also be seen that Jesus, in the be-
ginning of His sermon, sketches the va
riouS stages of spiritual life, showing the
progress from sinfulness out into purity
and usefulness In this He has displayed
an intimate acquaintance with the laws
, of the higher nature. His words are
adapted to- universal man. They mark
that only pathway along which one may
tread with certainty that at the end he
will come into the most exalted and
blessed manhood.