The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-03-31

CONTEXT.-1t is not easy, perhaps
not necessary, to settle the precise or
der of events at this point in the life
or Jesus. Some scholars are disposed
TO take this sermon out of Its connec.
tion and put 1t Immediately after the
appointment of the twelve Matt. x:D,
as containing instruction particularly
adapted to them at that time. Others
think the discourse was delivered earl
ier and that certain parts were re-
peated on the later occasions. When
ever spoken the sermon on the mount
was the most extensive presentation
OF our Lords doctrine, which has been
preserved for the generation succeed
Ing Him. 1t contains SO many utter
ances on such a variety of subjects as
to merit and receive the commentator
of all classes Of men. Evidently 1t was
intended to correct the traditions of
the elders and the perversions of tho
Pharisees. We shall today study the
opening part of the sermon, which
deals with the subject Of happiness.
POVERTY.-Jesus was speaking to
His disciples apart from the multitude
Verse u. He desired them to know,
what all seek to know, the secret of
the personal enjoyment In life. Mis-
taken views here have ruined many.
He holds that blessedness proceeds
from inward rather than outward con-
ditions Matt. xxiiiS26) and enumer-
ates seven particulars. The first of
these is poverty, not in worldly goods,
but in spirit or disposition (verse 81.
All men are sinners (Ron. iii:23), spir-
itual bankrupts, but many appear to
be aware of the fact CRev. 'iii-1O and
move about with much claim and
show of Righteousness. Happy is the
man who has learned his real state;
who feels his indigence, dependence
and unworthiness: who is humbled, and
ashamed before God. Such a man IL
prepared for entrance into the King
dom Of Heaven. Indeed. his lowly
frame of mind tends to peaceful enjoy
ment of life and to confidence in God
as his only hope.
MOURNING.-The next blessing is
pronounced upon those that mourn,
not those who have mourned but those
who are mourning. This state pro-
ceeds from the former. They who
realize that they are spiritually poor
will experience a tenderness of con-
science, called Cody sorrow UI Cor.
i.1O, which is essential to the souls
delivery from sin psalm vi:1). This
penitence, as it is sometimes desig-
mated. marks the transition from a con-
demned to a justified state psalm
xxNii:4-5). and when accompanied by
faith awakens in the soul a peace un-
known before (Rom. v:D. Hence, the
Saviour's promise, they shall be COM
fOrted" (verse -. The tears and sighs
which result from ones conscious un.
worthincss shall be succeeded by the
consultations Of pardoning mercy, by
hope and joy in the Holy Ghost psalm
li:1O. foretaste of that everlastins
felicity. prepared for the saints, when
God shall wipe all tears from their
eyes" Rcv. WILD. The Scriptures
abound with examples of those who
have passed from weeping to joy
psalm xxxiii:lD.
MEEkNESS.-He who, having dis
covered his sinfulness, lanents on ac-
count of it. and finds the forgiveness
which God has promised (John i:9) is
likely to become gentle. forbearing,
forgiving, teachable, submissive, which
qualities are included in the term
meekness (verse 81. This should be
distinguished from constitutional
duietness resulting from love of ease