The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-01-22
BY WILLIAM T. ELLIS.

eonesS. Matt. 6:1-1o.
BY WILLIAM T. ELLIS.
F-THERE is much talk in the
Ia A political world as to Wheth-
er parties will live up to
their platforms. Nobody
really expects fullest allegi-
ance to the promises made
in the midst of a campaign. Much
less is it required of member OF
party that he adhere to all its polit-
icaI professions. Platforms are meant
for campaign consumption only, the
cynical public is prone to declare.
But of still greater Importance to
the world at large, than any question
of fidelity TO political platforms on the
side of parties, is that outstanding
issue which confronts humanity in the
large, whether the most considerable
group or party of mankind Will 1--WE
up to it's platform. In all the groupings
of the human race, the largest numer-
fcally is that which belongs to that
which we may call the Christian par
ty.. Counting in all churches and sects,
there are a round half billion Chris
tians in the world today, or about
one-third of the total population of
the globe. Five hundred million
Christians! What staggering total
were to live up to its platform, for a
single generation, there would be no
question about the evangelization OF
the whole world. For the hope of the
WOTlQ lies IN the IlQGlllS VI L11G CAuA
If the latter is loyal to her profess
eions and obligations, then the best
OF heaven and earth will be given to
all mankind. Back of every burning
social issue lies this question or Chris
tian loyalty
The Open Air Faith.
The platform of the party of Jesus
which goes by various names, such
as the church, The Kingdom Of God,
The Kingdom of Heaven, etc.-was
of nrs h. q
spent a night on the mountain top
Sn prayer and meditation. Then he
proceeded tc choose his inner circle
of disciples. His cabinet, so to speak.
cussion to show how much better than
his platform was Jesus himself. HIS
gospel as finally given by the New
Testament, is higher, broader, deep
er, holier than his utterance which we
are considering as his platform; yet
the best that can be said OF Confu-
cianism, or Buddhism, or Hinduism,
Is that In certain teachings they re-
semble particular passages or TINS ser
mon on the mount
1t was a mountain side Sermon an
out of doors discourse. Some phtloso-
piles smell of musty libraries, but
the freshness of the open air and the
beauty of green fields, and wide
landscapes was in this original pro-
nouncement which was spoken by the
seated teacher to the multitude of Gag
err listeners, who were grouped about
him on q level stretch OF the mountain
of the beatitudes. ..
The Basis of Reform.
SO simple are the beatitudes, which
we count the cheap planks in the
platform of the party of Jesus, that
they are the favoritez passages for
memorization by childhood. Because
of their very simplicity many persons
do not realize that they are real phi
Iosophy. Their stupendous originl-
fly, their radically fresh presentation
of mans relation to life, is almost OBJ
scured by their language. In these
simple sentences is interpreted the
whole scheme of things.
Peloubet quotes the remark of some
body that the beatitudes "are the very
essence and pith of genuine manhood.
1t is the passion to talk about mus
cular Christianity. 1 viii declare what
requires Christian muscle-it is llV-
ing up to the beatitudes: The con-
quering forces in Christ's kingdom for
time and for eternity are precisely
those beatific graces.''
The point cannot be too often made,
as DR.. w. b. Wright well makes it,
that the world is to be reformed
through the teachings of the beati-
tudes. The reformers try in vain to
construct a staple and happy COM
lnunity from persons who are selfish,
IS get your circumstances changed
Christ's first call was get yourselves
changed and the things that stand
around you will be changed.
These simple beatitudes are, for
both individuals and for the world,
disturbing, Iverturning revolutionary.
A famous Philadelphia preacher, Rev.
DIR. John Sparhawk Jones, has said.
s'In the day of Christ and down to
this hour, the earth has been in the
hands of those who had the ability
to take and keep-not in the hands
of the merciful, the meek or the peace
makers. Strong, dominant, master
ful natures have held power in this
world and have administered its re-
sources. Cunning, finesse, brute force,
pride, revenge, creed. egoistic i'm
pulses have made good their title to
actual possession, and men of hard fl
bre and enormous ambition have been
cried up as sons Of Jupiter
stBut the beatitudes and the whole
tenor of Christian prophesy. of which
they are part +, predi ct tnas aI IN the +
destined to pass to other qualities and
characters. These false standards
will have TO come down: these bat
tie flags will have to be furled and
must one day be crowned and thron.
ed. and the ideal become the actua
The Great Declaration.
The platform itself needs quoting
here choose the free moderniZe6
rendering of the twentieth century
New Testament:
Happy are the poor-in spirit, fol
It Is to them that the Kingdom o.
heaven belongs
Happy are the sorrowfuls for IL j:
they who will be comforted.
Happy are the gentle. for it Is thel
who will inherit the earth.
Happy are those that hunger and
thirst--for the right, for 1t is they wht
will be plentlfully fed.
Happy are the merciful, for II Il
they who viii have mercy shown them
Happy are the pure---in heart, for /
is they who will see God.
Happy are the peacemakers, for 4
is they who will be called sons of God