The Progressive West Virginian. [volume] (Williamson, W. Va.) 1911-1913, 1912-05-09

GOLDEN TExT-.Thou shalt love thy
neighbor as thy self"-Rom. 1919.
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Jesus set forth while seated upon
the mountain delivering what is usual
ly termed as the Sermon on the
Mount, those principles tie working
out of which have changed the his
tory Of mankind. Last week and the
week before there, were presented
principles that in their application
are the very opposite to the natural
desires of the human heart. In this
lesson we have the summary, the con-
clusion of the whole matter, and next
we shall study some of the applica-
lions of these new principles
81 say unto all you who hear" Not
all who listened that day, even among
the disciples, really heard what Jesus
was saying. AS for Illustration these
truths did not grip the heart and life
of Judas. So 1t is today having ears
to hear they hear not. Jesus COM
mands those having ears to hear but
cautions them to take heed what we
hear and adds that to US who do hear,
shall yet more be given. (Mk. 4:24).
Things II Teaches and Why.
Love your enemies" is not alone a
teaching of the Christian faith. 1t
may be found under the old Jewish
dispensation and even among heather
philosophers but in each of these in
stances it does not convey the Inn
preston nor carry with 1t the COM
mand it does when Jesus utters these
words. The life Of Jesus Is wonder
full exemplification Of the truth he is
seeking to teach. In his case the
words are a command and the execu-
ton Of that command he promises,
later, to make possible to all OF his
followers by the aid Of the Holy
Spirit. We are to pay for curses with
blessings, and for insults by prayers
and the man who so conducts his life
shall be happy. "Oh," but someone
exclaims. have not certain inalien-
able rights? Does not the other fell
lows liberty end where my nose be-
gins?" Certainly re have rights but
the right to suffer for Christ's sake is
far greater than our right to defend
ourselves. God will attend to our
rights provided we obey his word.
True those who ask may he unworthy,
but God Is kind to the unworthy as
we'll as to those who are worthy. It
is noticeable that Jesus does not tell
US to aive to every one who asks
that particular thing that Is asked for:
God does not thus answer our petit
tions. Outlines requests come the
literal granting of which we know
would be detrimental to the best In
terests Of the petitioner or perhaps
work hardship upon those dependent
upon us. For illustration, the grant
Ing Of whisky to drinking man; Civ
ing money to street beggar when
bread is needed by the children or
others whom God has intrusted to our
care. Many foolish and fanciful II
terpretations and applications have
been made Of these words. we are to
take these words literally neither
Withholding nor reading into them
meanings not belonging to the plain
Interpretation Ut the words. worse 35
tells US that In carrying out these al.
truistic commands we are to be
SONS" (R. W Of the most high; sure
ly that implies no abandonment OF
common sense and reason, faculties
which like love, are also the gifts Of
a loving creator.
Application Is Definite.
The simple application Of the Gold
en- Rule is however very definite.
positive and comprehensive matter.
vastly different from the negative
proposition Of Confucius.
"As We would, so do ye." Do yov