The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1912-05-09

LESSON TEXT-Luke 6:21-3S; Rom. 10:
$40.
GOLDEN TExT-"Thou shalt love thy
nelghbor as thy self."-Rom. 1919
Jesus set forth while seated upon
the mountain delivering what is usual
ly termed as the Sermon on the
Mount, those principles the 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-
tions Of these new principles.
'T 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 II 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. 4:2D.
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
a. - kn In.
preston nor carry with II the com
mand It does when Jesus utters these
words. The life of Jesus is a wonder
full exempllfication of the truth he is
seeking to teach. In his case the
words are q command and the execu
tion 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 l not certain inalien
able rights? Does not the other fel
lows liberty end where my nose be
gins?" Certainly we have rights but
the right to suffer for Christ's sake Is
far greater than our right to defend
ourselves. God will attend to oul
rights provided we obey his word
True those who ask may be unworthy
but God is kind to the unworthy a'
well as to those who are worthy i
is noticeable that Jesus does not tel
us to give to every one who asks
that particular thing that is asked for
God does not thus answer our peti
tions. Ofttimes 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 dependen
upon us. For illustration, the grant
ing of whisky to a drinking man; Civ
ing money to a street beggar wheI
bread is needed by the children o.
others whom God has intrusted to ouI
care. Many foolish and fanciful in
terpretations and applications hav,
been made Of these words.
Application Is Definite.
The simple application of the Gold
en- Rule Is however a very definite
positive and comprehensive matter
vastly different from the negativ,
prcrosition of Confucius.
".ts We would, so do ye." Do yo,
w"rt f"'eN s? Be friendly. Do yol
want others to sell goods to you
NJ MI ouy % item DO you wisl
II + re ~'hors talk about you at you
L'c--. hcn you begin at once to tall
rho othavs at their backs. Love ex
I"er'ec merely for those who love u,
V'll soon dry up, the circle constantly
owing smaller. That Is simply re
"ci se!hshless. See verses 80 t
=, it is In these opposite traits We
fte 10 set the distinguishing marks o
& Christian.
We should recall the contrasts Je
sus save in this whole passage. The
rich and the poor the woes and the
joys, the well spoken of and those o.
his kingdom who shall be hated Tt
love those who love us not, to do gooC
TO those who despitefully use us, t
lend not expecting any return.
Who is sufficient for these things
Those who are in deed and in trutl
cltlZens or this new kingdom. Pau
sets not only strong emphasis upor
the teaching of Jesus, but he express
ly refers to the Mosaic command
ments, enumerating four of them, ant
adds that. If these do not include the
others-"if there be any other com
mandment"-it can be kept when &
man obeys this obligation to love his
neighbor. Indeed, how can we say
we love God, whom We have not seer
If we love not our brothers, whom VIC
have seen?
Paul's picture of heathenism In the
first chapter of Romans is a striking
illustration of the lack of this redeem
Ing trait of love. Well may we pause
and ask this question, What have
done today that only a Christian
would do?" There IL ahaolutalv nc