The Tupelo journal., 1912-05-10

~ termed as the 0cIluOu ou lhC
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-
lions of these new principles.
II 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. 1920.
ThInes 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 I'M
preston nor carry with 1t the COM
words. The life Of Jesus is a wonder
full exemplifcation 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 l not certain inalien-
able rights? Does not the other fell
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 our
rights provided we obey his word
True those who ask may be unworthy,
but God is kind to the unworthy as
well as to those who are worthy. It
Is noticeable that Jesus does not tell
US to give to every m who asks
that particular thing that Is asked for;
God does not thus answer u petit.
lions. 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 a drinking man; CIV.
ing money to a street beggar when
bread is needed by the children or
others whom God has intrusted to ~
care. Many foolish and fanciful in
terpretations and applications have
been made of these words.
Application 10 Definite.
The simple application of the Gold
en- Rule is however a very definite,
positive and comprehensive matter,
vastly different from the negative
proposition of Confucius.
CAS- We would, so do ye." Do you
want friends? Be friendly. Do you
want others to sell goods to you?
You must buy of them. Do you wish
to have others talk about you at your
backs? Then you begin at once to talk
about others at their backs. Love ex-
pressed merely for those who love US
will soon dry up, the circle constantly
growing smaller. That is simply re
fined ~selishness. See verses 80 to
"a. 1t is in these opposite traits we
are to set the distinguishing marks Of
a Christian.
We should recall the contrasts Je-
sus gave in this whole passage. The
rich and the poor, the voc and the
joys, the well spoken Of and those of
his kingdom who shall be hated. To
love those who love us not, to do good
to those who despitefully use us, to
lend not expecting any return.
Who is sufficient for these things!
Those who are in deed and in truth
citizens of this new kingdom. Paul
sets not only a strong emphasis upon
the teaching of Jesus, but he express.
~ refers to the Mosaic command
ments, en~umerating four. Of them. and
adds that, II these do not include the
others-'1f there be any other COM
mandment"-it can be kept when q
man obeys this obligation to love his
neighbor. Indeed, how q we say
We love God, whom we have not seen
II we love not our brothers, whom we
have seen?
Paul's picture Of heathenism In the
first chapter of Romans Is q striking
illustration of the lack Of this redeem
ing trait Of love. Well may we pause
and ask this question, What have I
done today that only q Christian
would do" There Is absolutely no
fixed standard Of morals, they are de-
pendent upon many notifications OF
time. SURROUNDINGS, culture, etc, but
the Christian has here an absolutely
Fixed standard whereby to govern his
life and actions. He 10 to love those
who love him not; to be kind and
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