The Brinkley argus., 1912-05-10

the mountain delivering what As usual iy termed as tile Sermon on the Mount, those principles the working out of which, have changed the nis- tory of mankind. Last week and tne week before there. were Rreseneeo principles that fin their application arc the very opposite to the natural desires of the human heart In tn's lesson we have the summary, the con clusion of the whole matter, and next we shall study some of the appiica- t!ons 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 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. tMk. 4:24),
 rhlnes n 7sacIes and Why
 Love your enemies is not alone a teaching of the Christian faith. It may be found under the old Jewish dispensation and even among heathen philosophers but in each of these in- stances 1t does not convey the inn pressiqn nor carry with 1t the com mand 1t does when Jesus utters these words. The life of Jesus is wonder ful exemplffcation of the truth he is seeking to teach. In his case the words are 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 90 conducts his life shall be happy. "Oh." but someone exciaims, have I not certain fnalien- able rights7 Does not the other fel- low's liberty end where my nose be- ginsY' 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 tAoae Neba Aht may be tinwQrth4 but God is tind to the unworthy as well Ss to udGe who are worthy I is noticeable that Jesus does not tell us to give to every one who eaks that narticular thing that Is asked f6r; God does pot thus answer our peti. tons. Ofttimes requests come the literal granting, of which we know would be detriIhental to the best in terests of the petitioner or perhaps work hardship upon those dependent upon us. For illustration. the grant ing of whisky tota drinking man; eiv' ing money to street begsar when bread is needed by tho children os others whom God has intrusted to our care Many foolish and fanciful in. terpretations and applications have been made of these words.
 Application b Definite.
 The simple application of the Gold en Ru1e is however very definite positive and comprehensive matter vastly different from the negative proposition of Confucius.
 "As ye would, 90 do ye." Do you want friends' Be friendly. Do you want others to sell goods to you You must buy of them. Do yul wish to have others talk about you at your backs7 Then |eu begin et epee 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 selflshness. See verses 32 to 34. It Is in these opposite traits we are to set the distinguishing marks of Christian.
 We should recall the contrasts Je. sus gave in this whole passage. The rich and the poor, the woes 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 strong emphasis upon the teaching of Jesus, but he express. ly refers to the Mosaio command Menfp, snqnerating four of them. and sdds that, f ths1s do not include the otherB--"!f thsrs be my gthsf com. mandment"--it can hs kept when a man obeys this obligation to love hia neighbor. Indeed, how can we aay we love God. whom ws have not seen If we love not our brothers, whom wo have scent
 Faults ricture of heathenism in the first chapter of Romans h . striking illustration of the lack of this redeem ing trait of love. Well may we pause spa ask this question. What hays Aore today thBt 9nly 2 Christian would deT There 6 absolytely DO fixed standard of meseis, thAy sFe de. pendent upon many notifications of time, surroundings. culture, etc, but the Christian has here an absolutely hxcd standard whereby to govern his life and actions. He h to love those Nhe love htlp not; to be kind and nsrcifai, n@ iR words only pqt tp desds of kindness.
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 Home Superintendent; Mrs. Elmo