Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
by Ellen G. White
Preface
The Sermon on the Mount is Heaven's benediction to the world—a
voice from the throne of God. {MB vii.1}
It was given to mankind to be to them the law of duty and
the light of heaven, their hope and consolation in despondency, their joy and
comfort in all the vicissitudes and walks of life. Here the Prince of
preachers, the Master Teacher, utters the words that the Father gave Him to
speak. {MB vii.2}
The Beatitudes are Christ's greeting, not only to those who
believe, but to the whole human family. He seems to have forgotten for a moment
that He is in the world, not in heaven; and He uses the familiar salutation of
the world of light. Blessings flow from His lips as the gushing forth of a
long-sealed current of rich life. {MB vii.3}
Christ leaves us in no doubt as to the traits of character
that He will always recognize and bless. From the ambitious favorites of the
world, He turns to those whom they disown, pronouncing all blessed who receive
His light and life. To the poor in spirit, the meek, the lowly, the sorrowful,
the despised, the persecuted, He opens His arms of refuge, saying, "Come
unto Me, . . . and I will give you rest." {MB vii.4}
Christ can look upon the misery of the world without a shade
of sorrow for having created man. In the human heart He sees more than sin,
more than misery. In His infinite wisdom and love He sees man's possibilities,
the height to which he may attain. He knows that, even though human beings have
abused [viii]
their mercies and destroyed their God-given dignity, yet the Creator is to be
glorified in their redemption. {MB vii.5}
Throughout all time the words that Christ spoke from the
mount of Beatitudes will retain their power. Every sentence is a jewel from the
treasure house of truth. The principles enunciated in this discourse are for
all ages and for all classes of men. With divine energy, Christ expressed His
faith and hope as He pointed out class after class as blessed because of having
formed righteous characters. Living the life of the Life-giver, through faith
in Him, everyone can reach the standard held up in His words.
E.G.W. {MB viii.1}
Click here to read the next chapter:
"On the Mountainside"
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