Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 183, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 August 1913 — Short Sermons FOR A Sunday Half-Hour [ARTICLE]

Short Sermons FOR A Sunday Half-Hour

CHRISTS SUMMARY OF CONDUCT BY THE REV. AMOE R. WELLS. And he opened his mouth, and taught them saying, Blessed are the poor In spirit: for'’theirs Is the kingdem of heaven^—Matt, v, 2. The Sewnon on the Mount has weH been called the programme of Christianity. Looking over those three chapters of Matthew to gain a comprehensive view of Christ’s plan of life, the first feature that strikes the student is Ms splendid unselfishness. Self is barred from ft altogeth«,Tbe beatitudes are not for those that get, but for those that give. Christians are to be salt, giving out health; and light, spreading sunshine. Their treasure is not to be on earth, but in Heaven. They are to take no anxious thought about their food or clothing. They are not to resist evfl nor expect a return for good. They are even to love their enemies. They are to live in other's happiness. They are to find their reward In the joy of the world.

The next outstanding feature of this picture of the Ideal lite Is Its insistence upon Inward realities as opposed to outward shows. It is the pure tn heart that sees God, the poor in spirit and thp meek that Inherit Heaven and earth. Hunger after righteousness shall be satisfied, and there is a petition, but no promise, regarding material bread. The lustful thought is held equivalent to the foul deed; the angry word, to murder. Alms are to be In secret, prayer is not to be paraded on the street corners, fasting is to be hidden behind a smiling countenance. “Out of the heart,” our Lord insists, “are the issues of Itfe."

And yet with equal clearness a third feature of the picture stands out, namely, Its practical character. We are, what we are within; but we are known by our fruits, by the outward showing of what is within. Thia showing te inevitable,- but it is none the less essential. It is not hearing that wins HJs commendation. It is not saying "Lord, Lord,” or even prophesying and casting out devils, that gate an entrance Into the Kingdom of Heaven, but it is doing the will of the King of Heaven. And Christ’s directions are perfectly plain, straightforward, practical: be a peacemaker; swear not; give freely; love your enemies; forgive; do not worry; do not judge harshly; pray trustingly: These are His commands, uttered with absolute authority. It is a gospel for the daily life. If one begins at any point in this programme of Christianity, and begins sincerely, he will not end till he has passed through the entire experience of it. Being meek, being pure in heart, being a peacemaker, thirsting after righteousness, enduring persecution, loving one’s enemies, giving one’s self to the needs of the world —these all hang together. For any Christly deed one needs Christ, and all of Christ Therefore it matters nothing that the Sermon on the Mount is not systematic, nor is it necessary to study it in a systematic way. Read it, line by line, till you reach a point where your quickened conscience condemns you of disobedience. Then go forth and in the Master’s strength do in that one point the Master’s will. Thus at length, and only thus, will you make your own this discourse of the ages.