THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · June 3, 1880

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 23

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT.

A style most simple, clear, concise, A language choice, unique, refined, With vivid pictures interwrought, And striking figures intertwined; The whole, a comprehensive work Of unity and strength combined,— A model from a skillful pen, The product of a master mind,— A treatise on each phase of life Of man with self, with God, with man; A logical discourse, well-meant The motives of that life to scan,— A casket, filled with choicest gems,— A texture with this grand impress Distinctly traced in warp and woof, God’s kingdom and his righteousness,— A code of ethics, searching, just,— A hand-book filled with maxims rare, With words of counsel, warning, hope, To guide us here, to lead us there. What useful lessons to be learned, What pure incentives found therein, How lovely goodness doth appear, How heinous every form of sin! An exposition of God’s will, His patient love and thoughtfulness, His tender, providential care The creatures he hath made to bless. Ah! where in all the world of thought, Ye wondrous wise ones of the earth, Can such a masterpiece be found, So fraught with truth, with matchless worth, So fitted to life’s work and way? Let all who think to test its strength, Live out its precepts day by day. Live out its precepts, all mankind! O earth! what would thy glories be! Thy realm would be a paradise, The home of peace and purity.

—S. S. World.