I
| consent | reckoning | solemnly | honors |
| possess | justice | merciful | persecution |
| thirst | really | content | satisfy |
One day a vast multitude follows our Blessed Lord up a mountain side. They come trooping after Him, men, women, and children; their homes, their business, all the cares of this life, by common consent left behind. Now He has stopped and turned round, facing them. He waits long and patiently as they come toiling up, guiding them with His hand to go here and there where they may hear Him best.
It is His first great Sermon that He is going to preach, this Sermon on the Mount, and it is not only for the numbers beyond all reckoning gathered together here, but for all that shall come into this world and have to be taught what they must do to save their souls. Therefore He would speak so solemnly and from such a lofty place. He sits down, and the Twelve come and stand around Him, or sit on the ground at His feet. The people press round as close as they can, and when all are seated and quiet He begins to speak.
What will the text of this great Preacher be? What is the thought uppermost in His mind and heart? This—to teach us what we must do to be happy. He knows that we are made for happiness, and that we long to be happy. But He knows, too, that very many try to find happiness in things that will not satisfy them, in the riches, pleasures, and honors of this world which can never content our hearts. And so He tells us in the beginning of His Sermon on the Mount who are really blessed or happy.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the land.
“Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.
“Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice, for they shall have their fill.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
“Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.
“Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.”
Blessed the sufferers for whom Heaven is waiting! this is the text of the Sermon on the Mount.