Volume IV

The Sermon on the Mount

Vol. IV, p. xvi

Begins on Vol. IV, p. xvi

A Tabular Analysis.

Section.	The Lessons Inculcated in the Several Sections or Divisions.	Passage.
I.	The Beatitudes. These were calculated to rectify the mistaken notions of the Jews respecting Messiah's kingdom. They have been designated "Christian paradoxes," because they place happiness in such dispositions of mind as men generally deem incompatible with it	Matt. v. 1-12.
II.	Here the great fact is laid down that Christians are to be the light of the world, and that their conduct and influence are to elevate and bless mankind.	13-16.
III.	The permanency of the law is declared: like the great Lawgiver, it is holy in its character, it cannot change, and it demands purity in all	17-20.
IV.	Hence, spirituality of life, godly control of all man's powers, and self-rule, are essential to the Christian character	21-32.
V.	The ordering of speech, and the sanctity of oaths and of vows, are then expounded	33-37.
VI.	Revenge is forbidden, and a genial and tender spirit is enjoined	38-48.
VII.	Benevolence to the poor is recognized as a duty, and ostentation severely condemned	Matt. vi. 1-8.
VIII.	Directions given for prayer, and the form usually known as "The Lord's Prayer" set forth	9-15.
IX.	Purity and simplicity of heart enjoined, and the sin of hypocritical display duly censured	16-18.
X.	Heavenly treasures and the riches of earth contrasted as to their permanency and value	19-22.
XI.	The danger of a mistake on this subject, and hence the need of spiritual illumination	23-24.
XII.	Reasons assigned for trusting God, and encouragements to faith and obedient walking	25-34.
XIII.	Knowledge of self and charity toward others commended	Matt. vii. 1-5.
XIV.	Manifold and precious encouragements to prayer stated and urged on Christians	6-11.
XV.	A rule of duty laid down to guide in the intercourse of Christians with all men	12-14.
XVI.	How to discriminate about character. The fruit shows the tree, and so with the fruits of ministers	15-20.
XVII.	The sad insecurity of the mere formalist, and the uselessness of being only professors	21-23.
XVIII.	An illustration to show the wretched fate of the unwise who build on a sandy foundation, and the safety of those who are resting on the Rock of Salvation	24-29.