Extracts from a sermon recently delivered in Chickering Hall, Boston, by of Scranton, Pa., from the text, Matt. v. 1-11, Rev. Ver.
"And seeing the multitudes, he went up into the mountain."
There is a peculiar significance attached to the word "Mount," or "Mountain," as used in the Scriptures. The Mosaic Decalogue was given from Mount Sinai; Elijah talked with God from Mount Horeb; the transfiguration scene occurred on the Mount; the beatitudes were delivered from Mount Olivet; the mighty tragedy of the crucifixion was enacted on Mount Calvary. Indeed the most striking and impressive events of Biblical history are related as having occurred on a mount, or mountain. What is the significance surrounding the words of our text? Were they actual occurrences; did these events really take place on mountains, or are they spiritually symbolical? Are they indicative of the higher spiritual thought as distinguished from the material; are they historical facts, or are they mere allegories? I doubt not they are both. I think all the more important scriptural events are at once historical and allegorical. From this we find an object lesson for the instruction of mankind. So turning to the words selected, we will accept the fact that the sermon was delivered on the mountain, in connection with the spiritual significance thereof. We should profit by the lesson thus taught. In the degree in which we live in the Mount, are we coming into the "at-one-ment" with the Christ-Truth uttered on the Mount. And what mighty truths did Jesus there utter!
