Article August 7, 1943 Issue

The Eighth and Ninth Beatitudes

[Of Special Interest to Youth]

ANN PUTCAMP

In the first seven beatitudes our great Master had extolled the qualities of man as the reflection of God, and had pointed out blessing in abundance as a present possibility within the reach of all. Now he continued with the eighth beatitude, "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for their's is the kingdom of heaven."

The thought of blessing in connection with persecution must have seemed strange, even startling, to his hearers. Surely the disciples must have been aroused as they listened to a repetition of the statement in the even more definite terms of the ninth beatitude, bringing the lesson straight home to them: "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake."

Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, in her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 330), says, "Until the author of this book learned the vastness of Christian Science, the fixedness of mortal illusions, and the human hatred of Truth, she cherished sanguine hopes that Christian Science would meet with immediate and universal acceptance." Our beloved Leader, as the greatest disciple of the Christ in this age, had thought as she glimpsed its glory that all mankind would be eager to accept the blessing of Christian Science. Very soon, as she learned more of its vastness and gauged the opposition to Truth, she too learned the wisdom and gained the blessing of the eighth and ninth beatitudes. In deep love, with discernment and courage, she admonished those who would follow her.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

The Eighth and Ninth Beatitudes

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access