146
The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 2
visible presence of the Almighty, in a world of his creation, during the
time that he apportions them here. They would also see God in the
future immortal state, as did Adam when he walked and talked with
God in Eden. Even now the pure in heart see God “through a glass
darkly, but then face to face.”
“Blessed are the peace-makers; for they shall be called the children
of God.” Our Heavenly Father is a God of peace. When he created
man he placed him in an abode of peace and security. All was unity
and happiness in the garden of Eden. Those who are partakers of
the divine nature will love peace and contentment; they will cultivate
the virtues that insure those results. They will seek to allay wrath,
to quiet resentment and fault finding, and all the evil passions that
foster quarrels and dissensions. The more men unite with the world,
and fall into its ways, the less they have of the true elements of peace
in their hearts, and the more they are leavened with the bitterness of
worldly strife, jealousy, and evil thoughts toward each other, which
only needs certain circumstances to develop them into active agents
for evil. Those whose anger kindles at slight provocations, and those
who watch the words and acts of others to secretly report them where
they will stir up enmity, are the direct opposite of the peace-makers
[210]
who are called the children of God.
The true Christian will in his intercourse with men suppress words
that would tend to produce unnecessary anger and strife. All Heaven
is at peace, and those who are closely connected with Christ will be
in harmony with Heaven. Jesus declared: “In the world ye shall have
tribulation; but in me ye shall have peace.” Those who are in sympathy
with the Saviour will not be restless and dissatisfied. They will partake
of the nature of Christ, and their lives will emulate his example.
The multitudes were amazed at this doctrine, so at variance with
the precepts and example of the scribes and Pharisees. The people had
imbibed the idea from them that happiness consisted in the possession
of the things of this world, and that fame and the honor of men were
much to be coveted. It was very pleasing to be called “Rabbi,” and to
be extolled as very wise and religious, having their virtues paraded
before the public. This was considered the crown of happiness. But
Jesus, in the presence of that vast throng, declared that earthly gain and
honor was all the reward such persons would ever receive. Jesus spoke
with certainty, and a convincing power attended his words. The people