Authority of the Master

Sermon on the Mount. St Matthew.

(The Gospel History, Section 43*)

And it came to pass, when Jesus ended these words, the multitudes were astonished at his teaching: for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.

Authority of the Master

(The Saviour of the World, Vol II Book III Poem LVIII)

The Master having ended all His speech,
The people stood and pondered: in a while,
Low talk went round; Church, in the thought of Christ,
Had no dim outline in their minds: the way,
The narrow way by which to enter in,—
What is it? vaguely asked they. This one thing
They knew; their Master spake, and Him they heard;
(Ah, happy men who heard their Master’s call!)
Authority perceived they; named it right;
Scarce knowing what He bade—that would they do:
And each, fervent of aspect, looked on each
As on him the Lord had bidden! Holy day,
When a man receives that call he must obey!
And as they spake together, knowing Him,
The Master who should bid them evermore,—
Bethought one here and there of other times
When His authority was manifest,—
This Lord of lords, life’s issues could control,
And summon health to sick boy far away;
And bid disease retreat and devils flee;
The inmost counsels of High God reveal;
Forgive men’s sins, and heal them! Who is this,
But Very Christ of God! Master and Lord!

(Ah, Christ, full weary go we, seeking place
Where One doth bid, and we must needs obey!
Show us—as showd’st Thou these—our Master’s face,
And bid us go and serve Him every day!)

St. Matthew vi. 28, 29