The Sermon on the Mount

The Sermon on the Mount is a practical theological exposition by Charles Gore, first published in 1896. It reads Matthew 5–7 as the moral law of Christ's kingdom.

Gore begins with the relation between the Old and New Covenants, then interprets the Beatitudes as the character of Christian citizenship. Poverty of spirit, mercy, purity, and peacemaking become dispositions expressed through conduct.

His treatment of anger, desire, truthfulness, retaliation, love of enemies, almsgiving, prayer, and fasting emphasizes inward motive rather than external compliance. The Lord's Prayer supplies a pattern for ordered desire directed toward God and neighbour.

Later chapters address possessions, anxiety, judgment, petition, discernment, and the two foundations. Gore combines historical commentary with pastoral application, presenting discipleship as practice tested in ordinary life rather than assent alone.

"WHAT is the Sermon on the Mount? It is the moral law of the kingdom of Christ, or in other words it occupies in the New Testament the place which in the Old Testament is occupied by the Ten Commandments. It is thus an excellent example of the relation of the two divine “testaments,” or rather covenants, to one another."