Sermon on the Mount

Pink preached in may places in the world before he retired to a remote part of Scotland, where he issued a monthly magazine, and taught some 100 men by mail. Some who have been stung by the astute observations in this book have told others not to buy it because it is too controversial. And some even try to pin the charge of legalism on it. This is false, and since when is ‘controversial’ a reason not to buy a helpful commentary? This reviewer cannot see all that Pink sees in these verses. But that is not to say that what he sees is not there. He is a very able expositor, one who breaks new ground, yet adheres to the age-proven theology. There are things in this book which are in no other, so it is important to anyone’s understanding of the Sermon on the Mount. Both the Beatitudes and the Lord’s Prayer come from The Sermon on the Mount, one of the very best expositions of that part of the Scriptures. Originally all these come from Pink’s expositions in his magazine, Studies in the Scriptures. Do not expect to read the usual comments on these passages of Scripture. Pink was an original thinker, and he called no man master, but sought his views of the Scriptures directly from his Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, through prayer, and through comparing Scripture with Scripture until he gained understanding. The result is some controversial statements here and there. In his discussion of the Beatitudes, the reader will find short but keen observations, a setting of things right. Each Beatitude is considered briefly, yet fully. Quotations from Andrew Fuller and John Brown of Edinburgh are very helpful also. It is one of Pink’s strongest points, that he knew when and how to quote from other great writers. His Hebrews is a great compendium of all the excellent thoughts on that book of the Bible through the ages. In the Lord’s Prayer, Pink argues for the continued use of this form of prayer. And no one can say that Pink was in any sense a ritualist. His quotations from Manton, Gill, Perkins, etc. very much enhance the value of this book. The thoughts are pure and holy, the very kind of reading that will lift ones spirit, and lead to a closer walk with Jesus.