Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing

by Ellen Gould White

"Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing" is a rich commentary on the greatest sermon ever preached. It offers a study and commentary on the key verses of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Included are the Beatitudes, the Lord's Prayer, and much of Jesus' other instruction. In particular, how to live here on earth with our fellow man and preparing for citizenship in Jesus' new kingdom in heaven.

Genres: Religion, Christian, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Christianity, Faith

172 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1896

About the author

In brief, Ellen Gould Harmon White was a woman of remarkable spiritual gifts who lived most of her life during the nineteenth century (1827-1915), yet through her writings she is still making a revolutionary impact on millions of people around the world. During her lifetime she wrote more than 5,000 periodical articles and 40 books; but today, including compilations from her 50,000 pages of manuscript, more than 100 titles are available in English. She is the most translated woman writer in the entire history of literature, and the most translated American author of either gender. Her writings cover a broad range of subjects, including religion, education, social relationships, evangelism, prophecy, publishing, nutrition, and management. Her life-changing masterpiece on successful Christian living, Steps to Christ, has been published in more than 140 languages. Seventh-day Adventists believe that Mrs. White was more than a gifted writer; they believe she was appointed by God as a special messenger to draw the world's attention to the Holy Scriptures and help prepare people for Christ's second advent. From the time she was 17 years old until she died 70 years later, God gave her approximately 2,000 visions and dreams. The visions varied in length from less than a minute to nearly four hours. The knowledge and counsel received through these revelations she wrote out to be shared with others. Thus her special writings are accepted by Seventh-day Adventists as inspired, and their exceptional quality is recognized even by casual readers. As stated in Seventh-day Adventists Believe ... , “The writings of Ellen White are not a substitute for Scripture. They cannot be placed on the same level. The Holy Scriptures stand alone, the unique standard by which her and all other writings must be judged and to which they must be subject” (Seventh-day Adventists Believe ... , Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Washington D.C., 1988, p. 227). Yet, as Ellen White herself noted, “The fact that God has revealed His will to men through His Word, has not rendered needless the continued presence and guiding of the Holy Spirit. On the contrary, the Spirit was promised by our Saviour to open the Word to His servants, to illuminate and apply its teachings” (The Great Controversy, p. vii). The following is a more detailed account of the life and work of this remarkable woman who, meeting all the tests of a true prophet as set forth in the Holy Scriptures, helped found the Seventh-day Adventist church.

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring. E.G. White expounds on the words of Jesus from the first few chapters of the book of Matthew. This book captures the essence of Christianity--both reliance on a loving God and the responsibility we have to love each other. I felt like I had daily inspiration to be a better person as well as Biblical promises to claim in order to be that better person. I believe I will read it again soon.

[Mark Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say but awesome.

[Steve Mahofski · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an excellent introduction to White's religious thought. Admittedly I am reading these for a class. Nonetheless there is often great food for thought. I have problems with a few points however. On page 21 she writes "To Jesus, who emptied Himself for the salvation of lost humanity, the Holy Spirit was given without measure." This implies that Jesus and The Spirit are not aspects of the same person. Later, as in Patriarchs and Prophets, she describes Christ as fighting Satan over Moses' body. The Bible identifies Michael the Archangel as performing this task. The view that Michael and Jesus were the same individual was a popular conceit during the millennial period, but this is not a mainstream view. It is predicated upon the assumption that there is only one Archangel and since Christ is identified as the leader of angels they must be the same. Gabriel, however, is also identified as an archangel- so that theory is shot. If one is careful then White's work places the Bible into an easy to appreciate context. But one is best advised- If something doesn't sound right, then check the Source.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

It had been many years since I read this book and I really did not remember any of it. It is an old, but incredibly powerful book on the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. The sermon, which was a "state of the union" address by Jesus may be the most powerful sermon every written. White's exploration of the topics covered in Matthew are deep, transformational and incredibly insightful. Any person who wants to gain a great view of what Jesus' teachings really were (as contrasted to the teachings represented by so many of His so-called followers) should read this book. It will fill you with a sense of awe in what God really has done for mankind through the ministry of Jesus.

Read this book. It would be worth reading every year.

[Agana-Nsiire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellen White is often seen as the seer of visions. She is also known as a competent historian of the fortunes of the church through the ages. Lastly though not least she holds a high reputation for theological astuteness and clarity. It is this last attribute that stands out most to me from this book. Jesus' words in this famous sermon are given clearer effect than our familiarity with the text often affords us, and the deeper meaning and effect on the people are seen against the proper context of their time and national condition. Finally there is ample application to the modern Christian life to furnish the reader with proper biblical instruction for practical everyday living.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book does not go into too much detail concerning Jesus's lessons on the Mount of Blessings, it really helps to give clarity and theme to the sermon preached to the multitudes. People referred to Jesus as a great teacher on these days and this book really helps to emphasize Jesus's conclusions on what a true follower of God should be.

I would consider this an easier read for an Ellen G. White book and for those who are looking for an entry into her writings, this might be a great start. Definitely recommended!

[Nathan Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book during a study group in West Bengal, India way back in 2019. For quite some time I’ve wanted to finish it, and I’m so glad I did. This book is potent, yet deeply refreshing. It brings out profound truths worthy of diligent application, for they have made a lasting impact on my life as I have done so. By His grace, He shall perfect what He has begun in me, until the day of Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:48, Philippians 1:6).

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really opens up Christ's Sermon on the Mount in a way that brings it close to home. It closely follows the Sermon on the Mount as presented in the Gospel of Matthew. If you've ever wondered what is really meant by Jesus's simple yet profound teaching this book is for you.

[Lee G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is line-for-line jam packed with deep spiritual truths based on Jesus's sermon on the Mount. I've read it twice and really enjoyed it both times. I plan on re-re-reading it and re-re-re-reading it.

[for-much-deliberation ... · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good christian meditation book

[Vuyani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for meditating on Jesus's word on the mount, truly a mount of blessing

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read this book for the millionth time. My second favorite book of EG White's.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. Going on my list of read-once-a-year books.

[Marc Rasell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very spiritual and insightful book into the Sermon on the Mount.

[Evelynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh. What can I say about this book? It's really beautiful and thought-provoking. Ellen G. White is one of my favorite authors. She was certainly blessed by God.

[Rebecca Trent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received so much enlightenment from this book! Deeper understandings offered with each page.

[Teodora · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book, that’s draws you into the beauty of Christ and His words. It’s an easy read but it takes time to contemplate, reflect and turn your heart towards heaven. A book for all Christianity regardless of your denomination.

[Veselin Benev · Rating 5 out of 5]

В тази книга, авторката е разкрила значението и смисъла на проповедта на Исус Христос на планината на блаженствата, описани в евангелието на Матей пета глава на Библията, са най-богатите благословения от нашия Господ.
Това е една прекрасна книга!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This small book is full of the wisdom I need to live as a believer in God and never ceases to bring me into a holy place to refresh and renew on my best and worst of days. My copy is heavily marked and annotated. Definitely on my annual need to reread list.

[George Gomoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent devotional

Good read for devotional time and group study . Learn about the best speech ever given by the saviour to others

[Porsche Vanderhorst · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the words of Christ. This is a book I will read, read and read again.

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true blessing to read, and a great entry point for her writing.

[Canny Tay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesus's greatest sermon!

[Alex Lash · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple and profound lesson on the most important things in life

[Laura McAllister · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relatively light read on the sermon on the mount.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brought me closer

[ToshaLyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

a beautiful analysis of Jesus's Sermon on the Mount.

[Moises R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evangelio de Salvacion

[Karen Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything by Ellen G White is awesome! Very inspiring...

[Reby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinary! You should read it too but with the Bible!