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The Heavenly Octave: A Study Of The Beatitudes 1936
""The Heavenly A Study of the Beatitudes"" is a book written by F. W. Boreham in 1936. The book is a comprehensive study of the eight Beatitudes, which are a set of teachings given by Jesus Christ in the Sermon on the Mount. The Beatitudes are considered to be some of the most important teachings of Jesus and are a cornerstone of Christian ethics and morality. In this book, Boreham explores the meaning and significance of each of the Beatitudes, providing insights into their spiritual and practical applications. He draws on his extensive knowledge of the Bible and Christian theology to provide a deep and thought-provoking analysis of each teaching. Boreham's writing style is engaging and accessible, making the book suitable for both scholars and lay readers. He uses anecdotes, stories, and real-life examples to illustrate his points and bring the teachings to life. Overall, ""The Heavenly A Study of the Beatitudes"" is a timeless classic that offers a rich and insightful exploration of one of the most important teachings of Jesus Christ. It is a must-read for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of Christian spirituality and ethics.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
116 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1936
About the author
F.W. Boreham
126 books57 followersRev. Dr. Frank W. Boreham
(March 3rd 1871 – May 18th 1959) Served, and wrote, in the UK, New Zealand, and Australia.
(March 3rd 1871 – May 18th 1959) Served, and wrote, in the UK, New Zealand, and Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 16, 2019
I love this man and his thoughts and the way he causes me to see scripture in a new light. He has opened up the Beatitudes in that way for me with this slim but meaty volume. I will not attempt to record everything that I noted in this book, but I must share a few quotes that are just too good not to pass along.
"There is, says Thomas à Kempis, perpetual peace with the humble; but the proud and the covetous are never at rest."
"The eyes, cleansed by weeping, have obtained a clearer vision of life's profound mystery and beneficent discipline."
"He made us what we are - quivering bundles of emotion, creatures that cling fondly and tenaciously to one another. He made us what we are - made us in his own image. And, having made us what we are, and made us in his own image, he knows the wrench and the heartbreak. He sympathized; he understood; and so he wept. Is no work of grace effected by such tender tears?"
"And yet the Beatitudes themselves can be condensed into a single sentence. Blessedness, the Saviour seems to say, consists in character. It lies, not in thinking something, nor in saying something, nor in doing something, but in being something."
"The one vital truth emphasized by the Beatitudes, differently applied and differently illustrated by each, but pointedly taught by all, is that true religion consists, not in assuming a role, nor in playing a part, nor in choosing a style of conduct, but in living a new life."
"The very word 'meekness', one authority assures me, is the word used by the Greeks to describe a colt which had been broken in and harnessed. It was once careering wildly over the waste; but now it is disciplined for service. Its strength is not reduced; but its real value has been developed. Meekness is therefore not a sign of pusillanimous weakness, but of splendid strength."
"God can forgive the passing sin of the hot heart but not the inherent sin of the cold. Even he has no mercy for the unmerciful." -John Ruskin.
"In the spiritual life, there is a law of action and reaction constantly at work. The leaves of the tree inhale vitality from the atmosphere, and thus minister to the life of the remotest roots. Simultaneously, the invigorated roots suck up the nutriment from the earth and communicate strength to the loftiest boughs. There is constant action and reaction."
"Blessed are the peacemakers! By that pearl-like phrase the Saviour meant not so much men and women who will do a certain thing, as men and women who will display a certain spirit."
"There is, says Thomas à Kempis, perpetual peace with the humble; but the proud and the covetous are never at rest."
"The eyes, cleansed by weeping, have obtained a clearer vision of life's profound mystery and beneficent discipline."
"He made us what we are - quivering bundles of emotion, creatures that cling fondly and tenaciously to one another. He made us what we are - made us in his own image. And, having made us what we are, and made us in his own image, he knows the wrench and the heartbreak. He sympathized; he understood; and so he wept. Is no work of grace effected by such tender tears?"
"And yet the Beatitudes themselves can be condensed into a single sentence. Blessedness, the Saviour seems to say, consists in character. It lies, not in thinking something, nor in saying something, nor in doing something, but in being something."
"The one vital truth emphasized by the Beatitudes, differently applied and differently illustrated by each, but pointedly taught by all, is that true religion consists, not in assuming a role, nor in playing a part, nor in choosing a style of conduct, but in living a new life."
"The very word 'meekness', one authority assures me, is the word used by the Greeks to describe a colt which had been broken in and harnessed. It was once careering wildly over the waste; but now it is disciplined for service. Its strength is not reduced; but its real value has been developed. Meekness is therefore not a sign of pusillanimous weakness, but of splendid strength."
"God can forgive the passing sin of the hot heart but not the inherent sin of the cold. Even he has no mercy for the unmerciful." -John Ruskin.
"In the spiritual life, there is a law of action and reaction constantly at work. The leaves of the tree inhale vitality from the atmosphere, and thus minister to the life of the remotest roots. Simultaneously, the invigorated roots suck up the nutriment from the earth and communicate strength to the loftiest boughs. There is constant action and reaction."
"Blessed are the peacemakers! By that pearl-like phrase the Saviour meant not so much men and women who will do a certain thing, as men and women who will display a certain spirit."
December 25, 2020
Incredible. One of my favorite Borehams. Every essay is incredible. Will forever change the way you see the beatitudes.
August 24, 2018
Powerful message, compact and attainable insights to the Beatitudes.
August 14, 2020
Writing with his usual flair, FWB unpacks the riches to be found in the Beatitudes.
December 9, 2023
First published in 1936, Frank Boreham describes and illustrates the Beatitudes of Jesus as an original thinker and a creative storyteller. This is on my top three list of 12 books I read on the Beatitudes recently. The other two in my top three are: "The Christian Salt & Light Company" by Haddon Robinson and "Live Like a King" by Warren Wiersbe.
April 15, 2024
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed, he said, are neither rich nor poor unless they be rich in faith and poor in spirit…”
“The world has its own idea of blessedness. Blessed is the man who is always right. Blessed is the man who is satisfied with himself. Blessed is the man who is strong. Blessed is the man who rules. Blessed is the man who is rich. Blessed is the man who is popular. Blessed is the man who enjoys life. These are the beatitudes of sight and this present world. It comes with a shock and opens a new realm of thought that not one of these men entered Jesus' mind when he treated of blessedness.”—Ian Maclaren.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
“He that is down needs fear no fall.”—John Bunyan
“The eyes, cleansed by weeping, have obtained a clearer vision of life's profound mystery and beneficent discipline.”
“A man mourns his sins… his spiritual poverty… the waywardness and callousness of his fellow men.”
“A man mourns his sins. The memory of his iniquities is grievous unto him; the burden of them is intolerable. He is appalled at the thought that he has dared to insult a holy, just, and gracious God. Neither the loss of heaven nor the fear of hell troubles him so much as the enormity of his own audacity in violating the grace of the Most High. Such mourning is extremely bitter. Yet only the man who has tasted that cup of woe can experience the rapture of the divine forgiveness, the joy of reconciliation.”
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
“…it is a good thing to possess a temper that feels deeply and acutely and keenly, provided that you have it in complete subjection.”
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
“And so a gateway—the largest gateway of all—has been placed in the center of the Western wall for all who, pitifully conscious of their own imperfections, nevertheless covet, and covet passionately, the virtues that they know they lack.”
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
“The idea of showing consideration or pity to a stranger or a foe never entered the world until Christianity emphasized the obligation… Christlessness in any society means mercilessness.”
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
“…if I were pure in heart, I should have all the other virtues as well!”—John Broadbanks
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
“The peacemaker of whom the Saviour was thinking when he uttered the beatitude is a man who will take infinite pains to give no offense, by thought or word or deed…”
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
“Blessed, he said, are neither rich nor poor unless they be rich in faith and poor in spirit…”
“The world has its own idea of blessedness. Blessed is the man who is always right. Blessed is the man who is satisfied with himself. Blessed is the man who is strong. Blessed is the man who rules. Blessed is the man who is rich. Blessed is the man who is popular. Blessed is the man who enjoys life. These are the beatitudes of sight and this present world. It comes with a shock and opens a new realm of thought that not one of these men entered Jesus' mind when he treated of blessedness.”—Ian Maclaren.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
“He that is down needs fear no fall.”—John Bunyan
“The eyes, cleansed by weeping, have obtained a clearer vision of life's profound mystery and beneficent discipline.”
“A man mourns his sins… his spiritual poverty… the waywardness and callousness of his fellow men.”
“A man mourns his sins. The memory of his iniquities is grievous unto him; the burden of them is intolerable. He is appalled at the thought that he has dared to insult a holy, just, and gracious God. Neither the loss of heaven nor the fear of hell troubles him so much as the enormity of his own audacity in violating the grace of the Most High. Such mourning is extremely bitter. Yet only the man who has tasted that cup of woe can experience the rapture of the divine forgiveness, the joy of reconciliation.”
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
“…it is a good thing to possess a temper that feels deeply and acutely and keenly, provided that you have it in complete subjection.”
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
“And so a gateway—the largest gateway of all—has been placed in the center of the Western wall for all who, pitifully conscious of their own imperfections, nevertheless covet, and covet passionately, the virtues that they know they lack.”
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
“The idea of showing consideration or pity to a stranger or a foe never entered the world until Christianity emphasized the obligation… Christlessness in any society means mercilessness.”
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
“…if I were pure in heart, I should have all the other virtues as well!”—John Broadbanks
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
“The peacemaker of whom the Saviour was thinking when he uttered the beatitude is a man who will take infinite pains to give no offense, by thought or word or deed…”
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
November 6, 2025
I personally love this older style of writing. It is full of image and poetry and really brings the Beatitudes to life. Boreham, though sometimes repetitive, does a fantastic job of relating our modern lives to each of them. If you enjoy the older writing style this book is recommended for you!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews