Seven homilies on the Beatitudes, as found in the fifth chapter of Matthew, are offered here by the minister of the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church of New York City. In his introduction, Dr. Read advances the affirmation that the sayings of Jesus can be understood only by being confronted by Christ himself. This thesis is not developed in the homilies, however. The Beatitudes are discussed as being Christian virtues--attitudes and ways of behavior, having their appropriate rewards. The development follows somewhat traditional Christian apologetics, more accepted by those who are already ""inside"" the Christian tradition than by those who stand outside, or for whom traditional Christian language and ideas no longer serve for instant communication. This little book may appeal to some readers as suitable for their private devotion.