We see, for another thing, in these verses, the need of giving up anything that stands between us and the salvation of our souls. The " hand" and the " foot" are to be cut off, and the " eye" to be plucked out, if they offend, or are occasions of falling. The things that are dear to us as eye, foot, or hand, are to be cast off and given up if they injure our souls, whatever pain the sacrifice may cost us.
This is a rule that sounds stern and harsh at first sight. But our loving Master did not give the rule without cause. Compliance with it is absolutely necessary, since neglect of it is the sure way to hell. Our bodily senses are the channels through which many of our most formidable temptations approach us. Our bodily members are ready instruments of evil, but slow to that which is good. The eye, the hand, and the foot are good servants, when under right direction. But they need daily watching, lest they lead us into sin.
Let us resolve by God's grace to make a practical use of our Lord's solemn injunction in this place. Let us regard it as the advice of a wise physician, the counsel of a tender father, the warning of a faithful friend. How- ever men may ridicule us for our strictness and precise- ness,let us habitually " crucify our flesh with its affections and lusts." Let us deny ourselves any enjoyment, rather than incur peril of sinning against God. Let us walk in Job's steps : he says, u I made a covenant with mine eyes." (Job xxxi. 1.) Let us remember Paul : he says,
of His kingdom. Whatever reason we may have to fear that some persons will not persevere in goodness, we must, notwithstanding, suffer them to continue their endeavors, when they appear to be any ways useful. God Himself authorizes such persons, since it is Ho who performs the good in them."