We learn, secondly, from these verses, the value of a single and undivided heart in religion. This is a lesson which our Lord illustrates firom the office of the eye in the human body. He reminds us that when the eye is "single," or thoroughly healthy, the action of the whole body is influenced by it. But when, on the contrary, the eye is evil or diseased, it affects the physical comfort and activity of the whole man. In an eafitem- country, where eye diseases are painfully conmion, the illustration is one which would be particularly striking.
But when can it be truly said that a man's heart is single in reUgion? What are the marks of a single heart ? The question is one of deep importance. Well would it be for the church and the world if single hearts were more common !
The single heart is a heart which is not only changed, converted, and renewed ; but thoroughly, powerfully, and habitually under the influence of the Holy Ghost. It is a heart which abhors all compromises, all luke-warmness, all halting between two opinions in religion. It sees one mighty object, — the love of Christ dying for sinners. It has oniB mighty aim, — ^to glorify God and do His will. It has one mighiy desire, — to please God and be com- mended by Him. Compared with such objects, aims, and desires, the single heart knows nothing worthy to be named. The praise and favour of man are nothing. The blame and disapprobation of man are trifles light as air. "One thing I desire,— one thing I do,— one thing I live for :'' this is the language of the single heart. (Psl. zxvii. 4; Luke x. 42; Philip, iii. 13.) Such were the hearts of Abraham, and Moses, and David, and