[Thetf nuMff receive you.] I cannot bdiere that diis expreaakin refeiB either to the Trinity, the angels, or the persons whom we have helped with our money. I regard it as indefinite, and signifying only ** ye may be received." The same sort of expres- sion is found in Matt L 23. y. 15 ; Luke xiL 20 ; Acts viL 6 ; 1 Thess, V. 3 ; Bev. vL 4.
[Everlasting habiUUums.] This expression must evidently mean heaven. The word translated '* habitations,'' is trans- lated "tabernacles" in every other place where it is found in the New Testament
In leaving this verse, I will mention two cautions which should always be remembered in interpreting it — On the one hand let us beware of supposing that by any use of money we can purchase to ourselves God s favour and die pardon of our sins. Heaven is not to be bought Any such interpretation of the verse is most unscriptural.---On the other hand, let us beware of shutting our eyes against the doctrine which the verse unmis- takeably contains. That doctrine plainly is, that a right use of our money in this world, from right motives, will be for our benefit in the world to come. It will not justify us. It will not bear the severity of God's judgment, any more than other good works. But it shall be an evidence of our grace, which shall befriend our souls. There is such a thing as " laying up treasure in heaven," and " laying up a good foundation against the time to come." (Matt vi. 20 ; 1 Tim. vi. 19.)
10. — [Faithful.,,. least.,. much.] This verse seems to be used in a proverbial way. It is an acknowledged truth, that a man's con- duct in littie things is a sure test of what he is likely to do in great things, and that when a man is unfaithful in small matters, we do not expect him to be faithful in important ones. The ap- plication of this principle is made in the two foUowing verses.
11. — [If therefore,., not been faithful.] The argument in this and the following verse is one and the same, though the expressions are different. The " unrighteous mammon " here means *' money." The "true riches" mean treasure in heaven. The doctrine is, that he who is dishonest and unfaithful in the discharge of his duties on earth, must not expect to have heavenly treasure, or to be saved.
12. — [TTiat which is another man*8.] The ai^iment in this verse is like that of the preceding one. — Money is called " that which is another man's,' because it passes from, one to another, and is never our own long. — Eternal life is called " that which is your own," because it is the only property which endures for ever. Everything else that we have is only a loan from God, and may be withdrawn any day. Grace and peace once given are an everlasting possession. Once ours they are ours to all eternity.