24. Kvpioif, masters) God and Mammon in sooth act as master to their servants, but in different ways. — SouXivtiv, to serve) i.e.1 to be a servant of. — »j /a?, for either) Each part of this disjunc tive sentence has xai (and) with a consecutive force, viz. The heart of man cannot be so free as not to serve either God or a creature, nor can it serve them both at once j2 for it either still remains in enmity with God or it takes God's part. In the one case, then (xa/) it cannot but love Mammon ; in the other, then (x«/) it cannot but despise Mammon. This statement may be inverted, so that the clause referring to the laudable state of mind may precede the other. Cf. ver. 22, 23. Attachment and a desire to please are consequent upon either servitude. See ver. 21. — ®s& dovXivuv, to serve God) Which is described in Luke xii. 35, 36.3 — /ia/iwv£, Mammon) Mammon does not only mean affluence, but external goods, however few. See ver. 25.4 Augustine5 tells us, that both in Phoenician and Chaklee mam mon signifies gain.
25. My /j.fpifjt,vare, take no care for) The disciples had left all things which could be the source of care to them. — r5j -4>u%>j, the soul) The soul is supported by food in the body, which itself lives on food : the body alone is covered by raiment. — xal ri Kirtrs, and what ye drink) This has been easily omitted by copyists, or is easily understood (subauditur) by us. The 31st verse requires the express mention of drinking rather than the
1 With one's full powers. — V. g.
2 Although very many think themselves thoroughly versed in this art of combining both. — V. g.
3 The servants of Mammon, in obedience to their natural instincts, hate Him, who alone is good. — V. g.
4 Yea, even the commonest necessaries of life. Comp. ver. 32. But if even such a service of Mammon, as affects the mere necessaries of life, is op posed to the service of GOD, what then are we to suppose it to be to serve GOD. It is this : to be borne towards Him with the full tide of love, and with uninterrupted regard. — V. g.
5 AURELIUS AUGUSTINUS, one of the most celebrated fathers of the Western Church, was born at Tagasta, in Africa, in 354. His mother Monica was a holy Christian woman : his father a heathen, in which religion he was edu cated. His early career, though one of extreme brilliancy, was disfigured by profligacy. At length, however, he embraced Christianity; was baptized by St Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, in 387 ; ordained priest in 391 ; and con secrated in 395 Bishop of Hippo, where he died in 430. — (I. B.)