of reward in the heavenly state. Fellowship with prophets and apostles in glory. Fellowship with Christ. "If we suffer with him, that we may be also "lorified 0 together."-J. A. M. ; Vere. 13-16.-0hristian infl=• It was not to the outside multitude, but to bis own disciples, that Jesus addressed these words. To these, more immediately, the whole sermon was preached (see vers. 1, 2). We have to consider Christians- !. As THE SALT OF THE EARTH. 1. GO/Is instruments /0'1' its purificatim. (1) Salt is a eymbol of purity. It is opposed to leaven, which, by its fermenting properties, hastens corruption; and is a symbol of impurity (cf. Lev. ii. 13; 1 Cor. v. 8). Chris- tians are distinguished as "saints." (2) Christians are purifiers. By holy example. By zealous efforts. By fervent prayers. 2. They impart relish to life. (1) There is no relish to meat comparable to salt (cf. Job vi. 6; Ezra iv. 14). Hence "salary." (2) Christian influence is civilizing. Life where Christian influences are least felt is all but intolerable. Amongst the criminal classes. Amongst savage men. (3) Chris- tian influence is regenerating (cf. Mark ix. 49, 60; Col. iv. 6; Eph. iv. 29). Regenera- tion is the higher civilization. 3. They prese:rve the WO'T'ld from deatruction. (1) Salt has the property of preserving animal substance from decomposition. The people of the covenant are the people of the salt (see Numb. xviii. 19). (2) Sin is disintegrating. It destroyed the world in the deluge of water. It will provoke the deluge of fire. It is the destruction of nations. (3) The respite of the wicked is in the prayer of the righteous. For ten righteous' sake God would have spared Sodom (see also Ezek. xiv. 14, 20). 4. In preserving they are preserved. (1) Salt may lose its savour. Maundrell, in describing the Valley of Salt, says, '' I broke a piece of that part which was exposed to the rain, sun, and air. Though it had the sparks and particles of salt, yet it had perfectly lost its savour. The inner part which was connected to the rock retained its savour, as I found by proof" (' Travels,' 6th edit., last page). So may the Christian lose his true life by yielding to evil influences (see Heb. vi. 4-6). (2) Salt without savour is useless as the timber of the vine. "Good for nothing.n Obstruction to good by giving false views of religion. (3) Fit subjects for contempt. " Cast out," viz. from the Church. If not from the visible, certainly from the spiritual. Trampled. (4) Let loiterers be admonished. II. As THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. 1. They shiM through union with CJhrist. (1) Chri$t is the true" Light of the world" (see John viii. 12). Light was the first creatioD and emblem of the Word. In his "Logos state" he appeared in light. When the Word was made flesh the glory was there, but veiled (see John i. 14). (2) Christians, like planets, shine by reflection (cf. Eph. v. 8; see also Phil. ii. 15). The moon, which also shines by reflection, is the figure of the Church-the community of saints. (3) The Church enlightens the moral night of the world. 2. They shine in union with tlie Church. (l) 'l'his is suggested in the similes. The city on the hill probably alludes to Jerusalem, an emblem of the Church. The candlestick is a like simile (Rev. i. 20). (2) The light of ChristiaD profession is most influential there. "CaDnot be hid." Shines for the benefit of" all that are in the house." The family. The Church. The world. (3) Eccentric religionists are here rebuked. 3. Tliey shine in good works. (1) Righteous works. Justice in judgment. Justice in dealings. (2) Beneficent works. For the bodies of men. For the souls of men. Kindness to inferior anim:J.ls. (3) Consistent works. The eye of the world is keen to discern inconsistencies in professors of religion. Nobody notices the mud on the back of a sweep; but an ink- spot on a lady's muslin is matter for animadversion. 4. They shine in noble motives. (1) Not for self-glorification. "Works" are to be seen, not self. They are to be "seen," not heard. (2) For the glory of the Father in heaven. Unostentatious goodness is fit matter for praise to God (see Gal. i. 24). It is a motive for piety. Beautiful examples are powerful influences. 5. They live in their shining. (1) The light uuder a bushel will go out. 'l'he contained oxygen will be soon co~sumed. On the lamp-stand it will live. (2) Bushels will conceal and extinguish the light of life. Apathy: foolish virgins. Cowardice: Peter and the ruaid. Worldliness. Covetousness. Vanity.-J. A. M.
Vere. 17-20.-The gospel of the Law. The Jews of our Lord's day expected that Mcs.:;iah would dignify the Law and verify the prophets. In this they wore correct, 214 THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST, MATTHEW. [en. v. 1-48.