Page:SermonOnTheMount1900.djvu/56

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

grace seasoned with salt'; [1] and this is just what those are very far off from whose whole conduct is full of languor and softness. There ought to be a holy vigour in the words of a Christian; he should reprove with strength, and sometimes even give a stinging prick as a grain of salt may do. But we must not put in too much salt at once, for then we shall make the whole mouth burn, instead of merely whetting the appetite by a little smart to the tongue.

To be the 'light of the world' is a degree higher, for it implies giving the example that builds up and enlightens the house of God. This is what we owe to each other; and, contrariwise, if we give one another scandal, that curse will fall upon us which our Saviour called down when He said: ' Woe to the world because of scandals. For it must needs be that scandals come; but, nevertheless, woe to that man by whom the scandal cometh... it were better for him that a mill-stone were hanged about his neck and he were cast into the sea.' [2]

Weigh well these words, O you Christians, who fear not to scandalise the feeble and little ones of the Church!

  1. Coloss, iv. 9.
  2. Matt, xviii., Mark ix., Luke xvii.