Matthew Poole and continuators on Luke 17:2

2 It were better for him that a milstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, then that he should offend one of these little ones.

See the Notes on Matth. 18.[illegible: 1 letter] 7. Mark 9.42. This term [non-Latin text not transcribed] is used in the New Testament very variously; in the general it signifies any thing, which may be an occasion of mischief to another. Man consisting of Body and Soul, may by something be made to stumble and fall either with reference to the one, or to the other; thus Levit. 19.14. Thou shalt not—put a stumbling block before the Blind. [non-Latin text not transcribed] Heb. so Prov. 24.17. the mischief done to our Souls is by Sin, so as in the New Testament, it often signifies any action of ours, by which our Brother is mad[illegible: 1 letter] to Sin, which actions may be good and necessary, and then the scandal is taken▪ not given; or Wicked and Abominable, hence we call some Sins scandalous Sins, such as give offence to others, and are examples alluring them to Sin. Or thirdly, Actions which in themselves are of indifferent Nature, neither commanded nor forbiden in the Word. Our taking one part in these Actions, rather then another, may be a Scandal, that is an Offence. What our Saviour here saith, is certainly true, concerning all these kinds of Offences, considering the Complexion of the World, and the Corruption which is Mens hearts. It is impossible but that Offences will come. But I must confess that I incline to think, that the Offences primarily intended by our Saviour here, are those of the first sort, and that by them are meant Persecutions of the People of God. To the Authors of which our Saviour denounceth Woe. So that our Saviour by this, lets the World know, the special protection under which he hath taken his People, so as tho he knew there would arise those, who would hurt and destroy in his holy Mountain; yet he declares, that they shall not go unpunished, but they had better dye the most certain Death imaginable, (such must b[illegible: 1 letter] the Death of him who is thrown into the Sea, with a Milstone about his Neck) than to that degree expose himself to the Vengeance of God, a guilt of that Nature, that there is not much more hope for him to escape Gods Vengeance, than there would be of a Man escaping with his Life, whom we should see thrown into the Sea, with a Milstone appendant to him. I do very well know that it is also highly dangerous, to tempt or sollicite a Child of God to Sin, either by our Words or Action; but I do not think it the design of our Lord in this place, so much to express that as the other.