Matthew Poole and continuators on Matthew 18:9

9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee, it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire.

By Offences are here meant Stumbling Blocks to Souls, such Persons or Actions as are to others Temptations to Sin. The World, saith our Saviour, is full of Temptations. Temptations to Sin are on all Hands, some inticing and persuading Men to that which is Evil, others setting them an Example to it, others alluring them by promises, others by threatnings and punishments driving Men to it as much as in them lyeth; the World will one day find the Evil, and Mischief of it. It must be that offences come, God hath so ordered it in the Wisdom of his Providence, that he will not restrain the Lusts of all Mens Hearts, but suffer some to walk in their own ways. Men in Power will command those under them, to do what is Sinful, fright them by Threatnings, force them (if possible) by Punishments. Equals and Inferiours will set examples of Sin, Allure, Intice and perswade. But Woe be to those by whom such Offences come. Men, saith our Saviour, should be so afraid to Sin, as they should rather part with the dearest things they have in the World, if they be as dear as Eyes, Hands, Feet, rather than Sin, or indure them to be occasions of Sin to them, See v. 8, 9. opened in our Notes on Chap. 5.29. Mark hath the same things. Chap. 9.43▪ 44, 45, 46, 47, 48. only with the addition of this saying thrice. Where the Worm dyeth not, and the Fire is not quenched. Which Phrase doth but denote the Eternity of Sinners Misery taken from Isaiah 66. v. 24.