Matthew Poole and continuators on Matthew 6:23
Annotations upon the Holy Bible. Browse this work.
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Matthew6:23
23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness; how great is that darkness?
You had need look to your Hearts, your Vnderstanding, Iudgment and Affections, for look what Proportion there is betwixt your Bodi[illegible: 1 letter]y Eye, and the rest of the Bodily Members, with regard to their Guidance, and Conduct: The same Proportion there is betwixt your Heart, and whole Conversation, with reference to the Guidance of it, with relation to God: The Eye is the Window by which the Soul looks out to guide the Body, if that be not impaired by the defluction of Humours, &c. but be single, it directs all the Motions of the Body right; but if that be Defective, or any way impaired, the whole Body is at a loss how to move safely, and with Advantage to it. So if your Hearts be set right, if you have a right and sound Judgment, a true and sanctified Affection, they will influence, and guide all your Actions, your whole Conversation will be regular and Holy: But if that inward Eye be Evil, through Covetousness, too much adherence to the Earth, or through Envy (both which are called Evil Eyes in Scripture) or through the Prevalence of any other Lusts or Passions, your Darkness will be exceeding great: You will not be able to set one step right, for out of the abundance of the Heart the Mouth speaketh, and according to the Dictates and Affections of the Heart, the Hand, and the whole Man acteth.
Matthew Poole and continuators, Annotations upon the Holy Bible, Matthew 6:23. Public domain.
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