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It was not to the outside multitude, but to his 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 -

I. AS THE SALT OF THE EARTH.

1. God's instruments for its purification.

(1) Salt is a symbol of purity. It is opposed to leaven, which, by its fermenting properties, hastens corruption; and is a symbol of impurity (cf. Leviticus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 5:8). Christians 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 6:6; Ezra 4:14). 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) Christian influence is regenerating (cf. Mark 9:49, 50; Colossians 4:6; Ephesians 4:29). Regeneration is the higher civilization.

3. They preserve the world from destruction.

(1) Salt has the property of preserving animal substance from decomposition. The people of the covenant are the people of the salt (see Numbers 18:19).

(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 Ezekiel 14:14, 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,' 5th edit., last page). So may the Christian lose his true life by yielding to evil influences (see Hebrews 6:4-6).

(2) Salt without savour is useless as the timber of the vine. "Good for nothing." 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 shine through union with Christ.

(1) Christ is the true "Light of the world" (see John 8:12). Light was the first creation 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 1:14).

(2) Christians, like planets, shine by reflection (cf. Ephesians 5:8; see also Philippians 2:15). 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 the Church.

(1) This 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 (Revelation 1:20).

(2) The light of Christian profession is most influential there. "Cannot 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. They 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 animals.

(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 Galatians 1:24). It is a motive for piety. Beautiful examples are powerful influences.

5. They live in their shining.

(1) The light under a bushel will go out. The contained oxygen will be soon consumed. On the lamp-stand it will live.

(2) Bushels will conceal and extinguish the light of life. Apathy: foolish virgins. Cowardice: Peter and the maid. Worldliness. Covetousness. Vanity. - J.A.M.

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KJV: Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

WEB: "You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men.