9:41-50 It is repeatedly said of the wicked, Their worm dieth not, as well as, The fire is never quenched. Doubtless, remorse of conscience and keen self-reflection are this never-dying worm. Surely it is beyond compare better to undergo all possible pain, hardship, and self-denial here, and to be happy for ever hereafter, than to enjoy all kinds of worldly pleasure for a season, and to be miserable for ever. Like the sacrifices, we must be salted with salt; our corrupt affections must be subdued and mortified by the Holy Spirit. Those that have the salt of grace, must show they have a living principle of grace in their hearts, which works out corrupt dispositions in the soul that would offend God, or our own consciences.

50. Salt is good; but if the salt have lost his saltness—its power to season what it is brought into contact with.

wherewith will ye season it?—How is this property to be restored? See on [1470]Mt 5:13.

Have salt in yourselves—See to it that ye retain in yourselves those precious qualities that will make you a blessing to one another, and to all around you.

and—with respect to the miserable strife out of which all this discourse has sprung, in one concluding word.

have peace one with another—This is repeated in 1Th 5:13.