Vol. 2

:142 ST. MARK.Who can conceive the torment of this gnawingworm, namely, of the eternal reproach of conscience,when a man shall reflect upon the graces and merciesof God which he has despised, and on the preferencehe has made of the shadow of amomentary happiness,before a substantial and eternal good, which isGod himself?" 47. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it outit is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of Godwith one eye, than having two eyes to be cast intohell-fire ;"What precautions do we not take to avoid an infectiousair, and to prevent a contagious distemperfrom spreading? How much greater reason havewe to shun those persons who are to us an occasionof sin, were they, on the account of their advice,protection, and assistance, as dear to us as our hands,our feet, and our eyes ? How much more still oughtwe to cut off all criminal, unprofitable, and dangeroususe of our senses, our mind, and our body?"48. Where their worm dieth not, and the fireisnot quenched."These words repeated three times, are as so manyadmonitions, to avoid the last, great, general, andeternal excommunication, which will separate thesinner from all happiness, and overwhelm him withall internal and external miseries, denoted here bythe worm and the fire. Let us hearken to thiswholesome advice of our blessed Saviour, while asyet this worm may be crushed by the contrition ofour heart, and this fire extinguished by the tears ofour repentance." 49. For every one shall be salted with fire, andevery sacrifice shall be salted with salt."