Notes, Critical and Explanatory, on the Holy Scriptures

That is, rashly and unmerciiuUy. The parallel passage- of Luke V. 37, indicates rash condemnation. See also Rom. ii. 1. It is not for- bidden to persons in authority to exercise their judicial power. Private individuals should not usurp the right of authoritative judgment; nor even in their own minds should they condemn others, without evidence of guilt. Where crime is manifest, its condemnation is a homage rendered to the Divine law: but pity for the culprit should accompany the detesta- tion of his offence. St. Chrysostom observes : " He does not, as appears to me, order us not to judge any sins, or forbid us absolutely to do it ; but He refers to those who are guilty of numberless sins, and yet insult others for slight transgressions."

This may have reference to the flesh of victims offered in sacrifice, which was not given to dogs, but was eaten by the priest, or by those who made the offering. It is a proverbial expression, used by our Lord to insinuate that we should not rashly propose the sublime mysteries of faith to the profane, who may blaspheme them ; nor dispense holy gifts to the unworthy. Dogs, in Scripture, are taken as types of the unclean and impious. Their barking may well signify the attacks of the impious on the divine doctrines. The discipline of secrecy observed in the early ages of the Church was based on this admonition.

This is emphatic, as Campbell observes. If man deals thus with his child, how much more so our heavenly Father ! Luke xi. 11.

Whatsoever we reasonably wish others to do to us, we should be ready to do to them. Tobias iv. 16 ; Luke vi. 31.

That is, strive to enter. Luke xiii. 24.

The similitude is that of a narrow gate opening into a road which leads up to a citadel. The way of vice is like a broad way downwards to a precipice.

G. P. " Because strait is the gate." Campbell, Griesbach, Wet- stein, Schott and other critics adhere to the Vulgate reading, which is conformable to nine ancient manuscripts, and to almost all the versions, as well as to the citations of the Greek and Latin fathers.

" False teachers." In the New Testament prophecy is often taken for teaching.

The sand yielding easily, as it soaked the rain, the walls gave way.

Both at the doctrine itself, and the authoritative mannerof His leaching.