Christian influence.
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 Matthew 5:1, Matthew 5:2). We have to consider Christians—
I. AS THE SALT OF THE EARTH.
1. God's instruments for its purification.
2. They impart relish to life.
3. They preserve the world from destruction.
4. In preserving they are preserved.
II. AS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.
1. They shine through union with Christ.
2. They shine in union with the Church.
3. They shine in good works.
4. They shine in noble motives.
5. They live in their shining.