Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

106 ST. MATTHEW.
the proper use is made of this rule of our Lord's, it
will soon be discovered who are the good trees.
Sect. VI. Godjudges by the Works.
" 21. % Not every one that saith unto me, Lord,
Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven ; but
he that doeth the will of my Father which is in
heaven."
That man condemns himself, who calls God his
Lord, and yet testifies by his works that he does
not fear him. God considers actions, and not words;
fruit, and not leaves. The false and deceitful de-
votion which consists only in words, is rejected by
Jesus Christ. That alone which is true, substantial,
and necessary, consists in studying and doing what
God requires of us. How can the world be saved ?
—the world, which is intent on nothing; but doin^
either its own will, to please itself, or that of others,
out of interest ! The will of God, which alone can
sanctify and save, is regarded by it as nothing.
" 22. Many will say to me in that day. Lord,
Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name ? and in
thy name have cast out devils ? and in thy name
done many wonderful works?"
The most shining actions of the reprobate are
often such as are rejected by God with the greater
indignation, because the principle of them is more
corrupt, and the end more criminal. How many
preachers are there, who appear prophets in the pul-
pit; how many (spiritual) directors; how many writers,
and other evangelical workman, whose conduct, doc-
trine, and labour we admire; who yet are really no-
thing, and even less than nothing, before God, be-