Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

CHAPTER X. 14T
it known by his life. The maintenance of the
clergy is a matter of justice and of divine right.
He who labours in the church, not he who does no-
thing there, has a right to live of the church's re-
venue, but not therewith to support his luxury, his
vanity, &c.
*' 11. And into whatsoever city or town ye shall
enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide
till ye go thence."
A priest ought to be very careful of his reputa-
tion ; to lodge with persons of a regular life, and to
avoid all suspicion of levity, or of loving good cheer
and the conveniences of life. To receive and en-
tertain workmen truly evangelical, is a favour of
which every body is not worthy.
" 12. And when ye come into an house, salute it.
13. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come
upon it : but if it be not worthy, let your peace
return to you."
The peace of the gospel is that which charity and
a good conscience give. This is to pay the master
of the house largely beforehand—to pray for him,
and to offer him peace ; namely, the knowledge of
Christ, the righteousness of the kingdom of God,
and the grace of faith. A man is not worthy to re-
ceive this peace, till chosen by God, and prevented
by his grace and mercy. The merit of a preacher
of the gospel does not depend upon his success.
The mortification of a repulse is a gain to a man of
God. There is always great advantage to be made
in the service of a master, who requires nothing but
a good will and obedience, and who bestows even
that which he requires.
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