Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

CHAPTER X.
149
and violence of the world, but the simplicity and
meekness of that creature. Where can we find
those now-a-days, who embrace ecclesiastical digni-
ties, only as a state of labour and suffering ? That
we may neither draw upon ourselves persecution by
our imprudence, nor endeavour to avoid it against
the divine command, and by ways contrary to the
simplicity of the dove, it is necessary to join these
two qualities, wisdom and simplicity; which nothing
but the Spirit of God alone can unite in one soul.
" 17. But beware of men ; for they will deliver
you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in
their synagogues :"
Let us not trust or depend upon every one.
Even the best friends are to be suspected, when the
business is to consult whether a man shall show his
weakness, together with them, to avoid the ill treat*
ment of carnal men, or expose himself to every thing,
that he may continue faithful to God. Christ con-
ceals not from his disciples what they have to un-
dergo in his service, because he will not deceive any
one; and because it belongs to Him to fortify the
heart of man, and to render it invincible to all things.
" 18. And ye shall be brought before governors
and kings for ray sake, for a testimony against them
and the Gentiles."
This is matter of wonderful comfort and encour-
agement to such as are sent to preach or teach, that
they can be assured that it is the cause of God and
of Christ, which they have to maintain before the
powers of the earth. God never forsakes him who
takes his interests to heart. It is the duty of a
preacher to declare the truth to kings, but with