Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

CHAPTER XI. 161
to this end, that we should not doubt but that the
most indigent may exercise works of mercy, and that
the least of such works wjll be rewarded. In the
world, a man must make his court to great persons,
and do them very great services, in order to receive
a great reward for them. In the kingdom of God,
a man, in doing the smallest services to the meanest
persons, may justly hope for a very great reward.
CHAPTER XL
Sect. I. St. John the Baptist sends his disciples
to Christ,
" I. And it came to pass, when Jesus had made
an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he de-
parted thence to teach and to preach in their cities.'*
Nothing persuades more, than for a man to put
in practice himself the instructions which he gives to
others. There is no empty space in a pastor's life.
A good bishop is continually employed, either in
forming and instructing subordinate ministers, or in
teaching and labouring in the place of his residence,
and in his visitations.
" 2. 51 Now, when John had heard in the prison the
works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,"
A prisoner of Jesus Christ employs his thoughts
less about his own condition and danger, than about
the interests of his Master, and the salvation of those
whom he has committed to his care. His consola-
tion is, to entertain and fill his mind, not with the
world, and with what passes therein, but with Christ,
with his life, his works, his kingdom, and his church.