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Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

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164 ST. MATTHEW.<br />

Christ, when he does not follow him; how much<br />

more <strong>the</strong>n, when he diverts o<strong>the</strong>rs from <strong>the</strong> paths of<br />

piety and perfecti<strong>on</strong>, in softening <strong>the</strong> gospel by a<br />

loose morality? To design to amend <strong>the</strong> gospel, is<br />

to blame and c<strong>on</strong>demn it.<br />

Sect. II. The Elogy of St, John,<br />

"7, % And as <strong>the</strong>y departed, Jesus began to say<br />

unto <strong>the</strong> multitudes c<strong>on</strong>cerning John, What went<br />

ye out into <strong>the</strong> wilderness to see ? A reed shaken<br />

with <strong>the</strong> wind?"<br />

One ought to avoid praising teachers, and (spiri-<br />

tual) directors, in <strong>the</strong> presence of those who esteem<br />

it an h<strong>on</strong>our to be under <strong>the</strong>m. Though <strong>the</strong> praise<br />

might not at all exalt <strong>the</strong> disciple, yet it may reach<br />

even <strong>the</strong> master, and ei<strong>the</strong>r tempt or corrupt him.<br />

Jesus Christ is not a false friend, who dares not<br />

declare for him who is in disgrace: <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>trary,<br />

he has spoke of and for St. John, <strong>on</strong>ly since his<br />

impris<strong>on</strong>ment. When <strong>the</strong> world persecutes good<br />

men, <strong>the</strong>n is <strong>the</strong> time for those who bel<strong>on</strong>g to God,<br />

with prudence to imitate Christ in relati<strong>on</strong> to <strong>the</strong>m.<br />

The first virtue of which Christ takes notice in St.<br />

John, is his steadfastness : and it is not without<br />

some mystery that he commends this virtue before<br />

all o<strong>the</strong>rs in this minister of his word.<br />

^ " 8. But what went ye out for to see ? A man<br />

clo<strong>the</strong>d in soft raiment? Behold, <strong>the</strong>y that wear<br />

soft clothing are in kings' houses."<br />

The sec<strong>on</strong>d is his mortified life, which gives<br />

authority to his preaching. A preacher should have<br />

nothing which appears worldly, or which borders<br />

up<strong>on</strong> excess and softness. That man is mistaken,

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