Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

172 ST. MATTHEW.
Sect. V. The Wise blinded, the Simple enlight-
ened.
" 25. ^ At that time Jesus answered and said, I
thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth,,
because thou hast hid these things from the wise
and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes."
Ye wise men of the world, who are prudent in
your own sight, fear lest you should be left to your
own darkness in the business of salvation, while the
humble shall walk by the divine light. Let us
dread, but not endeavour to fathom the judgments
of God, which are just, terrible, and unsearchable.
It was one of the employments of Ciirist on earth
to adore them, and glorify his Father for them : it
ought likewise to be the employment of Christians.
They have a beauty, which we shall never fully dis-
cover but in heaven. The full sight of God's
mercies towards his elect, of their preference, dis-
tinction, and separation from the corrupt mass, de-
serves the praise and acknowledgment even of Christ's
heart ; and this heart alone is worthy to know them
perfectly, because to him they are given by his Fa-
ther.
Simplicity and humility are their distinguish-
ing character. My God and my Saviour, imprint
on my heart this amiable character, which is the
mark of thy elect.
*' 26. Even so, Father; for so it seemed good in
thy sight."
Let us with fear and trembling adore the conduct
of God in the disposal of his creatures, and the dis-
tribution of his favours. The knowledge of the
mysteries of religion and divine truths, ought not to