Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

178 ST. MATTHEW.
enemies, but gives them occasion to reflect upon all
they had seen, which fully proved his divinity. The
reverence and devotion of the Jews in their temple,
which was only figurative, will condemn the irreve-
rence and profaneness of Christians in the presence
of Christ, who is the true temple.
" 7. But if ye had known what this meaneth, I
will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have
condemned the guiltless."
In the third place, the obligation of these laws
yields to the law of charity and mercy, which is pre-
ferable to all other. Few, even among Christians,
do thoroughly know, with regard to practice, what
this sentence means. It is easy enough to sacrifice
to God external things—the sacrifice of charity is
that which he requires. The liberty to judge ill of
others, is what most agreeably flatters the heart of
the sons of Adam. The world is sometimes full of
wrongs and violences, which have no other founda-
tion but unjust and rash judgments. The multiply-
ing the external sacrifice of works, is no certain sign
of a progress in holiness; but a proficiency in charity
and mercy towards our neighbour is always such.
"8. For the Son of man is Lord even of the
sabbath- day."
Lastly, these laws cease to oblige by a lawful
dispensation, or by the authority of the legislator.
Jesus Christ is Lord-^when we once know his will,
we must obey it. The change of the Jewish into
the Christian and spiritual Sabbath, shows that
Christ is not only' the Lord, but also the truth and
completion of it. When, Lord, wilt thou change
this Sabbath into that of eternity, into that un-