Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

CHAPTER XIII. 195
God only, regards him only in all things, and counts
as nothing whatever belongs not to him-^he knows
no relations on earth, but such as have God for their
Father in heaven : and he consecrates and sanctifies
every passion and affection of nature, by turning and
applying them to the souls committed to his charge,
to whom he is instead of a father, a mother, or a
brother, by affording them all kind of assistance and
relief.
CHAPTER XIII.
Sect. I. Parable of the Sower. Blind hearts.
Blessed are the eyes which see.
*' I. The same day went Jesus out of the house,
and sat by the sea-side."
An evangelical labourer allows himself but little
rest. His charity makes him quit the comforts of
his house and family, to place himself in a readiness
to relieve the wants of souls.
" 2. And great multitudes were gathered together
unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat ; and
the whole multitude stood on the shore."
The word of God, preached after a holy manner,
invites the faithful. The love of it is more quick
and ardent in the meaner sort, than in the rich and
learned. We see here a representation of the
church, which consists of the people united to their
pastors. These, being more exposed to violent toss-
ings and storms, are, as it were, in a ship, while
those continue at ease on the shore.
" 3. And he spake many things unto them in
parables, saying, Behold, a sov^er went forth to sow :"
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