Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

196 ST. MATTHEW.
Let us not be discouraged at the obscurity which
is in the parables of the Scripture. Truth conceals
herself under them, not that she may not be dis-
covered, but that she may oblige us to search after
her. It is a double gain, to attain to the knowledge
of divine truths, both by the gift of God and by
(means of) our own desires, endeavours, and prayers.
Our heart is God's field, it belongs to him to sow
it. It is a very great misfortune, to deny ourselves
the benefit of this divine seed, by neglecting to read
or hear the word of God.
" 4. And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the
way-side, and the fowls came and devoured them up :"
Let us take care lest our heart become a highway,
open to all the world, trampled by passengers, covered
with the dust of vanity, fouled by the dirt of plea-
sures, hardened by habitual sin, and exposed to
devils. Distraction of mind, diversions, and busi-
ness, are the fowls which devour the good seed,
filling the heart with vain, earthly, and dangerous
things.
" 5. Some fell upon stony places, where they had
not much earth ; and forthwith they sprung up, because
they had no deepness of earth : 6. And
when the sun was up, they were scorched ; and be-
cause they had no root, they withered away :"
What is a man the better for not having a heart
like the highway, if he has one which is hard and
stony as to divine matters? Unless good thoughts
and desires enter deep into the heart, and are there
held fast by charity, as by their root, the heat of a
contrary lust will scorch them, and make them soon
wither away.