Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

198 ST. MATTHEW.
"11. He answered and said unto them, Because
it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the
kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given."
Christ, who with scorn refuses to satisfy the
crafty and malicious curiosity of the Pharisees, an-
swers that of his disciples, which is plain, innocent,
and honest. If faith, which is the fountain and
foundation of salvation, be a free gift, which God
bestows not upon all ; what acknowledgments then
are due to him, from those who have received it,
without deserving it any more than those who have
not ! The
knowledge of the mysteries of the king-
dom of heaven is so much neglected by the gen-
erality of Christians, that it seems as if they had no
concern at all in it, or that it was not worth their
pains. Others apply their studies to it, after a
manner as entirely human, and with as little faith
and prayer, as if it was not a gift. Let us study
it with care, but by the light of faith. God, the
master of his own gifts, confers the understanding of
his word and mysteries upon whom he pleases. Let
us be careful to adore this dreadful election, and to
humble ourselves, without desiring to know more.
" 12. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given,
and he shall have more abundance; but whosoever
hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he
hath."
The use of grace attracts more ; faith gives a man
the knowledge of the truths of Christianity. But
from whence do this use of grace and this faith
proceed, but even from grace itself? The less belief,
respect, and relish one has for these truths, the more
one deserves to be deprived of them. One divine