Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

CHAPTER XIV.
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to tie up even the hands of the Almighty. A man,
generally speaking, can do but little good amongst
his kinsfolk and relations ; because it is difficult for
them to look with the eyes of faith upon one whom
they have been always used to behold only with those
of the flesh.
CHAPTER XIV.
Sect. I. The Death of John the Baptist,
" 1. At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of
the fame of Jesus, 2. And said unto his servants,
This is John the Baptist: he is risen from the dead;
and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves
in him."
It appears from hence, that the belief of the resur-
rection was common among the Jews. The holiness
of St. John is acknowledged even by his persecutor.
It is a dreadful judgment upon men, not to have their
eyes open to discover the piety and virtue of a good
man, till they have caused his death, either by the
sword or by ill treatment. The miracles of Jesus
Christ, owned and acknowledged by Herod, are the
condemnation of him, of the Jews, and of unbelievers
in all aofes. The hardened sinner has his sin for a
continual tormentor, and thinks he sees it every where
before his eyes.
" 3. f For Herod had laid hold on John, and
bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias'
sake, his brother Philip's wife."
An unchaste person cannot suffer any charitable
advice to disturb his pleasures. Such a one sacri-
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