Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

236 ST. MATTHEW.
It is a rule of great importance, and full of in-
struction and comfort to souls which seek God, that
no sin, no defilement can arise from any thing but
the will; as nothing sanctifies us but what comes
from the heart. Whatever proceeds from the con-
cupiscence of the heart, is evil ; and whatever does
not, cannot but be good. It is not that which enters
into the mouth, which defiles even him who sins in
eating and drinking to excess, or contrary to the
church's injunction ; but the will and disposition of
the heart, which inclines him to transgress the divine
law, or that of the church.
Sect. II. Giving offence to Pharisees not to be
regarded. Bliiid guides. What defileth a man.
" 12. Then came his disciples, and said unto him,
Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after
they heard this saying?"
Truth offends those who have the spirit of a Pha-
risee. One can scarcely ever touch upon the pas-
sions of men, without provoking them. The proud
person will neither be humbled for his faults, nor
receive instruction to amend them, nor suffer others
to be taught those truths which he does not like
himself. This is the scandal or offence proper to a
Pharisee, which we must neglect and despise.
" 13. But he answered and said, Every plant,
which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall
be rooted up."
That which is not of God, cannot stand and con-
tinue. The wicked are of no account in his sight.
They are thd thorns and briers of his field, as well
as their maxims, traditions, and customs. Whoever