Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

240 ST. MATTHEW.
" 23. But be answered her not a word. And
his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send
her away ;
for she crieth after us."
This woman's faith first causes her to pray, and
then her prayer, adding strength to her faith, makes
her capable of undergoing the trial of a slighting
silence, an express refusal, and a treatment in ap-
pearance somewhat hard and injurious. It is such
a faith as this, which should make us cry incessantly
after our deliverer. The sinner does well to appre-
hend his own unworthiness.
" 24. But he answered and said, I am not sent
but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel."
Jesus Christ being promised only to the Jews, for
the time of his mortal life, and being their proper
apostle, it is with some difficulty that he extends his
mission to others. How edifying is this reserved-
ness; and how commendable is it, for a man to
imitate it, by confining himself as much as possible
within the limits of his calling ! A
pastor ought by
no means to apply himself out of self-love to such
souls as belong to God already, neglecting to seek
after the lost sheep, which cannot of themselves re-
turn into the way. This is a conduct to be dreaded.
" 25. Then came she and worshipped him, say-
ing. Lord, help me."
Let us never cease to pray, and to humble our-
selves before God, though he seem to despise our
humility, and to reject our prayers. A true penitent
is not discouraged by the severity which God
shows towards him ; he knows that he deserves it,
and that it is a means of making some atonement to
Iiis justice. The more submissive he is to the di-