Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

352 ST. MATTHEW.
who are so apt to be pufFed up with their great titles.
It is neither out of idleness, curiosity, nor pride,
that he inquires concerning what the world says of
him, but through a necessity of instructing his dis-
ciples, and obviating false reports. It is useful for
pastors to know the false notions of religion which
are spread among the people, that they may be able
to put a stop to them. Ought not Christians to
imitate their Master, who concerns not himself about
the news of the world, but only so far as it relates to
his ministry and to religion?
" 14. And they said. Some say that thou art
John the Baptist ; some, Elias ; and others, Jeremias,
or one of the prophets."
Thus an irregular affection divides the minds of
men in favour sometimes of one person, sometimes
of another. It is another corruption to attribute
to saints prerogatives which belong only to Christ.
Men are always mistaken and lose their way, when,
in discoursing on religious subjects, they follow the
conjectures of human reason, instead of being guided
by the word of God, and the doctrine of the church.
Truth is but one:—error is infinite.
" 15. He saith unto them. But whom say ye that
lam?"
Jesus vouchsafes not to regard popular opinions.
He teaches us to look for the doctrine of the church,
not in the sentiments of private men, but in the faith
of the chief pastors.
" 16. And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou
art the Christ, the Son of the living God."
St. Peter answers for and in the name of all.
Only one speaks, to denote the unity of the faith