Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

256 ST. MATTHEW.
Whoever is against the cross of Christ becomes
his enemy. Nothing was in appearance more rea-
sonable, than these human sentiments ;
but how con-
trary are they to those of faith ! Peter, who but
this moment was blessed and enlightened by God,
falls back on a sudden into the darkness of human
reason, and becomes an adversary and an offence to
Jesus Christ himself. Let us from hence learn the
difference which there is betwixt man, when assisted
by grace, and when left to himself. Let us con-
tinue humble under that light and strength which
may be taken from us in a moment. Let us look
upon every person whatever as our enemy, who
attempts to divert us from the ways of God. False
friendship and carnal tenderness can inspire us with
none but human affections, and such as are contrary
to the love of mortification and the cross.
Sect. V. T/ie Christian Life.
" 24. ^ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If
any man will come after me, let him deny himself,
and take up his cross, and follow me."
The principles of the Christian life are— First,
To have a sincere desire to belong to Christ.
Secondly, To renounce the inclinations of self-love.
Thirdly, To embrace the condition which God has
appointed for us, to perform the obligations of it,
and to undergo the troubles which we meet with in
it, and the contradictions and oppositions of men.
Fourthly, To do all in the spirit of Christ, and to
imitate him. Abundance of people glory in pro-
fessing to follow him, but very few comply with what
he requires in order thereto. A man, when full of