Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

CHAPTER XVIII.
283
the least ; but still on this condition, that a man do
not repent only in part, and that his resolution of
performing this duty be full and complete.
" 28. But the same servant went out, and found
one of his fellow-servants, which owed him an hun-
dred pence; and he laid hands on him, and took him
by the throat, saying. Pay me that thou owest."
Hard-heartedness towards our neighbour, and
ingratitude towards God, are the fruits of a false
conversion : whereas a true one produces always a
compassionate charity for our brethren, and a love
full of acknowledgment towards God. Forgetful-
ness, in respect of his favours, is very often the cause
of our relapses. Let us consider the hard-hearted-
ness and ingratitude of this wicked servant in all its
circumstances, and we shall find ourselves therein
represented to the life.
** 29. And his fellow-servant fell down at his feet,
and besought him, saying, Have patience with me,
and I will p?,y thee all."
Man, though uncertain of his success, humbles
himself before men on the account of temporal debts ;
and yet, on the account of such as are eternal, he
humbles not himself before God, though certain that
his humiliation will succeed. Let us thoroughly ap-
prehend, that we are poor and criminal in the sight
of God, and we shall then, as in a glass, behold our-
selves in such of our brethren as are so in respect of
us. Let us think on that moment, wherein we shall
fall down at the feet of our Judge, there to receive
the sentence of our eternal fate ; and we shall have
but little inclination to insult those whom we see
prostrate before us.