Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

292 ST. MATTHEW.
forbid them not, to come unto me ; for of such is the
kingdom of heaven."
. him.
Jesus Christ loves children, because he loves sim-
plicity and innocence. Heaven is for the humble
and simple, of whom children are the representation.
Christ tacitly upbraids his disciples with having so
soon forgot his instructions concerning the advantages
of childhood. He took this age upon himself, and
sanctified it, as well as the other ages, that he might
be the pattern and Saviour of men in all. He lets
slip no opportunity of recommending and inspiring
humility, as being the very gate of heaven.
" 15. And he laid his hands on them, and de-
parted thence."
Could the imposition of Christ's hands be other-
wise than powerful in preventing wickedness in these
children ? And can we doubt whether it is of any
advantage or not, to desire those, who have his
authority or Spirit, to perform this imposition of
hands in his name ? It is good to have a devout
respect for practices derived from Christ. Lay on
me, O Lord, the invisible hand of thy divinity, that
it may take possession of my heart and senses, that
it may repress in me whatever is contrary to thy will,
and consecrate me to God as a victim in thee and by
thee.
Sect. HL— The rich Young Man. Perfection.
" 16. ^ And, behold, one came and said unto
Good master, what good thing shall I do, that
I may have eternal life ?"
It is to Jesus Christ that we must address ourselves,
in order to learn the way of salvation. The con-