Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

CHAPTER XXI. 317
sures of men. There may happen some certain
occasions, wherein, through zeal to serve souls and
obey Christ, we are obliged to expose ourselves to
grievous and mortifying suspicions ; as the disciples
here expose themselves to pass for robbers. Herein
they imitate their Master before-hand, who was
treated as such at the time of his death, being cru-
cified between two thieves.
" T. And brought the ass, and the colt, and put
on them their clothes, and they set him thereon."
AH here is mystery and instruction. Pastors
should learn from hence to strip and divest them-
selves of every thing, that they may prepare souls
for the reception of Jesus Christ as their King; to
cover the sins of others with the garment of an in-
violable secrecy; to hide their infirmities by a wise
condescension, their bashfulness by a preventing
charity ; and to spare nothing which may engage
them to take upon thera the yoke of Christ, and to
carry Christ himself in their hearts, by a sincere
faith and imitation of his virtues.
" 8. And a very great multitude spread their
garments in the way ; others cut down branches
from the trees, and strawed them in the way."
The people celebrate Christ's triumph over their
hearts without knowing it. Their simple and m.ore
sincere faith renders them more disposed to receive
him and his word. God accepts more favourably
the artless praise and small offerings of the poor,
than the studied praises of the learned, and the mag-
nificent presents of the great. We do not see here
either learned, or rich, or great men come to meet
Christ, and contribute to the glory of his triumph