Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

.CHAPTER XXII. 333
ment of the church, continued still obdurate, this
stone, lifted up to heaven, fell upon them at the de-
struction of Jerusalem ;
and will again fall upon them
at his last coming, and grind them to powder.
" 45. And when the chief priests and Pharisees
had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake
of them."
The word of Jesus Christ darts light sometimes
into the heart of the wicked, but such light as blinds
and hardens them the more. The most wholesome
advice passes for an affront with those who have shut
their hearts against the truth. When that, which
should incline men to repentance, does only kindle
the flame of spite and revenge, there is no more hope
of salvation, without a very extraordinary grace.
" 46. But when they sought to lay hands on him,
they feared the multitude, because they took him for
a prophet."
He who abstains from evil, only through fear of
punishment, commits it in his heart, and is already
guilty before God. Men are apt to fear those who
can kill the body; but they fear not him who can
destroy both body and soul eternally. A true pastor
fears nothing but God, when his glory is concerned :
a hireling fears every thing, except him whom only
he ought to fear.
CHAPTER XXII.
Sect. I. The Parable of the Marriage-feast,
The Wedding-garment.
" 1. And Jesus answered, and spake unto them
again by parables, and said, 2. The kingdom of