Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

CHAPTER XXIV. 385
Terrible but adorable choice ! Men
have still
something to fear, even in the most innocent employ-
ments, and in the exercise of such arts as are neces-
sary to life. In this state indeed, they are not so
subject to extravagant desires; but then they are
often very ignorant of their duty, and forget to direct
all their labour to God's glory, to look on it as a
means of salvation, and to make it an exercise of re-
pentance. Neither the church in this life, nor any
state or condition in the church, can pretend to con-
sist altogether of elect. There is a mixture in every
state; and therefore, in every one there is occasion
for fear as well as hope.
" 42. If Watch therefore; for ye know not what
hour your Lord doth come."
The vigilance necessary to prepare us for death
and judgment, is not a supine and inactive vigilance,
but such as is employed in examination of our faults,
in attention to our duty, in application to good works,
to prayer, repentance, &c.
" 43. But know this, that if the goodman of the
house had known in what watch the thief would
come, he would have watched, and would not have
suffered his house to be broken up. 44. Therefore
be ye also ready : for in such an hour as ye think
not the Son of man cometh."
It is much for our advantage to he obliged to be
always in uncertainty, always in expectation of our
Master; to the end, that we may be always on our
guard against sin and sloth. The heart is then
ready, when it is in order; and it is never so, but
when God is master of it, when nothing but his love
reigns therein, and when this love regulates that of
Vol. I. R 57