Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

386 ST. MATTHEW.
our neighbour, and the use of all other creatures.
How great is the folly, to be more careful and vigi-
lant on the account of a sDjall temporal advantage,
than of the eternal salvation of the soul
Sect. VIII. The wise Servant. The evil Servant.
" 45. Who then is a faithful and wise servant,
whom his lord hath made ruler over his household,
to give them meat in due season?'*
It is not the work, but the fidelity, which God
rewards in his servants. We must all live in the
same expectation of the coming of Jesus Christ,
which a servant has with respect to his master: but
this expectation must be more vigilant in the minis-
ters of Christ, than in the rest of the faithful. Here
is an abstract of their duties :— 1. Such a person must
be called and appointed, not by himself, but by the
vocation and lawful mission of his Lord. 2. He
must look on himself, not as the master of the family,
but really as a servant. 3. He must be exactly faith-
ful in his ministry, and in observing his Master's
commands, at the expense of all. 4. His fidelity
must be wise, prudent, well-informed : faithful and
wise; this comprehends all. 5. He must make it
his chief care to give the household their meat; not
out of his own stock, but distributing what he has
received. 6. He must do it in due season: and it
is always a proper season to instruct and serve souls,
because their needs are always present; the time of
many of them may expire every hour; and for want
of improving a moment, eternity is sometimes lost.
" 46. Blessed is that servant whom his lord, when
he cometh, shall find so doing."