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Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

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CHAPTER XXV. 395<br />

ing to liis own talent, not according to that of ano-<br />

<strong>the</strong>r. It is pride and envy ambitiously to desire our<br />

neighbour's grace.<br />

" 16. Then he that had received <strong>the</strong> five talents<br />

went and traded with <strong>the</strong> same, and made <strong>the</strong>m o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

live talents."<br />

Thirdly, A man must improve <strong>the</strong> talents he has<br />

received, by establishing and enlarging <strong>the</strong> kingdom<br />

of God, both in his own soul, and in <strong>the</strong> souls of<br />

o<strong>the</strong>rs. There is a great difference betwixt <strong>the</strong> figure<br />

and <strong>the</strong> truth. The servant does not receive from<br />

his master <strong>the</strong> skill and industry necessary to <strong>the</strong><br />

improvement of his m<strong>on</strong>ey : but <strong>the</strong> Christian, and<br />

<strong>the</strong> minister of <strong>the</strong> Lord, must receive all from him<br />

—both <strong>the</strong> talent and <strong>the</strong> good-will—both <strong>the</strong> grace<br />

and <strong>the</strong> use of it<br />

" 17. And likewise he that had received two, he<br />

also ffained o<strong>the</strong>r two."<br />

Fourthly, A man must not c<strong>on</strong>tinue idle, under<br />

pretence of having <strong>on</strong>ly indifferent talents. No per-<br />

s<strong>on</strong> can deny that he has two talents at least : that<br />

of <strong>the</strong> understanding, to know God and his own<br />

duty; and that of <strong>the</strong> will, to love him and adhere to<br />

him. To make a c<strong>on</strong>tinual progress in <strong>the</strong> know-<br />

ledge of salvati<strong>on</strong>, and in <strong>the</strong> love of God and of<br />

Jesus Christ, is a great gain : but <strong>the</strong>reby to arrive<br />

at <strong>the</strong> sight of God face to face, and to enjoy hirai<br />

by a c<strong>on</strong>summate love—this is a gain which is in-<br />

comprehensible and eternal !<br />

" 18. But he that had received <strong>on</strong>e went and<br />

digged in <strong>the</strong> earth, and hid his lord's m<strong>on</strong>ey."<br />

Fifthly, A man who designs to be saved, must not<br />

leave <strong>the</strong> smallest talents unemployed. In <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>-

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