Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

xliii
more care, because it is seductive to an ardent ima-
gination ; it pleases, it opens new and attractive views
of reflection. Let the young minister be on his
guard. Let him admire, without imitating the
fancies and ingenious turns of our Author. Let
him use them for devotion and prayer, not for a
model of composition or a rule of interpretation. Let
him advise with them, select from them, exercise a
choice and discretion in his handling of them—not
indiscriminately follow their guidance.
We have only to add, that this translation is
made from the last and more complete edition of the
original work. A translation of the ' <strong>Reflections</strong> on
the Gospels* was published at Bath in 1791, which
is materially defective. It leaves out, under the
pretence of avoiding the Roman Catholic errors, al-
most all the spirituality and beauty of the work ; and
gives no just apprehension of the real sentiments of
<strong>Quesnel</strong>. Not so our edition ; which, passing over
only the decidedly erroneous passages, leaves the
vvhole spirit of the work unimpaired, and allows the
reader to judge of the doctrinal, and practical, and
experimental views of the pious Author.
Islington, June, 1830.
D. W.