Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

CHAPTER XXVI. 435
tiling, and pardons nothing; and, above all, that
diabolical inflexibility in the resentment of injuries.
The more Christ is abased on our account, the more
ought we to adore him. That which he suffers in
his face, condemns those who idolize their own, and
that criminal care which 'they take to render them-
selves agreeable to others thereby.
" 68. Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ,
Who is he that smote thee?"
Jesus Christ, foretold and promised to the Jews
under the quality of a Prophet, is humbled by them
as a prophet, and in respect of his divine knowledge.
Strange corruption of the mind of man, so fond of
prophecy and predictions, so ready to give ear to false
prophets on their own word ; and yet so very back-
ward to believe the prophecies of the true Prophet,
though confirmed by so many miracles, and so eager
and zealous in persecuting him.
Sect. VIII. Si. Peter's Denial and Repentance,
" 69. ^ Now Peter sat without in the palace:
and a damsel came unto him, saying. Thou also wast
with Jesus of Galilee. 70. But he denied before
them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest."
A man thinks himself able to suffer death for the
sake of God, who cannot withstand even a servant's
voice. Every one carries within himself that con-
cupiscence, which tempts him to renounce Christ.
It is absolutely necessary to keep it always in sub-
jection as a servant, to hinder it from becoming a
master. What darkness otherwise will it not cause
in the understanding? What forgetfulness of favours,
duties, and promises in the memory ? What
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