Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

450 ST. MATTHEW.
body; and repairs that deplorable deprivation of the
gifts of God wherewith the sinner was punished in
his soul. Vouchsafe, O Lord, hereby to give me a
salutary shame and confusion, on the account of my
poverty, and of my corporal and spiritual naked-
ness.
*' 36. And, sitting down, they watched him there;"
We see but too many near the altar whilst the sa-
crifice is offering, as the soldiers were near the cross,
who not only receive no profit from it themselves, but
likewise hinder others from profiting as they ought by
the attention and devotion of their minds. Happy
that person, who, in perfect tranquillity of soul, has
no other business but to place himself at the foot of
the cross by meditation, that he may adore the Au-
thor of his salvation, and engrave his image on his
own heart
" 37. And set up over his head his accusation
written, This is Jesus the King of the Jews."
The Holy Ghost, master both of the tongue and
hands of the wicked, makes them often speak very
great truths, when they design only to ridicule and
expose them. This title is the sentence of the con-
demnation of false Jews, and the title of the purchase
of true Israelites, Jews or Gentiles, made by Jesus
Christ on the cross. Yes, Lord, by thy death ihou
hast acquired a right to subject the world to thyself,
'and to form thy church out of all the people of the
earth. Happy I, in finding myself in the number
of those over whom thou hast been pleased to pre-
serve thy rights !
" 38. Then were there two thieves crucified with
him; one on the right hand, and another on the left.'*