Vol. 2

CHAPTER II.2Tmakes himself amends beforehand. St. Matthew'sexample had no influence on Judas, though perhapsit was Christ's design to lay it before his eyes. Letus profit by the one as well as the other; and let us,with fear and trembling, adore the different judgmentsof God in relation to souls !"J 5. ^ And it came to pass, that, as Jesus satat meat in his house, many publicans and sinners satalso together with Jesus and his disciples :were many, and they followed him."for thereJesus is sometimes found in a house, or in a society,which is full of disorderly people, for the sakeof one single person who is faithful to him. Thisnew disciple is not ashamed of his Master, in themidst of this worldly and profane company :and Jesushiuiself is contented to stay in it with his disciples,to teach his ministers not to despise or disdain any.It is on the account of sinners, that these are sentas well as he : such therefore they ought to seek.Every sinner converted toChrist must endeavour toconduct his friends to him. Fruitfulness is a certainproof of the reality of conversion." 16. And when the scribes and Pharisees sawhim eat with publicans and sinners, they said un^ohis disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinkethwith publicans and sinners ?"How is it, that he is crucified between thieves,will they one day say? Whoever has not charity,,cannot possibly comprehend, what it is capable ofdoing through a prudent condescension towards sinners;much less, what it caused Christ to do andsuffer for their salvation. It is proper only to Pharisees,to take offence, and be scandalized at the exb2