Vol. 2

562 ST. LUKE.How great must the corruption be,where one isobliged to propose it as a question, Whether it belawful to do good? It is not out of ignorance, butcharitYjthat Christ asks this question, on purpose togive these men an occasion of reflecting upon theirown thoughts, and by their answer to engage themin such as are good. The captious and maliciousquestions of deceitful and pharisaical hearts, are verycontrary to this discreet and charitable disposition." 4. And they held their peace. And he tookhim, and healed him, and let him go;"There is, in wicked persons, a silence proceedingfrom pride, malice, impotence, dissimulation, andcraft; but it cannot hide their heart from Him whosees the inmost recesses of it. One ought to haveno manner of regard to them, when an opportunityof doing good works presents itself. Let this hand,which gives such sovereign relief, be extended overmy heart, O Jesus, and heal its spiritual dropsy, theswelling of its pride, the fulness of its corruption, andits greediness and thirst after earthly things.*' 5. And answered them, saying. Which of youshall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and willnot straightway pull him out on the sabbath-day?6. And they could not answer him again to thesethings."The meekness and goodness of our blessed Saviourshows itself on all occasions. He instructs, withoutinsulting ;he sees the disorder and confusion ofthese proud spirits, without exposing it; and he reducesthem to silence, without desiring to triumphover them. One cannot too often occasion men toreflect upon the depravity of their heart, so manifest