Vol. 2

:CHAPTER XIV. 567Sect. III.— The Parable of the Guests who excusedthemselves," 15. f And when one of them that sat at meatwith him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessedis he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God,"He who thinks with faith on the treasures anddelights of heaven, is not able to contain his joy.Jesus speaks to all present concerning the eternalreward; and only one single person seems to openhis heart, and to feed upon it. The bread of thekingdom of God, is God himself: it is with him, asbeing eternal truth, that those shall be fed and satisfiedwho have fed Jesus Christ in his members. Itis by the infusion, communication, and intimate unionof the sovereign good with the soul,that those shallbe eternally nourished, who have given part of theirperishing goods to the poor. Blessed is he whoopens his heart and his purse to them !" 16. Then said he unto him, A certain manmade a great supper, and bade many :"How highly is the honour of eating at a king'stable esteemed in the world ? But that God shouldinvite a sinner to the delights of his glory, andto the participation of his joy— what transcendentgoodness and mercy is this ! Men invite others totheir table, because they have occasion for them tobe subservient to their pleasure, their interest,or tosome other designs, which plainly show their wantsGod alone, happy in himself, communicates his goodthings out of pure bounty and an abundant fulness." 17. And sent his servatit at supper-time to sayto them that were bidden, Come ; for all things arenow ready."