Vol. 2

604 ST. LUKE.there implore the assistance of the poor whom he hasdespised: they are deaf and insensible to the entreatiesof those who have been deaf to their groans, and unmovedby their tears. It is very just that he, whohas refused to give the crumbs which fell from histable to a poor wretch who desired them, should eternallydesire a drop of water, and not receive it." Blessed is he who considereth the poor and needy,the Lord will deliver him in the time of trouble,"PbaJ. xli. 1." 25. But Abraham said, Son, remember thatthou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, andlikewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted,and thou art tormented."The quality of being the children of God, whichwicked Christians received in baptism, shall be rememberedeven in hell, but it will be to their greaterdamnation. This word " son," which is a word oftenderness, is here used to show us, that God doesnot punish out of any transport of anger or passion,but out of a calm and sedate love of his own justice.Riches are the good things of reprobates, becausethey love them passionately, and place all their happinessin them; and because God either seldom permitshis elect to enjoy them, or weans their affectionsfrom them. It is then a very miserable state andcondition for a man to have every thing according tohis desire in this world, and quietly to enjoy the pleasuresand satisfactions of life ; since there needs nomore to expose him to an eternal misery. The crossof Christ is the portion of Christians; he who bearsit not, has no part in him. Let those tremble withfear, who are unwilling to suflPer any thing, and abhor