Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

66 ST. MATTHEW.
" 17. % Think not that I am come to destroy the
law or the prophets ; I am not come to destroy, but
to fulfil."
Bishops and priests ought to be, 6. Faithful, in
doing that first themselves which they require of
others, in imitation of Jesus Christ. Yes, Lord,
thou fulfillest the law : in itself, adding what is want-
ing to perfect it, and supplying its inability to satisfy
God, and sanctify man ; in thyself^ submitting to its
types with an exact obedience, and verifying them
by thy death upon the cross ; in thy members^ giv-
ing them what it promised, and enabling them by
thy grace and love to fulfil vvhat it commands. Fulfil
it in me, O Lord.
** 18. For verily I say unto you. Till heaven and
earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in nowise pass
from the law, till all be fulfilled."
There is nothing so little in the law, but it has
its truth and completion in Jesus Christ, or in his
church. The word of God is immutable, because
his power is infinite. His mercy will infallibly be
accomplished in the saints; his justice will be in-
flexibly executed upon sinners.
" 19. Whosoever therefore shall break one of
these least commandments, and shall teach men so,
he shall be called the least in the kingdom of hea-
ven ; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the
same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
The only just and holy ambition is to desire to be
great in heaven : but the only means for a bishop or
priest to be so, is not only to c?o, but also to teach
the gospel. Every part of the law carries in it
equally the authority and will of God; we oppose