shall not be taken from her." There was a deep meaning in these words. They were spoken not for Mary's sake only, but for the sake of all Christ's believing people in every part of the world. They were meant to encourage all true Ohristians to be single-eyed and whole-hearted, — 'to follow the Lord folly, and to walk dosely with God, — ^to make soul-business immeasurably their first busi- ness, and to think comparatively little of the things of this world.
The true Christian's portion is the grace of God. This is the "good part" which he has chosen, and it is the only portion which really deserves the name of "good." It is the only good thing which is substantial, satisfying, real, and lasting. It is good in sickness and good in health, — ^good in youth and good in age, — good in adver- sity and good in prosperity, — good in life and good in death — ^good in time and good in eternity. No circum- stance and no position can be imagined in which it is not good for a man to have the grace of God.
The true Christian's possession shall never be taken from him. He alone, of all mankind, shall never be stripped of his inheritance. Kings must one day leave their palaces. Eich men must one day leave their money and lands. They only hold them till they die. — ^But the poorest saint on earth has a treasure of which he will never be deprived. The grace of God, and the favour of Christ, are riches which no man can take from him. They will go with him to the grave when he dies. They will rise with him in the resurrection morning, and be his to all eternity.
What do we know of this " good part " which Mary