First, From the coming of Christ to these women observe, that where God hath begun grace, he will not discontinne, but ivill be perfecting of it till the dag of the Lord; directing by his providence continually for their good, and sending his servants the prophets to that end ; for God's providence extendeth to the least things, even to the hairs of our head, and to spar- rows, Mat. X. 29. The use is to teach us to endeavour to be fruitful in communion one \cith another, if we profess to be led by the same Spirit that Christ is guided with. The lips of the righteous are pleasant, and their tongues are refined silver. Sometimes the sin of man makes instruc- tion unseasonable, and to swine it is pity to cast pearls, Mat. vii. 6. And many times men are deluded icith a rain despair of not proftting by their speech, when no doubt if they did but trust on God in performing such duties, their exhortations or admonitions would take more effect than they
* ' Mary's Choice' forms the last of the four ' Sermons' appended to ' The Saint's Comforts' (see Vol. VI. page 160). Its title-page is as follows: — 'Maries Choise. Wherein is laid down some directions how to choose the better part. Comforts for them that have chosen it. Signes whereby we may know we have chosen the better part. By that Faithful! and Reverend Divine, R. Sibbes, D.D. and sometimes Preacher to the Honorable Societie of Grayes-Inne. Printed at London by Tho. Cotes and are to be sold by Peier Cole. 1637.' It has distinct jiagination, but does not appear to have been published separately. Henry Smith has a fine sermon from the same text and under the s.ame title. Cf. ' Sermons,' ito, 1675, pp. 149-157 of second division of the volume. — G.
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Mary's choice. 289
look for, as oftentimes it falls out ; for in man there is naturally a desire of good and profit. Sometimes a spirit of dnjncss 2wsscHseth (food men. Christ had the fulness of the Spirit without measure, men have it accord- ing to their measure; and so through multitudes of occasions and busi- nesses are overcome with a dryness, so as they can distil no grace as they should.
Against these we should study and consider beforehand what occasions ice are most like to meet icith; and study discourse fit for such occasions which we may best profit by. Study for sufficiency, that we may be like full clouds, or as paps that do pain themselves with fulness, till they be eased of their milk.
Secondly, And lament over our deadness, and beg spiritual influence, that may make us willing.
Thirdly, And let all take Christ's example for a pattern, to draw others to heaven, and to be ever busied in our calling.
Fourthly, And we should also imitate Mary; he wise to draw from other men, when they are not disposed to enlarge themselves. The wise man saith he is a fool that regards not the price in the hand of the wise. There is none but excels in one gift or other; and it is part of the honour due to such to take notice of them, and to make use of them; and it is unthankfulness to let such persons go without regard of those gifts. Many no doubt are dead, and their gifts with them, which had men been wise might have saved others much labour and increased knowledge much, if they had been displayed to others. Furthermore, it is said that Mary sat at Jesus's feet, implying her composed and settled demeanour, which helps to a quiet mind and attentive heart ; ' but the ej'es of a fool are in the corners of the world,' Prov. svii. 24, which hinders attention. But Martha was troubled about serving. Mark as in this good woman, so in many of her sex, goodness troubled with passion. She chides with Mary. The grounds of it in her were either a mistaking of Christ's disposition, whom she thought looked for much entertainment ; though she was therein much deceived, for that Christ came to feast them, not to feast with them. And for this she is gently rebuked of Christ, as if he would have told her that it concerned the glory of God more nearly to receive and take notice of his diifused mercies ; and God requires it rather than performance of any outward duty of love to him. But for the words.
Verse 41, 'And Jesus answei'ed, and said unto her, Martha, Martha.'
These and the ensuing words contain, first, a reproof of Martha; secondly, an instruction of her; thirdly, a justification of Mary, with the reason thereof. In the reproof of Martha, consider the compellation, wherein observe the ingemination,* ' Martha, Martha.' It implies love that Christ bare to her. He calls her gently by her own name. Christ saw in her good mixed with ill, and therefore is not over-sharp or bitter to her. It implies also seriousness; and therefore Christ doubles her name, even as Pharaoh's dreams. Two aiming at one end argueth the thing is sure ; and as ' Lord, Lord ' in prayer argues vehemency, so he reproved Martha for her inconsiderateness, and brought her thereby more seriously to ponder what she did. And Christ's example should be a rule to us, namely, in our reproofs, to imitate him who had all the parts of a good reprover.