Thirdly, The best things in our minds must challenge the chiefest choice and first place in allowing them, then trying them, and lastly choosing them. The good part heremeantis grace and glory . This is that which Mary chose, to hear Christ speak for the strengthening of the graces in her, and that thereby she might assure her salvation to herself; and grace is good, because it makes us good. Outward things are snares, and makes us worse, but grace com- mends us to God. All other things are temporal, and death buries them, but grace and glory are in extent equal to our souls, extending to all eter- nity. Grace and the fruits thereof is our own ; all other things are not ours. Grace brings us to the greatest good, and advanceth us to the true nobility of sons and heirs of God, and grace makes us truly wise. It makes us wise to salvation ; it makes us truly rich with such riches as we cannot lose. Grace is so good, it makes ill things good, so as aftlictions with the word and grace are better than all the pleasures in Pharaoh's court in Moses's esteem, Heb. xi, 25. Seeing it is thus, let us he animated by this example of Mary ; and to that end, first, beg the Spirit of revelation to open our eyes to see the high prize of our calling, the happiness thereof ; and to get a sense and taste of the pleasures thereof, that we may judge by our own experience. For the meanest Christian out of experience knows this to be the good part ; and this it is which the apostle prays for, Philip i. 10, that the Philippiaus may approve the things that are excellent. The word signifies in all sense and feeling, to approve the things that are excellent, or do difier (/>).
Secondly, Let us endeavour to balance things, by laying and comparing them together. For comparison gives lustre ; and thus shall we see the dif- ference and the excellency of some things above others, and the sooner be able to choose. Thus did David ; and the eflect thereof was this, ' I have seen an end of all created perfection, but thy commandments are exceeding broad or large,' Ps, cxix. 96.
Thirdly, Labour for spiritual discretion to discern of particulars. This is as it were the steward to all actions, teaching what to cut ofi", what to add. In all particular afiliirs of this life, what time and what place fitteth best, tells what company, what hfe, what way is the best. And when we have done this,
Fourthly, Proceed on and make this choice. If we do not choose it only, but stumble upon it, as it were, it is no thank to us. Though it be the fashion
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now-a-days ; men read the word, and go to church ; why ? Not that they have, by balancing and the spirit of discretion, roade choice of this as the best part, but they were bred up in it ; and they went with company, and custom hath drawn them to it ; they happen on good duties it may be against their wills ; and this is the reason of those many apostates that fall off to embrace this present world, as Demas did, 2 Tim. iv. 10 ; for they not being grounded, must needs waver in temptation.
Fifthly, In the next place, when we have made this choice, ice must resolve with a deliberate resolution to stand by this choice. It is not enough to make an offer, or to cheapen, as we say, but come with resolution to buy, to choose. So David, Ps. cxix. 30, 31, 'I have chosen the way of truth, and have stuck to thy statutes ;' and ver. 57, ' I have said,' that is, set down with myself, ' that I would keep thy words :' for the will rules in our souls. If we be good, our will is good. There are many wicked men that under- stand and are persuaded what is best ; but for want of this resolution and will they never make this determinate choice ; and many rail at good men and persecute them. Let such know that God will not take men by chance. If they choose the worst part, they must look for to reap the fruit of their choice. Assuredly God will not bring any to heaven, but such as hav© chosen it here, as the best part before they die ; and therefore it is no mat- ter what the world think or speak. Let us take up that notable resolu- tion of Joshua, ' I and my house will serve the Lord,' Josh. xxiv. 15.
If we go alone it is no shame ; but to such as should accompany us, let them flout at us, and call us singular. If there be any way to heaven, the straightest,* and hardest, and least frequented is the right way. Let them take the delightful frequented broad way. Let us with Mary choose the bet- ter part. Though our choice be singular, it is Mary's choice. And take this as a sign that we are in the right way with Mary, if with her we still desire more and more growth in grace and knowledge, and never think that we know enough, that we are good enough, or faithful enough, and diligent enough in our ways.