Now in a few words, it is the “_Care of the soul_,” opposed, as you see in the text, to the care, the excessive care of the body; to which _Martha_ was gently admonished by our LORD. This is a general answer, and it comprehends a variety of important particulars, which is the business of our ministry often to open to you at large: The care of the soul, implies a readiness to hear the words of CHRIST, to seat ourselves with _Mary_ at his feet, and to receive both the law and the gospel from his mouth. It supposes, that we learn from this divine teacher the worth of our souls, their danger, and their remedy; and that we become above all things solicitous about their eternal salvation. That, heartily repenting of all our sins, and cordially believing the everlasting gospel, we receive the LORD JESUS CHRIST for righteousness and life, resting our souls on the value of his atonement, and the efficacy of his grace. It imports, the sincere dedication of ourselves to the service of GOD, and a faithful adherence to it, notwithstanding all oppositions arising from inward corruptions, or outward temptations; and a resolute perseverance in the way of gospel dependance, ’till we receive the end of our faith in our compleat salvation. This is the “one thing needful,” represented indeed in various scriptures by various names. Sometimes it is called “Regeneration,” or “the new creature,” because it is the blessed work of GOD’s efficacious grace. Sometimes the “Fear of GOD,” and sometimes “his love, and the keeping his commandments;” and very frequently in the new testament it is called “faith,” or “receiving CHRIST, and believing on him,” which therefore is represented as the “great work of GOD,” _John_ vi. 29. the great thing which GOD in his glorious gospel requires, as well as by his spirit produces in us: each of these, if rightly understood and explained, comprehends all that I have said on this head. On the whole, we may say, that, as the body is one, though it has many members, and the soul is one, though it has many faculties, so in the present case, this real vital religion is “one thing,” one sacred principle of divine life, bringing us to attend to the care of our souls, as of our greatest treasure. It is one thing, notwithstanding all the variety of views in which it may be considered, and of characters under which it may be described. I proceed,
_Secondly_, To consider what may be intended in the representation which is here made of it, as the “one thing _needful_.”
Now I think it naturally includes these three particulars: it is a matter of universal concern; of the highest importance; and of so comprehensive a nature, that every thing which is truly worthy of our regard, may be considered as included in, or subservient to it. Let me a little illustrate each of these particulars.
1. The care of the soul may be called the “one thing needful,” as it is matter of universal concern.