Not content with applauding her at the moment, he ordained that this act of hers should he recorded in his Gospel, and con- tinue to be held up to the admiration of mankind even to the end of the world11. But was this memorial of her to be re- corded solely for her honour? No: as the record of Abraham's faith being counted to him for righteousness, was not made for his sake only, but for ours also, to whom a similar faith would be productive of similar benefits', so this piety of Mary's was recorded, not for her sake only, but to stimulate and encourage us to an imitation of it.
It should stimulate us. We should consider that there is one great object which we should ever propose to ourselves through life ; and that is, to serve and honour the Lord Jesus Christ. We should consider also that there is one only measure in which we should seek to effect that object ; and that is, to the utmost extent of our ability. We should never think of what we have done, but of what we can do ; nor account any thing done, whilst any thing remains to be done. Our daily and hourly inquiry should be, " What shall I render unto the Lord, for all the benefits that he hath done unto me?" We should be as ingenious to devise plans of honour- ing him, as we should be diligent in the execution of them : and " whatever our hand findeth to do, we should do it with all our might."
Moreover, it should encourage us. We are apt to think, that because we can do but little for the Lord, it is in vain to attempt any thing. But we are in this respect all upon a level : the poorest, the weakest, the meanest may do ivhat they can ; and the greatest of mankind can do no more. What an en- couraging thought is this ! how justly may it banish all those painful feelings which we are apt to indulge, and call forth into action every energy we possess ! What though I cannot govern kingdoms for him, or go forth with apostolic zeal to preach his Gospel ? What though I have no wealth, no talent, no influence to cast into his treasury ? I have my mite, and he will graciously accept it. I may give him at least the affec- tions of my soul : and if I pour them forth in his house, or at his table, or in my secret chamber, he will smell as sweet an odour, as incense or sacrifice ever yet afforded him. If then we have nothing else to give him, let us spiritually adopt, as Mary did, the resolution of the Spouse in the Song of Solo- mon ; " While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof15."]
We would address a few words,
1. To those who assume this character to them- selves—
h ver. 9. i Rom. iv. 22—25. k Cant. i. 12.