relatives against loving their Lord too much, and feeling too deeply the interests of their souls ? It was no little commen- dation of the part which Mary chose, that " it should never be taken away from her :" our Lord would not deprive her of it ; nor would he suffer any other, whether men or devils, to take it away. As for Martha's case, the effect of that would be as transient as the feast itself: but the fruits of Mary's atten- tion should last for ever.
Let us only bear in mind this vindication of Mary's cause, and we can never doubt whose character we should prefer, or whose conduct we should imitate.]
Address —
1. Those who are wholly occupied with the pur- suits of this life —
[What, think you, would our Lord have said to Martha, if her state had been like yours ? Would he have approved of it, and have told her that her attention to her social and relative duties was sufficient, though she took no care at all about her soul ? ]
2. Those who, though professing to be devoted to Christ, are of a worldly spirit —
[What a poor appearance did Martha make on this occa- sion ! and what little encouragement you have to follow her example ! Remember, that " you should be crucified to the world, and the world should be crucified to youb" ]
3. Those who are seeking with all earnestness the salvation of their souls —
[You must expect, that lukewarm and worldly professors will condemn you as much as the ungodly themselves do : and the more nearly they are related to you, the more asperity, perhaps, they may shew towards you. But commit your cause to Jesus ; and he will vindicate you in due season. Positive duties, indeed, you must on no account neglect. But, while the world has your hands, let Jesus have your hearts ]
b Gal. vi. 14.