Pride and self-confidence are deeply rooted in the human heart. False hopes are built on self-righteous pleas. By these the heart is blinded to the exceeding sinfulness of sin, hardened against the fear and dread of the Lord; and such live in rebellion against the truth as it is in Jesus. Like Paul, we are all naturally alive without the law; and with these Israelites of old, are ready to say, ‘All that the Lord hath spoken we will do.’ Ex. 19:8. Alas, poor souls utter such words of ignorance and pride, when, like the disciples on the mount, ‘they know not what they say.’ But whom the Lord loves, he proves. The Lord is a jealous God, he will suffer no flesh to glory…

The disposition and carriage of the sisters, Martha and Mary, much resemble the different desires and actings of the flesh and spirit, of which every Christian is composed. The flesh, like Martha, is careful and troubled about many things. It is ever restless and uneasy, always in want, seldom satisfied, never truly happy. But the spirit hath chosen that good part, that one thing needful. It is truly wise in its choice, quite satisfied in its object, and truly happy in its enjoyment.

All marriages are, or ought to be, founded in mutual love between the contracting parties. This is the chief ingredient to produce happiness in the conjugal state. Where this is wanting, true comfort is not enjoyed. When a person of noble birth and great fortune marries a woman poor in circumstances, and involved in debt, we justly conclude he chose her out of pure love and affection to her person; and surely such a one is under the most endearing obligations to love and chastity. She can never call to mind her former indigent state, and her present affluent circumstances, but it must tend to inflame her with the most ardent affection to her husband.

St. Paul ransacks heaven and earth, time and eternity, to make up the Christian’s rich catalogue of mercies. But, as though the utmost stretch of thought, of men or angels, might omit some part of the believer’s treasure; and lest any thing should be found wanting for support and comfort to any needy soul, he twice repeats ‘All things are yours.’ Believer, wouldst thou know thy title? Wouldst thou enquire, whence is it that the Lord should consign such innumerable blessings, such infinitely rich mercies to us? Whereas one thing we know, we feel daily that we are sinners to this very hour. And will not this prevent the right to possession, and the freedom of enjoyment? No: justice and wisdom conspire to take away…

This is a sweet petition in the service of the church of England; ‘Grant, oh Lord, that we may not only hear, read, mark, and learn, but inwardly digest the holy scriptures.’ As soon as the Lord hath fulfilled this prayer upon any poor sinner, then Jesus is the hope of his soul; he esteems the scriptures as his daily food; the doctrines of grace are the joy and rejoicing of his heart; and he will love and attend such prophets of the Lord, who have also found God’s words and have eaten them.