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.

The salvation of God’s people is certain, by his immutable love. Their safety depends on his almighty power, their confidence and glorying is in the finished work of Jesus, and their comforts are enjoyed from the Spirit’s testimony of the Saviour to their hearts; as having loved, redeemed, and saved them as lost, guilty, and perishing sinners. The clearer views we have of this truth, so much the more do we

‘There shall not a hoof be left behind,’ said meek Moses to the stubborn monarch. All that belonged to God’s children must go with them for his service. So the whole man, the soul with all its faculties, the body with all its members, Jesus claims for his glory and service. The tongue, though but a little member; words, though but as wind; speech, though but as sound; yet the name, the work, the love, the glory of Jesus are hereby greatly advanced in the world. As salt not only preserves from putrefaction, but seasons flesh with an agree­ able flavour and relish, so doth grace in the heart the speech.