Page:Cry to the whole earth (2).pdf/10

 10          then like to the Gadarenes, Luke viii. they are content to take their leave of Christ and his word, and would rather leave that heavenly pearl, than part from their worldly pelf, Mat. xii. 49.            Thus, in Christ we have a pattern of a           good pastor, and in Mary the pattern of a           good hearer ; let ministers learn by this example, to take all occasions to preach the word, to be instant in season and out of season, 1 Tim. iv. 2. and let Christians learn by her example, Mat. vi. First seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and then to provide the things of this life. While Mary was careful for the food of the soul, Martha was cumbered to provide food for the body: her greatest care was to en- tertain Christ, and to make him good cheer; to testify her thankful mind unto him, that had done so great things for them: he had raised her brother Lazarus from death to          life; therefore he was worthy to be well entertained. If Elias deserved to be well dealt with at the hands of his hostess, 1 Kings xvii. whose son he restored to life; then surely our Saviour Christ was much more welcome hither, seeing he had raised Lazarus out of his grave, where he had