Page:Cry to the whole earth (2).pdf/19

 19 Martha for too much diligence in his en- tertainment, it seems he was not very curi- ous of his diet, but would have been con- tent with simple meats; he was to delicate ordinary guest, he did not delight in sump- tuous banquets or costly fare, he rather re- quireth a religious heart, a constant faith, a willing mind to hear the word, Luke xi. 28. with an earnest care to live thereafter. These are the things wherein the lord de- lighteth; these are the morsels which he desireth, and which he preferreth before all earthly cheer: thus is Martha repre- hended for her curiosity. Now let us see hew Mary is excused, and commended for her godly care. 'One thing is necessary,' saith our Saviour; and what is that one thing? Even to hear the word preached, which is the power of God unto salvation, to every one that believeth, Rom. i. 16. A man may better want all things than want one thing needful; and yet we desire all things, and we neglect that one thing which is so needful. This one thing hath Mary chosen, and therefore hath cho- sen the better part; Martha's part is good, because it provideth for this present life; but Mary's part is better, because it lead- eth to eternal life. It is good to be