Page:Everlasting love of God, and Mary's good choice.pdf/19

 and unapt for every heavenly exercise, till we have put off our ſhoes, that is, all our worldly cogitations and affections; and till we have cast away our cloaks, that is, all letts and impediments, which may hinder us in profiting in our professions. When our minds are quiet, we are fit to deal with heavenly matters; therefore the Doctors conferred fitting in the temple; and God he delighteth to deal with us, when we are most private. He appeared to Abraham, ſitting in the door of his tent, Gen. xviii. The Holy Ghoſt, he came down upon the apostles, and filled all the house where they were ſitting. The Eunuch, ſitting in his chariot, was called and converted, by the preaching of Philip, Acts viii. 37.

Mary ſat at Jesus' feet, yet ſat ſhe not ſleeping, as many ſit at the preacher's feet; but ſhe ſat at Christ's feet, and heard his words; as Paul was brought up at the feet of Gamaliel, and was perfectly instructed in the law of his fathers, Acts xxii. Her humility is commendable, in that ſhe ſat at Jesus' feet; to declare to us, that the word is to be heard with all humility. Her diligence and earnestness appeareth, in that ſhe would not depart and help her ſiſter; to ſignify, that the hearing of the word muſt be preferred before worldly business. Her diligence and humility may