One Hundred Select Sermons, New Testament · Sermon 5
SERMON V.
LUKE 10.38.
Now it came to paſs, as they went, that he entred into a certain Village; and a certain woman, named Martha, received him into her houſe.
Our Bleſſed Lord and Saviour, who was the great Creator of Heaven and Earth; was yet ſo far pleaſed to abaſe himſelf for our ſakes, as to have no place of dwelling and abode here upon earth: Although he was the Son of the Carpenter, yet he had no houſe built him of his own; and that upon the ſame ground as he was willing to be the Son of the Carpenter, which was a piece of his humiliation: Foxes have holes, and Birds of the air have neſts; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. But yet, though he had none certain, yet he had as many as he pleaſed at command; and though he had ill entertainment from the World, yet there were ſome whom he knew he could be acceptable and welcome unto: Where-ever he had an heart, he was ſure not to want an houſe, where there was ability and opportunity for it. And thus here in this Scripture before us, he takes up his lodging in the houſe of two godly and devout Women, and Siſters, Martha and Mary Wherein we have declared unto us a different frame of ſpirit in the entertainment of him.
It is a very pleaſing and delightful Story; and through the bleſſing of God upon our thoughts and meditations on it, may prove as profitable.
THis whole Contexture of Scripture in the perfect view of it, does contain in it eſpecially two General Parts: Firſt; Chriſt's Entertainment, which he had in the place where he came. And, Secondly, Chriſt's carriage and behaviour towards thoſe which entertained him; and to her eſpecially which now received him into her houſe. The former of theſe we have in the three firſt verſes: The latter in the two laſt, and cloſe of the Chapter.
We begin in order, with the firſt; the Entertainment which was here given to Chriſt; which we have in the three firſt; which we ſhall run over with as much expedition as poſſibly we can: And we'll take them as they lye before us; foraſmuch as Scriptures of this nature do require another kind of handling than others do. Now it came to paſs, as they went, that they entred, &c. In this we have two things obſervable: Firſt, The nature of the place, which Chriſt at this time turn'd into; He entred into a certain Village. Secondly; The party that entertain'd him, and took him in upon his entring into the Town; A certain woman named Martha, receiv'd him into her houſe.
To ſpeak a word of the firſt, the nature of the place; He entred into a certain Village. We ſee here that Chriſt did not only take care of Cities, and great Towns, and populous places, where there was great reſort of people coming to them, and thoſe (it may be) of quality and eſtate; but alſo of poor Villages, and mean places: He had a ſpecial regard even to theſe, for the exerciſe of his Miniſtry amongſt them, and the filling them with his heavenly doctrine. And thus it does likewiſe become other Miniſters alſo, to bear after the example of Chriſt himſelf; not only to affect ſuch Auditories, and to confine themſelves to ſuch kind of places, which are more eminent in worldly conſiderations; but alſo now and then, where they are called thereto, as there is occaſion and opportunity afforded, to turn aſide into the Villages themſelves. Thus our Saviour Chriſt did here; and thus we we find him alſo to have done in other places. Jeſus went about all the Cities and Villages, teaching in their Synagogues, and Preaching the Goſpel of the Kingdom. So Mark 6.6. He went round about the Villages teaching: And Luke 17.12. He entred into a certain Village, &c. In Cantic. 7.10. The Spouſe invites her Beloved hereunto; Came, (ſays ſhe) let us go forth into the Field, let us lodge in the Villages. This was the temper and diſpoſition of Chriſt, to condeſcend ſo far to ſuch places as theſe are, for the ſcattering of his heavenly Word and Doctrine amongſt them. And thus there is very good reaſon for other Miniſters likewiſe to do, (upon occaſion) in divers regards.
Firſt, becauſe here's an opportunity of doing good, as well as elſe-where. There are ſouls to be ſaved in the Villages, as well as in the great Cities: And this is that which our work does chiefly and principally reſpect; it is to convert men, and bring men to Heaven: and this is that which is indifferently to be regarded in one as well as in another. All ſouls are in this ſenſe equal; they coſt the ſame price one with another; and we are accordingly to be tender and heedful of them. Chriſt had compaſſion on the multitude, when they were as ſheep without a ſhepherd: And this drew him abroad into the Villages; a love to poor ſouls. And we ſhould labour to find the ſame gracious affections and diſpoſitions in our ſelves.
Secondly; There's incouragement of a man's Miniſtry in theſe, as well as in other places, and ſometimes more. All Religion is not compaſt and comprehended within the walls of a City; there are gracious ſouls in the Villages, and Countrey-Towns; yea, often-times more of the ſincerity and power of godlineſs indeed, than there is in thoſe places which are of higher education; and ſo likewiſe a better and more cordial entertainment of the means themſelves. The full ſtomach loaths the honey-comb: thoſe which are at the well-head, and enjoy the means of Grace in great abundance, they are apt to ſcorn and deſpiſe thoſe opportunities which are afforded unto them; whereas others which are more ſtraiten'd, they have them in greater account.
And then, Thirdly; For a difference of giſts, and various improvements of thoſe abilities which God pleaſes to diſpenſe. God beſtows upon his ſervants in the Miniſtry, ſundry talents, and thoſe fitted to ſundry diſpoſitions, and ſundry places; which call for a ſeaſonable exerciſe and improvement of them. Thoſe which do well in one place, they may not do ſo well in another; and thoſe which cannot ſo profitably be exerciſed and employed here, elſe-where may do very well. Now therefore, that thoſe which God has given in ſuch and ſuch a kind, may accordingly be drawn forth; there's good ground for this practice we ſpeak of.
Thus, it therefore teaches us to imitate our Saviour in this particular; not to deſpiſe the meaneſt that are, where we may have occaſion of doing good unto them; though, it may be, we ſhould not have ſuch external accommodations from them: We ſhould be tenderly affected, and compaſſionate to the pooreſt ſouls, as being ſuch to whom the Goſpel of Chriſt does more eſpecially and particularly belong. To the poor the Goſpel is preached, Matt. 11.5. There are many which are all for great and noted Aſſemblies: but alas, there's as much good to be done now and then in more obſcure places. And it is good ſtealing of a ſoul (as I may ſo ſay) after this manner.
It is an uſe to be made by us Miniſters, eſpeciat theſe times of the year; as opportunity is offered to us; not only to refreſh our ſelves, but to do good to others too.
And ſo much for that: The place of Chriſt's diverſion, and withdrawing himſelf; He went into a Village.
The Second i the party that entertain'd him; And a certain woman, named Martha, received him into her houſe. We have here a notable inſtance and example of hoſpitality in this pious woman; that ſhe thus readily takes in Chriſt to ſojourn with her; eſpecially conſidering the circumſtances which attended hereupon: for it was not at this time without ſome apparent danger and hazard. Chriſt was now at this time eſpecially purſued and perſecuted by the Scribes, and Phariſees, and Rulers; and they ſought to lay hands on him; in which regard, all that favour'd him were in ſome likelihood of ſuffering for him. And here now in this preſent buſineſs; as Oneſiphorus to Paul; He often refreſht me, and was not aſhamed of my chain, 2 Tim. 1.16. The entertainment of him could not be concealed; for he did not come ſingle, and alone, but with the company of his Diſciples: yet ſhe cares not for all this, the ventures it, and receives him into her houſe. So that (I ſay) here is commended unto us an example of the like hoſpitality. This is that which the Apoſtle exhorts to, Rom. 12.13. Diſtributing to the neceſſity of Saints, given to hoſpitality. Heb. 13.2. Be not forgetful to entertain ſtrangers, for thereby ſome have entertained Angels unawares. And, 1 Pet. 4.9. Ʋſe hoſpitality one to another without grudging. There was very good ground and reaſon which moved Martha hereunto, to the entertainment of Chriſt.
Firſt; The Protection and Bleſſing which ſhe was likely to receive from his perſon and preſence with her. The preſence of holy men caſts a bleſſing upon the places where they are; which are in ſo much the greater ſafety and ſecurity for their ſakes. As Jacob tells Laban; God has bleſt thee ſince my coming to thee; te-ragli, alms-foot; ſince I ſet my foot within thy doors: Such a Gueſt was Chriſt to Martha, a bleſſing and protection to her.
And then withal, a bleſſing of Honour; as Lydia to Paul, Acts 16.14. If ye have judged me to be faithful, enter into my houſe, and abide there.
Secondly; The benefit ſhe ſhould have from his instruction, and doctrine, and converſation, and communion with him: She had now one who would ſatisfy her doubts, which would anſwer her objections, which would remove her ſcruples, &c. And though ſhe did not preſently, and at firſt give heed hereunto; yet there was no queſtion, but being ſuch as ſhe was, ſhe made account to do it before ſhe let Chriſt go away from her.
This day is ſalvation come to this houſe, i.e. in the means, Luke 19.9.
Thirdly; The ſpecial love and affection which ſhe bare unto him by way of thankfulneſs, and requital to him: It is ſaid, Jeſus loved her, Job. 11.5. And now ſhe ſhews her love to him again. She had taken Chriſt at firſt into her affections, and now ſhe takes him into her houſe.
Thus ſhould we do alſo in our places; though we cannot do thus to Chriſt perſonally, yet we may be able at leaſt to do thus myſtically: I was a ſtranger, an ye took me in, Matt. 25.35. And ſo much for that
It follows in the Text; And ſhe had a ſiſter called Mary, which alſo ſate at Jeſus feet, and heard his words. Where, Firſt, we have ſomewhat intimated, and implied. And, Secondly, ſomewhat exhibited, and expreſt. That which we have implied, is this: That Chriſt being now come into the houſe of Martha to ſojourn, he did beſtow himſelf profitably in it; he was there to good purpoſe, in that he did ſcatter his counſels and exhortations amongſt them. That which we have expreſt, is this; The different entertainment of him: Firſt, That Mary, the Siſter of Martha, ſhe did improve this bleſſed occaſion and opportunity which was now afforded unto her. Secondly, That Martha her ſelf, ſhe was cumbred about much ſerving, &c.
Firſt; I ſay, Chriſt was here to good purpoſe, as indeed he was every where elſe: He went about doing good, as the Scripture ſays of him: he never came into any place, but it it was the better for him. And ſo in this, amongſt the reſt; he fell a teaching Martha and Mary, and inſtructing them in the Principles of Religion; by that ſweet and heavenly diſcourſe which came from him, Cant. 5.13. and 16. He ſee them already well-affected, as they were both godly and religious women: and now he endeavours to perfect, and ſtrengthen, and encourage his Graces in them, by a further inſtruction and admonition of them. From whence we learn the like duty, and diſpoſition, and practice, both Miniſters and others; where we ſee any coming forward in Religion, to promote them, and bring them on further all we can. This was a Point which we handled in part lately, from the carriage of the Spouſe of Chriſt to the Daughters of Jeruſalem; therefore we will not be large in it now, only briefly take notice of it. We ſee how Chriſt did in like manner thus with the Diſciples which were going to Emmaus, Luke 24.13. and ſo alſo with divers others. Thus alſo Aquila and Priſcilla did to Apollos, an eloquent man, and mighty in the Scriptures, but only knowing the baptiſm of John: It is ſaid of them, that they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. Thus did Chriſt here to theſe two Siſters, Martha and Mary; he took occaſion, from his preſence with them, to eſtabliſh them further in Religion. Thus, it was not ſo much (as we may conceive) by any long diſcourſe, but rather in a way of conference, and communication: wherein he did very profitably apply himſelf to them for their inſtruction. There's very good uſe and advantage which comes by ſuch ways as theſe which are accordingly to be practiſed by us; and ſeaſons and opportunities to be watch'd and waited on for ſuch a purpoſe. Here there are divers rules which (by the way) are to be obſerved by us; as, namely theſe:
Firſt; That we always carry about us a full heart: we ſhould be full of heavenly meditations, that ſo we may the better be fitted for heavenly diſcourſe. He that exerciſes communion with God, ſhall be better able to exerciſe and maintain communion with men: And he that converſes with his own heart, ſhall be the better able to deal with others; becauſe, out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth ſpeaks; as our Saviour tells us. He that will lay out, muſt lay up; and he that will ever be profitable to others, he muſt have a treaſury and ſtore-houſe within himſelf. None can give, but he that has. And this is one rule to be obſerved by us, as tending to this duty.
Secondly; We muſt alſo have reſpect to the company we converſe withal: There's a caſting of Pearls before Swine; which our Saviour has given us warning of.
Thirdly; To time and ſeaſon: Every thing is beautiful in its ſeaſon; and a word ſpoken then, is like apples of Gold in pictures of ſilver.
The uſe which we are to make of this Point, is, in our places, to conform to this example; and to ſtudy all opportunities of doing good, that poſſibly we can. Thus much for that which is here implied; Chriſt's inſtruction, and improving of himſelf, whiles he was here preſent with them.
The Second is that which is expreſt; The different entertainment of him, by theſe two Siſters. Mary, ſhe ſate at his feet, and heard his word; but Martha, ſhe was cumbred about much ſerving. We'll ſpeak to the carriage of them both, &c.
Firſt; Of the carriage of Mary; She ſate at his feet, and heard his word. Wherein we have divers things obſervable of us: Firſt; here was her wiſe improvement of the opportunity for the good of her ſoul: She was not ſure to have Chriſt always, therefore ſhe would make uſe of him whiles ſhe had him. From whence we learn the ſame wiſdom for our own particulars: we ſhould get as much good as we can from Miniſters, and other Chriſtians, whiles they abide and continue with us. And we ſhould alſo draw them forth, and improve them. Thus, in all probability, Mary did here: Chriſt did not only ſpeak to her of his own accord, but ſhe ask'd him, and queſtion'd with him: Thus the Queen of Sheba did with Solomon; ſhe purſued him with hard queſtions, 1 Kings 10.1, &c. She tried him, and put him to it. So the Diſciples to Chriſt, upon his Aſcenſion, &c.
This is requiſite to be done: Firſt; From the proportion of gifts, which God does variouſly diſtribute to his ſervants. There are ſome which have knowledg in them; but ſuch as does not run out of it ſelf, till it be pumpt and drawn forth: yea oftentimes, the greateſt abilities this way the deepeſt; as Pearls which muſt be digg'd for ere they be had. Prov. 20.5. Counſel in the heart of man, is like deep waters; but a man of underſtanding will draw it out.
Secondly; There is alſo ſometimes an indiſpoſition and retiredneſs in many perſons, which muſt accordingly be quickned, and removed.
Thirdly; There are particular caſes, wherein ſuch and ſuch particular perſons do need advice, and inſtruction, which are beſt known to themſelves. And therefore they muſt be active in the expreſſing of them. How ſhall a Phyſitian be able to apply himſelf to ſuch and ſuch Patients, except themſelves ſhew their diſeaſe?
This condemns the contrary courſe of many people: Many of excellent abilities, which are as good as loſt for want of this.
That's one thing here obſervable in Mary; ſhe improves the opportunity of Chriſt's preſence, to draw forth knowledg and inſtruction from him, whiles he was with her.
Secondly; She ſate at his feet. Here's another expreſſion of her carriage; which has alſo its ſeveral intimations contain'd in it; as eſpecially theſe two: Firſt, Her reverence and compoſedneſs of carriage, and quietneſs of mind: Martha, ſhe ran up and down the houſe, as one which was diſtracted with buſineſs; but Mary ſate ſtill at Chriſt's feet. A compoſed geſture is a good argument of a compoſed ſpirit: Thoſe which cannot ſit ſtill in a place, but run up and down from one to another, as many do ſometimes in our Aſſemblies; they ſhew but little reverence and regard to the buſineſs in hand. This holy woman, ſhe ſate ſtill, as a note both of her inward reverence, and quietneſs of mind; free from worldly cares and diſtractions. This is one qualification required of worthy hearers; they muſt come as near as they can with free minds: A roving and unſetled hearer, can never be a good hearer. Be ſtill, and know that I am Col, Pſal. 46.10.
For this purpoſe we ſhould come with preparation and premeditation afore-hand; labouring to diſburthen our minds of thoſe cumbrances which are apt to moleſt us, otherwiſe the world will be ready to be choaked in us, and become unfruitful to us. And that we may the better do this, diſuſe our ſelves from our worldly employment. Thus, when the Sabbath's approaching, we ſhould lay aſide our trade betimes. And on other days, when we go to hearing the word, we ſhould not go immediately out of our ſhops, but fitting our ſelves to it by prayer, &c. And that's the firſt thing here obſervable in Mary; to wit, her reverence, and compoſedneſs of ſpirit.
Secondly; Here was her humility; She ſate at his feet. This expreſſion is taken from the cuſtom of ancient times, which is ſtill continued to this preſent day. That the Teachers were plac'd in ſome higher and more eminent part; not only for the opportunity of ſpeaking, that ſo they might be the better heard; but alſo as a Symbol of authority and eminency, in regard of their Doctrine. In which regard, their Scholars and Diſciples were ſaid alſo to ſit at their feet. Thus Paul, Act. 22.3. He is ſaid to be brought up at the feet of Gamaliel. Here, in Mary, it does denote that ſubjection, and tractableneſs, and pliableneſs of ſpirit which every hearer ought to bring with him to the word of God. We are to come with meek, and humble, and double affections hereunto: Jam. 1.21. Laying aſide all filthineſs, and ſuperfluity of naughtineſs; receive with meekneſs the ingrafted word, which is able to ſave your ſouls. This was the commendation of Cornelius and his company: Acts 10.33. Now therefore we are all here preſent before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. They came with an humble and teachable ſpirit to the word of God, as ready to yield obedience to every thing which ſhould be made known unto them: So the Theſſalonians, 1 Theſ. 2.13, &c.
We have many hearers ſometimes which do not ſit at the feet, but rather at the head of their Teachers; which will be teaching thoſe which ſhould teach them; intruding into thoſe things which they do not know, vainly puſt up by a fleſhly mind; as the Apoſtle's phraſe is, Col. 2.18. We have many captious and frivolous hearers, which nothing will pleaſe or ſatisfy them, but ſuch as ſuits with their own luſts, having itching ears. This godly woman in the Text was otherwiſe diſpoſed; She ſate at Chriſt's feet, a note of humility, and ſubjection.
Laſtly; She heard his word. This is not to be taken, as meant only of outward hearing, but with all inward and ſpecial qualifications; as Firſt, Attention; She attended to the things which were ſpoken; as is ſaid of Lydia.
Secondly; Delight: She had a ſweet ſavour and reliſh of them, and complacency in them.
Thirdly; Repoſition: She retain'd them, and laid them up in her heart: As Mary, the Mother of Chriſt; She laid up all theſe things in her heart: not a forgetful hearer, Jam. 1.25.
And thus much for the carriage of Mary, the Siſter of Martha. So much for that.
The Second is, Martha's carriage her ſelf, which was very different from it. But Martha, &c. In which verſe, we have again two things obſervable: Firſt; her own behaviour, for her own particular; ſhe was cumbred about much ſerving. And Secondly, her cenſure of her Siſter; yea, of Chriſt himſelf about it: Lord, doeſt thou not care that my Siſter hath left me to ſerve alone? &c.
Firſt, I ſay, Here is her own behaviour, for her own particular; She was cumbred about much ſerving: that is, in the friendly entertainment of Chriſt's perſon: She ſaw ſuch a worthy Gueſt as this was now come to her houſe, and all her thoughts and care was taken up how to give them the beſt welcome that ſhe was any ways able to do. This ſimply conſidered in it ſelf, was no fault or miſcarriage in her; but rather an argument and token of her good affection. But, accordingly as it is here qualified in her; ſo it had ſomewhat which was vicious in it.
Firſt; Luxury and exceſs; She was too large in her entertainments: It may be ſhe provided more than was fitting for ſuch a time. This is that which many are to blame, and faulty in; they think they cannot make their friends welcome, except they load them, and cloy them with variety of diſhes. I do not deny, but that God does vouchſafe us now and then a more liberal uſe of the creatures than at other times; but yet there is a reaſon and moderation in all, eſpecially according to the condition of the times wherein we live; which do call for more reſtraint and abatement than others do: as we may ſee, in Iſa. 22.12, 13, 14. This might be one miſcarriage in this good woman; She was exceſſive in regard of the meaſure. And therefore ſome, when Chriſt afterwards ſays, One thing is neceſſary; they interpret it, one diſh: but that's a little too groſs.
Secondly; Curioſity for the manner; foreign: She was cumbred about it. She was too punctual, and curious, and exact in her preparations, that ſhe thought nothing good enough: It may be to a too much undervaluing of the creatures themſelves, and unthankfulneſs for them; which many now and then are too too guilty of likewiſe: and it is a very great fault in them.
But, Thirdly; (Which we ſhall ſee more afterwards,) There was a turbulency and unquietneſs of ſpirit. This is that which is too often ſeen in many perſons, in ſuch performances; they do too much diſtract themſelves and others about them; and there are divers grounds of it: Sometimes it proceeds from unskilfulneſs; as thoſe things which people have no skill in, they are troubleſome to them to go about them. Sometime it proceeds from unaccustomedneſs; as thoſe things which they are not uſed to, they are diſquieting when they undertake them. But more eſpecially, it does ariſe from a weakneſs and impotency of mind; (as we ſhall ſee more hereafter:) As it is the diſpoſition of many people, that they can do nothing, but they are preſently troubled and diſtracted about it: this was the fault of this Martha. And ſo much for her own behavior.
The Second thing here conſiderable, is the cenſure of her Siſter's carriage; yea, upon the point of Chriſt himſelf: wherein alſo there were many weakneſſes and infirmities involved at once. As, Firſt, There was a ſpice of pride and vain-gloriouſneſs in her obſequiouſness: Lord, doeſt thou not care that my Siſter hath left me to ſerve alone? As who ſhould ſay, Doeſt thou not take notice of how much pains I take to entertain thee? Whiles ſhe finds fault with her Siſter, ſhe does implicitly commend her ſelf; which is often-times the end of ſuch ſpeeches. This good woman had a little tincture of oſtentation and boaſting in her, mingled with her entertainment of Chriſt: which is apt to cleave now and then to the beſt that are; it is a worm which too often breeds in this ſweet wood. A kind of pride in well-doing; eſpecially there, where there is an excellency and ſingular eminency above other perſons, as here it was. She ſaw ſhe outſtript her ſiſter in this ſervice, and now ſhe would needs be commended for it. This we may toke notice of here; not to justify ſuch kind of affections, where-ever they are, but to ſhew the weakneſs and frailty of our nature in this particular: And that thoſe which are any thing more or leſs guilty of it, may accordingly both be humbled for it, and ſtrive againſt it. The remedies of this diſtemper, are theſe: Firſt, a reſlexion upon our weakneſſes and failings other ways. Secondly, a conſideration that all we do, is a due debt. Thirdly, that others may be better in other reſpects, &c. That's the firſt.
Secondly; Here was a ſpice of envy and cenſoriouſneſs of her Siſter's forwardneſs in Religion: Lord, doeſt thou not take care that my Siſter, &c. Here was a quarrelling and contending with her Siſter; as one weakneſs brings in another: From pride comes contention, Prov. 13.10. And this is joyn'd with envy, and cenſure, and emmulation. She would needs be thought the beſt of the two; and ſhe pleaſed her ſelf in her own good performances; and hence falls upon her Siſter. This is another infirmity which is oftentimes ſeen too much in thoſe which are otherwiſe good; a kind of envying and emmulating of others: This we ſhall find in the Diſciples of Chriſt themſelves: Our Saviour had much ado ſometimes with them; they were ready ever and anon to go together by the ears in this buſineſs.
And ſo, with all Cenſoriouſneſs: Martha, which here followed her buſineſs, and houſhold-affairs, ſhe cenſures Mary her Siſter, which attended upon the Doctrine of Chriſt. And this is that which we ſhall often-times find, and obſerve in the World; that thoſe which are great Husbands, or Houſewives, and are taken up in ſuch kind of employments, they are very forward to paſs their cenſure and verdict upon the hearers of the word, and thoſe which do much attend upon ſpecial means. I know very well, there may be an unſeaſonableneſs even in this; but yet it is not ſo often, as ſometimes it is conceived to be: And where there's one neglects the world, for the looking after their ſouls; there are hundreds which looſe their ſouls, for attending too much upon the world. And that's a ſecond infirmity here obſervable.
Thirdly; Here was a ſpice alſo of impiety, in interrupting the good diſcourſe of Chriſt. Chriſt was now in the midſt of his conference, touching of ſome point or other which concern'd Religion and now Martha comes in with a frivolous complaint about her Siſter. This is another miſcarriage in any perſon, the interrupting of holy communion with unſeaſonable interpoſitions. There are many which are often-times exceedingly to blame in this buſineſs; which, when any are diſcourſing of Chriſtianity, will not ſuffer them, and permit them to do ſo. I know very well, there may ſometimes be unſeaſonableneſs alſo in much other diſcourſe, and ſometimes which may take off from the Grace of it: But I ſpeak, when there is a time for it, and all circumſtances duly obſerved; as certainly there was in this example; here there's a great deal of rudeneſs, and unſavourineſs, and impiety, in ſuch kind of carriage.
So that we ſee here, Martha, ſhe was guilty of two ſaults at once; as indeed commonly, theſe are complicated and involved. Firſt, ſhe did not heed the conference: and, Secondly, ſhe interrupted it: and thus we find it very often to be in other inſtances. Thoſe which have no mind to liſten themſelves, when they come at any time to the hearing of the word; they are the forwardeſt to diſtract others: and thoſe which care not themſelves to diſcourſe, will not ſuffer others to do it neither.
And, Laſtly; Here was a great deal of incivility in her carriage to her Gueſt himſelf; a great deal of fondneſs, and treſpaſſing upon the rules of hoſpitality; and that in ſundry particulars; that we may ſee the unſeaſonableneſs of this paſſion in this pious woman.
Firſt; She does here commend her own diligence and care of Entertainment: I am left alone … ſerve: What a ſad thing is this! As ſhe deſired to be commended by Chriſt, which we ſpake of before; ſo, for want of it, ſhe commends her ſelf for her own attendance: this was abſolutely contrary to the rules of hoſpitality, and entertainment. Thoſe which entertain others, they'l take no notice of their own performances, except in a way of diſparagement, out of modeſty, (and ſometimes hypocritically,) making things worſe than they are; but ſhe here moſt abſurdly does as 'twere praiſe and commend her ſelf. Let another praiſe thee, not thine own mouth &c.
Secondly, which was as bad on the other ſide; ſhe finds fault with her Gueſt, and picks a quarrel with him, which now was a ſtranger to her. This was another treſpaſs upon entertainment: Thoſe which entertain others, they do not uſe to quarrel with them, but give them all content that may be; but ſhe here in a manner chides and wrangles with Chriſt: ſo fooliſh and unreaſonable is paſſion, where once it is given way unto. Thoſe which yield to it, will never have done, if they look not to it.
Thirdly; She puts Chriſt, which was a ſtranger, upon finding fault with his own entertainment, which was another ridiculous buſineſs: For though Chriſt, as he was in his proper perſon, might juſtly find fault with any thing; yet, take him now under the notion of a Gueſt, here it was not ſo proper for him. Thoſe which are Gueſts, and ſtrangers, do not uſe to find fault with their entertainment, but take every thing well, and in good part, ſo as they find it; and do not intereſt themſelves in thoſe things which are done in the Family. And yet ſhe would fain have Chriſt to do thus in this particular; and that to in point of defect, in the want of entertainment: For, in the exceſs of entertainment, there a Gueſt may well find fault, as Chriſt did afterwards with her; but in the defect, it is not ſo proper: And yet ſhe would have Chriſt ſo to have done in this buſineſs.
Laſtly; There was this incivility and diſreſpect to Chriſt her Gueſt, and ſo a treſpaſs upon hoſpitality; that ſhe wrangles with her Siſter in his preſence, which was very unſeemly. It is the manner of all civil and diſcreet people, what-ever differences they may have at other times amongſt themſelves, yet to compoſe them ſtill before ſtrangers, and not to quarrel and wrangle with one another in the preſence of their Gueſts: yet Martha here does this.
The ſumm of all is this; To ſee what infirmity and weakneſs there is now and then intermixt and mingled with the vertues and graces of the Saints and Servants of God; eſpecially there where they give way to their unruly and diſtemper'd paſſions. Thus it was here in the Text with Martha; a good woman, but a little cenſorious; a good Siſter, but a little too envious; a good Houſewife, but a little vain-glorious; an Entertainer of the perſon of Chriſt, but a little too neglectful of his Doctrine; at leaſt of the diſpenſation of it at ſuch a time as it concern'd her to have regarded it, and to have attended unto.
And ſo now I have done with the Firſt General Part of the Text, laid down in theſe three firſt verſes; to wit, Chriſt's Entertainment here in this place. The Second is, his behaviour to thoſe which entertain'd him, in the two following.