The sinful mans searchThe sinfull mans search

If Christ had cause to find fault with Martha for her too much diligence in his entertainment, it seems he was not curious of his diet, but would have been content with simple cates: he was no delicate or dainty guest, he did not affect or delight in sumptuous banquets, or costly fare, ⟨image 38⟩he rather requireth a religious heart, a constant faith, a willing mind to hear the word,¹ with an earnest care to live thereafter. These are the things wherein the Lord delighteth, these are the junkets which he desireth, and which he preferreth before all earthly cheer. Thus is Martha reprehended for her curiosity: now let us see how Mary is excused and commended for her godly care. One thing is necessary (saith Christ) and what is that one thing? even to hear the word preached,² which is the power of God to salvation, to every one that believeth. A man may better want all things then that one needful thing, and yet we desire all other things, and neglect that one thing which is so needful. This one thing hath Mary chosen; and therefore hath chosen the better part. Martha's part is good because it provideth for this present life: but Mary's part is better, because it leadeth to eternal life. It is good ⟨image 38⟩to be occupied about our calling, to get our living: but it is better to be occupied in hearing the word, which is able to save our souls. As the head and the foot are both needful in the body, so Mary and Martha are both needful in a commonwealth: man hath two vocations, the one earthly by his labour, the other heavenly by his prayer. There is the active life, which consisteth in practising the affairs of this life, wherein man showeth himself to be like himself, and there is the contemplative life, which consisteth in the meditation of divine and heavenly things, wherein man showeth himself to be like the Angels: for they which labour in their temporal vocations, do live like men; but they which labour in spiritual matters, live like Angels: When they hear the word; God speaketh unto them: when they pray, they speak unto God; so that there is a continual conference between God and them, ⟨image 39⟩