A saint or a brute the certain necessity and excellency of holiness, &c. ...…

2. Note here, how our Lord doth spend his time in the place and company where he is. When he entereth into a house, he is presently at work in teaching poor souls the way to God; Or else how could Mary have been employed in hearing him? In our places and measure we should imitate him in this: Can you come into any house or company, and find nothing to say or do for God? Is there none wiser then your selves that you may learn of, as Mary did of Christ? nor none more ignorant whom Charity requireth you to teach? Nor none that need a quickening word, to mind them of their everlasting state? As soon as worldly, or vain ungodly people get together, they are presently upon some worldly, or vain discourse: And if you be indeed a ⟨p. 9⟩heavenly and spiritual people, should you not be more ready when you come together, for heavenly spiritual discourse? Have you not a thousand fold more to set your tongues on work? The necessities of the hearers: the hopes of doing good; the presence of God; the sense of the duty; the sweetness of the subject; the avoiding of sin; and the blessing of Gods acceptance to your selves? O had we but the skill, and will, and diligence, that this interlocutory preaching by holy conference doth require, what a supply party would it be for the promoting of mens salvation, where the more public preaching of the Gospel is wanting? Who can forbid us by familiar discourse to exercise our charity, in minding poor regardless sinners of the life to come? and exhorting them to due preparation, and repentance; and to open to them the riches of Christ, and set forth his love, and draw them to embrace him.

2. Note here, how our Lord doth spend his time in the place and company where he is. When he entreth into a house, he is presently at work in teaching poor souls the way to God; Or else how could Mary have been imployed in hearing him? In our places and measure we should imitate him in this: Can you come into any house or company, and find nothing to say or do for God? Is there none wiser then your selves that you may learn of, as Mary did of Christ? nor none more ignorant whom Charity requireth you to teach? Nor none that need a quickening word, to mind them of their everlasting state? As soon as worldly, or vain ungodly people get together, they are presently upon some worldly, or vain discourse: And if you be indeed a ⟨p. 9⟩heavenly and spiritual people, should you not be more ready when you come together, for heavenly spiritual discourse? Have you not a thousand fold more to set your tougues on work? The necessities of the hearers: the hopes of doing good; the presence of God; the sense of the duty; the sweetness of the subject; the avoiding of sin; and the blessing of Gods acceptance to your selves? O had we but the skill, and will, and diligence, that this interlocutory preaching by holy conference doth require, what a supply party would it be for the promoting of mens salvation, where the more publick preaching of the Gospel is wanting? Who can forbid us by familiar discourse to exercise our charity, in minding poor regardless sinners of the life to come? and exhorting them to due preparation, and repentance; and to open to them the riches of Christ, and set forth his love, and draw them to embrace him.