Mary sat at the feet of the Lord and HEARD HIS WORD, Her sister, Martha, had many things to do which she believed to be important. She must provide bodily comforts and necessities; and when she complained to the Lord that her sister should LEAVE THE PLACE WHERE HIS WORD WAS HEARD and give more attention to fleshly pursuits, our Lord said, "Martha, you are careful and troubled about many things: ONE THING IS NEEDFUL: Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:39-42). Wise indeed are the persons, who, like Mary, chose to sit, live, and raise their children where they can HEAR HIS WORD. This is the ONE THING NEEDFUL and the one thing that shall not be taken away when all these worldly comforts, treasures, and honors are perished and forgotten. I weep for those who have made the wrong choice and warn those today who may follow their example. Mary sat at Jesus feet and HEARD HIS WORD. Today, where two or three gather in His name, He is there and they hear His word. This is the good part of this earthly journey. I have nothing materially to leave my children, but they were raised hearing His word preached. Which is the good part?

     The following is an excerpt from a message preached by John Brine at the ordination of John Ryland in the year 1750. "How may we KNOW that any doctrine is that of the true grace of God? I answer: IF it exalts the glory of the grace of God as the SOLE AND ENTIRE cause of salvation; IF it humbles the creature and EXCLUDES ALL BOASTING; IF it provides for the HONOR of God's holy law and justice; IF it is a solid and sure ground of strong consolation to the saints; and lastly, IF it is a doctrine according to godliness."