Luke 1:39-45 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;… When serious persons are met together, the example of Mary and Elisabeth teaches them how they ought to be employed. Let not the time be wasted on trifles: but needful and becoming attention being paid to the demands of courtesy and common life, let the concerns of religion occupy a prominent place in their conversation. Such intercourse is most acceptable to God, and will be most advantageous to yourselves. 1. It will be the means of your being better informed, for " the lips of the wise increase knowledge." 2. It will operate as a check on all that is evil, and as a stimulus to all that is good. 3. It will give an opportunity of comparing your experience, which will greatly encourage and edify you in the faith and obedience of the gospel. 4. It will elicit many a latent spark of affection and zeal. 5. It will support your mind under temptation, and steel your heart with resolution to act a decided part in life; for it will convince you and keep you in mind that there are some of the same sentiments with yourself, anxiously watching your conduct, and deeply concerned for your stability. Nor can you deem it a light matter that you will find those who will be safeguards to you in the time of prosperity, and will not forsake you in trouble. The hour of sorrow, sickness, dissolution, is drawing on apace — an hour in which worldly associates would withdraw, as conscious of their unfitness for such a scene; or, if they remained, would prove but miserable comforters; but an hour in which those who know and love the truth would delight to stand by you, to suggest comforting and edifying thoughts, and assist in cheering the last moments and smoothing the pillow of death. Seek the society of the pious, and you form a friendship which, although interrupted for a season by death, will be renewed with increased endearment, where infirmity no longer troubles, nor separation divides. (James Foote, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;WEB: Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah, |
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