The phrase ‘carnal saints,’ the self-righteous look on as a very opprobrious term, as though contradictory to the character of a real Christian: but such persons differ in judgment from an inspired apostle. Paul calls these Corinthian converts, ‘babes in Christ;’ while he says to them, ‘Ye are yet carnal.’ Yea, he appeals to their judgments: ‘Are ye not so?’ Doth not your walk, your words, your strife, your views give sad evidence of the truth of this my assertion? Do you not act and behave too much like men who are strangers to Jesus, and the life and power of vital godliness?

It is the wisdom and joy of disciples to see somewhat of Jesus in every page of the lively oracles. Then the word is searched with pleasure, studied with delight, and is made exceeding profitable to the soul. To this end the sins and backslidings, the humiliations and repentings, the joys and experience of saints of old are recorded. We see their deserts to be the lowest hell; but grace reigns. Though sin abounded in them, yet grace superabounded over them. All is through Jesus: no mercy for sinful man, but through that dear Man and blessed Mediator.

The hearts of disciples enjoy sweet fellowship in the truth, and hence they mutually help and encourage each other’s faith. The Saviour loves to have it so: he blesses them, and manifests himself to them in this way. So it was with the disciples after his crucifixion and death. They resorted together, and communed with each other; and Jesus, though unknown to them at first, joined company with them, expounded the scriptures to them, opened their understandings; and they said one to another, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked with us by the way.’ Luke 24:32

Pride and self-confidence are deeply rooted in the human heart. False hopes are built on self-righteous pleas. By these the heart is blinded to the exceeding sinfulness of sin, hardened against the fear and dread of the Lord; and such live in rebellion against the truth as it is in Jesus. Like Paul, we are all naturally alive without the law; and with these Israelites of old, are ready to say, ‘All that the Lord hath spoken we will do.’ Ex. 19:8. Alas, poor souls utter such words of ignorance and pride, when, like the disciples on the mount, ‘they know not what they say.’ But whom the Lord loves, he proves. The Lord is a jealous God, he will suffer no flesh to glory…

The disposition and carriage of the sisters, Martha and Mary, much resemble the different desires and actings of the flesh and spirit, of which every Christian is composed. The flesh, like Martha, is careful and troubled about many things. It is ever restless and uneasy, always in want, seldom satisfied, never truly happy. But the spirit hath chosen that good part, that one thing needful. It is truly wise in its choice, quite satisfied in its object, and truly happy in its enjoyment.

All marriages are, or ought to be, founded in mutual love between the contracting parties. This is the chief ingredient to produce happiness in the conjugal state. Where this is wanting, true comfort is not enjoyed. When a person of noble birth and great fortune marries a woman poor in circumstances, and involved in debt, we justly conclude he chose her out of pure love and affection to her person; and surely such a one is under the most endearing obligations to love and chastity. She can never call to mind her former indigent state, and her present affluent circumstances, but it must tend to inflame her with the most ardent affection to her husband.