Happy, most happy for that soul who can simply bring all things to centre in one point. More than one object perplexes the mind. We stand and pause, doubting where we shall begin, and neglect both. What is the one thing needful? It is plain that by it our Saviour means that the soul maintains intimate communion with himself. This Mary did: she "sat at his feet and heard his word." Every thing else is but a drudgery compared with this; for this one thing comprises all the holiness, happiness and heavenly-mindedness of the soul.
O, if we have the presence of Jesus, guilty fears vanish, doubts are scattered, legal terrors are silenced, anxious cares subside, strong temptations lose their force, Satan is resisted, afflictions are sweetened, turbulent passions calmed, raging corruptions subdued, pride is brought down, humility is excited, peace with God is enjoyed, holiness promoted, the fear of death is conquered, the terrors of hell chased away, the prospect of glory in the full fruition of Jesus is sought and longed for, earth loses its charms, heaven is in the heart, to be absent from the body and present with the Lord becomes the one desire of the soul.
Say, O christian, what one thing else can produce so many, and such blessed effects, as close communion with our Saviour? Is not this the one thing, above all others, needful? Needful at all times and in all seasons; needful in the hour of prosperity and in the day of adversity. O, if this one thing is maintained in the soul, your sweet communion with Christ cannot fail to subject the will, attract the affections, and beget holy conformity to him. You will not wish or dare to follow any thing which is contrary to your Lord, while you live near him and dwell in holy fellowship with him. Thus religion is brought to a single point; holiness and happiness resolved into one thing. There is but one Lord to make you holy and happy, but one faith by which you know him and cleave to him; but there are a thousand things to prevent this. O may this "one thing needful" rise superior to all! Think, O my soul, of Mary's choice. Remember thy Saviour's approbation of it. O, do thou also choose this good part, which shall never be taken away.