the companions of our unregenerate state must be forsaken^. Our very parents, yea, even life itself, must be hated, w^hen they stand in competition with him \ The change in our actions and affections must be entire''; and we must subscribe from our hearts the terms proposed to us'.]
This injunction will not appear harsh, if we attend to, II. The arguments with which it is enforced —
God deals with us in all things as intelligent beings, and labours to persuade us by rational considerations.
1. It is our highest interest —
[Though the Church is vile in herself, she is complete in Christ"^: he has given orders for her thorough purification". When she is presented to him, she is cleansed from all the filthiness of her former state". Hence she is exceeding beau- tiful in his eyesi'; and he feels a longing desire after commu- nion with heri. No bridegroom ever so much rejoiced over his bride, as he over her"^. More especially is he delighted with her when he sees that her heart is whole and entire with him^ How powerful an argument is this with an ingenuous soul ! What can influence a wife more than to know that her conduct vnll conciliate the esteem of her husband ? And what can de- light a regenerate soul so much, as to please the Lord Jesus Christ? Let this hope then animate us to renounce all for him, and to address him in the words of holy David*.]
2. It is our indispensable duty —
[The husband is to be considered as lord over his wife": to him she owes an humble obediential reverence^. Christ also is the supreme Head and " Lord " of his Church. No limits whatever are to be set to his authority. We must "worship" and ser\'e " him" equally with God the Father^. Let us then at least shew him that regard, which we ourselves expect from a fellow-creature. A husband will not endure a rival in his wife's affections ; shall we then " provoke the Lord himself to jealousy" by carnal attachments? Let us not dare in such a way to violate our nuptial engagements. When any thing solicits a place in our hearts, let us utterly reject it; and let us exercise that fidelity towards him, which we have ever experienced at his hands.]
Address —
h 2 Cor. vi. 14 — 17. ' Luke xiv. 26. ^ 2 Cor. v. 17.
1 Hos. iii. 3. "^ Col. ii. 10. " Esther ii. 3.
° Eph. V. 25—27. P Cant. iv. 9—11. i Cant. ii. 14.
r Isai. Ixii. 5. -' Prov. xi. 20. * Ps. Ixxiii. 25.
u 1 Pet. iii. 6. '^ Eph. v. 33. y John v. 23.
578.] THE church's BEAUTY AND HAPPINESS. 351
1. Those who are endeavouring to unite the love of the world with the love of Christ —
[The interests of the world, and of Christ, are altogether opposite. Our Lord declares them to be absolutely irrecon- cileable^. St. James also represents even a wish to reconcile them, as an incontestable proof of enmity against God'^. As Jesus deserves, so he demands, our whole hearts ''. Let us not then " mock him, and deceive ourselves." If the Lord be God, let us not serve Baal, but him'^; and let us unite in imitating the repentant Jews'*.]
2. Those who are desirous of uniting themselves to Christ —
[It is a great honour indeed which ye aspire after; yet is it offered to the vilest of the human race ®. But you must get a change of raiment, that you may not dishonour your new station^. Labour then to " purge out all remains of the old leaven." Be on your guard, lest, after having escaped the pol- lutions of the world, you be again entangled with them and overcome s. " Remember Lot's wife," that you may shun her example ; so shall you enjoy the sweetest fellowship with Jesus, and live in the fruition of him to all eternity^.]