From this subject we may learn,
■^ Hos. xi. 4. s isai. xl. 29—31. * Phil. iii. 12—11.
848.] THE church's love TO CHRIST. 425
1. What reason we have to seek the knowledge of Christ—
[Who is there that has such a title to our affections as he ? Who is there so excellent in himself, or such a source of bless- edness to them that love him ? Go through the universe ; survey every thing that stands in competition with him ; and see what it can do for your souls. Take that highest of earthly bliss, which is here used to shadow forth the blessedness of union with Christ : how often have they been disappointed who have most passionately sought, and fondly hoped that they had attained, the summit of human happiness ! And where it has been enjoyed in its utmost perfection, how soon has it been cut short by the hand of death ! But nothing can damp, and nothing can terminate, the blessedness of those who are united to Christ. On the contrary, in the midst of the deepest distresses, his love will fill you with the richest consolation. When a fainting fit has come upon the body, a strong and pungent odour will revive it: and so will the fragrance of Jesus' name refresh the soul, when nothing else under heaven will reach, and resuscitate, its languid powers. O let every one of you seek this union, and never rest till you can say, " My Beloved is mine, and I am his " ! "
Yet let me remind you of a most important distinction that must ever be made between the knoivledge of Christ, and " the savour of the knowledge of him ^." That which resides in the head will be of no avail, as bringing you into union with him : it is that only which diffuses a fragrance through the whole soul, that will terminate in the everlasting enjoyment of him in heaven.]
2. In what way we should testify our regard for him —
[Seek him continually, and with your whole hearts ; and whenever you find sluggishness creeping upon you, renew your cry to him, " Draw me, draw me ! " Your " hearts are bent to backslide from him," yea, prone too to alienate from him the affections that should centre in him alone ; but strive that you may be able at all times to say with David, " My soul fol- loweth hard after thee :" and if at any time you are enabled to lay hold on your Beloved, let him not go, but " cleave to him with full purpose of heart."
At the same time see what you can do in your families, in your neighbourhood, and in the world at large, to bring others also to him. Commend him to them : endeavour to bring them into the assemblies, where he manifests his presence : entreat him to extend his attractive influences to them also, even as he
" Cant. ii. IG. ^ 2 Cor. ii. 14.