which appeared to be primarily, if not solely, in his contem- plation, he particularly adds, " This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and his Church8." But, to dwell on particular passages is needless ; because a defection from God is, throughout the whole Scripture, called " adultery;" it being an alienation of heart from Him, whose right to it, as the Husband of his Church, is unalienable and universal.]
But look at it as more minutely and distinctly marked —
[Not to enter too minutely into a subject of such delicacy, we may notice his first choice of us, in order to the forming of this connexion with us. Verily, God's choice of us was altoge- ther the result of his sovereign will and pleasure, without the slightest measure of respect to any goodness or worthiness in ush. Having made us the objects of his choice, he " betrothed us to himself, in righteousness, and in judgment, and in loving- kindness, and in mercies ; yea, he even betrothed us to himself in faithfulness1," engaging, that "he would be for us only and exclusively, as we also should be exclusively for himk." We have a further account of the very nuptials, and the feast attending them1, and the consequent union consummated and confirmed111. Further, the end of this union is declared ; " We are married to Christ, that we may bring forth fruit unto God"."
All this is spoken of as commenced on earth : but it is yet further represented as completed in heaven ; " Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him; for the marriage of the Lamb is come:" (and, " Blessed are they which are called to the marriage-supper of the Lamb0:") and, " Come hither, and I will shew thee the Bride, the Lamb's Wife p."]
I conceive that this is sufficient to shew how largely this subject is treated of in the Holy Scriptures ; and, consequently, how much we are concerned to investigate,
II. The important particulars contained m it —
Of course we shall confine ourselves to those great and leading particulars which will best mark the dig- nity and importance of the subject. The relation, then, of Jehovah as a Husband to his Church, may be considered as comprehending,
e Eph. v. 32. '> Deut. vii. 7, 8. » Hos. ii. 19, 20.
k Hos. iii. 3. l Matt. xxii. 2. and xxv. 10.
m Cant. ii. 1. " Rom. vii. 4. ° Rev. xix. 7, 9.
P Rev. xxi. 9.
ff2