to fulfil your duties towards hiin, and to walk before him in newness of heart and life. Whilst you reflect on your privi- leges, be mindful also of your duties. And be careful never more to " grieve his Holy Spirit," or to " provoke him to jealousy," by even the appearance of evil. Remember what even a creature expects from her to whom he is joined in these sacred bonds; and let your every action, every word, and every thought, be such as shall approve itself to Him " who searcheth the heart, and trieth the reins." In a word, be ye altogether his, even as ye would that he should be wholly and altogether yours.]
2. Those who know him not yet under this en- dearing character —
[O that I could prevail on every one of you to accept his gracious offers this day! Did Abraham send his servant to seek a wife for his son Isaac? Methinks I bear a similar com- mission from the God of heaven unto you. St. Paul says to the Corinthians, " I have espoused you to one Husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ1*." And this is the object of my address to you this day. O that ye knew who it is that offers himself to you by my voice ; and that ye con- sidered how worthy He is of your affections! What is there that any one of you would desire in a husband? Do you admire wisdom ? The Lord Jesus Christ is " the wisdom of God himself V Would you wish for beauty ? " He is fairer than ten thousand, and altogether lovely1." Have riches or honours any attractions in your eyes? " His riches are un- searchable3;" and " all the fulness of the Godhead dwelleth in him bodily V What is there in the whole creation that can vie with him ? What is there that is in any degree worthy to be compared with him? Behold, it is " He who now stands at the door of your hearts, and knocks u," and seeks admission into them. Know ye then the day of your visitation. " Refuse not Him who now speaks to you" by my voice x, and says, " Give me thine hearty." This only he requires, that you should renounce all others, and " cleave unto him with full purpose of heart." These are his very words, by which he now addresses you: " Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear: forget also thine own people, and thy father's house : so shall the King greatly desire thy beauty : for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him2." Accept his offers, beloved friends, and give yourselves unreservedly to him : so shall the
p 2 Cor. xi. 2. 1 1 Cor. i. 24. r Cant. v. 10, 16.
3 Eph. iii. 8. 4 Col. ii. 9. u Rev. iii. 20.
x Heb. xii. 25. y Prov. xxiii. 26. z Ps. xlv. 10, 11.
978.] god's faithfulness to his covenant. 439
very angels in heaven clap their wings with joya, and all the glory of heaven be made over to you as your everlasting inheritance."]
a Luke xv. 7, 10.