too big for utterance, too deep for any finite intelligence to explore.
In its practical importance, too, it far surpasses all human comprehension. For to effect this union, is the very end for which the Gospel itself is ministered to man. St. Paul preached through immense regions, from Jerusalem round about unto Illyricum. And what did he labour to accomplish ? What was the effect of his ministrations ? He says to his Corinthian converts, " I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ q." Now this is our object also, even to solicit, in the behalf of Christ, that you will consent to an union with him, and surrender up yourselves altogether unto him. This union, also, is the one only means by which you can ever bring forth fruit unto God. " Separate from Christ," you can no more bear the fruits of holiness, than a branch can bear gi-apes when separate from the viner. St. Paul speaks of this, under the very image contained in our text. He represents us as married, in our unconverted state, to the law : but, on our conversion, the law, as far as re- spects its power over us, becomes dead ; so that we are at liberty to be married unto Christ, and to bear fruit to him : " My brethren," says he, " ye are become dead to the law by the body of Christ, that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto Gods." In no way whatever can the fruits of right- eousness be produced by us, except by virtue of union with him : for they are the fruits of his Spirit, communicated to us, and abiding in us*. I may further add, that this union, begun on earth, will be perpetuated in heaven for evermore. Earthly connexions are dissolved by death : this is cemented and con- firmed. In this world we are rather betrothed, than actually united*-, rather presented for approbation*, than brought to a full enjoyment of the nuptial bonds. The consummation of the marriage, with the feast attendant on it, is reserved for a better world; and shall take place as soon as the bride is fully prepared for the honours to be conferred upon her. So says St. John, respecting a period yet future, when this glorious ceremony is to be completed : " I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia : for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and
i 2 Cor. xi. 2. r John xv. 5. xwP'£ ^°^'
• Rom. vii. 4. l Gal. v. 22, 23. Rom. vi. 22.
« Hos. ii. 19. x 2 Cor. xi. 2.