A55302:71
Christus in corde, or, The mystical union between Christ and believers considered in its…
Christus in corde, or, The mystical union between Christ and believers considered in its resemblances, bonds, seals, privileges and marks by Edward Polhil ..., Esq.Christus in corde, or, The mystical union between Christ and believers considered in its resemblances, bonds, seals, priviledges and marks by Edward Polhil ..., Esq.
London: printed by A.M. and R.R. for Tho. Cockerill, 1680
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
The one is this; Christs consent is a pure gratuitous act. When a man chooses a wife, the reason is in the object, she is fair, or virtuous, or rich in estate, one attractive or other draws out his consent; but when Christ made his choice, no attractive was in his Spouse; Believers, no less than others, are naturally void of holy Graces, and so extremely poor, that they have not of their own to cover their nakedness, or pay their debts; there was nothing in them to draw out his love towards them; the only reason of his choice was in his infinite goodness, his Grace had no other mover but it self. It's true, he saith of his Church, Behold, thou art fair, my love: behold, thou art fair, Cant. 1.15. But, as our excellent English Annotator speaks, Locutio verbi infusio doni, to call her fair is to make ⟨p. 53⟩her so; her beauty was not a jewel of nature, but a love-token given from him. Therefore in the next verse the Church breaks out, Behold, thou art fair my beloved; she gives back all to him, her beauty was but the reflection of his; she shines not of her self, but radiis mariti, with the beams of her Husband; and to him may say, I am Japha, because thou art Japhe; I am fair because thou art so. Indeed he espoused her upon a design of grace, to change her Ethiopian skin, and put a Divine beauty upon her. Thus his consent was merely gratuitous.
The one is this; Christs consent is a pure gratuitous act. When a man chuses a wife, the reason is in the object, she is fair, or virtuous, or rich in estate, one attractive or other draws out his consent; but when Christ made his choice, no attractive was in his Spouse; Believers, no less than others, are naturally void of holy Graces, and so extreamly poor, that they have not of their own to cover their nakedness, or pay their debts; there was nothing in them to draw out his love towards them; the only reason of his choice was in his infinite goodness, his Grace had no other mover but it self. It's true, he saith of his Church, Behold, thou art fair, my love: behold, thou art fair, Cant. 1.15. But, as our excellent English Annotator speaks, Locutio verbi infusio doni, to call her fair is to make ⟨p. 53⟩