Christ Dying and Drawing Sinners to Himself

Asser. 12. We do not consider, that Christ absent hath stronger impulsions of love,¹ then when present in sense and full assurance: as is clear in that large Song of the high praises of Christ, which is uttered by the Church, Cant. 5. when he had with-drawn himself, Vers. 6. and She was sick of love for him. Vers. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. 2. There is a sort of heavenly antiperistasis, a desire of him kindled, through occasions of absence; as we are hottest in seeking after precious things, when they are absent, and farthest from our enjoying. Absence sets on fire love. The impression of his kissing, embracing, lovely and patient knocking, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove; the print of his foot-steps, the remanents of the smell of his precious ointments, his shadow when he goeth out at doors, are coals to burn the soul. Psal. 63.6. When I remember thee, upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. I cannot sleep, for the love of Christ, in the night. What follows? Vers. 8. My soul follows hard, cleaveth strong after thee. Psal. 77.3. I remembered God, and was troubled: rather, I remembered God, and rejoiced: But the memory of old love, and of absent and with-drawing consolations, break the heart. How do some weep, and cast-aside their harps, when they remember the seven year old embracements of Christ, and Christ's virgin-love, and Zion-sweet songs in the days of their youth? Cant. 5. when the Church rose, but after the time, to open to Christ, when he was gone, and had withdrawn ⟨p. 92⟩himself, Vers. 5. Mine hands (saith the Church) dropped with myrrh, and my fingers with sweet-smelling myrrh upon the handles of the bar. Then her love to Christ was strongest, her bowels moved, the smell of his love, like sweet-smelling myrrh, was mighty rank, and piercing.

Asser. 12. Wee doe not consider, that Christ absent hath stronger impulsions of love,