The Godly Man's Picture

Other marriages are soon at an end, Death cuts asunder the marriage-knot, but this conjugal union is eternal: thou that art once Christs spouse, shalt never be a widow more,¹ Hos. 2. 19. I will betroth thee unto me for ever: to speak properly, our marriage with Christ begins, where other marriages end, at death.

Other marriages are soon at an end, Death cuts asunder the marriage-knot, but this conjugal union is eternal: thou that art once Christs spouse, shalt never be a widdow more,¹ Hos. 2. 19. I will betroth thee unto me for ever: to speak properly, our marriage with Christ begins, where other marriages end, at death.

1. 1[Greek or Hebrew]〈non-Latin alphabet〉

In this life is but the contract; the Jews had a time set between their espousals and marriage, sometimes a year, or more: in this life is but the affiancing and contract, promises are made on both sides, and love passeth secretly between Christ and the soul; he gives some smiles of his face, and the soul sends up her sighs, and drops tears of love: But all this is but a previous work, and something tending to the marriage, the ⟨p. 348⟩glorious completing and solemnizing of the Nuptials, is reserved for heaven; there is the marriage-supper of the Lamb, Rev. 19. 9. and the Bed of glory perfumed with love, where the souls of the elect shall be perpetually solacing themselves,