The Godly Man's Picture

1. For tender care: The Spouse cannot be so tender of her own soul and credit, as Christ is tender of her, 1 Pet. 5. 7. He careth for you. Christ hath a debating with himself, a consulting and projecting how to carry on the work of our Salvation; he transacts all our affairs, he minds our business as his own; indeed he himself is concerned in it; he brings in fresh supplies to his Spouse; if she wanders out of the way, he guides her; if she stumble, he holds her by the hand, if she falls, he raiseth her; if she be dull, he quickens her by his spirit, if she be froward, he draws her with cords of love; if she be sad, he comforts her with promises.

2. For ardent affection: No Husband like Christ for love: The Lord saith to the people, I have loved you; and they say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Mal. 1. 2. But we cannot say to Christ, wherein hast thou loved us? Christ hath given real Demonstrations of his love to his Spouse: He hath sent her his Word, which is a Love-letter; and he hath given her his Spirit, which is a Love-token: Christ loves more than any other Husband.

1. Christ puts upon his Bride a richer Robe, Isa. 61. 10. He hath clothed me with the garments of Salvation, he hath covered me with the Robe of Righteousness. In this Robe ⟨p. 352⟩God looks upon us as if we had not sinned: This is as truly ours to justify, as it is Christs to bestow: this Robe doth not only cover, but adorn: Having on this Robe we are reputed righteous, not only as Angels, but as Christ,