The Godly Man's Picture

1 In case of the dis-respects and unkindnesses of the world, Psa. 55. 3. In wrath they hate me: but though we live in an unkind world, we have a kind Husband, Joh. 15. 9. As the father hath loved me, so have I loved you: What Angel can tell how God the Father loves Christ? yet the Fathers love to Christ, is made the copy and pattern of Christs love to his Spouse; this love of Christ, as far exceeds all created love, as the Sun out shines the light of a Torch; and is not this matter of comfort? what though the world hates me, yet Christ loves me.

1 In case of the dis-respects and unkindenesses of the world, Psa. 55. 3. In wrath they hate mee: but though we live in an unkinde world, wee have a kinde Husband, Ioh. 15. 9. As the father hath loved me, so have I loved you: What Angel can tell how God the Father loves Christ? yet the Fathers love to Christ, is made the copy and pattern of Christs love to his Spouse; this love of Christ, as far exceeds all created love, as the Sun out shines the light of a Torch; and is not this matter of comfort? what though the world hates me, yet Christ loves me.

2 It is comfort in case of weakness of grace; the believer cannot lay hold upon Christ, but with a trembling hand; there ⟨p. 356⟩is a spirit of infirmity upon him, but O weak Christian! here is strong consolation; there is a conjugal union, thou art the Spouse of Christ, and he will bear with thee as the weaker vessel: will an Husband divorce his Wife, because she is weak and sickly? no he will be the more tender of her; Christ hates treachery, but he will pity infirmity; when the spouse is faint, and ready to be discouraged, Christ puts his left hand under her head Can. 2. 6. this is the spouses comfort, when she is weak, her Husband can infuse strength into her,