N01720:43
A glorious espousal. A brief essay, to illustrate and prosecute the marriage, wherein our…
A glorious espousal. A brief essay, to illustrate and prosecute the marriage, wherein our great Saviour offers to espouse unto himself the children of men. And thereupon to recommend from that grand pattern a good carriage in the married life among them. : An essay proper and useful in the hands of those who travel on the noble design of espousing the souls of men unto their Saviour. But more particularly and seasonably to be presented, where a marriage is upon a celebration.
Boston: printed by S. Kneeland for B. Gray, 1719
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.
This brings on the Finishing Stroke.
Thirdly. Upon ONE WORD Heartily spoken in Compliance with the Offers of thy SAVIOUR, the Best Husband in the World is become Thine; Thy Espousal to thy SAVIOUR, is become Unquestionable. Thy SAVIOUR saying, I would Marry my self unto thee; Let thy Heart now speak that ONE WORD unto Him, Do it, O my SAVIOUR! 'Tis done immediately. The Echo's of Devotion to the proffers of the Espousal, will settle the matter. We find such Echo's of Devotion; in Psal. XXXVII. 8. Seek ye my Face: On hearing this my Heart did speak to thee; Thy Face, O Thou ETERNAL God, Thy Face now I will seek. Verily, GOD is not only Sought, but also Found, by an Heart making such an Answer as that ONE WORD unto the Demands of Piety. Thy SAVIOUR offering to be Thine, and to make Thee His Own, Let ⟨p. 21⟩thy Heart answer this ONE WORD unto Him, O my SAVIOUR, Be Thou unto me all that thou dost offer to be: Thou hast now found Him, and art sure of Him.
That ONE WORD, the Hearty speaking whereof, will Espouse thee to thy SAVIOUR, and secure thy Eternal happiness; I will set before my Hearers the Dispositions which it is to be spoke withal.