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THE DUTY OF THE CHURCH AS MARRIED TO CHRIST
THE psalm before us is a kind of nuptial hymn; the former part of which recites the excellencies and glories of the heavenly Bridegroom; and the latter celebrates the praises of the Church, which is his bride. Into this relation to Christ every Believer is brought [Note: Isa_54:5.].
Now, as every change of situation brings with it correspondent duties, so that of marriage in particular requires a sacrifice of all other attachments. It binds each party to renounce whatever habits or practices may be found inconsistent with their mutual happiness. Such sacrifices are more eminently necessary for those united to Christ. To this effect, God addresses the Church in the words of our text.
We may consider,
I. The direction given to the Church—
The Church is, by adoption, by regeneration, and especially by her union with the Lord Jesus Christ, become the “daughter of Almighty God [Note: 2Co_6:18.].” She is here addressed by him under that affectionate appellation. Nor is it possible for a father to give more salutary advice, or to deliver it in more persuasive terms; “Hearken, consider, incline,” &c.
The direction itself is of a very peculiar nature—
[The Jews were permitted to marry the heathen virgins whom they had taken in war; but they were to allow them the space of a month to forget their own relations [Note: Deu_21:10-13.]. Thus the captives, weaned from former habits, might become loving companions, and obedient wives. In reference to this law, the Church is exhorted to forget her former friends. She has been taken captive by Christ, who makes her the first overtures of marriage; but his union with her is incompatible with carnal attachments. She can never love and obey him as she ought, till her heart is weaned from all other lovers.]
It is given to every individual in the church of God—
[Every wife is to forsake her parents, and cleave to her husband [Note: Gen_2:24.]: much more is it needful for the soul to forsake all for Christ. To him we are espoused by our own voluntary surrender [Note: 2Co_11:2.]; nor will he be satisfied with a divided heart [Note: Hos_10:2.]. Ungodliness and worldly lusts must be entirely renounced [Note: Tit_2:11-12 and 1Pe_4:2-3.]: the companions of our unregenerate state must be forsaken [Note: 2Co_6:14-17.] Our very parents, yea, even life itself, must be hated, when they stand in competition with him [Note: Luk_14:26.]. The change in our actions and affections must be entire [Note: 2Co_5:17.]; and we must subscribe from our hearts the terms proposed to us [Note: Hos_3:3.].]
This injunction will not appear harsh, if we attend to,
II. The arguments with which it is enforced—
God deals with us in all things as intelligent beings, and labours to persuade us by rational considerations.
1. It is our highest interest—
[Though the Church is vile in herself, she is complete in Christ [Note: Col_2:10.]: he has given orders for her thorough purification [Note: Est_2:3.]. When she is presented to him, she is cleansed from all the filthiness of her former state [Note: Eph_5:25-27.]. Hence she is exceeding beautiful in his eyes [Note: Son_4:9-11.]; and he feels a longing desire after communion with her [Note: Son_2:14.]. No bridegroom ever so much rejoiced over his bride, as he over her [Note: Isa_62:5.]. More especially is he delighted with her when he sees that her heart is whole and entire with him [Note: Pro_11:20.]. How powerful an argument is this with an ingenuous soul! What can influence a wife more than to know that her conduct will conciliate the esteem of her husband? And what can delight a regenerate soul so much, as to please the Lord Jesus Christ? Let this hope then animate us to renounce all for him, and to address him in the words of holy David [Note: Psa_73:25.].]
2. It is our indispensable duty—
[The husband is to be considered as lord over his wife [Note: 1Pe_3:6.]: to him she owes an humble obediential reverence [Note: Eph_5:33.]. Christ also is the supreme Head and “LORD” of his Church. No limits whatever are to be set to his authority. We must “worship” and serve “him” equally with God the Father [Note: Joh_5:23.]. Let us then at least shew him that regard, which we ourselves expect from a fellow-creature. A husband will not endure a rival in his wife’s affections; shall we then “provoke the Lord himself to jealousy” by carnal attachments? Let us not dare in such a way to violate our nuptial engagements. When any thing solicits a place in our hearts, let us utterly reject it; and let us exercise that fidelity towards him, which we have ever experienced at his hands.]
Address—
1. Those who are endeavouring to unite the love of the world with the love of Christ—
[The interests of the world, and of Christ, are altogether opposite. Our Lord declares them to be absolutely irreconcileable [Note: Mat_6:24.]. St. James also represents even a wish to reconcile them, as an incontestable proof of enmity against God [Note: Jam_4:4.]. As Jesus deserves, so he demands, our whole hearts [Note: Pro_23:26.]. Let us not then “mock him, and deceive ourselves.” If the Lord be God, let us not serve Baal, but him [Note: 1Ki_18:21.]; and let us unite in imitating the repentant Jews [Note: 2Ch_15:12.].]
2. Those who are desirous of uniting themselves to Christ—
[It is a great honour indeed which ye aspire after; yet is it offered to the vilest of the human race [Note: Eze_16:3-5; Eze_16:8.]. But you must get a change of raiment, that you may not dishonour your new station [Note: Zec_3:3-5. Rev_19:7-8.]. Labour then to “purge out all remains of the old leaven.” Be on your guard, lest, after having escaped the pollutions of the world, you be again entangled with them and overcome [Note: 2Pe_2:20.]. “Remember Lot’s wife,” that you may shun her example; so shall you enjoy the sweetest fellowship with Jesus, and live in the fruition of him to all eternity [Note: This subject, and all others of a similar nature, must be treated with extreme care and delicacy. The passages from the book of Canticles are cited rather for the reader’s satisfaction, than for use in a public discourse.].]