Page:Best-match, or, The incomparable marriage between the Creator & the creature.pdf/9

( 9 ) communicates vital influences, from the glorious Head to her; and ſhe cleavee, by faith and love, cloſe to him: and God promiſeth, that he will make the houſe of Iſrael cleave cloſe to him, as a girdle to the loins of a man, Jer. xiii. 11. He makes his ſpouſe, in ſpite of all her folly, in ſpite of all her enmity, in ſpite of all her enemies and temptations, to cleave cloſe to him.

2 Another effect of this union is, ſweet com- munion, and mutual fellowſhip. He feaſts with her, and ſhe with him: He blows upon her garden, quickens and animates her graces; and then he comes and eats his pleaſant fruits.

3. Another effect is, familiarity (which is coinci- dent with the former): He treats them not as ſtrangers, but as friends; and not as friends only, but as his own ſpouſe: He communicates to her, and ſpeaks comfortably and kindly to her. It is a, wonder what condeſcenſion God will make ſome- times; and the believer again can be more familiar with God, than with the whole world; and can tell to God what he can tell to none elſe. Thus you ſee ſome of the effects of this marriage.

5thly, How was the match carried on?

I anſwer, in a word, On his part it was carried on thus:

1. He gave the Father his hand, and engaged to him in the covenant of redemption, from eternity, that he would do all things neceſſary for accompliſh ing the marriage.

2. Becauſe there muſt be an union of natures betwixt the Bridegroom and the bride; (it was not poſſible that we could be matched with the divine nature;) therefore he becomes a man, and takes on our nature, that there might be an union of natures.

3. Becauſe the bride is a ſlave, he pays her ran-