Christ and the Church: or Parallels, in three books.: In the first ye have the harmony between Christ and the foregoing types, by which he was fore-shadowed in the Old Testament, both persons and things. In the second the agreement between Christ and other things, to which he is compared in the holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament. In the third the agreement between the Church and the types, by which it was foreshadowed in the Old Testament; and other resemblances, by which it is set forth in the holy Scriptures. By Henry Vertue, M.A. rector of Alhallows Hony-lane.

CHAP. VIII. Christ and an Husband.

THis resemblance is cleerly intimated, in that ar∣gument, with which the Apostle strengthens his exhortation, to wives to be subject to their husbands,* 1.1 because the Church is subject to Christ, which plainly implies that the Church is the Wife and Spouse of Christ. And not lesse by the argument, by which he enforces his exhortation to Husbands, to love their Wives,* 1.2 because Christ loves his Church, which plainly implies, that Christ is an Husband to the Church: else the argu∣ment on both sides were inconsequent, and therefore invalid and weak, which God forbid that we should once imagine; St. Paul, in making this consequence, being immediately guided by that unerring spirit. But this resemblance between Christ and an Husband, and consequently between the Church and a Spouse is frequently express't in Scripture. Hear our Saviour owning the Church as his Spouse, and consequent∣ly professing himself as an Husband to her,* 1.3 Come with me, saies he, from Lebanon, my Spouse. Thou hast ra∣vish't my heart, my Sister, my Spouse. How fair is thy love, my Sister, my Spouse! Thy lips, O my Spouse, drop as the hony-comb. I am come into my garden my Sister,* 1.4 my Spouse. Hear that Evangelical Prophet. The Lord (saies he) thy maker, is thine Husband. And again. As the Bridegroom rejoyces over his Bride,* 1.5 so thy God re∣joyces over thee. I will betroth thee unto me for ever,* 1.6 saies God by the Prophet, I will betroth thee unto me in righte∣ousnesse, &c, I will even betroth thee unto me in faithful∣nesse. Hear our Saviour in his defence of his dis∣ciples

for not fasting.* 1.7 How can the children of the Bride∣chamber fast, while the Bridegroom is with them, &c? In which place it is manifest, that he speaks of himself. Hear the confession of that holy Baptist concerning Christ.* 1.8 He that hath the Bride, is the Bridegroom, but the friend of the Bridegroom, which stands and heareth, rejoyces greatly, because of the Bridegrooms voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.* 1.9 I John, saies the holy Apostle, saw the holy City, coming down from God out of Heaven, as a bride prepared for her Husband. And, come hither, saies the Angel,* 1.10 I will shew thee the Bride, the Lambes wife.

The marriage indeed is not fully consummated, till after death, but the contract is made, and Christ and his Church are betrothed each to other: and among men, we know, that after the contract, the parties, affianced one to the other, are Husband and Wife, in the account of God.

And for the further clearing of this, we are to know, that (though, in some things, there is a diffe∣rence, yet) in many things there is a great similitude between the marriage of man and wife, and that of Christ and the Church.

I. I say, there is a difference, between them in two particulars, in which the marriage between Christ and the Church hath the pre-eminency.

1. The marriage between man and wife stands in a carnal and bodily conjunction, but this be∣tween Christ and his Church is mystical and spiri∣tual.

2. Death breaks the bond between Husband and Wife: but it breaks not the marriage knot be∣tween Christ and the Church: nay, its not fully finish∣ed till after death; it is before death but as the state of a contract.

II. But yet, if we view it well, there is, and we shall finde, at least in substantials, a great similitude between them.

1. In marriage there must be a consent of both parties, and of the Parents on both sides: and for want of this, as much sin and disorder hath been com∣mitted, so we have seen great inconveniencies to fol∣low: thus therefore we have seen it to be in the first marriage, that ever was, namely, that between Adam, and Eve: see full consent manifested on all sides: here is the common Father of both:* 1.11 for having made Eve of the rib taken out of man, he brought her to the man: see the consent of the woman, for the original word translated, he brought, signifies properly, he caused to come, she came then, and by coming signified her con∣sent: and Man manifested his consent by receiving her, and saying,* 1.12 this is now flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone. And this law we see strictly observed in the mar∣riage between Christ and his Church.* 1.13 All that the fa∣ther gives to me, behold the Fathers consent! shall come to me; behold the Churches consent! And him,* 1.14 that comes unto me, I will in no wise cast out: behold Christs con∣sent.

2. In marriage there is a conjunction of two per∣sons, One man and one woman; one Adam and one Eve in the first marriage: he brought her,* 1.15 behold one Eve! to the man, behold one Adam! And see that law of marriage: Therefore shall a man leave,* 1.16 &c. and cleave to his wife, behold one of each: and they twain shall be one flesh. Indeed Polygamy was brought in by Lamech, and practised by, and permitted, or at least winked at in them by God: but from the beginning it was not so,* 1.17 saies our Saviour; but God made them male and fe∣male, namely, one of each, and said, they twain shall be one flesh. And this is observed by the Prophet, Did he

not make one? a question implying a vehement affir∣mation: he did make one: namely, one woman for one man. And so is it in this spiritual mar∣riage between Christ,* 1.18 and the Church: there is one Lord Jesus Christ: and one Catholick Church, saies the Nicene Creed. And so saies our Saviour, my dove,* 1.19 my undefiled is but one. There are indeed ma∣ny individual believers, and many particular visible Churches, but all these make one body, one Ca∣tholick Church, and one Spouse; as the Apostle saies, The body is one,* 1.20 though the members many.

III. Marriage is to be between two fit persons. I will make him an help,* 1.21 (saies God) meet for him. And what fearful inconveniencies have we known to follow upon unequal Marriages? whether the ine∣quality hath been in Age, Estate, or Religion. But what shall we say to this? Indeed, if we consider Christ in himself, and us in our selves, the inequality is so great, that there is no fitnesse, he God, we men; he Infinite, we finite, he Light, and we darknesse; he the wisdome of the Father, we fooles; he purity it self, we all filthy and uncleannesse as the Prophet saies,* 1.22 wallowing in blood, not washed at all, &c. he the mirror of Beauty, we black dowdies; he infinitely glorious, we most base. But yet (that there might be some meetnesse) he imparts something to us, in which we might be like unto him, and in some things he partakes with us, in which he might be like unto us; he partakes of our nature,* 1.23 namely, of flesh, and blood for he took the seed of Abraham; and he makes us parta∣kers of the Divine Nature, namely, by infusing into us by his spirit those eminent perfections, ac∣cording to our measure, which are in God nothing but God.

IV. There is a great similitude in regard of the ends of Marriage, which are two:

1. It was not good for Man to be alone:* 1.24 so neither was it convenient, that Christ should be without his Church, nor the Church without Christ; as not the Head without the Body, nor the Body without the Head: now Christ was from all Eternity appointed to be the Head of the Church, and the Church to be his Body.

2. Marriage is for the increase of Mankinde: so by the seed of Christ, that is, by his Word and Spirit, and by the help and Ministry of the Church, there is a great increase of that Seed, which is to inherit Heaven.

V. After Marriage the Woman leaves her own Name, and is called by the Name of her Husband, and is interessed in his Estate and Honor: so is it in this Marriage between Christ and the Church.* 1.25 So is Christ, says the Apostle: and so the Members of the Church are called Christians, by which name they were called first at Antioch:* 1.26 and so they are Partakers of that anointing, in respect of which he is called Christ:* 1.27 He was anointed with the Oyl of gladness above his fellows: And we have received an Ʋnction from the Holy One. So Christ was made Heir of all things; and we are made Coheirs with Christ.* 1.28 If God is Christs Fa∣ther, he is also our Father. If Christ be the Son of God, we also are his Sons and Daughters, though in a different manner; he by Nature, and we by Adoption; and this we have from and by Christ;* 1.29 He hath given us power to be called the Sons of God. If the Angels minister u to Christ, they do also minister unto us. And, if he hath a Throne of Glory, on which he sits in Heaven, we shall also sit with him: so says our Saviour, To

him that overcomes,* 1.30 will I give to sit with me on my Throne.

Hence we may learn sundry things.

I. Hence see the great Honor of the Church, and the Members of it: Behold! they are the Spouse and Wife of Christ, and he is their Husband; transcen∣dent Honor and Preferment! It could not be denyed to be great Honor that was put upon Esther, she a poor captivate Jewish Maid to be made the Wife of King Ahashuerosh, that had the command of 127 Pro∣vinces: but how great then is the Honor that is done to the Church, in that Christ vouchsafed to be an Hus∣band to her? for what is Ahashuerosh, or any the great∣est Commander of the Earth, in comparison of Christ? Behold!* 1.31 He is the King of Glory, the Lord of Glory, the God of Glory, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords; the Prince of the Kings of the Earth: and, finally, He, by whom Kings reign, and Princes decree Justice. See your great Honor arising from the Honor of your Husband: See his great Love to you in raising you to so high Prefer∣ment?

II. See what comfort this point affords to all god∣ly Christians, the Members of the Church. If he be our Husband, and we his Spouse, then doubt not, but he will strictly perform to us all the loving Offices, in a supereminent way, which loving Husbands do, and all Husbands are bound to perform to their Wives. So that the comfort reaches far. It's comfort,

1. Against bodily and spiritual wants: be sure, ye shall not want any thing, that is for your good and conveniency, either for Soul or Body. The loving Husband readily says to his beloved Wife, Thou shalt not want any thing, so long as I have a peny: So says Christ much more to his Church; be of good chear then: whatsoever the wants be, under which ye

lie, do but by prayer acquaint Christ with them, and he wants neither will nor power to supply them all: not will, for his love to you is transcendent; not power, for all things are in his hands to bestow.

2. Against our Sins: They are debts, but, re∣penting heartily of them, be not afraid, lest they should be layd to our charge; our Husband will not fail to discharge them all for us: and, he having dis∣charged them, and satisfied Gods Justice for them, doubt not, but that (though they be never so many, and never so great) they shall be remitted to you for Christs sake.

3. Against the Distresses, to which in this life we are subject, either from Men, or Devils: The loving Husband, if he be able, will be sure to defend his beloved Wife from all wrongs: much less shall ye sustain from any, if Christ your Husband can do with all: and what cause have we to doubt of his power? for God, the Father of Christ, is greater then all;* 1.32 and he and his Father are one.

4. Against all Enemies bodily or ghostly: Ye are ready to think, Our Enemies are great for power, full of policy, many for number, how shall we, an handful of impotent and silly men, be able to stand against them? but fear them not: Our Enemies are Christs Enemies, as the Wives Enemies are the Hus∣bands Enemies: and though they are more then our match, yet they are far inferior unto him: and there∣fore, though we cannot, yet he can both shield us against them,* 1.33 and render unto them the fruits of their stout hearts, and desperate malice.

5. Against our ignorance and simplicity: We are, in some particular or other, puzzled, so that we know not what to do, nor what course to take: Yet be not disheartened, the Husband that loves his Wife,

will be ready to direct and counsel his Wife, so far as he is able: Christ is such an Husband, as wants neither will nor skill; he can direct us: for he is the Wisdom of the Father,* 1.34 and in him are all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledg; and there is no question but he will do it: for, besides that he exceeds in love to his Church,* 1.35 it's his Office to be a Counseller to the Church, and to all godly Christians, the Members of the Church: onely seek his advice by prayer, and search the Scriptures, and doubt not but that thou shalt finde full direction, as your occasions re∣quire.

6. Against the base Opinion that the World hath of you: They think of you (as they of the Apostles) as the filth of the World, and the off-scouring of all things:* 1.36 and your condition, indeed, in the World, is mean and low, in which regard men proudly overlook you: So that ye may take up the complaint of the Psalmist, We are exceedingly filled with contempt,* 1.37 &c. but be of good chear: See the Honor that Christ hath put upon you, while he be∣comes your Husband, and hath made you his Spouse: and there is not the meanest Christian, how much soever he is undervalued, but he hath a share in this Honor.

7. Against spiritual Desertions: Good Hus∣bands will not forsake their Wives; no Husband should do it, but ought to have one Bed and one Board with them: then be sure, that Christ will not depart from thee; if he shall at any time seem to de∣part, it's for thy good, and he will again return unto thee at the last, and will shew thee his favor; be comforted therefore. Saint Bernard hath a sweet Passage to this pur∣pose:* 1.38

Fear not, O Spouse (says he)

despair not; If, for a little while, thy Husband withdraws his face from thee, all this works together for thy good; both by his coming, and by his departure, thou art a Gainer: He comes for thy good, and he departs for thy good: He comes for thy comfort, and he departs for thy caution; lest the greatness of the comfort should too much lift thee up; lest, if thy Husband should be alway with thee, thou shouldst contemn thy Companions, and shouldst now at∣tribute this continued Visitation, not to Grace, but to Nature. Too much Familiarity breeds Contempt: He withdraws himself therefore, lest, being too constantly with us, he should be contemned, and that, being absent, he may be the more desired; and that, being desired, he might be sought with more earnest∣ness; and that, being long sought, he may be found with more thank∣fulness. Besides, if we should ne∣ver want this comfort (which yet, in respect of the future Glory, is but something in part) we would haply think to have here a continu∣ing City, and the less look for that which is to come. Lest therefore we should mistake the place of our Exile for our Country, the earnest Peny for full Payment, our Husband comes and goes, one while bringing comforts, and another while

turning our whole state into weakness, suffering us, for a little space, to taste how gracious he is; and, before we can have a full taste of it, he is gone.

This then is no small comfort to us against such Deser∣tions.

III. Let wicked men learn hence, not to despise godly Christians, considering the Honor that Christ hath put upon them, in that he becomes their Hus∣band, and makes them his Spouse: How were it not against all Reason to lade them with scorn and con∣tempt, whom the King of Kings hath so highly ho∣nored? as for any of the Subjects, high or low, to have despised Esther, when Ahashuerosh had made her his Wife, and Queen in stead of Vashti. Much more let not them offer any wrong to such: for Christ is their Husband, and they are his Spouse: and there∣fore how shall not the wrong done to them fall upon the head of the wrong doer? As the Husband, that loves his Wife, will reckon any wrong done to her, as done against himself, and will to his power avenge her quarrel:* 1.39 (And this we see in the case of Esther; Haman had plotted the Destruction of all the Jews in one day; and she, being a Jewess, had been in the same danger: and now she had no sooner complain'd to Aha∣shuerosh of the wrong intended at the Banquet of Wine, but instantly his wrath was incensed against Haman; nor could his wrath be pacified, till Haman, his great Fa∣vorite, was hanged upon the Gallows, which he had provided for Mordecai:) So and much more will Christ, the Husband of the Church, be affected with any wrong done to the Church, or any Members of it; he will own it, as done to himself, his wrath will be kindled against them that do the wrong, and a full re∣venge will certainly be taken upon them. As then ye love your selves, repent of, and desist from wronging these.

IV. Let the godly learn, in this respect also, to look to their Conversation, that it may be suitable to the Honor that Christ hath put upon them; for so honorable carriage becomes honorable and honored persons: It's not for a Kings Wife to give way to such behavior, as may yet be tolerable in Women of ordinary rank; much more ought Christians, professing themselves to be so related to Christ, to be choyce of their demeanor, as Christ, in the point of Honor, surpasses all the Grandees of the World.

V. Let them also learn to be thankful to Christ, who hath so honored them, becoming an Husband to them: consider we how great the Honor is, to be the Wife or Spouse of the Prince of the Kings of the Earth: Think we, how unworthy we are so great advancement: and so endeavor we to raise up our hearts to an high pitch of thankfulness: And let us shew it forth,

1. In words, by setting forth his Goodness, and sounding forth his Praises.

2. In Realities, studying to carry our selves to Christ, as to our Husband; and that in sundry Particulars.

1. Let us have an high and reverent Opinion of him, and express it, both in words, as the Church did,* 1.40 while she said of him, My welbeloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest of ten thousands: and in gesture, as those twenty four Elders, falling down, and casting their Crowns before the Throne, and saying,* 1.41 Thou art worthy, &c.

2. Let us be subject to him, to his Injunctions by Active Obedience; and, by Passive, to all the Dispen∣sations of his Providence.

3. Let us have common Friends and common Foes, common Contentments and common Dislikes: He counts our Friends his, and the acts of Friendship done unto us, he reckons as done to himself: It's his voyce,* 1.42 In as much as ye did it to one of these little ones, ye did it to me: He counts our Foes his, and the acts of Friendship denyed to, and the acts of Hostility done against us, he holds, as denyed to, or acted a∣gainst himself.* 1.43 Thus he says, In as much as ye did it not to one of these little ones, ye did it not to me. And when Saul, afterwards blessed Paul, goes on to perse∣cute the Christians, he hears it said to him from Heaven,* 1.44 Saul, Saul, Why dost thou persecute me? What then can we do less, then to count his Friends ours, and his Enemies ours. And, seeing he takes content in the things that make for our happiness, and dislikes the things that make against us, what is more reason∣able, then that we should take content in the things that content him, and dislike and abominate the things that are displeasing to him?

4. Let us be loyally affected unto him: let him have our love, all our love: So ought the Wife to be affected unto her Husband; let us love nothing be∣sides him, but for him: love not any man, but either because he is Christs, or that by our love we may win him to be Christs: let us not go a whoring after other things, not love any thing, by which we may be in danger to be drawn from the love of Christ; nay, in comparison of Christ, hate all. To this purpose is that of our Saviour; He that loves Father or Mother,* 1.45 Brother or Sister, more then me, is not worthy of me.* 1.46 Nay, If any man comes to me, and hates not his Father and Mother, Wife and Children, Brethren and Sisters, yea, and his own life also, he can∣not be my Disciple.

5. Let us delight in Christ and in communion with him: This is a duty of all wives to their Husbands, and a property of every good wife. If they be ab∣sent each from other, she is glad of a Letter from him, and she delights in reading it over and over. If they be present, its her joy to eat and drink with him to speak to him, and to hear him speaking to her. Let us not fail to be so affected to Christ: he is, in regard of his body, absent from us: he in Heaven, we on Earth, and the Scriptures are, as his Epistle written to us, let us delight in them, and exercise our selves in the study of them: thus is the blessed man described, his delight is in the Law of the Lord,* 1.47 and in that Law he meditates day and night. In the Sacra∣ment of the Lords Supper we have opportunity to feast with Christ, let us readily lay hold on all oppor∣tunities for the use of this ordinance in the season of it: let us diligently hear the Word read and Prea∣ched: therein Christ speaks unto us. And finally, let us frequently put up our prayers to Christ, therein we speak to him.

6. Let us long for the time, when this marriage be∣tween Christ and his Church shall be fully accompli∣shed: for so a woman betrothed to an Husband longs for the marriage day. Thus let it be with us: for, for the present, we are but betrothed to him: the mar∣riage shall not be fully accomplished, till the second coming of Christ; then shall the whole Church and all the members of it, both in soul and body, be brought unto Christ, and not till then, to enjoy him and to be with him fully, immediatly, and for ever. And so the Apostle brings this in as a consequence of Christs descending from Heaven with the voice of an Arch∣angel, and with the Trump of God, that we, namely,* 1.48 the whole Church both in soul and body, shall be ever with

the Lord; Oh therefore let us long for that day, let us say,* 1.49 even so, come Lord Jesus, come quickly: this is fre∣quently affirmed of the godly, as of the Saints at Corinth,* 1.50 that they waited, namely, with patience, yet with desire, for the coming of the Lord Jesus. And so St. Paul testifies himself and all the godly, that they loo∣ked for their Saviour from heaven.* 1.51 And so by the same Apostle are the godly described, namely, that they are such,* 1.52 as love the appearing of Jesus Christ. Such therefore let us be.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Eph. 5, 22, 24
• * 1.2

  Eph. 5.25
• * 1.3

  Cant. 4.8 Vers. 9. Vers. 10, 11
• * 1.4

  Cant. 5.1 Isa. 54.5
• * 1.5

  Isa. 62.5
• * 1.6

  Hos. 2.19, 20
• * 1.7

  Matth 9.15
• * 1.8

  Joh. 3.29
• * 1.9

  Rev. 21.2
• * 1.10

  Rev. 21.9
• * 1.11

  Gen. 2.22
• * 1.12

  Vers. 23.
• * 1.13

  Joh. 6.37
• * 1.14

  Gen. 2.22
• * 1.15

  Gen. 2.24.
• * 1.16

  Gen. 4.19
• * 1.17

  Matth. 19.8 Vers. 4.5 Mal. 2.15
• * 1.18

  1 Cor. 8.6
• * 1.19

  Cant. 6.9
• * 1.20

  1 Cor. 12.12
• * 1.21

  Gen. 2.18
• * 1.22

  Ezek. 16.4
• * 1.23

  Heb. 2 16 Vers. 16. 2 Pet. 1.4
• * 1.24

  Gen. 2.18
• * 1.25

  1 Cor. 12.12
• * 1.26

  Acts 11:26
• * 1.27

  Psalm 45.7 1 John 2.20 Heb. 1.2
• * 1.28

  Rom. 8.17 John 20.17 Luke 1.35 2 Cor. 6.18 John 1.12
• * 1.29

  Matth. 4.11 Heb. 1.14
• * 1.30

  Rev. 3.21
• * 1.31

  Psalm 24.7 1 Cor. 2.8 Acts 7.1 Rev. 19. & 1.5 Prov. 8.16
• * 1.32

  Joh. 10.29, 30
• * 1.33

  Isai. 10.12
• * 1.34

  Col. 2.3
• * 1.35

  Isai. 9.6
• * 1.36

  1 Cor. 4.13
• * 1.37

  Psa. 123.3, 4
• * 1.38

  Ne timeas, O Sponsa, ne desperes; si paulisper tibi sub∣trahit Sponsus faciem suam, omnia ista tibi cooperantur in bonum; & de accessu, & de re∣cessu, lucrum acquiris: tibi ve∣nit, tibi recedit: venit ad con∣solationem, recedit ad cautelam, ne magnitudo consolationis ex∣tollat te, ne, si semper apud te sit sponsus, contemneres sodales, & hanc continuam visitationem non jam gratiae attribuas, sed naturae. Nimia familiaritas parit contemptum: recedit ergo, ne, nimis assiduus, contemnatur, & ut, absens, magis desideretur, desideratus, avidius quaeratur, & diu quaesitus, gratius invenia∣tur. Praeterea, si nunquam de∣esset consolatio haec, quae, respectu futurae gloriae, ex parte est, pu∣taremus forte hic habere civita∣tem manentem, & minus inqui∣reremus futuram: ne ergo exi∣lium deputemus, & arrham pro precii summa, venit Sponsus & recedit, nunc consolationem af∣ferens, nunc universum statum nostrum in infirmitatem commu∣tans, paulisper permittens nos gustare, quam suavis sit, &, antequam plene sentiamus, se subtrahit. De Scula claustr. cap. 6.
• * 1.39

  Esth. 7
• * 1.40

  Cant. 5.10
• * 1.41

  Rev. 4 10, 11
• * 1.42

  Matth. 25.40
• * 1.43

  Verse 45
• * 1.44

  Acts 9.4.
• * 1.45

  Matth. 10.37
• * 1.46

  Luke 14.26
• * 1.47

  Psal. 1.2.
• * 1.48

  1 Thes. 4.16, 17
• * 1.49

  Rev. 22.20
• * 1.50

  1 Cor. 1.7
• * 1.51

  Phil 3.20
• * 1.52

  2 Tim. 48.