But now 't is proper, on the other side, PART II. THE BELIEVER'S OR, JOINTURE; THE POEM UPON ISAIAH LIV. 5, CONTINUED. "THY MAKER IS THY HUSBAND." N. B. The following lines being primarily intended for the use and edification of piously-exercised souls, and especially those of a more common and ordinary capacity, the author thought fit, through the whole of this second part of the book, to continue as in the former editions, to repeat that part of the text, "Thy Husband,” in the last line of every verse; because, however it tended to limit him, and restrict his liberty of words in the composition, yet, having ground to judge that this appropriating compellation still resumed has rendered these lines formerly the more savory to some exercised Christians, to whom the name of CHRIST (particularly as their Head and Husband) is as ointment poured forth, he chose rather to subject himself to that restriction, than to withhold what may tend to the satisfaction and comfort of those to whom CHRIST is all in all; and to whom his name, as their Husband, so many various ways applied, will be no nauseous repetition. CHAPTER I. CONTAINING THE PRIVILEGES OF THE BELIEVER THAT IS ESPOUSED TO CHRIST BY FAITH OF DIVINE OPERATION. SECTION I. THE BELIEVER'S PERFECT BEAUTY, FREE ACCEPTANCE, AND FULL SECURITY, THROUGH THE IMPUTATION OF CHRIST'S PERFECT RIGHTEOUSNESS, THOUGH IMPARTED GRACE BE IMPERFECT. O HAPPY Soul, JEHOVAH's bride, The Lamb's beloved spouse; Strong consolation's flowing tide, Thy Husband thee allows. In thee, though like thy father's race, Yet now so beautified by grace, Fair as the moon thy robes appear, Clear as the sun,* while found to wear Thy moon-like graces, changing much, Thy sun-like glory is not such, Thy white and ruddy vesture fair For 'mong ten thousand beauties rare Thy Husband is the chief. Cloth'd with the sun, thy robes of light The morning rays outshine; * Song vi. 10. The lamps of heav'n are not so bright, Though hellish smoke thy duties stain Thy Surety's merit makes thee clean, Thy pray'rs and tears, nor pure, nor good, But vile and loathsome seem; Yet gain, by dipping in his blood, No fear thou starve, though wants be great, Thy hungry soul may hopeful wait, Thy money, merit, pow'r, and pelf, Law-precepts, threats, may both beset * Col. ii. 10. But justice for thy double debt Thy Husband did pursue. Though justice stern as much belong As mercy to a God; Yet justice suffer'd here no wrong, He bore the load of wrath alone, Thy Husband's heart were spent. No partial pay could justice still, He paid in liquid golden red Thy Husband's breath expir'd. No process more the law can tent; Thou stand'st within its verge, * John xix. 30. |