A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

THE CONFESSION OF FAITH ARTICLE XXVI

Of Christ’s Intercession

We have now come to the last article dealing with the doctrine of deliverance. This article emphasizes the great importance and perfectness of Christ’s intercession, making any intercession of the saints superfluous. In Dutch the title of this article is, “Of the Only Intercession of Christ”, giving emphasis to this immediately. Until the glory of Christ becomes known to its full extent, it is not possible to explain this article completely.

Our article first tells us that it is Christ Who is the Mediator between God and man; He is the Person who must bring two parties together. Christ stands between God the Father, Who maintains the Divine justice, and the sinner worthy of condemnation, who has been elected by God from eternity. The exalted Mediator is the Intercessor for His church, pleading upon His merits. Without Him no communion between God and man is possible.

Under the Old Testament this was typified by the High Priest, who went into the Most Holy Place with blood in order to make reconciliation for the people’s sin. It had to be repeated every year, until that time when the veil of the temple was rent. When Christ was upon earth, He gave Himself as a ransom for His people, but now, being in heaven, He comes with His own blood as the Intercessor before the Father. Calvin says that He takes action for His people as Judah did for Benjamin and as Paul unto Philemon for Onesimus. It is not a mere request by Christ, such as we ought to make in humble prayer, but gloriously, as the great High Priest representing His people, He requires it on the basis of His perfect satisfaction. Of this the High Priests of Israel were only a type when they bore the names of the tribes on the breastplate and shoulders.

This article reads: “We believe that we have no access unto God, but alone through the only Mediator and Advocate, Jesus Christ the righteous, Who therefore became man, having united in one person the divine and human natures, that we men might have access to the Divine Majesty, which access would otherwise be barred against us.” When Christ had finished His Mediatorial and High Priestly labor here on earth, He continues it as Intercessor for His children at the right hand of the Father. (Romans 8:34) “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, Who is even at the right hand of God, Who also maketh intercession for us.” Hebrews 7:24 & 25 ends, “He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” In I John 2:1 there is written: “And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” His intercession is founded on justice, so that all accusers must be silent, and it contains everything which the Church needs for time and eternity.

The Confession has made it clear in Articles 18 and 19 that the Mediator is God and man. Our present article says that this magnitude should not affright us, because it would then lead to the same error as that of Rome, namely, a seeking of intercession in the saints. Rome does make a difference between the worshipping of God and the calling upon the saints. They say that God only may be worshipped, but that the saints may be called upon to pray for us. They, of course, appeal to God’s Word for this error, as there is always a text which can be twisted in such a way as to be used in defence of error. They point to the woman of Canaan who cried unto the Lord Jesus for help, but He did not answer. Then the disciples came and besought Him. Also Paul asked the believers to pray for him. In the same way, they say, it is possible and advisable, but also necessary, to call upon the saints as “under-mediators” before Christ. Therefore the Council of Trent in 1543 affirmed that the saints, who reign with Christ, pray to God for men, that it is good and necessary to call humbly unto them and always supplicate for their intercession, help and assistance, and that they are wicked who teach the opposite.

The basis upon which they defend themselves in this is briefly as follows:

(1) On earth a person doesn’t have immediate access to the King, but a courtier is needed for this. It is the same in heaven.

(2) Meekness is pleasing to the Lord. When man feels himself a great sinner, he will also feel himself unworthy to go directly to the Lord in prayer; therefore our prayers should be directed to the saints who are loved by the Lord, in whom there is no sin, and who will be heard by Him.

(3) Christ said, “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends.” Therefore the calling upon the saints cannot be displeasing to the Lord.

(4) The devout persons of the Old Testament have always used the names of the patriarchs in their prayers. (Genesis 32:9, Exodus 32:12, Psalm 132:1).

(5) As the angel (Acts 10) knew about the gifts of Cornelius, they are likewise known by the saints.

These are the main reasons given by Rome for their doctrine regarding the invocation of saints. The virgin Mary also has a very special place with them, since she received this honor already in the mother of promises (Genesis 3:15). They say that Mary, as the second Eve, represents the whole human race and has become the Queen of heaven and the mediatrix of all gifts of grace. The above points and beliefs are rejected by our reformed fathers as being contrary to God’s Word.

Luther expected this doctrine of honoring the saints would collapse of itself rather quickly, and for this reason he did not immediately assail this enemy so severely. He was of the opinion that the weak should be subjected gradually and not immediately disarranged. His desire was to first give the reasons why this honoring of the saints as it had been previously taught was no longer necessary, and at the same time he wanted to maintain a reverence for the saints. Herein Luther was mistaken, because it remains one of the many sins of Rome. Next time, D.V., we hope to write something against this terrible and wicked error, which has misled so many people. The saints have become idols for this people.

How necessary it is in our personal lives that we come to image-breaking. Outwardly we can change, but it is necessary that this happens inwardly under the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Rev. A.M. Den Boer

Norwich, Ontario

BIBLE QUIZ

Dear Boys and Girls,

This month our quiz is about prayer. It is something which should be a part of our daily lives. The psalmist said, “In the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee.” When you arise in the morning, do you also pray to the Lord as the psalmist did? I am sure that you also know that Daniel had certain times each day when he prayed to the Lord. Even his enemies knew the time and place of these prayers. And in another psalm of David he said, “Evening and morning and at noon will I pray.” We hope that you will see how you, too, need to call upon the Lord every day.

The first letters of the answers speak to us about prayer. They will spell out seven words found in Luke 11.

“When Manasseh was in_____, he besought the Lord his God.”

“The _________ of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.”

The prayer of the thief on the cross was, “Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy _______________.”

Solomon said, “In all thy ways _________ Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”

Of whom was it said that he walked with God?

Who continued to pray to God three times a day even though there was a law against it?

What new name was given to Jacob as he wrestled with the angel?

Paul wrote to Timothy, “Every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with___________”

Of whom was it said, “Behold, he prayeth”?

Jonah prayed, “Out of the belly of _________ cried I, and Thou heardest my voice.”

Who besought the Lord for Sodom and Gomorrah before the Lord destroyed them?

When the sun stood still, it is written that “there was no day like that before it or after it, that the _________ hearkened unto the voice of a man.”

The psalmist said, “I_________ the Lord, because He hath heard my voice and my supplications.”

The publican’s prayer was, “God _________ merciful to me a sinner.”

A part of the prayer which the Lord Jesus taught His disciples was, “Deliver us from _________”.

What was the name of the place (a garden) where the Lord Jesus prayed?

For what reason was the man who went to his friend at midnight for bread granted his request?

When Baal’s priests were calling upon him, we are told, “there was no _________, nor any that answered.”

Who prayed earnestly that it mignt not rain?

Who was a cupbearer and prayed silently as he stood before the king?

Isaiah wrote, “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come _________ to the waters”.

The cry of the foolish virgins was, “Lord, Lord, _________ to us.”

What kind of heart did Solomon ask of the Lord in order to judge the people of Israel?

(Your answers should be sent to Garret J. Moerdyk, 5211 Woodmont Drive, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001)

The answers to the quiz of last month are as follows:

40 - Matthew 4:1–2

120 - Acts 2:15

200 - Acts 23:23

70 - Acts 23:23

6 - John 2:6

4 - Genesis 2:10

20 - Genesis 45:23

3 - Exodus 2:2

7 - Exodus 2:16

30 - Judges 12:13–14

98 - I Samuel 4:15

100 - I Samuel 25:18

32 - I Kings 20:1

27,000 - I Kings 20:30

18 - Luke 13:4

490 - Matthew 18:21–22

3,000 - I Kings 4:32

7,000 - I Kings 19:18

127 - Esther 1:1

120 - Daniel 6:1

15 - II Samuel 9:10

17 - Jeremiah 32:9

400 - Genesis 23:15

50 - II Samuel 24:24

Answers were received from the following boys and girls:

Mary VanGiessen

Carrie Blok

Julie Boon

Carol Boluyt

Bob Huisjen

John Rosendall

Kristi Rosendall

Jeff Rosendall

Rachel Rosendall

Aimee Engelsma

Peter VanKempen

Jane Berman

John Berman

Stephanie Kegel

Jim VanBeek

Deb VanderWaal

Robert denHoed

Artis denHoed

Gail denHoed

Judy denHoed

Anita Vantilburg

Lyle VanRavenswaay

Norm VanRavenswaay

Kathy VanBemden

Mike VanBemden

Debbie VanBemden

Sally VanBemden

Tommy Hoefakker

Douglas John Mol

Kristi DeVries

Jeff Boot

Linda Talbot

Leah Talbot

Mark Talbot

Laura Talbot

Sharon Talbot

Jan Talbot

Cheryl Talbot

Linda Bazen

Jim Bazen

Karen Bazen

Jane Ellen VanderWiele

Judy Lynn VanderWiele

Ray VanderKooi

Joel VanderKooi

Beth Elaine VanderKooi

Julie VanGemert

Melanie VanBrugge

Steve VanGemert

Tom VanWingerden

Kathy Vroegindewey

Gail Vroegindewey

Joy Vroegindewey

Martin Vroegindewey

Julie DeBruine

Randy DeBruine

Anton Slingerland

John Heystek

Peter DenBoer

Leonard DenBoer

Andy DenBoer

Geoffrey Erkelens (2)

Hilda vandenHoek (2)

Glenda Slingerland

Ellen Marie Baum

Allan Jay Baum, Jr.

Robert T. Baum

Steven VanOostenbrugge

Karl VanOostenbrugge

Chad Wielhouwer

Kristi Boluyt

Kevin Rosendall

Mary Rosendall

Joy Mast

Carl Mast

Michele Seabert

Arlen Klarenbeek

Darwyn Klarenbeek

David Klarenbeek

LeAnn Klarenbeek

Elizabeth VanderMeulen (2)

Harmen VanderMeulen (2)

Sidney VanderMeulen (2)

Tim Nieuwenhuis

Rob Nieuwenhuis

Alyce Nieuwenhuis

Randy DeBruine

Julie DeBruine

Jonathan Kamp

Daniel Kamp

Leonard Frens

Elaine Frens

Sharon Kae denHoed

Sheryl denHoed

Liz VanGiessen

Larry Roelofs

Kevin Verbeke

Karen VandenBeukel

Joanne Boerkoel

John Boerkoel

Robert Boerkoel

Caryn Dekker

Edward Dekker

Jody Ann Ymker (2)

Bill Kroesbergen (2)

Henderika Kroesbergen

Jerald Kroesbergen

Jim Kroesbergen

Andy DenBoer

Leonard DenBoer

Christine Bylsma

Stan Bylsma

David VandenBerg (3)

Elisabeth Vandenberg (2)

Henry Vandenberg (3)

Jane Klaz. Slingerland

James VandenBrink

Tammy VandenToorn

Marilyn Kamp

Debbie Kamp

Teresa DenDekker

Jacqueline Leusink

Rita Leusink

Treena Koeken

Herman denHollander

Darryl Slingerland

Nancy VanderHeide

Scott Van’t Zelfde

Kristy Lamain

Carmel Goudzwaard

Susie Boeder

Pam Veltman

Peter VanderStel

Randy VanderStel

Anthony VandenHoek

Jackie DenDekker

Ken DenDekker

Rick VanEss

Laurie VanEss

Dan Bazen

Peter Bazen

Ed Bazen

Sharon Bazen

Steve Bazen

Laura Troff

John Spaans

Connie Blom

Mary Blom

Leroy Blom

Sarah Spaans

Karol Spaans

Karen Spaans

Carla Spaans

Leonard VanGrouw

Janet VanGrouw

Janette Vandenberg

Doug Post

Vicki Jo Post

E stelle Schouten

Wayne VandeWaerdt (3)

Ellen Marie Baum

Robert Baum

Allan Jay Baum

Matthew Schelling

Margaret Scholten

Johanna Scholten

Allan Post (2)

John Heystek

Steven Johnson

Dwaine Johnson

Robin Hook

Ronald Hook

Sharon Hook

Jeffrey Knibbe

Nora Jane Knibbe

Jonas Arnoldussen

Henry Edey

Elizabeth VanderWiele

Ann VanderMeulen

Karl VanderMeulen

Benjamin VanderMeulen

David VanderMeulen

Herman VanderMeulen

Mark Pols

Peter Pols

John Wesdyk

Karen Wesdyk

Tommy VanWingerden

Marcia Hubers

Harriet Hubers

Howard Hubers

Duane Hubers

Mary Hubers

Rachel VanVoorst

Jay VanVoorst

Judy VanVoorst

Richard Carlson

Randy Carlson

Yvonne Kegel

Brian Kegel

May VanBrugge

Helen VanBrugge

Nellie VanBrugge

Corry VanBrugge

Bettina Slingerland (3)

Joanne Slingerland

Dan Kwekel

Tom Kwekel

Dave Kwekel

John Prol

Bobby Hults

Steven S. Tanis

Craig A. Tanis

Carol Rose

Jim Rose

Bryon Rose

Trudy VanderWaal

Kristine VanderWaal

Susan VanderWaal

Steve Bleeker

Laurie Bleeker

Michelle VanBrugge

John VanGemert

Martin Schouten

Glenda Slingerland

Darryl Slingerland

Annette Brink

David Brink

John Brink

Mariene Grisnich

Don VanderBoon

Bert deJong

Nancy deJong

Jacqueline deJong

Peter deJong

Rhonda VanVeldhuizen

Audrey VanVeldhuizen

Ross Derksen

? (California)

Robert Herfst

Eva Herfst

Yvonne Herfst

Jo-Anne Herfst

Robert Koppert

Elizabeth VanderWiele

Billy Dendekker

Carolin Oudshoorn

Alan Oudshoorn

Marvin Oudshoorn

Albert Oudshoorn

Cheryl VandeStouwe

Myra VandeStouwe

Sharon Maassen

Margaret Maassen

And now the answers to the letters which we have received—

YVONNE HERFST - Your letter will be first, Yvonne. You asked if it was necessary to put the text down where the answer was found, also with the crossword puzzle. I prefer that you do so, because then we know that you have your answer from the Bible and know where it is to be found there.

JACQUELINE DE JONG - Did you pick out your book from the list last month, Jacqueline? We hope you will like those we chose. It is always a problem to pick books which are not already in your homes. How big are the snakes which your father found?

MARGARET SCHOLTEN - Although we have had quite a lot of rain this summer, today is a very nice day here in Kalamazoo. Did you keep quite busy during your summer vacation, Margaret? There is usually time for work and time for play, but did you also find time to read your Bible and some other good books?

JOHN WESDYK - How are you doing with your organ lessons, John? Do you like to practice? If the weather is nice, there are probably times when you would rather be outside playing. What grade will you be in at school this year?

TREENA KOCKEN-We are quite well, Treena. You will soon be an expert swimmer if you can go swimming every day. Do you have a pool near your home? School will have started when you receive this, so then you will have to work at other kinds of lessons.

ESTELLA SCHOUTEN - We find lots of boys and girls like the crossword puzzles, Estella. I don’t think we can make crossword puzzles for every month, but will try to have them as often as possible. The most important thing is that we are learning to know our Bibles.

PAM VELTMAN - We hope that you had a nice visit in Alberta, Pam. Does your brother live on a farm? We are glad to see that boys and girls find our mistakes in the quiz, since that shows they are working them out carefully. We wish there were not any mistakes, but they do seem to creep in on us.

HERMAN DEN HOLLANDER - Welcome to the Bible quiz, Herman. The way you did the crossword puzzle was O.K. Do you have brothers and sisters? We hope you will enjoy doing the Bible quiz each month, and that you will learn much about the Word of God.

JANE KLAZINA SLINGERLAND - How are things in school, Jane? Who do you have for your teacher this year? Another grade higher means the work becomes a little more difficult. Or doesn’t that seem to be true? We hope to hear from you again next month. SUSIE BOEDER - You really had a chance to see a giraffe close by, Susie, if he had his head in through the window of the car. This summer we were at a garbage dump and saw bears eating. We were quite happy that they were more interested in eating than they were in us. KRISTI DE VRIES - I don’t think I like cats as well as you do, Kristi, but I am sure some cats are nicer than others. It does get warm sometime, also in church, but we must remember that warm weather is so necessary for many things. Many crops would not grow well without the warm weather.

NANCY DE JONG - It was nice to meet you and talk with you when we visited your area, Nancy. It is too bad we live so far apart; otherwise we would make that trip more often. You type very nicely. It is something you can often put to good use later on.

TRUDY VANDER WAAL - It was nice to see so many young people at the Youth Days again this year, Trudy. We were glad to hear that you also hope to have one in Iowa next year, the Lord willing, but we especially hope that what is heard and talked about will be remembered.

MARTIN SCHOUTEN - We wish you success in your exams, Martin, and also in your plans for the future. Things in our life can often go so differently than we anticipate, as we do not know the future. What a great blessing Jacob had, for the Lord said to him, “I am with thee”.

HILDA VANDEN HOEK - It was nice to hear that you were enjoying your holidays, Hilda. So many miles are travelled during the summer months, and then it must always be a wonder that we hear of so few accidents among our many friends.

LEONARD DEN BOER - It was certainly nice to meet you, Leonard, and to see where you live. Vancouver Island is a very large island in comparison to some. Do you know the names of any islands mentioned in the Bible where people were living?

KAREN WYSDYK - We too find it nice to see the ocean and walk along the shore, Karen. In one of the psalters we sing about “waves of mighty ocean”. Have you ever seen some of the huge waves that roll upon the shore? Then it is much different than on a nice summer day.

ANTHONY VANDEN HOEK - Yes, Anthony, we read about the many who died because of the volcano. We saw some of the volcano dust as we travelled in Washington. How great God is, when we consider that He controls all such things, also floods, tornados, etc. Again our thanks to all for the answers to the quiz. We will be looking forward to your replies again next time, D.V. May the Lord remember us together as we study His Word.

With love,

Your friend,

“Uncle Garret”

THE CONFESSION AND GOD’S COVENANT

If we desire to make confession, then we must be baptized. When someone outside of our churches wishes to make confession in our denomination, he or she must have a legal certification of then-baptism. Let us remember, however, that being baptized is not sufficient to salvation. Baptism is a sign and seal of God’s grace. Baptism must be administered in the Name of a Triune God by an ordained minister. We reject the baptism of necessity (or baptism of extremity) of the Roman Catholics, and also the baptism which is not administered in the Name of a Triune God.

Baptism must take place only once. Therefore the re-baptism advocated by the Pentecostal congregations is not according to God’s Word. Infant baptism is based upon God’s Word. In the Acts of the Apostles there are several instances of the baptism of entire families. (See Acts 16) We do not read anything in God’s Word about re-baptism.

The advocates of adult baptism confuse the command for mission work with the command that comes to those who are already living under the Word. Calvin in his Institutes calls these persons “reprobate spirits”.

We who make confession were already brought into the church as children, and we received the sign of the covenant on our forehead. The basis of infant baptism is clearly taught us in the answer to the 74th question of our Heidelberg Catechism. They, as well as the adult, are included in the covenant and church of God.

This does not mean that all baptized children are saved; election and reprobation applies to children as well as adults. Nevertheless, all children of parents who have made confession must be baptized, just as all the young sons in the Old Testament had to be circumcised. Abraham’s natural seed also had to be circumcised; think of Ishmael, who later had to be sent away. We could also mention Esau, of whom it was already known before his birth that he would not inherit salvation. He was circumcised, however, and was in an outward relationship to the covenant. It is only evident afterwards who is elected and who is not. God works grace in the heart of His elect in the time of His good pleasure. He also regenerates children in their early youth by His Spirit without the Word in a way incomprehensible to us. It is then also foolish to assume that they are born again at their baptism unless it becomes evident to the contrary as they grow older. This was the teaching of Dr. Abraham Kuiper.

Our baptism does not bestow grace unto us. Boasting in our baptism and thereby assuming that we are children of the covenant signifies an acceptance of the covenant promises. Many, yes very many, perish saying “the promise of the covenant is to our comfort.” The promise of the covenant must, however, be applied to us by the Holy Ghost. Holy baptism seals the promises of God and the washing away of sins through the blood and Spirit of Christ in the elect. Comrie says: Baptism refers not to present, but to future grace, which God Himself works. Being baptized separates us from the heathen who have never heard of the only Name given unto salvation.

It is a bearing of the sign of the covenant on our forehead. It is not erased by our turning away from the truth. The Lord will one day return upon it.

Rev. A. Hoogerland

A TEACHERS PLEA

Great God, our feeble efforts own,
And crown our labours with success!
Grant that the seed in weakness sown,
May soon be raised in righteousness.

On babes and children mercy show,
And let their souls before thee live;
For we may plant and water too,
But thou alone canst increase give.

Seal our instructions on each heart,
And teach them to observe thy ways;
Teach them to choose the “better part,”
And serve thee in their youthful days.”

Gadsby

HEARING THE SERMON

“Mother,” said a little boy one Sabbath, “may I not stay at home? There is no use of me going to church; I can’t understand one word the minister preaches about. I do not want to go.” “Not one word?” “No, not one word,” he said in that positive tone little boys are apt to have. His mother thought he had better go; but he twisted his limbs and pouted his lips, and said he didn’t want to go. I dare say you have seen little boys do so.

“If puss went to church I should not expect her to understand a word. If Rover went, I should not expect him to understand, or the cow, or the pig; but I should have expected better things of a boy. I wish you to try again. See if you cannot at least understand one word the minister says. After that we will see.” Mother looked very sober as she spoke, and the little boy did not like to be put on the same shelf as cats and pigs.

After a little more talk the church bells rang, and he went off with the honest wish in his heart to listen to the sermon and learn what a little boy could. His father was out of town and his mother was sick at home, so he and his two older sisters occupied the pew. Henry liked the singing, for he could find the psalm, and keep his eye on the place. He could bow his head when the minister prayed. When the sermon came, he fixed his eyes on the minister’s face and his mind on the minister’s words, trying to find something he could understand. Nobody was more attentive than Henry.

When he got home, “Mother,” he said, “I did get one word out of the minister’s sermon. I got ‘God’. He said God ever so many times, and I kept thinking God, God, God all the way home. I said to myself, God made the sky, God made the trees, God made the rain, God made the little ants; He made the busy bees. God made me—my hands to handle with, and my eyes to see with, and my mind to learn with. But God didn’t make my new jacket with those bright buttons, did He? You made it, mother.”

“God created the lambs’ wool for the weavers and spinners to make the cloth of,” said his mother; “and down in the dark earth he created the substance of brass for the button makers to use.” “Then without God it would not be,” said the little boy. “What a great, good God He is.”

“Yes” said his mother, “and how we should desire to know Him more, and to please Him constantly in everything we do.”

“I think so too,” cried little Henry, as if a bright new thought had struck him. It was bright and new to him, because he had worked it all out himself, and his little mind kept on the subject, for he asked his mother questions about it four or five days after.

Now was it not better for that little boy to go to church than to stay at home? Apart from the duty and privilege of taking our little children with us to the house of God, some parents think there is not much use of them going, because they cannot understand, and are therefore not interested; yet if we encourage them to try to understand, I am sure there are few so small but a precious little seed-thought, even no bigger than one word, may be in their tender souls shoots and blossoms of early piety.

Young People’s Magazine

LETTER OF SAMUEL RUTHERFORD

Mistress:

Grace, mercy and peace be to you. I am glad to hear that you have your face homeward towards your Father’s house, now when so many are for a home nearer at hand. But your Lord calleth you to another life and glory than is to be found here: and therefore I would counsel you to make sure the charters and rights which you have to salvation.

You came to this life about a necessary and weighty business to meet with Christ concerning your precious soul, the eternal salvation of it. This is the most necessary business you have in this life; and your other concerns beside this are but toys and feathers, dreams and fancies. This is in the greatest haste, and should be done first. Means are used in the gospel to draw on a meeting between Christ and you. If you neglect your part of it, it is as if you would tear the contract before Christ’s eyes, and give up the match, that there may be no more communing about that business. I know that other lovers beside Christ are in pursuit of you, and your soul has many suitors. But I pray you, make a chaste virgin of your soul, and let it love but one. Most worthy is Christ alone of all your soul’s love, even if your love were higher than the heaven, and deeper than the lowest of this earth, and broader than this world. Many, alas, too many, estrange their souls from Christ. Marriage with Christ would put your love and your heart out of the eye of all other unlawful suitors: and then you have a ready answer for all others, ‘I am already promised away to Christ, the match is concluded, my soul hath a Husband already, and it cannot have two husbands’.

O that the world did but know what a smell the ointments of Christ have, and how great His beauty, even the beauty of the fairest of the sons of men, is, and how sweet and powerful His voice is, the voice of that one Well-beloved! Certainly where Christ cometh, He runneth away with the soul’s love, so that it cannot be commanded. I would far rather look but through the hole of Christ’s door, to see but the one half of His fairest and most comely face (for He looketh like heaven), suppose I should never get in to see His excellency and glory to the full, than to enjoy the flower, the bloom and chief excellency of the glory and riches of ten worlds. Lord, send me, for my part, but the meanest share of Christ that can be given to any of the indwellers of the New Jerusalem.

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