H U S B A N D, 355 H U S B A N D. CO contracted is the Intelleft of Man, that with great Difficulty he comprehends any thing concerning the divine Nature; and, therefore, GOD, in Condefcenfion to his narrow Capacity, veils his unutterable Glories under various Similitudes, taken from fuch Objects of Seule, as may molt aptly communicate that Intelli- gence of Himfelf, which maybe. neceffary for human Happinefs and Salvation. For this End, HE has en- titled himfelf, in his feveral Perlons, by fuch Names and Titles, as convey a kind of detached or diftin& View of his molt glorious or molt gracious Attributes ; fo that the Minds of his People, though unable to em- brace a complex Idea of thofe Attributes, may, in loch an Analyfis or Separation, meditate upon them in Order, and gather the Knowledge or Comfort contained in them. This Title of Hufband is an endearing Appellation ; and therefore it is no Wonder, that JEHOVAH the Re- deemer, whole Love for his People exceeds all but In- finitude itfelf, fhould allume this Character of the molt intimate Nearnefs and Affection. But, in order to be the Hufband of his Church, it was necéffary that He thould take upon Him the Nature of the Church. There can be no focial Communion, with- out a Communion of Nature. This Nature Chrift re- ceived, by the wonderful Operation of the Holy Ghoft In it, he appealed the Jultice of GOD ; and, by it, he became the Channel of every Bleffing toMan. Aa2 A5
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