John 3:29

John proceedeth to a second difference betwixt Christ and himself: Namely, that Christ is the Bridegroome to whom the Church is to be married, and it is a great enough honour to him, or any Minister to be employed betwixt him and his people, to invite them to him, and to see Christ enjoy his own peoples affection, and them brought to enjoy fellowship with him, by their Ministry; And this made him instead of envying, to rejoyce at the successe Christ the Bridegroome had. This difference and employment, though it was peculiar to John in some respect, yet may take in all faithfull Ministers. Doctrine 1. The relation betwixt Christ and his people is a relation of marriage, wherein the supreme, and all-sufficient Lord condescendeth to take lost sinners to himself, in a sure bond not to be broken for every fault; doth make them one with himself; deigneth them with communication of estates, he taking part in their wants, and sharing with them in his fulnesse; and alloweth them dignities and entertainment sutable to their state and relation; And on the other hand, his people are bound to embrace this offer, to acquiesce in him, to be subject unto him, and give him alone their heart and affections, not prostituting themselves to any other, nor ought any other to usurp an headship over them, nor urge for that respect and roome that is due to him alone; for, the relation is expressed under these tearmes, of bride, and bridegroome who hath the bride, and enjoyeth her. 2. The relation betwixt Christ and his people is expressed as espousals, and under the name of Bride and Bridegroome, rather then under the notion of a compleat marriage; Not onely because it is begun here; and to be consummate in heaven; but because, however Christs affection respects rather his peoples profit then their humours, yet it is still fresh and tender toward them, as of persons new married, or in termes of it. 3. Albeit Ministers do not usurp Christs place, yet their office, being faithful in their duty, affordeth them abundant honour, under the name of the friends of the Bridegroome, an office which was usual in those times in the solemnities of marriage. Wherein are held forth, 1. It is their great honour to be accounted and be friends to Christ. 2. It is also their honour to be friends especially to further the marriage, and that Christ will be honoured by their attendance, and commending and appearing for him, and by their inviting the Bride to embrace him, and being instrumental to bring them together, such were the friends of the Bridegroom, his most especial and intimate friends. 3. It is also their duty to do him honor, by waiting on him as servants, to receive his directions, & get commissions to deliver from him, & it is their dignity to stand in so near a relation, though of servants, for, so is imported in that he standeth, as servant and friend near the Bridegroome. Such service of him is great honour. 4. It is also their dignity to bring the Bride to hear the Bridegroome, and it will be matter of their great joy to see the Church brought to acquaintance with Christ by their Ministry; for, he standeth and heareth him, and rejoyceth greatly, because of the bridegroomes voice, as the friend of the Bridegroome standing in the Brides chamber, and seeing the parties brought together by his means, and himself admitted to be a witnesse of the fruit of his pains. This dignity faithful Ministers may attaine in their own measure, though John had it in a peculiar way, even in that which his disciples quarrelled; to wit, his seeing so many of his followers imbrace the Messiah in person, whom he had pointed out unto them Doctrine 4. Faithful Ministers, blessed of God, and denying themselves, have more compleat matter of joy in the Churches thriving, though with their own abasement, then any they could have by their own advancement, or usurping what is not due to them; Therefore saith John, this my joy is fulfilled, by seeing people flock to Christ. What is an eye-sore to envie, will be matter of joy to sincerity.