Christ Jesus is joined to his people in marriage-union. In love, he pledged himself to his Church as to a pure bride, long before she fell under the yoke of bondage. Full of burning affection, he toiled like Jacob for Rachel, until the whole of her purchase price had been paid. And now, having sought her by his Spirit and brought her to know and love him, he awaits that glorious hour when their mutual bliss shall be consummated at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

The glorious Bridegroom has not yet presented his bride, perfected and complete, before the Majesty of heaven. She has not yet entered into the full enjoyment of her dignities as his wife and queen. She is still a wanderer in a world of woe, still a dweller in the tents of Kedar. But she is even now the bride, the spouse of Jesus! Dear to his heart! Precious in his sight! Written on his hands and united with his person!

Here on earth, he exercises toward her all the affectionate offices of a Husband. He makes rich provision for her wants. He pays all her debts. He allows her to assume his name and to share in all his wealth. Nor will he ever act otherwise to her. The word "divorce" he will never mention, for "He hates putting away."

Death must sever the tie between the most loving mortals, but it cannot divide the links of this immortal marriage. In heaven they marry not, but are as the angels of God—yet there is this one marvelous exception to the rule, for in Heaven Christ and his Church shall celebrate their joyous nuptials!

This affinity, as it is more lasting, so is it more near than earthly wedlock. Let the love of husband be never so pure and fervent, it is but a faint picture of the flame which burns in the heart of Jesus. Passing all human union is that mystical cleaving unto the Church, for which Christ left his Father, and became one flesh with her.