Reformers and Puritans

Josh November 4th, 2007

I read the following excerpt from Charles Haddon Spurgeon in a blog entry by my good friend, Jessica. This quote can also be found in Spurgeon’s Autobioraphy, Vol. I, Ch. 29. As I read through it, several things came to my mind. Firstly, I’m reminded of my own selfishness and how it takes much effort and thoughtfulness to truly love a person with whom I will spend all my life. Next, I was very touched by the imagery and words Spurgeon used in his desriptives of a “model marriage.” While reading it aloud to a friend one day, it was all I could do to restrain myself from choking up…which is not very characteristic of me.

Quite honestly, what strikes the most conviction when considering this lovely passage from Spurgeon is the correlation of the intimacy between Husband and Wife to that of Christ and the Church. As I read through it again, I was (and am) more humbled and convicted to truly give myself to Christ, in submission and with utmost devotion, just as a wife should to her husband. I encourage to take a look and while you read, consider the sobering parallels and applications we should make toward our own commitment to Christ, as His Bride.

Sometimes we have seen a model marriage, founded on pure love, and cemented in mutual esteem. Therein, the husband acts as a tender head; and the wife, as a true spouse, realizes the model marriage-relation, and sets forth what our oneness with the Lord ought to be. She delights in her husband, in his person, his character, his affection; to her, he is not only the chief and foremost of mankind, but in her eyes he is all-in-all; her heart’s love belongs to him, and to him only. She finds sweetest content and solace in his company, his fellowship, his fondness; he is her little world, her Paradise, her choice treasure. At any time, she would gladly lay aside her own pleasure to find it doubled in gratifying him. She is glad to sink her individuality in his. She seeks no renown for herself; his honor is reflected upon her, and she rejoices in it. She would defend his name with her dying breath; safe enough is he where she can speak for him. The domestic circle is her kingdom; that she may there create happiness and comfort, is her lifework; and his smiling gratitude is all the reward she seeks. Even in her dress, she thinks of him; without constraint she consults his taste and considers nothing beautiful which is distasteful to him.

A tear from his eye, because of any unkindness on her part, would grievously torment her. She asks not how her behavior may please a stranger, or how another’s judgment may approve her conduct; let her beloved be content, and she is glad. He has many objects in life, some of which she does not quite understand; but she believes in them all, and anything she can do to promote them, she delights to perform. He lavishes love on her, and, in return, she lavishes love on him. Their object in life is common. There are points where their affections so intimately unite that none could tell which is first and which is second. To watch their children growing up in health and strength, to see them holding posts of usefulness and honor, is their mutual concern; in this and other matters, they are fully one. Their wishes blend, their hearts are indivisible. By degrees, they come to think very much the same thoughts. Intimate association creates conformity; I have known this to become so complete that, at the same moment, the same utterance has leaped to both their lips.

May we, Christ’s Church, delight in our Lord, His Person, Character, and Affection. May He be our All in All. Let us consider these great things this Lord’s Day. Blessings to each of you as we enjoy His goodness to us and His provision in our lives. Grace, Peace, and Godspeed.

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