July 22

“And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. I -will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness; and thou shalt know the Lord.”

Hosea ii. 19, 20.

ETROTHMENT unto the Lord! What an honour and a joy! My soul, is Je sus indeed thine by his own condescending betrothal? Then, mark, it is for ever. He will never break his engagement, much less sue out a divorce against a soul joined to him self in marriage bonds.

Three times the Lord says, “I will betroth thee.” What words he heaps together to set forth the betrothal! Righteousness comes in to make the covenant legal; none can forbid these lawful banns. Judgment sanctions the alliance with its decree: none can see folly or error in the match. Lovingkindness warrants that this is a love union, for without love betrothal is bondage, and not blessedness. Meanwhile, mercy smiles, and even sings; yea, she multiplies herself into “mercies,” because of the abounding grace of this holy union.

Faithfulness is the registrar, and records the marriage, and the Holy Spirit says “Amen” to it, as he promises to teach the betrothed heart all the sacred knowledge needful for its high destiny. What a promise!