London, Printed by William Jones, 1631
To the Bride, the Lamb’s Wife
The Reason for This Work
If anyone, concerned about wasted effort, should ask, “To what purpose is this labor?” my answer is simple: its chief end is the glory of God through the edification of His people. I believe it accomplishes this in several ways.
First, this subject is fitting for every season — whether times of prosperity or adversity.
When the times are joyful, this teaching brings with it the highest and purest joy. It enables us to rejoice rightly, sanctifying and elevating our earthly joys by setting a crown of heavenly joy upon them. Indeed, without this joy we might say to earthly pleasures, “You are madness,” and to laughter, “What are you doing?”
When the times are sorrowful — through pestilence, famine, war, or other calamities — this doctrine offers strong consolation, a comfort stronger than every sorrow. Communion with Christ fastens the soul to a mighty and impregnable Rock, enabling steadfastness even against the gates of hell. Through this communion, we are made living temples of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter Himself. Within, He builds a sanctuary — a secret refuge into which the soul may retreat for rest, safety, and peace in the midst of fear and danger. In this sanctuary the Avenger may not enter.
Within this secret place lies a chamber, and in that chamber a bed of love, where Christ meets and rests with the soul. No enemy, no friend, no force may break in to disturb the fellowship of Christ with the soul, nor the soul with Christ. It is true, as the Scriptures say, that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Our omnipotent Lover provides a safety that is both conquering and unconquerable. And for this safety and joy, we have His own promise: “I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.”
No wonder, then, that the disciple beloved of this Lover tells us that when he writes of this communion, he does so that “our joy may be full” (1 John 1:4). For in this communion lies the fullness of joy — complete in soundness, measure, and security.
This subject is especially suited for our present times, for it was foretold that in the last days the love of many would grow cold. What better remedy for love that has grown cold than to rekindle it with spiritual fire — the fire of the Spirit who baptizes with fire?
Second, this work sets before the reader glimpses of the promised land, like clusters of grapes brought back to prove its reality. It shows that heaven is no empty imagination: some have seen it and returned with pledges and tokens of its truth. Here we behold a world beyond this world, a love surpassing all human love, a peace beyond natural understanding, a joy unspeakable and full of glory — a foretaste of the supreme and sovereign Good.
Third, this work moves beyond informing the mind to stirring the will and affections. It warms and draws the heart, moving the whole person to seek these foretastes for themselves and to press forward diligently and persistently toward their fullness. Just as borrowed sight draws one to taste, so personal tasting leads to sight — a sight that only tasting can teach. These foretastes are given that we may be led on to that eternal satisfaction where the soul shall be completely and forever filled.
Finally, I hope this work will inspire others in this nation to produce yet more offerings of this precious ointment — the mystical love that flows from Christ the Head into the souls of His saints. As the house of God is filled with the fragrance of His ointments, the virgins will love Him. And loving Him, they will cry, “Draw me, and we will run after You.” The more fragrance, the more love; the more love, the more running after Christ. And though others have written on this mystical and experiential divinity, I believe this work will not be found superfluous.
