This reasoning is further strengthened by the consideration, that in the corresponding parable in Mat. xxii. the _kingdom of heaven_ is said to be like unto a man making a great supper or a wedding for his son. Now, the kingdom of heaven never signifies a sacrament; but is used, when occurring in parables, to represent the spiritual kingdom of the Messiah; or, the manner in which he conducts the affairs of his church at large, with respect to the dispensation of the gospel, and the influence of his grace. And this observation leads us of course to examine one most striking circumstance introduced by St. Matthew into the correspondent parable, as stated by _him_; which is, that the feast was made upon occasion of “a _marriage_ which a king made for his son.” {138} The marriage is the union between Christ and his church, which he espoused to himself from all eternity in “the counsel of peace which was between” the Father and him. Ephes. v. 32. Zech. vi. 13. He agreed to be the church’s bridegroom; to take her into covenant relation, and into a most sublime and intimate union with himself. He stipulated to purchase her with his blood; and to transfer, as a dowry richer than heaven and earth, the glorious righteousness which he was to bring in by his life and death; together with all the personal excellencies and divine perfections, which make him the chief among ten thousand and altogether lovely. The day of his nativity was the day of his espousals; and the hour of his death, the important hour of her redemption. Each ransomed sinner in his regeneration exemplifies this spiritual marriage; and Christ does that actually in time, as fast as his redeemed are called, which he did decretively before the foundation of the world. And when all the purposes of his grace shall be finished, and “the number of his elect accomplished,” then shall the grand and final solemnization of the nuptials between the heavenly bridegroom and his church take place; and heaven and earth shall sing, “Let us be glad and rejoice: for the marriage of the LAMB is come, and his WIFE hath made herself ready.” Rev. xix. 7.