Jesus was altogether lovely

JESUS WAS ALTOGETHER LOVELY
EDITED BY GLENN PEASE
"Yea, he is altogether lovely."—Songof Solomon5:16.
Altogether Lovely
July 23rd, 1871
by
C. H. SPURGEON
(1834-1892)
"Yea, he is altogetherlovely."—Song ofSolomon5:16.
When the old Puritan minister had delivered his discourse, and dwelt upon
firstly, and secondly, and thirdly, and perhaps upon twenty-fifthly, before he
satdown he usually gave a comprehensive summary of all that he had spoken.
Every one who carefully noted the summary would carry awaythe essenceof
the sermon. The summary was always lookedupon by the Puritan hearer as
one of the most valuable helps to memory, and consequentlya most important
part of the discourse. In these five words the spouse here gives you her
summary. She had delivered a tenfold discourse concerning herLord; she had
describedin detail all his various beauties, and when she had surveyed him
from head to foot, she gathered up all her commendations in this sentence:
"Yea, he is altogetherlovely." Remember these words, and know their

meaning, and you possessthe quintessence ofthe spouse's portion of the Song
of Songs. Now, as in this allegoricalsong, the bride sums up her witness in
these words, so may I say that all the patriarchs, all the prophets, all the
apostles, allthe confessors,yea, and the entire body of the church have left us
no other testimony. They all spoke of Christ, and they all commended him.
Whateverthe type, or symbol, or obscure oracle, oropen word in which they
bore witness, that witness all amounted to this: "Yea, He is altogetherlovely."
Yes, and I will add, that since the canonof inspiration has closed, the
testimony of all saints, on earth and in heaven, has continued to confirm the
declarationmade of old. The verdict of eachparticular saint and of the whole
electhost as a body, still is this, "Yea, he is altogetherlovely." From the sighs
and the songs which mingle on the dying beds of saints, I hear this note
supreme above all others, "He is altogetherlovely;" and from the songs
unmingled with groans, whichperpetually peal forth from immortal tongues
before the presence ofthe MostHigh, I hear this one master note. "Yea, he is
altogetherlovely." If the whole church desiredto saywith the apostle, "Now
of the things which we have spokenthis is the sum," she need not wait for a
brief and comprehensive summary, for it lies before her in this golden
sentence, "Yea, he is altogetherlovely."
Looking at my text in this light I felt much humbling of spirit, and I hesitated
to preach upon it, for I saith in my heart, "It is high, I cannot attain unto it."
These deeptexts show us the shortness of our plumb-line; these oceanverses
are so exceeding broad that our skiffs are apt to be driven far out of sight of
land where our timid spirits tremble to spreadthe sail. Then I comforted
myself by the thought that though I could not comprehend this text in a
measure, nor weigh its mountains in scales,orits hills in a balance, yet it was
all mine own, by the gift of divine grace, and therefore I need not fear to enter
upon the meditation of it. If I cannotgraspthe oceanin my span, yet may I
bathe therein with sweetcontent;if I cannot describe the king in his beauty,
yet may I gaze upon him, since the old proverb saith, "A beggarmay look at a
prince." ThoughI pretend not so to preach from such a heavenly word as that
before us, as to spread before you all its marrow and fatness, yet may I gather
up a few crumbs which fall from its table. Poormen are glad of crumbs, and

crumbs from such a feastare better than loaves from the tables of the world.
Betterto have a glimpse of Jesus, than to see all the glory of the earth all the
days of our life. If we fail on this subject we may do better than if we
succeededupon another; so we will pluck up courage, seek divine help, and
draw near to this wondrous text, with our shoes from off our feet like Moses
when he saw the bush aglow with God.
This verse has been translatedin another way: "He is all desires;" and so
indeed Jesus is. He was the desire of the ancients, he is the desire of all nations
still. To his own people he is their all in all; they are complete in him; they are
filled out of his fullness.
"All our capaciouspowers canwish,
In him doth richly meet."
He is the delight of his servants, and fills their expectations to the full. But we
will not dispute about translations, for, after all, with such a text, so full of
unutterable spiritual sweetness, everyman must be his own translator, and
into his own soul must the powerof the messagecome, by the enforcementof
the Holy Ghost. Such a testas this is very like the manna which fell in the
wilderness, of which the rabbis say it tastedafter eachman's liking. If the
flavour in a man's mouth was very sweetness, the angel's food which fell
around the camp was luscious as any dainty he had conceived;whateverhe
might be, the manna was to him as he was. So shall this text be. To you with
low ideas of Christ the words shall but glide over your ears, and be
meaningless;but if your spirit be ravished with the precious love of Jesus
there shall be songs ofangels, and more than that, the voice of God's own
Spirit to your soulin this short sentence, "Yea,he is altogetherlovely."

I am an engraverthis morning, and I seek somewhatwhereonI may engrave
this heavenly line. Shall I take unto me ivory or silver? Shall I borrow crystal
or gold? These are too common to bear this unique inscription: I put them all
aside. Shall I spell my text in gems, with an emerald, a sapphire, a ruby, a
diamond, or a pearl for eachsingle letter? Nay, these are poor perishable
things: we put them all away. I want an immortal spirit to be the tablet for my
writing; nay, I must lay aside my graving tool, and ask the Spirit of Godto
take it: I want a heart prepared of the Holy Ghost, upon whose fleshy tablets
there shall be written this morning no other sentence than this, and this shall
suffice for a right royal motto to adorn it well: "Yea, he is altogetherlovely."
Spirit of God, find out the prepared heart, and with thy sacredhand write in
eternal characters the love of Christ, and all his inimitable perfections.
In handling our text this morning we shall note three points of character, and
then we shall show three uses to which we may profitably turn it.
I. We shall considerTHREE POINTS OF CHARACTER which are very
noticeable in these words, and the first which suggestsitselfis this: the words
are evidently uttered by one who is under the influence of overwhelming
emotion. The words are rather a veil to the heart than a glass through which
we see its emotions. The sentence labors to express the inexpressible; it pants
to utter the unutterable. The person writing these words evidently feels a
greatdeal more than any language canpossibly convey to us. The spouse
begins somewhatcalmly in her description: "My beloved is white and ruddy."
She proceeds with due order, commencing at the head, and proceeding with
the divers parts of the person of the Belovedbut she warms, she glows, she
flames, and at last the heat which had for awhile been repressedis like fire
within her bones, and she bursts forth in flaming words. Here is the live coal
from off the altar of her heart: "Yea, he is altogetherlovely." It is the
utterance of a soulthat is altogetherovercome with admiration, and therefore
feels that in attempting to describe the Well-beloved, it has undertaken a task
beyond its power. Lost in adoring wonder, the gracious mind desists from

description, and cries with rapture, "Yea, he is altogetherlovely." It has often
been thus with true saints;they have felt the love of Jesus to be overpowering
and inebriating. Believers are not always cooland calm in their thoughts
towards their Lord: there are seasonswith them when they pass into a state of
rapture, their hearts burn within them, they are in ecstacy, theymount up
with wings as eagles, their souls become like the chariots of Amminadib, they
feel what they could not tell, they experience whatthey could not express
though the tongues of men and of angels were perfectly at their command.
Favoredbelievers are altogetherenraptured with the sight they have of their
all-beauteous Lord. It is to be feared that such raptures are not frequent with
all Christians, though I should gravely question his saintship, who has never
experiencedany degree of holy rapture: but there are some saints to whom a
state of overwhelming adorationof their Lord has been by no means an
unusual thing. Communion with Jesus has not only entrancedthem now and
then, but it has perfumed all their life with holiness; and if it has not caused
their faces literally to shine like the face of Moses, it has made the spiritual
glory to flash from their countenances, and elevatedthem among their fellow
Christians to be leaders of the host of God, whereatothers have admired and
wondered. Peradventure, I speak to children of God who know very little of
what I mean by the overwhelming emotions createdby a sight of our Lord;
they have not so seenthe Lord as to have felt their souls melting within them
while the Belovedspake with them; to such I shall speak with sorrowful
sympathy, being, alas!too much like unto them, but my prayer shall go up all
the while, "Lord, revealthyself to us, that we also may be compelled to say,
'Yea, he is altogetherlovely.' Show us thy hands and thy side till we exclaim
with Thomas, 'My Lord and my God.'"
Shall I tell you why it is, my brethren, that many of you but seldom enjoy the
exceeding bliss of Jesus'presence?The cause may lie partly in what is, alas!
too common among Christians, a greatdegree of ignorance ofthe person of
the Lord Jesus. Everysoul that sees Jesus by faith is savedthereby. If I look to
Christ with a bleared eye, that is everso weak and clouded with tears, and if I
only catcha glimpse of him through clouds and mists, yet the sight saves me.
But who will remain content with such a poor gleamof his glory as that? Who

wishes to see only "through a glass, darkly"? No, letmy eyes be cleansedtill
they become as doves by the rivers of waters, and I cansee my Lord as he is
seenby his bosomfriends, and cansing of those beauties which are the light
and crownof heaven itself. If you do but touch the hem of Jesus'garment, you
shall be made whole;but will this always satisfyyou? Will you not desire to
get beyond the hem and beyond the garment, to himself, and to his heart, and
there for ever take up your abode? Who desires to be for ever a babe in grace,
with a half-awakeneddreamy twilight consciousness by the Redeemer?
Brethren, be diligent in the schoolof the cross, therein is enduring wisdom.
Study your Savior much. The science ofChrist crucified is the most excellent
of sciences;and to know him and the powerof his resurrection, is to know
that which is best worth knowing. Ignorance ofJesus deprives many saints of
those divine raptures which carry others out of themselves, therefore let us be
among those children of Zion who are taught of the Lord.
Next to this you shall find the want of meditation to be a very serious robber
of the wealthof renewedhearts. To believe a thing is, as it were, to see the cool
crystal sparkling in the cup; but to meditate upon it is to drink thereof.
Reading gathers the clusters, contemplation squeezes forth their generous
juice. Meditation is of all things the most soul-fattening when combined with
prayer. The spouse had meditated much in this chapter, for otherwise she had
not been able to speak in detail concerning her Lord. O saintly hearts, imitate
ye her example! Think, my brethren, of our Lord Jesus:he is God, the
Eternal, the Infinite, the ever blessed;yet he became man for us—man of the
substance of his mother, like ourselves. Meditate upon his spotless character;
review the sufferings which he endured on Calvary; follow him into the grave,
and from the grave to the resurrection, and from the resurrectionup the
starry way to his triumphant throne. Let your souls dwell upon eachof his
offices, as prophet, priest, and king; pore over eachone of his characters, and
every scriptural title; pause and considerevery phase of him, and when you
have done this, begin againand yet again. It is goodto chew the cud by
meditation, then shall the sweetness andfatness of divine truth come to your
soul, and you shall burst forth with such rapturous expressions as that of the
text, "Yea, he is altogetherlovely." The most of you are too busy, you have too

much to do in the world; but; what is it all about? Scraping togetherdust,
loading yourselves with thick clay. O that you were busy after the true riches,
and could step aside awhile to enrich yourselves in solitude, and make your
hearts vigorous by feeding upon the personand work of your ever blessed
Lord! You miss a heaven below by a too eagerpursuit of earth. You cannot
know these joyful raptures if meditation be pushed into a corner.
Another reasonwhy little of the Lord's beauty is discerned, is the low state of
the spiritual life in many a Christian. Many a believer is just alive and no
more. Do you not know such starveling souls? May you not be one such
yourself! His eyes are not delighted with the beauties of Christ, he is purblind,
and cannotsee afar off; he walks not with Jesus in the gardenof
pomegranates, he is too feeble to rise from the couch of weakness;he cannot
feed upon Christ, his appetite is gone—sure signof terrible decline. For him
there are no climbings to the top of Amana, no leaping for joy in the temple,
no dancing before the ark with David; no, if he be but carried to the feetof
Jesus in an ambulance as a sick man borne of four, it is as much as he has yet
received. To be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might, to have the
wings of eagleswith which to mount above the clouds of earth, to this many
are strangers. Butbeloved, there are noble spirits and better taught, who
know something of the life of heaven even while here below. The Lord
strengthen us with grace in our inner man, and then shall we drink deeper
draughts of the wines on the lees well refined, and then also our eyes being
open, we shall see Jesus more clearly, and bear fuller witness that he is "fairer
than the children of men."
I am afraid that the visits of Christ to our souls have been disesteemed, and
the loss of those visits has not causedus corresponding sorrow. We did not
sufficiently delight in the beauty of the Bridegroomwhen he did come to us;
when our hearts were somewhatlifted up with his love we grew cold and idle
and then he withdrew his conscious presence;but, alas!we were not grieved,
but we wickedlytried to live without him. It is wretchedwork for a believer to

try and live without his Savior. Perhaps, dearbrethren, some of you have
tried it until at last you have almostsucceeded. Youwere wont to mourn like
doves if you had no word from your Masterin the morning, and without a
love-tokenbefore you went to rest you tosseduneasilyupon your bed; but now
you are carnal and worldly, and careless, andquite content to have it so. Jesus
hides his face, the sun is set, and yet it is not night with you. O may God be
pleasedto arouse you from this lethargy, and make you mourn your sad
estate!Even if an affliction should be needful to bring you back from your
backsliding it would be a cheapprice to pay. Awake, O north wind, with all
thy cutting force, if thy bleak breath may but stir the lethargic heart! May the
Lord grant us grace so to love Christ that if we have not our fill of him, we
may be ready to die with hungering and thirsting after him. May we never be
able to find a place to build our nest upon while our wing wanders awayfrom
the tree of life. Like the dove of Noah, may we drop into the water and be
drowned soonerthan find rest for the sole of our foot exceptupon the ark,
Christ Jesus, ourSavior.
Beloved, if none of these suggestionsshould hit the mark, and reveal the cause
why so little is known of rapturous love to Christ, let me suggestanother.
Very often professors'hearts are vain and frivolous; they are takenup during
the week with their business. This might plead some excuse;but when they
have little spaces andintervals these are filled up with very vanity. Now, if the
soul has come to look at the mere trifles of this world as all-important, is it
any marvel that it should be unable to perceive the exceeding preciousnessof
Christ Jesus?Who will care for the wheatwhen he dotes on the chaff? And
with this it will often happen that the professor's mind has grown proud as
well as vain; he does not remember his natural poverty and meanness, and
consequentlydoes not value the riches of Christ Jesus. He has come to think
himself an established, experiencedChristian; he fancies that he is not like
those foolish beginners who are so volatile and so readily led astray; he has
acquired the wisdom of years and the stability of experience. O soul, if thou
art great, Christ will be little; thou canstnever see him on the throne until
thou hast been on the dunghill thyself. If thou be anything, so much the less is
Christ; for if he be all in all, then there is no room for anything else and if

thou be something, thou hast stolenjust so much from the glory of thy Lord
Jesus. Lie low in the dust, it is the place for thee.
"The more thy glories strike my eyes,
The humbler I shall lie."
The humbler I am in myself, the more shall I be capable of seeing the
enchanting beauties of Christ.
Let me just say these two or three words. I believe those are the happiest
saints who are most overwhelmedwith a sense of the greatness, goodness, and
preciousness ofChrist. I believe these to be the most useful saints, also, and to
be in the Christian church as a towerof strength. I pray that you and I,
walking with God by faith, may nevertheless oftenhave our festival days, our
notable seasons, whenhe shall speciallybless us with the kisses ofhis love, and
we shall drink largerdraughts of his love, which is better than wine. Oh! to be
carried right awaywith the divine manifestation of the chief among ten
thousand, so that our souls shall cry out in rapture, "Yea, he is altogether
lovely." This is one characteristic ofthe text: may it be transferred to us.
2. A secondis this, and very manifest it is upon the surface of the verse—here
is undivided affection. "He is altogetherlovely." Note that these words have a
world of meaning in them, but chiefly they tell us this, that Jesus is to the true
saint the only lovely one in the world. "He is altogetherlovely;" then there is
no loveliness anywhere else. It is as though the spouse felt that Christ had
engrossedall the beauty and all the loveworthiness in the entire universe. Who
among us will saythat she erred? Is not Jesus worthy of all the admiration
and love of all intelligent beings? But may we not love our friends and

kinsfolk? Ay but in him, and in subservience to him; so, and so only, is it safe
to love them. Did not our Lord himself say, "If any man love father or mother
more than me, he is not worthy of me"? Yea, and in another place he put it
more strongly still, for he said, "Excepta man hate father and mother," or
love them not at all in comparisonwith me, "he is not worthy of me." Except
these are put on a lowerstage than Jesus is we cannot be his disciples. Christ
must be monarch in the breast;our dear ones may sit at his footstool, andwe
may love them for his sake, but he alone must fill the throne of our hearts. I
may see excellences inmy Christian brethren, but I must not forgetthat there
would be none in them if they were not derived from him; that their loveliness
is only a part of his loveliness, forhe wrought it in them by his own Spirit. I
am to acknowledge thatJesus is the monopoliserof all loveliness, the
engrosserof all that is admirable in the entire universe; and I am, therefore,
to give him all my love, for "he is altogetherlovely."
Our text means, again, that in Jesus loveliness ofall kinds is to be found. If
there be anything that is worthy of the love of an immortal spirit, it is to be
seenin abundance in the Lord Jesus. Whatsoeverthings are true, whatsoever
things are honest, whatsoeverthings are just, whatsoeverthings are pure,
whatsoeverthings are lovely, whatsoeverthings are of goodreport; if there be
any virtue, and if there be any praise, all can be found without measure in
Christ Jesus. As all the rivers meet in the sea, so all beauties unite in the
Redeemer. Take the characterof any gracious man, and you shall find a
measure of loveliness, but it has its bounds and its mixtures. Peterhas many
virtues, but he has not a few failings. John, too, excels, but in certainpoints he
is deficient; but herein our Lord transcends all his saints, for all human
virtues, all divine, are harmoniously blended in him. He is not this floweror
that, but he is the Paradise of perfection. He is not a star here or a
constellationthere, he is the whole heavenof stars, nay, he is the heavenof
heavens;he is all that is fair and lovely condensedin one.

When the text says againthat Jesus "is altogether lovely," it declares that he
is lovely in all views of him. It generally happens that to the noblest building
there is an unhappy point of view from which the architecture appears at a
disadvantage;the choicestpiece of workmanshipmay not be equally complete
in all directions;the best human characteris deformed by one flaw, if not with
more; but with our Lord all is lovely, regard him as you will. You shall
contemplate him from all points, and only find new confirmation of the
statementthat "he is altogetherlovely." As the everlasting God before the
world was made, angels loved him and adored; as the babe at Bethlehem or as
the man at Bethany; as walking the sea or as nailed to the cross;in his grave,
dead, and buried, or on his throne triumphant; rising as forerunner, or
descending a secondtime to judge the world in righteousness;in his shame,
despisedand spit upon, or in his glory, adored and beloved; with the thorns
about his brow and the nails piercing his hands, or with the keys of death and
hell swinging at his girdle; view him as you will, and where you will, and when
you will, "he is altogetherlovely." Under all aspects, andin all offices and in
relations, at all times and all seasons, under all circumstances and conditions,
anywhere, everywhere, "he is altogetherlovely."
Nor is he in any degree unlovely; the commendation forbids the idea it he be
"altogetherlovely," where could you find room for deformity? When Apelles
painted Alexander, he laid the monarch's finger on an unsightly scar;but
there are no scars to conceal whenyou pourtray the countenance of
Immanuel. We say of our country—and who among us will not say it?—
"With all her faults we love her still;" but we love Jesus, and find no strain
put upon our heart, for trace of fault he has none. There is no need of
apologies forJesus, no excuses are required for him. But what is that I see
upon his shoulder? It is a hard rough cross;and if I follow him I must carry
that cross forhis sake. Is not that cross unsightly? Oh, no! he is altogether
lovely, cross and all. Whateverit may involve to be a Christian, we count even
the reproachof Christ to be greaterriches than the treasures ofEgypt. The
world will honor a half Christ, but a whole Christ it will not acknowledge. The
bat's-eyed Sociniansaith, "I admire the man Christ, but I will not adore Jesus
the God." To him the eternal word is but half lovely, if lovely at all. Some will

have Christ the exemplar, but they will not accepthim as the vicarious
sacrifice for sin, the substitute for sinners. Many will have Christ in silver
slippers—my lord archbishop's religion—but they would not listen to the
gospelfrom a poor gracious Methodist, orthink it worth their while to join
the unlettered throng whose devout songs rise from the village green. Alas!
how much we see ofcrossesofgold and ivory, but how little do men love the
lowly cross of Jesus!Brethren, we think Jesus "altogetherlovely" evenin
poverty, or when hanging naked on the cross, desertedand condemned. We
see unspeakable beautyin Jesus in the grave, all fair with the pallor of death.
Jesus bruised as to his heel by the old serpent is yet comely. His love to us
makes him evermore "white and ruddy" to our eye. We adore him anywhere
and everywhere, and in any place, for we know that this same Christ whose
heel is bruised breaks also the serpent's head, and he who was nakedfor our
sakes,is now arrayed in glory. We know that the despisedand rejectedis also
King of kings, and Lord of lords, the "Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty
God, The Everlasting Father. The Prince of Peace." "Yea, he is altogether
lovely." There are no flaws in him.
The text intends us to know that Jesus is lovely in the highest degree:not
lovely positively and then failing comparatively, but lovely superlatively, in
the highestpossible sense. But I leave this for your hearts to enlarge upon. I
will close this point by saying, every child of God acknowledges thatChrist
Jesus is lovely altogetherto the whole of himself. He is lovely to my judgment;
but many things are so, and yet are not lovely to my affections;I know them
to be right, and yet they are not pleasant:but Jesus is as lovely to my heart as
to my head, as dear as he is good. He is lovely to my hopes: are they not all in
him? Is not this my expectation—to see him as he is? But he is lovely to my
memory too: did he not pluck me out of the net? Lovely to all my powers and
all my passions, my faculties and feelings. As David puts it, "My heart and my
flesh crieth out for the living God"—the whole of the man seeking afterthe
whole of the Savior; the whole Saviorsweetand inexpressibly precious to the
man's entire being. May it be so with you and with me. But is it so? Do you
not setup idols in your hearts? Men of God, do you not need to take the
scourge ofsmall cords, and purge the temple of your souls this morning? Are

there not; buyers and sellers where Christ alone ought to be? Oh, to love him
wholly, and to love him only, so that we have no eyes for other beauty, no
heart for other loveliness since he fills our souls, and is to us "altogether
lovely."
3. The third characteristicofthe text is that to which I desire to draw the most
attention, and that is ardent devotion. I calledthe text a live coalfrom off the
altar and surely it is so. If it should drop into our hearts to set them on a
blaze, it would be an unspeakable mercy. Ardent devotion flames from this
sentence. It is the language ofone who feels that no emotion is too deep when
Jesus moves the heart. Do any chide you and say you think too much of your
religion? It cannot be, it cannot be. If the zeal of God's house should eatus up
until we had no existence exceptfor the Lord's glory, we should not have gone
too far. If there be corresponding knowledge to balance it, there cannot be too
much of zealfor God. The utterance is that of one whose heart is like a
furnace, of which love is the fire. "He is altogetherlovely"—itis the
exclamationof one who feels that no language is too strong to commend the
Lord. The spouse lookedthrough the Hebrew tongue to find an intense
expression, and our translators ransackedthe English language for a forcible
word, and they have put it in the most weighty way—"He is altogether
lovely." There is no fear of exaggerationwhenyou speak ofChrist;
hyperboles are only sober truth when we depict his excellences. We have
heard of a portrait painter who owedhis popularity to the fact that he never
painted truthfully, but always gave a flatteringly touch or two; here is one
who would defy his art, for it is impossible to flatter Jesus. Lay on, ye men of
eloquence, spare no colors, ye shall never depict him too bravely. Bring forth
your harps, ye seraphs;sing aloud, ye blood-washedones;all your praises fall
short of the glory which is due to him.
It is the language ofone who feels that no service would be too greatto render
to the Lord. I wish we felt as the apostles and martyrs and holy men of old
did, that Jesus Christ ought to be servedat the highest and richestrate. We do

little, very little: what if I had saidwe do next to nothing for our dear Lord
and Masternowadays? The love of Christ doth not constrain us as it should.
But those of old bore poverty and dared reproach, marched wearyleagues,
passedtempestuous seas, bore perils of robbers and of cruel men, to plant the
cross in lands where as yet Jesus was notknown; labors that nowadays could
not be expectedof men, were performed as daily matters of commonplace by
the Christians of the earliesttimes. Is Christ less lovely, or is his church less
loyal? Would God she estimatedhim at his right rate, for then she would
return to her former mode of service. Brethren, we want to feel, and we shall
feel if this text is deeply engravenon our hearts, that no gift is too greatfor
Christ, though we give him all we have, and consecrateto him all our time and
ability, and sacrifice our very lives to him. No suffering is too greatto bear for
the sake ofthe Crucified, and it is a greatjoy to be reproachedfor Christ's
sake. "He is altogetherlovely." Then, my soul, I charge thee think nothing
hard to which he calls thee, nothing sharp which he bids thee endure. As the
knight of the olden time consecratedhimselfto the Crusade, and wore the red
cross on his arm, fearing not to meet death at the hands of the Infidel, if he
might be thought a soldierof the Lord, so we too would face all foes for Jesus'
sake. We want, only refined and purified, and delivered from its earthly
grossness,we want the chivalrous spirit once againin the church of God. A
new crusade fain would I preach: had I the tongue of such a one as the old
hermit to move all Christendom, I would say, "This day Christ, the altogether
lovely one, is dishonored: can ye endure it? This day idols stand where he
should be and men adore them; lovers of Jesus, canye brook it? This day
Juggernautrides through the streets on his bloody way, this day God's Christ
is still unknown to millions, and the precious blood cleansesnotthe nations,
how long will ye have it so? We, in England, with ten thousand Christian
hearts, and as many tongues endowed with eloquence, and purses weighted
with gold, shall we refuse our gifts, withhold our witness, and suffer the Lord
to be dishonored? The church is doing next to nothing for her greatLord, she
falls short both of her duty and of the grim need of a perishing world. O for a
flash of the celestialfire! Oh, when shall the Spirit's energyvisit us again!
When shall men put down their selfishness and seek only Christ? When shall
they leave their strifes about trifles to rally round his cross!When shall we
end the glorificationof ourselves, andbegin to make him glorious, even to the

world's end? God help us in this matter, and kindle in our hearts the old
consuming heart-inflaming fire, which shall make men see that Jesus is all in
all to us.
II. Thus I have shown you the characteristicsofthe text, and now I desire to
USE IT IN THREE WAYS FOR PRACTICALPURPOSES. As time flies, we
must use it briefly.
The first word is to you, Christians. Here is very sweetinstruction. The Lord
Jesus "is altogetherlovely." Then if I want to be lovely, I must be like him,
and the model for me as a Christian is Christ. Have you ever noticedhow
badly boys write at the bottom of the pages in their copy-books? There is the
copy at the top; and in the first line they look at that; in the secondline, they
copy their own imitation; in the third line, they copy their imitation of their
imitation, and so the writing grows worse and worse as it descends the page.
Now, the apostles followedChrist; the first fathers imitated the apostles;the
next fathers copiedthe first fathers, and so the standard of holiness fell
dreadfully; and now we are too apt to follow the very lees and dregs of
Christianity, and we think if we are about as goodas our poor, imperfect
ministers or leaders in the church, that we shall do well and deserve praise.
But now, my brethren, coverup the mere copies and imitations, and live by
the first line. Copy Jesus;"he is altogetherlovely;" and if you can write by the
first line, you will write by the truest and best model in the world. We want to
have Christ's zeal, but we must balance it with his prudence and discretion we
must seek to have Christ's love to God, and we must feel his love to men, his
forgiveness ofinjury, his gentleness of speech, his incorruptible truthfulness,
his meeknessand lowliness, his utter unselfishness, his entire consecrationto
his Father's business. O that we had all this, for depend upon it whatever
other pattern we select, we have made a mistake;we are not following the true
classic modelof the Christian artist. Our mastermodel is the "altogether
lovely" one. How sweetit is to think of our Lord in the double aspectas our
exemplar and our Savior! The laver which stoodin the temple was made of

brass:in this the priests washedtheir feet whenever they offered sacrifices;so
does Christ purify us from sin; but the tradition is that this laver was made of
very bright brass, and actedas a mirror, so that as often as the priests came to
it they could see their own spots in it. Oh, when I come to my Lord Jesus, not
only do I get rid of my sins as to their guilt, but I see my spots in the light of
his perfectcharacter, and I am humbled and taught to follow after holiness.
The seconduse to which we would put the verse is this, here is a very gentle
rebuke to some of you. Though very gentle, I beseechyou to let it sink deep
into your hearts. You do not see the lowliness ofChrist, yet "he is altogether
lovely." Now, I will not say one hard word! but I will tell you sorrowfully what
pitiable creatures you are. I hear enchanting music, which seems more a thing
of heaven than of earth: it is one of Handel's half-inspired oratorios. Yonder
sits a man, who says, "I hear nothing to commend." He has not the powerto
perceive the linked sweetnesses, the delicious harmonies of sounds. Do you
blame him? No, but you who have an ear for music, say, "How I pity him: he
misses half the joy of life!" Here, again, is a glorious landscape, hills and
valleys, and flowing rivers, expansive lakes and undulating meadows. I bring
to the point of view a friend, whom I would gratify, and I say to him, "Is not
that a charming scene?" Turning his head to me, he says, "Isee nothing." I
perceive that he cannot enjoy what is so delightful to me; he has some little
sight, but he sees onlywhat is very near, and he is blind to all beyond. Now, do
I blame him? Or if he proceedto argue with me, and say, "You are very
foolish to be so enthusiastic about a non-existent landscape, it is merely your
excitement," shall I argue with him? Shall I be angry until him? No, but I
shed a tear, and whisper to myself, "Greatare the losses ofthe blind." Now,
you who have never heard music in the name of Jesus, you are to be greatly
pitied, for your loss is heavy. You who never saw beauty in Jesus, and who
never will for ever, you need all our tears. It is hell enoughnot to love Christ!
It is the lowestabyss of Tartarus, and its fiercestflame, not to be enamoured
of the Christ of God. There is no heaven that is more heaven than to love
Christ and to be like him, and there is no hell that is more hell than to be
unlike Christ and not to want to be like him, but even to be averse to the
infinite perfections of the "altogetherlovely." The Lord open those blind eyes

of yours, and unstop those deaf ears, and give you the new and spiritual life,
and then will you join in saying, "Yea, he is altogetherlovely."
The lastuse of the text is, that of tender attractiveness. "Yea,he is altogether
lovely." Where are you this morning, you who are convinced of sin and want a
Savior, where have you crept to? Are you hidden awaywhere my eyes cannot
reachyou? At any rate, let this sweetthought reachyou. You need not be
afraid to come to Jesus, for"he is altogetherlovely." It does not say he is
altogetherterrible—that is your misconceptionof him; it does not say he is
somewhatlovely, and sometimes willing to receive a certainsort of sinner; but
"he is altogetherlovely," and therefore he is always ready to welcome to
himself the vilest of the vile. Think of his name. It is Jesus, the Savior. Is not
this lovely? Think of his work. He is come to seek and to save that which was
lost. This is his occupation. Is not that lovely? Think of what he has done. He
hath redeemedour souls with blood. Is not that lovely? Think of what he is
doing. He is pleading before the throne of God for sinners. Think of what he is
giving at this moment—he is exalted on high to give repentance and remission
of sins. Is not this lovely? Under every aspectChrist Jesus is attractive to
sinners who need him. Come, then, come and welcome, there is nothing to
keepyou away, there is everything to bid you come. May this very Sabbath
day in which I have preached Christ, and lifted him up, be the day in which
you shall be drawn to him, never againto leave him, but to be his for ever and
for ever. Amen.
Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "SpurgeonCollection" by:
Tony Capoccia
He Is AltogetherLovely
Song of Solomon 5:9-16

9 What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou fairestamong
women? what is thy beloved more than another beloved, that thou dost so
charge us?
10 My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefestamong ten thousand.
11 His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven.
12 His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washedwith milk,
and fitly set.
13 His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweetflowers:his lips like lilies,
dropping sweetsmelling myrrh.
14 His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory
overlaid with sapphires.
15 His legs are as pillars of marble, setupon socketsoffine gold: his
countenance is as Lebanon, excellentas the cedars.
16 His mouth is most sweet:yea, he is altogetherlovely. This is my beloved,
and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.
INTRODUCTION
Consideralso Psalm 45 as it describes the glory of Jesus Christand His bride.
Note:"A Song of loves."
Considerthen Solomon's description of a wife extolling her husband's virtues
for others (S.S. 5:9-16).
We are the bride of Jesus Christ – He is our loving Husband – we are married
by sovereigngrace.
When Paul spoke of marriage, he related it to Christ and His church
(Ephesians 5:22-33).

The Lord often spake of being married to Israel(Isaiah 54:5; 62:4; Jeremiah
3:1-14; Ezekiel16).
Jesus usedparables describing Himself as the Bridegroomof the church
(Matthew 25:1-13).
John saw the holy city descending out of heavenas a bride prepared for her
husband (Rev 21:2,9).
With an everlasting love, Jesus Christ came to seek and to save you to be His
bride from the fallen and condemned mass of wickedmen, and to take you to
His inheritance in heaven to be with Him forever!
A wretchedmisfit among the conquered captives of earth, you see the glorious
Prince on His white horse condemning those around you to hell; but He raises
you up and makes you His bride. Glory!
We must considerour Lord Jesus as the Godman that He truly is rather than
a Spirit or spiritual concept.
He is the Man Christ Jesus – He is Jesus ofNazareth – He has every natural
faculty and member you do.
He is literally, physically, biologically, and legallythe Son of David and the
Son of Mary.
Can you imagine Him sitting on the front row with this sermonbeing merely
His formal introduction?
Can you further see with the eye of faith that you are His bride – He is your
Bridegroomand Husband?
Every wise woman (and especiallyher father) should identify the traits needed
and desired in a husband.
A review of personalads (preferably a marriage service)will revealtraits of
the ideal husband.
A survey of women for the primary traits of men that attract them also helps
build our inventory.

Pursuing our Lord's analogyeven further, we shall consider our Lord Jesus
by the common standards.
Take the desiredtraits for a perfect husband and considerthem in the light of
Jesus ofNazareth!
Do not all persons desire to be loved, and to be loved greatly, and to be loved
permanently and securely?
Please forgive the speakerandhis speechfor detracting at all from this
glorious theme. Lord, help us.
THOU ART FAIRER THAN THE CHILDREN OF MEN (Psalm 45:2).
ACHIEVEMENT:What has a man accomplishedin his life to show his
abilities to care for you.
The Lord Jesus Christ createdthe worlds and upholds them by the word of
His power(Hebrews 1:2-3).
He always did those things that pleasedGod so He was wellpleasedwith Him
(Matt 3:17; 12:18; 17:5).
He defeated Satan, death, and the grave without help (Luke 11:20-22;
Colossians 2:15;II Tim 1:10).
The grave could not contain Him; He tore the bars of death away; He
obtained immortality for you.
He mediated the greatestlegalacquittal ever, as God judged you righteous in
His sight (Rom 5:6-21).
He fed 5000 men with a small lunch; He calmed greatstorms; He changedthe
Gadarene to a peacefulcitizen; He changedSaul of Tarsus to Paul the apostle;
He won the thief on the cross;He took the crucifixion without threatening; He
receivedhonor from heaven;He raisedLazarus; He resistedthe devil in the
desert; He wisely answeredeverydevious attempt to trick Him; He did not
yield to any temptation; He forgave the very men who were crucifying Him;
He blockedout the sun; He rose again!

How about the One Who made the sevenstars and Orion? The Lord Jesus is
His name (Amos 5:8).
LEADERSHIP:Can a man confidently take charge, make decisions, andlead,
for his wife to follow.
They say that poweror authority may be the greatestattractioncharacteristic
of all (I Samuel 18:7).
Angels servedHim; devils trembled before Him; men and women adored and
followedHim.
He resolutely facedthe cross alone and receiveda baptism and drank a cup
like no other man could.
He rules the nations with a rod of iron breaking them in pieces according to
His own will (Rev 2:26-27).
He sits at God's right hand far above all authority with all things under His
feet (Ephesians 1:20-22).
He rides a white horse with the armies of heaven following as He smites the
nations (Rev 19:11-16).
He is the Blessedand Only Potentate – the King of kings and the Lord of lords
(I Timothy 6:13-16).
Paul, the greatestofthe apostles, toldus to follow him as he followedour
Jesus (I Corinthians 11:1).
OCCUPATIONALABILITY: Does a man have the genetic and acquired
skills for a goodjob or position.
He is exaltedat the right hand of God on David's throne as King forever
(Luke 1:32-33;I Tim 6:13-16).

He is the Great High Priest, Apostle, Bishop, and Head of the church of God
(Heb 3:1; 4:14; I Pet 2:25).
Do you want to be married to a doctor? Considerthe GreatPhysician as thy
beloved Spouse.
Do you want to be married to a lawyer? Considerthe Judge of the quick and
dead as thy dear Spouse.
Do you prefer a Prince? Considerthe Prince of the kings of the earth as your
husband (Revelation1:5).
Do you prefer a Professor? Considerthe TeacherofIsrael who confounded
professors attwelve.
ECONOMIC ABILITY: Are a man's assets, income, gifts, and training
sufficient to provide a good living.
Women speak fondly of men that are financially secure rather than the
unemployed or underemployed.
The cattle on a thousand hills are His (Psalm 50:10), and all the silver and
gold is His (Haggai2:8).
The heathen are His inheritance, and the ends of the earth are His possession
(Psalm 2:8; 72:8).
He bringeth the wind out of His treasuries (Psalm135:7), and He calleth the
stars by name (Ps 147:4).
He owns everything in heavenand in earth, and what He does not have He
can create with ease.
He is more than able to supply all your needs according to the riches of His
glory (Philippians 4:19).

ENTERTAININGABILITY: Does a man possessthe graciousness and
creativity to entertain in his home.
No woman would choose a bumbling or selfish man, who cannot make guests
and her comfortable.
Considerhow the Lord entertained Israelin the wilderness, and He fed a
multitude with nothing twice.
Israeldared Him for meat, and He gave quail. A ruler denied His ability to
provide and was crushed.
David said the Lord Jesus prepared a table for him in the presence ofhis
enemies (Psalm 23:4).
When wine was wanting at a wedding feast, He createdthe best for last for all
the guests (John2:1-11).
Is not the Last Supper consideredthe greatestintimate dinner of all time by
those truly invited to it?
He is in heaven now preparing the wedding feastto beat all wedding feasts
just for you (Rev 19:9).
In His presence is fullness of joy, and at His right hand are pleasures for
evermore (Psalm 16:11).
INTELLECTUAL ABILITY: Does a man possessthe mental powers for
successand goodconversation.
God's works and thoughts cannotbe numbered (Ps 40:5); they are much
higher than yours (Is 55:8-9).
He has hid within Himself all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge ofthe
universe (Colossians2:3).
Who has been His counselor, or explored His infinite mind, or taught Him
anything (Rom 11:33-34)?

Elihu said that He was perfect in knowledge, before He showedhow true those
words were (Job 37:16).
Isaiahdeclared that there is no searching of His understanding, so you will
never be bored (Is 40:28)!
OBSERVATIONALABILITY: Is a man perceptive, sensitive, and analytical
to notice things around Him.
He discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart, and everything is nakedand
open (Hebrews 4:12-13).
He perceives the unspoken thoughts of friends and foes. He knows eachword
in your tongue (Ps 139:4).
He recognizeda poor widow woman giving all her substance, though giving
discreetly(Luke 21:1-4).
He justified the humble publican and condemned the proud Pharisee, though
both were praying.
He does not miss a sparrow (Matt 10:29), and He has seenyour smallest
kindnesses (Matt25:34-40).
COMMUNICATION ABILITY: Can a man easily and pleasantlyand clearly
communicate with you.
Even His enemies while on earth saidthat no man spake like the Lord Jesus
Christ (John 7:46).
When two of His disciples had a conversationwith Him, they said their hearts
burned (Luke 24:32).
A pin dropping on the floor would have been heard after He graciouslyread
publicly (Luke 4:16-22).

Multitudes followedHim to hear the messageHe preached. Considerthe
Sermon on the Mount.
He perfectly fulfilled Solomon's proverb about the beauty of a word fitly
spoken(Proverbs 25:11).
The Lord God gave Him the tongue of the learned, so He would know how to
speak well(Is 50:4).
Mary did not care about anything else, as long as she could sit and listen to
Jesus talk (Luke 10:38-42).
CHARACTER:Does a man have a greatand virtuous characterof
righteousness andgoodness.
God the Father testified that Jesus lovedrighteousness and hated wickedness
(Psalm 45:7; Heb 1:9).
Graciousness, whichis the crowing virtue of greatcharacter, is His trademark
(Psalm 45:2; Luke 4:22).
He always does those things that pleasedHis Father, the infinitely perfect God
of heaven (John 8:29).
Though sorelytempted as we are, He did not give in to temptation; no, not
once, never (Heb 4:15).
Pilate and his wife testified He was a just and innocent man after His trial, in
spite of false testimonies.
Judas declared that he had betrayed the innocent blood, though filled with the
devil and hateful greed.
IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH: Will a man be faithful and true regardless
of physical adversity.

One of His greatpurposes in coming was to deliver you from sicknessand
sorrow (Is 53:4; Matt 8:17).
When you are sick, He will attend your bed as the most helpful and loving
nurse (Psalm 41:3).
Jesus Christ is loyal and true through any sickness,as with Paul's thorn in the
flesh (II Cor 12:7-10).
He also heals the physically sick, like Peter's mother-in-law, Lazarus, and the
daughter of Jairus.
He will also destroy and abolishsickness,pain, and dying in His home for
your security (Rev 21:4).
He will change your decaying and disappointing body into a glorious body like
His own.
There is nothing that can separate you from His everlasting and unconditional
love (Rom 8:38-39).
FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE:Will a man be faithful and true regardless
of any circumstances.
He never leaves us in spite of finances, moods, employment, failures, sins,
weakness,etc.
His covenantof marriage includes any marital violations you may make in
foolishness (Ps 89:29-37).
Whether Paul in prison or David in sin, He remains loyal and faithful and
loving of His bride.
Though Peterdenied Him with curses in His darkesthour, He was there for
Peterin three days.
He will soonmake all things new and better, so you need not worry about
circumstances (Rev21:5).

FOR RICHER OR FOR POORER:Will a man be faithful and true
regardless ofgain or loss financially.
He owns all things, so our loss is not His loss;and He truly loves us for what
He will make us!
He has chosenthe poor of this world as His bride, so that He might make her
rich (II Cor 8:9; Jas 2:5).
He makes us the very rich by giving us an inheritance of all things, including
God Himself (Rom 8:17).
LOYAL AND FAITHFUL: Will a man remain your husband in spite of any
difficulties or threats.
He has promised He will never leave you nor forsake you, upon which you can
trust (Heb 13:5-6).
He has promised He will never lose any of His bride, not even one (John 6:38-
39; 17:2).
He has declaredthat nothing – not even death – can separate youfrom His
love (Romans 8:35-39).
FATHER'S BLESSING:Does a man have the blessing of his father upon the
relationship.
The Fatherhas highly exaltedHim and given Him a Name that is above every
Name (Phil 2:9-11).
The Fatherchose you to be His Son's bride and gave you to Him in proper
marriage (John 6:38-39).
If you were able to get out of your husband's hand, you could not get out of
His Father's (Jn 10:28-29).

The Fatherhas prepared an inheritance for Jesus Christ and you from the
foundation of the world.
His Fathertestified from Heaven that your Lord Jesus Christ was His dearly
beloved Son.
NO BAD HABITS: Does a man have any vices like drunkenness, laziness,
gluttony, gambling, etc.
Your Husband behaved Himself perfectly in every way before friend and foe
alike without sin.
Even His enemies could find nothing to bring againstHim at His trial without
slandering Him with lies.
TRUE AND HONEST:Does a man have the reputation for always speaking
the truth in total honesty.
His name is the Truth (John 14:6), and on His white horse He is called
Faithful and True (Rev 19:11).
There was no deceitin His mouth, for He never lied about anything to anyone
at anytime (Isaiah 53:9).
Men did not believe Him, because He told them the truth, for their hearts
preferred lies (John 8:45).
He cannot lie (Titus 1:2; Heb 6:18); therefore His promises will be kept no
matter what (I Thess 5:24).
INHERITANCE:Is a man going to inherit anything from his father to
enhance the marital fortune.
He said, "In My Father's house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place
for you" (John 14:1-3).

The new heavens and new earth with only righteousness reigning will be His
domain (II Peter3:13).
He has a glorious and incorruptible inheritance reservedin heavenfor you
(Eph 1:18; I Peter1:4).
He has already obtained every spiritual blessing in heavenly places and is
waiting to give them to you.
COMFORTING:Does a man have the ability and desire to provide comfort
when you need it.
He has promised not to leave us comfortless (John14:18). He promised He
would comfort you.
He is able to comfort you with the comfort He gave Paul, which was abundant
(II Cor 1:3-5).
Since He has suffered your difficulties and temptations, He is most able to
succouryou (Heb 2:18).
PEACEFUL: Does a man have a peacefullife and create peace in his
relationships.
Your husband is the Prince of Peace, forHe obtained peace once and for all
(Isaiah 9:6; Haggai2:9).
Your Lord gives peace and tells you not to be troubled or afraid of
tribulations (John 14:27; 16:33).
He is even able to speak peace to a greatstorm and immediately bring about a
greatcalm.
He has made peace with the strictestJudge in the universe and destroyed all
enmity.

His kingdom is righteousness andpeace and joy in the Holy Ghost(Rom
14:17).
COMPASSIONATE:Is a man tender and considerate of others'feelings and
circumstances.
ConsiderHis treatment of the widow woman who had lost her only son (Luke
7:11-18).
Considerhow He sentword to Simon Peter specificallythat He was risen from
the dead (Mark 16:7).
ConsiderHis careful defense and comfort of a sinful womandespised by the
Pharisees (Luke 7:36-50).
MERCIFUL: Is a man of a forgiving spirit when you fail or do not measure
up to his expectations.
Paul knew that he had obtained mercy from the Lord Jesus forhis ignorance
(I Timothy 1:12-13).
Our Lord Jesus was very pitiful and of tender mercy toward Job and
enhancedhim (James 5:11).
As a goodfather pities his children, so the Lord pities you in your failures
(Psalm 103:13).
He promises that He will be faithful and just to forgive you whenever you
confess (I John 1:9).
Whether harlots (Luke 7:37) or Zacchaeus (Luke 19:9-10)or Paul (I Tim
1:13-16), He forgives easily.
AFFECTIONATE:Does a man show tender kindness, love, and warmth
readily to those close to him.

Jesus Christ was of such affectionate conductthat John lay on His bosom at
supper (John 13:23).
Jesus weptopenly at the funeral of Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha
(John 11:35).
Hear His words to Mary Magdalene, "Woman, why weepestthou?" and
"Mary."
He cherishes and loves you as the apple of His eye (Deuteronomy 32:10).
POSITION:Is a man's position in societyrespectedand one worthy of esteem
and reverence.
Our Lord is King of kings and Lord of lords – the blessedand only Potentate
(I Timothy 1:15).
He is exaltedfar above all principalities and powers and every name that is
named (Eph 1:21).
He is the beloved Son, Who always pleasesHis Father, and Who is the infinite
I AM THAT I AM.
He is the One MediatorbetweenGod and man, Who canreconcile and please
both (I Tim 2:5).
PROTECTIVE:Does a man have a vigilant and intense desire to protect his
loved ones from harm.
Jesus promises that neither death nor life nor angels canhurt us in any way
(Romans 8:33-39).
He promises that no man is able to pluck us out of His hand and His Father's
hand (Jn 10:28-29).
He looks upon any insult or injury from others as touching the apple of His
eye (Zechariah2:8).

PERCEPTIVE:Is a man sensitive to the feelings and needs of others around
him.
Your feelings touch Him, so He gladly gives mercy and grace to help in time of
need (Heb 4:15-16).
He knows your downsittings and uprisings, your thoughts afar off, and all
your ways (Psalm 139:1-4).
STRONG:Does a man have a hardy constitution and physical presence to
handle any adversity.
Your Lord Jesus Christ is omnipotent with infinite strength and powerfor
any task.
He is also strong of mind and purpose by defeating Satan's temptations and
facing the cross.
HANDSOME:Is a man attractive and good-looking foryour own pleasure
and your public pride.
Does the description of Revelation1:13-17 and 19:11-16 not move you to great
pleasure?
Would you be ashamedto be His bride and have your friends meet Him in His
wedding glory?
While He may have been nothing to desire in His humiliation, He is much
more than that now.
REMEMBERS:Will a man remember the details and things that are
important to you.

He knows the fall of every sparrow, and He has your very hairs numbered
(Matthew 10:29-30)!
He knows your frame; He remembers that you are but dust (Psalm103:14).
He knows everything you have need before you ever ask (Matthew 6:8,32).
CHEERFUL: Is a man a happy and joyful individual, who will create a
pleasurable environment.
He promises that He wants you to have life and to have it more abundantly
(John 10:10).
He only has life; His presence is one of full joy; with Him are pleasures for
evermore (Ps 16:11).
He has been anointed with the oil of gladness (joy of the Holy Ghost) above all
others (Ps 45:7).
KIND: Is he a considerate man who will think and do nice things to you and
for you.
Your Lord Jesus is so abundantly kind, He even shows His kindness to His
enemies (Luke 6:35).
He was kind to the widow of Nain at a funeral, who lost her only son(Luke
7:11-15).
SEEKING:Is he a man who will seek you when you deserthim or are
discouragedorare lost.
Every woman wonders at times, if her husband would seek her, if she left him
for a while.
Jesus rejoicesatseeking His bride when she leaves and always brings her
back againand wins her.

He comforted you by drawing the analogyof a Shepherd and His sheepfor
comparison(Luke 15:3-7).
He comforted you with the analogyof the woman and the lost coin (Luke
15:8-10).
LOVING: Does he have an intense loving spirit to spend and be spent giving
for your profit and pleasure.
Jesus loves you so much He died for you and endured the wrath of God for
you, for your mutual joy.
Jesus loves you so that neither death nor life . . . can separate you from His
love (Rom 8:38-39).
And He does not love generallyor promiscuously or flippantly, you are His
specialobjectof love.
And He does not love you merely for a short time: He has loved you from
eternity and forever.
And He does not only love you while times are good and you are glorious, He
loves you forever.
And He does not love only to a point, He loves you until you are perfect and
forever and only His.
And He does not love you because youdid something or are something, He
loves you because He chose to love you, and His love will make you something.
Many women claim they want a man to love them for who they are; but Jesus
loved you in spite of who and what you are, and gave Himself to make you
lovely and win you by His kindness (Ps 45:11).
CLEVER: Does he have a quick, creative, and analytic mind to lead you,
intrigue you, and entertain you.

When you considera lily and its beauty, remember that He createdthat for
you (Matthew 6:28-29).
When you considera horse and its strength, remember that He createdit for
you (Job 39:19-25).
When you considerthe sunsets, full moon, and the stars, He createdthose for
you also (Gen 1:16).
When you considerthe wonders of conception, birth, and growth of your
child, He designedit.
When you think of all the glory of the universe, He has made a place much
better just for you.
HARD WORKING:Does he have a good work ethic so that you will not
suffer from laziness or sloth.
He was diligently committed to doing the work assignedto Him by His Father
(John 4:34; 9:4).
He was able to gloriously tell His Father that He had finished the work
assignment(John 17:4).
He workedso diligently on earth that He had no leisure so much as to eat
(Mark 6:31).
While His hard working disciples slept, He spent the night in vigilant prayer
for His work for you.
TILL DEATH DO US PART:Is he a man who will conscientiouslytake his
marriage vows seriously.
Jesus does so much more than these ritual words – He will still love you after
death, even forever!

Rather than death being a means of separationfrom your Husband, it will
unite you to Him forever!
GOOD LIFESTYLE:Will a man be able to provide a comfortable, secure,
and pleasing lifestyle.
Jesus Christ provides all the blessings ofpeace, joy, love, contentment, and
other blessings now.
And He is preparing a place for you to spend eternity without death, sorrow,
crying, or pain.
In His presence is fullness of joy and at His right hand are pleasures
forevermore (Psalm 16:11).
NAME: Does he have a goodfamily name that stands for virtue and success
and reputation.
He has a name that is above every name that is named (Ephesians 1:21-23;
Philippians 2:9-11).
His name Jesus means I AM THAT I AM IS YOUR SAVIOUR, Jehovahis
your Saviour.
He has a name written that no man knows but He Himself, and it must be
glorious (Revelation19:12).
He is calledGod, for He is God; He was God with us (Psalm 45:6-7; Isaiah
7:14; Matt 1:23; Heb 1:8).
He is calledWonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father,
Prince of peace (Is 9:6).
His name is worthy to be praised forever and forever(Psalm 44:8; 61:8;
72:19;145:1-2,21).

REPUTATION:Does a man have a good reputation of all those who know
him.
His Fatherapproved of Him as singularly superior to Moses andElijah
(Matthew 17:1-5).
All the angels worship Him and sing His praises in heaven(Hebrews 1:4-7;
Rev 5:11-12).
All the demons fear Him and worship Him as well (Mark 1:23-28;5:1-15;
Acts 19:13-17).
The multitudes in heaven sing His worthy praise, and the four beasts agree to
the praise (Rev 5:14).
His enemies could find no fault in Him, though they used every devious means
possible.
Time is determined by its relationship to Him – either Before Him (B.C.)or
After Him (A.D.).
PROMOTESECURITY:Does a man have the will and the ability to make
you feelsecure.
All womenwant to know that their husbands love them, only them, and
forever them.
Jesus lovedyou and loves you as no other, and He has set His affectionon you
from eternity (SS 6:9).
Jesus promised to never leave nor forsake you; He promised to love you
through and beyond death.
A mother may forsake hersucking child, but the Lord has your name on His
palms (Is 49:14-16).
His love is no rebound from a prior relationship that will disappear in time,
for He has loved only you.

PERSONAL:Is he able to be personaland intimate without business and
hobbies taking him away.
He allowedJohn to lie on His bosom at supper and inspired the holy recordof
it (John 13:23,25).
He defended Mary's desire to sit at His feet and rebuked Martha for her
carefulness (Luke 10:38-42).
He remembered His mother even while on the cross and took personalcare of
her (John 19:25-27).
He personally appeared to Mary Magdalene afterHis resurrection(Mark
16:9; John 20:11-18).
Your name is written in His book of life and on the palms of His hands (Luke
10:20;Is 49:14-16).
Yours is no mere legalbetrothal; He asks if you will invite Him in for intimate
fellowship (Rev 3:20).
COMMITTED:Is he a man who will commit to marriage for life and will
keephis commitment.
Many men today will say they love a woman, but they will not commit to
marry her and stay with her.
Your Jesus is so committed that He gave His life to win you and show you His
love for all eternity!
He not only gave His life for you, but He lives on your behalf in glory, and He
wants you with Him!
He ever lives to make intercessionforyou, and He will certainly bring you
home to God (Heb 7:25).

WINNING:Is he a man who will not take your love for granted, but will
always work to win you.
Your Jesus has given you numberless blessings and continues to do so to show
you His love.
An eternity in heavenwith unspeakable blessings awaits youas He shows you
His eternallove.
He is looking forwardto a day when He can display the full riches of His glory
and grace to you.
JEALOUS: Does he love you enough and want you enough to be jealous about
other men.
If you do not appreciate a man's jealousy, then you misunderstand love (Num
5:11-31;Song 8:6-7).
He is very jealous;His name is Jealous;and He will not put up with any
imposters or challengers.
He wants you to love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to
love no other.
He will pursue you and win you back, if you stray from him for another
(Jeremiah 3:1). What love!
EASILY PLEASED:Is he a man with reasonable expectations andwho will
be content with your efforts.
Jesus comfortedyou to come to Him – His yoke is easy, and His burden is
light (Matthew 11:28-30).
His commandments are not grievous:there is greatreward in keeping them (I
John 5:3; Psalm19:11).

His expectations are reasonable.Like a father, He pities and remembers your
frame (Ps 103:13-18).
He remembers little things that even you forget, like small kindnesses to
brethren (Matt 25:31-46).
GENEROUS:Is he of a liberal and generous spirit and will cheerfully and
easilygive to you and for you.
Some men are so stingy, tight, selfish, boorish, and conservative that they
cannot give generously.
Jesus bountifully gives and is not envious that you shall be made a joint heir
with Him (Rom 8:17).
He was so generous that He was willing to become poor that you might
become rich (II Cor 8:9).
NICE DRESS:Is he willing to spend for a nice dress for you to wearto your
wedding.
Your Husband Jesus has securedfor you a dress of fine linen, clean and white
(Revelation19:8).
He provided the garment of fine needlework that makes you beautiful in His
sight (Psalm 45:13-14).
He had promised this wonderful attire before (Isaiah52:1; 61:10; 64:6;
Zechariah 3:1-5).
You will not be rejectedfrom the wedding, for you have a garment He fully
approves (Mat 22:11-14).
He has sacrificedHimself to sanctify and cleanse you, and to make you a
glorious bride without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that you should
be holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5:25-27).

GOOD DOWRY:Is he willing and able to pay a sufficient sum for the right to
have you as His wife.
The dowry was an excellent practice – it separatedthe men from the boys and
proved sincere desire.
Many may claim to love you, but what price have they paid to prove the
sincerity of their love.
Jesus paid a dowry to Almighty God in the form of His precious blood, to buy
you from the sword of Justice, where you stood condemned and guilty. Now
you are safe as His bride to live forever.
The most valuable commodity in the universe was obtained and spent to
secure you for Jesus.
His life was not takenfrom Him for your redemption; He voluntarily laid it
down for you. Glory!
You were not loving Him, when He laid it down for you; you were hating Him
as an enemy. Glory!
Your marriage and salvation are free only to you; He purchased the rights at
infinite personalexpense.
CONCLUSION
Do you know your bridegroom husband well? May I introduce you to Jesus of
Nazareth(John 12:20-21).
Has He won your heart as He did Paul, who said the love of Christ
constrainedhim (II Cor 5:14-15)?
Is He your all in all, as David said there was no one in heaven or earth he
desired but Him (Ps 73:25-26)?
Do you believe that to live is Jesus Christand to die is gain (Phil 1:23)? They
should be your daily thoughts.

What substitute will you pick from this world to replace Him (Gal 6:14)? The
world is crucified to you.
How offended should He be, if you do not appreciate Him or His love for you
(I Cor 16:22)? Greatly!
Will you say, "Yes!" to this glorious bridegroom? ConsiderRevelation3:20
and His desire for fellowship.
He is altogetherlovely! This is my beloved! This is my friend! Thou art fairer
than the sons of men! http://www.letgodbetrue.com/bible/christ/he-is-
altogether-lovely.php
Christ Jesus is Altogether Lovely
By Nick Bibile
So 5:16 His mouth is most sweet:yea, he is altogetherlovely.
This is an allegoricalsong where the bride sums up of her bridegroom that he
is altogetherlovely. We the church is the bride and Christ is the bridegroom.
When you look at the Old Testamentand the New Testamentwe see the
patriarchs, prophets, the apostles and the electbelievers and in one voice we
can all cry out and say, “Jesus is altogetherlovely.”
These are words of inexpressible admiration and adoration;these are words
that come from the soulof the bride’s heart as her heart cries out with a holy

rapture with such greatexcessive joyand delight beyond measure where
words cannot express.
He is altogetherlovely and desirable, supreme than any other person, when
we were wickedsinners, he purchased us with his precious blood and made us
into saints and we are calledthe children of the living God. Oh yes, he is
altogetherlovely. We have made many love songs to him as he is altogether
lovely, many have gone through great trials and even death bed we can utter,
he is altogetherlovely.
His loveliness infinitely sweetthat it cannot be weighedin scalesormeasure.
We don’t see the fullness of his loveliness as we see him in part not fully, we
are eating the crumbs that falls from the kings table but one day we are going
to see him face to face and we caneat with him together. Right now it’s better
to feastthe crumbs from the kings table than to eatthe loaves from the world.
Two opposite qualities are met in Christ Jesus
Christ Jesus is perfect in loveliness as he is a divine person and in him we see
the fullness of God. The glory of God, the righteousnessofGod, the holiness of
God and we can see Godin him. Also in Christ we see his humility, lowliness,
gentleness andobedience. The infinite Glory and the lowesthumility meet in
one personthat is Christ Jesus and that’s why he is altogetherlovely.
Humility is not an attribute of the Father and God the Holy Spirit, God is
infinitely above his creatures. Yet, Christ Jesus is both God and man. As God
we see all the attributes of God in him, all the divine perfections of God. He is
the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords we are like worms of the dust before
him, he rules over the universe and perfect in wisdom. But Christ in his

human nature we see the lowesthumility; these opposite qualities are met
togetherin Christ, that’s why he is altogetherlovely.
Php 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal
with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form
of a servant, and was made in
file:///C:/ACM/Nick/topical/altogether_lovely.htm
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the likeness ofmen: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled
himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
As Christ is God and man equal honor due to him with the Father.
Joh 5:23 That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father.
He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which hath sent him.
God him selfsaid of Christ:
Heb 1:8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever.
On this earth we see the lowesthumility in Christ Jesus. There is a great
distance betweenhumility and infinite greatnessbut in Christ there is no
distance, that’s why when we truly meditate on him we too can cry out with a
joy where the world cannot give as we say, “He is altogetherlovely.”

Christ is the King of the universe, he is God and all the creatures are subject
to obey the King. There is supreme dominion in Christ. God in his divine
nature is not subject for obedience as he is God. Yet in Christ Jesus we see his
perfect obedience to the Father.
Joh 14:31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the
Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
Joh 15:10 If ye keepmy commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I
have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
Php 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and
became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
God does not pray or give reverence to anybody as he is God and all prayers
and reverence should be directed to the one but to the living God. Every knee
should bow down and every tongue confessesandgives reverence to the Lord
Jesus, he is the Lord of the universe. Yet in Christ Jesus we see how deeply he
prayed to the Father in greatreverence as he knelt and prayed to the Father.
(Luke 22:41)
We see anothertwo oppositions meeting in Christ. We see the sovereigntyof
God and submission. God will not submit to anyone as he is God. Christ Jesus
is absolutely sovereign;he works all things according to the counselof his own
will. The decrees ofGod, works ofcreationand providence are all his
sovereignworks.

Col 1:16 Forby him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are
in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or
principalities, or powers:all things were createdby him, and for him:
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17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Yet we see in Christ Jesus giving up his authority, surrender and submit to
the Father. The dreadful cup he was going to drink, his soulbeing exceedingly
sorrowfuleven unto death where sweats ofblood fell to the ground, with such
agonyand sorrow, he gave up his authority, surrendered and submitted to the
will of the Father.
Mt 26:42 He went awayagain the secondtime, and prayed, saying, O my
Father, if this cup may not pass awayfrom me, exceptI drink it, thy will be
done.
Again Christ Jesus altogetherlovelywe see two other opposite qualities meet.
He is the Judge of the world and also he is the Savior of the world. As the
Judge he will punish the guilty, will not compromise with the guilty. He is the
Judge of the sinful world, he is consuming fire but he is also the Savior of the
world, he is the light of the world, we see his infinite mercy, his glorious grace
and amazing love displayed towards sinners.
Ro 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet
sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his
blood, we shall be savedfrom wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were

enemies, we were reconciledto God by the death of his Son, much more, being
reconciled, we shall be savedby his life.
He is the author of law, the law breakers are punished and there is curse
under the law, but Christ Jesus himself was under the law as he took our
human nature, he himself followedand fulfilled all of the law, as he said, and
“I did not come to destroy the law but to fulfill)
He was born of a poor virgin. He was conceivedin the womb of the corrupt
race of mankind and yet he was conceivedand born without sin. The angel
said to the poor virgin, “And the angelansweredand said unto her, The Holy
Ghostshall come upon thee, and the powerof the Highest shall overshadow
thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called
the Sonof God.” (Luke 1:35)
When she came to give birth as she was poor there was no room for them in
the Inn, she was despisedand turned down so she was forcedto give birth in a
manger where cattle and horses ate their food, the little infant was born,
lookedso innocent as a lamb but he was born to conquer and triumph over
the roaring lion Satan. Although he was born in the lowesthumble state the
heavenly angels could not stoptheir excitement as they burst into joy in
singing before the shepherds.
He is the author of life, creatorof the universe, he healedthe sick, raisedthe
dead, he calmed the storm, walkedon water, castout devils, yet he was so
poor that he did not have a place to lay his head.

And Jesus saithunto him, the foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have
nests;but the Sonof man hath not where to lay his head. (Mat 8:20) Oh! How
we see the loveliness ofChrist. He was
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content in what he had.
Application
Many have not experiencedthe loveliness ofChrist as their hearts are focused
on this world and their thoughts are in this world. They know every movie, all
the worldly songs, all the sales in stores and have no time to think of Jesus or
to see his loveliness. Many think of their life on this world, they meditate on
this worldly issues.
Php 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoeverthings are true, whatsoeverthings are
honest, whatsoeverthings are just, whatsoeverthings are pure, whatsoever
things are lovely, whatsoeverthings are of goodreport; if there be any virtue,
and if there be any praise, think on these things.
When you truly meditate upon God’s word we see the loveliness ofChrist,
sometimes we experience a holy rapture with an overwhelming adorationof
our Lord and the sweetcommunion we have with the Lord makes our faces
shine like the face of Moses. Our souls are erupted with joy and joyful tears
flow down from our eyes.

But what a pity that there are some who have never experienced the
overwhelming, soul melting loveliness of the Lord as they are so busy in the
world and doing their own thing and have no room for the Lord. Many are
satisfiedwith the world and they have no desire for Jesus.
How we need to meditate upon our Savior, instead of getting fed with all the
delicacies ofthis world, living in comfort how you need to fattened your soul
with the delicaciesofGod’s word. It is so important that you need to take
time to study God’s word, meditate on it and pray on it. Meditation plus
prayer equals soul fattening and your soul will burst forth with unspeakable
divine joys.
Many don’t see the loveliness ofJesus as their hearts have become cold. They
hear the sermons againand againbut they have no growth. Jonathan
Edwards first preachedthe sermon, ‘Sinners in the hands of an angry God’ in
to his own congregationbut to them it was another sermon, There was no
reactionat all, but another pastorinvited JonathanEdwards to preach that
same sermon in his area, whata difference it made when he preachto a
people outside of his church. I pray that the Lord may wake you up and
arouse from this lethargy and apathy, and make you mourn your of your sad
situation! May the Lord break that lethargic and the apathy heart!
Jesus is altogetherlovely, there is undivided affectionhere. Your affection
should be on him, greatestcommandment is to love the Lord with all your
heart, soul and strength. If any man loves not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him
be Anathema. If anyone loves her husband, wife, child, home, job, television,
food, wealthmore than Jesus he is not worthy of Jesus. Abraham loved the
Lord more than his son. You may sit at his foot stooland love him only in the
church but true love is a relationship in and outside of the church.

I pray that you will purge the idols from your soul. Jesus is not a little lovely
according to your
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taste but altogetherlovely. His loveliness is so precious to our soul. David
cried out "My heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God"—the whole of
the man seeking afterthe whole of the Savior.
The wickedman the sinful man the man who has no time for God but have all
the time for the flesh will be miserable in heaven. Becausehe is perfectly
wickedand heaven is perfectly holy.
Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government
shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful,
Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Christ is altogetherlovely, because he is altogetherlovely he is calleda Sun of
Righteousness, (Mal4:2) he is calleda Star, (Num 24:17)he is calleda
Morning Star, (Rev 22:16)Bread of life (John 6:35, 48) Captain of the Lord’s
hosts (Josh5:14-15)Captain of our salvation (Heb 2:10) Chief Shepherd (1
Pet 5:4) Chief Cornerstone (Eph 2:20) Day Spring (Luke 1:78) Door(John
10:7) Faithful witness (Rev 1:5) First and the Last (Rev 1:17, 2:8) Good
Shepherd (John 10:14)Great High Priest(Heb 4:14) Head of the Church
(Eph 5:23, Col1:18) Holy One (Acts 2:27) Horn of Salvation(Luke 1:69)
Lamb of God (John 1:29) Light of the world (John 8:12) Mediator(1 Tim 2:5)
Our Passover(1 Cor 5:7) Prince of life (Acts 3:15) Rock (1 Cor 10:4), Son of
God, Sonof Man, Surety (Heb 7:22) True Vine (John 15:1) Word (John 1:1)
Christ is the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.

Think about this. The more lovely something is more obliged that we are to
love it, but Christ is altogetherlovely there fore we are altogetherobligedto
love him.
You may be enlightened and bless of this sermon but it will not make any
profit if it’s going to be another sermonthat you will hear from one earand
soonforgottenin matter of minutes. You may talk about it and soonforgotten.
Thomas Watson(Puritan) said, “Godnever gave his word to talk about but to
obey, if he gave his word to talk about it he would have given to Parrots.”
Do you know why the world hated the Puritans so much? Becausethey loved
God so much. What do you do in your spare time? How do you spend your
time where God has given you? It is God who gave you a job, it is God who
gave you a home to live, and it is Godwho gave you life to live, then why don’t
you have time for God?
Many are polluted with sin, many have provoked God with their sinful acts,
and God’s divine wrath is upon those who live in disobedience. But think of
Christ, he is infinitely holy, infinitely lovely and make you holy as he
performed righteousness whichis infinitely precious in God’s eyes.
If your heart is ready to sink with fear thinking that God will never have
mercy on you don’t be afraid to go to Christ, he is a sure foundation, he is
strong Lion for your defense and innocent as a Lamb to acceptyou, he has
infinite grace and mercy to forgive you
“Your sins is a sins of a finite creature but God’s mercy is infinite.”
(Christopher Love)

Matthew 11: 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will
give you rest. 29 Take
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my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and
you will find rest for your souls. 30 Formy yoke is easy, and my burden is
light.”
www.sounddoctrine.net
CHRIST ALTOGETHER LOVELY
by John Flavel
"Yes, He is altogetherlovely! This is my Beloved,
and this is my Friend." Song of Songs 5:16
I. Christ is to be loved
At the ninth verse of this chapter, you have a question put forth by the
daughters of Jerusalem, "Whatis your beloved more than another beloved?"
The spouse answers,"He is the chief among ten thousand." She then recounts
many of the things she finds so excellentin her belovedand then concludes
with these words: "Yes, he is altogetherlovely." The words set forth the
transcendentloveliness of the Lord Jesus Christ, and naturally resolve
themselves into three parts:

First, Who he is: the Lord Jesus Christ, after whom she had been seeking, for
whom she was overcome by love; concerning whom these daughters of
Jerusalemhad enquired: whom she had struggledto describe in his particular
excellencies. He is the greatand excellentsubject of whom she here speaks.
Secondly, What he is, or what she claims of him: That he is a lovely one. The
Hebrew word, which is often translated "desires,"means "to earnestlydesire,
covet, or long after that which is most pleasant, graceful, delectable and
admirable." The original word is both in the abstract, and plural in number,
which says that Christ is the very essenceofall delights and pleasures, the
very soul and substance ofthem. As all the rivers are gathered into the ocean,
which is the meeting-place of all the waters in the world, so Christ is that
oceanin which all true delights and pleasures meet.
Thirdly, What he is like: He is altogetherlovely, the every part to be desired.
He is lovely when takentogether, and in every part; as if she had said, "Look
on him in what respector particular you wish; castyour eye upon this lovely
object, and view him any way, turn him in your serious thoughts which way
you wish; considerhis person, his offices, his works, orany other thing
belonging to him; you will find him altogetherlovely, there is nothing
disagreeable in him, there is nothing lovely without him." Hence note,
DOCTRINE:That Jesus Christis the loveliestperson souls canset their eyes
upon: "You are the most excellentof men." Psalm 45:2
II. What is meant by Christ being 'altogetherlovely'
He is "AltogetherLovely!" Here it is said of Jesus Christ, which cannot be
said of any mere creature, that he is "altogetherlovely." Let us considerthis
excellentexpression, and particularly reflect on what is contained in it, and
you shall find this expression"altogetherlovely."
1. It excludes all unloveliness and disagreeablenessfrom Jesus Christ. As a
theologianlong ago said, "There is nothing in him which is not loveable." The
excellenciesofJesus Christ are perfectly exclusive of all their opposites;there
is nothing of a contrary property or quality found in him to contaminate or

devaluate his excellency. And in this respectChrist infinitely transcends the
most excellentand loveliestof createdthings. Whatever loveliness is found in
them, it is not without a bad aftertaste. The fairest pictures must have their
shadows. The rarestand most brilliant gems must have dark backgrounds to
setoff their beauty; the best creature is but a bitter sweetat best. If there is
something pleasing, there is also something sour. if a personhas every ability,
both innate and acquired, to delight us, yet there is also some natural
corruption intermixed with it to put us off. But it is not so in our altogether
lovely Christ, his excellenciesare pure and unmixed. He is a sea of sweetness
without one drop of gall.
2. There is nothing unlovely found in him, so all that is in him is wholly lovely.
As every ray of God is precious, so everything that is in Christ is precious.
Who can weighChrist in a pair of balances, and tell you what his worth is?
"His price is above rubies, and all that you can desire is not to be compared
with him," Proverbs 8:11.
3. Christ embraces all things that are lovely. He seals up the sum of all
loveliness. Things that shine as single stars with a particular glory, all meet in
Christ as a glorious constellation. Col. 1:19, "It pleasedthe Fatherthat in him
should all fullness dwell." Castyour eyes among all createdbeings, survey the
universe: you will observe strength in one, beauty in a second, faithfulness in a
third, wisdom in a fourth; but you shall find none excelling in them all as
Christ does. Breadhas one quality, water another, clothing another, medicine
another; but none has them all in itself as Christ does. He is bread to the
hungry, water to the thirsty, a garment to the naked, healing to the wounded;
and whatevera soul can desire is found in him.
4. Nothing is lovely in opposition to him, or in separationfrom him. If he truly
is altogetherlovely, then whateveris opposite to him, or separate from him
can have no loveliness in it. Take awayChrist, and where is the loveliness of
any enjoyment? The bestcreature-comfortapart from Christ is but a broken
cistern. It cannot hold one drop of true comfort, Psalm 73:26. It is with the
creature– the sweetestand loveliestcreature– as with a beautiful image in the
mirror: turn awaythe face and where is the image? Riches, honors, and

comfortable relations are sweetwhenthe face of Christ smiles upon us
through them; but without him, what empty trifles are they all?
5. Christ transcends all createdexcellenciesin beauty and loveliness. If you
compare Christ and other things, no matter how lovely, no matter how
excellentand desirable, Christ carries awayall loveliness from them. "He is
before all things," Col. 1:17. Not only before all things in time, nature, and
order; but before all things in dignity, glory, and true excellence. In all things
he must have the pre-eminence.
Let us but compare Christ's excellence withthe creature's in a few
particulars, and how manifest will the transcendentloveliness of Jesus Christ
appear! For,
1. All other loveliness is derived and secondary;but the loveliness ofChrist is
original and primary. Angels and men, the world and all the desirable things
in it, receive what excellence theyhave from him. They are streams from the
fountain. The farther anything departs from its fountain and original, the less
excellencythere is in it.
2. The loveliness and excellencyofall other things, is only relative, consisting
in its reference to Christ, and subservience to his glory. But Christ is lovely,
consideredabsolutelyin himself. He is desirable for himself; other things are
desirable because ofhim.
3. The beauty and loveliness of all other things are fading and perishing; but
the loveliness ofChrist is fresh for all eternity. The sweetnessofthe best
createdthing is a fading flower;if not before, yet certainly at death it must
fade away. Job4:21. "Does nottheir excellency, which is in them, go away?"
Yes, yes, whether they are the natural excellencies ofthe body, acquired
endowments of the mind, lovely features, gracefulqualities, or anything else
we find attractive; all these like pleasantflowers are withered, faded, and
destroyedby death. "But Christ is still the same, yesterday, today, and
forever," Heb. 13:8.
4. The beauty and holiness of creatures are ensnaring and dangerous. A man
may make an idol out of them, and indulge himself beyond the bounds of

moderation with them, but there is no danger of excess in the love of Christ.
The soul is then in the healthiestframe and temper when it is most
overwhelmed by love to Christ, Song of Songs 5:8.
5. The loveliness of every creature is of a confining and obstructing nature.
Our esteemof it diminishes the closerwe approachto it, or the longer we
enjoy it. Creatures, like pictures, are fairest at a certain distance, but it is not
so with Christ; the nearerthe soulapproaches him, and the longer it lives in
the enjoyment of him, still the sweeterand more desirable he becomes.
6. All other loveliness cannotsatisfy the soulof man. There is not scope
enough in any one createdthing, or in all the natural universe of created
things for the soulof man to reachout and expand; but the soul still feels itself
confined and narrowedwithin those limits. This comes to pass from the
inadequacy and unsuitableness of the creature to the nobler and more
excellentsoul of man. The soulis like a ship in a narrow river which does not
have room to turn. It is always running aground and foundering in the
shallows. But Jesus Christis in every way sufficient to the vast desires ofthe
soul; in him it has sea-roomenough. In him the soul may spread all its sails
with no fear of touching bottom. And thus you see whatis the importance of
this phrase, "Altogetherlovely."
III. How is Christ altogetherlovely?
Next I promised to show you in what respects JesusChristis altogetherlovely.
First, Christ is altogetherlovely in his PERSON.He is Deity dwelling in flesh,
John 1:14. The wonderful, perfectunion of the divine and human nature in
Christ renders him an objectof admiration and adorationto both angels and
men, 1 Tim. 3:16. God never presentedto the world such a vision of glory
before. Considerhow the human nature of our Lord Jesus Christ is
overflowing with all the graces ofthe Spirit, in such a way as never any of the
saints was filled. O what a lovely picture does this paint of him! John 3:34,
"Godgives the Spirit to him without limit." This makes him "the most
excellentof men, and his lips have been anointed with grace," Psalm45:2. If a

small measure of grace in the saints makes them sweetand desirable
companions, what must the riches of the Spirit of grace filling Jesus Christ
without measure make him in the eyes of believers? O what a glory must it fix
upon him!
Secondly, Christ is altogetherlovelyin his OFFICES. Let us consider for a
moment the suitability, fullness, and comforting nature of his offices of
Prophet, Priestand King.
First, The SUITABILITY of the offices of Christ to the miseries of men. We
cannot but adore the infinite wisdom of his receiving them. We are, by nature,
blind and ignorant, at best but groping in the dim light of nature after God,
Acts 17:27. Jesus Christ is a light to enlighten the Gentiles, Isa. 49:6. When
this greatprophet came into the world, then did the day-spring from on high
visit us, Luke 1:78. By nature we are alienatedfrom, and at enmity against
God; Christ comes into the world to be an atoning sacrifice, making peace by
the blood of his cross, Col. 1:20. All the world, by nature, is in bondage and
captivity to Satan, a miserable slavery. Christ comes with kingly power, to
rescue sinners, as a prey from the mouth of the terrible one.
Secondly, Let the FULLNESS of his offices be also considered, which make
him able "to save to the uttermost, all that come to God by him," Heb. 7:25.
The three offices, comprising in them all that our souls do need, become a
universal relief to all our distresses;and therefore,
Thirdly, UnspeakablyCOMFORTING must the offices of Christ be to the
souls of sinners. If light be pleasantto our eyes, how pleasantis that light of
life springing from the Sun of righteousness!Mal. 4:2. If a pardon is sweetto a
condemned criminal, how sweetmust the sprinkling the blood of Jesus be to
the trembling conscienceofa law-condemnedsinner? If a rescue from a cruel
tyrant is sweetto a poor captive, how sweetmust it be to the ears of enslaved
sinners, to hear the voice of liberty and deliverance proclaimed by Jesus
Christ? Out of the severaloffices of Christ, as out of so many fountains, all the
promises of the new covenantflow, as so many soul-refreshing streams of
peace and joy. All the promises of illumination, counseland direction flow out
of Christ's prophetic office. All the promises of reconciliation, peace, pardon,

and acceptanceflow out of his priestly office, with the sweetstreams ofjoy
and spiritual comforts which accompanyit. All the promises of converting,
increasing, defending, directing, and supplying grace, flow out of the kingly
office of Christ; indeed, all promises may be reduced to these three offices, so
that Jesus Christ must be altogetherlovely in his offices.
Thirdly, Christ is Lovely in His RELATIONS.
First, He is a lovely REDEEMER,Isa. 61:1. He came to open the prison-doors
to those who are bound. This Redeemermust be a lovely one; if we consider
the depth of misery from which he redeemedus, even "from the wrath to
come," 1 Thess. 1:10. Considerthe numbers redeemed, and the means of their
redemption. Rev. 5:9, "And they sang a new song, saying, 'You are worthy to
take the book, and to open the seals thereof:for you were slain, and have
redeemedus to God by your blood, out of every kindred and tongue, and
people and nation.'" He redeemedus not with silver and gold, but with his
own precious blood, by way of price, 1 Pet. 1:18,19. with his out-stretchedand
glorious arm, by way of power, Col. 1:13. he redeemed us freely, Eph. 1:7,
fully Rom. 8:1, at the right time, Gal. 4:4, and out of specialand particular
love, John 17:9. In a word, he has redeemed us forever, never more to come
into bondage, 1 Pet. 1:5. John 10:28. O how lovely is Jesus Christin the
relation of a Redeemerto God's elect!
Secondly, He is a lovely BRIDEGROOM to all that he betroths to himself.
How does the church glory in him, in the words following my text; "this is my
Beloved, and this is my Friend, O you daughters of Jerusalem!" Heaven and
earth cannot show anyone like him, which needs no fuller proof than the
following particulars:
1. That he betroths to himself, in mercy and in loving kindness, such
deformed, defiled, and altogetherunworthy souls as we are. We have no
beauty, no goodnessto make us desirable in his eyes;all the origins of his love
to us are in his own breast, Deut. 7:7. He chooses us, not because we were
lovely, but in order that he might make us lovely Eph. 5:27. He came to us
when we lay in our blood, and said unto us, "Live"; and that was the time of
love, Ezek. 16:5.

2. He expects no restitution from us, and yet gives himself, and all that he has,
to us. Our poverty cannot enrich him, but he made himself poor to enrich us,
2 Cor. 8:9. 1 Cor. 3:22.
3. No husband loves the wife of his bosom, as much as Christ loved his people,
Eph. 5:25. He loved the church and gave himself for it.
4. No one bears with weaknessesand provocations as Christ does;the church
is called"the Lamb's wife," Rev. 19:9.
5. No husband is so undying and everlasting a husband as Christ is; death
separates allother relations, but the soul's union with Christ is not dissolved
in the grave. Indeed, the day of a believer's death is his marriage day, the day
of his fullest enjoyment of Christ. No husband can sayto his wife, what Christ
says to the believer, "I will never leave you, nor forsake you," Heb. 8:5.
6. No bridegroom enriches his bride with such honors by marriage, as Christ
does;he makes them related to God as their father, and from that day the
mighty and glorious angels think it no dishonor to be their servants, Heb.
1:14. The angels will admire the beauty and glory of the spouse of Christ, Rev.
21:9.
7. No marriage was ever consummated with such triumphal proceedings as
the marriage of Christ and believers shall be in heaven, "In her beautiful
robes, she is led to the king, accompaniedby her bridesmaids. What a joyful,
enthusiastic processionas they enter the king's palace!" Among the Jews, the
marriage-house was calledthe house of praise; there was joy upon all hands,
but nothing like the joy that will be in heavenwhen believers, the spouse of
Christ, shall be brought there. God the Fatherwill rejoice to behold the
blessedaccomplishmentand confirmation of those glorious plans of his love.
Jesus Christ, the Bridegroomwill rejoice to see the travail of his soul, the
blessedbirth and product of all his bitter pains and agonies, Isa. 53:11. The
Holy Spirit will rejoice to see the completion and perfectionof that sanctifying
design which was committed to his hand, 2 Cor. 5:5, to see those souls whom
he once found as rough stones, now to shine as the bright, polished stones of
the spiritual temple! Angels will rejoice:greatwas the joy when the
foundation of this designwas laid, in the incarnation of Christ, Luke 2:13.

Jesus was altogether lovely

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Jesus was altogether lovely