Union and Communion; Or, Thoughts on the Song of Solomon
1893
Union and Communion; Or, Thoughts on the Song of Solomon
1893
Published in 1893, 'Union and Communion; Or, Thoughts on the Song of Solomon' by James Hudson Taylor is a theological exploration of the relationship between believers and Christ, as illustrated in the biblical Song of Solomon. Taylor emphasizes personal union with God, reflecting on themes such as spiritual development, longing for communion, and the joy of surrender. The text aims to deepen understanding of this often-overlooked scripture, guiding readers through the bride's journey of intimacy with the divine.
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“The real secret of an unsatisfied life lies too often in an unsurrendered will.””
— James Hudson Taylor
“Separation never comes from His side. He is always ready for communion with a prepared heart, and in this happy communion the bride becomes ever fairer, and more like to her Lord. She is being progressively changed into His image, from one degree of glory to another, through the wondrous working of the Holy Spirit, until the Bridegroom can declare:”
— James Hudson Taylor
“She would fain claim him fully, without giving up herself fully to him; but it can never be: while she retains her own name, she can never claim his. She may not promise to love and honour if she will not also promise to obey: and till her love reaches that point of surrender she must remain an unsatisfied lover”
— James Hudson Taylor
“Union with Christ, and abiding in Christ, what do they not secure? Peace, perfect peace; rest, constant rest; answers to all our prayers; victory over all our foes; pure, holy living; ever-increasing fruitfulness. All, all of these are the glad outcome of abiding in Christ.””
— James Hudson Taylor
“We have, then, in this beautiful section, as we have seen, a picture of unbroken communion and its delightful issues. May our lives correspond! First, one with the King, then speaking of the King; the joy of communion leading to fellowship in service, to a being all for Jesus, ready for any experience that will fit for further service, surrendering all to Him, and willing to minister all for Him. There is no room for love of the world here, for union with Christ has filled the heart; there is nothing for the gratification of the world, for all has been sealed and is kept for the Master's use. Jesus, my life is Thine! And evermore shall be Hidden in Thee. For nothing can untwine Thy life from mine.””
— James Hudson Taylor
“May we all, while living down here, in the world, but not of it, find our home in the heavenly places to which we have been raised, and in which we are seated together with Christ. Sent into the world to witness for our Master, may we ever be strangers there, ready to confess Him the true object of our soul's devotion.””
— James Hudson Taylor
“Let us never forget that what we are is more important than what we do; and””
— James Hudson Taylor
“true love cannot be stationary; it must either decline or grow. Despite””
— James Hudson Taylor
“The consecration of all to our Master, far from lessening our power to impart, increases both our power and our joy in ministration. The five loaves and two fishes of the disciples, first given up to and blessed by the Lord, were abundant supply for the needy multitudes, and grew, in the act of distribution, into a store of which twelve hampers full of fragments remained when all were fully satisfied.””
— James Hudson Taylor
