Loves entercours between the Lamb & his bride, Christ and his Church. Or, A clear explication and application of the Song of Solomon. By William Guild, D.D. and preacher of God's Word.
         Guild, William, 1586-1657.
      
       
         
           1657
        
      
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             Loves entercours between the Lamb & his bride, Christ and his Church. Or, A clear explication and application of the Song of Solomon. By William Guild, D.D. and preacher of God's Word.
             Guild, William, 1586-1657.
          
           [6], 277 [i.e. 287], [3] p.
           
             Printed by W. Wilson for Ralph Smith, and are to be sold at his shop at the Bible in Cornhill.,
             London, :
             1658. [i.e. 1657]
          
           
             The last leaf is blank.
             P. 287 misnumbered 277.
             Annotation on Thomason copy: "Nouemb 25"; the 8 in the imprint date has been crossed out and replaced with a "7".
             Reproduction of the original in the British Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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           Bible. -- O.T. -- Song of Solomon -- Commentaries -- Early works to 1800.
        
      
    
     
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           LOVES
           ENTERCOVRS
           BETWEEN
           The
           Lamb
           &
           his
           Bride
           ,
           Christ
           and
           his
           Church
           .
           OR
           ,
           A
           clear
           Explication
           and
           Application
           of
           the
           
             Song
             of
             Solomon
          
           .
        
         
           By
           WILLIAM
           GUILD
           ,
           
             D.
             D.
          
           and
           Preacher
           of
           God's
           Word
           .
        
         
           
             Ephes
             .
             5.
             32.
             
          
           
             
               This
               is
               a
               great
               Mystery
               ;
               I
               speake
               concerning
               Christ
               and
               his
               Church
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             Revel
             .
             21.
             2.
             
          
           
             
               And
               I
               John
               saw
               the
               holy
               city
               ,
               new
               Jerusalem
               ,
               comming
               down
               from
               God
               our
               of
               Heaven
               ,
               prepared
               as
               a
               Bride
               adorned
               for
               her
               Husband
               .
            
          
        
         
           LONDON
           ,
           Printed
           by
           
             W.
             Wilson
          
           for
           
             Ralph
             Smith
          
           ,
           and
           are
           to
           be
           sold
           at
           his
           shop
           at
           the
           Bible
           in
           Cornhill
           .
           1658.
           7
        
      
       
         
         
         
           To
           the
           right
           Honorable
           ,
           
             Andrew
             Ramsey
          
           ,
           Provost
           of
           
             Edinburgh
             ,
             Archbald
             Sydserf
             ,
             Robert
             Murray
             ,
             Archbald
             Ker
             ,
          
           and
           
             Alexander
             Helleburton
          
           ,
           Balies
           ,
           
             David
             Wilkie
          
           deane
           of
           
             Gild
             ,
             Frances
             Kinloch
          
           Treasurer
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           remanant
           of
           the
           Honorable
           Councell
           of
           that
           Citty
           .
        
         
           
             Right
             Honorable
             ,
          
        
         
           IT
           is
           a
           wonderfull
           love
           that
           the
           Lord
           hath
           ever
           carried
           towards
           Man
           (
           passing
           by
           the
           faln
           Angels
           )
           not
           onely
           electing
           him
           before
           time
           ,
           creating
           him
           in
           time
           ,
           redeeming
           him
           in
           the
           fulnesse
           of
           time
           ,
           and
           preparing
           glory
           for
           him
           after
           all
           time
           ;
           but
           likewise
           in
           the
           manifestation
           of
           this
           his
           matchless
           love
           ,
           dealing
           therein
           so
           indulgently
           ,
           that
           he
           unfolds
           to
           us
           the
           highest
           mysteries
           that
           may
           be
           ,
           for
           our
           consolation
           ,
           in
           the
           lowliest
           termes
           and
           resemblances
           that
           can
           be
           ,
           for
           our
           instruction
           ;
           stooping
           downe
           so
           to
           us
           that
           we
           may
           step
           up
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           making
           earth
           to
           be
           (
           as
           it
           were
           )
           Heavens
           trenchman
           ;
           and
           that
           conjugall
           chaste
           love
           that
           is
           between
           the
           bridegroom
           and
           bride
           ,
           or
           the
           loving
           spouse
           and
           his
           dearely
           
           beloved
           ,
           to
           poynt
           and
           paint
           out
           in
           some
           measure
           that
           cordiall
           and
           matchlesse
           affection
           ,
           that
           without
           measure
           Christ
           carries
           to
           his
           Church
           :
           so
           that
           the
           Lord
           demits
           himselfe
           so
           to
           our
           capacities
           ,
           for
           our
           easier
           admission
           to
           his
           heavenly
           mysteries
           ,
           that
           if
           sense
           have
           any
           power
           on
           the
           soul
           ,
           the
           same
           cannot
           want
           many
           constant
           instructers
           ,
           as
           if
           things
           below
           were
           made
           by
           divine
           providence
           ,
           beyond
           their
           ordinary
           use
           or
           course
           ,
           to
           speak
           out
           things
           above
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           like
           the
           steps
           of
           that
           Ladder
           which
           Jacob
           saw
           at
           Bethel
           ,
           by
           which
           from
           the
           earth
           the
           soul
           may
           mount
           to
           Heaven
           ;
           or
           like
           that
           Vessel
           full
           of
           all
           variety
           which
           in
           a
           Vision
           was
           let
           down
           to
           Peter
           ,
           that
           by
           things
           terrestriall
           the
           same
           may
           be
           instructed
           in
           things
           that
           are
           celestial
           .
        
         
           A
           cleere
           instance
           whereof
           we
           have
           in
           this
           notable
           Song
           of
           Songs
           ,
           or
           sublime
           book
           of
           the
           Canticles
           ,
           wherein
           that
           great
           Lord
           and
           King
           of
           whom
           David
           speaks
           ,
           
             Psalm
             .
             45.
          
           and
           his
           glorious
           Spouse
           and
           Queen
           are
           to
           the
           life
           described
           ,
           together
           with
           that
           mutual
           holy
           and
           chaste
           love
           which
           each
           one
           of
           them
           beares
           to
           another
           .
           The
           serious
           and
           sanctified
           meditation
           whereof
           as
           it
           requireth
           an
           elevated
           and
           heavenly
           disposed
           mind
           :
           so
           it
           cannot
           likewise
           but
           ravish
           such
           a
           soul
           with
           spirituall
           ioy
           and
           comfort
           ,
           and
           inflame
           the
           same
           with
           a
           holy
           fervour
           of
           heavenly
           affection
           ,
           and
           a
           sutable
           care
           to
           expresse
           the
           same
           by
           a
           correspondent
           obedience
           of
           practicall
           action
           ,
           to
           be
           wished
           as
           the
           disposition
           of
           all
           faithfull
           Christians
           ,
           and
           for
           excitation
           whereunto
           
           I
           have
           taken
           these
           pains
           in
           unfolding
           (
           as
           the
           Lord
           has
           inabled
           me
           )
           the
           sublime
           Mysterie
           of
           this
           heavenly
           and
           mutuall
           intercourse
           of
           love
           ,
           communion
           and
           communication
           between
           Christ
           Jesus
           and
           his
           bride
           or
           spouse
           ,
           in
           her
           estate
           here
           by
           grace
           ,
           till
           at
           last
           she
           come
           to
           the
           full
           and
           uninterrupted
           fruition
           of
           himselfe
           in
           glory
           ,
           when
           all
           teares
           shall
           be
           wiped
           from
           her
           eyes
           ,
           and
           she
           shall
           enjoy
           that
           plenitude
           of
           ioy
           ,
           and
           perpetuity
           of
           pleasures
           for
           ever
           ,
           whereof
           the
           Psalmist
           speaks
           ,
           
             Psalm
             .
             16.
             11.
          
           
           And
           which
           I
           shall
           wish
           to
           be
           the
           Lot
           of
           every
           faithfull
           Christian
           .
        
         
           These
           paines
           then
           ,
           which
           I
           have
           taken
           in
           the
           unfoldingof
           this
           great
           and
           sublime
           mysterie
           ,
           I
           have
           dedicated
           to
           your
           honours
           :
           which
           as
           it
           is
           a
           Song
           of
           Love
           ,
           so
           it
           may
           be
           a
           sign
           and
           signification
           of
           my
           Love
           and
           respect
           to
           yourselves
           ,
           and
           to
           that
           place
           the
           most
           eminent
           Citie
           of
           our
           Kingdome
           ,
           whose
           prosperity
           and
           dayly
           increase
           of
           all
           saving
           Knowledge
           ,
           and
           believing
           on
           that
           blessed
           bridegroom
           he
           described
           ,
           and
           of
           your
           spirituall
           union
           with
           him
           as
           his
           beloved
           (
           wherein
           only
           stands
           true
           happinesse
           )
           shall
           be
           the
           heartie
           and
           earnest
           wish
           of
        
         
           
             Your
             affectionated
             servant
             in
             Christ
             ,
             
             W.
             GUILD
             .
          
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
         
           An
           Exposition
           of
           the
           Song
           of
           Songs
           ,
           which
           is
           SOLOMON'S
           .
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             I.
             
          
           
             
               Verse
               1.
               
               The
               Song
               of
               Songs
               ,
               which
               is
               Solomon's
               .
            
             
               THis
               Book
               of
               holy
               Scripture
               has
               for
               the
               pen-man
               thereof
               ,
               (
               we
               see
               )
               Salomon
               ,
               the
               wisest
               of
               Kings
               ;
               for
               the
               matter
               ,
               the
               worthiest
               subject
               ,
               the
               mutuall
               love
               between
               Christ
               and
               his
               Church
               ;
               for
               the
               style
               ,
               the
               most
               sublime
               and
               pleasant
               ,
               being
               amorous
               and
               a
               song
               ;
               and
               for
               the
               speakers
               therein
               ,
               the
               most
               heavenly
               and
               excellent
               ,
               Christ
               Jesus
               and
               his
               Spouse
               .
            
             
               The
               cause
               wherefore
               the
               holy
               Ghost
               represents
               this
               love
               and
               union
               between
               these
               two
               ,
               in
               all
               this
               Song
               ,
               by
               the
               similitude
               of
               matrimoniall
               conjunction
               ,
               is
               ,
               because
               in
               all
               other
               Londs
               of
               love
               or
               friendship
               ,
               there
               is
               not
               either
               so
               sacred
               a
               ground
               of
               so
               holy
               and
               particular
               intire
               affection
               ,
               nor
               such
               a
               communion
               of
               so
               deere
               things
               ,
               as
               hearts
               ,
               bodies
               ,
               and
               goods
               ,
               nor
               so
               strait
               a
               conjunction
               of
               parties
               ,
               becomming
               thereby
               one
               flesh
               ,
               not
               so
               durable
               for
               time
               ,
               being
               dissolvable
               only
               by
               death
               ,
               and
               the
               effect
               rather
               divine
               then
               humane
               ,
               God
               using
               men
               thereby
               but
               as
               instruments
               to
               propagate
               his
               Church
               .
               Therefore
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               being
               to
               represent
               unto
               us
               that
               which
               is
               otherwise
               in
               it selfe
               unconceiveable
               ,
               could
               chuse
               no
               fitter
               similitude
               then
               this
               affection
               and
               union
               matrimoniall
               :
               Therefore
               also
               it
               is
               ,
               that
               in
               other
               places
               of
               Scripture
               the
               Church
               is
               called
               the
               Bride
               and
               the
               Lamb's
               wife
               .
               Rev.
               21.
               9.
               and
               Ioh.
               3.
               29.
               our
               Saviour
               is
               called
               the
               bridegroom
               ,
               &
               the
               Church
               his
               bride
               ;
               whereby
               is
               evident
               ,
               though
               this
               Bride
               and
               bridegroome
               bee
               not
               named
               by
               any
               proper
               names
               in
               all
               this
               Song
               ,
               yet
               that
               it
               
               is
               without
               all
               controversie
               ,
               that
               Christ
               and
               his
               Church
               are
               meant
               ;
               these
               things
               being
               attributed
               in
               this
               song
               to
               both
               ,
               to
               wit
               such
               beauty
               ,
               glory
               ,
               and
               excellency
               ,
               as
               far
               surmounts
               all
               other
               beautie
               ,
               glory
               and
               excellency
               in
               the
               world
               ,
               and
               to
               represent
               in
               like
               manner
               ,
               the
               spirituall
               and
               heavenly
               ornaments
               &
               gifts
               which
               he
               bestoweth
               on
               her
               ,
               and
               the
               fruits
               of
               her
               love
               againe
               which
               she
               rendereth
               to
               him
               for
               the
               same
               ,
               here
               are
               reckoned
               up
               all
               the
               sweetest
               ,
               richest
               ,
               and
               most
               precious
               things
               that
               are
               in
               the
               world
               .
            
             
               This
               book
               then
               in
               generall
               is
               a
               continued
               amorous
               conference
               between
               Christ
               and
               his
               Church
               for
               the
               most
               part
               ,
               wherein
               either
               they
               speake
               by
               way
               of
               a
               love-dialogue
               each
               to
               other
               ,
               or
               else
               encomiastickly
               and
               by
               way
               of
               commendation
               one
               of
               another
               .
            
             
               And
               in
               particular
               to
               come
               to
               this
               Chapter
               .
               1
               Wee
               have
               therein
               the
               generall
               title
               or
               inscription
               of
               the
               whole
               book
               contained
               in
               the
               first
               verse
               .
               2.
               
               We
               have
               the
               three
               severall
               parts
               of
               the
               chapter
               ;
               the
               first
               ,
               wherein
               the
               church
               speakes
               ,
               and
               which
               is
               supplicatory
               ,
               the
               first
               six
               verses
               after
               the
               second
               ,
               wherein
               Christ
               speakes
               ,
               and
               which
               is
               directorie
               .
               ver
               .
               8.
               and
               the
               last
               ,
               where
               both
               speake
               ,
               which
               is
               mutually
               laudatorie
               ,
               in
               the
               last
               verses
               of
               the
               chapter
               .
            
             
               In
               the
               generall
               title
               then
               ,
               and
               inscription
               of
               the
               whole
               book
               ,
               we
               have
               first
               the
               Title
               it selfe
               ,
               or
               sort
               of
               writing
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               
                 a
                 Song
              
               .
               2
               The
               excellency
               thereof
               ,
               
                 a
                 Song
                 of
                 Songs
              
               ,
               so
               called
               after
               the
               Hebrew
               phrayse
               ,
               as
               one
               would
               say
               ,
               A
               song
               that
               excelleth
               all
               other
               songs
               ,
               as
               our
               Saviour
               is
               called
               ,
               Rev.
               19.
               16.
               the
               King
               of
               kings
               and
               Lord
               of
               lords
               .
               3.
               
               The
               Author
               ,
               or
               rather
               penman
               thereof
               ,
               which
               is
               Solomons
            
             
               First
               then
               it
               is
               called
               
                 A
                 song
              
               and
               men
               use
               to
               sing
               for
               joy
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               Jam
               5.
               13.
               and
               
                 Ephes
                 .
                 5.
                 18.
                 
                 Exod.
                 15.
                 1.
                 
                 Judg.
              
               5.
               1.
               
               &c.
               And
               indeed
               the
               ground
               of
               the
               greatest
               joy
               that
               a
               christian
               soule
               can
               have
               ,
               is
               this
               ,
               that
               Christ
               Jesus
               hath
               vouchsafed
               to
               be
               joyned
               in
               such
               a
               straight
               and
               spirituall
               Union
               with
               man
               ,
               that
               he
               hath
               maried
               himselfe
               to
               his
               Church
               ,
               she
               to
               be
               his
               Bride
               ,
               and
               he
               her
               Bridegroome
               ;
               and
               wherefrom
               flowes
               such
               a
               communion
               of
               good
               things
               to
               her
               ,
               which
               the
               heart
               cannot
               conceive
               enough
               ,
               nor
               the
               tongue
               expresse
               .
            
             
               Next
               ,
               it
               is
               called
               for
               excellency
               ,
               a
               
                 Song
                 of
                 Songs
              
               ,
               as
               excelling
               all
               others
               ,
               so
               that
               it
               may
               be
               said
               of
               it
               ,
               as
               is
               said
               of
               the
               vertuous
               woman
               ,
               Many
               daughters
               have
               done
               worthily
               ,
               but
               thou
               exceeds
               them
               all
               :
               the
               same
               being
               of
               the
               most
               excellent
               
               subject
               ,
               the
               most
               excellent
               persons
               ,
               and
               the
               most
               excellent
               and
               pleasant
               manner
               of
               Setting
               downe
               the
               same
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               the
               author
               or
               rather
               penman
               ,
               is
               Solomon
               who
               was
               a
               type
               of
               Christ
               and
               whose
               marriage
               with
               his
               Queen
               ,
               spoken
               of
               Psal
               45.
               was
               a
               type
               of
               this
               spoken
               of
               here
               between
               Christ
               and
               his
               Church
               ,
               and
               who
               wrote
               this
               song
               as
               he
               was
               a
               Prophet
               ,
               and
               as
               Peter
               shews
               us
               ,
               not
               of
               the
               will
               of
               man
               ,
               but
               as
               he
               was
               moved
               by
               the
               holy
               Ghost
               2
               Pet.
               1.
               21.
               and
               therefore
               is
               not
               carnally
               to
               be
               understood
               ,
               but
               in
               a
               spirituall
               and
               a
               holy
               manner
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Seeing
                 that
                 this
                 Song
                 is
                 so
                 highly
                 praised
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 be
                 called
                 the
                 
                   Song
                   of
                   Songs
                
                 ,
                 Let
                 us
                 have
                 the
                 greater
                 care
                 to
                 attaine
                 to
                 the
                 true
                 understanding
                 thereof
                 ,
                 digging
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 in
                 this
                 excellent
                 field
                 to
                 find
                 out
                 the
                 treasure
                 of
                 true
                 comfort
                 and
                 wisedom
                 that
                 lies
                 hid
                 therein
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Seeing
                 that
                 it
                 was
                 written
                 by
                 Solomon
                 as
                 a
                 Prophet
                 ,
                 and
                 penman
                 onely
                 of
                 Gods
                 Holy
                 spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 word
                 or
                 wisedome
                 of
                 man
                 ,
                 but
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 therefore
                 let
                 us
                 reverence
                 and
                 receive
                 it
                 accordingly
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Verse
               2.
               
               Let
               him
               kisse
               me
               with
               the
               kisses
               of
               his
               mouth
               ,
               for
               thy
               love
               is
               better
               then
               wine
               .
            
             
               HEre
               the
               Church
               begins
               the
               Dialogue
               ,
               In
               which
               words
               is
               1.
               her
               petition
               to
               her
               beloved
               ,
               and
               2.
               the
               reason
               thereof
               subjoyned
               thereto
               .
               Her
               petition
               then
               is
               ,
               
                 Let
                 Him
                 kisse
                 me
                 with
                 the
                 kisses
                 of
                 his
                 mouth
                 ,
              
               according
               to
               that
               allegory
               under
               which
               the
               whole
               song
               is
               written
               ,
               as
               betrothed
               lovers
               do
               by
               kisses
               expresse
               their
               love
               one
               to
               another
               ,
               even
               so
               here
               the
               Church
               betrothed
               to
               Christ
               ,
               as
               a
               bride
               desires
               his
               comfortable
               fellowship
               ,
               and
               expression
               or
               assurance
               to
               her
               soule
               of
               his
               tender
               affection
               .
            
             
               As
               for
               kisses
               we
               reade
               of
               sundry
               ,
               for
               sundry
               ends
               ,
               and
               signifiing
               sundry
               things
               in
               Scripture
               :
               for
               1.
               there
               is
               a
               kisse
               of
               Salutation
               1.
               
               Sam.
               20.
               41.
               2
               
               There
               is
               a
               kisse
               of
               Valediction
               .
               Ruth
               .
               2.
               9.
               3
               
               There
               is
               a
               kisse
               of
               reconciliation
               2
               Sam.
               14.
               33.
               and
               Luke
               .
               15.
               20.
               4
               
               There
               is
               a
               kisse
               of
               subjection
               .
               Psal
               .
               2.
               12.
               5
               
               There
               is
               a
               kisse
               of
               religious
               adoration
               .
               1.
               
               King.
               19.
               18.
               6
               
               There
               is
               a
               kisse
               of
               approbation
               .
               Pro.
               20.
               24.
               26.
               
               And
               7.
               there
               
               is
               a
               kisse
               of
               love
               and
               affection
               ,
               as
               ,
               Gen.
               45.
               15.
               
               Seeing
               therefore
               that
               she
               speakes
               here
               of
               kisses
               in
               the
               plurall
               number
               ,
               the
               kisses
               that
               she
               meanes
               are
               these
               two
               specially
               ,
               of
               Reconciliation
               and
               Affection
               ,
               to
               the
               which
               may
               be
               added
               the
               third
               of
               Approbation
               which
               is
               the
               sweetest
               of
               all
               ,
               when
               he
               shall
               say
               ,
               Come
               faithful
               servant
               ,
               and
               enter
               into
               thy
               masters
               joy
               ;
               And
               of
               this
               kisse
               is
               she
               most
               desirous
               ,
               as
               we
               may
               see
               ,
               Rev.
               22.
               17.
               
            
             
               In
               like
               manner
               ,
               we
               must
               understand
               that
               there
               is
               mention
               made
               here
               of
               kisses
               in
               the
               plurall
               ,
               to
               shew
               that
               she
               had
               need
               not
               only
               of
               one
               act
               of
               mercy
               in
               pardoning
               &
               being
               reconciled
               ,
               or
               kything
               his
               free
               love
               to
               her
               ,
               but
               of
               many
               acts
               of
               his
               mercy
               and
               love
               ,
               because
               of
               her
               many
               times
               and
               daily
               sinning
               against
               him
               ,
               and
               of
               many
               new
               supplies
               of
               his
               grace
               to
               her
               soul
               in
               respect
               of
               her
               spirituall
               and
               many
               decayes
               and
               necessities
               ,
               whereby
               when
               she
               hath
               gotten
               faith
               and
               the
               like
               saving
               graces
               ,
               she
               hath
               need
               to
               pray
               and
               confesse
               ,
               
                 Lord
                 I
                 beleeve
                 ,
                 but
                 Lord
                 increase
                 my
                 faith
                 ,
              
               and
               when
               she
               hath
               gotten
               ●ood
               to
               her
               soul
               ,
               to
               say
               ,
               as
               they
               said
               
                 John
                 6.
                 
                 Lord
                 evermore
                 give
                 us
                 this
                 bread
                 .
              
            
             
               Neither
               is
               it
               superfluously
               added
               
                 [
                 with
                 the
                 kisses
                 of
                 his
                 mouth
                 .
                 ]
              
               1.
               
               Because
               by
               his
               mouth
               opened
               in
               holy
               Scripture
               ,
               he
               gives
               as
               it
               were
               this
               kisse
               of
               reconciliation
               ,
               while
               as
               to
               every
               penitent
               sinner
               and
               beleever
               
               in
               the
               blood
               of
               Christ
               ,
               absolution
               from
               their
               sinnes
               ,
               and
               reconciliation
               unto
               God
               is
               pronounced
               ,
               and
               as
               it
               were
               by
               the
               keyes
               of
               the
               kingdome
               of
               heaven
               ,
               the
               same
               which
               was
               shut
               before
               against
               them
               is
               now
               opened
               unto
               them
               .
               2.
               
               Because
               by
               his
               mouth
               likewise
               opened
               in
               holy
               Scripture
               ,
               Faith
               is
               begotten
               in
               the
               heart
               ,
               (
               as
               the
               
               Apostle
               saith
               ,
               Faith
               comes
               by
               hearing
               ,
               and
               hearing
               is
               of
               the
               word
               ,
               )
               by
               which
               saith
               the
               comfortable
               promises
               of
               remission
               and
               reconciliation
               are
               applied
               to
               the
               soul
               of
               every
               penitent
               beleever
               ,
               as
               it
               were
               Christs
               lips
               kissing
               their
               souls
               ,
               and
               whereby
               he
               speakes
               peace
               to
               his
               Saints
               ,
               as
               Isay
               57.
               19.
               and
               seales
               what
               is
               said
               in
               his
               word
               ,
               and
               saies
               to
               their
               soules
               that
               he
               is
               their
               salvation
               .
               And
               3.
               because
               by
               the
               Sacraments
               annexed
               to
               the
               Word
               ,
               and
               by
               the
               testimony
               of
               his
               Spirit
               ,
               the
               remission
               of
               sinnes
               and
               reconciliation
               
               with
               God
               through
               Christ
               and
               his
               singular
               love
               to
               us
               is
               sealed
               up
               and
               assured
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               tells
               us
               ,
               till
               the
               day
               of
               our
               full
               redemption
               .
               Ephes
               .
               4.
               30.
               
            
             
               But
               before
               we
               get
               these
               kisses
               of
               his
               mouth
               ,
               Bernard
               tells
               us
               that
               ,
               with
               
                 Mary
                 Magdalen
              
               ,
               we
               must
               begin
               at
               the
               kisses
               of
               his
               
               feet
               ,
               and
               bedewing
               them
               with
               our
               tears
               ,
               we
               must
               expect
               his
               bedewing
               our
               souls
               with
               the
               word
               of
               Comfort
               .
               And
               therafter
               also
               when
               we
               have
               gotten
               the
               kisses
               of
               his
               mouth
               (
               as
               Josephs
               brethren
               got
               ,
               when
               he
               discovered
               himself
               to
               them
               ,
               Gen.
               45.
               15.
               )
               We
               must
               also
               kisse
               the
               Sonne
               as
               we
               are
               exhorted
               ,
               Psal
               .
               2.
               with
               the
               kisses
               of
               homage
               and
               subjection
               ,
               and
               not
               suffer
               any
               other
               ever
               to
               Lord
               it
               over
               us
               .
               But
               ,
               without
               naming
               him
               ,
               Why
               saies
               she
               ,
               
                 let
                 him
                 kisse
                 me
              
               ?
               I
               answer
               ,
               after
               an
               usual
               phrase
               of
               scripture
               speaking
               of
               persons
               supposed
               to
               be
               notably
               known
               ,
               as
               Psalm
               .
               87.
               1.
               and
               John.
               20.
               15.
               she
               showes
               you
               that
               Christ
               ,
               being
               a
               common
               Saviour
               to
               all
               ,
               Luke
               .
               2.
               10
               ,
               therfore
               she
               presuppones
               that
               he
               should
               be
               known
               by
               all
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Out
                 of
                 this
                 holy
                 and
                 Heavenly
                 desire
                 of
                 her's
                 ,
                 while
                 she
                 is
                 on
                 earth
                 ,
                 yet
                 having
                 her
                 heart
                 on
                 him
                 and
                 the
                 desire
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 Love-tokens
                 who
                 is
                 in
                 Heaven
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 disposition
                 of
                 the
                 godly
                 ,
                 like
                 
                   Jacobs
                   ,
                   Gen.
                   32.
                   
                   Moses
                   ,
                   Heb.
                   11.
                   
                   Davids
                   ,
                   Psalm
                   .
                
                 4.
                 or
                 others
                 .
                 And
                 how
                 contrary
                 the
                 same
                 is
                 to
                 worldlings
                 who
                 have
                 their
                 portion
                 in
                 this
                 life
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 their
                 
                   Non
                   ultra
                
                 ,
                 and
                 sing
                 a
                 requirem
                 to
                 their
                 souls
                 ,
                 when
                 their
                 barns
                 are
                 full
                 ,
                 which
                 they
                 think
                 to
                 enjoy
                 many
                 yeares
                 when
                 they
                 have
                 not
                 perhaps
                 many
                 hours
                 to
                 remaine
                 therewith
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Seeing
                 more
                 particularlie
                 ,
                 the
                 gift
                 of
                 reconciliation
                 ,
                 and
                 sense
                 of
                 Gods
                 love
                 to
                 her
                 thereby
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 a
                 neerer
                 union
                 ,
                 is
                 her
                 desire
                 above
                 all
                 things
                 ;
                 Let
                 us
                 try
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 true
                 members
                 of
                 Christs
                 Church
                 ,
                 if
                 this
                 be
                 our's
                 in
                 like
                 manner
                 .
                 Else
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 not
                 like
                 to
                 her
                 in
                 her
                 desires
                 and
                 delights
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 token
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 no
                 true
                 members
                 of
                 that
                 mysticall
                 body
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Seeing
                 the
                 spirituall
                 benefits
                 which
                 we
                 receive
                 do
                 come
                 to
                 us
                 by
                 his
                 Word
                 and
                 ministrie
                 thereof
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 kisses
                 of
                 his
                 mouth
                 ;
                 Let
                 us
                 highly
                 esteem
                 of
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 man
                 did
                 ,
                 
                   (
                   Matth.
                
                 13.
                 44.
                 
                 )
                 of
                 the
                 Field
                 wherein
                 the
                 rich
                 treasure
                 was
                 :
                 and
                 as
                 David
                 professeth
                 ,
                 Psalm
                 .
                 19
                 and
                 119.
                 which
                 if
                 we
                 do
                 not
                 ,
                 but
                 vilifie
                 his
                 mouth
                 ,
                 we
                 will
                 also
                 vilifie
                 the
                 kisses
                 of
                 his
                 mouth
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 But
                 how
                 comes
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 she
                 so
                 boldly
                 and
                 familiarly
                 talkes
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 
                   (
                   let
                   him
                   kisse
                   me
                   )
                   ?
                
                 Should
                 not
                 fervour
                 of
                 affection
                 have
                 with
                 it
                 humility
                 of
                 reverence
                 ?
                 To
                 this
                 Bernard
                 answers
                 ,
                 saying
                 ,
                 
                   Ne
                   causemimi
                   praesumptionem
                   ,
                   ubi
                   affectio
                   
                   urget
                   ;
                   reclamat
                   pudor
                   sed
                   urget
                   Amor
                   ,
                   qui
                   nec
                   consilio
                   temperatur
                   ,
                   nec
                   pudore
                   fraenatur
                   .
                
                 Whence
                 we
                 observe
                 that
                 if
                 our
                 souls
                 tell
                 us
                 truly
                 that
                 we
                 love
                 Christ
                 ,
                 we
                 may
                 boldly
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 throne
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 find
                 loves
                 speech
                 graciously
                 accepted
                 .
              
               
                 
                   For
                   thy
                   loves
                
                 &c.
                 
                 This
                 is
                 the
                 reason
                 of
                 her
                 so
                 great
                 desire
                 of
                 the
                 kisses
                 of
                 his
                 mouth
                 as
                 the
                 evidence
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 towards
                 her
                 ,
                 because
                 his
                 love
                 is
                 so
                 sweet
                 and
                 comfortable
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 beyond
                 all
                 comparison
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 is
                 not
                 onely
                 like
                 ,
                 but
                 better
                 nor
                 wine
                 .
                 Which
                 being
                 the
                 principall
                 thing
                 that
                 is
                 used
                 in
                 banquets
                 to
                 make
                 the
                 heart
                 cheerfull
                 ,
                 is
                 therefore
                 put
                 here
                 for
                 all
                 the
                 most
                 comfortable
                 ,
                 delicate
                 and
                 delightfull
                 dainties
                 which
                 are
                 used
                 at
                 most
                 royall
                 banquets
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 see
                 Esth
                 .
                 1.
                 the
                 sweetness
                 of
                 whose
                 love
                 (
                 which
                 she
                 so
                 commends
                 )
                 sweetens
                 the
                 most
                 bitter
                 things
                 that
                 the
                 godly
                 can
                 suffer
                 for
                 him
                 even
                 death
                 it self
                 ,
                 and
                 makes
                 all
                 other
                 things
                 which
                 were
                 sweet
                 to
                 flesh
                 and
                 blood
                 before
                 and
                 offensive
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 most
                 bitter
                 and
                 disgustfull
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 see
                 in
                 all
                 true
                 converts
                 .
              
               
                 This
                 love
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 is
                 twofold
                 towards
                 his
                 Church
                 ;
                 or
                 there
                 are
                 two
                 sorts
                 thereof
                 :
                 the
                 first
                 is
                 called
                 
                   amor
                   bene
                   placiti
                   seu
                   benevolentiae
                
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 his
                 good
                 pleasure
                 the
                 other
                 is
                 called
                 
                   amor
                   complacentiae
                
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 his
                 good
                 liking
                 :
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 good
                 pleasure
                 is
                 before
                 man
                 was
                 and
                 eternall
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 that
                 whereby
                 from
                 before
                 all
                 beginning
                 in
                 that
                 decree
                 of
                 his
                 election
                 he
                 chose
                 so
                 many
                 as
                 the
                 freely
                 loved
                 unto
                 eternall
                 salvation
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 his
                 good
                 likeing
                 is
                 in
                 time
                 ,
                 when
                 man
                 is
                 ,
                 and
                 walking
                 in
                 the
                 wayes
                 of
                 the
                 Lord's
                 obedience
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 is
                 well
                 pleased
                 with
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 This
                 love
                 of
                 Christ
                 towards
                 his
                 Church
                 has
                 these
                 properties
                 ensuing
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 a
                 love
                 whereby
                 he
                 loves
                 us
                 first
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 have
                 it
                 Ezek.
                 16.
                 and
                 1
                 Joh.
                 4.
                 19.
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 a
                 free
                 love
                 ,
                 without
                 either
                 foreseene
                 merit
                 against
                 the
                 Papist
                 or
                 for
                 foreseene
                 faith
                 ,
                 against
                 the
                 Arminian
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 we
                 have
                 it
                 ,
                 Hos
                 .
                 14.
                 4.
                 
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 a
                 servent
                 and
                 great
                 love
                 ,
                 as
                 is
                 showne
                 us
                 Joh.
                 10.
                 15.
                 that
                 he
                 gave
                 his
                 life
                 for
                 us
                 ,
                 especially
                 being
                 his
                 enemies
                 :
                 and
                 which
                 is
                 so
                 great
                 that
                 the
                 Apostle
                 tells
                 us
                 ,
                 it
                 passes
                 all
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 Eph.
                 3.
                 19.
                 as
                 Augustin
                 sayes
                 ,
                 
                   quod
                   tantus
                   ,
                   tantillos
                   ,
                   et
                   tales
                   ,
                   tantum
                   dilexerit
                   .
                
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 an
                 eternall
                 love
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 see
                 Joh.
                 15.
                 9.
                 both
                 
                   à
                   priori
                
                 in
                 beneplacito
                 ,
                 &
                 therefore
                 our
                 salvation
                 being
                 grounded
                 thereon
                 is
                 
                 sure
                 ,
                 &
                 
                   à
                   posteriori
                
                 because
                 it
                 shal
                 continue
                 towards
                 us
                 for
                 ever
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 a
                 matchles
                 and
                 incomparable
                 love
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 Jacob
                 to
                 Rachel
                 ,
                 or
                 Jonathan's
                 to
                 David
                 or
                 a
                 mother
                 's
                 to
                 a
                 child
                 cannot
                 be
                 compared
                 thereto
                 .
                 And
                 therefore
                 ,
                 as
                 is
                 said
                 of
                 Christs
                 sorrow
                 Lam.
                 1.
                 12.
                 so
                 may
                 it
                 be
                 said
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 Behold
                 and
                 see
                 ,
                 if
                 ever
                 the
                 like
                 love
                 was
                 ,
                 as
                 is
                 my
                 love
                 ,
                 or
                 as
                 the
                 Jewes
                 said
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 to
                 Lazarus
                 ,
                 so
                 may
                 we
                 with
                 admiration
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   Ecce
                   quam
                   amavit
                
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 Lastly
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 an
                 Immutable
                 love
                 ,
                 
                   Joh.
                   13.
                   1.
                   
                   Ro.
                
                 8.
                 35.
                 so
                 that
                 though
                 we
                 sin
                 ,
                 by
                 *
                 falling
                 (
                 but
                 not
                 walking
                 therein
                 )
                 he
                 may
                 correctus
                 with
                 the
                 rods
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 but
                 his
                 loving
                 kindness
                 he
                 will
                 never
                 take
                 from
                 us
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 why
                 speakes
                 he
                 of
                 loves
                 in
                 the
                 plurall
                 number
                 ?
                 I
                 answer
                 1.
                 this
                 is
                 to
                 shew
                 ,
                 not
                 onely
                 the
                 plentifull
                 and
                 super
                 aboundant
                 measure
                 of
                 this
                 love
                 ,
                 which
                 I
                 may
                 rather
                 call
                 unmeasureable
                 ,
                 and
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 speakes
                 ,
                 passing
                 all
                 knowledge
                 ;
                 but
                 likewise
                 ,
                 2.
                 to
                 shew
                 the
                 diversity
                 of
                 the
                 manner
                 of
                 manifestation
                 of
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 from
                 this
                 inexhaustible
                 and
                 large
                 Ocean
                 so
                 many
                 lovely
                 streames
                 do
                 flow
                 ,
                 as
                 election
                 ,
                 vocation
                 justification
                 ,
                 Sanctification
                 ,
                 and
                 ,
                 in
                 end
                 ,
                 glorification
                 ;
                 all
                 which
                 proceed
                 from
                 Christs
                 free
                 love
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 as
                 so
                 many
                 loves
                 ,
                 or
                 love
                 tokens
                 of
                 his
                 .
              
               
                 Now
                 this
                 love
                 is
                 compared
                 and
                 preferred
                 to
                 wine
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 Because
                 as
                 wine
                 is
                 pleasant
                 and
                 delectable
                 as
                 we
                 see
                 Pro.
                 23.
                 31.
                 so
                 there
                 is
                 nothing
                 so
                 pleasant
                 and
                 delectable
                 to
                 the
                 christian
                 soule
                 at
                 all
                 times
                 and
                 in
                 all
                 estates
                 ,
                 as
                 Christs
                 love
                 and
                 the
                 meditation
                 and
                 perswasion
                 thereof
                 .
                 2.
                 
                 As
                 wine
                 rejoyces
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 &
                 therefore
                 is
                 called
                 a
                 cheering
                 liquor
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 104.
                 15.
                 
                 See
                 Pro.
                 31.
                 6.
                 so
                 nothing
                 rejoyces
                 the
                 heart
                 of
                 a
                 true
                 Christian
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 Christs
                 love
                 ,
                 though
                 one
                 injoyed
                 all
                 the
                 honours
                 &
                 pleasures
                 of
                 the
                 whole
                 world
                 ,
                 &
                 although
                 the
                 whole
                 world
                 should
                 hate
                 him
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 cares
                 not
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 have
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 God
                 and
                 of
                 Christ
                 Jesus
                 his
                 Lord
                 ,
                 3.
                 
                 Wine
                 is
                 medicinall
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 Luk.
                 10.
                 34.
                 
                 And
                 so
                 is
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 God
                 both
                 in
                 the
                 effects
                 ,
                 and
                 assurance
                 thereof
                 to
                 a
                 wounded
                 spirit
                 ,
                 or
                 sick
                 soule
                 longing
                 for
                 cure
                 and
                 comfort
                 as
                 the
                 spouse
                 does
                 ,
                 Cant.
                 2.
                 5.
                 4
                 
                 It
                 stirres
                 up
                 courage
                 in
                 hostlie
                 encounters
                 ,
                 &
                 so
                 doth
                 Christs
                 love
                 (
                 the
                 meditation
                 and
                 perswasion
                 thereof
                 )
                 against
                 all
                 our
                 spirituall
                 enemies
                 ,
                 yea
                 and
                 death
                 it self
                 ,
                 
                   Rom.
                   8.
                   35.
                   
                   Psal
                
                 .
                 23.
                 4.
                 5
                 
                 It
                 refreshes
                 and
                 repaires
                 (
                 like
                 Jonathan's
                 hony
                 comb
                 )
                 decayed
                 strength
                 in
                 fainting
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 does
                 the
                 contemplation
                 
                 of
                 Christ's
                 love
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 soul
                 beginnes
                 to
                 faint
                 in
                 trouble
                 or
                 temptation
                 .
                 6.
                 
                 Solomon
                 sayes
                 ,
                 Pro.
                 31.
                 7.
                 that
                 wine
                 makes
                 a
                 man
                 forget
                 his
                 misery
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 does
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 Christ
                 and
                 the
                 assurance
                 thereof
                 ,
                 whatsoever
                 misery
                 or
                 hard
                 estate
                 he
                 be
                 in
                 ,
                 in
                 this
                 present
                 life
                 ,
                 because
                 he
                 lookes
                 over
                 all
                 that
                 :
                 and
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 people
                 did
                 in
                 the
                 wildernesse
                 on
                 the
                 brasen
                 serpent
                 ,
                 so
                 he
                 fixeth
                 his
                 eye
                 upon
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 sweet
                 fruit
                 thereof
                 ,
                 which
                 he
                 shall
                 enjoy
                 at
                 last
                 .
                 7.
                 
                 Wine
                 was
                 used
                 likewise
                 in
                 legall
                 sacrifices
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 see
                 Num.
                 15.
                 5.
                 
                 And
                 so
                 in
                 all
                 our
                 spirituall
                 sacrifices
                 of
                 prayer
                 and
                 praise
                 ,
                 a
                 main
                 ingredient
                 to
                 stirre
                 up
                 our
                 devotion
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 thank
                 the
                 Lord
                 therefore
                 ,
                 is
                 ,
                 his
                 love
                 towards
                 us
                 :
                 This
                 also
                 is
                 an
                 encouragement
                 giving
                 us
                 confidence
                 to
                 be
                 heard
                 ,
                 and
                 accepted
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 should
                 be
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 uses
                 it
                 ,
                 Rom.
                 12.
                 1.
                 
                 )
                 a
                 maine
                 motive
                 ,
                 to
                 offer
                 up
                 our
                 bodies
                 as
                 an
                 acceptable
                 ,
                 holy
                 ,
                 and
                 living
                 sacrifice
                 to
                 God.
                 
              
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 that
                 the
                 Church
                 takes
                 the
                 kisses
                 of
                 Christs
                 mouth
                 ,
                 which
                 are
                 the
                 assurance
                 to
                 her
                 soul
                 of
                 her
                 reconciliation
                 with
                 God
                 and
                 such
                 spirituall
                 gifts
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 onely
                 sure
                 testimonies
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 towards
                 her
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 how
                 farre
                 is
                 she
                 different
                 in
                 judgement
                 from
                 the
                 worldlings
                 ,
                 who
                 measure
                 gods
                 love
                 to
                 themselves
                 by
                 temporall
                 things
                 and
                 worldly
                 prosperity
                 ?
                 which
                 thing
                 ,
                 like
                 that
                 woman
                 ,
                 Rev.
                 12.
                 1.
                 she
                 treads
                 upon
                 in
                 affection
                 ,
                 seeking
                 
                   quae
                   supra
                
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 Jacob
                 the
                 birthright
                 and
                 blessing
                 ;
                 or
                 with
                 
                   David
                   ,
                   Psal
                
                 .
                 4.
                 6.
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 Gods
                 countenance
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 ,
                 the
                 cause
                 why
                 so
                 earnestly
                 she
                 suits
                 these
                 tokens
                 of
                 Christs
                 love
                 ,
                 &
                 consequently
                 his
                 love
                 it self
                 ,
                 is
                 ,
                 her
                 due
                 and
                 right
                 valuation
                 of
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 better
                 nor
                 wine
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 most
                 pleasant
                 and
                 comfortable
                 thing
                 in
                 nature
                 :
                 therefore
                 till
                 we
                 learn
                 spiritually
                 to
                 discerne
                 ,
                 and
                 accordingly
                 highly
                 to
                 value
                 spirituall
                 things
                 ,
                 like
                 Jacob
                 who
                 valued
                 the
                 birthright
                 and
                 blessing
                 otherwise
                 then
                 Esau
                 ;
                 Or
                 the
                 wise
                 merchant
                 ,
                 Matth.
                 13.
                 that
                 valued
                 the
                 pearle
                 otherwise
                 than
                 did
                 Esop's
                 Cock
                 ,
                 we
                 will
                 never
                 earnestly
                 seek
                 after
                 such
                 things
                 ,
                 but
                 as
                 most
                 men
                 do
                 ,
                 we
                 will
                 vilisie
                 and
                 despise
                 them
                 and
                 seek
                 after
                 other
                 things
                 busily
                 with
                 Martha
                 ,
                 which
                 we
                 most
                 account
                 of
                 ,
                 neglecting
                 this
                 one
                 thing
                 which
                 is
                 most
                 necessary
                 of
                 all
                 ;
                 yea
                 after
                 sinne
                 ,
                 and
                 sinfull
                 pleasures
                 which
                 should
                 be
                 bitter
                 and
                 most
                 disgustfull
                 to
                 us
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 As
                 due
                 valuation
                 of
                 spirituall
                 things
                 makes
                 earnestness
                 
                 of
                 seeking
                 after
                 such
                 ;
                 so
                 ,
                 till
                 the
                 soul
                 be
                 indued
                 with
                 spirituall
                 senses
                 ,
                 that
                 she
                 may
                 taste
                 and
                 see
                 how
                 good
                 the
                 Lord
                 is
                 ,
                 and
                 thereby
                 find
                 in
                 Christs
                 love
                 and
                 the
                 pledges
                 thereof
                 a
                 surpassing
                 sweetness
                 beyond
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 in
                 any
                 other
                 thing
                 whatsoever
                 ,
                 she
                 will
                 never
                 value
                 aright
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 and
                 consequently
                 seek
                 after
                 the
                 same
                 earnestly
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 we
                 should
                 all
                 seek
                 these
                 spirituall
                 senses
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 marvell
                 to
                 see
                 worldlings
                 who
                 are
                 dead
                 in
                 sinne
                 ,
                 to
                 want
                 the
                 same
                 altogether
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Seeing
                 Christs
                 love
                 is
                 so
                 excellent
                 ,
                 surpassing
                 all
                 the
                 excellencie
                 of
                 earthly
                 things
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 he
                 has
                 so
                 freely
                 bestowed
                 the
                 same
                 on
                 us
                 ,
                 worthless
                 and
                 wretched
                 worms
                 ,
                 how
                 dearly
                 should
                 we
                 love
                 him
                 againe
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 set
                 our
                 love
                 on
                 any
                 other
                 object
                 ,
                 in
                 or
                 of
                 this
                 World
                 ;
                 and
                 much
                 lesse
                 on
                 sinne
                 ,
                 the
                 Cut-throat
                 of
                 our
                 Soul
                 and
                 crucifier
                 of
                 Christ
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Verse
               .
               3.
               
               Because
               of
               the
               savour
               of
               thy
               good
               Oyntment
               powred
               forth
               ,
               therefore
               do
               the
               Virgins
               love
               thee
               .
            
             
               In
               this
               verse
               the
               Church
               rendreth
               the
               reason
               wherefore
               her
               heart
               is
               so
               set
               upon
               her
               beloved
               ,
               which
               is
               drawn
               from
               his
               excellencie
               and
               bountie
               ,
               he
               being
               like
               a
               Vessel
               full
               of
               sweet
               Oyntments
               and
               heavenly
               graces
               ,
               the
               fullnesse
               whereof
               is
               not
               in
               Christ
               for
               himself
               only
               ,
               but
               ,
               for
               his
               Churches
               good
               ,
               are
               powred
               out
               to
               delight
               ,
               sweeten
               ,
               and
               perfume
               her
               ;
               God
               having
               given
               him
               the
               spirit
               without
               measure
               ,
               and
               annoynted
               him
               with
               the
               Oyle
               of
               gladnesse
               above
               his
               fellowes
               ,
               Heb.
               1.
               9.
               that
               not
               only
               in
               him
               (
               as
               sayes
               the
               Apostle
               )
               all
               fulnesse
               should
               dwell
               ,
               Col.
               1.
               19.
               but
               (
               as
               it
               is
               written
               )
               that
               out
               of
               his
               fulnesse
               we
               might
               all
               receive
               grace
               for
               grace
               ,
               John.
               3.
               34.
               and
               which
               therefore
               was
               typed
               by
               that
               precious
               Ointment
               spoken
               of
               ,
               Psalm
               .
               133.
               1.
               which
               was
               powred
               on
               Aarons
               head
               ,
               and
               drencht
               down
               his
               whole
               body
               to
               the
               skirts
               of
               his
               garments
               ;
               and
               like
               that
               costly
               Ointment
               which
               Mary
               Magdalen
               powred
               out
               of
               her
               Box
               on
               our
               Saviours
               head
               ,
               while
               he
               sat
               at
               table
               ,
               Mark.
               14.
               3
               with
               the
               sweet
               savour
               whereof
               the
               whole
               house
               was
               filled
               ,
               John.
               12.
               3.
               
               And
               by
               reason
               of
               the
               savour
               in
               like
               manner
               of
               this
               sweet
               Oyntment
               here
               spoken
               of
               ,
               his
               name
               ,
               or
               the
               preaching
               of
               the
               Gospel
               ,
               whereby
               Christ
               crucified
               as
               the
               Saviour
               of
               the
               World
               is
               made
               known
               ,
               and
               ,
               with
               his
               merit
               and
               all
               saving
               graces
               ,
               exhibited
               unto
               al
               believers
               ,
               is
               as
               a
               sweet
               smelling
               Oyntment
               powred
               out
               ,
               and
               becomes
               the
               savour
               of
               life
               unto
               life
               to
               all
               those
               who
               believe
               .
            
             
             
               And
               by
               reason
               of
               the
               fragrant
               smell
               of
               those
               saving
               graces
               that
               are
               in
               Christ
               as
               the
               head
               fullie
               ,
               and
               from
               him
               are
               graciously
               dispensed
               and
               bestowed
               on
               his
               Church
               and
               members
               as
               also
               because
               of
               the
               comfortable
               ministrie
               of
               the
               Word
               and
               Sacraments
               whereby
               they
               are
               conveyed
               to
               the
               believing
               soul
               .
               Therefore
               the
               Spouse
               of
               Christ
               and
               all
               the
               true
               members
               of
               his
               Church
               ,
               who
               are
               like
               chaste
               Virgins
               ,
               do
               love
               and
               effect
               him
               .
            
             
               In
               this
               verse
               then
               wherein
               she
               renders
               a
               reason
               of
               her
               love
               ,
               to
               her
               well
               beloved
               ,
               we
               have
               to
               consider
               ,
               1.
               
               What
               is
               meant
               by
               these
               oyntments
               spoken
               of
               ,
               2.
               
               How
               are
               they
               called
               his
               3.
               the
               properties
               thereof
               ,
               that
               they
               are
               good
               and
               savory
               ,
               4.
               
               The
               twofold
               fruit
               of
               their
               good
               savour
               or
               fragrancy
               ,
               the
               one
               whereof
               is
               ,
               that
               his
               name
               is
               as
               Oyntment
               powred
               out
               ,
               wherein
               we
               have
               to
               consideragaine
               ,
               1.
               
               What
               is
               meant
               by
               his
               name
               2.
               
               How
               it
               is
               powred
               out
               as
               Oyntment
               :
               The
               other
               fruit
               is
               that
               therefore
               the
               virgins
               love
               him
               .
               Wherein
               likewise
               we
               have
               to
               consider
               ,
               1.
               
               Who
               are
               these
               virgins
               ,
               and
               why
               so
               called
               ,
               2.
               
               Of
               what
               sort
               their
               love
               is
               ,
               3.
               
               The
               object
               thereof
               .
               And
               4.
               
               The
               motive
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               by
               these
               Oyntments
               ,
               no
               other
               thing
               is
               meant
               but
               the
               saving
               graces
               of
               the
               holy
               ghost
               ;
               which
               out
               of
               Christs
               fulnesse
               ,
               according
               to
               the
               Lords
               promise
               ,
               Isai
               .
               44.
               3.
               and
               Joel
               2.
               28.
               are
               powred
               upon
               the
               Elect
               ,
               and
               whereof
               the
               Apostle
               speaks
               ,
               1
               Joh.
               2.
               20.
               which
               graces
               are
               compared
               to
               Oyntment
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               Because
               of
               the
               preciousness
               &
               great
               worth
               thereof
               ,
               as
               it
               s
               called
               ,
               Psalm
               .
               133.
               2.
               and
               Matth.
               26.
               7.
               
               Even
               so
               is
               grace
               ,
               whereof
               it
               may
               be
               said
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               of
               the
               vertuous
               woman
               ,
               Prov.
               31.
               10.
               for
               its
               price
               is
               far
               above
               Rubies
               ,
               &
               in
               regard
               whereof
               the
               godly
               are
               called
               the
               Lords
               Jewels
               ;
               and
               by
               David
               ,
               the
               excellent
               ones
               of
               the
               earth
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               Oyntment
               is
               delectable
               in
               smell
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               here
               ,
               and
               Canticles
               .
               4.
               10.
               
               Even
               so
               is
               grace
               to
               a
               renewed
               soul
               ,
               and
               makes
               the
               same
               in
               like
               manner
               delectable
               in
               smell
               to
               the
               Lords
               Nostrils
               ,
               John.
               12.
               2.
               as
               Esau's
               garment
               on
               Jacob's
               back
               was
               to
               old
               Isaac
               ,
               whereas
               on
               the
               contrary
               the
               sinfull
               soul
               that
               is
               destitute
               thereof
               ,
               is
               before
               God
               as
               a
               filthy
               puddle
               ,
               or
               most
               loathsome
               carcase
               :
            
             
               3.
               
               It
               rejoyces
               the
               heart
               ,
               Prov.
               27.
               9.
               therefore
               called
               the
               Oyl
               of
               joy
               and
               gladnesse
               ,
               Isa
               .
               61.
               3.
               and
               for
               that
               cause
               not
               used
               in
               mourning
               ,
               Dan.
               10.
               3.
               but
               feasting
               ,
               Psal
               .
               23.
               5.
               
               Even
               so
               ,
               nothing
               
               more
               rejoyces
               the
               heart
               of
               the
               godly
               than
               the
               sense
               of
               saving
               grace
               ;
               the
               same
               being
               the
               pledge
               of
               glory
               ,
               and
               of
               that
               fullness
               of
               joy
               that
               is
               in
               God's
               presence
               for
               ever
               ,
               Psalm
               .
               84.
               11.
               
            
             
               4.
               
               Ointment
               does
               mollifie
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Isai
               .
               1.
               6.
               even
               so
               doth
               saving
               grace
               the
               heart
               ;
               and
               makes
               it
               so
               an
               acceptable
               sacrifice
               to
               the
               Lord
               ,
               Psalm
               .
               51.
               17
               :
               and
               plyable
               to
               have
               his
               law
               written
               in
               the
               tables
               thereof
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               It
               was
               used
               in
               purification
               and
               preparing
               of
               Virgins
               for
               their
               Husbands
               ,
               Esther
               .
               2.
               12
               
               Even
               so
               by
               grace
               is
               the
               soul
               purified
               ,
               and
               prepared
               as
               a
               chast
               Virgin
               for
               Christ
               her
               heavenly
               Husband
               ,
               Rev.
               21.
               2.
               
            
             
               6.
               
               Likewise
               it
               was
               used
               for
               consecration
               of
               kings
               and
               Priests
               especially
               ;
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               1
               
                 Sam.
                 9.
                 16.
                 
                 Exod.
              
               28.
               41.
               and
               as
               Levit.
               8.
               12.
               it
               is
               said
               for
               sanctifying
               them
               ,
               even
               so
               is
               saving
               grace
               that
               unction
               of
               the
               spirit
               :
               wherefore
               truly
               we
               are
               called
               Christians
               ,
               and
               are
               consecrate
               to
               the
               Lord
               as
               a
               royall
               priesthood
               ,
               Rev.
               1.
               6.
               
            
             
               7.
               
               Oyntments
               were
               for
               preservation
               from
               rotting
               or
               putrifaction
               ,
               
                 Math.
                 26.
                 12.
                 
                 Mark.
              
               16.
               1.
               and
               Luke
               .
               23.
               56.
               and
               therefore
               as
               we
               see
               in
               these
               places
               ,
               the
               same
               was
               used
               for
               annoynting
               dead
               bodies
               unto
               burials
               ;
               even
               so
               it
               is
               saving
               grace
               ,
               that
               is
               the
               best
               preservative
               to
               the
               soul
               against
               the
               corruption
               of
               sinne
               ,
               and
               for
               mortifying
               that
               naturall
               corruption
               that
               is
               in
               every
               one
               of
               us
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               these
               Oyntments
               are
               called
               his
               Oyntments
               :
               1.
               
               Because
               He
               is
               the
               full
               fountain
               where
               from
               they
               flow
               ,
               therefore
               said
               the
               Baptist
               of
               him
               ,
               And
               of
               his
               fulnesse
               we
               have
               all
               received
               grace
               for
               grace
               ,
               Joh.
               1.
               16.
               as
               likewise
               sayes
               he
               to
               the
               Church
               of
               Laodicea
               ,
               I
               counsell
               thee
               that
               thou
               buy
               of
               me
               Gold
               tryed
               in
               the
               fire
               that
               thou
               mayst
               be
               rich
               ,
               Rev.
               3.
               18.
               2
               
               They
               are
               called
               his
               ,
               because
               as
               they
               are
               from
               him
               ;
               so
               they
               should
               be
               for
               him
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               for
               his
               glory
               and
               his
               Churches
               good
               ,
               in
               their
               imployment
               ,
               as
               of
               the
               Talents
               whereby
               the
               faithfull
               servants
               gained
               to
               their
               Master
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               they
               are
               called
               
                 (
                 good
              
               )
               1.
               in
               respect
               of
               themselves
               and
               their
               Fountaine
               where
               from
               they
               spring
               ,
               who
               is
               not
               only
               good
               ,
               but
               goodnesse
               it self
               ,
               and
               from
               whom
               every
               good
               gift
               commeth
               as
               from
               the
               Father
               of
               lights
               ,
               2.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               their
               operation
               and
               effect
               ,
               which
               is
               ,
               that
               the
               riches
               of
               grace
               makes
               all
               those
               who
               have
               them
               to
               be
               good
               ,
               whereas
               other
               riches
               oftentimes
               produce
               the
               contrary
               effect
               .
            
             
               Next
               ,
               they
               are
               said
               to
               be
               savory
               ,
               1.
               to
               the
               sensible
               soul
               ,
               to
               which
               nothing
               is
               so
               savory
               and
               odoriferous
               as
               saving
               grace
               ,
               
               and
               therefore
               they
               have
               not
               only
               such
               an
               eager
               desire
               after
               the
               same
               ,
               and
               sweet
               contentment
               therein
               ,
               but
               likewise
               such
               a
               delight
               in
               the
               very
               meanes
               thereof
               ,
               that
               the
               same
               (
               as
               David
               testifies
               )
               is
               sweeter
               to
               them
               than
               the
               Hony
               ,
               and
               the
               hony
               Comb
               ,
               Psalm
               .
               19.
               and
               119.
               and
               the
               savour
               of
               the
               knowledge
               of
               Christ
               (
               as
               the
               Apostle
               speaks
               ,
               2
               Cor.
               2.
               14.
               when
               it
               is
               made
               manifest
               inlarges
               their
               hearts
               and
               mouths
               with
               joy
               to
               give
               praise
               to
               the
               Lord
               ,
               2.
               
               These
               saving
               graces
               are
               savory
               ,
               and
               (
               like
               
               Noah's
               Sacrifice
               which
               he
               offered
               )
               are
               sweet
               smelling
               to
               God
               ,
               to
               whom
               nothing
               can
               make
               our selves
               ,
               or
               our
               actions
               so
               pleasing
               and
               acceptable
               (
               like
               Abel's
               Sacrifice
               and
               himself
               )
               as
               true
               grace
               ,
               whereby
               the
               soul
               is
               ,
               like
               Ester
               ,
               purified
               and
               perfumed
               to
               make
               her
               lovely
               to
               her
               heavenly
               King.
               So
               that
               of
               grace
               it
               may
               be
               said
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               ,
               Psalm
               .
               133.
               1.
               of
               brotherly
               unity
               ,
               How
               good
               and
               how
               pleasant
               a
               thing
               is
               grace
               .
            
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               followes
               the
               fruit
               or
               effect
               of
               the
               fragrancie
               of
               these
               good
               Oyntments
               ,
               and
               1.
               that
               the
               same
               is
               so
               delectable
               and
               sweet
               ,
               that
               the
               very
               meanes
               whereby
               they
               are
               gotten
               and
               procured
               are
               so
               sweet
               and
               pleasant
               ,
               that
               they
               are
               like
               Oyntment
               powred
               out
               that
               gives
               a
               fragrant
               smell
               ,
               and
               fills
               the
               house
               therewith
               ,
               and
               this
               is
               signified
               by
               these
               words
               
                 Thy
                 Name
                 is
                 as
                 Oyntment
                 powred
                 out
                 .
              
               Where
               we
               have
               to
               consider
               1.
               what
               is
               meant
               by
               his
               name
               .
               2.
               
               What
               is
               meant
               by
               the
               
                 powring
                 out
              
               of
               the
               same
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               omitting
               the
               diverse
               acceptions
               of
               this
               word
               (
               name
               )
               :
               by
               
                 his
                 name
              
               is
               here
               understood
               the
               gospell
               ,
               or
               word
               of
               God
               ,
               whereunto
               is
               annexed
               the
               administration
               of
               the
               holy
               Sacraments
               ,
               as
               the
               same
               is
               taken
               ,
               Acts.
               9.
               15.
               whereby
               as
               a
               man
               is
               made
               known
               by
               his
               name
               ▪
               so
               is
               our
               Saviour
               and
               what
               he
               has
               done
               for
               us
               ,
               by
               his
               word
               :
               that
               so
               thereby
               knowing
               him
               we
               may
               love
               him
               ,
               loving
               him
               we
               may
               seek
               after
               him
               ,
               seeking
               after
               him
               we
               may
               find
               him
               ,
               and
               finding
               him
               we
               may
               enjoy
               him
               ,
               and
               all
               good
               things
               by
               him
               ,
               even
               eternall
               life
               ;
               and
               therefore
               this
               knowledge
               is
               called
               so
               ,
               because
               it
               is
               the
               meanes
               that
               leads
               thereunto
               .
            
             
               Next
               ,
               this
               name
               of
               Christ
               is
               said
               to
               be
               like
               Oyntment
               
                 powred
                 out
              
               ,
               by
               which
               powring
               out
               is
               meant
               ,
               the
               preaching
               of
               the
               Gospell
               ,
               or
               as
               the
               Apostle
               calls
               it
               ,
               2
               Cor.
               2.
               14.
               the
               manifestation
               of
               the
               savour
               of
               the
               knowledge
               of
               Christ
               ,
               and
               work
               of
               mans
               redemption
               by
               his
               death
               and
               passion
               ,
               which
               before
               time
               was
               kept
               up
               as
               it
               were
               in
               the
               unclosed
               Vessell
               
               of
               Gods
               secret
               and
               hid
               Decree
               ,
               but
               there
               after
               revealed
               more
               and
               more
               cleerly
               by
               mysticall
               promises
               ,
               typicall
               ordinances
               and
               propheticall
               predictions
               ,
               till
               at
               last
               it
               was
               fully
               manifested
               under
               the
               cleer
               light
               of
               the
               Gospell
               ;
               that
               light
               and
               pouring
               out
               of
               this
               ointment
               which
               was
               before
               and
               under
               the
               Law
               ,
               being
               but
               dimme
               and
               by
               drops
               ,
               as
               it
               were
               ;
               but
               this
               under
               the
               Gospell
               being
               both
               plaine
               and
               plentifull
               .
            
             
               The
               other
               fruit
               or
               effect
               of
               the
               savor
               of
               his
               sweet
               ointments
               ,
               is
               the
               love
               of
               the
               virgins
               spoken
               of
               here
               :
               Where
               we
               have
               ,
               1.
               who
               they
               are
               and
               why
               so
               called
               ,
               2.
               what
               is
               this
               love
               of
               theirs
               ,
               and
               the
               object
               thereof
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               these
               virgins
               are
               all
               the
               chaste
               worshippers
               of
               God
               ,
               who
               worship
               him
               in
               spirit
               and
               truth
               and
               keep
               themselves
               from
               the
               pollutions
               of
               this
               present
               world
               ,
               the
               collective
               number
               of
               which
               is
               that
               chaste
               spouse
               of
               Christ
               ,
               who
               in
               the
               singular
               number
               is
               called
               a
               chaste
               virgin
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               speakes
               ,
               2.
               
               Cor.
               11.
               2.
               
               This
               title
               the
               true
               members
               of
               Christs
               mysticall
               body
               receive
               ,
               both
               in
               the
               Historicall
               ,
               doctrinall
               and
               propheticall
               parts
               of
               the
               New
               testament
               .
               In
               the
               Historicall
               ,
               where
               they
               are
               likned
               and
               compared
               to
               wise
               virgins
               ,
               Matth.
               25.
               1.
               
               In
               the
               doctrinall
               part
               ,
               where
               they
               are
               called
               a
               chaste
               virgin
               ,
               2.
               
               Cor.
               11.
               2.
               
               And
               in
               the
               propheticall
               part
               ,
               Revel
               .
               14.
               4.
               where
               they
               are
               called
               undefiled
               virgins
               who
               follow
               the
               Lamb.
               
            
             
               The
               reason
               why
               they
               are
               so
               called
               ,
               is
               ,
               there
               are
               two
               things
               whereby
               one
               is
               polluted
               ,
               the
               one
               is
               error
               in
               opinion
               or
               the
               mind
               ,
               in
               matters
               intellectuall
               which
               are
               conversant
               about
               
                 Verum
                 et
                 falsum
              
               ,
               or
               truth
               and
               falshood
               :
               the
               other
               is
               error
               in
               action
               ,
               or
               life
               and
               conversation
               ,
               in
               things
               morall
               ,
               which
               are
               conversant
               about
               
                 bonum
                 et
                 malum
              
               ,
               good
               and
               evill
               :
               from
               both
               these
               sorts
               of
               pollution
               ,
               they
               labour
               to
               keep
               themselves
               pure
               and
               free
               ,
               1.
               worshipping
               the
               Lord
               according
               to
               the
               truth
               revealed
               in
               his
               word
               ,
               without
               being
               seduced
               by
               hereticall
               pravity
               or
               drawne
               to
               Idolatry
               which
               is
               spirituall
               whoredome
               ,
               and
               ,
               2.
               
               Living
               holily
               and
               not
               being
               wedded
               to
               any
               sinne
               ,
               worldly
               Mammon
               ,
               or
               carnall
               concupiscence
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               the
               love
               of
               these
               virgins
               here
               spoken
               of
               towards
               their
               welbeloved
               ,
               is
               not
               a
               naturall
               or
               carnall
               love
               which
               comes
               of
               flesh
               and
               blood
               ,
               (
               for
               as
               our
               Saviour
               said
               of
               Peters
               confession
               ,
               Flesh
               and
               blood
               reveales
               no
               such
               love
               ,
               )
               but
               it
               is
               a
               holy
               ,
               heavenly
               ,
               and
               spirituall
               Love
               ,
               comming
               from
               above
               ,
               and
               is
               an
               effect
               of
               the
               love
               of
               God
               wherewith
               he
               first
               loved
               
               us
               ,
               and
               which
               love
               is
               the
               Christians
               tribute
               due
               to
               his
               God
               ;
               who
               sayes
               ,
               My
               sonne
               give
               me
               thy
               heart
               :
               and
               may
               be
               the
               Lords
               questionary
               tryall
               to
               every
               soule
               to
               know
               if
               it
               be
               his
               ,
               as
               our
               Saviour
               said
               to
               Peter
               ,
               Lovest
               thou
               me
               ,
               and
               ,
               If
               any
               man
               love
               not
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               (
               sayes
               the
               Apostle
               )
               let
               him
               be
               accursed
               ,
               1.
               
               Cor.
               16.
               22.
               
            
             
               Of
               this
               love
               we
               have
               to
               consider
               ,
               1.
               what
               it
               is
               ,
               or
               
                 quid
                 sit
              
               ,
               2.
               
               The
               sorts
               thereof
               ,
               or
               
                 quotuplex
                 sit
              
               ,
               3.
               
               The
               properties
               of
               it
               ,
               or
               
                 qualis
                 sit
              
               ,
               4.
               
               The
               marks
               or
               tokens
               thereof
               ,
               5.
               
               The
               fruits
               and
               effects
               of
               it
               :
               and
               Lastly
               ,
               the
               motives
               or
               perswasions
               thereto
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               this
               love
               ,
               is
               a
               holy
               affection
               of
               the
               heart
               wrought
               in
               the
               elect
               by
               the
               holy
               spirit
               ,
               whereby
               out
               of
               the
               sense
               of
               his
               love
               to
               them
               ,
               and
               of
               that
               excellency
               that
               is
               in
               him
               ,
               they
               love
               him
               with
               a
               holy
               ,
               fervent
               and
               constant
               affection
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               this
               Love
               to
               Christ
               is
               twofold
               ,
               intensive
               and
               appreciative
               ,
               1.
               
               The
               intensive
               is
               that
               whereby
               the
               soule
               in
               a
               full
               bensell
               (
               as
               it
               were
               )
               is
               caried
               to
               love
               Christ
               ,
               which
               notwithstanding
               may
               sometimes
               in
               temptation
               be
               seen
               to
               slacken
               and
               to
               faile
               in
               the
               fruit
               thereof
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               the
               falls
               of
               the
               Saints
               ,
               2.
               
               The
               appreciative
               ,
               is
               that
               whereby
               the
               soul
               still
               esteemes
               the
               Lord
               and
               his
               favour
               ,
               and
               values
               the
               same
               with
               David
               above
               all
               things
               ,
               Psal
               .
               4.
               6.
               
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               the
               properties
               of
               this
               love
               are
               these
               ;
            
             
               1.
               
               It
               is
               a
               fervent
               love
               ,
               and
               not
               like
               that
               
               Laodicean-zeale
               ,
               Rev.
               3.
               16.
               but
               like
               that
               of
               Jacob's
               to
               Rachel
               ,
               which
               therefore
               facilitates
               their
               service
               and
               obedience
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               makes
               his
               yoke
               light
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               It
               is
               faithfull
               ,
               like
               that
               of
               Jonathan's
               to
               David
               ,
               in
               adversity
               for
               Christ
               ,
               as
               well
               as
               in
               peace
               and
               prosperity
               from
               Christ
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               It
               is
               fruitfull
               ,
               like
               that
               tree
               spoken
               of
               in
               the
               first
               Psalme
               ,
               and
               so
               not
               in
               word
               only
               ,
               but
               as
               the
               Apostle
               showes
               ,
               1.
               
               Joh.
               3.
               18.
               reall
               and
               indeed
               :
               therefore
               sayes
               our
               saviour
               to
               Peter
               ,
               and
               in
               him
               to
               all
               pastors
               ;
               Peter
               ,
               lovest
               thou
               me
               ?
               then
               feed
               my
               sheep
               .
               And
               in
               like
               manner
               to
               all
               Christians
               ,
               if
               yee
               love
               me
               ,
               then
               keep
               my
               commandements
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               It
               must
               be
               transcendent
               ,
               above
               the
               love
               that
               we
               carry
               to
               whatsoever
               is
               dearest
               to
               us
               ,
               even
               our
               owne
               life
               ,
               therefore
               sayes
               our
               Saviour
               ,
               he
               who
               loves
               father
               or
               mother
               better
               nor
               me
               ,
               is
               not
               worthy
               of
               me
               .
               As
               it
               is
               said
               then
               of
               the
               vertuous
               woman
               ,
               Many
               daughters
               have
               done
               worthily
               but
               thou
               surpassest
               them
               all
               ;
               so
               ,
               what
               ever
               love
               we
               carry
               to
               other
               things
               ,
               this
               must
               surpasse
               all
               in
               like
               manner
               .
            
             
             
               5.
               
               It
               must
               be
               constant
               ,
               as
               his
               love
               is
               to
               us
               ,
               Joh.
               13.
               1.
               and
               therefore
               not
               like
               Amnon's
               to
               Tamar
               ,
               but
               as
               our
               Saviour
               saies
               to
               the
               Church
               of
               
                 Smyrna
                 ,
                 Rev.
              
               2.
               10.
               be
               thou
               faithfull
               unto
               death
               and
               I
               will
               give
               unto
               thee
               the
               crowne
               of
               life
               .
            
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               the
               marks
               and
               tokens
               of
               this
               love
               are
               these
               ;
            
             
               1.
               
               To
               have
               him
               often
               in
               our
               mind
               and
               mouth
               ,
               the
               first
               by
               Heavenly
               meditation
               ,
               the
               second
               by
               holy
               communication
               ,
               both
               by
               speaking
               of
               him
               ,
               and
               speaking
               to
               him
               :
            
             
               2.
               
               To
               delight
               in
               his
               speech
               to
               us
               by
               the
               Ministry
               of
               his
               word
               ;
               for
               which
               cause
               we
               see
               that
               David
               sayes
               ,
               Psal
               .
               119.
               103.
               
               How
               sweet
               are
               thy
               words
               unto
               my
               taste
               ,
               yea
               ,
               sweeter
               then
               hony
               to
               my
               mouth
               :
               and
               the
               spouse
               ,
               Gant.
               5.
               16.
               and
               13.
               sayes
               ;
               His
               mouth
               is
               most
               sweet
               ,
               and
               his
               lippes
               like
               lillies
               ,
               dropping
               sweet
               smelling
               Mirrh
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               To
               esteeme
               highly
               of
               his
               love-tokens
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               the
               graces
               of
               his
               holy
               spirit
               ,
               both
               in
               account
               and
               valuation
               ,
               and
               care
               of
               their
               right
               use
               and
               conservation
               ;
               and
               therefore
               neither
               to
               greeve
               nor
               quench
               the
               spirit
               of
               God.
               
            
             
               4.
               
               To
               rejoyce
               in
               his
               presence
               above
               all
               things
               ,
               in
               whose
               presence
               at
               last
               is
               fulness
               of
               joy
               ,
               and
               (
               like
               the
               Solsequium
               )
               to
               be
               sad
               for
               his
               absence
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               was
               David's
               querimony
               Psal
               .
               22.
               1.
               and
               the
               churches
               sad
               condition
               ,
               Cant.
               3.
               1.
               
            
             
               5.
               
               To
               obey
               and
               please
               him
               ,
               therefore
               ,
               Exod.
               20.
               6.
               the
               loving
               of
               him
               ,
               and
               keeping
               of
               his
               commandements
               are
               joyned
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               our
               saviour
               does
               in
               like
               manner
               ,
               Joh.
               14.
               23.
               
               And
               specially
               to
               do
               this
               in
               the
               upright
               discharge
               of
               our
               particular
               callings
               ,
               therefore
               said
               our
               Saviour
               to
               Peter
               ,
               Lovest
               thou
               me
               ?
               then
               feed
               my
               sheep
               .
            
             
               6.
               
               To
               love
               those
               whom
               he
               love●
               ▪
               or
               whatsoever
               has
               a
               neer
               relation
               to
               him
               ,
               as
               his
               friends
               ,
               his
               cause
               ,
               his
               image
               ,
               (
               which
               every
               true
               Christian
               is
               )
               and
               his
               poor
               members
               .
               For
               we
               know
               that
               the
               usuall
               proverb
               is
               ,
               He
               that
               loves
               me
               ,
               will
               love
               my
               dog
               .
            
             
               7.
               
               To
               study
               an
               assimilation
               of
               manners
               ,
               or
               complying
               to
               him
               ,
               in
               being
               holy
               as
               he
               is
               holy
               ,
               &
               learning
               of
               him
               to
               be
               humble
               and
               meek
               .
               For
               we
               know
               that
               this
               procures
               greatly
               ,
               increases
               ,
               and
               conserves
               friendship
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               the
               example
               of
               Jonathan
               and
               David
               .
            
             
               8.
               
               Impatience
               to
               see
               him
               wrong'd
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               Moses
               and
               Phinea's
               zeale
               .
               Therefore
               where
               this
               Love
               is
               ,
               there
               will
               be
               a
               hatred
               and
               rebuking
               of
               sinne
               ,
               as
               wee
               see
               ,
               Eph.
               5.
               11.
               and
               Christ's
               quarrel
               will
               be
               a
               common
               quarrel
               ,
               as
               we
               use
               to
               say
               ,
               If
               
               we
               dearly
               love
               a
               man
               ,
               we
               will
               party
               him
               and
               never
               ask
               his
               quarrell
               .
            
             
               9.
               
               Where
               one
               loves
               ,
               he
               lives
               ,
               as
               we
               say
               ,
               
                 (
                 anima
                 est
                 potius
                 ubi
                 amat
                 ,
                 qudm
                 ubi
                 animat
                 ,
                 )
              
               therefore
               the
               drunkard
               lives
               where
               his
               cups
               and
               Companions
               are
               ,
               because
               he
               loves
               them
               ,
               and
               so
               does
               avaricious
               person
               where
               his
               Gold
               is
               which
               he
               makes
               his
               God
               and
               where
               his
               heart
               is
               :
               even
               so
               the
               godly
               soul
               his
               life
               is
               ,
               where
               Christ
               is
               ,
               in
               the
               Heavens
               ,
               because
               his
               love
               is
               there
               and
               his
               heart
               is
               where
               his
               treasure
               is
               ,
               above
               .
            
             
               10.
               
               Where
               love
               is
               ,
               there
               is
               longing
               for
               a
               full
               fruition
               of
               the
               thing
               loved
               ,
               as
               the
               Bride
               of
               the
               Bridegroom
               ;
               even
               so
               where
               the
               love
               of
               Christ
               is
               ,
               there
               is
               a
               longing
               till
               we
               get
               that
               full
               fruition
               of
               him
               in
               glory
               ,
               spoken
               of
               by
               the
               Psalmist
               ,
               Psalm
               .
               16.
               11.
               when
               as
               the
               spouse
               speaketh
               ,
               Cant.
               2.
               17.
               that
               joyfull
               day
               shall
               break
               ,
               and
               the
               shadows
               that
               are
               here
               shall
               then
               flee
               away
               ,
               therfore
               is
               the
               Churches
               prayer
               ,
               Rev.
               22.
               20.
               
               Come
               Lord
               Jesus
               ,
               come
               quickly
               .
            
             
               Fifthly
               ,
               the
               fruits
               and
               effects
               which
               this
               love
               we
               carry
               to
               God
               produces
               are
               these
               ,
            
             
               1.
               
               Prospering
               ,
               therfore
               it
               is
               said
               Ps
               .
               122.
               6.
               they
               shall
               prosper
               who
               love
               thee
               ,
               this
               being
               the
               best
               and
               surest
               way
               to
               thrive
               whereas
               the
               want
               of
               the
               Lords
               love
               has
               bin
               the
               cause
               of
               decay
               and
               destruction
               to
               Kingdomes
               ,
               Cities
               ,
               great
               families
               and
               persons
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               Protection
               ,
               therefore
               it
               is
               said
               ,
               Psalm
               .
               105.
               20.
               the
               Lord
               preserves
               them
               who
               love
               him
               ;
               for
               which
               cause
               Satan
               acknowledged
               ,
               Joh.
               1.
               10.
               that
               the
               Lord
               had
               hedged
               Joh.
               about
               ,
               as
               he
               promiseth
               ,
               Psalm
               .
               84.
               11.
               to
               be
               unto
               all
               such
               a
               sunne
               and
               a
               shield
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               If
               any
               thing
               fall
               out
               cross
               unto
               them
               ,
               according
               as
               the
               Apostle
               saies
               ,
               Rom.
               8.
               28.
               he
               makes
               all
               things
               work
               together
               for
               their
               best
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               Josephs
               selling
               by
               his
               brethren
               ,
               and
               the
               Princes
               of
               the
               Philistins
               their
               causing
               Achish
               through
               unjust
               suspition
               to
               dismiss
               
                 David
                 ,
                 1
                 Sam.
              
               29.
               4.
               
            
             
               4.
               
               This
               love
               which
               is
               carried
               to
               Christ
               ,
               as
               Moses
               rod
               devoured
               the
               Rod
               of
               the
               Aegyptians
               ●orcerers
               when
               they
               were
               turned
               into
               Serpents
               ;
               even
               so
               it
               mortifies
               in
               us
               that
               self-love
               which
               is
               an
               enemy
               to
               salvation
               ,
               and
               the
               love
               to
               sinne
               ;
               to
               the
               Mammon
               of
               iniquity
               ,
               and
               all
               the
               inordinate
               affections
               which
               by
               the
               Apostle
               we
               are
               commanded
               to
               mortifie
               ,
               Colos
               .
               3.
               5.
               
            
             
               5.
               
               As
               this
               love
               to
               Christ
               procures
               so
               many
               good
               things
               
               to
               the
               Elect
               while
               they
               are
               here
               ,
               so
               likewise
               (
               as
               we
               see
               1
               Cor.
               2.
               9.
               
               )
               it
               procures
               unto
               them
               such
               good
               things
               hereafter
               ,
               as
               the
               eye
               hath
               not
               seen
               ,
               nor
               the
               ear
               heard
               ,
               neither
               entred
               into
               the
               heart
               of
               man
               ,
               which
               God
               has
               prepared
               (
               sayes
               the
               Apostle
               )
               for
               them
               that
               love
               him
               .
            
             
               6.
               
               As
               this
               love
               which
               these
               Virgin-worshippers
               carries
               to
               Christ
               ,
               procures
               such
               good
               things
               both
               temporall
               ,
               spirituall
               and
               eternall
               to
               themselves
               ;
               so
               in
               like
               manner
               ,
               the
               Lord
               himself
               declares
               what
               thereby
               they
               procure
               to
               their
               posterity
               ,
               to
               it
               as
               he
               sayes
               ,
               Exod.
               20.
               6.
               mercie
               to
               thousands
               of
               them
               that
               love
               him
               and
               keep
               his
               Commandements
               .
            
             
               Last
               of
               all
               ,
               we
               have
               to
               speak
               of
               the
               Motives
               which
               may
               the
               more
               forceably
               induce
               and
               perswade
               to
               this
               love
               of
               Christ
               ,
               which
               are
               these
               ;
            
             
               1.
               
               Equity
               ,
               therefore
               saies
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               1.
               
               
                 Joh.
                 4.
                 19.
                 we
                 love
                 him
                 because
                 he
                 has
                 first
                 loved
                 us
                 ,
              
               and
               that
               with
               such
               a
               matchlesse
               love
               ,
               as
               justly
               there
               may
               be
               put
               upon
               it
               ,
               that
               
                 (
                 non
                 sicut
              
               )
               which
               is
               upon
               Christs
               sufferings
               ,
               Lam.
               1.
               12.
               so
               that
               we
               may
               now
               say
               ,
               if
               we
               ow
               our selves
               to
               him
               because
               he
               not
               only
               gave
               us
               to
               our selves
               in
               the
               first
               work
               of
               creation
               but
               being
               lost
               thereafter
               he
               restored
               us
               in
               the
               work
               of
               redemption
               :
               being
               therefore
               so
               given
               ,
               and
               thereafter
               restored
               ,
               we
               ow
               our selves
               to
               him
               by
               a
               double
               Obligation
               ,
               but
               in
               respect
               that
               he
               not
               only
               restored
               us
               ,
               but
               also
               gave
               himself
               for
               us
               ,
               What
               can
               we
               render
               to
               him
               for
               that
               benefit
               ,
               for
               although
               ,
               we
               should
               be
               able
               a
               thousand
               times
               for
               that
               benefit
               to
               give
               our selves
               ,
               yet
               what
               are
               we
               to
               our
               Lord
               ?
            
             
               2.
               
               Necessity
               should
               perswade
               us
               ;
               for
               else
               he
               that
               loves
               no
               Christ
               incurres
               that
               curse
               whereof
               the
               Apostle
               speaks
               ,
               1
               Cor.
               16.
               22.
               so
               that
               (
               as
               he
               sayes
               )
               a
               necessity
               is
               laid
               upon
               me
               ,
               and
               wo
               to
               me
               if
               I
               preach
               not
               the
               Gospell
               ;
               so
               may
               one
               justly
               say
               ,
               a
               necessity
               is
               laid
               upon
               me
               ,
               and
               woe
               to
               me
               if
               I
               love
               not
               my
               Saviour
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               The
               excellency
               of
               him
               whom
               we
               love
               ,
               should
               move
               our
               hearts
               thereto
               ,
               in
               whom
               there
               is
               1.
               beauty
               unspeakable
               as
               the
               spouse
               shows
               and
               sets
               it
               forth
               ,
               Cant.
               5.
               or
               what
               is
               most
               pleasant
               to
               the
               Eye
               of
               Faith
               ,
               and
               spirituall
               senses
               of
               the
               soul
               〈◊〉
               .
               Unspeakable
               bounty
               in
               
                 re
                 et
                 spe
              
               ,
               or
               what
               is
               profitable
               for
               this
               life
               ,
               or
               the
               life
               to
               come
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               The
               sweet
               savour
               of
               his
               Oyntments
               which
               come
               from
               him
               ,
               whereof
               we
               have
               spoken
               ,
               which
               makes
               the
               Virgins
               love
               him
               ,
               and
               showes
               the
               difference
               between
               Gods
               love
               to
               us
               &
               our
               love
               to
               him
               ,
               he
               loves
               us
               as
               Hose●
               speaks
               ,
               freely
               ,
               Hos
               .
               14.
               5.
               
               and
               not
               for
               any
               thing
               in
               us
               ,
               or
               can
               proceed
               from
               us
               ,
               as
               Ezekiel
               showes
               ,
               Ezek.
               16.
               
               But
               we
               do
               not
               so
               love
               him
               ,
               for
               our
               love
               is
               procured
               by
               that
               which
               we
               find
               in
               him
               ,
               as
               in
               Sampsons
               dead
               Lyon
               ,
               Hony
               was
               found
               ;
               and
               for
               that
               which
               comes
               to
               us
               from
               him
               ,
               as
               the
               cure
               that
               came
               by
               the
               diseased
               woman
               of
               a
               bloudy
               issue
               from
               our
               Saviour
               Christ
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Where
                 ever
                 Christ
                 is
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 not
                 alone
                 without
                 sweet
                 Oyntments
                 .
                 Which
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 has
                 bin
                 said
                 )
                 are
                 the
                 graces
                 of
                 his
                 holy
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 which
                 he
                 bestowes
                 on
                 that
                 Soul
                 wherein
                 he
                 comes
                 to
                 dwell
                 ,
                 and
                 which
                 by
                 that
                 unction
                 he
                 makes
                 a
                 Royall
                 Priest
                 wherefore
                 let
                 us
                 try
                 our selves
                 hereby
                 ,
                 if
                 ever
                 Christ
                 yet
                 came
                 to
                 our
                 Souls
                 ,
                 or
                 that
                 Salvation
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 to
                 Zacheus
                 )
                 came
                 to
                 our
                 houses
                 if
                 we
                 have
                 gotten
                 of
                 these
                 sweet
                 Oyntments
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 grace
                 be
                 most
                 savoury
                 to
                 us
                 ;
                 else
                 if
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Christ
                 be
                 not
                 so
                 in
                 us
                 ,
                 we
                 cannot
                 plead
                 but
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 reprobates
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 These
                 Oyntments
                 are
                 called
                 
                   (
                   his
                
                 )
                 for
                 the
                 reasons
                 forenamed
                 ,
                 which
                 teach
                 us
                 ,
                 1.
                 from
                 whom
                 in
                 our
                 spirituall
                 wants
                 we
                 should
                 seek
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 teaches
                 the
                 Church
                 of
                 Laodicea
                 2.
                 in
                 what
                 humility
                 we
                 should
                 possess
                 any
                 gifts
                 or
                 graces
                 that
                 God
                 hath
                 bestowed
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 remembring
                 that
                 of
                 the
                 Apostle
                 what
                 hast
                 thou
                 which
                 thou
                 hast
                 not
                 received
                 ?
                 And
                 3.
                 the
                 sanctified
                 use
                 which
                 we
                 ought
                 to
                 make
                 of
                 them
                 to
                 wit
                 to
                 God's
                 glory
                 who
                 is
                 the
                 giver
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 Churches
                 good
                 ,
                 like
                 the
                 faithfull
                 servants
                 who
                 gained
                 with
                 their
                 Talents
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Where
                 ever
                 these
                 good
                 Oyntments
                 are
                 ,
                 they
                 give
                 a
                 delightfull
                 and
                 fragrant
                 smell
                 both
                 to
                 those
                 who
                 have
                 them
                 and
                 to
                 others
                 (
                 like
                 
                   Mary
                   Magdalen's
                
                 box
                 of
                 Oyntment
                 that
                 perfum'd
                 the
                 whole
                 house
                 )
                 who
                 see
                 our
                 light
                 to
                 be
                 shining
                 will
                 glorify
                 God
                 our
                 Heavenly
                 father
                 ;
                 and
                 as
                 a
                 good
                 smell
                 drawes
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 so
                 the
                 good
                 smell
                 of
                 a
                 Holy
                 life
                 will
                 draw
                 others
                 to
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 our
                 profession
                 ,
                 besides
                 that
                 it
                 will
                 seal
                 up
                 to
                 our selves
                 our
                 own
                 Election
                 ,
                 and
                 make
                 us
                 smell
                 sweetly
                 in
                 the
                 Lord's
                 Nostrils
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Where
                 ever
                 true
                 grace
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 high
                 Estimation
                 of
                 the
                 meanes
                 of
                 grace
                 or
                 ministry
                 of
                 the
                 Word
                 ,
                 the
                 preaching
                 whereof
                 is
                 like
                 Oyntment
                 poured
                 out
                 ,
                 fragrant
                 and
                 Odoriferous
                 :
                 for
                 how
                 sweet
                 is
                 it
                 to
                 a
                 Soul
                 sensible
                 of
                 its
                 own
                 misery
                 and
                 God's
                 mercy
                 ,
                 to
                 hear
                 of
                 Christ
                 natures
                 ,
                 offices
                 ,
                 merits
                 ,
                 and
                 benefits
                 ,
                 even
                 as
                 God's
                 word
                 was
                 to
                 David
                 ,
                 sweeter
                 
                 than
                 Hony
                 and
                 the
                 Hony
                 comb
                 .
                 Wherefore
                 let
                 us
                 try
                 if
                 we
                 have
                 true
                 grace
                 by
                 our
                 love
                 ,
                 account
                 of
                 ,
                 and
                 carefull
                 resort
                 to
                 the
                 meanes
                 thereof
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 The
                 sweetness
                 that
                 the
                 Elect
                 soul
                 finds
                 in
                 Christ
                 and
                 his
                 graces
                 ,
                 makes
                 them
                 to
                 love
                 him
                 againe
                 ,
                 So
                 that
                 where
                 a
                 soul
                 loves
                 not
                 Christ
                 with
                 such
                 a
                 love
                 as
                 has
                 bin
                 spoken
                 of
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 Token
                 that
                 it
                 never
                 tasted
                 of
                 true
                 saving
                 grace
                 ,
                 nor
                 is
                 it
                 marvell
                 that
                 those
                 that
                 savour
                 only
                 the
                 World
                 ,
                 and
                 delight
                 in
                 the
                 uncleane
                 lusts
                 of
                 the
                 flesh
                 or
                 to
                 be
                 ever
                 wallowing
                 in
                 the
                 filthy
                 puddle
                 of
                 sinne
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 smell
                 not
                 the
                 sweetness
                 of
                 these
                 good
                 Oyntments
                 ,
                 nor
                 for
                 the
                 savour
                 thereof
                 that
                 they
                 love
                 not
                 Christ
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 These
                 who
                 love
                 Christ
                 here
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 true
                 members
                 of
                 his
                 Church
                 are
                 called
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 their
                 worshipping
                 him
                 (
                 as
                 is
                 said
                 )
                 purely
                 according
                 to
                 his
                 word
                 ;
                 and
                 keeping
                 themselves
                 free
                 both
                 of
                 the
                 spirituall
                 whoredome
                 of
                 superstition
                 and
                 Idolatry
                 ,
                 as
                 also
                 from
                 the
                 uncleanness
                 of
                 a
                 wicked
                 life
                 and
                 conversation
                 ;
                 of
                 which
                 whosoever
                 are
                 guilty
                 ,
                 brag
                 or
                 presume
                 as
                 they
                 will
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Romanist
                 do
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 the
                 true
                 Church
                 and
                 Virgin
                 spouse
                 of
                 Christ
                 .
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 If
                 the
                 Virgin-spouse
                 of
                 Christ
                 love
                 him
                 so
                 for
                 the
                 savour
                 of
                 his
                 good
                 Oyntments
                 here
                 on
                 earth
                 ,
                 which
                 are
                 but
                 the
                 earnest
                 ,
                 and
                 first
                 fruits
                 of
                 what
                 she
                 is
                 to
                 receive
                 hereafter
                 in
                 the
                 Heavens
                 ;
                 O
                 what
                 cause
                 shall
                 they
                 have
                 to
                 love
                 him
                 more
                 dearly
                 and
                 fervently
                 when
                 after
                 grace
                 here
                 ,
                 they
                 shall
                 be
                 translated
                 to
                 glory
                 ,
                 and
                 fullnesse
                 of
                 joy
                 ,
                 hereafter
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Verse
               .
               4.
               
               Draw
               me
               ,
               we
               will
               runne
               after
               thee
               ,
               the
               King
               hath
               brought
               me
               into
               his
               Chambers
               ,
               we
               will
               be
               glad
               ,
               and
               rejoyce
               in
               thee
               ;
               we
               will
               remember
               thy
               Love
               more
               then
               Wine
               ,
               the
               upright
               love
               thee
               .
            
             
               After
               the
               Church's
               profession
               of
               her
               love
               to
               Christ
               ,
               because
               of
               the
               savour
               of
               his
               good
               ointments
               ,
               and
               comfortable
               graces
               ,
               as
               the
               nature
               of
               love
               is
               to
               be
               where
               its
               object
               is
               ;
               so
               she
               desires
               to
               be
               in
               a
               holy
               society
               and
               fellowship
               with
               him
               ,
               and
               insisting
               in
               his
               steps
               of
               a
               holy
               life
               by
               a
               holy
               imitation
               to
               follow
               after
               him
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               did
               ,
               1.
               
               Cor.
               11.
               1.
               which
               to
               perform
               being
               conscious
               to
               her
               owne
               weakness
               and
               inability
               of
               her self
               therefore
               she
               craves
               his
               powerfull
               aide
               and
               inabling
               help
               to
               draw
               her
               ;
               and
               so
               she
               promises
               to
               runne
               after
               him
               in
               the
               practise
               of
               a
               ready
               and
               cheerfull
               obedience
               .
            
             
             
               In
               these
               words
               then
               we
               have
               to
               consider
               ,
               1.
               what
               she
               suits
               ,
               and
               ,
               2.
               to
               what
               end
               .
               And
               in
               her
               suit
               ,
               we
               have
               to
               consider
               ,
               1.
               the
               action
               and
               quality
               thereof
               ,
               2.
               the
               reason
               and
               cause
               thereof
               ,
               and
               ,
               3.
               the
               cords
               whereby
               the
               Lord
               drawes
               his
               elect
               .
               Againe
               ,
               in
               the
               second
               ,
               to
               wit
               for
               what
               end
               ,
               (
               which
               comprehends
               the
               duty
               ,
               )
               we
               have
               ,
               1.
               
               The
               persons
               who
               promises
               the
               performance
               of
               this
               duty
               ,
               2.
               
               The
               duty
               it self
               ,
               or
               the
               thing
               promised
               ,
               and
               ,
               3.
               the
               rule
               of
               the
               performance
               of
               this
               duty
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               that
               which
               she
               suits
               ,
               is
               
                 (
                 draw
                 me
              
               )
               which
               is
               not
               meant
               ,
               1.
               
               Of
               a
               corporall
               but
               of
               a
               spirituall
               drawing
               ,
               2.
               
               Neither
               is
               it
               of
               a
               violent
               drawing
               ,
               as
               sometimes
               this
               word
               imports
               ,
               as
               Act.
               8.
               3.
               and
               21.
               30.
               but
               a
               voluntary
               action
               ,
               with
               desire
               (
               as
               here
               )
               and
               delight
               ,
               as
               sweet
               musick
               is
               said
               to
               draw
               the
               eare
               to
               it
               ,
               and
               the
               fame
               of
               a
               Skilfull
               Physitian
               is
               said
               to
               draw
               many
               to
               him
               ,
               or
               as
               the
               loadstone
               by
               a
               secret
               vertue
               and
               power
               drawes
               the
               iron
               to
               it
               ,
               and
               as
               is
               said
               by
               the
               poet
               ,
               
                 trahit
                 sua
                 quemqualut
                 voluptas
              
               .
            
             
               By
               this
               drawing
               then
               ,
               mans
               will
               suffers
               no
               Manichean
               coaction
               ,
               but
               by
               a
               heavenly
               influence
               and
               inflexion
               is
               sweetly
               bowed
               ,
               and
               made
               to
               comply
               to
               the
               Lords
               obedience
               ,
               and
               ;
               by
               the
               power
               of
               saving
               grace
               of
               nilling
               before
               ,
               is
               made
               to
               be
               willing
               .
               There
               being
               in
               the
               text
               it self
               two
               strong
               arguments
               against
               any
               violent
               or
               Manichean
               coaction
               ,
               1.
               because
               she
               desires
               to
               be
               drawne
               ,
               and
               such
               a
               desire
               proceeds
               not
               from
               compulsion
               ,
               but
               from
               a
               willing
               mind
               ,
               2.
               upon
               obtaining
               her
               desire
               ,
               she
               promises
               to
               runne
               after
               him
               ,
               which
               showes
               a
               cheerfull
               alacrity
               in
               doing
               what
               she
               promises
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               The
               reason
               and
               cause
               why
               she
               desires
               to
               be
               drawne
               ,
               is
               threefold
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               Because
               of
               the
               way
               ,
               which
               is
               an
               ascent
               ,
               as
               the
               Psalmist
               showes
               Psal
               .
               24.
               3.
               and
               therefore
               laborious
               and
               difficult
               to
               climb
               ,
               whereas
               of
               sinne
               it
               may
               be
               said
               with
               the
               
                 Poet
                 ,
                 facilis
                 descensus
                 Avern●
              
               .
               And
               as
               it
               is
               an
               ascent
               ,
               so
               is
               it
               a
               narrow
               and
               rough
               way
               ,
               needing
               therefore
               not
               onely
               help
               to
               draw
               us
               up
               ,
               but
               also
               a
               good
               guide
               ,
               and
               watchfull
               attending
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               Because
               of
               our
               weaknesse
               ,
               which
               in
               the
               best
               of
               Gods
               ,
               saints
               has
               kythed
               ,
               fra
               once
               the
               hand
               of
               divine
               grace
               (
               whereof
               the
               Psalmist
               speakes
               ,
               Psal
               .
               73.
               23.
               
               )
               has
               left
               them
               never
               so
               little
               to
               themselves
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               Davids
               fall
               ,
               and
               Peters
               denyall
               ,
               &c.
               
            
             
               3.
               
               Because
               also
               of
               that
               weight
               that
               hangs
               on
               ,
               whereof
               the
               Apostle
               speaks
               ,
               Heb.
               12.
               1.
               and
               so
               sore
               complaines
               ,
               Rom.
               7.
               24.
               
               as
               a
               draw-back
               ,
               and
               therefore
               showes
               what
               need
               we
               have
               of
               divine
               grace
               to
               be
               drawne
               forward
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               The
               cords
               by
               which
               he
               drawes
               his
               Church
               ,
               or
               any
               true
               member
               thereof
               ,
               in
               generall
               Hosea
               tell
               us
               ,
               Hos
               .
               1.
               4.
               that
               they
               are
               the
               cords
               of
               love
               .
               Therefore
               also
               sayes
               the
               Lord
               in
               
                 Jeremiah
                 ,
                 31.
                 3.
                 
                 I
                 have
                 loved
                 thee
                 with
                 an
                 everlasting
                 love
                 ,
                 therefore
                 with
                 loving
                 kindnesse
                 have
                 I
                 drawne
                 thee
                 .
              
               And
               in
               particular
               ,
               these
               cords
               are
               ;
            
             
               1.
               
               By
               his
               Word
               ,
               as
               the
               Lord
               did
               Abraham
               ,
               when
               he
               called
               him
               from
               Vr
               to
               go
               where
               he
               should
               direct
               him
               ,
               or
               as
               our
               Saviour
               drew
               his
               disciples
               from
               their
               nets
               and
               receipt
               of
               custome
               to
               follow
               him
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               By
               his
               Spirit
               concurring
               with
               the
               Ministry
               of
               his
               word
               whereby
               at
               once
               ,
               Act.
               2.
               he
               drew
               three
               thousand
               to
               believ
               and
               follow
               after
               him
               ;
               and
               which
               drawing
               is
               a
               fruit
               of
               Christ's
               assension
               ,
               and
               evidence
               of
               his
               eternall
               love
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               By
               his
               example
               of
               a
               holy
               life
               ,
               and
               by
               the
               example
               of
               his
               Saints
               conforme
               :
               therefore
               ,
               Heb.
               12.
               2.
               
               We
               are
               willed
               to
               look
               to
               Jesus
               the
               author
               and
               finisher
               of
               our
               faith
               ,
               &c.
               makeing
               him
               our
               parterne
               of
               imitation
               on
               earth
               ,
               as
               he
               is
               our
               patron
               for
               mediation
               in
               heaven
               :
               therefore
               also
               for
               example
               of
               his
               Saints
               ,
               sayes
               the
               
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 1
                 Cor.
              
               11.
               1.
               
               Follow
               me
               ,
               as
               I
               follow
               Christ
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               By
               his
               benefits
               which
               he
               renewes
               evening
               and
               morning
               ,
               as
               his
               providence
               for
               us
               ,
               his
               protection
               of
               us
               ,
               his
               long
               suffering
               patience
               ,
               and
               the
               like
               :
               beside
               his
               creating
               us
               ,
               redeeming
               us
               ,
               and
               calling
               us
               to
               the
               hope
               of
               glory
               ,
               &c.
               all
               these
               being
               love-cords
               by
               which
               he
               labours
               to
               draw
               us
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               In
               the
               promise
               which
               she
               makes
               to
               runne
               after
               him
               upon
               his
               drawing
               of
               her
               ,
               which
               comprehends
               her
               duty
               ,
               we
               have
               ,
               1.
               
               The
               persons
               who
               promise
               this
               duty
               ,
               and
               performance
               ,
               thereof
               ,
               set
               downe
               in
               the
               plurall
               ,
               (
               We
               )
               and
               so
               the
               singular
               ,
               in
               the
               petition
               (
               draw
               Me
               )
               in
               the
               promise
               of
               performance
               is
               changed
               into
               the
               plurall
               number
               ,
               (
               &
               we
               will
               runne
               after
               thee
               )
               which
               is
               done
               to
               show
               ,
            
             
               1.
               
               That
               though
               the
               Church
               be
               one
               in
               a
               cumulative
               consideration
               ,
               as
               one
               mysticall
               body
               ;
               yet
               it
               consists
               of
               many
               members
               in
               respect
               either
               of
               nationall
               Churches
               ,
               or
               individuall
               members
               :
               all
               which
               wheresoever
               they
               be
               ,
               are
               obliged
               to
               this
               duty
               ,
               cheerfully
               and
               willingly
               to
               runne
               after
               Christ
               by
               a
               holy
               submission
               to
               the
               draught
               of
               his
               spirit
               ,
               and
               the
               imitation
               of
               his
               holy
               life
               .
            
             
             
               2.
               
               This
               is
               to
               show
               the
               efficacy
               of
               good
               example
               ,
               and
               the
               godlies
               excitation
               one
               of
               another
               to
               spirituall
               duties
               ,
               as
               if
               she
               should
               say
               ,
               
                 Draw
                 me
              
               ,
               and
               not
               onely
               I
               ,
               will
               runne
               after
               thee
               ,
               but
               others
               also
               by
               my
               example
               and
               incitation
               shall
               runne
               after
               thee
               :
               as
               David
               sayes
               ,
               Psal
               .
               51.
               13.
               when
               I
               shall
               know
               thy
               mercies
               ,
               I
               shall
               instruct
               others
               therein
               ,
               and
               men
               who
               are
               brought
               low
               as
               I
               am
               ,
               by
               my
               example
               shall
               ●lee
               sinne
               .
               So
               sayes
               our
               saviour
               to
               Peter
               ,
               thou
               being
               converted
               ,
               confirme
               thy
               brethren
               ,
               Luk.
               22.
               31.
               therefore
               also
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               exhorts
               the
               Corinthians
               ,
               that
               as
               ,
               he
               followed
               Christ
               so
               they
               should
               follow
               his
               example
               therein
               ,
               1.
               
               Cor.
               11.
               1.
               
            
             
               2.
               
               The
               duty
               it self
               or
               thing
               promised
               is
               ,
               running
               after
               Christ
               ,
               a
               Christian
               life
               being
               therefore
               called
               a
               running
               in
               a
               race
               ,
               
                 Gal.
                 2.
                 2.
                 
                 Phil.
              
               3.
               14.
               and
               2.
               
               Tim.
               4.
               7.
               recommended
               to
               all
               in
               God's
               word
               ,
               1.
               
               Cor.
               9.
               24.
               saying
               ,
               So
               runne
               that
               yee
               may
               obtaine
               ;
               promised
               by
               
                 David
                 ,
                 Psal
              
               .
               119.
               32.
               
               (
               as
               by
               the
               spouse
               here
               )
               saying
               ,
               I
               will
               runne
               the
               way
               of
               thy
               Commandements
               ,
               when
               thou
               hast
               enlarged
               my
               heart
               ;
               and
               practised
               by
               the
               godly
               ever
               ,
               as
               Paul
               professes
               of
               himself
               ,
               Philip.
               3.
               and
               2.
               
               Tim.
               4.
               
            
             
               Which
               word
               of
               running
               ,
               in
               obedience
               to
               God's
               commandements
               as
               the
               way
               ,
               by
               his
               grace
               as
               our
               strength
               ,
               after
               his
               spirit
               as
               our
               guide
               ,
               and
               unto
               glory
               as
               the
               prize
               ,
               it
               hath
               ,
               or
               doth
               imploy
               these
               properties
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               That
               we
               must
               do
               the
               same
               cheerfully
               ,
               willingly
               ,
               and
               diligently
               or
               with
               alacrity
               ,
               as
               the
               Angels
               do
               God's
               commandements
               ;
               therefore
               we
               pray
               ,
               Let
               thy
               will
               be
               done
               on
               earth
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               in
               heaven
               ,
            
             
               2.
               
               We
               must
               performe
               our
               obedience
               zealously
               and
               with
               all
               our
               might
               ,
               even
               as
               those
               who
               runne
               a
               race
               bend
               the
               whole
               force
               and
               strength
               of
               their
               bodies
               to
               advance
               themselves
               forward
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               professes
               of
               himself
               ,
               Philip.
               3.
               14.
               
               And
               as
               David
               stirres
               up
               his
               soule
               and
               all
               that
               was
               within
               him
               ,
               to
               praise
               the
               Lord
               ,
               Psal
               .
               103.
               1.
               
            
             
               3.
               
               Patiently
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               exhorts
               ,
               Heb.
               12.
               1.
               
               Till
               the
               Lord
               call
               us
               to
               his
               eternall
               rest
               ,
               looking
               on
               Jesus
               the
               author
               and
               finisher
               of
               our
               faith
               ,
               and
               never
               fainting
               or
               giving
               over
               for
               any
               terror
               or
               temptation
               ,
               danger
               or
               discouragement
               ,
               crosse
               or
               calamity
               ;
               but
               patiently
               induring
               what
               may
               occurre
               in
               our
               way
               ,
               and
               to
               waite
               upon
               the
               Lord
               alwayes
               ,
               to
               whom
               this
               promise
               is
               made
               ,
               Isai
               .
               40.
               31.
               
               But
               they
               that
               waite
               upon
               the
               Lord
               ,
               shall
               renew
               their
               strength
               ,
               they
               shall
               mount
               up
               with
               
               wings
               like
               Eagles
               ,
               they
               shall
               runne
               and
               not
               be
               weary
               ,
               and
               they
               shall
               walk
               and
               not
               faint
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               Constantly
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               as
               ,
               1
               Cor.
               9.
               24.
               and
               Gal.
               2.
               2.
               
               So
               to
               runne
               ,
               as
               we
               may
               obtaine
               the
               prize
               ,
               being
               faithfull
               to
               the
               death
               that
               we
               obtain
               the
               Crown
               of
               life
               ,
               as
               we
               are
               exhorted
               Rev.
               2.
               10.
               
               This
               being
               the
               praise
               of
               Joshua
               and
               Caleb
               .
               The
               promise
               that
               David
               makes
               ,
               Psalm
               .
               119.
               33.
               
               And
               the
               Apostles
               practice
               ,
               2
               Tim.
               4.
               7.
               
            
             
               3ly
               .
               The
               Rule
               of
               our
               performance
               of
               this
               duty
               ,
               or
               He
               after
               whom
               she
               promises
               to
               runne
               ,
               is
               ,
               after
               Christ
               ,
               the
               precepts
               of
               his
               word
               for
               direction
               ,
               and
               the
               example
               of
               his
               life
               for
               imitation
               .
               Therfore
               the
               Apostle
               would
               not
               simply
               say
               ,
               Follow
               me
               ,
               but
               with
               this
               restricton
               ,
               
                 as
                 I
                 follow
                 Christ
              
               ,
               he
               being
               only
               our
               absolute
               and
               perfect
               patterne
               .
               Therefore
               as
               Gideon
               said
               to
               his
               souldiers
               ,
               As
               yee
               see
               me
               do
               ,
               so
               do
               yee
               :
               so
               sayes
               he
               to
               all
               his
               ,
               As
               yee
               see
               how
               I
               have
               gone
               before
               you
               ,
               so
               follow
               yee
               :
               for
               I
               am
               the
               way
               ,
               the
               verity
               ,
               and
               the
               life
               ,
               the
               way
               to
               walk
               in
               ,
               the
               truth
               to
               walk
               by
               ,
               and
               the
               life
               to
               walke
               unto
               :
               which
               way
               if
               we
               keep
               ,
               we
               shall
               be
               safe
               from
               straying
               ;
               which
               truth
               if
               we
               believe
               ,
               we
               shall
               be
               free
               from
               erring
               ;
               and
               which
               life
               if
               we
               walk
               unto
               ,
               we
               shall
               be
               free
               from
               perishing
               .
            
             
               Neither
               must
               this
               following
               after
               Christ
               be
               onely
               in
               active
               obedience
               ,
               but
               passive
               ;
               suffering
               as
               he
               did
               ,
               innocently
               ,
               patiently
               ,
               and
               persevering
               to
               the
               end
               ,
               as
               we
               are
               told
               ,
               Luk.
               9.
               23.
               
               And
               Heb.
               12.
               1.
               
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 The
                 Church
                 first
                 desires
                 to
                 be
                 kissed
                 with
                 the
                 kisses
                 of
                 his
                 mouth
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 she
                 desires
                 more
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 drawne
                 that
                 she
                 may
                 runne
                 after
                 him
                 ,
                 whereby
                 we
                 see
                 the
                 disposition
                 of
                 a
                 Godly
                 soule
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 still
                 covering
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 's
                 gracious
                 favours
                 towards
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 thirsting
                 and
                 hungring
                 after
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 grace
                 ,
                 till
                 at
                 last
                 her
                 vessel
                 be
                 full
                 in
                 glory
                 :
                 therefore
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 of
                 the
                 godly
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 84.
                 7.
                 
                 That
                 they
                 go
                 from
                 strength
                 to
                 strength
                 ,
                 till
                 they
                 see
                 God
                 in
                 Sion
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 the
                 
                   Apostle
                   ,
                   Philip.
                
                 3.
                 13.
                 
                 Forgetting
                 those
                 things
                 that
                 are
                 behind
                 ,
                 they
                 reach
                 unto
                 those
                 things
                 which
                 are
                 before
                 ,
                 and
                 never
                 can
                 say
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 as
                 Esau
                 said
                 of
                 his
                 goods
                 ,
                 Gen.
                 33.
                 9.
                 
                 I
                 have
                 enough
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 the
                 Churches
                 humble
                 acknowledgment
                 of
                 her
                 owne
                 weakness
                 and
                 inability
                 to
                 runne
                 after
                 Christ
                 except
                 she
                 be
                 first
                 drawne
                 by
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 she
                 should
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   teque
                   volens
                   
                   cursu
                   non
                   tamen
                   apta
                   sequi
                   :
                
                 as
                 our
                 Saviour
                 speakes
                 ,
                 Math.
                 20.
                 41.
                 
                 The
                 spirit
                 being
                 ready
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 flesh
                 being
                 weak
                 ,
                 which
                 made
                 that
                 great
                 Apostle
                 confess
                 of
                 himself
                 ,
                 Rom.
                 7.
                 18.
                 that
                 to
                 will
                 was
                 present
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 how
                 to
                 performe
                 that
                 which
                 was
                 good
                 ,
                 he
                 found
                 not
                 ;
                 and
                 which
                 much
                 more
                 ,
                 may
                 all
                 others
                 most
                 truly
                 and
                 humbly
                 confess
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Notwithstanding
                 of
                 the
                 sense
                 of
                 her
                 own
                 weakness
                 and
                 inability
                 to
                 follow
                 or
                 run
                 after
                 Christ
                 ,
                 yet
                 she
                 faints
                 not
                 ,
                 nor
                 therefore
                 gives
                 over
                 ,
                 but
                 by
                 prayer
                 to
                 him
                 who
                 accepts
                 the
                 will
                 for
                 the
                 deed
                 ,
                 and
                 who
                 gives
                 both
                 the
                 will
                 and
                 deed
                 ,
                 she
                 desires
                 to
                 be
                 drawn
                 by
                 him
                 ,
                 teaching
                 us
                 when
                 we
                 find
                 or
                 feel
                 our
                 own
                 wants
                 ,
                 and
                 weakness
                 to
                 performe
                 any
                 spirituall
                 duty
                 ,
                 commanded
                 ,
                 or
                 saving
                 grace
                 ,
                 never
                 to
                 stay
                 in
                 that
                 sight
                 or
                 sense
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 go
                 to
                 him
                 who
                 is
                 the
                 full
                 and
                 over
                 flowing
                 fountain
                 of
                 all
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 both
                 able
                 and
                 willing
                 to
                 supply
                 all
                 our
                 wants
                 ,
                 and
                 support
                 our
                 weakness
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 In
                 that
                 she
                 saies
                 ,
                 
                   draw
                   me
                
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 the
                 efficacy
                 of
                 saving
                 grace
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 
                   Manasseth
                   ,
                   Pauls
                
                 conversion
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 those
                 three
                 thousand
                 at
                 one
                 draught
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 of
                 the
                 Net
                 of
                 the
                 Gospell
                 by
                 
                   Peter
                   ,
                   Acts.
                
                 2.
                 
                 Which
                 serves
                 both
                 to
                 trye
                 the
                 truth
                 of
                 Grace
                 in
                 our selves
                 ,
                 which
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 true
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 draw
                 us
                 from
                 our
                 former
                 sinnes
                 to
                 the
                 contrary
                 practise
                 of
                 holiness
                 .
                 As
                 also
                 this
                 teaches
                 us
                 to
                 despair
                 of
                 no
                 mans
                 conversion
                 in
                 Gods
                 own
                 time
                 ,
                 who
                 can
                 be
                 soon
                 drawn
                 to
                 God
                 when
                 ever
                 the
                 Lords
                 saving
                 Grace
                 comes
                 to
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 as
                 Christ
                 came
                 to
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 Zacheus
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 he
                 drew
                 Paul.
                 
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 In
                 her
                 promise
                 to
                 runne
                 after
                 him
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 that
                 grace
                 is
                 not
                 given
                 to
                 his
                 Saints
                 in
                 vaine
                 ,
                 as
                 David
                 showes
                 ,
                 Psal
                 119.
                 32.
                 but
                 for
                 practicall
                 use
                 ,
                 cheerfully
                 and
                 diligently
                 to
                 do
                 the
                 duties
                 both
                 of
                 our
                 generall
                 and
                 particular
                 callings
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 likewise
                 that
                 our
                 life
                 here
                 on
                 Earth
                 is
                 a
                 Race
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 shows
                 ,
                 Philip.
                 3.
                 12.
                 
                 Wherein
                 having
                 turned
                 from
                 sinne
                 ,
                 and
                 entred
                 in
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 the
                 Lords
                 testimonies
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 cheerfully
                 runne
                 our
                 Race
                 till
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 end
                 without
                 fainting
                 ,
                 or
                 giving
                 over
                 ,
                 or
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 looking
                 back
                 ,
                 like
                 Lots
                 Wife
                 ;
                 Gods
                 Spirit
                 being
                 our
                 guide
                 ;
                 men
                 and
                 Angels
                 spectators
                 ,
                 God
                 our
                 Judge
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 prize
                 the
                 Crown
                 of
                 Righteousness
                 .
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 that
                 saying
                 
                   (
                   after
                   thee
                
                 )
                 that
                 the
                 right
                 vvay
                 then
                 to
                 run
                 this
                 Race
                 is
                 to
                 follow
                 after
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 vve
                 may
                 be
                 assured
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 Christ
                 by
                 grace
                 in
                 glory
                 :
                 but
                 if
                 vve
                 nor
                 not
                 after
                 him
                 on
                 Earth
                 ,
                 following
                 the
                 direction
                 of
                 his
                 
                 precepts
                 ,
                 and
                 example
                 of
                 his
                 practice
                 ,
                 we
                 shall
                 never
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 in
                 Heaven
                 .
              
               
                 8.
                 
                 Lastly
                 ,
                 We
                 see
                 that
                 the
                 greatest
                 perfection
                 of
                 a
                 Christian
                 on
                 Earth
                 ,
                 is
                 ,
                 
                   Christum
                   sequi
                   conatu
                   et
                   desiderio
                   sed
                   non
                   assequi
                   perfectione
                   et
                   facto
                   :
                
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 shows
                 ,
                 1
                 
                   Cor.
                   11.
                   1.
                   
                   Phil.
                
                 3.
                 12.
                 
                 As
                 also
                 ,
                 
                   she
                   contents
                   not
                   with
                   the
                   kisses
                   of
                   his
                   mouth
                   ,
                
                 or
                 to
                 have
                 her
                 share
                 and
                 lay
                 hold
                 on
                 the
                 sweet
                 promises
                 of
                 his
                 word
                 ,
                 but
                 also
                 she
                 desires
                 in
                 the
                 performance
                 of
                 all
                 holy
                 duties
                 to
                 be
                 drawn
                 after
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 be
                 inabled
                 to
                 practise
                 the
                 precepts
                 of
                 his
                 word
                 ;
                 and
                 what
                 is
                 recommended
                 to
                 her
                 in
                 the
                 pattern
                 of
                 his
                 holy
                 life
                 ,
                 far
                 contrary
                 to
                 the
                 custome
                 of
                 many
                 who
                 would
                 be
                 kissed
                 
                   with
                   the
                   kisses
                   of
                   his
                   mouth
                   ,
                
                 but
                 regard
                 not
                 ,
                 so
                 as
                 they
                 ought
                 ,
                 the
                 draught
                 of
                 grace
                 vvith
                 the
                 vvord
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 follovving
                 of
                 him
                 in
                 a
                 holy
                 practice
                 of
                 life
                 and
                 good
                 vvorks
                 .
              
               
                 
                   The
                   King
                   brought
                   me
                   into
                   his
                   Chambers
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
              
               
                 From
                 petitioning
                 of
                 favours
                 to
                 be
                 received
                 ,
                 she
                 comes
                 to
                 the
                 acknovvledgment
                 of
                 favours
                 already
                 received
                 ,
                 and
                 vvhat
                 good
                 use
                 she
                 should
                 still
                 make
                 therof
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 thankfull
                 acknovvledgment
                 for
                 these
                 ,
                 and
                 use
                 made
                 of
                 these
                 might
                 move
                 the
                 Lord
                 in
                 mercy
                 to
                 a
                 gracious
                 bestovving
                 of
                 the
                 other
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 speech
                 is
                 borrovved
                 from
                 the
                 manner
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 vvho
                 vvhen
                 they
                 are
                 betrothed
                 to
                 any
                 ,
                 do
                 kindly
                 invite
                 and
                 bring
                 them
                 into
                 their
                 best
                 Rooms
                 and
                 furnished
                 Chambers
                 ,
                 there
                 to
                 show
                 them
                 vvhat
                 goods
                 and
                 Riches
                 they
                 have
                 vvhereof
                 they
                 are
                 to
                 make
                 them
                 partakers
                 vvhom
                 they
                 mind
                 to
                 espouse
                 ,
                 thereby
                 the
                 more
                 to
                 gladden
                 them
                 ,
                 confirme
                 and
                 inflame
                 their
                 affection
                 ,
                 even
                 so
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 having
                 betroathed
                 unto
                 himself
                 his
                 Church
                 ,
                 he
                 brings
                 her
                 into
                 his
                 Chambers
                 ,
                 vvhen
                 he
                 reveales
                 unto
                 her
                 soul
                 his
                 Heavenly
                 mystery
                 here
                 whereof
                 the
                 Apostle
                 speaks
                 ,
                 and
                 vvhat
                 Treasures
                 ,
                 Riches
                 ,
                 and
                 glory
                 ,
                 he
                 has
                 laid
                 up
                 for
                 her
                 in
                 the
                 Heavens
                 hereafter
                 ,
                 Col.
                 2.
                 2.
                 3.
                 the
                 assurance
                 whereof
                 so
                 rejoyces
                 the
                 believing
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 inflames
                 her
                 love
                 to
                 him
                 vvho
                 has
                 so
                 loved
                 her
                 ,
                 that
                 as
                 the
                 Baptist
                 leaped
                 for
                 joy
                 in
                 his
                 mothers
                 Womb
                 ,
                 so
                 the
                 Soul
                 leaps
                 for
                 joy
                 in
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 almost
                 amazed
                 thereat
                 ,
                 as
                 Jacob
                 vvas
                 at
                 the
                 nevvs
                 of
                 Josephs
                 being
                 alive
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 his
                 preferment
                 .
              
               
                 In
                 which
                 vvords
                 vve
                 have
                 to
                 consider
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 What
                 are
                 these
                 Chambers
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 What
                 means
                 this
                 bringing-in
                 ,
                 of
                 her
                 into
                 them
                 :
                 and
                 3.
                 
                 Hovv
                 he
                 is
                 styled
                 vvho
                 is
                 the
                 in-bringer
                 .
              
               
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 Chambers
                 are
                 inner
                 Rooms
                 ,
                 wherein
                 usually
                 things
                 are
                 laid
                 up
                 ,
                 and
                 especially
                 in
                 Kings
                 Chambers
                 (
                 whereof
                 here
                 is
                 mention
                 )
                 the
                 Rich
                 Ornaments
                 and
                 honour
                 of
                 Royall
                 Majesty
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 seen
                 :
                 and
                 therefore
                 every
                 one
                 gets
                 not
                 accesse
                 to
                 such
                 places
                 ,
                 who
                 otherwise
                 are
                 permitted
                 to
                 enter
                 in
                 at
                 the
                 Court-gates
                 and
                 outer
                 Rooms
                 ;
                 but
                 only
                 these
                 who
                 find
                 more
                 speciall
                 favour
                 and
                 neerer
                 accesse
                 :
                 even
                 so
                 these
                 Chambers
                 here
                 meant
                 ,
                 are
                 the
                 heavenly
                 mysteries
                 of
                 the
                 Gospell
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 Eph.
                 3.
                 8.
                 the
                 unsearchable
                 Riches
                 of
                 Christ
                 manifested
                 and
                 laid
                 open
                 to
                 us
                 thereby
                 ,
                 not
                 only
                 to
                 know
                 by
                 a
                 fleeting
                 knowledge
                 in
                 the
                 braine
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 feel
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 the
                 Gospell
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 povver
                 of
                 God
                 unto
                 salvation
                 to
                 every
                 true
                 believer
                 ,
                 and
                 working
                 a
                 holy
                 change
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 vvords
                 of
                 Christ
                 vvrought
                 on
                 those
                 that
                 he
                 called
                 to
                 follow
                 him
                 ;
                 and
                 on
                 Paul
                 vvhen
                 he
                 vvas
                 converted
                 :
                 yea
                 reviving
                 them
                 that
                 are
                 dead
                 vvith
                 Lazarus
                 ,
                 to
                 arise
                 up
                 from
                 the
                 dead
                 that
                 he
                 may
                 give
                 them
                 light
                 :
                 vvhich
                 sanctifying
                 renevving
                 and
                 changing
                 ,
                 povver
                 is
                 not
                 felt
                 ,
                 nor
                 this
                 saving
                 knovvledge
                 revealed
                 to
                 every
                 one
                 vvho
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 externall
                 hearing
                 of
                 the
                 Word
                 ,
                 vvhich
                 is
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 the
                 admission
                 to
                 the
                 utter
                 Court
                 or
                 more
                 common
                 Roomes
                 ,
                 but
                 only
                 to
                 souls
                 espoused
                 to
                 him
                 as
                 here
                 ,
                 and
                 vvho
                 is
                 said
                 therefore
                 to
                 be
                 brought
                 into
                 his
                 inner
                 Chambers
                 ,
                 and
                 knovv
                 ,
                 as
                 David
                 saies
                 ,
                 the
                 secret
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 Psal
                 .
                 25.
                 14.
                 
                 That
                 is
                 ,
                 besides
                 the
                 knovvledge
                 of
                 his
                 heavenly
                 mysteries
                 ,
                 the
                 secret
                 piercing
                 and
                 changing
                 power
                 thereof
                 unto
                 their
                 sanctification
                 ,
                 and
                 thereby
                 the
                 secret
                 vvitnessing
                 of
                 Gods
                 spirit
                 to
                 theirs
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 the
                 sonnes
                 of
                 God
                 and
                 heirs
                 of
                 salvation
                 .
              
               
                 Next
                 he
                 speaks
                 not
                 of
                 one
                 Chamber
                 ,
                 but
                 of
                 Chambers
                 in
                 the
                 Plurall
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 bringing
                 her
                 from
                 one
                 to
                 another
                 ,
                 to
                 shovv
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 The
                 degrees
                 he
                 uses
                 of
                 revealing
                 and
                 manifesting
                 himself
                 and
                 his
                 heavenly
                 mysteries
                 to
                 his
                 Church
                 and
                 true
                 members
                 thereof
                 ,
                 not
                 all
                 at
                 once
                 ,
                 or
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 measure
                 ,
                 as
                 aftervvard
                 it
                 pleases
                 him
                 to
                 reveale
                 :
                 and
                 therfore
                 making
                 them
                 grovv
                 from
                 grace
                 to
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 from
                 knovvledge
                 to
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 blind
                 man
                 that
                 was
                 cured
                 saw
                 by
                 degrees
                 ,
                 or
                 as
                 the
                 light
                 grovves
                 ever
                 cleerer
                 from
                 the
                 davvning
                 to
                 the
                 bright
                 day
                 ,
                 and
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 To
                 shovv
                 his
                 diverse
                 dispensation
                 under
                 the
                 Lavv
                 and
                 Gospell
                 ,
                 being
                 before
                 and
                 under
                 the
                 Lavv
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 led
                 into
                 some
                 Chambers
                 ,
                 vvhere
                 she
                 saw
                 indeed
                 the
                 King
                 's
                 Royall
                 and
                 Rich
                 Furniture
                 prepared
                 for
                 his
                 spouse
                 and
                 all
                 such
                 as
                 fear
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 vvith
                 a
                 dimme
                 and
                 
                 glimmering
                 light
                 :
                 but
                 under
                 the
                 Gospell
                 ,
                 she
                 vvas
                 led
                 into
                 more
                 lightsome
                 Roomes
                 ,
                 vvhere
                 more
                 cleerly
                 she
                 might
                 see
                 his
                 glory
                 riches
                 and
                 Royall
                 Furniture
                 ,
                 and
                 vvhat
                 was
                 before
                 folded
                 up
                 ,
                 vvas
                 then
                 unfolded
                 and
                 laid
                 open
                 to
                 her
                 view
                 .
                 And
                 yet
                 their
                 remaines
                 another
                 third
                 Chamber
                 and
                 Mansion-place
                 vvherein
                 she
                 shall
                 be
                 brought
                 at
                 the
                 solemnization
                 of
                 that
                 glorious
                 marriage
                 between
                 him
                 and
                 her
                 ,
                 vvherein
                 she
                 shall
                 see
                 cleerest
                 of
                 all
                 ,
                 and
                 enjoy
                 with
                 him
                 those
                 Riches
                 of
                 his
                 Kingdome
                 ,
                 vvhich
                 the
                 mortall
                 Eye
                 never
                 saw
                 ,
                 nor
                 could
                 it
                 enter
                 into
                 the
                 heart
                 to
                 conceive
                 sufficiently
                 thereof
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 Chamber
                 may
                 vvell
                 be
                 called
                 his
                 Chamber
                 of
                 Presence
                 ,
                 or
                 bedchamber
                 ,
                 vvhere
                 there
                 shall
                 be
                 rest
                 from
                 her
                 labours
                 and
                 she
                 shall
                 injoy
                 his
                 presence
                 for
                 ever
                 ;
                 vvherein
                 there
                 is
                 fullness
                 of
                 joy
                 ,
                 and
                 at
                 his
                 right
                 hand
                 pleasures
                 for
                 evermore
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 second
                 thing
                 is
                 ,
                 the
                 Bringing
                 of
                 her
                 into
                 these
                 Chambers
                 ,
                 (
                 vvhich
                 vve
                 must
                 understand
                 to
                 be
                 spirituall
                 for
                 the
                 manner
                 ,
                 and
                 done
                 by
                 Gods
                 spirit
                 as
                 the
                 agent
                 )
                 is
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 ordinary
                 ministry
                 of
                 the
                 Word
                 vvhereby
                 both
                 he
                 gives
                 her
                 the
                 Eye
                 of
                 Faith
                 vvhereby
                 she
                 may
                 behold
                 in
                 the
                 Gospell
                 these
                 heavenly
                 Riches
                 and
                 treasure
                 therof
                 in
                 Christ
                 ;
                 as
                 also
                 he
                 layes
                 open
                 these
                 things
                 by
                 his
                 invvard
                 revelation
                 to
                 her
                 view
                 ,
                 vvhich
                 God
                 hath
                 prepared
                 for
                 them
                 that
                 love
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 shovvs
                 ,
                 1
                 Cor.
                 2.
                 9
                 ,
                 10.
                 and
                 vvhich
                 are
                 hid
                 from
                 all
                 those
                 vvho
                 perish
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 third
                 thing
                 is
                 ,
                 vvho
                 brought
                 her
                 in
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 is
                 he
                 styled
                 ?
                 He
                 is
                 here
                 said
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 King
                 ,
                 vvhich
                 is
                 the
                 first
                 of
                 Christs
                 three
                 Offices
                 ,
                 vvho
                 is
                 King
                 ,
                 Priest
                 ,
                 and
                 Prophet
                 ;
                 a
                 King
                 for
                 dignity
                 ,
                 a
                 Priest
                 for
                 Piety
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 Prophet
                 for
                 Heavenly
                 Wisdome
                 and
                 prudence
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 these
                 three
                 transcendent
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 King
                 of
                 kings
                 ,
                 the
                 true
                 and
                 sole
                 high
                 Priest
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 great
                 prophet
                 of
                 his
                 Church
                 ,
                 authorized
                 from
                 heaven
                 that
                 all
                 men
                 should
                 hear
                 him
                 .
                 Ruling
                 us
                 as
                 King
                 ,
                 having
                 offered
                 himself
                 as
                 a
                 sacrifice
                 for
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 interceding
                 as
                 Priest
                 ,
                 &
                 instructing
                 us
                 by
                 his
                 Word
                 and
                 Spirit
                 as
                 he
                 is
                 our
                 prophet
                 ,
                 and
                 who
                 only
                 has
                 made
                 us
                 a
                 Royall
                 Priesthood
                 to
                 his
                 Father
                 .
              
               
                 This
                 style
                 then
                 of
                 King
                 he
                 frequently
                 gets
                 in
                 Scripture
                 ,
                 as
                 
                   Psal
                   .
                   2.
                   6.
                   
                   Jer.
                
                 33.
                 5.
                 and
                 Zech.
                 9.
                 9.
                 vvho
                 has
                 all
                 these
                 properties
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 He
                 is
                 a
                 
                   good
                   King
                
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 is
                 also
                 called
                 ,
                 the
                 good
                 Shepherd
                 ,
                 John.
                 10.
                 11.
                 discharging
                 to
                 the
                 full
                 all
                 the
                 
                 offices
                 of
                 a
                 good
                 king
                 to
                 his
                 subjects
                 ,
                 both
                 in
                 government
                 and
                 protection
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 He
                 is
                 a
                 
                   great
                   King
                
                 ,
                 as
                 Mal.
                 1.
                 14.
                 1.
                 
                 Both
                 in
                 power
                 in
                 it self
                 ,
                 being
                 almighty
                 ;
                 and
                 over
                 all
                 persons
                 ,
                 their
                 souls
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 their
                 bodies
                 ,
                 and
                 great
                 also
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 the
                 extent
                 of
                 his
                 dominion
                 over
                 Heaven
                 ,
                 Earth
                 ,
                 and
                 Hell
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 onely
                 catholick
                 ,
                 3.
                 
                 He
                 is
                 also
                 a
                 gracious
                 king
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 In
                 patent
                 accesse
                 at
                 all
                 times
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 all
                 who
                 in-call
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 In
                 ready
                 and
                 bountifull
                 granting
                 their
                 petitions
                 ,
                 3.
                 
                 In
                 taking
                 notice
                 of
                 the
                 love
                 ,
                 loyalty
                 and
                 obedience
                 of
                 every
                 one
                 of
                 his
                 subjects
                 ;
                 and
                 ,
                 4.
                 
                 In
                 rewarding
                 every
                 one
                 who
                 is
                 such
                 ,
                 vvith
                 blessing
                 here
                 and
                 a
                 kingdome
                 hereafter
                 :
                 and
                 Lastly
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 glorious
                 King
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 king
                 of
                 glory
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 styles
                 him
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 24.
                 7.
                 
                 Whose
                 glory
                 is
                 not
                 earthly
                 shaddovvish
                 and
                 transitory
                 ,
                 but
                 Heavenly
                 ,
                 solid
                 and
                 Eternall
                 ,
                 Psalm
                 .
                 24.
                 7.
                 
              
               
                 As
                 this
                 blessed
                 bridegroom
                 of
                 his
                 Church
                 is
                 a
                 King
                 ,
                 so
                 he
                 hath
                 a
                 threefold
                 Kingdome
                 ,
                 of
                 power
                 ,
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 glory
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 His
                 kingdome
                 of
                 power
                 is
                 his
                 supreame
                 soveraignty
                 ,
                 whereby
                 ,
                 as
                 David
                 speaks
                 ,
                 He
                 rules
                 and
                 raigness
                 as
                 Head
                 over
                 all
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 Chron.
                 29.
                 11.
                 2
                 
                 His
                 kingdome
                 of
                 grace
                 is
                 that
                 ,
                 whereby
                 he
                 rules
                 in
                 a
                 speciall
                 manner
                 by
                 the
                 sweet
                 influence
                 of
                 grace
                 in
                 the
                 hearts
                 of
                 his
                 elect
                 ,
                 and
                 erects
                 there
                 his
                 throne
                 ,
                 3.
                 
                 His
                 kingdome
                 of
                 glory
                 is
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 inheritance
                 of
                 his
                 Saints
                 in
                 Heaven
                 ,
                 prepared
                 for
                 them
                 before
                 the
                 beginning
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 called
                 ,
                 the
                 kingdom
                 of
                 God
                 and
                 the
                 father
                 ,
                 
                   Mark.
                   10
                   14.
                   à
                   donatitione
                
                 ,
                 therefore
                 says
                 our
                 saviour
                 ,
                 fear
                 not
                 little
                 flock
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 Luk.
                 12.
                 32.
                 
                 And
                 sometimes
                 the
                 kingdome
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 
                   ab
                   acquisitione
                   Eph.
                
                 5.
                 5.
                 
                 Therefore
                 the
                 thief
                 said
                 ,
                 Lord
                 remember
                 me
                 when
                 thou
                 commest
                 into
                 thy
                 kingdome
                 Luk.
                 23.
                 42.
                 
              
               
                 Followes
                 ,
                 the
                 fruits
                 or
                 effects
                 of
                 this
                 introduction
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 1.
                 spirituall
                 joy
                 and
                 gladness
                 (
                 wherof
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 45.
                 15.
                 )
                 Which
                 this
                 chaste
                 vergin
                 the
                 Lambs
                 bride
                 conceaveth
                 of
                 this
                 introduction
                 of
                 her
                 into
                 these
                 Chambers
                 )
                 &
                 view
                 of
                 these
                 heavenly
                 riches
                 and
                 glory
                 that
                 is
                 laid
                 up
                 for
                 her
                 ,
                 2.
                 a
                 fervent
                 and
                 sincere
                 affection
                 arising
                 from
                 the
                 remembrance
                 of
                 that
                 Matchless
                 love
                 wherewith
                 he
                 has
                 loved
                 her
                 ,
                 and
                 which
                 cheereth
                 her
                 heart
                 more
                 then
                 the
                 cheering
                 liquor
                 of
                 the
                 most
                 delicious
                 wine
                 ,
                 To
                 speak
                 then
                 of
                 the
                 first
                 fruit
                 ,
                 or
                 duty
                 ,
                 which
                 upon
                 this
                 introduction
                 the
                 Church
                 performs
                 .
              
               
                 Then
                 we
                 have
                 first
                 to
                 remark
                 (
                 as
                 in
                 the
                 beginning
                 of
                 this
                 verse
                 )
                 the
                 Number
                 altered
                 from
                 the
                 singular
                 
                   the
                   King
                   brought
                   me
                   in
                
                 ,
                 &c.
                 into
                 the
                 plurall
                 ,
                 
                   we
                   will
                   be
                   glad
                
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 for
                 the
                 same
                 reasons
                 as
                 before
                 .
                 As
                 also
                 this
                 
                 shewes
                 that
                 the
                 gladness
                 and
                 rejoycing
                 which
                 arises
                 from
                 the
                 glad
                 ▪
                 tidings
                 of
                 salvation
                 in
                 the
                 Gospell
                 ,
                 is
                 common
                 to
                 all
                 the
                 godly
                 ,
                 although
                 never
                 so
                 base
                 or
                 meane
                 otherwise
                 .
                 Neither
                 is
                 it
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 gifts
                 or
                 graces
                 
                 themselves
                 that
                 are
                 bestowed
                 on
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 worldlings
                 rejoyce
                 in
                 their
                 abundance
                 of
                 corn
                 &
                 oile
                 as
                 David
                 shewes
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 see
                 in
                 the
                 rich
                 foole
                 ;
                 but
                 they
                 rejoyce
                 in
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 the
                 full
                 fountaine
                 and
                 giver
                 ,
                 Psalm
                 .
                 32.
                 11.
                 
                 Commanded
                 ,
                 &
                 Psalm
                 .
                 9.
                 2.
                 
                 Practised
                 ,
                 with
                 a
                 farre
                 more
                 solid
                 and
                 surpassing
                 greater
                 joy
                 ,
                 yea
                 in
                 the
                 Lord
                 when
                 they
                 suffer
                 for
                 him
                 ,
                 Act.
                 5.
                 41.
                 and
                 16.
                 25.
                 
                 So
                 that
                 the
                 godly
                 are
                 not
                 as
                 the
                 world
                 takes
                 them
                 to
                 be
                 ,
                 a
                 sullen
                 &
                 melancholious
                 sort
                 of
                 people
                 ,
                 but
                 are
                 more
                 joyfull
                 and
                 glad
                 then
                 they
                 can
                 perceive
                 :
                 to
                 whom
                 they
                 may
                 justly
                 say
                 as
                 our
                 saviour
                 said
                 to
                 his
                 disciples
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 meat
                 that
                 yee
                 know
                 not
                 of
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 they
                 have
                 gladness
                 and
                 joy
                 which
                 the
                 wicked
                 nor
                 worldlings
                 know
                 not
                 
                 of
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 spirituall
                 joy
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 joy
                 of
                 the
                 Holy
                 Ghost
                 ,
                 better
                 grounded
                 nor
                 the
                 worldlings
                 joy
                 ;
                 which
                 like
                 Belthassar's
                 is
                 suddenly
                 oft
                 times
                 blasted
                 marred
                 and
                 ends
                 in
                 endless
                 sorrow
                 ,
                 whereas
                 the
                 joy
                 of
                 the
                 godly
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 that
                 joy
                 which
                 is
                 grounded
                 on
                 that
                 sweet
                 assurance
                 of
                 their
                 adoption
                 through
                 Christ
                 which
                 is
                 a
                 pledge
                 &
                 forerunner
                 of
                 that
                 fulness
                 of
                 joy
                 and
                 pleasures
                 for
                 evermore
                 ,
                 where
                 of
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 speaks
                 which
                 David
                 calles
                 the
                 joy
                 of
                 his
                 salvation
                 ,
                 
                   Psal
                   51.
                   
                   Psal
                
                 .
                 16.
                 and
                 that
                 whereof
                 the
                 Prophet
                 Isay
                 also
                 sayes
                 ,
                 my
                 soul
                 shal
                 be
                 joyfull
                 in
                 my
                 God
                 ,
                 Isay
                 .
                 61.
                 10.
                 
                 Because
                 he
                 has
                 clothed
                 me
                 with
                 the
                 garments
                 of
                 salvation
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 covered
                 me
                 with
                 the
                 robes
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 bridgroom
                 decketh
                 himself
                 with
                 ornaments
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 a
                 bride
                 adorneth
                 herself
                 with
                 her
                 Jewells
                 ,
                 all
                 other
                 rejoycing
                 and
                 glorying
                 in
                 any
                 other
                 things
                 ,
                 like
                 Nebuchadnezars
                 ,
                 Haman's
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 rich
                 fool's
                 in
                 the
                 Gospell
                 ,
                 being
                 altogether
                 prohibit
                 and
                 unlawfull
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Lord
                 in
                 ,
                 Jer.
                 9.
                 23.
                 sayes
                 ,
                 Let
                 not
                 the
                 wise
                 man
                 glory
                 in
                 his
                 wisedom
                 ,
                 nor
                 the
                 mighty
                 in
                 his
                 might
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 rich
                 man
                 glory
                 in
                 his
                 riches
                 ,
                 but
                 let
                 him
                 that
                 glorieth
                 ,
                 glory
                 in
                 this
                 that
                 he
                 understands
                 and
                 knowes
                 me
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord.
                 
              
               
                 We
                 have
                 then
                 in
                 these
                 words
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 A
                 rejoycing
                 ,
                 arising
                 upon
                 the
                 former
                 introduction
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 Who
                 rejoyces
                 ,
                 3.
                 wherein
                 they
                 rejoyce
                 .
              
               
                 [
                 1.
                 
                 
                   A
                   holy
                   remembrance
                
                 ]
                 Followes
                 ,
                 the
                 next
                 duty
                 the
                 Church
                 performes
                 ,
                 upon
                 this
                 forenamed
                 introduction
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 the
                 
                 comfortable
                 remembrance
                 of
                 the
                 Lords
                 love
                 ,
                 which
                 cheereth
                 the
                 soule
                 more
                 then
                 wine
                 does
                 the
                 body
                 .
                 Therefore
                 did
                 David
                 stirre
                 up
                 his
                 soul
                 and
                 all
                 that
                 was
                 within
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 remember
                 the
                 Lords
                 benefits
                 bestowed
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 to
                 forget
                 them
                 Psal
                 .
                 103.
                 3.
                 
                 Because
                 we
                 are
                 all
                 prone
                 so
                 to
                 do
                 .
                 Which
                 remembrance
                 of
                 the
                 Lords
                 love
                 and
                 benefits
                 ,
                 in
                 a
                 thankfull
                 manner
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 Procures
                 him
                 in
                 mercy
                 still
                 to
                 continue
                 manifest
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 tokens
                 thereof
                 towards
                 us
                 .
                 2.
                 
                 As
                 Joseph
                 reasoned
                 with
                 his
                 Masters
                 Wife
                 from
                 his
                 love
                 and
                 preferment
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 sinne
                 against
                 him
                 ;
                 so
                 this
                 remembrance
                 of
                 the
                 Lords
                 love
                 ,
                 will
                 restraine
                 likewise
                 from
                 sinning
                 against
                 him
                 :
                 therefore
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 ,
                 There
                 is
                 mercy
                 with
                 thee
                 O
                 Lord
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 mayest
                 be
                 feared
                 :
                 and
                 ,
                 3.
                 
                 In
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 adversity
                 ,
                 this
                 remembrance
                 of
                 the
                 Lord's
                 love
                 towards
                 us
                 will
                 sweeten
                 all
                 Marah
                 waters
                 ,
                 and
                 assure
                 us
                 that
                 all
                 shall
                 co-operate
                 to
                 our
                 best
                 ,
                 because
                 he
                 loves
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 all
                 proceeds
                 from
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 Heb.
                 12.
                 6.
                 
              
               
                 [
                 2.
                 
                 Whereof
                 ]
                 But
                 it
                 is
                 spoken
                 of
                 Loves
                 in
                 the
                 plurall
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 the
                 severall
                 manifestations
                 thereof
                 ,
                 in
                 Election
                 before
                 time
                 ,
                 creation
                 in
                 time
                 ,
                 redeeming
                 in
                 the
                 fulness
                 of
                 time
                 ,
                 effectuall
                 vocation
                 ,
                 free
                 justification
                 ,
                 powerfull
                 sanctification
                 ,
                 and
                 future
                 glorification
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
              
               
                 [
                 3.
                 
                 How
                 ]
                 Also
                 the
                 effect
                 of
                 his
                 remembrance
                 ,
                 or
                 quality
                 thereof
                 ,
                 is
                 expressed
                 by
                 comparing
                 it
                 to
                 Wine
                 ;
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 also
                 said
                 ,
                 
                   more
                   then
                   wine
                
                 ,
                 to
                 show
                 that
                 wine
                 cannot
                 in
                 the
                 use
                 thereof
                 be
                 so
                 comfortable
                 ,
                 delightfull
                 ,
                 and
                 cheering
                 to
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 remembrance
                 of
                 the
                 Lords
                 love
                 ,
                 is
                 to
                 a
                 sensible
                 Soul
                 ;
                 nor
                 ,
                 is
                 it
                 in
                 the
                 naturall
                 quality
                 thereof
                 ,
                 so
                 operative
                 upon
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 as
                 his
                 remembrance
                 is
                 upon
                 such
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 in
                 moving
                 the
                 same
                 uprightly
                 and
                 sincerely
                 to
                 love
                 Christ
                 againe
                 .
              
               
                 [
                 4.
                 
                 
                   The
                   retaliation
                
                 ]
                 Therefore
                 it
                 is
                 subjoyned
                 ,
                 that
                 
                   the
                   upright
                   love
                
                 him
                 .
                 Where
                 we
                 have
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 Who
                 loves
                 :
                 and
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 Whom
                 they
                 love
                 .
                 As
                 for
                 the
                 love
                 and
                 the
                 object
                 thereof
                 ,
                 having
                 already
                 spoken
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 now
                 only
                 to
                 speak
                 of
                 them
                 who
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 they
                 are
                 called
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 recti
                 ,
                 Now
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 five-fold
                 rectitude
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 
                   Judicii
                   ,
                   2.
                   
                   Sinceritatis
                   ,
                   3.
                   
                   Desiderii
                   ,
                   4.
                   
                   Locutionis
                   .
                   5.
                   
                   Operum
                   :
                
                 Or
                 ,
                 in
                 a
                 world
                 ,
                 uprightness
                 of
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 righteousness
                 in
                 life
                 :
                 and
                 how
                 it
                 is
                 commanded
                 ,
                 commended
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 excellent
                 fruits
                 thereof
                 .
              
            
             
               
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 She
                 had
                 been
                 seeking
                 favours
                 before
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 she
                 thankfully
                 acknowledges
                 favours
                 already
                 received
                 ,
                 which
                 teaches
                 us
                 all
                 the
                 like
                 duty
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 like
                 the
                 9.
                 ungrate
                 lepers
                 :
                 for
                 hereby
                 we
                 procure
                 in
                 mercy
                 the
                 continuance
                 of
                 gifts
                 and
                 graces
                 already
                 received
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Lords
                 giving
                 unto
                 us
                 the
                 sanctified
                 use
                 of
                 his
                 benefits
                 ,
                 as
                 also
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 powerfull
                 motive
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 to
                 bestow
                 more
                 favours
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 have
                 our
                 confidence
                 strengthned
                 in
                 the
                 granting
                 of
                 what
                 we
                 aske
                 ,
                 because
                 we
                 have
                 found
                 by
                 experience
                 the
                 Lords
                 goodnesse
                 in
                 by-gone
                 favours
                 bestowed
                 upon
                 us
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Out
                 of
                 the
                 style
                 of
                 King
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 first
                 ,
                 the
                 Churches
                 dignity
                 ,
                 whereunto
                 by
                 grace
                 she
                 is
                 advanced
                 :
                 her
                 blessed
                 bridegroome
                 ,
                 who
                 has
                 freely
                 loved
                 her
                 as
                 Hosea
                 speakes
                 ,
                 Hos
                 .
                 14.
                 5.
                 and
                 espoused
                 her
                 to
                 himselfe
                 as
                 Ezekiel
                 showes
                 Ezek.
                 16.
                 
                 Not
                 being
                 one
                 of
                 a
                 low
                 degree
                 ,
                 but
                 royall
                 dignity
                 ,
                 and
                 ▪
                 as
                 Assuerus
                 did
                 poore
                 captive
                 Esther
                 ,
                 promoting
                 her
                 to
                 be
                 his
                 Queen
                 ,
                 as
                 she
                 is
                 called
                 by
                 the
                 
                   Psalmist
                   ,
                   Ps
                
                 .
                 45.
                 9
                 ,
                 Gloriously
                 crowned
                 and
                 richly
                 clothed
                 ,
                 as
                 she
                 is
                 described
                 both
                 by
                 Ezekiel
                 in
                 the
                 old
                 Testament
                 ,
                 and
                 John
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 new
                 Rev.
                 12.
                 1.
                 
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Is
                 Christ
                 our
                 King
                 ?
                 then
                 ,
                 as
                 this
                 showes
                 the
                 Churches
                 dignity
                 ,
                 so
                 it
                 showes
                 our
                 duty
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 45.
                 11.
                 
                 He
                 is
                 thy
                 Lord
                 and
                 honour
                 thou
                 him
                 ,
                 so
                 let
                 us
                 therefore
                 reverence
                 Him
                 as
                 our
                 King
                 ,
                 obey
                 Him
                 as
                 our
                 king
                 ,
                 and
                 love
                 Him
                 as
                 our
                 King.
                 
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 This
                 bringing
                 of
                 her
                 in
                 ,
                 into
                 his
                 Chambers
                 ,
                 has
                 been
                 shown
                 to
                 be
                 by
                 the
                 conduct
                 of
                 his
                 spirit
                 ,
                 which
                 teaches
                 us
                 when
                 ever
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 place
                 of
                 his
                 Publick
                 Worship
                 to
                 heare
                 his
                 sacred
                 Word
                 and
                 the
                 Mysteries
                 of
                 the
                 kingdome
                 of
                 Heaven
                 opened
                 unto
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 sense
                 and
                 sanctified
                 knowledge
                 may
                 be
                 wrought
                 thereby
                 ,
                 Let
                 us
                 implore
                 the
                 aid
                 of
                 his
                 blessed
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 eye-salve
                 spoken
                 of
                 ,
                 Rev.
                 3.
                 that
                 by
                 his
                 Spirit
                 we
                 who
                 otherwise
                 are
                 unable
                 to
                 enter
                 may
                 be
                 so
                 brought
                 in
                 ,
                 into
                 these
                 privy
                 Chambers
                 of
                 his
                 ,
                 and
                 admitted
                 to
                 that
                 accesse
                 ,
                 which
                 none
                 are
                 admitted
                 to
                 ,
                 but
                 such
                 as
                 are
                 so
                 brought
                 in
                 by
                 him
                 .
                 And
                 let
                 us
                 not
                 marvell
                 that
                 others
                 that
                 heare
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 we
                 ,
                 yet
                 know
                 not
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 the
                 Gospell
                 ,
                 nor
                 are
                 taken
                 with
                 such
                 love
                 and
                 admiration
                 ;
                 but
                 remember
                 ,
                 
                   Quis
                   te
                   discrevit
                
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 Whereas
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 ,
                 
                   We
                   will
                   be
                   glad
                   and
                   rejoyce●
                   ,
                
                 we
                 see
                 that
                 Gods
                 people
                 are
                 not
                 a
                 sullen
                 and
                 Melancholious
                 people
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 joyfull
                 company
                 ;
                 yea
                 having
                 more
                 joy
                 then
                 the
                 joy
                 of
                 
                 worldlings
                 ,
                 and
                 greater
                 or
                 better
                 cause
                 to
                 be
                 joyfull
                 then
                 they
                 :
                 As
                 also
                 can
                 rejoyce
                 in
                 that
                 wherein
                 they
                 cannot
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 mourning
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 trembling
                 ,
                 as
                 Psal
                 .
                 2.
                 and
                 of
                 sharpest
                 persecution
                 ,
                 as
                 Acts.
                 5.
                 41.
                 and
                 in
                 the
                 flames
                 of
                 fire
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Martyrs
                 have
                 done
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 three
                 Children
                 ;
                 &
                 therfore
                 are
                 much
                 mistaken
                 by
                 the
                 blind
                 worldlings
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 The
                 Churches
                 rejoycing
                 is
                 in
                 her
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 
                   in
                   te
                   laetabimur
                
                 ;
                 then
                 neither
                 do
                 the
                 godly
                 rejoyce
                 in
                 things
                 worldly
                 ,
                 wheron
                 she
                 tramples
                 ,
                 Rev.
                 12.
                 and
                 suffers
                 them
                 not
                 to
                 ascend
                 to
                 her
                 heart
                 ;
                 nor
                 yet
                 in
                 her
                 own
                 merits
                 ,
                 or
                 such
                 like
                 ,
                 but
                 only
                 in
                 the
                 Lord.
                 
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 That
                 which
                 she
                 professes
                 she
                 will
                 remember
                 ,
                 is
                 ,
                 his
                 love
                 ;
                 wherein
                 we
                 learne
                 the
                 best
                 and
                 sanctified
                 use
                 of
                 our
                 memory
                 ,
                 is
                 our
                 sinnes
                 ,
                 as
                 Psalm
                 .
                 51.
                 and
                 Christs
                 love
                 delivering
                 us
                 from
                 them
                 .
                 O
                 then
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 were
                 so
                 exercised
                 !
              
               
                 8.
                 
                 The
                 comfortable
                 fruit
                 of
                 this
                 remembrance
                 ,
                 is
                 farre
                 greater
                 cheerfulnesse
                 to
                 the
                 soul
                 then
                 that
                 of
                 the
                 most
                 delicious
                 Wine
                 can
                 be
                 to
                 the
                 body
                 :
                 all
                 other
                 things
                 in
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 temptation
                 chiefly
                 ,
                 death
                 ,
                 or
                 distresse
                 ,
                 in
                 comparison
                 of
                 this
                 remembrance
                 ,
                 and
                 assurance
                 of
                 this
                 love
                 ,
                 being
                 but
                 like
                 Job's
                 comforters
                 .
              
               
                 9.
                 
                 Where
                 the
                 Lord's
                 love
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 remembred
                 ,
                 is
                 first
                 ;
                 and
                 then
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 ,
                 that
                 
                   the
                   upright
                
                 (
                 by
                 way
                 of
                 retaliation
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 )
                 
                   love
                   him
                
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 that
                 the
                 Lords
                 love
                 is
                 productive
                 of
                 ours
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 greatest
                 assurance
                 we
                 can
                 hav
                 :
                 that
                 he
                 loves
                 us
                 ,
                 is
                 that
                 we
                 love
                 him
                 .
                 Let
                 us
                 then
                 labour
                 to
                 have
                 the
                 Lords
                 love
                 setled
                 in
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 we
                 find
                 it
                 ,
                 ascribe
                 it
                 to
                 the
                 right
                 originall
                 .
              
               
                 10.
                 
                 If
                 the
                 upright
                 only
                 love
                 Christ
                 ,
                 then
                 where
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 uprightnesse
                 in
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 nor
                 righteousnesse
                 in
                 the
                 life
                 ,
                 but
                 hypocrisie
                 and
                 crooked
                 walking
                 ,
                 pretend
                 what
                 they
                 list
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 love
                 of
                 Christ
                 there
                 ,
              
            
          
           
             
               Verse
               .
               5.
               
               I
               am
               black
               but
               comely
               ,
               (
               O
               ye
               daughters
               of
               Jerusalem
               )
               as
               the
               tents
               of
               Kedar
               ,
               as
               the
               Curta●nes
               of
               Solomon
               .
            
             
               Hitherto
               has
               bin
               the
               Churches
               first
               speech
               to
               Christ
               testifying
               her
               faith
               and
               love
               to
               him
               ,
               now
               followes
               her
               Apologetick
               speech
               to
               her
               fellow-members
               ,
               
                 the
                 daughters
                 of
                 Jerusalem
              
               ,
               against
               the
               scandall
               which
               they
               either
               had
               taken
               ,
               or
               might
               take
               by
               reason
               of
               her
               affliction
               or
               infirmities
               ,
               whereunto
               she
               is
               subject
               in
               this
               life
               ,
               and
               whereby
               ,
               like
               one
               
               scorched
               vvith
               the
               Sun
               ,
               she
               was
               some-what
               black
               ,
               and
               therefore
               it
               might
               seem
               strange
               or
               improbable
               that
               so
               great
               and
               glorious
               a
               King
               ,
               should
               espouse
               to
               himselfe
               so
               black
               a
               Bride
               and
               show
               such
               an
               affection
               towards
               her
               ,
               whereof
               lately
               she
               had
               spoken
               .
               To
               which
               Objection
               she
               answers
               ,
               that
               though
               she
               was
               blackish
               (
               for
               so
               signifies
               the
               Word
               in
               the
               originall
               )
               being
               a
               diminutive
               ,
               yet
               she
               was
               comely
               ,
               her
               blacknesse
               being
               only
               in
               the
               colour
               of
               her
               skinne
               ,
               and
               accidental
               by
               reason
               of
               her
               Sun-burning
               ,
               or
               her
               external
               estate
               under
               persecution
               ;
               but
               her
               comelyness
               was
               native
               ,
               in
               the
               lineaments
               of
               Gods
               image
               drawn
               on
               her
               Soul
               ,
               and
               proportion
               of
               the
               New
               man
               ,
               which
               she
               hath
               by
               her
               new
               birth
               in
               Christ
               ,
               and
               whereby
               ,
               like
               the
               Kings
               daughter
               ,
               she
               is
               all
               glorious
               within
               :
               which
               inward
               comliness
               and
               spirituall
               beauty
               ,
               is
               that
               which
               they
               should
               more
               look
               upon
               ,
               and
               regard
               rather
               ,
               then
               her
               externall
               afflicted
               estate
               ,
               or
               her
               infirmities
               whereby
               she
               seems
               to
               be
               blackish
               .
            
             
               Thereafter
               she
               uses
               two
               comparisons
               ,
               the
               one
               to
               show
               how
               she
               is
               black
               ,
               the
               other
               how
               she
               is
               comely
               :
               the
               first
               is
               like
               the
               tents
               of
               Kedar
               ,
               the
               other
               is
               as
               the
               Curtains
               of
               Salomon
               :
               of
               both
               which
               we
               shall
               speak
               hereafter
               .
            
             
               The
               Words
               then
               containe
               these
               three
               things
               ,
               1.
               
               To
               whom
               she
               speaks
               ,
               2.
               
               What
               she
               speaks
               ,
               and
               3.
               
               How
               she
               illustrates
               her
               speech
               .
               First
               then
               ,
               these
               to
               whom
               she
               speaks
               are
               called
               
                 daughters
                 of
                 Jerusalem
              
               ,
               by
               which
               is
               meant
               the
               Catholick
               Church
               ,
               which
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               Gal.
               4.
               26.
               calls
               
                 the
                 Mother
                 of
                 us
                 all
              
               .
               In
               respect
               whereof
               ,
               and
               relation
               whereto
               ,
               all
               particular
               or
               nationall
               Churches
               are
               daughters
               ,
               and
               amongst
               themselves
               ,
               Sisters
               ,
               as
               they
               are
               called
               ,
               Cant.
               8.
               8.
               
               Yea
               are
               all
               individuall
               true
               members
               ,
               though
               weak
               ,
               and
               (
               like
               these
               )
               ready
               to
               be
               scandalized
               ,
               are
               brethren
               or
               Sisters
               amongst
               themselves
               in
               like
               manner
               .
            
             
               First
               ,
               then
               we
               may
               have
               to
               consider
               wherefore
               the
               Church
               both
               here
               ,
               and
               frequently
               else
               where
               ,
               is
               called
               and
               compared
               to
               Jerusalem
               ,
               
                 Isa
                 .
                 62.
                 6.
                 
                 Revel
                 .
              
               21.
               2.
               
            
             
               1.
               
               In
               regard
               of
               Signification
               ,
               for
               it
               signifies
               as
               much
               ,
               as
               to
               say
               a
               
                 vision
                 of
                 peace
              
               :
               and
               indeed
               this
               is
               only
               to
               be
               seen
               within
               the
               bosome
               of
               the
               Church
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               peace
               with
               God
               ,
               peace
               of
               conscience
               ,
               peace
               with
               the
               Creatures
               ,
               and
               peace
               amongst
               themselves
               who
               are
               the
               true
               members
               thereof
               ,
               for
               which
               every
               one
               should
               pray
               ,
               as
               Psal
               .
               122.
               7.
               and
               make
               their
               practise
               conforme
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               was
               that
               of
               Abrahams
               ,
               Gen.
               13.
               8.
               and
               
               as
               is
               recommended
               to
               us
               ,
               Psalm
               .
               133.
               1.
               
            
             
               2.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               Seperation
               and
               Election
               ,
               for
               the
               Lord
               made
               speciall
               choyce
               of
               it
               beyond
               all
               other
               places
               ,
               there
               to
               dwell
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Psalm
               .
               132.
               13.
               being
               before
               ,
               a
               City
               of
               the
               Cananites
               ,
               idolatrous
               (
               as
               Abraham
               was
               in
               Vr
               )
               and
               prophane
               and
               accursed
               ,
               (
               as
               the
               Amorit
               and
               Hittite
               ,
               spoken
               of
               by
               Ezekiel
               .
               c.
               16.
               3.
               
               Even
               so
               the
               Lord
               of
               his
               free
               grace
               out
               of
               the
               corrupted
               and
               accursed
               masse
               of
               mankind
               has
               separate
               and
               chosen
               a
               select
               number
               to
               be
               his
               Church
               ,
               to
               dwell
               in
               the
               midst
               of
               them
               by
               a
               peculiar
               and
               constant
               presence
               of
               grace
               here
               ,
               and
               to
               advance
               them
               at
               last
               to
               dwell
               with
               him
               ,
               in
               eternall
               glory
               hereafter
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               Situation
               ,
               firmly
               founded
               upon
               a
               Mount
               that
               cannot
               be
               removed
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Psalm
               .
               125.
               1.
               but
               abideth
               for
               ever
               :
               even
               so
               is
               the
               Church
               of
               God
               built
               upon
               a
               sure
               foundation
               ,
               the
               Rock
               Christ
               Jesus
               ,
               against
               which
               the
               gates
               of
               Hell
               shall
               no-wise
               prevail
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               defence
               and
               fortification
               ,
               with
               Mountains
               round
               about
               ,
               Walls
               and
               Watch-Tovvers
               ,
               as
               vve
               see
               ,
               
                 Psalm
                 .
                 125.
                 2.
                 
                 Isai
                 .
              
               62
               6.
               
               &
               Ezekiel
               .
               33
               3.
               
               Even
               so
               as
               the
               mountains
               are
               round
               about
               Jerusalem
               :
               so
               the
               Lord
               is
               round
               about
               his
               people
               (
               sayes
               the
               Psalmist
               ,
               )
               from
               hence
               forth
               even
               for
               ever
               ,
               Psalm
               .
               125.
               2.
               
               &
               84.
               11.
               
            
             
               5.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               compact
               structure
               ,
               for
               commodious
               habitation
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Psalm
               .
               122.
               3.
               
               Even
               so
               is
               Christ's
               Church
               conpactly
               built
               ,
               Eph.
               2.
               21.
               and
               firmly
               joyned
               together
               by
               a
               three
               fold
               conjunction
               ;
               1.
               
               Of
               unity
               in
               faith
               ,
               2.
               
               Of
               externall
               profession
               in
               the
               truth
               :
               and
               3.
               
               Of
               love
               and
               affection
               .
            
             
               6.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               Gods
               true
               worship
               and
               adoration
               which
               was
               there
               established
               ,
               and
               therefore
               there
               was
               the
               Temple
               the
               Lords
               Priests
               and
               sacrifices
               ;
               even
               so
               in
               Christs
               Church
               there
               is
               the
               true
               worship
               of
               God
               in
               like
               manner
               established
               ;
               for
               which
               cause
               it
               is
               called
               ,
               1
               Tim.
               3.
               15.
               
               The
               Pillar
               and
               stable
               place
               of
               truth
               ,
               and
               no
               where
               but
               there
               ,
               is
               the
               voyce
               of
               the
               great
               Shepherd
               Christ
               Jesus
               to
               be
               heard
               ,
               nor
               doth
               he
               walk
               but
               in
               the
               midst
               of
               his
               Golden
               Candlesticks
               .
            
             
               7.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               her
               many
               priviledges
               and
               peculiar
               donations
               ,
               as
               to
               be
               called
               the
               Citty
               of
               the
               great
               King
               ,
               the
               Lords
               dwelling
               place
               ,
               and
               glory
               of
               the
               Earth
               ,
               and
               in
               respect
               whereof
               ,
               Psalm
               87.
               3.
               it
               is
               said
               ,
               Glorious
               things
               are
               spoken
               of
               thee
               ,
               O
               City
               of
               God.
               Even
               so
               great
               and
               many
               are
               the
               Prerogatives
               of
               the
               Church
               of
               Christ
               ,
               as
               to
               be
               the
               spouse
               of
               
               the
               King
               of
               Kings
               ,
               cloathed
               with
               the
               Sun
               ,
               crowned
               with
               stars
               ,
               trampling
               on
               the
               Moon
               ,
               attended
               on
               by
               Angels
               ,
               having
               heaven
               her
               inheritance
               ,
               and
               all
               things
               to
               be
               hers
               Rev.
               12.
               1.
               
            
             
               This
               Jerusalem
               here
               ,
               is
               said
               to
               have
               daughters
               ,
               therfore
               (
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Gal.
               4.
               26.
               )
               She
               is
               a
               mother
               ,
               yea
               such
               a
               mother
               to
               her
               Children
               ,
               as
               the
               mother
               of
               her
               head
               and
               Husband
               was
               to
               Christ
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               a
               virgin-mother
               ,
               in
               whose
               womb
               the
               godly
               are
               conceived
               through
               the
               operation
               of
               the
               holy
               Ghost
               ,
               by
               the
               immortall
               seed
               of
               the
               Word
               ,
               1
               Pet.
               1.
               23.
               
               And
               borne
               againe
               by
               that
               new
               birth
               whereof
               our
               Saviour
               speaks
               to
               
                 Nicodemus
                 ,
                 John.
              
               3.
               3.
               
               And
               upon
               whose
               breasts
               they
               are
               fed
               and
               nourished
               by
               that
               sincere
               milk
               of
               the
               Word
               ,
               wherof
               Peter
               speaks
               1
               Pet.
               2.
               2.
               
            
             
               Having
               then
               spoken
               of
               those
               ,
               to
               whom
               she
               speaks
               ,
               follows
               next
               what
               it
               is
               ,
               that
               she
               speaks
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               
                 I
                 am
                 black
              
               (
               sayes
               she
               )
               
                 but
                 comely
              
               :
               which
               speech
               of
               hers
               is
               by
               way
               of
               concession
               ,
               granting
               that
               which
               they
               might
               object
               unto
               her
               concerning
               her
               blacknesse
               ,
               but
               withall
               showing
               them
               that
               she
               was
               comly
               ,
               which
               blacknesse
               ,
               (
               or
               rather
               blackishness
               )
               howsoever
               it
               may
               be
               said
               to
               befall
               her
               because
               of
               the
               infirmities
               whereunto
               she
               is
               subject
               in
               this
               life
               ,
               so
               long
               as
               flesh
               and
               spirit
               are
               in
               her
               like
               
               Rebecca's
               twins
               wrastling
               ;
               yet
               specially
               this
               blackness
               is
               said
               to
               befall
               her
               (
               as
               she
               shows
               in
               the
               next
               verse
               )
               because
               of
               persecution
               and
               much
               affliction
               ,
               whereunto
               she
               is
               subject
               and
               all
               such
               who
               will
               live
               godly
               in
               this
               present
               World
               ;
               which
               persecution
               ,
               in
               the
               next
               Verse
               ,
               she
               calls
               the
               Suns
               looking
               upon
               her
               ,
               and
               which
               our
               Saviour
               ,
               Mat.
               13.
               6.
               expounds
               to
               be
               such
               ,
               and
               wherewith
               the
               Lord
               wisely
               suffers
               his
               Church
               to
               be
               exercised
               for
               these
               reasons
               following
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               To
               purge
               her
               ,
               as
               in
               a
               furnace
               from
               her
               drosse
               ,
               and
               so
               to
               further
               her
               mortification
               ,
               therfore
               called
               a
               Fiery
               tryall
               ,
               which
               the
               Godly
               should
               not
               think
               strange
               to
               be
               amongst
               them
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               To
               Weane
               her
               affection
               from
               this
               World
               ,
               that
               it
               may
               be
               the
               more
               setled
               on
               him
               and
               that
               life
               to
               come
               ;
               and
               to
               make
               death
               and
               her
               entry
               into
               her
               rest
               ,
               the
               more
               welcome
               when
               it
               comes
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               For
               exercise
               of
               her
               holy
               gifts
               and
               graces
               ,
               as
               her
               patience
               ,
               humility
               ,
               love
               ,
               constancy
               and
               courage
               ,
               &c.
               
            
             
             
               4.
               
               For
               detecting
               of
               Hypocrits
               and
               Temporizers
               ,
               who
               in
               the
               hour
               of
               temptation
               ,
               like
               chaffe
               ,
               will
               not
               abide
               with
               the
               solid
               graine
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               For
               manifesting
               his
               mighty
               power
               ,
               to
               the
               disappoyntment
               of
               Satan
               ,
               and
               comfort
               of
               his
               own
               ,
               in
               preserving
               his
               Church
               in
               the
               midst
               of
               hottest
               persecution
               ,
               as
               the
               bush
               was
               where
               Moses
               saw
               the
               fire
               ,
               or
               the
               three
               Children
               in
               the
               fiery
               furnace
               :
               see
               also
               Cant.
               2
               :
               2.
               
            
             
               6.
               
               Making
               this
               also
               a
               mean
               of
               propagating
               the
               Gospell
               ,
               which
               Satan
               and
               his
               Instruments
               thereby
               would
               impede
               ,
               as
               a
               Vine
               by
               cutting
               the
               same
               ,
               becomes
               more
               fr●itfull
               :
               hence
               
                 Sanguis
                 martyrum
                 semen
                 ecclesiae
              
               ;
               and
               by
               the
               dispersion
               of
               the
               Disciples
               ,
               the
               preaching
               of
               the
               Gospell
               was
               the
               farder
               spread
               .
            
             
               7.
               
               Hereby
               likewise
               the
               body
               is
               conformed
               to
               the
               Head
               ,
               by
               bearing
               the
               Crosse
               here
               ,
               that
               she
               may
               come
               to
               the
               Crown
               hereafter
               :
               for
               all
               which
               former
               respects
               ,
               the
               godly
               have
               rejoyced
               in
               their
               sufferings
               ,
               and
               ,
               as
               Philip.
               1.
               29.
               counted
               it
               a
               gift
               or
               benefit
               ,
               and
               an
               honour
               given
               them
               ,
               that
               they
               were
               found
               worthie
               to
               suffer
               with
               Christ
               .
            
             
               Thus
               we
               see
               the
               difference
               between
               the
               troubles
               of
               the
               godly
               ,
               especially
               for
               righteousnesse
               ,
               and
               these
               of
               the
               wicked
               ,
               1.
               
               In
               their
               nature
               ,
               2.
               
               In
               the
               ground
               wherefrom
               they
               come
               ,
               even
               the
               Lords
               great
               love
               ,
               3.
               
               In
               their
               fruit
               ,
               to
               wit
               of
               righteousnesse
               .
               And
               4.
               
               In
               their
               end
               .
            
             
               The
               next
               thing
               whereof
               he
               speaks
               ,
               by
               way
               of
               Apology
               ,
               is
               ,
               that
               she
               is
               comly
               ,
               where
               we
               have
               to
               consider
               ,
               1.
               
               What
               this
               comelinesse
               ,
               is
               and
               wherein
               it
               consists
               ,
               2.
               
               From
               whom
               she
               hath
               it
               :
               And
               3.
               
               Before
               whom
               ,
               or
               in
               whose
               sight
               and
               estimation
               ,
               she
               is
               so
               .
            
             
               But
               first
               this
               would
               seem
               to
               be
               contrary
               to
               a
               Virgins
               modesty
               chiefly
               ,
               to
               praise
               her self
               ,
               and
               say
               that
               she
               was
               comely
               ;
               and
               to
               that
               humility
               ,
               whereof
               Salomon
               speaks
               ,
               saying
               ,
               Let
               anotherman
               praise
               thee
               ,
               and
               not
               thine
               own
               mouth
               ,
               a
               stranger
               and
               not
               thine
               own
               lips
               ,
               Prov.
               27.
               2.
               
               But
               hereunto
               it
               may
               be
               answered
               ,
               that
               without
               violation
               of
               that
               precept
               of
               Solomons
               ,
               this
               may
               be
               done
               in
               two
               cases
               ,
               
                 Vel
                 quando
                 ad
                 imitationem
                 requirit
                 hoc
                 utilitas
                 audientis
                 ,
                 vel
                 ad
                 justam
                 defensionem
                 necessitas
                 loquentis
                 ,
              
               both
               which
               we
               may
               see
               in
               Paul
               :
               The
               first
               ,
               Acts.
               20.
               18.
               
               &
               35.
               and
               againe
               ,
               1
               Cor.
               11.
               1.
               
               The
               second
               in
               two
               whole
               Chapters
               ,
               2
               Cor.
               11.
               
               &
               12
               ,
            
             
               To
               come
               then
               to
               the
               first
               poynt
               to
               be
               handled
               of
               her
               comliness
               
               to
               wit
               ,
               what
               it
               is
               ,
               and
               wherein
               it
               consists
               .
               It
               is
               nothing
               else
               but
               that
               spirituall
               and
               inward
               beauty
               of
               Holiness
               ,
               so
               called
               ,
               Psal
               .
               29.
               2.
               and
               110.
               3.
               which
               (
               as
               is
               said
               ,
               Ezek.
               16.
               14.
               
               )
               is
               that
               comliness
               which
               the
               Lord
               put
               upon
               Her
               ,
               and
               whereby
               (
               as
               the
               Psalmist
               Speakes
               ,
               Psal
               .
               45.
               13.
               )
               The
               kings
               daughter
               is
               all
               glorious
               within
               ,
               so
               that
               ,
               like
               the
               cloud
               which
               stood
               between
               the
               Israelites
               and
               Egyptians
               though
               she
               have
               one
               side
               black
               ,
               she
               has
               another
               side
               bright
               and
               beautifull
               ,
               and
               her
               worst
               is
               her
               outside
               ,
               being
               in
               outward
               show
               like
               her
               Head
               ,
               who
               because
               of
               his
               abasement
               in
               this
               world
               ,
               and
               being
               a
               man
               of
               sorrowes
               ,
               there
               was
               no
               beauty
               in
               Him
               )
               that
               we
               should
               desire
               him
               ;
               but
               her
               inside
               (
               like
               his
               ,
               by
               inhabitation
               of
               the
               deity
               )
               is
               glorious
               :
               and
               so
               she
               is
               contrary
               to
               Hypocrites
               whose
               outside
               (
               like
               painted
               Tombs
               )
               is
               the
               fairest
               ,
               but
               inwardly
               they
               are
               foul
               ,
               and
               full
               of
               corruption
               .
            
             
               Next
               ,
               having
               spoken
               what
               this
               comliness
               is
               ,
               we
               have
               to
               show
               wherein
               it
               consists
               ,
               first
               then
               it
               consists
               in
               her
               justification
               ,
               being
               clad
               with
               the
               righteousnesse
               of
               Christ
               ,
               which
               is
               made
               her's
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               said
               ,
               and
               she
               shall
               be
               called
               ,
               the
               Lord
               our
               righteousnesse
               ,
               for
               which
               cause
               she
               is
               described
               ,
               Revel
               .
               12.
               1.
               
               A
               woman
               clad
               with
               the
               Sunne
               ,
               in
               the
               robe
               of
               whose
               righteousnesse
               ,
               (
               as
               Jacoh
               clad
               in
               
               Esau's
               garment
               )
               she
               gets
               from
               her
               Heavenly
               father
               gracious
               acceptation
               ,
               and
               that
               blessing
               whereof
               David
               speakes
               ,
               Psal
               .
               32.
               1.
               
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               this
               comeliness
               of
               her's
               stands
               likewise
               in
               her
               sanctification
               ,
               or
               re-impression
               of
               that
               image
               of
               God
               ,
               whereunto
               man
               was
               first
               created
               ,
               which
               is
               called
               her
               new
               birth
               ,
               or
               new
               creation
               ,
               consisting
               in
               mortification
               and
               vivification
               ,
               the
               Lineaments
               of
               which
               image
               no
               art
               can
               draw
               ,
               but
               only
               the
               hand
               of
               that
               great
               God
               who
               first
               stamped
               the
               same
               upon
               the
               soul
               ,
               as
               his
               owne
               image
               and
               superscription
               ,
               by
               illumination
               of
               the
               mind
               ,
               purification
               of
               the
               heart
               ,
               inflexion
               of
               the
               will
               ,
               sanctification
               of
               the
               affections
               ,
               and
               renouvation
               of
               the
               life
               ,
               begunne
               in
               Baptism
               ,
               having
               its
               progresse
               in
               our
               life
               ,
               and
               its
               perfection
               after
               death
               ,
               and
               which
               ,
               Ezek
               16.
               13.
               is
               called
               that
               perfect
               beauty
               or
               comelinesse
               that
               the
               Lord
               ,
               put
               upon
               her
               ,
               not
               by
               any
               perfection
               of
               degrees
               ,
               but
               of
               parts
               ,
               as
               hereafter
               he
               showes
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               v.
               10.
               that
               her
               neck
               is
               comely
               by
               bearing
               of
               Christs
               yoke
               ,
               her
               cheeks
               also
               are
               comely
               by
               blushing
               at
               sinne
               ;
               and
               specially
               ,
               as
               c.
               2.
               v.
               14.
               when
               they
               are
               bedewed
               and
               runne
               downe
               with
               teares
               of
               true
               repentance
               ,
               like
               those
               of
               Mary
               Magdalen's
               ,
               also
               she
               is
               comly
               in
               her
               eyes
               ,
               
               as
               ,
               c.
               4.
               1.
               being
               like
               dove's
               eyes
               ,
               both
               meek
               and
               mournefull
               :
               likewise
               in
               her
               lips
               ,
               as
               ,
               v.
               3.
               by
               her
               gracious
               speeches
               ,
               both
               to
               God
               and
               of
               God
               ;
               which
               she
               has
               from
               him
               ,
               and
               which
               she
               uses
               for
               him
               .
               And
               she
               is
               comly
               also
               in
               her
               goings
               ,
               c.
               7.
               1.
               
               Walking
               in
               the
               path
               of
               righteousnesse
               ,
               or
               holinesse
               and
               humility
               .
               Thus
               thou
               art
               all
               faire
               my
               love
               (
               sayes
               the
               spouse
               to
               her
               welbeloved
               ,
               c.
               4.
               7.
               )
            
             
               The
               second
               point
               vvhich
               vve
               have
               to
               consider
               concerning
               this
               comelinesse
               of
               the
               spouse
               of
               Christ
               ,
               is
               ,
               From
               vvhom
               she
               has
               the
               same
               ,
               seeing
               she
               has
               it
               not
               by
               nature
               .
               Therefore
               this
               comeliness
               she
               has
               only
               from
               her
               blessed
               bridgroom
               ,
               vvho
               found
               her
               not
               so
               in
               the
               time
               of
               love
               ,
               vvhen
               he
               looked
               upon
               her
               ,
               any
               vvise
               comely
               ,
               but
               a
               deformed
               vvretch
               by
               sinne
               and
               transgression
               ;
               and
               ,
               as
               Ezekiel
               shovves
               ,
               Ezek.
               16.
               3.
               
               a
               filthy
               abject
               and
               object
               ,
               lying
               in
               her
               blood
               ;
               or
               ,
               as
               our
               Saviour
               speaks
               of
               the
               Church
               of
               Laodicea
               ,
               vvretched
               and
               miserable
               and
               poore
               and
               blind
               and
               naked
               .
               Rev.
               3.
               17.
               
               But
               what
               others
               cannot
               do
               to
               any
               whom
               they
               choose
               to
               be
               their
               spouse
               ,
               he
               did
               to
               her
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               he
               made
               her
               of
               a
               foul
               and
               deformed
               wretch
               ,
               a
               comely
               and
               beautifull
               spouse
               ,
               by
               his
               beauty
               and
               comlinesse
               which
               he
               put
               upon
               her
               ,
               as
               he
               testifies
               by
               the
               forenamed
               
                 Prophet
                 ,
                 2
                 v.
              
               14.
               saying
               ,
               Thy
               renowne
               went
               out
               among
               the
               heathen
               for
               thy
               beauty
               ,
               for
               it
               was
               perfect
               through
               my
               comelinesse
               which
               I
               put
               upon
               thee
               .
               So
               ,
               that
               from
               him
               alone
               she
               has
               her
               comliness
               ,
               as
               the
               moone
               has
               her
               splendor
               from
               the
               Sunne
               ,
               or
               Moses
               face
               had
               it
               shining
               ,
               from
               being
               with
               the
               Lord.
               Therefore
               sayes
               our
               Saviour
               to
               Laodica
               ,
               I
               counsell
               thee
               ,
               Buy
               of
               me
               gold
               and
               white
               rayment
               &c.
               
               And
               the
               Apostle
               asks
               ,
               saying
               ,
               What
               hast
               thou
               ,
               O
               man
               ,
               but
               what
               thou
               hast
               received
               ,
               from
               him
               ?
               Then
               we
               should
               aske
               this
               beauty
               of
               Holinesse
               of
               him
               ,
               and
               to
               him
               onely
               we
               should
               give
               due
               praise
               for
               the
               same
               .
            
             
               The
               third
               point
               which
               we
               are
               to
               consider
               concerning
               this
               comlinesse
               of
               the
               spouse
               of
               Christ
               ,
               is
               ,
               as
               ,
               from
               whom
               he
               has
               the
               same
               ,
               so
               in
               whose
               eyes
               and
               estimation
               she
               is
               so
               comly
               and
               beautifull
               ,
               and
               this
               is
               in
               His
               eyes
               specially
               who
               made
               her
               so
               comly
               :
               and
               herein
               stands
               cheefly
               her
               joy
               and
               contentment
               ,
               that
               how
               vile
               and
               contemptible
               soever
               she
               be
               in
               the
               sight
               or
               estimation
               of
               the
               blind
               world
               ,
               as
               her
               Head
               and
               Saviour
               was
               ,
               of
               whom
               it
               is
               said
               ,
               that
               when
               Herod
               saw
               him
               ,
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               .
               He
               counted
               him
               at
               nought
               :
               and
               as
               Isay
               sayes
               ,
               He
               was
               despised
               and
               rejected
               of
               men
               ,
               Isay
               .
               53.
               3.
               
               Yet
               she
               is
               beautifull
               and
               comly
               in
               his
               sight
               who
               is
               her
               head
               and
               Husband
               ,
               from
               whom
               only
               
               she
               seeks
               approbation
               .
               Next
               ,
               she
               is
               comly
               and
               beautifull
               in
               the
               sight
               of
               his
               holy
               Angels
               ,
               who
               become
               unto
               her
               ministring
               Spirits
               sent
               out
               for
               her
               good
               ,
               to
               be
               her
               guard
               here
               ,
               and
               her
               guide
               to
               eternall
               blisse
               hereafter
               .
               And
               lastly
               she
               is
               comly
               and
               beautifull
               likewise
               in
               the
               sight
               of
               all
               the
               truly
               godly
               ,
               as
               David
               testifies
               ,
               who
               because
               of
               this
               comliness
               counted
               and
               pronounced
               her
               true
               members
               ,
               to
               be
               the
               only
               honourable
               and
               excellent
               ones
               of
               the
               earth
               ,
               Psal
               .
               16.
               3.
               
               And
               15.
               4.
               
            
             
               
                 (
                 As
                 the
                 Tents
                 of
                 Kedar
                 ,
              
               &c.
               )
               Followes
               now
               the
               illustration
               of
               her
               former
               speech
               ,
               Whereby
               she
               compares
               her
               blackness
               to
               the
               Tents
               of
               Kedar
               ,
               and
               her
               comliness
               to
               the
               curtaines
               of
               Solomon
               ,
               by
               which
               may
               be
               understood
               either
               the
               Tents
               or
               curtaines
               themselves
               ,
               or
               those
               who
               dwelt
               under
               the
               Tents
               of
               Kedar
               ,
               or
               in
               the
               Court
               of
               Solomon
               ,
               by
               a
               figurative
               forme
               of
               speech
               .
               These
               Tents
               then
               spoken
               of
               ,
               were
               the
               Tents
               of
               those
               men
               who
               were
               descended
               of
               Kedar
               the
               Sonne
               of
               Ishmael
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Gen.
               25.
               13.
               
               Of
               whom
               thereafter
               his
               off-Spring
               kept
               their
               denomination
               ,
               as
               the
               Israelites
               did
               from
               Israel
               their
               progenitor
               :
               whose
               imployment
               was
               to
               keep
               and
               feed
               Cattell
               in
               the
               hot
               Countries
               of
               Arabia
               ,
               where
               they
               had
               their
               residence
               ,
               and
               where
               ,
               because
               of
               their
               removing
               from
               place
               to
               place
               ,
               they
               dwelt
               in
               Tents
               or
               pavillions
               ,
               which
               either
               were
               artificially
               made
               black
               or
               else
               otherwise
               became
               of
               a
               blackish
               colour
               and
               they
               themselves
               likewise
               ,
               because
               of
               their
               living
               in
               such
               a
               hot
               Country
               ,
               were
               of
               the
               same
               colour
               .
            
             
               Againe
               ,
               her
               comliness
               here
               is
               compared
               to
               the
               curtains
               of
               Solomon
               ,
               who
               as
               he
               was
               the
               richest
               of
               all
               Princes
               in
               his
               time
               ,
               so
               were
               the
               curtains
               or
               hangings
               within
               his
               Court
               and
               Chambers
               ,
               the
               richest
               and
               most
               glorious
               of
               any
               :
               as
               likewise
               his
               Servants
               who
               attended
               Him
               ,
               and
               were
               of
               his
               Court.
               To
               these
               therefore
               is
               her
               comliness
               compared
               ,
               to
               show
               ,
               1.
               
               That
               there
               is
               no
               beauty
               or
               comlinesse
               comparable
               to
               that
               of
               true
               Holiness
               ,
               it
               being
               the
               greatest
               and
               most
               glorious
               of
               any
               ,
               and
               which
               the
               poorest
               and
               outwardly
               most
               deformed
               Lazarus
               may
               have
               :
               all
               the
               praise
               whereof
               is
               due
               to
               the
               true
               Solomon
               Christ
               Jesus
               ,
               who
               is
               greater
               then
               Solomon
               ,
               2.
               
               To
               show
               that
               as
               the
               riches
               and
               glory
               of
               these
               Curtains
               was
               not
               seen
               by
               every
               one
               ,
               or
               such
               as
               were
               without
               ,
               as
               the
               blackness
               of
               the
               forenamed
               Tents
               was
               ,
               but
               by
               such
               as
               were
               within
               Solomons
               Court
               and
               Palace
               or
               Chambers
               thereof
               :
               So
               the
               Churches
               comliness
               and
               Spirituall
               beauty
               is
               not
               externally
               seen
               or
               by
               the
               eye
               of
               a
               carnall
               mind
               ,
               who
               is
               without
               the
               true
               Church
               ;
               
               but
               by
               these
               who
               are
               spirituall
               themselves
               ,
               and
               can
               spiritually
               discerne
               ,
               with
               David
               ,
               that
               excellency
               beyond
               others
               that
               is
               in
               the
               Godly
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 The
                 Church
                 we
                 see
                 is
                 compared
                 to
                 Jerusalem
                 ,
                 called
                 in
                 Scripture
                 the
                 holy
                 City
                 :
                 and
                 a
                 City
                 we
                 know
                 is
                 little
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 a
                 kingdome
                 ,
                 and
                 farre
                 lesse
                 in
                 comparison
                 with
                 the
                 world
                 ;
                 even
                 so
                 Christs
                 Church
                 is
                 but
                 a
                 little
                 Flock
                 ,
                 as
                 Christ
                 calls
                 it
                 ,
                 a
                 few
                 in
                 an
                 Arke
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 saved
                 ,
                 one
                 Lilly
                 amongst
                 many
                 thornes
                 ,
                 and
                 though
                 many
                 be
                 called
                 yet
                 few
                 are
                 chosen
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 which
                 few
                 number
                 we
                 should
                 try
                 if
                 our selves
                 be
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 All
                 particular
                 Churches
                 are
                 daughters
                 only
                 of
                 this
                 catholick
                 church
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 therefore
                 no
                 particular
                 church
                 ,
                 as
                 Rome
                 unjustly
                 claimes
                 ,
                 can
                 be
                 the
                 catholick
                 Mother-church
                 and
                 mistresse
                 over
                 all
                 others
                 ,
                 but
                 at
                 the
                 best
                 were
                 but
                 a
                 Sister
                 Church
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 were
                 pure
                 and
                 orthodox
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Seeing
                 daughters
                 of
                 one
                 Mother
                 or
                 fellow
                 sisters
                 should
                 Love
                 one
                 another
                 ,
                 and
                 keep
                 peace
                 one
                 with
                 another
                 ,
                 without
                 variance
                 as
                 Abraham
                 said
                 to
                 Lot
                 ,
                 even
                 so
                 should
                 all
                 Christians
                 who
                 are
                 children
                 of
                 this
                 common
                 Mother
                 keep
                 the
                 unity
                 of
                 Love
                 in
                 the
                 band
                 of
                 peace
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 are
                 commanded
                 ,
                 Joh.
                 15.
                 12.
                 
                 And
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 commended
                 ,
                 Ps
                 .
                 133.
                 1.
                 
                 And
                 is
                 Suteable
                 to
                 the
                 signification
                 of
                 the
                 name
                 Jerusalem
                 ,
                 a
                 vision
                 of
                 peace
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Seeing
                 the
                 Church
                 acknowledges
                 that
                 she
                 is
                 somewhat
                 black
                 ,
                 the
                 word
                 in
                 the
                 originall
                 (
                 as
                 is
                 said
                 )
                 being
                 a
                 diminutive
                 ,
                 and
                 denotating
                 a
                 mixture
                 between
                 two
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 dawning
                 is
                 between
                 light
                 and
                 darkness
                 :
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 The
                 churches
                 ingenuity
                 and
                 humble
                 disposition
                 ,
                 acknowledging
                 her
                 infirmity
                 and
                 manifold
                 defects
                 :
                 and
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 The
                 difference
                 between
                 the
                 wicked
                 and
                 her
                 ,
                 she
                 is
                 somewhat
                 black
                 because
                 of
                 flesh
                 and
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 wicked
                 are
                 altogether
                 black
                 ,
                 because
                 all
                 flesh
                 and
                 no
                 Spirit
                 :
                 and
                 though
                 she
                 be
                 black
                 yet
                 she
                 is
                 comly
                 ;
                 but
                 they
                 are
                 black
                 wholly
                 ,
                 without
                 any
                 comeliness
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 Seeing
                 the
                 church
                 of
                 Christ
                 is
                 said
                 to
                 be
                 black
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 her
                 owne
                 infirmities
                 partly
                 ,
                 and
                 partly
                 because
                 of
                 persecution
                 of
                 her
                 by
                 her
                 Enemies
                 ,
                 therefore
                 neither
                 let
                 any
                 dream
                 of
                 perfection
                 here
                 without
                 infirmities
                 ,
                 nor
                 (
                 if
                 they
                 will
                 love
                 godly
                 )
                 resolve
                 otherwise
                 but
                 to
                 suffer
                 persecution
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 the
                 worst
                 that
                 persecution
                 can
                 do
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 well
                 be
                 a
                 noysome
                 scorching
                 or
                 Sunne-burning
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 was
                 of
                 
                 Jonas
                 ,
                 and
                 alter
                 the
                 externall
                 luster
                 of
                 the
                 Church
                 ,
                 but
                 cannot
                 marre
                 her
                 comeliness
                 eclipsing
                 the
                 externall
                 beauty
                 of
                 her
                 solemne
                 assemblies
                 ,
                 or
                 goodly
                 order
                 which
                 is
                 seen
                 in
                 her
                 government
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 peace
                 ,
                 but
                 ,
                 though
                 like
                 the
                 Moon
                 she
                 be
                 a
                 while
                 under
                 cloud
                 ,
                 or
                 like
                 the
                 Sunne
                 which
                 is
                 said
                 to
                 have
                 been
                 darkned
                 by
                 the
                 smoak
                 that
                 arose
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 bottom
                 less
                 Pit
                 ,
                 Rev.
                 9.
                 3.
                 her
                 externall
                 beauty
                 be
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 vvere
                 ,
                 obfuscat
                 ,
                 yet
                 her
                 native
                 splendor
                 which
                 she
                 has
                 by
                 her
                 new
                 birth
                 is
                 never
                 a
                 whit
                 diminished
                 nor
                 ceasses
                 her
                 glory
                 to
                 the
                 full
                 described
                 ,
                 Rev.
                 12.
                 1.
                 
                 Though
                 for
                 a
                 short
                 time
                 ,
                 she
                 be
                 driven
                 to
                 the
                 wilderness
                 .
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 This
                 comeliness
                 of
                 hers
                 ,
                 is
                 ,
                 as
                 has
                 been
                 said
                 ,
                 her
                 beauty
                 of
                 holiness
                 which
                 she
                 has
                 from
                 her
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 which
                 makes
                 her
                 so
                 lovely
                 and
                 acceptable
                 to
                 him
                 :
                 therefore
                 all
                 her
                 true
                 members
                 should
                 labour
                 for
                 holiness
                 ,
                 without
                 which
                 none
                 shall
                 see
                 God
                 ,
                 beg
                 it
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 by
                 it
                 through
                 Christ
                 Jesus
                 they
                 may
                 find
                 favour
                 and
                 acceptation
                 in
                 his
                 sight
                 .
              
               
                 8.
                 
                 If
                 this
                 her
                 comeliness
                 be
                 so
                 glorious
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 her
                 imperfection
                 and
                 frailty
                 on
                 earth
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 comparable
                 to
                 Solomon
                 in
                 all
                 his
                 royalty
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 the
                 richest
                 and
                 most
                 glorious
                 Hangings
                 of
                 his
                 Court
                 ,
                 how
                 glorious
                 shall
                 her
                 shining
                 beauty
                 be
                 ,
                 when
                 she
                 shall
                 be
                 freed
                 of
                 all
                 spot
                 or
                 blemish
                 ,
                 trouble
                 or
                 temptation
                 in
                 the
                 highest
                 Heavens
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Verse
               .
               6.
               
               Look
               not
               upon
               me
               because
               I
               am
               black
               ,
               because
               the
               Sunne
               hath
               looked
               upon
               me
               :
               my
               Mothers
               children
               were
               angry
               with
               me
               ,
               they
               made
               me
               the
               keeper
               of
               the
               vineyards
               ,
               but
               my
               owne
               vineyard
               have
               I
               not
               kept
               .
            
             
               In
               these
               words
               follows
               her
               exhortation
               to
               these
               forenamed
               daughters
               of
               Jerusalem
               ,
               that
               for
               her
               blackness
               they
               would
               not
               therefore
               look
               upon
               her
               with
               disdaine
               ,
               as
               either
               to
               forsake
               her
               ,
               or
               think
               her
               forsaken
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               Because
               this
               her
               blacknesse
               is
               not
               native
               or
               perpetuall
               ,
               but
               accidentall
               and
               for
               a
               time
               only
               ,
               through
               the
               scorching
               or
               S●nne
               burning
               of
               persecution
               ,
               and
               so
               she
               declares
               this
               to
               be
               the
               cause
               thereof
               ,
               2.
               
               From
               whom
               this
               her
               persecution
               proceeded
               ,
               her
               Mothers
               children
               ,
               3.
               
               In
               what
               disposition
               ,
               anger
               :
               and
               4.
               
               What
               effect
               the
               force
               of
               persecution
               on
               their
               part
               ,
               and
               weaknesse
               on
               her
               part
               produced
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               the
               keeping
               of
               their
               Vines
               ,
               and
               neglect
               of
               her
               own
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               she
               assimilats
               her
               persecution
               which
               she
               suffered
               
               to
               the
               scorching
               or
               burning
               of
               the
               Sunne
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               it
               likewise
               compared
               ,
               Matth.
               13.
               6.
               1.
               
               Because
               as
               the
               same
               is
               grievous
               to
               the
               body
               through
               the
               great
               and
               vehement
               heat
               thereof
               ,
               which
               oftines
               causeth
               fainting
               and
               complaint
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               Jonas
               ,
               even
               so
               persecution
               and
               trouble
               is
               grievous
               to
               flesh
               and
               blood
               and
               through
               the
               raging
               violence
               thereof
               ,
               has
               caused
               many
               to
               faint
               and
               complaine
               ,
               even
               of
               Gods
               dearest
               servants
               why
               they
               should
               be
               so
               dealt
               with
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Ps
               .
               73.
               and
               else
               where
               ,
               2.
               
               This
               scorching
               affects
               only
               the
               body
               but
               no
               more
               ;
               even
               so
               does
               the
               rage
               of
               persecution
               ,
               it
               may
               kill
               the
               body
               ,
               but
               no
               more
               :
               therefore
               sayes
               our
               Saviour
               ,
               Fear
               not
               them
               that
               can
               kill
               the
               body
               ,
               and
               no
               more
               ,
               but
               feare
               Him
               that
               can
               kill
               both
               soul
               and
               body
               .
               3.
               
               The
               scorching
               heat
               of
               the
               Sunne
               ,
               it
               is
               but
               for
               a
               short
               time
               in
               the
               height
               of
               the
               day
               ,
               but
               thereafter
               comes
               the
               coole
               of
               the
               evening
               ;
               even
               so
               persecution
               lasts
               but
               for
               a
               short
               time
               ,
               for
               the
               Lord
               will
               not
               suffer
               the
               rod
               of
               the
               wicked
               to
               lye
               still
               upon
               the
               back
               of
               the
               righteous
               ,
               nor
               the
               storme
               ever
               to
               continue
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               Math.
               8.
               
               But
               will
               send
               delivery
               to
               his
               own
               Sion
               ,
               and
               to
               Israel
               out
               of
               all
               his
               troubles
               ,
               4.
               
               In
               the
               time
               of
               the
               hort
               scorching
               of
               the
               Sunne
               men
               use
               to
               betake
               themselves
               to
               some
               shaddow
               ,
               or
               covering
               place
               ,
               even
               so
               does
               the
               Church
               to
               some
               Lurking
               places
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               Elias
               time
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               Primitive
               church
               ;
               but
               chiefly
               they
               betake
               themselves
               to
               the
               shaddow
               and
               protection
               of
               the
               Almighty
               ,
               as
               the
               dove
               to
               the
               clefts
               of
               the
               rock
               ,
               which
               ,
               unlike
               Jonas
               gourd
               ,
               never
               failes
               them
               ;
               under
               the
               coverture
               whereof
               they
               rest
               and
               are
               refreshed
               till
               the
               storme
               passe
               over
               .
               5.
               
               In
               relation
               to
               vegetable
               things
               ,
               as
               Matth.
               13.
               6.
               
               Persecution
               is
               so
               compared
               ,
               to
               show
               what
               it
               doth
               to
               carnall
               professors
               and
               temporizing
               Hypocrits
               ,
               who
               wither
               as
               it
               were
               thereby
               ,
               and
               make
               finall
               defection
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               she
               showes
               that
               this
               Persecution
               proceeds
               from
               her
               Mothers
               children
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               such
               as
               pretended
               to
               be
               members
               of
               the
               catholick
               Church
               as
               well
               as
               she
               ,
               of
               one
               Mother
               ,
               and
               under
               one
               common
               Ensigne
               of
               the
               true
               worship
               or
               religion
               ,
               and
               therefore
               these
               her
               Persecutors
               were
               not
               open
               and
               avowed
               enemies
               to
               the
               Church
               ,
               nor
               infidells
               and
               disclaimers
               of
               the
               profession
               of
               the
               true
               Religion
               .
            
             
               But
               as
               the
               Jewes
               in
               the
               most
               corrupt
               times
               claimed
               and
               cryed
               ,
               The
               Temple
               of
               the
               Lord
               :
               so
               they
               ,
               that
               they
               were
               the
               Children
               of
               the
               true
               Church
               ,
               even
               when
               they
               were
               with
               hot
               and
               fiery
               persecution
               afflicting
               them
               who
               were
               the
               true
               
               Church
               .
               In
               a
               word
               then
               ,
               these
               sonnes
               ,
               were
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               calles
               them
               ,
               falsebrethren
               ,
               Act.
               20.
               30.
               
               Where
               we
               have
               here
               to
               advert
               ,
               that
               she
               calles
               them
               not
               her
               father's
               children
               ,
               because
               ,
               as
               our
               faviour
               said
               to
               the
               Jewes
               ,
               howsoever
               they
               called
               Abraham
               their
               father
               ,
               yet
               he
               was
               not
               ,
               but
               the
               divell
               whose
               works
               they
               did
               :
               even
               so
               ,
               howsoever
               they
               pretended
               and
               claimed
               to
               the
               true
               catholick
               Church
               to
               be
               their
               mother
               ,
               yet
               they
               were
               not
               that
               truely
               ,
               but
               by
               usurpation
               of
               that
               name
               ;
               because
               they
               who
               have
               her
               truly
               to
               be
               their
               Mother
               ,
               have
               God
               to
               be
               their
               Father
               ,
               and
               his
               children
               they
               were
               not
               ,
               because
               they
               did
               not
               his
               words
               but
               rather
               the
               divells
               in
               persecuting
               her
               ,
               who
               was
               the
               true
               church
               .
            
             
               But
               seeing
               the
               true
               Church
               speaketh
               here
               ,
               who
               is
               her self
               the
               mother
               ,
               how
               speaks
               she
               of
               her self
               as
               a
               person
               distinct
               from
               her
               Mother
               ,
               or
               rather
               as
               a
               daughter
               to
               this
               mother
               ,
               and
               of
               these
               her
               persecutors
               ,
               as
               her
               Mothers
               children
               ?
               I
               answer
               .
               It
               is
               the
               manner
               of
               the
               Hebrew
               Tongue
               to
               call
               the
               whole
               the
               Mother
               ,
               and
               the
               parts
               of
               the
               whole
               catholick
               Church
               ,
               daughters
               ,
               and
               sisters
               ,
               and
               children
               Then.
               remark
               this
               ,
               that
               although
               there
               be
               but
               one
               universall
               Church
               ,
               yet
               because
               the
               same
               is
               never
               whole
               in
               the
               world
               at
               one
               time
               ,
               therefore
               the
               true
               Church
               of
               the
               present
               time
               ,
               may
               be
               called
               a
               daughter
               to
               the
               true
               Church
               that
               preceded
               her
               in
               former
               times
               ,
               and
               these
               her
               persecutors
               pretended
               children
               of
               that
               Mother
               ,
               as
               she
               may
               be
               called
               a
               Mother
               to
               the
               true
               Church
               that
               succeedeth
               her
               in
               future
               or
               after
               times
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               sincere
               individuall
               worshippers
               in
               the
               present
               time
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               she
               se●ts
               downe
               what
               was
               their
               disposition
               towards
               her
               ,
               and
               this
               is
               ,
               they
               were
               angry
               with
               her
               :
               where
               she
               uses
               this
               similitude
               ,
               As
               if
               a
               beautifull
               Virgin
               dwelling
               in
               her
               Mothers
               house
               had
               churlish
               and
               untoward
               brethron
               who
               dealt
               roughly
               with
               her
               &
               thrust
               her
               out
               of
               dores
               ,
               to
               keep
               their
               vines
               ,
               whereby
               she
               is
               compelled
               to
               be
               in
               the
               sunne
               ,
               or
               Sunne-burnt
               ,
               and
               to
               neglect
               her
               owne
               proper
               task
               which
               her
               mother
               injoyned
               her
               .
            
             
               This
               anger
               of
               theirs
               was
               like
               that
               of
               Josephs
               brethren
               ,
               an
               unjust
               anger
               ,
               or
               like
               Cain's
               against
               Abel
               ;
               or
               the
               dragons
               against
               the
               woman
               in
               the
               Revelation
               ,
               whom
               he
               persecuted
               and
               made
               to
               ●lee
               ,
               of
               whom
               it
               is
               said
               that
               he
               was
               wroth
               with
               her
               ,
               and
               made
               warre
               with
               the
               remnant
               of
               her
               seed
               ,
               Rev.
               12.
               17.
               
               So
               that
               she
               might
               justly
               say
               of
               them
               ,
               as
               David
               sayes
               of
               his
               onemies
               ,
               they
               hated
               him
               without
               a
               cause
               .
            
             
             
               Lastly
               ,
               the
               progresse
               of
               their
               anger
               and
               rage
               against
               her
               is
               set
               down
               ,
               or
               the
               effect
               thereof
               ;
               which
               is
               thus
               farre
               ,
               that
               they
               made
               her
               the
               keeper
               of
               their
               Vines
               ,
               with
               the
               neglect
               of
               her
               own
               :
               which
               words
               of
               
                 their
                 Vines
              
               ,
               and
               
                 her
                 Vine
              
               are
               set
               down
               by
               way
               of
               opposition
               ,
               their
               's
               being
               Vines
               of
               another
               quality
               then
               her's
               .
               For
               there
               are
               divers
               sorts
               of
               Vines
               spoken
               of
               in
               the
               Scripture
               ▪
               to
               wit
               ,
               a
               Vine
               which
               is
               called
               the
               Vine
               of
               Sodom
               ,
               whose
               grapes
               are
               grapes
               of
               Gall
               ,
               and
               their
               Clusters
               bitter
               ,
               Deut
               32
               ,
               32.
               
               Also
               ,
               there
               is
               a
               Vine
               which
               is
               called
               an
               empty
               Vine
               ,
               Hos
               .
               10.
               1.
               
               Also
               ,
               a
               Vine
               which
               is
               called
               a
               Noble
               Vine
               ,
               and
               a
               right
               seed
               ,
               Jer.
               2.
               21.
               also
               a
               goodly
               Vine
               ,
               Ezek.
               17.
               8.
               and
               a
               fruitfull
               ,
               
                 Psalm
                 .
                 80.
                 9.
                 
                 Ezek.
              
               19
               ,
               10.
               and
               this
               is
               the
               vine
               which
               is
               called
               
                 her
                 Vine
              
               :
               in
               like
               manner
               there
               is
               another
               ,
               whereof
               Jeremy
               speaks
               ,
               Jer.
               2.
               21.
               and
               the
               Lord
               calls
               a
               degenerate
               plant
               ,
               of
               a
               strange
               Vine
               to
               him
               ,
               even
               as
               it
               is
               said
               Isai
               .
               1.
               that
               the
               faithfull
               City
               was
               become
               a
               Harlot
               ,
               and
               this
               is
               the
               sort
               of
               these
               Vines
               which
               are
               called
               their
               Vines
               ,
               who
               were
               themselves
               degenerate
               and
               bastard-children
               of
               the
               Church
               ,
               and
               such
               only
               who
               usurped
               the
               name
               of
               true
               professor's
               ,
               but
               had
               degenerate
               from
               the
               truth
               of
               God
               to
               humane
               traditions
               ,
               like
               the
               Pharisees
               in
               Christs
               time
               ;
               and
               to
               grosse
               corruption
               in
               Religion
               .
            
             
               These
               Sonnes
               then
               of
               her
               mother
               ,
               or
               false
               brethren
               ,
               they
               seek
               to
               draw
               her
               to
               this
               corruption
               in
               religion
               with
               themselves
               ,
               and
               to
               observe
               humane
               traditions
               which
               is
               the
               keeping
               of
               their
               Vines
               ,
               forsaking
               the
               purity
               and
               sincerity
               of
               the
               true
               worship
               of
               God
               ,
               &
               the
               keeping
               of
               her
               own
               Vine
               ,
               or
               else
               to
               undergo
               their
               wrath
               and
               cruell
               persecution
               ,
               wherein
               through
               the
               force
               of
               their
               persecution
               on
               the
               one
               hand
               ,
               and
               her
               own
               weaknesse
               and
               frailty
               on
               the
               other
               ,
               she
               is
               made
               for
               the
               most
               part
               ,
               to
               swerve
               from
               her
               former
               sincerity
               ,
               and
               ,
               like
               the
               servants
               that
               slept
               while
               the
               tares
               were
               sown
               ,
               to
               neglect
               the
               performance
               of
               the
               Charge
               and
               duty
               that
               was
               committed
               unto
               her
               .
               I
               say
               for
               the
               most
               part
               ,
               lest
               this
               defectiion
               should
               be
               thought
               totall
               ,
               as
               ,
               to
               the
               eyes
               of
               the
               very
               Prophet
               Elias
               ,
               it
               seemed
               to
               be
               ,
               in
               the
               dayes
               of
               Achab
               and
               persecuting
               Jesabel
               :
               but
               yet
               it
               was
               not
               ,
               the
               Lord
               having
               his
               prophets
               hid
               in
               Caves
               by
               fifties
               and
               good
               Obediah
               ,
               and
               7000.
               that
               had
               not
               kissed
               nor
               bovved
               their
               knees
               to
               Ba●●
               .
            
             
               
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 This
                 place
                 sorveth
                 to
                 direct
                 us
                 in
                 our
                 judging
                 and
                 estimation
                 of
                 Christs
                 Church
                 aright
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 to
                 despise
                 her
                 ,
                 or
                 take
                 offence
                 and
                 forsake
                 her
                 (
                 as
                 many
                 have
                 done
                 )
                 because
                 of
                 her
                 blacknesse
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 want
                 of
                 externall
                 beauty
                 ,
                 and
                 worldly
                 lustre
                 or
                 glory
                 (
                 for
                 so
                 was
                 her
                 Head
                 on
                 earth
                 )
                 and
                 that
                 she
                 is
                 under
                 much
                 and
                 many
                 sufferings
                 (
                 for
                 so
                 it
                 behoves
                 her
                 with
                 her
                 Saviour
                 by
                 the
                 Crosse
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 Crown
                 ,
                 )
                 but
                 we
                 should
                 look
                 to
                 her
                 inward
                 beauty
                 by
                 a
                 spirituall
                 discerning
                 eye
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 that
                 perfection
                 of
                 glorious
                 beauty
                 to
                 which
                 she
                 shall
                 come
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 shall
                 be
                 said
                 unto
                 her
                 ;
                 
                   Thouart
                   all
                   fair
                   ,
                   my
                   love
                   ,
                   and
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   spot
                   nor
                   wrinkle
                   in
                   thee
                
                 ;
                 and
                 when
                 she
                 shall
                 be
                 rid
                 of
                 all
                 her
                 Enemies
                 ,
                 and
                 no
                 Canaanite
                 shall
                 be
                 in
                 the
                 Land.
                 The
                 erring
                 in
                 which
                 poynt
                 of
                 right
                 judgement
                 ,
                 has
                 bin
                 the
                 cause
                 of
                 the
                 ruine
                 of
                 many
                 ,
                 who
                 both
                 for
                 the
                 base
                 condition
                 of
                 her
                 Head
                 ,
                 when
                 He
                 was
                 on
                 Earth
                 ,
                 despised
                 Him
                 ;
                 and
                 who
                 likewise
                 for
                 the
                 like
                 condition
                 of
                 his
                 true
                 Church
                 (
                 like
                 the
                 two
                 witnesses
                 ,
                 Revel
                 .
                 11.
                 cloathed
                 in
                 sackcloath
                 and
                 under
                 much
                 suffering
                 ,
                 )
                 did
                 forsake
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 the
                 outward
                 pompous
                 and
                 worldly
                 lustre
                 of
                 the
                 Antichristian
                 Church
                 on
                 the
                 contrary
                 followed
                 the
                 Beast
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Seeing
                 the
                 Lot
                 of
                 Christs
                 Church
                 here
                 on
                 earth
                 ,
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 subject
                 to
                 persecution
                 and
                 trouble
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 compared
                 to
                 the
                 scorching
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 therefore
                 in
                 time
                 thereof
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 do
                 as
                 those
                 who
                 are
                 so
                 scorched
                 in
                 hot
                 Countries
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 as
                 Jonas
                 had
                 his
                 recourse
                 to
                 his
                 gourd
                 ,
                 so
                 let
                 us
                 have
                 our
                 recourse
                 chiefly
                 to
                 the
                 coverture
                 and
                 shadow
                 of
                 the
                 Lords
                 protection
                 ,
                 by
                 a
                 holy
                 confidence
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 the
                 refreshing
                 cooling
                 and
                 comfort
                 of
                 the
                 promises
                 of
                 his
                 word
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 witnessing
                 within
                 us
                 with
                 Job
                 of
                 a
                 good
                 conscience
                 ;
                 submitting
                 our selves
                 to
                 his
                 good
                 will
                 and
                 pleasure
                 who
                 gives
                 us
                 that
                 cup
                 to
                 drink
                 of
                 as
                 our
                 Saviour
                 by
                 his
                 example
                 taught
                 us
                 in
                 his
                 agonie
                 ,
                 and
                 labour
                 to
                 be
                 well
                 rooted
                 and
                 established
                 by
                 grace
                 ,
                 that
                 having
                 the
                 moysture
                 thereof
                 in
                 our
                 souls
                 ,
                 (
                 like
                 the
                 Oyl
                 of
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 which
                 they
                 had
                 in
                 their
                 Lamps
                 ,
                 )
                 we
                 be
                 not
                 like
                 that
                 seed
                 spoken
                 of
                 ,
                 Math.
                 13.
                 5
                 ,
                 6.
                 
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 that
                 the
                 Church
                 has
                 not
                 only
                 open
                 and
                 avowed
                 Enemies
                 ,
                 but
                 domestick
                 and
                 intestine
                 ,
                 like
                 these
                 false
                 brethren
                 here
                 mentioned
                 ,
                 who
                 claimed
                 to
                 be
                 Children
                 of
                 the
                 same
                 Mother
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 she
                 :
                 of
                 which
                 sort
                 the
                 Apostle
                 
                 forewarnes
                 the
                 Church
                 ,
                 Act.
                 20.
                 30.
                 
                 And
                 the
                 beloved
                 disciple
                 ,
                 Rev.
                 13.
                 11.
                 
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 These
                 were
                 angry
                 at
                 their
                 Virgin-sister
                 ,
                 which
                 showes
                 us
                 the
                 wicked
                 disposition
                 of
                 such
                 false
                 brethren
                 ,
                 who
                 though
                 they
                 be
                 under
                 one
                 name
                 and
                 common
                 ensigne
                 with
                 true
                 professors
                 ,
                 and
                 lay
                 claime
                 to
                 the
                 true
                 Church
                 as
                 much
                 as
                 any
                 ,
                 yet
                 as
                 Cain
                 waxed
                 wroth
                 against
                 Abel
                 unjustly
                 ,
                 and
                 Esau
                 in
                 like
                 manner
                 against
                 his
                 brother
                 Jacob
                 ,
                 so
                 do
                 they
                 for
                 the
                 truths
                 sake
                 ,
                 against
                 the
                 true
                 worshippers
                 ;
                 as
                 the
                 Dragon
                 was
                 wrath
                 with
                 the
                 Woman
                 ,
                 Rev.
                 12.
                 17.
                 and
                 went
                 to
                 make
                 Warre
                 with
                 the
                 remnant
                 of
                 her
                 seed
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 Where
                 she
                 saies
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 made
                 her
                 the
                 keeper
                 of
                 their
                 Vineyards
                 ,
                 but
                 her
                 own
                 she
                 did
                 not
                 keep
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 .
                 1.
                 the
                 weaknesse
                 of
                 many
                 true
                 professors
                 ,
                 and
                 dearest
                 of
                 Gods
                 Saints
                 that
                 through
                 fear
                 and
                 force
                 of
                 persecution
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 been
                 sometimes
                 drawn
                 ,
                 as
                 Peter
                 denied
                 his
                 Master
                 ,
                 to
                 do
                 that
                 which
                 thereafter
                 with
                 many
                 teares
                 and
                 humble
                 confession
                 they
                 have
                 (
                 with
                 the
                 Church
                 here
                 )
                 to
                 Gods
                 glory
                 and
                 their
                 own
                 shame
                 acknowledged
                 .
                 And
                 therefore
                 this
                 teacheth
                 us
                 ever
                 to
                 suspect
                 our
                 own
                 strength
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 beg
                 courage
                 and
                 constancy
                 from
                 God
                 ;
                 that
                 so
                 he
                 who
                 stands
                 may
                 take
                 heed
                 lest
                 he
                 fall
                 ,
                 
                   et
                   ut
                   majoris
                   ruina
                   sit
                   minoris
                   cautela
                   .
                
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 Next
                 in
                 her
                 humble
                 confession
                 and
                 acknowledgement
                 of
                 her
                 infirmitie
                 ,
                 fault
                 ,
                 and
                 negligence
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 the
                 laudable
                 disposition
                 of
                 the
                 godly
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 humble
                 acknowledgement
                 of
                 their
                 sinnes
                 that
                 God
                 might
                 get
                 glory
                 ,
                 and
                 others
                 by
                 their
                 example
                 may
                 be
                 aware
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 may
                 see
                 in
                 
                   Moses
                   ,
                   David
                   ,
                   Jonas
                   ,
                   Paul
                   ,
                
                 and
                 many
                 others
                 ;
                 far
                 contrary
                 to
                 the
                 contrary
                 disposition
                 of
                 the
                 wicked
                 ,
                 who
                 seek
                 to
                 deny
                 ,
                 exte●…ate
                 ,
                 or
                 cloak
                 and
                 cover
                 their
                 sinnes
                 ,
                 as
                 our
                 first
                 Parents
                 did
                 their
                 fall
                 ,
                 or
                 as
                 Achan
                 hid
                 the
                 accursed
                 thing
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Verse
               .
               7.
               
               Tell
               me
               (
               O
               thou
               whom
               my
               soul
               loveth
               ,
               )
               where
               thou
               feedest
               ?
               Where
               thou
               makest
               thy
               Flock
               to
               rest
               at
               Noone
               ?
               for
               why
               should
               I
               be
               as
               one
               that
               turneth
               aside
               by
               the
               flocks
               of
               thy
               Companions
               ?
            
             
               Having
               before
               acknowledged
               how
               in
               her
               weaker
               members
               throw
               infirmitie
               and
               force
               of
               persecution
               she
               was
               driven
               and
               drawn
               to
               the
               observation
               of
               humane
               ordinances
               ,
               and
               neglect
               of
               her
               own
               calling
               ,
               in
               the
               duties
               thereof
               are
               committed
               unto
               her
               .
               In
               these
               words
               ,
               she
               turneth
               her
               speech
               againe
               
               to
               her
               wellbeloved
               ,
               praying
               him
               most
               earnestly
               for
               his
               direction
               of
               her
               in
               time-comming
               ,
               that
               she
               may
               more
               constantly
               adhere
               to
               his
               truth
               ,
               and
               feed
               only
               on
               that
               green
               pasture
               spoken
               of
               ,
               Psal
               .
               23.
               
               As
               also
               for
               his
               grace
               and
               protection
               that
               she
               fail
               not
               ,
               nor
               fall
               away
               because
               of
               persecution
               which
               is
               compared
               to
               the
               scorching
               heat
               of
               the
               Sunne
               at
               Noon
               day
               .
               And
               this
               she
               does
               in
               Allegoricall
               tearmes
               borrowed
               from
               a
               shepheard
               and
               his
               flock
               ,
               and
               therefore
               she
               desires
               her
               beloved
               as
               the
               Shepheard
               of
               his
               Sheep
               ,
               that
               for
               direction
               he
               will
               show
               her
               where
               he
               feeds
               ,
               and
               for
               refreshing
               ,
               cooling
               ,
               and
               protection
               ,
               
                 where
                 he
                 causeth
                 his
                 Flock
                 to
                 lye
                 down
                 at
                 Noon
                 day
                 ,
              
               that
               so
               she
               turne
               not
               aside
               (
               being
               otherwise
               destitute
               of
               these
               )
               
                 from
                 him
                 and
                 his
                 Flock
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 Flocks
                 of
                 others
                 ,
              
               who
               are
               seducers
               ,
               and
               are
               here
               called
               
                 his
                 Companions
              
               .
            
             
               These
               words
               then
               divide
               themselves
               into
               a
               petition
               and
               a
               reason
               ;
               the
               one
               set
               down
               by
               a
               pathetick
               expression
               ,
               the
               other
               by
               a
               pithy
               interrogation
               .
               In
               the
               petition
               againe
               ,
               we
               have
               1.
               
               How
               she
               styles
               him
               to
               whom
               she
               puts
               up
               her
               petition
               ,
               2.
               
               Whereunto
               she
               assimilates
               or
               compares
               him
               ;
               and
               3.
               what
               are
               the
               two
               things
               that
               she
               petitions
               from
               him
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               1.
               
               
                 Where
                 he
                 feeds
              
               ,
               and
               2.
               
               
                 Where
                 he
                 makes
                 his
                 Flook
                 to
                 rest
                 at
                 Noon
                 day
                 .
              
            
             
               First
               then
               she
               styles
               him
               thus
               .
               
                 Oh
                 thou
                 whom
                 [
                 my
                 soul
                 ]
                 loves
                 ,
              
               showing
               thereby
               the
               nature
               of
               the
               love
               which
               she
               carries
               to
               her
               Well-beloved
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               that
               it
               is
               not
               a
               carnall
               love
               ,
               but
               a
               more
               supernaturall
               and
               spirituall
               love
               ,
               even
               that
               which
               the
               spirituall
               part
               of
               man
               ,
               or
               the
               soul
               carries
               to
               him
               who
               will
               be
               worshipped
               in
               spirit
               and
               truth
               ,
               
                 And
                 blessed
                 is
                 that
                 Soul
                 which
                 is
                 inflamed
                 therewith
                 .
              
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               she
               assimilats
               him
               to
               a
               shepheard
               ,
               as
               he
               is
               frequently
               so
               called
               in
               Scripture
               ,
               Psalm
               .
               23.
               1.
               
               &
               80.
               1
               ,
               Ezek.
               34.
               23.
               and
               Matth.
               18.
               12.
               with
               these
               adjections
               ,
               
                 that
                 good
                 Shepherd
              
               ,
               Joh
               ,
               10
               ,
               11.
               and
               
                 the
                 great
                 Shepherd
              
               ,
               Heb.
               13.
               20.
               and
               by
               
                 Peter
                 ,
                 the
                 chiefe
                 Shepherd
                 of
                 our
                 Souls
                 ,
              
               1
               Pet.
               5.
               4.
               
               Who
               only
               can
               call
               all
               the
               sheep
               ,
               
                 his
                 Sheep
              
               ,
               and
               is
               onely
               and
               truly
               Universall
               .
            
             
               The
               Reasons
               of
               this
               assimilation
               are
               these
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               
                 As
                 a
                 Shepherd
                 knows
                 his
                 Sheep
                 ,
                 Joh.
              
               10.
               14.
               so
               doth
               Christ
               Jesus
               his
               Elect
               not
               onely
               by
               a
               generall
               knowledge
               as
               he
               is
               omniscient
               ,
               but
               by
               a
               speciall
               knowledge
               of
               particular
               inspection
               ,
               and
               gracious
               approbation
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               As
               a
               Shepherd
               puts
               a
               marke
               upon
               his
               Sheep
               whereby
               
               they
               are
               known
               to
               be
               his
               :
               even
               so
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               markes
               those
               that
               are
               his
               Elect
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Ezek.
               9.
               
               &
               Rev.
               7.
               
               Which
               mark
               ,
               is
               specially
               his
               owne
               image
               ;
               that
               as
               Caesars
               Coin
               was
               known
               by
               his
               Image
               and
               superscription
               ,
               so
               hereby
               they
               may
               be
               in
               like
               manner
               known
               to
               be
               his
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               As
               a
               Shepherd
               feeds
               his
               sheep
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               this
               verse
               and
               Ps
               .
               23.
               3.
               even
               so
               doth
               Christ
               Jesus
               feed
               his
               sheep
               ,
               in
               the
               ordinary
               exercise
               of
               the
               ministry
               ,
               as
               he
               said
               to
               
                 Peter
                 ,
                 Feed
                 my
                 sheep
                 ,
                 &
                 by
                 the
                 green
                 pasture
                 of
                 the
                 wholsome
                 food
                 of
                 his
                 word
                 ,
                 Ezek.
              
               34.
               2.
               
            
             
               4.
               
               As
               a
               Shepherd
               leads
               out
               his
               sheep
               ,
               going
               before
               ,
               himselfe
               ,
               Joh.
               10.
               4.
               and
               they
               follow
               him
               :
               even
               so
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               he
               leads
               his
               sheep
               by
               the
               conduct
               of
               his
               counsell
               ,
               till
               he
               bring
               them
               to
               glory
               ;
               and
               goes
               before
               them
               in
               that
               holy
               example
               of
               life
               which
               he
               shewed
               on
               Earth
               ,
               and
               left
               registrate
               in
               his
               Word
               for
               our
               imitation
               ,
               that
               we
               should
               learn
               of
               him
               to
               be
               humble
               and
               meek
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               As
               the
               shepherd
               guids
               his
               Sheep
               ,
               so
               he
               guards
               and
               defends
               them
               from
               their
               ravenous
               enemies
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               David
               did
               from
               the
               Lyon
               and
               Beare
               :
               even
               so
               does
               our
               Saviour
               Christ
               Jesus
               ,
               guard
               and
               defend
               his
               own
               elect
               from
               all
               their
               spirituall
               and
               ravening
               enemies
               ,
               that
               they
               prevaile
               not
               over
               them
               &
               therefore
               ,
               Ps
               .
               84.
               11.
               
               He
               is
               said
               to
               be
               both
               a
               Sun
               &
               a
               shield
               unto
               them
               :
               so
               that
               as
               David
               professes
               ,
               Psalm
               .
               33.
               4.
               though
               they
               should
               walke
               through
               the
               valley
               of
               the
               shadow
               of
               death
               ,
               they
               need
               not
               fear
               any
               evill
               .
            
             
               6.
               
               As
               the
               Shepherd
               seeks
               any
               of
               his
               sheep
               who
               are
               gone
               astray
               &
               seems
               to
               be
               lost
               ,
               to
               find
               &
               bring
               the
               same
               back
               againe
               as
               we
               see
               in
               that
               parable
               ,
               Matth.
               18.
               12
               
               &
               Ezek.
               34.
               16.
               
               So
               has
               Christ
               Jesus
               come
               from
               the
               Heaven
               to
               the
               earth
               to
               seek
               and
               find
               out
               his
               lost
               sheep
               ;
               And
               dayly
               seeks
               and
               follows
               after
               them
               in
               the
               ministry
               of
               his
               Word
               to
               reclaime
               them
               from
               their
               sinfull
               and
               dangerous
               straying
               away
               from
               him
               .
            
             
               7.
               
               As
               a
               shepherd
               heals
               the
               diseased
               and
               sick
               amongst
               his
               sheep
               ,
               and
               binds
               up
               that
               which
               is
               broken
               amongst
               them
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Ezek.
               34.
               4.
               
               Even
               so
               was
               our
               Saviour
               ,
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               sent
               ,
               as
               he
               declares
               ,
               Isay
               .
               61.
               1.
               to
               bind
               up
               the
               broken
               hearted
               and
               proclaime
               liberty
               to
               the
               captives
               ;
               and
               ,
               as
               he
               promiseth
               ,
               Ezek.
               34.
               16.
               
               He
               will
               seek
               that
               which
               was
               lost
               ,
               and
               bring
               againe
               that
               which
               was
               driven
               away
               ,
               and
               will
               bind
               up
               that
               which
               was
               broken
               ,
               and
               strengthen
               that
               which
               was
               sick
               ,
               for
               he
               is
               that
               Heavenly
               Physitian
               who
               is
               able
               ,
               to
               cure
               all
               diseases
               ,
               Psalm
               .
               103.
               3.
               and
               more
               loving
               then
               that
               Samaritan
               
               who
               out
               of
               his
               tender
               compassion
               towards
               our
               wounded
               souls
               ,
               suffered
               himself
               so
               to
               be
               wounded
               and
               pierced
               both
               in
               soul
               and
               body
               ,
               that
               of
               his
               precious
               blood
               a
               soveraigne
               plaister
               might
               be
               made
               for
               us
               to
               apply
               by
               faith
               to
               our
               sick
               soules
               .
            
             
               8.
               
               As
               a
               shepheard
               tenderly
               deales
               with
               the
               weake
               and
               young
               ,
               Gen.
               33.
               11.
               
               Even
               so
               is
               it
               said
               of
               Christ
               Jesus
               ,
               Isay
               .
               40.
               11.
               
               That
               he
               shall
               gather
               his
               Lambs
               with
               his
               arme
               ,
               and
               carry
               them
               in
               his
               bosome
               ,
               and
               shall
               gently
               lead
               them
               that
               are
               with
               young
               ,
               which
               the
               Psalmist
               expresles
               ,
               Psal
               .
               103.
               13.
               
               Saying
               ,
               like
               as
               a
               father
               pittyeth
               his
               children
               :
               so
               the
               Lord
               pittyeth
               them
               that
               feare
               him
               ,
               for
               he
               knowes
               our-frame
               ,
               and
               remembreth
               that
               we
               .
               are
               but
               dust
               :
               He
               layes
               no
               more
               upon
               them
               nor
               they
               may
               beare
               ,
               yea
               he
               helps
               them
               secretly
               to
               beare
               ,
               and
               wisely
               mixes
               their
               cup
               ,
               and
               makes
               his
               grace
               to
               be
               sufficient
               for
               them
               .
            
             
               9.
               
               As
               the
               shepheard
               separates
               from
               his
               flock
               ,
               the
               goats
               ,
               or
               such
               as
               are
               not
               his
               owne
               ;
               So
               ,
               sayes
               the
               Lord
               ,
               Ezek.
               34.
               17.
               
               Behold
               I
               judge
               between
               cattell
               and
               cattell
               ,
               between
               the
               rammes
               and
               the
               Hee-goats
               :
               and
               will
               separate
               at
               the
               last
               day
               his
               own
               sheep
               who
               heard
               his
               voice
               and
               followed
               Him
               here
               ,
               from
               the
               wicked
               that
               are
               none
               of
               His
               ,
               but
               petulant
               goats
               ,
               setting
               the
               one
               at
               his
               right
               hand
               ,
               unto
               Eternall
               life
               ,
               and
               the
               other
               as
               his
               left
               hand
               unto
               eternall
               destruction
               .
            
             
               But
               here
               is
               a
               great
               difference
               between
               other
               shepheards
               ,
               and
               this
               shepherd
               spoken
               of
               here
               ,
               for
            
             
               1.
               
               Others
               may
               lose
               some
               of
               their
               sheep
               ,
               but
               not
               so
               he
               :
               therefore
               sayes
               he
               to
               his
               father
               ,
               Joh.
               17.
               12.
               
               These
               that
               thou
               gavest
               me
               ,
               I
               have
               kept
               ,
               and
               none
               of
               them
               is
               lost
               ,
               neither
               is
               any
               one
               able
               to
               take
               them
               out
               of
               his
               hand
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               His
               sheep
               are
               the
               workmanship
               of
               his
               hands
               ;
               but
               other
               shepherds
               though
               they
               feed
               their
               sheep
               ,
               yet
               they
               may
               not
               say
               ,
               that
               they
               made
               their
               sheep
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               Other
               shepherds
               make
               gaine
               of
               their
               sheep
               ,
               and
               kill
               some
               of
               them
               for
               their
               owne
               food
               ,
               but
               no
               gaine
               redounds
               to
               this
               shepherd
               by
               his
               sheep
               ,
               their
               goodnesse
               not
               extending
               to
               him
               ,
               as
               David
               sayes
               ,
               Psal
               .
               16.
               2.
               
               And
               for
               ,
               saving
               of
               his
               sheep
               from
               death
               ,
               he
               was
               killed
               ,
               and
               gave
               himself
               to
               the
               death
               for
               them
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               she
               assimilats
               all
               the
               true
               members
               of
               Christs
               church
               to
               sheep
               ,
               calling
               them
               
                 His
                 flock
              
               even
               as
               our
               Saviour
               also
               calles
               them
               ,
               
                 his
                 little
                 flock
              
               for
               whom
               the
               Father
               has
               prepaired
               a
               kingdome
               :
               which
               style
               of
               a
               flock
               of
               sheep
               ,
               is
               frequently
               
               ascribed
               to
               them
               in
               Scripture
               ,
               Ezek.
               34.
               2.
               
               To
               remember
               them
               ,
               1.
               
               Of
               their
               infirmity
               for
               their
               humiliation
               ,
               Joh.
               10.
               2.
               21.
               16.
               2
               
               Of
               their
               duty
               for
               their
               instruction
               :
               and
               ,
               3.
               
               Of
               the
               care
               that
               is
               had
               of
               them
               ,
               for
               their
               consolation
               ,
               1
               Pet.
               5.
               2.
               
            
             
               1.
               
               Their
               infirmity
               then
               is
               this
               ,
               that
               like
               sheep
               ,
               they
               are
               of
               themselves
               ready
               and
               prone
               to
               stray
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               it
               told
               us
               ,
               Isay
               53.
               6.
               
               And
               in
               that
               parable
               ,
               Matth.
               18.
               12.
               both
               by
               reason
               of
               externall
               temptation
               ,
               and
               that
               bosome-enemy
               which
               we
               have
               of
               our
               own
               corruption
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               the
               parable
               of
               the
               prodigall
               sonne
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               examples
               of
               Gods
               dearest
               saints
               ,
               as
               David
               and
               Peter
               ,
               &c
               ,
               Ezek
               34.
               6.
               
            
             
               1.
               
               For
               admonishing
               them
               of
               their
               duty
               ,
               1.
               
               Christs
               flock
               being
               of
               sheep
               ,
               they
               are
               therefore
               neither
               of
               wild
               beasts
               ,
               as
               Tigers
               or
               Lyons
               ,
               Foxes
               or
               Wolves
               ;
               nor
               yet
               are
               they
               of
               uncleane
               beasts
               ,
               as
               dogs
               ,
               and
               swine
               ,
               or
               the
               like
               :
               but
               of
               such
               as
               are
               ●amed
               from
               all
               such
               ferity
               ,
               and
               purged
               from
               impurity
               by
               the
               power
               of
               God
               and
               his
               soveraigne
               grace
               ,
               yea
               in
               a
               manner
               metamorphosed
               from
               such
               like
               as
               they
               were
               before
               by
               nature
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               the
               examples
               of
               
                 Manasseh
                 ,
                 Mary
                 Magdalen
              
               ,
               and
               Paul.
               
            
             
               2.
               
               As
               sheep
               are
               simple
               ,
               and
               not
               like
               crafty
               foxes
               as
               Cant.
               2.
               15.
               and
               as
               Christ
               called
               Herod
               ;
               so
               are
               the
               godly
               by
               a
               Holy
               simplicity
               and
               sincerity
               ,
               yet
               mixt
               with
               serpentime
               prudence
               ,
               and
               are
               like
               Nathaniel
               ,
               Behold
               a
               true
               Israelite
               in
               whom
               there
               is
               no
               guile
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               They
               are
               meek
               and
               harmlesse
               ,
               and
               so
               are
               the
               godly
               ,
               having
               learned
               that
               Lesson
               of
               their
               Master
               ,
               and
               being
               ready
               to
               do
               good
               to
               all
               ,
               but
               not
               to
               requite
               evill
               with
               evill
               at
               the
               hands
               of
               any
               :
               this
               meekness
               and
               quietness
               of
               spirit
               ,
               (
               as
               Peter
               tells
               us
               )
               being
               of
               great
               price
               in
               the
               sight
               of
               God
               ,
               1.
               
               Pet.
               3.
               4.
               
            
             
               4.
               
               Sheep
               are
               patient
               in
               suffering
               ;
               therefore
               it
               is
               said
               of
               our
               Saviour
               that
               as
               a
               Lamb
               to
               the
               slaughter
               and
               as
               a
               sheep
               before
               her
               shearer
               is
               dumb
               ,
               Isay
               .
               53.
               7.
               so
               he
               opened
               not
               his
               mouth
               .
               Even
               so
               are
               the
               godly
               ,
               patient
               in
               suffering
               ,
               either
               Immediatly
               what
               is
               laid
               upon
               them
               for
               their
               sinnes
               ,
               or
               tryall
               by
               the
               Hand
               of
               God
               ;
               or
               what
               is
               done
               unto
               them
               mediatly
               by
               the
               Hand
               of
               man
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               the
               examples
               of
               
                 Job
                 ,
                 David
                 ,
                 Joseph
                 ,
                 Stephen
                 ,
              
               and
               others
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               Sheep
               as
               they
               are
               patient
               ,
               so
               they
               are
               profitable
               ,
               both
               in
               their
               lives
               ,
               and
               by
               their
               death
               ,
               for
               mans
               food
               and
               clothing
               :
               even
               so
               are
               the
               godly
               profitable
               ,
               many
               wayes
               ,
               both
               for
               their
               company
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               Josephs
               being
               in
               Po●iphars
               house
               ,
               Jacob
               
               in
               Labans
               ,
               and
               if
               ten
               righteous
               had
               been
               in
               Sodom
               :
               as
               also
               by
               their
               conversation
               and
               holy
               example
               ,
               both
               in
               word
               and
               deed
               ,
               making
               their
               light
               shine
               before
               men
               ,
               that
               men
               seeing
               their
               good
               works
               may
               glorifie
               God
               their
               Heavenly
               father
               .
               And
               as
               they
               are
               profitable
               many
               wayes
               in
               their
               life
               ,
               so
               are
               they
               likewise
               in
               their
               holy
               deaths
               and
               comfortable
               departure
               ,
               wherein
               a
               man
               may
               see
               a
               strange
               change
               of
               the
               nature
               of
               death
               in
               them
               ,
               and
               a
               great
               difference
               betweene
               them
               and
               the
               ungodly
               therein
               .
            
             
               6.
               
               Sheep
               are
               obedient
               and
               follow
               whither
               the
               shepherd
               leads
               them
               ;
               even
               so
               ,
               as
               our
               Saviour
               showes
               ,
               Joh.
               10.
               4.
               his
               sheep
               they
               hear
               his
               voice
               ,
               and
               they
               follow
               Him
               ,
               making
               his
               precepts
               to
               be
               the
               directory
               of
               their
               life
               ,
               and
               his
               practice
               their
               pattern
               for
               imitation
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               Paul
               ,
               who
               said
               to
               the
               Corinthians
               ,
               Follow
               me
               as
               I
               follow
               Christ
               ,
               2
               Cor.
               11.
               1.
               
            
             
               7.
               
               Sheep
               after
               they
               have
               fed
               in
               greene
               pasture
               ,
               they
               thereafter
               ruminate
               and
               doe
               chew
               their
               cud
               ;
               even
               so
               when
               Christs
               sheep
               has
               read
               or
               heard
               His
               word
               ,
               which
               is
               that
               pasture
               spoken
               of
               ,
               Psal
               .
               23.
               2.
               
               With
               
                 David
                 ,
                 Psal
              
               .
               1.
               and
               119.
               they
               meditate
               thereon
               ,
               apply
               the
               same
               ,
               and
               lay
               it
               up
               in
               their
               heart
               ,
               that
               they
               sinne
               not
               against
               God
               ,
               Psal
               .
               119.
               11.
               
            
             
               Lastly
               ,
               As
               great
               is
               the
               care
               that
               the
               good
               and
               faithfull
               shepherd
               has
               of
               his
               sheep
               ,
               in
               feeding
               guiding
               and
               guarding
               them
               ,
               reducing
               the
               strayers
               ,
               curing
               the
               diseased
               ,
               caring
               for
               the
               weak
               ,
               and
               watching
               over
               all
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               the
               examples
               of
               
                 Jacob
                 ,
                 David
              
               ,
               and
               the
               shepherds
               of
               Bethleem
               ,
               Luk.
               2.
               8.
               
               Even
               so
               ,
               great
               is
               the
               care
               that
               Christ
               Jesus
               has
               of
               his
               own
               elect
               ,
               in
               doing
               the
               like
               offices
               towards
               them
               for
               his
               glory
               and
               their
               good
               and
               comfort
               .
            
             
               And
               albeit
               the
               silly
               sheep
               ,
               (
               whose
               safety
               stands
               only
               in
               the
               care
               of
               the
               shepherd
               )
               has
               many
               enemies
               ,
               as
               Dogs
               ,
               Foxes
               ,
               Woolvs
               ,
               Beares
               and
               Lyons
               ,
               and
               are
               killed
               daily
               also
               for
               the
               use
               of
               man
               ,
               yet
               mightily
               beyond
               any
               other
               ,
               increase
               :
               even
               so
               ,
               although
               the
               godly
               may
               say
               ,
               as
               we
               have
               it
               ,
               Rom.
               8.
               36.
               
               We
               are
               killed
               all
               the
               day
               long
               ,
               and
               are
               counted
               as
               sheep
               for
               the
               slaughter
               ,
               yet
               maugre
               all
               their
               enemies
               the
               Lord
               makes
               his
               flock
               multiply
               ,
               as
               Israel
               did
               under
               Pharoah's
               heaviest
               pressure
               ,
               and
               the
               blood
               of
               Martyrs
               to
               be
               the
               seed
               of
               his
               Church
               .
            
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               the
               actions
               attributed
               to
               this
               shepherd
               in
               this
               text
               are
               two
               ,
               1.
               feeding
               as
               we
               see
               it
               attributed
               to
               him
               ,
               Ezek.
               34.
               23.
               which
               he
               doth
               ,
               partly
               externally
               ,
               meditately
               ,
               and
               
               ministerially
               ,
               by
               the
               preaching
               of
               the
               word
               ,
               as
               he
               said
               to
               
                 Peter
                 ,
                 Feed
                 my
                 sheep
              
               :
               and
               partly
               internally
               ,
               immediately
               ,
               and
               as
               the
               principall
               agent
               ;
               without
               whose
               concurrence
               and
               co-operation
               Pauls
               planting
               ,
               nor
               Apollos
               watering
               ,
               will
               produce
               no
               increase
               .
            
             
               The
               next
               action
               is
               cooling
               ,
               refreshing
               ,
               making
               
                 his
                 Flock
                 to
                 rest
                 at
                 Noon
                 ,
              
               in
               some
               reposing
               and
               shadowish
               resting
               place
               ,
               alluding
               so
               to
               the
               manner
               of
               Shepherds
               in
               hot
               Countryes
               who
               in
               the
               heare
               of
               the
               day
               (
               which
               is
               ,
               most
               at
               Noontide
               )
               lead
               their
               Sheep
               to
               some
               cooling
               resting
               place
               ,
               where
               they
               might
               repose
               and
               refresh
               themselves
               ,
               and
               chew
               their
               cud
               ;
               and
               being
               saved
               from
               the
               vehemencie
               of
               the
               scorching
               Sunne
               ,
               might
               with
               the
               greater
               alacrity
               thereafter
               returne
               to
               their
               pasture
               .
               Even
               so
               in
               the
               very
               greatest
               heat
               of
               persecution
               ,
               our
               Saviour
               Christ
               makes
               his
               own
               to
               find
               comfortable
               refreshment
               ,
               shelter
               of
               preservation
               ,
               and
               such
               inward
               rest
               of
               peace
               of
               conscience
               ,
               and
               joy
               in
               the
               holy
               ghost
               ,
               that
               they
               may
               say
               with
               David
               in
               greatest
               commotions
               ,
               My
               heart
               is
               fixed
               ,
               and
               cry
               out
               with
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               Rom.
               8.
               35.
               
               Who
               shall
               separate
               us
               from
               the
               love
               of
               Christ
               ?
               
                 [
                 For
                 why
                 should
                 I
                 be
                 ?
                 ]
              
            
             
               Followes
               the
               reason
               of
               her
               petition
               ,
               wherein
               we
               have
               1.
               
               The
               manner
               of
               the
               proponing
               it
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               by
               way
               of
               interrogation
               .
               2
               What
               is
               meant
               by
               these
               ,
               whom
               she
               calls
               
                 his
                 companions
              
               .
               3.
               
               What
               is
               meant
               by
               her
               turning
               aside
               to
               the
               flocks
               of
               these
               :
               the
               substance
               of
               all
               which
               is
               ,
               the
               incommodity
               that
               will
               fall
               out
               ,
               if
               he
               tell
               her
               not
               
                 where
                 he
                 feeds
              
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               that
               by
               her
               frailty
               and
               force
               of
               temptation
               ,
               she
               may
               be
               made
               to
               decline
               aside
               from
               the
               way
               of
               truth
               ,
               and
               joyne
               to
               false
               worshippes
               which
               will
               be
               neither
               to
               his
               honour
               ,
               nor
               her
               good
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               the
               manner
               of
               the
               proponing
               this
               Reason
               by
               way
               of
               interrogation
               ,
               is
               to
               shew
               ,
               1.
               her
               earnest
               detestation
               of
               any
               declyning
               though
               ,
               never
               so
               little
               ,
               from
               the
               truth
               of
               Christ
               ,
               in
               time-comming
               ,
               as
               
                 Hos
                 .
                 14.
                 8.
                 
                 Ephraim
              
               is
               brought
               in
               ,
               saying
               ,
               What
               have
               I
               to
               do
               any
               more
               with
               Idols
               ?
               who
               before
               c.
               14.
               v.
               17.
               ere
               she
               was
               converted
               ,
               is
               said
               to
               have
               been
               joyned
               or
               married
               with
               such
               ,
               and
               which
               holy
               indignation
               is
               in
               every
               one
               that
               is
               truly
               converted
               against
               that
               sinne
               they
               were
               formerly
               given
               to
               ,
               no
               lesse
               then
               Amnom
               detested
               Tamar
               ,
               2.
               
               This
               implyes
               a
               firme
               resolution
               not
               to
               turne
               afide
               ,
               as
               that
               interrogation
               ,
               
                 Nehem.
                 6.
                 11.
                 
                 Should
                 such
                 a
                 man
                 as
                 I
                 flee
                 ?
              
            
             
               2.
               
               These
               whom
               she
               calls
               companions
               ,
               she
               styles
               so
               not
               thereby
               to
               ascribe
               to
               them
               any
               such
               dignity
               in
               truth
               ,
               which
               
               were
               blasphemy
               ,
               but
               to
               shew
               what
               bold
               usurpers
               hereticks
               are
               ,
               and
               especially
               that
               grand
               Antichrist
               ,
               who
               ascribes
               to
               himselfe
               infallibility
               ,
               that
               he
               may
               be
               the
               only
               great
               Master
               and
               teacher
               of
               Christs
               Catholick
               Church
               on
               earth
               ,
               and
               therefore
               equalls
               his
               doctrines
               and
               decretalls
               in
               authority
               ,
               with
               Canonick
               Scripture
               ,
               while
               as
               Christ
               ,
               is
               the
               only
               great
               shepherd
               ,
               and
               teacher
               of
               his
               Church
               ,
               and
               who
               only
               has
               no
               Companion
               nor
               Vicar
               one
               earth
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               By
               turning
               side
               to
               the
               flocks
               of
               these
               ,
               is
               meant
               ,
               the
               swarving
               from
               the
               truth
               and
               purity
               thereof
               ,
               to
               the
               society
               of
               false
               worshippers
               and
               suffering
               her self
               to
               be
               seduced
               ,
               by
               such
               as
               
                 S.
                 Paul
              
               speaks
               of
               ,
               who
               were
               deceivers
               ,
               and
               should
               enter
               in
               after
               his
               departure
               ,
               and
               draw
               disciples
               after
               them
               ,
               as
               Absolom
               made
               many
               to
               follow
               him
               in
               his
               rebellious
               course
               ,
               who
               did
               so
               in
               the
               simplicity
               of
               their
               hearts
               ,
               or
               as
               the
               whole
               world
               is
               said
               to
               have
               been
               by
               deceit
               drawn
               out
               of
               the
               right
               way
               of
               truth
               to
               follow
               the
               beast
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 The
                 Church
                 here
                 in
                 her
                 weaker
                 members
                 being
                 sensible
                 of
                 her
                 former
                 errors
                 and
                 having
                 acknowledged
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 she
                 now
                 desires
                 to
                 be
                 so
                 directed
                 ,
                 and
                 established
                 by
                 her
                 beloved
                 ,
                 that
                 she
                 never
                 deflect
                 nor
                 swerve
                 any
                 more
                 from
                 the
                 purity
                 of
                 his
                 worship
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 this
                 her
                 direction
                 goes
                 only
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 the
                 way
                 and
                 the
                 truth
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 we
                 see
                 though
                 the
                 godly
                 fall
                 ,
                 yet
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 like
                 the
                 wicked
                 who
                 lye
                 and
                 live
                 in
                 sin
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 rise
                 againe
                 ,
                 by
                 humble
                 acknowledgement
                 ,
                 prayer
                 ,
                 detestation
                 of
                 sinne
                 and
                 resolution
                 to
                 eschew
                 the
                 same
                 in
                 all
                 time-comming
                 ;
                 all
                 which
                 we
                 see
                 in
                 this
                 her
                 practice
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Out
                 of
                 her
                 compellation
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 though
                 through
                 weaknesse
                 and
                 force
                 of
                 temptation
                 she
                 fell
                 ,
                 yet
                 his
                 love
                 never
                 went
                 out
                 of
                 her
                 heart
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 may
                 see
                 in
                 Peter
                 ,
                 who
                 though
                 he
                 fell
                 foulely
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 could
                 say
                 to
                 Christ
                 when
                 he
                 asked
                 him
                 ,
                 Lovest
                 thou
                 me
                 ,
                 Lord
                 thou
                 knowest
                 that
                 I
                 love
                 thee
                 :
                 so
                 that
                 although
                 Satan
                 
                   Fidem
                   concussit
                   ,
                   amorem
                   tamen
                   non
                   excussit
                   ,
                   cujus
                   actum
                   et
                   si
                   intermisit
                   ,
                   habitum
                   tamen
                   non
                   amisit
                   ,
                
                 which
                 also
                 we
                 may
                 see
                 in
                 Davids
                 fall
                 ,
                 and
                 others
                 of
                 Gods
                 Saints
                 ,
                 whom
                 he
                 has
                 permitted
                 to
                 fall
                 ,
                 but
                 never
                 suffered
                 to
                 fall
                 away
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 that
                 seed
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 that
                 still
                 notwithstanding
                 remained
                 in
                 their
                 heart
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 flowes
                 from
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 his
                 love
                 to
                 us
                 is
                 immutable
                 ,
                 and
                 ours
                 to
                 him
                 is
                 an
                 effect
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 O
                 then
                 ,
                 labour
                 to
                 keep
                 Gods
                 love
                 evermore
                 .
              
               
               
                 3.
                 
                 This
                 compellation
                 she
                 uses
                 now
                 when
                 she
                 goos
                 about
                 prayer
                 to
                 him
                 or
                 invocation
                 ,
                 as
                 being
                 a
                 great
                 motive
                 to
                 him
                 to
                 hear
                 ,
                 and
                 ground
                 of
                 confidence
                 to
                 her
                 that
                 he
                 would
                 do
                 so
                 .
                 Let
                 us
                 try
                 then
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 find
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 we
                 may
                 be
                 assured
                 to
                 have
                 the
                 like
                 confidence
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Whereas
                 she
                 sayes
                 ,
                 
                   tell
                   me
                
                 ,
                 &c.
                 desiring
                 to
                 be
                 instructed
                 aright
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 by
                 his
                 word
                 only
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 now
                 registrate
                 in
                 Scripture
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 Her
                 humble
                 acknowledgement
                 of
                 her
                 naturall
                 ignorance
                 needing
                 information
                 .
                 And
                 O
                 happy
                 soul
                 ,
                 who
                 comes
                 to
                 this
                 sight
                 and
                 acknowledgement
                 of
                 their
                 own
                 wants
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 not
                 like
                 
                   Laodicea
                   ,
                   Rev.
                
                 3.
                 and
                 2.
                 for
                 right
                 direction
                 either
                 in
                 faith
                 or
                 manners
                 .
                 Let
                 us
                 go
                 to
                 Christ's
                 mouth
                 ,
                 opened
                 in
                 holy
                 Scripture
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 say
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 Tell
                 me
                 ,
                 and
                 give
                 me
                 resolution
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 The
                 two
                 things
                 whereof
                 she
                 desires
                 to
                 be
                 instructed
                 ,
                 are
                 
                   where
                   he
                   feeds
                
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   makes
                   his
                   Flock
                   to
                   rest
                   at
                   Noon-day
                   ,
                
                 where
                 we
                 observe
                 that
                 the
                 Church
                 depends
                 not
                 only
                 upon
                 Christ
                 for
                 food
                 ,
                 or
                 wholesome
                 green
                 pasture
                 ,
                 rejecting
                 all
                 humane
                 traditions
                 or
                 doctrines
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 but
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 hottest
                 persecutions
                 ,
                 When
                 the
                 Sunne
                 scorches
                 sorest
                 ,
                 as
                 at
                 Noon-day
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 refreshed
                 by
                 him
                 :
                 as
                 the
                 Church
                 and
                 her
                 true
                 members
                 has
                 found
                 when
                 tyrants
                 have
                 most
                 raged
                 against
                 her
                 ,
                 which
                 has
                 made
                 them
                 to
                 find
                 shelter
                 from
                 the
                 bosome
                 of
                 their
                 enemies
                 ,
                 as
                 Moses
                 from
                 Pharaoh's
                 daughter
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 true
                 prophet
                 from
                 Ahabs
                 Court
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 have
                 such
                 inward
                 rejoycing
                 and
                 couragious
                 resolution
                 in
                 the
                 very
                 midst
                 of
                 their
                 sufferings
                 as
                 the
                 Apostles
                 and
                 Martyrs
                 have
                 kythed
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 World
                 have
                 admired
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 and
                 themselves
                 have
                 found
                 their
                 estate
                 to
                 be
                 ,
                 as
                 is
                 said
                 here
                 ,
                 like
                 Sheep
                 after
                 feeding
                 resting
                 at
                 Noon-day
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 Christs
                 people
                 are
                 here
                 called
                 his
                 Flock
                 ,
                 and
                 compared
                 to
                 Sheep
                 ,
                 as
                 Joh.
                 10.
                 and
                 elsewhere
                 .
                 Then
                 if
                 we
                 would
                 know
                 if
                 we
                 belong
                 to
                 this
                 Flock
                 ,
                 try
                 if
                 we
                 have
                 the
                 properties
                 of
                 the
                 Sheep
                 formerly
                 set
                 down
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 we
                 may
                 be
                 well
                 assured
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 comforts
                 and
                 care
                 that
                 can
                 arise
                 from
                 a
                 faithfull
                 and
                 loving
                 Shepherd
                 .
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 In
                 the
                 manner
                 of
                 setting
                 down
                 the
                 reason
                 subjoyned
                 ,
                 which
                 (
                 as
                 is
                 said
                 )
                 shows
                 her
                 detestation
                 of
                 turning
                 aside
                 from
                 Christ
                 and
                 his
                 Flock
                 to
                 any
                 other
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 taught
                 ,
                 That
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 property
                 of
                 the
                 true
                 members
                 of
                 Christs
                 Church
                 ,
                 to
                 hate
                 and
                 detest
                 sinne
                 ,
                 and
                 the●r
                 the
                 more
                 easily
                 we
                 shall
                 
                 eschew
                 the
                 practice
                 thereof
                 ,
                 and
                 more
                 hardly
                 be
                 tempted
                 therewith
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 mark
                 of
                 a
                 true
                 penitent
                 especially
                 ,
                 to
                 detest
                 that
                 sinne
                 most
                 in
                 time-comming
                 wherein
                 they
                 have
                 fallen
                 in
                 times
                 by-gone
                 .
              
               
                 8.
                 
                 Where
                 she
                 speaks
                 of
                 one
                 flock
                 which
                 is
                 Christs
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 the
                 unity
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 but
                 of
                 many
                 flocks
                 of
                 his
                 companions
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 the
                 diversity
                 of
                 profession
                 one
                 from
                 another
                 unto
                 which
                 flocks
                 ,
                 she
                 sayes
                 ,
                 she
                 will
                 not
                 turne
                 aside
                 ,
                 We
                 see
                 .
                 1.
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 but
                 one
                 true
                 Church
                 ,
                 and
                 which
                 Christ
                 calls
                 but
                 a
                 little
                 flock
                 ,
                 but
                 there
                 are
                 many
                 false
                 Churches
                 ,
                 and
                 sects
                 of
                 heresies
                 ,
                 mans
                 nature
                 ,
                 besides
                 Satans
                 sedulity
                 having
                 more
                 power
                 to
                 follow
                 lyes
                 then
                 truth
                 .
                 Therefore
                 such
                 should
                 teach
                 us
                 to
                 beware
                 of
                 seduction
                 .
                 and
                 2.
                 
                 That
                 we
                 should
                 not
                 follow
                 the
                 multitude
                 in
                 sinning
                 ,
                 or
                 turning
                 aside
                 and
                 swerving
                 never
                 so
                 little
                 from
                 verity
                 and
                 piety
                 :
                 Neither
                 is
                 the
                 multitude
                 a
                 note
                 of
                 the
                 true
                 Church
                 .
              
               
                 9.
                 
                 Where
                 she
                 craves
                 his
                 instruction
                 and
                 aid
                 ,
                 implying
                 this
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 danger
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 same
                 be
                 not
                 granted
                 her
                 ,
                 that
                 she
                 will
                 otherwise
                 be
                 easily
                 drawn
                 to
                 turne
                 aside
                 from
                 Christ
                 and
                 his
                 truth
                 to
                 error
                 and
                 defection
                 ,
                 we
                 learne
                 ,
                 If
                 the
                 Lord
                 leave
                 us
                 never
                 so
                 little
                 ,
                 and
                 assist
                 us
                 not
                 by
                 his
                 direction
                 and
                 grace
                 ,
                 how
                 soon
                 and
                 foully
                 we
                 may
                 fall
                 :
                 so
                 that
                 when
                 Satan
                 seeks
                 to
                 sift
                 us
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 Christ's
                 mediation
                 for
                 us
                 that
                 our
                 Faith
                 fail
                 not
                 ;
                 and
                 his
                 Grace
                 which
                 is
                 sufficient
                 for
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 said
                 to
                 Paul
                 ,
                 that
                 makes
                 us
                 to
                 stand
                 .
              
               
                 10.
                 
                 Lastly
                 ,
                 where
                 false
                 teachers
                 are
                 called
                 Christs
                 Companions
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 not
                 only
                 their
                 proud
                 usurpation
                 and
                 arrogancy
                 (
                 as
                 has
                 been
                 formerly
                 said
                 )
                 in
                 broaching
                 doctrines
                 of
                 their
                 own
                 ,
                 and
                 obtruding
                 on
                 Gods
                 Church
                 
                   tanquam
                   socii
                   non
                   servi
                
                 ,
                 or
                 fellow
                 Masters
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 faithfull
                 Ministers
                 ,
                 but
                 also
                 this
                 shews
                 us
                 their
                 dissimulation
                 and
                 hypocrisie
                 ,
                 giving
                 out
                 themselves
                 to
                 be
                 socii
                 ,
                 for
                 and
                 with
                 Christ
                 (
                 companion
                 being
                 a
                 terme
                 of
                 friendship
                 and
                 familiarity
                 )
                 while
                 as
                 they
                 are
                 indeed
                 foes
                 and
                 against
                 Christ
                 ,
                 imitating
                 herein
                 Satan
                 ,
                 whose
                 emissaries
                 they
                 are
                 ;
                 who
                 when
                 he
                 would
                 bring
                 in
                 greatest
                 darknesse
                 transforms
                 himselfe
                 into
                 an
                 Angel
                 of
                 lighr
                 ;
                 or
                 that
                 beast
                 and
                 Antichrist
                 spoken
                 of
                 in
                 the
                 Revelations
                 and
                 whose
                 supposts
                 they
                 are
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 said
                 to
                 be
                 horned
                 like
                 the
                 Lamb
                 ,
                 but
                 speaks
                 like
                 the
                 Dragon
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
             
               Verse
               .
               8.
               
               If
               thou
               know
               not
               (
               O
               thou
               fairest
               among
               women
               )
               go
               thy
               way
               forth
               by
               the
               foot-steps
               of
               the
               flock
               ,
               and
               feed
               thy
               kids
               beside
               the
               shepherds
               Tents
               .
            
             
               The
               speeches
               of
               the
               Bride
               seeking
               after
               her
               Beloved
               ,
               are
               past
               in
               the
               former
               part
               of
               this
               Chapter
               :
               now
               followes
               what
               he
               sayes
               to
               her
               ,
               in
               the
               next
               Verse
               ,
               and
               then
               ,
               How
               each
               one
               commends
               another
               by
               course
               ,
               to
               the
               end
               .
               Her
               last
               request
               was
               ,
               that
               he
               would
               show
               her
               ,
               Where
               he
               fed
               ,
               &c.
               
               And
               unto
               this
               he
               answers
               in
               a
               sweet
               and
               loving
               manner
               ,
               thus
               ,
               
                 If
                 thou
                 knowest
                 not
              
               ,
               &c.
               
               In
               which
               answer
               we
               have
               ,
               1.
               
               How
               he
               styles
               her
               ,
               2.
               
               What
               he
               sayes
               to
               her
               ,
               the
               first
               part
               of
               which
               is
               Hypothetick
               ;
               and
               the
               second
               ,
               directory
               .
            
             
               In
               this
               style
               which
               he
               gives
               her
               ,
               we
               have
               ,
               1.
               
               Wherefore
               he
               praises
               her
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               for
               fairness
               or
               beauty
               ,
               2.
               
               In
               what
               degree
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               the
               superlative
               ,
               3.
               
               Among
               whom
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               women
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               it
               is
               from
               beauty
               or
               fairness
               that
               he
               praises
               and
               styles
               Her
               ,
               whereof
               we
               have
               already
               spoken
               ,
               v.
               5.
               
               Only
               here
               let
               us
               pray
               with
               the
               
                 Psalmist
                 ,
                 Let
                 this
                 thy
                 beauty
                 be
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 O
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Ps
                 .
              
               90.
               17.
               
               Not
               but
               that
               the
               Church
               and
               members
               thereof
               has
               many
               spots
               and
               blemishes
               ,
               but
               he
               beholds
               the
               beauty
               of
               his
               spouse
               so
               far
               as
               she
               is
               regenerat
               ,
               and
               beautified
               with
               Heavenly
               graces
               ,
               which
               are
               his
               beauty
               that
               He
               has
               put
               upon
               her
               ,
               as
               he
               speaks
               in
               Ezekiel
               ;
               and
               his
               love
               covers
               all
               her
               other
               infirmities
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               said
               ,
               he
               sees
               no
               iniquity
               in
               Jacob
               ,
               nor
               beholds
               any
               perversness
               in
               
                 Israel
                 ,
                 Num.
              
               23.
               21.
               she
               is
               so
               then
               in
               his
               eyes
               by
               acceptation
               being
               justified
               and
               sanctified
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               She
               is
               called
               not
               only
               faire
               ,
               but
               fairest
               ,
               or
               most
               fair
               ,
               to
               show
               that
               the
               beauty
               of
               grace
               ,
               surpasses
               all
               other
               beauty
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               said
               of
               the
               vertuous
               woman
               ,
               Many
               has
               done
               vertuously
               ,
               but
               thou
               surmounts
               them
               all
               ,
               therefore
               the
               Church
               is
               so
               described
               ,
               Ps
               .
               45.
               and
               ,
               Rev.
               12.
               and
               this
               her
               beauty
               ,
               sickness
               age
               nor
               nothing
               can
               deface
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               She
               is
               said
               to
               be
               fairest
               amongst
               women
               ,
               1.
               
               Because
               their
               beauty
               is
               greatest
               ,
               and
               her's
               is
               greater
               then
               their's
               of
               that
               Sex
               ,
               2.
               
               To
               show
               the
               Churches
               excellency
               beyond
               all
               other
               societies
               ,
               and
               therefore
               compared
               to
               a
               Lilly
               amongst
               thornes
               .
            
             
               Next
               to
               her
               Compellation
               to
               come
               to
               his
               Speech
               ,
               and
               first
               to
               the
               Hypothetick
               part
               thereof
               ,
               
                 If
                 thou
                 knowest
                 not
              
               &c.
               
               Which
               form
               of
               speech
               would
               seem
               to
               import
               ,
               that
               it
               is
               a
               strange
               thing
               that
               His
               church
               should
               not
               know
               ,
               where
               he
               
               feeds
               his
               flock
               ,
               for
               from
               the
               beginning
               he
               has
               ever
               fed
               his
               flock
               ,
               so
               as
               his
               Church
               has
               known
               how
               ,
               where
               ,
               and
               whereby
               :
               but
               yet
               false
               Teachers
               have
               oftentimes
               so
               farre
               prevailed
               ,
               and
               so
               confidently
               challenged
               to
               themselves
               the
               name
               and
               Title
               of
               the
               true
               Church
               ,
               and
               the
               knowledge
               of
               Gods
               pure
               worship
               like
               the
               Sunne
               and
               air
               in
               the
               Revelation
               ,
               has
               been
               oft-times
               so
               obfuscat
               and
               darkned
               ,
               that
               the
               simple
               and
               poore
               sheep
               of
               Christ
               have
               not
               known
               almost
               what
               way
               to
               turne
               them
               ,
               till
               in
               the
               end
               they
               have
               had
               here
               with
               the
               spouse
               their
               refuge
               to
               Christ
               ,
               to
               be
               taught
               and
               resolved
               by
               him
               .
            
             
               The
               next
               part
               of
               his
               speech
               to
               her
               ,
               is
               directory
               ,
               directing
               her
               where
               to
               go
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               by
               the
               steps
               of
               the
               flock
               .
               But
               seeing
               it
               is
               the
               church
               which
               makes
               this
               request
               ,
               that
               He
               would
               show
               her
               where
               He
               feeds
               ,
               what
               flock
               does
               he
               feed
               beside
               His
               Church
               ?
               Is
               not
               she
               His
               only
               flock
               ?
               What
               other
               flock
               is
               this
               then
               ,
               whose
               steps
               she
               must
               trace
               to
               find
               Him
               ,
               and
               where
               he
               feeds
               ?
               Indeed
               the
               Church
               is
               but
               one
               in
               respect
               of
               the
               unity
               of
               faith
               and
               charity
               ,
               and
               Christ
               feeds
               no
               other
               flock
               beside
               Her.
               But
               in
               respect
               of
               the
               diversity
               of
               times
               and
               places
               ,
               she
               may
               be
               diversly
               considered
               ,
               and
               may
               be
               said
               to
               be
               divers
               flocks
               :
               and
               therefore
               we
               must
               observe
               here
               ,
               that
               this
               is
               the
               prayer
               of
               the
               Church
               ever
               on
               earth
               militant
               ,
               and
               there
               be
               who
               were
               upon
               earth
               in
               former
               time
               ,
               that
               are
               now
               in
               Heaven
               ,
               triumphant
               ,
               whose
               steps
               notwithstanding
               in
               sacred
               History
               yet
               may
               be
               seene
               ,
               and
               what
               truth
               they
               profest
               ,
               and
               how
               they
               worshipped
               God.
               It
               is
               this
               flock
               then
               ,
               that
               He
               meanes
               ,
               of
               true
               and
               faithfull
               worshippers
               and
               whose
               steps
               he
               willes
               Her
               to
               follow
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               yet
               calls
               to
               all
               ,
               saying
               ,
               Follow
               me
               ,
               as
               I
               follow
               Christ
               .
               Also
               it
               is
               to
               be
               noted
               that
               He
               bids
               her
               go
               forth
               ,
               Leaving
               nature
               ,
               the
               practice
               of
               sinne
               ,
               the
               society
               of
               seducers
               ,
               the
               suggestion
               of
               flesh
               and
               blood
               .
               And
               Next
               ,
               he
               bids
               her
               feed
               her
               kids
               by
               the
               shepherds
               Tents
               :
               where
               we
               have
               ,
               1.
               
               What
               is
               meant
               by
               Her
               kids
               ,
               2.
               
               What
               by
               the
               shepherds
               and
               their
               Tents
               ,
               First
               then
               ,
               by
               kids
               are
               meant
               young
               and
               tender
               Christians
               ,
               for
               the
               goats
               whose
               young
               ones
               kids
               are
               ,
               being
               indeed
               sometime
               opposed
               to
               sheep
               signifie
               the
               wicked
               ,
               yet
               usually
               also
               they
               figured
               in
               the
               Law
               the
               godly
               offered
               up
               by
               mortification
               as
               sacrifices
               to
               God
               ,
               Rom.
               12.
               1.
               
               And
               Christ
               Himself
               was
               signified
               by
               goats
               and
               kids
               by
               the
               Apostles
               exposition
               ,
               Heb.
               9.
               12.
               
               Kids
               likewise
               they
               are
               called
               ,
               or
               young
               goats
               to
               show
               what
               they
               are
               by
               nature
               when
               they
               are
               at
               first
               brought
               to
               Christ
               ,
               and
               to
               feed
               on
               the
               greene
               pasture
               of
               His
               
               word
               ,
               to
               wit
               goatish
               and
               petulant
               ,
               till
               the
               change
               by
               grace
               and
               the
               meanes
               thereof
               be
               wrought
               upon
               them
               ,
               from
               goats
               to
               be
               Christs
               sheep
               appointed
               for
               his
               right
               Hand
               ,
               kids
               also
               for
               tender
               age
               denoting
               that
               even
               from
               our
               younger
               years
               we
               should
               be
               a
               ccustomed
               ,
               according
               to
               Timotheus's
               commondation
               ,
               with
               the
               pasture
               of
               Gods
               word
               to
               be
               fed
               thereby
               .
            
             
               Next
               ,
               by
               these
               shepherds
               spoken
               of
               ,
               who
               fed
               and
               guided
               these
               anicent
               flocks
               ,
               are
               meant
               ,
               the
               Holy
               Prophets
               and
               Apostles
               ,
               to
               whom
               as
               Christ
               said
               to
               
                 Peter
                 ,
                 passce
                 oves
                 meas
              
               ,
               Christ
               committed
               his
               sheep
               to
               feed
               ,
               and
               upon
               whose
               doctrine
               as
               the
               only
               true
               foundation
               ,
               St.
               Paul
               declares
               the
               whole
               house
               of
               God
               ,
               which
               is
               his
               Church
               ,
               to
               be
               built
               :
               and
               by
               their
               Tents
               ,
               is
               meant
               ,
               their
               writings
               or
               the
               displayed
               and
               firme
               doctrine
               of
               the
               truth
               which
               they
               fully
               and
               faithfully
               preached
               and
               left
               unto
               all
               posterity
               registrate
               in
               Scripture
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 ,
                 How
                 readily
                 he
                 answers
                 her
                 petition
                 ,
                 From
                 which
                 we
                 observe
                 the
                 Lords
                 promptitude
                 in
                 answering
                 the
                 petitions
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 ,
                 specially
                 craving
                 spirituall
                 things
                 ,
                 as
                 He
                 showes
                 us
                 ,
                 Luk.
                 11.
                 11.
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Out
                 of
                 the
                 style
                 he
                 gives
                 her
                 ,
                 of
                 being
                 
                   fairest
                   among
                   women
                
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 the
                 difference
                 between
                 the
                 judgment
                 of
                 the
                 blind
                 world
                 and
                 Christ's
                 ,
                 who
                 not
                 seeing
                 the
                 spirituall
                 beauty
                 of
                 Christs
                 church
                 ,
                 Rev.
                 12.
                 1.
                 but
                 looking
                 on
                 Her
                 outward
                 base
                 and
                 afflicted
                 condition
                 ,
                 vilifies
                 her
                 ,
                 while
                 as
                 her
                 members
                 are
                 the
                 Lords
                 Jewels
                 ,
                 and
                 she
                 is
                 most
                 beautifull
                 being
                 justified
                 and
                 sanctified
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 her
                 Heavenly
                 husband
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 here
                 also
                 a
                 great
                 comfort
                 to
                 every
                 godly
                 soul
                 in
                 temptation
                 ,
                 when
                 Satan
                 upbraides
                 unto
                 them
                 their
                 filthiness
                 and
                 pollution
                 by
                 sinne
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 how
                 can
                 so
                 pure
                 and
                 Holy
                 a
                 God
                 delight
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 or
                 count
                 them
                 fair
                 or
                 beautifull
                 ?
                 To
                 whom
                 such
                 may
                 reply
                 ,
                 that
                 though
                 they
                 be
                 so
                 by
                 sinne
                 ,
                 yet
                 being
                 washed
                 and
                 sanctified
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 beautifull
                 in
                 His
                 eyes
                 ,
                 who
                 sees
                 no
                 Iniquity
                 in
                 Jacob
                 ,
                 but
                 whose
                 blood
                 has
                 clensed
                 them
                 ,
                 his
                 spirit
                 renewed
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 whose
                 love
                 has
                 covered
                 the
                 multitude
                 of
                 their
                 infirmities
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 As
                 we
                 see
                 the
                 difference
                 betweene
                 the
                 judgment
                 of
                 the
                 blind
                 world
                 and
                 Christ's
                 concerning
                 his
                 Church
                 ,
                 so
                 also
                 between
                 Her
                 owne
                 Judgment
                 of
                 her self
                 ,
                 and
                 Christ's
                 :
                 she
                 sayed
                 of
                 her self
                 before
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 black
                 ;
                 and
                 He
                 sayes
                 here
                 ,
                 that
                 she
                 is
                 most
                 beautifull
                 ,
                 to
                 reach
                 us
                 to
                 be
                 vile
                 in
                 our
                 own
                 eyes
                 and
                 
                 humble
                 ,
                 like
                 the
                 publican
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 the
                 more
                 highly
                 esteeme
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 exalt
                 us
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 Whereas
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 meek
                 manner
                 (
                 without
                 rebuking
                 her
                 for
                 her
                 ignorance
                 )
                 He
                 tells
                 her
                 what
                 to
                 do
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 to
                 go
                 forth
                 by
                 the
                 foot-steps
                 of
                 the
                 flock
                 ,
                 and
                 besides
                 the
                 Tents
                 of
                 the
                 shepherds
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 a
                 true
                 and
                 sure
                 directory
                 in
                 his
                 words
                 in
                 the
                 matter
                 of
                 Religion
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 to
                 insist
                 in
                 the
                 steps
                 of
                 the
                 profession
                 and
                 practise
                 of
                 Gods
                 true
                 people
                 who
                 have
                 gone
                 before
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 find
                 them
                 cleerly
                 set
                 before
                 our
                 eyes
                 in
                 the
                 writings
                 of
                 the
                 faithfull
                 shepherds
                 of
                 his
                 Church
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 the
                 Prophets
                 and
                 Holy
                 Apostles
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 how
                 the
                 godly
                 they
                 not
                 only
                 do
                 good
                 in
                 their
                 life
                 time
                 ,
                 but
                 also
                 by
                 their
                 good
                 example
                 ,
                 registrate
                 in
                 Holy
                 Scripture
                 which
                 they
                 left
                 behind
                 them
                 ,
                 being
                 dead
                 ,
                 they
                 do
                 good
                 in
                 like
                 manner
                 :
                 therefore
                 ,
                 Heb.
                 11.
                 4.
                 by
                 that
                 oblation
                 of
                 Abel's
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 faith
                 manifested
                 therein
                 ,
                 being
                 dead
                 he
                 is
                 said
                 yet
                 to
                 speak
                 ,
                 and
                 instruct
                 others
                 ,
                 how
                 to
                 worship
                 good
                 in
                 like
                 faith
                 and
                 sincerity
                 .
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 Lastly
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 How
                 will
                 these
                 agree
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 the
                 flock's
                 foot-steps
                 with
                 the
                 shepherds
                 Tents
                 ,
                 a
                 holy
                 practice
                 in
                 people
                 with
                 sound
                 doctrine
                 of
                 pastors
                 :
                 and
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 That
                 hereby
                 Christs
                 flock
                 may
                 be
                 knowne
                 to
                 be
                 his
                 true
                 flock
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 by
                 insisting
                 in
                 the
                 profession
                 of
                 propheticall
                 and
                 apostlicall
                 truth
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 Tents
                 of
                 these
                 here
                 spoken
                 of
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Verse
               .
               9.
               and
               10.
               
               I
               have
               compared
               thee
               (
               O
               my
               Love
               )
               to
               a
               company
               of
               Horses
               in
               Pharoah's
               charets
               ,
               thy
               cheeks
               are
               comely
               with
               rowes
               of
               Jewels
               ,
               thy
               neck
               with
               chaines
               of
               Gold.
               
            
             
               After
               our
               Saviours
               direction
               of
               his
               Church
               according
               to
               her
               petition
               ,
               followes
               to
               the
               end
               of
               the
               Chapter
               ,
               the
               mutuall
               commendation
               one
               of
               another
               :
               and
               ,
               1.
               
               His
               of
               her
               ,
               wherein
               we
               have
               ,
               1.
               
               How
               he
               styles
               her
               ,
               2.
               
               Whereto
               he
               compares
               her
               ,
               First
               then
               he
               styles
               her
               
                 his
                 love
              
               ,
               in
               the
               originall
               ,
               My
               fellow
               friend
               ,
               1.
               
               Who
               delights
               in
               my
               company
               ,
               2.
               
               Eats
               and
               drinks
               with
               me
               :
               and.
               3.
               
               Who
               is
               ready
               to
               participate
               in
               weal
               and
               woe
               .
               This
               love
               of
               his
               is
               she
               ,
               whom
               he
               loves
               ,
               not
               vvith
               a
               generall
               love
               as
               he
               does
               all
               his
               creatures
               ,
               as
               they
               are
               his
               workmanship
               ,
               and
               as
               he
               saw
               them
               good
               at
               the
               beginning
               ;
               but
               vvith
               a
               speciall
               love
               ,
               which
               is
               twofold
               ,
               benevolentiae
               ,
               vvhereby
               he
               elected
               his
               Church
               ,
               and
               complacentiae
               ,
               vvhereby
               he
               dedelights
               
               in
               her
               ,
               and
               in
               her
               obedience
               or
               beauty
               of
               holiness
               .
            
             
               This
               speciall
               love
               vvhich
               he
               has
               to
               his
               Church
               ,
               has
               these
               properties
               ,
               1.
               
               It
               is
               ,
               First
               ,
               2.
               
               Free
               ,
               3.
               
               Reall
               ,
               4.
               
               Admirable
               ,
               
                 cum
                 non
                 essemus
              
               :
               and
               5.
               
               Immutable
               (
               as
               has
               been
               before
               on
               v.
               2.
               )
               and
               eternall
               .
               Whence
               we
               see
               the
               high
               dignity
               of
               the
               church
               and
               every
               true
               member
               thereof
               ,
               she
               is
               Christs
               love
               ,
               who
               is
               King
               of
               kings
               ,
               and
               therefore
               ,
               1.
               
               He
               will
               protect
               her
               from
               her
               enemies
               :
               2.
               as
               Sampson
               to
               Dalilah
               ,
               will
               reveale
               to
               her
               His
               secrets
               :
               3.
               as
               Assuerus
               to
               Esther
               ,
               will
               refuse
               no
               suit
               of
               hers
               :
               4.
               though
               absent
               in
               body
               ,
               is
               still
               mindful
               of
               her
               ;
               sending
               her
               ,
               his
               love
               Letters
               and
               tokens
               :
               5.
               
               Will
               at
               last
               give
               himselfe
               to
               her
               ,
               and
               assume
               her
               to
               be
               with
               himself
               .
            
             
               Next
               we
               have
               ,
               whereto
               he
               compares
               her
               ,
               even
               as
               Zech.
               10.
               3.
               1.
               
               To
               goodly
               horses
               for
               battell
               and
               ,
               2.
               
               To
               a
               Troop
               of
               such
               ,
               3.
               
               Belonging
               to
               a
               mighty
               king
               :
               and
               ,
               4.
               
               Accordingly
               royally
               furnished
               ,
               as
               the
               manner
               of
               the
               Egyptians
               was
               ,
               with
               precious
               stones
               on
               their
               bridles
               ,
               and
               chaines
               of
               gold
               ,
               about
               their
               neck
               and
               so
               making
               a
               goodly
               sight
               to
               behold
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               Then
               ,
               she
               is
               compared
               to
               warrelike
               horses
               in
               chariots
               ,
               as
               ,
               Exod.
               14.
               7.
               9.
               
               To
               warne
               her
               of
               her
               estate
               here
               on
               earth
               militant
               ,
               and
               that
               no
               sooner
               shall
               any
               follow
               his
               former
               direction
               in
               adjoyning
               themselves
               to
               her
               ,
               and
               the
               profession
               of
               the
               truth
               ;
               but
               as
               soone
               they
               must
               expect
               a
               spirituall
               warrfare
               ,
               and
               to
               suffer
               persecution
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               She
               is
               compared
               to
               Horses
               of
               the
               best
               sort
               ,
               and
               not
               to
               ordinary
               and
               common
               servile
               ones
               ,
               but
               for
               royall
               service
               and
               imployment
               ;
               to
               shew
               the
               excellency
               of
               the
               Church
               and
               godly
               ,
               (
               as
               Ps
               .
               16.
               3.
               they
               are
               called
               ,
               )
               who
               are
               appointed
               for
               his
               service
               ,
               who
               is
               King
               of
               kings
               ,
               and
               not
               for
               the
               base
               servitude
               of
               Sinne
               or
               Satan
               ;
               and
               therefore
               should
               not
               walk
               as
               the
               ordinary
               sort
               of
               the
               world
               ,
               being
               
                 ad
                 meliora
                 renati
              
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               Such
               horses
               ,
               as
               were
               in
               Pharaoh's
               Chariots
               were
               strong
               ,
               nimble
               ,
               swift
               ,
               couragious
               ,
               and
               ready
               to
               warre
               :
               even
               so
               the
               godly
               have
               spirituall
               strength
               ,
               agility
               and
               swiftness
               ,
               as
               Psal
               .
               119.
               32.
               
               Courage
               for
               the
               truth
               and
               against
               spirituall
               enemies
               ,
               and
               are
               ready
               fitted
               for
               their
               spirituall
               warrfare
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Eph.
               6.
               
            
             
               4.
               
               She
               is
               compared
               to
               Horses
               belonging
               to
               a
               mighty
               king
               :
               even
               so
               doth
               the
               Church
               belong
               to
               the
               King
               of
               kings
               ,
               who
               ownes
               her
               by
               creation
               ,
               redemption
               ,
               confoederation
               ,
               and
               matrimoniall
               Union
               ,
               and
               therefore
               is
               her
               only
               Lord
               ,
               over
               whom
               no
               other
               should
               Lord
               at
               all
               .
            
             
             
               5.
               
               She
               is
               said
               to
               be
               like
               a
               troop
               of
               horses
               ,
               not
               loose
               and
               running
               at
               random
               ,
               but
               coupled
               and
               fitted
               for
               royall
               service
               ,
               in
               the
               Chariots
               of
               Pharaoh
               :
               even
               so
               is
               the
               Church
               ,
               a
               troop
               or
               company
               ,
               not
               set
               at
               carnall
               liberty
               ,
               that
               because
               grace
               doth
               abound
               ,
               therefore
               sinne
               should
               abound
               ,
               but
               put
               under
               the
               easie
               and
               light
               yoke
               of
               Christ
               ,
               and
               taught
               to
               obey
               his
               lore
               ,
               in
               the
               liberty
               of
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               and
               holy
               service
               of
               his
               blessed
               Majesty
               .
            
             
               6.
               
               She
               is
               compared
               to
               a
               troop
               of
               Horses
               ,
               so
               danted
               and
               tamed
               ,
               that
               they
               are
               not
               only
               fitted
               for
               service
               ,
               but
               made
               peaceable
               amongst
               themselves
               ,
               and
               orderly
               placed
               ;
               each
               one
               keeps
               their
               own
               station
               :
               even
               so
               is
               the
               church
               a
               company
               of
               Persons
               ,
               though
               first
               like
               wilde
               colts
               by
               nature
               ,
               yet
               so
               tamed
               and
               mortified
               by
               grace
               ,
               that
               they
               are
               not
               only
               fitted
               for
               the
               Lords
               service
               ,
               but
               keep
               unity
               amongst
               themselves
               ,
               and
               keep
               every
               one
               the
               station
               and
               Calling
               ,
               where
               the
               Lord
               has
               placed
               them
               ,
               whether
               in
               Church
               or
               Common-wealth
               .
            
             
               7.
               
               Her
               checks
               are
               richly
               decked
               with
               precious
               stones
               ,
               and
               chaines
               :
               even
               so
               are
               the
               true
               members
               of
               Christs-church
               richly
               decked
               and
               adorned
               with
               the
               precious
               and
               saving
               graces
               of
               Gods
               holy
               spirit
               ;
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Pro.
               1.
               9.
               and
               ,
               Ezek.
               16.
               11.
               
               Whereby
               the
               kings
               daughter
               is
               glorious
               within
               ,
               Ps
               .
               45.
               14.
               and
               beautifull
               with
               the
               beauty
               of
               holiness
               in
               the
               sight
               of
               her
               welbelo●…d
               ,
               &
               whereby
               they
               are
               a
               goodly
               sight
               in
               the
               eyes
               of
               all
               beholders
               of
               their
               godly
               life
               and
               shining
               light
               ,
               who
               are
               thereby
               moved
               to
               glorifie
               God
               their
               heavenly
               father
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 If
                 therefore
                 our
                 estate
                 here
                 be
                 militant
                 like
                 horses
                 prepared
                 for
                 battell
                 ,
                 then
                 let
                 no
                 Christian
                 sing
                 a
                 requiem
                 to
                 himself
                 here
                 ,
                 but
                 be
                 armed
                 as
                 Eph.
                 6.
                 and
                 be
                 still
                 on
                 his
                 watch
                 and
                 guard
                 that
                 he
                 be
                 not
                 surprized
                 by
                 Satan
                 or
                 the
                 tentations
                 of
                 sinne
                 ,
                 but
                 resist
                 him
                 valiantly
                 ,
                 and
                 constantly
                 that
                 he
                 may
                 say
                 with
                 the
                 Apostle
                 in
                 the
                 end
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   have
                   fought
                   a
                   good
                   fight
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
                 2
                 Tim.
                 4.
                 7.
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Although
                 our
                 estate
                 here
                 be
                 a
                 continual
                 warfare
                 ,
                 with
                 outward
                 and
                 in
                 ward
                 enemies
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 say
                 with
                 Jacob
                 ,
                 Our
                 dayes
                 are
                 few
                 and
                 evill
                 ,
                 yet
                 here
                 is
                 comfort
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 That
                 belonging
                 to
                 so
                 mighty
                 ,
                 yea
                 an
                 almighty
                 King
                 ,
                 who
                 has
                 vanquished
                 our
                 enemies
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 have
                 a
                 care
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 not
                 suffer
                 one
                 of
                 his
                 to
                 perish
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 He
                 will
                 do
                 that
                 which
                 no
                 king
                 or
                 captaine
                 can
                 do
                 to
                 his
                 souldiers
                 ,
                 or
                 horses
                 for
                 service
                 ,
                 He
                 will
                 furnish
                 
                 us
                 with
                 courage
                 ,
                 strength
                 ,
                 wisedom
                 ,
                 agility
                 and
                 skill
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 did
                 David
                 ,
                 to
                 overcome
                 G●liah
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Seeing
                 the
                 church
                 is
                 compared
                 to
                 a
                 troop
                 of
                 Horses
                 ,
                 not
                 wild
                 ,
                 but
                 tamed
                 ,
                 fitted
                 for
                 the
                 owners
                 service
                 ,
                 and
                 like
                 horse
                 placed
                 in
                 Chariots
                 ,
                 keeping
                 their
                 own
                 stations
                 ,
                 Let
                 all
                 Christians
                 learne
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 ,
                 nor
                 should
                 not
                 be
                 ,
                 like
                 wild
                 beasts
                 ,
                 as
                 Tigers
                 or
                 Lyons
                 ,
                 but
                 such
                 as
                 are
                 tamed
                 ,
                 as
                 service-Horses
                 or
                 sheep
                 ,
                 mortifying
                 daily
                 their
                 wild
                 and
                 savage
                 nature
                 ,
                 and
                 bringing
                 it
                 under
                 subjection
                 to
                 the
                 Lords
                 service
                 ,
                 and
                 keeping
                 every
                 one
                 their
                 own
                 station
                 therein
                 ,
                 to
                 glorifie
                 god
                 ;
                 and
                 in
                 a
                 holy
                 unity
                 ,
                 as
                 under
                 one
                 yoke
                 ,
                 by
                 mutuall
                 help
                 one
                 of
                 another
                 ,
                 to
                 profit
                 and
                 promote
                 the
                 good
                 of
                 Christ's
                 church
                 and
                 kingdome
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Her
                 cheeks
                 are
                 said
                 to
                 be
                 richly
                 decked
                 and
                 adorned
                 :
                 which
                 should
                 make
                 us
                 to
                 try
                 our selves
                 by
                 the
                 furniture
                 of
                 saving
                 graces
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 the
                 true
                 spouse
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 as
                 by
                 repentance
                 ,
                 faith
                 ,
                 humility
                 ,
                 and
                 charity
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 Whereof
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 destitute
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 name
                 that
                 we
                 live
                 ,
                 like
                 
                   Sardis
                   ,
                   Rev.
                
                 3.
                 1.
                 or
                 verball
                 profession
                 that
                 will
                 availe
                 ,
                 or
                 prove
                 us
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 true
                 members
                 of
                 Christ's
                 church
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 These
                 graces
                 ,
                 wherewith
                 a
                 true
                 Christian
                 is
                 adorned
                 ,
                 are
                 called
                 or
                 compared
                 to
                 ,
                 Jewels
                 and
                 chains
                 of
                 gold
                 ,
                 to
                 show
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 That
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 are
                 so
                 in
                 themselves
                 ,
                 so
                 how
                 every
                 true
                 godly
                 soul
                 should
                 esteem
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 really
                 have
                 th●●ame
                 ,
                 will
                 esteem
                 thereof
                 :
                 as
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 Matth
                 13.
                 44
                 ,
                 45.
                 &c.
                 And
                 of
                 the
                 meanes
                 thereof
                 ,
                 Ps
                 .
                 19.
                 and
                 119.
                 
                 And
                 therefore
                 .
                 let
                 us
                 try
                 by
                 our
                 estimation
                 of
                 grace
                 and
                 meanes
                 thereof
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 the
                 care
                 we
                 have
                 to
                 attaine
                 thereto
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 Jewels
                 ,
                 or
                 precious
                 treasure
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 have
                 true
                 grace
                 ,
                 or
                 be
                 the
                 true
                 members
                 of
                 Christ's
                 church
                 ,
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 To
                 show
                 that
                 as
                 Jewels
                 wherewith
                 one
                 is
                 decked
                 are
                 not
                 of
                 ond
                 sort
                 ,
                 figure
                 or
                 forme
                 ;
                 even
                 so
                 neither
                 are
                 the
                 gi●ts
                 and
                 graces
                 whereby
                 Christ
                 decketh
                 and
                 adorneth
                 his
                 Church
                 ,
                 but
                 divers
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 a
                 divers
                 measure
                 ;
                 all
                 to
                 the
                 edification
                 of
                 the
                 body
                 in
                 common
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 the
                 salvation
                 of
                 each
                 member
                 in
                 particular
                 ,
                 1
                 Cor.
                 12.
                 
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 As
                 in
                 a
                 chaine
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 concatenation
                 of
                 the
                 divers
                 lincks
                 one
                 with
                 another
                 ;
                 even
                 so
                 is
                 it
                 with
                 Christian
                 vertues
                 for
                 which
                 cause
                 we
                 are
                 exhorted
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 Pet.
                 1.
                 5
                 ,
                 6.
                 and
                 with
                 true
                 Christian
                 obedience
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 Ps
                 .
                 119
                 6.
                 and
                 Luke
                 1.
                 6.
                 
                 And
                 therefore
                 we
                 should
                 labour
                 to
                 have
                 all
                 saving
                 graces
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 obey
                 all
                 God
                 commandements
                 .
              
               
               
                 6.
                 
                 These
                 Jewels
                 ,
                 and
                 chaines
                 wherewith
                 her
                 cheeks
                 are
                 decked
                 ,
                 she
                 has
                 not
                 from
                 her self
                 ,
                 but
                 from
                 Her
                 beloved
                 ,
                 to
                 teach
                 us
                 Humility
                 when
                 we
                 are
                 never
                 so
                 richly
                 adorned
                 with
                 the
                 variety
                 of
                 edifying
                 gifts
                 for
                 others
                 ,
                 or
                 saving
                 graces
                 for
                 our selves
                 :
                 these
                 talents
                 are
                 not
                 ours
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 have
                 we
                 but
                 that
                 which
                 we
                 have
                 received
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 all
                 this
                 decking
                 of
                 Pharaoh's
                 Horses
                 was
                 for
                 the
                 magnificence
                 of
                 their
                 Master
                 ,
                 so
                 is
                 all
                 the
                 decking
                 of
                 Christ's
                 church
                 with
                 such
                 gifts
                 and
                 graces
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 magnificence
                 and
                 glory
                 of
                 his
                 blessed
                 Majesty
                 ,
                 which
                 should
                 be
                 the
                 ultimate
                 aime
                 of
                 all
                 our
                 actions
                 or
                 endeavours
                 .
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 But
                 we
                 must
                 remarke
                 :
                 When
                 are
                 these
                 Jewels
                 and
                 chaines
                 put
                 upon
                 her
                 cheeks
                 and
                 neck
                 ?
                 never
                 ,
                 till
                 her
                 cheeks
                 be
                 bedewed
                 with
                 teares
                 for
                 her
                 sinnes
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 her
                 neck
                 shake
                 off
                 the
                 yoke
                 of
                 Satans
                 slavery
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Prodigals
                 beggerly
                 rags
                 were
                 first
                 laid
                 aside
                 ,
                 before
                 he
                 was
                 clothed
                 with
                 that
                 garment
                 which
                 his
                 father
                 put
                 upon
                 him
                 .
                 And
                 the
                 Church
                 in
                 Ezekiel
                 .
                 16.
                 was
                 first
                 washed
                 from
                 her
                 filthiness
                 ,
                 before
                 she
                 was
                 richly
                 clothed
                 and
                 adorned
                 with
                 Jewels
                 .
                 Therefore
                 the
                 Church
                 is
                 thus
                 exhorted
                 in
                 Isay
                 .
                 52.
                 1
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 Put
                 on
                 thy
                 beautyfull
                 garments
                 ,
                 O
                 Jerusalem
                 the
                 holy
                 City
                 ,
                 but
                 withall
                 first
                 ,
                 Shake
                 thy self
                 from
                 the
                 dust
                 ,
                 arise
                 and
                 loose
                 thy self
                 from
                 the
                 bands
                 of
                 thy
                 neck
                 ,
                 O
                 captive
                 daughter
                 of
                 Sion
                 therefore
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 in
                 like
                 manner
                 would
                 be
                 decked
                 and
                 adorned
                 ,
                 as
                 mortality
                 cannot
                 be
                 clothed
                 upon
                 by
                 Immor●ality
                 ,
                 so
                 neither
                 can
                 a
                 soul
                 continuing
                 in
                 sinne
                 and
                 impenitency
                 ,
                 be
                 adorned
                 with
                 the
                 rich
                 graces
                 of
                 Gods
                 spirit
                 ;
                 or
                 such
                 precious
                 liquor
                 be
                 put
                 in
                 such
                 old
                 ,
                 nasty
                 ,
                 and
                 rotten
                 vessels
                 .
              
               
                 8.
                 
                 He
                 speaks
                 of
                 the
                 adorning
                 the
                 most
                 conspicuous
                 parts
                 of
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 the
                 cheeks
                 and
                 neck
                 ,
                 to
                 teach
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 although
                 the
                 graces
                 of
                 Sanctification
                 be
                 seated
                 chiefly
                 inwardly
                 to
                 and
                 invisibly
                 in
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 hidden
                 man
                 thereof
                 ,
                 which
                 makes
                 it
                 be
                 said
                 ,
                 as
                 Ps
                 .
                 45.
                 13.
                 yet
                 in
                 their
                 exercise
                 they
                 must
                 be
                 visible
                 as
                 in
                 the
                 face
                 ,
                 or
                 neck
                 :
                 and
                 therefore
                 sayes
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 So
                 let
                 your
                 light
                 shine
                 ,
                 that
                 men
                 seeing
                 your
                 good
                 works
                 may
                 gloryfie
                 God
                 your
                 heavenly
                 father
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Verse
               .
               11.
               
               We
               will
               make
               thee
               borders
               of
               Gold
               with
               studs
               of
               Silver
               .
            
             
               According
               to
               his
               Promise
               ,
               
                 Habenti
                 dabitur
              
               ;
               So
               here
               is
               a
               promise
               to
               the
               Church
               of
               the
               increase
               of
               his
               graces
               ,
               and
               that
               useing
               these
               well
               which
               He
               had
               bestowed
               ,
               she
               should
               receive
               
               more
               ,
               as
               vve
               see
               in
               the
               parable
               of
               the
               Talents
               ,
               &
               of
               him
               vvho
               vvas
               faithfull
               in
               little
               set
               over
               much
               :
               wherein
               vve
               have
               1.
               vvho
               is
               the
               promiser
               ,
               and
               vvhat
               is
               meant
               by
               
                 (
                 we
              
               )
               and
               2.
               vvhat
               is
               promised
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               by
               we
               is
               understood
               the
               Trinity
               ,
               as
               we
               have
               the
               like
               ,
               Gen.
               1.
               26.
               for
               it
               is
               only
               the
               vvork
               of
               God
               :
               grace
               in
               the
               soul
               ,
               and
               these
               eminent
               vvorks
               ,
               according
               to
               the
               thelogicall
               Rule
               ,
               are
               indivisible
               ,
               hovvever
               in
               respect
               of
               order
               ,
               in
               a
               speciall
               manner
               they
               are
               particularly
               attribute
               to
               the
               severall
               persons
               ,
               as
               creation
               to
               the
               Father
               ,
               redemption
               to
               the
               Son
               ,
               and
               sanctification
               to
               the
               holy
               Ghost
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               The
               thing
               promised
               ,
               is
               
                 borders
                 of
                 Gold
              
               ,
               vvhereby
               is
               meant
               a
               nevv
               supply
               of
               grace
               ,
               compared
               to
               Gold
               :
               1.
               to
               shevv
               the
               preciousnesse
               and
               excellency
               of
               grace
               ,
               as
               Gold
               is
               the
               most
               precious
               and
               excellent
               mettall
               above
               all
               others
               :
               2.
               as
               Gold
               inriches
               ,
               as
               Rev.
               3.
               18.
               so
               does
               grace
               only
               enrich
               the
               soul
               ,
               or
               truly
               make
               rich
               :
               3.
               as
               Gold
               is
               durable
               ,
               so
               is
               grace
               only
               :
               and
               4.
               as
               Gold
               is
               delectable
               ,
               so
               is
               grace
               both
               to
               God
               ,
               &
               the
               truly
               godly
               ;
               and
               5.
               as
               borders
               or
               lace
               of
               Gold
               decks
               and
               decores
               most
               ,
               so
               doth
               grace
               the
               soul
               .
            
             
               Next
               unto
               borders
               of
               Gold
               he
               adds
               ,
               
                 studs
                 of
                 Silver
              
               ,
               whereby
               is
               meant
               the
               variety
               of
               Gods
               graces
               ,
               vvhich
               ,
               like
               Gold
               and
               Silver
               vvrought
               together
               ,
               set
               forth
               each
               other
               ,
               for
               the
               mutuall
               help
               comfort
               and
               delight
               of
               the
               Saints
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               like
               speeches
               ,
               
                 Prov.
                 25.
                 11.
                 
                 Psalm
              
               .
               119.
               72.
               
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 thing
                 which
                 he
                 promises
                 to
                 his
                 Church
                 in
                 testimony
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 to
                 her
                 is
                 not
                 worldly
                 trash
                 ,
                 like
                 Esau's
                 portion
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 wicked's
                 ,
                 Psalm
                 .
                 73.
                 but
                 saving
                 grace
                 and
                 the
                 growth
                 thereof
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 let
                 us
                 take
                 this
                 only
                 ,
                 like
                 Jacobs
                 blessing
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 sure
                 work
                 of
                 Gods
                 favour
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 David
                 to
                 seek
                 after
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 119.
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 He
                 promises
                 more
                 grace
                 to
                 his
                 Church
                 and
                 to
                 her
                 members
                 ,
                 using
                 those
                 well
                 which
                 he
                 had
                 already
                 bestowed
                 (
                 for
                 this
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 understood
                 )
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 if
                 we
                 would
                 have
                 more
                 grace
                 ,
                 Joh.
                 1.
                 16.
                 or
                 the
                 grouth
                 thereof
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 labour
                 to
                 use
                 that
                 well
                 which
                 we
                 have
                 already
                 gotten
                 ,
                 and
                 stirre
                 up
                 the
                 same
                 in
                 us
                 by
                 prayer
                 ,
                 all
                 ordinary
                 meanes
                 ,
                 and
                 exercise
                 of
                 the
                 same
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Seeing
                 he
                 sayes
                 ,
                 we
                 will
                 make
                 thee
                 
                   Borders
                   of
                   Gold
                
                 &c.
                 thereby
                 shewing
                 that
                 all
                 grace
                 comes
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 is
                 his
                 work
                 in
                 our
                 souls
                 ,
                 therefore
                 from
                 him
                 only
                 we
                 should
                 seek
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 we
                 find
                 it
                 wrought
                 in
                 us
                 ,
                 to
                 reverence
                 the
                 meanes
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 externall
                 instruments
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 give
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 the
                 worke
                 unto
                 him
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 the
                 onely
                 worker
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Here
                 is
                 a
                 great
                 incouragement
                 to
                 seek
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 come
                 un●o
                 him
                 ,
                 for
                 they
                 who
                 do
                 so
                 ,
                 shall
                 find
                 a
                 treasure
                 of
                 grace
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 like
                 that
                 Hony
                 that
                 was
                 in
                 Sampsons
                 Lyon
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 shall
                 never
                 be
                 weary
                 in
                 bestowing
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 rich
                 Jewels
                 of
                 grace
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 costly
                 ornaments
                 still
                 ,
                 till
                 at
                 last
                 he
                 perfect
                 grace
                 in
                 the
                 estate
                 of
                 glory
                 ,
                 as
                 Psalm
                 .
                 84.
                 11.
                 
              
            
          
           
             
               Verse
               .
               12.
               
               While
               the
               King
               sitteth
               at
               his
               Table
               ,
               my
               spikenard
               sendeth
               forth
               the
               smell
               thereof
               .
            
             
               Here
               the
               Church
               speaks
               of
               the
               fruits
               of
               Christs
               former
               graces
               under
               a
               new
               comparison
               ,
               and
               how
               in
               her
               and
               from
               her
               so
               indowed
               by
               her
               Beloved
               ,
               the
               sweet
               fragrant
               smell
               of
               these
               graces
               as
               of
               a
               precious
               Oyntment
               flowed
               forth
               and
               spread
               abroad
               to
               the
               delight
               of
               her selfe
               and
               others
               ▪
               which
               smell
               her
               spikenard
               sends
               forth
               ,
               as
               she
               sayes
               ,
               while
               the
               King
               did
               sit
               at
               his
               table
               ,
               whereby
               is
               understood
               that
               sweet
               fellowship
               &
               spirituall
               communion
               between
               Christ
               &
               his
               Church
               by
               mutuall
               banquetting
               as
               it
               were
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               Rev.
               3.
               20.
               and
               at
               which
               times
               annoynting
               was
               used
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Psalm
               .
               23.
               5.
               and
               Math.
               26.
               7.
               and
               bringing
               also
               of
               things
               that
               gave
               or
               sent
               forth
               sweet
               smels
               to
               perfume
               the
               place
               ,
               and
               please
               or
               delight
               the
               banquetters
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               First
               then
               ,
               we
               see
               the
               style
               that
               she
               gives
               her
               Beloved
               ,
               which
               is
               that
               same
               whereof
               we
               have
               spoken
               ,
               v.
               12.
               
            
             
               2.
               
               Secondly
               by
               his
               banquetting
               ,
               or
               his
               sitting
               at
               table
               ,
               we
               have
               shewn
               what
               is
               understood
               ;
               which
               banquetting
               is
               either
               spirituall
               as
               here
               ,
               or
               caelestiall
               in
               heaven
               ,
               whereof
               Psalm
               .
               36.
               8.
               and
               Luke
               22.
               30.
               
               And
               againe
               this
               which
               is
               spirituall
               ,
               is
               either
               whereby
               he
               feasts
               ,
               and
               feeds
               us
               ,
               in
               the
               ministry
               of
               his
               Word
               and
               Sacraments
               ,
               or
               whereby
               we
               feast
               him
               with
               his
               own
               graces
               and
               delightfull
               fruits
               thereof
               ,
               as
               
                 Mary
                 Magdalen
              
               did
               with
               her
               teares
               of
               true
               repentance
               ,
               and
               expressions
               of
               her
               holy
               love
               ,
               and
               (
               which
               is
               strange
               )
               the
               feast
               that
               he
               most
               delights
               in
               ,
               is
               our
               hungring
               and
               thi●…ng
               after
               righteousness
               ;
               and
               such
               he
               mutually
               invites
               to
               feast
               with
               him
               ,
               Isai
               .
               54.
               1.
               
               but
               alas
               we
               feast
               him
               rather
               with
               Wormwood
               and
               Gall
               ,
               and
               with
               such
               grapes
               as
               are
               spoken
               of
               Isai
               .
               5.
               
            
             
               3.
               
               Thirdly
               ,
               we
               have
               to
               consider
               .
               1.
               
               What
               this
               Spikenard
               is
               .
               2.
               
               How
               called
               hers
               .
               3.
               
               How
               it
               sends
               forth
               the
               smell
               thereof
               .
               First
               then
               spikenard
               is
               a
               very
               precious
               and
               odoriferous
               Oyntment
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               Mark.
               14.
               3.
               
               &
               Joh.
               12.
               3.
               and
               by
               which
               is
               meant
               ,
               the
               precious
               and
               savory
               or
               fragrant
               graces
               of
               Gods
               Spirit
               comming
               from
               our
               head
               of
               Christ
               ,
               and
               powred
               down
               upon
               his
               members
               like
               that
               ,
               Psalm
               .
               133.
               1.
               which
               is
               that
               Unction
               whereof
               John
               speaks
               ,
               and
               whereby
               all
               true
               Christians
               are
               spiritually
               annoynted
               to
               be
               a
               Royall
               Priesthood
               unto
               God.
               
            
             
               2.
               
               This
               Spikenard
               is
               called
               hers
               ,
               1.
               by
               donation
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               said
               
                 quid
                 habes
                 ,
                 quod
                 non
                 accepisti
                 ?
              
               2.
               by
               inhesion
               ,
               because
               it
               is
               
                 gratia
                 gratis
                 data
                 ,
                 quae
                 nobis
                 inhaeret
                 ,
              
               being
               sown
               and
               rooted
               in
               such
               ,
               who
               are
               ingraft
               truly
               ,
               and
               rooted
               in
               Christ
               ;
               but
               is
               not
               ours
               ,
               as
               if
               it
               were
               either
               from
               our selves
               ,
               or
               like
               Christs
               Righteousnesse
               which
               is
               imputed
               to
               us
               ,
               and
               is
               like
               Esau's
               vesture
               ,
               that
               sweet
               smelling
               garment
               ,
               wherewith
               being
               clothed
               we
               get
               our
               fathers
               blessing
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               This
               Spikenard
               is
               said
               to
               send
               forth
               the
               smell
               thereof
               when
               these
               graces
               manifest
               themselves
               by
               the
               fruits
               ,
               or
               effects
               ,
               and
               operation
               thereof
               in
               that
               new
               obedience
               which
               becommeth
               Christians
               ,
               expressing
               the
               vertue
               of
               Christs
               death
               and
               resurrection
               ,
               the
               truth
               of
               their
               conversion
               ,
               the
               livelinesse
               of
               their
               faith
               ,
               the
               fervencie
               of
               their
               zeale
               ,
               and
               the
               reality
               of
               their
               charity
               ,
               and
               the
               like
               ;
               the
               smell
               whereof
               ,
               like
               that
               Joh.
               12.
               3.
               fills
               every
               place
               where
               it
               is
               sent
               forth
               ,
               ascending
               upwards
               to
               God
               ,
               like
               that
               of
               Noah's
               sacrifice
               ,
               or
               Cornelius
               almes
               deeds
               ,
               and
               pleasing
               him
               ,
               reflecting
               inward
               to
               the
               conscience
               ,
               rejoycing
               the
               same
               ,
               and
               giving
               an
               assurance
               of
               our
               election
               by
               welldoing
               ,
               and
               extending
               to
               others
               :
               as
               ,
               Psal
               .
               16.
               2.
               who
               seeing
               our
               good
               works
               ,
               and
               getting
               good
               thereby
               do
               glorify
               God
               our
               heavenly
               Father
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 the
                 great
                 love
                 of
                 Christ
                 to
                 his
                 Church
                 ,
                 not
                 only
                 in
                 bestowing
                 gifts
                 and
                 graces
                 upon
                 her
                 ,
                 but
                 likewise
                 familiarly
                 banquetting
                 with
                 her
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 sayes
                 Rev.
                 3.
                 20.
                 
                 If
                 any
                 man
                 will
                 open
                 unto
                 m●…
                 I
                 will
                 sup
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 shall
                 sup
                 with
                 me
                 :
                 therefore
                 also
                 .
                 c.
                 2.
                 verse
                 4.
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 ,
                 he
                 brought
                 
                 me
                 ,
                 into
                 his
                 banquetting
                 house
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 banner
                 over
                 me
                 was
                 love
                 :
                 which
                 should
                 teach
                 us
                 to
                 walk
                 worthy
                 of
                 such
                 a
                 favour
                 and
                 ever
                 to
                 have
                 on
                 the
                 banquetting
                 Garment
                 of
                 holynesse
                 ,
                 unspotted
                 with
                 the
                 flesh
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 By
                 her
                 Spikenard
                 its
                 sending
                 sorth
                 the
                 smell
                 thereof
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 better
                 way
                 to
                 entertain
                 him
                 ,
                 than
                 with
                 the
                 fruits
                 ,
                 and
                 fragrant
                 smell
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 saving
                 graces
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 ,
                 c
                 4.
                 v.
                 16
                 ,
                 Let
                 my
                 Beloved
                 come
                 into
                 his
                 garden
                 ,
                 &
                 eat
                 his
                 pleasant
                 fruits
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 of
                 the
                 vertuous
                 woman
                 ,
                 Prov.
                 31.
                 31.
                 give
                 her
                 of
                 the
                 fruit
                 of
                 her
                 own
                 hands
                 ,
                 and
                 let
                 her
                 own
                 works
                 praise
                 her
                 ;
                 Or
                 ,
                 as
                 David
                 said
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 1
                 Chron.
                 29.
                 14.
                 of
                 thine
                 own
                 have
                 we
                 given
                 thee
                 :
                 even
                 so
                 ,
                 give
                 the
                 Lord
                 of
                 the
                 fruit
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 graces
                 planted
                 in
                 thy
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 let
                 his
                 own
                 work
                 thereof
                 praise
                 him
                 .
                 But
                 alass
                 the
                 smell
                 we
                 send
                 forth
                 is
                 as
                 that
                 of
                 a
                 filthy
                 puddle
                 which
                 displeases
                 the
                 Lord
                 and
                 provokes
                 him
                 to
                 wrath
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 likewise
                 here
                 ,
                 that
                 what
                 edifying
                 gifts
                 we
                 get
                 from
                 God
                 ,
                 like
                 so
                 many
                 talents
                 ,
                 we
                 ought
                 not
                 to
                 keep
                 them
                 close
                 as
                 that
                 improfitable
                 servant
                 did
                 ,
                 or
                 hiding
                 our
                 light
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 under
                 a
                 bushell
                 ,
                 but
                 we
                 should
                 do
                 as
                 
                   Mary
                   Magdalen
                
                 did
                 with
                 her
                 Box
                 of
                 Spiknard
                 ,
                 precious
                 and
                 costly
                 ,
                 powre
                 it
                 out
                 for
                 the
                 benefit
                 of
                 others
                 ,
                 even
                 upon
                 Christs
                 feet
                 ,
                 Math.
                 26.
                 and
                 lovvest
                 or
                 meanest
                 members
                 of
                 his
                 body
                 ;
                 even
                 as
                 that
                 Psalm
                 .
                 133.
                 2.
                 costly
                 oyntment
                 ,
                 that
                 was
                 povvred
                 on
                 Aarons
                 head
                 ,
                 drenched
                 down
                 to
                 the
                 lowest
                 skirts
                 of
                 his
                 Garment
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Verse
               .
               13.
               
               A
               bundle
               of
               mirrh
               is
               my
               well
               be
               loved
               unto
               me
               ,
               He
               shall
               lye
               all
               night
               betwixt
               my
               breasts
               .
            
             
               Here
               the
               Church
               profestes
               her
               spirituall
               comfort
               which
               she
               had
               in
               Christ
               and
               of
               his
               death
               and
               resurrection
               ;
               the
               feeling
               whereof
               is
               like
               a
               sweet
               odour
               to
               a
               believing
               soul
               ,
               and
               which
               she
               would
               be
               so
               carefull
               to
               conserve
               ,
               and
               apply
               in
               all
               estates
               ,
               unto
               her selfe
               by
               the
               work
               of
               faith
               ,
               that
               all
               the
               night
               time
               of
               his
               life
               ,
               or
               of
               affliction
               and
               tentation
               (
               noted
               ,
               by
               a
               dark
               time
               )
               she
               would
               make
               Him
               her
               continuall
               joy
               and
               comfort
               ,
               solacing
               her selfe
               in
               him
               ,
               
                 and
                 that
                 he
                 should
                 lye
                 between
                 her
                 breasts
                 ,
              
               and
               constantly
               dwell
               in
               her
               heart
               ,
               by
               Faith
               and
               true
               affection
               .
            
             
               She
               compares
               him
               then
               to
               a
               
                 bundle
                 of
                 Mirrhe
              
               ,
               or
               Nosegay
               ,
               
               such
               as
               is
               usually
               made
               of
               most
               pleasant
               and
               sweet
               Flowers
               ,
               for
               delighting
               sight
               and
               smell
               ,
               and
               which
               Maidens
               did
               set
               in
               their
               bosomes
               between
               their
               breast
               ,
               that
               so
               they
               might
               have
               the
               sweet
               savour
               thereof
               alwaies
               in
               their
               nose
               .
            
             
               In
               which
               word
               we
               have
               1.
               how
               she
               calls
               him
               ,
               2.
               
               Whereunto
               she
               compares
               him
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               
                 to
                 myrrh
                 and
                 a
                 bundle
                 of
                 myrrh
                 ,
              
               3.
               to
               whom
               he
               is
               so
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               to
               her
               4.
               where
               she
               places
               him
               ,
               
                 between
                 her
                 Breasts
              
               ,
               and
               5.
               
               How
               long
               shall
               he
               lye
               there
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               
                 all
                 the
                 Night
              
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               she
               calls
               him
               her
               beloved
               (
               whereof
               v.
               7.
               )
               whom
               for
               power
               and
               authority
               before
               she
               called
               ,
               a
               King
               ,
               v.
               12.
               and
               whose
               power
               should
               confound
               her
               ,
               if
               his
               love
               did
               not
               comfort
               her
               ;
               and
               to
               whom
               she
               againe
               as
               a
               King
               ,
               owes
               loyalty
               and
               subjection
               ,
               and
               as
               her
               blessed
               bridegoom
               she
               professes
               to
               him
               love
               and
               affection
               .
            
             
               Next
               ,
               she
               compares
               him
               to
               Myrrh
               ,
               which
               was
               one
               of
               the
               gifts
               wherewith
               the
               wise
               men
               of
               the
               East
               honoured
               Christ
               at
               his
               birth
               ,
               Math.
               2.
               &
               with
               which
               &
               aloes
               his
               body
               also
               was
               imbalmed
               after
               his
               death
               ,
               Joh.
               19.
               39.
               and
               which
               likewise
               was
               the
               first
               and
               speciall
               ingredient
               of
               the
               holy
               annointing
               oyle
               ,
               that
               vvas
               appoynted
               to
               be
               made
               ,
               for
               annoynting
               Aaron
               and
               the
               Tabernacle
               with
               the
               pertinents
               thereof
               ,
               being
               of
               a
               svveet
               and
               odoriferous
               smell
               ,
               as
               the
               rest
               of
               the
               sweet
               spices
               were
               of
               that
               conposition
               ,
               and
               whereby
               is
               signified
               the
               sweet
               comfort
               that
               the
               Christian
               soul
               ,
               indued
               with
               spirituall
               senses
               ,
               finds
               in
               Christ
               crucisied
               ,
               to
               whom
               sinne
               is
               first
               sowre
               ,
               Exod.
               30.
               23.
               
            
             
               Neither
               contents
               she
               her self
               to
               compare
               Him
               only
               to
               Myrrh
               ,
               but
               
                 to
                 a
                 bundle
                 of
                 Myrrh
              
               ,
               to
               show
               unto
               us
               1.
               the
               abundance
               of
               that
               spirituall
               comfort
               that
               comes
               from
               him
               to
               a
               believing
               soul
               ,
               as
               a
               greater
               smell
               is
               yeelded
               by
               a
               bundle
               of
               sweet
               flovvers
               or
               spices
               ,
               than
               comes
               from
               a
               single
               flovver
               or
               a
               graine
               of
               spice
               .
               As
               likewise
               to
               shovv
               2.
               that
               as
               from
               every
               flovver
               in
               a
               bundle
               ,
               there
               comes
               a
               svveet
               smell
               ;
               even
               so
               from
               every
               thing
               considerable
               in
               Christ
               there
               arises
               comfort
               whether
               we
               consider
               his
               natures
               or
               offices
               ,
               his
               birth
               and
               conception
               ,
               his
               holy
               life
               ,
               death
               ,
               buriall
               ,
               resurrection
               ,
               and
               ascention
               ,
               and
               now
               his
               intercession
               at
               his
               Fathers
               right
               hand
               til
               he
               come
               againe
               to
               judgement
               .
               So
               that
               as
               the
               carcase
               of
               Sampsons
               dead
               Lyon
               was
               so
               full
               of
               Hony
               ,
               that
               Sampson
               did
               not
               only
               eat
               abundantly
               thereof
               himselfe
               ,
               but
               gave
               thereof
               also
               to
               others
               ,
               Judge
               .
               14.
               9.
               so
               is
               Christ
               Jesus
               so
               
               full
               of
               comfort
               ,
               that
               the
               believing
               soul
               may
               not
               only
               have
               enough
               to
               it self
               ,
               but
               to
               impart
               by
               instruction
               for
               the
               comfort
               of
               others
               .
               3
               to
               shevv
               that
               the
               Church
               and
               every
               true
               elect
               soul
               cannot
               be
               content
               vvith
               a
               little
               of
               Christ
               ,
               but
               to
               injoy
               much
               of
               him
               ,
               and
               the
               power
               of
               his
               death
               and
               resurrection
               ,
               till
               they
               fully
               injoy
               him
               in
               glory
               ,
               as
               Psal
               .
               17.
               15.
               
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               vve
               have
               to
               consider
               ,
               to
               whom
               is
               Christ
               a
               bundle
               of
               svveet
               and
               fragrant
               myrrh
               ,
               It
               is
               to
               his
               Church
               and
               every
               godly
               soul
               ,
               therefore
               sayes
               she
               ,
               by
               a
               speech
               of
               faith
               and
               application
               ,
               he
               shall
               be
               
                 to
                 me
              
               a
               bundle
               of
               myrrh
               :
               vvherein
               vve
               see
               .
               1.
               the
               Churches
               holy
               resolution
               ,
               that
               let
               others
               (
               as
               it
               is
               said
               by
               Isaiah
               )
               and
               contemne
               them
               as
               they
               please
               Isa
               .
               53.
               3.
               not
               knovving
               his
               vvorth
               ,
               being
               as
               Aesop's
               Cock
               :
               but
               as
               for
               her
               ,
               (
               as
               Joshua
               protested
               what
               he
               vvould
               do
               ,
               Josua
               24.
               15.
               
               )
               she
               should
               hold
               him
               in
               singular
               estimation
               ,
               so
               that
               he
               should
               be
               to
               her
               as
               a
               bundle
               of
               Myrrh
               ,
               which
               she
               should
               place
               betvveen
               her
               breasts
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               We
               see
               vvhat
               is
               the
               proper
               act
               of
               faith
               ,
               to
               vvit
               ,
               as
               Thomas
               said
               ,
               my
               God
               and
               my
               Lord
               ;
               even
               so
               by
               a
               particular
               application
               of
               Christ
               as
               her
               Saviour
               to
               her
               soul
               ,
               she
               saies
               
                 He
                 shall
                 be
                 to
                 me
              
               ,
               &c.
               and
               herein
               indeed
               stands
               the
               very
               true
               comfort
               of
               a
               Christian
               ,
               as
               in
               the
               locks
               of
               Sampsons
               hair
               consisted
               his
               strength
               ,
               vvithout
               vvhich
               particular
               application
               (
               like
               old
               Simeons
               imbracing
               of
               Christ
               in
               his
               armes
               ,
               )
               the
               soul
               could
               have
               no
               comfort
               at
               all
               ,
               more
               then
               the
               divels
               ,
               vvho
               knew
               him
               and
               confesses
               that
               he
               is
               a
               Saviour
               ,
               but
               not
               to
               them
               :
               and
               therefore
               the
               prophet
               sayes
               ,
               
                 For
                 unto
                 us
                 a
                 Child
                 is
                 born
                 ,
              
               &c.
               Isai
               .
               9.
               6.
               
               And
               the
               Angel
               in
               like
               manner
               said
               at
               his
               birth
               ,
               
                 For
                 unto
                 you
                 is
                 born
                 a
                 Saviour
                 which
                 is
                 Christ
                 the
                 Lord.
                 
              
            
             
               3.
               
               We
               see
               ,
               that
               although
               Christ
               be
               full
               of
               fragrant
               sweetnesse
               ,
               yet
               he
               is
               not
               so
               to
               every
               one
               ,
               especially
               vvhose
               souls
               are
               stuffed
               with
               grosse
               humours
               ,
               or
               delight
               vvith
               the
               filthy
               svvine
               in
               the
               stinking
               smell
               and
               puddle
               of
               fleshly
               lusts
               but
               he
               is
               so
               only
               to
               his
               ovvn
               church
               and
               true
               members
               thereof
               ,
               vvho
               being
               renevved
               in
               the
               inner
               man
               ,
               have
               their
               senses
               othervvise
               exercised
               ,
               to
               detest
               all
               sort
               of
               sinne
               ,
               and
               sinfull
               pleasures
               as
               a
               most
               noisesome
               and
               stinking
               hemlock
               ,
               and
               to
               esteem
               Christ
               only
               and
               the
               graces
               thot
               flow
               from
               him
               ,
               most
               fragrant
               ann
               delightfull
               .
            
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               the
               part
               vvherein
               she
               places
               him
               ,
               it
               is
               ,
               
                 He
                 shall
                 lye
                 between
                 her
                 Breasts
                 ,
              
               or
               to
               be
               laid
               at
               ,
               or
               ,
               to
               her
               very
               heart
               :
               and
               indeed
               justly
               may
               and
               should
               he
               be
               laid
               there
               .
               1.
               because
               
               He
               is
               the
               only
               true
               cordiall
               to
               a
               Christian
               or
               sick
               soul
               :
               and
               ,
               2.
               because
               ,
               whereas
               other
               bundles
               of
               svveet
               Flovvers
               or
               nosegayes
               are
               so
               kept
               in
               the
               breast
               ,
               by
               being
               placed
               betvveen
               them
               ;
               He
               shall
               be
               the
               keeper
               and
               gardian
               of
               the
               heart
               ,
               being
               placed
               on
               or
               in
               the
               heart
               ,
               and
               so
               shall
               be
               
                 ornamentum
                 pectoris
              
               ,
               as
               a
               pleasant
               nosegay
               ,
               
                 et
                 munimentum
                 cordis
              
               ,
               like
               a
               brest
               plate
               of
               proof
               ,
               Psalm
               .
               84.
               11.
               
               a
               decking
               of
               the
               one
               and
               a
               defence
               of
               the
               other
               ,
               from
               evill
               suggestions
               ,
               and
               Satans
               wicked
               temptations
               ,
               or
               ,
               as
               the
               Psalmist
               speaks
               ,
               both
               a
               Sun
               and
               a
               shield
               .
            
             
               She
               sayes
               likewise
               ,
               that
               she
               will
               lay
               him
               between
               her
               breasts
               ,
               1.
               for
               remembrance
               and
               contemplation
               that
               she
               may
               have
               him
               still
               in
               remembrance
               and
               before
               her
               eyes
               ,
               to
               looke
               upon
               ;
               as
               Israel
               did
               upon
               the
               brasen
               Serpent
               ;
               or
               as
               the
               names
               of
               the
               twelve
               tribes
               were
               on
               the
               high
               Priests
               brest-plate
               :
               2.
               for
               delight
               and
               consolation
               ,
               as
               for
               that
               end
               ,
               to
               delight
               the
               eye
               by
               colour
               ,
               and
               comfort
               the
               braine
               by
               smell
               ,
               maides
               use
               to
               put
               nosegayes
               between
               their
               breasts
               :
               and
               therefore
               also
               for
               spirituall
               delight
               ,
               as
               the
               most
               beautifull
               object
               the
               eye
               of
               faith
               can
               look
               upon
               ,
               and
               for
               the
               most
               pleasant
               and
               sweet
               smelling
               or
               savour
               to
               the
               soul
               ,
               Cant.
               2.
               1.
               
               He
               is
               compared
               to
               the
               Rose
               of
               the
               Field
               ,
               and
               to
               the
               Lillie
               of
               the
               Vallyes
               :
               3.
               for
               care
               and
               conservation
               ,
               as
               they
               put
               such
               thi●gs
               which
               they
               would
               keep
               and
               not
               lose
               ,
               in
               their
               breast
               or
               bosome
               ;
               for
               which
               end
               said
               David
               ,
               that
               he
               hid
               Gods
               word
               in
               his
               heart
               ,
               Psalm
               .
               119.
               11.
               and
               the
               
                 Virgin
                 Mary
              
               ,
               that
               she
               laid
               up
               her
               Sonnes
               words
               in
               her
               heart
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               that
               they
               might
               not
               be
               lost
               or
               forgotten
               :
               4.
               for
               ornament
               and
               decoration
               ,
               for
               which
               end
               we
               are
               bidden
               to
               put
               on
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               He
               being
               the
               most
               beautifull
               ornament
               that
               ever
               was
               put
               on
               the
               soul
               ,
               and
               whereby
               the
               Kings
               daughter
               is
               said
               to
               be
               beautifull
               within
               ,
               Psalm
               .
               45.
               and
               perfect
               through
               my
               comelinesse
               (
               sayes
               the
               Lord
               )
               which
               I
               put
               upon
               thee
               ,
               Ezekiel
               .
               16.
               14.
               
            
             
               Fifthly
               ,
               she
               showes
               how
               long
               He
               shall
               lye
               there
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               all
               night
               :
               novv
               by
               night
               is
               understood
               in
               Scripture
               ,
               1.
               the
               time
               of
               affliction
               and
               trouble
               ,
               as
               Isai
               .
               21.
               12
               
               :
               2.
               the
               day
               of
               death
               ,
               as
               Joh.
               9.
               4
               :
               and
               3.
               the
               time
               of
               our
               life
               here
               on
               earth
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               specially
               to
               be
               understood
               here
               ,
               so
               called
               or
               compared
               ,
               1.
               as
               the
               night
               is
               darke
               ,
               and
               therefore
               they
               who
               walke
               in
               the
               night-time
               have
               a
               Lanthorne
               carried
               before
               them
               ;
               so
               in
               this
               life-time
               there
               is
               darknesse
               of
               ignorance
               ,
               and
               no
               light
               have
               
               we
               to
               direct
               our
               walking
               that
               we
               stumble
               not
               or
               fall
               into
               sinne
               and
               damnation
               ,
               but
               the
               Lanterne
               of
               Gods
               Word
               ,
               as
               the
               Psalmist
               shews
               us
               .
               2.
               
               The
               night
               is
               the
               most
               dangerous
               time
               for
               surprising
               or
               robbing
               by
               enemies
               ,
               and
               therefore
               they
               vvatch
               in
               the
               night
               time
               ;
               even
               so
               this
               life-time
               is
               most
               dangerous
               for
               surprising
               by
               our
               spirituall
               enemie
               ,
               and
               robbing
               us
               of
               Gods
               favour
               and
               graces
               :
               and
               therefore
               we
               are
               exhorted
               ever
               to
               watch
               and
               pray
               that
               we
               enter
               not
               into
               temptation
               ,
               3.
               
               The
               night
               time
               is
               melancholious
               ;
               and
               so
               is
               our
               life
               ,
               wherein
               we
               sow
               in
               teares
               ,
               4.
               
               The
               starres
               shine
               in
               the
               night
               ;
               and
               so
               should
               our
               Christian
               vertues
               shine
               .
               And
               5.
               as
               after
               the
               night-time
               the
               Sunne
               arises
               ,
               and
               then
               followes
               the
               lightsome
               day
               ;
               even
               so
               after
               the
               night
               time
               of
               this
               life
               to
               the
               godly
               shall
               the
               Sunne
               of
               righteousness
               arise
               ,
               and
               be
               cleerly
               seen
               and
               then
               shall
               follow
               an
               eternall
               day
               ,
               that
               never
               shall
               have
               an
               end
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 Church
                 in
                 comparing
                 Christ
                 to
                 pure
                 mirrhe
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 called
                 ,
                 Exodus
                 .
                 30.
                 23.
                 vvhich
                 vvas
                 very
                 costly
                 ,
                 and
                 precious
                 ,
                 as
                 may
                 be
                 seen
                 ,
                 Matth.
                 2.
                 11.
                 the
                 high
                 esteeme
                 that
                 the
                 Church
                 and
                 every
                 true
                 member
                 has
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 counting
                 nothing
                 so
                 worthy
                 and
                 of
                 such
                 svveetnesse
                 and
                 excellency
                 as
                 Christ
                 ,
                 which
                 made
                 the
                 Apostle
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 as
                 1
                 Cor.
                 2.
                 2.
                 and
                 that
                 in
                 comparison
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 counted
                 all
                 things
                 losse
                 and
                 dung
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 As
                 the
                 Church
                 esteemes
                 him
                 highly
                 ,
                 so
                 sutably
                 she
                 places
                 him
                 highly
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 in
                 her
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 between
                 her
                 breasts
                 the
                 seat
                 of
                 affection
                 and
                 repose
                 ;
                 which
                 we
                 will
                 never
                 do
                 ,
                 till
                 we
                 learne
                 to
                 esteem
                 him
                 highly
                 ,
                 and
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 cause
                 why
                 some
                 place
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 the
                 honour
                 ,
                 profit
                 ,
                 and
                 pleasures
                 thereof
                 in
                 their
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 as
                 Rev.
                 12.
                 1.
                 because
                 they
                 esteem
                 more
                 highly
                 of
                 those
                 things
                 than
                 of
                 Christ
                 .
              
               
                 As
                 the
                 heart
                 is
                 Christs
                 proper
                 place
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Christian's
                 duty
                 ,
                 so
                 likewise
                 thereby
                 we
                 may
                 see
                 the
                 Christian's
                 dignity
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 
                   verus
                   Christopher
                
                 ,
                 and
                 beares
                 Christ
                 in
                 a
                 more
                 excellent
                 manner
                 ,
                 then
                 the
                 vigin
                 
                   Mary
                   ,
                   quae
                   non
                   tam
                   in
                   utero
                   portando
                   ,
                   quàm
                   in
                   animâ
                   credendo
                   beata
                   fuit
                   .
                
                 And
                 therefore
                 to
                 whom
                 that
                 honour
                 is
                 not
                 granted
                 which
                 vvas
                 to
                 her
                 ,
                 yet
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 denyed
                 ,
                 to
                 bear
                 him
                 in
                 our
                 breast
                 ;
                 and
                 if
                 our
                 brests
                 gave
                 him
                 not
                 suck
                 ,
                 yet
                 let
                 them
                 give
                 him
                 harbour
                 ;
                 neither
                 let
                 us
                 misplace
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 many
                 do
                 ,
                 some
                 in
                 the
                 eare
                 onely
                 ,
                 and
                 some
                 in
                 their
                 
                 tongue
                 by
                 pra●ling
                 ,
                 yea
                 and
                 some
                 treading
                 him
                 under
                 foot
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 must
                 not
                 harbour
                 him
                 as
                 a
                 guest
                 for
                 a
                 short
                 time
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 must
                 lye
                 all
                 the
                 night
                 time
                 of
                 this
                 life
                 between
                 our
                 breasts
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 the
                 prophet
                 Zechary
                 speaks
                 he
                 must
                 dvvell
                 vvith
                 us
                 ,
                 Zech.
                 8.
                 3.
                 or
                 as
                 himselfe
                 speaks
                 ,
                 he
                 must
                 make
                 abode
                 with
                 us
                 ,
                 Joh.
                 14.
                 23.
                 joyning
                 with
                 piety
                 perseverance
                 :
                 for
                 he
                 only
                 that
                 continues
                 faithfull
                 to
                 the
                 death
                 shall
                 receive
                 the
                 Crown
                 of
                 Life
                 ,
                 Rev.
                 2.
                 10.
                 
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 Not
                 only
                 in
                 the
                 whole
                 time
                 of
                 our
                 life
                 generally
                 ,
                 but
                 specially
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 gloomy
                 night
                 of
                 affliction
                 ,
                 and
                 shadowish
                 black
                 night
                 of
                 death
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 called
                 ,
                 Psalm
                 .
                 23.
                 4.
                 
                 )
                 we
                 see
                 how
                 and
                 in
                 whom
                 to
                 find
                 the
                 sweetnesse
                 of
                 comfort
                 ,
                 even
                 from
                 Christ
                 all
                 averly
                 ,
                 who
                 bore
                 the
                 Crosse
                 before
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 his
                 death
                 hath
                 triumphed
                 over
                 death
                 ,
                 and
                 made
                 it
                 stingless
                 and
                 a
                 shadowish
                 valley
                 only
                 ,
                 to
                 us
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Verse
               .
               14.
               
               My
               beloved
               is
               unto
               me
               as
               a
               cluster
               of
               Camphire
               ,
               in
               the
               vineyards
               of
               Engedi
               .
            
             
               Still
               she
               insists
               in
               his
               praise
               as
               not
               being
               able
               to
               commend
               him
               enough
               ,
               in
               whom
               she
               found
               such
               abundance
               and
               store
               of
               all
               comfort
               and
               sweetnesse
               ,
               wherein
               1.
               we
               have
               to
               consider
               ,
               what
               is
               this
               Camphire
               to
               a
               cluster
               ,
               whereof
               she
               compares
               him
               :
               and
               2.
               vvhat
               is
               this
               Engedi
               ,
               in
               the
               vineyards
               whereof
               this
               Camphire
               grew
               .
               First
               then
               Camphire
               ,
               (
               or
               as
               some
               expound
               it
               ,
               Cypresse
               ,
               )
               is
               a
               white
               and
               aromaticke
               Floure
               ,
               which
               from
               the
               stem
               groweth
               forth
               in
               a
               Cluster
               as
               the
               vvine
               grapes
               do
               from
               the
               Vine
               ,
               wherein
               we
               have
               1.
               the
               colour
               representing
               Christs
               innocency
               ;
               wherefore
               he
               is
               likewise
               compared
               to
               a
               Lillie
               ;
               and
               2.
               the
               fragrant
               smell
               vvhich
               it
               yeelds
               representing
               the
               sweet
               comforts
               that
               flow
               from
               him
               abundantly
               to
               every
               believing
               soul
               ,
               as
               likewise
               the
               acceptablenesse
               of
               his
               sacrifice
               of
               himselfe
               to
               his
               father
               ,
               wherein
               as
               in
               Noah's
               oblation
               ,
               he
               smelled
               a
               sweet
               savour
               of
               rest
               and
               acquiescing
               .
               Whence
               also
               the
               Hebrew
               name
               copher
               ,
               signifies
               propitiation
               or
               redemption
               ,
               according
               to
               which
               the
               holy
               Ghost
               seems
               here
               to
               have
               reference
               to
               the
               worke
               and
               fruit
               of
               Christs
               death
               ,
               whereby
               he
               became
               a
               cluster
               of
               abounding
               consolation
               ;
               &
               also
               of
               redemptiō
               for
               the
               sins
               of
               the
               whole
               world
               ;
               1
               Joh.
               2.
               2.
               
               &
               like
               the
               brasen
               Serpent
               has
               cured
               
               us
               of
               the
               biting
               of
               the
               fiery
               serpents
               ;
               as
               Pliny
               reports
               ,
               that
               Camphir
               has
               this
               property
               ;
               to
               cure
               the
               stinging
               of
               serpents
               ,
               
                 Lib.
                 21.
                 c.
              
               18.
               
            
             
               Likewise
               Engedi
               is
               the
               name
               of
               a
               place
               or
               City
               in
               the
               Land
               of
               Canaan
               ,
               which
               fell
               to
               the
               tribe
               of
               Judah
               ,
               of
               whom
               Christ
               came
               :
               and
               being
               neer
               the
               dead
               sea
               ,
               was
               fruitfull
               for
               gardens
               and
               vineyards
               ,
               whereof
               we
               read
               Josua
               .
               15.
               62.
               
               Situate
               (
               as
               Adrichomius
               showes
               )
               in
               the
               mountains
               ,
               and
               called
               the
               City
               of
               Palme-trees
               ,
               and
               of
               Balme
               ,
               wherewith
               the
               vineyards
               thereof
               did
               abound
               ,
               as
               of
               other
               odoriferous
               herbs
               and
               flowers
               li●●
               Camphire
               here
               spoken
               of
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 that
                 a
                 godly
                 soul
                 that
                 findeth
                 the
                 plenty
                 and
                 variety
                 of
                 sweetness
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 Christ
                 Jesus
                 can
                 never
                 enough
                 or
                 by
                 any
                 one
                 thing
                 expresse
                 the
                 same
                 ;
                 but
                 that
                 whatsoever
                 sweetness
                 and
                 excellency
                 is
                 in
                 any
                 other
                 thing
                 severally
                 ,
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 highest
                 measure
                 and
                 eminent
                 manner
                 in
                 him
                 copulatively
                 :
                 so
                 that
                 those
                 who
                 are
                 sparing
                 in
                 acknowledging
                 this
                 and
                 praising
                 of
                 him
                 therefore
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 token
                 that
                 they
                 never
                 trasted
                 how
                 good
                 the
                 Lord
                 is
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 cannot
                 acknowledge
                 or
                 tell
                 what
                 he
                 has
                 done
                 to
                 their
                 souls
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Seeing
                 Christ
                 Jesus
                 smells
                 so
                 sweetly
                 and
                 fragrantly
                 to
                 every
                 true
                 Christian
                 ,
                 here
                 then
                 is
                 a
                 rule
                 whereby
                 each
                 one
                 may
                 trye
                 himself
                 ,
                 whether
                 he
                 be
                 a
                 true
                 Christian
                 or
                 not
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 See
                 what
                 smells
                 best
                 to
                 thee
                 ,
                 whether
                 Christ
                 and
                 heavenly
                 things
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 world
                 and
                 wickedness
                 ;
                 and
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 not
                 Christ
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 for
                 defect
                 of
                 aboundant
                 sweetness
                 in
                 Him
                 ,
                 but
                 because
                 thou
                 hast
                 a
                 dead
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 wants
                 the
                 spirituall
                 sense
                 of
                 discerning
                 ,
                 like
                 a
                 blind
                 man
                 that
                 cannot
                 see
                 the
                 Sunne
                 ,
                 or
                 because
                 thou
                 art
                 of
                 a
                 swinish
                 nature
                 gruntling
                 in
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 whom
                 nothing
                 but
                 what
                 is
                 base
                 and
                 filthy
                 ,
                 smells
                 well
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 ,
                 
                   Sus
                   quod
                   habet
                   sapit
                   hoc
                   ,
                   sapit
                   hoc
                   quod
                   stercore
                   sorpsit
                   .
                
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 This
                 cluster
                 of
                 Camphir
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 found
                 in
                 the
                 vineyards
                 of
                 Engedi
                 ,
                 which
                 are
                 the
                 Lords
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 or
                 Assemblies
                 of
                 his
                 Saints
                 ,
                 
                   Isai
                   .
                   5.
                   7.
                   
                   Ps
                   .
                
                 80.
                 15.
                 
                 Even
                 as
                 he
                 is
                 said
                 in
                 like
                 manner
                 to
                 be
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 the
                 golden
                 Candlesticks
                 ,
                 Rev.
                 2.
                 1.
                 and
                 according
                 to
                 his
                 promise
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 be
                 with
                 you
                 to
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 :
                 whereby
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 would
                 find
                 the
                 sweetness
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 have
                 our
                 recourse
                 and
                 delight
                 in
                 the
                 means
                 whereby
                 as
                 by
                 conduit
                 pipes
                 this
                 sweetness
                 is
                 conveyed
                 unto
                 us
                 ;
                 for
                 faith
                 comes
                 by
                 Hearing
                 ,
                 Rom.
                 10.
                 17.
                 and
                 God's
                 
                 word
                 must
                 be
                 to
                 us
                 as
                 ,
                 Ps
                 .
                 19.
                 10.
                 and
                 therefore
                 no
                 marvell
                 that
                 these
                 men
                 feel
                 no
                 sweetness
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 nor
                 any
                 power
                 for
                 mortification
                 ,
                 or
                 quickning
                 vertue
                 ,
                 who
                 feel
                 no
                 sweetness
                 in
                 the
                 lovely
                 oracles
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 God
                 to
                 salvation
                 to
                 every
                 true
                 believer
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Verse
               .
               15.
               
               Behold
               ,
               thou
               art
               fair
               ,
               my
               love
               ,
               behold
               thou
               art
               fair
               ,
               thou
               hast
               doves
               eyes
               .
            
             
               Here
               ,
               he
               mutually
               praises
               his
               bride
               ,
               which
               shows
               the
               mutuall
               delight
               that
               each
               has
               in
               another
               ,
               and
               which
               concertation
               of
               love
               makes
               the
               marriage-knot
               between
               espoused
               parties
               to
               be
               solatious
               and
               sure
               .
            
             
               In
               which
               commendation
               we
               have
               ,
               1.
               
               How
               he
               styles
               her
               ,
               whereof
               we
               have
               spoken
               ,
               v.
               9.
               2
               
               Wherefore
               he
               commends
               her
               ,
               both
               in
               generall
               ,
               and
               from
               her
               eyes
               in
               particular
               ,
               3.
               
               How
               he
               prefixes
               unto
               his
               praising
               of
               her
               ,
               an
               Ecce
               ;
               and
               4.
               
               Why
               he
               ingeminates
               his
               praising
               of
               her
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               he
               commends
               her
               from
               her
               beauty
               in
               generall
               ,
               whereof
               we
               have
               spoken
               ,
               v.
               8.
               
               Which
               consists
               ,
               1.
               
               In
               forsaking
               her
               old
               corruption
               ,
               Ps
               .
               45.
               10.
               11.
               2.
               
               In
               her
               practice
               of
               new
               obedience
               ,
               being
               justified
               in
               Christ
               ;
               which
               is
               that
               beauty
               which
               the
               Psalmist
               prayes
               for
               ,
               may
               be
               upon
               all
               the
               Israel
               of
               God
               ,
               Psal
               .
               90.
               17.
               
            
             
               But
               seeing
               ,
               v.
               8.
               he
               had
               already
               praised
               her
               from
               her
               beauty
               ,
               why
               repeats
               he
               it
               here
               ?
               I
               answer
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               the
               whole
               desire
               of
               the
               Church
               to
               be
               fair
               and
               beautifull
               in
               the
               eyes
               of
               her
               blessed
               Bridegroom
               ,
               let
               others
               think
               of
               her
               as
               they
               please
               ,
               (
               as
               v.
               5.
               )
               so
               it
               is
               her
               greatest
               joy
               and
               comfort
               to
               have
               the
               assurance
               thereof
               sealed
               up
               to
               her
               soul
               ,
               by
               the
               frequent
               witnessing
               of
               the
               spirit
               ,
               and
               voice
               of
               her
               beloved
               ,
               saying
               to
               her
               soul
               that
               she
               is
               so
               to
               Him
               ,
               and
               that
               he
               is
               her
               salvation
               ;
               and
               therefore
               he
               no●
               once
               ,
               but
               often
               commends
               her
               from
               her
               beauty
               .
            
             
               And
               seeing
               the
               whole
               church
               ,
               and
               all
               the
               members
               thereof
               make
               up
               but
               one
               homogeneous
               body
               ,
               look
               what
               he
               speaketh
               to
               the
               whole
               ,
               he
               speaketh
               to
               every
               faithfull
               soul
               ,
               in
               whom
               if
               there
               be
               Repentance
               ,
               faith
               ,
               love
               ,
               zeale
               ,
               humility
               ,
               meekekness
               ,
               &c.
               though
               there
               be
               remanent
               corruption
               and
               a
               mixture
               of
               divers
               infirmities
               ,
               yet
               that
               soul
               is
               fair
               in
               Christ's
               eyes
               .
               Let
               us
               then
               find
               out
               these
               graces
               in
               our selves
               ,
               and
               though
               they
               be
               not
               perfect
               ,
               yet
               being
               in
               truth
               ,
               we
               may
               be
               assured
               of
               acceptation
               ,
               and
               rejoyce
               in
               his
               love
               .
            
             
             
               Next
               as
               he
               praises
               her
               from
               her
               beauty
               in
               generall
               ,
               so
               from
               the
               comliness
               of
               her
               eyes
               in
               particular
               ,
               wherein
               we
               have
               to
               consider
               ,
               1.
               
               What
               they
               are
               ;
               and
               ,
               2.
               
               Why
               so
               compared
               ,
               Job
               .
               29.
               15.
               
               First
               then
               ,
               some
               ▪
               understand
               by
               the
               eyes
               of
               the
               church
               her
               Pastors
               ,
               and
               Overseers
               ,
               so
               called
               ,
               1.
               
               Because
               of
               inspection
               ,
               counsell
               and
               right
               direction
               ,
               in
               which
               sense
               it
               is
               spoken
               ,
               Numb
               .
               10.
               31.
               and
               Matth.
               6.
               22.
               
               And
               therefore
               the
               Prophets
               of
               old
               were
               called
               Seers
               ;
               and
               ,
               2.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               vigilant
               watching
               for
               fore-warning
               of
               any
               danger
               ,
               or
               invasion
               ,
               a
               we
               see
               ,
               Ezek.
               33.
               and
               Heb.
               13.
               20.
               and
               who
               most
               specially
               o●
               any
               should
               have
               the
               properties
               of
               Doves
               eyes
               ,
               as
               is
               to
               be
               after
               mentioned
               .
            
             
               Others
               understand
               ,
               not
               these
               former
               ,
               who
               may
               be
               called
               the
               eyes
               over
               the
               Church
               ,
               but
               the
               eyes
               in
               the
               Church
               and
               every
               faithfull
               member
               thereof
               ;
               and
               this
               is
               ,
               the
               eye
               of
               faith
               ,
               which
               looks
               ,
               like
               the
               stinged
               Israelites
               ,
               on
               Christ
               crucified
               only
               for
               cure
               and
               comfort
               ;
               and
               without
               which
               ,
               the
               soul
               is
               as
               blind
               as
               a
               mole
               .
               And
               therefore
               are
               so
               called
               and
               compared
               ,
               1.
               
               Because
               the
               eye
               of
               the
               body
               is
               the
               light
               of
               the
               body
               ,
               and
               so
               is
               faith
               the
               light
               of
               the
               soul
               ,
               2.
               
               As
               the
               eye
               cannot
               ●…f
               it self
               ,
               without
               the
               Sunne
               or
               benefit
               of
               externall
               light
               ;
               so
               n●…er
               can
               the
               eye
               of
               the
               soul
               without
               illumination
               from
               the
               Sunne
               of
               righteousness
               ,
               and
               of
               his
               Holy
               word
               by
               which
               faith
               comes
               ,
               3.
               
               As
               the
               eye
               delights
               in
               light
               ,
               and
               pleasant
               objects
               ;
               so
               doth
               the
               eye
               of
               the
               soul
               in
               the
               light
               and
               promises
               of
               Gods
               word
               ,
               and
               in
               Christ
               crucified
               ,
               which
               is
               the
               most
               beautifull
               object
               that
               the
               eye
               of
               faith
               can
               fix
               upon
               ,
               and
               who
               ,
               in
               the
               word
               ,
               is
               set
               forth
               ,
               and
               (
               as
               it
               were
               )
               painted
               before
               our
               eyes
               ,
               Gal.
               3.
               1.
               4.
               
               As
               by
               the
               eye
               we
               are
               guided
               in
               our
               walking
               ,
               and
               made
               to
               eschew
               stumbling
               ,
               falling
               ,
               or
               such
               like
               dangers
               ,
               so
               by
               faith
               and
               the
               saving
               knowledge
               of
               Christ
               in
               his
               Word
               ,
               we
               are
               guided
               in
               our
               spirituall
               walking
               and
               made
               to
               eschew
               stumbling
               and
               falling
               in
               sinne
               and
               temptations
               ,
               and
               such
               spirituall
               dangers
               .
            
             
               Next
               ,
               her
               eyes
               are
               compared
               to
               Doves
               eyes
               ,
               1.
               
               Because
               as
               a
               Dove's
               eyes
               are
               cleear
               and
               sharp-sighted
               ;
               so
               is
               the
               eye
               of
               faith
               piercing
               within
               the
               vaile
               of
               Christs
               flesh
               ,
               while
               He
               was
               on
               earth
               and
               beholding
               his
               Deity
               ,
               and
               piercing
               now
               into
               the
               Heavens
               ,
               where
               he
               sits
               at
               his
               fathers
               right
               Hand
               ,
               and
               into
               such
               divine
               mysteries
               and
               the
               truth
               thereof
               ,
               whereunto
               the
               blind
               eye
               of
               nature
               ,
               nor
               no
               other
               can
               or
               ever
               could
               yet
               reach
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               The
               eye
               of
               the
               Dove
               is
               chast
               ,
               and
               chastity
               is
               much
               commended
               in
               virgins
               ;
               even
               so
               ,
               that
               which
               our
               Saviour
               so
               much
               
               commends
               in
               his
               Church
               by
               this
               comparison
               ,
               who
               is
               a
               pure
               virgin
               to
               Him
               ,
               is
               her
               spirituall
               chastity
               opposit
               to
               spirituall
               whordome
               ,
               so
               much
               complained
               on
               and
               condemned
               in
               scripture
               ,
               and
               whereby
               ,
               without
               doting
               on
               any
               other
               ,
               she
               keeps
               her
               faith
               ,
               confidence
               ,
               and
               affection
               whole
               and
               entire
               towards
               him
               alone
               ,
               from
               whom
               alone
               she
               looks
               for
               life
               and
               salvation
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               The
               doves
               eyes
               are
               meek
               ,
               and
               not
               cruell
               ,
               fiery
               ,
               or
               furious
               ;
               representing
               thereby
               that
               disposition
               of
               a
               Christian
               soul
               which
               is
               recommended
               unto
               the
               same
               by
               him
               who
               said
               ,
               Learn
               of
               me
               for
               I
               am
               humble
               and
               meek
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               The
               doves
               eyes
               are
               humble
               ,
               contrary
               to
               such
               lofty
               eyes
               as
               are
               spoken
               of
               ,
               Pro.
               30.
               13.
               
               And
               so
               is
               the
               disposition
               of
               a
               Christian
               soul
               endowed
               with
               true
               faith
               ,
               though
               never
               so
               fruitfull
               in
               godliness
               and
               good
               works
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               The
               doves
               eyes
               delights
               in
               cleanness
               ,
               and
               therfore
               resorts
               to
               white
               places
               ,
               and
               to
               clear
               waters
               ;
               even
               so
               doth
               the
               soul
               that
               has
               true
               faith
               in
               it
               ,
               loathing
               all
               uncleanness
               of
               sin
               and
               worldly
               lusts
               ,
               and
               knowing
               that
               no
               uncleane
               thing
               shall
               enter
               into
               that
               heavenly
               Jerusalem
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               we
               see
               here
               ,
               that
               unto
               this
               commendation
               of
               her
               beauty
               and
               comliness
               he
               prefixes
               ,
               an
               Ecce
               ,
               or
               behold
               ,
               which
               word
               is
               used
               in
               Scripture
               ,
               1.
               
               As
               an
               Ecce
               of
               admiration
               ,
               (
               as
               ,
               Behold
               a
               virgin
               shall
               conceive
               and
               bear
               a
               child
               .
               )
               2.
               
               As
               an
               Ecce
               ,
               of
               demonstration
               ,
               as
               ,
               
                 Behold
                 the
                 Lamb
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 &c.
              
               3.
               
               As
               an
               Ecce
               ,
               of
               consideration
               ,
               as
               ,
               Lam.
               1.
               12.
               
               Behold
               and
               see
               if
               ever
               there
               was
               sorrow
               like
               to
               my
               sorrow
               ,
               &c.
               
               Also
               when
               he
               would
               stirre
               up
               the
               mind
               to
               remark
               and
               observe
               ,
               some
               rare
               ,
               excellent
               and
               wonderfull
               matter
               ,
               and
               which
               is
               also
               sure
               and
               evident
               ;
               even
               so
               hereby
               the
               Lord
               would
               have
               it
               observed
               ,
               1.
               
               That
               the
               beauty
               of
               his
               Church
               is
               a
               rare
               beauty
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               the
               same
               described
               ,
               Ps
               .
               45.
               and
               Rev.
               12.
               2.
               
               An
               excellent
               beauty
               also
               ,
               being
               spirituall
               ,
               and
               not
               subject
               to
               fading
               ,
               3.
               
               A
               wonderfull
               beauty
               likewise
               (
               considering
               her
               former
               deformity
               )
               put
               upon
               her
               by
               her
               bridgroom
               ,
               who
               has
               made
               her
               so
               as
               ,
               Ezek.
               16.
               14.
               
               And
               4.
               
               Which
               is
               so
               sure
               and
               permanent
               that
               death
               it self
               shall
               not
               deface
               it
               ,
               but
               rather
               be
               the
               meane
               of
               perfecting
               the
               same
               in
               glory
               .
            
             
               Last
               of
               all
               ,
               he
               redoubles
               this
               commendation
               of
               her
               beauty
               ,
               saying
               ;
               Thou
               art
               fair
               ,
               thou
               art
               fair
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               Showing
               thereby
               the
               excellency
               of
               her
               beauty
               ,
               as
               when
               we
               say
               good
               ,
               good
               ;
               or
               excellent
               and
               very
               good
               by
               a
               usuall
               Hebraism
               ,
               the
               doubling
               of
               the
               word
               expressing
               the
               superlative
               degree
               .
            
             
             
               2.
               
               To
               show
               the
               assurance
               that
               He
               would
               give
               her
               for
               her
               comfort
               ,
               and
               against
               all
               doubting
               in
               the
               contrary
               ,
               that
               she
               was
               fair
               and
               beautifull
               in
               His
               eyes
               ,
               think
               of
               her self
               in
               humility
               ,
               or
               let
               others
               think
               of
               her
               ,
               as
               they
               list
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               That
               she
               is
               wholly
               beautifull
               ,
               both
               in
               soul
               and
               body
               ,
               or
               in
               the
               whole
               man
               ;
               or
               that
               her
               beauty
               is
               twofold
               ,
               inward
               in
               soul
               ,
               and
               outward
               in
               conversation
               ,
               as
               the
               kings
               daughter
               ,
               Ps
               .
               45.
               13.
               is
               said
               not
               only
               to
               be
               glorious
               within
               ,
               but
               also
               in
               her
               rayment
               without
               .
               Also
               ,
               she
               hath
               another
               double
               beauty
               ;
               the
               one
               of
               justification
               ,
               the
               other
               of
               sanctification
               :
               both
               which
               the
               Lord
               joyns
               ,
               therfore
               let
               no
               man
               separate
               them
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Seeing
                 our
                 Saviour
                 declares
                 that
                 his
                 Church
                 and
                 her
                 true
                 members
                 are
                 fair
                 by
                 the
                 beauty
                 of
                 Holiness
                 spoken
                 of
                 ,
                 Ps
                 .
                 110.
                 
                 Then
                 let
                 not
                 those
                 who
                 would
                 be
                 so
                 accounted
                 ,
                 live
                 like
                 filthy
                 dogs
                 and
                 swine
                 ,
                 or
                 delight
                 in
                 any
                 impurity
                 ,
                 whereby
                 their
                 beauty
                 may
                 be
                 marred
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 He
                 sayes
                 ,
                 
                   My
                   love
                   thou
                   art
                   fair
                
                 ,
                 to
                 show
                 unto
                 us
                 wherefrom
                 our
                 beauty
                 proceeds
                 ,
                 not
                 of
                 our selves
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 so
                 ,
                 or
                 from
                 any
                 mer●…
                 us
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 so
                 in
                 his
                 eyes
                 ,
                 but
                 from
                 his
                 free
                 and
                 undeserved
                 Love
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 showes
                 ,
                 Ezek.
                 16.
                 8.
                 
                 And
                 the
                 way
                 to
                 have
                 the
                 assurance
                 of
                 this
                 love
                 sealed
                 up
                 to
                 our
                 consciences
                 for
                 our
                 joy
                 and
                 peace
                 ,
                 is
                 to
                 study
                 holiness
                 by
                 which
                 we
                 only
                 come
                 to
                 happiness
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Seeing
                 he
                 specially
                 looks
                 unto
                 ,
                 and
                 delights
                 in
                 faith
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 to
                 the
                 soul
                 like
                 the
                 eyes
                 of
                 the
                 dove
                 ,
                 Let
                 us
                 seek
                 after
                 it
                 earnestly
                 and
                 for
                 the
                 increase
                 thereof
                 ;
                 both
                 in
                 the
                 Christian
                 and
                 conscionable
                 use
                 of
                 the
                 means
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 servency
                 of
                 prayer
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
              
            
          
           
             
               Verse
               .
               16.
               
               Behold
               thou
               art
               fair
               my
               beloved
               ,
               yea
               pleasam
               ;
               also
               our
               bed
               is
               greene
               .
            
             
               Here
               the
               church
               returneth
               the
               praise
               of
               beauty
               to
               him
               who
               had
               in
               the
               former
               verse
               ascribed
               it
               to
               her
               ,
               as
               if
               she
               would
               say
               ,
               that
               he
               is
               rather
               only
               worthy
               so
               to
               be
               called
               ,
               being
               so
               ,
               1.
               
               Originally
               and
               from
               himself
               ,
               2.
               
               Effentially
               ,
               whose
               effence
               ,
               is
               holiness
               ,
               3.
               
               Perfectly
               ,
               without
               any
               defect
               and
               ,
               4.
               
               Unchangably
               ,
               from
               eternity
               to
               eternity
               :
               and
               ,
               5.
               
               Eminently
               above
               all
               without
               match
               ,
               and
               infinitly
               beyond
               all
               without
               any
               measure
               .
            
             
             
               Next
               ,
               not
               contented
               to
               call
               him
               fair
               ,
               she
               calls
               him
               also
               pleasant
               or
               comly
               ,
               as
               having
               seemly
               proportion
               with
               the
               brightness
               of
               colour
               ,
               which
               makes
               up
               the
               perfection
               of
               beauty
               ,
               which
               perfection
               our
               Saviour
               has
               ,
               1.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               his
               divine
               nature
               ,
               in
               that
               regard
               being
               beauty
               and
               holiness
               it self
               ,
               2.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               his
               Humane
               nature
               ,
               Ps
               .
               45.
               2.
               as
               fairest
               amongst
               men
               ,
               3.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               his
               perfect
               Innocence
               without
               all
               spot
               ,
               4.
               
               In
               regard
               of
               infused
               graces
               without
               any
               measure
               on
               earth
               ;
               and
               ,
               5.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               the
               fulness
               of
               glory
               above
               all
               creature
               ,
               which
               he
               has
               in
               the
               heavens
               ,
               unto
               which
               praise
               he
               prefixes
               an
               Ecce
               ,
               to
               show
               that
               this
               his
               beauty
               is
               such
               as
               it
               invites
               in
               a
               manner
               all
               men
               and
               creatures
               to
               behold
               the
               same
               .
            
             
               Therafter
               she
               subjoynes
               the
               praise
               of
               his
               Bed
               next
               to
               his
               Person
               ,
               where
               we
               have
               to
               consider
               .
               1.
               
               What
               It
               is
               ,
               and
               consequently
               what
               she
               is
               ,
               2.
               
               Whose
               it
               is
               ;
               and
               ,
               3.
               
               Of
               what
               quality
               it
               is
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               the
               bed
               between
               the
               bride
               and
               bridgroom
               is
               the
               place
               of
               procreation
               ,
               and
               whereby
               is
               shown
               ,
               that
               although
               the
               Church
               be
               a
               pure
               Virgin
               ,
               yet
               she
               is
               also
               a
               mother
               ,
               (
               as
               the
               virgin
               Mary
               was
               both
               )
               and
               ,
               as
               she
               is
               expresly
               called
               .
               Gal.
               4.
               26.
               and
               described
               so
               to
               be
               ,
               Rev.
               12.
               2.
               
               ●…ringing
               forth
               children
               to
               her
               Heavenly
               husband
               procreated
               by
               the
               Immortall
               seed
               of
               his
               Word
               ,
               and
               nourished
               upon
               her
               breasts
               of
               the
               new
               and
               old
               testament
               by
               that
               sincere
               milk
               of
               the
               word
               ,
               whereof
               Peter
               speaks
               ,
               unto
               eternall
               life
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               This
               bed
               is
               called
               by
               her
               ,
               (
               our
               bed
               )
               signifying
               thereby
               ,
               that
               by
               her
               communion
               with
               Christ
               she
               became
               fruitfull
               ,
               both
               in
               progeny
               of
               children
               by
               the
               new
               birth
               of
               regeneration
               ,
               and
               by
               the
               practice
               of
               good
               works
               and
               fruits
               of
               sanctification
               .
               As
               also
               that
               in
               the
               forenamed
               work
               of
               spirituall
               procreation
               ,
               with
               her
               externall
               Ministry
               ,
               the
               Lord
               must
               ever
               concurre
               and
               co-operate
               by
               his
               divine
               Efficacy
               ;
               for
               Paul
               plants
               and
               Apollos
               waters
               ,
               but
               the
               Lord
               gives
               the
               increass
               ,
               as
               we
               may
               see
               ,
               Act.
               16.
               14.
               
            
             
               3.
               
               The
               quality
               of
               this
               bed
               is
               this
               ,
               that
               it
               is
               called
               ,
               greene
               whereby
               is
               signified
               the
               flourishing
               in
               all
               ages
               ,
               and
               ever
               fresh
               springing
               up
               of
               these
               goodly
               olive
               plants
               ,
               and
               children
               ,
               spoken
               of
               both
               by
               the
               
                 Psalmist
                 Ps
              
               .
               92.
               13.
               and
               
                 Prophet
                 ,
                 Isay
              
               .
               61.
               4.
               which
               she
               bringeth
               forth
               to
               her
               Heavenly
               husband
               ,
               of
               whom
               she
               may
               say
               ,
               as
               Leah
               said
               of
               Gad
               ,
               in
               every
               age
               ,
               that
               a
               troop
               cometh
               ;
               and
               of
               whom
               also
               it
               may
               be
               spoken
               as
               ,
               Ps
               .
               92
               :
               14.
               
               That
               she
               shall
               still
               bring
               forth
               fruit
               in
               her
               old
               age
               to
               the
               worlds
               end
               ,
               and
               shal
               be
               fat
               and
               flourishing
               .
            
             
               
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Here
                 we
                 see
                 the
                 Churches
                 Retribution
                 of
                 praise
                 to
                 him
                 of
                 Heavenly
                 beauty
                 ,
                 to
                 whom
                 only
                 and
                 most
                 properly
                 the
                 praise
                 thereof
                 is
                 due
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 she
                 does
                 in
                 token
                 of
                 true
                 thankfulness
                 :
                 which
                 for
                 every
                 gift
                 and
                 assurance
                 of
                 Gods
                 favour
                 we
                 should
                 not
                 cease
                 in
                 like
                 manner
                 to
                 offer
                 to
                 him
                 daily
                 to
                 whom
                 the
                 same
                 is
                 due
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 that
                 this
                 bed
                 of
                 Christ
                 and
                 his
                 bride
                 is
                 ever
                 green
                 ,
                 and
                 shal
                 be
                 to
                 the
                 worlds
                 end
                 :
                 like
                 Moses
                 bush
                 ,
                 fruitfull
                 in
                 all
                 ages
                 and
                 therefore
                 shall
                 never
                 fade
                 ,
                 nor
                 the
                 ports
                 of
                 Hell
                 shall
                 never
                 prevaile
                 against
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 hinder
                 the
                 birth
                 of
                 that
                 man-child
                 ,
                 Rev.
                 12.
                 or
                 production
                 of
                 those
                 who
                 are
                 endued
                 with
                 Masculine
                 strength
                 ,
                 to
                 resist
                 Satan
                 and
                 stand
                 for
                 the
                 truth
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Verse
               .
               17.
               
               The
               beames
               of
               our
               house
               are
               Cedars
               ,
               and
               our
               rafters
               of
               Erre
               .
            
             
               Before
               was
               the
               praise
               of
               the
               place
               of
               procreation
               of
               Gods
               children
               ;
               followes
               now
               the
               praise
               of
               Gods
               house
               ,
               the
               place
               of
               their
               education
               :
               where
               we
               have
               to
               consider
               ,
               1.
               
               What
               is
               meant
               by
               this
               house
               ,
               and
               why
               the
               Church
               is
               so
               called
               ,
               2.
               
               What
               are
               the
               parts
               thereof
               here
               mentioned
               ;
               and
               ,
               3.
               
               What
               is
               the
               matter
               thereof
               ,
               from
               which
               it
               is
               commended
               ;
               and
               ,
               4.
               
               Why
               she
               calles
               it
               
                 our
                 house
              
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ;
               by
               this
               house
               is
               meant
               the
               Church
               ,
               called
               Gods
               House
               expresly
               ,
               1.
               
               
                 Tim.
                 3.
                 15.
                 
                 Heb.
                 3.
                 6.
                 
                 Eph.
              
               2.
               22.
               and
               ,
               1
               Pet.
               2.
               5.
               
               For
               these
               ensuing
               reasons
               ;
            
             
               1.
               
               For
               inhabitation
               ,
               because
               there
               the
               Lord
               dwells
               ,
               as
               he
               promised
               ,
               
                 Ero
                 vobiscum
              
               ,
               And
               we
               see
               ,
               
                 Rev.
                 2.
                 1.
                 
                 Numb
                 .
                 5.
                 3.
                 
                 Psal
                 .
                 80.
                 1.
                 9.
                 11.
                 
                 Joh.
                 14.
                 17.
                 
                 Eph.
                 3.
                 17.
                 
                 Rev.
                 18.
                 9.
                 11.
                 2
                 
                 ▪
                 Tim.
              
               1.
               14.
               and
               1
               Ioh.
               2.
               17.
               
            
             
               2.
               
               For
               decoration
               ,
               with
               saving
               graces
               ,
               and
               diversity
               of
               edifying
               gifts
               ,
               as
               a
               man
               adornes
               his
               House
               ,
               with
               sundry
               sorts
               of
               ornaments
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               For
               delectation
               ,
               whence
               he
               gives
               his
               Church
               here
               so
               many
               goodly
               titles
               importing
               the
               same
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               For
               domination
               ,
               in
               a
               speciall
               and
               gracious
               manner
               ruling
               therein
               .
            
             
               But
               herein
               is
               a
               great
               disparity
               between
               His
               house
               and
               others
               .
            
             
             
               1.
               
               He
               is
               both
               owner
               and
               builder
               of
               this
               ,
               2.
               
               He
               is
               both
               builder
               and
               buyer
               ,
               3.
               
               The
               stones
               whereof
               this
               house
               is
               built
               are
               living
               ,
               1
               Pet.
               2.
               5.
               4
               
               As
               he
               is
               the
               builder
               ,
               so
               himself
               is
               both
               foundation
               and
               corner-stone
               ,
               5.
               
               Himself
               is
               the
               indweller
               ,
               and
               no
               other
               by
               elocation
               ,
               as
               some
               are
               .
               6.
               
               He
               is
               ever
               present
               in
               ,
               and
               with
               his
               House
               ;
               and
               ,
               7.
               
               No
               time
               can
               make
               this
               house
               decay
               ,
               no
               fire
               consume
               it
               ,
               nor
               storme
               overthrow
               the
               same
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               the
               parts
               of
               this
               House
               here
               mentioned
               ,
               are
               beams
               which
               are
               strong
               and
               laid
               in
               walls
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ordinarily
               in
               buildings
               ,
               and
               rafters
               which
               are
               lesse
               in
               quantity
               ,
               and
               for
               another
               use
               ;
               and
               whereby
               are
               understood
               the
               diverse
               office-bearers
               ,
               and
               other
               members
               of
               the
               Church
               of
               Christ
               :
               Some
               stronger
               ,
               as
               those
               ,
               Gal.
               2.
               9.
               who
               are
               called
               pillars
               ,
               and
               upon
               whom
               the
               weighty
               burden
               is
               incumbent
               in
               church
               or
               common-wealth
               .
               And
               others
               againe
               weaker
               gifted
               or
               graced
               ,
               and
               in
               meaner
               and
               more
               private
               stations
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               the
               parable
               of
               the
               talents
               ,
               some
               having
               more
               ,
               some
               fewer
               ,
               and
               some
               but
               one
               talent
               ,
               and
               who
               had
               most
               ,
               having
               most
               to
               count
               for
               ,
               and
               who
               ought
               not
               despise
               those
               ,
               who
               had
               fewer
               neither
               those
               who
               had
               the
               fewest
               ,
               to
               envy
               with
               an
               ill
               eye
               such
               as
               had
               most
               ,
               but
               to
               be
               carefull
               to
               gaine
               proportionally
               .
            
             
               Next
               ,
               as
               the
               beams
               are
               made
               strong
               ,
               not
               for
               themselves
               ,
               but
               for
               the
               supportation
               of
               other
               parts
               of
               the
               house
               ,
               as
               the
               floores
               and
               such
               like
               ;
               even
               so
               the
               stronger
               in
               Christs
               church
               have
               their
               strength
               not
               only
               for
               their
               own
               stability
               ,
               or
               standing
               ,
               but
               for
               the
               good
               of
               those
               who
               are
               weaker
               :
               as
               it
               was
               said
               to
               
                 Peter
                 ,
                 tu
                 conversus
                 confirma
                 fratres
                 .
              
            
             
               Moreover
               as
               beams
               and
               rafters
               ,
               and
               such
               other
               parts
               in
               a
               Materiall
               house
               although
               divers
               in
               strength
               and
               for
               divers
               places
               and
               uses
               in
               the
               fabrick
               ,
               yet
               have
               all
               a
               firme
               connexion
               amongst
               themselves
               to
               make
               up
               one
               compleat
               structure
               :
               even
               so
               in
               Christs
               church
               though
               there
               be
               divers
               members
               ,
               diversly
               gifted
               ,
               and
               placed
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               the
               members
               of
               the
               body
               naturall
               ,
               1.
               
               Cor.
               12.
               14.
               
               Yet
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               there
               showes
               ,
               v.
               25.
               there
               should
               be
               no
               schism
               in
               the
               body
               ,
               but
               such
               a
               conjunction
               of
               love
               ,
               that
               the
               members
               should
               have
               the
               same
               care
               one
               of
               another
               ,
               as
               they
               have
               of
               themselves
               ,
               and
               a
               holy
               sympathy
               in
               suffering
               or
               rejoysing
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               the
               matter
               whereof
               those
               parts
               are
               ,
               and
               from
               which
               they
               are
               so
               commended
               ,
               is
               ,
               that
               the
               beams
               are
               of
               Cedar
               ,
               and
               the
               rafters
               ,
               (
               or
               as
               Some
               expound
               ,
               the
               galleries
               or
               
               walks
               )
               of
               firre
               ,
               alluding
               ,
               as
               seemeth
               ,
               to
               that
               of
               Solomon's
               Temple
               ,
               1
               King.
               6.
               15.
               where
               both
               these
               sorts
               of
               timber
               are
               mentioned
               ,
               whereof
               that
               Temple
               was
               built
               ,
               and
               both
               grew
               in
               
                 Lebanon
                 ,
                 2
                 King.
              
               19.
               23.
               and
               were
               of
               greatest
               account
               .
               And
               first
               the
               Cedar
               ,
               in
               that
               same
               place
               ,
               and
               Ezech.
               17.
               22.
               is
               commended
               ,
               1.
               
               From
               talnesse
               ,
               or
               growing
               high
               ;
               and
               so
               do
               the
               godly
               grow
               in
               grace
               ,
               reaching
               in
               their
               affections
               upward
               ,
               
                 quaerendo
                 quae
                 suprà
              
               .
               2.
               
               The
               Cedar
               is
               said
               to
               cast
               forth
               his
               roots
               sure
               ,
               for
               withstanding
               rooting
               up
               by
               any
               wind
               or
               violence
               ,
               Hos
               .
               14.
               5.
               denotating
               thereby
               ,
               the
               stability
               of
               God's
               Saints
               ,
               who
               build
               upon
               the
               rock
               .
               3.
               
               The
               Cedar
               is
               called
               Excellent
               ,
               Cant.
               5.
               15.
               and
               so
               are
               the
               godly
               called
               ,
               Psal
               .
               16.
               3.
               in
               respect
               of
               grace
               ,
               and
               their
               new
               birth
               .
               4.
               
               The
               Cedar-wood
               was
               most
               durable
               ,
               and
               therefore
               the
               Ark
               ,
               and
               orher
               parts
               of
               the
               Tabernacle
               ,
               was
               made
               thereof
               ;
               and
               so
               are
               the
               godly
               by
               grace
               ,
               against
               prevailing
               corruption
               here
               ,
               and
               fitted
               for
               eternall
               glory
               hereafter
               .
               5.
               
               The
               Cedar-tree
               was
               such
               a
               one
               ,
               as
               brought
               forth
               fruit
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Ezech.
               17.
               23.
               and
               so
               are
               the
               godly
               ,
               fruitfull
               in
               holinesse
               and
               good
               works
               .
            
             
               Next
               ,
               her
               rafters
               ,
               or
               galleries
               for
               walks
               ,
               are
               said
               to
               be
               of
               Firre
               ;
               which
               ,
               besides
               that
               it
               is
               likewise
               a
               tall
               ,
               streight
               ,
               and
               durable
               sort
               of
               tree
               ,
               it
               has
               these
               two
               properties
               :
               1.
               
               It
               is
               alwaies
               green
               in
               winter
               ,
               as
               in
               summer
               ;
               and
               so
               are
               the
               godly
               ,
               in
               stedfast
               confidence
               by
               grace
               ,
               alwaies
               vigorous
               ,
               without
               decaying
               or
               falling
               away
               from
               Christ
               and
               his
               truth
               ,
               as
               well
               in
               adversity
               as
               prosperity
               .
               2.
               
               The
               firre-tree
               is
               a
               fat
               ,
               savoury
               ,
               and
               well-smelling
               tree
               ,
               through
               the
               aboundance
               of
               ●ap
               and
               rosen
               that
               it
               has
               in
               it
               ;
               even
               so
               are
               the
               godly
               ,
               fat
               with
               the
               fatnesse
               of
               spirituall
               grace
               ,
               spoken
               of
               ,
               Esa
               .
               25.
               6.
               and
               savoury
               not
               onely
               through
               Christ
               to
               God
               ,
               but
               sending
               forth
               a
               good
               smell
               ,
               of
               a
               holy
               life
               ,
               and
               conversation
               ,
               to
               allure
               and
               delight
               others
               :
               And
               therefore
               saies
               the
               Lord
               of
               his
               people
               ,
               Hos
               .
               14.
               6.
               that
               their
               smell
               should
               be
               as
               the
               smell
               of
               Lebanon
               .
            
             
               But
               it
               may
               be
               asked
               ,
               why
               she
               speaks
               of
               the
               beams
               and
               rafters
               ,
               and
               not
               of
               the
               walls
               of
               this
               house
               ?
               I
               answer
               ,
               If
               these
               parts
               made
               of
               timber
               or
               wood
               ,
               be
               so
               firm
               and
               durable
               ,
               then
               the
               firmity
               ,
               durablenesse
               ,
               and
               strength
               of
               the
               rest
               ,
               as
               the
               walls
               ,
               which
               are
               made
               of
               stone
               ,
               is
               out
               of
               all
               question
               ;
               and
               so
               this
               house
               ,
               in
               all
               the
               parts
               thereof
               ,
               is
               so
               durable
               and
               strongly
               built
               ,
               that
               the
               very
               gates
               of
               hell
               shall
               never
               prevail
               against
               it
               .
            
             
               Last
               of
               all
               ,
               seeing
               the
               Church
               speaks
               here
               ,
               how
               saies
               she
               ,
               
                 (
                 Our
                 house
              
               )
               being
               her self
               God's
               house
               ?
               I
               answer
               ,
               She
               speaks
               
               this
               ,
               in
               the
               person
               of
               the
               mother
               of
               the
               family
               of
               God's
               children
               ,
               who
               make
               up
               this
               house
               ;
               and
               as
               Christ's
               Spouse
               ,
               who
               by
               that
               mysticall
               and
               matrimoniall
               union
               with
               him
               ,
               hath
               likewise
               a
               communion
               with
               him
               in
               all
               which
               is
               his
               ,
               as
               there
               is
               a
               threefold
               communion
               between
               married
               persons
               ,
               of
               hearts
               in
               affection
               ,
               of
               bodies
               in
               fruition
               ,
               and
               of
               goods
               in
               possession
               .
               And
               therefore
               in
               this
               respect
               ,
               she
               said
               in
               the
               preceding
               verse
               ,
               
                 Our
                 bed
              
               ,
               as
               in
               this
               verse
               ,
               
                 Our
                 house
              
               .
            
             
               Or
               else
               ,
               the
               Catholick
               Church
               speaks
               here
               ,
               of
               particulat
               ,
               nationall
               ,
               and
               other
               Churches
               ,
               of
               which
               she
               is
               made
               up
               ;
               and
               therefore
               the
               word
               in
               the
               originall
               Hebrew
               ,
               is
               Bathenu
               ,
               or
               Houses
               ,
               in
               the
               plurall
               number
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Seeing
                 there
                 is
                 such
                 diversity
                 of
                 parts
                 ,
                 and
                 diversly
                 gifted
                 members
                 in
                 Christ's
                 house
                 ,
                 what
                 ever
                 be
                 the
                 Lord's
                 dispensation
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 or
                 others
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 reverence
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 content
                 with
                 our
                 own
                 measure
                 and
                 station
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 were
                 to
                 be
                 but
                 snuffers
                 ,
                 or
                 snuff-dishes
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 Sanctuary
                 ,
                 or
                 ,
                 as
                 David
                 said
                 ,
                 a
                 door-keeper
                 in
                 in
                 the
                 Lord's
                 house
                 ;
                 and
                 labour
                 to
                 glorifie
                 God
                 in
                 our
                 place
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 our
                 gift
                 to
                 benefit
                 the
                 body
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Seeing
                 the
                 parts
                 of
                 this
                 house
                 are
                 commended
                 from
                 the
                 marter
                 whereof
                 they
                 are
                 made
                 ,
                 excellent
                 ,
                 durable
                 ,
                 and
                 savoury
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 Therefore
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 the
                 true
                 parts
                 and
                 members
                 of
                 this
                 house
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 examine
                 our selves
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 have
                 this
                 true
                 excellency
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 durable
                 riches
                 thereof
                 ,
                 whereby
                 we
                 send
                 forth
                 a
                 sweet
                 smell
                 ,
                 of
                 a
                 holy
                 and
                 good
                 example
                 to
                 others
                 ;
                 or
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 send
                 forth
                 onely
                 a
                 noisome
                 scandalous
                 stink
                 ,
                 savouring
                 of
                 corruption
                 and
                 much
                 filthinesse
                 within
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 In
                 respect
                 of
                 the
                 Churches
                 desponsation
                 to
                 Christ
                 her
                 husband
                 ,
                 seeing
                 she
                 calls
                 and
                 claims
                 to
                 all
                 that
                 is
                 his
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 hers
                 likewise
                 ,
                 as
                 ,
                 
                   Our
                   b●d
                
                 ;
                 and
                 ,
                 
                   Our
                   house
                
                 ;
                 Therefore
                 let
                 us
                 get
                 Christ
                 first
                 ,
                 and
                 espouse
                 our
                 souls
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 as
                 ,
                 
                   Cant.
                   6.
                   3.
                   
                   My
                   beloved
                   is
                   mine
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   am
                   his
                   .
                
                 And
                 then
                 having
                 right
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 right
                 to
                 all
                 good
                 things
                 in
                 him
                 ;
                 as
                 ,
                 right
                 to
                 his
                 righteousnesse
                 and
                 obedience
                 ,
                 right
                 to
                 his
                 merits
                 and
                 satisfaction
                 ,
                 and
                 right
                 to
                 his
                 purchase
                 and
                 possession
                 But
                 if
                 we
                 want
                 him
                 ,
                 we
                 want
                 all
                 ,
                 and
                 like
                 Laodicea
                 ,
                 think
                 what
                 we
                 will
                 ,
                 weare
                 but
                 poor
                 ,
                 miserable
                 ,
                 and
                 wretched
                 .
              
            
          
           
             Finis
             primi
             capitis
             .
          
           
             Soli
             Deo
             gloria
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             II.
             
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               1.
               
               I
               am
               the
               Rose
               of
               Sharon
               ,
               and
               the
               Lillie
               of
               the
               vallies
               .
            
             
               HEre
               Christ
               expresses
               his
               own
               excellency
               by
               comparisons
               ,
               for
               our
               capacity
               ,
               to
               allure
               and
               enamour
               the
               souls
               of
               his
               Elect
               ,
               to
               seek
               ,
               affect
               ,
               and
               long
               after
               him
               ,
               as
               he
               calls
               himself
               elswhere
               ,
               the
               Bread
               of
               life
               ,
               the
               Light
               of
               the
               world
               ,
               the
               true
               Vine
               ,
               the
               Truth
               ,
               the
               Way
               ,
               and
               the
               Life
               ,
               &c.
               
               And
               this
               he
               may
               do
               ,
               because
               he
               is
               the
               fountain
               of
               all
               goodnesse
               and
               excellency
               ;
               whereas
               it
               is
               not
               comly
               for
               others
               ,
               so
               to
               set
               forth
               their
               own
               praise
               ,
               as
               Prov.
               17.
               2.
               because
               they
               have
               all
               which
               is
               praise-worthy
               from
               him
               ,
               to
               whom
               onely
               the
               praise
               and
               glory
               thereof
               is
               due
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               he
               is
               compared
               to
               a
               Rose
               ,
               and
               then
               to
               a
               Lilly
               ;
               a
               Rose
               of
               Sharon
               ,
               or
               the
               field
               ,
               and
               a
               Lilly
               of
               the
               Vallies
               .
            
             
               This
               Sharon
               was
               a
               very
               fruitfull
               and
               fair
               field
               of
               pasture
               ▪
               whereof
               we
               read
               ,
               1
               Chron.
               27.
               29.
               and
               when
               the
               Lord
               threaneth
               desolation
               to
               the
               Land
               ,
               he
               saies
               of
               Sharon
               ,
               as
               of
               the
               most
               fruitfull
               part
               thereof
               ,
               Esa
               .
               33.
               9.
               that
               
                 Sharon
                 shall
                 be
                 as
                 a
                 wildernesse
                 .
              
               And
               on
               the
               contrary
               ,
               when
               he
               promises
               to
               blesse
               the
               Land
               ,
               to
               the
               comfort
               of
               his
               People
               ,
               that
               sought
               him
               ,
               he
               saies
               ,
               as
               Esa
               .
               65.
               10.
               that
               
                 Sharon
                 shall
                 be
                 a
                 fold
                 of
                 flocks
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 valley
                 of
                 Achor
                 ,
                 a
                 place
                 for
                 herds
                 to
                 lie
                 in
                 .
              
            
             
               Which
               flowers
               ,
               whereunto
               he
               is
               compared
               ,
               we
               will
               consider
               conjunctly
               and
               more
               generally
               ;
               next
               ,
               severally
               ,
               and
               more
               particularly
               .
               First
               then
               ,
               as
               flowers
               have
               
                 coelum
                 &
                 solum
                 pro
                 parentibus
              
               ;
               so
               had
               he
               a
               heavenly
               Father
               ,
               and
               an
               earthly
               Mother
               ,
               that
               so
               he
               might
               be
               Emmanuel
               .
               2.
               
               As
               flowers
               spring
               ,
               fade
               ,
               and
               spring
               up
               again
               the
               next
               year
               ;
               so
               Christ
               
                 nativitate
                 floruit
                 ,
                 passione
                 exaruit
                 ,
                 sed
                 resurrectione
                 nunquam
                 ampliùs
                 moriturus
                 refloruit
                 .
              
               3.
               
               Their
               severall
               colours
               red
               and
               white
               joyned
               ,
               make
               up
               perfect
               beaut●
               ,
               Cant.
               5.
               9
               ,
               10.
               which
               was
               onely
               in
               Christ
               ,
               the
               beauty
               of
               holinesse
               .
               Psal
               .
               110.
               3.
               4
               
               These
               are
               delightfull
               to
               the
               eye
               ,
               and
               so
               is
               Christ
               crucified
               ,
               the
               most
               delightfull
               object
               that
               can
               be
               to
               the
               humbled
               soul
               ,
               Cant.
               5.
               10.
               5.
               
               They
               are
               also
               fragrant
               and
               sweet
               to
               the
               smell
               ,
               and
               so
               is
               Christ
               ,
               in
               the
               means
               of
               grace
               ,
               to
               the
               believing
               and
               hungring
               soul
               .
            
             
             
               Next
               to
               consider
               them
               severally
               ,
               1.
               
               The
               redness
               of
               the
               Rose
               may
               signifie
               to
               us
               (
               as
               we
               see
               also
               ,
               Isay
               63.
               1
               ,
               2.
               )
               the
               blood
               shed
               of
               Christ
               in
               his
               passion
               ,
               which
               he
               shed
               violently
               ,
               frequently
               ,
               universally
               and
               aboundantly
               to
               purge
               us
               ,
               and
               purchase
               to
               us
               an
               eternall
               inheritance
               ,
               2.
               
               The
               Rose
               has
               many
               prickles
               with
               it
               ;
               and
               so
               ,
               many
               are
               the
               troubles
               of
               the
               godly
               who
               are
               in
               Christ
               and
               get
               him
               ,
               but
               he
               delivers
               them
               out
               of
               them
               all
               in
               the
               end
               ,
               3.
               
               Roses
               distilled
               afford
               a
               most
               sweet
               and
               cooling
               liquor
               ;
               so
               does
               Christ
               crucified
               ,
               and
               meditated
               upon
               ,
               in
               the
               soul
               ,
               most
               sweet
               comfort
               ,
               and
               cooling
               to
               a
               weary
               and
               scorched
               conscience
               ,
               4.
               
               As
               ,
               being
               conserved
               and
               otherwise
               made
               use
               of
               ,
               and
               applyed
               ,
               it
               is
               very
               cordiall
               and
               medicinall
               even
               so
               is
               Christ
               ,
               laid
               hold
               on
               by
               faith
               ,
               applyed
               ,
               and
               kept
               :
               in
               the
               soul
               ,
               the
               most
               soveraigne
               cordiall
               thereof
               ,
               and
               medicinall
               to
               the
               sickness
               of
               the
               same
               .
            
             
               Now
               he
               is
               called
               the
               Rose
               of
               Sharon
               ,
               or
               of
               the
               field
               ,
               to
               show
               ;
            
             
               1.
               
               As
               flowers
               ,
               and
               such
               specially
               ,
               are
               the
               beauty
               of
               the
               field
               ;
               so
               is
               Christ
               the
               beauty
               of
               man-kind
               ,
               and
               glory
               thereof
               ,
               beyond
               the
               Angelicall
               nature
               ,
               by
               assuming
               our
               nature
               in
               his
               person
               ,
               and
               seating
               it
               in
               glory
               at
               the
               right
               hand
               of
               the
               father
               ,
               2.
               
               As
               such
               Roses
               that
               grow
               in
               fields
               are
               not
               planted
               by
               man
               ,
               so
               neither
               was
               Christ
               planted
               as
               it
               were
               ,
               by
               man
               in
               the
               womb
               of
               the
               virgin
               ,
               but
               conceived
               by
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               ,
               3.
               
               As
               the
               Rose
               in
               the
               fields
               is
               open
               to
               winds
               ,
               plucking
               ,
               treading
               on
               ,
               and
               such
               like
               ;
               so
               was
               Christ
               on
               earth
               to
               many
               sorts
               of
               sufferings
               ,
               as
               Isay
               .
               53.
               4
               
               As
               there
               is
               patent
               accesse
               for
               any
               to
               such
               Roses
               ,
               so
               is
               there
               to
               Christ
               to
               any
               humble
               and
               believing
               soul
               ,
               being
               like
               
                 Manna
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 brasen
                 Serpent
                 ,
              
               5.
               
               As
               the
               Roses
               of
               Sharon
               were
               counted
               the
               fairest
               and
               most
               fragrant
               or
               excellent
               ,
               so
               is
               Christ
               Jesus
               the
               most
               excellent
               fragrant
               and
               fairest
               amongst
               men
               ;
               and
               ,
               6.
               
               As
               Sharon
               was
               a
               place
               of
               pasture
               ,
               so
               in
               such
               places
               Christ
               is
               to
               be
               found
               ,
               as
               we
               may
               see
               ,
               
                 Cant.
                 1.
                 7.
                 
                 Joh.
                 10.
                 
                 Rev.
              
               2.
               1.
               
               &c.
               
            
             
               Secondly
               he
               is
               called
               a
               Lill●
               ,
               which
               is
               of
               white
               colour
               ,
               (
               1.
               )
               To
               denotate
               his
               holiness
               ,
               which
               in
               him
               is
               otherwise
               then
               in
               in
               his
               Church
               as
               ,
               v.
               2.
               
               To
               wit
               ,
               1.
               
               Originall
               ,
               2.
               
               Essentiall
               ,
               3.
               
               Perfect
               and
               ,
               4.
               
               Communicative
               ,
               and
               Holiness
               it self
               ,
               and
               no
               other
               so
               ,
               (
               2.
               )
               As
               a
               Lilly
               is
               soft
               and
               smooth
               ,
               so
               was
               Christ
               meck
               and
               mercifull
               to
               the
               most
               bruised
               reed
               &c.
               
               (
               3.
               )
               It
               is
               for
               divers
               uses
               medicinall
               ,
               both
               mollifying
               and
               mundifying
               ,
               &c.
               
               And
               so
               is
               Christ
               ,
               by
               his
               blood
               and
               spirit
               .
            
             
             
               Next
               he
               is
               called
               a
               Lilly
               in
               the
               vallyes
               ,
               1.
               
               To
               denotate
               his
               own
               humiliation
               of
               himselfe
               from
               the
               highest
               Heavens
               to
               the
               valley
               ,
               as
               it
               were
               ,
               of
               lowest
               humiliation
               in
               his
               birth
               ,
               life
               ,
               death
               and
               buriall
               ,
               2.
               
               To
               show
               us
               where
               he
               is
               to
               be
               found
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               in
               the
               vallyes
               of
               humble
               hearts
               ,
               Isay
               .
               57.
               15.
               
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 If
                 Christ
                 be
                 so
                 delightfull
                 ,
                 fragrant
                 ,
                 and
                 excellent
                 ,
                 Let
                 us
                 not
                 despise
                 him
                 ,
                 preferring
                 the
                 seeking
                 of
                 vaine
                 and
                 worthless
                 trifles
                 of
                 this
                 world
                 farre
                 before
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 being
                 like
                 Martha
                 or
                 
                   Esau
                   ,
                   Matth.
                
                 13.
                 44
                 ,
                 45.
                 but
                 not
                 as
                 Mary
                 ,
                 or
                 Jacob.
                 Far
                 lesse
                 by
                 our
                 wicked
                 lives
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 not
                 tread
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 on
                 his
                 blood
                 that
                 he
                 has
                 shed
                 for
                 us
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Christ
                 is
                 called
                 a
                 Rose
                 of
                 Sharon
                 to
                 show
                 that
                 in
                 the
                 pasture
                 places
                 where
                 his
                 true
                 word
                 is
                 taught
                 and
                 holy
                 Sacraments
                 ministred
                 he
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 found
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 to
                 such
                 places
                 we
                 should
                 conscionably
                 and
                 with
                 delight
                 resort
                 ,
                 as
                 David
                 said
                 ,
                 I
                 rejoyced
                 when
                 they
                 said
                 ,
                 Let
                 us
                 go
                 up
                 to
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 ,
                 we
                 may
                 find
                 Christ
                 in
                 the
                 use
                 of
                 his
                 meanes
                 ,
                 as
                 Joseph
                 and
                 Mary
                 found
                 him
                 in
                 the
                 Temple
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Seeing
                 he
                 is
                 also
                 called
                 a
                 Lilly
                 of
                 the
                 valleyes
                 ,
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 his
                 dwelling
                 in
                 a
                 humble
                 Heart
                 ,
                 therefore
                 we
                 should
                 labour
                 to
                 subdue
                 our
                 naturall
                 pride
                 of
                 Heart
                 ,
                 and
                 learne
                 of
                 him
                 Humility
                 ,
                 that
                 so
                 for
                 conformity
                 of
                 disposition
                 he
                 may
                 delight
                 to
                 dwell
                 in
                 us
                 here
                 ,
                 and
                 bring
                 us
                 to
                 dwell
                 with
                 him
                 for
                 ever
                 hereafter
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Verse
               .
               2.
               
               As
               a
               Lilly
               among
               thornes
               ,
               so
               is
               my
               love
               among
               the
               daughters
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               Here
               he
               sets
               out
               the
               praise
               of
               his
               Church
               ,
               where
               we
               have
               ,
               1.
               
               How
               he
               calles
               her
               ,
               2.
               
               Whereto
               he
               compares
               her
               ,
               and
               her
               present
               condition
               ,
               First
               then
               he
               calles
               her
               His
               love
               ,
               whereof
               we
               have
               spoken
               ,
               v.
               9.
               of
               the
               1.
               
               Chapter
               .
               Next
               he
               sayes
               ,
               
                 among
                 the
                 daughters
              
               ,
               by
               which
               is
               meant
               the
               whole
               corrupt
               race
               of
               mankind
               that
               are
               daughters
               all
               to
               one
               father
               ,
               the
               first
               Adam
               ;
               and
               by
               nature
               she
               was
               no
               better
               then
               the
               rest
               of
               these
               daughters
               ,
               of
               whom
               she
               was
               one
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Ezek.
               16.
               
               And
               is
               made
               to
               differ
               from
               them
               only
               by
               free
               love
               and
               grace
               ,
               without
               any
               motive
               or
               merit
               on
               her
               part
               ,
               that
               thereby
               looking
               on
               the
               rest
               of
               her
               sisters
               ,
               and
               in
               what
               a
               base
               and
               wretched
               ●state
               she
               was
               by
               nature
               like
               unto
               them
               ,
               she
               may
               learne
               to
               be
               humble
               ,
               and
               considering
               also
               such
               a
               high
               preferment
               (
               like
               
               Ester
               who
               was
               a
               poore
               Orphant
               captive
               )
               whereto
               she
               is
               advanced
               from
               so
               base
               a
               condition
               as
               may
               be
               seen
               also
               in
               that
               place
               of
               Ezekiel
               ,
               she
               may
               never
               be
               unthankfull
               to
               so
               gracious
               a
               husband
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               Followes
               after
               ,
               the
               style
               he
               gives
               her
               ,
               whereto
               he
               compares
               her
               ,
               which
               is
               to
               a
               Lilly
               among
               thornes
               .
               She
               is
               then
               compared
               to
               a
               Lilly
               ,
               1.
               
               For
               her
               conformity
               to
               her
               head
               ,
               called
               so
               ,
               v.
               1.
               
               Especially
               in
               these
               properties
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               holiness
               or
               purity
               ,
               Rev.
               7.
               9.
               14.
               and
               2.
               
               In
               meekness
               and
               mercy
               ,
               or
               charity
               ,
               his
               members
               not
               being
               unsuteable
               ,
               like
               those
               of
               Nebuchadnezars
               Image
               ,
               unto
               the
               head
               thereof
               .
               2.
               
               To
               show
               that
               as
               the
               Lords
               clothes
               the
               Lillies
               of
               the
               field
               ,
               so
               does
               he
               care
               for
               his
               Church
               and
               clothes
               her
               with
               his
               righteousness
               and
               garment
               of
               Sanctification
               .
            
             
               It
               is
               to
               be
               remarked
               also
               ,
               that
               he
               speakes
               but
               of
               one
               Lilly
               ,
               but
               many
               thorns
               ;
               not
               only
               thereby
               to
               show
               the
               unity
               of
               his
               Church
               ,
               though
               being
               many
               members
               ,
               yet
               making
               up
               but
               one
               mysticall
               body
               ,
               but
               also
               the
               paucity
               of
               the
               godly
               in
               respect
               of
               the
               wicked
               ;
               for
               which
               cause
               our
               Saviour
               sayes
               that
               many
               are
               called
               but
               few
               chosen
               ,
               and
               that
               his
               flock
               is
               but
               a
               little
               flock
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               Thirdly
               ,
               this
               Lilly
               is
               said
               to
               be
               among
               thorns
               ,
               whereby
               is
               showne
               unto
               us
               ,
               1.
               
               Not
               only
               her
               present
               condition
               on
               earth
               ,
               but
               likewise
               ,
               2.
               
               Her
               excellency
               beyond
               all
               other
               societies
               ,
               as
               farre
               as
               a
               pleasant
               and
               fragrant
               Lilly
               excelles
               base
               and
               hurtfull
               thorns
               ,
               whereunto
               we
               find
               the
               wicked
               frequently
               compared
               in
               Scripture
               ,
               
                 Ezek.
                 28.
                 24.
                 
                 Isay
              
               .
               9.
               18.
               19.
               and
               10.
               17.
               
            
             
               1.
               
               Because
               of
               their
               present
               condition
               ,
               how
               happy
               soever
               seeming
               to
               the
               world
               ,
               yet
               they
               are
               but
               a
               cursed
               brood
               of
               the
               earth
               ,
               as
               thorns
               are
               said
               to
               be
               ,
               Gen.
               3.
               18.
               
            
             
               2.
               
               Because
               of
               their
               personall
               disposition
               ,
               1.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               themselves
               ,
               as
               thorns
               are
               shelters
               to
               serpents
               and
               other
               vermine
               ;
               so
               are
               their
               hearts
               a
               sheltering
               or
               nestling
               to
               Satan
               and
               all
               wickedness
               .
               2.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               others
               ,
               as
               thorns
               pricks
               and
               hurts
               ,
               so
               they
               prick
               and
               molest
               the
               godly
               ;
               partly
               ,
               by
               their
               ill
               life
               ,
               as
               Psal
               .
               119.
               136.
               and
               2.
               
               Pet.
               2.
               7.
               
               And
               partly
               by
               their
               persecutions
               ,
               being
               like
               the
               
                 Gananit
                 ,
                 Jos
              
               .
               23.
               17.
               
            
             
               3.
               
               Because
               of
               their
               future
               expectation
               ,
               like
               thorns
               ,
               to
               be
               burnt
               in
               Eternall
               fire
               ,
               as
               fewell
               thereof
               ,
               Ps
               .
               58.
               9.
               
            
             
               
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Seeing
                 Christ
                 showes
                 that
                 his
                 Church
                 is
                 like
                 a
                 Lilly
                 ,
                 let
                 every
                 one
                 therefore
                 try
                 himself
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 be
                 a
                 true
                 member
                 thereof
                 by
                 the
                 conformity
                 of
                 holiness
                 ,
                 humility
                 and
                 meekness
                 which
                 he
                 should
                 have
                 with
                 his
                 head
                 who
                 is
                 so
                 likewise
                 likened
                 ,
                 v.
                 1.
                 
                 Which
                 if
                 he
                 have
                 not
                 ,
                 but
                 be
                 impure
                 and
                 filthy
                 like
                 dogs
                 and
                 swine
                 he
                 is
                 none
                 of
                 Christs
                 flock
                 at
                 all
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Seeing
                 her
                 estate
                 here
                 on
                 earth
                 ,
                 is
                 among
                 thorns
                 ,
                 and
                 mixt
                 with
                 the
                 wicked
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 good
                 seed
                 and
                 tares
                 in
                 the
                 field
                 ,
                 till
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 Reaping
                 come
                 ,
                 or
                 as
                 wheat
                 and
                 chaffe
                 till
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 winnowing
                 come
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 Therefore
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 should
                 walk
                 the
                 more
                 warily
                 and
                 watchfully
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 be
                 not
                 hurt
                 by
                 their
                 evill
                 example
                 ,
                 and
                 being
                 compast
                 with
                 such
                 ,
                 1.
                 with
                 watching
                 joyne
                 prayer
                 that
                 we
                 enter
                 not
                 into
                 temptation
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 We
                 should
                 the
                 lesse
                 feare
                 ,
                 but
                 rejoyce
                 at
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 death
                 and
                 welcome
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 that
                 rids
                 us
                 altogether
                 of
                 such
                 grieving
                 and
                 molesting
                 thorns
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 David
                 were
                 the
                 Tents
                 of
                 Kedar
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 Rebecca
                 were
                 the
                 daughters
                 of
                 Heth.
                 
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 the
                 Lords
                 protection
                 of
                 his
                 Church
                 wonderfully
                 ,
                 that
                 notwithstanding
                 she
                 is
                 compast
                 about
                 with
                 so
                 many
                 hard
                 and
                 prickling
                 thorns
                 ,
                 yet
                 she
                 is
                 made
                 like
                 a
                 soft
                 and
                 tender
                 Lilly
                 to
                 grow
                 up
                 amongst
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 them
                 safely
                 ;
                 as
                 Israel
                 multiplied
                 in
                 Egypt
                 notwithstanding
                 of
                 Pharaoh's
                 cruelty
                 ;
                 the
                 bush
                 continued
                 greene
                 notwithstanding
                 of
                 the
                 fire
                 that
                 Moses
                 saw
                 in
                 it
                 ;
                 and
                 many
                 thousands
                 were
                 joyned
                 to
                 the
                 Church
                 after
                 Christs
                 ascension
                 ,
                 notwithstanding
                 of
                 Herods
                 and
                 the
                 Jewish
                 ,
                 or
                 others
                 their
                 persecution
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 what
                 should
                 be
                 the
                 constant
                 disposition
                 of
                 the
                 godly
                 ,
                 notwithstanding
                 that
                 they
                 be
                 among
                 thorns
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 to
                 continue
                 holy
                 like
                 the
                 white
                 Lilly
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 be
                 drawn
                 away
                 by
                 the
                 wicked
                 to
                 be
                 thorns
                 like
                 them
                 ,
                 or
                 change
                 their
                 nature
                 thereby
                 (
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 )
                 or
                 to
                 be
                 like
                 the
                 fishes
                 who
                 are
                 fresh
                 though
                 they
                 be
                 in
                 the
                 salt
                 Sea
                 ,
                 as
                 Noah
                 did
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   Lot
                   ,
                   Joseph
                   ,
                   Obadiah
                
                 ,
                 the
                 3.
                 children
                 ,
                 Daniel
                 ,
                 and
                 others
                 ,
                 who
                 neither
                 for
                 ill
                 example
                 ,
                 nor
                 hardest
                 affliction
                 ,
                 left
                 their
                 integrity
                 ,
                 but
                 ,
                 with
                 Job
                 ,
                 continued
                 constant
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
             
               Verse
               .
               3.
               
               As
               the
               apple-tree
               among
               the
               trees
               of
               the
               wood
               ,
               so
               is
               my
               beloved
               among
               the
               sonnes
               :
               I
               sat
               down
               under
               his
               shaddow
               with
               great
               delight
               ,
               and
               his
               fruit
               was
               sweet
               to
               my
               taste
               .
            
             
               As
               He
               set
               forth
               her
               praise
               that
               She
               excelled
               all
               the
               daughters
               ,
               as
               farre
               as
               the
               Lilly
               did
               the
               thornes
               ;
               so
               she
               sets
               forth
               his
               here
               ,
               that
               he
               excelled
               all
               the
               sonnes
               of
               men
               as
               farre
               as
               the
               apple
               tree
               excells
               all
               the
               rest
               of
               the
               common
               trees
               of
               the
               forrest
               .
               Which
               allegory
               she
               prosecutes
               showing
               what
               worthy
               benefits
               she
               received
               from
               his
               goodly
               apple-tree
               ,
               including
               them
               all
               under
               these
               two
               ,
               1.
               
               His
               shaddow
               ,
               the
               quality
               whereof
               was
               so
               delightfull
               ,
               that
               she
               sat
               downe
               under
               the
               same
               ;
               and
               ,
               2.
               
               Fruit
               ,
               the
               quality
               whereof
               in
               like
               manner
               was
               so
               sweet
               unto
               her
               Mouth
               ,
               that
               she
               did
               taste
               thereof
               and
               eate
               of
               the
               same
               .
            
             
               She
               had
               before
               ,
               c.
               1.
               v.
               13
               ,
               14.
               compared
               him
               to
               a
               bundle
               of
               sweet
               Mirrh
               ,
               and
               a
               cluster
               of
               odoriferous
               Camphir
               ,
               both
               excellent
               in
               smell
               ,
               but
               had
               not
               fruit
               nor
               shaddow
               ,
               and
               therefore
               now
               she
               compares
               him
               to
               an
               Apple-tree
               that
               afforded
               unto
               her
               both
               these
               ,
               thereby
               showing
               unto
               us
               that
               the
               excellency
               of
               Christ
               is
               so
               great
               ,
               through
               the
               plenty
               and
               variety
               of
               all
               grace
               and
               comfort
               that
               are
               treasured
               up
               in
               Him
               ,
               that
               no
               one
               thing
               or
               few
               ,
               whereon
               we
               can
               fix
               our
               consideration
               ,
               though
               never
               so
               good
               or
               excellent
               ,
               can
               sufficiently
               or
               fully
               represent
               that
               all-sufficiency
               and
               full
               store
               that
               is
               in
               him
               ,
               but
               what
               ever
               is
               good
               ,
               delightfull
               ,
               or
               praise
               worthy
               in
               every
               thing
               ,
               is
               all
               collectively
               and
               in
               the
               highest
               degree
               or
               measure
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               most
               excellent
               manner
               ,
               to
               be
               found
               in
               Him.
               
            
             
               First
               then
               she
               compares
               him
               to
               a
               Tree
               ,
               planted
               by
               the
               hand
               of
               that
               Heavenly
               husbandman
               ,
               Joh.
               15.
               1.
               in
               the
               earth
               of
               our
               Humane
               nature
               ,
               who
               brought
               forth
               much
               sweet
               and
               comfortable
               fruit
               in
               his
               life
               time
               ,
               Joh.
               21.
               25.
               
               And
               therefore
               (
               as
               trees
               in
               the
               winter
               season
               seeme
               to
               be
               dead
               )
               he
               in
               his
               passion
               being
               destitute
               as
               it
               were
               of
               leafe
               and
               fruit
               ,
               gave
               up
               the
               Ghost
               and
               died
               ,
               but
               yet
               ,
               as
               trees
               in
               the
               spring
               revive
               ,
               so
               did
               he
               after
               his
               lying
               a
               few
               dayes
               in
               the
               grave
               revive
               and
               rise
               gloriously
               ,
               and
               ascend
               to
               the
               Heavens
               thereafter
               conspicuously
               ,
               where
               he
               sits
               at
               the
               right
               hand
               of
               the
               Father
               ,
               as
               that
               Tree
               of
               life
               in
               the
               heavenly
               Jerusalem
               spoken
               of
               ,
               Rev.
               22.
               2.
               whose
               leafe
               and
               fruit
               is
               medicinall
               .
            
             
               And
               more
               particularly
               she
               compares
               him
               to
               an
               apple-tree
               
               commended
               in
               Scripture
               by
               three
               things
               specially
               ,
               1.
               
               Pleasant
               fruit
               ,
               2.
               
               Comfortable
               shaddow
               :
               and
               ,
               3.
               
               Sweet
               smelling
               .
               And
               in
               this
               place
               particularly
               praised
               from
               Shaddow
               ,
               which
               did
               delight
               her
               ,
               and
               Fruit
               which
               was
               sweet
               to
               her
               ,
               to
               show
               unto
               us
               thereby
               ,
               that
               even
               so
               Christ
               Jesus
               excells
               all
               others
               whatsoever
               ,
               who
               are
               but
               as
               wilde
               trees
               ,
               as
               wanting
               culture
               or
               dressing
               ,
               1.
               in
               heavenly
               beauty
               of
               grace
               and
               glory
               ,
               2.
               in
               sweet
               and
               well
               smelling
               fruit
               of
               obedience
               and
               merit
               ;
               and
               3.
               
               In
               comfortable
               shaddow
               ,
               of
               refreshing
               consolation
               and
               powerfull
               protection
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               having
               compared
               Christ
               to
               an
               apple-tree
               ,
               she
               prosecutes
               the
               allegory
               ,
               showing
               what
               excellent
               benefits
               she
               received
               from
               him
               ;
               which
               she
               comprehendeth
               under
               these
               two
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               his
               shaddow
               which
               did
               delight
               her
               ;
               his
               fruit
               which
               did
               refresh
               her
               ;
               under
               the
               one
               whereof
               she
               sat
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               sweetness
               of
               the
               other
               she
               did
               taste
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               we
               will
               speake
               of
               this
               His
               shaddow
               ,
               2.
               
               Of
               the
               Churches
               sitting
               under
               it
               ;
               and
               ,
               3.
               
               Of
               her
               delight
               in
               it
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               we
               read
               of
               a
               twofold
               shaddow
               ,
               the
               one
               is
               ,
               worldly
               ,
               the
               other
               is
               divine
               and
               heavenly
               :
               the
               worldly
               is
               that
               under
               which
               worldlings
               do
               shelter
               themselves
               ,
               as
               confidence
               in
               earthly
               things
               with
               the
               rich
               fool
               ,
               and
               that
               whereof
               Job
               makes
               mention
               ,
               Job
               .
               20.
               5.
               as
               of
               a
               thing
               speedily
               evanishing
               ,
               short
               ,
               and
               but
               for
               a
               moment
               :
               therefore
               it
               was
               said
               to
               that
               fool
               ,
               This
               night
               thy
               soul
               shall
               be
               taken
               from
               thee
               .
               The
               like
               whereof
               we
               see
               in
               
                 Balthasar
                 ,
                 Haman
                 ,
                 Pharaoh
              
               ,
               and
               Herod
               ,
               &c.
               
               And
               which
               therefore
               is
               like
               to
               Jonas
               gourd
               of
               very
               small
               continuance
               ,
               and
               affording
               more
               grief
               in
               end
               ,
               than
               contentment
               before
               :
               so
               that
               they
               are
               like
               Jobs
               friends
               ,
               miserable
               comforters
               ,
               whether
               confidence
               in
               earthly
               riches
               ,
               honours
               ,
               or
               arme
               of
               flesh
               ,
               &c.
               
               The
               other
               shaddow
               ,
               is
               divine
               and
               heavenly
               ,
               under
               which
               for
               comfortable
               refreshment
               ,
               (
               whereof
               Job
               speaks
               ,
               Job
               .
               7.
               2.
               
               )
               or
               for
               protection
               and
               defence
               ,
               (
               whereof
               Isay
               speakes
               ,
               Isay
               .
               25.
               4.
               
               )
               the
               godly
               shelter
               themselves
               ,
               as
               we
               may
               see
               ,
               Ps
               .
               91.
               1.
               and
               57.
               1.
               applyed
               to
               God
               ,
               and
               as
               David
               professes
               .
            
             
               Of
               this
               shaddow
               therefore
               of
               divine
               refreshment
               and
               protection
               doth
               the
               Church
               speake
               ,
               which
               has
               these
               three
               properties
               ,
               1.
               
               It
               is
               a
               covering
               shaddow
               from
               the
               scorching
               heat
               of
               Gods
               wrath
               ,
               and
               the
               evill
               of
               all
               stormes
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Isay
               .
               4.
               6.
               and
               Ps
               .
               61.
               4.
               2
               
               It
               is
               a
               cooling
               shaddow
               ,
               or
               refreshing
               ,
               such
               as
               is
               spoken
               of
               ,
               Job
               .
               7.
               2.
               
               Or
               like
               that
               of
               Jonas
               gourd
               wherein
               he
               so
               delighted
               ,
               and
               which
               the
               cloudy
               pillar
               afforded
               
               to
               Israel
               in
               the
               wilderness
               by
               day
               ,
               when
               any
               heat
               of
               persecution
               or
               calamities
               comes
               ,
               whereof
               is
               mention
               ,
               Psal
               .
               57.
               1.
               any
               fiery
               tentation
               of
               concupisence
               assaults
               ,
               or
               any
               scorching
               is
               of
               an
               accusing
               conscience
               .
               3.
               
               It
               is
               a
               curing
               shaddow
               ;
               therefore
               sayes
               the
               Angell
               ,
               that
               the
               leaves
               of
               the
               Tree
               of
               life
               ▪
               Rev.
               22.
               2.
               were
               for
               healing
               ,
               and
               no
               marvell
               that
               the
               shaddow
               of
               Christ
               should
               be
               such
               ,
               when
               the
               shaddow
               of
               his
               Apostles
               ,
               (
               as
               we
               read
               ,
               Act.
               5.
               15.
               
               )
               was
               so
               soveraigne
               for
               cure
               .
            
             
               Next
               ,
               she
               sayes
               that
               she
               sat
               downe
               under
               this
               shaddow
               ,
               which
               signifieth
               her
               resting
               and
               acquiescing
               there
               ,
               or
               her
               making
               abode
               under
               the
               same
               ,
               as
               is
               said
               ,
               Psal
               .
               91.
               1.
               
               Without
               going
               furder
               ,
               or
               else
               where
               ,
               and
               shewing
               hereby
               that
               the
               godly
               find
               in
               Christ
               and
               his
               death
               and
               satisfaction
               ,
               such
               a
               treasure
               and
               sufficiency
               of
               comfort
               in
               any
               trouble
               ,
               or
               distresse
               outward
               or
               inward
               ,
               that
               they
               seek
               no
               furder
               ,
               to
               any
               creature
               in
               Heaven
               or
               Earth
               ,
               more
               then
               Naaman
               did
               to
               any
               other
               water
               than
               Jordan
               ,
               to
               be
               clensed
               of
               his
               leprosie
               ;
               and
               therefore
               are
               not
               like
               foolish
               Idolaters
               ,
               who
               will
               not
               rest
               in
               Christs
               merits
               or
               Satisfaction
               ,
               but
               will
               joyne
               their
               own
               or
               others
               ;
               and
               not
               invocate
               him
               alone
               ,
               but
               Saints
               and
               Angels
               ,
               nor
               relye
               upon
               the
               purging
               vertue
               of
               his
               blood
               allaverly
               but
               will
               imagine
               to
               themselves
               another
               fiery
               purgatory
               ;
               and
               so
               as
               the
               Psalmist
               sayes
               ,
               Ps
               .
               16.
               they
               multiply
               their
               own
               sorrowes
               ,
               and
               continue
               stinged
               with
               these
               scorpion's
               tailes
               mentioned
               Rev.
               9.
               5.
               
               And
               having
               wearied
               themselves
               in
               such
               labyrinths
               can
               never
               find
               solid
               ease
               or
               comfort
               ,
               till
               they
               come
               to
               this
               shaddow
               and
               sit
               downe
               there
               and
               rest
               under
               the
               same
               ,
               as
               he
               invites
               all
               weary
               sinners
               to
               do
               ,
               Matth.
               11.
               28
               ,
               &c.
               
            
             
               Lastly
               ,
               she
               sayes
               ,
               she
               sat
               downe
               with
               delight
               ,
               and
               with
               a
               great
               delight
               ,
               under
               this
               his
               shaddow
               ,
               which
               delight
               of
               hers
               was
               not
               carnall
               or
               sinnefull
               ,
               such
               as
               the
               delight
               is
               of
               the
               wicked
               or
               worldlings
               ,
               but
               a
               holy
               and
               a
               spirituall
               delight
               ,
               like
               the
               joy
               ,
               whereof
               David
               speakes
               ,
               Psal
               .
               4.
               7.
               
               Or
               like
               his
               delight
               that
               he
               had
               in
               Gods
               Law
               ,
               Psal
               .
               1.
               2.
               and
               119.
               70.
               
               Also
               in
               doing
               his
               will
               ,
               Psal
               .
               40.
               8.
               and
               in
               the
               comforts
               of
               his
               word
               ,
               Psal
               .
               94.
               19.
               and
               119.
               92.
               
               Which
               like
               a
               shaddow
               refresh't
               his
               soul
               .
            
             
               This
               delight
               is
               ,
               1.
               
               A
               sure
               and
               well
               grounded
               delight
               not
               on
               a
               sandy
               foundation
               ,
               2.
               
               This
               delight
               comes
               not
               from
               flesh
               or
               blood
               ,
               but
               from
               a
               higher
               source
               ,
               3.
               
               This
               delight
               is
               a
               great
               delight
               ,
               because
               of
               the
               greatness
               of
               the
               benefit
               which
               the
               soul
               receives
               ,
               4.
               
               This
               delight
               is
               durable
               ,
               and
               as
               the
               abode
               is
               
               under
               the
               shaddow
               of
               the
               Almighty
               ,
               Ps
               .
               91.
               1.
               
               So
               abides
               the
               delight
               ;
               and
               ,
               5.
               
               This
               delight
               is
               the
               pledge
               and
               forerunner
               of
               that
               full
               and
               eternall
               delight
               which
               the
               soul
               shall
               have
               in
               Heaven
               ,
               Ps
               .
               16.
               11.
               
            
             
               Having
               spoken
               of
               her
               sitting
               under
               his
               shaddow
               with
               great
               delight
               ,
               followes
               to
               speake
               of
               his
               fruit
               ,
               and
               the
               quality
               or
               sweetness
               thereof
               to
               her
               taste
               .
               Of
               which
               fruit
               we
               have
               to
               consider
               ,
               1.
               
               What
               the
               same
               is
               and
               the
               variety
               thereof
               ,
               2.
               
               The
               aboundance
               or
               plenty
               ;
               and
               ,
               3.
               
               The
               dureableness
               or
               perpetuity
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               Next
               ,
               we
               have
               to
               speake
               of
               the
               sweetness
               and
               quality
               of
               this
               fruit
               ,
               and
               ,
               3.
               
               To
               whose
               taste
               it
               is
               so
               Sweet
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               unto
               hers
               only
               ,
               who
               is
               the
               spouse
               of
               Christ
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               by
               
                 his
                 fruit
              
               is
               understood
               no
               other
               thing
               but
               the
               sweet
               comforts
               which
               we
               find
               in
               him
               ,
               as
               the
               hony
               which
               Sampson
               found
               in
               his
               dead
               Lyon
               ,
               and
               which
               is
               only
               to
               be
               had
               in
               ,
               and
               from
               this
               Lyon
               of
               the
               tribe
               of
               Iudah
               .
               Which
               fruits
               are
               ,
               1.
               
               Of
               such
               variety
               ,
               as
               that
               the
               meditation
               of
               his
               nature
               ,
               his
               offices
               ,
               conception
               ,
               birth
               ,
               life
               ,
               death
               ,
               buriall
               ,
               resurrection
               ,
               ascension
               ,
               sitting
               at
               the
               right
               hand
               of
               his
               Father
               ,
               and
               coming
               againe
               to
               Judgement
               ,
               all
               afford
               unto
               us
               store
               of
               sweet
               comfort
               ;
               likewise
               his
               poverty
               ,
               his
               meekness
               ,
               his
               pitty
               ,
               his
               charity
               ,
               his
               readiness
               to
               cure
               all
               that
               came
               unto
               him
               ,
               his
               accesse
               ,
               his
               affability
               ,
               and
               all
               his
               holy
               vertues
               yield
               unto
               us
               not
               only
               fruit
               of
               example
               for
               imitation
               ,
               but
               of
               sweet
               comfort
               and
               consolation
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               The
               plenty
               of
               this
               fruit
               is
               so
               great
               ,
               that
               he
               is
               like
               that
               tree
               spoken
               of
               by
               
                 Daniel
                 ,
                 Dan.
              
               4.
               12.
               whereof
               it
               is
               said
               ,
               that
               all
               flesh
               fed
               thereof
               :
               therefore
               doth
               the
               Prophet
               invite
               all
               who
               have
               a
               spirituall
               appetite
               to
               be
               partakers
               of
               the
               good
               things
               of
               Christ
               ,
               Isay
               .
               55.
               1.
               
               And
               himselfe
               sayes
               ,
               
                 Come
                 to
                 me
                 all
                 yee
                 that
                 are
                 weary
                 and
                 loaden
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 will
                 refresh
                 you
                 ,
              
               There
               is
               then
               plenty
               of
               sweet
               fruit
               in
               him
               to
               all
               the
               world
               to
               be
               found
               ,
               and
               (
               as
               of
               the
               five
               loaves
               and
               two
               fishes
               )
               aboundance
               to
               leave
               over
               ,
               so
               that
               the
               deficiency
               may
               be
               on
               our
               part
               ,
               as
               it
               was
               in
               the
               widdowes
               vessels
               for
               receiving
               more
               oyle
               ,
               that
               we
               in
               like
               manner
               want
               the
               hand
               of
               faith
               and
               the
               vessels
               of
               prepared
               hearts
               ,
               but
               there
               is
               no
               deficiency
               on
               the
               part
               of
               Christ
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               The
               durableness
               and
               perpetuity
               of
               this
               fruit
               ,
               is
               such
               that
               ,
               1.
               
               This
               tree
               never
               ceases
               ,
               as
               is
               showne
               ,
               Rev.
               22.
               to
               bring
               forth
               the
               same
               ,
               and
               to
               yeeld
               the
               same
               to
               us
               ,
               as
               well
               in
               the
               winter
               season
               of
               sharp
               adversity
               and
               in
               greatest
               plenty
               ,
               as
               
               in
               the
               summer
               season
               of
               peace
               and
               prosperity
               .
               2.
               
               As
               also
               ,
               the
               perpetuity
               of
               this
               fruit
               is
               such
               ,
               that
               it
               endures
               unto
               life
               everlasting
               ;
               and
               therefore
               it
               may
               be
               said
               of
               it
               ,
               as
               our
               Saviour
               speaks
               to
               the
               Samaritan
               woman
               ,
               Joh.
               4.
               14.
               
               Whosoever
               shall
               drink
               of
               the
               water
               that
               I
               shall
               give
               him
               ,
               shall
               never
               thirst
               ;
               but
               the
               water
               that
               I
               shall
               give
               him
               ,
               shall
               be
               in
               him
               a
               well
               of
               water
               springing
               up
               into
               eternall
               life
               .
            
             
               Next
               ,
               this
               fruit
               of
               his
               is
               called
               sweet
               ,
               both
               because
               it
               is
               so
               of
               it self
               ,
               like
               
               Jonathan's
               and
               
               Sampson's
               honey
               ,
               whereof
               each
               of
               them
               tasted
               .
               And
               2.
               because
               it
               sweetens
               also
               unto
               us
               all
               bitter
               things
               ,
               which
               would
               be
               so
               otherwise
               ,
               like
               that
               Tree
               which
               was
               cast
               into
               the
               waters
               of
               Marah
               ;
               even
               all
               our
               best
               actions
               ,
               to
               make
               them
               of
               a
               sweet
               relish
               and
               savoury
               to
               God
               ,
               which
               would
               be
               otherwise
               but
               counted
               soure
               grapes
               ,
               and
               menstruous
               clouts
               ;
               and
               all
               crosses
               and
               calamities
               ,
               which
               are
               bitter
               to
               flesh
               and
               blood
               ,
               yea
               death
               it self
               ,
               and
               the
               grave
               ;
               all
               which
               it
               sweetens
               unto
               Gods
               children
               .
            
             
               Last
               of
               all
               ,
               to
               whom
               ,
               or
               to
               whose
               taste
               is
               this
               fruit
               sweet
               ?
               surely
               to
               none
               but
               to
               the
               godly
               ;
               therefore
               she
               saies
               ,
               that
               his
               fruit
               was
               sweet
               unto
               her
               taste
               .
               It
               is
               therefore
               sweet
               unto
               her
               for
               these
               reasons
               :
               1.
               
               Because
               of
               the
               sweetnesse
               that
               it
               has
               in
               it self
               ,
               as
               hony
               ,
               sugar
               ,
               and
               the
               like
               .
               2.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               the
               great
               desire
               ,
               and
               spirituall
               appetite
               ,
               that
               she
               has
               towards
               the
               same
               ,
               which
               makes
               even
               that
               which
               is
               very
               coorse
               ,
               and
               has
               some
               bitternesse
               ,
               or
               no
               taste
               at
               all
               ,
               sweet
               to
               one
               that
               is
               hungry
               ;
               where
               on
               the
               contrary
               ,
               to
               a
               cloyed
               stomack
               ,
               even
               Manna
               it selfe
               was
               disgustfull
               .
               3.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               the
               spirituall
               sense
               of
               tasting
               how
               good
               the
               Lord
               is
               ,
               which
               those
               that
               are
               carnall
               and
               unregenerate
               have
               not
               ,
               being
               dead
               in
               their
               sins
               ,
               and
               not
               endued
               with
               the
               new
               life
               of
               grace
               ,
               and
               therefore
               has
               not
               the
               new
               senses
               of
               the
               soul
               ,
               which
               the
               godly
               have
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Christ
                 is
                 here
                 as
                 an
                 Apple-tree
                 presented
                 to
                 the
                 eye
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 that
                 as
                 our
                 first
                 Parents
                 ,
                 by
                 eating
                 of
                 the
                 Tree
                 which
                 was
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 the
                 garden
                 ,
                 and
                 was
                 forbidden
                 ,
                 did
                 fall
                 ,
                 and
                 incur
                 death
                 and
                 damnation
                 ;
                 even
                 so
                 their
                 Posterity
                 may
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 eating
                 of
                 the
                 fruit
                 of
                 this
                 Tree
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 the
                 garden
                 of
                 his
                 Church
                 ,
                 and
                 whereof
                 we
                 are
                 bidden
                 to
                 eat
                 ,
                 Ioh.
                 6.
                 50.
                 may
                 rise
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 attain
                 to
                 life
                 and
                 salvation
                 ;
                 
                 for
                 ,
                 of
                 this
                 Tree
                 it
                 is
                 onely
                 true
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 spoken
                 of
                 that
                 other
                 ,
                 Gen.
                 3.
                 6.
                 that
                 
                   it
                   is
                   good
                   for
                   food
                   ,
                   and
                   pleasant
                   to
                   the
                   eye
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   tree
                   to
                   be
                   desired
                   to
                   make
                   one
                   wise
                   .
                
                 And
                 therefore
                 mad
                 fools
                 are
                 they
                 ,
                 who
                 will
                 not
                 come
                 to
                 this
                 Tree
                 of
                 life
                 ,
                 to
                 which
                 the
                 way
                 is
                 now
                 made
                 so
                 patent
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 may
                 eat
                 thereof
                 ,
                 and
                 live
                 for
                 evermore
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 The
                 fruit
                 of
                 this
                 Tree
                 is
                 not
                 onely
                 ,
                 1.
                 profitable
                 for
                 spirituall
                 food
                 ;
                 as
                 also
                 ,
                 2.
                 (
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 of
                 the
                 Tree
                 of
                 life
                 ,
                 Gen.
                 3.
                 22.
                 
                 )
                 to
                 attain
                 thereby
                 to
                 life
                 everlasting
                 ;
                 but
                 ,
                 3.
                 seeing
                 likewise
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 so
                 sweet
                 and
                 delectable
                 ,
                 to
                 such
                 as
                 have
                 the
                 spirituall
                 sense
                 of
                 tasting
                 ,
                 and
                 an
                 appetite
                 after
                 the
                 same
                 ;
                 Therefore
                 let
                 us
                 earnestly
                 beg
                 at
                 God's
                 hands
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 onely
                 able
                 to
                 give
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 this
                 spirituall
                 sense
                 and
                 appetite
                 ,
                 that
                 hungring
                 and
                 thirsting
                 after
                 righteousnesse
                 ,
                 we
                 may
                 be
                 truly
                 blessed
                 ,
                 and
                 get
                 that
                 comfortable
                 satisfaction
                 promised
                 ,
                 Matth.
                 5.
                 6.
                 and
                 Psal
                 .
                 61.
                 5.
                 
                 And
                 as
                 a
                 distempered
                 palat
                 in
                 a
                 feavour
                 ,
                 counts
                 every
                 sweet
                 thing
                 bitter
                 ,
                 that
                 even
                 so
                 ,
                 through
                 the
                 distemper
                 and
                 sicknesse
                 of
                 our
                 souls
                 by
                 sin
                 ,
                 we
                 count
                 not
                 that
                 bitter
                 and
                 disgustfull
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 which
                 others
                 finde
                 in
                 Christ
                 so
                 sweet
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 communicated
                 to
                 them
                 in
                 the
                 means
                 of
                 grace
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Seeing
                 there
                 is
                 not
                 onely
                 sweet
                 fruit
                 to
                 be
                 had
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 but
                 such
                 delightfull
                 shadow
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Church
                 takes
                 pleasure
                 to
                 sit
                 down
                 under
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 and
                 therein
                 puts
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 her
                 
                   non
                   ultra
                
                 ;
                 therefore
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 the
                 true
                 members
                 of
                 this
                 Church
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 in
                 like
                 manner
                 set
                 up
                 our
                 rest
                 in
                 Christ
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 merits
                 onely
                 ,
                 for
                 spirituall
                 refreshment
                 to
                 our
                 souls
                 both
                 in
                 life
                 and
                 death
                 ;
                 and
                 ,
                 under
                 the
                 coverture
                 of
                 his
                 onely
                 satisfaction
                 and
                 protection
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 shelter
                 our selves
                 from
                 the
                 storm
                 of
                 Gods
                 wrath
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 other
                 evill
                 ,
                 in
                 calling
                 on
                 his
                 Name
                 ,
                 and
                 confiding
                 in
                 him
                 allaverly
                 :
                 and
                 whosoever
                 they
                 be
                 that
                 do
                 otherwise
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 Romanists
                 do
                 )
                 herein
                 they
                 varie
                 from
                 the
                 practice
                 of
                 Christ's
                 Church
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 no
                 true
                 membrs
                 thereof
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               4.
               
               He
               brought
               me
               to
               the
               banquetting
               house
               ,
               and
               his
               banner
               over
               me
               was
               love
               .
            
             
               Here
               is
               shewn
               a
               further
               favour
               by
               Christ
               to
               his
               Church
               ,
               which
               is
               ,
               a
               royall
               feasting
               of
               her
               :
               whereby
               we
               see
               ,
               how
               the
               Lord
               never
               wearies
               ,
               to
               heap
               his
               favours
               ,
               and
               increase
               her
               graces
               to
               his
               own
               ,
               and
               as
               Psal
               .
               84.
               11.
               and
               Joh.
               2.
               10.
               to
               keep
               
               for
               them
               the
               best
               last
               :
               O
               that
               we
               did
               not
               weary
               in
               like
               manner
               ,
               in
               his
               service
               and
               thankfulnesse
               .
            
             
               In
               the
               words
               we
               have
               1.
               a
               banqueting-house
               mentioned
               ;
               2.
               that
               she
               was
               brought
               in
               ,
               into
               this
               banqueting-house
               ;
               3.
               that
               it
               was
               he
               that
               brought
               her
               in
               ;
               and
               4.
               what
               was
               displayed
               over
               her
               ,
               after
               her
               bringing
               in
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               a
               banquetting-house
               is
               mentioned
               ,
               which
               in
               the
               Originall
               is
               a
               house
               of
               wine
               ,
               as
               
               Assuerus's
               banquet
               was
               called
               a
               banquet
               of
               wine
               ,
               showing
               thereby
               ,
               that
               the
               fruit
               which
               Christ
               bestowes
               upon
               his
               Church
               ,
               is
               not
               onely
               like
               that
               of
               the
               apple-tree
               ,
               sweet
               and
               delightfull
               to
               the
               taste
               ;
               but
               also
               it
               is
               yet
               more
               excellent
               ,
               like
               the
               fruit
               of
               the
               vine
               ,
               whereunto
               he
               is
               also
               compared
               ,
               Ioh.
               15.
               1.
               which
               far
               exceeds
               that
               of
               the
               apple-tree
               ;
               because
               ,
               besides
               that
               it
               is
               1.
               pleasant
               ,
               and
               delights
               ;
               it
               2.
               quenches
               also
               ;
               and
               3.
               cheereth
               ,
               or
               maketh
               joyfull
               ,
               Prov.
               31.
               6.
               as
               also
               ,
               4.
               it
               comforts
               the
               sick
               ,
               by
               cherishing
               and
               augmenting
               the
               vitall
               spirits
               ,
               and
               so
               is
               cordiall
               and
               medicinall
               .
            
             
               Next
               ,
               for
               this
               house
               whereinto
               she
               is
               brought
               ,
               we
               must
               understand
               ,
               that
               as
               in
               
               Noah's
               Ark
               ,
               or
               
               Moses's
               Tabernacle
               ,
               there
               were
               three
               rooms
               ,
               so
               are
               there
               in
               God's
               great
               house
               :
               For
               ,
               1.
               
               His
               great
               Hall
               ,
               or
               outer
               court
               ,
               is
               the
               whole
               world
               ,
               wherein
               are
               all
               men
               and
               creatures
               brought
               in
               .
               2.
               
               His
               Parlour
               ,
               or
               more
               inner
               room
               ,
               is
               the
               visible
               Church
               ,
               professing
               Christ's
               name
               in
               common
               .
               And
               3.
               
               His
               Chamber
               of
               presence
               ,
               or
               most
               inmost
               room
               ,
               is
               the
               society
               of
               the
               Elect
               ,
               where
               he
               banquets
               their
               souls
               with
               that
               hid
               Manna
               ,
               and
               such
               dainties
               as
               are
               mentioned
               ,
               Psal
               .
               61.
               5.
               and
               in
               this
               Chapter
               ,
               vers
               .
               5
               ;
               and
               in
               comparison
               whereof
               ,
               all
               that
               ever
               was
               most
               exquisitely
               prepared
               ,
               either
               for
               ,
               or
               by
               Princes
               ,
               in
               their
               greatest
               state
               ,
               or
               (
               as
               Hester
               1.
               4.
               
               )
               to
               show
               the
               riches
               of
               their
               glorious
               Kingdom
               ,
               and
               honour
               of
               their
               excellent
               Majesties
               ,
               is
               but
               trash
               and
               drosse
               ;
               these
               dainties
               being
               heavenly
               altogether
               ,
               and
               nourishing
               the
               soul
               unto
               a
               heavenly
               ,
               blessed
               ,
               and
               an
               eternall
               life
               ,
               Ioh.
               6.
               51.
               
               Which
               banqueting-food
               hath
               these
               properties
               ,
               whereby
               it
               excells
               all
               other
               :
               1.
               
               It
               's
               quickning
               ,
               Ioh.
               6.
               57.
               2.
               
               Though
               it
               be
               sweet
               and
               delicious
               ,
               yet
               it
               is
               no
               waies
               surfeiting
               ,
               but
               whereof
               the
               l●ke
               may
               be
               said
               ,
               
                 qus
                 plùs
                 sunt
                 potae
                 plùs
                 sitiuntur
                 aquae
                 .
              
               3.
               
               It
               is
               durable
               in
               the
               vertue
               and
               operation
               thereof
               ,
               unto
               eternall
               life
               ,
               whereas
               that
               of
               the
               other
               food
               soon
               decaies
               ,
               which
               makes
               us
               so
               oft
               renew
               our
               meales
               .
               4.
               
               This
               not
               onely
               quickens
               and
               giveth
               life
               ,
               but
               it
               likewise
               
               keeps
               and
               preserves
               from
               death
               ,
               Joh.
               6.
               41.
               
               And
               5.
               the
               sweetnesse
               and
               delicacy
               of
               this
               ,
               in
               comparison
               of
               other
               things
               ,
               that
               are
               sweetest
               to
               worldlings
               ,
               makes
               the
               soul
               to
               disgust
               and
               vilifie
               such
               trash
               ,
               as
               husks
               fitter
               for
               swine
               ,
               than
               true
               Christians
               to
               feed
               upon
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               it
               is
               said
               ,
               that
               she
               was
               brought
               in
               into
               this
               banquetting
               house
               ,
               not
               being
               able
               of
               her self
               otherwise
               to
               come
               in
               ;
               and
               therefore
               saies
               our
               Saviour
               ,
               
                 Joh
                 6.
                 
                 No
                 man
                 commeth
                 unto
                 me
                 ,
                 except
                 the
                 Father
                 draw
                 him
              
               ;
               there
               is
               such
               blindnesse
               in
               our
               minds
               ,
               such
               aversnesse
               in
               our
               wills
               ,
               and
               such
               perversnesse
               in
               our
               affections
               ,
               that
               till
               we
               be
               restored
               ,
               as
               it
               were
               ,
               to
               our
               limbs
               ,
               we
               are
               like
               that
               paralytick
               ,
               that
               lay
               so
               long
               at
               the
               waters
               of
               Bethesda
               ,
               or
               that
               creeple
               ,
               who
               sat
               at
               the
               porch
               of
               the
               Temple
               ,
               Act.
               3.
               altogether
               lame
               and
               impotent
               :
               And
               therefore
               saies
               
                 David
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 run
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 thy
                 commandements
                 ,
                 when
                 thou
                 hast
                 enlarged
                 my
                 heart
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
              
               119.
               32.
               and
               the
               Spouse
               likewise
               ,
               
                 Cant.
                 1.
                 2.
                 
                 Draw
                 me
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 we
                 will
                 run
                 after
                 thee
                 .
              
               And
               untill
               which
               time
               that
               he
               do
               so
               ,
               and
               work
               in
               us
               both
               the
               will
               and
               the
               deed
               ,
               Phil.
               2.
               13.
               we
               can
               no
               more
               stir
               to
               enter
               into
               this
               banquetting
               house
               ,
               or
               be
               joyned
               to
               his
               true
               Church
               as
               a
               lively
               member
               ,
               more
               than
               Lazarus
               could
               come
               out
               of
               his
               grave
               ,
               till
               he
               was
               raised
               by
               Christ
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               it
               is
               said
               ,
               that
               it
               was
               He
               that
               brought
               her
               in
               ,
               that
               is
               to
               say
               ,
               the
               King
               ,
               whom
               she
               mentions
               chap.
               1.
               12.
               and
               of
               whom
               David
               sa●es
               ,
               
                 Psal
                 .
                 73.
                 23.
                 
                 Thou
                 holds
                 me
                 by
                 my
                 right
                 hand
                 ,
              
               shewing
               thereby
               ,
               the
               great
               honour
               that
               he
               bestowes
               on
               his
               Church
               ,
               and
               every
               true
               member
               thereof
               ,
               letting
               them
               not
               in
               as
               a
               servant
               ,
               but
               bringing
               them
               in
               by
               the
               hand
               as
               his
               spouse
               and
               beloved
               ,
               and
               ,
               as
               the
               Psalmist
               speaks
               ,
               
                 Conducting
                 them
                 by
                 his
                 counsell
                 ,
                 till
                 he
                 bring
                 them
                 to
                 his
                 glory
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
              
               73.
               24.
               which
               indeed
               is
               a
               far
               greater
               honour
               than
               Haman
               vaunted
               of
               ,
               Hest
               .
               5.
               12.
               or
               that
               David
               offered
               unto
               good
               Barzillai
               .
            
             
               Likewise
               we
               are
               to
               consider
               ,
               the
               great
               odds
               between
               him
               ,
               and
               his
               bringing
               in
               of
               her
               to
               his
               banqueting-house
               ,
               and
               others
               ,
               or
               the
               bringing
               in
               their
               guests
               to
               their
               banqueting-house
               .
               For
               1.
               
               They
               whom
               others
               invite
               and
               bring
               in
               ,
               may
               be
               yet
               unwilling
               to
               have
               been
               brought
               in
               ;
               but
               he
               makes
               such
               willing
               whom
               he
               brings
               in
               ,
               
                 operatur
                 enim
                 &
                 velle
                 &
                 perficere
                 .
              
               2.
               
               He
               can
               also
               give
               them
               an
               appetite
               .
               3.
               
               What
               he
               gives
               them
               is
               not
               onely
               meat
               ,
               but
               medicinall
               ,
               and
               such
               dainties
               as
               are
               spoken
               of
               before
               .
               4.
               
               He
               can
               make
               that
               which
               they
               get
               ,
               digest
               and
               nourish
               them
               ,
               that
               they
               may
               be
               strengthened
               and
               grow
               thereby
               .
            
             
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               we
               have
               what
               was
               displayed
               over
               her
               :
               1.
               a
               Banner
               ,
               and
               what
               this
               banner
               was
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               Love.
               In
               Scripture
               then
               we
               find
               a
               threefold
               banner
               ,
               at
               three
               severall
               times
               displayed
               ,
               whereby
               the
               last
               onely
               is
               suitable
               to
               this
               banquetting-house
               ;
               the
               first
               may
               be
               called
               ,
               
                 vexillum
                 honoris
              
               ,
               displayed
               in
               the
               Creation
               ,
               wherein
               was
               manifested
               God's
               power
               and
               wisdome
               ;
               the
               second
               may
               be
               called
               ,
               
                 vexillum
                 horroris
              
               ,
               displayed
               on
               mount
               Sinai
               ,
               in
               that
               terrible
               manner
               of
               giving
               of
               the
               Law
               ,
               whereby
               was
               manifested
               God's
               power
               and
               justice
               ;
               and
               the
               third
               may
               be
               called
               ,
               (
               as
               here
               )
               
                 vrxillum
                 amoris
              
               ,
               displayed
               by
               the
               preaching
               of
               the
               Gospell
               ,
               and
               whereby
               is
               manifested
               his
               wisdome
               and
               mercy
               ,
               or
               the
               work
               of
               that
               matchlesse
               love
               ,
               which
               he
               shewed
               to
               mankind
               ;
               which
               love
               of
               Christ
               is
               compared
               to
               a
               banner
               ,
            
             
               1.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               manifestation
               ,
               that
               as
               a
               banner
               raised
               up
               in
               an
               Army
               on
               high
               ,
               is
               visible
               to
               all
               ,
               so
               was
               his
               love
               ,
               chiefly
               ,
               when
               he
               was
               lift-up
               on
               the
               Crosse
               ,
               like
               that
               brasen
               Serpent
               in
               the
               wildernesse
               ,
               and
               is
               still
               ●i●t
               up
               and
               made
               manifest
               to
               all
               ,
               in
               the
               preaching
               of
               the
               Gospell
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               distinction
               ,
               for
               what
               is
               it
               ,
               but
               the
               love
               of
               Christ
               to
               the
               godly
               ,
               that
               makes
               them
               differ
               from
               others
               ,
               or
               seperates
               them
               from
               the
               world
               here
               in
               conversation
               ,
               or
               shall
               hereafter
               in
               their
               condemnation
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               collection
               ,
               or
               gathering
               to
               Christ
               ,
               which
               is
               onely
               by
               the
               displaying
               of
               the
               banner
               of
               Christ's
               love
               ,
               whereby
               his
               souldiers
               are
               as
               it
               were
               gathered
               together
               ,
               and
               come
               to
               his
               Colours
               ;
               and
               therefore
               saies
               the
               Lord
               by
               Esay
               to
               his
               Church
               ,
               
                 Isa
                 .
                 49.
                 22.
                 
                 I
                 will
                 lift
                 up
                 my
                 hand
                 to
                 the
                 Gentiles
                 ,
                 and
                 my
                 standard
                 to
                 the
                 people
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 shall
                 bring
                 thy
                 sons
                 in
                 their
                 arms
                 ,
                 and
                 thy
                 daughters
                 upon
                 their
                 shoulders
                 .
              
            
             
               4.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               protection
               and
               victory
               ,
               for
               as
               a
               banner
               set
               up
               upon
               the
               walls
               ,
               or
               displayed
               over
               a
               house
               or
               city
               ,
               is
               a
               signe
               of
               defence
               and
               defiance
               to
               the
               enemy
               ,
               or
               as
               an
               ensigne
               of
               victory
               ;
               even
               so
               the
               Lord's
               love
               to
               his
               Church
               ,
               is
               that
               wherein
               her
               protection
               stands
               ,
               and
               defiance
               of
               her
               spirituall
               and
               other
               enemies
               ,
               over
               whom
               he
               has
               been
               ,
               and
               shall
               be
               still
               victorious
               ;
               and
               that
               his
               Church
               is
               his
               victorious
               conquest
               ,
               recovered
               from
               Satan's
               tyranny
               ,
               like
               the
               Lamb
               out
               of
               the
               Lion's
               mouth
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               terrification
               ,
               and
               therefore
               the
               Church
               is
               said
               to
               be
               terrible
               ,
               as
               an
               Army
               with
               banners
               ,
               Cant.
               6.
               10.
               
               and
               indeed
               ,
               nothing
               is
               so
               terrible
               to
               Satan
               and
               Antichrist
               ,
               as
               the
               displaying
               of
               the
               banner
               of
               Christ's
               love
               ,
               by
               the
               true
               preaching
               of
               the
               Gospell
               .
            
             
               6.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               union
               ,
               which
               a
               banner
               makes
               ,
               or
               the
               colours
               of
               any
               company
               or
               reigment
               ,
               whereunto
               they
               all
               come
               ,
               who
               are
               of
               such
               a
               society
               ,
               making
               up
               so
               a
               compact
               and
               well
               ordered
               body
               ;
               and
               unto
               which
               union
               of
               Christians
               among
               themselves
               in
               love
               ,
               nothing
               is
               so
               forcible
               ,
               as
               the
               consideration
               of
               the
               banner
               of
               Christ's
               love
               spread
               over
               them
               .
            
             
               This
               banner
               was
               diversly
               displayed
               :
               1.
               
               Before
               and
               under
               the
               Law
               ,
               by
               obscurer
               promises
               ,
               typicall●…
               prefigurations
               ,
               and
               propheticall
               predictions
               ,
               more
               involvedly
               ,
               and
               lesse
               clearly
               .
               1.
               
               Under
               the
               Gospell
               ,
               more
               clearly
               and
               fully
               ,
               first
               ,
               by
               the
               preaching
               of
               the
               Gospell
               ,
               by
               Christ
               himself
               and
               his
               Apostles
               ,
               and
               thereafter
               by
               all
               faithfull
               pastours
               and
               preachers
               of
               the
               Word
               ,
               and
               shall
               be
               so
               to
               the
               worlds
               end
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Seeing
                 Christ
                 not
                 onely
                 feeds
                 ,
                 but
                 with
                 most
                 heavenly
                 dainties
                 banquets
                 his
                 Church
                 ,
                 and
                 every
                 true
                 member
                 thereof
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 not
                 be
                 like
                 those
                 ungratefull
                 despisers
                 of
                 so
                 great
                 a
                 benefit
                 ,
                 as
                 is
                 made
                 mention
                 of
                 ,
                 Matth.
                 22.
                 nor
                 prefer
                 such
                 base
                 things
                 thereto
                 ,
                 but
                 come
                 with
                 the
                 banqueting
                 garment
                 of
                 a
                 holy
                 disposition
                 ,
                 suitable
                 for
                 so
                 high
                 a
                 calling
                 ;
                 and
                 as
                 Rev.
                 3.
                 20.
                 banquet
                 him
                 mutually
                 with
                 the
                 fruits
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 heavenly
                 graces
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Church
                 invites
                 him
                 to
                 such
                 ,
                 Cant.
                 4.
                 16.
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Seeing
                 we
                 cannot
                 come
                 into
                 this
                 banquetting-house
                 of
                 our selves
                 ,
                 except
                 we
                 be
                 brought
                 in
                 by
                 the
                 guidship
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 powerfull
                 work
                 of
                 his
                 grace
                 upon
                 our
                 souls
                 ,
                 Let
                 us
                 earnestly
                 implore
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 and
                 pray
                 that
                 he
                 would
                 ,
                 as
                 David
                 saies
                 ,
                 hold
                 us
                 by
                 the
                 right
                 hand
                 ,
                 conducting
                 us
                 by
                 his
                 counsell
                 ,
                 till
                 he
                 receive
                 us
                 to
                 glory
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 73.
                 24.
                 
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 The
                 Church
                 saies
                 ,
                 
                   He
                   brought
                   me
                   in
                
                 ,
                 and
                 again
                 ,
                 
                   His
                   banner
                   over
                   me
                   was
                   love
                   ,
                
                 emphatically
                 ,
                 so
                 expressing
                 what
                 the
                 Lord
                 had
                 done
                 to
                 Her
                 ,
                 passing
                 by
                 the
                 fallen
                 Angells
                 ,
                 upon
                 whom
                 he
                 had
                 not
                 showne
                 such
                 mercy
                 ,
                 nor
                 deigned
                 them
                 with
                 the
                 like
                 favour
                 ,
                 which
                 should
                 therefore
                 move
                 Man
                 ,
                 whom
                 he
                 has
                 so
                 freely
                 loved
                 and
                 honoured
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 to
                 love
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 honour
                 him
                 again
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 This
                 introduction
                 of
                 his
                 Church
                 into
                 his
                 banquetting-house
                 
                 here
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 pledge
                 and
                 earnest
                 of
                 his
                 introduction
                 of
                 her
                 into
                 his
                 banquetting-house
                 in
                 heaven
                 hereafter
                 ,
                 and
                 mansion
                 place
                 of
                 glory
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 84.
                 11.
                 and
                 73.
                 24.
                 
                 Therefore
                 let
                 us
                 strive
                 to
                 get
                 this
                 earnest
                 ,
                 and
                 first-fruits
                 ;
                 else
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 enter
                 not
                 in
                 at
                 the
                 gate
                 of
                 grace
                 on
                 earth
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 never
                 think
                 to
                 enter
                 in
                 at
                 the
                 gate
                 ,
                 which
                 may
                 be
                 called
                 ,
                 as
                 Act.
                 3.
                 2.
                 the
                 beautifull
                 gate
                 of
                 glory
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 Christ's
                 love
                 displayed
                 over
                 us
                 here
                 in
                 this
                 life
                 ,
                 is
                 called
                 a
                 Banner
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 used
                 onely
                 in
                 warfare
                 ,
                 to
                 shew
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 state
                 of
                 his
                 Church
                 here
                 on
                 earth
                 ,
                 is
                 militant
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 she
                 is
                 exhorted
                 ,
                 and
                 every
                 true
                 member
                 thereof
                 ,
                 to
                 put
                 on
                 the
                 whole
                 armour
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 Ephes
                 .
                 6.
                 11.
                 that
                 they
                 may
                 be
                 able
                 to
                 stand
                 against
                 the
                 wiles
                 of
                 the
                 devill
                 ,
                 and
                 verse
                 18.
                 praying
                 and
                 watching
                 with
                 all
                 perseverance
                 ,
                 till
                 they
                 may
                 say
                 in
                 the
                 end
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 fought
                 the
                 good
                 fight
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 finished
                 my
                 course
                 ,
                 2
                 Tim.
                 4.
                 or
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Prophet
                 saies
                 ,
                 My
                 warfare
                 is
                 accomplished
                 ,
                 Esa
                 .
                 40.
                 2.
                 
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 Seeing
                 a
                 banner
                 is
                 set
                 up
                 over
                 any
                 place
                 ,
                 in
                 token
                 of
                 the
                 defence
                 of
                 that
                 place
                 ,
                 and
                 defiance
                 to
                 the
                 enemy
                 ,
                 Christs
                 love
                 therefore
                 being
                 this
                 banner
                 over
                 his
                 own
                 ;
                 let
                 us
                 then
                 above
                 all
                 things
                 seek
                 it
                 earnestly
                 with
                 
                   David
                   ,
                   Psal
                
                 .
                 4.
                 6.
                 and
                 then
                 we
                 may
                 be
                 sure
                 of
                 defence
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 saies
                 ,
                 vers
                 .
                 8.
                 and
                 as
                 is
                 shown
                 unto
                 us
                 ,
                 
                   Prov.
                   3.
                   24.
                   
                   Rom.
                   8.
                   31.
                   37.
                   
                   &c.
                
                 and
                 give
                 a
                 defiance
                 to
                 all
                 our
                 enemies
                 ,
                 saying
                 with
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 ,
                 Of
                 whom
                 shall
                 I
                 be
                 afraid
                 ?
                 yea
                 ,
                 to
                 death
                 it self
                 ,
                 as
                 Psal
                 .
                 23.
                 4.
                 and
                 1
                 Cor.
                 15.
                 55.
                 
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 Doth
                 Christ
                 display
                 his
                 love
                 both
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 so
                 many
                 comfortable
                 ends
                 and
                 uses
                 over
                 us
                 ?
                 then
                 let
                 us
                 be
                 ashamed
                 not
                 to
                 love
                 him
                 again
                 ,
                 
                   ut
                   totus
                   nobis
                   figatur
                   in
                   corde
                   ,
                   qui
                   totus
                   pro
                   nobis
                   fixus
                   fuit
                   in
                   cruce
                   ,
                
                 and
                 to
                 display
                 our
                 love
                 towards
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 to
                 manifest
                 the
                 same
                 by
                 our
                 obedience
                 ,
                 to
                 his
                 holy
                 commandments
                 .
              
               
                 8.
                 
                 Last
                 of
                 all
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 the
                 happy
                 estate
                 of
                 the
                 poorest
                 ,
                 most
                 afflicted
                 and
                 despised
                 Lazarus
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 a
                 true
                 member
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 that
                 notwithstanding
                 of
                 their
                 outward
                 and
                 visible
                 estate
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 the
                 Lords
                 love
                 displayed
                 over
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 banquets
                 their
                 souls
                 with
                 comforts
                 ,
                 unspeakable
                 and
                 glorious
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
             
               Vers
               .
               5.
               
               Stay
               me
               with
               flaggons
               ,
               comfort
               me
               with
               apples
               ;
               for
               I
               am
               sick
               of
               love
               .
            
             
               Here
               is
               a
               wonderfull
               effect
               of
               these
               former
               things
               ,
               whereof
               she
               spake
               :
               she
               compared
               Christ
               before
               to
               an
               apple-tree
               ,
               whose
               fruit
               was
               sweet
               to
               her
               taste
               ;
               and
               shewed
               ,
               that
               he
               brought
               her
               in
               into
               his
               banquetting-house
               ,
               or
               house
               of
               wine
               ,
               and
               his
               banner
               over
               her
               was
               love
               ;
               hereupon
               then
               she
               showes
               ,
               that
               her
               heart
               is
               so
               ravished
               with
               love
               towards
               him
               again
               ,
               that
               she
               is
               love-sick
               ,
               and
               ready
               to
               swound
               therewith
               ,
               and
               therefore
               cries
               out
               to
               be
               stayed
               with
               flaggons
               ,
               and
               comforted
               with
               apples
               .
               The
               similitude
               then
               is
               drawn
               from
               a
               Virgin
               ,
               who
               is
               betrothed
               ,
               and
               through
               the
               vehemency
               of
               her
               love
               towards
               her
               future
               Spouse
               ,
               is
               love-sick
               ,
               and
               swoundeth
               .
            
             
               In
               the
               words
               then
               we
               have
               ,
               1
               What
               she
               seeks
               .
               2
               Of
               whom
               she
               seeks
               .
               And
               3
               Wherefore
               she
               seeks
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               she
               seeks
               to
               be
               stayed
               with
               flaggons
               ,
               having
               relation
               to
               the
               house
               of
               wine
               ,
               whereinto
               she
               was
               lately
               brought
               .
               2.
               
               To
               be
               comforted
               with
               apples
               ,
               having
               relation
               to
               the
               apple-tree
               ,
               whereto
               she
               had
               before
               compared
               him
               .
            
             
               Therefore
               we
               must
               consider
               :
               1.
               what
               is
               meant
               by
               these
               flaggons
               ,
               and
               how
               she
               is
               stayed
               therewith
               ;
               and
               2.
               what
               is
               meant
               by
               these
               apples
               ,
               and
               how
               she
               is
               comforted
               therewith
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               flaggons
               are
               mentioned
               ,
               because
               at
               banquets
               ,
               wine
               was
               distributed
               and
               brought
               in
               ,
               by
               such
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               1
               Chron.
               16.
               2
               ,
               3.
               
               Also
               by
               flaggons
               is
               understood
               ,
               by
               a
               certain
               figure
               of
               speech
               ,
               the
               wine
               contained
               in
               them
               ,
               as
               Luk.
               22.
               20.
               the
               Cup
               is
               taken
               for
               the
               wine
               contained
               in
               the
               cup
               ;
               and
               by
               this
               wine
               again
               in
               these
               flaggons
               ,
               is
               meant
               the
               cordiall
               comforts
               contained
               in
               the
               Gospell
               ,
               or
               Word
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               promises
               thereof
               ,
               that
               are
               onely
               able
               to
               cheer
               up
               a
               sick
               and
               dejected
               soul
               ,
               or
               wounded
               conscience
               ,
               as
               David
               clearly
               confesseth
               ,
               saying
               ,
               
                 In
                 the
                 multitude
                 of
                 my
                 thoughts
                 within
                 me
                 ,
                 thy
                 comforts
                 have
                 rejoyced
                 my
                 soul
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
              
               94.
               19.
               
               And
               again
               ,
               
                 Vnlesse
                 thy
                 law
                 had
                 been
                 my
                 delight
                 ,
                 I
                 had
                 perished
                 in
                 mine
                 afflictions
                 .
              
               This
               is
               therefore
               that
               soveraigne
               balme
               of
               Gilead
               ,
               those
               still
               and
               cooling
               waters
               whereof
               David
               speaks
               ,
               Psal
               .
               23.
               2.
               and
               like
               that
               wine
               and
               oyle
               ,
               poured
               in
               by
               the
               loving
               Samaritan
               ,
               into
               the
               wounds
               of
               the
               wounded
               Israelite
               ;
               or
               that
               cheering
               liquor
               and
               flaggons
               spoken
               of
               here
               ,
               whereby
               
               the
               sainting
               soul
               is
               stayed
               from
               falling
               into
               desperation
               ,
               and
               powerfully
               comforted
               ,
               strengthned
               ,
               and
               established
               .
            
             
               Likewise
               she
               speakes
               of
               flaggons
               ,
               to
               show
               wherein
               these
               comforts
               are
               to
               be
               found
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               not
               in
               that
               gilded
               cup
               of
               the
               Popes
               decretals
               and
               mens
               traditions
               ,
               Rev.
               17.
               wherein
               onely
               is
               the
               giddy
               wine
               of
               spirituall
               fornication
               ,
               wherewith
               that
               Whoore
               of
               mysticall
               Babylon
               made
               drunk
               the
               indwellers
               of
               the
               earth
               ,
               but
               in
               the
               flaggons
               of
               the
               old
               and
               new
               Testament
               ,
               or
               written
               word
               of
               God
               ,
               which
               is
               that
               
                 Pedum
                 et
                 virga
              
               spoken
               of
               by
               
                 David
                 ,
                 Ps
              
               .
               23.
               4.
               
               The
               two
               witnesses
               ,
               the
               two
               Olives
               ,
               and
               Candlesticks
               spoken
               of
               in
               the
               Revelation
               ,
               that
               stand
               before
               the
               God
               of
               the
               earth
               ,
               Rev.
               11.
               4.
               and
               that
               foundation
               of
               the
               Prophets
               and
               Apostles
               whereon
               the
               Church
               is
               built
               ,
               Ephes
               .
               2.
               20.
               beside
               which
               if
               any
               ,
               though
               an
               Angell
               from
               Heaven
               ,
               should
               preach
               any
               other
               Doctrine
               of
               faith
               and
               manners
               ,
               Let
               him
               be
               accursed
               ,
               Gal.
               1.
               8.
               
            
             
               Next
               ,
               she
               desires
               to
               be
               comforted
               with
               Apples
               ,
               by
               which
               apples
               is
               meant
               nothing
               ,
               else
               ,
               but
               that
               which
               we
               shewd
               already
               is
               meant
               ,
               v.
               3.
               by
               the
               fruit
               of
               the
               apple-tree
               which
               was
               sweet
               unto
               my
               taste
               ,
               and
               here
               ,
               with
               the
               fragrant
               smell
               whereof
               she
               desires
               to
               be
               comforted
               ,
               and
               so
               the
               same
               being
               both
               for
               taste
               and
               smell
               cordiall
               and
               comfortable
               ,
               whereby
               is
               given
               us
               to
               understand
               the
               excellency
               of
               Gods
               word
               ,
               and
               that
               it
               delights
               not
               only
               one
               of
               the
               spirituall
               senses
               of
               the
               soul
               ,
               but
               likewise
               all
               of
               them
               ,
               being
               light
               to
               the
               eye
               thereof
               ,
               musick
               to
               the
               eare
               thereof
               ,
               delightfull
               to
               the
               touch
               thereof
               ,
               sweet
               to
               the
               taste
               ,
               and
               comfortable
               to
               the
               smelling
               ,
               2.
               
               By
               these
               flaggons
               ,
               or
               wine
               therein
               ,
               and
               by
               these
               apples
               ,
               the
               staying
               of
               her
               by
               the
               one
               ,
               and
               comforting
               of
               her
               by
               the
               other
               ,
               is
               likewise
               represented
               unto
               us
               the
               diverse
               operations
               of
               the
               word
               of
               God
               upon
               the
               godly
               soul
               ,
               strengthning
               the
               weake
               ,
               confirming
               the
               stronger
               ,
               enlightning
               the
               blind
               ,
               quickning
               the
               dead
               ,
               reclaiming
               the
               strayer
               ,
               guiding
               the
               ignorant
               ,
               resolving
               the
               doubtfull
               ,
               making
               wise
               the
               simple
               and
               many
               other
               operations
               ,
               which
               we
               may
               see
               ,
               Ps
               .
               19.
               and
               119.
               and
               here
               ,
               staying
               them
               that
               are
               ready
               to
               fall
               ,
               comforting
               the
               languishing
               ,
               and
               as
               ,
               Ps
               .
               19.
               8.
               rejoycing
               the
               heart
               ,
               sweeter
               also
               then
               hony
               and
               the
               Hony-comb
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               Having
               spoken
               of
               that
               which
               she
               seeks
               ,
               we
               come
               next
               to
               consider
               from
               whom
               she
               seeks
               so
               to
               be
               stayed
               with
               flaggons
               ,
               and
               comforted
               by
               apples
               :
               where
               we
               find
               that
               the
               Church
               in
               this
               her
               soul-sickness
               speakes
               to
               her
               friends
               in
               the
               
               plurall
               number
               to
               whom
               are
               committed
               the
               mysteries
               of
               the
               Gospell
               to
               manifest
               ,
               and
               the
               banner
               of
               Christ
               love
               to
               display
               ,
               and
               to
               whom
               in
               Peters
               person
               ,
               he
               sayes
               to
               all
               and
               every
               one
               ,
               
                 Pasce
                 oves
                 meas
              
               .
               These
               then
               by
               office
               being
               the
               stewards
               of
               the
               Lords
               house
               ,
               1.
               
               Cor.
               4.
               1.
               under
               whose
               hand
               to
               divide
               aright
               and
               distribute
               ,
               are
               the
               childrens
               bread
               and
               these
               flaggons
               and
               fruits
               ,
               therefore
               she
               desireth
               them
               that
               they
               with
               the
               comfortable
               doctrines
               and
               promises
               of
               the
               Gospell
               applyed
               to
               her
               conscience
               and
               present
               estate
               prudently
               ,
               would
               uphold
               her
               now
               ready
               to
               swoon
               ,
               and
               so
               languishing
               for
               love
               :
               for
               by
               these
               ,
               as
               nurses
               ,
               the
               Lord
               will
               have
               his
               children
               nourished
               with
               the
               sincere
               milk
               of
               his
               word
               ,
               that
               they
               may
               grow
               thereby
               ,
               by
               them
               as
               stewards
               he
               wil
               have
               them
               fed
               in
               his
               family
               ,
               by
               these
               as
               teachers
               he
               will
               have
               them
               to
               be
               instructed
               and
               Disciplinated
               in
               his
               school
               ,
               and
               by
               these
               as
               spirituall
               Physitians
               he
               will
               have
               them
               lanced
               ,
               bound
               up
               that
               are
               broken-hearted
               ,
               cared
               for
               ,
               cured
               ,
               and
               comforted
               with
               the
               cordialls
               of
               his
               word
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               Thirdly
               ,
               and
               last
               of
               all
               ,
               we
               have
               the
               reason
               why
               she
               desires
               to
               be
               thus
               stayed
               with
               flaggons
               and
               comforted
               with
               apples
               ,
               and
               this
               is
               ,
               because
               she
               was
               sick
               of
               love
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               languishing
               with
               desire
               to
               injoy
               the
               comfortable
               presence
               and
               comforts
               of
               her
               beloved
               ,
               and
               as
               love
               is
               one
               of
               the
               strongest
               affections
               ,
               so
               is
               the
               sickness
               that
               comes
               of
               it
               ,
               the
               strongest
               and
               ●orest
               afflicter
               of
               any
               ,
               as
               we
               may
               see
               ,
               2.
               
               Sam.
               13.
               1.
               and
               therefore
               the
               Greek
               Septuagint
               ,
               has
               ,
               
                 wounded
                 of
                 love
              
               .
            
             
               Indeed
               there
               are
               two
               sorts
               of
               the
               soules
               sickness
               ,
               the
               one
               common
               to
               all
               ,
               but
               the
               other
               proper
               to
               a
               few
               :
               the
               first
               is
               a
               sickness
               of
               sinne
               ,
               whereof
               all
               are
               sick
               naturally
               ,
               but
               (
               alas
               )
               all
               are
               not
               sensible
               ,
               and
               this
               came
               from
               Satan
               to
               us
               ,
               and
               the
               first
               Adam
               ;
               and
               this
               sicknesse
               is
               unto
               death●
               ,
               Spirituall
               and
               Eternall
               :
               the
               second
               is
               this
               love-sickness
               ,
               whereof
               too
               few
               are
               sick
               ,
               and
               the
               church
               is
               here
               sensible
               of
               ;
               and
               this
               comes
               from
               God
               and
               the
               second
               Adam
               ,
               and
               this
               sickness
               is
               unto
               life
               ,
               arguing
               the
               spirituall
               life
               of
               grace
               to
               be
               in
               the
               soul
               here
               ,
               and
               that
               the
               same
               shall
               live
               the
               life
               of
               glory
               hereafter
               .
            
             
               This
               spirituall
               love-sickness
               ,
               (
               as
               other
               naturall
               love
               sickness
               )
               has
               ,
               1.
               
               A
               preceeding
               sight
               and
               knowledge
               of
               the
               person
               loved
               ,
               beholding
               in
               his
               word
               ,
               and
               by
               the
               eye
               of
               faith
               having
               gotten
               a
               sight
               how
               amiable
               and
               lovely
               Christ
               is
               to
               the
               Soul
               ,
               which
               so
               works
               on
               her
               affection
               (
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               c.
               5.
               )
               that
               she
               cannot
               sufficiently
               expresse
               his
               praise
               and
               commendation
               .
            
             
             
               2.
               
               This
               love-sickness
               has
               a
               continuall
               longing
               and
               languishing
               till
               she
               injoy
               him
               whom
               she
               loves
               ,
               as
               Amnon
               languished
               till
               he
               injoyed
               Tamar
               ,
               and
               Jacob
               longed
               till
               he
               injoyed
               Rachel
               :
               therefore
               David
               said
               ,
               that
               as
               the
               Hart
               panted
               after
               the
               water-brookes
               :
               so
               did
               his
               soul
               ,
               till
               he
               should
               come
               and
               appeare
               before
               the
               Lord
               ,
               Ps
               .
               42.
               
               And
               the
               Apostle
               professed
               that
               he
               desired
               to
               be
               dissolved
               ,
               that
               he
               might
               be
               with
               Christ
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               To
               the
               love-sick
               party
               ,
               till
               this
               injoying
               be
               ,
               no
               other
               thing
               can
               give
               content
               or
               satisfaction
               ;
               and
               even
               so
               ,
               neither
               to
               the
               love-sick
               soul
               ,
               till
               she
               injoy
               Christs
               presence
               ,
               againe
               after
               a
               spirituall
               desertion
               ,
               can
               any
               earthly
               thing
               afford
               her
               rest
               or
               comfort
               ;
               she
               being
               therein
               like
               Rachel
               that
               could
               not
               be
               comforted
               ,
               till
               she
               find
               him
               againe
               whom
               her
               soul
               loves
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Cant.
               3.
               2.
               4.
               and
               5
               ,
               6
               ,
               7
               ,
               8.
               and
               as
               David
               speakes
               ,
               till
               she
               be
               restored
               againe
               to
               the
               joy
               of
               her
               salvation
               here
               ,
               and
               at
               last
               be
               brought
               to
               that
               fulness
               of
               joy
               which
               is
               in
               his
               presence
               ,
               and
               pleasures
               evermore
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               One
               that
               is
               love
               sick
               ,
               thinks
               on
               the
               party
               continually
               ,
               yea
               the
               same
               so
               takes
               up
               his
               thoughts
               ,
               as
               talk
               with
               him
               of
               any
               other
               purpose
               or
               party
               ,
               and
               it
               is
               ,
               as
               with
               one
               absent
               ;
               even
               so
               is
               it
               ,
               with
               the
               soul
               that
               is
               love-sick
               of
               Christ
               ;
               and
               5.
               
               Such
               a
               one
               is
               restles
               ,
               as
               Ahab
               was
               ,
               till
               he
               got
               Naboths
               vinyard
               ,
               till
               they
               get
               and
               enjoy
               whom
               they
               do
               love
               ;
               and
               even
               so
               is
               the
               soul
               till
               it
               injoy
               Christ
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Whereas
                 the
                 church
                 having
                 received
                 of
                 Christ's
                 fruit
                 which
                 was
                 sweet
                 to
                 her
                 taste
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 his
                 wine
                 in
                 his
                 banquetting
                 house
                 thereof
                 ,
                 which
                 did
                 cheer
                 or
                 rejoyce
                 her
                 Heart
                 ,
                 cannot
                 content
                 therewith
                 ,
                 but
                 does
                 here
                 desire
                 to
                 be
                 yet
                 more
                 stayed
                 with
                 flaggons
                 ,
                 and
                 comforted
                 with
                 apples
                 ;
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 godly
                 can
                 never
                 enough
                 be
                 satiate
                 with
                 grace
                 and
                 the
                 sweetness
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 having
                 once
                 truly
                 tasted
                 thereof
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 we
                 ought
                 to
                 try
                 if
                 this
                 be
                 our
                 disposition
                 ,
                 and
                 thereby
                 if
                 we
                 have
                 gotten
                 true
                 grace
                 to
                 be
                 true
                 members
                 of
                 Christ's
                 church
                 ;
                 which
                 if
                 we
                 have
                 ,
                 then
                 assuredly
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 sure
                 token
                 thereof
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 will
                 have
                 a
                 further
                 desire
                 to
                 grow
                 therein
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 Gods
                 wise
                 dispensation
                 of
                 his
                 grace
                 ,
                 not
                 giving
                 the
                 same
                 but
                 by
                 degrees
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 drop
                 by
                 drop
                 ,
                 whereby
                 we
                 may
                 by
                 a
                 holy
                 wholesome
                 appetite
                 be
                 exercised
                 in
                 
                 prayer
                 and
                 asking
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 a
                 comfortable
                 sen●e
                 of
                 his
                 renewing
                 bounty
                 be
                 exercised
                 in
                 praise
                 and
                 thanksgiving
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Whereas
                 she
                 desires
                 to
                 be
                 stayed
                 with
                 flaggons
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 wherein
                 solid
                 comfort
                 in
                 all
                 our
                 soul-faintings
                 or
                 spirituall
                 swoonings
                 is
                 only
                 to
                 be
                 found
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 in
                 Gods
                 word
                 ,
                 the
                 old
                 and
                 new
                 Testaments
                 :
                 which
                 whosoever
                 leave
                 ,
                 to
                 seek
                 comfort
                 in
                 any
                 other
                 doctrine
                 or
                 dotages
                 of
                 mans
                 invention
                 or
                 foolish
                 superstition
                 ,
                 they
                 leave
                 the
                 fountaine
                 of
                 living
                 waters
                 to
                 dig
                 unto
                 themselves
                 broken
                 cisternes
                 that
                 can
                 hold
                 no
                 water
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Seeing
                 her
                 speech
                 is
                 directed
                 to
                 her
                 friends
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 plurall
                 number
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 to
                 her
                 beloved
                 husband
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 singular
                 ,
                 which
                 friends
                 are
                 the
                 pastors
                 of
                 the
                 Word
                 ,
                 to
                 whom
                 is
                 committed
                 the
                 ordinary
                 dispensation
                 of
                 the
                 word
                 of
                 comfort
                 ,
                 as
                 apples
                 of
                 Gold
                 with
                 pictures
                 of
                 silver
                 ,
                 spoken
                 in
                 season
                 to
                 a
                 perplexed
                 soul
                 ,
                 therefore
                 both
                 their
                 persons
                 ought
                 to
                 be
                 reverenced
                 ,
                 and
                 loved
                 for
                 their
                 works
                 sake
                 ,
                 and
                 much
                 more
                 the
                 word
                 which
                 they
                 preach
                 ,
                 remembring
                 that
                 who
                 heare
                 them
                 heares
                 him
                 that
                 sent
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 who
                 despises
                 them
                 despises
                 him
                 that
                 sent
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Lord
                 said
                 unto
                 
                   Samuel
                   ,
                   They
                   have
                   not
                   rejected
                   thee
                   ,
                   but
                   they
                   have
                   rejected
                   me
                   ,
                   that
                   I
                   should
                   not
                   raigne
                   over
                   them
                   ,
                
                 1
                 Sam.
                 8.
                 7.
                 
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 Let
                 Pastors
                 also
                 for
                 the
                 performance
                 of
                 this
                 Ministry
                 of
                 comfort
                 ,
                 furnish
                 themselves
                 with
                 these
                 flaggons
                 and
                 variety
                 of
                 the
                 word
                 of
                 comfort
                 ,
                 that
                 in
                 all
                 purdence
                 and
                 plenty
                 they
                 may
                 come
                 to
                 love
                 sick-soules
                 ,
                 with
                 the
                 blessing
                 of
                 the
                 Gospell
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 that
                 ,
                 as
                 Job
                 speaks
                 of
                 himself
                 ,
                 the
                 care
                 that
                 hears
                 ,
                 may
                 blesse
                 them
                 ,
                 Job
                 .
                 29.
                 11.
                 13.
                 
                 The
                 blessing
                 also
                 of
                 them
                 that
                 were
                 ready
                 to
                 perish
                 may
                 come
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 may
                 cause
                 the
                 wearied
                 heart
                 to
                 rejoyce
                 and
                 sing
                 for
                 joy
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 Let
                 also
                 those
                 who
                 are
                 comforted
                 and
                 raised
                 up
                 by
                 their
                 word
                 remember
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 comfort
                 it self
                 ,
                 comes
                 mainly
                 from
                 Christ
                 who
                 is
                 the
                 true
                 vine
                 able
                 only
                 to
                 afford
                 the
                 cheering
                 liquor
                 thereof
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 apple-tree
                 which
                 produces
                 the
                 sweet
                 fruit
                 thereof
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 theirs
                 is
                 only
                 the
                 externall
                 ministry
                 or
                 exhibition
                 ,
                 but
                 his
                 only
                 is
                 the
                 inward
                 efficacy
                 and
                 application
                 ,
                 that
                 so
                 from
                 him
                 chiesly
                 the
                 same
                 may
                 be
                 sought
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 him
                 for
                 the
                 same
                 the
                 praise
                 may
                 be
                 given
                 .
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 what
                 prudence
                 Pastors
                 should
                 have
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 ever
                 to
                 be
                 sonnes
                 of
                 thunder
                 ,
                 or
                 as
                 upon
                 ●ball
                 to
                 denounce
                 threatings
                 ,
                 but
                 sometimes
                 and
                 to
                 some
                 persons
                 to
                 speake
                 as
                 from
                 Gerizim
                 ;
                 and
                 not
                 come
                 with
                 the
                 terrors
                 of
                 Sinai
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 comforts
                 of
                 Sion
                 ,
                 lest
                 they
                 break
                 the
                 bruised
                 reed
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 quench
                 the
                 smoking
                 flax
                 ,
                 contrary
                 to
                 their
                 Masters
                 practice
                 ,
                 and
                 eeke
                 affliction
                 to
                 the
                 afflicted
                 ,
                 whereas
                 rather
                 they
                 should
                 bind
                 up
                 the
                 broken
                 heart
                 ,
                 minister
                 the
                 oile
                 of
                 gladness
                 to
                 the
                 spirit
                 of
                 heaviness
                 ,
                 or
                 (
                 as
                 here
                 )
                 stay
                 the
                 flaggering
                 soul
                 with
                 flaggons
                 and
                 comfort
                 her
                 with
                 apples
                 who
                 is
                 sick
                 of
                 love
                 .
              
               
                 8.
                 
                 From
                 the
                 reason
                 which
                 she
                 gives
                 of
                 her
                 desire
                 to
                 be
                 stayed
                 with
                 flaggons
                 ,
                 and
                 comforted
                 with
                 apples
                 ,
                 because
                 she
                 was
                 sick
                 of
                 love
                 ,
                 we
                 observe
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 uncouth
                 to
                 see
                 the
                 dearest
                 children
                 of
                 God
                 to
                 be
                 subject
                 to
                 spirituall
                 swoonings
                 ,
                 faintings
                 and
                 desertions
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 c.
                 3.
                 5.
                 and
                 here
                 ;
                 and
                 to
                 be
                 sensible
                 ,
                 sorrowfull
                 and
                 solicitous
                 therefore
                 .
                 Yea
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 happy
                 are
                 they
                 who
                 are
                 so
                 soul-sick
                 ,
                 and
                 most
                 erronious
                 is
                 the
                 blind
                 worlds
                 judgment
                 of
                 such
                 ,
                 who
                 think
                 them
                 the
                 contrary
                 .
              
               
                 9.
                 
                 Her
                 sickness
                 is
                 here
                 called
                 ,
                 love-sickness
                 ,
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 the
                 vehemency
                 thereof
                 ,
                 where
                 with
                 she
                 was
                 inflamed
                 :
                 where
                 we
                 see
                 not
                 only
                 whereon
                 ,
                 or
                 on
                 whom
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 every
                 godly
                 soul
                 is
                 set
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 their
                 love
                 of
                 Christ
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 lukewarme
                 love
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 fervent
                 love
                 kindled
                 by
                 the
                 fire
                 of
                 Gods
                 spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 joyned
                 with
                 a
                 fervent
                 zeale
                 of
                 his
                 glory
                 ,
                 whereby
                 they
                 preferre
                 him
                 to
                 all
                 things
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 his
                 truth
                 ,
                 yea
                 to
                 their
                 very
                 lives
                 which
                 is
                 not
                 deare
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 in
                 comparison
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 or
                 it
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 called
                 to
                 hazard
                 the
                 same
                 for
                 his
                 name
                 .
              
               
                 10.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 she
                 only
                 who
                 is
                 thus
                 love-sick
                 ,
                 that
                 calls
                 for
                 these
                 flaggons
                 ,
                 and
                 apples
                 that
                 are
                 mentioned
                 ,
                 to
                 show
                 unto
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 such
                 only
                 hunger
                 and
                 thirst
                 after
                 the
                 word
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 these
                 only
                 the
                 same
                 is
                 sweeter
                 then
                 hony
                 and
                 the
                 Hony
                 comb
                 ,
                 as
                 David
                 sayes
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 19.
                 and
                 
                   Mary
                   Magdalen
                
                 shews
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 it
                 is
                 no
                 marvell
                 to
                 see
                 a
                 Soul
                 wherein
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 Christ
                 was
                 never
                 yet
                 setled
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 small
                 or
                 no
                 appetite
                 to
                 the
                 word
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 or
                 delight
                 therein
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Verse
               .
               6.
               
               His
               left
               hand
               is
               under
               my
               head
               ,
               and
               his
               right
               hand
               doth
               embrace
               me
               .
            
             
               The
               church
               having
               called
               before
               for
               staying
               ,
               and
               comfort
               ,
               at
               the
               hands
               of
               the
               ministers
               of
               the
               Word
               ,
               here
               ,
               finding
               and
               feeling
               straightwais
               Christs
               help
               ,
               like
               a
               loving
               husband
               taking
               about
               her
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               showes
               ,
               Eph.
               5.
               29.
               she
               acknowledges
               and
               confesses
               that
               all
               the
               efficacy
               and
               chief
               application
               is
               from
               the
               Lord
               himself
               ,
               Saying
               ,
               
                 his
                 left
                 hand
                 is
                 under
                 my
                 head
                 and
                 with
                 his
                 right
                 he
                 doth
                 embrace
                 me
                 .
              
            
             
             
               Now
               ,
               hand
               is
               sometimes
               put
               in
               Scripture
               properly
               ,
               for
               the
               member
               of
               the
               body
               ,
               so
               called
               ,
               Gen.
               19.
               16.
               
               And
               sometimes
               figuratively
               ,
               and
               when
               it
               is
               applyed
               to
               God
               ,
               as
               here
               ,
               it
               signifieth
               sometimes
               ,
               God
               effectuall
               purpose
               of
               things
               to
               be
               done
               ,
               as
               Act.
               4.
               28.
               2.
               
               Sometimes
               ,
               Gods
               actuall
               power
               in
               performance
               ,
               as
               2.
               
               Chron.
               6.
               15.
               3
               
               His
               help
               and
               furtherance
               of
               others
               in
               performance
               of
               his
               good-will
               as
               ,
               Ezra
               .
               8.
               18.
               22.
               and
               Neh.
               2.
               8.
               4
               
               His
               power
               resisting
               and
               disappointing
               ,
               yea
               destroying
               his
               enemies
               who
               do
               oppose
               ,
               and
               delivering
               his
               owne
               ,
               
                 Ezra
                 .
                 8.
                 31.
                 
                 Exod.
              
               15.
               6.
               5
               
               His
               bountifull
               providence
               towards
               all
               ,
               and
               chiefly
               towards
               his
               owne
               ,
               Psal
               .
               145.
               16.
               1
               
               Chron.
               29.
               16.
               6
               
               His
               gracious
               protection
               ,
               Isay
               ,
               49.
               2.
               7
               
               His
               upholding
               with
               strength
               and
               comfort
               ,
               as
               here
               ,
               and
               Ps
               .
               37.
               24.
               and
               18.
               35.
               
            
             
               Also
               we
               have
               in
               Scripture
               a
               creating
               hand
               of
               Gods
               ,
               Job
               .
               10.
               8.
               2
               
               A
               redeeming
               hand
               ,
               Luk.
               1.
               74.
               3
               
               A
               conducting
               hand
               ,
               Ps
               .
               73.
               23.
               and
               4.
               
               A
               receiving
               up
               hand
               ,
               or
               
                 manus
                 suscipiens
                 ,
                 Ps
              
               .
               31.
               5.
               
               In
               like
               manner
               ,
               hands
               of
               mercy
               offering
               ,
               Isay
               .
               65.
               2.
               and
               a
               hand
               of
               justice
               punishing
               ,
               Heb.
               10.
               31.
               
               Likewise
               a
               right
               hand
               (
               as
               here
               )
               embracing
               ,
               and
               a
               left
               hand
               supporting
               ,
               both
               comfortable
               to
               the
               godly
               ,
               but
               the
               left
               hand
               dreadfull
               to
               the
               wicked
               ,
               Matth.
               25.
               41.
               
               Of
               these
               two
               hands
               sayes
               
                 Bernard
                 ,
                 Laevâ
                 levat
                 ,
                 dextrâ
                 suscipit
                 ;
                 in
                 laeva
                 miserationes
                 et
                 merita
                 ,
                 in
                 dextra
                 remunerationes
                 et
                 praemia
                 :
              
               Or
               ,
               as
               Solomon
               sayes
               ,
               length
               of
               dayes
               are
               in
               her
               right
               hand
               ,
               (
               speaking
               of
               wisedom
               )
               and
               in
               her
               left
               hand
               riches
               and
               honours
               ,
               Pro.
               3.
               16.
               
               But
               simply
               to
               looke
               here
               to
               the
               mind
               of
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               ,
               howsoever
               some
               expound
               these
               two
               hands
               to
               be
               the
               old
               and
               new
               Testament
               compassing
               the
               soul
               about
               with
               the
               divers
               comforts
               that
               are
               in
               them
               ,
               as
               a
               left
               hand
               under
               ,
               and
               the
               right
               hand
               embracing
               one
               above
               ,
               do
               compasse
               and
               clasp
               the
               body
               ,
               yet
               both
               these
               hands
               of
               his
               signifies
               ,
               that
               all
               that
               Christ
               is
               ,
               his
               god-head
               and
               man-hood
               ,
               natures
               and
               offices
               ,
               life
               and
               death
               ,
               buriall
               and
               resurrection
               ,
               ascension
               and
               coming
               againe
               to
               Judgment
               :
               all
               these
               by
               the
               powerfull
               application
               by
               the
               spirit
               of
               grace
               and
               faith
               applyed
               to
               the
               love-sick
               soul
               afford
               great
               comfort
               and
               refreshment
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 Christs
                 great
                 love
                 ,
                 who
                 leaves
                 not
                 his
                 own
                 in
                 their
                 infirmities
                 ,
                 or
                 straits
                 corporall
                 or
                 spirituall
                 ,
                 but
                 is
                 neer
                 unto
                 them
                 and
                 present
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 even
                 in
                 the
                 greatest
                 seeming
                 
                 desertions
                 ,
                 to
                 support
                 and
                 stay
                 them
                 ,
                 when
                 with
                 Peter
                 they
                 are
                 (
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 )
                 sincking
                 ,
                 or
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 ,
                 Matth.
                 8.
                 25.
                 ready
                 to
                 perish
                 ;
                 and
                 who
                 applyes
                 himself
                 unto
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 embraces
                 them
                 as
                 
                   Elisha
                   2
                   King.
                
                 4.
                 34.
                 applyed
                 himself
                 to
                 the
                 Shunanites
                 child
                 ,
                 to
                 revive
                 him
                 ;
                 or
                 as
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 comfort
                 of
                 the
                 dejected
                 prodigall
                 ,
                 his
                 father
                 ranne
                 unto
                 him
                 ,
                 embraced
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 did
                 kisse
                 him
                 .
                 Therefore
                 let
                 us
                 still
                 relye
                 on
                 his
                 ,
                 more
                 then
                 fatherly
                 tender
                 care
                 ,
                 and
                 say
                 with
                 
                   David
                   ,
                   Ps
                
                 .
                 119.
                 116.
                 
                 Uphold
                 me
                 according
                 to
                 thy
                 word
                 ,
                 that
                 I
                 may
                 live
                 ,
                 O
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 let
                 me
                 not
                 be
                 ashamed
                 of
                 my
                 hope
                 in
                 thee
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 that
                 the
                 flaggons
                 she
                 sought
                 to
                 be
                 stayed
                 by
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 appl●s
                 for
                 her
                 comfort
                 ,
                 availes
                 not
                 to
                 preserve
                 her
                 from
                 swoonings
                 ,
                 nor
                 raising
                 up
                 againe
                 ,
                 till
                 he
                 put
                 his
                 left
                 hand
                 under
                 her
                 head
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 his
                 right
                 embraced
                 her
                 ,
                 to
                 show
                 thereby
                 unto
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 except
                 with
                 the
                 outward
                 ministry
                 for
                 comforting
                 ,
                 raising
                 ,
                 or
                 strenghning
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 himself
                 concurre
                 by
                 his
                 inward
                 efficacy
                 ,
                 and
                 powerfull
                 work
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 all
                 what
                 Paul
                 or
                 Apollos
                 ,
                 or
                 any
                 such
                 could
                 do
                 ,
                 can
                 no
                 wais
                 availe
                 ,
                 It
                 is
                 therefore
                 that
                 which
                 we
                 specially
                 should
                 beg
                 and
                 desire
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Here
                 we
                 have
                 a
                 notable
                 comfort
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 embraces
                 her
                 ,
                 when
                 she
                 is
                 so
                 weake
                 and
                 in
                 a
                 swoond
                 that
                 she
                 cannot
                 imbrace
                 him
                 :
                 and
                 therefore
                 although
                 our
                 spirituall
                 fainting
                 be
                 great
                 ,
                 and
                 our
                 faith
                 so
                 weake
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 so
                 farre
                 from
                 being
                 able
                 to
                 hold
                 fast
                 ,
                 and
                 (
                 with
                 Jacob
                 )
                 wrestle
                 for
                 a
                 blessing
                 ,
                 that
                 our
                 grip
                 seems
                 altogether
                 to
                 be
                 loosed
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 beginne
                 to
                 sinck
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 ;
                 yet
                 be
                 of
                 good
                 comfort
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 do
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 apprehend
                 ,
                 as
                 our
                 safety
                 stands
                 herein
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 apprehended
                 ,
                 and
                 gripped
                 unto
                 ,
                 or
                 held
                 up
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 hand
                 of
                 the
                 Almighty
                 ,
                 and
                 out
                 of
                 whose
                 hand
                 ,
                 none
                 is
                 able
                 to
                 pull
                 any
                 one
                 of
                 his
                 sheep
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 She
                 sought
                 only
                 from
                 the
                 servants
                 to
                 be
                 stayed
                 by
                 flaggons
                 and
                 comforted
                 by
                 apples
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 her
                 love-sickness
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 she
                 gets
                 more
                 ,
                 even
                 her
                 loves
                 neer
                 presence
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 loving
                 embracement
                 ,
                 and
                 holding
                 up
                 of
                 her
                 head
                 .
                 So
                 ready
                 is
                 the
                 Lord
                 to
                 give
                 to
                 his
                 owne
                 more
                 then
                 their
                 hearts
                 can
                 of●imes
                 desire
                 or
                 they
                 expect
                 or
                 look
                 for
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 did
                 to
                 Solomon
                 ;
                 and
                 Jacob
                 ,
                 who
                 looked
                 not
                 to
                 have
                 seene
                 Joseph
                 before
                 his
                 death
                 ,
                 and
                 behold
                 the
                 Lord
                 has
                 showne
                 to
                 me
                 (
                 sayes
                 he
                 )
                 even
                 thy
                 seed
                 also
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 how
                 thankfully
                 she
                 acknowledges
                 her
                 beloved's
                 kindness
                 and
                 care
                 of
                 her
                 ,
                 declaring
                 the
                 same
                 and
                 how
                 sensible
                 
                 she
                 was
                 thereof
                 ,
                 which
                 should
                 teach
                 us
                 to
                 do
                 the
                 like
                 ,
                 to
                 his
                 glory
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 so
                 bountifull
                 towards
                 us
                 ;
                 and
                 thereby
                 also
                 to
                 comfort
                 and
                 confirm
                 others
                 ,
                 telling
                 them
                 ,
                 what
                 the
                 Lord
                 has
                 done
                 to
                 our
                 soul
                 ;
                 and
                 to
                 manifest
                 our
                 thankfulnesse
                 ,
                 as
                 David
                 vowes
                 to
                 do
                 ,
                 saying
                 ,
                 
                   Hold
                   me
                   up
                   ,
                   O
                   Lord
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   shall
                   be
                   safe
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   will
                   have
                   respect
                   unto
                   thy
                   statutes
                   continually
                   .
                
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               7.
               
               I
               charge
               you
               (
               ô
               ye
               daughters
               of
               Jerusalem
               )
               by
               the
               Roes
               ,
               and
               by
               the
               Hindes
               of
               the
               field
               ,
               that
               ye
               stir
               not
               up
               ,
               nor
               awake
               my
               Love
               ,
               till
               he
               please
               .
            
             
               Here
               is
               a
               charge
               given
               ,
               but
               whether
               by
               the
               Church
               concerning
               Christ
               ,
               or
               by
               Christ
               concerning
               his
               Church
               ,
               Interpreters
               varie
               ,
               and
               it
               is
               not
               so
               easily
               discussed
               by
               the
               Hebrew
               Text
               ;
               where
               the
               word
               ,
               
                 My
                 Love
              
               ,
               is
               of
               either
               gender
               :
               Some
               therefore
               expound
               it
               ,
               That
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               charges
               the
               fals
               members
               of
               his
               Church
               ,
               not
               to
               trouble
               her
               peace
               (
               compared
               to
               a
               sleep
               or
               rest
               ,
               whereinto
               she
               is
               fallen
               ,
               in
               his
               arms
               ,
               as
               it
               were
               ,
               after
               her
               swooning
               )
               by
               their
               schism
               ,
               heresies
               ,
               or
               persecution
               .
               Some
               others
               again
               expound
               it
               ,
               That
               the
               Church
               ,
               having
               found
               such
               tender
               care
               and
               love
               shown
               unto
               her
               by
               Christ
               ,
               charges
               her
               true
               members
               ,
               (
               called
               ,
               
                 The
                 davghters
                 of
                 Jerusalem
              
               )
               that
               by
               any
               unchristian
               behaviour
               of
               theirs
               ,
               or
               sinning
               ,
               they
               provoke
               not
               Christ
               ,
               or
               grieve
               his
               Spirit
               ,
               and
               thereby
               interrupt
               this
               sweet
               fellowship
               ,
               and
               cause
               him
               to
               depart
               ,
               and
               withdraw
               his
               comfortable
               presence
               (
               which
               lately
               she
               found
               )
               from
               her
               .
               And
               to
               this
               sense
               agrees
               our
               English
               Translation
               ,
               saying
               ,
               
                 I
                 charge
                 you
                 ,
                 that
                 ye
                 stir
                 not
                 up
                 ,
                 nor
                 awake
                 my
                 Love
                 ,
                 till
                 he
                 please
              
               ;
               that
               is
               ,
               not
               at
               all
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               by
               the
               like
               speech
               used
               ,
               2
               Sam.
               6.
               23.
               and
               Matth.
               1.
               25.
               
            
             
               In
               the
               words
               then
               we
               have
               ,
               1
               A
               charge
               .
               2
               To
               whom
               it
               is
               given
               .
               3
               Whereby
               they
               are
               charged
               .
               And
               4
               What
               to
               do
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               in
               the
               words
               we
               have
               a
               charge
               given
               by
               the
               Church
               ,
               to
               all
               her
               true
               members
               ,
               which
               is
               of
               greater
               enforcing
               ,
               than
               to
               exhort
               or
               require
               ,
               which
               imports
               both
               authority
               in
               those
               who
               do
               charge
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               1.
               
               Tim.
               6.
               17.
               and
               the
               duty
               of
               obedience
               in
               them
               who
               are
               charged
               .
               The
               Church
               therefore
               having
               authority
               as
               a
               Mother
               ,
               from
               Christ
               her
               Husband
               ,
               she
               charges
               her
               children
               ,
               who
               owe
               obedience
               to
               her
               ,
               to
               behave
               themselves
               so
               ,
               as
               He
               be
               not
               ,
               nor
               his
               Spirit
               ,
               grieved
               ,
               by
               their
               bad
               behaviour
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               this
               charge
               is
               given
               to
               the
               daughters
               of
               Jerusalem
               ,
               
               where
               we
               must
               note
               ,
               that
               it
               was
               the
               manner
               of
               old
               ,
               that
               the
               Bridegroom
               had
               young
               men
               to
               be
               his
               companions
               and
               friends
               ,
               which
               are
               in
               this
               song
               Christ's
               faithfull
               Pastors
               ,
               as
               
                 John
                 the
                 Baptist
              
               tearmeth
               himself
               one
               of
               his
               friends
               :
               As
               also
               the
               Bride
               had
               Virgins
               to
               be
               her
               companions
               and
               followers
               ,
               with
               whom
               in
               this
               Song
               Christ's
               Spouse
               is
               said
               to
               be
               accompanied
               ,
               and
               are
               here
               called
               ,
               
                 Daughters
                 of
                 Jerusalem
              
               :
               Daughters
               of
               one
               father
               ,
               and
               one
               mother
               ,
               to
               whom
               they
               owe
               ,
               as
               children
               to
               parents
               ,
               love
               ,
               honour
               ,
               and
               obedience
               ;
               and
               being
               such
               daughters
               ,
               they
               are
               sisters
               amongst
               themselves
               ,
               as
               they
               are
               called
               ,
               Cant.
               8.
               8.
               whi●h
               imports
               love
               ;
               and
               being
               daughters
               of
               Jerusalem
               ,
               that
               implies
               peace
               ,
               the
               ground
               whereof
               is
               love
               ;
               as
               Abraham
               argued
               ,
               Gen.
               13.
               8.
               to
               show
               what
               should
               be
               seen
               amongst
               true
               Christians
               ,
               even
               love
               and
               peace
               ,
               as
               the
               Psalmist
               tells
               us
               ,
               Psal
               .
               133.
               1.
               
               Therefore
               we
               should
               try
               our selves
               hereby
               ,
               if
               we
               be
               the
               true
               disciples
               of
               Christ
               ,
               and
               labour
               to
               have
               love
               in
               our
               hearts
               ,
               and
               then
               easily
               we
               will
               incline
               to
               peace
               ;
               otherwise
               there
               will
               be
               seen
               nothing
               but
               discord
               upon
               light
               occasions
               ;
               and
               if
               we
               bite
               and
               devour
               one
               another
               ,
               we
               shall
               be
               consumed
               one
               of
               another
               ;
               and
               if
               notwithstanding
               we
               say
               that
               we
               love
               God
               ,
               we
               shall
               be
               found
               lyars
               ,
               as
               Saint
               John
               witnesseth
               ,
               1
               Joh.
               4.
               20.
               
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               They
               are
               charged
               by
               the
               Roes
               and
               Hindes
               of
               the
               field
               ,
               which
               beasts
               are
               mentioned
               ,
               when
               love
               is
               recommended
               between
               man
               and
               wife
               ,
               Prov.
               5
               19.
               that
               as
               the
               males
               and
               females
               of
               these
               beasts
               ,
               do
               delight
               and
               dearly
               love
               one
               another
               ,
               and
               where
               such
               love
               is
               ,
               there
               is
               a
               care
               not
               to
               stir
               up
               to
               wrath
               ,
               and
               to
               move
               departure
               one
               from
               another
               ;
               even
               so
               the
               Church
               adjures
               her
               true
               members
               by
               these
               ,
               that
               they
               may
               so
               delight
               and
               dearly
               love
               Christ
               ,
               who
               hath
               so
               loved
               them
               ,
               that
               they
               stir
               not
               him
               up
               ,
               in
               anger
               ,
               to
               withdraw
               his
               comfortable
               presence
               from
               her
               ,
               the
               proof
               whereof
               she
               had
               so
               lately
               found
               .
               Or
               they
               are
               charged
               by
               the
               Roes
               and
               Hinds
               of
               the
               field
               ,
               not
               to
               stir
               up
               her
               Beloved
               ,
               because
               these
               beasts
               are
               most
               tender
               ,
               scarre
               ,
               and
               soonest
               afraid
               or
               stirred
               up
               ,
               by
               any
               noise
               or
               tumult
               .
            
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               that
               which
               they
               are
               charged
               to
               do
               ,
               is
               ,
               that
               they
               stir
               not
               up
               ,
               nor
               awake
               her
               Love
               ,
               till
               he
               please
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               by
               their
               sinning
               against
               him
               ,
               or
               by
               their
               unchristian
               carriage
               ,
               they
               grieve
               not
               his
               Spirit
               ,
               (
               as
               we
               are
               exhorted
               ,
               Ephes
               .
               4.
               30.
               
               )
               nor
               stir
               him
               up
               to
               wrath
               .
            
             
               Now
               there
               are
               two
               sorts
               of
               persons
               ,
               whom
               we
               should
               be
               
               loth
               to
               stir
               up
               to
               wrath
               :
               1.
               
               Great
               persons
               ,
               in
               regard
               of
               the
               power
               of
               doing
               us
               evill
               ;
               and
               herein
               the
               motive
               is
               Fear
               .
               2.
               
               Good
               persons
               and
               liberall
               ,
               in
               regard
               of
               their
               bounty
               ,
               and
               doing
               us
               good
               ;
               and
               here
               the
               motive
               is
               Hope
               :
               But
               in
               this
               her
               Beloved
               ,
               both
               are
               conjoyned
               ,
               for
               he
               is
               of
               greatest
               power
               both
               over
               soul
               and
               body
               ,
               as
               also
               of
               greatest
               bounty
               in
               gifts
               ,
               both
               spirituall
               and
               corporall
               ,
               temporall
               and
               eternall
               ;
               who
               also
               in
               all
               our
               wayes
               ,
               must
               be
               our
               guide
               and
               counsellour
               ,
               Psal
               .
               73.
               24.
               in
               all
               our
               dangers
               and
               straits
               ,
               our
               guard
               and
               deliverer
               ;
               in
               all
               our
               crosses
               ,
               our
               chiefe
               and
               onely
               comforter
               ;
               and
               in
               death
               it self
               ,
               and
               after
               ,
               our
               onely
               constant
               ,
               and
               best
               friend
               and
               rewarder
               .
               To
               stir
               him
               up
               then
               to
               wrath
               ,
               whose
               wrath
               is
               so
               dreadfull
               .
               Heb.
               10.
               31.
               and
               of
               whose
               favour
               we
               stand
               more
               in
               need
               ,
               than
               the
               Tyrians
               did
               of
               Herod's
               ,
               Act.
               12.
               20.
               is
               great
               madnesse
               ;
               and
               to
               grieve
               him
               ,
               who
               in
               all
               our
               griefs
               must
               be
               our
               comforter
               and
               easer
               ,
               and
               saver
               from
               eternall
               grief
               and
               torment
               ,
               is
               great
               ingratitude
               and
               folly
               .
            
             
               Next
               ,
               to
               know
               how
               he
               is
               stirred
               up
               or
               grieved
               ,
               and
               whereby
               ;
               It
               is
               ,
               in
               a
               word
               ,
               by
               sin
               ,
               and
               1.
               as
               Great
               ,
               which
               sort
               of
               persons
               are
               stirred
               up
               and
               offended
               ,
               when
               any
               indignity
               is
               done
               to
               them
               ;
               and
               thus
               is
               God
               offended
               ,
               when
               by
               hearkning
               to
               sinners
               ,
               or
               Satan's
               temptations
               ,
               (
               like
               our
               first
               Parents
               )
               the
               treacherous
               counsell
               of
               his
               or
               our
               enemy
               ,
               is
               preferred
               to
               his
               wholsome
               and
               good
               counsell
               .
               2.
               
               As
               Good
               ,
               our
               offending
               of
               him
               arises
               from
               that
               ,
               which
               has
               an
               antipathy
               unto
               his
               Nature
               of
               holinesse
               ;
               and
               this
               is
               when
               we
               sin
               ,
               specially
               in
               such
               clear
               light
               ,
               and
               against
               light
               ,
               customably
               and
               presumptuously
               ,
               stubbornly
               and
               impenitently
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 In
                 respect
                 that
                 the
                 Church
                 here
                 ,
                 chargeth
                 so
                 her
                 true
                 members
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 her
                 authority
                 ,
                 that
                 she
                 she
                 has
                 from
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 God
                 ,
                 for
                 which
                 therefore
                 we
                 should
                 reverence
                 her
                 ,
                 and
                 obey
                 her
                 ;
                 which
                 if
                 any
                 stubborn
                 child
                 of
                 hers
                 will
                 not
                 do
                 ,
                 by
                 our
                 Saviours
                 commandment
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 held
                 as
                 a
                 heathen
                 and
                 a
                 publican
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Seeing
                 her
                 true
                 members
                 have
                 their
                 denomination
                 from
                 love
                 and
                 peace
                 ,
                 therefore
                 they
                 should
                 bend
                 all
                 their
                 endeavours
                 ,
                 to
                 maintain
                 these
                 holy
                 vertues
                 among
                 themselves
                 ,
                 eschewing
                 the
                 contrary
                 ;
                 seeing
                 God
                 their
                 Father
                 is
                 the
                 God
                 of
                 peace
                 ,
                 Christ
                 their
                 Redeemer
                 is
                 the
                 Prince
                 of
                 peace
                 ,
                 the
                 work
                 of
                 the
                 holy
                 Ghost
                 is
                 grace
                 and
                 peace
                 ,
                 the
                 Church
                 is
                 Ierusalem
                 ,
                 
                 a
                 vision
                 of
                 peace
                 ;
                 and
                 they
                 ,
                 daughters
                 of
                 that
                 mother
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 should
                 be
                 children
                 of
                 peace
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Seeing
                 this
                 is
                 her
                 charge
                 and
                 chief
                 care
                 ,
                 in
                 retribution
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 ,
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 love
                 and
                 kindnesse
                 that
                 she
                 has
                 found
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 not
                 onely
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 stir
                 up
                 her
                 beloved
                 her self
                 ,
                 but
                 also
                 to
                 exhort
                 and
                 charge
                 others
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 do
                 the
                 same
                 ;
                 this
                 teaches
                 us
                 in
                 like
                 manner
                 ,
                 in
                 retribution
                 of
                 all
                 his
                 love
                 and
                 favours
                 that
                 he
                 has
                 bestowed
                 on
                 us
                 ,
                 either
                 in
                 re
                 ,
                 or
                 spe
                 ,
                 what
                 like
                 care
                 we
                 should
                 have
                 ,
                 not
                 onely
                 not
                 to
                 offend
                 and
                 stir
                 him
                 up
                 to
                 wrath
                 ,
                 by
                 our
                 own
                 sinfull
                 life
                 and
                 conversation
                 ,
                 but
                 likewise
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 are
                 exhorted
                 ,
                 Ephes
                 .
                 5.
                 11.
                 to
                 reprove
                 sin
                 in
                 others
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 exhort
                 them
                 seriously
                 to
                 forbear
                 the
                 practise
                 thereof
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 In
                 that
                 she
                 charges
                 them
                 not
                 to
                 stir
                 up
                 her
                 Beloved
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 the
                 pronesse
                 of
                 the
                 best
                 by
                 nature
                 ,
                 to
                 stir
                 up
                 the
                 Lord
                 to
                 anger
                 by
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 we
                 should
                 the
                 more
                 warily
                 look
                 to
                 our
                 waies
                 ,
                 and
                 watch
                 and
                 pray
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 enter
                 not
                 into
                 temptation
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               8.
               
               The
               voice
               of
               my
               Beloved
               :
               Behold
               ,
               he
               comes
               leaping
               upon
               the
               mountains
               ,
               skipping
               upon
               the
               hills
               .
            
             
               As
               between
               two
               betrothed
               Lovers
               ,
               when
               the
               spring
               comes
               ,
               the
               man
               calls
               and
               invites
               his
               future
               Spouse
               ,
               to
               come
               forth
               out
               of
               the
               house
               ,
               wherein
               she
               has
               remained
               in
               the
               winter
               season
               ,
               that
               they
               may
               walk
               together
               abroad
               ,
               and
               take
               delight
               ,
               and
               solace
               themselves
               now
               with
               the
               flowers
               ,
               and
               those
               pleasant
               things
               which
               the
               spring
               doth
               afford
               :
               Even
               so
               the
               Church
               ,
               in
               the
               rest
               of
               this
               Chapter
               ,
               is
               by
               her
               Beloved
               invited
               and
               called
               upon
               ,
               to
               arise
               from
               all
               carnall
               security
               ,
               and
               forsake
               the
               love
               of
               this
               world
               ,
               to
               follow
               him
               in
               the
               faith
               and
               love
               of
               the
               Gospell
               ,
               and
               to
               view
               and
               delight
               her self
               with
               the
               variety
               of
               these
               heavenly
               comforts
               ,
               and
               spirituall
               graces
               ,
               which
               ,
               like
               a
               pleasant
               spring
               ,
               the
               same
               doth
               afford
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               in
               these
               words
               we
               have
               ,
               1
               Whereby
               he
               calls
               or
               invites
               her
               ,
               to
               this
               participation
               of
               his
               graces
               ,
               and
               spirituall
               delight
               thereof
               ;
               to
               wit
               ,
               by
               his
               voice
               ,
               which
               she
               discerneth
               to
               be
               his
               .
               2
               After
               what
               manner
               he
               comes
               unto
               her
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               readily
               and
               speedily
               ,
               overcomming
               all
               impediments
               ,
               leaping
               over
               the
               mountains
               ,
               and
               skipping
               over
               the
               hills
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               doth
               call
               his
               chosen
               by
               his
               Word
               externally
               ,
               which
               is
               his
               Voice
               ,
               as
               he
               sales
               ,
               Joh.
               10.
               3
               
               and
               by
               the
               work
               of
               his
               Spirit
               internally
               ,
               and
               effectually
               ,
               whereby
               they
               not
               onely
               hear
               his
               voice
               ,
               but
               discern
               the
               same
               to
               be
               his
               ,
               and
               thereafter
               follow
               him
               ,
               as
               he
               shewes
               ,
               Joh.
               10.
               4.
               having
               gotten
               a
               spirituall
               ear
               ,
               whereof
               the
               Spirit
               speaks
               ,
               Rev.
               2.
               3.
               which
               hears
               that
               which
               the
               world
               cannot
               hear
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               said
               of
               
               Paul's
               conversion
               ,
               Act.
               22.
               7.
               9.
               that
               he
               heard
               a
               voice
               ,
               vers
               .
               7.
               ,
               which
               they
               who
               were
               with
               him
               heard
               not
               ,
               as
               is
               said
               ,
               vers
               .
               9.
               and
               who
               not
               onely
               have
               a
               spirituall
               ear
               ,
               or
               hearing
               ,
               ●ut
               also
               a
               spirituall
               gift
               of
               discerning
               Christ's
               voice
               ,
               from
               the
               voice
               of
               a
               stranger
               ,
               truth
               from
               errour
               ,
               and
               the
               voice
               of
               the
               Lamb
               ,
               from
               that
               of
               the
               Beast's
               ;
               horned
               like
               the
               Lamb
               ,
               but
               speaking
               like
               the
               Dragon
               .
               For
               ,
               1
               They
               have
               not
               onely
               the
               knowledge
               of
               the
               truth
               in
               their
               mind
               ,
               but
               the
               love
               of
               the
               truth
               in
               their
               heart
               ;
               which
               because
               some
               has
               not
               had
               ,
               therefore
               ,
               as
               2
               Thess
               .
               2.
               11.
               they
               have
               been
               given
               over
               to
               the
               delusion
               of
               errour
               .
               2
               They
               have
               the
               spirit
               of
               truth
               ,
               and
               therefore
               they
               can
               try
               the
               Spirits
               ,
               whether
               they
               be
               of
               God
               or
               no●
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               prefixing
               an
               
                 (
                 Ecce
              
               )
               whereof
               cap.
               1.
               15.
               
               She
               speaks
               of
               His
               comming
               to
               her
               ,
               and
               manner
               thereof
               ,
               according
               as
               he
               saies
               ,
               Joh.
               14.
               23.
               that
               he
               who
               hears
               his
               voice
               ,
               and
               keeps
               his
               word
               ,
               his
               Father
               will
               love
               him
               ,
               and
               we
               (
               saies
               he
               )
               will
               come
               unto
               him
               ,
               and
               make
               our
               abode
               with
               him
               .
               This
               comming
               then
               is
               a
               spirituall
               comming
               to
               the
               soul
               ,
               by
               the
               Word
               ,
               as
               the
               ordinary
               mean
               ;
               so
               that
               they
               who
               contemn
               the
               Word
               ,
               contemn
               his
               comming
               to
               them
               by
               the
               same
               ;
               and
               they
               who
               reverence
               and
               receive
               the
               Word
               ,
               they
               receive
               him
               who
               comes
               thereby
               ;
               for
               our
               Saviour
               is
               said
               to
               come
               three
               manner
               of
               waies
               to
               his
               Church
               :
               1
               He
               came
               visibly
               and
               corporally
               ,
               in
               his
               Incarnation
               .
               2
               He
               comes
               (
               as
               here
               )
               invisibly
               and
               spiritually
               ,
               by
               sanctification
               .
               And
               3
               He
               is
               to
               come
               gloriously
               ,
               for
               her
               remuneration
               .
               To
               whom
               therefore
               by
               his
               Word
               he
               comes
               spiritually
               ,
               to
               sanctifie
               them
               here
               ,
               he
               shall
               come
               to
               them
               comfortably
               ,
               to
               glorifie
               them
               hereafter
               .
            
             
               Then
               touching
               the
               manner
               of
               his
               comming
               ,
               she
               showes
               ,
               it
               was
               both
               cheerfully
               and
               speedily
               ,
               like
               one
               leaping
               and
               skipping
               ,
               as
               also
               upon
               the
               mountains
               and
               hills
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               openly
               and
               apparently
               to
               the
               eye
               of
               faith
               ,
               as
               Nahum
               1.
               15.
               their
               feet
               are
               said
               to
               be
               ,
               that
               bring
               good
               tidings
               ,
               and
               publish
               peace
               ;
               or
               else
               ,
               passing
               over
               all
               lets
               ,
               as
               our
               sins
               ,
               how
               great
               soever
               ,
               like
               
               Manasses's
               ,
               Mary
               Magdalen's
               ,
               and
               others
               ,
               which
               hindered
               not
               his
               free
               grace
               ;
               ●or
               the
               naturall
               opposition
               of
               a
               carnall
               heart
               ,
               as
               Esa
               .
               40.
               4.
               
            
             
               
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 how
                 all
                 the
                 godly
                 esteeme
                 of
                 Gods
                 word
                 which
                 they
                 heare
                 preached
                 unto
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 voice
                 of
                 Christ
                 himself
                 ,
                 which
                 therefore
                 they
                 heare
                 reverently
                 ,
                 lay
                 it
                 up
                 in
                 their
                 hearts
                 with
                 David
                 carefully
                 ,
                 meditate
                 thereon
                 fruitfully
                 ,
                 and
                 obey
                 it
                 diligently
                 ,
                 Ps
                 .
                 119.
                 11.
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 that
                 (
                 as
                 is
                 showne
                 us
                 ,
                 Joh.
                 10.
                 4.
                 )
                 Christs
                 sheep
                 have
                 a
                 discerning
                 faculty
                 between
                 the
                 voice
                 of
                 their
                 own
                 shepherd
                 and
                 a
                 strangers
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 the
                 rule
                 of
                 holy
                 Scripture
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 have
                 Isay
                 .
                 8.
                 20.
                 the
                 Bereans
                 example
                 ,
                 and
                 Pauls
                 direction
                 ,
                 Gal.
                 1.
                 8.
                 can
                 discerne
                 error
                 from
                 truth
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 doctrine
                 of
                 Christ
                 from
                 the
                 doctrines
                 of
                 Antichrist
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Whereas
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 ,
                 not
                 only
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 voice
                 ,
                 of
                 her
                 welbeloved
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 he
                 comes
                 skipping
                 over
                 the
                 hils
                 ,
                 &c.
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 1.
                 how
                 Christ
                 comes
                 ordinarily
                 to
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 means
                 of
                 grace
                 and
                 preaching
                 of
                 the
                 word
                 which
                 whosoever
                 despises
                 ,
                 they
                 despise
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 Christ
                 Jesus
                 to
                 their
                 soules
                 for
                 their
                 salvation
                 here
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 never
                 heare
                 that
                 joyfull
                 sentence
                 spoken
                 to
                 them
                 hereafter
                 ,
                 Come
                 yee
                 blessed
                 of
                 my
                 Father
                 ,
                 &c.
                 2.
                 
                 That
                 although
                 the
                 voice
                 of
                 the
                 beloved
                 be
                 heard
                 ,
                 yet
                 if
                 he
                 come
                 not
                 himself
                 by
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 his
                 spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 inward
                 efficacy
                 of
                 grace
                 to
                 the
                 Soul
                 of
                 the
                 bearer
                 ,
                 Pauls
                 planting
                 and
                 
                 Apollo's
                 watering
                 ,
                 all
                 will
                 be
                 in
                 vaine
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 word
                 otherwise
                 heard
                 will
                 be
                 b●t
                 a
                 dead
                 letter
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 a
                 tinkling
                 cymball
                 :
                 wherefore
                 we
                 should
                 pray
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 would
                 do
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 did
                 to
                 Lydia
                 ,
                 Act.
                 16.
                 14.
                 
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 that
                 Christ
                 comes
                 first
                 to
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 invites
                 it
                 to
                 rise
                 and
                 come
                 away
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 v.
                 10.
                 
                 Wherein
                 we
                 see
                 the
                 Lords
                 gracious
                 dealing
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 who
                 may
                 justly
                 say
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Baptist
                 said
                 to
                 Christ
                 .
                 We
                 have
                 more
                 need
                 that
                 we
                 should
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 being
                 ,
                 as
                 Math.
                 11.
                 20.
                 heavy
                 loaden
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 be
                 eased
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 to
                 our
                 Physitian
                 to
                 be
                 cured
                 of
                 our
                 loathsome
                 and
                 deadly
                 diseases
                 ,
                 Ezek
                 16.
                 
                 Or
                 as
                 the
                 Leper
                 and
                 Hemeroiss
                 did
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 as
                 the
                 loving
                 Samaritan
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 he
                 did
                 to
                 the
                 sickman
                 of
                 the
                 palsy
                 ,
                 Joh.
                 5.
                 
                 He
                 comes
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 by
                 which
                 coming
                 great
                 is
                 the
                 honour
                 that
                 is
                 done
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 we
                 may
                 say
                 with
                 Elisabeth
                 as
                 she
                 said
                 concerning
                 the
                 virgin
                 Maries
                 coming
                 unto
                 her
                 ,
                 How
                 comes
                 it
                 that
                 the
                 mother
                 of
                 my
                 Lord
                 should
                 come
                 to
                 me
                 :
                 so
                 much
                 more
                 ,
                 How
                 is
                 it
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 himself
                 should
                 come
                 to
                 us
                 ?
                 As
                 also
                 great
                 is
                 the
                 profit
                 that
                 comes
                 to
                 us
                 ;
                 for
                 as
                 he
                 said
                 to
                 Zacheus
                 ,
                 
                 salvation
                 comes
                 to
                 our
                 Soules
                 when
                 he
                 comes
                 to
                 us
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 The
                 manner
                 of
                 his
                 coming
                 is
                 skipping
                 and
                 leaping
                 over
                 the
                 hills
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 cheerfully
                 and
                 speedily
                 overcoming
                 all
                 impediments
                 that
                 might
                 hinder
                 ,
                 how
                 great
                 soever
                 :
                 which
                 should
                 teach
                 us
                 not
                 only
                 in
                 all
                 our
                 distresses
                 and
                 difficulties
                 wherein
                 we
                 call
                 upon
                 him
                 to
                 remember
                 this
                 to
                 our
                 comfort
                 ,
                 but
                 likewise
                 when
                 he
                 calls
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 performance
                 of
                 any
                 duty
                 in
                 his
                 worship
                 ,
                 or
                 for
                 his
                 cause
                 ,
                 to
                 do
                 or
                 suffer
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 should
                 in
                 like
                 manner
                 come
                 unto
                 him
                 cheerfully
                 and
                 speedily
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 see
                 Abraham
                 did
                 in
                 a
                 hard
                 task
                 ,
                 Gen.
                 22.
                 3.
                 and
                 
                   Zacheus
                   ,
                   Luk.
                
                 19.
                 6.
                 and
                 David
                 professes
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 119.
                 32.
                 
                 Neither
                 should
                 any
                 impediment
                 hinder
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 see
                 it
                 did
                 those
                 ,
                 Matth.
                 22.
                 
              
            
          
           
             
               Verse
               .
               9.
               
               My
               beloved
               is
               like
               a
               Roe
               ,
               or
               young
               Hart
               :
               behold
               ,
               he
               standeth
               behind
               our
               wall
               ,
               he
               looketh
               forth
               at
               the
               window
               ,
               showing
               himself
               thorow
               the
               Lattesse
               .
            
             
               Here
               is
               set
               down
               his
               more
               neer
               approach
               ,
               than
               when
               he
               was
               but
               coming
               skipping
               and
               leaping
               on
               the
               hills
               ;
               for
               now
               ,
               Behold
               (
               sayes
               the
               Church
               )
               he
               stands
               behind
               our
               wall
               ,
               &c.
               
               But
               ,
               before
               she
               showes
               this
               neer
               approach
               ,
               we
               see
               that
               she
               compares
               him
               to
               a
               roe
               ,
               or
               a
               young
               hart
               ,
               to
               show
               thereby
               ;
            
             
               1.
               
               As
               a
               young
               hart
               or
               roe
               are
               pleasant
               ,
               (
               being
               so
               called
               ,
               Pro.
               5.
               19.
               
               )
               so
               is
               Christ
               to
               a
               faithfull
               Soul.
               
            
             
               2.
               
               As
               they
               are
               most
               loving
               to
               their
               match
               ,
               (
               being
               also
               so
               called
               in
               the
               same
               place
               ,
               )
               so
               is
               Christ
               to
               his
               church
               ,
               Eph.
               5.
               25.
               
            
             
               3.
               
               As
               they
               are
               cleerly-sighted
               ,
               and
               quick
               in
               hearing
               ,
               so
               is
               Christ
               ,
               
                 Rev.
                 1.
                 14.
                 
                 Exod.
              
               3.
               7.
               
            
             
               4.
               
               As
               they
               are
               swift
               of
               foot
               ,
               so
               is
               Christ
               in
               coming
               for
               comforting
               his
               owne
               ,
               and
               for
               their
               deliverance
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               They
               haunt
               most
               high
               and
               hilly
               places
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               said
               
                 Planitie
                 spretâ
                 contendunt
                 semper
                 ad
                 alta
                 ,
              
               so
               Christ
               haunts
               most
               ,
               yea
               ever
               ,
               heavenly
               disposed
               soules
               .
            
             
               6.
               
               It
               is
               reported
               that
               between
               the
               Hart
               and
               Serpent
               there
               is
               great
               enmity
               ,
               and
               that
               the
               Hart
               finding
               where
               the
               adder
               or
               serpent
               is
               ;
               with
               his
               snuffing
               and
               breath
               on
               her
               ,
               either
               makes
               her
               flee
               ,
               or
               killeth
               her
               :
               even
               so
               is
               there
               between
               Christ
               that
               seed
               of
               the
               woman
               ,
               and
               that
               old
               serpent
               ,
               whom
               he
               makes
               to
               flee
               and
               overcomes
               by
               his
               word
               ,
               the
               breath
               of
               his
               
               mouth
               ,
               and
               thereby
               consumes
               the
               Vicar
               of
               his
               power
               ,
               till
               he
               abolish
               him
               by
               the
               brightness
               of
               his
               coming
               .
            
             
               Next
               ,
               as
               he
               is
               compared
               to
               a
               Roe
               or
               Hart
               in
               all
               the
               former
               respects
               ,
               so
               to
               a
               young
               Hart
               ;
               to
               show
               ,
               as
               in
               youth
               all
               naturall
               properties
               of
               strength
               ,
               agility
               ,
               sharp-sightedness
               and
               hearing
               ,
               &c.
               are
               in
               full
               vigour
               ;
               so
               all
               these
               things
               in
               Christ
               that
               are
               for
               our
               comfort
               are
               in
               him
               in
               the
               most
               eminent
               perfection
               .
            
             
               To
               come
               now
               to
               Christs
               neerer
               approach
               ,
               standing
               behind
               our
               wall
               ,
               whereunto
               we
               find
               ,
               an
               Ecce
               ,
               prefixed
               ,
               which
               is
               a
               note
               of
               observation
               or
               attention
               ,
               to
               show
               us
               ,
               that
               therefore
               we
               should
               look
               to
               our selves
               ,
               and
               take
               heed
               to
               our
               wayes
               and
               actions
               ,
               as
               having
               him
               who
               is
               to
               be
               our
               judge
               not
               farre
               off
               ,
               but
               neer
               unto
               us
               ,
               even
               at
               the
               dore
               as
               it
               were
               ,
               and
               behind
               our
               wall
               ,
               standing
               there
               ,
               and
               as
               at
               a
               window
               ,
               or
               thorow
               a
               Lettice
               ,
               spying
               and
               remarking
               all
               our
               cariage
               and
               conversation
               .
            
             
               Next
               ,
               his
               standing
               behind
               our
               wall
               ,
               signifies
               either
               the
               estate
               wherein
               he
               finds
               us
               at
               first
               when
               he
               comes
               unto
               us
               ,
               which
               is
               a
               closse
               dore
               ,
               as
               Rev.
               3.
               20.
               
               Or
               a
               wall
               between
               him
               and
               us
               of
               a
               carnall
               heart
               till
               it
               be
               opened
               as
               Lydia's
               ,
               or
               like
               Jericha's
               be
               made
               to
               fall
               downe
               and
               yield
               ,
               by
               the
               sound
               of
               Gods
               word
               preached
               .
               accompanied
               with
               the
               mighty
               power
               of
               the
               spirit
               ,
               which
               is
               sufficiently
               able
               to
               do
               this
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               2
               Cor.
               10.
               4
               ,
               5.
               behind
               which
               wall
               he
               is
               said
               to
               stand
               Patiently
               waiting
               for
               our
               conversion
               .
               Or
               else
               this
               do●h
               expresse
               ,
               that
               Christ
               doth
               not
               in
               a
               full
               and
               cleer
               manner
               exhibit
               and
               show
               himself
               unto
               his
               church
               in
               this
               world
               ,
               but
               as
               one
               standing
               behind
               a
               wall
               ,
               looking
               in
               at
               a
               window
               ,
               or
               showing
               himself
               thorow
               lattices
               .
               Thus
               Abraham
               and
               the
               Patriarks
               saw
               him
               before
               the
               Law
               ,
               Heb.
               11.
               13.
               but
               obscurely
               ,
               as
               one
               that
               sees
               a
               thing
               farre
               off
               ,
               and
               not
               fully
               nor
               cleerly
               but
               as
               a
               part
               of
               a
               man
               ,
               and
               the
               least
               part
               also
               ,
               is
               seen
               only
               of
               him
               who
               lookes
               in
               at
               a
               window
               ,
               and
               very
               obscurely
               likewise
               ,
               :
               when
               one
               showes
               himself
               as
               thorow
               a
               latesse
               .
            
             
               Thus
               also
               Moses
               and
               Gods
               people
               under
               the
               Law
               saw
               him
               ,
               but
               neither
               fully
               nor
               cleerly
               ,
               but
               as
               they
               saw
               Moses
               himself
               when
               he
               was
               availed
               ,
               and
               through
               the
               obscure
               lattesses
               of
               types
               and
               figures
               .
            
             
               Thus
               also
               under
               the
               Gospell
               is
               he
               seen
               ,
               although
               more
               fully
               and
               cleerly
               than
               before
               or
               under
               the
               law
               ,
               yet
               but
               in
               part
               only
               and
               obscurely
               by
               the
               eye
               of
               faith
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               testifies
               ,
               
               1
               Cor.
               13.
               9.
               12.
               saying
               ,
               for
               we
               know
               only
               in
               part
               ,
               and
               we
               now
               see
               through
               a
               glasse
               darkly
               .
            
             
               Yea
               when
               he
               was
               amongst
               men
               and
               in
               the
               world
               ,
               yet
               (
               as
               sayes
               John
               )
               The
               world
               knew
               him
               not
               ,
               Joh.
               1.
               10
               ,
               11.
               for
               his
               deity
               stood
               behind
               the
               wall
               (
               as
               it
               were
               )
               of
               his
               humanity
               ,
               which
               may
               be
               called
               ,
               
                 our
                 wall
              
               ,
               because
               he
               took
               upon
               him
               
                 our
                 nature
              
               ,
               and
               became
               like
               unto
               us
               in
               all
               things
               ,
               sinne
               only
               excepted
               .
            
             
               Likewise
               the
               wall
               which
               hinders
               us
               from
               the
               cleer
               sight
               and
               knowledge
               of
               Christ
               ,
               may
               justly
               be
               called
               
                 our
                 wall
              
               ,
               because
               it
               is
               our
               ignorance
               and
               naturall
               blindness
               ,
               which
               makes
               us
               to
               see
               (
               as
               the
               Apostle
               speakes
               )
               darkly
               ,
               and
               as
               in
               a
               glasse
               ,
               which
               shall
               never
               be
               fully
               taken
               away
               ,
               till
               we
               see
               him
               face
               to
               face
               ,
               and
               as
               he
               is
               ,
               in
               glory
               ,
               1
               Cor.
               13.
               13.
               as
               the
               vaile
               was
               never
               rent
               till
               our
               Saviours
               death
               .
            
             
               These
               lattesses
               also
               through
               which
               he
               showes
               himself
               ,
               are
               nothing
               else
               but
               the
               two
               casements
               (
               as
               it
               were
               )
               of
               the
               holy
               Scriptures
               ,
               the
               new
               and
               old
               Testament
               ,
               the
               searching
               and
               knowledge
               whereof
               whosoever
               sorbids
               to
               Gods
               people
               ,
               they
               defraud
               them
               of
               the
               sight
               of
               Christ
               by
               faith
               and
               that
               saving
               knowledge
               which
               they
               should
               have
               of
               Christ
               here
               ,
               and
               so
               farre
               ,
               as
               in
               them
               lyes
               of
               that
               blissefull
               sight
               of
               his
               face
               in
               glory
               for
               ever
               hereafter
               ,
               and
               so
               in
               like
               manner
               do
               those
               who
               any
               wayes
               ,
               contemne
               or
               resort
               not
               unto
               ,
               these
               blessed
               meanes
               of
               grace
               and
               knowledge
               of
               Christ
               crucified
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 If
                 Christ
                 be
                 lovely
                 and
                 pleasant
                 ,
                 like
                 a
                 roe
                 or
                 young
                 Hart
                 ,
                 let
                 each
                 one
                 pray
                 the
                 Lord
                 that
                 he
                 may
                 be
                 so
                 in
                 their
                 eyes
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 this
                 end
                 that
                 he
                 would
                 grant
                 them
                 the
                 eye-salve
                 of
                 his
                 spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 make
                 sinne
                 loathsome
                 and
                 odious
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Seeing
                 he
                 stands
                 behind
                 our
                 wall
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 a
                 gesture
                 of
                 patient
                 waiting
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 
                   Rev.
                   3.
                   20.
                   
                   Cant.
                
                 5.
                 2.
                 
                 Then
                 let
                 us
                 welcome
                 and
                 open
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 abuse
                 not
                 his
                 long-suffering
                 patience
                 ,
                 but
                 do
                 as
                 Ps
                 .
                 24.
                 7.
                 and
                 Gen.
                 24.
                 31.
                 remove
                 all
                 impediments
                 and
                 invite
                 him
                 to
                 come
                 in
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Seeing
                 he
                 is
                 neerer
                 then
                 we
                 are
                 aware
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 looking
                 on
                 us
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 the
                 righteous
                 Iudge
                 of
                 the
                 whole
                 world
                 ,
                 then
                 let
                 every
                 one
                 so
                 carry
                 himselfe
                 as
                 being
                 under
                 his
                 alseeing
                 eye
                 and
                 who
                 is
                 to
                 give
                 to
                 every
                 one
                 according
                 to
                 their
                 works
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 If
                 but
                 a
                 very
                 little
                 of
                 him
                 be
                 seen
                 by
                 us
                 in
                 this
                 life
                 ,
                 like
                 one
                 looking
                 forth
                 at
                 a
                 window
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 which
                 we
                 see
                 is
                 but
                 
                 very
                 darkly
                 ,
                 like
                 one
                 who
                 shewes
                 himself
                 through
                 a
                 lattesse
                 .
                 Then
                 let
                 none
                 glory
                 in
                 his
                 greatest
                 measure
                 of
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 can
                 attain
                 to
                 in
                 this
                 life
                 ;
                 but
                 strive
                 to
                 grow
                 therein
                 ,
                 and
                 long
                 for
                 that
                 happy
                 day
                 ,
                 wherein
                 he
                 shall
                 see
                 him
                 more
                 fully
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 he
                 is
                 ,
                 face
                 to
                 face
                 in
                 glory
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 Seeing
                 these
                 ca●ernents
                 or
                 lattesses
                 ,
                 through
                 which
                 he
                 shewes
                 himself
                 ,
                 are
                 the
                 holy
                 Scriptures
                 of
                 the
                 Old
                 and
                 New
                 Testament
                 ,
                 then
                 let
                 all
                 those
                 who
                 would
                 have
                 a
                 comfortable
                 sight
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 either
                 here
                 or
                 hereafcer
                 ,
                 reverence
                 and
                 resort
                 to
                 these
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 ordinary
                 means
                 of
                 his
                 manifestation
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               10.
               
               My
               Beloved
               spake
               ,
               and
               said
               unto
               me
               ,
               Rise
               up
               ,
               my
               Love
               ,
               my
               fa●r
               one
               ,
               and
               come
               away
               .
            
             
               Here
               she
               shows
               the
               end
               of
               Christ's
               swift
               comming
               unto
               her
               ,
               like
               a
               Roe
               or
               young
               Hart
               ,
               and
               of
               his
               patient
               attendance
               when
               he
               came
               ,
               which
               was
               ,
               to
               call
               her
               by
               his
               Word
               and
               Spirit
               ,
               from
               the
               sloth
               and
               security
               wherein
               she
               lay
               ,
               to
               follow
               him
               in
               the
               faith
               and
               love
               of
               the
               Gospell
               ,
               and
               of
               such
               heavenly
               things
               ,
               whereof
               he
               would
               have
               her
               participant
               .
            
             
               In
               which
               words
               we
               have
               :
               1
               His
               loving
               compellation
               .
               2
               His
               earnest
               exhortation
               .
               And
               3
               His
               motive
               ,
               or
               reason
               of
               perswasion
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               he
               calls
               her
               ,
               His
               love
               and
               fair
               one
               ,
               whereof
               we
               have
               already
               spoken
               .
            
             
               Next
               ,
               the
               exhortation
               is
               ,
               to
               rise
               up
               ,
               and
               come
               away
               ,
               which
               imports
               ,
               that
               she
               was
               sitting
               or
               lying
               ,
               a
               posture
               not
               fitting
               a
               Christian
               here
               ,
               whose
               life
               is
               compared
               to
               a
               race
               ,
               
                 Psal
                 .
                 119.
                 32.
                 2
                 
                 Tim.
                 4.
                 7.
                 
                 Phil.
                 3.
                 12.
                 
                 &c.
              
               This
               rising
               is
               either
               from
               security
               ,
               wherein
               oftimes
               the
               very
               godliest
               lye
               asleep
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               the
               example
               of
               David
               ,
               before
               
               Nathan's
               awakening
               him
               ;
               and
               in
               the
               Parable
               of
               the
               ten
               Virgins
               ;
               and
               here
               ,
               Cant.
               5.
               2
               :
               whereunto
               also
               belongs
               that
               exhortation
               ,
               Ephes
               .
               5.
               14.
               
               Or
               else
               it
               is
               from
               that
               earthly
               disposition
               ,
               whereby
               the
               very
               Elect
               ,
               through
               carnall
               corruption
               ,
               too
               much
               cleave
               to
               the
               things
               of
               this
               world
               ,
               and
               have
               their
               affections
               tied
               and
               entangled
               with
               the
               cares
               and
               pleasures
               thereof
               ,
               like
               Martha
               ,
               being
               busied
               about
               many
               things
               ,
               whilst
               one
               thing
               is
               necessary
               .
            
             
               The
               second
               action
               whereunto
               he
               exhorts
               her
               ,
               is
               ,
               to
               
                 come
                 away
              
               ,
               which
               imports
               〈◊〉
               1
               a
               leaving
               of
               the
               place
               and
               posture
               
               wherein
               she
               was
               ;
               and
               2
               a
               comming
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               following
               after
               him
               ,
               who
               was
               calling
               her
               ;
               as
               it
               is
               said
               of
               Matthew
               ,
               when
               Christ
               called
               him
               ,
               that
               he
               arose
               ,
               and
               then
               followed
               after
               him
               ,
               Matth.
               9.
               9.
               
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               the
               Church
               is
               exhorted
               to
               leave
               somewhat
               ,
               from
               which
               she
               must
               come
               ;
               and
               this
               is
               sinfull
               security
               ,
               and
               the
               love
               of
               the
               world
               ,
               and
               vanities
               thereof
               ,
               as
               Abraham
               left
               
                 Vr
                 ,
                 Matthew
              
               his
               receipt
               of
               Custom
               ,
               and
               
                 Mary
                 Magdalen
              
               her
               former
               course
               of
               life
               ,
               wherein
               she
               had
               lyen
               so
               long
               .
            
             
               Next
               ,
               she
               must
               come
               away
               ,
               and
               follow
               after
               Christ
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               said
               of
               the
               Elect
               ,
               Rev.
               14.
               4.
               in
               the
               course
               of
               a
               watchfull
               and
               holy
               conversation
               ,
               that
               being
               the
               end
               of
               her
               leaving
               that
               which
               was
               evill
               ,
               that
               she
               might
               cleave
               to
               that
               which
               was
               good
               ;
               as
               Abraham
               left
               Vr
               ,
               to
               go
               whithersoever
               the
               Lord
               should
               direct
               him
               ,
               and
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               shewes
               ,
               that
               his
               desire
               to
               be
               dissolved
               ,
               or
               to
               be
               sreed
               from
               this
               life
               ,
               was
               ,
               that
               he
               might
               be
               with
               Christ
               ,
               and
               be
               made
               partaker
               of
               a
               better
               .
            
             
               Not
               that
               we
               are
               able
               of
               our selves
               to
               persorm
               that
               ,
               whereunto
               we
               are
               here
               exhorted
               ,
               being
               so
               naturally
               addicted
               to
               the
               earth
               ,
               as
               heavy
               things
               bend
               downwards
               ,
               and
               so
               dull
               in
               minding
               or
               meditating
               of
               heavenly
               things
               ;
               but
               it
               is
               he
               who
               raised
               Lazarus
               ,
               who
               must
               by
               his
               powerfull
               grace
               ,
               rouse
               up
               and
               raise
               us
               ,
               and
               make
               a
               happy
               divorce
               between
               our
               hearts
               ,
               and
               the
               love
               of
               sin
               and
               the
               world
               ,
               and
               set
               the
               same
               upon
               himself
               ,
               and
               those
               things
               that
               are
               above
               ;
               and
               therefore
               unto
               him
               we
               should
               pray
               ,
               saying
               ,
               
                 Da
                 Domine
                 quod
                 jubes
                 ,
                 &
                 jube
                 quod
                 vis
                 .
              
            
             
               Next
               ,
               after
               her
               rising
               ,
               in
               that
               she
               is
               willed
               to
               come
               away
               ,
               it
               showes
               ,
               the
               progresse
               that
               a
               true
               Christian
               must
               make
               ,
               walking
               from
               strength
               to
               strength
               ,
               till
               he
               see
               God
               in
               Sion
               ;
               and
               not
               thinking
               it
               enough
               to
               begin
               well
               ,
               as
               the
               Galatians
               did
               .
               Gal.
               3.
               3.
               but
               to
               proceed
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               did
               ,
               Phil.
               3.
               12
               ▪
               till
               he
               may
               say
               ,
               I
               have
               finished
               my
               course
               ,
               &c.
               without
               being
               either
               retrospicients
               ,
               with
               
               ●ot's
               wife
               ,
               or
               retrogradients
               ,
               like
               those
               who
               would
               have
               returned
               into
               Egypt
               ;
               but
               constant
               goers
               on
               ,
               as
               Joshua
               and
               Caleb
               did
               ,
               till
               they
               came
               to
               Canaan
               .
            
             
               Neither
               must
               there
               be
               any
               delay
               in
               rising
               or
               comming
               away
               ,
               but
               present
               performance
               ;
               this
               being
               Satan's
               policy
               ,
               that
               with
               Pharaoh
               he
               may
               put
               off
               till
               to
               morrow
               ,
               or
               with
               Foelix
               ,
               to
               a
               more
               convenient
               time
               ,
               and
               say
               with
               
               Solomon's
               sluggard
               ,
               Yet
               a
               little
               sleep
               ,
               a
               little
               slumber
               ,
               Prov.
               24.
               33.
               before
               we
               should
               rise
               ,
               and
               come
               away
               to
               follow
               after
               Christ
               .
            
             
               
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 From
                 the
                 manner
                 of
                 Christ's
                 exhortation
                 to
                 his
                 Church
                 ,
                 to
                 arise
                 from
                 security
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 earthly
                 disposition
                 she
                 was
                 in
                 ,
                 by
                 so
                 loving
                 a
                 compellation
                 of
                 her
                 ,
                 notwithstanding
                 thereof
                 ,
                 calling
                 her
                 his
                 Love
                 ,
                 and
                 fair
                 one
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 chiding
                 her
                 for
                 her
                 lazinesse
                 ,
                 and
                 worldly
                 mindednesse
                 ;
                 we
                 see
                 the
                 admirable
                 indulgence
                 of
                 so
                 meek
                 a
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 who
                 doth
                 as
                 Psal
                 .
                 103.
                 9
                 ,
                 10.
                 and
                 as
                 vers
                 .
                 13.
                 
                 As
                 a
                 father
                 pittieth
                 his
                 children
                 ,
                 who
                 pittieth
                 them
                 that
                 fear
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 imperfections
                 that
                 remain
                 in
                 the
                 Regenerate
                 ,
                 diminish
                 not
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 Christ
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 nor
                 makes
                 them
                 deformed
                 ,
                 or
                 loathsome
                 in
                 his
                 eyes
                 ,
                 for
                 he
                 calls
                 them
                 his
                 love
                 and
                 fair
                 one
                 ;
                 which
                 teaches
                 us
                 :
                 1
                 To
                 imitate
                 our
                 Master
                 herein
                 ,
                 that
                 though
                 we
                 behold
                 some
                 imperfections
                 in
                 those
                 ,
                 who
                 professe
                 the
                 truth
                 with
                 us
                 ,
                 yet
                 that
                 we
                 should
                 not
                 despise
                 ,
                 or
                 uncharitably
                 judge
                 them
                 ;
                 but
                 rather
                 look
                 on
                 the
                 good
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 that
                 esteem
                 and
                 dearly
                 love
                 them
                 .
                 2
                 This
                 serves
                 for
                 our
                 comfort
                 ,
                 in
                 time
                 of
                 Satan's
                 tempting
                 us
                 ,
                 by
                 reason
                 of
                 our
                 sins
                 ,
                 and
                 many
                 infirmities
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 magnifie
                 his
                 love
                 towards
                 us
                 ,
                 who
                 howsoever
                 we
                 be
                 so
                 of
                 our selves
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 in
                 mercy
                 and
                 love
                 ,
                 (
                 which
                 covers
                 many
                 infirmities
                 )
                 esteems
                 otherwise
                 of
                 us
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 By
                 this
                 exhortation
                 ,
                 to
                 arise
                 and
                 come
                 away
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 That
                 the
                 best
                 are
                 regenerate
                 onely
                 in
                 part
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 a
                 lump
                 of
                 naturall
                 corruption
                 remains
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 which
                 makes
                 them
                 cleave
                 to
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 and
                 sit
                 down
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 and
                 on
                 the
                 love
                 thereof
                 ,
                 not
                 considering
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 but
                 pilgrims
                 therein
                 ,
                 whose
                 time
                 is
                 both
                 short
                 and
                 uncertain
                 ;
                 and
                 though
                 worldlings
                 find
                 no
                 taste
                 in
                 ought
                 but
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 yet
                 we
                 should
                 not
                 do
                 so
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 by
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 Christ's
                 word
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 rouses
                 and
                 raises
                 up
                 the
                 soul
                 from
                 security
                 ,
                 and
                 love
                 of
                 earthly
                 things
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 affecting
                 of
                 heavenly
                 ;
                 whence
                 it
                 is
                 called
                 ,
                 The
                 power
                 of
                 God
                 to
                 salvation
                 unto
                 every
                 believer
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 should
                 highly
                 esteem
                 thereof
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 ordinary
                 means
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 eternall
                 salvation
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 not
                 enough
                 to
                 arise
                 from
                 sin
                 or
                 security
                 ,
                 or
                 to
                 wean
                 our
                 affections
                 from
                 worldly
                 things
                 ;
                 but
                 we
                 must
                 also
                 come
                 away
                 ,
                 and
                 cleave
                 to
                 holinesse
                 ,
                 and
                 set
                 our
                 affections
                 on
                 heavenly
                 things
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 as
                 are
                 above
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
             
               Vers
               .
               11.
               
               For
               lo
               ,
               the
               winter
               is
               past
               ,
               the
               rain
               is
               over
               and
               gone
               .
               12.
               
               The
               flowers
               appear
               in
               the
               earth
               ,
               the
               time
               of
               the
               singing
               of
               birds
               is
               come
               ,
               and
               the
               voice
               of
               the
               Turtle
               is
               heard
               in
               our
               land
               .
               13.
               
               The
               Fig-tree
               putteth
               forth
               her
               green
               figs
               ,
               and
               the
               Vines
               with
               the
               tender
               grape
               ,
               give
               a
               good
               smel
               ;
               Arise
               my
               love
               ,
               my
               fair
               one
               ,
               and
               come
               away
               .
            
             
               Here
               we
               have
               the
               Allegory
               ,
               under
               which
               the
               Lord
               doth
               perswade
               the
               Church
               to
               arise
               and
               come
               away
               ,
               out
               of
               the
               estate
               of
               security
               ,
               and
               from
               the
               love
               of
               earthly
               things
               ,
               to
               the
               delight
               and
               desire
               of
               heavenly
               ,
               which
               is
               taken
               from
               the
               time
               of
               the
               year
               ,
               and
               change
               thereof
               ;
               from
               a
               cold
               winter
               ,
               wherein
               all
               things
               lie
               as
               it
               were
               dead
               and
               barren
               ,
               so
               that
               no
               pleasure
               is
               to
               be
               had
               then
               in
               things
               that
               grow
               ,
               unto
               a
               pleasant
               spring
               ,
               wherein
               all
               such
               things
               spring
               forth
               ,
               and
               bud
               again
               :
               The
               description
               of
               which
               spring-time
               ,
               he
               makes
               from
               these
               five
               things
               :
               1
               That
               flowers
               appear
               .
               2
               That
               birds
               sing
               .
               3
               That
               the
               voice
               of
               the
               Turtle
               is
               heard
               .
               4
               That
               the
               fig-tree
               putteth
               forth
               her
               green
               figs.
               And
               5
               That
               the
               Vine
               with
               her
               tender
               grape
               ,
               gives
               a
               good
               smell
               .
            
             
               By
               which
               two
               seasons
               is
               represented
               unto
               us
               ,
               both
               what
               is
               the
               estate
               of
               all
               the
               Elect
               ,
               before
               their
               effectuall
               calling
               ,
               and
               what
               the
               same
               is
               thereafter
               ,
               when
               they
               are
               regenerate
               :
               Before
               their
               calling
               ,
               their
               hearts
               are
               even
               like
               the
               earth
               in
               winter
               ,
               under
               cold
               forsts
               ,
               hard
               and
               indured
               ,
               dead
               and
               barren
               ,
               and
               liable
               to
               the
               stormes
               of
               God's
               wrath
               and
               anger
               ;
               but
               after
               they
               are
               called
               ,
               and
               that
               they
               begin
               to
               be
               regenerate
               ,
               a
               strange
               change
               is
               wrought
               in
               them
               ,
               from
               worse
               to
               better
               ;
               for
               then
               ,
               through
               the
               influence
               of
               grace
               ,
               and
               that
               Sun
               of
               Righteousnesse
               ,
               their
               hearts
               are
               chawed
               ,
               softned
               ,
               and
               warmed
               with
               his
               love
               ;
               the
               dew
               of
               grace
               descends
               upon
               them
               ,
               as
               dew
               came
               down
               on
               
               Gideon's
               fleece
               ,
               when
               the
               rest
               of
               the
               earth
               was
               dry
               ;
               the
               sweet
               flowers
               of
               heavenly
               graces
               do
               also
               bud
               ,
               and
               in
               their
               variety
               appear
               ;
               there
               is
               joy
               then
               of
               the
               holy
               Ghost
               ,
               and
               peace
               of
               conscience
               ,
               represented
               here
               by
               singing
               of
               birds
               ,
               and
               voice
               of
               the
               Turtle
               ;
               and
               fructifying
               in
               a
               holy
               life
               and
               conversation
               ,
               expressed
               by
               the
               fruit
               of
               the
               fig-tree
               ,
               and
               grape
               of
               the
               vine
               .
            
             
             
               Some
               also
               do
               understand
               by
               this
               winter
               season
               ,
               the
               time
               of
               stormy
               persecution
               ,
               wherein
               the
               Church
               ,
               like
               the
               7000.
               in
               Eliah's
               time
               ,
               does
               lurk
               ,
               and
               by
               this
               exhortation
               to
               arise
               and
               come
               away
               ,
               that
               our
               Saviour
               willes
               his
               Church
               ,
               now
               in
               the
               time
               of
               peace
               and
               tranquillity
               ensuing
               ,
               to
               arise
               from
               her
               larking
               ,
               and
               come
               away
               after
               him
               in
               an
               avowed
               profession
               of
               his
               name
               ,
               as
               those
               Christians
               did
               in
               Constantine's
               time
               ,
               who
               had
               lurked
               before
               in
               the
               time
               of
               the
               heathen
               and
               persecuting
               Emperours
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               Comparing
               the
               time
               of
               persecution
               and
               the
               crosse
               ,
               to
               winter
               ,
               1.
               
               In
               regard
               of
               the
               Sharpness
               thereof
               ,
               like
               winter
               ,
               2.
               
               Yet
               that
               it
               is
               wholsome
               to
               the
               soul
               ,
               as
               winter
               is
               to
               the
               body
               ,
               3.
               
               That
               it
               mortifies
               our
               corruption
               ,
               as
               the
               winter
               does
               hurtfull
               vermine
               which
               otherwise
               would
               abound
               ;
               and
               ,
               4.
               
               That
               it
               makes
               peace
               the
               sweeter
               ,
               and
               us
               the
               more
               thankfull
               for
               it
               ,
               as
               the
               winter
               makes
               the
               spring
               and
               summer
               the
               more
               acceptable
            
             
               2.
               
               Comparing
               also
               these
               flowers
               that
               then
               appeare
               ,
               to
               the
               godly
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Cant.
               2.
               2.
               1
               
               Because
               they
               are
               delightfull
               to
               God
               ,
               as
               flowers
               to
               us
               .
               2.
               
               They
               grow
               in
               grace
               by
               the
               influence
               of
               the
               Sunne
               of
               righteousness
               ,
               as
               flowers
               do
               grow
               by
               the
               influence
               of
               the
               sunne
               ,
               3.
               
               They
               smell
               sweetly
               through
               Christ
               ,
               and
               by
               their
               practice
               of
               renewed
               obedience
               perfected
               by
               him
               ,
               to
               God
               ;
               and
               ,
               4.
               (
               as
               here
               )
               though
               in
               the
               winter
               they
               seeme
               dead
               and
               perished
               ,
               yet
               in
               the
               spring
               they
               appeare
               and
               rise
               againe
               ,
               and
               so
               shall
               the
               godly
               rise
               at
               the
               last
               day
               ,
               though
               they
               seeme
               now
               quite
               perished
               ,
               and
               lye
               dead
               in
               their
               graves
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               Comparing
               also
               the
               singing
               of
               the
               birds
               ,
               to
               the
               rejoysing
               of
               the
               godly
               ,
               when
               God
               hath
               granted
               them
               peace
               and
               deliverance
               ,
               as
               we
               have
               ,
               Ps
               .
               126.
               2.
               and
               who
               like
               birds
               ,
               or
               singing
               Larks
               the
               higher
               they
               rise
               from
               an
               earthly
               disposition
               in
               heavenly
               comtemplation
               and
               soaring
               ,
               the
               sweeter
               they
               sing
               ,
               and
               are
               the
               more
               melodious
               in
               the
               eares
               of
               God.
               
            
             
               But
               it
               is
               to
               be
               remarked
               ,
               that
               with
               the
               singing
               of
               birds
               the
               voice
               of
               the
               tur●le
               which
               is
               Gemebunda
               is
               joyned
               ,
               to
               show
               that
               our
               rejoycing
               must
               not
               be
               in
               Gods
               mercies
               to
               us
               ,
               without
               our
               mourning
               for
               our
               sinnes
               against
               him
               ,
               as
               we
               are
               exhorted
               ,
               Ps
               .
               2.
               11.
               
               To
               serve
               the
               Lord
               with
               feare
               ,
               and
               rejoyce
               with
               trembling
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               Comparing
               lastly
               ,
               the
               godly
               to
               fig-trees
               bringing
               forth
               sigs
               ,
               and
               vines
               bringing
               forth
               sweet
               smelling
               grapes
               ,
               to
               show
               thereby
               unto
               us
               that
               the
               truly
               godly
               are
               neither
               fruitlesse
               
               trees
               ,
               or
               barren
               like
               that
               fig-tree
               which
               our
               Saviour
               cursed
               ;
               nor
               yet
               fruitfull
               in
               evill
               ,
               as
               those
               of
               whom
               our
               Lord
               complaines
               ,
               Isay
               .
               5.
               who
               in
               place
               of
               sweet
               fruit
               brought
               forth
               sowre
               grapes
               ;
               but
               who
               being
               good
               trees
               themselves
               bring
               forth
               sweet
               and
               well
               smelling
               fruit
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 The
                 perswasion
                 to
                 arise
                 and
                 come
                 away
                 ,
                 being
                 taken
                 from
                 the
                 comparison
                 of
                 the
                 diverse
                 times
                 of
                 the
                 Winter
                 that
                 was
                 past
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Spring
                 that
                 was
                 now
                 present
                 ,
                 does
                 teach
                 all
                 such
                 whom
                 God
                 has
                 effectually
                 called
                 from
                 darkness
                 to
                 his
                 marvellous
                 light
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 sleep
                 in
                 security
                 (
                 as
                 before
                 )
                 nor
                 set
                 their
                 hearts
                 on
                 things
                 vain
                 and
                 transitory
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 did
                 in
                 the
                 dayes
                 of
                 their
                 ignorance
                 when
                 they
                 lay
                 frozen
                 in
                 their
                 sinnes
                 ,
                 but
                 now
                 having
                 been
                 made
                 partakers
                 of
                 the
                 heavenly
                 calling
                 that
                 they
                 ought
                 to
                 take
                 their
                 solace
                 and
                 delight
                 in
                 heavenly
                 things
                 represented
                 by
                 these
                 pleasant
                 things
                 spoken
                 of
                 in
                 the
                 spring
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 By
                 the
                 diversity
                 of
                 the
                 nature
                 of
                 these
                 two
                 seasons
                 that
                 are
                 spoken
                 of
                 ,
                 representing
                 our
                 estate
                 in
                 nature
                 &
                 under
                 grace
                 ,
                 we
                 ought
                 to
                 try
                 our selves
                 thereby
                 ,
                 in
                 which
                 of
                 these
                 estates
                 we
                 are
                 :
                 If
                 we
                 find
                 our
                 hearts
                 cold
                 in
                 zeale
                 or
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 God
                 and
                 heavenly
                 things
                 ,
                 or
                 hard
                 and
                 obstinate
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 our
                 life
                 is
                 barren
                 altogether
                 in
                 good
                 works
                 ,
                 &c.
                 then
                 we
                 are
                 as
                 yet
                 in
                 the
                 estate
                 of
                 nature
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 yet
                 winter
                 with
                 us
                 ;
                 but
                 if
                 we
                 find
                 that
                 the
                 sweet
                 smelling
                 and
                 delectable
                 flowres
                 of
                 grace
                 and
                 holy
                 vertues
                 bud
                 in
                 our
                 soul
                 and
                 appeare
                 in
                 our
                 life
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 have
                 hearts
                 to
                 praise
                 God
                 and
                 mourne
                 like
                 the
                 turtle
                 for
                 our
                 sinnes
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 fruitfull
                 in
                 holiness
                 and
                 a
                 godly
                 life
                 ,
                 then
                 our
                 winter
                 is
                 past
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 spring
                 with
                 us
                 ,
                 or
                 estate
                 of
                 grace
                 wherein
                 we
                 stand
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 The
                 repetition
                 or
                 reireration
                 of
                 the
                 former
                 exhortation
                 that
                 is
                 used
                 in
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 this
                 13.
                 verse
                 to
                 rise
                 and
                 come
                 away
                 ,
                 showes
                 unto
                 us
                 these
                 two
                 things
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 Our
                 Saviour
                 his
                 earnestness
                 of
                 our
                 spirituall
                 good
                 and
                 salvation
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 testified
                 to
                 the
                 Jewes
                 ,
                 How
                 oft
                 would
                 he
                 have
                 gathered
                 them
                 as
                 chickens
                 under
                 his
                 wings
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 would
                 nor
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 uses
                 here
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 line
                 upon
                 line
                 ,
                 and
                 precept
                 upon
                 precept
                 ,
                 saying
                 once
                 ,
                 and
                 againe
                 .
                 Arise
                 my
                 love
                 ,
                 my
                 fair
                 one
                 and
                 come
                 away
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 This
                 showes
                 the
                 laziness
                 of
                 the
                 best
                 ,
                 and
                 lothness
                 (
                 like
                 Lot
                 )
                 to
                 rise
                 from
                 security
                 and
                 come
                 away
                 from
                 the
                 affecting
                 of
                 this
                 world
                 ,
                 and
                 these
                 earthly
                 things
                 that
                 are
                 therein
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
             
               Verse
               .
               14.
               
               O
               my
               dove
               that
               art
               in
               the
               clifts
               of
               the
               rock
               ,
               in
               the
               secret
               places
               of
               the
               staires
               ,
               Let
               me
               see
               thy
               countenance
               ,
               Let
               me
               heare
               thy
               voice
               :
               for
               sweet
               is
               thy
               voice
               ,
               and
               thy
               countenance
               is
               comely
               .
            
             
               Here
               he
               uses
               yet
               a
               further
               perswasion
               unto
               her
               to
               come
               forth
               unto
               him
               ,
               and
               conferre
               with
               him
               :
               wherein
               we
               have
               ,
               1.
               
               How
               he
               styles
               her
               ,
               2.
               
               Whereunto
               he
               exhorts
               her
               ;
               and
               ,
               3.
               
               His
               incouragement
               of
               her
               ,
               or
               reason
               of
               exhortation
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               he
               styles
               her
               a
               Dove
               ,
               (
               whereof
               we
               have
               spoken
               somewhat
               on
               the
               15.
               verse
               of
               the
               first
               Chapter
               ,
               concerning
               the
               eyes
               of
               the
               dove
               ,
               )
               and
               so
               likewise
               he
               calles
               her
               ,
               Cant.
               5.
               2.
               
               Comparing
               her
               so
               ,
               1.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               breeding
               ,
               2.
               
               Of
               feeding
               ,
               3.
               
               Of
               nestling
               ;
               and
               ,
               4.
               
               Of
               other
               properties
               ,
               whereof
               we
               shall
               speak
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               for
               breeding
               ;
               Among
               all
               foules
               the
               dove
               is
               most
               fruitfull
               ;
               even
               so
               is
               the
               Church
               in
               bringing
               forth
               children
               to
               God
               ,
               and
               of
               good
               works
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               For
               feeding
               ;
               The
               dove
               is
               not
               carnivorax
               ,
               as
               ravenous
               foules
               are
               ;
               but
               feeds
               cleanly
               upon
               pure
               grane
               ;
               even
               so
               doth
               the
               Church
               ,
               not
               on
               the
               wisdome
               of
               flesh
               and
               blood
               ,
               nor
               on
               carnall
               pleasures
               ,
               but
               on
               the
               pure
               word
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               wholesome
               grane
               thereof
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               The
               naturall
               place
               of
               nestling
               (
               as
               we
               see
               here
               )
               are
               rocks
               ;
               and
               so
               is
               Christ
               the
               rock
               to
               her
               ,
               in
               the
               clifts
               of
               whose
               wounds
               she
               places
               all
               her
               safety
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               These
               are
               her
               properties
               ,
               1.
               
               The
               dove
               is
               simple
               ;
               therefore
               sayes
               our
               Saviour
               ,
               be
               simple
               as
               the
               dove
               :
               and
               so
               is
               Christs
               church
               ,
               like
               Nathaniel
               ,
               in
               whom
               there
               is
               neither
               guile
               nor
               Hypocrisie
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               The
               dove
               is
               chaste
               and
               faithfull
               to
               her
               consort
               ,
               and
               so
               is
               Christs
               church
               to
               him
               ,
               both
               in
               affection
               and
               retaining
               the
               purity
               of
               his
               true
               worship
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               The
               dove
               is
               mournefull
               ,
               as
               we
               have
               ,
               Isay
               .
               38.
               14.
               
               And
               so
               is
               Christs
               church
               here
               ,
               sowing
               in
               teares
               that
               she
               may
               reape
               in
               joy
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               The
               dove
               is
               Harmlesse
               and
               Meek
               ,
               and
               so
               is
               Christs
               church
               and
               every
               true
               member
               thereof
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               The
               dove
               loveth
               cleanness
               and
               to
               haunt
               to
               white
               places
               ;
               and
               so
               doth
               the
               Church
               ,
               cleanness
               and
               holiness
               of
               life
               ,
               and
               all
               such
               societies
               .
            
             
             
               6.
               
               The
               dove
               is
               sociall
               ,
               
                 avis
                 gregaria
              
               ,
               easily
               tamed
               ,
               and
               profitable
               ,
               and
               so
               is
               the
               Church
               and
               every
               true
               member
               thereof
               .
            
             
               7.
               
               The
               dove
               is
               timorous
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Hos
               .
               11.
               11.
               and
               therefore
               has
               no
               fence
               but
               flight
               ,
               and
               for
               feare
               of
               enemies
               hides
               her self
               in
               the
               clefts
               of
               the
               rock
               :
               even
               so
               do
               the
               godly
               ,
               Ps
               .
               119.
               120.
               and
               who
               for
               feare
               of
               their
               spirituall
               enemies
               hide
               themselves
               in
               the
               clefts
               ,
               and
               under
               the
               protection
               of
               the
               true
               rock
               ,
               Christ
               Jesus
               .
            
             
               8.
               
               The
               dove
               is
               swift
               in
               fleeing
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Ps
               .
               55.
               6.
               and
               so
               is
               Christ
               church
               by
               faith
               and
               devotion
               ,
               pearcing
               the
               very
               heavens
               ;
               and
               as
               the
               dove
               carried
               the
               Olive
               branch
               ,
               and
               was
               taken
               into
               the
               Ark
               ,
               when
               the
               raven
               abode
               without
               ,
               even
               so
               the
               godly
               have
               peace
               and
               grace
               here
               ,
               and
               are
               assumed
               to
               glory
               hereafter
               ,
               when
               the
               wicked
               are
               left
               out
               .
            
             
               Next
               ,
               she
               is
               called
               ,
               
                 his
                 dove
              
               1.
               
               By
               creation
               ,
               Gen.
               8.
               11.
               2.
               
               By
               purchase
               or
               redemption
               ,
               3.
               
               By
               the
               fathers
               donation
               ,
               (
               whereof
               ,
               Joh.
               17.
               9
               
               )
               4.
               
               By
               confaederation
               ,
               Jer.
               7.
               23.
               and
               5.
               
               By
               matrimoniall
               conjunction
               ,
               whereby
               she
               sayes
               ,
               Cant.
               6.
               3.
               
               I
               am
               my
               welbeloved's
               ,
               and
               he
               is
               mine
               ,
               &c.
               
            
             
               Now
               ,
               the
               place
               where
               she
               is
               said
               to
               be
               ,
               is
               ,
               in
               the
               clifts
               of
               the
               rock
               and
               secret
               places
               of
               the
               staires
               :
               by
               which
               rock
               is
               no
               other
               meant
               but
               Christ
               Jesus
               himself
               ,
               so
               called
               by
               
                 David
                 ,
                 Ps
              
               .
               62.
               2
               
               &
               81.
               21.
               and
               by
               
                 Daniel
                 ,
                 Dan.
              
               2.
               45.
               
               Upon
               whom
               whosoever
               builds
               ,
               he
               is
               only
               wise
               ,
               and
               against
               such
               ,
               the
               gates
               of
               Hell
               shall
               in
               no
               wise
               prevaile
               .
               And
               which
               rock
               is
               neither
               a
               dry
               rock
               but
               like
               that
               in
               the
               wilderness
               which
               gushed
               forth
               abundantly
               with
               refreshing
               water
               ,
               for
               which
               cause
               the
               Apostle
               sayes
               ,
               that
               ,
               
                 that
                 rock
                 was
                 Christ
                 ,
                 1
                 Cor.
              
               10.
               4.
               
               Neither
               is
               it
               a
               barren
               rock
               ,
               but
               like
               that
               whereof
               Job
               speakes
               ,
               Job
               .
               29.
               6.
               which
               poureth
               forth
               rivers
               of
               gladning
               oile
               unto
               us
               ,
               and
               plenty
               of
               consolation
               ,
               
                 Petra
                 caelestis
                 (
                 caducum
                 enim
                 terrenum
                 omne
                 )
                 quae
                 et
                 solidum
                 fundamentum
                 edificanti
                 ,
                 et
                 securum
                 m●nimentum
                 advolanti
                 .
              
            
             
               Next
               by
               the
               clifts
               of
               this
               rock
               ,
               Some
               do
               understand
               ,
               the
               Lords
               eternall
               counsell
               and
               election
               of
               his
               owne
               ;
               wherein
               as
               in
               a
               most
               sure
               rock
               the
               salvation
               of
               the
               Church
               rests
               ,
               knowing
               that
               (
               as
               our
               Saviour
               sayes
               )
               it
               is
               impossible
               that
               the
               elect
               should
               perish
               ,
               Matth.
               24.
               
               Others
               understand
               hereby
               that
               protection
               of
               the
               Lord's
               ,
               over
               his
               owne
               ;
               whereof
               David
               speakes
               ,
               Ps
               .
               32.
               7.
               
               And
               our
               Saviour
               ,
               saying
               of
               his
               sheep
               ,
               I
               give
               unto
               them
               eternall
               life
               ,
               and
               they
               shall
               never
               perish
               ,
               neither
               shall
               any
               pluck
               them
               out
               of
               my
               hand
               ,
               My
               father
               also
               that
               gave
               them
               me
               is
               greater
               then
               all
               ,
               neither
               shall
               any
               pluck
               them
               out
               of
               
               my
               Father's
               hand
               .
               Joh.
               10.
               29.
               
               And
               ,
               I
               and
               my
               Father
               are
               one
               .
               Others
               ,
               and
               that
               most
               rightly
               ,
               understand
               ,
               with
               Bernard
               ,
               by
               the
               clifts
               of
               this
               Rock
               ,
               the
               wounds
               of
               Christ
               ,
               and
               merits
               of
               his
               precious
               bloodshed
               :
               which
               ,
               like
               so
               many
               clefts
               ,
               or
               hollow
               places
               ,
               were
               opened
               upon
               the
               Crosse
               ,
               and
               whereunto
               every
               christian
               soul
               ,
               in
               the
               time
               of
               an
               accusing
               conscience
               ,
               and
               Satan's
               pursuit
               by
               temptation
               ,
               (
               who
               is
               like
               a
               greedy
               Kite
               or
               Hawk
               )
               by
               the
               flight
               of
               faith
               ,
               may
               have
               her
               recourse
               .
               
                 In
                 his
                 enim
              
               (
               saies
               he
               )
               
                 se
                 columba
                 tutatur
                 ,
                 &
                 circumvolitantem
                 intrepidè
                 intuetur
                 accipitrem
                 .
              
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               By
               the
               secret
               place
               of
               the
               staires
               (
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Psal
               .
               91.
               1.
               
               )
               is
               meant
               the
               Lord
               himself
               ,
               who
               is
               the
               hiding
               and
               secret
               place
               of
               his
               own
               ,
               as
               we
               have
               him
               so
               called
               there
               ,
               and
               Psal
               .
               32.
               7.
               and
               84.
               11.
               
               Unto
               whom
               the
               hunted
               and
               haunted
               soul
               ,
               by
               Satan's
               tempations
               ,
               looks
               up
               ;
               and
               by
               faith
               ,
               or
               a
               holy
               confidence
               ,
               as
               by
               the
               degrees
               of
               stairs
               ,
               ascends
               ,
               and
               abides
               under
               the
               shadow
               of
               the
               Almighty
               ,
               saying
               with
               the
               Psalmist
               ,
               He
               is
               my
               refuge
               and
               my
               fortresse
               ,
               my
               God
               ,
               in
               him
               will
               I
               trust
               .
            
             
               Having
               thus
               spoken
               of
               the
               Church
               her
               style
               and
               description
               ,
               from
               the
               place
               of
               her
               abode
               ,
               followes
               to
               speak
               of
               that
               ,
               whereunto
               she
               is
               exhorted
               ,
               which
               is
               ;
               1.
               to
               shew
               him
               her
               face
               .
               2.
               to
               let
               him
               hear
               her
               voice
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               His
               desire
               to
               show
               her
               face
               imports
               ,
               that
               she
               had
               hid
               the
               same
               from
               him
               .
               Now
               persons
               use
               to
               hide
               their
               face
               ;
               1
               Out
               of
               shamefacedness
               ,
               as
               Rebecca
               hid
               her
               face
               with
               a
               vail
               ,
               when
               she
               first
               saw
               Isaac
               ,
               who
               was
               to
               be
               her
               husband
               .
               2
               Out
               of
               shame
               for
               faults
               committed
               ,
               and
               humility
               ,
               as
               the
               Publican
               ,
               and
               Prodigal
               .
               3
               Out
               of
               fear
               ,
               like
               Eliah
               and
               the
               Prophets
               ,
               who
               hid
               themselves
               in
               caves
               ,
               for
               fear
               of
               Ahab
               and
               
               Jezabel's
               persecution
               .
            
             
               The
               hiding
               then
               of
               her
               face
               here
               ,
               is
               out
               of
               a
               holy
               and
               virgin-like
               shamefastnesse
               ;
               as
               also
               out
               of
               the
               conscience
               of
               her
               own
               guiltinesse
               ,
               (
               whereof
               the
               godliest
               have
               reason
               to
               be
               sensible
               )
               and
               a
               fear
               also
               of
               her
               spirituall
               and
               persecuting
               enemies
               ,
               which
               make
               her
               to
               have
               her
               recourse
               to
               these
               clifts
               of
               the
               rock
               ,
               there
               to
               hide
               and
               secure
               her self
               .
            
             
               Next
               ,
               he
               desires
               to
               hear
               her
               voice
               .
               Now
               there
               is
               a
               threefold
               voice
               which
               the
               Church
               uttereth
               ;
               one
               to
               Man
               ,
               which
               is
               ,
               of
               preaching
               or
               instruction
               ;
               another
               before
               Man
               ,
               which
               is
               ,
               a
               vowed
               confession
               ;
               and
               the
               third
               (
               which
               is
               specially
               meant
               here
               )
               is
               her
               voice
               to
               God
               ,
               which
               is
               prayer
               and
               supplication
               ,
               
               which
               delights
               the
               Lord
               ,
               rejoyces
               the
               Angels
               ,
               vanquishes
               Satan
               ,
               eases
               the
               conscience
               ,
               benefits
               the
               soul
               ,
               averts
               judgments
               ,
               and
               procures
               blessings
               .
            
             
               Where
               we
               haye
               to
               remark
               ,
               that
               the
               saies
               ,
               
                 Let
                 me
                 hear
                 thy
                 voice
              
               ,
               showing
               thereby
               ,
               that
               it
               is
               to
               him
               onely
               that
               she
               should
               put
               up
               her
               prayers
               ;
               for
               ,
               as
               the
               Psalmist
               witnesseth
               ,
               Psal
               .
               65.
               2.
               it
               is
               he
               onely
               who
               heareth
               prayer
               ,
               and
               therefore
               to
               him
               shall
               all
               flesh
               come
               ;
               as
               he
               commandeth
               ,
               Psal
               .
               50.
               15.
               
               And
               this
               honour
               ,
               being
               a
               jealous
               God
               ,
               he
               will
               not
               give
               unto
               any
               other
               .
            
             
               Last
               of
               all
               ,
               the
               reason
               is
               subjoyned
               ,
               why
               he
               desires
               her
               to
               shew
               him
               her
               face
               ,
               and
               to
               let
               him
               hear
               her
               voice
               ;
               for
               ,
               (
               saith
               he
               )
               
                 sweet
                 is
                 thy
                 voice
                 ,
                 and
                 thy
                 face
                 comely
              
               ;
               thereby
               the
               more
               powerfully
               to
               induce
               her
               so
               to
               do
               ,
               and
               to
               remove
               out
               of
               her
               mind
               any
               impediment
               ,
               that
               might
               arise
               from
               the
               sense
               of
               her
               own
               deformity
               ,
               or
               unworthinesse
               ;
               to
               wit
               ,
               that
               her
               face
               was
               not
               worthy
               to
               be
               seen
               by
               him
               ,
               in
               whose
               sight
               the
               very
               heavens
               are
               not
               pure
               ,
               and
               before
               whom
               the
               very
               Angells
               appear
               not
               ,
               but
               with
               their
               faces
               covered
               ;
               hers
               being
               so
               spotted
               and
               unclean
               ,
               as
               with
               the
               Leper
               under
               the
               Law
               ,
               she
               had
               reason
               to
               cover
               her
               lips
               ,
               and
               to
               cry
               ,
               
                 Vnclean
                 ,
                 unclean
              
               :
               As
               also
               ,
               that
               her
               voice
               was
               in
               like
               manner
               unworthy
               to
               be
               heard
               ,
               being
               but
               mournfull
               and
               melancholious
               ,
               and
               more
               fit
               for
               a
               solitary
               desert
               ,
               with
               the
               Turtle
               ,
               than
               to
               be
               heard
               in
               his
               ear
               ,
               who
               has
               planted
               the
               ear
               ,
               and
               to
               whom
               in
               the
               highest
               ,
               the
               Angelicall
               quires
               sing
               Allelujah
               .
            
             
               To
               all
               these
               he
               sweetly
               and
               comfortably
               answers
               ,
               That
               howsoever
               she
               is
               in
               her selfe
               ,
               or
               seems
               so
               to
               her selfe
               ,
               yet
               in
               his
               sight
               ,
               who
               so
               has
               loved
               her
               ,
               her
               voice
               is
               sweet
               ,
               and
               her
               face
               is
               comely
               .
               We
               have
               then
               to
               consider
               ,
               what
               makes
               her
               voice
               and
               her
               face
               so
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               her
               voice
               is
               sweet
               ,
               in
               its
               rise
               or
               fountain
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               (
               as
               Rom.
               8
               26.
               )
               when
               it
               arises
               from
               the
               Spirit
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               motion
               thereof
               on
               the
               soul
               .
               2
               From
               a
               sight
               ,
               sense
               ,
               and
               sorrow
               for
               sin
               ,
               in
               a
               broken
               heart
               ,
               and
               contrite
               spirit
               ,
               whereof
               David
               speaks
               ,
               Psal
               .
               51.
               3
               
               When
               it
               is
               uttered
               in
               saith
               ,
               fervency
               ,
               and
               humility
               .
               And
               4
               when
               the
               main
               end
               thereof
               is
               ,
               God's
               glory
               ,
               and
               the
               soul's
               salvation
               ;
               and
               all
               is
               offered
               up
               to
               God
               in
               Christ
               ,
               through
               his
               merit
               and
               onely
               mediation
               :
               Then
               are
               our
               prayers
               like
               incense
               ,
               and
               the
               lifting
               up
               of
               our
               hands
               as
               an
               evening
               sacrifice
               ;
               and
               then
               is
               the
               Church's
               voice
               sweet
               ,
               or
               ,
               as
               the
               Prophet
               Malachi
               speaks
               ,
               
                 like
                 the
                 offerings
                 of
                 
                 Judah
                 and
                 Jerusalem
                 ,
                 which
                 were
                 pleasant
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Mat.
              
               3.
               4.
               
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               
                 Her
                 face
                 is
                 comely
              
               ;
               whether
               the
               face
               of
               the
               body
               be
               meant
               ,
               when
               it
               is
               like
               Mary
               Magdalen's
               ,
               when
               she
               did
               wash
               Christ's
               feet
               ,
               all
               blurred
               with
               the
               tears
               of
               true
               repentance
               ,
               which
               like
               pretious
               seed
               she
               is
               sowing
               ,
               that
               she
               may
               reap
               in
               joy
               ;
               or
               when
               it
               is
               like
               
               David's
               ,
               Psal
               .
               119.
               136.
               when
               he
               did
               not
               onely
               wash
               his
               bed
               with
               his
               tears
               ,
               but
               shed
               rivers
               of
               tears
               for
               the
               sins
               of
               others
               .
               Or
               whether
               the
               face
               of
               the
               soul
               be
               meant
               ,
               when
               it
               is
               stamped
               with
               his
               image
               ,
               and
               made
               comely
               by
               his
               beauty
               of
               holinesse
               ,
               (
               as
               he
               speaks
               by
               the
               Prophet
               )
               which
               he
               put
               upon
               it
               ,
               Ezek
               16.
               14.
               
               Any
               ,
               or
               all
               these
               wayes
               ,
               the
               face
               of
               the
               Church
               ,
               and
               every
               true
               member
               thereof
               ,
               is
               said
               to
               be
               comely
               in
               the
               sight
               of
               Christ
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Whereas
                 the
                 Church
                 is
                 called
                 a
                 dove
                 ,
                 it
                 teacheth
                 all
                 her
                 true
                 members
                 ,
                 what
                 should
                 be
                 their
                 disposition
                 ;
                 as
                 hath
                 been
                 already
                 shown
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 nature
                 and
                 properties
                 of
                 the
                 Dove
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 ,
                 by
                 her
                 being
                 in
                 the
                 clifts
                 of
                 the
                 rock
                 ,
                 her
                 weaknesse
                 of
                 her self
                 to
                 withstand
                 her
                 ravenous
                 enemies
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 her
                 onely
                 strength
                 and
                 safety
                 consists
                 ,
                 in
                 her
                 recourse
                 to
                 her
                 Rock
                 ,
                 Christ
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 making
                 him
                 her
                 hiding
                 place
                 and
                 refuge
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Her
                 being
                 in
                 the
                 clefts
                 or
                 narrow
                 places
                 of
                 this
                 Rock
                 ,
                 showes
                 plainly
                 ,
                 that
                 those
                 who
                 would
                 have
                 safety
                 by
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 merit
                 of
                 his
                 bloodshed
                 ,
                 or
                 tuition
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 they
                 must
                 not
                 be
                 big-swoln
                 with
                 the
                 opinion
                 of
                 their
                 own
                 righteousnesse
                 ,
                 or
                 merit
                 ;
                 for
                 such
                 can
                 never
                 enter
                 in
                 at
                 rifts
                 ,
                 or
                 narrow
                 clifts
                 of
                 a
                 rock
                 ,
                 or
                 at
                 a
                 narrow
                 way
                 ,
                 which
                 onely
                 leads
                 to
                 salvation
                 ,
                 Luk.
                 1.
                 53.
                 but
                 the
                 humble
                 and
                 poor
                 in
                 spirit
                 ,
                 for
                 to
                 such
                 onely
                 ,
                 as
                 saies
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 pertaines
                 the
                 kingdom
                 of
                 Heaven
                 ,
                 Matth.
                 5.
                 3.
                 
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Seeing
                 the
                 Lord
                 saies
                 to
                 every
                 true
                 member
                 of
                 his
                 Church
                 ,
                 
                   Let
                   me
                   hear
                   thy
                   voice
                   ,
                   &c.
                
                 what
                 incouragement
                 is
                 this
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 by
                 prayer
                 ,
                 to
                 obey
                 and
                 seek
                 after
                 so
                 gracious
                 a
                 Caller
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 go
                 with
                 Romanists
                 to
                 Saints
                 and
                 Angells
                 ,
                 as
                 mediators
                 for
                 us
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Churches
                 voice
                 is
                 sweet
                 and
                 acceptable
                 ,
                 and
                 her
                 face
                 comely
                 ,
                 even
                 when
                 she
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 clefts
                 of
                 the
                 rocks
                 ,
                 as
                 Jacob
                 smelled
                 sweetly
                 in
                 
                 Isaac's
                 sight
                 ,
                 when
                 
                 he
                 came
                 cloathed
                 with
                 his
                 elder
                 brother's
                 garment
                 :
                 they
                 onely
                 then
                 are
                 acceptable
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 both
                 their
                 persons
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 prayers
                 ,
                 &c.
                 who
                 are
                 in
                 Christ
                 Jesus
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 ,
                 what
                 incouragement
                 this
                 is
                 unto
                 us
                 ,
                 to
                 pray
                 and
                 praise
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 seeing
                 he
                 tells
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 sweet
                 and
                 delectable
                 is
                 the
                 voice
                 of
                 his
                 Elect
                 ,
                 when
                 in
                 these
                 holy
                 exercises
                 ,
                 they
                 utter
                 the
                 same
                 before
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 If
                 our
                 voice
                 be
                 sweet
                 unto
                 him
                 ,
                 O
                 how
                 sweet
                 should
                 his
                 voice
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 ministry
                 and
                 exercises
                 of
                 his
                 Word
                 ,
                 be
                 unto
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 David
                 professes
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 19.
                 and
                 119.
                 
              
               
                 8.
                 
                 If
                 the
                 face
                 of
                 his
                 Chosen
                 be
                 so
                 comely
                 and
                 beautifull
                 in
                 God's
                 sight
                 here
                 ,
                 O
                 how
                 comely
                 and
                 beautifull
                 will
                 it
                 be
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 free
                 from
                 any
                 spot
                 or
                 least
                 wrinkle
                 hereafter
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               15.
               
               Take
               us
               the
               Foxes
               ,
               the
               little
               foxes
               ,
               that
               spoile
               the
               Vines
               ;
               for
               our
               Vines
               have
               tender
               Grapes
               .
            
             
               Here
               is
               a
               charge
               given
               ,
               and
               the
               reason
               thereof
               rendred
               ;
               in
               which
               charge
               we
               have
               ,
               1
               who
               gives
               it
               ;
               2
               to
               whom
               ;
               and
               3
               what
               is
               the
               charge
               it self
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               it
               is
               Christ
               ,
               the
               Master
               of
               the
               Vineyard
               ,
               who
               gives
               the
               charge
               ,
               as
               he
               calls
               Himself
               ,
               the
               Master
               and
               owner
               thereof
               ,
               Esa
               .
               5.
               and
               is
               declared
               to
               be
               ,
               Psal
               .
               80.
               and
               Matth.
               20.
               1.
               
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               those
               to
               whom
               the
               charge
               is
               given
               ,
               are
               Pastors
               and
               Princes
               ,
               or
               Ministers
               and
               Magistrates
               ;
               the
               one
               armed
               with
               the
               spirituall
               ,
               the
               other
               with
               the
               civill
               Authority
               ,
               both
               being
               from
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               both
               here
               to
               be
               imployed
               for
               the
               Lord
               ,
               against
               the
               enemies
               of
               his
               Church
               ;
               the
               one
               to
               act
               his
               part
               ,
               praedicando
               ;
               the
               other
               his
               part
               ,
               as
               
                 Deut.
                 13.
                 5.
                 puniendo
              
               ;
               the
               Minister
               drawing
               his
               sword
               ,
               Ephes
               .
               6.
               by
               convincing
               the
               heresie
               ;
               the
               Magistrate
               his
               sword
               ,
               Rom.
               13.
               by
               coercing
               the
               heretick
               ,
               and
               as
               the
               Minister
               of
               God
               ,
               taking
               vengeance
               on
               evill
               doers
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               the
               charge
               it self
               ,
               is
               ,
               to
               
                 take
                 the
                 foxes
              
               ,
               even
               
                 the
                 little
                 foxes
              
               ;
               where
               we
               have
               to
               consider
               ;
               1
               who
               are
               these
               foxes
               ,
               and
               why
               so
               called
               ;
               2
               who
               are
               these
               little
               foxes
               ;
               and
               3
               how
               they
               should
               be
               taken
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               by
               these
               foxes
               ,
               false
               Teachers
               are
               understood
               ,
               the
               worst
               sort
               of
               enemies
               that
               the
               Church
               has
               ,
               and
               therefore
               
               onely
               here
               mentioned
               ;
               this
               we
               may
               see
               to
               be
               clear
               ,
               Ezek.
               13.
               4.
               where
               the
               Lord
               speaking
               of
               false
               Prophets
               ,
               that
               followed
               their
               own
               spirit
               of
               errour
               ,
               saies
               ,
               
                 O
                 Israel
                 ,
                 thy
                 prophets
                 are
                 like
                 the
                 foxes
                 in
                 the
                 deserts
                 :
              
               and
               who
               therefore
               are
               thus
               compared
               ;
            
             
               1.
               
               In
               comparison
               of
               their
               subtlety
               and
               craft
               ,
               by
               making
               a
               shew
               of
               truth
               and
               piety
               ,
               as
               Herod
               did
               of
               worshipping
               Christ
               ,
               Matth.
               7.
               15.
               when
               they
               go
               about
               to
               advance
               the
               mystery
               of
               errour
               and
               iniquity
               ,
               and
               ,
               as
               our
               Saviour
               saies
               ,
               comming
               in
               sheeps
               cloathing
               ,
               but
               inwardly
               being
               nothing
               but
               devouring
               woolvs
               ;
               which
               subtlety
               they
               have
               from
               that
               great
               Fox
               ,
               the
               Devill
               ,
               who
               winded
               himself
               craftily
               in
               credit
               with
               our
               first
               parents
               ,
               as
               their
               friend
               ,
               when
               he
               proved
               their
               greatest
               foe
               ;
               and
               who
               can
               transform
               himself
               into
               an
               Angell
               of
               light
               :
               And
               therefore
               no
               marvell
               ,
               that
               his
               ministers
               imitate
               him
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               shewes
               ,
               2
               Cor.
               11.
               15.
               
               Amongst
               which
               foxes
               ,
               the
               great
               Romish
               Fox
               is
               the
               principal
               ,
               and
               therefore
               figured
               out
               to
               us
               by
               that
               Beast
               in
               the
               Revelation
               ,
               that
               was
               horned
               like
               the
               Lamb
               ,
               but
               spake
               like
               the
               Dragon
               ;
               and
               whose
               emissaries
               likewise
               ,
               the
               Locusts
               of
               that
               bottomlesse
               pit
               ,
               have
               mens
               faces
               ,
               and
               womens
               hair
               ,
               declaring
               thereby
               ,
               their
               fair
               and
               alluring
               pretences
               ;
               but
               they
               have
               Lions
               teeth
               ,
               and
               Scorpions
               rails
               under
               these
               ,
               destroying
               simple
               soules
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               The
               fox
               is
               not
               onely
               crafty
               ,
               but
               cruell
               ,
               and
               blood-thirsty
               of
               the
               blood
               of
               the
               flock
               ;
               therefore
               Herod
               is
               called
               a
               fox
               ,
               Luk.
               13.
               32.
               also
               
                 Pharaoh
                 ,
                 Exod.
              
               1.
               10.
               
               And
               so
               is
               that
               Roman
               fox
               cruell
               ,
               and
               ever
               has
               been
               ,
               against
               the
               Saints
               of
               God
               ;
               and
               therefore
               is
               called
               that
               scarlet
               whore
               ,
               that
               is
               drunk
               with
               the
               blood
               of
               the
               Saints
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               Martyrs
               of
               Jesus
               ,
               Rev.
               17.
               6.
               
               And
               so
               likewise
               are
               all
               the
               foxes
               ,
               his
               emissaries
               ;
               witnesse
               the
               many
               ,
               partly
               performed
               ,
               and
               partly
               intended
               massacres
               ,
               of
               the
               professors
               of
               the
               truth
               ,
               their
               bloody
               Inquisition
               ,
               and
               league
               at
               the
               Councill
               of
               Trent
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               The
               fox
               goes
               never
               straight
               forward
               ,
               but
               
                 tortuosis
                 incedit
                 amfractibus
              
               ;
               or
               by
               crooked
               windings
               ,
               
                 &
                 in
                 cavernosis
                 latitat
                 amfractibus
              
               ;
               and
               he
               lurketh
               in
               such
               places
               :
               Even
               so
               these
               forenamed
               foxes
               ,
               walk
               not
               with
               a
               streight
               foot
               in
               the
               Gospell
               ,
               nor
               followes
               the
               streight
               rule
               thereof
               ;
               but
               in
               crooked
               windings
               ,
               and
               by-waies
               of
               errour
               ,
               and
               human
               traditions
               ,
               not
               leading
               to
               God
               by
               Christ
               ,
               but
               by
               Saints
               and
               Angells
               their
               mediation
               ;
               nor
               to
               his
               merits
               onely
               and
               satisfaction
               ,
               but
               to
               others
               ,
               or
               their
               own
               in
               purgatory
               ,
               &c.
               and
               using
               all
               deceitfulness
               
               of
               error
               to
               compasse
               their
               ends
               ,
               and
               advance
               their
               power
               and
               pride
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               The
               time
               when
               they
               specially
               invade
               ,
               is
               the
               night
               ,
               when
               all
               are
               asleep
               ,
               both
               shepherd
               and
               sheep
               ;
               even
               as
               in
               like
               manner
               we
               see
               that
               while
               the
               servants
               were
               asleep
               the
               envyous
               man
               sowed
               his
               tares
               amongst
               the
               good
               seed
               :
               even
               so
               there
               do
               these
               foxes
               specially
               invade
               Christs
               flock
               to
               catch
               them
               as
               their
               prey
               ,
               and
               by
               their
               divelish
               doctrine
               to
               destroy
               their
               soules
               ,
               when
               either
               they
               find
               a
               flock
               without
               a
               pastor
               at
               all
               ,
               or
               when
               they
               find
               a
               sleepy
               idol
               ,
               and
               slouthfull
               shepheard
               ,
               and
               an
               ignorant
               flock
               :
               but
               on
               the
               contrary
               ,
               where
               a
               well
               instructed
               people
               are
               ,
               who
               know
               Christs
               voice
               and
               can
               discerne
               it
               from
               a
               stranger
               ,
               as
               we
               have
               it
               ,
               Joh.
               10.
               and
               Cant.
               5.
               
               And
               where
               such
               a
               pastor
               is
               ,
               as
               Jacob
               ,
               or
               David
               ,
               or
               those
               to
               whom
               the
               Angel
               appeared
               and
               annunced
               Christ's
               birth
               ,
               who
               were
               watching
               carefully
               their
               flocks
               in
               the
               night
               ,
               there
               these
               foxes
               dare
               not
               come
               ,
               nor
               cannot
               prevaile
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               The
               Fox
               ,
               especially
               in
               his
               hole
               ,
               is
               a
               vile
               stinking
               beast
               ,
               and
               so
               what
               has
               been
               the
               vile
               stink
               of
               these
               Romish
               foxes
               ,
               from
               their
               great
               one
               to
               the
               least
               ,
               in
               their
               lives
               and
               conversations
               ,
               and
               in
               their
               cloisters
               ,
               Nunneries
               ,
               and
               other
               places
               ,
               let
               their
               Popes
               lives
               and
               others
               of
               their
               owne
               Registers
               testifie
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               by
               these
               little
               Foxes
               ,
               are
               understood
               false
               teachers
               who
               subtilly
               and
               by
               degrees
               bring
               in
               errors
               in
               the
               Church
               ,
               and
               therefore
               even
               in
               their
               beginnings
               and
               first
               bud
               when
               they
               seeme
               to
               be
               but
               little
               hurtfull
               or
               dangerous
               ,
               are
               to
               be
               adverted
               ,
               and
               taken
               heed
               unto
               ,
               as
               hurtfull
               enemies
               to
               the
               Lords
               vines
               .
               These
               are
               they
               who
               privily
               (
               sayes
               Peter
               )
               were
               to
               bring
               in
               damnable
               
                 Heresies
                 ,
                 2
                 Pet.
              
               2.
               1.
               and
               who
               were
               doing
               so
               even
               in
               the
               very
               Apostles
               times
               ,
               who
               were
               most
               watchfull
               :
               for
               even
               then
               the
               mystery
               of
               iniquity
               was
               working
               as
               the
               Apostle
               tells
               us
               ,
               2
               Thess
               .
               2.
               7.
               setting
               downe
               the
               particulars
               ,
               Coloss
               .
               2.
               18.
               and
               1
               Tim.
               4.
               3.
               
               The
               reason
               why
               such
               little
               foxes
               should
               be
               in
               their
               very
               beginnings
               curbed
               and
               taken
               ,
               the
               Apostle
               Paul
               gives
               ;
               saying
               ,
               For
               they
               will
               increase
               unto
               more
               ungodlyness
               ,
               2
               Tim.
               2.
               16
               ,
               17.
               and
               their
               word
               will
               eare
               as
               doth
               a
               canker
               ,
               of
               whom
               is
               Hymeneus
               and
               Philetus
               ,
               little
               foxes
               even
               in
               Pauls
               dayes
               .
               The
               proofe
               whereof
               likewise
               Christ's
               church
               too
               truly
               found
               ,
               in
               the
               Method
               of
               introduction
               of
               Idololatreia
               ,
               by
               bringing
               in
               ,
               first
               ,
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               adoration
               of
               Images
               ,
               by
               making
               of
               such
               and
               placing
               them
               in
               Churches
               ,
               worshipping
               and
               invocation
               of
               Saints
               ,
               
               by
               set
               dayes
               at
               first
               only
               for
               commemoration
               of
               their
               piety
               and
               constancy
               in
               suffering
               ,
               &c.
               
               And
               the
               like
               ,
               in
               rising
               to
               the
               heighth
               of
               Papal
               dignity
               in
               the
               Ecclesiastick
               government
               Whence
               the
               Apostle
               very
               well
               calles
               the
               wiles
               of
               the
               dive●
               that
               arch
               and
               old
               fox
               ,
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               these
               foxes
               are
               to
               be
               taken
               ,
               as
               the
               
                 Apostle
                 Peter
              
               in
               like
               manner
               tells
               us
               ,
               saying
               ,
               But
               these
               as
               naturall
               brute
               beasts
               are
               made
               to
               be
               taken
               and
               destroyed
               ,
               2
               Pet.
               2.
               12.
               
               But
               how
               and
               by
               whom
               ?
               doubtlesse
               ,
               as
               has
               been
               already
               said
               ,
               both
               by
               faithfull
               Ministers
               ,
               and
               zealous
               Magistrates
               ,
               the
               one
               by
               the
               sword
               of
               the
               Word
               strongly
               confuting
               their
               Heresies
               ,
               and
               by
               Excommunication
               casting
               them
               forth
               of
               the
               Church
               :
               and
               the
               other
               if
               they
               yet
               continue
               obstinate
               and
               infest
               the
               vines
               ,
               by
               civill
               and
               corporall
               punishment
               catching
               and
               destroying
               them
               ,
               lest
               they
               destroy
               the
               vines
               that
               have
               but
               tender
               grapes
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               seduce
               simple
               soules
               while
               they
               are
               as
               yet
               but
               only
               young
               and
               weake
               .
            
             
               But
               why
               saith
               Christ
               ,
               Take
               us
               the
               foxes
               ,
               and
               not
               simply
               ,
               ●ake
               the
               foxes
               ,
               or
               particularly
               take
               me
               the
               foxes
               ,
               but
               in
               common
               ,
               take
               us
               the
               foxes
               ?
               I
               answer
               ,
               1.
               
               This
               is
               to
               show
               ,
               that
               the
               taking
               of
               these
               foxes
               redounds
               both
               to
               Gods
               glory
               and
               his
               Churches
               good
               ,
               and
               therefore
               whosoever
               is
               negligent
               in
               doing
               of
               his
               duty
               ,
               Minister
               or
               Magistrate
               ,
               he
               neither
               tenders
               Gods
               glory
               ,
               nor
               his
               Churches
               good
               ,
               2.
               
               This
               is
               likewise
               to
               show
               for
               the
               Churches
               great
               comfort
               ,
               that
               Christ
               and
               she
               have
               common
               friends
               and
               foes
               .
            
             
               Last
               of
               all
               ,
               the
               reason
               of
               the
               taking
               these
               foxes
               ,
               is
               ,
               their
               spoiling
               of
               the
               vines
               ,
               by
               which
               are
               understand
               the
               members
               of
               Christ's
               church
               ,
               against
               whom
               these
               foxes
               do
               set
               themselves
               for
               hurt
               ;
               compared
               here
               unto
               vines
               ,
               
                 Isay
                 .
                 5.
                 
                 Psal
              
               .
               80.
               as
               else
               where
               frequently
               in
               Scripture
               ,
               Matth.
               20.
               &c.
               
               For
               the
               reasons
               following
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               The
               vine
               is
               called
               noble
               ,
               Jer.
               2.
               21.
               
               So
               are
               the
               godly
               ,
               and
               Gods
               Church
               beyond
               all
               other
               societies
               ,
               Psal
               .
               16.
               2.
               
            
             
               2.
               
               It
               has
               not
               outward
               beauty
               ,
               but
               is
               full
               of
               inward
               sap
               ;
               so
               neither
               has
               the
               Church
               ,
               like
               that
               whore
               ,
               Rev.
               17.
               
               But
               is
               beautifull
               within
               ,
               through
               the
               aboundant
               sap
               of
               grace
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               It
               is
               weake
               ,
               and
               therefore
               needs
               under-propping
               :
               and
               so
               is
               the
               Church
               of
               her self
               ,
               but
               is
               under-propped
               by
               Christ
               ,
               Cant.
               8.
               5.
               
            
             
               4.
               
               It
               must
               be
               also
               hedged
               about
               for
               defence
               ,
               
                 Isai
                 .
                 5.
                 5.
                 
                 Psal
                 .
              
               ●0
               .
               12.
               and
               so
               must
               the
               Church
               also
               ,
               chiefly
               by
               divine
               protection
               .
            
             
             
               5.
               
               It
               spreads
               farre
               in
               the
               boughs
               thereof
               ,
               Ps
               .
               80.
               11.
               
               And
               so
               does
               the
               Church
               in
               her
               members
               to
               the
               utmost
               ends
               of
               the
               earth
               ,
               Psal
               .
               2.
               
            
             
               6.
               
               It
               is
               the
               most
               fruitfull
               of
               any
               tree
               ,
               and
               so
               is
               the
               Church
               and
               her
               true
               members
               ,
               ●oh
               .
               15.
               
            
             
               7.
               
               If
               it
               be
               otherwise
               ,
               it
               is
               most
               unprofitable
               of
               any
               tree
               ,
               and
               fit
               only
               for
               the
               fire
               :
               and
               so
               are
               the
               members
               of
               the
               visible
               church
               ,
               
                 Ezek.
                 15.
                 3.
                 
                 Joh.
              
               15.
               6.
               and
               like
               unsavory
               salt
               ,
               Matth.
               5.
               13.
               
            
             
               8.
               
               That
               it
               may
               be
               so
               ,
               great
               pains
               is
               taken
               about
               it
               ,
               Isay
               ,
               5.
               
               And
               so
               is
               about
               the
               Church
               by
               the
               Lords
               vine-dressers
               ,
               Luk.
               13.
               7.
               
            
             
               9.
               
               It
               must
               be
               pruned
               specially
               ,
               and
               is
               much
               better
               thereby
               :
               so
               must
               the
               Church
               by
               the
               crosse
               and
               affliction
               ,
               and
               with
               David
               She
               finds
               that
               it
               is
               good
               that
               she
               is
               so
               .
            
             
               10.
               
               The
               Vine
               with
               the
               grapes
               thereof
               send
               forth
               a
               good
               smell
               ,
               
                 Cant.
                 2.
                 13.
                 
                 Hosea
              
               .
               14.
               7.
               and
               so
               do
               Christians
               by
               their
               fruitfulness
               in
               holiness
               ,
               both
               upward
               towards
               God
               in
               Christ
               ,
               and
               to
               all
               such
               who
               see
               their
               godly
               example
               .
            
             
               11.
               
               The
               vines
               (
               as
               we
               see
               here
               ,
               and
               Psal
               80.
               13.
               
               )
               have
               many
               enemies
               :
               and
               so
               has
               Christ's
               church
               ,
               both
               open
               and
               secret
               ,
               subtile
               and
               mighty
               .
            
             
               12.
               
               The
               Husbandman
               plants
               them
               ,
               Psal
               .
               80.
               8.
               and
               has
               a
               care
               of
               their
               prospering
               ,
               purging
               ,
               and
               preservation
               :
               and
               so
               doth
               the
               Lord
               ,
               of
               his
               Church
               ,
               who
               therefore
               is
               so
               called
               ,
               Joh.
               15.
               1.
               and
               to
               whom
               his
               Vine-yard
               is
               more
               deare
               then
               Naboths
               was
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               none
               can
               take
               the
               same
               from
               him
               ,
               or
               pluck
               any
               of
               his
               sheep
               out
               of
               his
               hand
               .
            
             
               13.
               
               There
               are
               many
               sorts
               of
               vines
               ,
               whereof
               we
               have
               already
               spoken
               on
               the
               6.
               verse
               of
               the
               1.
               
               Chapter
               ,
               as
               there
               are
               many
               sorts
               of
               grounds
               spoken
               of
               in
               the
               parable
               of
               the
               sower
               ,
               Matth.
               17.
               
               And
               so
               are
               there
               many
               sorts
               of
               Christians
               ,
               but
               one
               sort
               only
               which
               are
               the
               noble
               and
               goodly
               vine
               spoken
               of
               here
               ,
               and
               whereof
               the
               Lords
               has
               such
               a
               care
               .
               called
               else
               where
               by
               Jeremy
               ,
               the
               right
               seed
               ,
               Jer.
               2.
               21.
               and
               these
               are
               such
               who
               ,
               as
               Ps
               .
               1.
               3.
               and
               Isai
               .
               5.
               disappoints
               not
               the
               expectation
               of
               the
               Husbandman
               ,
               but
               brings
               forth
               sweet
               grapes
               and
               good
               fruit
               in
               due
               season
               .
            
             
               Now
               the
               spoiling
               of
               these
               vines
               is
               nothing
               else
               ,
               but
               the
               perverting
               and
               drawing
               them
               from
               the
               truth
               by
               poisonable
               Doctrine
               ,
               and
               deceiving
               (
               as
               our
               Saviour
               sayes
               )
               if
               it
               were
               possible
               the
               very
               elect
               ,
               or
               (
               as
               the
               Lord
               speaks
               by
               his
               Prophet
               )
               
               when
               under
               pretence
               of
               leading
               Gods
               people
               ,
               such
               mis-lead
               them
               and
               cause
               them
               to
               erre
               ,
               wherein
               these
               crafty
               foxes
               in
               the
               time
               of
               ignorance
               did
               so
               prevaile
               before
               the
               over-clouded
               eternall
               Gospell
               (
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Rev.
               9.
               2.
               
               )
               beganne
               againe
               cleerly
               to
               shine
               ,
               that
               (
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Rev.
               13.
               )
               the
               whole
               world
               in
               a
               manner
               followed
               the
               beast
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 In
                 this
                 charge
                 ,
                 which
                 we
                 see
                 Christ
                 gives
                 both
                 to
                 Ministers
                 and
                 Magistrates
                 concerning
                 his
                 Church
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 the
                 care
                 that
                 he
                 has
                 thereof
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 every
                 true
                 member
                 that
                 is
                 therein
                 ,
                 whereof
                 for
                 our
                 comfort
                 let
                 us
                 never
                 doubt
                 in
                 whatsoever
                 estate
                 she
                 or
                 we
                 be
                 in
                 ,
                 both
                 for
                 protection
                 and
                 providence
                 ,
                 although
                 it
                 were
                 our
                 case
                 ,
                 as
                 Israels
                 in
                 Egypt
                 or
                 at
                 the
                 red-sea
                 ,
                 or
                 like
                 that
                 boat
                 wherein
                 he
                 and
                 his
                 Disciples
                 were
                 ,
                 Matth.
                 8.
                 24.
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Here
                 also
                 we
                 may
                 behold
                 the
                 estate
                 of
                 Gods
                 Church
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 shall
                 never
                 want
                 enemies
                 ,
                 both
                 subtile
                 foxes
                 that
                 will
                 creep
                 in
                 among
                 the
                 vines
                 to
                 spoile
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 cruell
                 boares
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 wilderness
                 to
                 waste
                 and
                 destroy
                 them
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 80.
                 12.
                 
                 And
                 therefore
                 she
                 should
                 arme
                 her self
                 against
                 both
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 think
                 it
                 uncouth
                 although
                 she
                 be
                 infested
                 by
                 both
                 ;
                 being
                 herein
                 conforme
                 to
                 her
                 head
                 ,
                 who
                 had
                 both
                 cruel
                 enemies
                 who
                 cryed
                 crucifie
                 crucifie
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 crafty
                 bosome
                 Judas
                 who
                 did
                 betray
                 his
                 Master
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Their
                 end
                 and
                 aime
                 is
                 to
                 spoile
                 the
                 vines
                 ;
                 where
                 we
                 may
                 see
                 the
                 Malice
                 of
                 Satan
                 in
                 his
                 instruments
                 is
                 ,
                 next
                 to
                 the
                 head
                 ,
                 now
                 against
                 the
                 members
                 of
                 Christs
                 body
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 may
                 have
                 no
                 Church
                 ;
                 which
                 therefore
                 they
                 seek
                 to
                 spoile
                 by
                 poisonable
                 Doctrine
                 craftily
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 to
                 cut
                 off
                 by
                 persecution
                 cruelly
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 herein
                 thorow
                 Christs
                 care
                 and
                 preservation
                 shal
                 be
                 disappointed
                 ,
                 who
                 by
                 his
                 spirit
                 of
                 truth
                 shall
                 lead
                 his
                 elect
                 into
                 all
                 truth
                 ;
                 so
                 that
                 it
                 shal
                 be
                 impossible
                 that
                 they
                 can
                 be
                 deceived
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 so
                 preserve
                 his
                 Lilly
                 amongst
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 thorns
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 gates
                 of
                 Hell
                 ,
                 shall
                 not
                 prevaile
                 against
                 her
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Seeing
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 duty
                 both
                 of
                 Magistrates
                 and
                 Ministers
                 each
                 one
                 in
                 their
                 own
                 places
                 to
                 take
                 order
                 with
                 the
                 enemies
                 of
                 Christs
                 church
                 ,
                 they
                 ought
                 carefully
                 to
                 take
                 heed
                 thereto
                 ,
                 as
                 once
                 they
                 must
                 give
                 an
                 account
                 :
                 and
                 we
                 ought
                 all
                 of
                 us
                 pray
                 to
                 God
                 earnestly
                 that
                 he
                 would
                 thrust
                 out
                 many
                 faithfull
                 pastors
                 ,
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 ,
                 and
                 many
                 zealous
                 Magistrates
                 into
                 his
                 Church
                 ,
                 who
                 may
                 diligently
                 do
                 Gods
                 work
                 here
                 injoyned
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 hunt
                 these
                 hurtfull
                 and
                 subtle
                 foxes
                 ,
                 that
                 spoil
                 the
                 Lords
                 vines
                 ,
                 which
                 if
                 they
                 who
                 should
                 hunt
                 and
                 take
                 them
                 ,
                 neglect
                 ,
                 or
                 that
                 they
                 be
                 too
                 strong
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 not
                 fail
                 to
                 do
                 it
                 himself
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 did
                 to
                 Pharaoh
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 fox
                 Herod
                 ,
                 and
                 others
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 If
                 Ministers
                 and
                 Magistrates
                 should
                 be
                 the
                 takers
                 of
                 these
                 foxes
                 ,
                 who
                 spoil
                 the
                 vines
                 ;
                 then
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 shame
                 to
                 see
                 either
                 of
                 them
                 prove
                 foxes
                 themselves
                 ,
                 and
                 wasters
                 of
                 the
                 Lord's
                 Vine-yard
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               16.
               
               My
               Beloved
               is
               mine
               ,
               and
               I
               am
               his
               :
               he
               feeds
               among
               the
               Lillies
               .
            
             
               Upon
               all
               the
               former
               speeches
               of
               Christ
               ,
               expressing
               his
               love
               and
               care
               of
               his
               Church
               ,
               she
               breaks
               forth
               here
               into
               a
               gloriation
               ;
               not
               a
               vain
               one
               ,
               as
               
               Haman's
               ;
               nor
               a
               worldly
               one
               ,
               as
               the
               rich
               Fool
               's
               ;
               nor
               a
               wicked
               one
               ,
               as
               
               Lamech's
               ;
               nor
               a
               self-one
               ,
               as
               the
               Pharisee's
               ;
               but
               a
               godly
               one
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               saies
               ,
               
                 He
                 that
                 glories
                 ,
                 let
                 him
                 glory
                 in
                 the
                 Lord.
              
               It
               is
               therefore
               in
               that
               sweet
               and
               holy
               communion
               ,
               which
               is
               betwixt
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ
               and
               her
               ,
               and
               comfortable
               fruit
               which
               she
               reaps
               thereby
               ,
               wherein
               her
               felicity
               stands
               ,
               that
               here
               she
               glorieth
               ,
               saying
               ,
               
                 My
                 wel-beloved
                 is
                 mine
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 am
                 his
                 .
              
               Where
               we
               must
               note
               ,
               first
               ,
               That
               there
               is
               an
               union
               betwixt
               Christ
               and
               his
               Church
               ,
               from
               whence
               cometh
               this
               communion
               ;
               by
               which
               union
               he
               is
               her
               head
               ,
               and
               she
               is
               by
               the
               Spirit
               united
               to
               him
               ,
               as
               his
               mysticall
               body
               ;
               whence
               followes
               ,
               that
               whatsoever
               is
               in
               him
               ,
               it
               is
               hers
               ;
               and
               therefore
               it
               is
               said
               ,
               That
               he
               is
               made
               unto
               us
               of
               God
               ,
               Wisdom
               ,
               Righteousnesse
               ,
               Sanctification
               ,
               and
               Redemption
               .
               And
               more
               particularly
               ,
               from
               this
               communion
               flowes
               these
               benefits
               :
               1
               He
               has
               taken
               upon
               him
               all
               our
               sins
               and
               guiltinesse
               ,
               and
               satisfied
               the
               justice
               of
               God
               for
               the
               same
               .
               2
               He
               makes
               us
               partakers
               of
               his
               righteousnesse
               ,
               which
               is
               made
               ours
               in
               justification
               .
               3
               He
               gives
               us
               also
               his
               Spirit
               of
               sanctification
               ,
               and
               all
               saving-graces
               necessary
               to
               salvation
               .
               4
               He
               gives
               unto
               us
               the
               sense
               of
               God's
               love
               ,
               true
               peace
               ,
               inward
               joy
               ,
               comfort
               in
               crosses
               ,
               courage
               against
               death
               ,
               and
               victory
               over
               all
               our
               enemies
               .
               And
               5
               He
               sympathizes
               with
               us
               in
               good
               or
               evill
               ,
               and
               gives
               unto
               us
               right
               unto
               life
               everlasting
               .
            
             
               Her
               beloved
               then
               is
               hers
               ,
               1
               By
               the
               Father's
               donation
               ,
               Rom.
               8.
               32.
               2
               
               By
               this
               mysticall
               forenamed
               union
               ,
               diversly
               exprest
               in
               Scripture
               .
               3
               By
               faith's
               application
               of
               his
               death
               ,
               
               resurrection
               ,
               ascension
               ,
               mediation
               ,
               &c.
               and
               benefits
               or
               comforts
               thereof
               .
               And
               4
               He
               shall
               be
               ours
               most
               comfortably
               ,
               in
               that
               full
               fruition
               which
               we
               shall
               have
               of
               him
               ,
               as
               our
               blessed
               Bridegroom
               at
               the
               last
               day
               ,
               after
               the
               solemnization
               of
               our
               espousalls
               ,
               and
               entry
               with
               him
               into
               those
               mansion-places
               of
               eternall
               glory
               .
            
             
               She
               likewise
               is
               her
               beloved's
               ;
               1
               By
               the
               Father's
               donation
               ,
               Joh.
               10.
               29.
               2
               
               By
               creation
               .
               3
               By
               redemption
               .
               4
               By
               desponsation
               .
               5
               By
               the
               bond
               of
               affection
               .
               And
               6
               By
               mutuall
               application
               ,
               that
               as
               we
               by
               faith
               apply
               him
               to
               us
               ,
               so
               likewise
               by
               holy
               obedience
               ,
               as
               the
               imp
               to
               the
               stock
               ,
               we
               comply
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               apply
               our selves
               and
               whole
               endeavours
               ,
               to
               please
               and
               honour
               him
               .
            
             
               Thereafter
               she
               expresses
               the
               delight
               ,
               which
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               takes
               in
               this
               sweet
               communion
               ,
               and
               fellowship
               with
               his
               Saints
               ,
               whom
               he
               here
               calls
               Lillies
               ,
               as
               they
               are
               called
               ,
               vers
               .
               2.
               to
               wit
               ,
               That
               he
               feeds
               amongst
               them
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               he
               delights
               in
               them
               ,
               and
               in
               their
               obedience
               to
               his
               will
               ▪
               as
               we
               are
               said
               to
               feed
               our
               sight
               ,
               with
               such
               objects
               wherein
               we
               delight
               ;
               and
               as
               he
               counted
               it
               food
               unto
               him
               ,
               or
               meat
               and
               drink
               to
               do
               his
               Father's
               will.
               
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 here
                 the
                 Christian's
                 happinesse
                 ,
                 and
                 ,
                 how
                 poor
                 soever
                 in
                 this
                 world
                 he
                 be
                 ,
                 yet
                 what
                 a
                 great
                 treasure
                 he
                 has
                 ,
                 when
                 Christ
                 is
                 his
                 ,
                 in
                 whom
                 all
                 fulnesse
                 is
                 ,
                 and
                 who
                 is
                 Lord
                 of
                 all
                 ;
                 whom
                 if
                 we
                 have
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 reasons
                 ,
                 Rom.
                 8.
                 32.
                 we
                 are
                 sure
                 of
                 all
                 other
                 things
                 ,
                 that
                 God
                 knowes
                 to
                 be
                 for
                 his
                 glory
                 ,
                 and
                 our
                 good
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 ,
                 if
                 Christ
                 be
                 ours
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 likewise
                 be
                 his
                 ;
                 for
                 there
                 are
                 many
                 that
                 would
                 be
                 content
                 ,
                 that
                 Christ
                 should
                 be
                 theirs
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 labour
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 Christ's
                 again
                 ,
                 by
                 renewed
                 obedience
                 :
                 But
                 here
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 must
                 be
                 his
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 would
                 have
                 him
                 to
                 be
                 ours
                 ;
                 and
                 ,
                 a
                 true
                 faith
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 applies
                 Christ
                 ,
                 so
                 it
                 makes
                 one
                 comply
                 to
                 Christ
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 But
                 mark
                 the
                 order
                 ,
                 that
                 Christ
                 must
                 first
                 be
                 ours
                 ,
                 before
                 we
                 can
                 be
                 his
                 ,
                 for
                 without
                 him
                 ,
                 we
                 can
                 do
                 nothing
                 ;
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 he
                 who
                 seeks
                 the
                 lost
                 sheep
                 first
                 ,
                 and
                 works
                 in
                 us
                 both
                 the
                 will
                 and
                 the
                 deed
                 ;
                 so
                 that
                 till
                 Christ
                 give
                 himself
                 first
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 come
                 first
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 did
                 to
                 
                   ●azarus
                   ▪
                
                 lying
                 in
                 the
                 grave
                 ,
                 we
                 will
                 never
                 be
                 able
                 to
                 give
                 our selves
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 or
                 to
                 be
                 his
                 by
                 faith
                 and
                 renewed
                 obedience
                 .
              
               
               
                 4.
                 
                 If
                 we
                 be
                 his
                 ,
                 then
                 it
                 followes
                 ;
                 1
                 That
                 we
                 must
                 not
                 be
                 Satan's
                 ,
                 nor
                 sin's
                 ,
                 nor
                 the
                 world's
                 ,
                 nor
                 suffer
                 our
                 affections
                 to
                 be
                 set
                 on
                 any
                 other
                 ,
                 or
                 any
                 other
                 to
                 lord
                 over
                 us
                 .
                 2
                 If
                 we
                 be
                 his
                 ,
                 great
                 is
                 our
                 comfort
                 herein
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 will
                 count
                 the
                 wrongs
                 done
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 done
                 to
                 himself
                 ,
                 or
                 to
                 her
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 one
                 with
                 himself
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 he
                 who
                 touches
                 such
                 ,
                 he
                 has
                 said
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 touch
                 the
                 apple
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 eye
                 .
                 And
                 3
                 If
                 the
                 godly
                 be
                 his
                 ,
                 then
                 whatsoever
                 good
                 we
                 do
                 to
                 such
                 ,
                 (
                 this
                 is
                 our
                 encouragement
                 )
                 we
                 do
                 the
                 same
                 to
                 Christ
                 himself
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 members
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 will
                 professe
                 at
                 the
                 last
                 day
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 If
                 Christ
                 so
                 delight
                 in
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 our
                 obedience
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 feeds
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 ,
                 amongst
                 us
                 ;
                 how
                 should
                 we
                 in
                 like
                 manner
                 delight
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 presence
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 obedient
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 not
                 grieving
                 ,
                 and
                 far
                 lesse
                 quenching
                 ,
                 his
                 good
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 by
                 whom
                 we
                 are
                 sealed
                 to
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 perfect
                 redemption
                 ?
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               17.
               
               Untill
               the
               day
               break
               ,
               and
               the
               shadowes
               flee
               away
               ,
               turn
               ,
               my
               Beloved
               ,
               and
               be
               thou
               like
               a
               Roe
               or
               a
               young
               Hart
               ,
               upon
               the
               mountains
               of
               Bether
               .
            
             
               Here
               the
               Spouse
               of
               Christ
               closeth
               this
               Chapter
               ,
               with
               an
               earnest
               and
               holy
               prayer
               to
               her
               Beloved
               ,
               that
               during
               the
               night-time
               of
               this
               life
               ,
               which
               is
               obnoxious
               to
               much
               sin
               and
               ignorance
               ,
               troubles
               and
               temptations
               ,
               signified
               by
               the
               shaddowes
               here
               ,
               that
               shall
               flee
               away
               at
               last
               ;
               and
               till
               that
               happy
               change
               come
               ,
               signified
               by
               the
               break
               of
               day
               ,
               or
               dawning
               ;
               that
               all
               these
               forenamed
               shall
               be
               removed
               ,
               and
               have
               an
               end
               ,
               and
               sighing
               and
               sorrowing
               shall
               passe
               away
               ,
               by
               Christ's
               glorious
               comming
               in
               the
               clouds
               on
               high
               ,
               like
               a
               Roe
               or
               young
               Hart
               upon
               the
               mountaines
               of
               Bether
               ,
               that
               till
               then
               ,
               he
               would
               never
               remove
               his
               comfortable
               presence
               from
               her
               ,
               but
               be
               ready
               ever
               at
               hand
               for
               her
               help
               ,
               by
               the
               comfort
               of
               his
               Word
               and
               Spirit
               .
            
             
               The
               mountains
               then
               that
               are
               spoken
               of
               here
               ,
               are
               called
               the
               mountains
               of
               Bether
               ,
               called
               also
               
                 Bithron
                 ,
                 2
                 Sam.
              
               2.
               29.
               which
               is
               by
               interpretation
               ,
               separation
               ,
               or
               division
               ;
               and
               were
               on
               the
               yonder
               side
               of
               Jordan
               ,
               in
               the
               land
               of
               Gilead
               ;
               so
               called
               ,
               because
               by
               Iordan
               they
               were
               separate
               ,
               or
               divided
               from
               the
               rest
               of
               Iudea
               ;
               and
               on
               these
               mountains
               ,
               Harts
               and
               Roes
               used
               to
               skip
               and
               feed
               ;
               and
               therefore
               the
               Church
               ,
               speaking
               of
               Christs
               second
               comming
               to
               judgment
               ,
               when
               he
               is
               to
               seperate
               the
               
               sheep
               from
               the
               goats
               ,
               she
               alludes
               to
               these
               mountains
               ,
               that
               are
               by
               interpretation
               ,
               Separation
               ;
               and
               by
               the
               Harts
               and
               Roes
               that
               did
               feed
               and
               skip
               thereon
               ,
               she
               alludes
               to
               the
               manner
               of
               his
               comming
               ,
               which
               she
               wishes
               to
               be
               speedily
               ;
               as
               the
               Church
               in
               the
               Revelation
               answereth
               ,
               with
               a
               like
               holy
               Eccho
               ,
               saying
               ,
               
                 Even
                 so
                 ,
                 come
                 Lord
                 Iesus
                 ,
                 come
                 quickly
                 ,
                 Rev.
              
               22.
               20.
               
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Her
                 being
                 his
                 ,
                 and
                 Christ
                 hers
                 ,
                 makes
                 the
                 Church
                 to
                 think
                 of
                 the
                 Last-day
                 with
                 joy
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 ,
                 earnestly
                 to
                 wish
                 the
                 same
                 ;
                 And
                 therefore
                 ,
                 if
                 either
                 we
                 would
                 have
                 the
                 remembrance
                 of
                 death
                 and
                 judgment
                 ,
                 particular
                 or
                 generall
                 ,
                 comfortable
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 to
                 torment
                 us
                 before
                 the
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 make
                 us
                 tremble
                 with
                 Foelix
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 Devills
                 ,
                 who
                 believe
                 and
                 tremble
                 ;
                 let
                 us
                 labour
                 to
                 have
                 Christ
                 to
                 be
                 ours
                 ,
                 and
                 give
                 our selves
                 over
                 wholly
                 to
                 be
                 his
                 ,
                 in
                 like
                 manner
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 what
                 our
                 life
                 is
                 here
                 on
                 earth
                 ,
                 till
                 that
                 joyfull
                 break
                 of
                 day
                 come
                 ,
                 when
                 Christ
                 shall
                 appear
                 as
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousnesse
                 ,
                 and
                 come
                 in
                 the
                 clouds
                 ;
                 even
                 a
                 longsome
                 and
                 dark
                 night
                 ,
                 wherein
                 there
                 is
                 troubles
                 and
                 temptations
                 ;
                 and
                 in
                 the
                 very
                 best
                 ,
                 much
                 ignorance
                 and
                 sinning
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 is
                 rather
                 to
                 be
                 loathed
                 than
                 loved
                 ,
                 the
                 daies
                 thereof
                 (
                 as
                 Jacob
                 professeth
                 )
                 being
                 but
                 few
                 and
                 evill
                 ;
                 and
                 time
                 thereof
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 Job
                 saies
                 )
                 being
                 but
                 of
                 short
                 continuance
                 ,
                 and
                 full
                 of
                 trouble
                 ;
                 during
                 which
                 time
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 comfort
                 of
                 the
                 godly
                 ,
                 that
                 at
                 last
                 these
                 shaddowes
                 wherewith
                 the
                 soul
                 is
                 over-clouded
                 here
                 ,
                 shall
                 flee
                 away
                 ,
                 and
                 Christ
                 Jesus
                 shall
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 same
                 at
                 last
                 ,
                 like
                 a
                 Roe
                 or
                 young
                 Hart
                 on
                 the
                 mountains
                 of
                 Bether
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 During
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 this
                 shaddowish
                 and
                 dark
                 night
                 ,
                 till
                 the
                 day
                 break
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 shaddowes
                 flee
                 away
                 ,
                 the
                 Church
                 for
                 comfort
                 ,
                 help
                 ,
                 and
                 reliefe
                 ,
                 has
                 her
                 onely
                 recourse
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 desireth
                 his
                 presence
                 to
                 be
                 with
                 her
                 ;
                 for
                 then
                 in
                 the
                 darkest
                 ,
                 and
                 most
                 cloudy
                 or
                 gloomy
                 night-time
                 ,
                 she
                 cannot
                 want
                 light
                 ,
                 and
                 lightsome
                 comfort
                 enough
                 ;
                 which
                 made
                 David
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 that
                 although
                 he
                 should
                 walk
                 through
                 the
                 valley
                 of
                 the
                 shaddow
                 of
                 death
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 fear
                 no
                 ill
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 being
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 his
                 rod
                 and
                 staff
                 comforting
                 him
                 .
                 And
                 therefore
                 ,
                 in
                 whatsoever
                 disconsolate
                 ,
                 gloomy
                 ,
                 or
                 cloudy
                 time
                 we
                 be
                 in
                 ,
                 till
                 the
                 set
                 time
                 of
                 the
                 Lord's
                 delivery
                 come
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 in
                 like
                 manner
                 desire
                 the
                 Lord's
                 gracious
                 presence
                 to
                 be
                 with
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 he
                 leave
                 us
                 not
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 his
                 grace
                 may
                 be
                 sufficicient
                 
                 for
                 us
                 ;
                 and
                 then
                 ,
                 as
                 our
                 Saviour
                 said
                 ,
                 Let
                 his
                 will
                 be
                 done
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 ours
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 When
                 Christ
                 shall
                 at
                 last
                 come
                 from
                 on
                 high
                 ,
                 like
                 a
                 Roe
                 or
                 young
                 Hart
                 on
                 the
                 mountains
                 of
                 Bether
                 ,
                 then
                 onely
                 the
                 seperation
                 shall
                 be
                 ,
                 of
                 the
                 goats
                 from
                 the
                 sheep
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 till
                 then
                 ,
                 the
                 godly
                 must
                 be
                 content
                 with
                 their
                 lot
                 ,
                 the
                 lilly
                 to
                 be
                 amongst
                 the
                 thorns
                 ,
                 the
                 clean
                 to
                 be
                 with
                 the
                 unclean
                 in
                 the
                 Ark
                 ,
                 the
                 Israelite
                 to
                 be
                 with
                 the
                 Canaanite
                 in
                 the
                 land
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 good
                 grane
                 to
                 be
                 in
                 one
                 field
                 with
                 the
                 ●ates
                 .
              
            
          
           
             Finis
             secundi
             Capitis
             .
          
           
             Soli
             Deo
             gloria
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             III.
             
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               1.
               
               By
               night
               in
               my
               bed
               I
               sought
               him
               whom
               my
               soul
               loveth
               ,
               I
               sought
               him
               ,
               but
               I
               found
               him
               not
               .
            
             
               IN
               this
               Chapter
               is
               set
               down
               ;
               1
               The
               Church's
               conflict
               with
               a
               spirituall
               desertion
               ,
               and
               her
               happy
               overcomming
               at
               last
               .
               And
               2
               her
               new
               estate
               ,
               as
               it
               were
               ,
               and
               comfortable
               condition
               ,
               having
               gotten
               Christ
               ;
               with
               her
               gloriation
               in
               him
               ;
               from
               the
               sixth
               verse
               to
               the
               end
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               is
               set
               down
               the
               Church's
               diverse
               and
               far
               differing
               estate
               ,
               from
               her
               former
               condition
               ;
               for
               before
               ,
               she
               was
               glorying
               in
               his
               sweet
               fellowship
               and
               communion
               ,
               that
               he
               was
               hers
               ,
               and
               she
               his
               ;
               and
               that
               he
               did
               feed
               among
               the
               Lillies
               .
               But
               now
               she
               showes
               ,
               how
               he
               had
               deserted
               her
               alone
               ,
               and
               with
               what
               care
               and
               pains
               she
               did
               seek
               him
               ,
               and
               could
               not
               for
               a
               long
               time
               find
               him
               .
            
             
               In
               this
               verse
               then
               we
               have
               ,
               1
               The
               action
               of
               seeking
               ,
               and
               what
               it
               imports
               ,
               2
               Who
               seeks
               .
               3
               Whom
               she
               seeks
               ,
               and
               how
               he
               is
               to
               be
               sought
               .
               4
               When
               she
               seeks
               him
               .
               5
               Where
               she
               seeks
               him
               .
               And
               6
               her
               successe
               of
               seeking
               him
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               Seeking
               imports
               three
               things
               :
               1
               A
               sense
               of
               want
               or
               absence
               .
               2
               A
               need
               ,
               estimation
               ,
               and
               desire
               ,
               of
               tha●
               which
               we
               need
               .
               And
               3
               A
               hope
               to
               find
               and
               obtain
               the
               same
               ;
               therefore
               saies
               our
               Saviour
               ,
               Seek
               ,
               and
               ye
               shall
               finde
               .
               The
               
               Church
               then
               here
               had
               all
               these
               ;
               for
               first
               ,
               she
               was
               sensible
               of
               his
               desertion
               of
               her
               .
               And
               happy
               is
               that
               soul
               that
               is
               so
               ,
               for
               many
               are
               deserted
               ;
               and
               albeit
               the
               Lord
               saies
               ,
               
                 Woe
                 be
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 when
                 I
                 depart
                 from
                 them
                 .
                 Hos
                 .
              
               9.
               12.
               yet
               they
               are
               not
               sensible
               thereof
               ,
               but
               are
               like
               those
               of
               whom
               the
               Psalmist
               speaks
               ,
               Psal
               .
               10.
               4.
               that
               seek
               not
               God
               ,
               nor
               is
               he
               in
               all
               their
               thoughts
               :
               2
               She
               knew
               what
               need
               she
               stood
               in
               of
               him
               ,
               both
               for
               her
               
                 esse
                 ,
                 &
                 bene
                 esse
              
               ,
               grace
               here
               ,
               and
               glory
               hereafter
               ,
               as
               we
               have
               ,
               Psal
               .
               84.
               11.
               and
               therefore
               she
               had
               such
               an
               estimation
               of
               him
               ,
               and
               desire
               after
               him
               .
               And
               3
               she
               had
               hope
               ,
               if
               she
               sought
               him
               ,
               that
               at
               last
               she
               should
               finde
               him
               ;
               especially
               seeing
               ,
               that
               he
               has
               been
               found
               of
               them
               that
               sought
               him
               not
               ,
               and
               that
               he
               has
               promised
               ,
               that
               he
               shall
               not
               be
               sought
               in
               vain
               ,
               Esa
               .
               45.
               
               ●9
               .
               but
               that
               they
               who
               seek
               him
               shall
               finde
               him
               ,
               when
               they
               search
               for
               him
               with
               all
               their
               heart
               ,
               Jer.
               29.
               13.
               
            
             
               2.
               
               Secondly
               ,
               She
               who
               seeks
               her
               Beloved
               ,
               is
               the
               virgin
               Spouse
               of
               Christ
               ,
               called
               by
               David
               ,
               The
               generation
               of
               them
               that
               seek
               him
               ,
               Psal
               .
               24.
               6
               which
               ,
               in
               earthly
               or
               carnall
               love
               ,
               would
               seem
               to
               be
               against
               all
               modesty
               ,
               in
               the
               night-time
               for
               a
               virgin
               to
               rise
               out
               of
               her
               bed
               ,
               and
               go
               along
               the
               streets
               ,
               and
               seek
               ,
               yea
               ,
               ask
               for
               him
               whom
               she
               loves
               :
               But
               in
               this
               spirituall
               case
               of
               the
               soul
               ,
               and
               love
               thereof
               to
               Christ
               ,
               whom
               she
               seeks
               after
               ,
               it
               is
               far
               otherwise
               ,
               and
               highly
               commended
               ;
               even
               as
               importunity
               ,
               which
               is
               hatefull
               to
               man
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               the
               Canaanitish
               woman
               ,
               is
               acceptable
               and
               well
               pleasing
               to
               God.
               
            
             
               But
               here
               a
               question
               may
               be
               demanded
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               whether
               the
               Church
               ,
               or
               any
               godly
               soul
               therein
               ,
               be
               ever
               without
               Christ
               ?
               Whereunto
               I
               answer
               ,
               That
               out
               of
               all
               doubt
               ,
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               is
               alwaies
               present
               with
               his
               Church
               ,
               and
               every
               faithfull
               soul
               therein
               ;
               but
               the
               faithfull
               have
               not
               alwaies
               the
               same
               lively
               feeling
               of
               his
               presence
               ,
               but
               he
               seemeth
               to
               have
               forsaken
               them
               .
               Witness
               the
               Church
               her self
               ,
               where
               Sion
               complaineth
               thus
               ,
               saying
               ,
               
                 The
                 Lord
                 hath
                 forsaken
                 me
                 ,
                 Esa
                 .
              
               49.
               14.
               and
               
               David's
               complaint
               ,
               Psal
               .
               22.
               1.
               
               The
               Lord
               also
               justifying
               that
               complaint
               of
               his
               Church
               ,
               saying
               ,
               
                 For
                 a
                 little
                 while
                 I
                 have
                 forsaken
                 thee
                 ,
                 but
                 with
                 great
                 mercies
                 will
                 I
                 gather
                 thee
                 :
                 in
                 a
                 little
                 wrath
                 I
                 hid
                 my
                 face
                 from
                 thee
                 for
                 a
                 moment
                 ,
                 but
                 with
                 everlasting
                 kindnesse
                 will
                 I
                 have
                 mercy
                 on
                 thee
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 thy
                 Redeemer
                 ,
                 Esa
                 .
              
               54.
               7.
               
               And
               when
               the
               Church
               ,
               or
               any
               godly
               soul
               is
               in
               this
               estate
               ,
               there
               is
               no
               rest
               in
               their
               souls
               ,
               which
               are
               sick
               of
               love
               ,
               till
               ,
               as
               David
               saies
               ,
               they
               be
               restored
               to
               that
               joy
               of
               his
               presence
               ,
               which
               they
               had
               wont
               to
               find
               in
               him
               ,
               and
               
               get
               that
               comfortable
               embracement
               spoken
               of
               ,
               Cant.
               2.
               6.
               
            
             
               3.
               
               Thirdly
               ,
               He
               whom
               she
               seeks
               ,
               is
               he
               whom
               her
               soul
               loves
               ;
               which
               words
               show
               unto
               us
               two
               things
               :
               I
               What
               was
               the
               main
               motive
               ,
               that
               made
               her
               so
               to
               grieve
               at
               his
               absence
               ,
               and
               makes
               her
               so
               to
               long
               and
               seek
               for
               his
               presence
               :
               It
               is
               love
               ,
               and
               a
               fervant
               affection
               from
               her
               very
               soul
               towards
               him
               ,
               the
               want
               whereof
               ,
               where
               it
               is
               in
               the
               soul
               of
               any
               ,
               there
               will
               be
               no
               serious
               or
               true
               seeking
               after
               the
               Lord
               ,
               as
               may
               be
               seen
               in
               the
               practice
               of
               the
               most
               .
               2
               This
               showes
               ,
               that
               although
               to
               her
               present
               feeling
               ,
               she
               seemed
               to
               be
               forsaken
               of
               the
               Lord
               ;
               yet
               indeed
               and
               truly
               she
               was
               not
               so
               ,
               because
               her
               love
               towards
               him
               abode
               in
               her
               heart
               ,
               which
               love
               of
               God
               in
               the
               heart
               of
               his
               Elect
               ,
               is
               a
               fruit
               and
               effect
               of
               his
               love
               towards
               them
               ;
               and
               so
               long
               as
               the
               one
               continues
               towards
               him
               ,
               as
               surely
               doth
               his
               love
               and
               gracious
               presence
               continue
               and
               abide
               with
               them
               ,
               though
               not
               alike
               felt
               ;
               but
               in
               the
               secret
               work
               of
               his
               saving
               grace
               ,
               which
               makes
               them
               to
               seek
               him
               ,
               and
               a
               more
               plentifull
               and
               perfect
               sense
               of
               his
               comfortable
               presence
               ,
               than
               for
               the
               present
               they
               can
               find
               .
            
             
               The
               way
               or
               manner
               how
               he
               is
               to
               be
               sought
               ,
               whom
               the
               Soul
               loveth
               ,
               is
               :
            
             
               1.
               
               Timely
               ,
               which
               Esay
               calls
               ,
               While
               he
               may
               be
               found
               ,
               and
               is
               neer
               .
               Esa
               .
               55.
               6.
               
               Therefore
               also
               saies
               he
               ,
               With
               my
               spirit
               within
               me
               will
               I
               seek
               thee
               early
               ,
               Esa
               .
               26.
               9.
               
               And
               so
               also
               saies
               the
               Lord
               by
               his
               Prophet
               
                 Hosea
                 ,
                 Hos
              
               .
               5.
               15.
               
               In
               their
               afflictions
               they
               will
               seek
               me
               early
               ,
               Psal
               .
               63.
               1.
               
            
             
               2.
               
               Truly
               ,
               or
               sincerely
               ,
               which
               the
               Scripture
               calls
               ,
               With
               all
               the
               heart
               ,
               Deut.
               4.
               29.
               and
               not
               feignedly
               drawing
               neer
               with
               their
               lips
               ,
               when
               their
               heart
               is
               far
               from
               him
               ,
               Psal
               .
               119.
               2.
               
               Of
               which
               sort
               of
               seeking
               ,
               the
               Lord
               complains
               by
               his
               Prophet
               ,
               that
               his
               people
               continued
               in
               their
               sins
               ,
               and
               yet
               (
               saies
               he
               )
               they
               do
               seek
               me
               daily
               ,
               Esa
               .
               58.
               2.
               
            
             
               3.
               
               Uprightly
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               for
               himself
               ,
               and
               not
               like
               the
               Capernaits
               ,
               of
               whom
               our
               Saviour
               said
               ,
               Ye
               seek
               me
               not
               ,
               because
               ye
               saw
               the
               miracles
               ,
               but
               because
               ye
               did
               eat
               of
               the
               loaves
               ,
               and
               were
               filled
               ,
               Joh
               6.
               26.
               or
               ,
               as
               one
               saies
               very
               well
               ,
               Like
               those
               who
               seek
               not
               Gods
               face
               ,
               but
               his
               fingers-ends
               ;
               and
               like
               covetous
               Pastours
               ,
               who
               seek
               not
               the
               good
               ,
               but
               the
               goods
               of
               the
               flock
               ,
               far
               from
               the
               Apostle's
               practise
               ,
               2
               Cor.
               12.
               14.
               
            
             
               4.
               
               Fervently
               ,
               and
               not
               with
               a
               faint
               desire
               ,
               but
               with
               the
               whole
               bensell
               of
               the
               soul
               ,
               as
               David
               thirsted
               for
               the
               waters
               of
               the
               well
               of
               Bethlehem
               ;
               or
               ,
               as
               he
               saies
               ,
               As
               the
               Hart
               pants
               after
               
               the
               water
               brooks
               ,
               so
               panteth
               my
               soul
               after
               thee
               ,
               O
               God.
               And
               again
               ,
               O
               God
               who
               art
               my
               God
               ,
               early
               will
               I
               seek
               thee
               ,
               Psal
               .
               42.
               1.
               
               My
               soul
               thirsteth
               for
               thee
               ,
               my
               flesh
               longeth
               for
               thee
               ,
               in
               a
               dry
               and
               thirsty
               land
               where
               no
               water
               is
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               Humbly
               ,
               as
               Daniel
               professes
               ,
               saying
               ,
               and
               I
               set
               my
               face
               unto
               the
               Lord
               God
               to
               seek
               him
               by
               prayer
               and
               supplications
               ,
               with
               fasting
               and
               sackcloth
               and
               ashes
               ,
               Dan.
               9.
               3.
               
               And
               as
               Jacob
               sought
               the
               blessing
               from
               the
               angell
               ,
               Hosea
               .
               12.
               4.
               by
               teares
               and
               supplication
               ;
               and
               as
               ●●ay
               exhorts
               ,
               Isay
               .
               51.
               1.
               
            
             
               6.
               
               Diligently
               ,
               as
               the
               whorish
               woman
               professeth
               that
               she
               came
               forth
               ,
               diligently
               to
               seek
               his
               face
               whom
               she
               loved
               ,
               and
               had
               found
               him
               ,
               Prov.
               7.
               15.
               or
               as
               Herod
               desired
               the
               wise
               men
               to
               search
               diligently
               for
               the
               child
               ,
               Matth.
               2.
               8.
               as
               Onesiphorus
               also
               sought
               out
               Paul
               at
               Rome
               very
               diligently
               till
               he
               found
               him
               ,
               2
               Tim.
               1.
               17.
               and
               the
               woman
               sought
               her
               lost
               peece
               of
               silver
               diligently
               till
               she
               found
               it
               ,
               Luk.
               15.
               8.
               
               For
               it
               is
               only
               such
               seekers
               to
               whom
               the
               promise
               of
               reward
               is
               made
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               showes
               ,
               saying
               ,
               that
               the
               Lord
               is
               a
               rewarder
               of
               them
               who
               diligently
               seek
               him
               ,
               Heb.
               11.
               6.
               
            
             
               7.
               
               Carefully
               and
               sorowing
               ,
               as
               Joseph
               and
               Mary
               sought
               him
               with
               great
               care
               sorrow
               and
               solicitude
               ,
               till
               they
               found
               him
               after
               three
               dayes
               seeking
               ,
               Luk.
               2.
               46.
               48.
               in
               the
               Temple
               amongst
               the
               Doctors
               ,
               and
               as
               we
               see
               here
               with
               what
               care
               ,
               and
               questioning
               the
               spouse
               seeks
               her
               beloved
               ,
               yea
               not
               onely
               with
               care
               ,
               but
               as
               is
               said
               ,
               v.
               48.
               sorrowing
               .
            
             
               8.
               
               Prudently
               as
               well
               as
               painefully
               ,
               where
               he
               is
               to
               be
               found
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               as
               she
               is
               directed
               ,
               Cant.
               1.
               8
               ▪
               in
               the
               means
               of
               grace
               ,
               or
               ,
               as
               the
               Psalmist
               speaks
               ,
               in
               the
               Sanctuary
               and
               law
               ,
               Psal
               .
               63.
               2.
               and
               119.
               115.
               or
               Temple
               ,
               where
               Christ
               was
               found
               by
               Joseph
               ,
               and
               ,
               as
               he
               tells
               himself
               ,
               where
               he
               walkes
               in
               the
               midst
               of
               the
               Golden
               candlesticks
               Rev.
               2.
               1.
               
            
             
               9.
               
               Constantly
               ,
               not
               by
               a
               fit
               ,
               but
               with
               the
               spouse
               here
               till
               he
               be
               found
               ,
               without
               looking
               back
               with
               Lots
               wife
               ;
               and
               farre
               lesse
               fainting
               and
               turning
               back
               ,
               as
               many
               do
               ,
               like
               the
               dog
               to
               the
               vomit
               or
               the
               sow
               to
               the
               puddle
               ;
               and
               as
               those
               Disciples
               ,
               Joh.
               6.
               66.
               who
               went
               back
               from
               Christ
               ,
               and
               walked
               no
               more
               with
               him
               .
            
             
               For
               the
               performance
               of
               all
               which
               former
               points
               in
               the
               right
               seeking
               of
               the
               Lord
               there
               must
               be
               a
               preparation
               of
               the
               heart
               ,
               which
               was
               the
               praise
               of
               good
               king
               Jehosaphat
               ,
               that
               he
               had
               prepared
               his
               heart
               to
               seek
               God
               ,
               2.
               
               Chron.
               19.
               3.
               
               This
               being
               a
               task
               of
               no
               small
               difficulty
               to
               do
               it
               aright
               ,
               and
               of
               greatest
               concernment
               ,
               
               which
               is
               life
               everlasting
               ,
               Amos.
               5.
               6.
               
               As
               also
               hereby
               we
               may
               know
               if
               we
               have
               sought
               God
               aright
               ,
               1.
               
               If
               (
               as
               Zeph.
               2.
               2.
               and
               Rom.
               12.
               9.
               
               )
               we
               seek
               after
               good
               and
               abhorre
               evill
               ,
               2.
               
               If
               we
               seek
               things
               above
               as
               ,
               Col.
               3.
               1.
               
               And
               3.
               
               If
               we
               seek
               the
               good
               of
               Sion
               ,
               as
               Psal
               .
               112.
               9.
               
            
             
               4.
               
               Fourthly
               ,
               the
               time
               when
               she
               seeks
               him
               ,
               is
               the
               night
               ,
               which
               is
               a
               dark
               ,
               silent
               and
               Melancholious
               time
               ,
               thereby
               to
               show
               ,
               1.
               
               What
               a
               time
               it
               is
               to
               the
               Soul
               when
               she
               is
               spiritually
               deserted
               ;
               surely
               ,
               as
               Ioel
               speakes
               ,
               a
               time
               of
               darkness
               and
               of
               gloominess
               ,
               a
               time
               of
               Clouds
               and
               of
               thick
               darkness
               ,
               a
               disconsolate
               night
               ,
               Ioel.
               2.
               2.
               wherein
               the
               soul
               is
               like
               Rachel
               for
               her
               children
               that
               would
               not
               be
               comforted
               ;
               all
               other
               things
               ,
               in
               like
               manner
               till
               she
               find
               her
               beloved
               ,
               being
               to
               her
               like
               Iob
               friends
               miserable
               comforters
               ,
               or
               like
               the
               white
               of
               an
               egg
               wherein
               there
               is
               no
               taste
               at
               all
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               This
               showes
               the
               great
               love
               and
               desire
               she
               has
               of
               enjoying
               Christs
               presence
               ,
               that
               although
               the
               night
               be
               ordained
               for
               rest
               ,
               yet
               she
               cannot
               rest
               ,
               but
               with
               Isay
               she
               may
               say
               ,
               O
               Lord
               I
               have
               waited
               for
               thee
               ,
               Isay
               26.
               8
               ,
               9.
               
               The
               desire
               of
               my
               soul
               is
               to
               thy
               name
               and
               to
               the
               remembrance
               of
               thee
               ,
               with
               my
               soul
               I
               have
               desired
               thee
               
                 in
                 the
                 night
              
               ,
               yea
               with
               my
               spirit
               within
               me
               will
               I
               seek
               thee
               early
               .
               She
               cannot
               then
               tary
               till
               it
               be
               day
               ,
               neither
               can
               she
               have
               patience
               (
               as
               one
               might
               think
               )
               till
               he
               come
               to
               her
               ,
               but
               her
               affection
               and
               desire
               is
               so
               fervent
               and
               flaming
               towards
               him
               that
               worldlings
               do
               wonder
               at
               the
               same
               ,
               and
               they
               think
               Gods
               children
               in
               the
               fit
               of
               this
               love-sickness
               ,
               as
               Festus
               thought
               Paul
               ,
               that
               too
               much
               zeale
               and
               devotion
               hath
               made
               them
               mad
               ,
               Act.
               26.
               24.
               and
               therefore
               as
               ,
               I
               Pet
               4.
               4.
               
               They
               speak
               evill
               of
               them
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               way
               of
               righteousness
               ,
               thinking
               it
               rather
               strange
               that
               they
               should
               not
               runne
               with
               them
               into
               the
               same
               excesse
               of
               riot
               ,
               as
               themselves
               do
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               Fifthly
               ,
               the
               place
               where
               she
               seeks
               him
               is
               her
               bed
               ,
               a
               wrong
               place
               indeed
               ,
               fitter
               for
               carnall
               ease
               and
               sleep
               ,
               and
               therefore
               he
               was
               not
               found
               there
               ,
               till
               she
               arose
               from
               that
               place
               ,
               and
               roused
               up
               her self
               from
               that
               carnall
               security
               wherein
               she
               lay
               before
               ,
               and
               whereby
               she
               had
               lost
               her
               welbeloved
               ,
               and
               sought
               him
               (
               as
               we
               see
               hereafter
               )
               more
               painfully
               and
               carefully
               else
               where
               .
               It
               was
               the
               error
               of
               
                 Mary
                 Magdalen
              
               and
               the
               other
               Mary
               ,
               that
               they
               sought
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               where
               he
               was
               not
               ,
               as
               the
               Angell
               told
               them
               ,
               He
               is
               not
               here
               ,
               for
               they
               sought
               him
               amongst
               the
               dead
               ,
               Matth.
               28.
               6.
               and
               so
               as
               it
               is
               the
               Churches
               error
               here
               to
               seek
               her
               welbeloved
               in
               her
               bed
               ,
               so
               
               it
               is
               the
               error
               of
               many
               to
               seek
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               in
               the
               midst
               of
               carnall
               pleasures
               ,
               worldly
               ease
               ;
               or
               to
               think
               that
               he
               can
               be
               found
               in
               a
               dead
               soul
               ,
               and
               lulled
               asleep
               in
               carnall
               security
               :
               to
               whom
               I
               may
               say
               ,
               he
               is
               not
               there
               ,
               but
               ,
               as
               the
               Angell
               said
               ,
               He
               is
               risen
               ;
               so
               they
               who
               seek
               him
               rightly
               ,
               must
               likewise
               rise
               with
               him
               .
               As
               He
               did
               from
               the
               grave
               ,
               so
               they
               from
               the
               bed
               of
               a
               slumbering
               security
               with
               the
               wise
               virgins
               ,
               and
               from
               a
               sluggish
               and
               tepid
               seeking
               of
               him
               ,
               to
               a
               zealous
               ,
               carefull
               ,
               and
               painfull
               search
               for
               him
               ;
               for
               as
               his
               worth
               is
               who
               is
               sought
               ,
               so
               must
               the
               care
               and
               paines
               be
               accordingly
               to
               find
               and
               injoy
               him
               .
               As
               Solomon
               sayes
               of
               wisedom
               ,
               If
               thou
               seekest
               her
               as
               silver
               ,
               and
               searchest
               for
               her
               as
               for
               hid
               treasures
               ,
               then
               thou
               shalt
               understand
               the
               feare
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               Prov.
               2.
               4.
               and
               find
               the
               knowledge
               of
               God
               ,
               Matth.
               13.
               44.
               
            
             
               6.
               
               Last
               of
               all
               ,
               the
               successe
               is
               this
               ,
               
                 she
                 found
                 him
                 not
              
               ,
               the
               reason
               whereof
               is
               ,
               1.
               
               As
               the
               Apostle
               sayes
               ,
               Yee
               pray
               and
               obtaine
               not
               ,
               because
               yee
               pray
               amisse
               ;
               even
               so
               she
               sought
               and
               found
               not
               ,
               because
               she
               sought
               him
               as
               yet
               but
               lasily
               and
               amisse
               :
               and
               therefore
               if
               we
               would
               find
               Christ
               ,
               we
               must
               not
               only
               seek
               him
               ,
               but
               seek
               him
               aright
               ;
               as
               in
               all
               the
               exercises
               of
               religious
               duties
               ,
               the
               work
               wrought
               ,
               or
               
                 Opus
                 Operatum
              
               ,
               must
               not
               be
               so
               much
               taken
               heed
               unto
               ,
               as
               the
               manner
               of
               performance
               ,
               or
               
                 Modus
                 Operandi
              
               ,
               else
               as
               
               Peter
               ●ished
               all
               night
               and
               catcht
               nothing
               ,
               so
               may
               we
               seek
               Christ
               long
               enough
               ,
               and
               yet
               in
               no
               wise
               find
               him
               .
               2.
               
               The
               Lord
               will
               not
               at
               first
               be
               found
               of
               his
               owne
               ,
               whose
               very
               soules
               love
               him
               ,
               not
               for
               any
               want
               of
               love
               or
               kindness
               on
               his
               part
               towards
               them
               againe
               ;
               but
               ,
               1.
               
               For
               the
               tryall
               of
               their
               Faith
               ,
               Love
               ,
               and
               Patience
               ,
               2.
               
               To
               make
               them
               more
               earnestly
               seek
               after
               him
               ,
               asking
               ,
               seeking
               ,
               and
               at
               last
               knocking
               ,
               or
               like
               the
               Canaanite
               being
               importunate
               ,
               and
               with
               Jacob
               ,
               saying
               ,
               I
               will
               not
               let
               thee
               go
               except
               thou
               blesse
               me
               :
               and
               ,
               3.
               
               This
               is
               to
               make
               them
               have
               the
               greater
               account
               and
               more
               precious
               estimation
               of
               him
               ,
               as
               also
               the
               greater
               care
               of
               retaining
               of
               him
               when
               he
               is
               found
               ,
               having
               had
               experience
               that
               it
               is
               not
               so
               easie
               a
               matter
               if
               we
               lose
               his
               gracious
               and
               comfortable
               presence
               ,
               to
               find
               the
               same
               againe
               .
               And
               therefore
               if
               the
               Lord
               speake
               peace
               to
               his
               Saints
               ,
               let
               them
               beware
               not
               to
               returne
               againe
               unto
               folly
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 the
                 vicissitude
                 or
                 diverse
                 condition
                 of
                 Christs
                 church
                 here
                 on
                 earth
                 ,
                 sometimes
                 rejoysing
                 in
                 Christs
                 presence
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 sometimes
                 saying
                 with
                 Sion
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 forsaken
                 me
                 ,
                 and
                 my
                 Lord
                 hath
                 forgotten
                 me
                 ,
                 Isay
                 .
                 49.
                 14.
                 and
                 therefore
                 being
                 like
                 the
                 Moon
                 having
                 a
                 wain
                 and
                 a
                 grow
                 ,
                 or
                 like
                 the
                 Sea
                 ,
                 an
                 ebb
                 and
                 a
                 flow
                 of
                 comfortable
                 feeling
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Mary-gold
                 sometimes
                 Lowres
                 and
                 claspes
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 absence
                 of
                 the
                 Sunne
                 ,
                 but
                 anon
                 when
                 he
                 shines
                 ,
                 Opens
                 and
                 revives
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 againe
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 This
                 should
                 teach
                 us
                 not
                 to
                 think
                 uncouth
                 of
                 spirituall
                 desertions
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 exhorts
                 ,
                 concerning
                 fiery
                 tryalls
                 ,
                 to
                 do
                 the
                 like
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 Pet.
                 4.
                 12.
                 
                 And
                 2.
                 
                 To
                 despise
                 this
                 life
                 wherein
                 we
                 are
                 absent
                 ●rom
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 subject
                 to
                 so
                 many
                 changes
                 corporall
                 and
                 spirituall
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 long
                 for
                 that
                 life
                 to
                 come
                 wherein
                 we
                 shall
                 enjoy
                 his
                 presence
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 in
                 whose
                 presence
                 there
                 is
                 fulness
                 of
                 joy
                 and
                 pleasures
                 for
                 evermore
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 In
                 the
                 greatest
                 and
                 most
                 greevous
                 desertions
                 ,
                 try
                 if
                 thou
                 canst
                 say
                 with
                 the
                 spouse
                 here
                 ,
                 that
                 Christ
                 is
                 he
                 whom
                 thy
                 soul
                 loves
                 ,
                 and
                 may
                 appeale
                 to
                 him
                 who
                 knoweth
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 saying
                 with
                 Peter
                 ,
                 Lord
                 thou
                 knowest
                 that
                 I
                 love
                 thee
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 assuredly
                 thou
                 may
                 be
                 comforted
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 assured
                 that
                 a
                 soul
                 that
                 loves
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 longs
                 for
                 him
                 ,
                 shall
                 in
                 end
                 find
                 his
                 comfortable
                 presence
                 ,
                 like
                 the
                 Sunnes
                 dispersing
                 all
                 foggy
                 mists
                 and
                 vapours
                 ,
                 to
                 that
                 soules
                 rejoysing
                 ;
                 yea
                 that
                 loving
                 and
                 longing
                 soul
                 may
                 be
                 perswaded
                 that
                 it
                 has
                 already
                 (
                 like
                 old
                 Simeon
                 )
                 Christ
                 in
                 the
                 armes
                 thereof
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 it
                 rests
                 (
                 though
                 in
                 a
                 spirituall
                 dwame
                 not
                 feeling
                 )
                 in
                 his
                 armes
                 ,
                 as
                 Cant.
                 2.
                 6.
                 
                 Because
                 in
                 true
                 divinity
                 
                   Desiderare
                   est
                   Habere
                
                 ,
                 the
                 desire
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 evidence
                 of
                 the
                 having
                 of
                 grace
                 and
                 such
                 are
                 pronounced
                 ,
                 B●essed
                 ,
                 Matth.
                 5.
                 6.
                 therefore
                 said
                 
                   Augustin
                   ,
                   Da
                   domine
                   desiderare
                   ,
                   ut
                   desiderando
                   quaeram
                   ,
                   et
                   quaerendo
                   inveniam
                   .
                   Medit
                   ,
                
                 1.
                 
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 here
                 the
                 difference
                 between
                 the
                 godly
                 and
                 worldlings
                 ,
                 that
                 which
                 they
                 busie
                 themselves
                 like
                 Martha
                 to
                 seek
                 ,
                 are
                 many
                 things
                 ,
                 yet
                 all
                 earthly
                 ,
                 base
                 and
                 transitory
                 ,
                 as
                 honours
                 ,
                 riches
                 ,
                 pleasures
                 and
                 the
                 like
                 ,
                 wherein
                 they
                 are
                 restles
                 and
                 indefatigable
                 ,
                 and
                 which
                 when
                 they
                 have
                 attained
                 like
                 the
                 rich
                 fool
                 and
                 others
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 inherited
                 and
                 reaped
                 the
                 wind
                 ;
                 but
                 that
                 which
                 the
                 godly
                 seek
                 after
                 is
                 Christ
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 David
                 sought
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 4.
                 
                 The
                 light
                 of
                 the
                 Lords
                 countenance
                 ,
                 with
                 Mary
                 making
                 that
                 good
                 choice
                 of
                 that
                 which
                 never
                 shall
                 be
                 taken
                 from
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Although
                 the
                 godly
                 soul
                 under
                 the
                 sense
                 of
                 spirituall
                 desertion
                 having
                 sought
                 Christ
                 ,
                 yet
                 at
                 the
                 first
                 find
                 him
                 not
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 
                 here
                 the
                 Church
                 does
                 not
                 ,
                 )
                 yet
                 let
                 not
                 the
                 same
                 faint
                 nor
                 give
                 over
                 ,
                 but
                 try
                 how
                 the
                 same
                 has
                 sought
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 suspect
                 it self
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 has
                 not
                 sought
                 him
                 so
                 fervently
                 and
                 painfully
                 as
                 it
                 ought
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 stirre
                 up
                 its
                 zeale
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 more
                 fervent
                 and
                 frequent
                 in
                 prayer
                 and
                 other
                 exercises
                 of
                 devotion
                 ,
                 and
                 waite
                 upon
                 the
                 Lords
                 time
                 of
                 his
                 graeious
                 manifestation
                 .
                 And
                 ,
                 to
                 know
                 if
                 the
                 soul
                 have
                 sought
                 Christ
                 aright
                 try
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 If
                 thou
                 hast
                 sought
                 his
                 face
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 his
                 favour
                 ,
                 or
                 himself
                 ,
                 for
                 himself
                 and
                 not
                 for
                 by-ends
                 ,
                 as
                 some
                 who
                 seek
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 Gods
                 face
                 as
                 his
                 finger-ends
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 If
                 thou
                 seek
                 Gods
                 Law
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 in
                 thy
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 rule
                 thee
                 thereby
                 ;
                 and
                 ,
                 3.
                 
                 If
                 thou
                 seek
                 the
                 good
                 of
                 his
                 Zion
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 his
                 mysticall
                 body
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 part
                 of
                 himself
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 has
                 been
                 said
                 before
                 .
                 )
              
            
          
           
             
               Verse
               .
               2.
               
               I
               will
               rise
               now
               ,
               and
               go
               about
               the
               City
               in
               the
               streets
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               broad
               wayes
               ,
               I
               will
               seek
               him
               whom
               my
               soul
               loveth
               ,
               I
               sought
               him
               ,
               but
               I
               found
               him
               not
               .
            
             
               Here
               is
               the
               Churches
               holy
               resolution
               without
               fainting
               to
               make
               a
               furder
               progresse
               in
               seeking
               her
               welbeloved
               still
               ,
               till
               she
               find
               him
               ,
               1.
               
               Arising
               now
               (
               saith
               she
               )
               without
               any
               delay
               ,
               2.
               
               Going
               about
               the
               streets
               and
               broad
               wayes
               ;
               and
               ,
               3.
               
               All
               this
               ,
               is
               to
               seek
               him
               whom
               her
               soul
               loveth
               ,
               and
               yet
               no
               better
               success
               then
               before
               :
               She
               sought
               him
               but
               she
               found
               him
               not
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               she
               sayes
               I
               will
               rise
               ,
               signifying
               thereby
               the
               stirring
               up
               in
               her self
               a
               greater
               care
               and
               fervency
               in
               seeking
               after
               Christ
               ,
               then
               she
               had
               formerly
               had
               :
               for
               before
               she
               sought
               him
               only
               in
               her
               bed
               ,
               which
               is
               ,
               that
               drowsie
               estate
               of
               carnall
               security
               ,
               which
               the
               flesh
               bringeth
               upon
               the
               soul
               ,
               and
               whereby
               it
               is
               said
               that
               the
               wise
               virgins
               slept
               as
               well
               as
               the
               foolish
               ,
               and
               wherein
               all
               the
               true
               children
               of
               God
               ,
               according
               to
               the
               flesh
               ,
               could
               be
               content
               to
               nestle
               themselves
               and
               lye
               warm
               ,
               were
               it
               not
               that
               they
               are
               moved
               by
               the
               operation
               of
               the
               spirit
               of
               God
               to
               do
               otherwise
               :
               and
               not
               only
               even
               in
               this
               bed
               to
               seek
               ,
               but
               also
               furder
               to
               proceed
               ,
               and
               arise
               from
               this
               bed
               ,
               even
               in
               the
               night
               time
               ,
               which
               of
               any
               time
               is
               fittest
               for
               the
               bed
               ,
               and
               most
               inconvenient
               and
               grievous
               to
               come
               out
               of
               the
               same
               ,
               and
               yet
               rather
               then
               she
               will
               not
               find
               him
               whom
               her
               soul
               loves
               ,
               she
               will
               forsake
               the
               love
               of
               all
               the
               ease
               ▪
               and
               pleasures
               of
               the
               world
               .
            
             
               Yea
               furder
               ,
               she
               will
               not
               only
               arise
               and
               quit
               her
               bed
               of
               ease
               
               and
               delight
               ,
               but
               likewise
               in
               the
               unseasonable
               time
               of
               the
               night
               ,
               she
               will
               go
               about
               the
               streets
               and
               broad
               waies
               of
               the
               City
               ,
               and
               seek
               her
               well-beloved
               ,
               forecasting
               no
               dangers
               nor
               inconveniences
               that
               may
               ensue
               ,
               but
               putting
               all
               to
               the
               hazard
               .
               By
               this
               City
               ,
               Ierusalem
               is
               meant
               ,
               the
               place
               where
               the
               Temple
               was
               built
               ,
               and
               publick
               worship
               of
               God
               there
               exercicised
               ;
               and
               by
               her
               going
               about
               this
               City
               ,
               in
               the
               streets
               and
               broad
               waies
               ,
               the
               diligent
               and
               exquisite
               search
               is
               signified
               ,
               which
               she
               made
               for
               him
               whom
               her
               soul
               loved
               ,
               in
               resorting
               to
               the
               means
               of
               grace
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               that
               place
               of
               Ieremy
               ,
               where
               the
               Lord
               saith
               ,
               Run
               ye
               to
               and
               fro
               thorow
               the
               streets
               of
               Jerusalem
               ,
               and
               see
               now
               ,
               and
               know
               ,
               and
               seek
               in
               the
               broad
               waies
               thereof
               ,
               if
               ye
               can
               find
               a
               man
               that
               executeth
               judgment
               ,
               and
               seeketh
               the
               truth
               ,
               and
               I
               will
               pardon
               it
               ,
               Ier.
               5.
               1.
               
               Which
               exquisite
               and
               diligent
               search
               she
               makes
               ,
               by
               omitting
               no
               place
               or
               occasion
               ,
               where
               wisdome
               cries
               for
               her
               instruction
               and
               edifying
               ;
               as
               it
               is
               said
               ,
               Wisdome
               cries
               without
               ,
               she
               utters
               her
               voice
               in
               the
               streets
               ,
               she
               crieth
               in
               the
               chief
               place
               of
               concourse
               ,
               in
               the
               openings
               of
               the
               gares
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               City
               she
               uttereth
               her
               words
               ,
               Prov.
               1.
               20.
               but
               followeth
               that
               direction
               she
               got
               from
               himself
               ,
               Cant.
               1.
               8.
               
            
             
               Notwithstanding
               whereof
               ,
               her
               successe
               of
               seeking
               is
               but
               as
               before
               ,
               
                 she
                 sought
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 she
                 found
                 him
                 not
              
               ;
               the
               Lord
               wisely
               yet
               delaying
               ,
               that
               her
               zeal
               and
               fervency
               might
               be
               yet
               more
               stirred
               up
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 the
                 profit
                 of
                 spirituall
                 trialls
                 and
                 afflictions
                 inward
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 ,
                 to
                 rouse
                 up
                 the
                 soul
                 from
                 repidity
                 or
                 security
                 ,
                 wherein
                 it
                 has
                 lyen
                 ,
                 to
                 a
                 more
                 serious
                 seeking
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 increase
                 of
                 the
                 saving
                 graces
                 of
                 his
                 holy
                 Spirit
                 ;
                 so
                 that
                 all
                 things
                 work
                 together
                 for
                 the
                 best
                 to
                 the
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 howsoever
                 they
                 think
                 of
                 their
                 present
                 condition
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 The
                 Church
                 here
                 quits
                 her
                 bed
                 even
                 in
                 the
                 night-time
                 ,
                 to
                 seek
                 after
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 the
                 hazard
                 of
                 whatsoever
                 danger
                 or
                 inconveniency
                 ,
                 goes
                 about
                 the
                 streets
                 of
                 the
                 City
                 ,
                 that
                 she
                 may
                 find
                 him
                 ;
                 which
                 not
                 onely
                 showes
                 the
                 fervent
                 zeal
                 of
                 a
                 godly
                 soul
                 ,
                 but
                 condemns
                 many
                 now
                 ,
                 who
                 would
                 fain
                 have
                 Christ
                 ,
                 but
                 will
                 forsake
                 or
                 quit
                 nothing
                 for
                 him
                 ;
                 let
                 be
                 to
                 hazard
                 themselves
                 ,
                 or
                 undergo
                 any
                 danger
                 for
                 his
                 Names-sake
                 ;
                 yea
                 scarce
                 will
                 quit
                 their
                 carnall
                 ease
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 morning
                 sleep
                 in
                 their
                 beds
                 ,
                 to
                 come
                 where
                 Wisdom
                 cries
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 to
                 seek
                 Christ
                 in
                 the
                 use
                 of
                 his
                 Ordinances
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 The
                 manner
                 how
                 she
                 seeks
                 Christ
                 here
                 ,
                 is
                 ,
                 very
                 painfully
                 and
                 carefully
                 ,
                 not
                 superficially
                 and
                 sl●ightly
                 ,
                 as
                 many
                 do
                 ,
                 who
                 are
                 content
                 with
                 a
                 meer
                 formality
                 ,
                 and
                 can
                 be
                 content
                 to
                 take
                 pains
                 about
                 any
                 other
                 businesse
                 ,
                 that
                 concerns
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 or
                 this
                 worldly
                 estate
                 ;
                 but
                 take
                 small
                 or
                 no
                 pains
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 in
                 religious
                 exercises
                 of
                 seeking
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 work
                 upon
                 their
                 heart
                 for
                 meet
                 harbouring
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 storing
                 the
                 same
                 with
                 the
                 furniture
                 of
                 saving
                 grace
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Although
                 she
                 sought
                 him
                 so
                 ,
                 yet
                 hitherto
                 she
                 finds
                 him
                 not
                 ,
                 whereby
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 uncouth
                 nor
                 unaccustomable
                 ,
                 nor
                 should
                 it
                 seem
                 so
                 to
                 God's
                 children
                 ,
                 albeit
                 they
                 seek
                 ,
                 and
                 do
                 so
                 the
                 right
                 way
                 ,
                 zealously
                 and
                 painfully
                 ;
                 yet
                 notwithstanding
                 ,
                 that
                 at
                 the
                 first
                 or
                 second
                 time
                 ,
                 they
                 get
                 not
                 comfort
                 in
                 their
                 spirituall
                 desertions
                 :
                 for
                 this
                 was
                 the
                 lot
                 of
                 David
                 ,
                 who
                 was
                 hoarse
                 in
                 crying
                 ;
                 of
                 our
                 Saviour
                 Christ
                 in
                 his
                 agony
                 ,
                 who
                 prayed
                 thrice
                 with
                 strong
                 cries
                 and
                 tears
                 ;
                 and
                 of
                 many
                 other
                 of
                 God's
                 dearest
                 Saints
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 faint
                 not
                 ,
                 nor
                 give
                 over
                 ,
                 but
                 insist
                 and
                 continue
                 ,
                 and
                 assuredly
                 Christ's
                 promise
                 shall
                 in
                 the
                 end
                 be
                 found
                 true
                 ,
                 
                   Seek
                   ,
                   and
                   ye
                   shall
                   find
                   .
                
              
            
          
           
             
               Verse
               .
               3.
               
               The
               watchmen
               that
               go
               about
               the
               city
               found
               me
               ,
               to
               whom
               I
               said
               ,
               Saw
               ye
               him
               whom
               my
               soul
               loveth
               ?
            
             
               In
               this
               verse
               is
               set
               down
               the
               Church's
               further
               progresse
               yet
               ,
               and
               constancy
               in
               seeking
               her
               well-beloved
               ,
               and
               using
               all
               means
               to
               finde
               him
               ;
               and
               therefore
               going
               forth
               (
               as
               has
               been
               said
               )
               into
               the
               streets
               of
               the
               City
               ,
               she
               meets
               with
               the
               watchmen
               ,
               who
               usually
               in
               a
               City
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               night
               time
               ,
               passe
               to
               and
               fro
               ,
               to
               see
               if
               there
               be
               any
               stirring
               ,
               whereby
               hurt
               may
               arise
               to
               the
               City
               in
               common
               ,
               or
               to
               any
               inhabitants
               therein
               .
               And
               of
               these
               watchmen
               she
               asks
               ,
               If
               they
               saw
               him
               whom
               her
               soul
               loved
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               we
               are
               to
               consider
               ,
               Who
               are
               these
               watchmen
               .
               2
               How
               they
               are
               said
               to
               find
               her
               .
               And
               3
               how
               she
               asks
               them
               concerning
               her
               well-beloved
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               by
               these
               watchmen
               ,
               the
               Pastors
               and
               Teachers
               of
               Christ's
               Church
               are
               meant
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               them
               called
               ,
               
                 Esa
                 .
                 62.
                 6.
                 
                 Ezek.
              
               3.
               17.
               and
               33.
               6.
               and
               Heb.
               13.
               17.
               for
               these
               reasons
               .
            
             
             
               1.
               
               To
               shew
               thereby
               the
               necessity
               of
               their
               vocation
               ;
               that
               as
               a
               City
               ,
               which
               has
               many
               enemies
               ,
               intestine
               and
               open
               ,
               has
               need
               of
               faithfull
               watchmen
               ,
               so
               has
               the
               Church
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               Their
               vigilancy
               in
               attention
               ,
               that
               as
               watchmen
               should
               be
               vigilant
               ,
               and
               so
               not
               onely
               have
               clear
               eyes
               but
               watchfull
               and
               not
               sleeping
               ;
               so
               should
               Pastors
               have
               the
               clear
               eye
               of
               knowledge
               ,
               and
               the
               watchfull
               eye
               of
               superinspection
               and
               attendance
               ,
               to
               know
               the
               estate
               of
               the
               flock
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               Their
               prudence
               and
               discretion
               ,
               that
               as
               a
               watchman
               should
               be
               able
               to
               discern
               between
               friends
               and
               foes
               ,
               and
               as
               ,
               Iudg.
               9.
               36.
               between
               shaddowes
               and
               substances
               ,
               so
               should
               wise
               Pastours
               between
               friends
               ,
               to
               the
               truth
               ,
               and
               disguised
               woolves
               in
               sheeps
               cloathing
               ,
               and
               between
               fundamentall
               errours
               ,
               and
               things
               of
               small
               consequence
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               Fidelity
               in
               premonition
               ,
               that
               as
               watchmen
               should
               be
               faithfull
               in
               forewarning
               ,
               so
               should
               pastors
               be
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               
                 Ezek.
                 33.
                 3.
                 
                 Esa
                 .
                 58.
                 1.
                 
                 Act.
              
               20.
               26.
               and
               elsewhere
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               As
               the
               watchman
               ought
               to
               take
               greatest
               heed
               to
               himself
               ,
               because
               the
               enemy
               strives
               first
               to
               surprise
               such
               ,
               corrupt
               ,
               or
               take
               them
               out
               of
               the
               way
               ;
               even
               so
               ought
               pastors
               ,
               (
               as
               they
               are
               exhorted
               ,
               Act.
               20.
               28.
               
               )
               to
               take
               heed
               specially
               to
               themselves
               ,
               that
               they
               be
               not
               surprised
               and
               corrupted
               by
               Satan
               ,
               either
               with
               errour
               ,
               or
               a
               scandalous
               life
               ,
               which
               has
               ever
               been
               the
               bane
               of
               the
               Church
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               
                 Iudas
                 ,
                 Demas
              
               ,
               and
               Diotrephes
               ,
               with
               many
               arch-Hereticks
               ,
               
                 Arrius
                 ,
                 Eutiches
              
               ,
               and
               others
               in
               the
               Primitive
               Church
               ;
               and
               that
               Roman
               Antichrist
               now
               adaies
               ,
               and
               as
               we
               have
               it
               foretold
               ,
               
                 Act.
                 20.
                 29
                 ,
                 30.
                 2
                 
                 Thess
                 .
                 2.
                 
                 Revel
                 .
              
               9.
               1.
               and
               12.
               4.
               
               &c.
               
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               It
               is
               said
               here
               ,
               that
               the
               watchmen
               found
               her
               ,
               but
               not
               that
               she
               sought
               them
               ,
               which
               signifies
               their
               diligence
               and
               fidelity
               ,
               and
               accords
               with
               their
               duty
               ,
               Ezek.
               34.
               6.
               16.
               to
               search
               and
               find
               out
               such
               as
               wander
               ,
               or
               in
               a
               spirituall
               perplexity
               ,
               need
               resolution
               ,
               binding
               up
               so
               what
               is
               broken
               ,
               and
               strengthning
               that
               which
               is
               sick
               ,
               and
               like
               a
               bruised
               reed
               ,
               or
               smoaking
               flax
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               her
               question
               to
               them
               ,
               If
               they
               saw
               her
               well-beloved
               ,
               because
               it
               was
               fittest
               that
               they
               should
               know
               Christ
               ,
               or
               see
               him
               ,
               who
               were
               as
               the
               light
               of
               the
               world
               to
               give
               knowledge
               of
               him
               ,
               and
               show
               ,
               or
               (
               like
               the
               Baptist
               )
               point
               him
               forth
               to
               others
               ;
               this
               being
               it
               which
               is
               said
               by
               Malachi
               ,
               That
               the
               Priest's
               lips
               should
               preserve
               knowledge
               ,
               and
               they
               should
               seek
               the
               Law
               at
               his
               mouth
               ,
               Mal.
               2.
               7.
               for
               he
               is
               the
               messenger
               of
               
               the
               Lord
               of
               Hosts
               .
               And
               therefore
               they
               are
               compared
               to
               that
               star
               ,
               that
               led
               the
               Wise-men
               to
               the
               place
               where
               Christ
               was
               .
               Wherefore
               suitably
               she
               enquires
               at
               them
               ,
               for
               Him
               whom
               her
               foul
               loves
               .
            
             
               But
               unto
               this
               question
               ,
               we
               see
               not
               here
               any
               answer
               made
               mention
               of
               ,
               which
               behoved
               to
               be
               ;
               either
               because
               they
               made
               none
               at
               all
               ,
               which
               is
               not
               like
               to
               be
               the
               true
               cause
               ;
               or
               else
               because
               upon
               their
               answer
               ,
               at
               that
               present
               she
               found
               not
               the
               good
               thereof
               ,
               which
               is
               ,
               that
               comfortable
               resolution
               and
               finding
               of
               him
               ,
               whom
               her
               soul
               loved
               ,
               as
               she
               found
               within
               short
               space
               thereafter
               :
               The
               seed
               of
               God's
               Word
               (
               like
               other
               seed
               )
               having
               its
               own
               time
               to
               brier
               and
               bring
               forth
               its
               fruit
               ,
               which
               the
               husbandman
               is
               bidden
               to
               wait
               for
               in
               patience
               .
               And
               God's
               Spirit
               having
               his
               own
               time
               of
               efficacious
               working
               with
               the
               Word
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               comfortable
               application
               to
               the
               soul
               of
               that
               which
               it
               hath
               been
               ruminating
               upon
               ,
               that
               so
               all
               comfort
               may
               be
               known
               to
               come
               from
               him
               onely
               ,
               who
               is
               the
               promised
               Comforter
               ,
               in
               and
               by
               the
               means
               of
               the
               Word
               ,
               and
               all
               glory
               may
               be
               given
               to
               him
               therefore
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 By
                 the
                 Church's
                 constant
                 inquiry
                 ,
                 and
                 indefatigable
                 pains
                 ,
                 notwithstanding
                 all
                 discouragements
                 of
                 seeking
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 finding
                 ,
                 as
                 before
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 a
                 most
                 worthy
                 and
                 imitable
                 example
                 to
                 follow
                 ,
                 of
                 constant
                 cleaving
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 as
                 Job
                 firmly
                 resolved
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 Ruth
                 did
                 to
                 Naomi
                 ;
                 and
                 that
                 we
                 should
                 never
                 desist
                 to
                 seek
                 ,
                 till
                 we
                 find
                 ;
                 to
                 ask
                 ,
                 till
                 we
                 get
                 ;
                 and
                 to
                 knock
                 ,
                 till
                 it
                 be
                 opened
                 unto
                 us
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 In
                 respect
                 that
                 Pastors
                 are
                 called
                 watchmen
                 ,
                 and
                 especially
                 ,
                 as
                 Ezek.
                 34.
                 10.
                 at
                 whose
                 hands
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 require
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 such
                 as
                 perish
                 through
                 their
                 default
                 :
                 1
                 They
                 ought
                 to
                 consider
                 the
                 weightinesse
                 of
                 their
                 charge
                 ,
                 and
                 beg
                 earnestly
                 strength
                 and
                 abilities
                 from
                 God
                 ,
                 to
                 discharge
                 the
                 same
                 .
                 And
                 2
                 People
                 ,
                 for
                 their
                 encouragement
                 ,
                 should
                 obey
                 that
                 exhortation
                 of
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 Heb.
                 13.
                 17.
                 
              
            
          
           
             
             
               Vers
               .
               4.
               
               It
               was
               but
               a
               little
               that
               I
               passed
               from
               them
               ,
               but
               I
               found
               him
               whom
               my
               soul
               loved
               ;
               I
               held
               him
               ,
               and
               would
               not
               let
               him
               go
               ,
               untill
               I
               brought
               him
               into
               my
               mothers
               house
               ,
               and
               into
               the
               chamber
               of
               her
               that
               conceived
               me
               .
            
             
               The
               Church
               getting
               no
               resolution
               that
               can
               satisfie
               her
               soul
               ,
               she
               yet
               continues
               seeking
               ,
               and
               by
               constant
               seeking
               (
               as
               Joshua
               and
               Caleb
               followed
               the
               Lord
               )
               when
               means
               fail
               ,
               she
               finds
               him
               to
               her
               comfort
               ;
               for
               neither
               can
               the
               most
               comfortable
               speeches
               of
               brethren
               ,
               who
               can
               tell
               ,
               with
               David
               ,
               what
               the
               Lord
               hath
               done
               for
               their
               souls
               ;
               nor
               the
               resolution
               of
               Pastours
               ,
               raise
               up
               a
               cast-down
               soul
               ,
               cure
               a
               wounded
               spirit
               ,
               and
               comfort
               an
               afflicted
               conscience
               ,
               till
               Christ
               himself
               come
               ,
               and
               show
               himself
               to
               the
               soul
               ;
               as
               there
               was
               no
               cure
               by
               the
               waters
               of
               Bethesda
               ,
               till
               the
               Angell
               came
               down
               ,
               and
               moved
               the
               same
               ;
               nor
               no
               calm
               of
               the
               storm
               ,
               till
               Christ
               awaked
               ,
               and
               spake
               to
               the
               sea
               ,
               Matth.
               8.
               
            
             
               Next
               ,
               when
               she
               has
               found
               him
               ,
               as
               Jacob
               did
               the
               Angell
               that
               wrestled
               with
               him
               ,
               she
               held
               him
               ,
               and
               would
               not
               let
               him
               go
               ;
               and
               so
               she
               practises
               that
               Precept
               of
               Solomon
               ,
               Take
               fast
               hold
               of
               instruction
               ,
               let
               her
               not
               go
               ,
               but
               keep
               her
               sure
               ;
               for
               she
               is
               thy
               life
               ,
               Prov.
               4.
               13.
               
               Which
               holding
               of
               him
               whom
               her
               soul
               loveth
               ,
               is
               by
               the
               hand
               of
               Faith
               ,
               gripping
               fast
               to
               the
               promises
               of
               his
               Word
               ,
               and
               to
               him
               in
               them
               .
               Neither
               is
               this
               rudenesse
               (
               as
               it
               would
               seem
               )
               in
               her
               ,
               that
               she
               should
               lay
               hold
               on
               so
               glorious
               a
               King
               ,
               and
               not
               let
               him
               go
               :
               1
               In
               respect
               of
               that
               mysticall
               &
               matrimonial
               union
               between
               them
               :
               And
               2
               in
               respect
               ,
               that
               such
               sort
               of
               dealing
               is
               most
               acceptable
               to
               Christ
               ,
               who
               delights
               in
               such
               a
               holy
               violence
               ,
               whereby
               the
               godly
               take
               the
               heavens
               by
               force
               .
               And
               as
               we
               see
               in
               
               Jacob's
               example
               ,
               which
               has
               such
               power
               with
               God
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               end
               never
               wants
               the
               blessing
               :
               Wherein
               the
               marvellous
               kindnesse
               of
               the
               Lord
               is
               seen
               ,
               that
               he
               yields
               himself
               (
               as
               it
               were
               )
               to
               be
               so
               held
               and
               detained
               by
               us
               ;
               yea
               ,
               who
               furnishes
               '
               to
               us
               both
               the
               hand
               and
               strength
               ,
               whereby
               he
               is
               held
               ,
               see
               Col.
               2.
               18.
               
               Neither
               thinks
               he
               it
               any
               rudenesse
               or
               unmannerlinesse
               in
               us
               ,
               so
               to
               do
               ;
               although
               Papists
               and
               enemies
               to
               the
               truth
               would
               suggest
               ,
               that
               it
               is
               too
               much
               sawcinesse
               for
               sinfull
               men
               ,
               to
               come
               directly
               to
               Christ
               ,
               and
               lay
               hold
               on
               him
               ;
               and
               not
               rather
               in
               a
               more
               humble
               manner
               ,
               to
               seek
               unto
               some
               Saint
               or
               Angell
               ,
               to
               intercede
               for
               
               them
               .
               But
               his
               true
               Church
               here
               doth
               not
               so
               ,
               but
               seeks
               onely
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               by
               a
               holy
               confidence
               layeth
               hold
               on
               him
               alone
               ,
               who
               crieth
               out
               to
               all
               ,
               
                 Come
                 to
                 me
                 all
                 ye
                 that
                 are
                 weary
                 and
                 loaden
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 will
                 refresh
                 you
                 .
              
            
             
               Neither
               is
               she
               content
               onely
               to
               lay
               hold
               on
               him
               ,
               and
               not
               to
               let
               him
               go
               ,
               but
               she
               brought
               him
               to
               her
               Mother's
               house
               ,
               and
               into
               the
               chamber
               of
               her
               that
               conceived
               her
               ,
               that
               there
               He
               might
               abide
               and
               dwell
               with
               her
               ;
               by
               which
               house
               or
               chamber
               ,
               is
               meant
               the
               heart
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               said
               ,
               Ephes
               .
               3.
               17.
               
               That
               Christ
               dwelleth
               in
               the
               heart
               by
               faith
               ;
               and
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               declares
               ,
               Rom.
               8.
               9.
               by
               his
               Spirit
               ,
               which
               if
               a
               man
               have
               not
               dwelling
               in
               him
               ,
               he
               is
               none
               of
               his
               .
               Which
               is
               called
               the
               house
               of
               her
               Mother
               ,
               or
               chamber
               of
               her
               that
               conceived
               her
               ;
               because
               in
               the
               heart
               ,
               the
               seed
               of
               the
               Word
               is
               received
               ,
               as
               in
               the
               womb
               of
               the
               Mother
               ;
               and
               faith
               thereby
               is
               begotten
               ,
               as
               it
               were
               ,
               and
               the
               new
               birth
               ,
               or
               inner
               man
               ,
               is
               conceived
               .
               The
               marks
               of
               which
               finding
               ,
               and
               bringing
               home
               of
               Christ
               to
               the
               soul
               or
               heart
               ,
               are
               these
               :
               1
               There
               is
               light
               or
               illumination
               ,
               which
               must
               be
               ,
               1
               a
               humbling
               light
               ;
               2
               a
               warming
               light
               ;
               3
               a
               changing
               or
               renewing
               light
               ,
               making
               the
               heart
               a
               new
               heart
               ,
               new
               words
               ,
               new
               actions
               .
               2
               There
               is
               a
               life
               ,
               known
               by
               the
               motions
               thereof
               ,
               and
               care
               of
               its
               self
               preservation
               ,
               &c.
               and
               with
               it
               ,
               a
               death
               of
               and
               to
               sin
               .
               3
               There
               is
               peace
               joyned
               with
               righteousnesse
               ,
               and
               care
               not
               to
               return
               again
               unto
               folly
               .
               4
               There
               is
               joy
               ,
               such
               as
               Psal
               .
               51.
               12.
               and
               4.
               6
               ,
               or
               like
               that
               of
               
               Simeon's
               .
               And
               5
               There
               is
               liberty
               from
               sin's
               slavery
               ,
               and
               spirituall
               bondage
               ,
               as
               Esay
               showes
               ,
               That
               they
               may
               be
               trees
               of
               righteousnesse
               ,
               the
               planting
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               that
               they
               may
               be
               glorified
               ,
               Esa
               .
               61.
               1
               ,
               3.
               
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 This
                 example
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Church
                 found
                 her
                 well-beloved
                 at
                 last
                 ,
                 serveth
                 both
                 for
                 comfort
                 and
                 encouragement
                 to
                 all
                 those
                 ,
                 who
                 with
                 a
                 hearty
                 affection
                 ,
                 diligently
                 and
                 constantly
                 seek
                 after
                 Christ
                 ;
                 for
                 howsoever
                 he
                 come
                 not
                 so
                 soon
                 as
                 they
                 would
                 ,
                 yet
                 let
                 them
                 not
                 faint
                 nor
                 give
                 over
                 ,
                 but
                 be
                 assured
                 ,
                 at
                 last
                 he
                 shall
                 come
                 to
                 their
                 comfort
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 the
                 joy
                 of
                 their
                 hearts
                 they
                 shall
                 assuredly
                 find
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 She
                 found
                 him
                 ,
                 when
                 she
                 was
                 past
                 the
                 Watchmen
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 means
                 had
                 failed
                 her
                 ;
                 which
                 teaches
                 us
                 ,
                 When
                 we
                 have
                 assayed
                 all
                 lawfull
                 means
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 find
                 no
                 comfort
                 nor
                 delivery
                 by
                 them
                 ,
                 yet
                 not
                 to
                 despair
                 ,
                 but
                 still
                 rely
                 upon
                 the
                 
                 Lord
                 ,
                 who
                 in
                 the
                 mount
                 or
                 height
                 of
                 the
                 soul's
                 tryall
                 or
                 trouble
                 ,
                 will
                 be
                 seen
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 was
                 to
                 Abraham
                 ,
                 to
                 Israel
                 at
                 the
                 Red
                 Sea
                 ,
                 in
                 Babylon
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 vision
                 ,
                 Ezek.
                 37.
                 showes
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 the
                 King
                 of
                 
                   Israel
                   ,
                   2
                   King.
                
                 7.
                 to
                 Daniel
                 ,
                 the
                 three
                 Children
                 ,
                 Jonas
                 ,
                 his
                 Disciples
                 in
                 the
                 storm
                 ,
                 and
                 others
                 :
                 Man's
                 extremity
                 ,
                 when
                 all
                 hopes
                 are
                 failed
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 
                 Lazarus's
                 raising
                 ,
                 being
                 his
                 opportunity
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 here
                 the
                 power
                 and
                 praise
                 of
                 a
                 true
                 &
                 lively
                 faith
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 not
                 onely
                 laies
                 hold
                 on
                 Christ
                 ,
                 but
                 also
                 keepeth
                 and
                 retaineth
                 him
                 fast
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 not
                 let
                 him
                 go
                 ;
                 this
                 being
                 the
                 victory
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 St.
                 John
                 saith
                 )
                 not
                 onely
                 whereby
                 we
                 overcome
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 1
                 Joh.
                 5.
                 but
                 also
                 whereby
                 we
                 overcome
                 and
                 prevail
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 the
                 very
                 touch
                 thereof
                 can
                 draw
                 vertue
                 out
                 of
                 him
                 :
                 Which
                 excellency
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 if
                 men
                 did
                 throughly
                 weigh
                 and
                 consider
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 not
                 be
                 so
                 cold
                 in
                 the
                 means
                 thereof
                 ,
                 nor
                 so
                 carelesse
                 in
                 seeking
                 after
                 the
                 same
                 ;
                 while
                 as
                 without
                 wearinesse
                 they
                 hunt
                 after
                 vanities
                 ,
                 and
                 vexation
                 of
                 spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 Esau
                 do
                 forego
                 the
                 blessing
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 This
                 example
                 of
                 her̄
                 holding
                 him
                 fast
                 ,
                 having
                 at
                 last
                 found
                 him
                 whom
                 she
                 misled
                 before
                 ,
                 showes
                 what
                 soul
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 who
                 will
                 be
                 most
                 carefull
                 to
                 keep
                 Christ
                 by
                 all
                 means
                 ,
                 and
                 advert
                 narrowly
                 to
                 the
                 grouth
                 or
                 decay
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 working
                 out
                 its
                 own
                 salvation
                 with
                 fear
                 and
                 trembling
                 ;
                 surely
                 such
                 a
                 soul
                 onely
                 ,
                 that
                 has
                 been
                 spiritually
                 exercised
                 under
                 the
                 sense
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 standing
                 in
                 need
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 comforts
                 of
                 his
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 for
                 which
                 they
                 have
                 thirsted
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 speaks
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 63.
                 )
                 like
                 parched
                 ground
                 ;
                 or
                 as
                 David
                 did
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 waters
                 of
                 the
                 well
                 of
                 Bethlehem
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 ,
                 that
                 she
                 is
                 not
                 contented
                 onely
                 to
                 lay
                 hold
                 on
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 let
                 him
                 go
                 ,
                 but
                 she
                 will
                 lead
                 him
                 home
                 to
                 the
                 inner
                 chamber
                 of
                 her
                 heart
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 he
                 may
                 dwell
                 with
                 her
                 ;
                 knowing
                 very
                 well
                 ,
                 that
                 where
                 he
                 comes
                 to
                 dwell
                 ,
                 as
                 our
                 Saviour
                 said
                 to
                 Zacheus
                 ,
                 salvation
                 comes
                 to
                 that
                 house
                 ;
                 and
                 as
                 
                 Obededom's
                 house
                 was
                 blessed
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 the
                 Ark's
                 being
                 there
                 ,
                 so
                 blessed
                 is
                 that
                 soul
                 wherein
                 Christ
                 is
                 ;
                 for
                 ,
                 as
                 Mary
                 and
                 Martha
                 said
                 ,
                 That
                 if
                 Christ
                 had
                 been
                 there
                 ,
                 their
                 brother
                 Lazorus
                 had
                 not
                 died
                 ,
                 Joh.
                 11.
                 21.
                 so
                 where
                 he
                 is
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 death
                 nor
                 danger
                 ,
                 but
                 life
                 and
                 liberty
                 ,
                 with
                 all
                 manner
                 of
                 blessings
                 .
                 And
                 indeed
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 great
                 mystery
                 ;
                 for
                 although
                 many
                 professe
                 the
                 Name
                 of
                 Christ
                 in
                 word
                 ,
                 yet
                 few
                 know
                 what
                 this
                 means
                 ,
                 to
                 bring
                 Christ
                 home
                 to
                 their
                 heart
                 ;
                 Christ
                 indeed
                 is
                 in
                 their
                 mouth
                 ,
                 but
                 their
                 heart
                 is
                 far
                 from
                 
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 from
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 therein
                 is
                 only
                 to
                 be
                 found
                 ,
                 Pride
                 ,
                 Malice
                 ,
                 Covertousness
                 ,
                 Uncleanness
                 ,
                 Envy
                 ,
                 and
                 Hypocrisie
                 ,
                 &c.
                 yea
                 Satan
                 dwells
                 in
                 their
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 speeches
                 and
                 actions
                 declare
                 the
                 same
                 cleerly
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 witnesses
                 ,
                 1
                 Joh.
                 3.
                 7.
                 
                 &c.
                 
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 If
                 we
                 have
                 found
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 brought
                 him
                 home
                 to
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 our
                 heart
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 remember
                 these
                 duties
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 To
                 keep
                 a
                 clean
                 house
                 to
                 this
                 our
                 Heavenly
                 husband
                 ,
                 who
                 can
                 abide
                 no
                 impurity
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 least
                 thing
                 a
                 woman
                 can
                 do
                 to
                 her
                 husband
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 Let
                 him
                 be
                 Master
                 of
                 his
                 owne
                 House
                 ,
                 and
                 give
                 him
                 the
                 chiese
                 place
                 therein
                 ,
                 3.
                 
                 Entertain
                 him
                 as
                 becomes
                 upon
                 his
                 owne
                 ,
                 especially
                 with
                 a
                 dish
                 of
                 love
                 :
                 and
                 ,
                 4.
                 
                 Keep
                 the
                 marriage
                 bed
                 chast
                 ,
                 for
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 jealous
                 God
                 ;
                 and
                 admit
                 not
                 ,
                 nor
                 have
                 any
                 familiarity
                 with
                 his
                 known
                 enemies
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               5.
               
               I
               charge
               you
               ,
               O
               yee
               daughters
               of
               Jerusalem
               ,
               by
               the
               Roes
               ,
               and
               hindes
               of
               the
               field
               ,
               that
               yee
               stirre
               not
               up
               nor
               awake
               my
               Love
               ,
               till
               he
               please
               .
            
             
               The
               church
               having
               regained
               Christ
               ,
               by
               this
               charge
               (
               whereof
               we
               have
               already
               spoken
               ,
               c.
               2.
               v.
               7.
               )
               she
               showes
               her
               constant
               purpose
               of
               heart
               to
               retaine
               and
               intertain
               him
               hereafter
               more
               carefully
               .
            
          
           
             
               Verse
               .
               6.
               
               Who
               is
               this
               that
               cometh
               out
               of
               the
               wilderness
               ,
               like
               pillars
               of
               smoke
               ,
               perfumed
               with
               Myrrh
               and
               Frankincense
               ,
               with
               all
               powders
               of
               the
               Merchants
               ?
            
             
               In
               these
               words
               is
               shown
               the
               effect
               of
               the
               Churches
               finding
               Christ
               ,
               laying
               hold
               of
               him
               and
               harbouring
               him
               in
               her
               heart
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               he
               cometh
               down
               to
               her
               on
               earth
               ,
               and
               taketh
               up
               his
               dwelling
               in
               her
               heart
               ,
               that
               he
               may
               perfume
               her
               with
               his
               sweet
               graces
               ,
               and
               make
               her
               ascend
               in
               her
               affection
               delight
               and
               desire
               ,
               from
               the
               world
               ,
               the
               love
               ,
               corruption
               ,
               and
               fashion
               thereof
               ,
               to
               heaven
               and
               heavenly
               things
               ,
               as
               we
               are
               willed
               ,
               Coloss
               .
               3.
               1.
               
            
             
               The
               words
               ,
               are
               words
               of
               an
               Interrogation
               ;
               uttered
               ,
               as
               some
               think
               ,
               by
               the
               bridgroom
               ,
               not
               being
               ignorant
               who
               she
               was
               ,
               but
               in
               way
               of
               admiration
               to
               draw
               us
               to
               the
               due
               consideration
               of
               the
               rareness
               and
               excellency
               of
               the
               thing
               seen
               .
               Others
               take
               it
               to
               be
               the
               speech
               of
               strangers
               as
               yet
               ,
               desiring
               to
               be
               instructed
               ,
               
               and
               admiring
               the
               glory
               of
               the
               Church
               ,
               who
               is
               said
               here
               to
               come
               up
               ,
               out
               of
               the
               wilderness
               ,
               like
               pillars
               of
               smoak
               perfumed
               with
               Myrrh
               and
               frankincense
               ,
               &c.
               
               Where
               we
               have
               to
               consider
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               What
               is
               meant
               by
               the
               wilderness
               ,
               2.
               
               What
               is
               ,
               her
               coming
               up
               out
               of
               the
               same
               ,
               3.
               
               Why
               she
               is
               said
               to
               come
               up
               like
               pillars
               of
               smoke
               ,
               4.
               
               What
               her
               perfuming
               is
               with
               Mirrh
               and
               frankincense
               with
               all
               powders
               of
               the
               merchants
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               The
               wilderness
               out
               of
               which
               she
               ascends
               is
               the
               world
               ,
               the
               corruption
               wherein
               we
               are
               all
               by
               nature
               ,
               the
               love
               ,
               delight
               and
               desires
               thereof
               ;
               compared
               to
               a
               wilderness
               ,
               1.
               
               As
               in
               a
               wilderness
               there
               is
               nothing
               but
               wastness
               and
               barrenness
               ,
               so
               in
               the
               world
               and
               mans
               estate
               by
               nature
               there
               is
               nothing
               but
               wastness
               and
               barrennesse
               of
               all
               grace
               and
               goodness
               ,
               in
               all
               the
               faculties
               of
               the
               soul
               ,
               members
               of
               the
               body
               ,
               and
               whole
               course
               of
               life
               ,
               2.
               
               As
               in
               a
               wilderness
               there
               are
               many
               briars
               and
               thorns
               ,
               and
               many
               savage
               beasts
               ;
               so
               in
               the
               world
               ,
               and
               mans
               estate
               by
               nature
               ,
               there
               are
               many
               vices
               ,
               the
               cursed
               brood
               of
               originall
               corruption
               ,
               and
               a
               Savage
               disposition
               whereby
               many
               in
               mens
               shape
               are
               but
               very
               beasts
               of
               divers
               kinds
               ,
               as
               Tigers
               ,
               Foxes
               ,
               Dogs
               ,
               and
               Swine
               ,
               &c.
               
               With
               which
               sort
               the
               Apostle
               tells
               that
               he
               fought
               at
               Ephesus
               .
               3.
               
               A
               wilderness
               is
               commonly
               dry
               ,
               which
               is
               one
               cause
               of
               the
               barrenness
               thereof
               ,
               for
               which
               cause
               the
               Psalmist
               sayes
               of
               the
               Lords
               goodness
               ,
               that
               He
               turneth
               the
               wilderness
               into
               a
               standing
               water
               ,
               and
               dry
               ground
               into
               water-springs
               ,
               Psal
               .
               107.
               35.
               as
               he
               also
               gave
               water
               in
               the
               wilderness
               to
               his
               people
               out
               of
               the
               rock
               :
               even
               so
               in
               the
               world
               ,
               and
               our
               estate
               by
               nature
               ,
               there
               is
               nothing
               in
               the
               heart
               but
               driness
               and
               want
               of
               all
               moisture
               of
               grace
               ,
               which
               makes
               it
               to
               be
               so
               hard
               ,
               and
               barren
               in
               all
               goodness
               ,
               till
               the
               Lord
               break
               the
               hard
               heart
               ,
               and
               moisten
               with
               the
               water
               of
               grace
               the
               dry
               and
               barren
               soul
               ,
               4.
               
               In
               a
               wilderness
               there
               is
               no
               Tilling
               ,
               Sowing
               ,
               Planting
               or
               dressing
               at
               all
               ,
               and
               therefore
               no
               good
               fruit
               ,
               but
               either
               (
               as
               has
               been
               said
               )
               barrenness
               or
               Briers
               ;
               even
               so
               in
               the
               world
               ,
               and
               mans
               heart
               by
               nature
               ,
               there
               is
               no
               fitness
               of
               ground
               for
               the
               seed
               of
               Gods
               word
               ,
               nor
               planting
               of
               the
               saving
               graces
               of
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               ,
               till
               we
               be
               made
               as
               the
               Apostle
               speaketh
               the
               Lords
               husbandry
               ,
               1
               Cor.
               3.
               and
               such
               a
               change
               be
               wrought
               ,
               as
               we
               have
               ,
               Psal
               .
               107.
               35.
               37.
               from
               barrenness
               to
               be
               fruitfull
               to
               the
               Lord
               ,
               while
               as
               the
               whole
               world
               beside
               ,
               out
               of
               which
               we
               ascend
               here
               with
               the
               Church
               ,
               doth
               remaine
               as
               a
               wast
               ,
               barren
               ,
               and
               until'd
               wilderness
               .
            
             
             
               Secondly
               ,
               by
               her
               coming
               up
               out
               of
               the
               wilderness
               ,
               is
               not
               meant
               any
               corporall
               or
               locall
               mutation
               ;
               for
               thus
               ,
               neither
               doth
               Christ
               come
               down
               to
               her
               ,
               nor
               doth
               she
               ascend
               to
               him
               :
               but
               a
               spirituall
               ascension
               in
               affection
               and
               holy
               devotion
               ,
               by
               faith
               and
               Sanctification
               ,
               not
               conforming
               her self
               (
               as
               the
               Apostle
               speakes
               )
               to
               the
               world
               ,
               but
               being
               transformed
               by
               the
               renewing
               of
               her
               mind
               ,
               that
               she
               may
               prove
               what
               is
               that
               good
               ,
               acceptable
               and
               perfect
               will
               of
               God
               ,
               Rom.
               12.
               2.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               which
               going
               up
               out
               of
               the
               wilderness
               ,
               (
               which
               is
               opposit
               to
               going
               down
               ,
               as
               we
               have
               Exod.
               13.
               18.
               and
               Gen.
               42.
               2.
               )
               Solomon
               sayes
               that
               the
               way
               of
               life
               is
               above
               to
               the
               wi●e
               ,
               that
               he
               may
               depart
               from
               Hell
               beneath
               ,
               Pro.
               15.
               24.
               and
               indeed
               this
               is
               no
               small
               work
               ,
               seeing
               that
               the
               whole
               bensell
               of
               our
               hearts
               naturally
               bend
               down-wards
               to
               this
               world
               and
               earthly
               things
               ,
               and
               it
               is
               the
               mighty
               power
               of
               Christs
               grace
               when
               he
               comes
               ,
               that
               makes
               this
               ascension
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               she
               is
               said
               to
               come
               up
               out
               of
               the
               wilderness
               like
               pillars
               of
               smoak
               ,
               to
               show
               that
               her
               journey
               ,
               and
               mounting
               up
               to
               Heaven
               (
               as
               has
               been
               said
               )
               being
               moved
               by
               the
               fire
               of
               Gods
               spirit
               ,
               is
               with
               a
               straight
               foot
               or
               course
               of
               Sanctification
               ,
               and
               with
               a
               steddy
               and
               constant
               resolution
               ,
               (
               like
               Davids
               )
               signified
               here
               by
               pillars
               ,
               Psal
               .
               119.
               57.
               and
               thus
               as
               a
               spirituall
               sacrifice
               the
               godly
               offer
               up
               themselves
               ,
               (
               as
               they
               are
               exhorted
               ;
               Rom.
               12.
               1.
               
               )
               and
               straightly
               ascend
               to
               God
               ,
               like
               the
               sacrifice
               of
               Abel
               ,
               on
               Christ
               Jesus
               as
               the
               alter
               ,
               by
               the
               fire
               of
               the
               spirit
               ,
               and
               resolving
               the
               earthly
               part
               of
               their
               naturall
               corruption
               piece
               by
               piece
               into
               ashes
               .
            
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               she
               is
               said
               to
               be
               perfumed
               with
               Myrrh
               and
               frankincense
               ,
               and
               other
               pouders
               of
               the
               Merchant
               ,
               to
               show
               that
               thus
               the
               Church
               is
               made
               a
               sweet
               odour
               to
               God
               in
               Christ
               ,
               whose
               death
               is
               like
               Myrrh
               ,
               bitter
               in
               taste
               ,
               but
               sweet
               in
               smell
               ,
               and
               whose
               mediation
               is
               figured
               by
               frankincense
               ,
               (
               whereof
               is
               mention
               ,
               Exod.
               30.
               34.
               
               )
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Rev.
               8.
               3.
               so
               that
               thorow
               his
               death
               and
               mediation
               the
               Church
               becomes
               a
               sweet
               odour
               to
               God
               ,
               like
               Jacob
               in
               Esau's
               vesture
               .
               Also
               she
               may
               be
               said
               to
               be
               perfumed
               with
               Myrrh
               and
               Frankincense
               :
               Myrrh
               being
               a
               figure
               of
               mortification
               of
               the
               flesh
               ,
               whereunto
               we
               are
               exhorted
               ,
               Col.
               3.
               5.
               
               It
               being
               used
               in
               the
               imbalming
               the
               dead
               :
               And
               Frankincense
               ,
               a
               figure
               of
               the
               grace
               of
               prayer
               and
               holy
               devotion
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Psal
               .
               140.
               2.
               and
               Rev.
               8.
               3.
               
               With
               other
               pouders
               of
               the
               Merchant
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               with
               all
               other
               graces
               that
               Christ
               has
               bestowed
               on
               her
               by
               the
               preaching
               of
               the
               Gospell
               ,
               
               with
               all
               these
               she
               is
               said
               to
               be
               perfumed
               ,
               and
               so
               made
               sweet
               and
               fit
               to
               ascend
               up
               before
               God
               in
               the
               heavens
               :
               for
               otherwise
               in
               and
               of
               our selves
               by
               nature
               we
               stink
               like
               hemlock
               ,
               and
               are
               most
               loathsome
               &
               abominable
               ,
               fitter
               for
               that
               pit
               which
               burneth
               with
               fire
               and
               brimstone
               then
               to
               ascend
               up
               into
               such
               heavenly
               palaces
               ,
               till
               he
               wash
               us
               ,
               and
               anoint
               ,
               and
               cloth
               us
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Ezek.
               16.
               and
               ,
               as
               Esther
               was
               purified
               and
               perfumed
               with
               sweet
               odours
               before
               she
               came
               to
               the
               king
               ,
               Esther
               2.
               12
               till
               we
               be
               purified
               by
               the
               blood
               of
               Christ
               ,
               and
               perfumed
               with
               the
               merit
               of
               his
               sufferings
               ,
               and
               with
               the
               graces
               of
               his
               spirit
               needfull
               to
               salvation
               ,
               before
               we
               present
               our selves
               for
               acceptation
               to
               the
               King
               of
               kings
               .
            
             
               Likewise
               she
               being
               in
               a
               barren
               wilderness
               where
               no
               such
               sweet
               and
               odoriferous
               spices
               does
               grow
               ,
               and
               being
               of
               her self
               also
               like
               the
               Church
               of
               Laodicea
               ,
               poore
               and
               wretched
               ,
               Rev.
               3.
               
               We
               see
               that
               she
               has
               not
               these
               things
               from
               her self
               ,
               but
               from
               her
               blessed
               bridegroom
               ;
               whom
               when
               she
               found
               ,
               she
               found
               also
               as
               in
               a
               full
               storehouse
               all
               these
               things
               in
               him
               ,
               and
               got
               all
               these
               things
               from
               him
               ,
               so
               that
               justly
               he
               might
               say
               to
               her
               ,
               as
               he
               speaks
               by
               his
               Prophet
               ,
               I
               decked
               thee
               with
               ornaments
               ,
               and
               thou
               wast
               beautiful
               with
               my
               comeliness
               which
               I
               had
               put
               upon
               thee
               ,
               Ezek.
               16.
               11.
               14.
               
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 that
                 God
                 can
                 raise
                 up
                 a
                 Church
                 to
                 himself
                 even
                 in
                 the
                 wilderness
                 to
                 the
                 admiration
                 of
                 observers
                 ,
                 as
                 Rev.
                 12.
                 and
                 although
                 we
                 be
                 in
                 the
                 wilderness
                 of
                 this
                 world
                 ,
                 yet
                 with
                 the
                 Church
                 we
                 should
                 not
                 be
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 with
                 her
                 we
                 should
                 come
                 out
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 Abraham
                 was
                 bidden
                 leave
                 Vr
                 of
                 the
                 
                   Chalde's
                   ,
                   Lot
                
                 go
                 out
                 of
                 Sodom
                 ,
                 and
                 Gods
                 people
                 come
                 out
                 of
                 Babylon
                 ,
                 Separating
                 our selves
                 from
                 the
                 manner
                 of
                 the
                 conversation
                 thereof
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 would
                 be
                 separate
                 at
                 the
                 Last
                 day
                 like
                 sheep
                 from
                 the
                 goats
                 ,
                 from
                 the
                 damnation
                 thereof
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 As
                 we
                 should
                 leave
                 the
                 wilderness
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 so
                 we
                 should
                 spiritually
                 ascend
                 towards
                 heaven
                 like
                 pillars
                 of
                 smoak
                 ,
                 not
                 only
                 forsaking
                 and
                 abhorring
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 evill
                 ,
                 but
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 exhorts
                 us
                 )
                 cleaving
                 to
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 good
                 ,
                 Rom.
                 12.
                 9.
                 
                 For
                 in
                 these
                 two
                 ,
                 true
                 religion
                 consists
                 :
                 as
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 Israel
                 quitting
                 Egypt
                 ,
                 behoved
                 to
                 mind
                 Canaan
                 ;
                 and
                 those
                 that
                 disgust
                 earthly
                 vanities
                 ,
                 must
                 be
                 inamoured
                 with
                 heavenly
                 graces
                 ,
                 and
                 seek
                 those
                 things
                 that
                 are
                 above
                 ,
                 where
                 Christ
                 sits
                 at
                 the
                 right
                 hand
                 of
                 the
                 Father
                 .
                 And
                 as
                 smoak
                 is
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 caused
                 by
                 fire
                 ,
                 so
                 he
                 who
                 must
                 inable
                 and
                 makes
                 us
                 do
                 both
                 these
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 spirit
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 compared
                 to
                 fire
                 ,
                 Matth.
                 3.
                 11.
                 
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 But
                 the
                 Church
                 never
                 mounts
                 upward
                 like
                 pillars
                 of
                 smoak
                 in
                 a
                 steddy
                 and
                 constant
                 course
                 ,
                 till
                 after
                 seeking
                 she
                 found
                 her
                 welbeloved
                 ,
                 who
                 first
                 came
                 down
                 to
                 her
                 ,
                 before
                 she
                 could
                 ascend
                 up
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 which
                 showes
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 even
                 so
                 ,
                 before
                 we
                 can
                 come
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 and
                 nature
                 ,
                 and
                 ●mount
                 up
                 to
                 heaven
                 by
                 a
                 Heavenly
                 disposition
                 ,
                 desires
                 ,
                 and
                 delight
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 be
                 sensible
                 of
                 our
                 spiriuall
                 wants
                 ,
                 seek
                 after
                 Christ
                 and
                 find
                 him
                 :
                 and
                 therefore
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 cause
                 why
                 so
                 few
                 spiritually
                 thus
                 ascend
                 ,
                 but
                 cleave
                 and
                 are
                 glewed
                 to
                 the
                 world
                 and
                 remain
                 in
                 nature
                 ,
                 because
                 they
                 were
                 never
                 yet
                 sensible
                 of
                 their
                 spirituall
                 wants
                 ,
                 or
                 what
                 need
                 they
                 had
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 neither
                 ever
                 yet
                 truly
                 did
                 they
                 seek
                 after
                 him
                 ,
                 or
                 comfortably
                 find
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 who
                 spiritually
                 ascend
                 not
                 here
                 ,
                 shall
                 never
                 in
                 their
                 bodies
                 ascend
                 comfortably
                 hereafter
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 likewise
                 said
                 ,
                 that
                 she
                 not
                 only
                 ascends
                 like
                 pillars
                 of
                 smoak
                 having
                 found
                 Christ
                 ,
                 but
                 also
                 that
                 she
                 is
                 perfumed
                 with
                 Myrrh
                 and
                 Frankincense
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 Which
                 showes
                 unto
                 us
                 that
                 till
                 we
                 be
                 indued
                 with
                 the
                 saving
                 graces
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 signified
                 by
                 these
                 perfumes
                 and
                 powders
                 of
                 the
                 Merchant
                 ,
                 which
                 makes
                 us
                 smell
                 sweetly
                 in
                 Gods
                 sight
                 ,
                 we
                 will
                 never
                 be
                 fit
                 to
                 ascend
                 up
                 ,
                 or
                 present
                 our selves
                 before
                 his
                 heavenly
                 Majesty
                 to
                 expect
                 acceptation
                 ,
                 but
                 will
                 be
                 as
                 a
                 stinking
                 or
                 corrupt
                 carcase
                 ,
                 and
                 our
                 best
                 exercises
                 of
                 devotion
                 but
                 abomination
                 before
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 most
                 earnestly
                 should
                 we
                 seek
                 the
                 graces
                 and
                 gifts
                 of
                 Gods
                 holy
                 spirit
                 ,
                 that
                 so
                 we
                 may
                 be
                 as
                 pillars
                 of
                 smoak
                 perfumed
                 ascending
                 like
                 Abels
                 sacrifice
                 ,
                 and
                 finding
                 acceptation
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 The
                 churches
                 manner
                 of
                 ascending
                 being
                 thus
                 persumed
                 ,
                 is
                 like
                 pillars
                 of
                 smoak
                 ;
                 which
                 showes
                 unto
                 us
                 that
                 our
                 spirituall
                 ascending
                 ,
                 and
                 heavenly
                 disposition
                 must
                 not
                 be
                 by
                 fitts
                 ,
                 but
                 steddy
                 resolute
                 and
                 constant
                 ,
                 without
                 wavering
                 ,
                 notwithstanding
                 of
                 any
                 wind
                 of
                 temptation
                 ,
                 as
                 was
                 Joshuas
                 resolution
                 to
                 serve
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Jobs
                 practice
                 of
                 cleaving
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 all
                 others
                 that
                 have
                 attained
                 to
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 their
                 faith
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 salvation
                 of
                 their
                 soules
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
             
               Vers
               .
               7.
               
               Behold
               his
               bed
               which
               is
               Solomons
               ,
               threescore
               valiant
               men
               are
               about
               it
               ,
               of
               the
               valiant
               of
               I
               srae
               .
               8.
               
               They
               all
               hold
               swords
               ,
               being
               export
               in
               warre
               ;
               every
               man
               hath
               his
               sword
               upon
               his
               thigh
               ,
               because
               of
               feare
               in
               the
               night
               .
            
             
               From
               this
               verse
               to
               the
               end
               of
               the
               Chapter
               ,
               the
               church
               sets
               forth
               the
               glory
               of
               Christ
               (
               whom
               after
               seeking
               at
               last
               she
               had
               found
               )
               by
               the
               glory
               of
               Solomon
               ,
               whereof
               our
               Saviour
               speaketh
               ,
               Matth.
               6.
               29.
               
               By
               particularizing
               it
               in
               these
               three
               ,
               Solomons
               bed
               ,
               his
               Chariot
               ,
               and
               his
               Crown
               ;
               his
               bed
               strongly
               guarded
               ,
               his
               Chariot
               richly
               furnished
               ,
               and
               his
               Crown
               gloriously
               adorned
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               our
               Saviour
               is
               compared
               here
               to
               Solomon
               ;
               and
               next
               his
               glory
               in
               these
               three
               forenamed
               ,
               unto
               the
               glory
               of
               Solomon
               .
               Himself
               then
               is
               compared
               to
               Solomon
               for
               these
               respects
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               Solomon
               was
               the
               sonne
               of
               David
               ,
               and
               so
               was
               Christ
               according
               to
               the
               flesh
               ,
               and
               therefore
               so
               called
               in
               like
               manner
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               Solomon
               (
               according
               to
               the
               signification
               of
               his
               name
               )
               was
               a
               peaceable
               Prince
               ;
               and
               so
               is
               Christ
               that
               Prince
               of
               peace
               ,
               (
               as
               Isay
               calles
               him
               )
               who
               has
               made
               peace
               between
               God
               and
               us
               ,
               Isai
               .
               9.
               6.
               
               And
               is
               the
               author
               of
               all
               peace
               externall
               ,
               internall
               and
               eternall
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               Solomon
               was
               greatly
               beloved
               of
               God
               ,
               2
               Sam.
               12.
               24.
               and
               so
               was
               Christ
               proclaimed
               to
               be
               the
               welbeloved
               of
               the
               Father
               ,
               in
               whom
               he
               was
               well
               pleased
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               Solomon
               excelled
               ,
               and
               exceeded
               all
               others
               in
               wisdome
               ;
               riches
               and
               glory
               ;
               and
               so
               doth
               Christ
               ,
               who
               is
               the
               wisdome
               of
               the
               Father
               ,
               the
               full
               treasure
               of
               grace
               ,
               and
               the
               king
               of
               glory
               ,
               1
               
                 King.
                 10.
                 23.
                 
                 Col.
              
               2.
               3.
               
            
             
               5.
               
               The
               fame
               of
               all
               these
               in
               Solomon
               ,
               spread
               a
               farre
               off
               ,
               and
               allured
               many
               to
               come
               and
               hear
               his
               wisdom
               :
               And
               so
               has
               the
               fame
               of
               Christs
               wisdome
               ,
               grace
               and
               glory
               ,
               which
               he
               gives
               to
               the
               utmost
               ends
               of
               the
               earth
               ,
               allured
               many
               to
               come
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               hear
               his
               wisdome
               revealed
               in
               the
               Ministry
               of
               his
               word
               .
            
             
               6.
               
               Solomon
               took
               to
               wife
               an
               alien
               ,
               the
               daughter
               of
               Pharaoh
               an
               Egyptian
               ,
               and
               made
               Her
               a
               glorious
               Queen
               unto
               himself
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Psal
               .
               45.
               and
               so
               has
               Christ
               taken
               those
               ,
               who
               were
               aliens
               from
               the
               Common-wealth
               of
               Israel
               ,
               of
               a
               wicked
               proprogeny
               ,
               
               (
               as
               we
               see
               Ezek.
               16.
               )
               even
               idolatrous
               Gentiles
               ,
               and
               make
               them
               a
               glorious
               Spouse
               unto
               himself
               in
               like
               manner
               .
            
             
               7.
               
               He
               built
               that
               glorious
               Temple
               ,
               which
               was
               called
               
                 Solomon's
                 Temple
              
               ;
               and
               so
               has
               Christ
               built
               his
               Church
               of
               lively
               stones
               ,
               gloriously
               adorned
               by
               Grace
               here
               ,
               which
               is
               called
               likewise
               his
               Church
               ,
               and
               mysticall
               body
               ;
               and
               which
               he
               shall
               make
               more
               glorious
               to
               himself
               in
               the
               heavens
               hereafter
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               By
               
               Solomon's
               bed
               ,
               where
               he
               lies
               in
               the
               night-time
               of
               this
               life
               ,
               and
               (
               as
               the
               Apostle
               saies
               )
               where
               he
               dwells
               by
               faith
               ,
               and
               there
               rests
               ,
               as
               it
               were
               ,
               and
               reposes
               himself
               ,
               is
               meant
               ,
               the
               hearts
               of
               his
               Elect
               ,
               Ephes
               .
               3.
               17.
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Cant.
               1.
               13.
               whose
               hearts
               and
               souls
               ,
               (
               like
               
               Solomon's
               bed
               which
               was
               so
               strongly
               guarded
               )
               1
               are
               kept
               by
               the
               power
               of
               God
               ,
               through
               faith
               unto
               salvation
               ,
               as
               saies
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               1
               Pet.
               1.
               5.
               and
               as
               the
               Psalmist
               shews
               ,
               Psal
               .
               125.
               2.
               2
               
               They
               are
               guarded
               by
               his
               holy
               Angells
               ,
               called
               the
               Lord's
               heavenly
               Hostes
               ,
               and
               who
               are
               ministring
               spirits
               ,
               sent
               out
               for
               the
               good
               of
               the
               Elect
               ,
               Iuk
               .
               2.
               13.
               
               And
               3
               faithfull
               Pastors
               ,
               and
               able
               for
               the
               calling
               ,
               furnished
               with
               the
               sword
               of
               the
               spirit
               ,
               Ephes
               .
               6.
               17.
               which
               is
               the
               Word
               of
               God
               ;
               and
               skilfull
               (
               as
               the
               Apostle
               speaks
               )
               in
               the
               word
               of
               righteousnesse
               ,
               Heb.
               5.
               13
               ,
               14.
               who
               by
               reason
               of
               use
               ,
               have
               their
               senses
               exercised
               ,
               to
               discern
               good
               and
               evill
               ,
               and
               to
               divide
               the
               Word
               aright
               ,
               and
               convince
               gainsayers
               .
               They
               also
               are
               a
               guard
               to
               Christ's
               Church
               ,
               Rev.
               2.
               16.
               to
               guard
               their
               hearts
               from
               errour
               and
               seduction
               ,
               having
               the
               Word
               for
               that
               end
               in
               readinesse
               ,
               Jer.
               9.
               3.
               and
               valiant
               for
               the
               truth
               ,
               like
               the
               sword
               of
               a
               valiant
               man
               girt
               to
               his
               thigh
               ,
               Psal
               .
               45.
               4.
               
               As
               also
               to
               protect
               them
               from
               terrour
               ,
               or
               any
               invasion
               of
               Satan's
               temptations
               ,
               which
               may
               affright
               their
               render
               consciences
               ,
               and
               disturb
               their
               peace
               .
               Or
               from
               other
               subtle
               snares
               and
               practises
               of
               their
               enemies
               ,
               which
               usually
               are
               accustomed
               ,
               to
               be
               practised
               and
               put
               in
               execution
               ,
               in
               the
               time
               of
               the
               night
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 here
                 the
                 honour
                 that
                 Christ
                 bestowes
                 upon
                 an
                 Elect
                 soul
                 ,
                 that
                 seeks
                 him
                 ;
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 that
                 ,
                 of
                 a
                 cage
                 of
                 unclean
                 spirits
                 by
                 nature
                 ,
                 he
                 makes
                 the
                 same
                 a
                 bed
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 ,
                 or
                 bed-chamber
                 for
                 himselfe
                 to
                 dwell
                 in
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 The
                 safety
                 of
                 that
                 person
                 ,
                 in
                 whose
                 soul
                 Christ
                 dwells
                 ;
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 that
                 
                 Solomon's
                 bed
                 ,
                 or
                 any
                 other
                 King
                 's
                 ,
                 was
                 never
                 so
                 
                 surely
                 guarded
                 ,
                 nor
                 may
                 they
                 lye
                 down
                 with
                 such
                 assurance
                 of
                 safety
                 ;
                 as
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 4.
                 8.
                 and
                 Prov.
                 3.
                 24
                 ,
                 26.
                 
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 In
                 Pastors
                 that
                 are
                 like
                 wise
                 a
                 guard
                 to
                 Christ's
                 Church
                 ,
                 and
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 was
                 sa●…
                 of
                 Elisha
                 ,
                 who
                 are
                 like
                 the
                 horsemen
                 and
                 chariots
                 of
                 Israel
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 by
                 these
                 words
                 ,
                 what
                 are
                 required
                 ;
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 1
                 Fidelity
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 a
                 King's
                 Guard
                 ,
                 to
                 whom
                 he
                 committeth
                 his
                 person
                 and
                 life
                 .
                 2
                 Vigilancy
                 ,
                 being
                 like
                 a
                 Guard
                 for
                 fear
                 in
                 the
                 night
                 .
                 3
                 Valour
                 or
                 courage
                 ,
                 as
                 Ieremy
                 speaks
                 ,
                 To
                 be
                 valiant
                 for
                 the
                 truth
                 ,
                 Ier.
                 9.
                 4.
                 4
                 
                 Expertnesse
                 in
                 war
                 ,
                 for
                 convincing
                 the
                 adversary
                 ,
                 and
                 repelling
                 the
                 darts
                 of
                 the
                 devill
                 .
                 5
                 Furniture
                 ,
                 with
                 the
                 fit
                 weapon
                 of
                 the
                 sword
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 .
                 6
                 Readinesse
                 to
                 use
                 and
                 wield
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 like
                 a
                 sword
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 seek
                 ,
                 but
                 at
                 all
                 occasions
                 ready
                 in
                 the
                 hand
                 ,
                 or
                 girt
                 to
                 the
                 thigh
                 .
                 7
                 Unity
                 and
                 order
                 ,
                 standing
                 each
                 one
                 in
                 their
                 own
                 station
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 about
                 the
                 bed
                 .
                 And
                 8
                 Not
                 aliens
                 themselves
                 ,
                 but
                 of
                 the
                 same
                 true
                 Israel
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 over
                 whom
                 they
                 watch
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 called
                 so
                 here
                 ,
                 
                   of
                   the
                   valiant
                   men
                   of
                   Israel
                   .
                
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               9.
               
               King
               Solomon
               made
               himself
               a
               Chariot
               of
               the
               wood
               of
               Lebanon
               .
               10.
               
               He
               made
               the
               pillars
               thereof
               of
               silver
               ,
               the
               bottom
               thereof
               of
               gold
               ,
               the
               covering
               of
               it
               of
               purple
               ,
               the
               midst
               thereof
               being
               paved
               with
               love
               ,
               for
               the
               daughters
               of
               Jerusalem
               .
            
             
               Next
               to
               the
               Bed
               of
               repose
               ,
               whereof
               we
               have
               spoken
               ,
               followes
               the
               Spouse
               her
               speech
               ,
               how
               by
               the
               preaching
               of
               the
               Word
               ,
               as
               in
               a
               Chariot
               ,
               the
               true
               Solomon
               ,
               Christ
               Jesus
               ,
               is
               conveyed
               to
               the
               soul
               ,
               and
               carried
               whither
               he
               will
               ,
               as
               the
               Ark
               was
               carried
               by
               the
               Levites
               ;
               the
               excellency
               of
               which
               benefit
               is
               compared
               ,
               to
               all
               most
               precious
               mettalls
               ,
               and
               finest
               wood
               whatsoever
               .
            
             
               In
               these
               words
               then
               we
               have
               ,
               1
               A
               Chariot
               spoken
               of
               ,
               and
               to
               be
               considered
               what
               it
               is
               .
               2
               Who
               made
               it
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               Solomon
               .
               3
               To
               whom
               he
               made
               it
               ,
               to
               himself
               .
               4
               Whereof
               ,
               both
               generally
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               particular
               parts
               ,
               as
               pillars
               ,
               bottom
               ,
               covering
               ,
               and
               pavement
               .
               And
               5
               For
               whom
               with
               himself
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               
                 The
                 daughters
                 of
                 Jerusalem
              
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               there
               is
               a
               Chariot
               spoken
               of
               ,
               by
               which
               is
               meant
               ,
               the
               preaching
               of
               the
               Gospell
               ,
               compared
               to
               a
               Chariot
               ,
               because
               
               as
               a
               man
               is
               carried
               whither
               he
               will
               in
               his
               Chariot
               ;
               even
               so
               is
               Christ's
               Name
               ,
               by
               the
               preaching
               of
               the
               Gospell
               ;
               for
               which
               cause
               ,
               our
               Saviour
               said
               to
               Ananias
               concerning
               Paul
               ,
               that
               he
               should
               be
               a
               chosen
               vessell
               unto
               ●…m
               ,
               to
               carry
               his
               Name
               before
               the
               Gentiles
               .
               And
               for
               this
               cause
               also
               ,
               the
               same
               is
               compared
               to
               that
               white
               Horse
               in
               the
               Revelation
               ;
               whereon
               our
               Saviour
               is
               said
               to
               ride
               and
               be
               carried
               ,
               Rev.
               6.
               2.
               
            
             
               The
               word
               in
               the
               originall
               is
               apirion
               ,
               from
               parah
               ,
               to
               flourish
               ,
               to
               show
               ,
               that
               by
               the
               preaching
               of
               the
               Gospell
               ,
               is
               the
               Church
               her
               flourishing
               and
               enlargement
               ;
               the
               Word
               being
               that
               spirituall
               seed
               ,
               whereby
               many
               are
               begotten
               anew
               to
               Christ
               ;
               and
               the
               Church's
               onely
               diadem
               or
               glory
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Rev.
               12.
               1.
               unlike
               to
               that
               of
               the
               Whore's
               ,
               of
               externall
               pomp
               ,
               Rev.
               17.
               
            
             
               This
               Chariot
               therefore
               is
               a
               triumphall
               Chariot
               ,
               wherein
               he
               that
               rides
               ,
               and
               has
               a
               Crown
               given
               him
               ,
               as
               is
               said
               in
               the
               Revelation
               ,
               goes
               forth
               conquering
               and
               to
               conquer
               ,
               Rev.
               6.
               2.
               and
               therefore
               saies
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               speaking
               of
               his
               preaching
               the
               Gospell
               ;
               Now
               thanks
               be
               unto
               God
               ,
               which
               alwaies
               causes
               us
               to
               triumph
               in
               Christ
               ,
               and
               maketh
               manifest
               the
               savour
               of
               his
               knowledge
               by
               us
               in
               every
               place
               ,
               2
               Cor.
               2.
               14.
               
            
             
               They
               who
               draw
               this
               Chariot
               ,
               are
               the
               faithfull
               Ministers
               of
               the
               Gospell
               ,
               who
               therefore
               fitly
               may
               be
               compared
               to
               these
               goodly
               and
               richly
               furnished
               Horses
               in
               
               Pharaoh's
               Chariots
               ,
               Cant.
               1.
               9.
               or
               to
               that
               white
               Horse
               ,
               whereon
               Christ
               is
               said
               to
               ride
               ,
               and
               to
               go
               forth
               upon
               ,
               conquering
               .
               He
               likewise
               who
               drives
               this
               Chariot
               ,
               as
               Ezekiel
               showes
               ,
               is
               the
               Spirit
               of
               God
               ,
               who
               makes
               the
               Wheeles
               thereof
               ,
               and
               them
               whom
               he
               rules
               ,
               to
               go
               in
               their
               course
               ,
               Ezek
               1.
               20.
               and
               12.
               1
               
               Straight
               forward
               ,
               or
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               speaks
               ,
               with
               a
               streight
               foot
               in
               the
               Gospell
               .
               2
               As
               Esay
               speaks
               ,
               with
               alacrity
               ,
               and
               doing
               God's
               work
               diligently
               ,
               Esa
               .
               60.
               8.
               fleeing
               as
               clouds
               and
               doves
               to
               the
               windowes
               of
               the
               Temple
               .
               And
               3
               as
               Ezekiel
               ,
               in
               the
               forecited
               place
               ,
               saith
               ,
               Without
               turning
               back
               ,
               or
               taking
               their
               hand
               from
               the
               plough
               ,
               constantly
               ,
               as
               we
               are
               taught
               ,
               Phil.
               3.
               13.
               
               &c.
               
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               He
               who
               made
               this
               Chariot
               ,
               is
               said
               to
               be
               King
               Solomon
               ,
               shewing
               hereby
               ,
               who
               institutes
               the
               holy
               Ministry
               or
               Teachers
               of
               his
               Church
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               King
               Jesus
               ,
               the
               true
               Solomon
               ,
               and
               Wisdome
               of
               the
               Father
               ;
               and
               therefore
               ,
               saies
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               That
               it
               is
               he
               that
               gave
               some
               Apostles
               ,
               and
               some
               Prophets
               ,
               and
               some
               Evangelists
               ,
               and
               some
               Pastors
               and
               Teachers
               ,
               for
               
               the
               perfecting
               of
               the
               Saints
               ,
               for
               the
               work
               of
               the
               Ministry
               ,
               and
               for
               the
               edifying
               of
               the
               body
               of
               Christ
               ,
               Ephes
               .
               4.
               11.
               
               Even
               as
               it
               was
               he
               that
               called
               Bezaleel
               and
               Aholiab
               ,
               and
               sitted
               them
               for
               the
               work
               of
               the
               Tabernacle
               ,
               Exod.
               31.
               2.
               
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               For
               whom
               made
               he
               this
               Chariot
               .
               The
               Text
               saies
               ,
               sibi
               ,
               or
               to
               himself
               ;
               that
               is
               ,
               for
               his
               own
               glory
               ,
               in
               the
               riches
               of
               his
               grace
               ,
               which
               he
               has
               made
               manifest
               ,
               by
               the
               preaching
               of
               the
               Gospell
               to
               Mankind
               .
               So
               that
               this
               should
               be
               the
               aim
               of
               all
               faithfull
               Pastors
               ,
               as
               our
               Saviour
               did
               ,
               not
               to
               seek
               their
               own
               glory
               ,
               but
               the
               glory
               of
               him
               who
               sent
               them
               ,
               in
               the
               procuring
               of
               the
               salvation
               of
               his
               people
               ,
               and
               referring
               all
               the
               glory
               of
               their
               successefull
               pains
               to
               him
               onely
               ,
               who
               gives
               the
               increase
               .
            
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               This
               Chariot
               is
               said
               to
               be
               made
               of
               the
               wood
               of
               Lebanon
               ,
               meaning
               thereby
               ,
               the
               Cedars
               that
               grew
               there
               in
               Lebanon
               ,
               which
               was
               a
               hill
               neer
               Hermon
               ,
               and
               whereon
               such
               sort
               of
               Trees
               for
               the
               most
               part
               did
               grow
               :
               which
               Cedars
               ,
               1
               were
               a
               sort
               of
               tall
               Trees
               ,
               signifying
               here
               thereby
               ,
               that
               Ministers
               of
               God's
               Word
               should
               mount
               upwards
               ,
               not
               onely
               in
               holy
               and
               heavenly
               meditation
               ,
               but
               likewise
               in
               affection
               ,
               seeking
               those
               things
               that
               are
               above
               ,
               and
               in
               a
               daily
               grouth
               of
               grace
               ,
               (
               whereunto
               they
               exhort
               others
               )
               and
               of
               a
               holy
               life
               ;
               who
               are
               therefore
               compared
               to
               Stars
               ,
               that
               are
               in
               a
               heavenly
               station
               ,
               and
               not
               found
               on
               the
               earth
               .
               2
               Cedars
               were
               strongly
               rooted
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Hos
               .
               14.
               5.
               and
               so
               should
               Pastors
               be
               specially
               ,
               both
               in
               firmnesse
               of
               sound
               doctrin
               ,
               and
               holy
               confidence
               ,
               as
               builded
               on
               a
               Rock
               .
               3
               The
               Cedars
               of
               Lebanon
               were
               such
               ,
               as
               afforded
               a
               good
               smell
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Hos
               .
               14.
               6
               ,
               7.
               and
               so
               do
               faithfull
               Pastors
               ,
               both
               by
               sound
               and
               comfortable
               doctrin
               ,
               and
               by
               a
               holy
               life
               and
               example
               ;
               and
               therefore
               saies
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               For
               we
               are
               unto
               God
               a
               sweet
               savour
               of
               Christ
               ,
               in
               them
               that
               are
               saved
               ,
               2
               Cor
               2.
               15.
               4
               
               Cedar-wood
               was
               durable
               ,
               and
               not
               subject
               (
               as
               other
               wood
               )
               to
               rottennesse
               and
               corruption
               ;
               and
               so
               are
               faithfull
               Pastors
               ,
               and
               should
               be
               ,
               neither
               corrupt
               in
               doctrin
               ,
               nor
               in
               life
               and
               conversation
               .
            
             
               Next
               ,
               more
               particularly
               ,
               it
               is
               said
               ,
               that
               the
               pillars
               thereof
               were
               of
               silver
               ;
               by
               which
               pillars
               ,
               the
               chief
               Pastors
               in
               God's
               Church
               are
               understood
               ,
               such
               as
               were
               the
               Apostles
               ,
               and
               others
               of
               eminent
               note
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               
                 Peter
                 ,
                 James
              
               ,
               and
               John
               called
               ,
               Gal.
               2.
               9.
               so
               called
               ,
               both
               in
               respect
               of
               their
               own
               stability
               ,
               as
               also
               of
               their
               bearing
               up
               by
               the
               word
               of
               Truth
               ,
               the
               Church
               and
               house
               of
               God
               wherein
               they
               are
               placed
               .
            
             
             
               These
               pillars
               also
               are
               said
               to
               be
               of
               silver
               ,
               which
               is
               a
               costly
               and
               precious
               shining
               mettall
               ;
               showing
               thereby
               ,
               how
               precious
               faithfull
               Pastors
               are
               in
               God's
               sight
               ;
               and
               as
               they
               are
               profitable
               like
               pillars
               ,
               how
               precious
               also
               such
               should
               be
               ,
               in
               the
               eyes
               of
               Gods
               people
               ,
               before
               whom
               they
               shine
               both
               in
               life
               and
               doctrin
               ;
               and
               especially
               ,
               of
               what
               price
               and
               estimation
               the
               Word
               ,
               which
               they
               preach
               ,
               should
               be
               unto
               them
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               David
               professes
               ,
               and
               as
               his
               son
               Solomon
               declares
               ,
               saying
               ,
               The
               tongue
               of
               the
               righteous
               is
               as
               choise
               silver
               ,
               Psal
               .
               119.
               72.
               
            
             
               The
               second
               part
               ,
               whereof
               he
               speaks
               in
               particular
               ,
               is
               the
               foundation
               or
               bottom
               ,
               which
               he
               saies
               is
               of
               gold
               ;
               and
               by
               which
               bottom
               ,
               the
               foundation
               of
               the
               Apostles
               their
               doctrine
               is
               meant
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Rev.
               21.
               14.
               and
               Ephes
               .
               2.
               20.
               said
               to
               be
               of
               gold
               ,
               the
               most
               precious
               and
               durable
               metall
               of
               any
               ,
               to
               shew
               the
               most
               precious
               worth
               of
               the
               Word
               of
               God
               ,
               registred
               in
               Scripture
               :
               and
               the
               perpetuall
               indurance
               of
               the
               same
               ,
               against
               which
               ,
               neither
               the
               rust
               of
               corruption
               ,
               time
               ,
               which
               weareth
               all
               things
               ,
               nor
               the
               malice
               of
               the
               devill
               ,
               and
               the
               gates
               of
               hell
               ,
               shall
               ever
               prevail
               .
            
             
               The
               covering
               of
               which
               Chariot
               is
               said
               to
               be
               of
               purple
               ,
               which
               is
               nothing
               else
               but
               Christ's
               bloodshed
               ,
               death
               ,
               and
               passion
               ,
               and
               the
               vertue
               and
               merit
               thereof
               preached
               ,
               which
               covers
               and
               cleanses
               our
               souls
               ,
               and
               saves
               them
               from
               the
               wrath
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               eternall
               destruction
               ,
               as
               the
               blood
               of
               the
               Paschall
               Lamb
               ;
               an
               aspersion
               thereof
               upon
               the
               Israelites
               door-cheeks
               ,
               and
               lintells
               ,
               saved
               them
               from
               the
               destroying
               Angell
               .
               And
               therefore
               this
               being
               the
               clefts
               of
               the
               Rock
               which
               is
               spoken
               of
               ,
               Cant.
               2.
               14.
               whereunto
               ,
               as
               a
               cover
               or
               shelter
               ,
               the
               simple
               dove
               has
               her
               recourse
               in
               storm
               ,
               or
               when
               she
               is
               pursued
               by
               her
               cruell
               enemy
               .
            
             
               The
               midst
               of
               which
               golden
               foundation
               ,
               wherewith
               the
               same
               is
               paved
               and
               overlaid
               ,
               is
               Love
               ,
               even
               the
               Love
               of
               the
               Elect
               to
               him
               ,
               who
               has
               so
               loved
               them
               ,
               manifested
               in
               the
               doctrine
               of
               his
               Word
               ,
               whereon
               they
               rely
               ,
               and
               build
               their
               faith
               and
               confidence
               .
            
             
               Last
               of
               all
               ,
               it
               is
               said
               ,
               That
               as
               this
               Chariot
               is
               made
               to
               him self
               ,
               or
               for
               his
               glory
               ,
               so
               likewise
               it
               is
               for
               the
               daughters
               of
               Jerusalem
               ,
               or
               the
               good
               of
               his
               Church
               ,
               and
               salvation
               of
               his
               Elect
               ;
               his
               glory
               being
               first
               ,
               as
               it
               ought
               to
               be
               the
               first
               and
               main
               end
               at
               which
               we
               should
               aime
               ;
               and
               his
               Church's
               good
               being
               next
               ,
               and
               the
               salvation
               of
               soules
               ,
               which
               we
               ought
               all
               to
               work
               out
               with
               fear
               and
               with
               trembling
               .
            
             
               
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Seeing
                 Christ
                 comes
                 to
                 any
                 person
                 or
                 place
                 ordinarily
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 preaching
                 of
                 his
                 Word
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 his
                 triumphall
                 Chariot
                 ;
                 then
                 happy
                 is
                 that
                 people
                 ,
                 where
                 his
                 Gospell
                 is
                 purely
                 and
                 plentifully
                 preached
                 ;
                 as
                 on
                 the
                 contrary
                 ,
                 unhappy
                 is
                 their
                 condition
                 ,
                 when
                 (
                 as
                 he
                 threatneth
                 
                   Ephesus
                   ,
                   Rev.
                
                 2.
                 )
                 he
                 removes
                 his
                 golden
                 candlestick
                 from
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 in
                 Hosea
                 he
                 saies
                 ,
                 Woe
                 be
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 departs
                 from
                 them
                 ,
                 Hos
                 .
                 9.
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 The
                 end
                 why
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 instituted
                 ,
                 or
                 doth
                 in
                 any
                 place
                 settle
                 the
                 Ministry
                 of
                 his
                 Word
                 ,
                 is
                 ,
                 His
                 own
                 glory
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 Church's
                 good
                 ;
                 therefore
                 these
                 two
                 should
                 be
                 the
                 onely
                 ends
                 ,
                 at
                 which
                 all
                 faithfull
                 Pastors
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 discharge
                 of
                 their
                 charge
                 ,
                 should
                 mainly
                 aime
                 at
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 before
                 their
                 eyes
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 This
                 Chariot
                 here
                 spoken
                 of
                 ,
                 is
                 made
                 of
                 the
                 finest
                 wood
                 ,
                 and
                 most
                 precious
                 mettalls
                 ,
                 which
                 should
                 therefore
                 teach
                 Pastors
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 ashamed
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 as
                 common
                 or
                 ordinary
                 men
                 in
                 their
                 conversations
                 ;
                 and
                 much
                 more
                 to
                 be
                 like
                 the
                 basest
                 and
                 worst
                 sort
                 ,
                 earthly
                 minded
                 ,
                 unstable
                 ,
                 scandalous
                 ,
                 and
                 corrupt
                 ;
                 and
                 not
                 like
                 pillars
                 of
                 silver
                 ,
                 but
                 rather
                 ,
                 of
                 whom
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 said
                 ,
                 as
                 Isai
                 .
                 1.
                 22.
                 is
                 said
                 to
                 Jerusalem
                 ,
                 Thy
                 silver
                 is
                 become
                 drosse
                 ,
                 and
                 thy
                 wine
                 is
                 mixt
                 with
                 water
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               11.
               
               Go
               forth
               ,
               O
               ye
               daughters
               of
               Zion
               ,
               and
               behold
               King
               Solomon
               ,
               with
               the
               Crown
               wherewith
               his
               mother
               crowned
               him
               ,
               in
               the
               day
               of
               his
               espousalls
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               day
               of
               the
               gladnesse
               of
               his
               heart
               .
            
             
               This
               is
               the
               speech
               of
               the
               Church
               to
               all
               her
               daughters
               ,
               wherein
               she
               invites
               them
               to
               come
               forth
               ,
               and
               behold
               Christ
               ,
               the
               true
               Solomon
               ,
               in
               his
               glory
               .
               In
               which
               speech
               we
               have
               ;
               1
               Whom
               she
               invites
               .
               And
               2
               Whereunto
               she
               invites
               them
               ;
               1
               to
               go
               forth
               ;
               2
               to
               behold
               King
               Solomon
               with
               his
               Crown
               ;
               3
               is
               set
               down
               who
               crowned
               him
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               his
               Mother
               ;
               and
               4
               when
               ,
               in
               the
               day
               of
               his
               espousalls
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               gladnesse
               of
               his
               heart
               .
               And
               so
               in
               these
               words
               we
               have
               ,
               the
               end
               wherefore
               the
               Gospell
               was
               preached
               ,
               and
               Christ
               carried
               in
               his
               Chariot
               to
               the
               ends
               of
               the
               earth
               ;
               to
               wit
               ,
               that
               all
               the
               faithfull
               every
               where
               ,
               who
               are
               effectually
               called
               ,
               may
               behold
               him
               as
               a
               crowned
               
               and
               victorious
               King
               ,
               ruling
               in
               his
               Church
               by
               the
               Scepter
               of
               his
               Word
               ,
               and
               submission
               of
               his
               people
               ,
               wherein
               he
               most
               rejoyces
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               Those
               whom
               the
               Church
               invites
               to
               this
               contemplation
               ,
               are
               called
               the
               daughters
               of
               Sion
               ,
               who
               are
               the
               same
               ,
               who
               before
               were
               called
               the
               daughters
               of
               Jerusalem
               ,
               and
               by
               whom
               are
               meant
               all
               faithfull
               believers
               ,
               and
               true
               Christians
               ,
               either
               persons
               ,
               or
               particular
               Churches
               ;
               for
               this
               Sion
               was
               a
               mount
               in
               Jerusalem
               ,
               and
               as
               that
               was
               called
               the
               holy
               City
               ,
               Isai
               .
               52
               ,
               1.
               so
               Sion
               was
               called
               ,
               the
               Lord
               's
               holy
               Mountain
               ,
               because
               of
               his
               Temple
               there
               ,
               Joel
               3.
               17.
               and
               did
               prefigure
               the
               Christian
               Church
               under
               the
               Gospell
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Heb.
               12.
               22.
               or
               as
               the
               Apostle
               there
               speaketh
               ,
               The
               generall
               assembly
               ,
               and
               Church
               of
               the
               first-born
               ,
               which
               are
               written
               in
               heaven
               .
               These
               ,
               I
               say
               ,
               are
               the
               persons
               who
               are
               called
               forth
               ,
               by
               the
               preaching
               of
               the
               Gospell
               ,
               to
               behold
               Christ
               ,
               thus
               seated
               in
               the
               soul
               ,
               as
               vers
               .
               7
               ,
               8.
               and
               carried
               as
               in
               a
               Chariot
               ,
               by
               the
               ministry
               of
               his
               Word
               ,
               to
               the
               outermost
               parts
               of
               the
               earth
               ,
               as
               Psal
               .
               2.
               8.
               as
               a
               Conquerour
               and
               a
               King
               ,
               crowned
               with
               glory
               and
               honour
               in
               his
               Church
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               That
               whereunto
               she
               invites
               these
               ,
               is
               ,
               1
               To
               go
               forth
               ;
               implying
               ,
               that
               as
               long
               as
               they
               remained
               within
               dores
               ,
               they
               could
               not
               behold
               the
               glory
               of
               this
               King
               ,
               till
               they
               came
               forth
               ;
               which
               going
               forth
               ,
               is
               out
               of
               themselves
               ,
               and
               their
               former
               estate
               ,
               not
               seeking
               Christ
               in
               their
               own
               reason
               ,
               and
               carnall
               imaginations
               ,
               or
               having
               their
               affections
               and
               desires
               set
               on
               the
               world
               and
               earthly
               things
               ;
               but
               renouncing
               and
               denying
               themselves
               ,
               and
               quitting
               whatsoever
               thing
               may
               be
               an
               impediment
               ;
               they
               must
               strive
               ,
               with
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               for
               a
               greater
               progresse
               and
               degree
               of
               perfection
               ,
               in
               the
               true
               and
               saving
               knowledge
               of
               Christ
               ,
               unto
               their
               own
               salvation
               ;
               by
               doing
               whereof
               ,
               and
               with
               the
               eye
               of
               faith
               ,
               in
               daily
               meditation
               ,
               beholding
               the
               glory
               of
               Christ
               ,
               especially
               wherein
               he
               is
               now
               seated
               ,
               and
               wherein
               his
               Church
               shall
               raigne
               with
               him
               ;
               they
               shall
               easily
               despise
               all
               the
               glory
               and
               pleasures
               of
               this
               world
               ,
               as
               very
               drosse
               and
               dung
               .
            
             
               As
               Abraham
               therefore
               left
               his
               father's
               house
               ,
               
                 Israel
                 Egypt
                 ,
                 Moses
              
               the
               treasures
               of
               Egypt
               ,
               and
               the
               Disciples
               their
               Boats
               and
               Nets
               to
               follow
               Christ
               ;
               so
               must
               all
               those
               who
               would
               be
               saved
               ,
               or
               see
               Christ
               savingly
               ,
               leave
               their
               former
               conversation
               ,
               and
               whatsoever
               is
               dear
               unto
               them
               ,
               (
               if
               it
               be
               an
               impediment
               to
               come
               to
               Christ
               )
               though
               it
               were
               father
               or
               mother
               ,
               
               wife
               or
               children
               ,
               and
               as
               Lot
               came
               out
               of
               
                 S●dom
                 ,
                 Moses
              
               put
               off
               his
               shoes
               going
               to
               see
               the
               burning
               bush
               ,
               Exod.
               3.
               5.
               
               And
               as
               the
               Lord
               sayes
               to
               his
               people
               concerning
               
                 Babel
                 ,
                 Rev.
              
               18.
               4.
               
               Go
               out
               of
               her
               my
               people
               ,
               so
               they
               must
               go
               out
               of
               nature
               and
               deny
               themselves
               ,
               the
               wantons
               abandoning
               and
               forsaking
               their
               carnall
               pleasures
               with
               
                 Mary
                 Magdalen
              
               ,
               the
               covetous
               his
               worldly
               profit
               ,
               as
               Matthew
               did
               his
               receipt
               of
               custome
               ,
               the
               extortioner
               his
               unjust
               gaine
               with
               godly
               Zaccheus
               ,
               the
               drunkard
               his
               excesse
               ,
               and
               the
               proud
               his
               ambition
               ,
               &c.
               
               And
               each
               one
               must
               go
               forth
               out
               of
               that
               which
               may
               hinder
               him
               from
               a
               saving
               and
               sanctified
               sight
               and
               sense
               of
               Christ
               and
               his
               gracious
               government
               in
               his
               Church
               ,
               and
               in
               their
               owne
               hearts
               here
               ,
               or
               of
               the
               comfortable
               sight
               of
               him
               crowned
               in
               glory
               hereafter
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               That
               whereunto
               they
               are
               invited
               ,
               and
               is
               the
               end
               of
               their
               going
               forth
               ,
               is
               to
               behold
               Christ
               ,
               the
               true
               Solomon
               (
               and
               greater
               then
               he
               )
               as
               a
               king
               crowned
               ,
               in
               glory
               ,
               power
               and
               Majesty
               ,
               ruling
               in
               his
               Church
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               hearts
               of
               all
               his
               elect
               .
               A
               sight
               indeed
               needing
               a
               sharp-sighted
               eye
               to
               behold
               ,
               and
               which
               is
               onely
               the
               eye
               of
               faith
               ,
               whereby
               the
               wise
               men
               that
               came
               from
               the
               east
               saw
               him
               a
               king
               ,
               though
               a
               new
               born
               infant
               ,
               swadled
               in
               clouts
               ,
               and
               lying
               in
               a
               crib
               ;
               and
               the
               theef
               on
               the
               crosse
               in
               like
               manner
               ,
               though
               crowned
               with
               thorns
               ,
               and
               hanging
               on
               a
               tree
               :
               by
               this
               eye
               likewise
               ,
               the
               patriarks
               saw
               him
               in
               the
               Promises
               before
               the
               law●
               ;
               the
               faithfull
               in
               the
               sacrifices
               ,
               figures
               ,
               and
               Prophecies
               under
               the
               law
               ;
               and
               all
               true
               beleeving
               Christians
               in
               his
               word
               ,
               Sacraments
               ;
               and
               gracious
               presence
               in
               his
               Church
               and
               their
               own
               hearts
               ,
               under
               the
               Gosspell
               .
               And
               therefore
               because
               the
               blind
               naturalist
               or
               worldling
               sees
               not
               these
               things
               ,
               the
               daughters
               of
               Sion
               who
               have
               received
               the
               eye-salve
               of
               the
               spirit
               to
               discern
               spirituall
               things
               and
               are
               like
               Ezekiels
               wheels
               ,
               full
               of
               eyes
               ,
               Ezek.
               1.
               18.
               
               They
               are
               called
               upon
               only
               to
               behold
               this
               spirituall
               sight
               ,
               and
               to
               these
               only
               the
               promise
               is
               made
               ,
               for
               ,
               Blessed
               are
               the
               pure
               in
               heart
               (
               sayes
               our
               saviour
               )
               for
               they
               shall
               see
               God.
               
            
             
               3.
               
               The
               daughters
               of
               Sion
               are
               called
               forth
               to
               behold
               Christ
               ;
               the
               true
               Solomon
               ,
               as
               a
               king
               crowned
               with
               the
               Crown
               wherewith
               his
               mother
               crowned
               him
               :
               where
               we
               have
               first
               to
               consider
               who
               is
               meant
               here
               by
               his
               Mother
               ;
               and
               ,
               2.
               
               What
               is
               this
               crown
               ,
               and
               how
               he
               is
               crowned
               so
               by
               her
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               we
               must
               understand
               that
               Christ
               has
               a
               naturall
               Mother
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               the
               Virgin
               Mary
               ,
               who
               was
               his
               mother
               according
               
               to
               the
               flesh
               ,
               as
               also
               he
               has
               a
               mysticall
               mother
               ,
               which
               is
               his
               Church
               ,
               who
               in
               a
               divers
               respect
               is
               his
               sister
               ,
               as
               he
               calles
               her
               ,
               Cant.
               5.
               2.
               
               His
               spouse
               ,
               and
               his
               Mother
               here
               ,
               1.
               
               In
               estimation
               and
               affection
               ,
               because
               he
               so
               esteems
               and
               loves
               his
               Church
               and
               those
               who
               do
               the
               will
               of
               his
               Father
               ,
               as
               his
               very
               Mother
               ;
               as
               he
               showes
               and
               calles
               such
               ,
               Matth.
               12.
               50.
               
               And
               ,
               2.
               
               Because
               by
               the
               Doctrine
               of
               faith
               the
               pastors
               of
               his
               Church
               ,
               as
               by
               an
               Immortall
               seed
               ,
               they
               conceive
               and
               bring
               forth
               Christ
               in
               a
               manner
               in
               the
               hearts
               of
               his
               elect
               ,
               Gal.
               4.
               19.
               
               As
               the
               Apostle
               testifies
               saying
               ,
               My
               little
               Children
               of
               whom
               I
               travell
               in
               birth
               againe
               ,
               untill
               Christ
               be
               formed
               in
               you
               :
               for
               which
               cause
               also
               the
               Church
               who
               is
               described
               by
               that
               woman
               in
               the
               Revelation
               who
               was
               great
               with
               child
               is
               said
               ,
               travelling
               in
               birth
               ,
               to
               have
               brought
               forth
               a
               man
               child
               ,
               who
               was
               to
               rule
               all
               nations
               with
               a
               Rod
               of
               iron
               ,
               who
               was
               caught
               up
               to
               God
               and
               to
               his
               throne
               ,
               which
               is
               competent
               onely
               to
               Christ
               .
            
             
               This
               mother
               then
               is
               said
               to
               set
               a
               crown
               on
               Christs
               head
               ,
               which
               is
               a
               signe
               of
               dominion
               and
               victory
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Rev.
               19.
               11.
               
               When
               her
               true
               and
               faithfull
               members
               acknowledge
               his
               sole
               and
               only
               Soveragnity
               over
               them
               ,
               and
               submitts
               themselves
               to
               be
               ruled
               and
               governed
               by
               him
               alone
               ,
               and
               no
               other
               but
               their
               king
               and
               Lord
               Jesus
               to
               lord
               over
               them
               ,
               or
               have
               place
               in
               their
               hearts
               ,
               whereas
               on
               the
               contrary
               ,
               those
               who
               give
               place
               to
               Satan
               ,
               sinne
               ,
               or
               their
               own
               corruption
               ,
               their
               servants
               and
               subjects
               they
               are
               whom
               they
               obey
               ,
               these
               take
               the
               crown
               (
               as
               it
               were
               )
               from
               off
               Christs
               head
               ,
               and
               say
               he
               shall
               not
               raigne
               over
               us
               ,
               Psal
               .
               2.
               and
               puts
               it
               upon
               Satans
               head
               ,
               and
               puts
               ,
               only
               in
               Christ's
               hand
               by
               way
               of
               derision
               (
               as
               it
               were
               )
               with
               the
               Roman
               souldiers
               ,
               an
               empty
               reed
               for
               a
               scepter
               ,
               and
               crown
               him
               with
               a
               crown
               of
               thorns
               ,
               and
               while
               they
               say
               in
               word
               ,
               Let
               thy
               kingdome
               come
               ,
               they
               show
               in
               deed
               that
               they
               desire
               that
               it
               depart
               from
               them
               :
               and
               therefore
               they
               shall
               hear
               a
               sentence
               of
               a
               dreadfull
               departure
               from
               him
               ,
               when
               they
               who
               crown
               him
               here
               ,
               as
               the
               true
               members
               and
               subjects
               of
               his
               kingdome
               of
               grace
               ,
               shal
               be
               crowned
               hereafter
               with
               the
               crown
               of
               glory
               .
            
             
               And
               indeed
               great
               reason
               is
               it
               that
               his
               Church
               ,
               and
               all
               godly
               soules
               should
               thus
               crown
               Christ
               Jesus
               as
               their
               king
               and
               only
               Lord
               here
               :
               for
               ,
               1.
               
               In
               our
               creation
               ,
               as
               is
               shown
               ,
               Heb.
               2.
               6
               
               He
               crowned
               man
               (
               whom
               he
               made
               little
               inferior
               to
               Angels
               )
               with
               glory
               and
               honour
               and
               set
               him
               over
               the
               works
               of
               his
               hands
               ,
               2.
               
               In
               the
               work
               of
               our
               Redemption
               ,
               he
               crowned
               our
               
               nature
               by
               assumption
               thereof
               to
               his
               divine
               nature
               ,
               advancing
               the
               same
               highly
               above
               angells
               ,
               
               in
               that
               Hypostaticall
               Union
               on
               earth
               ,
               and
               now
               much
               more
               in
               glory
               and
               at
               the
               right
               hand
               of
               the
               Father
               in
               the
               heavens
               ,
               3.
               
               As
               he
               showes
               by
               his
               Prophet
               and
               
                 Psalmist
                 Psal
              
               .
               103.
               4.
               in
               the
               work
               of
               justification
               and
               remission
               of
               sinne
               and
               delivery
               from
               destruction
               ,
               he
               crownes
               us
               with
               loving
               kindness
               and
               tender
               mercies
               ,
               4.
               
               In
               the
               work
               of
               Sanctification
               ,
               as
               he
               speaks
               by
               Ezekiel
               of
               his
               church
               ,
               Ezek.
               16.
               12.
               
               He
               put
               a
               beautifull
               crown
               upon
               her
               head
               ,
               even
               that
               beauty
               of
               holiness
               ,
               whereof
               he
               speaks
               ,
               Psal
               .
               110.
               3.
               5
               
               For
               our
               use
               and
               comfort
               of
               this
               naturall
               life
               on
               earth
               ,
               as
               David
               sayes
               ,
               he
               crownes
               the
               yeer
               with
               his
               goodness
               ,
               and
               his
               paths
               drop
               fatness
               ,
               Psal
               .
               65.
               11.
               
               And
               6
               In
               the
               work
               of
               glorification
               ,
               he
               hath
               laid
               up
               ,
               for
               all
               his
               own
               elect
               ,
               a
               crown
               of
               Righteousness
               ,
               glory
               ,
               and
               life
               everlasting
               ,
               2
               
                 Tim.
                 4.
                 8.
                 1
                 
                 Pet.
                 5.
                 4.
                 
                 Rev
                 ,
              
               2.
               10.
               
            
             
               4.
               
               The
               time
               when
               he
               is
               said
               to
               be
               crowned
               ,
               is
               the
               day
               of
               his
               espousal's
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               gladness
               of
               his
               heart
               ,
               so
               that
               when
               a
               faithfull
               soul
               acknowledges
               Christs
               sole
               and
               supreame
               soveraignity
               over
               the
               same
               ,
               and
               wholly
               submits
               it self
               to
               his
               ruleing
               and
               government
               ,
               then
               and
               thereby
               is
               it
               espoused
               ,
               as
               a
               chast
               Virgin
               unto
               Christ
               Jesus
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               shewes
               ,
               2
               Cor.
               11.
               2.
               
               And
               so
               at
               one
               time
               as
               it
               were
               it
               crownes
               Christ
               ,
               and
               is
               espoused
               to
               him
               :
               and
               as
               this
               is
               the
               joy
               of
               the
               Angels
               ,
               so
               is
               it
               the
               joy
               and
               gladness
               of
               his
               heart
               ,
               who
               is
               Lord
               both
               of
               men
               and
               Angels
               ,
               proceeding
               from
               that
               love
               that
               he
               has
               to
               mans
               salvation
               ,
               and
               whom
               nothing
               at
               any
               time
               did
               so
               contristate
               when
               he
               was
               on
               earth
               ,
               as
               the
               stubborness
               of
               wicked
               sinners
               who
               would
               not
               be
               reclaimed
               ,
               as
               he
               shewd
               when
               he
               wept
               over
               Jerusalem
               ,
               and
               so
               grievously
               complained
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 that
                 the
                 daughters
                 of
                 Sion
                 are
                 called
                 upon
                 ,
                 to
                 go
                 forth
                 to
                 behold
                 king
                 ▪
                 Solomon
                 and
                 his
                 glory
                 .
                 The
                 cause
                 then
                 that
                 so
                 few
                 see
                 Christ
                 the
                 true
                 Solomon
                 in
                 his
                 spirituall
                 glory
                 ,
                 beauty
                 and
                 Majesty
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 inamoured
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 seek
                 after
                 him
                 and
                 delight
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 is
                 this
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 never
                 learned
                 to
                 go
                 forth
                 out
                 of
                 themselves
                 ,
                 renouncing
                 their
                 own
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 will
                 ,
                 and
                 corruption
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 The
                 eye
                 whereby
                 Christ
                 in
                 his
                 spirituall
                 glory
                 is
                 only
                 seene
                 ,
                 seeing
                 it
                 is
                 faith
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 we
                 look
                 upon
                 him
                 in
                 his
                 ordinances
                 
                 with
                 a
                 carnall
                 eye
                 ,
                 we
                 will
                 ,
                 as
                 Herod
                 did
                 ,
                 set
                 him
                 at
                 nought
                 .
                 Therefore
                 if
                 we
                 would
                 see
                 him
                 either
                 here
                 to
                 our
                 comfort
                 ,
                 or
                 hereafter
                 in
                 glory
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 seek
                 after
                 faith
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 eye-salve
                 of
                 the
                 spirit
                 ,
                 by
                 servent
                 prayer
                 and
                 frequent
                 use
                 of
                 the
                 meanes
                 whereby
                 it
                 is
                 obtained
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Seing
                 Christ
                 is
                 a
                 king
                 ,
                 and
                 our
                 king
                 ruling
                 and
                 protecting
                 us
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 do
                 the
                 duties
                 of
                 loyall
                 and
                 obedient
                 subjects
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 seeing
                 we
                 should
                 crown
                 him
                 here
                 by
                 acknowledging
                 his
                 soveragnity
                 over
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 submitting
                 our selves
                 to
                 his
                 rule
                 and
                 government
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 not
                 defraud
                 him
                 of
                 his
                 crown-right
                 here
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 would
                 not
                 justly
                 be
                 defrauded
                 of
                 that
                 crown
                 of
                 glory
                 which
                 he
                 has
                 at
                 the
                 Fathers
                 right
                 hand
                 ,
                 Heb.
                 ●…9
                 .
                 and
                 is
                 to
                 give
                 to
                 all
                 those
                 who
                 love
                 and
                 obey
                 him
                 hereafter
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Seeing
                 faith
                 and
                 obedience
                 make
                 such
                 a
                 spirituall
                 sibness
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 that
                 his
                 church
                 and
                 her
                 true
                 members
                 are
                 counted
                 his
                 Mother
                 ,
                 and
                 Spouse
                 ;
                 therefore
                 hereby
                 being
                 so
                 highly
                 honoured
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 all
                 strive
                 to
                 have
                 faith
                 in
                 a
                 good
                 conscience
                 ;
                 as
                 Manna
                 was
                 laid
                 up
                 in
                 a
                 golden
                 pot
                 ,
                 that
                 so
                 we
                 may
                 attain
                 to
                 this
                 high
                 advancement
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 these
                 comforts
                 that
                 results
                 there-from
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 As
                 the
                 submission
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 espousals
                 by
                 faith
                 and
                 obedience
                 of
                 the
                 same
                 to
                 him
                 is
                 the
                 gladness
                 of
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 so
                 the
                 finding
                 of
                 this
                 disposition
                 in
                 our selves
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 seeing
                 thereof
                 in
                 others
                 ,
                 let
                 it
                 be
                 in
                 like
                 manner
                 the
                 gladness
                 and
                 rejoysing
                 of
                 our
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 contrary
                 the
                 just
                 matter
                 of
                 greatest
                 contristating
                 the
                 same
                 .
              
            
          
           
             Finis
             terti●
             Capitis
             .
          
           
             Soli
             Deo
             gloria
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             IV.
             
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               1.
               
               Behold
               thou
               art
               faire
               ,
               my
               love
               ,
               behold
               thou
               art
               faire
               ,
               thou
               hast
               doves
               eyes
               ,
               within
               thy
               locks
               thy
               haire
               is
               as
               a
               flock
               of
               goates
               that
               appeare
               from
               mount
               Gilead
               .
            
             
               IN
               this
               whole
               Chapter
               for
               the
               most
               part
               is
               the
               speach
               of
               the
               bridgroom
               set
               down
               commending
               his
               bride
               ,
               1.
               
               Generally
               ,
               2.
               
               More
               particularly
               ,
               whose
               praise
               or
               expressing
               of
               her
               glory
               is
               not
               from
               outward
               Pomp
               and
               busking
               like
               that
               Whore
               of
               Babylon
               spoken
               of
               ,
               in
               the
               
                 Revelation
                 ,
                 Rev.
              
               17.
               
               But
               from
               the
               comly
               feature
               of
               the
               speciall
               parts
               of
               her
               body
               ,
               and
               as
               Peter
               sayes
               ,
               from
               the
               hidden
               man
               of
               the
               heart
               in
               that
               which
               is
               not
               corruptible
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               sight
               of
               God
               is
               of
               great
               price
               ,
               1
               Pet.
               3.
               3.
               
            
             
               First
               then
               he
               beginnes
               her
               praise
               from
               her
               beauty
               in
               generall
               ,
               whereof
               we
               have
               already
               spoken
               ,
               c.
               1.
               15.
               
            
             
               Next
               ,
               from
               the
               comly
               feature
               of
               the
               parts
               of
               her
               body
               in
               particular
               ▪
               to
               show
               thereby
               that
               her
               beauty
               and
               comliness
               which
               he
               has
               put
               upon
               her
               ,
               as
               he
               speakes
               by
               his
               Propher
               
                 Eze.
                 kiel
                 ,
                 Ezek.
              
               16.
               14.
               is
               a
               compleat
               and
               perfect
               beauty
               ,
               defective
               in
               no
               part
               :
               for
               if
               in
               any
               person
               one
               part
               be
               deformed
               ,
               though
               the
               other
               parts
               be
               comely
               ,
               in
               such
               there
               is
               no
               perfect
               beauty
               ;
               but
               in
               Gods
               church
               which
               is
               his
               mysticall
               body
               there
               is
               no
               such
               thing
               ,
               who
               is
               not
               therefore
               like
               Nebuchadnezars
               Image
               ,
               whose
               head
               though
               it
               was
               of
               gold
               ,
               and
               the
               body
               of
               silver
               ,
               yet
               the
               feet
               were
               but
               Iron
               and
               clay
               ,
               but
               she
               is
               glorious
               in
               all
               her
               parts
               and
               members
               ,
               and
               therefore
               being
               washed
               and
               sanctified
               by
               him
               ,
               justly
               doeth
               he
               ●ay
               ,
               verse
               .
               7.
               
               Thou
               art
               all
               fair
               ,
               my
               love
               ,
               there
               is
               no
               spot
               in
               thee
               .
            
             
               In
               this
               particular
               commendation
               ,
               he
               beginnes
               at
               her
               eyes
               ,
               saying
               ,
               that
               within
               her
               locks
               she
               had
               doves
               eyes
               ,
               whereby
               what
               was
               signified
               ,
               we
               shewed
               before
               ,
               c.
               1.
               15.
               
               Which
               are
               here
               said
               to
               be
               within
               her
               locks
               ,
               used
               by
               virgins
               for
               decence
               and
               alluring
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Revel
               .
               9.
               8.
               
               Hereby
               to
               signifie
               her
               care
               to
               procure
               his
               love
               and
               delight
               in
               her
               .
            
             
               Next
               he
               commends
               her
               from
               her
               haire
               ,
               which
               he
               sayes
               is
               like
               a
               slock
               of
               goats
               ,
               that
               appeare
               from
               mount
               Gilead
               ,
               whereby
               are
               understood
               her
               holy
               thoughts
               rightly
               ordered
               ,
               as
               virgins
               
               haire
               uses
               to
               be
               ,
               proceeding
               from
               a
               Sanctified
               heart
               ,
               as
               haires
               do
               from
               the
               head
               ,
               the
               chief
               part
               of
               the
               body
               ,
               and
               rising
               upward
               by
               heavenly
               desires
               and
               contemplation
               ;
               and
               therefore
               compared
               (
               as
               is
               said
               )
               to
               a
               flock
               of
               goates
               who
               delight
               to
               climb
               and
               seek
               to
               high
               and
               steep
               places
               ,
               and
               therefore
               are
               said
               to
               appeare
               from
               mount
               Gilead
               ,
               a
               goodly
               and
               high
               mountaine
               of
               pasture
               ,
               whereof
               we
               read
               ,
               Numb
               .
               32.
               1.
               
               Others
               understand
               by
               her
               haire
               the
               multitude
               of
               common
               Christians
               ,
               by
               externall
               profession
               holding
               to
               the
               head
               ,
               yet
               some
               whereof
               oft
               fall
               off
               ,
               and
               others
               are
               cut
               off
               by
               excommunication
               .
            
          
           
             
               Verse
               .
               2.
               
               Thy
               teeth
               are
               like
               a
               stock
               of
               sheep
               that
               are
               eaven
               shorne
               ,
               which
               came
               up
               from
               the
               washing
               ,
               whereof
               every
               one
               beares
               twinne
               ,
               and
               none
               is
               barren
               among
               them
               ,
               3.
               
               Thy
               lips
               are
               like
               athread
               of
               scarlet
               ,
               and
               thy
               speech
               is
               comely
               ;
               thy
               temples
               are
               like
               a
               peece
               of
               Pomegranate
               ,
               within
               thy
               locks
               ,
               4.
               
               Thy
               neck
               is
               like
               the
               towre
               of
               David
               ,
               builded
               for
               an
               armory
               ,
               &c.
               
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               he
               commends
               her
               from
               her
               teeth
               ,
               the
               comliness
               and
               beauty
               whereof
               in
               the
               naturall
               body
               consists
               in
               these
               two
               things
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               that
               they
               be
               eaven
               and
               white
               ,
               and
               therefore
               he
               compares
               them
               to
               a
               flock
               of
               sheep
               ,
               that
               are
               eaven
               shorne
               ,
               and
               are
               white
               ;
               being
               newly
               come
               up
               from
               the
               washing
               ,
               by
               which
               are
               understood
               in
               the
               mysticall
               body
               of
               Christs
               church
               ,
               her
               faithfull
               and
               godly
               pastors
               ,
               who
               1
               as
               the
               teeth
               cut
               and
               prepare
               the
               food
               for
               the
               nourishment
               of
               the
               body
               ,
               so
               do
               they
               devide
               the
               word
               aright
               ,
               and
               prepare
               food
               for
               the
               nourishment
               of
               the
               soul
               ,
               as
               also
               2.
               as
               these
               are
               like
               an
               eaven
               shorn
               flock
               ,
               so
               this
               signifieth
               how
               pastors
               should
               agree
               in
               one
               harmony
               of
               truth
               and
               unity
               ,
               3.
               
               And
               as
               the
               teeth
               are
               white
               in
               colour
               ,
               so
               should
               pastors
               be
               holy
               and
               spotless
               in
               conversation
               :
               &
               lastly
               ,
               as
               the
               churches
               teeth
               are
               like
               a
               flock
               of
               sheep
               whereof
               every
               one
               bears
               twinnes
               ,
               and
               there
               is
               none
               barren
               amongst
               them
               ;
               so
               should
               pastors
               labour
               to
               be
               fruitfull
               by
               the
               immortall
               seed
               of
               the
               word
               to
               beget
               and
               bring
               forth
               many
               children
               to
               God.
               
            
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               he
               commends
               her
               from
               her
               lipps
               ,
               which
               are
               for
               a
               twofold
               use
               ,
               1.
               
               For
               the
               expression
               of
               love
               by
               kissing
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               C●nt
               .
               1.
               2.
               and
               ,
               2.
               
               For
               help
               of
               articulate
               and
               comely
               speakking
               ,
               
               (
               and
               therefore
               he
               subjoynes
               ,
               that
               her
               speech
               is
               comely
               .
               )
               And
               therefore
               her
               lips
               (
               here
               compared
               to
               a
               thread
               of
               scarlet
               )
               does
               signifie
               ,
               1
               Her
               servent
               love
               to
               Christ
               ,
               and
               that
               submission
               and
               obedience
               that
               flowes
               therefrom
               ,
               spoken
               of
               ,
               by
               kissing
               the
               Son
               ,
               Psal
               .
               2.
               12.
               as
               also
               her
               holy
               and
               comely
               speech
               ,
               here
               mentioned
               ,
               both
               in
               prayer
               and
               praising
               God
               ,
               and
               edifying
               likewise
               her
               neighbours
               ;
               showing
               thereby
               ,
               (
               as
               it
               is
               said
               of
               the
               vertuous
               woman
               )
               that
               the
               law
               of
               Grace
               is
               in
               her
               lips
               ,
               and
               that
               the
               same
               proceeds
               from
               a
               heart
               purged
               by
               faith
               ,
               in
               Christ's
               blood
               ,
               which
               makes
               it
               to
               be
               ,
               as
               if
               it
               were
               of
               a
               red
               or
               scarlet
               die
               .
               3
               Her
               lips
               are
               the
               delivery
               of
               the
               wholsome
               doctrine
               of
               her
               teachers
               ,
               precious
               like
               scarlet
               ,
               and
               teaching
               Christ
               crucified
               ,
               by
               whose
               blood
               we
               are
               saved
               ,
               and
               drawn
               like
               a
               wel-spun
               thread
               out
               of
               holy
               Scripture
               .
            
             
               Fifthly
               ,
               He
               commends
               her
               from
               her
               temples
               or
               cheeks
               ,
               the
               seat
               of
               shamefastnesse
               or
               blushing
               ,
               which
               he
               compares
               to
               a
               piece
               of
               pomgranat
               ,
               that
               is
               reddish
               ,
               betokening
               thereby
               her
               chast
               modesty
               ,
               and
               blushing
               ,
               if
               she
               do
               any
               thing
               amisse
               ,
               or
               be
               rebuked
               for
               the
               same
               ;
               and
               therefore
               is
               not
               impudent
               (
               as
               many
               are
               )
               in
               sinning
               ,
               and
               of
               a
               whoorish
               forehead
               ,
               that
               cannot
               be
               ashamed
               ;
               nor
               yet
               impatient
               or
               carelesse
               for
               rebuke
               .
               And
               this
               her
               shamefastnesse
               and
               modesty
               are
               these
               rowes
               of
               Jewells
               ,
               wherewith
               her
               cheeks
               are
               made
               comely
               ,
               as
               is
               said
               before
               ,
               cap.
               1.
               10.
               
            
             
               Sixthly
               ,
               He
               commends
               her
               from
               her
               neck
               ,
               which
               is
               streight
               and
               comely
               ,
               and
               is
               like
               the
               Towre
               of
               David
               ,
               builded
               for
               an
               Armoury
               ;
               signifying
               thereby
               ,
               that
               being
               united
               to
               her
               head
               by
               faith
               ,
               as
               the
               neck
               joynes
               the
               head
               with
               the
               rest
               of
               the
               body
               ,
               her
               carriage
               accordingly
               is
               upright
               and
               holy
               ,
               not
               stooping
               ,
               neither
               to
               sin's
               slavery
               ,
               against
               which
               she
               is
               armed
               with
               the
               whole
               armour
               of
               God
               ,
               spoken
               of
               ,
               Ephes
               .
               6.
               nor
               yet
               basely
               bowing
               down
               to
               the
               love
               of
               earth
               and
               earthly
               things
               ,
               but
               as
               she
               is
               exhorted
               ,
               Col.
               3.
               1.
               being
               risen
               with
               Christ
               ,
               she
               seeks
               those
               things
               that
               are
               above
               ,
               where
               Christ
               sits
               at
               the
               right
               hand
               of
               his
               Father
               .
            
             
               Seventhly
               ,
               He
               commends
               her
               from
               her
               two
               breasts
               ,
               being
               both
               full
               and
               white
               ,
               and
               therefore
               compared
               to
               two
               young
               Roes
               ,
               that
               are
               twins
               ,
               and
               feed
               amongst
               the
               Lillies
               ;
               which
               breasts
               in
               women
               ,
               are
               1
               for
               ornament
               and
               delight
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Prov.
               5.
               19.
               as
               also
               ,
               2
               for
               use
               and
               nourishing
               of
               Insants
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Psal
               .
               22.
               9.
               
               Even
               so
               these
               two
               breasts
               of
               the
               Church
               ,
               (
               which
               are
               the
               sound
               doctrin
               of
               the
               Old
               and
               New
               Testaments
               )
               
               ments
               )
               are
               the
               onely
               true
               and
               greatest
               ornament
               ,
               that
               any
               Church
               has
               ,
               which
               makes
               her
               truly
               glorious
               ;
               and
               therefore
               Rev.
               12.
               1.
               the
               Church
               is
               said
               to
               have
               her
               crown
               of
               twelve
               Stars
               ,
               which
               is
               the
               doctrine
               of
               the
               twelve
               Apostles
               .
               As
               also
               ,
               it
               is
               out
               of
               these
               two
               breasts
               onely
               ,
               that
               she
               gives
               unto
               her
               children
               ,
               as
               Peter
               saies
               ,
               the
               sincere
               milk
               of
               the
               Word
               ,
               whereby
               they
               do
               grow
               ,
               1
               Pet.
               2.
               2.
               and
               out
               of
               them
               (
               as
               Isaiah
               speaks
               )
               God's
               children
               are
               exhorted
               to
               suck
               onely
               this
               milk
               ,
               and
               to
               satisfie
               themselves
               with
               the
               breasts
               of
               her
               consolation
               ,
               Isai
               .
               66.
               11.
               all
               other
               milk
               of
               human
               invention
               and
               errour
               ,
               being
               but
               poysonable
               and
               deadly
               ;
               and
               if
               an
               Angel
               from
               heaven
               should
               ,
               besides
               these
               two
               breasts
               ,
               offer
               or
               obt●ude
               any
               other
               milk
               ,
               or
               preach
               any
               other
               doctrine
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               saies
               ,
               let
               him
               be
               accursed
               ,
               Gal.
               1.
               8.
               
               These
               two
               breasts
               are
               also
               said
               to
               be
               like
               two
               young
               Roes
               ,
               because
               they
               are
               full
               of
               vigorous
               sap
               and
               sweet
               nourishment
               ,
               as
               young
               Roes
               are
               ,
               that
               feed
               in
               a
               pleasant
               pasture
               ;
               and
               are
               like
               twins
               ,
               by
               reason
               of
               their
               mutuall
               agreement
               ,
               in
               one
               and
               the
               same
               heavenly
               truth
               of
               doctrine
               .
               And
               thus
               from
               seven
               particular
               parts
               ,
               (
               the
               number
               of
               seven
               being
               the
               number
               of
               perfection
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Rev.
               5.
               6.
               
               )
               having
               commended
               her
               ,
               he
               thereby
               showes
               her
               beauty
               and
               comlinesse
               to
               be
               compleat
               and
               perfect
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Seeing
                 grace
                 makes
                 the
                 Church
                 to
                 be
                 so
                 fair
                 and
                 beautifull
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 lovely
                 in
                 Christ's
                 sight
                 ,
                 that
                 by
                 prefixing
                 the
                 particle
                 ,
                 
                   [
                   Behold
                
                 ]
                 he
                 admires
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 ,
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 and
                 calls
                 others
                 with
                 him
                 to
                 behold
                 and
                 admire
                 the
                 same
                 ;
                 as
                 the
                 Queen
                 of
                 Sheba
                 admired
                 Solomon's
                 glory
                 and
                 wisdom
                 ,
                 when
                 she
                 saw
                 and
                 heard
                 the
                 same
                 ;
                 nothing
                 therefore
                 more
                 then
                 this
                 should
                 inflame
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 to
                 seek
                 after
                 grace
                 and
                 godlinesse
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 First
                 he
                 commends
                 her
                 from
                 her
                 faith
                 ,
                 which
                 he
                 calls
                 her
                 eyes
                 ,
                 and
                 which
                 he
                 compares
                 to
                 doves
                 eyes
                 :
                 Therefore
                 we
                 see
                 the
                 wofull
                 estate
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 that
                 wants
                 faith
                 ;
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 blinde
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 no
                 marvell
                 that
                 it
                 be
                 mislead
                 by
                 Satan
                 ,
                 and
                 o●te●
                 stumble
                 and
                 fall
                 ,
                 nor
                 can
                 discern
                 things
                 aright
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 as
                 the
                 blind
                 desired
                 ,
                 that
                 Christ
                 would
                 open
                 their
                 eyes
                 ,
                 such
                 likewise
                 should
                 beseech
                 Christ
                 to
                 open
                 their
                 eyes
                 ,
                 with
                 that
                 eye-salve
                 of
                 his
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 give
                 them
                 true
                 faith
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 be
                 not
                 like
                 blind
                 Moles
                 ,
                 groveling
                 onely
                 in
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 and
                 going
                 on
                 to
                 their
                 endlesse
                 destruction
                 .
              
               
               
                 3.
                 
                 By
                 the
                 commendation
                 of
                 the
                 Church's
                 well
                 ordered
                 or
                 dressed
                 hair
                 ,
                 her
                 lips
                 and
                 comely
                 speech
                 ,
                 her
                 temples
                 of
                 bashfull
                 cheeks
                 ,
                 and
                 her
                 streight
                 and
                 seemly
                 neck
                 ;
                 we
                 ought
                 to
                 learn
                 the
                 things
                 signified
                 hereby
                 ,
                 that
                 our
                 thoughts
                 arising
                 from
                 purified
                 hearts
                 ,
                 should
                 be
                 holy
                 and
                 heavenly
                 ,
                 ou●
                 words
                 savoury
                 and
                 edifying
                 ,
                 our
                 actions
                 godly
                 ,
                 joyned
                 with
                 humble
                 and
                 bashfull
                 modesty
                 ,
                 and
                 our
                 whole
                 carriage
                 and
                 conversation
                 righteous
                 and
                 upright
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 By
                 the
                 commendation
                 likewise
                 of
                 her
                 teeth
                 and
                 breasts
                 ,
                 Pastors
                 should
                 learn
                 to
                 be
                 prudent
                 and
                 skilfull
                 ,
                 to
                 divide
                 the
                 Word
                 aright
                 ,
                 holy
                 in
                 life
                 ,
                 and
                 fruitfull
                 in
                 begetting
                 and
                 bringing
                 forth
                 many
                 to
                 Christ
                 ;
                 and
                 to
                 feed
                 God's
                 children
                 onely
                 with
                 the
                 breasts
                 of
                 the
                 holy
                 Scriptures
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 milk
                 of
                 sound
                 doctrin
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 Old
                 and
                 New
                 Testament
                 ;
                 and
                 being
                 the
                 Church's
                 breasts
                 ,
                 they
                 should
                 not
                 be
                 dry
                 breasts
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               6.
               
               Untill
               the
               day
               break
               ,
               and
               the
               shaddowes
               fles
               away
               ,
               I
               will
               get
               me
               to
               the
               mountains
               of
               myrrh
               ,
               and
               to
               the
               hill
               of
               frankincense
               .
               7.
               
               Thou
               art
               all
               fair
               ,
               my
               love
               ,
               there
               is
               no
               spot
               in
               thee
               .
            
             
               Some
               think
               these
               words
               to
               be
               the
               words
               of
               the
               Church
               of
               Christ
               ,
               showing
               in
               time
               of
               temptation
               or
               trouble
               ,
               untill
               comfort
               arise
               ,
               whither
               she
               will
               go
               by
               prayer
               ,
               meditation
               ,
               and
               confidence
               ;
               to
               wit
               ,
               to
               Christ
               her
               Bridegroom
               ,
               who
               is
               to
               her
               as
               a
               fair
               and
               firm
               mountain
               ,
               full
               of
               all
               sweetest
               ,
               odoriferous
               ,
               and
               most
               pleasant
               spices
               .
               Others
               expound
               these
               words
               ,
               still
               to
               be
               the
               words
               of
               Christ
               ,
               who
               ,
               
                 Vntill
                 the
                 day
                 break
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 shaddowes
                 flee
                 away
              
               ;
               that
               is
               ,
               till
               the
               day
               of
               generall
               Judgment
               ,
               (
               as
               has
               been
               shown
               ,
               cap.
               2.
               17.
               
               )
               as
               he
               has
               praised
               his
               Church
               hitherto
               ,
               so
               here
               he
               promises
               to
               be
               with
               her
               by
               his
               spirituall
               presence
               ,
               to
               the
               end
               of
               the
               world
               ;
               and
               which
               he
               calleth
               here
               a
               mountain
               ,
               (
               as
               she
               is
               oftimes
               in
               Scripture
               called
               ,
               the
               Mountain
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               compared
               to
               Sion
               )
               in
               respect
               of
               her
               holy
               calling
               ,
               advanced
               above
               others
               of
               the
               world
               ;
               and
               of
               her
               heavenly
               disposition
               ,
               rising
               in
               her
               desires
               and
               delights
               ,
               above
               the
               earth
               and
               earthly
               things
               ;
               called
               also
               here
               Mountains
               of
               myrrh
               and
               frankincense
               ,
               because
               of
               the
               sweet
               and
               savoury
               prayers
               and
               praises
               ,
               that
               she
               continually
               sends
               up
               to
               the
               Lord
               in
               her
               members
               ,
               with
               other
               such
               spirituall
               
               sacrifices
               ,
               made
               acceptable
               through
               Christ
               his
               mediation
               .
            
             
               Which
               promise
               he
               concludes
               ,
               with
               a
               repetition
               again
               of
               her
               praise
               in
               generall
               ,
               of
               perfect
               beauty
               ,
               which
               requires
               these
               three
               things
               ;
               1
               Integrity
               of
               all
               the
               parts
               ,
               none
               wanting
               .
               2
               Due
               proportion
               one
               with
               another
               .
               3
               A
               good
               complexion
               and
               constitution
               of
               all
               .
               Which
               praise
               he
               utters
               ,
               to
               shew
               his
               delight
               in
               her
               to
               be
               so
               great
               ,
               that
               he
               cannot
               sufficiently
               commend
               her
               .
               And
               further
               ,
               the
               more
               to
               confirm
               and
               comfort
               her
               against
               all
               her
               fears
               and
               infirmities
               ,
               he
               tells
               her
               ,
               that
               there
               is
               no
               spot
               in
               her
               ;
               from
               whence
               Paul
               seems
               to
               draw
               his
               alike
               speech
               ,
               Ephes
               .
               5.
               27.
               not
               that
               she
               is
               this
               in
               her self
               ,
               nor
               yet
               as
               she
               is
               here
               in
               this
               life
               ;
               but
               as
               she
               is
               by
               acceptation
               before
               God
               ,
               and
               in
               Christ
               washed
               and
               sanctified
               ,
               and
               in
               respect
               of
               her
               future
               condition
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 In
                 all
                 troubles
                 and
                 temptations
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 the
                 comfort
                 that
                 Christ's
                 church
                 has
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 her
                 true
                 members
                 ;
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 his
                 promise
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 shall
                 be
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 even
                 when
                 ,
                 to
                 their
                 own
                 sense
                 ,
                 and
                 judgment
                 of
                 others
                 ,
                 he
                 seems
                 to
                 have
                 forsaken
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Here
                 is
                 another
                 comfort
                 also
                 that
                 the
                 godly
                 have
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 dark
                 and
                 longsome
                 night
                 of
                 trouble
                 ,
                 that
                 at
                 last
                 the
                 break
                 of
                 day
                 shall
                 come
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 their
                 troubles
                 ,
                 like
                 shaddowes
                 ,
                 shall
                 flee
                 away
                 and
                 depart
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 But
                 if
                 we
                 would
                 be
                 truly
                 partakers
                 of
                 Christ's
                 comfortable
                 presence
                 ,
                 at
                 all
                 times
                 with
                 us
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 be
                 like
                 those
                 Mountains
                 whereof
                 he
                 speaks
                 ,
                 by
                 a
                 heavenly
                 disposition
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 holy
                 and
                 firm
                 confidence
                 ,
                 smelling
                 sweetly
                 by
                 grace
                 in
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 mortification
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 holy
                 exercises
                 of
                 a
                 godly
                 conversation
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Seeing
                 Christ's
                 delight
                 is
                 so
                 great
                 in
                 his
                 Church
                 ,
                 and
                 her
                 spirituall
                 beauty
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 cannot
                 (
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 )
                 sufficiently
                 commend
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 repeating
                 it
                 so
                 oft
                 ;
                 how
                 great
                 should
                 our
                 mutuall
                 delight
                 be
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 service
                 and
                 obedience
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
             
               Vers
               .
               8.
               
               Come
               with
               me
               from
               Lebanon
               ,
               (
               my
               Spouse
               )
               with
               me
               from
               Lebanon
               :
               look
               from
               the
               top
               of
               Amana
               ,
               from
               the
               top
               of
               Shenir
               and
               Hermon
               ,
               from
               the
               Lions
               dens
               ,
               from
               the
               mountains
               of
               the
               Leopards
               .
            
             
               In
               these
               words
               ,
               our
               Saviour
               having
               cleansed
               and
               beautified
               his
               bride
               ,
               he
               invites
               her
               heer
               to
               follow
               him
               ,
               and
               to
               seperate
               her
               from
               the
               society
               of
               the
               wicked
               ,
               and
               conformity
               with
               them
               ,
               who
               are
               but
               as
               barren
               trees
               in
               a
               wild
               forrest
               ,
               or
               father
               cruell
               &
               untamed
               beasts
               ,
               who
               resort
               in
               hills
               or
               dens
               ,
               as
               Lions
               and
               Leopards
               ,
               whereunto
               the
               wicked
               are
               compared
               to
               the
               Lion's
               for
               cruelty
               ,
               therefore
               saies
               David
               ,
               My
               soul
               is
               among
               Lions
               .
               Psal
               .
               57.
               4.
               
               And
               again
               ,
               speaking
               of
               the
               wicked
               man
               (
               whom
               he
               so
               calleth
               thrice
               altogether
               )
               he
               saith
               ,
               He
               lyeth
               in
               wait
               secretly
               ,
               as
               a
               Lion
               in
               his
               den
               to
               catch
               the
               poor
               ,
               Psal
               .
               10.
               9.
               
               And
               again
               ,
               Like
               a
               Lion
               that
               is
               greedy
               of
               his
               prey
               ,
               and
               as
               it
               were
               a
               young
               Lion
               ,
               lurking
               in
               secret
               places
               ,
               Psal
               .
               17.
               12.
               
               And
               therefore
               ,
               when
               he
               prayeth
               to
               be
               delivered
               from
               his
               wicked
               persecutors
               ,
               he
               saith
               ,
               Save
               me
               from
               the
               Lion's
               mouth
               ,
               Psal
               .
               22.
               21.
               
               And
               again
               ,
               Save
               me
               from
               all
               them
               that
               persecute
               me
               ,
               and
               deliver
               me
               ,
               Psal
               .
               7.
               2.
               lest
               he
               ●ear
               my
               soul
               like
               a
               Lion
               ,
               rending
               it
               in
               pieces
               while
               there
               is
               none
               to
               deliver
               .
               In
               like
               manner
               ,
               the
               wicked
               are
               compared
               to
               Leopards
               ,
               that
               haunt
               the
               mountains
               ;
               1
               Because
               of
               their
               being
               full
               of
               spots
               ,
               and
               all
               sorts
               of
               indelible
               or
               incorrigible
               vices
               ;
               therefore
               saies
               the
               Prophet
               to
               the
               wicked
               ,
               Can
               the
               Aethiopian
               change
               his
               skin
               ,
               or
               the
               Leopard
               his
               spots
               ▪
               Jer.
               13.
               23.
               then
               may
               ye
               also
               do
               good
               ,
               that
               are
               accustomed
               to
               do
               evill
               .
               2
               They
               are
               compared
               to
               Leopards
               ,
               both
               for
               craft
               and
               cruelty
               ,
               who
               use
               craftily
               to
               couch
               and
               hide
               themselves
               ,
               that
               without
               being
               seen
               ,
               they
               may
               observe
               and
               catch
               their
               prey
               ;
               see
               examples
               hereof
               ,
               
                 Exod.
                 1.
                 10.
                 
                 Matth.
              
               2.
               7.
               therefore
               saies
               the
               Lord
               by
               his
               Prophet
               Hosea
               ,
               Therefore
               I
               will
               be
               unto
               them
               as
               a
               Lion
               ,
               and
               as
               a
               Leopard
               by
               the
               way
               will
               I
               observe
               them
               ,
               Hos
               .
               13.
               7.
               
               And
               again
               ,
               the
               Prophet
               Jeremy
               speaking
               of
               the
               enemies
               that
               he
               should
               bring
               against
               his
               people
               for
               their
               sins
               ,
               and
               what
               they
               should
               do
               unto
               them
               ,
               saies
               ,
               That
               as
               a
               Leopard
               they
               should
               watch
               over
               their
               Cities
               ,
               Je●
               .
               5.
               6.
               3
               
               The
               wicked
               are
               compared
               to
               Leopards
               ,
               
               because
               of
               their
               swiftnesse
               to
               all
               wickednesse
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Habac.
               1.
               8.
               where
               it
               is
               said
               ,
               That
               the
               Caldeans
               horses
               that
               should
               come
               against
               Jerusalem
               ,
               should
               be
               swifter
               than
               the
               Leopards
               .
               And
               so
               in
               like
               manner
               it
               is
               said
               of
               the
               wicked
               ,
               That
               as
               they
               have
               a
               heart
               that
               deviseth
               wicked
               imaginations
               ,
               so
               they
               have
               feet
               that
               be
               swift
               in
               running
               to
               mischief
               ,
               Prov.
               6.
               18.
               
            
             
               Lebanon
               also
               ,
               whereof
               mention
               is
               made
               here
               ,
               sometimes
               is
               praised
               and
               taken
               in
               good
               part
               ,
               as
               Hos
               .
               14.
               6
               ,
               7.
               from
               the
               sweet
               smell
               of
               odoriferous
               spices
               ,
               flowers
               ,
               herbs
               ,
               and
               vines
               ,
               that
               grew
               there
               ;
               so
               also
               ,
               in
               this
               same
               chapter
               ,
               vers
               .
               11.
               15.
               and
               5.
               15.
               
               &c.
               Sometimes
               it
               is
               taken
               in
               a
               worse
               part
               ,
               as
               a
               place
               where
               wicked
               enemies
               of
               God's
               people
               had
               their
               habitation
               ,
               as
               Judg.
               3.
               3.
               to
               wit
               ,
               the
               
                 Philistins
                 ,
                 Canaanites
              
               ,
               and
               Hivites
               ,
               &c.
               in
               which
               sense
               it
               seemeth
               to
               be
               taken
               here
               ,
               when
               the
               Bridegroom
               calleth
               his
               Bride
               to
               come
               with
               him
               from
               Lebanon
               .
            
             
               Amana
               ,
               (
               otherwise
               called
               Abana
               )
               is
               also
               a
               mountain
               in
               Syria
               ,
               whereof
               the
               valley
               and
               river
               at
               the
               foot
               thereof
               took
               the
               name
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               2
               King.
               5.
               12.
               
            
             
               Shenir
               likewise
               ,
               which
               the
               Sidonians
               call
               Syrion
               ,
               (
               as
               we
               have
               ,
               Deut.
               3.
               9.
               and
               Psal
               .
               29.
               6.
               
               )
               and
               Hermon
               ,
               were
               those
               mountains
               ,
               which
               were
               of
               old
               possessed
               by
               Og
               King
               of
               Bashan
               ,
               and
               after
               by
               the
               Israelites
               .
               It
               is
               then
               from
               these
               places
               that
               were
               inhabited
               by
               wicked
               men
               ,
               and
               in
               respect
               thereof
               ;
               which
               were
               like
               mountains
               of
               Leopards
               ,
               and
               dens
               of
               Lions
               ,
               that
               the
               Bridegroom
               calls
               his
               Bride
               :
               As
               he
               saith
               to
               his
               people
               concerning
               Babel
               ,
               Come
               out
               of
               her
               ,
               my
               people
               ,
               that
               ye
               be
               not
               partakers
               of
               her
               sins
               ,
               and
               that
               ye
               receive
               not
               of
               her
               plagues
               ,
               Rev.
               18.
               4.
               
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 the
                 duty
                 of
                 all
                 such
                 ,
                 who
                 are
                 washed
                 from
                 their
                 spots
                 ,
                 and
                 made
                 fair
                 and
                 clean
                 by
                 Christ
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 continue
                 any
                 longer
                 in
                 sin
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 forsake
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 wicked
                 society
                 ,
                 who
                 like
                 spotted
                 Leopards
                 ,
                 delight
                 therein
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 follow
                 Christ
                 with
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 (
                 1
                 Cor.
                 11.
                 1.
                 
                 )
                 by
                 the
                 imitation
                 of
                 a
                 holy
                 life
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 may
                 be
                 our
                 pattern
                 on
                 earth
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 our
                 patron
                 in
                 the
                 heavens
                 .
                 And
                 when
                 any
                 Church
                 leaves
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 Rome
                 ,
                 we
                 should
                 leave
                 it
                 also
                 ,
                 and
                 follow
                 Christ
                 ,
                 chiefly
                 when
                 it
                 turns
                 to
                 a
                 den
                 of
                 Lions
                 and
                 Leopards
                 .
              
               
               
                 2.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 that
                 sinne
                 changes
                 men
                 to
                 beasts
                 ,
                 as
                 Dogs
                 and
                 Swine
                 ,
                 Foxes
                 and
                 Wolves
                 ,
                 Lyons
                 and
                 Leopards
                 ,
                 and
                 makes
                 them
                 of
                 no
                 better
                 account
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 nor
                 the
                 Godly
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 We
                 may
                 perceive
                 the
                 happiness
                 of
                 the
                 death
                 of
                 gods
                 Saints
                 ,
                 that
                 frees
                 them
                 from
                 being
                 any
                 more
                 amongst
                 such
                 ,
                 and
                 places
                 them
                 in
                 the
                 blessed
                 society
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 his
                 Saints
                 and
                 Angells
                 for
                 ever
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               9.
               
               Thou
               hast
               ravish't
               my
               heart
               ,
               my
               sister
               ,
               my
               spouse
               ,
               thou
               hast
               ravisht
               my
               heart
               with
               one
               of
               thine
               eyes
               ,
               with
               one
               chaine
               of
               thy
               neck
               .
            
             
               From
               this
               verse
               to
               the
               last
               ,
               the
               bridgroom
               proceedeth
               in
               the
               larger
               commendation
               of
               his
               bride
               :
               and
               first
               ,
               that
               her
               beauty
               is
               such
               that
               it
               hath
               ravished
               his
               heart
               ,
               see
               ,
               Pro.
               6.
               25.
               
               Which
               to
               show
               the
               truth
               and
               vehemency
               of
               his
               affection
               towards
               her
               ,
               he
               repeateth
               twice
               ,
               and
               sho
               weth
               how
               the
               eye
               of
               her
               faith
               that
               looks
               onely
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               the
               concatenation
               of
               his
               graces
               and
               spirituall
               ornaments
               (
               like
               a
               chain
               )
               bestowed
               on
               her
               ,
               makes
               her
               so
               amiable
               ,
               and
               hath
               such
               a
               wonderfull
               efficacy
               .
            
             
               But
               if
               faith
               be
               one
               of
               her
               eyes
               (
               may
               some
               say
               )
               which
               is
               the
               other
               ?
               I
               answer
               ,
               that
               in
               respect
               the
               church
               is
               brought
               in
               under
               the
               person
               of
               a
               woman
               ,
               therefore
               there
               are
               two
               eyes
               ascribed
               unto
               her
               ,
               which
               two
               eyes
               are
               the
               eyes
               of
               faith
               ,
               but
               in
               respect
               that
               there
               are
               divers
               degrees
               of
               faith
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               a
               weake
               faith
               ,
               and
               a
               stronger
               faith
               ,
               therefore
               here
               he
               would
               comfort
               his
               Church
               showing
               the
               efficacy
               even
               of
               a
               weake
               faith
               being
               true
               and
               sincere
               ,
               that
               it
               is
               powerfull
               to
               ravish
               his
               heart
               ,
               as
               the
               trembling
               touch
               of
               the
               woman
               diseased
               of
               the
               bloody
               issue
               drew
               vertue
               out
               of
               Christ
               and
               got
               a
               blessing
               ,
               as
               well
               as
               the
               strong
               hand
               of
               Jacob
               who
               wrestled
               for
               the
               same
               ,
               and
               the
               dimmest
               bleared
               eye
               that
               looked
               up
               upon
               the
               serpent
               in
               the
               wilderness
               got
               cure
               of
               the
               fiery
               stingings
               as
               well
               as
               the
               clearest
               .
               And
               of
               these
               two
               degrees
               of
               one
               and
               the
               same
               faith
               ,
               as
               of
               the
               stature
               and
               strength
               of
               one
               and
               the
               same
               person
               in
               infancy
               and
               riper
               age
               ,
               doth
               the
               Apostle
               speak
               ,
               saying
               that
               the
               Gospell
               is
               the
               power
               of
               God
               to
               salvation
               ,
               unto
               every
               one
               t●…
               beleeveth
               ,
               adding
               this
               reason
               ,
               that
               the
               righteousness
               of
               God
               is
               revealed
               in
               it
               ,
               from
               faith
               to
               faith
               ,
               not
               speaking
               ,
               as
               if
               there
               were
               two
               faiths
               ,
               but
               one
               and
               the
               same
               ,
               but
               a
               weaker
               increasing
               to
               a
               stronger
               .
            
             
             
               Next
               to
               the
               solution
               of
               this
               doubt
               ,
               and
               the
               better
               cleering
               of
               these
               words
               ,
               we
               have
               a
               new
               style
               which
               she
               receives
               ,
               he
               calling
               her
               his
               sister
               ,
               &c.
               
               Which
               is
               ,
               1.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               his
               incarnation
               ,
               whereby
               God
               became
               like
               one
               of
               us
               ,
               and
               he
               took
               upon
               him
               our
               nature
               (
               as
               the
               Apostle
               showes
               )
               and
               was
               made
               like
               to
               us
               in
               all
               things
               (
               sinne
               onely
               excepted
               )
               Heb.
               2.
               16.
               17.
               
               That
               he
               might
               be
               a
               mercifull
               and
               faithfull
               high
               Priest
               in
               things
               pertaining
               to
               God
               to
               make
               reconciliation
               for
               the
               sinnes
               of
               the
               people
               .
               Of
               whose
               incarnation
               as
               Adam
               after
               his
               fall
               heard
               with
               great
               comfort
               ,
               and
               the
               rest
               of
               the
               patriarks
               ,
               Gen.
               3.
               15.
               
               (
               mentioned
               ,
               Heb.
               11
               ,
               13.
               )
               so
               likewise
               Moses
               ,
               (
               and
               the
               Prophets
               after
               him
               )
               Prophesied
               ,
               saying
               ,
               A
               Prophet
               shall
               the
               Lord
               your
               God
               raise
               up
               unto
               you
               of
               your
               brethren
               ,
               like
               unto
               me
               ,
               Him
               shall
               yee
               heare
               in
               all
               things
               whatsoever
               he
               shall
               say
               unto
               you
               ,
               
                 Act.
                 3.
                 22.
                 
                 Matth.
              
               1.
               23.
               
               Therefore
               shall
               his
               name
               be
               Emmanuel
               (
               sayes
               the
               Prophet
               ,
               )
               which
               being
               interpreted
               is
               ,
               God
               with
               us
               ;
               this
               union
               of
               our
               humane
               nature
               Hypostatically
               with
               his
               divine
               nature
               into
               one
               person
               ,
               being
               the
               basis
               or
               foundation
               of
               that
               mysticall
               union
               between
               him
               and
               his
               church
               here
               by
               grace
               ,
               and
               of
               that
               celestiall
               union
               which
               we
               expect
               with
               him
               hereafter
               in
               glory
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               She
               is
               called
               his
               sister
               ,
               in
               respect
               of
               her
               adoption
               ,
               Rom.
               8.
               14
               ▪
               being
               through
               Christ
               the
               child
               of
               that
               same
               heavenly
               Father
               ,
               as
               Christ
               is
               himself
               ,
               though
               after
               a
               divers
               manner
               ,
               he
               being
               the
               sonne
               of
               God
               by
               nature
               and
               an
               eternall
               ineffable
               generation
               ,
               Gal.
               4.
               45.
               
               And
               she
               the
               child
               of
               God
               by
               grace
               ,
               and
               mercifull
               adoption
               ,
               and
               therefore
               a
               heire
               ,
               and
               coheire
               of
               that
               same
               inheritance
               of
               glory
               with
               her
               elder
               Brother
               whose
               sister
               she
               is
               ,
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               She
               is
               called
               his
               sister
               in
               respect
               of
               Sanctification
               ,
               or
               the
               new
               birth
               ,
               Rom.
               8.
               15.
               whereby
               as
               by
               her
               naturall
               birth
               she
               was
               the
               child
               of
               Satan
               ,
               whose
               image
               she
               bore
               ,
               so
               by
               her
               new
               birth
               she
               is
               the
               child
               of
               God
               ,
               1
               Ioh.
               3.
               9.
               and
               so
               a
               sister
               to
               the
               sonne
               of
               God
               ,
               whose
               image
               she
               now
               beares
               ,
               and
               therefore
               it
               is
               said
               by
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               for
               both
               he
               who
               sanctifieth
               and
               those
               who
               are
               sanctisied
               are
               all
               one
               ,
               Heb.
               2.
               11.
               
               For
               which
               cause
               he
               is
               not
               ashamed
               to
               call
               them
               brethren
               ,
               as
               also
               so
               sayeth
               our
               Saviour
               ,
               Matth.
               12.
               50.
               
               Whosoever
               shall
               do
               the
               will
               of
               my
               father
               which
               is
               in
               Heaven
               ,
               the
               same
               is
               my
               brother
               ,
               my
               Sister
               and
               Mother
               .
            
             
               But
               why
               is
               this
               redoubled
               ,
               (
               thou
               hast
               ravisht
               my
               heart
               ?
               )
               I
               answer
               ,
               this
               is
               used
               in
               Scripture
               ,
               in
               prayers
               ,
               as
               Matth.
               27.
               46.
               
               to
               show
               thereby
               their
               fervency
               ,
               in
               Prophecies
               us
               ,
               Gen.
               41.
               32.
               to
               show
               thereby
               the
               certainty
               ;
               and
               in
               simple
               narrrations
               as
               here
               ,
               to
               show
               thereby
               the
               vehemency
               of
               affection
               ,
               as
               is
               before
               touched
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 the
                 admirable
                 efficacy
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 ravishes
                 Christs
                 heart
                 ,
                 than
                 which
                 no
                 greater
                 comfort
                 can
                 the
                 soul
                 have
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 it
                 ought
                 diligently
                 and
                 earnestly
                 be
                 sought
                 after
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 retribution
                 which
                 he
                 craves
                 againe
                 of
                 us
                 is
                 ,
                 as
                 is
                 said
                 ,
                 Pro.
                 23.
                 26.
                 
                 My
                 sonne
                 give
                 me
                 thy
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 let
                 the
                 same
                 be
                 ravished
                 by
                 his
                 excellency
                 ,
                 and
                 matchles
                 love
                 that
                 he
                 has
                 caried
                 to
                 us
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 In
                 respect
                 that
                 he
                 sayes
                 ,
                 that
                 with
                 one
                 of
                 her
                 eyes
                 she
                 had
                 ravished
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 by
                 her
                 true
                 ,
                 though
                 a
                 weak
                 faith
                 ,
                 not
                 having
                 yet
                 made
                 that
                 progresse
                 from
                 faith
                 to
                 faith
                 :
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 singular
                 comfort
                 to
                 all
                 such
                 ,
                 who
                 have
                 but
                 a
                 weak
                 faith
                 ,
                 provyded
                 they
                 have
                 the
                 same
                 in
                 sincerity
                 ,
                 or
                 any
                 other
                 saving
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 use
                 the
                 meanes
                 carefully
                 that
                 the
                 same
                 may
                 grow
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Seeing
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 honour
                 of
                 Christ's
                 church
                 and
                 every
                 true
                 member
                 thereof
                 to
                 be
                 Christs
                 brother
                 or
                 sister
                 ,
                 and
                 consequently
                 the
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 who
                 is
                 King
                 of
                 kings
                 ,
                 and
                 heire
                 of
                 the
                 kingdome
                 of
                 glory
                 ,
                 what
                 great
                 incouragement
                 is
                 this
                 to
                 Sanctification
                 and
                 doing
                 of
                 Gods
                 will
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 we
                 should
                 labour
                 to
                 be
                 like
                 him
                 ;
                 who
                 disdained
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 like
                 to
                 us
                 .
                 Also
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 be
                 our
                 brother
                 ,
                 how
                 should
                 we
                 love
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 Abraham
                 said
                 to
                 Lot
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 nothing
                 that
                 should
                 make
                 a
                 strife
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 controversie
                 whereof
                 Hosea
                 speaks
                 between
                 us
                 .
                 Hos
                 .
                 4.
                 1.
                 
                 Moreover
                 being
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 both
                 our
                 brother
                 and
                 husband
                 (
                 ●s
                 Adam
                 was
                 to
                 Eve
                 )
                 we
                 may
                 be
                 assured
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 ●nd
                 all
                 both
                 brotherly
                 and
                 husbandly
                 care
                 and
                 kindness
                 ,
                 which
                 on
                 our
                 part
                 with
                 all
                 sisterly
                 and
                 spouse-like
                 duty
                 we
                 should
                 requite
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 This
                 is
                 likewise
                 a
                 great
                 comfort
                 unto
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 Christ
                 is
                 our
                 brother
                 :
                 for
                 as
                 Ruth
                 said
                 to
                 
                   Boaz
                   ,
                   Ruth
                
                 .
                 3.
                 9.
                 spread
                 the
                 skirt
                 of
                 thy
                 garment
                 over
                 me
                 ,
                 for
                 thou
                 art
                 a
                 neer
                 kinsman
                 ;
                 so
                 much
                 more
                 may
                 the
                 believing
                 soul
                 say
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 spread
                 the
                 skirt
                 of
                 the
                 garment
                 of
                 thy
                 righteousness
                 and
                 mercy
                 over
                 me
                 ,
                 for
                 thou
                 art
                 my
                 neer
                 brother
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 to
                 our
                 comfort
                 he
                 declares
                 that
                 has
                 done
                 the
                 some
                 unto
                 us
                 ,
                 
                   Ezek
                   ▪
                
                 16.
                 8.
                 
                 Also
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 great
                 comfort
                 that
                 we
                 have
                 a
                 brother
                 such
                 a
                 favorit
                 in
                 heaven
                 ,
                 as
                 Joseph
                 was
                 in
                 Egypt
                 ;
                 and
                 lastly
                 ,
                 this
                 should
                 teach
                 all
                 men
                 ,
                 
                 not
                 to
                 wrong
                 good
                 Christians
                 who
                 are
                 Christ's
                 brethren
                 and
                 sisters
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 that
                 he
                 joynes
                 these
                 two
                 together
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 ravishers
                 of
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 her
                 eye
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 chain
                 of
                 her
                 neck
                 ,
                 (
                 whereof
                 we
                 spake
                 before
                 ,
                 Cant.
                 1.
                 10.
                 
                 )
                 and
                 therefore
                 we
                 see
                 where
                 true
                 faith
                 is
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 never
                 without
                 the
                 spirituall
                 ornaments
                 of
                 other
                 saving
                 graces
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 see
                 Ezek.
                 16.
                 11.
                 
                 Which
                 makes
                 the
                 kings
                 daughter
                 glorious
                 within
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 shine
                 also
                 without
                 by
                 a
                 holy
                 conversation
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 If
                 Christs
                 church
                 be
                 his
                 spouse
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 here
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 Her
                 royall
                 dignity
                 ,
                 as
                 before
                 her
                 descent
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 Her
                 neer
                 conjunction
                 ,
                 3.
                 
                 Her
                 great
                 benefit
                 ,
                 being
                 accepted
                 with
                 all
                 her
                 debt
                 ,
                 whereof
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 suing
                 thereafter
                 from
                 her
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 communion
                 of
                 all
                 his
                 goods
                 ;
                 and
                 ,
                 4.
                 
                 Her
                 spouse-like
                 duty
                 ,
                 to
                 love
                 him
                 ,
                 be
                 chast
                 ,
                 feare
                 ,
                 obey
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 all
                 things
                 seek
                 to
                 please
                 him
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               10.
               
               How
               fair
               is
               thy
               love
               ,
               my
               sister
               ,
               my
               spouse
               〈◊〉
               how
               much
               better
               is
               thy
               love
               than
               wine
               !
               and
               the
               smell
               of
               thine
               ointments
               than
               all
               spices
               !
            
             
               In
               this
               verse
               ,
               1.
               
               He
               praises
               her
               love
               ,
               and
               prizes
               the
               same
               to
               be
               better
               then
               wine
               and
               ,
               2.
               
               He
               compares
               the
               smell
               of
               her
               garment
               ,
               to
               the
               sweet
               smell
               of
               Lebanon
               .
            
             
               The
               word
               in
               the
               originall
               is
               in
               the
               plurall
               number
               ,
               Loves
               to
               show
               thereby
               the
               plentifulness
               of
               the
               Love
               of
               Gods
               church
               and
               elect
               ones
               to
               him
               who
               so
               plentifully
               and
               above
               all
               measure
               has
               so
               loved
               them
               ,
               which
               plentifull
               affection
               ,
               and
               the
               fruits
               thereof
               (
               comprehended
               also
               under
               this
               word
               loves
               )
               he
               declares
               is
               most
               pleasant
               and
               acceptable
               in
               his
               sight
               ,
               as
               is
               said
               ,
               Psal
               .
               133.
               1.
               
               Of
               the
               unity
               of
               brethren
               ,
               how
               good
               and
               how
               pleasant
               it
               is
               for
               brethren
               to
               dwell
               together
               in
               unity
               ;
               good
               and
               pleasant
               there
               being
               joyned
               together
               ,
               as
               fair
               and
               better
               than
               wine
               ,
               in
               setting
               forth
               the
               churches
               love
               to
               Christ
               is
               joyned
               likewise
               here
               :
               and
               what
               is
               meant
               by
               wine
               ,
               and
               how
               such
               a
               holy
               love
               as
               is
               spoken
               of
               either
               here
               or
               there
               ,
               is
               better
               than
               wine
               ,
               I
               referre
               to
               that
               place
               ,
               Cant.
               1.
               2.
               
            
             
               Followes
               ,
               
                 (
                 and
                 the
                 smell
                 of
                 thine
                 ointments
                 then
                 all
                 spices
                 ,
                 )
              
               whereby
               is
               implyed
               that
               as
               Christ
               the
               head
               of
               the
               Church
               is
               anointed
               (
               as
               his
               name
               imports
               )
               unto
               a
               threefold
               office
               ,
               and
               with
               the
               oile
               of
               gladness
               above
               his
               fellowes
               ;
               so
               likewise
               is
               his
               Church
               ,
               of
               which
               unction
               John
               speaketh
               ,
               1.
               
               Joh.
               2.
               20.
               and
               the
               Psalmist
               ,
               Psal
               .
               133.
               2.
               and
               which
               unction
               is
               said
               here
               
               to
               give
               a
               smell
               ,
               better
               then
               all
               the
               sweetest
               spices
               whatsoever
               ,
               which
               were
               either
               used
               (
               as
               we
               read
               )
               for
               a
               holy
               use
               ,
               and
               to
               make
               a
               holy
               unction
               ,
               Exod.
               30.
               34.
               or
               for
               a
               civill
               and
               more
               common
               use
               ,
               as
               Esth
               .
               2.
               12.
               and
               were
               counted
               a
               fit
               present
               ,
               or
               royall
               gift
               for
               Kings
               ,
               2
               Chron.
               9.
               9.
               and
               Matth.
               2.
               11.
               
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 If
                 Christ
                 so
                 highly
                 prize
                 and
                 praise
                 our
                 love
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 so
                 due
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 little
                 profitable
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 16.
                 2.
                 then
                 how
                 should
                 we
                 labour
                 to
                 abound
                 therein
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 our
                 hearts
                 inflamed
                 therewith
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Before
                 ,
                 Christ
                 spake
                 of
                 his
                 Church's
                 faith
                 ,
                 vers
                 .
                 9.
                 and
                 now
                 he
                 speaks
                 of
                 her
                 love
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 where
                 the
                 one
                 is
                 ,
                 there
                 must
                 the
                 other
                 be
                 likewise
                 ,
                 and
                 where
                 love
                 is
                 ,
                 there
                 must
                 be
                 obedience
                 ;
                 according
                 as
                 he
                 saies
                 ,
                 If
                 ye
                 love
                 me
                 ,
                 keep
                 my
                 commandements
                 ;
                 which
                 serves
                 to
                 shew
                 now
                 ,
                 how
                 rare
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 Christ
                 is
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 With
                 love
                 here
                 there
                 is
                 joyned
                 a
                 sweet
                 smell
                 ,
                 as
                 of
                 precious
                 oyntments
                 :
                 Even
                 so
                 ,
                 where
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 Christ
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 there
                 must
                 be
                 (
                 as
                 has
                 been
                 said
                 )
                 the
                 sweet
                 smell
                 of
                 a
                 sanctified
                 life
                 ,
                 whereby
                 we
                 become
                 a
                 sweet
                 savour
                 to
                 God
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 afford
                 to
                 others
                 a
                 sweet
                 smell
                 of
                 good
                 example
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 speaks
                 ,
                 1
                 Cor.
                 11.
                 1.
                 whereby
                 ,
                 as
                 our
                 Saviour
                 shews
                 ,
                 men
                 seeing
                 our
                 good
                 works
                 ,
                 are
                 made
                 to
                 glorifie
                 God
                 our
                 heavenly
                 Father
                 ;
                 which
                 (
                 alas
                 )
                 few
                 do
                 ,
                 but
                 rather
                 the
                 contrary
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               11.
               
               Thy
               lips
               (
               O
               my
               Spouse
               )
               drop
               as
               an
               hony-comb
               ,
               hony
               and
               milk
               are
               under
               thy
               tongue
               ,
               and
               the
               smell
               of
               thy
               garments
               is
               like
               the
               smell
               of
               Lebanon
               .
            
             
               Here
               in
               this
               verse
               ,
               there
               are
               two
               things
               highly
               praised
               in
               the
               Bride
               of
               Christ
               ;
               1
               her
               speech
               ;
               and
               2
               the
               smell
               of
               her
               garments
               :
               the
               former
               of
               which
               is
               declared
               to
               be
               both
               sweet
               like
               hony
               ,
               as
               also
               wholsome
               and
               nourishing
               like
               milk
               ,
               as
               is
               said
               ,
               Prov.
               12.
               18.
               
               The
               tongue
               of
               the
               wise
               is
               health
               ;
               and
               Jo●
               23.
               12.
               they
               are
               said
               to
               be
               more
               esteemed
               ,
               than
               necessary
               food
               .
               These
               two
               ,
               being
               the
               two
               things
               wherewith
               the
               land
               of
               Canaan
               did
               abound
               ,
               and
               which
               ,
               as
               they
               did
               show
               the
               goodnesse
               of
               that
               land
               ,
               so
               these
               two
               ,
               the
               dropping
               of
               her
               
               lips
               as
               hony
               combs
               ,
               and
               hony
               and
               milk
               under
               her
               tongue
               ,
               showes
               the
               goodnesse
               of
               her
               heart
               ,
               from
               whence
               these
               proceed
               ,
               for
               out
               of
               the
               abundance
               of
               the
               heart
               ,
               the
               mouth
               speaks
               ;
               and
               a
               good
               tree
               is
               known
               by
               the
               goodnesse
               of
               the
               fruit
               .
               The
               heart
               then
               furnishes
               first
               to
               the
               tongue
               ,
               and
               thence
               from
               the
               store
               of
               grace
               in
               the
               heart
               ,
               Eccles
               .
               10.
               12.
               there
               is
               a
               store
               of
               gracious
               words
               ,
               which
               are
               called
               ,
               hony
               and
               milk
               under
               her
               tongue
               ;
               which
               it
               again
               furnishes
               unto
               her
               lips
               ,
               wherein
               (
               as
               is
               said
               of
               the
               vertuous
               woman
               )
               the
               law
               of
               grace
               is
               ;
               and
               they
               again
               ,
               (
               like
               the
               gainers
               with
               their
               talents
               )
               drop
               this
               honey
               on
               others
               ;
               that
               as
               by
               
               Jonathan's
               hony-comb
               ,
               1
               Sam.
               14.
               27.
               they
               may
               get
               enlightning
               and
               edification
               ;
               or
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               speaks
               ,
               her
               speech
               may
               be
               such
               ,
               as
               may
               minister
               grace
               to
               the
               hearers
               ,
               Ephes
               .
               4.
               29.
               
               Whose
               speech
               in
               like
               manner
               is
               compared
               ,
               not
               to
               a
               lavish
               gushing
               out
               ,
               but
               to
               a
               dropping
               of
               a
               honey-comb
               ;
               to
               show
               ,
               as
               is
               said
               ,
               Prov.
               31.
               26.
               that
               ,
               like
               the
               vertuous
               woman
               ,
               she
               opens
               her
               mouth
               wi●h
               wisdome
               ,
               speaking
               her
               words
               in
               due
               season
               ,
               and
               with
               discretion
               and
               moderation
               ,
               and
               not
               as
               Solomon
               speaks
               of
               a
               fool
               ,
               Prov.
               29.
               11.
               saying
               ,
               A
               fool
               uttereth
               all
               his
               mind
               ,
               but
               a
               wise
               man
               keepeth
               it
               in
               till
               afterwards
               ,
               Eccles
               .
               10.
               14.
               
               And
               again
               ,
               A
               fool
               is
               full
               of
               words
               ,
               but
               the
               tongue
               of
               the
               wise
               useth
               knowledge
               aright
               ;
               whereas
               the
               mouth
               of
               fools
               poureth
               ou●
               foolishnesse
               ,
               Prov.
               15.
               2.
               
            
             
               In
               the
               next
               words
               ,
               he
               commends
               the
               sweet
               savour
               of
               her
               garments
               ,
               to
               be
               like
               the
               smell
               of
               
                 Lebanon
                 ,
                 Hos
              
               .
               14.
               6.
               whereby
               is
               not
               meant
               her
               bodily
               cloathing
               ,
               for
               many
               of
               God's
               dearest
               Saints
               ,
               like
               Lazarus
               ,
               and
               the
               two
               Witnesses
               spoken
               of
               in
               the
               Revelations
               have
               been
               but
               poorly
               cloathed
               ;
               yea
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               speaks
               ,
               Heb.
               11.
               37.
               they
               have
               wandered
               about
               in
               sheeps
               skins
               ,
               and
               goats
               skins
               ,
               being
               destitute
               ,
               afflicted
               ,
               tormented
               ,
               of
               whom
               the
               world
               was
               not
               worthy
               .
               But
               thereby
               is
               understood
               her
               spirituall
               cloathing
               ,
               whereby
               the
               King's
               daughter
               is
               all
               glorious
               within
               ,
               Psal
               .
               45.
               13.
               
               And
               that
               woman
               in
               the
               Revelation
               is
               said
               to
               be
               cloathed
               with
               the
               Sun
               ,
               Rev.
               12.
               having
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               speaks
               ,
               put
               on
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               ,
               Rom.
               13.
               14.
               
               This
               is
               also
               that
               garment
               spoken
               of
               by
               
                 Ezekiel
                 ,
                 Ezek.
              
               16.
               10.
               of
               broidered
               work
               ,
               fine
               linnen
               ,
               and
               silk
               ,
               that
               the
               Lord
               put
               upon
               his
               Spouse
               ,
               being
               throughly
               washed
               ;
               and
               that
               white
               raiment
               ,
               which
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               advises
               the
               Church
               of
               Laodicea
               ,
               to
               get
               from
               him
               ,
               that
               the
               shame
               of
               her
               nakednesse
               might
               not
               appear
               ,
               Rev.
               3.
               18.
               and
               ,
               as
               is
               
               said
               ,
               Rev.
               19.
               8.
               which
               was
               granted
               to
               the
               Lamb's
               Bride
               ;
               to
               wit
               ,
               That
               she
               should
               be
               arraied
               in
               fine
               linnen
               ,
               clean
               and
               white
               ,
               which
               is
               the
               righteousnesse
               of
               the
               Saints
               ,
               imputed
               unto
               her
               in
               justification
               ,
               and
               inherent
               likewise
               in
               her
               by
               sanctification
               ;
               the
               one
               being
               like
               
               Esau's
               vesture
               ,
               wherein
               Jacob
               got
               the
               blessing
               ;
               and
               the
               other
               like
               
               Joseph's
               party
               coloured
               coat
               ,
               which
               he
               got
               from
               his
               father
               ;
               and
               whereof
               it
               is
               said
               ,
               Rev.
               3.
               4.
               
               Thou
               hast
               a
               few
               names
               in
               Sardis
               ,
               which
               have
               not
               defiled
               their
               garments
               ;
               and
               they
               shall
               walk
               with
               me
               in
               white
               .
            
             
               The
               savour
               of
               these
               garments
               is
               said
               to
               be
               as
               the
               smell
               of
               Lebanon
               ,
               which
               was
               a
               hill
               neer
               to
               Hermon
               ,
               where
               there
               did
               grow
               such
               sweet
               and
               aromatick
               trees
               ,
               herbs
               ,
               and
               spices
               ,
               that
               they
               gave
               such
               a
               smell
               ,
               (
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Hos
               .
               14.
               5.
               
               )
               that
               the
               passers-by
               were
               allured
               and
               delighted
               therewith
               .
               This
               smell
               therefore
               Christians
               give
               ,
               when
               by
               a
               holy
               life
               and
               conversation
               ,
               they
               make
               their
               light
               so
               shine
               before
               others
               ,
               that
               they
               glorifie
               God
               their
               heavenly
               father
               ;
               and
               when
               like
               the
               wise
               Virgins
               ,
               by
               the
               oyle
               of
               grace
               ,
               their
               lamps
               are
               both
               burning
               and
               shining
               ;
               and
               thereby
               they
               delight
               and
               draw
               others
               ,
               to
               follow
               their
               good
               example
               .
               Whereas
               on
               the
               contrary
               ,
               wicked
               professors
               send
               forth
               a
               most
               noysome
               ,
               pestiferous
               ,
               and
               infectious
               smell
               ,
               which
               ,
               like
               that
               of
               Sodom
               ,
               ascends
               into
               God's
               nostrills
               ,
               provoking
               him
               to
               wrath
               ,
               vexes
               the
               godly
               ,
               like
               Lot
               ,
               and
               scares
               many
               from
               the
               profession
               of
               the
               truth
               ,
               but
               allures
               none
               .
            
             
               This
               fragrancy
               the
               godly
               have
               from
               Christ
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Psal
               .
               133.
               2.
               and
               from
               the
               sweet
               unction
               of
               his
               Spirit
               ,
               Ezek.
               16.
               9.
               who
               (
               as
               the
               Apostle
               saies
               )
               has
               given
               himself
               to
               God
               for
               an
               offering
               of
               a
               sweet
               smelling
               savour
               ,
               Ephes
               .
               5.
               2.
               
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 here
                 a
                 strange
                 alteration
                 ,
                 that
                 grace
                 makes
                 in
                 the
                 godly
                 ,
                 that
                 whereas
                 by
                 nature
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 speaks
                 )
                 the
                 poyson
                 of
                 asps
                 is
                 under
                 their
                 lips
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 mouth
                 is
                 full
                 of
                 cursing
                 and
                 bitternesse
                 ,
                 cited
                 Rom.
                 3.
                 14.
                 by
                 grace
                 ,
                 their
                 lips
                 drop
                 as
                 the
                 hony-comb
                 ,
                 and
                 hony
                 and
                 milk
                 are
                 under
                 their
                 tongue
                 .
                 Before
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 of
                 polluted
                 lips
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 Isa●
                 .
                 6.
                 5.
                 
                 )
                 but
                 when
                 the
                 cole
                 of
                 grace
                 hath
                 touched
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 become
                 purged
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Seeing
                 the
                 lips
                 of
                 the
                 godly
                 drop
                 forth
                 hony
                 to
                 those
                 
                 that
                 hear
                 them
                 ,
                 even
                 such
                 speeches
                 ,
                 that
                 (
                 as
                 Ephes
                 .
                 4.
                 29.
                 
                 )
                 minister
                 grace
                 to
                 the
                 hearers
                 .
                 O
                 what
                 a
                 benefit
                 is
                 it
                 to
                 converse
                 with
                 the
                 godly
                 ,
                 by
                 whose
                 company
                 and
                 conference
                 they
                 may
                 receive
                 such
                 good
                 :
                 As
                 on
                 the
                 contrary
                 ,
                 what
                 danger
                 ,
                 detriment
                 ,
                 and
                 grief
                 is
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 converse
                 with
                 the
                 contrary
                 ,
                 under
                 whose
                 tongue
                 the
                 poyson
                 of
                 asps
                 is
                 ,
                 and
                 it self
                 a
                 world
                 of
                 wickednesse
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 James
                 calleth
                 it
                 )
                 setting
                 on
                 fire
                 the
                 course
                 of
                 nature
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 set
                 on
                 fire
                 it self
                 of
                 hell
                 ,
                 Jam.
                 3.
                 6.
                 
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 But
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 our
                 Saviour
                 speaks
                 )
                 seeing
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 abundance
                 of
                 the
                 heart
                 the
                 mouth
                 speaks
                 ;
                 if
                 we
                 would
                 have
                 our
                 lips
                 to
                 drop
                 like
                 the
                 hony-comb
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 labour
                 to
                 have
                 our
                 hearts
                 purged
                 of
                 that
                 root
                 of
                 bitternesse
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 naturally
                 therein
                 ,
                 &
                 to
                 have
                 them
                 sweetned
                 by
                 grace
                 ;
                 and
                 then
                 the
                 good
                 man
                 ,
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 good
                 treasure
                 of
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 will
                 bring
                 forth
                 good
                 things
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 With
                 lips
                 dropping
                 like
                 the
                 hony-comb
                 ,
                 a
                 sweet
                 smelling
                 garment
                 of
                 a
                 holy
                 conversation
                 must
                 be
                 also
                 joyned
                 ,
                 works
                 with
                 words
                 ,
                 and
                 practise
                 with
                 profession
                 ;
                 for
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 honouring
                 with
                 the
                 lips
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 accepts
                 ,
                 except
                 both
                 heart
                 and
                 hand
                 be
                 joyned
                 therewith
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               12.
               
               A
               garden
               enclosed
               is
               my
               sister
               ,
               my
               spouse
               ,
               a
               spring
               shut
               up
               ,
               a
               fountain
               sealed
               .
            
             
               Here
               by
               two
               new
               similitudes
               ,
               he
               sets
               forth
               her
               praise
               ;
               the
               one
               is
               of
               a
               garden
               enclosed
               ,
               the
               other
               is
               of
               a
               spring
               shut
               up
               ,
               and
               a
               fountain
               sealed
               .
               First
               then
               ,
               the
               church
               is
               compared
               to
               a
               Garden
               ;
            
             
               1.
               
               Because
               as
               a
               garden
               is
               taken
               out
               of
               common
               and
               waste
               ground
               ,
               to
               be
               appropriate
               to
               a
               more
               particular
               use
               ;
               so
               is
               the
               Church
               ,
               out
               of
               the
               masse
               of
               Mankind
               ,
               to
               be
               the
               Lord
               's
               peculiar
               ;
               and
               it
               is
               he
               onely
               ,
               who
               makes
               us
               so
               to
               differ
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               In
               a
               garden
               ,
               no
               rare
               or
               good
               thing
               comes
               up
               naturally
               of
               it selfe
               ,
               but
               what
               is
               sown
               or
               set
               ;
               even
               so
               ,
               nothing
               that
               is
               good
               ,
               no
               ,
               not
               to
               will
               ,
               have
               we
               of
               our selves
               ,
               but
               what
               is
               sown
               or
               set
               by
               the
               hand
               of
               that
               heavenly
               Husbandman
               ,
               Joh.
               15.
               1.
               
            
             
               3.
               
               For
               such
               sowing
               or
               setting
               ,
               the
               ground
               must
               be
               digged
               ,
               purged
               ,
               and
               prepared
               ;
               and
               so
               must
               our
               hearts
               for
               the
               good
               seed
               of
               the
               Word
               ,
               and
               the
               plants
               of
               grace
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               In
               a
               garden
               ,
               nothing
               uses
               to
               be
               sown
               or
               set
               ,
               but
               what
               
               is
               usefull
               or
               delightsome
               ,
               even
               so
               is
               all
               grace
               that
               is
               sowne
               in
               the
               heart
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               In
               a
               garden
               there
               is
               great
               variety
               of
               flowers
               ,
               herbs
               and
               plants
               ,
               &c.
               
               And
               so
               there
               is
               great
               variety
               both
               of
               edifying
               gifts
               ,
               and
               saving
               graces
               in
               the
               church
               of
               God
               ,
               all
               for
               the
               good
               of
               the
               whole
               body
               and
               every
               particular
               member
               thereof
               .
            
             
               6.
               
               No
               garden
               wants
               its
               own
               weeds
               unto
               which
               nature
               is
               a
               kind
               mother
               ,
               and
               therefore
               must
               be
               purged
               ,
               dressed
               ,
               and
               kept
               cleane
               ;
               even
               so
               none
               wants
               their
               own
               infirmities
               ,
               which
               our
               naturall
               corruption
               brings
               forth
               and
               nourisheth
               ,
               and
               therefore
               great
               need
               is
               there
               ,
               of
               mortification
               ,
               vigilance
               ,
               and
               prayer
               ,
               with
               all
               such
               means
               whereby
               the
               heart
               may
               be
               purged
               ,
               and
               kept
               cleane
               .
            
             
               7.
               
               Of
               all
               places
               men
               take
               most
               delight
               to
               walk
               in
               their
               gardens
               ,
               and
               so
               does
               Christ
               Jesus
               to
               walk
               in
               his
               Church
               ,
               
                 Rev.
                 2.
                 1.
                 
                 Psal
              
               .
               87.
               2.
               
               &
               132.
               13.
               
            
             
               Next
               ,
               this
               garden
               is
               called
               ,
               a
               garden
               inclosed
               ,
               Psal
               .
               125.
               2.
               1.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               distinction
               ,
               as
               Goshen
               from
               the
               rest
               of
               Egypt
               ,
               2.
               
               Of
               protection
               ,
               as
               the
               Lord
               in
               Zechary
               speaks
               ,
               being
               as
               a
               wall
               of
               fire
               about
               her
               ,
               Zech.
               2.
               5.
               or
               as
               he
               sayes
               in
               
                 Isay
                 ,
                 Isa
              
               .
               27.
               3.
               
               I
               the
               Lord
               do
               keep
               it
               ,
               I
               will
               water
               it
               every
               moment
               ,
               lest
               any
               hurt
               it
               ,
               I
               will
               keep
               it
               night
               and
               day
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               priviledge
               or
               appropriation
               ,
               
                 Psal
                 .
                 80.
                 12.
                 
                 Job
                 .
              
               1.
               10.
               
               Because
               that
               none
               others
               are
               partakers
               with
               her
               of
               those
               heavenly
               graces
               which
               she
               receives
               from
               Christ
               ,
               but
               her
               true
               members
               ,
               and
               elect
               ,
               how
               soever
               others
               may
               be
               partakers
               of
               the
               meanes
               ,
               and
               make
               a
               great
               show
               of
               verball
               profession
               ,
               as
               if
               they
               were
               the
               Church
               ,
               4.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               her
               chast
               carriage
               and
               reservation
               ,
               keeping
               her self
               only
               to
               Christ
               ,
               2.
               
               Cor.
               11.
               2.
               
               So
               that
               there
               is
               no
               entrance
               to
               any
               in
               her
               heart
               beside
               him
               ,
               she
               loveth
               ,
               obeyeth
               and
               worships
               him
               only
               ,
               not
               going
               a
               whoreing
               after
               any
               other
               ,
               so
               that
               of
               her
               it
               may
               be
               said
               ,
               
                 Paret
                 et
                 patet
                 uni
              
               ,
               nothing
               enters
               in
               it
               from
               without
               ,
               but
               what
               comes
               from
               the
               heaven
               above
               .
            
             
               The
               second
               thing
               whereto
               he
               compares
               her
               is
               ,
               to
               a
               spring
               shut
               up
               and
               a
               fountaine
               sealed
               ,
               where
               we
               see
               these
               two
               joyned
               ,
               a
               garden
               ,
               full
               of
               pleasant
               plants
               ,
               and
               lest
               any
               thing
               should
               wither
               ,
               or
               want
               moisture
               therein
               ,
               here
               we
               have
               a
               fountaine
               or
               spring
               sealed
               up
               ,
               that
               thereby
               as
               he
               speaks
               in
               Isay
               ,
               he
               may
               water
               it
               every
               moment
               ,
               Isay
               .
               27.
               3.
               
               Therefore
               is
               the
               godly
               man
               compared
               in
               the
               first
               Psalme
               to
               a
               tree
               planted
               by
               
               the
               river
               side
               .
               And
               it
               is
               to
               be
               noted
               that
               he
               speaks
               not
               of
               waters
               ,
               but
               of
               a
               spring
               never
               deficient
               ,
               or
               a
               fountaine
               that
               still
               abounds
               ,
               and
               yet
               though
               they
               abound
               so
               (
               as
               our
               Saviour
               speaks
               ,
               Joh.
               4.
               14.
               
               )
               that
               who
               drinketh
               thereof
               they
               shal
               be
               unto
               him
               a
               well
               of
               water
               springing
               up
               unto
               eternall
               life
               ;
               yet
               ,
               they
               flow
               not
               forth
               of
               the
               garden
               ,
               but
               are
               shut
               up
               and
               sealed
               ,
               so
               that
               none
               are
               watered
               by
               them
               but
               those
               plants
               of
               this
               garden
               ,
               which
               our
               heavenly
               Father
               has
               planted
               .
            
             
               The
               waters
               of
               this
               spring
               or
               fountaine
               whereby
               the
               plants
               of
               Gods
               garden
               are
               watered
               ,
               as
               the
               four
               rivers
               that
               watered
               the
               earthly
               Paradise
               ,
               are
               either
               those
               of
               Gods
               holy
               word
               ,
               by
               which
               faithfull
               pastors
               water
               the
               Lords
               garden
               ,
               as
               Paul
               speaks
               saying
               ,
               that
               he
               planted
               and
               Apollos
               watered
               ,
               which
               in
               the
               externall
               sound
               or
               Ministry
               they
               flow
               out
               unto
               all
               ,
               yet
               in
               the
               inward
               power
               and
               efficacy
               they
               are
               sealed
               ,
               and
               extend
               only
               to
               Gods
               elect
               ;
               or
               else
               these
               waters
               are
               those
               living
               waters
               ,
               or
               that
               water
               of
               life
               which
               Christ
               only
               gives
               himself
               ,
               and
               none
               else
               is
               able
               to
               give
               ,
               and
               those
               are
               the
               refreshing
               and
               comfortable
               graces
               of
               his
               holy
               Spirit
               ,
               whereby
               the
               soul
               is
               moistned
               and
               the
               Christian
               made
               fruitfull
               unto
               eternall
               life
               .
            
             
               Now
               this
               fountaine
               is
               said
               to
               be
               sealed
               ,
               signifying
               thereby
               unto
               us
               these
               two
               things
               ,
               1.
               
               The
               confirmation
               of
               grace
               to
               Gods
               elect
               ,
               and
               that
               they
               shall
               never
               fully
               nor
               finally
               fall
               away
               therefrom
               ,
               in
               which
               sense
               the
               word
               sealing
               is
               used
               ,
               Jerem.
               32.
               10.
               and
               Eph.
               1.
               13.
               2
               
               ▪
               It
               signifieth
               the
               participation
               of
               grace
               and
               reservation
               thereof
               to
               them
               only
               ;
               as
               ,
               that
               which
               is
               sealed
               is
               not
               communicate
               with
               others
               ,
               nor
               known
               to
               any
               but
               such
               as
               the
               same
               concerns
               ,
               in
               which
               sense
               ,
               the
               word
               sealing
               is
               used
               ,
               Isay
               .
               8.
               16.
               3
               
               It
               signifieth
               the
               Lords
               preservation
               and
               surety
               of
               his
               Church
               in
               common
               dangers
               and
               calamities
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               
                 Rev.
                 20.
                 3.
                 
                 Matth.
              
               27.
               66.
               and
               his
               continuall
               having
               them
               in
               remembrance
               ,
               as
               Job
               speaks
               of
               sealing
               ,
               Job
               .
               14.
               17.
               
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 If
                 we
                 be
                 as
                 a
                 garden
                 or
                 plot
                 of
                 ground
                 severed
                 from
                 common
                 use
                 to
                 the
                 owners
                 particular
                 use
                 and
                 delight
                 ,
                 then
                 let
                 us
                 walk
                 as
                 such
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 conforme
                 our selves
                 (
                 as
                 we
                 are
                 exhorted
                 ,
                 Rom.
                 12.
                 1.
                 
                 )
                 to
                 the
                 present
                 world
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 This
                 is
                 a
                 great
                 comfort
                 unto
                 us
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 the
                 Lords
                 garden
                 ,
                 for
                 as
                 a
                 man
                 has
                 a
                 care
                 of
                 his
                 garden
                 &
                 delight
                 theretherein
                 ,
                 
                 so
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 have
                 a
                 care
                 of
                 his
                 church
                 ,
                 even
                 in
                 her
                 greatest
                 extremities
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 This
                 also
                 serves
                 for
                 our
                 humiliation
                 ,
                 that
                 being
                 the
                 Lords
                 garden
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 he
                 onely
                 who
                 makes
                 us
                 to
                 differ
                 from
                 others
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 have
                 nothing
                 that
                 is
                 good
                 or
                 savours
                 of
                 grace
                 in
                 us
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 not
                 his
                 sowing
                 ,
                 planting
                 and
                 watering
                 and
                 who
                 gives
                 also
                 the
                 increase
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Seeing
                 his
                 church
                 is
                 a
                 garden
                 shut
                 up
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 therefore
                 make
                 our
                 hearts
                 patent
                 only
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 have
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 24.
                 7.
                 and
                 shut
                 up
                 from
                 Satan's
                 entry
                 ,
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 sort
                 of
                 wickedness
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 The
                 church
                 also
                 being
                 a
                 fountaine
                 sealed
                 up
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 spring
                 shut
                 up
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 that
                 this
                 is
                 proper
                 only
                 to
                 Gods
                 church
                 and
                 Christs
                 elect
                 number
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 saving
                 and
                 indeficient
                 grace
                 ;
                 into
                 which
                 property
                 none
                 others
                 have
                 any
                 share
                 ,
                 for
                 it
                 is
                 shut
                 up
                 from
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 rain
                 was
                 in
                 the
                 clouds
                 so
                 long
                 in
                 Elias
                 and
                 Ahab's
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 flowes
                 only
                 and
                 falls
                 on
                 the
                 elect
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 dew
                 did
                 on
                 Gideons
                 fleece
                 when
                 all
                 the
                 ground
                 beside
                 was
                 dry
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 ever
                 their
                 share
                 be
                 in
                 other
                 things
                 ,
                 yet
                 happy
                 are
                 they
                 who
                 have
                 their
                 share
                 in
                 this
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               13.
               
               Thy
               plants
               are
               as
               an
               orchard
               of
               Pome
               granates
               ,
               with
               pleasant
               fruits
               ,
               Camphire
               and
               spiknard
               .
               14.
               
               Spiknard
               and
               Saf●on
               ,
               Calamas
               and
               Cynamom
               ,
               with
               all
               trees
               of
               Frankincense
               ,
               Myrr
               hand
               Aloes
               ,
               withall
               the
               chief
               spices
               .
            
             
               From
               the
               commendation
               of
               this
               garden
               ,
               he
               condescends
               next
               to
               the
               praise
               of
               the
               plants
               that
               grow
               therein
               ,
               as
               in
               the
               Eden
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               are
               watered
               by
               the
               fountaine
               and
               well-spring
               of
               grace
               ,
               which
               are
               not
               common
               or
               ordinary
               plants
               of
               small
               esteem
               ,
               but
               are
               all
               sweet
               ,
               fragrant
               ,
               and
               precious
               ,
               replenished
               themselves
               with
               saving
               graces
               ,
               as
               a
               Pomegranate
               is
               with
               granes
               or
               kernells
               ,
               and
               bringing
               forth
               sweet
               fruits
               of
               new
               obedience
               ,
               which
               is
               like
               most
               odoriferous
               ,
               sweet
               smelling
               and
               precious
               spices
               ,
               to
               the
               glory
               of
               God
               and
               the
               good
               example
               of
               others
               ,
               whereby
               we
               may
               see
               that
               of
               all
               the
               goodliest
               gardens
               that
               ever
               was
               ,
               or
               can
               be
               imagined
               ,
               this
               is
               the
               first
               ,
               surpassing
               all
               others
               ,
               
                 quantum
                 lenta
                 solent
                 inter
                 viburna
                 cupressi
                 ,
              
               and
               showing
               how
               farre
               the
               church
               of
               Christ
               and
               true
               members
               thereof
               in
               excellency
               surpasse
               all
               other
               societies
               .
            
             
             
               By
               these
               goodly
               plants
               then
               are
               meant
               all
               the
               faithfull
               ,
               transplanted
               out
               of
               the
               first
               Adam
               ,
               by
               the
               mercifull
               hand
               of
               that
               heavenly
               husbandman
               ,
               and
               planted
               in
               Christ
               Jesus
               the
               true
               vine
               ;
               from
               whom
               sucking
               sap
               ,
               (
               as
               the
               woman
               diseased
               of
               the
               bloody
               issue
               drew
               vertue
               )
               by
               a
               true
               and
               lively
               faith
               ,
               and
               being
               incorporate
               in
               him
               they
               bring
               forth
               the
               good
               fruit
               of
               holy
               obedience
               :
               these
               plants
               are
               called
               ,
               the
               Lords
               pleasant
               plants
               ,
               Isay
               .
               5.
               7.
               which
               he
               has
               planted
               with
               his
               own
               right
               hand
               ,
               and
               branches
               which
               he
               has
               made
               strong
               for
               himselfe
               ,
               Ps
               .
               80.
               15.
               
               Trees
               also
               of
               righteousness
               transplanted
               out
               of
               nature
               ,
               planted
               into
               Christ
               by
               grace
               ,
               and
               at
               last
               ,
               from
               grace
               to
               be
               transplanted
               ,
               to
               be
               with
               Christ
               in
               glory
               ,
               Isay
               .
               61.
               3.
               
            
             
               Why
               also
               they
               are
               compared
               to
               Pomegranates
               has
               been
               touched
               ,
               not
               being
               like
               Hoseas
               empty
               vine
               ,
               Hos
               .
               10.
               1.
               
               Or
               that
               empty
               reed
               which
               in
               derision
               was
               put
               in
               Christs
               hand
               ,
               
                 Matth.
                 chap
              
               27.
               29.
               
               But
               because
               they
               are
               replenished
               with
               the
               graces
               of
               Gods
               holy
               spirit
               ,
               sweet
               and
               delicious
               to
               the
               soul
               ,
               as
               the
               granes
               of
               the
               Pomegranate
               are
               to
               the
               mouth
               ,
               yea
               some
               of
               them
               full
               with
               these
               graces
               ,
               Act.
               6.
               3.
               5.
               8.
               
               As
               a
               vessell
               is
               full
               ,
               although
               not
               full
               ,
               as
               the
               fountaine
               is
               said
               to
               be
               ,
               and
               which
               communicates
               to
               others
               .
            
             
               As
               for
               the
               rest
               ,
               towit
               ,
               the
               fruits
               here
               spoken
               of
               ,
               to
               insist
               upon
               them
               in
               particular
               and
               shew
               the
               excellency
               of
               every
               one
               of
               them
               ,
               I
               mind
               not
               ;
               partly
               because
               we
               have
               spoken
               of
               some
               of
               them
               already
               ,
               
                 Chap.
                 1.
                 
                 Verse
              
               .
               12
               ,
               13
               ,
               14.
               &c.
               And
               specially
               because
               by
               these
               excellent
               ,
               sweet
               ,
               and
               precious
               spices
               ,
               it
               is
               the
               scope
               of
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               only
               in
               generall
               to
               ●how
               the
               excellency
               ,
               sweetness
               ,
               and
               pretiousness
               in
               Gods
               sight
               of
               his
               own
               elect
               ,
               his
               graces
               in
               them
               ,
               and
               their
               fruits
               of
               obedience
               .
            
             
               These
               plants
               which
               bring
               forth
               such
               fruits
               hath
               the
               Lord
               planted
               in
               all
               ages
               ,
               by
               the
               Ministry
               of
               his
               holy
               Prophets
               ,
               Apostles
               ,
               and
               faithfull
               Ministers
               ,
               as
               Paul
               sayes
               of
               himself
               ,
               I
               have
               planted
               ,
               and
               by
               the
               wholsome
               and
               still
               waters
               (
               whereof
               David
               speaks
               )
               of
               pure
               and
               heavenly
               doctrine
               ,
               Psal
               .
               23.
               2.
               
               These
               has
               he
               watered
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               written
               in
               like
               manner
               ,
               
                 Apollos
                 watereth
              
               :
               from
               which
               planting
               and
               watering
               of
               the
               externall
               Ministry
               ,
               accompanied
               with
               the
               planting
               of
               the
               Lords
               right
               hand
               and
               watering
               of
               his
               grace
               ,
               or
               internall
               and
               divine
               efficacy
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               also
               added
               ,
               
                 but
                 God
                 gives
                 the
                 increase
              
               ;
               from
               hence
               (
               I
               say
               ,
               )
               do
               spring
               ,
               the
               saving
               knowledge
               of
               God
               ,
               unfained
               repentance
               ,
               a
               lively
               faith
               ,
               a
               stedfast
               hope
               ,
               fervent
               love
               ,
               holy
               Humility
               ,
               Meekness
               ,
               and
               mercy
               ,
               mortification
               of
               
               the
               flesh
               ,
               watchfulnesse
               and
               prayer
               ,
               sweeter
               before
               God
               ,
               than
               all
               the
               sweetest
               incense
               ,
               and
               such
               fruits
               of
               holy
               obedience
               ,
               that
               in
               value
               exceed
               all
               the
               chiefest
               spices
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Seeing
                 Christ's
                 Church
                 consists
                 of
                 such
                 excellent
                 plants
                 ,
                 let
                 every
                 one
                 labour
                 to
                 adjoyn
                 himself
                 thereto
                 ;
                 otherwise
                 being
                 but
                 as
                 stinking
                 hemlock
                 ,
                 fit
                 onely
                 for
                 rooting
                 out
                 ,
                 and
                 casting
                 into
                 the
                 pit
                 of
                 eternall
                 perdition
                 .
                 As
                 also
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 right
                 plant
                 ,
                 replenished
                 inwardly
                 with
                 saving
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 bringing
                 forth
                 outwardly
                 ,
                 the
                 sweet
                 smelling
                 fruits
                 of
                 holy
                 obedience
                 ;
                 and
                 not
                 a
                 bastard
                 or
                 degenerate
                 plant
                 ,
                 whereof
                 the
                 Lord
                 speaks
                 by
                 his
                 prophet
                 
                   Jeremy
                   ,
                   cap.
                
                 2.
                 21.
                 or
                 an
                 empty
                 Vine
                 ,
                 bringing
                 forth
                 no
                 fruit
                 ;
                 or
                 if
                 any
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Lord
                 complains
                 ,
                 but
                 sowre
                 and
                 unsavoury
                 grapes
                 ,
                 Isai
                 .
                 5.
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Seeing
                 the
                 godly
                 are
                 the
                 Lords
                 plants
                 in
                 his
                 pleasant
                 garden
                 ,
                 which
                 bring
                 forth
                 such
                 fruits
                 ;
                 O
                 happy
                 are
                 all
                 those
                 faithfull
                 pastors
                 ,
                 whose
                 ministry
                 the
                 Lord
                 uses
                 ,
                 to
                 plant
                 and
                 water
                 such
                 plants
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 make
                 them
                 fruitfull
                 in
                 such
                 excellent
                 fruits
                 .
                 Worthy
                 is
                 this
                 work
                 ,
                 and
                 may
                 be
                 called
                 
                   opus
                   operum
                
                 ;
                 glorious
                 is
                 this
                 employment
                 ,
                 let
                 blind
                 and
                 profane
                 worldlings
                 think
                 of
                 it
                 as
                 they
                 list
                 ;
                 great
                 also
                 is
                 the
                 blessing
                 ,
                 and
                 joy
                 that
                 a
                 pastor
                 may
                 have
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 find
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 by
                 him
                 has
                 planted
                 a
                 few
                 ,
                 or
                 one
                 of
                 these
                 plants
                 ,
                 and
                 great
                 shall
                 be
                 the
                 reward
                 of
                 such
                 planters
                 in
                 heaven
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 If
                 the
                 godly
                 be
                 the
                 Lord
                 's
                 precious
                 plants
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 noble
                 Vine
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 in
                 Jeremy
                 he
                 calls
                 them
                 ,
                 Jer.
                 2.
                 21.
                 
                 )
                 let
                 the
                 destroyers
                 of
                 these
                 plants
                 ,
                 and
                 layers
                 of
                 the
                 Lord's
                 vineyard
                 waste
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 complains
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 80.
                 )
                 consider
                 ,
                 what
                 fearfull
                 revenge
                 abides
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 wrath
                 from
                 the
                 Almighty
                 God
                 hangs
                 over
                 their
                 heads
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               15.
               
               A
               fountain
               of
               gardens
               ,
               a
               well
               of
               living
               waters
               ,
               and
               streams
               from
               Lebanon
               .
            
             
               In
               the
               former
               verse
               ,
               Christ
               called
               his
               Church
               ,
               A
               fountain
               sealed
               up
               ,
               which
               doth
               water
               all
               her
               plants
               ;
               and
               here
               she
               ascribes
               all
               the
               praise
               thereof
               unto
               him
               ,
               affirming
               ,
               that
               he
               is
               the
               
                 fountain
                 of
                 the
                 gardens
                 ,
                 &c.
              
               that
               is
               ,
               Look
               whatsoever
               waters
               of
               life
               is
               in
               her
               ,
               or
               in
               any
               particular
               Churches
               ,
               without
               challenging
               any
               part
               of
               that
               to
               themselves
               ,
               they
               flow
               from
               him
               onely
               ,
               as
               the
               prime
               and
               head
               fountain
               ,
               and
               it
               is
               onely
               
               out
               of
               his
               fulnesse
               ,
               that
               they
               receive
               grace
               for
               grace
               ,
               Joh.
               1.
               16.
               
               For
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               saies
               ,
               It
               hath
               pleased
               the
               Father
               ,
               that
               for
               this
               end
               ,
               in
               him
               all
               fulnesse
               should
               dwell
               .
               As
               the
               catholick
               Church
               then
               is
               called
               a
               garden
               ,
               so
               particular
               Churches
               are
               called
               here
               gardens
               ,
               and
               Christ
               is
               that
               fountain
               of
               the
               gardens
               ,
               whose
               plenty
               and
               plenitude
               is
               such
               ,
               that
               it
               reacheth
               it self
               to
               the
               watering
               of
               all
               these
               Churches
               ,
               dispersed
               thorow
               the
               world
               ,
               and
               all
               the
               true
               members
               thereof
               ,
               which
               are
               his
               pleasant
               plants
               .
               The
               waters
               of
               this
               fountain
               ,
               being
               like
               the
               few
               loaves
               and
               fishes
               ,
               which
               fed
               so
               many
               thousands
               ,
               and
               there
               were
               twelve
               baskets
               full
               gathered
               up
               ;
               or
               like
               those
               waters
               in
               Ezekiel
               ,
               that
               flowed
               out
               of
               the
               Sanctuary
               ,
               so
               abounding
               ,
               that
               they
               were
               waters
               to
               swim
               in
               ,
               and
               could
               not
               be
               passed
               over
               ,
               Ezek.
               47.
               5.
               
            
             
               Therefore
               also
               he
               is
               called
               ,
               a
               well
               of
               living
               waters
               ,
               and
               which
               sends
               forth
               many
               streams
               ,
               as
               those
               which
               come
               from
               Lebanon
               .
               Living
               waters
               being
               such
               as
               alwais
               do
               flow
               ,
               assprings
               do
               ,
               and
               never
               dry
               up
               ,
               opposed
               to
               standing
               waters
               .
               So
               that
               the
               meaning
               is
               ,
               that
               the
               graces
               and
               waters
               of
               life
               ,
               which
               do
               flow
               from
               Christ
               upon
               his
               Church
               ,
               are
               such
               ,
               as
               can
               never
               be
               dryed
               up
               ,
               they
               flow
               from
               so
               bottomlesse
               and
               inexhaustible
               a
               fountain
               ;
               so
               that
               albeit
               he
               bestow
               his
               graces
               and
               gifts
               from
               time
               to
               time
               ,
               in
               never
               so
               great
               a
               measure
               ,
               yet
               are
               they
               not
               diminished
               ,
               but
               like
               the
               widow's
               oyle
               ,
               superabounds
               after
               all
               vessells
               are
               filled
               therewith
               .
               Which
               waters
               likewise
               have
               these
               notable
               properties
               :
               1
               They
               are
               cleansing
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Ezek.
               16.
               9.
               though
               the
               stain
               were
               never
               so
               deep
               ,
               or
               the
               pollution
               never
               so
               great
               .
               2
               They
               are
               curing
               ,
               as
               the
               waters
               of
               Jordan
               cured
               the
               leprosie
               of
               Naaman
               ,
               and
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Ezek.
               47.
               9.
               3
               
               They
               are
               quenching
               ,
               though
               the
               aguish
               thirst
               of
               the
               soul
               in
               temptation
               were
               never
               so
               great
               .
               4
               They
               are
               quickning
               ,
               like
               those
               waters
               in
               Ezekiel
               ,
               which
               wheresoever
               they
               came
               ,
               made
               things
               to
               live
               .
               And
               5
               They
               are
               fructifying
               ,
               as
               we
               have
               in
               that
               same
               place
               of
               
                 Ezekiel
                 ,
                 vers
              
               .
               11
               ,
               12.
               and
               as
               it
               is
               said
               ,
               Psal
               .
               1.
               and
               in
               the
               preceding
               verses
               of
               this
               chapter
               ,
               making
               the
               plants
               of
               the
               Lord's
               garden
               like
               an
               orchard
               of
               pomgranats
               ,
               with
               pleasant
               fruits
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 the
                 disposition
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 godly
                 ,
                 that
                 in
                 a
                 humble
                 and
                 thankfull
                 manner
                 ,
                 they
                 ever
                 acknowledge
                 ,
                 what
                 ever
                 good
                 or
                 grace
                 is
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 have
                 it
                 from
                 the
                 
                 Lord
                 ,
                 the
                 full
                 fountain
                 thereof
                 ,
                 to
                 whom
                 therefore
                 they
                 give
                 the
                 glory
                 and
                 praise
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Seeing
                 Christ
                 Jesus
                 is
                 the
                 full
                 fountain
                 ,
                 and
                 well-spring
                 of
                 living
                 waters
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 so
                 graciously
                 he
                 invites
                 all
                 those
                 who
                 thirst
                 ,
                 to
                 come
                 and
                 drink
                 thereof
                 ,
                 Isai
                 .
                 55.
                 1.
                 
                 Let
                 all
                 those
                 who
                 would
                 participate
                 of
                 these
                 cooling
                 ,
                 cleansing
                 ,
                 curing
                 ,
                 and
                 quickning
                 waters
                 ,
                 come
                 to
                 this
                 blessed
                 fountain
                 ,
                 and
                 seek
                 comfort
                 ,
                 refreshment
                 ,
                 and
                 grace
                 there
                 onely
                 ,
                 where
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 found
                 ;
                 and
                 not
                 to
                 any
                 Creature
                 ,
                 Saint
                 ,
                 or
                 Angell
                 ,
                 or
                 other
                 mean
                 whatsoever
                 ,
                 not
                 of
                 God's
                 appointment
                 ;
                 like
                 those
                 ,
                 who
                 leave
                 the
                 fountain
                 of
                 living
                 waters
                 ,
                 and
                 dig
                 up
                 pits
                 unto
                 themselves
                 ,
                 that
                 can
                 hold
                 no
                 water
                 at
                 all
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 These
                 waters
                 are
                 called
                 living
                 waters
                 ,
                 as
                 being
                 not
                 onely
                 ever
                 scaturient
                 ,
                 but
                 likewise
                 because
                 where-ever
                 they
                 flow
                 towards
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 they
                 quicken
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 and
                 ,
                 as
                 is
                 said
                 ,
                 make
                 the
                 same
                 to
                 live
                 ;
                 and
                 where
                 life
                 is
                 ,
                 it
                 has
                 a
                 care
                 of
                 the
                 conservation
                 of
                 it self
                 ,
                 fleeing
                 and
                 abhorring
                 what
                 is
                 destructive
                 thereto
                 :
                 there
                 is
                 likewise
                 a
                 naturall
                 appetite
                 ,
                 after
                 that
                 which
                 doth
                 nourish
                 and
                 maintain
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 doth
                 manifest
                 it self
                 also
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 proper
                 motions
                 and
                 actions
                 thereof
                 .
                 So
                 that
                 where
                 these
                 things
                 are
                 not
                 found
                 spiritually
                 in
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 token
                 ,
                 that
                 these
                 waters
                 ,
                 which
                 are
                 called
                 living
                 ,
                 never
                 entred
                 therein
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               16.
               
               Awake
               ,
               O
               north-w●…d
               and
               come
               thou
               south
               ,
               blow
               upon
               my
               garden
               ,
               that
               the
               spices
               thereof
               may
               flow
               out
               .
               Let
               my
               beloved
               come
               into
               his
               garden
               ,
               and
               eat
               his
               pleasant
               fruits
               .
            
             
               Upon
               the
               Churches
               humble
               and
               thankfull
               acknowledgment
               ,
               that
               all
               the
               graces
               or
               goodnesse
               that
               is
               in
               her
               ,
               or
               any
               member
               of
               hers
               ,
               flowes
               onely
               from
               him
               ,
               as
               the
               full
               fountain
               ,
               and
               the
               inspiration
               of
               his
               holy
               Spirit
               ;
               Therefore
               our
               Saviour
               ,
               in
               the
               first
               part
               of
               this
               verse
               ,
               sendeth
               as
               it
               were
               his
               Spirit
               more
               plentifully
               and
               powerfully
               yet
               ,
               to
               breathe
               upon
               her
               .
               Such
               is
               the
               fruit
               of
               thankfulnesse
               for
               benefits
               received
               ,
               and
               the
               right
               using
               of
               the
               same
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               said
               ,
               
                 habenti
                 dabitur
              
               .
               And
               in
               the
               second
               part
               of
               the
               verse
               ,
               is
               the
               Church's
               invitation
               of
               Christ
               ,
               upon
               this
               increase
               of
               his
               grace
               in
               her
               ,
               to
               receive
               a●…d
               enjoy
               the
               holy
               fruits
               thereof
               .
            
             
               In
               the
               first
               part
               then
               of
               this
               verse
               we
               have
               ,
               1
               The
               mission
               
               of
               the
               holy
               Ghost
               to
               his
               Church
               ,
               under
               the
               name
               of
               north
               and
               south-wind
               .
               2
               The
               work
               of
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               which
               is
               Inspiration
               ,
               under
               the
               word
               of
               blowing
               on
               hisgarden
               .
               And
               3
               The
               end
               wherefore
               ,
               that
               her
               sweet
               fruits
               of
               holy
               obedience
               may
               more
               abound
               ,
               and
               her
               heavenly
               grace
               may
               more
               be
               manifested
               ,
               under
               these
               words
               ,
               
                 That
                 the
                 spices
                 thereof
                 may
                 flow
                 out
                 .
              
            
             
               Having
               then
               spoken
               before
               ,
               why
               the
               Church
               is
               compared
               to
               a
               garden
               ,
               and
               in
               this
               place
               is
               called
               ,
               
                 His
                 garden
              
               ,
               both
               by
               right
               of
               creation
               ,
               and
               acqui●tion
               at
               a
               deer
               rate
               ;
               We
               have
               to
               consider
               ,
               1
               Why
               the
               Spirit
               that
               blowes
               on
               this
               garden
               ,
               is
               compared
               to
               winde
               ;
               to
               wit
               ,
               because
               of
               alike
               properties
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               The
               wind
               has
               a
               purging
               power
               of
               the
               aire
               ,
               and
               therefore
               is
               called
               Nature's
               fan
               ;
               and
               so
               has
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               to
               purge
               and
               cleanse
               the
               soul
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               It
               has
               a
               cooling
               quality
               ,
               and
               so
               has
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               both
               to
               abate
               burning
               concupiscence
               ,
               and
               to
               comfort
               the
               scorching
               of
               trouble
               and
               temptation
               ,
               or
               Satan's
               fiery
               darts
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               It
               has
               a
               clearing
               property
               ,
               dispersing
               clouds
               ,
               and
               causing
               serenity
               ;
               and
               so
               has
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               to
               disperse
               the
               clouds
               of
               temptations
               ,
               and
               make
               fair
               weather
               in
               a
               perplexed
               conscience
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               It
               has
               a
               piercing
               force
               ,
               being
               subtle
               ,
               and
               searching
               through
               every
               narrow
               cranie
               ;
               and
               so
               has
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Act.
               2.
               37.
               
            
             
               5.
               
               It
               has
               a
               thawing
               quality
               ;
               and
               so
               has
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               to
               thaw
               our
               frosty
               and
               cold
               hearts
               ,
               and
               dissolve
               them
               ,
               as
               it
               were
               ,
               into
               a
               flood
               of
               tears
               .
            
             
               6.
               
               It
               has
               also
               a
               drying
               and
               ripening
               property
               ;
               and
               so
               has
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               to
               dry
               up
               the
               filthy
               issue
               of
               our
               sinfull
               humours
               ,
               and
               ripen
               us
               like
               wheat
               for
               the
               Lord's
               harvest
               .
            
             
               Next
               ,
               there
               is
               two
               winds
               here
               spoken
               of
               ,
               or
               a
               wind
               from
               two
               arcts
               ,
               the
               North
               and
               South-wind
               ,
               which
               though
               they
               seem
               contrary
               one
               to
               another
               ,
               yet
               herein
               they
               agree
               ,
               that
               both
               are
               necessary
               for
               the
               garden
               and
               Church
               of
               Christ
               .
               The
               North-wind
               then
               first
               ,
               is
               cold
               ,
               sharp
               ,
               and
               nipping
               ;
               and
               the
               South-winde
               warm
               ,
               comfortable
               ,
               and
               cherishing
               :
               Even
               so
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               sometimes
               humbles
               ,
               and
               makes
               one
               like
               a
               low
               valley
               ,
               and
               sometimes
               raises
               the
               soul
               with
               comfort
               ,
               and
               makes
               it
               as
               a
               high
               mountain
               ;
               or
               ,
               as
               is
               said
               ,
               Psal
               .
               107.
               26.
               sometimes
               they
               mount
               up
               to
               heaven
               ,
               and
               again
               they
               go
               down
               to
               the
               very
               depths
               .
               And
               to
               this
               end
               is
               God's
               wisdom
               
               suitable
               in
               the
               outward
               means
               ,
               some
               being
               Boanerges's
               ,
               to
               cast
               down
               ,
               and
               some
               the
               sons
               of
               consolation
               ,
               to
               raise
               up
               ;
               that
               by
               and
               in
               these
               ordinary
               means
               ,
               the
               Spirit
               may
               blow
               accordingly
               .
            
             
               The
               method
               also
               is
               to
               be
               considered
               ,
               that
               is
               here
               used
               ,
               speaking
               first
               of
               the
               north-wind
               ,
               and
               then
               of
               the
               south
               ,
               to
               shew
               unto
               us
               ,
               that
               till
               first
               the
               Spirit
               of
               God
               humble
               us
               by
               the
               Law
               ,
               and
               sight
               of
               our
               misery
               ,
               we
               can
               never
               expect
               ,
               that
               he
               will
               be
               as
               a
               south-wind
               to
               us
               ,
               to
               comfort
               us
               by
               the
               Gospel
               ,
               and
               give
               us
               a
               true
               sense
               or
               assurance
               of
               the
               Lord's
               mercy
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               the
               operation
               of
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               is
               called
               and
               compared
               here
               to
               blowing
               :
            
             
               1.
               
               Because
               as
               the
               wind
               blowes
               freely
               ,
               and
               where
               it
               lists
               ,
               so
               does
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               Joh.
               3.
               8.
               
            
             
               2.
               
               The
               blowing
               thereof
               is
               not
               seen
               ,
               but
               felt
               ;
               and
               so
               is
               the
               working
               of
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               by
               making
               a
               strange
               change
               ;
               see
               Ezek.
               37.
               9.
               
            
             
               3.
               
               It
               blowes
               not
               ever
               alike
               ,
               but
               sometimes
               more
               mightily
               ,
               sometimes
               more
               softly
               ,
               and
               sometimes
               not
               sensible
               at
               all
               ;
               even
               so
               does
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               and
               therefore
               in
               this
               place
               is
               bidden
               awake
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               While
               it
               blowes
               so
               mightily
               ,
               it
               bears
               down
               all
               before
               it
               ,
               whether
               turrets
               or
               trees
               ,
               so
               that
               nothing
               can
               withstand
               it
               ;
               even
               so
               ,
               sometimes
               the
               Spirit
               works
               so
               powerfully
               ,
               that
               it
               casts
               down
               all
               strongholds
               ,
               and
               overcomes
               greatest
               enemies
               ,
               and
               most
               wicked
               sinners
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               the
               conversion
               of
               Manasses
               ,
               and
               Paul
               ,
               &c.
               
            
             
               5.
               
               When
               it
               blowes
               softly
               on
               a
               garden
               ,
               it
               not
               onely
               furthers
               the
               grouth
               thereof
               ,
               but
               conveys
               sweet
               smells
               to
               the
               brain
               ;
               even
               so
               does
               God's
               Spirit
               by
               his
               breathing
               ,
               further
               the
               grouth
               of
               grace
               ,
               and
               conveyes
               sweet
               comfort
               to
               the
               soul
               .
            
             
               6.
               
               The
               blowing
               also
               of
               the
               wind
               ,
               by
               filling
               the
               sailes
               of
               ships
               ,
               carries
               them
               forward
               to
               their
               haven
               ;
               and
               so
               does
               the
               working
               of
               God's
               Spirit
               on
               the
               soul
               ,
               and
               filling
               the
               same
               by
               grace
               ,
               carrie
               forward
               the
               same
               to
               the
               haven
               of
               eternall
               happinesse
               .
            
             
               7.
               
               Men
               observe
               the
               winde
               ,
               and
               the
               blowing
               thereof
               ;
               and
               so
               should
               they
               the
               operation
               of
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               and
               the
               efficacy
               of
               the
               same
               ,
               with
               the
               accesse
               and
               recesse
               thereof
               .
            
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               the
               end
               of
               this
               blowing
               of
               these
               winds
               ,
               on
               his
               
               garden
               ,
               is
               ,
               That
               the
               spices
               thereof
               may
               flow
               out
               ,
               whereby
               are
               understood
               God's
               graces
               ,
               which
               ,
               like
               spices
               ,
               are
               precious
               ,
               pleasant
               ,
               and
               odoriferous
               to
               the
               godly
               soul
               ,
               and
               in
               it
               to
               God
               also
               ,
               whose
               gifts
               they
               are
               ;
               and
               for
               them
               ,
               the
               soul
               also
               is
               odoriferous
               to
               him
               ;
               and
               which
               graces
               oftimes
               ,
               lie
               like
               fire
               under
               ashes
               in
               us
               ,
               till
               the
               Spirit
               blow
               ,
               and
               then
               they
               are
               said
               to
               flow
               out
               ,
               which
               is
               not
               by
               minoration
               ,
               or
               departing
               from
               us
               ,
               but
               by
               emanation
               in
               their
               sense
               to
               us
               ,
               and
               fruits
               and
               evidence
               towards
               others
               ;
               as
               faith
               is
               seen
               by
               works
               ,
               like
               that
               of
               
               Job's
               patience
               ,
               
               Noah's
               constancy
               ,
               
               Joseph's
               continency
               ,
               
               Moses's
               fidelity
               ,
               
               Phinebas's
               zeal
               ,
               and
               the
               like
               graces
               in
               holy
               men
               ,
               by
               their
               holy
               examples
               ,
               which
               for
               imitation
               ,
               (
               as
               the
               Apostle
               speaks
               1
               Cor.
               11.
               1.
               
               )
               they
               did
               leave
               behind
               them
               .
               Which
               blowing
               of
               the
               Spirit
               likewise
               ,
               for
               this
               end
               ,
               is
               ordinarily
               by
               the
               blowing
               of
               another
               wind
               ;
               to
               wit
               ,
               the
               preaching
               of
               the
               Gospell
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               the
               same
               so
               compared
               ,
               Rev.
               7.
               where
               when
               the
               Lord
               denounceth
               ,
               that
               the
               course
               of
               the
               blessing
               of
               the
               Gospell
               should
               be
               stayed
               ,
               John
               seeth
               in
               a
               vision
               four
               Angells
               ,
               holding
               the
               four
               winds
               that
               they
               should
               not
               blow
               .
            
             
               In
               the
               second
               part
               of
               the
               verse
               ,
               followes
               ,
               upon
               the
               excitation
               and
               increase
               of
               his
               graces
               in
               her
               ,
               for
               the
               end
               aforesaid
               ,
               the
               Church's
               invitation
               of
               her
               Beloved
               ,
               to
               come
               to
               his
               garden
               ,
               and
               eat
               his
               pleasant
               fruits
               ;
               by
               which
               comming
               is
               not
               to
               be
               understood
               ,
               that
               he
               was
               absent
               from
               her
               ,
               but
               that
               she
               desires
               a
               more
               full
               and
               familiar
               presence
               of
               him
               :
               For
               ,
               where-ever
               true
               grace
               is
               begun
               and
               setled
               in
               the
               heart
               ,
               there
               is
               still
               a
               further
               and
               a
               greater
               desire
               thereof
               ,
               and
               of
               a
               neerer
               union
               thereby
               ,
               more
               and
               more
               with
               Christ
               ,
               till
               the
               soul
               be
               most
               neerly
               of
               all
               after
               this
               life
               united
               with
               him
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               wished
               ,
               saying
               ,
               
                 Cupio
                 dissolvi
                 ,
                 &
                 esse
                 cum
                 Christo
                 .
              
            
             
               The
               reasons
               of
               which
               her
               earnest
               desire
               ,
               that
               he
               would
               come
               unto
               her
               ,
               are
               ,
               1
               The
               great
               honour
               that
               the
               soul
               gets
               by
               his
               comming
               thereto
               ,
               which
               may
               say
               more
               justly
               ,
               than
               Elizabeth
               said
               of
               
               Marie's
               comming
               ,
               How
               comes
               it
               to
               passe
               ,
               the
               Lord
               himself
               of
               heaven
               and
               earth
               should
               come
               to
               me
               ?
               we
               being
               ,
               as
               the
               centurion
               confessed
               of
               himselfe
               ,
               altogether
               unworthy
               ,
               that
               he
               should
               enter
               under
               our
               roof
               .
               2
               ▪
               The
               great
               benefit
               that
               the
               soul
               gets
               ,
               by
               his
               comming
               thereto
               ;
               for
               he
               brings
               with
               him
               a
               treasure
               of
               all
               grace
               and
               goodnesse
               ,
               and
               comes
               not
               empty
               ,
               especially
               (
               as
               he
               said
               to
               Zaccheus
               )
               that
               day
               ,
               salvation
               comes
               to
               the
               soul
               .
               3
               He
               makes
               the
               place
               
               where
               he
               is
               ,
               a
               kind
               of
               heaven
               ,
               and
               whatsoever
               condition
               of
               life
               a
               man
               is
               in
               ,
               the
               same
               cannot
               be
               but
               comfortable
               .
            
             
               The
               end
               of
               his
               comming
               is
               ,
               To
               eat
               of
               his
               pleasant
               fruits
               ;
               that
               is
               ,
               to
               be
               contented
               and
               delighted
               with
               her
               works
               of
               holy
               and
               humble
               obedience
               ;
               which
               are
               called
               1
               Pleasant
               ;
               then
               ,
               His
               fruits
               .
               Pleasant
               ,
               1
               In
               respect
               of
               acceptation
               ,
               as
               such
               .
               2
               Of
               procession
               ,
               because
               they
               come
               from
               his
               own
               Spirit
               ,
               and
               inspiration
               thereof
               .
               3
               In
               respect
               of
               their
               perfection
               ,
               and
               perfuming
               (
               as
               it
               were
               )
               to
               be
               a
               sweet
               favour
               to
               God
               in
               Christ
               ,
               which
               they
               have
               from
               his
               obedience
               ,
               and
               which
               is
               a
               great
               comfort
               to
               us
               ,
               when
               we
               look
               on
               our
               wants
               and
               blemishes
               .
               And
               4
               In
               respect
               of
               right
               intention
               ,
               or
               end
               ,
               wherefore
               they
               are
               brought
               forth
               ,
               or
               done
               ;
               which
               is
               ,
               to
               please
               God
               ,
               Heb.
               13.
               21.
               and
               Col.
               1.
               10
            
             
               Next
               ,
               they
               are
               called
               ,
               His
               fruits
               ;
               
                 à
                 fonte
                 &
                 fine
              
               :
               1
               Because
               they
               flow
               onely
               from
               him
               ,
               and
               his
               Spirit
               ,
               without
               whom
               ,
               we
               can
               do
               nothing
               .
               And
               2
               The
               glory
               whereof
               is
               onely
               due
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               not
               to
               us
               ,
               our
               free-will
               or
               merit
               ,
               and
               to
               none
               beside
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 by
                 the
                 order
                 of
                 these
                 words
                 ,
                 following
                 on
                 the
                 former
                 verse
                 ,
                 that
                 a
                 thankfull
                 acknowledgment
                 of
                 gifts
                 already
                 received
                 ,
                 procures
                 the
                 enlargement
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 's
                 bountifull
                 hand
                 ,
                 to
                 superadd
                 and
                 bestow
                 more
                 ;
                 as
                 after
                 watering
                 of
                 his
                 garden
                 he
                 does
                 here
                 ,
                 in
                 breathing
                 on
                 the
                 same
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 When
                 we
                 are
                 most
                 dejected
                 ,
                 and
                 spiritually
                 afflicted
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 take
                 that
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 work
                 of
                 the
                 Lord's
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 in
                 mercy
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 the
                 good
                 of
                 his
                 garden
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 blowing
                 of
                 the
                 sharp
                 North-wind
                 thereon
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 when
                 we
                 are
                 comforted
                 ,
                 and
                 blown
                 upon
                 by
                 the
                 soft
                 and
                 Sweet
                 south-wind
                 ,
                 of
                 the
                 peace
                 of
                 conscience
                 ,
                 and
                 our
                 restoring
                 ,
                 with
                 David
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 joyes
                 which
                 we
                 were
                 wont
                 to
                 find
                 in
                 him
                 .
                 Neither
                 let
                 us
                 expect
                 to
                 enjoy
                 ever
                 or
                 alike
                 ,
                 the
                 consolations
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 or
                 joy
                 of
                 his
                 sensible
                 presence
                 ,
                 nor
                 think
                 ,
                 that
                 spirituall
                 desertions
                 ,
                 or
                 trouble
                 of
                 conscience
                 for
                 our
                 humiliation
                 ,
                 shall
                 ever
                 endure
                 ;
                 but
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 vicissitude
                 in
                 our
                 spirituall
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 our
                 temporall
                 estate
                 here
                 ,
                 sometimes
                 sowing
                 in
                 tears
                 ,
                 and
                 sometimes
                 reaping
                 in
                 joy
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 what
                 a
                 soil
                 and
                 soul
                 is
                 the
                 Lord's
                 garden
                 ;
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 replenished
                 with
                 sweet
                 spices
                 ,
                 flowing
                 out
                 
                 by
                 the
                 inspiration
                 and
                 work
                 of
                 Gods
                 spirit
                 in
                 their
                 sweet
                 smell
                 and
                 fruits
                 of
                 a
                 holy
                 life
                 ,
                 and
                 on
                 the
                 contrary
                 what
                 a
                 soil
                 and
                 soul
                 is
                 Satan's
                 garden
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 which
                 is
                 full
                 of
                 stinking
                 weeds
                 of
                 all
                 corruption
                 ,
                 flowing
                 out
                 by
                 his
                 suggestion
                 and
                 instigation
                 in
                 their
                 noysome
                 stink
                 like
                 that
                 of
                 Sodom
                 ,
                 and
                 poysonable
                 fruits
                 of
                 a
                 wicked
                 life
                 and
                 conversation
                 ,
                 which
                 showes
                 how
                 rare
                 Gods
                 gardens
                 are
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 plentifull
                 Satan's
                 are
                 in
                 the
                 land
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Though
                 the
                 soul
                 be
                 already
                 made
                 the
                 Lords
                 garden
                 ,
                 and
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 both
                 planted
                 and
                 watered
                 with
                 his
                 heavenly
                 graces
                 ,
                 yet
                 we
                 see
                 that
                 the
                 spirit
                 of
                 God
                 must
                 also
                 blow
                 thereon
                 that
                 her
                 spices
                 may
                 flow
                 out
                 ,
                 which
                 showes
                 that
                 we
                 need
                 not
                 only
                 quickning
                 grace
                 to
                 put
                 life
                 in
                 us
                 at
                 first
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 have
                 our
                 hearts
                 purged
                 and
                 planted
                 with
                 grace
                 ,
                 but
                 likewise
                 exciteting
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 grace
                 upon
                 grace
                 in
                 a
                 daily
                 supply
                 ,
                 to
                 rouse
                 up
                 ,
                 draw
                 forth
                 and
                 actuate
                 that
                 grace
                 which
                 we
                 got
                 at
                 first
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 This
                 blowing
                 on
                 the
                 garden
                 ,
                 is
                 that
                 her
                 spices
                 may
                 flow
                 out
                 ,
                 which
                 teaches
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 enough
                 to
                 be
                 good
                 ,
                 or
                 have
                 goodness
                 in
                 our selves
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 must
                 be
                 Emánant
                 and
                 flow
                 out
                 ,
                 like
                 the
                 gaining
                 with
                 the
                 talents
                 ,
                 and
                 shining
                 of
                 the
                 wise
                 virgins
                 Lamps
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 our
                 Saviour
                 commands
                 ,
                 Matth.
                 5.
                 to
                 the
                 benefit
                 of
                 others
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 Likewise
                 as
                 this
                 should
                 teach
                 all
                 Christians
                 who
                 would
                 be
                 good
                 instruments
                 in
                 church
                 or
                 polity
                 if
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 their
                 gifts
                 like
                 spices
                 to
                 flow
                 out
                 for
                 the
                 good
                 of
                 others
                 ,
                 that
                 then
                 they
                 should
                 first
                 be
                 carefull
                 to
                 be
                 well
                 stored
                 within
                 with
                 such
                 themselves
                 ,
                 so
                 specially
                 pastors
                 should
                 be
                 so
                 ,
                 who
                 both
                 in
                 the
                 fulness
                 of
                 the
                 blessing
                 of
                 the
                 Gospell
                 by
                 word
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 adorning
                 that
                 holy
                 calling
                 by
                 an
                 exemplary
                 singularity
                 of
                 life
                 should
                 make
                 their
                 spices
                 ,
                 or
                 holy
                 gifts
                 and
                 graces
                 flow
                 out
                 ,
                 that
                 as
                 lights
                 on
                 a
                 candlestick
                 they
                 may
                 shine
                 in
                 both
                 ,
                 to
                 all
                 who
                 are
                 vvithin
                 the
                 house
                 .
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 Christ
                 makes
                 his
                 spirit
                 first
                 breathe
                 or
                 blow
                 on
                 his
                 garden
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 she
                 invites
                 him
                 to
                 come
                 and
                 eate
                 of
                 the
                 fruits
                 which
                 this
                 breathing
                 has
                 produced
                 .
                 So
                 that
                 we
                 see
                 that
                 first
                 ,
                 Christ
                 by
                 communicating
                 grace
                 to
                 the
                 soul
                 he
                 beginnes
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 that
                 his
                 grace
                 in
                 the
                 hearts
                 of
                 his
                 Elect
                 is
                 not
                 in
                 vain
                 ,
                 but
                 efficacious
                 and
                 operative
                 to
                 the
                 producing
                 of
                 good
                 and
                 holy
                 fruits
                 .
              
               
                 8.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 that
                 Christs
                 garden
                 is
                 a
                 fruitfull
                 garden
                 ,
                 which
                 brings
                 not
                 forth
                 only
                 leaves
                 of
                 verball
                 profession
                 ,
                 or
                 fair-promising
                 
                 blossomes
                 of
                 good
                 hopes
                 of
                 fruit
                 ,
                 but
                 fruits
                 themselves
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 our
                 Saviour
                 showes
                 ,
                 
                   much
                   fruit
                   ,
                   Ioh.
                
                 15.
                 5.
                 
              
               
                 9.
                 
                 These
                 fruits
                 are
                 called
                 
                   (
                   his
                
                 fruits
                 ,
                 )
                 for
                 the
                 reason
                 aforementioned
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 humble
                 disposition
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 truly
                 godly
                 ,
                 that
                 as
                 David
                 acknowledged
                 ,
                 1
                 Chron.
                 29.
                 14.
                 that
                 he
                 and
                 his
                 people
                 had
                 given
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 for
                 the
                 preparation
                 of
                 his
                 temple
                 ,
                 only
                 vvhich
                 was
                 his
                 own
                 ,
                 even
                 so
                 they
                 acknowledge
                 that
                 any
                 fruits
                 of
                 godliness
                 which
                 they
                 are
                 able
                 to
                 bring
                 forth
                 ,
                 is
                 only
                 from
                 his
                 meer
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 so
                 farre
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 are
                 good
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 his
                 work
                 only
                 ;
                 so
                 farre
                 are
                 they
                 to
                 ascribe
                 any
                 thing
                 to
                 themselves
                 or
                 to
                 their
                 own
                 merit
                 ,
                 free
                 will
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 like
                 .
              
               
                 10.
                 
                 These
                 fruits
                 are
                 called
                 his
                 pleasant
                 fruits
                 ,
                 or
                 fruits
                 that
                 are
                 pleasing
                 to
                 him
                 :
                 which
                 showes
                 not
                 only
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 care
                 and
                 should
                 be
                 of
                 all
                 good
                 Christians
                 in
                 all
                 their
                 vvaies
                 and
                 works
                 to
                 please
                 God
                 ,
                 but
                 also
                 if
                 the
                 good
                 fruits
                 of
                 a
                 holy
                 conversation
                 be
                 pleasing
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 on
                 the
                 contrary
                 the
                 evill
                 fruits
                 of
                 a
                 wicked
                 life
                 must
                 be
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 ,
                 displeasing
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 provoking
                 his
                 wrath
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 Isay
                 .
                 5.
                 &c.
                 and
                 his
                 heavy
                 judgments
                 upon
                 a
                 Land.
                 
              
            
          
           
             Finis
             quarti
             Capitis
             .
          
           
             Soli
             deo
             gloria
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             V.
             
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               1.
               
               I
               am
               come
               into
               my
               garden
               ,
               my
               sister
               ,
               my
               spouse
               ,
               I
               have
               gathered
               my
               Myrrh
               with
               my
               spices
               ,
               I
               have
               eaten
               my
               Hony-comb
               with
               my
               hony
               ,
               I
               have
               drunk
               my
               wine
               with
               my
               milk
               :
               Eate
               my
               friends
               ,
               drink
               ,
               yea
               ,
               drink
               aboundantly
               ,
               O
               beloved
               .
            
             
               IN
               this
               Chapter
               we
               have
               ,
               1.
               
               How
               readily
               Christ
               answers
               the
               former
               invitation
               of
               his
               Church
               ,
               to
               come
               into
               his
               garden
               and
               eate
               his
               pleasant
               fruits
               ,
               2.
               
               Is
               set
               down
               the
               Churches
               falling
               asleep
               into
               the
               slumber
               of
               a
               dangerous
               security
               :
               out
               of
               which
               our
               Saviour
               takes
               pains
               to
               awake
               her
               ,
               1.
               
               By
               his
               voice
               knocking
               and
               calling
               upon
               her
               ,
               to
               arise
               and
               open
               to
               him
               ,
               to
               whom
               she
               returnes
               a
               carnall
               and
               worthless
               excuse
               ,
               2.
               
               By
               putting
               
               in
               his
               hand
               by
               the
               lock
               of
               the
               dore
               ,
               the
               successe
               whereof
               is
               set
               downe
               ,
               that
               her
               bowels
               were
               then
               moved
               for
               him
               :
               Whereupon
               ensued
               a
               further
               progresse
               in
               seeking
               him
               .
               1.
               
               By
               rising
               up
               .
               2.
               
               By
               opening
               to
               him
               .
               But
               he
               had
               withdrawne
               himselfe
               .
               3.
               
               By
               seeking
               him
               and
               calling
               upon
               him
               ,
               the
               successe
               whereof
               notwithstanding
               was
               ,
               that
               she
               could
               not
               find
               him
               ,
               nor
               gave
               he
               her
               any
               answer
               .
               4.
               
               By
               going
               yet
               furder
               and
               seeking
               ,
               him
               thorow
               the
               city
               ,
               as
               Cant.
               3.
               3.
               
               The
               successe
               whereof
               was
               worse
               then
               the
               former
               ,
               she
               not
               only
               found
               him
               not
               ,
               but
               she
               was
               wounded
               by
               the
               watchmen
               ,
               and
               the
               keepers
               of
               the
               walls
               took
               away
               her
               vaile
               from
               her
               .
               5.
               
               By
               giving
               a
               charge
               to
               the
               daughters
               of
               Jerusalem
               ,
               if
               they
               found
               her
               welbeloved
               ,
               that
               they
               would
               tell
               him
               ,
               that
               she
               was
               sick
               of
               love
               .
            
             
               In
               the
               third
               part
               of
               the
               Chapter
               followes
               upon
               the
               occasion
               of
               this
               her
               charge
               to
               them
               ,
               and
               their
               asking
               of
               her
               ,
               what
               her
               welbeloved
               was
               more
               then
               another's
               beloved
               ,
               that
               she
               so
               charged
               them
               ,
               her
               description
               of
               the
               excellency
               of
               her
               welbeloved
               ,
               his
               beauty
               and
               good
               parts
               .
            
             
               In
               the
               words
               then
               of
               the
               first
               vers
               ,
               we
               have
               1.
               
               His
               declaration
               how
               readily
               he
               obeyed
               his
               Churches
               invitation
               to
               come
               into
               his
               garden
               and
               eate
               his
               pleasant
               fruits
               ;
               and
               ,
               2.
               
               His
               invitation
               of
               his
               friends
               to
               eate
               likewise
               and
               to
               drink
               with
               him
               .
               In
               the
               declaration
               ,
               we
               have
               ,
               1.
               
               The
               styles
               that
               he
               gives
               her
               ,
               of
               sister
               and
               spouse
               ,
               as
               he
               did
               before
               .
               
                 c.
                 4.
                 v.
              
               9.
               whereof
               we
               have
               spoken
               .
               Next
               by
               this
               variety
               whereof
               he
               speaks
               ,
               of
               Myrrh
               ,
               spices
               ,
               hony
               ,
               wine
               and
               milk
               ,
               is
               understood
               the
               variety
               of
               the
               graces
               of
               Gods
               spirit
               bestowed
               upon
               his
               elect
               ,
               to
               his
               own
               glory
               and
               their
               salvation
               ,
               and
               the
               sweet
               fruits
               and
               effects
               thereof
               wherein
               he
               delights
               and
               has
               a
               complacency
               ,
               as
               those
               have
               who
               eate
               that
               which
               is
               sweet
               and
               delicious
               ,
               and
               drink
               wine
               ,
               or
               such
               pleasant
               and
               comfortable
               liquors
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               he
               invites
               here
               his
               friends
               to
               eate
               and
               drink
               likewise
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               the
               other
               godly
               ,
               so
               called
               ,
               Joh.
               15.
               14.
               whose
               delight
               and
               rejoysing
               in
               the
               obedience
               of
               their
               fellow
               members
               is
               called
               here
               ,
               eating
               and
               drinking
               ,
               therefore
               sayes
               our
               Saviour
               ,
               let
               your
               light
               so
               shine
               before
               men
               ,
               Matth.
               5.
               
               That
               they
               seeing
               your
               good
               works
               may
               glorifie
               God
               your
               heavenly
               father
               .
               The
               godly
               then
               are
               called
               his
               friends
               ,
               and
               he
               theirs
               ,
               Cant.
               5.
               16.
               1.
               
               (
               as
               between
               Jonathan
               and
               
                 David
                 ,
              
               )
               because
               of
               mutuall
               and
               intire
               affection
               ,
               2.
               
               Because
               of
               comfort
               of
               one
               anothers
               company
               ,
               Gen.
               14.
               14.
               3
               
               Because
               of
               the
               hazard
               
               that
               they
               will
               undergo
               one
               for
               another
               ,
               of
               their
               very
               lives
               ,
               4.
               
               Because
               of
               the
               rejoysing
               mutually
               of
               one
               in
               anothers
               good
               ,
               and
               condoleing
               in
               like
               manner
               of
               their
               distresse
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               David
               ,
               and
               in
               Jobs
               friends
               ,
               2
               Sam.
               1.
               26.
               5
               
               Because
               of
               the
               care
               they
               have
               to
               pleasure
               one
               another
               ,
               and
               to
               eschew
               what
               may
               displease
               or
               break
               friendship
               between
               them
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Out
                 of
                 this
                 readiness
                 of
                 Christ
                 to
                 yield
                 to
                 the
                 desire
                 and
                 invitation
                 of
                 his
                 Church
                 ,
                 we
                 may
                 gather
                 a
                 lesson
                 of
                 great
                 comfort
                 ,
                 that
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 sayes
                 Psal
                 .
                 145.
                 19.
                 he
                 will
                 ever
                 fulfill
                 the
                 desire
                 of
                 them
                 that
                 feare
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 heare
                 their
                 cry
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 save
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 if
                 he
                 seem
                 not
                 so
                 readily
                 to
                 answer
                 ,
                 assuredly
                 it
                 is
                 for
                 their
                 good
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Seeing
                 the
                 Lords
                 delight
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 graces
                 of
                 his
                 holy
                 spirit
                 which
                 he
                 has
                 planted
                 in
                 the
                 hearts
                 of
                 his
                 Elect
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 the
                 fruits
                 of
                 a
                 holy
                 obedience
                 that
                 arises
                 there-from
                 ,
                 this
                 should
                 move
                 us
                 to
                 be
                 carefull
                 to
                 have
                 our
                 hearts
                 stored
                 with
                 these
                 good
                 graces
                 ,
                 and
                 our
                 life
                 adorned
                 (
                 like
                 fruitfull
                 trees
                 )
                 with
                 such
                 sweet
                 fruits
                 ,
                 as
                 Isay
                 speaks
                 of
                 ,
                 Isay
                 .
                 1.
                 2.
                 
                 That
                 so
                 he
                 may
                 have
                 delight
                 and
                 pleasure
                 in
                 us
                 here
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 may
                 have
                 delight
                 with
                 him
                 and
                 pleasures
                 for
                 ever
                 hereafter
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 that
                 friends
                 only
                 are
                 invited
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 enemies
                 to
                 banquet
                 with
                 Christ
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 and
                 rejoyce
                 in
                 the
                 obedience
                 of
                 his
                 Saints
                 ,
                 here
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 angels
                 rejoyce
                 at
                 a
                 sinners
                 conversion
                 .
                 And
                 therefore
                 1.
                 hereby
                 we
                 may
                 try
                 our selves
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 friends
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 rejoyce
                 ever
                 at
                 the
                 grouth
                 of
                 godliness
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 the
                 fruits
                 of
                 obedience
                 ,
                 which
                 we
                 see
                 in
                 the
                 godly
                 ,
                 loving
                 ,
                 and
                 ,
                 with
                 David
                 ,
                 honouring
                 them
                 because
                 thereof
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 15.
                 4.
                 
                 And
                 on
                 the
                 contrary
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 grieved
                 with
                 
                   David
                   ,
                   Psal
                
                 .
                 119.
                 136.
                 and
                 the
                 mourners
                 in
                 
                   Ezekiel
                   ,
                   Ezek.
                
                 9.
                 4.
                 
                 For
                 the
                 sinnes
                 of
                 others
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 our
                 own
                 ,
                 and
                 at
                 their
                 disobedience
                 who
                 break
                 Gods
                 law
                 and
                 commandements
                 .
                 And
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 We
                 may
                 see
                 who
                 are
                 admitted
                 to
                 the
                 communion
                 of
                 spirituall
                 rejoysing
                 with
                 Christ
                 here
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 be
                 to
                 the
                 communion
                 of
                 celestiall
                 rejoysing
                 with
                 him
                 hereafter
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 only
                 those
                 who
                 are
                 his
                 friends
                 ;
                 the
                 portion
                 of
                 his
                 foes
                 being
                 ,
                 a
                 debarring
                 from
                 both
                 ,
                 and
                 an
                 adjudication
                 to
                 weeping
                 and
                 wailing
                 for
                 ever
                 hereafter
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
             
               Vers
               .
               2.
               
               
                 I
                 sleep
                 ,
                 but
                 my
                 heart
                 waketh
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 voice
                 of
                 my
                 beloved
                 that
                 knocketh
                 ,
                 saying
                 ,
                 Open
                 to
                 me
                 ,
                 my
                 sister
                 ,
                 my
                 love
                 ,
                 my
                 dove
                 ,
                 my
                 undefiled
                 ;
                 for
                 my
                 head
                 is
                 filled
                 with
                 dew
                 ,
                 and
                 my
                 locks
                 with
                 the
                 drops
                 of
                 the
                 night
                 .
              
            
             
               Here
               is
               set
               downe
               ,
               1.
               
               The
               churches
               ingenuous
               acknowledgment
               of
               a
               dangerous
               estate
               of
               carnall
               security
               wherein
               she
               had
               fallen
               :
               and
               ,
               2.
               
               Is
               set
               downe
               Christs
               carriage
               and
               care
               how
               to
               awake
               her
               out
               of
               the
               same
               :
               first
               then
               her
               acknowledgment
               is
               in
               these
               words
               ,
               
                 I
                 sleep
                 ,
                 but
                 my
                 heart
                 waketh
                 ,
              
               whereby
               she
               showes
               that
               this
               sleep
               of
               hers
               was
               not
               a
               dead
               sleep
               ,
               but
               rather
               such
               a
               samber
               as
               was
               that
               of
               the
               wise
               virgins
               ,
               both
               because
               in
               this
               sleep
               her
               heart
               was
               awake
               ,
               as
               also
               she
               heard
               the
               voice
               of
               her
               beloved
               ,
               and
               what
               he
               spake
               unto
               her
               ,
               which
               they
               use
               not
               to
               do
               ,
               who
               are
               fallen
               into
               a
               dead
               sleep
               ,
               whom
               no
               words
               will
               awake
               .
               Of
               which
               sleep
               ,
               we
               have
               these
               things
               to
               consider
               :
               1
               What
               sort
               of
               sleep
               this
               is
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               spirituall
               ,
               or
               that
               of
               security
               .
               2
               Whence
               it
               proceeds
               .
               3
               What
               are
               the
               other
               resemblances
               between
               it
               ,
               and
               the
               bodily
               sleep
               .
               And
               4
               What
               are
               the
               effects
               thereof
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               the
               bodily
               or
               naturall
               sleep
               is
               not
               here
               meant
               ,
               seeing
               the
               Church
               is
               onely
               to
               be
               considered
               altogether
               ,
               according
               to
               her
               spirituall
               estate
               and
               condition
               ;
               and
               therefore
               her
               sleep
               here
               is
               spirituall
               ,
               whereof
               the
               Apostle
               speaks
               ,
               saying
               ,
               Let
               us
               not
               sleep
               ,
               as
               others
               do
               ,
               but
               let
               us
               watch
               and
               be
               sober
               ,
               1
               Thess
               .
               5.
               6.
               and
               again
               ,
               Awake
               thou
               that
               sleepest
               ,
               and
               rise
               up
               from
               the
               dead
               ,
               and
               Christ
               shall
               give
               thee
               light
               ,
               Ephes
               .
               5.
               14.
               
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               as
               bodily
               sleep
               proceeds
               of
               the
               binding
               up
               of
               the
               bodily
               senses
               ,
               by
               the
               vapours
               that
               arise
               from
               the
               stomack
               ;
               so
               this
               spirituall
               sleep
               proceeds
               ,
               of
               the
               obstruction
               ,
               or
               binding
               up
               of
               the
               spirituall
               senses
               of
               the
               soul
               ,
               from
               their
               proper
               operations
               ,
               by
               the
               sinfull
               vapours
               ,
               arising
               from
               our
               naturall
               corruptions
               ,
               or
               remnants
               of
               the
               old
               Man
               in
               the
               godly
               ,
               whereof
               the
               Apostle
               speaks
               ,
               Gal.
               5.
               17.
               and
               Rom.
               7.
               23.
               which
               when
               the
               same
               prevails
               ,
               and
               through
               want
               of
               watchfulnesse
               or
               coldnesse
               in
               prayer
               ,
               waxeth
               strong
               ,
               then
               there
               is
               a
               damping
               of
               the
               spirituall
               graces
               ,
               and
               as
               it
               were
               a
               sleep
               or
               slumber
               that
               falls
               upon
               the
               soul
               .
            
             
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               the
               other
               resemblances
               between
               sleep
               and
               security
               ,
               are
               these
               ▪
            
             
               1.
               
               Sleep
               is
               naturall
               ,
               and
               so
               is
               security
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               Sleep
               comes
               oft
               of
               idlenesse
               ,
               and
               so
               does
               security
               ,
               when
               the
               soul
               is
               not
               exercised
               diligently
               in
               watching
               ,
               prayer
               ,
               and
               other
               holy
               and
               necessary
               exercises
               ,
               both
               of
               our
               generall
               and
               particular
               callings
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               Sleep
               is
               sweet
               and
               pleasing
               to
               flesh
               and
               blood
               ,
               and
               so
               is
               security
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               Such
               who
               are
               asleep
               ,
               desire
               ,
               that
               no
               man
               awake
               them
               ,
               and
               they
               draw
               the
               curtains
               before
               them
               to
               shut
               out
               light
               ;
               even
               so
               do
               those
               who
               lie
               asleep
               in
               security
               ,
               they
               delight
               therein
               ,
               and
               in
               darknesse
               ,
               and
               therefore
               desire
               not
               to
               be
               roused
               up
               ,
               by
               having
               their
               faults
               told
               them
               ,
               and
               their
               works
               of
               darknesse
               to
               be
               brought
               to
               the
               light
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               In
               sleep
               there
               is
               no
               exercise
               of
               the
               senses
               ,
               nor
               motion
               ;
               even
               so
               ,
               while
               men
               lie
               asleep
               in
               security
               ,
               there
               is
               no
               exercise
               of
               the
               spirituall
               senses
               of
               the
               soul
               ;
               in
               seeing
               ,
               hearing
               ,
               tasting
               ,
               smelling
               ,
               or
               feeling
               ,
               as
               it
               ought
               ;
               nor
               is
               that
               motion
               which
               should
               be
               ,
               in
               the
               diligent
               discharge
               of
               our
               duty
               ,
               in
               religious
               exercises
               ,
               of
               prayer
               and
               repentance
               ,
               and
               other
               holy
               performances
               .
            
             
               6.
               
               Sleep
               is
               the
               image
               of
               death
               corporall
               ,
               and
               security
               ,
               I
               may
               say
               ,
               is
               the
               fore-runner
               (
               if
               God
               awaken
               not
               the
               soul
               )
               of
               death
               eternall
               .
            
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               The
               effects
               of
               sleep
               are
               these
               :
            
             
               1.
               
               In
               sleep
               ,
               Fancy
               rules
               ,
               and
               therefore
               sleep
               oftimes
               produces
               dreams
               ,
               that
               are
               deceitfull
               ;
               and
               when
               men
               awake
               ,
               makes
               them
               but
               sad
               by
               disapointment
               ,
               and
               pensive
               in
               the
               end
               :
               Even
               so
               does
               security
               ,
               making
               men
               dream
               to
               themselves
               ,
               and
               presume
               of
               freedome
               from
               punishment
               ,
               and
               attaining
               to
               salvation
               ,
               though
               they
               lie
               in
               security
               ,
               and
               live
               still
               in
               sin
               ;
               while
               in
               the
               mean
               time
               ,
               judgments
               temporall
               seize
               upon
               them
               unawares
               ,
               as
               they
               did
               on
               Sodom
               ,
               or
               they
               be
               haled
               away
               with
               the
               rich
               fool
               to
               eternall
               punishment
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               Sleep
               laies
               a
               man
               open
               (
               as
               it
               were
               )
               unto
               many
               dangers
               ,
               as
               ,
               of
               robbery
               ,
               captivating
               ,
               and
               killing
               ,
               as
               we
               may
               see
               in
               the
               examples
               of
               
                 Sampson
                 ,
                 Sisera
              
               ,
               and
               Olofernes
               ,
               &c.
               
               And
               even
               so
               does
               security
               ,
               to
               many
               spirituall
               and
               alike
               dangers
               ;
               therefore
               saies
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               Be
               sober
               ,
               be
               vigilant
               ,
               because
               your
               adversary
               the
               devill
               is
               a
               roaring
               Lion
               ,
               walking
               about
               ,
               seeking
               whom
               he
               may
               devour
               ,
               1
               
                 Pet.
                 5.
                 8.
                 
                 Matth.
              
               26.
               41.
               
            
             
             
               3.
               
               (
               As
               we
               see
               here
               )
               it
               causes
               a
               withdrawing
               of
               Christ
               from
               us
               ,
               and
               makes
               the
               means
               of
               grace
               ,
               which
               is
               the
               word
               or
               voice
               of
               our
               Beloved
               ,
               the
               lesse
               effectuall
               ,
               our
               prayers
               more
               feeble
               ,
               our
               zeal
               lesse
               fervent
               ,
               our
               love
               to
               be
               colder
               ,
               our
               delight
               in
               holy
               exercises
               to
               decay
               ,
               our
               faith
               lesse
               vigorous
               ,
               and
               our
               practise
               of
               obedience
               more
               slack
               and
               slender
               :
               and
               finally
               ,
               breeds
               much
               pains
               to
               the
               soul
               ,
               before
               (
               as
               David
               saies
               )
               it
               be
               restored
               to
               that
               joy
               ,
               which
               sometimes
               it
               was
               wont
               to
               find
               in
               the
               comfortable
               presence
               of
               Christ
               ,
               and
               vigour
               of
               those
               heavenly
               graces
               ,
               whose
               force
               the
               sleep
               of
               security
               has
               so
               much
               abated
               .
            
             
               But
               though
               she
               sleep
               ,
               yet
               it
               is
               specially
               to
               be
               remarked
               ,
               that
               she
               saies
               ,
               Her
               heart
               was
               waking
               ,
               which
               showes
               ,
               that
               her
               sleep
               was
               not
               like
               a
               deadly
               lethargy
               ,
               or
               that
               her
               heart
               or
               conscience
               in
               that
               sleep
               ,
               was
               like
               Nabal's
               ,
               which
               died
               within
               him
               altogether
               ;
               but
               she
               retained
               the
               life
               of
               grace
               still
               in
               her
               soul
               ,
               and
               that
               seed
               remained
               in
               her
               ,
               whereof
               John
               speaks
               ,
               because
               she
               is
               born
               of
               God
               ,
               1
               Joh.
               3.
               9.
               the
               work
               of
               which
               new-birth
               can
               never
               be
               extinguished
               ,
               which
               is
               a
               singular
               comfort
               ,
               and
               which
               we
               have
               confirmed
               unto
               us
               ,
               both
               in
               the
               old
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               New
               Testament
               ,
               
                 Jer.
                 32.
                 40.
                 
                 Rom.
                 11.
                 29.
                 1
                 
                 Pet.
                 1.
                 5.
                 
                 Joh.
                 10.
                 29.
                 
                 Rom.
              
               8.
               30.
               and
               
                 Phil.
                 2.
                 13.
                 
                 &c.
              
               Which
               perseverance
               in
               grace
               ,
               and
               estate
               thereof
               ,
               they
               have
               onely
               from
               God
               ,
               and
               his
               Spirit
               ,
               moving
               on
               their
               hearts
               ,
               as
               he
               did
               in
               the
               Creation
               on
               the
               waters
               ;
               and
               who
               keeps
               the
               seed
               of
               grace
               in
               them
               ,
               and
               them
               by
               it
               ,
               from
               full
               and
               finall
               falling
               away
               .
            
             
               Indeed
               ,
               they
               may
               be
               sometimes
               sore
               wounded
               and
               shaken
               ,
               as
               
                 Peter
                 was
              
               ,
               for
               their
               humiliation
               ,
               but
               not
               quite
               destitute
               of
               saving
               grace
               ,
               
                 Vt
                 majorum
                 etiam
                 ruina
                 ,
                 sit
                 minorum
                 cautela
                 .
              
               As
               also
               by
               sin
               ,
               the
               act
               of
               grace
               for
               a
               time
               may
               be
               restrained
               ,
               as
               of
               repentance
               ,
               and
               such
               other
               holy
               duties
               ,
               as
               Psal
               .
               119.
               59.
               is
               mentioned
               ,
               which
               we
               see
               to
               have
               been
               the
               time
               of
               
               David's
               security
               ;
               but
               the
               habit
               of
               grace
               can
               never
               be
               lost
               ,
               because
               it
               is
               not
               acquired
               ,
               but
               infused
               by
               him
               ,
               whose
               gifts
               are
               without
               repentance
               .
               As
               likewise
               some
               degrees
               of
               faith
               ,
               love
               ,
               zeal
               ,
               repentance
               ,
               and
               the
               like
               ,
               may
               be
               lost
               ;
               but
               not
               all
               faith
               ,
               all
               love
               ,
               all
               zeal
               ,
               &c.
               for
               the
               seed
               still
               remains
               ,
               because
               of
               the
               new
               birth
               .
            
             
               Followes
               ,
               next
               to
               the
               Churches
               acknowledgment
               of
               her
               security
               ,
               wherein
               she
               lay
               ,
               Christ's
               carriage
               and
               care
               to
               awake
               her
               out
               of
               the
               same
               ;
               which
               is
               ,
               by
               his
               voice
               ,
               which
               she
               knowes
               ,
               
               and
               acknowledges
               to
               be
               the
               voice
               of
               her
               beloved
               ,
               the
               particulars
               whereof
               are
               these
               :
               1
               His
               compellation
               of
               her
               ;
               2
               His
               petition
               ;
               and
               3
               The
               reasons
               thereof
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               our
               Saviour
               useth
               his
               voice
               ,
               to
               awake
               her
               out
               of
               this
               her
               security
               ,
               not
               immediately
               uttered
               ,
               but
               mediately
               ,
               in
               the
               ordinary
               exercise
               of
               the
               holy
               Ministry
               ,
               whom
               whosoever
               hears
               ,
               they
               hear
               him
               ,
               
                 &
                 contra
              
               ;
               and
               by
               this
               his
               voice
               in
               the
               mouths
               of
               his
               holy
               Prophets
               ,
               Apostles
               ,
               and
               faithfull
               Pastors
               ,
               has
               he
               called
               upon
               his
               Church
               ,
               and
               awaked
               her
               from
               time
               to
               time
               ,
               when
               (
               like
               the
               wise
               Virgins
               )
               she
               has
               fallen
               asleep
               ;
               which
               is
               his
               singular
               kindnesse
               towards
               her
               ,
               when
               he
               so
               awakes
               her
               ,
               that
               she
               should
               not
               be
               surprised
               by
               her
               spirituall
               enemies
               ,
               or
               perish
               with
               the
               wicked
               world
               .
            
             
               This
               is
               likewise
               to
               be
               remarked
               ,
               how
               the
               faithfull
               ,
               even
               in
               this
               their
               sleep
               ,
               can
               discern
               and
               tell
               ,
               that
               when
               his
               Word
               is
               truly
               preached
               ,
               it
               is
               the
               voice
               of
               Christ
               which
               they
               hear
               ,
               and
               that
               doth
               call
               upon
               them
               ,
               according
               as
               he
               saies
               ,
               Joh.
               10.
               4.
               
               That
               his
               sheep
               know
               his
               voice
               ,
               and
               will
               not
               follow
               a
               stranger
               ,
               but
               flee
               from
               him
               ;
               for
               they
               know
               not
               the
               voice
               of
               strangers
               .
               They
               have
               therefore
               a
               discerning
               judgment
               ,
               which
               the
               Romanist's
               deny
               to
               God's
               people
               ,
               and
               are
               not
               like
               many
               ,
               who
               halt
               between
               truth
               and
               idolatry
               ,
               and
               will
               tell
               ,
               that
               they
               know
               not
               which
               is
               the
               true
               religion
               ,
               or
               the
               voice
               of
               Christ
               ,
               nor
               cannot
               judge
               thereof
               ,
               when
               every
               sect
               and
               profession
               boldly
               affirms
               ,
               that
               they
               have
               the
               truth
               on
               their
               side
               ,
               and
               therefore
               cannot
               resolve
               with
               themselves
               to
               whom
               to
               adhere
               :
               Surely
               such
               do
               plainly
               professe
               ,
               that
               they
               are
               void
               of
               God's
               Spirit
               ,
               who
               by
               the
               gift
               of
               discerning
               ,
               and
               rule
               of
               God's
               Word
               ,
               cannot
               ●ry
               the
               spirits
               ,
               nor
               ,
               like
               Christ's
               sheep
               ,
               know
               the
               voice
               of
               Christ
               .
            
             
               Next
               ,
               she
               attributes
               to
               the
               voice
               of
               her
               beloved
               ,
               knocking
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               like
               manner
               ,
               Rev.
               3.
               20.
               which
               showes
               ,
               not
               onely
               the
               earnest
               desire
               that
               Christ
               has
               ▪
               of
               our
               salvation
               ,
               calling
               and
               knocking
               at
               the
               dores
               of
               our
               hearts
               ,
               that
               we
               may
               open
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               that
               salvation
               may
               come
               into
               our
               house
               ;
               but
               also
               this
               showes
               ,
               the
               power
               of
               Gods
               Word
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               called
               ,
               the
               power
               of
               God
               unto
               salvation
               ,
               to
               all
               them
               who
               believe
               ,
               Rom.
               1.
               16.
               the
               preaching
               whereof
               ,
               is
               (
               as
               it
               were
               )
               the
               very
               hand
               of
               God
               ,
               knocking
               at
               the
               dores
               of
               his
               Elect
               ,
               and
               making
               them
               to
               hear
               and
               open
               to
               him
               ,
               the
               everlasting
               gates
               of
               their
               souls
               ,
               that
               the
               King
               of
               glory
               may
               enter
               in
               ,
               Psal
               .
               24.
               
            
             
               Again
               ,
               it
               is
               to
               be
               remarked
               ,
               that
               she
               saies
               ,
               It
               is
               the
               voice
               
               of
               her
               beloved
               that
               knocks
               ,
               who
               is
               indeed
               ,
               
                 dilectus
                 deo
                 ut
                 filius
                 ,
                 angelis
                 ut
                 dominus
                 ,
                 hominibus
                 ut
                 salus
              
               ;
               beloved
               also
               justly
               ,
               1
               For
               excellency
               of
               beauty
               ,
               vers
               .
               10.
               being
               the
               Sun
               of
               righteousness●
               ,
               and
               fairer
               than
               the
               children
               of
               men
               ,
               Psal
               .
               45.
               2.
               like
               the
               rose
               of
               Sharon
               ,
               and
               lilly
               of
               the
               vallies
               ,
               Cant.
               2.
               1.
               
               And
               2
               For
               liberality
               of
               bounty
               ,
               who
               not
               onely
               gives
               us
               all
               good
               things
               ,
               but
               has
               given
               himself
               to
               us
               ,
               and
               for
               us
               to
               the
               death
               of
               the
               crosse
               ,
               and
               ,
               as
               Psal
               .
               84.
               11.
               who
               is
               the
               giver
               of
               grace
               here
               ,
               and
               of
               glory
               hereafter
               .
               Therefore
               worthy
               is
               he
               ,
               on
               whom
               we
               should
               set
               our
               love
               ,
               whereby
               we
               shall
               reap
               these
               benefits
               :
               1
               The
               assurance
               of
               his
               love
               to
               us
               ,
               and
               election
               of
               us
               .
               2
               This
               ,
               like
               
               Moses's
               Rod
               ,
               will
               devour
               up
               all
               sinfull
               love
               .
               3
               As
               
               Iacob's
               to
               Rachel
               ,
               it
               will
               facilitate
               our
               obedience
               ,
               and
               hardest
               sufferings
               .
               4
               It
               will
               most
               enforce
               us
               of
               any
               motive
               ,
               to
               love
               our
               neighbour
               as
               we
               ought
               .
               And
               5
               assure
               us
               of
               that
               estate
               ,
               wherein
               faith
               and
               hope
               ceasing
               ,
               our
               love
               onely
               shall
               remain
               ,
               and
               be
               perfected
               in
               heaven
               .
            
             
               In
               the
               particulars
               of
               this
               voice
               of
               her
               beloved
               ,
               we
               have
               ,
               1
               His
               compellation
               of
               her
               ,
               which
               is
               by
               divers
               titles
               ,
               
                 My
                 sister
                 ,
                 my
                 love
                 ,
                 my
                 dove
                 ,
                 my
                 undefiled
              
               ;
               of
               all
               which
               we
               have
               spoken
               before
               :
               Onely
               herein
               this
               is
               
               remarkable
               ,
               that
               he
               gives
               her
               these
               titles
               ,
               even
               in
               her
               infirmity
               ,
               while
               she
               is
               lying
               now
               in
               the
               sleep
               and
               slumber
               of
               carnall
               security
               ,
               and
               has
               the
               dore
               of
               her
               heart
               closed
               (
               as
               it
               were
               )
               upon
               him
               ,
               which
               showes
               what
               affection
               he
               bears
               to
               her
               ,
               or
               to
               any
               soul
               ,
               wherein
               a
               love
               to
               him
               remains
               ,
               though
               having
               many
               infirmities
               ;
               according
               to
               which
               ,
               (
               as
               the
               Psalmist
               saies
               )
               the
               Lord
               deales
               not
               with
               us
               ,
               nor
               rewards
               us
               according
               to
               our
               iniquities
               ,
               Psal
               .
               103.
               10
               ,
               13
               :
               But
               as
               a
               father
               pittieth
               his
               children
               ,
               so
               the
               Lord
               pittieth
               them
               that
               fear
               him
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               in
               this
               speech
               of
               our
               Saviours
               ,
               we
               have
               what
               he
               desires
               of
               her
               ,
               which
               is
               ,
               to
               open
               unto
               him
               ;
               as
               
               Naaman's
               servants
               said
               unto
               him
               ,
               2
               King.
               5.
               no
               great
               matter
               to
               perform
               ,
               especially
               to
               so
               great
               and
               good
               a
               Lord
               ,
               who
               had
               come
               to
               her
               dore
               so
               kindly
               ,
               had
               waited
               on
               her
               so
               patiently
               ,
               and
               was
               to
               benefit
               her
               thereby
               so
               abundantly
               ,
               (
               as
               he
               said
               to
               Zacheus
               )
               as
               to
               bring
               salvation
               to
               her
               house
               .
            
             
               In
               which
               suit
               of
               opening
               ,
               we
               have
               to
               consider
               ;
               1
               What
               this
               imports
               .
               2
               If
               we
               have
               power
               to
               perform
               this
               .
               3
               The
               motives
               which
               should
               induce
               us
               .
               And
               4
               The
               manner
               how
               to
               perform
               the
               same
               .
            
             
             
               First
               then
               ,
               this
               imports
               ,
               that
               our
               hearts
               by
               nature
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               estate
               of
               security
               ,
               are
               closed
               against
               God
               ,
               ready
               patent
               to
               admit
               and
               let
               in
               Satan's
               suggestions
               ,
               and
               10
               harbour
               the
               thoughts
               of
               vanity
               ,
               worldlinesse
               ,
               or
               wickednesse
               ;
               but
               not
               so
               patent
               to
               let
               in
               Christ
               Jesus
               ,
               in
               the
               power
               of
               his
               Word
               ,
               and
               operation
               of
               his
               Spirit
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               we
               have
               no
               power
               or
               ability
               of
               our selves
               ,
               to
               perform
               this
               duty
               ,
               till
               he
               who
               has
               the
               keyes
               of
               David
               ,
               who
               opens
               and
               no
               man
               closes
               ,
               and
               who
               opened
               the
               heart
               of
               Lyd●a
               with
               his
               word
               ,
               Act.
               16.
               14.
               put
               in
               his
               hand
               by
               the
               hole
               of
               the
               dore
               ,
               as
               vers
               .
               4.
               and
               by
               the
               efficacy
               of
               his
               Spirit
               ,
               concurs
               and
               enables
               us
               to
               do
               what
               he
               directs
               ;
               for
               without
               him
               we
               are
               able
               to
               do
               nothing
               :
               Therefore
               sales
               Ephraim
               ,
               Surely
               after
               I
               was
               turned
               ,
               then
               I
               repented
               ;
               therefore
               turn
               thou
               me
               ,
               O
               Lord
               ,
               and
               I
               shall
               be
               turned
               ,
               Jer.
               31.
               18
               ,
               19.
               &c.
               
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               the
               motives
               which
               may
               induce
               us
               to
               open
               to
               him
               ,
               are
               many
               ;
               for
               1
               He
               opened
               the
               heavens
               ,
               and
               came
               down
               to
               suffer
               the
               death
               for
               our
               sake
               that
               he
               might
               open
               to
               us
               that
               heavenly
               paradise
               that
               was
               shut
               before
               against
               us
               .
               2.
               he
               opened
               in
               his
               Ministry
               ,
               as
               that
               incarnate
               word
               ,
               the
               good
               will
               of
               God
               to
               us
               for
               our
               great
               comfort
               .
               3.
               
               He
               opened
               not
               only
               his
               hands
               and
               stretched-out
               armes
               on
               the
               crosse
               ,
               calling
               on
               all
               weary
               and
               loaden
               to
               come
               unto
               him
               ,
               but
               his
               very
               heart
               likewise
               ;
               
                 ut
                 paterent
                 viscera
                 per
                 vulnera
              
               .
               4.
               
               He
               opened
               the
               grave
               and
               rose
               therefrom
               to
               give
               us
               comfort
               that
               it
               had
               lost
               it
               victory
               .
               5.
               
               He
               opened
               the
               heave●s
               and
               ascended
               in
               our
               nature
               to
               sit
               there
               at
               his
               Fathers
               right
               hand
               in
               glory
               ,
               and
               there
               to
               prepare
               a
               place
               for
               us
               and
               be
               our
               mediator
               .
               6.
               
               He
               opens
               the
               heavens
               to
               our
               prayers
               ,
               and
               at
               death
               to
               our
               soules
               or
               persons
               ,
               and
               daily
               he
               opens
               his
               hand
               and
               fills
               us
               with
               his
               blessing
               ,
               and
               every
               living
               creature
               which
               is
               appointed
               for
               our
               use
               or
               comfort
               .
               And
               therefore
               for
               these
               reasons
               and
               many
               more
               ,
               should
               not
               we
               open
               to
               him
               when
               he
               comes
               and
               knocks
               at
               our
               dores
               ?
            
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               the
               manner
               how
               we
               ought
               to
               open
               the
               dore
               of
               our
               heart
               to
               him
               ,
               is
               ,
               1.
               
               Timely
               for
               we
               know
               not
               how
               long
               he
               will
               stand
               and
               knock
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               this
               place
               ,
               and
               if
               we
               open
               not
               unto
               him
               readily
               and
               timely
               ,
               how
               soon
               he
               will
               depart
               and
               it
               cost
               us
               great
               pains
               before
               we
               find
               him
               againe
               ,
               neither
               know
               we
               how
               long
               our
               eyes
               shal
               be
               open
               ,
               unclosed
               by
               death
               ,
               and
               the
               grave
               be
               opened
               for
               our
               bodies
               ,
               and
               Hell
               for
               our
               soules
               ,
               if
               we
               prove
               obstinate
               .
               2.
               
               We
               should
               open
               joyfully
               ;
               rejoysing
               
               that
               he
               who
               is
               salvation
               should
               come
               to
               our
               house
               ,
               as
               Elizabeth
               rejoyced
               when
               the
               virgin
               Mary
               came
               unto
               her
               ,
               and
               Jacob
               was
               over-joyed
               when
               Joseph
               came
               to
               meet
               him
               ,
               Gen.
               46.
               30.
               3.
               
               We
               should
               open
               unto
               him
               widely
               ,
               enlarging
               our
               hearts
               with
               the
               full
               bensell
               of
               our
               desires
               after
               him
               ,
               and
               a
               full
               resolution
               to
               obey
               him
               in
               all
               his
               commandements
               ;
               therefore
               we
               are
               bidden
               ,
               lift
               up
               those
               everlasting
               dores
               of
               ours
               ,
               that
               the
               king
               of
               glory
               may
               come
               in
               ,
               Psal
               .
               24.
               or
               ,
               cast
               them
               wide
               open
               after
               the
               manner
               of
               receiving
               such
               great
               personages
               .
               4.
               
               We
               should
               open
               to
               him
               wisely
               ,
               having
               purged
               and
               prepared
               the
               houses
               of
               our
               hearts
               before
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Gen.
               24.
               31.
               and
               the
               upper
               roome
               was
               for
               him
               wherein
               he
               did
               eate
               the
               passover
               ,
               lest
               otherwise
               when
               we
               have
               opened
               the
               dore
               ,
               if
               he
               see
               but
               like
               a
               filthy
               and
               stinking
               dunghill
               ,
               he
               disdaine
               to
               come
               under
               so
               unworthy
               a
               roof
               .
            
             
               Next
               to
               the
               action
               ,
               the
               person
               to
               whom
               she
               should
               open
               ,
               is
               ,
               (
               to
               
                 me
                 ,
              
               )
               sayes
               her
               beloved
               ,
               an
               empha●ick
               word
               indeed
               ,
               and
               as
               Ezekiels
               wheels
               were
               full
               of
               eyes
               ,
               this
               also
               is
               full
               of
               motives
               or
               perswasions
               :
               to
               Me
               then
               ,
               who
               is
               thy
               only
               Saviour
               and
               is
               come
               for
               that
               end
               ,
               
                 (
                 Isay
              
               .
               61.
               2.
               
               )
               and
               who
               would
               not
               open
               to
               such
               ?
               to
               Me
               also
               ,
               who
               is
               thy
               king
               ,
               thy
               Priest
               ,
               and
               thy
               Prophet
               ,
               thy
               brother
               ,
               thy
               beloved
               ,
               and
               bridegroom
               ,
               &c.
               
               Therefore
               ,
               as
               Laban
               said
               to
               Abrahams
               servant●
               ,
               Come
               in
               thou
               blessed
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               why
               standest
               thou
               without
               ,
               Gen.
               24.
               31
               
               ▪
               So
               should
               we
               say
               when
               he
               comes
               to
               our
               dore
               :
               yea
               as
               Lot
               pressed
               greatly
               upon
               the
               two
               angels
               that
               came
               unto
               him
               ,
               Gen.
               19.
               3.
               and
               as
               Lydia
               constrained
               Paul
               and
               those
               that
               were
               with
               him
               to
               come
               within
               her
               house
               ,
               Act.
               16.
               15.
               
               So
               should
               we
               by
               importunity
               of
               fervent
               prayer
               and
               earnest
               desire
               ,
               presse
               hardly
               upon
               our
               Saviour
               in
               like
               manner
               to
               enter
               and
               come
               within
               our
               hearts
               ,
               and
               dwell
               therein
               here
               ,
               that
               we
               may
               dwell
               with
               him
               for
               ever
               and
               ever
               hereafter
               :
               Which
               if
               we
               have
               done
               ,
               we
               may
               know
               by
               these
               two
               marks
               and
               evidences
               ,
               1.
               
               As
               the
               graves
               at
               Christs
               death
               when
               they
               opened
               ,
               they
               sent
               forth
               their
               dead
               ,
               Matth.
               27.
               52.
               
               Even
               so
               will
               a
               soul
               that
               opens
               to
               Christ
               ,
               send
               forth
               all
               dead
               works
               of
               obedience
               to
               sinne
               or
               Satan
               ,
               forsaking
               the
               same
               ,
               as
               Solomon
               sayes
               ,
               he
               that
               confesses
               his
               sinnes
               and
               forsakes
               them
               shall
               have
               mercy
               ,
               2.
               
               As
               the
               earth
               in
               the
               spring
               and
               in
               the
               month
               April
               ,
               that
               hath
               it
               name
               from
               the
               earths
               opening
               it self
               ,
               brings
               forth
               pleasant
               and
               sweet
               flowers
               :
               even
               so
               ,
               when
               the
               heart
               is
               opened
               to
               Christ
               it
               will
               bring
               forth
               the
               sweet
               &
               odoriferous
               flowers
               of
               prayer
               ,
               praise
               ,
               &
               of
               a
               Christian
               
               practice
               ,
               godly
               thoughts
               ,
               godly
               words
               ,
               and
               godly
               deeds
               .
            
             
               The
               reason
               why
               he
               is
               so
               earnest
               with
               her
               by
               so
               many
               compellations
               ,
               as
               motives
               ,
               to
               open
               unto
               him
               ,
               is
               ,
               1.
               
               The
               great
               paines
               he
               has
               taken
               in
               coming
               to
               her
               in
               the
               very
               night
               time
               ,
               which
               ordinarily
               is
               appointed
               for
               rest
               ,
               2.
               
               The
               great
               patience
               and
               long
               suffering
               he
               has
               used
               ,
               waiting
               on
               her
               ,
               till
               his
               head
               was
               filled
               with
               dew
               ,
               and
               his
               locks
               with
               the
               drops
               of
               the
               night
               .
            
             
               The
               similitude
               is
               drawn
               from
               hence
               ,
               as
               if
               a
               lover
               should
               go
               farre
               in
               the
               night
               time
               ,
               and
               indure
               great
               pains
               and
               other
               inconveniences
               to
               visit
               her
               whom
               he
               loves
               so
               dearly
               .
               And
               indeed
               ,
               unspeakable
               are
               the
               pains
               ,
               sorrowes
               and
               sufferings
               that
               our
               Saviour
               has
               indured
               for
               us
               ;
               and
               great
               also
               ,
               yea
               wonderfull
               is
               his
               long
               suffering
               patience
               waiting
               for
               our
               repentance
               ;
               frequent
               likewise
               has
               his
               calling
               been
               upon
               us
               ,
               and
               his
               knocking
               at
               the
               dore
               both
               of
               our
               hearts
               and
               eares
               ,
               and
               yet
               ,
               Who
               may
               say
               that
               all
               these
               have
               prevailed
               ,
               or
               that
               he
               has
               opened
               his
               heart
               unto
               him
               ?
               And
               therefore
               all
               the
               former
               serves
               the
               more
               to
               aggravate
               our
               guiltiness
               and
               great
               unkindness
               unto
               him
               .
            
             
               But
               some
               may
               say
               ,
               does
               not
               Christ
               alwais
               dwell
               in
               the
               hearts
               of
               the
               regenerate
               ,
               how
               is
               it
               then
               that
               he
               calles
               and
               knocks
               to
               let
               him
               in
               ?
               Whereunto
               I
               answer
               ,
               that
               there
               be
               degrees
               of
               the
               measure
               of
               grace
               ,
               whereby
               Christ
               dwells
               in
               his
               Elect
               ,
               as
               was
               in
               the
               blind
               mans
               recovery
               of
               his
               sight
               whom
               Christ
               cured
               and
               savv
               men
               at
               first
               only
               like
               trees
               .
               So
               that
               Christ
               dwells
               in
               those
               who
               have
               but
               the
               least
               spark
               of
               a
               true
               and
               lively
               faith
               ,
               but
               he
               knocks
               to
               have
               them
               to
               open
               the
               dores
               of
               their
               hearts
               wider
               ,
               and
               to
               receive
               him
               after
               a
               fuller
               manner
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 here
                 how
                 changeable
                 the
                 estate
                 of
                 a
                 Christian
                 is
                 in
                 this
                 world
                 :
                 before
                 ,
                 the
                 Church
                 vvas
                 rejoysing
                 ,
                 and
                 inflamed
                 with
                 a
                 fervent
                 zeale
                 and
                 love
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 inviting
                 him
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 his
                 garden
                 and
                 eate
                 his
                 pleasant
                 fruits
                 ,
                 all
                 which
                 now
                 seems
                 to
                 be
                 smothered
                 ,
                 and
                 vvhen
                 he
                 comes
                 to
                 her
                 ,
                 and
                 calls
                 and
                 knocks
                 ,
                 yet
                 she
                 opens
                 not
                 unto
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 maketh
                 excuses
                 .
                 This
                 is
                 from
                 that
                 bosome
                 corruption
                 vvhereof
                 the
                 Apostle
                 complaines
                 ,
                 Rom.
                 7.
                 vvhen
                 through
                 neglect
                 of
                 daily
                 examination
                 ,
                 prayer
                 ,
                 and
                 resolution
                 with
                 David
                 ,
                 the
                 bensell
                 of
                 a
                 holy
                 watchfulness
                 and
                 trimming
                 of
                 our
                 lamps
                 doth
                 slacken
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 119
                 :
                 53.
                 and
                 like
                 the
                 wise
                 virgins
                 vve
                 sleep
                 ,
                 as
                 vvell
                 as
                 the
                 foolish
                 ,
                 till
                 Christ
                 he
                 avvake
                 us
                 .
              
               
               
                 2.
                 
                 The
                 ingenuity
                 of
                 the
                 godly
                 may
                 here
                 likewise
                 be
                 seen
                 ,
                 like
                 Pharaoh's
                 butler
                 ,
                 not
                 blushing
                 to
                 confesse
                 their
                 faults
                 and
                 infirmity
                 ,
                 that
                 God
                 may
                 get
                 glory
                 ,
                 though
                 vvith
                 confusion
                 of
                 their
                 own
                 faces
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 Church
                 here
                 confesseth
                 that
                 she
                 had
                 fallen
                 asleep
                 into
                 carnall
                 security
                 ,
                 as
                 Paul
                 confesses
                 his
                 persecution
                 of
                 Christs
                 Church
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 all
                 sinners
                 that
                 he
                 was
                 the
                 chief
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Here
                 we
                 perceive
                 the
                 difference
                 between
                 the
                 godly
                 and
                 the
                 unregenerate
                 ,
                 and
                 between
                 the
                 security
                 vvherein
                 the
                 one
                 falls
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 security
                 of
                 the
                 other
                 .
                 In
                 the
                 godly
                 there
                 are
                 two
                 principles
                 ,
                 flesh
                 and
                 spirit
                 ,
                 vvhereas
                 in
                 the
                 unregenerate
                 there
                 is
                 but
                 one
                 ,
                 for
                 they
                 are
                 all
                 flesh
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 godly
                 though
                 they
                 sleep
                 ,
                 yet
                 their
                 heart
                 vvaketh
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 their
                 sleep
                 is
                 like
                 an
                 unsound
                 slumber
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 unregenerate
                 their
                 sleep
                 is
                 like
                 a
                 dead
                 lethargy
                 ,
                 out
                 of
                 vvhich
                 they
                 cannot
                 be
                 awaked
                 :
                 as
                 also
                 the
                 godly
                 ,
                 only
                 sometimes
                 fall
                 into
                 this
                 sleep
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 unregenerate
                 continually
                 do
                 lye
                 therein
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 here
                 ,
                 by
                 her
                 confession
                 ,
                 that
                 a
                 true
                 Christian
                 has
                 a
                 discerning
                 Judgment
                 of
                 his
                 ovvn
                 spirituall
                 estate
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 sensible
                 of
                 his
                 soules
                 sickness
                 or
                 health
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 work
                 of
                 the
                 flesh
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 the
                 spirit
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 vve
                 see
                 ,
                 Rom.
                 7.
                 19
                 ,
                 20.
                 &c.
                 And
                 that
                 he
                 should
                 thankfully
                 and
                 to
                 his
                 comfort
                 acknowledge
                 the
                 good
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 humbly
                 ,
                 the
                 evill
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 Hence
                 also
                 we
                 may
                 consider
                 vvhat
                 is
                 the
                 best
                 estate
                 of
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 a
                 waking
                 heart
                 or
                 soul
                 ;
                 which
                 the
                 more
                 it
                 be
                 waking
                 or
                 watchfull
                 ,
                 the
                 lesse
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 danger
                 of
                 its
                 spirituall
                 enemies
                 ,
                 and
                 more
                 ready
                 and
                 fit
                 for
                 receiving
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 intertaining
                 its
                 blessed
                 bridegroom
                 Christ
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 Whereas
                 he
                 comes
                 first
                 in
                 this
                 her
                 slumbering
                 security
                 to
                 her
                 ,
                 and
                 calls
                 and
                 knocks
                 to
                 awake
                 her
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 the
                 Lords
                 gracious
                 goodness
                 ,
                 vvho
                 deales
                 not
                 with
                 us
                 as
                 vve
                 do
                 deserve
                 ,
                 and
                 vvho
                 like
                 that
                 loving
                 shepherd
                 that
                 sought
                 the
                 lost
                 sheep
                 ,
                 seeks
                 us
                 in
                 like
                 manner
                 first
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Lord
                 did
                 Adam
                 ,
                 else
                 vve
                 should
                 never
                 be
                 able
                 to
                 avvake
                 and
                 seek
                 after
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 By
                 her
                 acknovvledging
                 that
                 it
                 vvas
                 the
                 voice
                 of
                 her
                 beloved
                 that
                 knocked
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 that
                 the
                 godly
                 ,
                 like
                 Christs
                 sheep
                 can
                 discerne
                 their
                 shepherds
                 voice
                 ,
                 and
                 put
                 a
                 difference
                 betvveen
                 it
                 and
                 a
                 stranger's
                 ,
                 betvveen
                 the
                 green
                 ,
                 vvholsome
                 pasture
                 and
                 still
                 vvaters
                 whereof
                 David
                 speaks
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 23.
                 and
                 betvveen
                 that
                 vvhich
                 is
                 hurtfull
                 and
                 unvvholsome
                 ,
                 or
                 those
                 
                 poysonable
                 waters
                 ,
                 mentioned
                 Rev
                 8.
                 11.
                 whereby
                 many
                 died
                 .
              
               
                 8.
                 
                 The
                 word
                 of
                 God
                 preached
                 is
                 here
                 called
                 Christ's
                 voice
                 ,
                 and
                 acknowledged
                 so
                 by
                 his
                 Spouse
                 ,
                 whereby
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 what
                 reverence
                 the
                 godly
                 carry
                 to
                 the
                 Word
                 ,
                 how
                 it
                 ought
                 to
                 be
                 haunted
                 unto
                 ,
                 heard
                 ,
                 and
                 obeyed
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 cause
                 of
                 the
                 contrary
                 to
                 be
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 men
                 mistake
                 ,
                 with
                 young
                 Samuel
                 ,
                 that
                 to
                 be
                 man's
                 word
                 ,
                 which
                 truly
                 is
                 Christ's
                 own
                 voice
                 .
              
               
                 9.
                 
                 To
                 this
                 voice
                 of
                 Christ
                 is
                 attributed
                 here
                 ,
                 not
                 onely
                 calling
                 ,
                 but
                 knocking
                 ;
                 which
                 should
                 warn
                 us
                 to
                 try
                 hereby
                 ,
                 whether
                 we
                 be
                 Christ's
                 Spouse
                 or
                 no
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 power
                 that
                 we
                 find
                 in
                 his
                 Word
                 upon
                 our
                 souls
                 ,
                 and
                 at
                 the
                 dore
                 of
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 as
                 a
                 knocking
                 ,
                 and
                 procure
                 an
                 opening
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 did
                 the
                 heart
                 of
                 
                   Iydia
                   ,
                   Act.
                
                 16.
                 14.
                 and
                 of
                 those
                 three
                 thousand
                 that
                 were
                 converted
                 to
                 the
                 faith
                 ,
                 by
                 one
                 Sermon
                 of
                 
                   Peter's
                   ,
                   Act.
                
                 2.
                 41.
                 
              
               
                 10.
                 
                 For
                 performance
                 of
                 these
                 holy
                 duties
                 ,
                 which
                 the
                 Lord
                 requires
                 at
                 our
                 hands
                 ,
                 for
                 our
                 own
                 good
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 frequently
                 meditate
                 ,
                 what
                 great
                 pains
                 and
                 sufferings
                 he
                 has
                 undergone
                 for
                 us
                 ,
                 what
                 great
                 love
                 and
                 kindnesse
                 he
                 has
                 shown
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 what
                 long-suffering
                 patience
                 he
                 waits
                 for
                 our
                 ,
                 repentance
                 ;
                 all
                 which
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 tend
                 not
                 to
                 our
                 conversion
                 ,
                 they
                 shall
                 assuredly
                 tend
                 to
                 our
                 conviction
                 ;
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 has
                 so
                 long
                 stood
                 at
                 our
                 doores
                 ,
                 calling
                 and
                 knocking
                 ,
                 till
                 his
                 head
                 was
                 full
                 of
                 dew
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 locks
                 with
                 the
                 drops
                 of
                 the
                 night
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 we
                 have
                 not
                 opened
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               3.
               
               I
               have
               put
               off
               my
               coat
               ,
               how
               shall
               I
               put
               it
               on
               ?
               I
               have
               washed
               my
               feet
               ,
               how
               shall
               I
               desile
               them
               ?
            
             
               Here
               ,
               by
               way
               of
               confession
               against
               her self
               ,
               is
               set
               down
               her
               excuse
               ,
               of
               suffering
               her
               beloved
               to
               stand
               so
               long
               knocking
               at
               the
               dore
               of
               her
               heart
               ,
               and
               that
               she
               opened
               not
               unto
               him
               ,
               which
               was
               ,
               That
               she
               had
               put
               off
               her
               coat
               ,
               and
               therefore
               how
               should
               she
               put
               it
               on
               again
               ?
               She
               had
               also
               washed
               her
               feet
               ,
               and
               how
               should
               she
               defile
               them
               again
               ?
               This
               putting
               off
               her
               cloaths
               ,
               being
               (
               we
               know
               )
               for
               to
               compose
               her self
               to
               a
               setled
               rest
               ,
               in
               the
               warm
               bed
               of
               security
               and
               carnall
               ease
               ,
               out
               of
               which
               she
               professes
               ,
               that
               she
               is
               very
               loath
               to
               rise
               ;
               as
               we
               see
               on
               the
               contrary
               ,
               that
               the
               keeping
               on
               of
               cloaths
               ,
               is
               a
               token
               of
               care
               and
               watchfulnesse
               ,
               Nehem.
               4
               ,
               23.
               (
               which
               is
               recommended
               to
               all
               )
               and
               therefore
               ,
               Luk.
               12.
               35.
               our
               Saviour
               
               exhorts
               all
               men
               ,
               saying
               ,
               Let
               your
               loins
               be
               girded
               about
               ,
               and
               your
               lamps
               burning
               ,
               and
               be
               ye
               your selves
               like
               unto
               men
               ,
               that
               wait
               for
               their
               Lord
               ,
               when
               he
               will
               return
               from
               the
               wedding
               ,
               that
               when
               he
               commeth
               and
               knocketh
               ,
               they
               may
               open
               unto
               him
               immediately
               .
            
             
               The
               washing
               also
               of
               the
               feet
               was
               a
               custom
               of
               these
               Eastern
               hot
               Countries
               ,
               both
               before
               they
               went
               to
               meat
               ,
               or
               to
               rest
               and
               sleep
               ,
               and
               therefore
               by
               saving
               ,
               that
               she
               had
               washed
               her
               feet
               ,
               and
               how
               should
               she
               desile
               them
               again
               ,
               she
               expresses
               ,
               as
               is
               already
               said
               ,
               how
               loath
               she
               was
               to
               arise
               from
               the
               warm
               bed
               of
               carnall
               security
               :
               Under
               which
               two
               excuses
               ,
               are
               comprehended
               all
               other
               of
               like
               sort
               ,
               which
               flesh
               and
               blood
               doth
               minister
               ,
               for
               hindring
               to
               rise
               ,
               and
               open
               to
               Christ
               ,
               and
               obey
               his
               calling
               ,
               such
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Matth.
               22.
               and
               are
               usually
               suggested
               by
               our
               corruption
               ,
               as
               the
               quitting
               of
               our
               pleasure
               ,
               or
               profit
               ,
               our
               ease
               ,
               credit
               ,
               or
               companions
               ,
               if
               we
               do
               so
               ;
               and
               that
               we
               shall
               fall
               in
               disgust
               ,
               hatred
               ,
               and
               obloquie
               ,
               and
               other
               like
               inconveniences
               :
               Neither
               is
               it
               a
               fit
               time
               as
               yet
               ,
               (
               but
               as
               Foelix
               said
               to
               
                 Paul
                 ,
                 Act.
              
               24.
               25.
               
               )
               we
               may
               take
               a
               more
               convenient
               season
               for
               that
               ,
               or
               the
               like
               purposes
               ,
               &c.
               
               Such
               excuses
               do
               absenters
               of
               themselves
               from
               publick
               exercises
               of
               divine
               worship
               ,
               make
               ,
               and
               prophaners
               of
               the
               Lords
               Sabbath
               ;
               such
               also
               do
               covetous
               extortioners
               ,
               revengefull
               oppressors
               :
               unclean
               whoor-mongers
               ,
               riotous
               ,
               drunkards
               ,
               and
               the
               like
               ,
               frame
               to
               themselves
               ,
               and
               obtrude
               ,
               and
               all
               for
               this
               end
               ,
               to
               keep
               Christ
               out
               ,
               though
               he
               frequently
               call
               and
               knock
               at
               their
               door
               ,
               to
               enter
               in
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 hereby
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 an
                 easie
                 matter
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 very
                 hard
                 and
                 difficult
                 one
                 ,
                 to
                 bring
                 the
                 soul
                 and
                 Christ
                 together
                 ,
                 into
                 a
                 neer
                 and
                 constant
                 fellowship
                 ,
                 wherein
                 ,
                 as
                 Abraham
                 did
                 not
                 with
                 Sarah
                 ,
                 concerning
                 
                 Isaac's
                 immolation
                 ,
                 so
                 we
                 must
                 not
                 consult
                 with
                 flesh
                 and
                 blood
                 ,
                 which
                 will
                 furnish
                 so
                 many
                 shifts
                 and
                 carnall
                 excuses
                 ;
                 but
                 take
                 heed
                 to
                 his
                 voice
                 ,
                 who
                 calls
                 and
                 knocks
                 ,
                 and
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Father
                 spake
                 at
                 Christ's
                 baptism
                 from
                 heaven
                 ,
                 hear
                 him
                 and
                 obey
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 ,
                 how
                 strong
                 is
                 carnall
                 corruption
                 ,
                 and
                 remnants
                 of
                 sin
                 in
                 the
                 regenerate
                 ,
                 to
                 hold
                 Christ
                 at
                 the
                 dore
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 sleight
                 his
                 voice
                 ,
                 calling
                 on
                 the●…
                 to
                 open
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 ,
                 how
                 much
                 more
                 stronger
                 is
                 the
                 same
                 in
                 the
                 unregenerate
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 no
                 marvell
                 that
                 they
                 open
                 not
                 unto
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 disobey
                 his
                 voice
                 .
              
               
               
                 3.
                 
                 These
                 excuses
                 she
                 sets
                 down
                 ,
                 by
                 way
                 of
                 self-accusation
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 proving
                 so
                 kind
                 to
                 her
                 ,
                 in
                 his
                 comming
                 ,
                 calling
                 ,
                 &
                 compellation
                 ,
                 yet
                 she
                 should
                 have
                 served
                 him
                 so
                 unkindly
                 ;
                 which
                 teaches
                 us
                 in
                 like
                 manner
                 ,
                 to
                 search
                 our selves
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 Prophet
                 exhorts
                 )
                 accuse
                 and
                 condemn
                 our selves
                 ,
                 that
                 judging
                 our selves
                 here
                 ,
                 and
                 confessing
                 our
                 unkindnesse
                 to
                 so
                 kind
                 a
                 Lord
                 ,
                 we
                 may
                 not
                 be
                 judged
                 hereafter
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               4.
               
               My
               beloved
               put
               in
               his
               hand
               by
               the
               lock
               of
               the
               dore
               ,
               and
               my
               bowels
               were
               moved
               for
               him
               .
            
             
               Here
               the
               Spouse
               subjoynes
               to
               the
               confession
               of
               her
               own
               unkindnesse
               to
               her
               beloved
               ,
               his
               constancy
               of
               kindnesse
               notwithstanding
               ,
               unto
               her
               ;
               that
               although
               she
               kept
               the
               dore
               still
               yet
               shut
               ,
               and
               made
               needlesse
               excuses
               that
               she
               could
               not
               open
               to
               him
               ;
               yet
               though
               he
               withdrawes
               himself
               from
               her
               for
               a
               while
               ,
               he
               will
               yet
               leave
               that
               behind
               him
               ,
               that
               shall
               raise
               her
               ,
               and
               make
               her
               at
               last
               open
               ,
               and
               seriously
               seek
               him
               ;
               and
               this
               she
               calls
               ,
               The
               putting
               in
               his
               hand
               by
               the
               hole
               of
               the
               dore
               ,
               the
               effect
               whereof
               which
               it
               produced
               ,
               was
               ,
               That
               
                 her
                 bowells
                 was
                 moved
                 for
                 him
                 .
              
            
             
               This
               hand
               is
               the
               operation
               of
               his
               Spirit
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               it
               called
               ,
               Act.
               11.
               21.
               which
               concurring
               effectually
               with
               his
               voice
               ,
               formerly
               spoken
               of
               ,
               by
               the
               small
               entry
               of
               grace
               which
               was
               left
               in
               her
               heart
               ,
               like
               a
               lock
               hole
               ,
               maketh
               such
               a
               strange
               alteration
               in
               her
               ,
               from
               that
               which
               very
               lately
               she
               was
               ,
               that
               her
               bowells
               presently
               begins
               to
               be
               moved
               for
               him
               ,
               and
               thereafter
               she
               rises
               ,
               opens
               ,
               and
               seriously
               seeks
               after
               him
               .
               By
               which
               moving
               of
               her
               bowells
               for
               him
               ,
               is
               meant
               ,
               her
               serious
               grief
               and
               repentance
               ,
               for
               her
               former
               security
               and
               repulse
               ,
               and
               not
               making
               right
               use
               of
               the
               means
               of
               grace
               ;
               together
               with
               an
               earnest
               desire
               now
               ,
               a
               love
               ,
               and
               a
               longing
               for
               him
               ,
               which
               makes
               her
               hereafter
               to
               rise
               ,
               open
               ,
               and
               laboriously
               seek
               after
               him
               .
               The
               like
               of
               which
               speech
               ,
               of
               the
               moving
               of
               the
               bowells
               ,
               we
               have
               Jer.
               4.
               19.
               and
               31.
               20.
               signifying
               griefe
               of
               heart
               ,
               and
               an
               inward
               disquiet
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 here
                 God's
                 gracious
                 goodnesse
                 ,
                 who
                 never
                 leaves
                 his
                 own
                 fully
                 nor
                 finally
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 cause
                 of
                 their
                 perseverance
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 they
                 never
                 leave
                 him
                 neither
                 ,
                 fully
                 nor
                 finally
                 .
              
               
               
                 2.
                 
                 The
                 difference
                 between
                 the
                 hearts
                 of
                 the
                 regenerate
                 and
                 unregenerate
                 ,
                 is
                 this
                 ,
                 The
                 unregenerate
                 ,
                 their
                 hearts
                 are
                 altogether
                 closed
                 against
                 Christ
                 ,
                 for
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 all
                 is
                 flesh
                 ,
                 and
                 no
                 spirit
                 ;
                 but
                 the
                 regenerate
                 ,
                 their
                 hearts
                 have
                 still
                 some
                 entrance
                 patent
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 a
                 lock-hole
                 for
                 Christ
                 ,
                 to
                 put
                 in
                 his
                 hand
                 ,
                 and
                 which
                 the
                 Apostle
                 calls
                 ,
                 The
                 seed
                 that
                 remains
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 their
                 worst
                 estate
                 ;
                 albeit
                 they
                 have
                 much
                 flesh
                 ,
                 yet
                 they
                 have
                 some
                 spirit
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 For
                 awaking
                 any
                 soul
                 out
                 of
                 security
                 ,
                 or
                 working
                 true
                 conversion
                 ,
                 the
                 hand
                 of
                 God
                 must
                 concur
                 with
                 his
                 voice
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 his
                 Spirit
                 with
                 the
                 ministry
                 of
                 his
                 Word
                 ,
                 else
                 all
                 
                 Paul's
                 planting
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 Apollos's
                 watering
                 will
                 be
                 in
                 vain
                 :
                 Therefore
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 ,
                 that
                 while
                 Paul
                 was
                 speaking
                 ,
                 The
                 Lord
                 opened
                 the
                 heart
                 of
                 
                   Lydia
                   ,
                   Act.
                
                 16.
                 14.
                 
                 (
                 see
                 also
                 Act.
                 2.
                 41.
                 
                 )
                 that
                 she
                 attended
                 to
                 those
                 things
                 which
                 were
                 spoken
                 by
                 Paul
                 :
                 Which
                 should
                 make
                 us
                 at
                 all
                 times
                 to
                 incall
                 for
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 but
                 specially
                 when
                 we
                 hear
                 his
                 Word
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 here
                 the
                 piercing
                 power
                 of
                 God's
                 Word
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Spirit
                 concurrs
                 with
                 it
                 ,
                 entring
                 into
                 the
                 very
                 bowells
                 ,
                 and
                 making
                 a
                 strange
                 motion
                 and
                 change
                 there
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 see
                 it
                 made
                 ,
                 Act.
                 2.
                 37.
                 in
                 three
                 thousand
                 converts
                 at
                 once
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 is
                 compared
                 to
                 a
                 two
                 edged
                 sword
                 ,
                 that
                 pierces
                 more
                 sharply
                 ,
                 even
                 to
                 the
                 dividing
                 assunder
                 of
                 soul
                 and
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 the
                 joynts
                 and
                 marrow
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 a
                 discerner
                 of
                 the
                 thoughts
                 and
                 intentions
                 of
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 Heb.
                 4.
                 12.
                 
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 Whereas
                 she
                 saies
                 ,
                 that
                 her
                 bowells
                 was
                 moved
                 ,
                 we
                 may
                 perceive
                 ,
                 that
                 true
                 repentance
                 begins
                 at
                 the
                 inwards
                 of
                 the
                 heart
                 and
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 makes
                 a
                 change
                 first
                 and
                 a
                 commotion
                 there
                 :
                 therefore
                 sales
                 David
                 ,
                 Behold
                 thou
                 desirest
                 truth
                 in
                 the
                 inward
                 parts
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 the
                 hidden
                 part
                 thou
                 shalt
                 make
                 me
                 to
                 know
                 wisdome
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 She
                 saies
                 ,
                 that
                 her
                 bowells
                 was
                 moved
                 for
                 him
                 ,
                 or
                 for
                 his
                 offence
                 ,
                 and
                 her
                 unkindnesse
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 which
                 showes
                 another
                 property
                 also
                 of
                 true
                 repentance
                 ,
                 that
                 under
                 the
                 greatest
                 calamities
                 or
                 corrections
                 ,
                 that
                 comes
                 from
                 the
                 hand
                 of
                 God
                 upon
                 his
                 own
                 children
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 still
                 ,
                 not
                 for
                 these
                 calamities
                 that
                 they
                 sorrow
                 ,
                 or
                 are
                 chiefly
                 grieved
                 ;
                 but
                 in
                 a
                 holy
                 indignation
                 at
                 themselves
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 the
                 offending
                 of
                 so
                 good
                 and
                 gracious
                 a
                 God
                 ,
                 against
                 whom
                 they
                 have
                 sinned
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
             
               Vers
               .
               5.
               
               I
               rose
               up
               to
               open
               to
               my
               beloved
               ,
               and
               my
               hands
               dropped
               with
               myrrh
               ;
               and
               my
               fingers
               with
               sweet
               smelling
               myrrh
               ,
               upon
               the
               handles
               of
               the
               lock
               .
            
             
               Here
               unto
               her
               inward
               grief
               ,
               formerly
               spoken
               of
               ,
               she
               add●
               outward
               acts
               of
               amendment
               ,
               which
               acts
               are
               called
               fingers
               and
               hands
               ,
               these
               being
               the
               instruments
               of
               action
               ;
               so
               that
               she
               staies
               not
               at
               the
               inward
               motions
               that
               were
               stirred
               up
               in
               her
               heart
               ,
               as
               many
               do
               ,
               who
               have
               some
               flashes
               of
               inward
               motions
               at
               the
               hearing
               of
               the
               Word
               ,
               or
               upon
               other
               occasions
               ,
               which
               do
               soon
               vanish
               like
               the
               morning
               dew
               :
               But
               she
               arises
               from
               her
               warm
               bed
               of
               carnall
               security
               ,
               to
               open
               to
               her
               Beloved
               ;
               and
               while
               she
               puts
               to
               her
               hands
               to
               the
               handles
               of
               the
               lock
               ,
               for
               this
               end
               and
               purpose
               ,
               she
               finds
               ,
               that
               her
               Beloved
               had
               left
               by
               his
               touch
               ,
               or
               putting
               in
               his
               hand
               at
               the
               lock-hole
               ,
               such
               abundance
               of
               sweet
               graces
               ,
               like
               pure
               myrrh
               ,
               that
               wheresoever
               she
               touched
               ,
               her
               hands
               did
               not
               onely
               savour
               thereof
               ,
               but
               did
               drop
               with
               the
               same
               .
               O
               happy
               touch
               of
               his
               !
               without
               which
               ,
               what
               would
               become
               of
               us
               ?
               or
               what
               duties
               were
               we
               able
               to
               perform
               ,
               to
               his
               glory
               or
               our
               good
               ,
               without
               him
               ?
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 ,
                 that
                 true
                 repentance
                 is
                 a
                 rising
                 from
                 sin
                 and
                 security
                 ,
                 to
                 holinesse
                 and
                 a
                 godly
                 watchfulnesse
                 ;
                 therefore
                 saies
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 exhorting
                 thereto
                 ,
                 Awake
                 thou
                 who
                 sleeps
                 ,
                 and
                 rise
                 from
                 the
                 dead
                 and
                 Christ
                 shall
                 give
                 thee
                 light
                 ,
                 Ephes
                 .
                 5.
                 14.
                 
                 And
                 as
                 he
                 who
                 rises
                 ,
                 changes
                 the
                 posture
                 of
                 his
                 body
                 ,
                 and
                 quits
                 the
                 place
                 and
                 condition
                 wherein
                 he
                 did
                 formerly
                 lye
                 asleep
                 ;
                 even
                 so
                 he
                 who
                 truly
                 repents
                 ,
                 changes
                 the
                 posture
                 of
                 his
                 soul
                 ,
                 from
                 an
                 earthly
                 and
                 sinfull
                 disposition
                 ,
                 to
                 a
                 heavenly
                 ;
                 and
                 quits
                 his
                 former
                 manner
                 of
                 conversation
                 and
                 company
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 delight
                 which
                 he
                 had
                 to
                 lie
                 in
                 carnall
                 security
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 ,
                 that
                 true
                 grace
                 and
                 the
                 gift
                 of
                 conversion
                 ,
                 is
                 ever
                 progressive
                 and
                 practicall
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 ,
                 from
                 the
                 moving
                 of
                 her
                 bowells
                 within
                 her
                 ,
                 she
                 comes
                 to
                 rising
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 open
                 the
                 dore
                 to
                 her
                 beloved
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 An
                 evidence
                 of
                 Christ's
                 comming
                 to
                 any
                 soul
                 in
                 mercy
                 ,
                 or
                 any
                 saving
                 and
                 comfortable
                 touch
                 of
                 his
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 the
                 Leper
                 found
                 ,
                 Matth.
                 8.
                 3.
                 is
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 leaves
                 ever
                 a
                 sensible
                 sufficiency
                 
                 of
                 svveet
                 and
                 savory
                 grace
                 behind
                 him
                 ,
                 which
                 not
                 only
                 like
                 oile
                 or
                 ointment
                 supples
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 the
                 former
                 stiffe
                 heart
                 and
                 vvill
                 ,
                 and
                 removes
                 all
                 impediments
                 of
                 his
                 debarring
                 any
                 more
                 ,
                 but
                 likevvise
                 inables
                 to
                 action
                 ,
                 and
                 makes
                 all
                 the
                 actions
                 of
                 our
                 Christian
                 obedience
                 and
                 indeavours
                 to
                 be
                 acceptable
                 to
                 God
                 like
                 svveet
                 smelling
                 Myrrh
                 or
                 incense
                 ,
                 and
                 where
                 this
                 svveet
                 smelling
                 grace
                 is
                 not
                 left
                 ;
                 and
                 that
                 the
                 plenty
                 thereof
                 in
                 the
                 soul
                 kyths
                 not
                 in
                 the
                 hands
                 ,
                 or
                 practise
                 of
                 the
                 life
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 token
                 that
                 to
                 such
                 an
                 empty
                 soul
                 thereof
                 ,
                 Christ
                 as
                 yet
                 never
                 came
                 in
                 mercy
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 These
                 shovves
                 to
                 our
                 comfort
                 ,
                 that
                 Christ
                 never
                 totally
                 deserts
                 an
                 elect
                 soul
                 ,
                 but
                 howsoever
                 he
                 vvithdraw
                 himself
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 leaves
                 that
                 behind
                 him
                 ,
                 vvhich
                 if
                 we
                 find
                 ,
                 despaire
                 not
                 (
                 if
                 vve
                 seek
                 him
                 )
                 of
                 his
                 returne
                 ,
                 or
                 our
                 finding
                 him
                 :
                 for
                 the
                 Myrrh
                 of
                 his
                 grace
                 vvhich
                 he
                 left
                 behind
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 holy
                 desire
                 of
                 seeking
                 after
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 opening
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 Joseph
                 and
                 Mary
                 sought
                 after
                 Christ
                 vvhen
                 on
                 the
                 vvay
                 they
                 missed
                 him
                 )
                 is
                 a
                 pledge
                 of
                 ,
                 after
                 finding
                 him
                 vvhom
                 our
                 soul
                 loveth
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               6.
               
               I
               opened
               to
               my
               beloved
               ,
               but
               my
               beloved
               had
               with
               drawn
               himself
               ,
               and
               was
               gone
               ,
               my
               soul
               failed
               when
               he
               spake
               ,
               I
               sought
               him
               ,
               but
               I
               could
               not
               find
               him
               ,
               I
               called
               him
               ,
               but
               he
               gave
               me
               no
               answer
               .
            
             
               In
               this
               verse
               is
               set
               down
               the
               evidence
               of
               a
               furder
               degree
               of
               grace
               yet
               in
               the
               spouse
               of
               Christ
               but
               a
               dolorous
               disappointment
               :
               For
               1.
               
               She
               opens
               now
               to
               her
               beloved
               ,
               but
               he
               was
               gone
               ,
               2.
               
               She
               seeks
               him
               ,
               but
               she
               could
               not
               find
               him
               ,
               and
               ,
               3.
               
               She
               calls
               or
               cryes
               upon
               him
               ,
               but
               he
               did
               not
               answer
               ,
               which
               is
               one
               of
               the
               greatest
               griefs
               and
               temptations
               that
               can
               be
               ,
               to
               a
               sensible
               and
               godly
               soul
               ,
               as
               we
               may
               see
               ,
               Psal
               .
               22.
               1.
               and
               Lam.
               3.
               8.
               
               &c.
               
            
             
               But
               it
               may
               be
               asked
               ,
               seeing
               Christ
               alwais
               dvvelleth
               in
               the
               faithfull
               ,
               how
               can
               it
               be
               said
               that
               he
               had
               withdrawn
               himself
               and
               was
               gone
               ,
               especially
               seeing
               he
               is
               present
               by
               the
               graces
               of
               his
               holy
               spirit
               ,
               the
               evidence
               whereof
               we
               see
               in
               these
               her
               actions
               .
               Whereunto
               I
               answer
               .
               True
               it
               is
               ,
               that
               she
               could
               not
               repent
               ,
               nor
               rise
               ,
               open
               to
               him
               ,
               or
               seek
               and
               call
               after
               him
               as
               she
               does
               ,
               unlesse
               that
               he
               were
               present
               and
               wrought
               these
               things
               in
               her
               ,
               who
               sayes
               ,
               Without
               me
               yee
               can
               do
               nothing
               :
               for
               all
               these
               things
               proceed
               from
               his
               grace
               ,
               and
               yet
               she
               had
               not
               that
               
               lively
               and
               comfortable
               sense
               of
               his
               presence
               which
               she
               had
               sometimes
               (
               as
               before
               )
               found
               ,
               c.
               2.
               4.
               and
               3.
               4.
               and
               now
               earnestly
               longed
               for
               ,
               (
               as
               David
               did
               )
               after
               the
               joy
               of
               the
               Lords
               salvation
               ,
               Psal
               .
               51.
               and
               after
               the
               Lords
               presence
               ,
               as
               the
               Hart
               panteth
               after
               the
               water-brooks
               ,
               Psal
               .
               42.
               
               Neither
               let
               the
               want
               of
               this
               feeling
               of
               Gods
               presence
               seem
               strange
               to
               God's
               children
               in
               their
               spirituall●
               desertions
               for
               a
               time
               ,
               seeing
               they
               see
               that
               the
               same
               has
               been
               incident
               not
               only
               to
               Gods
               dearest
               Saints
               which
               has
               made
               them
               so
               to
               complain
               as
               we
               see
               in
               the
               Psalms
               and
               else
               where
               ,
               but
               likewise
               to
               Christ
               Jesus
               the
               sonne
               of
               God
               their
               head
               ,
               and
               God
               himself
               coequall
               coeternall
               and
               coes●entiall
               with
               the
               Father
               ,
               who
               notwithstanding
               of
               that
               indissoluble
               union
               between
               his
               two
               natures
               ,
               which
               never
               could
               be
               separate
               ,
               yet
               this
               withdrawing
               of
               the
               comfortable
               sense
               of
               the
               divine
               nature
               from
               his
               humane
               upon
               the
               crosse
               was
               such
               ,
               that
               he
               cryed
               out
               ,
               my
               God
               ,
               my
               God
               ,
               why
               hast
               thou
               forsaken
               me
               ?
               
                 Subtrahendo
                 visionem
                 ,
                 non
                 dissolvendo
                 unionem
                 .
              
            
             
               Under
               which
               sense
               of
               his
               withdrawing
               ,
               she
               sayeth
               ,
               My
               soul
               failed
               when
               he
               spake
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               when
               so
               lovingly
               he
               invited
               her
               to
               open
               unto
               him
               ,
               so
               that
               the
               vvord
               then
               presently
               spoken
               took
               not
               present
               effect
               ,
               (
               as
               it
               usually
               does
               not
               in
               many
               hearers
               )
               but
               novv
               after
               she
               had
               fallen
               in
               this
               temptation
               of
               desertion
               it
               doth
               ,
               and
               thereby
               her
               conscience
               is
               checked
               ,
               as
               Reubens
               warning
               of
               his
               brethren
               concerning
               Joseph
               ,
               did
               in
               the
               time
               of
               their
               feare
               and
               agony
               ,
               Gen.
               42.
               21.
               and
               vvhich
               is
               one
               of
               the
               fruits
               to
               a
               godly
               soul
               of
               spirituall
               desertion
               ,
               or
               rather
               an
               end
               vvhy
               the
               Lord
               layes
               on
               them
               such
               distresse
               of
               mind
               that
               they
               may
               call
               to
               remembrance
               under
               the
               same
               their
               former
               sinnes
               vvhereof
               as
               yet
               they
               have
               not
               truly
               repented
               or
               been
               humbled
               for
               ,
               and
               the
               vvarnings
               and
               threats
               of
               Gods
               word
               against
               the
               same
               ,
               vvhich
               they
               then
               neglected
               .
            
             
               Next
               ,
               she
               declares
               ,
               that
               although
               upon
               her
               opening
               to
               him
               ,
               he
               had
               vvithdrawn
               himself
               and
               was
               gone
               ,
               yet
               she
               faints
               not
               in
               weldoing
               nor
               gives
               over
               ,
               but
               seeks
               him
               ;
               and
               although
               she
               found
               him
               not
               ,
               yet
               still
               she
               insists
               like
               the
               Cananitish
               vvoman
               or
               importunate
               vvidow
               ,
               and
               calles
               upon
               him
               ,
               but
               he
               answered
               not
               ,
               vvhich
               action
               of
               seeking
               of
               Christ
               what
               it
               is
               ,
               and
               hovv
               to
               be
               performed
               ,
               &c.
               we
               have
               already
               shown
               ,
               chap.
               3.
               1.
               
               As
               also
               spoken
               of
               the
               like
               successe
               in
               the
               same
               place
               ,
               vvhere
               it
               is
               said
               ,
               that
               she
               found
               him
               not
               .
               And
               as
               for
               this
               other
               ,
               of
               calling
               upon
               him
               ,
               it
               is
               to
               be
               understood
               of
               prayer
               vvhich
               frequently
               in
               Scripture
               is
               termed
               a
               calling
               upon
               God
               ,
               
               as
               vve
               see
               ,
               1
               
                 King.
                 8.
                 52.
                 
                 Psal
              
               .
               50.
               15.
               
               &
               4.
               1.
               
               
                 Job
                 .
                 27.
                 10.
                 
                 Act.
              
               7.
               59.
               and
               else
               where
               ,
               and
               is
               to
               be
               performed
               ,
               1.
               
               In
               faith
               ,
               Matth.
               21.
               22.
               2
               
               In
               humility
               ,
               vvith
               the
               poor
               Publican
               ,
               and
               as
               vve
               see
               ,
               Gen.
               18.
               27.
               3
               
               In
               fervency
               vvith
               
                 Moses
                 ,
                 Exod.
              
               14.
               15.
               4
               
               In
               sincerity
               not
               dravving
               neer
               only
               with
               our
               lips
               ,
               but
               with
               such
               a
               heart
               as
               ,
               Psal
               .
               51.
               17.
               
               And
               5.
               
               With
               frequency
               or
               alwais
               as
               Job
               speaks
               ,
               Iob.
               27.
               10.
               and
               continually
               as
               the
               Apostle
               exhorrs
               ,
               asking
               ,
               seeking
               ,
               and
               knocking
               ,
               like
               the
               importunate
               vvidow
               ,
               till
               we
               obtain
               .
            
             
               But
               this
               is
               the
               sorrow
               of
               the
               soul
               which
               I
               may
               call
               the
               soul
               of
               sorrow
               ,
               that
               she
               sayes
               ,
               that
               he
               made
               her
               no
               answer
               ,
               which
               seemes
               to
               be
               contrary
               to
               his
               promise
               ,
               Psal
               .
               50.
               15.
               and
               ,
               Ask
               and
               yee
               shall
               get
               ,
               seek
               and
               yee
               shall
               find
               ,
               knock
               and
               it
               shal
               be
               opened
               unto
               you
               .
               Whereunto
               I
               answer
               ,
               that
               this
               not
               answering
               was
               the
               not
               manifesting
               to
               her
               sensibly
               his
               presence
               ,
               as
               she
               desired
               ,
               and
               yet
               even
               while
               she
               was
               calling
               for
               his
               presence
               ,
               she
               did
               secretly
               enjoy
               the
               same
               ,
               else
               she
               had
               not
               been
               able
               to
               rise
               ,
               open
               ,
               seek
               him
               and
               call
               upon
               him
               so
               constantly
               as
               she
               did
               ,
               which
               is
               a
               great
               comfort
               to
               any
               soul
               under
               desertion
               ,
               that
               as
               long
               as
               they
               have
               a
               desire
               and
               longing
               after
               Christ
               ,
               bewaile
               his
               absence
               ,
               ●…nd
               the
               spirit
               of
               prayer
               and
               invocation
               ,
               and
               the
               grace
               of
               constant
               seeking
               after
               him
               without
               giving
               over
               ,
               assuredly
               although
               to
               their
               sense
               and
               feeling
               he
               have
               withdrawn
               himself
               ,
               yet
               he
               is
               not
               gone
               ,
               and
               though
               awhile
               he
               stand
               as
               it
               vvere
               behind
               the
               wall
               ,
               and
               look
               out
               at
               the
               windovv
               ,
               as
               ,
               c.
               2.
               9.
               
               Yet
               he
               shall
               come
               in
               the
               end
               ,
               and
               sensibly
               for
               their
               comfort
               he
               shall
               manifest
               to
               them
               his
               presence
               ,
               as
               Joseph
               discovered
               himself
               at
               last
               to
               his
               brethren
               ,
               and
               as
               Jacob
               was
               sure
               as
               long
               as
               he
               held
               the
               Angell
               that
               he
               should
               get
               the
               blessing
               ;
               so
               may
               they
               be
               ;
               as
               long
               as
               they
               may
               keep
               that
               little
               hold
               of
               him
               ,
               which
               is
               by
               an
               earnest
               desire
               after
               him
               and
               calling
               on
               his
               Name
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 that
                 Christ
                 uses
                 sometimes
                 to
                 desert
                 his
                 dea●est
                 saints
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 the
                 godliest
                 (
                 through
                 their
                 own
                 default
                 )
                 ●re
                 subject
                 unto
                 these
                 desertions
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 As
                 a
                 just
                 punishment
                 ●…r
                 their
                 carelesness
                 to
                 humble
                 them
                 thereby
                 .
                 2.
                 
                 To
                 set
                 an
                 ●dge
                 on
                 his
                 graces
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 avvaking
                 them
                 up
                 and
                 sharpning
                 ●heir
                 de●ires
                 after
                 him
                 .
                 3.
                 
                 To
                 make
                 them
                 to
                 appreciate
                 him
                 ●nd
                 the
                 comfort
                 of
                 his
                 presence
                 the
                 more
                 and
                 know
                 vvhat
                 and
                 ●ow
                 vvretched
                 they
                 are
                 without
                 him
                 .
                 4.
                 
                 To
                 make
                 them
                 also
                 
                 more
                 vvatchfull
                 over
                 themselves
                 and
                 advert
                 the
                 grouth
                 or
                 decay
                 of
                 grace
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 also
                 the
                 more
                 carefull
                 when
                 they
                 have
                 regained
                 him
                 to
                 keep
                 him
                 ;
                 and
                 ,
                 5.
                 
                 What
                 a
                 dreadfull
                 estate
                 it
                 is
                 that
                 abides
                 the
                 wicked
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 deserted
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 from
                 vvhich
                 in
                 mercy
                 they
                 are
                 delivered
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Where
                 she
                 sayes
                 that
                 her
                 soul
                 failed
                 vvhen
                 he
                 spake
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 how
                 deeply
                 the
                 Lords
                 word
                 and
                 sword
                 thereof
                 pearces
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 token
                 that
                 God
                 has
                 not
                 totally
                 withdrawn
                 himself
                 from
                 that
                 soul
                 whereon
                 his
                 word
                 has
                 its
                 operation
                 for
                 the
                 humbling
                 thereof
                 ,
                 and
                 stirres
                 up
                 the
                 same
                 to
                 a
                 constant
                 and
                 serious
                 seeking
                 after
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 vvho
                 they
                 are
                 that
                 take
                 the
                 Lords
                 desertion
                 to
                 heart
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 only
                 they
                 who
                 have
                 had
                 a
                 sense
                 and
                 the
                 comfort
                 of
                 his
                 former
                 presence
                 ,
                 vvhich
                 made
                 David
                 to
                 pray
                 saying
                 ,
                 restore
                 me
                 to
                 the
                 joy
                 of
                 thy
                 salvation
                 ,
                 which
                 joy
                 if
                 he
                 never
                 had
                 had
                 before
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 51.
                 12.
                 and
                 had
                 found
                 the
                 sweetness
                 and
                 contentment
                 of
                 the
                 same
                 he
                 had
                 never
                 so
                 earnestly
                 desired
                 to
                 be
                 restored
                 thereto
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 We
                 may
                 perceive
                 that
                 not
                 only
                 sinnes
                 of
                 grosse
                 commission
                 ,
                 but
                 even
                 sinnes
                 of
                 omission
                 (
                 as
                 here
                 ,
                 of
                 not
                 having
                 timely
                 opened
                 to
                 her
                 beloved
                 ,
                 )
                 wounds
                 the
                 very
                 souls
                 of
                 the
                 Lords
                 elect
                 ,
                 so
                 tender
                 are
                 their
                 consciences
                 ,
                 like
                 
                   Davids
                   ,
                   1
                   Sam.
                
                 24.
                 5.
                 and
                 so
                 sensible
                 are
                 their
                 souls
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 She
                 sayes
                 that
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 he
                 called
                 ,
                 and
                 she
                 gave
                 him
                 no
                 answer
                 ,
                 so
                 )
                 she
                 called
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 gave
                 her
                 no
                 answer
                 ;
                 so
                 that
                 she
                 gets
                 measure
                 for
                 measure
                 ,
                 as
                 wisdome
                 threatneth
                 ,
                 Pro.
                 1.
                 24.
                 
                 And
                 therefore
                 this
                 should
                 warne
                 us
                 all
                 upon
                 vvhom
                 the
                 Lord
                 calles
                 in
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 to
                 awake
                 and
                 answer
                 lest
                 otherwise
                 vve
                 call
                 in
                 our
                 deepest
                 distresse
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 answer
                 not
                 ;
                 or
                 if
                 he
                 do
                 ,
                 it
                 cost
                 us
                 first
                 (
                 as
                 it
                 did
                 her
                 here
                 )
                 much
                 paines
                 and
                 long
                 seeking
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               7.
               
               The
               watchmen
               that
               went
               about
               the
               City
               found
               me
               ,
               they
               smo●e
               me
               ,
               they
               wounded
               me
               ,
               the
               keepers
               of
               the
               wall●
               they
               took
               away
               my
               vaile
               from
               me
               .
            
             
               Here
               she
               declares
               ,
               notvvithstanding
               of
               her
               constant
               seeking
               of
               her
               beloved
               and
               th●t
               yet
               she
               found
               him
               not
               ,
               how
               she
               vvould
               not
               for
               all
               this
               desist
               ,
               but
               insist
               in
               secking
               him
               still
               ,
               In
               doing
               vvhereof
               she
               showes
               vvhat
               great
               calamities
               befell
               her
               ,
               and
               vvhat
               hard
               useage
               she
               indured
               at
               the
               hands
               of
               the
               watchmen
               of
               the
               City
               ,
               where
               so
               diligently
               she
               was
               seeking
               
               her
               beloved
               .
               It
               is
               said
               here
               ,
               that
               these
               watchmen
               smo●e
               her
               and
               wounded
               her
               ,
               and
               took
               away
               her
               vail
               from
               her
               :
               by
               which
               watchmen
               ,
               Teachers
               are
               understood
               ,
               frequently
               so
               styled
               in
               Scripture
               ,
               for
               the
               reasons
               formerly
               alledged
               ,
               
                 Chap.
                 3.
                 vers
              
               .
               3.
               
               But
               these
               were
               such
               pastors
               or
               watchmen
               ,
               of
               whom
               the
               Lord
               by
               Ezekiel
               speaks
               ,
               saying
               ,
               The
               diseased
               ye
               have
               not
               strengthened
               ,
               neither
               have
               ye
               healed
               that
               which
               was
               sick
               ,
               nor
               have
               ye
               bound
               up
               that
               which
               was
               broken
               ,
               neither
               have
               ye
               brought
               again
               that
               which
               was
               driven
               away
               ,
               neither
               have
               ye
               sought
               that
               which
               was
               lost
               ,
               Ezek.
               34.
               4.
               but
               with
               force
               and
               cruelty
               ●e
               have
               ruled
               them
               ;
               and
               therefore
               are
               said
               here
               to
               have
               smitten
               her
               ,
               as
               the
               Jewes
               are
               said
               ,
               to
               have
               smitten
               Jeremy
               with
               the
               tongue
               ,
               Jer.
               18
               18.
               and
               to
               have
               wounded
               her
               ;
               to
               wit
               ,
               in
               disressing
               more
               her
               conscience
               ,
               which
               they
               should
               rather
               have
               comforted
               ,
               and
               not
               broken
               the
               bruised
               reed
               ,
               nor
               quench'd
               the
               smoaking
               flax
               .
               And
               so
               we
               see
               ,
               that
               either
               they
               dealt
               imprudently
               with
               her
               ,
               being
               as
               
               Job's
               friends
               ,
               miserable
               comforters
               ,
               by
               mistake
               ,
               or
               misapplication
               :
               or
               else
               they
               dealt
               impiously
               with
               her
               ,
               by
               erronious
               doctrine
               ,
               afflicting
               more
               her
               soul
               thereby
               ,
               than
               solidly
               quieting
               or
               comforting
               the
               same
               :
               As
               we
               see
               in
               the
               Romanists
               their
               practice
               ,
               who
               in
               place
               of
               Christ's
               sole
               satisfaction
               ,
               and
               merit
               of
               his
               suffering
               ,
               obtrudes
               likewise
               man's
               own
               satisfaction
               ,
               by
               Pennance
               ,
               and
               suffering
               in
               purgatory
               ;
               by
               doing
               whereof
               (
               so
               far
               as
               in
               them
               lies
               )
               they
               take
               away
               her
               vail
               from
               her
               ,
               wherewith
               onely
               she
               is
               clad
               and
               covered
               ,
               (
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Rev.
               12.
               1.
               
               )
               and
               wherein
               onely
               ,
               by
               a
               holy
               confidence
               ,
               she
               doth
               inwrap
               her self
               ,
               which
               is
               ,
               the
               sole
               righteousnesse
               of
               Christ
               ,
               and
               the
               p●rging
               and
               pacifying
               vertue
               of
               his
               blood
               alone
               .
            
             
               But
               what
               are
               the
               causes
               ,
               why
               the
               soul
               is
               so
               restlesse
               ,
               that
               till
               she
               find
               her
               beloved
               ,
               she
               cannot
               ,
               but
               with
               the
               enduring
               of
               all
               pains
               and
               hazards
               ,
               persist
               and
               go
               on
               ?
               I
               answer
               ,
               There
               are
               two
               main
               causes
               thereof
               ;
               the
               first
               is
               ,
               the
               condition
               of
               the
               Subject
               ,
               the
               second
               of
               the
               Object
               .
               First
               then
               ,
               the
               Subject
               is
               the
               Soul
               ,
               which
               is
               1
               tender
               ;
               2
               spirituall
               .
               First
               then
               ,
               the
               soul
               in
               a
               believer
               ,
               who
               is
               in
               a
               living
               estate
               ,
               is
               most
               tender
               ,
               being
               very
               sensible
               of
               any
               evill
               ,
               especially
               of
               the
               greatest
               ;
               wherefore
               when
               the
               soul
               hath
               once
               seen
               God
               in
               mercy
               ,
               and
               tasted
               how
               good
               he
               is
               ,
               and
               how
               comfortable
               has
               been
               his
               presence
               ,
               the
               losse
               of
               him
               to
               the
               soul
               cannot
               be
               but
               grievious
               ;
               and
               this
               grief
               of
               the
               soul
               ,
               is
               the
               very
               soul
               of
               grief
               ,
               
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Prov.
               18.
               14.
               and
               like
               the
               tearing
               of
               the
               flesh
               ;
               whereas
               other
               griefs
               that
               are
               onely
               corporall
               ,
               is
               like
               the
               tearing
               of
               the
               garment
               .
               Secondly
               ,
               the
               soul
               is
               spirituall
               ,
               therefore
               must
               meet
               with
               that
               which
               is
               spirituall
               ,
               as
               fit
               for
               it
               ;
               for
               as
               the
               body
               is
               not
               satisfied
               with
               things
               spirituall
               ,
               so
               neither
               the
               soul
               with
               things
               corporall
               :
               Wherefore
               when
               the
               soul
               is
               in
               distresse
               ,
               all
               the
               world
               to
               it
               is
               but
               like
               a
               great
               cypher
               ,
               which
               amounts
               to
               nothing
               ,
               and
               can
               never
               be
               content
               ,
               till
               it
               enjoy
               his
               spirituall
               presence
               and
               fruition
               ,
               who
               is
               the
               God
               of
               spirits
               ;
               the
               more
               of
               whom
               it
               had
               before
               ,
               the
               more
               bitter
               to
               it
               is
               the
               losse
               of
               him
               .
            
             
               Next
               ,
               the
               Object
               of
               the
               soul
               is
               God
               ,
               who
               is
               such
               ,
               that
               the
               soul
               cannot
               be
               at
               rest
               ,
               till
               she
               enjoy
               him
               ,
               if
               we
               consider
               ,
               1
               either
               the
               quality
               of
               the
               object
               ;
               or
               2
               the
               relation
               between
               the
               soul
               and
               the
               same
               ;
               or
               3
               his
               operation
               .
               First
               then
               ,
               there
               are
               three
               qualities
               in
               God
               ,
               which
               makes
               the
               soul
               so
               to
               long
               after
               him
               .
               1
               His
               goodnesse
               and
               mercy
               ,
               apprehending
               which
               ,
               the
               soul
               thus
               reasons
               with
               it self
               :
               O
               unhappy
               wretch
               ,
               that
               there
               should
               be
               so
               sweet
               a
               fountain
               ,
               and
               that
               the
               streams
               thereof
               should
               flow
               forth
               to
               thousands
               ,
               and
               none
               unto
               me
               ;
               as
               the
               prodigall
               said
               ,
               that
               there
               was
               so
               much
               bread
               in
               his
               fathers
               house
               ,
               and
               he
               died
               for
               hunger
               .
               2
               His
               greatnesse
               or
               power
               ,
               whereof
               is
               mention
               made
               ,
               Psal
               .
               99.
               11.
               and
               Prov.
               19.
               12.
               which
               power
               is
               two-fold
               :
               1
               Of
               Authority
               over
               all
               ,
               as
               judge
               ,
               having
               life
               and
               death
               ,
               body
               and
               soul
               ,
               in
               his
               hand
               :
               Now
               what
               a
               shaking
               of
               the
               soul
               is
               it
               ,
               to
               apprehend
               by
               desertion
               ,
               such
               an
               one
               to
               be
               against
               it
               .
               2
               Of
               Ability
               ,
               to
               work
               what
               he
               wills
               ;
               and
               if
               once
               he
               pronounce
               sentence
               ,
               there
               is
               no
               way
               to
               eschew
               it
               ,
               Eccles
               .
               8.
               4.
               3
               
               Eternity
               ,
               for
               God
               abides
               for
               ever
               ,
               which
               makes
               his
               favour
               or
               anger
               the
               more
               considerable
               ;
               and
               the
               apprehension
               thereof
               so
               grievous
               ,
               that
               it
               swallowes
               up
               the
               soul
               ,
               and
               till
               his
               favour
               be
               regained
               ,
               to
               be
               altogether
               restlesse
               .
            
             
               Besides
               this
               threefold
               quality
               of
               the
               object
               ,
               the
               relation
               wherein
               the
               Lord
               stands
               to
               a
               believer
               is
               most
               near
               and
               dear
               ,
               for
               he
               is
               a
               friend
               ,
               a
               father
               ,
               and
               a
               husband
               ;
               the
               most
               active
               friend
               ,
               the
               kindest
               father
               ,
               and
               the
               most
               loving
               husband
               ;
               the
               losse
               of
               one
               of
               which
               is
               great
               ,
               but
               of
               all
               three
               most
               grievous
               :
               And
               therefore
               is
               the
               soul
               restlesse
               ,
               till
               he
               be
               regained
               .
            
             
               Lastly
               ,
               the
               Lords
               operation
               in
               the
               soul
               makes
               it
               so
               restlesse
               ,
               he
               having
               made
               the
               heart
               of
               his
               children
               like
               
               Noah's
               
               dove
               ,
               no
               rest
               till
               it
               rest
               in
               him
               ,
               and
               at
               last
               with
               him
               ;
               or
               being
               like
               the
               Mariner's
               Needle
               :
               therefore
               said
               David
               ,
               Return
               to
               thy
               rest
               ,
               O
               my
               soul
               ;
               or
               as
               that
               Antient
               ,
               
                 Fecisti
                 nos
                 Domine
                 ad
                 te
                 ,
                 &
                 irrequietum
                 est
                 cor
                 nostrum
                 donec
                 requiescat
                 in
                 te
                 .
              
            
             
               
                 Observation
                 .
              
               
                 By
                 the
                 Church
                 her
                 constant
                 seeking
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 learn
                 in
                 like
                 manner
                 ,
                 never
                 to
                 faint
                 nor
                 give
                 over
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 though
                 we
                 ●ind
                 no
                 comfort
                 in
                 the
                 means
                 ,
                 by
                 which
                 he
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 sought
                 ;
                 and
                 albeit
                 in
                 place
                 of
                 raising
                 us
                 up
                 ,
                 we
                 be
                 yet
                 farther
                 cast
                 down
                 ;
                 yet
                 let
                 us
                 never
                 despair
                 of
                 finding
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 we
                 have
                 a
                 heart
                 constantly
                 to
                 seek
                 after
                 him
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               8.
               
               I
               charge
               you
               ,
               O
               ye
               daughters
               of
               Jerusalem
               ,
               if
               ye
               find
               my
               beloved
               ,
               that
               ye
               tell
               him
               ,
               that
               I
               am
               sick
               of
               love
               .
            
             
               Being
               frustrate
               of
               the
               comfort
               which
               she
               expected
               ,
               at
               the
               hands
               of
               the
               Watchmen
               ,
               and
               by
               them
               being
               yet
               more
               cast
               down
               ;
               here
               she
               requires
               help
               of
               her
               friends
               ,
               whom
               she
               calls
               ,
               
                 Daughters
                 of
                 Jerusalem
              
               ,
               (
               as
               we
               see
               them
               styled
               so
               before
               ,
               Cant.
               1.
               5.
               
               &
               2.
               7.
               
               &
               3.
               5.
               
               )
               that
               at
               least
               they
               would
               recommend
               her
               spirituall
               condition
               ,
               and
               disconsolate
               estate
               ,
               in
               their
               prayers
               to
               her
               welbeloved
               ,
               which
               she
               calls
               ,
               a
               telling
               him
               ,
               that
               she
               is
               sick
               of
               love
               ;
               And
               to
               this
               effect
               ,
               she
               layeth
               it
               as
               a
               strait
               charge
               upon
               them
               ,
               which
               sheweth
               both
               her
               vehemency
               of
               longing
               and
               desire
               ,
               after
               her
               beloved
               ;
               as
               also
               ,
               that
               it
               is
               the
               duty
               of
               Christians
               ,
               as
               members
               of
               one
               body
               ,
               to
               have
               a
               fellow-sympathy
               with
               their
               distressed
               fellow-members
               ,
               any
               way
               ;
               and
               out
               of
               the
               same
               ,
               earnestly
               to
               recommend
               their
               case
               and
               condition
               to
               God
               ;
               not
               that
               he
               is
               either
               ignorant
               of
               their
               condition
               ,
               or
               carelesse
               and
               unmindfull
               of
               the
               same
               ;
               but
               that
               she
               would
               have
               the
               concurrence
               of
               their
               prayers
               with
               her
               own
               ,
               because
               (
               as
               the
               Apostle
               tells
               us
               )
               she
               knowes
               ,
               that
               the
               prayers
               of
               the
               faithfull
               ,
               if
               they
               be
               fervent
               ,
               avail
               much
               ,
               even
               when
               they
               intercede
               for
               the
               ungodly
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               
               Abraham's
               for
               Sodom
               ;
               and
               therefore
               much
               more
               for
               the
               Lord's
               Saints
               .
            
             
               As
               for
               this
               love-sicknesse
               whereof
               she
               speaks
               ,
               and
               which
               is
               her
               spirituall
               condition
               ,
               which
               she
               requires
               to
               be
               recommended
               to
               God
               ,
               we
               have
               spoken
               thereof
               already
               ,
               chap.
               2.
               5.
               
               and
               which
               shewes
               here
               ,
               that
               nature
               or
               flesh
               bears
               not
               the
               sway
               in
               her
               ,
               which
               would
               have
               reasoned
               thus
               ,
               I
               have
               risen
               and
               opened
               unto
               him
               ,
               I
               have
               also
               sought
               him
               and
               called
               upon
               him
               ;
               and
               yet
               he
               has
               withdrawn
               himself
               from
               me
               ,
               and
               would
               not
               make
               answer
               ;
               yea
               ,
               by
               occasion
               of
               seeking
               him
               further
               ,
               he
               has
               made
               me
               to
               be
               smitten
               and
               wounded
               ;
               and
               therefore
               why
               should
               I
               any
               more
               set
               my
               heart
               upon
               him
               ,
               or
               by
               my selfe
               or
               others
               ,
               make
               any
               search
               for
               him
               .
               Thus
               (
               I
               say
               )
               would
               flesh
               and
               blood
               have
               reasoned
               ;
               but
               the
               godly
               are
               not
               led
               by
               the
               wisdom
               of
               the
               flesh
               ,
               nor
               consults
               therewith
               ,
               as
               Abraham
               did
               not
               with
               Sarah
               ,
               when
               he
               went
               to
               offer
               up
               Isaac
               ;
               but
               they
               are
               led
               by
               the
               Spirit
               of
               God
               ,
               who
               teaches
               them
               perseverance
               in
               well-doing
               ;
               and
               the
               more
               they
               suffer
               for
               Christ
               ,
               or
               in
               seeking
               after
               him
               ,
               the
               more
               to
               love
               him
               ,
               and
               to
               be
               love-sick
               for
               him
               ;
               which
               makes
               the
               faithfull
               ,
               the
               more
               they
               suffer
               persecution
               for
               his
               Name
               ,
               their
               love
               to
               his
               cause
               ,
               and
               zeal
               for
               the
               same
               ,
               still
               to
               increase
               ,
               with
               their
               fervency
               in
               prayer
               ,
               and
               courage
               for
               the
               truth
               ,
               than
               any
               wise
               the
               same
               is
               seen
               to
               be
               in
               peace
               and
               prosperity
               ,
               Act.
               5.
               45.
               
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Whereas
                 ,
                 notwithstanding
                 of
                 her
                 hard
                 sufferings
                 by
                 the
                 Watchmen
                 ,
                 that
                 she
                 the
                 more
                 vehemently
                 expresses
                 the
                 fervency
                 of
                 her
                 affection
                 ,
                 to
                 her
                 Beloved
                 ,
                 and
                 no
                 waies
                 desists
                 from
                 seeking
                 after
                 him
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 That
                 true
                 grace
                 growes
                 up
                 with
                 difficulties
                 as
                 Camomill
                 does
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 it
                 is
                 trode
                 on
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 fire
                 burneth
                 the
                 bolder
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 it
                 is
                 blown
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 godly
                 ,
                 wherein
                 this
                 is
                 found
                 ,
                 are
                 compared
                 chap.
                 2.
                 2.
                 to
                 a
                 lilly
                 that
                 groweth
                 up
                 among
                 thorns
                 ;
                 as
                 Israel
                 encreased
                 the
                 more
                 in
                 Egypt
                 ,
                 notwithstanding
                 of
                 their
                 sore
                 bondage
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 By
                 her
                 addresse
                 to
                 the
                 daughters
                 of
                 Jerusalem
                 ,
                 requiring
                 the
                 aid
                 of
                 their
                 prayers
                 ,
                 and
                 manifesting
                 to
                 them
                 her
                 spirituall
                 &
                 disconsolate
                 estate
                 ;
                 we
                 see
                 an
                 imitable
                 example
                 to
                 be
                 followed
                 in
                 the
                 like
                 case
                 ,
                 by
                 all
                 ;
                 for
                 thereby
                 ,
                 both
                 the
                 soul
                 gets
                 a
                 vent
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 greatly
                 eased
                 ;
                 occasion
                 also
                 is
                 given
                 of
                 finding
                 perhaps
                 unexpected
                 comfort
                 ,
                 and
                 many
                 are
                 set
                 on
                 work
                 with
                 such
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 to
                 knock
                 at
                 the
                 gate
                 of
                 grace
                 with
                 the
                 importunate
                 widow
                 ,
                 to
                 get
                 what
                 is
                 desired
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 onely
                 for
                 our selves
                 that
                 we
                 should
                 pray
                 ,
                 but
                 for
                 others
                 ,
                 as
                 our
                 Saviour
                 hath
                 taught
                 us
                 ,
                 saying
                 ,
                 
                   Our
                   Father
                   ,
                   &c.
                
                 for
                 this
                 doth
                 charity
                 require
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 ever
                 
                 joyned
                 with
                 true
                 faith
                 ,
                 and
                 showeth
                 ,
                 that
                 by
                 that
                 fellow
                 sympathy
                 we
                 have
                 ,
                 of
                 the
                 distresses
                 of
                 others
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 truely
                 of
                 the
                 communion
                 of
                 Saints
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Whereas
                 she
                 saies
                 ,
                 
                   Tell
                   him
                   ,
                   that
                   I
                   am
                   sick
                   of
                   love
                   ,
                
                 we
                 see
                 in
                 like
                 manner
                 the
                 familiarity
                 ,
                 into
                 which
                 the
                 godly
                 are
                 admitted
                 by
                 prayer
                 ,
                 even
                 to
                 tell
                 Christ
                 ,
                 what
                 are
                 either
                 our
                 own
                 wants
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 case
                 and
                 condition
                 of
                 others
                 ,
                 recommended
                 to
                 our
                 prayers
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 child
                 is
                 admitted
                 by
                 his
                 father
                 to
                 tell
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 crave
                 of
                 him
                 what
                 he
                 would
                 have
                 ;
                 with
                 that
                 comfortable
                 assurance
                 also
                 ,
                 If
                 those
                 who
                 are
                 evill
                 will
                 give
                 their
                 children
                 good
                 things
                 ,
                 much
                 more
                 will
                 he
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 the
                 Father
                 of
                 mercies
                 ,
                 and
                 goodnesse
                 it self
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               9.
               
               What
               is
               thy
               Beloved
               more
               than
               another
               beloved
               ,
               O
               thou
               fairest
               amongst
               women
               ?
               what
               is
               thy
               beloved
               more
               than
               another
               beloved
               ,
               that
               thou
               dost
               so
               charge
               us
               ?
            
             
               Followeth
               in
               this
               verse
               ,
               the
               Answer
               ,
               which
               these
               daughters
               of
               Jerusalem
               make
               to
               Christ's
               Spouse
               ,
               desiring
               of
               her
               to
               be
               informed
               further
               ,
               of
               the
               excellency
               and
               rare
               parts
               ,
               that
               is
               in
               her
               well-beloved
               ,
               beyond
               any
               other
               ,
               which
               makes
               her
               so
               affectionate
               towards
               him
               ,
               and
               so
               peremptorily
               to
               adjure
               and
               charge
               them
               .
               And
               while
               thus
               they
               answer
               her
               ,
               the
               title
               which
               they
               give
               unto
               her
               ,
               is
               that
               same
               whereof
               we
               spake
               before
               ,
               chap.
               1.
               8.
               and
               which
               her
               beloved
               gives
               unto
               her
               then
               ,
               calling
               her
               the
               fairest
               amongst
               women
               ;
               this
               beauty
               of
               hers
               not
               being
               in
               outwards
               ,
               for
               the
               Psalmist
               tells
               us
               otherwise
               ,
               that
               she
               is
               all
               glorious
               within
               ,
               Psal
               .
               45.
               13.
               the
               same
               consisting
               in
               spiritual
               ornaments
               ,
               which
               are
               neither
               dimmed
               nor
               diminished
               by
               afflictions
               or
               tryalls
               ,
               but
               then
               do
               shine
               most
               brightly
               ,
               as
               the
               stedfastnesse
               of
               their
               faith
               ,
               the
               fervency
               of
               their
               prayers
               ,
               their
               lowlinesse
               and
               humility
               ,
               their
               patience
               and
               perseverance
               ,
               their
               contempt
               of
               the
               world
               ,
               and
               desire
               after
               heavenly
               things
               ,
               and
               sundry
               other
               vertues
               ,
               for
               which
               these
               daughters
               of
               Jerusalem
               ,
               not
               looking
               on
               her
               as
               the
               blind
               world
               doth
               ,
               but
               with
               a
               spirituall
               eye
               ,
               and
               right
               discerning
               judgment
               ,
               do
               here
               pronounce
               and
               style
               her
               ,
               the
               
                 Fairest
                 amongst
                 women
              
               .
            
             
               
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Then
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 spirituall
                 eye
                 which
                 discerneth
                 spirituall
                 things
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 sees
                 even
                 in
                 a
                 dejected
                 soul
                 the
                 beauty
                 of
                 holiness
                 ,
                 as
                 David
                 saw
                 the
                 godly
                 (
                 though
                 never
                 so
                 base
                 and
                 mean
                 in
                 the
                 eyes
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 16.
                 like
                 Lazarous
                 )
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 excellent
                 ones
                 of
                 men
                 ;
                 and
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostles
                 speaks
                 ,
                 Of
                 whom
                 the
                 world
                 was
                 not
                 worthy
                 ,
                 Heb.
                 11.
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 An
                 earnest
                 seeking
                 after
                 Christ
                 our selves
                 ,
                 and
                 godly
                 conference
                 of
                 him
                 and
                 of
                 heavenly
                 and
                 spirituall
                 matters
                 and
                 cases
                 of
                 conscience
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 mean
                 to
                 edifie
                 and
                 stirre
                 up
                 others
                 to
                 piety
                 and
                 the
                 like
                 practice
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 to
                 winne
                 soules
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 which
                 as
                 it
                 ought
                 to
                 be
                 in
                 all
                 Christians
                 ,
                 so
                 specially
                 seen
                 in
                 pastors
                 ,
                 who
                 if
                 they
                 be
                 seen
                 only
                 to
                 seek
                 after
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 talk
                 of
                 such
                 things
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 a
                 great
                 scandall
                 to
                 other
                 weak
                 Christians
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 great
                 step
                 ,
                 and
                 hope
                 of
                 funder
                 proficiency
                 in
                 true
                 Christianity
                 ,
                 when
                 any
                 seriously
                 beginne
                 to
                 inquire
                 after
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 as
                 he
                 has
                 revealed
                 himself
                 in
                 his
                 word
                 and
                 in
                 the
                 power
                 thereof
                 to
                 his
                 elect
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 desirous
                 to
                 learn
                 what
                 are
                 his
                 excellent
                 benefits
                 and
                 heavenly
                 graces
                 ,
                 which
                 he
                 as
                 a
                 full
                 fountaine
                 and
                 treasure
                 thereof
                 ,
                 has
                 in
                 himself
                 to
                 dispence
                 and
                 bestow
                 on
                 them
                 who
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               10.
               
               My
               beloved
               is
               white
               and
               ruddy
               ,
               the
               chiefest
               among
               ten
               thousand
               .
            
             
               Here
               is
               the
               churches
               answer
               to
               the
               daughters
               of
               Jerusalem
               ,
               their
               question
               vvherein
               she
               describes
               her
               beloved
               unto
               them
               ,
               and
               showes
               forth
               his
               matchless
               beauty
               and
               excellency
               ,
               both
               from
               his
               colour
               vvhich
               declares
               his
               good
               complexion
               ,
               and
               from
               the
               fit
               proportion
               of
               every
               part
               of
               his
               body
               ,
               in
               vvhich
               two
               true
               comeliness
               consists
               .
               In
               which
               description
               though
               it
               be
               not
               necessary
               to
               expound
               what
               may
               be
               by
               every
               part
               signified
               ,
               the
               mind
               and
               aime
               of
               the
               spirit
               being
               mainly
               ,
               by
               this
               description
               of
               Christ
               according
               to
               the
               naturall
               parts
               of
               a
               mans
               body
               vvho
               is
               young
               and
               lovely
               ,
               to
               show
               that
               he
               is
               altogether
               beautifull
               ,
               excellent
               ,
               and
               delectable
               ,
               to
               the
               eye
               of
               the
               sanctified
               soul
               ;
               yet
               vve
               shall
               touch
               a
               little
               and
               briefly
               somethings
               most
               convenient
               ,
               And.
               1.
               she
               sayes
               ,
               that
               he
               is
               white
               and
               ruddy
               ,
               vvhich
               two
               colours
               do
               shovv
               an
               excellent
               complexion
               ,
               and
               make
               up
               perfect
               beauty
               ,
               Cant.
               2.
               1.
               see
               ,
               Lam.
               
               4.
               7.
               as
               vve
               see
               David
               commended
               therefrom
               ,
               1
               Sam.
               16.
               12.
               
               And
               our
               Saviour
               for
               that
               cause
               compared
               to
               the
               Rose
               of
               Sharon
               and
               the
               Lilly
               of
               the
               vallies
               ,
               the
               vvhite
               colour
               denotating
               his
               Innocency
               in
               himself
               ,
               and
               the
               red
               his
               sinfull
               case
               by
               imputation
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Isay
               .
               1.
               18.
               and
               2
               Cor.
               5.
               21.
               
               Also
               the
               red
               ,
               betokening
               his
               bloody
               sufferings
               for
               sinne
               ,
               and
               the
               white
               colour
               ,
               victory
               ,
               peace
               ,
               and
               joy
               obtained
               to
               us
               thereby
               :
               yea
               he
               is
               so
               excellent
               beyond
               all
               creatures
               in
               heaven
               or
               earth
               .
               men
               or
               angells
               ,
               that
               she
               sayes
               ,
               he
               is
               the
               chiefest
               amongst
               ten
               thousand
               ,
               Psal
               .
               45.
               2.
               
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               11.
               
               His
               head
               is
               as
               the
               most
               fine
               gold
               ,
               his
               locks
               are
               bushie
               ,
               and
               black
               as
               a
               raven
               .
            
             
               His
               head
               ,
               or
               high
               dignity
               ,
               as
               king
               and
               head
               over
               all
               ,
               being
               king
               of
               kings
               ,
               and
               king
               over
               him
               also
               ,
               who
               is
               said
               to
               be
               king
               of
               feare
               ,
               and
               a
               feare
               to
               all
               kings
               ,
               is
               said
               to
               be
               of
               gold
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               as
               ,
               Isay
               .
               9.
               6.
               glorious
               and
               durable
               :
               or
               ,
               by
               the
               head
               of
               Christ
               may
               be
               understood
               his
               deity
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               1
               Cor.
               11.
               3.
               where
               God
               is
               said
               to
               be
               the
               head
               of
               Christ
               ,
               as
               Christ
               is
               said
               to
               be
               our
               head
               yea
               our
               only
               head
               ,
               we
               not
               needing
               another
               :
               whose
               locks
               are
               said
               to
               be
               black
               ,
               for
               setting
               forth
               his
               beauty
               ,
               as
               a
               foile
               is
               to
               a
               bright
               and
               beautifull
               stone
               ,
               which
               colour
               is
               a
               signe
               of
               heat
               and
               strength
               in
               youth
               ,
               and
               denotates
               strength
               and
               spirituall
               vigour
               in
               him
               ,
               as
               the
               white
               colour
               of
               haire
               ,
               Dan.
               7.
               9.
               did
               show
               him
               to
               be
               the
               Ancient
               of
               dayes
               ,
               full
               of
               gravity
               ,
               Majesty
               and
               Wisdome
               .
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               12.
               
               His
               eyes
               are
               as
               the
               eyes
               of
               doves
               by
               the
               rivers
               of
               water
               ,
               washed
               with
               Milk
               ,
               and
               fitly
               set
               .
            
             
               His
               eyes
               are
               said
               to
               be
               as
               the
               eyes
               of
               Doves
               ,
               (
               as
               hers
               also
               was
               by
               him
               compared
               before
               ,
               chap.
               4.
               1.
               )
               1.
               
               For
               cleerness
               ,
               (
               and
               therefore
               compared
               to
               a
               flame
               of
               fire
               ,
               Rev.
               1.
               14.
               
               )
               searching
               the
               very
               heart
               ,
               but
               yet
               meek
               and
               mercifull
               to
               all
               true
               penitents
               ,
               and
               delighting
               in
               purity
               ,
               as
               doves
               doe
               in
               cleer
               waters
               ,
               and
               in
               holy
               Innocency
               ,
               resembled
               by
               the
               whiteness
               of
               milk
               ,
               and
               taking
               pleasure
               in
               an
               orderly
               conversation
               ,
               regulated
               by
               Gods
               word
               ,
               and
               in
               performing
               obedience
               to
               both
               tables
               of
               Gods
               holy
               law
               by
               an
               equall
               respect
               ,
               as
               eyes
               do
               their
               object
               ,
               that
               are
               fitly
               and
               equally
               set
               and
               placed
               in
               the
               head
               .
            
          
           
             
             
               Vers
               .
               13.
               
               His.
               cheeks
               are
               as
               a
               bed
               of
               spices
               ,
               as
               sweet
               flowers
               ;
               his
               lips
               like
               Lillies
               ,
               droping
               sweet
               smelling
               Myrrh
               .
            
             
               His
               cheeks
               ,
               which
               in
               Princes
               ,
               specially
               ,
               at
               their
               coronation
               are
               kissed
               in
               token
               of
               homage
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Psal
               .
               2.
               12.
               and
               1.
               
               Sam.
               10.
               1.
               
               As
               also
               in
               others
               are
               kissed
               in
               token
               of
               reverence
               and
               affection
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Exod.
               18.
               7.
               
               )
               are
               said
               to
               be
               as
               a
               bed
               of
               spices
               and
               as
               sweet
               flowers
               ,
               to
               show
               thereby
               the
               sweetness
               that
               the
               subjection
               of
               the
               soul
               to
               Christ
               with
               reverence
               and
               love
               towards
               him
               doth
               afford
               ,
               which
               none
               knowes
               but
               those
               who
               in
               the
               sweet
               repose
               of
               a
               good
               conscience
               and
               witnessing
               thereof
               do
               find
               the
               same
               to
               their
               joy
               .
            
             
               His
               lips
               also
               are
               said
               to
               be
               like
               Lillies
               ,
               dropping
               sweet
               smelling
               Myrrh
               :
               see
               ,
               Psal
               .
               45.
               2.
               whereby
               is
               to
               be
               understood
               his
               holy
               word
               and
               heavenly
               doctrine
               ,
               Joh.
               7.
               46.
               
               Which
               is
               compared
               to
               fragrant
               and
               white
               Lillies
               ,
               in
               respect
               of
               the
               purity
               thereof
               without
               any
               mixture
               of
               errour
               ,
               and
               is
               therefore
               called
               the
               sincere
               milk
               of
               the
               word
               ,
               as
               also
               is
               said
               to
               drop
               sweet
               smelling
               Myrrh
               ,
               in
               regard
               of
               the
               comfort
               thereof
               ,
               which
               it
               affords
               not
               to
               every
               one
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               those
               to
               whom
               it
               is
               as
               a
               scorching
               or
               destroying
               fire
               ,
               and
               savour
               of
               death
               unto
               death
               ,
               Rev.
               11.
               5.
               and
               16.
               8.
               
               But
               only
               to
               humbled
               and
               believing
               soules
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               it
               was
               to
               
                 David
                 ,
                 Psal
              
               .
               19.
               10.
               and
               is
               to
               every
               one
               who
               hungreth
               after
               the
               same
               and
               takes
               delight
               therein
               .
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               14.
               
               His
               hands
               are
               as
               gold-rings
               ,
               set
               with
               the
               Berill
               ;
               his
               belly
               is
               as
               bright
               I
               vory
               ,
               over-laid
               with
               Saphires
               .
            
             
               His
               hands
               ,
               whereby
               is
               meant
               ,
               his
               actions
               ,
               Luk.
               24.
               19.
               
               (
               whereof
               the
               hand
               is
               the
               instrument
               ,
               )
               are
               said
               be
               like
               Gold-rings
               set
               with
               the
               berill
               ,
               that
               is
               most
               precious
               as
               gold
               in
               estimation
               ,
               perfect
               (
               as
               the
               circular
               figure
               is
               of
               any
               )
               and
               glorious
               like
               precious
               stones
               :
               for
               he
               did
               all
               well
               .
            
             
               His
               belly
               likewise
               ,
               or
               whole
               inwards
               ,
               and
               bowells
               of
               compassion
               specially
               ,
               is
               said
               to
               be
               as
               bright
               Ivory
               ,
               over-laid
               with
               Saphires
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               pure
               and
               cleer
               without
               any
               spot
               ,
               and
               most
               comfortable
               to
               the
               soul
               ,
               as
               white
               and
               blew
               colours
               are
               pleasant
               to
               the
               eye
               .
            
          
           
             
             
               Vers
               .
               15.
               
               His
               legs
               are
               as
               pillars
               of
               Marble
               ,
               set
               upon
               sockets
               of
               fine
               gold
               ,
               his
               countenance
               is
               as
               Lebanon
               ,
               excellent
               as
               the
               Cedars
               .
            
             
               His
               legs
               ,
               whereby
               is
               understood
               all
               his
               wayes
               ;
               specially
               of
               mercy
               and
               love
               towards
               his
               Elect
               ,
               are
               said
               to
               be
               as
               pillars
               of
               Marble
               set
               on
               sockets
               of
               fine
               gold
               ,
               denotating
               thereby
               ,
               that
               they
               are
               alwaies
               stable
               ,
               holy
               ,
               pure
               ,
               and
               glorious
               .
            
             
               His
               countenance
               also
               ,
               or
               loving
               favour
               ,
               to
               them
               on
               whom
               he
               makes
               the
               same
               to
               shine
               ,
               is
               said
               to
               be
               as
               Lebanon
               excellent
               as
               the
               cedars
               ,
               that
               is
               to
               say
               ,
               goodly
               ,
               most
               pleasant
               and
               delectable
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               David
               found
               ,
               and
               therefore
               so
               much
               desired
               the
               same
               ,
               Psal
               .
               4.
               6.
               
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               16.
               
               His
               mouth
               is
               most
               sweet
               ,
               yea
               he
               is
               altogether
               lovely
               ;
               This
               is
               my
               beloved
               ,
               and
               this
               is
               my
               friend
               ,
               O
               daughters
               of
               Jerusalem
               .
            
             
               His
               mouth
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               opened
               in
               holy
               scripture
               ,
               and
               promises
               of
               salvation
               therein
               contained
               ,
               is
               most
               sweet
               and
               comfortable
               ,
               specially
               to
               a
               weary
               and
               fainting
               soul
               ,
               as
               Jonathans
               honey
               was
               to
               him
               ;
               yea
               ,
               he
               is
               altogether
               lovely
               ,
               even
               all
               Christ
               ,
               and
               all
               in
               Christ
               ,
               to
               a
               soul
               that
               loves
               him
               .
               This
               is
               her
               beloved
               (
               she
               sayes
               )
               and
               this
               is
               her
               friend
               ,
               of
               whom
               the
               daughters
               of
               Jerusalem
               asked
               ,
               what
               was
               he
               more
               then
               another
               beloved
               ?
               a
               beloved
               of
               matchles
               beauty
               ,
               as
               he
               has
               been
               described
               ,
               and
               a
               friend
               of
               matchlesse
               friendship
               ,
               kinder
               then
               Jonathan
               was
               to
               David
               ,
               whose
               love
               exceeded
               the
               love
               of
               women
               ,
               who
               died
               for
               his
               enemies
               that
               painefull
               accursed
               and
               ignominious
               death
               of
               the
               crosse
               ,
               that
               he
               might
               make
               friendship
               between
               God
               and
               us
               ,
               and
               befriend
               our
               wretched
               soules
               in
               delivering
               them
               from
               death
               ,
               and
               purchasing
               unto
               them
               life
               everlasting
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 out
                 of
                 her
                 description
                 of
                 Christ
                 to
                 the
                 daughters
                 of
                 Jerusalem
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 Churches
                 part
                 and
                 office
                 to
                 publish
                 and
                 paint
                 out
                 before
                 the
                 eyes
                 of
                 the
                 faithfull
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 speaks
                 )
                 by
                 the
                 preaching
                 of
                 the
                 word
                 Christ
                 Jesus
                 Crucified
                 ,
                 for
                 which
                 cause
                 she
                 is
                 called
                 the
                 staple-place
                 and
                 pillar
                 of
                 truth
                 ,
                 which
                 thing
                 is
                 a
                 mark
                 of
                 the
                 true
                 Church
                 ,
                 and
                 whosoever
                 does
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 but
                 withholds
                 from
                 Gods
                 people
                 the
                 
                 sound
                 doctrine
                 of
                 the
                 Word
                 ,
                 and
                 would
                 by
                 dumb
                 images
                 and
                 idolls
                 ,
                 (
                 the
                 teachers
                 of
                 lies
                 )
                 paint
                 out
                 Christ
                 crucified
                 otherwise
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 the
                 true
                 Church
                 of
                 Christ
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 By
                 such
                 a
                 description
                 ,
                 of
                 the
                 excellency
                 and
                 beauty
                 of
                 her
                 Beloved
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 what
                 a
                 rich
                 Jewell
                 they
                 find
                 ,
                 who
                 find
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 how
                 rare
                 and
                 excellent
                 a
                 matchless
                 husband
                 they
                 espouse
                 their
                 souls
                 ,
                 who
                 by
                 a
                 lively
                 faith
                 espouse
                 themselves
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 divorcing
                 from
                 Satan
                 ,
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 world
                 ;
                 also
                 how
                 much
                 worth
                 the
                 seeking
                 so
                 glorious
                 a
                 Lord
                 is
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 happinesse
                 and
                 great
                 dignity
                 his
                 Church
                 has
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 fruition
                 of
                 him
                 here
                 ,
                 but
                 far
                 greater
                 by
                 enjoying
                 of
                 him
                 hereafter
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Christ's
                 love
                 is
                 so
                 firmly
                 rooted
                 in
                 her
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 so
                 plentifully
                 filled
                 therewith
                 ,
                 that
                 even
                 when
                 he
                 has
                 withdrawn
                 himself
                 from
                 her
                 ,
                 to
                 her
                 feeling
                 ,
                 and
                 seemes
                 so
                 unkind
                 to
                 her
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 Joseph
                 seemed
                 rough
                 and
                 strange
                 to
                 his
                 brethren
                 )
                 that
                 when
                 she
                 called
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 answer
                 her
                 ;
                 yet
                 she
                 expresses
                 the
                 vehemency
                 of
                 her
                 love
                 towards
                 him
                 so
                 ,
                 that
                 she
                 ceases
                 not
                 to
                 charge
                 the
                 daughters
                 of
                 Jerusalem
                 ,
                 to
                 tell
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 she
                 is
                 sick
                 of
                 love
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 highly
                 to
                 praise
                 and
                 commend
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 strain
                 of
                 her
                 best
                 expressions
                 can
                 any
                 way
                 reach
                 unto
                 ;
                 showing
                 thereby
                 ,
                 that
                 true
                 saving
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 is
                 so
                 permanent
                 and
                 durable
                 in
                 the
                 souls
                 of
                 the
                 Elect
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 nothing
                 that
                 can
                 befall
                 them
                 ,
                 or
                 whereby
                 it
                 pleases
                 the
                 Lord
                 to
                 exercise
                 them
                 ,
                 that
                 can
                 cool
                 their
                 love
                 ,
                 but
                 rather
                 kindle
                 the
                 same
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 even
                 then
                 ,
                 as
                 Ruth
                 did
                 to
                 Naomi
                 ,
                 they
                 cleave
                 the
                 faster
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 with
                 Jacob
                 they
                 wrestle
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 not
                 let
                 him
                 go
                 ;
                 and
                 with
                 Job
                 they
                 dare
                 tell
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 albeit
                 he
                 should
                 kill
                 them
                 ,
                 yet
                 never
                 will
                 he
                 depart
                 from
                 him
                 ;
                 nor
                 shall
                 ever
                 his
                 love
                 go
                 out
                 of
                 their
                 heart
                 ,
                 or
                 his
                 praise
                 out
                 of
                 their
                 mouth
                 :
                 For
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saies
                 )
                 who
                 shall
                 seperate
                 them
                 from
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 Christ
                 ?
                 shall
                 tribulation
                 ,
                 or
                 distresse
                 ,
                 or
                 persecution
                 ,
                 or
                 famine
                 ,
                 or
                 nakednesse
                 ,
                 or
                 perill
                 ,
                 or
                 sword
                 ?
                 Nay
                 ,
                 in
                 all
                 these
                 things
                 they
                 are
                 more
                 than
                 conquerours
                 ,
                 through
                 him
                 that
                 has
                 loved
                 them
                 ,
                 Rom.
                 8.
                 35.
                 
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 From
                 the
                 description
                 of
                 his
                 head
                 ,
                 vers
                 .
                 11.
                 which
                 is
                 as
                 most
                 fine
                 gold
                 ,
                 not
                 subject
                 ,
                 as
                 other
                 baser
                 mettalls
                 ,
                 to
                 rust
                 and
                 corruption
                 :
                 Seeing
                 a
                 conformity
                 should
                 be
                 between
                 the
                 head
                 and
                 members
                 ,
                 (
                 his
                 mysticall
                 body
                 not
                 being
                 like
                 
                 Nebuchadnezar's
                 Image
                 )
                 therefore
                 we
                 should
                 all
                 strive
                 to
                 holinesse
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 subject
                 to
                 corruption
                 or
                 wickednesse
                 .
              
               
               
                 5.
                 
                 Likewise
                 ,
                 from
                 the
                 description
                 of
                 his
                 eyes
                 ,
                 vers
                 .
                 12.
                 compared
                 to
                 Doves
                 eyes
                 ,
                 the
                 eyes
                 of
                 his
                 Church
                 being
                 in
                 like
                 manner
                 ,
                 chap.
                 4.
                 1.
                 so
                 called
                 and
                 compared
                 ,
                 delighting
                 in
                 purity
                 ,
                 holinesse
                 ,
                 and
                 innocency
                 ;
                 we
                 see
                 (
                 as
                 has
                 been
                 said
                 )
                 what
                 a
                 conformity
                 not
                 onely
                 should
                 be
                 ,
                 but
                 is
                 between
                 Christ
                 and
                 his
                 Church
                 in
                 holinesse
                 ;
                 their
                 eyes
                 ,
                 ears
                 ,
                 tongue
                 ,
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 hand
                 ,
                 all
                 being
                 sanctified
                 and
                 made
                 holy
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 is
                 holy
                 ,
                 by
                 his
                 Spirit
                 who
                 renewes
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 From
                 the
                 description
                 of
                 his
                 cheeks
                 and
                 lips
                 ,
                 vers
                 .
                 13.
                 affording
                 such
                 sweetnesse
                 ;
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 how
                 sweet
                 ,
                 leight
                 ,
                 and
                 easie
                 ,
                 is
                 Christ's
                 yoke
                 of
                 submission
                 ,
                 unto
                 all
                 the
                 faithfull
                 ,
                 through
                 love's
                 facilitation
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 to
                 others
                 ;
                 and
                 how
                 sweet
                 also
                 his
                 word
                 is
                 to
                 such
                 ,
                 which
                 exacts
                 that
                 homage
                 and
                 subjection
                 ,
                 not
                 onely
                 in
                 the
                 promises
                 but
                 precepts
                 thereof
                 ,
                 howsoever
                 it
                 be
                 like
                 Marah
                 ,
                 even
                 bitter
                 to
                 the
                 relish
                 of
                 others
                 ,
                 tormenting
                 them
                 before
                 their
                 time
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 their
                 distempered
                 palat
                 and
                 corruption
                 ,
                 which
                 it
                 launces
                 ;
                 therefore
                 Foelix
                 could
                 not
                 abide
                 it
                 ,
                 no
                 more
                 than
                 a
                 sore
                 eye
                 can
                 endure
                 the
                 bright
                 light
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 delightfull
                 to
                 others
                 .
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 In
                 the
                 14
                 vers
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 a
                 conformity
                 ,
                 between
                 his
                 actions
                 and
                 inwards
                 ,
                 both
                 ,
                 holy
                 ,
                 and
                 void
                 of
                 corruption
                 or
                 spot
                 ;
                 Teaching
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 like
                 conformity
                 should
                 be
                 between
                 our
                 inwards
                 and
                 outwards
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 have
                 fair
                 outwards
                 ,
                 and
                 foul
                 inwards
                 ,
                 like
                 painted
                 tombs
                 ;
                 nor
                 to
                 pretend
                 fair
                 inwards
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 have
                 foul
                 outwards
                 ,
                 our
                 actions
                 ,
                 being
                 contrary
                 to
                 our
                 profession
                 ,
                 and
                 having
                 the
                 voice
                 of
                 Jacob
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 hands
                 of
                 Esau
                 .
              
               
                 8.
                 
                 His
                 legs
                 or
                 waies
                 (
                 which
                 are
                 all
                 holy
                 )
                 are
                 said
                 to
                 be
                 stable
                 ,
                 like
                 pillars
                 of
                 marble
                 ,
                 vers
                 .
                 15
                 ?
                 teaching
                 us
                 in
                 like
                 manner
                 ,
                 that
                 so
                 should
                 all
                 our
                 waies
                 of
                 holinesse
                 be
                 ,
                 without
                 wavering
                 ,
                 or
                 inconstancy
                 and
                 backsliding
                 ,
                 remembring
                 
                 Lot's
                 wife
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 punishment
                 of
                 Korah
                 and
                 others
                 ,
                 who
                 would
                 have
                 returned
                 to
                 Egypt
                 :
                 We
                 must
                 be
                 then
                 like
                 Joshua
                 and
                 Caleb
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 like
                 those
                 Galatians
                 ;
                 that
                 began
                 in
                 the
                 spirit
                 ,
                 but
                 would
                 end
                 in
                 the
                 flesh
                 ,
                 Gal.
                 3.
                 3.
                 
                 For
                 unto
                 stable
                 standers
                 ,
                 as
                 David
                 professes
                 of
                 himself
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 26.
                 12.
                 and
                 constant
                 perseverers
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 promise
                 made
                 of
                 eternall
                 life
                 ,
                 Revel
                 .
                 2.
                 10.
                 
              
               
                 9.
                 
                 She
                 saies
                 
                   vers
                   .
                   16.
                   
                   This
                   is
                   my
                   Beloved
                   ,
                
                 after
                 all
                 her
                 description
                 of
                 his
                 beauty
                 and
                 lovelinesse
                 altogether
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 
                   My
                   friend
                
                 ,
                 (
                 saies
                 she
                 )
                 to
                 show
                 unto
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 no
                 comfort
                 to
                 know
                 all
                 the
                 excellencies
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 
                 benefits
                 are
                 to
                 be
                 had
                 by
                 him
                 ,
                 except
                 by
                 the
                 application
                 of
                 a
                 true
                 faith
                 ,
                 we
                 can
                 say
                 ,
                 He
                 is
                 ours
                 ;
                 as
                 Thomas
                 said
                 ,
                 My
                 God
                 and
                 my
                 Lord.
                 
              
               
                 10.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 ,
                 that
                 even
                 in
                 this
                 spirituall
                 desertion
                 ,
                 and
                 distresse
                 wherein
                 she
                 is
                 ,
                 yet
                 she
                 calls
                 him
                 her
                 friend
                 ,
                 perswading
                 her selfe
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 his
                 promise
                 ,
                 that
                 whom
                 he
                 loves
                 ,
                 he
                 loves
                 to
                 the
                 end
                 ,
                 Joh.
                 13.
                 1.
                 and
                 never
                 despairing
                 of
                 his
                 favour
                 and
                 return
                 .
                 One
                 speciall
                 evidence
                 likewise
                 of
                 this
                 her
                 assurance
                 ,
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 and
                 friendship
                 to
                 her
                 ,
                 is
                 ,
                 her
                 love
                 and
                 affection
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 which
                 she
                 professes
                 ,
                 in
                 calling
                 him
                 ,
                 
                   her
                   beloved
                
                 :
                 So
                 that
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 we
                 find
                 a
                 fervent
                 and
                 true
                 affection
                 in
                 our
                 hearts
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 that
                 with
                 Peter
                 we
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 thou
                 knowest
                 I
                 love
                 thee
                 ;
                 so
                 long
                 may
                 we
                 be
                 assured
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 loves
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 a
                 friend
                 unto
                 us
                 ,
                 what
                 ever
                 be
                 our
                 estate
                 ,
                 and
                 although
                 with
                 David
                 ,
                 we
                 were
                 walking
                 through
                 the
                 very
                 vally
                 of
                 the
                 shaddow
                 of
                 death
                 it self
                 ,
                 his
                 rod
                 and
                 staffe
                 shall
                 comfort
                 us
                 .
              
               
                 Lastly
                 ,
                 is
                 Christ
                 our
                 friend
                 ,
                 so
                 good
                 and
                 so
                 great
                 a
                 one
                 unto
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 unparallel'd
                 by
                 any
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 then
                 be
                 ashamed
                 to
                 be
                 enemies
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 by
                 joyning
                 with
                 his
                 enemy
                 Satan
                 ,
                 and
                 ,
                 so
                 far
                 as
                 lies
                 in
                 us
                 ,
                 crucifying
                 him
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 trampling
                 his
                 blood
                 under
                 foot
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 be
                 enemies
                 to
                 our
                 own
                 souls
                 .
                 Let
                 us
                 also
                 be
                 ashamed
                 ,
                 to
                 joyne
                 with
                 the
                 enemies
                 of
                 his
                 cause
                 ,
                 remembring
                 what
                 Jehu
                 ,
                 the
                 son
                 of
                 Hanani
                 ,
                 the
                 Seer
                 ,
                 said
                 to
                 Iehoshaphat
                 ,
                 Shouldst
                 thou
                 help
                 the
                 ungodly
                 ,
                 and
                 love
                 them
                 that
                 hate
                 the
                 Lord
                 ?
                 2
                 Chron.
                 19.
                 2.
                 
                 But
                 rather
                 let
                 us
                 be
                 friends
                 to
                 his
                 cause
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 them
                 who
                 are
                 his
                 friends
                 ;
                 and
                 then
                 he
                 will
                 prove
                 our
                 best
                 friend
                 ,
                 in
                 our
                 greatest
                 need
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 onely
                 in
                 life
                 ,
                 but
                 in
                 death
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 all
                 other
                 friends
                 will
                 forsake
                 us
                 ,
                 or
                 like
                 
                 Job's
                 friends
                 ,
                 can
                 be
                 but
                 miserable
                 comforters
                 .
              
            
          
           
             Finis
             quinti
             Capitis
             .
          
           
             Soli
             deo
             gloria
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             VI.
             
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               1.
               
               Whither
               is
               thy
               beloved
               gone
               .
               O
               thou
               fairest
               amongst
               women
               ?
               whither
               is
               thy
               well-beloved
               turned
               aside
               ,
               that
               we
               may
               seek
               him
               with
               thee
               ?
            
             
               THE
               3
               parts
               of
               this
               Chapter
               are
               these
               :
               1
               Is
               set
               down
               the
               daughters
               of
               Jerusalem
               ,
               who
               were
               so
               straitly
               charged
               in
               the
               former
               Chapter
               ,
               vers
               .
               8.
               their
               question
               to
               the
               Spouse
               of
               Christ
               ,
               and
               her
               answer
               ,
               to
               the
               fourth
               verse
               .
               2
               Christ's
               renewed
               praise
               of
               her
               ,
               whereby
               he
               shews
               the
               graces
               of
               his
               Church
               ,
               to
               the
               tenth
               verse
               .
               And
               3.
               
               The
               manifestation
               of
               his
               tender
               love
               towards
               her
               ,
               by
               divers
               expressions
               ,
               from
               the
               tenth
               verse
               to
               the
               end
               .
            
             
               In
               the
               former
               Chapter
               ,
               the
               Spouse
               had
               at
               large
               commended
               her
               Beloved
               ,
               and
               that
               which
               the
               same
               now
               does
               produce
               ,
               is
               ,
               The
               daughters
               of
               Jerusalem
               their
               enquirie
               for
               him
               ,
               that
               joyntly
               with
               her
               they
               may
               likewise
               seek
               after
               him
               :
               so
               powerful
               is
               the
               manifestation
               of
               the
               excellency
               of
               Christ
               ,
               by
               the
               preaching
               of
               the
               Gospell
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               benefits
               that
               the
               Church
               has
               by
               him
               ,
               that
               it
               kindles
               a
               desire
               in
               the
               hearts
               of
               all
               elect
               hearers
               ,
               to
               seek
               after
               him
               ,
               that
               they
               may
               lay
               hold
               on
               him
               by
               the
               hand
               of
               faith
               ;
               and
               ,
               as
               old
               Simeon
               got
               him
               in
               his
               arms
               ,
               they
               may
               apply
               him
               to
               their
               souls
               ,
               to
               their
               eternall
               salvation
               ;
               an
               example
               whereof
               we
               may
               see
               ,
               Act.
               2.
               37.
               
               Which
               showes
               unto
               us
               therefore
               ,
               what
               an
               excellent
               thing
               it
               is
               ,
               amongst
               all
               the
               actions
               of
               men
               ,
               the
               preaching
               of
               the
               Gospell●
               ,
               and
               setting
               out
               of
               Christ
               thereby
               ,
               (
               as
               the
               Apostle
               speaks
               ,
               Gal.
               4.
               )
               whereby
               soules
               are
               instructed
               and
               enamoured
               to
               seek
               after
               him
               ,
               to
               their
               eternall
               salvation
               .
            
             
               But
               here
               one
               thing
               chiefly
               is
               remarkable
               ,
               how
               they
               say
               ,
               not
               simply
               ,
               
                 Whither
                 is
                 thy
                 beloved
                 gone
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 seek
                 him
                 :
              
               but
               ,
               
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 seek
                 him
                 with
                 thee
                 ,
              
               this
               being
               the
               onely
               right
               way
               ,
               to
               seek
               Christ
               and
               find
               him
               ,
               when
               we
               seek
               him
               with
               his
               Church
               ,
               and
               as
               himself
               directs
               ,
               Cant.
               1.
               8.
               saying
               ,
               
                 Go
                 forth
                 by
                 the
                 steps
                 of
                 the
                 flock
                 ,
                 and
                 feed
                 thy
                 kids
                 by
                 the
                 shepheard
                 's
                 tents
              
               ;
               and
               when
               we
               do
               not
               ,
               as
               perverse
               hereticks
               ,
               and
               giddy
               schismaticks
               ,
               and
               brain-sick
               separatists
               do
               ,
               who
               pretend
               ,
               that
               they
               seek
               Christ
               ,
               but
               will
               after
               a
               singular
               and
               self-conceited
               way
               of
               their
               own
               do
               so
               ,
               but
               not
               with
               his
               Church
               ,
               in
               the
               
               Scriptures
               onely
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               congregation
               of
               the
               faithfull
               ,
               under
               an
               ordinary
               and
               constitute
               Ministry
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 The
                 inamouring
                 of
                 soules
                 to
                 seek
                 after
                 Christ
                 ,
                 being
                 by
                 the
                 setting
                 forth
                 of
                 Christ
                 and
                 his
                 graces
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 preaching
                 of
                 the
                 Gospell
                 ,
                 should
                 greatly
                 incite
                 and
                 encourage
                 Pastors
                 ,
                 to
                 perform
                 the
                 same
                 diligently
                 ,
                 and
                 make
                 it
                 their
                 main
                 task
                 or
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 knowing
                 that
                 if
                 they
                 do
                 so
                 ,
                 great
                 is
                 their
                 reward
                 that
                 abides
                 them
                 hereafter
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 see
                 is
                 promised
                 ,
                 Dan.
                 12.
                 3.
                 and
                 elsewhere
                 in
                 Scripture
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 The
                 same
                 being
                 the
                 fruit
                 likewise
                 ,
                 of
                 godly
                 and
                 religious
                 conference
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 we
                 see
                 was
                 the
                 practise
                 by
                 the
                 way
                 ,
                 of
                 the
                 two
                 Disciples
                 going
                 to
                 
                   Emmaus
                   ,
                   Luk.
                
                 24.
                 13
                 ,
                 14.
                 (
                 by
                 occasion
                 whereof
                 ,
                 Christ
                 drew-near
                 ,
                 and
                 manifested
                 himself
                 to
                 them
                 )
                 should
                 in
                 like
                 manner
                 stir
                 up
                 and
                 encourage
                 people
                 ,
                 most
                 frequently
                 to
                 use
                 such
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Whereas
                 they
                 say
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 will
                 seek
                 her
                 beloved
                 with
                 her
                 :
                 1
                 This
                 showes
                 ,
                 to
                 what
                 society
                 or
                 company
                 we
                 should
                 adjoyne
                 our selves
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 to
                 those
                 who
                 seek
                 after
                 Christ
                 ;
                 and
                 not
                 to
                 such
                 ,
                 who
                 ,
                 on
                 the
                 contrary
                 ,
                 depart
                 away
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 seek
                 onely
                 ,
                 either
                 after
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 wickednesse
                 ,
                 or
                 vanity
                 .
                 And
                 2
                 This
                 teaches
                 us
                 ,
                 to
                 seek
                 Christ
                 in
                 the
                 ordinary
                 way
                 ,
                 of
                 his
                 holy
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 wherein
                 his
                 Church
                 has
                 constantly
                 ever
                 sought
                 him
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               2.
               
               My
               beloved
               is
               gone
               down
               into
               his
               garden
               ,
               to
               the
               beds
               of
               spices
               ,
               to
               feed
               in
               the
               garden
               ,
               and
               to
               gather
               lillies
               .
            
             
               In
               this
               verse
               ,
               is
               her
               answer
               unto
               their
               question
               ,
               wherein
               she
               showes
               ,
               1
               whither
               he
               is
               gone
               ;
               as
               also
               2
               to
               what
               end
               .
               The
               place
               then
               whither
               she
               saies
               he
               is
               gone
               ,
               and
               consequently
               where
               he
               is
               to
               be
               found
               ,
               by
               all
               those
               who
               seek
               him
               aright
               ,
               is
               ,
               his
               Church
               ,
               which
               she
               calleth
               here
               his
               garden
               ,
               for
               the
               reasons
               spoken
               of
               ,
               chap.
               4.
               16.
               so
               that
               as
               Joseph
               and
               Mary
               sought
               him
               ,
               and
               found
               him
               in
               the
               Temple
               ,
               so
               as
               he
               must
               be
               sought
               with
               his
               Church
               ,
               as
               the
               preceding
               words
               teach
               ;
               so
               also
               he
               is
               to
               be
               found
               in
               his
               Church
               ,
               with
               which
               he
               has
               promised
               to
               be
               present
               to
               the
               world's
               end
               ,
               Matth.
               
               28.
               20.
               and
               therefore
               was
               seen
               to
               walk
               in
               the
               midst
               of
               his
               seven
               golden
               candlesticks
               ,
               Rev.
               1.
               13.
               
            
             
               Unto
               this
               garden
               he
               is
               said
               to
               go
               down
               ,
               as
               to
               a
               low
               place
               ,
               therefore
               vers
               .
               11.
               said
               to
               be
               a
               valley
               ,
               to
               show
               the
               humility
               of
               those
               ,
               who
               are
               the
               members
               of
               his
               true
               Church
               ,
               which
               they
               learn
               from
               their
               Master
               ,
               who
               saies
               to
               all
               such
               ,
               Learn
               of
               me
               ,
               for
               I
               am
               humble
               and
               meek
               .
            
             
               As
               also
               he
               is
               said
               ,
               to
               go
               to
               the
               beds
               of
               spices
               ,
               whereby
               are
               understood
               the
               hearts
               of
               the
               faithfull
               ,
               wherein
               he
               dwells
               ;
               and
               which
               are
               compared
               to
               beds
               of
               spices
               ,
               because
               in
               them
               ,
               as
               in
               beds
               of
               a
               garden
               ,
               his
               heavenly
               graces
               are
               sown
               ,
               and
               grow
               up
               by
               degrees
               unto
               maturity
               and
               ripenesse
               ,
               till
               they
               come
               to
               such
               a
               perfection
               ,
               as
               to
               bring
               forth
               fruits
               ,
               whereon
               our
               Saviour
               is
               said
               here
               to
               feed
               ,
               to
               show
               his
               delight
               in
               a
               Christian
               obedience
               ,
               as
               a
               hungry
               man
               has
               in
               meat
               and
               drink
               .
            
             
               Likewise
               he
               is
               said
               to
               go
               down
               ,
               not
               onely
               to
               his
               garden
               in
               the
               singular
               number
               ,
               meaning
               thereby
               ,
               the
               Catholick
               Church
               in
               generall
               ,
               which
               is
               His
               (
               as
               has
               been
               shown
               before
               )
               by
               a
               manifold
               right
               ;
               but
               also
               to
               his
               gardens
               ,
               in
               the
               plurall
               ,
               there
               to
               feed
               ,
               denotating
               every
               particular
               Church
               ,
               and
               every
               soul
               in
               them
               ,
               over
               whom
               he
               has
               a
               speciall
               and
               particular
               inspection
               ,
               and
               to
               whom
               he
               has
               promised
               his
               comfortable
               presence
               ,
               and
               constant
               abode
               with
               them
               ,
               Ioh.
               14.
               13.
               
            
             
               The
               end
               of
               which
               his
               presence
               ,
               by
               the
               power
               of
               his
               Spirit
               with
               his
               Church
               ,
               and
               externall
               ministry
               thereof
               ,
               is
               ,
               
                 To
                 gather
                 lillies
              
               ;
               that
               is
               ,
               to
               gather
               together
               all
               his
               Elect
               ,
               that
               before
               his
               second
               comming
               ,
               they
               may
               be
               all
               one
               flock
               ,
               in
               one
               sheep-fold
               ,
               under
               one
               shepheard
               ;
               which
               Elect
               of
               his
               ,
               why
               they
               are
               called
               Lillies
               ,
               we
               have
               shown
               before
               ,
               Cant.
               2.
               1.
               
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 ,
                 though
                 Christ
                 seem
                 to
                 withdraw
                 himself
                 awhile
                 from
                 his
                 Church
                 or
                 garden
                 ,
                 and
                 seem
                 to
                 neglect
                 her
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 Disciples
                 said
                 ,
                 Mar.
                 4.
                 38.
                 
                 Dost
                 thou
                 not
                 care
                 that
                 we
                 perish
                 ?
                 )
                 and
                 though
                 he
                 seem
                 to
                 leave
                 any
                 true
                 member
                 of
                 her
                 under
                 spirituall
                 desertions
                 ;
                 yet
                 he
                 is
                 in
                 his
                 garden
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 be
                 present
                 with
                 her
                 and
                 her
                 true
                 members
                 constantly
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 world's
                 end
                 .
              
               
               
                 2.
                 
                 If
                 Christ
                 be
                 present
                 ever
                 in
                 his
                 Church
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 his
                 garden
                 ,
                 and
                 gardens
                 in
                 particular
                 ,
                 by
                 a
                 particular
                 inspection
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 had
                 of
                 him
                 who
                 wanted
                 the
                 wedding
                 garment
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 
                   Nathaniel
                   ,
                   Ioh.
                
                 1.
                 48.
                 
                 Then
                 how
                 watchfull
                 a
                 eye
                 should
                 we
                 have
                 over
                 our selves
                 ,
                 considering
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 in
                 his
                 sight
                 continually
                 who
                 walks
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 his
                 Golden
                 candlesticks
                 and
                 has
                 eyes
                 as
                 a
                 flame
                 of
                 fire
                 ,
                 Rev.
                 1.
                 14.
                 to
                 observe
                 our
                 wayes
                 ,
                 and
                 shal
                 be
                 our
                 judge
                 at
                 the
                 last
                 day
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 what
                 our
                 hearts
                 and
                 lives
                 should
                 be
                 if
                 we
                 belong
                 to
                 this
                 his
                 garden
                 and
                 be
                 true
                 members
                 of
                 his
                 holy
                 Church
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 our
                 hearts
                 should
                 be
                 like
                 beds
                 of
                 sweet
                 spices
                 sowne
                 with
                 heavenly
                 vertues
                 ,
                 and
                 our
                 lives
                 should
                 bring
                 forth
                 sweet
                 fruits
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 Isay
                 speaks
                 of
                 ,
                 whereon
                 Christ
                 may
                 feed
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 (
                 as
                 alas
                 the
                 lives
                 of
                 most
                 do
                 )
                 sowre
                 grapes
                 to
                 set
                 our
                 teeth
                 one
                 day
                 on
                 edge
                 ,
                 Isay
                 .
                 5.
                 2.
                 
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 The
                 gathering
                 we
                 see
                 of
                 the
                 elect
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 effectuall
                 calling
                 to
                 be
                 Lillies
                 in
                 his
                 garden
                 is
                 ascribed
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 for
                 he
                 onely
                 opens
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 like
                 Lidia's
                 ,
                 and
                 does
                 teach
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 therefore
                 both
                 by
                 pastor
                 and
                 people
                 from
                 him
                 let
                 the
                 same
                 (
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 his
                 grace
                 of
                 conversion
                 )
                 be
                 earnestly
                 sought
                 and
                 implored
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 the
                 glory
                 thereof
                 to
                 him
                 alone
                 be
                 only
                 ascribed
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               3.
               
               I
               am
               my
               beloveds
               ,
               and
               my
               beloved
               is
               mine
               ,
               he
               feeds
               among
               the
               Lillies
               .
            
             
               Here
               the
               sweet
               assurance
               that
               the
               soul
               had
               before
               of
               a
               comfortable
               communion
               with
               Christ
               ,
               beginnes
               to
               revive
               againe
               under
               the
               former
               spirituall
               desertion
               ,
               and
               that
               joy
               of
               her
               salvation
               ,
               whereof
               David
               speaks
               ,
               Psal
               .
               51.
               beginnes
               to
               be
               restored
               to
               her
               againe
               .
               Of
               which
               words
               because
               we
               treated
               before
               ,
               chap.
               2.
               16.
               we
               supersede
               any
               more
               to
               speake
               of
               them
               here
               .
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               4.
               
               Thou
               art
               beautifull
               ,
               O
               my
               love
               ,
               as
               Tirzah
               ,
               comely
               as
               Jerusalem
               ,
               terrible
               as●an
               army
               with
               banners
               .
            
             
               Here
               beginnes
               the
               second
               part
               of
               this
               Chapter
               ,
               wherein
               the
               beloved
               renewes
               the
               praise
               of
               his
               spouse
               ,
               after
               the
               same
               
               manner
               ,
               and
               almost
               in
               the
               same
               words
               as
               he
               had
               done
               before
               in
               the
               fourth
               Chapter
               ,
               and
               yet
               without
               any
               tautology
               ,
               as
               might
               be
               thought
               ,
               or
               superfluous
               repetition
               ,
               but
               most
               fitly
               and
               requisitly
               ,
               he
               speakes
               in
               so
               kind
               a
               manner
               to
               his
               spouse
               ,
               after
               his
               former
               silence
               ,
               chap.
               5.
               6.
               
               Now
               to
               her
               comfort
               ,
               to
               testifie
               his
               presence
               again
               ,
               and
               that
               notwithstanding
               of
               her
               former
               faultiness
               ,
               which
               had
               made
               him
               to
               withdraw
               himself
               from
               her
               and
               suffer
               her
               to
               indure
               such
               distresse
               ,
               yet
               he
               would
               not
               fully
               nor
               finally
               desert
               her
               ,
               as
               also
               in
               respect
               that
               she
               had
               bewailed
               her
               offence
               and
               had
               risen
               and
               sought
               him
               sorrowing
               lest
               by
               her
               sinne
               and
               security
               ,
               it
               might
               seem
               she
               had
               lost
               his
               love
               and
               her
               former
               comeliness
               in
               his
               sight
               ,
               therefore
               for
               her
               comfort
               he
               renewes
               the
               commendation
               of
               her
               beauty
               (
               as
               she
               had
               renewed
               her
               carriage
               )
               and
               addes
               thereto
               ,
               that
               thereby
               he
               might
               witnesse
               to
               her
               the
               constancy
               of
               his
               liking
               .
            
             
               In
               this
               verse
               then
               she
               is
               commended
               ,
               1.
               
               From
               her
               beauty
               ,
               2.
               
               From
               her
               comeliness
               ;
               and
               ,
               3.
               
               From
               her
               terrour
               to
               her
               enemies
               :
               first
               then
               she
               is
               said
               to
               be
               beautifull
               as
               Tirzah
               which
               was
               a
               city
               in
               Canaan
               not
               farre
               from
               Samaria
               ,
               wherein
               ,
               for
               pleasantness
               of
               Situation
               ,
               Jeroboam
               built
               his
               royall
               place
               ,
               and
               thereafter
               the
               kings
               of
               Israel
               kept
               their
               court
               ,
               as
               we
               reade
               ,
               1
               King.
               14.
               17.
               
               Next
               she
               is
               said
               to
               be
               comly
               as
               Jerusalem
               ,
               whereof
               already
               we
               have
               spoken
               at
               large
               ,
               which
               was
               not
               onely
               commended
               for
               sanctity
               as
               the
               holy
               City
               ,
               chap.
               1.
               5.
               but
               also
               from
               peace
               ,
               and
               the
               exercise
               of
               true
               religion
               and
               publick
               worship
               in
               her
               ,
               beyond
               all
               other
               places
               whatsoever
               .
               Lastly
               ,
               she
               is
               compared
               in
               respect
               of
               her
               estate
               Militant
               on
               earth
               to
               an
               army
               terrible
               with
               banners
               .
               1.
               
               The
               Generall
               of
               which
               army
               is
               he
               whom
               Joshua
               saw
               
                 (
                 Joshua
              
               5.
               14.
               )
               The
               captaine
               of
               the
               Lords
               hoste
               ,
               victorious
               ever
               and
               triumphant
               over
               all
               his
               enemies
               ,
               who
               is
               described
               ,
               Rev.
               19.
               12.
               
               &c.
               on
               whose
               head
               are
               many
               crownes
               ,
               whose
               eyes
               are
               as
               flames
               of
               fire
               ,
               and
               whose
               name
               is
               King
               of
               kings
               and
               Lord
               of
               lords
               blessed
               for
               ever
               ,
               2.
               
               His
               souldiers
               ,
               are
               all
               sonnes
               to
               the
               most
               high
               ,
               and
               coheires
               with
               their
               Generall
               of
               a
               heavenly
               kingdome
               ,
               of
               undanted
               courage
               in
               greatest
               extremities
               ,
               as
               Martyrs
               have
               proved
               ,
               and
               of
               invincible
               valour
               ,
               more
               then
               that
               of
               David
               ,
               or
               his
               worthies
               ,
               and
               so
               there
               was
               never
               so
               noble
               and
               valiant
               army
               as
               this
               ,
               3.
               
               Their
               armour
               is
               armour
               of
               proof
               and
               spirituall
               ,
               as
               we
               have
               ,
               Eph.
               6.
               4.
               
               Their
               banner
               or
               Ensigne
               is
               the
               Crosse
               of
               Christ
               ,
               and
               his
               
               bloody
               sufferings
               ,
               under
               the
               colours
               of
               which
               avowed
               profession
               they
               constantly
               and
               couragiously
               fight
               .
               5.
               
               They
               are
               all
               one
               compact
               body
               in
               a
               holy
               unity
               of
               faith
               and
               love
               ,
               though
               they
               be
               dispersed
               thorow
               the
               whole
               earth
               ,
               marching
               all
               orderly
               in
               their
               severall
               stations
               wherein
               they
               are
               set
               by
               their
               great
               generall
               ;
               and
               6.
               
               These
               are
               their
               priviledges
               ,
               1.
               
               Wounded
               they
               may
               be
               ,
               but
               never
               killed
               nor
               over
               come
               finally
               ,
               2.
               
               They
               are
               sure
               of
               victory
               over
               all
               their
               spirituall
               enemies
               ,
               yea
               over
               death
               and
               the
               grave
               it self
               ,
               and
               to
               triumph
               in
               the
               highest
               heavens
               ;
               and
               ▪
               3.
               
               Each
               one
               for
               his
               reward
               shall
               receive
               an
               incorruptible
               crowne
               ,
               and
               a
               glorious
               eternall
               kingdome
               ,
               with
               Christ
               Jesus
               for
               ever
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Seeing
                 the
                 estate
                 of
                 Christs
                 Church
                 here
                 is
                 Militant
                 ▪
                 and
                 therefore
                 compared
                 to
                 an
                 army
                 ,
                 therefore
                 ,
                 Let
                 all
                 her
                 true
                 members
                 expect
                 no
                 ease
                 ,
                 rest
                 or
                 security
                 on
                 earth
                 ,
                 but
                 rather
                 the
                 uttermost
                 daily
                 ,
                 that
                 either
                 the
                 craft
                 or
                 malice
                 of
                 Satan
                 can
                 plot
                 or
                 practise
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 arme
                 themselves
                 with
                 the
                 compleat
                 armour
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 be
                 still
                 on
                 their
                 watch
                 ,
                 harden
                 themselves
                 like
                 beaten
                 souldiers
                 against
                 all
                 difficulties
                 ,
                 resist
                 temptations
                 which
                 are
                 the
                 assaults
                 of
                 the
                 enemie
                 ,
                 like
                 Gideons
                 souldiers
                 imitate
                 their
                 captaine
                 ,
                 fight
                 that
                 good
                 fight
                 whereof
                 the
                 Apostle
                 speaks
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 constant
                 to
                 the
                 death
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 shall
                 receive
                 the
                 crown
                 of
                 life
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 This
                 should
                 teach
                 us
                 to
                 welcome
                 death
                 when
                 it
                 comes
                 ,
                 which
                 ends
                 our
                 fight
                 ,
                 gives
                 the
                 full
                 victory
                 ,
                 and
                 enters
                 us
                 in
                 the
                 triumphant
                 estate
                 of
                 glory
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 ,
                 that
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 terrible
                 to
                 the
                 enemies
                 of
                 Christ's
                 Church
                 spirituall
                 or
                 corporall
                 ,
                 is
                 ,
                 when
                 she
                 is
                 like
                 a
                 well
                 ordered
                 army
                 ,
                 wherein
                 is
                 no
                 mutinie
                 or
                 con●usion
                 ,
                 but
                 unity
                 of
                 faith
                 and
                 decency
                 of
                 order
                 ;
                 whereas
                 on
                 the
                 contrary
                 ,
                 if
                 she
                 be
                 as
                 Midians
                 army
                 ,
                 Judg.
                 7.
                 or
                 the
                 builders
                 of
                 Babel
                 ,
                 by
                 heresie
                 or
                 schisme
                 ,
                 confusion
                 and
                 disorder
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 greatest
                 joy
                 ,
                 advantage
                 ,
                 and
                 ground
                 of
                 courage
                 unto
                 all
                 her
                 enemies
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
             
               Vers
               .
               5.
               
               Turn
               away
               thine
               eyes
               from
               me
               ,
               for
               they
               have
               overcome
               me
               ,
               thy
               haire
               is
               as
               a
               flock
               of
               goats
               ,
               that
               appeare
               from
               Gilead
               .
            
             
               The
               like
               of
               these
               words
               we
               have
               ,
               chap.
               4.
               9.
               
               Which
               we
               have
               already
               expounded
               ,
               and
               as
               for
               any
               variation
               ,
               which
               we
               find
               here
               ,
               Christ
               does
               not
               meane
               thereby
               ,
               that
               she
               should
               turne
               away
               the
               eyes
               of
               her
               faith
               from
               him
               ,
               he
               being
               the
               constant
               object
               thereof
               ,
               and
               wherein
               he
               so
               delights
               ,
               that
               the
               doing
               thereof
               ravishes
               his
               heart
               to
               her
               ,
               as
               he
               showes
               there
               :
               but
               this
               is
               a
               kind
               of
               speech
               ,
               whereby
               he
               expresses
               how
               much
               the
               beauty
               of
               her
               eyes
               does
               inamour
               him
               ,
               that
               it
               makes
               him
               ,
               in
               like
               case
               with
               her self
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               to
               be
               sick
               of
               love
               ,
               such
               is
               the
               excellency
               and
               force
               of
               true
               faith
               ,
               which
               for
               that
               cause
               we
               should
               be
               so
               carefull
               to
               obtaine
               .
               The
               rest
               to
               the
               eight
               verse
               we
               have
               expounded
               before
               ,
               in
               the
               fourth
               Chapter
               ,
               verses
               1.
               2.
               3.
               
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               8.
               
               There
               are
               threescore
               Queens
               ,
               and
               fourscore
               concubines
               ,
               and
               virgins
               without
               number
               .
               9.
               
               My
               dove
               ,
               my
               undefiled
               is
               but
               one
               ,
               she
               is
               the
               onely
               one
               of
               her
               Mother
               ,
               she
               is
               the
               choice
               one
               of
               her
               that
               bare
               her
               ,
               the
               daughters
               saw
               her
               and
               blessed
               her
               ,
               yea
               ,
               the
               queens
               and
               concubines
               and
               they
               praised
               her
               .
            
             
               In
               this
               eight
               verse
               is
               set
               down
               the
               glorious
               attendance
               of
               the
               spouse
               of
               Christ
               ,
               as
               we
               have
               the
               like
               ,
               Psal
               .
               45.
               12.
               and
               14.
               
               And
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               likewise
               said
               that
               kings
               shal
               be
               her
               nursing
               fathers
               and
               queens
               her
               nursing
               mothers
               ;
               a
               definite
               number
               of
               which
               queens
               and
               concubines
               being
               here
               put
               for
               an
               indefinite
               ;
               and
               by
               virgins
               all
               chaste
               worshippers
               whatsoever
               being
               to
               be
               understood
               ,
               and
               therefore
               they
               are
               said
               to
               be
               without
               number
               ,
               as
               we
               find
               the
               like
               speech
               of
               such
               in
               the
               
                 Revelation
                 ,
                 c.
              
               7.
               9.
               
               All
               which
               forenamed
               queens
               ,
               for
               birth
               ,
               beauty
               ,
               or
               busking
               ,
               are
               no
               wise
               comparable
               to
               these
               three
               in
               her
               :
               for
               all
               hers
               is
               from
               heaven
               and
               spirituall
               ,
               but
               all
               their's
               from
               the
               earth
               and
               naturall
               ;
               
               yea
               ,
               as
               the
               Psalmist
               saies
               ,
               This
               King's
               daughter
               is
               all
               glorious
               within
               ,
               with
               the
               beauty
               of
               holinesse
               ,
               spoken
               of
               Psal
               .
               110.
               which
               by
               age
               cannot
               fade
               ,
               sicknesse
               cannot
               blast
               ,
               nor
               death
               can
               quite
               abolish
               .
            
             
               Next
               ,
               vers
               .
               9.
               the
               Church
               is
               praised
               from
               her
               chastity
               and
               unity
               ,
               for
               which
               she
               is
               blessed
               and
               praised
               ;
               blessed
               by
               the
               Daughters
               ,
               and
               praised
               by
               the
               Queens
               and
               Concubins
               :
               In
               respect
               of
               which
               her
               spirituall
               chastity
               ,
               she
               is
               called
               Vndefiled
               ;
               and
               in
               respect
               of
               her
               unity
               ,
               she
               is
               called
               One
               ;
               yea
               ,
               the
               onely
               one
               of
               her
               mother
               that
               bare
               her
               .
            
             
               The
               title
               that
               he
               gives
               her
               here
               ,
               calling
               her
               his
               Dove
               ,
               of
               it
               we
               have
               spoken
               already
               ,
               cap.
               2.
               14.
               whereunto
               this
               onely
               may
               be
               added
               ,
               That
               as
               every
               thing
               in
               the
               dove
               is
               amiable
               ,
               as
               her
               eyes
               ,
               Cant.
               1.
               15.
               and
               her
               feathers
               ,
               Psal
               .
               68.
               13.
               and
               what
               not
               ?
               so
               is
               the
               Church
               in
               the
               eyes
               of
               Christ
               ,
               who
               sees
               no
               iniquity
               in
               Jacob
               ,
               nor
               perversnesse
               in
               Israel
               ;
               not
               that
               his
               justice
               sees
               any
               thing
               otherwise
               than
               it
               is
               ,
               but
               that
               his
               mercy
               will
               not
               see
               some
               things
               as
               they
               are
               .
            
             
               Likewise
               ,
               how
               he
               calls
               her
               his
               Dove
               ,
               we
               have
               spoken
               in
               like
               manner
               :
               Therefore
               ,
               1
               She
               is
               not
               her
               own
               ,
               1
               
                 Cor.
                 6.
                 ult
              
               .
               because
               bought
               with
               a
               price
               .
               2
               Neither
               is
               she
               the
               world
               's
               ,
               for
               so
               it
               would
               love
               her
               ;
               whereas
               on
               the
               contrary
               it
               hates
               her
               ,
               as
               it
               did
               her
               Head
               before
               her
               .
            
             
               The
               first
               property
               then
               ,
               from
               whence
               she
               is
               described
               ,
               is
               her
               chastity
               ,
               implied
               in
               this
               ,
               that
               she
               is
               called
               Vndefiled
               ;
               not
               that
               she
               is
               free
               from
               all
               sinning
               ,
               so
               long
               as
               she
               is
               in
               this
               life
               ;
               but
               she
               is
               so
               perfectly
               by
               justification
               ,
               and
               reputed
               so
               in
               Christ
               by
               gracious
               acceptation
               ,
               and
               inchoatively
               made
               holy
               by
               sanctification
               ,
               and
               made
               perfect
               by
               the
               perfection
               of
               parts
               ,
               which
               is
               evangelicall
               ,
               though
               not
               of
               degrees
               ,
               as
               the
               Law
               requires
               ,
               and
               is
               not
               competent
               to
               her
               estate
               militant
               .
            
             
               Next
               ,
               she
               is
               called
               One
               ,
               all
               perfection
               rising
               from
               unity
               ,
               and
               returning
               thither
               ;
               so
               that
               every
               thing
               ,
               the
               neerer
               it
               comes
               to
               perfection
               ,
               gathers
               it self
               up
               the
               more
               towards
               unity
               :
               Therefore
               God
               is
               one
               ,
               there
               is
               one
               Heaven
               ,
               one
               Earth
               ,
               one
               Church
               in
               the
               earth
               ,
               one
               King
               of
               his
               Church
               ,
               one
               Law
               ,
               one
               Faith
               ,
               one
               Baptism
               ,
               &c.
               
            
             
               And
               as
               there
               is
               perfection
               in
               unity
               ,
               so
               there
               is
               strength
               ;
               as
               on
               the
               contrary
               ,
               a
               City
               or
               Kingdome
               divided
               against
               themselves
               ,
               cannot
               stand
               ;
               therefore
               it
               is
               said
               ,
               That
               
               for
               the
               divisions
               of
               Reuben
               ,
               were
               great
               thoughts
               of
               heart
               .
            
             
               The
               Church
               then
               is
               called
               one
               ,
               1
               as
               not
               being
               divided
               ;
               2
               as
               not
               being
               multiplied
               .
            
             
               To
               begin
               then
               with
               the
               former
               ;
               Whether
               we
               consider
               the
               Church
               as
               an
               aggregation
               ,
               of
               the
               outward
               visible
               particular
               Churches
               ,
               of
               Christian
               professors
               in
               common
               ;
               or
               as
               the
               invisible
               and
               universall
               Church
               of
               the
               Elect
               onely
               ,
               it
               is
               still
               one
               ,
               professing
               one
               Lord
               ,
               and
               so
               being
               one
               in
               the
               Head
               ;
               one
               Faith
               ,
               and
               so
               being
               one
               in
               the
               heart
               ;
               and
               one
               Baptism
               ,
               and
               so
               being
               one
               in
               the
               outward
               face
               thereof
               :
               No
               naturall
               body
               being
               more
               one
               ,
               than
               this
               mysticall
               is
               ,
               which
               one
               head
               rules
               ,
               one
               spirit
               quickens
               ,
               one
               blood
               washes
               ,
               one
               food
               nourishes
               ,
               and
               one
               roab
               covers
               ,
               &c.
               
               And
               so
               it
               is
               one
               in
               it selfe
               ,
               and
               one
               with
               Christ
               ,
               as
               Christ
               is
               one
               with
               the
               Father
               ,
               Joh.
               17.
               22.
               
               What
               Church
               then
               has
               one
               onely
               head
               ,
               the
               Lord
               ,
               one
               onely
               faith
               in
               the
               Lord
               ,
               built
               upon
               one
               onely
               foundation
               ,
               Ephes
               .
               2.
               20.
               and
               one
               baptism
               in
               that
               faith
               ;
               ●hat
               ,
               is
               Christ's
               Dove
               .
            
             
               And
               as
               the
               Church
               of
               Christ
               is
               one
               ,
               not
               being
               divided
               ,
               so
               is
               she
               one
               ,
               not
               being
               multiplied
               :
               For
               as
               the
               Lord
               gave
               but
               one
               Eva●
               to
               the
               first
               Adam
               ,
               so
               he
               ,
               will
               take
               but
               one
               Spouse
               to
               himselfe
               ,
               who
               is
               the
               second
               Adam
               ;
               therefore
               many
               particular
               Churches
               ,
               whether
               Congregationall
               or
               Nationall
               ,
               make
               up
               but
               one
               Universall
               .
               Neither
               are
               there
               two
               Churches
               ,
               when
               we
               say
               ,
               Militant
               and
               Triumphant
               ;
               but
               we
               distinguish
               onely
               the
               divers
               condition
               ,
               of
               the
               divers
               members
               of
               Christ's
               Church
               ,
               which
               is
               but
               one
               ,
               as
               they
               are
               either
               
                 in
                 via
              
               ,
               or
               else
               already
               
                 in
                 patria
              
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 By
                 this
                 glorious
                 attendance
                 of
                 the
                 Spouse
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 of
                 the
                 greatest
                 and
                 most
                 honourable
                 persons
                 on
                 earth
                 ,
                 as
                 Queens
                 ,
                 who
                 are
                 her
                 nursing
                 mothers
                 ;
                 beside
                 the
                 glorious
                 attendance
                 of
                 the
                 glorious
                 Angells
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 invisible
                 ,
                 and
                 who
                 are
                 ministring
                 Spirits
                 ,
                 sent
                 out
                 for
                 her
                 good
                 ;
                 We
                 see
                 ,
                 how
                 powerfull
                 an
                 inducement
                 this
                 should
                 be
                 ,
                 to
                 adjoyn
                 our selves
                 to
                 Christ's
                 Church
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 true
                 members
                 thereof
                 ;
                 and
                 what
                 honour
                 the
                 poorest
                 and
                 most
                 contemptible
                 attains
                 unto
                 ,
                 who
                 do
                 so
                 .
              
               
               
                 2.
                 
                 Whereas
                 the
                 Church
                 is
                 called
                 a
                 Dove
                 ,
                 not
                 any
                 ravenous
                 foul
                 ;
                 those
                 who
                 are
                 violent
                 ,
                 fiery
                 ,
                 and
                 furious
                 spirits
                 ,
                 are
                 disclaimed
                 from
                 being
                 any
                 true
                 members
                 of
                 Christ's
                 Church
                 ,
                 who
                 think
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 can
                 be
                 no
                 zeal
                 or
                 piety
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 not
                 cruell
                 ;
                 and
                 that
                 Religion
                 should
                 be
                 propagated
                 ,
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 
                   gladio
                   oris
                
                 ,
                 as
                 
                   ore
                   gladii
                
                 ,
                 by
                 bloody
                 warrs
                 ,
                 massacres
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 like
                 ,
                 which
                 has
                 been
                 the
                 customable
                 practise
                 of
                 the
                 Roman
                 Church
                 ,
                 whereby
                 that
                 Whoor
                 is
                 drunk
                 with
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 .
                 Whereas
                 Christ's
                 Dove
                 delights
                 in
                 no
                 blood
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 which
                 was
                 shed
                 for
                 her
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 in
                 any
                 blood
                 shed
                 by
                 her
                 :
                 And
                 it
                 is
                 by
                 her
                 own
                 blood
                 ,
                 shed
                 by
                 others
                 ,
                 that
                 she
                 has
                 flourished
                 and
                 been
                 enlarged
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 by
                 her
                 shedding
                 of
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 others
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 In
                 respect
                 of
                 spirituall
                 chastity
                 ,
                 and
                 pure
                 worship
                 of
                 God
                 only
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 rule
                 of
                 his
                 Word
                 ,
                 that
                 she
                 iscalled
                 undefiled
                 :
                 Then
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 that
                 what
                 Church
                 soever
                 ,
                 pretend
                 what
                 she
                 will
                 ,
                 defiles
                 her self
                 with
                 idolatry
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 spirituall
                 whoordom
                 ,
                 and
                 departing
                 from
                 the
                 sincerity
                 of
                 the
                 Word
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 goes
                 a
                 whooring
                 after
                 the
                 traditions
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 superstition
                 ,
                 and
                 will-worship
                 ,
                 adoring
                 the
                 creature
                 ,
                 whereas
                 onely
                 they
                 should
                 worship
                 the
                 Creator
                 .
                 That
                 Church
                 that
                 doth
                 so
                 ,
                 is
                 not
                 Christ's
                 Church
                 ,
                 nor
                 his
                 dove
                 and
                 undefiled
                 ;
                 but
                 an
                 antichristian
                 ,
                 idolatrous
                 ,
                 and
                 apostatick
                 Church
                 ,
                 usurping
                 the
                 Christian
                 name
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Seeing
                 the
                 Church
                 is
                 called
                 Christ's
                 undefiled
                 ,
                 he
                 onely
                 claiming
                 propriety
                 thereto
                 ;
                 this
                 shewes
                 ,
                 1
                 That
                 he
                 may
                 claim
                 from
                 us
                 all
                 whatsoever
                 we
                 are
                 ,
                 our
                 souls
                 and
                 all
                 the
                 faculties
                 thereof
                 ,
                 our
                 bodies
                 and
                 all
                 the
                 members
                 thereof
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 his
                 in
                 entire
                 affection
                 ;
                 in
                 obsequie
                 ,
                 in
                 all
                 things
                 that
                 we
                 have
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 in
                 all
                 these
                 that
                 we
                 be
                 for
                 him
                 ,
                 his
                 glory
                 ,
                 his
                 cause
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 Church
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 2
                 As
                 he
                 may
                 claim
                 from
                 us
                 whatsoever
                 we
                 are
                 ,
                 or
                 have
                 ;
                 so
                 we
                 being
                 his
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 ours
                 ,
                 as
                 cap.
                 6.
                 3.
                 we
                 may
                 claim
                 from
                 him
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 his
                 defence
                 ,
                 yea
                 himself
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 his
                 benefits
                 with
                 him
                 ;
                 for
                 the
                 inference
                 between
                 conjugall
                 parties
                 ,
                 is
                 mutuall
                 and
                 reciprocall
                 ;
                 the
                 husband
                 and
                 all
                 he
                 has
                 is
                 the
                 wifes
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 wife
                 and
                 all
                 that
                 she
                 has
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 husbands
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 Seeing
                 Christ's
                 dove
                 is
                 undefiled
                 ,
                 those
                 who
                 delight
                 in
                 the
                 pollutions
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 flesh
                 ,
                 are
                 not
                 Christ's
                 true
                 members
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 the
                 unclean
                 spirit
                 ,
                 that
                 such
                 unclean
                 persons
                 belong
                 ;
                 neither
                 such
                 carnall
                 ravens
                 
                 but
                 the
                 clean
                 and
                 undefiled
                 dove
                 ,
                 is
                 fit
                 for
                 the
                 Lord's
                 ark
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 taken
                 into
                 the
                 same
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 Seeing
                 Christ's
                 dove
                 and
                 undefiled
                 is
                 but
                 one
                 ,
                 let
                 all
                 such
                 who
                 claim
                 interest
                 in
                 her
                 ,
                 be
                 as
                 one
                 ,
                 holding
                 the
                 unity
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 in
                 the
                 bond
                 of
                 peace
                 ;
                 one
                 in
                 heart
                 and
                 affection
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 primitive
                 Christians
                 were
                 ,
                 Act.
                 4.
                 32.
                 one
                 in
                 minde
                 ,
                 one
                 in
                 will
                 ,
                 submissive
                 in
                 every
                 thing
                 to
                 God's
                 ;
                 one
                 in
                 work
                 ,
                 I
                 mean
                 ,
                 the
                 practise
                 of
                 godlinesse
                 ;
                 and
                 one
                 in
                 tongue
                 and
                 profession
                 of
                 the
                 truth
                 ,
                 that
                 neither
                 it
                 be
                 said
                 ,
                 as
                 ,
                 Hos
                 .
                 10.
                 2.
                 their
                 hearts
                 is
                 divided
                 ;
                 nor
                 in
                 tongue
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 like
                 the
                 builders
                 of
                 Babel
                 ;
                 but
                 that
                 their
                 ditton
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 
                   cor
                   unum
                   ,
                   via
                   una
                
                 .
                 Neither
                 let
                 any
                 small
                 weaknesses
                 in
                 our
                 ordinary
                 conversation
                 ,
                 make
                 a
                 rupture
                 of
                 this
                 brotherly
                 unity
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 so
                 commended
                 and
                 commanded
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 133.
                 1.
                 
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 She
                 is
                 also
                 called
                 ,
                 the
                 choice
                 or
                 elect
                 one
                 of
                 her
                 that
                 bare
                 her
                 ,
                 which
                 teaches
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 true
                 members
                 of
                 Christ's
                 mysticall
                 body
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 his
                 Church
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 of
                 the
                 ordinary
                 multitude
                 ,
                 who
                 professe
                 the
                 Christian
                 name
                 in
                 common
                 ,
                 nor
                 must
                 think
                 ,
                 that
                 this
                 will
                 suffice
                 ;
                 but
                 they
                 must
                 labour
                 to
                 be
                 choice
                 ones
                 ,
                 and
                 singular
                 beyond
                 such
                 ,
                 as
                 Noah
                 was
                 in
                 his
                 age
                 ,
                 and
                 Lot
                 in
                 
                   Sodom
                   ,
                   &c.
                
                 not
                 contenting
                 with
                 the
                 common
                 badge
                 ,
                 or
                 name
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 live
                 ,
                 or
                 shew
                 of
                 godlinesse
                 ,
                 having
                 denyed
                 the
                 power
                 thereof
                 ;
                 but
                 labour
                 for
                 the
                 sealing
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 spoken
                 of
                 ,
                 ●zek
                 .
                 9.
                 and
                 Revel
                 .
                 7.
                 and
                 the
                 stamp
                 of
                 their
                 Father's
                 Image
                 .
              
               
                 8.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 said
                 here
                 ,
                 That
                 the
                 daughters
                 that
                 saw
                 her
                 ,
                 blessed
                 her
                 ,
                 or
                 pronounced
                 her
                 to
                 be
                 so
                 ;
                 whereby
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 what
                 it
                 is
                 that
                 makes
                 one
                 to
                 be
                 truly
                 blessed
                 o●
                 happy
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 right
                 judgment
                 ,
                 which
                 men
                 should
                 have
                 in
                 this
                 point
                 ;
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 account
                 any
                 blessed
                 or
                 happy
                 ,
                 for
                 worldly
                 honour
                 or
                 riches
                 ,
                 or
                 any
                 externall
                 and
                 accidentall
                 thing
                 ;
                 but
                 for
                 the
                 grace
                 of
                 God
                 that
                 they
                 see
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 kyths
                 in
                 the
                 whole
                 constant
                 course
                 of
                 their
                 life
                 and
                 conversation
                 ,
                 both
                 in
                 their
                 duties
                 to
                 God
                 and
                 Man
                 ,
                 although
                 their
                 estate
                 were
                 never
                 so
                 mean
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 persons
                 crossed
                 and
                 contemptible
                 in
                 this
                 world
                 ,
                 as
                 was
                 that
                 of
                 Lazarus
                 .
              
               
                 9.
                 
                 Also
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Queens
                 and
                 Concubines
                 ,
                 they
                 praised
                 her
                 ,
                 which
                 teaches
                 us
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 onely
                 and
                 truly
                 praise-worthy
                 ,
                 or
                 which
                 we
                 should
                 commond
                 in
                 any
                 ;
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 a
                 holy
                 and
                 christian
                 conversation
                 ,
                 where●●
                 they
                 expresse
                 the
                 
                 simplicity
                 and
                 meeknesse
                 of
                 the
                 Dove
                 ,
                 an
                 undefiled
                 and
                 holy
                 life
                 ,
                 a
                 peacable
                 and
                 godly
                 disposition
                 ,
                 to
                 entertain
                 peace
                 and
                 unity
                 with
                 all
                 men
                 ,
                 so
                 far
                 as
                 in
                 them
                 lies
                 ,
                 and
                 whereby
                 they
                 labour
                 to
                 approve
                 themselves
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 to
                 their
                 own
                 conscience
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 all
                 that
                 look
                 upon
                 their
                 life
                 and
                 conversation
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 the
                 true
                 member's
                 of
                 Christ's
                 mysticall
                 body
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               10.
               
               Who
               is
               she
               that
               looks
               forth
               as
               the
               morning
               ?
               fair
               as
               the
               Moon
               ,
               clear
               as
               the
               Sun
               ,
               and
               terrible
               as
               an
               army
               with
               Banners
               ?
            
             
               Here
               they
               who
               did
               see
               her
               beauty
               before
               ,
               not
               onely
               ,
               as
               in
               the
               former
               verse
               ,
               do
               praise
               her
               ,
               but
               in
               this
               place
               with
               admiration
               ,
               at
               the
               matchlesse
               greatnesse
               and
               glory
               thereof
               ,
               they
               extoll
               and
               magnifie
               the
               same
               more
               amply
               ,
               by
               way
               of
               admiration
               ,
               saying
               ,
               
                 Who
                 is
                 this
                 that
                 looketh
                 forth
                 as
                 the
                 morning
                 !
                 &c.
              
               ascending
               by
               way
               of
               gradation
               ,
               to
               show
               the
               degrees
               of
               the
               increase
               ,
               of
               the
               light
               and
               brightnesse
               of
               the
               Church
               ,
               which
               may
               either
               have
               relation
               to
               her
               estate
               before
               the
               Law
               ,
               under
               the
               Law
               ,
               or
               under
               the
               Gospell
               ;
               she
               being
               like
               the
               morning
               light
               ,
               before
               the
               Law
               ;
               under
               the
               Law
               ,
               like
               the
               light
               of
               the
               Moon
               ,
               which
               is
               changeable
               ,
               as
               Types
               and
               Figures
               were
               ;
               and
               under
               the
               Gospell
               ,
               she
               being
               like
               the
               clear
               or
               bright
               shining
               Sun.
               Or
               else
               she
               is
               said
               to
               be
               like
               the
               morning
               ,
               whose
               light
               more
               and
               more
               encreaseth
               unto
               the
               perfect
               day
               ,
               to
               show
               ,
               how
               the
               knowledge
               of
               the
               godly
               is
               ever
               in
               grouth
               in
               this
               life
               onely
               ,
               who
               know
               but
               in
               part
               ;
               but
               is
               nor
               perfect
               till
               the
               life
               to
               come
               .
               Next
               ,
               she
               is
               said
               to
               be
               fair
               like
               the
               Moon
               ,
               to
               show
               ,
               that
               as
               the
               Moon
               borroweth
               her
               light
               from
               the
               Sun
               ,
               so
               doth
               she
               her
               beauty
               &
               brightnesse
               from
               the
               Sun
               of
               Righteousness
               ,
               as
               himself
               tells
               her
               ,
               Ezek.
               16.
               14.
               she
               having
               nothing
               of
               her self
               ,
               but
               what
               she
               has
               received
               .
               And
               lastly
               ,
               she
               is
               said
               to
               be
               clear
               as
               the
               Sun
               ,
               as
               Rev.
               12.
               1.
               being
               cloathed
               with
               the
               Sun
               of
               righteousnesse
               ,
               and
               that
               righteousnesse
               of
               his
               ,
               which
               is
               imputed
               to
               her
               .
               She
               is
               said
               also
               to
               be
               terrible
               as
               an
               Army
               with
               banners
               ,
               as
               was
               formerly
               shown
               on
               the
               fourth
               verse
               ,
               which
               she
               is
               not
               onely
               so
               to
               her
               spirituall
               foes
               ,
               but
               also
               to
               wicked
               men
               ,
               both
               in
               the
               threatnings
               of
               Gods
               Word
               ,
               which
               makes
               their
               conscience
               oftimes
               tremble
               ,
               
               like
               Foelix
               ;
               as
               also
               in
               her
               sincere
               government
               ,
               and
               execution
               of
               discipline
               ,
               against
               scandalous
               delinquents
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 by
                 these
                 comparisons
                 ,
                 how
                 good
                 and
                 happy
                 is
                 their
                 estate
                 ,
                 though
                 never
                 so
                 poor
                 and
                 base
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 who
                 are
                 true
                 members
                 of
                 Christ's
                 Church
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 if
                 we
                 find
                 this
                 ,
                 by
                 having
                 grace
                 in
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 never
                 grudge
                 at
                 our
                 condition
                 otherwise
                 ;
                 for
                 as
                 Elkanah
                 said
                 to
                 
                   Hannah
                   ,
                   1
                   Sam.
                
                 1.
                 5
                 ,
                 8.
                 so
                 the
                 Lord
                 has
                 given
                 us
                 a
                 worthier
                 portion
                 ,
                 than
                 ten
                 thousand
                 worlds
                 ,
                 himself
                 being
                 our
                 portion
                 .
                 And
                 if
                 he
                 hath
                 likewise
                 in
                 earthly
                 things
                 dealt
                 liberally
                 with
                 us
                 ,
                 yet
                 let
                 us
                 never
                 ballance
                 alike
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 with
                 his
                 bounty
                 in
                 this
                 ,
                 but
                 be
                 content
                 to
                 lose
                 the
                 one
                 ,
                 for
                 keeping
                 the
                 other
                 ,
                 Luk
                 ,
                 14.
                 26
                 ,
                 27
                 ,
                 33.
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 If
                 the
                 Church
                 ,
                 in
                 her
                 militant
                 estate
                 ,
                 be
                 so
                 glorious
                 on
                 earth
                 ,
                 how
                 glorious
                 will
                 she
                 be
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 her
                 members
                 ,
                 in
                 her
                 triumphant
                 estate
                 hereafter
                 in
                 the
                 heavens
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               11.
               
               I
               went
               down
               into
               the
               garden
               of
               nuts
               ,
               to
               see
               the
               fruits
               of
               the
               valley
               ,
               and
               to
               see
               whether
               the
               vine
               flourished
               ,
               and
               the
               pomgranate
               budded
               .
            
             
               Followes
               now
               ,
               after
               Christ's
               commendation
               of
               his
               Church
               ,
               his
               speciall
               visit
               of
               her
               ,
               by
               going
               down
               to
               his
               garden
               ,
               (
               the
               Lord
               speaking
               so
               after
               the
               manner
               of
               men
               ,
               as
               he
               does
               in
               like
               manner
               ,
               Gen.
               18.
               21.
               
               )
               the
               end
               thereof
               being
               ,
               
                 To
                 see
                 the
                 fruits
                 of
                 the
                 valley
                 ,
              
               that
               is
               ,
               of
               those
               humble
               ones
               ,
               who
               ,
               as
               Esay
               sayes
               ,
               Tremble
               at
               his
               word
               ,
               Esa
               .
               66.
               2.
               and
               in
               all
               humility
               ,
               brings
               sorth
               the
               fruits
               thereof
               ,
               without
               any
               proud
               conceit
               of
               their
               own
               merit
               ;
               but
               when
               they
               have
               done
               all
               ,
               counting
               themselves
               unprofitable
               servants
               .
               As
               also
               he
               comes
               to
               see
               ,
               
                 whether
                 the
                 Vines
                 flourished
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 pomgranats
                 budded
              
               ;
               that
               is
               ,
               whether
               they
               were
               fruitfull
               ,
               or
               hopefull
               ,
               and
               what
               progresse
               and
               proficiency
               he
               could
               find
               ,
               in
               the
               practise
               of
               true
               faith
               and
               piety
               .
            
             
               And
               therefore
               he
               speaks
               onely
               of
               fruit-Trees
               ,
               as
               Nuts
               ,
               Vines
               ,
               and
               pomgranats
               ,
               because
               unfruitfull
               Trees
               are
               not
               to
               be
               suffered
               in
               the
               Lord's
               garden
               ,
               Matth.
               3.
               10.
               
               Luk.
               13.
               7
               ,
               9.
               
               
               The
               godly
               being
               compared
               to
               Nut-trees
               ;
               1
               Because
               as
               Nuts
               has
               the
               best
               ,
               unseen
               ,
               within
               it
               ,
               which
               is
               the
               kernell
               ;
               even
               so
               the
               best
               side
               of
               the
               godly
               is
               the
               inner
               man
               ,
               (
               contrary
               to
               hypocrites
               )
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Psal
               .
               45.
               13.
               2
               
               The
               Nuts
               with
               the
               greatest
               shours
               of
               rain
               ,
               are
               washt
               onely
               the
               more
               ,
               but
               no
               waies
               harmed
               ;
               even
               so
               by
               affliction
               or
               persecution
               ,
               are
               the
               godly
               profited
               ,
               but
               not
               prejudiced
               .
            
             
               The
               godly
               also
               are
               likened
               to
               Pomgranats
               ,
               which
               are
               full
               of
               seed
               and
               liquor
               ,
               to
               show
               ,
               so
               are
               they
               replenished
               with
               the
               seeds
               and
               sweet
               liquor
               of
               grace
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 As
                 Matth.
                 22.
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 's
                 particular
                 inspection
                 of
                 his
                 guests
                 ,
                 so
                 here
                 ,
                 his
                 speciall
                 and
                 particular
                 inspection
                 of
                 all
                 sorts
                 of
                 trees
                 in
                 his
                 garden
                 ,
                 whereof
                 if
                 we
                 were
                 mindfull
                 continually
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 be
                 a
                 soveraign
                 preservative
                 against
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 motive
                 to
                 godlinesse
                 ,
                 Hos
                 .
                 7.
                 2.
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 what
                 sort
                 of
                 ground
                 the
                 Lord's
                 garden
                 is
                 ,
                 which
                 brings
                 forth
                 good
                 fruit
                 ;
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 Valley-ground
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 humble
                 soules
                 ,
                 to
                 whom
                 onely
                 he
                 has
                 promised
                 to
                 give
                 grace
                 ,
                 by
                 which
                 they
                 sructisie
                 ;
                 wherefore
                 till
                 we
                 be
                 made
                 so
                 by
                 repentance
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 not
                 fit
                 for
                 fructifying
                 ;
                 and
                 when
                 we
                 are
                 made
                 fruitfull
                 ,
                 true
                 grace
                 will
                 make
                 us
                 yet
                 more
                 humble
                 ;
                 none
                 being
                 so
                 holy
                 as
                 our
                 Head
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 none
                 so
                 humble
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 We
                 find
                 no
                 mention
                 ,
                 but
                 of
                 fruitfull
                 trees
                 in
                 the
                 Lord's
                 garden
                 ;
                 wherefore
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 not
                 so
                 ,
                 we
                 know
                 what
                 is
                 threatned
                 against
                 such
                 ,
                 Matth.
                 3.
                 10.
                 
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Neither
                 are
                 all
                 trees
                 bringers
                 forth
                 of
                 the
                 like
                 precious
                 fruit
                 ;
                 for
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 some
                 are
                 but
                 Nut-trees
                 ,
                 and
                 some
                 more
                 noble
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Vine
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Pomgranat
                 ;
                 If
                 therefore
                 we
                 labour
                 to
                 be
                 fruitfull
                 and
                 faithfull
                 in
                 our
                 places
                 ,
                 though
                 never
                 so
                 mean
                 or
                 low
                 ,
                 it
                 suffices
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 in
                 the
                 Lord's
                 house
                 ,
                 though
                 a
                 door-keeper
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 snuffer
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 snuff-dish
                 ,
                 being
                 in
                 the
                 Sanctuary
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 like
                 progresse
                 or
                 measure
                 of
                 proficiency
                 in
                 all
                 ;
                 for
                 some
                 have
                 fruits
                 ,
                 others
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 Vine
                 )
                 but
                 flourish
                 ,
                 and
                 some
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 Pomgranat
                 )
                 was
                 but
                 only
                 budding
                 ;
                 even
                 as
                 there
                 are
                 some
                 but
                 babes
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 1
                 Cor.
                 3.
                 1.
                 and
                 some
                 stronger
                 men
                 ,
                 Heb.
                 5.
                 12
                 ,
                 13
                 ,
                 14.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 well
                 then
                 ,
                 if
                 
                 true
                 grace
                 be
                 surely
                 rooted
                 in
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 kything
                 in
                 any
                 measure
                 in
                 a
                 holy
                 life
                 ;
                 provided
                 it
                 be
                 constantly
                 growing
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 holy
                 progresse
                 of
                 a
                 christian
                 practice
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 showes
                 was
                 his
                 own
                 endeavour
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               12.
               
               Or
               ever
               I
               was
               aware
               ,
               my
               soul
               made
               me
               like
               the
               Chariots
               of
               Aminadab
               ,
            
             
               In
               these
               words
               is
               set
               down
               ,
               upon
               Christ's
               comming
               down
               to
               his
               Garden
               ,
               the
               sudden
               rapture
               of
               the
               soul
               ,
               as
               a
               swift
               Chariot
               to
               meet
               him
               ,
               which
               is
               the
               work
               of
               his
               Spirit
               ,
               blowing
               mightily
               when
               he
               list
               ,
               and
               which
               she
               saies
               she
               found
               ,
               before
               she
               was
               aware
               ;
               as
               we
               see
               the
               like
               in
               the
               calling
               of
               Zacheus
               ,
               the
               conversion
               of
               Paul
               ,
               the
               Thief
               upon
               the
               Crosse
               ,
               and
               the
               change
               wrought
               on
               Manasses
               ,
               like
               the
               awaking
               of
               Peter
               unawares
               ,
               by
               the
               Angells
               suddain
               and
               unexpected
               comming
               upon
               him
               in
               the
               prison
               ,
               and
               making
               the
               chains
               fall
               off
               from
               his
               hands
               ,
               Act.
               12.
               7.
               or
               like
               that
               descending
               suddenly
               of
               the
               holy
               Ghost
               ,
               in
               form
               of
               fiery
               tongues
               ,
               upon
               the
               Apostles
               ,
               Act.
               2.
               2
               
               :
               Which
               work
               of
               the
               Spirit
               upon
               the
               soul
               unawares
               ,
               makes
               such
               a
               rapture
               and
               alacrity
               of
               obedience
               ,
               that
               the
               same
               is
               compared
               to
               the
               swift
               march
               of
               the
               Chariots
               of
               Aminadab
               ,
               who
               ,
               as
               we
               read
               ,
               1
               Chron.
               2.
               10.
               was
               the
               father
               of
               Naashon
               ,
               Prince
               of
               the
               children
               of
               Judah
               ,
               of
               whom
               our
               Saviour
               came
               ,
               according
               to
               the
               flesh
               ,
               as
               we
               have
               it
               ,
               Matth.
               1.
               4.
               
               Others
               take
               this
               to
               be
               the
               name
               of
               
               Solomon's
               driver
               of
               his
               Chariots
               ,
               allusion
               being
               made
               in
               all
               this
               Song
               to
               Solomon
               .
               Others
               read
               Aminadib
               ,
               which
               is
               by
               interpretation
               ,
               a
               
                 willing
                 people
              
               ,
               and
               not
               appellatively
               ,
               to
               show
               the
               disposition
               of
               Christ's
               people
               ,
               as
               Psal
               .
               110.
               and
               what
               makes
               them
               so
               forward
               to
               come
               to
               him
               .
               Others
               take
               this
               to
               be
               a
               continued
               speech
               of
               Christ's
               ,
               showing
               his
               speedy
               march
               of
               mercy
               ,
               when
               he
               comes
               to
               visit
               his
               Church
               in
               love
               ,
               the
               very
               tender
               affection
               of
               his
               soul
               towards
               her
               ,
               making
               him
               to
               be
               like
               the
               Prodigalls
               father
               ,
               his
               running
               to
               meet
               his
               son
               ,
               whom
               he
               saw
               afar
               off
               ;
               or
               as
               is
               said
               here
               ,
               to
               the
               swift
               march
               of
               the
               Chariots
               of
               A●…dab
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 In
                 respect
                 that
                 this
                 work
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 exciting
                 and
                 enabling
                 her
                 to
                 come
                 and
                 meet
                 her
                 beloved
                 ,
                 (
                 who
                 after
                 a
                 
                 whiles
                 withdrawing
                 himself
                 ,
                 was
                 now
                 come
                 down
                 to
                 his
                 garden
                 )
                 was
                 before
                 she
                 was
                 aware
                 ,
                 We
                 may
                 learn
                 hereby
                 ,
                 for
                 any
                 work
                 of
                 grace
                 in
                 us
                 ,
                 or
                 good
                 wrought
                 by
                 us
                 ,
                 to
                 whom
                 belongs
                 the
                 glory
                 ,
                 we
                 being
                 all
                 by
                 nature
                 like
                 
                 Ezekiel's
                 dry
                 bones
                 ,
                 or
                 Iazarus
                 lying
                 in
                 the
                 grave
                 ,
                 the
                 one
                 breathed
                 upon
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 other
                 raised
                 ,
                 and
                 both
                 made
                 to
                 live
                 and
                 stand
                 up
                 before
                 they
                 were
                 aware
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 march
                 of
                 these
                 Chariots
                 ,
                 the
                 manner
                 how
                 we
                 should
                 come
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 comes
                 to
                 us
                 ;
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 not
                 lazily
                 ,
                 lingringly
                 ,
                 or
                 slowly
                 ,
                 but
                 as
                 Psal
                 .
                 110.
                 3.
                 willingly
                 in
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 his
                 power
                 ,
                 cheerfully
                 and
                 speedily
                 ,
                 as
                 his
                 will
                 is
                 done
                 in
                 heaven
                 ;
                 which
                 made
                 the
                 Spouse
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 Cant.
                 1.
                 3.
                 
                 Draw
                 me
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 will
                 run
                 after
                 thee
                 ;
                 as
                 likewise
                 David
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 run
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 thy
                 commandements
                 ,
                 vvhen
                 thou
                 hast
                 enlarged
                 my
                 heart
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 119.
                 
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               13.
               
               Return
               ,
               return
               ,
               O
               Shulamite
               ,
               return
               ,
               return
               ,
               that
               we
               may
               look
               upon
               thee
               .
               What
               will
               ye
               see
               in
               the
               Shulamite
               ?
               as
               it
               were
               the
               company
               of
               two
               Armies
               .
            
             
               Some
               think
               these
               words
               to
               be
               the
               speech
               of
               the
               Church's
               friends
               ,
               exhorting
               her
               to
               conversion
               ,
               that
               with
               rejoycing
               they
               might
               look
               upon
               her
               ,
               as
               one
               that
               had
               returned
               from
               her
               straying
               ,
               and
               in
               whom
               may
               be
               seen
               the
               battle
               between
               the
               flesh
               and
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               so
               long
               as
               she
               is
               in
               this
               life
               ,
               like
               two
               Armies
               militant
               ,
               each
               one
               against
               another
               .
            
             
               Others
               take
               this
               to
               be
               Christ's
               speech
               to
               his
               Spouse
               ,
               now
               after
               her
               conversion
               ,
               when
               he
               has
               manifested
               himself
               unto
               her
               ,
               who
               in
               the
               time
               of
               his
               desertion
               of
               her
               before
               ,
               had
               gon
               abroad
               ,
               and
               painfully
               sought
               him
               ,
               vvhere-ever
               she
               might
               find
               him
               ,
               Cant.
               3.
               4.
               and
               therefore
               now
               he
               bids
               her
               return
               (
               as
               she
               had
               done
               before
               when
               she
               found
               him
               )
               to
               her
               own
               home
               ,
               promising
               his
               comfortable
               presence
               with
               her
               hereafter
               ,
               and
               that
               he
               would
               look
               upon
               her
               ,
               lifting
               up
               upon
               her
               (
               as
               David
               desired
               )
               the
               light
               of
               his
               countenance
               ,
               Psal
               .
               4.
               6.
               
               And
               therefore
               the
               style
               that
               he
               gives
               her
               ,
               suitable
               to
               this
               work
               of
               his
               mercy
               ,
               is
               Shulamit
               ,
               from
               Shalem
               ,
               (
               from
               whence
               Jerushalem
               )
               which
               signifies
               Peace
               ,
               because
               he
               was
               to
               speak
               peace
               now
               ,
               to
               her
               formerly
               distressed
               conscience
               ,
               and
               to
               say
               
               to
               her
               soul
               ,
               that
               he
               was
               her
               salvation
               .
               Wherefore
               also
               is
               subjoyned
               ,
               that
               which
               is
               to
               be
               seen
               in
               this
               Shulamite
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               whole
               progresse
               of
               the
               Lord
               's
               dealing
               with
               her
               ;
               to
               wit
               ,
               as
               it
               were
               the
               company
               of
               two
               Armies
               ,
               his
               manifold
               mercies
               victorious
               over
               her
               many
               miseries
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 If
                 it
                 be
                 the
                 speech
                 of
                 the
                 Church's
                 friends
                 in
                 that
                 sense
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 first
                 spoken
                 of
                 ,
                 we
                 may
                 see
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 christian
                 duty
                 of
                 every
                 one
                 ,
                 and
                 especially
                 Pastors
                 ,
                 
                   Isa
                   .
                   2.
                   10.
                   
                   Mica
                   .
                
                 4.
                 1.
                 to
                 stir
                 up
                 all
                 who
                 concerns
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 serious
                 repentance
                 ,
                 Hos
                 .
                 6.
                 1.
                 and
                 if
                 they
                 see
                 that
                 work
                 of
                 grace
                 in
                 any
                 ,
                 to
                 rejoyce
                 with
                 the
                 holy
                 Angells
                 greatly
                 therein
                 ,
                 Luk.
                 15.
                 10.
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 In
                 the
                 godliest
                 who
                 are
                 converted
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 perfection
                 here
                 ,
                 but
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 professes
                 of
                 himselfe
                 ,
                 a
                 battle
                 ,
                 as
                 of
                 two
                 Armies
                 ,
                 between
                 the
                 flesh
                 and
                 spirit
                 ,
                 Rom.
                 7.
                 and
                 1
                 Cor.
                 13.
                 9
                 ,
                 10.
                 
                 Therefore
                 none
                 should
                 ascribe
                 perfection
                 to
                 themselves
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Pharisees
                 did
                 ,
                 and
                 Papists
                 do
                 ,
                 of
                 whom
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 said
                 ,
                 as
                 Prov.
                 30.
                 12.
                 but
                 should
                 do
                 as
                 Phil.
                 3.
                 12.
                 and
                 acknowledge
                 ,
                 as
                 Prov.
                 4.
                 18.
                 and
                 Heb.
                 6.
                 1.
                 
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 If
                 it
                 be
                 Christ's
                 speech
                 to
                 his
                 Spouse
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 latter
                 sense
                 ,
                 after
                 her
                 conversion
                 ,
                 bidding
                 her
                 (
                 as
                 David
                 saies
                 to
                 his
                 soul
                 )
                 return
                 to
                 her
                 rest
                 ,
                 and
                 former
                 tranquillity
                 or
                 peace
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 which
                 she
                 had
                 wont
                 to
                 find
                 ,
                 Isa
                 .
                 54.
                 6
                 ,
                 7
                 ,
                 8.
                 then
                 we
                 may
                 see
                 ,
                 that
                 though
                 for
                 a
                 time
                 he
                 hide
                 his
                 face
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 Saints
                 are
                 disquieted
                 ,
                 yet
                 at
                 last
                 he
                 will
                 speak
                 peace
                 unto
                 them
                 ;
                 but
                 let
                 them
                 take
                 heed
                 ,
                 that
                 thereafter
                 they
                 return
                 not
                 to
                 folly
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 85.
                 8.
                 
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Where
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   we
                   may
                   look
                   upon
                   thee
                   ,
                
                 we
                 see
                 the
                 delight
                 that
                 Christ
                 has
                 in
                 the
                 godly
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 that
                 beauty
                 of
                 his
                 ,
                 spoken
                 of
                 Psal
                 .
                 45.
                 13.
                 
                 
                   Ezek.
                   16.
                   14.
                   
                   Psal
                
                 .
                 110.
                 3.
                 which
                 he
                 communicates
                 to
                 her
                 ,
                 delighting
                 to
                 look
                 upon
                 such
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 as
                 upon
                 a
                 most
                 beautifull
                 and
                 love-ravishing
                 face
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 The
                 tripling
                 of
                 the
                 word
                 
                   [
                   Return
                
                 ]
                 showes
                 his
                 earnestness
                 ,
                 either
                 of
                 the
                 conversion
                 of
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 said
                 of
                 Jerusalem
                 ,
                 How
                 would
                 I
                 have
                 gathered
                 thee
                 ,
                 &
                 c
                 ?
                 Or
                 that
                 she
                 should
                 perform
                 any
                 duty
                 ,
                 that
                 tends
                 most
                 to
                 her
                 own
                 good
                 and
                 welfare
                 .
              
            
          
           
             Finis
             sexti
             Capitis
             .
          
           
             Soli
             Deogloria
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             VII
             .
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               1.
               
               How
               beautifull
               are
               thy
               feet
               with
               shoos
               O
               prince's
               daughter
               ?
               the
               joints
               of
               thy
               thighes
               are
               like
               Jewels
               ,
               the
               work
               of
               thy
               hands
               ,
               as
               of
               a
               cunning
               workman
               .
            
             
               THe
               parts
               of
               this
               Chapter
               are
               two
               .
               In
               the
               first
               to
               the
               Tenth
               verse
               ,
               is
               set
               down
               a
               further
               description
               yet
               of
               the
               Churches
               graces
               ,
               by
               a
               commendation
               of
               her
               ,
               from
               her
               very
               feet
               upwards
               to
               her
               head
               ,
               and
               all
               the
               parts
               of
               her
               body
               farre
               different
               from
               her
               naturall
               condition
               ,
               Ezek.
               16.
               
               And
               in
               the
               second
               is
               set
               down
               the
               mutuall
               delight
               and
               desire
               each
               one
               to
               another
               which
               is
               between
               Christ
               and
               his
               spouse
               .
            
             
               In
               this
               first
               verse
               then
               beginnes
               her
               description
               wherein
               ,
               1.
               
               We
               have
               how
               she
               is
               styled
               ,
               O
               Prince's
               daughter
               ,
               commending
               her
               thereby
               from
               her
               noble
               race
               ,
               as
               she
               is
               likewise
               called
               ,
               Psal
               .
               45.
               13.
               
               This
               not
               being
               by
               her
               first
               birth
               or
               nature
               ,
               whereof
               is
               mention
               made
               ,
               Ezekiel
               .
               16.
               3.
               but
               by
               her
               regeneration
               and
               grace
               ,
               whereof
               we
               have
               the
               description
               ,
               Joh.
               3.
               5.
               and
               1.
               13.
               
               God
               who
               is
               the
               King
               of
               kings
               being
               her
               father
               ,
               Christ
               Jesus
               being
               her
               elder
               brother
               ,
               the
               glorious
               Angells
               her
               servants
               ,
               and
               heaven
               being
               her
               inheritance
               ,
               Heb.
               1.
               14.
               
            
             
               Next
               to
               her
               style
               which
               he
               gives
               her
               ,
               he
               beginnes
               her
               commendation
               from
               the
               beauty
               of
               her
               feet
               with
               shoos
               ,
               whereby
               is
               signified
               her
               holy
               walking
               (
               as
               David
               speaks
               )
               in
               the
               paths
               of
               righteousness
               and
               wayes
               of
               Gods
               commandements
               ,
               Psal
               .
               23
               and
               119.
               for
               then
               only
               are
               her
               feet
               beautifull
               in
               Gods
               sight
               with
               that
               beauty
               of
               holiness
               spoken
               of
               ,
               Psal
               .
               110.
               3.
               and
               29.
               2.
               
               Whereas
               when
               men
               depart
               and
               go
               astray
               from
               the
               Lords
               precepts
               ,
               because
               of
               the
               pollution
               of
               sinne
               and
               their
               walking
               in
               the
               crooked
               wayes
               thereof
               ,
               their
               feet
               are
               most
               filthy
               and
               void
               of
               all
               beauty
               ,
               Isay
               .
               59.
               7
               ,
               8.
               
            
             
               Next
               ,
               her
               feet
               are
               said
               to
               be
               beautifull
               with
               shoos
               ,
               whereof
               mention
               is
               made
               ,
               Ezek.
               16.
               10.
               and
               which
               are
               expounded
               by
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               Eph.
               6.
               15.
               to
               be
               the
               preparation
               of
               the
               Gospell
               of
               peace
               ;
               in
               the
               true
               knowledge
               ,
               holy
               profession
               and
               sureable
               obedience
               whereof
               while
               ,
               she
               walks
               constantly
               ,
               her
               feet
               
               are
               truly
               said
               to
               be
               beautifull
               with
               shoos
               ,
               as
               theirs
               also
               are
               said
               to
               be
               on
               the
               mountaines
               who
               bring
               the
               glad
               tydings
               of
               peace
               ,
               Isay
               .
               52.
               7.
               
               Now
               ,
               there
               may
               be
               a
               threefold
               or
               fourfold
               reason
               why
               her
               feet
               behoved
               to
               be
               shod
               with
               shoos
               ,
               1.
               
               Because
               being
               of
               so
               noble
               a
               birth
               ,
               and
               spouse
               also
               to
               so
               great
               a
               King
               it
               were
               not
               suteable
               to
               her
               birth
               nor
               place
               ,
               to
               go
               basely
               or
               barefooted
               ,
               but
               to
               have
               her
               feet
               shod
               ,
               yea
               beautifull
               with
               shoos
               ,
               as
               all
               the
               rest
               of
               her
               body
               is
               said
               to
               be
               richly
               adorned
               .
               2.
               
               Because
               of
               the
               way
               wherein
               she
               walks
               ,
               being
               not
               only
               narrow
               ,
               but
               likewise
               rough
               and
               rugged
               through
               the
               many
               sharp
               and
               thorny
               crosses
               and
               other
               difficulties
               which
               Satan
               casts
               in
               ,
               to
               discourage
               her
               ,
               into
               the
               way
               of
               godliness
               ,
               against
               all
               which
               she
               is
               armed
               and
               prepared
               being
               thus
               shod
               with
               the
               preparation
               of
               the
               Gospell
               of
               peace
               ,
               and
               shrinks
               not
               but
               treads
               them
               all
               down
               ,
               being
               in
               all
               these
               (
               as
               sayes
               the
               Apostle
               )
               more
               then
               a
               conquerour
               ,
               Rom.
               8.
               37.
               3
               
               Her
               feet
               are
               shod
               with
               shoos
               ,
               as
               the
               people
               of
               Israel
               were
               injoyned
               to
               be
               ,
               Exod.
               12.
               11.
               
               To
               show
               that
               she
               must
               make
               for
               a
               journey
               ,
               which
               the
               life
               of
               all
               the
               godly
               is
               here
               ,
               yea
               ,
               as
               the
               Angell
               said
               to
               
                 Eliah
                 ,
                 1
                 King.
              
               19.
               7.
               
               Which
               is
               a
               great
               journey
               to
               go
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               from
               earth
               to
               heaven
               ,
               or
               the
               Egypt
               and
               wilderness
               of
               this
               world
               to
               the
               heavenly
               Canaan
               .
               and
               ,
               4.
               
               Her
               feet
               are
               shod
               with
               shoos
               ,
               
                 Ne
                 terrae
                 adhaereant
                 ,
                 Col.
              
               3.
               that
               her
               feet
               or
               affections
               cleave
               not
               to
               the
               earth
               ,
               as
               their's
               do
               ,
               who
               (
               like
               the
               kings
               of
               Sodom
               and
               Gom●rrah
               that
               fell
               in
               the
               vale
               of
               
                 Siddim
                 ,
                 Gen.
              
               14.
               10.
               
               Where
               were
               slimy
               pits
               ,
               )
               in
               their
               affections
               in
               like
               manner
               are
               intangled
               with
               the
               tough
               slime
               of
               Mammon
               ,
               and
               are
               made
               thereby
               to
               fall
               into
               many
               temptations
               .
            
             
               Lastly
               ,
               the
               joynts
               of
               her
               thighes
               ,
               which
               make
               her
               motion
               in
               walking
               ,
               are
               said
               to
               be
               like
               Jewels
               ,
               the
               work
               of
               the
               hand
               of
               a
               cunning
               workman
               ,
               signifying
               thereby
               how
               precious
               in
               Gods
               sight
               like
               a
               Jewell
               well
               set
               in
               Gold
               ,
               are
               her
               straight
               steps
               and
               orderly
               walking
               in
               the
               paths
               of
               righteousness
               ,
               beseeming
               the
               Gospell
               wherewith
               she
               is
               shod
               :
               and
               so
               as
               she
               is
               glorious
               within
               by
               saving
               grace
               in
               her
               heart
               ,
               so
               is
               she
               likewise
               without
               ,
               in
               the
               actions
               of
               her
               life
               ,
               shining
               like
               Jewels
               by
               her
               good
               works
               (
               as
               our
               Saviour
               exhorts
               ,
               )
               Matth.
               5.
               
               Or
               like
               the
               wise
               virgins
               Lamps
               ,
               which
               were
               burning
               and
               shined
               ,
               Matth.
               25.
               
            
             
               
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Seeing
                 Christs
                 church
                 is
                 called
                 a
                 Prince's
                 daughter
                 ,
                 yea
                 his
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 Prince
                 of
                 princes
                 and
                 King
                 of
                 Heaven
                 and
                 Earth
                 ,
                 &
                 that
                 the
                 dignity
                 of
                 a
                 Christian
                 by
                 his
                 new
                 birth
                 is
                 so
                 great
                 ,
                 this
                 should
                 move
                 every
                 one
                 to
                 seek
                 to
                 attaine
                 thereto
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 repentance
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 paines
                 of
                 the
                 new
                 birth
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 other
                 evidences
                 thereof
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 So
                 in
                 like
                 manner
                 Let
                 us
                 cary
                 ,
                 finding
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 born
                 a
                 new
                 ,
                 as
                 our
                 conversation
                 may
                 be
                 suteable
                 thereto
                 ,
                 and
                 disdaine
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 base
                 slave
                 to
                 sinne
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 drudge
                 unto
                 Satan
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Seeing
                 the
                 gospell
                 and
                 preparation
                 thereof
                 must
                 be
                 these
                 shoos
                 spoken
                 of
                 ,
                 which
                 maks
                 our
                 feet
                 beautifull
                 ,
                 it
                 must
                 not
                 be
                 in
                 our
                 head
                 only
                 by
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 nor
                 in
                 our
                 heart
                 by
                 affection
                 ,
                 but
                 also
                 on
                 our
                 feet
                 ,
                 in
                 practice
                 and
                 walking
                 agreeable
                 thereto
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Seeing
                 these
                 shoos
                 spoken
                 of
                 ,
                 which
                 we
                 must
                 put
                 on
                 upon
                 our
                 feet
                 ,
                 makes
                 them
                 and
                 all
                 our
                 walking
                 in
                 them
                 so
                 beautifull
                 ,
                 pleasant
                 and
                 acceptable
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 daily
                 when
                 we
                 put
                 on
                 our
                 other
                 clothing
                 ,
                 put
                 on
                 likewise
                 these
                 shoos
                 on
                 the
                 feet
                 of
                 our
                 affections
                 ,
                 and
                 make
                 the
                 power
                 thereof
                 be
                 seen
                 in
                 all
                 our
                 outward
                 actions
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 Whereas
                 the
                 joynts
                 of
                 her
                 thighes
                 are
                 compared
                 to
                 Jewels
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 godly
                 themselves
                 are
                 called
                 by
                 the
                 Prophet
                 ,
                 )
                 Mal.
                 3.
                 17.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 how
                 acceptable
                 and
                 precious
                 in
                 the
                 Lords
                 eyes
                 the
                 wayes
                 and
                 holy
                 walking
                 of
                 the
                 godly
                 is
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 like
                 the
                 wise
                 merchant
                 ,
                 Matth.
                 13.
                 45.
                 now
                 carefull
                 we
                 should
                 be
                 to
                 get
                 this
                 Jewell
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 which
                 makes
                 our
                 walking
                 and
                 holy
                 wayes
                 to
                 be
                 so
                 accounted
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               2.
               
               Thy
               navell
               is
               like
               a
               round
               goblet
               ,
               which
               wanteth
               not
               liquor
               ,
               thy
               belly
               is
               like
               a
               heape
               of
               wheat
               ,
               set
               about
               with
               Lillies
               .
            
             
               Here
               she
               is
               praised
               not
               only
               from
               her
               former
               holy
               &
               stedfast
               walking
               in
               the
               Gospell
               ,
               and
               obedience
               thereto
               as
               a
               daughter
               herself
               ,
               but
               likewise
               from
               her
               propagating
               the
               same
               as
               a
               Mother
               to
               others
               ,
               and
               therefore
               so
               compared
               here
               :
               First
               concerning
               her
               children
               in
               her
               womb
               ,
               and
               thereafter
               nourishing
               them
               
               being
               borne
               )
               upon
               her
               two
               breasts
               ,
               wherefore
               ,
               1.
               
               Her
               navel
               under
               which
               the
               child
               lyes
               and
               is
               nourished
               in
               the
               womb
               is
               compared
               to
               a
               round
               goblet
               which
               wants
               not
               liquor
               ,
               signifying
               thereby
               her
               fulness
               of
               the
               blessing
               of
               the
               Gospell
               of
               grace
               .
               2.
               
               Her
               fertill
               belly
               is
               said
               to
               be
               like
               a
               heap
               of
               wheat
               ,
               ●ull
               of
               that
               goodly
               graine
               and
               holy
               seed
               who
               are
               the
               regenerate
               ,
               called
               here
               wheat
               as
               onely
               fit
               for
               the
               Lords
               garner
               ,
               Matth.
               13.
               25.
               
               And
               being
               such
               as
               the
               good
               husbandman
               sowed
               in
               his
               field
               &
               are
               not
               like
               the
               wicked
               tares
               which
               the
               envyous
               man
               sowed
               ,
               fit
               onely
               for
               combustion
               .
               And
               lastly
               ,
               this
               her
               fertill
               womb
               is
               said
               to
               be
               like
               a
               heap
               of
               Wheat
               compassed
               with
               Lillies
               ,
               signifying
               that
               the
               fruit
               of
               her
               womb
               whom
               she
               brings
               forth
               plentifully
               ,
               are
               all
               beautified
               with
               holiness
               ,
               in
               which
               respect
               we
               see
               the
               godly
               in
               this
               song
               frequently
               compared
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 not
                 enough
                 to
                 be
                 holy
                 our selves
                 ,
                 but
                 so
                 farre
                 as
                 we
                 can
                 ,
                 out
                 of
                 a
                 holy
                 zeal
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 charitable
                 respect
                 to
                 our
                 neighbour
                 ,
                 we
                 should
                 labour
                 to
                 gaine
                 and
                 bege●
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 or
                 bring
                 forth
                 others
                 to
                 Christ
                 ;
                 and
                 as
                 Andrew
                 brought
                 Simon
                 his
                 brother
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   Philip
                   Nathaniel
                   ,
                   Ioh
                
                 1.
                 so
                 each
                 one
                 to
                 count
                 it
                 his
                 greatest
                 happiness
                 ,
                 and
                 espccially
                 pastors
                 ,
                 how
                 many
                 they
                 may
                 bring
                 unto
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 thereby
                 enlarge
                 his
                 kingdome
                 ,
                 and
                 add
                 daily
                 to
                 the
                 communion
                 of
                 Saints
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 The
                 regenerate
                 are
                 compared
                 here
                 to
                 a
                 heap
                 of
                 wheat
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 The
                 noblest
                 grain
                 of
                 any
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 Nourishing
                 and
                 prositable
                 ,
                 3.
                 
                 Indures
                 that
                 in
                 winter
                 which
                 no
                 other
                 grain
                 does
                 which
                 is
                 sowne
                 ,
                 4.
                 
                 Is
                 solid
                 and
                 not
                 like
                 the
                 chaffe
                 but
                 abides
                 the
                 winnowing
                 ;
                 and
                 lastly
                 is
                 appointed
                 for
                 the
                 garner
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 chaffe
                 is
                 dissipate
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 tares
                 are
                 burnt
                 in
                 the
                 fire
                 .
                 Theresore
                 let
                 us
                 hereby
                 try
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 such
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 Partakers
                 of
                 the
                 new
                 birth
                 ,
                 which
                 onely
                 and
                 truly
                 nobilitates
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 If
                 our
                 words
                 and
                 actions
                 nourish
                 and
                 edifie
                 ,
                 3.
                 
                 If
                 we
                 can
                 patiently
                 indure
                 trouble
                 or
                 affliction
                 ,
                 4.
                 
                 If
                 in
                 tryalls
                 like
                 Job
                 we
                 constantly
                 adheare
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 resolve
                 to
                 cleave
                 to
                 him
                 although
                 he
                 should
                 kill
                 us
                 .
                 Then
                 we
                 may
                 be
                 sure
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 true
                 wheat
                 ,
                 having
                 solid
                 grace
                 in
                 our
                 hearts
                 here
                 ,
                 and
                 appointed
                 for
                 the
                 Lords
                 garner
                 ,
                 and
                 mansion
                 place
                 of
                 glory
                 hereafter
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
             
               Vers
               .
               3.
               
               Thy
               two
               breasts
               are
               like
               two
               young
               Roes
               that
               are
               twinnes
               .
            
             
               Of
               these
               words
               we
               have
               formerly
               spoken
               ,
               Chap.
               4.
               5.
               
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               4.
               
               Thy
               neck
               is
               as
               a
               towre
               of
               Ivory
               ,
               thine
               eyes
               like
               the
               Fish
               pooles
               in
               Heshbon
               by
               the
               gate
               of
               Bathrabbim
               ,
               thy
               nose
               is
               as
               the
               towre
               of
               Lebanon
               ,
               which
               looketh
               towards
               Damascus
               .
            
             
               This
               comparison
               also
               doth
               not
               much
               differ
               from
               that
               former
               ,
               chap.
               4.
               4.
               
               Where
               he
               sayes
               ,
               thy
               neck
               is
               like
               the
               towre
               of
               David
               ,
               saving
               that
               as
               there
               he
               showes
               the
               strength
               of
               true
               Faith
               for
               over-coming
               temptations
               ,
               and
               therefore
               addeth
               ,
               (
               which
               is
               built
               for
               an
               armory
               )
               ;
               so
               here
               he
               showes
               the
               beauty
               ,
               stedfastness
               and
               holiness
               of
               faith
               ,
               and
               therefore
               compares
               it
               to
               (
               a
               towre
               of
               Ivory
               .
               )
            
             
               Next
               he
               sayes
               ,
               that
               her
               eyes
               are
               like
               fish
               pooles
               in
               Heshbon
               ,
               by
               the
               gate
               of
               Bathrabbim
               ,
               which
               Heshbon
               (
               as
               we
               read
               ,
               Numb
               .
               21.
               26.
               
               )
               was
               a
               famous
               and
               fair
               City
               ,
               where
               Sihon
               king
               of
               Heshbon
               sometimes
               dwelt
               ,
               which
               had
               fair
               fish-pooles
               or
               ponds
               in
               it
               ,
               and
               which
               the
               Reubenites
               after
               did
               possesse
               ,
               Numb
               .
               32
               ,
               33.
               
               This
               gate
               also
               Bathrabbim
               was
               a
               gate
               by
               which
               the
               greatest
               concourse
               of
               people
               entred
               in
               and
               went
               forth
               ,
               for
               which
               cause
               the
               same
               was
               so
               called
               ,
               Bath
               being
               as
               much
               to
               say
               ,
               as
               the
               daughter
               ,
               and
               rabbim
               of
               many
               ,
               her
               eyes
               then
               are
               compared
               to
               these
               fish-pooles
               ,
               for
               their
               cleerness
               like
               water
               in
               the
               knowledge
               of
               Christ
               and
               his
               truth
               ,
               and
               seeing
               her self
               and
               her
               own
               wayes
               ,
               or
               else
               for
               her
               mournfull
               disposition
               ,
               in
               shedding
               teares
               for
               her
               owne
               sinnes
               ,
               and
               the
               sinnes
               of
               the
               times
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Ezek.
               9.
               4.
               and
               Psal
               .
               119.
               136.
               
            
             
               Lastly
               ,
               he
               speaks
               of
               her
               nose
               or
               spirituall
               sense
               of
               smelling
               what
               sweetness
               is
               in
               Christ
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               graces
               of
               his
               spirit
               ,
               as
               also
               whereby
               she
               discernes
               between
               truth
               and
               errour
               ,
               the
               noysome
               smell
               of
               sinne
               ,
               and
               fragrant
               smell
               of
               godliness
               ,
               and
               which
               nose
               of
               hers
               for
               beauty
               and
               comeliness
               he
               compares
               to
               
               the
               towre
               of
               Lebanon
               ,
               which
               Solomon
               built
               ,
               as
               we
               reade
               ,
               1
               King.
               7.
               
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Where
                 her
                 faith
                 ,
                 signified
                 by
                 her
                 neck
                 ,
                 is
                 compared
                 to
                 a
                 towre
                 built
                 of
                 white
                 Ivory
                 ,
                 which
                 denotates
                 purity
                 and
                 holiness
                 ;
                 we
                 see
                 then
                 where
                 holiness
                 (
                 without
                 which
                 no
                 man
                 shall
                 see
                 God
                 ,
                 Heb.
                 12.
                 14.
                 
                 )
                 is
                 not
                 joyned
                 with
                 faith
                 ,
                 that
                 faith
                 is
                 not
                 true
                 nor
                 saving
                 ,
                 Jam.
                 2.
                 14.
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Seeing
                 the
                 Churches
                 eyes
                 for
                 the
                 reasons
                 before
                 named
                 ,
                 are
                 compared
                 to
                 fish-pooles
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 then
                 that
                 ignorance
                 ,
                 and
                 impenit●ncy
                 ,
                 are
                 not
                 suteable
                 to
                 true
                 Christianity
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 The
                 church
                 has
                 a
                 spirituall
                 nose
                 or
                 smelling
                 ,
                 and
                 such-like
                 other
                 senses
                 ,
                 Let
                 us
                 try
                 then
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 true
                 members
                 thereof
                 by
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 have
                 the
                 like
                 ,
                 and
                 thereby
                 discerne
                 as
                 is
                 aforesaid
                 ;
                 else
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 have
                 but
                 coporall
                 and
                 naturall
                 senses
                 like
                 unto
                 beasts
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 accounted
                 better
                 ,
                 yea
                 our
                 condition
                 shal
                 be
                 worse
                 then
                 theirs
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               5.
               
               Thine
               head
               upon
               thee
               is
               like
               Carmell
               ,
               and
               the
               haire
               of
               thy
               head
               like
               purple
               ,
               the
               king
               is
               held
               in
               the
               Galleries
               .
            
             
               Her
               head
               ,
               whereby
               is
               understood
               her
               soul
               ,
               (
               because
               as
               the
               head
               is
               the
               chiefest
               part
               of
               mans
               body
               ,
               so
               is
               the
               soul
               the
               chiefest
               part
               of
               mans
               whole
               frame
               and
               composition
               )
               the
               same
               (
               I
               say
               )
               is
               compared
               to
               Carmell
               ,
               and
               the
               hair
               of
               her
               head
               like
               unto
               purple
               ,
               which
               Carmell
               was
               a
               fertill
               plot
               of
               ground
               whereof
               we
               read
               ,
               Nahum
               .
               1.
               4.
               
               And
               therein
               a
               pleasant
               City
               so
               called
               ,
               which
               was
               situate
               in
               the
               hilly
               part
               thereof
               ,
               and
               belonged
               to
               the
               tribe
               of
               Judah
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Joshuah
               .
               15.
               55.
               
               From
               which
               the
               inhabitants
               were
               called
               Carmelites
               ,
               as
               we
               have
               it
               ,
               1
               Chron.
               11.
               37.
               
               Whereby
               is
               signified
               that
               as
               a
               fertill
               field
               is
               plentifull
               in
               good
               graine
               or
               pasture
               ,
               or
               a
               City
               is
               full
               of
               rich
               things
               and
               inhabitants
               ;
               even
               so
               her
               soul
               is
               stored
               with
               the
               knowledge
               of
               God
               ,
               Phil.
               1.
               11.
               and
               fruitfull
               in
               the
               graces
               of
               his
               spirit
               ,
               
                 Eph
                 3.
                 19.
                 
                 Rom.
              
               15.
               14.
               
               Whereunto
               is
               subjoyned
               ,
               that
               the
               king
               is
               held
               in
               the
               Galleries
               ,
               to
               show
               that
               as
               kings
               who
               have
               their
               Galleries
               of
               pleasure
               to
               walk
               in
               ,
               when
               they
               
               would
               sted
               fastly
               behold
               any
               object
               wherein
               they
               delight
               ,
               they
               stand
               and
               are
               taken
               or
               held
               with
               that
               ,
               whereon
               they
               look
               and
               take
               such
               pleasure
               in
               :
               Even
               so
               this
               blessed
               bridegroom
               of
               hers
               ,
               who
               is
               King
               of
               kings
               and
               Lord
               of
               lords
               ,
               when
               he
               looks
               on
               his
               Church
               ,
               and
               his
               own
               graces
               in
               her
               ,
               whereby
               he
               made
               her
               so
               beautifull
               in
               his
               sight
               ,
               he
               stands
               (
               as
               it
               were
               )
               and
               is
               taken
               more
               and
               more
               with
               the
               love
               of
               her
               ,
               even
               as
               he
               said
               before
               ,
               Chap.
               4.
               9.
               
               Thou
               hast
               ravish't
               my
               heart
               with
               one
               of
               thine
               eyes
               and
               a
               chain
               of
               thy
               neck
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Seeing
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 called
                 here
                 the
                 head
                 ,
                 is
                 compared
                 in
                 a
                 true
                 Christian
                 to
                 a
                 fertill
                 and
                 well
                 replenished
                 field
                 or
                 populous
                 City
                 ,
                 like
                 Carmell
                 ,
                 how
                 unfit
                 are
                 they
                 to
                 be
                 called
                 or
                 accounted
                 true
                 Christians
                 ,
                 whose
                 soules
                 are
                 altogether
                 empty
                 of
                 the
                 saving
                 graces
                 of
                 Gods
                 holy
                 spirit
                 ,
                 like
                 that
                 house
                 which
                 was
                 the
                 receptacle
                 of
                 seven
                 unclean
                 spirits
                 which
                 were
                 worse
                 then
                 the
                 first
                 that
                 had
                 gone
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 Luk
                 17.
                 26.
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Where
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 king
                 is
                 held
                 in
                 the
                 Galleries
                 ,
                 we
                 may
                 see
                 the
                 admirable
                 excellency
                 and
                 beauty
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 ravishes
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 with
                 the
                 delight
                 thereof
                 God
                 himself
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 the
                 author
                 of
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 he
                 takes
                 more
                 pleasure
                 in
                 beholding
                 one
                 beautified
                 soul
                 therewith
                 though
                 a
                 poor
                 Lazarus
                 ,
                 then
                 in
                 all
                 the
                 kingdomes
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 glory
                 thereof
                 ,
                 wherewith
                 Satan
                 would
                 have
                 tempted
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 which
                 should
                 make
                 us
                 the
                 more
                 carefull
                 to
                 attaine
                 to
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 count
                 that
                 soul
                 happy
                 which
                 is
                 beautified
                 therewith
                 ;
                 this
                 spirituall
                 glory
                 which
                 is
                 had
                 here
                 ,
                 being
                 the
                 onely
                 sure
                 pledge
                 of
                 that
                 heavenly
                 glory
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 had
                 hereafter
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               6.
               
               How
               faire
               and
               how
               pleasant
               art
               thou
               ,
               O
               love
               ,
               for
               delights
               !
            
             
               The
               Bridegroom
               having
               thus
               praised
               his
               beloved
               her
               beauty
               and
               comeliness
               severally
               and
               in
               parts
               from
               the
               very
               feet
               upwards
               to
               her
               head
               ,
               now
               with
               admiration
               (
               as
               it
               were
               )
               he
               praises
               her
               beauty
               in
               the
               whole
               ,
               as
               being
               beautifull
               and
               comely
               throughout
               ,
               both
               by
               the
               perfection
               of
               parts
               here
               ,
               as
               also
               
               beholding
               her
               according
               to
               his
               acceptation
               of
               her
               as
               such
               ,
               not
               seeing
               any
               iniquity
               in
               Jacob
               ,
               Numb
               .
               23.
               21.
               and
               as
               he
               will
               make
               her
               to
               be
               to
               himself
               hereafter
               by
               the
               perfection
               of
               degrees
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               a
               glorious
               Church
               without
               spot
               or
               wrinkle
               .
               Neither
               here
               does
               he
               onely
               call
               her
               his
               love
               ,
               but
               his
               love
               for
               delights
               ,
               which
               is
               a
               very
               Emphatick
               speech
               and
               forcible
               ,
               declaring
               thereby
               ,
               both
               his
               surpassing
               love
               towards
               her
               ;
               and
               his
               delight
               in
               her
               ,
               for
               we
               may
               love
               many
               persons
               ,
               and
               not
               (
               as
               he
               does
               here
               )
               place
               our
               whole
               ,
               and
               constant
               delight
               in
               them
               ,
               so
               that
               as
               his
               Father
               spoke
               of
               him
               from
               Heaven
               ,
               This
               is
               my
               onely
               beloved
               sonne
               in
               whom
               I
               delight
               ,
               so
               does
               he
               of
               her
               ,
               This
               is
               my
               welbeloved
               spouse
               in
               whom
               I
               delight
               ,
               Eph.
               5.
               27.
               
            
             
               
                 Observation
                 .
              
               
                 Whence
                 we
                 should
                 learn
                 ,
                 that
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 his
                 delight
                 be
                 so
                 much
                 in
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 call
                 us
                 his
                 love
                 for
                 delights
                 ,
                 being
                 onely
                 (
                 as
                 Abraham
                 said
                 of
                 himself
                 )
                 but
                 base
                 Dust
                 and
                 ashes
                 ,
                 Gen.
                 18.
                 27.
                 or
                 as
                 David
                 professed
                 ,
                 wormes
                 and
                 sinnefull
                 wretches
                 ,
                 unworthy
                 to
                 be
                 beloved
                 ,
                 
                   Psal
                   .
                   22.
                   6.
                   
                   Job
                   .
                
                 25.
                 6.
                 
                 O
                 how
                 much
                 then
                 should
                 we
                 love
                 so
                 good
                 a
                 God
                 and
                 make
                 him
                 our
                 love
                 of
                 delights
                 ,
                 whose
                 excellency
                 farre
                 surpasses
                 all
                 things
                 or
                 persones
                 wherein
                 the
                 sonnes
                 of
                 men
                 can
                 any
                 way
                 delight
                 ,
                 the
                 excellency
                 or
                 beauty
                 of
                 any
                 creature
                 ,
                 being
                 but
                 small
                 rayes
                 of
                 that
                 infinite
                 excellency
                 and
                 beauty
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 himself
                 who
                 is
                 the
                 creator
                 ,
                 
                   Psal
                   .
                   51.
                   5.
                   
                   Ezek.
                
                 16.
                 
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               7.
               
               This
               thy
               stature
               is
               like
               to
               a
               palme
               tree
               ,
               and
               thy
               breasts
               to
               clusters
               of
               grapes
               .
            
             
               As
               Jacob
               in
               blessing
               his
               sonnes
               ,
               after
               he
               had
               blessed
               seven
               of
               them
               ,
               he
               falles
               out
               into
               these
               words
               ,
               I
               have
               waited
               O
               Lord
               for
               thy
               salvation
               ,
               Gen.
               49.
               18.
               and
               then
               proceeds
               after
               to
               the
               blessing
               of
               the
               other
               five
               ,
               even
               so
               after
               our
               Saviour
               had
               praised
               his
               Church
               in
               many
               particulars
               ,
               and
               had
               subjoyned
               in
               the
               generall
               how
               fair
               and
               pleasant
               she
               was
               ,
               as
               his
               love
               for
               delights
               ,
               he
               proceeds
               thereafter
               to
               her
               praise
               in
               more
               particulars
               as
               yet
               ,
               and
               here
               in
               this
               verse
               to
               the
               praise
               of
               her
               stature
               ,
               and
               breasts
               :
               first
               then
               he
               compares
               her
               stature
               to
               a
               Palm-tree
               :
               which
               tree
               is
               commended
               ,
               1.
               
               For
               talness
               and
               height
               .
               2.
               
               For
               
               being
               eaven
               and
               straight
               .
               3.
               
               For
               perpetuall
               greenness
               .
               4.
               
               For
               thriving
               though
               under
               the
               pressure
               of
               weights
               hanging
               on
               it
               ,
               and
               yet
               neither
               bowing
               it
               to
               make
               it
               grow
               crooked
               ,
               nor
               bearing
               it
               down
               .
               And
               5.
               
               We
               read
               that
               the
               branches
               of
               these
               tree
               were
               caried
               as
               signes
               of
               victory
               and
               rejoysing
               ,
               Revel
               .
               7.
               9.
               
               Al
               's
               these
               resembling
               in
               the
               godly
               ,
               1.
               
               Their
               growing
               up
               in
               grace
               and
               raising
               their
               desires
               to
               things
               that
               are
               above
               ,
               2.
               
               Their
               uprightness
               and
               sincerity
               in
               their
               walking
               both
               with
               God
               and
               man
               ,
               3.
               
               Their
               perpetuall
               vigour
               and
               constancy
               in
               grace
               and
               weldoing
               ,
               4.
               
               Their
               spirituall
               thriving
               under
               the
               pressure
               of
               heaviest
               crosses
               ,
               which
               neither
               makes
               them
               bow
               to
               any
               wicked
               or
               crooked
               course
               ,
               nor
               beares
               them
               down
               by
               despair
               in
               greatest
               extremity
               :
               and
               5.
               
               That
               their
               estate
               after
               crosses
               here
               ,
               shal
               be
               victorious
               and
               Triumphant
               in
               joy
               for
               ever
               hereafter
               .
               And
               therefore
               we
               see
               the
               godly
               mans
               estate
               compared
               to
               the
               florishing
               of
               the
               Palme-tree
               ,
               Psal
               .
               92.
               12.
               and
               that
               figures
               of
               Palme-tree
               with
               Cherubims
               were
               carved
               within
               and
               without
               upon
               the
               walls
               of
               Solomons
               temple
               (
               1
               King.
               6.
               29.
               )
               To
               denotate
               that
               of
               the
               godly
               on
               whom
               the
               Angells
               do
               waite
               as
               Ministring
               spirits
               ,
               the
               spirituall
               or
               mysticall
               Temple
               of
               Gods
               Church
               consists
               .
            
             
               Likewise
               her
               breasts
               here
               are
               compared
               to
               clusters
               of
               grapes
               ,
               as
               not
               only
               having
               nourishing
               milk
               for
               Babes
               ,
               but
               likewise
               the
               cheering
               liquor
               of
               wine
               for
               those
               of
               riper
               age
               ,
               and
               in
               a
               word
               ,
               variety
               of
               wholsome
               and
               comfortable
               food
               for
               every
               hungry
               or
               thirsty
               soul
               ,
               therefore
               does
               the
               Lord
               proclaime
               by
               Isay
               .
               Ho
               every
               one
               that
               thirsts
               come
               to
               the
               waters
               ,
               buy
               wine
               and
               milk
               without
               price
               or
               money
               ,
               Isay
               .
               55.
               1.
               
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Seeing
                 the
                 stature
                 of
                 Christ's
                 Church
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 godly
                 therein
                 is
                 like
                 a
                 Palme-tree
                 ,
                 of
                 a
                 tall
                 and
                 goodly
                 grouth
                 ,
                 this
                 should
                 warne
                 all
                 those
                 who
                 are
                 true
                 members
                 thereof
                 to
                 strive
                 to
                 grow
                 in
                 godliness
                 daily
                 ,
                 and
                 heavenliness
                 of
                 affection
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 prove
                 not
                 dwarfs
                 in
                 Christianity
                 ,
                 standing
                 ever
                 (
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 )
                 at
                 one
                 stay
                 and
                 deceiving
                 themselves
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 true
                 grace
                 ,
                 which
                 they
                 have
                 not
                 who
                 are
                 so
                 ,
                 because
                 true
                 grace
                 ,
                 where
                 ever
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 is
                 still
                 growing
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 godly
                 walk
                 still
                 from
                 strength
                 to
                 strength
                 ,
                 till
                 they
                 see
                 God
                 in
                 
                   Sion
                   ,
                   Psal
                
                 .
                 84.
                 7.
                 
              
               
               
                 2.
                 
                 Against
                 Sectaries
                 and
                 separatists
                 we
                 observe
                 ,
                 that
                 although
                 the
                 Scriptures
                 of
                 the
                 two
                 Testaments
                 be
                 Gods
                 word
                 ,
                 here
                 they
                 are
                 called
                 the
                 Churches
                 two
                 breasts
                 ,
                 because
                 by
                 the
                 Ministry
                 of
                 the
                 Church
                 ,
                 and
                 from
                 her
                 hands
                 Gods
                 children
                 must
                 be
                 fed
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 pastors
                 are
                 called
                 the
                 Lords
                 stewards
                 and
                 dispensers
                 of
                 this
                 spirituall
                 food
                 ,
                 which
                 (
                 as
                 Pharaoh's
                 garners
                 were
                 under
                 Joseph's
                 )
                 is
                 under
                 their
                 hand
                 :
                 wherefore
                 whosoever
                 would
                 have
                 the
                 benefit
                 and
                 comfort
                 of
                 the
                 word
                 ,
                 they
                 ought
                 not
                 to
                 despise
                 the
                 breasts
                 of
                 this
                 Mother
                 ,
                 or
                 contemne
                 the
                 ordinary
                 Ministry
                 of
                 a
                 constitute
                 Church
                 ,
                 and
                 separate
                 therefrom
                 ,
                 by
                 which
                 ordinarily
                 faith
                 comes
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 showes
                 )
                 and
                 consequently
                 salvation
                 ,
                 Rom.
                 10.
                 14.
                 
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Seeing
                 her
                 breasts
                 are
                 not
                 dry
                 breasts
                 ,
                 but
                 full
                 ,
                 like
                 clusters
                 of
                 grapes
                 ;
                 this
                 should
                 teach
                 all
                 pastors
                 to
                 be
                 stored
                 in
                 knowledge
                 with
                 old
                 store
                 and
                 new
                 ,
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 holy
                 Scriptures
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 the
                 men
                 of
                 God
                 to
                 be
                 perfect
                 unto
                 every
                 good
                 work
                 of
                 their
                 holy
                 calling
                 ,
                 Matth.
                 13.
                 12.
                 
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 The
                 clusters
                 of
                 grapes
                 draw
                 their
                 liquor
                 which
                 they
                 containe
                 ,
                 and
                 suck
                 it
                 from
                 the
                 vine
                 :
                 even
                 so
                 should
                 faithfull
                 pastors
                 draw
                 the
                 doctrine
                 which
                 they
                 store
                 up
                 ,
                 and
                 dispense
                 to
                 people
                 from
                 the
                 true
                 vine
                 Christ
                 Jesus
                 allaverly
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 may
                 say
                 with
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 That
                 which
                 I
                 received
                 from
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 that
                 I
                 deliver
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 1
                 Cor.
                 11.
                 23.
                 as
                 the
                 Moon
                 borrowes
                 her
                 light
                 from
                 the
                 Sunne
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 Pipe
                 convayes
                 the
                 water
                 ,
                 which
                 it
                 hath
                 from
                 the
                 full
                 fountaine
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               8.
               
               I
               said
               ,
               I
               will
               go
               up
               to
               the
               Palme-tree
               ,
               I
               will
               take
               hold
               of
               the
               boughes
               thereof
               ,
               now
               also
               thy
               breasts
               shall
               be
               as
               clusters
               of
               the
               Vine
               ,
               and
               the
               smell
               of
               thy
               nose
               like
               Apples
               .
               9.
               
               And
               the
               roof
               of
               thy
               mouth
               like
               the
               best
               wine
               for
               my
               beloved
               that
               goeth
               down
               sweetly
               ,
               causing
               the
               lippes
               of
               those
               that
               are
               asleep
               ,
               to
               speak
               .
            
             
               Followes
               here
               ,
               this
               resolution
               ,
               what
               he
               will
               do
               to
               this
               his
               Palm-tree
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               he
               w●ll
               dresse
               the
               same
               ;
               whereunto
               is
               subjoyned
               a
               declaration
               of
               the
               fruitfulness
               that
               will
               arise
               there-from
               :
               first
               then
               the
               Palm-tree
               being
               tall
               ,
               for
               dressing
               of
               it
               ,
               
               he
               speakes
               after
               the
               manner
               of
               the
               custome
               of
               Husbandmen
               used
               by
               them
               in
               dressing
               or
               snedding
               such
               trees
               ,
               which
               was
               ,
               they
               did
               first
               climb
               up
               into
               them
               ,
               and
               so
               laying
               hold
               on
               every
               branch
               they
               purged
               or
               dressed
               the
               same
               .
               Even
               so
               the
               Lord
               like
               a
               painfull
               and
               diligent
               Husbandman
               he
               not
               onely
               plants
               and
               waters
               his
               trees
               ,
               and
               looks
               to
               their
               grouth
               ,
               but
               likewise
               (
               as
               we
               see
               also
               ,
               Joh.
               15.
               )
               He
               has
               a
               care
               to
               purge
               and
               dresse
               them
               ,
               and
               every
               bough
               or
               branch
               ;
               which
               he
               doth
               not
               onely
               by
               his
               word
               ,
               by
               which
               faith
               is
               begotten
               that
               purgeth
               the
               heart
               ,
               but
               sometimes
               by
               rough
               and
               sharp
               afflictions
               ,
               like
               the
               snedding
               knife
               ,
               which
               curs
               away
               what
               is
               superfluous
               and
               luxuriating
               ,
               and
               which
               the
               for
               the
               present
               (
               as
               the
               Apostle
               sayes
               )
               it
               be
               grievous
               to
               flesh
               and
               blood
               ,
               Heb.
               12.
               11.
               nevertheless
               afterwards
               it
               yields
               the
               peaceable
               fruit
               of
               righteousness
               to
               such
               who
               are
               exercised
               thereby
               .
               Therefore
               he
               subjoynes
               how
               fruitfull
               she
               shall
               become
               by
               this
               his
               carefull
               dressing
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               that
               her
               breasts
               shal
               be
               as
               clusters
               of
               the
               vine
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               full
               of
               sweet
               and
               most
               pleasant
               fruits
               ,
               as
               also
               the
               smell
               of
               her
               nose
               should
               be
               like
               apples
               ,
               declaring
               thereby
               ,
               as
               men
               usually
               ,
               breathe
               at
               their
               nose
               ,
               so
               that
               she
               should
               breathe
               out
               nothing
               but
               sweetness
               ,
               as
               is
               the
               smell
               of
               apples
               .
            
             
               Last
               of
               all
               ,
               he
               sayes
               that
               the
               roof
               of
               her
               mouth
               should
               be
               like
               the
               best
               wine
               ,
               that
               is
               ;
               her
               heavenly
               doctrine
               and
               all
               other
               her
               godly
               speeches
               which
               she
               should
               utter
               by
               opening
               her
               mouth
               ,
               should
               be
               full
               of
               wholsome
               instruction
               ,
               comfort
               and
               edification
               ,
               like
               the
               best
               wine
               producing
               these
               effects
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               spirituall
               delight
               ,
               the
               warming
               of
               the
               soul
               with
               heavenly
               love
               ,
               the
               inflameing
               of
               it
               with
               holy
               zeal
               ,
               and
               comforting
               thereof
               when
               it
               is
               dejected
               ,
               which
               goes
               down
               (
               sayes
               he
               )
               sweetly
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               when
               the
               same
               is
               heard
               with
               joy
               and
               delight
               ,
               and
               amongst
               many
               other
               effects
               produceth
               also
               this
               ,
               that
               it
               causes
               the
               lipps
               of
               these
               that
               are
               asleep
               to
               speake
               ;
               that
               is
               ,
               it
               wakeneth
               and
               rouseth
               up
               the
               spirits
               of
               those
               who
               are
               asleep
               in
               sinne
               and
               security
               ,
               and
               causes
               their
               lips
               to
               speak
               by
               humble
               confession
               ,
               and
               other
               holy
               speeches
               to
               Gods
               glory
               ,
               and
               the
               good
               of
               others
               ,
               to
               the
               like
               whereof
               they
               were
               not
               before
               accustomed
               .
            
             
               
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 that
                 Christ's
                 Church
                 and
                 her
                 true
                 members
                 ,
                 albeit
                 well
                 grown
                 in
                 grace
                 ,
                 like
                 a
                 Palm-tree
                 for
                 stature
                 ,
                 yet
                 has
                 need
                 to
                 be
                 dressed
                 and
                 purged
                 in
                 the
                 branches
                 thereof
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 their
                 oft
                 Luxuriating
                 in
                 peace
                 and
                 prosperity
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 see
                 in
                 
                   David
                   ,
                   Psal
                
                 .
                 30.
                 6.
                 
                 And
                 because
                 of
                 daily
                 attracting
                 of
                 great
                 pollution
                 and
                 guiltiness
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 when
                 he
                 comes
                 with
                 the
                 snedding
                 knife
                 of
                 affliction
                 ,
                 or
                 rough
                 hand
                 of
                 purging
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 not
                 think
                 uncouth
                 thereof
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 exhorts
                 )
                 concerning
                 the
                 fiery
                 tryall
                 ,
                 but
                 reverence
                 his
                 care
                 and
                 wisedome
                 ,
                 submitting
                 our
                 selyes
                 to
                 his
                 will
                 ,
                 and
                 craving
                 the
                 sanctified
                 use
                 of
                 any
                 crosse
                 wherewith
                 it
                 shall
                 please
                 him
                 to
                 chastise
                 us
                 ,
                 1
                 Pet.
                 4.
                 12.
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 If
                 at
                 any
                 time
                 we
                 have
                 found
                 the
                 Lord
                 to
                 have
                 visited
                 us
                 with
                 any
                 crosse
                 ,
                 thereby
                 to
                 prune
                 or
                 purge
                 us
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 are
                 delivered
                 therefrom
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 try
                 if
                 it
                 has
                 produced
                 this
                 good
                 effect
                 in
                 us
                 which
                 is
                 mentioned
                 here
                 ,
                 and
                 Joh.
                 15.
                 2.
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 has
                 made
                 us
                 the
                 more
                 fruitfull
                 in
                 godliness
                 and
                 all
                 religious
                 duties
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 If
                 Christ's
                 Church
                 breathes
                 forth
                 nothing
                 but
                 sweetness
                 ,
                 like
                 the
                 smell
                 of
                 apples
                 then
                 let
                 us
                 try
                 our selves
                 hereby
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 her
                 true
                 children
                 ,
                 which
                 many
                 brag
                 to
                 be
                 ,
                 but
                 declare
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 ,
                 by
                 breathing
                 out
                 nothing
                 but
                 what
                 is
                 corrupt
                 and
                 stinking
                 ,
                 Eph.
                 4.
                 29.
                 which
                 is
                 so
                 loathsome
                 to
                 all
                 ,
                 who
                 have
                 a
                 sanctified
                 and
                 spirituall
                 sense
                 of
                 smelling
                 that
                 they
                 cannot
                 indure
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 roof
                 of
                 whose
                 mouth
                 and
                 that
                 which
                 proceeds
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 same
                 is
                 so
                 farre
                 from
                 being
                 like
                 best
                 wine
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 any
                 sanctified
                 eare
                 rather
                 like
                 that
                 potion
                 of
                 vinegar
                 and
                 gall
                 that
                 Christ
                 got
                 upon
                 the
                 crosse
                 to
                 drink
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               10.
               
               I
               am
               my
               beloveds
               ,
               and
               his
               desire
               is
               towards
               me
               .
            
             
               Of
               these
               words
               we
               have
               already
               spoken
               ,
               Cant.
               2.
               16.
               and
               6.
               3.
               
               Only
               ,
               from
               this
               profession
               of
               the
               Churches
               ,
               let
               us
               learn
               ,
               1.
               
               That
               if
               she
               be
               his
               ,
               and
               those
               who
               are
               her
               true
               members
               ,
               then
               they
               are
               not
               their
               own
               ,
               to
               live
               to
               themselves
               or
               to
               the
               flesh
               ,
               but
               to
               him
               who
               died
               for
               them
               and
               purchast
               them
               to
               be
               
               his
               by
               his
               precious
               blood
               ,
               2.
               
               If
               his
               desire
               be
               to
               us
               ,
               then
               let
               our
               desire
               be
               likewise
               to
               him
               ,
               to
               open
               to
               him
               the
               dore
               of
               our
               heart
               ,
               Rev.
               3.
               20.
               ever
               to
               embrace
               him
               with
               the
               armes
               of
               faith
               ,
               and
               fervent
               affection
               ,
               to
               intertaine
               him
               with
               all
               holy
               devotion
               ,
               and
               neither
               to
               grieve
               ,
               much
               lesse
               to
               quench
               his
               spirit
               ,
               
                 Eph.
                 4.
                 30.
                 1
                 
                 Thess
                 .
              
               5.
               19.
               
               And
               feare
               lest
               we
               fall
               to
               that
               height
               ,
               Heb.
               10.
               29.
               
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               11.
               
               Come
               my
               beloved
               ,
               Let
               us
               go
               forth
               into
               the
               field
               ,
               Let
               us
               lodge
               in
               the
               villages
               .
               12.
               
               Let
               us
               go
               up
               early
               to
               the
               vineyards
               ,
               Let
               us
               see
               if
               the
               v●ne
               florish
               ,
               whether
               the
               tender
               grapes
               appeare
               ,
               and
               the
               Pomegranates
               bud
               forth
               ;
               there
               will
               I
               give
               thee
               my
               Loves
               .
            
             
               In
               these
               two
               verses
               is
               set
               down
               Christs
               care
               and
               kindness
               towards
               his
               Church
               ,
               1.
               
               His
               care
               in
               calling
               upon
               her
               ,
               as
               he
               had
               done
               before
               ,
               Chap.
               2.
               10.
               
               To
               arise
               from
               the
               delight
               of
               earthly
               things
               ,
               to
               more
               heavenly
               and
               Celestiall
               ,
               of
               which
               sort
               of
               excitation
               we
               have
               all
               need
               ;
               and
               ,
               2.
               
               His
               kindness
               in
               admitting
               her
               to
               that
               sweet
               and
               comfortable
               association
               whereof
               here
               he
               speaks
               ,
               her
               estate
               now
               being
               farre
               different
               from
               her
               late
               and
               former
               condition
               ,
               when
               he
               withdrew
               himself
               ,
               and
               made
               her
               with
               great
               paines
               and
               grief
               of
               heart
               to
               seek
               him
               ,
               and
               yet
               could
               not
               find
               him
               ,
               but
               now
               he
               not
               onely
               comes
               unto
               her
               ,
               accepts
               of
               her
               ,
               and
               highly
               commends
               her
               ;
               but
               likewise
               he
               kindly
               here
               invites
               her
               to
               go
               with
               him
               ,
               and
               refresh
               her self
               (
               as
               it
               were
               )
               in
               the
               fields
               ,
               and
               to
               lodge
               with
               him
               in
               the
               villages
               ;
               yea
               not
               onely
               so
               ,
               but
               to
               go
               up
               early
               to
               the
               vineyards
               ,
               where
               he
               may
               show
               her
               his
               particular
               care
               and
               inspection
               that
               he
               has
               of
               every
               one
               of
               her
               members
               ,
               how
               grace
               is
               cherished
               ,
               or
               decayes
               ,
               and
               how
               it
               growes
               or
               fructifies
               in
               them
               ,
               even
               as
               we
               read
               of
               Paul
               and
               Barnabas
               their
               care
               ,
               Act.
               15.
               36.
               how
               after
               their
               preaching
               of
               the
               Gospell
               ,
               which
               Paul
               calles
               planting
               ,
               they
               visited
               the
               brethren
               in
               every
               City
               ,
               which
               were
               the
               Lords
               vineyards
               ,
               to
               see
               how
               they
               did
               .
            
             
               As
               for
               the
               florishing
               of
               the
               vine
               ,
               and
               budding
               of
               the
               Pomegranate
               we
               spoke
               before
               ,
               Chap.
               6.
               11.
               
               And
               there
               he
               promises
               unto
               her
               the
               further
               manifestation
               of
               his
               love
               and
               affection
               ,
               
               which
               he
               expresses
               in
               the
               plurall
               ,
               
                 (
                 Loves
                 ,
              
               )
               for
               indeed
               his
               love
               is
               manifold
               and
               plentifull
               ,
               as
               that
               ,
               of
               Election
               ,
               Creation
               ,
               Redemption
               ,
               Vocation
               ,
               Justification
               ,
               Sanctification
               ,
               providence
               ,
               protection
               ,
               and
               at
               last
               Glorification
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Out
                 of
                 this
                 reiterate
                 exhortation
                 to
                 arise
                 ,
                 and
                 come
                 away
                 following
                 Christ
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 whither
                 he
                 calles
                 ;
                 we
                 learn
                 the
                 great
                 need
                 we
                 have
                 of
                 such
                 frequent
                 excitations
                 unto
                 holy
                 duties
                 ,
                 being
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 Cretians
                 were
                 called
                 slow
                 bellies
                 ,
                 so
                 we
                 )
                 slow
                 obeyers
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 here
                 the
                 vicissitude
                 of
                 a
                 Christians
                 estate
                 in
                 this
                 life
                 in
                 spirituall
                 things
                 ,
                 sometimes
                 deserted
                 (
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 )
                 and
                 dejected
                 ,
                 and
                 other
                 while
                 injoying
                 a
                 most
                 familiar
                 and
                 neer
                 fellowship
                 with
                 Christ
                 and
                 comforts
                 ;
                 that
                 so
                 the
                 godly
                 soul
                 may
                 not
                 be
                 disconsolate
                 altogether
                 ,
                 but
                 if
                 teares
                 be
                 in
                 the
                 evening
                 she
                 may
                 expect
                 joy
                 in
                 the
                 morning
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 30.
                 5.
                 
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 The
                 difference
                 between
                 the
                 soules
                 estate
                 under
                 desertion
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 injoying
                 a
                 sweet
                 fellowship
                 with
                 her
                 Saviour
                 ;
                 in
                 the
                 one
                 she
                 is
                 straitned
                 ,
                 and
                 languisheth
                 ,
                 as
                 one
                 bound
                 in
                 fetters
                 ,
                 but
                 in
                 the
                 other
                 she
                 doth
                 expatiate
                 her self
                 like
                 one
                 set
                 at
                 liberty
                 ,
                 and
                 going
                 forth
                 to
                 the
                 fields
                 ,
                 and
                 villages
                 with
                 them
                 whom
                 she
                 loveth
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 When
                 we
                 follow
                 Christs
                 calling
                 ,
                 and
                 goe
                 or
                 walk
                 as
                 he
                 does
                 direct
                 ,
                 then
                 do
                 we
                 get
                 admission
                 to
                 most
                 familiar
                 fellowship
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 cleerest
                 evidence
                 and
                 assurance
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 sayeth
                 ,
                 There
                 will
                 I
                 give
                 thee
                 my
                 loves
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               13.
               
               The
               mandrakes
               give
               a
               smell
               ,
               and
               at
               our
               gates
               are
               all
               manner
               of
               pleasant
               fruits
               ,
               new
               and
               old
               ,
               which
               I
               have
               laid
               up
               for
               thee
               ,
               O
               my
               beloved
               .
            
             
               Here
               the
               spouse
               expresses
               her
               mutuall
               love
               ,
               and
               thankfulness
               to
               her
               beloved
               ,
               the
               grace
               of
               which
               thankfulness
               she
               compares
               to
               Mandrakes
               that
               give
               a
               good
               smell
               ,
               whereof
               we
               read
               ,
               Gen.
               30.
               14.
               and
               to
               testifie
               that
               the
               same
               is
               reall
               ,
               she
               speaks
               of
               fruits
               ▪
               new
               and
               old
               for
               variety
               ,
               which
               are
               the
               actions
               of
               a
               holy
               life
               ,
               and
               which
               ,
               she
               sayes
               ,
               that
               are
               laid
               up
               for
               him
               ,
               not
               that
               in
               any
               wise
               he
               can
               be
               benefited
               thereby
               ,
               as
               the
               Psalmist
               
               witnesses
               ,
               Psal
               .
               16.
               
               But
               signifying
               that
               in
               doing
               of
               them
               all
               her
               scope
               and
               aime
               is
               chiefly
               his
               glory
               ;
               that
               as
               all
               is
               from
               him
               ,
               so
               should
               all
               be
               for
               him
               ,
               and
               the
               glory
               of
               all
               onely
               redound
               to
               him
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Where
                 grace
                 or
                 true
                 thankfulness
                 is
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 sweet
                 smelling
                 and
                 acceptable
                 ,
                 so
                 it
                 should
                 be
                 not
                 only
                 verball
                 but
                 reall
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 fruits
                 of
                 godliness
                 ,
                 both
                 in
                 our
                 generall
                 and
                 particular
                 callings
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 In
                 performing
                 which
                 ,
                 let
                 this
                 be
                 our
                 aime
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 Gods
                 glory
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 our
                 applause
                 .
              
            
          
           
             Finis
             septimi
             Capitis
             .
          
           
             Soli
             deo
             gloria
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             VIII
             .
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               1.
               
               O
               that
               thou
               were
               as
               my
               brother
               that
               sucked
               the
               breasts
               of
               my
               Mother
               ,
               when
               I
               should
               find
               thee
               without
               ,
               I
               would
               kisse
               thee
               ,
               yet
               I
               should
               not
               be
               despised
               .
            
             
               IN
               this
               Chapter
               is
               yet
               further
               set
               down
               the
               Churches
               love
               to
               Christ
               and
               the
               vehemency
               thereof
               to
               the
               8.
               verse
               ,
               2.
               
               The
               calling
               of
               the
               Gentiles
               is
               foretold
               and
               spoken
               of
               to
               the
               14.
               
               And
               lastly
               is
               set
               down
               the
               Churches
               prayer
               and
               desire
               of
               Christ's
               second
               coming
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               in
               this
               verse
               she
               declares
               the
               great
               desire
               she
               has
               of
               Christs
               constant
               presence
               ,
               fellowship
               and
               familiarity
               ,
               for
               her
               greater
               comfort
               and
               her
               soules
               contentment
               ,
               and
               therefore
               she
               wishes
               that
               he
               were
               as
               a
               brother
               to
               her
               that
               sucked
               the
               breasts
               of
               one
               Mother
               ,
               that
               so
               she
               might
               injoy
               his
               presence
               ,
               as
               Brothers
               and
               Sisters
               that
               are
               of
               one
               family
               usually
               do
               ;
               for
               then
               she
               would
               manifest
               her
               love
               to
               him
               by
               delighting
               
               in
               his
               fellowship
               and
               kissing
               him
               with
               the
               kisses
               of
               most
               entire
               affection
               .
               Now
               brother-hood
               signifies
               a
               meer
               Conjunction
               or
               consociation
               ,
               which
               some
               expresse
               in
               these
               three
               words
               ,
               of
               race
               ,
               place
               ,
               and
               grace
               ,
               or
               which
               is
               ,
               1.
               
               By
               bond
               of
               nature
               ,
               and
               in
               which
               sense
               Christ
               is
               become
               our
               brother
               by
               taking
               our
               nature
               on
               him
               ,
               2.
               
               By
               confederation
               or
               covenant
               ,
               as
               was
               that
               between
               Jonathan
               and
               
                 David
                 ,
                 2
                 Sam.
              
               1.
               26.
               and
               of
               which
               sort
               there
               is
               mention
               made
               ,
               Zach.
               11.
               14.
               between
               Israel
               and
               Judah
               .
               And
               in
               this
               sense
               also
               by
               the
               covenant
               of
               grace
               Christ
               is
               our
               brother
               ,
               3.
               
               For
               being
               companions
               in
               alike
               estate
               ,
               as
               brethren
               in
               affliction
               ,
               whereof
               Job
               speaks
               ,
               Job
               .
               30.
               29.
               
               And
               so
               was
               Christ
               likewise
               herein
               with
               his
               Church
               on
               earth
               ;
               and
               ,
               4.
               
               For
               being
               of
               alike
               conditions
               ,
               manner
               ,
               and
               practise
               ,
               as
               Simeon
               and
               Levi
               were
               said
               to
               be
               ,
               Gen.
               49.
               5.
               and
               as
               a
               slouth●ull
               man
               by
               Solomon
               is
               said
               to
               be
               a
               brother
               to
               a
               waster
               ,
               Pro.
               18.
               9.
               
               And
               so
               in
               like
               manner
               by
               communion
               of
               grace
               and
               sanctification
               ,
               his
               Church
               being
               holy
               as
               Christ
               is
               holy
               ,
               he
               is
               said
               to
               be
               our
               brother
               ,
               Heb.
               2.
               11.
               
               This
               then
               is
               the
               desire
               of
               the
               Church
               here
               ,
               that
               as
               Christ
               is
               her
               brother
               by
               unity
               of
               nature
               or
               race
               by
               incarnation
               ,
               Heb.
               2.
               14.
               so
               he
               would
               be
               by
               communion
               of
               grace
               and
               sanctification
               as
               ,
               Heb.
               2.
               11.
               
               And
               as
               a
               brother
               he
               would
               be
               lovingly
               affected
               to
               her
               ,
               familiarily
               conversant
               with
               her
               ,
               and
               kindly
               compassionate
               towards
               her
               in
               all
               her
               difficulties
               or
               griefs
               ,
               like
               one
               that
               had
               sucked
               the
               breasts
               of
               her
               Mother
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               like
               one
               of
               neerest
               and
               fullest
               Conjunction
               ,
               as
               not
               onely
               having
               one
               father
               ,
               but
               one
               Mother
               also
               ,
               and
               fostered
               upon
               one
               breast
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               
               Joseph's
               affection
               and
               carriage
               for
               that
               cause
               to
               Benjamin
               beyond
               all
               his
               brethren
               ,
               Gen.
               43.
               29.
               
            
             
               Then
               does
               he
               subjoyne
               these
               words
               ,
               (
               when
               I
               should
               find
               thee
               without
               ,
               I
               would
               kisse
               thee
               ,
               )
               whereby
               she
               expresses
               that
               the
               fervent
               desire
               of
               Christs
               fellowship
               and
               communion
               with
               her
               ,
               is
               here
               accompanied
               with
               a
               promise
               of
               all
               carefull
               and
               affectionate
               duty
               ,
               whereby
               she
               can
               manifest
               her
               love
               or
               longing
               for
               him
               ,
               and
               as
               formerly
               she
               sought
               him
               ,
               ever
               till
               she
               found
               him
               ;
               so
               now
               ,
               she
               sayes
               ,
               when
               she
               shall
               find
               him
               without
               she
               would
               kisse
               him
               ,
               thereby
               giving
               us
               to
               understand
               both
               the
               right
               way
               to
               seek
               Christ
               ,
               and
               to
               carry
               towards
               him
               when
               we
               have
               found
               him
               .
               He
               must
               be
               sought
               then
               ,
               1.
               
               Not
               sitting
               at
               our
               owne
               ease
               within
               dores
               ,
               but
               by
               taking
               paines
               and
               going
               out
               ,
               therefore
               it
               is
               said
               ,
               Pro.
               1.
               20.
               that
               wisedome
               is
               without
               ,
               
               and
               cryes
               in
               the
               streets
               ,
               yea
               we
               must
               go
               out
               of
               ourselves
               by
               self-denyall
               that
               we
               may
               find
               him
               ,
               and
               in
               him
               all
               grace
               and
               goodnesse
               ,
               Matth.
               16.
               24.
               2
               
               This
               also
               showes
               with
               what
               a
               ready
               mind
               we
               should
               go
               forth
               and
               meet
               Christ
               and
               welcome
               him
               when
               in
               his
               holy
               ordinances
               he
               comes
               unto
               us
               ,
               as
               Laban
               went
               forth
               with
               Alacrity
               to
               meet
               Abrahams
               servant
               ,
               and
               invited
               him
               to
               come
               in
               ,
               as
               the
               blessed
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               Gen.
               24.
               29.
               31.
               
               Or
               as
               it
               is
               said
               ,
               Matth.
               25.
               6.
               
               That
               this
               was
               the
               cry
               that
               was
               at
               midnight
               to
               the
               virgins
               ,
               saying
               ,
               behold
               the
               bridegroome
               cometh
               ,
               go
               yee
               out
               to
               meet
               him
               .
               And
               not
               onely
               does
               she
               professe
               that
               she
               would
               go
               forth
               and
               attend
               his
               coming
               but
               also
               when
               she
               had
               found
               him
               without
               ,
               she
               would
               kisse
               him
               (
               which
               was
               the
               ancient
               manner
               ,
               and
               is
               yet
               ,
               of
               salutation
               and
               welcoming
               ,
               )
               which
               kisses
               are
               either
               like
               that
               of
               Mary
               Magdalen's
               ,
               when
               she
               kissed
               his
               feet
               ,
               of
               humble
               affection
               ;
               or
               those
               ,
               whereby
               the
               Psalmist
               willes
               all
               men
               to
               kisse
               the
               Sonne
               ,
               lest
               he
               be
               angry
               and
               they
               perish
               in
               his
               wrath
               ,
               Psal
               .
               2.
               which
               are
               of
               homage
               and
               humble
               submission
               .
               And
               yet
               by
               doing
               so
               (
               she
               sayes
               )
               she
               should
               not
               give
               any
               just
               cause
               to
               be
               either
               ashamed
               ,
               as
               Isay
               speaks
               ,
               Isay
               .
               54.
               4.
               or
               despised
               as
               David
               was
               by
               Michal
               ,
               for
               doing
               that
               which
               was
               not
               comely
               or
               decent
               for
               a
               modest
               and
               chast
               virgin
               to
               do
               ,
               2
               Sam.
               6.
               16.
               
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 According
                 to
                 the
                 Churches
                 wish
                 and
                 desire
                 here
                 ,
                 seeing
                 Christ
                 is
                 become
                 our
                 brother
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 By
                 incarnation
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 By
                 confederation
                 ,
                 3.
                 
                 As
                 companion
                 in
                 alike
                 condition
                 ;
                 and
                 ,
                 4.
                 
                 By
                 communion
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 sanctification
                 ,
                 then
                 let
                 us
                 honour
                 him
                 as
                 our
                 elder
                 brother
                 ,
                 love
                 him
                 and
                 sympathize
                 with
                 him
                 :
                 and
                 ,
                 in
                 a
                 word
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 neerest
                 kinsman
                 under
                 the
                 law
                 was
                 bound
                 to
                 do
                 a
                 kinsmans
                 part
                 to
                 the
                 defunct
                 kinsman
                 ,
                 so
                 let
                 us
                 do
                 a
                 brothers
                 part
                 ,
                 to
                 our
                 dearest
                 brother
                 who
                 hath
                 died
                 for
                 us
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 when
                 Christ
                 comes
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 how
                 cheerfully
                 we
                 should
                 not
                 onely
                 open
                 to
                 him
                 when
                 he
                 stands
                 and
                 knocks
                 at
                 our
                 dore
                 ,
                 as
                 Chap.
                 5.
                 2.
                 but
                 should
                 go
                 out
                 to
                 meet
                 him
                 ,
                 seeking
                 all
                 the
                 occasions
                 of
                 the
                 increase
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 finding
                 Christ
                 in
                 the
                 meanes
                 thereof
                 :
                 and
                 thus
                 we
                 should
                 hunt
                 after
                 the
                 blessing
                 with
                 Jacob
                 ,
                 while
                 as
                 prophane
                 
                 Esau's
                 are
                 hunting
                 after
                 carnall
                 pleasures
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 we
                 have
                 found
                 him
                 ,
                 with
                 
                 all
                 the
                 kind
                 imbracements
                 of
                 faith
                 (
                 as
                 Simeon
                 got
                 him
                 in
                 his
                 armes
                 ,
                 so
                 )
                 should
                 we
                 clasp
                 him
                 in
                 the
                 armes
                 of
                 our
                 soul
                 ,
                 applying
                 him
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 complying
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 should
                 kisse
                 him
                 with
                 the
                 kisses
                 of
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 loyall
                 obedience
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Though
                 it
                 be
                 the
                 custome
                 of
                 prophane
                 Ismaels
                 to
                 mock
                 the
                 religious
                 ,
                 for
                 religious
                 duties
                 ,
                 or
                 like
                 Michal
                 to
                 despise
                 them
                 ,
                 yet
                 the
                 spouse
                 of
                 Christ
                 and
                 her
                 true
                 members
                 are
                 no
                 whit
                 scarred
                 thereby
                 ,
                 nor
                 moved
                 more
                 than
                 David
                 was
                 ,
                 to
                 desist
                 therefrom
                 ,
                 but
                 rather
                 to
                 insist
                 therein
                 with
                 courage
                 and
                 constancy
                 ,
                 because
                 they
                 labour
                 onely
                 to
                 approve
                 themselves
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 therein
                 ,
                 their
                 own
                 conscience
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 truly
                 godly
                 :
                 and
                 therefore
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 woman
                 in
                 the
                 Revelation
                 has
                 the
                 Moon
                 under
                 her
                 feet
                 ,
                 Rev.
                 12.
                 
                 So
                 they
                 tread
                 and
                 trample
                 with
                 a
                 holy
                 contempt
                 all
                 such
                 despising
                 ,
                 and
                 goe
                 on
                 Zealously
                 in
                 their
                 godly
                 course
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               2.
               
               I
               would
               lead
               thee
               and
               bring
               thee
               into
               my
               Mothers
               house
               ,
               who
               would
               instruct
               me
               ,
               I
               would
               cause
               thee
               to
               drink
               of
               spiced
               wine
               ,
               of
               the
               juice
               of
               my
               Pomegranates
               .
               3.
               
               His
               left
               hand
               should
               be
               under
               my
               head
               ,
               and
               his
               right
               hand
               should
               embrace
               me
               .
               4.
               
               I
               charge
               you
               ,
               daughters
               of
               Jerusalem
               ,
               that
               yee
               stirre
               not
               up
               ,
               nor
               awake
               my
               Love
               untill
               he
               please
               .
            
             
               In
               this
               verse
               she
               showes
               that
               furder
               she
               would
               do
               than
               kisse
               him
               ,
               finding
               him
               without
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               she
               would
               lead
               him
               ,
               and
               bring
               him
               into
               her
               Mothers
               house
               ;
               which
               house
               what
               it
               is
               ,
               we
               have
               shown
               before
               ,
               Chap.
               3.
               4.
               
               But
               how
               comes
               it
               to
               passe
               that
               she
               sayes
               that
               she
               would
               lead
               Him
               ,
               seeing
               He
               must
               be
               our
               leader
               and
               guide
               in
               all
               our
               wayes
               ,
               as
               David
               prayes
               ,
               O
               send
               out
               thy
               light
               ,
               and
               thy
               truth
               and
               let
               them
               lead
               me
               and
               bring
               me
               unto
               thy
               holy
               hill
               ,
               Psal
               .
               43.
               3.
               
               And
               againe
               ,
               Thou
               will
               guide
               me
               with
               thy
               counsell
               ,
               and
               after
               receive
               me
               to
               glory
               ,
               Psal
               .
               73.
               24.
               
               I
               answer
               ,
               this
               is
               onely
               to
               show
               that
               the
               Church
               now
               having
               stirred
               up
               her self
               (
               as
               Isay
               speaks
               )
               to
               take
               hold
               of
               him
               ,
               Isay
               .
               64.
               7.
               
               She
               resolves
               and
               professes
               that
               she
               will
               do
               all
               the
               honour
               she
               can
               to
               him
               ,
               such
               as
               is
               usually
               done
               to
               great
               personages
               ,
               who
               use
               ,
               not
               onely
               to
               be
               waited
               on
               and
               
               met
               without
               at
               the
               dore
               or
               gate
               ,
               but
               a
               great
               way
               off
               ,
               and
               convoyed
               or
               brought
               along
               to
               the
               place
               whither
               they
               are
               coming
               ,
               as
               we
               read
               ,
               Psal
               .
               45.
               14.
               
               Where
               it
               is
               said
               that
               the
               Queen
               (
               spoken
               of
               there
               )
               shal
               be
               brought
               or
               convoyed
               to
               the
               king
               in
               raiment
               of
               needle
               work
               ,
               with
               the
               virgins
               and
               companions
               that
               follow
               her
               .
            
             
               Next
               ,
               having
               declared
               that
               she
               would
               lead
               him
               and
               bring
               him
               to
               her
               Mothers
               house
               ,
               she
               showes
               the
               office
               of
               her
               Mother
               ,
               or
               what
               she
               would
               do
               unto
               her
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               she
               would
               instruct
               her
               in
               the
               whole
               duties
               that
               she
               should
               perform
               to
               so
               good
               and
               glorious
               a
               husband
               ,
               Pro.
               1.
               8
               ,
               9.
               
               In
               whom
               the
               word
               of
               her
               instruction
               should
               not
               be
               fruitlesse
               ,
               for
               she
               should
               make
               him
               drink
               of
               spiced
               wine
               and
               the
               juice
               of
               the
               Pomegranate
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               she
               would
               honour
               and
               intertaine
               him
               with
               his
               owne
               graces
               ,
               and
               render
               unto
               him
               such
               fruits
               of
               her
               faith
               as
               should
               be
               sweetned
               and
               made
               savoury
               (
               like
               Jacobs
               savoury
               meat
               which
               he
               gave
               his
               father
               )
               with
               the
               spices
               of
               his
               owne
               spirit
               and
               humility
               wherein
               he
               delights
               .
            
             
               By
               doing
               whereof
               
                 (
                 v.
              
               3.
               )
               she
               showes
               in
               like
               manner
               what
               she
               may
               mutually
               expect
               of
               him
               ,
               especially
               in
               her
               time
               of
               need
               (
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Chap.
               2.
               6.
               
               Where
               the
               same
               words
               are
               set
               down
               )
               to
               wit
               ,
               the
               sweet
               supporting
               of
               his
               grace
               ,
               and
               comfor-fortable
               imbracement
               of
               his
               tender
               love
               ,
               of
               which
               words
               because
               we
               have
               spoken
               in
               the
               forenamed
               place
               ,
               as
               also
               of
               the
               subsequent
               ,
               we
               cease
               here
               to
               repeat
               ▪
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 The
                 godly
                 (
                 we
                 see
                 )
                 makes
                 still
                 a
                 progresse
                 in
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 religious
                 duties
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Church
                 is
                 said
                 here
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 content
                 onely
                 to
                 find
                 her
                 beloved
                 without
                 ,
                 but
                 she
                 will
                 also
                 with
                 all
                 observance
                 and
                 honour
                 that
                 she
                 can
                 perform
                 ,
                 lead
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 bring
                 him
                 into
                 her
                 Mothers
                 house
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 intertaine
                 him
                 with
                 the
                 choisest
                 things
                 she
                 can
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 the
                 office
                 of
                 the
                 true
                 Church
                 as
                 a
                 mother
                 to
                 her
                 children
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 all
                 faithfull
                 pastors
                 therein
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 keep
                 them
                 blind
                 folded
                 in
                 ignorance
                 ,
                 which
                 that
                 whoor
                 of
                 Rome
                 calles
                 the
                 Mother
                 of
                 devotion
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 instruct
                 them
                 in
                 all
                 the
                 duties
                 which
                 they
                 ought
                 to
                 perform
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 acknowledging
                 him
                 to
                 be
                 their
                 onely
                 head
                 and
                 husband
                 ,
                 and
                 no
                 earthly
                 creature
                 as
                 his
                 vicar
                 therein
                 ;
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 also
                 
                 their
                 onely
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 nor
                 no
                 other
                 ,
                 in
                 part
                 or
                 whole
                 are
                 saviours
                 to
                 themselves
                 ;
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 likewise
                 the
                 sole
                 Monarch
                 or
                 king
                 and
                 Lawgiver
                 to
                 his
                 Church
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 whose
                 laws
                 binding
                 the
                 conscience
                 none
                 can
                 dispence
                 ,
                 the
                 sole
                 Priest
                 also
                 both
                 for
                 Satisfaction
                 fully
                 on
                 earth
                 ,
                 and
                 sole
                 mediation
                 he
                 makes
                 in
                 the
                 Heavens
                 ,
                 as
                 likewise
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 her
                 onely
                 Prophet
                 that
                 cannot
                 erre
                 ,
                 and
                 whose
                 voice
                 onely
                 as
                 chief
                 pastor
                 in
                 the
                 holy
                 scripture
                 ,
                 by
                 all
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 heard
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 that
                 the
                 Churches
                 instruction
                 to
                 her
                 children
                 should
                 not
                 be
                 fruitlesse
                 ,
                 but
                 should
                 produce
                 the
                 sweet
                 fruits
                 of
                 holy
                 obedience
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 Isay
                 .
                 5.
                 and
                 Joh.
                 15.
                 is
                 required
                 ;
                 and
                 whereby
                 Christ
                 is
                 feasted
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 ,
                 and
                 intertained
                 as
                 with
                 spiced
                 wine
                 and
                 the
                 delicious
                 juice
                 of
                 the
                 Pomegranate
                 ;
                 so
                 that
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 knowledge
                 whereby
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 should
                 produce
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 obedience
                 whereby
                 we
                 shine
                 ,
                 and
                 our
                 lamps
                 like
                 those
                 of
                 the
                 wise
                 virgins
                 ,
                 should
                 be
                 both
                 burning
                 and
                 shining
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 By
                 doing
                 whereof
                 we
                 shall
                 find
                 that
                 our
                 work
                 of
                 obedience
                 is
                 not
                 in
                 vaine
                 ,
                 but
                 shal
                 be
                 well
                 recompenced
                 both
                 with
                 the
                 comfortable
                 embracement
                 of
                 Christ
                 Jesus
                 in
                 the
                 armes
                 of
                 his
                 mercy
                 and
                 protection
                 in
                 our
                 greatest
                 need
                 here
                 ;
                 and
                 ,
                 beside
                 the
                 sweet
                 repose
                 of
                 a
                 good
                 conscience
                 therein
                 ,
                 which
                 was
                 Jobs
                 greatest
                 comfort
                 ,
                 she
                 shal
                 be
                 recompenced
                 in
                 mercy
                 with
                 his
                 perpetuall
                 and
                 glorious
                 sight
                 hereafter
                 ,
                 in
                 whose
                 presence
                 is
                 fulness
                 of
                 joy
                 ,
                 and
                 at
                 his
                 right
                 hand
                 are
                 pleasures
                 for
                 evermore
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 16.
                 11.
                 
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               5.
               
               Who
               is
               this
               that
               cometh
               up
               from
               the
               wilderness
               leaning
               upon
               her
               beloved
               ?
               I
               raised
               thee
               up
               under
               the
               Apple-tree
               ,
               there
               thy
               mother
               brought
               thee
               forth
               ,
               there
               she
               brought
               thee
               forth
               that
               bare
               thee
               .
            
             
               Followes
               here
               ,
               a
               question
               concerning
               the
               Church
               ,
               which
               was
               in
               the
               same
               words
               before
               propounded
               ,
               Chap.
               3.
               6.
               to
               which
               place
               we
               referre
               the
               reader
               ,
               but
               here
               her
               posture
               is
               set
               down
               which
               was
               not
               there
               mentioned
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               that
               she
               leanes
               upon
               her
               beloved
               ,
               and
               whereby
               is
               signified
               ,
               1.
               
               Her
               relying
               by
               a
               holy
               and
               humble
               confidence
               onely
               upon
               him
               ,
               in
               respect
               of
               
               her
               own
               weaknesse
               ,
               and
               his
               supporting
               of
               her
               by
               his
               speciall
               grace
               ,
               whereof
               he
               said
               to
               Paul
               that
               it
               should
               be
               sufficient
               for
               him
               ,
               without
               which
               she
               was
               neither
               able
               to
               stand
               against
               temptation
               ,
               nor
               walk
               in
               that
               narrow
               way
               that
               leads
               unto
               salvation
               ,
               let
               be
               to
               walk
               upward
               ,
               as
               she
               is
               said
               here
               to
               come
               up
               from
               the
               wilderness
               .
               And
               ,
               2.
               is
               signified
               that
               in
               all
               her
               feares
               ,
               dangers
               or
               difficulties
               ,
               yea
               in
               death
               it self
               (
               with
               
                 David
                 ,
                 Psal
              
               .
               23.
               4.
               
               )
               her
               onely
               stay
               and
               confidence
               for
               comfort
               ,
               resolution
               ,
               or
               delivery
               ,
               is
               onely
               fixt
               on
               Christ
               her
               beloved
               ;
               Leaning
               unto
               and
               upon
               him
               alone
               ,
               as
               all-sufficient
               ,
               to
               be
               unto
               her
               (
               as
               saith
               the
               Apostle
               )
               wisdome
               and
               righteousness
               ,
               sanctification
               and
               redemption
               ,
               1
               Cor.
               1.
               30.
               that
               ,
               according
               as
               it
               is
               written
               ,
               he
               that
               glorieth
               may
               glory
               in
               the
               Lord.
               
            
             
               After
               which
               description
               of
               the
               Church
               of
               Christ
               ,
               chosen
               out
               of
               the
               world
               and
               wilderness
               thereof
               ,
               and
               coming
               up
               out
               of
               the
               same
               ,
               both
               in
               affection
               and
               conformity
               of
               like
               conversation
               ,
               and
               leaning
               upon
               Christ
               onely
               his
               merit
               and
               grace
               ,
               followes
               ,
               Who
               first
               raised
               her
               up
               ,
               that
               she
               might
               thereafter
               come
               up
               out
               of
               the
               wilderness
               ,
               and
               made
               her
               to
               be
               spiritually
               born
               of
               her
               Mother
               the
               Church
               .
               Surely
               this
               is
               Jesus
               Christ
               alone
               ,
               who
               raised
               the
               dead
               ,
               and
               sayeth
               here
               to
               his
               Church
               ,
               I
               raised
               thee
               up
               under
               the
               Apple-tree
               ;
               before
               this
               she
               being
               sitting
               in
               darkness
               and
               under
               the
               shadow
               of
               death
               ,
               and
               in
               such
               a
               wofull
               estate
               by
               nature
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               showes
               Eph.
               2.
               5.
               
               He
               is
               then
               said
               here
               to
               have
               raised
               her
               under
               the
               Apple-tree
               ,
               which
               is
               mentioned
               ,
               Chap.
               2.
               3.
               and
               which
               tree
               is
               himself
               ,
               as
               the
               comforts
               that
               flow
               from
               him
               ,
               vers
               .
               5.
               are
               called
               apples
               .
               Under
               him
               therefore
               and
               under
               his
               over-shaddowing
               by
               the
               efficacy
               of
               his
               owne
               spirit
               ,
               which
               makes
               him
               say
               ,
               I
               raised
               thee
               ,
               doth
               the
               godly
               rise
               from
               sinne
               to
               righteousness
               ,
               and
               there
               doth
               their
               Mother
               the
               Church
               bring
               them
               forth
               by
               the
               work
               of
               regeneration
               ,
               being
               conceived
               in
               her
               womb
               by
               the
               immortall
               seed
               of
               the
               word
               ,
               and
               co-operation
               of
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               ,
               even
               as
               it
               is
               said
               of
               the
               conception
               of
               Christ
               our
               head
               in
               the
               womb
               of
               his
               virgin-Mother
               in
               like
               manner
               ,
               that
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               should
               come
               upon
               her
               ,
               and
               the
               power
               of
               the
               most
               high
               should
               over-shaddow
               her
               ,
               therefore
               that
               holy
               thing
               that
               should
               be
               born
               of
               her
               should
               be
               called
               ,
               The
               sonne
               of
               God
               ,
               Luk.
               1.
               35.
               
            
             
               Where
               it
               is
               to
               be
               remarked
               ,
               that
               the
               work
               of
               grace
               in
               and
               
               upon
               us
               ,
               has
               here
               two
               names
               whereby
               it
               is
               expressed
               ,
               to
               wit
               ▪
               the
               one
               is
               ,
               a
               raising
               of
               her
               up
               ,
               whence
               also
               it
               is
               called
               the
               first
               resurrection
               ;
               and
               the
               other
               is
               ,
               a
               birth
               ,
               whence
               it
               is
               called
               our
               regeneration
               :
               And
               is
               partly
               ascribed
               to
               Christ
               ,
               as
               a
               raising
               up
               ,
               or
               first
               resurrection
               ;
               and
               partly
               to
               the
               Church
               ,
               as
               a
               birth
               or
               regeneration
               ;
               his
               part
               being
               in
               both
               ,
               the
               inward
               efficacy
               ,
               and
               her
               part
               ,
               onely
               the
               outward
               ministery
               :
               he
               then
               that
               raised
               the
               dead
               ,
               and
               shall
               raise
               them
               at
               the
               Last
               day
               can
               onely
               raise
               the
               dead
               soul
               ,
               that
               all
               the
               glory
               may
               be
               to
               him
               alone
               ;
               and
               his
               Church
               as
               a
               Mother
               may
               well
               conceive
               and
               bring
               forth
               ,
               but
               he
               that
               onely
               has
               the
               key
               of
               the
               womb
               (
               as
               he
               has
               of
               the
               heart
               ,
               the
               clouds
               ,
               and
               of
               death
               ,
               )
               who
               also
               marvellously
               frames
               our
               tender
               bodies
               therein
               ,
               and
               gives
               strength
               to
               the
               Mother
               to
               bring
               forth
               the
               birth
               ,
               he
               likewise
               has
               the
               chief
               hand
               in
               our
               spirituall
               conception
               ,
               and
               in
               that
               forming
               of
               his
               Image
               in
               us
               spoken
               of
               by
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               Gal.
               4.
               19.
               which
               is
               our
               new
               birth
               or
               regeneration
               .
               And
               in
               which
               work
               ,
               as
               the
               dead
               has
               no
               power
               in
               themselves
               to
               rise
               ,
               or
               the
               birth
               to
               conceive
               and
               form
               it self
               in
               the
               womb
               ,
               and
               thereafter
               to
               come
               forth
               out
               of
               the
               same
               ;
               so
               neither
               is
               it
               any
               way
               in
               the
               power
               of
               nature
               or
               mans
               free
               will
               ,
               to
               raise
               themselves
               or
               be
               agents
               in
               the
               first
               act
               of
               their
               regeneration
               and
               conversion
               to
               God.
               
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Seeing
                 in
                 our
                 coming
                 up
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 wilderness
                 of
                 this
                 world
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 our
                 Pilgrimage
                 therein
                 to
                 our
                 heavenly
                 Canaan
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 no
                 strength
                 of
                 our selves
                 ,
                 either
                 to
                 walk
                 ,
                 or
                 wrestle
                 with
                 any
                 temptations
                 with
                 which
                 we
                 will
                 encounter
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 here
                 with
                 the
                 ●pouse
                 relye
                 onely
                 for
                 strength
                 and
                 supporting
                 upon
                 Christ
                 alone
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 leane
                 upon
                 our
                 beloved
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Seeing
                 he
                 is
                 author
                 of
                 all
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 specially
                 of
                 that
                 work
                 of
                 grace
                 in
                 us
                 ,
                 whereby
                 being
                 dead
                 in
                 sinne
                 we
                 are
                 raised
                 to
                 newness
                 of
                 life
                 here
                 ,
                 and
                 regenerated
                 to
                 the
                 hope
                 of
                 eternall
                 life
                 hereafter
                 ,
                 therefore
                 let
                 us
                 ascribe
                 all
                 the
                 glory
                 to
                 him
                 alone
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 to
                 any
                 merit
                 or
                 free-will
                 in
                 us
                 :
                 for
                 who
                 has
                 made
                 thee
                 O
                 man
                 ,
                 but
                 God
                 onely
                 to
                 differ
                 from
                 another
                 ?
                 or
                 what
                 hast
                 thou
                 but
                 that
                 which
                 thou
                 hast
                 received
                 ?
                 1
                 Cor.
                 4.
                 7.
                 
              
               
               
                 3.
                 
                 Seeing
                 as
                 he
                 ascribes
                 her
                 raising
                 to
                 himself
                 ,
                 so
                 does
                 he
                 her
                 birth
                 to
                 his
                 Church
                 and
                 Ministry
                 thereof
                 ,
                 therefore
                 if
                 we
                 would
                 be
                 partakers
                 of
                 grace
                 and
                 the
                 work
                 thereof
                 ,
                 which
                 tends
                 and
                 ends
                 into
                 Glory
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 not
                 despise
                 Christs
                 Church
                 her
                 ministry
                 and
                 instruction
                 ,
                 as
                 was
                 said
                 in
                 the
                 former
                 verse
                 ,
                 but
                 reverence
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 knowing
                 that
                 he
                 has
                 not
                 God
                 to
                 be
                 his
                 father
                 ,
                 who
                 has
                 not
                 ,
                 or
                 reverences
                 not
                 the
                 Church
                 as
                 his
                 Mother
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               6.
               
               Set
               me
               as
               a
               seal
               upon
               thy
               heart
               ,
               as
               a
               seal
               upon
               thine
               arme
               ,
               for
               love
               is
               strong
               ,
               as
               death
               ;
               jealously
               is
               cruell
               as
               the
               grave
               ,
               the
               coales
               thereof
               are
               coales
               of
               fire
               ,
               which
               have
               a
               most
               vehement
               flame
               .
               7.
               
               Many
               waters
               cannot
               quench
               love
               ,
               neither
               can
               the
               floods
               drown
               it
               ;
               if
               a
               man
               would
               give
               all
               the
               substance
               of
               his
               house
               for
               love
               ,
               it
               would
               be
               utterly
               contemned
               .
            
             
               In
               these
               words
               ,
               out
               of
               the
               consideration
               and
               proof
               of
               his
               manifold
               love
               to
               her
               (
               as
               has
               been
               showne
               in
               sundry
               particulars
               ,
               )
               she
               breaks
               forth
               now
               into
               an
               earnest
               prayer
               or
               petition
               ,
               that
               the
               same
               may
               continue
               sure
               and
               constant
               towards
               her
               ,
               and
               that
               she
               may
               be
               assured
               and
               confirmed
               thereof
               ,
               therefore
               she
               sayes
               ,
               Set
               me
               as
               a
               seal
               upon
               thy
               heart
               ,
               and
               as
               a
               seale
               upon
               thine
               arme
               ,
               desiring
               so
               of
               him
               who
               is
               the
               onely
               true
               High
               Priest
               of
               his
               Church
               ,
               that
               as
               the
               names
               of
               the
               tribes
               of
               Israel
               were
               graven
               like
               seals
               upon
               Aarons
               breast-plate
               of
               judgment
               upon
               his
               heart
               ,
               Exod.
               28
               ,
               29.
               when
               he
               went
               into
               the
               holy
               place
               for
               a
               memoriall
               before
               the
               Lord
               continually
               ;
               even
               so
               ,
               1.
               
               That
               he
               should
               be
               continually
               mindfull
               of
               her
               in
               his
               intercession
               before
               God
               his
               father
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               that
               to
               be
               his
               priestly
               office
               ,
               Heb.
               9.
               24.
               2
               
               That
               he
               should
               intirely
               and
               constantly
               affect
               her
               ,
               as
               there
               is
               no
               neerer
               conjunction
               then
               of
               that
               ,
               which
               is
               set
               as
               a
               seale
               ,
               and
               makes
               a
               deep
               impression
               on
               the
               very
               heart
               .
            
             
               Neither
               doth
               she
               onely
               desire
               to
               be
               set
               as
               a
               seale
               on
               his
               heart
               but
               likewise
               on
               his
               arme
               ,
               to
               show
               that
               she
               desires
               not
               onely
               his
               continuall
               remembrance
               of
               her
               ,
               as
               by
               the
               Prophet
               
               the
               Lord
               sayes
               ,
               For
               that
               cause
               behold
               I
               have
               graven
               thee
               upon
               the
               palms
               of
               my
               hand
               ,
               Isay
               .
               49.
               16.
               but
               likewise
               that
               she
               desires
               the
               manifestation
               of
               his
               affection
               by
               his
               actuall
               aid
               ,
               by
               supporting
               her
               in
               all
               her
               infirmities
               ,
               and
               his
               help
               of
               her
               against
               all
               her
               enemies
               ,
               and
               all
               this
               by
               his
               mighty
               power
               ,
               which
               is
               called
               the
               arme
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               
                 Isay
                 ,
                 40.
                 10
                 ,
                 11.
                 
                 Exod.
                 15
                 ,
                 16.
                 
                 Zech.
                 11.
                 17.
                 
                 Luk.
                 1.
                 51.
                 
                 Joh.
              
               12.
               38.
               
               And
               elsewhere
               in
               scripture
               .
            
             
               Thereafter
               ,
               she
               rendreth
               the
               reason
               of
               her
               desire
               ,
               from
               the
               nature
               and
               force
               of
               that
               sprirituall
               and
               fervent
               love
               which
               makes
               her
               so
               to
               sute
               this
               at
               his
               hands
               ,
               which
               she
               compares
               to
               three
               most
               strong
               things
               ,
               1.
               
               To
               death
               which
               overcomes
               all
               men
               ,
               as
               the
               Churches
               fervent
               love
               to
               Christ
               overcomes
               all
               temptations
               and
               most
               cruell
               sufferings
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               the
               example
               of
               Martyrs
               ,
               2.
               
               To
               the
               grave
               which
               is
               likewise
               invincible
               and
               devours
               up
               all
               ;
               and
               even
               so
               doth
               Christ's
               love
               ,
               (
               likned
               here
               to
               jealousie
               for
               the
               vehemency
               thereof
               that
               can
               abide
               no
               corrivall
               ,
               )
               overcome
               all
               difficulties
               ,
               3.
               
               To
               coales
               of
               fire
               ,
               which
               have
               a
               vehement
               flame
               that
               consume
               all
               the
               combustible
               matter
               of
               earthly
               trash
               that
               is
               cast
               into
               it
               ,
               yea
               unto
               such
               a
               flaming
               fire
               ,
               which
               all
               the
               waters
               of
               afflictions
               (
               as
               the
               Prophet
               expounds
               the
               same
               )
               Isay
               .
               43.
               2.
               yea
               the
               floods
               thereof
               (
               as
               we
               have
               ,
               Rev.
               12.
               15.
               
               )
               cannot
               quench
               or
               drown
               it
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               showes
               us
               ,
               Rom.
               8.
               35.
               
               And
               which
               being
               of
               a
               Heavenly
               nature
               ,
               by
               all
               that
               a
               man
               has
               of
               earthly
               and
               worldly
               things
               cannot
               be
               ballanced
               nor
               sufficiently
               appretiated
               ,
               which
               makes
               the
               merchant
               in
               the
               Gospell
               who
               overvalued
               the
               same
               above
               all
               these
               things
               ,
               to
               be
               accounted
               therefore
               the
               wise
               and
               prudent
               merchant
               ,
               Matth.
               13.
               
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 what
                 should
                 be
                 the
                 very
                 upshot
                 of
                 all
                 our
                 desires
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 in
                 Gods
                 favour
                 above
                 all
                 things
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 David
                 did
                 choose
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 4.
                 6.
                 
                 )
                 and
                 to
                 be
                 neerly
                 united
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 precious
                 in
                 his
                 sight
                 ,
                 and
                 had
                 by
                 him
                 in
                 perpetuall
                 remembrance
                 ,
                 and
                 ,
                 in
                 a
                 word
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 as
                 a
                 seal
                 on
                 his
                 heart
                 and
                 a
                 signet
                 on
                 his
                 arme
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 If
                 we
                 would
                 have
                 our selves
                 to
                 be
                 so
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 then
                 we
                 must
                 labour
                 that
                 he
                 be
                 so
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 seal
                 upon
                 
                 our
                 heart
                 ,
                 in
                 tender
                 love
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 neer
                 conjunction
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 mindfulness
                 ever
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 having
                 the
                 stamp
                 of
                 his
                 Image
                 imprinted
                 on
                 our
                 soules
                 ,
                 that
                 thereby
                 we
                 may
                 be
                 known
                 ,
                 (
                 like
                 Cesars
                 coine
                 )
                 that
                 we
                 belong
                 to
                 him
                 :
                 neither
                 let
                 us
                 set
                 him
                 onely
                 as
                 a
                 seal
                 on
                 our
                 heart
                 by
                 inward
                 piety
                 ,
                 but
                 likewise
                 on
                 our
                 arme
                 by
                 outward
                 practice
                 thereof
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 that
                 ,
                 That
                 which
                 makes
                 her
                 to
                 desire
                 to
                 be
                 set
                 as
                 a
                 seale
                 on
                 his
                 heart
                 and
                 arme
                 ,
                 is
                 ,
                 strong
                 love
                 towards
                 him
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 although
                 our
                 faith
                 and
                 other
                 graces
                 be
                 feeble
                 and
                 faint
                 in
                 us
                 ,
                 yet
                 if
                 our
                 hearts
                 tell
                 us
                 that
                 our
                 love
                 to
                 Christ
                 is
                 strong
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 with
                 Peter
                 we
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 Lord
                 thou
                 knowest
                 that
                 I
                 love
                 thee
                 ,
                 the
                 same
                 may
                 be
                 a
                 great
                 comfort
                 unto
                 us
                 ,
                 John
                 21.
                 17.
                 
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 out
                 of
                 this
                 strong
                 love
                 of
                 hers
                 towards
                 him
                 that
                 makes
                 her
                 so
                 earnestly
                 desire
                 this
                 spirituall
                 union
                 with
                 him
                 to
                 be
                 as
                 a
                 seale
                 on
                 his
                 heart
                 and
                 arme
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 know
                 our
                 love
                 to
                 Christ
                 by
                 this
                 our
                 desire
                 ,
                 and
                 degree
                 thereof
                 ,
                 for
                 where
                 our
                 love
                 is
                 small
                 or
                 feeble
                 ,
                 strong
                 or
                 fervent
                 ,
                 so
                 will
                 our
                 desire
                 be
                 of
                 this
                 spirituall
                 union
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 The
                 love
                 she
                 carries
                 to
                 him
                 is
                 compared
                 to
                 coales
                 of
                 fire
                 ,
                 which
                 indeed
                 (
                 like
                 that
                 which
                 came
                 down
                 from
                 Heaven
                 ,
                 to
                 kindle
                 and
                 consume
                 the
                 sacrifices
                 )
                 is
                 of
                 a
                 heavenly
                 descent
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 compared
                 to
                 fire
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 baptist
                 speaks
                 of
                 our
                 inward
                 baptism
                 )
                 1.
                 
                 Because
                 as
                 fire
                 has
                 light
                 with
                 it
                 ,
                 so
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 Christ
                 has
                 the
                 knowledge
                 of
                 him
                 whom
                 we
                 love
                 ,
                 
                   Ignoti
                   enim
                   nulla
                   cupido
                
                 .
                 2.
                 
                 Fire
                 has
                 heat
                 and
                 warmness
                 with
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 has
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 whereby
                 it
                 heats
                 our
                 cold
                 and
                 frozen
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 warmes
                 them
                 with
                 mutuall
                 love
                 to
                 God
                 and
                 zeal
                 of
                 his
                 glory
                 .
                 3.
                 
                 Fire
                 purges
                 the
                 drosse
                 of
                 mettalls
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 does
                 Christ's
                 love
                 ,
                 our
                 hearts
                 from
                 corruption
                 .
                 4.
                 
                 Fire
                 melts
                 the
                 good
                 mettall
                 and
                 makes
                 it
                 plyable
                 to
                 the
                 hand
                 of
                 the
                 Goldsmith
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 does
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 makes
                 it
                 plyable
                 to
                 the
                 operation
                 of
                 the
                 spirit
                 ,
                 5.
                 
                 Fire
                 in
                 the
                 flame
                 thereof
                 bends
                 continually
                 upward
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 does
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 Christ
                 seeking
                 his
                 glory
                 and
                 those
                 things
                 that
                 are
                 above
                 :
                 therefore
                 let
                 us
                 trie
                 by
                 these
                 works
                 and
                 operations
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 have
                 in
                 us
                 the
                 true
                 love
                 of
                 Christ
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 By
                 these
                 things
                 whereunto
                 this
                 spirituall
                 love
                 is
                 compared
                 which
                 are
                 in
                 themselves
                 invincible
                 and
                 overcome
                 all
                 other
                 ,
                 especially
                 such
                 a
                 flaming
                 fire
                 which
                 no
                 waters
                 nor
                 the
                 
                 floods
                 thereof
                 can
                 any
                 way
                 quench
                 ,
                 and
                 whereby
                 (
                 as
                 is
                 said
                 )
                 are
                 understood
                 the
                 sharpest
                 afflictions
                 or
                 most
                 cruell
                 persecutions
                 ,
                 we
                 may
                 see
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 most
                 soveraigne
                 preservative
                 and
                 fortification
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 against
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 trouble
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 stand
                 as
                 the
                 well
                 built
                 house
                 against
                 all
                 stormy
                 tempests
                 ,
                 whatsoever
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 Christ
                 and
                 of
                 his
                 sacred
                 truth
                 ,
                 which
                 shall
                 make
                 us
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 speaks
                 and
                 Martyrs
                 practised
                 )
                 to
                 triumph
                 ,
                 saying
                 ,
                 In
                 all
                 these
                 we
                 are
                 more
                 then
                 conquerours
                 .
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 This
                 clause
                 which
                 sayes
                 ,
                 If
                 a
                 man
                 would
                 give
                 all
                 the
                 substance
                 of
                 his
                 house
                 for
                 love
                 it
                 would
                 utterly
                 be
                 contemned
                 ,
                 showes
                 ,
                 that
                 although
                 worldling's
                 hearts
                 may
                 be
                 wonne
                 by
                 Satans
                 temptation
                 from
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 Christ
                 and
                 his
                 truth
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 see
                 in
                 
                   Demas
                   ,
                   2
                   Tim.
                
                 4.
                 10.
                 yet
                 in
                 them
                 that
                 are
                 truly
                 godly
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 such
                 force
                 in
                 any
                 worldly
                 treasures
                 ,
                 who
                 count
                 all
                 things
                 but
                 dung
                 and
                 losse
                 in
                 comparison
                 of
                 the
                 saving
                 knowledge
                 of
                 Christ
                 Jesus
                 their
                 Lord.
                 
              
               
                 8.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 the
                 two
                 maine
                 temptations
                 whereby
                 Satan
                 seeks
                 to
                 alienate
                 or
                 draw
                 away
                 our
                 hearts
                 from
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 Christ
                 and
                 his
                 truth
                 ,
                 and
                 make
                 us
                 quit
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 the
                 waters
                 and
                 floods
                 of
                 trouble
                 and
                 persecution
                 on
                 the
                 one
                 hand
                 ;
                 and
                 if
                 that
                 cannot
                 serve
                 the
                 turne
                 ,
                 then
                 the
                 allurement
                 of
                 worldly
                 riches
                 which
                 overcame
                 Judas
                 ,
                 and
                 wherewith
                 he
                 tempted
                 Christs
                 himself
                 ,
                 showing
                 him
                 all
                 the
                 kingdomes
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 and
                 the
                 glory
                 thereof
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               8.
               
               We
               have
               a
               little
               sister
               ,
               and
               she
               hath
               no
               breasts
               ,
               what
               shall
               we
               do
               for
               our
               sister
               in
               the
               day
               when
               she
               shall
               be
               spoken
               for
               ?
            
             
               Here
               this
               holy
               and
               heavenly
               Song
               drawes
               to
               an
               end
               .
               In
               the
               conclusion
               whereof
               we
               have
               these
               points
               ,
               1.
               
               A
               consultation
               or
               demand
               concerning
               the
               Church
               of
               the
               Gentiles
               which
               she
               prophesies
               shal
               be
               gathered
               to
               Christ
               ,
               together
               with
               a
               declaration
               of
               her
               great
               glory
               ,
               2.
               
               There
               is
               a
               comparison
               made
               between
               Solomons
               frultfull
               vineyard
               ,
               and
               Christ's
               Church
               on
               earth
               ,
               3.
               
               We
               have
               a
               postulation
               or
               desire
               that
               she
               may
               enjoy
               still
               the
               benefit
               of
               his
               word
               here
               ,
               with
               a
               sanctified
               care
               and
               heart
               to
               hearken
               thereto
               ,
               and
               believe
               the
               
               same
               ,
               and
               that
               he
               would
               hasten
               his
               second
               coming
               to
               Judgment
               ,
               when
               she
               might
               no
               longer
               walk
               by
               faith
               but
               by
               sight
               ,
               and
               injoy
               his
               presence
               for
               ever
               in
               the
               heavens
               hereafter
               .
            
             
               Concerning
               the
               first
               of
               these
               ,
               we
               know
               before
               our
               Saviours
               suffering
               and
               ascending
               to
               the
               heavens
               that
               the
               Church
               was
               then
               onely
               within
               the
               pale
               of
               the
               Jewish
               nation
               ,
               who
               were
               at
               that
               time
               Gods
               onely
               peculiar
               people
               to
               whom
               his
               oracles
               were
               committed
               ,
               Eph.
               2.
               12.
               all
               others
               being
               counted
               sinners
               of
               the
               Gentiles
               ,
               and
               aliens
               from
               the
               Common-wealth
               of
               Israel
               ,
               till
               the
               partition-wall
               was
               removed
               ,
               and
               that
               was
               performed
               which
               was
               promised
               to
               the
               Sonne
               ,
               Psal
               .
               2.
               8.
               
               And
               againe
               ,
               I
               have
               made
               thee
               a
               light
               to
               the
               Gentiles
               ,
               and
               the
               salvation
               to
               the
               ends
               of
               the
               earth
               :
               which
               by
               a
               vision
               was
               declared
               to
               Peter
               ,
               whereby
               he
               saw
               ,
               that
               God
               had
               put
               no
               difference
               (
               as
               he
               sayes
               himself
               )
               between
               Jewes
               and
               Gentiles
               ,
               after
               that
               by
               faith
               he
               had
               purified
               their
               hearts
               ,
               Act.
               10.
               13.
               and
               9.
               
               Of
               this
               conversion
               then
               of
               the
               Gentiles
               &
               enlargement
               of
               the
               Church
               the
               spouse
               here
               speaks
               ,
               saying
               ,
               We
               have
               a
               little
               sister
               and
               she
               bath
               no
               breasts
               :
               where
               we
               have
               to
               consider
               ,
               1.
               
               How
               she
               calles
               her
               ,
               2.
               
               How
               she
               sayes
               ,
               We
               in
               the
               plurall
               ,
               3.
               
               How
               she
               sayes
               in
               the
               present
               ,
               we
               have
               a
               little
               sister
               ,
               4.
               
               How
               she
               is
               said
               to
               have
               no
               breasts
               ,
               and.
               5.
               
               The
               care
               that
               she
               has
               of
               her
               ,
               saying
               ,
               What
               shall
               we
               do
               for
               our
               sister
               in
               the
               day
               that
               she
               shal
               be
               spoken
               for
               ?
            
             
               The
               speech
               then
               it self
               we
               see
               is
               Metaphoricall
               taken
               from
               the
               manner
               of
               Elder
               sisters
               that
               are
               espoused
               ,
               their
               speaking
               of
               their
               younger
               that
               is
               not
               yet
               for
               marriage
               ,
               being
               but
               little
               in
               stature
               and
               having
               no
               breasts
               ,
               or
               paps
               formed
               and
               ●it
               to
               containe
               milk
               and
               nourish
               up
               children
               ,
               and
               consulting
               as
               it
               were
               with
               friends
               ,
               against
               that
               time
               that
               she
               is
               ripe
               for
               marriage
               ,
               what
               is
               the
               best
               way
               to
               get
               her
               espoused
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               this
               being
               according
               to
               the
               manner
               of
               the
               Hebrewes
               (
               as
               has
               been
               noted
               before
               )
               that
               the
               whole
               is
               called
               the
               Mother
               ,
               and
               the
               parts
               of
               the
               Catholick
               Church
               are
               called
               sisters
               ,
               In
               this
               speech
               then
               ,
               the
               Jewish
               Church
               calles
               the
               Church
               of
               the
               Gentiles
               to
               be
               collected
               of
               all
               nations
               ,
               a
               sister
               ,
               1.
               
               In
               relation
               to
               Christ
               ,
               who
               is
               our
               elder
               brother
               ,
               and
               who
               calleth
               his
               Church
               whether
               of
               Jewes
               or
               Gentiles
               ,
               his
               sister
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Chap.
               5.
               2.
               
               Next
               ,
               in
               relation
               to
               her self
               ,
               for
               unity
               of
               one
               nature
               with
               her
               ,
               one
               faith
               ,
               one
               father
               ,
               one
               Spirit
               ,
               one
               Baptism
               ,
               and
               one
               in
               affection
               .
            
             
             
               Next
               ,
               this
               sister
               is
               called
               a
               little
               sister
               ,
               though
               this
               question
               might
               arise
               ,
               why
               she
               should
               call
               her
               so
               ,
               seeing
               the
               Church
               of
               the
               Gentiles
               in
               greatness
               and
               number
               was
               farre
               to
               exceed
               the
               Church
               of
               the
               Jewes
               ;
               whereunto
               I
               answer
               ,
               that
               she
               is
               so
               called
               ,
               1.
               
               Not
               in
               respect
               of
               her
               number
               which
               was
               to
               be
               ,
               but
               because
               of
               her
               number
               then
               ,
               which
               were
               but
               a
               few
               proselyts
               ;
               or
               else
               ,
               2.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               time
               ,
               because
               the
               time
               was
               not
               yet
               come
               that
               the
               Gentiles
               should
               be
               called
               ,
               and
               by
               faith
               espoused
               to
               Christ
               ,
               in
               respect
               whereof
               being
               of
               nonage
               she
               was
               as
               yet
               little
               ,
               or
               as
               a
               young
               damsell
               not
               ripe
               to
               be
               betrothed
               ;
               3.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               her
               condition
               at
               her
               first
               conversion
               ,
               at
               that
               time
               ,
               not
               being
               yet
               so
               numerous
               ;
               and
               ,
               4.
               
               She
               might
               be
               called
               little
               ,
               not
               onely
               in
               respect
               of
               number
               then
               (
               as
               is
               said
               ,
               )
               but
               also
               of
               strength
               ,
               stature
               ,
               and
               knowledge
               ;
               in
               all
               which
               after
               her
               first
               conversion
               being
               conformed
               ,
               she
               was
               daily
               onely
               to
               grow
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               It
               is
               said
               in
               the
               plurall
               ,
               
                 we
                 have
              
               a
               little
               sister
               ,
               though
               at
               that
               time
               there
               was
               no
               other
               Church
               but
               that
               one
               of
               the
               Jewes
               ,
               therefore
               including
               Christ
               in
               this
               speech
               with
               her self
               ,
               she
               sayes
               in
               the
               plurall
               ,
               We
               have
               a
               little
               sister
               ,
               thereby
               to
               show
               ,
               that
               the
               Church
               of
               the
               Gentiles
               is
               not
               onely
               a
               sister
               to
               the
               Church
               of
               the
               Jewes
               ,
               but
               also
               to
               Christ
               ,
               Rom.
               8.
               29.
               
               He
               being
               the
               first
               begotten
               amongst
               many
               brethren
               ,
               who
               are
               all
               (
               as
               the
               Apostle
               sayes
               ,
               )
               flesh
               of
               his
               flesh
               and
               bone
               of
               his
               bones
               ,
               Eph.
               5.
               
               As
               also
               to
               show
               that
               he
               loves
               her
               as
               dearly
               ,
               will
               care
               for
               her
               and
               protect
               her
               ,
               as
               ever
               he
               did
               the
               Church
               of
               the
               Jewes
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               She
               sayes
               in
               the
               present
               time
               
                 we
                 have
              
               a
               little
               sister
               ,
               although
               the
               Church
               of
               the
               Gentiles
               many
               hundreth
               years
               thereafter
               was
               not
               to
               be
               called
               ,
               1.
               
               In
               respect
               of
               predestination
               and
               Gods
               eternall
               decree
               ,
               unto
               whom
               all
               future
               things
               are
               as
               present
               in
               his
               sight
               ,
               2
               In
               respect
               of
               prediction
               ,
               and
               promises
               made
               thereanent
               ,
               which
               in
               all
               times
               are
               yea
               and
               
                 Amen
                 ,
                 2
                 Cor.
              
               1.
               20.
               3
               
               For
               the
               certainty
               of
               accomplishment
               in
               respect
               whereof
               to
               the
               eye
               of
               faith
               ,
               which
               gives
               a
               sort
               of
               being
               to
               things
               that
               are
               not
               yet
               ,
               things
               to
               come
               are
               present
               ,
               as
               also
               for
               the
               same
               respect
               the
               Scripture
               usually
               speaks
               (
               as
               here
               )
               of
               things
               to
               come
               as
               if
               they
               were
               present
               ,
               or
               praeterit
               ,
               as
               we
               
                 see
                 ,
                 Isay
              
               .
               53.
               3
               ,
               4
               ,
               5.
               and
               else
               where
               .
               For
               all
               these
               respects
               ,
               
               she
               sayes
               in
               the
               present
               ,
               
                 we
                 have
              
               a
               little
               sister
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               This
               little
               sister
               is
               said
               to
               have
               no
               breasts
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               a
               setled
               Ministry
               affording
               the
               sincere
               milk
               of
               sound
               doctrine
               out
               of
               the
               old
               and
               new
               Testament
               ;
               because
               as
               yet
               she
               was
               like
               Abraham
               before
               he
               was
               called
               out
               of
               Vr
               of
               the
               Chaldees
               ,
               Jos
               .
               24.
               2.
               sitting
               as
               yet
               in
               darkness
               and
               in
               the
               shaddow
               of
               death
               ,
               under
               grosse
               ignorance
               ,
               and
               damnable
               Idolatry
               ,
               till
               that
               light
               arose
               to
               her
               ,
               who
               is
               the
               Sunne
               of
               righteousness
               ,
               and
               she
               was
               called
               to
               be
               his
               people
               who
               was
               Lo-ammi
               ,
               no
               people
               at
               all
               ,
               which
               was
               by
               the
               preaching
               of
               the
               Gospell
               ,
               Hos
               .
               1.
               9
               ,
               10.
               
               Yea
               which
               estate
               of
               the
               Church
               of
               the
               Gentiles
               her
               not
               having
               a
               setled
               Ministry
               after
               the
               Gospell
               was
               preached
               ,
               and
               after
               Christ's
               ascension
               ,
               we
               may
               see
               in
               many
               place
               ,
               as
               ,
               Act.
               14.
               21
               ,
               22.
               and
               Ti●
               .
               1.
               5.
               does
               testifie
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               Touching
               the
               care
               that
               she
               has
               for
               this
               her
               little
               sister
               ,
               it
               is
               in
               these
               words
               ,
               What
               shall
               we
               do
               for
               our
               sister
               in
               the
               day
               that
               she
               shal
               be
               spoken
               for
               ?
               that
               is
               ,
               what
               furtherance
               shall
               we
               yield
               to
               her
               for
               her
               conversion
               ,
               increase
               and
               establishment
               in
               the
               truth
               ,
               when
               she
               becomes
               as
               a
               woo'd
               bride
               to
               Christ
               by
               the
               Ministry
               of
               the
               Gospell
               ,
               as
               Rebecca
               was
               to
               Isaac
               by
               the
               steward
               of
               Abrahams
               house
               .
               In
               the
               which
               work
               of
               conversion
               ,
               increase
               and
               establishment
               ,
               she
               acknowledges
               two
               agents
               ,
               one
               chief
               or
               principall
               ,
               and
               another
               Ministeriall
               or
               ●nstrumentall
               ,
               and
               therfore
               she
               speaks
               in
               the
               plurall
               number
               ,
               saying
               ,
               What
               shall
               we
               do
               ?
               the
               principall
               and
               fountaine-agent
               of
               all
               grace
               ,
               enlightning
               and
               establishment
               being
               Christ
               ,
               who
               is
               the
               Author
               of
               all
               blessings
               upon
               his
               Church
               ,
               and
               the
               ancient
               Church
               of
               the
               Jewes
               being
               the
               instrumentall
               agent
               when
               by
               the
               Ministry
               of
               the
               holy
               Apostles
               and
               Evangelists
               who
               were
               of
               the
               Jewish
               nation
               the
               Gospell
               was
               preached
               ,
               and
               as
               the
               Lord
               said
               to
               Ananias
               concerning
               Paul
               ,
               they
               were
               made
               chosen
               vessells
               to
               carry
               his
               name
               before
               the
               Gentiles
               ,
               Act.
               9.
               15.
               
            
             
               This
               therefore
               they
               did
               for
               their
               little
               sister
               in
               the
               day
               that
               she
               was
               spoken
               for
               ,
               and
               thereby
               ,
               1.
               
               Did
               let
               her
               see
               her
               base
               condition
               by
               nature
               ,
               before
               ,
               like
               poor
               captive
               Esther
               ,
               the
               King
               of
               kings
               set
               his
               love
               upon
               her
               ,
               2.
               
               The
               glorious
               and
               happy
               estate
               whereunto
               she
               was
               called
               ,
               Ezek.
               16.
               as
               we
               see
               the
               same
               typified
               ,
               Psal
               .
               45.
               
               And
               yet
               a
               farre
               more
               glorious
               estate
               whereunto
               she
               should
               be
               advanced
               in
               the
               kingdome
               of
               Glory
               ,
               
               described
               unto
               us
               ,
               Rev.
               21.
               
               And
               3.
               they
               did
               deal
               between
               her
               wooer
               and
               her
               ,
               with
               him
               by
               prayer
               ,
               and
               vvith
               her
               by
               preaching
               ,
               as
               Laban
               said
               concerning
               Rebecca
               to
               get
               her
               consent
               ,
               Gen.
               24.
               57.
               4
               
               As
               Abraham
               servant
               gave
               unto
               Rebecca
               jewells
               of
               silver
               ,
               and
               Jewells
               of
               Gold
               and
               raiment
               ,
               v.
               53.
               to
               adorne
               and
               prepare
               her
               for
               his
               Master
               ,
               even
               so
               as
               instruments
               of
               the
               grace
               of
               Gods
               spirit
               by
               their
               Ministry
               ,
               they
               did
               prepare
               and
               adorne
               her
               likevvise
               as
               a
               bride
               to
               present
               her
               to
               Christ
               .
               And
               ,
               5.
               
               As
               the
               Apostle
               did
               the
               Galatians
               and
               others
               ,
               they
               vvatched
               over
               her
               and
               vvarned
               her
               that
               she
               should
               not
               be
               tempted
               by
               other
               base
               and
               allureing
               wooers
               ,
               and
               dore
               in
               her
               affection
               ,
               or
               like
               Dinah
               gad
               by
               inconstancy
               and
               go
               a
               whoring
               after
               any
               such
               ,
               but
               keep
               her self
               as
               a
               chaste
               virgin
               to
               her
               heavenly
               bridegroom
               ,
               till
               the
               day
               of
               the
               solemnization
               of
               the
               marriage
               with
               her
               in
               the
               highest
               Heavens
               ,
               when
               Christ
               shall
               say
               ,
               Even
               so
               I
               take
               her
               before
               my
               Father
               ,
               and
               before
               his
               Angells
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 by
                 the
                 style
                 which
                 the
                 Church
                 of
                 the
                 Gentiles
                 gets
                 ,
                 that
                 all
                 particular
                 and
                 nationall
                 Churches
                 are
                 but
                 sister-Churches
                 ,
                 and
                 none
                 such
                 may
                 claime
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 Mother
                 universall
                 Church
                 and
                 Mistresse
                 over
                 all
                 ,
                 as
                 falsly
                 and
                 ridiculously
                 the
                 Roman
                 Church
                 now
                 does
                 ,
                 and
                 her
                 proud
                 Papall
                 Bishop
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 universall
                 Monarch
                 of
                 the
                 Church
                 ,
                 and
                 Head
                 over
                 all
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Where
                 in
                 the
                 plurall
                 number
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 a
                 little
                 sister
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 that
                 the
                 Church
                 of
                 the
                 Gentiles
                 is
                 a
                 sister
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 that
                 of
                 the
                 beleeving
                 Jewes
                 ,
                 We
                 see
                 (
                 as
                 has
                 been
                 noted
                 before
                 )
                 our
                 dignity
                 who
                 are
                 true
                 believers
                 ,
                 with
                 the
                 sweet
                 comforts
                 that
                 result
                 therefrom
                 ,
                 Chap.
                 5.
                 2.
                 
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 In
                 respect
                 of
                 Gods
                 decree
                 ,
                 prediction
                 ,
                 and
                 promises
                 concerning
                 the
                 calling
                 of
                 the
                 Gentiles
                 ,
                 that
                 she
                 sayes
                 in
                 the
                 present
                 time
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 a
                 little
                 sister
                 ,
                 we
                 do
                 observe
                 that
                 the
                 decree
                 and
                 promises
                 of
                 God
                 for
                 things
                 to
                 come
                 ,
                 are
                 so
                 certaine
                 and
                 infallible
                 ,
                 that
                 faith
                 doth
                 justly
                 apprehend
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 speak
                 of
                 them
                 before
                 they
                 be
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 they
                 were
                 already
                 ,
                 which
                 showes
                 the
                 nature
                 of
                 faith
                 to
                 be
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 describes
                 it
                 ,
                 Heb.
                 11.
                 1.
                 as
                 also
                 serves
                 much
                 to
                 establish
                 to
                 us
                 
                 the
                 comfort
                 of
                 Gods
                 promises
                 in
                 greatest
                 extremities
                 to
                 our
                 great
                 joy
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Concerning
                 the
                 care
                 that
                 she
                 has
                 of
                 her
                 little
                 sister
                 ,
                 saying
                 ,
                 what
                 shall
                 we
                 do
                 for
                 her
                 ?
                 &c.
                 We
                 see
                 that
                 the
                 loving
                 duties
                 arising
                 from
                 zeal
                 and
                 charity
                 and
                 as
                 members
                 of
                 one
                 body
                 ,
                 that
                 one
                 sister
                 Church
                 can
                 do
                 to
                 another
                 for
                 their
                 mutuall
                 help
                 ,
                 strength
                 or
                 establishment
                 ,
                 most
                 willingly
                 and
                 readily
                 they
                 ought
                 to
                 performe
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 Whereas
                 she
                 sayes
                 ,
                 What
                 shall
                 we
                 do
                 ?
                 we
                 see
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 enough
                 onely
                 to
                 wish
                 good
                 to
                 the
                 faithfull
                 ,
                 or
                 ,
                 as
                 James
                 sayes
                 ,
                 to
                 show
                 our
                 charity
                 onely
                 by
                 words
                 ,
                 Jam.
                 2.
                 16.
                 but
                 as
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 sayes
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Do
                 good
                 unto
                 Sion
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 51.
                 18.
                 even
                 so
                 we
                 should
                 do
                 good
                 to
                 the
                 faithfull
                 ,
                 and
                 both
                 our
                 faith
                 and
                 charity
                 should
                 be
                 seene
                 by
                 works
                 :
                 for
                 as
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 (
                 sayes
                 the
                 Apostle
                 )
                 without
                 the
                 spirit
                 is
                 dead
                 ,
                 even
                 so
                 is
                 faith
                 which
                 is
                 without
                 works
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 She
                 sayes
                 ,
                 What
                 shall
                 we
                 do
                 for
                 her
                 in
                 the
                 day
                 that
                 she
                 shal
                 be
                 wooed
                 or
                 spoken
                 for
                 ,
                 whereby
                 we
                 see
                 what
                 the
                 preaching
                 of
                 the
                 Gospell
                 is
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 even
                 like
                 Abrahams
                 message
                 by
                 the
                 steward
                 of
                 his
                 house
                 ,
                 concerning
                 a
                 wife
                 to
                 his
                 sonne
                 Isaac
                 ,
                 even
                 a
                 wooing
                 of
                 a
                 spouse
                 and
                 preparing
                 her
                 for
                 Christ
                 .
                 And
                 therefore
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 When
                 ever
                 we
                 heare
                 Gods
                 word
                 we
                 should
                 consider
                 what
                 is
                 intended
                 therein
                 ,
                 and
                 accordingly
                 attend
                 thereto
                 ,
                 and
                 count
                 it
                 our
                 greatest
                 happiness
                 if
                 it
                 produce
                 this
                 effect
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 woe
                 and
                 winne
                 us
                 to
                 Christ
                 .
                 And.
                 2.
                 
                 This
                 should
                 be
                 the
                 scope
                 of
                 all
                 faithfull
                 pastors
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 woe
                 people
                 or
                 wed
                 them
                 to
                 themselves
                 by
                 gaining
                 their
                 applause
                 ,
                 or
                 seeking
                 their
                 own
                 estimation
                 ;
                 but
                 to
                 woe
                 and
                 wed
                 them
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 as
                 was
                 the
                 Apostles
                 practice
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 all
                 true
                 pastors
                 ,
                 2
                 
                   Cor.
                   11.
                   2.
                   
                   Qui
                   non
                   quae
                   sua
                   sed
                   quae
                   Christi
                   quaerebant
                   ,
                   aliis
                   que
                   planctum
                   non
                   sibi
                   plausum
                   movebant
                   .
                
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 said
                 in
                 like
                 manner
                 ▪
                 In
                 the
                 day
                 that
                 she
                 shal
                 be
                 spoken
                 for
                 :
                 to
                 show
                 us
                 thereby
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 day
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 has
                 appointed
                 for
                 the
                 conversion
                 of
                 such
                 as
                 belong
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 see
                 in
                 the
                 parable
                 of
                 those
                 who
                 were
                 called
                 to
                 the
                 vineyard
                 at
                 severall
                 houres
                 ,
                 Matth.
                 20.
                 
                 And
                 in
                 the
                 conversion
                 of
                 the
                 thief
                 upon
                 the
                 crosse
                 ;
                 and
                 of
                 Paul
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 a
                 persecutor
                 :
                 wherefore
                 we
                 should
                 neither
                 despair
                 of
                 the
                 conversion
                 of
                 any
                 ,
                 though
                 a
                 most
                 wicked
                 Manasseth
                 ,
                 or
                 an
                 Idolatrous
                 heathen
                 ,
                 see
                 ,
                 Ezek.
                 16.
                 (
                 as
                 all
                 the
                 Gentiles
                 were
                 ,
                 yea
                 
                 Abraham
                 himself
                 before
                 his
                 calling
                 out
                 of
                 Vr
                 of
                 the
                 Chaldeans
                 )
                 for
                 we
                 know
                 not
                 the
                 day
                 when
                 they
                 may
                 be
                 woed
                 and
                 wonne
                 unto
                 Christ
                 .
                 Neither
                 should
                 we
                 our selves
                 let
                 such
                 a
                 precious
                 and
                 happy
                 day
                 passe
                 when
                 it
                 comes
                 ,
                 unmade
                 use
                 of
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 lest
                 if
                 we
                 do
                 so
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 Pro.
                 1.
                 28.
                 and
                 in
                 the
                 example
                 of
                 the
                 foolish
                 virgins
                 ,
                 a
                 day
                 of
                 distresse
                 and
                 destruction
                 come
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 wherein
                 though
                 we
                 call
                 and
                 knock
                 ,
                 he
                 heare
                 us
                 not
                 ,
                 nor
                 make
                 us
                 no
                 answer
                 .
              
               
                 8.
                 
                 Last
                 of
                 all
                 ,
                 seeing
                 the
                 Church
                 of
                 the
                 Jewes
                 had
                 this
                 care
                 and
                 love
                 to
                 her
                 little
                 sister
                 ,
                 the
                 Church
                 of
                 the
                 Gentiles
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 by
                 ,
                 the
                 Ministry
                 of
                 the
                 holy
                 Apostles
                 who
                 were
                 Jewes
                 by
                 nation
                 ,
                 the
                 Gospell
                 of
                 grace
                 was
                 convoyed
                 to
                 her
                 ;
                 It
                 is
                 our
                 part
                 now
                 to
                 be
                 as
                 loving
                 and
                 carefull
                 for
                 our
                 elder
                 sister
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 earnest
                 with
                 the
                 Lord
                 in
                 her
                 behalf
                 for
                 her
                 conversion
                 and
                 inbringing
                 who
                 was
                 the
                 naturall
                 olive
                 ,
                 and
                 cut
                 off
                 by
                 her
                 unbelief
                 ,
                 onely
                 for
                 our
                 behoof
                 ,
                 as
                 she
                 was
                 for
                 us
                 ,
                 when
                 vve
                 vvere
                 vvithout
                 and
                 aliens
                 to
                 the
                 Common-wealth
                 of
                 Israel
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               9.
               
               If
               she
               be
               a
               wall
               ,
               we
               will
               build
               upon
               her
               a
               palace
               of
               silver
               ,
               and
               if
               she
               be
               a
               dore
               we
               will
               inclose
               her
               with
               boords
               of
               Cedar
               .
            
             
               Followes
               here
               ,
               Christs
               answer
               and
               resolution
               to
               the
               former
               question
               ,
               saying
               ,
               If
               she
               be
               a
               wall
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               vvell
               grounded
               on
               that
               foundation
               ,
               mentioned
               Ephes
               .
               2.
               20.
               of
               the
               prophets
               and
               Apostles
               ;
               and
               described
               also
               ,
               Rev.
               21.
               14.
               
               And
               be
               built
               up
               or
               edified
               in
               the
               truth
               of
               salvation
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               
                 Eph.
                 4.
                 12.
                 
                 (
                 we
                 )
              
               that
               is
               ,
               Christ
               inwardly
               and
               effectually
               by
               his
               grace
               ,
               and
               her
               sister
               Church
               of
               the
               Jewes
               ,
               outwardly
               and
               Ministerially
               by
               the
               vvord
               (
               will
               build
               upon
               her
               a
               palace
               of
               silver
               )
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               we
               vvill
               further
               and
               promove
               in
               knowledge
               and
               grace
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               grouth
               thereof
               ,
               that
               so
               she
               may
               be
               a
               fit
               and
               glorious
               habitation
               to
               God
               through
               the
               spirit
               ,
               as
               we
               find
               mentioned
               ,
               Ephes
               .
               2.
               22.
               
               Silver
               ,
               noting
               here
               the
               excellency
               ,
               purlty
               ,
               and
               durableness
               of
               this
               palace
               ,
               not
               being
               of
               combustible
               matter
               ,
               and
               richly
               decked
               and
               adorned
               with
               the
               graces
               of
               Gods
               spirit
               .
               And
               if
               she
               be
               a
               dore
               or
               gate
               ,
               that
               (
               as
               is
               said
               ,
               Psal
               .
               24.
               7.
               
               )
               the
               king
               of
               Glory
               may
               come
               in
               thereat
               ,
               
               or
               cast
               open
               for
               calling
               and
               admitting
               others
               ,
               as
               is
               said
               ,
               Isay
               .
               60.
               11.
               
               Therefore
               thy
               gates
               shal
               be
               open
               continually
               ,
               they
               shall
               not
               be
               shut
               ,
               day
               nor
               night
               ,
               that
               men
               may
               bring
               to
               thee
               the
               forces
               of
               the
               nations
               ,
               and
               that
               their
               kings
               may
               be
               brought
               .
               And
               againe
               ,
               Isay
               26.
               2.
               
               Open
               yee
               the
               gates
               ,
               that
               the
               righteous
               nation
               that
               keeps
               the
               truth
               may
               enter
               in
               ,
               then
               (
               sayes
               he
               )
               vve
               vvill
               inclose
               her
               about
               vvith
               boords
               of
               Cedar
               ,
               vvhich
               vvas
               a
               sort
               of
               wood
               that
               vvas
               used
               in
               the
               fabrick
               both
               of
               the
               ark
               ,
               as
               the
               most
               precious
               and
               durable
               wood
               ,
               as
               also
               in
               the
               building
               of
               the
               Temple
               of
               Solomon
               ;
               and
               therefore
               fitly
               here
               applyed
               to
               the
               Christian
               Church
               ,
               she
               being
               the
               habitation
               of
               the
               Lord
               by
               his
               spirit
               ,
               and
               the
               Temple
               of
               the
               true
               Solomon
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               ;
               to
               denotate
               thereby
               the
               precious
               and
               durable
               endowments
               of
               the
               gifts
               of
               Gods
               spirit
               vvhereby
               he
               was
               to
               adorne
               and
               fortifie
               her
               ,
               and
               vvhich
               by
               the
               Ministry
               of
               his
               servants
               he
               was
               to
               bestow
               upon
               her
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 that
                 the
                 Church
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 every
                 true
                 member
                 thereof
                 should
                 be
                 like
                 a
                 wall
                 ,
                 not
                 wavering
                 but
                 stable
                 in
                 the
                 truth
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 should
                 not
                 be
                 carried
                 about
                 with
                 every
                 wind
                 of
                 doctrine
                 ,
                 but
                 be
                 rooted
                 in
                 the
                 faith
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 are
                 exhorted
                 ,
                 Coloss
                 .
                 2.
                 7.
                 that
                 so
                 like
                 the
                 house
                 by
                 the
                 wiseman
                 built
                 upon
                 the
                 rock
                 ,
                 Matth.
                 7.
                 25.
                 they
                 may
                 stand
                 against
                 all
                 assaults
                 ;
                 and
                 as
                 is
                 said
                 ,
                 Colos
                 .
                 1.
                 11.
                 they
                 may
                 be
                 strengthned
                 with
                 all
                 might
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 that
                 cause
                 they
                 should
                 labour
                 for
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 the
                 truth
                 ,
                 vvhich
                 because
                 some
                 received
                 not
                 (
                 sayes
                 the
                 Apostle
                 )
                 that
                 they
                 might
                 be
                 saved
                 ,
                 for
                 this
                 cause
                 God
                 sent
                 them
                 strong
                 delusion
                 to
                 believe
                 a
                 lie
                 ,
                 2
                 Thess
                 .
                 2.
                 10.
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 the
                 straightness
                 of
                 the
                 communion
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 amongst
                 themselves
                 ,
                 that
                 as
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 calleth
                 Jerusalem
                 a
                 City
                 that
                 is
                 compact
                 together
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 122.
                 3.
                 so
                 here
                 they
                 are
                 compared
                 to
                 lively
                 stones
                 compacted
                 ,
                 (
                 or
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 sayes
                 )
                 fitly
                 framed
                 ,
                 Eph.
                 2.
                 21.
                 
                 And
                 firmly
                 builded
                 into
                 one
                 wall
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 unity
                 of
                 one
                 faith
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 cementing
                 of
                 the
                 bond
                 of
                 love
                 and
                 of
                 one
                 spirit
                 ,
                 vvhich
                 they
                 should
                 keep
                 fast
                 ,
                 vvithout
                 schism
                 or
                 rupture
                 ,
                 that
                 peace
                 may
                 be
                 within
                 the
                 Church
                 her
                 vvalls
                 ,
                 and
                 prosperity
                 within
                 her
                 palaces
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 
                 122.
                 7.
                 
                 Which
                 how
                 good
                 and
                 pleasant
                 a
                 thing
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 declares
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 133.
                 1.
                 
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 (
                 as
                 in
                 the
                 parable
                 of
                 the
                 gainers
                 by
                 their
                 talents
                 ,
                 )
                 that
                 to
                 them
                 who
                 have
                 solid
                 and
                 true
                 grace
                 more
                 shall
                 be
                 given
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 sayes
                 our
                 Saviour
                 here
                 ,
                 If
                 she
                 be
                 a
                 wall
                 already
                 ,
                 vve
                 will
                 build
                 a
                 silver
                 palace
                 upon
                 her
                 .
                 Wherefore
                 this
                 should
                 teach
                 us
                 to
                 be
                 carefull
                 to
                 get
                 true
                 grace
                 setled
                 in
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 assuredly
                 where
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 by
                 this
                 as
                 by
                 one
                 property
                 thereof
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 known
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 by
                 grouth
                 and
                 a
                 further
                 increase
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 the
                 excellency
                 of
                 the
                 Church
                 and
                 her
                 preciousnesse
                 in
                 Gods
                 sight
                 ,
                 how
                 meane
                 and
                 contemptible
                 soever
                 in
                 the
                 eyes
                 of
                 vvorldings
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 that
                 she
                 is
                 like
                 a
                 glorious
                 and
                 rich
                 silver
                 palace
                 of
                 Gods
                 owne
                 building
                 ;
                 for
                 which
                 cause
                 he
                 sayeth
                 ,
                 We
                 vvill
                 build
                 upon
                 her
                 a
                 palace
                 of
                 silver
                 ,
                 which
                 should
                 be
                 a
                 motive
                 to
                 all
                 men
                 to
                 seek
                 to
                 be
                 true
                 members
                 of
                 this
                 Church
                 .
                 As
                 likewise
                 showes
                 unto
                 us
                 ,
                 if
                 she
                 be
                 so
                 glorious
                 and
                 beautifull
                 in
                 her
                 Pilgrimage
                 and
                 militant
                 estate
                 ,
                 absent
                 from
                 her
                 Lord
                 ,
                 how
                 glorious
                 and
                 beautifull
                 vvill
                 she
                 be
                 in
                 her
                 heavenly
                 country
                 being
                 present
                 vvith
                 him
                 and
                 triumphant
                 in
                 glory
                 !
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               10.
               
               I
               am
               a
               wall
               ,
               and
               my
               breasts
               like
               towers
               ,
               then
               was
               I
               in
               his
               eyes
               ,
               as
               one
               that
               found
               favour
               .
            
             
               Here
               this
               little
               sister
               is
               brought
               in
               ,
               showing
               that
               she
               is
               a
               wall
               built
               on
               that
               foundation
               ,
               spoken
               of
               Eph.
               2.
               20.
               and
               Revel
               .
               21.
               12.
               and
               has
               not
               onely
               breasts
               ,
               but
               breasts
               like
               to
               towers
               ,
               all
               which
               she
               acknowledges
               not
               to
               be
               from
               nature
               ;
               or
               any
               merit
               of
               hers
               ,
               but
               from
               the
               free
               grace
               of
               God
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               shovves
               ,
               and
               that
               favour
               that
               she
               sayes
               here
               ,
               she
               found
               in
               his
               eyes
               .
               Thus
               then
               for
               the
               certainty
               of
               faith
               (
               as
               has
               been
               noted
               before
               )
               she
               is
               brought
               in
               here
               ,
               speaking
               of
               that
               vvhich
               was
               to
               come
               ,
               as
               of
               a
               thing
               present
               .
               She
               vvas
               therefore
               this
               wall
               that
               is
               spoken
               of
               ,
               when
               by
               the
               planting
               ,
               and
               after
               watering
               of
               the
               Apostles
               ,
               she
               vvas
               conformed
               in
               the
               Gospell
               of
               Christ
               ,
               and
               the
               Lord
               gave
               her
               that
               increase
               that
               is
               spoken
               of
               by
               Ezekiel
               when
               she
               
               multiplied
               as
               the
               bud
               of
               the
               field
               ,
               Ezek.
               16.
               7.
               and
               vvhich
               was
               foretold
               by
               Isay
               ,
               who
               brings
               in
               the
               Jewish
               Church
               with
               admiration
               saying
               ,
               Isay
               .
               49.
               21.
               
               Who
               hath
               begotten
               me
               these
               ,
               seeing
               I
               have
               lo●t
               my
               Children
               ,
               and
               am
               desolate
               ?
               therefore
               thus
               sayeth
               the
               Lord
               God
               ,
               behold
               I
               vvill
               lift
               up
               mine
               hand
               to
               the
               Gentiles
               ,
               and
               set
               up
               my
               standard
               to
               the
               people
               ,
               and
               they
               shall
               bring
               thy
               sonnes
               in
               their
               armes
               ,
               and
               thy
               daughters
               shal
               be
               carried
               upon
               their
               shoulders
               .
               And
               Kings
               shal
               be
               thy
               nursing
               fathers
               and
               Queens
               thy
               noursing
               mothers
               ,
               Verse
               .
               22
               ,
               23.
               &c.
               and
               which
               thing
               we
               see
               beganne
               to
               be
               performed
               in
               that
               notable
               work
               of
               conversion
               ,
               Act.
               2.
               41.
               
            
             
               Likewise
               her
               breasts
               are
               said
               to
               be
               like
               Tovvers
               ,
               and
               so
               not
               onely
               comly
               fashioned
               ,
               as
               the
               Lord
               speaks
               ,
               Ezek.
               16.
               7.
               but
               so
               abounding
               in
               the
               plenty
               and
               power
               of
               the
               Gospell
               of
               grace
               ,
               that
               she
               afforded
               as
               a
               Mother
               such
               plenty
               of
               the
               sincere
               Milk
               of
               the
               word
               unto
               the
               multitudes
               of
               her
               children
               and
               converts
               ,
               whereby
               they
               abounded
               ,
               and
               (
               as
               the
               Apostle
               speakes
               )
               were
               so
               filled
               with
               knowledge
               that
               they
               had
               the
               word
               of
               Christ
               in
               all
               wisdome
               dwelling
               in
               them
               richly
               ,
               Col.
               3.
               16.
               
               All
               which
               (
               as
               has
               been
               said
               )
               she
               acknowledges
               to
               have
               received
               ,
               from
               the
               meer
               and
               free
               favour
               of
               God
               which
               she
               found
               in
               his
               eyes
               who
               is
               her
               heavenly
               husband
               ,
               as
               is
               shown
               at
               length
               ,
               Ezek.
               16.
               that
               so
               all
               the
               glory
               of
               this
               work
               of
               grace
               may
               be
               to
               him
               onely
               ,
               to
               whom
               glory
               belongeth
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 here
                 our
                 happiness
                 (
                 if
                 we
                 make
                 good
                 use
                 thereof
                 )
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Lords
                 gracious
                 dealing
                 towards
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 vve
                 are
                 borne
                 and
                 live
                 in
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 the
                 plenty
                 and
                 clear
                 light
                 of
                 the
                 Gospell
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 breasts
                 of
                 the
                 Church
                 are
                 like
                 towers
                 ,
                 boudned
                 or
                 swolne
                 up
                 (
                 as
                 it
                 vvere
                 )
                 vvith
                 the
                 sweet
                 and
                 sincere
                 Milk
                 of
                 the
                 word
                 ,
                 streaming
                 forth
                 plentifully
                 every
                 vvhere
                 to
                 nourish
                 her
                 children
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 much
                 being
                 given
                 us
                 we
                 may
                 look
                 that
                 much
                 wil
                 be
                 required
                 ,
                 to
                 vvit
                 ,
                 for
                 great
                 and
                 clear
                 light
                 ,
                 great
                 thankfulnesse
                 and
                 obedience
                 :
                 and
                 if
                 we
                 set
                 leight
                 by
                 this
                 heavenly
                 and
                 great
                 benefit
                 ,
                 and
                 either
                 live
                 in
                 willfull
                 ignorance
                 or
                 wicked
                 disobedience
                 ,
                 bringing
                 
                 forth
                 the
                 works
                 of
                 darkness
                 ,
                 our
                 estate
                 shal
                 be
                 more
                 wretched
                 beyond
                 that
                 of
                 Corazin
                 and
                 Bethsaida
                 ,
                 as
                 theirs
                 was
                 beyond
                 Tyre
                 and
                 
                   Sidon
                   ,
                   Matth.
                
                 11.
                 21.
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Whereas
                 she
                 attributes
                 all
                 this
                 to
                 Gods
                 free
                 favour
                 ,
                 hereby
                 then
                 a
                 Church
                 may
                 know
                 that
                 she
                 stands
                 in
                 favour
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 has
                 found
                 grace
                 in
                 his
                 eyes
                 ,
                 when
                 she
                 injoyes
                 the
                 word
                 in
                 plenty
                 and
                 in
                 power
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 her
                 breasts
                 are
                 like
                 unto
                 strong
                 and
                 vvell
                 furnished
                 towres
                 ,
                 Cant.
                 4.
                 4.
                 as
                 vvas
                 that
                 of
                 Davids
                 built
                 for
                 an
                 armory
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 the
                 same
                 is
                 not
                 onely
                 painfully
                 preached
                 by
                 her
                 faithfull
                 pastors
                 ,
                 but
                 also
                 Christianly
                 obeyed
                 by
                 her
                 Children
                 and
                 people
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Whereas
                 she
                 ascribes
                 all
                 to
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 she
                 vvas
                 as
                 one
                 that
                 had
                 found
                 favour
                 in
                 his
                 eyes
                 .
                 After
                 her
                 example
                 let
                 us
                 likewise
                 learne
                 in
                 all
                 thankfulness
                 and
                 humility
                 to
                 acknowledge
                 the
                 fountaine
                 from
                 whence
                 all
                 good
                 things
                 whatsoever
                 ,
                 spirituall
                 or
                 corporall
                 ,
                 temporall
                 or
                 eternall
                 proceed
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 Gods
                 free
                 grace
                 alone
                 ,
                 and
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 have
                 found
                 favour
                 in
                 his
                 eyes
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               11.
               
               Solomon
               had
               a
               vineyard
               at
               Raal-hamon
               ,
               he
               let
               out
               the
               vineyard
               unto
               keepers
               ,
               every
               one
               for
               the
               fruit
               thereof
               was
               to
               bring
               a
               thousand
               peeces
               of
               silver
               .
               12.
               
               My
               vineyard
               which
               is
               mine
               ,
               is
               before
               me
               :
               thou
               (
               O
               Solomon
               )
               must
               have
               a
               thousand
               ,
               and
               those
               that
               keep
               the
               fruit
               thereof
               ,
               two
               hundred
               .
            
             
               Here
               is
               the
               second
               thing
               in
               the
               conclusion
               of
               this
               heavenly
               song
               whereof
               we
               were
               to
               speake
               ,
               which
               is
               the
               comparison
               between
               Solomons
               vineyard
               and
               the
               Church
               :
               And.
               1.
               
               Why
               the
               Church
               is
               so
               compared
               ,
               we
               have
               spoken
               before
               ,
               2.
               
               This
               vineyard
               whereunto
               she
               is
               now
               compared
               ,
               and
               which
               was
               
                 Solomons
                 ,
                 Chap.
              
               1.
               6.
               and
               7.
               12.
               first
               is
               said
               to
               have
               been
               in
               Baal-hamon
               ,
               which
               is
               by
               exposition
               ,
               a
               Lord
               or
               Master
               of
               a
               multitude
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               of
               vines
               ,
               (
               as
               the
               Church
               is
               a
               mistresse
               
               and
               Mother
               of
               a
               multitude
               of
               beleevers
               )
               Baal
               signifying
               a
               Lord
               ,
               and
               hamon
               a
               multitude
               ,
               which
               some
               take
               to
               be
               no
               proper
               name
               of
               any
               one
               place
               ,
               but
               to
               denotate
               the
               fertility
               of
               the
               soile
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               said
               ,
               Isay
               .
               5.
               1.
               
               That
               the
               Lord
               had
               a
               vineyard
               in
               a
               very
               fruitfull
               hill
               .
               Others
               againe
               take
               it
               to
               be
               the
               propper
               name
               of
               a
               fruitfull
               plot
               of
               ground
               which
               did
               belong
               to
               Solomon
               ,
               and
               lay
               neer
               to
               Jerusalem
               .
               Alwaies
               the
               difference
               between
               this
               vineyard
               of
               Solomons
               and
               Christs
               (
               which
               is
               his
               Church
               ,
               )
               consists
               (
               as
               is
               set
               downe
               here
               )
               in
               these
               particulars
               .
            
             
               First
               ,
               Solomon
               let
               out
               his
               vineyard
               unto
               keepers
               ,
               who
               shared
               with
               him
               in
               the
               profit
               and
               fruits
               which
               it
               afforded
               ,
               because
               of
               their
               labours
               ,
               and
               payed
               unto
               him
               eve●y
               one
               of
               them
               for
               his
               part
               of
               the
               fruits
               thereof
               a
               thousand
               peeces
               of
               silver
               .
               But
               Christ
               lets
               not
               out
               his
               vineyard
               so
               ,
               but
               as
               his
               eye
               is
               upon
               it
               to
               keep
               it
               himself
               ,
               so
               he
               will
               have
               the
               whole
               fruits
               thereof
               onely
               to
               himself
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               to
               redound
               onely
               to
               his
               glory
               ,
               and
               no
               man
               to
               share
               with
               him
               in
               any
               part
               thereof
               .
            
             
               Not
               but
               that
               our
               Saviour
               lets
               also
               forth
               his
               vineyard
               to
               keepers
               and
               dressers
               thereof
               ;
               as
               we
               see
               ,
               Matth.
               21.
               33.
               and
               these
               receive
               likewise
               their
               hire
               or
               reward
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               in
               the
               parable
               of
               those
               who
               were
               called
               to
               labour
               in
               his
               vineyard
               ,
               Matth.
               20.
               
               But
               the
               keepers
               of
               Solomons
               vineyard
               ,
               did
               keep
               and
               dresse
               it
               in
               his
               absence
               ,
               whereas
               the
               keepers
               of
               Christs
               vineyard
               can
               do
               nothing
               unlesse
               he
               be
               present
               and
               a
               coworker
               with
               them
               .
               Next
               the
               keepers
               of
               Christs
               vineyard
               they
               shall
               indeed
               receive
               a
               reward
               for
               their
               labours
               ,
               yea
               ,
               a
               very
               great
               one
               ,
               as
               Daniel
               showes
               and
               the
               Apostle
               declares
               ,
               but
               this
               cometh
               from
               the
               Master
               of
               the
               vineyard
               himselfe
               ,
               who
               promised
               it
               ,
               but
               not
               from
               shareing
               in
               the
               fruits
               of
               the
               vineyard
               ,
               1
               
                 Cor.
                 3.
                 9.
                 
                 Dan.
                 12.
                 3.
                 1
                 
                 Cor.
                 3.
                 8.
                 2
                 
                 Tim.
              
               4.
               8.
               
            
             
               
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 here
                 by
                 Christs
                 reaping
                 alone
                 the
                 fruit
                 of
                 his
                 vineyard
                 ,
                 which
                 onely
                 she
                 brings
                 forth
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 how
                 faithfull
                 his
                 Church
                 is
                 as
                 a
                 chaste
                 spouse
                 who
                 will
                 not
                 give
                 the
                 glory
                 which
                 is
                 due
                 to
                 him
                 to
                 no
                 creature
                 in
                 heaven
                 nor
                 in
                 earth
                 ,
                 
                   Isay
                   .
                   42.
                   8.
                   
                   Psal
                   .
                
                 115.
                 1
                 
                 Fa●
                 lesse
                 will
                 she
                 ascribe
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 his
                 ,
                 to
                 her self
                 or
                 her
                 own
                 merit
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Whereas
                 Christ
                 sayes
                 of
                 his
                 vineyard
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 alwaies
                 before
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 consequently
                 present
                 with
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 we
                 may
                 see
                 how
                 blasphemous
                 that
                 doctrine
                 is
                 of
                 the
                 Roman
                 Church
                 and
                 of
                 that
                 beast
                 or
                 head
                 thereof
                 ,
                 horned
                 like
                 the
                 Lamb
                 but
                 speaking
                 like
                 the
                 Dragon
                 ,
                 who
                 affirmeth
                 himselfe
                 to
                 be
                 Christs
                 vicar
                 on
                 earth
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 he
                 himselfe
                 had
                 deserted
                 his
                 Church
                 ,
                 and
                 let
                 out
                 his
                 vineyard
                 onely
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 Master
                 thereof
                 :
                 who
                 indeed
                 under
                 pretence
                 hereof
                 shareth
                 a
                 large
                 part
                 of
                 worldly
                 possessions
                 ,
                 which
                 he
                 calles
                 Peters
                 patrimony
                 ,
                 and
                 has
                 coming
                 in
                 unto
                 him
                 daily
                 thousands
                 of
                 silver
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Seeing
                 he
                 sayes
                 that
                 his
                 vineyard
                 is
                 alwaies
                 before
                 him
                 ,
                 whose
                 eyes
                 are
                 like
                 a
                 flame
                 of
                 fire
                 ,
                 ever
                 looking
                 on
                 it
                 ,
                 this
                 should
                 warne
                 us
                 all
                 ,
                 to
                 look
                 narrowly
                 to
                 our selves
                 ,
                 and
                 watch
                 over
                 our
                 wayes
                 ,
                 seeing
                 we
                 have
                 him
                 who
                 is
                 the
                 al-seeing
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 righteous
                 judge
                 of
                 the
                 whole
                 world
                 looking
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 whereof
                 if
                 we
                 were
                 ever
                 mindfull
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 be
                 a
                 soveraigne
                 perservative
                 to
                 us
                 against
                 all
                 sinne
                 ,
                 2
                 Chron.
                 16
                 ▪
                 9.
                 
              
            
          
           
             
             
               Vers
               .
               13.
               
               Thou
               that
               dwellest
               in
               the
               gardens
               ,
               the
               companions
               hearken
               to
               thy
               voice
               ,
               cause
               me
               to
               heare
               it
               .
            
             
               In
               these
               words
               is
               set
               down
               the
               Churches
               prayer
               to
               Christ
               that
               still
               she
               may
               injoy
               his
               presence
               in
               this
               life
               ,
               and
               the
               comfort
               of
               his
               word
               with
               grace
               that
               profitably
               she
               may
               heare
               and
               obey
               the
               same
               ,
               wherein
               .
               1.
               
               She
               calles
               him
               ,
               (
               O
               thou
               that
               dwellest
               in
               the
               gardens
               ,
               )
               that
               is
               ,
               who
               constantly
               abides
               and
               walks
               in
               the
               midst
               of
               thy
               Church
               ,
               as
               we
               see
               him
               described
               ,
               Rev.
               1.
               13.
               
               (
               The
               companions
               ,
               )
               that
               is
               ,
               those
               who
               are
               thy
               chaste
               worshippers
               ;
               therefore
               called
               ,
               Psal
               .
               45.
               14.
               the
               virgin
               companions
               that
               follow
               the
               kings
               daughter
               who
               is
               all
               glorious
               within
               ,
               (
               they
               hearken
               to
               thy
               voice
               )
               that
               is
               ,
               like
               the
               true
               sheep
               of
               Christ
               ,
               Joh.
               10.
               3.
               they
               hearken
               and
               embrace
               the
               sound
               and
               pure
               doctrine
               that
               is
               contained
               in
               thy
               word
               ,
               and
               preached
               by
               faithfull
               pastors
               ,
               (
               cause
               me
               also
               to
               heare
               it
               ,
               )
               whereby
               she
               professes
               ,
               that
               it
               is
               the
               speciall
               grace
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               gift
               of
               his
               holy
               spirit
               ,
               that
               opens
               the
               inward
               eare
               of
               the
               soul
               ,
               whereof
               he
               speakes
               ,
               Rev.
               2.
               7.
               
               And
               who
               opens
               likewise
               the
               heart
               ,
               as
               he
               did
               
               Lidia's
               ,
               whereby
               they
               heare
               his
               word
               aright
               ,
               beleeve
               ,
               and
               obey
               the
               same
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Out
                 of
                 this
                 style
                 which
                 she
                 gives
                 him
                 ,
                 saying
                 ,
                 O
                 thou
                 that
                 dwells
                 in
                 the
                 garden
                 ,
                 we
                 learne
                 this
                 lesson
                 of
                 comfort
                 ,
                 that
                 Christ
                 is
                 not
                 onely
                 present
                 with
                 his
                 Church
                 ,
                 but
                 as
                 husbands
                 are
                 bidden
                 to
                 dwell
                 with
                 their
                 wives
                 ,
                 so
                 he
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 dweller
                 with
                 her
                 ,
                 1
                 Pet.
                 3.
                 7.
                 as
                 he
                 has
                 promised
                 ,
                 Ioh.
                 14.
                 23.
                 
                 Yea
                 an
                 indweller
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 her
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 the
                 hearts
                 of
                 all
                 her
                 true
                 members
                 ,
                 whom
                 hereafter
                 he
                 shall
                 make
                 to
                 dwell
                 with
                 him
                 for
                 ever
                 in
                 the
                 heavens
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 We
                 see
                 here
                 a
                 true
                 note
                 of
                 the
                 true
                 Church
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 ,
                 where
                 Christs
                 voice
                 sounds
                 and
                 is
                 heard
                 by
                 his
                 
                 sheep
                 ,
                 and
                 virgin
                 companions
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 his
                 true
                 Church
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 are
                 it
                 onely
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 As
                 these
                 companions
                 hearken
                 to
                 his
                 voice
                 ,
                 so
                 she
                 desires
                 that
                 in
                 like
                 manner
                 he
                 would
                 cause
                 her
                 to
                 heare
                 it
                 ;
                 Where
                 we
                 may
                 observe
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 necessary
                 and
                 commendable
                 thing
                 to
                 advert
                 what
                 we
                 see
                 to
                 be
                 good
                 in
                 others
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 endeavour
                 to
                 imitate
                 that
                 our selves
                 ,
                 for
                 which
                 cause
                 the
                 Apostle
                 recommends
                 his
                 practise
                 in
                 so
                 farre
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 followed
                 Christ
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 patterne
                 to
                 others
                 ,
                 1
                 Cor.
                 11.
                 1.
                 
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 She
                 seeks
                 by
                 prayer
                 this
                 speciall
                 grace
                 from
                 Christ
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 would
                 cause
                 her
                 to
                 heare
                 his
                 voice
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 as
                 all
                 graces
                 are
                 to
                 be
                 sought
                 by
                 prayer
                 ,
                 and
                 from
                 God
                 onely
                 who
                 is
                 the
                 giver
                 thereof
                 ,
                 so
                 this
                 in
                 particular
                 should
                 be
                 sought
                 by
                 all
                 such
                 who
                 come
                 to
                 heare
                 Gods
                 word
                 ,
                 or
                 resort
                 thereto
                 conscionably
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Vers
               .
               14.
               
               Make
               haste
               ,
               my
               beloved
               ,
               and
               be
               thou
               like
               to
               a
               roe
               ,
               or
               to
               a
               young
               hart
               upon
               the
               mountaines
               of
               spices
               .
            
             
               Last
               of
               all
               ,
               as
               she
               beganne
               this
               song
               with
               a
               prayer
               desiring
               him
               to
               hasten
               his
               first
               coming
               ,
               so
               she
               ends
               it
               with
               a
               prayer
               desiring
               him
               in
               like
               manner
               with
               the
               Church
               ,
               Revel
               .
               22.
               20.
               
               To
               hasten
               his
               second
               coming
               :
               which
               very
               like
               sute
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               very
               like
               words
               we
               had
               before
               ,
               Chap.
               2.
               17.
               
               Onely
               she
               sayes
               here
               ,
               Be
               like
               a
               roe
               or
               young
               Hart
               upon
               the
               mountaines
               of
               spices
               ,
               where
               she
               spake
               before
               of
               the
               mountaines
               of
               Bether
               ,
               meaning
               by
               these
               mountaines
               the
               heavens
               ,
               called
               mountaines
               for
               their
               height
               and
               the
               eminency
               of
               that
               happy
               estate
               of
               Gods
               saints
               there
               ;
               and
               mountaines
               of
               spices
               ,
               for
               the
               sweet
               delights
               and
               pleasures
               for
               evermore
               ,
               that
               are
               at
               Gods
               right
               hand
               in
               that
               place
               of
               joy
               .
            
             
               
                 Observations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 may
                 perceive
                 the
                 difference
                 between
                 the
                 godly
                 and
                 wicked
                 :
                 the
                 remembrance
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 coming
                 to
                 judgement
                 to
                 the
                 godly
                 is
                 that
                 which
                 so
                 overjoyes
                 their
                 heart
                 ,
                 that
                 earnostly
                 they
                 wish
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 solemnity
                 of
                 their
                 mariage-day
                 
                 and
                 meeting
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 when
                 their
                 full
                 redemption
                 shall
                 then
                 be
                 accomplished
                 ;
                 but
                 to
                 the
                 other
                 it
                 torments
                 them
                 before
                 the
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 affects
                 them
                 with
                 trouble
                 of
                 spirit
                 ,
                 as
                 Christs
                 first
                 coming
                 did
                 unto
                 
                   Herod
                   ,
                   Matth.
                
                 2
                 ,
                 3.
                 because
                 then
                 beginnes
                 the
                 accomplishment
                 in
                 soul
                 and
                 body
                 of
                 all
                 their
                 endless
                 misery
                 ,
                 and
                 easeless
                 torments
                 in
                 hells
                 fire
                 for
                 ever
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Are
                 the
                 heavens
                 in
                 comparison
                 of
                 this
                 valley
                 of
                 teares
                 and
                 barren
                 wilderness
                 of
                 this
                 world
                 for
                 sublimity
                 of
                 happiness
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 sweet
                 delights
                 like
                 the
                 mountaines
                 of
                 spices
                 ?
                 O
                 then
                 let
                 us
                 loath
                 this
                 world
                 using
                 it
                 onely
                 as
                 if
                 we
                 used
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 and
                 climb
                 these
                 mountaines
                 by
                 affection
                 and
                 holy
                 desires
                 here
                 ,
                 till
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 full
                 and
                 reall
                 fruition
                 thereof
                 in
                 glory
                 hereaster
                 .
                 Which
                 the
                 Lord
                 grant
                 to
                 us
                 for
                 Christ
                 sake
                 .
                 Amen
                 .
              
            
          
           
             Finis
             octavi
             Capitis
             ,
             Cantici
             Canticorum
             .
          
           
             Soli
             Deo
             Gloria
             .
          
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A85763-e410
           
             1.
             
             In
             respect
             of
             Pronunciation
             
          
           
             2.
             
             Of
             Application
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Of
             Obsignation
             .
          
           
             *
             Note
             ,
             a
             difference
             between
             the
             godly
             and
             wicked
             .
             Rom.
             8.
             1.
             
          
           
             1.
             
             The
             commonnesse
             of
             his
             joy
             
          
           
             2.
             
             The
             right
             object
             ,
          
           
             ●ly
             .
             The
             ground
             
          
           
             Ecce
             Deus
             si●lis
             nobis
             .
          
           
             cap.
             4.
             9
             cap.
             1.
             9.
             cap.
             2.
             14.
             cap.
             4.
             7.