AN EXPOSITION OF THE Song of Solomon: called CANTICLES. Together with Profitable OBSERVATIONS, collected out of the same.  
¶ Perused and published by WILLIAM GOUGE, Preacher of God's Word in Blackfriars, London.  Acts 8. 13. 
How should I understand, except some man should guide me?  
LONDON, Printed by JOHN BEALE dwelling in Aldersgate street and are there to be sold. 1615.   

TO THE AUTHOR OF THIS WORK The Publisher thereof wisheth Grace in this world, and Glory in the world to come.  
RIGHT WORSHIPFUL,  
IT pleased you as a testimony of your love, to bestow these your labours on me written with your own hand: they being mine by a free donation on your part, I think I have power to do with them what I will. Wherhfore I have been bold to publish them; knowing that they are well worth the publishing, and that through God's blessing they may bring much spiritual comfort, and profit to God's Church. Long continued custom requireth that they should have a Patron. What better Patron can they have then the true proper parent? who for eminency of place can add great countenance unto them, and for excellency in learning can maintain them. For mine own part I acknowledge myself many ways much indebted unto your Worship In testimony of my duty and thankfulness, I return that publicly unto you, which privately you were pleased to bestow on me.  
Blackfriars London. 25. April 1615. Your Worship's to be commanded in the Lord, WILLIAM GOUGE.   

To the Christian Reader.  
A Great privilege it is, that the Lord hath committed unto us his divine Oracles: 
Rom. 3: 1. ●  but unto those, to whom the tongue wherein they were written is strange and unknown, or the mysteries themselves obscure and hard to be understood, what is the benefit of that favour, if the language be not interpreted, and the mysteries opened? shall not these Oracles be as the words of a sealed book? 
Read Isa. 29: 11, 12.  It is needful that as the letter of the Scripture be interpreted, so the mystery thereof unfolded. Every book of holy writ requireth a faithful and learned interpreter: but some more than other: among and above those some, this Song of Solomon: and that in regard of the excellency, and of the difficulty thereof. Two things commend the excellency of it: First, the Author; Secondly, the matter. The principal Author is the same that by inspiration gave the whole Scripture: 
●. Tim. 3. 16  the immediate Penman of it was a King, 
1. King. 4. 29. 30, etc.  the most wise and learned King that ever was. The matter is concerning 
b Read this Exposition Chap. 1. Ver. 1.  a blessed, & sweet conjunction between Christ & his Church, one of the most comfortable mysteries of our Christian faith. Two things also argue the difficulty of it. 1. The very phrase and style, which being poetical is the more obscure. 2. The many Rhetorical allegories, and hyperbolical metaphors which are hard to be understood and rightly applied. The 
c A Song of Songs which is solomon's.  title of this Book pointeth out all these points. 1 Plainly it is said to be solomon's. 2 A Song is a kind of Poesy, and Poesies are commonly adorned with allegories and figures. 3. For the 
d Bern. pro sui excellentia hoc carmen merito Cantica canticorum appellatur sicut is quoque cui canitur Rex Regum.  excellency of it, it is termed a Song of Songs. i. a Song that surpasseth all other songs. 
e In Midr. Rom. 3. 2  The jews (to whom the Oracles of God were first committed) termed all the books of the Scripture holy: but this the holy of holies: whereby they intimated the excellency of it. 
f Hier. in proaem: in Ezech. nisi quis apud ●os aetatem sacerdotalis ministerij i. trigefimum annum impleverit, Canticum canticorum legere non permittitur.  They permitted none to read it alone till he were thirty year old: whereby they implied the difficulty of it. Is it so difficult? surely it needeth a learned interpreter. Is it so excellent? Surely it deserveth the best pains of a faithful interpreter. Herein therefore (good Reader) thou art much beholding to the learned Author of this book, who hath taken so good pains in expounding this rare Song. Such is the Author, such the work, that neither father nor child need to be ashamed of one another. The Author is a man of great place and note in the Commonwealth; his humility will not suffer him to have his name made known. Though by profession he be not a Divine; yet in knowledge of those learned tongues wherein the Scriptures were written, and in understanding of the mysteries contained in them, he is a very deep & profound Divine. The many learned treatises which he hath made, some in Hebrew, other in English some heretofore published, other still lying by him, are evidences of more than I have said. As for this present Treatise, I observe six worthy points in it to commend it unto thee. 1. A true interpretation of the Hebrew text. 2. A sound exposition of the sense and meaning of the words. 3. A fit application of the Metaphors, and allegories. 4. A fruitful collection of doctrines, and observations. 5. Perspicuity. 6. Brevity. These two last seldom meet together; 
Hor.- breu●s esse laboro Obscurus fio.  for some, labouring to be brief, are obscure; other, labouring to be perspicuous, are tedious: when they meet together they are admirable helps to understanding, memory, affection and all. Thus I have showed thee (Christian Reader) that this Song of Songs is worthy to be expounded; yea that necessary it is, it should be expounded: that the Author of this work is well able to perform so weighty a work; and that he hath taken good pains in performing it. Do thou use his pains for thine own good. If thou ask me why I meddle so far in it, as to publish it, I answer, For thy good; had it not been for me, thou hadst not seen it: for it should seem that the Author long since wrote it, and let it lie in his study, not minding to publish it, I being of late with him about other business, espied it: and reading it desired him to publish it: he utterly denied me. I than entreated him to bestow it on me; he gave it me. Thus it was mine. But should I keep such a pearl of so good use to all that will use it, close and secret to myself? Then might I justly be censured, as envious of thy good. I envy it not: I would I could do thee more good; thou shouldest be sure to partake thereof. But that, while I seek to avoid the blame of Envy, I may not seem ambitious, know that in this whole work there is nothing of mine, but all is the Authors own. He hath also by him, a like Exposition of the prophesy of Hosea; and other treatises: I hope to prevail with him for the publishing of them, when ●e shall see the fruit of these his labours. The recompense which I desire is, that thou help both the Author of this book, and the Publisher thereof with thy prayers to God.  
Thine in the Lord, WILLIAM GOUGE.   

AN ADVERTISEMENT to the Reader.  
Solomons' Song is twice run over in this book: first, the sense is delivered, than observations collected from thence.  
In expounding the Text, the Author hath held himself close to the Hebrew.  
In dividing the Chapters he hath had more respect to the dependence of matter, then to common custom, for which he hath the example of learned men.  
In the latter part of this book he hath not set down the whole entire Text, but only so much as served to show whence the observations were gathered; because they were at large set down in the former part: If in reading the Observations thou be desirous to see the whole Text, turn to the same place in the Exposition.  
Read the several sections both of the Exposition and of the Observations, so as if they were joined together without any interruption of the Text: for sometimes the beginning of one Section dependeth upon the latter end of another.  
There is one general point omitted throughout the whole book viz. the setting down of such words, as were needful to be added in the Text for sense sake and propriety of our tongue, in a differing letter; it cannot now be amended. I pray thee therefore more diligently mark them: blame not the Author; who, I am sure, would have seen this and other faults redressed, if he had revised the sheets before they had past the press.  
Such faults as may seem to hinder the sense, are in the next following page set down.   

Errata.  
PAge 5 line 2● read largesse p. 7 l. 21 these paths, p. 9 l. 9 10 friends p. 17 l. 18. thee could, p. 20 l. 1● he remoneth, p. 29 l. 2● 〈…〉, p. 23. l. 15 is my, p. 39 l. 〈◊〉 own hurt, p▪ 4 l. 5 what should you ●ell him? p. 55 l. 14 lonely, Chap. 18. verse 2. l. 1. bu●●● in it, p. 80 l. 29 is rapt.   

AN EXPOSITION of the Song of Solomon, called CANTICLES.  

CHAP. I.  VERS. 1 
A Song of songs, which is solomon's.  
THe Books of Solomon the jews compare not unfitly to the Temple which he built Whereof this song of songs, or most excellent song resembleth the holy of holies o● the most holy place: Being a declaration of the blessed and sweet conjunction between Christ and his Church, and of the contract, and espousals made between them, whilst the Church is now militant upon earth. All which time is as it were a bidding of the banes until by his second coming from heaven our spiritual marriage with him shall be solemnized and made up.  
The Author Solomon, peaceable, for so his name doth signify, a figure of Christ the Prince of peace, and the builder both of the earthly Sanctuary, and of this heavenly frame, was, no doubt, whatsoever otherwise his falls might be, an elect vessel of God. 1. Because all the Prophets (of which number he was one) are in the kingdom of heaven Luke 13. 28. for howsoever it pleased God sometimes to speak by the wicked as he did by Balaam, and to wring out of their mouth contrary to their heart, that which might serve for the glory of his name: yet he never used the service of any but vessels of election, to be the penmen of his Spirit. So the Apostle 2. Pet. 1. 19 20. teileth us, that those which by divine inspiration wrote the prophetical Scriptures, were all of them holy men of God. 2. The holy Ghost doth always speak well of Solomon after his death, and maketh in all places an honourable mention of his name, which it never doth of the reprobate. 3. His ways are commended, and Rehoboam hath his worthy praise for walking in them 2. Chron. 11. 17. 4. God, whose counsels are constant, loved him and cleped his name jedidah, beloved of the Lord. 2. Sam. 12. 24. 25. 5. He himself is said again to have loved God. 1. Kings 3. 3. Which being true and unfeigned (otherwise the Holy Ghost would never have spoken of it) was impossible to be lost. And this very book if it were written before his fall is an undoubted argument how sincere, earnest, and vehement his love was, and what a feeling he had of the love of Christ. If after his fall, it argueth then most certainly a sincere, and true repentance. 6. And lastly the book of Ecclesiastes doth manifestly evince it, written when he was old, after he had seen so much and had so long experience of his own vanities and corruptions. The title whereof, A 
a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ko. healeth As if you would say 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 understanding soul, or some such substantive.  soul (an humble, and grieved soul) reconciled to the Church, from whence he was before cast out for his offences: or, A soul speaking, and making confession, in the Church, showeth his repentance.  
The manner of writing is that which we call active, or representative, that is wherein Persons only are brought in speaking, the Author himself saying nothing: and the persons here are Christ, the Church, and sometimes, but very rarely, the friends of them both: In all which the Church, burning with a desire of Christ longeth, and is impatient till she be joined unto him. For hither tend all her passions, exclamations, testifications of her love, commendations of her spouse. Christ again by kind gentle and loving speeches comforteth and cheereth up the Church with certain hope of that happy and blessed time: for hither tend all his commendations of her present, and promise of future graces, the accepting of her unfeigned repentance, and the assurance of purging, pruining, and making her more holy and fit for him. Till she be taken up unto him without spot or wrinkle.  
The Book hath two parts. Whereof the first comprehendeth all that time that Christ and she are friends, before any falling out, in the four first Chapters. The Churrh longing to be joined to Christ. Chapt. 1. Acknowledging the benefits and comforts of life, pleasure and all good things which he bestoweth upon her. Chapt. 2. And lastly desiring to see Christ in his heavenly glory. Chapt. 3. Whom Christ most sweetly comforteth. Chapt. 4. The second part, in the four last chapters, is a falling out of these two lovers through the Church's fault and unkindness to him. But this falling out is a renewing of their love. In her by repentance Chapt. 5. in him by a gracious accepting of her into his favour again, as dear as ever she was before. Chapt. 6. Whence ariseth all thankfulness from the Church and promise to amend Chapt. 7. vers 1. 2. 3. 4. with a noble demonstration of her zeal unto him; testified by her longing, first for his own coming in the flesh. Chapt. 7. vers 5. to the end of the Chapter. Secondly for the drawing of others that as yet were strangers and aliens from the common wealth of Israel to the fellowship and participation of Christ, and for the whole Israel of God (jews and Gentiles) to be knit and joined together in one holy society. Chapt. 8. And so this second part containeth three most excellent prophecies. One of the words incarnation, an other of the calling of the Gentiles, the third of the conversion of the jews and their access in the last days unto the Church of Christ. But let us now hear themselves speak, and with their own words to utter their own affections.  

CHURCH.  VERS. 2. 
O let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth, for thy Loves are excellent better than wine.  
The Church (whose heart the Spirit of Christ had before knit unto him) beginneth to woo her love: and crying out in a passion, desireth his embracings: That he would be present with her, join himself unto her, and remain hers for ever. This vehement desire, this ardency of affection she showeth to be most just & reasonable, and fortifieth the equity, the honesty, the necessity, the fruit, and commodity thereof, diversly and many ways. First the excellency of this love is wonderful, above all the pleasures and delights of the world: especially if it come not single but accompanied with a largeness and a bounty from him, that it may be called Loves in the plural. What wine so pleasant to the taste?  VERR. 3. 
Because of the smell of thy good ointmens' thy name is as an ointment powered forth. Therefore the Virgins love thee.  
What ointment so fragrant to the smell? Was that which shed upon Aaron's head, trickled down his beard, and wet the hems of his garment? or the costly ointment, that Alabaster box of pure Nard, the Spickenard which she powered upon our Saviour Christ, that filled all the house with the sweetness of the smell? Take which you will, and the best ointments else, they are not worthy to be named, when thine ointments, the joy of gladness wherewith God hath anointed thee above thy fellows, and which thou pourest forth to the comfort of the world, & the refreshing of thy Saints that have any sense, and spiritual smell, are talked of. I speak not of my love as present with me when I enjoy his sweet self, and have him in mine arms. No. Eye hath never seen, ear hath never heard, heart cannot conceive the sweetness of those delights. But I speak of the very remembrance of him, absent and away. Thwit me not here with any carnal love, or love to steal my heart from God; far be that from my thoughts: I mean nothing but that which is holy, chaste, pure, maidenly, and virginlike, free as well from bodily pollution and uncleanness; as from spiritual fornication against my spouse.  VERSE, 4. 
Draw me, after thee will we run. Let the King bring me into his privy chambers. We will rejoice and be glad in thee. We will record thy loves better than wine. They shall record them who in all rightness do love thee  
They that will follow vain vanities and forsake their own mercy, let them do it. But I will eleave to thee. This coming, and eleaving unto Christ, is I confess a divine work, the work of God himself, & steps beyond the reach of man, which no human foot can tread, no wit can climb unto or comprehend, unless it be framed and fashioned from above. A work which of all others we are most untoward to, of such difficulty that we must be drawn, and haled, and violently pulled out of ourselves, before we can once settle about it, having neither power, nor so much as will unto it; for what find I in myself to egg, and provoke me thereunto? Whatsoever I have within me, or without me, from the top unto the toe, from the head unto the heels, is an utter enemy, and doth oppose and set itself against it; yet I desire through the working of his holy spirit (for even the desire and first thought doth come from him,) not only to walk in the paths, (which notwithstanding O happy men that so do, and how few there be that find the same) but to run in them with all my might and main, with faith, hope, patience, and obedience to follow thee: O let my feet be shod and made nimble for to do it. But who (think you?) is the person whom thus I love, and am so enamoured with? Verily the King himself our Sovereign Lord, CHRIST, the God of glory, worthy to be loved of all, able to draw a●l unto his love, and to make all the gates, and doors of our heart to be set open to him. What may be the place whether we run so fast, and would so fain hie ourselves unto? It is his own privy chambers, his Church, and house here, and after this his heavenly tabernacles, where better it is to be one hour then in the Palaces of all other Kings a thousand years beside. The fruits and effects that come from it, are admirable, and divine: joy in the holy Ghost, spiritual mirth and gladness. For the having whereof where, or who is he (show me the man, if he be a man and not a very beast) that would not bid all the jollity of the world adieu. It is a joy cannot well be hidden: it will show itself and fill our mouths with the praises of his name, with Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, all too little, too too little for him. Neither will I (my self alone) take pleasure in this duty, I and mine, all my friends and followers, whosoever they be that love thee, will uncessantly perform the same: you profane get you fairy away. The praises of God beseem not your mouths. These precious jewels, such pearls are not for swine's s●outes. So holy a work belongeth to holy men: It is for them whose hearts are clean, pure, sanctified, which waike in all integrity and in the righteousness of their ways. These our God doth call; their tongues he fines and fi●es, to be the trumpeters of his glory:  
Thus, and by those arguments (twelve in number) the Church setteth forh, amplifieth, and enlargeth the sum of her most holy desires.  VERSE 5 
I am black, but comely, O daughters of jerusalem: Like to the Kedarenes that dwell in tents: but I am also like to those that dwell in the curtains of Solomon.  
Now because it is the property of true love to be desirous that others also may have a liking of the thing beloved, she removeth the lets and hindrances that may keep her friend and fellows (in God's election members of the Church) from coming unto CHRIST, confessing there is nothing outwardly in her to be seen that can give concontent or make her be liked, but inwardly, in the hidden man she is amiable and full of beauty: for this daughter of the King is all glorious within, foul in herself and black, even coal black, as black as any black-more, or if any thing be more black than it, through sin, both original and actual, that maketh her to come short of the glory of God, and to be subject to death and condemnation: but through CHRIST, and the righteousness she hath in him, she is goodly and glorious as Solomon's courtly train.  VERS. 6. 
Look not upon me because I am blackish, because the Sun hath cast his beams upon me, because the sons of my mother incensed against me, have made me a keeper of other vineyards: mine own vineyard I have not kept.  
Three things indeed there be which lay her open, though washed, though justified, though sanctified through CHRIST, to ignomy and reproach. All which notwithstanding she is not to be despised, since none of them, nor they all are able to obscure the brightness of God's glory in her; first the remnants of sin that still cleave unto her, and are so many foul spots in her fair face: making her blackish, though not coal black. Secondly afflictions, as it were the scorching of the Sun. Lastly her infirmity, that through the peevishness of some which bear the face of brethren, not able to endure wholesome doctrine, and the sweet yoke of JESUS CHRIST'S, but making stirs and discords in the Church, and teaching instead of Christ's lores their own fantasies, and pleasures, she hath in weakness been driven to yield in many things contrary to the duty and place which God hath set her in.  VERS. 7. 
Show me O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest flock to lie down at noon: for why should I be as one that pitcheth her tents by the flocks of thy companions.  
Wherefore she saith she will go to the Archbishop, and chief shepherd of her soul, of him to learn how to carry herself in the Church, which is the house of the living God, to be ordered by those Laws only that he himself the most wise householder hath prescribed. Hereupon she turneth her speech to Christ, telling him, he only is her delght. All his ordinances she accounteth right in all things, and that she hateth every lying path. And therefore prayeth him to teach her where he feedeth with his Word and Sacraments, where at noon day he maketh his sheep to rest: for both feeding and resting, wholly and in all things her desire is to be at his direction. And even then when others repast themselves and take their meals, she can not be in quiet unless she be with him. That so ranging herself among his other sheep she may be kept from having any thing to do with strange shepherds, that in name participate with CHRIST, but in truth are none of his.   

CHRIST.  VERS. 8. 
If thou know not O thou fairest among women, get thee out from going in the steps of yonder flock, and feed thy kids above the tabernacles of those shepherds.  
To this Christ maketh answer; first satisfying her demand in that wherein she was not fully before informed. Bidding her by any means to take heed of the worldly profane and heretical teachers, and such as are corrupted by them, that she tread not in their steps, but to fe●de her little ones, the faithful flock, with the food of heavenly doctrine in all sincerity and truth, lifting them up, out, and from above the world.  VERS. 9 
Unto the troup of horses in the chariots of Pharaoh do I liken thee, my fellow friend.  
By this occasion they fall to congratulate one unto an other, the good things that are in them: CHRIST he praiseth his own gifts bestowed upon the Church, in regard of the dignity of her person, by his word affirming, and by the power of his spirit making her like to the horse of Pharaohs Chariot, brave, stately, and courageous, excellent for all good services.  VERS. 10. 
Thy cheeks are comely, as with rows of small stones: thy neck as with collars.  
And in regard of the ornaments of the spirit, whereby her cheeks and neck, the principal seats of beauty, are set forth with rows of precious stones, gems, collars, and gorgeous things, as horses of those countries were wont to be.  VERS. 11. 
Borders of Gold we will make unto thee, with specks of neat silver.  
And not content therewith promiseth that the Father Son and the holy Ghost, the blessed and glorious Trinity, will further beautify, and let her out with all rich graces and ornaments of the spirit, with a continual growth of sanctification, as it were pure gold, beautified with the silver specks of a new increase of holiness, being made more and more glorious by the reflection of his glory.   

CHURCH.  VERS. 12. 
Whilst the King is in his circuit, my spicknard doth give forth his smell.  
The Church, resoundeth the praises of her CHRIST, for the sweet and fragrant odours that from him come down upon her by his Word, and the power of his spirit, those holy things that make her so sweet herself, and to spread her sweetness far and near to other: And that even now whilst this Lord and King sitteth in the round globe of the highest and most glorious heavens, absent in the flesh; how much more when CHRIST which is her life, shall appear and reveal himself in glory?  VERS. 13. 
My beloved is as a bundle of myrrh unto me that lodgeth between my breasts.  
The cause of all is, Christ's dwelling in her heart by faith, which maketh her both gracious, and sweet as a nosegay of myrrh in a weomans' bosom,  VERS. 14. 
My well-beloved is unto me as a cluster of Cypress in the vineyards of Hengedie.  
And as a cluster of Cypress full of berries within his white flower, when the same is planted in fruitful gardens, such as Hengedie was.   

CHRIST.  VERS. 15. 
Behold thou art fair my fellow friend, behold thou art fair, thine eyes are doves eyes.  
This mutual gratulation Christ shutteth up with exclamations, setting forth her beauty, the beauty she hath in him without spot, and glorious, also her charity and dove-like simplicity, that will not cast one eye upon any superstitions   

CHURCH  VERS. 16. 
Behold thou art fair my well-beloved: also delectable: also our bed is green.  
The Church shutteth up with commendations of the beauty and amiableness of her love, 
● Brutus', as the Hebrew word is, which Pliny also doth retain in the 12 book of his natural history Chap. 17 signifieth rare, plea●ant and special woods.  and the fruitfulness of their bed, begetting many children unto God.   

CHRIST and CHURCH both.  VERS. 17. 
The beams of our houses are of Cedars, our walks of brute trees.  
They both conclude with commendations of the preciousness of their houses, and of the walks wherein they visit one another that is of Christ's habitation in her by the communion and fellowship of the spirit.    

CHAP. II.  

CHRIST.  VERS. 1. 
I am the rose of 
* Shar●n was a place of l●w pasture grounds, between Bashan & mount Leb●non, as appeareth 1. Chron. 5. 16 & 27. 29. So that 〈◊〉 rose of Sharon, he meaneth a ro●e growing in a fruitful and sunny place which is allwa●●s of sweetest savour.  Sharon, the Lily of the valleys.  
THe Church and her spouse not satisfied with their former praises, and the mutual commending one of an other, fall afresh unto it. He commendeth his own sweet virtue, which he hath not for himself alone, but by his spirit doth communicate to his Church.  VERS. 2. 
As a Lily among thorns, so is my fellow friend among the daughters.  
Whereby the same as far excelleth all other companies and assemblies through the righteousness and glory she receiveth from him, as the Lily doth the thorns: for all are no better than thorns take them as they are, but specially if they be compared with her.   

CHURCH.  VERS. 3. 
As an aple-tree among the trees of the forest, so is my well-beloved among the Sons: under his shadow I desire that I may sit: for sweet is his fruit unto my palate.  
The Church again praiseth him for his fruitfulness, and the sweetness both of his shade and fruits. Such and so great, as she desireth no only to rest under the shadow of his grace and righteousness, thereby to be kept from the scorching heat of the wrath of God, the curse of the Law, death, and condemnation, being reconciled by him to his Father: but to taste of the dainty fruits, the fullness of joys that are at his right hand.  VERS. 4. 
He brought me into the banqueting house, and his banner over me was ●oue.  
Here is the great desire & longing expre'st, which she hath for Christ, enlarged narration-wise, by two most sweet and notable fruits that proceed from him unto his Church. First life, safety and deliverance from all evil: then pleasure, comfort, joy, peace of conscience, and the fruition of all good. The former she setteth forth, first by the efficient cause, his only love shed in her heart by the holy Ghost: whereby he kept her as fast unto himself, as Soldiers are kept about the colours of their General, that nothing could pull her from him. Secondly by the place where this was done, the banqueting house of the congregation of his Saints, where all dainties and iunketing dishes, all pleasures and delights were to be found in him.  VERS. 5. 
Stay me with these flagons, hold me up with these apples, for I am sick of love.  
Thirdly, by her fainting for the desire of Christ. So sick she was with spiritual love. Fourthly, by her great desire, expressed by turning her speech to his servants that stood round about the Table, the ministers of the Word to stay and hold her up, and to keep life within her, by an holy use of the Word and Sacraments, which are as refreshing apples, and as bottles of wine, out of the which we suck the swcete promises of the Gospel.  VERS. 6. 
His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me.  
Fifthly, by Christ's doing a great deal more than we should require: Even himself as a kind husband will do unto his wife, taking her in both his arms, and so falling with her into a sweet rest and slumber from the cares of this present world.  VERS. 7. 
I adiureye ye daughters of jerusalem, tarry without with the roes, or with the hinds of the field. Stir not up nor waken this love until he please.  
Sixthly, by adjuring all Christians to abide in their place and standing, that is to say in some honest and lawful vocation, as Rachel that looked to her father's herds, and not either thorough idleness, or disorderly walking and following after sinful pleasures to grieve the spirit, and to give Christ cause, when they may have and hold him, to disjoint himself from them. And so she lives and breaths in him through that sweet and happy conjunction she hath with her head.  VERS. 8. 
It is the voice of my well-beloved. Behold this same, he cometh leaping upon these mountains, skipping upon these hills.  
But that is not all. She thus resting in quiet sleep, and he going into the country to the pleasant fields to prepare and set things in a readiness, returning again heapeth upon her favours and pleasures that cannot be expressed, which she with a joyful heart settleth herself to entertain. First, he speaketh unto her, she heareth his comfortable voice. Secondly he cometh, she seeth him coming a far of. Thirdly, he is present and at hand, no hills, nor hillocks, no offences, great or small, heinous sins or meaner imperfections are able to stay his coming.  VERS. 9 
My well-beloved is like a roe, or a young Hart. Behold this same, he standeth behind our wall, looking forth of the windows, showing himself cheerfully through the grates.  
Hereupon she crieth out for joy, compareth him with the hinds & young roes for his swiftness, with goodly flourishing trees for his sweetness, and the pleasure of his countenance. Only this is her grief, that he looketh but as it were through the grates, standeth behind the walls, and doth not as she would, communicate his presence with her.  VERS. 10. 
My well-beloved spoke and said unto me, Arise my fellow friend, my fair one, and come thy way.  
Then thus prepared to hear and to receive him, he speaketh to her heart: and pouring forth a golden shower of kind and gracious words, with silver streams of eloquence (manifesting his affection) inviteth her to the fruition of those good and excellent things which by his Word and spirit he is ready to bestow upon her.  VERS. 11. 
For behold the winter is past, the rain is over, it is gone.  
Drawing arguments from her present state and condition compared with her former misery that was in the time of her ignorance, whilst she lay dead in sin and trespasses, and was a stranger from the life of God: all which time was as the winter season, foul and tempestuous, full of storms, of horror of mind, terror of conscience, fear of death and desperation.  VERS. 12. 
The flowers appear in the earth, the time of the chirping of birds is come, and the voice of the Turtle is heard in our land.  VERS. 13. 
The Figtree hath put forth her green figs and the vines with the tender grape give forth a smell. Arise my fellow friend, my fair one, and come thy way.  
But this now come in the place of it is as the pleasant spring, all green, fresh, and flourishing. Such are the pleasures that the enjoying of Christ doth bring. That done here moveth two main objections that evermore trouble the Saints of God, and hold them as it were amazed.  VERS. 14. 
My done that dwellest in the clefts of the rocks, in the f●eety den; show me thy countenance, make me to hear thy voice: for thy voice is sweet, and thy countenance comely.  
One, the conscience of their own infirmity and weakness, which maketh them like silly doves to hide themselves in corners, in the cliffs of the rock, under the grices of the stairs, in secret places, flying the fight of men, and not to dare to show their faces. This he removeth with the consideration of God's eternal election, and of his deep and unsearchable counsels, a rock of strength to comfort her in her weakness: a sure hold and unaccessable den, whereunto no evil can approach, a fort impregnable, under the which she resteth, and shall rest safe for ever. And thereupon he biddeth her to take heart of grace, to come unto him, to walk before him, and to be upright to talk with him, to make him hear her voice in Prayers and the praises of her God. For that in Christ be accepteth her and is well pleased with her, both her person, and those spiritual sacrifices and fruits of her faith.  VERS. 15. 
Take us the foxes, the little foxes which spoil the vineyards, and that whilst our vineyards are bringing forth the tender grape.  
The other thing that troubleth is the opposition of wicked and ungodly men, not the cruel tyrants of the world only, but false teachers which nip the Church in the head, and are the instruments of Satan's malice when it first beginneth to peep, for then Satan is ever busiest to seduce us in the first birth of Christ in our hearts, waiting to kill and to destroy us. These also he saith he will take order for, by sending workmen into his vineyard that shall spare none, not the least evil but by drawing forth the sword of holy discipline shall cut off all evil, and all means and occasion of evil, which here exhorting he promiseth, and in promising he exhorteth his servants the ministers of the Church not to be slack to do, that so she may enjoy perfect peace and pleasure, and all kind of happiness.  VERS. 16. 
My well-beloved is mine, and I am his who feedeth among the Lilies.  
Upon all which she concludeth: glorying first of her fellowship & communion with Christ; who as a good shepherd feedeth his with satiety of pleasures and delights that are at his right hand for evermore.  VERS. 17. 
Till that day breath and these shadows fly away, return, be like, my well-beloved, to the roe or to the young hart upon the 
* By Severed mountains he meaneth Mount Gilead, which was s●ue●ed by the river jordan from the rest of judea, 2. Sam. 2. 29. and was the best place for course and for hunting.  severed mountains.  
And then wishing his gracious presence that he would come quickly to her, and not depart one heats breadth from her to the day of his last most bright appearance, when we shall perfectly be received unto the communion of Christ, and of all good things in him: that so by his blessed presence and the assistance of his Spirit, she may pass through and overcome all the mists and shadows of sin, ignorance and affliction that come in her way whi●est she is in this present world.    

CHAP. III.  VERS. 1. 
In my bed a-nights I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.  VERS. 2 
Therefore I said, I will rise now and go about the City by the streets, and by the high ways, I will seek him whom my soul loveth. I sought him, but I found him not.  
YEt once more the Church expresseth her affection and longing after Christ: the wonderful desire she hath to cling nearer and to cleave faster to him: and that in a more passionate manner then ever she did before; thinking she had lost him, when most she did enjoy him.  
By night and by day, upon her bed and when she was up; at home and abroad, within in the City by the streets, and by the lanes, without in the fields; with herself alone in the secret meditation of her heart, and by conference with others. First, godly brethren (as she met them in every corner) her fellows and familiar friends exercised in the like temptations.  VERS. 3. 
The watchmen which go about the City found me. to whom I said, did you see him whom my soul loveth.  
Then the public watchmen of the City, the Lords remembrancer, swhom he hath set over thy walls O jerusalem, that all the day, and all the night they might not be silent of him: every where and at all times, using all the means, from the lowest to the highest, she seeketh Christ, and can hear no tidings of him. That is she cannot find him present as she doth desire, and to her hearts liking in her own sense and apprehension, though indeed he be always most present with her.  VERS. 4. 
It was but a while ere I had passed from them, ti when I found him whom my soul loveth. I took hold of him, not to let him go, till I shall have brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me.  
At the last when she lest looketh for it, and hath passed all the means, that the excellency may be from God and not from them, she findeth her heart's joy, him whom her soul loveth. She claspeth him, and layeth fast hold upon him, with purpose not to let him go till she have brought him into her mother's house (like an honest and shamefast maiden that will do nothing in such cases without her mother's privity) that is, till the happy time that the whole Catholic Church shall grow up in one body, to be presented as a pure virgin, glorious unto Christ.  VERR. 5. 
I adjure you, ye daughters of jerusalem, tarry without with the roes, or with the hinds of the field. Stir not up nor waken this love until he please.  VERS. 6. 
Who is she that should come up out of the wilderness, as it were becensed with smoke that is raised up; becensed with myrrh and incense better than all Apothecary's powder.  
And now resting in his arms, she desireth to remain there so long as he shall please, that is to say for ever  
But the upon the view and muster of his graces, she corrects her dullness, and rapt with admiration, O, saith she, what do I mean? Am I so foolish to tie Christ unto my sleeve, to wish that he might abide here with me in the wilderness of this world, which is so crooked and empty of all goodness? Should not I myself rather (though I know the wicked world looks after no such matter) labour to be taken up from hence by faith into his home and dwelling place, and unto his spiritual marriage bed, the heavenly glory of God's Kingdom, and jerusalem that is above. For the sweetness of it most fragrant and odoriferous, as all becensed with myrrh and incense of holiness, glory, immortality, better than the best perfumes.  VERS. 7. 
Behold his bed is better than solomon's, which threescore strong men stand about, of the valiant men of Israel.  VERS. 8. 
All of them drawing sword, expert in war, each hath his sword by his side for fear anightes.  
For the safety, price, preciousness of matter, and work that exceeds the matter, far beyond Solomon's wedding bed, though it were most curious: for there indeed stood a continual guard of threescore valiant men, with their swords by their sides to keep the chamber door for fear of danger in the night▪ But he hath a thousand thousand standing before him; yea ten thousand thousand ministering unto him; Thrones, Dominions, principalities, powers, other manner of persons in strength and valour.  VERS. 9 
Better I say then the bed which King Solomon made him of the trees of Lebanon.  VERS. 10. 
Whose pillars he made of silver, the beddesteed thereof of gold, the coverlet thereof of purple. The midst of it paved with love, by the daughters of jerusalem.  
True it is, that bed was made for a King, but this for the king of Kings, and Lord of Lords: the frame there was of Cedars of Lebanon. the pillars silver, the bedstead gold, the coverlets purple. But here the very streets, the market place is all of pure & beaten gold, shining as clear crystal. Where of shall we think (by that reckoning) that the bed and furniture thereof is made. There the midst was paved most lovely with needlework, here the ornaments and hangings are the shining glory of God and the Lamb, that the daughters of jerusalem did work; this the Father of heaven. Thus doth the place where we shall enjoy Christ excel▪  VERS. 11. 
Go forth and look ye daughters of Zion, upon King Solomon, with the Crown, wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of gladness of his heart.  
But if you compare person with person, ones joy with the others triumphs, your own eyes will tell you when Solomon was at the highest, how infinitely he did come short. Solomon indeed had a Crown that royally set him forth; but Christ hath many Crowns and diadems upon his head; Solomon in his excellency and the crown of his glory was a spectacle worthy to be looked upon and admired, but Christ to be worshipped, honoured, and adored, not of the maidens of jerusalem only, but of the whole host of heaven; Solomon's heart leapt for joy the day thht he was contracted, but Christ is anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows, with a heap and variety of gifts and graces, more than all men or Angels. So far is he to be preferred.   

CHAP. FOUR  

CHRIST.  VERS. 1. 
Behold thou art fair my fellow friend, behold thou art fair: thine eyes are doves eyes from between thy locks: thy hair is like a flock of Goats, which shear upon mount Gilead.  
CHRIST here comforteth the Church against that anxiety of mind, which appeared in the former Chapt. showing how gracious she is unto him, how beautiful in his eyes: not for any bodily, but for her spiritual beauty. Whether you consider her wholly and entirely, being all fair, or her members and lineaments one by one: eyes, hair and locks, teeth, lips, temples, her neck and both her breasts; all in that comeliness and proportion, as is fit both for the discharge of the great duty of the ministry, and the common duty of christianity. Her eyes first, how chaste they are? how simple? how douclike? if you consider either the faithful Minister, the eyes and lights of the Church, whose care is to present us chaste and pure virgins unto Christ, or the eye of judgement in every Christian, which maketh the whole body lightsome, and keepeth them single and sincere in all things. Again how comely they are within her locks, seemelily turned up: for such is both the Church's decency, rejecting all toyish ceremonies, and the grave and sober carriage of every Christian. And this hair so goodly shining smooth, as of fat Goats that feed in fruitful pastures; these ceremonies, this carriage orderly, sober, decent, bring that reverence to a Christian, that comeliness to a Church, as make them both gracious.  VERS. 2. 
Thy teeth are like a flock of even shorn sheep, that come up from the washing, which all of them do bring forth twins, and there is not a miscarrying one among them.  VERS. 3. 
The lips are like a thread of scarlet▪ and thy talk is comely: thy temples within thy locks are as a piece of pomegranate.  VERS. 4. 
Thy neck is as the tower of David, built for armouries: a thousand targets hang therein, all shields of mighty men.  VERS. 5 
Thy two breasts are as two young hinds, the twins of a roe which feed among lilies.  
Go unto her teeth, they are equal, shining, dowblerewed, whereby she cheweth the meat of heavenly doctrine, both for herself and others. The Law of grace is in her scarlet lips, speaking things comely and for edification. Temples like a rose to see to, & of the hue of a Pomegranet, bending beyond the hair. So natural is her beauty, and her face her own: for what needeth she the die or colour of worldly glory to set forth her spiritual beauty? or of human wisdom to adorn the simplicity of the Gospel? Is her face only and the parts thereof worthy to be commended? do not the rest as well excel? her neck of holy discipline, and government to assist the ministry of the Word, and that complete armour of proof which every christian fighteth with, holdeth her up and keepeth her steady, more strong than all the weapons of any tower or armourrie can do. Lastly her paps plump, round, fair, are ●full of all good nourishment of the sincere milk of the word of God, that flows as from a stream out of both her breasts of that old and the new Testament.  VERS. 6. 
Till that day breath, and these shadows fly away, I will get me unto the Mountain of Myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.  
This description done, and made an end of, now to satisfy her request he promiseth that notwithstanding till the marriage day do come, when the mists of sin, ignorance, and affliction that are cast in this world before the eyes of the Church shall fleet away, he must keep his residence and abode in jerusalem that is above, where are his friends, who perform unto him duties sweeter than myrrh and frankincense.  VERSE 7 
Thou all fair my fellow friend, and not a spot in thee.  VERS. 8. 
With me from Lebanon, my spouse with me from Lebanon shalt thou come, thou shalt look down from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir, and Hermon, from the dens of Lions, from the mountains of Leopards.  
Yet he will ever be present with his Church by his Word and the power of his spirit, sanctifying and cleansing the same, until being all fair without any spot or wrinkle in her, and so fitted and made ready for the wedding day, he do receive her as his spouse, (that is to say a wife joined and married to her husband, for so he is bold now to call her, in regard of that prefixed time) into everlasting life, and crown her with glory and immortality. At what time he saith he will redeem her (wholly and every part, so as not one whom the Father hath given unto Christ shall perish) from the most remote places and borders of the Land, and out of the claws of Lions and Leopards, her most cruel, fierce, barbarous and savage enemies.  VERS. 9 
Thou hast ravished my heart, my Sister Spouse. Thou hast ravished my heart, with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck.  
The remembrance of this day, and of the perfection she now hath in his judgement & estimation of her, and then shall actually have by his benefit bestowed upon her, maketh him to cry out in the passion and vehemency of his love, calling her Sister, as being of one nature, also his married spouse, professing she hath ravished his heart with the beauty of her looks, with the ornaments of her graces, that are as chains about her neck, yea with one look of faith, with that one grace of his sanctifying spirit in her:  VERS. 10. 
How fair are thy loves, my sister spouse? how good are thy loves? better than wine, and the smell of thine ointements better than all spices.  
Amplifying with exclamations the excellency of her love better than wine, and the sweet savour of her ointements (the anointing of his spirit, sealing her up to the day of redemption) better in sense and feeling, than all spices.  VERS. 11. 
Thy lips, my spouse, drop the honeycomb, Honey and milk are under thy tongue, and the smell of thy garments is as the smell of Lebanon.  
Thus having declared the fervency of his love unto her, he doth by many figures and forms of speech, express the sweetness and the ornaments of her faith and of the fruits that proceed from it. Thy lips (saith he) both of them, that is, in the public ministry, in private speech drop the honey and the honeycomb, sweet and heavenly lessons and instructions, comforts and consolations. Out of thy tongue that milk of the Word is ready to come forth: thy smell is odoriferous, thine outward carriage and behaviour sweet amiable, and full of grace.  VERS. 12. 
A garden enclosed my sister spouse, a spring shut, a fountain sealed up.  
Thou keepest thyself most chaste unto me, ' and thy fruits sound and entire as a gardai●e closed, as a spring shut up, as a fountain sealed: for in thee is the cistern of that wholesome and fauing doctrine, whereby the parts of the field, or garden of my Church, the beds and plants. (particular congregations) are all watered, and which no stranger can have access unto: for none entereth thither but in and through me.  VERS. 13. 
Thy plants are as of an orchard of pomegranates, with fruit of precious things: as Cypress with Spicknard.  VERS. 14. 
Spicknard and Safron, sweet Canes and Cinnamon, with all trees of Frankincense, myrrh, and Santales, with all the chief spices,  
To conclude thy plants (meaning the fruits of faith) are most precious, as an orchard stored with all precious and delicate fruits.   

CHURCH.  VERS. 15. 
O fountain of the gardains, O Well of living waters, and flowing more than the waters of Lebanon.  
The Church joying in her spouses thus gracious accepting of her, doth first modestly attribute all she hath to him. Dost thou call me a spring and fountain? givest thou me the name of a garden? Vouchsafest thou me such honour that my fruits should be esteemed, as sweet spices? O but how soever I may in some sort disperse unto mine the waters of life, yet thou in truth art the only fountain, from whose fullness we all receive. I water, but from thee, thou art the only well of living water, out of the which I do draw; thou art the wind and comfortable air that purgest thy garden, makest seasonable times, rain and fair weather, as is most commodious and best for the manurance of it. ay, whatsoever I have, meat, drink, or any thing else, it is all of the gift of thy hand; my life and saving health I have, and hold from thee.  VERS. 16 
Awake O North, and come O South, breath upon my garden. Let those waters overflow the spices of it. Let my well-beloved come unto his garden, and eat his dainty fruits.  
Wherefore, saith she, deny not these two things unto me, bless me yet more with all spiritual blessings: Let thy winds blow upon my garden, and those living waters over flow my beds and spices. Secondly, come and dwell with me, feast and make merry in the midst of my soul and conscience: for even here also (as well as in Heaven) thou hast, as thou sayest, a garden?   

CHRIST.  VERS. 17. 
I am come into my guard, my sister spouse, I gather my myrrh with my spice, I eat my honeycomb with my honey, I drink 〈◊〉 wine with my milk. Eat fellow friends, drink, and be drunk O ye my well-beloved.  
O no, saith he, you know not what you ask; that were nothing good for you, and hurtful to many other: for yet till the marriage day do come, my place is to be in heaven with the infinite thousands of holy Angels and spirits of the righteous that are deceased: where I in them, and they in me take incomparable pleasure & delight; and where I welcome and entertain most lovingly with all dainties and delightfulness, the faithful souls whom I daily take out of this transitory world, into everlasting glory,    

CHAP. V  

CHURCH.  VERS. 1. 
I being asleep, but my heart awake, heard the voice of my well-beloved, bouncing, open to me, my sister, my fellow friend, my dove, my undefiled one, for my head is filled with de●●e, my locks with the drops of the night.  
WE come now to the second part of this book, which is the falling out between Christ & his Church. The fault whereof is first of all laid where it was, in the Church's unkindness to him, which she herself stic●eth not to acknowledge that it grew from her own drowsiness and carnal security: Although thus far to be excused, that it was through weakness and human frailty, against her own heart and liking; not with that full swing of sin that the wicked give themselves scope to run into, nor with all her heart and soul. The spirit being always ready to do his part, though the flesh were weak. Her faith was smothered, it was not put out: yet this one sin (as the nature of such things is) went not alone, it was accompanied with a multitude of other sins: rejecting him so scornfully, who with his own lacred v●ice spoke unto her to arise from the sleep of sin, and to awake unto righteousness, and yet could not prevail. What might be done that he did not to reclaim, and bring her home? For the manner of his coming, it was not only knocking, but bouncing at the door of her heart by the ministry of his Word, vehemently, earnestly, & more than once. The thing he did desire small in itself, so easy for her to grant, as nothing could be more: only to open and to let him in. He spoke so kindly, so lovingly, in such a gentle and so earnest a manner, as might have moved a heart of flint; gave her such and so many, so sweet and so honourable titles all with one breath, my sister, my friend, my dove, mine undefiled one, bestowed such care and diligence to compass his desires, as if it were his own good that he sought, and not hers. He (bearing all the infirmities of our nature, and the inconveniences of this life, compared to the night in regard of the life to come) refused to undergo no peril, nor wearisomeness, or incommodity of weather, no toil or trouble for her sake; to go by day or by night, early in the morning, or late in the evening, in fair of foul weather, in the dew and in the rain, his head and his hair, his skull and his locks, all beesprinckled and wet; that what heart (not made of stone) could be so unkind to let him stand without, in the rain and in the dangers, and hazards of the night?  VERS. 2 
To whom I answered, I have put off my coat, how should I put it on? I have washed my feet, how should I foul them?  
Yet for all that, every vain pretence, every fond and frivolous excuse, was enough to keep her from admitting Christ, and from opening the door unto him; that door of her heart whereby through a true and lively faith, Christ doth make an entrance and is received, and more and more fruitfully applied unto us. A manifest argument what small account sh●e made of him, and how little she set by the inestimable good that he came to bring unto her: preferring a little ease and daintiness, before the pleasures that are in him. She thought it (for sooth) a matter of no small ado to put on her coat again, and rise when once she was a-bed, for fear of catching cold: she was loath to touch the ground with her feet now they were washed, lest she should bewray them, that is to say, she was loath to give ear to every call of Christ, for fear of disquieting herself, of drawing upon her dangers, troubles, fears and losses if she should follow him in all things: as if these or ten thousand greater discommodities than these could any way counterpeize, or lie in the balance with the infinite blessings we have by Christ. O flesh and blood how wise art thou to find out a reason unto thine own heart? and to have some blind excuse or other for that thou wouldst fain do?  VERS. 3 
My well-beloved let down his hand from the keyhole, when as my bowels earning within me,  VERS. 4 
I rose to open to my well-beloved, and my hands dropped Myrrh, and my fingers soft Myrrh in the handles of the lock.  
But the end and effect hereof was fearful. Christ so repulsed went his wa●e: so she lost her love and could no more find him: and then all too late her heart began to earn; she fell then to have a compunction of soul, remorse of her offence: and then (fool as she was) when he was gone she rose to open unto him: Yet so at the last disposing and framing herself unto his call, the very touch of the handle of the lock, where Christ departing, had left behind him such fragrant steps and impressions of his favour by the blessing and sweet smelling savour of his Gospel, brought her to a consideration of her most unworthy fact.  VERS. 5. 
I opened to my well beloved, but my well-beloved withdrew himself, he passed away: I fell into a sound because of his speaking, I sought him, but I could not find him, I cried on him, but he answered me not.  
And was enough now to make her to arise and open unto him, (departed and gone away) whom present before and requesting it, she had rejected. O then what would have been the comfort if when he was at the door he had been let in and entertained? Well, she openeth now, but her love is gone. Then struck with a conscience of her sin, she falleth into a swoon to think of his kind and loving words, which she so scornfully set at nought: she seeks him by meditation of the Word, by calling to mind the promises of the Gospel, and his former mercies, but she cannot find him she crieth upon him with prayers, tears, weep, and lamentations, but he will not answer.  VERS. 6. 
The watchmen that go about the City found me, they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took my vail from me.  
Yet she supported by his Spirit, not casting off her faith, continueth to seek him still, and passeth petills past belief. The Minister's themselves and watchmen of the Church of God, ● hose part it was to guard her, were the first that did her wrong, smote, and wounded her tender conscience: and in steed of speaking a word in due time to the wearied and distressed soul, did even take her vail from her, and beat her from holding fast her reverend obedience and subjection unto Christ.  VERSE 7 
I adjure you, ye daughters of jerusalem, if ye find my well-beloved, what you should tell him: that I am sick of love.  
Wherefore finding no comfort where in reason it was most to be expected, she getteth her to the maidens her friends and fellows, though not so well acquainted with Christ as she. To them she is more bold to impart the ardency of her affection; asketh them after Christ, adjureth them, both themselves to take knowledge of it, and to let her love understand how she doth affect him.   

The Maidens the churches friends.  VERS. 8. 
What is thy well-beloved above an other well-beloved, O thou fairest among women? what is thy well-beloved above an other well-beloved, that thus thou dost adjure us?   

CHURCH.  VERS. 9 
My well-beloved is white and ruddy, fitted for a standard-bearer above ten thousand.  
They wondering at her passion, as unacquainted with such moods inquire what is in her love above other loves, that she doth so long and thirst after him. Whereupon she taketh occasion to describe her love; First, by the beauty and excellency of his colour, (signifying his holiness and perfect happiness) white and red mixed together, with that temper that is in the best and strongest complexions, enabling him to do any feat of activity above ten thousand other. For who but he can sustain the fury of the battles of God, and yet go away with the honour and glory of the field? or of whom but of him alone can it be said, that he hath a crown given unto him, and goeth forth overcoming, and must overcome?  VERS. 10. 
His head excellent gold, fined; his locks curled, black as a raven.  
Secondly, by the members and lineaments of his body, head, hair, eyes, cheeks, lips, hands, breasts legs, look, palate, and to conclude his whole self. His head, (wherein the grace of his human nature standeth) precious as the most excellent gold, pure, bright, shining, as gold fined seven times: for even in his humanity, he is the engraven form of the person of his Father, and the resplendence of his glory. His hair, first black as a raven, then coloured and crisped; so fair he is in the very lest ornaments of nature, more than the sons of men.  VERS. 11. 
His eyes as doves eyes by the streams of waters, washed with milk itself, set in cunningly.  
His eyes have a threefold quality to commend them by: First amiable as the doves, as the neat and the dainty doves by the water side, in the gracious and comfortable look which he casteth on his Church. Secondly, white as milk, and shining with white, because he is more pure of eyes then that he can behold iniquity. Thirdly, set in the hollow places as fit, and with as great art and cunning, as a stone by the artificers hand is set into a ring; so guiding and directing his sight to look perfectly into all things, yea into the depth of the secret of men's hearts.  VERS. 12. 
His cheeks like a bed of Spice, grown plants of perfume, his lips to Lilies, dropping soft myrrh.  
His cheeks goodly and flourishing with a fresh and sweet beard, like a bed of spices, like grown plants that serve for perfume: Such a grace and gravity doth he carry. His lips in themselves as lilies, redolent for the smell, comely in proportion: to us full of heavenly grace & sweetness, of most comfortable doctrine which droppeth from him, as liquid or softmirrh.  VERS. 13. 
Upon his hands are rings of gold, set with Chrysolite, in his bowels is a shining, as of ivory, overlaid with sapphires.  
His hands are set forth with all ornaments precious & shining rings of gold set with the Crysolite, to note that not his person only but all his actions (done by the instrument of the hand) the whole government and administration of his kingdom, is full of majesty and glory. His breast and all his body (for that is to be understood by the bowels that are within) hath a shining like ivory, covered over with sapphires: for of a weak and corruptible body he hath made his own, and will make ours in him glorious and incorruptible.  VERS. 14. 
His legs are pillars of Marble, set upon sockets of fined gold: his countenance as of Lebanon, choice as the Cedars.  
His legs are pillars of marble, leaning upon sockets of the choicest gold, to show his power and majesty, being able to tread all his enemies, and whatsoever setteth itself against him, in pieces under his feet, and to make the rage of men to turn unto his glory. The look and show of his person, goodly as Lebanon, choice as the Cedars.  VERS. 15 
His palate most sweet, and all of him most to be desired. This is my well-beloved, and this my friend, O dauhgters of jerusalem.  
His palate (that is his speech and the words that come from him) (for there, there lieth his sweetness, from thence is all our comfort, and therefore this that so delighteth and refresheth all our senses, it doth her good once again to speak of it) is most sweet and pleasant. What should I say more? he is wholly beautiful, and all to be desired.   

The maidens the Church's friends.  VERS. 16 
Whether is thy well-beloved gone, O fairest amongst women? whether hath thy well-beloved turned his face? that we may seek him with thee.  
This description doth so affect them, that they long to know of her, where her love is become, burning with a desire to seek Christ as well as she. That is the fruit of the conference of God's children.   

CHURCH.  VERS. 17. 
My well-beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spice, that he may feed in the gardaines and gather Lilies.  VERS. 18. 
I am my well_beloved, and my well-beloved is mine, who feedeth among the Lilies.  
To whom she answereth, that he is gone to jerusalem which is above, there to repast with his friends as himself had said; and concludeth with an exclamation, that whatsoever calamity her own sin had brought upon her, yet the affection to her jove is firm and constant; and so she assureth herself his is to her, though absent in Heaven. And by this means she nourisheth that holy desire of seeking Christ both in herself and others: and together with her temptation findeth, by the goodness of GOD, an issue and way to come out of it.    

CHAP. VI  

CHRIST.  VERS. 1. 
Thou art fair my fellow friend, as Thirtza, comely as jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners.  
CHRIST here comforteth his Church against all the fears and terrors which the conscience of her own sin might justly pull upon her; telling her that having by faith and the tears of true repentance washed away her former spots, she was now as fair in his eyes, and as amiable as ever she was before: all beautiful and fair (being justified & sanctified through Christ) as Thirtza, jeroboams stately City: seemly as jerusalem the glory of all the Cities of the East, built as a City compact and knit together, wherein are all those worthies of the Lord of hosts, Pastors, Teachers, etc. in a most comely order and government of the Church: terrible in the Church-ministery and discipline, which is a rod to keep in subjection every thought, and to revenge all disobedience: yea, terrible against Satan and all the powers of hell. And howsoever she had caught afore below, which might seem to be an argument of her cowardliness, yet in truth she was of an invincible faith and courage, and fearful to her foes.  VERS. 2. 
O turn thine eyes over against me, that they may left me up. Thine hair is as of a flock of Goats that sheareth on Gilead.  VERS. 3. 
Thy teeth like to a flock of sheep which come up from washing, which all of them do bring forth twins, and there is not a miscarrying one amongst them.  VERS. 4. 
As a piece of pomegranate are thy temples from between thy locks.  
And therefore (saith he) be of good comfort, look upon me, have faith in the promises of the Gospel: That shall be my joy, and the crown of my glory, who have always a sense and a fellow-feeling of thy miseries, and am like affected to thee, mourn when thou mournest, and am glad when thou rejoicest. If thou doubt whether thy beauty still continue, whether it remain fresh and constant, I assure thee it doth; and no fault or infirmity of thine can make it for to fade: for it wholly resteth in my grace and goodness. Thy hair, thy teeth, thy temples, all thy parts and members are every one as comely, as fair, as well featured as before. Thy beauty doth excel.  VERS. 5. 
Let there be threescore Queens, and fourscore Concubines, and maidens without number.  
Think not, because there be so many that glitter and flourish in the world, living in all wealth and ●ollity, and at their heart's ease, when it is ill with thee, when thou art humbled and fightest with many difficulties, hast wars without, and terrors within, that their condition is better than thine own: as if they only were happy and to be admired, thou base and contemptible▪ No, if they were every one a Queen, or Concubines, and Ladies, never so many that attend upon them, yet thou only dost excel.  VERS. 6 
That one, my dove, mine undefiled one, that one with her mother, that pure one with her that bore her: assoon as the maidens see, they shall account her blessed; the Queens and Concubines shall praise her, saying,  VERS. 7 
Who is she, goodly as the morning, fair as the Moon, clear as the Sun, terrible as an army with banners.  
For thou art mine own, most dear unto me, (with whose judgement it is fit thou content thyself more then with all the glittering show and pomp of the world) elect and chosen out of all kindred, nations, and tongues to be my peculiar inheritance: Innocent, simple, chaste, sincere, and upright before me. Who though now thou have thin abode on earth in this sinful and wretched world, yet dost cleave so close to thy mother the heavenly jerusalem, that the whole world hath thee in admiration. Such a star of glory and excellency shineth in thy forehead, for inward sanctity, and outward majesty in the ministry and government of the Church: Insomuch as there is none of all these brave and gallant Ladies, but though they think not as thou thinkest, nor walk as thou walkest, yet in their consciences they are all convinced that the truth is with thee alone. Thee they will admire, as soon as they do behold thee; to thee they will give the prize, and count thee only blessed; attribute as much unto thee, and say as much of thee as I have said and attributed: for beauty, pruity, virtue, continually increasing.  VERS. 8 
To the pruned gardaines I went down to see the geene plants of the valley: to see whether the vine flourished, the pomegranates budded.  
And albeit I left thee for a while, yet with everlasting mercies will I resort unto thee: I did indeed withdraw myself, but it was not for any mislike or indignation conceived against thee: The truth is, I had a longing to see how near the time approached of our joyful and happy marriage, and therefore betook me to my place of glory.  VERS. 9 
When I discerned it not, my mind set me upon the chariots of my freehearted people, to say,  
But perceiving that day was not yet at hand, I came back with speed unto thee, together with all my people, and retinue: by the ministery of those my free-willing servants, with all speed and earnestness to give thee comfort. And now mark and lay up in thy heart what I shall say,  VERS. 10. 
Return, return O Shullamite: return, return that we may behold thee. What, behold you in that Shullamite? as the dance of the Machanaijmites.  
Thou hast indeed gone astray: that had almost marred thee: but in me is thy health and safety. Return, return unto me, that I and mine, all the Angels of God, may have joy in heaven to see the fruits of thy faith spring anew. For notwithstanding thy slips and falls, I esteem thee most perfect in mine eternal counsel and decree, and putting all the robes of mine innocency & righteousness upon thee, do now so make thee by the power of my Word and spirit, my friends here and fellows being judges. Look upon her, tell me how you find her: Is she not most brave, glorious, and gallantly attended? Verily when I do behold her, and all her troops coming forth to meet me, me thinks I am in the midst of the Tribes of Israel, and of all those worthies, that skipping and leaping with songs and dances, and all kind of holy merriments, came to receive David at Machanaim, when God brought him back into his kingdom.  VERS. 11 
How beautiful are thy feet with these shoes, O daughter of a Prince? The compass of thy thighs are like browches, the work of the hand of a cunning workman▪  
And yet the nearer I come unto thee, the more I admire thy beauty from the top unto the toe, from one end unto an other. To begin at the lowest, and so to ascend. Thy feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. Thou daughter of a Prince! O thou of noble birth! borne not according to the flesh, but by the faith of the promise. The girdle of pure truth above thy hips, framed by the most cunning workman, the Spirit of God himself.  VERS. 12. 
Thy navel like a round bowl. Let not the Liquor of it fail. But let thy belly be as a heap of wheat, hedged about with Lilies.  
Thy navel round as a bowl, a token of thy fruitfulness. O let it never be drawn dry; but as a full cup wanting not any liquor; let thy womb be always fruitful, and thy fruit precious and fragrant as a heap of wheat hedged about with Lilies: So great a desire I have of thine increase.  VERS. 13. 
Thy two breasts are like two young roes, the twins of a hind.  VERS. 14. 
Thy neck like to a tower of ivory: thine eyes to the fishpools made with art at the populous gate: thy nose like to the tower of Lebanon, that looketh toward Damascus.  
Thy two breasts as two hinds, fit to nourish and give suck. Thy neck, the neck of discipline strait, and steady, like unto a tower to bear up the ministery as it were the face of the Church: and white and beautiful as a tower of ivory for the order and gravity thereof. Thine eyes bright and clear, as the fishpools made with great art at jerusalem in the broad gate of the flocks, (for such is the ministry of the Church, placed where the godly do flock into the Lords assemblies) which shine as the clear waters in the pond, for judgement and knowledge: for delivery of doctrine are as the flowing of those waters: for wisdom in searching and weighing, preparing and fitting of it, may be compared unto the workmen by whom those ponds were artificially made, and to their cunning workmanship. Thy nose strait and comely; as quick a judgement in discerning doctrines, as the nose hath in discerning smells.  VERS. 15. 
That which on thy head is put upon thee, is like to crimson, and the fillet of thy head is like to purple, a King might be tied to these walks.  
The ceremonies, as it were the ornaments of thy head, both the hairlace & the borders, & all thy whole attire are for comeliness & good order of special account, and a great grace unto thee: no less than scarlet and purple. There is no King in the world but might find in his heart to be tied to these walks, and to be held prisoner in the sight of thee, and of the beauty of thy assemblies. So great is thy glory in comparison of all the vain pomp of this present world.  VERS. 16. 
How fair thou art, and how delectable O Love with these pleasures.  
I cannot hold, but I must cry out with an admiraon of thy beauty, that thou art exceeding fair and amiable, not thyself only, but all that is about thee: O love only to be beloved.  VERS. 17. 
This thy stature is like a palm tree, and thy breasts like clusters of grapes.  
Thy whole body strait, strong, and of a comely stature. Thy Teats as berries.  VERS. 18. 
I say I will get up upon the palm-tree, I will take hold of her branches, and thy breasts shall now be like the clusters of the vine, and the smell of thy nose like apples.  
But I will not leave thee so, I give thee my word for it, (and that I promise be sure I will perform) I will prune and purge thee that thou shalt be all fruitful, redolent, and fragrant. Thy teats as the clusters of grapes, full of the sweet juice of the milk of the Word of God. Thy nose shall both give and receive a smell of apples, that thou mayst be as well meat as drink unto the soul.  VERS. 19 
And thy palate as wine of the best smell, frisking, lively, upright, making the lips of those that are asleep to speak.  
Yea thy tongue (the preaching of the Gospel) shall be as pure, strong and pleasant wine of the best smell and savour, sprinkling, and leaping lovely, frisking in the cup; whereby even those that sleep, and are dead in their sins and trespasses shall be awakened, and with new lips and words sound forth thy praise.    

CHAP. VII.  

CHURCH.  VERS. 1. 
I am my well_beloved, since his desire is towards me.  
THis comfortable speech of Christ unto his Church doth so refresh her, that first she breaketh forth into thankfulness for his mercy: In regard whereof she professeth she is wholly his, whose affection she findeth to be so wonderful towards her, that he loved her, when she cared not for him: followed her, when she refused him: called her back, when she ran away from him: pardoned her, when she offended him: gave himself anew unto her, when she had forsaken him: seated her in Heaven, when she was in the lowest hell.  VERS. 2 
Go to, my well-beloved, let us go forth into the Country, let us lodge by the Cypress.  
Then she rouseth up her dull & heavy spirits praying him, not alone, and by himself apart to spend his hours in observing of the time of their spiritual marriage, as he said before he did: since she also had a care and longing to have the same consummate as well as he.  VERS. 3 
Let us get up early to the vineyards: let us see if the vine bud, the first grape open, the pomegranates sprout, there will I give my Loves to thee.  
Promising withal not to be found henceforth unready, not to be any more so drowsy, so sluggish, so reckless as she was: but hereafter night and day to watch and attend that hour: and to inquire and learn after all the signs & tokens, when she may come to be perfectly knit to Christ.  VERS. 4 
These lovely flowers that give a smell, & about our gates all precious things, new, and also old, my well-beloved I keep in store for thee.  
In the third place she consecrateth all she hath unto him, and undertaketh in the mean time against the solemnisation of that marriage, to provide all manner of presents, flowers, garlands, and the like, which men at such times are wont to straw at the thresholds, and in the entries. That is, to furnish herself with spiritual graces, and to lay up in store plenty and variety of heavenly treasure, things both new and old.  VERS. 5. 
O that thou wert as a brother unto me, sucking the breasts of my mother: finding thee without I would kiss thee, also I should not be despised.  
But because there rest two great works to be accomplished before that time can come, the manifesting of God in the flesh, and the calling of the Gentiles, in them both she showeth her ardent affection, and therein the abundance of her love and zeal to Christ.  
Fourthly therefore you have her desire, which was the desire of all the prophets and holy men, to see the day of Christ, the day of his coming in the flesh: that he might be her brother and suck the breasts of her mother; naturally of the virgin, spiritually of the Church universal, where Christ is borne in the hearts of the faithful by his Word and Spirit: for so coming among his own, she, his own and his only own, would kiss him and receive him, both by faith and sense when she should see with her eyes that Word of life, and behold him, and her hands should feel and handle him. So should she be free from the scorns of wicked men, their contumelies and despites that reproach the steps of Gods Messias, and vex and molest the Church, whilst she is in the expectation of that happy day.  VERS. 6. 
I would lead thee, I would bring thee into the house of my mother which teacheth me: I would give thee to drink of spiced wine, of the juice of the pomegranates.  
Then (saith she) there should be no delay: this, this should be the marriage day. I would even now without more ado bring you into my mother's house, which teacheth & instructeth me in all piety and good offices to you-wards, into the Catholic Church of God: that all growing up into one body, whereof my spouse is the head, I might at the last be presented as a chaste and pure virgin, glorious to the Lord. Then would I give him pleasures and delights for a King, and entertain him with a most royal banquet of the graces of God's spirit.  VERS. 7. 
His left hand under my head, and his right hand embracing me,  VERS. 8. 
I adjure you, ye daughters of jerusalem, why should you stir up, or why should you waken this love until he please?  
I have sweet fellowship and rest with him: neither whilst thus I were in his arms, and under his embracings, should any the least offence be given to him, I would be careful to shun all occasions of any more displeasing my love, or of causing him to retire from me.  VERS. 9 
Who is she that cometh up out of the wilderness, ready to join herself to her welbelo●ed? under the very Appletree I waken thee, where thy mother was in labour of thee, where she was in labour that bore thee.  
Having thus set forth her desire of Christ's incarnation, now she bestoweth many sweet and gracious words to express and amplify the vehemency of this love. First, by the duties she will perform unto him: great in themselves, but greater if you compare these duties of hers, with those that are to be looked for from other women. Was there ever (saith she) any woman in the world, that would endure those labours, and take upon her such perils as I do to join herself to her beloved? But I by faith overcome all difficulties to come to thee. It is a small thing in mine eyes, which to others seems so hard, to put off the old man, to renounce this present wicked world, wherein is no pleasure nor sound delight, but a very wilderness and a desert, that I may find thee out, and present my duties to thee: even in that sweet and blessed place where thy mother (after the manner of other women, sin excepted) fell in travail of thee. Let me for the certeinety and secret of this wonderful hidden mystery once again speak it, where she fell in travail that did bear thee. This labour, this toil may be an argument what and how great my love is unto thee.  VERS. 10. 
O set me as a seal on thy heart, as a seal on thine arm: for love is strong as death; zeal, hard as the grave. The Coals thereof are Coals, nay a fire of the flame of jah.  
O do thou love me again, for this love should be mutual. Have me in thy mind, with an earnest and continual remembrance of me, set me before thine eyes, imprint me upon thine hand, as an inseparable ornament of thy glory, so as the wife is to her husband.  
The second amplification of her love, is by the properties adjoined to it, set forth by many elegant and apt similitudes. It is most vehement, most ardent, most constant, like to death which devoureth all, or as the dominion of death which overcometh all. God himself (the mighty JAH) hath kindled it in our hearts by the powerful light of his holy spirit never to go out.  VERS. 11. 
Much waters cannot quench this love, nor the floods drown it. If a man would give all the substance of his house for this love, it should utterly be contemned.  
It is firm & invincible, that neither force, ●raud, nor promises, troubles and persecutions, pleasures or commodities, no height or depth, things present or things to come are able to prevail against it.    

CHAP. VIII.  

CHURCH.  VERSE 1 
We have a sister, a little one, and she hath no breasts: what shall we do for our sister in the day that she shall be talked of?  
FIfthly, the Church of Solomon's time, as maimed and imperfect till the fullness of the Gentiles should come in, which then were a few, and rarely called, and without any ministry of their own (as it were) breasts to give suck, consulteth with Christ what course to take when the mystery so long kept secret shall be revealed and made known for their conversion. How she may behave herself in helping and administering unto them: what Christ will be pleased to do in giving an increase and blessing. And thus she doth further testify her love to Christ, by her love unto their common sister. Sister to her, by the seed of the same spirtit whereby they are both begotten unto God: sister to Christ, by his assuming of the same nature to him.   

CHRIST and his CHURCH both.  VERS. 2. 
When a wall is to be built we will build it in a palace of silver. When as a gate is to be fenced, we will fence it about with board of cedar.  
Christ and she make answer, telling what they mean to do: that since when that time shall be, it is not possible to contain the Church within the narrow bounds of jerusalem, which of a particular Church of the jews shall then be made the Catholic Church of all the world; a new manner of City must be built: wherefore plucking down the mid wall of partition, a new wall, and new gates shall be made to enlarge the City: a new government and discipline, new officers, pastors teachers, etc. to administer it. New, not in substance, which hath always been the same, even among the jews, but newly established, be w●ified, and translated to the Gentiles. Neither shall this be any disgrace to the now jerusalem, every thing shall be then so far more glorious and more excellent. A house of saints shall be erected by the preaching of the Gospel, to be the Palace of the great King: a stately and magnificent palace, all of silver, which is the precious graces of God's spirit: the Gate, the ever lasting gate of this Palace, where the King of glory doth come in, the gate of our heart, shall be seeled with faith more precious than cedar, by which only we receive him and make him ours.   

CHURCH.  VERS. 3. 
I being a wall, and my breasts as towers, then shall I be in his e●●es as one that findeth peace.  
To this the Church (in the sixth and last place) replieth that she is so far from enuving this great good unto her sister, as chose when she (the Church of the jews) shall herself become of the same society, and by the communion of the Spirit, grow up with the Gentiles into one City embracing Christ, whom so long they shall have rejected, and making one glorious part, both for government and doctrine of the heavenly Tsion, jerusalem which is above, she shall then obtain a great part of her desire, and be in a manner perfected, not being far from that rest and happiness which she longeth after, to be received into the perfect communion of her spouse: For these are every where called the last days.   

CHRIST.  VERS. 4. 
Solomon had a vineyard in a fruit full place; he let out the vineyard to keepers. Every one bringeth for the fruit of it a thousand pieces of silver.  
Christ again showeth how precious the Church is in his eyes, and how much he doth regard her, for this and all other her excellent parts: and that by a comparison in this wise; There is no King (saith he) and take Solomon the wisest, that if he have a vineyard in a fruitful place, is able himself to dress and to manure it, or to take all the fruit, but must be driven to let it forth to others: And though his tenants and farmers pay him a rent for it, yet some part they look, and so reason would, they should keep unto themselves.  VERS. 5 
My vineyard which I have, is still before my face. I receive both that thousand of thine, O Solomon, and also the two hundred pieces of those that keep the fruit of it.  
But I (saith Christ) neither let out the Church, my vineyard, nor suffer any part of the profits to go from me: for all grow up into that body, whereof I am the head▪ I purse up all the rent, and that also that Solomon's lessees were to have: So jealous I am of mine inheritance, and have mine eyes always upon it, being ever present with it, and in the midst of it.  VERS. 6. 
O thou, she that settest in these gardaines, to the fellows which attend unto thy voice, preach me.  
Hereupon he concludeth leaving this commandment as his last farewell to all the Churches, which are his gardaines wherein he walketh and maketh his plants to grow, that in season, and out of season they preach the gospel to all that have a mind to attend unto the wholesome doctrine.   

CHURCH▪  VERS. 7. 
Fly to us my well-beloved, and he thou like to the r●e or young hart, O thou that dwellest in the mountains of spices.  
She shutteth the book up, undertaking to do that which he enjoineth: but knowing her own unability prayeth him to be present with her, to give her strength to do it from his throne of glory, which is in the highest heavens, and speedily to accomplish all his promises by his last and glorious coming.  
Amen. Even so come Lord I●svs.     

OBSERVATIONS on the Song of Solomon for the comfort of every true Believer.  

CHAP. I.  VERS. 1. 
[A song etc.]  
THis excellent Song concontaineth a description of the state of a Christian man after he is once united unto Christ, during our whole life, whilst we walk here by faith, and not by sight. This is the sum of the Book. The parts are two, One the state of such a Christian when his faith and holiness of life are at the highest, his sign in the Appogaeon or midst of Heaven, that it cannot alter any point but it must decline, when he saileth with wind and weather, and hath the Sunshine of God's favour to go before him; that is whilst he enjoyeth peace of conscience, quietness and tranquillity of mind, and is free from those great offences that make a kind of separation between Christ and him, in the four first Chapters. The other part setteth forth the state of a true Christian, coming to himself after that earthliness and worldly pleasures have seized upon him, when the clouds and mists of of his own sinfulness, of drowsiness and carnal security, do overcast the face of the heavens, and darken and eclipse the brightness of his glory, in the four last Chapters. The state of a Christian living in peace and quietness of a good conscience, hath three excellent steps. First his love of Christ, in the first Chapter. Secondly the benefits here ceiu●th from him, in the Second Chapter. 3. A desire to be made perfect Chap. 3. Whereunto Christ giveth answer, in the fourth Chapter.  
The love of a Christian soul to Christ (which is not possible to be in any till Christ have first loved him, and wrought in his heart a feeling of that love) the holy Ghost doth thus describe.  
O) First the vehemency of his affection, noting true zeal. For this love is all fiery, and kindleth and inflameth the very bowels of the heart.  
Let him ●●sse, etc. Secondly a desire to be knit unto him as near as is possible to enjoy his sweet and blessed conjunction.  
For thy loves are excellent, better than wine.] Thirdly a preferring of the love of Christ before all worldly things, and above all the pleasures and delights of this present life.  
Because etc.] Fourthly, a magnifying and extolling of Christ, whose very name and the only remembrance of him is most sweet & fragrant, which draweth the Christian heart unto a love, and in love to an admiration of him.  
The virgins.] This love if you consider the quality thereof, is chaste, holy, pure, and they only love Christ who keep themselves undefiled from worldly pollution and uncleanness.  
Draw me] The efficient cause is not in ourselves, it cometh from Christ alone, who speaking to our heart by the ministry of the Word, and the sweet allurements of his spirit, pulleth us out of this present evil world, and draweth us after him.  
Then will we run.] Hereby strength is put into us, which maketh our feet nimble, and shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace to run after Christ, and with might and main to perform all holy duties to him,  
Let the King] Whereunto we are enabled by the corroborating spirit of Christ, into whose hands God the Father hath committed all things, and given him all power in Heaven and upon the earth, making him both Lord and Christ the King and ruler of his Church.  
Bring me into his primie chambers.] Who in his favour and princely bounty communicateth unto us more and more the rich graces and treasures of his Spirit, maketh us more inward with him, and and leadeth us as it were by the hand into his privy chambers, those goodly rooms and parlours, where are all the jewels and precious things laid up for his people,  
We will rejoice, etc.) This draweth from us joy in the holy Ghost, glorious and unspeakable.  
We will record etc.) It maketh us never to satisfy ourselves in setting forth and publishing unto other the sweet comforts we have in him.  
They shall etc.) Whom also we desire to be made partakers hereof, and to love Christ as well as we.  
Who in all rightness do love thee.) For such men only, the holy and righteous are the silver trumpets fit to sound forth God's praises in his sanctuary. O if we ever felt how sweet a thing it is to have his praises in our mouth, let us not commit by word and deed, that through our own folly and looseness so great a comfort should be taken from us.  
I] Lastly we are carefully to remove all lets and impediments that may hinder their approach to Christ.  
〈◊〉) Conflicts we have great and grievous with our own souls, many a pluck and wrestle; but by faith we overcome them all.  
black) We confess our own wretchedness of ourselves more black than any blackamoor, and therefore unworthy to be matched with so great a King: for we are borne in sin and conceived in iniquity, and are by nature the children of wrath, even we that live in the Church, and are borne within the outward covenant, aswell as other men. Eph. 2. Gal. 2.  
but comely.) But being purged and washed by the laver of the new birth, we are gracious and pleasing unto Christ, more amiable and beautiful in his eyes than Solomon with all his bravery could be to the eye of any mortal creature.  
Look not upon me) True it is, the world seeth not this honour which Gods children have because it is spiritually discerned: it acknowledgeth not us because it knoweth not him.  
Yet the Christian man comfort●th himself himself in the testimony of his own conscience, and and in God's judgement and estimation of him.  
because I am blackish) Though he carry about many remnants of sin, the relics of his old Adam, and is manifoldly assaulted with the pricks & temptations of the fle●●▪ For sin is in us as the spots are in the Leopard, not by accident, but by nature, which no art can cure, no water wash off, because they are not in the skin, but in the flesh & bones, in the sinews & in the most inner parts.  
By this means it cometh to pass that even a regenerate man falleth many times, and falleth grievously and fearfully, lofeth of his hold, and of the beauty that God hath given him.  
Howbeit the seed of God abiding in him maketh that he cannot sin finally and totally: for the oil of God's spirit where with he is anointed, setteth the colours, which are of his own tempering, so sure on, and maketh them cleave so fast together, that it is impossible he should ever return to his old hue, to be black, all black, coal-black as he was before.  
The holiness therefore of a Christian is always mingled with sin, his silver with much dross, not as chaff is mingled with corn, but as wine is mingled with water, or as when two colours, black and white are mingled together, that there is no part white but it is blackish also.  
Because the Sun hath cast his beams upon me) Hence it is that a Christian is subject to much affliction, anguish and distress, as it were to the scorching of the Sun, which turn all his moisture into the drought of Summer.  
Because the sons of my mother incensed against me) Especially his sins and infirmities expose him to the taunts and reproaches of the wicked, open men's mouths against him, and against the holy truth of God for his sake, who upon every slip are ready to take advantage to scandalise the Gospel.  
Hereby a christian is exceedingly humbled, and cast down, and driven to renounce and for sake arms. Neither can he ever, satisfy his own soul, but d●●reth always to rest there, without any the least interruption.  
It is the voice) The cause of all comfort to the Church is the voice of Christ, speaking to her heart, and moving and persuading her by his Spirit.  
His dealings are by degrees, and he useth not (ordinarily) to utter all his favours at once.  
of my well-beloved:) First is his power supporting us, that in our spiritual sickness the spirit be not quenched.  
Behold him,) Then he speaketh a far of, whispering as it were in our heart.  
he cometh) After he cometh neeror, at the length he is himself present.  
Leaping, skipping) When he cometh, his coming hath four excellent properties. First it is hastily and with speed.  
Upon these hills, upon these hillocks,) Secondly, no sins of ours, no unworthiness, can hinder his approach: all things, high or low, great or small offences, are too little for to stay him.  
Standeth behind &c.) Thirdly, he doth not come so to our senses as we desire: he communicateth not▪ his whole presence with us, but standeth as it were behind the wall: so as there is a space between him and us to keep him from us: He looketh but out of a casement, or as it were through a Lattice: for now we see but darkly, and in a riddle.  
Showing himself cheerfully.] Yet never the le●●e (which is the fourth thing) this fight of his is most cheerful, most sweet unto the soul that loveth him: no p●ant, no tree, no flower, so delightful to the outward senses, as Christ is to the true believer.  
My well-beloved spoke] Butler the dull heart of a Christian man had need of the continual voice of Christ, that he should call and cry unto us, speak, and speak again,  
arise, etc.) (And the same words again elegantly repeated in the end of the thirteenth verse) Yea v●e all art and eloquence that may be to stir us up to seek him,  
my fellow friend, my fair one) And speak with all kindness unto us, that we may the better be persuaded he doth it for our good.  
And here is the honour a Christian man hath, that Christ calleth us not any more servants, but his friends, and fellows.  
It is Christ that speaketh in the ministry of the Word. And we must hear the messengers whom he doth send, as if Christ by them besought us: be reconciled unto God. 1. Cor. 5.20.  
For behold,) The cause why Christ withdraweth himself is our own security and negligence in seeking to him, our slackness in prayer and other holy exercises.  
The winter etc.] The time whilst we lie in sin is a heavy and uncomfortable time; there is no pleasure to be taken in the base service of such a master: for what fruit can we have of those things whereof we must be ashamed? the whole life of a wicked man, what is it else but a sea of misery, full of fears & terrors, and expectation of the judgement to come? which should make us hastily and with speed to labour to wind out of it.  
The flowers appear &c.) chose a Christian man's life (whatsoever the world deem) is the only sweet and comfortable life, like to the pleasant spring that refresheth all the senses: as having all things fresh and green, and flourishing to the eyes: all dainty to be cut and pruned with the hands: all cheerful to the ears in the melodious noise and singing of the birds: all fruitful and sweet to the taste: all odoriferous and pleasing to the smell: For a Christian man hath peace of conscience that passeth understanding, which the world hath not, nor knoweth what it meaneth: a Christian man is full of joy wrought in him by the holy Ghost, whom the world cannot receive: a christian man whatsoever his estate be, good or bad, strengtheneth himself in his God, as David did when his City was spoiled, 
1. Sam. 30. 6.  only the bare walls left, both his wives carried away captives, and the people ready to stone him to death: for well he is assured that nothing falleth out but for his good, and in love and mercy to him; a Christian man hath access to God in all his troubles and adversities, familiar conference and communication with him, & goeth boldly unto the throne of grace: a christian man is endued with spiritual glory and wisdom, which doubleth the beauty of his countenance, and maketh his face to shine: a Christian man hath the holy Angels of God, those glorious and most renowned creatures, to be as it were his servants, for they serve Christ, with whom he is one: Lastly, a Christian man's honour is not in regard of this life only, but as a crown of future excellency, he hath fastened in his heart the anchor of hope to stay and quiet his mind in all the stonnes and tempests here, till he arrive at the haven of all his rest.  
Arise) ● Now the more these things excel, the more we must enforce ourselves to follow after them: to pursue them speedily, to go out of ourselves and to come to Christ: by any means taking heed that the pleasures of Sodom, the filthy pleasures of our former life, and of this wicked world, make us not look back unto them, but to cast them off with all our might, and to fly aware from them.  
My fellow-friend, my fair one etc.) There is not any so effectual an argument to provoke men hereunto, and to stir us up to godliness, as the consideration of God's mercy, and of the dignity we have by Christ.  
My Dove that dwelleft in the cliffs, etc.) But though the state of a Christian man be such and so excellent as before hath been described, yet to humble him that he be not proud, God leaveth, as it were, pricks and thomes in his side, as he did to the Israelites, manifold infirmities, which make him to blush for shame, and not to dare to show his face: thinking in very truth most basely of himself, and that he is of all the world the meanest: not worthy to come almost in the sight and press of men: how much less into the glorious sight and presence of God?  
Show me thy face make me hear thy voice:) Notwithstanding the testimony of his conscience; walking in simplicity and sincerity as before the Lord, maketh him (emboldened by the word of God) to lift up his head to come before him, and to call upon his name.  
For thy voice is sweet, and thy face comely.) Which the Lord graciously accepteth, and is well pleased with: accounting his person holy, and his prayers, and other the fruits of his faith, sweet and acceptable through Christ.  
Foxes,) It is the perpetual lot and condition of the Church to nourish in her bosom secret enemies, that closely undermine the good of it: for all that are in Israel are not of Israel; and many are among us that are not of us: but God in his good time will discover hypocrites; how foxlike soever they carry themselves.  
Take us, etc.) Some men's sins are manifest aforehand, going before unto judgement, and some men's follow after; but those that are of this sort cannot be hidden. The sword of discipline is to be drawn by the Ministers, and other into whose hand God hath put it, for the cutting off of known offenders, and removing of all offences.  
The Foxes,) Great ones are not to be spared though they be as jolly foxes, as Herod was.  
The little Foxes;] The small cubs are not to be neglected, though they can but nibble at the Vines.  
Which destroy the Vines:) All evil, and occasion, and show of evil is to be removed: so much the more carefully, because from little beginnings grow great proceedings: and a small offence in the Church of God, many times, turneth men away from the love of the truth before they be settled in it.  
Whilst our Vines are bringing forth the first grape.) Satan also is ever busiest to seduce and draw us from the faith, when Christ is first borne within us: waiting to eat up, and destroy the children of the Church as soon as she is delivered.  
Hereby the use, the excellency, the necessity of discipline is seen: it restraineth offences that they break not forth, it stayeth them where a breach is begun.  
My Well-beloved,) After many conflicts with our own soul, God maketh us in the end of feel more lively our fellowship with Christ.  
Is mine, and I am his,) The root and fountain of all our happiness, is our conjunction, and communion with him.  
Who feedeth in Lilies:) The fruits coming from it, excellent: for CHRIST our Shepherd feedeth his flock in most sweet and delicate pastures.  
Till that day breath▪) The two principal things which a Christian is to wish for, and desire after, are perfection in heaven by the coming of jesus Christ, and constancy and perseverance unto that day.  
And these mists fly away.) In this life many mists and shadows are cast before our eyes, much ignorance of God and of holy duties: which that bright and glorious coming of our Lord and Saviour, (as the rising of the Sun,) will scatter all away.   

CHAP. III.  VERS. 1. 2. 
In my bed anightes, etc.  
THe child of God hath many times great unquietness of mind for lack of the feeling of Christ.  
Being so affected as a man desolate and without comfort, he seeks after him in all places & at all times, in the night and by day, a bed and when he is up, at home and without doors; in the City, by the streets and the lanes, and abroad in the fields; by private prayer and meditation with his own soul: by using the help, counsel, and advise of godly brethren; by seeking for comfort at the hands of the Ministers of the word. Such is his desire and unwearied travail for the finding of Christ.  
Here is the use we should make of being private: and this is a holy spending of our time, when we employ it in stirring up our souls to be assured of the mercies of God in Christ: not, (as the world for the most part doth), in studying how to wreak our malice, or to compass other wicked desires, neither yet in idle and fruitless pastimes.  
himself, to go out of himself, and to be no body in his own e●es.  
But yet he looketh unto Christ, whose garments of righteousness are broad, and large and wide enough to cover all imperfections: and who of his free grace is pleased to accept him, and to bestow upon him the ornaments of his Spirit, whereby howsoever in much weakness and in the midst of many frailties, yet in the truth and soundness of his heart, being sincere and upright before him, albeit the least of these things were enough to discourage him from ever coming unto Christ, or having any more to do with him, yet neither for other men's reproaches, nor for all the conscience of his own infirmities he leaveth to seek unto him, to call and cry upon him, for whither else should he go but to things that cannot profit?  
have made me a keeper of other vines, etc.) There cometh yet a further mischief; home-enemies, borne and bred in the bosom of the Church, which as vipers eat out the bowels of their mother, and make natural rents, and breaches among their own brethren.  
For God evermore leaveth in his Church some unquiet spirits to gall them, for the trial of the faith of his children, that the approved among them may be known.  
And let men pretend what they lift, set what face they will upon it, it is the hatred of the truth, and of the professors of the truth, that maketh them so to stir: because worldly minded men cannot abide the sincerity of the Gospel, that fighteth against their pomp, pride, and ambitious designs.  
And howsoever they lay the fault from themselves, and cast it upon God's children, that stick close to the ordinances of God, as wayward and conceited persons: yet in truth they are the factious, and those that make dissension in the Church.  
Howbeit the best men that are, the holiest Churches, and most reformed assemblies, are often times turned out of the right way, partly misled and seduced through a vain allurement of human wisdom, partly carried away by the violence of the storms and tempests that these men raise against them.  
Yet we must not please ourselves in the deformities of the Church: our care must be to have all according to the pattern that was showed in the mount.  
Show me where thou feedest, etc.) To this purpose we are wholly and throughout to submit ourselves to be ordered by the chief shepherd and Bishop of our souls, for he only must direct all necessary things in his Church by the wisdom of his Word: from him we receive the food of sweet and heavenly doctrine: he it is that orde●eth our labour and our rest, even at noon day, the whole government and guidance of his house.  
O thou whom my soul loveth.) The sins of Gods elect, through his wonderful wisdom that bringeth light out of darkness, and good out of evil; turn unto their comfort, make them more to call and cry upon Christ, to love him more with all their soul, to desire more earnestly to be joined unto him, and to use all holy means of attaining thereunto.  
Atnoone) And that with such affection, that when other are resting, or taking their repasts, the christian man can have no comfort, nor eat his mea●e unless he be with Christ.  
Thou feedest, thou makest thy flock to l●e, etc.) This means of coming unto Christ is the ministry of the word in the Church and Congregation of Saints, which are, as it were, one fold under one Shepherd, feeding with the food of life.  
For why should I be as one that pitcheth her tents by the flock of thy companions) Herein great care and circumspection is to be had, that we join not ourselves to false teachers which come under the name of Christ's shepherds, but inwardly are ravening wolves.  
If thou know not) In which behalf the faithful man though he be in Christ, and shine in the graces of the Spirit, yet laboureth of much ignorance, and is many times overtaken, and therefore had need to be instructed and set into the way:  
Get thee out, etc.) Which is to try the Spirits when 〈◊〉 they be from God, for the touchstone of all doctrine is by the word, if it be heavenly and celestial, not savouring of the world.  
Unto the troup, etc.) And being so, as many as walk according to this rule, the b●dge of the Israel of God, peace is upon them and mercy, such a man's person is accepted to God, the graces and ornaments of the Spirit in him are sweet and pleasing.  
Borders of gold we will make, Yea God, the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost, the most blessed and glorious Trinity, will dock and set him forth more and more, and bestow more good things upon him; and more enrich him with all heavenly blessings, transforming him from glory unto glory.  
My Spicknard giveth forth his smell.) These promises comfort the Christian soul, and bring a sweet refreshing to the senses.  
My Welbe loved is as a bundle of myrrh,) Acknowledging all to come from Christ, and from the virtue of his power.  
Whose excellency we must consider not simply, as it resteth in himself, but as by the sweet influence of his graces, he maketh us partakers of it.  
And since he vouc●a●eth to bestow these sweet things upon us ●u●n now whilst we are strangers from him, and walk huckeby faith and not by sight, what and how great things must those needs be which then we shall enjoy when Christ, which is our life shall reneale himself from hea●en?  
Behold th●● art fair & ●.) In the joyful expectation of which happy and blessed time that we faint not nor be discouraged, Christ doth still confirm his love unto us: and by his Word and the comfort of his spirit assureth us how pleasing we are in his sight: both through our imputed righteousness, which maketh us fair, all fair before him: and for the fruits of holiness and sanctification in a dove-like chastity, and simplicity without any guile.  
Behold thou art &c.) We again return the praise of all this unto him who is our only righteousness, and through whom alone it is that we bring forth fruit always fresh and flourishing, and acceptable unto God through the communion we have with Christ, dwelling and walking in the midst of us as in his house and temples.  
The beauty of our houses &c.) The excellency of Christ's glory is to be seen in the public assemblies: we must not look for it in civil Courts & meetings, at fairs & at markets, in pastimes & sports; in banqueting & feastings, though all these in their time and place be lawful. But if we will see Christ in his beauty we must go to the Church and congregation of his Saints, where the same shineth and showeth itself in the ministry of the Word and Sacraments.   

CHAP. II.  VERS. 1. 
I am the Rose etc.]  
All the good we have cometh from Christ, who is most sweet himself, and the author of sweetness unto others.  
As a Lily.) The Christian thus form and fashioned by the mighty operation of his spirit, excelleth all the world beside: for in them only are all sound virtues to be found; Piety, justice, chastity, temperance, prudence, fortitude, magnanimity, which either are not at all in the wicked, or at the least they have but a shadow of them: dead and dry stalks only, the flower and blossoms are in the godly.  
among thorns.) All men before they be in Christ are but thorns: not only unprofitable and void of good, but noxious and hurtful, replenished with all evil.  
As the Apletree etc. so is my well-beloved,) The Christian man never satisfieth himself with the magnifying of Christ,  
under his shadow etc.) The shade of whose bowghs doth so refresh his soul, that he delighteth to dwell and have his abode under it for ever: for he only it is that with his sweet shadow fenceth us from the burning wrath of God.  
For sweet is his fruit etc.] Being renewed by the holy Ghost he conceiveth an incomparable delight in those good things that are so wrought within him: In comparison whereof he despiseth all the gewgaws, that the world so admireth and doteth after.  
He brought me into his banqueting house,) The author of our vocation, regeneration, justification, sanctification, and salvation is Christ, whose own most sacred hands lead us to this sweet and delightful feast.  
ha●ing love) The cause hereof is not in us, but from himself, first loving us, and by his love as by a banner set before us, drawing us to love him again, and to range ourselves under his colours.  
Yea, keeping us so near about him and so fast unto him, by the power of his Spirit, that it is impossible any should pull us out of his hands, or that so much as one of those should perish, whom God the Father hath given unto Christ.  
Stay me, hold me up.) The instrumental cause he useth is the preaching of the Word by his ministers and servants.  
with these flagons, with these apples:) The Word I say of reconciliation, which is the joyful and glad tidings of our peace made with God, sweeter than the honey and the honey comb, and therefore compared here to wine and apples: not the doctrine of the Law, which is the ministry of death and condemnation.  
The assemblies of the Church where this heavenly Gospel soundeth, are excellent helps to quicken our dullness, and to make us feel a greater measure of the love of Christ:  
For I am sick of love.) For the heart of a faithful man, even when it is best affected, is subject to many qualms, to much vexation and disquietness of mind: to be even sick as it were, for the love of Christ because he cannot enjoy him as he would. And then is the word preached most sweet unto his soul.  
His left etc.) The whole virtue and power of the ministry cometh from Christ: they water and plant, but he only giveth the increase, they do their worthy endeavour to stay and underprop our faith, but that notwithstanding, we shall shall soon fall to the ground, if Christ put not to his hand to keep us up.  
Left hand, right hand.) Yea such is our untow. ardnesse, the natural corruption that is in us, so great, the work of our new birth so marvelous, so hard to be brought about, and to go through with, that we had need of both the hands of Christ to be about us, to clasp and hold us fast, lest we fall away.  
I adjure etc.) The believer is wrapped with an exceeding joy and comfort when once he feeleth himself to have Christ, and to lie as it were in his I sought:) The conferences of God's children, their confession of sins one unto another, and mutual prayers for each other, whet one an other, as iron whetteth iron: and it is a sweet thing to converse with such, by whom we may this way receive comfort.  
The Watchmen &c.) Especially the holy ministery shineth most, and is the sanctified means to bring us to Christ.  
Yet God delayeth his comforts many times, even to those that with upright hearts and consciences from the bottom of their soul seek after him:  
That we may learn nor to depend upon the means, but upon God, and to attribute all to his grace and virtue.  
Christ therefore is not always to be found to our mind, nor in our sense and feeling, though we use all good and holy means for it.  
Howbeit, for all that, he is indeed always present with his people.  
did ye see him whom my soul loveth?) The love of Christ cannot be concealed: a man may sooner keep in the wind with his fist, or stay the ointment of his right hand from bewraying itself (as it is Prou. 27. 16) then not to utter his love to Christ, whomsoever he meet, fitly withal. I spoke of thy Law before Princes (saith David) and was not ashamed.  
I found him, etc.) Christ being sought carefully and diligently, will at the length be found according to his promise; Seek and ye shall 〈◊〉, etc. he never returneth the desires of his servants empty.  
When I had passed but a little from them) This he doth many times when there is least hope, and when all means have been used and do not prevail: for even the seed of the word bringeth not forth fruit by and by, but lurketh and is buried under the clods of the earth till the time appointed for it to shoot up and to show itself.  
whom my soul loveth.) He is then sweetest to us when he hath seemed for a while to absent himself, and to have no mind of us. And that maketh him so oft to withdraw the comfortable beams of his glorious presence, that so he might whet our affections, and set an edge upon them.  
I took hold on him,) For thus when he showeth himself again unto us, we begin to have our faith revived, we lay faster hold upon him, and with all the powers of our soul, cleave as near unto him as ever we did before.  
So we come to be possessed of spiritual joy and gladness, than we are brought abed (as it were) in a sweet sleep of the peace of conscience, and then our heart is lifted up to heaven with holy prayers and meditations.  
not to let him go till, etc.) The faithful man, with purpose of heart cleaveth to the Lord, (as Barnabas did exhort, Act 11. 23.) and hath a holy purpose, and Christian resolution never to part from him unto the end.  
I adjure you etc.) When a Christian cometh to have a feeling and apprehension of Christ, (especially after he hath once found what it is to lack him) he is careful to avoid all occasions that may give Christ cause to depart.  
Come up,) The thing that above all other affecteth a Christian man's heart is the love and meditation of the heavenly glory;  
Out of the wilderness,) In comparison whereof he esteemeth this world as a wilderness in regard of fruitful and pleasant fields. And longeth to come out of these rough and desert places into the Lords champions.  
Who is she) It is indeed a hard piece of work to leave the world, to deny ungodliness and worldly vanities, and to lift a man's heart and affection up to heaven:  
Becensed with Myrrh, etc.) None can attain unto it, but those whose eyes God shall clear to see and behold the excellency of that place.  
For the heavenly glory doth incomparably excel: there is all safety to the person:  
All sweetness to the senses:  
All precious things and riches, all pleasures and delights.  
The glory of all the earth, Solomon himself in his greatest bravery, is not to be compared to it.  
The glory, the pleasures and delights, which God giveth here to the sons of men, for their comfort and rejoicing, must affect our hearts with a holy meditation to think how far more excellent those things be that are above: and make us thereby the more earnestly to seek after them. This is the holy use we are to make of the lawful pleasures of this life.  
Come forth and look ye daughters of Tsijon,) It is the duty of a Christian man to stir up other to this heavenly meditation, as Christ by his Spirit hath stirred him.   

CHAP. FOUR  VERS. 1. 
Behold, thou art etc.]  
CHrist much delighteth to see a Christian so affected as is set forth in the former Chapter, and rendereth therefore due commendations: praising him for the graces that himself hath bestowed upon him, and so crowning his own gifts in him: with all, making him to see what is his blessed estate both in this life, and in the life to come.  
Fair,) The true believer through faith in Christ, is most perfectly holy and righteous, both wholly and in every part: as having in him obtained by imputation the whole righteousness of the law.  
The virtues which a Christian is most to labour for, and which beseem him best are,  
thine eyes are Doves eyes,) First, judgement and singleness in all his actions, to have his eyes in his head as Solomon speaketh; Ecclesiast. 2. 14.  
Thy heart is like etc.) Secondly, sobriety and a comely carriage.  
Thy teeth, etc.) Thirdly, holding fast the truth of God by meditation and chewing of it.  
Thy lips, etc.) Fourthly, Gracious speech, that our words be powdered with fault, for the profit and edification of the hearers.  
Thy temples.) Fiftly, to affect more spiritual graces then worldly things.  
Thy neck is as a Tower, etc.) Sixtly, Constancy in the waics of godliness,  
A thousand Targets hang, etc.] And to have always in a readiness the complete armour of Christian Soldiers.  
Thy two breasts, etc.) Seavently, To long after the sincere milk of the word of God that we may grow up by it. 1. Pet. 2. 2.  
I will get me &c.) Christ is always present and at hand to every true believer, even now whilst he is in the pilgrimage of this world to comfort him in all his necessities.  
These shadows] The holiness and sanctification which we have wrought within us in this life, is weak and imperfect, subject to much ignorance, and many shadows, so as we are never here to dream of purity or perfection.  
Fly away.) But the time shall certainly come when we shall put off these r●gges and be clothed with immortality.  
Thou art all saire, etc.) Our holiness now imperfect and mingled with so much corruption shall be made perfect that no spot or wemme shall be left in us.  
With ●e shalt thou come] None shall perish of those whom God hath given unto Christ.  
From Lebanon, from the top of Amana, from the top of Shevir and Hermon,) The furthest and most remote places cannot keep them: the craggedest and roughest thickets cannot detain them; the height nor depth cannot conceal them:  
From the dens of Lions: From the mountains of Leopards,) The cruelest and most savage enemies of the Church shall not be able to hurt them: nor hell gates to prevail against them. here is the comfort of God's people.  
But this we must arm ourselves for, that whilst we continue here, we are to live amongst Lions and Leopards, barbarous and fierce enemies, Tyrants and oppressors: we must look for banishments and imprisonments, to wander in the mountains, to be thrown in holes and dens, to be afflicted, persecuted, diftressed (as you have examples of it, Heb. 11.) This is the perpetual condition of the Church of God.  
By how much the more we are to wait for that happy time, when as in the year of jubilee we shall all return unto our possessions again: when we shall hear no more the voice of the exactor, and when the servant shall be free from his Master.  
Thou shalt look down from, etc.) This shall heap up joy upon joy to us, that we shall then look over these men, that is, triumph over them, that now so domineer over us: when not only out selves shall be in heaven in the place of all happiness, but have before us and in our eyes the sight of their misery.  
Thou hast ravished &c.) God is not only delighted, but in a manner ravished with a love of his graces in us.  
my sister) For he doth behold us as the brethren of Christ: brethren both by unity of the same nature, and communion with one heavenly Father.  
Spouse) Yea nearer than brethren, being even here espoused and betrothed to him.  
How fair etc.) And kept by the anointing of the spirit, that we cannot fall away, but abide and continue his for ever,  
Which giveth us more contentment and hearts-ease, than all pleasures that are earthly.  
Thy lips drop the honey comb: etc.) The tongue of every Christian (not only of a minister in the pulpit, though that especially) and the dropping of his lips, even in his private and familiar discourses, is sweeter than the honey or the honeycomb, as that which giveth grace to the hearers:  
the savour of thy garments, is as the savour of Lebanon.) Such an one is most pleasing to God, of as fragrant a smell as the smell of Libanus.  
My sister spouse is) The Church of God hath two singular prerogatives above all other companies and societies of men.  
as a garden etc.) First it is the pillar and ground of truth: for there only are the plants of the Lords own setting there is the well head, and there only flow the sweet streams of pure doctrine. It is variety, error, superstition and deceit whatsoever cometh not from hence.  
shut, sealed up,) Secondly it is holy, no polluted or unclean thing can enter or have abode in it.  
spring, fountain,) The preaching of the Word is as a spring that warereth and maketh to increase all the beds and plants of the Church of God.  
A Christian man knowing his fruits to he most sweet unto God,  
Is desirous to bring forth plenty, and acknowledging all to come from God, continually prayeth to be inspired and breathed upon by his good spirit to perform it.  
fountain of the gardaines) Christ is the only fountain that watereth all the parts of the Church his garden: the ministers are only his instruments, and can do nothing but water and plant: all the increase cometh from Christ.  
O well of living waters, etc.) The graces he bestoweth upon his Church are abundant and infinite, as living waters that continually spring and flow abroad.  
O North, O South, etc. Let those waters overflow the spices of it.) He never denieth his spirit to those that ask it with a true faith, but is ready to grant the desire of his servants to make them fruitful, and abundant in every good grace.  
Let my well-beloved come, etc.) And the thing which a Christian man above all the world desires, is the presence of Christ.  
I am come into my garden etc.) Yet there being somewhat always corrupt in our desires, it is many times good for God's faithful children to go without the things, even the spiritual and heavenly things, which they most long after.  
●●te my fellow friends &c.) The Spirits of the righteous deceased, do now enjoy in heaven everlasting happiness.  
This is our comfort against death; that thereby we change the miseries of this life with unspeakable and endless pleasures.   

CHAP. V.  VERS. 1. 
I being asleep,]  
A Christian man, even the best, is many times overtaken with earn all security, falleth into a trance or slumber, forgetteth himself and his heavenly calling, and is lulled a sleep with the pleasures and delights of this present wicked world: Not keeping that watch over his own soul which he ought: (Matthew 25. They all slept: the wise virgins as well as the foolish)  
but my heart awake.) Yet his faith (for all that) gooth not quite out but lieth hid and covered under the ashes, it is smothered, but not extinct; as may be seen in Peter, of whom our Saviour beareth witness, I have prayed for thee, that, in the midst of that most dangerous fall, thy faith should not fail.  
here is one main difference between the children of God and others: One sin of infirmity, the other wilfully: all sleep indeed, but the godly do but slumber or wink, when the wicked sleep sound, sleep heart and all, they sleep that they snort again, the wicked commit sin with all their heart, from the very soul (as the Prophet 〈…〉 children have a resistance within, and strive and sight against it in some sort, even then when they are most overtaken with the 〈◊〉 of the flesh: their heart is sound with God: sin dwelleth, but reigneth not in them: they groans under the burden of it, mislike it as touching the inner man: there is a strife within them in their very bowels, as between Rebeccaes twins (a type of the Church, and of every faithful man.) To conclude, in the godly there is a strife between their heart and their heart, but in the wicked only between their heart and their conscience.  
I being) The Christian delighteth to make confession of his sins, to acknowledge his own wretchedness and unworthiness, that God may have the greater glory. He sticketh not himself to have blushing checks, so honour & praise may come to God and is not ashamed to be the trumpeter of his own reproach. This is true repentance.  
asleep etc.) One mark there of is a holy anger and 〈…〉 against ourselves, amplifying and enlarging all the circumstances of our 〈◊〉, to make it more odious, and to bring us unto a greater loathing of it.  
but my heart awakel) But the Christian though before God and men he make confession of his ●ault, and it be the property of true repentance for a man to aggravate, not to lessen his offence, as not satisfying his own soul with a detestation of his wicked ways; yet he useth also a holy excuse and defence, that Satan by his overcharging of himself (to use the Apostles phrase 2. Cor. 2. 5.) take not advantage to cast him down further than is meet, and to drive him into despair: He therefore wrestleth with his own soul to gather all arguments that may be to his conscience, that these his offences were done of frailty and through infirmity of the flesh, that his heart is sincere & upright to God; that his faith, though sore shaken was not quite battered and overcome etc. This is the wisdom of a sound Christian: And here is a noble example of that other mark of repentance which the Apostle (2. Cor. 7. 11.) calleth an Apology or cleared of one's self.  
the voice of my well-beloved,) True repentance cometh not from ourselves, it cometh by the preventing grace of Christ: not only that repentance which is our first conversion to God, but the raising of us up, when being converted we fall into any sin.  
The principal cause of this our conversion is the Spirit of Christ knocking at the door of our heart.  
The means is his voice speaking to our outward ears, specially by the ministry of the Word and sacraments, as principal: but further also in a secondary degree, by chastisements and corrections.  
Bouncing,) We have need that God should call upon us earnestly, vehemently, and in most effectual manner. So carnal are we of ourselves, and so untoward to hearken to him.  
Yea, we had need again and again to be beaten upon, and all little enough. So you have the truth of that which Elehu telleth Ioh, God speaketh once and twice, and a man doth not discern it. job. 33. 14.  
We are speedily to turn to God, and not to put off our repentance: for So much also doth the word bouncing import: Signifying all three that is to say, earnest, and often knocking, and a desire speedily to be let in.  
Open] Of ourselves and by nature we are held prisoners and captives of Satan, as it were under lock and key, till Christ open the door and let us lose by his word and the power of his Spirit.  
God ceaseth not to use all good means that possibly may be devised to draw us home unto him. What, how many, and how gracious arguments doth he bring in this place? Taken first from the easiness of the thing, it is but to open the door.  
Tom) Secondly, from his own person, open to me; not your enemy, but your friend, your lover, one that seeks your good.  
My sister etc.) Thirdly, from our person that should not stick to do a greater matter than that.  
My fellow-friend, my Dove, my undefiled one,) Fourthly, by the manner of his speaking with all the sweet and kind words that can be imagined, speaking to our heart (as he saith he will, Hos. 2. 14.) and beseeching as it were when he may command. As if Christ besought you by us (saith the Apostle) 2. Cor. 5. 20.  
For my head is filled with dew: my locks with the drops of the night.] Fiftly, by comparing his own cares, labours and travails taken for us, whom we may be ashamed so unthankfully to requite, that we will do nothing for him again. Thus he leaveth no means unattempted, no arguments, no persuasions to call us back when we go astray.  
The love of Christ wherewith he hath loved us aught to be a special motive for us to love him again. So Paul teacheth, 2. Cor. 5. 14. 15. For the love of Christ constraineth us, judging this, that if one died for all, then were all dead. And he died for all, that they which live, might no more live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them etc.  
To whom I answered,) Sin goeth not singly and alone, one and no more: but the nature of it is for one sin to draw many other after it.  
How should I &c.) Sin for the most part is joined with hardness of heart; and where sin hath once seized, without a great mercy of God, it stoppeth all the passages from admitting of the voice of Christ.  
I have put off my coat● etc. I have washed my feet etc. how should I &c.) Where sin possesseth the soul, Satan is strong and forcible, to cast mists before us, to make every babble, not worth the naming, to seem a great matter in our eyes, and sufficient to hold our Christ.  
Put it on, foul them.) A little case & carnal pleasure, with those that have not their hearts effectually touched, prevaileth more than all the joys and delights that are to be found in Christ.  
My well-beloved let down, etc. We must receive Christ when he offereth himself unto us: for it we refuse him, he will not always continue knocking. Seek the Lord whilst he may be found. Esay 55. 6.  
But the ease, pleasure, and commodities of this life, are great impediments to hold us back, and to make us seek all manner of delays.  
The Word and all other outward means profit little, unless it please God by his spirit to make the same effectual. Therefore in Hoshea 2. 14. with the Word and with afflictions is joined his own persuading of us by the inward working of his Spirit, without which the other availeth nothing.  
The ministry of the Word bringeth not forth fruit always at the instant: but many times the sweet impression that it leaveth behind, even then when it seemeth to fall by the way side, is at the length, in his time, effectual to draw men unto God.  
My bowels earning within me) God suffereth not his to lie still in security, as he doth the wicked: (which is an other difference between these two) but one time or other awakneeth them out of the sleep of sin, how long soever they continue in it.  
The two degrees of repentance are here to be observed; First, an earning of the heart, compunction of soul and spirit, coming from a sight of our sins, and preaching of the Law. So it is said, 
1. Sam. 24. 8.  David's heart smote him when he cut off the lap of Saul's garment, to think he had so dallied with that monster of sin. And jer. 31. 19 bringeth in Ephraim saying, After I shall be made to know my sin I will clap on my thigh, in token of mourning. As chose of the wicked the same Prophet saith, jer. 8. 6. There is none that saith, What have I done?  
I arose to open to my well-beloved.] The second is a conceiving of comfort, a raising up of ourselves by the sweet promises of the Gospel. for both see Acts 2. 37, 38, 39  
My hands dropped myrrh, and my fingers soft myrrh in the handles of the lock.) The very sweetness that Christ leaveth behind him, when to our feeling he departeth from us, and as it were the shadow of his presence, doth marvelously ravish a Christian man: This appeareth by the joy and comfort that the people of God took in the Ark, the Temple, and other symbols, which Phineas wife showed when she so bewailed the taking of the Ark, that she called her sons name, I chabod, The glory is departed. 2. Sam. 4. 21.  
How much more sweet than must it be to receive Christ himself, to enjoy his own presence, which bringeth all good things with it.  
I arose to open etc.] A third note of repentance which the Apostle speaketh of, (2. Cor. 7. 11.) is here also to be seen, study, or care and diligence; that is to say, a framing of our heart and disposition to awake from sleep, and to seek after Christ,  
I opened etc.] And a putting of the same in execution.  
my well-beloved withdrew himself, he passed away,)  
Christ for our incredulity and hardness of heart, doth sometimes after a sort leave us for a while, withdrawing all comfortable sense and feeling of his grace. This is that spiritual desertion that God's children may fall into, and is one of those heavy judgements that God punisheth their sin withal.  
I fell into a swoon) A fourth note of repentance is zeal, to faint for the absence of Christ, and to be sick of love for him.  
I sought him, I cried on him) A fifth also, to seek him, to call and cry upon him, to wander up and down after him: finally to leave nothing undone till we find him, which the Apostle calleth a longing, or desire after him.  
because of his speech:) The meditation and calling to mind of the word of God, of that which we have heard in the public congregations and assemblies, is very profitable for the quickening & raising up of our souls.  
but I could not find him, but he answered me not.) Christ to try the faith of his children seemeth many times to deal very hardly and unkindly with them: the fountain of mercy, to have no drop of mercy in him. So he dealt with the woman of Canaan, Mat. 15. 22. etc. First when she cried upon him, he made himself deaf, he would not answer one word, but turned himself away, and when his disciples besought him to speak, how untowardly and techely (as a man with reverence may say) doth he seem to answer her ' I was not sent but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel: She for all that humbling herself yet more, and falling at his feet, in what reproachful manner doth he use her, calling her a dog, or rather for more disgrace a whelp. How must not this wound her very soul? He that biddeth all men learn of him, because he is meek and lowly in heart, to be so rough to a poor silly weoman so dejecting herself before him? but wherefore did he so? to discourage or drive her from him? No; but that her faith being tried in the furnace, might come forth purer than the gold, and after many a pluck and wrestle, like a true Israelite supported by his Spirit, she might prevail with God: and so at the length he suffereth himself to be overcome by the greatness of her faith.  
The watchmen that go about the City found me.) A Christian truly repenting will not think much to throw himself into never so great perils and hazards for the recovery of Christ. And so is expressed the sixth mark of repentance: consisting in a revenge or taking the penniworths of ourselves for our former transgressions, not shrinking now for any danger, but running through thick and thin (as we say) in the night, among the watch, to come unto him.  
All this showeth the fear that a Christian man hath, lest he should be overtaken with drowsiness, as he was before, which is an other and the last of those seven notes of true repentance, mentioned 2. Cor. 7. 11.  
And so have you in this Chapter, (besides the falls and infirmities of God's children, and how and wherein they differ from other men,) a worthy example of the cause, the means, the parts, the steps and degrees, and lastly of the notes and marks of their repentance.  
they smote me, they wounded me,) An other punishment of our sins is affliction, outward trouble and persecution, which God is wont to send upon us, to chastise and correct us, and to make us come to him.  
the keepers of the walls took] Those that should be the greatest friends unto us for the truth's sake, prove many times our greatest enemies, such as carry the name of watchmen in God's Church, whose office it is to encourage and protect us in well doing, none more than they do oppose themselves and discourage us in the ways of godliness.  
my vail from me.) This is a great offence and stumbling block to God's children: who by reason hereof lose their vail, that is the hold of their purity and integrity, and begin a little to decline, and to wax fainter in the serving of God:  
I adjure you] Till by the company of God's children in the communion of Saints, they begin to take heart again, and to recover their spirits, and so afresh follow after Christ.  
ye daughters of jerusalem) The society of the godly is an excellent means to stir men up, and to kindle in them the holy fire of the love of Christ: for with them we may boldly confer of such things as the world savoureth not, nor hath any relish in.  
if ye find etc.) Yea, though they be not come so far as we in comprehending the length, breadth, and depth of the excellency of the love of Christ.  
What is there in thy well-beloved? etc.] If to those that dwell in the Church it be strange to see the passions that many of the godly are exercised with in their longing & thirsting after Christ, what shall we think of other men?  
White & ruddy, fit to hear the banner above 10000 his head, etc. The things which we are specially to consider in Christ, are, First his spiritual glory and power, shining even in his humanity:  
His eyes as doves eyes etc.) Secondly, The eyes of his providence, or the perfection of the graces of the Spirit dwelling in him, whereby he pierceth every where and entereth into men's hearts, seeing the things, that are most secret.  
his lips, his palate, etc.] Thirdly his doctorshippe, or Prophetical office.  
Upon his hands etc. his lagges are pillars of marble, etc.) Fourthly his government and administration of the world, in glory, maiestly and power, chrushing to pieces the wicked and ungodly, and whatsoever doth set and oppose itself against him.  
in his bowels is a shining, as of ivory, covered with Suphires: his look as of Lebanon &c.) Fiftly The glorifying of his human nature, which he hath purchased by his death and sufferings.  
that me ●ay seek him &c.) The fruit of a Christian man's temptations is, that other by our vehemency are stirred up to seek Christ.  
My well-beloved in gone down etc. I am my well_beloved etc.) Christ in the end is found of those that seek him, though he absent himself for a time, as he was of the woman of Canaan, Mat. 15. 28.  
And this is our comfort, that God is faithful, who will not suffer us to be tempted above our strength, but in every temptation, how great soever, will give us a means how to come out of it, 1 Cor. 10. 13.  
By mutual conference and communication of of our faith, we have the same strengthened, and nourish and kindle in ourselves a holy longing after Christ.   

CHAP. VI  VERS. 1. 
Thou art fair etc.]  
TRue repentance washeth off all the spots and deformities that our sins bring upon us.  
terrible as an army with banners.)  
The life of Christian is a warfare upon earth: For the enabling of him to fight the lords battles, God infuseth into his heart an heroical and noble courage: for though he fall, yet he riseth up again: though he be overtaken, yet he getteth out and recovereth his, strength,  
Which maketh Satan to fear the faith of a Christian, because he knoweth it is built upon that rock which the gates of hell cannot prevail against.  
O turn thine eyes over-against me,) Our slips and falls must not discourage us: but we must look up to Christ with a lively faith and be of good comfort,  
that they may lift me up.) For Christ glorieth and taketh pleasure in the faith of his people: it rejoiceth his heart, and he thinketh himself the better for it, being affected with their miseries, and is glad when they are comforted.  
Thy hair is etc.) The holiness and righteousness of a Christian is not lost by the manifold infirmities he falleth into. But it remaineth firm and constant in every part; because it wholly resteth in the power and grace of God.  
Let there be 60. Queens, etc.) All the glory & excellency in the world, the courts of Princes, and their pompous train are not to be compared to the happiness of a Christian.  
That one etc.) There is but one company & society in the world, where salvation is to be had: that is the Church of God, which is one, because there is no more but she, one because she is only & entirely beloved of God.  
my done,] One because she is elect out of all the world.  
mine undefiled one,) One because she keepeth herself one and the same unto her spouse, pure, chaste, and undefiled.  
that one with her mother) To this Church every Christian man joineth himself, and professeth to be a member thereof, never making rent, schism, nor division from it: those that go out from it, it is a token they were, in truth, never of it.  
assoon as they see etc.) God in his Church utereth all his glory, Psal. 29. That is, he graceth his people with such blessings of his spirit, as makes them an admiration to the world. This is the privilege of those that dwell in the Church of God.  
the maidens shall account her blessed, the Queens and Concubines shall praise her.) The profane worldlings are forced to prefer the state of God's children before their own, and to wish they were like unto them. As Saul, Pharaoh, Balaam and other did.  
Goodly as the morning, fair as the moon, pure as the Sun.) The way of a righteous man is like the Sun shining, that shineth still more and more unto the steady day, Prou. 4. 18. Or, as Paul saith, (Rom. 1. 17.) we go from faith to faith, our faith continually growing as the morning doth, and from one degree of perfection to an other: from the beauty of the moon, to the clearness of the Sun.  
To the pruned gardaines,) The kingdom of God, the glory of the heavenly jerusalem is that which we ought always to meditate of, and to have the eyes of our souls fixed and bend upon: being like the gardaines that are kept dressed, most pleasant and goodly to the eye, and that yield all sweet and delectable fruit.  
I went down,) Christ himself by his example inviteth us to take pains to watch and observe the time of his coming: whereunto he doth exhort. Math. 24. 42.  
To see the green plants of the valley: to see if the Vine flourished, if the Pomegranates budded.) By earthly things we must learn to meditate on heavenly: and if we be able to discern of the times and seasons of the year, that when we see the trees to put forth leaves, we know Summer is near, is it not a shame to have a less insight into those things that are the signs and forerunners of the coming of the Son of God to judgement? This wisdom our Saviour teacheth us. Matth. 24. 32. 33.  
There be many signs of this glorious coming of jesus Christ: for which, see that whole chapter. Matthew 24.  
When I discerned it not my mind set me) Christ loveth not to be longer absent from us then needs he must.  
upon my free hearted,) Christian men are freehearted people, and of a willing mind: serving Christ cheerfully, joyfully, readily Psalm. 110. not of necessity or constraint.  
people's chariots.) In such doth Christ delight to dwell, to be borne up by them, & to have them for his chariots. 2. Corinth. 9 7. God loveth a cheerful giver.  
Return,) The voice and calling of Christ is the means of our conversion.  
Return o shul etc. return, return) Who calleth us earnestly & continually to come unto him, and not to delay nor put it off: for that doth the doubling and trebling, and four times repeating of the word return, import.  
O Shulamite] Yea, he useth all manner of kind and loving speeches to persuade, as O my Shullamite, or my perfect one: for all which see before Chapter 5. 1.  
A Christian man is perfect by the imputation of Christ's righteousness: perfect also with an evangelical, not a legal perfection: (that is to say, of a sound and upright heart longing for perfection) even in regard of their renewed holiness or sanctification.  
that we may behold thee) Sin obscureth Gods graces in us, and maketh that Christ hath no delight to look upon us: but faith and repentance restoreth us to his favour.  
What behold you in that Shulamite? as the dance of the Machanaijmites) Christ comforteth his soul by the beholding of our holiness and righteousness.  
How beautiful etc.) Yea he boasteth and rejoiceth of it: so is there joy in heaven for sinners that repent. Luke 15. 7.  
O daughter of a Prince.) The excellency of a christian standeth in this, that he is born again, and by faith become the son of the great king: that life of the spirit incompatably more excelling the life of a natural man (take the godliest and the gallantest) then that excelleth the life of a bruit beast.  
Let not &c.) There is not any thing more pleasing to him, than the spread of the Church of God, and a continual increase of the fruits of it, which are as glorious in his sight as a heap of wheat hedged about with I●illies.  
Let not the liquor fail. But let thy belly be etc. The duties required of him are,  
First, Faith continually fructifying.  
Thy two breasts &c.) Secondly, A teachableness to suck the milk of the word of God.  
Thy neck etc.) Thirdly, Constancy to hold up the truth of God.  
Thine eyes etc. thy nose etc.) Fourthly, judgement to weigh and discern of doctrines.  
That on thy head is like scarlet, etc.) Fiftly, Gravity, and a wise carriage in all our actions;  
A King might be tied, etc.) Which good graces being in us and abounding, not only knit men's hearts unto us,  
How fair etc.) But make God himself to love, and to admire us.  
I say etc.) The word of Christ ought to be an assurance to us, that we shall be sanctified more and more: howsoever when we look on the one side to the resistances that are against us, and on the other side to our own weakness and corruptions, we have just cause to despair. But he that said, the Word is able for to do it, as easy it is for him to make us all whole, as it was to say, take up thy bed and walk. joh. 5. 8.  
I will get up upon the palm-tree, take hold of her branches, etc.) The best man that is hath need of much hand, to be continually pruned, and lopped, and to have his superfluous branches shred from him to make him fruitful.  
I will etc.) This must be the work of Christ himself: Who, as else where he is compared to a Vine, so here compareth himself to the Husbandman, that taketh us in hand to trim and look unto us: Without him we can do nothing. joh. 15. 5.  
Thy teats shall now be like the clusters of the Vine: and the savour of thy nose like Apples.) The fruit of Christ's presence with us, and of his taking us in hand is excellent: it maketh us sweet before him, fragrant, acceptable, and comfortable unto other.  
Thy palate as wine making to speak the lips of those which sleep.] The preaching of the Gospel, is that which raiseth men out of the sleep of sin, and maketh them to speak with new tongues to the praise of the glory of God.   

CHAP. VII.  VERSE 1. 
I am my Welbeloveds, since his desire is towards me.  
THe mercies of God in pardoning and forgiving our sins and taking us to his favour, are so far from opening a window of liberty unto us, that chose it joineth and knitteth our souls more near unto him, maketh us more entirely to love him, and rouseth us up from drowsiness and negligence to a greater watchfulness over our ways, and a care to please him.  
That is true repentance which groweth from a consideration of God's mercies and of his love: not that so much, which the fear of wrath and of his judgements doth wring from us.  
Let us go forth &c.) True repentance is seen by walking in a quite contrary course to that we walked in before: therefore it is called a turning; as if a man whose face is bend Westward, should wholly turn himself and set it unto the East.  
Let us lodge by the Cypress: let us rise in the morning, etc.) It is the certain note of the child of God to wait with all watchfulness and observation for the glorious coming of jesus Christ:  
The day of whose coming is that happy time of our spiritual marriage, and most strait and near conjunction with Christ: for than shall we enjoy him fully and perfectly, and see him as he is.  
These lovely flowers &c.) To him we must consecrate ourselves and all we have; for whatsoever he hath given us, all the graces of his Spirit, all the good things we do enjoy, are not too good to be bestowed upon him, to entertain Christ the better; that is the true use of the blessings of God.  
O that thou wert as a brother unto me &c.) A Christian man is impatient for the desire of Christ, and longeth that even this day before toomorrow were the time of our perfect enjoying of him.  
Finding thee without I would kiss thee) Our love to Christ where it is sincere and sound, will manifest itself to all, and by all means.  
I should not be despised.) The perpetual state of God's children is to be vexed, scorned, and despised of the world.  
But against this we must comfort ourselves with the remembrance of that time, when all tears shall be wiped from our eyes.  
I Would bring thee into the house of my Mother which teacheth me,) In the Church the word of God is to sound, and there it is that men are to be taught and informed in his ways.  
I would give thee to drink of spiced wine etc.) There is nothing we have or can come by, that is too costly or sumptuous to be bestowed upon Christ. Wherefore the woman in the Gospel hath her just commendation for pouring the Alabaster box of Spicknard, most costly ointment upon the head of our Saviour Christ, though judas the traitor repined at it.  
His left hand under etc. I adjure you, etc. Our former offences and the fearful effects coming from them, must teach us when we have Christ again to make more of him, and to take heed that by our looseness and negligence he withdraw not the comfort of his presence.  
Who is she that cometh out of the wilderness ready to join herself to her well-beloved.  
There is no sound pleasure to be found but in true piety: all the delights of the world without that, are but as the wilderness in comparison of pleasant and fertile soil.  
A Christian must deny himself and forsake this wicked world; it is a hard piece of work, and a matter of no small difficulty thus to do, and such, as none hath any heart or stomach to perform, save but those that are borne anew: yet every one must enforce himself unto it; and so doing we have the same as a sure argument of hearty and sound repentance.  
True valour in despising dangers is only to be found in the child of God,  
whose faith overcometh all difficulties, and the tediousness of this world.  
under the very appletree I awaken thee) For faith as it hath wings to fly up to heaven, to the very seat of glory, and there to apprehend Christ, sitting at the right hand of his father: so in his humility here it beholdeth that excellency which the world is not able to conceive.  
Where thy mother was in labour of thee.) Christ vouchsafeth to account himself as one of us: a child of our mother, that is to say, one of the Church, being the head of it and we his members.  
O set me) The faith, zeal, and repentance of God's children, though it merit nothing at the hands of God, yet giveth us assurance of obtaining good things, and maketh us with boldness to crave favour, and a blessing again. To love us as we love him. So our Saviour hath taught us to pray, Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive etc.  
True repentance maketh us more zealous, and more to love Christ then we did before.  
A Christian above all things in the world desireth to be joined to Christ as nearly, and by as strait a bond and conjunction as may be.  
as a seal on thine heart,) God hath us always as a seal upon his heart, and in his mind; how is it possible he should forget us?  
as a seal on thine arm,) He hath us always as a seal upon his arm, Who can pull us from him?  
Being upon his arm we are continually in his sight, his eyes are upon us always, and his providence watcheth over us wheresoever we ●oe become, what evil can betide us?  
Love, zeal etc.) Zeal is the proper virtue of a Christian, wherein he can never satisfy his own soul.  
strong as death etc.) True zeal breaketh through all difficulties, as death, and as the grave that subdue all, and cannot themselves be overcome.  
a fire of the flame of jah.) It is kindled in us by the Spirit of God, and is the peculiar work of his grace.  
Much waters cannot quench etc.) A Christian is endued of God with the gift of constancy and perseverance.  
Many temptations assault a christian man to shakebag his faith; pleasures, afflictions, promises, hopes, rewards: but he remaineth unmoved in them all.  
If a man would give all the substance of his house,) Wicked men spare no cost to draw men from Christ: how much less should we be sparing, or think any thing too dear, to stir up men to love him?  
We are to take most heed of those that come with fairest shows and pretences to us: for under the sweetest flowers lie commonly hid the most venomous serpents.  
it should utterly be contemned.) A man must learn to despise the wicked, notwithstanding all their wealth. This among other is one note of him that here shall sojourn in God's tabernacle, and hereafter dwell in his holy hill. Psal. 15.   

CHAP. VIII.  VERS. 1 
We have a sister, etc. and what shall we do to our sister etc.)  
THe love of God towards us, his mercy in hiding and covering our offences, should make us to love not only him again, but our brethren for his sake: and by all means to seek their good.  
The Church of the jews so careful for the calling of the Gentiles, teacheth how earnest we should be to commend their conversion unto God: whereof we have here a promise, and all the Prophets & Apostles so gloriously do speak; Esay, Chap. 4. & 26. etc. Dan. 12. Ezech. 37. etc. Hosh. 3. & 13. Zach. 12. etc. Paul Rom. 11. and 2. Cor. 3. john in the Revelation Chap. 20, etc. and our Saviour, Matthew 24.  
a little one, and she hath no breasts,) The Church of God before the coming of Christ, was shut up within narrow bounds, the Gentiles being then aliens and strangers from the covenant.  
in the day, when) God hath the moments of time & seasons numbered before him, & a certain day prefixed when he will accomplish his counsels.  
she shall be talked of.) Faith only maketh men famous. The Gentiles before their calling were never talked of amongst God's people: though for learning, arts, valour, they were the men of name in the world, and accounted the worthies of the earth: but it is indeed more honourable to be famous in God's Church, then to have all the fame and estimation in the world beside.  
True fame is in piety, and the fear of God only.  
Men must beat their heads and cast about how to perform the work of God in the best manner.  
God's children must bend their speeches to extol and set forth those that truly fear God, and to make them famous, to honour and prefer them before worldlings, howsoever they glitter and shine in the eyes of men. So did Elisha set light by the King of Israel, notwithstanding all his greatness, in comparison of the good and godly King jehoshaphat, 2. King. 3. What have I to do with thee? Get thee to the Prophets of thy Father etc. Again, As jehoush of hosts liveth, in whose sight I stand, if it were not that I regard the presence of the King of juda, I would not have looked towards thee, nor have seen thee.  
When a wall is to be built, when a gate is to be fenced.) Wisdom is required in the builders of God's house, to frame every thing for the greatest beauty and ornament unto it.  
of silver, board of cedar.) But all for any substance of religion, or necessary part of God's service, must be according to the rule of the Word, that it may be as silver, and as the choice cedar, precious in his sight: 
Exodus 25. 40.  See thou make all things according to the pattern was showed thee in the Mount.  
A palace,) The Church of God is the Palace of the great King, There he doth dwell, and hath his residence and abode for ever. Psal. 132. 13, 14  
a wall, a gate.) The discipline of the Church is as a wall and a gate, to keep that no unclean person or execrable, enter in, to hold in those that are entered, the free burgesses and Citise●s of that Citi●.  
I being as a wall, and my breasts as towers,) There is in the Church a communion of Saints, whereby the graces of God bestowed upon one member, turn to the general good of the whole body.  
then shall I be) Thereof it is that a true Christian is so far from envying the blessings of God in other, that he rejoiceth in them as in his own happiness and perfection.  
as one that findeth peace.) When the heart of the jews shall turn unto the Lord, in the general call of that whole nation, then come the days of peace, joy, happiness, and comfort, as much as can be upon earth, through the bright beams of the glorious Gospel, shining most clear.  
Solomon had a vineyard,) Christianity and providence in worldly matters stand well together.  
in a fruitful place,) It is a good duty of a Christian to forecast to have things most beneficial and commodious for him. His vines in fruitful places etc.  
he hired out his vineyards to keepers.) And when he is so fitted, well to occupy and manure them to his most advantage: That which he cannot keep in his own hands, yet to provide it be so let out as may be for his profit.  
every one bringeth for the fruit of it a thousand pieces of silver.) It is not only the rule of charity, but true christianity to consider in reasonable sort, of those that travail for us, that they labour not, nor sweat for nothing: but taking part of that gain which cometh by their service, it may give them cause to bless us.  
We may with good conscience observe a due proportion, and are not to be blamed though the best morsels fall into our own mouth. Solomon may well purse a thousand shekels, and leave two hundred only to come to his lessees share.  
The Anabaptistical communion hereby falleth to the ground.  
My vineyard is still before my face,) God is jealous of his Church, and letteth it not forth to others, but himself taketh the care of it; for though it be said in the parable, that a man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husband men etc. that is an other kind of letting, then that which Solomon here speaketh of: For by it is meant the ministers whom God raiseth up from time to time for the good of his people, & commendeth them to their care. Among whom he himself is, not idle, but walking in the midst of those golden candlesticks, and evermore present by the assistance of his Spirit: so as all cometh from his virtue and power, and he doth not rule his Church by deputies or farmers.  
I receive both these 1000 of thine, O Solomon, and also the 200 pieces of those that keep the fruit of it.) Nothing for substance of religion must be done in the house of God but by his own express pleasure: all is his, not the least farthing or dodkin in this kind is to go an other way.  
O thou she) Christ giveth to his Church Pastors and Teachers as it were Husbandmen to dress his Vine.  
That settest) Himself being the Arch-shepheard that taketh care of all the Vines: every such Minister hath a chair which ought to be the chair of truth: for so our Saviour reasoneth, In the chair of Moses sit the Scribes and Pharisees; therefore whatsoever they teach, (according to the law and doctrine of Moses, which only is to sound in that chair) do etc.  
To these God himself reacheth a cushion, and placeth them in the chair of authority in his Church: as the Scribes and pharisees are said to sit in Moses chair, and Paul that he sat at Corinth a year and six months and taught the word of God among them. Acts 18. 11. So Ministers have their Seas by Gods own appointment.  
This ordinance of God is perpetual to the world's end;  
And they must sit, that is with all diligence and faithfulness attend unto the flock whereof the holy Ghost 〈◊〉 them over seers.  
In these Gard●i●e●,) Every particular congregation is a several garden of the Lords:  
to the fellows) Wherein the Ministers are not to domineer over God's heritage, but to live as examples to the flock, who are their brethren and fellows.  
Which) We must not give that which is holy to dogs, nor cast our pearls before swine. Matth. the seventh, and the sixth. The precious treasure of the Gospel is not to be communicated to all, but to those that have ears bored through of God, and hearts to receive it: as for other, we are commanded to shake off the dust of our feet against them.  
Attend thy voice) We must hear the Ministers of God, teaching us in his ways: and not hear only, but hear with diligence and continually attend upon their doctrine.  
And that is one of the marks of the child of God so to attend on the word.  
Preach) Feeding of the flock is a special argument of the love that a Minister beareth to Christ: 
Joh. 21. 15.  Peter lovest thou me? feed my Lambs; it is the duty that God calleth and crieth unto us for: an intolerable coldness and lack of love to Christ, to leave them at six and seven.  
Preaching is the ordinary means of bringing men to Christ; 
Rom. 10. 17.  faith cometh by hearing.  
The thing preached must be Christ, the whole substance of the Gospel, and in whom all the the promises of God are Yea and Amen.  
Flee to us, etc. and be like the Roe, etc. O thou that dwellest in the Mountains of spices.) The Minister that will approve himself faithful must never be weary of feeding his flock to the coming of jesus Christ.  
And herein it is his duty carefully and diligently to implore God's assistance, that he may go through with it, and for a blessing upon his labours.  
This meditation both of Christ's presence and assistance, of his bright and last appearance, and of the weight of glory laid up in heaven, where Christ now is, and where we shall be together with him, must be always before their eyes as effectual arguments to stir them up unto this duty: which they are to oppose and set against all the tediousness and difficulties of their function on the one side, and all the glittering pomp of the world on the other.  
It is a special note of the child of God to desire still the coming of Christ.  
And to meditate on the glory of God's kingdom.  
FINIS.    

¶ Imprinted at London by John Beale, dwelling in Aldersgate street 1615.