THE CANTICLES, OR Song of Solomon PARAPHRASED; AND Explained by divers others Texts of Scriptures, very useful. By the Learned, Reverend, and Faithful Minister of Christ Mr. Arthur Hildersham, of Ashby-Delazouch. As also the same, together with the two Songs of Moses, and the Song of Deborah, Collected into Meeter. LONDON. Printed by T. Milbourn, for Robert Clavel in Cross-key Court in Little Britain. 1672. READER, THose Scriptures, 1 Cor. 14, 15. I will sing with the Spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Eph. 5. 18, 19 Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to yourselves in Psalms, and Hymns and spiritual Songs, singing and making Melody in your hearts to the Lord. Col. 3. 16. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in Psalms, and Hymns, and spiritual Songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. James 5. 13. Is any merry, let him sing Psalms; do not only direct and teach us the true manner, and end of singing Psalms, Hymns, and spiritual Songs; but do also, I think, prove the singing of them to be a duty; and warrant the collecting of them into such Meeter and Tunes as is most suitable to us for that purpose. Those which are here presented upon this account, are the Song of Moses, Exod. 15. The Song of Moses, Deut. 32. The Song of Deborah, judg. 5. And the Song of Songs which was solomon's, to which (because the Song of Solomon is very mystical, and the Meeter here presented is not intended for a Paraphrase, but a Translation; and that it will be hard, at least for ordinary capacites, in singing, especially the Song of Solomon, to sing with understanding, without some plain exposition of it,) I have made bold to annex a Paraphrase, being one that was composed by that Reverend and Learned Minister of Christ, Mr. Arthur Hildersham, (as I had it transcribed out of his own, by a faithful hand) which is the rather to be recommended, because it is short, plain, exemplified with several quotations of Scripture and accommodated to the present Translation of the Bible. This excellent Author left also a Paraphrase upon the whole Bible, out of which this was taken: if the publishing of this might provoke, or be an occasion of the publishing of the rest, I should be glad; however, I have commuicated what I had, which hoping it may be much to thy satisfaction and advantage, I leave with thee, and rest. A PARAPHRASE UPON THE Canticles, or Song of Solomon, Illustrated with several Cotations of very many other Scriptures very Useful, etc. CHAP. I. VER. 1. THe Song] So is this Book called, in respect both of the Matter of it (which is a declamation of the holy Espousals, and Sweet communion between Christ and his Church, and of the mutual love and affection they bear each to other) and the Poetical Manner of penning it. [Of Songs] i. e. The most sweet and excellent Song, as in the like phrase, Canaan is called a servant of servants, the vilest and basest, Gen. 9 25. Ver. 2. The Church, after the manner of Lovers, begins abruptly and passionately, [Let him] i. e. Let Christ my beloved [Kiss me with the Kisses of his Mouth] manifest and confirm to me his Love; To this end (among others) kisses were given, 1 Cor. 16. 20. [For, thy] She changeth the person after the pathetical and passionate manner of vehement lovers; [Loves] so the Heb. readeth: whereby she intimateth the abundance and intimateness of his love (Ephes. 3. 19) for so in the Heb. phrase is the plural number used [are better than Wine] are more comfortable, and glad the heart more than Wine, which of all creatures is most effectual to make the heart merry, jud. 9 13. Psal. 104. 15. jer. 31. 5, 6. Ver. 3. Because of the savour of thy good Ointments] Because of the Oil of Gladness, that fullness of Grace, and of the Spirit, wherewith thou art anointed, Psal. 45. 7. which is the fountain from whence all Grace is derived to the Church, Io. 1. 16. Psal. 133. 2. [Thy Name] thy holy Word and Gospel, whereby thou makest thyself known, Psalm 138. 2. Mat 19 29. compared with Mar. 10. 29. Act. 9 15. [is as an Ointment poured forth] i. e. as the sweet and precious Ointments (which were much used in those Countries) did then cast forth their sweetest savour when they were poured out, (Mar. 14. 3. compared with Io. 12. 3.) So the excellency that is in thee, being published by the Gospel, doth make thee most sweet and amiable, [The Virgins] such as keep themselves pure and undefiled from Idolatry, and all worldly Pollutions [love thee]. Ver. 4. [Draw me] O pull me more and more out of the bondage of Satan, and of my own corruption, Mat. 6. 13. Give me both a will and a power to come unto thee Io. 6. 44. Phil. 2. 13. [We] I and the children which thou hast given me, then [will run after thee] will cheerfully and readily obey and follow thee, Psa. 119. 32. Mat. 4. 20, 22. [The King] Jesus Christ my Husband who is also my Lord and King, Psal. 45. 11. Yea the King of kings and Lord of lords, Rev. 17. 14. and 19 16. [hath brought me into his Chambers] hath already brought me into those places where his Jewels and chief treasures are laid up, and where he useth most inwardly and familiarly to converse with, and communicate himself to his beloved, viz, the places of his public and solemn Woship, Psal. 26. 8. and 27. 4, 5. and 36. 8. and 63. 2. and 65. 4. [We will be glad and rejoice in thee] thus will we be affected while we are in thy Chambers, Psal. 29. 9 Is. 56. 7. [we will remember] we will meditate and speak of [thy loves more than Wine] thy favour and the comfort to be found therein, as of that which is more sweet and comforttable than any Wine, Psal. 4. 6, 7. [The upright love thee] All whose hearts are sound and free from hypocrisy, having tasted of, and been satisfied with the pleasures of thine house, cannot choose but love thee. Ver. 5. I am black but comely] I confess that in respect of my outward estate & condition I am nothing amiable, nor have any thing to allure a carnal eye to affect or love me; yet have I an inward beauty and excellency (Psal. 45. 13.) to be discerned by such as are spiritual. [(O ye Daughters of jerusalem)] O ye which being members of the visible Church, and apt to take offence at this my outward estate, which is [as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon] as those tents and curtains that being on the outside weatherbeaten, had within, great Treasures and Riches. Ver. 6. Look not upon me because I am black] Do not too much eye or observe and despise me for the deformity of my outward estate and condition; but consider the true cause thereof [because the Sun hat looked upon me] The heat of persecution (whereunto I have always been much subject) as the Sun in his strength shining full upon my face, hath scorched and tanned me, Mat. 13. 6, 21. [The Sons of my Mother were angry with me] such as by outward profession were Children of the true Church, yea, that did bear chief sway in it, were the chief authors of this my persecution, being angry with me for this my sincerity, Gal. 4. 29. [They made me the keeper of the Vineyards] they compelled me through their violence & mine own weakness, to observe their fancies, and to fashion myself to the customs and manners of others [but mine own Vineyard have I not kept] The duties God assigned me for the gathering and ordering of his People, and making of them fruitful to Him, I have neglected. Ver. 7. Tell me (O thou whom my Soul loveth) where thou feedest, where thou makest thy Flocks to rest at Noon] Show me these assemblies where thy saving Ordinances are to be found, wherein Thou (the chief Shepherd, Psal. 23. 1. Io. 10. 11. 1 Pet. 5. 4.) performest all the offices of a careful and faithful Pastor, both feeding them with knowledge and understanding, jer. 3. 15. and giving them comfort and repose in all their afflictions, Ezek. 34. 12, 16. [For why should I be as one that turneth aside] As I fear nothing more than the falling away or declining from thee, and the purity of thy Worship; So, unless I join myself to those assemblies where thine Ordinances are to be had, I shall not be able to keep myself from declining, Heb. 10, 25. compared with ver. 23. [by the flocks of thy companions] My danger to turn aside and decline from thee, is the greater, because I live where thy companions are such as pretend to be the friends of thee the Bridegroom, and to mourn for thee; but do indeed nothing less, being Idolaters and false Teachers, jud. 14. 20. 2 Cor. 11, 13. Ver. 8. If thou know not] If (which is strange) thou be, through thy confidence, and the prevailing of false teachers, ignorant or brought to doubt hereof [O thou the fairest among women] Thou (who though thou be black in thine own eyes, and in the eyes of carnal men; yet art in mine, through the imputation of my Righteousness, and the Sanctification, that is begun in thee, far more beautiful than any other Woman) must, [Go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flocks] observe, and mark well the footsteps, and way, that the Ancient People, and flock of God, (the holy Patriarches and Prophets) have trodden, and walk in it, jer. 6. 16. [And feed thy kids] feed the faithful flock, (who are oft compared to young and little ones, not only for that they are so in their own sense, and in the opinion of the world; but for that, indeed, they are not come to their full growth, but growing daily, Mat. 18. 10. Gal. 4. 19 1 Io. 2. 18. and 5. 21.) [besides the Shepherds- tents] in those Pastures wherein those Ancient Pastors were wont to pitch their Tents, and feed their Flocks. Ver. 9 I have compared thee] ay who best know thee, and can best judge of thee, and in whose judgement thou mayest quiet and comfort thyself, have esteemed thee to be like, ([O my Love] or O my fellow and companion, so is the Wife called, Mat. 2. 14.) [To a company of Horses in Pharoas▪ Chariot's] for that honourable service thou dost unto me, in my spiritual warfare, unto the horses that Pharaoh used in his Chariots, which of all other horses, for their stateliness and courage, did most excel for that purpose, 1 Kings 10. ver. 28, 29. Ver. 10. Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of Gold] Though thy chief beauty be inward, yet even those thy outward parts, which are most conspicuous, and the principal seals of beauty, want not that goodly ornament, but the graces of my Spirit, where withal, as with most precious jewels, I have adorned thee, do shine evidently in thy whole conversation, and make thee gracious even unto Men, Prov. 4. 9 Ver. 11. We] All the three Persons in the Trinity (unto whom only, and to all whom any work of our Sanctification, and Salvation must be ascribed) [will make thee borders of Gold, with studs of Silver] will increase the Graces of the Spirit in thee, and cause thee to grow in holiness; so making thee more and more glorious in the sight of God and men, Mat. 25. 29. 2 Cor. 3. 10. Ver. 12. While the King sitteth at his Table] whilst Christ my Lord and King showeth himself present in his Ordinances, according to his promise, Mat. 18. 20. and 28. 20. wherein he spreadeth and furnisheth his Table, feasteth his People, and admitteth them to dine & sup with him, Mat. 22. 4. Rev. 3. 20. [my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof,] the graces of his Spirit which he had bestowed upon me, and which are more sweet and comfortable to my Soul, than any Spikenard to my sense, were stirred up, revived and quickened in me, Luke 24. 22. Ver. 13. A bundle of myrrh is [my wellbeloved unto me] Christ my Husband is to me for the sweetness and comfort my Soul findeth in Him, as a bundle of myrrh (which was one of the sweetest things those Eastern-Countries did afford, and whereof the sweetest Ointments and Perfumes were wont to be made, Exod. 30. 23. Psal. 45. 8. [He shall lie all night betwixt my breasts]: according to the manner of women, who wear their Nosegays there; so shall my wellbeloved still dwell in my heart, Eph. 3. 17. So is the phrase there taken. Ver. 14. My beloved is to me as a cluster of Camphire] Howsoever others esteem of my beloved, and feel no sweetness in him; he is, in my estimation and feeling, as delectable as a cluster of the sweetest Camphire or Cyprus [in the Vineyards of Engedi] even of that Camphire or Cyprus that grows in the Vineyards of Engedi, which was a very fruitful place, being both near the Sea, and full of pleasant springs. See Plin. l. 12. c. 24. Ver. 15. Behold thou art fair my Love, behold thou art fair,] Thou, O my Church whom I dearly love, art indeed (however thou seemest to thyself or others,) amiable, beautiful, without all spot or wrinkle; My beauty, even my perfect holiness, and righteousness, being put upon thee, and made thine, Eph. 5. 27. [Thou hast Doves eyes] Thou art, for thy Chastity, (which chiefly showeth itself in the eye, as uncleanness also doth, job. 30. 1. 2 Pet. 2. 14.) like unto the Dove, which is a most chaste Creature, and true to her Mate, not so much as casting thine eye, in spiritual fornication, upon any Idol, or false worship, Ezek. 18. 6. Ver. 16. Behold thou art fair, my beloved, yea pleasant,] q. d. Dost thou commend My beauty? nay, thou art beautiful indeed, Psa. 27. 4. through the abundance and perfection of grace and goodness that dwells in thee (in whom all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily, Col. 2 9 every way pleasant and delectable; from thee only have I all that little beauty that is in me, and in thy beauty only do I rejoice, 1 Cor. 1. 30, 31. [Also our Bed] The place wherein we enjoy one another, to the procreation and begetting of children to God, viz. the holy Assemblies, where thou plantest thine Ordinances, Psa. 87. 5, 6. ja. 1. 18. 1 Pet. 1. 2. [is green] is fruitful, growing and flourishing: though our Children die, whither, and fall away, yet such spring up in their room, Isa. 49. 20. and 54. 1, 2. jer. 30. 19, 20. Ver. 17. The beams of our houses are Cedar, and our rafters of Fir,] The Catholic Church which thou hast chosen to be thy House, 1 Tim. 3. 16. wherein by thy Grace, I also do dwell, and shall ever continue, Ps. 23. 6. is durable and everlasting, and consisteth of such parts and members, as shall never perish nor decay, Ps. 24. 7. 1 Pet. 1. 23. Chap. II. Ver. 1. I Am the Rose of Sharon] This is the speech of Christ, who praiseth himself, which were unseemly for the Church, or any man to do, Prov. 27. 2. 2 Cor. 10. 18. and 11. 16, 17. as Io. 6. 35. I am a pleasant and delectable sweetness, I am like the Rose of Sharon; which was a very fruitful soil near unto Bashan, 1 Chron. 5. 16. and 27. 29. and therefore bore the sweetest Roses, [and the Lily of the Valleys,] for beauty and glory, like the goodliest Lily, which for its beauty and glorious gloss did excel, Mat. 6. 29. Ver. 2. As the Lily among the Thorns] As the Lily excelleth greatly the Thorns, and appears so much the more beautiful, by growing among them, and being compared with them, [so is my love among the Daughters] so my dear Spouse, my faithful people living among other people in the World, (who are no better than Briers and Thorns, Mic. 7. 4. (do not only excel them much, Prov. 12. 16. but the beauty and glory of my graces in them do shine so much more, by how much the more corrupt the times and places are wherein they live, Gen. 6. 9 Phil. 4. 22. 2 Pet. 2. 8. Ver. 3. As the Appletree among the Trees of the wood, so is my beloved] As the Appletree excelleth all other the Trees that grow in the Wood, because it is not only shady, but beareth comfortable fruit, so is my beloved Husband [among the Sons,] among all Angels and Men, in both these respects most excellent, Eph. 1. 21. Heb. 1. 4. [I sat down under his shadow with great delight,] as he that traveleth in hot weather, is much refreshed by resting himself under the shadow of a broad Tree, and full of leaves, (in which respect this Comparison is much used.) so have I, in the heat of all my afflictions and temptations, found myself much refreshed and comforted, by resting and reposing myself by faith under my Beloved, Mat. 11. 28. [and his fruit was sweet to my taste,] yea, I have also tasted more sweetness in him, then in the most delicate fruit, that ever Tree bore. Ver. 4. He brought me to the Banqueting house] He of his free love, and by his mighty power, (2 Tim. 1. 9 Io. 6. 44. brought me to his house, even to the place where I might enjoy the comfort of his Ordinances, where he feasteth his Saints, and satisfyeth them with the comforts of his word and Spirit, Ps. 65. 4. Isa. 25. 6. [and his banner over me was love,] Heb. his love over me a banner, that whereby he draweth me, and all my company, as his spiritual Soldiers together unto himself, as to our Captain and Head, and whereby also he keeps us close unto him, (which is the chief use of Banners, jer. 4. 5, 6. Isa. 11. 12.) was his love, 2 Cor. 5. 20. 1 Io. 4. 19 Ver. 5. Stay me with Flagons, and comfort me with Apples,] Comfort and keep me from fainting (O ye my faithful Servants and Ministers) by applying to me the sweet and comfortable promises of the Gospel, which are as the purest to me, Psa. 104. 15. effectual to cheer and make glad the heart, Isa. 25. 6. and 55. 1. And as the Apples that yield the delicatest scent or taste to refresh the spirits: [for I am sick of Love,] for the love I bear to my Lord and Saviour, troubleth and disquieteth me, that I do no more fully enjoy him. 2 Cor. 5. 2. 4. 8. Ver. 6. His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me.] He, (my beloved Lord and Saviour,) and he only supporteth me, in these my spiritual faintings, putting his hand under me, Ps. 37. 24. and by his peace which passeth all understanding, keeps and upholds my heart and mind, Phil. 4. 7. Ver. 7. I charge you, O ye Daughters of jerusalem,] I do in most earnest manner require you, that profess yourselves members of the Visible Church, [by the Roes, and by the Hinds of the field,] by whatsoever you take most delight and pleasure in, [that you stir not up, nor awake my Love till he please.] That you do no way by the least provocation disquiet, or interrupt the sweet peace I enjoy in my sweet Saviour, so long as he shall be pleased in his mercy to continue it to me. Ver. 8. The voice of my Beloved] I do evidently discern in the Ministry of his word, the voice of my Lord and Saviour calling upon me, and speaking to my heart, Io. 10. 4, 5, 27. and 6. 45. [He cometh leaping upon, or over the Mountains, skipping upon, or over the Hills, or Hillocks.] He also cometh towards me, and draweth near unto me, to comfort me, with the sense of his gracious presence, ja. 4. 8. Rev. 3. 20. Yea, he cometh speedily, and will not be letted, either by my grosser sins, (like Mountains) which I in times past have committed, and have now repent of, or by my daily slips and infirmities, like Hillocks, Psa. 32. 5. Isa. 1. 18. Rom. 8. 35, 39 Ver. 9 My Beloved is like a Roe, or young Hart.] Yea, in this his readiness and swiftness to come to me, and show himself present with me, for my comfort in all my distresses, he is like unto the Roe or young Hart, Heb. 10. 37. [Behold he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the Windows, showing himself through the Lettuce.] Yet doth he not in this life fully and clearly manifest himself to me, but by degrees so far as he shall see fit and expedient, more darkly and obscurely under the Law, and more evidently and comfortably under the Gospel, 1 Cor. 13. 9, 12. 2 Cor. 3. 18. Ver. 10. My Beloved spoke and said unto me,] I heard him speaking unto me in the Ministry of his Word, and calling upon me, [Rise up my Love, my fair one, and come away:] awake and rouse up thyself, O thou who notwithstanding all thy weakness art dear unto me, and beautiful in mine eyes,) out of thy carnal security, and resting too much in outward things, and set thine affections more upon Heaven; things that are above, Eph. 5. 14. Col. 3. 1, 2. Ver 11. For lo the Winter is past, and the Rain is over and gone.] For, consider well the change, which the Lord hath wrought in the estate, wherein thou wert before; thy calling which was like the Winter, uncomfortable, nnd unfruitful, is now past and gone: thou art not under the Law, but under grace, Eph. 2. 11, 13. and 5. 8. Ro. 6. 15, 17. Ver. 12. The Flowers appear in the Earth, the time of the singing of Birds is come, the voice of the Turtle is heard in our Land.] Being now in the state of Grace, fruitful unto God, bearing such fruits, as are most pleasant and delightsom unto him through me, Phil. 1. 11. 1 Pet. 2. 5. Yea, art able to rejoice in the Lord, and to sing praises unto him, Eph. 5. 19 Yea, thy voice (which art as a chaste Turtle, true and Constant in in thy love to me) is heard in prayers and supplications unto God, and by his spirit thou criest Abba Father, unto him, Rom. 8. 15. Ver. 13. The Figtree putteth forth her green Figs, and the Vines, with the tender grapes, give a good smell.] As when the Figtree putteth forth, not her leaves only, but her green Figs, and the Vine her young grapes, it's an evident sign that winter is gone, and that Summer is at hand, and even begun, Mat. 24. 32. So is this a good evidence, that the Winter of thy Natural estate is passed with thee, and that thou art now in the state of Grace, that thou begins to be fruitful to God, Io. 15. 4. And though these fruits of the Spirit which thou bringest forth, be yet but small, tender, and young (even the first fruits of the Spirit,) in comparison of what they shall be in Heaven, when thy Sanctification shall be perfected, Rom. 8. 22. 1 Cor. 13. 9 10, 12. yet is it such Fruit that thou bearest, as my Father counts himself greatly delighted in, and benefited by, (as men do by the Fruit of the Vine and Figtree) and as may give thee assurance that he will bring thee to full ripeness and perfection in his Kingdom, Io. 15. 2. Phil. 1. 16. and therefore seeing the Summer is so near, when thy Fruit shall be fully ripe, seeing thy Salvation is nearer, than when first thou believedst, Rom. 13. 11. 12. [arise my love, my fair one, and come away] shake of all carnal security, and love to earthly things, (O thou that art so dear unto me, and so beautiful in mine eyes) and set thy affections upon Heaven, where I am, and where thou shalt fully enjoy my presence. Ver. 14. O my Dove,] O my beloved Spouse, who among all others, thy virtues excellest in this, that thou art true and faithful in thy love to me, and will not in any false worship bestow thy love upon any other, Ex. 20. 6. [that art in the clefts of the Rock, in the secret places of the Stairs,] that (as the timorous Dove in such places, as no Kite or Hawk can have access unto,) art safely hidden with God, in the unchangeableness of his secret Council, concerning thy Election, and under the protection of his Almighty power, Col. 3. 3. Psa. 27. 5. and 31. 20. and 91. 1. [Let me see thy Countenance, let me hear thy voice,] Come and resort often to me in mine house, in the use of my Ordinances, and ply me with thy Prayers, Heb. 4. 16. and 10. 22. [for sweet is thy voice,] I take great delight in thy prayers, Pro. 15. 8. [And thy Countenance is comely,] thou art amiable unto me, and I delight to behold thee. Ver. 15. Take us the Foxes, the little Foxes,] q. d. Rouse up thyself out of thy security, and come away, (as ver. 10. 13.) exercise thyself, in my spiritual Hunting, and even in the Hunting and taking the Foxes, such as either by false or unsound doctrine, and bringing in corruption of manners, do subtly and closely, (the one by great shows of Truth and Holiness, the other by urging or pleading the liberty of Christians, may take in indifferent things,) [that spoil the Vines,] that seduce and corrupt the People of God, 12. 15: [for our Vines have tender Grapes,] for the Gospel begins to prosper and become fruitful, which will provoke Satan's malice, and move him to use his uttermost endeavours to hinder the growth of it, Mat. 13. 24, 25. Yet is the Fruit but young and tender, my people are yet but weak in the faith, and therefore in great danger to take hurt. Ver. 16. My beloved is mine, and I am his,] q. d. these gracious invitations of my Lord and Saviour, do quicken and revive my Faith; wherefore I am feelingly and comfortably assured, that he himself, and all that he shall do, and suffered for his Elect, with all the merit thereof, is wholly mine, 1 Cor. 1. 30. Io. 20. 28. Gal. 2. 20. and I am wholly his, given to him in the eternal Election of his Father, redeemed by him; wholly at his command, guidance and governance, Psa. 116. 16. and 119. 94. [he feedeth among the Lilies,] he who is the true, careful, and painful Shepherd of Israel, (Psal. 23. 1. and 80. 1. Io. 10.) Feedeth his flock not in a barren Wilderness, but in a most fruitful and pleasant place; for so is the House of God, (the place where his People feed upon his holy Ordinances) called, Psa 36. 8. and 81. 1. Ver. 17. Until the day break, and the shadows fly away, turn my Beloved,] O my dear Lord and Saviour, leave me not while I remain in this Vale of misery, which is so full of the darkness and shadows of sin, ignorance, temptation and affliction; but be ever graciously present with me to assist and comfort me, even till the day come, when our marriage shall be consummate, and I shall fully enjoy thee, and see thee as thou art, 1 Cor. 13. 12. 1 Io. 3. 2. which is called the Morning, Psa. 49. ver. 14. [And be thou like a Roe, or young Hart by the Mountains of Bether,] yea come thou unto me in all my necessities speedily, and without delay, Psa. 70. 1, 5. Chap. III. Ver. 1. BY night on my Bed, I sought him whom my Soul loved,] q. d. My Lord and Saviour (whom I do love unfeignedly, and above all other things) having (in my sense and feeling,) with-drawn himself from me, I sought earnestly, and laboured to recover my comfort in, by serious meditations and trial of mine own heart, and crying ùnto him upon my bed in the night, when I was most free from all other distractions, Psal: 4. 4. and 77. 2, 3. but could not find him. Ver. 2. I will rise now, and go about the City in the streets; and in the broad ways, I will seek him whom my Soul loveth,] I then resolved with myself to spare no pains, or endeavour, whereby I might recover my comfort, and therefore to go abroad, and use the help of others, whose knowledge and experience might be better than mine own. And that which moved me to take this pains, to seek my Lord and Saviour, and to recover the comfort and feeling of his gracious presence, was the truth and unfainedness of my Love to him, 1 Thes. 1. 3. Heb. 6. 10. [I sought him, but I found him not,] Though by this means also, I sought him earnestly, making the best use of the conference and prayers of such as I could meet withal, yet neither could I this way recover my comfort. Ver. 3. The Watchmen that go about the City found me,] q. d. At length, while I was thus seeking for my beloved, the Pastors and Governors of the Church, whom the Lord hath appointed to be as Watchmen to this City, Isa. 62. 6. Ez. 3. 17. and who go about, and diligently look into the Estate of all God's people committed to their charge, Act. 20. 20, 31. [found me] came to inquire into mine Estate, [to whom I said, saw ye him whom my Soul loveth,] q. d. my heart was so full, that I stayed not till they questioned or demanded any thing of me, but I required of them, and sought help of them to recover my comfort, in my Lord and Saviour: and could not conceal from them, the unfeigned and fervent love my my Soul bore unto him. Ver. 4. It was but a little, that I passed from them, but I found him whom my Soul loveth,] q. d. Though while I was with the Watchmen, and faithful Ministers of the Lord, and enjoyed Gods Ordinances in their Ministry, I seemed in my own feeling, to receive no benefit by it, yet within a while after I did: I lost not my labour in seeking and using all God's means, for I recovered the comfort which I had lost, I found and felt the gracious presence of my Lord and Saviour, whom my Soul dearly and unfeignedly loveth, [I held him, and would not let him go,] q. d. The great vexation of Spirit, that I found all the while that I thought him to be absent from me, made me more highly to prise him, and to lay the faster hold on him, by renewing my faith, to make him the more sure unto myself, and to resolve with myself, that I would never, through my carnal security, or any other sin lose him again, nor deprive myself of the comfort I found in him, [until I brought him into my Mother's house, and into the Chamber of her that conceived me,] until, (in the public assembly, where I was regenerate by the immortal seed,) I had testified my Love to him, and my thankfulness for this great mercy I had received in the recovering of my comfort. Ver. 5. I charge ye O ye Daughters of jerusalem,] See Cap. 2. 7, 9 q. d. Now I have found him again and recovered his sweet peace and comfort that I have in him, take heed you do by no means interrupt it, for it's long of ourselves, if at any time we be deprived of it. Ver. 6. Who is this that cometh out of the Wilderness, like Pillars of smoke, perfumed with Myrrh and Frankincense, with all powders of the Merchant?] q. d. Who is this? and how unknown for her worth and excellency to the World, 1 john 3. 1. that forsaking in her affliction, and leaving this world, which is as barren of any virtue or piety, as any Wilderness, (Isa. 40.) aspireth and mounteth up in her desires towards Heaven; which desires of hers, are as sweet, and acceptable unto me, as the sweetest incense and perfumes that are in the World? 2 Cor. 5. 1, 4. Ver. 7. Behold his Bed, which is solomon's,] q. d. Is it marvel my dear Lord, though my desires and affections, be thus carried up towards Heaven, there is thy Bed, the place where I shall ever enjoy thy company, and solace myself in thy love? 2 Cor. 5, 6, 8. Phil. 1 23. Thes. 4. 17. Who as thou art indeed the true Solomon, so thy Bed doth far exceed in glory and delight, the bed of Solomon, though it were very glorious, [threescore valiant men are about it, of the valiant of Israel,] q. d. Though Solomon's bed was so guarded by threescore of the choicest for valour of all Israel, yet is thy bed (O my Lord and Saviour) far more glorious, for it is attended with 20000 of Angels, whereof every one excelleth in strength the mightiest host of men, Psal. 68 17. Dan. 7. 11. Psa. 103. 20. Isa. 37. 36. Ver. 8. They all hold swords, being expert in War, every man hath his sword upon his thigh, because of fear in the night,] q. d. And as the valiant men that guard Solomon's bed, were ever ready with their Weapons to defend him, from any treason that might any way be attempted against him in the night, so are those glorious and mighty Angels that attend the bed and throne of my Lord and King, ever ready pressed to do his will, and use all their strength and wisdom in his service. Ver. 9 King Solomon made himself a Chariot (or Bridebed) of the wood of Lebanon,] q. d. Solomon's stately bridebed, was made of the goodly Cedars that grew in Lebanon, which was a very durable wood; but this bed that I speak of, this bed of my Lord and King, is far more durable, and shall never decay, Heb. 11. 10. 2 Cor. 5. 1. Ver. 10. He made the pillars thereof of Silver, the bottom thereof of Gold, the covering of it of Purple, the midst thereof being paved with Love, for (or of) the Daughters of jerusalem,] Solomon's bridebed was indeed very rich, having pillars of Silver, the bottom of Gold, the covering of Purple, all embroidered, as it were in the midst paved with needlework, which the daughters of jerusalem, out of their love and duty wrought for him: but those heavenly mantions wherein I shall, as in his bridebed, continually rest with my Lord and Saviour, doth beyond all comparison, excel it in riches and glory, Rev. 21, 11, 18, 24. Ver. 11. Go forth O ye daughters of Zion, and behold King Solomon with the Crown, wherewith his Mother crowned him in the days of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart,] q. d. O ye members of the visible Church that live in Zion, go forth of your houses, and behold King Solomon riding in his Princely Chariot through jerusalem, in great state and glory, having on the Crown which his Mother bestowed upon him, in the day of his contract, which was the day of his greatest joy; and consider that all the glory of Solomon, was but a Type and representation of the glory and Royal Majesty of my Lord and Saviour, Hebrews 2. 7. Rev. 19 13. Chap. IU. Ver. 1. BEhold thou art fair my love, behold thou art fair,] q. d. Surely O my Spouse, whom I dearly love, thou art in my eye, and estimation, admirably fair and beautiful, both in respect of that perfect holiness and righteousness of mine, which is imputed unto thee, and put upon thee; as also of the excellent graces of my sanctifying spirit, that are inherent in thee, [thou hast Doves eyes,] thy Teachers and Ministers, whom I have set to be as thine eyes, to guide and direct thee, are not only for their sharpness of sight, their understanding and knowledge, like unto the eyes of the Fowl, but also for their chastity and care to maintain the purity of my Religion and Worship, not casting their eyes upon any Idol, or false Worship, [Within thy locks] This sharpness of spiritual sight and understanding, this sincerity and purity of thy Teachers, is well discerned by me, though it be as it were somewhat covered, and obscured by the weakness and contemptible estate of the multitude of Believers, (as it were with thine hair hanging over thine eyes,) do follow them, and depend upon them, Io. 7. 48, 49. [Thy hair is as a flock of Goats, that appear from mount Gilead,] That multitude of Believers that are in thee, howsoever they be contemptible, and obscure thy beauty in the eyes of worldly men; yet to me they are both for their number, and their spiritual comeliness, and the goodly graces of my spirit, which I discern in them, like to a flock of Goats, that feeding upon Mount Gilead, are both fat and flourishing. Ver. 2. Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which come up from the washing, whereof every one beareth twins, and none is barren amongst them] The Teachers (who in respect of their chief work, to prepare and chew (as it were) the food of life for thy little ones, and of that bony strength and courage, to endure and overcome the mighty oppressions they continually meet withal, are fitly compared unto teeth,) are like unto a flock of Sheep, depending wholly, and following the direction of me the great Shepherd, and joining together for the mutual strength, and comfort, in a holy concord and association. Yea, they are like to such a flock of sheep as are even shorn, and come up from the washing, showing no inequality or difference in degree one above another; and being all sanctified and purged from their uncleanness, and are fruitful also in their minds, not one of them barren and unprofitable. Ver. 3. Thy lips are like a thread of Scarlet, and thy speech is comely,] q. d. As the chief beauty and comeliness of the lips consisteth in the smallness and thinness, and in the readiness of them; so do thy lips. i e. thy doctrine, excels in both these respects: for as it swelleth not with the ostentation of earthly and carnal wisdom, Io. 3. 31. 1 Cor. 2. 4. so is it for the principal object and matter of it, nothing else but a preaching of my Cross, and as it were died red with my blood, 1 Cor. 1. 17, 18, and 2. 2. Yea, thy whole speech and manner of uttering this Doctrine, is comely and gracious, suitable to the Heavenly doctrine itself, which thou dost deliver, 1 Cor. 2. 13. 1 Pet. 4. 11. [thy temples are like a piece of a Pomegranet within thy locks,] q. d. the natural colour of those parts wherein beauty is chiefly discerned, is such, as thou needest not the help of wanton adorning, nor any worldly glory to set thyself forth witthall. Ver. 4. Thy neck is like the Tower of David, builded for an Armoury,] Thy holy discipline and government, which as the neck beareth up and supporteth the doctrine, and Ministers, is like unto that tower of David, which was made for an Armoury, mentioned, Neh. 3. 19, 25, 26. [whereon there hang a thousand Bucklers, all Shields of mighty men,] which hath ready in it great store of spiritual armour, and means to protect and keep safe thee, and thy holy doctrines and worship from Adversaries of all sorts: yea, such armour and means of defence, as have been well tried and approved in many victories, achieved by the Lord's Worthies. Ver. 5. Thy two breasts are like two young Roes that are Twins, which feed among the Lilies,] Thy Teachers upon whom my People being like newborn Babes, do hang and depend for the sincere milk of the Word, are themselves full of good nourishment, and fit to give such nourishment unto my People. Ver. 6. Until the day break, and the shadows fly away, I will get me to the Mountains of Myrrh, and to the Hill of Frankincense] See Chap. 2. 17. I will in respect of my Bodily presence withdraw myself from thee, and keep my corporal residence in the Heavens, even in the holy Mountain of the Lord, where is all fullness of joy and pleasure. Ver. 7. Thou art all fair my love, there is no spot in thee,] q, d. Yet, O my love, I would not have thee think, this my withdrawing myself from thee, riseth from any dislike I have of thee, for any of thy corruptions, or infirmities; for thou art in mine eye, and account, without any spot or deformity at all, and perfectly beautiful and amiable in every member; partly because my blood hath throughly washed thee from all the spots of thy sins, and my perfect righteousness and holiness is imputed to thee; and partly because the time will come, that thou shalt be perfectly sanctified; which because I clearly foresee it, as well as already done, makes thee amiable unto me. Ver. 8 Come with me from Lebanon (my Spouse) with me from Lebanon, look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the Lion's dens, from the Mountains of the Leopards.] Lebanon and Amana were Mountains in the Northern borders of judea; Shenir and Hermon was on the same Hill, situate in the East, Deut. 3. 9 These Hills were inhabited by Brutish men, Heathens, and Idolaters; so that, the meaning is, as if Christ should say thus to the Church, come and be with me, in my heavenly mansions O my Spouse, with whom then I will consummate my marriage; (for so the word Chalath here used doth signify, viz. one not espoused only, but married) and be thou gathered unto me from all the parts of the Earth, even from the most savage and barbarous places, where Lions and Leopards, even men of cruel dispositions do inhabit, Ezek. 11. 6. Ver. 9 Thou hast ravished my heart, my Sister, my Spouse, thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck,] q. d. O my beloved, who art both Sister and Spouse unto me, and knit unto me by my taking thy Nature upon me, and uniting thee to myself by Faith, by all the nearest Bonds that can be imagined, thou hast marvellously delighted me, even with that sincerity, and that sharpness of understanding, even to discern of things that differ, which I observe in any one of thy Teachers, and with any one of those excellent graces of my Spirit wherewith thou art adorned. Ver. 10. How fair is thy love, my Sister, my Spouse; how much better is thy Love than Wine, and the smell of thine Ointments than all Spices,] The Love that I discern in thee towards me my beloved, makes thee more amiable in my eye, then can be expressed; and doth more cheer and refresh me, than any wine can do the heart of man: and the pleasant and comfortable savour which the graces wherewith God hath endued thee, do send forth, is far better than can be resembled by the most fragrant Spices that be in the world. Ver. 11. Thy Lips O my Spouse, drop as the Honey comb, Honey and Milk are under thy tongue,] q. d. Thy speech O my beloved, in thy Teachers and Ministers, is most sweet and pleasant; yea, thy doctrine which is under thy tongue, ready to come forth, is both for the wholesome nourishment it yieldeth to the little Ones, like Milk; and from the virtue that is in it, to preserve thee from corruption like Honey; [And the smell of thy Garments, is like the smell of Lebanon,] and thy very garments, that which is outwardly to be seen of men, in thy whole conversation, is for the sweetness, and the comfort it yieldeth unto others, like to the smell of those fragrant Trees of spices that grow in Lebanon. Ver. 12. A Garden enclosed is my Spouse, my Sister, a Spring shut up, a Fountain sealed,] My Church which is most dear unto me, as being united unto me, by all the nearest Bonds that may be, is both a Garden full of the Trees of Righteousness, Isa. 61. 3. bearing all the most wholesome and pleasant fruits of holiness and righteousness; and a Spring and Fountain wherein the water of life floweth and runneth continually. Yea, she is as a Garden enclosed, and Fountain shut up and sealed, being fenced and protected by my power, who am as a wall of fire about her, to keep her from the rage of cruel Enemies, (job 1. 10. Zac. 2. 5.) which like the wild Boars and Beasts of the field might waste & devour her, & keeping out also by her censures and discipling, the filthy and profane, from defiling those holy things, which I have trusted her withal; the knowledge and comfort whereof is not come unto all, but hid and shut up from most men, and opened only unto such as my Father is pleased to reveal them unto. Ver. 13. Thy plants are as an Orchard of Pomegranates, with pleasant fruits, Champhire and Spikenard. Ver. 14. Spikenard and Saffron, Calamus and Cinnamon, with all Trees of Frankincense, Myrrh, and Aloes, with all the chief Spices,] q. d. the plants that grow in this garden, the Persons that are members of my Church, specially such as are public Persons in it, are (for this comely order that they keep among themselves, and for the pleasant Trees, and manifold virtues that are to be found in the fruits they yield,) like unto an Orchard of Pomegranates; yea, all the fruit that grows in this Garden, the graces of my spirit, which abound in all my people which I have planted in mine house, do delight me more than all the sweet spices in the World can do the senses of any mortal men. Ver. 15. A Fountain of Gardens, a Well of living Waters, and streams of Lebanon.] q. d. All this excellency O my Lord and Saviour, which thou art pleased to ascribe unto and commend in me, alas, is none of mine, but such as I have wholly received from thee alone. All these my Trees and Plants, which bear such pleasant fruits, as they are altogether of thy planting, so with thy watering them continually with thy grace and blessings, they become so fruitful as thy are; for thou art unto all my Gardens, i. e. my particular Assemblies, and Congregations, through the Abundance of thy grace and gifts of thy spirit, not only as a Fountain, which sometimes by the extremity of the heat in Summer, is wont to be dried up; but as a well which being deep, is better fenced from the Sun, yea, as a well of such waters as is fed with a spring continually issuing; yea, thou art like unto those streams which run from the spring in the great Hill Lebanon. Ver. 16. Arise thou North Wind, and come thou Southwind, blow upon my Garden, that the Spices thereof may flow out, let my Beloved come into his Garden, and eat his pleasant fruit] O let the spirit of God which is in operation like unto the North and Southwind, binding and opening, drying and moistening, so work with his Ordinances in my Soul, that I may abundantly bring forth such fruits, as he may delight in; and let my dear Lord and Saviour come and be in the midst of the Assemblies of his Saints, which are his own Gardens and Vineyards planted, watered and dressed by his own hand, and accept of the Services of fruits and obedience, which his Saints do there offer unto him; which as they are wholly his own, he is pleased to express great delight in. Chap. V. Ver. 1. I Am come into my Garden, my Sister, my Spouse; I have gathered my Myrrh, with my Spices: I have eaten my Honeycomb with my Honey; I have drunk my Wine with my Milk; eat O Friends, Drink, yea, drink abundantly, O Beloved] q. d. Doubt not thou of my presence with thee O my Beloved; I am ever with my people assembled in my name, and have already taken notice of, and delighted myself greatly in the graces and fruits of my spirit, that I have discerned in them; and not only in those that come from such of thy members as are eminent and excellent in gifts (like to Myrrh, and Spices, and Wine,) but even in them that proceed from the meanest and weakest of all my people (like to Honey, Honey-combs, and Milk;) and as I myself am thus delighted and refreshed with the fruits of my spirit in my people, so ye my Friends, my Ministers, that woo for me, and faithfully labour to draw my people's affections to me (as Io. 3.) and ye my holy Angels, whose Ministry likewise I use in furthering this work, let this be your delight and joy also to see my people bring forth such fruit. Ver. 2. I slept, but my heart waked; it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, open to me my Sister, my Love, my Dove, my Un-defiled; my Head is filled with the dew, and my Locks with the drops of the night] q. d. I grow carnally secure, yet was I not in a dead sleep; for, my heart even then was awake, the mortal seed remained in me; neither did I yield to my security with the full sway of my Soul, for in this my spiritual sencelesness and carelessness I did discern the voice of my dear Lord and Saviour; who when I was thus forgetful of him, forgot not me, but sought unto me, and called upon me, yea, with great importunity (by his word and spirit) knocked at the door of mine heart, as if in a most loving and affectionate manner he should have said thus unto my Soul: O thou that in respect of the unity of nature that is in us, and for that we have the same Father (Io. 20. 17. Heb. 2. 16, 17.) art my Sister, whom in respect of the sweet familiarity that is betwixt us, I account as my special Friend, and am ready to reveal all the secrets of my Father's will unto; thou which for thy simplicity and innocency, and for that care thou hast to keep thyself undefiled from all spiritual Fornications, I do so much delight in; open thou unto me, give me free access into thy heart, receiving my comforts and promises with more affection, love, and delight; for I have endured many sorrows and afflictions for thy sake, and that I might enjoy thee. Ver. 3. I have put off my Coat, how shall I put it on? I have washed my Feet, how shall I defile them?] q. d. I was not in so dead asleep, but this calling and knocking of my Lord and Saviour did awake me, and I heard him well enough, and might have risen to open unto him; for I was able (which greatly increased my sin) to make to answer unto him, when in the Ministry of his word he sought to raise me out of my security; I did well enough discern it was he that spoke to me, and what it was that he required of me, but I had reasonings within myself against it: and what did I answer to him? what did I object against him? Surely that it would be a matter of too great painfulness and trouble, and cause me to forgo a great deal of worldly ease and delight, for me, thus to open unto him, and to give him all my heart, to yield to him such absolute obedience in all things, and to serve him with all the affection of my heart; for this sleep that I was fallen into, was not upon the ground, or in my chair, but in my bed; I had washed my feet, and put off my clothes, and laid down quietly to take my rest; I had entertained a resolution within myself to enjoy the entertainments and ease of this world. Ver. 4. My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him] My dear Lord and Saviour did not only call upon me, and knock to awaken me, and get me to open to him, but sought to open my door himself, putting in his hand by a hole that was in it, to that end, i. e. stirring me up also by the good motions of his spirit, to yield more cheerful and resolute obedience unto him; which when I did perceive, and consider with myself, my heart did then begin to smite me, and I was much troubled in myself for my sluggishness and security, and for answering him as I had done. Ver. 5. I rose up to open to my beloved, and my hands dropped with myrrh, and my fingers with sweet-smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the lock] q. d. I did not only see my own folly, and grieved for it, but I did also rouse up myself to go and open to my Beloved; I resolved with myself to entertain him better, and receive him into my heart; which so soon as I had done, I found marvellous sweetness and comfort in that which he had left behind him, in the graces of his holy spirit, which his calling on me in so comfortable a manner, by the Ministers of his Gospel, had stirred up and revived in me. Ver. 6. I opened to my Beloved, but my Beloved had withdrawn himself and was gone; my Soul failed when he spoke; I sought him, but I could not find him; I called, but he gave me no answer] q. d. I did at length unfeignedly affect my dear Lord and Saviour, and was willing to open my heart unto him, and give him the full possession of it; but he had now withdrawn from me the comfortable feeling of his gracious presence, and then was I brought to the brinck of despair, by remembering how graciously and lovingly he had spoke unto me; and how ungratiously I had rejected him; and being in this case, I did both by meditation and fervent prayer, labour to recover my former feeling of his sweet and comfortable presence, but could not prevail. Ver. 7. The Watchmen that went about the City, found me; they smote me, they wounded me; the keeper of the wall took away my vail from me] q. d. Whilst, I thus not only by my private prayers and meditations, sought to recover my feeling of the comfortable presence of my Lord and Saviour, but by going abroad, and making use of the helps from others the Ministers and Governors of the Church, whose office is to watch the city of God, and to keep the walls of it, and who did accordingly go about the City to oversee and take heed to all the flock, Act. 2. 28. found me out, and in their Ministry met with my foul sin, whereby I had so rejected my Saviour; and by the power of the word, and the rebukes thereof, did even smite me, and wound my heart, humbling me much more deeply for my sin; yea, they took away my veil from me, laid me open, shamed me, and exposed me to all reproach, 1 Cor. 14. 24, 25. Psal. 145. 5. Ver. 8. I charge you O Daughters of jerusalem, if ye find my Beloved, that ye tell him that I am sick of Love] q. d. Finding no more comfort in the public Minister of the Word, I sought help by the Prayer and Council of such of the faithful as I could meet with, and earnestly charged them, that if themselves did meet with my Beloved, and find any comfort in him, they would be earnest with him in their prayers for me, and make known unto him my case, that the love I bear unto him, maketh me languish with grief, and anguish of heart for his absence from me. Ver. 9 What is thy Beloved more than other beloved, O thou fairest among Women? What is thy Beloved more than other Beloved, that thou dost so charge us?] O thou, in whom we see and acknowledge more grace, and goodness, than is to be found in any other, and whom in that respect we honour; tell us what is the cause of this affection thou bearest unto Christ, which seemeth strange unto us; what excellency is there in him above all other things, that men use to set their hearts and affections upon? Yea, we pray thee tell us what thou hast seen in him; that thou dost thus importune us. Ver. 10. My Beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand] q. d. My dear Lord and Saviour is every way fit and able to justify such as come unto him; for he is both white, holy, harmless, and undefiled, and separate from sinners; and ruddy through the merit and blood of the everlasting Covenant, which speaketh better things than that of Abel; yea, he is greater, and far more excellent, not only than any mortal Creature, but then the very Angels themselves, Psal. 46. 2. 7. Heb. 1. 4. Ver. 11. His Head is as the most fine Gold; his Locks are bushy, and black as a Raven] q. d. In respect of his Kingdom and Sovereignty, he is the God of Gold; not only most excellent and precious, (the being King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, Rev. 19 16.) but most pure also and permanent; his Throne is for ever and ever; a Sceptre of Righteousness, is the Sceptre of his Kingdom, Heb. 1. 8. His hairy-locks, the multitude of the faithful that hang and depend upon him, as upon the head; as they are bushy in respect of their number, and the foulding and twineing one within another, through their mutual agreement and love; so are they black, and set forth, as a shadow in a picture, the excellent beauty that is in his face. Ver. 12. His eyes are as the eyes of Doves, by the Rivers of water, washed with milk, and fitly set] q. d. His eyes are as clear & quick- sighted, Rev. 4. 14. 2. 18. chaste, and also shining; white, without any spot or blemish; pure and clean, beholding no corruption, which he either revengeth not, or healeth not in his own blood, Heb. 1. 13. in a comely manner filling the hollow places prepared for them with absolute perfection, beholding the state and necessities of his Servants. Ver. 13. His Cheeks are as a bed of Spices, with sweet Flowers; his Lips like Lilies, drooping sweet smelling myrrh] q. d. His open face and clear manifestation of himself, is full of spiritual sweetness and comfort; his speech and doctrine also is most gracious, and such as rejoiceth the heart, Luk. 4. 22. Psa. 19 8, 10. Ver. 14. His hands are as gold rings set with the Berril, his belly is as bright Ivory, over-laid with Saphires] q. d. The works of his hand, all his administrations, are most glorious and seemly; his bowels or secret parts, the inward councils of his heart, when once manifested, and revealed, appear all precious, and full of miraculous glory. Ver. 15. His legs are as Pillars of Marble, set upon sockets of fine Gold, his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the Cedars,] q. d. his divine power and providence, whereby he sustaineth all his works, is everlasting, most pure and glorious; His whole countenance, whereby he shows and makes himself known to his people, viz. his public Worship and Ordinances, Gen. 4. 14. is full both of sweetness and comfort, and of spiritual stateliness and Majesty. Ver. 16. His mouth is most sweet, yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O Daughters of jerusalem,] The words of his mouth are most sweet and comfortable, yea, there is nothing in him, whether you consider his Nature, or his Offices, his Active or Passive obedience, but it is most lovely and amiable; and therefore O my friends, sith my dear Lord and Saviour, is such an one as I have described unto you, marvel not though I do thus earnestly seek him. Chap. VI Ver. 1. WHether is thy Beloved gone, O thou fairest among Women? whether is thy Beloved turned aside, that we may seek him with thee?] Tell us O thou, whom for the graces of God, shining in thee, we do honour above all others, and who, (though thou soughtedst to us to help thee to him, as ver. 8.) art only able to tell us where he is to be found. Tell us we pray thee, whether thy dear Lord, and Saviour, is gone, and where he useth to be when he absenteth himself from thee, that we also (who by this description thou hast made of him, are drawn to a love and admiration of his excellencies,) may seek him with thee, without whose help and company we have no hope to find him. Ver. 2. My beloved is gone into his Garden, to the beds of Spices, to feed in the Garden, and to gather Lilies.] If you would indeed seek my dear Lord and Saviour, I will tell you where you may find him: He is gone to the Assemblies of the Saints, that join together in the use of his Ordinances; that's the place of his chief residence and abode, where He delights to be, that's his Garden, which he planteth and watereth; those are his beds of Spices, the place where the sweet graces of his Spirit grow; there he refresheth himself, with the spiritual service that is done to him by his Saints, and gathereth the goodly and pleasant fruits of their holiness, and righteousness, to make use of them for his advantage and glory. Ver. 3. I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine, he feedeth among the Lilies] q. d. Now by this Meditation of the excellency of my Lord and Saviour, and speech I have had thereof for the instruction of others, and drawing them to love him, I feel my faith revived in me, and am fully persuaded, that I am his dearly beloved, and he with all his merits and graces are wholly mine, See Chap. 2. and ver. 16. Ver. 4. Thou art beautiful O my Love as Tirzah, comely as jerusalem, terrible as an Army with banners] q. d. Though I have for thy sluggishness, and neglecting me too much, through thy carnal security, withdrawn myself from thee for a time, yet do I still esteem highly of thee; for thou, in thine Assemblies and Societies, art in mine account, as beautiful and pleasant for the delight I take in thee, as Tirzah, (which for that cause, sundry of the Princes of Israel made choice of, for their seat and place of abode, 1 Kings 14. 17. and 15. 33. and 16. 8, 23.) as comely for the decent order of them, (Col. 2. 5. 1 Cor. 14. 40.) as jerusalem, a City fitly compact together, Psa. 122. 3. which for the good order and government thereof, and for the house of God in it, was called the perfection of beauty, and joy of the whole earth, Lam. 2. 15. yea, terrible, in respect both of my word that is taught, and my spiritual censure, that are exercised in them, 2 Cor. 10. 4, 5, 6. Psal. 1. 8, 12, 13. Zac. 12. 2, 9 as an Army with banners. Ver. 5. Turn away thine eyes from me, for they have overcome me, thy hair is as a flock of Goats, that appear from Gilead] q. d. When thou dost set thine eyes directly and steadfastly upon me, I take so great delight and pleasure therein, that I am even as it were overcome, and raised with joy. See Chap. 4. 1. Ver. 6. See Chap. 4. 2. Ver. 7. See Chap. 4. 3. Ver. 8. There are threescore Queens, and fourscore Concubines, and Virgins without number] q. d. Although numbers of other Companies and Societies in the world, that seem in their outward glory and pomp, that are like to the Queens and Concubines of some great King, and the train of innumerable Virgins attending upon them. Ver. 9 My Dove, my undefiled is but one, she is the only one of her Mother, she is the choice one of her that bore her, the Daughters saw her, and blessed her, yea, the Queens and the Concubines, and they praised her] q. d. Yet are none of them all in true glory and dignity to be compared to my Church, who is most sincere, and void of guile, most pure, and uncorrupt in her Religion, and that worship she doth unto me, her Mother that bore her, i. e. that jerusalem that is from above, my holy Catholic Church, where she was begotten by the word of truth, acknowledgeth her only for her natural Child, and esteems her above all others that bear the Name of her Children; neither is she thus highly esteemed of by me, and the whole company of holy and elect people only, but all that do make but an outward profession of the faith, when they see her, and consider her beauty, and glory, are ready to speak all good of her; yea, even they that most abound in the glory, and pleasures of this world, cannot but praise and admire her, Deut. 4. 6. Ver. 10. Who is she that looketh forth as the Morning, fair as the Noon, clear as the Sun, and terrible as an Army with banners] q. d. They shall in admiration of thee say, who, and how excellent is this blessed society of the people of God; the beauty and glory whereof doth thus increase continually, being at the first, in the light and beauty of knowledge and grace, but like unto the Morning, or dawning of the day, after like the Noon, and never ceaseing to grow and increase till it be like the Sun itself, in his brightness: Terrible also (as v. 4) Ver. 11. I went down into the Garden of Nuts, to see the fruits of the Valley, and to see whether the Vines flourished, and the Pomegranates budded] When I for thy sluggishness, and too much neglect of me, did seem to withdraw myself from thee, I did not altogether forsake thee, but went to visit thy public Assemblies, which are as a well-dressed and pruned Orchard, to see and delight me with the beholding the beginnings of grace, and first-fruits of my spirit in my people; who though they grow in the Valley, and are lowly in their own eyes, yet are they in mine account as the Vine and Pomegranet- Tree, whose fruit is most pleasant and comfortable. Ver. 12. Or ever I was aware, my Soul made me like the Chariots of Aminadab] q. d. When I had but a little while estranged myself from thee, mine affections were so strongly bend unto thee, that I could not be long absent from thee; but on a sudden, even ere I was aware, I was carried with a vehement desire (as upon such Chariots as Noble men use to ride in) to return unto thee again, and restore thee to the comfortable feeling of my gracious presence with thee. Ver. 13. Return, return, O Shulamile; return, return, that we may look upon thee; what will ye see in the Shulamite? as it were the company of two Armies] Therefore since my desire and affection is such toward thee, return thou also, I earnestly and importunately require thee, O Shulamite, the true Daughter of jerusalem, which was anciently called Shalem, Gen. 14. 18. Psal. 76. 2.) to thy former feeling and delight in me, that I and my holy. Angel's may behold it, and rejoice in it, Luk. 15. 10. And ye, O ye holy Angels, when ye behold my Church, what shall ye see in her? Surely such a goodly and comfortable sight as jacob at Mahanim, Gen. 32. 1, 2. even the company of my people, whom I have often compared to an Army with Banners, and yourselves the Host of God, appointed to be her guard for her safety and protection. Chap. VII. Ver. 1. HOw beautiful are thy Feet with Shoes, O Princes Daughter; the joints of thy Thighs are like jewels, the work of the hand of a cunning Workman] Oh how beautiful and seemly in mine eyes art thou, in thy returning unto me: O thou, who in respect of thy new birth, art truly honourable; thy affections (which as thy feet do bring thee unto me) being shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace, ready and prepared through the knowledge of the Gospel of peace, to go through thick and thin after me; make thee very amiable unto me, and thy holy desires (which like the joints of thy Thighs, make thee nimble, and with cheerfulness and speed to come unto me) are more precious in my account, than the richest Jewels, being wrought in thee, not by any skill or power of thine own, but by the hand, the spirit of my Heavenly Father. Ver. 2. Thy Navel is like a round Goblet, that wanteth not liquor; thy Belly is like a heap of Wheat, set about with Lilies] q. d. Thou art most fruitful, for thy Navel is not dry, but full of natural and kindly moisture; thy Belly in respect of the fruitfulness of it, may be compared to a field of Wheat, that doth not only bear store of Corn in the midst of it, but is fruitful, even in the utmost sides and corners of it, and is not fenced and encompassed about with a a Thorny hedge, but with Lilies, which as they are most pleasant to behold, so use they not to grow and prosper, but in fruitful soils, and are themselves very fruitful also. Ver. 3. Thy two Breasts, are like two young Roes that are Twins] Thy Teachers upon whom my people hang like newborn Babes for the sincere Milk of the Word, being full of cheerfulness and swiftness, do with a ready mind deliver to my people the food of their Souls, and do with their mutual consent and agreement greatly grace the Ministry also. Ver. 4 Thy Neck is like a Tower of Ivory, thine Eyes like the Fish-pools of Heshbon, by the gate of Bathrabbim; thy Nose is as the Tower of Lebanon, which looketh towards Damascus] q. d Thy holy Discipline and Government, which like the neck, supports the Doctrine and Ministry, is for the strength and beauty of it, like a Tower of Ivory. Thy Teachers and Ministers whom I have set to be the eyes for thy guidance and direction, are for the clearness of their sight, and the flocking of my people unto their Ministry, like the Fish-pools in Heshbon, that were by the gate, at which, the greatest number of the people were wont to go in and out. Thy Nose, the Organ of smelling, is perfectly featured like the curious Tower of Lebanon, that looks toward Damascus, i. e. the judgement and faculty in discerning of Doctrines, and the spirits of thy Teachers is exact. Ver. 5. Thy Head upon thee is like Carmel; and the Hair of thine head, like Purple; the King is held in the Galleries] q. d. Thine Head is for comeliness and freshness of colour and vigour, like Carmel, that fruitful Mountain, 1 Sam. 25. 2. 2 King. 19 23. The multitude of Teachers (who for their number, are as the hair of their head) are all as Kings and Princes (whose manner was to be attired in Purple, Dan. 5. 7, 16. 29. Mar. 15. 17.) Rev. 1. 6. Zac. 12. 8. The King, i. e. myself and Heavenly Father, are in our desires and affection (through the delight and pleasure we take in thee) even tied and bound to be ever with thee, in thy galleries or walking-place; the place of thy public meeting, or holy Assemblies. Ver. 6. Oh how fair, and how pleasant art thou, O Love, for delights] But why should I insist on thy comeliness and beauty, on thy several parts and members; thou art throughout, and all over, (through the imputation of my perfect holiness and righteousness unto thee) so fair and beautiful in mine eyes; and I do take that exceeding delight and pleasure in thee, (O thou that art not only beloved of me, but even my Love; I love nothing else but thee, nor can ever be weary of loving thee) as I am even in a vehement admiration thereof, and can find no terms or comparisons sufficient to express it. Ver. 7. This thy Stature is like to a Palm-tree, and thy Breasts to clusters of Grapes] q. d. Thou art in thy whole body like to the Palm-tree, which besides the pleasant fruit it beareth, cannot be kept from growing, or flourishing, by any weight or burden that is laid upon it; no affliction or persecution can hinder thy growth, but it will rather cause thee to flourish the more, Psal. 92. 12, 14. Thy Ministers and Teachers, are for their comfort, that their Doctrine worketh in the hearts of my people, and for the plenty and abundance of fruit which they do yield, fitly compared unto clusters of Grapes. Ver. 8. I said, I will go up to the Palmtree; I will take hold of the boughs thereof; now also thy Breasts shall be as clusters of the Vine, and the smell of thy nose like Apples] q. d. I resolved with myself, when I saw how thou dost flourish, and how fruitful thou art, to dress and prune thee, that thou mayest be more fruitful, and to gather and refresh myself with the pleasant fruits of holiness, and righteousness which thou bringest forth. yea, I will also, in joining myself unto thee, bless thee; causing thy Teachers to abound yet more and more in the fruitfulness and comfort of their Doctrine, and making such a scent and savour to come from thee, as shall (like the pleasant Apples) refresh the spirits of my people that are ready to faint. Ver. 9 And the roof of thy mouth, like the best-Wine, for my Beloved, that goeth down sweetly, causing the lips of those that are asleep, to speak] q. d. And the uttering and delivering of thy Doctrine, by the Preaching of my Ministers, shall be for the comfort and benefit of my beloved ones, like unto the best and strongest wine, not only for the sweetness and delight they shall take in it; but for its force and operation also, for it shall waken and revive such as are even in a dead sleep of sin, and cause them to show and declare it by speaking the language of Canaan to the praise and glory of God, Isa. 35. 6. Ver. 10. I am my Beloved's, and his desire is towards me] q. d. Is it so, that notwithstanding all my weakness & corruptions, that thou esteemest of me? Well then, I do fully believe in my heart, and profess with my mouth, that I am my Beloved's dear Spouse; his body, flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bone; yea, that I am not my own, but wholly at his will and command to serve and obey him; and his desire, and his care, and affection is wholly set upon me, and bend for my good. Ver. 11. Come my Beloved, let us go forth into the field, let us lodge in the Villages] q. d. Let us O my dear Lord and Saviour go together, with patience and diligence, using our joynt-endeavours to do our spiritual Husbandry upon such of thine Elect as are abroad in the world, and do not yet inhabit the City of our good, nor are Members of his visible Church. Ver. 12. Let us get up early to the Vineyards; let us see if the Vine flourish, whether the tender grape appear, and the Pomegranates bud forth; there will I give thee my Love] q. d. Let us with speed and diligence comfort and visit all those Nations and people, whom God in his Council and decree, hath determined to call and make his Church, in whom (though they yet bear no fruit unto him) he doth already by his grace, work some aptness and readiness to receive and embrace the means of their Salvation, and to bring forth the pleasant fruits of righteousness to God; let us I say, use the means with all diligence that they may be called and converted, and with patience expect fruit from them. [There will I give thee my loves] q. d. there and among the people (whether this be meant of the calling of the Gentiles in the Apostles days, or of the conversion of the Jews) thou shalt more fully enjoy me, and beget Children of me unto God, then ever yet thou didst. Ver. 13. The Mandrakes give a smell, & at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my Beloved] Let us the rather do this, because the time is even come, that those, thine Elect, which are yet without thy visible Church, should be called and made fruitful unto God; those among them that will not only bear fruit themselves, but also provoke others to do the like, do (even as it were already) begin to show themselves; yea, the fruits of righteousness and holiness of all sorts, which we take pleasure in, are even at our gates ready for us to receive and refresh ourselves withal, which the Nations are apt to yield upon the Husbandry we shall do upon them, and means we shall use for their Conversion; yea, the fruits of the Gospel, which these Nations shall yield, are even the chiefest dainties which I have laid up and reserved for thee, O my dear Lord and Saviour. Chap. VIII. Ver. 1. O That thou wert as my Brother, that sucked the breasts of my Mother, when I should find thee without, I would kiss thee, yet, I would not be despised] q. d. O that the day were come, wherein thou by taking our nature upon thee, shall become my Brother, Heb. 2. 11, 14. and make thyself under the same Law, that we are subject to, submitting thyself to all the Ordinances, whereby my Mother (the holy Catholic Church,) doth give suck and nourishment unto her children; then would I more openly and familiarly converse with thee, and testify both my homage and love unto thee; and yet (and yet so clearly, that thy glory shall be manifested to the world, as) all men shall count thee worthy of that duty I shall do unto thee, and not despise me for it. Ver. 2. I would lead thee and bring thee to my mother's house, who would instruct me: I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine, of the juice of my Pomegranate.] q. d. Then would I, (when thou hast first revealed thyself unto me, and vouchsafed me the honour, that by my means, thou shouldst first be made known to the Gentiles, bring thee forth by publishing thy Gospel unto all Nations,) into the Assemblies and solemn Meetings of the universal Church (whose daughter I am,) where I shall be more fully instructed in thy will, than hitherto I have been; then would I entertain thee with a royal feast, of the manifold and divers graces of thy people, wherein I know thou would take more delight, than any man taketh in the wine, that is most delicately spiced, or in the most comfortable juice of the pomegranate. Ver. 3. His left hand should be under my head, and his right hand should embrace me] q. d. Then will my dear Lord and Saviour wholly rest and repose him in my bosom; then shall I enjoy his comfortable and loving embrace, and have more full and sweet communion with him then formerly I have had. Ver. 4. I charge you O ye daughters of jerusalem, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love until he please,] q. d. I do in most earnest manner require you all, ye that profess yourselves Members of the visible Church, that you do no way by the least aversion, disquiet or interrupt this my sweet peace and comfort, I have so long as he shall please in his mercy to continue it unto me. Ver. 5. (Who is this that cometh up from the Wilderness leaning upon her Beloved?) I raised thee up under the Appletree, there thy Mother brought thee forth, there she brought thee forth that bore thee.] q. d. Then and in those days it shall be said of me, who, or how excellent a person is this, that forsaking in her affections, and leaving the World, (which is as barren and uncomfortable to live in, as any wilderness, Isa. 40. 3.) and renouncing the pleasures, and delights of it, resteth wholly on her beloved Lord and Saviour; I have not now of late begun to love thee O my dear Lord and Saviour, but I raised thee up, and laying hold on thee by faith, stirred up thy love towards me, even under that Apple Tree, where, after I had by the subtlety of the Serpent, destroyed myself, the Lord restored me to life by that gracious promise, Gen. 3. 15. In that place, and that time, wert thou first by faith form in the womb of the Catholic Church, Gal. 4. 19 and brought to light. Ver. 6. Set me as a Seal upon thine heart, as a Seal upon thine arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is cruel as the grave, the coals thereof, are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame] q. d. be thou never unmindful of me, but let me be as the impression of a Seal, both in thine heart, and in thine eye continually; for love requires love, and my love to thee, is so Ardent and strong, that I can no more resist it, than a man is able to resist, and withstand Death itself, against which it a were a folly for any to strive, and contend; and my jealousy, lest any should bereave me of thy love, or any thing alienate thy affection from me, consumeth me like the grave; in which respect also it's like to the hottest fire, the most fumous and raging flame that devours all. Ver. 7. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the Substance of his house for love, it would be utterly contemned] q. d. yea, my love to thee is is not only so ardent and strong, but durable and unchangeable, no floods of persecution and affliction shall ever be able to quench it; nor if all the delights and pleasures of the World should be offered me to draw away my love from thee, I would utterly despise them. Ver. 8. We have a little Sister, and she hath no breasts, what shall we do for our Sister, when she shall be spoken for] q. d. We have the Church of the Gentiles, which in the eternal Council of God, is our Sister, and is yet in her nonage, not ripe for marriage, being unable through the want of thy serving Ordinances, to bring forth or nourish any Children unto thee, when the time shall come, that she shall grow riper in years, and her friends shall set her forth, and speak for her, (as the manner is to do for Maids to be bestowed in Marriage,) i. e. when the time shall come that God in his decrees hath set for her calling and conversion, and when all the faithful shall labour by their prayers to further it, what shall we do for her, what wilt thou out of the richness of thy wisdom and grace, and what shall I when thou wilt be pleased to use me, as thine instrument in this work, do to increase and adorn her? Ver. 9 If she be a Wall, we will build upon her, a Palace of Silver: and if she be a door, we will enclose her with boards of Cedar.] q. d. If the Church shall enjoy the benefit and defence of a good Government, we, i. e. I by thy Ministry will make it a glorious Church, like to a stately and sumptuous Palace, meet for the King of Glory to dwell in; if she shall for a time want the benefit, and have only the help of the sound doctrine of Salvation, through faith in me, (who am the door, whereby mine Elect enter into the Kingdom of grace and glory, Io. 10. 7, 9) then will we so strongly enclose and fence this doctrine, by my providence and powerful assistance of my Spirit, as it shall never decay, nor the gates of Hell prevail against it. Ver. 10. I am a wall, and my breasts like Towers, than was I in his eyes as one that found favour.] q. d. O my dear Lord and Saviour, let this thy promise be fulfilled to the new estate of thy Church, for (foreseeing by Faith, and being fully assured of that glorious and blessed estate I shall be in at that time, when the Gentiles shall be called, as if it were already come to pass.) I do in thankfulness and joy of heart, profess and glory, that I am, for the strength and defence I have, through the government thou hast established in me, as a strong Wall; and my Ministry, by which, as by breasts I nourish my Children, is through the abundance of the sincere Milk of the Word, wherewith it is furnished like unto great Towers; in respect whereof, I shall be most acceptable unto thee, and thine affection and favour shall be increased towards me. Ver. 11. Solomon had a Vineyard] (in a most fruitful place, even) at Baal-hamon] a place, that as far exceeds others in fruitfulness, as the Lord and Master doth excel in dignity; the multitude of his Servants and Followers that are under him; he could not dwell in this Vineyard, nor keep it, and dress it himself, but was fain to let it out to others that might keep and dress it; yet received he much benefit by this his Vineyard, for every of his Tenants and Farmers that did Husband it, brought unto him for his Rent, 1000 pieces of Silver; which amounts unto 125. l. Ver. 12. My Beloved which is mine, is before me] q. d. But my Church, which is my Vineyard, is always in my sight; I dwell in it myself, watch it, and dress it myself, and put it not forth to others, though I use the help and ministry of my Servants, both in planting and watering of it, in watching, keeping, & dressing of it; yet am I with them always myself, as the Chief and Master-Work-man; and do increase, strengthen, and bless their labours, work with, and by them; if I be from them, they can do nothing. And therefore, whereas thou O Solomon, received'st but five parts of the increase of thy Vineyard, how fruitful soever it be, and are fain to allow a sixth part thereof to them that dress and keep it; the whole profit and fruit that my Vineyard, (my Church) doth yield, redoundeth wholly to myself; and my Servants that labour in it, work not for themselves, but Me alone. Ver. 13. Thou that dwellest in the Gardens, the Companions harken to to thy Voice, cause me to hear it] q. d. O my dear Church and Spouse, who hast thy chief abode, and art most seen in the Assemblies, where my people meet together to worship me, which both for the pleasantness and fruitfulness, are like to the choicest and sweetest Gardens; all the faithful which have a most near communion with me, and among themselves, will hearken unto thy voice and ministry; let me by their prayers and praises, and holy confessions they make of my truth, wherein thou hast instructed them, hear and discern that they have indeed harkened unto thee; for therein shall I take great comfort and delight. Ver. 14. Make haste my Beloved, and be thou like to a Roe, or to a young Hart upon the Mountains of Spices] q. d. O my dear Lord and Saviour, do thou soon finish these days of sin and misery, and be thou like the Roe or young Hart in thy speed in coming to judgement, and gathering together all thine Elect, to take them with thee into thy Kingdom, which as it is fitly compared unto a Mountain, because it is in the highest Heavens, so may it be called a Mountain of Spices, because there shall be fullness of joy and pleasures for ever more. CANTIC. I. CHAP. I. Verse 1. THe Song of Songs, which is solomon's. Ver. 2. O let him join his lips to mine, And solace mine with his: Thy matchless love excelleth wine, (No Vintage joy like this.) Ver. 3. The savour thy good Ointments shed; The Odours of thy name: The Virgin's hearts have ravished, And their desires inflame. Ver. 4. Draw me, we will run after thee: (there's none but thou can do't): Me hath the King (where I would be) Into his Chambers brought. Thus made glad, we'll rejoice therein, Thy loves (so far above,) We will remember more than wine: Thee do the upright love. Ver. 5. You Daughters of jerusalem, I'm black, but comely so: Thus both as Ismaels' Tents I seem, And Solomon's Curtains too. Ver. 6. Look not upon me, cease to gaze, Now we so black you see; Because the Sun, with scorching rays, Hath so discoloured me. My Mother's Children me betrayed, And in their anger, they Me keeper of the Vineyards made; But mine neglected lay. Ver. 7. My Dearest, unto me make known, Where thou dost feed thy Flock. Where thou dost make them rest at noon ' By what cool stream or rock,) Lest I should be as one of them, That turn aside to those, Their Flocks, which thy Companions seem, But are disguised Foes. Ver. 8. O thou, whose beauty doth excel All others of thy Sex; If this, because thou canst not tell, Thy troubled mind perplex; Go forth, and in those footsteps tread, Those tracts, the Flock frequents; And thou thy Kids securely feed, Besides the Shepherd's Tents. Ver. 9 My Love, I have compared thee Unto those stately Steeds, Which in King Pharoahs' Charots be, (So much thy praise exceeds.) Ver. 10. Thy Cheeks are comely, and thy Neck, (To all, that do behold) Those, with these rows of Jewels decked, This, with that chain of Gold. Ver. 11. (That thou may'st yet more splendid And more illustrious be,) show, Borders of gold will we bestow, With silver studs on thee. Ver. 12. My Spikenard, while the King doth sit, And entertain his guests, At his full Table, then of it, How is the smell dispersed? Ver. 13. A bundle of refreshing Myrrh To me, is my Beloved; Hee'st lie betwixt my breasts, and there Rest all night un-removed. Ver. 14. As Camphire-clusters, when they blow, Is my Beloved to me; As those, which in those Vineyards grow, Which in Engedi be. Ver. 15. Behold thou'rt very fair my Love, Behold thou'rt very fair; Thou by thine eyes, mightst be a Dove, (So mild, and chaste they are.) Ver 16. All beauties, my Beloved, show In thee, and there are seen: Behold thou'rt fair, and pleasant too; Also our bed is green. Ver. 17. The beams, which o'er our house are laid, And every Mansion there, Are all of goodly Cedar made; Our Rafters are of Fir. Chap. II. Ver. 1. A Rose, when it doth freshly blow, The Sharon-Rose am I; The Lily of the Valley too, (And all their praise outvie.) Ver. 2. And as the Lilies to the briers, When these encompass this; So my fair Love, when she appears Amongst the Daughters, is. Ver. 3. As the fair fruitful Appletree, Amongst the Forest ones; Soe's my Beloved, such is he, Compared with the Sons. Under his shadow I sat down, Where my delight surpassed, And his rare fruit (before unknown) Was sweet unto my taste. Ver. 4. He brought me to his Banquet-house, (For entertainments made,) And love, was over me, his Spouse, The Banner he displayed. Ver. 5. Stay me with Flagons, stay me soon, With Apples; O remove These fainting fits, or ere I swoon, For I am sick of Love. Ver. 6. Under my head, when I take rest, He doth his left hand place; And with his right hand o'er my breast, He doth me fast embrace. Ver. 7. You Daughters of jerusalem, I, by the Rose, and Hind, Adjure you, and by all of them, The fields have of their kind, Now my Beloved takes his ease, That you due silence keep, Nor stir him up, until he please, Nor once disturb his sleep. Ver. 8. 'Tis my Beloved's voice I hear, Behold he's coming still: Leaping upon the Mountains there, Skipping from hill to hill. Ver. 9 Like a swift Roe is my Beloved, Like a young Hart he is; Lo he behind our wall removed, Looks through the Lattices. Ver. 10. To me than my Beloved spoke, Rise up and do not stay; 'Tis time to rise, my Love; awake, My fair one; come away. Ver. 11. For lo, the Winter now is past, (Which was so sharp and sore,) The threatening rains (which fell so fast) Are gone, & clean blown o'er. Ver. 12. The flourie spring adorns the Earth, Birds sing in shady groves, The Turtles ('tis a time of mirth) Now murmur to their loves. Ver. 13. Figtrees put forth green Figgs, likewise Vines tender grapes, and they Smell; O how sweet, my Love, Arise, My fair one, come away. Ver. 14. My Dove, who in the Rock dost bide, Within the cliffs immured, Who dost within the stairs reside, There secretly obscured: Thy countenance to me disclose, Thy voice to me advance; For sweet is thy melodious voice, Comely thy countenance. Ver. 15. For us the ravening Foxes take, Spare neither old nor young, Which of our Vines such havoc make, For they have Grapes begun. Ver. 16. He, who is my Beloved indeed, Is mine and I am his, The place, where he delights to feed, Amongst the Lilies is, Ver. 17. Till day, my Dear, it's light impart, And dusky shadow's flee, Turn thou, and like a Roe, or Hart, On Bether Mountains be. Chap. III. Ver. 1. BY night, upon my Bed, I sought Him, whom my Soul doth love. I sought him, but I found him not, My pains did fruitless prove. Ver. 2. Perplexed I resolved to rise, And search the City round, Both narrow streets, and broader ways, At least till I had found. Thus searching, I pursued more hot, Him, whom my soul doth love; I sought him, but I found him not, My pains did fruitless prove. Ver. 3. Me wand'ring thus, the Watch did find, As they the round had been; To whom I said, with troubled mind, Have ye my Soul's Love seen? Ver. 4. No sooner I from them was gone, Nor many steps had passed, But him, my Soul's beloved one, I found and held him fast: Nor let him go, till I had brought Him to my Mother's house, The chamber, where the (most devout) Conceived me, his Spouse. Ver. 5. You daughters of jerusalem, I by the Roe and Hind, Adjure you, and by all of them The Fields have of their kind, Now my Beloved takes his ease, That ye due silence keep; Nor stir him up, until he please, Nor once disturb his sleep. Ver. 6. Who's this presented to our eyes, Who from the Desert comes, Who does like smoke in pillars rise, Perfumed with fragrant Gums? The gums of Myrrh and Frankincense, With (what Sabea else, Affords, for) all the powders thence, Wherein the Merchant deals. Ver. 7. Behold his Bed, even solomon's, A guard about it stands, Of threescore valiant Champions, Drawn out of Israel's bands. Ver. 8. So dreadful to their Enemies, All Warriors skilled in fight, Their bright swords mounted on their thighs, Because of fear by night. Ver. 9 (For his delight) King Solomon A sumptuous Charot made; Of Cedars fetch't from Lebanon, Where he his stores had laid. Ver. 10. The Pillars, which the frame sustain, Where all with Silver wrought, And what he for the Throne ordained, With Gold from India brought. With Tyrian Purple, he did face That part, which was above, And for jerusalem's daughter's grace, The midst he paved with love. Ver. 11. Go forth ye Zion daughters, go, Behold King Solomon, (O what a bright and glorious show) Now he his Crown has on: The crown which on his sacred head His royal Mother placed, When he his Nuptial finished, And was with joys embraced. Chap. IU. Ver. 1. BEhold, thou'rt very fair my love, Behold thou'rt wondrous fair, Thou hast the eyes as of a Dove Couched underneath thy hair. Whose dangling curls resemblance bear Unto the numerous flocks, Of climbing Goats, as they appear, From Gileads towering rocks. Ver. 2. Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep New washed, and even shorn; All which have twins they bare and keep, None barren or forlorn. Ver. 3. Thy lips are like a scarlet thread, Whence graceful accents flow, Thy temples in thy locks not hid, Like some Pomegranate show. Ver. 4. Thy neck like David's tower doth stand, Built for a Magazine, Wherein a thousand bucklers hang, All shields of mighty men. Ver. 5. Thy two breasts are like two young Roes, Twins of one fruitful Dam; The Lilies, O how sweet to those, They feed amongst the same. Ver. 6. Until the morning light appear, And shadow flee from hence, I'll get me to the Mounts of myrrh, And hill of Frankincense. Ver. 7. thou'rt fair my Love, thou art all fair, As fair, as fair can be; No slain thy fairness doth impair, There is no spot in thee. Ver. 8. Come O my Spouse, O come away With me from Lebanon, Look from the top of Amana, Of Shenir, and Hermon; From every dark devouring Cave; The dreadful Lions-dens, And mountains where the Leopards rave; O come with me from thence. Ver. 9 My Sister, thou my Spouse, that eye This chain about thy neck; My ravished heart in Fetters tie, And all my powers subject. Ver. 10. My Sister, O thy love's so fair, My Spouse, it wine excels; Nor any Spice of all that are, Sweet, as thine Ointments, smells. Ver. 11. Like hony-combs thy lips, my Spouse, Drop honey all along: A stream of milk, and honey flows From underneath thy tongue. The Robe and Vesture thou hast on, The Garments thou dost wear, Smell like the smell of Lebanon, And all that's pleasant there. Ver. 12. My Sister, she who is my Spouse, What enclosed gardens be, Or springs shut up, (which no man knows) Or Fountains sealed, is she. Ver. 13. An Orchard stored with pleasant fruits, (Such fruits thy plants do bear:) Pomegranat-trees there spread their roots Camphire, and Spikenard's there: Ver. 14. Sweet Spikenard, Saffron newly blown, Disperse their savour thence, With Calamus and Cinnamon, And trees of Frankincense; Myrrh, Aloes, and all that's rare, With every precious spice; Whose Odours do perfume the air, And Lovers hearts entice. Ver. 15. From thee those living springs proceed, Those streams in plenty run, Which do our plants with moisture feed, As from Mount Lebanon. Ver. 16. Awake O North, O South arise, Upon my garden blow; That from each rich and precious spice A fragrant smell may flow. Ver. 17. Beloved (grant my humble suit) Come with a Lover's haste, Into thy gardens, eat the fruit, That most delights thy taste. Chap. V. Ver. 1. INto my garden I am come, My Sister-Spouse most dear, Of every spice have gathered some, And with my spice, my Myrrh. In hony-combs all pure, and fresh, My honey I have eat: I've drunk my wine new from the press, With milk warm from the Teat: Come Friends (for you is all this store) Eat till ye have enough; Drink O Beloved, nor give o'er, Till you're inflamed with love. Ver. 2. Although I sleep, and lie secure, My restless heart doth make; 'Tis my Beloved's voice I'm sure, His knock, and he that spoke: My Sister open unto me, My Love, O thou, more mild, Then gaulless Doves, I long to be With thee my undefiled: The dews, which on my head have light, My drenched hair do fill; The dropping moisture of the night, Down from my locks distil. Ver. 3. Shall I, now I am all undressed, Go clothe myself again! My feet washed fair, in hope of rest, Shall I so soon distain? Ver. 4. But, when I my Beloved's hand Upon the latch discerned; Grieved, that I should so long withstand; O than my bowels yearnd! Ver. 5. And rising, if he still was there, To open to his knock, My hands dropped myrrh, sweet smelling myrrh, As I but touched the lock. Ver. 6. To my Beloved, thus kept out, Then opened I the door, But my Beloved (grieved no doubt) Was gone away before. My soul, because he did complain, Failed me, my herd did break; I sought, and called, but all in vain to find, or make him speak. Ver. 7. The Watch, both they that walked the round, And they that kept the wall, Found, smote, & gave me many a wound, And took away my veil. Ver. 8. You Daughters of jerusalem, I charge you, ere you move, Tell my Beloved, ye finding him, That I am sick of love. Ver. 9 O thou, of all our Sex most fair, What's thy Beloved trow? Or what's he more than others are? That thou dost charge us so? Ver. 10. Why, my Beloved (to be brief,) Pure white, and ruddy is, Amongst ten thousand he is chief, And beauty's masterpiece. Ver. 11. His head is of refined gold, His locks all bushy grow, With curls, which in each other fold, Black as the pruned Crow. Ver. 12. His eyes, as if he were a Dove, By some clear rivulet, Washed in milk, and as they move, Alike exactly set. Ver. 13. His cheeks as beds of Spice and flowers Which pleasant smells confer, His lips like Lilies (filling ours) With drops of fragrant Myrrh. Ver. 14. His Hands as rings of gold with Jemms Of blazing Berril made, His Belly polished Ivory seems, With Saphires overlaid. Ver. 15. His Legs like marble pillars stand Upon gold sockets placed, His Countenance like Lebanon, With lofty Cedars graced. Ver. 16. His Mouth most sweet, and all of him Most lovely; this, O this, O Daughters of jerusalem, My Souls beloved is. Chap. VI Ver. 1. FAir Virgin, paralleled by none; If thou canst tell us, do, Whither thy Soul's beloved's gone, That we may seek him too. Ver. 2. Down to his Garden, my belov'd, And beds of spices there, Is gone to feed on fruits improved, And gather Lilies fair. Ver. 3. I'm my Beloved's, He is mine, In love which words exceeds, Our hearts do mutually combine, He amongst the Lilies feeds. Ver. 4. Fair Tirza, comely Solyma, Thy beauty, love, excels; No Army in Battalia, Thy Terrors parallels. Ver. 5. O turn away thine eyes from me, Each glance in fetters locks; Thy hair, a flock of Goats might be, When seen on ahab's rocks. Ver. 6. Thy teeth like Sheep, as they anew Come from the washing, all Of which, not one a barren Ewe, But equal Twins let fall. Ver. 7. Thy temples (to the rest, so rare, Completely adequate) Do underneath thy well-spread hair, Look like the Pomegranate. Ver. 8. They boast of many Queens, great store Of Concubines, a train Of Virgins infinitely more Than numbers can contain. Ver. 9 My Dove, my undefiied is one, Her Mothers only dear; The all, and very choice alone, Of her, who did her bear: The Daughters this unparallelled Saw, and her praise confessed, The Queens and Concubines beheld, And did pronounce her blest. Ver. 10. Who's this? who like the new- begun, And pleasant morning shows, Fair as the Moon, bright as the Sun, (When most illustrious:) Who though so pleasant, fair, and bright, Yet terrible; the dread Of Armies does not more affright, When they their Ensigns spread. Ver. 11. I to my pleasant Gardens went, Where spicy Nutmegs blow, To see the fruit, and increment, Which in the Valley grow; To see the Vines, if they, (their gems Disclosed) young clusters bear, To see the Granats on their stems In their first bud- appear. Ver. 12. ay, ere I was aware, or knew, With strong desires inclined, As in Amin'dabs' Charots flew, (Whose wheels outstrip the wind.) Ver. 13. Return, O Shulamite, return, Return to Us, that we, (Who for thy absence greatly mourn,) Thee once again may see. What is there in the Shulamite May such desires create? Two Armies prevalent in fight, A strife inveterate. Chap. VII. Ver. 1. HOw beautiful (for thee most meet,) Thee so illustrious, O Princess daughter, are thy feet, Thy Feet adorned with shoes! How are the junctures of thy Thighs, Like jewels, which impart To curious, and admiring eyes, The skilful Workman's Art! Ver. 2. Thy Navel's like a Goblet set, With moisture standing out; Thy Belly like an heap of wheat, With Lilies round about. Ver. 3. Thy Breasts are like two new-weaned Roes, Twins of one fruitful Dam: Ver. 4. Thy Neck like a fair Turret shows, Which they of Ivory frame: Thine Eyes, the fish-pools in Heshbon, By th'gate of Beth-rabbim, Thy Nose, the Tower of Lebanon Facing Damascus, seem. Ver. 5. Thy Head like fruitful Carmel is, Whose hair's like purple stained; Within his royal galleries, How is the King detained! Ver. 6. How fair and pleasant for delight I thee, O love, esteem, Ver. 7. Thou might'st a Palm be by thine height, Thy Breasts fair clusters seem. Ver. 8. I said unto the Palm aloft, To it's sweet fruit, I'll go, And take hold of the boughs thereof, Which the victorious show. Also, thy Breasts shall kindly swell, Like clusters of the Vine; Thy Nose shall, as ripe Apples smell, (No breath's so sweet as thine.) Ver. 9 Thy palate too the best wine shows, For my Beloved's sake, Which goes down sweetly as it goes, Making th'asleep to wake. Ver. 10. I'm my Beloved's, none but he To me can title claim, And in him, zealous love to me, Doth strong desires inflame. Ver. 11. Come my Beloved, let us go, And walk the Fields throughout, And for our lodging, take into Some Village there about. Ver. 12. Then to the Vineyards, let's be gone, And ere its day be there, To see the Vines, if they come on, And their young grapes appear: To see how the Pomgranets prove, Whether they bud, or no; There will I give, out of my love, And all on thee bestow. Ver. 13. My Dear, the Mandrakes give a smell, And at our gates there be, Fruits new and old, what ere excel, Which I've laid up for thee. Chap. VIII. Ver. 1. Were't thou my Brother, were't thou this And sucked my Mother's breast, Thee, when I found without, i'd kiss, And unreproved rest. Ver. 2. Then bring thee to my mother's house, Who would me discipline, There thou, with my Pomegranate juice Should drink of spiced wine. Ver. 3. As a soft pillow to my head, He should his left hand place, And with his right hand gently spread, He should me fast embrace. Ver. 4. You daughters of jerusalem, Now my Belov'ds at rest, Stir not, besure, nor waken him Till he himself thinks best. Ver. 5. Who's this whose feet the hills ascend▪ Who from the Wilderness, Comes leaning on her darling friend? (A pleasing sight is this:) From under the fair Apple tree I raised thee up, even there Thy Mother, who conceived thee, Did thee conceive and bear. Ver. 6. O let me as a seal be set, And on thine heart impressed; And as a seal, and annulet, Upon thine arm be placed. For love's as strong as death, the grave Then jel'sie not more cruel, Whose flames are fierce, and always have A fresh supply of fuel. Ver. 7. Not many waters, nor great floods Can quench, or drown the same; Nor will a man for all one's goods His part in love disclaim. Ver. 8. We have a little Sister, one Whose breasts do not appear; What's for our Sister to be done, In th' day they spoke for her? Ver. 9 Is she a Wall, on her will we A Silver palace build: Or if a door, we'll cause she be About with Cedar ceild. Ver. 10. I am a firm foundation wall, My breasts like Towers seem, Then in his eyes I (more than all,) Found favour and esteem. Ver. 11. A Vineyard did King Solomon In Ba-al-ha-mon plant; And let it out, when he had done, At such a yearly rent: They, who the keeping of it had, Each person for his share, A thousand silver shekels paid, For fruits and profit there. Ver. 12. That Vineyard, that which I possess, And which is mine by right, With diligence I daily dress, And keep still in my sight: O Solomon! we thus compute, A thousand is thy due, And unto them that keep the fruit, An hundred doth accrue. Ver. 13. Thou that dost in the Gardens live, Unto thy voice, their ear Do the companions freely give, Yet cause thou me to hear: Ver. 14. Haste my Beloved unto me, A Roe or Youthful Hart, Upon the spicy Mountains be, And set delays apart. The Song of Moses. Exodus 15. Verse 1. I'll sing unto the Lord, Of his great Victory; His honour I'll record, Who triumphs gloriously; For thrown hath he, Both horse, and man Egyptian Into the Sea. Ver. 2. The Lord's my strength and praise, He's my salvation, My God, for him I'll raise An habitation: My Father's God I'll him exalt, tothth' starry vault, And all abroad. Ver. 3. The Lord's a man of war, jehovah is his name, What men for prowess are, He is much more the same. Ver. 4. The Lord did cast, Into the Sea, Phar'ohs array, Chariots and Host. His chosen Captains too Were in the Red-sea drowned Those waters did o'erthrow, His Leaders most renowned. Ver. 5. The depths swelled o'er Those lofty ones, they sunk as stones Below the shore. Ver. 6. Thine own right hand, O Lord, Hath got a glorious name, Thy power's upon record, To thy eternal fame, Even thy right hand In pieces dashed, O Lord, and quashed The Egyptian band. Ver. 7. Thou in the greatest might, Of thy transcendencies, Hast overthrown them quite, That did against thee rise, Thy wrath severe Thou didst display, as stubble they Consumed were. Ver. 8. Thy nostrils, with their blast The fluctuous waves did sneap, The floods as't were aghast Stood upright as an heap, The depths even they Congealed did part within the heart, Of all the Sea. Ver. 9 The Adversary cried, I'll run, pursue, o'er take, I'll spoil, and then divide, My lust I'll satiiate (They fly in vain,) I'll draw my sword, my hand incurred Shall be their bane. Ver. 10. Thou mad'st thy wind to blow, The Sea did cover them; They sank as Led, full low, Within the mighty stream. Ver. 11. What God can be, Of all that are, that may compare, O Lord with thee! Who ere like thee appeared Glorious in holiness, In praises to be feared, In wondrous works no less! Ver. 12. Thou Lord didst stretch, Thy right hand forth, the greedy earth Did them dispatch. Ver. 13. Thou in thy mercy led Thine own redeemed out, They were distinguished From all the adverse rout; Thy strength did guide Them to the place of holiness, Where thou dost bide. Ver. 14. Unto the People's ear The fame hereof shall spread, Who shall no sooner hear, But be as soon afraid: Sorrow shall cease Upon the men of Palestine, (Till then at ease.) Ver. 15. The Dukes of Edom then Shall be amazed all, And Moabs' mighty men Shall each a trembling fall; The dwellers they Of Canaan, do what they can Shall melt away. Ver. 16. Surprised with fear and dread, The greatness of thine arm. Shall strike their hearts stone-dead, And all their coasts alarm, Till they pass o'er, Whom thou hast held, and purchased From bondage sore. Ver. 17. Thou'st bring, and make them rest, Lord, in the Mount and place, Which thou inheritest, The dwelling of thy grace, The Sanctuary, Which thou hast made, and established O Lord most high. Ver. 18. The Lord alone as King, Shall reign for evermore. Ver. 19 For Pharoh's Horse went in As Israel did before, Into the Sea, Whose Chariots then, with his Horsemen Marched on their way, The Lord did bring again The overflowing waves, Upon the Egyptian train, The depths became their graves: But Israel passed Through the Ocean, upon dry Land, From first to last. The Song of Moses. Deut. 32. Verse 1. GIve, O ye Heavens, ear to me, And I shall silence break; And thou, O Earth, attend and hear The words my mouth shall speak. Ver. 2. My doctrine as the rain shall drop, My speech as dew shall pass, As small rain on the tender herb, And showers upon the grass. Ver. 3. Because I'll publish, and set forth The Lords most holy Name, Ascribe ye greatness to our God, His glorious praise proclaim. Ver. 4. He is the Rock, perfect his work, His ways all judgement be, A God of truth, in Him no guile, Most just, and right is Herald Ver. 5. They are corrupters of themselves, Nor as his children's spot, Is theirs, they are preverse and crooked, And all they have begot. Ver. 6. O foolish People, and unwise, Is this the course you take? And do ye thus requite the Lord, For all his kindness sake? Has He not as a Father been, Who thee redeemed and bought? Hath He not made and established thee, And thy deliverance wrought? Ver. 7. Remember now the days of old, Consider thou the years, Of many generations past: Compare thy times with theirs; Ask thou the Father, and he'll show, What in his days befell; Thine Elders also of their time, And they to thee will tell. Ver. 8. When to the Nations; the Most High, Their heritage did divide, When he did separate Adam's sons, And show them where to bide: He set the People butts and bounds, And them disposed of then, According to the numbers made, Of Israel's Children. Ver. 9 For He doth for his Portion take His People and their race, The lot of his inheritance, He doth in jacob place. Ver. 10. He found him in a desert Land, And howling Wilderness: Led, taught, and kept him as his eye, And what there tenderest is. Ver. 11. Like as an Eagle stirs her nest, And flutters o'er her young, Spreads out her wings, and them thereon Takes and preserves from wrong. Ver. 12. So him the Lord sustained and led, The Lord himself alone, And there was no strange God with him, None such to Israel known. Ver. 13. On the high places of the Earth, He caused him to ride, That he might of the fields increase, Eat and be satisfied: Of Honey from the rock itself, He made him suck his fill, And Oil, which from the flinty Rock In plenty did distil. Ver. 14. Butter of Kine, and milk of Sheep, Were then whereon he fed, Besides the fat of Lambs, and Rams, The best that Bashan bred, With Goats, and with the finest fat, And Kidneys of the Wheat; And thou didst drink the Grapes fresh blood, Pure clean without deceit. Ver. 15. But jesurun waxed fat and kicked, How very fat thou'rt grown! thou'rt grown thick, fat and covered o'er With fat, puffed up and blown: Then his great Maker he forsook, And greatly disesteemed, The Rock, which his Salvation wrought, The God that him redeemed. Ver. 16. With strange Gods they provoked him, And execrable Rites, Than which his jealousy, and wrath, There's nothing more excites. Ver. 17. They to plain Devils, not to God, Profanely sacrificed; To Gods they never knew before, Which they themselves devised: To new God's, that came newly up, That were no God's before, Such as your Fathers feared not, Nor offered to adore. Ver. 18. But of the Rock, that thee begat, Thou art unmindful grown; Forgetting God who form thee, As if he'd ne'er been known. Ver. 19 This seen, the Lord abhorred them, His jealousy did smoke, Because his Sons and Daughters too, Did him no less provoke. Ver. 20. I'll hide my face, said he, from them, And I their end will see; For they're a very forward race, Children that faithless be. Ver. 21. Since they, with that which is not God Moved me to jealousy, And unto anger me provoked, With every vanity: Them with a people next to none, To jealousy I'll move, And will some foolish Nation raise Who shall their patience prove. Ver. 22. For in mine anger, flames of fire, Which are unquenchable, Are kindled, and shall fiercely burn Unto the lowest Hell: Which shall consume and waste the earth, With her increased store; And fire the foundations down, On which the Mountain's shore. Ver. 23. On them will I great mischiefs heap, And all mine Arrows spend. Ver. 24. Devouring Famine, which shall burn, And burning heat I'll send, On them shall sore destruction come; The teeth of savage beasts Shall waste them, Serpents of the dust, Whose poison soon infests. Ver. 25. The Sword without, Terrors within, Shall stroy, none shall be spared; Young men, nor Virgins, Sucking Babes, Nor him that is gray-haired. Ver. 26. I said, I'd scatter them abroad, And into corners chase, And cause, that their remembrance here With men should have no place. Ver. 27. Were it not that I feared the wrath Of the insulting Foe; Lest their proud Adversaries then, Themselves should strongly show. And lest triumphing, they should say, Our hand is raised high; It's not the Lord hath done all this. But our own gallantry. Ver. 28. For they're a Nation most unwise, Of Council wholly void, Nor do they understand at all How they themselves should guide. Ver. 29. O that at length they would be wise, That they this understood; And that they would their latter end Consider for their good. Ver. 30. How should one man a thousand chase, And two ten thousand foil, Except the Lord their rock had sold, And shut them up for spoil. Ver. 31. For their Rock is not as our Rock, Our Enemies can tell; If they themselves were left to judge, Or make the parallel. Ver. 32. For their Vine is of Sodom's Vine, And of Gomorrah's Field: Their Grapes are very Grapes of gall, And bitter clusters yield. Ver. 33. As strong and deadly is their Wine, As Dragon's Poison is; Nor can the Venom of the Asp More cruel be than this. Ver. 34. Is not this thing amongst the rest Laid up in store with me, And up amongst my treasures sealed, Till there occasion be. Ver. 35. Vengeance, and Recompense belong To me, and none beside; In due and most convenient time Their wand'ring feet shall slide. For lo the day draws on a pace, Which their destruction brings; The troubles that shall come on them Approach with open wings. Ver. 36. For God shall judge his people's cause, (A righteous God is he) And shall repent himself for them, That his own Servants be. Especially when he perceives That all their power is gone; And that there's none shut up, or lest, But they themselves alone. Ver. 37. And he shall say, where are their Gods, What is become of those? Their Rock, in whom they did their trust And confidence repose? Ver. 38. Which of your Sacrifices eat, The fat and pleasant things, And drank the wine they did present In their drink offerings? Let them arise with all their help, And help you all they can; And in your great extremities, Be your protection. Ver. 39 See now that I, even I am he, With me there is no God; I kill, and I do make alive In all the earth abroad: I wound, and I make whole again, And none can me withstand; Nor is there any that can save, Or take out of my hand. Ver. 40. For to the Heavens (where I dwell), I lift mine hand on high, And do most solemnly profess, I live eternally. Ver. 41. If I my bright and glittering sword, Shall once begin to whet; On judgement, if my hand take hold, And there-upon be set: I'll render Vengeance on them all, That are mine Enemies, And them reward to their desert, That hate, and me despise. Ver. 42. I'll make mine Arrows drunk with blood, My Sword shall flesh devour, Because of blood, and Captives made, From the first day and hour. Ver. 43. Ye wiser Nations, then rejoice, And with his people sing; For he'll revenge his people's blood, And wrongful suffering. His adversaries he'll requite, And vengeance on them send; But to his land, and people there, His mercy will extend. The Song of Deborah. judges 5. Ver. 2. PRaise ye the Lord (let it be said) Who vengeance to our foes repaid, When you his people not afraid Of life, so brave a tender made. Ver. 3. Ye Princes, ye your ear afford, And ye who bear the Regal sword; Whilst I in sacred hymns record The praise of Israel's God, the Lord, Ver. 4. When he from Scir his Army led, Through Edom's fields his Ensigns spread Th'Earth shook, the Heavens dropped for dread, The Clouds did tears in plenty shed. Ver. 5. The Mountains which before did swell, Before thy face a melting fell, Nor Sina could his force repel, Who is the God of Israel. Ver. 6. In Shamgars' time, and Iael's days, (Shamgar I mean of Anaths' race) None durst frequent the common ways, Fear did the Traveller amaze. The highways then unsafe, men crept Through Woods, or into byways stepped, Or went by night when others slept, (Their Foes them in such thraldom kept.) Ver. 7. The Land uncultivated lay, In Isr'el men became a prey, Till I arose, I Deborah, Till I their Matron bore the sway. Ver. 8. When to themselves new Gods they chose, Then were their walls besieged with foes Though Isr'el forty thousand rose, Was shield or spear among all those? Ver. 9 Ye Rulers, O, how well I take, (When your poor Country lay at stake) Your zeal and valour for their sake Of God's renown, due mention make. Ver. 10. Spoke ye, that on white Asses ride, Now judging those that you defied; And they that have the highways tried, Now walking safe on every side. Ver. 11. Ye to your Fountains now restored, Where you the Archers noise deplored; There with united joys record The righteous judgements of the Lord. His righteous Acts do you profess, Towards you his Israel, that possess Your Cities, and your Villages, Go down unto your gates in peace. Ver. 12. ‛ Wake Deborah, wake, relate what's done, Sing thou of our Salvation: ‛ Rise Barack, thou Abinoam's Son, israel renowned Champion. Ver. 13. Led Captive thy Captivity; Him that remained he set on high, To rule o'er the Nobility; The Lord gave me the Victory. Ver. 14. From Ephraim thou a party gained, Who their old principles retained; Nor they from Benjamin refrained, Who marched under thy command. From Machir came down leading-men, Such as had old Commanders been; Zebulons ready-writers then, Took up the Sword, and left the Pen. No fears did Issachar dismay, His princes were with Deborah, Marching where Barack led the way, Whose service in the Valley lay. Ver. 16. But Reuben did our thoughts amuse, Because divided, and did choose To hear the bleating of his Ewes, And did the holy Wars refuse. Ver. 17. Gilead of thundering Drums afraid, Or slothful, beyond jordan stayed: Dan more intent upon his trade, Got to his ships, denied his aid: So Asher in his cliffs resides, And fortifies against the tides; His eyes from public danger hide, Against his own alone provides. Ver. 18. Yet Zebulun and Naphtali, Were men of spirits far more high, (Not daunted with the Enemy,) Nor shunned the great jeopardy. Ver. 19 The Kings, even Canaan Kings came out Their Armies up to Tanaach brought, And by Megidda's waters fought, Though for no gain but Israel's rout. Ver. 20. 〈◊〉 the Celestial Warriors, Fought against Sisera, the Stars (Though in their courses free from jars) Moved in Battalia, in those wars. Ver. 21. Kishon that River so renowned, Swept them away not to be found: Thou O my Soul, with conquest crowned Hast trod down Strength unto the ground. Ver. 22. Their Horses, such then prancing were Either for fury, or for fear, Their mightiest then their hoofs did tear, Quite broken in their fierce career. Ver. 23. Curse Meroz, curse, an Angel cried, That cursed crew that help denied, Refusing with the Lord to side, Against the mighty sons of pride. Ver. 24. But jael (from those curses free) Heber the Kenites wife; O she, Than Women of what ere degree, Shall in the Tents more blessed be. Ver. 25. He asked but water from the Spring, She gave him milk (a better thing;) And Butter as unto a King, She in a Lordly dish did bring. Ver. 26. But she with courage fortified Her hands to other work applied, Herself a sharp nail did provide, The right the Workman's hammer guide: So, through the Temples, Sisera She having pierced, as he lay, Smote off his head without dismay; (Thus God to Israel gave the day.) Ver. 27. Down at her feet upon the floor He bowed, till he could bow no lower; Fallen where he bowed, bathed in his gore; Bowed down, fell dead, and rose no more. Ver. 28. His Mother at the window stayed, And thrusting out her shoulders, said, His Charet-wheels why thus delayed, That heretofore such haste have made! Ver. 29. But her wise Ladies standing by, Yea, she herself did make reply, Ver. 30. Is't not because the Hebrews fly, And he pursues victoriously? Is not their stay their greatest gain, That they returning on the slain, A greater booty may obtain, And every man a Girl or twain? Whilst to great Sisera there's brought By his brave Captains with a shout, The choice of all the prey, no doubt; A prey with divers colours wrought: Some piece of needlework, suppose, Whose curious work on both sides shows Meet only for the necks of those, That trample on their spoilt foes. Ver. 31. O Lord, so let thine Enemies, All that against thy people rise, And mischief in their hearts devise, Perish in every enterprise: But they that love thee, O that they Like to the Sun in lustre, may, When in his strength he takes his way, Appear more glorious, day by day. FINIS.