first_o some_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n but_o main_o the_o book_n of_o the_o psalm_n and_o other_o song_n record_v in_o the_o word_n as_o also_o with_o the_o gospel_n and_o such_o place_n as_o have_v most_o likeness_n to_o it_o 2._o acquaintance_n with_o the_o case_n of_o other_o either_o by_o read_v or_o mutual_a fellowship_n but_o most_o of_o all_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o one_o have_v some_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o own_o heart_n he_o who_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o observe_v these_o thing_n even_o he_o shall_v understand_v this_o love_a kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n such_o kind_n of_o experience_n be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a commentary_n upon_o this_o text._n 3._o watchfulness_n over_o ourselves_o keep_v our_o heart_n with_o all_o keep_n and_o study_v a_o tender_a frame_n of_o spirit_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o conscience_n always_o void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n looseness_n all_o the_o week_n will_v not_o be_v a_o frame_n for_o the_o canticle_n it_o be_v not_o the_o simple_a be_v of_o grace_n but_o the_o lively_a operation_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o which_o prompt_v and_o dispose_n either_o to_o speak_v to_o purpose_n or_o to_o hear_v of_o this_o with_o profit_n he_o will_v grow_v in_o grace_n who_o will_v grow_v in_o knowledge_n here_o neither_o have_v other_o ground_n to_o expect_v that_o this_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v with_o they_o or_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v of_o a_o quick_a understanding_n who_o fear_v he_o not_o one_o may_v have_v grace_n and_o not_o a_o lively_a frame_n for_o this_o except_o grace_n be_v act_v and_o in_o exercise_n 4._o much_o converse_v with_o the_o bridegroom_n especial_o by_o prayer_n that_o he_o who_o cause_v the_o dull_a to_o understand_v doctrine_n may_v manifest_v himself_o and_o open_v our_o eye_n to_o behold_v these_o wondrous_a thing_n and_o that_o he_o may_v bless_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o this_o we_o undertake_v which_o so_o especial_o concern_v he_o and_o we_o for_o this_o scripture_n may_v be_v dark_a to_o these_o who_o speak_v on_o it_o if_o this_o be_v not_o and_o a_o seal_a book_n to_o you_o who_o hear_v it_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v want_v whereas_o if_o these_o be_v in_o we_o and_o abound_v we_o shall_v neither_o be_v barren_a nor_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o piece_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n now_o that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o more_o clear_a access_n to_o speak_v profitable_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o song_n and_o that_o our_o way_n of_o open_v and_o apply_v of_o it_o which_o may_v possible_o in_o some_o thing_n be_v different_a from_o other_o may_v be_v the_o better_o clear_v we_o shall_v 1._o premit_fw-la some_o proposition_n concern_v it_o 2._o draw_v some_o conclusion_n from_o these_o both_o which_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v short_o to_o clear_v and_o confirm_v as_o useful_a to_o be_v take_v alongst_o in_o our_o proceed_n the_o first_o proposition_n than_o be_v this_o this_o song_n be_v a_o piece_n of_o divine_a scripture_n and_o a_o most_o excellent_a part_n thereof_o which_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o more_o full_o on_o the_o title_n and_o so_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o other_o scripture_n wherein_o holy_a man_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n and_o make_v of_o the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a even_o as_o they_o do_v for_o first_o this_o song_n have_v ever_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o canon_n and_o account_v as_o they_o speak_v for_o canonic_a as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v it_o be_v never_o question_v by_o the_o jew_n as_o mercer_n praefat_fw-la ad_fw-la cant._n clear_v but_o be_v still_o receive_v by_o they_o and_o transmit_v to_o the_o gentile_a church_n who_o receive_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o they_o who_o have_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n in_o keep_v and_o that_o the_o same_o have_v be_v universal_o receive_v by_o christian_n may_v appear_v by_o the_o record_n of_o the_o council_n and_o write_n of_o the_o father_n where_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v set_v down_o 2._o it_o carry_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n engrave_v upon_o it_o as_o evident_o as_o any_o piece_n of_o scripture_n not_o only_o as_o to_o its_o matter_n manner_n of_o expression_n divine_a style_n but_o most_o in_o that_o divine_a power_n and_o efficacy_n it_o have_v on_o heart_n and_o spirit_n especial_o of_o the_o more_o discern_a who_o best_o know_v christ_n voice_n as_o his_o sheep_n whereby_o it_o relish_v so_o sweet_o and_o elevate_v they_o to_o such_o a_o holy_a ravishment_n that_o it_o obtain_v the_o testimony_n from_o all_o that_o there_o be_v something_o divine_a in_o it_o and_o more_o than_o can_v be_v in_o humane_a write_n even_o though_o they_o can_v particular_o tell_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o that_o hold_v true_a here_o which_o one_o say_v of_o a_o book_n which_o be_v something_o obscure_a that_o which_o i_o understand_v say_v he_o be_v excellent_a therefore_o i_o judge_v that_o which_o i_o understand_v not_o to_o be_v so_o also_o though_o it_o exceed_v my_o reach_n and_o that_o its_o christ_n who_o speak_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o language_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o no_o other_o be_v by_o a_o divine_a conviction_n extort_a from_o the_o reader_n and_o hearer_n of_o it_o so_o that_o confess_o and_o deserve_o it_o bear_v this_o title_n a_o song_n of_o song_n this_o song_n must_v either_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o chief_a author_n of_o it_o though_o solomon_n be_v the_o penman_n or_o we_o must_v say_v it_o be_v not_o only_o pen_v but_o indyte_v mere_o by_o some_o man_n solomon_n or_o whoever_o he_o be_v lead_v by_o his_o own_o spirit_n or_o some_o other_o spirit_n without_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o none_o of_o these_o last_o can_v be_v say_v what_o other_o spirit_n can_v so_o speak_v of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n what_o other_o song_n even_o of_o the_o most_o holy_a man_n can_v be_v compare_v to_o this_o be_v it_o ever_o equal_v or_o can_v it_o be_v equal_v and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o mere_a man_n though_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a frame_n than_o it_o must_v be_v inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o wonderful_a wisdom_n and_o a_o most_o divine_a style_n compact_v the_o mystery_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n in_o this_o short_a song_n wherefore_o we_o say_v it_o be_v just_o call_v a_o song_n of_o song_n whereby_o it_o be_v prefer_v not_o only_o to_o all_o humane_a song_n but_o even_o to_o other_o scriptural_a song_n which_o be_v blasphemous_a to_o do_v be_v it_o not_o of_o a_o divine_a rise_n and_o authority_n there_o be_v two_o objection_n which_o sometime_o have_v be_v start_v by_o some_o but_o they_o will_v not_o be_v of_o weight_n to_o infringe_v this_o truth_n the_o first_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o passage_n of_o this_o song_n cite_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o citation_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v not_o give_v authority_n to_o they_o they_o be_v cite_v as_o have_v authority_n and_o not_o to_o get_v it_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v many_o scripture_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v never_o cite_v in_o the_o new_a although_o it_o may_v be_v say_v there_o be_v many_o near_a resemblance_n at_o least_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o diverse_a passage_n in_o this_o song_n as_o the_o often_o style_v the_o church_n a_o vineyard_n matth._n 20._o and_o compare_v the_o church_n union_n with_o christ_n to_o marriage_n matth._n 22._o etc._n etc._n that_o christ_n stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_v rev._n 3._o 20._o take_v as_o it_o be_v from_o song_n 5._o 2._o the_o virgin_n fall_v on_o sleep_n matth._n 25._o the_o efficacy_n of_o grace_n called_z drawing_z john_n 6._o 44._o take_v from_o chap._n 1._o 4._o etc._n etc._n christ_n in_o the_o parable_n call_v a_o king_n or_o the_o king_n which_o by_o way_n of_o eminency_n be_v apply_v to_o he_o psal._n 45._o 1_o 2._o neither_o be_v the_o second_o objection_n of_o great_a weight_n to_o wit_n that_o no_o proper_a name_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v sound_a in_o this_o song_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v so_o also_o in_o other_o scripture_n as_o in_o the_o book_n of_o esther_n the_o scripture_n authority_n do_v not_o depend_v on_o name_v the_o name_n of_o god_n but_o on_o have_v his_o warrant_n and_o authority_n 2._o this_o song_n be_v allegorical_a and_o figurative_a it_o be_v not_o so_o meet_a nor_o consistent_a with_o its_o style_n to_o have_v god_n name_v under_o proper_a
name_n as_o in_o other_o scripture_n yet_o 3._o there_o be_v title_n and_o description_n here_o give_v to_o a_o excellent_a person_n which_o can_v agree_v to_o none_o other_o but_o christ_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n as_o the_o king_n o_o thou_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v the_o chief_a of_o ten_o thousand_o the_o rose_n of_o sharon_n and_o the_o like_a whereby_o his_o eminency_n be_v singular_o set_v out_o above_o all_o other_o in_o the_o world_n in_o sum_n there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o character_n usual_o condescend_v on_o as_o necessary_a for_o evidence_v the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n want_v here_o this_o song_n be_v a_o divine_a subject_n receive_v into_o the_o canon_n bear_v a_o divine_a stamp_n have_v much_o majesty_n in_o its_o style_n agree_v with_o itself_o and_o other_o scripture_n full_o impartial_o speak_v out_o the_o blot_n and_o adversity_n of_o the_o bride_n as_o well_o as_o her_o beauty_n and_o prosperity_n and_o write_v by_o a_o prophet_n and_o penman_n of_o holy_a writ_n to_o wit_n solomon_n the_o 2._o proposition_n be_v that_o this_o song_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v proper_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o literal_o that_o be_v as_o the_o word_n do_v at_o first_o sound_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v and_o understand_v spiritual_o figurative_o and_o allegorical_o as_o have_v some_o spiritual_a meaning_n contain_v under_o these_o figurative_a expression_n make_v use_v of_o throughout_o this_o song_n my_o meaning_n be_v that_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o a_o marriage_n spouse_n sister_n beloved_n daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n these_o expression_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v proper_o of_o such_o but_o as_o hold_v forth_o something_o of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n under_o these_o i_o grant_v it_o have_v a_o literal_a meaning_n but_o i_o say_v that_o literal_a meaning_n be_v not_o immediate_a and_o that_o which_o first_o look_v out_o as_o in_o historical_a scripture_n or_o other_o which_o be_v not_o figurative_a but_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_o and_o especial_o mean_v by_o these_o allegoric_a and_o figurative_a speech_n be_v the_o literal_a meaning_n of_o this_o song_n so_o that_o it_o be_v literal_a sense_n be_v mediate_v represent_v the_o meaning_n not_o immediate_o from_o the_o word_n but_o mediate_o from_o the_o scope_n that_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v couch_v under_o the_o figure_n and_o allegory_n here_o make_v use_v of_o for_o a_o literal_a sense_n as_o it_o be_v define_v by_o rivet_n out_o of_o the_o schoolman_n be_v that_o which_o flow_v from_o such_o a_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o intend_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o word_n whether_o proper_o or_o figurative_o use_v and_o be_v to_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o whole_a complex_fw-la expression_n together_o apply_v thereunto_o as_o in_o the_o exposition_n of_o parable_n allegory_n and_o figurative_a scripture_n be_v clear_a and_o it_o be_v as_o improper_a and_o absurd_a to_o deny_v a_o figurative_a sense_n though_o literal_a to_o these_o as_o it_o be_v to_o fix_v figurative_a exposition_n upon_o plain_a scripture_n which_o be_v proper_o to_o be_v take_v for_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a literal_a sense_n of_o scripture_n 1._o proper_a and_o immediate_a as_o where_o it_o be_v say_v solomon_n marry_v pharaoh_n daughter_n the_o second_o be_v figurative_a and_o mediate_a as_o when_o it_o be_v say_v matth._n 22._o 2._o a_o certain_a king_n make_v a_o marriage_n to_o his_o son_n etc._n etc._n both_o have_v a_o literal_a meaning_n the_o first_o immediate_a fulfil_v in_o solomon_n the_o second_o be_v mediate_v set_v out_o god_n call_v jew_n and_o gentile_n unto_o fellowship_n with_o his_o son_n and_o so_o that_o parable_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n now_o we_o say_v this_o song_n if_o we_o will_v take_v up_o its_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v the_o first_o way_n properly_z and_o immediate_o but_o the_o second_o way_n figurative_o and_o mediate_o as_o hold_v forth_o some_o spiritual_a thing_n under_o borrow_a expression_n which_o will_v further_o appear_v from_o these_o thing_n first_o there_o can_v be_v no_o edification_n in_o set_v out_o humane_a love_n among_o party_n proper_o understand_v so_o large_o and_o lively_o and_o yet_o edification_n must_v be_v the_o end_n of_o this_o song_n be_v a_o part_n of_o scripture_n it_o must_v have_v therefore_o a_o high_a meaning_n than_o the_o word_n at_o first_o will_v seem_v to_o bear_v 2._o there_o can_v be_v no_o party_n mention_v beside_o christ_n and_o his_o bride_n to_o who_o this_o song_n can_v agree_v nor_o can_v any_o proper_a meaning_n thereof_o be_v assign_v which_o can_v make_v it_o applicable_a to_o these_o party_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v proper_o but_o figurative_o and_o that_o not_o of_o any_o other_o but_o of_o christ_n and_o believer_n to_o solomon_n it_o can_v agree_v in_o its_o application_n nor_o to_o his_o queen_n yea_o to_o no_o man_n if_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n for_o 1._o these_o commendation_n give_v to_o the_o bridegroom_n chap._n 5._o to_o the_o bride_n chap._n 4._o 6_o 7._o if_o proper_o understand_v will_v be_v monstruous_a blasphemous_a and_o ridiculous_a such_o as_o to_o have_v tooth_n like_o a_o flock_n of_o sheep_n a_o head_n like_o carmel_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n 2._o some_o thing_n be_v attribute_v to_o this_o solomon_n who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o song_n that_o be_v not_o within_o solomon_n reach_n as_o that_o his_o presence_n at_o the_o table_n chap._n 1._o 12._o make_v her_o spicknard_n to_o smell_v which_o influence_n can_v proceed_v from_o one_o man_n more_o than_o another_o and_o chap._n 3._o v._n 11._o where_o it_o be_v say_v he_o make_v a_o chariot_n and_o pave_v it_o with_o love_n which_o be_v no_o material_a thing_n and_o so_o can_v be_v no_o pavement_n in_o solomon_n chariot_n 3._o that_o solomon_n be_v the_o penman_n of_o this_o song_n yet_o speak_v of_o solomon_n in_o the_o second_o person_n thou_o o_o solomon_n chap._n 8._o 12._o make_v it_o appear_v that_o some_o other_o be_v design_v then_o himself_o and_o many_o such_o like_a expression_n that_o fill_v up_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o song_n such_o as_o spice_n garden_n etc._n etc._n can_v be_v understand_v proper_o of_o these_o very_a thing_n themselves_o but_o of_o some_o other_o thing_n veil_v under_o they_o and_o so_o also_o when_o she_o be_v call_v terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o solomon_n queen_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o church_n we_o can_v understand_v it_o of_o any_o carnal_a terror_n which_o the_o external_a aspect_n of_o the_o church_n do_v beget_v in_o beholder_n 3._o the_o style_n and_o expression_n will_v bear_v out_o more_o than_o any_o humane_a love_n or_o any_o humane_a object_n upon_o which_o man_n set_v their_o love_n we_o be_v sure_a no_o such_o love_n will_v be_v propon_v to_o believer_n as_o a_o warrant_a pattern_n for_o their_o imitation_n as_o if_o it_o will_v be_v commendable_a in_o they_o to_o be_v so_o much_o ravish_v and_o take_v up_o even_o with_o the_o most_o lovely_a creature_n 4._o many_o thing_n here_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o humane_a love_n and_o that_o modesty_n that_o be_v require_v in_o it_o as_o the_o hebrew_n themselves_o apud_fw-la mercer_n observe_v as_o to_o propone_v he_o to_o other_o to_o excite_v they_o to_o love_v he_o other_o undertake_v to_o follow_v after_o he_o her_o speak_v to_o he_o in_o her_o sleep_n chap._n 5._o 2._o run_v in_o the_o night_n through_o the_o street_n and_o slight_v he_o at_o the_o door_n which_o by_o no_o mean_n can_v admit_v a_o proper_a literal_a immediate_a sense_n but_o must_v needs_o aim_v at_o something_o figurative_a beside_o what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o plead_v a_o proper_a sense_n here_o more_o than_o in_o other_o figurative_a scripture_n of_o the_o same_o sort_n as_o of_o these_o that_o speak_v of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n under_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o marriage_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o psal._n 45._o which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o compend_v of_o this_o song_n and_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o all_o as_o figurative_a if_o it_o be_v inquire_v in_o what_o sense_n we_o call_v this_o song_n figurative_a whether_o as_o typical_a or_o allegorical_a the_o answer_v and_o clear_v of_o this_o question_n will_v further_o we_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o excellent_a scripture_n we_o shall_v therefore_o show_v 1._o how_o allegorical_a proper_o so_o call_v differ_v from_o typical_a and_o 2._o why_o we_o call_v this_o song_n allegorical_a and_o not_o typical_a allegorical_a scripture_n or_o allegory_n we_o take_v allegory_n here_o as_o divine_n do_v who_o take_v it_o not_o as_o grammarian_n or_o
affirm_v be_v both_o dangerous_a and_o absurd_a beside_o christ_n be_v still_o the_o same_o in_o his_o way_n with_o believer_n and_o they_o have_v still_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o be_v still_o under_o the_o same_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n we_o can_v conceive_v no_o other_o thing_n here_o but_o what_o he_o have_v express_v concern_v himself_o and_o they_o otherwhere_a in_o scripture_n and_o certain_o the_o scope_n of_o this_o song_n be_v rather_o in_o a_o sweet_a way_n to_o compact_v together_o the_o ordinary_a case_n of_o believer_n and_o their_o consolation_n for_o their_o edification_n than_o to_o pitch_v on_o strange_a thing_n or_o make_v new_a case_n which_o will_v not_o be_v so_o profitable_a unto_o they_o and_o will_v wrong_v and_o enervat_fw-la the_o great_a intent_n of_o this_o song_n we_o proceed_v now_o and_o shall_v draw_v some_o conclusion_n from_o these_o proposition_n first_o conclusion_n we_o may_v then_o warantable_o read_v and_o expone_fw-la this_o song_n it_o be_v scripture_n it_o must_v be_v edify_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o it_o be_v true_a this_o and_o some_o other_o scripture_n be_v of_o old_a restrain_v by_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o young_a sort_n that_o none_o shall_v read_v they_o but_o these_o who_o be_v at_o thirty_o year_n of_o age_n origen_n mark_v four_o piece_n of_o holy_a scripture_n thus_o restrain_v by_o they_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n genes_n 1._o the_o description_n of_o god_n appearance_n ezek._n 1._o and_o of_o his_o temple_n chap._n 40._o etc._n etc._n and_o especial_o this_o song_n because_o the_o matter_n in_o they_o be_v so_o sublime_a that_o there_o need_v more_o than_o ordinary_a humility_n and_o experience_n in_o those_o who_o shall_v meddle_v with_o they_o this_o indeed_o say_v man_n ought_v to_o be_v sober_a and_o with_o holy_a fear_n search_v these_o scripture_n but_o that_o restraint_n if_o peremptory_a be_v unwarrantable_a see_v the_o lord_n have_v put_v none_o such_o on_o his_o people_n as_o to_o any_o portion_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o though_o this_o song_n be_v obscure_a than_o many_o other_o scripture_n yet_o general_o the_o read_n of_o it_o and_o hear_v of_o it_o will_v affect_v and_o as_o to_o the_o compose_n of_o the_o spirit_n edify_v as_o much_o as_o other_o more_o plain_a scripture_n which_o say_v it_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o that_o the_o meaning_n be_v find_v out_o the_o profit_n reap_v thereby_o may_v be_v the_o more_o distinct_a and_o apparent_a 2._o conclus_fw-la we_o gather_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o see_v this_o song_n may_v be_v expound_v then_o doctrine_n for_o ground_v our_o say_v and_o direct_v our_o practice_n may_v warrantable_o be_v draw_v from_o it_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o god_n people_n see_v it_o be_v scripture_n and_o although_o it_o be_v allegoric_a it_o be_v in_o a_o special_a way_n useful_a for_o edification_n and_o may_v as_o bread_n be_v break_v to_o the_o child_n it_o be_v not_o only_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o plain_a scripture_n but_o also_o of_o allegory_n that_o they_o be_v thus_o extend_v in_o their_o use_n we_o shall_v clear_v this_o conclusion_n in_o these_o three_o first_o there_o may_v be_v doctrine_n draw_v from_o this_o song_n in_o reference_n to_o all_o case_n that_o be_v incident_a to_o a_o believer_n as_o 1._o in_o reference_n to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o its_o consideration_n visible_a or_o invisible_a catholic_n or_o particular_a and_o 2._o in_o reference_n to_o the_o more_o private_a and_o personal_a case_n of_o believer_n doctrine_n instruct_v they_o both_o in_o faith_n and_o manner_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o doctrine_n must_v rise_v as_o extensive_o as_o there_o scope_n and_o matter_n and_o these_o be_v of_o a_o great_a reach_n and_o extent_n as_o former_o have_v be_v say_v such_o doctrine_n then_o when_o handle_v in_o this_o song_n will_v not_o be_v think_v strange_a nor_o unsuitable_a to_o it_o but_o the_o broad_a they_o arise_v the_o spirit_n be_v wisdom_v and_o contrivance_n in_o this_o song_n will_v be_v the_o more_o wonderful_a and_o evident_a 2._o these_o doctrine_n must_v not_o be_v take_v from_o the_o word_n proper_o but_o allegorical_o understand_v according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o even_o as_o from_o parable_n and_o other_o clear_a allegory_n and_o figure_n in_o scripture_n it_o use_v to_o be_v do_v 3._o these_o doctrine_n so_o draw_v when_o right_o conclude_v from_o the_o text_n and_o scope_n be_v solid_a and_o sure_a useful_a for_o faith_n and_o manner_n as_o doctrine_n draw_v from_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v for_o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o many_o scripture_n be_v allegorical_o set_v down_o and_o be_v their_o authority_n therefore_o any_o way_n less_o than_o that_o of_o other_o scripture_n and_o if_o their_o authority_n be_v such_o in_o themselves_o as_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o other_o scripture_n then_o their_o exposition_n and_o doctrine_n draw_v from_o they_o must_v be_v solid_a and_o useful_a as_o these_o that_o be_v draw_v from_o other_o scripture_n or_o 2._o we_o must_v say_v there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o such_o scripture_n which_o be_v blasphemous_a and_o if_o they_o be_v useful_a there_o may_v be_v solid_a use_n draw_v from_o they_o as_o from_o other_o scripture_n 3._o our_o lord_n use_v parable_n and_o allegory_n often_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o in_o thing_n relate_v both_o to_o faith_n and_o manner_n which_o say_v the_o use_n of_o they_o be_v solid_a and_o safe_a when_o they_o be_v right_o understand_v and_o apply_v all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v in_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o they_o and_o because_o allegory_n be_v frequent_a in_o scripture_n and_o this_o song_n be_v whole_o make_v up_o of_o allegory_n therefore_o both_o for_o remove_v prejudices_fw-la and_o facilitate_v our_o way_n i_o shall_v speak_v something_o to_o these_o three_o 1._o we_o shall_v show_v what_o a_o allegoric_a exposition_n or_o rather_o the_o exposition_n of_o a_o allegory_n be_v 2._o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o understand_v a_o scripture_n allegorical_o 3._o how_o to_o walk_v in_o attain_v the_o solid_a meaning_n or_o how_o to_o know_v if_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v the_o meaning_n of_o a_o allegoric_a scripture_n for_o the_o first_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o a_o allegoric_a exposition_n of_o scripture_n and_o a_o exposition_n of_o allegoric_a scripture_n the_o first_o be_v that_o which_o many_o father_n and_o schoolman_n fail_v in_o that_o be_v when_o they_o allegorise_v plain_a scripture_n and_o history_n seek_v to_o draw_v out_o some_o secret_a meaning_n other_o than_o appear_v in_o the_o word_n and_o so_o will_v fasten_v many_o sense_n upon_o one_o scripture_n this_o be_v indeed_o unsafe_a and_o be_v just_o reprovable_a for_o this_o make_v clear_a scripture_n dark_a and_o obtrude_v meaning_n on_o the_o word_n never_o intend_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o suppose_v one_o speak_v of_o goliah_n combat_n and_o david_n shall_v pass_v by_o the_o letter_n and_o expound_v goliath_n to_o be_v the_o flesh_n or_o the_o devil_n and_o david_n to_o be_v the_o spirit_n or_o christ_n such_o exposition_n may_v have_v some_o pleasantness_n but_o often_o little_a solidity_n and_o such_o who_o most_o common_o thus_o interpret_v scripture_n often_o fall_v in_o error_n as_o guilty_a of_o this_o fault_n origen_n be_v general_o complain_v of_o though_o more_o also_o be_v guilty_a as_o may_v be_v clear_v by_o many_o instance_n 2._o a_o exposition_n of_o a_o allegoric_a scripture_n be_v the_o opening_z and_o expound_v of_o some_o dark_a scripture_n wherein_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v couch_v and_o hide_v under_o figure_n and_o allegory_n make_v it_o plain_a and_o edify_a by_o bring_v out_o the_o sense_n according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o place_n though_o at_o first_o it_o seem_v to_o bear_v out_o no_o such_o thing_n so_o matth._n 13._o christ_n expound_v that_o parable_n or_o allegory_n for_o though_o rhetorician_n make_v a_o difference_n between_o similitude_n or_o parable_n and_o allegory_n yet_o in_o divinity_n there_o be_v none_o but_o that_o allegory_n be_v more_o large_a and_o continue_a call_v the_o seed_n the_o word_n the_o sour_a the_o son_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n this_o way_n of_o expound_v such_o dark_a scripture_n be_v both_o useful_a and_o necessary_a and_o be_v often_o use_v as_o edify_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o his_o disciple_n now_o it_o be_v this_o we_o speak_v of_o which_o teach_v how_o to_o draw_v plain_a doctrine_n out_o of_o allegory_n and_o not_o to_o draw_v allegory_n out_o of_o plain_a history_n or_o doctrine_n 2._o it_o may_v be_v ask_v then_o when_o be_v we_o to_o account_v a_o place_n of_o scripture_n allegoric_a and_o be_v we_o to_o seek_v out_o some_o other_o meaning_n than_o what_o at_o first_o
song_n also_o for_o that_o psalm_n be_v use_v even_o by_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 1._o 8_o 9_o to_o confirm_v the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n 4._o if_o this_o whole_a song_n be_v one_o piece_n and_o of_o one_o nature_n drive_v all_o along_o the_o same_o general_a scope_n than_o such_o doctrine_n as_o the_o place_n in_o it_o which_o be_v clear_a do_v yield_v such_o i_o say_v must_v be_v contain_v if_o we_o can_v discern_v they_o in_o these_o place_n of_o it_o which_o be_v most_o obscure_a but_o what_o be_v most_o plain_a in_o this_o song_n speak_v out_o such_o plain_a doctrine_n experience_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o what_o be_v more_o obscure_a may_v be_v resolve_v in_o such_o also_o for_o we_o may_v best_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o doctrine_n flow_v from_o what_o be_v obscure_a by_o the_o place_n that_o be_v more_o clear_a see_v god_n in_o the_o most_o dark_a scripture_n ordinary_o have_v insert_v some_o plain_a passage_n or_o give_v some_o hint_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o be_v as_o a_o key_n for_o open_v all_o the_o rest_n now_o if_o we_o will_v for_o instance_n consider_v some_o such_o place_n as_o these_o my_o belove_a be_v i_o etc._n etc._n i_o call_v but_o he_o give_v i_o no_o answer_n they_o yield_v plain_a doctrine_n as_o other_o plain_a scripture_n do_v and_o therefore_o see_v its_o one_o continue_a song_n and_o each_o of_o these_o dark_a and_o plain_a place_n answer_v one_o another_o to_o continue_v the_o series_n of_o the_o discourse_n upon_o the_o same_o subject_n we_o may_v know_v by_o what_o be_v plain_a how_o to_o understand_v what_o be_v couch_v within_o that_o which_o be_v more_o dark_a 5._o as_o one_o piece_n of_o the_o allegory_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v so_o by_o proportion_n must_v all_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v one_o thread_n and_o scope_n now_o that_o some_o piece_n of_o the_o allegory_n may_v be_v expound_v in_o clear_a doctrine_n concern_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o parallel_v some_o part_n of_o it_o with_o other_o scripture_n as_o if_o we_o compare_v that_o excellent_a description_n of_o christ_n chap._n 5._o 10._o with_o that_o which_o john_n set_v down_o rev._n 1._o 13._o we_o will_v see_v a_o great_a resemblance_n betwixt_o the_o two_o if_o this_o last_o have_v not_o respect_n unto_o the_o former_a especial_o in_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v anent_o his_o foot_n and_o leg_n and_o his_o countenance_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o description_n rev._n 1._o 13._o be_v give_v he_o with_o a_o purpose_n to_o describe_v he_o and_o to_o set_v out_o the_o several_a attribute_n and_o excellent_a quality_n he_o be_v furnish_v with_o as_o omniscience_n by_o his_o eye_n justice_n by_o his_o leg_n walk_v sure_o omnipotence_n by_o his_o arm_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v particular_o so_o apply_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n chap._n 2._o and_o 3._o and_o afterward_o if_o then_o there_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v warrant_n we_o may_v draw_v from_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v eye_n that_o he_o be_v omniscient_a and_o so_o in_o other_o property_n may_v we_o not_o also_o think_v that_o see_v its_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o speak_v here_o in_o the_o particular_a description_n that_o be_v give_v of_o christ_n and_o the_o bride_n in_o their_o several_a part_n that_o these_o same_o particular_a property_n may_v be_v aim_v at_o and_o may_v we_o not_o make_v use_n of_o such_o interpretation_n else_o where_o give_v for_o our_o help_n in_o the_o like_a particular_n and_o so_o also_o in_o other_o thing_n 6._o thus_o we_o argue_v either_o this_o song_n be_v so_o to_o be_v resolve_v as_o have_v be_v say_v and_o such_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o it_o as_o arise_v from_o the_o gospel_n for_o express_v the_o way_n of_o believer_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o with_o they_o or_o then_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n to_o be_v draw_v from_o it_o but_o this_o song_n be_v a_o mere_a compliment_n and_o but_o ignorant_o with_o holy_a blind_a affection_n to_o be_v sing_v which_o be_v absurd_a or_o 2._o the_o doctrine_n be_v but_o to_o be_v guess_v at_o and_o so_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o be_v only_o conjectural_a which_o will_v come_v near_o the_o former_a absurdity_n and_o spoil_v the_o believer_n of_o any_o solid_a edification_n he_o can_v have_v from_o it_o or_o 3._o it_o must_v contain_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o love_n such_o case_n and_o doctrine_n concern_v christ_n and_o believer_n which_o be_v different_a from_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o case_n of_o saint_n plain_o record_v elsewhere_o now_o this_o will_v necessitate_v a_o uncertainty_n of_o its_o meaning_n and_o hazard_v the_o coin_v of_o two_o way_n of_o christ_n deal_n with_o his_o people_n as_o also_o of_o they_o with_o he_o two_o union_n two_o marriage_n etc._n etc._n or_o 4._o it_o must_v contain_v the_o same_o doctrine_n concern_v faith_n christ_n the_o covenant_n the_o church_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v contain_v in_o other_o scripture_n and_o in_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v we_o have_v be_v the_o large_a on_o this_o to_o obviate_v two_o extreme_n that_o man_n be_v give_v to_o follow_v in_o reference_n to_o this_o song_n 1._o some_o loathe_a plain_a truth_n which_o be_v plain_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n proper_o to_o be_v take_v and_o because_o this_o in_o expression_n and_o strain_n differ_v they_o conclude_v there_o must_v be_v some_o uncouth_a strange_a and_o odd_a thing_n here_o it_o be_v true_a if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o warm_a affection_n that_o breath_n forth_o here_o we_o may_v conceive_v that_o there_o be_v something_o odd_a and_o singular_a in_o this_o song_n but_o as_o to_o the_o kind_n of_o doctrine_n here_o deliver_v there_o be_v nothing_o new_a and_o to_o imagine_v the_o contrary_a be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n suppose_v there_o behove_v to_o be_v some_o strange_a liquor_n or_o meat_n in_o curious-like_a glass_n and_o dish_n because_o the_o master_n of_o a_o house_n may_v use_v variety_n of_o vessel_n for_o the_o delectation_n of_o the_o feaster_n yet_o still_o give_v the_o same_o solid_a food_n and_o drink_n though_o diverse_o prepare_v or_o as_o if_o a_o man_n will_v suppose_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o john_n do_v preach_v different_a gospel_n because_o they_o be_v of_o different_a gift_n and_o have_v a_o different_a manner_n of_o expression_n 2._o on_o thâ—_n other_o hand_n some_o be_v ready_a to_o cast_v at_o this_o book_n as_o useless_a because_o they_o see_v not_o plain_a truth_n at_o the_o first_o in_o it_o and_o possible_o think_v all_o endeavour_n to_o expound_v it_o or_o draw_v doctrine_n from_o it_o but_o a_o guess_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o offend_v when_o they_o meet_v with_o nothing_o but_o some_o such_o truth_n as_o be_v obvious_a in_o some_o other_o scripture_n this_o wrong_v the_o worth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o scripture_n also_o and_o though_o many_o and_o we_o among_o other_o may_v misapply_v something_n in_o this_o song_n yet_o to_o say_v they_o can_v be_v right_o apply_v or_o that_o such_o doctrine_n as_o we_o have_v before_o mention_v be_v not_o native_a to_o it_o be_v too_o precipitant_a to_o say_v no_o more_o for_o further_o clear_n and_o confirm_v of_o these_o proposition_n and_o conclusion_n we_o shall_v answer_v some_o objection_n or_o question_n which_o may_v be_v propose_v concern_v what_o be_v say_v first_o it_o may_v be_v object_v if_o allegoric_a scripture_n be_v so_o to_o be_v expound_v and_o such_o doctrine_n to_o be_v draw_v from_o they_o then_o why_o be_v such_o scripture_n set_v down_o under_o such_o figurative_a expression_n may_v they_o not_o be_v better_o in_o plain_a word_n or_o may_v not_o such_o plain_a scripture_n be_v rather_o expound_v which_o bear_v such_o doctrine_n with_o less_o difficulty_n ans._n if_o this_o be_v urge_v it_o will_v not_o only_o reflect_v on_o this_o song_n but_o on_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o also_o on_o the_o expound_v of_o such_o scripture_n yea_o it_o will_v reflect_v on_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o his_o sovereignty_n who_o may_v choose_v what_o way_n he_o please_v to_o express_v his_o mind_n to_o his_o people_n and_o what_o ever_o way_n he_o take_v to_o do_v this_o sure_a it_o be_v still_o the_o best_a and_o it_o may_v warrant_v we_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o way_n he_o have_v take_v to_o speak_v his_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o speak_v yet_o there_o may_v be_v good_a end_n give_v of_o this_o his_o way_n or_o weighty_a reason_n even_o for_o our_o behoof_n why_o he_o speak_v to_o his_o people_n in_o such_o term_n and_o language_n as_o 1._o here_o he_o put_v all_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o believer_n together_o as_o in_o one_o map_n which_o be_v
meet_v with_o more_o grievous_a and_o dangerous_a than_o what_o she_o meet_v with_o from_o such_o although_o this_o be_v a_o exercise_n and_o trial_n ordinary_o incident_a to_o she_o 2._o the_o cure_n the_o lord_n provide_v be_v the_o furnish_n of_o his_o church_n with_o discipline_n and_o the_o give_v of_o direction_n for_o manage_v of_o it_o in_o these_o word_n take_v we_o etc._n etc._n wherein_o consider_v these_o four_o 1._o to_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v 2._o what_o be_v require_v 3._o a_o motive_n insinuat_fw-la in_o the_o expression_n take_v we_o 4._o the_o extent_n of_o the_o direction_n for_o the_o obviate_a of_o a_o question_n it_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v direct_v to_o one_o of_o four_o 1._o either_o to_o the_o bride_n or_o 2._o to_o angel_n or_o 3._o to_o magistrate_n or_o 4._o to_o church-guides_a now_o it_o be_v to_o none_o of_o the_o first_o three_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v to_o the_o last_o and_o four_o first_o it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o bride_n for_o 1._o the_o word_n take_v in_o the_o original_a be_v in_o the_o plural-number_n and_o signify_v take_v you_o now_o the_o lord_n use_v not_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n but_o as_o to_o one_o 2._o he_o say_v take_v we_o and_o so_o take_v the_o bride_n in_o with_o himself_o as_o a_o party_n for_o who_o this_o service_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v the_o speech_n must_v be_v direct_v to_o some_o three_o 2._o it_o be_v not_o direct_v to_o angel_n these_o be_v not_o speak_v to_o in_o all_o this_o song_n and_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v while_o the_o church_n be_v militant_a they_o come_v not_o in_o to_o gather_v the_o tare_n from_o the_o wheat_n till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o to_o separate_v the_o bad_a fish_n from_o the_o good_a till_o the_o net_n by_o fair_o on_o the_o shore_n 3._o this_o direction_n can_v be_v give_v to_o the_o magistrate_n for_o beside_o that_o he_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o this_o song_n nor_o as_o such_o have_v he_o any_o part_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o capable_a to_o be_v thus_o speak_v unto_o although_o the_o duty_n from_o the_o force_n of_o its_o argument_n will_v also_o reach_v he_o in_o his_o station_n because_o he_o shall_v so_o far_o as_o he_o can_v prevent_v the_o spoil_n of_o christ_n vineyard_n in_o his_o place_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v this_o direction_n must_v take_v place_n in_o all_o time_n whenever_o the_o church_n have_v such_o a_o trial_n to_o wrestle_v with_o otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o christ_n scope_n nor_o commensurable_a with_o her_o need_n now_o for_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n the_o church_n want_v magistrate_n to_o put_v this_o direction_n in_o practice_n yet_o want_v she_o not_o fox_n nor_o be_v she_o without_o a_o suitable_a capacity_n of_o guard_v herself_o against_o they_o by_o that_o power_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v furnish_v she_o it_o remain_v therefore_o 4._o that_o it_o must_v be_v speak_v to_o christ_n minister_n and_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n call_v ruler_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o this_o song_n watchmen_z and_o keeper_n of_o this_o vineyard_n as_o by_o office_n contradistinguish_v from_o professor_n chap._n 3._o 3._o and_o 5._o 7._o and_o 8._o 11_o 12._o such_o the_o church_n never_o want_v such_o be_v require_v to_o watch_v act._n 20._o 24._o against_o wolf_n and_o such_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v commend_v rev._n 2._o 3_o 4._o for_o put_v this_o direction_n in_o execution_n 2._o the_o duty_n here_o require_v be_v to_o take_v they_o as_o man_n use_v to_o hunt_v fox_n till_o they_o be_v take_v and_o this_o imply_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a for_o prevent_v their_o hurt_v of_o christ_n vine_n christ_n minister_n be_v to_o lay_v out_o themselves_o in_o discover_v confute_v and_o convince_a censure_v and_o reject_v they_o tit._n 3._o 11._o that_o be_v not_o to_o endure_v they_o that_o be_v evil_a but_o to_o try_v they_o judicial_o as_o it_o be_v rev._n 2._o 2._o obs._n 1_o christ_n church_n be_v furnish_v with_o sufficient_a authority_n in_o herself_o for_o her_o own_o edification_n and_o for_o censure_v of_o such_o as_o will_v obstruct_v the_o same_o 2._o this_o church-authority_n be_v not_o give_v to_o professor_n in_o common_a or_o to_o the_o bride_n as_o the_o first_o subject_n but_o to_o their_o guide_n christ_n minister_n and_o servant_n 3._o it_o be_v no_o less_o a_o duty_n nor_o be_v it_o less_o necessary_a to_o put_v forth_o this_o power_n against_o false_a teacher_n than_o against_o other_o gross_a offender_n so_o do_v paul_n 2_o tim._n 1._o ult_n and_o so_o command_v he_o other_o to_o do_v tit._n 3._o 10._o heresy_n and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n be_v also_o a_o fruit_n of_o the_o flesh_n gal._n 5._o 20._o as_o well_o as_o other_o scandalous_a sin_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o press_v this_o employ_v while_o he_o say_v take_v we_o which_o word_v insinuat_fw-la that_o its_o service_n both_o to_o he_o and_o she_o and_o that_o minister_n be_v his_o servant_n and_o the_o church_n for_o christ_n sake_n it_o show_v also_o his_o sympathy_n in_o put_v himself_o as_o it_o be_v in_o hazard_n with_o she_o at_o least_o mystical_o consider_v and_o his_o love_n in_o comfort_v she_o that_o he_o think_v himself_o concern_v in_o the_o restraint_n of_o these_o fox_n as_o well_o as_o she_o be_v 4._o the_o direction_n be_v amplify_v to_o remove_v a_o objection_n say_v some_o all_o heresy_n or_o all_o heretic_n be_v not_o equal_a some_o comparative_o be_v little_a to_o be_v regard_v and_o its_o cruelty_n to_o meddle_v with_o these_o that_o seem_v to_o profess_v fair_a no_o say_v he_o take_v they_o all_o even_o the_o little_a fox_n for_o though_o they_o be_v little_a yet_o they_o be_v fox_n though_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o gross_a kind_n as_o all_o scandal_n in_o fact_n be_v not_o alike_o yet_o none_o be_v to_o be_v dispense_v with_o so_o they_o be_v say_v he_o fox_n and_o corrupt_v other_o for_o a_o little_a leaven_n will_v leaven_n the_o whole_a lump_n often_o small-like_a schism_n or_o heresy_n such_o as_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n etc._n etc._n have_v be_v exceed_o deface_v to_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o say_v he_o hunt_v and_o take_v they_o all_o how_o small_a a_o friend_n be_v our_o lord_n to_o toleration_n and_o how_o displease_v be_v he_o with_o many_o error_n that_o the_o world_n think_v little_a of_o magistrate_n minister_n and_o people_n may_v learn_v here_o what_o distance_n ought_v to_o be_v keep_v with_o the_o spreader_n of_o the_o least_o error_n and_o how_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o concur_v in_o their_o station_n for_o prevent_v the_o hurt_n that_o come_v by_o they_o the_o last_o thing_n in_o the_o verse_n be_v the_o reason_n wherewith_o this_o direction_n be_v back_v and_o press_v the_o first_o be_v all_o of_o they_o spoil_v the_o vine_n error_n never_o run_v loose_a and_o heretic_n never_o get_v liberty_n but_o the_o spoil_n of_o the_o vine_n one_o way_n or_o other_o follow_v and_o can_v beast_n be_v suffer_v in_o a_o garden_n or_o orchard_n and_o the_o plant_n not_o be_v hurt_v 2._o if_o any_o say_v they_o be_v but_o little_a fox_n and_o unable_a to_o hurt_v he_o answer_v this_o and_o add_v a_o second_o reason_n in_o say_v the_o grape_n be_v tender_a or_o the_o vine_n be_v in_o the_o first_o grape_n that_o be_v as_o they_o while_o scarce_o bud_v or_o sprout_v be_v easy_o blast_v by_o a_o small_a wind_n so_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o a_o believer_n or_o christ_n ordinance_n in_o his_o church_n be_v most_o precious_a and_o tender_a ware_n and_o can_v abide_v rough_a hand_n even_o the_o least_o of_o seducer_n or_o corrupt_a teacher_n may_v easy_o wrong_v they_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o they_o may_v be_v soon_o spoil_v if_o they_o be_v not_o tender_o and_o careful_o look_v to_o obs._n 1_o they_o that_o have_v grace_n will_v be_v tender_a of_o it_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v hurt_v 2._o gracious_a person_n will_v not_o think_v themselves_o without_o the_o reach_n of_o hazard_n from_o corrupt_a teacher_n for_o this_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o bride_n the_o fox_n spoil_v the_o vine_n 3._o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v exceed_o tender_a of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o and_o among_o his_o people_n and_o where_o it_o be_v weak_a he_o be_v some_o way_n most_o tender_a of_o it_o 4._o this_o argument_n here_o make_v use_n of_o say_v also_o that_o these_o who_o be_v most_o tender_a of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o people_n will_v be_v most_o zealous_a against_o false_a teacher_n even_o the_o least_o of_o they_o for_o these_o two_o be_v join_v together_o in_o he_o and_o be_v in_o themselves_o necessary_a to_o preserve_v
afford_v many_o such_o doctrine_n as_o chap._n 3._o 3_o as_o 1._o the_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o distinct_a incorporation_n by_o itself_o and_o all_o its_o member_n have_v right_a to_o its_o privilege_n to_o wit_n such_o whereof_o they_o be_v capable_a it_o be_v the_o city_n and_o they_o be_v the_o citizen_n eph._n 2._o 19_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o city_n that_o be_v not_o without_o fear_n and_o hazard_n though_o it_o have_v wall_n but_o it_o have_v need_v to_o be_v watch_v both_o within_o and_o without_o or_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v many_o enemy_n she_o be_v in_o constant_a war_n hence_o therefore_o be_v she_o call_v the_o militant_a church_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n she_o have_v wall_n and_o watchman_n 3._o the_o lord_n have_v provide_v she_o with_o sufficient_a mean_n against_o all_o assault_n 4._o a_o lawfully-called_n ministry_n or_o watchman_n peculiar_o defign_v for_o that_o end_n be_v the_o great_a mean_a christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o prevent_v the_o hurt_n and_o promove_v the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o his_o church_n eph._n 2._o 12_o 13._o they_o be_v as_o the_o sentinel_n which_o he_o have_v set_v on_o the_o wall_n for_o give_v advertisement_n and_o warning_n and_o this_o well_o become_v their_o office_n isa._n 62._o 6._o ezek._n 3._o and_o 33._o chapter_n and_o elsewhere_o 5._o tender_a believer_n will_v put_v a_o great_a price_n upon_o public_a ordinance_n even_o when_o they_o seem_v to_o themselves_o to_o come_v little_a speed_n in_o their_o private_a duty_n private_a diligence_n further_v public_a and_o public_a further_v private_a these_o two_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v neither_o will_v they_o be_v separat_fw-la in_o a_o tender_a person_n but_o go_v together_o 6._o tender_a believer_n may_v have_v weight_n add_v to_o their_o exercise_n and_o a_o load_n put_v above_o a_o burden_n even_o by_o these_o who_o station_n and_o relation_n call_v for_o much_o more_o sympathy_n and_o heal_n 7._o public_a ordinance_n may_v be_v sometime_o unfruitful_a to_o believer_n even_o when_o they_o have_v great_a need_n and_o be_v under_o great_a sense_n of_o need_n 8._o when_o one_o that_o be_v tender_a get_v no_o good_a nor_o ease_n by_o public_a ordinance_n often_o there_o be_v a_o addition_n make_v to_o his_o burden_n thereby_o 9_o untender_a unskilful_a and_o unfaithful_a man_n may_v creep_v in_o and_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n and_o to_o watch_v over_o the_o church_n as_o judas_n be_v 10._o when_o such_o be_v gift_v and_o as_o to_o order_n lawful_o call_v they_o be_v true_o minister_n though_o not_o true_a minister_n and_o have_v authority_n for_o discharge_v of_o all_o duty_n and_o duty_n discharge_v or_o ordinance_n dispense_v by_o they_o according_a to_o christ_n warrant_n be_v valide_fw-la and_o the_o word_n from_o their_o mouth_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o from_o he_o therefore_o they_o be_v call_v watchman_n which_o import_v they_o to_o be_v real_o in_o office_n which_o can_v not_o be_v if_o the_o former_a assertion_n be_v not_o true_a 11._o very_o often_o tender_a believer_n in_o their_o exercise_n suffer_v much_o from_o such_o minister_n or_o a_o untender_a minister_n be_v often_o a_o great_a affliction_n to_o tender_v exercise_v believer_n yea_o of_o all_o man_n these_o prove_v most_o sad_o afflict_v to_o they_o no_o man_n wound_v godliness_n more_o or_o wound_n and_o affront_v the_o profession_n thereof_o more_o in_o they_o that_o be_v the_o most_o real_a and_o tender_a professor_n than_o a_o gift_a untender_a minister_n may_v do_v and_o often_o do_v though_o sometime_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v use_n of_o he_o for_o their_o good_a to_o humble_v they_o yet_o more_o to_o provoke_v they_o to_o the_o study_n of_o more_o seriousness_n in_o secret_a duty_n and_o to_o more_o close_a and_o constant_a wait_v on_o the_o lord_n himself_o 12._o where_o enmity_n against_o godliness_n once_o arise_v and_o vent_v itself_o against_o the_o godly_a it_o often_o grow_v from_o one_o degree_n to_o another_o as_o here_o man_n especial_o minister_n once_o engage_v in_o it_o be_v not_o easy_o recover_v and_o bring_v out_o of_o that_o evil_a but_o be_v carry_v yea_o often_o hurry_v from_o one_o step_n to_o another_o yet_o she_o account_v they_o watchman_n as_o hold_v out_o the_o respect_n she_o bear_v to_o their_o office_n even_o then_o whence_o observe_v 13._o that_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o tenderness_n to_o distinguish_v careful_o betwixt_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n or_o the_o ordinance_n itself_o and_o the_o fault_n and_o untendernesse_n of_o person_n who_o may_v miscarry_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o office_n and_o not_o to_o fall_v from_o the_o esteem_n of_o the_o ordinance_n because_o of_o they_o or_o of_o what_o fault_n may_v be_v in_o they_o but_o even_o then_o to_o respect_v the_o ordinance_n out_o of_o respect_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o institution_n and_o appointment_n 14._o believer_n will_v observe_v the_o fruit_n of_o public_a ordinance_n as_o well_o as_o of_o secret_a diligence_n as_o the_o bride_n here_o do_v vers._n 8._o i_o charge_v you_o o_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n if_o you_o find_v my_o belove_a that_o you_o tell_v he_o that_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n when_o this_o mean_a fail_v she_o she_o give_v not_o over_o but_o betake_v herself_o to_o the_o use_n of_o mutual_a fellowship_n with_o the_o saint_n which_o be_v the_o three_o step_n of_o her_o carriage_n v._n 8._o that_o she_o may_v have_v their_o help_n for_o recover_v of_o christ_n presence_n she_o propound_v her_o case_n to_o they_o and_o press_v for_o their_o bear_a burden_n with_o she_o her_o case_n be_v in_o the_o last_o word_n i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n a_o strange_a disease_n yet_o kind_o to_o a_o believer_n this_o sickness_n imply_v pain_n as_o of_o a_o woman_n in_o travel_n who_o shower_n be_v sharp_a and_o pang_n vehement_a till_o she_o bring_v forth_o the_o same_o word_n be_v use_v to_o this_o purpose_n isa._n 26._o 17._o like_a as_o a_o woman_n that_o draw_v near_o her_o delivery_n be_v in_o pain_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o import_v in_o this_o place_n these_o two_o 1._o vehement_a desire_n after_o christ_n from_o ardent_a love_v to_o he_o so_o that_o she_o can_v not_o endure_v to_o want_v he_o 2._o much_o heart-affectednesse_a follow_v upon_o that_o ardent_a desire_n which_o under_o her_o former_a disappointment_n do_v beget_v such_o pain_n and_o faint_a that_o it_o be_v as_o a_o sore_a sickness_n though_o not_o dangerous_a this_o sickness_n differ_v from_o that_o speak_v of_o chap._n 2._o 5._o as_o the_o scope_n show_v that_o be_v like_o the_o pain_n procure_v by_o a_o overset_v of_o the_o stomach_n so_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n be_v let_v out_o in_o a_o very_a great_a measure_n be_v like_a to_o master_v she_o not_o that_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n be_v simple_o or_o in_o itself_o burdensome_a but_o she_o be_v weak_a like_o a_o old_a bottle_n or_o a_o queasy_a and_o weak_a stomach_n that_o can_v bear_v much_o but_o this_o be_v like_o the_o pain_n that_o proceed_v from_o hunger_n and_o a_o strong_a appetite_n when_o that_o which_o be_v longed-for_a be_v not_o obtain_v which_o augment_v the_o desire_n and_o at_o last_o breed_v faint_a and_o sickness_n this_o show_v 1._o that_o love_n to_o christ_n where_o it_o be_v sincere_a be_v a_o most_o sensible_a thing_n 2._o that_o the_o more_o disappointment_n it_o meet_v with_o in_o seek_v after_o sensible_a manifestation_n of_o christ_n it_o grow_v the_o more_o vehement_a 3._o that_o continue_a absence_n to_o a_o tender_a soul_n will_v be_v exceed_o heavy_a and_o painful_a hope_v defer_v make_v the_o heart_n sick_a especial_o when_o the_o sweetness_n of_o christ_n presence_n have_v be_v feel_v and_o his_o absence_n distinct_o discern_v 4._o that_o christ_n presence_n be_v the_o soul_n health_n and_o his_o absence_n it_o be_v sickness_n have_v else_o what_o it_o will_n 5._o that_o love_n to_o christ_n will_v sometime_o especial_o after_o challenge_n and_o disappointment_n so_o overpower_v the_o soul_n that_o it_o can_v to_o its_o own_o sense_n at_o least_o act_n under_o it_o or_o sustain_v it_o it_o seem_v so_o heavy_a a_o burden_n as_o sickness_n will_v do_v to_o the_o body_n if_o it_o get_v not_o a_o out-gate_n the_o way_n she_o take_v to_o obtain_v christ_n after_o all_o other_o mean_n fail_v she_o be_v by_o make_v her_o application_n to_o the_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n indeed_o it_o be_v christ_n and_o not_o they_o that_o can_v cure_v she_o he_o be_v the_o only_a medicine_n for_o a_o sick_a soul_n therefore_o her_o design_n be_v not_o to_o rest_v in_o their_o company_n but_o to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o obtain_v his_o company_n for_o the_o company_n although_o it_o be_v even_o of_o angel_n will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v to_o a_o soul_n that_o seek_v
have_v give_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o presence_n believer_n be_v to_o he_o as_o tirzah_n and_o jerusalem_n the_o most_o beautiful_a city_n of_o that_o land_n for_o the_o time_n or_o the_o first_o similitude_n take_v from_o tirzah_n may_v look_v to_o outward_a beauty_n for_o tirzah_n be_v a_o beautiful_a city_n and_o the_o other_o similitude_n take_v from_o jerusalem_n may_v look_v to_o church-beauty_n as_o the_o ordinance_n be_v there_o and_o so_o the_o sense_n run_v my_o love_n thou_o be_v to_o i_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v more_o precious_a to_o he_o than_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n 3._o she_o be_v terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n a_o army_n be_v strong_a and_o fearful_a a_o bannered_a army_n be_v stately_a and_o orderly_o under_o command_n and_o 〈◊〉_d readiness_n for_o service_n a_o army_n with_o banner_n be_v a_o army_n in_o its_o most_o 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and_o these_o three_o together_o make_v the_o believer_n or_o rather_o christ_n love_n who_o use_v these_o expression_n wonderful_a 1._o the_o believer_n be_v beyond_o all_o the_o world_n for_o beauty_n 2._o the_o visible_a church_n and_o believer_n in_o she_o in_o respect_n of_o ordinance_n and_o her_o ecclesiastic_a estate_n be_v very_o comely_a and_o lovely_a and_o yet_o the_o believer_n inward_a beauty_n be_v beyond_o that_o also_o the_o king_n daughter_n be_v all_o glorious_a within_o 3._o believer_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o power_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v more_o terrible_a than_o army_n or_o all_o military_a power_n among_o man_n thou_o be_v say_v he_o so_o to_o i_o and_o have_v such_o influence_n on_o i_o and_o may_v expect_v thus_o to_o prevail_v with_o and_o in_o a_o manner_n to_o overcome_v i_o and_o so_o christ_n be_v so_o far_o from_o quarrel_v with_o she_o for_o her_o bygone_a carriage_n now_o that_o he_o effectual_o comfort_n and_o commend_v she_o hence_o observe_v 1._o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v a_o most_o friendly_a welcomer_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o the_o sweet_a passer-by_a of_o transgression_n that_o can_v be_v there_o be_v no_o upbraid_v here_o for_o any_o thing_n but_o every_o word_n speak_v how_o well_o he_o take_v with_o she_o 2._o our_o lord_n jesus_n his_o manifestation_n be_v seasonable_a and_o wise_a seasonable_a that_o now_o he_o come_v when_o the_o bride_n have_v leave_v no_o mean_a unessay_v and_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n wise_a that_o he_o come_v not_o until_o she_o have_v find_v the_o bitterness_n of_o her_o own_o way_n and_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o more_o lively_a exercise_n of_o faith_n repentance_n holiness_n and_o profitable_a experience_n therein_o of_o which_o we_o have_v speak_v in_o what_o go_v before_o 3._o the_o lord_n be_v not_o displease_v with_o humble_a believe_v and_o with_o the_o claim_n of_o interest_n in_o he_o by_o his_o own_o even_o when_o his_o dispensation_n to_o sense_n be_v dark_a but_o take_v very_o well_o with_o it_o and_o have_v a_o special_a complâ—â—ncy_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o come_v in_o with_o this_o intimation_n of_o his_o love_n here_o import_v his_o hearty_a accept_n of_o she_o 4._o the_o lord_n commendation_n of_o his_o people_n and_o the_o intimation_n of_o his_o love_n to_o they_o be_v such_o as_o it_o may_v be_v see_v he_o conform_v and_o proportion_v they_o to_o their_o condition_n and_o exercise_n and_o when_o they_o have_v be_v under_o any_o long_a and_o sharp_a exercise_n as_o the_o bride_n be_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n he_o make_v when_o he_o come_v his_o manifestation_n the_o more_o sweet_a and_o full_a as_o here_o 5._o believer_n when_o grace_n be_v exercise_v must_v needs_o be_v beautiful_a creature_n and_o much_o esteem_v of_o by_o christ_n who_o thus_o commend_v they_o 6_o grace_n and_o holiness_n in_o a_o believer_n walk_v be_v much_o more_o beautiful_a and_o acceptable_a to_o christ_n than_o the_o external_a ordinance_n though_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o as_o separable_a from_o it_o for_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v very_o beautiful_a as_o to_o ordinance_n be_v but_o a_o emblem_n of_o this_o 7._o there_o be_v a_o awfulnesse_n and_o terriblenesse_n in_o believer_n as_o well_o as_o loveliness_n which_o make_v they_o terrible_a to_o the_o profane_a even_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o a_o godly_a carriage_n put_v a_o restraint_n on_o they_o 8._o loveliness_n terriblenesse_n and_o authority_n in_o holiness_n be_v knit_v together_o when_o a_o particular_a believer_n or_o church_n be_v lively_a in_o holiness_n then_o have_v they_o weight_n and_o authority_n and_o when_o that_o fail_v they_o become_v despicable_a 9_o the_o believer_n have_v great_a weight_n with_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o only_a army_n that_o prevail_v over_o he_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a weapon_n be_v humble_o exercise_v by_o which_o they_o overcome_v this_o be_v more_o full_o express_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n vers._n 5._o turn_v away_o thy_o eye_n from_o i_o for_o they_o have_v overcome_v i_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o five_o verse_n contain_v the_o amplification_n and_o heighten_v of_o the_o bride_n lovely_a terriblenesse_n and_o the_o great_a instance_n and_o proof_n thereof_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o a_o most_o wonderful_a expression_n turn_v away_o thy_o eye_n from_o i_o and_o as_o wonderful_a a_o reason_n for_o they_o have_v overcome_v i_o say_v the_o belove_a wherein_o consider_v 1._o that_o wherein_o this_o might_n and_o irresistible_a terriblenesse_n of_o she_o consist_v it_o be_v her_o eye_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v look_v on_o he_o even_o when_o she_o know_v not_o to_o her_o sense_n where_o he_o be_v by_o eye_n we_o show_v chap._n 4._o 9_o be_v understand_v her_o love_n to_o he_o and_o say_v in_o he_o whereby_o she_o be_v still_o cleave_v to_o he_o under_o desertion_n and_o in_o