december_n 12._o 1667._o it_o be_v order_v by_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n privy_a council_n that_o none_o shall_v re-print_n or_o import_n this_o book_n entitle_v clavis_fw-la cantici_fw-la for_o the_o space_n of_o nintine_a year_n without_o licence_n of_o the_o printer_n hereof_o p._n w._n clavis_fw-la cantici_fw-la or_o a_o exposition_n of_o the_o song_n of_o solomon_n by_o james_n durham_n late_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o glasgow_n col._n 3._o 16._o let_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o in_o all_o wisdom_n teach_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n sing_v with_o grace_n in_o your_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n eph._n 5._o 2._o and_o walk_v in_o love_n as_o christ_n also_o have_v love_v we_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 13_o and_o now_o abide_v faith_n hope_n love_n these_o three_o but_o the_o great_a of_o these_o be_v love_n edinburgh_n print_v by_o george_n swintoun_n and_o james_n glen_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o their_o shop_n in_o the_o parliament-yard_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1668._o to_o the_o christian_a reader_n god_n be_v the_o immortal_a soul_n chief_a good_a it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o what_o unite_v the_o soul_n unto_o god_n must_v be_v the_o soul_n chief_a ornament_n and_o grace_n and_o such_o be_v love_n that_o principium_fw-la uniens_fw-la or_o principle_n unite_n the_o soul_n unto_o god_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o even_o in_o good_a spiritual_a and_o elevate_a reason_n the_o apostle_n prefer_v love_n among_o the_o soul_n three_o cardinal_a virtue_n 1_o cor_fw-la 13._o 13._o and_o now_o abide_v faith_n hope_n and_o love_n and_o the_o great_a of_o these_o be_v love_n indeed_o faith_n go_v out_o from_o the_o sinner_n to_o rest_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n the_o justifier_n of_o the_o ungodly_a and_o there_o be_v no_o sinner_n nor_o unclean_a thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o hope_v look_v unto_o and_o after_o a_o country_n that_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o possessor_n of_o and_o love_n yea_o love_v alone_o fill_v heaven_n unto_o all_o eternity_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o love_n be_v the_o soul_n most_o adorn_v ornament_n its_o most_o heavenly_a frame_n now_o of_o all_o book_n in_o holy_a scripture_n it_o have_v please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o entitle_v the_o song_n of_o solomon_n or_o his_o book_n of_o love_n thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o song_n of_o song_n all_o song_n all_o love_n all_o outgoing_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v invaluable_a to_o this_o souls-song_n and_o love_n unite_n christ_n and_o the_o soul._n this_o posthume_n work_v then_o of_o the_o precious_a author_n mr._n durham_n be_v commendable_a to_o the_o church_n if_o there_o be_v need_n of_o â—â—y_a additional_a commendation_n beyond_o the_o name_n of_o his_o name_n to_o it_o upon_o more_o account_n than_o one_o first_o it_o be_v do_v upon_o the_o high_a sweet_a deep_a subject_n love_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o chief_a good_a even_o god_n in_o christ._n second_o it_o be_v do_v spiritual_o yet_o plain_o upon_o a_o most_o spiritual_a yet_o mysterious_a portion_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o three_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v oblige_v to_o god_n in_o this_o that_o they_o have_v have_v from_o this_o bright_a candle_n among_o the_o lord_n candlestick_n a_o light_n shine_v upon_o and_o discover_v those_o two_o mysterious_a book_n of_o scripture_n canticle_n and_o revelation_n four_o if_o a_o word_n fit_o speak_v be_v as_o apple_n of_o gold_n in_o picture_n of_o silver_n prov._n 25._o 11._o sure_o then_o it_o be_v high_o commend_v of_o god_n goodness_n to_o the_o author_n that_o he_o be_v lead_v on_o this_o work_n of_o preach_v lecture_a and_o write_v on_o this_o song_n of_o love_n those_o sweet_a concord_n and_o begin_v music_n of_o heaven_n between_o christ_n and_o soul_n and_o that_o in_o time_n of_o sad_a discord_n and_o very_o immusical_a jarring_n in_o the_o church_n a_o argument_n of_o a_o excellent_a soul-frame_n in_o a_o very_a evil_a time_n a_o demonstration_n whereof_o and_o of_o his_o heal_a disposition_n o_o how_o apparent_a be_v it_o in_o that_o rare_a piece_n of_o he_o upon_o scandal_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v thou_o any_o further_a save_v that_o i_o cordial_o wish_v the_o lord_n may_v be_v please_v so_o to_o bless_v thy_o perusal_n of_o this_o present_a treatise_n as_o it_o may_v tend_v not_o only_o to_o the_o present_a but_o also_o to_o the_o everlasting_a well-being_n of_o thy_o soul._n and_o so_o i_o bid_v thou_o farewell_n clavis_fw-la cantici_fw-la or_o a_o key_n of_o the_o song_n useful_a for_o open_v up_o thereof_o this_o be_v a_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o exposition_n whereof_o many_o in_o all_o age_n have_v shâ—â—ned_v to_o adventure_v upon_o and_o true_o i_o have_v look_v upon_o it_o of_o a_o long_a time_n as_o not_o convenient_a to_o be_v treat_v upon_o before_o all_o auditory_n nor_o easy_a by_o many_o to_o be_v understand_v especial_o because_o of_o the_o height_n of_o spiritual_a expression_n 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subject_a and_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v so_o divine_a carry_v alongst_o with_o it_o many_o various_a case_n both_o of_o particular_a soul_n as_o also_o of_o the_o church_n both_o visible_a and_o invisible_a with_o many_o excellent_a commendation_n of_o christ_n the_o bridegroom_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o his_o friend_n meditation_n and_o can_v but_o be_v profitable_a if_o he_o bless_v they_o there_o be_v here_o map_n almost_o for_o all_o condition_n 3._o because_o the_o style_n and_o composition_n be_v so_o divine_a and_o excellent_a carry_v affection_n alongst_o with_o it_o and_o captivate_v they_o in_o the_o very_a read_n so_o that_o few_o can_v read_v this_o song_n but_o they_o must_v fall_v in_o love_n with_o it_o we_o will_v therefore_o see_v what_o be_v within_o it_o if_o at_o least_o we_o may_v get_v a_o taste_n of_o that_o which_o do_v so_o sweet_o relish_v 4._o it_o seem_v the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o put_v it_o into_o such_o a_o mould_n intend_v to_o 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holy_a ghost_n in_o put_v this_o song_n upon_o record_n whether_o after_o or_o before_o his_o backslide_n it_o be_v not_o much_o to_o we_o though_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v after_o in_o the_o warmness_n of_o a_o spirit_n sensible_a of_o this_o so_o great_a a_o deliverance_n for_o here_o we_o may_v as_o it_o be_v see_v he_o make_v use_n of_o that_o experience_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o thing_n he_o have_v find_v come_v to_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n as_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n whereof_o this_o song_n of_o love_n be_v not_o a_o little_a evidence_n and_o which_o look_v like_o his_o own_o say_n eccles._n 12._o 13._o the_o mean_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o more_o perspicuous_a handle_n and_o your_o more_o profitable_a hear_n of_o this_o profound_a scripture_n will_v be_v
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
may_v attain_v to_o a_o great_a height_n and_o yet_o corruption_n may_v again_o strange_o break_v out_o and_o grace_n be_v bring_v very_o low_a what_o knowledge_n have_v solomon_n what_o presence_n and_o clearness_n have_v he_o get_v by_o the_o lord_n be_v appear_v to_o he_o what_o hear_v of_o pâ—ayer_n how_o useful_a be_v he_o in_o god_n work_n in_o build_v the_o temple_n order_v all_o the_o levit_n &_o c_o and_o continue_a thus_o eminent_a for_o many_o year_n even_o till_o he_o be_v well_o strike_v in_o year_n and_o then_o fall_v so_o foul_o how_o may_v this_o strike_v we_o with_o fear_n it_o be_v much_o to_o win_v fair_a off_o the_o stage_n without_o a_o spot_n be_v humble_a and_o he_o that_o stand_v let_v he_o take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v 5._o grace_n can_v wash_v foul_a spot_n out_o of_o believer_n garment_n see_v no_o question_n solomon_n be_v washen_v and_o as_o he_o be_v recover_v so_o grace_n be_v able_a to_o recover_v the_o saint_n from_o their_o most_o dangerous_a aâ—d_n fearful_a backslide_n 6._o sometime_o the_o spirit_n will_v honour_v the_o penman_n of_o holy_a writ_n by_o mention_v and_o record_v their_o name_n other_o time_n not_o as_o be_v clear_a from_o some_o book_n unknown_a by_o who_o they_o be_v write_v the_o lord_n do_v in_o this_o according_a to_o his_o pleasure_n and_o as_o he_o see_v it_o may_v tend_v to_o edification_n vers._n 2._o let_v he_o kiss_v i_o with_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n for_o thy_o love_n be_v better_a than_o wine_n have_v speak_v to_o the_o title_n we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o song_n itself_o which_o be_v by_o way_n of_o conference_n or_o dialogue_n we_o shall_v divide_v the_o several_a chapter_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o their_o several_a intercourse_n in_o speak_v and_o so_o in_o this_o chap._n we_o have_v 5._o part_n in_o the_o 1._o the_o bride_n speak_v to_o vers_n 8._o in_o the_o 2._o the_o bridegroom_n to_o vers_n 12._o in_o the_o 3._o the_o bride_n again_o to_z vers_n 15._o and_o 4._o the_o bridegroom_n speak_v vers_fw-la 14._o and_o last_o the_o bride_n in_o the_o two_o last_o verse_n the_o bride_n begin_v this_o sweet_a conference_n vers_fw-la 2._o and_o continues_z to_z vers_n 8._o 1._o she_o speak_v to_o christ_n vers_fw-la 2_o 3_o 4._o then_o 2._o to_o the_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n vers_fw-la 5_o 6._o last_o she_o turn_v herself_o again_o to_o the_o bridegroom_n vers_fw-la 7._o in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o there_o be_v 1._o her_o aim_n and_o desire_n by_o way_n of_o a_o earnest_n wish_v lay_v down_o vers_n 1._o 2._o the_o motive_n that_o stir_v up_o this_o desire_n in_o she_o and_o whereby_o she_o press_v it_o on_o he_o vers_n 2_o 3._o 3._o there_o be_v a_o formal_a prayer_n set_v down_o vers_n 4._o which_o be_v amplify_v in_o these_o three_o 1._o in_o the_o motive_n propose_v 2._o in_o the_o answer_n obtain_v and_o feel_v 3._o in_o the_o effect_n that_o follow_v on_o it_o her_o great_a wish_n be_v let_v he_o kiss_v i_o with_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n that_o it_o be_v the_o bride_n that_o speak_v be_v clear_a she_o begin_v not_o because_o love_n arise_v first_o on_o her_o side_n for_o here_o she_o begin_v as_o have_v already_o close_v with_o he_o and_o therefore_o she_o speak_v to_o he_o as_o one_o who_o know_v his_o worth_n and_o belong_v for_o the_o out-letting_n of_o his_o love_n but_o because_o such_o expression_n of_o christ_n love_n as_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o song_n whereby_o his_o complacency_n be_v vent_v and_o manifest_v towards_o we_o do_v first_o presuppose_v the_o work_n of_o love_n in_o we_o and_o our_o exercise_v of_o it_o on_o he_o and_o then_o his_o delight_v that_o be_v his_o express_v his_o delight_n in_o we_o for_o although_o the_o man_n first_o suit_n the_o wife_n and_o so_o christ_n first_o sue_v for_o his_o bride_n yet_o when_o person_n be_v marry_v it_o be_v most_o suitable_a that_o the_o wife_n shall_v very_o press_o long_a for_o and_o express_v desire_n after_o the_o husband_n even_o as_o the_o bride_n do_v here_o after_o christ_n kiss_n and_o the_o expression_n of_o his_o love_n of_o this_o order_n of_o christ_n love_n see_v chap._n 8._o vers._n 10._o in_o the_o word_n consider_v 1._o what_o she_o desire_v and_o that_o be_v the_o kisses_z of_o his_o mouth_n 2._o how_o she_o point_v christ_n forth_o by_o this_o significant_a demonstrative_a he_o 3._o her_o abrupt_a manner_n of_o break_v out_o with_o this_o her_o desire_n as_o one_o that_o have_v be_v dwell_v on_o the_o thought_n of_o christ_n and_o feed_v on_o his_o excellency_n and_o therefore_o now_o she_o break_v out_o let_v he_o kiss_v i_o etc._n etc._n as_o if_o her_o heart_n be_v at_o her_o mouth_n or_o will_v leap_v out_o of_o her_o mouth_n to_o meet_v with_o he_o first_o by_o kiss_n we_o understand_v most_o lovely_a friendly_a familiar_a and_o sensible_a manifestation_n of_o his_o love_n kiss_n of_o the_o mouth_n be_v so_o among_o friend_n so_o it_o be_v betwixt_o jonathan_n and_o david_n and_o so_o it_o be_v especial_o betwixt_o husband_n and_o wife_n next_o there_o be_v several_a delightsome_a circumstance_n that_o heighten_v the_o bride_n esteem_v of_o this_o the_o so_o much_o desire_v expression_n of_o his_o love_n the_o 1._o be_v employ_v in_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o kiss_v it_o be_v him_n let_v he_o kiss_v he_o who_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o singular_a person_n in_o the_o world_n the_o 2._o be_v hint_v in_o the_o party_n who_o he_o be_v to_o kiss_v it_o be_v i_o let_v he_o kiss_v i_o a_o contemptible_a despicable_a creature_n for_o so_o she_o be_v in_o herself_o as_o appear_v from_o vers_fw-la 5_o 6._o yet_o this_o be_v the_o person_n this_o love_n be_v to_o be_v vent_v on_o 3._o wherewith_o be_v he_o to_o kiss_v it_o be_v with_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n which_o we_o conceive_v be_v not_o only_o add_v as_o a_o hebraism_n like_o that_o expression_n the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o such_o like_a phrase_n but_o also_o to_o affect_v herself_o by_o express_v full_o what_o she_o breathe_v after_o to_o wit_n kiss_n or_o love_n which_o be_v the_o more_o lovely_a to_o she_o that_o they_o come_v from_o his_o mouth_n as_o have_v a_o sweetness_n in_o it_o chap._n 5._o 16._o above_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o christ_n love_n have_v such_o a_o sweetness_n in_o it_o the_o reason_n subjoin_v will_v clear_v for_o thy_o love_n be_v etc._n etc._n that_o which_o be_v here_o kiss_n be_v immediate_o denominat_fw-la love_v it_o be_v his_o love_n that_o she_o prize_v and_o whereof_o kiss_n be_v but_o evidence_n they_o be_v kiss_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n partly_o to_o show_v how_o many_o way_n christ_n have_v to_o manifest_v his_o love_n partly_o to_o show_v the_o continuance_n and_o frequency_n of_o these_o manifestation_n which_o she_o will_v be_v at_o the_o thing_n which_o she_o here_o desire_v be_v not_o love_v simple_o but_o the_o sense_n of_o love_n for_o she_o question_v not_o his_o love_n but_o desire_v to_o have_v sensible_a expression_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o compare_v it_o not_o only_o to_o look_n that_o she_o may_v see_v he_o but_o to_o kiss_n which_o be_v also_o clear_a from_o the_o reason_n annex_v while_o she_o compare_v his_o love_n to_o wine_n again_o her_o manner_n of_o design_v christ_n be_v observable_a he_o it_o be_v a_o relative_a where_o no_o antecedent_n go_v before_o yet_o certain_o it_o look_v to_o christ_n alone_o as_o the_o reason_n show_v here_o no_o rule_n of_o art_n be_v keep_v for_o love_n stand_v not_o on_o these_o this_o manner_n of_o speak_v be_v to_o be_v find_v also_o in_o moral_a author_n when_o one_o eminent_a be_v set_v forth_o who_o be_v singular_o know_v beside_o other_o as_o have_v in_o the_o estimation_n of_o the_o speaker_n no_o match_n so_o pythagora_n scholar_n use_v to_o say_v of_o their_o master_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o say_v it_o and_o in_o scripture_n when_o the_o saint_n speak_v of_o the_o lord_n they_o thus_o design_v he_o because_o they_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o be_v mistake_v psal._n 87._o 1._o his_o foundation_n etc._n etc._n and_o isaiah_n 53._o 2._o he_o shall_v grow_v up_o like_a to_o a_o tender_a plant_n this_o be_v neither_o for_o want_v of_o title_n due_a to_o he_o or_o rhetoric_n in_o she_o but_o because_o in_o this_o manner_n of_o expression_n the_o saint_n set_v forth_o 1._o christ_n singular_a excellency_n which_o be_v such_o that_o he_o have_v no_o match_n or_o equal_a there_o be_v but_o one_o he_o 2._o their_o singular_a esteem_n of_o he_o whatever_o other_o think_v 1_o cor._n 8._o 6._o to_o we_o there_o be_v but_o one_o lord_n jesus_n only_a christ_n be_v esteem_v of_o
now_o suffer_v and_o that_o the_o way_n of_o reveal_v he_o then_o be_v some_o way_n different_a from_o that_o we_o have_v now_o will_v not_o make_v another_o gospel_n covenant_n faith_n yea_o nor_o church_n we_o be_v graft_v in_o that_o same_o stock_n which_o they_o once_o grow_v upon_o and_o be_v by_o faith_n heir_n of_o the_o same_o promise_n which_o sometime_o they_o possess_v object_n 3._o if_o any_o shall_v yet_o doubt_v if_o solomon_n know_v or_o intend_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o and_o that_o therefore_o they_o can_v be_v well_o digest_v if_o draw_v from_o this_o song_n beyond_o his_o mind_n and_o meaning_n â—_o ans._n 1._o our_o great_a purpose_n be_v to_o know_v what_o the_o spirit_n intend_v and_o not_o what_o solomon_n understand_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o spirit_n be_v intention_n to_o set_v out_o christ_n way_n with_o his_o church_n then_o such_o doctrine_n as_o agree_v therewith_o must_v be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o meaning_n 2._o yea_o suppose_v solomon_n and_o other_o prophet_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a in_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o spirit_n foretell_v by_o they_o as_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a in_o some_o extraordinary_a thing_n especial_o when_o their_o knowledge_n in_o these_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o prophecy_n for_o they_o may_v have_v a_o kind_n of_o nescience_n in_o the_o particular_n though_o they_o be_v sure_o the_o thing_n they_o deliver_v be_v in_o the_o complex_fw-la prophesy_v god_n word_n yet_o will_v any_o say_v that_o we_o shall_v limit_v the_o word_n speak_v by_o they_o to_o their_o understanding_n of_o they_o if_o so_o by_o what_o rule_n will_v we_o know_v if_o or_o how_o they_o do_v understand_v they_o 3._o therefore_o we_o say_v it_o be_v with_o solomon_n here_o as_o with_o other_o prophet_n as_o isaiah_n and_o other_o who_o speak_v many_o of_o the_o gospel-truth_n which_o in_o particular_a they_o may_v not_o so_o full_o know_v as_o we_o do_v now_o when_o these_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v yet_o be_v it_o never_o doubt_v but_o the_o most_o deep_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v contain_v in_o their_o prophecy_n yet_o 4._o we_o say_v there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o think_v but_o solomon_n know_v much_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o song_n yea_o more_o than_o many_o learned_a man_n now_o a-days_o for_o 1._o he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o believer_n but_o one_o eminent_a for_o gift_n and_o knowledge_n and_o none_o will_v say_v but_o he_o be_v so_o for_o divine_a knowledge_n as_o well_o as_o humane_a as_o his_o book_n particular_o prov._n 4._o 8_o 9_o chapter_n in_o his_o description_n of_o christ_n the_o substantial_a wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n do_v show_v and_o can_v it_o be_v think_v he_o write_v this_o book_n without_o any_o sense_n of_o what_o he_o write_v 2._o can_v it_o be_v think_v but_o he_o lavel_v what_o he_o write_v here_o at_o a_o scope_n and_o that_o afterward_o himself_o make_v use_v of_o it_o for_o his_o edification_n and_o comfort_n which_o can_v not_o be_v do_v if_o he_o have_v not_o understand_v the_o most_o of_o these_o gospel-mystery_n upon_o which_o all_o this_o sweet_a conference_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n be_v found_v 3._o his_o writing_n in_o such_o term_n show_v that_o the_o word_n be_v not_o ignorant_o fall_v upon_o but_o he_o have_v knowledge_n of_o all_o herb_n spice_n etc._n etc._n and_o how_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o spiritual_a thing_n pitch_v upon_o these_o as_o the_o most_o pertinent_a similitude_n which_o be_v therefore_o by_o the_o special_a wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n make_v use_v of_o in_o this_o song_n as_o in_o other_o his_o write_n yea_o certain_o his_o knowledge_n how_o spiritual_a mystery_n be_v couch_v up_o in_o these_o similitude_n and_o represent_v by_o they_o be_v beyond_o what_o we_o can_v reach_v unto_o now_o and_o therefore_o we_o dare_v not_o insist_v or_o be_v peremptory_a in_o the_o particular_a application_n of_o these_o similitude_n 4._o the_o subject_n of_o this_o song_n not_o be_v prophetical_a but_o narrative_a and_o doctrinal_a contain_v such_o exercise_n as_o may_v be_v and_o certain_o be_v find_v in_o believer_n even_o then_o and_o such_o dispensation_n as_o they_o use_v to_o meet_v with_o will_v any_o say_v he_o be_v a_o stranger_n unto_o they_o see_v there_o be_v access_n to_o know_v these_o much_o better_a than_o prophecy_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o come_v yea_o 5._o be_v there_o any_o thing_n here_o but_o what_o in_o other_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o especial_o song_n and_o psalm_n be_v to_o be_v find_v where_o the_o case_n and_o exercise_n of_o god_n people_n be_v set_v down_o and_o it_o need_v not_o be_v think_v strange_a if_o we_o equal_v he_o in_o knowledge_n with_o other_o of_o his_o time_n or_o before_o he_o and_o that_o he_o set_v down_o in_o a_o more_o artificial_a manner_n according_a to_o his_o measure_n of_o gift_n that_o which_o other_o set_v down_o in_o more_o plain_a term_n yet_o both_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n we_o may_v then_o confident_o hazard_v to_o draw_v the_o same_o doctrine_n concern_v christ_n the_o gospel_n church_n etc._n etc._n from_o it_o that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o other_o more_o clear_a and_o plain_a scripture_n one_o of_o the_o father_n athanas._n in_o synops._n compare_v this_o song_n with_o other_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n say_v it_o be_v as_o john_n baptist_n among_o the_o prophet_n other_o scripture_n speak_v of_o christ_n as_o come_v say_v he_o and_o afar_o off_o this_o speak_v of_o he_o and_o to_o he_o as_o already_o come_v and_o near_a hand_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v so_o for_o so_o even_o then_o he_o be_v sometime_o very_o familiar_a and_o present_a both_o to_o the_o faith_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o people_n as_o well_o as_o now_o thus_o also_o even_o origen_n though_o in_o plain_a scripture_n too_o luxuriant_a yet_o in_o this_o he_o seem_v to_o own_o this_o same_o scope_n thus_o also_o zanch._n in_o eph._n 5._o make_v it_o a_o compend_n and_o copy_n of_o the_o spiritual_a marriage_n with_o christ._n and_o bodius_n in_o eph._n pag._n 114._o say_v it_o be_v ipsius_fw-la fidei_fw-la &_o religionis_fw-la christianae_n medulla_n if_o it_o be_v say_v if_o we_o interpret_v this_o song_n after_o this_o manner_n than_o all_o the_o observation_n will_v run_v upon_o believer_n case_n only_o which_o will_v seem_v to_o say_v that_o no_o doctrine_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o it_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o these_o who_o be_v yet_o unrenewed_a and_o what_o use_n can_v it_o then_o be_v of_o to_o they_o who_o yet_o be_v the_o great_a part_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o ans._n the_o gospel_n have_v doctrine_n suitable_a to_o all_o within_o the_o church_n and_o this_o song_n be_v in_o substance_n christ_n way_n with_o his_o church_n must_v also_o contain_v doctrine_n useful_a for_o all_o within_o the_o same_o 2._o in_o this_o song_n the_o church_n be_v not_o only_o consider_v as_o invisible_a and_o unite_v by_o true_a faith_n to_o christ_n but_o also_o as_o visible_a and_o as_o under_o external_a ordinance_n as_o have_v be_v say_v and_o in_o that_o respect_n it_o furnish_v doctrine_n fit_a for_o all_o 3._o this_o song_n will_v furnish_v doctrine_n useful_a for_o these_o as_o other_o parable_n or_o allegory_n of_o that_o kind_n do_v which_o christ_n use_v often_o even_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o such_o 4._o doctrine_n from_o all_o place_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v raise_v by_o analogy_n as_o from_o such_o place_n where_o god_n hold_v forth_o the_o way_n he_o use_v with_o his_o own_o when_o they_o have_v wrong_v he_o by_o sin_n which_o be_v to_o humble_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n ere_o they_o see_v his_o face_n again_o sin_n become_v bitter_a even_o to_o they_o from_o such_o place_n i_o say_v we_o may_v gather_v by_o proportion_n that_o god_n way_n with_o unrenewed_a sinner_n who_o he_o mind_v to_o bring_v to_o peace_n and_o friendship_n with_o himself_o be_v to_o humble_v they_o and_o make_v sin_n bitter_a to_o they_o see_v the_o recover_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o first_o sound_n of_o peace_n as_o to_o this_o be_v bring_v about_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n 5._o from_o such_o place_n as_o speak_v direct_o christ_n special_a love_n to_o believer_n there_o may_v be_v draw_v good_a use_n and_o application_n to_o other_o partly_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o he_o who_o so_o love_v his_o own_o partly_o to_o terrify_v these_o who_o be_v not_o he_o by_o their_o be_v debar_v from_o any_o right_n to_o such_o excellent_a privilege_n 6._o where_o the_o bride_n carriage_n be_v commendable_a it_o be_v a_o copy_n and_o pattern_n to_o all_o even_o as_o example_n and_o precept_n be_v ordinary_o give_v in_o
be_v apply_v 4._o often_o these_o same_o expression_n be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o one_o place_n in_o speak_v to_o the_o bridegroom_n and_o in_o another_o speak_n to_o the_o bride_n he_o call_v her_o chief_a among_o the_o daughter_n and_o she_o he_o chief_a among_o the_o son_n but_o in_o a_o different_a sense_n for_o he_o style_v she_o from_o his_o acceptation_n of_o she_o and_o from_o his_o imputation_n and_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o she_o but_o she_o style_v he_o from_o his_o own_o excellency_n and_o worth_n he_o have_v all_o in_o himself_o and_o nothing_o borrow_v from_o any_o other_o but_o impart_v that_o which_o be_v he_o to_o she_o 2._o the_o rule_n we_o will_v take_v alongst_o with_o we_o in_o our_o proceed_n be_v these_o first_o we_o will_v find_v out_o who_o speak_v in_o every_o passage_n of_o this_o song_n for_o this_o serve_v much_o to_o clear_v what_o be_v speak_v 2._o we_o will_v careful_o ponder_v what_o be_v the_o purpose_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o every_o part_n thereof_o 3._o we_o must_v apply_v and_o conform_v expression_n to_o the_o scope_n and_o expound_v they_o by_o it_o and_o not_o stick_v too_o much_o in_o follow_v of_o every_o thing_n which_o these_o allegory_n seem_v to_o bear_v but_o draw_v the_o doctrine_n from_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o scope_n and_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n not_o insist_v too_o far_o upon_o the_o similitude_n 4._o we_o be_v to_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o the_o bride_n frame_n in_o her_o manner_n of_o speak_v for_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o often_o in_o the_o vehemency_n of_o her_o passionate_a love_n she_o break_v out_o without_o any_o see_v connexion_n or_o order_n as_o chap._n 1._o 2._o and_o by_o cut_a break_a and_o vehement_a expression_n in_o her_o diverse_a fâ—ames_n and_o tender_a fit_n as_o her_o case_n be_v up_o or_o down_o abrupt_o as_o it_o be_v she_o use_v to_o express_v herself_o 5._o we_o must_v not_o apply_v all_o so_o to_o the_o church_n as_o to_o shut_v out_o believer_n nor_o contrary_o but_o take_v in_o both_o where_o both_o may_v come_v in_o and_o more_o especial_o apply_v to_o the_o one_o where_o the_o purpose_n make_v most_o for_o it_o as_o have_v be_v say_v chap._n i._n vers._n 1._o the_o song_n of_o song_n which_o be_v solomon_n before_o we_o enter_v upon_o the_o purpose_n of_o this_o chapter_n or_o give_v the_o division_n of_o it_o we_o will_v first_o speak_v to_o the_o title_n contain_v ver_fw-la 1._o we_o account_v this_o title_n scripture_n it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a even_o as_o other_o title_n prefix_v to_o diverse_a psalm_n as_o to_o psal._n 51._o 102_o etc._n etc._n in_o it_o three_o thing_n be_v set_v down_o 1._o the_o nature_n of_o this_o scripture_n 2._o it_o be_v excellency_n 3._o it_o be_v instrumental_a author_n who_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o spirit_n in_o pen_v of_o it_o first_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o scripture_n it_o be_v a_o song_n song_n in_o scripture_n be_v such_o portion_n or_o book_n thereof_o as_o be_v especial_o intend_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n the_o edify_a and_o comfort_v of_o his_o people_n in_o sing_v of_o they_o three_o sort_n of_o they_o be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o hebrew_n as_o the_o title_n of_o our_o psalm_n do_v clear_a and_o as_o they_o be_v mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n eph._n 5._o 19_o 1._o psalm_n such_o be_v use_v both_o with_o voice_n and_o instrument_n 2._o there_o be_v hymn_n so_o the_o 145_o psalm_n be_v entitle_v such_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v whole_o make_v up_o of_o praise_n and_o what_o immediate_o lead_v to_o that_o 3._o there_o be_v spiritual_a song_n which_o be_v more_o extensive_a in_o the_o matter_n take_v in_o history_n case_n and_o exercise_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o may_v be_v sing_v with_o the_o voice_n without_o instrument_n either_o public_o or_o private_o of_o this_o last_o sort_n be_v this_o song_n intend_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o so_o compose_v both_o for_o matter_n and_o manner_n as_o it_o may_v best_o attain_v that_o end_n and_o prove_v edify_v and_o comfortable_a also_o to_o believer_n in_o their_o sing_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o song_n be_v express_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o song_n of_o song_n a_o most_o excellent_a song_n this_o be_v the_o manner_n how_o the_o hebrew_n express_v their_o superlative_n while_o it_o be_v call_v a_o song_n of_o song_n it_o be_v compare_v with_o and_o prefer_v to_o all_o other_o song_n and_o we_o conceive_v the_o comparison_n be_v not_o only_o betwixt_o this_o and_o humane_a song_n but_o 1._o it_o be_v compare_v with_o and_o prefer_v to_o all_o these_o which_o solomon_n write_v and_o it_o be_v preferable_a to_o all_o these_o 1005_o mention_v 1_o king_n 4._o 32._o 2._o it_o be_v compare_v with_o all_o other_o scriptural_a song_n such_o as_o be_v record_v exod._n 15._o and_o judg._n 5._o etc._n etc._n of_o all_o which_o this_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a as_o be_v 1._o purposely_o intend_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o most_o choice_n and_o excellent_a subject_n to_o wit_n christ_n and_o his_o church_n which_o be_v not_o do_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n as_o in_o other_o song_n but_o be_v the_o great_a purpose_n that_o be_v only_o design_v and_o pursue_v 2._o it_o treat_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n in_o their_o most_o glorious_a lively_a and_o lovely_a action_n to_o wit_n his_o care_n of_o and_o his_o love_n unto_o his_o church_n and_o that_o in_o it_o be_v most_o eminent_a degree_n and_o also_o of_o her_o love_n to_o he_o in_o its_o various_a measure_n and_o work_n 3._o it_o be_v in_o a_o most_o excellent_a manner_n compose_v by_o way_n of_o conference_n and_o sweet_a colloques_fw-la betwixt_o these_o two_o party_n have_v in_o it_o many_o excellent_a expression_n and_o variety_n of_o they_o well_o interweave_v with_o sundry_a case_n of_o several_a sort_n to_o make_v the_o whole_a draught_n the_o more_o take_v and_o excellent_a 4._o it_o be_v set_v forth_o in_o a_o most_o lovely_a excellent_a majestic_a stile_n and_o strain_n which_o exceed_o ravish_v and_o captivat_v affection_n make_v the_o love_n contain_v in_o it_o sweet_o savour_n and_o relish_v through_o the_o beautiful_a garment_n of_o borrow_a expression_n which_o be_v put_v upon_o it_o 5._o it_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a song_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o comprehensivenesse_n here_o be_v a_o armoury_n and_o store-house_n of_o song_n in_o this_o one_o where_o there_o be_v something_o treasure_v up_o for_o every_o case_n that_o may_v be_v edify_v and_o comfortable_a which_o will_v not_o be_v so_o find_v in_o any_o other_o song_n there_o be_v something_o here_o suit_v all_o sort_n of_o believer_n under_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o case_n and_o dispensation_n wherewith_o they_o be_v exercise_v and_o also_o all_o the_o relation_n under_o which_o the_o church_n stand_v all_o which_o shall_v commend_v this_o song_n unto_o we_o it_o be_v record_v of_o the_o hebrew_n that_o whatever_o scripture_n be_v deliver_v in_o a_o poetical_a â—rame_n they_o account_v themselves_o special_o bind_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o and_o to_o get_v it_o by_o heart_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o for_o nought_o that_o some_o scripture_n and_o not_o other_o are_z casten_z in_o that_o mould_n and_o something_o of_o this_o as_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o moses_n his_o put_v his_o last_o word_n in_o a_o song_n deut._n 32._o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o remember_v the_o 3._o thing_n in_o the_o title_n be_v the_o penman_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o writing_n and_o record_v this_o song_n it_o be_v solomon_n a_o great_a man_n rich_a wise_a yea_o a_o elect_a saint_n yet_o one_o who_o have_v also_o fall_v into_o many_o foul_a fault_n who_o the_o lord_n have_v suffer_v to_o die_v without_o record_v express_o any_o thing_n of_o his_o recovery_n though_o we_o make_v no_o doubt_n of_o it_o which_o because_o bellarmine_n lib._n 3._o de_fw-fr justif._n chap._n 14._o pag._n 368._o tannovius_fw-la and_o other_o be_v at_o pain_n in_o contradict_v this_o yea_o augustine_n doubt_v of_o it_o because_o nothing_o be_v direct_o record_v of_o his_o recovery_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v clear_a from_o these_o consideration_n first_o from_o the_o lord_n promise_n to_o he_o 2_o sam._n 7._o 14_o 15._o where_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v observable_a which_o the_o lord_n undertake_v concern_v he_o 1._o that_o he_o will_v be_v to_o he_o a_o father_n 2._o that_o he_o will_v correct_v he_o with_o the_o rod_n of_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v sin_v which_o say_v he_o will_v not_o eternal_o punish_v he_o 3._o that_o he_o will_v
not_o do_v with_o he_o as_o he_o do_v with_o saul_n who_o he_o reject_v he_o will_v not_o take_v away_o his_o mercy_n from_o solomon_n as_o he_o have_v do_v from_o he_o and_o if_o no_o more_o be_v in_o these_o promise_n but_o what_o be_v temporal_a there_o will_v be_v no_o great_a consolation_n in_o they_o to_o david_n who_o consolation_n be_v one_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o scope_n of_o that_o place_n beside_o these_o promise_n psal._n 89._o 31_o 32_o 33._o which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o these_o 2_o sam._n 7._o be_v look_v upon_o as_o special_a evidence_n of_o god_n love_n and_o peculiar_a promise_n of_o his_o saving-covenant_n 2._o when_o he_o be_v bear_v the_o lord_n give_v he_o his_o name_n yea_o send_v nathan_n 2_o sam._n 12._o with_o this_o warrant_n to_o name_v he_o jedidiah_n because_o the_o lord_n love_v he_o which_o can_v be_v a_o love_n flow_v from_o any_o thing_n in_o he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v well_o please_v with_o his_o carriage_n solomon_n have_v not_o yet_o do_v any_o thing_n good_a or_o evil_n but_o it_o must_v be_v a_o love_n prio_fw-la to_o his_o work_n and_o so_o not_o arise_v from_o his_o good_a deed_n and_o therefore_o not_o cut_v off_o by_o his_o sin_n which_o be_v like_o the_o love_n god_n have_v to_o jacob_n before_o he_o have_v do_v good_a or_o evil_n rom._n 9_o 11._o must_v speak_v out_o elect_v love_n as_o it_o do_v in_o that_o place_n 3._o he_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v a_o penman_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o a_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o which_o be_v by_o our_o lord_n luke_n 13._o 28._o say_v to_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o exclude_v he_o see_v that_o universal_a all_o the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n will_v not_o be_v a_o truth_n unless_o he_o be_v there_o and_o though_o some_o wicked_a man_n have_v prophesy_v as_o balaam_n do_v yet_o be_v they_o never_o account_v prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o solomon_n be_v but_o false_a prophet_n and_o enchanter_n neither_o be_v they_o penman_n of_o holy_a writ_n who_o be_v as_o peter_n call_v they_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 4._o neither_o be_v the_o peculiar_a privilege_n he_o be_v admit_v unto_o to_o be_v forget_v by_o he_o the_o lord_n build_v the_o temple_n by_o he_o the_o covenant_n be_v explicit_o renew_v with_o god_n 1_o king_n 8._o 9_o and_o his_o prayer_n be_v often_o particular_o mention_v to_o be_v hear_v yea_o after_o his_o death_n some_o testimony_n be_v record_v of_o he_o which_o can_v consist_v with_o his_o rejection_n see_v 2_o chron._n 11._o 17._o where_o the_o way_n of_o solomon_n be_v put_v in_o as_o commendable_a with_o david_n though_o there_o be_v defect_n in_o both_o and_o this_o be_v immediate_o after_o solomon_n death_n it_o will_v seem_v he_o leave_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n pure_a and_o so_o have_v turn_v from_o his_o idolatry_n though_o all_o the_o monument_n of_o it_o be_v not_o abolish_v and_o especial_o in_o this_o he_o be_v singular_o privilege_v that_o in_o a_o most_o lively_a way_n he_o be_v the_o type_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n in_o his_o intercession_n reign_n and_o peaceable_a government_n beside_o that_o by_o particular_a covenant_n the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o descent_n from_o he_o be_v establish_v to_o he_o 5._o it_o be_v of_o weight_n also_o that_o it_o seem_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o solomon_n write_v ecclesiastes_n after_o his_o recovery_n it_o be_v neither_o among_o the_o proverb_n nor_o song_n which_o be_v mention_v 1_o king_n 4._o 32._o and_o in_o it_o he_o speak_v out_o the_o experience_n he_o have_v both_o of_o folly_n and_o madness_n and_o the_o vanity_n he_o have_v find_v in_o all_o create_a thing_n even_o when_o he_o have_v perfect_v his_o essay_n of_o all_o the_o possible_a way_n of_o attain_v either_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o perfection_n or_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o have_v not_o leave_v his_o recovery_n altogether_o dark_a yet_o as_o to_o any_o historical_a narration_n thereof_o the_o lord_n have_v so_o order_v that_o he_o pass_v away_o under_o a_o cloud_n for_o these_o good_a end_n first_o thereby_o solomon_n be_v chastise_v with_o the_o rod_n of_o man_n even_o after_o death_n upon_o his_o name_n for_o his_o miscarriage_n be_v set_v down_o express_o but_o his_o recovery_n as_o to_o any_o direct_a testimony_n thereof_o be_v pass_v over_o 2._o by_o this_o the_o lord_n make_v his_o displeasure_n with_o solomon_n way_n know_v though_o he_o have_v favour_n to_o his_o person_n and_o give_v he_o his_o soul_n for_o a_o prey_n 3._o thus_o the_o lord_n will_v affright_v other_o from_o decline_v and_o hereby_o teach_v his_o people_n to_o be_v afraid_a to_o rest_v upon_o gift_n yea_o or_o upon_o grace_n see_v he_o have_v leave_v this_o matter_n so_o far_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o may_v yield_v a_o occasion_n as_o it_o be_v to_o question_v the_o eternal_a condition_n of_o solomon_n 4._o it_o may_v be_v also_o that_o solomon_n after_o his_o recovery_n do_v never_o recover_v his_o former_a lustre_n nor_o attain_v to_o such_o a_o profitable_a way_n of_o appear_v in_o god_n public_a matter_n for_o which_o former_o he_o have_v be_v so_o observable_a for_o so_o it_o be_v take_v notice_n even_o of_o david_n after_o his_o fall_n that_o his_o follow_a life_n be_v stain_v as_o different_a from_o what_o go_v before_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o commendation_n of_o jehoshaphat_n 1_o chron._n 17._o 3._o that_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o first_o way_n of_o his_o father_n david_n which_o certain_o be_v not_o do_v to_o condemn_v david_n state_n after_o that_o time_n but_o to_o leave_v that_o mark_n as_o a_o chastisement_n on_o his_o fail_n and_o see_v solomon_n be_v great_a therefore_o may_v this_o silence_n of_o his_o recovery_n be_v more_o universal_a as_o to_o he_o before_o we_o draw_v any_o thing_n from_o this_o by_o way_n of_o use_n i_o shall_v answer_v a_o doubt_n and_o it_o be_v this_o how_o can_v all_o these_o thousand_o and_o five_o song_n mention_v 1_o king_n 4._o 32._o be_v lose_v without_o wrong_v the_o perfection_n of_o canonic_a scripture_n or_o what_o be_v come_v of_o they_o or_o what_o be_v to_o be_v account_v of_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o ans._n we_o say_v 1._o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v full_a in_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n even_o though_o some_o portion_n thereof_o which_o once_o be_v extant_a be_v now_o a-missing_a except_o it_o can_v be_v make_v out_o that_o some_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o these_o book_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o other_o scripture_n 2._o yet_o see_v it_o be_v not_o safe_a and_o it_o want_v not_o many_o inconvenience_n to_o assert_v that_o any_o book_n once_o design_v of_o god_n to_o his_o church_n as_o a_o canon_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n shall_v be_v lose_v and_o see_v it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o that_o wise_a providence_n of_o he_o whereby_o he_o have_v still_o careful_o preserve_v the_o treasure_n of_o his_o oracle_n in_o his_o church_n we_o rather_o incline_v to_o say_v that_o though_o these_o song_n be_v possible_o useful_a and_o may_v be_v write_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v direction_n yet_o that_o they_o be_v not_o intend_v for_o the_o universal_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o enrol_v as_o a_o part_n of_o his_o word_n appoint_v for_o that_o end_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o it_o shall_v so_o be_v for_o that_o a_o thing_n be_v scripture_n it_o be_v not_o only_o needful_a that_o it_o be_v inspire_v but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n for_o public_a use_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o isaiah_n moses_n david_n paul_n and_o other_o may_v have_v write_v many_o more_o writing_n upon_o particular_a occasion_n or_o to_o particular_a person_n which_o be_v useful_a in_o themselves_o for_o edification_n and_o yet_o be_v never_o appoint_v of_o god_n to_o be_v look_v upon_o or_o receive_v as_o scripture_n for_o public_a use_n in_o his_o church_n so_o do_v we_o account_v of_o these_o song_n mention_v in_o the_o objection_n and_o other_o write_n of_o solomon_n now_o not_o extant_a and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o spirit_n have_v pitch_v on_o this_o song_n to_o be_v record_v as_o the_o sum_n and_o chief_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n as_o he_o do_v pitch_n upon_o some_o particular_a prayer_n of_o david_n and_o moses_n etc._n etc._n pass_v by_o other_o and_o last_o we_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v thankful_a for_o the_o great_a advantage_n we_o have_v by_o this_o than_o anxious_o to_o inquire_v what_o have_v
become_v of_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v four_o thing_n we_o will_v propose_v for_o use_v from_o the_o title_n of_o this_o song_n first_o that_o sing_v of_o believer_n case_n even_o their_o several_a case_n be_v allowable_a or_o that_o sing_v of_o diverse_a and_o different_a case_n yea_o even_o their_o sad_a case_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o but_o very_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o work_n of_o praise_n you_o see_v this_o be_v a_o song_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o which_o song_n be_v to_o be_v sing_v yet_o for_o matter_n exceed_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o sort_n of_o case_n and_o these_o various_a there_o be_v among_o other_o five_o case_n in_o which_o to_o sing_v do_v sometime_o stumble_v at_o least_o stick_v much_o with_o those_o who_o be_v weak_a and_o tender_a all_o which_o we_o will_v find_v clear_v in_o the_o bride_n practice_n of_o sing_v this_o song_n first_o it_o be_v doubt_v if_o sad_a case_n shall_v be_v sing_v see_v james_n 5._o 13._o it_o be_v say_v be_v any_o man_n merry_a let_v he_o sing_v psalm_n ans._n it_o be_v true_a these_o who_o be_v merry_a shall_v sing_v but_o not_o only_o they_o no_o more_o then_o only_o they_o who_o be_v afflict_v shall_v pray_v it_o be_v not_o our_o case_n nor_o our_o cheerful_a disposition_n but_o the_o duty_n that_o shall_v be_v respect_v in_o this_o work_n of_o praise_n yea_o we_o shall_v sing_v for_o cheer_v our_o disposition_n and_o mitigate_a and_o sweeten_v our_o cross_n so_o do_v the_o bride_n here_o sing_v her_o suffering_n chap._n 1._o 6._o chap._n 5._o 7._o when_o she_o be_v smite_v yea_o her_o deâ—ertions_n she_o put_v these_o also_o in_o a_o song_n 2._o it_o be_v stumble_v at_o sometime_o to_o sing_v complaint_n of_o our_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o to_o turn_v our_o fail_n into_o song_n what_o matter_n of_o cheerfulness_n be_v there_o in_o these_o may_v one_o think_v but_o we_o say_v here_o she_o do_v so_o my_o own_o vineyard_n have_v i_o not_o keep_v say_v she_o chap._n 1._o 6._o i_o sleep_v etc._n etc._n chap._n 5._o 2._o it_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o cheerfulness_n that_o we_o may_v sing_v over_o these_o unto_o god_n with_o expectation_n to_o be_v pardon_v and_o deliver_v from_o they_o as_o psal._n 65._o 3._o 3._o when_o the_o matter_n be_v different_a from_o our_o case_n some_o think_v its_o hard_a to_o sing_v such_o psalm_n ans._n certain_o in_o this_o song_n there_o be_v different_a yea_o contrary_a case_n yet_o none_o can_v think_v but_o a_o believer_n may_v sing_v it_o all_o at_o one_o time_n yea_o 2._o there_o have_v never_o then_o be_v a_o psalm_n sing_v in_o public_a for_o in_o no_o congregation_n can_v all_o the_o member_n ever_o be_v in_o one_o case_n 3._o the_o same_o may_v be_v object_v against_o public_a prayer_n also_o see_v there_o may_v be_v many_o petition_n that_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o all_o joiner_n yet_o have_v the_o lord_n command_v both_o public_a pray_v and_o praise_v 4._o when_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v sing_v be_v above_o we_o be_v a_o thing_n we_o have_v not_o yet_o reach_v and_o so_o can_v assert_v it_o in_o our_o particular_a condition_n as_o truth_n as_o these_o word_n psal._n 18._o 20_o 21._o i_o have_v keep_v his_o way_n etc._n etc._n ans._n by_o this_o song_n all_z at_o least_o most_o part_n of_o believer_n be_v make_v to_o sing_v many_o thing_n beyond_o their_o own_o attainment_n possible_o yea_o chap._n 8._o that_o phrase_n my_o vineyard_n which_o be_v i_o be_v before_o i_o be_v of_o that_o same_o extent_n with_o that_o psal._n 18._o 20._o yet_o will_v not_o any_o think_v that_o the_o spirit_n propound_v this_o song_n and_o that_o psalm_n as_o a_o subject_n for_o public_a praise_n do_v ever_o intend_v that_o none_o shall_v sing_v it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v as_o holy_a as_o david_n yea_o it_o will_v seem_v that_o if_o either_o david_n or_o solomon_n have_v stick_v to_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n which_o these_o word_n seem_v to_o hold_v forth_o if_o they_o be_v expound_v according_a to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o the_o law_n and_o be_v not_o take_v in_o a_o evangelic_n sense_n that_o neither_o of_o they_o will_v or_o can_v have_v sing_v they_o yea_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o in_o this_o song_n there_o be_v spot_n mention_v and_o not_o keep_v of_o the_o vineyard_n chap._n 1._o be_v one_o part_n of_o the_o song_n as_o well_o as_o keep_n of_o it_o chap._n 8._o be_v another_o how_o then_o may_v we_o join_v in_o these_o ans._n 1._o we_o sing_v not_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n only_o but_o what_o may_v attain_v the_o end_n of_o praise_n which_o be_v attain_v in_o our_o acknowledge_v what_o other_o have_v reach_v though_o we_o ourselves_o come_v short_a 2._o not_o only_o our_o own_o case_n as_o particular_a member_n be_v to_o be_v sing_v but_o in_o public_a we_o take_v in_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n 3._o that_o expression_n chap._n 1._o 6._o i_o own_o vineyard_n etc._n etc._n hold_v forth_o the_o sense_n she_o have_v of_o her_o negligence_n not_o as_o if_o she_o have_v no_o way_n do_v her_o duty_n but_o she_o confess_v her_o fail_n in_o it_o which_o she_o sing_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o that_o free_a grace_n that_o have_v pardon_v she_o again_o the_o other_o expression_n chap._n 8._o 12._o my_o vineyard_n which_o be_v i_o be_v before_o i_o express_v her_o sense_n of_o her_o sincerity_n blessing_n god_n for_o it_o and_o refresh_v herself_o in_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o it_o and_o both_o these_o may_v agree_v as_o to_o some_o measure_n in_o the_o believer_n experience_n at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n though_o when_o the_o believer_n sin_v more_o groste_o they_o do_v not_o so_o well_o agree_v to_o he_o except_o in_o respect_n of_o different_a time_n and_o case_n in_o praise_v then_o we_o will_v neither_o simple_o look_v to_o our_o frame_n nor_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o itself_o which_o be_v to_o be_v sing_v nor_o to_o the_o case_n we_o be_v in_o as_o if_o these_o be_v the_o warrant_n of_o our_o sing_n or_o the_o rule_n to_o reguluse_n in_o it_o but_o unto_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o the_o end_n wherefore_o sing_v be_v appoint_v 2._o the_o command_n 3._o the_o notion_n or_o consideration_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o the_o believer_n join_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o praise_n the_o end_n be_v principal_o three_o 1._o glorify_v god_n and_o make_v his_o praise_n glorious_a thus_o history_n of_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o his_o people_n of_o old_a and_o thus_o the_o case_n of_o other_o in_o our_o sing_n of_o they_o serve_v to_o that_o end_n that_o he_o do_v such_o work_n that_o such_o a_o case_n be_v once_o sing_v to_o he_o and_o such_o a_o saint_n be_v so_o deal_v with_o otherwise_o we_o may_v scruple_n to_o sing_v psal._n 44._o we_o have_v hear_v with_o our_o ear_n our_o father_n have_v tell_v we_o and_o other_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o case_n and_o so_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o praise_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o psalm_n will_v be_v lay_v aside_o as_o useless_a and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v read_v for_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o read_v or_o say_v a_o untruth_n more_o than_o to_o sing_v it_o a_o second_o end_n be_v edify_v of_o other_o with_o who_o we_o join_v as_o well_o as_o study_v edification_n ourselves_o so_o col._n 3._o 16._o the_o end_n to_o be_v propose_v in_o sing_v be_v teach_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n and_o suppose_v some_o find_v themselves_o unsuitable_a in_o their_o own_o case_n to_o the_o purpose_n that_o be_v to_o be_v sing_v yet_o will_v it_o not_o teach_v they_o what_o they_o shall_v be_v and_o admonish_v they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o such_o a_o three_o end_n we_o be_v to_o aim_v at_o in_o sing_v be_v our_o own_o cheer_v and_o refresh_v make_v melody_n in_o our_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n eph._n 5._o 19_o which_o arise_v not_o always_o from_o the_o matter_n simple_o consider_v as_o it_o hold_v true_a in_o our_o own_o experience_n but_o 1._o from_o our_o conscientious_a go_v about_o it_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o worship_n to_o god_n and_o so_o do_v we_o be_v accept_v in_o that_o 2._o from_o the_o heartsomenesse_n of_o that_o soul-refreshing_a exercise_n of_o praise_n and_o so_o that_o scripture_n which_o may_v be_v more_o saden_v in_o meditation_n to_o we_o yet_o shall_v be_v cheer_v in_o praise_n because_o it_o be_v then_o use_v in_o that_o ordinance_n 3._o from_o the_o possibility_n that_o be_v herein_o discover_v of_o attain_v such_o a_o blessing_n frame_n or_o experience_n because_o once_o a_o saint_n do_v attain_v it_o and_o since_o they_o be_v man_n of_o the_o like_a passion_n and_o infirmity_n with_o we_o why_o
love_n to_o he_o and_o high_a in_o their_o esteem_n of_o he_o 6._o neither_o will_v the_o great_a mistake_n of_o other_o shake_v believer_n that_o have_v a_o through_o esteem_n of_o christ_n worth_n but_o will_v rather_o with_o holy_a zeal_n awake_v they_o to_o commend_v he_o the_o more_o 7._o as_o where_o there_o be_v true_a love_n to_o christ_n there_o christ_n will_v be_v lovely_a so_o when_o he_o be_v look_v on_o as_o lovely_a that_o make_v the_o heart_n to_o flow_v and_o abound_v with_o holy_a rhetoric_n in_o commendation_n of_o he_o 8._o true_a love_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o other_o for_o his_o sake_n will_v not_o suffer_v one_o to_o despise_v the_o weakness_n of_o another_o but_o make_v they_o rather_o take_v occasion_n from_o it_o to_o honour_v he_o and_o edify_v they_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o the_o bride_n do_v heâ—e_v in_o answer_v the_o question_n propose_v 9_o the_o more_o near_o and_o full_o any_o thing_n be_v compare_v with_o christ_n though_o it_o be_v otherwise_o lovely_a yet_o than_o it_o will_v be_v see_v to_o be_v nothing_o he_o so_o infinite_o excel_v all_o thing_n he_o can_v be_v compare_v with_o and_o it_o be_v ignorance_n of_o he_o that_o make_v other_o thing_n get_v such_o a_o place_n in_o man_n affection_n but_o when_o once_o they_o be_v set_v for-against_a he_o he_o be_v find_v preferable_a as_o incomparable_o chief_a for_o dignity_n riches_n and_o satisfaction_n or_o whatsoever_o be_v delightsome_a desirable_a and_o true_o excellent_a vers_fw-la 11_o 12_o 13._o etc._n etc._n she_o pass_v from_o the_o general_a to_o demonstrat_fw-la it_o in_o particular_n and_o therein_o she_o insist_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v ask_v why_o she_o descend_v into_o particular_n especial_o now_o consider_v her_o desert_a case_n i_o answer_v for_o these_o good_a reason_n 1._o that_o she_o may_v the_o more_o full_o demonstrat_fw-la and_o the_o more_o satisfy_o unfold_v christ_n worth_n for_o his_o worth_n can_v be_v soon_o nor_o easy_o tell_v nor_o conceive_v nor_o soon_o believe_v by_o other_o it_o need_v to_o be_v demonstrate_v amplify_v and_o insist_v upon_o yet_o his_o worth_n can_v bide_v the_o trial_n there_o be_v no_o truth_n may_v more_o full_o and_o demonstrative_o be_v make_v out_o than_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v a_o most_o excellent_a object_n of_o love_n and_o infinite_o preferable_a to_o all_o other_o 2._o this_o be_v for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o question_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o convince_v and_o satisfy_v anent_o the_o incomparable_a worth_n and_o matchless_a excellency_n of_o her_o belove_a she_o branch_v it_o forth_o and_o insist_o upon_o it_o that_o so_o a_o deep_a impression_n of_o it_o may_v be_v leave_v upon_o their_o heart_n obs._n 1_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o useful_a for_o the_o gain_n and_o edify_v of_o other_o than_o to_o help_v they_o to_o the_o right_a uptake_n of_o christ_n worth_n 2._o that_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o work_n that_o shall_v take_v up_o christian_n in_o their_o fellowship_n together_o to_o be_v spend_v their_o mutual_a conference_n on_o that_o subject_n for_o one_o another_o instruction_n 3._o to_o edify_v another_o be_v no_o diversion_n from_o pursue_v after_o he_o to_o soul_n that_o love_v christ_n and_o will_v be_v help_v by_o other_o to_o meet_v with_o he_o this_o be_v well_o consistent_a with_o she_o pursue_v after_o sensible_a presence_n for_o herself_o to_o stay_v a_o while_n instruct_v they_o a_o three_o reason_n of_o she_o insist_v be_v that_o it_o be_v suitable_a unto_o and_o agree_v well_o with_o she_o own_o sad_a condition_n when_o he_o be_v away_o she_o love_v to_o think_v and_o speak_v of_o he_o and_o of_o his_o loveliness_n and_o that_o give_v she_o some_o ease_n obs._n where_o love_n to_o christ_n be_v there_o will_v be_v a_o delight_n in_o speak_v of_o he_o and_o set_v out_o his_o commendation_n even_o when_o he_o be_v absent_a it_o be_v a_o kind_a of_o ease_n to_o tell_v over_o his_o qualification_n when_o he_o be_v absent_a 2._o it_o be_v a_o good_a diversion_n under_o a_o desert_a condition_n and_o a_o suitable_a way_n to_o a_o outgate_n to_o be_v dwell_v rather_o upon_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n than_o on_o the_o comfortless_a aggravation_n of_o our_o own_o sad_a condition_n this_o be_v more_o honourable_a to_o christ_n more_o edify_v to_o other_o and_o more_o pleasant_a to_o ourselves_o o_o it_o be_v sweet_a to_o think_v of_o he_o it_o be_v more_o useful_a also_o for_o confirm_v of_o our_o faith_n in_o he_o for_o warm_v our_o affection_n to_o he_o and_o for_o keep_v the_o mind_n stay_v in_o dependence_n on_o he_o for_o the_o outgate_n every_o attribute_n or_o property_n of_o he_o be_v a_o cordial_a to_o a_o soul_n faint_v under_o a_o desert_a case_n 4._o her_o insist_v on_o this_o subject_n show_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a love_n to_o christ_n that_o a_o soul_n affect_v with_o it_o be_v once_o enter_v to_o speak_v of_o this_o theme_n or_o subject_n namely_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n it_o expatiat_v in_o it_o and_o be_v not_o soon_o withdraw_v from_o it_o this_o to_o say_v so_o be_v the_o very_a native_a element_n of_o it_o and_o it_o do_v the_o heart_n good_a to_o enumerat_v and_o tell_v over_o distinct_o the_o commendable_a qualification_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n all_o which_o be_v his_o own_o be_v unspeakable_o delightsome_a and_o refresh_v to_o reckon_v if_o there_o be_v any_o good_a measure_n of_o love_n to_o christ_n in_o man_n heart_n they_o will_v not_o be_v easy_o withdraw_v from_o meditate_v on_o he_o nor_o from_o speak_v of_o he_o and_o the_o great_a haunt_n that_o other_o thing_n have_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o rarity_n of_o any_o expression_n that_o tend_v to_o christ_n commendation_n show_v plain_o that_o there_o be_v alace_o other_o belove_n abound_a with_o we_o beside_o he_o in_o open_v of_o the_o follow_a particular_n we_o will_v consider_v 1._o the_o scope_n which_o be_v to_o demonstrat_fw-la that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v altogether_o lovely_a and_o desirable_a beyond_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o question_n propose_v vers_fw-la 9_o and_o the_o close_a answer_n to_o it_o vers_n 16._o make_v this_o clear_a this_o then_o be_v the_o scope_n these_o particular_n must_v be_v so_o take_v up_o as_o they_o best_o contribute_v to_o clear_v this_o scope_n and_o so_o must_v necessary_o imply_v the_o excellency_n that_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n himself_o be_v as_o the_o body_n and_o the_o several_a qualification_n property_n and_o excellency_n wherewith_o he_o be_v furnish_v be_v as_o the_o several_a member_n and_o part_n of_o that_o body_n now_o see_v jesus_n christ_n be_v so_o excellent_a himself_o and_o these_o be_v instance_a as_o the_o choice_a excellency_n that_o be_v in_o he_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v exceed_v and_o pass_v excellent_a as_o the_o aggrege_n and_o heighten_v of_o every_o commendation_n do_v show_v there_o will_v be_v need_n therefore_o of_o much_o sobriety_n holy_a admiration_n and_o reverence_n in_o the_o open_n of_o they_o lest_o we_o spill_v so_o excellent_a a_o subject_n as_o be_v the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n 2._o that_o the_o spirit_n intend_v by_o these_o part_n distinct_a consideration_n of_o christ_n loveliness_n in_o so_o many_o distinct_a particular_n seem_v also_o to_o be_v without_o all_o question_n for_o the_o particular_a enumeration_n be_v bring_v in_o to_o demonstrat_fw-la this_o general_n that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a among_o ten_o thousand_o which_o be_v do_v as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o induction_n of_o so_o many_o commendable_a thing_n that_o be_v in_o he_o beside_o in_o other_o scripture_n and_o especial_o rev._n 1._o 13_o 14._o where_o our_o lord_n be_v thus_o consider_v and_o also_o in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o that_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n particular_a respect_n be_v have_v to_o the_o foresay_a description_n and_o these_o part_n be_v there_o be_v equivalent_a to_o they_o that_o be_v here_o mention_v expound_v of_o diverse_a attribute_n and_o property_n of_o he_o and_o not_o unlike_a in_o many_o thing_n to_o the_o description_n follow_v as_o the_o particular_n will_v clear_v consider_v 3._o that_o it_o be_v both_o difficult_a and_o dangerous_a to_o be_v peremptory_a in_o the_o application_n of_o these_o particular_n to_o the_o object_n describe_v it_o be_v so_o exceed_o glorious_a and_o the_o spirit_n expression_n so_o very_o comprehensive_a we_o there_fw-mi not_o so_o limit_v the_o word_n to_o one_o thing_n as_o if_o they_o be_v exclusive_a of_o another_o nor_o say_v this_o be_v mean_v and_o no_o other_o thing_n although_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v a_o