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 and_o mysterious_a rapt_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o the_o sublime_a and_o excellent_a expression_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n therein_o contain_v which_o will_v require_v much_o liveliness_n of_o frame_n and_o acquaintance_n in_o experience_n with_o the_o thing_n here_o speak_v of_o and_o nearness_n in_o walk_v with_o god_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o find_v out_o the_o mind_n and_o meaning_n oâ—_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therein_o yet_o we_o be_v now_o bring_v by_o help_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o essay_n the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o upon_o these_o follow_a consideration_n first_o because_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o not_o only_o to_o be_v authentic_a scripture_n but_o a_o excellent_a piece_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o lie_v hide_v nor_o to_o be_v lay_v aside_o as_o if_o the_o meaning_n thereof_o be_v not_o to_o be_v search_v into_o because_o it_o seem_v dark_a and_o obscure_a 2._o because_o the_o 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 commend_v it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o the_o poetical_a piece_n of_o scripture_n ought_v especial_o to_o be_v learned_a and_o take_v notice_n of_o so_o shall_v this_o it_o be_v so_o commend_v to_o we_o in_o that_o frame_n 5._o the_o strain_n and_o subject_n of_o it_o be_v so_o very_o spiritual_a that_o it_o necessitat_v the_o student_n thereof_o to_o aim_v at_o some_o nearness_n with_o god_n and_o ordinary_o it_o leave_v some_o stamp_n upon_o their_o affection_n which_o be_v not_o the_o least_o cause_n nor_o the_o small_a encouragement_n to_o i_o in_o this_o undertake_n we_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o it_o carry_v a_o divine_a style_n in_o its_o bosom_n nor_o be_v there_o need_v to_o inquire_v who_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o it_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o solomon_n who_o be_v furnish_v with_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n as_o never_o a_o king_n before_o or_o since_o be_v be_v honour_v to_o be_v the_o amanuensis_fw-la of_o the_o 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
who_o be_v espouse_v to_o he_o 3._o where_o love_n to_o christ_n be_v there_o christ_n love_v he_o can_v but_o love_v they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o acceptable_a to_o he_o than_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v work_v by_o love_n 4._o our_o lord_n jesus_n take_v special_a notice_n of_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o what_o seat_n he_o have_v in_o the_o affection_n of_o his_o people_n he_o lay_v more_o weight_n on_o their_o love_n than_o on_o their_o work_n though_o true_a love_n can_v never_o be_v without_o work_n the_o second_o way_n how_o he_o explain_v and_o illustrate_v this_o be_v more_o particular_a by_o two_o comparison_n yet_o keep_v still_o the_o former_a manner_n of_o expression_n by_o way_n of_o question_n and_o admiration_n the_o first_o be_v how_o much_o better_a be_v thy_o love_n then_o wine_n wine_n may_v be_v look_v on_o in_o two_o respect_n 1._o as_o it_o be_v useful_a in_o man_n life_n and_o refreshful_a psal._n 104._o 15._o it_o make_v glad_a the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o eccl._n 10_o 19_o it_o make_v the_o heart_n merry_a wine_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o comfortable_a creature_n therefore_o she_o call_v his_o love_n better_o than_o wine_n chap._n 1._o 2._o thus_o observe_v 1._o christ_n will_v not_o be_v behind_o with_o his_o people_n neither_o in_o kindness_n nor_o in_o the_o expression_n of_o it_o for_o this_o be_v beyond_o she_o chap._n 1._o 2._o not_o that_o he_o have_v a_o better_a object_n to_o love_n but_o because_o the_o love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v she_o be_v like_o himself_o and_o more_o excellent_a than_o she_o 2._o there_o be_v no_o such_o refreshful_a thing_n in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n of_o christ_n no_o such_o feast_n as_o the_o warm_n of_o a_o sinner_n heart_n with_o love_n to_o he_o be_v this_o luk._n 7._o 47._o be_v think_v more_o of_o by_o christ_n in_o a_o poor_a woman_n than_o all_o the_o great_a feast_n he_o be_v invite_v unto_o by_o the_o rich_a pharisee_fw-mi again_o we_o may_v look_v on_o wine_n as_o use_v in_o the_o ceremonial_a service_n and_o drink-offering_n levit._n 23._o 13_o etc._n etc._n thus_o the_o meaning_n be_v thy_o love_n be_v preferable_a to_o all_o outward_a performance_n and_o sacrifice_n as_o hos._n 6._o 7._o love_n be_v the_o principle_n within_o from_o which_o all_o our_o performance_n shall_v flow_v it_o be_v not_o oppose_v to_o sacrifice_v simple_o or_o to_o obedience_n but_o 1._o suppose_v these_o to_o be_v separate_a he_o prefer_v love_n if_o it_o be_v to_o cast_v in_o but_o a_o mite_n of_o duty_n out_o of_o love_n it_o will_v be_v more_o acceptable_a than_o the_o great_a bulk_n of_o duty_n without_o love_n as_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o widow_n luk._n 21._o yea_o if_o man_n will_v give_v their_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v without_o this_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 3._o it_o will_v avail_v nothing_o 2._o it_o say_v that_o where_o both_o the_o inward_a principle_n and_o the_o outward_a fruit_n or_o work_n be_v the_o lord_n respect_v that_o more_o than_o this_o and_o he_o respect_v this_o in_o a_o manner_n but_o for_o that_o the_o second_o comparison_n be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o these_o word_n and_o the_o smell_n of_o thy_o ointment_n then_o all_o spice_n ointment_n typify_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o pour_v out_o whereof_o be_v call_v the_o unction_n joh._n 2._o 20._o and_o the_o oil_n of_o joy_n psal._n 45._o 7._o the_o smell_n thereof_o signify_v the_o acceptablenesse_n of_o these_o grace_n when_o in_o exercise_n our_o lord_n jesus_n find_v a_o sweet_a â—avour_n in_o they_o as_o ointment_n cast_v a_o smell_n that_o be_v refreshful_a to_o man_n as_o be_v say_v upon_o chap._n 3._o 6._o the_o grace_n of_o love_n mention_v before_o be_v here_o include_v but_o under_o ointment_n there_o be_v more_o comprehend_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o where_o one_o grace_n be_v there_o be_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v find_v 2._o that_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o zeal_n for_o he_o hold_v believer_n stir_v and_o make_v they_o send_v forth_o a_o sweet_a and_o savoury_a smell_n this_o smell_n be_v prefer_v to_o all_o spice_n not_o to_o one_o or_o two_o but_o to_o all_o spice_n be_v either_o use_v as_o gift_n because_o they_o be_v precious_a and_o costly_a so_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n propine_v solomon_n with_o they_o 2_o king_n 10._o 2._o and_o the_o wise_a man_n offer_v such_o to_o christ_n mat._n 2._o 11._o and_o so_o it_o say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o propine_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o christ_n as_o love_v and_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n when_o they_o be_v in_o exercise_n again_o spice_n be_v use_v in_o the_o levitical_a service_n and_o holy_a oil_n exod._n 30._o 23_o 24._o and_o so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o wine_n be_v in_o the_o last_o sense_n former_o speak_v of_o and_o it_o show_v how_o preferable_a the_o inward_a exercise_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o all_o external_a duty_n last_o they_o be_v not_o only_o prefer_v while_o he_o say_v thy_o love_n be_v better_a etc._n etc._n but_o as_o pass_a comparison_n they_o be_v extol_v far_o above_o all_o these_o thing_n with_o which_o they_o be_v compare_v how_o fair_a or_o how_o much_o better_o be_v thy_o love_n then_o wine_n etc._n etc._n o_o my_o spouse_n say_v he_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v that_o thy_o love_n ravish_v my_o heart_n for_o there_o be_v no_o create_a thing_n so_o precious_a nor_o any_o external_a service_n so_o acceptable_a to_o i_o as_o it_o be_v hence_o observe_v 1._o that_o inward_a love_n or_o the_o inward_a exercise_n of_o grace_n and_o outward_a performance_n be_v separable_a 2_o that_o when_o outward_a performance_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o inward_a exercise_n of_o love_n and_o other_o grace_n the_o lord_n respect_v they_o not_o 3._o that_o love_n be_v a_o good_a and_o necessary_a principle_n of_o all_o duty_n and_o especial_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o worship_n 4._o these_o who_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o lively_a exercise_n of_o love_n to_o christ_n want_v never_o a_o propine_n that_o will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o mite_n or_o a_o cup_n of_o cold-water_n or_o a_o look_n to_o christ_n if_o love_v be_v the_o principle_n from_o which_o these_o flow_n they_o will_v be_v very_o acceptable_a with_o he_o vers._n 11._o thy_o lip_n o_o my_o spouse_n drop_v as_o the_o honeycomb_n honey_n and_o milk_n be_v under_o thy_o tongue_n and_o the_o smell_n of_o thy_o garment_n be_v like_o the_o smell_n of_o lebanon_n have_v thus_o express_v his_o affection_n to_o his_o bride_n he_o break_v forth_o in_o a_o positive_a commendation_n of_o she_o which_o may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o comparative_a commendation_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n and_o he_o describe_v and_o commend_v she_o at_o once_o these_o two_o way_n 1._o touch_v as_o it_o be_v at_o some_o particular_n which_o be_v indeed_o general_n wherein_o her_o loveliness_n appear_v in_o actual_a fruit_n vers_fw-la 11._o 2._o in_o seven_o comparison_n he_o hold_v forth_o her_o fruitfulness_n from_o the_o 12._o to_o the_o 16._o vers_fw-la wherein_o he_o not_o only_o commend_v she_o by_o the_o fruit_n which_o she_o bring_v forth_o but_o from_o her_o fitness_n or_o aptitude_n to_o bring_v forth_o these_o fruit_n so_o that_o she_o can_v but_o be_v fruitful_a as_o if_o one_o commend_v a_o orchard_n from_o the_o fruit_n apple_n pomegranate_n etc._n etc._n or_o whatever_o other_o fruit_n be_v in_o orchard_n shall_v then_o fall_v upon_o the_o commendation_n of_o the_o orchard_n itself_o in_o its_o situation_n fence_n water_n or_o kind_n of_o the_o plant_n etc._n etc._n so_o be_v it_o here_o and_o this_o last_o commendation_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o former_a in_o this_o 11â—_n vers_n there_o be_v three_o particular_n commend_v under_o which_o we_o conceive_v much_o of_o the_o series_n of_o a_o believer_n walk_n be_v understand_v the_o 1._o be_v her_o lip_n which_o be_v commend_v from_o this_o that_o they_o drop_v as_o the_o honey_n comb_n by_o lip_n as_o vers_n 3._o and_o frequent_o in_o the_o song_n and_o so_o in_o the_o proverb_n a_o man_n of_o lip_n be_v take_v for_o a_o man_n of_o talk_n be_v understand_v her_o speech_n word_n or_o discourse_n especial_o to_o other_o these_o her_o word_n or_o her_o speech_n be_v compare_v for_o the_o matter_n to_o honey_n or_o the_o honey_n comb_n that_o be_v sweet_a nourish_a healthful_a and_o pleasant_a as_o prov._n 16._o 24._o pleasant_n word_n be_v as_o the_o honeycomb_n sweet_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o health_n to_o the_o bone_n and_o by_o honey_n in_o scripture_n be_v often_o understand_v that_o which_o be_v
the_o present_a dark_a condition_n she_o be_v in_o seek_v to_o find_v he_o out_o 2._o this_o phrase_n turn_v away_o thy_o eye_n be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v take_v as_o if_o christ_n approve_v not_o her_o look_v to_o he_o or_o her_o faith_n in_o he_o but_o to_o show_v the_o exceed_a great_a delight_n he_o have_v in_o she_o place_v her_o faith_n and_o love_n on_o he_o which_o be_v such_o that_o her_o love_a and_o believe_v look_v ravish_v he_o as_o it_o be_v chap._n 4._o 9_o and_o as_o it_o be_v his_o heart_n can_v not_o stand_v out_o against_o these_o look_n more_o than_o one_o man_n can_v stand_v out_o against_o a_o whole_a army_n as_o the_o the_o follow_a expression_n clear_v it_o be_v like_o these_o expression_n gen._n 32._o 28._o i_o pray_v thou_o let_v i_o go_v and_o exod._n 32._o 10._o let_v i_o alone_o moses_n which_o show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o believer_n strength_n of_o faith_n and_o importunity_n of_o love_n exercise_v in_o humble_a dependence_n on_o he_o and_o cleave_v to_o he_o which_o be_v here_o commend_v for_o say_v he_o they_o have_v overcome_v i_o this_o show_v that_o it_o be_v no_o violent_a or_o unwilling_a victory_n over_o he_o but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o effect_n that_o follow_v her_o look_n it_o hold_v forth_o the_o intensnesse_n of_o his_o love_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n prevail_v that_o to_o speak_v so_o with_o reverence_n and_o admiration_n he_o be_v captivat_fw-la ravish_v and_o hold_v with_o it_o as_o one_o that_o be_v overcome_v because_o he_o will_v be_v so_o yea_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o love_n and_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o promise_n whereby_o he_o walk_v he_o can_v but_o yield_v unto_o the_o believe_a importunity_n of_o his_o people_n as_o one_o overcome_v in_o sum_n it_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o most_o passionate_a love_n that_o use_v to_o be_v in_o man_n when_o they_o be_v so_o take_v with_o some_o lovely_a object_n that_o a_o look_v thereof_o pierce_v they_o this_o though_o in_o every_o thing_n especial_o as_o imply_v defect_n it_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o christ_n yet_o in_o a_o holy_a spiritual_a manner_n the_o effect_n for_o the_o believer_n comfort_n be_v as_o real_o and_o certain_o but_o much_o more_o wonderful_o in_o christ._n these_o expression_n be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o these_o speak_v of_o upon_o chap._n 3._o 4._o and_o chap._n 4._o 9_o and_o therefore_o the_o doctrine_n there_o will_v follow_v here_o but_o further_a from_o the_o scope_n and_o repetition_n obs._n 1_o that_o the_o believer_n eye_n may_v look_v that_o be_v their_o love_n and_o faith_n may_v be_v exercise_v on_o christ_n even_o in_o their_o dark_a and_o desert_a condition_n and_o it_o be_v their_o property_n to_o look_v always_o to_o he_o even_o when_o their_o eye_n be_v as_o it_o be_v blind_a through_o desertion_n he_o be_v still_o the_o object_n they_o be_v set_v upon_o 2._o that_o when_o these_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v exercise_v on_o christ_n they_o be_v never_o fruitless_a but_o always_o prevail_v and_o obtain_v though_o it_o be_v not_o always_o sensible_a to_o the_o believer_n 3._o the_o love_n and_o faith_n of_o believer_n have_v weight_n with_o christ_n and_o affect_v he_o even_o when_o he_o keep_v up_o himself_o he_o may_v be_v overcome_v even_o then_o for_o the_o expression_n in_o the_o text_n look_v to_o what_o be_v pass_v 4._o faith_n work_v by_o love_n be_v a_o most_o gallant_a and_o holy_a dare_v thing_n bold_a in_o its_o enterprise_n to_o pursue_v after_o to_o grip_v and_o stick_v to_o christ_n over_o all_o difficulty_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o her_o former_a carriage_n and_o most_o successful_a as_o to_o the_o event_n 5._o the_o more_o stayed_o and_o stout_o with_o love_n humility_n and_o diligence_n that_o â—aith_v set_v on_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o more_o acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o have_v the_o great_a commendation_n as_o the_o eleven_o of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o his_o commendation_n of_o that_o woman_n faith_n matth._n 15._o 25._o do_v confirm_v tenaciousnesse_n and_o importunity_n in_o hold_v of_o hang_v on_o and_o cleave_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n may_v well_o be_v marvel_v at_o and_o commend_v by_o christ_n but_o will_v never_o be_v reprove_v nor_o reject_v they_o great_o mistake_v christ_n who_o think_v that_o wrestle_n by_o faith_n will_v displease_v he_o for_o even_o though_o he_o seem_v to_o keep_v up_o himself_o it_o be_v but_o to_o occasion_n and_o to_o provoke_v to_o more_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o grace_n in_o which_o he_o take_v so_o much_o delight_n vers._n 5._o thy_o hair_n be_v as_o a_o flock_n of_o goat_n that_o appear_v from_o gilead_n vers._n 6._o thy_o tooth_n be_v as_o a_o flock_n of_o sheep_n which_o go_v up_o from_o the_o wash_n whereof_o every_o one_o bear_v twin_n and_o there_o be_v not_o one_o barren_a among_o they_o vers._n 7._o as_o a_o piece_n of_o a_o pomegranate_n be_v thy_o temple_n within_o thy_o lock_n the_o follow_a particular_n of_o her_o commendation_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 5._o and_o in_o the_o 6._o and_o 7._o verse_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o same_o word_n chap._n 4._o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o therefore_o we_o need_v say_v no_o more_o for_o their_o explication_n only_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o reason_n of_o repeat_v they_o in_o the_o same_o word_n which_o be_v the_o scope_n here_o and_o it_o be_v this_o although_o he_o commend_v she_o former_o in_o these_o expression_n yet_o consider_v her_o foul_a slip_n chap._n 5._o 2_o 3._o and_o his_o withdraw_n on_o the_o back_n of_o it_o she_o may_v think_v that_o he_o have_v other_o thought_n of_o she_o now_o and_o that_o these_o privilege_n and_o promise_n which_o she_o have_v ground_n to_o lay_v claim_n to_o before_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o she_o now_o and_o therefore_o she_o can_v not_o comfortable_o plead_v a_o interest_n in_o they_o now_o as_o before_o to_o remove_v this_o mistake_n or_o doubt_n he_o will_v not_o only_o commend_v she_o but_o in_o the_o same_o very_a word_n to_o show_v that_o she_o be_v the_o same_o to_o he_o and_o that_o his_o respect_n be_v not_o diminish_v to_o she_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o alter_v her_o name_n nor_o her_o commendation_n but_o will_v again_o repeat_v it_o for_o her_o confirmation_n intimate_v his_o love_n thereby_o and_o also_o for_o her_o instruction_n teach_v the_o bride_n her_o duty_n by_o these_o particular_n of_o her_o commendation_n and_o show_v she_o what_o she_o shall_v be_v and_o this_o commendation_n have_v not_o meet_v so_o well_o with_o her_o case_n nor_o express_v so_o well_o his_o unchangeable_a love_n if_o it_o have_v be_v give_v in_o other_o term_n from_o this_o we_o may_v observe_v 1._o as_o believer_n be_v ready_a to_o slip_v and_o fail_v in_o their_o duty_n so_o be_v they_o ready_a to_o suspect_v christ_n to_o be_v change_v towards_o they_o because_o of_o their_o fail_n they_o be_v very_o apt_a from_o their_o own_o fickleness_n and_o change_n to_o apprehend_v he_o to_o be_v changeable_a also_o and_o to_o refuse_v comfort_n from_o all_o bygone_a evidence_n and_o intimation_n of_o his_o love_n and_o from_o all_o word_n that_o have_v comfort_v they_o till_o they_o be_v restore_v and_o set_v right_o again_o 2._o our_o bridegroom_n be_v most_o constant_a in_o his_o affection_n to_o his_o bride_n continue_v still_o the_o same_o and_o as_o he_o be_v the_o most_o free_a forgiver_n of_o wrong_n to_o his_o own_o so_o he_o be_v the_o most_o full_a forgetter_n of_o they_o when_o they_o return_v and_o therefore_o he_o continue_v speak_v to_o she_o in_o the_o same_o term_n as_o former_o without_o any_o alteration_n as_o if_o no_o such_o wrong_n on_o her_o side_n have_v be_v commit_v 3._o renew_v of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n by_o believer_n after_o fail_n put_v they_o in_o that_o same_o condition_n and_o capacity_n with_o christ_n for_o lay_v claim_n to_o his_o love_n and_o their_o wont_a privilege_n and_o comfort_n wherein_o they_o be_v before_o even_o as_o if_o such_o fail_n and_o miscarriage_n have_v never_o be_v 4._o our_o lord_n jesus_n will_v have_v his_o people_n confirm_v and_o strengthen_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o constancy_n of_o his_o love_n the_o unchangeableness_n of_o their_o interest_n and_o the_o privilege_n follow_v thereon_o and_o see_v he_o thus_o love_v his_o people_n he_o allow_v they_o to_o believe_v it_o 5._o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o fix_v and_o imprint_v christ_n word_n on_o believer_n heart_n and_o to_o get_v they_o affect_v with_o they_o therefore_o often_o both_o promise_n and_o duty_n must_v be_v repeat_v and_o what_o be_v once_o speak_v must_v be_v again_o repeat_v for_o their_o good_a especial_o after_o a_o slip_n and_o fit_v of_o security_n the_o same_o word_n have_v need_v
etc._n which_o be_v part_n of_o that_o new_a nature_n 3._o these_o part_n may_v be_v look_v on_o as_o useful_a in_o the_o new_a man_n as_o the_o external_a member_n be_v in_o the_o body_n or_o as_o they_o be_v evidence_n of_o something_o in_o the_o renew_a disposition_n 4._o they_o set_v forth_o the_o disposition_n as_o they_o be_v qualify_v in_o the_o commendation_n and_o not_o simple_o 5._o although_o we_o can_v satisfy_v our_o own_o or_o other_o curiosity_n in_o the_o particular_a application_n of_o these_o part_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a meaning_n of_o every_o several_a part_n here_o attribute_v to_o she_o as_o well_o as_o of_o every_o part_n attribute_v to_o he_o chap._n 5._o 11_o 12_o etc._n etc._n and_o he_o give_v no_o idle_a word_n nor_o use_v any_o vain_a repetition_n we_o will_v therefore_o beware_v of_o think_v all_o this_o needless_a see_v he_o know_v best_a what_o be_v needful_a 6._o be_v clear_a of_o the_o scope_n that_o it_o be_v to_o commend_v grace_n and_o to_o evidence_n the_o beauty_n of_o her_o several_a grace_n we_o must_v regulatall_a the_o application_n by_o that_o scope_n and_o what_o be_v subservient_fw-fr thereto_o can_v be_v impertinent_a yet_o 7._o there_o be_v much_o need_n of_o sobriety_n here_o therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v short_a and_o not_o peremptory_a in_o particular_a application_n 8._o there_o be_v a_o connexion_n among_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o must_v not_o be_v think_v absurd_a that_o some_o of_o these_o grace_n be_v signify_v twice_o in_o different_a respect_n and_o that_o one_o part_n respect_v more_o grace_n which_o be_v near_o link_v especial_o when_o the_o commendation_n give_v ground_n to_o infer_v it_o 9_o we_o take_v this_o commendation_n to_o set_v forth_o especial_o the_o invisible_a church_n or_o true_a believer_n which_o be_v the_o member_n thereof_o as_o the_o scope_n and_o application_n do_v clear_a if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o he_o insist_o on_o particular_n in_o this_o commendation_n i_o answer_v for_o these_o reason_n 1._o that_o he_o may_v show_v that_o whoever_o have_v the_o new_a nature_n and_o a_o lively_a work_n of_o grace_n have_v also_o particular_a grace_n in_o exercise_n 2._o that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v that_o the_o new_a nature_n be_v not_o a_o dead_a body_n but_o a_o live_n and_o exercise_v itself_o by_o put_v forth_o these_o particular_a grace_n in_o exercise_n 3._o that_o he_o may_v show_v that_o where_o ever_o one_o grace_n be_v all_o be_v there_o and_o as_o it_o be_v ordinary_o with_o one_o grace_n so_o it_o be_v with_o all_o where_o believer_n be_v in_o a_o good_a and_o commendable_a case_n it_o will_v not_o be_v one_o grace_n or_o two_o that_o will_v be_v in_o exercise_n or_o one_o duty_n or_o two_o in_o which_o these_o grace_n be_v exercise_v but_o it_o will_v be_v universal_o all_o grace_n and_o in_o all_o know_a duty_n 4._o to_o show_v who_o may_v expect_v christ_n commendation_n these_o who_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o all_o his_o command_n and_o make_v conscience_n to_o exercise_v all_o grace_n 5._o to_o show_v what_o particular_a notice_n he_o take_v of_o believer_n grace_n he_o can_v tell_v how_o it_o be_v with_o every_o one_o of_o they_o and_o take_v this_o exact_a notice_n of_o they_o because_o it_o be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o he_o when_o he_o find_v they_o in_o good_a case_n there_o be_v seven_o part_n particular_o mention_v every_o one_o have_v its_o own_o distinct_a commendation_n the_o first_o two_o of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o rest_n of_o vers_n 1._o the_o first_o thing_n commend_v be_v her_o eye_n which_o here_o have_v a_o twofold_a commendation_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v as_o dove_n eye_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v within_o her_o lock_n eye_n be_v the_o organ_n of_o see_v in_o the_o natural_a body_n whereby_o we_o discern_v object_n that_o be_v visible_a and_o so_o our_o understanding_n be_v thereby_o set_v forth_o in_o scripture_n that_o the_o eye_n of_o your_o understanding_n may_v be_v enlighten_v say_v the_o apostle_n eph._n 1._o 18._o by_o eye_n also_o the_o affection_n be_v set_v forth_o because_o the_o affection_n set_v the_o eye_n on_o work_n to_o look_v here_o or_o there_o hence_o be_v the_o phrase_n of_o a_o single_a and_o evil_a eye_n matth._n 6._o 21_o 23._o and_o because_o it_o be_v some_o way_n the_o seat_n of_o these_o and_o somewhat_o of_o love_n or_o hatred_n will_v be_v and_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o eye_n here_o we_o understand_v 1._o a_o spiritual_a sanctify_a and_o enlighten_v understanding_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n take_v up_o christ_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n spiritual_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 15._o that_o be_v by_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v heb._n 11._o 1._o and_o therefore_o look_v be_v frequent_o put_v for_o believe_v in_o scripture_n which_o presuppose_v understanding_n 2._o kindlinesse_n or_o a_o spiritual_a kind_o and_o affectionate_a carriage_n to_o christ_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o love_n upon_o this_o spiritual_a and_o wonderful_o excellent_a object_n christ_n a_o have_a respect_n to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v isa._n 17._o 7._o his_o eye_n shall_v have_v respect_n to_o his_o maker_n it_o be_v such_o a_o uptake_n of_o christ_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o work_n love_v and_o delight_n in_o they_o the_o commendation_n will_v confirm_v this_o which_o be_v twofold_a 1._o they_o be_v dove_n eye_n this_o be_v open_v chap._n 1._o 15._o and_o it_o signify_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o great_a object_n they_o behold_v and_o be_v take_v up_o with_o it_o be_v christ_n and_o they_o be_v chaste_a to_o he_o and_o seek_v to_o know_v no_o other_o at_o all_o but_o hâ—â—â—_n cor._n 2._o 2._o 2._o it_o import_v that_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o they_o behold_v he_o be_v simple_a single_a and_o sweet_a their_o understanding_n be_v not_o subtle_a nor_o politic_a nor_o be_v they_o pu_v up_o with_o it_o but_o it_o be_v take_v up_o in_o study_v christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v opposite_a to_o the_o vain_a wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 1_o 2._o 2._o these_o eye_n be_v within_o her_o loâ—ks_n lock_n be_v that_o part_n of_o the_o hair_n that_o hang_v about_o the_o face_n handsome_o knit_v and_o be_v then_o in_o stead_n of_o a_o vail_n to_o woman_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 7._o and_o so_o the_o word_n in_o the_o hebrew_n will_v bear_v and_o it_o be_v difference_v from_o that_o word_n translate_v hair_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v which_o be_v that_o part_n of_o the_o hair_n that_o cover_v the_o head_n it_o imply_v here_o that_o the_o believer_n knowledge_n be_v not_o use_v for_o frothy_a ostentation_n as_o the_o knowledge_n that_o puff_v up_o but_o be_v keep_v within_o its_o right_a bound_n and_o that_o they_o be_v wise_a unto_o sobriety_n and_o that_o their_o knowledge_n be_v not_o at_o the_o first_o obvious_a but_o seasonable_o vent_v itself_o and_o look_n out_o as_o eye_n that_o be_v within_o the_o lock_n these_o thing_n be_v sure_a and_o may_v be_v observe_v from_o the_o word_n 1._o that_o a_o believer_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o spiritual_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n 2._o knowledge_n be_v no_o less_o necessary_a to_o a_o believer_n that_o he_o may_v go_v right_a in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o not_o err_v than_o eye_n be_v to_o guide_v a_o maâ—_n in_o a_o journey_n and_o this_o necessity_n extend_v both_o to_o faith_n â—nd_a practice_n 3._o a_o believer_n without_o knowledge_n or_o weak_a in_o knowledge_n be_v very_o far_o defective_a in_o spiritual_a beauty_n he_o be_v as_o a_o man_n without_o eye_n it_o be_v not_o decent_a that_o a_o believer_n shall_v be_v so_o from_o this_o it_o be_v that_o many_o be_v call_v weak_a in_o faith_n 4._o that_o knowledge_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n shall_v ever_o have_v faith_n love_n and_o singleness_n go_v alongst_o in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o for_o every_o knowledge_n will_v not_o be_v commendable_a to_o christ_n more_o than_o every_o eye_n will_v be_v useful_a in_o a_o body_n believer_n eye_n must_v be_v as_o dove_n eye_n 5._o a_o believer_n eye_n or_o knowledge_n be_v different_a from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o other_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n which_o be_v christ_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n 2._o in_o that_o it_o be_v join_v with_o love_n it_o respect_v he_o 3._o in_o that_o it_o be_v chaste_a keep_v the_o soul_n for_o he_o alone_o 4._o it_o work_v delight_n in_o he_o 5._o it_o be_v deny_v to_o other_o thing_n obs._n 6._o often_o the_o most_o subtle_a in_o worldly_a wisdom_n know_v least_o of_o christ_n true_o whereas_o the_o most_o simple_a that_o have_v dove_n eye_n take_v up_o most_o of_o he_o 7._o christ_n respect_v not_o how_o much_o a_o man_n know_v but_o how_o he_o be_v affect_v with_o it_o it_o