affirm_v be_v both_o dangerous_a and_o absurd_a beside_o christ_n be_v still_o the_o same_o in_o his_o way_n with_o believer_n and_o they_o have_v still_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o be_v still_o under_o the_o same_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n we_o can_v conceive_v no_o other_o thing_n here_o but_o what_o he_o have_v express_v concern_v himself_o and_o they_o otherwhere_a in_o scripture_n and_o certain_o the_o scope_n of_o this_o song_n be_v rather_o in_o a_o sweet_a way_n to_o compact_v together_o the_o ordinary_a case_n of_o believer_n and_o their_o consolation_n for_o their_o edification_n than_o to_o pitch_v on_o strange_a thing_n or_o make_v new_a case_n which_o will_v not_o be_v so_o profitable_a unto_o they_o and_o will_v wrong_v and_o enervat_fw-la the_o great_a intent_n of_o this_o song_n we_o proceed_v now_o and_o shall_v draw_v some_o conclusion_n from_o these_o proposition_n first_o conclusion_n we_o may_v then_o warantable_o read_v and_o expone_fw-la this_o song_n it_o be_v scripture_n it_o must_v be_v edify_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o it_o be_v true_a this_o and_o some_o other_o scripture_n be_v of_o old_a restrain_v by_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o young_a sort_n that_o none_o shall_v read_v they_o but_o these_o who_o be_v at_o thirty_o year_n of_o age_n origen_n mark_v four_o piece_n of_o holy_a scripture_n thus_o restrain_v by_o they_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n genes_n 1._o the_o description_n of_o god_n appearance_n ezek._n 1._o and_o of_o his_o temple_n chap._n 40._o etc._n etc._n and_o especial_o this_o song_n because_o the_o matter_n in_o they_o be_v so_o sublime_a that_o there_o need_v more_o than_o ordinary_a humility_n and_o experience_n in_o those_o who_o shall_v meddle_v with_o they_o this_o indeed_o say_v man_n ought_v to_o be_v sober_a and_o with_o holy_a fear_n search_v these_o scripture_n but_o that_o restraint_n if_o peremptory_a be_v unwarrantable_a see_v the_o lord_n have_v put_v none_o such_o on_o his_o people_n as_o to_o any_o portion_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o though_o this_o song_n be_v obscure_a than_o many_o other_o scripture_n yet_o general_o the_o read_n of_o it_o and_o hear_v of_o it_o will_v affect_v and_o as_o to_o the_o compose_n of_o the_o spirit_n edify_v as_o much_o as_o other_o more_o plain_a scripture_n which_o say_v it_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o that_o the_o meaning_n be_v find_v out_o the_o profit_n reap_v thereby_o may_v be_v the_o more_o distinct_a and_o apparent_a 2._o conclus_fw-la we_o gather_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o see_v this_o song_n may_v be_v expound_v then_o doctrine_n for_o ground_v our_o say_v and_o direct_v our_o practice_n may_v warrantable_o be_v draw_v from_o it_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o god_n people_n see_v it_o be_v scripture_n and_o although_o it_o be_v allegoric_a it_o be_v in_o a_o special_a way_n useful_a for_o edification_n and_o may_v as_o bread_n be_v break_v to_o the_o child_n it_o be_v not_o only_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o plain_a scripture_n but_o also_o of_o allegory_n that_o they_o be_v thus_o extend_v in_o their_o use_n we_o shall_v clear_v this_o conclusion_n in_o these_o three_o first_o there_o may_v be_v doctrine_n draw_v from_o this_o song_n in_o reference_n to_o all_o case_n that_o be_v incident_a to_o a_o believer_n as_o 1._o in_o reference_n to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o its_o consideration_n visible_a or_o invisible_a catholic_n or_o particular_a and_o 2._o in_o reference_n to_o the_o more_o private_a and_o personal_a case_n of_o believer_n doctrine_n instruct_v they_o both_o in_o faith_n and_o manner_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o doctrine_n must_v rise_v as_o extensive_o as_o there_o scope_n and_o matter_n and_o these_o be_v of_o a_o great_a reach_n and_o extent_n as_o former_o have_v be_v say_v such_o doctrine_n then_o when_o handle_v in_o this_o song_n will_v not_o be_v think_v strange_a nor_o unsuitable_a to_o it_o but_o the_o broad_a they_o arise_v the_o spirit_n be_v wisdom_v and_o contrivance_n in_o this_o song_n will_v be_v the_o more_o wonderful_a and_o evident_a 2._o these_o doctrine_n must_v not_o be_v take_v from_o the_o word_n proper_o but_o allegorical_o understand_v according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o even_o as_o from_o parable_n and_o other_o clear_a allegory_n and_o figure_n in_o scripture_n it_o use_v to_o be_v do_v 3._o these_o doctrine_n so_o draw_v when_o right_o conclude_v from_o the_o text_n and_o scope_n be_v solid_a and_o sure_a useful_a for_o faith_n and_o manner_n as_o doctrine_n draw_v from_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v for_o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o many_o scripture_n be_v allegorical_o set_v down_o and_o be_v their_o authority_n therefore_o any_o way_n less_o than_o that_o of_o other_o scripture_n and_o if_o their_o authority_n be_v such_o in_o themselves_o as_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o other_o scripture_n then_o their_o exposition_n and_o doctrine_n draw_v from_o they_o must_v be_v solid_a and_o useful_a as_o these_o that_o be_v draw_v from_o other_o scripture_n or_o 2._o we_o must_v say_v there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o such_o scripture_n which_o be_v blasphemous_a and_o if_o they_o be_v useful_a there_o may_v be_v solid_a use_n draw_v from_o they_o as_o from_o other_o scripture_n 3._o our_o lord_n use_v parable_n and_o allegory_n often_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o in_o thing_n relate_v both_o to_o faith_n and_o manner_n which_o say_v the_o use_n of_o they_o be_v solid_a and_o safe_a when_o they_o be_v right_o understand_v and_o apply_v all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v in_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o they_o and_o because_o allegory_n be_v frequent_a in_o scripture_n and_o this_o song_n be_v whole_o make_v up_o of_o allegory_n therefore_o both_o for_o remove_v prejudices_fw-la and_o facilitate_v our_o way_n i_o shall_v speak_v something_o to_o these_o three_o 1._o we_o shall_v show_v what_o a_o allegoric_a exposition_n or_o rather_o the_o exposition_n of_o a_o allegory_n be_v 2._o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o understand_v a_o scripture_n allegorical_o 3._o how_o to_o walk_v in_o attain_v the_o solid_a meaning_n or_o how_o to_o know_v if_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v the_o meaning_n of_o a_o allegoric_a scripture_n for_o the_o first_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o a_o allegoric_a exposition_n of_o scripture_n and_o a_o exposition_n of_o allegoric_a scripture_n the_o first_o be_v that_o which_o many_o father_n and_o schoolman_n fail_v in_o that_o be_v when_o they_o allegorise_v plain_a scripture_n and_o history_n seek_v to_o draw_v out_o some_o secret_a meaning_n other_o than_o appear_v in_o the_o word_n and_o so_o will_v fasten_v many_o sense_n upon_o one_o scripture_n this_o be_v indeed_o unsafe_a and_o be_v just_o reprovable_a for_o this_o make_v clear_a scripture_n dark_a and_o obtrude_v meaning_n on_o the_o word_n never_o intend_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o suppose_v one_o speak_v of_o goliah_n combat_n and_o david_n shall_v pass_v by_o the_o letter_n and_o expound_v goliath_n to_o be_v the_o flesh_n or_o the_o devil_n and_o david_n to_o be_v the_o spirit_n or_o christ_n such_o exposition_n may_v have_v some_o pleasantness_n but_o often_o little_a solidity_n and_o such_o who_o most_o common_o thus_o interpret_v scripture_n often_o fall_v in_o error_n as_o guilty_a of_o this_o fault_n origen_n be_v general_o complain_v of_o though_o more_o also_o be_v guilty_a as_o may_v be_v clear_v by_o many_o instance_n 2._o a_o exposition_n of_o a_o allegoric_a scripture_n be_v the_o opening_z and_o expound_v of_o some_o dark_a scripture_n wherein_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v couch_v and_o hide_v under_o figure_n and_o allegory_n make_v it_o plain_a and_o edify_a by_o bring_v out_o the_o sense_n according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o place_n though_o at_o first_o it_o seem_v to_o bear_v out_o no_o such_o thing_n so_o matth._n 13._o christ_n expound_v that_o parable_n or_o allegory_n for_o though_o rhetorician_n make_v a_o difference_n between_o similitude_n or_o parable_n and_o allegory_n yet_o in_o divinity_n there_o be_v none_o but_o that_o allegory_n be_v more_o large_a and_o continue_a call_v the_o seed_n the_o word_n the_o sour_a the_o son_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n this_o way_n of_o expound_v such_o dark_a scripture_n be_v both_o useful_a and_o necessary_a and_o be_v often_o use_v as_o edify_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o his_o disciple_n now_o it_o be_v this_o we_o speak_v of_o which_o teach_v how_o to_o draw_v plain_a doctrine_n out_o of_o allegory_n and_o not_o to_o draw_v allegory_n out_o of_o plain_a history_n or_o doctrine_n 2._o it_o may_v be_v ask_v then_o when_o be_v we_o to_o account_v a_o place_n of_o scripture_n allegoric_a and_o be_v we_o to_o seek_v out_o some_o other_o meaning_n than_o what_o at_o first_o
appear_v ans._n first_o when_o the_o literal_a proper_a meaning_n look_v absurd_a like_o or_o be_v empty_a and_o nothing_o to_o edification_n as_o when_o it_o be_v say_v we_o must_v eat_v christ_n flesh_n whereby_o believe_v be_v express_v and_o so_o these_o scripture_n that_o do_v command_v to_o pluck_v out_o the_o right_a eye_n cut_v off_o the_o right_a hand_n take_v up_o our_o cross_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o if_o literal_o understand_v be_v absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a and_o therefore_o the_o mistake_v such_o scripture_n have_v occasion_v many_o error_n as_o that_o of_o the_o anthropomorphits_n attribute_v member_n to_o wit_n head_n hands_z foot_n etc._n etc._n to_o god_n and_o passion_n yea_o infirmity_n as_o anger_n repent_v etc._n etc._n because_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o god_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n do_v allegorical_o attribute_v to_o he_o eye_n hand_n wrath_n etc._n etc._n 2._o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v account_v allegoric_a which_o reach_v not_o the_o scope_n of_o edification_n intend_v by_o they_o if_o literal_o understand_v as_o when_o christ_n have_v speak_v of_o sow_v the_o disciple_n think_v that_o some_o more_o be_v intend_v than_o at_o first_o appear_v for_o his_o aim_n can_v not_o be_v to_o discourse_v of_o husbandry_n to_o they_o so_o gather_v the_o apostle_n a_o allegory_n from_o these_o word_n thou_o shall_v not_o muzzle_n the_o mouth_n of_o the_o ox_n that_o tread_v out_o the_o corn_n and_o so_o also_o that_o and_o the_o like_a precept_n discharge_v the_o jew_n the_o sow_v their_o field_n with_o diverse_a grain_n etc._n etc._n which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o whole_o allegoric_a but_o have_v in_o the_o letter_n their_o own_o truth_n yet_o somewhat_o in_o these_o beyond_o what_o appear_v be_v aim_v at_o by_o the_o spirit_n for_o say_v the_o apostle_n do_v god_n care_n for_o ox_n that_o be_v that_o precept_n have_v a_o further_a scope_n 1_o cor._n 9_o 9_o 10._o 3._o when_o a_o literal_a sense_n will_v obtrude_v some_o falsity_n on_o the_o scripture_n than_o such_o a_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v allegorical_o as_o when_o christ_n say_v destroy_v this_o temple_n and_o i_o will_v build_v it_o up_o in_o three_o day_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o material_a house_n or_o jewish_a temple_n because_o than_o christ_n word_n will_v not_o have_v have_v its_o accomplishment_n but_o allegorical_o of_o his_o body_n so_o when_o christ_n say_v except_o a_o man_n eat_v his_o flesh_n he_o shall_v not_o live_v john_n 6._o 53._o it_o can_v be_v understand_v literal_o see_v all_o who_o have_v obtain_v life_n do_v never_o eat_v his_o flesh_n in_o a_o carnal_a bodily_a way_n 4._o any_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v account_v allegorical_a when_o the_o literal_a sense_n agree_v not_o with_o other_o scripture_n and_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n or_o rule_v of_o right_a manner_n as_o when_o we_o be_v command_v to_o heap_v coal_n of_o fire_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o our_o enemy_n now_o it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o not_o avenge_a ourselves_o if_o literal_o and_o proper_o understand_v it_o must_v therefore_o signify_v some_o other_o thing_n 5._o when_o a_o literal_a sense_n answer_v not_o the_o present_a scope_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o the_o speaker_n will_v be_v think_v impertinent_a if_o his_o word_n be_v proper_o take_v than_o it_o will_v seem_v necessary_a to_o expound_v it_o as_o a_o allegory_n so_o matth._n 3._o 10._o when_o john_n be_v press_v repentance_n he_o say_v the_o axe_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o parable_n of_o christ_n luk._n 13._o 7._o speak_v of_o the_o husbandman_n that_o spare_v his_o tree_n three_o year_n if_o these_o place_n be_v only_o proper_o understand_v they_o will_v not_o enforce_v repentance_n which_o be_v aim_v at_o they_o must_v therefore_o be_v expound_v as_o have_v something_o more_o in_o they_o of_o a_o deep_a reach_n which_o may_v conduce_v to_o that_o scope_n and_o see_v according_a to_o these_o rule_n all_o the_o absurdity_n mention_v will_v follow_v if_o this_o song_n be_v literal_o and_o proper_o expound_v it_o must_v therefore_o be_v take_v allegorical_o and_o â—he_v doctrine_n must_v be_v draw_v from_o its_o inside_n or_o scope_n when_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o allegory_n be_v lay_v by_o but_o 3._o because_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o leave_v man_n to_o coin_v what_o exposition_n they_o please_v of_o such_o scripture_n therefore_o as_o upon_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o cast_v all_o doctrine_n from_o they_o as_o unsolide_a so_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o will_v see_v what_o may_v fix_v we_o in_o a_o solid_a exposition_n and_o sowhat_o may_v be_v esteem_v a_o well_o ground_a doctrine_n draw_v from_o such_o a_o allegory_n i_o shall_v in_o order_n to_o our_o help_n in_o this_o name_n five_o rule_n whereof_o the_o last_o be_v safe_a first_o some_o allegory_n at_o the_o first_o view_n seem_v plain_a and_o imprint_v their_o meaning_n on_o these_o that_o have_v the_o least_o capacity_n that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v at_o least_o what_o in_o general_a they_o aim_v at_o and_o therefore_o such_o be_v leave_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n unexpound_v and_o be_v use_v to_o press_v most_o obvious_a truth_n such_o be_v that_o of_o john_n matth._n 3._o 10._o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o he_o have_v his_o fan_n in_o his_o hand_n etc._n etc._n the_o meaning_n whereof_o be_v at_o first_o obvious_a to_o be_v a_o peremptory_a certification_n press_v present_a repentance_n so_o be_v the_o parable_n of_o of_o the_o marriage_n matth._n 22._o 1._o which_o at_o first_o view_n appear_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o espouse_v believer_n to_o christ_n as_o their_o husband_n and_o so_o christ_n command_n to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n etc._n etc._n these_o as_o to_o their_o meaning_n be_v obvious_a and_o we_o think_v such_o be_v this_o song_n in_o its_o general_a series_n the_o very_a read_n of_o it_o seem_v to_o imprint_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o people_n must_v be_v take_v up_o as_o the_o party_n and_o the_o love_n here_o speak_v of_o must_v be_v such_o as_o be_v betwixt_o they_o and_o though_o particular_a expression_n be_v dark_a thus_o far_o it_o be_v obvious_a 2._o the_o meaning_n of_o a_o allegory_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o common_a use_n of_o such_o phrase_n and_o expression_n in_o our_o common_a use_n so_o kiss_v and_o embrace_v etc._n etc._n signify_v love_n and_o be_v expression_n of_o mutual_a affection_n in_o a_o allegory_n then_o these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v to_o express_v analogical_o some_o spiritual_a thing_n answerable_a in_o our_o spiritual_a life_n to_o such_o thing_n in_o our_o bodily_a life_n thus_o they_o express_v spiritual_a love_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o thus_o eye_n hand_n foot_n etc._n etc._n apply_v to_o god_n denote_v some_o singular_a property_n in_o he_o if_o allegorical_o apply_v to_o believer_n they_o denote_v some_o qualification_n of_o the_o new_a man_n that_o have_v some_o analogy_n and_o resemblance_n to_o these_o as_o knowledge_n activity_n patience_n etc._n etc._n because_o by_o our_o eye_n we_o see_v by_o our_o hand_n we_o work_v and_o by_o our_o foot_n we_o walk_v and_o travel_n etc._n etc._n thus_o be_v they_o transfer_v to_o hold_v out_o some_o other_o thing_n than_o appear_v at_o first_o from_o the_o word_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o interpreter_n be_v to_o bring_v out_o the_o scope_n and_o matter_n in_o plain_a expression_n that_o it_o may_v look_v like_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v and_o which_o be_v aim_v at_o as_o the_o scope_n 3._o it_o be_v helpful_a in_o expound_v of_o allegory_n to_o know_v how_o such_o phrase_n be_v expound_v in_o other_o place_n as_o when_o some_o thing_n be_v speak_v of_o david_n that_o can_v literal_o agree_v to_o david_n then_o see_v who_o be_v mean_v in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n by_o he_o if_o it_o can_v be_v know_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o marriage-tye_a here_o see_v it_o can_v be_v no_o humane_a thing_n see_v what_o other_o spiritual_a marriage_n be_v speak_v of_o in_o any_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o who_o be_v the_o party_n and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v expound_v by_o that_o 4._o be_v to_o interpret_v any_o allegorical_a place_n of_o scripture_n we_o will_v see_v not_o only_o to_o the_o scope_n of_o all_o scripture_n and_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n in_o general_a but_o to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o that_o place_n as_o for_o example_n if_o we_o will_v understand_v what_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_n we_o will_v first_o consider_v the_o scope_n which_o be_v to_o show_v god_n ready_a welcome_v of_o a_o sinner_n and_o then_o lavel_v the_o exposition_n as_o
serve_v to_o illustrat_fw-la that_o scope_n so_o we_o will_v consider_v what_o be_v the_o bride_n scope_n chap._n 5._o 10._o and_o it_o be_v to_o describe_v christ_n and_o chap._n 7._o 1._o we_o will_v consider_v what_o be_v the_o bridegroom_n scope_n and_o it_o be_v to_o describe_v she_o so_o than_o it_o agree_v with_o the_o scope_n to_o open_v these_o place_n &_o apply_v they_o to_o what_o be_v commendable_a in_o he_o and_o she_o and_o thus_o the_o exposition_n and_o doctrine_n from_o it_o do_v not_o only_a suit_n with_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v not_o contrare_fw-la to_o find_a doctrine_n but_o also_o suit_n with_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o spirit_n there_o and_o be_v agreeable_a to_o it_o for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n under_o general_a commendation_n may_v include_v all_o particular_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o make_v out_o the_o general_a and_o so_o when_o the_o scope_n be_v to_o hold_v christ_n out_o as_o all_o desire_n than_o what_o ever_o make_v he_o appear_v desirable_a and_o stand_v with_o the_o analogy_n of_o the_o expression_n may_v well_o stand_v with_o that_o scope_n this_o be_v sure_a especial_o when_o negative_o it_o be_v infer_v that_o be_v when_o such_o a_o scope_n necessary_o infer_v such_o a_o doctrine_n and_o when_o that_o scope_n can_v not_o be_v attain_v if_o such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v not_o suppose_v as_o when_o in_o general_a christ_n and_o his_o church_n be_v hold_v out_o to_o stand_v in_o a_o near_a relation_n together_o and_o so_o to_o carry_v one_o towards_o each_o other_o as_o be_v under_o such_o a_o relation_n this_o will_v necessary_o infer_v a_o covenant_n and_o a_o union_n by_o say_v upon_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o and_o some_o evidence_n of_o the_o proof_n of_o christ_n love_n etc._n etc._n because_o without_o these_o that_o relation_n can_v never_o have_v be_v nor_o can_v it_o without_o they_o be_v understand_v by_o we_o 5._o the_o last_o rule_n which_o we_o call_v most_o sure_a be_v this_o then_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o we_o have_v reach_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o a_o allegorical_a scripture_n when_o from_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o same_o or_o other_o place_n agree_v with_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o present_a allegory_n we_o gather_v in_o plain_a expression_n what_o be_v mean_v thereby_o or_o what_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o such_o a_o allegorical_a expression_n as_o when_o christ_n clear_v the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a he_o call_v the_o seed_n the_o word_n etc._n etc._n which_o make_v the_o meaning_n clear_a and_o above_o question_n or_o when_o a_o plain_a expression_n be_v mixed-in_a with_o the_o allegory_n so_o that_o expression_n chap._n 1._o 1._o let_v he_o kiss_v i_o etc._n etc._n in_o the_o word_n follow_v be_v expound_v by_o a_o more_o plain_a expression_n to_o wit_n thy_o love_n be_v better_a etc._n etc._n hence_o we_o solid_o gather_v that_o by_o kiss_n be_v mean_v love_n and_o this_o doctrine_n be_v sure_a christ_n love_n be_v vehement_o desire_v by_o the_o bride_n these_o way_n for_o find_v out_o what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o such_o scripture_n be_v safe_a and_o therefore_o that_o say_v symbolic_a scripture_n be_v not_o argumentative_a be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o a_o limitation_n to_o wit_n except_o in_o so_o far_o as_o the_o scope_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v know_v and_o in_o so_o far_o as_o the_o allegory_n or_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o agree_v with_o and_o conduce_v to_o the_o clear_n and_o make_v up_o of_o the_o know_a scope_n all_o these_o way_n go_v together_o and_o take_v along_o with_o we_o we_o may_v through_o god_n blessing_n undertake_v the_o open_n of_o this_o song_n and_o draw_v doctrine_n from_o it_o so_o expound_v not_o only_o agreeable_a to_o other_o scripture_n and_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n but_o also_o as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o this_o song_n yea_o even_o the_o scope_n of_o such_o a_o portion_n of_o it_o though_o possible_o every_o expression_n in_o its_o meaning_n be_v not_o so_o full_o reach_v which_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n we_o dare_v promise_n but_o humble_o to_o essay_n the_o make_n of_o it_o in_o some_o measure_n clear_a relish_v amiable_a and_o comfortable_a to_o god_n people_n and_o so_o we_o leave_v this_o conclusion_n the_o 3._o conclus_fw-la and_o last_o be_v that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o this_o song_n yield_v for_o all_o condition_n and_o which_o for_o believer_n use_v be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o it_o be_v the_o same_o plain_a solid_a spritual_a truth_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o other_o scripture_n wherein_o christ_n love_n to_o his_o church_n and_o people_n and_o their_o exercise_n be_v set_v down_o and_o if_o in_o its_o exposition_n it_o resolve_v in_o the_o same_o meaning_n with_o other_o scripture_n then_o must_v also_o the_o doctrine_n be_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o such_o doctrine_n concern_v faith_n and_o manner_n for_o believer_n direction_n in_o all_o case_n as_o arise_v from_o the_o gospel_n and_o other_o plain_a scripture_n psalm_n and_o history_n may_v be_v solid_o draw_v from_o this_o song_n and_o such_o when_o they_o be_v draw_v be_v solid_a being_n according_a to_o the_o foresay_a general_a rule_n and_o weight_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v on_o they_o in_o a_o christian_a walk_n we_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o make_v this_o out_o that_o when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n repentance_n diligence_n etc._n etc._n and_o such_o other_o doctrine_n as_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v the_o covenant_n or_o christ_n be_v speak_v of_o you_o may_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a nor_o unsuitable_a to_o this_o song_n and_o therefore_o we_o say_v first_o if_o the_o doctrine_n be_v suitabe_v to_o the_o scope_n and_o matter_n contain_v in_o this_o song_n than_o they_o be_v sure_a and_o solid_a and_o weight_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v upon_o they_o but_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v christ_n love_n to_o and_o care_n of_o his_o church_n and_o concern_v she_o exercise_v of_o faith_n repentance_n etc._n etc._n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o scope_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o thus_o if_o the_o scope_n and_o matter_n of_o this_o song_n do_v agree_v with_o the_o gospel_n i_o call_v the_o gospel_n what_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v more_o full_o hold_v forth_o and_o more_o clear_o in_o the_o scope_n and_o matter_n of_o it_o then_o must_v the_o doctrine_n which_o arise_v from_o it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o these_o that_o rise_v from_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a as_o be_v former_o clear_v therefore_o must_v this_o last_o be_v so_o also_o and_o what_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o to_o set_v forth_o christ_n love_n to_o his_o church_n to_o show_v her_o duty_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v not_o that_o same_o the_o scope_n here_o also_o only_a what_o be_v preceptive_o or_o doctrinal_o deliver_v there_o be_v here_o as_o it_o be_v act_v in_o a_o sort_n of_o comedy_n and_o compile_v in_o a_o song_n but_o still_o for_o the_o same_o end_n 2._o if_o the_o same_o allegory_n in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n will_v bear_v solid_a doctrine_n concern_v christ_n his_o covenant_n faith_n etc._n etc._n even_o such_o as_o be_v in_o plain_a scripture_n then_o must_v this_o song_n do_v the_o like_a see_v it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n tend_v to_o the_o same_o scope_n with_o these_o but_o it_o be_v clear_a isa._n 5._o 2._o jer._n 3._o matth._n 22._o rev._n 19_o 7._o that_o the_o same_o allegory_n of_o vineyard_n fruit_n and_o marriage_n etc._n etc._n be_v use_v and_o to_o the_o same_o scope_n with_o this_o and_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o yield_v solid_a doctrine_n concern_v faith_n fruitfulness_n and_o other_o doctrine_n be-belonging_a to_o a_o believer_n faith_n and_o practice_n therefore_o it_o must_v be_v â—o_o here_o for_o though_o this_o song_n be_v large_a and_o be_v make_v up_o of_o more_o allegory_n together_o that_o will_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o or_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o must_v be_v draw_v from_o it_o 3._o if_o we_o compare_v this_o song_n with_o the_o 45_o psalm_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v 1._o but_o that_o psalm_n and_o this_o song_n be_v to_o one_o scope_n and_o of_o one_o stile_n or_o strain_n in_o prosecute_a that_o scope_n it_o be_v a_o song_n of_o love_n for_o the_o king_n and_o a_o spiritual_a marriage_n be_v the_o subject_n thereof_o as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o very_a read_n of_o it_o 2._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o solid_a proof_n and_o doctrine_n concern_v many_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v in_o other_o plain_a scripture_n be_v and_o may_v be_v warrantable_o draw_v from_o it_o even_o as_o if_o it_o be_v plain_a gospel_n therefore_o must_v the_o doctrine_n be_v such_o which_o arise_v from_o this_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
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
watch_v more_o against_o as_o that_o which_o mar_v fellowship_n with_o christ_n than_o take_v excessive_a contentment_n in_o create_a thing_n 16._o often_o a_o condition_n which_o abound_v in_o worldly_a contentment_n and_o delight_n be_v very_o scarce_o of_o christ_n company_n therefore_o when_o he_o allow_v she_o his_o presence_n he_o call_v she_o to_o leave_v they_o in_o her_o affection_n at_o least_o 3._o because_o he_o know_v the_o world_n be_v most_o bewitch_a and_o the_o affection_n of_o his_o bride_n be_v not_o soon_o wean_v from_o it_o though_o this_o be_v most_o necessary_a therefore_o three_o way_n he_o press_v she_o to_o deny_v herself_o in_o these_o and_o follow_v he_o which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o call_n 1._o say_v he_o thou_o be_v my_o spouse_n that_o be_v my_o bride_n it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n which_o jer._n 2._o 32._o be_v translate_v bride_n can_v a_o bride_n forget_v her_o attire_n this_o title_n be_v frequent_o give_v she_o in_o this_o chapter_n and_o vers_fw-la 1._o chap._n 5._o import_v 1._o a_o marriage-tye_a and_o relation_n betwixt_o he_o and_o she_o 2._o love_n in_o he_o own_v that_o relation_n and_o claim_v thereby_o a_o interest_n in_o she_o 3._o a_o duty_n in_o she_o to_o own_v he_o as_o her_o husband_n and_o to_o forsake_v all_o her_o lover_n that_o she_o go_v not_o a-whoring_a after_o any_o other_o as_o a_o wife_n shall_v cleave_v to_o her_o husband_n it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o what_o be_v press_v psal._n 45._o 10_o etc._n etc._n my_o spouse_n say_v he_o thou_o have_v not_o thy_o portion_n in_o the_o world_n therefore_o come_v away_o from_o it_o 2._o he_o press_v it_o from_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o own_o company_n which_o she_o shall_v enjoy_v upon_o she_o obey_v his_o call_n come_v with_o i_o say_v he_o my_o spouse_n and_o this_o be_v repeat_v come_v with_o i_o that_o be_v thou_o be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o thy_o husband_n will_v thou_o not_o then_o come_v with_o i_o with_o i_o this_o be_v a_o weighty_a argument_n and_o none_o will_v prevail_v if_o this_o do_v not_o christ_n company_n shall_v have_v more_o weight_n and_o be_v of_o more_o force_n to_o engage_v a_o believer_n to_o christ_n than_o all_o the_o pleasantness_n of_o the_o world_n can_v have_v to_o divert_v they_o he_o be_v more_o excellent_a be_v far_o than_o the_o mountain_n of_o prey_n psal._n 76._o 4._o therefore_o be_v his_o company_n to_o be_v prefer_v to_o they_o all_o 3._o he_o press_v it_o from_o the_o heartless_a condition_n which_o she_o can_v not_o but_o have_v in_o the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n without_o christ_n they_o be_v but_o den_n of_o lion_n not_o for_o she_o to_o stay_v with_o nor_o yet_o any_o way_n agree_v with_o her_o state_n and_o case_n hence_o observe_v 1._o when_o christ_n and_o the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v oppose_v there_o will_v be_v great_a odds_o and_o a_o vast_a difference_n see_v betwixt_o they_o 2._o all_o the_o defect_n that_o abound_v in_o create_a excellency_n shall_v necessitatethe_fw-mi believer_n to_o take_v himself_o to_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o satisfaction_n for_o he_o till_o he_o come_v there_o 3._o man_n have_v no_o great_a loss_n that_o loose_a their_o affection_n from_o the_o world_n and_o set_v they_o on_o christ_n it_o be_v but_o leave_v the_o den_n of_o lion_n etc._n etc._n and_o come_v to_o he_o who_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o all_o the_o mountain_n of_o prey_n we_o may_v also_o read_v these_o word_n by_o way_n of_o promise_n thou_o shall_v come_v with_o i_o and_o the_o scope_n will_v not_o be_v against_o this_o it_o be_v no_o less_o a_o evidence_n of_o christ_n love_n and_o no_o less_o comfortable_a to_o the_o church_n to_o have_v his_o promise_n than_o to_o have_v his_o call_n and_o all_o his_o call_n have_v promise_n employ_v in_o they_o both_o will_v well_o agree_v and_o so_o that_o which_o be_v set_v down_o by_o way_n of_o precept_n rom._n 6._o 12._o let_v not_o sin_n reign_v in_o your_o mortal_a body_n be_v set_v down_o by_o way_n of_o promise_n vers_fw-la 14._o of_o that_o chapter_n sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o you_o vers._n 9_o thou_o have_v ravish_v my_o heart_n my_o sister_n my_o spouse_n thou_o have_v ravish_v my_o heart_n with_o one_o of_o thy_o eye_n with_o one_o chain_n of_o thy_o neck_n vers._n 10._o how_o fair_a be_v thy_o love_n my_o sister_n my_o spouse_n how_o much_o better_o be_v thy_o love_n then_o wine_n and_o the_o smell_n of_o thy_o ointment_n than_o all_o spice_n although_o what_o christ_n have_v speak_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n be_v wonderful_a yet_o these_o expression_n vers_fw-la 9_o 10._o be_v speak_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o a_o poor_a sinful_a creature_n pass_v admiration_n they_o may_v be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o former_a call_n and_o promise_n he_o thus_o serious_o invite_v she_o to_o come_v to_o he_o because_o he_o can_v want_v her_o company_n for_o his_o heart_n be_v ravish_v with_o she_o the_o scope_n in_o both_o verse_n be_v the_o same_o but_o be_v more_o clear_o express_v vers_fw-la 10._o not_o so_o much_o set_v forth_o the_o church_n loveliness_n though_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v as_o his_o love_a kindness_n who_o be_v admirable_o affect_v towards_o she_o as_o every_o word_n in_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o both_o show_v in_o they_o consider_v 1._o the_o title_n give_v she_o which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o verse_n 2._o what_o be_v assert_v and_o that_o be_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v ravish_v 3._o the_o manner_n how_o this_o be_v express_v in_o a_o sort_n of_o holy_a passion_n double_v the_o expression_n 4._o wherewith_o it_o be_v his_o heart_n be_v so_o ravish_v it_o be_v say_v he_o with_o one_o of_o thy_o eye_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 9_o vers_fw-la and_o more_o full_o amplify_v vers_fw-la 10._o the_o title_n be_v two_o one_o of_o they_o namely_o that_o she_o be_v his_o spouse_n have_v be_v speak_v of_o but_o his_o repeat_n of_o it_o show_v a_o kind_n of_o glory_v in_o it_o as_o be_v very_o much_o delight_v therewith_o the_o other_o title_n my_o sister_n be_v add_v and_o it_o do_v import_v these_o five_o thing_n 1._o a_o condescend_v upon_o christ_n part_n to_o be_v thus_o join_v in_o kindred_n to_o the_o believer_n and_o so_o it_o take_v in_o his_o incarnation_n whereby_o he_o be_v make_v in_o all_o thing_n like_v to_o his_o brethren_n heb._n 2._o 17._o our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n be_v man_n believer_n be_v his_o brethren_n and_o sister_n they_o be_v bone_n of_o his_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o for_o his_o bride_n consolation_n this_o be_v assert_v 2._o a_o privilege_n whereto_o she_o be_v advance_v upon_o her_o part_n and_o that_o be_v that_o by_o adoption_n believer_n be_v become_v son_n and_o daughter_n to_o the_o lord_n god_n almighty_a not_o only_o friend_n but_o child_n and_o so_o heir_n and_o joynt-heir_n with_o jesus_n christ_n rom._n 8._o so_o as_o now_o they_o be_v his_o brethren_n and_o sister_n which_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a advancement_n 3._o it_o import_v a_o change_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o of_o state_n in_o believer_n so_o that_o they_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o spirit_n with_o christ_n jesus_n as_o it_o be_v heb._n 2._o 11._o he_o that_o sanctify_v and_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v be_v of_o one_o which_o be_v a_o special_a ground_n of_o his_o sibnesse_n and_o kindred_n to_o believer_n not_o common_a to_o other_o but_o special_a to_o they_o and_o found_v on_o their_o sanctification_n 4._o it_o imply_v sympathy_n friendliness_n and_o a_o kindly_a esteem_n in_o he_o that_o take_v she_o up_o and_o speak_v of_o she_o and_o to_o she_o in_o all_o the_o most_o sweet_a relation_n of_o mother_n sister_n spouse_n etc._n etc._n matth._n 12._o ult_n 5._o it_o show_v his_o own_n of_o all_o these_o relation_n he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o call_v believer_n sister_n and_o brethren_n heb._n 2._o 11._o obs._n 1_o there_o be_v many_o wonderful_a near_a and_o sweet_a relation_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o believer_n 2._o christ_n be_v the_o most_o faithful_a owner_n of_o they_o and_o be_v in_o a_o most_o friendly_a way_n forthcoming_a to_o they_o according_a to_o they_o all_o 2._o the_o thing_n assert_v here_o be_v thou_o have_v ravish_v my_o heart_n the_o word_n in_o the_o first_o language_n be_v one_o and_o it_o signify_v thou_o have_v heart_v i_o or_o so_o to_o speak_v thou_o have_v unheart_v i_o it_o be_v no_o where_o else_o in_o scripture_n but_o here_o christ_n unspeakable_a love_n as_o it_o be_v coin_n new_a word_n to_o discover_v itself_o by_o it_o be_v so_o unexpressible_a the_o word_n be_v borrow_v from_o the_o passionatnesse_n of_o
leg_n be_v as_o pillar_n of_o marble_n and_o before_o who_o none_o can_v stand_v 6._o where_o there_o be_v respect_n to_o christ_n there_o will_v be_v a_o high_a estimation_n of_o his_o way_n and_o it_o be_v a_o good_a sign_n of_o a_o especial_a esteem_n of_o christ_n when_o his_o way_n be_v admire_v and_o love_v the_o nine_o particular_a instance_n bring_v to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a among_o ten_o thousand_o be_v that_o his_o countenance_n be_v like_o lebanon_n the_o word_n countenance_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a come_v from_o a_o root_n that_o signify_v to_o see_v therefore_o countenance_n be_v use_v in_o scripture_n not_o only_o to_o signify_v the_o face_n but_o the_o whole_a stature_n and_o presentation_n of_o a_o person_n or_o that_o which_o give_v a_o full_a sight_n of_o one_o in_o all_o his_o part_n together_o and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o and_o differ_v from_o the_o cheek_n mention_v vers_fw-la 13._o as_o be_v more_o extensive_a and_o comprehensive_a therefore_o that_o phrase_n which_o 2_o sam._n 23._o 21._o be_v render_v a_o goodly_a man_n or_o man_n of_o countenance_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a be_v 1_o chron._n 11._o 23._o where_o that_o same_o story_n be_v record_v express_v by_o this_o that_o the_o egyptian_a be_v a_o man_n of_o stature_n as_o if_o it_o be_v say_v a_o brave_a personage_n of_o a_o man_n and_o so_o it_o takes-in_a face_n leg_n body_n and_o altogether_o when_o all_o these_o be_v so_o proportion_v as_o they_o make_v one_o a_o person_n goodly_a to_o be_v see_v and_o look_v on_o now_o this_o be_v apply_v to_o christ_n as_o subjoin_v to_o the_o particular_n former_o mention_v we_o conceive_v it_o takes-in_a his_o matchless_a stateliness_n as_o it_o result_v from_o all_o his_o property_n together_o so_o that_o not_o only_o this_o or_o that_o part_n of_o christ_n be_v lovely_a but_o whole_a christ_n when_o see_v be_v exceed_v stately_a and_o lovely_a to_o the_o view_n and_o faith_n of_o a_o discern_a believer_n whatever_o other_o think_v of_o he_o so_o then_o the_o meaning_n be_v ask_v you_o what_o my_o beloved_n be_v say_v she_o as_o all_o his_o part_n be_v beautiful_a several_o consider_v so_o all_o be_v put_v together_o he_o be_v a_o most_o stately_a and_o lovely_a object_n to_o behold_v when_o he_o give_v a_o full_a view_n of_o his_o countenance_n it_o set_v out_o then_o a_o more_o full_a view_n of_o christ_n or_o christ_n in_o a_o more_o full_a view_n as_o if_o not_o only_o a_o man_n head_n or_o leg_n be_v see_v but_o his_o whole_a stature_n whereby_o he_o be_v more_o full_o discernible_a thus_o christ_n countenance_n in_o scripture_n be_v put_v to_o signify_v his_o manifestation_n to_o his_o people_n and_o here_o be_v subjoin_v to_o the_o cheek_n as_o more_o extensive_a it_o signify_v more_o full_a manifestation_n whereby_o a_o view_n as_o it_o be_v of_o whole_a christ_n be_v attain_v at_o once_o by_o the_o believer_n faith_n as_o by_o faith_n heb._n 11._o 27._o moses_n be_v say_v to_o have_v see_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a and_o this_o will_v agree_v well_o with_o the_o scope_n and_o the_o commendation_n follow_v which_o be_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o it_o be_v as_o lebanon_n a_o most_o pleasant_a stately_a hill_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o be_v excellent_a be_v often_o compare_v to_o it_o as_o be_v say_v on_o chap._n 4._o 8._o 11._o 15._o 2._o it_o be_v amplify_v that_o it_o be_v excellent_a as_o the_o cedar_n they_o be_v useful_a stately_a and_o talâ—_n tree_n especial_o these_o that_o grow_v in_o lebanon_n the_o word_n be_v elect_v or_o choice_n as_o the_o cedar_n which_o agree_v well_o with_o a_o goodly_a presentation_n to_o be_v tall_a straight_o and_o stately_a as_o they_o be_v therefore_o the_o bride_n stature_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o palmtree_n chap._n 7._o 7._o in_o a_o word_n my_o beloved_n when_o see_v look_v excellent_o and_o passing-well_a say_v she_o so_o as_o there_o be_v no_o other_o belove_v in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v such_o a_o aspect_n as_o he_o who_o can_v look_v on_o he_o and_o not_o love_v he_o obseru._n 1._o although_o there_o be_v no_o full_o comprehensive_a view_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v get_v here_o even_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o believer_n while_o we_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n we_o can_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v that_o be_v reserve_v for_o heaven_n yet_o there_o be_v more_o full_a up-taking_n of_o he_o attainable_a even_o here-away_a than_o ordinary_o believer_n meet_v with_o yea_o such_o full_a view_n of_o he_o be_v to_o be_v have_v which_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o other_o ordinary_a attainment_n may_v be_v call_v a_o behold_v of_o his_o countenance_n whereas_o these_o be_v but_o a_o behold_n of_o his_o cheek_n for_o he_o have_v a_o countenance_n which_o be_v discernible_a neither_o do_v the_o bride_n speak_v of_o that_o she_o never_o see_v but_o of_o what_o she_o have_v see_v and_o it_o import_v a_o more_o full_a near_o thorough_a and_o distinct_a â—ight_n of_o he_o than_o be_v usual_a 2._o there_o be_v no_o such_o lovely_a delightsome_a spiritual_o gallant_a stately_a and_o glorious_a object_n as_o our_o lord_n jesus_n complex_o consider_v as_o in_o himself_o and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o sight_n more_o satisfy_v to_o a_o believer_n than_o this_o when_o admit_v to_o behold_v it_o 3._o all_o other_o belove_n whatever_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o be_v yet_o exceed_o nay_o infinite_o short_a of_o he_o when_o he_o be_v see_v this_o difference_v he_o from_o they_o all_o the_o more_o and_o the_o better_a other_o belove_n be_v see_v they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o more_o fecklesse_a insignificant_a and_o little_a worth_n but_o the_o more_o full_a view_n be_v get_v of_o christ_n he_o be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o more_o excellent_a 4._o 'slight_o and_o pass_a view_n of_o christ_n make_v man_n think_v the_o less_o of_o he_o whereas_o more_o full_a distinct_a and_o near_o behold_v of_o he_o do_v heighten_v the_o esteem_n of_o he_o and_o lessen_v the_o esteem_n of_o all_o other_o beside_o he_o 5._o faith_n in_o christ_n will_v make_v a_o real_a impression_n of_o he_o and_o of_o his_o excellency_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o believer_n even_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v see_v by_o sense_n therefore_o she_o speak_v so_o of_o his_o countenance_n and_o it_o be_v a_o good_a sign_n to_o be_v distinct_a and_o confident_a in_o our_o apprehension_n of_o christ_n excellency_n vers._n 16._o his_o mouth_n be_v most_o sweet_a yea_o he_o be_v altogether_o lovely_a this_o be_v my_o belove_a and_o this_o be_v my_o friend_n o_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o ten_o and_o last_o particular_a commend_v in_o he_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 16._o vers_fw-la and_o it_o be_v his_o mouth_n which_o be_v compare_v to_o sweetness_n or_o sweetness_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n by_o mouth_n sometime_o be_v understand_v the_o word_n of_o the_o mouth_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o use_v in_o this_o song_n the_o bride_n word_n and_o his_o also_o be_v set_v out_o by_o their_o lip_n and_o it_o be_v not_o like_a that_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o vers_n 13._o be_v repeat_v here_o again_o the_o mouth_n and_o its_o sweetness_n especial_o may_v be_v mention_v to_o signify_v friendliness_n and_o love_n or_o rather_o the_o sensible_a manifestation_n of_o these_o as_o the_o husband_n do_v by_o kiss_v his_o wife_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v take_v chap._n 1._o 2._o and_o we_o take_v that_o to_o be_v aim_v at_o here_o to_o wit_n the_o sweetness_n of_o christ_n more_o immediate_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o unto_o the_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o his_o people_n by_o shed_v the_o love_n of_o god_n abroad_o in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n rom._n 5._o 5._o for_o this_o sensible_a manifestation_n of_o his_o love_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o much_o commend_v he_o to_o his_o people_n and_o be_v their_o satisfaction_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o the_o creature-satisfaction_n that_o other_o have_v psalm_n 4._o 6_o 7._o therefore_o it_o agree_v well_o with_o the_o scope_n again_o it_o be_v a_o different_a commendation_n from_o any_o that_o be_v mention_v 1._o it_o differ_v from_o his_o lip_n or_o the_o comfort_n that_o one_o have_v from_o the_o word_n as_o from_o the_o word_n though_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v separate_a from_o that_o but_o to_o carry_v that_o alongst_o with_o it_o yet_o this_o be_v more_o immediate_a and_o sensible_a and_o that_o be_v mediate_v though_o real_a and_o sure_a unto_o â—aith_n 2._o it_o differ_v from_o see_v his_o cheek_n in_o that_o this_o be_v more_o full_a near_o and_o immediate_a also_o she_o be_v as_o it_o be_v admit_v to_o enjoy_v christ_n sweet_a embracement_n 3._o it_o differ_v from_o behold_v his_o countenance_n because_o that_o may_v be_v and_o