those in Pharaoh's Chariots Ezek. 17.15 1 Kings 10.28 and therefore as Peter did abound in courage after his cowardly fall so Christ seeing the same Spirit in the Spouse his goodly house in the battel who had arrived unto fresh courage in her Spiritual warfare against the Flesh the World Zech. 10.3 and the Devil is pleased to compare her to a company of Horses in Pharaoh's Chariots Verse 10. Thy cheeks are comly with rows thy neck with chains Quest 53. What is meant by those rows Answ As Christ in the former Verse had compared his Spouse to a stately War-horse so in this Verse we may see how he manages his goodly horse in the battel and that is by his holy righteous Laws which are Bridles in the Jaws of his People for as War horses would be ungovernable and unserviceable to their Riders without Bridles to order their Motion so the Saints are guided by the Laws of God put into their hearts whereby God makes them serviceable for the treading down of his and their Spiritual Enemies viz. The Flesh the World and the Devil and such is the corruption of Nature that is in the best of Men that they need the Bridle of God's Law to lay a restraint upon their Constitution sins for by the Law is the knowledge of sin Quest 54. Ver. â—â— Why do you think that by Rows are meant Laws Answ Because the Hebrew word Laws here used for Rows 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 comes of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies an orderly course of things and has such near affinity with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that signifies a Law that the Spirit of God puts one for another as will appear by comparing 2 Sam 7.19 with 1 Chron. 17.17 And God does by the Bridle of his Law keep the Saints in an orderly course of duty Quest 55. Why do you leave out those words Jewels and Gold Answ Because they are not in the Hebrew and therefore our Translators have set them down in a different letter Verse 11. We will make for thee borders of gold with studs of silver Quest 56. Who is it that is here speaking in the first person plural We will Answ God the Father Son and Holy Ghost who were from all eternity contriving a way how to beautifie us with the priviledges of the Gospel exprest by Gold Quest 57. What is meant by Borders Answ Those Rows of Gold mentioned in the antecedent Verse for the Hebrew word is the same in both Verses and I suppose the reason why we have it Translated Borders is because that as Borders do set bounds to places so the Gospel sets bounds to the Corruptions of the Saints Quest 58. Why are those Laws or Rows call'd Golden Rows in this Verse which wanted the adjunct in the former Answ Because that as the Ornaments of a Bridle do in beauty exceed the Bit so Gospel Priviledges and Gospel worship do far in Glory exceed a legal Ministry Isai 60.17 Quest 59. What is here meant by studs of silver Answer The Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies Specks and is so used for Jacob's speckled Cattel and it is used likewise in the singular 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for one that is a Keeper or Master of Sheep and may point at the Ministers of the Gospel for as Rows of Gold and Silver do set off each other with glory and lustre in the Bridles of Kings War-horses so the Golden Priviledges and Institutions of the Gospel being held forth and administred by Gospel Ministers Ver. 11. who are Vessels of Silver purified by the Fire of God's Spirit do set off each other with glory and lustre Verse 12. While the king sitteth at his Table my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof Quest 60. Who is here intended by this King Answ The Lord Jesus Christ the King of Kings Quest 61. What is meant by the King sitting at his Table Answ The gracious Presence of Christ with worthy Communicants at the Lords Supper Quest 62. What is meant by the Spikenard of the Spouse sending forth its smell Answ The exercise of all the Gifts and Graces of the Spirit which is a blessed effect of the presence of Christ with us in that Glorious Ordinance and therefore the Hebrew begins the Verse with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which denotes ever and a gracious Soul ever experiences the exercise of Faith and Love and Humility and Repentance when it enjoys the Spiritual Presence of Christ at his Supper I find also in the words a causative Particle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 denoting thus much That the Presence of Christ with us at the Supper is the cause of the exercise of our Graces Verse 13. A bundle of myrrhe is my well beloved unto me he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts Quest 63. Why does the Spouse compare Christ to a bundle of Myrrhe Answ To shew how sweet and delightful he was unto her for Myrrhe was one of those fragrant Ingredients of which the Holy Oyl was made which prefigured the Grace with which the humanity of Christ was abundantly replenished Quest 64. Why does the Spouse compare Christ rather to Myrrhe than to any other of those fragrant Ingredients of which the Holy Oyl was made Answ Because though Myrrhe is sweet of smell it is bitter of taste and this might be to signifie to us that a Gracious Soul is as willing to embrace Christ in his bitterest Dispensations Ver. 13. as in his most halcyon Providences A gracious Soul prefers the bitterest of Christ before all sweets without him and is willing to wear a Crown of Thorns for Christ as well as a Crown of Glory with him Quest 65. VVhy does the Spouse compare Christ to a Bag of Myrrhe Answ To signifie that those who once have Christ shall never lose him for as Job did conclude that not one of his sins could be lost that God had put up in his Bag which is the very same word here used for Bundle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so a gracious Soul can never lose Christ that has a saving interest in him Quest 66. VVhat is meant by the Breasts of the Spouse Answ If we take the Spouse for the whole Church of Christ then by her Breasts we understand the Ministers of the Gospel which are to yield the sincere Milk of the Word for the nourishment of those Babes of Christ which he begets by his Word and Spirit but if by the Spouse we understand any particular True Believer then it only shews that great delight they take in Christ Eph. 3.17 and to have him dwell in their Hearts by Faith Verse 14. My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi As in the former Verse the Spouse had compared Christ to a Bag of Myrrhe to shew how excellent he is in himself so in this Verse she compares him to a Cluster of Camphire to shew how advantagious he is to
AN EXPOSITION Upon the First Chapter of the Song of Songs Handled by way of Question and Answer FOR THE Information of the weakest Understanding By SAMVEL PACK The Secrets of the Lord are with his Fearers and he will shew them his Covenant LONDON Printed for the Author in the Year MDCXCI To all my Dearly Beloved Friends the Inhabitants of Ramsgate in the Isle of Thanet in Kent and all the adjacent Parts who are constant Attenders upon my Ministry Grace and Peace be multiplied My Dear Friends YOV may remember that some Years ago which was I think the second Summer after the Providence of God had cast me among you I did insist Copiously upon this Subject which I have now presented you with a Breviate of and forasmuch as the Kindness I then received from you gave me cause to hope that my poor Labours found acceptance with you I took encouragement to present you with this Paper in order to the helping of your Memories with some Hints of those Truths which some of you have acknowledged to have been conducible to the Illumination of your Vnderstandings in that great Doctrin of Justification by the Imputation of Christ's Righteousness and it is the earnest desire of my Soul that the Lord will be pleased so to attend my poor Endeavours in this Work with the powerful Assistance of his Spirit that they may conduce to the Mortification of your Sins here and the Glorification of your Souls hereafter for without Holiness in this VVorld you must never expect Happiness in the VVorld to come which Internal and Eternal Happiness of yours is the earnest desire of him who is Your Servant for Jesus sake SAMUEL PACK AN EXPOSITION Upon the First Chapter of the Song of Songs 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Verse 1. A Song of Songs because of Solomon Question 1. Answer WHY is this Book call'd a Song Because it lays a solid Foundation for a Beleiver's Spiritual Joy as it reveals unto us the unconceiveable Love of Christ who is the Son of God's Love Mat 3.17 Col. 2 9. Col. 1.9 Rom. 9.5 and in whom dwells the fulness of the God-head bodily and in whom it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell and who is God over all blessed for ever Amen Quest 2. Why is this Song of Solomon call'd a Song of Songs Answ Because it is the chief and principal Song Eccl. 7.5 not only in opposition to all wicked and filthy Songs which Solomon call'd Songs of Fools but also in Competition with many Songs of his own making which the Spirit of God did not think meet to transmit to Posterity as Canonical or a Rule of Faith Quest 3. Ver. 1. What other Reason may be given why this Song of Solomon is call'd a Song of Songs Answ Because it doth in a most excellent manner set forth the excellent perfections of Christ who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords on which account it is deservedly entituled A Song of Songs Rev. 17.14.19.16 Quest 4. What other Reason may be given why this Song is call'd a Song of Songs Answ Because God by stamping such glory upon the Front of this Book would for ever silence or leave inexcusable those Yokeless and black-mouth'd Sons of Felial that have got such a sufficient stock of Confidence as to say That this Book was only an Amourous Discourse that past between Solomon and Pharaoh's Daughter Quest 5. Why do you Translate that because which we have Translated which Answ Because 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is as often read a causative Particle as which as in Isai 53.12 and in a hundred places more Quest 6. What other reason can you give thereof Answ Because of the subsequent Preposition of for it would be nonsense to read the words thus A Song of Songs which of Solomon but it is good sense to read the words thus A Song of Songs because of Solomon that is it is a chief and principal Song because it sets forth the transcendent excellency of Christ who is the chief and principal good Quest 7. Why do you Translate it a Song which we have Translated the Song Answ Because there is no Emphaticum in the Hebrew and we ought not to add to the Word of God Quest 8. Why do you read of Solomon which of is not in our Translation Answ Because the Spirit of God has put in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and we ought not to leave it out Quest 9. Who is here intended by Solomon Answ The Lord Christ of whom Solomon was a glorious Type 1 Kings 4.29 30. Col. 2.3 Prov. 8.14 Isai 40.28 not only in respect of his great wisdom but as he was appointed by God to build the Temple and so Christ was appointed by God to build his Church of which Solomon's Temple was a Type Verse 2. Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth for thy love is better than wine Quest 10. Who is it that is speaking those words Answ The Spouse Quest 11. What does the Spouse mean by let him kiss me Answ She is thereby manifesting her strong desires after the manifestations of the love of Christ her Spiritual Husband Quest 12. Why does the Spouse of Christ express his love by a word of the plural number 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Answ To shew that Holy greediness that is in a gracious Soul after an abundance of the love of Christ as being exposed to abundance of discouragements Quest 13. Why is the word better a word of the plural number 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 goodnesses Answ Because of that abundance of goodness that is in the love of Christ as it makes all things even afflictions themselves to conduce to our good Verse 3. Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth therefore do the virgins love thee Quest 14. Whose words are those Answ The words of the Spouse or Bride of Christ in commendation of the Graces of his Spirit Quest 15. What is meant by the name of Christ Answ All his personal Excellencies by which he is pleased to manifest himself to his Saints Quest 16. What is meant by the name of Christ being like Ointment Answ Because the personal Excellency of Christ revealed to a gracious Soul has the same comforting and cleansing power upon the Heart as Oyl has upon a wounded Body and therefore Christ was anointed to heal the broken in Heart Quest 17. Why is this Oyl or Ointment express'd by a word of the plural number 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Answ Not only because of that fulness of Grace that is in Christ but also because of that variety of comforting and purging Grace that is in him Quest 18. Ver. 3. What is meant by the savour of this good Ointment Answ The experimental feeling thereof in our Hearts Quest 19. Who are meant by those Virgins Answ True Believers which do not defile themselves with the love of sin Verse 4. Draw me
we will run after thee the king brought me into his chambers we will be glad and rejoyce in thee we will remember thy love more than wine the upright love thee Quest 20. Whose words are those Answ They are the words of the Spouse Quest 21. What does the Spouse mean by drawing Answ She desires that God would by the power of his Spirit so bless all means that he useth with her to draw her nearer to himself that she might experience sweet Communion with him in duty Quest 22. What does the Spouse mean by saying We will run after thee Answ It is as if the Spouse had said Lord if thou wilt draw me nearer to thy self in duty I will endeavour to draw others along with me Quest 23. What is here meant by running after God Answ A constant walking in the ways of God that as the wicked desire to follow the Beast and their own beastly Lusts so the godly desire with Caleb to follow the Lord fully Quest 24. What is meant by running Answ To shew with what labour and diligence we ought to follow God in the way of his Commandments Christian work is hard work and therefore is sometimes expressed by striving and fighting and here by running Quest 25. Who is here meant by this King Answ Christ himself the King of Saints and Lord of Glory Quest 26. What is meant by the King's Chambers Answ The merits of the Death of Christ together with all the advantages we gain by his Mediatorship and for as much as the Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies an inner Bed-Chamber 1 Kings 22.25 which is a place of secrecy rest and safety I do conclude that the Spouse is here speaking of the great delight she did experience in those Chambers of Gospel-Mysteries wherein the Lord Jesus Christ reveals his everlasting love to a gracious Soul whereby it is filled with Joy unspeakable and full of Glory and therefore says the Spouse in the next words We will be glad and rejoyce in thee while Carnal Professors take up with the History of the Gospel Mat. 13.14 Eph. 3.4 Col 1. â—6 27. which we may compare to the Hall into which any may come that have occasion to come to the House A gracious Soul is by the Spirit of the living God led into the Mystery of the Gospel which we may compare to the inner-Chamber into which none do enter but special Friends Verse 5. I am black but comply O ye daughters of Jerusalem as the tents of Kedar as the curtains of Solomon As in the former Verse we may behold the Spouse in the loving embracings of her Beloved solacing of her self in the Fruition of those inexplicable Delights which are the blessed products of her close Communion with her Spiritual Husband in his Spiritual Chambers in which she did delight and rejoyce and whose love she resolved to remember more than Wine so we have in this Verse the Spouse under dismal Circumstances sitting as it were with her blubbered Cheeks her Eyes full of Tears and her Heart full of sorrow being under the Tyrannical Power of her Internal External and Infernal Enemies who are all combining together to make her Miserable Such is Satan's enmity against a Gracious Soul that he will not be wanting to give them a sufficient taste of his Malignant Emulation of their happiness so far as to let them know that there is nothing but mutability wrote upon the choicest of all created enjoyments of all which we have a hint in this Verse Quest 27. What does the Spouse mean by her being as black as the Tents of Kedar Answ As the Off spring of Kedar who was one of the Sons of Ishmael was of barbarous black Conditions Psal 120.5 6. so it is reported that they lived in Tents covered with black Hair-Cloth to which the Spouse compared her self Ver. 5. with respect to her sins and sufferings Quest 28. What does the Spouse mean by her being as comply as the Curtains of Solomon Answ The Spouse does thereby signifie That however she is black and deformed as in her self yet she is beautiful and comply in Christ as having his Righteousness imputed to her Verse 6. Look not upon me because I am black because the sun hath looked upon me my mothers children were angry with me they made me the keeper of the vineyards but my own vineyard have I not kept Quest 29. What blackness is it the Spouse is here bemoaning of her self under Answ As the principal radicals are here doubled 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it does denote the extream blackness of the Spouse both with respect to her sins and sufferings Quest 30. What does the Spouse mean by the Sun looking upon her Answ By that is meant the Sun of Persecution and so it is taken Mat. 13. Quest 31. What does the Spouse mean by the anger of her Mothers Children Answ The Persecuting rage of those that pretended to be Sons of the Church as they did own some Fundamental Truths but she does not call them her Fathers Children or Sons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because those that are indeed Children of God dare not be persecutors of the Saints Quest 32. What does the Spouse mean by those Vineyards which her angry Persecutors made her a keeper of Answ Those false Churches which for fear of Persecution the Spouse did joyn her self with for Churches are often expressed by Vineyards whether they are true or false Quest 33. What does the Spouse mean by her not keeping her own Vineyard Answ Her forsaking of that true Congregated Church to which she stood related Quest 34. Ver. 6. Were there any congregated Churches under Old Testament Administraâ—ions Answ No but though this Book was wrote by Solomon when God had only his National Jewish Church yet the matter contained therein relates to Gospel Administrations Verse 7. Tell me O thou whom my soul loveth where thou feedest where thou causest thy flocks to â—est at noon for why should I be as one that turneâ— aside to the flocks of thy companions Quest 35. Whose words are those Answ The words of the Spouse to Christ Quest 36. Why does the Spouse seem to boast of her love to Christ after her backsliding from him Answ If we read the words as they are wrote in the Hebrew line they run thus Cause to declare to me O thou who lovest my soul as if the Spouse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 had said Lord while I can take no comfort in my love to thee because of the mutability thereof of which I have given a sad Demonstration in my backslidings from thee yet with this I comfort my self That though my love has appeared to be mutable to thee yet thy love is immutable to me But if we read the words as they are Translated then they denote thus much as if the Spouse had said Lord although I have through human infirmity for fear of Persecution let false Churches have my