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
her Quest 67. VVhat is here meant by Camphire Answ The word seems to come of the Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which denotes Atonement But Famous Ainsworth well observes That Camphire is a Gum and not the Fruit of a Tree brought forth by Clusters and therefore he Translates it Cypress and with submission to better Judgments I suppose the Holy Ghost may intend thus much That as we bring forth our sins by Clusters so Christ is a Cluster of Atonement for their Expiation but I shall leave the certainty of the Mind of God in this Verse Ver. 14. to such as have their Five Talents and so pass on to another Question Quest 68. What is meant by the Vineyards of En-gedi Answ En-gedi is a very Fruitful Place in the Land of Canaan and within the Lot of Judah which was likewise call'd Hazazantamer Josh 15 52. 2 Chron. 20.2 where God gave Jehosaphat a glorious Victory over his Enemies and may denote thus much That Christ is not only Fruitful in bringing forth Clusters of Atonement for Believers but they shall also through the Power of his might overcome the Flesh the World and the Devil as Jehosaphat did at En-gedi overcome Moab Amon and Mount Seir And as En-gedi is compounded of two Hebrew words and does denote a Fountain of young Câ—â—â—ches so it may hold forth the great Extent and Latitude of â—â—e â—â—rdoning Atoneing Grace of Christ and that it shouâ—◠〈◊〉 be circumscribed within the bounds of the Jewish National Church but should be extended to Gentile Churches which are here as in other places called Vineyards though they were then but Pagans and therefore might well be called a Fountain of young Goats Quest 69. But is not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a word of the singular number How then can that denote a Fountain of Kids Answ So all Pharaoh's Horses and Chariots are expressed by the singular number Ex. 15.1 Verse 15. Behold thou art fair my love behold thou art fair thy eyes are doves eyes As in the former Verses the Spouse had been commending of her Spiritual Husband Christ Jesus so in this Verse Christ is commending that Beauty of his Spouse which he had put upon her Quest 70. What is meant by the Doves Eyes of the Spouse Answ The Ministers of the Gospel which were before expressed by beautifying Specks of Silver and by needful Breasts for the refreshment of the Saints by their heavenly Doctrin so in this Verse they are expressed by Eyes because they are to guid and lead the Spouse in the Paths of Godliness Ver. 15. as the Eyes of our Bodies are to guid and lead us in our way for the prevention of dangers for which cause the Prophets were formerly called Seers 1 Sam. 9.9 Quest 71. Why are Ministers called Doves Answ Because of their Spiritual and Corporal Chastity and also because of their innocency and harmlessness and to shew how they are in this World exposed to all kind of wrongs and injuries by the Vulters of this World and likewise as a Dove is a clean Creature so true Ministers of Christ are such as are clean in their Ordination and clean in their Conversation and clean in their Worship and clean in their Doctrin and Discipline Verse 16. Behold thou art fair my beloved yea pleasant also our bed is green As in the former Verse we have Christ commending the beauty of his Spouse so in this Verse we have the Spouse returning the praise thereof unto himself who is fairer than the Sons of Adam and from whom proceeds every good and perfect Gift Psal 45.2 and in whom it pleased the Father that in him all fulness of beautifying Grace should dwell Quest 72. What does the Spouse mean by her green Bed Answ Her fruitfulness in bringing forth Spiritual Children to her Spiritual Husband when her Ministers are Spiritual Doves Verse 17. The beams of our Houses are cedar and our rafters of fir As in the former Verse the Spouse had in a general way expressed her Spiritual fruitfulness so in this Verse she is in a more particular manner demonstrating the truth thereof by the plurality of Churches that should be under Gospel-Administrations Quest 73. What is meant by the Beams of our House Ver. 17. Answ The Ministers of the Gospel for as the true Ministers of Christ are the Breasts and Eyes of the Church considered as the Spouse of Christ so if we consider of the Church as she is Gods Building and his Spiritual House so they are the Beams thereof as Christ is the Foundation the Corner Stone and the Top-Stone thereof Quest 74. What makes you take the Beams of this House of God to be the Pastors thereof Answ Because the Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 comes of a Verb that signifies to Preach or Proclaim Quest 75. Why are those Beams said to be Cedar Answ As Cedars are tall strong flourishing sound Trees of a fragrant smell so Pastors of Churches are or ought to be flourishers in Grace strong in the Faith sound in their Conversations and sweet and fragrant in all their Civil Deportments before Men. Quest 76. What is meant by Houses Answ Congregated Churches Quest 77. Why do you Translate the word Houses which we have Translated House Answ Because the Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is of the plural number Quest 78. What is meant by those Rafters Answ Other Church-Officers which are considerably materials in Gods Building and the ground of my Judgment is because the word is used for Watering-Troughs or Gutters for Sheep to drink in Gen. 30.38 and so godly Church-Officers ought in their respective Places to lay out themselves by their Godly Exhortations and Comforting Admonitions to comfort Gods Spiritual Sheep Quest 79. What is meant by Fir-Trees Answ Although I do not find the Hebrew word Broshime in any other place but this that is there is none the same verbatim yet I find Broshime used for Fir-Trees Psal 104.17 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being turned to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is usual with the Spirit of God in the Old Testament and which I suppose was a strong inducement to our Translators to Translate 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Fir-Trees Quest 80. Why are Church-Officers expressed by Fir-Trees Ver. 17. Answ Because that as Fir-Trees are tall straight flourishing Trees of a sweet and fragrant smell so all Church-Officers as well as Pastors ought to be Holy in their Lives and flourishing in all the Gifts and Graces of the Spirit And thus I have in the improvement of my one Talent given that account of this Chapter which I humbly judge to be the Mind of God therein and if my Labours find acceptance with the Saints I will make a further progress into this Book â—INIS