from_o all_o her_o sin_n the_o text._n 10_o my_o well-beloved_a be_v white_a and_o ruddy_a the_o chief_a of_o ten_o thousand_o 11_o his_o head_n be_v as_o fine_a gold_n his_o lock_n curl_v and_o black_a as_o a_o raven_n 12_o his_o eye_n be_v like_o dove_n upon_o the_o river_n of_o water_n which_o be_v wash_v with_o milk_n and_o remain_v by_o the_o full_a vessel_n 13_o his_o cheek_n be_v as_o a_o bed_n of_o spice_n &_o as_o sweet_a flower_n and_o his_o lip_n like_o lily_n drop_v down_o pure_a myrrh_n 14_o his_o hand_n as_o ring_n of_o gold_n set_v with_o the_o chrysolite_n his_o belly_n like_o white_a ivory_n cover_v with_o saphire_n 15_o his_o leg_n be_v as_o pillar_n of_o marble_n set_v upon_o socket_n of_o fine_a gold_n his_o countenance_n as_o lebanon_n excellent_a as_o the_o ceder_n 16_o his_o mouth_n be_v as_o sweet_a thing_n and_o he_o be_v whole_o delectable_a this_o be_v my_o well-beloved_a and_o this_o be_v my_o lover_n o_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n 17_o o_o the_o fair_a among_o woman_n whither_o be_v thy_o well-beloved_a go_v whither_o be_v thy_o well-beloved_a turn_v aside_o that_o we_o may_v seek_v he_o with_o thou_o the_o commentary_n in_o these_o verse_n the_o spouse_n describe_v unto_o we_o the_o beauty_n of_o her_o immaculate_a spouse_n and_o first_o in_o general_a term_n speak_v of_o his_o whole_a person_n then_o in_o particular_a by_o entreat_v of_o each_o part_n and_o member_n of_o he_o she_o say_v then_o that_o he_o be_v white_a and_o ruddy_a the_o chief_a among_o thousand_o by_o his_o whiteness_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v his_o divinity_n according_a to_o that_o of_o s._n john_n god_n be_v the_o true_a light_n and_o there_o be_v no_o darkness_n in_o he_o his_o redness_n or_o ruddiness_n be_v a_o token_n or_o sign_n of_o his_o humanity_n because_o of_o the_o blood_n which_o he_o shed_v &_o rebuke_n which_o he_o suffer_v and_o bitterness_n of_o torment_n which_o he_o endure_v and_o last_o because_o his_o blood_n do_v wash_v we_o clean_o 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somewhat_o black_a withal_o even_o so_o the_o lockâ—_n of_o christ_n head_n be_v most_o decent_a and_o fair_a that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o doctrine_n and_o work_v do_v in_o faith_n preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o hang_v round_o about_o this_o head_n like_o so_o many_o curl_a lock_n for_o albeit_o the_o wicked_a as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v do_v daily_o resist_v and_o strive_v against_o they_o yet_o they_o have_v a_o most_o notable_a victory_n over_o they_o and_o be_v more_o and_o more_o enlarge_v though_o peradventure_o the_o wicked_a may_v think_v they_o to_o be_v black_a because_o they_o can_v please_v they_o for_o they_o do_v always_o labour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o may_v to_o impugn_v they_o &_o obscure_v their_o doctrine_n with_o lie_n &_o invention_n his_o eye_n be_v like_o dove_n upon_o the_o river_n of_o water_n which_o be_v wash_v with_o milk_n and_o remain_v by_o the_o full_a vessel_n his_o eye_n etc._n etc._n here_o she_o praise_v he_o for_o his_o eye_n by_o the_o dove_n upon_o the_o river_n of_o water_n which_o be_v wash_v in_o milk_n or_o spice_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o exceed_a great_a knowledge_n &_o fullness_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v so_o plentiful_o abound_v in_o our_o lord_n &_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n as_o in_o no_o creature_n else_o wherefore_o s._n john_n faith_n that_o he_o be_v full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n and_o short_o after_o it_o follow_v &_o of_o the_o fullness_n of_o his_o grace_n we_o all_o receive_v and_o true_o such_o be_v the_o eye_n that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o the_o judgement_n and_o proceed_n of_o christ_n to_o wit_n most_o sincere_a &_o pure_a and_o proceed_v from_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n his_o cheek_n be_v as_o a_o bed_n of_o spice_n and_o as_o sweet_a flower_n and_o his_o lip_n like_o lily_n drop_v down_o pure_a myrrh_n his_o cheek_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v the_o perfect_a description_n of_o his_o cheek_n which_o be_v in_o the_o face_n and_o whereby_o every_o man_n be_v know_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v very_o well_o take_v these_o cheek_n for_o the_o commandment_n and_o writing_n of_o god_n because_o they_o do_v right_o teach_v and_o instruct_v we_o how_o to_o know_v christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v well_o say_v of_o john_n attend_v diligent_o unto_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o scripture_n because_o you_o may_v have_v eternal_a life_n by_o they_o and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o so_o than_o it_o appear_v most_o plain_o that_o the_o scripture_n and_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o face_n and_o cheek_n of_o christ_n which_o do_v give_v we_o most_o evident_a token_n of_o he_o &_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v bed_n of_o spice_n because_o their_o speech_n be_v distinguish_v and_o divide_v into_o diverse_a book_n which_o smell_v most_o sweet_a unto_o the_o godly_a mind_n and_o this_o sweet_a smell_n be_v cause_v by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o happen_v so_o often_o as_o the_o stately_a sense_n thereof_o be_v unfold_v and_o express_v and_o the_o send_v thereof_o be_v increase_v not_o a_o little_a when_o those_o thinger_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v little_a of_o themselves_o be_v for_o a_o certainty_n know_v to_o be_v most_o divine_a celestial_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n but_o whâ—â—_n do_v these_o sweet_a spice_n grow_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a which_o only_o do_v esteem_v and_o make_v account_n of_o they_o and_o he_o say_v thaâ—_n the_o smell_n of_o they_o be_v increase_v by_o reason_n of_o they_o which_o fall_v sweet_a spice_n and_o drug_n which_o be_v the_o true_a bishop_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n italian_a who_o while_o they_o by_o the_o special_a direction_n and_o inspiration_n of_o the_o word_n pronounce_v and_o minister_v it_o unto_o the_o people_n as_o a_o most_o sovereign_a ointment_n to_o recreate_v and_o heal_v their_o wound_a soul_n afterward_o she_o come_v to_o describe_v the_o bridegroom_n lip_n now_o the_o lip_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n christ_n be_v his_o doctrine_n which_o be_v publish_v abroad_o by_o his_o apostle_n and_o saint_n which_o like_v unto_o certain_a odoriferous_a lily_n do_v render_v forth_o a_o most_o gracious_a smell_n of_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n his_o hand_n as_o ring_n of_o gold_n set_v with_o the_o chrysolite_n his_o belly_n like_o white_a ivory_n cover_v with_o saphire_n his_o hand_n etc._n etc._n the_o hand_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n wherewith_o both_o in_o himself_o and_o in_o other_o he_o bring_v to_o pass_v strange_a thing_n and_o he_o declare_v the_o exceed_a great_a value_n &_o inestimable_a goodness_n of_o these_o hand_n in_o that_o he_o liken_v they_o to_o ring_n of_o gold_n
spirit_n abide_v in_o the_o elect_a be_v firm_a and_o strong_a unto_o they_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o most_o sure_a and_o strong_a rock_n christ_n that_o which_o follow_v afterward_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v give_v all_o etc._n etc._n do_v declare_v to_o we_o the_o exceed_a great_a efficacy_n of_o this_o most_o sacred_a &_o holy_a love_n in_o all_o those_o which_o be_v true_o possess_v therewith_o for_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a and_o perfect_a love_n which_o come_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o cause_v a_o man_n to_o renounce_v all_o that_o ever_o he_o have_v and_o to_o order_v himself_o whole_o after_o god_n will_v and_o commandment_n when_o riches_n be_v offer_v they_o they_o regard_v or_o esteem_v they_o not_o for_o we_o see_v by_o daily_a experience_n that_o they_o be_v ready_a and_o willing_a to_o forsake_v all_o that_o ever_o they_o have_v if_o occasion_n serve_v &_o time_n so_o require_v rather_o than_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o deny_v the_o truth_n and_o true_o it_o be_v no_o great_a marvel_n neither_o for_o where_o the_o love_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v once_o account_v and_o esteem_v of_o there_o the_o possession_n and_o fruition_n of_o all_o earthly_a and_o transitory_a thing_n be_v vilify_v neglect_v and_o disesteem_v the_o text._n the_o word_n of_o the_o spouse_n unto_o the_o young_a maid_n 8_o we_o have_v a_o little_a sister_n and_o she_o have_v no_o breast_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v for_o our_o sister_n when_o she_o be_v speak_v for_o 9_o if_o she_o be_v a_o brickwall_n we_o will_v build_v upon_o she_o a_o silver_n palace_n and_o if_o she_o be_v a_o door_n we_o will_v keep_v she_o in_o with_o board_n of_o cedar_n 10_o i_o be_o a_o brickwall_n and_o my_o breast_n be_v as_o tower_n then_o be_v i_o in_o his_o eye_n as_o one_o that_o find_v peace_n 11_o solomon_n have_v a_o vine_n in_o baal-hamon_n he_o give_v the_o vineyard_n unto_o keeper_n every_o one_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o a_o thousand_o piece_n of_o silver_n the_o commentary_n this_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a church_n which_o grow_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n rejoice_v for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v spread_v abroad_o throughout_o all_o nation_n and_o it_o be_v very_o fit_o speak_v of_o solomon_n to_o call_v the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n sister_n unto_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n because_o god_n be_v father_n to_o they_o both_o &_o abraham_n also_o by_o who_o faith_n the_o gentile_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v lawful_a son_n this_o be_v that_o young_a church_n which_o must_v be_v choose_v from_o among_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v call_v little_a or_o small_a because_o it_o have_v but_o small_a beginning_n at_o the_o first_o till_o afterwards_o in_o process_n of_o time_n by_o little_a and_o little_a it_o grow_v up_o in_o spirit_n &_o truth_n she_o have_v no_o breast_n because_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n belong_v not_o unto_o the_o gentile_n neither_o receive_v she_o any_o instruction_n of_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o her_o neighbour_n of_o herself_o for_o so_o she_o be_v not_o able_a to_o minister_v unto_o her_o young_a one_o the_o spiritual_a food_n of_o both_o the_o testament_n what_o then_o shall_v we_o do_v unto_o our_o sister_n ask_v the_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n ask_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o they_o will_v show_v you_o how_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v teach_v how_o they_o shall_v be_v unite_v &_o knit_v together_o of_o the_o gentile_n how_o they_o shall_v grow_v up_o how_o they_o shall_v be_v nourish_v and_o feed_v how_o they_o shall_v be_v join_v in_o marriage_n with_o so_o noble_a a_o bridegroom_n as_o the_o church_n how_o partaker_n of_o god_n favour_n through_o christ_n how_o they_o shall_v adorn_v and_o beautify_v the_o spouse_n at_o such_o a_o day_n of_o solemnity_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v at_o that_o time_n love_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o love_n and_o which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v love_v of_o the_o bridegroom_n how_o and_o in_o what_o term_n they_o be_v to_o commend_v themselves_o unto_o the_o bridegroom_n when_o they_o be_v bring_v unto_o he_o if_o she_o be_v a_o wall_n we_o will_v build_v upon_o she_o a_o silver_n palace_n and_o if_o she_o be_v a_o door_n we_o will_v keep_v she_o in_o with_o board_n of_o cedar_n which_o be_v thus_o expound_v if_o she_o be_v a_o wall_n that_o be_v if_o the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v as_o strong_a in_o faith_n as_o a_o wall_n so_o that_o she_o can_v be_v easy_o overthrow_v doubtless_o she_o will_v stand_v fast_o unto_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v a_o spouse_n worthy_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o her_o husband_n christ_n but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o she_o to_o please_v he_o or_o to_o profit_v in_o any_o kind_n of_o exercise_n or_o study_v whatsoever_o wherefore_o if_o she_o be_v faithful_a we_o will_v build_v upon_o she_o a_o palace_n of_o silver_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o bright_a shine_a precious_a and_o eternal_a truth_n by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v able_a without_o all_o other_o help_n to_o overthrow_v and_o fiustrate_v the_o wicked_a attempt_n of_o our_o enemy_n afterward_o they_o devise_v and_o commune_v among_o themselves_o how_o to_o shut_v the_o door_n which_o be_v christ_n with_o board_n of_o cedar_n hereby_o endevor_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o make_v the_o work_n of_o the_o church_n continual_o from_o time_n to_o time_n more_o perfect_a and_o sincere_a for_o this_o be_v mean_v only_o by_o the_o go_n in_o and_o go_v out_o of_o the_o door_n the_o church_n of_o the_o convert_v unto_o the_o spouse_n i_o be_o a_o wall_n and_o my_o breast_n be_v as_o tower_n than_o be_v i_o in_o his_o eye_n as_o one_o that_o find_v peace_n she_o repli_v unto_o they_o and_o faith_n that_o she_o be_v a_o wall_n that_o be_v to_o say_v found_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a for_o every_o christian_a man_n or_o woman_n to_o yield_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n to_o every_o one_o that_o shall_v demand_v or_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o likewise_o she_o say_v my_o breast_n be_v as_o tower_n that_o be_v to_o say_v charity_n and_o love_n in_o entertain_v and_o receive_v other_o and_o this_o be_v mean_v hereby_o be_v direct_v and_o guide_v by_o my_o well-beloved_a husband_n christ_n jesus_n i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o &_o strengthen_v they_o which_o be_v bear_v son_n unto_o god_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o since_o that_o time_n i_o have_v receive_v such_o favour_n and_o kindness_n at_o my_o husband_n christ_n hand_n that_o i_o be_o in_o his_o eye_n as_o one_o that_o find_v peace_n and_o in_o these_o word_n she_o seem_v to_o ascribe_v all_o the_o glory_n unto_o god_n for_o comfort_v and_o strengthen_v she_o and_o give_v she_o such_o strong_a breast_n the_o church_n of_o the_o convert_v solomon_n have_v a_o vine_n in_o baal-hamon_n he_o give_v the_o vineyard_n unto_o keeper_n every_o one_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o a_o thousand_o piece_n of_o silver_n here_o she_o yield_v yet_o a_o more_o ample_a testimony_n of_o her_o faith_n say_v in_o that_o that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o catholic_a church_n which_o contain_v so_o many_o nation_n solomon_n that_o be_v to_o say_v christ_n our_o true_a solomon_n and_o peaceable_a king_n have_v a_o vine_n in_o the_o beginning_n to_o wit_n his_o universal_a church_n for_o that_o be_v his_o vine_n and_o he_o give_v the_o vineyard_n unto_o keeper_n as_o who_o will_v say_v i_o know_v that_o it_o be_v needful_a and_o requisite_a that_o every_o one_o to_o who_o the_o charge_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v commit_v shall_v be_v thrisecarefull_a to_o keep_v and_o not_o to_o waste_v and_o spoil_v te_o defend_v and_o not_o to_o destroy_v my_o vineyard_n every_o particular_a man_n of_o the_o elect_n may_v be_v say_v to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o a_o thousand_o piece_n of_o silver_n that_o be_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o himself_o also_o and_o the_o fruit_n of_o this_o vineyard_n be_v these_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n peace_n righteousness_n justice_n truth_n &_o other_o particular_a sign_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o life_n everlasting_a so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n confession_n to_o confess_v christ_n to_o be_v head_n of_o the_o vine_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o convert_v the_o text._n 12_o but_o my_o vineyard_n which_o be_v i_o be_v before_o i_o to_o thou_o o_o solomon_n appertain_v a_o thousand_o piece_n of_o
and_o these_o love_n be_v better_a than_o wine_n because_o neither_o wine_n nor_o any_o other_o outward_a thing_n can_v be_v more_o pleasant_a or_o acceptable_a they_o the_o work_n of_o christian_a charity_n and_o final_o the_o savour_n of_o thy_o ointment_n be_v better_a than_o all_o spice_n because_o the_o church_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n ointment_n which_o yield_v forth_o a_o far_o more_o precious_a gracious_a and_o love_a smell_n than_o the_o smell_n of_o any_o outward_a unguent_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o whatsoever_o thy_o lip_n my_o spouse_n drop_n honycombe_n honey_n and_o milk_n be_v under_o thy_o tongue_n and_o the_o savour_n of_o thy_o garment_n be_v as_o the_o savour_n of_o lebanon_n thy_o lip_n the_o lip_n of_o the_o church_n be_v ever_o like_o honycomb_n drop_v but_o what_o do_v they_o drop_v or_o distil_v milk_n and_o honey_n which_o be_v under_o their_o tongue_n by_o which_o word_n we_o be_v to_o note_v the_o honey_n sweet_a and_o milk_n white_a unspotted_a 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vers_fw-la 35._o whosoever_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o be_v my_o brother_n and_o my_o sister_n and_o mother_n and_o saint_n paul_n in_o the_o 8._o chap_a to_o the_o roman_n call_v he_o the_o first_o bear_v among_o many_o brethren_n and_o he_o be_v make_v as_o it_o be_v a_o brother_n when_o he_o take_v flesh_n and_o be_v in_o outward_a show_n like_o unto_o we_o man_n now_o as_o every_o brother_n that_o be_v to_o say_v every_o faithful_a man_n suck_v the_o breast_n of_o his_o mother_n the_o church_n which_o beget_v he_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v receive_v aid_n and_o comfort_n of_o her_o charity_n and_o love_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n christ_n although_o indeed_o he_o receive_v not_o any_o comfort_n from_o her_o breast_n yet_o nevertheless_o we_o may_v true_o say_v that_o he_o do_v suck_v her_o breast_n because_o he_o take_v delight_n and_o comfort_n in_o they_o for_o the_o two_o breast_n signify_v love_n and_o charity_n as_o it_o have_v be_v before_o 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great_a temptation_n sit_v even_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n and_o cause_v she_o to_o rest_v most_o quiet_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o enjoy_v that_o peace_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n rest_v thus_o secure_o on_o her_o bed_n of_o rest_n the_o bridegroom_n because_o he_o will_v have_v no_o body_n to_o trouble_v she_o spread_v the_o coverlet_n over_o she_o and_o say_v these_o word_n unto_o the_o young_a virgin_n i_o charge_v you_o stir_v not_o up_o nor_o waken_v my_o love_n and_o why_o then_o do_v you_o raise_v she_o up_o &_o waken_v she_o by_o send_v she_o abroad_o amid_o the_o trouble_n and_o turmoil_v of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v always_o oppose_v against_o she_o nay_o rather_o
to_o say_v they_o say_v in_o word_n somewhat_o in_o effect_n nothing_o for_o either_o they_o take_v that_o for_o a_o salt_n which_o be_v not_o so_o indeed_o or_o else_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o distinguish_v the_o abuse_n from_o the_o thing_n &_o so_o speak_v against_o they_o know_v not_o what_o translator_n have_v their_o fault_n &_o abuse_n as_o well_o as_o other_o man_n as_o when_o they_o translate_v foolish_a &_o unprofitable_a or_o wicked_a &_o ungodly_a book_n or_o else_o mistranslate_v &_o misinterpret_v book_n and_o then_o the_o abuse_n proceed_v either_o of_o malice_n or_o of_o ignorance_n if_o of_o malice_n their_o reproof_n be_v just_a if_o of_o ignorance_n blame_v they_o not_o unless_o it_o be_v affect_v for_o the_o best_a that_o be_v may_v miss_v in_o a_o strange_a language_n when_o no_o man_n know_v all_o in_o his_o own_o tongue_n and_o thus_o far_o reach_v their_o complaint_n against_o the_o abuse_n of_o translation_n which_o may_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v excuse_v 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adulterous_a woman_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o of_o jeremie_n and_o in_o the_o sixteenth_o chapter_n of_o ezechiel_n beside_o all_o this_o there_o be_v certain_a place_n in_o this_o book_n whereby_o not_o otherwise_o then_o as_o it_o be_v by_o certain_a beam_n and_o light_n this_o point_n be_v make_v so_o clear_a and_o manifest_a that_o we_o may_v very_o well_o say_v without_o any_o manner_n of_o doubt_n or_o waver_v at_o all_o that_o this_o treatise_n be_v not_o carnal_o and_o literal_o but_o spiritual_o and_o mystical_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o such_o sort_n that_o i_o hold_v this_o for_o a_o unfallible_a and_o certain_a truth_n that_o there_o be_v comprehend_v and_o contain_v in_o this_o small_a book_n the_o exceed_a great_a affection_n and_o love_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o the_o faithful_a believer_n the_o necessary_a use_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o profit_n and_o pleasantness_n thereof_o the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n and_o heat_n of_o charity_n furthermore_o we_o learn_v to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n &_o brief_o that_o which_o do_v any_o manner_n of_o way_n concern_v or_o respect_v the_o church_n and_o all_o this_o under_o the_o figurative_a talk_n and_o communication_n between_o the_o bridegroom_n and_o the_o spouse_n now_o christ_n be_v the_o bridegroom_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o 3._o of_o john_n verse_n 29._o he_o that_o have_v the_o bride_n be_v the_o bridegroom_n and_o the_o church_n be_v his_o spouse_n hosea_n chapter_n 2._o thou_o shall_v call_v i_o ishi_n or_o my_o husband_n &_o i_o will_v marry_v thou_o unto_o i_o for_o ever_o and_o this_o spouse_n be_v attend_v on_o with_o her_o young_a maiden_n that_o be_v to_o say_v with_o the_o particular_a soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a which_o do_v follow_v after_o the_o odoriferous_a and_o savery_a ointment_n of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o bridegroom_n likewise_o have_v his_o friend_n that_o do_v follow_v &_o accompany_v he_o to_o wit_n the_o true_a bishop_n &_o sincere_a precher_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o he_o call_v unto_o he_o to_o eat_v &_o drink_v &_o make_v merry_a with_o he_o these_o man_n hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n nevertheless_o this_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v but_o that_o all_o the_o faithful_a may_v right_o term_v themselves_o friend_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n the_o title_n or_o inscription_n be_v the_o song_n of_o song_n as_o if_o therein_o be_v contain_v song_n which_o do_v far_o exceed_v all_o other_o song_n in_o plenty_n of_o holy_a mystery_n and_o they_o be_v call_v the_o song_n of_o solomon_n or_o salomon_n song_n because_o he_o write_v they_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o the_o true_a solomon_n jesus_n christ_n we_o read_v of_o many_o canticle_n or_o song_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o song_n of_o moses_n deborah_n josua_n anna_n david_n abacuch_n and_o other_o but_o this_o book_n comprise_v not_o one_o only_a song_n which_o solomon_n song_n but_o there_o be_v many_o song_n herein_o contain_v all_o write_v in_o one_o book_n but_o concern_v one_o matter_n and_o one_o argument_n wherein_o be_v express_v most_o true_o the_o charity_n faith_n love_n joy_n delight_n and_o diverse_a kind_n of_o benefit_n not_o without_o vehement_a &_o earnest_a affection_n wherewith_o our_o most_o love_a &_o merciful_a redeemer_n do_v follow_v his_o elect_a with_o inexplicable_a grace_n by_o the_o grace_n &_o favour_n of_o the_o almighty_a god_n so_o that_o they_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v with_o certain_a unspeakable_a affection_n of_o love_n regard_n behold_v and_o approach_v near_o unto_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n desire_v most_o earnest_o and_o devout_o to_o be_v commend_v approve_a and_o daily_o more_o and_o more_o esteem_v and_o 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young_a virgin_n come_v forth_o you_o daughter_n of_o zion_n and_o behold_v the_o king_n solomon_n with_o the_o crown_n wherewith_o his_o mother_n crown_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o marriage_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gladness_n of_o his_o heart_n come_v forth_o you_o daughter_n of_o zion_n that_o be_v to_o say_v you_o daughter_n of_o zion_n as_o many_o among_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o life_n through_o christ_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o believe_v come_v forth_o out_o of_o your_o error_n and_o vanity_n be_v before_o instruct_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n behold_v the_o peaceable_a king_n solomon_n which_o make_v of_o two_o church_n one_o by_o take_v away_o the_o hindrance_n and_o let_v as_o well_o of_o god_n towards_o man_n as_o of_o the_o jew_n towards_o the_o gentile_n by_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n on_o the_o cross_n come_v see_v and_o behold_v the_o humanity_n of_o christ_n crown_v with_o a_o crown_n of_o the_o deity_n o_o good_a god_n how_o great_a be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o man_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n in_o the_o flesh_n to_o the_o end_n that_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v eternal_a life_n either_o that_o they_o shall_v receive_v it_o in_o that_o day_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o judge_v both_o the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a or_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o already_o in_o that_o day_n when_o his_o humanity_n be_v glorify_v the_o three_o day_n after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o triumph_n over_o the_o devil_n the_o great_a enemy_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n the_o four_o chapter_n 1_o behold_v thou_o be_v fair_a my_o love_n behold_v thou_o be_v fair_a thy_o eye_n be_v like_o the_o dove_n among_o thy_o lock_n thy_o hair_n be_v like_o the_o flock_n of_o goat_n which_o look_v down_o from_o the_o mountain_n of_o gilead_n 2_o thy_o tooth_n be_v like_o a_o flock_n of_o sheep_n in_o good_a order_n which_o go_v up_o from_o the_o wash_n which_o every_o one_o bring_v out_o twin_n and_o none_o be_v barren_a among_o they_o 3_o thy_o lip_n be_v like_o a_o thread_n of_o scarlet_a and_o thy_o talk_n be_v comely_a thy_o temple_n be_v within_o thy_o lock_n as_o a_o piece_n of_o a_o pomegranate_n the_o commentary_n the_o word_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n unto_o the_o bride_n the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v commend_v for_o diverse_a thing_n in_o the_o canticle_n first_o for_o her_o dove_n eye_n that_o be_v to_o say_v her_o simplicity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o mind_n and_o judgement_n which_o be_v give_v she_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o similitude_n and_o shape_n of_o a_o dove_n second_o for_o her_o ornament_n and_o jewel_n which_o do_v not_o a_o little_a beautify_v and_o adorn_v the_o face_n because_o they_o be_v the_o ornament_n of_o the_o head_n and_o the_o head_n be_v christ_n who_o face_n shine_v most_o glorious_o and_o in_o who_o countenance_n be_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a wheresoever_o thirdlie_o she_o be_v praise_v for_o her_o hair_n for_o as_o the_o hair_n do_v grow_v on_o the_o head_n so_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o have_v and_o receive_v from_o our_o head_n christ_n do_v take_v fast_o root_n and_o increase_v in_o we_o now_o it_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o we_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o hair_n of_o this_o head_n which_o depend_v on_o christ_n the_o true_a head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o hair_n of_o this_o head_n of_o the_o spouse_n be_v very_o proper_o &_o fit_o compare_v unto_o goat_n hair_n because_o while_o they_o attend_v whole_o unto_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n and_o meditate_v upon_o nothing_o but_o upon_o heavenly_a thing_n they_o be_v clean_a creature_n which_o feed_v in_o high_a steep_a place_n and_o by_o gilead_n which_o be_v as_o much_o to_o say_v by_o interpretation_n as_o a_o heap_n of_o testimony_n be_v mean_v the_o multitude_n of_o martyr_n which_o confirm_v christ_n doctrine_n by_o their_o death_n and_o passion_n thy_o tooth_n be_v like_o a_o flockâ—_n of_o sheep_n in_o good_a order_n which_o go_v up_o from_o the_o wash_n which_o every_o one_o bring_v out_o twin_n and_o none_o be_v barren_a among_o they_o thy_o tooth_n the_o tooth_n be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o the_o which_o the_o true_a bishop_n do_v overcome_v the_o wicked_a and_o crush_v they_o in_o piece_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o christian_a conversation_n and_o either_o convert_v and_o turn_v they_o to_o the_o truth_n or_o else_o confirm_v and_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a word_n again_o the_o bishop_n be_v tooth_n because_o they_o reprehend_v and_o reprove_v the_o wicked_a by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o make_v they_o member_n of_o god_n holy_a church_n moreover_o they_o be_v tooth_n to_o break_v &_o bruise_v the_o bread_n of_o doctrine_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v food_n for_o the_o weak_a and_o the_o tooth_n of_o the_o church_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v like_a unto_o sheep_n after_o they_o be_v wash_v and_o shear_v because_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n do_v make_v the_o true_a professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o general_o all_o the_o faithful_a to_o become_v pure_a innocent_a &_o simple_a or_o harmless_a as_o sheep_n neither_o be_v they_o barren_a or_o fruitless_a because_o as_o the_o sheep_n they_o bring_v forth_o twin_n &_o always_o abound_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o good_a work_n thy_o lip_n be_v like_o a_o thredâ—_n of_o scarlet_a and_o thy_o talk_n be_v comely_a thy_o temple_n be_v within_o thy_o loâ—kes_n as_o a_o piece_n of_o a_o pomegranate_n again_o the_o church_n be_v commend_v for_o her_o lip_n that_o be_v to_o say_v for_o her_o word_n and_o her_o lip_n be_v say_v to_o be_v red_a because_o all_o her_o speech_n tend_v only_o to_o this_o end_n &_o purpose_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n our_o saviour_n red_a with_o blood_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o her_o word_n be_v fiery_a hot_a with_o zeal_n and_o faith_n not_o know_v how_o to_o lâ—e_z but_o able_a to_o overcome_v the_o false_a and_o lie_a brethren_n and_o by_o her_o cheek_n be_v signify_v modesty_n and_o shamefastness_n because_o when_o a_o man_n be_v ashamed_a he_o blush_v or_o his_o cheek_n do_v look_v red_a and_o because_o the_o pomegranate_n be_v red_a in_o hue_n therefore_o it_o may_v be_v most_o fit_o apply_v unto_o the_o passion_n of_o christ_n now_o because_o the_o church_n be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o christ_n cross_n but_o rejoice_v ratheâ—_n in_o her_o passion_n and_o persecution_n which_o shâ—_n be_v to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n and_o be_v wont_v to_o bearâ—_n the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n very_o patient_o therefore_o it_o be_v well_o say_v that_o her_o cheek_n werâ—_n like_o a_o pomegranate_n &_o especial_o like_o a_o piece_n of_o pomegranate_n because_o the_o red_a part_n of_o it_o be_v hide_v and_o the_o white_a only_o be_v see_v and_o as_o the_o number_n of_o grain_n which_o be_v in_o a_o pomegranate_n can_v be_v see_v unless_o the_o pomegranate_n be_v break_v or_o bruise_v in_o piece_n so_o likewise_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o see_v but_o in_o tribulation_n and_o trouble_n the_o text._n 4_o thy_o neck_n be_v as_o the_o tower_n of_o david_n build_v for_o defence_n a_o thousand_o shield_n hang_v therein_o and_o all_o the_o target_n of_o the_o strong_a man_n 5_o thy_n two_o breast_n be_v as_o two_o young_a roe_n that_o be_v twin_n feed_v among_o the_o lily_n 6_o until_o the_o day_n break_v &_o the_o shadow_n fly_v away_o i_o will_v go_v into_o the_o mountain_n of_o myrrh_n and_o to_o the_o mountain_n of_o incense_n 7_o thou_o be_v all_o fair_a my_o love_n &_o there_o be_v no_o spot_n in_o thou_o the_o commentary_n in_o this_o place_n he_o commend_v the_o spouses_n neck_n as_o a_o tower_n build_v up_o of_o a_o reasonable_a height_n hang_v round_o about_o with_o strong_a shield_n &_o what_o thing_n else_o be_v this_o in_o the_o spouse_n but_o the_o sweet_a agreement_n of_o holy_a manner_n or_o true_a strength_n &_o fortitude_n against_o all_o adversity_n that_o shall_v happen_v be_v always_o adorn_v and_o deck_v with_o strong_a champion_n and_o christian_a warrior_n which_o they_o keep_v and_o preserve_v do_v not_o only_o praise_v they_o but_o also_o in_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o strengthen_v their_o weak_a soul_n endure_v and_o suffer_v all_o manner_n of_o adversity_n the_o great_a cannon_n which_o defend_v this_o church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o
rough_a and_o filthy_a bark_n because_o she_o be_v yet_o a_o sinner_n have_v not_o crucify_v the_o old_a man_n but_o be_v always_o subject_a unto_o adversity_n storm_n and_o trouble_n above_o on_o the_o top_n of_o the_o tree_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v many_o fine_a height_n and_o breadthes_fw-mi and_o work_n of_o charity_n stoop_v every_o way_n unto_o the_o necessity_n &_o infirmity_n of_o her_o neighbour_n and_o brethren_n here_o be_v to_o be_v gather_v most_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a fruit_n because_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o pleasant_a and_o sweet_a than_o the_o love_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v the_o church_n be_v the_o palmtree_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n go_v up_o into_o when_o he_o pour_v down_o his_o heavenly_a grace_n from_o heaven_n again_o he_o go_v up_o this_o palm-tree_n when_o more_o particular_o he_o reveal_v unto_o his_o faithful_a the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o he_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o bough_n thereof_o that_o by_o touch_v of_o he_o he_o may_v give_v they_o some_o influence_n and_o cause_v they_o more_o and_o more_o for_o to_o prosper_v and_o increase_v the_o breast_n of_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v &_o liken_v unto_o the_o cluster_n of_o the_o vine_n because_o as_o there_o be_v many_o stone_n in_o a_o cluster_n of_o grape_n so_o true_a and_o perfect_a charity_n be_v not_o idle_a but_o bring_v forth_o many_o godly_a work_n the_o last_o commmendation_n which_o he_o give_v of_o the_o spouse_n be_v of_o the_o roof_n of_o her_o mouth_n which_o be_v the_o taste_n and_o feel_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o be_v like_o the_o best_a wine_n because_o it_o be_v most_o pleasant_a in_o taste_n comfortable_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o without_o any_o mixtion_n or_o infusion_n of_o any_o strange_a liquor_n make_v a_o man_n drunken_a after_o a_o most_o profitable_a and_o wholesome_a kind_n of_o sort_n the_o text._n 10_o i_o be_o my_o welbeloved_n and_o his_o desire_n be_v towards_o i_o 11_o come_v my_o well-beloved_a let_v we_o go_v forth_o into_o the_o field_n let_v we_o remain_v in_o the_o village_n 12_o let_v we_o get_v up_o early_o to_o the_o vine_n let_v we_o see_v if_o the_o vine_n flourish_n whether_o it_o have_v bud_v the_o small_a grape_n or_o whether_o the_o pomegranate_n flourish_v there_o will_v i_o give_v thou_o my_o love_n 13_o the_o mandrake_n have_v give_v a_o smell_n and_o in_o our_o gate_n be_v all_o sweet_a thing_n new_a and_o old_a my_o well-beloved_a i_o have_v keep_v they_o for_o thou_o the_o commentary_n the_o word_n of_o the_o spouse_n unto_o the_o bridegroom_n these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o spouse_n direct_v unto_o the_o bridegroom_n contain_v thus_o much_o in_o effect_n as_o long_o as_o i_o endeavour_n &_o study_n to_o please_v thou_o so_o long_o i_o may_v persuade_v myself_o most_o assure_o that_o i_o shall_v want_v nothing_o and_o furthermore_o that_o he_o will_v love_v &_o embrace_v i_o as_o his_o most_o dear_a spouse_n and_o love_v marry_v wife_n according_a unto_o the_o holy_a and_o godly_a law_n of_o matrimony_n because_o my_o desire_n shall_v be_v towards_o he_o come_v my_o well-beloved_a let_v we_o go_v forth_o into_o the_o field_n let_v we_o remain_v in_o the_o village_n field_n vine_n and_o village_n be_v out_o of_o the_o town_n within_o the_o town_n hurre_n stir_n &_o tumult_n abroad_o a_o man_n may_v find_v rest_n and_o quietness_n but_o at_o home_n that_o be_v within_o god_n city_n to_o wit_n the_o church_n we_o be_v to_o look_v for_o nothing_o but_o stir_n and_o tumult_n either_o while_o she_o be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o and_o vex_v with_o the_o care_n of_o provide_v thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n or_o in_o make_v continual_a war_n and_o fight_v with_o old_a adam_n and_o the_o wicked_a and_o she_o be_v say_v to_o go_v forth_o when_o she_o be_v deliver_v and_o free_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o they_o or_o when_o she_o can_v be_v most_o willing_a and_o content_a to_o suffer_v and_o endure_v all_o manner_n of_o rebuke_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o for_o christ_n sake_n repose_v all_o her_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n and_o utter_o distrust_v she_o own_o work_n or_o merit_n afterward_o she_o may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o remain_v in_o the_o village_n when_o she_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n peace_n early_a in_o the_o morning_n that_o be_v to_o say_v when_o she_o be_v illuminate_v and_o lighten_v thereunto_o by_o christ_n because_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v in_o his_o name_n and_o in_o his_o name_n we_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o flower_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o the_o grape_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o full_o ripe_a be_v the_o work_n and_o deed_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v green_a unripe_a or_o somewhat_o sour_a because_o as_o long_o as_o we_o live_v here_o in_o this_o wicked_a world_n and_o carry_v about_o we_o this_o frail_a and_o brittle_a flesh_n there_o remain_v some_o dregs_n of_o imperfection_n in_o us._n and_o furthermore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o go_v to_o see_v whether_o the_o pomegranate_n do_v flourish_v that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o do_v seek_v and_o inquire_v after_o many_o good_a work_n do_v in_o good_a and_o orderly_a sort_n likewise_o we_o may_v understand_v hereby_o the_o well_o order_a and_o govern_v congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v red_a with_o charity_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a order_n and_o method_n to_o be_v observe_v of_o we_o in_o govern_v and_o guide_v the_o work_n of_o the_o church_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o order_v according_a unto_o the_o prescribe_a rule_n and_o canon_n of_o god_n word_n for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v order_v at_o all_o the_o violet_n have_v give_v a_o smell_n and_o in_o our_o gate_n be_v all_o sweet_a thing_n new_a and_o old_a my_o well-beloved_a i_o have_v keep_v they_o for_o thou_o so_o then_o the_o spouse_n go_v unto_o the_o village_n with_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o his_o mean_n she_o come_v unto_o the_o full_a fruition_n of_o true_a rest_n and_o tranquillity_n because_o the_o violet_n which_o do_v most_o common_o grow_v abroad_o in_o the_o field_n be_v take_v for_o the_o faithful_a who_o place_n and_o habitation_n be_v in_o the_o field_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o peace_n because_o as_o they_o be_v sometime_o oppress_v with_o the_o tumult_n of_o the_o city_n that_o be_v to_o say_v assault_v with_o diverse_a and_o grievous_a temptation_n so_o at_o another_o time_n they_o enjoy_v such_o rest_n of_o mind_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v arrive_v at_o the_o haven_n of_o all_o happiness_n and_o to_o be_v safe_o bring_v unto_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o the_o country_n it_o follow_v and_o in_o our_o gate_n be_v all_o sweet_a thing_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o gate_n of_o our_o village_n which_o be_v these_o justice_n righteousness_n hope_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n wisdom_n a_o clean_a heart_n and_o a_o pure_a understanding_n because_o the_o faithful_a do_v remain_v and_o dwell_v in_o these_o village_n most_o peaceable_o and_o secure_o and_o the_o gate_n of_o these_o village_n or_o tower_n be_v these_o faith_n and_o truth_n together_o with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n and_o these_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n common_a with_o christ_n and_o the_o spouse_n and_o therefore_o he_o call_v they_o our_o gate_n round_o about_o these_o gate_n and_o village_n there_o be_v great_a plenty_n of_o good_a work_n grow_v which_o be_v to_o be_v reap_v when_o the_o harvest_n and_o seasonable_a time_n of_o charity_n come_v the_o eight_o chapter_n 1_o o_o that_o thou_o were_v as_o my_o brother_n that_o suck_v the_o breast_n of_o my_o mother_n i_o will_v find_v thou_o without_o i_o will_v kiss_v thou_o than_o they_o shall_v not_o despise_v thou_o 2_o i_o will_v lead_v thou_o and_o bring_v thou_o into_o my_o mother_n house_n there_o thou_o shall_v teach_v i_o and_o i_o will_v cause_v thou_o to_o drink_v spice_a wine_n and_o new_a wine_n of_o the_o pomegranate_n 3_o his_o left_a hand_n shall_v be_v under_o my_o head_n and_o his_o right_n shall_v embrace_v i_o 4_o i_o charge_v you_o o_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o you_o stir_v not_o up_o nor_o waken_v my_o love_n until_o she_o please_v the_o commentary_n the_o word_n of_o the_o spouse_n unto_o the_o bridegroom_n oh_o that_o thou_o were_v as_o my_o brother_n etc._n etc._n christ_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o brother_n unto_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o he_o say_v in_o the_o three_o chap_n of_o mark._n