a_o commentary_n upon_o the_o canticle_n of_o canticle_n write_v first_o in_o italian_a by_o antonio_n brucioli_n and_o now_o translate_v into_o english_a by_o th._n james_n fellow_n of_o new_a college_n in_o oxford_n great_a be_v he_o that_o prophesi_v than_o he_o that_o speak_v diverse_a tongue_n except_o he_o expound_v it_o that_o the_o church_n may_v receive_v edification_n 1._o cor._n 14._o v._n 4._o come_v and_o eat_v of_o my_o meat_n and_o drink_v of_o the_o wine_n that_o i_o have_v draw_v prov._n 9_o v._o 5._o london_n print_v by_o r._n f._n for_o tho._n man._n 1598._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a sir_n thomas_n egerton_n knight_n lord_n keeper_z of_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o england_n thomas_n james_n wish_v increase_v of_o health_n wealth_n and_o prosperity_n in_o this_o life_n and_o endless_a joy_n happiness_n &_o immortality_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v saint_n hierome_n complain_v of_o the_o multitude_n and_o abuse_n of_o writer_n in_o his_o time_n solomon_n to_o show_v the_o vanity_n of_o man_n in_o write_v of_o book_n begin_v one_o of_o his_o book_n with_o vanity_n vanity_n of_o vanity_n say_v solomon_n the_o preacher_n vanity_n of_o vanity_n and_o all_o be_v but_o vanity_n and_o as_o he_o begin_v his_o book_n so_o he_o end_v it_o as_o if_o from_o the_o begin_n unto_o the_o end_n â—here_o be_v nothing_o but_o vanity_n in_o all_o other_o book_n the_o holy_a scripture_n only_o except_v no_o part_n or_o parcel_n whereof_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o least_o thought_n of_o vanity_n in_o the_o world_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o body_n all_o in_o all_o and_o all_o in_o every_o part_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o late_a end_n of_o his_o book_n to_o lead_v we_o unto_o the_o begin_n of_o true_a wisdom_n he_o prick_v man_n forward_o and_o exhort_v they_o to_o the_o diligent_a read_n of_o god_n word_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n by_o compare_v they_o unto_o prick_v and_o nail_n fasten_v by_o the_o master_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o avoid_v saint_n hieromes_n complaint_n &_o follow_v salomon_n godly_a exhortation_n the_o author_n of_o this_o present_a treatise_n upon_o the_o canticle_n do_v exercise_v himself_o from_o his_o infancy_n in_o the_o study_n of_o god_n word_n the_o which_o he_o read_v so_o earnest_o and_o eager_o as_o if_o as_o saint_n austin_n say_v he_o can_v never_o have_v read_v it_o sufficient_o though_o hâ—_n shall_v have_v begin_v never_o so_o soon_o and_o live_v never_o so_o long_o but_o find_v the_o scripture_n by_o his_o own_o experience_n so_o write_v in_o diverse_a place_n though_o all_o scripture_n be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n as_o if_o iâ—_n be_v not_o write_v as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o certain_a book_n of_o aristotle_n in_o so_o much_o that_o when_o the_o eunuch_n read_v philip_n have_v need_v to_o stand_v by_o &_o interpret_v he_o think_v it_o good_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o bestow_v the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o time_n partly_o in_o translate_n the_o bible_n into_o his_o mother_n tongue_n which_o he_o do_v most_o exact_o partly_o in_o write_v such_o a_o commentary_n upon_o the_o bible_n as_o may_v in_o doubtful_a and_o hard_a place_n full_o satisfy_v and_o content_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o religious_a reader_n now_o there_o be_v many_o which_o have_v write_v upon_o the_o bible_n learned_a and_o godly_a commentary_n in_o all_o tongue_n &_o language_n many_o more_o now_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n in_o these_o late_a day_n they_o in_o former_a time_n but_o of_o all_o late_a writer_n there_o be_v none_o for_o any_o that_o i_o have_v see_v or_o hear_v which_o may_v be_v compare_v with_o this_o brucioli_n for_o absolute_a and_o exquisite_a knowledge_n in_o the_o tongue_n great_z reading_z in_o the_o father_n shortness_n and_o plainness_n in_o deliver_v of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o last_o of_o all_o such_o soundness_n in_o religion_n &_o integrity_n of_o doctrine_n as_o may_v seem_v admirable_a in_o any_o man_n but_o in_o brucioli_n and_o italian_n wonderful_a beyond_o the_o degree_n ofâ—_n admiration_n for_o sure_o as_o it_o seem_v stranger_n unto_o the_o jew_n that_o out_o of_o galilee_n shall_v come_v any_o good_a so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o strange_n unto_o some_o that_o italy_n shall_v afford_v we_o any_o good_a italy_n be_v the_o cage_n of_o uncleanness_n and_o seat_n of_o antichrist_n but_o god_n the_o god_n of_o the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o jew_n the_o god_n of_o italian_n as_o of_o englishman_n no_o accepter_n of_o person_n or_o respecter_n of_o place_n have_v even_o in_o italy_n many_a peradventure_o thousand_o which_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n unto_o baal_n elect_v some_o out_o of_o each_o nation_n &_o country_n to_o make_v up_o the_o sum_n of_o his_o elect_a now_o as_o god_n in_o his_o mercy_n have_v stir_v up_o some_o to_o defend_v his_o glory_n in_o other_o country_n so_o have_v he_o raise_v up_o this_o brucioli_n to_o be_v a_o principal_a setter_n forth_o of_o his_o glory_n in_o italy_n which_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n the_o roman_a antichrist_n perceive_v have_v therefore_o labour_v to_o suppress_v and_o abolish_v his_o painful_a labour_n but_o man_n purpose_v and_o god_n dispose_v for_o as_o they_o have_v be_v forbid_v twice_o so_o twice_o have_v they_o be_v print_v and_o that_o in_o no_o other_o place_n than_o venice_n dedicate_v to_o man_n of_o the_o contrary_a religion_n which_o it_o shall_v seem_v he_o profess_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o our_o holy_a mother_n the_o church_n provide_v that_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o father_n they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o refute_v his_o doctrine_n which_o out_o of_o they_o both_o he_o have_v most_o learned_o compile_v the_o time_n wherein_o he_o live_v i_o find_v not_o certain_o set_v down_o of_o any_o but_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o he_o live_v about_o the_o time_n of_o conradus_n pellicanus_fw-la some_o 70_o or_o 80_o year_n ago_o and_o that_o pelican_n do_v very_o much_o profit_v himself_o by_o brucioli_n or_o brucioli_n by_o pelican_n writing_n which_o be_v the_o more_o probable_a by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o brucioli_n have_v in_o his_o commentary_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v out_o of_o pelican_n translate_v into_o his_o book_n word_n for_o word_n in_o diverse_a place_n the_o order_n &_o method_n which_o he_o observe_v in_o his_o commentary_n be_v such_o as_o deserve_v to_o be_v imitate_v of_o all_o man_n that_o labour_v in_o this_o business_n in_o easy_a and_o facile_a place_n of_o the_o bible_n either_o to_o be_v altogether_o silent_a or_o very_o short_a and_o brief_a in_o hard_a place_n to_o be_v more_o plentiful_a and_o copious_a in_o no_o place_n spend_v paper_n and_o ink_n in_o idle_a and_o unprofitable_a question_n such_o as_o tend_v not_o to_o edification_n as_o to_o dispute_v the_o case_n in_o this_o commentary_n upon_o the_o canticle_n whether_o of_o the_o three_o book_n which_o solomon_n write_v he_o write_v the_o canticle_n in_o the_o first_o or_o second_o place_n as_o the_o jew_n imagine_v or_o last_o of_o all_o as_o all_o the_o latin_a writer_n do_v consent_n whether_o there_o be_v more_o person_n than_o four_o or_o whether_o this_o book_n be_v mean_v literal_o of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n or_o mystical_o of_o the_o church_n these_o question_n be_v far_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o people_n he_o omit_v purposely_o and_o because_o all_o writer_n with_o one_o voice_n consent_n that_o the_o church_n be_v mean_v by_o the_o spouse_n he_o so_o take_v it_o without_o any_o further_a ado_n instruct_v we_o in_o these_o point_n of_o religion_n necessary_a to_o be_v teach_v of_o he_o and_o understand_v of_o us._n that_o the_o church_n here_o militant_a consist_v of_o two_o part_n a_o visible_a and_o a_o invisible_a that_o in_o the_o church_n christ_n must_v bear_v rule_n and_o not_o peter_n that_o god_n word_n must_v be_v hear_v and_o not_o man_n tradition_n final_o he_o teach_v we_o the_o necessity_n of_o faith_n and_o fruit_n of_o good_a work_n these_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n which_o he_o handle_v in_o this_o book_n every_o where_o join_v with_o they_o matter_n of_o comfort_n and_o exhortation_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o brucioli_n and_o his_o commentary_n now_o for_o myself_o and_o my_o translation_n i_o can_v have_v wish_v that_o other_o which_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o interpretation_n will_v have_v take_v the_o work_n in_o hand_n but_o see_v they_o have_v be_v slack_a in_o this_o business_n i_o have_v for_o that_o exceed_a great_a love_n which_o i_o bear_v unto_o tâ—â—_n work_v of_o this_o learned_a man_n a_o stranger_n but_o not_o from_o the_o faith_n translate_v this_o book_n of_o
the_o son_n of_o my_o mother_n be_v angry_a against_o i_o and_o what_o be_v this_o mother_n but_o eve_n the_o mother_n of_o all_o the_o live_n aswell_o the_o just_a as_o the_o unjust_a and_o the_o unjust_a have_v ever_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n oppose_v themselves_o against_o the_o just_a because_o they_o hate_v they_o which_o be_v rule_v by_o christ_n law_n &_o so_o perish_v in_o the_o reprobrat_a sense_n of_o the_o flesh_n &_o these_o be_v of_o the_o wicked_a synagogue_n of_o satan_n which_o do_v still_o persecute_v vex_v &_o contradict_v the_o spouse_n whence_o it_o come_v that_o she_o be_v grow_v so_o black_a &_o brown_a they_o make_v i_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o vine_n as_o if_o she_o shall_v have_v say_v i_o have_v obtain_v this_o by_o my_o persecution_n that_o i_o be_o make_v keeper_n of_o more_o vine_n that_o be_v of_o more_o church_n because_o the_o first_o church_n be_v found_v in_o jerusalem_n &_o that_o which_o follow_v but_o i_o keep_v not_o my_o own_o vine_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o mind_n but_o of_o the_o place_n for_o although_o the_o city_n be_v ruinate_v and_o destroy_v yet_o nevertheless_o the_o integrity_n of_o faith_n remain_v inviolable_a for_o ever_o and_o ever_o so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n he_o keep_v not_o that_o place_n that_o be_v he_o retain_v not_o that_o place_n where_o the_o vineyard_n shall_v have_v be_v and_o where_o it_o be_v plant_v at_o the_o first_o be_v root_v by_o god_n the_o father_n out_o of_o that_o barren_a and_o unfertile_a soil_n and_o plant_v in_o a_o more_o fertile_a place_n among_o the_o gentile_n so_o the_o church_n be_v this_o vine_n or_o else_o by_o this_o you_o may_v understand_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v plant_v in_o faith_n root_v in_o charity_n trench_v about_o with_o the_o furrow_n of_o good_a discipline_n repair_v with_o the_o tear_n of_o the_o penitent_a and_o water_v with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o preacher_n and_o hence_o come_v it_o that_o they_o do_v so_o abound_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o divine_a fruit_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o gladness_n and_o holy_a devotion_n in_o like_a manner_n we_o may_v say_v that_o faith_n be_v the_o vine_n the_o branch_n virtue_n the_o grape_n good_a work_n the_o wine_n devotion_n moreover_o the_o vineyard_n be_v religion_n the_o husbandman_n the_o father_n the_o son_n the_o vine_n and_o the_o just_a the_o branch_n thereof_o god_n the_o father_n be_v the_o husbandman_n because_o he_o dig_v and_o ditch_n it_o in_o confession_n and_o contrition_n proyne_v it_o with_o sprinkle_v of_o tear_n and_o indeed_o the_o son_n be_v the_o vine_n because_o he_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n because_o no_o man_n can_v lay_v any_o other_o foundation_n but_o that_o which_o be_v already_o lay_v which_o be_v christ_n jesus_n by_o who_o every_o building_n do_v grow_v up_o to_o be_v a_o holy_a temple_n the_o branch_n be_v the_o righteous_a which_o do_v shoot_v &_o sprout_v out_o of_o the_o vine_n christ_n and_o be_v full_a of_o sap_n and_o moisture_n the_o spouse_n unto_o christ_n show_v i_o christ_n be_v all_o in_o all_o unto_o they_o that_o believe_v a_o king_n a_o sun_n a_o keeper_n of_o vine_n a_o shepherd_n &_o notwithstanding_o he_o continue_v always_o to_o be_v their_o bridegroom_n &_o well-beloved_a to_o who_o the_o spouse_n fly_v for_o succour_n &_o help_v &_o see_v that_o she_o be_v not_o able_a to_o keep_v her_o vine_n any_o long_o she_o refer_v the_o care_n thereof_o unto_o her_o husband_n christ_n moreover_o she_o have_v many_o little_a goat_n about_o she_o that_o be_v many_o young_a one_o which_o be_v but_o simple_a fellow_n novice_n &_o ungrounded_a in_o faith_n which_o she_o will_v fain_o have_v feed_v with_o the_o precious_a and_o wholesome_a bread_n of_o christ_n word_n and_o not_o with_o the_o poison_a doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o she_o make_v her_o recourse_n unto_o he_o know_v that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a shepherd_n of_o her_o soul_n say_v o_o thou_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v o_o son_n of_o love_n &_o charity_n and_o this_o charity_n be_v god_n that_o be_v as_o much_o to_o say_v as_o o_o thou_o my_o dear_a bridegroom_n &_o husband_n christ_n who_o my_o soul_n love_v who_o i_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o love_v most_o entire_o &_o dear_o show_v i_o where_o thou_o feed_v where_o the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n feed_v and_o rest_v himself_o i_o mean_v christ_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o never_o set_v have_v always_o a_o meridian_n brightness_n shine_v round_o about_o he_o and_o the_o church_n know_v the_o time_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o noontide_n at_o what_o time_n the_o bridegroom_n do_v rest_n &_o take_v his_o repast_n but_o she_o know_v not_o the_o place_n where_o also_o she_o know_v that_o with_o the_o lantern_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o find_v he_o unless_o it_o please_v he_o to_o manifest_v and_o show_v himself_o by_o open_v the_o hide_a sense_n and_o dark_a mystery_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o his_o key_n and_o this_o knowledge_n also_o can_v not_o be_v get_v unless_o it_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n and_o therefore_o she_o reque_v he_o that_o it_o will_v please_v he_o to_o make_v himself_o know_v unto_o she_o and_o show_v she_o where_o he_o feed_v &_o abide_v and_o even_o now_o he_o feed_v she_o while_o that_o he_o lighten_v rejoice_v and_o inflame_v she_o which_o be_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n to_o wit_n at_o noon_n or_o midday_n so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o endure_v the_o great_a glory_n of_o his_o face_n unless_o we_o be_v cover_v with_o the_o veil_n of_o his_o flesh_n which_o he_o take_v and_o even_o now_o we_o do_v rest_n under_o the_o shadow_n of_o his_o wing_n by_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o heavenly_a grace_n for_o why_o shall_v i_o be_v and_o what_o be_v that_o the_o spouse_n require_v here_o in_o this_o place_n unless_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n shall_v show_v she_o these_o thing_n lest_o that_o she_o shall_v be_v compel_v to_o turn_v aside_o to_o the_o flock_n of_o his_o companion_n but_o what_o be_v these_o companion_n but_o the_o faithful_a &_o chief_o those_o which_o have_v any_o office_n or_o superiority_n over_o the_o rest_n but_o of_o these_o there_o be_v some_o true_a some_o lie_a and_o false_a brethren_n the_o true_a brethren_n do_v not_o gather_v the_o flock_n unto_o themselves_o but_o unto_o christ_n neither_o do_v they_o make_v themselves_o head_n of_o the_o church_n but_o humble_o submit_v both_o themselves_o and_o their_o whole_a flock_n unto_o christ_n government_n acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v their_o lord_n and_o head_n and_o they_o be_v very_o much_o afraid_a lest_o the_o flock_n shall_v follow_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o do_v study_v by_o all_o manner_n of_o mean_n how_o to_o prevent_v these_o say_n i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o i_o be_o of_o peter_n i_o be_o of_o barnabas_n and_o i_o be_o of_o apollo_n but_o their_o only_a care_n and_o desire_n be_v to_o bring_v every_o one_o to_o say_v and_o confess_v thus_o much_o i_o be_o of_o christ_n now_o contrariwise_o they_o which_o be_v the_o false_a follower_n and_o companion_n of_o christ_n jesus_n do_v not_o lead_v or_o gather_v the_o flock_n unto_o their_o bridegroom_n christ_n but_o unto_o themselves_o make_v themselves_o head_n and_o overseer_n over_o those_o flock_n wherefore_o the_o true_a church_n say_v i_o will_v not_o turn_v aside_o to_o the_o flock_n of_o they_o which_o be_v call_v thy_o companion_n choose_v rather_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n then_o this_o because_o that_o if_o the_o flock_n do_v follow_v any_o other_o shepherd_n but_o thou_o they_o must_v needs_o perish_v and_o be_v destroy_v and_o these_o flock_n do_v wander_v and_o go_v astray_o because_o during_o the_o time_n of_o their_o abode_n here_o in_o this_o wicked_a world_n they_o can_v find_v no_o rest_n or_o peace_n but_o be_v always_o trouble_v &_o disquiet_v in_o mind_n and_o therefore_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n be_v this_o i_o do_v hearty_o desire_v thou_o o_o my_o god_n and_o saviour_n that_o it_o will_v please_v thou_o and_o none_o but_o thou_o to_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o teach_v i_o those_o thing_n which_o it_o be_v meet_v for_o i_o to_o know_v to_o the_o end_n that_o my_o judgement_n and_o mind_n may_v not_o be_v offuscate_v and_o darken_v with_o the_o cloud_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n but_o that_o my_o understanding_n may_v be_v lighten_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o thy_o word_n which_o shine_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n do_v at_o noon_n day_n so_o that_o i_o may_v not_o fall_v into_o any_o error_n or_o false_a opinion_n be_v
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 word_n of_o god_n these_o word_n may_v be_v say_v to_o drop_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o chaste_a spouse_n while_o she_o deliver_v they_o unto_o her_o neighbour_n &_o they_o flow_v from_o her_o most_o easy_o and_o fluent_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o these_o word_n in_o that_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v under_o her_o tongue_n indeed_o she_o be_v endue_v with_o her_o husband_n christ_n spirit_n by_o mean_n whereof_o she_o both_o perfect_o know_v and_o easy_o pronounce_v all_o thing_n because_o it_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n the_o more_o perfect_o we_o know_v a_o thing_n the_o more_o ready_a shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o utter_v and_o pronounce_v the_o same_o and_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o text_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 what_o garment_n be_v these_o which_o the_o church_n wear_v unless_o it_o be_v these_o wherewith_o she_o which_o be_v christ_n most_o sacred_a body_n be_v cover_v and_o apparel_v withal_o and_o these_o be_v the_o garment_n indeed_o wherewith_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n his_o justice_n spirit_n truth_n peace_n and_o all_o those_o good_a gift_n and_o grace_n which_o do_v accompany_v they_o be_v great_o glorify_v the_o send_v &_o smell_v of_o these_o thing_n be_v wonderful_a strong_a and_o strange_a for_o it_o be_v as_o the_o savour_n of_o the_o hill_n of_o lebanon_n or_o of_o many_o odoriferous_a tree_n and_o yet_o nevertheless_o the_o garment_n of_o the_o spouse_n be_v more_o odoriferous_a and_o well_o smell_v than_o all_o these_o thing_n but_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o and_o his_o christ_n the_o angel_n and_o elect_v which_o do_v smell_v the_o odor_n thereof_o &_o be_v delight_v therewith_o because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a at_o all_o for_o they_o to_o please_v either_o god_n or_o man_n which_o have_v not_o receive_v of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n spirit_n the_o text_n 12_o my_o sister_n my_o spouse_n be_v as_o a_o garden_n enclose_v as_o a_o spring_n shut_v up_o and_o a_o fountain_n seal_v up_o 13_o thy_o plant_n be_v as_o a_o orchard_n of_o pomegranate_n with_o sweet_a fruit_n as_o camphire_n spikenard_n 14_o even_o spikenard_n and_o saffron_n calamus_fw-la and_o cinnamon_n with_o all_o the_o tree_n of_o incense_n myrrh_n and_o aloe_n with_o all_o the_o chief_a spice_n 15_o o_o fountain_n of_o the_o garden_n o_o well_o of_o live_a water_n and_o the_o spring_n of_o lebanon_n 16_o arise_v o_o north_n and_o come_v o_o south_n and_o blow_v on_o my_o garden_n that_o the_o spice_n thereof_o may_v flow_v out_o let_v my_o well_o belove_a come_v to_o his_o garden_n and_o eat_v his_o pleasant_a fruit_n the_o commentary_n the_o bridegroom_n in_o this_o first_o verse_n commend_v the_o spouse_n for_o abound_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o fruit_n of_o good_a work_n and_o he_o use_v the_o similitude_n very_o fit_o of_o a_o garden_n which_o because_o it_o may_v the_o better_o bring_v forth_o herb_n tree_n spice_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o fruit_n man_n do_v use_v to_o set_v a_o hedge_n round_o about_o it_o to_o keep_v out_o cattle_n from_o hurt_v of_o it_o and_o last_o of_o all_o it_o be_v water_v with_o wholesome_a sound_a and_o unpoysoned_a water_n and_o even_o so_o for_o all_o the_o world_n be_v it_o with_o the_o church_n what_o boot_v it_o then_o for_o the_o church_n to_o be_v never_o so_o fertile_a and_o fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n unless_o god_n preserve_v and_o keep_v it_o with_o a_o fatherly_a providence_n and_o care_n set_v as_o it_o be_v a_o hedge_n round_o about_o it_o unless_o he_o water_v it_o with_o the_o water_n of_o life_n and_o shadow_n or_o refresh_v it_o with_o the_o comfortable_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v as_o a_o spring_n shut_v up_o and_o a_o fountain_n seal_v up_o because_o it_o be_v confirm_v and_o strengthen_v with_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o almighty_a as_o also_o for_o a_o other_o reason_n because_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o either_o to_o add_v or_o diminish_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o it_o must_v not_o be_v infect_v with_o the_o puddle_n of_o man_n filthy_a doctrine_n or_o wicked_a constitution_n thy_o plant_n be_v as_o a_o orchard_n of_o pomegranate_n with_o sweet_a fruit_n as_o camphire_n spikenard_n thy_o plant_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o fruit_n of_o good_a work_n which_o follow_v the_o plant_n of_o faith_n be_v as_o dear_a unto_o i_o as_o a_o garden_n and_o as_o pleasant_a unto_o i_o as_o any_o orchard_n can_v be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o by_o the_o variety_n of_o costly_a spice_n and_o odoriferous_a tree_n of_o a_o paradise_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o a_o wide_a orchard_n or_o delectable_a garden_n we_o be_v to_o learn_v that_o the_o elect_v although_o distinguish_v by_o degree_n and_o person_n yet_o be_v they_o notwithstanding_o all_o of_o they_o within_o one_o paradise_n that_o be_v to_o say_v within_o the_o odoriferous_a and_o pleasant_a tree_n of_o the_o church_n which_o abound_v in_o most_o precious_a and_o sweet_a plant_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o faithful_a one_o and_o every_o tree_n that_o be_v to_o say_v every_o one_o which_o be_v not_o plant_v in_o this_o pleasant_a eden_n or_o garden_n bring_v forth_o poison_v and_o corrupt_a fruit_n and_o to_o conclude_v there_o be_v no_o good_a herb_n or_o fruit_n grow_v in_o the_o world_n out_o of_o this_o garden_n and_o contrariwise_o all_o that_o grow_v here_o be_v wholesome_a pleasant_a and_o a_o fruit_n to_o be_v desire_v the_o word_n of_o the_o bride_n unto_o the_o bridegroom_n o_o fountain_n of_o the_o garden_n o_o well_o of_o lyve_a water_n and_o the_o spring_n of_o lebanon_n o_o fountain_n this_o sentence_n appear_v to_o be_v a_o exclamatorie_n sentence_n of_o the_o spouse_n break_v forth_o into_o the_o praise_n of_o her_o husband_n for_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o she_o have_v receive_v of_o he_o as_o if_o she_o shall_v have_v say_v in_o other_o word_n thou_o o_o my_o gracious_a and_o love_a spouse_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o my_o good_a the_o fountain_n of_o eternal_a life_n all_o our_o garden_n have_v need_v to_o be_v water_v with_o this_o lively_a water_n thou_o be_v the_o wellspring_n of_o all_o heavenly_a grace_n from_o who_o all_o good_a thing_n be_v pour_v down_o upon_o we_o in_o most_o plentiful_a sort_n thou_o be_v the_o conduit_n which_o convaye_v these_o wholesome_a water_n unto_o thy_o church_n which_o be_v lebanon_n for_o as_o lebanon_n be_v full_a of_o odoriferous_a planting_n of_o the_o faithful_a so_o the_o particular_a church_n may_v be_v call_v small_a orchard_n and_o pettie-garden_n of_o the_o great_a paradise_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o fountain_n of_o lively_a water_n which_o run_v through_o out_o all_o the_o garden_n of_o lebanon_n that_o be_v to_o say_v there_o be_v but_o one_o fountain_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n namely_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherewithal_o the_o several_a congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a must_v be_v water_v and_o refresh_v so_o then_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o garden_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o particular_a church_n and_o congregation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o catholic_a and_o universal_a church_n because_o it_o be_v in_o her_o first_o and_o from_o thence_o derive_v unto_o all_o the_o rest_n arise_v o_o north_n and_o come_v o_o south_n and_o blow_v on_o my_o garden_n that_o the_o spice_n thereof_o may_v flow_v out_o let_v my_o well-beloved_a come_v to_o his_o garden_n and_o eat_v his_o pleasant_a fruit_n arise_v o_o north._n the_o spouse_n invocate_v the_o succour_n &_o help_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o who_o inspiration_n her_o young_a and_o tender_a plant_n may_v as_o well_o in_o adversity_n as_o in_o prosperity_n flourish_n increase_n
it_o be_v no_o strange_a phrase_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o call_v the_o concubine_n by_o the_o name_n of_o wife_n although_o it_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o be_v call_v wife_n and_o the_o rest_n concubine_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o abraham_n wife_n thus_o they_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v consider_v together_o be_v one_o perfect_a spouse_n of_o christ_n call_v a_o dove_n because_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o she_o and_o the_o more_o special_a particular_a and_o great_a church_n be_v call_v queen_n the_o lesser_a concubine_n because_o although_o they_o be_v threescore_o in_o number_n that_o be_v enough_o yet_o these_o be_v fourscore_o that_o be_v more_o for_o indeed_o the_o lesser_a church_n be_v more_o in_o number_n then_o the_o great_a the_o young_a damsel_n be_v the_o faithful_a soul_n without_o number_n because_o there_o be_v many_o which_o be_v unknown_a to_o us._n the_o text._n 9_o who_o be_v she_o that_o look_v forth_o as_o the_o morning_n fair_a as_o the_o moon_n pure_a as_o the_o sun_n terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n 10_o i_o go_v down_o to_o the_o garden_n of_o nut_n to_o see_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o valley_n to_o see_v if_o the_o vine_n bud_v and_o if_o the_o pomegranate_n flourish_v 11_o i_o know_v nothing_o my_o soul_n set_v i_o as_o the_o chariot_n of_o my_o noble_a people_n 12_o return_v return_v o_o shulamite_n return_n return_v that_o we_o may_v behold_v thou_o what_o shall_v thou_o see_v in_o the_o shulamite_n but_o as_o the_o company_n of_o a_o army_n the_o commentary_n the_o church_n be_v the_o morning_n which_o have_v not_o yet_o receive_v the_o fullness_n of_o her_o light_n which_o she_o shall_v receive_v in_o glory_n the_o mâ—â—â—e_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n which_o shine_v in_o the_o darkness_n but_o the_o darkness_n comprehend_v it_o not_o joh._n 1._o the_o sun_n as_o christ_n jesus_n esa_n 60._o vers_fw-la 20._o thou_o shall_v have_v no_o more_o sun_n to_o shine_v by_o day_n neither_o shall_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o moon_n shine_v unto_o thou_o for_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v thy_o everlasting_a light_n and_o thy_o god_n thy_o glory_n thy_o â—un_v shall_v never_o go_v down_o neither_o shall_v the_o moon_n be_v hide_v for_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v thy_o everlasting_a light_n thus_o than_o the_o church_n be_v fair_a but_o fair_a as_o the_o moon_n that_o be_v fair_a as_o the_o truth_n because_o all_o her_o beauty_n and_o fairness_n come_v from_o thence_o for_o so_o greaâ—_n be_v her_o beauty_n and_o comeliness_n as_o her_o faith_n be_v great_a in_o god_n word_n if_o her_o life_n be_v answerable_a thereunto_o afterward_o she_o be_v elect_v as_o the_o suâ—_n christ_n who_o in_o all_o the_o elect_a be_v say_v to_o be_v thâ—_n first_o bear_v because_o other_o be_v elect_v and_o predestinate_v unto_o salvation_n from_o the_o begin_n for_o his_o sake_n that_o she_o be_v terrible_a as_o a_o army_n witâ—_n banner_n it_o have_v be_v already_o show_v yoâ—_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chap_n where_o you_o may_v read_v the_o very_a same_o word_n and_o this_o interrogative_n kind_a of_o speech_n who_o be_v she_o be_v thâ—_n word_n of_o christ_n speak_v by_o the_o way_n of_o admiration_n to_o make_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n more_o know_v unto_o all_o the_o world_n i_o go_v dowâ—_n to_o the_o garden_n of_o nut_n to_o see_v the_o fruit_n of_o thâ—_n valley_n to_o see_v if_o the_o vine_n bud_v and_o if_o thâ—_n pomegranate_n flourish_v i_o go_v down_o etc._n etc._n he_o call_v the_o church_n a_o garden_n of_o nut_n because_o the_o kernel_n and_o sweetness_n thereof_o be_v contain_v under_o a_o hard_a shell_n of_o adversity_n christ_n come_v down_o into_o this_o garden_n to_o preserve_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o water_n or_o torrent_n italian_a that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o elect_a which_o be_v as_o tree_n plant_v by_o the_o river_n of_o water_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o psalm_n to_o see_v whether_o the_o vine_n bud_v 〈…〉_o to_o say_v the_o faith_n of_o those_o elect_a of_o the_o elect_a which_o continual_o have_v their_o faith_n accompany_v &_o follow_v with_o good_a work_n &_o we_o may_v observe_v this_o in_o these_o word_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n i_o go_v down_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o may_v any_o way_n belong_v or_o appertain_v unto_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n but_o he_o reveal_v and_o make_v it_o know_v unto_o she_o the_o spouse_n speak_v unto_o the_o bridegroom_n i_o know_v nothing_o my_o soul_n set_v i_o as_o the_o chariot_n of_o my_o noble_a people_n i_o know_v nothing_o etc._n etc._n christ_n deliver_v unto_o the_o spouse_n the_o manner_n of_o his_o come_n down_o unto_o she_o and_o that_o in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o go_v before_o to_o who_o she_o repli_v after_o this_o manner_n i_o know_v not_o that_o be_v to_o say_v i_o mark_v not_o that_o you_o be_v so_o near_o i_o till_o you_o bewray_v yourself_o unto_o i_o by_o your_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a word_n likewise_o i_o know_v not_o when_o thou_o departedâ—_n from_o i_o unless_o it_o please_v thou_o to_o reveal_v the_o same_o unto_o i_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o no_o man_n know_v the_o hide_a secret_n and_o mystery_n of_o god_n unless_o it_o be_v god_n and_o he_o unto_o who_o god_n reveal_v they_o and_o it_o follow_v my_o soul_n the_o soul_n of_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n &_o it_o be_v a_o very_a usual_a and_o significative_a kind_n of_o speech_n to_o express_v a_o man_n love_n because_o he_o that_o love_v a_o thing_n earnest_o and_o vehement_o call_v that_o which_o he_o love_v his_o soul_n so_o that_o the_o righteous_a man_n which_o love_v christ_n say_v that_o christ_n be_v his_o soul_n he_o set_v i_o as_o the_o chariot_n of_o my_o people_n which_o run_v willing_o in_o the_o course_n of_o god_n word_n but_o although_o they_o be_v willing_a in_o spirit_n and_o ready_a in_o mind_n yet_o they_o draw_v after_o they_o heavy_a &_o weak_a chariot_n or_o burden_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v go_v draw_v those_o chariot_n i_o will_v enter_v into_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o weak_a and_o frail_a one_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o piety_n comfort_v those_o that_o be_v comfortless_a and_o as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v frame_v myself_o whole_o unto_o their_o service_n care_v not_o what_o shall_v happen_v unto_o i_o so_o that_o i_o may_v win_v some_o unto_o the_o gospel_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o s._n paul_n boast_v of_o his_o infirmity_n and_o labour_n which_o he_o suffer_v and_o endure_v for_o god_n people_n the_o word_n of_o the_o young_a damsel_n unto_o the_o spouse_n return_v return_n o_o shulamite_n return_n return_v that_o we_o may_v behold_v thou_o what_o shall_v you_o see_v in_o the_o shulamite_n but_o as_o the_o companion_n of_o any_o army_n return_v etc._n etc._n it_o have_v be_v oftentimes_o declare_v unto_o you_o before_o that_o by_o the_o name_n of_o damsel_n or_o young_a virgin_n be_v signify_v the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n which_o be_v all_o renew_v in_o christ_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v a_o youngnesse_n or_o youth_n of_o mind_n these_o view_v and_o behold_v the_o great_a care_n and_o diverse_a trouble_n of_o the_o church_n which_o she_o suffer_v and_o endure_v for_o their_o sake_n be_v constrain_v to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o true_a charity_n thereof_o because_o it_o be_v proper_a unto_o the_o faithful_a alone_o to_o rejoice_v &_o be_v glad_a in_o the_o lord_n when_o they_o see_v the_o love_n of_o other_o towards_o they_o which_o they_o desire_v and_o study_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o imitate_v and_o express_v therefore_o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o faithful_a unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v so_o careful_a and_o pensive_a for_o their_o good_a return_v o_o shulamite_n that_o be_v to_o say_v o_o thou_o peaceable_a and_o quiet_a spouse_n of_o christ_n because_o that_o she_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o peaceable_a spouse_n of_o her_o peaceable_a husband_n christ_n to_o the_o end_n that_o her_o nature_n may_v be_v answerable_a unto_o her_o name_n and_o the_o thing_n concord_n and_o concur_v with_o the_o word_n the_o double_n and_o repetition_n of_o the_o word_n return_v discover_v the_o greatness_n of_o their_o affection_n &_o whence_o shall_v she_o return_v whence_o shall_v she_o come_v from_o labour_n and_o grief_n from_o sorrow_n and_o troubleâ—_n for_o very_o we_o can_v not_o but_o see_v how_o the_o church_n be_v vex_v and_o torment_v watch_v and_o fa_v labour_v &_o sweat_v and_o all_o this_o she_o be_v content_a to_o receive_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a for_o the_o behoof_n &_o good_a of_o the_o
godly_a and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n if_o they_o have_v compassion_n on_o she_o and_o call_v unto_o she_o not_o to_o disease_n or_o disquiet_v herself_o by_o put_v herself_o to_o much_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n but_o that_o she_o will_v rest_v a_o while_n from_o her_o labour_n and_o return_v unto_o the_o comfortable_a place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o the_o end_n that_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n they_o may_v learn_v &_o see_v what_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v with_o ease_n and_o quietness_n and_o what_o with_o care_n and_o trouble_v and_o brief_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o young_a virgin_n desire_v and_o covet_v for_o to_o know_v what_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v and_o where_o it_o be_v in_o time_n of_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n and_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o studious_o to_o be_v observe_v and_o note_v that_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o church_n we_o can_v well_o attain_v unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o be_v so_o fast_o link_v &_o bind_v together_o that_o if_o you_o know_v one_o you_o may_v easy_o know_v to_o other_o the_o seven_o chapter_n 1_o how_o beautiful_a be_v thy_o go_n with_o shoe_n o_o prince_n daughter_n the_o jointe_n of_o thy_o thigh_n be_v like_o jewel_n the_o work_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o cunning_a workman_n 2_o thy_o navel_n be_v as_o a_o round_a cup_n that_o want_v not_o liquour_n thy_o belly_n be_v as_o a_o heap_n of_o wheat_n compass_v about_o with_o lily_n 3_o thy_o two_o breast_n be_v as_o two_o young_a roe_n that_o be_v twin_n the_o commentary_n the_o word_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n unto_o the_o bride_n he_o begin_v here_o in_o this_o place_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o sequel_n thereof_o to_o praise_n and_o command_v the_o church_n who_o he_o can_v choose_v but_o love_n as_o be_v his_o only_a dear_a spouse_n and_o his_o meaning_n and_o purpose_n be_v to_o say_v and_o show_v no_o more_o than_o isaiah_n say_v in_o his_o 52._o cha_n nahum_n 1._o and_o rom._n 10._o how_o beautiful_a be_v the_o foot_n of_o they_o that_o declare_v &_o publish_v peace_n that_o bring_v good_a tiding_n &_o publish_v salvation_n and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o true_a spouse_n of_o god_n be_v she_o which_o do_v true_o preach_v these_o good_a tiding_n because_o she_o alone_o declare_v unto_o we_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereunto_o we_o must_v lean_v and_o these_o go_n be_v say_v to_o be_v beautiful_a with_o shoe_n which_o word_n be_v speak_v by_o way_n of_o similitude_n to_o show_v &_o instruct_v we_o that_o as_o those_o which_o will_v go_v any_o far_a journey_n must_v be_v well_o shod_a so_o the_o professor_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v to_o go_v a_o far_a journey_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n must_v be_v most_o ready_a to_o declare_v the_o truth_n unto_o all_o man_n and_o very_o they_o may_v be_v then_o say_v to_o be_v ready_a and_o never_o before_o when_o they_o do_v teach_v his_o word_n faithful_o and_o sincere_o so_o then_o beautiful_a be_v the_o go_n of_o the._n church_n with_o shoe_n because_o when_o she_o be_v send_v of_o god_n she_o be_v most_o willing_a and_o ready_a to_o declare_v unto_o all_o man_n the_o word_n of_o salvation_n and_o thus_o you_o may_v see_v how_o christ_n commend_v his_o own_o good_a gift_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o before_o the_o young_a virgin_n to_o wit_n the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a because_o he_o will_v have_v we_o all_o to_o know_v what_o manner_n of_o thing_n the_o church_n be_v and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o it_o so_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o singular_a providence_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o place_n in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o canticle_n where_o the_o church_n commend_v christ_n and_o be_v again_o commend_v of_o he_o because_o we_o shall_v know_v what_o a_o necessary_a point_n of_o doctrine_n this_o be_v to_o be_v repeat_v and_o ingeminated_a in_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o faithful_a see_v that_o the_o ignorance_n and_o want_n thereof_o have_v almost_o seduce_v and_o beguile_v the_o whole_a world_n in_o the_o second_o place_n he_o praise_v the_o church_n for_o her_o unspotted_a fruitfulness_n because_o her_o thigh_n signify_v the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o bring_v forth_o other_o by_o the_o word_n be_v like_a unto_o precious_a jewel_n and_o hereby_o be_v mean_v the_o divine_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o do_v adorn_v beautify_v and_o make_v fertile_a the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o a_o cunning_a workman_n because_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o almighty_a god_n the_o most_o ingenious_a and_o cunning_a workemaister_n that_o ever_o be_v who_o have_v all_o power_n and_o virtue_n to_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o list_v who_o pour_v his_o grace_n down_o upon_o we_o which_o make_v we_o to_o be_v far_o more_o excellent_a and_o pure_a than_o we_o be_v before_o and_o without_o who_o help_n we_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o thy_o navel_n be_v as_o a_o round_a cup_n that_o want_v not_o liquour_n thy_o belly_n be_v as_o a_o heap_n of_o wheat_n compass_v about_o with_o lily_n thy_o navel_n what_o be_v this_o round_a basin_n or_o cup_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o never_o want_v the_o liquour_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o be_v still_o put_v into_o it_o and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v of_o how_o little_a estimation_n the_o faithful_a be_v at_o the_o first_o time_n when_o they_o be_v bear_v unless_o they_o be_v recreate_v and_o refresh_v with_o the_o lively_a liquour_n of_o god_n word_n which_o when_o they_o have_v once_o taste_v they_o shall_v never_o need_v any_o more_o moisture_n have_v the_o continual_a dew_n of_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v and_o make_v powerful_a to_o multiply_v and_o beget_v other_o son_n unto_o their_o husband_n and_o the_o seed_n whereby_o they_o do_v conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o then_o this_o be_v the_o exposition_n of_o these_o word_n to_o the_o end_n that_o thou_o shall_v beget_v child_n unto_o i_o there_o need_v no_o carnal_a embrace_n or_o copulation_n as_o in_o the_o generation_n of_o man_n body_n because_o that_o when_o thou_o be_v first_o affiance_v and_o betroth_v unto_o i_o by_o faith_n thou_o do_v receive_v the_o spirit_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereby_o thou_o may_v be_v able_a to_o conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o child_n unto_o god_n faith_n and_o unfeigned_a charity_n be_v the_o copulation_n which_o be_v requisite_a in_o the_o procreation_n of_o these_o spiritual_a child_n and_o therefore_o there_o need_v no_o outward_a seed_n of_o the_o flesh_n because_o we_o have_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n word_n which_o be_v most_o effectual_a to_o the_o conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o good_a work_n and_o this_o wonderful_a strange_a and_o pure_a kind_n of_o fertility_n be_v yet_o make_v more_o plain_a by_o these_o word_n follow_v thy_o belly_n be_v as_o a_o heap_n of_o wheat_n compass_v about_o with_o lily_n thy_o belly_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v even_o as_o in_o a_o heap_n of_o wheat_n there_o be_v many_o grain_n of_o corn_n so_o within_o thy_o fertile_a womb_n there_o be_v contain_v many_o multitude_n of_o those_o which_o thou_o have_v conceive_v for_o i_o and_o because_o thou_o be_v full_a or_o heavenly_a blessing_n no_o doubt_n of_o it_o but_o thou_o will_v bring_v they_o forth_o in_o their_o due_a time_n and_o season_n and_o she_o conceave_v these_o blessing_n when_o she_o believe_v but_o bring_v they_o forth_o when_o they_o be_v do_v in_o faith_n and_o this_o belly_n be_v compass_v about_o with_o lily_n by_o the_o lily_n we_o may_v understand_v the_o faithful_a because_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o church_n be_v whole_o compass_v about_o with_o the_o lillie-white_a innocence_n of_o the_o faithful_a thy_o two_o breast_n be_v as_o two_o young_a roe_n that_o be_v twin_n thy_o two_o the_o two_o breast_n in_o this_o place_n signify_v the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o may_v be_v very_o well_o compare_v unto_o young_a roe_n either_o for_o their_o purity_n and_o whiteness_n or_o else_o because_o they_o do_v run_v about_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o the_o young_a goat_n do_v leap_v and_o skip_v about_o the_o hill_n and_o for_o the_o far_a exposition_n of_o this_o place_n we_o must_v entreat_v the_o gentle_a reader_n to_o return_v back_o again_o unto_o the_o four_o chapter_n where_o he_o shall_v find_v this_o verse_n whole_o interpret_v only_o we_o will_v note_v this_o by_o the_o way_n that_o
the_o canticle_n with_o that_o mind_n which_o he_o write_v it_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o benefit_n of_o his_o church_n in_o translate_n of_o it_o i_o have_v not_o yield_v word_n for_o word_n but_o sense_n for_o sense_n and_o sentence_n for_o sentence_n for_o the_o text_n i_o have_v not_o follow_v my_o author_n but_o take_v the_o authorize_v translation_n in_o our_o english_a bibles_n for_o that_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a difficulty_n and_o not_o for_o a_o young_a man_n to_o translate_v and_o be_v beside_o warrant_v by_o fulke_n against_o the_o papist_n and_o learned_a master_n hooker_n against_o our_o adversary_n at_o home_n only_o i_o have_v note_v the_o difference_n which_o be_v not_o many_o either_o by_o the_o side_n of_o the_o book_n or_o in_o the_o text_n of_o the_o commentary_n this_o small_a labour_n of_o i_o i_o be_o bold_a to_o present_v unto_o your_o lordship_n right_a honourable_a other_o for_o other_o respect_n out_o of_o the_o treasure_n of_o their_o wit_n and_o industry_n have_v present_v you_o with_o great_a volume_n myself_o be_v young_a in_o year_n and_o poor_a in_o wit_n do_v offer_v up_o into_o your_o hand_n all_o that_o i_o have_v as_o yet_o provide_v which_o be_v at_o the_o most_o but_o a_o poor_a orphan_n mite_n which_o i_o do_v in_o this_o respect_n only_o for_o that_o honourable_a regard_n which_o your_o lordship_n have_v of_o learning_n &_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o loadstone_n to_o draw_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n unto_o you_o for_o which_o cause_n myself_o be_v as_o yet_o unknown_a unto_o your_o lordship_n be_o move_v to_o sue_v unto_o the_o same_o for_o protection_n for_o protection_n for_o myself_o and_o defence_n for_o my_o author_n a_o mere_a stranger_n the_o title_n of_o your_o office_n and_o virtuous_a disposition_n to_o other_o do_v promise_v we_o great_a comfort_n for_o see_v god_n have_v make_v you_o a_o keeper_n and_o that_o as_o it_o be_v here_o in_o the_o canticle_n of_o many_o vine_n and_o that_o you_o have_v keep_v your_o vine_n so_o that_o of_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o have_v be_v make_v wine_n right_o comfortable_a unto_o many_o droop_a heart_n in_o this_o land_n what_o remain_v there_o in_o i_o but_o to_o be_v confident_a in_o your_o honour_n kind_a acceptance_n of_o this_o book_n and_o to_o beseech_v god_n the_o true_a keeper_n of_o israel_n which_o neither_o slumber_v nor_o sleep_v long_o to_o preserve_v your_o honour_n in_o health_n to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o learning_n and_o religion_n the_o preservation_n of_o her_o majesty_n and_o universal_a good_a of_o this_o land_n your_o honour_n in_o all_o duty_n thomas_n james._n the_o translator_n to_o the_o courteous_a and_o christian_a reader_n a_o christian_a i_o presume_v thou_o be_v that_o read_v this_o book_n courteous_a i_o call_v thou_o because_o i_o hope_v to_o find_v thou_o so_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o desire_v and_o sure_o no_o less_o do_v my_o author_n deserve_v his_o name_n be_v brucioli_n by_o birth_n a_o italian_a his_o country_n as_o i_o guess_v florence_n and_o therefore_o a_o stranger_n if_o a_o stranger_n entreat_v he_o as_o a_o stranger_n that_o be_v gentle_o &_o kind_o and_o know_v that_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n if_o it_o be_v not_o thy_o courtesy_n so_o to_o do_v for_o there_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o belong_v unto_o stranger_n command_v in_o the_o law_n and_o commend_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o stranger_n by_o birth_n so_o good_a must_v be_v do_v unto_o he_o in_o general_a but_o as_o he_o be_v not_o a_o stranger_n from_o the_o faith_n so_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o show_v he_o special_a favour_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n s_o paulâ—_n will_v we_o for_o to_o do_v do_v good_a say_v he_o unto_o all_o man_n but_o especial_o or_o chief_o to_o those_o which_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n of_o this_o household_n be_v brucioli_n and_o not_o of_o that_o other_o household_n of_o good_a work_n where_o none_o but_o merit-monger_n and_o superarrogant_a or_o superogate_a papist_n dwell_v read_v his_o commentary_n and_o thou_o will_v confess_v as_o much_o there_o be_v often_o mention_v of_o faith_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n only_o of_o faith_n and_o justification_n by_o imputation_n still_o faith_n come_v in_o as_o if_o our_o action_n be_v as_o insipid_a and_o unpleasant_a without_o faith_n as_o the_o old_a sacrifice_n be_v unsavoury_a without_o salt_n the_o law_n require_v salt_n in_o all_o sacrifice_n brucioli_n require_v faith_n in_o every_o action_n he_o make_v it_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o discourse_n bring_v it_o in_o in_o every_o chapter_n in_o every_o page_n yea_o almost_o in_o every_o line_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o centre_n whereunto_o all_o the_o line_n of_o his_o commentary_n must_v of_o force_n have_v be_v draw_v embrace_v his_o book_n therefore_o in_o thy_o hand_n and_o entertain_v his_o doctrine_n into_o thy_o heart_n scorn_v he_o not_o because_o he_o be_v not_o attire_v after_o the_o fine_a italian_a fashion_n for_o this_o be_v to_o accept_v of_o he_o for_o his_o good_a apparel_n and_o not_o for_o his_o good_a part_n which_o saint_n jame_v note_v for_o a_o fault_n in_o the_o jew_n brucioli_fw-it be_v now_o in_o england_n &_o not_o in_o italy_n &_o therefore_o must_v be_v content_a with_o such_o apparel_n as_o our_o country_n afford_v he_o have_v the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v get_v for_o he_o for_o indeed_o it_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v get_v either_o he_o must_v have_v this_o or_o none_o &_o better_v this_o then_o none_o for_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v good_a &_o strong_a though_o it_o be_v not_o very_o costly_a &_o fine_a the_o fine_a thread_n be_v not_o ever_o the_o best_a for_o they_o spider_n will_v undo_v weaver_n &_o spinner_n &_o be_v set_v a_o work_n more_o they_o they_o be_v &_o yet_o i_o can_v say_v but_o they_o work_v too_o fast_o many_o time_n but_o alas_o it_o be_v in_o suck_a sour_a out_o of_o sweet_a &_o draw_v forth_o poison_n from_o honey_n these_o creature_n i_o do_v not_o like_a the_o lion_n natural_o hate_v the_o mouse_n the_o sheep_n a_o wolf_n &_o natural_o i_o do_v abhor_v these_o man_n from_o my_o very_a heart_n &_o therefore_o if_o any_o spider_n come_v upon_o my_o book_n it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o any_o man_n either_o to_o sweep_v or_o else_o to_o blow_v he_o away_o for_o he_o be_v but_o a_o light_a person_n of_o himself_o and_o easy_o blow_v away_o that_o spend_v his_o time_n in_o this_o sort_n how_o heavy_a soever_o he_o prove_v to_o other_o they_o say_v there_o be_v no_o spider_n in_o ireland_n their_o house_n be_v build_v of_o such_o a_o wood_n as_o breed_v none_o o_o that_o england_n be_v as_o ireland_n in_o this_o respect_n and_o that_o all_o our_o house_n be_v build_v of_o this_o kind_n of_o timber_n then_o will_v the_o house_n of_o god_n go_v better_o forward_o than_o it_o do_v and_o we_o shall_v be_v fit_a man_n to_o be_v temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o we_o be_v but_o now_o the_o world_n be_v as_o full_a of_o these_o wicked_a creature_n as_o ever_o egypt_n swarm_v with_o frog_n there_o be_v no_o house_n no_o place_n in_o egypt_n but_o there_o be_v frog_n to_o be_v find_v there_o be_v no_o place_n no_o house_n almost_o in_o england_n where_o there_o be_v not_o some_o of_o these_o venomous_a spider_n to_o be_v find_v a_o man_n shall_v find_v they_o every_o wherein_o city_n &_o field_n in_o bed_n and_o at_o board_n in_o court_n &_o country_n if_o a_o young_a man_n write_v they_o say_v his_o head_n be_v too_o green_a if_o a_o old_a man_n they_o say_v his_o best_a be_v past_a if_o a_o man_n of_o middle_a age_n they_o say_v at_o that_o time_n his_o body_n be_v more_o fit_a for_o action_n than_o his_o mind_n be_v apt_a to_o contemplation_n so_o that_o neither_o old_a nor_o young_a nor_o middle_a age_a writer_n can_v please_v they_o &_o no_o marvel_v for_o i_o think_v they_o can_v please_v themselves_o but_o chief_o these_o spider-catching_a zoilusses_n do_v shoot_v the_o venom_n of_o their_o tongue_n against_o painful_a translator_n of_o book_n which_o seek_v other_o man_n profit_n &_o not_o their_o own_o reap_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v sow_v and_o like_a candle_n spend_v themselves_o to_o give_v other_o light_n but_o what_o say_v m._n momus_n with_o his_o crew_n of_o carp_a knight_n these_o man_n mar_v all_o with_o their_o translation_n it_o be_v never_o well_o with_o we_o that_o be_v that_o be_v learn_v since_o so_o many_o book_n be_v translate_v into_o english_a their_o labour_n be_v better_o spare_v they_o employ_v they_o corrupt_v book_n misinterpret_v writer_n be_v enemy_n unto_o the_o common_a wealth_n &_o enemy_n to_o all_o good_a learning_n if_o this_o be_v all_o they_o have_v
eternal_a perfection_n and_o never_o miss_v of_o it_o i_o myself_o be_v as_o careful_a as_o any_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v to_o find_v it_o and_o i_o be_v content_a to_o endure_v any_o thing_n so_o i_o may_v attain_v unto_o it_o i_o ask_v for_o she_o many_o time_n and_o oft_o i_o do_v fast_o and_o pray_v watch_n and_o torment_v my_o body_n for_o the_o want_n of_o she_o but_o she_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v any_o where_o but_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o thy_o wing_n which_o i_o so_o much_o desire_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o she_o say_v that_o he_o be_v so_o among_o all_o the_o son_n as_o a_o fruitful_a appletree_n be_v among_o all_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o wood_n draw_v near_o therefore_o and_o approach_v unto_o this_o happy_a bless_a and_o most_o sweet_a shadow_n and_o under_o it_o you_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o obtain_v perfect_a peace_n &_o rest_n although_o it_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o tribulation_n &_o adversity_n because_o our_o husband_n christ_n be_v our_o only_a appletree_n or_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o eternal_a life_n that_o be_v true_a virtue_n and_o holy_a work_n in_o all_o those_o which_o lie_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o it_o expect_v the_o fullness_n of_o time_n when_o they_o shall_v receive_v of_o the_o fullness_n of_o his_o liberality_n the_o apple_n which_o he_o shall_v command_v they_o to_o take_v of_o god_n benefit_n and_o grace_n that_o they_o may_v be_v food_n unto_o they_o of_o everlasting_a and_o happy_a life_n the_o text._n 4_o he_o bring_v i_o into_o the_o wine_n cellar_n and_o love_n be_v his_o banner_n over_o i_o 5_o stay_v i_o with_o flagon_n &_o comfort_v i_o with_o apple_n for_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n 6_o his_o left_a hand_n be_v under_o my_o head_n &_o his_o right_a hand_n do_v embrace_v i_o 7_o i_o charge_v you_o o_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_fw-la by_o the_o roe_n and_o by_o the_o hind_n of_o the_o field_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 8_o it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o my_o well-beloved_a behold_v he_o come_v leap_v by_o the_o mountain_n and_o skip_a by_o the_o hill_n 9_o my_o well-beloved_a be_v like_o a_o roe_n or_o a_o young_a hart_n lo_o he_o stand_v behind_o our_o wall_n look_v forth_o of_o the_o window_n show_v himself_o through_o the_o grate_v the_o commentary_n he_o do_v not_o only_o bring_v i_o unto_o this_o tree_n of_o life_n &_o true_a felicity_n which_o yield_v we_o a_o defence_n from_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n &_o also_o pleasant_a fruit_n but_o furthermore_o he_o bring_v we_o into_o the_o wine_n cellar_n by_o this_o wine_n be_v mean_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o house_n or_o cellar_n which_o contain_v this_o wine_n be_v the_o holy_a book_n of_o both_o the_o old_a &_o new_a testament_n where_o christ_n bring_v the_o church_n as_o into_o a_o cellar_n when_o he_o inform_v she_o in_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n wherefore_o after_o that_o the_o spouse_n have_v once_o taste_v of_o the_o pleasant_a drink_n of_o everlasting_a truth_n and_o therewith_o comfort_v and_o cheer_v up_o herself_o in_o the_o spirit_n present_o she_o declare_v the_o benefit_n of_o her_o husband_n unto_o her_o maiden_n and_o young_a virgin_n because_o she_o will_v invite_v they_o by_o little_a &_o little_a unto_o the_o love_n of_o he_o and_o so_o cause_v they_o to_o run_v after_o he_o and_o she_o say_v the_o king_n bring_v i_o in_o as_o if_o she_o shall_v have_v say_v his_o wine_n be_v so_o pleasant_a and_o good_a that_o i_o will_v willing_o have_v you_o bring_v into_o his_o cellar_n to_o taste_v of_o the_o goodness_n thereof_o and_o she_o continue_v her_o old_a vain_a of_o set_v forth_o her_o husband_n glory_n say_v thus_o and_o love_n be_v his_o banner_n over_o i_o what_o banner_n be_v that_o which_o be_v lift_v up_o over_o he_o the_o banner_n of_o love_n well_o then_o love_n be_v the_o banner_n which_o draw_v all_o thing_n after_o she_o with_o her_o wonderful_a and_o strange_a gift_n of_o insinuation_n and_o allurement_n &_o christ_n continual_o commend_v unto_o his_o church_n the_o gift_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o he_o can_v with_o great_a token_n of_o kindness_n testify_v his_o love_n and_o kindness_n to_o we_o ward_n the_o spouse_n speak_v unto_o her_o damsel_n stay_v i_o with_o flagon_n &_o comfort_v i_o with_o apple_n for_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n you_o see_v how_o effectual_a how_o precious_a &_o admirable_a be_v the_o banner_n of_o christ_n that_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o spouse_n see_v it_o her_o heart_n be_v inflame_v within_o she_o &_o she_o constrain_v to_o break_v forth_o into_o these_o word_n say_v for_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n and_o why_o shall_v thou_o be_v sick_a o_o thou_o well-beloved_a spouse_n be_v it_o for_o the_o want_n of_o the_o glorious_a presence_n of_o thy_o husband_n that_o thou_o do_v so_o torment_v and_o vex_v thyself_o why_o do_v thou_o cry_v out_o unto_o the_o young_a maiden_n that_o be_v to_o say_v unto_o the_o faithful_a what_o will_v thou_o have_v they_o to_o do_v for_o thou_o why_o call_v thou_o unto_o they_o &_o bid_v they_o stay_v thou_o up_o with_o flagon_n and_o comfort_v thou_o with_o apple_n sure_o by_o the_o flagon_n of_o wine_n we_o must_v understand_v the_o faithful_a and_o by_o the_o apple_n the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o the_o word_n and_o operation_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o come_v all_o to_o one_o pass_v as_o if_o she_o shall_v have_v say_v i_o be_o grow_v so_o impatient_a in_o strive_v to_o show_v forth_o my_o exceed_a great_a love_n unto_o my_o best_a belove_a christ_n that_o i_o have_v need_v to_o be_v stay_v up_o and_o strengthen_v with_o the_o sweet_a smell_n &_o wine_n that_o be_v to_o say_v with_o the_o comfortable_a word_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n abound_v in_o they_o unto_o all_o manner_n of_o perfection_n &_o increase_n of_o faith_n &_o therefore_o i_o do_v long_o to_o be_v comfort_v with_o the_o delicate_a apple_n of_o the_o spiritual_a pleasure_n &_o delight_n of_o his_o heavenly_a promise_n his_o left_a hand_n be_v under_o my_o head_n &_o his_o right_a hand_n do_v embrace_v i_o that_o be_v to_o say_v my_o request_n be_v unto_o my_o husband_n that_o he_o will_v comfort_v i_o in_o this_o present_a world_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n least_o happy_o i_o may_v take_v occasion_n through_o the_o consideration_n &_o conscience_n of_o my_o sin_n to_o fall_v into_o desperation_n &_o i_o desire_v to_o have_v he_o embrace_v i_o with_o the_o clear_a sight_n and_o fruition_n of_o his_o bounty_n &_o that_o he_o will_v preserve_v and_o deliver_v i_o be_v now_o in_o this_o vale_n of_o misery_n from_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o danger_n of_o despair_n or_o diffidencie_n at_o all_o and_o that_o it_o may_v please_v my_o husband_n to_o bestow_v upon_o i_o the_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o otherwise_o confirm_v they_o in_o i_o with_o his_o glory_n &_o perpetual_a love_n by_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n be_v signify_v prosperity_n &_o by_o the_o left_a adversity_n and_o these_o be_v call_v the_o two_o hand_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n because_o he_o work_v &_o effect_v all_o thing_n by_o they_o the_o spouse_n have_v the_o left_a hand_n of_o christ_n but_o under_o her_o head_n that_o be_v to_o say_v under_o christ_n by_o who_o will_n and_o commandment_n they_o most_o willing_o suffer_v &_o endure_v all_o manner_n of_o cross_n trouble_n or_o persecution_n whatsoever_o for_o she_o know_v this_o most_o certain_o that_o not_o a_o hair_n of_o her_o head_n shall_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n or_o that_o she_o shall_v suffer_v any_o bitterness_n of_o grief_n in_o the_o world_n unless_o the_o bridegroom_n will_n and_o furthermore_o that_o this_o left_a hand_n can_v always_o be_v under_o her_o head_n although_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n thereof_o to_o wit_n true_a riches_n and_o godly_a glory_n shall_v endure_v and_o continue_v for_o ever_o beside_o all_o this_o she_o be_v most_o certain_o persuade_v that_o her_o happy_a day_n which_o god_n hold_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n shall_v neveâ—_n cease_v 16.11_o for_o as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v in_o thy_o presence_n be_v the_o fullness_n of_o joy_n &_o at_o thy_o right_a hanâ—_n be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o and_o true_o if_o iâ—_n be_v so_o that_o gold_n shall_v hold_v his_o left_a hanâ—_n only_o under_o our_o head_n as_o we_o have_v show_v yoâ—_n before_o we_o shall_v soon_o be_v bring_v to_o naught_o and_o never_o be_v able_a to_o come_v unto_o the_o everlasting_a pleasure_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n god_n left_a hand_n be_v say_v to_o be_v