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
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
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 as_o for_o the_o harm_n that_o come_v by_o make_v learning_n too_o common_a man_n of_o common_a judgement_n may_v by_o vulgar_a example_n easy_o refute_v they_o the_o sun_n &_o moon_n fire_n and_o water_n be_v profitable_a &_o yet_o common_a the_o philosopher_n say_v bonum_fw-la quò_fw-la communius_fw-la eo_fw-la melius_fw-la good_a the_o commoner_n it_o be_v the_o better_a it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v true_a in_o philosophy_n it_o be_v true_a in_o divinity_n &_o therefore_o s._n paul_n wish_v that_o all_o man_n be_v learned_a as_o he_o be_v and_o that_o all_o man_n can_v speak_v with_o diverse_a tongue_n as_o he_o do_v etc._n etc._n i_o will_v that_o these_o man_n which_o think_v they_o have_v s._n paul_n learning_n have_v s_n paul_n zeal_n so_o it_o be_v according_a to_o knowledge_n to_o seek_v other_o man_n good_a and_o not_o their_o own_o for_o now_o merchant_n do_v not_o monopolise_v the_o good_n of_o a_o city_n more_fw-mi they_o these_o do_v appropriate_a unto_o themselves_o the_o learning_n of_o whole_a university_n &_o when_o they_o have_v it_o what_o do_v they_o with_o it_o but_o keep_v it_o unto_o themselves_o because_o i_o will_v not_o be_v of_o this_o odious_a sect_n of_o man_n most_o courteous_a &_o christian_a reader_n i_o have_v at_o vacant_a time_n translate_v according_a to_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n which_o god_n have_v give_v i_o both_o this_o book_n and_o some_o other_o as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o jesuit_n &_o moral_a philosophy_n of_o the_o stoic_n which_o with_o permission_n of_o my_o superior_n i_o mean_v short_o to_o publish_v if_o god_n will_v and_o health_n permit_v i_o so_o to_o do_v take_v this_o book_n in_o good_a part_n accept_v of_o my_o good_a will_n fault_n pardon_n &_o amend_v whether_o they_o be_v the_o printer_n or_o the_o translator_n the_o preface_n be_v the_o author_n &_o not_o i_o it_o escape_v both_o i_o &_o the_o printer_n before_o i_o be_v aware_a the_o rest_n read_v correct_v in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o book_n the_o preface_n to_o the_o book_n this_o book_n of_o the_o canticle_n be_v a_o holy_a and_o admirable_a book_n very_o spiritual_a full_a of_o mystery_n and_o most_o hide_a sense_n whereby_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o they_o have_v be_v not_o a_o little_a deceive_v which_o go_v about_o to_o diminish_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n thereof_o for_o because_o herein_o be_v contain_v sundry_a interchangeable_a discourse_n and_o dialogue_n of_o mutual_a love_n between_o the_o bride_n and_o the_o bridegroom_n therefore_o forsooth_o have_v they_o think_v it_o good_a to_o call_v this_o book_n in_o question_n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o usual_a matter_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o set_v down_o the_o sincere_a and_o unfeigned_a love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n under_o the_o figure_n of_o chaste_a and_o holy_a wedlock_n as_o also_o to_o discover_v the_o force_n of_o wickedness_n and_o idolatry_n by_o the_o similitude_n of_o the_o 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 favour_v of_o he_o in_o such_o sort_n that_o if_o there_o be_v find_v any_o error_n or_o fault_n in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n as_o spot_n and_o blot_n or_o wen_n in_o their_o forehead_n do_v sometime_o happen_v yet_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v refuse_v or_o reject_v for_o this_o or_o the_o like_a thing_n or_o have_v any_o cause_n to_o distrust_v his_o merciful_a kindness_n or_o love_a favour_n but_o that_o the_o fall_v out_o of_o lover_n may_v be_v the_o renew_n of_o love_n for_o lover_n be_v jealous_a one_o of_o another_o be_v mutual_o and_o sudden_o provoke_v unto_o wrath_n &_o as_o sudden_o reconcile_v and_o pacify_v and_o afterward_o they_o become_v great_a friend_n than_o they_o be_v before_o this_o then_o be_v the_o principal_a intent_n and_o purpose_n of_o this_o book_n this_o be_v the_o song_n
of_o god_n the_o spouse_n unto_o every_o faithful_a soul_n and_o general_o unto_o all_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o look_v for_o any_o precise_a order_n in_o this_o dialogue_n or_o communication_n which_o be_v not_o usual_a among_o perfect_a lover_n where_o all_o thing_n how_o soever_o and_o where_o soever_o do_v be_v take_v in_o very_o good_a part_n where_o even_o error_n ignorances_n and_o mistake_n be_v accept_v of_o and_o laugh_v at_o and_o where_o quarrel_n contention_n strife_n anger_n and_o blow_n also_o many_o time_n be_v hear_v of_o approve_a and_o in_o most_o friendly_a sort_n admit_v and_o in_o this_o book_n there_o be_v four_o sundry_a sort_n of_o person_n to_o be_v observe_v of_o us._n the_o bridegroom_n and_o the_o friend_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n the_o spouse_n and_o her_o young_a damsel_n or_o wait_a maid_n and_o as_o the_o bride_n say_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o bridegroom_n another_o so_o the_o young_a virgin_n that_o wait_v on_o the_o spouse_n and_o the_o friend_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v bring_v in_o speak_v contrary_a and_o diverse_a thing_n yet_o all_o of_o they_o betoken_v godly_a &_o kind_a affection_n now_o by_o the_o bridegroom_n we_o may_v as_o we_o have_v before_o declare_v unto_o you_o understand_v christ_n by_o the_o spouse_n the_o church_n by_o the_o friend_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n &_o such_o as_o show_v we_o the_o way_n unto_o christ_n and_o direct_v we_o unto_o his_o eternal_a marriage_n and_o heavenly_a banquet_n the_o young_a virgin_n be_v the_o faithful_a soul_n which_o do_v always_o accompany_v the_o spouse_n and_o we_o must_v note_v that_o the_o spouse_n do_v always_o long_o to_o be_v in_o the_o house_n bed_n or_o other_o secret_a and_o inward_a place_n with_o her_o well-beloved_a according_a unto_o the_o custom_n of_o woman_n and_o the_o bridegroom_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n call_v the_o spouse_n forth_o into_o the_o vineyard_n or_o abroad_o into_o the_o field_n or_o unto_o some_o such_o place_n because_o so_o it_o be_v and_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o the_o church_n of_o itself_o will_v willing_o if_o so_o be_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a bring_v up_o her_o child_n in_o quiet_a rest_n and_o tranquillity_n but_o he_o on_o the_o other_o side_n think_v it_o good_a to_o exercise_v she_o with_o many_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n to_o the_o end_n that_o she_o may_v the_o better_o come_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o eternal_a thing_n and_o also_o that_o if_o matter_n do_v happen_v well_o and_o happy_o yet_o that_o amidst_o her_o prosperity_n she_o may_v not_o be_v too_o far_o delight_v with_o the_o pleasure_n and_o entice_a bait_n of_o this_o present_a world_n but_o always_o hope_n and_o groan_v after_o a_o heavenly_a country_n thus_o end_v the_o preface_n the_o commentary_n follow_v the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o canticle_n 1_o let_v he_o kiss_v i_o with_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n for_o thy_o love_n be_v better_a than_o wine_n 2_o because_o of_o the_o savour_n of_o thy_o good_a ointment_n thy_o name_n be_v as_o a_o ointment_n pour_v out_o therefore_o the_o virgin_n love_v thou_o 3_o draw_v i_o we_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o the_o king_n have_v bring_v i_o into_o his_o chamber_n we_o will_v rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a in_o thou_o we_o will_v remember_v thy_o love_n more_o than_o wine_n the_o righteous_a do_v love_v thou_o the_o commentary_n the_o word_n of_o the_o spouse_n be_v these_o let_v he_o kiss_v i_o where_o first_o of_o all_o we_o must_v consider_v what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o kissinge_n which_o the_o church_n do_v so_o earnest_o desire_v and_o long_o after_o a_o kiss_n be_v a_o testimony_n of_o friendship_n love_n and_o goodwill_n therefore_o the_o church_n desire_v a_o kiss_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v to_o purchase_v and_o obtain_v his_o friendship_n love_n and_o goodwill_n her_o request_n be_v then_o that_o her_o sin_n may_v be_v forgive_v she_o and_o that_o she_o may_v reobtain_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n by_o he_o she_o confess_v her_o sin_n unto_o god_n crave_v pardon_n for_o the_o same_o and_o she_o call_v for_o the_o gospel_n because_o she_o will_v fain_o hear_v the_o comfortable_a and_o pleasant_a voice_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n pronounce_v through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o spouse_n reque_v the_o amiable_a kiss_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n own_o mouth_n to_o show_v &_o testify_v the_o great_a desire_n which_o she_o have_v to_o hear_v christ_n alone_o and_o no_o other_o speak_v &_o to_o make_v know_v the_o vehemency_n of_o her_o goodwill_n towards_o he_o for_o it_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v say_v let_v he_o kiss_v i_o but_o the_o love_n of_o faith_n &_o holy_a delight_n of_o the_o soul_n make_v she_o add_v these_o word_n with_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n as_o if_o she_o shall_v have_v say_v the_o great_a thing_n that_o i_o can_v wish_v for_o in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o obtain_v the_o love_n &_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o i_o see_v i_o can_v not_o obtain_v by_o any_o other_o but_o by_o thou_o my_o saviour_n christ_n for_o i_o know_v this_o and_o be_o most_o certain_o persuade_v of_o it_o that_o i_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o compass_v my_o salvation_n by_o the_o merit_n of_o my_o work_n but_o by_o thou_o alone_o when_o it_o shall_v please_v thou_o to_o vouchsafe_v i_o the_o benefit_n of_o thy_o sweet_a kiss_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o thy_o grace_n and_o love_n for_o thy_o love_n be_v better_a they_o wine_n here_o the_o spouse_n yield_v a_o reason_n why_o she_o will_v so_o willing_o be_v kiss_v of_o he_o because_o his_o love_n be_v better_a they_o any_o precious_a thing_n whatsoever_o which_o she_o express_v by_o wine_n where_o by_o the_o way_n we_o must_v note_v that_o by_o his_o love_n be_v mean_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o grace_n which_o the_o bridegroom_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n with_o he_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o much_o this_o doctrine_n which_o so_o proceed_v from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o spouse_n be_v better_a than_o that_o wherewith_o she_o be_v sustain_v and_o comfort_v before_o the_o come_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n and_o therefore_o see_v the_o abundant_a grace_n &_o goodwill_n of_o this_o her_o bridegroom_n towards_o she_o she_o break_v forth_o into_o these_o word_n thy_o love_n be_v better_a than_o wine_n that_o be_v to_o say_v above_o that_o doctrine_n wherewith_o she_o be_v comfort_v of_o the_o ancient_a father_n so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o whole_a verse_n i_o desire_v the_o kiss_n of_o thy_o mouth_n that_o be_v i_o look_v for_o my_o redemption_n at_o thy_o hand_n because_o thy_o precept_n and_o instruction_n be_v milk_n and_o food_n to_o nourish_v i_o up_o unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v better_a than_o the_o law_n which_o strike_v we_o down_o to_o the_o ground_n with_o remembrance_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o above_o all_o other_o doctrine_n which_o do_v not_o strengthen_v but_o kill_v the_o simple_a and_o weak_a one_o as_o wine_n which_o either_o kill_v young_a child_n or_o else_o make_v they_o drink_v thus_o than_o the_o church_n be_v inflame_v as_o the_o spouse_n towards_o her_o bridegroom_n cry_v out_o continual_o let_v he_o kiss_v i_o with_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n that_o be_v to_o say_v let_v the_o bridegroom_n himself_o come_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v to_o save_v and_o deliver_v i_o neither_o let_v he_o teach_v i_o any_o long_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n but_o let_v he_o come_v himself_o to_o inform_v i_o with_o the_o word_n of_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o so_o be_v content_a to_o receive_v the_o kiss_n of_o my_o mouth_n that_o be_v let_v he_o not_o despise_v i_o or_o turn_v away_o his_o face_n from_o i_o seek_v &_o ask_v after_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v then_o fulfil_v as_o we_o do_v very_o believe_v when_o sit_v on_o the_o mountain_n he_o teach_v his_o disciple_n when_o speak_v as_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v wont_v to_o do_v unto_o the_o spouse_n he_o say_v bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n &_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o follow_v there_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n here_o he_o give_v the_o spouse_n his_o church_n a_o kiss_n and_o open_v his_o mouth_n promise_v unto_o his_o apostle_n that_o be_v to_o say_v unto_o his_o spouse_n the_o church_n the_o joy_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n here_o i_o say_v the_o bridegroom_n show_v his_o love_n towards_o his_o spouse_n better_v they_o wine_n that_o be_v to_o say_v than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n or_o any_o other_o doctrine_n because_o the_o very_a instruction_n of_o the_o new_a
testament_n do_v make_v all_o those_o which_o shall_v be_v bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n fit_a for_o eternal_a life_n which_o the_o law_n be_v not_o able_a to_o bring_v to_o pass_v the_o word_n of_o the_o spouse_n unto_o the_o bridegroom_n 2_o because_o of_o the_o savour_n of_o thy_o good_a ointment_n thy_o name_n be_v as_o a_o ointment_n pour_v out_o therefore_o the_o virgin_n love_v thou_o because_o of_o the_o savour_n of_o thy_o good_a etc._n etc._n what_o be_v that_o thou_o say_v o_o dear_a spouse_n of_o the_o name_n of_o thy_o bridegroom_n and_o well-beloved_a that_o it_o be_v like_a unto_o a_o odoriferous_a ointment_n pour_v forth_o which_o be_v preach_v &_o publish_v abroad_o throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n do_v yield_v a_o most_o sweet_a savour_n in_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n and_o last_o of_o all_o because_o this_o bridegroom_n do_v most_o entire_o love_v we_o &_o show_v his_o mercy_n towards_o we_o to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v take_v the_o 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these_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whence_o come_v these_o word_n the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v spread_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o they_o the_o spouse_v speak_v unto_o the_o bridegroom_n after_o this_o manner_n 3_o draw_v i_o we_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o the_o king_n have_v bring_v i_o into_o his_o chamber_n we_o will_v rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a in_o thou_o we_o will_v remember_v thy_o love_n more_o than_o wine_n the_o righteous_a do_v love_v thou_o draw_v i_o the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a cry_v out_o and_o say_v o_o good_a god_n draw_v i_o unto_o thou_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o thy_o election_n to_o the_o end_n that_o after_o we_o have_v a_o little_a smell_v &_o feel_v this_o sweet_a odour_n we_o may_v be_v full_o unite_v unto_o thou_o and_o thus_o both_o the_o spouse_n and_o her_o maiden_n be_v allure_v with_o the_o wonderful_a pleasant_a odour_n of_o the_o bridegrom_n ointment_n do_v run_v 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undefiled_a and_o unspotted_a do_v say_v unto_o the_o bridegroom_n we_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o as_o who_o will_v say_v the_o savour_n of_o thy_o ointment_n do_v so_o forcible_o draw_v we_o unto_o thou_o although_o the_o flesh_n be_v unwilling_a &_o refuse_v to_o run_v after_o thou_o with_o the_o spouse_n that_o we_o can_v choose_v but_o do_v whatsoever_o thou_o command_v we_o for_o thy_o spirit_n make_v all_o thing_n seem_v they_o never_o so_o hard_a &_o unpossible_a possible_a pleasant_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v bear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o spouse_n unto_o the_o young_a virgin_n the_o king_n have_v bring_v i_o in_o christ_n hear_v the_o petition_n of_o the_o spouse_n grant_v her_o request_n and_o draw_v she_o after_o he_o he_o bring_v she_o into_o his_o chamber_n that_o be_v into_o quiet_a place_n such_o as_o be_v true_a peace_n quietness_n and_o security_n of_o christian_a justice_n &_o inward_a joy_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o in_o these_o chamber_n be_v hide_v the_o secret_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n and_o in_o these_o chamber_n or_o closert_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o church_n be_v to_o consider_v those_o hide_a thing_n which_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v enter_v at_o any_o time_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n that_o be_v which_o can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o any_o sense_n of_o flesh_n because_o the_o peace_n thereof_o pass_v all_o understanding_n and_o the_o spouse_n speak_v unto_o the_o young_a virgin_n that_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n speak_v unto_o her_o faithful_a which_o be_v regenerate_v in_o christ_n and_o so_o indeed_o we_o ought_v all_o of_o we_o humble_o to_o beseech_v our_o bridegroom_n christ_n that_o it_o will_v please_v he_o to_o help_v and_o succour_v we_o run_v after_o he_o for_o succour_n &_o help_v by_o reach_v out_o he_o hand_n unto_o we_o &_o keep_v we_o from_o fall_v because_o that_o unless_o he_o put_v to_o his_o help_a hand_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o stand_v up_o upon_o our_o foot_n much_o less_o to_o run_v about_o and_o final_o the_o young_a mâ—â—_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o rest_n and_o quietness_n oâ—_n the_o aforenamed_a chamber_n do_v speak_v after_o this_o manner_n of_o wise_a unto_o the_o bridegroom_n we_o wiâ—_n rejoice_v &_o be_v glad_a in_o thou_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v have_v say_v we_o desire_v to_o rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a in_o thou_o alone_o and_o in_o no_o other_o &_o furthermore_o they_o add_v these_o word_n we_o will_v remember_v thy_o love_n more_o than_o wine_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v true_o rejoice_v and_o that_o our_o joy_n may_v not_o be_v a_o vain_a or_o transitory_a joy_n we_o will_v remember_v thy_o love_a kindness_n &_o amiable_a comfort_n unto_o we_o ward_n that_o be_v we_o will_v call_v to_o mind_n how_o for_o our_o sake_n miserable_a &_o mortal_a man_n thou_o take_v flesh_n &_o suffer_v for_o our_o salvation_n and_o last_o of_o all_o because_o they_o promise_v to_o approach_v near_o unto_o their_o only_a bridegroom_n christ_n they_o commend_v &_o praise_v he_o brief_o say_v the_o righteous_a shall_v love_v thou_o the_o wicked_a praise_n &_o extol_v wicked_a thing_n neither_o can_v any_o thing_n please_v they_o but_o that_o which_o resemble_v the_o filthy_a cogitation_n of_o their_o wicked_a heart_n &_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o praise_n but_o rather_o a_o great_a dispraise_n &_o disgrace_n to_o be_v commend_v of_o the_o wicked_a but_o to_o be_v slander_v &_o backbit_v of_o they_o it_o be_v the_o great_a praise_n and_o commendation_n in_o the_o world_n therefore_o it_o be_v for_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n that_o he_o be_v
that_o be_v to_o say_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o whence_o come_v these_o golden_a chain_n that_o be_v to_o say_v true_a wisdom_n which_o lead_v a_o man_n unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o these_o chain_n be_v point_v with_o point_n of_o silver_n whereby_o be_v signify_v godly_a learning_n and_o zealous_a charity_n wherewith_o the_o faithful_a people_n &_o church_n of_o god_n be_v prick_v and_o inflame_v both_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o elect_a the_o spouse_n word_n unto_o christ_n while_o the_o king_n the_o bridegroom_n commend_v &_o extoll_v his_o work_n in_o the_o church_n now_o she_o return_v all_o the_o glory_n back_o again_o unto_o he_o confess_v that_o his_o work_n be_v admirable_a in_o her_o eye_n and_o that_o all_o her_o beauty_n come_v from_o the_o glory_n of_o her_o husband_n christ_n and_o that_o she_o receive_v from_o he_o all_o those_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o go_v before_o wherefore_o she_o speak_v unto_o he_o as_o unto_o a_o three_o person_n say_v while_o the_o king_n be_v at_o his_o repast_n my_o spikenard_n give_v the_o smell_n thereof_o spiknard_n be_v a_o little_a herb_n but_o have_v a_o great_a smell_n by_o which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o humility_n of_o the_o faithful_a because_o they_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v sinner_n and_o that_o they_o be_v nothing_o of_o themselves_o notwithstanding_o they_o go_v onward_o always_o in_o well_o do_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o yield_v a_o most_o pleasant_a savour_n of_o a_o good_a report_n which_o do_v invite_v &_o draw_v other_o to_o do_v the_o like_a and_o this_o precious_a spiknard_n which_o have_v such_o a_o perfect_a smell_n be_v not_o to_o be_v get_v but_o when_o christ_n be_v at_o his_o repast_n and_o his_o repast_n be_v the_o church_n &_o secure_a mind_n of_o the_o faithful_a our_o spikenard_n then_o be_v our_o humility_n which_o then_o send_v forth_o a_o most_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a smell_n most_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n a_o smell_n indeed_o of_o good_a work_n when_o christ_n the_o king_n rest_v in_o we_o otherwise_o it_o be_v but_o the_o stink_a smell_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o a_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n the_o word_n of_o the_o spouse_n concern_v herself_o my_o well-beloved_a be_v unto_o i_o as_o a_o bundle_n for_o myrrh_n sure_o it_o be_v a_o great_a commendation_n for_o the_o bridegroom_n that_o without_o he_o the_o spouse_n have_v no_o smell_n at_o all_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v her_o meaning_n she_o know_v that_o she_o do_v full_o possess_v &_o enjoy_v christ_n &_o that_o christ_n must_v always_o dwell_v with_o she_o as_o a_o bundle_n of_o myrrh_n which_o be_v bitter_a but_o have_v a_o most_o excel_v ent_a smell_n in_o itself_o &_o have_v this_o power_n to_o keep_v thing_n from_o be_v corrupt_v and_o very_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n do_v bring_v to_o pass_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o godly_a first_o of_o all_o he_o send_v they_o bitterness_n because_o the_o sword_n of_o grief_n shall_v pierce_v their_o soul_n second_o he_o pour_v forth_o the_o savour_n of_o the_o sweet_a ointment_n three_o &_o last_o he_o keep_v &_o preserve_v they_o from_o corruption_n by_o bestow_v eternal_a life_n upon_o all_o those_o which_o believe_v &_o trust_v in_o he_o joh._n 3.14_o and_o as_o moses_n lift_v up_o the_o serpent_n in_o the_o wilderness_n so_o must_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v lift_v up_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o indeed_o this_o same_o myrrh_n be_v a_o bitter_a thing_n signify_v hard_a and_o grievous_a tribulation_n but_o see_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o come_v unto_o she_o for_o her_o love_a husband_n sake_n she_o gratifi_v &_o cheer_v up_o herself_o with_o these_o word_n hope_v that_o god_n will_v give_v she_o the_o grace_n manful_o &_o courageous_o to_o endure_v all_o thing_n &_o therefore_o she_o call_v not_o that_o a_o armful_n or_o a_o whole_a burden_n which_o she_o be_v to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n but_o a_o handful_n bundle_n or_o rather_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o a_o bundelet_n &_o well_o she_o may_v call_v it_o a_o bundelet_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o little_a bundle_n because_o the_o affliction_n of_o this_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a the_o glory_n which_o be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o hereafter_o my_o well-beloved_a be_v as_o a_o cluster_n of_o camphire_n christ_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n cease_v not_o to_o praise_v &_o extol_v his_o well-beloved_a spouse_n &_o he_o term_v she_o to_o be_v like_a unto_o a_o most_o precious_a &_o sweet_a cluster_n of_o camphire_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o aromatical_a tree_n &_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o she_o shall_v have_v say_v my_o well-beloved_a husband_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o most_o delectable_a cluster_n of_o some_o excellent_a vine_n which_o grow_v in_o the_o vineyard_n of_o engedi_n to_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o vineyard_n in_o the_o world_n that_o may_v be_v compare_v because_o the_o comfort_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v far_o surmount_v all_o earthly_a cogitation_n &_o delight_n &_o the_o consolation_n &_o comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v these_o to_o know_v that_o god_n be_v favourable_a unto_o we_o and_o to_o have_v the_o love_n of_o god_n almighty_a enclose_v within_o our_o heart_n &_o conscience_n the_o word_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n unto_o the_o bride_n 14_o behold_v thou_o be_v fair_a behold_v thou_o be_v fair_a thy_o eye_n be_v like_o the_o dove_n the_o bridegroom_n commend_v the_o happy_a state_n of_o the_o spouse_n iâ—_n this_o that_o he_o do_v work_n and_o bring_v to_o pass_v great_a matter_n in_o she_o &_o herein_o consist_v her_o beauty_n chief_o that_o she_o have_v dove_n eye_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o most_o right_a sense_n &_o understanding_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o may_v be_v very_o fit_o take_v for_o a_o dove_n because_o it_o appear_v upon_o christ_n in_o the_o shape_n &_o similitude_n of_o a_o dove_n &_o it_o be_v as_o much_o in_o other_o word_n as_o if_o the_o bridegroom_n shall_v speak_v after_o this_o sort_n unto_o the_o bride_n doubt_v not_o my_o dear_a dear_a of_o any_o displeasure_n of_o i_o because_o i_o be_o very_a well_o please_v with_o thou_o i_o reckon_v thou_o to_o be_v most_o beautiful_a &_o fair_a howsoever_o thou_o may_v seem_v to_o thyself_o to_o have_v a_o black_a &_o swart_a countenance_n because_o thou_o please_v i_o right_n well_o &_o this_o love_n of_o i_o do_v not_o come_v by_o any_o nature_n of_o you_o but_o by_o grace_n from_o i_o i_o desire_v not_o ornament_n of_o gold_n or_o look_v for_o any_o costly_a apparel_n that_o which_o i_o desire_v and_o look_v for_o be_v dove_n eye_n eye_n of_o simplicity_n or_o singleness_n of_o faith_n and_o perpetual_a chastity_n and_o that_o nothing_o may_v please_v thou_o but_o i_o i_o say_v i_o desire_v honest_a and_o plain_a deal_n and_o meaning_n not_o crooked_a and_o deceitful_a eye_n the_o spouse_n speak_v unto_o her_o husband_n my_o well-beloved_a behold_v thou_o be_v fair_a and_o pleasant_a she_o that_o before_o be_v praise_v of_o her_o husband_n for_o her_o eye_n do_v now_o most_o ingenuous_o &_o plain_o confess_v that_o he_o be_v altogether_o fair_a and_o beautiful_a the_o spouse_n as_o long_o as_o she_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n have_v some_o deformity_n or_o indecorum_n in_o she_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o flesh_n notwithstanding_o she_o be_v beautiful_a with_o the_o beauty_n of_o her_o husband_n and_o she_o have_v dove_n eye_n but_o not_o as_o christ_n have_v because_o he_o be_v whole_o and_o sole_o &_o in_o every_o part_n of_o he_o most_o beautiful_a and_o amiable_a but_o to_o the_o faithful_a only_o who_o always_o &_o at_o all_o time_n be_v exceed_o much_a delight_v with_o the_o sight_n of_o he_o as_o also_o with_o his_o word_n and_o it_o follow_v also_o our_o bed_n be_v green_a whence_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o all_o 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they_o remain_v for_o ever_o because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o faith_n shall_v fail_v and_o be_v utter_o abolish_v out_o of_o god_n kingdom_n or_o that_o one_o jot_n or_o title_n of_o his_o word_n shall_v not_o be_v fulfil_v and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n let_v the_o industrious_a reader_n diligent_o observe_v this_o that_o the_o church_n speak_v unto_o the_o bridegroom_n and_o invit_v he_o unto_o the_o quiet_a rest_n and_o repose_v of_o his_o bed_n because_o she_o know_v full_a well_o that_o all_o kind_n of_o rest_n and_o quietness_n without_o he_o be_v grievous_a miserable_a and_o ungodly_a wherefore_o she_o say_v our_o bed_n be_v green_a or_o our_o peace_n or_o the_o peace_n which_o be_v common_a unto_o we_o both_o be_v flourish_v green_a pleasant_a sweet_a and_o delectable_a as_o if_o she_o shall_v have_v say_v that_o both_o of_o we_o be_v to_o lie_v in_o the_o self_n same_o bed_n which_o bed_n be_v furnish_v and_o prepare_v ready_a for_o we_o therefore_o you_o must_v take_v i_o into_o the_o bed_n to_o you_o that_o be_v all_o the_o pleasure_n that_o i_o take_v must_v needs_o proceed_v and_o issue_v out_o from_o you_o and_o so_o the_o church_n do_v show_v we_o what_o a_o earnest_a desire_n she_o have_v to_o rest_v with_o christ_n and_o therefore_o she_o say_v with_o peter_n it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o to_o be_v here_o and_o that_o which_o follow_v in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o chapter_n our_o rafter_n be_v of_o cypress_n be_v a_o type_n or_o figure_n of_o the_o elect_a which_o by_o contemn_v &_o despise_v of_o all_o earthly_a &_o temporal_a thing_n grow_v to_o be_v eternal_a and_o incorruptible_a as_o be_v our_o cypress_n or_o cedar_n tree_n the_o second_o chapter_n 1_o i_o be_o the_o flower_n rose_n of_o the_o field_n and_o the_o lily_n of_o the_o valley_n 2_o like_o a_o lily_n among_o the_o thorn_n so_o be_v my_o love_n among_o the_o daughter_n 3_o like_o the_o apple_n tree_n among_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o forest_n so_o be_v my_o well-beloved_a among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n under_o his_o shadow_n have_v i_o delight_v and_o sit_v down_o and_o his_o fruit_n be_v sweet_a unto_o my_o mouth_n the_o commentary_n the_o word_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n the_o word_n go_v before_o in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n where_o the_o bed_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v a_o flourish_a green_a unspotted_a bed_n and_o a_o bed_n to_o be_v desire_v be_v very_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n because_o she_o be_v not_o say_v to_o flourish_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o flower_n who_o greenness_n and_o beauty_n do_v soon_o fade_v and_o decay_v but_o indeed_o because_o her_o flower_n be_v chief_o her_o husband_n esay_n chap._n 11._o there_o shall_v bud_v forth_o a_o branch_n out_o of_o the_o root_n of_o jesse_n &_o of_o the_o root_n thereof_o shall_v spring_v a_o flower_n and_o the_o flower_n thereof_o shall_v be_v the_o flower_n of_o honesty_n and_o honour_n thereupon_o it_o be_v well_o &_o true_o say_v of_o he_o i_o be_o the_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n which_o bud_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o root_n of_o jesse_n a_o pleasant_a &_o delectable_a flower_n of_o the_o field_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o chief_o of_o the_o elect_a of_o the_o church_n and_o last_o he_o add_v the_o lily_n of_o the_o valley_n and_o what_o other_o thing_n may_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o lily_n of_o the_o valvalley_n but_o the_o sincere_a and_o faithful_a people_n which_o do_v true_o prostrate_v &_o humble_v themselves_o because_o these_o valley_n shall_v be_v fill_v up_o exalt_v and_o oppose_v against_o the_o hill_n that_o be_v to_o say_v against_o the_o proud_a of_o who_o esay_n speak_v thus_o in_o his_o 40._o ch_z &_o 4._o ver_fw-la every_o valley_n shall_v be_v exalt_v &_o every_o mountain_n &_o hill_n shall_v be_v make_v low_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o these_o valley_n consist_v in_o their_o lily_n to_o wit_n in_o their_o righteousness_n innocence_n and_o whiteness_n christ_n which_o depose_v the_o mighty_a proud_a &_o unbeliever_n from_o their_o seat_n &_o exalt_v the_o humble_a and_o meek_a and_o so_o the_o spouse_n speak_v of_o himself_o much_o after_o this_o manner_n i_o be_o make_v unto_o the_o elect_a as_o a_o most_o pleasant_a flower_n of_o the_o meadow_n who_o beauty_n they_o do_v keep_v and_o preserve_v and_o the_o grace_n of_o who_o bounty_n and_o sweetness_n they_o do_v smell_v and_o perceive_v which_o be_v to_o be_v gather_v with_o joy_n of_o mind_n &_o without_o any_o peril_n or_o danger_n of_o thorn_n at_o all_o and_o final_o i_o be_o the_o lily_n of_o the_o valley_n that_o be_v all_o pleasure_n sweetness_n and_o delight_n unto_o my_o elect_a and_o christ_n may_v fit_o be_v call_v a_o flower_n because_o while_o he_o wee_v up_o the_o thorn_n of_o sin_n he_o do_v not_o a_o little_a deck_n and_o adorn_v the_o hill_n of_o his_o spouse_n and_o beauty_n of_o his_o justice_n like_o a_o lily_n among_o the_o thorn_n the_o name_n of_o lily_n be_v oftentimes_o take_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v hide_v and_o have_v in_o christ_n hosea_n chap._n 14._o vers_fw-la 6._o i_o will_v be_v as_o the_o dew_n unto_o israel_n he_o shall_v grow_v as_o the_o lily_n and_o so_o christ_n call_v the_o spouse_n by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o lily_n as_o who_o will_v say_v as_o much_o as_o the_o lily_n surpass_v the_o thorn_n so_o much_o do_v thou_o exceed_v all_o other_o daughter_n that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o other_o church_n &_o congregation_n of_o the_o wicked_a &_o reprobate_a &_o as_o the_o lily_n which_o grow_v up_o among_o the_o thorn_n be_v prick_v of_o they_o yet_o notwithstanding_o flourish_v &_o increase_v so_o it_o be_v necessary_a or_o requisite_a that_o the_o godly_a church_n shall_v be_v prick_v afflict_a and_o torment_v with_o the_o reprobate_a church_n but_o nevertheless_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v so_o work_v in_o she_o that_o she_o repel_v the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o sin_n with_o the_o shield_n of_o faith_n shall_v in_o the_o end_n become_v more_o glorious_a for_o her_o persecution_n and_o so_o daily_o profit_v and_o increase_v by_o mean_n of_o my_o gift_n and_o protection_n shall_v never_o leave_v off_o to_o bring_v forth_o seed_n or_o corn_n until_o she_o be_v bring_v and_o lay_v up_o quiet_o in_o the_o barn_n like_o the_o apple_n tree_n among_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o forest_n these_o word_n of_o mutual_a commendation_n &_o praise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v very_o strange_a comfortable_a and_o full_a of_o trust_n confidence_n in_o god_n for_o see_v how_o the_o spouse_n according_a to_o her_o power_n do_v mutual_o as_o it_o be_v repay_v praise_n and_o commendation_n unto_o her_o bridegroom_n christ_n by_o say_v these_o word_n like_o the_o apple_n tree_n among_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o forest_n so_o be_v my_o well-beloved_a among_o all_o the_o son_n to_o wit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o angel_n &_o faithful_a people_n very_o thou_o only_o be_v holy_a righteous_a and_o good_a &_o from_o thou_o proceed_v those_o everlasting_a fruit_n which_o we_o enjoy_v and_o not_o of_o themselves_o thou_o commend_v i_o for_o my_o flower_n which_o notwithstanding_o thou_o thyself_o do_v cause_v to_o grow_v up_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n but_o i_o must_v needs_o glorify_v thou_o for_o thy_o fruit_n which_o be_v better_o than_o all_o the_o flower_n of_o the_o world_n the_o word_n of_o the_o spouse_n unto_o the_o virgin_n under_o his_o shadow_n have_v i_o delight_v and_o sit_v down_o what_o shadow_n be_v that_o i_o pray_v you_o which_o the_o spouse_n shall_v so_o great_o delight_v in_o unless_o it_o be_v the_o shadow_n of_o christ_n her_o husband_n because_o he_o be_v the_o only_a delight_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o faithful_a they_o which_o enjoy_v true_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o trust_v only_o to_o god_n protection_n &_o grace_n may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o sit_v under_o his_o shadow_n wherefore_o the_o peaceable_a and_o quiet_a spouse_n of_o christ_n will_v that_o all_o her_o maiden_n that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o elect_a shall_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n peace_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a for_o they_o do_v pronounce_v the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n unto_o they_o as_o if_o she_o shall_v have_v say_v you_o seek_v &_o mourn_v after_o peace_n but_o many_o there_o be_v god_n wot_v which_o seek_v it_o where_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v for_o they_o know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v it_o come_v you_o therefore_o and_o learn_v of_o i_o by_o my_o example_n i_o will_v show_v you_o where_o you_o shall_v find_v this_o admirable_a and_o
i_o &_o continue_v to_o believe_v in_o i_o by_o faith_n because_o he_o may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o follow_v after_o christ_n which_o believe_v in_o he_o &_o then_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n the_o bridegroom_n of_o the_o faithful_a speak_v after_o this_o manner_n unto_o the_o elect_a disperse_v throughout_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n rise_v up_o my_o faithful_a spouse_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n in_o god_n word_n and_o put_v all_o thy_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o that_o call_v thou_o unto_o he_o &_o he_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o convenient_a time_n for_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v in_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o vicissitude_n and_o change_n of_o thing_n for_o whereas_o her_o well-beloved_a have_v but_o erst_o before_o visit_v she_o in_o her_o green_a bed_n now_o he_o will_v she_o to_o dress_v the_o vineyard_n and_o drive_v away_o the_o wild_a beast_n out_o from_o it_o that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o build_v up_o his_o church_n and_o weed_n out_o all_o manner_n of_o heretic_n out_o of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v as_o if_o christ_n shall_v have_v say_v unto_o she_o rise_v up_o out_o of_o thy_o bed_n of_o contemplation_n and_o rest_n wherein_o thou_o now_o slumber_v &_o yet_o think_v not_o that_o i_o will_v utter_o forsake_v thou_o because_o thou_o be_v my_o love_n but_o go_v &_o gather_v the_o faithful_a together_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o gentleness_n and_o lenity_n because_o thou_o be_v my_o dove_n come_v thy_o way_n and_o suppress_v thy_o adversary_n because_o thou_o be_v fair_a and_o adorn_v or_o beautify_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n for_o behold_v the_o winter_n be_v past_a the_o rain_n be_v change_v and_o be_v go_v away_o that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o old_a and_o ancient_a error_n be_v vanish_v away_o at_o the_o come_n of_o the_o glorious_a son_n of_o god_n christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o tedious_a dark_a and_o dyrtie_a time_n of_o winter_n be_v past_a and_o go_v when_o all_o thing_n be_v wrap_v and_o enfold_v in_o ignorance_n and_o blindness_n in_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n good_a will_n and_o benefit_n but_o lo_o now_o the_o joyful_a and_o hopeful_a time_n of_o spring_n be_v come_v when_o the_o pleasant_a and_o wholesome_a blast_n of_o god_n favour_n shall_v blow_v upon_o all_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o the_o faithful_a fill_v and_o inspire_v they_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n send_v down_o from_o heaven_n for_o the_o behoof_n and_o benefit_n of_o we_o mortal_a man_n and_o now_o be_v the_o time_n or_o never_o to_o repent_v and_o amend_v our_o life_n by_o awake_v out_o of_o sin_n and_o prepare_v our_o mind_n &_o conscience_n unto_o the_o study_n or_o godliness_n &_o meekness_n and_o to_o do_v the_o true_a work_n of_o piety_n to_o root_v up_o the_o concupiscence_n of_o carnal_a sense_n and_o follow_v the_o old_a and_o ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o turtle_n dove_n have_v be_v already_o hear_v upon_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o most_o happy_a year_n or_o spiritual_a abundance_n and_o plenty_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o goodness_n and_o gladness_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o pleasantness_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v come_v upon_o you_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n and_o now_o the_o time_n approach_v when_o you_o shall_v reap_v the_o fruit_n and_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o your_o godliness_n the_o fig_n tree_n bring_v forth_o her_o young_a fig_n and_o the_o vine_n begin_v to_o bud_v forth_o so_o that_o we_o have_v all_o the_o sign_n of_o a_o rich_a and_o plentiful_a year_n which_o be_v likely_a to_o abound_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o love_n and_o true_a holiness_n perfect_a joy_n and_o everlasting_a comfort_n and_o we_o have_v certain_a infallible_a &_o true_a token_n of_o the_o church_n perfection_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o true_a unity_n thereof_o and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n love_n &_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o faithful_a soul_n which_o be_v call_v moreover_o we_o may_v if_o we_o will_v allegorical_o interpret_v the_o hardness_n of_o the_o winter_n to_o be_v the_o hardness_n and_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v already_o vanish_v away_o because_o of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o glad_a tiding_n and_o therefore_o we_o see_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o propht_n to_o flourish_v and_o the_o gracious_a proceed_n thereof_o which_o we_o may_v call_v the_o flower_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o spring_n time_n do_v show_v forth_o a_o fruitful_a and_o happy_a year_n and_o the_o time_n of_o prune_v or_o dress_v be_v when_o lay_v aside_o all_o manner_n of_o lie_v and_o deceit_n every_o man_n shall_v speak_v the_o truth_n unto_o his_o neighbour_n and_o by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o turtle_n be_v signify_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o preacher_n of_o god_n word_n which_o begin_v to_o be_v hear_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o fig_n tree_n do_v bring_v forth_o her_o young_a fig_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v already_o come_v into_o the_o world_n which_o bring_v forth_o the_o most_o delectaable_a and_o pleasant_a food_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o minister_v it_o unto_o the_o faithful_a according_a to_o their_o necessity_n the_o bridegroom_n speak_v unto_o the_o spouse_n my_o dove_n that_o be_v in_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o rock_n in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o stair_n show_v i_o thy_o sight_n let_v i_o hear_v thy_o voice_n for_o thy_o voice_n be_v sweet_a &_o thy_o sight_n comely_a by_o the_o dove_n be_v signify_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o three_o of_o matthew_n the_o first_o of_o mark_n the_o three_o of_o luke_n and_o 1._o of_o john_n wherefore_o the_o church_n which_o be_v inspire_v and_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v altogether_o spiritual_a may_v well_o be_v call_v here_o in_o this_o place_n a_o dove_n and_o whereas_o he_o repli_v and_o call_v she_o his_o love_n we_o be_v to_o note_v that_o all_o her_o love_n come_v from_o he_o which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o love_n and_o that_o it_o be_v from_o he_o and_o for_o he_o that_o she_o be_v call_v beautiful_a and_o fair_a or_o a_o dove_n that_o be_v to_o say_v spiritual_a and_o she_o be_v provoke_v and_o stir_v up_o afresh_o by_o the_o bridegroom_n to_o come_v but_o in_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o rock_n and_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o stair_n this_o rock_n be_v christ_n 1._o cor._n 10_o v._n 2._o we_o do_v all_o drink_n of_o the_o spiritual_a rock_n that_o follow_v they_o &_o the_o rock_n be_v christ_n and_o by_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o stair_n be_v mean_v the_o inward_a ascension_n and_o lift_v up_o of_o the_o heart_n which_o every_o faithful_a man_n must_v needs_o have_v and_o it_o follow_v show_v i_o thy_o sight_n because_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v desirous_a to_o see_v the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n as_o i_o show_v you_o before_o in_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o rock_n and_o in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o stair_n and_o to_o hear_v her_o voice_n or_o rather_o he_o because_o otherwise_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o she_o neither_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o she_o to_o find_v her_o husband_n by_o any_o other_o mean_n for_o thy_o voice_n be_v sweet_a and_o thy_o sight_n comely_a &_o here_o we_o see_v the_o goodness_n of_o her_o love_a spouse_n towards_o she_o for_o without_o all_o question_n it_o be_v indeed_o his_o voice_n and_o his_o word_n which_o the_o church_n speak_v and_o to_o conclude_v all_o that_o the_o church_n have_v be_v his_o but_o why_o then_o call_v he_o it_o her_o voice_n thy_o voice_n be_v sweet_a because_o we_o shall_v know_v that_o his_o voice_n be_v common_a between_o he_o and_o the_o spouse_n for_o christ_n voice_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o ministry_n of_o god_n word_n in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o always_o christ_n word_n do_v concern_v and_o regard_v the_o church_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n it_o follow_v and_o thy_o sight_n comely_a we_o be_v to_o observe_v in_o these_o word_n that_o whereas_o every_o one_o be_v know_v by_o his_o face_n that_o the_o church_n here_o in_o this_o place_n be_v say_v to_o be_v know_v by_o her_o sight_n face_n or_o countenace_v now_o the_o face_n of_o the_o spouse_n be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o just_a i_o mean_v the_o believe_v just_a of_o the_o light_n of_o who_o countenance_n it_o be_v write_v to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v turn_v the_o heart_n of_o father_n unto_o their_o son_n and_o the_o unbeliever_n unto_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o just_a and_o whosoever_o have_v this_o wisdom_n walk_v not_o after_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o after_o the_o
upon_o his_o thigh_n for_o the_o fear_n by_o night_n 9_o king_n solomon_n make_v himself_o a_o palace_n of_o tree_n of_o libanon_n 10_o he_o make_v the_o pillar_n thereof_o of_o silver_n and_o the_o pavement_n thereof_o of_o gold_n the_o hang_n thereof_o of_o purple_a who_o midst_n be_v pave_v with_o the_o love_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n 11_o come_v forth_o you_o daughter_n of_o zion_n &_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 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 the_o commentary_n the_o bless_a spouse_n rest_v herself_o under_o the_o protection_n of_o christ_n do_v daily_o more_o &_o more_o profit_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v do_v even_o in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o wick_n dall_a manner_n of_o adversity_n &_o trouble_n whatsoever_o to_o the_o word_n which_o come_v after_o like_o pillar_n of_o smoke_n perfume_v with_o myrrh_n and_o incense_n teach_v we_o that_o as_o sweet_a swell_v and_o perfume_v be_v lay_v upon_o the_o fire_n do_v yield_v a_o great_a and_o better_a smell_n even_o so_o the_o elect_a out_o of_o the_o very_a fire_n of_o their_o temptation_n by_o the_o work_n of_o christian_a justice_n do_v sâ—nd_n forth_o the_o sweet_a smell_n of_o myrrh_n and_o incense_n which_o the_o friend_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n perceive_v cry_v out_o with_o great_a admiration_n and_o wonder_v say_v who_o be_v she_o that_o come_v up_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o these_o word_n and_o the_o rest_n that_o follow_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o this_o chapter_n do_v in_o my_o opinion_n proper_o belong_v &_o appertain_v unto_o the_o friend_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o they_o contain_v matter_n of_o doctrine_n which_o concern_v the_o church_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n first_o of_o all_o therefore_o as_o if_o they_o be_v astonish_v and_o surprise_v with_o admiration_n they_o tell_v we_o what_o wonderful_a thing_n god_n have_v wrought_v &_o bring_v to_o pass_v in_o his_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v how_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o spitit_fw-la at_o one_o &_o the_o self_n same_o time_n she_o do_v both_o rest_n and_o move_v or_o ascend_v like_o a_o pillar_n of_o smoke_n perfume_v with_o myrrh_n and_o incense_n a_o very_a strange_a thing_n and_o worthy_a to_o be_v note_v and_o in_o the_o fire_n of_o tribulation_n at_o the_o same_o time_n she_o have_v peace_n at_o what_o time_n she_o go_v and_o grow_v from_o virtue_n to_o virtue_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o her_o faith_n increase_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o which_o be_v effectual_a and_o powerful_a in_o she_o by_o mean_n of_o love_n &_o peace_n and_o this_o be_v the_o peace_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n because_o the_o flesh_n can_v conceive_v how_o this_o shall_v be_v that_o she_o shall_v at_o the_o self_n same_o time_n be_v vex_v and_o trouble_v and_o yet_o have_v such_o peace_n and_o rest_n thereby_o that_o she_o shall_v become_v more_o righteous_a godly_a and_o pure_a than_o she_o be_v before_o and_o look_v as_o the_o smoke_n mount_v upward_o so_o long_o that_o at_o the_o length_n it_o can_v be_v see_v any_o long_a so_o as_o it_o be_v partly_o see_v and_o partly_o not_o see_v so_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o her_o member_n the_o number_n whereof_o be_v daily_o renew_a and_o which_o be_v partly_o know_v partly_o uncertain_a and_o unknown_a and_o as_o the_o smoke_n which_o be_v engender_v of_o the_o fire_n mount_v up_o on_o high_a do_v by_o little_a and_o little_o vanish_v away_o out_o of_o a_o man_n sight_n even_o so_o the_o church_n which_o kindle_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n leave_v not_o to_o ascend_v and_o mount_v up_o high_a and_o high_a until_o she_o be_v clean_o lift_v up_o above_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o earthly_a thing_n and_o transport_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o invisible_a thing_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n above_o behold_v his_o bed_n which_o be_v salomon_n threescore_o strong_a man_n be_v round_o about_o it_o of_o the_o valiant_a man_n of_o israel_n behold_v final_o they_o show_v what_o and_o how_o great_a the_o security_n be_v of_o the_o flourish_a green_a bed_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o vehement_a and_o wonderful_a great_a love_n he_o bear_v towards_o the_o spouse_n and_o her_o maiden_n and_o all_o this_o be_v do_v under_o the_o figure_n of_o solomon_n furthermore_o they_o lay_v before_o our_o eye_n certain_a token_n of_o his_o love_n as_o namely_o these_o in_o that_o he_o keep_v preserve_v &_o defend_v his_o church_n from_o the_o tyranny_n or_o treachery_n of_o such_o as_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o destroy_v it_o and_o likewise_o in_o send_v of_o his_o prophet_n at_o their_o appoint_a time_n to_o forewarn_v they_o of_o the_o evil_n to_o come_v and_o forearm_v they_o with_o all_o sort_n of_o armour_n necessary_a for_o they_o against_o their_o enemy_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o prophet_n must_v by_o their_o office_n still_o watch_v and_o ward_n for_o the_o profit_n and_o commodity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o number_n of_o ten_o be_v multiply_v by_o six_o make_v up_o just_a 60._o where_o the_o number_n of_o ten_o be_v take_v for_o the_o law_n or_o decalogue_n and_o the_o number_n of_o six_o for_o all_o that_o space_n and_o time_n wherein_o god_n make_v all_o thing_n wherefore_o by_o the_o threescore_o strong_a man_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v all_o the_o perfect_a and_o righteous_a man_n of_o the_o church_n who_o while_o they_o fulfil_v the_o ten_o commandment_n in_o six_o day_n they_o may_v be_v right_o say_v to_o be_v set_v round_o about_o christ_n bed_n because_o they_o do_v confirm_v and_o strengthen_v the_o godly_a mind_n of_o the_o weak_a sort_n of_o their_o brethren_n both_o with_o good_a word_n &_o good_a example_n &_o so_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o do_v drive_v away_o all_o their_o enemy_n from_o they_o they_o hold_v the_o sword_n in_o their_o hand_n when_o they_o obey_v &_o fulfil_v god_n word_n and_o be_v expert_a in_o war_n while_o they_o teach_v &_o instruct_v other_o which_o by_o their_o godly_a mean_n be_v preserve_v and_o the_o sword_n to_o wit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n teach_v we_o that_o no_o malice_n of_o man_n be_v able_a to_o overcome_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o hand_n wherein_o they_o hold_v his_o sword_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o good_a deed_n &_o good_a work_n and_o the_o elect_v which_o be_v already_o come_v unto_o perfection_n have_v this_o sword_n upon_o their_o thigh_n that_o be_v to_o say_v be_v able_a to_o endure_v and_o bear_v the_o rigour_n of_o their_o conversation_n by_o the_o which_o they_o learn_v to_o beat_v down_o the_o unruly_a appetite_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o despise_v the_o force_n and_o strength_n thereof_o by_o put_v all_o their_o hope_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n to_o the_o end_n that_o their_o enemy_n the_o devil_n may_v not_o cause_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o snare_n of_o his_o net_n by_o the_o entice_a bait_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o night_n time_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o world_n king_n solomon_n make_v himself_o a_o palace_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o libanon_n king_n solomon_n these_o word_n may_v be_v well_o understand_v either_o of_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o our_o lord_n christ_n the_o husband_n of_o the_o church_n cause_v to_o be_v make_v of_o sundry_a kind_n of_o precious_a wood_n or_o else_o of_o the_o temple_n which_o king_n solomon_n build_v but_o chief_o and_o principal_o they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n &_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v so_o precious_a &_o costly_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o most_o precious_a &_o dear_a matter_n of_o all_o the_o most_o stately_a building_n which_o be_v be_v they_o never_o so_o curious_o frame_v &_o build_v because_o it_o be_v build_v of_o stately_a high_a tree_n of_o libanus_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o notable_a good_a teacher_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v eminent_a above_o the_o rest_n and_o famous_a as_o well_o for_o the_o pure_a silver_n of_o their_o doctrine_n as_o for_o the_o glister_a gold_n of_o zeal_n &_o charity_n crown_v and_o adorn_v with_o the_o beauty_n of_o many_o virtue_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o the_o mind_n of_o other_o faithful_a man_n be_v constrain_v as_o it_o be_v to_o behold_v and_o admire_v they_o as_o also_o for_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o his_o saint_n the_o word_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n friend_n unto_o the_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 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
first_o epistle_n of_o s._n paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 3._o vers_fw-la 11._o and_o isaiah_n say_v thy_o dew_n be_v the_o dew_n of_o light_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o truth_n and_o his_o justice_n again_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o spouse_n and_o the_o lock_n of_o his_o head_n be_v those_o thing_n which_o she_o obtain_v through_o his_o mean_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o grace_v and_o remission_n of_o sin_n the_o peace_n of_o mind_n help_v and_o succour_v in_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o necessity_n and_o a_o hundred_o such_o like_a thing_n the_o night_n or_o darkness_n be_v the_o wicked_a the_o drop_n of_o the_o â—â—ght_n be_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o they_o as_o poison_a doctrine_n and_o wicked_a work_n wherefore_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n all_o wicked_a man_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n which_o christ_n sustain_v or_o restrayn_v rather_o from_o do_v of_o any_o evil_n both_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o servant_n they_o be_v the_o drop_n of_o the_o night_n because_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n the_o text._n the_o word_n of_o the_o spouse_n unto_o herself_o 3_o i_o have_v put_v off_o my_o coat_n how_o shall_v i_o put_v it_o on_o i_o have_v wash_v my_o foot_n how_o â—hall_v i_o defile_v they_o 4_o my_o well-beloved_a put_v in_o his_o hand_n by_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o door_n and_o my_o heart_n be_v affection_a towards_o he_o 5_o i_o rise_v up_o to_o open_a to_o my_o well-beloved_a and_o my_o hand_n aid_v drop_n down_o myrrh_n and_o my_o finger_n pure_a myrrh_n upon_o the_o handle_n of_o the_o bar_n 6_o i_o open_v to_o my_o well-beloved_a but_o my_o well-beloved_a be_v go_v and_o pass_v my_o heaâ—â—_n be_v go_v when_o he_o do_v speak_v i_o seek_v he_o but_o i_o can_v not_o find_v he_o i_o call_v he_o bâ—_n he_o answer_v i_o not_o the_o commentary_n our_o old_a adam_n be_v not_o yet_o altogether_o mortify_v in_o the_o church_n be_v somewhat_o sluggish_a &_o sleepy_a and_o oppose_v himself_o again_o the_o wakeful_a and_o vigilant_a spirit_n make_v the_o answer_n unto_o the_o bridegroom_n when_o hâ—_n command_v he_o to_o open_v unto_o he_o and_o â—ceive_v he_o for_o his_o eternal_a salvation_n i_o have_v pâ—_n off_o my_o coat_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v i_o refâ—_n not_o to_o open_v unto_o thou_o but_o the_o flesh_n do_v son_n what_o trouble_n and_o molest_v i_o and_o thorough_o thy_o favour_n and_o grace_n i_o have_v put_v off_o the_o câ—_n of_o the_o old_a man_n that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o manner_n trust_v and_o confidence_n in_o my_o own_o work_n have_v wash_v and_o cleanse_v my_o foot_n from_o a_o manner_n of_o affection_n and_o have_v already_o couch_v myself_o in_o the_o most_o joyful_a bed_n of_o thy_o peace_n and_o now_o if_o i_o shall_v rise_v up_o out_o of_o my_o bed_n to_o open_v the_o door_n for_o to_o let_v thou_o in_o i_o shall_v all_o to_o befoule_n my_o foot_n and_o disquiet_v myself_o grant_v this_o that_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o bed_n again_o and_o enjoy_v my_o happy_a rest_n with_o thou_o i_o be_o well_o please_v with_o the_o amiable_a dew_n of_o thy_o head_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o thy_o eternal_a and_o heavenly_a father_n but_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o night_n which_o â—ang_v in_o the_o lock_n of_o thy_o head_n do_v amaze_n &_o terrify_v i_o &_o who_o know_v whether_o it_o shall_v so_o happen_v that_o when_o i_o shall_v suffer_v and_o endure_v the_o sharpness_n of_o these_o drop_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o cross_n i_o shall_v offend_v thou_o and_o defile_v myself_o and_o so_o consequent_o exclude_v myself_o from_o all_o manner_n of_o partake_v of_o the_o dew_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o loose_v the_o quiet_a rest_n and_o peace_n which_o by_o thy_o gracious_a mean_n i_o have_v obtain_v &_o purchase_v unto_o myself_o thus_o be_v plunge_v in_o extremity_n and_o doub_n i_o can_v not_o see_v any_o manner_n of_o mean_n how_o i_o shall_v rise_v and_o open_v unto_o thou_o the_o word_n of_o the_o spouse_n unto_o the_o virgin_n my_o well-beloved_a put_v in_o his_o hand_n by_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o door_n and_o my_o heart_n be_v affection_a towards_o he_o my_o well-beloved_a christ_n hand_n do_v betoken_v his_o mighty_a operation_n power_n and_o help_v the_o door_n of_o the_o spouse_n the_o work_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o this_o door_n be_v fast_o shut_v or_o lock_v that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o impediment_n &_o hindrance_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o as_o yet_o take_v away_o which_o as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v it_o be_v unpossible_a for_o the_o spouse_n to_o entertain_v or_o receive_v christ_n or_o to_o set_v all_o her_o affection_n upon_o he_o but_o he_o perceive_v this_o our_o natural_a dulness_n or_o forwardness_n rather_o put_v his_o hand_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o mercy_n and_o bring_v succour_n thorought_v the_o hole_n of_o the_o door_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v weak_a and_o full_a of_o hole_n and_o infirmity_n and_o he_o may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o put_v his_o hand_n into_o the_o church_n by_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o door_n when_o he_o lighten_v she_o with_o the_o light_n of_o his_o grace_n inflame_v she_o with_o a_o true_a &_o ardent_a heat_n draw_v she_o after_o he_o and_o final_o confirm_v and_o establish_v she_o with_o other_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherefore_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o she_o perceive_v christ_n necessary_a and_o help_a hand_n she_o shake_v off_o all_o kind_n of_o drowsiness_n and_o slothful_a sluggishness_n and_o her_o bowel_n be_v move_v towards_o he_o that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o her_o inward_a part_n be_v move_v within_o she_o together_o by_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o end_n that_o she_o may_v be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o that_o which_o her_o well-beloved_a will_v &_o command_v she_o to_o do_v and_o now_o she_o make_v as_o much_o haste_n as_o may_v be_v to_o rise_v up_o which_o before_o can_v not_o find_v in_o her_o heart_n so_o much_o as_o to_o rise_v &_o open_v to_o her_o well-beloved_a when_o he_o knock_v and_o here_o we_o may_v note_v the_o wonderful_a force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o bridegrom_n hand_n for_o she_o do_v not_o only_o rise_v up_o when_o she_o open_v to_o her_o well-beloved_a but_o furthermore_o her_o hand_n do_v drop_v down_o myrrh_n now_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o spouse_n be_v her_o work_n which_o do_v not_o always_o drop_v down_o myrrh_n but_o then_o only_o when_o she_o open_v unto_o her_o husband_n and_o obey_v his_o commandment_n and_o look_v whatsoever_o she_o do_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o confidence_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v but_o as_o it_o be_v hand_n drop_v down_o myrrh_n through_o her_o finger_n because_o the_o good_a deed_n of_o the_o church_n be_v they_o do_v never_o so_o secret_o yet_o nevertheless_o they_o do_v yield_v forth_o a_o most_o sweet_a smell_n and_o incorruptible_a savour_n most_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n in_o who_o presence_n they_o be_v do_v and_o accept_v of_o he_o the_o spouse_n speak_v i_o open_v to_o my_o well-beloved_a but_o my_o well-beloved_a be_v go_v and_o pass_v my_o heart_n be_v go_v when_o he_o do_v speak_v i_o seek_v he_o but_o i_o can_v not_o find_v he_o i_o call_v he_o but_o he_o answer_v i_o not_o i_o open_v etc._n etc._n after_o that_o christ_n have_v comfort_v the_o church_n with_o his_o hand_n and_o succour_v it_o with_o his_o help_n and_o comfort_n she_o open_v by_o which_o word_n we_o be_v to_o note_v all_o that_o which_o do_v any_o way_n favour_v the_o wicked_a desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o invention_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o which_o we_o must_v open_v that_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o open_v the_o wicked_a door_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o mortify_v and_o crucify_v it_o with_o the_o wicked_a lust_n &_o affection_n thereof_o which_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o often_o as_o he_o enable_v she_o to_o subdue_v and_o crucify_v the_o wicked_a flesh_n and_o take_v away_o from_o her_o matter_n &_o food_n of_o impiety_n plant_v in_o her_o a_o desire_n and_o longing_n after_o heavenly_a thing_n so_o that_o she_o be_v forthwith_o fill_v with_o christ_n spirit_n and_o very_o she_o ask_v many_o thing_n at_o his_o hand_n because_o she_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n but_o he_o pass_v and_o go_v away_o along_o by_o she_o that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o do_v not_o grant_v she_o all_o the_o desire_n &_o petition_n of_o her_o heart_n but_o how_o then_o do_v the_o chaste_a spouse_n behave_v herself_o after_o christ_n be_v depart_v and_o
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 from_o all_o our_o iniquity_n it_o follow_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o spouse_n that_o her_o well-beloved_a be_v the_o chief_a of_o thousand_o that_o be_v to_o say_v among_o all_o the_o multitude_n of_o man_n because_o a_o thousand_o in_o this_o place_n be_v take_v for_o all_o man_n there_o be_v one_o only_a mediator_n leave_v between_o god_n and_o man_n jesus_n christ_n but_o why_o be_v he_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a above_o all_o other_o because_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o fit_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n of_o the_o church_n for_o whereas_o we_o be_v all_o the_o sort_n of_o we_o wicked_a reprobate_a and_o sinful_a man_n he_o be_v therefore_o principal_o good_a and_o the_o choose_a and_o chief_a among_o all_o other_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o that_o be_v by_o nature_n wicked_a shall_v by_o his_o grace_n become_v good_a and_o of_o a_o vile_a and_o cruel_a nation_n a_o elect_a and_o choose_a people_n unto_o he_o be_v by_o faith_n make_v full_o partaker_n of_o his_o goodness_n &_o grace_n and_o who_o it_o have_v please_v god_n the_o father_n for_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n sake_n to_o elect_v predestinate_a and_o preordain_v unto_o salvation_n from_o the_o beginning_n because_o no_o man_n can_v be_v choose_v or_o become_v good_a unless_o it_o be_v by_o christ_n and_o a_o true_a &_o lively_a faith_n in_o his_o death_n 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 his_o head_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o spouse_n go_v about_o to_o describe_v all_o the_o particular_a â—_o several_a part_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n and_o first_o she_o begin_v with_o his_o head_n affirm_v it_o to_o â—_o like_o the_o fine_a gold_n whereby_o be_v signify_v the_o most_o precious_a nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v call_v christ_n head_n as_o s._n paul_n say_v the_o head_n of_o christ_n be_v god_n second_o she_o praise_v he_o foâ—_n his_o lock_n because_o as_o the_o hair_n do_v greatâ—â—_n grace_v the_o head_n if_o it_o be_v fine_o curl_v and_o 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
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 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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
silver_n &_o two_o hundred_o to_o they_o that_o keep_v the_o fruit_n thereof_o 13_o o_o thou_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o garden_n the_o companion_n harken_v unto_o thy_o voice_n cause_v i_o to_o hear_v it_o 14_o o_o my_o well-beloved_a fly_n away_o and_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o roe_n or_o to_o the_o young_a hart_n upon_o the_o mountain_n of_o spice_n the_o commentary_n the_o word_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o convert_v the_o bridegroom_n confirm_v her_o say_n to_o be_v true_a affirm_v the_o church_n to_o be_v before_o the_o lord_n because_o he_o be_v always_o most_o ready_a to_o succour_v and_o help_v she_o in_o all_o her_o necessity_n wherefore_o he_o send_v not_o wolf_n but_o faithful_a minister_n and_o apostle_n to_o be_v her_o keeper_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o any_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v perish_v the_o church_n of_o the_o convert_v unto_o the_o bridegroom_n to_o thou_o appertain_v a_o thousand_o piece_n of_o silver_n because_o the_o number_n of_o a_o thousand_o be_v the_o term_n and_o bind_v of_o all_o other_o number_n therefore_o it_o be_v take_v for_o all_o number_n and_o then_o the_o word_n go_v thus_o o_o solomon_n o_o my_o peaceable_a and_o love_a christ_n to_o thou_o appertain_v a_o thousand_o that_o be_v the_o great_a and_o farthermost_a number_n and_o two_o hundred_o to_o they_o that_o keep_v the_o fruit_n thereof_o that_o be_v not_o so_o much_o aâ—_n appertain_v unto_o thou_o the_o word_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n unto_o the_o bride_n o_o thou_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o garden_n the_o companion_n harken_v unto_o thy_o voice_n cause_v i_o to_o bear_v it_o here_o christ_n speak_v unto_o all_o the_o church_n in_o general_a show_v how_o acceptable_a and_o pleasant_a her_o voice_n be_v to_o he_o which_o she_o so_o great_o long_v for_o to_o hear_v because_o her_o voice_n be_v god_n word_n therefore_o he_o speak_v after_o this_o manner_n unto_o the_o spouse_n o_o my_o love_a spouse_n thou_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o garden_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o the_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v take_v for_o garden_n thy_o companion_n or_o friend_n namely_o those_o which_o preach_v and_o teach_v the_o gospel_n harken_v unto_o thy_o voice_n that_o be_v be_v obedient_a unto_o thou_o because_o thou_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v they_o my_o word_n cause_v i_o to_o hear_v thy_o voice_n which_o be_v nothing_o diverse_a i_o be_o sure_a from_o my_o word_n or_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n &_o therefore_o most_o acceptable_a and_o pleasant_a unto_o i_o because_o all_o other_o word_n which_o proceed_v and_o come_v from_o the_o flesh_n they_o be_v not_o my_o word_n they_o be_v adulterous_a and_o false_a word_n and_o therefore_o most_o abominable_a in_o my_o ear_n the_o word_n of_o the_o spouse_n unto_o the_o bridegroom_n o_o my_o well-beloved_a fly_n away_o and_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o roe_n or_o to_o the_o young_a hart_n upon_o the_o mountain_n of_o spice_n this_o mountain_n of_o spice_n be_v the_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o lesser_a and_o particular_a church_n be_v call_v mountain_n of_o spice_n christ_n desire_v to_o hear_v the_o spouse_n speak_v the_o spouse_n answer_v he_o by_o utter_v the_o word_n of_o perfect_a charity_n by_o which_o word_n it_o appear_v how_o zealous_a she_o be_v of_o christ_n glory_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o furthermore_o the_o great_a desire_n wherewith_o she_o be_v inflame_v towards_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n and_o this_o be_v brief_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n o_o my_o well-beloved_a fly_n away_o as_o a_o man_n when_o he_o fly_v away_o in_o great_a haste_n or_o as_o the_o roe_n or_o young_a heart_n do_v skirre_v it_o along_o most_o nimble_o upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o hill_n so_o do_v thou_o make_v haste_n and_o tarry_v not_o to_o come_v unto_o the_o mountain_n of_o spice_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o come_v both_o unto_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o also_o to_o be_v present_a &_o aid_v unto_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n least_o happy_o they_o may_v be_v constrain_v to_o receive_v any_o other_o beside_o thou_o and_o so_o by_o estraung_v themselves_o from_o thou_o perish_v eternal_o therefore_o gentle_a christ_n come_v quick_o to_o help_v and_o succour_n to_o direct_v and_o guide_v we_o unto_o the_o right_a way_n which_o lead_v we_o unto_o life_n everlasting_a finis_fw-la fault_n escape_v in_o the_o preface_n for_o the_o title_n or_o inscription_n of_o the_o song_n of_o song_n read_v the_o title_n or_o inscription_n be_v the_o song_n of_o song_n page_n 8._o line_n 12._o for_o man_n read_v man_n p._n 14._o l._n 6._o for_o sunny_a read_v sin_n p._n 21._o l._n 23._o for_o particular_o read_v patient_o p._n 23._o l._n 10._o for_o house_n read_v horse_n p._n 39_o l._n 13._o for_o with_o the_o sweet_a read_v with_o sweet_a p._n 40._o l._n 28._o for_o gold_n read_v god_n p._n 51._o l._n 7._o for_o the_o people_n read_v his_o people_n p._n 51._o l._n 30._o for_o and_z make_v it_o read_v make_v it_o p._n 64.1_o for_o to_o read_v and_o p._n 79._o l._n 7._o for_o of_o seem_a work_n that_o issue_n forth_o from_o faith_n read_v of_o seem_v good_a work_n but_o not_o proceed_v from_o faith_n the_o other_o a_o chain_n of_o good_a work_n indeed_o that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o work_n that_o issue_n forth_o from_o faith_n p._n 108._o l._n 12._o for_o then_o read_v that_o p._n 121._o l._n 11._o for_o those_o elect_v which_o be_v a_o companion_n etc._n etc._n read_v of_o the_o elect_a which_o continual_o have_v their_o faith_n accompany_v and_o follow_v with_o good_a work_n flower_n psal_n 16.11_o 16.11_o it_o the_o fruit_n for_n his_o pleasant_a apple_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o italian_a thus_o it_o be_v in_o italian_a thus_o it_o be_v in_o italian_a italian_a it._n hell_n
the_o lively_a word_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o do_v pierce_v even_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o thousand_o buckler_n or_o target_n be_v the_o hope_v for_o help_n and_o succour_n of_o god_n divine_a providence_n by_o the_o which_o he_o do_v so_o much_o sustain_v and_o relieve_v his_o servant_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v overcome_v or_o overthrow_v thy_o two_o breast_n final_o because_o he_o mean_v not_o to_o proceed_v so_o far_o in_o this_o place_n as_o to_o speak_v of_o her_o girdle_n after_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o her_o head_n and_o neck_n he_o address_v himself_o to_o say_v somewhat_o in_o commendation_n of_o her_o two_o breast_n whereby_o be_v mean_v the_o doctrine_n of_o both_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n than_o the_o which_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o imagine_v more_o pleasant_a more_o amiable_a or_o more_o profitable_a and_o he_o liken_v they_o to_o two_o young_a roe_n because_o as_o they_o do_v light_o leap_v and_o skip_v up_o and_o down_o so_o the_o doctrine_n of_o both_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v spread_v abroad_o throughout_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n &_o their_o feed_n be_v say_v to_o be_v among_o the_o lily_n whereby_o be_v signify_v the_o faithful_a among_o who_o there_o be_v always_o abide_v the_o love_n &_o charity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o feed_v that_o be_v to_o say_v recreat_v she_o &_o this_o love_n do_v remain_v for_o ever_o in_o her_o full_a state_n &_o perfection_n among_o the_o faithful_a but_o what_o be_v the_o food_n wherewith_o she_o feed_v they_o it_o be_v the_o food_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n of_o god_n for_o because_o the_o church_n do_v always_o feed_v on_o that_o food_n which_o shall_v make_v her_o strong_a to_o persevere_v and_o continue_v out_o unto_o the_o end_n moreover_o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n be_v feed_v and_o nourish_v with_o faith_n and_o love_n of_o the_o church_n but_o how_o long_o be_v they_o feed_v after_o this_o sort_n until_o the_o day_n break_v that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o shadow_n of_o error_n man_n invention_n and_o all_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n do_v fly_v away_o and_o christ_n may_v right_o then_o be_v say_v to_o come_v unto_o we_o when_o he_o help_v we_o and_o to_o go_v away_o from_o we_o when_o he_o take_v all_o hope_n of_o help_n and_o succour_v from_o us._n now_o the_o spouse_n as_o long_o as_o she_o be_v in_o this_o world_n be_v not_o without_o tribulation_n and_o cross_n and_o doubtless_o she_o will_v soon_o perish_v and_o come_v to_o nought_o if_o christ_n shall_v not_o come_v to_o she_o to_o comfort_n &_o strengthen_v she_o with_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o the_o bridegroom_n speak_v unto_o the_o church_n as_o if_o he_o do_v speak_v unto_o a_o three_o person_n say_v i_o will_v go_v into_o the_o mountain_n that_o be_v to_o say_v i_o will_v indeed_o help_v thou_o which_z arta_fw-la mountain_n of_o myrrh_n &_o a_o hill_n of_o incense_n that_o be_v to_o say_v so_o full_a of_o my_o sweet_a ointment_n as_o a_o mountain_n of_o incense_n and_o myrrh_n 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 thou_o be_v etc._n etc._n he_o come_v then_o and_o slack_v not_o to_o come_v unto_o his_o well-beloved_a spouse_n for_o he_o be_v no_o liar_n to_o say_v that_o he_o will_v come_v and_o not_o to_o come_v &_o he_o say_v thou_o be_v all_o fair_a &_o there_o be_v no_o spot_n in_o thou_o how_o fair_a how_o without_o spot_n or_o blemish_n by_o the_o bountiful_a and_o beautiful_a presence_n of_o the_o immaculate_a son_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o sweet_a smell_n of_o his_o ointment_n wherewith_o he_o have_v perfume_v we_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n be_v call_v a_o mountain_n of_o myrrh_n &_o a_o mountain_n of_o incense_n because_o that_o she_o albeit_o in_o herself_o and_o of_o herself_o she_o be_v most_o miserable_o foul_a &_o black_a as_o any_o blackamoor_n can_v be_v yet_o notwithstanding_o in_o her_o bridegroom_n christ_n most_o amiable_a admirable_a &_o fair_a pure_a without_o spot_n in_o christ_n because_o he_o wipe_v away_o all_o her_o spot_n &_o blot_n by_o forgive_a her_z her_o sin_n and_o impute_v they_o no_o long_o unto_o she_o the_o text._n 8_o come_v with_o i_o from_o lebanon_n my_o spouse_n even_o with_o i_o from_o lebanon_n and_o look_v from_o the_o top_n of_o amanak_n from_o the_o top_n of_o shenir_fw-fr and_o hermon_n from_o the_o den_n of_o the_o lion_n and_o from_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o leopard_n 9_o my_o sister_n my_o spouse_n thou_o have_v wound_v my_o heart_n thou_o have_v wound_v my_o heart_n with_o one_o of_o thy_o eye_n and_o with_o a_o chain_n of_o thy_o neck_n 10_o my_o sister_n my_o spouse_n how_o fair_a be_v thy_o love_n how_o much_o better_o be_v thy_o love_n then_o wine_n and_o the_o savour_n of_o thy_o ointment_n then_o all_o spice_n 11_o thy_o lip_n my_o spouse_n drop_v as_o honeycomb_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 the_o commentary_n here_o in_o this_o place_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v thus_o much_o that_o by_o the_o four_o hill_n of_o israel_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o vocation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n unto_o christ_n her_o husband_n which_o be_v call_v that_o she_o may_v not_o dwell_v any_o long_o with_o lion_n &_o leopard_n but_o may_v be_v free_v from_o the_o power_n of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o her_o body_n may_v not_o be_v tear_v in_o piece_n with_o the_o cruelty_n of_o bloody_a tyrant_n or_o distract_v by_o the_o diversity_n &_o variety_n of_o wicked_a sect_n but_o that_o she_o be_v reduce_v &_o bring_v from_o heresy_n &_o error_n to_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o the_o faith_n may_v make_v one_o true_a catholic_a church_n of_o all_o the_o elect_a which_o be_v gather_v &_o assemble_v together_o of_o all_o nation_n tongue_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o who_o will_v say_v this_o my_o beautiful_a spouse_n fly_v unto_o i_o for_o refuge_n not_o only_o from_o libanus_n but_o from_o all_o the_o corner_n and_o quarter_n of_o the_o earth_n eschue_v the_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n and_o treachery_n of_o false_a teacher_n and_o heretic_n such_o as_o they_o have_v meditate_a and_o think_v upon_o lie_v on_o their_o bed_n to_o destroy_v and_o annoy_v the_o church_n and_o in_o that_o he_o say_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v wound_v we_o be_v to_o note_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o love_n which_o he_o bear_v towards_o the_o church_n which_o he_o for_o good_a cause_n call_v his_o sister_n and_o spouse_n first_o because_o she_o be_v become_v his_o heavenly_a bedfellow_n &_o partaker_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o celestial_a bed_n and_o second_o because_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o take_v flesh_n and_o put_v on_o man_n nature_n upon_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v our_o natural_a brother_n the_o eye_n of_o 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