the daungers and distresses of this life whatsoeuer See Ephes 4. 11. 12. 13. For though he speake here but of a certaine number yet no doubt but thereby he vnderstandeth an infinite number which is also vsuall in the holye scriptures Verse 9. Yea better than the bed which king Solomon prepared for him selfe Euery word heere tendeth to the magnifiying of the mariage bed of Christe and his Church As first in that it was better then a kings bed who for his state and riches was commendable thorough the worlde and wonderfull 1. King 10. 27. Thirdly in that it was better then that which hee had prepared for himselfe We know what good thinges men make for themselues specially when they haue wherewithall to do the same Yea the very word which is here rendred Bed tendeth to the amplifying hereof because it signifieth a fruitfull and flourishing bed of which see before chap. 1. 16. Yea and the wordes following make also to that purpose When she addeth of the trees of Lebanon which was a place farre from Ierusalem the wood also whereof was very excellent and good as which for the worthinesse of it was imployed to the best thing namely the building of the Temple as appeareth 1. King 5. 6. So that it was commendable because it was chargeable as being farre fet and also because it was a notable and famous kinde of wood Verse 10. Whose pillers are made of syluer As she had before spoken generally of it so now she commeth to discribe it by peece meale as it were affirming that the pillers were of siluer We knowe that standing beddes haue pillers and postes to vphold the Testers now whereas other mens were made of wood his pillers were of siluer which should not seeme strang vnto vs seeing the holye Ghoste sayth he gaue siluer in Ierusalem as plentifull as stones 1. King 10. 27. And that that was layd vpon it of gold he meaneth by that which was layde vpon it the bed it selfe as we say vnderstanding also by golde that it was moste precious because nothing we haue is commonly more deare then golde Whose couering was purple coloured He meaneth that the couering or couerlet appertayning to that bed was of a ritch and costlye colour For purple was in those dayes accounted most deare and precious See Prouerb 31. 22. Also chapter 7. 5. of this booke Mark 15. 17. Luk. 16. 19. The inwardes whereof hee meaneth the partes of the bedding y t were for the time out of sight Were as it were paued with loue that is were as costly rich as if they had beene adorned with things y t men most loue like noting also by y e word pauing the varieties of workes y t were in the same as in pauinges we see some checkered some diamonded some one way some another which also are no doubt cunningly wroght w t needle work a matter much set by in these dais in euery thing See Psal 45. 14. By the damsels of IerusaleÌ„ he expresseth y e persons y t should performe this worke not meaning such as were broght vp in the cuntry but within the coÌ„passe of the wals of IerusaleÌ„ where it was like they had bin trained vp in most curious cunning and costly workmanship Vers 11 O yee damsels of Zion Those whom in the other verse he had called damsels of IerusaleÌ„ he calleth here damsels of Zion putting a part for the whole For the hil of Zion was a peece of the city meaning no doubt by these the faithful and sound meÌ„bers of the church whom yet notwithstanding they were forwarde the church putteth in minde of their duties Come foorth vz. out of your owne priuate houses into publicke places and beholde king Solomon The fame and name of Solomons glory was great but yet not matchable with y t of Christ for beholde a greater then Solomon is here Mat. 12. 42. and yet because shee had none greater to compare him vnto she resembleth him to the greatest For euen as the proper name Dauid is in scripture attributed to christ as Iere. 30. 9. So is Solomons here in this place With the crowne which his mother prouided for him Now shee describeth Solomons glory yet so that vnder the same is meant the exceeding maiestie of Christ The word crowne is put for the same as Phil. 4. 1. and by these wordes which his mother prouided for him is set out y e excellency therof for mothers wil prouide no base or mean things for their children if they be able In the day of his betrothings y t is against the time y t he shold be affianced maried also for she putteth y e beginning as it were of mariage for â—he whole action of the same And in the daye of the gladnesse of his hart that is against the daye wherein his heart was made glad which was not onelye when hee and his wyfe were affiaunced but when they were married and marriage duties perfourmed wee knowing by experience that the marriage daye is the day of greatest myrth specially to the partyes maried against which daye also the parties themselues and the parentes and all do bestow all the cost that possiblye they can as we see by dayly and continuall experience Verse 1. Teacheth vs to be in continuall meditation of Christ and heauenly things yea and that we should for that purpose break our sleeps as it were to the ende that we maye bee seased with the feeling of the same and though we can not at the firste or second time conceiue thereof that yet we shoulde not for all that leaue off but looke for a time wherein that holye hunger and thirst that we haue of righteousnes shal be plentifully supplyed to Gods glory and our comfort Verse 2. Teacheth vs to shake off all impediments that may hinder vs from going to Christ as whether it be the heauines of our flesh or corruption of nature thorow sinne c. For which see Heb. 12. 1. Also that we shoulde seeke good thinges indeed with diligence and care to attayne the same and that not in one place onely but in euerye place where they were likely to be had or maye be founde indeede and that though we finde them not at the firste seeking yet we should not leaue off For it may be that we seek them not where they are to be had or search not after them with a right mind and therfore good reason why we should want the thinges we wish and desire but stirre vp our selues stil euen as it were by excessiue toyle and importunity to preuaile at the length Verse 3. Teacheth vs not to be ashamed or afrayde by demaunding to come to the possessing of those thinges that we wishe and seeke after In labouring to get worldly things we will endeuour to shake off both shame feare whatsoeuer els might hinder vs in atchieuing our purposes therefore for as much as these thinges are farre more excellent we should labour
him into my mothers house and into the inner chamber of her that conceiued me 5 I charge you by an oth O yee daughters of Ierusalem tarrye abroade with the Roes or with the hindes of the fielde stirre not vp neither awake this loue till he will himselfe 6 Who is she that would come vp out of the wildernes as it were perfumed with the liftinges vp of smoake perfumed with myrrh and incense better then all the fine powder of the Apothecary 7 Behold his bed which is better then that that is Solomons about which stand threescore mightie men of the mighty men of Israell 8 All taking hold of the sword are expert in warre euery one is gyrded with his swoorde vppon his thigh for feare euery night 9 Yea better then the bed which king Solomon prepared for him selfe of the trees of Lebanon 10 Whose pillers be made of siluer and that that was layd vppon it of golde whose couering was purple coloured the inwardes wherof were as iâ— were paued with loue by the Damosels of Ierusalem 11 O yee damsels of Sion come foorth and beholde king Solomon with the crown which his mother prouided for him in the day of his betrothinges and in the day of the gladnes of his hart THough in this song it maye be that all the chapters thereof do not hang and depende one vpon an other by reason that some thinges were sayde and done at one time and in one place and some at an other time and in an other place yet for the knitting of this with the former this me thinketh may be noted that hauing before declared what passed in the daye season or els when the day was very nigh and that while they were togeather in the country as it were the church doth now declare the matters and speeches had in the night and in the citie as may plainly appeare by the two first verses 1 The chapter I take it may be deuided into two partes In the first the church setteth out the great desire that shee hath to take holde of Christe and to possesse him which appeareth in this that by daye by night at home and abroad in the countrey and in the citie she is wonderfully inflamed with his loue and this reacheth from verse 1. to the end of the 5. 2 In the other she doth as it were correct her selfe desiring rather that hee shoulde take hold of her and that she might abyde with him than he with her where vpon shee entreth into a commendation of his glorye sweetnes c. not onely comparing it with Solomons but preferring it before it and that by manye degrees and this reacheth from verse 6. vnto the end of the chapter Verse 1. In my bedde These are the churches words testifiyng her hunger and thirst after her spouse that in these places and at these times wherein menne giue them selues to their pleasures and rest her soule was tossed and troubled with seeking yea and longing after him whom his soule loued And it woulde be marked that she sayth not onely one night but sundry nights testifiyng her continuance and earnellnesse in this holy hunger and most assured loue to which also appertayneth the dubbling of the word seeking him expressing thereby her earneste affection These wordes whom my soule loueth are expounded before chapter 1. 7. In sum the church vsing this Periphrasis instead of a proper name doth nothing els but expresse the force of his loue and the earnestnes thereof Now where she addeth when I had found him that is when I did not sufficiently perceiue him to bee present with me according to my hartes desire for els Christ is neuer absent from his church but continually present therewith as appeareth Math. 28. 20. True it is that in our vnderstanding to the iudgement of the Church Christ seemeth either to be altogeather absent or els not verye nigh but howsoeuer it be this is the truth that He that keepeth Israell will neither slumber nor sleep Psal 121. 4. But y e Godlye are most greeued with this assault in the time of persecutions trialls troubles sorowes c. Which also may be signified by the word night in this place as it seemeth to be taken Iob. 17. 12. It followeth I sayd vz. to my selfe for al these are the words of the Church speaking vnto herself as it were declaring the consultations which she had with her selfe and resoluing what shee were best to do Verse 2. I will now rise vp q. d. I will delaye it no longer nowe I am resolued diligentlye and carefully to seeke him yea leauing my bed and naturall rest to the ende I maye finde him And I will go about the City vz. to seeke him q. d. I will leaue no place vnsought which also may appeare by the particulers following of streetes and open places I will seeke him vz. with great diligence and earnestnesê whome my soule loueth see verse 7. of the first chapter but seeking him I haue not found him The spouse expresseth these wordes sorrowfully not so much for the paines she tooke as that she could not meet with him whom she so tenderly loued and carefully sought And when she sayth shee founde him not she meaneth so sufficiently as she would and as her heart desired as may appear also by ver 1. of this chapter for the better vnderstanding of these wordes in this place read the notes there for they serue also fitly for the purpose Verse 3. I sayd vnto the watchmen The church meaneth by this manner of speech that she neyther dissembled her loue towardes Christe nor feared to demand euery one that she meetes no though they were publique rulers or preachers for that it is as I thinke she meaneth by watch men Ezech. 33. 2. concerning Christ her husband but that she did openly declare her vnfeyned loue towards him for which see chap. 2. 5. that go about the city she speaketh this according to the custome of men or townes of warre who besides that they haue standing or set watches for euery corner or quarter of their citye haue also certain cheefe men appoynted for their authority and faithfulnesse continually to go from one place to another to oueruew the rest and to see that they are faythful in the charges committed vnto them They finding me that is when they had found me going about the city by the streetes and open places thereof as vers 2. Haue you seene him She speaketh to such as perhaps knewe him not neither by name nor by face though indeede they should haue beene well acquainted with him but such is the force of earnest loue that it many times maketh men beleeue that others know them whome they like of though they do not Whom my soul loueth See this expounded chap. 1. 7. Verse 4. I had but a little passed by from them The Church declareth not what comfort or counsell shee had at the watch-mens handes which perhaps was little or
was it reserued to be made most manifest performed by y e Apostles in their daies as appeareth 1. Pet. 1. 10. 11. 12. And she hath no breastes This is added euen to expresse her littlenes or smalnes as before q. d. She is not yet mariageable or fitte for Christe no more then as a man woulde saye a very young Damosell is sit for a man because they are not apt to conceiue bring foorth or nourish children and euen so was it with the Gentiles for neyther were they fit for Christe and to receiue or imbrace the Lorde because they wanted that yeeres and ripenesse that the Lord had appointed w t him self for them as also the meanes wherby they should haue come to it for vnto the Iews and not vnto them then was the adoption the glory the couenauntes and the seruice of God committed Rom. 9. 4. If any man wil say there were diuerse of them called I answere that that was as a man woulde say but the addition of one day or some small time to a naturall life in respect of the fulnesse of the age that they grew too afterwardes in Christe See Ephes 4. 13. What shall we doe for our sister The Church and Christ are brought in here as it were a man and a wife or a brother and a sister debating what were best to bee done with their yongest children or kinred and which way they might most labour their preferment Wee know by the practize of the world that not onely godly but naturall brethren and sisters will vse all the means y t they can for the preferment and good bestowing of suche of their kinred as be vnmatched The selfe same affection doth the Church and Christ put vpon them here the better to resemble the care and consultation y t they had for the calling of the church of the gentiles In the day She putteth day a part of time for y e preâ—â—â—ed set time w t God whither it were moneth year c. Wherin hee woulde accomplishe the calling of the gentiles Wherein speeche shall bee had concerning her that is concerning her calling into the church that so there may be one sheepefold euen as there is indeede properly but one shepheard Ioh. 10. 16. and one church as there is but one heade of the same Iesus Christe Ephes 5. 23. In effect in this interrogation or demaunde the churche meaneth this much q. d. When I shall propound thy worde for the winning of the gentiles and thou shalt giue a notable increase vnto the same effectuallye and enlarge it mightilye with wonderfull blessinges in so muche that the mystery of that holy marriage which was kept secret since the world began but shall now thorough the soueraigne authoritye of the eternall God be declared vnto all nations Rom. 16. 25. 26 That so they may by fayth bee ioyned vnto thy body then and at that time what shall we do for this our sister the Churche of the Gentiles Hitherto reacheth the question propounded as it were in the way of consultation or aduise Verse 2 If a wall is to be builded This verse contayneth an answere vnto the former question in which is set out vnto vs yet metaphorically and vnder figures the resolution of Christ and his churche what they will doe and what waye they will take when the fulnesse of the gentiles shall come in And heere they are brought in as men consulting and taking aduise to place and to plant great store of people and fearing that the roomes they haue prepared or the city that they haue appoynted will not be large inough to contein and hold them they say thus if the olde walles be to be razed and pulled downe and newe to inclose a larger circuite of ground for the intertainment of our friends be to be erected and set vp let vs do it We will build in it a pallace of siluer q. d. we will not onelye inlarge our wals for their sakes prouiding by that meanes things necessary fit for them but that they may know they shal be indeed most hartely welcome vnto vs they shall perceiue that as we our selues will spare no paines or cost for their holy intertainment so they shal haue al thinges that may indeed be delightful vnto them And all this is donne to drawe on the Church of the Gentiles with willingnes and speed to come to the Lorde Siluer is a precious thing as we know and much set by amongest men but when they shall haue it in such plenty that pallaces as a man woulde saye shall be built with the same that is strong and mighty to draw And that is the reason why vnder such earthlye thinges of great delight the Lorde setteth out spirituall matters See before chapter 6 14. of the Iuory Tower Also Reuel 21. in the description of the heauenlye Ierusalem And if the gate is to be defended that is the entraunce that they must haue is to be strengthened We will fence it about that is make it strong and mighty With bordes of Cedar that is with thinges that shall last for Cedar will not rot or worme eate as Writers affirm for the durablenesse whereof see 2. Sam. 7. 2. 7. c. The meaning is that if they feare any thing to hinder their entrance or stande in doubte when they are entred of some annoyaunce from abroade they shall not need either to fear or doubt either the one or the other for they shall haue strong and pleasaunt walles and mightye and durable Gates safely to defend them And as all this is done to incite and prouoke the Gentiles in some measure of a sounde minde to ioyne them selues to the Churche so it is not without cause that hee mencioneth both Walles and Gates notinge indeede thereby that Gods fauoure to his Folcke shall bee all in all to them more safelye defending them then in the strong Citye Psalme 31. 21. The meaninge of this Verse is that at what time the Church of the Gentiles shall bee called in whiche indeede by reason of theire infinite multitude coulde not bee contayned within the narrowe Boundes of the Citye of IERVSALEM euen as the Prophettes them selues Prophesied and foreshewed of which you maye reade Isaiah 49. 20 And Zechariah 24. not within the boundes of Iudea it selfe that then they shall bee constrained by reason of such infinite number yea that they will be willing to rather then the Gentiles shoulde bee secluded to bring in a new forme and order as it were of a city yea to pul downe the old walles and to set vp newe walles and newe gates for the inlargement thereof for by the terms walles and gates there is by the figure Synecdoche that is a parte or partes put for the whole meante the city which also is vsuall in the scriptures See Psalme 18. 29. Also Amos. 1. 7. And for the worde gate so taken see Genes 22. 17. Also Genes 24. 60. Deutr. 16 5 All commeth to this
goates get after their washing namely that filth and duste by water is taken awaye from them All which bring out twinnes that is two one resembling an other and aunswering an other as it were And there is none barren amongest them This seemeth to be more then needed because he had sayd before They brought foorth twinnes But vnder such aboundant speeches the holye Ghoste mindeth to note the moste assured certaintye of the thinges propounded See the like Iohn 1. 20. Rom. 9. 1. Now in all this resembling of the teeth of the church to sheepe of equall proportion and that are washed and fruitfull we maye see that there is a threefolde commendation of the teeth namely a iust proportion of them all amongest them selues as amongest sheepe and goates of one breed or stature cleannesse and whitenes of them as there is in the flockes that are washed and a meruailous fruitfull increase as there is of those that bring foorth twinnes And when he sayth that There is none barren amongest them he meaneth as a man would saye that there is no tooth wanting in their order and place but euen as sheepe yeelding twinnes haue alwayes their young by them one aunswering another so hath the Church her teeth And no doubt but by teeth heere the holy ghost meaneth the same that before he did by eyes vz the ministers and preachers of the worde who must as it were champe and chawe the same with their teeth that the people may the more easily eate it and all these are equall not onely in that they are or shoulde be all of one minde all also preaching and professing one doctrine but euery man gouerning by one rule that part of y e lords flocke that is committed vnto him and they are all washed in the bloud of Christ and all made fruitfull thorow the Lords blessing by gaining a multitude of soules vnto God thorow the foolishnes of preaching as the world accounteth it If any man thinke it is not wel to resemble one matter to diuerse things let them take heed how they saucely controull the Lord who to the end that we might the better conceiue of the things themselues and he the more effectually expresse the excellency of them hath vsed it often both in the old and new testament See Isaiah 10. 15. Amos. 3. 3. 4. 5. 9. Mathew 9. 16. 17. 1. Corinth 9. 7. Verse 3. Thy lips are like a thrid of Scarlet By resembling them to a thrid hee noteth the smalnesse or thinnesse of them which in all persons but especially in womankinde is supposed to be comely and by saying they are like a thrid of Scarlet he meaneth that they were red and beautifull a thing also much tending to the commendation of the lippes Where also wee must remember that howsoeuer these thinges are spoken in outward shewe after the manner of earthly louers that yet we must not thinke vpon any outwarde loue but referre all to the inward and spirituall If any by the smalnesse of the lippes list to vnderstande the comelinesse of the ministery and by the colour of them the feruency and earnestnesse of the teachers I minde not to contend And thy talke is comely From the instrumentes of nature whereby the voice is framed he proceedeth to the wordes expressed thereby meaning that the speech of the church which indeede is the preaching and prayers of the same is fayre fine beautifull and sweet Thy Temples among thy lockes He describeth another part of the countenaunce or face vz. the Temples of the heade speaking also of them according to the custome then vsed the women suffering their hayre to hang about their temples See verse 1. of this chapter Are as a peece of a Pomegranate For the vnderstanding of this wee are to note that a Pomegranate when it is broken or cut is not only of a glorious ruddye colour or as we woulde say like to goodly roses but also hath many grains and kernels in it by both which layde together it seemeth vnto me that he doth not only describe the beauty of the particuler members of the Church but also the fruitfulnes and great increase of the same If any see more or better let him thank God for it vse it to his glory Verse 4. Thy necke is as the towre of Dauid y t is like the towre that he built at the ende of his own house vppon mount Sion for a defence of which we may read somewhat Nehe. 3. 19. 25. c. Built for defence vz. of his owne house and to succour it against the rage of the enimies if any should approch A thousand shieldes hang therein First he putteth a number certain for an vncertaine Secondlye hee proceedeth to the commendation of Dauids Tower that thereby the state of Christes church and the excellency thereof mighte better appeare q. d. It is meruellously well furnished with armour and munition yea with armour that is pollished and prepared for moste necessarye vses which sense I rest perswaded both the composition of the hebrue worde also the speeches following will easily beare All the Tergats of the mighty that is euery one of them are meete for mighty and noble men they are so good and excellent q. d. they are no base things nor belong not to meane men but to such as are captains haue authority ouer the kings armies of whom we may read 2. Sam. 23. 8. 9. 10. c. And Neh. 3. 16. The sense is playn y t the neck of y e church being resembled vnto the tower of Dauid c he meaneth thereby that it was fayre and comelye also that it was forcible and strong yea that is was well stored with innumerable and excellent graces True it is that these and such other similitudes seeme somewhat hard but louers affections heere must be borne withal and sith it pleaseth the holy Ghoste to strammer as it were for our sakes we must submit our selues to learne of him And no doubt but still he meaneth hereby the Preachers and Ministers of the worde which in the church shine aboue others as a man would saye euen as Turrets or towers doe aboue the rest of the wals that compasse cities whom the Lord also vseth for the defence of the people and of whom as he hath good store so he furnisheth them with excellent graces fit for so great and holy a purpose Verse 5. Thy two breastes He commeth from the necke to the breastes or teates are as two young roes that is freshe and lusty That are twins that is of equall bignes and proportion Feeding among the lilies that is in sweet and smelling pasture which can not chuse but make the cattle there fed to thryue and be good See for this phrase chapter 2. 16. Many vnderstand by the two brestes the twoo Testamentes which haue mutuall respect one to an other neither can one of them well easely be vnderstood without an other where there are also Lilies that is moste
nothing but that which they haue receiued from him but rather to regard Christs purpose in praysing y r church which is to prouoke her thereby specially sith he taketh delight in her goodnesse more and more to proceed in the same because there is no church so good but it may be still bettered and though they haue proceeded well yet the Lorde hath somewhat to say against them as Reuel 2. 4. 14. c. Secondly that the fulnesse of all good thinges are in Christ and none other and that therefore they doe the church great iniury besides that they deface Christ him selfe that either woulde vtterly spoyle the church of him or mingle others togeather with him Thirdly that the church should neuer cease praysing and magnifiyng her head and spouse Christ in whom shee cannot chuse but see and confesse that there dwelleth the fulnes of all heauenlye graces yea the very Godhead it selfe bodily Collos 2. 9. Verse 16. Teacheth the church that howsoeuer shee her selfe and her particular members feele them selues in reasonable good case as we say as in respect of spirituall graces yea and be so esteemed not onely in their owne and other mens mindes but euen in the verye iudgement and sentence of Christ that yet for all that they cease not still to intreat the Lorde Iesus not onely to continue but to increase all the gyftes and graces of his holy spirite in them and particularly fayth and obedience euen vntill they come to the finishing of their faith and hope which is eternall lyfe at the last thorow Christ Vers 17. Teacheth vs that the prayers of the church made to God in Christes name shall neuer be frustrate or voyd and therfore good cause haue we to bee often yea after a sort as it were contiuall in the same CAP. 5. and the summe thereof The church attributing the departure of christ from her to her owne sinnes declareth her offence and the punishmentes shee had deserued therefore vers 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. She craueth the ayde of all the godlye with common consent as it were and ayde to set foorth her affection towards him who in that they might be the better able to know she doth liuely describe him and noteth the place whither he is gone and so at the last strengtheneth her selfe in fayth and hope vers 7. 8. c. to the end of the chapter 1 I Slept but myne hart waketh it is the voyce of my welbeloued that knocketh saying open vnto me my sister my loue my doue my perfect one for my heade is full of dew and my lockes with the drops of the night 2 I aunswered I haue put off from me my coate how should I put it on I haue washed my feet how should I defile them 3 My welbeloued put downe his hand frō the hole and my bowels were moued touching him 4 I rose vp to open to my welbeloued mine hands did drop downe myrrhe and my fingers myrrhe that passed vpon the handles of the locke 5 I opened to my welbeloued but my welbeloued with-drawing him self passed by my soule departed while hee was in speaking I sought him but I could not finde him I called him but he aunswered me not 6 The watchmen that goe about the citie founde me they smote me they wounded me the wathmen of the wals tooke my vaile away from me 7 I charge you O Daughters of Ierusalem if yee find my beloued that yee tell him that I am sicke of loue 8 O thou the fayrest among women what hath thy welbeloued more then another welbeloued what hath thy welbeloued more then an other welbeued that thou dost so charge vs 9 My welbeloued is white and ruddy euen a standerd bearer aboue ten thousand 10 His head is excellent golde yea most pure gold his lockes are curled and blacke as a rauen 11 His eyes are like doues eyes by the riuers of waters washing them selues in milke and remaining by fulnes 12 His cheekes are as a bed of spice as the flowers of spices his lippes are as lilies dropping down pure myrrh 13 His handes as ringes of golde set full of Tarshishe his bellye like the whitenes of Iuory couered with Sapphires 14 His thies are as pillers of marble set vppon sockets of fine gold his countenaunce as Lebanon excellent as the Cedars 15 The roof of his mouth is sweetnesses he himselfe is wholly delectable this is my welbeloued and this is my louer O Daughters of Ierusalem 16 O thou the fayrest among women whither is thy welbeloued gone whither is thy welbeloued turned a side that we may seeke him witb thee 17 My welbeloued is gone down into his garden to the beds of spice to feed in the gardens and to gather lilies 18 I am my welbeloueds and my welbeloued is mine who feedeth among the Lilies HOwsoeuer Christ the Sauiour and head of the Church had shewed him selfe in the laste verse of the former chapter not onely willing to enter into the church but was indeed already entred into the same to receiue the fruite thereof yet the church in this chapter and particularlye in the verye beginning of it declareth that shee was not so readye to intertayne and receiue him as eyther he was to offer him selfe or shee in duty should haue beene which offence of hers she acknowledgeth vnfaignedly commending hir husband Christe with a singuler prayse both to aggrauace her own transgression and also to stirre vp her selfe and others thereby to seeke after him that hath such excellency in him requiring as well aid of them in this behalfe as tendring after a sort helpe from hir selfe to others in that case also Salomon alluding in this chapter to the manner vsed in Commodies and tragedies in which diuers persons are brought in some tarrying some departing doth cheefly propounde vnto vs 2. pointes The first is a lamentable complaint that the Church maketh accusing hereselfe for y e she had not diligently enough performed her duty to her head husband Christ this is contained in the six first verses Wherin also there are two especial matters deliuered vnto vs the first is an open confession of the offence committed Vers 1. 2. 3. 4. and the other a recitall of the myseries that fell vppon her by the meanes of that synne Vers 5. 6. The seconde thing sette forth vnto vs in this chap. is a familiar speeche had betweene the Church and such as were her freendes and welwillers who demanding some questions of her the Churche instructeth them concerning the state dwelling and mutuall fellowship that is betwixte her and Christe her spouse This matter beginning at verse 7. and so holding on to the end of the chapter The questions with the aunsweres thereto touche two thinges the first concerneth the spouse him self vers 8. whereunto there is a large answere ver 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. And the seconde concerneth the place of his aboad the question being contayned
things my soule set me vpō the chariots of my free people so that I said 10 Returne return O Shulamite return returne that we maye behold thee What shall you see in that Shulamite Euen as a company of tentes 11 O how beautifull are thy feet with these shewes Oh thou daughter of the Prince The ioynts of thy thyes are like iewels the worke of the hande like a cunning workman 12 Thy nauell is as a round cup it shal not want liquor thy belly is as a heape of wheat compassed about with lilies 13 Thy two brestes are like two yong roes that are the twins of a roebucke 14 Thy necke is like a towre of Iuorye thine eyes are like the fish pooles in Heshbon by the gate of Batherabbin thy nose is like the towre of Lebanon that looketh vpon the face of Damasec 15 Thy head vpon thee is as Carmell and the bush of thy head is as purple the king may be tyed in the rafters 19 How fayre art thou And how pleasaunt art thou O my my loue in these pleasures 17 This thy stature is like a palme tree and thy brestes like clusters 18 I sayd I will goe vp into the Palme tree I will take hold of her bowes thy brestes shall now be like the clusters of the vine and the sauour of thy nostrils like apples 19 And the roofe of thy mouth like the best wine which goeth streight to my welbeloued and causeth the lippes of the auncient to speake AS in the former chapter and specially towards the end thereof the church had very highly commended Christe her head and spouse and that not only to stir vp others in soundnesse of loue to imbrace him that was so excellent but also to rais vp and increase the feruency of her affection towarde him so in this chapter Christe againe on the other side doth likewise notably praise her not onely thereby to expresse his harty goodwill towardes her and to let her vnderstand that no loue or commendation bestowed vppon him is lost but that it shalbe required to the full but also to drawe on others in a sounde minde to ioyne them selues vnto her whome hee both so tenderly loueth and highly magnifieth In this chapter wherein Christe comforteth and confirmeth the Church being tossed too and fro with doubtings least Christ for his vnkindenesse should vtterly depart frō hir running vp and down to seeke her head and spouse In this chapter I say ther are are three especiall points propounded vnto vs. In the first because in the other chapter the church was full of mourning griefe and sicknes for her negligence and carelesnesse towardes him hee comforteth her and assureth her that notwithstanding the same she is and shall be as deare vnto him as euer shee was before which thing also that shee mighte be the better perswaded of he doth yeelde her a large and vnfained commendation and this is contained in the seuen first verses In the second he setteth out the earnest and vehement desire he had to haue the mariage betweene him and the church finished and this is comprised in one verse onely to wit the eight verse In the thirde part he declareth his good will and harty affection towardes the Churche by a notable commendacion of her promising as it were his continuall presence and aboade with her euen vntill the day of marriage so that she shall not need any more to bee discomforted by his departure from verse 9. to the end of the chapter In which third part notwithstanding Christ propoūdeth foure speciall thinges The first is that Christe declareth what councell hee tooke when he perceiued that that time of the marriage which was hoped and looked for was not yet come Verse 9. Secondly hee earnestlye calleth the Church to come back againe and to return vnto him she in her seeking hauing as it were ouergone him Verse 10 Thirdly there is a notable description of the former beauty and gorgeousnesse of the church verse 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. And lastlye a promise made to the churche for the faithfull and assured performance of all duties towards her vntill the mariage shal be fully consummate and ended ver 18. 19. And this much beeing sayde both for the connexion and diuision of the chapter into his cheefe partes members we come nowe to the sense of the wordes of the text as they lye Vers 1. Thou art beautifull my loue Christ meeting with the church that laboured and sought to finde him doth after the maner of louers bewraying his great affections maruailously commend the Churche for her excelent beutie All which things as they must be spiritually vnderstood so wee must know that all the glory she-hath how great or how litle soeuer yt bee shee hath it from Christ her spouse So that he doth nothing as it were but commend his own graces in her yet these thinges are not deliuered without cause whether we respecte Christ or y e Church it selfe or others If we respect Christ it propoundeth vnto vs the manifestation of his vnfained and continual loue towards the church if we regarde others it is done to make them in loue and lykinge towardes the Churche which Christ himselfe loueth so tenderly and so highly commendeth if we respect the Church it is don for her comfort q. d. Thinck not that that goodly beuty of thine is decaied or that I haue caste from mee thy loue and lyking by reason of thy former discurtesies and negligences I am not so scornefull and dysdainfull as to thincke thee deformed for that spottes sake thou hast sufficiently washed it a waye with thy teares and repentaunce Wherefore as I said before chap. 4 1. 2. c. So euen nowe I affirme the same still thy fauoure and beutie is moste acceptable and delightfull to mee And Christe doubleth this because it is hard for the Church and the members thereof to beleeue the Worde at the first and specially the worde of promise and then chiefely when wee regarde our euill dealing with the Lorde and oure multiplying of it againste him As tyrtzah It is the name of a moste pleasaunt Citie in the coastes of Israell scituated vppon the riuer Euphrates where after that the kingdome of Israell was rent from the house of Dauid Hieroboam placed as it shoulde seeme his kingly pallace Of this Citie you maye reade 1. Kinges 14. 17. also 15. 21. and 16. 6. c. Neither doubt I but that it had the name giuen it of pleasauntnes beeing deriued of a worde that signifieth to accept or like of because it did by the pleasauntnes and beutie thereof drawe all men as it were to the lykinge thereof Comely as Ierusalem For the beautie and glorye of this Cytie besides that wee haue the commendation of the word it being called therin the praise of the worlde Isaiah 62. 7. See also Psalm 122. 3. Yt did euen as forraine wryters recorde not onelie in beautie and comelynesse
contende with the Cytties of the East but as somme of them doe report was the moste famouse of them all See PLINIE lib 5 CAP. 14. Thus wee see the pleasauntnes Gorgeousnes and bewty of the Church set out vnto vs by earthlye similytudes And though it bee true in deed y t none of these can sufficiently declare the same vnto vs yet we may perceiue that the Scripture hath taken not only the most excellent thinges of the lands of Iudah and Israel but of the whole world to set forth thesame vnto vs that so vnder these earthly resemblaunces he might the better make vs who are very grosse and dull to conceiue of heauenly and spirituall thinges It followeth Terrible is an army with many ensignes One woulde thinke that this should be no great commendation speciallye sith resembling the church to a woman neither doth it agree to that sexe neither is it prayse-worthy in them as some suppose to strike terror into others But we say first euen for womākinde that it is and shall be no small commendation vnto them If with their grauitye and maiesty they strike terror and fear into impure fellowes euen by sobriety and seuerity of countenaunce driuing suche from them as woulde make them disloyall to their husbands Which thing also maye notably agree to the Churche in a double respect to witte firste when as in respect of her excellente maiestye shee so terrifieth her aduersaries especiallye false teachers who woulde defile her with corrupt doctrine that they dare not so muche as touche her otherwise or further then as GOD permitteth and appoynteth Secondly when as in regard of her disobedient children she woundeth them by the worde and Discipline for a while that by repentaunce they may bee healed and holpen for euer against the subtilty of Sathan and the strength of sinne shee not striking them thereby to confounde them no more then God doth strike his children by his roddes to ouerthrowe them for euer but to reconcile them to their eternal comfort saluation Neither doth the Lord meane this onely by resembling his church to armies with many ensignes but also to set out vnto vs thereby the good order inuincible force of the same For euen as in greate armies the more good militarye orders there are established and practised holye courses kept the greater is their glory and comlinesse and the more do they flourish prosper euen so is it with the church And as it is an impossible thing to preuayle vppon an army consisting of innumerable and valiant people so is it as hard yea altogether impossible to preuayle againste the Churche sithe it is of suche strength power and fayth as though it may bee assaulted yet it can neuer be ouercome See the like phrase to this vers 7. of this chapter Verse 2 Turne thine eyes ouer againste mee That is looke vppon mee aud regarde mee q. d. Though thou bee past yet turne thine eyes backe againe that thou maiest beholde mee That they may lift mee vp that is that so I maye receyue comfort in the sighte of thee Thus Christe speaketh to the churche that hee mighte giue her to vnderstande that he would render to her like for like She had twise before declared that shee was as it were faint and sick thorow loue for which purpose see chap. 2. 5. also chap. 5. 7. The very like strength and power of loue to be in him towards her doth here Christ declare both that so she might know there was no loue loste and also that she might be cōforted in the heauines she was in I know that others do otherwise turne this parte of the verse as thus Turne awaye thine eyes from me for they are stronger than I or they ouercome me giuing also this sense that christ wold haue the church to caste her eye from him because he could hardly keepe himselfe from shewing againe most manifest tokens of his loue c. But the other in my minde is most simple and plaine not onely agreeing best with the circumstaunces and occasion of the place and purpose of Christ but also standing well with the meaning of the Hebrue worde which maye and doth as wel signifie to turne to as to turne from and in this verse rather to turne to because afterwardes in this chapter also verse 10. The Lord calleth the Church vnto him This is then the meaning that I take this first part of the verse to containe in it the wordes of comfort and consolation q. d. bee of good comfort and in an assured fayth looke vp to me y t so I my self also whoe am in some sorte caste downe with thy heauines may receiue both comfort and glorye by thy faith and conuersion for no doubt but sith ther is so great straight a coniunction betwixt Christ his church as the apostle speaketh of 1 Cor. 12. 12. There is also a sympathy fellow-like feeling or suffering together as it were Christe beeing seased with sadnesse as a man would say in the greefe of the church and reioycing again in the gladsomnesse and ioy thereof Thine haire is like the flocke of goates which looke downe from Gilead This is alreadye expounded before chapter 4. 1. Spirituallye by this may bee meant either the multitude of beleeuers or the aboundance of Gods graces bestowed vpon the church or else he meaneth that the beauty of the church is stayed and sure and cannot decay by any infirmity of hir own because it is whollye stayed and vphelde by the grace and power of Christ For as it coulde not fall out otherwise but that the flockes in Gilead must thriue and prosper so it could not otherwise bee but that the church and graces of God in the same must needes continue and increase because it is vnderpropped and nourished with the aboundaunte blessinges of Christe the heade and husbande thereof Verse 3 Thy teeth are like a Flocke of Sheepe which goe vp from the washing that is white pure and clean All which bring out Twinnes That is they are also euen equall as commonly twins are And there is none barren amongest them He meaneth that they were all full and none wanting as I take it for as teeth aunswearing euenly one to an other as in respect of the vpper and nether iawe is comely and as when either inche one iawe or in the other one standeth not further out then an other but all are of an equal height or euennes it is some beuty many times to y t countenance so was it in the church See al this expounded before chapter 4. verse 2. where Christe speaketh euen the same thinges of the church vsing it here not as a vaine or idle repetition but as hauing regarde to the church and that in a double consideration The first is to shew her that notwithstanding her offence hee loueth her still as before which also causeth him to vse the same wordes here that there Secondly because he knew how