$-$-$- SO:1
 
** This book is a Divine allegory, which represents the love
between Christ and his church of true believers, under figures
taken from the relation and affection that subsist between a
bridegroom and his espoused bride; an emblem often employed in
Scripture, as describing the nearest, firmest, and most sure
relation: see #Ps 45; Isa 54:5,6; 62:5; Jer 2:2; 3:1|; also in
Ezekiel, Hosea, and by our Lord himself, #Mt 9:15; 25:1|: see
also #Re 21:2,9; Eph 5:27|. There is no character in the church
of Christ, and no situation in which the believer is placed, but
what may be traced in this book, as humble inquirers will find,
on comparing it with other Scriptures, by the assistance of God
the Holy Spirit, in answer to their supplications. Much,
however, of the language has been misunderstood by expositors
and translators. The difference between the customs and manners
of Europe, and those of the East, must especially be kept in
view. The little acquaintance with eastern customs possessed by
most of our early expositors and translators, has in many cases
prevented a correct rendering. Also, the changes in our own
language, during the last two or three centuries, affect the
manner in which some expressions are viewed, and they must not
be judged by modern notions. But the great outlines, rightly
interpreted, fully accord with the affections and experience of
the sincere Christian.
 
* The title. (1) The church confesses her deformity. (2-6) The
church beseeches Christ to lead her to the resting-place of his
people. (7,8) Christ's commendation of the church, Her esteem
for Him. (9-17)
 
#1 This is "the Song of songs," excellent above any others, for
it is wholly taken up with describing the excellences of Christ,
and the love between him and his redeemed people.

#2-6 The church, or rather the believer, speaks here in the
character of the spouse of the King, the Messiah. The kisses of
his mouth mean those assurances of pardon with which believers
are favoured, filling them with peace and joy in believing, and
causing them to abound in hope by the power of the Holy Ghost.
Gracious souls take most pleasure in loving Christ, and being
loved of him. Christ's love is more valuable and desirable than
the best this world can give. The name of Christ is not now like
ointment sealed up, but like ointment poured forth; which
denotes the freeness and fulness of the setting forth of his
grace by the gospel. Those whom he has redeemed and sanctified,
are here the virgins that love Jesus Christ, and follow him
whithersoever he goes, #Re 14:4|. They entreat him to draw them
by the quickening influences of his Spirit. The more clearly we
discern Christ's glory, the more sensible shall we be that we
are unable to follow him suitably, and at the same time be more
desirous of doing it. Observe the speedy answer given to this
prayer. Those who wait at Wisdom's gate, shall be led into truth
and comfort. And being brought into this chamber, our griefs
will vanish. We have no joy but in Christ, and for this we are
indebted to him. We will remember to give thanks for thy love;
it shall make more lasting impressions upon us than any thing in
this world. Nor is any love acceptable to Christ but love in
sincerity, #Eph 6:24|. The daughters of Jerusalem may mean
professors not yet established in the faith. The spouse was
black as the tents of the wandering Arabs, but comely as the
magnificent curtains in the palaces of Solomon. The believer is
black, as being defiled and sinful by nature, but comely, as
renewed by Divine grace to the holy image of God. He is still
deformed with remains of sin, but comely as accepted in Christ.
He is often base and contemptible in the esteem of men, but
excellent in the sight of God. The blackness was owing to the
hard usage that had been suffered. The children of the church,
her mother, but not of God, her Father, were angry with her.
They had made her suffer hardships, which caused her to neglect
the care of her soul. Thus, under the emblem of a poor female,
made the chosen partner of a prince, we are led to consider the
circumstances in which the love of Christ is accustomed to find
its objects. They were wretched slaves of sin, in toil, or in
sorrow, weary and heavy laden, but how great the change when the
love of Christ is manifested to their souls!

#7,8 Observe the title given to Christ, O Thou whom my soul
loveth. Those that do so, may come to him boldly, and may humbly
plead with him. Is it with God's people a noon-time of outward
troubles, inward conflicts? Christ has rest for them. Those
whose souls love Jesus Christ, earnestly desire to share in the
privileges of his flock. Turning aside from Christ is what
gracious souls dread more than anything else. God is ready to
answer prayer. Follow the track, ask for the good old way,
observe the footsteps of the flock, look what has been the
practice of godly people. Sit under the direction of good
ministers; beside the tents of the under shepherds. Bring thy
charge with thee, they shall all be welcome. It will be the
earnest desire and prayer of the Christian, that God would so
direct him in his worldly business, and so order his situation
and employment, that he may have his Lord and Saviour always
before him.

#9-17 The Bridegroom gives high praises of his spouse. In the
sight of Christ believers are the excellent of the earth, fitted
to be instruments for promoting his glory. The spiritual gifts
and graces which Christ bestows on every true believer, are
described by the ornaments then in use, ver. #10,11|. The graces
of the saints are many, but there is dependence upon each other.
He who is the Author, will be the Finisher of the good work. The
grace received from Christ's fulness, springs forth into lively
exercises of faith, affection, and gratitude. Yet Christ, not
his gifts, is most precious to them. The word translated
"camphire," signifies "atonement or propitiation." Christ is
dear to all believers, because he is the propitiation for their
sins. No pretender must have his place in the soul. They
resolved to lodge him in their hearts all the night; during the
continuance of the troubles of life. Christ takes delight in the
good work which his grace has wrought on the souls of believers.
This should engage all who are made holy, to be very thankful
for that grace which has made those fair, who by nature were
deformed. The spouse (the believer) has a humble, modest eye,
discovering simplicity and godly sincerity; eyes enlightened and
guided by the Holy Spirit, that blessed Dove. The church
expresses her value for Christ. Thou art the great Original, but
I am but a faint and imperfect copy. Many are fair to look at,
yet their temper renders them unpleasant: but Christ is fair,
yet pleasant. The believer, ver. #16|, speaks with praise of
those holy ordinances in which true believers have fellowship
with Christ. Whether the believer is in the courts of the Lord,
or in retirement; whether following his daily labours, or
confined on the bed of sickness, or even in a dungeon, a sense
of the Divine presence will turn the place into a paradise. Thus
the soul, daily having fellowship with the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Spirit, enjoys a lively hope of an incorruptible,
undefiled, and unfading inheritance above.
$-$-$- SO:2
 
* The mutual love of Christ and his church. (1-7) The hope and
calling of the church. (8-13) Christ's care of the church, Her
faith and hope. (14-17)
 
#1-7 Believers are beautiful, as clothed in the righteousness of
Christ; and fragrant, as adorned with the graces of his Spirit;
and they thrive under the refreshing beams of the Sun of
righteousness. The lily is a very noble plant in the East; it
grows to a considerable height, but has a weak stem. The church
is weak in herself, yet is strong in Him that supports her. The
wicked, the daughters of this world, who have no love to Christ,
are as thorns, worthless and useless, noxious and hurtful.
Corruptions are thorns in the flesh; but the lily now among
thorns, shall be transplanted into that paradise where there is
no brier or thorn. The world is a barren tree to the soul; but
Christ is a fruitful one. And when poor souls are parched with
convictions of sin, with the terrors of the law, or the troubles
of this world, weary and heavy laden, they may find rest in
Christ. It is not enough to pass by this shadow, but we must sit
down under it. Believers have tasted that the Lord Jesus is
gracious; his fruits are all the precious privileges of the new
covenant, purchased by his blood, and communicated by his
Spirit; promises are sweet to a believer, and precepts also.
Pardons are sweet, and peace of conscience sweet. If our mouths
are out of taste for the pleasures of sin, Divine consolations
will be sweet to us. Christ brings the soul to seek and to find
comforts through his ordinances, which are as a banqueting-house
where his saints feast with him. The love of Christ, manifested
by his death, and by his word, is the banner he displays, and
believers resort to it. How much better is it with the soul when
sick from love to Christ, than when surfeited with the love of
this world! And though Christ seemed to have withdrawn, yet he
was even then a very present help. All his saints are in his
hand, which tenderly holds their aching heads. Finding Christ
thus nigh to her, the soul is in great care that her communion
with him is not interrupted. We easily grieve the Spirit by
wrong tempers. Let those who have comfort, fear sinning it away.

#8-13 The church pleases herself with thoughts of further
communion with Christ. None besides can speak to the heart. She
sees him come. This may be applied to the prospect the Old
Testament saints had of Christ's coming in the flesh. He comes
as pleased with his own undertaking. He comes speedily. Even
when Christ seems to forsake, it is but for a moment; he will
soon return with everlasting loving-kindness. The saints of old
saw him, appearing through the sacrifices and ceremonial
institutions. We see him through a glass darkly, as he manifests
himself through the lattices. Christ invites the new convert to
arise from sloth and despondency, and to leave sin and worldly
vanities, for union and communion with him. The winter may mean
years passed in ignorance and sin, unfruitful and miserable, or
storms and tempests that accompanied his conviction of guilt and
danger. Even the unripe fruits of holiness are pleasant unto Him
whose grace has produced them. All these encouraging tokens and
evidences of Divine favour, are motives to the soul to follow
Christ more fully. Arise then, and come away from the world and
the flesh, come into fellowship with Christ. This blessed change
is owing wholly to the approaches and influences of the Sun of
righteousness.

#14-17 The church is Christ's dove; she returns to him, as her
Noah. Christ is the Rock, in whom alone she can think herself
safe, and find herself easy, as a dove in the hole of a rock,
when struck at by the birds of prey. Christ calls her to come
boldly to the throne of grace, having a great High Priest there,
to tell what her request is. Speak freely, fear not a slight or
a repulse. The voice of prayer is sweet and acceptable to God;
those who are sanctified have the best comeliness. The first
risings of sinful thoughts and desires, the beginnings of
trifling pursuits which waste the time, trifling visits, small
departures from truth, whatever would admit some conformity to
the world; all these, and many more, are little foxes which must
be removed. This is a charge to believers to mortify their
sinful appetites and passions, which are as little foxes, that
destroy their graces and comforts, and crush good beginnings.
Whatever we find a hinderance to us in that which is good, we
must put away. He feedeth among the lilies; this shows Christ's
gracious presence among believers. He is kind to all his people.
It becomes them to believe this, when under desertion and
absence, and so to ward off temptations. The shadows of the
Jewish dispensation were dispelled by the dawning of the gospel
day. And a day of comfort will come after a night of desertion.
Come over the mountains of Bether, "the mountains that divide,"
looking forward to that day of light and love. Christ will come
over every separating mountain to take us home to himself.
$-$-$- SO:3
 
* The trials of the church by the withdrawing of Christ. (1-5)
The excellences of the church, The care of Christ for her.
(6-11)
 
#1-5 It was hard to the Old Testament church to find Christ in
the ceremonial law; the watchmen of that church gave little
assistance to those who sought after him. The night is a time of
coldness, darkness, and drowsiness, and of dim apprehensions
concerning spiritual things. At first, when uneasy, some feeble
efforts are made to obtain the comfort of communion with Christ.
This proves in vain; the believer is then roused to increased
diligence. The streets and broad-ways seem to imply the means of
grace in which the Lord is to be sought. Application is made to
those who watch for men's souls. Immediate satisfaction is not
found. We must not rest in any means, but by faith apply
directly to Christ. The holding of Christ, and not letting him
go, denotes earnest cleaving to him. What prevails is a humble,
ardent suing by prayer, with a lively exercise of faith on his
promises. So long as the faith of believers keeps hold of
Christ, he will not be offended at their earnest asking, yea, he
is well pleased with it. The believer desires to make others
acquainted with his Saviour. Wherever we find Christ, we must
take him home with us to our houses, especially to our hearts;
and we should call upon ourselves and each other, to beware of
grieving our holy Comforter, and provoking the departure of the
Beloved.

#6-11 A wilderness is an emblem of the world; the believer comes
out of it when he is delivered from the love of its sinful
pleasures and pursuits, and refuses to comply with its customs
and fashions, to seek happiness in communion with the Saviour. A
poor soul shall come up, at last, under the conduct of the
Comforter; like a cloud of incense ascending from the altar, or
the smoke of the burnt-offerings. This signifies pious and
devout affections, and the mounting of the soul heaven-ward. The
believer is filled with the graces of God's Spirit; his
devotions now are very lively. These graces and comforts are
from the heavenly Canaan. He, who is the Peace of his people,
the King of the heavenly Zion, has provided for the safe
conveyance of his redeemed through the wilderness of this world.
The bed, or palanquin, was contrived for rest and easy
conveyance, but its beauty and magnificence showed the quality
of its owner. The church is well guarded; more are with her than
are against her: believers, when they repose in Christ, and with
him, though they have their fears in the night, are yet safe.
The chariot here denotes the covenant of redemption, the way of
our salvation. This is that work of Christ, which makes him
loved and admired in the eyes of believers. It is framed and
contrived, both for the glory of Christ, and for the comfort of
believers; it is well ordered in all things and sure. The blood
of the covenant, that rich purple, is the cover of this chariot,
by which believers are sheltered from the wind and storms of
Divine wrath, and the troubles of this world; but the midst of
it is that love of Christ which passes knowledge, this is for
believers to repose upon. Christ, in his gospel, manifests
himself. Take special notice of his crown. Applying this to
Christ, it speaks the honour put upon him, and his power and
dominion.
$-$-$- SO:4
 
* Christ sets forth the graces of the church. (1-7) Christ's
love to the church. (8-15) The church desires further influences
of Divine grace. (16)
 
#1-7 If each of these comparisons has a meaning applicable to
the graces of the church, or of the faithful Christian, they are
not clearly known; and great mistakes are made by fanciful
guesses. The mountain of myrrh appears to mean the mountain
Moriah, on which the temple was built, where the incense was
burned, and the people worshipped the Lord. This was his
residence till the shadows of the law given to Moses were
dispersed by the breaking of the gospel day, and the rising of
the Sun of righteousness. And though, in respect of his human
nature, Christ is absent from his church on earth, and will
continue to be so till the heavenly day break, yet he is
spiritually present in his ordinances, and with his people. How
fair and comely are believers, when justified in Christ's
righteousness, and adorned with spiritual graces! when their
thoughts, words, and deeds, though imperfect, are pure,
manifesting a heart nourished by the gospel!

#8-15 Observe the gracious call Christ gives to the church. It
is, 1. A precept; so this is Christ's call to his church to come
off from the world. These hills seem pleasant, but there are in
them lions' dens; they are mountains of the leopards. 2. As a
promise; many shall be brought as members of the church, from
every point. The church shall be delivered from her persecutors
in due time, though now she dwells among lions, #Ps 57:4|.
Christ's heart is upon his church; his treasure is therein; and
he delights in the affection she has for him; its working in the
heart, and its works in the life. The odours wherewith the
spouse is perfumed, are as the gifts and graces of the Spirit.
Love and obedience to God are more pleasing to Christ than
sacrifice or incense. Christ having put upon his spouse the
white raiment of his own righteousness, and the righteousness of
saints, and perfumed it with holy joy and comfort, he is well
pleased with it. And Christ walks in his garden unseen. A hedge
of protection is made around, which all the powers of darkness
cannot break through. The souls of believers are as gardens
enclosed, where is a well of living water, #Joh 4:14; 7:38|, the
influences of the Holy Spirit. The world knows not these wells
of salvation, nor can any opposer corrupt this fountain. Saints
in the church, and graces in the saints, are fitly compared to
fruits and spices. They are planted, and do not grow of
themselves. They are precious; they are the blessings of this
earth. They will be kept to good purpose when flowers are
withered. Grace, when ended in glory, will last for ever. Christ
is the source which makes these gardens fruitful; even a well of
living waters.

#16 The church prays for the influences of the blessed Spirit,
to make this garden fruitful. Graces in the soul are as spices
in these gardens, that in them which is valuable and useful. The
blessed Spirit, in his work upon the soul, is as the wind. There
is the north wind of conviction, and the south wind of comfort.
He stirs up good affections, and works in us both to will and to
do that which is good. The church invites Christ. Let him have
the honour of all the garden produces, and let us have the
comfort of his acceptance of it. We can invite him to nothing
but what is his own already. The believer can have no joy of the
fruits, unless they redound some way or other to the glory of
Christ. Let us then seek to keep separate from the world, as a
garden enclosed, and to avoid conformity thereto.
$-$-$- SO:5
 
* Christ's answer. (1) The disappointments of the church from
her own folly. (2-8) The excellences of Christ. (9-16)
 
#1 See how ready Christ is to accept the invitations of his
people. What little good there is in us would be lost, if he did
not preserve it to himself. He also invites his beloved people
to eat and drink abundantly. The ordinances in which they honour
him, are means of grace.

#2-8 Churches and believers, by carelessness and security,
provoke Christ to withdraw. We ought to notice our spiritual
slumbers and distempers. Christ knocks to awaken us, knocks by
his word and Spirit, knocks by afflictions and by our
consciences; thus, #Re 3:20|. When we are unmindful of Christ,
still he thinks of us. Christ's love to us should engage ours to
him, even in the most self-denying instances; and we only can be
gainers by it. Careless souls put slights on Jesus Christ.
Another could not be sent to open the door. Christ calls to us,
but we have no mind, or pretend we have no strength, or we have
no time, and think we may be excused. Making excuses is making
light of Christ. Those put contempt upon Christ, who cannot find
in their hearts to bear a cold blast, or to leave a warm bed for
him. See the powerful influences of Divine grace.  He put in his
hand to unbolt the door, as one weary of waiting. This betokens
a work of the Spirit upon the soul. The believer's rising above
self-indulgence, seeking by prayer for the consolations of
Christ, and to remove every hinderance to communion with him;
these actings of the soul are represented by the hands dropping
sweet-smelling myrrh upon the handles of the locks. But the
Beloved was gone! By absenting himself, Christ will teach his
people to value his gracious visits more highly. Observe, the
soul still calls Christ her Beloved. Every desertion is not
despair. Lord, I believe, though I must say, Lord, help my
unbelief. His words melted me, yet, wretch that I was, I made
excuses. The smothering and stifling of convictions will be very
bitter to think of, when God opens our eyes. The soul went in
pursuit of him; not only prayed, but used means, sought him in
the ways wherein he used to be found. The watchmen wounded me.
Some refer it to those who misapply the word to awakened
consciences. The charge to the daughters of Jerusalem, seems to
mean the distressed believer's desire of the prayers of the
feeblest Christian. Awakened souls are more sensible of Christ's
withdrawings than of any other trouble.

#9-16 Even those who have little acquaintance with Christ,
cannot but see amiable beauty in others who bear his image.
There are hopes of those who begin to inquire concerning Christ
and his perfections. Christians, who are well acquainted with
Christ themselves, should do all they can to make others know
something of him. Divine glory makes him truly lovely in the
eyes of all who are enlightened to discern spiritual things. He
is white in the spotless innocence of his life, ruddy in the
bleeding sufferings he went through at his death. This
description of the person of the Beloved, would form, in the
figurative language of those times, a portrait of beauty of
person and of grace of manners; but the aptness of some of the
allusions may not appear to us. He shall come to be glorified in
his saints, and to be admired in all that believe. May his love
constrain us to live to his glory.
$-$-$- SO:6
 
* Inquiry where Christ must be sought. (1) Where Christ may be
found. (2,3) Christ's commendations of the church. (4-10) The
work of grace in the believer. (11-13)
 
#1 Those made acquainted with the excellences of Christ, and the
comfort of an interest in him, desire to know where they may
meet him. Those who would find Christ, must seek him early and
diligently.

#2,3 Christ's church is a garden, enclosed, and separated from
the world; he takes care of it, delights in it, and visits it.
Those who would find Christ, must attend him in his ordinances,
the word, sacraments, and prayer. When Christ comes to his
church, it is to entertain his friends. And to take believers to
himself: he picks the lilies one by one; and at the great day he
will send forth his angels to gather all his lilies, that he may
be for ever admired in them. The death of a believer is not more
than the owner of a garden plucking a favourite flower; and He
will preserve it from withering, yea, cause it to flourish for
ever, with increasing beauty. If our own hearts can witness for
us that we are Christ's, question not his being ours, for the
covenant never breaks on his side. It is the comfort of the
church, that he feeds among the lilies, that he takes delight in
his people.

#4-10 All the real excellence and holiness on earth centre in
the church. Christ goes forth subduing his enemies, while his
followers gain victories over the world, the flesh, and the
devil. He shows the tenderness of a Redeemer, the delight he
takes in his redeemed people, and the workings of his own grace
in them. True believers alone can possess the beauty of
holiness. And when their real character is known, it will be
commended. Both the church and believers, at their first
conversion, look forth as the morning, their light being small,
but increasing. As to their sanctification, they are fair as the
moon, deriving all their light, grace, and holiness from Christ;
and as to justification, clear as the sun, clothed with Christ,
the Sun of righteousness, and fighting the good fight of faith,
under the banners of Christ, against all spiritual enemies.

#11-13 In retirement and in meditation the Christian character
is formed and perfected. But not in the retirement of the idle,
the self-indulgent, or the trifler. When the Christian is
released from the discharge of his duties in life, the world has
no attractions for him. His prayer is, that all things belonging
to the Spirit may live and grow within him, and around him. Such
are the interesting cares and employments of him whom the world
wrongly deems unhappy, and lost to his true interests. In
humility and self-abasement, the humble Christian would turn
away from the sight of all; but the Lord delights to honour him.
Chiefly, however, may the reference be to the ministering angels
who shall be sent for the soul of the Christian. Their approach
may startle, but the departing soul shall find the Lord its
strength and its portion for ever. The church is called the
Shulamite: the word signifies perfection and peace; not in
herself, but in Christ, in whom she is complete, through his
righteousness; and has peace, which he made for her through his
blood, and gives unto her by his Spirit.
$-$-$- SO:7
 
* The graces of the church. (1-9) The delight of the church in
Christ. (10-13)
 
#1-9 The similitudes here are different from what they were
before, and in the original refer to glorious and splendid
clothing. Such honour have all his saints; and having put on
Christ, they are distinguished by their beautiful and glorious
apparel. They adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour in all
things. Consistent believers honour Christ, recommend the
gospel, and convince and awaken sinners. The church resembles
the stately and spreading palm; while her love for Christ, and
the obedience resulting therefrom, are precious fruit of the
true Vine. The King is held in the galleries. Christ takes
delight in the assemblies and ordinances of his people; and
admires the fruit of his grace in them. When applied to the
church and to each faithful Christian, all this denotes that
beauty of holiness, in which they shall be presented to their
heavenly Bridegroom.

#10-13 The church, the believing soul, triumphs in its relation
to Christ, and interest in him. She humbly desires communion
with him. Let us walk together, that I may receive counsel,
instruction, and comfort from thee; and may make known my wants
and my grievances to thee, with freedom, and without
interruption. Communion with Christ is what all that are made
holy earnestly breathe after. And those who would converse with
Christ, must go forth from the world. Wherever we are, we may
keep up communion with God. Nor should we go where we cannot in
faith ask him to go with us. Those who would go abroad with
Christ, must begin early in the morning of their days; must
begin every day with him, seek him early, seek him diligently. A
gracious soul can reconcile itself to the poorest places, if it
may have communion with God in them; but the most delightful
fields will not satisfy, unless the Beloved is there. Let us not
think to be satisfied with any earthly object. Our own souls are
our vineyards; they should be planted with useful trees. We
should often search whether we are fruitful in righteousness.
Christ's presence will make the vine flourish, and the tender
grapes appear, as the returning sun revives the gardens. If we
can appeal to him, Thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I
love thee; if his Spirit witness with our spirit, that our souls
prosper, it is enough. And we must beg of him to search and try
us, to discover us to ourselves. The fruits and exercises of
graces are pleasant to the Lord Jesus. These must be laid up,
and always ready; that by our bringing forth much fruit, he may
be glorified. It is all from him, therefore it is fit it should
be all for him.
$-$-$- SO:8
 
* Desire for communion with Christ. (1-4) The vehemence of this
desire. (5-7) The church pleads for others. (8-12) And prays for
Christ's coming. (13,14)
 
#1-4 The church wishes for the constant intimacy and freedom
with the Lord Jesus that a sister has with a brother. That they
might be as his brethren, which they are, when by grace they are
made partakers of a Divine nature. Christ is become as our
Brother; wherever we find him, let us be ready to own our
relation to him, and affection for him, and not fear being
despised for it. Is there in us an ardent wish to serve Christ
more and better? What then have we laid up in store, to show our
affection to the Beloved of our souls? What fruit unto holiness?
The church charges all her children that they never provoke
Christ to withdraw. We should reason with ourselves, when
tempted to do what would grieve the Spirit.

#5-7 The Jewish church came up from the wilderness, supported by
Divine power and favour. The Christian church was raised from a
low, desolate condition, by the grace of Christ relied on.
Believers, by the power of grace, are brought up from the
wilderness. A sinful state is a wilderness in which there is no
true comfort; it is a wandering, wanting state: There is no
coming out of this wilderness, but leaning on Christ as our
Beloved, by faith; not leaning to our own understanding, nor
trusting in any righteousness of our own; but in the strength of
him, who is the Lord our Righteousness. The words of the church
to Christ which follow, entreat an abiding place in his love,
and protection by his power. Set me as a seal upon thine heart;
let me always have a place in thine heart; let me have an
impression of love upon thine heart. Of this the soul would be
assured, and without a sense thereof no rest is to be found.
Those who truly love Christ, are jealous of every thing that
would draw them from him; especially of themselves, lest they
should do any thing to provoke him to withdraw from them. If we
love Christ, the fear of coming short of his love, or the
temptations to forsake him, will be most painful to us. No
waters can quench Christ's love to us, nor any floods drown it.
Let nothing abate our love to him. Nor will life, and all its
comforts, entice a believer from loving Christ. Love of Christ,
will enable us to repel and triumph over temptations from the
smiles of the world, as well as from its frowns.

#8-12 The church pleads for the Gentiles, who then had not the
word of God, nor the means of grace. Those who are brought to
Christ themselves, should contrive what they may do to help
others to him. Babes in Christ are always seen among Christians,
and the welfare of their weak brethren is an object of continual
prayer with the stronger believers. If the beginning of this
work were likened to a wall built upon Him the precious
Foundation and Corner-stone, then the Gentile church would
become as a palace for the great King, built of solid silver. If
the first preaching of the gospel were as the making a door
through the wall of partition, that door should be lasting, as
cased with boards of durable cedar. She shall be carefully and
effectually protected, enclosed so as to receive no damage. The
church is full of care for those yet uncalled. Christ says, I
will do all that is necessary to be done for them. See with what
satisfaction we should look back upon the times and seasons,
when we were in his eyes as those that find favour. Our hearts
are our vineyards, which we must keep with all diligence. To
Christ, and to his praise, all our fruits must be dedicated. All
that work for Christ, work for themselves, and shall be
unspeakable gainers by it.

#13,14 These verses close the conference between Christ and his
church. He first addresses her as dwelling in the gardens, the
assemblies and ordinances of his saints. He exhorts her to be
constant and frequent in prayers, supplications, and praises, in
which he delights. She replies, craving his speedy return to
take her to be wholly with Him. The heavens, those high
mountains of sweet spices, must contain Christ, till the times
come, when every eye shall see him, in all the glory of the
better world. True believers as they are looking for, so they
are hastening to the coming of that day of the Lord. Let every
Christian endeavour to perform the duties of his station, that
men may see his good works, and glorify his heavenly Father.
Continuing earnest in prayer for what we want, our thanksgivings
will abound, and our joy will be full; our souls will be
enriched, and our labours prospered. We shall be enabled to look
forward to death and judgment without fear. Even so, come, Lord
Jesus.