An Exposition of the Song of Songs, Chapter 5
CHAP. V.
The King.
The Apoſtaſie of the Chriſtian Church.
Notes explaining Words and Senſe together. 1This Invitation of Chriſt to come, ſhews the earneſtneſs of the Apoſtaſie to entitle Chriſt to this Falſe Chriſtianity, and Chriſts refuſal upon the account that he had Eaten ſhews the time of the Churches purity paſt.WHY doſt Thou call, Spouſe-Siſter, why ſo faſt
To do what's done, and now the Seaſons paſt?[I am come into my Garden, my Siſter-Spouſe]
My Garden I have view'd, my Myrrh, my Spice
I have ſecur'd; Have Eaten once, and twice[I have gathered my Spice, with my Myrrh, I have eaten my Honey Comb with my Honey; I have drunk my Wine with my Milk; Eat O Friends, drink abundantly, O Beloveds]
My Honey with its Comb; My Milk with Wine
Have drunk; There's nothing that is mine,
But I enjoy'd my ſelf; This latter Spring
Is nothing to me;Notes explaining Words and Senſe together. 2What could be more plainly ſignificant of the Churches having embrac'd other Lovers than Chriſt, than refuſing himſelf, and throwing thoſe Proviſions upon them by a Sarcaſtical Excitation of them to Eat and Drink abundantly; Like Solomon, Ecceles. Rejoyce Oh young Men, &c. To my Rivals bring
All this new ſtore; You new Loves, Eat and Drink,
Let all that's new into your Banquet ſink:
What's from my Word deriv'd, on that I Feaſt,
Let thoſe upſtart Beloved's take the reſt,
And now you your ſelves glut, you Loves of ſenſe,
I give you Freedom, thoughNotes explaining Words and Senſe together. 3It was at Chriſts Expence, He being Robb'd of that was indeed due to him, and though, as corrupted, He would not accept it, yet it was in pretenſion of Service and Devotion to Him, as all Superſtitions, Honours of Saints, Images, Days, the Hoaſt, &c. are. at my Expence.
The Spouſe.
I find my Senſes ty'd, my Parts benumm'd,
That outward lye;Notes explaining Words and Senſe together. 4Theſe Superſtitions are like Vapours of ſtumm'd Wine that benum and ſtupifie the Soul in True Religion. The dull Narcotick ſtumm[I Sleep]
Of my new mingled Wines,Notes explaining Words and Senſe together. 5Muſhrom Fruits, like the Gods new come up, Deuteron. 32. the Muſhrom Fruits
To which my Love I call'd, which He Refutes
In claiming to be his; Oppreſs my Senſe;
Yet ſtill my Heart reſiſts the Violence;
And wakes 'midſt of theſe Charms; Better I know,[But my Heart waketh]
Better I love, while theſe Fumes over-flow
Notes explaining Words and Senſe together. 6There was in the worſt of the Times of the Apoſtles a number of the Elect, that like a waking Heart heard Chriſt's Voice, roſe to ſeek Him: And this was the True Church before Luther.My free'r Mind my Love's ſo faſt Ally,
That He'll reprize it from the Sorcery,[It is the Voice of my Beloved that knocketh]
That would Enchant it; Hark, it is his Voice
That now does Call, He Knocks; now I rejoyce.
While yet I fear, for thus He me Eſſays,
As in that nobler Heart, that ne'r betrays
Its Faith.—
The King.
[Open to me my Siſter, my Love, my undefiled]Notes explaining Words and Senſe together. 1It is moſt carefully to be heeded, before the True Church came to ſeparate from the Falſe, and to Renounce it; It is ſpoken to, as having them that hold the Doctrine of Balam, Revel. 2. as the Church of Pergamus is addreſſed.My Love, my Dove, my Undefil'd
Open right now to me who am beguil'd
Notes explaining Words and Senſe together. 2Chriſt could not reſide in his Church as a Church, but makes a private Viſit to his Witneſſes and Servants, and complains as one thruſt out in the dark and moiſture of the Night.Of my due Reſidence; Who in this Night
[For my Head is wet with Dew, and my Locks with the Drops of the Night]Under the Moons moiſt Empire am bedight,
My Head and Locks, with Drops that on them light,
Notes explaining Words and Senſe together. 3The Falſe Honour put upon Chriſt by Superſtitious Devotions, may well be compared to the Drops and Dew of the Night, as its counterfeit Jewels: And ſo this Night and the Months under the Moon and Empreſs of the Night twice mention'd in the Revelation Agree, Revel. 11. Revel. 13.As counterfeited Jewels of the Dark,
Exhal'd, but not Concoc't, they bear the mark
Of the half-virtu'd Beams, that from the Moon
Fall Chill and Pale; whoſe Influences ſoon
Are loſt, and can to no Perfection mount;
Of all that's True my higher Light's the Fount.
The Spouſe Anſwers.
Notes explaining Words and Senſe together. 4The Coat put off, was that ſimplicity of the Goſpel: The Bed a Bed of Eaſe, Senſuality, Pomp and State of a Ceremonious Religion, and full of Spiritual Fornication and Adultery, as it after grew.That plainer Coat of Holineſs and Zeal
Of Truth, that did at firſt the Goſpel Seal
[I have put off my Coat, how ſhall I put it on?]I have put off, with that ſimplicity;
Now in a Bed of Eaſe and State I lye
Bedeck'd with Ceremonious Gayeties ſhew,
How can I then that Former ſtate renew?
[I have waſh'd my Feet, how ſhall I defile them again]Notes explaining Words and Senſe together. 5The true Mortification, Travel, and Sufferings of Religion were laid a ſide, like the waſhing the Feet, and muſt be no more defiled with the former Poverty and Hardſhips.The ſoyl of Goſpel Travels, rough and poor,
I have waſhd from my Feet;Notes explaining Words and Senſe together. 6This the True Servants of God ſpoke, as having the Falſe Chriſtianity encumbring them. Not from my Door
I move now but in Equipage; To tread the Ground
With new Defilement, but to Think does wound
My Senſe ſo delicate; I paint the Dream
That Faſcinates my Foreign Members, ſtill the ſtream
Of a much higher Soul to thee doth run,
Though under Ground impurer Veins to ſhun.[My Beloved put his Hand in by the hole of the Lock]
But at thy Summons it ſtarts out,Notes explaining the Senſe. 1This very gracious Approach of Chriſt to his ſealed Servants preſerved a True Church of Pergamus, under the Name of the Apoſtaſie, even where the Throne of Satan was. for when my love
His Fragrant Fingers in the Lock did move,
ThisNotes explaining the Senſe. 2In this Church thoſe Servants of God were the waking Heart. reach'd my Heart; Eftſoons my Bowels turn'd,[And my Bowels were moved for Him]
As by elaſtic Force to Him; My Paſſions burn'd
And ſparkled to a Flame, ſtrait to the Door[I roſe up to open to my Beloved]
I poaſt t'unſeal the Lock; No ſoyling Floor
Now frights my Feet,Notes explaining the Senſe. 3There were ſuch gracious Intimations of Chriſt from himſelf that were fitly expreſs'd by ſuch Emblems, as we here find, viz. Chriſt Knocking, Speaking, putting his Odoriferous Hands into the holes of the Locks. and when I touch'd the Lock,[My Hands dropped with Myrrh, my Fingers with the ſweet ſmelling Myrrh]
The ſmelling Myrrh, as Waters from a Rock,
The ſmelling Myrrhs guſh'd from the Lock; The Oyls
Around my Hands, my Fingers ſwim, this boyls
My Heart with Paſſions freſh, in haſte I ope[I opened to my Beloved]
To my Belov'd, mov'd with a joyful Hope
To find Him there;Notes explaining the Senſe. 4All which prevail'd to this, that Chriſt ſhould be ſought after in another way than the general ſtate of the Apoſtaſie allow'd, and gave Countenance to. But then I ſoon deſcry'd[But my Beloved, had withdrawn himſelf]
Withdrawn from me he far himſelf did hide,
Not from my Soul to him indear'd, but from that load
Of outward Parts my new encumbring mode:[My Soul failed when He ſpoke]
His Spirit moves that very Soul, the ſwoon[I ſought Him, but I could not find Him]
Goes off,Notes explaining the Senſe. 5For the Servants of God ſeeking him in that Publick and General Apoſtaſie call'd a Church, could not find Him. all ways I fly to find him ſoon,
Repeated Calls I ſend, no Anſwer greets
From Him my thirſty Ear; Nor in the Streets[I call'd Him, but he gave me no Anſwer]
My cloſe Reſearches gain the hop'd ſucceſs,
That ſhould my wearied ſteps with my Love bleſs;
[The Watch-men that went about the City, found me]The City Watch of Prophets, that eſpy
All paſſes, Jealous ſpy'd me ſayling by,
Notes explaining Words and Senſe together. 1Of the publick Preachers or Prophets compar'd to Watch-men, the Servants of God knew it was in vain to ask.Theſe Prophets in diſguiſe my Soul diſdain'd:
I ask'd them nothing, 'cauſe I knew them wain'd
From my beſt Love to their Beloved's new,
[They ſmote me]So at my ſearch for onelyonly mine they grew
[They wounded me]To heights of Rage; They ſmite, they deeply wound,
[The Keepers of the Wall took away my Veil from me]As with a Paſt'ral Staff, Curſes they ſound,
And loud Anathema's; The Guards o'th' Walls,
The higherNotes explaining Words and Senſe together. 2The Church Rulers, and all that Authority ſmote the Church with all kind of Spiritual Puniſhments, and gave them up alſo to the Secular Power. *High-Prieſts.Pontiffes leave their Rev'rend Stalls,
And as the Sons of Belial force my Veil,
Of my inviolable Faith the Seal.
AsNotes explaining Words and Senſe together. 3Excommunication cannot be more emphatically deſcribed, than by taking away the Churches Veil, the Emblem of its True Faith, and Holy Worſhip, wherein the Chaſtity of a Church conſiſts. Excommunicate They ſtrip the Name
Of Spouſe from me, my modeſty defame;
My Veil rend from me, as upbreiding them
Now proſtitute to a falſe ſpurious Stem
Of Baal's, as Husbands; Salem's Daughters pure,
Whom though the grand Apoſtaſie immure,
As in a ſecret Temple, and your Hue
[I charge you oh ye Daughters of Jeruſalem, if ye find my Beloved, that ye tell Him I am ſick of Love]The Sackcloth marr, your Witneſs yet ſtands true;
I charge you, if my Love you find, you tell,
How high my Paſſions to a Sickneſs ſwell,
Of Love, till I may Him, like him enjoy,
And for himſelf my Service whole employ;
Tell him by Prayer, tell him by earneſt Crys,
His Spouſe is ſick, and if He comes not, Dyes.
Chorus.
Thus the True Church in Pergamus did Wake,
As that much higher Soul, when th' Bulk did take
*Balaam ſignifies too lofty.Lethargick ſlumbers, thick withNotes explaining Words and Senſe together. 4The Apoſtate part of the Church were as Men in in a Spiritual Lethargy by the Fumes of the Doctrine of Balaam. Balaam's Fumes;
When that High Prophet, and his Church their Plumes
So wide is ſpread, that theNotes explaining the Words and Senſe together. 1The True Church were in the mean time earneſt for a purer Enjoyment of Chriſt. True Church muſt fly
Into the Wilds, and*Antipapal. Revel. 2. 12. &c. c. 11. 3. Revel. 12. 17. 19. Antipas muſt dye,
BecauſeNotes explaining the Words and Senſe together. 2The Servants of God, who kept the Commandments of God, and held the Teſtimony of Jeſus, were true Witneſſes, however in Sackcloth, and made up the true Church however in a Wilderneſs. They held their Faith to th' Sovereign Name,
When Satan's Throne preſum'd ſo high a Claim.
Notes explaining the Words and Senſe together. 3The time of the Witneſſes killing, of Antipas or the Antipapal Witneſſes being ſlain, was the very Time that the Watchmen and Keepers of the Walls wounded the Spouſe, and took away her Veil. The Apoſtacy, as appears by the Line of Time, began in the Vulgar Year 437, and the Beaſt came to his Power of Fourty Two Months at the Vulgar Year 475, when the Weſtern Empire ceas'd.The Year four hundred thirty ſeven
Mounts to height this Apoſtatic Leven;
Add thirty eight, and to the Throne they bring
Notes explaining the Words and Senſe together. 4Revel. 17. 11. He is the Eighth, and is of the Seven.Baal Pope, the Eighth, and yet the Seventh King;
Notes explaining the Words and Senſe together. 5Here the Times of the Gentiles, that the Scripture eſpecially deſign'd begin, and with them the Gentile Peſt, before ſpoken of, viz. The treading under foot the outward Profeſſion of Chriſtianity, and abuſing the Name of the Catholick Church by thoſe who pretended to be Chriſtians, that is, Adopted Jews, but lyed and were Antichriſtians: Together with this Apoſtacy begin thoſe repeated Characters of Time, the 1260 Days for Years; The Gentiles 42 Months, into which are engraſted the Beaſts 42 Months, Ann. 47…, the three Days and a half, and Time, Times, Half a Time; Now joyning the Gentiles, and the Beaſts 42 Months one into another; all theſe begin and end together.Here The Twelve hundred ſixty Sackcloth Days
With th' Wilderneſs concurring, Tread their Lays:
The Gentile-Times, Moons forty two Confine,
And here begin; Imp'd into which conſign
To th' Beaſt like Fourty Two, To Sev'nty Five
'Bove Hundreds four, when th' Vulgar Ere did thrive;
Notes explaining the Words and Senſe together. 6The times of Apoſtacy are fitly deſcribed by the time of the Night in this Song, and of the Moon in the Revelation, as the Kingdom of Chriſt by the Day, and the full Glory of his Kingdom by the Day Breaking, and all Shadows flying away.Thus Time o'th' Moon, the Empreſs of the Night
Equals the Days under the Lord of Light:
Thus both ſet out, and end alike; with both
Time, Times, Half Time, are ſettled under Oath:
Notes explaining the Words and Senſe together. 7The Smiting, Wounding, and taking away the Veil by the Watch-men Keepers of the Wall, does moſt remarkably correſpond with the Death of the Witneſſes, that I date to the Beaſts Number 666, in the Year of the Vulgar Account 725.Now from ſix Hundred ſixty ſix Fam'd Year
(Seven Hundred Twenty Fifth of th' common Ere)
Till ſixteen Hundred ninety ſeven ſhall
Of the ſame Ere in Circle riſe, and fall;
The Antipapal Witneſſes ſhall ſeek
(While*Curſes of Excommunication. Anathems, Wounds and Death ſtill reek
From Hell them round;) and for their true Love cry
With publick Voice; They cry and then they Dye
Unheard; Till Salem's Daughters towards the Time
Notes explaining the Words and Senſe together. 8There were continual ſtrugglings to riſe out of the Apoſtacy from the Year 1400, till Luther roſe 1517, when the Daughters of Jeruſalem began to enquire after the true Beloved of the Church the Reformation.Of fourteen Hundred liſten to the Chime,
Then Thyatyra's Church Reform'd doth riſe,
And laſts midſt Death, till Morning Star it ſpies:
The Muſick firſt was low, then louder Peals
By Luther ſounded in thoſe high Appeals
To thoſe ſame Salem's Daughters; Who will know
Now whence thoſe Crys, thoſe ſolemn Charges grow.
The laſt One Hundred Eighty then remain
Of thoſe Twelve Hundred Sixty, which retain
Their juſt Allotment, and the whole are lock'd
In three Days and a half, wherein are ſhock'd
Notes explaining the Senſe. 1From Ann. Chriſt. Seven hundred twenty five or ſix, on which that ſo famous Year of the Beaſts Number fell to 1727, when the Witneſſes Proteſted; I look upon as the time of Witneſſes deep ſtate in Death, after the manner of our Lords being in the Grave.The Witneſſes by Death, that is, a part of each,
As Chriſts three Days in Grave, without the breach
Of Prophecy, are underſtood; So here the laſt
Of Day the Firſt, the whole of Two, then Faſt
On th' Morning of the laſt half Day enſue
Proteſted Witneſſes, who thus review
TheNotes explaining the Senſe. 2The Enquiry after the true Knowledge of Chriſt, was the very beginning of the Reformation, viz. of his Death and Redemption. true Belov'd, as from the Spouſe we hear,
To which increaſing Churches yield their Ear;
And nowNotes explaining the Senſe. 3It is moſt obſervable; Here is given a full Deſcription of Chriſt, and not of the Church, as throughout this Song in other Parts of it the Church is deſcribed, it not agreeing with its Beauty, of which two Reaſons may be given, 1. The Church is not deſcribed from the beginning of the Apoſtacy, till the end of it, 2. Becauſe nothing does more detect the Falſhood of the Papacy▪ and its Antichriſtianiſm, than to ſet the Deſcription of Chriſt part by part in oppoſition to it. the Spouſe deſcribes the King, the King
Not of the Spouſe (as through this Song) does ſing;
For while the Antichriſtian Beaſt doth Reign,
The Spouſe could not be drawn in Full Sans ſtain
Too foul for her to bear; Beſides the Loſs
Of Her Belov'd under ſo falſe a Gloſs
Was firſt to be detected by this Piece,
Which giving*From Head to Foot. Cap a Pe the King, unfleece
Muſt ſtrait the Wolf in Lambs diſguize, each Grace
Reſplendent in the King muſt needs Efface
The counterfeit, ForNotes explaining the Senſe. 1There is nothing, in which the Oppoſition is made more notorious than in the Flouriſhing Youth of Chriſt, as it were Reproaching the Papal Old Age. ever blooming Youth,
Strength, Beauty, Vigor, Life, Emblems of Truth
Make up the Portraict of the King ſo known
To every ſeeing Eye, that is its own,
It pulls the Vizor from the hoary Pape,
Who claiming from his Age commits the Rape
Of Antichriſtſhip, Languid, Pale and Wan,
Chill, Decrepid, Dying, can this Old Man
Vicar this Ever-living, Splendid, Frow'ring Prince?
Who now this Lying Bubble can't Evince
That hears the Spouſe thus Emblemate her Love?
To Love, whom won't thoſe lovely Emblems move?
The Chorus by the Daughters of Salem.The Portraicture of the Churches True Beloved, in Oppoſition to Antichrist, as may be fairly Expounded, Given by the Church of Thyatyra, Inducing the Reformation.
Notes explaining the Senſe. 2The firſt beginning of the Reformation, was the Acknowledgment of the Beauty of the ſincere Profeſſion of Chriſt, and that Then was the True Church.Oh Faireſt Woman, notwithſtand the Cloud
From thy Love loſt, that does thy Beauty ſhroud,
Draw us the Picture of thy Love,Notes explaining the Senſe. 3This ſtirs up to that Inquiry that was made after Chriſt, and the true Knowledge of Him, and does very illuſtriouſly deſcribe the Reaſonableneſs of the Reformation. that we[What is thy Beloved more than another Beloved, Oh thou Fairest among Women, that thou doſt thus Charge Ʋs?]
May know the Reaſons of thy Charge, and ſee
They're Good, and ſo be mov'd thee to obey,
When Reaſon, and not Paſſion leads our way;
What is't, wherein thy Love ſo much excells
All Loves; Inſtruct us, how his Beauty ſwells,
His Praiſes ſo above thoſe Loves, whoſe din
The World of Women now does Captive win?
The Spouſe Anſwers,
[My Beloved is White and Ruddy.]Notes explaining the Senſe. 1The true Doctrine of Juſtification by Chriſt, and of Sanctification by his Spirit, who came by Water and by Blood, very lively Expreſſed by his being White and Ruddy.Beauty's brisk Colours, the pure White and Red
Sit in my Love, not as i'th' wither'd Bed
Of Age, but as the Lillies and the Roſe
In Youth concert, ſo in my Love Repoſe
The White and Red; Behold the Roſie Blood
Of his great Sacrifice in th' Lilly Flood
Of th' Sanctifying Spirit, Both which fade
Under the Antichriſtian poyſonons ſhade;
[The Chief or the Standard among Ten Thouſand, or Myriads]Notes explaining the Senſe. 2The great Excellency of ſuch a King and Saviour, as Chriſt is Emblem'd by the Excellency of Perſonage, Standard-bearers are choſen out of many, and wherein Chriſt Excells Ten thouſands.He, as a Standard-Bearer ſtands erect,
A juſt Supreme from Myriads Elect;
No Palſie Title croutches under Guilt
In Him, As known to be uſurp'd; nor built
On Forg'd Donations, But Popes crooked Age
Denys to them high Standard bearers gage
Of ſtature, and the Graces of Tall Perſonage.
[His Head is of moſt fine Gold]Notes explaining the Senſe. 3To ſpeak Chriſt a Head of Eternal Life, his Head is compared to the fineſt and moſt ſubſtantial Gold, and not like the Golden Bowl or Shell that breaks at the Well, Eccles. 12. 6.His Royal Head of Maſſive pureſt Gold,
A Fount of Life eternally doth hold,
Not like the Counterfeit, that as the Bowl,
That broken at the Well leaks out the Soul,
[His Locks buſhy, and black as a Raven]And Lives, but by Succeſſions;Notes explaining the Senſe. 4The Compare of his Locks, as buſhy and black as the Raven, is certainly alluſive to the Strength and Vigour of Youth, and to the known long Life of the Raven. His curl'd Locks
Strong enterwove with Truth firm, as the Rocks,
Speak Truth, and Life long, as the Ravens jet,
Not like That faded Head to Death in Debt;
[His Eyes as of Doves by Rivers of Water]Notes explaining the Senſe. 5The chaſt Eyes of the Dove, reflected by the pureſt ſtreams, and waſh'd with Milk, are moſt fit Reſemblances of the Purity, Mercy, and Grace of Chriſt, ſo contrary to the impure and bloody Eyes of Antichriſt.His Eyes chaſt Clear, and beaming as the Dove
Reflex'd by limpid'ſt ſtreams; Arrows from Loves
Full quiver thence do fly, not like thoſe Eyne,
Dull, Hollow, Sunk, Bloodſhot with Luſt and Wine,
And Sanguinary Laws, but bath'd in Milk,
Notes explaining the Senſe. 1Retines are that Net-work Coat of the Eyes, that catch the Objects for ſight; Even as the gracious Eyes of Chriſt take Souls with thoſe Rays of Light, as of Jewels ſet in Rings, that draw them in.Whoſe Retines Souls encloſe, as Nets of Silk
Which Life wraps up, thus Truth and Mercy ſtream
From his bleſs'd Aſpect, as if both one Beam[Fitly ſet, or ſitting in Fulneſs, as precious Stones in the Foyl of a Ring]
Of Light, or like Pearls ſet by Art in Rings
Of Gold, whence double, yet one Luſtre ſprings;
Notes explaining the Senſe. 2The Cheeks of Chriſt as Beds of Spices and Flowers, Expreſſing all the Grace and Salvation of the Goſpel, are juſtly oppos'd to wither'd and faded Antichriſtianiſm.His Cheeks the Seats of Love, as Beds of Spice,
And Flowers preſerve a fragrancy ſo nice,
That no foul Vapour can one Pore trapan
To let it in, no Breath of wind can Fan,
Nor poyſon'd Atoms with its Hooks can pull[His Cheeks are as a Bed of Spices, as ſweet Flowers]
One putrid ſteam into thoſe ſcents; All full,
And croud'd with Sweets, but oh the gaſtly Cheeks
Of Antichriſt, how loathſome thence the Reeks;
Notes explaining the Senſe. 3The Truth of Chriſt in his Word, into whoſe Lips Grace is powred, is moſt contrary to the Impurity and Falſhood, the Curſing and Bitterneſs in Antichriſtian Doctrine, and Cenſures, that Breath Sulphur Fire, Blood, and Death, like the Lake of Sodom called Aſphaltites.The Lips of my Belov'd ſo full of Grace[His Lips are like Lillies, Dropping ſweet ſmelling Myrrh]
From pureſt Lillies drop their Myrrh apace
In perfum'd Gales of Truth; While Aſphaltite
Belches its Sulphur after Sodoms Rite.
Notes explaining the Senſe. 4The Truths of the Goſpel, are like gracious Enclaſping of Hands, ſet off with Beams of Light, as Rings of Gold, and attemper'd to Reaſon and Underſtanding, as the light and pleaſant Green of the Beryl; Whereas the bold and unreaſonable Falſhood of Antichriſtianiſm, forc'd on by Infallibility and ſecular Puniſhments, are like Iron gripes.[His Hands are as Gold Rings]His gentle Hands to benign Claſps enclin'd,
As into Golden Rings of Love are twin'd;
Shaded with Arbors, of the pleaſing Green,[Set with the Beryl]
Green of Lights Beams too quick the modeſt ſcreen
From Beryl caſt; Far from the cruel ſtripes
Of Antichriſtian Hands, or their Iron gripes;[His Belly is as bright Ivory overlaid with Sapphirs]
Notes explaining the Senſe. 5There is a Fruitful Hill, where ever True Chriſtianity is planted and Flouriſhes; Emblem'd by a Belly of Ivory overlaid with Sapphirs, as Veins of pureſt Water, enriching a cleaneſt Soil, whereas Barrenneſs and Cruelty are the very Nature of Antichriſtianiſm, and Countries overpowered by it.His Belly as an Eburn Hill is vein'd
With azur'd ſtreams, which from this Mountain ſtrein'd,
Enrich its Fruitfulneſs; But Heath and Sands,
Impov'riſh'd Soil, barren and thirſty Lands,
That barren Womb o'th' ſeven Headed mount
Deſcribe; ſtreaming with Fire, as Etna's Fount.
[His Legs are Pillars of Marble ſet upon Sockets of fine Gold]Notes explaining the Senſe. 1The Feet of Marble upon Sockets of Gold, are a very fair Oppoſition to the Legs of Iron upon Feet of Clay in the Image, Dan. 2. which Feet of Clay being ſtruck, the Image falls, and all its Metals are beaten to the Duſt of the Threſhing Floor; Shewing the certain Ruine of all other Monarchies, and the ſtable Kingdom of Chriſt.His Legs ſupporting all with Marble riſe
Firm, Certain, Stable, Steddy, Pillar wiſe,
Fix'd on their Feet, as ſtalls of Gold, not Clay,
On which the Gentile-Image had its ſtay,
The very Papal Feet, falſe to the weight
They're truſted with, falſe to Proud Babel's height.
Thus Truth and pow'r Divine muſt needs endure,
Whoſe Ground-work, as the Top is rich, is ſure;
Whereas when ever ſtuck thoſe Feet of Clay
[His Countenance is as Lebanon, Excellent as the Cedars]Their Head of Gold to Ruine muſt betray.
Notes explaining the Senſe. 2The whole Adminiſtration of the Goſpel, is like the lofty Cedars of Lebanon, riſing to Eternal Glory, and Papal Falſhood like the Chaff that the Wind drives away.His Port, His Air, His meen Majeſtick great,
As Liban's Cedars, and their lofty Seat,
Such is the*Greatneſs. Grandez, ſuch the Reaſon ſenſe
[His Mouth is moſt ſweet]Of all that's from the Eternal Sapience.
When Papal Faith, and Rites become the ſcoff
[Yea, He is altogether lovely]Of Divine Wiſdom, and like Chaff huff'd off.
Notes explaining the Senſe. 3The ſweetneſs of Chriſts Mouth, is a plain Signification of the Excellency of his Word.As ſweeteſt*The ſweeteſt of Foods. Ambroſe, ſo His Mouth doth flow
With Truth, Heavens Eloquence; His Praiſes grow
Upon me quick, ſo to a point I draw,
[This is my Love, and this is my Friend, oh ye Daughters of Jeruſalem]Notes explaining the Senſe. 4Chriſt is Lovelineſs it ſelf to every Spiritual diſcerning Eye.His Lovelineſs to Beauty's ſelf gives Law:
This Salem's Daughters is my Love, here end,
If you but lovely know, you know my Friend:
Notes explaining the Senſe. 5The conſtant Deſcriptions of Antichriſt, are as if he were an abſtract of Evil, the Wicked One, the Man of Sin, the Beaſt.But oh the*Antichriſt. Counter-Chriſt hathNotes explaining the Senſe. 6The Falſe Prophet ſo intimate to, and united with the Beaſt, ſpeaks as a Dragon. Dragons Jaws,
Who Poyſon Vomits in his Feral Laws,
The Salvageſt of Beaſts his Form diſplay,
Sin makes the Man in Him, if Him you'd ſay,
He's one Deformity, if that you know,
It's He 'mong Thouſands, He himſelf doth ſhow.
The Churches of the Reformation,Notes explaining the Senſe. 1Thoſe three Churches make the Order of the Reformed Churches. Thyatyra, Sardis, Philadelphia, diſplayed, according to this Earneſt Search after the Beloved.
With what ſtupendious Art is here now drawn
The ChurchesNotes explaining the Senſe. 2It is not poſſible the ſtate of the Reformation could be more notably deſcribed than by this Portraicture of Chriſt, and the Churches harkning to it, and ſeeking after Him. This State ſhall laſt till the Year 1697, as is made out by the Line of Time. Reformation from its dawn;
Till the Twelve Hundred Sixty Days ſhall end,
On which th' Apoſtaſy's permitted to extend
It ſelf; Wherein the Church doth ſearch about
All Places, Forms, to find Her Loved out.
The Church indeed isNotes explaining the Senſe. 3The one Church of the Reformation is Repreſented by three in regard of different Circumſtances, and eſpecially different intervals of Time, in which, firſt Thyatyra, then Sardis, then Philadelphia, have the aſcendency ſucceſſively, and all with a Continuance near to the Glorious Kingdom of Jeſus Chriſt. One, yet into Three
Muſt from its various ſcites diſtinguiſh'd be,
I'th' midſt of Antichriſtian BowelsNotes explaining the Senſe. 4The Reformation of the Church of Thyatyra, Rev. 2. 18. attended with Burnings alive. Thyatyre
Lyes paled round with Vive Comburian Fire;
That heats that Furnace, where the Sovereign feels,
What in his loweſt Members burns, who ſteels
Their Conſtancy, even when They're pil'd in Flames
For Flames he to a Bed of Roſes tames.
Notes explaining the Senſe. 5The Proteſtants of Hungary, France, and in other Popiſh Countries, are the foreign, the remaining ſufferers till the Kingdom of Chriſt in every Eye to this Day.Hungary, France, others, Thyatyra's *Revel. 3. 24.Reſt
Do now the cruel Ravages Atteſt;
Notes explaining the Senſe. 6How far thoſe Sufferings may ſpread over other Proteſtant Countries is known to God, who knows the Secrets of all future Events.Where Papal Rage may farther come, He knows
Who trys the deepeſt Reins of Things, and ſhows
Notes explaining the Senſe. 7A certain Bleſſed End we know, but what may fall out before, is as to particulars concealed, though we certainly know; Then ſhall be a Church of Thyatyra, of Sardis, till the approach of Chriſts Kingdom.The Bleſſed End, but ſtill conceal'd
What may fall out, e'er th'Morning Star reveal'd;
Notes explaining the Senſe. 8How much clearer and brighter ſhall Chriſtianity, and the knowledge of the Churches be, when that Morning Star appears.For at that Summons the whole Church ſhall fly
To higher Things than now it can deſcry.
Notes explaining the Senſe. 1Sardis is the ſtate of the Proteſtant Churches, where they are protected by States and Laws, and ſo is ready to believe, there is not to be a higher and a more glorious State of the Church in the World, except its undefiled Names, who look principally to the Appearance of Chriſt, and bewail the Low State of the Church till then.Sardis aſcends to Splendor, and would bear,
As high as if the Spouſes Love were there;
Its undefiled Names does yet diſſent,
Leſt Acquieſcing in what's now, prevent
Thoſe ſplendid Robes, aſſur'd them, when in white
Heavens Armies ſhall attend the Bride Grooms Light.
Notes explaining the Senſe. 2Philadelphia riſes out of the Suffering Saints in Thyatyra, and thoſe undefiled Names in Sardis, who cannot be ſatisfied in any preſent ſtate of the Church, but wait for Chriſts coming: It is ſettled upon the pure Laws and Ordinances of Chriſt, reſting upon the conſent of Chriſtians in that, and in his Power and Favour, working this brotherly Love of Chriſtianity, however it come to have the Favour of Princes and States alſo, after it comes to its Interval.Now Philadelph. with ſmalleſt Humane ſtrength
Of Laws, or Power ſupports the Reſtant length
Of Time, upon the Name, the Faith, the Word,
The Patience of her ſingle loved Lord;
While Satan's Smyrna-Synagogue reviv'd
Appears, as 'twere Antiquity retriv'd,
And fain would Bolt this Churches Open Door,
As if not Ancient, and, as if too Poor
In Ceremonious Pomp, in Mitred Names,
In Feaſts, in Faſts, its ſimple Order blames
With rigid Cenſure; But Davidean Key,
That binds and looſes Bars the lofty Plea
Of Juriſdiction, till New Salem's ſtate
Approach ſo near, as to compoſe the Bate.
Notes explaining the Senſe. 3The Synagogue of Satan is that which riſes out of the worſt part of Sardis, that contend hard for the old Antiquity, not reſting wholly on Gods Word, and finding fault for want of Faſts, Feaſts, Epiſcopal Power, &c. which is eſpecially, while the Church of Philadelphia is low, and is not come to its proper Interval.Even Satan's Synagogue ſhall then ſit low
Notes explaining the Senſe. 4The great Diſpute hath been about Juriſdiction, or the Power of the Keys, Chriſt will reſolve that by ſhewing this ſupreme Key of David. 5 Philadelphia being, as was ſaid, a Church that lyes ſcattered in the ſuffering Proteſtants of Thyatyra, and the undefiled Names of Sardis, its Door is endeavoured to be ſhut, and not to be acknowledged by the Synagogue of Satan, they are zealous for the Rites and Cuſtoms of the Primitive Church for the four firſt Centuries, and would reduce all under pain of Excommunication, and all ſevere Penalties to that Time, not conſidering the Apoſtaſie roſe gradually from thence. 6 But when Philadelphia comes to its proper Time, Chriſt ſhows David's Key; His Key of Supreme Juriſdiction, and that Synagogue ſits low, and learns of Phidelph. And All of the Reformed Churches, ſeek Chriſt together.At Feet of Philadelph, and Pray to know,
Whither the Churches Love is gone, and all
Unite to ſeek Him with Uncloven Call:
For though HisNotes explaining the Senſe. 1All Proteſtants agree concerning Chriſt, the only Head and Supreme of his Church againſt Papal Tyranny, but they differ'd where he was to be found, whether in the preſent Order and Government of the Church, or in a greater Glory of his Kingdom. peerleſs Perſon was agreed,
No Pontiffs claim allow'd, yet how with ſpeed
To find,Notes explaining the Senſe. 2It hath been look'd upon hitherto by too many, as Faction and Schiſm to deſire a greater Reformation of the Church than we ſee yet. This Synagogue from Sardis teem'd
Diſputed hard: For in their Dream they deem'd
Their Golden Dream, that He already here,
As much as th' Spouſe could hope did now appear;
To wait Him farther Factious diſcontent,
Gainſt preſent Things did future Repreſent
To hot Schiſmatick Brains; But what follows now,
Shews, This all Salem's Daughters diſavow;
With whom the Synagogue ſubmits to Philadelph.
For to the Spouſe by Her Chriſt ſhow'd himſelf;
Notes explaining the Senſe. 3When the Kingdom of Chriſt comes to be Proclaimed at 1697, it ſhall then be agreed by all the Reformed Churches to ſeek Him, and wait for his coming in greater Glory.And now the Philadelphian Intervall
Enters; Voices on High all Kingdoms call
To Chriſt, Dates of Apoſtate Times expire,
Notes explaining the Senſe. 4With how great Elegancy is Satan's Synagogue, which gave the Elevation of the Apoſtaſie in Smyrna, again parallelled to that Over-zealous Contention, to bring things in the Reformed Churches to that ſtate again, as the moſt perfect ſtate, whereas the Apoſtaſie roſe out of it, but to ſhow Chriſts Favour to all of the Reformation; He brings theſe to acknowledge their Errour, and to acknowledge alſo Chriſts Love to a Church ſettled by his Word, and not by Antiquity, which is here by this Song given in the Daughters of Jeruſalem waiting ſo long to hear the Deſcription of Chriſt's Perſon, e'er they all agreed to ſeek him with the Philadelphian Church, as we ſhall find they did agree in the following Chapter.In one the Churches their True Prince enquire.