A Commentary on the Song of Solomon, Chapter 6
CHAP. VI.
MY welbeloved is gone downe into his garden to the beds of ſpices, to feede in the g…rdens, and to gather lilies.
2 I am my welbeloveds, and my welbeloved is mine, who feedeth among the lilies.
3 Thou art beautifull, my love, as Tirza…, comely as Ieruſalem, terrible as an army with banners.
4 Turne away thine eyes from me: for they overcome me: thine haire is like a flocke of goates, which looke down from Gilead.
5 Thy teeth are like a flocke of ſheepe, which go up from the waſhing, which every one bring out twins, and none is barren among them.
6 Thy temples are within thy lockes as a piece of a pomegranate.
7 There are threeſcore Queens, and foureſcore concubines, and of the damoſels without number.
8 But my Dove is alone, and my undefiled, ſhe is the onelyonly daughter of her mother, and ſhe is deare to her that bare her: the daughters have ſeene her, and counted her bleſſed: even the Queenes and the concubines, and they have praiſed her.
9 Who is ſhe that looketh forth as the morning, …aire as the moone, pure as the …un, terrible as an army with banners!
10 I went downe to the garden of nuts, to ſee the fruits of the valley, to ſee if the vine budded, and if the pomegranates flouriſhed.
11 I knew nothing, my ſoule ſet me as the charets of my noble people.
12 Returne, returne, O Shulamite, returne: returne that we may behold thee. What ſhall you ſee in the Shulamite, but as the company of an Army?
The Reſolution.
SO much of the Church caſt down; now of the Church reſtored, in the whole and in the parts. The whole, as well ſummarily, both in reſpect of the Bridegroome, verſe 1. 2. and in reſpect of the enemies verſe 3. as ſeverally by reaſon of certaine members of the whole body, verſe 4, 5, 6. The parts are particular Churches, as Queenes, Con… bines and Virgins, verſe 7. amongſt all which, one Dove excelleth, verſe 8. And ſuch is the eldeſt Siſter. The younger are either a Prince…e, or other inferiour Churches. Her condition is partly growing, partly of full age: her beginning is ſummarily delivered, verſ. 9. Afterwards ſeverally expreſſed, and how it was done, verſe 10. 11. 12. and what kinde of one ſhe was when it was done, Chap. 7.
THE EXPOSITION.
Verſe▪ 1. My beloved is gone down… into his garden, to the beds of ſpices: to▪ feede in the Gardens and to gather Lillies.
IN the beginning of the deſcription the Spouſe ſeeketh her beloved, not knowing where he was: as we have ſeene in the former Chapter. Now ſhe taketh on her to teach that which before ſhe deſired to learn. To deſcend into the garden, is onelyonly (as hath beene often ſaid) to be preſent (as it were) to be taught with the hands, and ſeene with the eyes in purity of doctrine and integrity of all ex…e…nall worſhip. Which hapned in the times of Martin Luther, … the … 1…7. At what time the Spouſe began ſomewhat to recover her health and ſtrength. The Wald…n…es, Wick…i… ▪ the Bohemi…ns and other daughters of Ieruſalem had taken great paines in ſeeking the Bridegroome, but the garden was never prepared with beds and borders for him, till now, when Frederike Duke of Saxonie by his own authority protected and defended the Church newly ſprung up in Wittenberg a City of his dominion. Here was the only garden at the firſt, and therefore ſhe faith, My beloved is gone down into his garden. The truth was plentifully ſowne there, but little reformation for the firſt four e yeeres, therefore is there but one garden mentioned. But ſhortly after more gardens were added to this one, as Tigurum, Argentoratum, Baſile, Berne, Geneva, and alſo the Provinces of Haſſia and Pruſſia, ſo that the ſecond part of the verſe faith rightly; He went downe to feede in the Gardens, for now there were many gardens made by diſtinction of fence, yet were all planted with the like fruite. He came not into this garden any longer to behold the bare and naked beds, but as it were feeding the elect by the nouriſhment of his word, he at the length gathered lillies in baskets and ſeparated them from the wicked world, which Lillies were firſt gathered at Wittemberg, when the Maſſe began to be diſcontinued and the Supper more purely to be adminiſtred in the yeere 1521. The yeere following the Images were caſt out. After three yeeres Tyg…r…m and Argentoratum were reformed. This comming into the garden and gathering of Lillies is the harveſt ſpoken of, Rev. 14. 14▪ 15.
Verſe 3. I am my beloveds, and my beloved is mine: he feed…th among the Lillies.
She triumpheth in the ſame words as ſhe did upon her returne from Babylon, Chap. 2. 16. by which free profeſſion, ſhe declareth the boldneſſe and conſtancie of thoſe times, wherein the truth need no more whiſper in corners, in feare and doubting, but might publiſh her ſelfe openly and be publiquely celebrated by the common ſpeech of many men. Neither was the ſupportation of the Bridegroome leſſe apparent in defen…ing her mightily againſt her enemies. For if the hatred of the multitude, the rebukes of the Doctors, the curſes of the Popes, the condemning of the Emperour, the conſpiracies of Princes, the confiſcation of goods, the danger of life, and all other things threa…ning preſent death, could have terrified the Spouſe from pro…e…ing her beloved: faith had bin utterly loſt. The Spouſe claimeth her beloved to be h…s in the words of Melan…thon to Prince Frederick. Let us go on co…ſtantly, howſoever the world rage. Such was the mutuall imbracing of Chriſt and the Church at that time.
Verſe … ▪ Thou art beautif…ll O my love, as Tir…a…, comely as Jeruſalem, terrible as a… Jeruſalem Army with Banners.
The explanation of this verſe is divided into three times. The Beginning, Middle, and End. In the beginning ſhe was faire as …i…h, which Solomon without doubt foreſaw, ſhould be the chiefe City of the Iſraelites after the ten Tribes fell from the other two. It was a pleaſant City, whence it tooke the name, (1 Reg. 14. 17.) but (aſ-well by the eſtimation of men as in truth) it was but a l ortreſſe of Robbers and rebels. And no other was the Church eſteemed to be of her enemies (when her beloved went downe into his garden, and ſome time after) but a rebellious City, diſobedient to …rinces and Governors, and to carry a cer…aine ſhow of Tirzah▪ And thus the Church remained like unto Tirzah from the yeere 1529. (when the Argentinenſes joyned with the Helvetians,) till the death of Charles the 5. in the yeere, 1558. And then ſhe began to be …omely as Ieruſalem, when the unpleaſant name of Tirz…h grew out of uſe, which hapne… in the beginning of Queene Elizabeths Raign in England, in the yeere 1558. And in the yeere following in Scotland, Geneva, the Helvetian and German Churches, in Denmarke, Norway, and Sweveland, and other places of the reformed Religion. Not that they were altogether free from hoſtile invaſion, great troubles ſhortly ariſing in France and the Low-countries: yet partly by her own increaſe, partly her adverſaries tyred and ceaſing ſomewhat from outward force, ſhe was ſo much exalted, that her very enemies could not but admire her beauty and comelineſſe, whoſe beginnings they deſpiſed. The laſt age of the reſtored Church, is terrible as an Army with Banners.
She ſhall beſtow all her time in warlike preparations, and undertakings. For the helliſh furies will not ſuffer her enemies to re…t, neither will ſhe endure her ſelfe to be rent and torne by the Wolves, but reſiſt the injury with an armed hand▪ Whereby ſhe ſhall become fearefull to her enemies, as ſhe hath done theſe many yee…es in England, France, and the Low-Countries. But this is nothing to that terrour which ſhall ſhortly follow, when Antichriſt himſelf and his Enſign-b…arer (the King of Spaine) and all that carry his marke ſhall be ſo d…troyed by the Spouſe, that no mention of the… …all remaine.
Verſ. 4. Turn …way thine eyes from me, for they have overcome me: thy Layre is as a flock of Goats that appeare from Gilead.
Now ſhe enters into a ſpeciall com…endation of ce…tain members, whereby the civill government of the Church may the better be underſtood. This cleerneſſe of ſight, without doubt, was ſhewed in the doctrine of Juſtification by faith, whereby the Church (not with ſquint but right eyes) beholdeth Chriſt, and all his righteouſnes and excelle…cy. And whatſoever excelleth in the judgement of the world, to be loſſe and dung to it, Phil. 3. 8. This eye was very dim in former times, untill Martin Luther divinely drew away thoſe darke ſcales: For he wiped away all humane ſatisfa…ion…, merits, ſupererogations, indulgences, confidence in their own received wicked ſuperſtitions; and ſhewed the yoke of the law to be more grievous then all the Popes Buls were able to uphold; neither afterwards could the wicked Councel of Trent, nor the Germane Interim (forged altogether with fraud and deceit) dazle the ſight of theſe eyes, but that they could diſcerne the authors of theſe deceits, ſpreading their nets in vain; neither was our Engl…nd leſſe ſharp-ſighted, when not only the Pope, but alſo the Papacie, was utterly rejected, by the authority of our Joſias, that moſt holy King, Edward the ſixth, of bleſſed memory. We ſee the divine beauty of theſe eyes, which at this day (God be thanked) is the ſame in all reformed Churches. The common people of the faithfull, ſignified by Hayre, is altogether the ſame, as it was in the firſt Church, Chap. 4. 1. ſcattered, contemned, put in great danger, which yet by no means, could be compelled to leave Gilead, and returne to Bethaven.
Verſ. 5. Thy teeth are as a flock of ſheep which go up from the waſhing: whereof every one beareth twins, and there is not one barren amongst them.
The Teeth are alwayes taken for the Paſtors and Miniſters of the Word, as Chap. 4. 2. where they were ſent forth, two and two▪ inſtructed with the like gifts and meſſages: As Sheep are of a mild… and pleaſant diſpoſition, and far remote from all ambition, ſo ſhould the reſtored Church ſhine with faithfull Paſtors; the true ſucceſſors of thoſe former, adorned with the ſelf-ſame Enſignes as neer as the time would ſuffer. They which before boaſted themſelves to be Paſtors, had altogether caſt away the charge of preaching, and yet theſe men would be heires of the Apoſtles▪ whereas they were ſtrong teeth; theſe filthy rotten bones: they Sheep; theſe Lyons. But at the length ſound teeth ſprung up again, ſuch as were Luther, Melancthon, Bucer, Zuinglius, Oecolampadius, Capito, Calvin, Peter Martyr, and many others, whoſe names are written in heaven. And verily the truth of this Prophecie, ſeemeth very apparent in the decree made at Geneva, in the yeere 1550. namely, that the Miniſters not only in Sermons, (which ſome neglected, ſome heard them with ſmall profit) but alſo ſeverally through houſes and families, at a certain time of the yeere, with a Magiſtrate of the City ſhould inſtruct every one, and require a reckoning of every ones faith. And it is ſcarce credible what fruit followed, as Beza ſheweth in the life of Calvin.
Ver…. 6. As a piece of Pomegranate, are thy temples within thy locks.
This is the fourth agreement of this Church with the firſt, which we have ſhewed to belong to the Eccleſiaſticall and civill government, in the uſe whereof the Church reſtored ſhould be happy, which appeared by the holy Diſcipline reſtored again at Geneva, by Gods ſingular benefit, together with the Goſpel, in the yeer 1541. Which wee alſo ſee to be done in other Churches at this day; as in Helvetia, Rhaetia, France, the low Countries, and Scotland, wherein the government requiring holineſſe of life, according to the rule of doctrine, the truth flouriſheth fruitfull… and inviolably. But you will ſay, theſe times which we have deſcribed, ſhine not in all Reformed Churches; whereunto I anſwer, It is ſufficient if we finde ſome ſuch thing in any one Congregation: for this by a common neceſſity, ſhall belong to the commendations of all. And this is the ſumme of the agreement.
Verſ. 7. There are threeſcore Queens, and fourſcore Concubines, and Virgins without number.
Having ſpoken compendiouſly of the Church reſtored; ſome things are now briefly propounded, particularly in theſe two verſes, wherein he divideth the ſeverall Congregations into three ranks, according to their degrees of purity: namely, Queens, Concubines, and Virgins or Maids; And …he that comes neereſt to truth and holineſſe, the Bridegroome holdeth her deareſt; wherefore the Queens are mighty, and flouriſhing Churches, which excell the reſt in purity. The Concubines are of a lower ranke; they are admitted to the Bed, but far from the honour and excellency of the lawfull wives; having no dower themſelves, nor are their children to inherite. The Virgins are in the loweſt place, as ſervants and handmaids, altogether eſtranged from any familiar acquaintance, they have imployment in the houſe, they have victuals and clothing; they are reckoned to be of their Maſters houſhold, but are not partakers of his goods; they labour not for themſelves, but for their Maſters. It is alſo to be obſerved, the Queens are numbred, and ſo are the Concubin…s; but the Virgins (as of no reckoning) are without number. This diſtraction into ſuch different degrees hapned about the yeere, 1563. When Iohn Brentius and Iames Andrewes, rent the Church in pieces, with that unluckie diviſion of that monſtrous Ʋbiquity. It was before ſowne by Luther, but he ſtayed the contention about it as long as he lived. But Brentius revived it; and three yeers after, Illyricus, and other Doctors out of far Countries▪ came to Antwerp, and renewed that error, whereby the face of the Church, even in her infancy, was miſerably defiled; beſides, Anabaptiſts and Libertines, Antitrinitarians, new Arians, and I know not what other monſters, which waſted and ſpoyled Tranſilvania, and the Regions thereabouts. The Engliſh, Iriſh, Scottiſh, Belgick, Geneva, Helvetique, Rhetique, do flouriſh (God be praiſed) with the dignitie of Queens, whereof the Germane, the Daniſh, Gotique, and Sweveland Churches, and others cleaving to their opinions, have taken a crowne to themſelves, and have gotten the place of Conc…nes. Among the Virgins I reckon the Anabaptiſts, Libertines, A…itrinitarians, Arians, and the like, which now altogether miſerably waſte and deſtroy Moravi…, Polonia, Hungaria, Tranſilvania, and a great part of Denmarke. To theſe may be added the Roman filthy ſinck, whereſoever diſperſed. We have ſeen the whole Song marvellous hitherto, but now eſpecially, when we come to things preſent. Behold then the condition of the reſtored truth, into what unlike degrees ſhe at length ſhould fall by a great ſeparation. The Spirit foretold a lamentable ſucceſſe: this age feeleth it, and every day plainly threatneth a farther departure.
Verſ. 8. My Dove, my undefiled is but one, ſhe is the only one of her mother, ſhee is the choice one of her that bare her, the daughters ſaw her and bleſſed her, yea the Queenes and the concubines, and they praiſed her.
Without doubt this Dove was one of the Queenes, far excelling in glory, and more beloved of the Bridegroome then the reſt, adorned with a threefold teſtimonie: Of the Bridegroome, of her mother, and of the reſt in the family. For the Bridegroome termeth her, his Dove, his Ʋndefiled one. Any thing may be one, which is one in manners and diſpoſition, though abſent in place and ſeate; As the company of the faithfull are ſaid to be one, though ſevered in far remote plac…s, whi…e they hold the ſame purity of Doctrine, and the like ſtudy of holineſſe. The ſecond teſtimonie is of her Mother, which is the Church and the Word to whoſe directions this Dove doth wholly apply her ſelf. The third teſtimony is of the reſt in the family. Fi…ſt, of the daughters who are particular Churches which are begotten of this onelyonly Dove, from wh…m they draw their inſtructions and the whole courſe of adminiſtration. Next the Queenes and Concubines bear witn…ſſe both after one manner, but both very ſparingly and more ſlenderly then the daughters, it may be through envie; They acknowledge her fair and beautifull, but perhaps they keep the branch to themſelves; as jealous wives often do. All which ſheweth how the wills were conjoyned, between the Dove, the Daughters, the Q…eenes and Concubines. Howſoever there be not the ſame degree of purity in all things. But where are the Virgins without number? Why is there no commendation of theirs rehearſed? Verely as they are further abſent from familiar acquaintance of the Bridegroome, ſo are they more ſpitefully bent againſt his onelyonly beloved Dove, neither (through hatred) can they ſay any thing well. Let us ſee then a more full diſtinction of the preſent Chuches which are either true or titulary. The true, are Queenes and Concubines. The Queenes again are either the onelyonly Dove, or more: and this onelyonly on… is partly the Mother, partly the Daughters. The titular Churches are the virgins. Who this onelyonly Dove is, may eaſily be proved, if we conſider the excellency of the Eyes, Teeth and Temples of the reſtored Church, for ſhe that excelleth in the beauty of theſe members, muſt of neceſſity be that one onelyonly Dove. Wherefore not truſting to mine own judgement but to the judgement of the Spirit himſelf: I beheld in this glaſſe the Churc… of Geneva, ſhining with the glory of this only Dove. For firſt let us conſider the excellent comlineſſe of the eyes, where ſound and uncorrupt doctrine ſhineth, ſpotted with no comments of filthy flatterers, but eſpecially the chaſtity of juſtification by faith, wherwith the Bridegroom is chiefly delight…d. But this beauty is common to the other Queens and alſo the Concubines; Then let us behold the teeth, …mely the doctors, like a flock of ſheep, ſimple; harmleſſe, not d… dainfull, not luxurious, but content with a ſparing diet: diligent …n teaching, not ſo much troubled with worldly buſin…ſ…e that they can have no leaſure for the word and doctrine. Not undertaking the charge of many Churches and ſerving none, nor may he that take… the charge of one Church neglect it by his abſence. Neither is any thought fit for that paſtorall function which can b…t only read. Laſtly let us view the Temples, like a piece of a Pomgranate very beautif…ll▪ The governors …ogether with the Paſtors moſt honeſt men, watching over the manners of every man, and correcting them by divine inſtitution, not ſending them to the Romiſh horſe-leaches and the Antichriſtian decrees, the more to corrupt them, but ende…vour to redeem their ſins and publike offences, rather by repentance then for mony. Neither doth ſhe command any idle ceremonies but what neceſſary reaſon onelyonly requireth. Laſtly they which apply all to the authority which Chriſt hath given to the Chur…h, that every member may perform his duty hol…ly. The Spirit goeth no farther in the elder Church, becauſe (as it ſeemeth) ſhe ſhall perſiſt in that variety which we now ſpake of: of Queenes, Concubines, Danghters, Doves and Ʋirgins unto the end, wi…hout any notable change: and it may happen as corruption dayly increaſeth, the Dove and the Daughters may be ſhut up in a narrow bound.
Verſ. 9. Who is ſhe that looketh f…rth as the morning, fair as the moon, cleer as the ſun, and terrible as an Army with Banners!
Hitherto of the elder Church, and of things as well paſt as preſent. All the reſt of the Treatiſe reſpecteth things to come, which the more obſcurity they have, the more leave and pardon they crave. But nothing is ſo plain wherein the vanity of ma…s minde erreth not extremly, unleſſe it be governed by divine light: nor any thing ſo concealed that it can lie hid, if this enlighten him. Thou therefore which haſt enlightned the former darkneſſe, give light unto theſe following, that we being taught thy will, and beholding the glory of thy children may cheerfully and conſtantly proceed i… our begun courſe of piety, neither terrified by any dangers, nor deceived by the deceitfull allurements of this world. It plainly appeared before, Chap. 5. 6. that by this manner of asking is declared the new birth or riſing up of ſome Church, by which afterwards thrice repeated, is ſignified, to be ſo many ariſings of new Churches, or rather the approaching of new people to one and the ſame Church. Although others alſo are added, whoſe a…cription is not declared in this kinde of ſpeaking, as we ſhall ſee in its place. Therefore wee divide the younger ſiſter into three parts, whereof the firſt (which is the Princeſſe) is deſcribed from this v…ry place, to the fifth verſe of the eighth Chap. The ſ…cond, from thence to the ninth verſe: The …hird in the tenth and eleventh verſes thereof. The firſt of the ſiſters is the Church of the Iewes, whoſe calling is to be expected within theſe few ages. After, the ſeat of Antichriſt (the City of Rome) ſhall be utterly deſtroyed, which is to be very ſhortly. Hither all circumſtances leade, wherewith the Revelation agreeth, and many Prophecies of the old Prophets. This calling ſhall be do…ble: the firſt, from hence to the eighth verſe of the ſeventh Chapter: The ſecond in the reſt. The condition of the firſt is in part▪ briefly delivered in this verſe, and after ſeverally in the verſes following. The generall explication teacheth what kinde of beginning and progreſſe there ſhall be for certain yeeres. The firſt converſion ſhall be like the morning; The firſt growing age, faire a… the Moone: The ſtronger age, cleer as the Sunne: The full ſtrength thereof, terrible, as …n Army with Banners. It is likened to the morning, becauſe it ſhall not only be of a doubtfull and obſcure light▪ (as is the firſt break of the day) but alſo, becauſe the firſt light thereof f…all appeare from the Eaſt▪ for Daniel (ſpeaking of this firſt calling) ſaith, Rumors out of the …aſt, and out of the North, ſhall troubl… him, Chap. 11. 44. as more plainly (God willing) ſhall be ſaid at that place. In which words …e joyneth the North to the Eaſt, becauſe the J…wes there baniſhed, ſhould gather together with thoſe of the Eaſt to the ſame faith of Chriſt. In the Revelation, Euphrates is dried …p, that a way may be made for the Kings of the Eaſt, Chap. 16. 12. After, when the new Ieruſalem ſhall deſcend from heaven, the firſt gate …ull be Eaſtward, Chap. 21. 13. If you deſire the time of this firſt co…verſion: God hath very much concealed the moments of time from us; yet I ſuppoſe it is certainly noted out in the Scripture. And the day drawing neer, will adde a cleerer light unto it, Dan. 12. 4, &c. But as neer as we can attain to it by conjectures, (and thoſe not light, as they ſeem to me) it is to be expected about the yeer 1650▪ as at the twelfth of Daniel the eleventh and twelfth verſes ſhall be ſaid more plainly. Such ſhall be the beginning of this new light; the progreſſe ſhall equall the beauty of the Moon, moſt cleerly enlightening the mighty darkneſſe, with a ſwift increaſe after the firſt appearing, ſhining in a few dayes, like the full Moon: as Eſay cryeth out, Who hath heard ſuch a thing? who hath ſeen ſuch things? ſhall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or ſhall a nation be borne at once? for as ſoon as Sion travelled, ſhe brought forth her children, Chap. 66. 8. The riper age ſhall ſtrive with the Sunne, in glory, light, and cleerneſſe; the exceeding brightneſſe ſhall be ſuch▪ that it cannot be looked upon; yea, it ſhall be▪ …t length terrible to the enemies, no leſſe then an Army …rniſhed with Banners. We may obſerve out of theſe compariſons, how much more excellent the condition of this Church ſhall be, then ever it was of any other. Great was the dignity of the former, but at the moſt declared by ſimilit…des taken from the earth; but here, as if the excellency of …arthly things were not ſufficient to ſet forth ſuch glory, he …ies upward towards heaven, taking the Morning, the Moon, and Sunne for compariſons: Come Lord Ieſu, let us quickly ſee that pleaſant ſight, the gathering together of our diſperſed brethren, that all fleſh may acknowledge thee the only Lord; that thy unmeaſurable faith and mercy which exceedeth all the ſtraits of a created minde, may be celebrated and renouned in the mouthes of all men.
Verſ. 10. I went downe into the Garden of Nu…s to ſee the fr…s…s of the Vallie, and to ſee whether the vine flouriſhed and the … …dded.
The ſecond part of the deſcription expreſſeth ſeverally what was ſpoken even now generally. Hereof are two members▪ a prep… ration in this and the two next verſes, and the performance of the worke effected in the chapter following. Of the firſt member …e three degrees. A viſitation in this verſe, ſufficient abilitie in the next, and an effectuall calling in the 12. verſe. That which we tranſlate to the garden of Nuts, Tremelius turneth it to the garden of Pr…ning. How is the word fitted? The Iewes a long time have beene pruned gardens, wherein God hath exerciſed moſt ſevere loppings and pr…nings, Rom. 11. 20. Neither doth this interpretation differ from the diſpoſition of the Iewes, whoſe hearts were brawny with hardne…e, Rom. 11. 25. whoſe ſtubbornneſſe and obſtinacie, Eſay moſt divinely deſcribeth, Chap. 42. 18, 19, 20. He calleth that people deafe and blinde, hearing and …eeing much and obſerving nothing, neither laid they the moſt grievous ch…ſt…ſ…ments to heart, ver. 25. Alſo Chap. 6…. 2, 3. Rom. 10. 21. The fruits of the Vally, another note whereby the Iewes are marked out, that they are as it were lateward trees bearing fruit very ſlowly, ſuch are they that are planted in vallies, which the hills every way ſo hinder, that they cannot be refreſhed with the heat of the Su…e: Such then ſhall Chriſt finde the Iewes when he ſh…ll viſit them, like Nuts covered with a hard ſhell; neither more excellent, with any branch or bud of true converſion towards God, whereby they may ſhew themſelves to be ind…ed with any vitall ſtrength from heaven, then trees planted in the ſ…adow of ſteep rocks, which (other trees …ouriſhing) remain as half dead: yet are there among that people both vines and Pomegran…tes. The hard winter as yet keepeth back the buds, but at length in fit time, the Sun of righteouſneſſe ſhall thaw that frozen earth, and ſhall afford a more gentle aire whereby they may breake forth freely.
Verſ. 11. Or ever I was aware, my ſoul made me like the Chariots (or ſet me on the chariot) of my willing people.
So ſhall the people be when Chriſt ſhall firſt viſit them. Now he teacheth the ſufficient ability of the converſion. The meaning is (that I ſtand no longer refuting other mens opinions) as if he ſhould ſay. I deſcended indeed into my garden, but I verily did ſuppoſe no ſuch thing as at length hap…ed. I expected a ſtubborn and obſtinate people, but after that I found them eaſie and ready to receive me▪ my minde infor…ed me to ſhew my ſelf unto them in ſtead of chariots, wh…ewith I might quickly bring them into the Church and reckon them among her citizens. Undoubtedly he added a ſpurre to them running, neither would he be wanting to their ſtudy, whereby he might ſupply that which might help forward the begun work. Therefore▪ Eſay ſaith▪ He ſhall bring all your brethren out of all nations for an …ffering to the Lord▪ with horſes and chariots and litters and mules and ſwift beaſts, to the hi… of my holineſſe, Chap. 66. 20. Theſe chariots ſeem to be the ready aide that the Gentiles ſhould bring the Jews, to recover their former ſeats. But did not Chriſt know what the ſtudy and readineſſe of this people ſhould be? The things are ſpoken hiſtorically, that their converſion ſhould be beyond all expectation: for as Eſay ſaith, ſo that thou mayeſt ſay with thy minde, who hath begotten me theſe? ſeeing I am deprived and am deſolate. I have been a capt…e and remain to and fro, and who hath brought up theſe? behold I was left alone, theſe▪ where have they been? Chap. 49. 21▪ He ſheweth a thing having great admiration: for time will reach many things to be in the Prophets, which we commonly interpret as though they were paſt whoſe event is yet to come: and eſpecially (as it ſeemeth to me) in the calling of the Jewes▪ which verily little conſidered of ours, hath darkned (I will not ſay, perverted) the proper and naturall meaning of the Prophets in many places.
Verſ. 12. Return, return, O Shulamite, return: return, that we may look upon thee. What will ye ſee in the Shulamite? as it were the company of two Armies.
The third member of the former c…uſes. The effectuall calling. Which ſhall be earneſt and thruſt on with great enforcement, as the twice two doubled words do ſignifie: whether that of Eſay ſ…meth to belong, How bea…tifull upon the mount…ins are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publiſheth peace, that bringeth good tidings of good, that publiſheth ſalvation, that ſaith unto Zion, Thy God raigneth. Thy watchmen, &c. Chap. 52. 7. 8. It is evident that that whole chapter entreateth of the laſt calling of the Jewes, whoſe felicity ſhould be eternall, never to be interrupted, verſ. 2. He alſo maketh mention of a threefold captivity. The Egyptian, the Aſſyrian and a voluntary, verſ. 3. 4. 5. In which laſt hapned the moſt miſerable condition of the Jewiſh people: wherein they have been ſince Chriſts time. For they were in times paſt inforced into Egyyt by hunger. Into Aſſyri… they were drawn by force of war. Only the Romanes did not compell them to t…rn, but they diſperſed themſelves here and there through the whole world of their own accord▪ Or rather that they were in that place and re…koning in this laſt …aptivity, as held for things of nothing: whoſe greateſt worth any man might purchaſe at the vileſt price, as Pſa. 44. 13. And who ſeethnot his people, accounted for nothing in the m…ltitude of captives, partly ſent to the Egyp…an mines, partly ſlain upon the ſcaffolds of cities, where they were compelled to fight eitherwith wild beaſts, or among themſelvs to kill one another, as it came to paſſe at the dcſtruction of Ieru…alem by Titus. Or if Adrian ſtraightly forbad the Iews their country …oil, yet this captivity was free, becauſe the Romanes aimed not at any benefit by their ſervice as the Egyptians and Aſſyrians did, but only the quietneſſe of the province. Chriſt by the preſence of his fleſh brought them not deliverance from this captivity▪ but will bring it at length, by turning their hearts to the faith. But perhaps Saint Paul ſaith the contrary, who applieth the ſame to the Apoſtles ſent in times paſt, Rom. 10. 15. But I think it will ſeem otherwiſe if we well con…ider it▪ his purpoſe in that place, is to prevent an offence taken of the Iewes incred…lity. Now there were chiefly two things which might make the Gentiles doubt. The ancient Lawes of the Jewes: and the preſent ſtudie of piety▪ Were not that moſt like to be the truth which a nation (vouchafed ſo much honour before all others, and no leſſe fervent as yet, with an earneſt deſire to wor…hip God) ſhould not onelyonly acknowledge, but alſo purſue it moſt earneſtly. In the former chapter, he oppoſeth election to the old Law: here he entreate…h of the ſtudy of …iety▪ where he granteth them zeal, but leſt any ſhould be deceived with the ſhew thereof, he teacheth how farre diſtant it is from true piety or Religion. The only right…ouſneſſe of God is the righteouſneſſe of faith altogether diff…ring from the righteouſneſſe of the Law, which alone while the Iewes ſought for, they obtained not, what they deſired, and in the mean time miſſed of the truth. This effect have the words from verſ. 3. to verſ. 14. Then making a difference of ſaving and legall righteouſ neſſe, leſt any doubt ſhould ye… ſticke in their ſtomackes; he teacheth yet a little more plainely, why they could not approach to this ſaving righteouſneſſe, which he ſaith, is cheifly placed in calling upon the Lord, verſ. 13. How; ſaith he▪ ſhall they call … that is, How ſhall the Iewes call, &c. But let us returne to Salomon. It is to be obſerved that theſe words yeeld two arguments, whereby they may appear properly to belong to the Church of the Iews. Firſt, becauſe the exhortation or incouragement is expreſſed in a word of returning: wherby he granteth th…t the Nation which he now calleth, had bin before turned away: which cannot properly take place in any other, but in the Iewiſh Nation. Secondly, of ſet purpoſe for difference ſake he …alleth h…r by her countrey name, of the Old Sal…m: Whereas before confeſſedly through the whole Song, he had notified all the …itizens of the Church gathered together as well of the Gentiles as of the Iewes, by the name of daughters of Ieruſal…m. That is to ſay, by this difference it might plainly appeare, that he now turned his ſpeech to the old Countrey breed, letting alone the new inhabitants which are free in the City by …hriſt▪ Fou…thly, after the Converſ…on he ſheweth the Shulamite, by the ſ…militude of Tents▪ that ſhe …all …eliver her ſelf by Armes from the power of her enemies, whom ſhe now ſerveth. For that of Ezekiel, 38. and 39▪ hapneth at the ſame time, when God and Mogog, that is▪ the Turke and the Tartar with all the wicked Mahumetanes ſhall utterly periſh by the ſword of the Converted and returned Iewes. See Da…. 11. 44. and 45. Reve. 20. 9. Whither alſo belongeth that of Zacharie. When I ſhall ſtirre up thy ſons O Zion againſt thy …onner O …van, Chap. 9. 13.