A Brief Exposition of the Book of the Song of Solomon, Chapter 1

A Brief Exposition of the Book of the Song of Solomon · Chapter 1

A BRIEF EXPOSITION Of the whole Book of CANTICLES, OR, SONG OF SOLOMON; Lively deſcribing the Eſtate of the Church in all the Ages thereof, both Jewiſh and Chriſtian, to this day: And Modeſtly pointing at the Gloriouſneſſe of the reſtored Eſtate of the Church of the Iewes, and the happy acceſſe of the Gentiles, in the approaching daies of Reformation, when the Wall of Partition ſhall bee taken away. A Work very uſefull and ſeaſonable to every Chriſtian; but eſpecially ſuch as endeavour and thirſt after the ſetling of Church and State, according to the Rule and Pattern of the Word of God.

Written by that Learned and Godly Divine John Cotton, Batchelor of Divinity; and now Paſtor of the Congregation at Boston, in New-England.

LONDON, Printed for Philip Nevil, at the ſigne of the Gun in Ivie-Lane, 1642.

p. 1THE CANTICLES, OR SONG OF SONGS opened and explained.

THE TEXT. CHAP. I.

THe Songs of Songs, which is Solomons.

verse 2 Let him kiſſe mee with the kiſſes of his mouth: for thy love is better then wine.

verse 3 Becauſe of the ſavour of thy good ointments, thy Name is as ointment powred forth, therefore doe the Virgins love thee.

verse 4 Draw me, we will runne after thee: the King hath brought me into his chambers: we p. 2will bee glad and rejoyce in thee, wee will remember thy love more then wine, the upright love thee.

verse 5 I am blacke, but comely, (O ye daughters of Jeruſalem) as the Tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.

verse 6 Looke not upon me becauſe I am black, becauſe the Sunne hath looked upon mee: my Mothers children were angry with mee, they made me the keeper of the Vineyards, but my owne Vineyard have I not kept.

verse 7 Tell me, (O thou whom my ſoule loveth) where thou feedeſt, where thou makeſt thy flock to reſt at noone: for why ſhould I be as one that turneth aſide by the flocks of thy companions?

verse 8 If thou know not (O thou faireſt among women) goe thy way forth by the footſteps of thy flocke, and feed thy kiddes beſides the ſhepheards tents.

verse 9 I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horſes in Pharaohs chariots.

verse 10 Thy cheeks are comely with rowes of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold.

verse 11 Wee will make thee borders of gold, with ſtuds of ſilver.

verse 12 While the King ſitteth at his table, my ſpikenard ſendeth forth the ſmell thereof.

verse 13 A bundle of myrrhe is my welbeloved unto mee, hee ſhall lie all night betwixt my breaſts.

p. 314 My beloved is unto mee, as a cluſter of Camphire in the Vineyards of En-gedi.

verse 15 Behold, thou art faire, my love: behold, thou art faire, and haſt doves eyes.

verse 16 Behold, thou art faire, my beloved, yea, pleaſant: alſo our bed is green.

verse 17 The beames of our houſe are Cedar, and our rafters of firre.

THE EXPLANATION.

Cant. 1. verſe 1.

The Song of Songs, which is Solomons.

Verſe 2 Let him kiſſe me with the kiſſes of his mouth, for thy love is better then wine.

IT was the manner of ancient times, at Eſpouſalls and Nuptialls to indite and ſing**Ruth 4. 11. 12.Ruth 4:11Ruth 4:12 (Epithalamia) love-ſongs:aaPſal. 45.Ps 45 The title of which Pſalme may ſeeme to bee penned by one of the chiefe ſingers of the Temple, (who now were all of them Prophets;**1. Chron. 25. 1. to 5.1 Chr 25:1–5 Aſaph, Heman, Jeduthun,) upon occaſion of Solomons marriage with Pharaohs Daughter; for though ſhee was a ſtranger by birth from the common wealth of Iſrael, yet his marriage p. 4was lawfull with her: And therefore, notwithſtanding this marriage, his love to God is ſtill commended,bb1. King. 3. 1.1 Kgs 3:1 Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh King of Egypt, and ccverſe 3.Solomon loved the Lord, &c. For, indeed herein Solomon was

1Firſt, a type of Chriſt, admitting the Gentiles into the fellowſhip of his marriage-bed.

2Secondly, this Pharaohs daughter became a Proſelite to the Jewiſh Religion, ddPſal 45. 10.—14.Ps 45:10Hearken (oh Daughter) and conſider, and incline thine eare; forget alſo thine owne people, and thy fathers houſe. &c.

Now though that marriage ſong was penned upon that occaſion; yet it aſcendeth farre above all earthly reſpects of worldly marriage, and by a divine and heavenly workmanſhip ſets forth a heavenly marriage-ſong betweene Chriſt and his Church: of like Argument was this ſong penned by Solomon himſelfe; not to expreſſe his affections to Pharaohs daughter, or hers to him, or the good parts of either of them: no, nor the like reſpects to any Shunamite amongſt the reſt of his wives, as ſome have vainly conceived; for then how abſurd and p. 5monſtrous were ſome of his compariſons, likening his ſpouſe to A company of Horſes in Pharaohs Chariot, her Head to Carmel, her Eyes to Fiſh pooles, her Noſe to a Tower, her Teeth to a flocke of sheep, her whole Selfe to a terrible Army with Banners? But his ſcope is to deſcribe the eſtate of the Church towards Chriſt, and his reſpect towards her, from his own time to the laſt judgement, as afterward it ſhall appeare.

Now, through this whole marriageſong this Decorum it keepeth, that though the Calamities of the Church be as well deſcribed throughout this ſong, as the comfortable condition of the ſame in all ages; yet ſuch diſmall paſſages are vailed and ſhadowed under ſome ſweet and amiable reſemblances, leſt the joy of a marriage feaſt ſhould be darkned by unſeaſonable mention of ſo ſad occurences; Neither are all the paſſages of the eſtate of the Church in every age here deſcribed, (for how can that be in ſo ſhort a ſong?) but the chiefe heads of things in every age are ſweetly, and ſhortly, and lively, not onelyonly pointed at, but decyphered. Theſe verſes containe

p. 61Firſt,The title. the title of the whole booke, verſe 1.

2Secondly, the deſcription of the eſtate of the Church in the dayes, 1Firſt, of Solomon verſe 2.—4.

2Secondly, of Solomon and Rehoboam, verſe 5.

3Thirdly, of Rehoboam,Title. verſe 6.—9.

In the title we have

1Firſt, the form of the book, It is A Song.

2Secondly, the excellency of it, A Song of Songs.

3Thirdly, the Author of it, Which is Solomons.

The Song of Songs,Col. 3. 6.Col 3:6 &c. In Colloſ. 3. 16. there is mention made,

1Firſt, of Pſalmes.

2Secondly, Hymnes.

3Thirdly, ſpirituall Songs.

Amongſt the Hebrewes there were Pſalmes made to be ſung with Inſtruments,Pſalmes. as well as with voyce, and contained Arguments of all ſort, for petition, thankſgiving, and inſtruction.

Songs were chiefly made for the voice.

Hymnes are properly praiſes of God;Songs. though any of theſe are ſomtimes put for all.Hymnes.

p. 7Uſe 1 Firſt, this doth let us ſee, that it were to be wiſhed, that this booke were turned into verſe or meeter in each language, that wee might ſing the Canticles as the Hebrews did.

Uſe 2 Secondly, this teaches us to ſtrive for ſuch a gracious frame of ſpirit, that we might alwayes bee fitted to ſing to God.

This Song containes the eſtate of the Church, as well in the worſt as beſt times; yet Solomon can as well ſing in the miſery of the Church; as in her proſperity: And**Pſal. 69. 2.Ps 69:2 David hath as well Pſalmes of his deepe waters and calamities, as of his greateſt deliverances: And the holy ghoſt ſaith,eePhil. 4. 4.Phil 4:4 Rejoyce in the Lord alwayes: And though ſinging be chiefly fit and requiſite inffJam. 5. 13.Jas 5:13 mirth, yet wee ſhould be fit alſo for a Pſalme in our affliction. But we commonly in our ill howers are too ſullen to ſing, and in our merry moods our ſpirits vaniſh away in carnall mirth and jolity; but whatſoever the eſtate of the Church be, we ſhould have our ſpirits as ready to ſing as to pray.

Uſe 3 Thirdly, is reproved that ancient p. 8law and cuſtome of the Synagogue, which prohibited young men (under thirtie yeares of age) the reading and uſe of this booke; but what age fitter for ſongs then cheerfull youth? And further, the amorouſneſſe of the dittie will not ſtirre up wantoneſſe in any age, if the words be well underſtood: but rather, by inflaming with heavenly love, will draw out, and burne up all earthly and carnall luſt; and, even as fire in the hand is drawne out by holding it to a ſtronger fire, or as the light and heat of the Sunne extinguiſheth a kitchin fire; ſo doth heavenly love to Chriſt extinguiſh baſe kitchin luſts.

A Song of Songs: verſe 1.That is, a moſt excellent Song, the chiefeſt of Songs: as when they would expreſſe the holy place, they ſay, The holy of holieſt, **Exodus 26. 33.Exod 26:33The Lord of lords, the King of kings, the Servant of ſervants, an Hebrew ſuperlative; ſo this is the chiefeſt Song, firſt of all Solomons other Songs,1. Kings 4▪ 32.1 Kgs 4:32 even of his thouſand and five.

2Secondly, of all Songs without exception; for though David was in his time gg2. Sam. 23. 1.2 Sam 23:1the ſweet ſinger of Iſrael, yet as Solomons p. 9throne exceeded his in all other magnificence:hh1. King. 1. 47.1 Kgs 1:47 ſo did his name exceed his alſo; yet this is no diſparagement to the other Songs; ſo neither that ſome of Davids Pſalmes ſhould bee ſtiled**Pſal. 16. 56, 57, 58, 52.Ps 16:56Ps 16:57Ps 16:58Ps 16:52 golden Pſalmes:iiPſal. 12. 6.Ps 12:6 All purified gold; yet ſome gold wrought more exquiſitely then others, and finer engraven then others; even ſome portion of the pure and holy word of God, more exquiſitely penned and poliſhed then other.

The firſt Reaſon why this Song is more excellent then others,Reaſon. is, becauſe this Song ſpeaketh not onelyonly of the chiefeſt matter, to wit, Chriſt and his Church; but alſo more largely then any of Davids Pſalmes, and with more ſtore of more ſweet and precious, exquiſite and amiable Reſemblances, taken from the richeſt Jewels, the ſweeteſt Spices, Gardens, Orchards, Vineyards, Winecellars, and the chiefeſt beauties of all the workes of God and Man.

Secondly,Reaſon. 2. this Song admitteth more varietie of interpretation then any other, and alſo of ſingular uſe: ſome have applied it to expreſſe the mutuall affection p. 10and fellowſhip betweene Chriſt and every Chriſtian ſoule; ſome between Chriſt and the Catholick Church; ſome to particular Churches, from Solomons time to the laſt judgement: And there is an holy and uſefull truth in each one of theſe interpretations; but the laſt doth exceedingly magnifie the wonderfull excellency of this Song, making it a divine abridgement of the Acts and Monuments of the Church. And that this booke was chiefly penned to bee ſuch an hiſtoricall prophecie or propheticall hiſtory, may appeare,

1Firſt, by the Correſpondency, or ſutableneſſe of the words of this Song, to the events of each age.

2Secondly, by the Repetition of the ſame deſcription, and other occurrences in divers parts of this Song; which would be a needleſſe tautologie, if it were ſpoken of the ſame perſons in the ſame time; as you may ſee if you compare Chap. 4. 2. with 6. 6. and 2. 7. with 3. 5. and 8. 4. 3. 6. with 8. 5.

Reaſon 3 Thirdly, by the diverſities of deſcriptions of ſome perſons, which p. 11would intimate and imply a contradiction,Chap. 3. 3. 6. with ch. 5. 7, 8, 9. if they were not ſpoken of ſeverall times and ſeverall perſons.

Reaſon 4 Fourthly,Chap. 3. 6. and 6. 10. and 8. 5. by the ſudden admiration of ſome new perſons and occurrences.

Uſe 1 Firſt, wee may here ſee, the eldeſt ſonne of Wiſedome giveth the double portion of excellency to this Song above all others; yea, ſince the Holy Ghoſt giveth it, it is not therefore onelyonly Canonicall Scripture, but an eminent portion of it. It were profane blaſphemie to preferre this Song above other Songs of holy Scripture, if it were not alſo given by divine inſpiration as well as they: to preferre the invention of Man before the wiſedome of God were ſacrilegious madneſſe. And although none of Gods ten proper names in Hebrew be once mentioned in this Song, yet that impeacheth not the authority of this booke more then it doth of Heſter, where no name of God is mentioned at all. Beſides, this booke is full of ſuch names of God as ſute more with the arguments; as,Chap. 1. 7, 8, 9. and 5. 10. Welbeloved, Brother, Shepheard, O thou whom my ſoule loveth, the chiefeſt of ten thouſand.

p. 12Uſe 2 Secondly, this muſt exhort us to a more ſtudious reading and meditating of this booke, as of a moſt excellent portion of holy Writ.

Uſe 3 Thirdly, this ſhewes us, that as this Scripture is Canonicall, ſo the Pen-man of it is a Canonicall Saint in Heaven; for hee muſt needs be ſo, according to that (not of Peters ſucceſſor, as the Papiſts would have it, but) of S. Peter himſelfe: kk2. Pet. 1. 21.2 Pet 1:21Holy men of God ſpake as they were moved by the Holy Ghoſt: ſo that hee muſt needs be a Saint by S. Peters confeſſion; and not he onelyonly, but Chriſt himſelfe ſaith,llLuk. 13. 28.Luke 13:28 All the Prophets are in the kingdome of God. Now, all the Prophets came not neere this Prophet; and there was no Scripture but it was penned by a Propheticall and Apoſtolicall ſpirit; and though Solomon did fall, yetmm2. Sam. 7. 14, 15.2 Sam 7:142 Sam 7:15 If he commit Iniquitie, I will chaſten him with the rod of Men, &c. verſe 15. But my mercy ſhall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul. If ſome ſay, By this it was meant that God would not take away his kingdome; to this it is anſwered, he did take it away, but hee would not deale with him as he dealt with Saul: ſo then this telleth us Solomon is a Saint in Heaven.

p. 13[Which is Solomons.]The text verſe 1. Solomon the penner of it, but a wiſer then Solomon indited it: The Holy Ghoſt maketh choice of his Inſtruments, according to the uſe he had to put them to; to ſet forth the eſtate of his Church by the choyceſt treaſures of nature: Hee uſeth Solomons ſpirit, whichnn1. King. 4. 29, 30.1 Kgs 4:291 Kgs 4:30 was as large as the ſand of the Sea ſhore.Deut. 34. 1.—4.Deut 34:1 And as God led Moſes to the top of mount Piſgah, to behold all the places and ſituations of Iſrael: So he lifted up Solomons ſpirit to the mountaine of Activitie, (that I may ſo ſpeake,) where onelyonly all times to come are preſent, to behold the eſtate of the Church throughout the preſent, and all after ages.

This is to teach us, as it was ſaid before,Uſe 1. that Solomon is a canonized Saint, elſe hee had not beene a Pen-man of Canonicall Scripture, canonized, not by Peters pretended ſucceſſors, who have ſhamefully erred in this kinde; but by **2. Pet. 1. 21.2 Pet 1:21Peter himſelfe, yea by a greater then Peter or Solomon, evenooLuk. 13. 28.Luke 13:28 Chriſt Jeſus: That promiſepp2. Sam. 7. 14, 15.2 Sam 7:142 Sam 7:15 reacheth further then to preferre Solomon before Saul in reſerving the kingdome to his poſterity, which p. 14he tooke from Saul; for even from Solomons poſteritie the kingdome was cut off in Jechoniah:2. Sam. 7. 12, 13, 14.2 Sam 7:122 Sam 7:132 Sam 7:14 The promiſe therefore of mercy to Solomon above Saul reacheth to the beſtowing of an heavenly kingdome upon him. Beſides, in that place two bleſſings are promiſed,

1Firſt, Adoption, I will be his father, &c.

2Secondly, Eſtabliſhment in Gods houſe and kingdome: ſo that if the latter promiſe ſhould not evince his perſeverance, yet the former doth.

Uſe 2 Secondly, this is to ſtirre us up to the reading and meditation of this booke, the more for the Penmans ſake.

The 2. 3. & 4. verſes ſing and ſhew forth the eſtate of the Church in Solomons time. Verſe 5. the eſtate of the Church as well in Solomons time as in Rehoboams: The verſes following to the ninth, the eſtate of the Church in all the time of Rehoboam.

In the Church of Solomons time foure paſſages are chiefly obſervable.Solomons time four things.

1Firſt, Solomons choyce of heavenly wiſedome, by which chiefly wee enjoy ſweet and familiar fellowſhip with p. 15God,qqPro. 8. 34. 35.Prov 8:34Prov 8:35 1 King 3. 5. to 10. This is expreſſed, verſe 2.

2Secondly, the ſweet ſavour and fame of Solomons gifts and graces,verſe 3. to the winning of the love and admiration of the ſonnes of men.

3Thirdly, the drawing and gathering of all Iſrael to the Kings chambers,verſe 4. the Courts of Solomons Temple: or his care to bring on his people to the publick worſhip of God, and their reſpect of him in regard thereof.

4Fourthly, the fall and deformity of the Church, by Idolatrous worſhip, and toleration thereof in many;verſe 5. and yet the keeping of the native beautie of the Church in many others.

[**verſe 2. Let him kiſſe me with the kiſſes of his mouth, &c.] It is a prayer of the Church, or (which is all one) ſome chiefe member of it, for a pledge of Chriſts ſweet and familiar acquaintance, and love, and fellowſhip with her: Kiſſes are pledges and incentives of love.rrPro. 24. 26.Prov 24:26 Men ſhall kiſſe his lips that anſwereth upright words. This is the effect of upright Anſwers, men kiſſe his lips; but God kiſſing a mans lips, is the cauſe of mans anſwering upright p. 16words; his breathing into our mouths a right anſwer, maketh us ſpeake accordingly: as, on the contrary, when one anſwers perverſly, unjuſtly, erroneouſly, Satan then hath kiſſed them with his kiſſes, hee hath ſitten as a**1. Kings 22. 23, 24.1 Kgs 22:231 Kgs 22:24 lying ſpirit in their mouths.

[The kiſſes of his mouth,] which is more then the kiſſes of his lips; the one is a ſilent geſture of love, the other implieth alſo amiable ſpeeches, when Chriſt

1Firſt, by the voice of his word, or

2Secondly, by the breath of his ſpirit, doth either

1Firſt, put wiſedome or grace into our hearts,Pſal. 119. 98.—100.Ps 119:98 or

2Secondly, ſpeake peace or comfort to our ſoules.

ſſIſa. 57. 19.Isa 57:19I create the fruit of the lips, peace, peace, &c. Solomons wiſedome is the grace of God, as wickedneſſe is folly;ttPro. 17.Prov 17 The beginning of this wiſedome is the feare of God, uuEccleſ. 12. 13.Eccl 12:13the end of it is the keeping of Gods Commandements: This wiſedome whoſo findes, findes Chriſt,**Pro. 8. 22. 35.Prov 8:22Prov 8:35 the wiſedome of the Father, in whom God is well pleaſed with us,**Math. 3. 17.Matt 3:17 and in whom hee (as it were) kiſſeth us; This wiſedome doth not onelyonly p. 17enable us to walke godlily to our ſalvation, but likewiſe fits us to goe in and out before our families, before our people, and ſo enlarges us to all duties of our callings: And to walke in the wayes of this wiſedome, brings peace to our ſoules, and to thoſe that live under us:yyPro. 3. 17.Prov 3:17 All her paths are peace.

For thy love is better then wine.] The favour of God in giving wiſedome, and thereby peace to a mans ſelfe and others depending on him, is more worth then wine, (that is) then whatſoever makes the heart of man**Pſal. 104▪ 15. & 4. 6, 7.Ps 104:15Ps 4:6Ps 4:7 glad. This prayer was powred out by Solomon, the chiefeſt member of the Church in this time,Pro. 3. 13.—15. and 31. 6, 7.Prov 3:13 when he prayed for wiſedome,††1 King. 3. 5, 9, 11.1 Kgs 3:51 Kgs 3:91 Kgs 3:11 and preferred it before long life,Jud. 9. 13.Judg 9:13 riches, victory over his enemies, &c.

Or elſe this whole verſe may expreſſe the deſire of the Church to Solomon,2. Chron. 1. 7, 10. 11.2 Chr 1:72 Chr 1:102 Chr 1:11 that he would expreſſe his love to her by his divine ſentences,Pro. 16. 10.Prov 16:10 **Eccleſ. 12. 9.Eccl 12:9and bookes, and ſongs, which are better then their civill peace,**1 King 4. 25.1 Kgs 4:25 then the ſitting under their own Vine and Fig-tree.

Becauſe of the ſavour of thy good oyntments.]Verſe 3. Good oyntments are the gifts p. 18and graces of Gods ſpirit,aaIoh. 2. 27.John 2:27 But the anoynting which ye have reccived of him, &c. ſo called, becauſe they heale a broken heart asbbLuk. 10. 34.Luke 10:34 oyle: the oyle of Gods grace heales the bruiſes of the ſoule.

Secondly,Iſay 61. 3.Isa 61:3 as oyle doth make the face to ſhine,**Pſa. 104. 15.Ps 104:15 ſo do they.

Thirdly,Eccle. 8. 1.Eccl 8:1 ††Ex. 10. 23.—31.Exod 10:23as by the holy oyles all the veſſels of the Tabernacle were conſecrated; ſo by theſe graces all the veſſels of mercy are conſecrated to God.

Fourthly, by the oyntment were anoynted to their offices††1 Sam. 16. 3. & 10. 1.1 Sam 16:31 Sam 10:1 Kings,ccExod. 40. 13, 15.Exod 40:13Exod 40:15 Prieſts, dd1 Kings 19. 16.1 Kgs 19:16and ſome Prophets;eeAct. 1. 8. & 2. 4, 7.Acts 1:8Acts 2:4Acts 2:7 ſo by theſe graces are wee annointed to God our Father in Chriſt,ffRev. 1. 6.Rev 1:6 Kings, Prieſts and Prophets. Savour is the manifeſtation of theſe graces, as oyntments are manifeſted by their ſavour.Ioh. 12. 3.John 12:3

Thy name is as an oyntment powred forth:]Verſe 3. that is, precious, ſweet, and famouſly renowned; therefore doe the Virgins love thee. The Virgins in this ſong are ſuch as Chriſt hath not yet eſpouſed to himſelfe,**Can. 8. 8. nor ſpoken for in way of marriage;**Can. 6. 8. ſuch as carnall Jewes, or the Gentiles.

Love thee:]Verſe 3.

p. 19That is, Firſt, honourably eſteeme thee.

Secondly, affect thy ſight and fellowſhip.

Thirdly, ſeeke after thee.**1 King. 28. & 4. 31, 34. & 5. 7. & 10. 1. 7, 8, 9. This was fulfilled in Solomon: His owne people reverenced him, even all of them; his name was famous in all nations round about him: all the Kings ſent to him, and of all people ſome came to heare his wiſedome.**1 King. 10. 1, 2.1 Kgs 10:11 Kgs 10:2 The Queen of Sheba commeth from the uttermoſt parts of the earth to heare it, and counteth his people happy under it:††1 King. 5. 7.1 Kgs 5:7 Hiram King of Tyre bleſſed God for his wiſedome.

Draw me.]Verſe 4. It may well be the ſpeech of Solomon to Chriſt, praying that Chriſt would draw him to the Father, neere unto him in holy duties, and promiſing to bring all the people to runne with him after God: Or it may be the ſpeech of the Church to Solomon, deſiring him to draw them together, by publicke edicts and proclamations, to the ſolemne duties of Gods worſhip, and promiſing to come freely, to run together willingly in the times of ſuch aſſemblies; which was done.aa2. Chro. 2. 2, 3.2 Chr 2:22 Chr 2:3

p. 20[The King hath brought mee into his chambers:]Verſe 4. That is, into thoſe bride-chambers, where Chriſt familiarly converſeth with them; which were three:

Firſt, the Tabernacle of Gibeon.

Secondly, the Arke at Jeruſalem.

Thirdly, the Temple.

Into theſe**2. Chro. 1. 2.—6. 1. King. 8. 5.—14.—63.2 Chr 1:21 Kgs 8:5 Solomon brought the whole congregation of Iſrael to ſolemne ſacrifices.

The words following in this verſe, ſhew a threefold reſpect which the people beare to Solomon:

Firſt, they rejoyced in him.

Secondly, they remember his love better then wine.

Thirdly, the upright love him.

Their rejoycing in him, is recordedbb1. King. 8. 66.1 Kgs 8:66: their remembrance of his love more then wine, is there alſo implied; for, departing from the meeting with ſuch glad hearts, they afterward remembred the comfort thereof, as more bleſſed then the peaceable living under their owne Vine and Fig-tree: The love of the upright to him continued all his time, even when his wives, and hollow-hearted ſubjects p. 21flattered him, and enticed him to toleration of Idolatrie.

But conſider further, that Solomon, when hee is here ſet forth as the deſire, praiſe and bleſſedneſſe of all his people, hee is then a type of Chriſt, greater then Solomon; whoſe heavenly fellowſhip and inſtruction the Church deſires above wine:Verſe 2. whoſe graces are excellent and procuring him love and renowne, of whom the Church prayeth to be drawn, and who leadeth us to fellowſhip with God in holy worſhip; whom therefore the people rejoyce in, and remember his love above wine: the upright love him.

Uſe 1 This, firſt, doth ſhew us the happy eſtate of a Church or Common-wealth, when men of place labour not for preferments or worldly profits, for honour or long life, but for wiſe and underſtanding hearts, that may goe in and out before the people in their callings; when they deſire to be kiſſed with the kiſſes of Gods mouth, that he would breath into them ſuch graces as bee needfull for their places.

Uſe 2 Secondly, this ſheweth what procures p. 22a Magiſtrate love and reputation; when, being enriched with Gods graces, as ſweet oyntments, hee manifeſteth the ſweet ſavour thereof in all his adminiſtrations. If any man deſires a good name, if any man deſires love and reſpect, this is the way to get it; Fill your hearts with the good gifts and graces of God: let Gods grace ſhew forth it ſelf in your ſpeeches, in your anſwers, in your practices; this oyntment will bee ſtronger to get a good name, then any other noyſom thing to hinder it: The Virgins will love you, for they rejoyce at your faith;ccHeb. 11. 2.Heb 11:2 and by faith our elders were well reported of. By theſe Solomon got a good name all the world over.

Uſe 3 Thirdly, this is to teach a Magiſtrate to draw on the people to holy duties, by all meanes he can, by his proclamations, lawes, and examples.

Uſe 4 Fourthly, to ſhew that the greateſt comfort of ſubjects, and the ſtrongeſt love to knit them in all hearty affections to their Prince, is his forwardneſſe in drawing them on, and leading them an end to the holy duties of Gods worſhip.

Draw mee, Verſe 4.and I will runne after thee.] p. 23If Solomon once be drawne, all the people will come after rejoycing, when they ſhall ſee the Magiſtrate come.

Uſe 5 Fifthly, to ſhew us a ſigne of a true ſpouſe of Chriſt; ſuch a one preferreth fellowſhip with him above all things,Verſe 2. delighting in his company, in his ordinances: Thus did Paul, ddPhil. 3. 7, 8.Phil 3:7Phil 3:8I count all things loſſe and droſſe for Chriſt: So David, eePſ. 73. 25▪Ps 73:25Whom have I in Heaven but thee?

I am blacke,ffText ver. 5. to 9. yet comely, &c.]

In theſe verſes is deſcribed the eſtate of the Church.

Firſt, of Iſrael and Judah, in the laſt dayes of Solomon,Verſe 5. and then of Rehoboam.

Secondly, of Judah alone.Verſe 6.

Thirdly, of Iſrael alone after the Apoſtacy of the ten tribes.Ver. 7, 8▪

Fourthly, of Judah alone, in reſpect of his civill condition under the ſervice of the King of Egypt.Verſe 9.

I am black, Verſe 5.&c.] The Church is ſet forth by a double adjunction, the one contrary to the other; I am black, yet comely; and both theſe by compariſon:

Firſt, Blacke.black, as the tents of Kedar.

p. 24Secondly, comely, as the curtains or hangings of Solomon.

Firſt, black, by the fall of Solomongg1. King. 11. 4. 9.1 Kgs 11:41 Kgs 11:9.

Secondly, by the folly of Rehoboamhh1. King. 12. 14, 15.1 Kgs 12:141 Kgs 12:15.

Thirdly,

1. By Profaneneſſe.

2. By Schiſme.

3. By Apoſtacy.

4. By the Rebellion of the ten tribesii1. King. 12. 16, 18, 19. Comely.1 Kgs 12:161 Kgs 12:181 Kgs 12:19. Yet comely,]

Firſt, by the preſent purity of Gods ordinances in the Temple.kkPſal. 48. 1, 2.Ps 48:1Ps 48:2

Secondly, the conſtancy of the upright in cleaving to God,2 Chron. 13. 10.—12.2 Chr 13:10 to the King, to the houſe of God, and David; the which was done in profeſſion by whole. Judah and Benjamin, and the Iſraelites inhabiting in the Cities of Judah, but in truth, by the upright.ll1. King. 12. 17, 20, 23.1 Kgs 12:171 Kgs 12:201 Kgs 12:23.

Yee Daughters of Jeruſalem, &c.] Children of the Church are called Daughters rather then Sons, as being prered as a pure Virgin for Chriſt their huſband. mm2 Cor. 11. 2.2 Cor 11:2.

As the tents of Kedar, &c.] That is, of the Arabians, who were called Scenith, or Nomede, for that they wandred up and downe, feeding their flocks in p. 25tents, which they made of Goats haire; a courſe ſtuffe of it ſelfe, and, being weather-beaten, the more homely and black: Hereto the Prophet alludeth when hee calleth the Church of IſraelnnEzek. 23. 4.Ezek 23:4 Aholah, and Jeruſalem Aholibah, my tent in her: for ſhe was then as the curtains of Solomon.

It was Davids griefe**Pſal. 120. 5.Ps 120:5 that he was long converſant in the tents of Kedar: the Church was now like to theſe tents,

Firſt, in their blackneſſe, which reſembled their adverſity.

Secondly, in that ſhee now lived among the enemies of her peace, the ſons of her mother being angry with her.

Thirdly, in that black and ſad defection which layd the foundation of the after Captivity, when the Church wandred to Babel; her tent being removed as the curtains of Solomon, or, hangings; having the name from the coupling together, **Hortenſis Flavius. Joſeph. Ant. 8. 2.Joſephus ſaith, that Solomons hals were hung with hangings of Babilonian tapeſtrie in their courſes of ſuits, and the wall of Marble underneath moſt curiouſly wrought with rich Imagerie: It ſeemeth alſo, each hanging inwardly more rich then other. Such was the p. 26eſtate of the Church in time of publicke defection, pure and richly graced in the upright members, whom the better one inwardly knew, the more gracious they appeared.

Looke not upon mee,Verſe 6. becauſe I am black, &c.]

This Verſe hath two parts:Two parts▪

Firſt, an admonition of the Church of Judah to the daughters of Jeruſalem, not to deſpiſe her, nor alienate themſelves from her in regard of her blackneſſe; or, as it is in the Hebrew, Becauſe I am ſhee that am black.

Secondly, a rendring a three-fold Reaſon:

Firſt, of her blackneſſe.

Secondly, of their not deſpiſing her for it.

A third Reaſon is▪

Firſt, from the higheſt cauſe of her affliction, The Sunne hath looked upon mee.

Secondly, from the inſtrumentall cauſe, The anger of her mothers children againſt her.

Thirdly, for the meritorious cauſe, which ſhee acknowledgeth was wholly p. 27in her ſelfe; her not keeping well her own vineyard, aggravated by the divers degrees, though they made her the keeper of the vineyards.

Looke not upon me:]Verſe 6. that is

Firſt, with a ſcorching eye, Sun-burning me, making me ſtill more blacke by your diſdaine and ſeparation; as the Sun is ſaid to looke upon, that is, with a ſcorching eye.

Secondly, with a piercing eye, as the Vultures do, whereof Job ſpeaketh,ooIob 28. 7.Job 28:7 uſing the ſame word here uſed of the Sunne, which ſpieth out what hee may faſten upon, any corruption or carrion.

The Sunne:]Verſe 6. that is, GodppPſ. 84. 11▪Ps 84:11 hath looked upon me with a ſcorching eye, in diſpleaſure; for hee was angry with Solomon. qq1 King. 11. 9. & 12. 24.1 Kgs 11:91 Kgs 12:24It came not by chance, or civill cauſes in politie, but by divine procurement; and therefore the daughters of Jeruſalem, to make ſuch an uſe of it as not to alienate themſelves the more from God by it: That which commeth from God ſhould draw us neerer to God; Hee did it to ſet us more Kings in the Common-wealth, as Solomon had more Gods in the Church.

p. 28The ſonnes of my mother were angry with mee,]Verſe 6. That is, the ten tribes were offended: rr1. King. 12. 16.1 Kgs 12:16yea this anger of the tribes was exceſſive, when it brake forth into ſuch extremity; and therefore they rather to be reproved, then the Church diſdained.

They made me the keeper of the Vines:]

Firſt, Godſſ1. Chro. 28. 4.—6.1 Chr 28:4

Secondly, all the tribestt2. Sam. 5. 3.2 Sam 5:3

Of the Vines,] that is, of all the ChurchesuuPſal. 80. 8.Ps 80:8

But mine owne Vineyard have I not kept:]Iſa 5. 1.Isa 5:1 that is,Matth. 21. 33.Matt 21:33 not the Churches of Judah and Jeruſalem, Idolatry and Superſtition creeping in.

No not the Vines of mine own houſe, my wives**Pſal. 128▪ 3.Ps 128:3 from falling to Idolatry, and ſeducing my ſelfe to toleration of it.

Tell me, Verſe 7.oh thou, &c.] This verſe containeth,

Firſt, a Prayer of the faithfull diſperſed throughout the ten tribes, and commanded by Jeroboam to goe no more to worſhip at Jeruſalem, but to goe to Dan and Bethel, deſiring to know whither to reſort to finde Chriſt feeding his ſheepe aaJoh. 10. 27, 28.John 10:27John 10:28that heare his voyce.

p. 29Secondly, a Reaſon to prevent her turning aſide to ſuperſtitious worſhip, by following ſuch teachers as will not bee ſubordinate to Chriſt, depending upon his direction; but companions with him, uſurping to preſcribe with like authority as himſelfe in his worſhipbb1. King. 12. 28.—31.1 Kgs 12:28

If you know not.] This verfe containeth Chriſt's anſwer:Verſe 8. where obſerve

Firſt, a Compellation, Oh thou faireſt amongſt women.

Secondly, a Suppoſition, If thou knoweſt not; as if he ſhould ſay, it is much thou ſhouldeſt not know.

Thirdly, a Direction to follow in this caſe.

Firſt, the footſteps of the true ſheepe of Chriſt, who went up all to Jeruſalemcc2. Chro. 11. 13, 14, 16.2 Chr 11:132 Chr 11:142 Chr 11:16.

Secondly, the tents of the Shepheards, the lawfull Prieſts, who were there alſo; dd2. Chro. 13. 10, 11.2 Chr 13:102 Chr 13:11there they feed the kids and young ones, who elſe might in time grow rammiſh and ranke with ſuperſtitious and bad miniſters.

I have compared thee.]Verſe 9. Here the civill eſtate of the Church of Judah is deſcribed; for after that the recourſe of the faithfull Prieſts and Levites had ſtrengthned p. 30the hand of Rehoboam,**2 Chro. 11. 17. & 12. 1, 2.2 Chr 11:172 Chr 12:12 Chr 12:2 hee fell away, and moſt of Iſrael with him: wherefore God ſent Pharaoh Shiſhak (for all the Kings of Egypt were called Pharaohs) to ſubdue them to his ſervice.2 Chr. 12. 2, 8, 9. ver. 8, 9.2 Chr 12:22 Chr 12:82 Chr 12:9 So then the Church of Judah is here ſet forth,

Firſt, by her ſervice to Pharaoh, as if, like horſes, they drew in Pharaohs triumphant Chariotdd2 Chro. 12. 8.2 Chr 12:8. Joſephus ſaith, this Shiſhak was Sefeſteris, of whom Herodotus ſpeakes; yea of him ſaith Diodorus Siculus, that hee cauſed Kings as horſes to draw in his Chariots.

Secondly, by her acceptance to God in this ſervice; I have compared thee to the company of my horſes; and ſo in the Hebrew, becauſe they had ſubmitted themſelves under Gods juſt handsee2 Chron. 12, 6. 12.2 Chr 12:62 Chr 12:12. If Solomon had ſpoken of any of his Wives or Concubines, it had beene a monſtrous and abſurd compariſon to liken them to Coach-horſes: Alſo becauſe this is a marriage-ſong, hee ſetteth downe expreſly no diſmall thing to interrupt bride-chamber joy, but vaileth the ſervice under this magnificent compariſon darkly.

p. 31Uſe 1 This ſhewes us what it is that makes the Church blacke, wherein the deformity of it ſtands, in the fall and ſins of the people, and of the Princes, in declining to Idolatry in their folly, ſchiſmes, and rents from their mother; profaneneſſe, apoſtacy, and rebellion in the Church and Common-wealth: Theſe doe darken the faireſt Churches.

If Solomon ſhall ſet up other Gods, God will ſet up forraine Princes in his kingdome: If hee and his people will ſerve other Gods, God will cauſe his Princes to draw in forraine Princes Chariots: If we be at unity with other gods, God will be at enmity with us.

Uſe 2 Secondly, this doth ſhew us there may bee a true comely Church in the middeſt of ſuch deformities, yet the true Church of God in the greateſt darkneſſe is alwayes comely: It is not the ſins of Princes and people that can take away the Churches comelineſſe; they may bring blackneſſe upon her, like to the tents of Kedar: but draw theſe curtaines aſide, and you ſhall finde that Gods Church is comely, like to the curtaines of Solomon. Run we not therefore from the Church p. 32becauſe of her blackneſſe, but runne to her, and embrace her in her moſt ſad defections.

Uſe 3 Thirdly, to teach the children of the Church not to ſeparate from the Church for corruption ſake; not to looke onelyonly at her corruptions, but to ſee her comlineſſe alſo; and not adde affliction to the afflicted: Much leſſe are we to think they in Bohemia, and in the Palatinate, are no Churches, for that they are now ſunne-burnt: The ſunne, even God, hath looked upon them; and it is not their mothers children, but the baſtards of the Romane Harlot have beene angry with her. Let us not then look at them with a Vultures eye, as though wee would behold nothing but corruption and carrion; nor, with a ſcorching eye, make them more blacke; but with a childe-like eye, to pity them for their calamity and blackneſſe which is befallen them.

Uſe 4 Fourthly, obſerve that the calamities of the Church ſpring not out of the duſt, but it is God that cauſeth darkneſſe upon the Church; yea, to ſpeake reverently, it is he that lookes at her with a ſcorching eye; he ſearcheth her ſins, and, finding p. 33them out, doth blaſt her that ſhe is tann'd and ſun-burnt: If then it be Gods hand, let us pity the Church ſo much the more, and ſtrive with God to renew the light of his countenance upon her.

Uſe 5 Fifthly, it was a ſinne in them to be angry with the Church, as ſome of the ſeparation are, and doe depart from us; and it is not a little ſinne and fault in us to deſpiſe other Churches in diſtreſſe. What and if ſome caſt off England, ſhall we reject it becauſe ſome of the ſonnes of her mother doe ſo? How much leſſe then when the ſonnes, not of a mother but of a harlot, hates the Churches beyond the ſeas? ſhall wee then reject the Church? God forbid.

Uſe 6 Sixthly, this teacheth us concerning Solomon, that

Firſt, he repented of his fall, acknowledged his being wanting of keeping his owne Vine; and

Secondly, hee wrote this ſong after his fall and repentance; elſe, if hee had foretold his fall, and repentance before it was done, it might ſeem like the Jeſuites popiſh repentance, who confeſſe to their Prieſts their ſin before they commit it: p. 34But he penned it after his fall, to aſſure us the more of his ſalvation, which ſome make doubt of.

Uſe 7 Seventhly, this ſhewes us ſuch ſoules are the faireſt and moſt beautifull in Chriſts eyes (as not reſting in the commandements of governments touching matter of Religion, but) doe ſeeke for the true Church and pure worſhip of God, and follow it, though with neglect of their**2 Chro. 13. 14. 16.2 Chr 13:142 Chr 13:16 ſuburbs and poſſeſſions. Chriſt calleth thoſe the faireſt among women who here enquire after him, and ſell**Mat. 19. 21, 27. Luke 18. 22, 28. Mar. 10. 21, 28.Matt 19:21Matt 19:27Luke 18:22Luke 18:28Mark 10:21Mark 10:28 all to follow him: ſo theſe that want means of ſalvation at home are deſirous to ſeeke after them, and where they finde them, there they goe; and part with any thing to enjoy the purity of Gods worſhip and ordinances; theſe in Gods account are the worthieſt Chriſtians.

Uſe 8 Eighthly, here is ſhewed two marks of the true Chruch of God; doe any doubt whether God be God or Baal, and doe halt betweene two opinions,1 Kin. 18. 21.1 Kgs 18:21 not knowing whether to joyne with Rome or England?Verſe 8. Goe then out by the footſteps of the flocks; where the faithfull hearing Chriſts voice reſort, and will not p. 35heare any voyce but Chriſts, follow thoſe: now times are ſuch (bleſſed be God) as every one may finde out where the Church is; but in the caſe of blackneſſe and darkneſſe, enquire then

Firſt, for ſuch as will heare no voyce but Chriſts, and follow then the footſteps of the flocke: ſee where they feed, there joyne your ſelves.

Secondly, where you finde faithfull miniſters Prieſts, as Aarons ſonnes, and Levites anointed with heavenly graces: Thither carry your kids, there plant your families to bee fed under ſuch ſhepheards.

Uſe 9 Laſtly, wee may ſee here when the Church neglects Gods ſervice,Verſe 9. God gives her up to the ſervice of forraine Princes, to draw as horſes in Pharaoh chariots: And yet being humbled for this, God will have mercy on her, and ſo diſpoſe of it, that her ſervice ſhall not be baſe, for God will make them to draw his yoke, though they draw it in the yoke of forraine Princes, as Rehoboam and his people didff2 Chro. 12. 2, 4, 8, 9.2 Chr 12:22 Chr 12:42 Chr 12:82 Chr 12:9

Thy cheeks are comely with rowes of jewels,]Ver. 10. to end. the eſtate of the Church is here p. 36deſcribed, as it was in the dayes of Abijam, in theſe words, Thy cheeks are comely with Jewels, and as it was in the dayes of Aſa, both in the ſame words, and in the words following to the end of the eleventh verſe.

Thy cheeks,] that is the outward face of the Church are comely with rowes of Jewels; that is with keeping their right place, and order, and manner of Gods owne ordinances.

This Abijam proclaimeth himſelfe to all the houſe of Iſrael; gg2 Chro. 13. 10, 11, 12.2 Chr 13:102 Chr 13:112 Chr 13:12But as for us (ſaith he) the Lord is our God, wee have not for ſaken him, the Prieſts which miniſter unto the Lord are the ſonnes of Aaron; and the Levites wait upon that buſineſſe, and they burne unto the Lord every morning and every evening burnt ſacrifices and ſweet incenſe: the Shew bread alſo they ſet in order upon the pure table.

It was not ſo with the Houſe of Iſrael, * though Abijahs heart was not ſo upright as Davids; Ver. 8, 9.hh1 King. 15. 3.1 Kgs 15:3yet the outward face of the Church, her cheeks (as it were) were comely with the orderly keeping and obſerving the ordinances of God: yea and comely alſo was the face of the p. 37Church, looking up to God in diſtreſſe, ii2 Chro. 13. 12, 18.2 Chr 13:122 Chr 13:18which moved him to deliver you from Jeroboam.

Thy necke with chaines of Gold.]Ver. 10.

Chaines of gold are wholſome lawes, binding like chaines, to keep the worſhip of God and true Religion pure as gold; ſuch Lawes are called chaines:kkPſ. 149. 8.Ps 149:8 This was done in the dayes of Aſa, when hee removed the Altars of the ſtrange gods, pulling downe the high places, breaking the Images, and cutting downe the groves; commanded Judah to ſeeke the Lord God of their fathers, and the people willingly ſubmitted themſelvesll2 Chro. 14. 2, 3, 4, 5. & 15. 12.—15.2 Chr 14:22 Chr 14:32 Chr 14:42 Chr 14:52 Chr 15:12 to enter into a covenant or law, that upon paine of death all the people ſhould ſeeke the Lord onelyonly.

Wee will make thee.]Ver. 11. This ſheweth the forwardneſſe of the people to joyne with Aſa in reforming Religion, and adorning the Church, as is recordedmm2 Chro. 15. 10,—16.2 Chr 15:10

Borders of gold:] That is the borders of the kingdome,Ver. 11. pure as gold by clenſing and putting away all the Idols out of all quarters of Judah, yea and of Benjamin alſo, and mount Ephraim, the very skirts, and frontiers, and borders of the kingdomenn2 Chro. 15. 8.2 Chr 15:8.

p. 38[Studs of ſilver,]Ver. 11. In works of gold, are ſuch eminent knobs as adorne the works with variety of colours, and metall, and workmanſhip:ooPro. 15. 11.Prov 15:11

Such like eminent works which did adorn Aſahs reformation of the Church, even to the very borders were theſe three.3. Things.

Firſt, his renewing of the Altars of the Lord before the Porch.pp2 Chro 15. 8.2 Chr 15:8

Secondly, the depoſing of his mother, from her Regency for her Idolatrie ſake, and defacing her Idoll.qq2 Chro. 15. 16.2 Chr 15:16

Thirdly, the conſecrating, and bringing into Gods houſe, his fathers and his owne dedicated Veſſels of gold and ſilver.rr2 Chro 15. 18.2 Chr 15:18

While the King ſitteth at his table,]Ver. 12. That is, whiles Jehoſaphat ſits at reſt and peace, refreſhing himſelfe at home,ſſ2 Chro. 17. 15.2 Chr 17:15 God eſtabliſhing his kingdome in his hand, and giving him riches and honours in abundance.

My ſpikenard,]Ver. 12. An ointment of all others moſt precious,**Plin. lib. 11. ca. 12. Idem ibid. of all other ſpices ſpikenard is of greateſt eſtimation: This the Apoſtle John calleth very coſtly, wherewith our Saviour Chriſt was annointed by Mary.

p. 39By ſpikenard is here meant the preaching of the word,2 Cor. 2. 16.2 Cor 2:16 which is of all ſavours the moſt precious, even the ſavour of life unto life.

When Jehoſaphat was eſtabliſhed in reſt and peace, he ſent forth the Prieſts and Levites, to carrie the ſweet ſavour of the word throughout all the cities of Judah.**2 Chro. 17. 8, 9.2 Chr 17:82 Chr 17:9

A bundle of Myrrhe,]Ver. 13. Myrrhe is an odoriferous tree,Plin. lib. 12. ca. 16. that ſweateth out a ſweete gumme called Stacte, which is preferred before all others.

This gumme is alſo called from the tree Myrrhe, his ſmell is ſtrong and fragrant, and fit to preſerve from putrefaction; and it is of much uſe in embalming, and God himſelfe recounteth it amongſt the principall ſpices.ſſExod. 30. 23.Exod 30:23

Betweene my breaſts,]Ver. 13. The breaſts are thoſe that give milke;1 Pet. 2. 2.1 Pet 2:2 The ſincere milke of the word to the Churches children, to wit, the Prieſts and Levites: Theſe when Jehoſaphat ſent forth to give milk to the cities of Judah, hee ſent with them a company of Noble men, Religious Princes, who added the more authority to the Prieſts and Levites, and are p. 40therefore themſelves ſaid to teach in the cities of Judah tt2 Chro. 17. 7.2 Chr 17:7. Thus theſe Princes were as a bundle of Myrrhe amongſt the Prieſts and the Levites, to decide all controverſies amongſt the people, both in matters concerning God and the King; to preſerve the people, and one another free from corruption in all matters, whether of Religion or civil Juſtice.uu2 Chro. 19. 5.—12.2 Chr 19:5 Yea, and Jehoſhaphat himſelfe repreſenting Chriſt the Churches wellbeloved upon earth, he reſted in the boſome of the Church as a bundle of Myrrhe, ſweet, and ſtrongly preſerving the people from corruption: from Beerſheba to mount Ephraim hee went about, throughout all the people to bring them backe againe to the purity of Gods worſhip.**2 Chro. 19. 3, 4.2 Chr 19:32 Chr 19:4

As a cluſter of Camphire.]Ver. 14. Camphire is a ſhrub for ſmell like unto Spikenard, waſting the obſtruction of the ſpleene, and by the very ſmell of it making men vegeſtiores, and firmiores, more lively and more ſtrong;Plin. lib. 21. ca. 18. yea, and available alſo againſt the biteing of ſerpents: ſuch was Chriſt to his Church, when the children of Moab, 2 Chron 20. 12.2 Chr 20:12and Ammon, and mount p. 41Seir gathered themſelves together againſt the children of Iſrael in Engedi, for by the miniſtry of Jehaziel, he made Jehoſaphat and his people,

Firſt,2 Chron. 20. 14, 15, 16.—20.2 Chr 20:142 Chr 20:152 Chr 20:16 more ſtrong in faith, to reſt on God and his word.

Secondly, more lively and heartily to praiſe God:verſe 21. 22, 23, 24. yea, and hee ſaved them from their enemies, themſelves not ſtriking a ſtroke; though their enemies the breed of the old Serpent put them before in great feare.verſe 3.—12.

Behold thou art faire my love, Ver. 15.behold thou art faire:] The doubling of the words expreſſeth the ſuperlative degree, by an uſuall Hebraiſme, faire, faire, that is, very faire; which ſheweth the eſtate of the Church in Hezekiahs time, who returned and ſet the Prieſts and Levites in their courſes, reſtored their burnt ſacrifices and oblations, ſanctified the Prieſts,2 Chron. 29. & 30. & 31. ver. 1, 2.2 Chr 29 called all the people to the Paſſeover, prayed for their healing, tooke away all the Images, groves, and high places.

[Thou haſt Doves eyes:]Ver. 15. That is, chaſt and loathing uncleaneſſe,Plin. lib. 10. cap. 34. as Pliny reports the Doves to be. Hezekiah loathed p. 42even the monuments of Idolatrie, even the brazen Serpent, (though ſometimes Gods ordinance,) when once the people went a whoring after it: So by this means, abuſes crept into the Church, in the dayes of Joram, 2 King. 18. 4.2 Kgs 18:4Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, are not recorded till they come to be cleanſed, leſt the joy of the marriage ſong ſhould be darkened by the mention of ſo ſad occurrences; whence alſo it is, that the abuſes that crept in after the death of Hezekiah, in the dayes of Manaſſeth and Ammon, are not mentioned till their cleanſing came, recorded in the dayes of Joſiah.

Behold thou art faire my beloved, Ver. 16.yea pleaſant, alſo our bed is greene:] This is the eſtate of the Church in the dayes of good Joſiah, who reformed it to the like eſtate of purity and beauty as in the daies of Hezekiah, yea, in this hee exceeded him, in taking away the high places which Salomon had built for his wives Idols,2 King. 23. 13.2 Kgs 23:13 as alſo ſome other corruptions of Ahaz, ver. 12. and beſides, hee made all the people to worſhip the Lord onelyonly, and to ſerve him.**2 Chro. 34. 32, 33.2 Chr 34:322 Chr 34:33

[Yea pleaſant,] It being more then p. 43faire,2 Chr. 34 1.—7.2 Chr 34:1 ſo young a man to worke ſo great a worke of reformation.

Our bed is greene,] The houſe of God was the temple, the bed in the houſe were the ordinances of God, wherein God was wont familiarly to embrace his ſpouſe, and ſhe him.

Theſe in Joſiahs time flouriſhed in greateſt purity,††2 Chro. 35. 18.2 Chr 35:18 ſo that there was no Paſſeover like unto his.

Our bed is greene,] It is an alluſion to the ſpring time, when the worſhip of God began to flouriſh againe, after a winter time of myrie and dirtie pollutions.

The beames of our houſe are Cedar, Ver. 17.and our Rafters, or Walls, or Galleries of Firre,] Theſe words ſet out the beauty of the Church,2 Chr. 34. 8.—14.2 Chr 34:8 in regard of the repaires of the Temple made by Joſiah.

The uſe is to obſerve the ſeverall beauties and ornaments of the Church, which are,

Uſe 1 Firſt, to enjoy each ordinance of God in his ranke and place: It is as if the cheekes, or open face of the Church were decked with rowes of jewels. Jeroboam made Prieſts of the baſeſt of p. 44the people; and ſuch defect or corruption of Gods ordinances, is a blemiſh conſpicuous in the face of the Church.

Uſe 2 Secondly, good Kings ought to put upon their people wholeſome Lawes, and ſtrait blinding to the purity of Religion and the worſhip of God: It is no impeachment to their Chriſtian liberty as Anabaptiſts dote, but an ornament to their beautie, making their neckes comely as with chaines of gold: It was the commandement of Aſa **2 Chro. 15. 13.2 Chr 15:13Whoſoever would not ſeeke the Lord God of Iſrael, ſhould be put to death. ††2 Chro. 34. 33.2 Chr 34:33And Joſiah tooke away all the abominations out of all the Countries that pertained to the Children of Iſrael, and made all that were preſent to ſerve, even to ſerve the Lord their God.

Uſe 3 Thirdly, people to be ready to binde themſelves by ſolemne covenant and oath to keepe ſuch Lawes, and to aſſiſt their Princes in cleanſing their uttermoſt borders and corners of the kingdome from Superſtition and Idolatrie; and it is no impeachment of Chriſtian liberty to bow to Chriſtian Lawes: yea, it is the beauty of a Chriſtian Church to weare thoſe chaines, thoſe Lawes, which p. 45were made for the good of the Church, and it was their profaneſſe and rebellion that ſay,**Pſa. 2. 3.Ps 2:3 Let us breake their bands aſunder, and caſt away their cords from us.

Uſe 4 Fourthly, Princes to ſend forth ſavoury and gracious Miniſters into all quarters of their dominions, that all their people may taſte and feele how ſweet the preaching of the word is: This is the ornament of a Church, when Chriſtian Princes ſo provide, that all places may be furniſhed with preaching Miniſters; this is to open a box of Spikenard that the ſmell thereof may flow forth, but to leave them reliſhed with the dregs of Superſtition, this is a blemiſh.

Uſe 5 Fifthly, to ſee that the nobles and Magiſtrates countenance Prieſts and Levites,Ver. 13. and by their authority to give the free paſſage to the word, and to prevent diſſturbances which elſe might be offered to Miniſters in their Churches, yea all Magiſtrates to prevent corruptions in matters, whether of Religion or Civill Juſtice, is as if a bundle of Myrrhe ſhould lodge in the breaſts of the Church.

Uſe 6 Sixthly, the Lord Jeſus to refreſh and ſtrengthen the hearts and ſpirits of his p. 46people in publicke calamities, and to ſave them from the malignity and venome thereof, he is then as a cluſter of Camphire to the Church in the vineyards of Engedi, as he was to Jehoſaphat and his people**2 Chto. 20. 12. when they knew not what to doe. Chriſt is an ornament, and encourageth both Prieſt, Prophet and Prince, to ſing a Pſalm of Thanks-giving:Verſe 22. And ſuppoſe enemies ſhould be as a cluſter in the border of the Church, how eaſie a thing is it for God to ſtrengthen, and be as a cluſter of Camphire, to ſtrengthen & encourage them againſt theſe biting Serpents.

Uſe 7 Seventhly, not to foſter and tolerate inveterate corruptions, though received from worthy Anceſtors, but to hate all abuſes in Gods worſhip, even the very monuments of Idolatrie, and to take them away,2 King. 18. 4.2 Kgs 18:4 as Hezekiah did the brazen Serpent, and to ſet each ordinance of God in his place: the Church then is very faire, ſhe hath Doves eyes.

Uſe 8 Eighthly, young Princes to begin betimes to lift up their hearts to redreſſe abuſes in the Church, to imitate the beſt of their predeceſſors; yea, and to go beyond them, as Joſiah did, and to reſtore p. 47Gods worſhip to her native beauty and integrity: It is a faire, yea, a pleaſant thing to behold this forwardneſſe in any, much more in young Princes.

Uſe 9 Ninthly, to enjoy the worſhip of God, purged from all Superſtition, Idolatrie, and from all devices of men; it is as if a bed were greene, freſh, flouriſhing and fruitfull: In ſuch worſhip Chriſt delights to reveale and communicate himſelfe familiarly with his people, and loveth not to come into a harlots bed, decked with the laces of tapeſtrie of Egypt.Pro. 7. 16.Prov 7:16

Uſe 10 Tenthly, ſuppoſe the Church againe and againe be laid waſt, ſo that in ſtead of Camphire is Maſſe and Idolatrie, it is an eaſie thing with God to ſend a Joſiah, to roote out ſuch Superſtitions, that though abuſes crept into the Church for three or foure Princes lives, yet God can cleanſe and reforme her, as he did in Joſiahs time: God lookes not at the corruptions of his Church, thereby to loath her, but to heale her, and thereby to glorifie his grace in her recoverie, rather then his holineſſe in the diſcovery of her pollutions.

The bed is here mentioned in the p. 48ſpring of her flouriſhing, when it began to wax greene, not in the winter ſeaſon of her dirtie pollutions; and before, the chaſt eyes of the Dove recorded, abhorring uncleanneſſe, not the eyes full of adultery, bringing ſpirituall pollutions into the Church:2 Pet. 2. 14.2 Pet 2:14 when there is any Superſtitious worſhip, there it is overſpread with winter, but when it is purged, then is the bed greene; when Gods ordinances are kept pure, there Chriſt delighteth to be.

Uſe 4 Eleventhly, it is an ornament of the Church to reſtore her with beames of Cedar, and her walls, or galleries with Firre: Cedar is famous for durableneſſe, enduring even to eternity,Plin. lib. 13. cap. 5. 16, 41. ſaith Pliny: Firre is acceptable for his ſweetneſſe, and while hee groweth, for his heighth, ſtraightneſſe and perpetuall greenneſſe: Solomons houſe or Temple was of old a lively type, partly

Firſt, of the humane body of Chriſt, the Temple of the deity.Ioh. 2. 19, 21.John 2:19John 2:21

Secondly, of the myſticall body of Chriſt,Col. 2. 9.Col 2:9 his Church or congregation, 1 Cor. 3. 16.1 Cor. 3. 16. & 6. 19.1 Cor 3:161 Cor 6:19 Chriſts humane body never decayeth, and therefore needeth no repairing; p. 49pairing; His myſticall body the Church, if it fall into decay through corruption of doctrine or worſhip, it may be moſt fitly repaired,

Firſt, by laying in the walls of the Church ſuch ſolid and eternall truths of God, as may hold up the walls of the building.

Thus Luther reſtored the Church by laying this beame of Cedar,Luther. the doctrine of free juſtification by Chriſt.

Secondly, by ſetting up ſuch worſhip and workes for the people to walke in, as are truely ſweet and amiable in Gods ſight, ſpringing from freſh and greene ſincerity, growing up to the heavens; theſe are like galleries of firre, whereas vowes of perfection, and workes of ſupererogation, and all other reliques and ragges of Poperie, are no better then rotten and moth-eaten wood, fit fewell for the fire.