The Mystery of the Marriage Song, Exposition · Verse 9
VERS. 9. Kings Daughters were among thy honorable Women: upon thy Right hand did ſtand the Queen in gold of Ophir.
THeſe words are ſomewhat difficu't to open; Kings Daughters here are rendred by ſome Countries of Kingdomes, hereby intimating that the moſt famous Cities and Countries ſhal yeeld obedience to Chriſts Scepter, and be added to his Church, namely, the Church Ʋniverſal. Though his Kingdom at firſt be but little, like a graine of muſtard-ſeed, Matt. 13.32. yet afterwards it ſpreads into many Kingdoms and Countries.
For my part, I conceive with ſome godly modern Expoſitors, that theſe Kings Daughters mentioned in the Text are no other then the particular Churches of Chriſt in the times of the New Teſtament, repreſented by the companions of the Bride-groom and Bride. Whence we may learn:
Obſer. 1 That though the Catholick Church of Chriſt be but one, Particular Churches of viſible Saints are the Kings Daughters.the only one, Cant. 6.9. Gal. 4.26. (all the Saints that have been, are, or ſhal be, making up but one Army, Family, Body, Sheepfod, Kingdom, Spouſe, to Jeſus Chriſt, according to Eph. 3.15. Eph. 4.4. 1 Cor. 12.12, 13. John 10.16. Cant. 6.10) yet this one great Body admits of ſeveral diſtributions, and is divided (for the better edification of the members thereof) into ſeveral diſtinct Congregations, and ſocieties.
Theſe are Virgins that attend upon the Bridegroom and the Bride.
In a great army, though it be under the conduct of one Captain General, yet for the better regulation thereof it is divided into ſeveral Brigades, Regiments, and companies, under ſeveral Captains, and Officers. And ſo a great flock of ſheep, (who have one and the ſame mark; and belong to one and the ſame man) is divi…ed into ſeveral leſſer flocks, under ſeveral ſhepheards that they may be the better fed, and that there may be …he more di…igent inſpection over them: ſo 'tis …ere.
We read of the Churches in Judea, Gal. 1.2. of the ſeven Churches of Aſia, Rev. 1.4. and many other particular Churches in Scripture: Theſe are Chriſts golden Cand eſticks: theſe are the Kings Daughters, and as Ladies of Honour (repreſented by thoſe Women that waited on Solomon Queen,) they do attend the proſperity and welfare of the Queen, or Spouſe of Chriſt, namely, the Catholick Church, or general aſſembly of the Saints, being ſerviceable thereunto. Whatſoever ſpiritual gifts, graces, excellencies, any particular Church or member of Chriſt have received, they are or ſhould be imployed (by way of ſubſerviency) for the good of the whole Body, Eph. 4.11, 12, 13. 1 Cor. 12.26. 1 Cor. 3.22, 23.
Nevertheleſs this Doctrine which hints at particular Churches directs us to a two-fold duty.
Firſt, we ought ſo to conſider the Ʋniverſal Church, o… whole body of Saints, as not to deny or abridge the rights and priviledges of particular Churches and congregations conſiſting of viſible Saints; ſo to regard the Queen, as not wholly to neglect the Kings Daughter that wait upon her. Beſides, we have more opportunity of converſe, in reſpect of cohabitation; and perhaps our love and ſervice, and the exerciſe of our Talents wil be more acceptable to ſome chriſtians, then to others: In which reſpect there willie upon us a ſtronger obligation, to imploy our time, ſtrength, and gifts among them.
The Saints convening together for the Worſhip of God, Acts 2.42, 46, Upon the account of their having ſpiritual communion with Chriſt, 1 John 1.3. (thoug… they vary in other diſputable things) are the King Daughters, begotten and raiſed up by him, and accordingly they ſhould be owned by us; ſtil remembring that the primary relation which a Beleever ſtands in, is not as he is a member of ſuch a particular congregation; but as he is one of the Lords people and flock, united to Chriſt the head, and having his Image and ſuperſcription upon him.
Duty. 2 Secondly, 'Tis our Duty to pray and endeavour in our places that theſe Kings Daughters may not claſh, and quarrel one with another; would it not be an uncomely thing for the Ladies of Honour, or for the Kings Daughters to quarrel in his preſence? As particular Congregations and chriſtians, do profeſs to be ſubject to the King, and ſerviceable to the Queen; ſo they ſhould all joyn together as one, to oppoſe the Kings enemies, to promote his intereſt, and make his name great and glorious throughout the world. That the Saints ſhal be one among themſelves, is prophecied, and promiſed in the word of God, and purchaſed, and prayed for by Chriſt; See Zach: 14.9. Zeph. 3.9. Eph. 1.10. Eph 2 14, 15, 16. John 17.21, 23. Therefore we may wel pray for and expect this union; and in the mean time let us ſtudy uniting principles, and uniting practiſes, putting both the Queen and the Kings Daughters in their right places, and walking in faith and order, Col. 2.5.
It follows [Among thy honourable Women] or thus, Kings Daughters are among thy pretious ones, or in thy pretiouſneſses. Ainſworth reads it, In thy pretious honourable ornaments, or Pallaces.
However we may draw this uſeful Note from the words.
Ob. 2 That the people of the Lord, and the things of his worſhip are very pretious and honourable. The Saints, and worſhip of Chriſt are pretious and honourable.I have loved the place (ſaith the Pſalmiſt) where thy honour dwelleth, Pſalm 26.8. God hath an honourable eſteem of the Church; the Saints are the excellent ones on earth, Pſalm 16.3. The righteous man is more excellent then his neighbour, Prov: 12.26. Pſalm 76.4. Since thou waſt pretious in my ſight (ſaith the Lord) thou baſt been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore wil I give men for thee, and people for thy life, Iſa: 43 4.
The Saints are pretious to God whilſt they live,The Reaſons why the Saint; are pretious. and they are pretious in their death, Pſal. 116.15. Rev. 14.13. To them Chriſt is advantage both in life and death, Phllip. 1.20, 21.
The Reaſons are;
Reaſ. 1 Firſt, becauſe they are juſtified, purged, and beſprinkled with the precious blood of the Son of God; as of a lamb without blemiſh, and without ſpot, 1 Pet: 1.19.
Reaſ. 2 Secondly, they are ſemented and united unto that living ſtone which is choſen of God, and precious; by whom they are made lively ſtones, and built up a ſpiritual houſe to God, 1 P…t. 2.4, 5.
Reaſ. 3 Thirdly, in regard of their precious and honourable birth, being born of God, John 1.13. John. 3.6. and coming down from Heaven, Rev. 3.12 Rev. 21.2. as they that are of the firſt Adam or earthy man are earthy, ſo they that are of the ſecond Adam. or Lord from Heaven are heavenly, 1 Cor. 15, 47, 48.
Reaſ. 4 Fourthly, in regard of their precious and excellent n dowments and qualifications. For
1 Their Faith in Chriſt is precious, 2 Pet. 1.1.
2 They have intereſt in precious promiſes, 2 Pet. 1.4.
3 They love that word which is precious, 1 Sam. 3.4.
4 They have a meek and quiet ſpirit, which before God is precious, 1 Pet. 3.4. Caleb was … man of a precious excellent ſpirit; ſo was D… niel, cha. 5.12. and ſo is every Saint leſs o… more, every man is precious or baſe according to his ſpirit and principles.
Uſe. If it be ſo, then the world is much miſtaken in th… Saints, God hath preeious thoughts, and a high eſtee… of them, Pſalm 139 17. But the world accounts the… vile, yea the off-ſcouring of all things, 1 Cor. 4.1… howbeit they are the truly honourable ones whom Go… eſteems ſo: Great men if they be not good are vile an… abominable. Antiochus the Great (who was called th… Illuſtrious,) God accounts him but a vile perſon, Da…. 11.21. The Saints that are now in the wilderneſs o… preſſed by their enemies, ſhal have an honourable deverance; The Lord wil get them a precious name whe… they have been put to ſhame, Zepb. 3.20. Jeruſal… ſhal be the praiſe of the whole earth, Iſai. 62 7. …hough ſhe be black, yet ſhe is comely, Cant. 1.5. and …ough ſhe have lien long among the pots, yet ſhe ſhal … as the wings of a Dove covered with ſilver, and her …thers with yellow gold, Pſalm 68.13.
Again, [Ʋpon thy right hand did ſtand the Queen]
Here the married Queen, or Kings Wife, Nehem. 2.6. …placed at the Kings right hand, in the moſt honorable …at, and higheſt dignity, according to the cuſtom of …e Jews, 1 Kings 2.19. As by the Kings Daughters, …ticular Churches are repreſented to us, ſo by the Queen ſitting at the Kings right hand is meant the …hole Ʋniverſal Church, conſiſting of all Saints, who …e married and knit to Chriſt by the bond of his ſpi…t, 1 Cor: 6 17. 1 Cor: 12, 13. and to one another by …e bond of Love, Col: 2: 2. Col: 3.14. Eph. 4.4, 16. …hich of all bonds are the ſtrongeſt and moſt ob…ging.
Obſ. 3 From this part of the Text we may obſerve,Though particular Churches be pretious, yet the Vniverſal Church hath the greateſt dignity.
That though every particular Church and Saint of Chriſt … precious, and honourable yet the whole Ʋniverſal Church … the Queen, that hath he higheſt dignity and prehemi …nce; Upon thy right hand did ſtand the Queen;
The whole is more then a part; as for particular …hurches and Beleevers, they are but parts or members of the whole, Rom 12.4, 5. 1 Cor. 12.12.
To ſpeak properly, the Church of Chriſt is but One, … as mans body is but one, though it hath ſeveral parts …nd members. Chriſt hath not ſeveral Bodies (I ſpeak … his body myſtical) All viſible particular Churches …nd Saints, whereſoever they be diſperſed, make up but …e Body, I ſay not that this is a political governing body, …at may or can in an ordinary way meet authorata…vely in her Repreſentatives to make canons and con…itutions which ſhall Juridically binde the whole, and very part; And yet truly, it cannot wel be denied …ut that General councels are a great bleſſing to the Church of Chriſt, if they would but meet together …nd act in the ſpirit of love and humility, (as peradventure they ſhal do when the vail is taken off from the Jews, 2 Cor. 3.16.) But hitherto it hath ſeldom or never ſo fallen out, by reaſon of thoſe woful factions and diviſions which have been among good men; hence it was that ſome of the Fathers complained o… the ill ſucceſs of councels: Nevertheleſs we know… that Granmer appealed to a general councel, and ſo did Luther, when they were oppreſſed by ſome that called themſelves the church of Chriſt: as for that convention at Trent, it was far from being a General councel; the Pope with his Biſhops being both parties and Judges.
But to paſs by this, doubtleſs there are great priviledges which belong to chriſtians, as they are members of the Ʋniverſal church, and ſtand in that general relation.
I ſhall humbly tender what I do at preſent apprehend,Priviledges belonging to the univerſal Church. 1 Prop. in three or four Propoſitions, without reflecting upon thoſe godly worthy Brethren that ſhal differ from me in this point.
That the firſt right which any man hath to Goſpel ordinances, Sacraments, Priviledges, he hath it as he ſtands in this relation, Chriſt being his, all things are his, 1 Cor. 3.21, 22, 23. His being under the covenant of grace, that general covenant which belongs to all Beleevers, inveſts him with a right to, and intereſt i… the ſea's and priviledges thereof; and (if no matter o… ſcandal lie againſt him) he may lawfully wherever he comes, claims the ſame as his portion, being one o… the children of the Lords family. Upon this ground the Eunuch and the Jailour, &c. were baptized, Act. 8.37, 38. Act, 16.33. and ſo ought every Beleever and his ſeed, 1 Cor. 7.14. Acts 2.39. Baptiſme and the Lords ſupper primarily ſealing up our memberſhip of the Ʋniverſal church, and fellowſhip with all Saints, …s plainly appears from 1 Cor. 12, 13.
Secondly, all Spiritual Eccleſiaſtical Officers, Offices, gifts and adminiſtrations,2 Prop. are given to, and ſhould be imployed chiefly for the gathering, edifying, and Perſecting of this great body, as there is opportunity, Eph. 4.12. 1 cor. 12.28. In this reſpect Paul, and Apollo, and Cephas, &c. do belong to each member of this body, 1 Cor. ….22. Though it is true, theſe Offices and gifts (for as much, as no man can be preſent in all places) are ordinarily exerciſed among thoſe chriſtians with whom the perſons do cohabit, and by whom they were choſen; yet ſo as that a Miniſter may occaſionally and caratatively exert and put forth publick miniſterial acts out of that particular congregation where he ordinarily preſides.
Therefore Thirdly, 3 Prop.all parrticular Churches and chriſtians ſhould conſtantly act, as parts and members of, and for the good of the univerſal church; their relation to a particular church doth not in the leaſt diſoblige them from performing their duties to the whole body; no more then a ſubjects being a member of a civil corporation doth diſ-ingage him from promoting the good of the Common-wealth, where of that particular corporation is but a part.
Fourthly, 4 Prop.that all viſible Beleevers manifeſting ſaith in Chriſt, and love to the Saints, whether combined in particular Churches or not, ought to be reſpected as members of this great body, and accordingly we ſhould own them as our brethren, and fellow Saints, whereever we meet with them, ſince the Lord hath owned them, and ſtamp'd his image upon them. This I humbly conceive was the practice of the primitive chriſtians; where ever they met with any Diſciples, they did freely converſe and communicate with them in goſpel priviledges; And yet let chriſtians be careful that they neglect not to joyne with ſome particular Church, or other (as they ſhall have opportunity:) No Ordinance of Chriſt ſhould be neglected.
Uſe. 1 Is the Queen preferred here by the Spirit of God before the Kings Daughters; the church Ʋniverſal before particular Churches; then let us alſo prefer her in our thoughts, and affections, and expreſſions; indeed we ſhould not ſo reſpect the Ʋniverſal church, as to ſleight and neglect particular ſocieties (which are an Ordinance of Chriſt;) And much leſs ſhould we ſo regard particular Churches, whether under this or that form or denomination, as to neglect the Ʋniverſal Church, or General aſſembly of the Saints, which is the Queen that ſits at Chriſts Right hand; Far be it from any humble ſoul to unchurch and un-Saint godly perſons which come not up to that forme of Church-government which himſelf adheres to; all the people of God, under what formes ſoever they walk, are owned by him as his Spouſe and Queen, and accordingly ſhould be acknowledged by us.
Uſe. 2 Secondly, Be exhorted more and more to abound in love to all Saints (as Saints) though at this day under various adminiſtrations: We know that variety of Flowers and colours in a Garden puts the greater Iuſtre and beauty upon it. In the Lords Garden there are diverſities of gifts, but the ſame Spirit; differences of adminiſtrations, but the ſame Lord; diverſities of operations, but the ſame God that worketh all in all, 1 Cor. 12.4 5, 6: Alas, our ſpirits are too narrow and ſelfiſh; we want a publick heroick inlarged heart towards God and his people, eſpecially thoſe of them that concur not with us in every opinion. As in the Body natural, and civil, thoſe members are the nobleſt that are moſt uſeful and helpful to the whole Body, ſo it is in the body of Chriſt; thoſe chriſtians that abound in love to all Saints, pray for all, indulge all, do good to all, as they have opportunity, and love thoſe moſt that are moſt ſpiritual (though they differ in opinion) endeavouring to joyn all the people of the Lord together, and to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, Eph: 4 3. Such are the moſt noble, and excellent members, whatever their judgements be in ſome ſpeculative controverſies.
Uſe 3 Laſtly, This Doctrine may inform us, that it is the greateſt ſchiſme to make a rent in our affections from this Queen that ſits at Chriſts right hand, 1 Cor. 12.25. We can never rightly love the Kings Daughters unleſs we firſt love the Queen; To ſeparate from one of the Kings Daughters upon ſleight grounds is a very great ſin; but to be divorced in our affections and practices from the Queen is a greater: The general intereſt of the Saints, the Lambs followers throughout the world, ſhould be much dearer to us then any particular relations whatſoever; he is a ſchiſmatick that abates in his love to, and zeal for the promoting of this glorious Intereſt.*See Mr: Marſhals ſeaſonable pactficatory Sermon on Rom. 12.4.5.
There remains one Branch more of the Text to be ſpoken to; [She ſtands in gold of Ophir,]
The Gold of Ophir was the moſt rich, fine, pure, reſplendent gold, Job 22.24. Job 3.24 Job 28.16, 19 Ophir here is thought to be India, or ſome country in India, called the land of Ophir, from Ophir the ſon of Joktan, the ſon of Heber, Gen. 10.26, 29.
From this country fine gold was brought to Judea, 1 Kings 9.28. chap: 10, 11. chap: 22.48. 1 Chron: 29 4. And here perhaps might be the golden, cherſoneſus ſo often mentioned by the Heathen Poets; and at this day there are rich golden Mines in that Country.
This is a commodity which many gape after, eſpecially the Spaniards, (who to load themſelves with this thick clay) have waded through an Ocean of innocent blood in America, where there were Mines of earthly gold, but no true ſpiritual riches; a ſigne that this kinde of gold is not the greateſt excellency.
[The Queen ſtands in gold of Ophir] Hence note
Obſ. 4 That though there be in the Church (whileſt ſhe remains in a militant condition) much inherent droſs and corruption yet before the Lord ſhe is as the god of Ophir, The Church is as the fineſt gold before the Lord.as the fineſt gold.
Gods thoughts and wayes are not as ours, Iſai. 55.8. he doth not judicially charge upon his people the imperfections of their ſanctification, though they charge themſelves therewith, Rom. 8.1, 33. Chriſts Spouſe is all fair, there is no ſpot in her, Cant. 4.7. ſhe is whiter then ſnow, Pſalm 51.7.
If you ask how this comes to paſs? Tis only by and through Chriſt, whoſe head is of fine gold, Cant. 5.11. and who is girt about the paps with a golden girdle, Rev. 1.13. Chriſt takes away the ragged filthy garments of a ſinner, and puts upon him a clothing of fine gold, Zach. 3.4. Ezek. 16.8.
The Lord ſpeaking of the Church under the Goſpel, promiſeth that for braſs he will bring gold to her Iſai. 60.17. and Chriſt counſels his Church to buy of him gold tryed in the fire, Rev. 3.17.18. But the truth is, he brings it firſt to her, and beſtows it upon her; this wil be further ſpoken of, when we come to Verſ. 13.
Uſe. Let not chriſtians who are as fine ſpiritual gold before the Lord, greedily covet and deſire the earthly gold of Ophir, or of any Land whatſoever, why ſhould eſt thou make thy ſelf a ſlave to thy ſervant? he that is a ſervant to earthly tranſitory things, doth not poſſeſſe them, but is poſſeſſed by them. The earthly gold will not feed, clothe, or comfort a man in diſtreſs: when the Indians had taken ſome of the Spaniaràs who made gold their god, they filled their mouths with it, and ſo choaked them; were they ever a whit the better for all their gold? Thoſe poor Heathens could ſee the vanity of it, and ſhall not chriſtians much more? O let us be crucified to the gold of this world, and earneſtly covet after the ſpiritual Riches, and golden priviledges of Sion; let us love the word of God which is finer then gold Pſalm 19.10. Pſalm 119, 127. and prize holineſs and communion with Chriſt, more then all the gold, and ſilver, and gaudy attire of this world; our adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plating the hair, and of wearing of gold, &c. but let it be the hidden man of the heart in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet ſpirit, which is in the ſight of God of great price, 1 Pet. 3.4.
Take two conſiderations to induce you hereunto.
Conſid. 1 Firſt, Earthly go…d is of a periſhing nature, but the Heavenly gold is durable, and everlaſting, Mat: 6.19, 20. the former is poſſeſſed by Chriſts enemies, the latter only by his friends.
Conſid. 2 Secondly, earthly gold debaſeth the ſoul of man, which is incomparably more excellent then theſe outward periſhing things; the Soul was created for eternity; how is it poſſible that that which is but temporal, corporeal, material, ſhould enrich and ſatisfie that which is ſpiritual and immaterial? no, no; the Soul of man (being a ſpiritual ſubſtance) doth ſo comprehend corporeal and material things, that it cannot be diſtended and filled by any Quantity; thou mayſt fill thy pockets, or thy coffers with gold, but not thy Soul. But now the Heavenly ſpiritual gold doth enrich and digniſle the Soul, which is noble or ignoble; happy or miſerable, according to thoſe objects which it conſtantly fixeth upon, whether they be earthly, or Heavenly, carnal, or ſpiritual; they do aſſymulate the Soul to, and as it were transform it into their own nature:
Thus much of the former part of this Pſalm, which deſcribes the Beauty and Dignity of Chriſt the Bridegroom, and the Church his Bride.
I ſhall now (by the Lords aſſiſtance) handle the latter part of the Pſalm, according to my former method.