Paraphrase of the Hard Texts of Scripture, Scripture 18 – Scripture 19
THE SONG OF SALOMON.
CAP. I.
The Church to CHRIST.
OH that he would bestow upon me the comfortable testimonies of his love;2 Let him kisse me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better then wine. and that hee would vouchsafe me yet a nearer conjunction with himselfe; as in glory hereafter, so for the meane time in his sensible graces! For thy love, O my Saviour, and these fruits of it, are more sweet unto me, thā all earthly delicates can be to the bodily taste.
Yea, so wonderfully pleasant are the savours of those graces that are in thee,3 Because of the savour of thy good oyntments thy name is as oyntment poured forth, therefore doe the virgins love thee. wherewith I desire to be endued, that all whom thou hast blessed with the sense thereof, make as high and deare account of thy Gospell, wherby they are wrought, as of some precious oyntment, or perfume: the delight whereof is such, that (hereupon) the pure and holy soules of the faithful place their whole affection upon thee.
Pull me therefore out from the bondage of my sinnes:4 Draw me; we will runne after thee: the King hath brought me into his chambers; we will be glad and rejoyce in thee, wee will remember thy love, more then wine: the upright love thee. deliver me from the world, and doe thou powerfully incline my will and affections toward thee: and in spight of all tentations, give me strength to cleave unto thee; and then both I, and all those faithfull children thou hast given me, shall all at once with speed & earnestnes walke to thee & with thee. yea, whē once my royall & glorious Husband hath brought me both into these lower roomes of his spirituall treasures on earth, and into his heavenly chābers of glory, then wil we rejoyce and be glad in none but thee which shalt be all in all to us: then will we celebrate and magnifie thy love above all the pleasures we found upon earth; for all of thy righteous ones, both Angells and Saints, are inflamed with the love of thee.
Never upbraid me (O yee forraine congregations) that I seeme in outward appearance discoloured by my infirmities, and duskish with tribulations:5 I am blacke, but comely, (O yee daughters of Ierusalem) as the tents of Kedar, as the curtaines of Salomon. for whatsoever I seeme to you, I am yet inwardly well-favoured in the eyes of Him whom I seeke to please; and though I be to you blacke; like the tents of the Arabian shepheards; yet to him, and in him, I am glorious and beautifull, like the Curtaines of Salomon.
6 Looke not upon me because I am blacke, because the Sun hath looked upon me, my mothers children were angry with me, they made me the keeper of the vineyards, but mine owne vineyard have I not kept.Looke not therefore disdainfully upon me; because I am blackish, and darke of hiew; for this colour is not so much naturall to me, as caused by that continuall heat of afflictions wherewith I have been usually scorched: neither this, so much upon mine own just desert, as upon the rage & envie of my false brethren, the world: who would needs force upon me the observation of their idolatrous religions, and superstitious impieties; through whose wicked importunitie, and my owne weaknesse, I have not so entirely kept the sincere truth of God committed to me, as I ought.
7 Tell me (O thou whom my soule loveth) where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flocke to rest at noone: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions.Now therfore that I am some little started aside from thee, O thou whom my soule notwithstanding dearely loveth, shew me, I beseech thee, where, and in what wholsome and divine pastures thou (like a good shepheard) feedest and restest thy flockes with comfortable refreshings, in the extremitie of these hot persecutions: for how can it stand with thy glory, that I should, through thy neglect, thus suspiciously wander up and downe, among the congregations of them that both command and practise the worship of false gods.
CHRIST to the Church.
8 If thou know not, (O thou fairest amongst women) goe thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy Kids besides the shepheards tents.If thou know not, O thou my Church, whom I both esteeme and have made most beautifull by my merits, and thy sanctification, stray not amongst these false worshippers, but follow the holy steps of those blessed Patriarkes, Prophets, Apostles, which have beene my true and ancient flocke, who have both knowne my voice, and followed me; and feed thou my weake and tender ones with this their spirituall food of life, farre above the carnall reach of those other false teachers.
Such is mine estimation of thee, O my Love, that so farre as the choisest Aegyptian horses of Pharaoh,9 I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaohs chariots. for comely shape, for honourable service, for strength and speed, exceed all other, so farre thou excellest all that may be compared with thee.
10 Thy cheekes are comely with rowes of Iewels, thy necke with chaines of gold.Those parts of thee, which both are the seats of beauty, and most conspicuous to the eye, are gloriously adorned with the graces of my sanctification; which are for their worth as so many precious borders of the goodliest stones, or chaines of pearles.
11 We will make thee borders of gold, with studs of silver.And though thou be already thus set forth; yet I and my Father have purposed a further ornament unto thee, in the more plentifull effusion of our Spirit upon thee: which shall be to thy former deckings, in stead of pure gold curiously wrought with speckes of silver.
The Church.
Behold (O ye daughters) even now,12 While the King sitteth at his table, my Spikenard, sendeth forth the smell thereof. whiles my Lord and King seemes farre distant from me, and sits in the Throne of heaven among the companies of Angels (who attend around upon him) yet now doe I finde him present with me in spirit: even now the sweet influence of his graces, like to some precious oyntment, spreads it selfe over my soule, and returnes a pleasant savour into his owne nosthrils.
And though I be thus delightfull to my Saviour,13 A bundle of myrrhe is my welbeloved unto me, he shall lie all night betwixt my brests. yet nothing so much as he is unto me: for loe, as some fragrant pomander of myrrh, laid betweene the brests, sends up a most comfortable sent; so his love, laid close unto my heart, doth still give me continuall and unspeakable refreshings.
Or if any thing can be of more excellent vertue,14 My beloved is unto me as a cluster of Cāphire in the vineyards of Engedi. such smell as the clusters of Camphire or Cypres berries, within the fruitfulst, pleasantst, and richest vineyards and gardens of Judaea, yeeld unto the passengers; such and more delectable doe I find the savour of his grace to me.
CHRIST.
Neither doest thou on my part lose any of thy love,15 Behold, thou art faire, my love: behold, thou are faire, thou hast Doves eyes. O my deare Church: for behold, in mine eyes, thus clothed as thou art with my righteousnesse, oh how faire and glorious thou art! how above all comparison glorious and faire! Thine eyes which are thy seers, (Prophets, Apostles, Ministers) and those inward eyes, whereby thou seest him that is invisible, are full of grace, chastitie, simplicitie.
The Church.
Nay then (O my sweet Saviour and Spouse) thou alone art that faire and pleasant one indeed,16 Behold, thou art faire, my beloved, yea pleasant: also our bed is greene. from whose fulnesse I confesse to have received all this little measure of my spirituall beautie: and behold, from this our mutuall delight, and heavenly conjunction, there ariseth a plentifull and flourishing increase of thy faithfull ones in all places, and through all times.
And behold, the congregations of Saints,17 The beames of our house are Cedar, and our rafters of firre. the places where we doe sweetly converse and walke together, are both firme & during (like Cedars amongst the trees) not subject, through thy protecting grace, to utter corruption; and through thy favourable acceptation and word (like to galleries of sweet wood) full of pleasure and contentment.
CAP. II.
CHRIST.
1 I am the rose of Sharon, and the lillie of the valleyes.THou hast not without just cause magnified me, O my Church: for, as the fairest and sweetest of all flowers which the earth yeeldeth, the Rose and Lilly of the valleies, excell for beautie, for pleasure, for use, the most base and odious weeds that grow; so doth my grace, to all them that have felt the sweetnesse therof, surpasse all worldly contentments.
Neither is this my dignity alone: but thou, O my Spouse (that thou maiest be a fit match for me) art thus excellent above the world,2 As the lillie among thornes, so is my love among the daughters. that no Lilly can be more in goodly shew beyond the naked thorne, than thou in thy glory thou receivest from me, over-lookest all the assemblies of aliens and unregenerates.
The Church.
3 As the Apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sonnes. I sate downe under his shadow with great delight, and his ruit was sweet to my staste.And (to returne thy owne praises) as some fruitfull and well-growne Appletree, in comparison of all the barren trees of the wilde forest, so art thou (O my beloved Saviour) to me, in comparison of all men, and under thy comfortable shadow alone have I ever wont to finde safe shelter against all mine afflictions, all my tentations & infirmities, against all the curses of the Law, and dangers of judgment, & to coole my selfe after all the scorching beames of thy Fathers displeasure, & (besides) to feed and satisfie my soule with the soveraigne fruit of thy holy Word, unto eternall life.
4 He brought me to the banquetting house, and his banner over me, was love.Hee hath graciously led me by his Spirit, into the midst of the mysteries of godlinesse; and hath plentifully broached unto me the sweet wines of his Scriptures and Sacraments. And looke how souldiers are drawne by their colours from place to place, and cleave fast to their ensigne: so his love, which he spred forth in my heart was my onelyonly banner, whereby I was both drawne to him, directed by him, and fastened upon him.
5 Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples, for I am sicke of love.And now, O ye faithfull Evangelists, Apostles, Teachers, apply unto me with all care & diligēce, all the cordiall premises of the Gospel: these are the full Flagons of that spirituall wine, which only can cheere up my soule; these are the apples of that tree of life, in the middest of the Garden, which can feed me to immortality. Oh come and apply these unto my heart: for I am even overcome with a longing expectation and desire of my delayed glory.
And whiles I am thus spiritually languishing in this agonie of desire,6 His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me. let my Saviour imploy both his hands to releeve mine infirmitie: let him comfort my head and my heart, my judgement and affections, (which both complaine of weaknesse) with the lively heat of his gracious embracements: and so let us sweetly rest together.
In the meane time,7 I charge you, O yee daughters of Ierusalem, by the Roes, & by the Hinds of the field, that yee stirre not up, nor awake my love till he please. I charge you (O all yee that professe any friendship or affinitie with me) I charge you by whatsoever is comely, deare and pleasant unto you, as you will avoid my uttermost censures, take heed how you vexe and disquiet my mercifull Saviour, and grieve his Spirit, and wrong his name, with your vaine and lewd conversation; and doe not dare, by the least provocation of your sinne, to interrupt his peace.
Loe, I have no sooner called,8 The voice of my beloved! behold he commeth leaping upon the mountaines, skipping upon the hils. but he heares and answeres me with his loving voice: neither doth he onelyonly speake to me afarre, but he comes to me with much willingnesse and celeritie; so willingly, that no humane resistance can hinder him, neither the hillocks of my lesser infirmities, nor the mountaines of my grosser sins (once repented of) can stay his mercifull pase towards me.
So swiftly, that no Roe or Hinde can fully resemble him in this his speed and nimblenesse: and loe,9 My beloved is like a Roe, or a yong Hart: behold he standeth behinde our wall, he looketh forth at the window, shewing himselfe through the lattesse. even now before I can speake it, is he come neere unto me, close to the doore and wall of my heart. And though this wall of my flesh hinder my full fruition of him, yet loe, I see him by the eye of faith, looking upon me; I see him as in a glasse; I see him shining gloriously, through the gates and windowes of his Word and Sacraments, upon my soule.
And now, me thinkes,10 My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my faire one, and come away. I heare him speake to mee in a gracious invitation, and say, Arise, (O my Church) rise up, whether from thy security, or feare: hide not thy head any longer, O my beautifull Spouse, for danger of thine enemies, neither suffer thy selfe to be pressed with the dulnesse of thy nature, or the carelesse sleepe of thy sinnes; but come forth into the comfortable light of my presence, and shew thy selfe chearfull in me.
For behold,11 For loe, the winter is past, the raine is over and gone. all the cloudy winter of thy afflictions is passed; all the tempests of tentations are blowne over; the heaven is cleare, and now there is nothing that may not give thee cause of delight.
12 The flowers appeare on the earth, the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.Every thing now resembles the face of a spirituall Spring; all the sweet flowers and blossomes of holy profession put forth, and shew themselves in their opportunities: now is the time of that heavenly melodie, which the cheerfull Saints and Angels make in mine eares, while they sing songs of deliverance, and praise me with their Allelujahs, and say, Glory to God on high, in earth peace, good will towards men.
13 The Fig-tree putteth forth her greene figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my faire one, and come away.What speake I of blossomes? behold, those fruitfull Vines, and Fig-trees of my faithfull ones, whom my husbandry hath carefully tended and dressed, yeeld forth both pleasant (though tender) fruits of obedience, and the wholesome & comfortable savours of better desires; wherefore now, O my deare Church, shake off all that dull securitie, wherewith thou hast beene held, and come forth and enjoy me.
14 O my dove! that art in the clifts of the rock, in the secret places of the staires: let me see thy coūtenance, let me heare thy voice, for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.O my beautifull, pure, and chast spouse, which like unto some solitarie Dove, hast long hid thine head in the secret and inaccessible clifts of the rocks, out of the reach and knowledge of thy persecutors; how-ever thou art concealed from others, shew thy selfe in thy workes and righteousnesse, unto mee: and let me be ever plied with thy words of imploration, & thanksgiving: for thy voice (though it be in mourning) and thy face (though it bee sad and blubbered) are exceedingly pleasing unto me.
15 Take us the foxes, the little foxes that spoile the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.And in the meane time (O all yee that wish well to my name and Church) doe your utmost indeavour to deliver her from her secret enemies (not sparing the least) who either by hereticall doctrine, or prophane conversation, hinder the course of the Gospell, and pervert the faith of many, especially of those that have newly given up their names to me, and are but newly entred into the profession of godlinesse.
16 My beloved is mine and I am his: hee feedeth among the lillies.My beloved Saviour is mine, through my faith and I am his through his love: and we both are one, by vertue of that blessed union on both parts; whereby wee mutually enjoy each other with all-sufficient contentment. And how worthily is my love placed upon him, who leadeth me forth into pleasant pastures, and at whose right hand there is the fulnesse of joy for evermore!
Come therefore (O my Saviour) and untill the day of thy glorious appearance shal shine forth to the world,17 Vntill the day break and the shadowes flee away: turne my beloved, and be thou like a Roe, or a young Hart, upon the mountaines of Bether. wherein our spirituall marriage shall be consummate, and untill all these shadowes of ignorance, of infidelity, of troubles of conscience, and of outward tribulations be utterly dispersed, and chased away, come and turne thee to mee againe, thou which to the carnall eyes of the world seemest absent, come quickly, and delay not; but for the speed of thy return, be like unto some swift Roe, or Hinde, upon those smooth hills of Gilead, which Jordan severs from the other part of Jury.
CAP. III.
MY securitie told me that my Saviour was neere unto my soule, yea with it, and in it:1 By night on my bed I sought him whom my soule loveth, I sought him, but I found him not. but when by serious and silent meditation I searched my owne heart, I found that (for ought my owne sense could discerne) he was far off from me.
Then thought I with my selfe,2 I will rise now and goe about the city in the streets, and in the broad waies I will seeke him whom my soule love…: I sought him, but I …nd him not. Shall I lie still contented with this want? No, I will stirre up my selfe; and the helpe I cannot finde in my selfe, I will seeke in others: Of all that have been experienced in all kinde of difficulties, of all deepe Philosophers, of the wisest and honestest worldlings, I will diligently enquire for my Saviour: amongst them I sought him, yet could receive no answer to my satisfaction.
Missing him there,3 The watchmen that goe about the citie, found me: to whom I said, Saw yee him whom my soule loveth? I ranne to those wise and carefull Teachers, whom God hath set as so many watch-men upon the wals of his Jerusalem, who sooner found me than I could aske after them; to whom I said (as thinking no man could be ignorant of my love) Can you give me no direction where I might finde him whom my soul loveth?
Of whom when I had almost left hoping for comfort,4 It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soule loveth: I held him, and would not let him goe until I had brought him into my mothers house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me. that gracious Saviour who wold not suffer me to be tēpted above my measure, presented himselfe to my soule: Loe then, by a new act of faith, I laid fast hold upon him, and will not let him any more part from my joyfull embracemēts, until both I have brought him home fully into the seat of my conscience, & have wonne him to a perpetuall cohabitation with me, and a full accomplishment of my love, in that Jerusalem which is above, which is the mother of us all.
CHRIST.
Now that my distressed Church hath beene all the night long of my seeming absence, toiled in seeking me,5 I charge you, O yee daughters of Ierusalem, by the Roes and by the Hinds of the field, that yee stirre not up nor awake my love, till he please. I charge you, (O all that professe any friendship with me) I charge you by whatsoever is comely, deare, and pleasant unto you, that (as you will answere it) you trouble not her peace with any unjust or unseasonable suggestions, with uncharitable contentions, with any Novelties of doctrine, but suffer her to rest sweetly in that divine truth, which shee hath received, and this true apprehension of me wherein shee rejoyceth.
6 Who is this that commeth out of the wildernesse like pillars of smoake, perfumed with myrrhe and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?Oh who is this? how admirable? how lovely? who but my Church, that ascendeth thus gloriously out of the wildernesse of the world, wherein shee hath thus long wandered, into the blessed mansiōs of my Fathers house, all perfumed with the graces of perfect sanctification, moūting right upward into her glory, like some straight pillar of smoake, that ariseth from the most rich and pleasant composition of odours that can be devised.
The Church.
7 Behold his bed, which is Salomons: threesc…e valiant men are about it, of the valiant of Israel:I am ascended; and loe how glorious is this place where I shall eternally enjoy the presence and love of my Saviour! how farre doth it exceed the earthly magnificence of Salomon? about his bed doe attend a Guard of threescore choisest men of Israel:
8 They all hold swords, being expert in warre: Every man hath his sword upon his thigh, because of feare in the night.All stout Warriers able and expert to handle the sword; which for more readinesse each of them weares hanging upon his thigh, so as it may be hastily drawne upon any sudden danger: but about this heavenly pavilion of my Saviour, attend millions of Angels, spirituall Souldiers, mighty in power, ready to be commanded service by him.
9 King Salomon made himselfe a charet, (or bed) of the wood of Lebanon.The Charet, or Bed that Salomon made (so much admired of the world) was but of the Cedars of Lebanon.
The Pillars but of silver, and the Bedstead of gold; the Tester or Canopie,10 He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottome thereof of gold, the covering of it of purple; the middest thereof being paved with love, for the daughters of Ierusalem. but of purple; the coverlet wrought with the curious and painfull needle-worke of the maids of Ierusalem: but this celestiall resting place of my God is not made with hands, nor of any corruptible metall, but is full of incomprehensible light, shining evermore with the glorious presence of God.
And as the outward state, so the majesty of his person is above all comparison.11 Goe forth, O yee daughters of Zion, and behold King Salomon with the crowne wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladnesse of his heart. Come forth (O yee daughters of Sion) lay aside all private and earthly affections, looke upon King Salomon as he sits solemnly crowned in the day of his greatest royaltie and triumph, and compare his highest pompe, with the divine magnificence of my Saviour, in that day when his blessed marriage shall be fully perfected above, to the eternall rejoycing of himselfe and his Church; and see whether there be any proportion betwixt them.
CAP. IIII.
CHRIST.
OH how faire thou art and comely, my deare Spouse!1 Behold, thou art faire, my love, behold, thou art faire, thou hast doves eyes within thy locks, thy haire is as a flock of goates, that appeare from mount Gilead. how inwardly faire with the gifts of my Spirit! how faire outwardly in thy comely administration and government! Thy spirituall eyes of understanding and judgement, are full of puritie, chastitie, simplicitie; not wantonly cast forth, but modestly shining amidst thy locks: all thy gracious profession and all thy appendances, and ornaments of expedient ceremonies, are so comly to behold, as is to see a flocke of well-fed goats grazing upon the fruitfull hills of Gilead.
Those that chew and prepare the heavenly food for thy soule, are both of gracious simplicitie,2 Thy teeth are like a flocke of sheepe that are even shome, which came up from the washing: whereof every one beare twins, and none is barren among them. and of sweet accordance one with another; having all one heart and one tongue: and both themselves are sanctified and purged from their uncleannesse, and are fruitfull in their holy labours unto others; so that their doctrine is never in vaine, but is still answered with plentifull increase of soules added to the Church.
Thy speech (especially in the mouth of thy Teachers) is both gracious in it selfe,3 Thy lippes are like a thred of scarlet, and thy speech is comely: thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within thy lockes. and such as administers grace to the hearers; full of zeale and fervent charity, full of gravity and discretion: and that part of thy countenance which thou wilt have seen (though dimly and sparingly) is full of holy modesty and bashfulnesse; so blushing, that it seemeth like the colour of a broken peece of Pomegranate.
Those who by their holy authority sustaine thy government (which are as some straight and strong necke to beare up the head) are like unto Davids high Tower of defence, furnished with a rich armorie;4 Thy necke is like the tower of David, builded for an armory, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men. which affords infinite waies of safe protection, and infinite monuments of victory.
Thy two Testaments (which are thy two full and faire breasts,5 Thy two breasts are like two yong Roes, that are twins, which feed among the lilies. whereby thou nursest all thy faithfull children) are as two yong Roes: twins, for their excellent and perfect agreement one with another, in all resemblances of yong Roes, that are daintily fed among the sweet flowers, for the pleasant nourishment which they yeeld to all that sucke thereof.
Vntill the day of my gracious appearance shall shine forth, and untill all these shadowes of ignorance,6 Vntill the day breake, & the shadowes fly away, I will get me to the mountaines of myrrhe, and to the hill of frankincense. infidelitie, afflictions, be utterly and suddenly dispersed, O my Spouse, I will retire my selfe (in regard of my bodily presence) into my delightfull and glorious rest of heaven.
7 Thou art all faire, my love, there is no spot in thee.Thou art exceeding beautifull, O my Church, in all the parts of thee: for all thy sinnes are done away, and thine iniquitie is covered, and loe, I present thee to my Father without spot, or wrinkle, or any such deformitie.
8 Come with me from Lebanon (my Spouse) with me from Lebanon: looke from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lyons dennes, from the mountaines of the leopards.And now (O thou which I professe to have married to my selfe in truth and righteousnesse) thou shalt be gathered to mee from all parts of the world; not only from the confines of Judea, where I planted and found thee, but from the remotest and most savage places of the Nations; out of the company of infidels, of cruell and bloody persecutors, who like Lions and Leopards have tyrannized over thee, and mercilesly torne thee in peeces.
9 Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my Spouse, thou hast ravished my heart, with one of thine eyes, with one chaine of thy necke.Thou hast utterly ravisht me from my selfe (O my sister and Spouse; for so thou art, both joyned to mee in that spirituall union, and coheire with me of the same inheritance and glory) thou hast quite ravisht my heart with thy love: even one cast of one of thine eyes of faith, and one of the ornaments of thy sanctification, wherwith thou art decked by my Spirit, have thus stricken me with love: how much more, when I shall have a full sight of thee, and all thy graces, shall I be affected towards thee!
10 How faire is thy love, my sister, my Spouse, how much better is thy love then wine! and the smell of thine oyntments then all spices!O how excellent, how precious, how delectable are those loves of thine, O my sister, my Spouse! how farre surpassing all earthly delicates! and the savour of those divine vertues, wherewith thou art endued, more pleasing to my sent, then all the perfumes in the world!
The gracious speeches that proceed from thee, are as so many drops of the Hony-combe that fal from thy lips,11 Thy lippes, O my Spouse, droppe as the hony-combe: hony and milk are under thy tongue, and the smell of thy garments is like the smel of Lebanō. and whether thou exhort, or confesse, or pray, or comfort, thy words are both sweet and nourishing; and the savour of thy good workes, and outward conversation, is to me as the smel of the wood of Lebanon to the sense of man.
12 A garden inclosed is my sister, my Spouse: a spring shut up, a fountaine sealed.My sister, my Spouse, is as a Garden or Orchard full of all varietie of the heavenly trees and flowers of grace; not lying carelesly open, either to the love of strangers, or to the rage of enemies, which like the wilde Boare out of the wood, might root up and destroy her choice plants: but safely hedged and walled about, by my protection, & reserved for my delight alone; she is a Spring and Well of wholesome waters, from whom flow forth the pure streames of my Word; but, both, inclosed and sealed up: partly, that shee may the better (by this closenesse) preserve her owne naturall taste and vigour, from the corruptions of the world; and partly, that shee may not be defiled and mudded by the prophane feet of the wicked.
Thou art an Orchard, yea a Paradise, whose plants (which are thy faithfull children that grow up in thee) are as Pomegranate Trees;13 Thy plants are an orchard of Pomegranates, with pleasant fruits, Camphire, with Spikenard. the Apples whereof are esteemed, for the largenesse, colour and taste, above all other: or (if I would feed my other senses) the plentifull fruits of thy holy obedience (which thou yeeldest unto mee) are for their smell, as some composition of Cypresse,14 Spikenard & Saffron, Calamus and Cynamon, with all trees of frankincense, Myrrh, and Aloes, with all the chiefe spices. Spikenard, Saffron, sweet Cane, Cinamon, Incense, Myrrh, Aloes, and whatsoever else may be devised, unto the most perfect sent.
Thou art so a Spring in my Garden,15 A fountaine of gardens, a well of living waters, and streames from Lebanon. that the streames which are derived from thee, water all the gardens of my particular congregations, all the world over: thou art that Fountaine, from whose pure head issue all those living waters which, who so drinketh, shall never thirst againe; even such cleare currents, as flow from the hill of Libanus, which like, unto another Jordan, water all the Israel of God.
The Church.
If I be a garden,16 Awake, O Northwinde, and come thou South, blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out: let my beloved come into his gardē, & eate his pleasant fruits. as thou sayest (O my Saviour) then arise, O all yee soveraigne windes of the Spirit of God, and breathe upon this garden of my soule, that the sweet odours of these my plants may both be increased, and may also be dispersed afarre, and carried into the nostrills of my Well-beloved: and so let him come into his owne garden (which his owne hand hath digged, planted, watred) and accept of the fruit of that service and praise, which he shall inable me to bring forth to his Name.
CAP. V.
CHRIST.
BEhold, according to thy desire,1 I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse, I have gathered my Myrrh with my spice, I have eaten my honie combe with my honie, I have drunk my wine with my milke: eat, O friends, drinke, yea, drinke abundantly, O beloved. I am come into my garden, O my sister, my Spouse; I have received those fruits of thine obedience which thou offeredst unto me, with much joy and pleasure. I have accepted not only of thy good workes, but thy endeavours and purposes of holinesse, both which are as pleasant to me, as the Hony and the Hony-combe. I have allowed of the cheerfulnesse of thy service, and the wholsomnesse of thy doctrine. And yee, O my friends, whether blessed Angels, or faithfull men, partake with me in this joy arising frō the faithfulnesse of my Church: cheere up and fill your selves, O my beloved, with the same spirituall dainties wherewith I am refreshed.
The Church.
2 I sleepe, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my do…e, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my lockes with the drops of the night.When the world had cast me into a secure sleepe, or slumber rather (for my heart was not utterly bereaved of a true faith in my Saviour) even in this darknesse of my minde, it pleased my gracious Redeemer not to neglect me; he came to me, and knocked oft, and called importunately at the doore of my heart, by his word and chastisements, and said, Open the doore of thy soule, O my sister, my deare, chaste, comely, unspotted Church: let me come in, and lodge and dwell with thee, in my graces; shut out the world, and receive me with a more lively act, and renovation of thy faith. For loe, I have long waited patiently for this effect of thy love, and have endured all the injuries both of the night, and weather of thy provocations, that I might at last enjoy thee.
3 I have put off my coat, how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet, how shall I defile them?I answered him againe, pleading excuses for my delay; Alas, Lord, I have now, since I left my forward profession of thee, avoided a great number of cares and sorrowes: must I take them up againe to follow thee? I have lived cleane from the soile of these evils: and shall I now thrust my selfe into danger of them?
4 My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the doore, and my bowels were moved for him.When my Saviour heard this unkinde answer of delay, he let his hand fall from the key-hole, which he had thus before without successe laboured about; and withdrew himselfe from soliciting me any more: whereupon my heart and bowels yearned within me for him, and for the remorse of my so long fore-slowing his admittance unto me.
5 I rose up to open to my beloved, and my hands dropped with Myrrh, and my fingers with sweet smelling Myrrh, upon the handles of the locke.And now I rouzed up my drousie heart (what I could) that I might in some cheerfull manner desire to receive so gracious a Saviour: which when I but endevoured, I found that he had left behinde him such a plentifull blessing (as the monument of his late presence) upon the first motions of my heart, as that with the very touch of them I was both exceedingly refreshed, and moved to further indignation at my selfe for delaying him.
6 I opened to my beloved, but my beloved had withdrawn himselfe, and was gone: my soule failed when hee spake, I sought him, but I could not finde him: I called him, but he gave me no answer.I opened to my beloved Saviour, but my Saviour had now (in my feeling) withdrawne himselfe, and hid his countenance from me, holding me short of those gracious offers and meanes which I had refused; and now I was almost past my selfe with despaire, to remember that sweet invitation of his, which I neglected: I sought him therefore in my thoughts, in the outward use of his ordinances, and of my earnest prayers; but he would not as yet be found of me, or let me finde that I was heard of him.
Those which should have regarded me,7 The watchmen that went about the citie, found me; they smote me, they wounded me, the keepers of the walls took away my vaile from me. & by their vigilancy have secured me from danger, proved mine adversaries: in stead of comforting me, they fell upon me, and wounded me with their false doctrines, drawing me on into further errors, spoiling me of that purity & sincerity of profession, wherewith, as with some rich and modest vaile, I was formerly adorned, and covered.
I advise you solemnly,8 I charge you, O daughters of Ierusalem, if yee find my beloved, that yee tell him, that I am sicke of love. O all yee that wish well to me (for I care not who knowes the vehemency of my passion) if you should finde my Saviours presence in your selves before me, pray for the recovery of his love to me; and bemoaning my estate to him, tell him how I languish with the impatient desire of his love, and presence to be restored unto me.
O thou which art the most happy,9 What is thy beloved more then another beloved, O thou fairest among women? what is thy beloved more then another beloved, that thou dost so charge us? most gracious and most glorious of all creatures, the chosen of the living God; what is thy well-beloved whom thou seekest, above all other the sonnes of men? what such eminency is there in him above all Saints and Angels, that thou art borh so farre gone in affection to him? and dost so vehemently adjure us to speake unto him for thee?
My well-beloved (if you know not) is of perfect beautie;10 My beloved is white and ruddie, the chiefest among ten thousand. in whose face is an exact mixture of the colours of the purest and healthfullest complexion of holinesse: for he hath not received the spirit by measure; and in him the God-head dwels bodily; he is infinitely fairer then all the sonnes of men; and for goodlinesse of person may beare the standard of comelinesse and grace amongst ten thousand.
The Deitie which dwelleth in him,11 His head is as the most fine gold, his lockes are bushie, and blacke as a Raven. is most pure and glorious: and that fulnesse of grace which is communicated to his humane nature, is wondrously beautifull, and so sets it forth, as the blacke curled locks doe a fresh and well favoured countenance.
His judgement of all things,12 His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of water, washed with milke, and fitly set. and his respect to his Church (which are as his eyes) are full of love, and full of pietie, shining like unto doves washed in water, yea, in milke; so as there is no spot, or blemish to be found in them: and they are withall so fully placed, as is most comely and most expedient for the perfect sight of the estate, and necessities of his servants.
The manifestation of himselfe to us in his Word,13 His cheekes are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lillies, dropping sweet-smelling myrrh. is sweet to our spirituall feeling, as an heap of spice, or those flowers that are used to make the best persuming ointments, are to the other senses: his heavenly instructions and promises of his Gospell are unspeakably comfortable, and plenteous, in the grace that is wrought by them.
14 His hands are as gold rings set with the …erill: His belly is as bright Ivory, overlaid with Saphires.His actions, and his instruments (which are his hands) are set forth with much port and majestie, as some precious stone beautifies the Ring wherein it is set: the secret counsels of his brest, and the mysteries of his will, are most pure and holy, and full of excellent glory.
15 His …egges are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the Cedars.All his proceedings are firme and stable; and withall, as Pillars of Marble set in sockets of tried gold; so as they are neither subject to wavering, nor to any danger of infirmitie & corruption: the shew & carriage of his whole person, whereby he makes himselfe knowne to his chosen, is exceeding goodly and upright, like to the straight and lofty Cedars of Lebanon.
16 His mouth is most sweet, yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Ierusalem.His mouth, out of which proceede innumerable blessings and comfortable promises, is to my soule even sweetnesse it selfe; yea (what speake I of any one part?) as you have heard in these particulars; he is all sweets: there is nothing but comfort in him; and there is no comfort but in him; and this (if yee would know) is my Well-beloved; of so incomparable glory & worthines, that ye may easily discerne him from all others.
CAP. VI.
Forraine Congregations.
1 Whither is thy beloved gone? O thou fairest among women? whither is thy beloved turned aside? that we may seeke him with thee.SInce thy well-beloved is so glorious, and amiable, (O thou which art for thy beautie worthy to bee the Spouse of such an husband) tell us (for thou onelyonly knowest it; and to seeke Christ without the Church, we know is vaine) tel us where this Saviour of thine is to be sought; that we (ravished also with the report of his beautie) may joyne with thee in the same holy study of seeking after him.
2 My beloved is gone downe into his garden: to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, & to gather lillies.My Well-beloved Saviour (if you would know this also) is to bee sought and found in the particular assemblies of his people, which are his Garden of Pleasure, wherein are varieties of all the beds of renewed soules; which both he hath planted, and dressed by his continuall care, and wherein he walketh for his delight; feeding and solacing himselfe with those fruits of righteousnesse and new obedience, which they are able to bring forth unto him.
And now loe,3 I am my beloveds, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies. whatsoever hath happened crosse to me, in my sensible fruition of him; in spight of all tentations, my beloved Saviour is mine through faith; and I am his through his love; and both of us are by an inseparable union knit together; whose conjunction and love is most sweet and happie: for all that are his he feedeth continually with heavenly repast.
CHRIST.
Notwithstanding this thy late blemish of neglecting me, O my Church: yet still in mine eyes,4 Thou art beautifull, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Ierusalem, terrible as an armie with banners. through my grace, upon this thy repentance, thou art beautifull, like unto that neat and elegant Citie Tirzah, and that orderly building of Jerusalem, the glory of the world: and with this thy lovelinesse, thou art awfull unto thine adversaries, through the power of thy censures, and the majestie of him that dwelleth in thee.
Yea, such beautie is in thee,5 Turne away thine eyes from me, for they have overcome me: thy haire is as a flock of goats, that appeare from Gilead. that I am overcome with the vehemencie of my affection to thee: turne away thine eyes a while from beholding me; for the strength of that faith, whereby they are fixed upon me, ravisheth me from my selfe with joy. I doe therefore againe renew thy former praise; that thy gracious profession, and all thy appendances and ornaments of expedient ceremonies are so comely to behold, as it is to see a flocke of well-fed goates grazing upon the fruitfull hils of Gilead.
Thy Teachers,6 Thy teeth are as a flocke of sheepe which go up from washing, whereof every one beareth twins, and there is not one barren among them. that chew and prepare the heavenly food of thy soule, are of sweet accordance one with another, having all one heart, and one tongue; and both themselves are sanctified and purged from their uncleannesse; and are fruitfull in their holy labours unto others: so that their doctrine is never in vaine, but is still answered with plentifull increase of soules to the Church.
That part of thy countenance which thou wilt have seene;7 As a piece of a Pomegranate are thy temples within thy lockes. (though dimly and sparingly) is full of holy modestie and bashfulnesse: so blushing, that it seemeth like the colour of a broken peece of Pomegranate.
Let there be never so great a number of people and nations, of Churches and assemblies,8 There are threescore Queenes, and fourescore concubines, and virgins without number. which challenge my Name and Love, and perhaps by their outward prosperity, may seeme to plead much interest in me, and much worth in themselves.
Yet thou onelyonly art alone my true and chaste Spouse,9 My dove, my undefiled is but one: she is the onelyonly one of her mother, shee is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea the Queens and the concubines, and they praised her. pure and undefiled in the truth of thy doctrine, and the imputation of my holinesse: thou art she whom that Jerusalem which is aboue, (the mother of us all) acknowledgeth for her onelyonly true, and deare daughter. And this is not my commendation alone: but all those forraine assemblies, which might seeme to be Rivals with thee of this praise, do applaud and blesse thee in this thine estate, and say; Blessed is this people, whose God is the Lord.
10 Who is she that looketh foorth as the morning, faire as the moone, cleare as the sunne, and terrible as an armie with banners?And admiring thy goodnesse, shall say; Who is this that lookes so freshly as the morning new risen; which from these weake beginnings is grown to such high perfection, that now she is as bright, and glorious, as the Sun in his full strength, and the Moone in a cleare skie; and withall is so dreadfull through the majestie of her countenance, and power of her censures, as some terrible armie, with ensignes displayed, is to a weake adversary.
11 I went downe into the garden of nuts, to see the fruits of the valley, and to see whether the vine flourished, and the pomegranats budded.Thou complainedst of my absence, (O my Church:) there was no cause; I meant not to forsake thee; I did but onelyonly walke downe into the well-dressed Orchard of thine assemblies, to recreate and joy my selfe with the view of their forwardnesse, to see the happy progresse of the humble in spirit, and the gracious beginnings of those tender soules, which are newly converted unto mee.
12 Or ever I was aware, my soule made me like the chariots of Amminadib.So earnestly did I long to revisit thee, and to restore comfort unto thee, that I hasted I know not which way: and with insensible speed I am come backe, as it were upon the swiftest chariots, or the wings of the wind.
13 Returne, returne, O Shulamite; returne returne, that we may looke upon thee: what will ye see in the Shulamite? as it were the company of two armies.Now therefore returne (O my Spouse, the true daughter of Jerusalem) returne to me, returne to my selfe, and to thy former feeling of my grace: returne, that both my selfe, and all the company of Angels, may see and rejoyce in thee: and what shall yee see (O all yee hosts of heaven) what shall yee see in my Church? Even such an awfull grace and majestie, as is in a well-marshalled armie, readie to meet with the enemie.
CAP. VII.
1 How beautifull are thy feet with shooes, O princes daughter, the joints of thy thighes are like jewels, the work of the hands of a cunning workeman.HOw beautifull are thy feet, O daughter of the Highest; being shod with the preparation of the Gospell of peace, and readily addressed to runne the way of the commandements of thy God! thou art compassed about thy loynes with the girdle of verity; which is both precious for the matter of it, and cunningly framed by the skill of the Spirit of truth.
The navell,2 Thy navell is like a round goblet, which wanteth not liquor: thy belly is like an heape of wheat, set about with lilies. whereby all thy spirituall conceptions receive their nourishment, is full of all fruitfull supply, and never wants meanes of sustenance, to feed them in thy wombe: which also is so plenteous in thy blessed increase, that is is as an heap of wheat, consisting of infinite pure graines, which consort together with much sweetnesse and pleasure.
Thy two Testaments (which are thy two full and comely breasts,3 Thy two breasts are like two yong Roes that are twins. by whose wholesome milke thou nourishest all thy faithfull children, once born into the light) are for their excellent and perfect agreement, and their amiable proportion, like two yong Roes.
Those,4 Thy necke is as a tower of iuorie: thine eyes like the fish pools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bathrabbim: thy nose is as the tower of Lebanon, which looketh toward Damascus who by their holy authoritie support thy government (which are as some straight and strong neck to beare up thy head) are for their height and defence, like a Tower; for their order, purenesse and dignity, like a Tower of Iuory: thy Teachers and Ministers (which are thine eyes) are like unto some cleare and artificiall ponds of water, in a place of greatest resort: wherein all commers may see the faces of their consciences; and whence they may plentifully draw the Waters of life. Thy nose by which all spirituall sents are convayed to thee, is perfectly composed, and featured like some curious Turret of that goodly house in Lebanon; so as thy judgement, and power of discernning the spirits, is admirable for the order and excellencie thereof.
The whole tyre of thine head (which are the ceremonies used by thee) are very gracefull,5 Thine head upon thee is like Carmel, and the haire of thine head like purple, the King is held in the galleries. and of high estimation and price to all the beholders: and as for me, I am so enamoured of thee, that I am even tied by my owne desire, to a perpetuall presence in thine holy assemblies.
Oh how beautifull and lovely art thou therefore (O my Church) in all thy parts and ornaments!6 How faire, and how pleasant art thou, O Love, for delights! how sweet and pleasant art thou (O my Love) in whatsoever might give me true contentment!
Thy whole frame is,7 This thy statute is like to a palme tree; and thy breasts two clusters of grapes. for goodlinesse and straight growth, like unto some tall Palme-tree; which the more it is depressed by the violence of persecutions, riseth the more; and the two breasts of thy Testamēts are like two full juicie clusters, which yeeld comfortable and abundant refreshing.
Seeing then thou art my Palme-tree,8 I said, I will goe up to the palme tree, I will take hold of the boughes thereof: now also thy breasts shall be as clusters of the vine, and the smell of thy nose like apples. I have resolved in my selfe to adjoyne my selfe to thee; to enjoy thee, to gather those sweet fruits of thy graces, which thou yeeldest; and by my presence also will cause thee to be more plentifull in all good workes, and doctrine; so as thou shall affoard abundance of heavenly liquor unto all the thirstie soules of thy children; and an acceptable verdure of holinesse and obedience unto me.
9 And the roofe of thy mouth like the best wine, for my beloved, that goeth downe sweetly, causing the lips of those that are asleepe, to speake.And the delivery of my Word, by the mouthes of my Ministers, is like to the most excellent and pleasant wine; being both well accepted of that God in whose name it is taught, and most sweetly rellished of the receivers; which is of such wonderfull power, that it is able to put words both of repentance, and praise, into the lips of him that lies asleepe in his sinnes.
The Church.
10 I am my beloveds, and his desire is towards me.Behold; such as I am, I am not my owne; much lesse am I any others: I am wholly my Saviours: and now I see, and feele, whatsoever I had deserved, that he is mine also in all intire affection; who hath both chosen me, and given himselfe for me.
11 Come my beloved, let us goe forth into the field: let us lodge in the villages.Come therefore, O my deare Saviour, let us joyne together in our naturall care: let thy Spirit and my service be intent upon thy Congregations here below on earth; and let us stay in the place where our spirituall Husbandrie lieth.
12 Let us get up early to the vinyards, let us see if the vine flourish, whether the tender grape appeare, and the pomegranates budde forth: there will I give thee my loves.Let us with all haste and cheerfulnesse visit the fruitful vines of our beleeving children; and to our mutuall comfort, be witnesses and partakers of all the signes and fruits of grace, of all those good workes, and thanksgivings, of those holy endeavours and worthy practices, which they yeeld forth unto us: let us judge of their forwardnesse, and commend it: whereupon it will easily appeare, that the consummation of our happy marriage draweth neer, in which there shall be a perfect union betwixt us.
13 The mandrakes give a smel, and at our gates are all maner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved.Behold, thy godly servants, which not only beare fruit themselves, but are powerfull in the provocation of others, present their best services unto thee; and even at our doores (not farre to seeke, not hard to procure) is offer made unto thee, of all varietie of fruit: whether from thy yong Converts, or thy more setled Professors: and all these I spend not lavishly; but in my loving care, duely reserve them for thee, and for the solemne day of our full marriage.
CAP. VIII.
The Iewish Church.
OH that I might see thee (my Saviour) clothed in flesh!1 O that thou wert as my brother that sucked the breasts of my mother! when I should finde thee without, I would kisse thee, yet I should not be despised. Oh that thou which art my everlasting Husband, mightest also be my Brother, in partaking the same humane nature with me; that so I finding thee below upon earth, might familiarly entertaine thee, and converse with thee without reproach of the world; yea, might be exalted in thy glory!
Then would I (though I be now pent up in the limits of Judaea) bring thee forth into the light and knowledge of the universall Church, whose daughter I am:2 I would lead thee, & bring thee into my mothers house, who would instruct me: I would cause thee to drinke of spiced wine, of the juice of my pomegranate. and then and there, thou shouldest teach mee how perfectly to serve and worship thee, and I shall gladly entertain thee with a royall feast of the best graces that are in my holiest servants; which I know thou wilt account better cheare, than all the spiced cups, and Pomegranate wines in the world.
Then shall I attaine to a nearer communion with him;3 His left hand should be under my head: and his right hand should embrace me. and both his hands shall be employed to sustaine, and releeve me: yea, he shall comfort my head and my heart (my judgement, and affections) with the lively heat of his gracious embracements.
I charge you (O all yee that professe any friendship to me) I charge you deeply,4 I charge you, O daughters of Ierusalem, that ye stirre not up, nor awake my love untill hee please. as ye will avoid my uttermost censures; take heed how yee vexe and disquiet my mercifull Saviour, and grieve his Spirit: and doe not dare, by the least provocation of him, to interrupt his peace.
CHRIST.
Who is this,5 (Who is this that commeth up from the wildernesse, leaning upon her beloved?) I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth, there shee brought thee forth that bare thee. that from the comfortlesse deserts of ignorance, of infidelity, of tribulations, ascendeth thus up into the glorious light and libertie of my chosen? relying her selfe wholly upon her Saviour, and solacing her selfe in him? Is it not my Church? It is shee, whom I have loved, and acknowledged of old: for even under the tree of offence, the forbidden fruit which thou tastedst to thy destruction, I raised thee up againe from death; Even there, thy first mother conceived thee; while by faith shee laid hold on that blessed promise of the Gospell, whereby shee and her beleeving seed were restored.
The Iewish Church.
6 Set me as a seale upon thy heart, as a seale upon thine arme: for love is strong as death, jealousie is cruell as the grave: the coales thereof are coales of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.And so have thou me still (O my Saviour) in a perpetuall and deare remembrance: keepe me sure in thine heart, yea in thine armes, as that which thou holdest most precious: and let me never be removed from thy love; the least shew and danger whereof I cannot endure: for this my spirituall love is exceeding powerfull, and can no more be resisted than death it selfe: and the jealous zeale which I have for thee and thy glory, consumes me, even like the grave, and burnes me up like unto the coales of some most vehement and extreme fire.
7 Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drowne it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly bee contemned.Yea, more then any fire; for any flame yet may bee quenched with water: but all the water of afflictions and terrors (yea, whole streames of persecutions) cannot quench this love: and for all tempting offers of wealth, of pleasures and honour, how easily are they all contemned for the love of my Saviour!
8 Wee have a little sister, and she hath no brests; what shall we doe for our sister, in the day when she shall be spoken for?Wee have a sister (as thou knowest, O Saviour) ordained through thy mercy, to the same grace with mee: the uncalled Church of the Gentiles; small (as yet) of growth, through the rarenesse of her Converts, and destitute of the helpe of any outward ministerie, whereby she might either beare, or nourish children unto thee: when shee growes unto her maturity; and the mystery of calling her universally to thee, shall be revealed to the world, and her selfe, what course will it please thee to take with her?
CHRIST.
9 If she be a wall, wee will build upon her a Palace of silver: and if she be a doore, we will inclose her with boards of Cedar.If shee shall continue firme and constant, in the expectation of her promises, and the profession of that truth which shall be revealed; we will beautifie and strengthen her with further grace, and make her a pure and costly Palace, fit to entertaine my spirit: and if shee will give free passage and good entrance to my word and grace, we will make her sure and safe from corruption, and reserve her to immortalitie.
The Iewish Church.
10 I am a wall, and my breasts like towers: then was I in his eyes, as one that found favour.Behold, that condition which thou requirest in the Church of the Gentiles, thou findest in me; I am thus firme and constant in my expectation, in my profession: and that want thou findest in her of ability to nourish her Children, by the breast of thy Word, is not in mee; who have abundance both of nourishment and defence: upon which my confession and plea, I found grace and peace in the eyes of my Saviour; and received from him assurance of his everlasting love to me.
CHRIST.
My Church is my Vine,11 Salomon had a vineyard at Baal-hamon, he let out the vineyard unto keepers: every one for the fruit thereof was to bring a thousād pieces of silver. and I am the Owner and Husbandman: our thrift and profit thereof farre exceedeth the good husbandry of Salomon: he hath a rich Vineyard indeed in a most fruitfull soile; but he lets it forth to the hands of others, as not being able to keepe and dresse it himselfe: and therefore he is faine to be content with the greatest part of the increase, not expecting the whole.
But my Vine is ever before me,12 My vineyard which is mine, is before me: thou (O Salomon) must have a thousand, and those that keep the fruit thereof, two hundred. I am with it to the end of the world, I reserve it in mine owne hands, and dresse it with mine owne labour: and therefore if thou (O Salomon) canst receive from thine, to the proportion of a thousand, thy workmen and farmers will looke for the fift part to come unto their share; whereas the gaine of my Vineyard ariseth wholly, and only unto my selfe.
Sith therefore such is my care of thee,13 Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions harken to thy voice, cause me to heare it. and joy in thee (O my Church, which consistest of the particular assemblies of men professing my Name) see thou be diligent in declaring my will, and giving holy counsels to all thy fellow-members: speake forth my praise in the great congregations (which all attend willingly upon thee) and let me heare the voice of thy constant and faithfull confession of me before the world.
The Church.
I will most gladly doe what thou commandest, O my Saviour: but that I may performe it accordingly,14 Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a Roe, or to a yong Hart upon the mountaines of spices. be thou (which art, according to thy bodily presence, in the highest heavens) ever present with me by the Spirit, and hasten thy glorious comming, to my full Redemption.