as under carnal watchmen, v. 7. And in all these, her various conditions, in all ages, are painted forth, before Christ's incarnation, as well as now, without respect to any particular time or age; for ceremonial things are not here meddled with, but what was spiritual; besides the Church then and now is one, as in the next consideration will be cleared. V. As in private dealing with Christ, and longing after him and praying for him, chap. iv. 16; viii. 1, and almost throughout, and also what she was in public duties, going to the watchmen, chap. v. 7, and iii. 3, and what she was in fellowship with others, v. 8, 9; vi. 1, 2. VI. It sets out believers as more strong, and it furnishes a greater measure of grace and knowledge; and also, as more weak in gifts and grace. VII. And lastly, it holds forth the same believers as more and less lively in their conditions.
"This book, in its matter, is a comprehensive sum of all those particulars formed in a song, put together, and drawn as on a board, for the believers' edification, to show, 1. What should be, and will be their carriage, when it is right with them as to their frame. 2. What are their infirmities, and what they use often to fall into, even they who are believers, that they may be the more watchful. 3. To shew what they meet with, that they may make for sufferings, and not stumble at them when they come. 4. That the care and love of Christ to them, in reference to all these, may appear, that they may know upon what grounds to comfort themselves in every condition, and may have this Song as a little magazine, for direction and consolation in every condition."[1]
Upon the words "Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines," &c. (Chap. ii. 15), Durham remarks:
"This fifteenth verse contains the last part of Christ's Sermon; wherein,
as he had formerly given directions in reference to her particular walk, so
here he evidenceth his care of her external peace. That Christ speaks these
words, the continuation and series of them with the former, the scope
(which is to make full proof of his case), and the manner how the duty
here mentioned is laid on, to wit, by way of authority, makes it clear.
- ↑ Clavis Cantici, or an Exposition of the Song of Solomon (Edinburgh, 1723), pp. 11, 12.
