Song of Solomon 6

Song of Solomon 6:1

Precious saint, tell us where we may hope to find this thy beloved Saviour, that we may, after thy example, and in holy fellowship with thee, more heartily than ever seek him. BELIEVERS

Song of Solomon 6:2

Jesus my beloved is always present in his church, and is especially conversant in those assemblies where the graces of his people are most eminent; taking pleasure in, and increasing, their grace and comforts, and delighting to convert, and afterwards glorify, his whole elect body

Song of Solomon 6:3

And, notwithstanding all my miscarriages, the mutual relation between him and me is as full and firm as ever; and he still delights himself in the assemblies of his people. CHRIST

Song of Solomon 6:4

In respect of oracles, ordinances, officers, and order, thou, my church, art extremely beautiful in my view, and terrible to enemies around. And, in respect to imputed righteousness, implanted grace, and holy conversation, thou, O particular believer, are transcendently comely, and thy assured faith and fervent prayer overcome every opponent

Song of Solomon 6:5-7

Such was my delight in the vigorous actings of thy faith and love, and in thy importunate prayers, that I could no longer absent myself: and, being returned, I assure thee, for thy comfort, that thy holy thoughts and gracious exercise, thy unfeigned and operative faith, thy spiritual meditations, thy regular and active zeal, thy humility and self-abasement, together with all thy privileges, and every thing belonging to my church, are as precious and comely as ever. 8, 9. Whatever beauties there be in earthly courts, there are none comparable to a true saint. In the one true church, nay, in one heavenly-begotten soul, there is more real comeliness than in all the world beside: all those of principal esteem, in either church or state, are disposed to express their approbation of it

Song of Solomon 6:10

Gradual was the increasing light and glory of the church in her patriarchal, ceremonial, and gospel periods. Gradual and diversified is the growing comeliness and glory of every believer turned from darkness to light: they shine as the morning light, going on to perfection. In their borrowed and imperfect holiness they shew fair as the moon; and in their imputed righteousness shine clear as the meridian sun; and, armed with the whole armour of God, they are terrible to every opposer

Song of Solomon 6:11

Such is my regard to my church, that, even while absent from thee, I was occupied among my outwardly mean, but inwardly glorious and hidden, ones, carefully observing if her fruitfulness in saints and in good works was answerable to her new covenant soil, and how her various members did thrive in the advanced progress or weak beginnings of grace

Song of Solomon 6:12

And thy vigorous actings of faith and fervent supplications took such hold of me, that I was constrained, as in a surprising transport of affection, speedily to return to thee in loving kindness and in tender mercies

Song of Solomon 6:13

Notwithstanding every former offence, return therefore, my perfect and peaceable one by faith and repentance, to thy wonted familiarity with me, that I and my father and blessed Spirit, and ministering angels, may with pleasure and satisfaction behold thy beauties. However mean and worthless thou art in thine own eyes, yet, how pleasant is it for me to behold Jews and Gentiles united into one society of saints, and to contemplate heavenly graces and holy duties withstanding and conquering the remains of inward corruptions, temptations, and fears

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. VI.—The believer’s hearty commendations of Christ are effectual, when blessed by him, to make others inquire after him. And it is prudent for deserted saints frequently and boldly to recognize the mutual relation betwixt Christ and their soul. Great is the mercy that, though he often for a time deserts a particular favourite, he never totally forsakes his church and ordinances, and often does much good while it is little perceived. How sweet, and often surprising, are the returns of his sensible presence! For unchangeable is his esteem of, love to, desire after, and delight in, his people, amidst all the changes of his countenance and providence. Engaging, honourable, and awful, are the beauties of holiness, when they shine in churches, ordinances, and saints. And unbounded is Jesus’ care about his people, and to have them fruitful in graces and good works. He takes delight to return them his sensible favours, and to see them cordially united among themselves, and valiantly contending with their spiritual enemies