Song of Solomon 7

Song of Solomon 7:1-6

Thou, O my visible church, art adorned with ministers shod with the animating preparations of the gospel of peace:—ministers fixed in the most noted station, and contributing to thy inward health and fruitfulness;—strong in grace, and confirmed in the truth, and set for the defence of the gospel;—intelligent in the mystery of Christ, and sagaciously watching against thy spiritual foes. Thou art also adorned with manifold oracles and ordinances, for the spread of my honour, the communication of my influences, and edification of my people.—How beautiful, O heaven-born soul, are thy affections and conversation, through the powerful influence of gospel truth! Glorious are thy inward principles of holiness, and first motions to good, wrought in thee by the Holy Ghost! Thy gracious desires are supplied with nourishing influences from above! Plentiful provision, and fruitfulness in holiness, is obtained by the digesting of my word in a particular application of it! Living on the breasts of inspired oracles and instituted ordinances, how glorious and attracting are the exercises of thy faith and love, and of thy holy endeavours to edify others! A sure and precious defence is thy unfeigned and vigorous faith! Clear and distinct is thy spiritual understanding in the matters of God! Wonderful is thy gracious sagacity in discovering truth, and discerning between good and evil: and attended with courage and watchfulness, especially against the most near, constant, and malicious, enemies! Grounded in my blood, and effectually productive of good works, is thy towering hope supported by thy faith! And acceptable in me is even the very smallest part of thy holy principles 4 or practices!

Song of Solomon 7:7

So affecting is thy beauty, bestowed by myself, that I cannot but regard thy fellowship, and take pleasure to look on, and abundantly delight in, thee.—When the whole of thy graces and holy conversation is considered in connection, how comely, flourishing, victorious, and heavenly is the appearance! And how cordial and cheering to me are thy affection and kind entertainment! 8, 9. In my purpose I resolved, and in my promise I have engaged to manifest myself to my church, in converting nominal members, and vouchsafing my kindest fellowship to real saints.—This shall qualify thee to edify others, and give pleasure and satisfaction to me. Revived, refreshed, and comforted, by my influences, thy gracious discourse shall quicken and awaken others to taste of my love, and to open their mouths in my praise. BELIEVERS

Song of Solomon 7:10

O the inexpressible comfort which I enjoy in the faith of Jesus’ relations, and in the intimations of his love, to my soul! 11, 12. Beloved Redeemer and Husband, let me, retiring from the hurry and cares of this present world, have the most ravishing and permanent fellowship with thee! Let me, without delay, not only have a deep concern for the spiritual prosperity of the church, but have an intimate and distinct knowledge of the condition of my own heart, and see whether my graces be weak or strong, flourishing or languishing. In this our retired communion will I discover the sincerity and fervency of my affection to thee

Song of Solomon 7:13

While the precious, savoury, and medicinal, truths of the gospel are to many a savour of life unto life; and while lively believers all around me begin to flourish and spread their heavenly influence; the inward graces of my heart shew themselves in lively exercises; and every where new degrees of grace, and new acts of holiness, are added to to the former: all which are, at thy command, set apart for promoting thine honour and service!

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. VII.—Extensive are the beauties of holiness in the church and people of God, and fixed and uniform in the substantials thereof. What delight Jesus takes in the persons and services of his followers! He is ready to hold the most intimate fellowship with them. And with ravishing pleasure they glory in him, and in his love towards them. When inwardly warmed by his love, how ready are they to relinquish every thing else, in order to have familiar intercourse with him! And a deep concern for the church of Christ, and exact observation of our inward condition, effectually promotes our endeavours to honour him