A34663:736
A brief exposition of the whole book of Canticles, or Song of Solomon lively…
A brief exposition of the whole book of Canticles, or Song of Solomon lively describing the estate of the church in all the ages thereof, both Jewish and Christian, to this day ... / written by that learned and godly divine, John Cotton ...
London: printed for Philip Nevil, 1642
Chapter 5: THE CANTICLES, OR SONG OF SONGS opened and explained.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door;] Or, My beloved put down his hand by the hole of the door.] Either of which imply, that Christ did at first use means for himself to open the door, when she would not; attempting to remove the impediments which hinder him from enjoying his spouse: First, put his ⟨p. 148⟩hand by the hole of the door, when he stirred up Christian Emperors, such as Martianus, and both the Theodosii, to call Synods, and to command the Fathers assembled, to give all diligence to root out all heresies, and depravations of doctrine and worship, that the pure and holy faith might shine forth.
My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the doore;] Or, My beloved put downe his hand by the hole of the doore.] Either of which imply, that Christ did at first use meanes for himselfe to open the doore, when shee would not; attempting to remove the impediments which hinder him from enjoying his spouse: First, put his ⟨p. 148⟩hand by the hole of the doore, when he stirred up Christian Emperours, such as Martianus, and both the Theodosii, to call Synods, and to command the Fathers assembled, to give all diligence to roote out all heresies, and depravations of doctrine and worship, that the pure and holy faith might shine forth.
How easily might the Church, upon such encouragements, have broken the bars and bolts of superstition crept into the worship of God, whereby Christ was debarred from drawing near to them? The Bishops assembled in those Councils of that time, condemned those gross heresies which blasphemed the doctrine of the Trinity; but how deeply did they neglect to redress all other enormities and corruptions? Besides, Christ is said to put in his hand by the hole of the door, when he puts his spirit, which is the power & finger of God*, into the hearts of his people, whereby they are enlightened to know him better, and stir up men honestly to seek after him. So Christ enlightened and stirred up Leo Esauricus, Constantine's son, and Leo Copronimus, to bend their best endeavours to root out Idolatry, and