A brief exposition of the whole book of Canticles, or Song of Solomon lively…

Damosels are without number, &c.] Damosels, or Virgins in this marriage song are of less reckoning, as being yet either not spoken to in way of marriage by Christ and his Ministers, or coyly refusing him. Of this sort there were many Churches at the first reforming of the Gospel, to whom for want of Ministers Readers were sent; whence one of the Martyrs wished, that every able Minister might have ten Congregations committed to his charge, till further provision could be made; so that such Churches there were, even ten to one, abundantly many that scarcely heard of Christs knocking at their hearts by any conscionable Ministry; yea, and how many be there at this day, that either do want such Ministers as do espouse them to Christ, or else do ⟨p. 190⟩coyly deny their motions, and stand out against Christ and their Ministers.

Damosels are without number, &c.] Damosels, or Virgins in this marriage song are of lesse reckoning, as being yet either not spoken to in way of marriage by Christ and his Ministers, or coily refusing him. Of this sort there were many Churches at the first reforming of the Gospel, to whom for want of Ministers Readers were sent; whence one of the Martyrs wished, that every able Minister might have ten Congregations committed to his charge, till further provision could be made; so that such Churches there were, even ten to one, abundantly many that scarcely heard of Christs knocking at their hearts by any conscionable Ministry; yea, and how many be there at this day, that either doe want such Ministers as doe espouse them to Christ, or else doe ⟨p. 190⟩coily deny their motions, and stand out against Christ and their Ministers.

Of Queens he reckoneth threescore, of Concubines fourscore. A certain number put for an uncertain; and of Churches, the less pure the greater.

Of Queens he reckoneth threescore, of Concubines fourescore. A certaine number put for an uncertaine; and of Churches, the lesse pure the greater.