Clavis cantici, or, An exposition of the Song of Solomon

but it's these who are by Gods election separated from others, given to Christ, and undertaken for by him, in the Covenant of Redemption, that especially are intended here: And it's necessary to advert, that there are four diverse parties, to which the Church in diverse respects is said to belong, 1. She is the Lords, the Father, Son, and Spirit, his by eternal Election; This is the first right, Joh. 17. 6. Thine they were, to wit, by thy eternal purpose: And from this flows the second, to wit, the Mediators right, and thou gavest them me; The Father is the owner and proprietor of the Vineyard, Matth. 21. 40. called, Joh. 15. 1. the husband man; for, the Church is first his, and next Christ's, who as Mediator is the great Deputy, and universal Administrator of grace, to whom the Elect are given as to the great Bishop and Shepherd, and to whom all the ordering of what concerns their good is committed: This right is by donation, and differs from the former. 3. The Vineyard is said to be the Brides, vers. 12. and Chap. 1. 6. in respect of the believers particular trust, with oversight of, and interest in, these things that Christ hath purchased for them, and bestowed on them, which they are to improve and trade with; In which respect, Mat. 25. and Luk. 19. the talent is said to be not only the masters, but also the servants, because the right improving of it, brings advantage unto the servant more properly than to the master: and each believer in some kind hath a Vineyard, because each of them shares of all the graces, privileges, benefits, &c. that are saving. 4. The Vineyard is also the Ministers, they have a title as underkeepers, overseers and dressers, therefore it's said to be let out to them by Christ; they are as farmers: Hence, when Christ, Rev. 2. 5. writs to the Angel of the Church of Ephesus, speaking to the Angel, he calls the Church, thy Candlestick, and Chap. 2. 15. while the vines are called our vines, the Ministers interest is asserted as well as Christ's; so all these interests mentioned in these two verses are well consistent. Obs. 1. That our Lord Jesus hath some who beyond all others are his, by peculiar right and title;