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

that the Minister hath a title and interest in the Church of Christ, which no other hath, he is a farmer and keeper of it. 2. It supposeth, that it's but a subordinate title the Minister hath, he is not as a Lord of Christ's Vineyard, or master of the faith of God's people, but as a farmer or subordinate overseer, he is to be a helper of their joy. In sum, the sense comes to this, That this trust that was put on Christ of governing his Church, he thought meet not to discharge it all immediately, but hath appointed some others as instruments under him, to promove their edification, whom singularly he hath entrusted for that end. Obs. 1. Since our Lord Jesus had a Church militant, he hath thought good to guide it mediately, by a standing Ministry and Ordinances; and that is to set out his Vineyard to keepers. 2. There ought none without Christ's tack or lease, enter upon the Ministry, and become keepers of his Vineyard; for, they are but tacksmen, and what right they have it's from him: Thus that which is here called his setting a lease, is, Mal. 2. 4, 5. called the Covenant of Levi. 3. Although Christ employ Ministers, yet he makes them not masters, but he reserves the propriety of his Church to himself, and they are such as must give an account. 4. Though Ministers be not masters, yet are they ⟨p. 466⟩keepers, and have a special trust in the Church; they are entrusted with the affairs of Christ's house, for carrying on of his peoples edification; which is a trust that no others have committed to them.

that the Minister hath a title and interest in the Church of Christ, which no other hath, he is a farmer and keeper of it. 2. It supposeth, that it's but a subordinat title the Minister hath, he is not as a Lord of Christ's Vineyard, or master of the faith of God's people, but as a farmer or subordinat overseer, he is to be a helper of their joy. In sum, the sense comes to this, That this trust that was put on Christ of governing his Church, he thought meet not to discharge it all immediatly, but hath appointed some others as instruments under him, to promove their edification, whom singularly he hath intrusted for that end. Obs. 1. Since our Lord Jesus had a Church militant, he hath thought good to guide it mediatly, by a standing Ministery and Ordinances; and that is to set out his Vineyard to keepers. 2. There ought none without Christ's tack or lease, enter upon the Ministery, and become keepers of his Vineyard; for, they are but tacksmen, and what right they have it's from him: Thus that which is here called his setting a lease, is,