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

Having laid down the general doctrine, vers. 11. she doth now in the twelfth verse make application thereof to her self; and this she doth, 1 By asserting of her own sincerity. 2. By proving it in two instances. Her assertion is, My Vineyard, which is mine, is before me: The Brides Vineyard is the particular trust which is committed to her, in reference to her souls estate; called a Vineyard, 1. Because every particular believer, entrusted with his own souls concernment, is a part of, and of the same nature with the Church ⟨p. 468⟩of Christ, which is called a Vineyard in Scripture. 2. Because of the variety of graces bestowed on her, and the Ordinances and privileges, whereof she is a partaker with the whole, as is said. It's called hers, because she must make a special account for her own soul, and the talent that is given to her, according to the trust that is put on her. We have almost the same phrase, Chap. 1. 6. where the Bride calls it, mine own Vineyard: This Vineyard is said to be before her, which is like the expression, Psa. 18. 22. all thy judgements were before me, which the scope, by the words foregoing and following, shows to be, not a pleading of innocency, but of sincerity and watchfulness in keeping himself from his iniquity; and it's to be understood in opposition to departing wickedly from God, mentioned vers. 21. And thus to have her Vineyard before her, signifieth watchfulness and tenderness, as these who have their eye always on their Orchard or Vineyard. And it doth import, 1. Watchfulness, as hath been said. 2. Diligence and carefulness, so it's opposed to the hiding of the talent, Luk. 14. she did not so, but had the talent she was entrusted with, still before her, and among her hands, that she might trade with it. 3. It imports tenderness and conscientiousness, and so is opposed to mens casting of God's Law behind their backs, Psal. 50. 16. This she did not, but the work God had appointed to her, and the trust which was committed to her, was always in her eye. 4. It implies sincerity, and honesty in aiming at her duty, and that by a constant minding of it, as suffering it never to be out of her sight:

Having laid down the general doctrine, vers. 11. she doth now in the twelth verse make application thereof to her self; and this she doth, 1 By asserting of her own sincerity. 2. By proving it in two instances. Her assertion is, My Vineyard, which is mine, is before me: The Brides Vineyard is the particular trust which is committed to her, in reference to her souls estate; called a Vineyard, 1. Because every particular believer, intrusted with his own souls concernment, is a part of, and of the same nature with the Church