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

They are kisses in the plural number, partly to show how many ways Christ hath to manifest his love, partly to show the continuance and frequency of these manifestations, which she would be at: The thing which she here desires, is not love simply, but the sense of love; for she questioned not his love, but desired to have sensible expressions of it, and therefore compares it not only to looks, that she might see him, but to kisses; which is also clear from the reason annexed, while she compares his love to Wine.

They are kisses in the plural number, partly to shew how many ways Christ hath to manifest his love, partly to shew the continuance and frequency of these manifestations, which she would be at: The thing which she here desires, is not love simply, but the sense of love; for she questioned not his love, but desired to have sensible expressions of it, and therefore compares it not only to looks, that she might see him, but to kisses; which is also clear from the reason annexed, while she compares his love to Wine.

Again, her manner of designing Christ, is observable, Him. It's a relative, where no antecedent goes before, yet certainly it looks to Christ alone, as the reasons show; Here no rules of Art are kept, for love stands not on these: This manner of speaking is to be found also in Moral Authors, when one eminent is set forth, who is singularly known beside others, as having in the estimation of the speakers no match: So Pythagora's Scholars used to say of their Master, [Greek or Hebrew], He said it: And in Scripture, when the Saints speak of the Lord, they thus design him, because they are not afraid to be mistaken, Psal. 87. 1. His foundation, &c. and Isaiah 53. 2. He shall grow up like to a tender plant: This is neither for want of titles due to him, or rhetoric in her, but because in this manner of expression the Saints set forth, 1. Christ's ⟨p. 58⟩singular excellency, which is such, that he hath no match, or equal, there is but one Him. 2. Their singular esteem of him, whatever others think.