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

2. Consider why the person is changed, Draw me (saith she) and we shall run: If we take the Church collectively under me, then we, will set out the particular members: And it is this much, do me good, or pour thy Spirit on the Church, and we shall run in our stations who are members: It's the better with all the members, when it's well with the Church in general. But it would seem to look to particular Believers, the effect of drawing ⟨p. 68⟩being most proper and peculiar on them: and so it's to be understood thus, If thou wilt draw me, and by the power of thy grace work effectually upon me, then many moe shall get advantage by it: which holds true, partly, by reason of the sympathy that is amongst the members of that one body; partly, because a work of grace fits, and engages one the more to be forth-coming for the good of others; partly, because of the influence which liveliness in one, may have upon the quickening and stirring up of others; even as often, when deadness begins in one, it leaveneth and infecteth moe; so by God's blessing may liveliness do. This same argument is made use of by David, Psal. 91. when he is dealing for the establishment and liberty of God's Spirit, then (saith he) vers. 12, 13. I will teach sinners thy way, and they shall be converted unto thee. He was not only purposed to stir up himself, and walk tenderly in the strength he should receive, but that he would lay out himself for the good of others, and he promised himself success therein through the grace of God. And so Joshua, 24. 15. I and my house will serve the Lord: which speaks, that his serving the Lord, would have influence upon his house. Experience doth often make out, that a lively soul in a Congregation, or Family, will readily occasion and provoke others, to stir and seek with them.

2. Consider why the person is changed, Draw me (saith she) and we shall run: If we take the Church collectively under me, then we, will set out the particular members: And it is this much, do me good, or pour thy Spirit on the Church, and we shall run in our stations who are members: It's the better with all the members, when it's well with the Church in general. But it would seem to look to particular Believers, the effect of drawing ⟨p. 68⟩