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

3. The force of the reason, in the connection it hath with the petition, imports, 1. That she was much in love with holiness, and had an ardent desire after more of it. 2. That she resolved to improve her recepts, for the edification of others. 3. That these designs were very acceptable to Christ. 4. That except she were drawn, she would come short of both. 5. A cheerful engaging to be forth-coming to his honour and the good of others, and to undertake what he shall call to, and fit for; These go well together, that when we see and are sensible, that we of our selves, as of our selves, can do nothing, 2 Cor. 3. 5. yet we may humbly engage, to do all things through Christ strengthening us: In a word, I have need (would she say) to be drawn, if holiness be needful; and I hope, thou who respects holiness in me and others of thy people, will grant what I seek. Her engaging to run, ⟨p. 69⟩if he would draw, is no vain undertaking; but a humble pressing motive, holding forth some sincerity given from him, but no ability in her self, but as he who hath given her to will, must also work in her to do.

3. The force of the reason, in the connexion it hath with the petition, imports, 1. That she was much in love with holinesse, and had an ardent desire after more of it. 2. That she resolved to improve her recepts, for the edification of others. 3. That these designs were very acceptable to Christ. 4. That except she were drawn, she would come short of both. 5. A chearful ingaging to be forth-coming to his honour and the good of others, and to undertake what he shall call to, and fit for; These go well together, that when we see and are sensible, that we of our selves, as of our selves, can do nothing, 2 Cor. 3. 5. yet we may humbly ingage, to do all things through Christ strengthning us: In a word, I have need (would she say) to be drawn, if holinesse be needful; and I hope, thou who respects holinesse in me and others of thy people, will grant what I seek. Her ingaging to run, ⟨p. 69⟩if he would draw, is no vain undertaking; but a humble pressing motive, holding forth some sincerity given from him, but no ability in her self, but as he who hath given her to will, must also work in her to do.