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

If it be asked, how these excellent titles and commendations may be applied to a sinful believer. Ans. These four ways, 1. By communication and participation of the divine Nature, they have a stamp of the Spirit of holiness imparted to them, whereby they resemble God, 2 Pet. 1. 4. and none other in the World can compare with them in this. 2. In respect of the imputation of Christ's righteousness, wherewith they are adorned, and which they have put on, which makes them very glorious and lovely, so that they are beautiful beyond all others, through his comeliness put upon them. 3. In respect of Christ's gracious acceptation, whereby he doth esteem otherwayes of them, than of the most royal and beautiful in the world, they find such favour in his eyes. 4. In respect of his design, project and purchase; she is so, and to be made so in end; he will have his people made completely beautiful and spotless, before he have done with them, Eph. 5. 26. without spot and wrinkle: all which are peculiar to a believer, of whom glorious things are spoken and written, which are applicable to none other.

If it be asked, how these excellent titles and commendations may be applyed to a sinful believer. Ans. These four wayes, 1. By communication and participation of the divine Nature, they have a stamp of the Spirit of holinesse imparted to them, whereby they resemble God, 2 Pet. 1. 4. and none other in the World can compare with them in this. 2. In respect of the imputation of Christ's righteousnesse, wherewith they are adorned, and which they have put on, which makes them very glorious and lovely, so that they are beautiful beyond all others, thorow his comelinesse put upon them. 3. In respect of Christ's gracious acceptation, whereby he doth esteem otherwayes of them, than of the most royal and beautiful in the world, they find such favour in his eyes. 4. In respect of his design, project and purchase; she is so, and to be made so in end; he will have his people made compleatly beautiful and spotlesse, before he have done with them, Eph. 5. 26. without spot and wrinkle: all which are peculiar to a believer, of whom glorious things are spoken and written, which are applicable to none other.