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

Borders of Gold, and studs of Silver(it's like) have been some special ornaments in these days, and that which is here pointed at by them, in general seems to be an addition to what formerly the Bride possessed, he would add to her beauty, and gloriously complete it: And certainly it must be an excellent work, which needs such workers as are here spoken of. We take the thing promised, to comprehend the increase, continuance and perfecting of her comeliness and beauty; in which work the blessed Trinity are engaged: and so, the second thing is, who undertakes it, We will make thee, saith the Bridegroom: This word make, in the Original is used for making of man at first, Gen. 1. 26. As also, for renewing of him, and begetting holiness in him, Psal. 100. because it's no less work to renew, than to create man. The number here is changed from the singular, I have compared, &c. Vers. 9. to the plural, We will, &c. As it is also in the first making ⟨p. 97⟩of man, from the singular, He made Heaven and Earth, to the plural, let Us make man according to our Image; as if the Holy Ghost, purposely, in mentioning this renewing-work of grace, did allude to the first work of mans creation. And this, 1. To show, the excellency of it, not that God was put to any deliberation, but that the work was, and is exceeding excellent, and therefore deliberately, as it were, gone about. 2. To show, that man hath no more hand in his renovation than his first creation, that is, he is no more of himself able to bring about the one than the other. By this We, we do not understand God speaking of himself in the plural number, as in some languages, for honours cause, Kings do of themselves: For, 1. If that were more honourable, then it would have always been used for Gods honour, especially at solemn times, such as when the Law was given; but we find the contrary true from the Scripture. 2. Although that manner of speaking be used in some other languages, yet it is never so used in the Hebrew tongue (as, by these who understand it, is asserted; and by some of the most Learned Jews is acknowledged) and therefore we understand the Trinity of Persons in one God-head to be here understood; for, this One is also Three, the Father, Son and Spirit, having a joint design in promoving the Salvation of the Elect, Isa. 61. 1, 2