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

2. The effect of this fellowship, is my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof. Spikenard here signifies the graces of the Spirit, wherewith the believer is furnished out of the treasure of the sweet spices that are in Christ: Which are compared to spikenard, because grace is precious in it self, and savoury and pleasant to God, Psal. 141. 2. and to others also, who have spiritual senses. To send forth the smell, is to be in lively exercise, and to be fresh and vigorous; Grace without smell or lively exercise, being like flowers somewhat withered that savour not, or like unbeaten spice, that sends not forth it's savour.

2. The effect of this fellowship, is my spikenard sendeth forth the smel thereof. Spikenard here signifies the graces of the Spirit, wherewith the believer is furnished out of the treasure of the sweet spices that are in Christ: Which are compared to spikenard, because grace is precious in it self, and savoury and pleasant to God, Psal. 141. 2. and to others also, who have spiritual senses. To send forth the smell, is to be in lively exercise, and to be fresh and vigorous; Grace without smell or lively exercise, being like flowres somewhat withered that savour not, or like unbeaten spice, that sends not forth it's savour.

3. There is the connection of this effect (which is so comfortable to her) with Christs presence, as the cause: It's while he sits, that her Spikenard sendeth forth it's smell, it's then and not else, that her graces flow; Such influence hath his presence on ⟨p. 101⟩her, as a cool-wind hath on a garden, for making the smell thereof to flow out, as it's chap. 4. 16.

3. There is the connexion of this effect (which is so comfortable to her) with Christs presence, as the cause: It's while he sits, that her Spikenard sendeth forth it's smell, it's then and not else, that her graces flow; Such influence hath his presence on