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

1. The title is a very kindly and sweet one; and this makes it lovely, that therein he not only intimates, but appropriates his love to her, allowing her to lay claim thereto as her own, my love, saith he, and it says, that there can be nothing more cordial and refreshful to believers, than Christ's intimating of his love to them; and therefore, he chooseth this very title for that end: The men of the world exceedingly prejudge themselves, that they think not more of this, and study not to be acquaint with it.

1. The title is a very kindly and sweet one; and this makes it lovely, that therein he not only intimats, but appropriats his love to her, allowing her to lay claim thereto as her own, my love, saith he, and it sayes, that there can be nothing more cordial and refreshful to believers, than Christ's intimating of his love to them; and therefore, he chooseth this very title for that end: The men of the world exceedingly prejudge themselves, that they think not more of this, and study not to be acquaint with it.

2. The commendation that he gives her, is, Thou art fair. If it be asked, what this imports? we may look upon it these three ways. 1. As it imports an inherent beauty in the Bride. 2. As it looks to the cleanness, and beauty of her state, as being justified before God; and this she hath, as being clothed with the righteousness of Christ. 3. As it holds forth Christ's loving ⟨p. 105⟩estimation of her, that though there were many spots in her; yet he pronounces her fair (and lovely, because of his delight in her, & his purpose to make her fair) and without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing: From all which, these three truths may be gathered. 1. That such as are Christ's, or have a title to him, are very lovely creatures, and cannot but have in them exceeding great loveliness, because there is to be found with them a work of his grace, a new creature, and a conversation some way levelled to the adorning of the Gospel. 2. Christ Jesus hath a very great esteem of his Bride, and though we cannot conceive of love in him, as it is in us; yet the expressions used here, gives us ground to believe, that Christ hath a great esteem of believers, how worthless so ever they be in themselves. Lastly, comparing this with vers. 5. We may see, That believers are never more beautiful in Christ's eyes, than when their own spots are most discernible to themselves; and ofttimes when they are sharpest in censuring themselves, he is most ready to absolve and commend them.