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

This second Chapter contains the same scope, and runs in the same strain, with the former. It hath two principal parts: In the first, Christ speaks in the first two verses. In the second, the Bride continues to the end.

THis second Chapter contains the same scope, and runs in the same strain, with the former. It hath two principal parts: In the first, Christ speaks in the first two verses. In the second, the Bride continues to the end.

Again, in these two verses, Christ doth first commend himself, vers. 1. 2. He describes his Bride, vers. 2.

That it's he who speaks, appears thus; 1. It's clear, at first looking upon the words, that he speaks in the 2. verse, and who else can be thought to speak in the first? He is the I in the first verse, who claims the Bride by this possessive particle my in the second. 2. The words, I am the rose of Sharon, &c. are stately, becoming him alone to speak them; Like these, I am the true vine, I am the bread of life, &c. And so majestic is the commendation, that it can agree to none other, but to him. 3. The Bride's work is to commend him, and not her self, especially with a commendation beyond what he giveth her, vers. 2. And therefore the first verse must be Christ's words, not hers.

That it's he who speaks, appears thus; 1. It's clear, at first looking upon the words, that he speaks in the 2. verse, and who else can be thought to speak in the first? He is the I in the first verse, who claims the Bride by this possessive particle my in the second. 2. The words, I am the rose of Sharon, &c. are stately, becoming him alone to speak them; Like these, I am the true vine, I am the bread of life, &c. And so majestick is the commendation, that it can agree to none other, but to him. 3. The Brids work is to commend him, and not her self, especially with a commendation beyond what he giveth her, vers. 2. And therefore the first verse must be Christ's words, not hers.