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

3. When he hath given the invitation, he presseth it most seriously and weightily; for though it be of our concernment, we are not easily induced even to believe: O but the world is much ⟨p. 136⟩mistaken in this, that think it an easy matter to believe! And also, he would have us knowing, he allows us the comfortable exercise of faith in him, with all his heart (if we may speak so) when he thus presseth and persuadeth us to it. Likewise we may gather, that it is no common thing, which he exhorts unto, when he doth so seriously press it; but it is of most weighty concernment to us.

3. When he hath given the invitation, he presseth it most seriously and weightily; for though it be of our concernment, we are not easily induced even to believe: O but the world is much ⟨p. 136⟩mistaken in this, that think it an easy matter to believe! And also, he would have us knowing, he allows us the comfortable exercise of faith in him, with all his heart (if we may speak so) when he thus presseth and perswadeth us to it. Likewise we may gather, that it is no common thing, which he exhorts unto, when he doth so seriously presse it; but it is of most weighty concernment to us.

There are three ways he maketh use of, to press it; 1. By excellent, loving titles, my love, and fair one; which are given here, especially to let her know he loved her, and thereby to encourage her to follow the call. The faith of his love, hath no little influence upon our acting faith in particulars on him. 2. To show that he is no rigid, nor severe censurer of a discouraged believer; no, my fair one (saith he) even when she hath many spots; Christ will raise no ill report on his own, whatever be their failings. 3. He presseth it from the special relation he hath to her, my love, and my fair one; which makes all his words very kindly, and shows an obligation on her, by the Covenant-relation that stood between them to be his, and to subject her self to his directions, according to that word,