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

2. There are two ends mentioned wherefore he makes it, 1. It's to himself, that is, for his own glory, and that thereby he may in a special way hold forth himself to be glorious, and that particularly in his grace; for, though he made all things for himself, yet is he said especially to manifest his glory in doing good ⟨p. 183⟩to his people; and what serves for the manifestation of his grace, is in a peculiar manner made for himself: So Isa. 43. 7. and 21; This people have I formed for my self (in a far other way than he formed other nations) they shall (in a singular way) show forth my praise, that is, the praise of his goodness, wherein his way was peculiar to them: And the paving of this Chariot with love, and appointing of it for the daughters of Jerusalem, doth confirm this also, that it's the praise of grace that especially shines in this piece of work. And so the second end, subordinate to the former, is in the end of vers. 10. in these words, for the daughters of Jerusalem, that is, for their good that are weak and far short of perfection; it's not only fitted for his glory, but also, it's fitted and confirmed to them, so as it may procure and bring about their good. Obs. 1. In the greatest pieces of Christ's workmanship he had mind of poor sinners yet unglorified, his delight was with them before the world was, Prov. 8. 31. 2. The glorifying of grace is the great thing Christ aims at in all his contrivance and way toward his Church and people. 3. He hath knit his own glory and the good of his people together; that same work which is for himself, is also for them, that if he obtain his end, they cannot but be well; his glory and their good, ride (to say so) in one Chariot. 4. For as stately a person as our Lord Jesus is, he disdains not to be occupied in making works, and as it were framing Chariots, for the behoove of his people: Rather than they should want what may further them in their way, he will make and furnish them himself.

2. There are two ends mentioned wherefore he makes it, 1. It's to himself, that is, for his own glory, and that thereby he may in a special way hold forth himself to be glorious, and that particularly in his grace; for, though he made all things for himself, yet is he said especially to manifest his glory in doing good ⟨p. 183⟩