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

In short, by this chariot we understand the way of Redemption in general, as it is contrived in the eternal counsel of God, and so called the Covenant of Redemption, and also as it's preached and manifested to us in the Gospel. The reasons why we thus apply it, are, not only because there is no other thing that it will agree unto; for, 1. It's a work of Christ, and so not Christ himself. 2. It's a work of special grace for his own, and that while they are in the way (for the Elect in heaven are not daughters of Jerusalem) therefore it's no common work of creation, or providence, or of glory in heaven. 3. It's for the Churches good, and therefore cannot be understood of her; for, beside that the several parts of it's description will not suit her, not only Christ, but the daughters of Jerusalem are to be born in this chariot: And we know not a fourth thing imaginable, that can be understood by it, but the Covenant of Redemption revealed in the Gospel. But, 2. The Covenant of Redemption is that work of Christ's, wherein most eminently the glory of his grace and love to sinners doth appear, which makes him wonderful lovely and admirable; (to set forth which is the present scope) It therefore must be here understood. 3. That work is signified by this Chariot, whereby Christ communicates his love to poor sinners, and caries them through, therefore it's said to be paved with love for that end; Now there is no partaking of special love from Christ, but by this Covenant, nor was there ever another mean made, or appointed for convoying love to them, or for bringing them through to the partaking of it, but this same Covenant, therefore it must be understood. 4. All that is spoken of this Chariot, as it will be applicable to no other thing, so will it well agree to the Covenant of Redemption manifested and preached in the Gospel. 1. It may well be compared to a Chariot, because by it poor believers are carried through as in a Chariot, born up ⟨p. 185⟩and sustained by it, even in the way: Yea, in it and by it they triumph, and ride as in triumph, (as he in this Gospel rides prosperously) and if it be that wherein he rides, it must be that wherein they ride also, and therefore well compared to a Chariot, because both he and they triumph by it. 2.

In short, by this chariot we understand the way of Redemption in general, as it is contrived in the eternal counsel of God, and so called the Covenant of Redemption, and also as it's preached and manifested to us in the Gospel. The reasons why we thus apply it, are, not only because there is no other thing that it will agree unto; for, 1. It's a work of Christ, and so not Christ himself. 2. It's a work of special grace for his own, and that while they are in the way (for the Elect in heaven are not daughters of Ierusalem) therefore it's no common work of creation, or providence, or of glory in heaven. 3. It's for the Churches good, and therefore cannot be understood of her; for, beside that the several parts of it's description will not suit her, not only Christ, but the daughters of Ierusalem are to be born in this chariot: And we know not a fourth thing imaginable, that can be understood by it, but the Covenant of Redemption revealed in the Gospel. But, 2. The Covenant of Redemption is that work of Christ's, wherein most eminently the glory of his grace and love to sinners doth appear, which makes him wonderful lovely and admirable; (to set forth which is the present scope) It therefore must be here understood. 3. That work is signified by this Chariot, whereby Christ communicats his love to poor sinners, and caries them through, therefore it's said to be paved with love for that end; Now there is no partaking of special love from Christ, but by this Covenant, nor was there ever another mean made, or appointed for convoying love to them, or for bringing them through to the partaking of it, but this same Covenant, therefore it must be understood. 4. All that is spoken of this Chariot, as it will be applicable to no other thing, so will it well agree to the Covenant of Redemption manifested and preached in the Gospel. 1. It may well be compared to a Chariot, because by it poor believers are carried through as in a Chariot, born up