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

2. Because Christ is formed and brought forth in them, being as it were conceived in every one of them, Gal. 4. 19. Christ (as it were) getting a new being in them, which he had not before. We conceive both may be understood here, and the last especially, as serving most to the scope of commending Christ to ⟨p. 192⟩them; and if the first be included, to wit, the Church universal, then particular believers (being homogeneous parts of the whole) cannot be excluded; for, the Church crowns Christ, when she brings forth children to him, which is, when by the Ordinances Christ is begotten in them. Now they are said to crown Christ and glorify him, not by adding any new degrees of glory to him, considered in himself; but this his being crowned by them, doth especially appear in these three, 1. Their high estimation of him, beyond what others have, and what themselves were wont to have; Now he is highly esteemed who before was despised by them, and whereas to them he wanted a crown and dominion, now he hath it. 2. Their acceptation of him as their King, when by their consent, they ratify (as it were) God's donation of the crown to him, and in acknowledging thereof, they submit to his Sceptre and Government: Thus he is crowned by them, when he is expressly with full consent of the soul acknowledged as King and Lord: Even as David formerly crowned, anointed and made King over Israel by the Lord, is said to be made King by Judah, when they accept of him to reign at Hebron; and afterward by the ten Tribes in their submission to him, and consenting to the former appointment: Even so believers submission to Christ, is a crowning of him, as to themselves: And so there are particular Coronations (to say so) of Christ, even as there are particular espousals betwixt him and believers. 3. This is in respect of the glory, that results to Christ from their submission and acknowledgement, even as sinners despising him, put (as it were) a blot on him, put him to open shame, and says we will not have him to reign over us; so believers, yielding up themselves to Christ, do in a manner put honour and glory upon him, Isa. 62. 2, 3. The married Church or people, are said to be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, when the grace of Christ hath it's native effect amongst them; as the conversion of souls proves to faithful Ministers their crown and joy,