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

The third qualification confirms the same (for, it is in effect one qualification in three expressions) and it's in these words, and in the day of the gladness of his heart; What is it (saith she) that cheers Christ, and makes him heartily glad? It's even this, when poor sinners accept of him, that is Christ's marriage-day; and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride that day, so doth ⟨p. 194⟩he rejoice: and as the good Shepherd rejoiceth when he recovers his lost sheep, or the father his prodigal son, Luk. 15. 32. so doth Christ when sinners are brought in to him by the Gospel: And this joy is called the gladness of his heart, to show the reality of it, Christ (in a manner) can enjoy no such satisfying thing as a marriage with a poor sinner, then he sees the travel of his soul and is satisfied, Isa. 53. 11. that cheers him and makes him smile (if I may say so) and this looks to that glory which shines in Christ, and is expressed by him when he is well satisfied with poor sinners, and that is mainly when he gets welcome by them. This signifies not joy in Christ, as it's in us: But, 1. It shows how acceptable a sinners believing in him, is to him. 2. What confident welcome they may expect from him, when they come unto him. 3. How kindly he useth them, by manifesting himself to be well pleased, as one that is cheerful doth on his marriage-day to his bride.

The third qualification confirms the same (for, it is in effect one qualification in three expressions) and it's in these words, and in the day of the gladnesse of his heart; What is it (saith she) that chears Christ, and makes him heartily glad? It's even this, when poor sinners accept of him, that is Christ's marriage-day; and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride that day, so doth ⟨p. 194⟩he rejoice: and as the good Shepherd rejoiceth when he recovers his lost sheep, or the father his prodigal son, Luk. 15. 32. so doth Christ when sinners are brought in to him by the Gospel: And this joy is called the gladnesse of his heart, to shew the reality of it, Christ (in a manner) can injoy no such satisfying thing as a marriage with a poor sinner, then he sees the travel of his soul and is satisfied,