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

If it be asked, why he insists on particulars in this commendation? I answer, for these reasons; 1. That he may show, that whoever hath the new nature, and a lively work of grace, hath also particular graces in exercise. 2. That it may be known that the new nature is not a dead body, but a living; and exerciseth it self by putting forth these particular graces in exercise. 3. That he may show, that where ever one grace is, all are there, and as it's ordinarily with one grace, so it's with all; where believers are in a good and commendable case, it will not be one grace or two that will be in exercise, or one duty or two in which these graces are exercised, but it will be universally, all graces, and in all known duties. 4. To show, who may expect Christ's commendation; these who have a respect to all his commands, and make conscience to exercise all graces. 5. To show what particular notice he takes of believers graces, he can tell how it is with every one of them; and takes this exact notice of them, because it's very acceptable to him, when he finds them in good case.

If it be asked, why he insists on particulars in this commendation? I answer, for these reasons; 1. That he may shew, that whoever hath the new nature, and a lively work of grace, hath also particular graces in exercise. 2. That it may be known that the new nature is not a dead body, but a living; and exerciseth it self by putting forth these particular graces in exercise. 3. That he may shew, that where ever one grace is, all are there, and as it's ordinarily with one grace, so it's with all; where believers are in a good and commendable case, it will not be one grace or two that will be in exercise, or one duty or two in which these graces are exercised, but it will be universally, all graces, and in all known duties. 4. To shew, who may expect Christ's commendation; these who have a respect to all his commands, and make conscience to exercise all graces. 5. To shew what particular notice he takes of believers graces, he can tell how it is with every one of them; and takes this exact notice of them, because it's very acceptable to him, when he finds them in good case.

There are seven parts particularly mentioned, every one having it's own distinct commendation. The first two of them are in the rest of vers. 1. The first thing commended is her eyes, which here have a twofold commendation. 1. That they are as Doves eyes. 2. That they are within her locks. Eyes are the organs of seeing in the natural body, whereby we discern objects that are visible; and so our understandings are thereby set forth in Scripture; That the eyes of your understanding may be enlightened, saith the Apostle,