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

The commendation of her lips and speech is twofold. 1. More general, it's like a thread of Scarlet. 2. That is expounded by another expression more clear and particular, namely this, that her speech is comely: The meaning of both which, may be comprehended under these four, 1. That her speech is profitable for it's matter, as a Scarlet thread is precious and useful: The subject of a believers discourse is not common, but good to the use of edifying, Eph. 4. 29. 2. It's pleasant and delightsome for it's manner, like a sweet, comely and pleasant voice, opposite to some kind of voices ⟨p. 208⟩that are harsh and unpleasant; It's by prudence and love sweetened, and made savoury, and therefore is said in Scripture to be seasoned with salt, Col. 4. 6. and to minister grace to the hearers, Eph. 4. 29. and it's called a giving of thanks, Eph. 5. 4. 3. It's articulate and distinct, therefore called speech, and not a sound, having honest ingenuity in it, speaking as they think in their heart, Psal. 15. 2. and opposite to lying, dissembling, &c. whereby one speaks to veil or hide his mind from another. 4. Hereby is also signified, that they hazard not even the best of their prayers on their own bottom and worth, but their work is to have them all dyed in the blood of the Lamb, and to put them up in his Name, Heb. 13. 15. They are all offered up by him. Now these are special qualifications, commendations and characters of a believer; showing, 1. That a believer, as a believer, is not dumb, but hath renewed lips, whereby he can speak to God in praise […] his honour, in prayers for his own good, and also to others for their edification: A believer that can speak nothing to a good purpose, or if he can, doth it not, is not like Christ's Bride; much less these whose discourses tend quite another way. 2. That words are in an especial way taken notice of by Christ, and are special evidences of the frame of the heart, according to which we may expect commendation or reproof from Christ, for by our words we shall be justified or condemned,