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

This we take as intended here, to set forth and commend the gracious and glorious steps of the Lord, in the administration of his grace, both in it's contrivance and application amongst his people, whereby his wisdom, power and goodness, are in these paths of his (that are all mercy and truth to his own, Psal. 25. 10.) made exceeding lovely and stately, as the commendation following imports. This is confirmed, 1. by the Analogy that is betwixt the legs and walking, and the frequent use that the Scripture makes of this similitude for that end, and no other thing can suit so well. 2. In Rev. 2. 18. Where Christ's legs and feet are spoken of, with a commendation ⟨p. 322⟩not unlike what follows here, namely, that they are like fine brass, as his eyes are expounded, vers. 23. by this, that he searcheth the heart, and trieth the reins; so his feet are set out by this, that he renders to every one according to their works, that is, he keeps an equal and just way in his administration towards every one. 3. The scope likewise confirms this, Christ being by his way to his people commendable above all, and this being a special commendation of his, that all his works are perfect, and all his ways are judgement, Deut. 32. 4. As also the property attributed to his legs, and from which they are commended, will clear this, which is, that they are like pillars of Marble: Marble is a stone that is firm, good and pleasant, therefore was it prepared by David, for the Temple, 1 Chron. 29. 2. Pillars signify strength, orderliness and beauty, as was cleared on Chap. 3. 10. which may be applied here: So pillars of Marble say, that his ways are curiously, skilfully and sickerly contrived; and wisely, dexterously and infallibly executed, and firmly settled like pillars, and that of Marble, for unmoveablenesse: The amplification of the commendation confirms this also, they are not only like pillars of Marble, but also like pillars set on sockets of fine Gold; pillars are durable, according to the bases or foundation upon which they are set and founded, Now Gold (as often hath been said) signifieth preciousness and solidity, so all of them are settled and fixed on a good and precious ground, which cannot fail, and therefore they cannot shake, slide, nor slip, but prosper he must in his ways, and nothing can mar his design, for he is of one mind, and who can turn him?