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

or like pools in the wilderness, that run dry in the heat, and makes the wayfaring men ashamed, such as Job's friends did prove to him, Job 6. 15. miserable comforters will they be to men, in the day of their greatest need, but then especially will Christ Jesus be found to be a friend indeed; for, there is an excellency in Christ in every relation which he stands under to his people, and an infinite disproportion betwixt him and all creatures, in respect of this.

or like pools in the wildernesse, that run dry in the heat, and makes the wayfaring men ashamed, such as Iob's friends did prove to him, Iob 6. 15. miserable comforters will they be to men, in the day of their greatest need, but then especially will Christ Jesus be found to be a friend indeed; for, there is an excellency in Christ in every relation which he stands under to his people, and an infinite disproportion betwixt him and all creatures, in respect of this.

A second way that we may consider the words, is as they relate to the daughters of Jerusalem their question, vers. 9. ye ask what he is more than other beloveds? now (saith she) this is he, who is singular and matchless in all his properties; and so, it looks not only to her choice of him, to be her beloved and her friend, but saith also, that he is singularly and matchlessly such, even a non-such beloved and friend, and one who will be found, after trial, only worthy to be chosen and closed with as such. Obs. 1. Believers in their answers to others, would, as particularly as may be, bring home what they say to some edifying use (for, this best clears any question proposed) and would not insist on generals, much less evanish in empty speculations, but would level at edification, and frame what they say, so, as it may best reach that end, and therefore she applies her answer to their question. 2. When Christ in his excellency and worth is a little insisted and dwelt on, he will be found to be incomparable; and the more souls search into him, the more confidently may they assert his incomparable excellency; this, she here doth, and saith, as it were, Is