Further, the words, we will seek him with thee, considered in themselves, import not only a seeking, but a joint seeking with her, as coming in to share in the same exercise that she was taken up with. Which shows, 1. that they acquiesced in the same way of Religion, which they that were in Christ before them did follow. 2. That there is an union to be kept amongst the worshippers of Christ, and a joint cordial concurrence in going about of duties. 3. That this united, or joint-way is profitable to all, both to beginners, and to these that are more experienced; otherwayes ⟨p. 341⟩it would not be such a motive, as it is here held forth to be. 4. Although believers, and all professors, have an union and communion amongst themselves (as the Bride hath formerly kept with the daughters of Jerusalem) yet when sincerity is begun to be more fresh and lively, or when it is begotten where it was not before, there follows a more near union and communion than that which was before: Now they mind another joint way of seeking him, than formerly they had done. 5. Often the persons by whom souls have gotten good, are very dear to them, and in much respect with them, so that their way hath a testimony from them, as approvable; for (saith the daughters) we will seek him with thee, who instructed us: It's true, that this may sometimes degenerate (so that folks may drink in the dregs from such persons, with their wine) yet it seems, in the main principles of practical godliness, not to be unsafe, as, Heb. 13. 7, 8. 6. The great, main, and native use of what is spoken of Christ's excellency, is to have souls brought in love with him, and engaged to seek him; and if this be not gained, any other effect of what is spoken, is little worth, as to what mainly concerns themselves: As this was the scope of all the Bride spoke concerning Christ, so it is attained on these daughters to whom she spoke; and it is the great thing we should aim at, when either we speak of Christ's worth, or hear it spoken of.
Further, the words, we will seek him with thee, considered in themselves, import not only a seeking, but a joint seeking with her, as coming in to share in the same exercise that she was taken up with. Which shews, 1. that they acquiesced in the same way of Religion, which they that were in Christ before them did follow. 2. That there is an union to be kept amongst the worshipers of Christ, and a joint cordial concurrence in going about of duties. 3. That this united, or joint-way is profitable to all, both to beginners, and to these that are more experienced; otherwayes ⟨p. 341⟩it would not be such a motive, as it is here held forth to be. 4. Although believers, and all professors, have an union and communion amongst themselves (as the Bride hath formerly kept with the dauthters of Ierusalem) yet when sincerity is begun to be more fresh and lively, or when it is begotten where it was not before, there follows a more near union and communion than that which was before: Now they mind another joint way of seeking him, than formerly they had done. 5. Often the persons by whom souls have gotten good, are very dear to them, and in much respect with them, so that their way hath a testimony from them, as approvable; for (saith the daughters) we will seek him with thee, who instructed us: It's true, that this may sometimes degenerate (so that folks may drink in the dregs from such persons, with their wine) yet it seems, in the main principles of practical godllinesse, not to be unsafe, as, Heb. 13. 7, 8. 6. The great, main, and native use of what is spoken of Christ's excellency, is to have souls brought in love with him, and ingaged to seek him; and if this be not gained, any other effect of what is spoken, is little worth, as to what mainly concerns themselves: As this was the scope of all the Bride spoke concerning Christ, so it is attained on these daughters to whom she spoke; and it is the great thing we should aim at, when either we speak of Christ's worth, or hear it spoken of.
