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

Next, we would consider, that the daughters here leave the Brides case, and enquire for instructing of themselves, whence Observe, 1. Whosoever have any affection to Christ, and any opportunity to be instructed anent him, would thriftily improve it; if they had but the fellowship of an intelligent private Christian, it should be made good use of to that purpose. 2. Young beginners often forget all others cases but their own, and the more experienced should bear with that, and for others good pass over their own case, and be content it be laid aside and forgotten for a time. 3. They ask this, that they may be the more enabled to sympathize, and concur with her, in what she required of them: which teacheth, that they can be most useful to others, that have some distinctness in their own condition; for, confusion in our own condition, doth much obstruct the sympathy, and faithful burden-bearing that we owe to others in theirs.

Next, we would consider, that the daughters here leave the Brides case, and enquire for instructing of themselves, whence Observe, 1. Whosoever have any affection to Christ, and any opportunity to be instructed anent him, would thriftily improve it; if they had but the fellowship of an intelligent private Christian, it should be made good use of to that purpose. 2. Young beginners often forget all others cases but their own, and the more experienced should bear with that, and for others good passe over their own case, and be content it be laid aside and forgotten for a time. 3. They ask this, that they may be the more enabled to sympathize, and concurr with her, in what she required of them: which teacheth, that they can be most useful to others, that have some distinctnesse in their own condition; for, confusion in our own condition, doth much obstruct the sympathy, and faithful burthen-bearing that we owe to others in theirs.

The end they propose, is, That we may seek him with thee: Which may be considered, first, as their end in enquiring; Tell us (as if they had said) for, we ask not for curiosity, but to be helped in practice. Whence Observe, 1. The great end and design of all endeavours for knowledge, would not be to rest in speculation, ⟨p. 340⟩