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

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⟩but to be furthered in practice. 2. It saith, no sooner should folk be clear in a duty, but instantly should they set about the practice of it. 3. Mens practice should be according to their knowledge; their seeking, and knowing where to seek, should go together. 4. The finding of Christ is the great end of all Religious duties, wherein we are to seek him, as these duties are the end of knowledge. 5. Often good desires after Christ, are much impeded by ignorance and confusion, even in the judgements of these that affectionately love him.

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⟩but to be furthered in practice. 2. It saith, no sooner should folk be clear in a duty, but instantly should they set about the practice of it. 3. Mens practice should be according to their knowledge; their seeking, and knowing where to seek, should go together. 4. The finding of Christ is the great end of all Religious duties, wherein we are to seek him, as these duties are the end of knowledge. 5. Often good desires after Christ, are much impeded by ignorance and confusion, even in the judgements of these that affectionatly love him.

Again, we may consider the words as a motive proposed to the Bride, to make her to answer; which is, show us we pray thee where we may find him; for, we are in earnest, and would gladly seek him with thee. And from the words so considered, Observe, 1. Nothing will nor should more prevail with a tender believer, to move him to be helpful to others, than this, that they are serious and yet weak: Yea, 2. singleness of desire to profit by the means, is a piece of that frame that's necessary in order to our edification by them; for, thus they strengthen themselves in the expectation of an edifying answer, which otherwayes they could not have expected; they who are serious and single, though feckless, may look for God's guiding of them.