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

Vers. 3. I am my Beloveds, and my Beloved is mine: He feedeth among the Lilies.

The second part of her answer to the daughters question, is, vers. 3. and it contains the great ground whereon she quiets her self, and wherein she rests, as being that which makes Christ lovely to her, even though absent, I am my Beloveds, and my Beloved is mine: This now is the anchor which she casts, when all other means seemed to disappoint her. We had the same words for substance, and to the same scope, Chap. 2. 16. Wherein she first asserted her interest, and secondly maintained it against an objection, even as she doth here. Beside what was said there, we may consider the words here, first, as in them her interest is repeated, though it was once formerly asserted; Which shows, 1. that believers, though once clear anent their interest, may have their difficulties and doubts recurring upon them. 2. That when new difficulties recur, there is no new way to be taken for discussing of them, but the same way of believing, which is again to be renewed and kept in exercise. 3. It shows that miscarriages do not break off that union, which is betwixt Christ and his people; for, although there had been many failings in her former carriage, ⟨p. 347⟩yet her interest is still the same. 4. Believers, even over, and notwithstanding of, many challenges, may lay claim to an interest in Christ, when they are in the exercise of repentance, •aith and other graces. 5. Her thus repeating and again owning of her interest, shows, that she was exceeding clear and persuaded thereof; Whence observe, believers may attain a great degree of assurance, and may and should not only aim to have it, but to preserve and keep it clear; for, that is of great concernment as to their peace; and the weight of their consolation in their confident application of all the promises, depends on it.

The second part of her answer to the daughters question, is, vers. 3. and it contains the great ground whereon she quiets her self, and wherein she rests, as being that which makes Christ lovely to her, even though absent, I am my Beloveds, and my Beloved is mine: This now is the anchor which she casts, when all other means seemed to disappoint her. We had the same words for substance, and to the same scope, Chap. 2. 16. Wherein she first asserted her interest, and secondly maintained it against an objection, even as she doth here. Beside what was said there, we may consider the words here, first, as in them her interest is repeated, though it was once formerly asserted; Which shews, 1. that believers, though once clear anent their interest, may have their difficulties and doubts recurring upon them. 2. That when new difficulties recur, there is no new way to be taken for discussing of them, but the same way of believing, which is again to be renewed and kept in exercise. 3. It shews that miscarriages do not break off that union, which is betwixt Christ and his people; for, although there had been many failings in her former carriage,