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

4. If we look to particular Members, either, 1. As Professors of the visible Church, such as the Daughters of Jerusalem, seeking the Beloved with the Bride, and one of them are distinct from another, and from the Watch-men; such are the threescore Queens, and fourscore Concubines, as distinct from the Church, considered as one. Or, 2. As Members in particular of the invisible Church; so the Bride is distinguished from other Professors, and Believers; she speaks to them and they to her, Chap. 2. So is one Queen and Concubine, distinguished from another; Thus also is the Church considered in general, and in individuals, in their carriage; yea, it serveth much to the scope of edifying Believers, that the Church in these respects, be thus distinctly considered and looked upon: Neither will this be thought strange, if we consider, that the Church however understood, and the particular and individual members thereof (especially of this invisible Church) are of an homogeneous nature; so that what may be said of the whole, may be said of all it's parts, and what may be predicated concerning the whole essentially, may be predicated of every part, &c. As when we consider the whole Element of water, it's water; so when we consider a drop, it's also water: & what essential properties do agree to the whole, as such, agrees to every drop of the whole; so is it in the Church; All Saints, Members of the invisible Church, have the same Spirit, Faith, and Privileges, the same Covenant, Husband, &c. and what thus essentially agrees to one, agrees to all, and what may be said of all, may be said of one: I say in Essentials, because, though there may be many circumstantial, and gradual differences, ⟨p. 18⟩as one Believer may be stronger than another, &c. yet that will not mar this oneness, and agreement in Essentials.

4. If we look to particular Members, either, 1. As Professors of the visible Church, such as the Daughters of Ierusalem, seeking the Beloved with the Bride, and one of them are distinct from another, and from the Watch-men; such are the threescore Queens, and fourscore Concubins, as distinct from the Church, considered as one. Or, 2. As Members in particular of the invisible Church; so the Bride is distinguished from other Professors, and Believers; she speaks to them and they to her, Chap. 2. So is one Queen and Concubine, distinguished from another; Thus also is the Church considered in general, and in individuals, in their carriage; yea, it serveth much to the scope of edifying Believers, that the Church in these respects, be thus distinctly considered and lookt upon: Neither will this be thought strange, if we consider, that the Church however understood, and the particular and individual members thereof (especially of this invisible Church) are of an homogeneous nature; so that what may be said of the whole, may be said of all it's parts, and what may be predicated concerning the whole essentially, may be predicated of every part, &c. As when we consider the whole Element of water, it's water; so when we consider a drop, it's also water: & what essential properties do agree to the whole, as such, agrees to every drop of the whole; so is it in the Church; All Saints, Members of the invisible Church, have the same Spirit, Faith, and Priviledges, the same Covenant, Husband, &c. and what thus essentially agrees to one, agrees to all, and what may be said of all, may be said of one: I say in Essentials, because, though there may be many circumstantial, and gradual differences,