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

It's pleasing to him, and a thing that she would be at, yet, cannot win to it in a common ordinary frame, it's so difficult; therefore doth she propose this (which is her end) as that which would be respected and well taken off her hand by him. Obs. 1. Believers have a task, and husbandry committed to them to manage, that is, several duties and graces, holden forth under the similitude of Vines, Pomegranates, &c. which they are carefully to notice. 2. It's necessary, in the managing of this task, for a believer to be well acquainted with the condition of his graces, and it's his duty to be reflecting on himself for that end; and if men ought to look to the state of their flocks and herds, Prov. 27. 23. how much more ought they carefully to look to this. 3. This duty should be purposely, retiredly, and deliberately intended, undertaken and gone about, with a resolute design for attaining to the discovery of our own case, as she doth here. 4. This duty hath difficulties in it, and ordinarily the heart is not prevailed with to be kept serious about it, except the frame thereof be more tender than ordinary. 5. To a tender believer ⟨p. 410⟩it will be a great favour to get this duty of self-examination profitably and unbiasedly discharged: It's a mercy worth the seeking from God, and the more tender believers be, they will be the more in this. 6. Although believers be clear as to their interest (as the Bride was, vers. 10.) yet may they be indistinct as to the knowledge of their own condition, and therefore ought not to neglect this duty of self-examination; but, where clearness is solid, they will be the more careful in the searching of themselves. 7. Christ's presence, as it's a notable help to all duties, so particularly, it's in a special way helpful to believers in searching themselves, by making the heart willing and pliable, to follow it sweetly, by discovering things as they are, and by making the eye single, rightly to judge of every thing, and impartially to take with that which is discovered: Much presence would encourage the Lords people to follow this duty, which otherwise is gone about in a heartless way. 8. It's a good use of Christ's presence and company, when it's improved for attaining of more through and distinct knowledge of our own condition; and then especially believers would take the opportunity of putting themselves to trial. 9.

It's pleasing to him, and a thing that she would be at, yet, cannot win to it in a common ordinary frame, it's so difficult; therefore doth she propose this (which is her end) as that which would be respected and well taken off her hand by him. Obs. 1. Believers have a task, and husbandry committed to them to manage, that is, several duties and graces, holden forth under the similitude of Vines, Pomegranates, &c. which they are carefully to notice. 2. It's necessary, in the managing of this task, for a believer to be well acquainted with the condition of his graces, and it's his duty to be reflecting on himself for that end; and if men ought to look to the state of their flocks and herds,