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

In the thirteenth verse, we have the third and fourth motives, ⟨p. 414⟩whereby the Bride presseth her suit: The third is, The Mandrakes give a smell, &c. It's like that motive which he useth in pressing her to hearken to his call, Chap. 2. 12. The flowers appear on the earth, &c. The graces of the Spirit, growing up (as in a Garden) in the believers walk with Christ, are like flowers in the Spring, which by their pleasantness and favour, invite men to the fields: Thus the sense of this motive comes to this, all things (saith the Bride) are in a good condition, and there is a thriving amongst my graces, which are for pleasantness as flower; therefore Come. This avowing of the flourishing of her graces, is not from any vain boasting, but in humble sincerity, acknowledging what she sound in her self to his praise, and what she knew to be acceptable to him, as a confirmation to her faith in the expectation of what she prayed for; for (which is a lesson we would learn) although the goodness of our condition can merit nothing which we pray for; yet, it may give us confidence and boldness in prayer, when we have a good conscience and testimony within us, 1 Joh. 3. 20. This fruitfulness of hers is four ways set forth, 1. That these her fruits are ripe, and in their flower, the Mandrakes give a smell: Mandrakes were much longed for by Rachel, Gen. 30. 14. and by their savouriness of taste there, and of smell here, it appears that they were some lovely fruit, and now in their prime most pleasant, because they give their smell. 2. Her fruitfulness is set forth in it's comprehensiveness and variety, She is adorned with all manner of pleasant fruits; whereby is holden forth, that as believers have many diverse graces, like variety of Spices, Chap. 4. 13. 14. which they should entertain, so all of them were in good case with her. 3. These fruits were new and old, whereby the plenty of the same kind is set forth, both (to say so) of this and the former years growth; whereby is signified, a thriving or increase of the believers grace, there being a new degree of faith and love, &c. of this year, added to the former degree she attained before; she preserves the old, and she brings forth new, as, Matth. 13. 52. the Scribe taught, in the Kingdom of God, brings out things new and old;