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

There follows in the second verse, four moe arguments, she makes use of to press her suit: We heard of three in the first verse; The fourth is in these words, I would lead thee: The word in the Original, signifies such a leading, as useth to be in triumph, a leading that is joined with respect and honour to the person who is led. Christ leads his people as a shepherd doth his flock, or a nurse her child; and this signifies tenderness in him, and weakness in them: The believer again, leads Christ, as a servant or usher doth the master, or as men do Kings and victorious Conquerors whom they honour; and this suppons stateliness in him, and respectiveness and attendance in the Bride, she looks upon him as a glorious, magnificent person, in whom, and with whom, she desires only to triumph. In sum, the meaning is this, If (saith she) thou wert as my brother, when I found thee my self, I would not soon quite thee, but wait with all honourable attendance upon thee. Obs. 1. Honourable attendance on Christ, and respective service, is a duty that well becomes believers. 2. To give him this honour, is a thing which they mainly aim at. 3. It's a great mercy to them (and they will so look upon it) when they are helped, in a way suitable to his Majesty ⟨p. 425⟩and stateliness, to wait upon him, and do him service. 4. Christ's familiar presence, both gives believers the occasion, and also the fitness and disposition, for giving him this honourable attendance; she speaks here, as if one would say to another whom they respected, If thou wert in our quarters, I would wait on thee, and think it a favour to have the opportunity to do so: This, or the like, is alluded unto here.

There follows in the second verse, four moe arguments, she makes use of to presse her suit: We heard of three in the first verse; The fourth is in these words, I would lead thee: The word in the Original, signifies such a leading, as useth to be in triumph, a leading that is joyned with respect and honour to the person who is led. Christ leads his people as a shepherd doth his flock, or a nurse her child; and this signifies tendernesse in him, and weaknesse in them: The believer again, leads Christ, as a servant or usher doth the master, or as men do Kings and victorious Conquerors whom they honour; and this suppons statelinesse in him, and respectivenesse and attendance in the Bride, she looks upon him as a glorious, magnificent person, in whom, and with whom, she desires only to triumph. In sum, the meaning is this, If (saith she) thou wert as my brother, when I found thee my self, I would not soon quite thee, but wait with all honourable attendance upon thee. Obs. 1. Honourable attendance on Christ, and respective service, is a duty that well becomes believers. 2. To give him this honour, is a thing which they mainly aim at. 3. It's a great mercy to them (and they will so look upon it) when they are helped, in a way suitable to his Majesty