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

This seems to be a peremptory suit, she doth therefore give two reasons to press it, both which show that it will not be unpleasant to Christ, nor can it be condemned in her; for (saith she) the love that presseth me to it is of such a vehement nature, I cannot resist it, more than death, the grave, or fire can be resisted. This reason is contained in the rest of the sixth verse. The second reason in the following, wherein she shows, that the love that pressed her, was of such a peremptory nature, and so untractable (if we may so speak) as to this, that there was no dealing with it, if it did not obtain it's desire, no other thing could quench or satisfy it. The strength of her love is amplified in the sixth verse, by three steps, in several similitudes. By love here, is understood that vehement, ardent desire, after Christ's presence, which is kindled in the heart of the believer. And first, it is called strong, in respect of it's constraining power, whereby the person that loves, is led captive, and brought down as weak under it, so that he cannot withstand it: Saith she, love masters and will undo me, if it be not satisfied; Love-sickness so weakens ⟨p. 441⟩the soul, when it once seizeth on the heart, till it be cured with Christ's presence. Next, it's called strong as death, which is so strong, that it prevails over the most powerful, wise, mighty and learned in the world, Eccles. 8. 8. there is no discharge in that war; neither can the most mighty Monarch encounter death, and stand before it: So (saith she) I can no more stand against the strength of this love, it overpowers me, and is like to kill me, if it be not satisfied. The second step or degree of this love, and the similitude illustrating it, is in these words, jealousy is cruel as the grave: It's the prosecution of the same purpose, only, what she called love before, is here termed jealousy; Jealousy may be taken in a good sense, or an evil: In a good sense, jealousy is the highest degree of love, or love at it's height, and and is the same with zeal: Thus the Lord is said to be jealous for his glory: And it imports, 1. ardent affection. 2. Desire of enjoying. 3. Impatience of delay. 4. A deep measure of grief, mixed with love, for any seeming appearance of a disappointment in the enjoying the person they love, or, when they do not meet with love again from the person whom they dearly love:

This seems to be a peremptory suit, she doth therefore give two reasons to presse it, both which shew that it will not be unpleasant to Christ, nor can it be condemned in her; for (saith she) the love that presseth me to it is of such a vehement nature, I cannot resist it, more than death, the grave, or fire can be resisted. This reason is contained in the rest of the sixth verse. The second reason in the following, wherein she shews, that the love that pressed her, was of such a peremptory nature, and so untractable (if we may so speak) as to this, that there was no dealing with it, if it did not obtain it's desire, no other thing could quench or satisfie it. The strength of her love is amplified in the sixth verse, by three steps, in several similitudes. By love here, is understood that vehement, ardent desire, after Christ's presence, which is kindled in the heart of the believer. And first, it is called strong, in respect of it's constraining power, whereby the person that loves, is led captive, and brought down as weak under it, so that he cannot withstand it: Saith she, love masters and will undo me, if it be not satisfied; Love-sicknesse so weakens