//*? PARAPHRASE, O R, Large Explicatory Poem upon the Song of Solomon. WHEREIN The mutual Love of CHRIST and his Church, contained in that Old-Tefiament Song, is imi- tated in the Language of the New Teftament, and adapted to the Gofpel-difpenfation. By the late Reverend RALPH ERSK1NE, M. A. Minifter of the Gofpel at Dumfermlin, And Author of the Gospel Sonnets. A new Edition Revifed and Corrected. LONDON: Printed for Edward Dilly at the Rofe and Crown in the poultry, near the Man/ton- Houfe. MDCCLVIII. Digitized by the Internet Archive- in 2012 with funding, from Princeton Theological Seminary Library http://www.archive.org/details/paraphraseorlargOOersk PREFACE T O T H E Curious and Serious Readers* Curious Reader^ %y&¥3%0%( Do not P r opofe by the following yg )§( Lines to fatisfy your Curiofity, any $(!}$( further than by a plain Explication yfc yfc of this fcripfural Sone, in a Way !&&)£&& adapted to theNew-Teftament Dif- penfation: And perhaps you'll beat inoLofs, if you 5nd the Equity of the Paraphrafe, even where you mifs the Elegancy of the Poem ; jor if you find any precious Truth to edify your Soul, tho' you fhould mifs a pompous Embellish- ment to gratify your Fancy. If I had been of the Opinion that no Poem mould fee the Light, but ;fuch as has the Name of fome great and famous Poet prefixt to it, and could reafonably expect the univerfal Applaufe of a learned Age, I would |never have contented to the Publication of this, in a Day wherein the Art of Poefy is improved to fuch great Perfection by fome, whofe bright jGenius has made them capable to fet forth their poetical Productions in a very beautiful and fplendid Drefs, If I thought that nothing now caft into the Mould of Metre could be ufeful and . edifying, but what is fuperlatively fine, I would B 2 have iy To the Curious Reader. have been quite clifcouraged from this Attempt But to.be of thisMind were in Effect to thin there could be no wholefome Food but what prefented in a lordly Dim ; no.gqod Lodging i any Houfe, but fuch as were built byfomecu rious Mechanic or famous' Architect ; nor con venient Accommodation in any Room or ChamI ber, but fuch as were finely painted, or hun -t around with elegant Tapeftry. How few woul ( ,c there be to fight for their Country, if none wer< < allowed to do fo, but mighty Heroes, great Cham pions, and fuch as are Head and Shoulders highe^ than others? How many muft go naked, if ndj Clothing were allowed but Silk and Satin, and rich Embroideries? It will be hard to perfuad* the World that none mould write or make uf n the Preface to h ; s excellent Hymns and fpri- :uai Songs, freaking of fome of them ; " I confefs ; rnvfeif (fays h'e) to have been loo often tempted { away from the more fpiritual Deiigns I pro- • l pofed, by fome gay and flowery Expreilions that ' gratified the Fancy; the bright Images too *■ ofc prevailed above the Fire of Divine Affection, I and the Light exceeded the Heat." Now, :ho' I own that the Defect of my poetical Genius night lead me to an Acknowledgment of a quite )ther Nature, being fenfible how ..much every Paragraph here defpairs of giving much Delight :o thofe of a more refined Tafte, and of pleafing he Fancy with rnany bright Embellifhments of 3 oetry ; yet the great Scarcity of thefe may have his great Advantage, that here there are few fuch )eautiful Flowers or bright Images to tempt any Vlan away from the fpiritual Defign, or fo to gratify the Fancy, as to prevail above the Fire of Oivine AfFeclion, that mould burn in the Heart vith a Heat equal to the Light. Not that I am lifobliged with thefe gay and flowery ExpreiTions n this and other valuable Authors, whereby hey are fo apt to be a Temptation to themfelves md their Readers, even in their fpiritual Songs ; or I muft confefs they have been oft fo tempting nd alluring to myfelf, that as I have frequently >oth here and elfewhere eflayed to imitate them »y adopting fome of their delicious Metaphors ; ol would certainly have run into the fame Fault fl had been endued wuh the fame Genius : On- y I may infer from the forefaid Confefiion, that \)ems upon divine Subjects, which afford not a Train of thofe gay Temptations that bewitch the "ancy and divert the Imaeination, may upon this B 3 Ac vi To the Curious Reader. Account be, at leaft, not the lefs fitted for ▼ancing fpiritual Defigns and Divine Affections I am not here to make any Apology for t Metre, tho' fome may judge that in this Efl I have ftudied Rhyme as much as Poefy. I knc that there may be good Mufic and Meafu without the Gingle of a Crambo ; and that it a great Weaknefs to humour the Sound, fo as darken the Senfe. I own, my Difficulty nev lay much in ftudying the Crambo, with the ev< Cadency ; for thefe, if there be any Parts or Pr< perties of Poefy, occurred natively enoug' without much Thought: And perhaps it wou have been a Fault to have flighted the Rhyn defignedly in a Compofure of this Sort, fitt< for the religious Recreation of ferious Chriftian efpecially when I find the foremention'd eminei Poet (by whofe Remarks, of which I had Jittle Specimen, perhaps the following Sheets h* been better polimed for the Public, had his Ci cumftances allowed a more clofe and full Revic thereof) in his Hymns, Page 194 by a margin; Note (I find him, I fay) hoping, " the Read* " will forgive the Neglect of Rhyme even in th " ifl: and 3d Lines of the Stanza throughoi " fome following Pages;" Which fuppofes may be a Fault, in his Opinion, not to humoi the Metre in Eflays of this Nature. But, if an think I have done it too much, all I can accul myfelf of, is only that I did not neglect th Rhyme when Words favouring it appeared to m as appofite to the Purpofe as others, and the lov Genius afforded no better. I am forry for your Sake, Curious Reader , tha precious Truth is here fet before you in fuch ; coarfc To the Curious Reader, v\\ coarfe Garb > but, if you attend to the Matter? it will, as I faid, be no Lofs to you, that you have not here many artful Embroideries. I do not indeed think that facred Truth can be (ct oft in too comely a Drefs, no more tlun I think that the Holy Bible can be printed on too fine a Type: But if every Page and Paffage thereof were illuminated or adorned wiih fine Cuts, ] fup- pofe this would do more Harm than Good, and be more diverting than edifying. I have not feen any fpiritual Poem upon the whole of this Divine Song, giving fuch a full Ex- plication of every Part thereof as I have here cfTay*d j wimittg at the fame lime feme happier Genius may carry on the fame Defign to greater Advantage, and paint forth this facred Book in jnore lively, pure and fpiritual Colours : But, till that appear, let this homely EfTay fufKce* and, if the Picture here be but juft, you'll per- haps be much obliged to a Genius that could not fet it Within a curioufly gilded Frame to divert jpour Eye from it. But when you hear of the Spirituality and re- ligious Defign of this Poem, and that (as I may fliew in the other Part of the Preface) the SubjecV thereof is not the fair CircaJ/tan^ but the fair Chrijllan^ and his infinitely fairer Head and Huf- band Jefus Chrift ; though the Theme be more noble in itfelf, and more needful to be read and confidered than all the wanton Sonnets in the- World, however artfully trimmed ; yet I'm afraid this Subjecl be thought fo jejune, in lipid and un- fefhionabk, that it is pofftbtej after you have fa.- tisfied your Curiofrty fo far as to glance over a B 4 few viii To the Serious Reader. few Lines of this Book, you may throw it a fide Jike an old Almanack, and foon give your Judg- ment pro or con ; and this is all the poor Profit and Advantage you fhall get by it, if you remain always more curious than ferious. And, fince I have done with you, I mall apply myfelf to thofc to whom this little Eflay will readily be more welcome and acceptable. Serious Reader, TH O' it is efpecially for your fpiritual Edi- fication and Comfort, I have efjayed in this Manner to explain and open up the Gofpel that is contained in this facred Song ; yet I defign not to fay one Word to you in Commendation of this Poem upon it, nor does it deferve I ihould, if it cannot thro' the Blefiing of God commend itfelf to your Heart and Experience. But if you are exercifed unto Godlinefs, and acquainted with the fweet Life of Fellowfhip and Commu- nion with our Lord Jefus Chrift, I hope you fhall here fee a Piclure and Reprefentation both of his Heart towards you, and of your Heart to- wards him; and a Portraiture of the fweeteft Experience of Intimacy with Heaven, that the Bride of Chrift can have upon Earth. And I judge that a Song upon this Subjedt is not un- feafonable amidft thefe evil Days, wherein the Songs of the Temple are like to be turned into Howlings, and wherein the Bride, the Lamb's Wife, is ready to hang her Harp upon the Wil- lows How defirable were it, if this little Book might To the Serious Reader. ix: might prove a Mean for helping her to fing away her Sorrows, and to harmonize with the Defign of that precious Promife, Hofi ii. 15. I 'will give her the Valley of Achor for a Door of Hope, and fee fhall feng there? To drive away the Night of Trouble with Songs of Praife, would be a Work and Exercife moft fuitable to that gracious Name our Lord takes to himfelf, Job xxxv. 10. God our Maker, who giveth Songs in the Night. We have a Divine Precept, perhaps too much forgotten and neglected even among the Serious, Epb. v. 18, 19. Be filled with the Spirit, fpeaking to yourfelves in Pfalms and Hymns and fpiritual Songs, finging and making Melody in your Heart to the Lord*, And Col. iii. 16. Let the Word of Chrijl dwell in you richly in all IVifdom 5 teaching and admonijhing one another in Pfalms and Hymns and fpiritual Songs, finging with Grace in yaur Hearts to the Lord. And how we are to iing, we are further taught, not only by the A- poitie's Example, 1. Cor. xiv. 15. I will feng with the Spir't, and I will feng with the Under/} andittg alio ; but likewife by an exprefs divine .Appoint- ment, PJal. xlvii. 6, 7. where the Command to fing i> repeated five Times in a Breath, Sing Praifcs to God, feng Praijes : Sing Praifes unto our King, Sing Praifes. Sing ye Praifes with Under/landing. Now, this facred Song of Solomon being very myfterious aiid metaphorical, that you may be the more able to fing it over with Underftanding and Judgment, 1 have endeavoured to lay opei the Myfteries and Metaphors thereof to your View. I have defignedly caft the moft Part of this Book into the Mould of common Metre ; becaufe as h was intended efpecially for the Ufe of ferious B"5 Chriftians x To the Serious Reader. ChriiUans in this Part of the Ifland ; (o> in cafe any of them fhould fee fit to make fome of thefe Lines a Part of their fpiiitual and devout Recreati- on in ftcret, they might, if they pleafe, fing them over in any of the Tunes to which they are accuf- tomed in our Scotch Churches, where none but the common Tunes are ufed : Yet, left fome in read- ing over this Book had been too much tired and outvvearied with the tedious Uniformity, I have put the ivih and viith Chapters into the Form of long Metre. And in the whole I am fo far from attempting to foar aloft above your Capacity, that wherever I have been obliged to ufe any Words (inch as prolific, mcUifiuous, &c.) which J reckon are not fo obvious to the Underftanding of the Vulgar, I have explained them upon the Margin, and hope it is but very feldom any fuch Words occur to cloud and darken the Senfe to you. I know that this facred Book of Scripture, wherein the fweeteft and nobleft Inftances of the Grace of Chrijl toward his Church and People are reprefented under the Figure of a conjugal State, has been greatly profaned by impure Writers, who have ufed ornther abufed their poetical Art, to the gratifying of carnal Minds, and profti- tuting this holy divine Song to the moft unholy Ends. I have therefore endeavoured in this Pa- raphrafe fo to open the Import of every Meta- phor as to fecure it from being perverted and abufed to wanton Paflions, which I hope fhall find no Handle here by any Mode of Expreffion tend- ing to divert the Mind from the Spirituality of the Theme. The Compofure upon every Text here is fuch, as 1 think, without great Violence done to ir> can never be applied to any Lover* infe- To the Serious Reader, xi inferior to that glorious Bridegroom the Lamb- of God, and the Bride the Lamb's Wife, as the Church is defigned : , Rev. xxi. 9. I thought it needlefs here in a prefatory Way to offer you a Key for opening this Song, fmce this has been done fo oft and fo well already by others, and particularly Durham's Book upon it,, which is fo common among many Hands ; I re- fer the Reader to his Clavls Cantki prefixt to that- Book. Mr. Henry fays, The bed Key for open- ing this Book is the xlvth Pfalm, which we find apply'd to Cbriji in the New TeftamenC And it fee-ns the more fit this Book be now opened in a Way fuited to that Difpenfation, ilnce Ghriji is more frequently and clearly reprefented in the- New Teftament than in the Old, as the Bride- groom of his Church and People ; for which I might multiply Inftances, were it needful. The Objections of Adverfaries againft the Di- vinity of this Book are but weak and trifling* while we are confirmed in the Faith of its Divine Extraction and Spiritual Application to the Mar- riage between Chriji and his Church, by the an- cient, conftant and concurring Teltimony both of the Jewijh and Chrif.ian Church. And hence y tho', to carnal Minds, it is a Flower out of which- they have extracted Poifon j yet, to thofa that are fpirirual, it is fweeterthan the Honey, and the.- Honey-Comb ; infomuch that fome have made it the Mark and Chara&eriftic of a Saint, to find and experience the fpiritual Relifh and quickning. Savour of this Part of Scripture. Profane Wits, who ridicule this lofty Anthem; as a carnal Epithalamium or Marriage-Song,. feerra to be at a nonplus whether to apply it to Solo— xii To the Serious Reader. ?mrfs Marriage with the ^Egyptian Princefs, or a Circaffian Dame ; but they muft be yet at a greater Lofs what to make of fome Compliments and Commendations given to Solomons BriJe, if they were to be properly, and not figuratively, un- derflood. For, how monftrous and ridiculous were it to defcribe her as having an Head like Carmel, Teeth like a Flock of Sheep, a Nofe like the Tower of Lebanon looking toward Damafcus, and terrible like an Army with Banners? &c. And, if Solomon's Chariot were to be underftood properly and materially, of what Matter would they fuppofe it to be made, when the Midjl of it is faid to be paved with Love? Or, if Love be no material Thing, how mall it be a material Cha- riot? But this facred Song is not the worfe, be- caufe profane and wanton Wits abufe it, and en- deavour to faften their abfurd and obfcene Senfes upon fome Paflages of it. Jt requires indeed, as Interpreters acknowledge, a fober and pious, not a foolifh and lafcivious Reader. It breathes forth the hotteft Flames of Love between Chrijl and his People, and has in all Ages of the Church been moft fweer, comfortable and ufeful to all that have read it with ferious and fpiritual Eyes. One of the Fathers (Aihanafeus) comparing this Song with other Scriptures of the Old Teftament, fays, It is like John the Baptijl among the Pro- phets : Other Scriptures fpeiik of Chrijl as com- ing, and afar off; this fpeaks of him, and to him, as already come, and near- hand : So familiar and prefent is he here reprefented both to the Faith and Senfe of his People. Zanchius makes this Song a Compend and Copy of the fpiritual Mar- riage with Chrijl, And another great divine (Bodius To the Serious Reader. xiii (Bodius in Eph.) calls it ipfms fidei & ReUgionis Cbriftiana medulla, the very Marrow and Sub- itance of Faith and Chriftianity itiel'F. And therefore I hope it will not be reckoned an un- profitable Work or Service, to open up in a homely Poefy, funk to the Level of vulgar Capa-^ cities, the great Gofpel-Myfteries contained in this allegorical Scripture, and in a Strain fuited to the New- Feftament Difpenfation. This EfTay, ferious Reader, being the Fruit of fome Study and Application only at Leifure- hours, is, on this Account, the Work of feveral Years ; and tho* Occafions had allowed, yet the Nature of the Study, however pleafant in itfelf, was more fevere both to Body and Mind, than to have allowed a continued Progrefs in it without many Tntermiilions till it was finiihed. Some Parts of this Compofure being therefore at fome Years Diftance from other Parts of it, it is pof- fible fome difcerning and judicious Readers will obferve that fome of the Texts and Chapters are explained with more Life and Accuracy than others; which may be eafily accounted for by every one who knows that the Vein of Pcefy and Frame of Spirit is fubje£t to various Altera- tions higher or lower, at different Times. The greater* Defect I have here found myfelf to la- bour under, was with Reference efpeciaily to that Spirituality of Frame, Heavenlinefs of Mind, and clofe Communion with Chrift, that an EfTay to open this facred Divine Son°- ■required; finc'e in it the Believer's mo ft inti- jmate Fellowfhip With this glorious. Bridegroom s reprcfented under fo many figurative Expref- £ons. However it has been my earnefr. Defire fome- Xir To the Serious Reader. fbmetimes, That my Labour in this might not he in vain in the Lord, but that it might contribute thro' the Divine Bleffing, to the Inilructionyl Edification, and Comfort of the Lord's People, efpecially fuch as have little Accefs to read large Comments upon this facred Song ; and particu- larly thofe of the Congregation which, I have (6 long had a fpecial Concern in, and Relation to, and to whom I have but very fcldom preached upon Texts in this Book of the Song of Solomon. It muft be owned there are great Depths in this allegorical Scripture, the Letter whereof kills thofe that reft in that, and look no further ; but the Spirit thereof giveth Life, i Cor. iii. 6» John vi. 63. and that it requires great Pans and Caution to point out the Meaning of the Holy Ghoft, in every Part of this poetical Book, and in applying the Figures and Similes therein to the feveral Graces and Virtues of the Bridegroom and the Bride; and therefore I have not admitted of any private Thought or Imagination of mine own in the Interpretation of this notable Part of holy Scripture, without obferving my View thereof to be agreeable with the Judgment of found Commentators upon it. Though they, could afford me little Help as to the Form, yet from them I willingly collected Materials. Nor did I venture to make a Paraphrafe upon any one Veife here, till I had once confulted them, and was fatisfied that I mould not deviate from the Current of Orthodox Writers, their Judgment upon it, of which you have here a Sum. Tho* yet the Paraphrafe is the longer, that I have not only enlarged moft upon thefe Places that I reck- oned were moil emphatical, but alio touched at the To the Serious Reader* xr the Connexion of one Verfe and Purpofe with another, where I thought it was necefTary for the Illuftration of the Scope. Nor have I paft over. any one Verfe, however more briefly treated than others, without giving fome plain View of the Meaning and Import of it.. And, if more feem to be faid upon any Verfe in this Song than is direclly imported in. it, I hope it will be reck- oned no great Fault, if what is faid be evidently deducible from it, or necefTary for the further Ex- plication of it, and for adapting this Paraphrafe upon an Old-teftament Song to a New-teftament Difpenfa'ion. Befides, the Senfe being cramped and contracted within the narrow Bounds of common Metre, has fometirries made the Repe- tition (tho' not of Words, yet) of Matter unavoid- able: And tho' every Explication is but an am- plified Circumlocution, yet I have ufed as few Repetitions as could confift with my Defign of conveying a clear Idea of the Meaning. I thought fit to fet down the Scripture-text at large before the Paraphrafe, partly that every one even of thofe who would hardly be at the Pains to confult their Bibles, might have an Opportu- nity to compare the Text and the Paraphrafe to- gether; and partly that there might be Occafion to mark upon the Margin fome of the different Readings that the original Text admits of, which I endeavour alfo not to negled in the. Paraphrafe. Books juft publijhed by E. Dilly, at thX Rofe and Crown in the Poultry. I. A Collection of Sermons from various impor- XX, tant Subjects, and on divers Occafions, preached fome by the reverend Ebenezcr Erjkine, M. A. late Minifter of the Gofpel at Stirling, and others by the reverend Ralph Erfkine M. A. late Mi- nifter of the Gofpel at Dumfertnlin ; with a recom- mendatory Preface: By the reverend Mr. Thomas Bradbury ; in three large Volumes octavo. Price bound in Calf, 15s. N. B. The univerfal Satisfaction that experienced ChrifHans of all Denominations have expre/Ted from the Perufal of thefe Authors ; particularly the reverend Mr. 'James Her I would have Recourfe to Mr. Ermine, and 44 take his Volumes for my Guide, my Compa- 44 nion, and my own familiar Friend :'.' And the Encouragement already given to the Sale of thefe Sermons leave no Room to doubt, but that this new Edition will be acceptable to the Public, efpecially as they contain the highefl evangelical Truths handled in a practical Manner. II. Gofpel Sonnets : or Spiritual Songs, in fix Parts. 1. The Believer's Efpoufal. 2. The Believer's Join- ture. 3. The Believer's Riddle. 4. The Believer's Lodging, c. The Believer's Soliloquy. 6. The Be- liever's Principles, concerning Creation and Re- demption, Law and Gofpel, J unification and Sanc- tification, Faith ar.d Senfe, Heaven and Earth. By the late reverend Mr. Ralph Erfiine, the fixth Edi- tion, with farge Additions and great Improvements. Price bound in Calf, 2 s. in plain Sheep, I s. 6 d. N. B. See the Catalogue at the End of this Book. A PARAPHRASE, O R, Explicatory POEM, UPON !%e Song of Solomon. CHAP. I. The Title, Verfe i. The Song of Songs, which is Solomon'/. i. TH E Choice of Anthems f exquifite, From SoVmon's facred Pen, Which doth to heav'nly Love excite The Souls of holy Men. 2. Its Characters divine evince, And evidently clear, A wifer King, a greater Prince, Than Solomon is here. Who f Songs, 1 8 A Parapbrafi on |. Who from above did animate And with celeftial Flame Infpire the Song, to equal that Of Mofes and the Lamb. 4- This to the Lan.b's fair Bride belongs, To found on all her Strings With tuneful Harp, the Song of Songs To Chrift the King of Kings. The CHURCH's Words. Ver. 2. Let him kifs me with the Kijfes of hit Mouth : For thy Love f is better than Wine, I. Let him who In my Room and Race Did a& the kindeft Part, TRe God of Love, the Prince of Peace, The" Viftor of my Helrtf. \ 2. With fweet Indearments from above Let him my Soul embrace ; To fhew my Int'reft in his Love, And manifeft bis Grace. a. With BlefEnss- of thy Mouth divine O may I favour'd be ! More precious is thy Love than Wine«> More fweet than Life to me. . 4- I was among the trait'rous Crew Doom'd to eternal Fire, When f Heb. thy. Loves*. the Song of Solomon. 29 When he, to pay the Ranfom, flew On Winers of ftrong Defire. 5- Jefus the God, with naked Arms, Hangs on a Crofs and dies, Then mounts the Throne, with mighty Charms T' embrace me from the Skies. 6. His Mouth delicious, Heav'n reveals* His KifTes from above Are Pardons, Promifes, and Sealf Of everlafling Love. Ver. 3, Becaufe of the Savour of thy goed Oiut* merits^ thy Name is as Ointment poured forik% therefore do the Virgins love the* 1. The Oil of Gladnefs and of Grace> On thee pour'd largely Forth, Does fpread around in ev'ry Place Thy Savour and thy Worth. 1 z. Like precious Oil diffusM, thy Name Along fuch Odour fends, That hence from Virgin- Souls a Flame Of holy Love afcends. , 3. Thy Love to them, thus fried abroad, So much inflames their Heart With Love to thee ; that thou their God Their Darling alio art. ¥ O fav'ry Names ! The Prophet Kind* Anointed to inftruiS:, Who, 20 A Paraphrafe en Who by his-Couilfel leads the Blind, To glory will conduct. TV anointed Prieft, by folemn Vow, Did once for Sin atone : The Blood, that was the Price, is now The Plea before the Throne. 6. Th' anointed King, to bear the Sway, And dafh the rebel Foes, To make the feeble win the Day, Tho' Death and Hell oppofe. 7- Each Virgin-Tongue with Pleafure fings Thy lafting Honours, thus; f< Jefus our Prophet ever brings 41 The Light of Life to us. 8. " Jefus our Prieft for ever lives " To plead for us above. w Jefus our King forever gives " TheBleflings of his Love." Ver. 4. Draw me, we will run after thee : * 1. No Strength to come to thee have I, Yea, Lord, no Will to move ; Till Pow'r divine my Bonds unty. And draw with Cords of Love. 2. O draw me, Jefus,. by thy Grace, Allure me by thy Charms j Then we will run to thine Embrace, And flee into thine Arms. My the Song of Solomon. 2.1. 3- My Zeal will other Souls excite When I am drawn to thee ; With Virgin-Saints will Sinners meet,. . And run along with me. . The King hath brought me into 'his Chambers ; we will be glad and rejoice in th$e. I. The glorious King whom I befought, Anon my Cry did hear ; Me to his Prefence- Chamber brought, And kindly drew me near. 2- Then ev'ry Thing that did annoy. While I his Abfence mourn' d, So quickly vanifh'd into Joy, My Grief to Gladnefs 'turn'd. 3- We'll now exult in thee, O King, With holy Chearfulnefs ; Our Hearts will joy, our Lip.s will Ting, Our Lives will praiie exprefs. We will remember thy 'Love more than Wine : The Upright love thee. Our grateful Memories will record This matchlefs Love of thine, And keep the Relifh there.of, .Lord, Beyond the richeft Wine. ■ . . 2. Tho' Fools abound, who nor defire Nor Pfeafure nx on thee ;' " ' Yet 22 ' A Panaphrafe en Yet Wifdom's Children all confpire To love and joy with me. 3- Th' Upright without Deceit, that prove Like Gold without Alloy, Make thee the Object of their Love, And Center of their Joy. Ver. 5. I am blacky but comely, O ye Daughters of JeruJaUm y as the Tcnis of Kcd^r, as the Curtains of Solomon. 1. Ye that ProfefTors are at large, Or that are weak in Grace, Take no Offence at me, I charge, Nor at my fvvarthy Face. 2. Shun not to come and mare with mc Both in my Love and Joy, Becaufe my Vifage black ye fee With Sin and fore Annoy. 3- Tho' in myfelf I'm black indeed, And in my outward Lot ; Yet in my lovely, glorious Head I'm fair without a Spot. 4- Dufky like Kedar Tents am I, O ye of Salem's Race; But yet with Sol'mons Curtains vie For Comelinefs by Grace. er. 6. Look not upon me, becaufe I am blacky Vbecauje the Sun hath looked upon me. My Ma- thtr's Children were angry with me,—. — — Then the Song, of Solomon. 23 1. Then gaze not with difciainfulEyes On me in Sable clad ; Nor flight my Beauty fair, that lies Within the gloomy Shade. 2. No Wonder I fo black became, If ye the Caufe will note : For fore fun-burnt and fcorch'd I am With Perfection hot. Falfe Brethren, that malignant Race, My Mother's ScillSt. untrue, in Rage call Duil upttn my Face, And fully 'd all. my - Hue. 4- They pour'd en me what open Shame Their Malice could conceive ; With foul Reproaches ftain'd my Name, And us'd me like a Slave. > They made me the Keeper of .the Vint- yards-, but mine own Vineyard have I ntt kept. I. They of their Vineyards me the Drudge Oppreft with crufhing Gar.e : Such fervile Labours, ye may judge, My Beauty much impair. 2. Yea, while, alas.! thustoil'd, I flept. And Sloth my Watch remov'd, I've not my proper Vineyard kept, My Talents not improv'd. But 2 4 d Paraphrafe en 3- But tho' my Folly hath me marr'd, And wrought my own Diftrefs; Yet be not at Religion fcarr'd, Nor (tumbled at my Blifs. 4- For 'gainft myfelf I bear Record, That hence my Slav'ry flows : While I neglect to ferve my Lord, I'm left to ferve my Foes. Ver. 7. Tell me, O thou whom my Soul loveth, where thou feedeji *, and where thou makeft thy Flocks to reft at Noon.-> « I. When Sins and SufPrings work my Grief, - And both deprefs me fo, My Lord alone can give Relief; To him I therefore go. 2. Othou the Darling of my Heart, My Soul's beloved One, Who J[rael\ kindly Shepherd art, Thy Paths to mc make known. 3- O mew me where thy Flocks are ted. Where doft thou caufe them eat, And where thou giv'ft 'em Reft and Shade At Noon, from fcorching Heat. 4- The Pafture's fat, the Shelter vaft, That does thy Sheep inclofe ; Fain would I feed in their Repaft, And reft in their' Repofe. For ' * The Word is here active. 7 the Song of Solomon. 25 •For why Jhould I be as one that turneth afide by the Flocks of thy Companions. 1. For why fhould I, that am thy Bride, Be left to ftarve and ftray, Or feem as one that turns afide To any crooked Way? 2. All other Loves my Soul abhors, Thy Rivals I dif 'ain; With Flocks of thy Competitors Why fhould I wander then ? 3. I all the feign'd Companions hate, They are a Bane to me; My Soul affects no other Mate, No other Lord, but thee. 4- O if I knew thy fix'd Abode, I'd lodge for ever there ; Where may I then enjoy my God ? O tell me, tell me where ! CHRIST'S Words. Ver. 8. If thou know net, O thm fair eft among Women y go thy JVay forth by the Fo tjhps of the Flock, and feed thy Kids .befide the Shepherds Tents, 1. O thou my Bride, whom I efteem The faireft of thy Race, However black thy Form may feem, While Griefs do veil thy Grace 5 B Dq& 26 A Parapbrafe on 2. Dofl thou not know, my lovely Bride, The Shadow of the Rock, Nor Paftures green where I abide, And feed my little Flock? 3. Come follow my directing Grace Which I afford to thee ; I'll lead thee to, the fweeteft Place Of Fellowship with me. 4- That hence thy Feet may never fwerve, No r fall in Snares and Wreck, The Footfteps of the Flock obferve, And fojlow thou the Track. 5- See how they climb the Rock in Droves, To focial Worfhip prone ; And forthwith haunt retiring Groves, To meet with me alone. 6 Keep thou the beaten good eld Path, Yet new and living Way, Which all my Saints have trode by Faith, And Prayer, Night and Day. 7- Tho' none of their diflik'd Efcapes Mud: be a Rule to thee, Yet follow them in all the Steps \\ 7 herein they follow me. 8. And, while my Under-fhepherds Tents Are kept in good Repair, Attend them ftill ; for Heav'n prefents Mv choictft Dainties there. Thefe the Song of Solomon. 27 9- Thefe holy Ordinances are The Paftures of my Grace : There feaft thyfelf ; nor thence debar Thy little tender Race. 10. Bring Children, Servants, all thy Kids Along, to feed with thee ; Thy Lord all Comers welcome bids In Offers full and free. 11. Make all within thy Charge to haunt Thefe goodly Tents of mine ; For there my Feafts of Love I grant, To nourifh thee and thine. 12. Thus, that thy Feet no more appear With other Flocks to roam ; In thefe my beft Inclofures here, Stay, till I bring thee home. Ver. 9. / have \ compared tine, O my Love^ to a Company of Horfes in Pharaohs Cha- riots. 1. My Love, on whom the Stream unfpent Of my- Affection flows; Mine Ears have heard the heavy 'Plaint About thy haughty Foes : 2. But they fhall know to their Remorfe, Their War had better be To fight with Phara:h'% Chariot-horfe, Than dare to fight with thee. B 2 To t Or made thee like to. 2 3 A Paraphrafe on 3- To that well harneft Irately Rout I have thy Strength compar'd ; Becaufe my Armour round about Is thy defenfive Guard. 4- Thou may'ft contemn the burnifht Spear, When brandifht in the Field j As warlike Horfes laugh at Fear, And mock the glitt'ring Shield. 5- This wing'd Array more fwiftly damps The Foes that thee defy, Than conquering Chariots through the Camps On thund'ring Wheels that fly. 6. Weak in thvfelf thou art, but well In me refides thy Might: Therefore, the Pow'rs of Earth and Hell Need never thee affright. Ver. I o. Thy Cheeks are comely with Rows of Jewels^ thy Neck with Chains of Gold. I. My Love, 1 heard thee alfo moan Thy Beauty marr'd and fpiltj And ftile thyfelf a lothfome one, Deform 'i with Sin and Guilt. 2. Eut as my Blood does counterpoife. And all thy Guilt difplace* So Jewc /-graces, GoLcn-]oys Do beautify thy lace. 2. Each Virtue that thy Drefs befpeaks Doth thee more rich'y deck, Than the Song of Solomox. 29 Than Rows of Geres adorn the Cheeks, Or Chains of Gold the Neck. 4- An Order juft thy Graces do Li ke tv'nyR 3 m maintain; By mutual clofc Connection too, The v 're linj&id as in a Chain. 5- Thou haft thy ? oyal Lord to thank, That thee a Moor betroth'd ; And then conform to higheft Rank, With Gold and Jewels cloth'd. 6. To mgke thy Cheeks and Neck fo fair, Mine gave I to the Stroke ; My C heeks to them that pluckt the Hair, My N ck to Juftice' Block. Ver. 11. We will make * thee Border: of Gold, with Studs of Silver, 1. Object not, faying, How fhall I, So weak, fo black a Swain, Such Beauties in the divine Eye, Or furnifh, or maintain ? For wirh united Pow'r divine, We, FATHER, SON and SP'RIT, Do ftand engag'd thee to rehne, And make thy Form compleat. P Keep thou no finite Pow'rs in View, To grace and deck thee thus -, B 3 Crea, * The Word ufed for making Man atfirft,G^. i.6, 30 A Paraphrafe on Creation-work, both old and new, Belongs to none but U S. 4- WE'll make thee yet more radiant Gems Of Grace, without thine Aid, To fence thy Robe, like golden Hems With Silver Studs inlaid. Thy growing Grace fhall thrive, and bear A perfect Crop at length ; Yet by no Might within thy Sphere, But OUR concurring Strength. 6. Thy Gold arid Silver Ornament Mud ftrong and lafting prove ; For lo, it is th* pow'rful Vent Of our eternal Love. 7. Of old, the good, the great THREE ONE, Did jointly take thy Part ; Thy naked Soul WE thought upon, With Pity in OUR Heart. 8. WE held a Council for thy Good, Where I, without a Sob, Did chufe a Vefture dipt in Blood, To buy thy golden Robe. The CHURCH'S Words. Ver. 12. IVh'ile the Kingftteth at his Tab^ y my Spikenard fendeth forth the Stnell thereof* I. Lo! Zion's King array'd in State, And Love his luring Veft, Makes the Song of Solomon. 3 x Makes ample Grace his royal Treat, And me his welcome Gueit. 2. When this his fplendid Table-head Is with his Prefence crown'd, My Graces then like Spikenard fpread Their grateful Odours round. 3- With joyful Heart I fmile and fing, Each Grace doth rife and run ; As languid Plants revive and fpring In Prefence of the Sun. 4- If he withdraw they fade and faint, Their Vigour is reffrain'd ; But, by his fweet Return, their Scent And Savour is regain'd. 5- While at his royal Feaft he fits, Such Verdure frefh is giv'n, That ev'ry Sprig of Grace emi's A fragrant Smell of Heav'n. 6. My glad Affections leap and dance, When with a fmiling Face, The King does fpread and countenance The Table of his Grace, Ver. 1 3. A Bundle of Myrrh is my Well -be- loved unto me ; hejball lie all Night betivixi my Brea/ls. 1. No Wonder that my Spikenard fmells So fweetly when he comes $ B 4 His %i A Paraphrafe on His Love, that cafts the Scent, excells The choiceft of Perfumes. 2 Faith, Love and Joy begin to ftir, And fpread their Odours high, When Jcfus, like a Bunch of Myrrh, Does in my Bofom Ik, 3. From this enfolded Bundle flies His Savour all abroad : Such complicated Sweetnefs lies In my incarnate God. Abundant Virtue here I fee To ev 'ry Cafe adapt; The Fuln^fs of a Deity Is in the Bundle wrapt. Yea, in my well-beloved Lord This 1 lenitude divine, Is for my Ufe and Comfort ftor'd j For he himfelf is mine. 6. And has he deign'J thus from above To fhew his glorious Charms? I'll hold him fait by Faith and Love, As in my folded Arms. 7- My Heart and B )fom where herefts, No other Love (hall knowj There he embrae'd ihall lie, while lafts The Night of Sin and Woe. 8. This fweet Repofe fhall wear away The Shadows of the Night. Until the Song of Solomon-. 33 Until the Dawning of the Day Of everlaiting Light. Ver. 14. My Beloved is unto me as a Clu(ler of ■f Camphire in the Vineyards of En-gedi. I. My bed Bclov'd, to whom the Wings Of my Affedtions fiee, Is fweeter than the fweeteft Things Of Heav'n and Earth to me. 2. In Vineyards of fair En-gedi Are Camphire Clutters fweet: How infinitely more is he, In whom I am com pleat ? 3- When Sin and Wrath my Conference pre£, He ftandeth for my Good, A Clufter full of Righteoufnefs, And Wrath- appealing Blood. 4- Still frefh in View, I may defign His dying Love to me, Like Myrrh and Camphire, fweet and fine* New bleeding from the Tree. By Faith I eat the Clutter prefr, And drink the Blood he fpilt: Of all Love Bluets, here's the beft, Aton.ment for my Guilt. 6. To me this Bleeding Love of his Shall ever precious be; B 5 What- t Copher, the fame Word that fignifies an Atone- ment or Propitiation, 34 d Paraphrafe on Whatever he to others is, He's all in all to me. CHRIST'S Words. Ver. 15. Behold, thou art fair, my Love -, be* hold* thou art fair, thou haft Doves Eyes. I. What! Is thy Heart a Bed of Reft A Room referv'd for me ? Behold, I come to be thy Gut ft, And vent my Heart to thee. 2. My Truth, that can't the falfe Decoy Of flatt'ring Lips approve, AfTerts to elevate thy Joy, Thou art my pleafant Love. 3- Lo, thou art fair, lo, thou art fair 5. 7'wice, fair thou art, I fay; My Righteou r nefs and Graces are Thy double bright Array. 4- Tho' thou a fpotted Leopard, And black, thyfelf doft fee: Yet, as a Maik of my Regard, I'll fee no ^pot in thee. When to a Dcg of no Avail Thou humbly doft compare, And call thyfelf a Mafs of Hell, Ev'n then I call thee fair. 6 But fmce thy Faith can hardly own My Beauty put on thee ; Be- the Song of Solomon. 35 Behold J Behold ! twice be it known, Thou art all fair in me. 7- I fee the Beauty of the Dove Within thy Soul that lies 5 Affections there exactly move, Like Turtles charming Eyes. 8. So modefr, humble, pure and chafte, And faithful to their Mate ; On me alone they fix and reft, And all my Rivals hate. The CHURCH's Words. Ver. 16. Behold^ thou art fair, my Beloved? yea, pleafant ; I. What Wonders, Lord, doil thou perform, That ftoopeft thus fo low, To put thy Beauty on a Worm, And then commend it fo ? 2. What ! doll; thou praife a native Black ? Iblufh to find it true : O lend me Words, to render back The Praife to whom 'tis due. 3- Lo ! my Beloved, THOU, ev'n THOU Art infinitely far ; Yea, altogether pleafant too, And fweet beyond compare, 4- All divine Comelinefs in thee Moil gloriouily does (hinej. What 0,6 A Paraphrafe en What Beauty thou commends in mc, Is but the Shade of thine. Doft thou applaud the little Stream That from thy Fullnefs rofe ? Plow highly then mould I efteem The Fountain whence it flows! 6. How fhall I thee extol, my God ? It {names me to be mute, When thou exalts a lothfome Clod, "Wrapt in a borrow'd Suit. But who, alas! can Words invent, To magnify thy Grace ? Seraphic Pencils cannot paint The Beauties of thy Face. 8- May my delighted Eye flill gaze On charming Pleafures here j And what I cannot loudly praife, I'll filently admire. •Aifo our Bed is green. I. Mow can my Tongue the Favours hide That thus my Heart attach ? For never was a worthlefs Bride So happy in her Match.. 2. Befides, his Perfonage fo great, His Equip ge is fine ; His Furniture arid Bed of State, For Fellowship divine. Where the Seng of Solomon. 27 3- Where here his Love abroad is fhed, iMy Soul, his chearful Gueft* Sleeps in his Arm?, as in a Bed Of holy Joy and Reft. 4- If WifdominaMyftery Will Heav'n to Hell betroth,* Th' enfuing Miracle muft be One Bed to ferve us both. 5- What Kindriefs here he does avouch, No mortal Tongue can tell : The Heir of Heav'n has made a Couch Te bug an Heir of Hell. 6. Lo, this our Bed of fweet Solace, Green like the verdant Field, Abundant Fruits of Holinefs Does by his Bleffing yield,. 7- . To deck our Bed of nuptial Loves,. Buds of the Spring conyeqn -, My pregnant Soul fo fertile proves,. I'm like an Olive s;reen. 8. Fair BlofToms of indulgent Grace That {hade the Temple round,. With lively Verdure paint the Place,.. And fpread the holy Ground. Ver. 1 7. The Beams of our Houfe are Cedar ^ and our f Rafters of |[ Fir, Our f Or Galleries, || Or Cyprefs. 38 A Paraphrafe on 1. Our nuptial-bed in Zion ftands, Within our royal Court : For there the Blefling God commands, There is his lov'd Refort, 2. Our (lately Dwelling houfe excels The Seats of mortal Kin^s ; Whofe pompous Courts are nothing elfe But fpacious empty Things. 3- Their gaudy Grandeur flirinks away Within their withering Bow'rs; No gilded Houfe of mouldering Clay Is fure and flrong like ours. 4- The holy Cov'nant Heav'n commands With Promifes of Note ; By which our Houfe compacted ftands. Are Beams that never rot. No Cedar- wood from Lebanon , Nor Fir fo firm endures, As the fe our Rafters, which alone Almighty Pow'r fecures. 6. Thus (tablifht even our lower Courts, Defy the Gates of Hell ; For eveilafting Strength fupports The Dome wherein we dwell. 7- In precious Cvprefs GalPries here We walk along in State - r Such are the Ordinances dear Of my imperial Mate> Si the Song of Solomons 39 8. In thefe fweet Manfions of his Grace, I'll walk with great Delight, Till he prepare a nobler Place, To walk with him in white. CHAP. IL C H R I S T's Words. Ver. i. I am the Rofe of Sharon, and the Lily of the Valleys, I. SUCH tainted Air from Adam's Bow'r, O'er curfed Mankind blows, That no green Bed, nor fav'ry Flow'r, In Nature's Defart grows. 2. Thou then that fings the verdant Bed, Adorn'd with Flow'r- of Grace - 3 Come fee the Rofe and Lily fpreadj. That thus perfumes the Place.. 3- I, JESUS, am the fragrant Kofe^ That healing Cdours yelds ; And free for common Profit grow.v In Sharon's open Field. 4- That all who pleafe, may freely come, Of lapfed human Race 5 And; 40 A Parqphrafe on And {hare the fanative Perfume, That forts their field y Cafe, 5- My bleeding Love fo oft expreft To guilty Sinners, fhews A Beauty in my bloody Veft, Beyond the ruddy Rofe. 6. Should I to comely Flow'rs compare The Beauties of my Face, Rofts and Lilies, red and fair, Would ftrive in it for Place. 7- But what's my common Paint, cad o'er The Bloflbms of the Field ? Tho' Solomon in all his Glore Muft to their Splendor yield. 8. Their comely Form but ferves to foil The Flow'r of Flowr's above, Sprung from the hotteft heav'nly Soil, My Father's fervent Love 3 9- Who thence the Lily did translate To Valleys here below, That Virtue from my humbled State To finful Worms might flow: 10. And chat in Vales of Mifery When withering Comforts fail,. The Rofe of Heav'n m ght alfo be The Lily of the Vale. Ver. 2 As the- Lily among ibe-Tbjrns, fo is my Love among the Daughters, White tie Song of Solomon, 4 1 While I the Rofe and Lily fair, Join'd, as my Title claim, My Love, the Bride, muft have a Share Of my enamel'd Name. 2. Mine Image me fo harmlefs bears Aniidft a furious broil) She as a Lily fair appears Ev'n in a thorny boil. 3- Among the Daughters of Defpite, The Offspring of the Earth, Her Lily-form, fo lovely white, Shews her fuperior Binh. 4- Befet with Briers that pierce and pain, Yet precious in my View, She pure and barmleis d es remain Among .he noxious Crew. The whole of Satan's Children are A Field of hurtful Thorns, Enrag'd by Hell, to fcratch and mar The Flow'r that Heav'n adorns* 6. But I'll provide in this Turmoil My Lily with a shield; And afterward a better Soil, My glorious Azure Field. The 42 A Paraphrafe en The CHURCH's Words. Ver. 3. As the Apple-tree among the Trees oj the Wood) fo is my Beloved among the Sons I. My deareft Love has won my Heart With his f mellifluous Tongue ; That gives unworthy me a Part, Both in his Name and Song. 2. He to my Need, his Names doth fuic, As if he could not be A Rofe and Lily of Repute, Without adorning me. 3- His fav'ry Titles thus made known, In fuch endearing Ways, As wrap my Name within his own, Provoke my Heart to Praife. 4- ' Awake, my Soul, commend his Grace, And ling the living Tree, Who by fuch Apples of Solace Commends himfelf to thee. 5- Above the Daughters of the Earth Does he extol thy Name ? Above the Sons of higher Birth I will his Praife proclaim. 6. As Garden Apple- trees excel The Foreft's barren Race, S« f Sweetly eloquent. the Song of Solomon, 43 So mines my Lord o'er Mortals all, With a fuperior Grace. . 7- His Fruit To fweet, his Form fo fair, His healing Leaves fo broad ; This Tree of Life bears no Compare With Sons of Men, or God, 8. Created Shrubs, wild Gourds be gone, I climb a higher Tree : Jefus, the Jiving God, alone Yields Shade and Sap to me. . I fat down under Ws Sbackw with great Delight, and bis Fruit was fweet to, my Tafe, I. What. Fool foever difagrees, My fweet Experience proves, That Jefus is the Tree of Trees, Among a Thbufand Groves. 2. From Paradife, wherein he grows, He fpreads his Branches vaft, To give fweet Shade for my Repofe, Sweet Fruit for my Repaft. 3- When fore fatigu'd, I fat by Faith Beneath his cooling Shade, Screen'd from the Heat of fcorching Wrath, My fhelter'd Soul was glad. The Shadow of his Righteoufnefs, The ^Covert of his Blood, When 44 r fiery Darts, Can once the Shadow pierce. 7' When Chriji my Skreen is interpjs'd Hetvvten the Flames and ire, My joyful Heart and Lips unclos'd, Adore the glorious Tree. 8 No mortal Tongue can (peak the Blifs That in hi ^ade is giv'n; For then J 'm fafe from all Uiftrefs, And tafte an e~rly Heav'n. 9- The Tree does with immortal Food My fainting Soul folace, With Fruits, the Purchafe t-f his Blood, The Apples of his Grace. 10. O here's the Tree of Life, that gives The Virtue Sinners need ; Enliv'ning Fruit, and healing Leaves, To raiie and cure the Dead. II. Pardons, and Promifes, and Joys Upon his Branches grow ; Which, the Song of Solomon. 45 Which, bending down with gentle Poife, Unload themfelves below. 12. Laden with Grace, his Fruit he drops, And fpreads my Table o'er, To pleafe my Tafte, and feed my Hopes, Until I feaft in Glore. Ver. 4. He brought me to the f banqueting Houfe, and his Banner over me was Love, 1. Who but my Lord, the living Tree, My Leader alfo i?, That brings me near to tafte and fee This Love and Grace of his ? 2. Becaufe my Fall, he kindly thought,. Did Nature's Pow'r difplace ; To his Wine-Cellars I was brought By his almighty Grace. - 3- Brought from his Garden, to his Houfe, To tafte more Joy divine ; From Tipping of the Apple Juice, To drink the ipiced Wine. 4- With fweet and raviming Solace my Soul was feafted there* In Ordinances of his Grace, The Houfe of his Repair. And lo ! the Royal Flag difplay'd, Dy'd with the bleeding Vine, Along my folemn Entrance led Into his Houfe of Wine. With f Or Houfe of IVine. 4'6 A Paraphrafe on 6. With flying Colours did I move, And march triumphantly ; For then was Love, victorious Love, His Banner lifted high. 7- The Signal of his Grace adorn'd That {lately March of mine : And for my Entertainment turn'd My Water into Wine. 8. Love's conqu'ring Flag for War (o near, Did all my S ; ns fubdue ; Love led the Van, Love fene'd the Rear, Love da(ht the hellifh Crew. 9' . . My fainting Heart was giving o'er, Till with his Enfign fpread, My Standard-bearer went before, And all the Furies fled, io. Soul now to Arms ; Love fights and wins, This Banner guatd^ my Life ; Almighty Love will flay my Sins, And end the bloody Strife. ii. Still therefore to purfue the Chace, 'T.ll I triumph above ; I'll mind the Banquet of his Grace, The Banner of his Love. 12. With Love he march'd, with Love he led, With Love he arm'd my Breaft ; With Love he drew, with Love he fed, With Love he crown'd the Feaft. Ver. the Song of Solomon. 47 Ver. 5. * Stay me with Flagons, f cotnfort me with Apples \ for I am fick of Love. I. Lo ! while my Mem'ry does review His matchlefs bleeding Love, My Spirit falls a bleeding too, My Bowels melt and move. 2 O ye whofe Office is to bear The VefTels of his Grace ; Bring Flagons full of Comfort here, And Apples of Solace. 3* Large VefTels fetch without Delay, With Cordials from above ; Hafte, ere my Spirits fwoon away j I'm fick, I'm fick of Love. 4- I'm overcome, I faint, I fail, 'Till Love fhall Love relieve : More Love Divine the Wound can heal, That Love Divine did give. The Agent Chrift alone I view, Though now my ^oul that faints, In Sicknefs raves of Aid from you, That are but In y ruments. 6. Fill out the Wine my Lord did bleed To flay and flrengthen me : The deeper in his Love I wade, The fweeter flill is he. Straw * Here the Verls are in the Plural Number, Stay ye me, comfort ye me, f Straw me. 43 A Paraphrafe on 7- Straw me with Apples all along ; Their Tafte d es (a furprife. I'd lie and roll myfelf among The e Fruits of Paradife. 8. Support this finking Heart of mifie Beneath a Weight of Love, With living Fruit, and gen'rous Wine From Azure Fields above. 9- I cannot furfeit here, nor fift, Ev'n tho' my Cup run o'er ; But feed on Hunger, drink on Thirfr, And covet always more. 10. New Feafts of Love 1 feek, to free And give Love ficknefs hafe j How can 1 lothe what fickens me, So fweet is my Difeafe ? ii. The Love, the Love that I befpeak, Does Wondeis in my Soul : For when I'm whole, it makes me fick ; When fick, it makes me whole. 12. More of the Joy that makes me faint, Would give me prefent Eafe : If more {hould kill me, I m content To die of that Difeafe. Ver. 6. His left Hand is under my Head, and bi.> right Hand doth embrace me. How foon my fainting Soul did cry For Cordials to be brought, So the Song of Solomon. 49 So foon my Lord hlmfelf drew nigh, With more than I had fought. 2. I fought Wine-Flagons, but anon The Vine drew near to me : I fought but Apples in my Swoon, And lo, I found the Tree. 3- When I on Servants call'd in vain, My Lord himfelf with Speed Did in his Arms of Love, amain Uphold my fainting Head. 4- My Heart's Defire is now obtain'd, I have my Royal Gueft, And, by his kind Embrace fuftain'd, Do in his Bofom reft. 5- He does with Joys that can't be told My Health and Strength repair, And both his Hands about me hold, To mew his tender Care. 6. His left Hand for my Support he Beneath my Head doth place ; And for my Comfort lendeth me His right Hand's foft Embrace, 7- His Prefence brings a plenteous Show'r Of -Bleflings from above ; For now I'm guarded with his Pow'r, And girded with his Love. 8. For my Solace, 'gainft Sin and Death, I feel his glorious Charms, D And 50 A Paraphrafe on And for my Safety underneath, His everlaiting Arms. Ver. 7. / || charge you , ye Daughters ofje- rufalem, by the Roes, and by the Hinds of the Fi-ld, that ye jiir not up, nor awake my * Love> till he pleafe. 1. Immortal Love, her Reft and Room Does in my Bofom take ; Wo to the Fury that mall come This joyful Reft to break. 2. Soon as the tim'rous Hinds and Rces Are fcar'd from Sleep and Reft, Would Earth and Hell this fweet Repofe Malicioufly infeft. 3- T O Salem's Daughters then I pray, And charge you, ftand in Awe To waken Love, or do what may Make Jefus to withdraw. 4- Yea, all about me I adjure, ProfefTors and Profane, Excepting neither Rich nor Poor, The Sov'reign nor the Swain ; 5- ^y pleafant Roes and loving Hinds, AftcclHons, Emblem meet; By jj Hb. Adjure you.* ^ he Word my is a Supplement, and the Ward Love is in the feminine Gender, She [peaks of Cbrift as that Love eminently or Love in the'AbJiraai The Original runs, That ye ftir not up nor awake Love, till it pleafe. the Song of Solomon. §\ By all that's dear to loving Minds, And ev'ry Thing that's fweet ; 6. By all that's lovely in your Eyes, I earneftly obteft, Since Jefus in my Bofom lies, You may not mar his Reft. 7- Begone, Sin, Satan, earthly Toys, Far be ye from my Heart; Approach not to difturb my Joys, Nor caufe my Lord depart. 8. His Smiles are free, he comes and goes, My happy Hour is this : Why iliouli ye prove fuch curfed Foes To interrupt my Blifs ? My glorious Lord now fleeps within Mine Arms of Faith and Love; I charge myfelf, my Heart, my Sin, Not once to ftir nor move. 10. He may as Sov'reign countermand The Signals of his Grace 5 But never let a finful Hand Of mine, eclipfe his Face. 11. Let no deceitful Lufb attend, To rob me of his Charms ; Nor curfed Unbelief, to rend My Love out of mine Arms. 12. I all the Spawn of Hell explode, That would his reft annoy ; D 2 O may 52 A Paraphrafe on may I never grieve my God, Nor fin away my Joy. Ver. 8. The Voice of my Beloved! Behold, he cometh, leaping f upon the Mountains, /kipping upon the Hills. I. Sweet was the Reft, but fhort the Stay Of Jefus my Belov'd, Who lately in my Bofom lay, But inftantly remov'd. Thus doth my fov'reign Lord declare The Freedom of his Charms, By flipping off, amidft my Care To hold him in mine Arms. 3- Great Hills, alas ! now interveen Betwixt my Lord and me ; His Voice unheard, his Face unfeen : Stop, ftop, I hear, I fee. 4- The Voice of my Beloved founds, I know the charming Lyre ; No mortal Voice fo fweetly wounds And ravifhes mine Ear. 1 hear the Voice, I feel the Dart, My Breaft begins to burn : The joyful Sound revives my Heart With Hopes of his Return. 6. In's Volume, Lo I come, faidhe; And now X fee him move In f Or, over. the Song of Solomon-. $$ In folemn Triumph towards me, On Wings of wond'rous Love. 7* His Coming in the Flefij I view, Glad Heav'n his March attends : And Coming in the Spirit too, For lo, the Dove defcends. 8. Dark Shades adieu, bright Morning fprings, Behold the gilJed Sphere ! Incarnate Love's perfumed Wings Now cleave the fhady Air. 9- He, over Hills and Mountains high, Comes flying on the Clouds, In ftately Pomp advancing nigh Thro' all oppoiing Crouds, 10. Of Principalities and Pow'rs He makes an open Shew; Down, in his March, he throws the Tow'rs Of Hell's outrageous Crew. ii. He fkips o'er Rocks without Delay, Nor tarries he to climb ; For Hills and Mountains in the Way Are but a Leap to him. 12. O'er Heaps of Sin to run he deigns, O'er Hills of Guilt to flee: Nor Death, nor Hell, nor Wrath retrains His loving March to me. Ver. o. My Beloved is likt a Roe, or a young Hart: D 3 When 54 A Paraphrafe on i. When Faith itfelf could hardly fee, What Pow'r could ever pave The rocky Mountains whereon he Muft come to feek and fave ; 2. When manifold Obftructions met, My loving jfefus made A ftepping Stone of ev'ry Lett That in his Way was laid. 3- O'er Hills of Sin and Vales of Grief, O'er Mountains, Rocks and Seas, For my Salvation and Relief He runs, he leaps, he flies. 4- O'er every Betber y high and low, That him and me did part, He marches like the bounding Roe Or loving youthful Hart. 5- To manifeft that his Delights Were with the Sons of Men, He haitens to refiore their Rights, And rifle Satan's Den. 6. No Doubt remains of his Good-wiil, Whofe fpeedy March does prove His joyful Fondnefs to fulfil His Purpofes of Love. When hainous Trefpafles of mine Make me conclude that he Will never any more incline Again to vifit me. And the Song of Solomon'. 5^ And yet I fee him hafting near, And fmiling in my Face; How can I but adore, admire, And magnify his Grace ? i — Bi bo r d> he ftandeth behind our V/all^ he looketh * forth at the Windows^ [| Jhewing himfeif through the Lattefs. 1. Come, Friends, admire how he renews. The Vifits of his Grace, And in what various Forms he (hews The Beauties of his Face. 2. His darkeft Ways will prove him kind 5 For, when he hides at all, He goes not far, but {lands behind Our own Partition- Wall. 3- Tho' we, alas ! do build up high The hiding Wall of Sin: Yet he behu d it, very nigh, Stands ready to come in. 4- His Fset no Reft can elfewhere take, But ■., leaping, move, Till me the refting place he make., .And Center of his Love, And tho', while in this dittant Place, This Vale of Sin and Thrall, There's Hill between me and his Face A thick, a dark'ning Wall ; Yet * Or rather looketh in. || Flo-urging, S& A Paraphrafe on 6. Yet Diftance alters not his Love, Nor ought abates his Care, Which force him through the Wall to move, And make a Window there : 7- That there, as through a Window-glafs However dark and dim, His Eye of Love to me may pafs, Mine Eye of Faith to him. 8. Thro' Lattefifes that Light divide, Thro' glorious Gofpel-lines, A Vail of Flefh, a pierced Side, His Love, his Beauty fhines. 9- o 1 hus, like a beauteous Flow'r in Spring, He {hews himfelf in State, Before the Window flourishing, °d; And growing thro' the Grate. Ver. io. My beloved /pake, and f aid unto me \ Rife up, my Love, my fair one, and come away *. I. When my Beloved Jefus nigh Did to my Soul appear, His match iefs Beauty charm'd mine Eye, His gracious Words mine Ear, 2. Why, tho' the fweeteft Favours giv'rt Are in his felt Embrace ; Yet fureft Intercourfe with Heav'n Is by his Word of Grace. I'll See Ver, j 3. tH Song of Solomon. $j 3- I'll therefore fing the Words he faid, And his alluring Art, Who me no filent Vifit made, But fpake into my Heart. 4- The joyful Sound my Soul reflor'd, And heal'd to that Degree, I never will forget his Word By which he quickned me. " Rife up, faid he, my pleafant Bride, " And leave what thee annoys ; " Lay killing Fears and Damps afide, u And {hare my quickning Joys. 6. u My Love, there is no Spot in thee " But what my Grace mall hide 5 '« Thou art, and evermore (halt be " My fair and comely Bride. 7- " And fince thou'rt mine by folemn Tie, M And I'm fo fond of thee, ** It ill becomes thee to be fhy, " And carry ftrange to me. 8. and the Vine with the tender Grape, give a good Smell.* 1. i c Now, now is the accepted Time, c * When heav'nly Plants of Grace '* All prefling forward to their Prime, " And thriving, grow apace. 2. " The Figs, tho' yet unripe for Meat, and go around, The City of my God. 2. More Life and Vigour than before, Through. Grace, I will difplay ; And in my Search frequent no more This lazy, formal Way. 3- But, making off my drowfy Chains, About his Courts I'll move, With more Activity and Pains, To feek my dearefl Love. 4 ; I'll ev'ry fecret Corner trace, And fearch the publick Street, The Ordinances of his Grace, 'Till I my Saviour meet. i n mere Refolves I did not fift, But fought him here and there 3 * Yet j 2 A Paraphrafe oh Yet ah, the God of Jacob mill, Ev'n in the Houfe of Pray'r. 6. So much did former Lazinefs To prefent Lofs redound, That in the moft devout Addrefs He was not to be found. Ver. 3. TJ?e Watchmen that go about the City found me . To whom I faid, Saw ye him whom my Soul loveth ? 1. Then was I, while I roam'd abroad, By faithful Watchmen found, Who in the City of their God Perform'd their painful Round. 2. To whom I cry'd, with great Refpecl, " Ye Pilots of the Blind, " Can ye my wand'ring Steps direct, «* My deareft Love to find ? 3- " I hope, ye who with heav'nly Art, " Still tread the holy Ground, « Well know the Darling of my Heart, " And where he may be found. 4- « When my Belov'd is hid from you, " What Paths, what Means of Grace, * What Courfe do you yourfelves purfue, M To fee his lovely Face ? " Tell me, ye Watchmen of the Night, " I pray you, tell me where " Did the Song of Solomon-. 73 * 4 Did ye efpy my Soul's Delight ? " That I may feek him there, 6. « * O happy Stars, if ye might be " My Guides to 'J ejus now ! A higher Rock to c.imb ; But through them, as the Looking-glafs, I fixt mine Eyes on him. 1; How foon through Gofpel-telcfcopes Faith did his Glory fpy; Difmifiing all inferior Hopes, My Heart purfu'd mine Eye. 8. I found my Soul's Beloved Chafe, In all his pleafing Charms ; And joyful flew to his Embrace, And grafpt him in mine Arms. / held him ) and would not let him go. His the Song of Solomon. 75 1. HisPrefence which by Faith and Pray'r I fought To much to gain, Now when enjoy'd, with equal Care I labour to retain. 2. I wept for Joy to fee his Face, And, like a kindly Bride, Inclosed him fail in mine Embrace, And preft 'him to abide. 3-. His Prefence did fuch Bhfs imply, His Abfence fuch a Bane ; I now refolv'd that he and I Should never part again. I faw his fmiling Face, where flood A thoufand lovely Charms, And melted down into a Flood Of Pleafure in his Arms. And, lighting now on Jacob's Road, Did equal Fervor fhovv ; I wept and wreftled with my God, And would not let him go. 6. In Heat of Battle for the Blifs On pleafant Bethel plains, I held him by his Faithfulnefs, The Girdle of his Reins. ' . 7- And while I made his Truth my Shield, His Word of Grace my Stay; The God of Jacob deign'd to yield, And could not lay me nay, E 2 Of J 6 A Paraphrafe on Of Freedom great without Offence Allowing me my Fill; With holy, humble Violence, I won him to my Will. Until I bad brought him into my Mo- ther's Honfe y and into the Chambers of her that conceived me. I. While fuch a Banquet I enjoy'd, Such Pow'r with God in Prav'r, My Court and Moyen I employ'd, That others too might fhare. 2. Remembring, while I fuckt the Comb, My ftarving Friends in Jail ; I brought him to my Mother's Home, His Largeffes to deal; 3- That a 1 ! my Relatives might tafte My prefent wond'rous Blifs, Who taint with Famine in the Wafle, And howling Wildernefs. 4- With ardent Zeal befought I him, To let his Bluing fall On Mvftical Jerufaiem, The Mother of us all. 'Tis writ in Zion's Tntant Roll, 1 hi> Man and that Man there Was born again ; and there my Soul Firft drew the vital Air. 6. I therefore begg'd, her Offspring free Might have, with peaceful Days, Thf the Song of Solomom. 77 The Pleafure of his Company In his approved Ways. 7- His Prefence to her Houfe I fought, Its Ruins to repair : To ftrengthen what his Hands had wrought, And fhew his Glory there. 8. I pray'd him to my native Hom^, As his helov'd Pvefort, Nor did my Lord refufe to come, And grace his facred Ccurc. 9- For there he fill'd oft to the Brim My Cup of Joy, and there, His Love to me, and mine to him, Did mutual Tokens mare. 10. I found, to my Experience glad, That, in the wreftling Way, The God of Jacob never faid The Seed of Jacobs nay. Ver. 5. I charge you, O ye Daughters of Jeru- salem , by the Roes and by the Hinds of the Field, thatyejlir not up nor awake my Love till he pleafe f . 1. My Lord does not his joyful Reft In Ziorfs Bofom take ; Wo to the Sin, th' unwelcome GuefT, This fvveet Repofe mail break. ' E 3 Ye f See Chap. ii. 7. the fame JVords y but here they relate to thrift' J Preface in the Church, the Mother's Houfe, that that be not marr'd. 7 3 A Paraphrafe on 2. Ye Daughters of Jerufalem, That Love to him profefs, Take care ye do not lofe the Gem, The Joy that ye pofTefs. 3- While fome delight in Hinds and Roes, And from Alarms would fhield Their foon-dulurbed, foft Repofe, Upon the open Field. 4- Shall we awak« our deareft Love, With vain and earthly Noife, That may provoke him to remove And dafh our prefent Joys? 5- If fome affect the rural Charms And Pleafures of the Field, A dearer Love is in our Arms, Than ever Earth could yield. 6. If they their pleafing Trifles would All undifturb'd enjoy ; Shan't we our deareft Darling hold And hug without Annoy ? 7- Ye then, that of my Mother's Houfe The Sons and Daughters are, Be careful, while he frays with us, Left.ve the Pieafure mar. 8. While he vouchfafes to be our Gueft, And grace our public Inn, Let none of us difturb his Reft, By Heav'n-provoking Sin. In the Song of Solomon. 79 9- In Love he comes and goes, and fo May leave his holy Hill : But wo to us, if off he go In Wrath againit his Will. 10. His Will and Pleafure is a Law, To which we muft fubmit : But never tempt him to withdraw, Until he judge it fit. The Companions Words. Ver. 6. Who is * this that comcth out of the Wtldernefs like Pillars of Smoke, perfumed With Myrrht and Frankincenfe^ and all Pow- ders of the Mei chant? I. What Bride is this, in bright Array, With precious Bleiftngs ftor'd, That gives us folemn Charge to pay Such Homage to her Lord ? 2. Up from the Defart fee her move, And climb the azure Skies; As from the glowing Altars Stove The fmoaky Pillars rife. .3- Her Heart inftam'd with holy Fire Jn the devouteft Mode, Adventures boldly to afpire Unto the Throne of God. E 3 As * This here is in the Feminine Gender, q. d. Who isjhe that cometh up, &c, So A Paraphrafe on 4- As tow'ring Smoke in Air ferene, With ftately rifing Heads, Majeftic mounts above the Plain In lofty Pyramids: 5- See how her warm'd Affections tow'r And 9 with a heav'nly Air, Contempt on eanhlv Glory pour, As worth leis of her Care. 6. Perfum'd with Myrrhe and Incenfe fweet, She fmells like flow'ry Spring, With fa/ry Graces, Odours meet To entertain her King. 7- No precious Powders from afar, Of which the Merchant boafts, Like thefe her grateful Odours are, Brought from I?nman\eN Coafts. 8. So wond'rous are the Charms we fpy, So rich the 'broidcr'd Robe; Her dazzling Splendor blinds ourFye, And blazes o'er the Globe. The CHURCH's Words. Ver. 7. Beheld his Bed * which is Solomon's, I. O Friends, what mean you, with Surprife, On mortal me to gaze ? From borrow'd Beauty turn your Eyes To uncreated Rays. Behold * See Chap. i. i6. the Song of Solomon. S t 2. Behold the King magnificent Who me fo richly clad, Whom Solomon the f opulent Did typify and {hade. Come, fee his Equipage prepaid And Enfigns of Renown, His {lately Bed, his royal Guard, His Chariot and his Crown. 4; His Bed of State in Zion {lands, Within the royal Court: For there the Blefling Heav'n commands,, There is his lov'd Refort. There frill remains, as Prophets vouch, And holy Scriptures tell, The Heir of Heav'n's embroider'd Couch For hugging Heirs of Hell. 6. This is my Rej? 9 here will I flay * In facred Lines he faid : And, till he can his Word unfay, He'll never change his Bed. 7- 'Tis here with Pleasure unexprefr, Our mutual Loves combine,. On eafy Downs of holy Reft, And Fellowmip divine. 8. The Furniture and Coft immenfe About the Bed may clear E 5 An + Rich, 82 A Paraphraje en An infinitely greater Prince Than Solomon is here. — — Tljreefcore valiant Men are ab:ut it, of the valiant Men of Ifrael. V. 8. They all hold Swords, being expert in IV ar : Every Man hath his Sword upon his Thigh, becaufe of Fear in the Night. I. Behold the royal Guards to fence His Bed on ev'ry Side, To (hew the Splendor of the Prince, The Safety of the Bride. 2. A num'rous Hoft of nobler Knights Than Solomons Brigade Of fixty valiant Ifraclites Around his Iv'ry Bed. 3- For, lo, the refting Place to guard The Hofts of God combine, Thoufands of Angels all prepar'd, And Attributes divine. 4- The loweft Rank that rails the Bed Are Watchmen of the Night, Who ftand as Gentries in the Shade, Until the Morning- Light. 5- Of thefe the faithful to their Prince No naked Soldiers are, But arm'd compleat for bold Defence, As mighty Sons of War. 6. By long Experience fkilful grown They in the Field command, And the Song of Solomon. 8 3 And varrous for the heav'nly Crown They fight with Sword in Hand. 7- The Spirit's Sword each ready wears Clofe girded by his Side, The Word of God, to ftill the Fears Of Jefus' royal Bride. 8.' When nightly Dreads her Quiet mar, Their Swords filence the Fright, And from the holy Spot debar The Terrors of the Night, 9- ' Yea, Zion's King himfelf acclaims To be her Shield and Shade ; His Blood, his Word, his Oath, his Names Defend the royal Bed. 10. The Centry is Almighty Wings, For * Subfidy prepar'd : What fleeping Couch of earthly Kings Can boaft of fuch a Guard ? n. Amidfr. Night-fhades that Fear fuggeih Amidfr. f menacing Harms, They lie fecure whofe Bed of Ren Is ftrong hnmanueVs Arms. 12. Ye that my bright Array defcry, See, fee his guarded Bed ; Where I in Eafe and Safety lie, Beneath his Garment fbread. Ver. * Help or Aid, \ Threatnlng, 84 A Paraphrafe on Ver. 9. King Solomon made himfelf a Charl&t ofthelVoodofLzbuno:). Vtr. 10. He made the Pillars th reof of Silver, the Bottom thereof of Gold, the Coviring of it of Purple ; the Ali d ft thereof b ing paved with Lovj for the Daughters of Jerufalem. I. Ye that amsz'd at my Af ent, Stand gazing to the Sky, Come ice the Engine eminent, By which I mount fo high. 2. Lo, here, befide the retting Place And Bed to lay me foft, Are flying Chariot-Wheels of Grace To bear my Soul aloft. 3- Our Solomon ^ the Prince of Peace, The King of Ziott fam'd, For his Renown, and my Releafe, A {lately Chariot fram'd. 4- He who for Plea fur e made the Bed, For Peace who fet the Guard, For folemn Pomp and Cavalcade This glorious Engine rear'd. 5- He, congruous to his old Decree,. For mewing forth his Praife, A Cov'nant firm of Promife free Did like a Chariot raife. 6. None fram'd of LcVnorts fineft Wood By wifeft Engineers, Could the Song of Solomon. £5 Could equal this, fo gay, fo good, And firm to endlefs Years. 7- The Pillars thereof, for the Eafe And Support of the Weak, Are precious Silver Promifes, That will not bow nor break. 8. Its Bottom is a Ground-work fure > Of pure and folid Gold,. From bankrupt Begg'ry to fecure From falling thro' t' uphold. 9* Its Covering fafe from Sin to fhroud. And fure from Wrath to hide,. Is Purple Dye, the Scarlet Flood From Jefus* wounded Side. For Salerrfs Race [tho' fome pur-blind Its outilde Pomp but move] The Mtdft unfeen is pav'd and lin'd. With Velvet Seats of Love. He who, to fhew his Kindnefs frefhy For human Brats abroad, Came riding in a Carr of Flem, The high, the humble God* 12. Now for his Bride a Chariot fair Of Gofpel-Grace provides; In which he conquring ev'ry where, And fhe trinrrphing rides. Ver. 1 x . Go forth , O Daughters of Zion, and behold King Solpmon with tbt Grown where- with $6 A Paraphrafe on with his Mother crowned him in the Day of His Efpoufahy and in the Day of the Glad- nefs of his Heart. I. King y*fus' Royalties each one, O Zion's Daughters, fee; The Bed, the Guard, the Coach, the Crown Prefented to your Eye. 2. Behold my King, you'll flxange the lefs To fee my bright Array; 'Tis fit I now appear in Drefs, His Coronation-day. 3- Go forth in Heart, from earthly Toys, From felf, that airy Thing, From finful Pleafures, dying Joys, And fee the living King. 4- ; To him, who Mother Zion bore, The Crown does appertain : His Father to his Mother fwore, That Solomon fhouJd reign. Behold the King with Wonder deep, Whofe Glory cannot fode, fefus through Solomon the Type, The Subftance through the Shade. 6. Come fee, believe, admire, adore, Heav'n glad'ning Homage pay, To match his Mother's Crown he wore Upon his Nuprial-day. 7- The Day wherein he bleu: the Earth, And won his Bride apart : When the Song of Solomon. Sy When fhe him met with holy Mirth, And he rejoic'd in Heart. 8. The Saints, who do his Image bear. Proclaim the high Renown Of Zion's King, who deigns to wear Their Praifes as his Crown: 9- They acl the fond f maternal Part, In joint applauding Bands ; The heav'nly Babe form'd in their Heart Is crown'd with both their Hands, io. His wedding and his crowning Day, Their pompous Joys unite, To pourtray him, the lovely Way Where Grace and Grandeur meet. ii. Once bound unto the Altar's Horr.s, A Victim for our Dues, His Head was crown'd with cruel Thorns By's Mother-Church, the Jews. 12. But Pleasures now his Pains repay, And Pomp that fuits him well, "His Father's Crown with fov'reign Sway O'er Heav'n and Earth and Hell. f Motherly. CHAP. CHAP. IV. CHRIST'S Words. Ver. I. Bdho'd, thou art fair , My Love, he- boid thm artf thou hajl Doves Eyes within thy Locks: Thy hair is as a FiOck of Goats that appear front Mount GileacL i: MY Love, who flighting gaudy Fame, Doft meekly human Praife efehew, From Zeal to magnify my Name, And give my Royalties their Due : 2. Thy Name no Detriment fuftains By Travail in commending mine ; For, lo, I now return thv Pains, By crowning thee with Praife divine.. 3- My Truth that can't the falfe decoy Of flatt'ring Parafites approve, AfTerts, to animate thy Joy, Thou art my fair and fpotlefs Love. 4- Lo, thou art fair, lo, thou art fair, Twice over, fair thou art, I fay ; M 1 Righteou r ne r s and Graces are Thy double Robe and bright Array. Tho> the Song of Solomon. S9 5- Tho' thou a fpotted Leopard, A native Black, thyfelf doft (rile; Yet, as a Mark of my Regard, J'Jl count thee free of Spot or Guile* 6. When to a Dog, a Mite, a Gnat, Thou doft thyfelf abas'd, compare. And call thvfelf a hellifh Brat, Ev'n then I fee, and call thee fair* 7- Thy trembling Faith will fcarce'y own My Comelinefs that covers thee; Behold, behold, twice be it known* Thou art all fair in roe, in me. 8. I fee the Beauty of the Dove That decks thy Soul without Difguifej For there devout Affeclions move, Like Turtles coy, yet charming Eyes. 9- So modeft, humble, pure and chafte, So true and faithful to their Mate y On me alone they fix and reft, And all my bafe Corrivals hate. 10. Thy charming Eyes, veil'd with thy Locks, Shew Wifdom with Sobriety : And heavVy Beauties fineft Strokes, From naufeous Cflentation free. 11. Gay, like a comely Flock of Goats Browfing on GihacTs ftately Height, Is thine adorning Hair, that notes Thy fair Deportment finning bright. 90- A Pnraphrafe en No artful Curl c , no pamper'd Hair, The forry Pride of mortal Clay, Can parallel the heav'nly Air Of thy well-order'd Walk and Way. Ver. 2. Thy Teeth are like a Flock of Sheep that are even Jhorn, which cat,:e up from the wafting : Whereof every one bear Tzvins, and none is barren among them. T. The World, ftruck with thy Beauty, may Believe thy Entertainment good, Did they thy Grinders white furvey That daily champ the heav'nly Food. 2. Thy Teeth the Bread of Life that call, And eat io eager of nv/ Fkfh, Are A6ts of Faith in number full, And in their Nature fair and frefh. 3- Thy Priefts* the living Bread who break, As Nurfes for the Babes new-born ; When by an equal Law they aft, As ev'nly Teeth thy Face adorn. 4- None does his Fellow overgrow, Diftorted from his proper Place; But all, as equal Grinders, (how Due Pains in feeding Babes of Grace. 5- They hold a comely Parity, Nor orderlefs thy Peace moleft, As proud o'ertoping Teeth would be Affirming Prelates o'er the reft. Thine the Song of Solomon. 91 6. Thine acUve Zeal yet mild doth keep A fmooth and juft Equality ; Like ev'nly rounded Flocks of Sheep, New paft the acc'rate Shearer's Eye. 7- Thy Purity exceeds their Fleece Waftit newly in the Cryftal Flood ; Thy Fruits of Holinefs and Peace Outvy their fertile, num'rous Brood. ,8. There does not in the Flock appear One barren, f unprolific Womb: But all by Twins their Product bear, And lead their Offspring 1 bleating, heme. _ Ver. 3. Thy Lips are like a Thread of Scarlet, and thy Speech is cor-ely.: Thy Tempi s art like a Piece of a Pomgranate within thy Locks. r. I view'd thy beauteous moving Lips, Commending me to, Salem's. Race, And dropping pureft Nectar Sips, In fav'ry feeding Words of Grace. 2. Thence facred Pray'rs and Praife proceed, Thro' me fo grateful unto God \ Thy Lips are like a Scarlet Thread Dy'd with thy Lord's atoning Blood. . 3- Thefe balmy Lips with pleafing Voice Sweet founding in Devotion's Path, Salute f Unfruitful. 92 A Paraphyafe on Salute mine Ears with fecret Joys, And fpread arou^xi a fragrant Breath. Thy Speech, in Praife. to my Renown 5 In Pray*r % to fue the BLfs from me; In foci.. I IVords, to make me known ; Shews Grace With comely Gravity. 5- Hence 'Granate like, thy Temples fair, Tho' veiPd within t ; y Locks, appear; While ruddy Blu flies deck rhy Pray'r, When none but God can fee and hear* 6. From Men thou Yid'ft thy rofy Cheeks, Which Scarlet Shame for Sin doth flufla ; Yet, fpiie of Mafks, thy Mien detects The Beauty of thy holy Blufli. Ver. 4. Thy Neck is like the Tower of David, bulded for an Armoury, whereon there hang a thoujand Bucklers* all Shields of mighty Men. I. Befides thy Coral Lips and Cheeks, Thy lofty, tow'ring, Iv ry N^ck, Fram'd like a heav'nly Structure fpeaks The Wifdom of its Architect. 2. This Neck of precious Faith excels King David's fair and ftatelv Tow'r ; It holds the glorious Head, and dwells Erect upon the Rock of Pow'r. 3- As that was for an Arm'ry built Of warlike Weapons, fparkling bright, Where the Song #/ Solomon. 93 Where hung a thouf.nd Bucklers gilt, All Shields of Men of War and Plight: 4-. So this moil vig'rous Faith of thine More Strength by building on my Names, My Words and Attribute.^ divine, Than many thoufand Shield?, acclaims. 5- Defensive Arms, in ev'ry Cafe, Within thib Magazine abound ; With Weapons of victorious Grace, And brazen Bulwarks built around, 6. Thy Neck of Faith affimilares A Tow'r majeflic and upright : It ftands renown'd for valiant Feats, For bold Exploits and Ads of Might. Faith joining her almighty King, Can, fpite of Fears, fecurely dwell ; And in her Head triumphant, iing Defiance to the Gates of Hell. Ver. 5. Thy two Breajls are like two young Roes that are Twins % which feed among the Lilies f . I. Thy Breafls of Love refemble Roes Both youn^, delightful, Lovely Twins: In thee fuch equal Ardor glows, Both for thy God, and 'gainft thy Sins. 2. Thou op'neft frank a twofold Breaft, Two facred Tenements, and two Seals ; Which f See Chap, vii. 3, 94 d Paraphrafe on Which to thy Children yield a Feaft Of heav"n)y Milk for daily Meals. H Thine equal Breads delightful feed With congruous Mi'k of fweet Solace, Injuft Proportion to the Need Of all the little Babes of Grace. Among my Flocks the Lily -"fields, Where I with Pleafure feed and feaft. Thy wholefcme Converfation yields Sweet Nutriment with open Br e aft. Ver. 6. Until the Day break, and the Shadows flee away, I will get me up to the Mountain of Myrrhe, and to the Hill of Frankincenfe. I. I heard thy former wjrm Requeft, That I might hafte the Shades away, ; Or, during Night, abide thy Gueft, Until the Dawn of cndlefs Day. 2 - In mindful Bofom flill I bear Thy Pray'r, to which, no longer mute, As then I bent my lifr'ning Ear, So now I grant thy humble Suit. 3- In Zion Mount my Feet fhall ftay, And conftant there I'll lodge with thee, Until the Dawn of Glory's Day, That Shades of Sin and Sorrow flee. 4- There will I fmell the Savour fweet Of ev'ry a&ive Grace and Pray'r j For the Song 0/ Solomon. q* For Z/:« is my chofen Seat, And I'll refide for ever there. 5- Accepted On" rings all mature In this my holy Hill abound, Perfum'd with M-yrrhe and Incenfe pure, That fpread their pleafing Odours round. 6. No Spice 10 much delights the Smell As daily Incenfe fmoking there : Still therefore fhall my Spirit dwell, And lodge within the Houfe of Pray'r. This Mount of Incenfe, Hill of Myrrhe, My prefent Grace fhall ftill adorn : Nor thence will I decamp or (fir, Until the aloriousNipda-lmorn; 8. Till to my royal Courts above With Sound of Trump I call thee up ; To confummateour endlefs Love, And drink full Joy's immortal Cup. Ver. 7. Thou art ell fair, mj Love, there is no Spot in thee. I. My Love, thou feem'ft a lothfome Worm : Yet fuch my Beauties are on thee, I fpoke but half thy comely Form; For thou art wholly fair in me. 2. Whole juftify'd, in perfect Drefs j Nor Juftice flern, nor fiery Law, Can in thy Robe of Righteou fnefs Difcern the fmaUeft Spot or Flaw, Yea 9 6 A Paraphrafe on Yea, fanclifv'd in ev'ry Part, Thou to Perfection doff, incline: And I thee judge by what thou art, In thy D-fire and my Defign. Fair Love, by Grace compleat in me, Beyon i all mortal beauteous Hrides, No Spot nor Llcmifh fu'lies thee, But what my Purple Vefture hides. Ver. 8. Come + with me from Lebanon, my Spoufe with me from Lebanon : Look from the Top of Amana,/rfl»i the Top 4 A Paraphrafe on For fpecial Pleaiure, fpecial Ufe, All planted by my Father's Hand. Ver. 15. A Fountain of Gardens^ a Well ef living JVaterSy and Streams from Lebanon. 1. Thy pleafant Garden's blooming Plants Ali others far in Worth excel ; ForHeav'n, to thine indulgent grants The Waters of Salvation's Well. 2. This Fountain open, full and nigh, Makes Plants their vital Vigour yield ; Yea, neighb'ring Gardens does fupply, And water each adjacent Field. 3- Thy Graces frank their Juice convey, In Manner not as mallow Pails; But living Springs, that Night and Day Flow to refrefh the lowly Vales. Such is thy lib'ral flowing Mind, Nor are with (churlifh Penury) Thy Bleflings to thy Banks confin'd, But free and common as the Sea. My quick'ning Spirit, freely died, That Zion's Banks may overflow, The River is, whofe Streams do glad, And make the young Plantation grow. 6. The Well of Water running o'er Here flays, the Current to maintain - y And fprings up to eternal Glore, As Rivers haften to the Main. Not the Song of Solomon. to^ 7- Not for dan fwell'd from Lebanon So ftately rolls the noble Tide; As Chryftal Rivers from the Throne In State, thro' Zion's Valleys glide. 8. Thy Rills of Grace, Self- glory (hun, Return and own their Spring's in me; As Garden-ftreams from thence muft run, And pay their Tribute to the Sea. The CHURCH's Words. Ver. 16. Awake ^O North- wind, and come, thou South, bloiv upon my Garden, that the Spices thereof may flow out : Let my. Belovid come into his Garden, and eat his pleafant Fruits,. 1. In ample Praife, my King I hear Make worthlefs me his royal Theme ; But with a ftunn'd, aftonim'd Ear, I fink into the Duft for Shame. 2. What humbling Wonders he performs ! On Infects vile his Picture draws ; Then makes the defpicable Worms The Subject of his high Applaufe. 3- Lord, if I be the Garden fair, On thee, the Praife muft wholly land : For all the verdant Graces there Are Plants of thy almighty Hand. 4- The fpicy Fruits thou doft approve, And deign'ftfo largely to commend, F 5 Are io6 A Parapbrafe on Are Bloffoms of thy fruitful Love, And on thy Breathings all depend, 5. They quickly languid, fade and die ; They ceafe to bud, they ceafe to flow ; And faplefs, fcentlefs, fruitlefs lie, Unlefs thy quick'ning Spirit blow. 6. Awake, O heav'nly Wind, andcome, Excite the Spices of the Vale; Blow on this Garden of Perfume A roufing Breath, a quick'ning Gale. On Zicns Sons, O Sp'rit divine, Pour Gifts and Graces large abroad - y Her Patters, by Perfumes of thine, Be made a Savour fweet to God. 8. Sharp Gales from chilling North, command, To roufe. the dormant Seeds of Grace: Then warming South's ibft Wings expand, To make the Spices flow apace. 9- From ev'ry Point, O mighty Winds, Come, blow a frefh new Pentecofl: That blinded, atheifiic Minds May know there is a Holy Ghoft. 10. let my beft beloved come, And fpread the Garden-area broad With choiceft Fruits of rich Perfume. Moil fweet and grateful to my God. 11. My Garden's his in (all its Views) 1 h. Life, the Sap, the Branch, the Root; The the Song of Solomon, 107 The Product whole to him accrues, Who plants arid waters all the Fruit. 12. Come, elfe the Banquet cannot ftancf; Come, bring with thee thy pleafing Treat, The Fruits of thy laborious Hand, And Garden- toil with bloody Sweat, Or Jhorter^ thus 3 1. Am I the Garden Heaven can own, Where living Waters flow, As Chryftal Rivers from the Throne, To make the Planting grow ? 2. O heav'nly Wind, awake and come, Blow all the gracious Gales On this my Garden of Perfume, Elfe all its Savour fails. 3' O Divine Spirit, from above My with'ring Heart infpire, And raife, by various Forms of Love, As various Wants require. 4- Let Northern Breezes fill my Sails With fharp convincing Grace : Then, from the South, refrefhing Gales Refume their joyful Place. Make all the Spices flow abroad, All Graces active here To entertain my Lord and God, Faith, Love, and Joy appear. Let io8 A Parapbrafe en 6. Let my Belov'd, his Prefence fwect Now to his Garden grant, To tafte his pleafant Fruits, and eat What he himfelf did plant. XC3eOoOeC^OO€3oC^G0O0OeC>QOeOaOQC3aC3OC3aC CHAP. V. CHRIST'S Words. Ver. i. I am come In to my Garden, ?ny Sijler, my Spoufe-, I have gath.red my Myrrh with my Spice, I have eaten my Honey- comb with my Honey, I have (irnnk my Wine ivith my Milk: Eat, O Friends \ drink, yea drink abundantly, O Beloved. I. MY Love, in An fwer to thy Prayer, I'm here at thy Requeft; And readv both to give and fliare The Pleafure of the Feaft. 2. I'm come, my Spoufe and Sifter dear, I'm to my Garden come, To gather up my Spice r.nd Myrrh$ I'm pleas'd with this Perfum^. S u My Graces relim like a Feaft Of Honey, Milk and Wine 5 J make mvfelf a welcome Gueft, The Fruits are mine and thine- Eat the Song of Solomon. 109 4" Eat, drink, O Friends, whom I approve, I alfo welcome you ; Yea, drink Abundance of my Love, Full Freedom I allow. Your fainting Spirits here refreiTi With Plenty fpread abroad j The Grace and Love, the Blood and FJefh Of your incarnate God. 6. Not elect Angels ever mare Such ftrange and matchlefs Food y They feaft on their Creator's Care, Not your Redeemer's Blood. The CHURCH's Words. Ver. 2. / fleep^ but my Heart wakefh ; It is the Voice of my Beloved that knocketh, fay- ing, Open to me ', my Sifter, my Love> my Dove y ?ny unde filed : For my Head is wet with Dew, and my Locks with the Drops of the Night. J* The Heart of Jefus, kind I fee, But mine, ungrateful, fails j Two Natures are at Odds in me, And oft the worft prevails. 2. Both Jieeping Flejh I have, that refts In Sloth unto my Shame ; And waking Grace that &m protefh Againft the lazy Frame. Henes no A Paraphrafe c* 3- Hence tho' I fleep, I at my Heart Some inward Knocking hear ; 'Tis jfefus, Voice, his loving Dart Thus wounds my waking Ear. 4- " Come, open, my unfpotted Dove, " Thy Heart I bolted find ; 4< Awake my Sifter j rife, my Love, « Let in thy deareft Friend. " Wrath's midnight Show'rbedew'd my Locks, " Storms on my Head did blow : « Wilt thou unkindly flight my Knocks " Who fuffcr'd for thee fo ? 6. Away my Spirit fwoon'd. 3- With great Perplexity I fought, But him I could not find - y I call'd, but, ah, no Anfwer got, To eafe my reftlefs Mind. So the Song of Solomon. iy 4- So much my forme, Slothfulnefs To prefent Damage turn'd ; In Grief J doubled mine Addrefs, Yet ftill his Abfence mourn'd* Ver. 7. The Watch?nen that went about the City found me y they f mote me, they wounded me; the Keepers of the Wall took away my Veil jrom me* I. When I, in private Means, with Care Had fought, but fought in vain ; I try'd his public Courts, but there, Redoubled was my Pain. 2. Kind Paftors formerly condol'd My Cafe with Sympathy 5 But now I met with fuch as rul'd With Force and Cruelty +. 3- Untender Watchmen, on their Rounds In open Streets, me got, Afflicted me with many Wound's, And without Mercy fmote. 4- They hurt my Name, my Head, my Crown* And fore reproach'd my Zeal ; Wall-keepers rude, thus beat me down, And tore away my Veil. My fair Profefiion they defam'd, Nor did my Failings hide j f Ezek, xxxiv. 4, ii4 A Paraphrafe on A ftrolling Harlot I was nam'd, And not a loving Bride. Ver. 8. I charge you, O Daughters of Jerufa- Jem, if ye find my Beloved, that ye tell him that 1 am fick of Love. I. Salem's R ace, when Watchmen wound, Won't ye more Favour {hew ? What Pity can't with them be found, May I expect with you. 2. 1 want my Soul's beloved One, None dfe can give me Eafe : I'm fick of Love ; O is there none To tell him my Difeafe ? 3- His Abfence from my Soul is Death j O, if ye find his Grace, I charge you with my dying Breath, To reprefent my Cafe. The Companions Words. Ver. 9. What is thy Beloved more than another Be'oveL O thou fair eft among Women? What is thy Beloved more than another Beloved, that thou dojl fo charge us? I. Fair Lover, thou who doft to us Thy moaning Speech direcl, Whofe mining beauteous Carriage thus Commands our high Refpecl ; 2. The Object does thy Love engage, We judge by viewing thee Muft the Song of Solomon, 115 Muft furely be feme Perfonage Of very high Degree. 3- What's thy Belov d ? pray let us know, For whom thou art fo fad, And giv'ft fuch folemn Charge, as tha* He not an equal had. 4- Thou faired Beauty, can't thoii fee His Match when he removes ? Pray what alluring Charms has he Beyond all other Loves ? The CHURCH's Words. Ver. 10. My Beloved is white and ruddy , iht * Chief eji among .ten thoufands % I. If why I Jove my J e fits fo, The wond'ring World enquire, My Grounds are fuch as, did they know, Their Hearts would alfo fire. 2. O there is no Belov' d like mine ! He's white and ruddy both j All human Beauties, all divine His glorious Perfon clothe* 3- White in his Natures both defcry'd, From ev'ry B!emifh free ; And ruddy, in his Garments dy'd With Blood he fhed for me. 4- f Was he not red but only white,. The Lily, not the Rofe, H * Or Standard Bearer, f MafonV Paraphrafi* lib A Paraphrafe on He might fuffice the Angels Sight; But I am none of thofe. Was he not White but only Red, A SufFrer for his Sin, His Blood would reft upon his Head, Nor could I Joy therein. 6. But here's my Joy and Confidence Both mixt I fee by Faith, The Whitenefs of his Innocence, The Rednefs of his Death. 7- Since for my Sin he bore Difgrace, Who yet from Sin was free; That makes his white and ruddy Face A Beauty meet for me. 8. The Chief of Chiefs beyond compare, Immanuel, God-Man, Among ten thoufand Enfigns fair, Triumphant leads the Van. 9- To him the Heav'ns their Homage brings To him celeftial Throngs, Then thoufand Saints and Angels fing, With Rapture on their Tongues. 10- Created Wjfdom cannot fcan The Root of Jeje's Rod, Nor fpeak the Greatnefs of the Man, The Grandeur of the God. Ver. 1 1 . His Head is as the moji refined Gald y bis Locks arebujhy and black as a Raven. His the Song 0/ Solomon. 117 1. His Head which once was crown'd with Thorns, And where all Wifdom dwells, A Crown of Glory bright adorns, Which fineft Gole excels. 2. So firm, fo bright, fo eminent, And durable for ay, Is his extenfive Government, And univerfal Sway. 3- Black as a Rav'n's his curled Hair And bufhy Locks ; a Mark, That ftill his Age is frefh and fair, His Counfels deep and dark. 4" Beauties of youth and Age agree To deck his awful Sway ; Fair Youth without Inconftancy, Full Age without Decay. Ver. 12. His Eyes are' as the Eyes of Doves by the Rivers of Waters^ zuajhed with Milky and % fitly fet. I. His Dove-like Eyes moft bright appear Like thefe the Brooks have wet, Or milky Streams have moiftned clear, Like Diamonds fitly fet. 2. His fparkling Eyes with piercing Sight O'erfee the Shades of Death ; Infpecling Secrets of the Night, And fearching Hell beneath. He % Fitly placed, and fet as a precious Stone in the Foil of a Ring. 1 1 8 A Parapbrafe on 3- He with his fix'd and fteady Eyes Beholding diftant Parts, ■ Both Deeps of divine Counfel fpie?, And Deeps of human Hearts. 4' Behold both Loftinefs and Love In his omnifcient Eye ; The Eagle temper* d with the Dove, With Meeknefs, Majefty. Ver. 13. His Cheeks are as a Bed of Spices, as * fweet Flowers, his Lips like Lilies, drop- ping fwcet -f melting Myrrh . 1. His rofy Cheeks a Bed of Flow'rs Still tow'ring up Perfume ; Or Spices that with Summer-Show'rs Their fweeteft Scent refume. 2. Thefe very Cheeks he once refign'd To them that pluckt the Hair, Moft fweetly to th' enlightn'd Mind Refrefhing Virtue mare. 3- His Lips, refembling Lily-blooms, Drop fav'ry Words of Grace, Like Oil of Myrrh with fine Perfumes, To fuit a fainting Cafe. 4- The balmy Drops his Lips afford, Give Life to Sons of Death : The vital Savtur of his Word Reftores expiring Breath. er. * Towers of Perfumt. the Song of Solomon. i 19 Ver. 14. His Hands are as Gold Rings fet with the Beryl: His f Belly is as bright Ivory overlaid with Sapphires. I. His Hands are. fairer to behold, Tho' once nail'd to the Tree, Than Beryls fet in Rings of Gold ; So rich in Bounty's he. 2. His Operations mighty, vaft, No Mortal underftands ; For all the Works of God have pafl Thro' thefe his precious Hands, 3- No Iv'ry fine fo bright is found, With Sapphires overlaid ; As Bowels of Companion round Do gild his pierced Side. 4- The Love about his Heart that twines Still firm, without Decay, In Inftances unnumber'd {nines With fparkling bright Array. Ver. 15. His Legs are as Pillars of Marble^ fet upsn Sockets of fine Gold. His Coimtt- nance is as Lebanon, excellent as the Cedars. 1. His Legs like Marble Pillars fland On golden Sockets fine -, So firm's the Throne of his Command, So ev'n his Paths divine. His -f Or Bowels , the fame Word- at in Ver, 4. 12O A Paraphrafe on 2. His {lately Steps, his fteady Way, His flable Kingdom proves He's folid Gold, not mould'ring Clay Like fading mortal Loves. 3- His Countenance more lofty is Than Lebanon by far, More excellent than all its Trees More excellent than all its Trees . 4* So high, fo eminent is he, That in his Perfon fhine, The Glories of the Deity, With Majefty Divine. Ver. 1 6. His Mouth it tnoji fweet : Yea, f he is altogether lovely, I. Lo, his blefl: Mouth, that once did tafte The bitter Gall for me. With Charms divinely fweet is grac'd, Unto the laft Degree. 2. Grace pour'd into his Lips alway Does hence fo fweetly run ; They (hare the Father's Grace for ay Who do but kifs his Son. His Mouth a triple Heav'n imports, A Word, a Smile, a Kifs ; And triple Doom to dafh their Sports Whofe Lips profane the Blifs. How t He is all Defires* fhe Song of Solomon. 121 4- How hard, tho* fweet, this limning Tafk ! I faint, I muff, fuccumb ; He is (if what he is, you afk) All over Loves, in Sum, 5- How weak my Tongue his Glory fings. Which drowns feraphic Art j He is all defirable Things, And charms in ev'iy Fart. 6. Adoring Heav'ns his Name confefs The Infinite unknown, And in created "human Drefs The uncreated ONE* Their Tongues that do his Glory fpeak, In loud and lofty Lays, For higher Notes are ftill to feek, And never reach his Praife. 8. I wrong his Name with Words fo faint, Nor half his Worth declare : Can finite Pencils ever paint The infinitely Fair? * This is my Beloved, this is my Friend, O Daughters of Jerusalem. My Union to his Perfon dear, Bears fuch fubftantial Blifs ; A1J mortal Loves and Friendfhips here, Are but the Shade of this. G What- 122 A Paraphrafe on 2. Whatever fweet Relations be 'Mong Creatures great or fmall, There's infinite Difparity Eetween him and them all. . 3- Yet how much in himfelf he is, So much he is to me : For he is mine, and I am his, And evermore mail be. 4; The more I hold his Glory forth, Or would his Name unfold; The more incomparable Worth I {lill in him behold. Now this, O Sa'em's Progeny, This is my Love, my Friend ; Search Heav'n and Earth, but fure am I, His Match you'll never find. 6. Your Queftion far exceeds my Reach, What's thy Belov'd ? faid ye: His Praife defeats my fault'ring Speech; But (pray you) Come and fee. CHAP. the Song of Solomon. 125 C. H A P. VI. Tlje Companions Words. Ver. I. TVcliher is thy Beloved gone, O thou fair eft among Women? whither is thy Be- love), gone afi.le f that we may feek him wiib thee. i. SUCH glorious Things are told by thee About thy matchlefs Mate : His Seekers too we fain would be, And fnare thy happy State. 2. Thy holy Walk and Talk is fuch, Thy Countenance fo fair, We think whom thou commend'!! fo much a Muft be beyond Compare. 3- O where is thy Beloved gone ; Thou faireft of thy Kind, So happy in that glorious One On whom thou fet'ft thy Mind. 4- Where is he gone ? Pray let us know What Place frequents he moft ? That we in Quell: of frm may go, Nor find our Travel loft. G 2 The 124* A Paraphrase on The CHURCH'S Words. Ver. 2. My Beloved is gone down into bis Gar- den, to the Beds of Spices, to feed in the Gar- dens, and to gather Lilies, I. Lo, my Belov'd, tho* he enthron'd In Glory keeps his Place, Yet here below is to be found In Gardens of his Grace. 2. He plants, he waters ev'ry Tree, His Blefling makes them fpring ; Then gladly comes he down to fee What rich Increafe they bring. 3- He walks among the fpicy Beds, Where Aromatics flow ? And in his young Plantation feeds, Where Fruits delicious grow. He gathers there his chofen Crop Of Lilies, without Toil ; And, when full ripe, he picks them up, To deck his fairer Soil. Th' Aflemblies of his growing Saints Are ftill his chief repair: Whoe'er his gracious Prefence wants, May feek with Siiccefs there. Ver. 3. * I am my Beloved's, and my Beloved is mine. He fetdeth among the Lilies. Tho» * See Chap. ii. 16. this more largely explained^ the Song of Solomon-. ng i. Tho' now my Lord from me abfcond, Yet judge him not unkind: In's Temple oft 1 have him found, And hope again to find. 2. And tho' from me to Senfe he hides, My Faith holds fait his Name: Mine Int'reft in him firm abides, I will not quit my Claim, 3- He has my warmeft Love ingrofT, And I pofTefs his Heart ; His Love and mine unite, I boaft Nor Death nor Hell can part. 4- The Bond of Love fo firm abides, Ev'n in the darkeft Day, That tho' behind the Shade he hides, He's never far away. Tho' he his nobleft Table fpreads Among his Flow'rs above; Yet here amidft his Lily- Beds He keeps his Feafts of Love. 6. The Ordinances of his Grace, Are Fields of his Repair; There I have feen his glorious Face, And you may fee him there. CHRIST'S Words. Ver. 4. Thou art beautiful^ O my Love, as Tir- zah, comely as Jerufalem, terrible as an Army with Banners* G 3 How 126 A Paraphrafe 6n i. How comely is the Bride I fee, Who thus mine Abfence wail'd, And kindly thought and fpoke of me, Ev'n when my Face was veil'd- 2. Thy Zeal for me when I withdrew I highly muft approve; And now return to thee, to mew My great Refpecl: and Love. 3- I did forgive, and have forgot All thine Infirmities : Thy holy Soul, from Sin remote, Is beauteous in mine Eyes. 4- More fair thou art, my lovely Prey, More comely in my Sight, Than ever Tirzah once fo gay, Or Salem once fo bright. 5- Thine AfpecYs awful Majefty Does ftrike thy Foes with Fear ; As Armies do, when Banners fly, And martial Flags appear. 6. How does thine Armour glitt'ring bright Their frighted Spirits quell? The Weapons of thy warlike Might Defy the Gates of Hell. Ver. 5. Turn away thine Eyes from me, for they have overcome ?ne * : • Small * Sec more on this Suhjecl^ Chap, 111. 4. and iv. 9. the Song of Solomon. 127 1. Small Wonder that thy Foes muft bow When Faith does keep the Field ; For, lo, I am thy Captive too, And kindly forc'd to yield. 2. Thy charming Eyes of Faith and Lov«, That make myfelf their Prize, Have overcome me; pray remove And turn away thine. Eyes. 3; They pow'rfully my Heart detain, My kindly Pailions fill ; Yet no unwilling VicTry gain, But win me to thy Will. 4- Thy daring, gallant Arms of Grace, Have o'er me fuch a Sway ; I'm conquer'd with their kind Embrace, And cannot fay thee nay. 5- Thy piercing Eyes, that ravifh me, Command me as they lift : My Spirit's aiding Force in thee, Is Pow'r I can't refill. 6, Ceafe, wreftling Jacob, let me go. My Love, let me alone : If not, except I blefs thee ; Lo ! My Biefting thou haft won. * t Thy Hair is as a Flock of Goats that G 4 appear f See tbefe Words more largely explained. Chap. iv. I, 2, 3. I2S A Paraphrafe on &ppea% \J. xom Gilead. Ver. 6. Thy Teeth art as a Flock of Sheep, which go up from the PPaJhtng, whereof every one heareth Twins, ami there is not cne barren among them. Ver. 7. Js a Piece of a Pomegranate are thy Temples within thy Locks, I. Thy flothful Carriage toward me At our lad: Interview, Tho' I obferv'd with Jealoufy, And thereupon withdrew ; 2. Yet never judge thy Change of Frame My Heart from me could move; For ftill (like folid Rocks) the fame Is my unfhaken Love. 3- Thy Praife I founded in thine Ears Ere thou waft fo unkind ; And now indulge no faithlefs Fears, As if I chang'd my Mind* For, to evince the Love I bore Does ftill the fame remain, I now commend thee as before, And in the former Strain. Gay, like a comely Flock of Goats On Gilead's ftately Height, Is thine adorning Hair, that notes Thy Converfation bright. 6. No broider'd ornamental Hair, That trims up mortal Clay, Can parallel the heavenly Air Of thy well-order'd Way. Thy the Song of Solomon. i 29 7- Thy Teeth the Bread of Life that eat, And feed upon my Flem, Are Ads of Faith in Number great, In Nature fair and frefh. 8. Thine active Zeal, yet mild, does keep A juft Equality, Like ev'nly rounded Flocks of Sheep New paft the Shearer's Eye. 9- Thy Purity exceeds their Fleece Wafht in the Cryftal Flood -> Thy Fruits of Holinefs and Peace Outvy their num'rous Brood. jo. There does not in the Flock appear One barren, fruitlefs Womb-: But all by Twins their Offsprings bear, And bring them bleating home. 11. Like 'Granates halv'd thy Temples fair Within thy Locks appear, While ruddy Blufhes deck thy Pray'r When none but God doth hear; 12. Thou modeft hld'ft thy rofy Cheeks, When Sins with Shame 'em flufh: Yet thro* the Mafk, the Mien detects Thy beauteous holy Blufh. Ver. 8. There are three/core Queens and Four~ /core Concubines, and Virgins without Number '. Ver. q. My Dove, my Undefikd is hut one ; G$ fr 130 A Parapbrafe on fie is the only One of her Mother, fije is the choice One of her that bare her ; The Daugh- ters [aw her, and blejfel her ; yea the Queens and the Concubines, and they praifed her. I. Thy Song gave me the chiefeft Name Among Ten thoufand Heirs, And thee the faireft I proclaim Among Ten thoufand Fairs. 2. Queens, Concubines and Virgins are Unnumber'd, whom they call Bright dazzling Beauties, charming fair; But thou txceirft them all. 3- Mofl holy Souls (of high Defcent) Are Beauties moft renown'd : The righteous is more excellent Than all his Neighbours round. 4- My fpotlefs Dove as one I view, Yea, all in one to me ; Her Mother-Church's Darling too, And choiceft Progeny. 5- The Daughters, her profeffing Friends, Beheld her Beauty great ; And ftraight admir'd her in their Minds, And blcfl her in the Gate. 6. Yea, Queens and Damfels more renown'd Did all to her give Place, And with extolling Praifes crown'd Her comely fining Grace, Vei# the Song of Solomon. 13 j Ver. 10. Who is foe that koketh forth as the Morning, fair as the Moon, clear as tie Sun, and terrible as an Army with Banners? I. " Who's this (Lid they) fo brightly fp rings " Like to the Morning Ray, Yet went not far away,. Retiring but a little Space, My Orchard to furvey. 2. I went but down to fee anew My Garden of fweet Nuts, Within the fhady Grove, and view The pleafant Valley- fruits: 3- To notice round my Jabour'd Plain, If all was very good ; If tender Vines produe'd their Grain, And Pomegranates their Bud :. 4- If all the water'd flow'ry Plains Along the verdant Field, Did Fruits, proportion^ to my Pains* Ev'n in my Ab fence yield.. 5- Into my Heart what Chearfulnefs And Pleafure did it bring, To fee the early Buds of Grace And Bloffoms of the Spring ? 6. I ravifh'd faw my beauteous Bridie, Lament my Abfence fore; Nor could myfelf in Thickets hide, From her, a Moment more. Ver. 12. Or ever I was aware , my Soul * made me like the Chariots of Ammi-nadib. Such * Or fet me on the Chariots of my princely willing People, the Song of Solomon. i^ i. Such had my Bride's inviting Frame Ev'n in my Abfence been ; Nolonger could I hide the Flame Of my Afie&ions keen. 2. Ravifh'd, ere (in Effeft) I knew, My Bowels did me move j Into her praying Arms I flew On fpeedy Wings of Love. 3- Sweet rapt'rous Pafllon rofe in rae, But in a matchlefs Mode, As far as Rapture can agree, OrPaflion to a God. My fond Affections vehement In Ways of Grace divine,. All towards her intenfely bent, Purfu'd their Love-defign. My willing People I provide Bright Graces, princely Charms * And in thefe fiery Chariots ride With Speed into their Arms. * 6 - Oil^l Wheels of Faith and warm Defire, That make myfelf their Chace, Fetch from mine Altar ftill more Fire Of fweet furprifing Grace. .7- No Chariot of Ammi-nadib^ However fwift or bright, The heav'nly Rapture can defcribe Of Love's delicious Flight. So 134 ^ Paraphrafe on 8. So rapid oft, tho* never rafh, The Motions of my Grace, 'Tween Heav'n and Earth, are like a Flafh Of Lightning in a Trice. Ver. 13. Return, return, Shulamite, return, return^ that we may look upon thee : JVhut will ye fee in the Shulamite? as it were the Company of two Armies. I. Love, in my Abfence fhort, waft thou With Sin and Grief oppreft ? O blame thy faithlefs Heart, and now Return unto thy Reft. 2- With Confidence and without Fear Thy heav'nly Husband face, Who wills thee boldly to appear Before his Throne of Grace. 3; The Heav'ns unite their Voice with mine Thy Heart-return to move : Allow thyfelf no more ro whine, Sufpicious of my Love. 4- Return, % drooping Shulamite, In Hafle return; for we Heav'n's TRiNI FY and Hofts unite With Joy to welcome thee. We want to fee thee, at his Call Whofe Peace thy Name adorns; He with his Saints and Angels all Will joy at thy Returns. What the Song of Solomon, 135 6. What in the feeble Shulamite, What's to be feen? (you'll fay) Is ftruggling Grace a goodly Sight, When Sin regains the Day I 7- Nay, lo my Bride (tho* apt fhe be Her/elf to under-rate) I, on the Field of Battle, fee In warlike Pomp and State. 8. Behold, two Armies in her Camp, The doubled Hofts of God ; Her Lovers charm, her Haters damp, Her happy Triumph bode. CHAP. VII. CHRIST'S Words. Ver. I, How leautiful are thy Feet with Shoes, O Prince's Daughter ! The Joints of thy Thighs are like Jewels^ the Work of the Hand of a cunning Workman, I. FA I R Bride, I'll further yet extol Thy Charrns fo lovely in my Sight; For I my new Creation whole '■ v they the Conqueft fhare ! Who win him to his facred Courts, And then have Pow'r to hold him there* " 6. Such is the Glory of his Grace, He boafts of being overcome j And * Or bound, 3 142 A Paraphrafe on And feafts the Vi&or with Solace, Who wreflling fought but for a Crumb. Ver. 6. + How fair and how ■plenfant art thou, Love, for Delights ! i. Love, no Words can fpecify Thy various Form of Lovelinefs ; Delights of diverfe Kinds in thee 1 value more than I exprefs. 2. No equal for Delights had: thou, No Match for Beauty here below: I call thee fair and pleafant too, Becaufe in Love I made thee fo. 3- My Love, thy outward Drefs how fair ! Thy inner Frame how fweet to me ! My Righteoufnefs and Graces are The Royal Robes I made for thee. 4- All my laborious Life throughout Was fpent the Marriage fuit to fpin, That makes my Bride all fair without, And hence all glorious too within. Ver. 7. This thy Stature is like to a Palm-tree, and thy Breajh to Clufiers of Grapes. 1. The fweet Proportion I obferve Of Grace r frem and fair in thee; None from their proper Station fwerve, But a£t in lovely Harmony. Thy f Or bow art thou made fair* the Song of So lo mon. 143 2. Thy Stature, like the Palm-tree firm, Is Irately, ftraight, robuft and tall : No Burden can the Flou rim harm, No Age the Ming Growth enthral. 3- Thy Breafts of Love to me and mine. Square to the glorious Gofpel-plan, Are like the Clutters full of Wine, That chears the Heart of God and Man. Ver. 8. I fa id, I will go up to the Palm-tree, I will take hold of the Boughs thereof: Now alfo thy Breafts jhall he as Clufters of the Fine y and the Smell of thy Nofe like Apples 5 I.