A BRIEF EXPOSITIONquintapress.macmate.me/PDF_Books/John_Cotton/Canticles...Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth, for thy love is better than wine. I t was the manner of ancient

A BRIEF EXPOSITIONwith practical observations upon the

THE SONG OF SOLOMONby

John cotton

(1642)

Quinta Press Weston Rhyn

2017

Quinta PressMeadow View, Weston Rhyn, Oswestry, Shropshire, England, sy10 7rnVisit our web-site: www.quintapress.com

Layout copyright © 2017

1

A BRIEF

EXPOSITIONOf the whole book of

CANTICLES;OR,

SONG OF SOLOMON.Lively describing the Estate of the Church

in all the Ages thereof, both Jewish and Christian, to this day:

And Modestly pointing at the Glorious- ness of the restored Estate of the Church of the

Jewes, and the happy accesse of the Gentiles, in the approaching daies of Reformation, when the

Wall of Partition shall be taken away.

A Work very usefull and seasonable to every Chri- stian; but especially such as endeavour and thirst

after the setling of Church and State, according to the Rule and Patter of the Word of God.

Written by that Learned and Godly Divine John Cotton, Batchelor of Divinity; and now Pastor of the

Congregation at Boston, in New-England.

LONDONPrinted for Philip Nevil, at the signe of

the Gun in Ivie-Lane, 1642.

1

THE

CANTICLES, OR

SONG OF SONGSopened and explained.

The Text. Chap. 1.

THe Song of Songs, which is Solo- mon’s.2 Let him ki s s me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.3 Because of the savour of thy good oint-

ment s , thy Name i s a s o intment poured forth, therefore do the Virgins love thee.

4 Draw me, we will run after thee: the King hath brought me into his chambers: we

2 john cotton

wil l be glad and rejoice in thee, we wil l remember thy love more than wine, the upright love thee.

5 I am black, but comely, (O ye daughters of Jerusalem) as the Tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.

6 Look not upon me because I am black, because the Sun ha th looked upon me: my Mother’s children were angry with me, they made me the keeper of the Vineyards, but mine own Vineyard have I not kept.

7 Te l l m e , ( O t h o u w h o m my s o u l loveth) where thou feedest, where thou make s t thy f lock to re s t a t noon: fo r why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?

8 If thou know not (O thou fairest among women) go thy way for th by the footsteps of the f lock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds’ tents.

9 I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh’s chariots.

10 Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold.

11 We wil l make thee border s of gold with studs of silver.

12 While the King s i t teth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.

13 A bundle of myr rh is my welbeloved unto me, he shall l ie all night betwixt my breasts.

the song of solomon (1642) 3

14 My beloved is unto me, as a cluster of Camphire in the Vineyards of En-gedi.

15 Behold, thou art fair, my love: behold, thou art fair, thou hast doves’ eyes.

16 Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant: also our bed is green.

17 The beams of our house are Cedar, and our rafters of fir.

the explanation.Cant. 1. ver se 1. The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s.Verse 2. Let him kiss me with the kisses o f h i s m o u t h , f o r t h y l o v e i s b e t t e r t h a n wine.

It was the manner o f anc ient t imes , a t E spou s a l s and Nupt i a l s t o ind i t e and s i n g * 1 ( E p i t h a l a m i a ) l ove - s o n g s : aT h e t i t l e o f wh i ch P s a lm 2 may s e em t o b e penned by one of the chief singer s of the Te m p l e , ( w h o n ow we r e a l l o f t h e m P ro p h e t s ; * 3 A s a p h , H e m a n , J e d u t h u n , ) u pon o c c a s i on o f So l omon ’s ma r r i a g e w i t h P h a r a o h ’s D a u g h t e r ; f o r t h o u g h s h e wa s a s t r a n g e r by b i r t h f ro m t h e commonwea l t h o f I s r a e l , ye t h i s ma r -

1 Ruth 4:11,12.2 Psalm 45.3 1 Chronicles 25:1–5,

4 john cotton

r i age wa s l aw fu l w i th he r : And the re - fore, notwi ths tanding th i s mar r iage, h i s l ove t o God i s s t i l l c ommended , bSo - l omon made a f f in i ty wi th Pharaoh, King o f Egyp t , 4 and bSo lomon l oved the Lo rd , &c. 5 For indeed herein Solomon was,

F i r s t , A type o f Chr i s t , admi t t ing the Gent i le s into the fe l lowship of h i s mar- r iage-bed.

Second ly, th i s Pha r aoh ’s daugh te r be- came a prose lyte to the Jewish re l ig ion, d Hearken, (O daugh t e r ) and c ons id e r, and i n c l i n e t h i n e e a r ; f o r g e t a l s o t h i n e o w n people, and thy father’s house. &c.6

Now t hough t h a t ma r r i a g e s ong wa s penned upon that occas ion, yet i t ascen- d e t h f a r a b ove a l l e a r t h l y r e s p e c t s o f wor ld l y mar r i age, and by a d iv ine and heavenly workmanship se t s for th a hea- ve n l y m a r r i a g e - s o n g b e t we e n C h r i s t and h i s Church : o f l i ke Argument wa s t h i s s ong penned by So lomon h imse l f ; not to express his af fections to Pharaoh’s d augh te r, o r he r s t o h im, o r the good par t s of e i ther of them: no, nor the l ike respects to any Shunammite amongst the re s t o f h i s w ive s , a s s ome h ave va i n l y c o n c e i ve d , f o r t h e n h ow a b s u r d a n d

4 1 Kings 3:1. 5 Verse 36 Psalm 45:10–14,


mon s t rou s we re s ome o f h i s compa r i - sons—likening his spouse to A company of Ho r s e s i n Pha raoh ’s Cha r i o t ; h e r Head t o Ca r me l ; h e r Eye s t o F i sh poo l s ; h e r No s e to a Tower; her Teeth to a f lock of sheep; her wh o l e S e l f t o a t e r r i b l e A r my w i t h B an - n e r s ? Bu t h i s s c ope i s t o d e s c r i b e t h e estate of the Church towards Chr ist , and h i s re s p e c t t owa rd s h e r, f rom h i s own t ime to the l a s t judgment , a s a f t e rward it shall appear.

N ow, t h ro u g h t h i s w h o l e m a r r i a g e - song this Decorum it keepeth, that though the Calamit ies of the Church be as wel l de s c r ibed th roughout th i s song , a s the comfor table condit ion of the same in a l l ages , yet such di smal pas sages are vei led and shadowed under some sweet and a- m i ab l e re s embl ance s , l e s t t h e j oy o f a mar r iage feast should be darkened by un- seasonable mention of so sad occur rences; nei ther are a l l the pas sages of the es ta te of the Church in ever y age here descr i- bed ( fo r how can tha t be in so shor t a song? ) , but the ch ie f heads o f th ings in eve r y age a re swee t l y, and shor t l y, and l i ve l y, no t on l y po i n t e d a t , bu t d e c i - phered. These verses contain

6 john cotton

F i r s t , T h e t i t l e o f t h e w h o l e b o o k , verse 1.

Secondly, The descr ipt ion of the es tate of the Church in the days , F i r s t , o f So- lomon, verse 2–4.

S e cond l y, O f So l omon and Rehobo - am, verse 5.

Thirdly, Of Rehoboam, verse 6–9.In the title we have,First, The form of the book: it is A Song.Secondly, The excel lency of i t : A Song

of Songs.Thirdly, The Author of i t , Which i s So-

lomon’s.The s o n g o f s o n g s, & c . I n Co l l o s . 3 : 16

there is mention made,First, of Psalms.Secondly, Hymns.Thirdly, spir itual Songs.A m o n g s t t h e H e b r e w s t h e r e w e r e

P s a l m s m a d e t o b e s u n g w i t h I n s t r u - ment s , a s we l l a s w i th vo i ce, and con- ta ined Arguments of a l l sor t s for pet i t i - on, thanksgiving, and instruction.

Songs were chiefly made for the voice.H y m n s a r e p ro p e r l y p r a i s e s o f G o d ,

though any o f the se a re somet imes pu t for all.


Use 1. First, This doth let us see that it were t o be w i shed th a t t h i s book were tu r - n e d i n t o ve r s e o r m e t r e i n e a c h l a n - g u a g e , t h a t we m i g h t s i n g t h e C a n - ticles as the Hebrews did.

Use 2. Secondly, This teaches us to str ive for such a g rac ious f rame of sp i r i t , tha t we m i g h t a l w a y s b e f i t t e d t o s i n g t o God.

Th i s Song con t a i n s t h e e s t a t e o f t h e C h u rc h , a s we l l i n t h e wo r s t a s b e s t t imes , ye t So lomon can a s we l l s ing in the miser y of the Church as in her pro- sper ity; and* David, hath as well Psalms7 o f h i s d e e p w a t e r s a n d c a l a m i t i e s , a s o f h i s g rea t e s t de l ive r ance s : and the Holy Ghost sa i th, e Rejo i c e in the Lord a l - ways . 8 And though s ing ing be chief ly f i t and requ i s i t e in fm i r th , 9 ye t we shou ld be f i t a l so for a psa lm in our a f f l i c t ion. Bu t we common ly in ou r i l l hour s a re t o o s u l l e n t o s i n g , a n d i n o u r m e r r y mood s ou r s p i r i t s van i s h away i n c a r - n a l m i r t h a nd j o l l i t y ; bu t wha t s o eve r the e s t a te o f the Church be, we should h ave ou r s p i r i t s a s re ady t o s i ng a s t o pray.

Use 3. Thirdly, I s reproved that ancient

7 Psalm 69:2.8 Philippians 4:4.9 James 5:13.

8 john cotton

l a w a n d c u s t o m o f t h e s y n a g o g u e , w h i c h p ro h i b i t e d yo u n g m e n ( u n d e r t h i r t y ye a r s o f a g e , t h e r e a d i n g a n d u s e o f t h i s b o o k ; bu t w h a t a g e f i t t e r f o r s o n g s t h a n c h e e r f u l yo u t h ? A n d f u r t h e r , t h e a m o ro u s n e s s o f t h e d i t t y w i l l n o t s t i r u p w a n t o n n e s s i n a n y a g e i f t h e wo rd s b e we l l u n d e r s t o o d ; bu t r a the r, by in f l aming wi th heaven ly l ove , w i l l d r aw o u t , a n d bu r n u p a l l ear th ly and car na l lu s t ; and even a s f i re i n t h e h a n d i s d r aw n o u t by h o l d i n g i t to a s t ronger f i re, or a s the l ight and h e a t o f t h e s u n e x t i n g u i s h e t h a k i t - c h e n f i r e , s o d o t h h e ave n l y l ove t o Christ extinguish base kitchen lusts.

A Song of Songs : 10 That is , a most excel- l e n t s o n g , t h e c h i e f e s t o f S o n g s ; a s w h e n t h e y w o u l d e x p r e s s t h e h o l y p l a c e , t h ey s ay, T h e h o l y o f h o l i e s t , * T h e L o r d o f l o r d s, t h e K i n g o f k i n g s, t h e S e r van t o f s e r van t s , 11 an Hebrew supe r l a t ive ; s o t h i s i s t he ch i e f e s t Song , f i r s t o f a l l So lomon’s o ther songs , even of his thousand and five.12

S e c o n d l y, o f a l l S o n g s w i t h o u t e x - ception; for though David was in his time gthe sweet s inger of I s rae l , 13 yet as Solo-

10 Verse 1.11 Exodus 36:33.12 1 Kings 4:32.13 2 Samuel 23:1.


mon’s th rone exceeded h i s in a l l o the r magn i f i c ence, s o d i d h i s n ame exceed h i s a l so. 14 Ye t th i s i s no d i spa r agement t o t h e o t h e r S o n g s ; s o n e i t h e r t h a t s o m e o f D a v i d ’s P s a l m s s h o u l d b e s t y l e d * g o l d e n P s a l m s : 15 iA l l p u r i f i e d g o l d ; 16 ye t s o m e g o l d w ro u g h t m o r e exqu i s i t e l y t h an o the r s , a nd f i n e r en - g r aven than o the r s ; even some por t ion o f t h e p u r e a n d h o l y wo r d o f G o d more exqu i s i t e l y p enned and po l i s h ed than other.

Reason 1. The first reason why this Song is more exce l l en t th an o the r s , i s becau se t h i s s o n g s p e a k e t h n o t o n l y o f t h e ch i e f e s t ma t t e r, t o w i t , Chr i s t and h i s Church, but a l so more l a rge ly than any o f Dav id ’s P sa lms , and wi th more s to re o f more swee t and p re c iou s , exqu i s i t e a nd am i ab l e re s embl ance s , t a ken f rom the r i che s t Jewe l s , the swee te s t Sp ice s , G a rd en s , O rch a rd s , V i n eya rd s , Win e - cellar s, and the chiefest beauties of all the works of God and Man.

Reason 2. Secondly, this song admitteth more var iety of inter pretat ion than any other, a n d a l s o o f s i n g u l a r u s e . S o m e h ave a p p l i e d i t t o e x p r e s s t h e m u t u a l a f -

14 1 Kings 1:4715 Psalm 16:52, 56–58.16 Psalm 12:6

10 john cotton

fec t i on and f e l l owsh ip be tween Chr i s t a n d e ve r y C h r i s t i a n s o u l ; s o m e b e - tween Chr i s t and the Catho l ic Church; s o m e t o p a r t i c u l a r C h u r c h e s , f r o m So l omon ’s t ime t o t h e l a s t j u d gmen t : A n d t h e r e i s a h o l y a n d u s e f u l t r u t h in each one of these inter pretat ions; but t h e l a s t do th exceed ing l y magn i f y t h e wo n d e r f u l e x c e l l e n c y o f t h i s S o n g , mak i ng i t a d iv i n e a b r i d gmen t o f t h e A c t s a n d M o nu m e n t s o f t h e C h u rc h . A n d t h a t t h i s b o o k wa s c h i e f l y p e n - n e d t o b e s u c h a h i s t o r i c a l p r o - phe cy o r p rophe t i c a l h i s t o r y may a p - pear,

F i r s t , b y t h e C o r r e s p o n d e n c y o r su i t ab l ene s s o f the word s o f th i s Song , to the events of each age.

S e c o n d l y, by t h e R e p e t i t i o n o f t h e same descr ipt ion, and other occur rences in diver s par ts of this Song; which would be a need l e s s t au to logy i f i t were spo- ke n o f t h e s a m e p e r s o n s i n t h e s a m e t i m e , a s yo u m ay s e e i f yo u c o m p a re Chap . 4 :2 , wi th 6 :6 ; and 2 :7, wi th 3 :5 ; and 8:3–4, 6, with 8:5.

Reason 3. Thirdly, By the diversities of de- s c r i p t i o n s o f s o m e p e r s o n s , w h i c h


wo u l d i n t i m a t e a n d i m p l y a c o n t r a - d i c t ion i f they were no t spoken o f s e - veral times and several persons.17

Reason 4. Fourthly, by the sudden admiration of some new persons and occurrences.18

Use 1. Fir st , We may here see the eldest s o n o f w i s d o m g i v e t h t h e d o u b l e po r t i on o f e x c e l l e n cy t o t h i s Song a - b ove a l l o t h e r s ; ye a , s i n c e t h e H o l y Ghost g iveth i t ; i t i s not there fore only C a n o n i c a l S c r i p t u r e , bu t a n e m i n e n t por t ion o f i t . I t were p ro f ane b l a sphe- my t o p r e f e r t h i s S o n g a b ove o t h e r Songs o f ho ly Sc r ip tu re, i f i t were no t a l so g iven by d iv ine in sp i r a t ion a s we l l a s t h e y ; t o p r e f e r t h e i nv e n t i o n o f M a n b e f o re t h e w i s d o m o f G o d we re s a c r i l e g i o u s m a d n e s s . A n d a l t h o u g h none of God’s ten proper names in He- brew be once mentioned in this song, yet t h a t i m p e a c h e t h n o t t h e a u t h o r i t y o f th i s book more than i t do th o f E s the r, where no name of God i s ment ioned a t a l l . B e s i d e s , t h i s book i s f u l l o f s u ch names of God as su i t more with the arguments , a s , Wel l -be l oved , Bro the r, Shep- h e r d , O t h o u w h o m my s o u l l o v e s t , t h e chiefest of ten thousand.19

17 Chapter 3:3,6, with 5:7–918 Chapter 3:6, 6:10, and 8:519 Chapter 1:7–9, and 5:10

12 john cotton

Use 2. Secondly, this must exhort us to a more s tudious reading and meditat ing of th i s book, a s o f a mos t exce l lent por t i - on of holy Writ.

Use 3. Thirdly, This shows us that as this s c r i p tu re i s c anon ic a l , so the Pen-man of i t i s a Canonical Saint in Heaven; for he must needs be so, accord ing to tha t , no t o f Pe t e r ’s s ucce s so r, a s t he Pap i s t s wou ld have i t , bu t o f S t Pe te r h imse l f : kHoly men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost : 20 so that he must needs be a Saint by St Peter’s confession. And not h e on l y, bu t Ch r i s t h im s e l f s a i t h , Al l t h e p r oph e t s a r e i n t h e k in gdom o f God . 21 N ow a l l t h e P ro p h e t s c a m e n o t n e a r this Prophet, and there was no Scr ipture but i t was penned by a Prophet ica l and Apos to l ica l sp i r i t ; and though Solomon did f a l l , yetm I f he commit In iqu i ty, I wi l l c has ten him with the rod o f Men, &c . ver se 15 But my mercy shal l not depar t f rom him, as I took it from Saul.22 If some say, By this i t was meant that God would not take a- way his kingdom; to this it is answered, he d id take i t away, but he would not dea l wi th him as he dea l t wi th Saul ; so then this tel leth us Solomon is a Saint in Hea- ven.

20 2 Peter 1:21.21 Luke 13:28.22 2 Samuel 7:14–15.


[ W h i c h i s S o l o m o n ’s . ] 2 3 S o l o m o n t h e penner o f i t , but a wi se r than So lomon i n d i t e d i t . T h e H o l y G h o s t m a ke t h cho ice o f h i s in s t r ument s a ccord ing to the use he had to put them to; to set forth the es ta te of hi s Church by the choices t t rea sure s o f na ture, he u se th So lomon’s sp i r i t , which was a s l a rge as the sand of the Sea shore.24 And as God led Moses to t he top o f moun t P i s g ah to beho ld a l l t h e p l a c e s and s i t u a t i on s o f I s r a e l : So he lifted up Solomon’s spir it to the moun- t a in o f a c t iv i t y, ( t h a t I may so spe ak , ) whe re on ly a l l t ime s to come a re p re - sent , to behold the estate of the Church t h ro u g h o u t t h e p r e s e n t , a n d a l l a f t e r ages.

Use 1. This is to teach us, as it was said before, that Solomon i s a canonised Sa int , e l se he had not been a Pen-man of Ca- nonical Scr ipture; canonised, not by Pe- t e r ’s p r e t e n d e d s u c c e s s o r s , w h o h ave s h ame f u l l y e r r e d i n t h i s k i nd , bu t by *Pe te r h imse l f , 25 yea , by a g rea te r than Pe te r or So lomon, even oChr i s t Je su s : 26 That promisep27 reacheth fur ther than to p r e f e r S o l o m o n b e f o re S a u l i n r e s e r - ving the kingdom to his poster ity, which

23 The text verse 1.24 1 Kings 4:29, 30; Deuteronomy 34:1–4. 25 2 Peter 1:21.26 Luke 13:28. 27 2 Samuel 7:14–15.

14 john cotton

he t ook f rom Sau l ; f o r even f rom So- lomon’s po s te r i ty the k ingdom was cu t o f f in Jecon i ah : The p romi se the re fo re o f mercy to Solomon above Saul reach- e d t o t h e b e s t o w i n g o f a h e a v e n l y k i n gdom upon h im . 28 Be s i d e s , i n t h a t place, two blessings are promised:

F i r s t , A d o p t i o n , I w i l l b e h i s f a t h e r , &c.

S e c o n d l y, E s t a b l i s h m e n t i n G o d ’s house and kingdom; so that i f the la t ter p romi se shou ld not ev ince h i s pe r seve- rance, yet the former doth.

Use 2. Secondly, This is to stir us up to the reading and meditation of this book the more for the penman’s sake.

The 2, 3, and 4 verses sing and show forth the e s t a t e o f the Church in So lomon ’s time. Verse 5. the estate of the Church as well in Solomon’s time as in Rehoboam’s: The ver se s fo l lowing , to the n in th , the e s t a t e o f the Church in a l l the t ime o f Rehoboam.

I n t h e C h u r c h o f S o l o m o n ’s t i m e four passages are chiefly observable:

F i r s t , S o l o m o n ’s c h o i c e o f h e ave n l y w i s d o m , b y w h i c h c h i e f l y we e n j oy s we e t a n d f a m i l i a r f e l l ow s h i p w i t h

28 2 Samuel 7:12–14.


God,q29 1 Kings 3 :5 to10; th i s i s expres- sed, verse 2.

S e cond l y, t h e swee t s avou r and f ame o f S o l o m o n ’s g i f t s a n d g r a c e s , 3 0 t o the winning of the love and admiration of the sons of men.

T h i r d l y, t h e d r aw i n g a n d g a t h e r i n g o f a l l I s rae l to the k ing ’s chamber s , the c o u r t s o f S o l o m o n ’s Te m p l e : 31 o r h i s care to br ing on his people to the public wo r s h i p o f G o d , a n d t h e i r r e s p e c t o f him in regard thereof.

Fo u r t h l y, t h e f a l l a n d d e f o r m i t y o f the Church by Ido l a t rous wor sh ip, and tolerat ion thereof in many;32 and yet the k e e p i n g o f t h e n a t i ve b e a u t y o f t h e Church in many others.

[*Le t h im k i s s me w i t h t h e k i s s e s o f h i s mouth, &c. ] I t i s a prayer of the Church, or (which is a l l one) some chief member o f i t , for a p ledge of Chr i s t ’s sweet and f amil iar acquaintance, and love, and fe l- lowship with her : Kisse s are pledges and i n c e n t i ve s o f l ove . r M e n s h a l l k i s s h i s l ip s tha t answere th upr igh t words . 33 This i s the e f fec t o f upr ight Answer s , men k i s s h i s l ips ; but God ki s s ing a man’s l ips , i s t h e c a u s e o f man ’s a n swe r i n g up r i gh t

29 Proverbs 8:34–35.30 Verse 3.31 Verse 4.32 Verse 5.33 Proverbs 24:26.

16 john cotton

word s ; h i s b re a t h i ng i n t o ou r mou th s a r i gh t an swer make th u s speak a cco r - dingly; as, on the contrary, when one answer s pe r ve r se ly, un ju s t l y, e r roneous ly, S a t a n t h en h a t h k i s s e d t h em w i t h h i s k i s s e s ; he ha th s i t t en a s a * ly ing sp i r i t in their mouths.34

[The ki s se s o f h i s mouth , ] which i s more t h an the k i s s e s o f h i s l i p s ; t he one i s a s i lent gesture of love, the other implieth also amiable speeches, when Christ

First, by the voice of his word, orSecond ly, by the b re a th o f h i s s p i r i t ,

doth eitherF i r s t , p u t w i s dom o r g r a c e i n t o ou r

hearts.35 orS e c o n d l y, s p e a k p e a c e o r c o m f o r t

to our souls.36I c r ea t e the f ru i t o f the l i p s, pea c e, pea c e,

&c . 37 So lomon’s wi sdom i s the g race o f G o d , a s w i c ke d n e s s i s f o l l y ; T h e b e - g inning o f th i s wi sdom i s the f ea r o f God, 38 the end o f i t i s the keep ing o f God’s Com- m a n d m e n t s : 3 9 T h i s w i s d o m w h o s o f i n d s , f i n d s C h r i s t , t h e w i s d o m o f the Father,40 in whom God is well pleased wi th u s , 41 and in whom he ( a s i t were ) k i s s e th u s ; Th i s w i sdom do th no t on ly

34 1 Kings 22:23–24.35 Psalm 119:98.36 Psalm 119:110.37 Isaiah 57:19. 38 Proverbs 17.39 Ecclesiastes 12:13.40 Proverbs 8:22,35.41 Matthew 3:17.


enable u s to wa lk god ly to our s a lva t i - on, but l ikewise f i t s us to go in and out be fore our f ami l i e s , be fore our peop le, and so enlarges us to all duties of our cal- l i n g s ; and t o wa l k i n t h e way s o f t h i s w i s d o m b r i n g s p e a c e t o o u r s o u l s , and to those tha t l ive under u s : Al l h e r paths are peace.42

Fo r t hy l o v e i s b e t t e r t h a n w i n e . ] The f avou r o f God i n g iv i n g w i s dom , and thereby peace to a man’s se l f , and other s depend ing on h im, i s more wor th than w i n e ; t h a t i s , t h a n w h a t s o eve r m a ke s t h e h e a r t o f m a n g l a d . 4 3 T h i s p r aye r was poured out by Solomon, the chiefest m e m b e r o f t h e C h u r c h i n t h i s t i m e , when he p r ayed f o r w i s dom, and p re - fer red i t before long l i fe, r iches, victory over his enemies, &c.44

Or e l s e t h i s who l e ve r s e may exp re s s t h e de s i re o f t he Church to So lomon , that he would express hi s love to her by h i s d i v i n e s e n t e n c e s , a n d b o o k s , a n d s o n g s , E c c l e s i a s t e s 1 2 : 9 , w h i c h a r e b e t t e r t h a n t h e i r c i v i l peace, than the s i t t ing under the i r own Vine and fig-tree.45

Be c a u s e o f t h e s a v o u r o f t hy g o o d o i n t - m e n t s . ] G o o d o i n t m e n t s a r e t h e g i f t s

42 Proverbs 3:17.43 Psalm 104:15, and 4:67; Proverbs 3:13–15, and 31:6–7; Judges 9:13.44 1 Kings 3:5,9,11; 2 Chronicles 1:7,10–11; Proverbs 16:10.45 1 Kings 4:25.

18 john cotton

and graces of God’s Spir it: But the anointing w h i c h y e h a v e r e c e i v e d o f h i m , & c . 4 6 s o ca l l ed because they hea l a broken hear t a s o i l : 47 T h e o i l o f G o d ’s g r a c e h e a l s the bruises of the soul.

S e c o n d l y, a s o i l d o t h m a ke t h e f a c e to shine,* so do they.48

Th i rd l y, † a s by t h e ho l y o i l s a l l t h e vesse l s of the Tabernacle were consecrated;49 so by these g races al l the vessels of mercy are consecrated to God.

F o u r t h l y, b y t h e o i n t m e n t we r e a - nointed to their off ices †Kings,50 Pr iests,51 and some Prophet s ; 52 so by these g races a re we ano in t ed to God ou r Fa the r i n Chr i s t , 53 Kings , Pr ie s t s , and Prophet s . 54 S avo u r i s t h e m a n i f e s t a t i o n o f t h e s e g r a ce s , a s o in tmen t s a re man i f e s t ed by their savour.

T h y n a m e i s a s a n o i n t m e n t p o u r e d f o r th : ] 55 tha t i s , prec ious , sweet , and f a- mou s l y renowned ; t h e r e f o r e d o t h e V i r - gins love thee. The Virg ins in this song are such a s Chr i s t ha th not yet e spoused to h i m s e l f , * 56 n o r s p o ke n f o r i n way o f mar r i age,* 57 such a s ca r na l Jews , or the Gentiles.

Love thee:]58

46 1 John 2:27.47 Luke 10:34; Isaiah 61:3.48 Psalm 104:15; Ecclesiastes 8:1.49 Exodus 10:23,31. 50 1 Samuel 16:3 and 10:1.51 Exodus 40:13,15.52 1 Kings 19:16.53 Acts 1:8, and 2:4,7.54 Revelation 1:6; John 12:3.55 Verse 3.56 Canticles 8:8.57 Canticles 6:8.58 Verse 3.


T h a t i s , F i r s t , h o n o u r a b l y e s t e e m thee.

Second ly, a f f ec t thy s i gh t and f e l lowship.

T h i r d l y, s e e k a f t e r t h e e . * T h i s wa s fu l f i l l ed in So lomon: 59 Hi s own peop le reve renced h im , even a l l o f t h em ; h i s name was f amous in a l l nat ions round a- bout him; a l l the kings sent to him, and o f a l l p e o p l e s o m e c a m e t o h e a r h i s w i s d o m . * T h e Q u e e n o f S h e b a c o m - e t h f r o m t h e u t t e r m o s t p a r t s o f t h e ear th to hear i t , and counteth his people happy under i t : 60 †Hi r am King o f Tyre blessed God for his wisdom.61

D r a w m e . ] 6 2 I t w i l l b e t h e s p e e c h o f S o l o m o n t o C h r i s t , p r a y i n g t h a t Chr i s t wou ld d r aw h im to t he F a the r, near unto h im in ho ly dut ie s , and pro- m i s i n g t o b r i ng a l l t h e p eop l e t o r un w i th h im a f t e r God . Or i t may be the speech o f the Church to So lomon, de- s i r i n g h im t o d r aw t h em toge th e r, by publ i c ed ic t s and proc l amat ions , to the s o l e m n d u t i e s o f G o d ’s wo r s h i p, a n d p romi s ing to come f ree ly, to r un toge- ther will ingly in the times of such assem- blies, which was done.63

59 1 Kings 28, 4:31,34, 5:7, and 10:1,7–9. 60 1 Kings 10:1–2. 61 1 Kings 5:7.62 Verse 4.63 2 Chronicles 2:2–3.

20 john cotton

[ T h e K i n g h a t h b r o u g h t m e i n t o h i s c h a m b e r s : ] 6 4 T h a t i s , i n t o t h o s e b r i d e - c h a m b e r s w h e re C h r i s t f a m i l i - a r ly conver se th wi th them; which were three:

First, the Tabernacle at Gibeon.Secondly, the Ark at Jerusalem.Thirdly, the Temple.I n t o t h e s e * S o l o m o n b r o u g h t t h e

whole cong rega t ion o f I s r ae l to so lemn sacr ifices.65

T h e wo r d s f o l l ow i n g i n t h i s ve r s e , show a threefold respect which the people are to Solomon.

First, they rejoiced in him.S e c o n d l y, t h e y r e m e m b e r h i s l o v e

better than wine.Thirdly, the upright love him.The i r re jo i c ing in h im i s re co rded : b6 6

t h e i r r e m e m b r a n c e o f h i s l ove m o r e than wine i s there a l so impl ied; for, depar t ing from the meeting with such glad hea r t s , they a f t e rward remembered the c om fo r t t h e reo f a s mo re b l e s s e d t h an t h e p e a c e a b l e l i v i n g u n d e r t h e i r ow n Vine and F ig- t ree. The love o f the up- r ight to him continueth all his time, even when his wives and hol low-hear ted sub-

64 Verse 4.65 2 Chronicles 1:2–6; 1 Kings 8:5, 14, 63.66 1 Kings 8:66.


j ec t s f l a t t e red h im, and en t i ced h im to toleration of Idolatry.

Bu t c on s i d e r f u r t h e r , t h a t S o l omon , when he i s here se t for th a s the des i re, pra i se, and bles sedness of a l l h i s people, he i s then a type of Chr i s t , g reater than So lomon ; 67 who s e he aven l y f e l l owsh ip and instruction the Church desires above w in e ; who s e g r a c e s a re e x c e l l e n t a nd p r o c u r i n g h i m l ove a n d r e n ow n , o f whom the Church prayeth to be drawn, and who l e ade th u s to f e l lowsh ip wi th God in ho l y wor sh ip ; whom the re fo re t h e p e o p l e r e j o i c e i n , a n d r e m e m b e r h i s l ove a bove w ine ; t h e up r i gh t l ove him.

Use 1. This, first, doth show us the happy estate o f a Church o r Commonwea l t h , when men of place labour not for prefer ments o r wor ld l y p ro f i t s , f o r honour o r l ong l i f e , bu t f o r w i s e a n d u n d e r s t a n d i n g h e a r t s , t h a t may go i n and ou t b e fo re the peop le in the i r ca l l ing s , when they desire to be kissed with the kisses of God’s mouth, that he would breathe into them s u c h g r a c e s a s b e n e e d f u l f o r t h e i r places.

Use 2. Secondly, this showeth what procures

67 Verse 2.

22 john cotton

a Mag i s t ra te love and reputat ion; when, b e i n g e n r i c h e d w i t h G o d ’s g r a c e s , a s swe e t o i n t m e n t s , h e m a n i f e s t e t h t h e swee t s avour the reo f in a l l h i s admin i - s t r a t i o n s . I f a n y m a n d e s i r e a g o o d name, if any man desires love and respect, th i s i s the way to get i t : f i l l your hear t s wi th the good g i f t s and g race s o f God: let God’s g race show for th i t se l f in your speeches, in your answers, in your practi- c e s ; t h i s o i n tmen t w i l l b e s t ronge r t o get a good name than any other noisome thing to hinder i t . The virg ins wi l l love you , fo r they re jo ice a t your f a i th ; and by fa i t h ou r e l d e r s we r e we l l r e po r t ed o f . 68 By the se So lomon got a good name a l l the world over.

Use 3. Thirdly, this is to teach a Magistrate to draw on the people to holy duties , by a l l means he can : by h i s proc lamat ions , laws, and examples.

Use 4. Fourthly, to show that the greatest comfo r t o f s ub j e c t s , and the s t ronge s t love to knit them in al l hear ty af fect ions t o t h e i r P r i n c e , i s h i s f o rwa rdn e s s i n d r awing them on , and l e ad ing them an end to the holy duties of God’s worship.

Draw me, and I will run after thee.]69

68 Hebrews 11:2. 69 Verse 4.


I f Solomon once be drawn, a l l the people wil l come af ter re joicing, when they shall see the Magistrate come.

Use 5. Fifthly, to show us a sign of a true spouse of Chr i s t . Such a one pre fer re th fellowship with him above all things,70 de- l ight ing in hi s company, in hi s ordinan- c e s . T h u s d i d Pa u l , I c o u n t a l l t h i n g s loss and dross for Chr is t : 71 so David, Whom have I in heaven but thee?72

I am black, yet comely, &c.]73 In the se ve r se s i s de sc r ibed the e s t a t e

of the Church.F i r s t , o f I s r a e l a nd Jud ah i n t h e l a s t

d ay s o f S o l o m o n , a n d t h e n o f R e h o - boam.74

Secondly, of Judah alone.75Th i rd l y, o f I s r a e l a l on e a f t e r t h e A -

postasy of the ten tr ibes.76Fo u r t h l y, o f Ju d a h a l o n e , i n r e s p e c t

o f h i s c iv i l condi t ion under the se r v ice of the King of Egypt.77

I a m b l a c k , & c . ] 7 8 T h e C h u rc h i s s e t f o r th by a doubl e ad junc t ion , t he one con t r a r y t o t h e o t h e r ; I am b l a c k , ye t c o m e l y ; a n d b o t h t h e s e b y c o m p a r i - son:

First, black as the tents of Kedar.

70 Verse 2.71 Philippians 3:7–8.72 Psalm 73:25.73 Verse 5–9.74 Verse 5.75 Verse 6.76 Verse 7–8.77 Verse 9.78 Verse 5.

24 john cotton

S e c o n d l y, c o m e l y a s t h e c u r t a i n s o r hangings of Solomon.

First, black by the fall of Solomon.g79Secondly, by the fol ly of Rehoboam.h80

Thirdly, 1. By Profaneness.2. By Schism.3. By Apostasy.4. By the Rebellion of the ten tr ibes.i81 Yet comely,]F i r s t , By the p re s en t pu r i t y o f God ’s

ordinances in the Temple.k82S e c o n d l y, t h e c o n s t a n c y o f t h e u p -

r ight in cleaving to God, to the King, to the house of God, and David; the which was done in pro fe s s ion by whole Judah and Benjamin, and the I s rae l i tes inhabi- t ing in the c i t ie s of Judah, but in t ruth, by the upright.l83

Y e d a u g h t e r s o f J e r u s a l e m , & c . ] C h i l d r e n o f t h e C h u r c h a r e c a l l e d Daughter s rather than Sons, as being pre- pared as a pure Virgin for Chr ist their hus- band.84

A s t h e t e n t s o f K e d a r, & c . ] T h a t i s , o f t h e A r ab i an s who we re c a l l e d S c e - ni th or Nomade, for that they wandered u p a n d d ow n f e e d i n g t h e i r f l o c k s , i n

79 1 Kings 11:4,9.80 1 Kings 12:14–15.81 1 Kings 12:16, 18–19.82 Psalm 48:1–2; 2 Chronicles 13:10–12.83 1 Kings 12:17, 20, 23.84 2 Corinthians 11:2.


t en t s , wh ich they made o f Goa t s ’ ha i r, a coa r se s tu f f o f i t s e l f , and be ing wea- ther-beaten the more homely and black. He re t o t h e P rophe t a l l ud e th when he c a l l e th the Church o f I s r a e l nAho l ah , 85 and Jerusa lem Ahol ibah, my tent in her, for she was then as the curtains of Solomon.

I t was David ’s g r ie f * tha t he was long conve r s an t in the t en t s o f Keda r : 86 t he Church was now like to these tents,

F i r s t , i n t h e i r b l a c k n e s s , w h i c h r e - sembled their adversity.

S e c o n d l y, i n t h a t s h e n ow l i ve d a - mong the enemies of her peace, the sons of her mother being angry with her.

T h i r d l y, I n t h a t b l a c k a n d s a d d e - fect ion which la id the foundat ion of the a f t e r Capt iv i ty, when the Church wandered to Babe l , her tent be ing removed a s the cur ta ins of Solomon or hang ings ; hav ing the name f rom the coup l ing to- gether. *Josephus sa i th 87 tha t So lomon’s hal l s were hung with hang ing of Babylo- nian tapestry in their courses or suits, and the wal l of Marble under neath most cu- r i ou s l y wrough t w i th r i ch Image r y : I t s e e m e t h a l s o, e a c h h a n g i n g i n wa rd l y m o r e r i c h t h a n o t h e r . S u c h wa s t h e

85 Ezekiel 23:4.86 Psalm 120:5.87 Hortensis Flavius Joseph. Ant., 2:8.

26 john cotton

e s t a t e o f the Church in t ime o f publ i c defect ion, pure and r ichly g raced in the upr ight member s , whom the bet ter one inward ly knew, the more g rac ious they appeared.

L o o k n o t u p o n m e b e c a u s e I a m b l a c k , &c.88

This Verse hath two parts:F i r s t , a n a d m o n i t i o n o f t h e C h u rc h

o f Judah to the daughter s o f Je r usa lem, no t to de sp i s e he r, no r a l i ena t e themse lve s f rom her in rega rd o f he r b l ack- nes s , or, a s i t i s in the Hebrew, Becaus e I am she that am black.

S e c o n d l y, A r e n d e r i n g a t h r e e f o l d Reason:

First, of her blackness.S e cond l y, O f t h e i r no t d e s p i s i n g h e r

for it.A third Reason is,F i r s t , f r o m t h e h i g h e s t c a u s e o f

her a f f l i c t ion : The Sun ha th l ooked upon me.

S e c o n d l y, f r o m t h e i n s t r u m e n t a l c au s e, t he ange r o f he r mo the r ’s ch i l - dren against her.

T h i r d l y, f o r t h e m e r i t o r i o u s c a u s e , wh i ch s h e a c know l edg e t h wa s who l l y

88 Verse 6.


i n h e r s e l f , h e r n o t ke e p i n g we l l h e r own v ineya rd , agg rava ted by the d iver s degrees, though they made her the keeper of the vineyards.

Look not upon me:]89 that is,F i r s t , wi th a scorching eye, Sun-bur n-

ing me, mak ing me s t i l l more b l ack by your d i sda in and separa t ion , a s the Sun i s s a i d t o l o o k u p o n , t h a t i s , w i t h a scorching eye.

S e c o n d l y, w i t h a p i e r c i n g e y e , a s the Vultures do, whereof Job speaketh, 90 u s i ng t h e s ame word he re u s ed o f t h e S u n , w h i c h s p i e t h o u t w h a t h e m ay fasten upon, any corruption or carr ion.

T h e S u n : ] 91 t h a t i s , G o d h a t h l o o k - ed upon me with a scorching eye in dis- p lea sure ; 92 fo r he was ang r y wi th So lo- m o n . I t c a m e n o t by c h a n c e o r c i v i l c a u s e s i n p o l i t y, 93 bu t by d iv i n e p ro - curement; and therefore the daughter s of Jerusalem do make such a use of it as not t o a l i e n a t e t h em s e l ve s t h e mo re f rom G o d by i t . T h a t w h i c h c o m e t h f ro m God should draw us nearer to God; He did i t to set us more Kings in the Com- m o n w e a l t h , a s S o l o m o n h a d m o r e Gods in the Church.

89 Verse 6.90 Job 28:7.91 Verse 6.92 Psalm 84:11.93 1 Kings 11:9, and 12:24.

28 john cotton

The s o n s o f my mo t h e r w e r e a n g r y w i t h me , ] 94 That i s , the ten tr ibes were of fen- ded; yea this anger of the tr ibes was ex- cessive,95 when it brake forth into such ex- t r e m i t y, a n d t h e r e f o r e t h ey r a t h e r t o b e r e p rove d t h a n t h e C h u rc h d i s d a i - ned.

They made me the keeper of the Vines:]First, God.96Secondly, all the tr ibes.97Of the Vine s , ] tha t i s , o f a l l the Chur-

ches.98B u t m i n e o w n v i n e y a r d h a v e I n o t

k e p t : ] t h a t i s , no t t h e Chu rche s o f Ju - dah and Je r usa lem, Ido la t r y and Super- stition creeping in.

No, not the v ines o f mine own house, my wives*99 f rom f a l l ing to Idolatr y, and seducing myself to toleration of it.

Tel l me, oh thou, &c. ] 100 This ver se con- taineth,

F i r s t , a P r aye r o f t he f a i t h fu l d i s pe r - sed through- I out the ten tr ibes, and commanded by Jeroboam to I go no more to wor sh ip a t Je r usa lem, but to go to Dan and Bethel , des ir ing to know whither to re so r t to f ind Chr i s t f eed ing h i s sheep that hear his voice.101

94 Verse 6.95 1 Kings 12:16.96 1 Chronicles 28:4–6.97 2 Samuel 5:3.98 Psalm 80:8; Isaiah 5:1; Matthew 21:33.99 Psalm 128:3.100 Verse 7. 101 John 10:27–28.


S e c o n d l y, a R e a s o n t o p r e ve n t h e r turning aside, to superstitious worship, by fo l lowing such teach ings a s wi l l not be subord ina te to Chr i s t , depend ing upon his direct ion, but companions with him, usurping to prescr ibe with l ike author ity as himself in his worship.102

I f you know no t . ] 103 Th i s ve r s e con t a i - neth Christ’s answer, where observe

F i r s t , a Compe l l a t i on : Oh t h ou fa i r e s t amongst women.

Second ly, a Suppos i t ion , I f t hou know- est not; as if he should say, it is much thou shouldst not know.

Thi rd ly, a Di rec t ion to fo l low in th i s case,

F i r s t , t he f oo t s t ep s o f t he t r ue sheep of Christ who went up all to Jerusalem.104

Second ly, the t en t s o f the Shephe rd s , the lawful Pr ie s t s , who were there a l so ; t h e r e t h e y f e e d t h e k i d s a n d yo u n g ones,105 who else might in time grow ram- m i s h a nd r a nk w i t h s u p e r s t i t i o u s a nd bad ministers.

I have c ompa r ed t h e e . ] 106 Here the c iv i l e s ta te of the Church of Judah i s descr i- bed ; f o r a f t e r t h a t t he re cou r s e o f t he f a i thful Pr iests and Levites had strength-

102 1 Kings 12:28, 31.103 Verse 8. 104 2 Chronicles 11:13–14,16.105 2 Chronicles 13:10–11.106 Verse 9.

30 john cotton

ened t he h and o f Rehoboam,* he f e l l away, 107 a n d m o s t o f I s r a e l w i t h h i m : where fo re God sen t Pha r aoh Sh i shak 108 ( fo r a l l the k ing s o f Egyp t were c a l l ed Pharaohs) to subdue them to his service. So then the Church of Judah i s here se t forth,

F i r s t , by h e r s e r v i c e t o P h a r a o h , a s i f , l i ke ho r s e s , t hey d rew in Pha r aoh ’s t r i u m p h a n t c h a r i o t . d10 9 Jo s e p h u s s a i t h t h i s S h i s h a k wa s S e s o s t r i s , o f w h o m H e ro d o t u s s p e a k s ; ye a , o f h i m s a i t h D i o d o r u s S i c u l u s , t h a t h e c a u s e d Kings as horses to draw in his Chariots.

Secondly, by her acceptance to God in th i s s e r v i ce : I h a ve c ompa r e d t h e e t o t h e c ompany o f my ho r s e s ; and so in the He- brew, because they had submitted themselves under God’s just hands.e110 I f Solo- mon had spoken of any of h i s Wives or Concub i n e s , i t h a d b e en a mon s t rou s a nd a b s u rd compa r i s on t o l i ken t h em to Coach-hor se s : A l so because th i s i s a m a r r i a g e s o n g , h e s e t t e t h d ow n e x - p r e s s l y n o d i s m a l t h i n g t o i n t e r r u p t b r ide-chamber joy, but ve i l e th the se r- v ice under th i s magni f icent compar i son darkly.

107 2 Chronicles 11:17, and 12:1–2.108 2 Chronicles 12:2, 8–9109 2 Chronicles 12:8. 110 2 Chronicles 12:6,12.


Use 1. This shows us what it is that makes t h e Chu rch b l a ck , whe re in t he de fo r - mity of it stands; in the fall and sins of the people, and of the pr inces , in dec l in ing to ido l a t r y ; in the i r fo l l y, s ch i sms , and rents f rom their mother ; prof aneness , a- postasy, and rebel l ion in the Church and C o m m o n w e a l t h : T h e s e d o d a r k e n the fairest Churches.

I f S o l omon s h a l l s e t u p o t h e r God s , God wi l l s e t up fo re i gn P r ince s i n h i s k i n g d o m ; i f h e a n d h i s p e o p l e w i l l s e r ve o t h e r g o d s , G o d w i l l c a u s e h i s Pr inces to draw in foreign Pr inces’ Cha- r iots ; i f we be at unity with other gods, God will be at enmity with us.

Use 2. Secondly, this doth show us there m ay b e a t r u e c o m e l y C h u rc h i n t h e m i d s t o f s u c h d e f o r m i t i e s , y e t t h e true Church of God in the g reatest dark- nes s i s a lways comely. I t i s not the s in s of Pr inces and people that can take away t h e C h u r c h ’s c o m e l i n e s s ; t h e y m a y br ing blackness upon her, l ike to the tents o f Keda r : but draw these cur t a in s a s ide, and you sha l l f ind tha t God’s Church i s come ly, l i ke to the c u r t a i n s o f So l omon . Run we not there fore f rom the Church

32 john cotton

b e c a u s e o f h e r b l a c k n e s s , bu t r u n t o h e r a n d e m b r a c e h e r i n h e r m o s t s a d defections.

Use 3. Thirdly, To teach the children of the Church not to separate from the Church f o r co r r up t i on s a ke ; no t t o l ook on l y at her cor ruptions, but to see her comeli- ne s s a l so ; and not add a f f l i c t ion to the a f f l icted; much less are we to think they in Bohemia, and in the Palatinate, are no Chu rche s , f o r t h a t t h ey a re now sun - bu r n t . The sun , even God , ha th l ooked upon them, and i t i s no t the i r mo- the r ’s ch i ld ren , bu t the ba s t a rd s o f the R o m a n H a r l o t h ave b e e n a n g r y w i t h her. Le t u s not then look a t them wi th a Vulture’s eye, a s though we would behold nothing but cor ruption and car r ion; n o r w i t h a s c o r c h i n g eye m a ke t h e m more b l a ck ; bu t w i t h a ch i l d - l i ke eye t o p i t y t h e m f o r t h e i r c a l a m i t y a n d blackness which is befallen them.

Use 4. Fourthly, observe that the calamities of the Church spr ing not out of the dust, but i t i s God that causeth darkness upon the Church; yea , to speak reverent ly, i t i s h e t h a t l ook s a t h e r w i th a s co rch- ing eye; he searcheth her sins, and, f inding


them out, doth blast her, that she is tanned and sunbur nt . I f then i t be God’s hand, l e t u s p i t y t h e C h u r c h s o m u c h t h e more, and s t r ive with God to renew the light of his countenance upon her.

Use 5. Fifthly, it was a sin in them to be ang r y wi th the Church , a s some o f the s epa r a t ion a re, and do depa r t f rom u s ; and i t i s not a l i t t l e s in and f au l t in u s t o d e s p i s e o the r Chu rche s i n d i s t re s s . What and i f some cast of f England, shal l we re j e c t i t b e c au s e s ome o f t h e s on s o f h e r mo th e r do s o ? How much l e s s t h en when t h e s on s , no t o f a mo th e r bu t o f a h a r l o t , h a t e t h e C h u rc h b e - yond the s e a s , sha l l we then re j ec t the Church? God forbid.

Use 6. Sixthly, This teacheth us concerning Solomon, that

F i r s t , he repented o f h i s f a l l , acknow- ledged hi s be ing want ing of keeping hi s own Vine; and

S e c o n d l y, h e w ro t e t h i s s o n g a f t e r h i s f a l l and repen t ance ; e l s e i f h e h ad foretold his f a l l and repentance before i t was done, i t might seem l ike the Jesui t s ’ popi sh repentance, who confes s to their Pr ie s t s the i r s in be fore they commit i t :

34 john cotton

But he penned it after his fall, to assure us the more o f h i s s a l va t ion , wh ich some make doubt of.

Use 7. Seventhly, This shows us such souls a r e t h e f a i r e s t a n d m o s t b e a u t i f u l i n Chr ist ’s eyes, as , not rest ing in the com- m a n d m e n t s o f g ove r n m e n t s t o u c h i n g ma t te r o f re l i g ion , bu t do seek fo r the t r ue Church and pure wor sh ip o f God, and f o l l ow i t , t hough w i th neg l e c t o f the i r suburb s and po s s e s s ion s . 111 Chr i s t c a l l e th tho se the f a i re s t among women who here inquire a f te r h im, and se l l a l l to follow him:112 so these that want means of salvation at home, are desirous to seek a f t e r them, and where they f ind them, t h e re t hey go, and p a r t w i th any th ing to enjoy the pur ity of God’s worship and o rd inance s ; the se in God ’s a ccount a re the worthiest Christians.

Use 8. Eighthly, here is showed two marks o f t h e t r u e C h u r c h o f G o d ; d o a n y doubt whether God be God or Baal , and d o h a l t b e t we e n t wo o p i n i o n s , n o t k n ow i n g w h e t h e r t o j o i n w i t h R o m e or England? 113 Go then out by the foot- s t ep s o f the f lock s , where the f a i th fu l , hear ing God’s voice, resor t , and wil l not

111 2 Chronicles 13:14,16.112 Matthew 19:21, 27; Luke 18:22,28; Mark 10:21,28.113 Verse 8.


h e a r a n y vo i c e b u t C h r i s t ’s ; f o l l ow t ho s e : now t ime s a re s u ch ( b l e s s ed be God) a s eve r y one may f ind ou t where the Church i s ; but in the case of blackness and darkness, inquire then,

F i r s t , f o r s u ch a s w i l l h e a r no vo i c e but Chr i s t ’s , and fo l low then, the footsteps of the flock; see where they feed, there join yourselves.

S e c o n d l y, w h e r e yo u f i n d f a i t h f u l m in i s t e r s , p r i e s t s , a s Aa r on ’s s on s , and Lev i t e s ano in ted wi th heaven ly g r ace s : T h i t h e r c a r r y yo u r k i d s , t h e r e p l a n t your f amilies, to be fed under such shepherds.

Us e 9 . L a s t l y, we s e e h e re when t h e C h u r c h n e g l e c t s G o d ’s s e r v i c e , G o d g ive s h e r up t o t h e s e r v i c e o f f o re i gn P r ince s , to d r aw a s hor s e s in Pha ra oh ’s cha r io t s : 114 And ye t be ing humbled fo r th i s , God wi l l h ave mercy on he r, and s o d i s po s e o f i t , t h a t he r s e r v i c e sh a l l not be base, for God wi l l make them to d r aw h i s yoke, t hough they d r aw i t i n the yoke o f fo re ign pr ince s , a s Rehobo - am and his people did.f115

T h y c h e e k s a r e c o m e l y w i t h r o w s o f jewels,]116 The estate of the Church is here

114 Verse 9.115 2 Chronicles 12:2, 4, 8, 9.116 Verse 10, to end.

36 john cotton

de s c r i b ed , a s i t wa s i n t h e d ay s o f A- bijam, in these words, Thy cheeks are comely w i th J ewe l s , and a s i t was in the days o f A s a , b o t h i n t h e s a m e wo rd s , a n d i n t h e wo rd s f o l l ow ing t o t h e e nd o f the eleventh verse.

Thy cheeks , ] that i s , the outward f ace of t h e Chu rch , a re c ome l y w i t h row s o f Jewe l s ; tha t i s wi th keep ing the i r r igh t p l a c e a nd o rd e r a nd manne r o f God ’s own ordinances.

T h i s A b i j a m p ro c l a i m e t h h i m s e l f t o a l l t h e h o u s e o f I s r a e l : gB u t a s f o r u s (saith he) the Lord is our God, we have not forsaken him, the Priests which minister unto the Lord are the sons of Aaron; and the Levites wait upon their business, and they burn unto the Lord every morning and every evening burnt sacr if ices and sweet incense: the showbread also set they in order upon the pure table.117

It was not so with the House of Israel,118 * though Ab i j a h ’s he a r t wa s no t so up- r ight as David’s ; h119 yet the outward f ace o f the Church , he r cheek s ( a s i t were ) we re come ly w i th the o rde r l y keep ing and ob s e r v ing t he o rd in ance s o f God : yea, and comely a l so was the f ace of the

117 2 Chronicles 13:10–12.118 Verse 8–9. 119 1 Kings 15:3.


Church look ing up to God in d i s t re s s , iwh ich moved h im to de l ive r you f rom Jeroboam.120

Thy neck with chains of Gold.]121 C h a i n s o f g o l d a r e w h o l e s o m e l aw s ,

b inding l ike cha ins to keep the wor ship o f God and t r ue Rel ig ion pure a s go ld ; s u c h L a w s a r e c a l l e d c h a i n s : k T h i s was done in the days of Asa , 122 when he removed the Al ta r s o f the s t range gods , pu l l ing down the h igh p l ace s , b reak ing t h e i m a g e s , a n d c u t t i n g d o w n t h e g rove s , commanded Jud ah t o s e ek t h e Lord God of their f athers, and the people wi l l ing ly submit ted themse lves l to enter into a covenant or law,123 that upon pain o f dea th a l l the peop le shou ld seek the Lord only.

We wi l l make the e . ] 124 Thi s showeth the fo rwardne s s o f the peop le to jo in wi th Asa in refor ming Rel ig ion and adorning the Church, as is recorded.125

Borde r s o f g o l d : ] 126 Tha t i s , the border s o f the k ingdom, pure a s go ld by c lean- sing and putting away al l the idols out of a l l quar ter s of Judah, yea, and of Benja- min a l so, and mount Ephra im, the ver y sk i r t s , and f ront ier s , and border s o f the kingdom.n127

120 2 Chronicles 13:12, 18.121 Verse 10. 122 Psalm 149:8.123 2 Chronicles 14:2–5, and 15:12–15.124 Verse 11.125 2 Chronicles 15:10, 16.126 Verse 11.127 2 Chronicles 15:8.

38 john cotton

[Studs o f s i lve r , ] 128 In works of gold, are such eminent knobs a s ador n the works wi th var ie ty o f co lour s , and meta l , and workmanship:129

Such l ike eminen t work s wh ich d id a - dorn Asa’s reformation of the Church, e- ven to the very borders, were these three:

F i r s t , h i s renewing of the a l t a r s o f the Lord be fore the Porch.130

Second ly, the depos ing o f h i s mother, from her Regency, for her Idolatry’s sake, and defacing her idol.131

Th i rd l y, t h e con s e c r a t i n g and b r i ng - ing into God’s house his f a ther ’s and his o w n d e d i c a t e d Ve s s e l s o f g o l d a n d silver.132

Whi l e t h e K i n g s i t t e t h a t h i s t a b l e , ] 133 that i s , while Jehoshaphat s i t s at rest and peace, re f re sh ing h imse l f a t home, God e s t a b l i s h i ng h i s k i ngdom i n h i s h and , and g iving him r iches and honour s in a- bundance.134

M y s p i k e n a r d , ] 135 A n o i n t m e n t o f a l l other s most precious , 136 o f a l l other sp i- c e s s p i k e n a rd i s o f g re a t e s t e s t ima t ion : T h i s t h e A p o s t l e J o h n c a l l e t h v e r y c o s t l y, w h e rew i t h o u r S av i o u r C h r i s t was anointed by Mary.

128 Verse 11.129 Proverbs 15:11.130 2 Chronicles 15:8.131 2 Chronicles 15:16.132 2 Chronicles 15:18.133 Verse 12.134 2 Chronicles 17:15.135 Verse 12. 136 Plin., lib. xi. cap. xii.


By sp ikena rd i s here meant the preaching of the word, which i s o f a l l s avour s t h e mo s t p re c i ou s , even t he s avou r o f life unto life.137

When J e h o s h a p h a t wa s e s t a b l i s h e d i n re s t and peace he sent for th the Pr ie s t s a n d L e v i t e s t o c a r r y t h e s we e t s a - vour of the word throughout a l l the c i- ties of Judah.138

A b u n d l e o f m y r r h , ] 13 9 M y r r h i s a n o d o r i f e ro u s t r e e , t h a t swe a t e t h o u t a s w e e t g u m c a l l e d S t a c t e , w h i c h i s preferred before all others.140

T h i s g u m i s a l s o c a l l e d f r o m t h e t ree Myr rh , h i s smel l i s s t rong and f r a- g r an t , and f i t t o p re s e r ve f rom pu t re - f act ion, and i t i s of much use in embal- m i n g , a n d G o d h i m s e l f r e c o u n t e t h i t amongst the principal spices.141

Be twe en my b r e a s t s , ] 142 The b re a s t s a re tho se tha t g ive mi lk ; The s ince re mi lk of the word, to the Church’s chi ldren,143 t o w i t , t he p r i e s t s and Lev i t e s : The se, when Jehoshaphat sent for th to g ive milk t o t h e c i t i e s o f J u d a h , h e s e n t w i t h them a company of Noble men, Rel ig i- ous pr inces, who added the more autho- r i t y to the p r i e s t s and Lev i t e s , and a re

137 2 Corinthians 2:16.138 2 Chronicles 17:8–9.139 Verse 13.140 Plin., lib. xii. cap. 16.141 Exodus 30:23.142 Verse 13.143 1 Peter 2:2.

40 john cotton

therefore themselves sa id to teach in the c i t i e s o f J u d a h . 14 4 T h u s t h e s e P r i n c e s were a s a bundle o f Myr rh amongs t the P r i e s t s a n d t h e L ev i t e s , t o d e c i d e a l l cont rover s i e s amongs t the peop le, both i n m a t t e r s c o n c e r n i n g G o d a n d t h e K ing ; t o p re s e r ve t h e p eop l e and one another free from cor ruption in a l l mat- ters, whether of Religion or civil Justice.u145 Ye a , a n d J e h o s h a p h a t h i m s e l f , r e p r e - s en t ing Chr i s t the Church ’s we l l -be lo- ved upon ear th , he re s ted in the bosom o f t h e Chu rch a s a bund l e o f My r r h , sweet , and s t rongly preser v ing the peo- p l e f ro m c o r r u p t i o n ; f ro m B e e r s h e b a t o m o u n t E p h r a i m h e w e n t a b o u t , throughout al l the people, to br ing them back aga in to the pur i ty o f God’s worship.*146

As a c lus ter o f Camphire. ] 147 Camphire i s a shrub for smel l l ike unto Spikenard, wa s t i ng the ob s t r uc t i on o f t he s p l e en , and by the ver y smel l o f i t making men veget iores , and f i rmtores , 148 more l ively and more s t rong ; yea , and ava i l ab l e a l so a - g a in s t the b i t ing o f s e r pen t s ; such wa s C h r i s t t o h i s C h u rc h w h e n t h e c h i l - d r e n o f M o a b a n d A m m o n a n d m o u n t

144 2 Chronicles 17:7.145 2 Chronicles 19:5–12.146 2 Chronicles 19:3, 4.147 Verse 14. 148 Plin., lib. xxi. cap. 18.


S e i r g a t h e r e d t h e m s e l ve s t og e t h e r a - gainst the chi ldren of I s rae l in Engedi , 149 for by the mini s t r y of J ehazie l , he made Jehoshaphat and his people,

F i r s t , more s t rong in f a i th , to re s t on God and his word.150

Second ly, more l ive l y and hea r t i l y to p r a i s e G o d ; ye a , a n d h e s a ve d t h e m from their enemies,151 themselves not str i- k ing a s t roke, though the i r enemies the b reed o f the o ld se r pent , put them before in great fear.152

B e h o l d t h o u a r t f a i r my l o v e , b e h o l d , t h o u a r t f a i r : ] 153 T h e d o u b l i n g o f t h e words expres seth the super la t ive deg ree, b y a u s u a l H e b r a i s m , f a i r f a i r , t h a t i s , ve r y f a i r ; wh ich showeth the e s t a t e o f the Church in Hezek i ah ’s t ime, who re tur ned and se t the Pr ie s t s and Levi te s in their cour ses , res tored their burnt sa- c r i f i c e s a n d o b l a t i o n s , s a n c t i f i e d t h e Pr iests , cal led al l the people to the Pass- over, 154 prayed for their hea l ing, took a- way a l l t h e I m a g e s , g rove s , a n d h i g h places.

[Thou hast Doves’ eyes :]155 That is, chaste, and loa th ing unc leannes s , a s Pl iny 156 re- p o r t s t h e D ove s t o b e . H e ze k i a h l o a -

149 2 Chronicles 20:12150 2 Chronicles 20:14–20.151 2 Chronicles 20:21–24.152 Verse 3,12.153 Verse 15. 154 2 Chronicles 29, 30, and 31:1,2.155 Verse 15.156 Plin., lib. i. cap. 34.

42 john cotton

thed even t he monumen t s o f I do l a t r y, even the brazen Ser pent , ( though some- t imes God’s ord inance, ) when once the peop l e wen t a -whor ing a f t e r i t : So by this means abuses that crept into the Church, i n t h e d ay s o f J o r a m , U z z i a h , J o t h a m , Ahaz,157 are not recorded till they come to be c leansed, les t the joy of the mar r iage song should be darkened by the mention o f so sad occur rences ; whence a l so i t i s t h a t t h e abu s e s t h a t c rep t i n a f t e r t h e d e a th o f Hezek i a h , i n t he d ay s o f Ma- n a s s e h a nd Ammon , a re no t men t i oned t i l l their cleansing came, recorded in the days of Josiah.

B e h o l d t h o u a r t f a i r m y b e l o v e d , y e a p l e a s an t , a l s o ou r b ed i s g r e en : ] 158 Thi s i s the e s t a te o f the Church in the days o f good Jos iah , who refor med i t to the l ike estate of pur ity and beauty as in the days o f Heze k i a h , ye a , i n t h i s h e e x c e eded h i m , i n t a k i n g away t h e h i g h p l a c e s wh ich So l omon h ad bu i l t fo r h i s w ive s ’ idols, 159 as also some other cor ruptions of Ahaz , ver se 12; and bes ides , he made a l l t h e p eop l e t o wo r s h i p t h e Lo rd on l y, and to serve him.160

[ Ye a , p l e a s a n t , ] I t b e i n g m o r e t h a n

157 2 Kings 18:4.158 Verse 16. 159 2 Kings 23:13.160 2 Chronicles 34:32–33.


f a i r, s o young a man to work so g re a t a work of reformation.161

Ou r b e d i s g r e e n , ] The hou s e o f God wa s t h e t emp l e , t h e b ed i n t h e hou s e we re t h e o rd i n an c e s o f God , whe re i n God was wont f ami l ia r ly to embrace hi s spouse, and she him.

The s e , i n J o s i a h ’s t ime f l ou r i s h ed i n g re a t e s t pu r i t y, 162 s o th a t the re wa s no Passover like unto his.

Our b e d i s g r e e n , ] I t i s an a l l u s i on t o t h e s p r i ng - t ime, when t he wor sh i p o f G o d b e g a n t o f l o u r i s h a g a i n a f t e r a w i n t e r - t ime o f m i r y a nd d i r t y po l l u - tions.

The b e am s o f o u r h o u s e a r e C e d a r, a n d our Rafters, or Walls, or Gal ler ies o f Fir , ] 163 The se word s s e t ou t the beau ty o f the Church,164 in regard of the repair s of the Temple made by Josiah.

Use 1. The use i s to observe the several beaut ie s and or nament s o f the Church , which are,

F i r s t , To enjoy each ord inance of God i n h i s r a n k a n d p l a c e : I t i s a s i f t h e c h e e k s o r o p e n f a c e o f t h e C h u r c h w e r e d e c k e d w i t h r o w s o f j e w e l s . J e r o b o am made p r i e s t s o f t h e b a s e s t o f

161 2 Chronicles 34:1–7.162 2 Chronicles 35:18.163 Verse 17.164 2 Chronicles 34:8,14.

44 john cotton

the people, and such defect or cor ruption of God’s ordinances i s a blemish con- spicuous in the face of the Church.

Use 2. Secondly, good Kings ought to put u p o n t h e i r p e o p l e w h o l e s o m e L aw s , and s tra i t binding to the pur i ty of Rel i- g ion and the wor sh ip o f God : i t i s no impeachment to the i r Chr i s t i an l ibe r ty a s An ab ap t i s t s d o t e , bu t a n o r n amen t t o t h e i r b e a u t y, m a k i n g t h e i r n e c k s come l y a s w i t h ch a i n s o f go l d : I t wa s t h e c o m m a n d m e n t o f A s a , W h o s o e v e r would not seek the Lord God of Israel, should b e pu t t o d e a t h . 165 And Jo s i ah t o o k away al l the abominat ions out o f a l l the Countr ies that per ta ined to the Chi ldren o f Is rae l , and made a l l tha t we re p r e s en t to s e r ve, even to serve the Lord their God.166

Use 3. Thirdly, people to be ready to bind t h e m s e l v e s b y s o l e m n c ove n a n t a n d o a t h t o ke ep s u ch L aw s , a nd t o a s s i s t their pr inces in cleansing their uttermost b o rd e r s a n d c o r n e r s o f t h e k i n g d o m f rom Supe r s t i t i on and Ido l a t r y ; and i t i s no impeachment o f Chr i s t i an l ibe r ty t o b ow t o C h r i s t i a n L aw s : ye a , i t i s t h e b e a u t y o f a C h r i s t i a n C h u rc h t o we a r t ho s e ch a i n s , t ho s e L aw s , wh i ch

165 2 Chronicles 15:13.166 2 Chronicles 34:33.


were made for the good of the Church, and it was their profaneness and rebellion tha t s ay, *Le t u s b r e ak t h e i r b and s a sun - der, and cast away their cords from us.167

Use 4. Fourthly, Princes to send forth savou- r y and g rac ious mini s te r s in to a l l quar- t e r s o f t h e i r domin ion s , t h a t a l l t h e i r p e o p l e m ay t a s t e a n d f e e l h ow swe e t the preaching of the word i s : This i s the or nament o f a Church , when Chr i s t i an pr inces so provide that a l l places may be f u r n i s h e d w i t h p r e a c h i n g M i n i s t e r s ; th i s i s to open a box o f Sp ikenard tha t t h e sme l l t h e reo f may f l ow f o r t h , bu t to leave them re l i shed with the dregs of superstition, this is a blemish.

Use 5. Fifthly, to see that the nobles and Ma- gistrates countenance Pr iests and Levites,168 and by the i r au thor i ty to g ive the f ree passage to the word, and to prevent di s- tu rbance s wh i ch e l s e m igh t be o f f e red to Min i s t e r s in the i r Churche s , yea a l l Mag i s t r a t e s t o p reven t co r r up t i on s i n ma t t e r s , whe the r o f Re l i g ion o r C iv i l Just ice, i s as i f a bundle of Myr rh should lodge in the breasts of the Church.

Use 6. Sixthly, the Lord Jesus to refresh and s t reng then the hea r t s and sp i r i t s o f h i s

167 Psalm 2:3.168 Verse 13.

46 john cotton

people in publ ic ca lamit ie s , and to save t h e m f ro m t h e m a l i g n i t y a n d ve n o m thereof , he i s then a s a c lus ter o f Cam- phire to the Church in the v ineyards of Engedi , a s he was to J ehoshaphat and hi s p e o p l e w h e n t h ey k n ew n o t w h a t t o do.169 Chr ist is an ornament, and encoura- geth both Pr iest , Prophet, and Pr ince, to sing a Psalm of Thanksg iving:170 And suppose enemies should be as a cluster in the border of the Church, how easy a th ing is it for God to strengthen, and be as a cluster of Camphire, to strengthen and encou- rage them against these biting Serpents.

Use 7. Seventhly, not to foster and tolerate invetera te cor r upt ions , though rece ived f rom wor thy ance s to r s , bu t to ha t e a l l abuse s in God’s wor sh ip, even the ver y m o n u m e n t s o f I d o l a t r y, a n d t o t a k e them away, a s Hezek i ah d id the b r a zen Ser pent , 171 and to se t each ord inance o f God in his place; the Church then is very fair, she hath Doves’ eyes.

Use 8 . E igh th ly, young Pr ince s to be- gin betimes to lift up their hearts to redress a- buses in the Church, to imitate the bes t of their predecessor s ; yea, and to go be- yond them, as Jos iah did, and to res tore

169 2 Chronicles 20:12.170 Verse 22.171 2 Kings 18:4.


God’s wor sh ip to her na t ive beauty and i n t e g r i t y : I t i s a f a i r , ye a , a p l e a s a n t t h i n g , t o b e h o l d t h i s f o r wa rd n e s s i n any, much more in young Princes.

Use 9. Ninthly, to enjoy the worship of God, p u r g e d f ro m a l l S u p e r s t i t i o n , I d o l a - t r y, and f rom a l l d ev i c e s o f men ; i t i s as i f a bed were g reen, fresh, f lour ishing and f rui t fu l . In such wor ship Chr i s t de- l i gh t s to revea l and communica te h imse l f f ami l i a r l y wi th h i s peop le, and loveth not to come into a harlot’s bed, dec- ked with the laces of tapestry of Egypt.172

Use 10. Tenthly, suppose the Church again and again be laid waste, so that instead of Camphi re i s Mas s and Ido l a t r y, i t i s an e a s y t h i ng w i t h God t o s end a J o s i a h , t o ro o t o u t s u c h S u p e r s t i t i o n s , t h a t though abuses crept into the Church for three or four Pr inces ’ l ives , yet God can c leanse and re for m her, a s he d id in Jo - s i a h ’s t ime : God l ook s no t a t t he co r - ruptions of his Church thereby to loathe her, but to heal her, and thereby to glo- r i f y h i s g r a c e i n h e r r e c ove r y, r a t h e r than his hol iness in the discovery of her pollutions.

T h e b e d i s h e r e m e n t i o n e d i n t h e

172 Proverbs 7:16.

48 john cotton

spr ing of her f lour i shing, when i t began to wax g reen , not in the winte r sea son o f her d i r ty po l lu t ions ; and be fore, the chaste eyes of the dove recorded, abhor- r ing uncleanness , not the eyes fu l l of a- dulter y, br ing ing spir i tual pol lut ions in- to the Church. 173 When there i s any Su- per stit ious worship, there it is over spread with winter, but when it i s purged, then i s the bed g reen; when God’s ordinances are kept pure, there Chr is t del ighteth to be.

Use 11. Eleventhly, It is an ornament of the C h u rc h t o r e s t o re h e r w i t h b e a m s o f Ceda r, and he r wa l l s o r g a l l e r i e s w i th f i r . C e d a r i s f a m o u s f o r d u r a b l e n e s s , endur ing even to eter ni ty, sa i th Pl iny : 174 F i r i s accep table fo r h i s swee tne s s , and w h i l e h e g r o w e t h , f o r h i s h e i g h t , s t r a i gh tn e s s , a nd p e r p e tu a l g re enne s s ; So l omon’s house or t emple was o f o ld a lively type, partly,

F i r s t , O f t h e human body o f Ch r i s t , the temple of the deity.175

S e c o n d l y, o f t h e m y s t i c a l b o d y o f Chr i s t , 176 h i s Church o r cong rega t i on , 1 Corinthians 3:16.177 Christ’s human body never decaye th , and there fore neede th no re-

173 2 Peter 2:14.174 Plin., lib. xiii. cap. 5,16,41.175 John 2:19, 21.176 Colossians 2:9.177 1 Corinthians 3:16, and 6:19.


pa i r ing; His myst ica l body, the Church, i f i t f a l l in to decay, through cor rupt ion o f doc t r ine or wor sh ip, i t may be mos t fitly repaired,

F i r s t , B y l ay i n g i n t h e wa l l s o f t h e C h u rc h s u c h s o l i d a n d e t e r n a l t r u t h s o f G o d a s m ay h o l d u p t h e wa l l s o f the building.

T h u s L u t h e r r e s t o re d t h e C h u rc h by l ay ing th i s beam of Cedar, the doct r ine of free justification by Christ.

Second ly, by s e t t i ng up such wor sh ip a nd wo rk s f o r t h e p eop l e t o wa l k i n , a s a re t r u ly sweet and amiable in God’s s i g h t , s p r i n g i ng f rom f re s h a nd g re en s i n c e r i t y, g row ing up t o t h e h e aven s ; t h e s e a re l i ke g a l l e r i e s o f f i r , whe re a s vow s o f p e r f e c t i on , a nd wo rk s o f s u - p e re rog a t i on , a nd a l l o t h e r r e l i c s a nd r ag s o f Poper y, a re no be t t e r than ro t - t en and moth-e a t en wood , f i t f ue l f o r the fire.

50 john cotton

THE

CANTICLES,OR

SONG OF SONGSopened and explained.

The Text.

CHAP. 2.

I Am the rose of Sharon, and the l i ly of the valleys.2. As the l i ly among tho r ns, s o i s my l ove among the daughters.3. As the apple-tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.4. He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.5. S tay me w i t h f l a g on s, c om f o r t me w i t h apples: for I am sick of love.6. His l e f t hand i s under my head, and hi s right hand doth embrace me.7. I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem,


by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.8. The voi ce o f my beloved! behold, he com- eth leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills.9. My beloved is like a Roe or a young Hart: behold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, showing himself through the lattice.10. My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.11. For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; 12. The flowers appear on the ear th; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;13. The fig-tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.14. O my dove, that ar t in the c l e f t s o f the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.15. Take us the f oxes, the l i t t l e f oxe s, tha t spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.16. My be l oved i s m ine, and I am h i s : h e feedeth among the lilies.17. Unt i l t h e day b r e ak , and t h e s hadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a Roe or a young Har t upon the mountains o f Bether.

52 john cotton

the explanation.

Cant . 2 ver se 1. I am the ro s e o f Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.

TH e e s t a t e o f t h e C h u rc h f ro m J o - s i a h ’s re p a i r o f t h e Temp l e ( i n t h e last ver se of the last chapter) is descr ibed here,

F i r s t , be fo re the c ap t iv i t y, ve r s e s 1–2 , unde r the l a s t d ay s o f J o s i ah , J e h oahaz , Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah.178

Secondly, In the captivity:1. At home, the remnant, verse 3.2. Abroad, in Babylon, verses 4–7.Third ly, in the end a f te r the capt iv i ty,

where is descr ibed,1. Her c a l l ing ou t o f c ap t iv i t y, to re -

t u r n and wor sh i p i n Je r u s a l em , ve r s e s 8–13.

S e cond l y, h e r e s t a t e a t Je r u s a l em t i l l t h e d ay s o f t h e M a c c a b e e s , ve r s e s 14 –17.

I am the r o s e , ] The rose i s f i r s t , love ly for beauty.

Second ly, swee t fo r sme l l , comfor t ing both heart and brain.

Th i rd l y, who l e some fo r u s e, and medicinable.

178 2 Kings 23:30, 34, and 24:6, 17.


O f S h a r o n . ] S h a r o n w a s a f r u i t f u l f i e l d l y i n g u n d e r B a s h a n , w h e r e t h e he rd s were wont to f eed , exce l l en t fo r fatness and fruitfulness.179

And the lily,] The lily is, first, fragrant,180 S e c o n d l y, F a i r , y e t o f t h e v a l l e y s ,

w h e r e t h e h e r d s u s e d t o f e e d , a s i n Sharon.181

These words then se t fo r th the Chur- ch’s compla int a t that t ime, a s some In- t e r p re t e r s o f ch i e f wor th have conce i - ved i t , though the words may as f i t ly be u t t e red by Chr i s t h imse l f , to s e t fo r th both hi s own di spos i t ion and the Chur- ch’s estate.

T h e f i r s t , H e wa s t h e n t h e ro s e o f the f ield, the l i ly of the val leys, to show, t h a t w h e n t h e C h u rc h d e s p i s e d h i m , t o c o nve r s e w i t h h e r i n t h e Te m p l e , a n d t h e wo r s h i p t h e re c e l e b r a t e d : * 18 2 H e w a s n o w r e a d y t o l e a v e h i s Te m p l e , a n d t o b e a s a n c t u a r y t o h i s Church abroad.

Second ly, Chr i s t i s here de sc r ibed accord ing to the e s t a t e o f the Church o f tha t t ime, which wanted cu l ture, o rde- r i n g , a n d d re s s i n g , t h o r n s a n d b r i e r s g rowing up in the Church, and not wee-

179 1 Chronicles 5:16–17, and 27:29; Isaiah 33:9, and 35:2.180 Matthew 6:28, 29.181 1 Chronicles 27:29.182 Chapter 1:16–17; Ezekiel 9:3, 10:4,9, and 11:23,16

54 john cotton

d e d o u t : * T h e w i c ke d a r e a s t h o r n s and br ier s,†183 and store of them growing up in the Church.184

When t h e Chu rch i s a s a g a rd en en - closed,185 then br ier s and thorns are wee- ded out; but nei ther Mag is trate nor Mi- ni s ter did hi s duty in removing of fences i n tho se day s : so l i l i e s o f the f i e l d a re taken for li l ies neglected,186 which neither take care for themselves , nor other s take care for them.187

Th i rd l y, A s t h e ro s e o f t h e f i e l d , o r l i l i e s o f the va l leys , or l i ly amongs t the thorns, is continually,

First, subject to be pr icked and rent with thorns.

S e cond l y, t rodden unde r f oo t by t h e herds of beas t s ; so the Church was then subject,

1 . To b e v e x e d w i t h t h e w i c k e d growing up with her.

2 . To b e t ro d d e n u n d e r f o o t by t h e beas t s o f the f ie ld , the Babylonians , the Egyptians.

cJ o s i a h , h ow swe e t a R o e ! h ow f a i r a l i l y ! ye t how unt ime ly t rodden down by Necho : 188 The other Kings were placed, d i s p l a c ed , imp r i s oned , a nd t h e who l e

183 2 Samuel 23:6.184 Micah 7:4.185 Canticles 4:12.186 Matthew 6:28–29.187 Verse 2–3.188 2 Chronicles 35:22–24.


k ingdom wi th them, a t the p l ea su re o f the Babylonians and Egypt ians : 189 and in the end the whole Church la id waste by the Babylonians.

Aga i n , Ch r i s t i s t h e ro s e and l i l y, a s being,

F i r s t , swe e t w i t h t h e s a vo u r o f h i s graces.

Secondly, beautiful.Thirdly, medicinable.W h e n t h e C h u r c h i s c o r r u p t i n i t -

s e l f , i t i s ye t f a i r and swee t in Chr i s t ; i n h im our l i f e i s h id in our wor s t t a - king,190 he being white as a lily by the pu- r i ty of his r ighteousness , we l ikewise are whi te a s l i l i e s in h im, c lo thed wi th h i s r ighteousness.

As t h e a pp l e - t r e e among t h e t r e e s o f t h e wood , s o i s my b e l o ved among t h e s on s ; I s a t me d own und e r h i s s h ad ow w i t h g r e a t delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.]191 A tree, f ir st, Not tall, as the Cedar of Le- b anon , no t s t rong , a s t he Oak s o f Ba- shan, but a tree of middle stature, imply- ing an in f e r io r mag i s t r a t e, no t so h igh a n d m i g h t y a s t h e m o n a r c h s o f t h e world, yet such whose shadow yields,

F i r s t , re f re sh ing t o a man wande r i ng

189 2 Chronicles 36:17.190 Colossians 3:3.191 Verse 3.

56 john cotton

and fainting in a wild forest.S e c o n d l y, W h o s e f r u i t i s swe e t a n d

c o m f o r t a b l e , s u c h wa s C h r i s t t o h i s Church, d i spens ing himse l f in Geda l i ah , w h o m N e b u c h a d n e z z a r m a d e g ov e r - nor over the remnant of the people that were left in the land.192

F i r s t , unde r h im , a s unde r a s h adow, they were f ea r l e s s and s a f e : 193 But a f t e r he was cut down they were dr iven f rom under his shadow, and dur st s tay no lon- ger in their own country, which was lef t as a wild forest.194

Secondly, they gathered,First, much sweet summer fruit.195Second ly, much good In s t r uc t ion and

direction from Jeremiah and Baruch, 196 who both lived with him.

Wine cellar,]197 Hebrew. House of wine; not so f i t ly ter med banqueting house, which Solomon expres se th by another name.*198 A wine Cel l a r i s a low vaul t , under the g round , d a r k , c o l d , r aw, a nd g l oomy ; ye t rep l en i shed w i th ve s s e l s o f l i quo r, which refresheth and enlargeth the hear t, and openeth the mouth.

Thi s house, to the Church, was Baby- l o n , w h i t h e r G o d b ro u g h t h i s p e o p l e

192 2 Kings 25:22.193 2 Kings 25:23–25.194 Verse 26.195 Jeremiah 40:10–12.196 Jeremiah 40:6, and 43:6.197 Verse 4.198 Ecclesiastes 7:2.


into captivity, which at f ir st view seemed do l e fu l and he avy, bu t a f t e rwa rd y i e l - ded to them many sweet tastes, yea, deep d r augh t s o f God ’s f avou r. God ’s Sp i r i t coming upon men make s them seem a s full of new wine, Acts 2:13; it refresheth and e n l a r g e t h t h e h e a r t , a n d o p e n e t h t h e mouth,

First, to the praise of God.S e c o n d l y, t o t h e e d i f i c a t i o n o f h i s

Church. Such a spir i t God poured upon Dan i e l , Ezek i e l , Shad ra c h , a nd h i s f e l - lows in the captivity.199

And his banner over me was love.]Banner:F i r s t , fo r an en s i gn o f de f ence to the

Church.S e c o n d l y, f o r a f l a g o f d e f i a n c e t o

the i r enemies . How lov ing ly and g lor i - ously (as with a banner of love displayed) d id God de fend the th ree ch i ld ren and Daniel himself.*200

How d id God o f fe r de f i ance to Ido la- try in the three children.*201

S t ay m e w i t h f l a g o n s, a n d c o m f o r t m e wi th apple s, fo r I am s i c k o f love . ] 202 I , the Church, i s here f aint and s ick, and ready to swoon, fo r de s i re o f fu r the r f e l low-

199 Daniel 1:19–20.200 Daniel 3:25, and 4:22.201 Daniel 5:16–18, and 6:10.202 Verse 5.

58 john cotton

sh ip wi th Chr i s t , and for her own he lp desireth,

First, Flagons of wine to stay her.S e c o n d l y, A p p l e s t o c o m f o r t h e r ; a s

indeed apple s do comfor t the hear t and s t o m a c h , p r eve n t s swo o n i n g , a n d r e - s t r a in s po i son . 203 Thu s Dan i e l , t h rough abundance of Revelat ions , was f a int and s i ck , and de s i rous o f more c lea r know- ledge of his vi s ions, and of the Church’s de l iverance, and found the† Ange l ready to refresh and s trengthen him: 204 And the o ther member s o f the Church, fee- l ing such sweet taste of Chr ist ’s presence a m o n g s t t h e m i n t h e c a p t i v i t y, we re , ( doub t l e s s ) e a r ne s t l y d e s i rou s o f more full enjoying him perfectly,

F i r s t , B y t h e m i n i s t r y o f t h e P ro - phets, as by flagons of wine.

S e c o n d l y, by t h e M a g i s t r a c y o f D a - niel and his fel lows,205 whom the King set up f o r i n f e r i o r mag i s t r a t e s , a s by a p - ples, the fruit of the apple-trees.

His l e f t hand i s unde r my head , h i s r i gh t hand doth embrace me.]206

The word s may be e i t he r a n a r r a t i on how i t i s , or a prayer that i t may be; so i n t h e o r i g i n a l t h e b l e s s i n g s o f God ’s

203 Fernelius, a physician.204 Daniel 8:27, and 10:12,15,19.205 Daniel 2:48–49.206 Verse 6.


l e f t hand a re r i che s and g lo r y,* and o f hi s r ight hand length of days or immortality:207 Riches and honours God convey- eth to us by the hand of the Mag is t ra te, immortality by the hand of Ministers.

T h e C h u rc h t h e r e f o r e d e s i r e t h G o d in her capt iv i ty, (which th ing a l so God granted) that,

Fir st Pr inces should be the l i f ter s up of her head, her nursing fathers and mothers.

Second ly, P rophe t s and P r i e s t s m igh t de l ive r to he r the swee t t e s t imonie s o f Chr i s t ’s embrac ing love ; th i s wa s done by Evi l Meroda c h to J eho ia c h in , 208 and by the ministry of Daniel and Ezekiel.209

T h e P r i n c e s a l l owe d t h e m g r e a t l i - b e r t y, t h e P rophe t s d i s p en s ed he aven- ly and comfortable doctr ine.210

I c h a r g e y ou , O ye d au gh t e r s o f J e r u s a - lem, by the Roes, and by the Hinds of the field, t ha t ye s t i r no t up, no r awake my l ove t i l l he please.]211 Hebrews, I adjure you, that is, I cause you to swear by the Roes , and by the Hind s o f the f i e ld , no t by them a s the per sons thou ar t to swear by, but by t h o s e f o r w h o s e s a k e a n d b y w h o s e m e a n s t h e y a r e t o t a k e t h e m s e l v e s bound a s by a so l emn oa th (no t to s t i r

207 Proverbs 3:16.208 2 Kings 25:27,30.209 Daniel 2:48–49.210 Jeremiah 29:5–6.211 Verse 7.

60 john cotton

Documents

A BRIEF EXPOSITIONquintapress.macmate.me/PDF_Books/John_Cotton/Canticles...Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth, for thy love is better than wine. I t was the manner of ancient