Meditations on the Song of Solomon

Andrew Miller.

Table of Contents
Note............................................................................................................................................................1 Preface........................................................................................................................................................2 Canticles 1..................................................................................................................................................3 Canticles 2. ..............................................................................................................................................28 Canticles 3................................................................................................................................................46 Canticles 4................................................................................................................................................51 Canticles 5................................................................................................................................................70 Canticles 6................................................................................................................................................83 Canticles 7................................................................................................................................................92 Canticles 8..............................................................................................................................................101 Fourth Edition. "My meditation of him shall be sweet." Psal A id t'e lo*el(+ lo*elier still. A id t'e loft(+ More ric'l(+ /it' .sic fro ore a,estic still+ ore sera-'icall( fra.$'t t'e e*erlastin$ 'ills 0 104! 34. "#on$ o%er all son$s transcendent& Mi$'t( t'e e)

1n awe+ in re*erence+ and (et wit' ,o(+ 2.rn we to listen to t'( sacred tones& And fro t'e world and t'e world%s din re o*ed+ t'e 3oo4 of 5od+ 1n sweet retire ent+ fro 6e-lete wit'

2o c'eris' conte -lation on eac' line+ eanin$s 'i$' and wonderf.l+ 1ndited 7( t'e 8ord+ t'e Co forter)" Metrical Meditations.

Note.
As t'e followin$ Meditations were ore t'e e9-ression of ( feelings, t'an an( atte -t at e9-osition+ w'en t'e( were written+ 1 'a*e not t'o.$'t it ri$'t to alter a sin$le word in a second edition. As s.c'+ t'e( re ain as a e orial of ( e9-erience at t'at ti e. And 1 can tr.l( t'an4 t'e 8ord for 1

an( eas.re of co .nion wit' :i t'at is tracea7le in t'ese -a$es. 2'at :e a( contin.e to 7less t'e little 7oo4 to an( -recio.s so.ls is ( ost earnest -ra(er. A.M. London.

Preface.
At t'e re;.est of an( of t'e readers of "2'in$s New and <ld+" t'e "Meditations" now a--ear in a se-arate *ol. e. And 'ere 1 a( state w'at 1 thought and felt in co encin$ t'ese st.dies on t'e Canticles. A idst t'e incessant calls to -.7lic la7o.r in 8ondon+ it re;.ires $reat dili$ence and watc'f.lness+ to aintain t'e so.l in f.lness and fres'ness s.ited to t'e 8ord%s ser*ice& and .nless t'e so.l finds wa(s and eans of drin4in$ for itself at t'e fo.ntain 'ead+ it will soon 7eco e .n-rofita7le in inistr(. =*er( fres' ser*ice o.$'t to 7e t'e res.lt of fres'+ -ersonal co .nion wit' t'e li*in$ :ead+ t'e fo.ntain of all s.--l(. Not'in$ s'ort of t'is will eet t'e need. 2'ere .st 7e en,o(ed association wit' t'e #o.rce of life and 7lessin$+ in order to 7eco e t'e c'annel of life and 7lessin$ to ot'ers. Ability, 'owe*er $reat+ gift, 'owe*er distinct+ are not eno.$' wit'o.t -ersonal co .nion. 1f an(t'in$ 7e allowed to co e in 7etween t'e 'eart of t'e ser*ant and 'is Master+ 'is ser*ice will 7e arred. ">or to e to li*e is C'rist." "1 can do all t'in$s t'ro.$' C'rist+ w'ic' stren$t'enet' e+" was t'e 'i$' $ro.nd of t'e a-ostle. C'rist was 'is oti*e+ -ower+ and o7,ect. :e did all in t'e *iew of C'rist. 2'is is t'e tr.e $ro.nd of ser*ice+ 'owe*er far 7elow t'e a-ostle%s eas.re t'e ser*ant a( 7e. /'en t'is is t'e condition of 'is so.l+ C'rist is 'ono.red+ t'e #-irit is .n$rie*ed and acts in -ower+ and t'e so.l .st 7e f.ll and fres' for ser*ice. 2'ere a( 7e little ti e for -ri*ate st.d(+ (et we learn. 2'e #-irit is o.r teac'er+ and in t'is state of ind we are easil( ta.$'t. "1f an( an t'irst+" sa(s C'rist+ "let 'i co e .nto me and drink. :e t'at 7elie*et' on e+ as t'e scri-t.re 'at' said+ o.t of 'is 7ell( s'all flow ri*ers of li*in$ water." 1t is -erfectl( clear fro w'at t'e 8ord 'ere sa(s+ t'at we .st drin4 first t'e li*in$ waters for o.r own refres' ent+ 7efore t'e( can flow o.t for t'e refres' ent of ot'ers. Conscio.s of t'is need+ and w'ere t'e f.ll s.--l( co.ld onl( 7e fo.nd+ t'e "#on$ of #on$s" -resented a ost in*itin$ t'e e for t'is -.r-ose. 2'e w'ole 7oo4 is f.ll of C'rist& and ore es-eciall( is it filled wit' t'e free e9-ression of :is t'o.$'ts+ feelin$s+ affections+ and desires towards :is s-o.se+ and all w'o -.t t'eir tr.st in :i . :ence t'e st.d( of t'e 7oo4 7rin$s t'e so.l into direct co .nion wit' t'e Person of t'e 8ord in a *er( -recio.s wa(. And+ s.rel(+ not'in$ is so fitted to eet e*er( need of t'e ser*ant+ 7ot' for -.7lic and -ri*ate ser*ice. /it' t'ese t'o.$'ts+ and wit' t'is end in *iew+ t'e "Meditations" were co enced. And if ( readers 'a*e entered wit' e into t'e s-irit of t'ese st.dies+ t'e( a( 7e a7le to s-ea4 wit' e of -rofit t'erefro . 2o 7e ad itted+ as it were+ to t'e inner te -le of t'e #a*io.r%s 'eart+ is s.rel( t'e $reatest -ri*ile$e and 7lessin$ we can now en,o(. 1 'a*e t'.s freel( e9-ressed ( t'o.$'ts and feelin$s+ in t'e 'o-e t'at so e a( 7e 'el-ed and enco.ra$ed t'ere7(. Man( 4nown to e+ w'o 'a*e a willin$ 'eart for ser*ice+ feel -ressed for ti e. =n$a$ed in 7.siness d.rin$ t'e da(+ and wit' eetin$s al ost e*er( e*enin$+ when or where is t'e ti e+ t'e( a( tr.l( sa(+ for drin4in$ in? 1 a fa iliar wit' t'e diffic.lt(. 3.t it is a .c' 'a--ier t'in$ to 7e o*er-ressed wit' ser*ice for t'e 8ord+ t'an 'ardl( to 4now 'ow to fill .- (o.r ti e. 3e t'an4f.l) 2'e *er( -ress.re+ w'en t'e Master is 7efore t'e ind+ se-arates t'e 'eart fro t'e scene aro.nd. Not'in$ else will& and t'e o ent t'e 'ands are freed fro t'e sec.lar t'e( are read( for t'e s-irit.al. 3.t+ after all+ t'e one $rand -ersonal ;.estion is 0 Has Christ His right lace in my heart, and His truth its right lace in my ways! 1f so+ all ot'er t'in$s will nat.rall( fall into t'eirs+ and di*ine li$'t will 2

s'ine on all

( -at'. a( e*er 7e t'e case wit' 7ot' reader and writer+ for :is own na e%s

2'e 8ord $rant t'at t'is sa4e. A. M. London.

Canticles 1.
2'ere is not'in$ w'ic' t'e en of t'is world dread ore t'an solit.de and reflection. 2'e( wo.ld rat'er 7e o*er -ressed wit' en$a$e ents t'an 'a*e leis.re for t'o.$'t. 2'e conscience+ ill at ease+ will at s.c' ti es lift .- its *oice& 7.t its warnin$ *oice .st 7e '.s'ed 7( t'at con*enient word d.t(+ and its 'onest s-eec' is soon and willin$l( for$otten. #ins an( sins are t'ere+ and t'e t'o.$'t of 5od as t'e ,.d$e of sin is dreadf.l. 2'e condition of t'e so.l is s.c' t'at it cannot 7ear t'e li$'t+ t'erefore dar4ness is lo*ed. 2'e acti*ities of t'is -resent life are so.$'t and welco ed+ t'at t'e cr.s'in$ wei$'t of reflection a( 7e esca-ed. 2'e -leas.res of t'e world+ too+ in d.e ti e and -lace+ ser*e a si ilar -.r-ose. 2'.s e*er( care is ta4en t'at solit.de a( 7e a*oided+ and t'at t'ere a( 7e no o--ort.nit( for cal and serio.s reflection. 2'e sole n and eternal realities of t'e so.l 'a*e no -ortion of t'o.$'t or ti e allowed t'e & t'e 'i$'er+ no7ler+ and 7etter -art of an is totall( ne$lected+ and left .ncared for+ and .n-ro*ided for+ notwit'standin$ its dee-+ -ressin$ and eternal need. ">or w'at s'all it -rofit a an if 'e s'all $ain t'e w'ole world and lose 'is own so.l? or w'at s'all a an $i*e in e9c'an$e for 'is so.l?" @Mar4 8! 36+ 37A #.c'+ alas) is an an wit'o.t t'e 4nowled$e of 5od wit'o.t t'e 4nowled$e of 'is condition as a sinner+ and wit'o.t t'e 4nowled$e of Bes.s as t'e #a*io.r of sinners. 3.t t.rn for a w'ile+ < ( so.l+ fro t'e conte -lation of a scene so 'eart0rendin$& t'o.$' stron$+ (et tender+ are t'e lin4s t'at wo.ld draw t'ee t'ere+ and lead t'ee to wean lo*ed ones fro it+ and win t'e for C'rist. C'eris' a s-irit of meditation in t'e sweet solit.des of t'e so.l%s se-aration fro t'e world+ w'ere t'e scene is radiant wit' t'e -resence of t'e #a*io.r+ and ,o(o.s wit' "2'e #on$ of #on$s." 2'e wider t'e se-aration fro t'e world+ t'e dee-er t'e co .nion+ t'e ric'er t'e 7lessin$. 1n 'eart and s-irit 'a*in$ no s( -at'( wit' it& and+ reall(+ t'o.$' in it (et far awa( fro its 7.stle and all its .n'allowed scenes. A i$'t( c'as now se-arates 7elie*ers fro t'is -resent e*il world! "2'e( are not of t'e world+" sa(s C'rist+ "e*en as 1 a not of t'e world+" 2'e -osition of C'rist in res.rrection is t'e definition of o.rs as seen in :i . 2'e cal + reflecti*e ;.iet of t'e so.l in co .nion wit' t'e Person of t'e e9alted 8ord+ is w'at c'aracterises its sweetest o ents w'ile 'ere on eart'. 2'ese a( 7e fo.nd in t'e c'a 7er of sic4ness+ t'e r.ral scene+ or in t'e *er( seat and centre of t'is world%s acti*ities. All de-ends on t'e state of t'e 'eart. 2o 7e alone and (et not alone+ 'ow 7lessed) Cant. 1! 1. ""he song of songs, which is #olomon$s." 3.t w'( call t'is -recio.s little 7oo4+ "2'e #on$ of #on$s"? ,.st 7eca.se it is #olo on%s+ or rat'er+ C'rist%s+ w'o will in d.e ti e 7e Cin$ in Ber.sale + in tr.e #olo on $lor(. <n t'e sa e -rinci-le :e is called "Cin$ of 4in$s+ and 8ord of lords." Pre0e inence in all t'in$s is :is. 2'ere are an( sweet son$s in scri-t.re. Moses+ Miria and 'er aidens+ De7ora'+ and Da*id+ all san$ sweetl( of t'e 8ord%s $oodness. 1t is said of #olo on 'i self t'at "'is son$s were a t'o.sand and fi*e"& 7.t t'is one 'e st(les "2'e #on$ of #on$s." 1t far s.r-assed t'e all. 1t is t'e dee- elod( of 'earts filled wit' 'ol( lo*e+ and findin$ t'eir s.-re e deli$'t in its f.ll and free e9-ression. "/e lo*e 'i 7eca.se 'e first lo*ed .s." <') to 7e a7le at all ti es to sin$ t'e son$ of t'e #a*io.r%s lo*e+ wit' t'e 'eart and wit' t'e .nderstandin$ also. 3

"Ma( eac'+

a( all+ t'at

aster04e( of tr.t'

1ts reference to C'rist t'ro.$' $race attain+ And+ 'oldin$ fir t'e torc' of scri-t.re0li$'t+ Co -arin$ 7oo4 wit' 7oo4+ and te9t wit' te9t+ =nter t'e -recincts+ ot'erwise o7sc.re+ <f editation on %2'e #on$ of #on$s.%" Cant. 1! 2. "Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth." /'at .ns.s-ectin$+ -.re+ and i -assioned affection 7reat'es in t'is re ar4a7le address. 1t is li4e t'e artless+ (et ardent+ 4indlin$ of affection 7etween t'e nearest 4indred w'en t'e( eet after a lon$ a7sence. #o en$rossed is t'e 'eart wit' its o7,ect+ t'at for s+ cere onies+ and all s.rro.ndin$ circ. stances are entirel( lost si$'t of. 2'e 'a--( conscio.sness of t'e -lace w'ic' s'e 'as in :is 'eart carries 'er awa(. :ow few t'ere are in t'is world t'at one co.ld so infor all( and affectionatel( address! and (et t'is is t'e lan$.a$e of a sa*ed sinner to t'e 'ol( #a*io.r. Dost t'o.+ < ( so.l+ .nderstand t'is? No do.7ts+ no fears are in t'e 'eart t'at can t'.s address t'e di*ine 3ride$roo t'e $lorified Bes.s in 'ea*en. Man( now0a0da(s t'in4 it -res. -tion to 'a*e f.ll+ -erfect .n is$i*in$ confidence in :is $race and lo*e+ and if t'e( dare *ent.re to tr.st :i + it is wit' an( do.7ts and fears& and t'at+ too+ after :e 'as written :is lo*e to lost sinners in c'aracters of 7lood+ and en$ra*en it as on t'e face of t'e roc4 for e*er. /'at .st s.c' t'in4 of t'e 7oldness of t'e 7ride? 2'at s'e 'as for$otten 'erself+ 'er -lace? A') no. 2'e secret is t'is! t'e conscience+ 'a*in$ 7een cleared of all sin 7( t'e one sacrifice of t'e once lowl( Bes.s+ t'e 'eart is now free and 'a--( in t'e -resence of t'e risen and $lorified C'rist. And t'is is all t'at an( $.ilt( sinner needs to a4e 'i feel at 'o e and 'a--( in t'e c'a 7er of t'e Cin$+ na el(+ t'e 7lood of C'rist for t'e conscience+ and t'e Person of C'rist for t'e 'eart. =*er( 7lessin$ will 7e fo.nd folded .in t'ese two. =*er( C'ristian 'as 7ot'. 8ord+ 'el- t'e to 7elie*e it) 1n t'is 7lessed little 7oo4+ ar4 well+ ( so.l+ t'ere is no ention of sin+ -ardon+ or ,.stification. /'( is t'is? 2'ese ;.estions 'ad 7een -re*io.sl( settled+ and now t'e 'eart is en,o(in$ f.ll and -erfect li7ert( in t'e 8ord%s -resence. All s.c' ;.estions+ in e*er( case+ are settled w'en t'e sinner is first 7ro.$'t to t'e feet of Bes.s settled on t'e solid $ro.nd of t'e #a*io.r%s finis'ed wor4 ne*er+ no ne*er a$ain to 7e raised+ so far as 5od and fait' are concerned. #atan+ and t'e .n7elief of o.r own 'earts+ a( see4 to dist.r7 t'e eternall( settled ;.estion& 7.t all s.c' t'o.$'ts s'o.ld 7e treated as co in$ fro s.c' so.rces. "1 4now t'at w'atsoe*er 5od doet'+ it s'all 7e for e*er! not'in$ can 7e -.t to it+ nor an(t'in$ ta4en fro it." @=cc. 3! 14A :ence+ t'e 'eart t'at 4nows t'ese t'in$s is free+ 'a--(+ and at 'o e in t'e i ediate -resence of t'e 8ord+ and t'at+ too+ in t'e 'i$'est sense. "8et 'i 4iss e wit' t'e 4isses of 'is o.t'." :ere+ t'e 'eart is 7reat'in$ after+ not t'e sense of for$i*eness 7.t+ a ore direct de onstration of :is lo*e. #'e is occ.-ied wit' :i self. Not so .c' wit' an( of :is ;.alities+ or wit' an( -artic.lar 4indness s'e 'as recei*ed fro :i + as wit' :i self -ersonall(. :a*in$ :i s'e 'as all :is ;.alities and all :is 4indness& as s'e sa(s+ "8et :1M 4iss e." #'e 'as no idea of e9-lainin$ of w'o s'e t'.s s-ea4s. 2'ere is a condensed as well as an e9-ansi*e ener$( in lo*e. 1t re inds .s of t'e lo*in$ and 7erea*ed 'eart of Mar( w'en s'e said+ "#ir+ if t'o. 'a*e 7orne :1M 'ence+ tell e w'ere t'o. 'ast laid :1M." :e was first and last in 'er ind+ no one else was in 'er 'eart fro w'o to distin$.is' :i + and t'ere was none wit' w'o s'e co.ld co -are :i . #'e 4new of no one else to 7e t'o.$'t of+ or cared for. Not'in$ co.ld satisf( 'er 'eart 7.t t'e Person of 'er 8ord+ dead or ali*e. /ondro.s affection) <'+ t'at :e 'ad s.c' a -lace in t'is -oor 'eart of ine) "A little w'ile+" and :e s'all 'a*e it 4

all and for e*er. <') 'asten t'e 'a--( da(+

( 8ord+ t'o. well07elo*ed of t'e c'.rc'+ 2'( 7ride.

1n 'ol( scri-t.re we find a 4iss is t'e to4en of reconciliation+ t'e -led$e of -eace+ and t'e e9-ression of affection. 1t is said of Da*id and Bonat'an+ t'at t'e( "4issed one anot'er+ and we-t one wit' anot'er+ .ntil Da*id e9ceeded." @1 #a . 20! 41A #weet ill.stration of t'e tr.e Da*id+ e*er e9ceedin$ all o.r lo*e. "/'ere sin a7o.nded+ $race did .c' ore a7o.nd." And Bose-'+ too+ "4issed all 'is 7ret'ren and we-t .-on t'e + and after t'at 'is 7ret'ren tal4ed wit' 'i ." @5en. 45! 15A And+ a$ain+ t'e fat'er 4issed t'e -rodi$al w'ile 'e was (et in 'is ra$s. And wo.ld s.c' de onstrations of lo*e 7e too .c' to as4+ or e9-ect+ after 'e was cleansed fro all 'is defile ent+ and clot'ed in t'e 7est ro7e? Ass.redl( not) 1s it too .c' t'en for t'e 7ride in t'e Canticles for t'e 7elie*er in Bes.s to desire s.c' an e9-ression of t'e 8ord%s lo*e? Certain we are t'at s'e desired it+ not 7eca.se s'e 'ad an( do.7t of its 7ein$ t'ere+ 7.t 7eca.se s'e deli$'ted in its anifestation. 8o*e can onl( 7e satisfied wit' lo*e. "For thy lo%e is better than wine" 2'e lo*e of Bes.s is now -referred to all t'e ,o(s of eart'. /ine is t'e s( 7ol of t'e nat.ral deli$'ts of en t'e ,o(s and t'e l.9.ries of eart'. 3.t w'at are all t'ese now+ in t'eir ost c'ar in$ for + to t'e so.l t'at is deli$'tin$ in t'e lo*e of Bes.s? 2'e( 'a*e lost t'eir c'ar for t'e e(e and t'e 'eart+ and now t'e( wo.ld 7e a weariness and a 7.rden 'ea*( to 7e 7orne. Bes.s :i self is t'e so.l%s deli$'t. "/'o 'a*in$ not seen+ (e lo*e& in w'o + t'o.$' now (e see 'i not+ (et 7elie*in$+ (e re,oice wit' ,o( .ns-ea4a7le and f.ll of $lor(. @1 Peter 1! 8A 2'e *ine tree 'as its roots in t'e eart'. 2'e NaEarite+ w'ile .nder 'is *ow+ was to taste not'in$ t'at was ade of t'e *ine0tree+ fro t'e 4ernels e*en to t'e '.s4. @#ee N. . 6A :e was to 7e entirel( se-arate fro t'e -leas.res of t'e world .nto t'e 8ord. =*er( 7elie*er is a NaEarite+ accordin$ to t'e 7lessed 8ord%s own *ow. "3.t 1 sa( .nto (o.+ 1 will not drin4 'encefort' of t'is fr.it of t'e *ine+ .ntil t'at da( w'en 1 drin4 it new wit' (o. in ( >at'er%s 4in$do ." @Matt. 26! 29A 3ein$ associated wit' :i + we are .nder :is *ow! and o.$'t to 7e tr.e NaEarites .nto 5od. 3.t t'is can onl( 7e 7( findin$ all o.r ,o(+ deli$'t+ and satisfaction in t'e lo*e of Bes.s. :e is now -atientl( waitin$ far awa( fro t'e ,o(s of eart'+ .ntil t'e 7ri$'t illennial ornin$+ w'en :e s'all a$ain co e fort'+ in :is tr.e Melc'isedec c'aracter+ to refres' t'e *ictorio.s ar ies of 1srael+ t'e c'ildren of A7ra'a + wit' t'e 7read and wine of t'e 4in$do . @5en. 14A /e+ too+ s'o.ld -atientl( wait till t'en+ for we s'all co e fort' wit' :i in 'ea*enl( $lor(. 2'e f.ll -eriod of t'e *ow s'all t'en 7e acco -lis'ed. 2'e Cin$ in Ber.sale s'all a$ain 7e .nited to :is eart'l( -eo-le+ and all nations s'all 7e ade $lad and re,oice in t'eir ,o( and $ladness. And t'en s'all t'e da.$'ter of Fion 4now t'e eanin$ of t'ose words lon$ a$o .ttered at t'e arria$e in Cana of 5alilee+ "3.t t'o. 'as 4e-t t'e $ood wine .ntil now." "2'( lo*e we own+ 8ord Bes.s& And wait to see 2'( $lor(+ 2o 4now as 4nown+ and f.ll( own 2'( -erfect $race 7efore 2'ee! /e -lead 2'( -artin$ -ro ise+ Co e+ #a*io.r+ to release .s+ 2'en endless -raise o.r li-s s'all raise+ >or lo*e li4e 2'ine+ 8ord Bes.s." Cant. 1! 3. "&ecause of the sa%our of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment oured forth, 5

therefore do the %irgins lo%e thee." Now s'e $i*es .s so e idea of :is na e+ "2'( na e is as oint ent -o.red fort'." 2o 'er 'eart it is ost fra$rant. All :is na es+ titles+ attri7.tes+ and relations'i-s are ost sweet to 'er taste. :is na e is :i self. 1t is e9-ressi*e of :is nat.re+ e9cellencies+ and $races. #'e is at a loss to .tter t'e ric'es of :is $oodness+ t'erefore s'e sa(s+ "2'( na e is as oint ent -o.red fort'." 2'e sa*o.r of :is oint ent is not confined to 'erself& t'ose associated wit' 'er s'are in its -rof.sion. 2'e attendant *ir$ins are attracted and refres'ed 7( t'e sweet odo.rs of :is na e. :a--( t'o.$'t) 1t is not an oint ent sealed .-+ 7.t "-o.red fort'." <') w'at fellows'i- t'ere is in t'e lo*e of Bes.s) :ere -a.se a little+ < ( so.l+ and editate on t'e f.lness of t'e na e of Bes.s! ">or in 'i dwellet' all t'e f.lness of t'e 5od'ead 7odil(." /'at a centre+ w'at a so.rce it is) Aro.nd it t'e c'.rc' of 5od is now $at'ered as its onl( centre+ 7( t'e ;.ic4enin$ -ower and indwellin$ of t'e :ol( 5'ost. ">or w'ere two or t'ree are $at'ered to$et'er in ( na e+ t'ere a 1 in t'e idst of t'e ." 3.t ere lon$+ t'e 'ea*ens and t'e eart' s'all 7e .nited 7( its -ower and $lor(. 2'e eart'l( Ber.sale and t'e cities of B.da'+ wit' all t'e s.rro.ndin$ nations& t'e 'ea*enl( Ber.sale + and t'e inn. era7le co -an( of an$els+ a $eneral asse 7l(& and t'e c'.rc' of t'e first07orn ones w'ic' are written in 'ea*en+ s'all all 7e attracted to and .nited 7( t'at one dear .nitin$ na e. 2'e >at'er 'at' -.r-osed t'is wondro.s $lor( for :is #on+ and it s'all s.rel( co e to -ass+ "2'at in t'e dis-ensation of t'e f.lness of ti es Gt'e illenni. H 'e i$'t $at'er to$et'er in one G.nder one 'eadH+ all t'in$s in C'rist+ 7ot' w'ic' are in 'ea*en and w'ic' are on eart'+ e*en in 'i ." @=-'. 1! 11A 2'en s'all t'e fra$rance of :is na e 7e wafted on e*er( 7reeEe+ and all 4indreds and ton$.es s'all .nite in t'at note of -raise+ "< 8<6D+ o.r 8ord+ 'ow e9cellent is t'( na e in all t'e eart'." @Ps. 8A And w'en t'e t'o.sand (ears of illennial 7lessin$ and $lor( s'all 'a*e r.n t'eir co.rse+ t'e 'ea*ens and t'e eart' fled awa(+ and t'e final ,.d$ ent -ast+ t'at na e s'all 'a*e lost none of its fra$rance+ -ower+ and $lor(. 1t will t'en .nite in sweetest lo*e+ in 'oliest 7onds+ t'e an( circles+ t'e co.ntless (riads of t'e new 'ea*ens and t'e new eart'. 2'e ,o( of e*er( 'eart+ t'e elod( of e*er( ton$.e+ s'all find t'eir s-rin$+ -ower+ oti*e+ and o7,ect in :i . =*er( o.ntain of (rr'+ and e*er( 'ill of fran4incense+ s'all owe t'eir sweetness to :is -resence. And still :is na e s'all 7e as oint ent -o.red fort'& (es+ "-o.red fort'+" and "-o.red fort'" for e*er! all :is $ar ents s ellin$ of (rr'+ aloes+ and cassia+ in t'e i*or( -alaces. And as a$e after a$e rolls on+ t'e ric' and *aried $races of :is lo*e s'all still 7e "-o.red fort'" in infinite -rof.sion+ ca.sin$ all 'ands and 'earts and li-s to dro- wit' sweet0s ellin$ (rr'+ and fillin$ e*er( scene t'ro.$'o.t t'e *ast real s of t'e 7lest wit' t'e eternal fra$rance of :is na e. "Bes.s) t'e lost one%s ref.$e) #o.nd it fort'+ Ie 'eralds of sal*ation+ t'ro.$' t'e eart'+ 5lor( to 5od) $ood will to sinf.l 2'ese are its en+ And -eace to a con*.lsed and wretc'ed world+ in$led -erf. es) 'ol( oil a( not co.nterfeit+ (stic Aaron%s 'ead+ Men cannot 7.(+ and 3.t flowin$ o%er o.r

%2will reac' :is lowest s4irts& and 7less :is saints. A sa*o.r .nto life. 2'erefore t'e( lo*e+ 2'erefore in lo*e increase eternall(."

Cant. 1! 4. "'raw me, we will run after thee." 2'e ore we 4now of C'rist+ t'e ore s'all we desire to 4now of :i . 2'e nearer we are to :i + t'e ore s'all we desire to 7e drawn nearer still. As Pa.l sa(s+ "2'at 1 a( 4now 'i +" (et none on eart' 4new :i so well. And+ a$ain+ "2'at 1 a( win C'rist+" Iet ne*er was saint ore s.re of 'is -riEe t'an Pa.l. :e co.ld sa( in tr.t'+ t'o.$' a -risoner in 6o e+ and in want+ ">or e to li*e is C'rist+ and to die is $ain." /'at ric' e9-erience w'at ;.iet confidence w'at 7o.ndless ,o(+ s'ines in 'is letter to t'e P'ili--ians) 2'ere is s.c' an infinit( of 7lessin$ for .s in C'rist+ t'at t'e ore we a--re'end it+ t'e less we 'a*e a--re'ended it. 2'e ore we taste of t'e realit( and f.lness of :is lo*e+ we s'all 7e a7le t'e ore tr.l( to sa(+ 1t -asset' 4nowled$e. 2'ere are 7readt's and len$t's+ and de-t's and 'ei$'ts+ w'ic' we can ne*er co -re'end. And t'ere is s.c' ,o( in :is -resence+ t'at e*en w'ile we are en,o(in$ it+ t'e 'eart so (earns for $reater nearness+ t'at it feels+ co -arati*el(+ as at a distance. /ere 1 to read t'e 'eart of t'e lo*in$ 7ride t'ro.$' t'ese words+ "Draw e+ we will r.n after t'ee+" 1 s'o.ld sa(+ 'er desire to 7e near t'e Person of t'e 8ord is so $reat t'at+ near and dear t'o.$' s'e 7e+ t'ere is so et'in$ li4e felt distance e9-erienced. :ence t'e dee- 7reat'in$s of 'er 'eart+ "Draw e" o') draw e nearer closer ( 8ord+ to 2'ee) 2'ere is $rowt' in $race co -ared wit' *erse 2 a $rowin$ a--re'ension of :i self. 2'ere is a $reater desire for closer co .nion. 1t is si ilar to w'at we find in an( of t'e Psal s. "< 5od+ 2'o. art ( 5od+ earl( will 1 see4 t'ee& ( so.l t'irstet' for t'ee+ ( fles' lon$et' for t'ee in a dr( and t'irst( land+ w'ere no water is . . . . ( so.l followet' 'ard after t'ee& t'( ri$'t 'and .-'oldet' e." @Ps. 43A 2'e ost 7lessed co .nion wit' t'e 8ord is -erfectl( consistent wit' t'e ost earnest lon$in$s for $reater nearness to :i self. #-ea4est t'o. t'.s+ ( so.l+ of t'(self? Cnowest t'o. t'is in t'ine own e9-erience? =9a ine all t'( words and wa(s as 7efore t'e 8ord+ and -ass ,.d$ ent .-on t'e . 2'e :ol( #-irit tells .s t'at :e tried :is words+ as in a f.rnace+ "se*en ti es." :ow often+ alas+ we 7ot' s-ea4 and write+ wit'o.t e*en tr(in$ t'e once. 2'ere is a 7ea.tif.l connection 7etween t'e 8ord%s drawin$+ and o.r r.nnin$. "/e will r.n+" 7.t caref.ll( note t'e last two words "after t'ee." 2'ere is ore+ .c' ore+ in t'ese words t'an can 'ere 7e noted. 2'e( are all0i -ortant. "After t'ee+" not after o.r own notions+ or e*en after t'e 7est of en on eart'+ 7.t "after t'ee." As it is said in t'at 7ea.tif.l si9teent' Psal + "1 'a*e set t'e 8ord alwa(s 7efore e." Not at ti es+ erel(+ 7.t "alwa(s." <') w'at a -at' o.rs on eart' wo.ld 7e were t'is t'e case) :ow se-arated wo.ld it 7e fro e*er(t'in$ t'at is not C'rist. And s.rel(+ in all fairness+ w'en we -ra(+ "draw e+" we s'o.ld 7e read( to add+ li4e t'e s-o.se and 'er co -anions+ "we will r.n after t'ee." 3.t ar4 anot'er dee-l( -recio.s t'o.$'t+ s.$$ested 7( t'e s.7,ect of o.r editation. 2'e <ne w'o draws+ $oes 7efore. 2'.s t'e 8ord $oes 7efore :is -eo-le in t'e wilderness+ and sees t'e dan$er and eets it+ 7efore t'e( co e to it. Man(+ an( are t'e dan$ers we are+ 7( :i + deli*ered fro + t'at we 4now not'in$ a7o.t. "And w'en 'e -.ttet' fort' 'is own s'ee-+ 'e $oet' 7efore t'e + and t'e s'ee- follow 'i ." A snare a( 7e laid for .s 7( t'e ene (+ in t'e wa( t'at we said we wo.ld $o+ 7.t o.r di*ine 8eader+ seein$ t'e snare+ t.rns into anot'er -at'+ leads in anot'er direction+ and t'e snare w'ic' i$'t 'a*e -ro*ed fatal is esca-ed. And (et+ 1 a( feel so disa--ointed+ and so discontented+ 7eca.se so et'in$ 'indered e reac'in$ ( -re*io.sl( a--ointed -lace. 3lessed lord) a( we e*er+ and onl(+ r.n after t'ee." "Draw e) 1 will r.n after 2'ee+ will see4 2o 'ear o7edientl( w'at 2'o. wilt s-ea4! And ste- 7( ste- t'e 7lessed -at' wo.ld trace 7

<f

( 7elo*ed f.ll of tr.t' and $race."

""he (ing hath brought me into his chambers) we will be glad and re*oice in thee) we will remember thy lo%e more than wine) the u right lo%e thee." Now we 'a*e t'e res.lt+ t'e 'a--( fr.it+ of t'e drawin$ and t'e r.nnin$. 2'e -ra(er e9-ressed conscio.s wea4ness+ and de-endence+ co 7ined wit' 'ol( dili$ence. 2'e( 'a*e r.n well and reac'ed t'e $oal& and now t'e( are crowned wit' ,o( and $ladness. 3.t+ ne*er for$et+ ( so.l+ it is $race t'at draws+ and $race t'at r.ns+ and $race t'at crowns+ and t'at all flows fro t'e s'oreless ocean of t'e #a*io.r%s lo*e. "/e will re e 7er t'( lo*e ore t'an wine." Now s'e .ses t'e word "re e 7er+" s'e 4new :is lo*e 7efore. 3.t s'e is en,o(in$ it wit' increased interest. 8i4e air s'e is s.rro.nded wit' it+ s'e is in it. "2'e Cin$ 'at' 7ro.$'t e into 'is c'a 7er." 3.t w'( s'o.ld C'rist 7e 'ere called "2'e Cin$"? 1t is -ro-'etic of :is relations'i- wit' 1srael after t'eir restoration. As to :is ri$'t or title+ :e is alwa(s t'at. 1s :e e*er called t'e Cin$ of t'e c'.rc'? Not in scri-t.re. :e is a Cin$ and wort'( of all 'o a$e. 3.t in scri-t.re :e is s-o4en of as :ead of :is 7od(+ t'e c'.rc'+ and as Cin$ of t'e Bews. And as s.c'+ o7ser*e+ :e ca e at first in lowl( $race+ and -resented :i self to t'e da.$'ter of Fion+ 7.t+ alas+ s'e ref.sed :i :e was des-ised and re,ected+ cr.cified and slain+ 7.t 5od raised :i .-+ and $a*e :i $lor(+ t'ere7( a4in$ $ood+ in res.rrection+ :is ri$'ts and titles+ not onl( as Cin$ of t'e Bews+ 7.t also as :ead of :is 7od(+ t'e c'.rc'+ and centre of all co in$ $lor(. @Co -are Fec'. 9+ Bo'n 12+ Acts 2+ =-'. 1+ P'il. 2A /it' t'e sa e 7reat' t'e Bews cried+ ":osanna& 3lessed is t'e Cin$ of 1srael t'at co et' in t'e na e of t'e 8ord+" and+ "Awa( wit' 'i + awa( wit' 'i ) cr.cif( 'i )" #.c'+ alas+ is t'e 7rief d.ration of '. an -o-.larit() At last t'e( filled .- t'e eas.re of t'eir sins. 2'eir relations'i- wit' 5od was 7ro4en. 2'e Messia' was c.t off t'e testi on( of t'e :ol( 5'ost was des-ised and+ for t'e ti e+ all was $one+ as to t'e 4in$do . Ne*ert'eless+ t'e word of t'e 8ord s'all stand fast for e*er. Man%s .n7elief and sin ne*er a4e t'e fait'f.lness of 5od of none effect. 1n t'e rede -tion acco -lis'ed 7( C'rist+ a fo.ndation was laid for t'e f.t.re restoration of 1srael+ in $race+ accordin$ to t'e c'an$eless -.r-ose of 5od& and for -lacin$ t'e c'ildren in t'e f.ll -ossession and en,o( ent of all t'e 7lessin$s -ro ised to t'e fat'ers. "Now 1 sa( t'at Bes.s C'rist was a inister of t'e circ. cision for t'e tr.t' of 5od to confir t'e -ro ises ade .nto t'e fat'ers." @6o . 15! 8A Not'in$ can 7e -lainer t'an t'e -redictions of 5od%s word as t'e f.t.re rei$n of t'e 8ord Bes.s+ in connection wit' t'e t'rone of Da*id+ and t'e w'ole 'o.se of 1srael. <f co.rse+ :is rei$n and :is $lor( will not 7e confined to t'e restored tri7es and t'e land of 1srael& 7.t Ber.sale and t'e cities of B.da' will for t'e eart'l( centre of :is illennial 4in$do & ,.st as t'e 'ea*enl( Ber.sale + t'e cit( of t'e li*in$ 5od+ will 7e t'e 'ea*enl( centre of t'e an( connectin$ circles of :is 'ea*enl( $lor(. @:e7. 12! 22024A 3.t as o.r editations are of "t'e Cin$+" we will dwell a little on t'e -ro-'ecies w'ic' re*eal and .nfold :i to .s in t'is c'aracter. ">or .nto .s a c'ild is 7orn+ .nto .s a #on is $i*en+ and t'e $o*ern ent s'all 7e .-on 'is s'o.lder! and 'is na e s'all 7e called /onderf.l+ Co.nsellor+ t'e i$'t( 5od+ t'e e*erlastin$ >at'er+ t'e Prince of Peace. <f t'e increase of 'is $o*ern ent and -eace t'ere s'all 7e no end+ .-on t'e t'rone of Da*id+ and .-on 'is 4in$do + to order it+ and to sta7lis' it wit' ,.d$ ent and wit' ,.stice+ fro 'encefort'+ e*en for e*er. 2'e Eeal of t'e 8ord of 'osts will -erfor t'is." @1sa. 9! 6+ 7A 2'is ancient -rediction+ w'ic' t'e Eeal of t'e 8ord of 'osts will in d.e ti e -erfor + was+ in s.7stance+ re-eated to Mar( 7( t'e an$el. "2'o. s'alt 7rin$ fort' a #on and s'alt call 'is na e B=#J#. :e s'all 7e $reat+ and s'all 7e called t'e #on of t'e :i$'est& and t'e 8ord 5od s'all $i*e .nto 'i t'e t'rone of 'is fat'er Da*id& and 'e s'all rei$n o*er t'e 'o.se of Baco7 for e*er& and of 'is 4in$do t'ere s'all 7e no end." @8.4e 1A Pro-'ecies on t'is s.7,ect+ (et .nf.lfilled+ are al ost 8

inn. era7le. 3.t was not Be'o*a'+ of old+ Cin$ in Ber.sale ? <'+ (es& ost tr.e) >ro t'e ti e of 1srael%s deli*erance o.t of =$(-t+ .ntil t'e da(s of #a .el+ Be'o*a' was t'eir 4in$. 2'en t'e( desired a 4in$ li4e t'e nations aro.nd t'e + and re,ected t'e 8ord as t'eir 4in$. 3.t t'is+ li4e e*er(t'in$ else+ wit' 1srael .nder t'e law+ ended in co -lete fail.re. >ro t'e 7an4s of t'e 6ed #ea to t'e cross on Cal*ar(+ or to t'e stonin$ of #te-'en+ we 'a*e a 'istor( of fail.re& and t'at+ not onl( in one -osition or relations'i-+ 7.t in all. 1f we loo4 at 1srael as .nder law as a *ine 7ro.$'t o.t of =$(-t and -lanted in t'e land as t'e arried wife+ and as 5od%s witness on t'e eart'+ we find t'at t'ere was not onl( constant fail.re+ 7.t t'e( 7eca e incorri$i7le in t'eir sins. :ence+ at last+ 5od%s ri$'teo.s ,.d$ ents ca e .-on t'e . 2'eir 7elo*ed Ber.sale was enco -assed wit' ar ies+ t'eir te -le and cit( raEed to t'e $ro.nd+ and t'ose t'at esca-ed t'e ed$e of t'e sword+ were dri*en 7( t'e sore dis-leas.re of 5od to t'e fo.r winds of 'ea*en. >ro t'at da( to t'is+ 1srael%s condition 'as 7een "forsa4en and desolate." 3.t it will not 7e alwa(s so. 1t is ost needf.l to ar4+ at s.c' a -oint as t'is+ t'e difference 7etween 5od%s wa(s in $o*ern ent wit' :is -eo-le+ and :is wa(s in $race. 2'e Bews+ in t'e ri$'teo.s $o*ern ent of 5od+ 7eca.se of t'eir sins and i -enitence+ 'a*e 7een and still are+ .nder :is c'astenin$ 'and& 7.t t'e $race and lo*e of :is 'eart towards t'e re ain .nc'an$ea7l( t'e sa e. Mar4 t'e ter s of t'e co*enant+ "And 1 will for t'is afflict t'e seed of Da*id+ 7.t not for e*er." @1 Cin$s 11! 39A 2'is is a -rinci-le of i ense i -ortance+ not onl( wit' 1srael and t'e c'.rc'+ 7.t wit' t'e indi*id.al C'ristian. 2'e sa e $reat -rinci-le is referred to 7( t'e a-ostle w'en 'e is 'andlin$ t'e s.7,ect of 1srael%s re,ection and restoration. "3eca.se of .n7elief t'e( were 7ro4en off . . . . 3.t as to.c'in$ t'e election+ t'e( are 7elo*ed for t'e fat'ers% sa4es. >or t'e $ifts and callin$ of 5od are wit'o.t re-entance." @6o . 11A 2'e -resent condition and f.t.re restoration of t'e Bews are to.c'in$l( descri7ed 7( t'e -ro-'et :osea+ ">or t'e c'ildren of 1srael s'all a7ide an( da(s wit'o.t a 4in$+ and wit'o.t a -rince+ and wit'o.t a sacrifice+ and wit'o.t an i a$e+ and wit'o.t an e-'od+ and wit'o.t tera-'i . Afterwards s'all t'e c'ildren of 1srael ret.rn and see4 t'e 8ord t'eir 5od+ and Da*id t'eir 4in$+ and s'all fear t'e 8ord and 'is $oodness in t'e latter da(s." Precio.s t'o.$'t) 2'e( will (et "see4 t'e 8ord t'eir 5od+ and Da*id t'eir 4in$." And w'at is t'e 7oo4 of Canticles? 1s it not t'e ass.rance+ and t'e reass.rance to t'e re nant+ of t'e .nc'an$in$ affection of t'e Cin$? :ere+ t'e 5od0fearin$ re nant in t'e latter da(s can read :is lo*e t'e .nwearied+ .n.-7raidin$+ -atient lo*e of "2'e 8ord t'eir 5od+ and Da*id t'eir 4in$." 1n t'e -ast+ all failed .nder law. 1n t'e f.t.re+ all will 7e re0esta7lis'ed .nder $race. 1n t'e -ast+ t'e( were on t'e $ro.nd of t'e conditional -art of t'e co*enant. 1n t'e f.t.re+ t'e( will 7e on t'e $ro.nd of t'e .nconditional $race of 5od. 2'e *al.e of t'e sacrifice of t'eir once0re,ected Messia'+ and t'e f.lness of t'e lo*e of 5od+ will 7e t'e eas.re of t'eir 7lessin$. 3.t w'o can eas.re t'at w'ic' is i eas.ra7le? #.c' will 7e t'e lo*e of t'e Cin$ to :is Bewis' 7ride. 2'e 7oo4 of 6.t' ill.strates+ in t'e f.t.re condition of 1srael. ost si -le and to.c'in$ wa( -ossi7le+ t'e -ast+ -resent+ and

No fr.it re ained of t'e arried life of Nao i. "Call e not Nao i+" s'e sa(s+ w'ic' si$nifies ( deli$'t+ 7.t "call e Mara+" 7itterness+ "for t'e Al i$'t( 'at' dealt *er( 7itterl( wit' e." :er '.s7and =li elec' @w'ic' si$nifies+ ( 5od is 4in$A+ and 'er two sons+ died in t'e land of Moa7. Nao i was now a widow+ desolate+ fr.itless+ and nat.rall( wit'o.t reso.rces. "Call e Mara . . . . 1 went o.t f.ll+ and t'e 8ord 'at' 7ro.$'t e 'o e a$ain e -t(." #tri4in$ t(-e of t'e Bewis' nation+ w'o 'a*in$ lost 5od as its 4in$ and '.s7and+ is now as a widow+ and desolate. 3.t a fee7le re nant+ in t'e -erson of t'e ee4 and lowl( 6.t'+ clin$s to Nao i+ and *irt.all( ta4es s'elter .nder t'e win$s of 9

t'e 5od of 1srael. "3lessed are t'e ee4+ for t'e( s'all in'erit t'e eart'." 2'e fields w'ic' s'e first entered as a $leaner+ 7eca e 'er own. 3.t t'e nearest 4ins an0redee er ref.ses to redee t'e in'eritance+ if 6.t' .st 7e ta4en as 'is wife wit' it. And t'is is done in t'e -resence of ten witnesses. 2'ese ten en of t'e cit( a( re-resent t'e ten co and ents+ w'ic' were $i*en 7efore C'rist ca e& 7.t "fr.it .nto 5od+" o7ser*e+ is t'e res.lt of o.r .nion wit' "'i w'o is raised fro t'e dead." @#ee 6o . 7! 104A 3oaE w'ic' si$nifies in 'i is stren$t' now es-o.ses+ wit' all 'is 'eart+ t'e ca.se of t'e fee7le re nant of =li elec'%s 'o.se. :e is a t(-e of t'e risen C'rist+ w'o was "declared to 7e t'e #on of 5od wit' -ower . . . . 7( t'e res.rrection fro t'e dead." @6o . 1! 1+ 4A /'at a4es t'is -ict.re so -erfectl( 7ea.tif.l+ is t'e circ. stance+ t'at 6.t' 'ad no direct clai on 3oaE. :e was not t'e nearest of 4in& so it was all $race. 1srael+ as well as t'e 5entiles+ .st now co e into t'e in'eritance on t'e $ro.nd of -.re $race. "And 6.t' 7are a son . . . . and Nao i too4 t'e c'ild and laid it in 'er 7oso + and 7eca e n.rse .nto it+" and t'e wo en said+ "2'ere is a son 7orn to Nao i." 2o.c'in$ scene) 8o*el( $race) 2'e widow%s 'eart is ade to sin$ as in t'e da(s of 'er (o.t'. 2'e desolate one is 7eco e+ as it were+ a ot'er of c'ildren. 2'e 7erea*ed 7oso is a$ain filled wit' a li*in$ 'eir. All is ,o(. :ere+ we 'a*e -refi$.red in t'e ost lo*el( wa(+ t'e f.ll restoration of 1srael to 'ono.r+ $lor(+ and di$nit( in t'e land. 2'e tr.e 3oaE will+ ere lon$+ ta4e .- t'e ca.se of t'e 5od0fearin$ re nant+ and re0 esta7lis' 1srael in t'e land+ .-on a new footin$ alto$et'er. 2'is is t'e ,o(o.s t'e e of n. 7erless scri-t.res. 2a4e a sa -le. "And t'e 5entiles s'all see t'( ri$'teo.sness+ and all 4in$s t'( $lor(& and t'o. s'alt 7e called 7( a new na e+ w'ic' t'e o.t' of t'e lord s'all na e. 2'o. s'alt also 7e a crown of $lor( in t'e 'and of t'e lord+ and a ro(al diade in t'e 'and of t'( 5od. 2'o. s'alt no ore 7e ter ed >orsa4en& neit'er s'all t'( land 7e ter ed an( ore desolate& 7.t t'o. s'alt 7e called :e-'Ei07a' @t'at is+ ( deli$'t is in t'eeA+ and t'( land 3e.la' @t'at is+ arriedA+ for t'e 8ord deli$'tet' in t'ee+ and t'( land s'all 7e arried." @1sa. 62A And a$ain+ "2'erefore+ 7e'old 1 will all.re 'er+ and 7rin$ 'er into t'e wilderness+ and s-ea4 co forta7l( .nto 'er. And 1 will $i*e 'er 'er *ine(ards fro t'ence+ and t'e *alle( of Ac'or for a door of 'o-e& and s'e s'all sin$ t'ere as in t'e da(s of 'er (o.t'+ and as in t'e da( w'en s'e ca e .- o.t of t'e land of =$(-t . . . . and 1 will 7etrot' t'ee .nto e for e*er& (ea+ 1 will 7etrot' t'ee .nto e in ri$'teo.sness+ and in ,.d$ ent+ and in lo*in$ 4indness+ and in ercies. 1 will e*en 7etrot' t'ee .nto e in fait'f.lness& and t'o. s'alt 4now t'e 8ord." @:osea 2A <') wondro.s+ atc'less $race) 2'e $race of 5od in C'rist Bes.s to t'e c'ief of sinners) 8o*e is t'e s-rin$. 5race flows. 2'e lost one is fo.nd. 8o*e is e*er t'e sa e. 2'e 8ord lo*es 1srael :e lo*es t'e c'.rc' :e lo*es t'e indi*id.al 7elie*er. =*er( so.l t'at is drawn to :i :e lo*es wit' a -erfect lo*e. 2'e dee-er lo*e and ,o( are :is. "2'e 4in$ 'at' 7ro.$'t e into 'is c'a 7ers." Cant. 1! 5+ 6. "1 am black, but comely, + ye daughters of ,erusalem, as the tents of (edar, as the curtains of #olomon. Look not u on me because - am black, because the sun hath looked u on me. my mother$s children were angry with me) they made me the kee er of the %ineyards) but mine own %ineyard ha%e - not ke t." 2'e 7ride 'as s-o4en of t'e Cin$%s e 7race+ :is lo*e+ :is na e+ and :is c'a 7ers. Now+ stirred .- 7( so et'in$ t'at 'as occ.rred+ s'e calls to ind+ and freel( confesses+ w'at s'e is in 'erself& at t'e sa e ti e+ as 'a--il( affir in$ w'at s'e is in :is si$'t needed tr.t' at all ti es+ if we wo.ld -reser*e a well07alanced ind. 2'e ore t'oro.$'l( we 4now t'e wort'lessness of t'e fles'+ t'e ore s'all we a--reciate t'e wort'iness of C'rist+ and t'e 7etter s'all we .nderstand t'e wor4 of t'e :ol( #-irit. /'en t'e total de-ra*it( of '. an nat.re is not a settled realit( in t'e so.l+ t'ere will e*er 7e conf.sion in o.r e9-erience+ as to t'e *ain -retensions of t'e fles'+ and t'e di*ine o-erations of t'e #-irit. 10

2'ere is not'in$ $ood w'ate*er in o.r carnal nat.re. 2'e ost ad*anced in t'e di*ine life 'as said+ "1n e+ t'at is in ( fles'+ dwellet' no $ood t'in$." :ow swee-in$) "No $ood t'in$." 3.t can it not 7e i -ro*ed 7( dili$ence in -ra(er and watc'f.lness? No+ ne*er! it is w'oll( inc.ra7le. 8on$+ lon$ a$o+ t'is was affir ed 7( t'e 5od of tr.t'. @#ee 5en. 6A "And 5od saw t'at t'e wic4edness of an was $reat in t'e eart'+ and t'at e*er( i a$ination of t'e t'o.$'ts of 'is 'eart was onl( e*il contin.all( . . . . And 5od said .nto Noa'+ 2'e end of all fles' is co e 7efore e." Now+ w'at is t'e end+ or t'e res.lt of all fles'? /'(+ t'at it is "e*il+" "onl( e*il+" and "e*il contin.all("& t'at is+ -lainl(+ e*il wit'o.t an( $ood+ and e*il wit'o.t an( cessation& and t'is is said of all fles'+ o7ser*e+ not of so e erel(. #o t'at all are incl.ded 2r.e+ in so e we a( find nat.re -olis'ed+ c.lti*ated+ and refined& in ot'ers+ ro.$'+ r.de and r.$$ed+ 7.t carnal nat.re in 7ot'. /e a( not 7e a7le to 7end a 7ar of iron+ (et it a( 7e so 7eaten o.t as to 7eco e ;.ite fle9i7le+ 7.t it is t'e sa e iron still. 1ts a--earance 'as c'an$ed+ 7.t its nat.re is t'e sa e. /ell+ ad ittin$ all t'at to 7e tr.e as to o.r sad nat.re+ w'( call it "needed tr.t' and necessar( to a well07alanced ind?" 3eca.se it ena7les .s to distin$.is' 7etween fles' and #-irit+ and to 4now fro w'ic' t'e t'o.$'t+ s.$$estion+ or inclination a( co e. #eein$ t'e( are 7ot' in .s+ and t'e one .n i9ed e*il+ and t'e ot'er .n i9ed $ood+ t'is is all0i -ortant. =ndless conf.sion+ tro.7le+ -er-le9it(+ and in so e cases+ dee- elanc'ol(+ are t'e .n'a--( res.lts of i$norance on t'is -oint. 1 ean t'e s.7,ect of t'e two nat.res. Not'in$ t'at is $ood can s-rin$ fro o.r carnal nat.re. #.--ose 1 eet a -erson w'o is in dee- concern a7o.t 'is so.l& and earnestl( lon$in$ to 4now C'rist and sal*ation. 1 4now for certain t'e :ol( #-irit is at wor4 in t'at so.l. #.c' desires after C'rist and sal*ation are $ood+ and co.ld ne*er s-rin$ fro a nat.re t'at 'ates 7ot' 5od and C'rist+ and lo*es t'is world 7etter t'an 'ea*en. 2'e so.l a( indeed 7e in $reat distress+ and f.ll of do.7ts and fears as to t'e iss.e+ and e*en ref.sin$ to 7e co forted. 3.t+ in 5od%s ind it is sa*ed alread(. And w'en it 7elie*es t'e tr.t' it will re,oice. 2'e $ood wor4 was 7e$.n in t'e so.l of t'e -rodi$al w'en first 'e said wit'in 'i self+ "1 will arise and $o to ( >at'er." 2'e #-irit of 5od will f.ll( satisf( e*er( desire w'ic' :e creates. C'rist :i self is t'e -erfect answer to e*er( desire of t'e 'eart. /e learn fro 'ol( scri-t.re t'ree -oints of dail(+ -ractical i -ortance! na el(+ t'at t'e fles' o--oses t'e #-irit+ #atan o--oses C'rist+ and t'e world o--oses t'e >at'er. @5al. 5& 5en. 3& 1 Bo'n 2A 2'ese are o.r t'ree $rand ene ies+ 'ence t'e i -ortance of 4nowin$ on w'ose side we are standin$. >or e9a -le! in t'e -lace of -er-le9in$ (self as to w'ere t'e world 7e$ins and ends+ in w'at is called worldliness+ 1 'a*e si -l( to as4+ "1s it of t'e >at'er?" 1n '.ndreds of instances it wo.ld 7e i -ossi7le to sa( w'ere worldliness 7e$ins and ends+ 7( loo4in$ at t'e t'in$ itself. 3.t (o. a( soon ascertain "if it 'e of t'e >at'er." And w'en we see t'at it is not of t'e >at'er t'e ;.estion is settled. 1t .st 7e of t'e world. 2'ere is no iddle+ or ne.tral $ro.nd in scri-t.re. 2'e sa e r.le a--lies to t'e ot'ers. /'atsoe*er is not of t'e #-irit is of t'e fles'+ and w'atsoe*er is not of C'rist is of #atan. 3.t t'o.$'+ in o.r editations on t'e words of t'e 7ride+ we 'a*e r.n into t'ese -ractical details+ we 7( no eans t'in4 t'at s.c' t'o.$'ts were in 'er ind+ Bewis' e9-erience 7ein$ ore of an o.tward+ te -oral+ and t(-ical c'aracter. 2'e 7lac4ness of w'ic' s'e s-ea4s is e9ternal. 1t is a dar4ness of co -le9ion s'e is s.n7.rnt& t'e warnin$ word of t'e -ro-'et 'as co e to -ass "2'ere s'all 7e 7.rnin$ instead of 7ea.t(." @1sa. 3! 24A And 7eca.se of t'is+ s'e feels 4eenl( t'e c.rio.s $aEe of t'e da.$'ters of Ber.sale . "8oo4 not .-on e+ 7eca.se 1 a 7lac4+ 7eca.se t'e s.n 'at' loo4ed .-on e." 2'e ti e was w'en t'e da.$'ter of Fion was 7ea.tif.l and $lorio.s+ a -raise in t'e eart'. "2'( renown+" sa(s t'e -ro-'et+ "went fort' a on$ t'e 'eat'en for t'( 7ea.t(& for it was -erfect t'ro.$' ( co eliness+ w'ic' 1 'ad -.t .-on t'ee+ sait' t'e 8ord 5od." @=Ee4. 16A 3.t 7eca.se of 'er in$ratit.de and .nfait'f.lness+ s'e 'ad 7een 11

red.ced to t'e sad condition of a -oor s.n7.rnt sla*e. 2'e -ro-'et Bere ia' also in 'is "8a entations" o*er t'e downfall of Ber.sale + descri7es in t'e ost to.c'in$ anner+ not onl( w'at s'e once was+ 7.t w'at+ t'ro.$' affliction and sorrow+ s'e 'ad 7eco e. ":er NaEarites were -.rer t'an snow+ t'e( were w'iter t'an il4+ t'e( were ore r.dd( in 7od( t'an r.7ies+ t'eir -olis'in$ was of sa--'ire. 2'eir *isa$e is 7lac4er t'an a coal& t'e( are not 4nown in t'e streets& t'eir s4in clea*et' to t'eir 7ones& it is wit'ered+ it is 7eco e li4e a stic4." /ell i$'t 'e e9clai + in t'e 7itterness of 'is so.l+ ":ow is t'e $old 7eco e di ) :ow is t'e ost fine $old c'an$ed)" 1f s.c'+ o' ( so.l+ 7e t'e awf.ll( e*il+ 7itter+ and sorrowf.l fr.its of sin in t'is world+ w'ere " erc( re,oicet' a$ainst ,.d$ ent+" w'at .st t'e( 7e in t'e world of woe+ w'ere 'o-e -eris'et' and w'ere des-air seiEes .-on t'e $.ilt( so.l? Canst t'o. loo4 7ac4 to t'e cross and see t'( sins+ all t'( sins ,.d$ed t'ere+ and -.t awa( for e*er) 5od and fait' alone 4now t'e -ower of t'at cross and $lor( in its eternal efficac(. 2'en+ ,.d$e all e*il in t'( 'eart and wa(s f.ll( now+ 4nowin$ t'at C'rist was ,.d$ed for it t'ere. 2'at w'ic' was i -.ted to C'rist s'all ne*er 7e i -.ted to t'ee. "3lessed is t'e an .nto w'o t'e lord i -.tet' not ini;.it( and in w'ose s-irit t'ere is no $.ile." @Ps. 32A /'en 1 see t'at t'e sin w'ic' 1 o.rn o*er was 7orne 7( Bes.s+ and t'at :e -.t it awa( for e*er 7( t'e sacrifice of :i self+ all $.ile de-arts. 1 'a*e no desire to 'ide+ e9ten.ate+ or e9c.se ( sin. 1t was -.t awa( on t'e cross+ and is now -ardoned on t'at $ro.nd. 1n t'e -resence of s.c' lo*e and $oodness+ fear is cast o.t. 1 a free and .nreser*ed& and 1 can onl( -raise t'e 8ord for :is 7o.ndless $race to e. 2'e ter "7lac4" is $enerall( .sed in scri-t.re as e9-ressi*e of affliction+ sorrow+ and -ersec.tion. "M( s4in+" as Bo7 sa(s+ "is 7lac4 .-on e+ and ( 7ones are 7.rnt wit' t'e 'eat." @Bo7 30! 30A 1t is e -'aticall( so wit' diso7edient 1srael. 3.t 'ere+ t'e confession is sweetl( co.-led wit' fait' in C'rist+ and so 7eco es+ orall(+ t'e tr.t'f.l e9-ression of all 7elie*ers. "1 a 7lac4+ 7.t co el(." 3lac4 as sin in (self w'iter t'an snow in C'rist. 2'is will 7e t'e lan$.a$e of t'e 5od0fearin$ re nant in t'e latter da(+ w'o s'all 'a*e -assed t'ro.$' t'e de-t's of Baco7%s tro.7le& for sorel( scorc'ed indeed s'all t'e( 7e+ 7( t'e 7.rnin$ 'eat of "t'e $reat tri7.lation." Not onl( s'all t'e( s.ffer -ersec.tion .nder Antic'rist+ t'e $reat o--ressor+ 7.t e*en t'eir own 7ret'ren after t'e fles' s'all 7e t.rned a$ainst t'e . ":ear t'e word of t'e 8ord (e t'at tre 7le at 'is word& (o.r 7ret'ren t'at 'ated (o.+ t'at cast (o. o.t for ( na e%s sa4e+ said+ 8et t'e 8ord 7e $lorified! 7.t 'e s'all a--ear to (o.r ,o(+ and t'e( s'all 7e as'a ed." @1sa. 66! 5A 2'is+ we 7elie*e+ is w'at t'e now ,o(o.s 7ride refers to. "M( ot'er%s c'ildren were an$r( wit' e! t'e( ade e t'e 4ee-er of t'e *ine(ards." 8i4e anot'er 6.t'+ t'e *ine(ards w'ic' s'e was co -elled to toil in+ 7eca e 'er own. And 'a--( now in t'e lo*e of 'er $reat Deli*erer and ric' 8ord+ s'e co.ld freel( s-ea4 of w'at s'e 'ad -assed t'ro.$'+ and w'at s'e still was in 'er own e(es+ "3lac4 as t'e tents of Cedar co el( as t'e c.rtains of #olo on." 2'e sons of 1s' ael+ it is said+ .se t'e ro.$'+ s'a$$( s4ins of t'eir 7lac4 $oats for t'e o.tward co*erin$ of t'eir tents. And+ to t'e tra*eller%s e(e t'e( 'a*e an intensel( 7lac4 a--earance in t'e desert+ 7eneat' t'e ra(s of a 7ri$'t s.n. And+ ost s.rel(+ were an in 'is 7est estate+ -laced .nder t'e 7ea s of t'e 7ri$'ter #.n of 6i$'teo.sness+ 7lac4er far t'an t'e wild Ara7%s tent wo.ld 'e 7e. =*en of a 7.rnin$ la -+ as one 'as said+ w'en -laced in t'e ra(s of t'e s.n+ not'in$ can 7e seen 7.t t'e 7lac4 wic4. 3.t+ o') t'rice 'a--( t'o.$'t+ if t'e sense of o.r .nco eliness s'o.ld still tro.7le .s+ it no lon$er tro.7les t'e 7lessed 8ord. :e 'as re o*ed it all and for e*er fro :is own e(es. And fait'%s e(e sees wit' :i . 2'e ,.d$ ent of 5od+ and t'e ,.d$ ent of fait'+ are e*er t'e sa e. 2'( sins w'ic' were an( are for$i*en. 2'e 7lood of Bes.s C'rist cleanset' .s fro all sin. 12

2'e e9-ression+ "c.rtains of #olo on+" a( 'a*e reference to t'e 7ea.tif.l *eil of 4in$ #olo on%s te -le! t'e t(-e+ we 4now+ of t'e 'ol( '. anit( of Bes.s. All 7elie*ers s'all (et 7e confor ed to t'e new -erfect Man in 'ea*en+ t'e :ead of t'e new creation. "As we 'a*e 7orne t'e i a$e of t'e eart'(+ we s'all also 7ear t'e i a$e of t'e 'ea*enl(." @1 Cor. 15! 40A 2'e "da.$'ters of Ber.sale +" 'ere introd.ced+ are e*identl( distinct fro t'e 7ride+ t'o.$' inti atel( connected wit' 'er+ as a( 7e seen fro t'e i -ortant -lace t'e( occ.-( in t'is 7ea.tif.l scene. 1f t'e 3ride 7e t'e re-resentati*e of t'e 7elo*ed cit(+ Ber.sale 0 t'e eart'l( ca-ital of t'e $reat Cin$+ t'e da.$'ters of Ber.sale a( re-resent t'e cities of B.da'+ :ence we can .nderstand t'eir -resence and -lace on so an( occasions+ (et ne*er reac'in$ t'e -osition of t'e 7ride in t'e esti ation of t'e Cin$. Accordin$ to t'e word of t'e 8ord+ Ber.sale .st e*er 'a*e t'e -re0e inence. ">or now 'a*e 1 c'osen and sanctified t'is 'o.se+ t'at ( na e a( 7e t'ere for e*er+ and ine e(es and ine 'eart s'all 7e t'ere -er-et.all(." @2 C'r. 7! 16A Cant. 1! 7. ""ell me, + thou whom my soul lo%eth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon, for why should - be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy com anions!" A 7lessed c'an$e 'as now ta4en -lace in t'e occ.-ation of t'e 7ride. 2'e 3ride$roo fills 'er e(e and 'er 'eart. #elf is dro--ed) /'at a erc() 1t is neit'er 7lac4 self+ nor co el( self+ now. 1t is alwa(s .n'a--( in res.lt to 7e occ.-ied wit' self. 1nn. era7le -er-le9ities and sorrows flow fro t'e e(e loo4in$ wit'in+ in -lace of loo4in$ o.t fro self and .- to C'rist. 2'ere are t'ree t'in$s+ < editation. ( so.l+ in t'is 7ea.tif.l *erse+ w'ic' well deser*e t'( serio.s

1. 2'e earnest affection of t'e 'eart. #'e does not sa(+ o7ser*e+ "< t'o. w'o ( so.l" o.$'t to lo*e+ or e*en desires to lo*e+ 7.t "< t'o. w'o ( so.l lo*et'." 2'ere is a 7ri$'t fla e of lo*e in 'er 'eart to t'e Person of 'er 8ord and #a*io.r. #'e lo*es :i self. "2ell e+ < 2'o.." 2'is is nearness+ "Me+" "2'o.+" "2'o.+" "Me." :a--( condition for a so.l) /'at+ ( so.l+ 4nowest t'o. of t'is? 2'e word a reciation see s ore fitl( to e9-ress t'e little 1 4now of t'is 7lessed atter+ t'an t'e idea of t'e sensations of an earnest+ ardent affection. /'at is t'ere in e9istence+ 1 in;.ire+ t'at 1 care ore for t'an ( #a*io.r t'at 1 wo.ld -refer to :i ? /'at is t'is? 1s it lo*e? /'o else w'at else is lo*ed ore? 3.t+ o') t'e da( draws near+ w'en t'ese e(es s'all see t'e Cin$ in :is $lor(. 2'en s'all t'is cold+ d.ll 'eart 7e ra*is'ed wit' :is 7ea.t(+ and 7.rn for e*er wit' a -.re fla e of -erfect lo*e for :i alone. "#oon s'all ( e(es 7e'old 2'ee+ e /it' ra-t.re face to face& <ne 'alf 'at' not 7een told <f all 2'( -ower and $race 2'( 7ea.t(+ 8ord and $lor(+ 2'e wonders of 2'( lo*e+ #'all 7e t'e endless stor( <f all 2'( saints a7o*e." 2. #'e desires refres' ent and no.ris' ent directl( fro :i self. "2ell e . . . . w'ere t'o. feedest t'( floc4?" #'e $oes not to t'e s'e-'erds of 1srael+ w'o cared ore for t'e fleece t'an t'e 13

floc4& 7.t to t'e c'ief #'e-'erd :i self. #'e 'ad 7een 7ro.$'t to :i as Cin$+ now s'e a--eals to :i as #'e-'erd. li4e Da*id of old+ :e is t'e #'e-'erd0Cin$& and o') 'ow $racio.sl(+ lo*in$l(+ and tenderl(+ will :e (et $at'er t'e now scattered s'ee- of 1srael. Not'in$ can e9ceed t'e $race and 7ea.t( of t'e followin$ *erses. ">or t'.s sait' t'e 8ord 5od+ 3e'old+ 1+ e*en 1+ will 7ot' searc' ( s'ee- and see4 t'e o.t. As a s'e-'erd see4et' o.t 'is floc4& in t'e da( t'at 'e is a on$ 'is s'ee- t'at are scattered& so will 1 see4 o.t ( s'ee-+ and will deli*er t'e o.t of all -laces w'ere t'e( 'a*e 7een scattered in t'e clo.d( and dar4 da(. And 1 will 7rin$ t'e o.t fro t'e -eo-le+ and $at'er t'e fro t'e co.ntries+ and will 7rin$ t'e to t'eir own land+ and feed t'e on t'e o.ntains of 1srael 7( t'e ri*ers+ and in all t'e in'a7ited -laces of t'e co.ntr(& 1 will feed t'e in $ood -ast.re+ and .-on t'e 'i$' o.ntains of 1srael s'all t'eir fold 7e& t'ere s'all t'e( lie in a $ood fold+ and in a fat -ast.re s'all t'e( feed .-on t'e o.ntains of 1srael. 1 will feed ( floc4+ and 1 will ca.se t'e to lie down+ sait' t'e 8ord 5od." @=Ee4. 36A 3. :er 'eart lon$s after t'e noonda( rest of :is 'i$'l( fa*o.red floc4. "2ell e . . . . w'ere t'o. a4est t'( floc4 to rest at noon." Personal co .nion+ di*ine no.ris' ent+ and ;.iet rest+ are t'e ric' 7lessin$s 'er so.l now earnestl( 7reat'es after. /earied wit' t'e fr.itless searc' for rest and refres' ent a-art fro 5od+ s'e lon$s after t'e $reen -ast.res and t'e still waters of :is lo*e and $race. 2'ose w'o 'a*e wandered on t'e dar4 o.ntains+ .nc'eered 7( t'e li$'t of 5od%s co.ntenance+ 4now t'eir dreadf.l 7arrenness. 3.t w'en restoration is f.ll and 'a--(+ t'e tender 7lade is sweeter t'an e*er. 2'e 7ride+ 'a*in$ tasted t'e 7lessedness of co .nion wit' t'e 8ord+ now desires t'at it a( 7e increased and .ninterr.-ted. 2'e t'o.$'t of 7ein$ s.s-ected 7( ot'ers of insincerit( $reatl( tro.7les 'er. ">or w'(+" s'e adds+ "s'o.ld 1 7e as one t'at is *eiled G ar$inH 7( t'e floc4s of t'( co -anions?" /'o t'e "co -anions" are+ it a( 7e diffic.lt to sa(+ .nless t'e( 7e .nder0s'e-'erds+ w'o co.ld not .nderstand or eet 'er case li4e t'e Princel( #'e-'erd :i self. :e 4new 'er 'eart. #'e co.ld confide in :is. 2'e ter "*eiled" see s to con*e( t'e idea of 7ein$ s.s-ected. @5en. 38! 15A 2'is is *er( c.ttin$ to an 'onest+ .-ri$'t ind+ 7.t not .nco on. Man( w'o -rofess to 7e t'e s'e-'erds of 5od%s s'ee-+ can 7.t little .nderstand t'e -at' of one w'o is wal4in$ wit' t'e 8ord o.tside of all t'e -rescri7ed r.les of en w'o desires to -lease t'e 8ord+ if 'e s'o.ld offend all else 7eside. 2'ere is s.c' a t'in$ as an ener$( of lo*e t'at rises a7o*e all ere '. an arran$e ents+ and 'olds co .nion i ediatel(+ not ediatel(+ wit' t'e 8ord. An ener$( t'at co.ld not tarr( for t'e ro.tine of '. an for s. #.c' an one is ost li4el( to 7e is.nderstood and isre-resented 7( t'ose w'o o*e in t'e ore 7eaten trac4. 8i4e :anna' t'e ot'er of #a .el+ w'o -ra(ed wit' an inward+ s-irit.al ener$(+ w'ic' =li+ t'e -riest of 5od+ did not .nderstand. 3.t t'e 8ord 4nows t'e oti*e of t'e 'eart+ and t'e s-rin$ of t'e ener$(. B.st as t'e lo*ed one was s.fferin$ in 'er so.l fro t'e ean s.s-icions of ot'ers+ t'e 3elo*ed a--ears for 'er co fort. 2'is is t'e first ti e we 'ear t'e 3ride$roo %s *oice. 3.t o') w'at $race flows o.t to 'er) /'at words dro- fro :is li-s) "< t'o. fairest a on$ wo en+" is t'e first .tterance of :is 'eart. =no.$'+ s.rel(+ to sweeten t'e ost 7itter so.l. #'e i$'t 7e tro.7led a7o.t 'er a--earance+ and a7o.t t'e .nwort'( t'o.$'ts of ot'ers& 7.t s.c' an ass.rance of :is lo*e and estee is well fitted to re o*e all 'er tro.7les+ and to fill 'er 'eart wit' 7o.ndless ,o(. 1n -lace of loo4in$ .-on 'er as s'e is in 'erself+ "7lac4 as t'e tents of Cedar+" :e ass.res 'er+ t'at not onl( does :e estee 'er fair and co el(+ 7.t t'e fairest of t'e fair. Cant. 1! 8. "-f thou know not, + thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footste s of the flock and feed thy kids beside the she herds$ tents." 2'e 3ride$roo %s answer is readil( and distinctl( $i*en+ 7.t not'in$ ore. No a--ro7ation is e9-ressed as to t'e ;.estions. And ost 14

i -ortant ;.estions+ s.rel(+ t'e( are. /'( is t'is? 1s t'e 3elo*ed not deli$'ted in 'earin$ s.c' ;.estions as4ed 7( :is lo*ed one? :e does not sa( so+ i -ortant t'o.$' t'e( 7e. :e is deli$'ted wit' 'erself+ and ass.res 'er of :is deli$'t in t'e stron$est ter s. "< t'o. fairest a on$ wo en." :is lo*e is .nc'an$ea7l( t'e sa e. :a--( t'o.$'t) Not'in$ in 'er wa(s not'in$ said of 'er 7( ot'ers can e*er alter t'e affections of :is 'eart for :is 7ride+ alt'o.$'+ alas+ t'ere are an( t'in$s said and done 7( 'er t'at :e cannot a--ro*e of. 2'e 7elie*er+ -ersonall(+ is -erfect in C'rist+ and in :is si$'t. :e is ",.stified fro all t'in$s" 7.t -racticall( 'e is f.ll of fail.re. 1n t'e -resent instance+ :is address to 'erself+ and :is answer to 'er ;.estions+ 7reat'es a different s-irit. /'( is t'is? a$ain 1 as4. M( so.l wo.ld 4now t'e Master%s ind. <' for one 7ri$'t $lea of t'e :ol( #-irit%s li$'t on t'e sacred -a$e. 2'en s'o.ld 1 4now+ not t'e letter of scri-t.re erel(+ 7.t t'e t'o.$'ts and feelin$s of t'e ind fro w'ence it flows. 8earn+ t'en+ < ( so.l+ t'at a--ro*al is ne*er e9-ressed in scri-t.re+ sa*e w'en consistent wit' tr.t' and 'oliness. <') 'ow often we -ra( for w'at we 'a*e) :ow often we as4 for li$'t and direction as to o.r -at'+ w'en t'e li$'t of a clo.dless s4( s'ines on t'e wa( in w'ic' we s'o.ld $o. Nat.rall(+ t'e s'ee- is t'e ost wanderin$ creat.re in t'e field. 1s t'ere not so et'in$ in t'at little word "if" w'ic' see s to i -l( t'at :e e9-ected s'e wo.ld 'a*e 4nown t'e -at'wa( of :is floc4? As if t'e 8ord 'ad said #.rel( t'o. 4nowest. M( ind on all t'ese ;.estions+ as t'e #'e-'erd of 1srael+ lies -lainl( 7efore t'ee. /'( not read+ ( lo*e+ and .nderstand? :e cannot .-7raid+ (et :is lo*e is fait'f.l. As :e said to P'ili-+ ":a*e 1 7een so lon$ ti e wit' (o.+ and (et 'ast t'o. not 4nown e+ P'ili-?" :ow $entl( :e leads) :ow 4indl(+ e*en t'e re7.4es of :is lo*e) C'ristian fellows'i-+ as ta.$'t in t'e word+ is often *er( little t'o.$'t of 7( (o.n$ con*erts. 2'e( follow+ $enerall( s-ea4in$+ w'ere it will 7e ost con*enient or ost a$reea7le to t'e sel*es+ wit'o.t an( e9ercise of conscience+ as to w'et'er t'e( are followin$ in t'e footste-s of t'e floc4. 2'e( a( 7e ri$'t+ or t'e( a( 7e wron$+ as to t'eir -at'+ 7.t t'e( 'a*e ne*er -ra(erf.ll( e9a ined t'e word of 5od to ascertain :is ind on t'e s.7,ect. :ad t'e c'.rc' contin.ed .ndi*ided+ as it was at Pentecost+ t'ere wo.ld 'a*e 7een no need for s.c' e9ercise and e9a ination& 7.t seein$ t'e -rofessin$ c'.rc' is now 7ro4en .- into so an( sections+ it 7eco es e*er( c'ild of 5od to searc' t'e scri-t.res+ t'at t'e( a( 4now and do :is 'ol( will. 1t is sorrowf.l to find+ 'owe*er+ t'at an( of t'e 8ord%s dear ones co.nt t'is s.7,ect .ni -ortant+ non0essential. 2'is t'o.$'t+ let e affectionatel( sa( to all s.c'+ ne*er ca e fro t'e 3i7le. 1t is ost dis'ono.rin$ to 5od and in,.rio.s to t'e so.l. 2'e trials t'ro.$' w'ic' we find t'e 7ride -assin$ in t'e different -arts of t'is 7oo4 see entirel( owin$ to 'er ne$lect of t'e instr.ctions 'ere $i*en. /e feel ass.red+ t'at ne9t in i -ortance to t'e so.l%s sal*ation+ is c'.rc' co .nion. 1f t'e C'ristian 7e careless a7o.t t'is atter and not e9ercised as to t'e 8ord%s ind 'e will 7e s.re to follow 'is own will. And t'en w'at .st t'e conse;.ences 7e? 5od is ro77ed of :is $lor( :is word is set aside& t'e Master is not followed& t'e #-irit is $rie*ed and t'e so.l loses its fres'ness. Jnder s.c' circ. stances+ "first lo*e" soon declines+ and -eace and ,o( $i*e -lace to do.7ts and fears. Co -arati*el( few+ we 7elie*e+ lon$ retain+ in di*ine fres'ness t'eir first lo*e. 2'e li*el( sense of t'e 8ord%s "$reat lo*e" to .s+ and 'ow :e 'as et all o.r necessities+ is soon 7.t fee7l( re e 7ered) 2'is is fallin$ fro o.r first lo*e. And w'( is t'is? 1n -lace of $oin$ on to 4now t'e 8ord ore f.ll(+ and see4in$ onl( to -lease :i + we c'oose o.r own wa(+ follow o.r own will+ and t'ere7( $rie*e t'e :ol( #-irit! 'ence+ dar4ness cree-s o*er t'e ind+ t'e li$'t is+ as it were+ s'.t o.t+ and we 7eco e fee7le and .ncertain a7o.t e*er(t'in$. 15

2'e 8ord s-ea4s of two 4inds of rest in Matt'ew 11+ w'ic' it a( 7e well to notice 'ere. "Co e .nto e+ all (e t'at la7o.r+ and are 'ea*( laden+ and 1 will $i*e (o. rest." 2'is is t'e i ediate $ift of :is lo*e t'ro.$' fait' in :i self. All w'o 7elie*e+ wit'o.t e9ce-tion+ 'a*e t'is rest. All o.r wear( and fr.itless efforts after sal*ation are 7ro.$'t to a close w'en we co e to Bes.s+ and t'e 'ea*( 7.rden of sin .nder w'ic' we $roaned is for e*er re o*ed. 3.t t'e 8ord f.rt'er sa(s+ "2a4e ( (o4e .-on (o.+ and learn of e& for 1 a ee4 and lowl( in 'eart+ and (e s'all find rest to (o.r so.ls." 6est of conscience :e $i*es t'ro.$' t'e for$i*eness of o.r sins+ w'en first we 7elie*e in :i . 6est of 'eart we find in o7edience and s.7,ection to :is will. "2a4e ( (o4e .-on (o.+ and learn of e . . . . and (e s'all find rest" 0 rest and -eace in e*er( circ. stance+ 'owe*er tr(in$. 2'is te9t e9-lains w'( so an( $et into tro.7le of so.l soon after t'e ,o(s of con*ersion& and w'(+ w'en diffic.lties a--ear+ t'o.$' t'e( a( 4now t'e for$i*eness of sins+ t'e( are .neas( and restless. #.7,ection to C'rist in t'e details of life+ 7ot' sociall( and ecclesiasticall(+ and learnin$ of :i + are lost si$'t of. 2o 7e .nder t'e sa e (o4e wit' C'rist is to wal4 side 7( side and ste- 7( ste- wit' :i . "2a4e ( (o4e .-on (o.." 2'is wo.ld indeed 7e wal4in$ closel( wit' t'e 8ord and t'.s wo.ld we s.rel( "find rest" for all o.r wea4ness wo.ld fall on :i . /'en two are (o4ed to$et'er+ t'e stron$ one can 'el- t'e wea4 one alon$& and s.rel(+ t'e ost fee7le C'ristian w'en .nder t'e sa e (o4e wit' Bes.s t'e i$'t( <ne+ need fear no diffic.lties. Not'in$ can 7e a diffic.lt( to :i . All needless fears wo.ld *anis' fro :is -resence+ and o.r c'ariot w'eels wo.ld o*e li$'tl( t'ro.$' t'e dee-est sand of t'e desert. 3.t it will 7e said 7( so e+ t'at all t'is is clear eno.$' as to indi*id.al wal4 and 'oliness+ 7.t o.r ecclesiastical -at' and -osition are not so -lainl( re*ealed. Not'in$ wo.ld 7e ore .nsee l( t'an for (o.n$ C'ristians to 7e sittin$ in ,.d$ ent on t'e different deno inations of -rofessin$ C'ristians. 3.t all a(+ and it is inc. 7ent on all+ 7ot' old and (o.n$+ to in;.ire into t'e 8ord%s ind on t'is i -ortant atter. /e 'a*e 7ot' indi*id.al and cor-orate res-onsi7ilities& and t'e word of t'e 8ord tells .s as -lainl( of t'e one as of t'e ot'er. Not'in$+ s.rel(+ co.ld 7e -lainer+ on t'e s.7,ect of c'.rc' fellows'i- t'an Matt'ew 18! 20! "/'ere two or t'ree are $at'ered to$et'er in ( na e+ t'ere a 1 in t'e idst of t'e ." :ere we 'a*e -lainl( laid down t'e tr.e fo.ndation of all c'ristian co .nion C'rist t'e centre+ and 7elie*ers $at'ered to :i 7( t'e :ol( #-irit. 1t is not said+ o7ser*e+ /'ere two or t'ree eet+ or w'ere two or t'ree $at'er+ 7.t w'ere two or t'ree are $at'ered. 2'.s referrin$ to a $at'erin$ -ower+ and not to t'e ere c'oice or e9ercise of t'e '. an will. 2'e :ol( #-irit+ we all 4now+ is t'e -ower t'at $at'ers to t'e na e of Bes.s. @Bo'n 14+ Bo'n 16A C'rist is 5od%s centre :is #-irit t'e -ower of $at'erin$ to t'at centre :is c'ildren+ t'ose t'at "are $at'ered." 2'is is t'e c'.rc' of 5od. And t'is is w'at we are to searc' for+ not in word or in s-irit erel(+ 7.t in an e 7odied for . "1 will -ra( t'e >at'er+" said t'e 7lessed 8ord as :e was a7o.t to lea*e :is disci-les+ "and 'e will $i*e (o. anot'er Co forter+ t'at 'e a( a7ide wit' (o. for e*er& e*en t'e #-irit of tr.t' w'o t'e world cannot recei*e+ 7eca.se it seet' 'i not+ neit'er 4nowet' 'i & 7.t (e 4now 'i & for 'e dwellet' wit' (o.+ and s'all 7e in (o.." @Bo'n 14! 16+ 17A :e was wit' t'e t'en& after Pentecost :e wo.ld 7e in t'e . 2'is was t'e new t'in$. :ere we 'a*e t'e $at'erin$+ for in$ and s.stainin$ -ower of t'e c'.rc' of 5od. All 7elie*ers are $at'ered to C'rist as t'eir onl( centre+ for ed into one 7od(+ and s.stained in li*in$ .nit( 7( t'e indwellin$ of t'e :ol( 5'ost. <7ser*e+ es-eciall(+ t'ree t'in$s wit' re$ard to t'e :ol( #-irit%s -resence in t'e c'.rc'! 1st+ "2'at 'e 7een+ 7.t for e*er. a( a7ide wit' (o. for e*er." Not for a li ited ti e+ as t'e #a*io.r :i self 'ad

2ndl(+ :e dwellet' wit' (o.. As an asse 7l(+ :e s'all 7e "wit' (o.." 16

3rdl(+ And s'all 7e in (o.& indwellin$ eac' 7elie*er -ersonall(. 2'ese -recio.s tr.t's were afterwards -lainl(+ ta.$'t 7( t'e a-ostle in t'e e-istles. "Cnow (e not t'at (o.r 7od( is t'e te -le of t'e :ol( 5'ost+ w'ic' is in (o.." @1 Cor. 6! 19A "1n w'o (e also are 7.ilded to$et'er for an 'a7itation of 5od t'ro.$' t'e #-irit." @=-'. 2! 22A <') wondro.s+ -recio.s+ 7lessed tr.t') 2'e #-irit "in (o.+" "wit' (o. . . . . . for e*er." <') 'ow ric'l( dowried is t'e 7ride of t'e 8a 7) /e will now loo4 for a o ent at a -ractical ill.stration of Matt'ew 18! 20+ "2'en t'e sa e da( at e*enin$+ 7ein$ t'e first da( of t'e wee4+ w'en t'e doors were s'.t w'ere t'e disci-les were asse 7led for fear of t'e Bews+ ca e Bes.s and stood in t'e idst+ and sait' .nto t'e + Peace 7e .nto (o. . . . . And w'en 'e 'ad said t'is+ 'e 7reat'ed on t'e + and sait' .nto t'e + 6ecei*e (e t'e :ol( 5'ost." @Bo'n 20A :ere we 'a*e a tr.e and lo*el( -ict.re of t'e asse 7l( of 5od. C'rist in t'e idst t'e centre and t'e disci-les $at'ered to t'e risen Bes.s. Peace+ wors'i-+ ser*ice+ and t'e s-irit of sons'i- c'aracterise t'e . An asse 7l( $at'ered on t'is di*ine $ro.nd will not onl( ac4nowled$e C'rist in t'eir idst+ 7.t t'e :ol( 5'ost as t'e so*erei$n 6.ler+ and so.rce of edification and co fort. #.c' will wait on t'e 8ord+ t'at t'e( a( 7e $.ided 7( :is #-irit+ to t'e $lor( of 5od. @1 Cor. 12& 14A /it' 7ot' -rece-t and e9a -le so -lainl( 7efore e+ need 1 (et co e to t'e 8ord and as4 :i w'ere :e feeds :is floc4? /'at ore can :e sa( t'an :e 'as said? 1 a( 7e ;.ite .na7le to tell t'e difference 7etween one section of t'e -rofessin$ c'.rc' and anot'er+ 7.t 1 need 7e at no loss to ascertain if eit'er 7e accordin$ to t'e word of 5od so -lainl( re*ealed. 6at'er+ t'en+ let e as4 :i to 4ee- e fro e*er( 7(e0-at' fro followin$ ( own will& and t'at :e wo.ld lead e 7( :is :ol( #-irit in t'e wa( of tr.t'. 3.t+ < ( so.l) ne*er for$et t'at :e 'as -led$ed :i self to 7e w'ere disci-les are $at'ered to :is na e. 2'ere t'e( feed+ and t'ere t'e( rest. :is -resence is eno.$' to fill t'e so.l to o*erflowin$. "1n t'( -resence is f.lness of ,o(." 2'e ost attracti*e inistr( t'e ost fascinatin$ o7ser*ances t'e ost lo*ed associations+ are not C'rist. 2'e( a(+ or t'e( a( not+ 'a*e :is sanction. /'at 1 desire+ w'at 1 need+ is to 7e w'ere fait' can sa( for certain+ C'rist :i self is t'ere. ">airer t'an all t'e eart'07orn race+ Perfect in co eliness t'o. art& 6e-lenis'ed are 2'( li-s wit' $race+ And f.ll of lo*e 2'( tender 'eart! 5od e*er 7lest) we 7ow t'e 4nee+ And own all f.lness dwells in 2'ee." "Feed thy kids beside the she herds$ tents." :a*in$ learnt t'e tr.e $ro.nd and c'aracter of c'ristian co .nion fro t'e word+ we are res-onsi7le to $.ide t'e (o.n$ a on$st .s into t'ese -at's t'e footste-s of t'e floc4 of 5od. Di*ine no.ris' ent+ s.ited 7ot' to old and (o.n$+ will 7e fo.nd t'ere. 2'e la 7 soon learns to follow in t'e footste-s of its ot'er+ and feed on t'e sa e -ast.re. 2'e Princel( #'e-'erd of 1srael cares for t'e la 7s of :is floc4. ":e s'all feed 'is floc4 li4e a s'e-'erd& 'e s'all $at'er t'e la 7s wit' 'is ar + and carr( t'e in 'is 7oso & and s'all $entl( lead t'ose t'at are wit' (o.n$." @1sa. 40! 11A 2'e fee7lest of t'e floc4 were cared for w'en 'e led fort' :is -eo-le 1srael o.t of =$(-t+ and t'ro.$' t'e dee-. "Not an 'oof was left 7e'ind." And food was fo.nd for all+ aro.nd t'eir tents in t'e ornin$+ as t'e( ,o.rne(ed t'ro.$' t'e waste+ 'owlin$ wilderness. 17

2'e $ood 8ord wo.ld 'a*e it to 7e so now+ in t'e asse 7lies of :is saints. And w'ere t'e :ol( 5'ost is free and .n'indered in :is o-erations+ :e will s.rel( -ro*ide il4 for t'e 7a7es+ and stron$ eat for t'ose w'o are of f.ll a$e. 2'e c'.rc' is s-o4en of as t'e "'a7itation+" tent+ or ta7ernacle of 5od. @=-'. 2! 22A 2o t'is tent in t'e wilderness+ w'ere 5od :i self *o.c'safes to dwell+ we wo.ld earnestl( and affectionatel( -ra( t'at all t'e la 7s of Bes.s a( 7e $at'ered. <') t'at t'e -resence of Bes.s a( 'a*e attractions for t'eir 'earts s.-re e to all ot'ers. :ear :i sa(+ < ( so.l+ "t'ere a 1 in t'e idst of t'e ." <') t'en+ 7e w'ere Bes.s is) /'o else+ w'at else+ co.ld a4e .- for :is a7sence? /'at wo.ld t'e finest asse 7l( on eart' 7e wit'o.t :i ? Iea+ w'at wo.ld 'ea*en itself 7e wit'o.t :is -resence? A 7lan4) /'at is t'e wilderness wit' :is -resence? 2'e -aradise of 5od. An(w'ere+ e*er(w'ere+ :is -resence is t'e -lace of 7lessin$+ of ,o(+ of 'a--iness. <') a( 5od $at'er t'e an( -recio.s la 7s of Bes.s in t'ese last da(s to t'e tr.e fold of t'e #'e-'erd and 3is'o- of so.ls. "%2is t'e treas.re 1%*e fo.nd in :is lo*e 2'at 'as As 1% ade e a -il$ri 7elow+ a7o*e+ And %tis t'ere w'en 1 reac' :i

4nown all :is f.lness 1%ll 4now.%%

Cant. 1! 9+ 10. "- ha%e com ared thee, + my lo%e, to a com any of horses in /haraoh$s chariots. "hy cheeks are comely with rows of *ewels, thy neck with chains of gold." Now+ :e s-ea4s of 'erself entirel(. 2'e s.7,ect of t'e ;.estions is dro--ed+ :is address is direct and -ersonal. And o') 'ow f.ll and free are t'e e9-ressions of :is ad irin$ lo*e. "1 'a*e co -ared t'ee+ < ( lo*e . . . . t'( c'ee4s are co el( . . . . t'( nec4 wit' c'ains." :ow often t'e '. an ind in*ests wit' attractions t'e o7,ect of its ad iration+ and t'en lo*es and wors'i-s its own i a$e. Not so t'e di*ine ind! t'ere+ all is real. 2'e 8ord in*ests t'e 7ride of :is 'eart wit' :is own attractions+ and t'en ad ires 'er. :e lo*ed 'er+ adored 7e :is na e+ 7efore t'ere was an(t'in$ a7o.t 'er to ad ire. 2'is is di*ine. "5od co endet' 'is lo*e toward .s+ in t'at w'ile we were (et sinners+ C'rist died for .s." :a*in$ adorned 'er wit' :is own e9cellencies+ t'ere is now not'in$ to offend :is e(e+ or $rie*e :is 'eart. "2'o. art all fair+ ( lo*e& t'ere is no s-ot in t'ee." "<ld t'in$s are -assed awa(& 7e'old+ all t'in$s are 7eco e new." #'e 'as t'e sa e life and -osition as 'er risen+ li*in$ 8ord <') w'at di$nit(+ $lor(+ and 7lessedness) 1n t'e $reatness of :is lo*e :e "$a*e 'i self for .s." And now+ as t'e cr.cified and risen Bes.s+ we are fellow 'eirs wit' :i . "Not as t'e world $i*et'+ $i*e 1 .nto (o.." @Bo'n 14! 27A 2'e world $i*es a -art and 4ee-s a -art+ 7.t C'rist $i*es all. "2'e $lor(+ w'ic' t'o. $a*est e+ 1 'a*e $i*en t'e ." @Bo'n 17! 22A 1n ad irin$ :is 7ride+ t'o.$' s'e is still in t'e wilderness+ :e is consistent wit' :i self+ for s'e is -erfect in :is own -erfectness. 6e7e4a' was enric'ed and adorned wit' t'e ,ewels of 1saac+ lon$ 7efore s'e reac'ed 'is ot'er%s tent. "1n :aran t'.s 2'e 4indred of 6e7e4a' wonderin$ saw 2'e newl(0$i*en s-lendo.r& 7racelets ric' Circled 'er ar s& and -endant on 'er face 2'e wei$'t( -roof of 1saac%s 7o.nt( s'one+ 1n *al.e ;.estionless. And co.ld s'e do.7t+ 18

Co.ld an( do.7t+ w'o saw 'er dec4ed wit' t'ese+ :is co*enanted lo*e and 7o.nteo.s 'eart+ <f w'o t'e( were t'e s-ar4lin$ essen$ers?" And of t'e 7ride of Be'o*a' it is said+ "1 dec4ed t'ee also wit' orna ents+ and 1 -.t 7racelets .-on t'( 'ands+ and a c'ain on t'( nec4. And 1 -.t a ,ewel on t'( fore'ead+ and earrin$s in t'ine ears+ and a 7ea.tif.l crown .-on t'( 'ead. 2'.s wast t'o. dec4ed wit' $old and sil*er . . . . And t'( renown went fort' a on$ t'e 'eat'en for t'( 7ea.t(& for it was -erfect t'ro.$' ( co eliness+ w'ic' 1 -.t .-on t'ee+ sait' t'e 8ord 5od." @=Ee4. 16A Cant. 1! 11. "0e will make thee borders of gold with studs of sil%er." A c'ain of $old+ we 4now+ is t'e to4en of -ro otion+ 'i$' fa*o.r+ and di$nit(+ as in t'e case of Bose-' and Daniel. 3.t w'at eanet' t'ese wonderf.l words of t'e Cin$? :e 'as 7een ad irin$ :is 7ride 0 'er "rows of ,ewels" 'er "c'ains of $old+" and now :e is o*ed to do (et ore for 'er! "/e will a4e t'ee 7orders of $old and st.ds of sil*er." #o e 'a*e t'o.$'t t'at t'e (ster( of t'e :ol( 2rinit( a( 7e referred to in t'e -l.ral "/e." 1n t'e words of creation it was said+ "let .s a4e an in o.r own i a$e+ and after o.r own li4eness." And in t'e wor4 of rede -tion+ we 4now+ t'e o--ort.nit( ca e for t'e anifestation of t'e different Persons of t'e 5od'ead. "1f a an lo*e e+" sa(s Bes.s+ "'e will 4ee- ( words& and ( >at'er will lo*e 'i + and we will co e .nto 'i and a4e o.r a7ode wit' 'i ." And of t'e #-irit :e sa(s+ "Ie 4now 'i + for 'e dwellet' wit' (o. and s'all 7e in (o.." @Bo'n 14A 3.t w'at are we to .nderstand 7( "7orders of $old wit' st.ds of sil*er?" Ma( it not 7e a crown t'at is s-o4en of? A crown of $old 7es-an$led wit' sil*er? =Ee4iel see s to sa( it is. "And 1 -.t a ,ewel on t'( fore'ead and earrin$s in t'ine ears+ and a 7ea.tif.l crown on t'ine 'ead. 2'.s wast t'o. dec4ed wit' $old and sil*er." /'at t'en? #'all t'e restored+ ro(al tri7e of B.da' (et wear t'is 7ea.tif.l crown in t'e land of 1srael in t'e 'ol( cit( Ber.sale ? /ondro.s $race) 8o*e di*ine) And will it 7e t'e .nited $ift of t'e adora7le 2rinit(? Can B.da' fail to re e 7er+ or can 1 e*er for$et t'at 2'( ro(al 7row+ < Cin$ of #ale + was once+ in t'ose *er( scenes+ wreat'ed wit' a crown of t'orns? No eart'l( ,ewels l.stred t'at crown. 3.t t'e ric' r.7( dro-s fro 2'( 'ol( *eins were its ,ewels of i -eris'a7le *al.e. Awa4e) awa4e+ o' ( so.l) editate on t'e $race and lo*e of Bes.s. /'at wilt t'o. t'in4+ 'ow wilt t'o. feel+ w'en t'at once -ierced 'and -laces on t'( 'ead a $arland of .nfadin$ $lor(? #'all t'ine e(e 7e ca.$'t wit' t'e crown+ or 7e daEEled wit' t'e $lor(? <' no) t'e first $li -se of t'at "co.ntenance transcendent" s'all fi9 t'ine e(e+ and ra*is' t'( 'eart for e*er) 2'ere is alwa(s so et'in$ in t'e anner of t'e 8ord%s lo*e ost $ratef.l to t'e 'eart. :e sa(s to 'erself w'at is in :is ind. 2'is eets t'e first desire of lo*e -ersonal co .nion. /ell does Bes.s 4now 'ow to fill t'e 'eart wit' dee-est ,o(. 3.t will it alwa(s 7e so? Ies+ (es+ < ( so.l) :is lo*e s'all end.re for e*er. :e c'an$et' not. :e is t'e sa e (esterda(+ toda(+ and for e*er. 1n t'e -ast+ t'e -resent+ and t'e f.t.re+ :e is t'e sa e. 3.t o') 'ow t'e 'eart deli$'ts in 7ein$ so i ediatel(+ so indi*id.all(+ so distinctl( addressed 7( :i self. A on$st t'e (riads of t'e redee ed+ not one is o*erloo4ed+ or ne$lected 7( :i . ":e lo*ed e+ and $a*e 'i self for e+" will 7e t'e t'rillin$ note in t'e son$ of all. :is lo*e+ in its eternal sweetness and f.lness+ fills all 'earts to o*erflowin$+ and t.rns all 'earts into 'ar-s of sweetest elod(+ to so.nd fore*er :is .n07e$innin$+ ne*er0endin$ lo*e. "8o*e t'at no ton$.e can teac'+

19

8o*e t'at no t'o.$'t can reac'& No lo*e li4e :is. 5od is its 7lessed so.rce+ Deat' ne%er can sto- its co.rse+ Not'in$ can sta( its force& Matc'less it is." 2'ere is di*ine wisdo + and instr.ction for t'e so.l+ in t'e selection of :is first co -arison. "1 'a*e co -ared t'ee+ < ( lo*e+ to a co -an( of 'orses in P'arao'%s c'ariots." 2'e (stic 7ride of t'e tr.e #olo on is 'ere re inded of =$(-t+ o.t of w'ic' :e redee ed 'er wit' an o.tstretc'ed ar & and of "P'arao'+" fro w'ose iron $ras- :e resc.ed 'er. Most s.$$esti*e references to t'e c'ildren of 1srael+ and orall(+ to .s. 2'e tr.t' of 5od is a circle. 2'e lo*e t'at deli*ered .s o.t of =$(-t+ t'at 7rin$s .s into Canaan+ wit' all its ercies 7( t'e wa(+ is a -erfect .n7ro4en circle of $race and tr.t'. And+ oreo*er+ e*er( -art of t'at circle s'all 7e 'eld in e*erlastin$ re e 7rance. 2'e $race t'at eets .s in t'e world+ cond.cts .s to t'e 'eart of 5od+ its nati*e fo.ntain. "3.t now+ in C'rist Bes.s+ (e w'o so eti es were far off+ are ade ni$' 7( t'e 7lood of C'rist." @=-'. 2! 13A 2'e c'ariot0'orse+ wit' its $or$eo.s tra--in$s+ a( 7e t'e s( 7ol of stren$t'+ s( etr(+ swiftness+ ro(alt( and willin$ness in ser*ice. No sooner 'as t'e c'arioteer ta4en 'is seat+ t'an 'is steeds are in readiness to o*e off. 2'e( 7eco e i -atient of dela(+ t'e raisin$ of t'e foot+ t'e o*e ent of e*er( .scle+ -lainl( tell 'i + t'at if 'e 7e read(+ t'e( are ;.ite read(. And t'en+ 'ow s.7,ect+ notwit'standin$ t'eir -ower+ to t'e sli$'test to.c' of t'e $.idin$ rein. #eest t'o.+ < ( so.l+ in t'is read(+ willin$ ser*ice a fair re-resentation of t'ine own? 1s it so? <r+ alas) w'at? No swiftness+ no s( etr(+ no consistenc(+ no s.7,ection to t'e $.idin$ 'and. /'at) 1s it so? =9a ine all t'( wa(s 7eneat' t'e $lance of t'e Master%s e(e+ 1s t'ere one t'in$ on eart' t'at t'o. wo.ldst dread ore t'an to 7e t.rned o.t of :is ser*ice? 6e e 7er+ < re e 7er) t'at t'o.$' as a son t'o. s'alt 7e in t'( >at'er%s 'o.se for e*er+ as a sinner sa*ed 7( $race+ t'o. art sa*ed for e*er& still+ as a ser*ant+ if t'o. art idlin$ t'( ti e+ or s-oilin$ t'( wor4+ it a( 7e ta4en fro t'ee and $i*en to anot'er. < ost -atient Master+ 4ee- t'( ser*ant e*er $irded+ o7edient and read( for ser*ice& and carin$ onl( to eet 2'( ind. Cant. 1! 12. "0hile the (ing sitteth at his table, my s ikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof." 2'ere is an infinite difference 7etween t'e attractions of nat.re and t'e $race of t'e #-irit. :ast t'o. well considered t'is+ ( so.l? :one(+ t'e sweetness of nat.re+ was for7idden to 7e .sed in t'e sacrifices. A little of it+ fro t'e end of a rod+ a( enli$'ten t'e e(es+ and refres' t'e 'eart of t'e warrior in t'e da( of 7attle+ 7.t it can ne*er refres' t'e 'eart of t'e 8ord of 'osts. 1ts a ia7le ;.alities are tr.l( *al.a7le for t'e fa il(+ t'e social circle+ and t'e world at lar$e+ 7.t totall( .nfit for 5od%s altar or t'e Cin$%s ta7le. 3ot' t'e sweetness and t'e so.rness of nat.re are ali4e re,ected 7( t'e :ol( <ne of 1srael. "#o t'en t'e( t'at are in t'e fles' cannot -lease 5od." @6o . 8! 8A /e .st 'a*e a new nat.re+ e*en t'e life of t'e risen Bes.s in t'e so.l+ 7efore we can do an(t'in$ to -lease 5od+ or 7rin$ an acce-ta7le offerin$ to :i . "Ie .st 7e 7orn a$ain." "2'e fr.it of t'e #-irit is lo*e+ ,o(+ -eace+ lon$0s.fferin$+ $entleness+ $oodness+ fait'+ ee4ness+ te -erance." @5al. 5! 22+ 23A 2'e di*ine life+ 7earin$ fr.it 7( t'e :ol( #-irit+ is t'e ost fra$rant and refres'in$ of all fr.its to t'e #a*io.r of sinners. 2'e "s-i4enard+" to :i + 'as "an odo.r of a sweet s ell+" and its *irt.e end.ret' for e*er. @P'il. 4A 2'e ala7aster 7o9 of s-i4enard+ t'at once filled wit' ric'est odo.rs t'e -resence c'a 7er of 3et'an(+ 'as not (et lost its fra$rance to Bes.s. "#'e 'at' done w'at s'e co.ld+" was t'e i ediate+ .n eas.red co endation of :is lo*e. And "/'eresoe*er t'is $os-el s'all 7e -reac'ed 20

t'ro.$'o.t t'e w'ole world+ t'is also t'at s'e 'at' done s'all 7e s-o4en of as a "8o*e is t'e tr.est -ro*idence+ #ince 7e(ond ti e 'er $old is $ood+ #ta -ed for an%s ean %t'ree '.ndred -ence+% /it' C'rist%s %#'e 'at' done w'at s'e co.ld.%"

e orial of 'er."

1t is a ista4e to s.--ose t'at we 'a*e not'in$ to -resent to t'e Cin$ w'ile :e sittet' at :is ta7le. 2r.e+ of :is own we $i*e :i & 7.t it is all t'e sweeter to 7ot' on t'at acco.nt. /'at is sweeter t'an $race? 2'e 1sraelite was to 7rin$ a 7as4etf.l of 'is first ri-e fr.its and -resent it to t'e 8ord 'is 5od. @De.t. 26A 2r.e wors'i- is co .nion+ fellows'i-. 1f t'e 3ride$roo 'as :is "$ood oint ents+" t'e 7ride 'as 'er "s-i4enard"& (et it is all $race. 2'e ta7le is :is t'e oint ent and s-i4enard+ too+ are :is. "2'o. -re-arest a ta7le 7efore e in t'e -resence of ine ene ies! t'o. anointest ( 'ead wit' oil! ( c.- r.nnet' o*er." @Ps. 23A 2'e 'eart ne*er rises to t'e -oint of wors'i- .ntil it r.ns o*er. 2'en it 'as not'in$ to as4 for. 2r.e wors'i- is t'e o*erflowin$ of t'e 'eart. And o'+ 'ow sweet+ 'ow -recio.s+ 'ow 7lessed it is) /'en t'e :ol( #-irit inisters of t'e f.lness of Bes.s to o.r so.ls+ 'ow soon t'e 'eart r.ns o*er) And t'is o*erflowin$ of t'e 'eart+ wit' t'e f.lness of C'rist+ is tr.e+ 'ea*enl( wors'i-. :ence t'e i -ortant difference 7etween a -ra(er+ and a wors'i- eetin$. /e s'o.ld co e to t'e for er wit' e -t( *essels+ and so cr( to t'e 8ord+ as if we wo.ld stor t'e 'ea*ens+ rat'er t'an $o awa( wit'o.t o.r answer. 3.t to t'e latter+ we s'o.ld co e t'oro.$'l( self0,.d$ed+ well -re-ared to feast on t'e Cin$%s dainties t'e s-oils of :is *ictor( t'e fr.its of rede -tion. 2'.s s'all we find o.r e*er( need et+ and o.r e*er( desire satisfied. And 'a*e we not'in$ to as4 for at t'e ta7le? Not'in$ .nless t'e Cin$ 'as for$otten so et'in$ (o. need e9ce-t it 7e for a lar$er 'eart. 2o 7e in t'e -resence c'a 7er of t'e 8ord t'e 'oliest of all and to 7e feastin$ on t'e ric' -ro*isions of :is ta7le& w'at can we 7e 7.t satisfied& w'at can we do 7.t -raise+ ad ire+ adore+ lo*e+ and wors'i- t'e 8ord o.r 5od and >at'er? 2'e 7ride 'as now reac'ed t'e 'i$'est -lace of 7lessedness. #'e is -eacef.ll( en,o(in$ t'e -resence of t'e Cin$+ w'ile :e is reclinin$ at :is ta7le. 2'e acti*ities of ser*ice 'a*e $i*en -lace to t'e re-ose of wors'i-. 2'e 7.rnin$ s.n+ t'e -ersec.tion+ t'e -o*ert(+ t'e sorrow+ are all for$otten in t'e f.lness of t'at ,o( w'ic' :is -resence $i*es. And now+ t'e 7o9 is 7ro4en+ t'e s-i4enard flows+ t'e fra$rance fills t'e 'o.se+ t'e 'ead and t'e feet of Bes.s are anointed+ and :is 'eart is ra*is'ed wit' t'e ad*ances of 'er lo*e. Cant. 1! 13. "A bundle of myrrh. is my well1belo%ed unto me. he shall lie all night betwi2t my breasts." 1f t'e c'ariot0'orse s.$$ests t'e t'o.$'t of willin$ ser*ice+ and t'e "s-i4enard" 7e t'e s( 7ol of di*ine wors'i-+ a( not t'e "7.ndle of (rr'" 7e t'e e 7le of a dail(+ and 'o.rl( testi on( for C'rist? And w'at ore nat.ral+ as a conse;.ence of dee- and solid co .nion wit' t'e 8ord? 1s not t'e 'eart stren$t'ened for testi on( in s.c' 'a--( seasons? Jninterestin$ and -owerless will all o.r ser*ices 7eco e+ if -ersonal co .nion 7e ne$lected. :ow was it t'at Da*id dis-la(ed s.c' co.ra$e in t'e *alle( of =la'? /as it t'e ras'ness of (o.t'f.l ine9-erience? < no+ not at all) :is fait'+ t'ro.$' co .nion in secret+ 'ad 7een raised to t'e *er( t'o.$'ts of 5od :i self a7o.t 'is -eo-le. :ence 'is *alo.r in t'e o-en field. "3lessed 7e t'e 8ord ( stren$t'+" 'e co.ld sin$+ "w'ic' teac'et' ( 'ands to war+ and ( fin$ers to fi$'t." @Ps. 144! 1A /e are ta.$'t t'e sa e tr.t' 7( o.r 7lessed 8ord in Bo'n 7! 37+ "1n t'e last da(+ t'at $reat da( of t'e feast+ Bes.s stood and cried+ sa(in$+ 1f an( an t'irst+ let 'i co e .nto e+ and drin4." 1n *ain s'all we see4 to 7eco e t'e eans of refres'in$ and 7lessin$ to ot'ers+ .nless we drin4+ and drin4 21

dail( and dee-l(+ at t'e fo.ntain0'ead for o.rsel*es. =*er( fres' testi on( for C'rist s'o.ld 7e t'e res.lt of fres' co .nion wit' :i . <') 'ow needf.l for t'e ser*ants of t'e 8ord to re e 7er t'is. >or$et it not+ < ( so.l+ 7.t li4e Moses in t'e land of Midian+ sit down 7( t'e well 0 t'e well of li*in$ waters. "And 'e sat down 7( a well." @=9. 2A 2'.s close to t'e well+ 'e was in a -osition to 7e 'el-f.l to t'e se*en da.$'ters of t'e -riest of Midian and to 'is floc4. 2'is scene a( s-ea4 of C'rist o-enin$ t'e fo.ntain of redee in$ lo*e to :is 7ride+ 7.t s.rel( it is a ost instr.cti*e lesson for an e*an$elist) <') to 7e t'.s+ in 'eart near to t'e well of life 'ea*en%s water s-rin$s+ and so 7eco e t'e c'annel of t'ese li*in$ waters to ot'ers. "/'o 'a*e we+ 8ord+ 7.t 2'ee+ #o.l t'irst to satisf(? =9'a.stless s-rin$) t'e waters free All ot'er strea s are dr(." 2'e 'eart of t'e s-o.se+ li4e t'e wo an at t'e well of #(c'ar+ is o*erflowin$. #'e .st s-read a7road t'e $lor( of 'er #a*io.r%s na e. More -recio.s to 'er 'eart t'an a 7.ndle of t'is costl( s-ice to t'e erc'ant is 'er well07elo*ed. "A 7.ndle of (rr' is ( well07elo*ed .nto e." 3lessed a--reciation of C'rist) :a--( fr.it of nearness+ in co .nion to :i ) And ar4+ too+ ( so.l+ t'e affection w'ic' :e creates in t'e 'eart. #'e can sa( in tr.t'+ " ( well07elo*ed." <') 'a--(+ -ri*ile$ed s-o.se) 1 wonder not at t'( 'ol( and $ood resol.tion+ ":e s'all lie all ni$'t 7etwi9t ( 7reasts." 2'ere+ nearest to 'er 'eart+ s'e -laces 'er sweet0s ellin$ (rr' 'er disinfectin$ s-ice. And now+ w'ere*er s'e $oes t'e odo.r of 'er -recio.s treas.re is s-read a7road. A 7.ndle+ or little 7a$+ of (rr'+ carried in t'e 7oso + scents t'e $ar ents+ and diff.ses its fra$rance all aro.nd+ w'et'er at 'o e or a7road+ at wor4 or restin$+ in t'e sanct.ar( or t'e social circle+ silentl( 7.t s.rel(+ t'e fra$rance of t'e -erf. e+ li4e t'e air fills t'e scene. And e*en after t'e -erson 'as left+ t'e sweet odo.r re ains+ as a testi on( to t'e *al.e of t'at w'ic' la( nearest 'er 'eart. <') e9;.isite e 7le ) 1s t'is t'( fait'f.lness to Bes.s+ < ( so.l? Does :e lie e 7al ed in t'( 'eart+ and does t'e sweet sa*o.r of :is na e $o wit' t'ee+ w'it'ersoe*er t'o. $oest+ and re ain w'en t'o. art $one? #o.l0searc'in$ tr.t') "<cc.-( till 1 co e+" were t'e farewell words of t'e re,ected Bes.s to :is disci-les& and o*er t'e e orials of :is d(in$ lo*e+ :e 'as written in wondro.s $race+ "2'is do in re e 7rance of e." :e 'as not as4ed .s to do so e $reat t'in$ for :i + or to la( on :is altar so e costl( sacrifice) No& 7.t si -l( to 7e occ.-ied wit' :i self as eart'%s re,ected C'rist+ d.rin$ :is a7sence+ and to $i*e :i a -lace in o.r 'earts. "6e e 7er e+" was :is last re;.est t'in4 of Me refer e*er(t'in$ in (o.r 'earts to Me. :a*e we done so? :a*e 1 done so? Do 1 now do so? :as t'e affianced 7ride of t'e 8a 7 t'.s -laced :i in 'er 7oso and carried :i t'ere d.rin$ t'e lon$+ lon$ dar4 ni$'t of :is a7sence? Alas+ alas+ t'e re;.ests of t'( lo*e 'a*e 7een for$otten) 6i*als 'a*e 7een ad itted and entertained& and sorrowf.l it is to find t'ee o.tside+ in t'ine .nwearied lo*e+ 4noc4in$ at t'e door+ .ntil+ in t'e (stic lan$.a$e of t'e #on$ of #on$s+ t'( 'ead is filled wit' dew+ and t'( loc4s wit' t'e dro-s of t'e ni$'t. 3.t t'e ni$'t is far s-ent+ t'e da( is at 'and. Ies+ t'e 'a--( da( draws near+ w'en+ t'ro.$' t'( -atient $race+ t'e affections of t'( 'ea*enl( and eart'l( -eo-le s'all -erfectl( answer to t'ine own. "2'ine e(e+ in t'at 7ri$'t clo.dless da(+ #'all+ wit' s.-re e deli$'t+ 2'( fair and $lorio.s 7ride s.r*e(+

22

Jn7le is'ed in t'( si$'t." Cant. 1! 14. "My belo%ed is unto me as a cluster of cam hire from the %ineyards of En1gedi." 2'e 7.ndle of (rr' is 'idden fro t'e e(e in t'e 7reast+ 7.t t'e cl.ster of ca -'ire is an o7,ect for t'e e(e+ and carried o-enl( in t'e 'and. M(rr' is t'e li*in$ ,.ice of t'e tree+ w'ic' flows in dro-s t'ro.$' 7ro4en -arts of t'e 7ar4+ so et'in$ li4e 7lood fro t'e *eins+ or tears fro t'e e(e. "As (rr' new 7leedin$ fro #.c' is a d(in$ C'rist to t'e tree+ e."

2'e flowers of t'e ca -'ire tree $row in dense cl.sters and are 7ea.tif.l as well as fra$rant. "2'at C'rist a( dwell in (o.r 'earts 7( fait'+" is t'e -ra(er of t'e a-ostle. And we are to 7e "Alwa(s 7earin$ a7o.t in t'e 7od( t'e d(in$ of t'e 8ord Bes.s+ t'at t'e life also of Bes.s i$'t 7e ade anifest in o.r 7od(." @2 Cor. 4! 10A :ow widel( different t'e line of t'o.$'t s.$$ested 7( a tree in f.ll 7losso + and one+ wo.nded and 7r.ised+ and t'e life0,.ice flowin$ fro its *eins) 2'e one is t'e s( 7ol of deat'+ t'e ot'er t'e -ower of life. 2'e tender 7.d findin$ its wa( t'ro.$' t'e 'ard 7ar4 of winter is alwa(s a stri4in$ and interestin$ ill.stration of res.rrection& t'e 7losso s and t'e fr.it are t'e anifestations of t'e -ower of life and of t'e ric' 7lessin$s to an. 2'e little seed t'at is cast into t'e $ro.nd+ and .-on w'ic' t'e clods are 'ea-ed+ a( see for a ti e 'o-elessl( lost& 7.t t'e re*i*in$ s-rin$ co es ro.nd+ and t'ro.$' t'e ener$(. of life+ e*er( s.rro.ndin$ circ. stance is astered& t'e tender 7lade a--ears+ and in d.e ti e wa*es its $olden $rain in tri. -' o*er t'e all. :ow sweetl( all t'is+ and ore t'an t'is+ was s'adowed fort' in Aaron%s rod t'at 7.dded+ t'ro.$' t'e inter*ention of 5od in $race. @N. . 17A 1n one ni$'t t'e dr( rod of Aaron a -iece of dead wood 7.dded+ 7loo ed+ and 7ore fr.it. Precio.s t(-e of t'e risen Bes.s+ fr.itf.l now in res.rrection) :ere in t(-es and s'adows+ we are ta.$'t t'at we need t'e risen Bes.s+ as o.r $reat :i$' Priest to ta4e .s t'ro.$' t'e wilderness and into t'e land of Canaan. 5race rei$ns in -riest'ood and sa*es t'e -eo-le. Not'in$ s'ort of t'e -riestl( inistr( of Bes.s can eet o.r need. :e w'o died to a4e .s clean+ now li*es to 4ee- .s clean. @Bo'n 13! 1017A :e is 7ot' o.r sacrifice and o.r -riest. 2'e 7lood of atone ent+ and t'e water of -.rification+ 7ot' flowed fro t'e wo.nded side of Bes.s. :ow lo*el( to t'e e(e as well as fra$rant to t'e 'eart is o.r risen+ e9alted+ and $lorified 8ord) :is Person :is inistr( :is relations'i-s are infinitel( -recio.s and e*er t'e sa e. "M( 7elo*ed is w'ite and r.dd(& t'e c'iefest a on$ ten t'o.sand . . . . (ea+ 'e is alto$et'er lo*el(. @Cant. 5A ">or in 'i dwellet' all t'e f.lness of t'e 5od'ead 7odil(." @Col. 2! 9A 2'e f.lness of $race and $lor( dwell in :i . "1f (e t'en 7e risen wit' C'rist+ see4 t'ose t'in$s w'ic' are a7o*e+ w'ere C'rist sittet' on t'e ri$'t 'and of 5od. #et (o.r affections on t'in$s a7o*e+ not on t'in$s on t'e eart'." @Col. 3! 1+ 2A <') w'at cl.sters of attractions are t'ere+ 'ad we onl( e(es to see t'e + and 'earts to *al.e t'e ) 2'e *ine(ards of =n0$edi+ we are told+ were cele7rated for t'eir ric' fr.its and costl( s-ices. 2'at w'ic' is 7ea.tif.l to t'e e(e+ sweet to t'e taste+ and fra$rant to t'e senses+ was to 7e fo.nd t'ere in a7.ndance. And fa o.s+ too+ are t'ese scenes+ as 'a*in$ f.rnis'ed a 'idin$ -lace for Da*id and 'is en w'en -ersec.ted 7( #a.l. @1 #a . 24! 104A 2'e fr.itf.l *alle(s 7elow+ and t'e stron$'olds in t'e o.ntains aro.nd+ -ro*ided s'elter+ no.ris' ent+ and refres' ent+ for 5od%s anointed 4in$ and t'ose w'o 'ad cast in t'eir lot wit' 'i . Iet o') 'ow faintl( do all t'e $ood t'in$s of eart' s'adow fort' t'e .nsearc'a7le ric'es of C'rist. All a7.ndance co es fro :i . 2'ere is not'in$ ric' t'at :e 'as not enric'ed not'in$ sweet t'at :e 'as not sweetened not'in$ f.ll t'at :e 'as not filled+ and (et all t'at we 4now now of 23

:is f.lness+ is 7.t as a dro- to t'e ocean. =*er( $ood t'in$ co et' down fro a7o*e& and all s-ea4 of :i . 2'e reall( $ood t'in$ t'at is fo.nd in t'e creat.re+ re inds t'ee+ < ( so.l+ of :i in w'o all -erfection centres+ as t'e Man C'rist Bes.s 5od wit' .s. As t'o. wal4est in t'e field+ or in t'e $arden+ in t'e *alle( or on t'e o.ntain+ or in t'( .s.al ro.nd of dail( d.t(+ e*er( second t'o.$'t a( 7e of t'e "well07elo*ed" a7sent <ne. 2'e 7leedin$ (rr' and t'e 7loo in$ ca -'ire a( well recall to t'( ind t'e cross and t'e $lor(+ and lead t'ee to t'in4 of :i "w'o was deli*ered for o.r offences+ and was raised a$ain for o.r ,.stification." @6o . 4! 25A No tree e*er 7ore s.c' fr.it for 5od and an as t'e cross of Cal*ar(. 2'ere+ sin was -.t awa( accordin$ to t'e clai s of t'e $lor( of 5od& and t'ere+ too+ t'e ene ( was *an;.is'ed and 'is w'ole -ower co -letel( destro(ed. 2'e cross is t'e fo.ndation of o.r -ardon+ -eace+ reconciliation+ acce-tance+ and e*er( 7lessin$+ 7ot' in ti e and in eternit(. 1t is t'e -roc.rin$ ca.se of all. 2'ere+ 5od 'as 7een re*ealed in -erfect lo*e+ and -erfect ri$'teo.sness& as 'atin$ sin+ (et lo*in$ t'e sinner. 8o*e tri. -'ed in t'e cross& (et 'oliness and ,.stice+ tr.t' and ri$'teo.sness+ were dis-la(ed and $lorified. <n t'is solid fo.ndation+ t'e c'ief of sinners is f.ll( and freel( for$i*en+ t'e sa e o ent 'e 7elie*es in C'rist& and 'is -ardon is as -erfect as t'e wor4 of t'e cross. #in+ and sins+ were "-.t awa(" on t'e cross 7( t'e 7lood of Bes.s and on t'at $ro.nd+ t'e sin of o.r nat.re+ and t'e an( sins of t'e life+ are all for$i*en t'ro.$' fait' in t'at -recio.s 7lood. >ait' can sa(+ in 'ol( tri. -'+ ":e was deli*ered for o.r offences." And w'ere are t'e(? A7olis'ed $one and $one for e*er. ":e ade an end of sin." :e w'o died for o.r sins+ 'as 7een "raised .- fro t'e dead 7( t'e $lor( of t'e >at'er+" and t'at is t'e eternal settle ent of t'e ;.estion of sin. ":e was raised a$ain for o.r ,.stification." 2'e risen Bes.s is 5od%s own witness t'at t'e 7elie*er is ,.stified. 2'is is fait'%s s.re+ .nfailin$+ $ro.nd. All is -eace. "1t is finis'ed." C'rist is risen. And now for t'e conse;.ences of fait' t'e an( and fra$rant cl.sters of ric'est 7lessin$ to t'e so.l. "2'erefore 7ein$ ,.stified 7( fait'+ we 'a*e -eace wit' 5od+ t'ro.$' o.r 8ord Bes.s C'rist. 3( w'o also we 'a*e access 7( fait' into t'is $race w'erein we stand+ and re,oice in 'o-e of t'e $lor( of 5od . . . . And not onl( so+ 7.t we also ,o( in 5od t'ro.$' o.r 8ord Bes.s C'rist+ 7( w'o we 'a*e now recei*ed t'e reconciliation." @6o . 5! 1011A Cant. 1! 15. "&ehold, thou art fair, my lo%e) behold, thou art fair, thou hast do%es$ eyes." /'at is it+ so e will as4+ t'at can a4e one defiled and defor ed 7( sin+ t'.s "fair" to t'e e(e of Bes.s? /'ere+ w'en+ 'ow+ can it 7e fo.nd? 2'is is all t'at is needed to fill to o*erflowin$ t'e so.l%s c.- of 'a--iness) /'at wo.ld all t'e ric'es+ 'ono.rs+ and $lories of t'is world 7e+ co -ared wit' 'earin$ s.c' words fro s.c' li-s) "3e'old+ t'o. art fair+ ( lo*e." Most tr.l(+ t'is is t'e so.l%s ineffa7le 7lessedness) 2'e $os-el of t'e $race of 5od+ ( friend+ $i*es t'e answer to t'( ;.estion. Cnow t'en+ t'at w'en a so.l is drawn to Bes.s+ it is recei*ed 7( :i + and -laced in t'e li$'t of 5od%s -resence+ in t'e f.ll *al.e of :is finis'ed wor4+ and in t'e atc'less 7ea.t( of :is adora7le Person. 2'is is $race t'e $race of 5od in t'e $os-el of :is #on to e*er( one t'at 7elie*et'. "All t'at 7elie*e are ,.stified." And all t'at 7elie*e are "acce-ted in t'e 7elo*ed+" t'ro.$' t'e acco -lis'ed wor4 of t'e cross. @=-'. 1+ 2A :is -recio.s 7lood cleanset' fro all sin. @1 Bo'n 1A 2'en o'+ 'ow "fair") "8et t'e 7ea.t( of t'e 8ord o.r 5od 7e .-on .s." @Ps. 90! 17A /'at -erfection of 7ea.t( t'is .st 7e) "2'e 7ea.t( of t'e 8ord o.r 5od." :ow fair for t'e co.rts a7o*e) 2'e 7ea.t( of an$els will 7e -erfect after t'eir own order+ 7.t t'e sinner sa*ed 7( $race s'all s'ine in t'e 7ea.t( of t'e 8ord for e*er. All t'is 1 t'in4 1 can 7elie*e+ so e a( re-l(+ 7.t o'+ can s.c' a -lace can s.c' 7lessin$ e*er 7e ine? "3elie*e on t'e 8ord Bes.s C'rist+ and t'o. s'alt 7e sa*ed+" is 'ea*en%s answer to e*er( an9io.s in;.irer is 'ea*en%s declaration of -erfect $race to all. 3elie*e in Bes.s+ tr.st in :i + defiled 24

and defor ed as t'o. art+ and sooner far t'an t'( t'o.$'ts can t.rn fro one s.7,ect to anot'er+ t'o. art alto$et'er "fair" in :is si$'t. "<nl( 7elie*e." 2'e wor4 is finis'ed "lon$+ lon$ a$o." <') 7eware of t'at "deadl( doin$." 2'e $os-el see s too si -le to ad it of e9-lanation. 1t is a re-ort to 7e 7elie*ed an in*itation to 7e acce-ted 0 a *oice of lo*e 7eseec'in$ t'ee to 7e reconciled to 5od a -rocla ation of -ardon and -eace 7( Bes.s C'rist. @Acts 10! 36& Acts 13! 38+ 39A Not+ o7ser*e+ t'e -ro ise of -ardon and -eace+ 7.t t'e -reac'in$ of -ardon and -eace. 2'is a4es a wonderf.l difference. And o7ser*e+ f.rt'er+ t'at it is neit'er 7( law nor -ro ise t'at t'e so.l is t'.s ric'l( 7lessed& 7.t 7( Bes.s C'rist. 2'e o ent t'o. 'ast fait' in :i + t'( for$i*eness+ ,.stification+ and reconciliation+ are -roclai ed 7( t'e tr.t' of 5od. 2a4e one e9a -le+ as an ill.stration+ of t'e wa(s of 5od+ in $race+ wit' sinners. 1n t'e t'ird c'a-ter of Fec'aria' we see Bos'.a standin$ 7efore t'e 8ord :e is a t(-e of 5od%s dealin$s+ in $race+ wit' Ber.sale in t'e latter da(. 2'is c'a-ter is t'e 'istor(+ 1 7elie*e+ of 'ow t'e 7ride of t'e Cin$ is so "fair" in :is si$'t. 2'is is i -ortant as to o.r -resent ;.estion. 1t is also t'e 'istor( of e*er( sinner sa*ed 7( $race. Bos'.a is clot'ed in filt'( $ar ents. #atan is t'ere to resist 'i . :e alwa(s see4s to 'inder t'e 7lessin$ of so.ls. 3.t t'e 8ord s'elters t'e defenceless one. :e casts o.t none t'at co e to :i . :e re7.4es and silences t'e ad*ersar(& and s-ea4s and acts for Bos'.a. 2'is :e alwa(s does. 3e of $ood co.ra$e. 2'e filt'( $ar ents are ta4en awa(& 'is sins are all for$i*en. 2'ere is not a ra$ left for #atan to la( 'old on. 2'.s cleansed fro all 'is defile ents+ ":e is clot'ed wit' a c'an$e of rai ent." 2'e ro7e of 5od is -.t .-on 'i . And now+ 'ow "fair") 3.t t'is is not all. A fair itre is set .-on 'is 'ead. #.rel(+ "2'e 7ea.t( of t'e 8ord o.r 5od" is now .-on 'i ) :e is w'at 5od+ in "t'e e9ceedin$ ric'es of 'is $race+" 'as ade 'i . "Jnto 'i t'at lo*ed .s+ and was'ed .s fro o.r sins in 'is own 7lood. And 'at' ade .s 4in$s and -riests .nto 5od and 'is >at'er& to 'i 7e $lor( and do inion for e*er and e*er+ A en." 3ot' t'e 4in$l( and t'e -riestl( crown are o.rs o.rs in :is ri$'t. 2'is is t'eir $lor() :i$'est in di$nit(+ 7elon$in$ to ro(alt(. Nearest in wors'i-+ 7elon$in$ to -riest'ood. And o') 'ow sweet t'e t'o.$'t+ t'e wor4 is all of 5od fro first to last+ and so can ne*er fail. "2'e 8ord 'at' c'osen Ber.sale . . . . 1s not t'is a 7rand -l.c4ed o.t of t'e fire? . . . . 1 'a*e ca.sed t'ine ini;.it( to -ass fro t'ee . . . . 1 will clot'e t'ee wit' c'an$e of rai ent& . . . And+ 1 said+ 8et t'e set a fair itre on 'is 'ead." 1t is all of 5od 7( C'rist Bes.s t'ro.$' t'e wor4 of t'e cross. "/it'o.t s'eddin$ of 7lood is no re ission." 5race rei$ns 5od is $lorified fait' tri. -'s #atan is confo.nded+ and t'e sinner eternall( sa*ed. 2'is 4now also+ ( dear friend+ t'at if t'( desire after C'rist+ and after t'e en,o( ent of :is fa*o.r 7e tr.e and sincere+ t'ere .st alread( 7e $race in t'( 'eart. 2'e desire .st co e fro :i . /'ere t'ere is not'in$ ore t'an ere nat.re+ t'ere can 7e no lon$in$ desire for t'e 7lessed 8ord and :is fa*o.r. >ait'+ sal*ation and desire $o to$et'er+ alt'o.$' t'e ti id 7elie*er will often 'esitate to sa(+ ":e is all ( sal*ation and all ( desire." 2'e clearest e*idence of di*ine life in t'e so.l+ is w'en t'e 'eart is occ.-ied wit' :i + t'e lin4 of connection is for ed+ and can ne*er 7e 7ro4en fait' alone can enter into its 7lessedness. <' rest+ a7ide in :i . 3ein$ associated wit' t'e risen Bes.s+ we are one wit' :i in res.rrection. @=-'. 2A 2'is $i*es .s o.r wondro.s -lace in :is si$'t. All w'o are 7ro.$'t into t'is new t'is res.rrection0state+ are fair e*en as C'rist is fair. <nl( t'at in all t'in$s :e 'as t'e -re0e inence& as it is written+ "2'o. art fairer t'an t'e c'ildren of en." :ence we find t'e sa e ter s of endear ent and ad iration a--lied to 7ot'. And t'e sa e t'in$s said of 7ot'& t'e 7ride 7ein$ t'e reflection of t'e 3ride$roo . 1f t'e $ar ents of t'e 7ride are scented wit' (rr'+ it is said of t'e 3ride$roo + "All t'( $ar ents s ell of (rr'+ and aloes+ and cassia." /'at a 7lessed t'e e t'is $reat tr.t' o-ens .- for editation) <neness wit' C'rist+ as risen and $lorified) :ow little t'e world in all its relations'i-s and associations wo.ld see + did we 25

loo4 at t'e

fro

t'is -oint of *iew)

/'at is 'ere said of 1srael+ or of t'e re nant+ -ro-'eticall(+ @"3e'old+ t'o. art fair+ ( lo*e+"A is tr.e now+ in a dee-er sense+ of t'e c'.rc' of 5od+ t'e 7ride of t'e 8a 7. At t'e sa e ti e+ t'e $reat -rinci-le of t'e son$ is co on to 7ot'+ 2'e 8ord%s lo*e is -erfect. :e lo*es 1srael& :e lo*es t'e c'.rc'& and in d.e ti e :e will create t'ose affections in t'e 'earts of 7ot'+ w'ic' will -erfectl( answer to :is own. :ence+ t'e oral *al.e and a--lication of t'is 7oo4 to t'e C'ristian is of $reat i -ortance. 1t is t'e fellows'i- of 'earts. #till+ it is alwa(s well to 4ee- in *iew t'e difference 7etween w'at will 7e t'e -lace of t'e Bew in t'e latter da(+ and w'at t'e -lace of t'e C'ristian now is. Alt'o.$' t'e arria$e of t'e 8a 7 'as not (et co e+ t'e relations'i- 7etween C'rist and t'e c'.rc' is alread( for ed. As t'e a-ostle sa(s+ "1 'a*e es-o.sed (o. to one '.s7and+ t'at 1 a( -resent (o. as a c'aste *ir$in to C'rist." @2 Cor. 11! 2A 3lessed tr.t') 2'e es-o.sed of t'e #a*io.r+ t'e #on of t'e >at'er) 3.t 4nowest t'o.+ < ( so.l+ t'e affections 7elon$in$ to t'is near and dear relations'i-? 1n -lace of a -ainf.l .ncertaint(+ w'ic' often a$itates t'e inds of t'ose w'o are onl( loo4in$ forward to relations'i-+ 'ast t'o. t'e cal + -eacef.l affection and ,o(+ w'ic' nat.rall( flow fro a settled .nion? 1f so+ t'e desire of t'( 'eart will 7e $reat for t'( 8ord%s ret.rn. Affection is t'e tr.e $ro.nd of t'e cr(+ "Co e+ 8ord Bes.s." 2'e 3ride$roo f.rt'er adds in :is -resent address "2'o. 'as do*es% e(es." <.r associations wit' t'e do*e in scri-t.re+ are of t'e ost instr.cti*e 4ind. >ro t'e ei$'t' c'a-ter of 5enesis down to New 2esta ent ti es+ it occ.-ies an interestin$ -lace in t'e word. <n o.r first ac;.aintance wit' t'e do*e+ we find it in connection wit' t'e ar4 of 5od and t'e oli*e tree. Precio.s t(-es of t'e sal*ation and t'e -eace of 5od) #'e -l.c4ed+ and 'eld fast+ t'e oli*e leaf+ w'en t'e ,.d$ ents of 5od co*ered t'e eart'. And w'ile t'e waters were .na7ated+ it co.ld find no rest for t'e sole of its foot+ .ntil it ret.rned to t'e ar4. 2'e world .nder ,.d$ ent was no -lace for it. A$ain+ we find+ t'e do*e alone+ of all t'e feat'ered tri7e+ was offered in sacrifice .nder t'e law+ and t'ere7( t(-ified t'e 8ord :i self. 2'e sa e t(-e ser*es for 7ot' C'rist and :is s-o.se. /ondro.s .nit() ">or as t'e 7od( is one and 'at' an( e 7ers+ and all t'e e 7ers of t'at one 7od(+ 7ein$ an(+ are one 7od(& so also is C'rist." @1 Cor. 12! 12A Mar4+ t'e a-ostle is s-ea4in$ of t'at w'ic' is a fi$.re of t'e c'.rc'+ 7.t in -lace of concl.din$+ "so also is t'e c'.rc'+" 'e adds+ "so also is C'rist." :e sees t'e c'.rc' in :i . 2'e( are one 7od(. 2'e :ol( #-irit is also t(-ified 7( t'e do*e. "And Bo'n 7are record sa(in$+ 1 saw t'e #-irit descendin$ fro 'ea*en li4e a do*e+ and it a7ode .-on 'i ." 1t is also said+ t'at w'en t'e do*e is a7sent fro its ate+ it sits solitar( and o.rns. "1 did o.rn li4e a do*e." And+ "/e o.rn sore li4e do*es." @1sa. 38! 14& 1sa. 59! 11A #i -licit(+ -.rit(+ 'ar lessness+ fait'f.lness+ see to 7e re-resented 7( t'e do*e. /'en t'e e(e of t'e C'ristian is sin$le+ c'aste+ and constantl( fi9ed on C'rist+ t'en it a( 7e said+ "2'o. 'ast do*es% e(es. " Cant. 1! 16+ 17. "&ehold, thou art fair, my belo%ed, yea, leasant) also our bed is green. "he beams of our house are cedar, and our rafters of fir." 2'ere is $reat 7ea.t( in t'is re,oinder. 2'e 7ride s-ea4s not of 'erself+ s'e 'ears t'e e9-ressions of :is ad irin$ lo*e+ 7.t sa(s not'in$ a7o.t 'erself. Not e*en t'at s'e is .nwort'( of s.c' lo*e. :owe*er dee- 'er e otions+ self is -assed o*er. 2'is is tr.e '. ilit(. /e a( s-ea4 of 7ad self+ and .nwort'( self+ and t'e 'eart 7e f.ll of -ride. 2r.e '. ilit( s-ea4s not of self at all+ eit'er $ood or 7ad. 3.t t'is is a 'ard lesson to learn. C'rist is o.r onl( -erfect e9a -le. 2'e 7lessed 8ord '. 7led :i self. :e too4 t'e lowest -lace 2'e first Ada e9alted 'i self+ and 'e was a7ased. 2'e last Ada '. 7led :i self+ and 5od 'i$'l( e9alted :i . >ollow Bes.s+ t'en+ < ( so.l. /ait t'o. onl( .-on 5od& tr.st in :i . ">or e*er( one t'at e9altet' 26

'i self s'all 7e a7ased& and 'e t'at '. 7let' 'i self s'all 7e e9alted." @8.4e 18! 14A 2'is is a -rinci-le of wide a--lication& it reac'es to all t'e details of life+ and is of i ense -ractical i -ortance. 8earn its wor4in$ -erfectl( in t'e two Ada s. #ee it dail( e9e -lified in t'e two nat.res. Poor '. an nat.re is e*er read( to listen to t'e line of t'e te -ter+ "Ie s'all 7e as $ods." 3.t t'e di*ine nat.re is content wit' t'e -lace w'erein 5od 'as set it+ .ntil :e sa(s+ "Co e .- 'i$'er." 3.t w'at of t'e old nat.re in t'e C'ristian? 2'e scri-t.res sa( -lainl(+ t'at it ca e to its end on t'e cross. "Ie are dead+" is -lain eno.$'. "And t'e( t'at are C'rist%s 'a*e cr.cified t'e fles' wit' t'e affections and l.st." And a$ain+ 1 a cr.cified wit' C'rist+ ne*ert'eless 1 li*e (et not 1+ 7.t C'rist li*et' in e& and t'e life w'ic' 1 now li*e in t'e fles'+ 1 li*e 7( t'e fait' of t'e #on of 5od+ w'o lo*ed e and $a*e 'i self for e." @Col. 3& 5al. 2A /ere we to wal4 in t'e li$'t and -ower of t'is $reat fo.ndation tr.t'+ '. ilit( wo.ld c'aracterise .s. 2'e fles'+ in its *anit( and ass. -tion+ wo.ld 7e ortified& and t'e ee4 and lowl( s-irit of Bes.s wo.ld 7e anifested. "2'e 7ird t'at soars on 'i$'est win$+ 3.ilds on t'e $ro.nd 'er lowl( nest+ And s'e t'at dot' ost sweetl( sin$+ #in$s in t'e s'ade w'en all t'in$s rest. 1n lar4 and ni$'tin$ale we see /'at 'ono.r 'at' '. ilit(. /'en Mar( c'ose t'e 7etter -art+ #'e /as ee4l( sat at Bes.%s feet. eet. And 8(dia%s $entl( o-ened 'eart ade for 5od%s own te -le /'ose clot'in$ is '. ilit(. 2'e saint t'at wears 'ea*en%s 7ri$'test crown 1n '. 7le adoration 7ends& 2'e wei$'t of $lor( 7ows 'i 2'en ost+ w'en Nearest t'e t'rone down+ ost+ 'is so.l ascends. .st e*er 7e+ >airest and 7est adorned is s'e+

2'e footstool of '. ilit(." /'en C'rist is a co -lete co*erin$ to t'e e(e+ content ent fills t'e 'eart. /e can afford to ta4e t'e lowest -lace. =*er(t'in$ needed to a4e .s 'a--( is fo.nd in :i . :e is not onl( fair to t'e e(e+ 7.t -leasant to t'e 'eart. Man( are fair t'at are not -leasant+ and an( are -leasant t'at are not fair+ 7.t C'rist is 7ot'. "3e'old+ t'o. art fair+ ( 7elo*ed+ (ea+ -leasant." <') w'at co 7inations+ w'at -erfections+ w'at 'ar onies are fo.nd in Bes.s) :ere+ and 'ere alone+ t'e 'eart can find rest ;.iet+ -erfect rest. :ence t'e 7ride ost si$nificantl( adds+ "Also o.r 7ed is $reen." 2'e $reen -ast.res+ and t'e still waters of Be'o*a'%s -lenteo.s $race 'a*e lon$ 7een fa iliar to o.r inds+ as t'e e9-ressi*e s( 7ols of t'e re-ose and refres' ent of t'e s'ee- of C'rist+ .nder :is s'e-'erd care. "2'e 8ord is 27

( s'e-'erd+ 1 s'all not want. :e a4et' e to lie down in $reen -ast.res& 'e leadet' e 7eside t'e still waters . . . . . Past.res of tender $rass . . . . waters of ;.ietness+" are t'e dail( fare of t'ose w'ose feet are fo.nd "7( t'e footste-s of t'e floc4." 3.t t'e s'e-'erd ne*er -itc'es 'is tent inside t'e walls of t'e cit(. 2'ere is no tender 7.ddin$ $rass 0 no waters of ;.ietness t'ere. <.tside t'e din$( walls+ in t'e r.ral scenes+ :e rests :is floc4. "2'e cit(+" do.7tless+ in t'is 7oo4+ is t(-ical of t'e world+ t'e co.ntr(+ of 'ea*enl( -laces. <nl( s'a e and sorrow 7efall t'e 7ride w'en s'e is 7e$.iled into t'e cit(. 2'e 3ride$roo is ne*er fo.nd t'ere+ :is fa*o.rite retreats are t'e *ine(ards+ t'e $ardens+ t'e o.ntains of (rr'+ t'e 'ills of fran4incense+ and t'e *alle(s w'ere t'e lilies 7loo . 3.t t'ere is one word in t'ese closin$ sentences w'ic' indicates f.ll+ conscio.s+ 'a--( fellows'iwit' t'e "well07elo*ed." 1 ean t'at little word "o.r+" "o.r 7ed is $reen . . . . . o.r 'o.se+" "o.r rafters." 1t is li4e t'e -recio.s little ".s+" "we+" and "wit'+" in t'e =-istle to t'e =-'esians. <') 'a--( .nion 7lessed .nit(+ "o.r+ .s+ we+ wit'." =ternal oneness wit' C'rist) <ne in life+ one in ri$'teo.sness+ one in acce-tance+ one in -eace+ one in rest+ one in ,o(+ one in 'ea*enl(+ eternal $lor() Bo(less indeed wo.ld 7e t'e fairest scenes of eart'+ and ,o(less+ too+ wo.ld 7e t'e 'o.se of an( ansions+ wit'o.t t'e -resence of t'e 7lessed 8ord 0 t'e di*ine 3ride$roo of t'e 'eart. 3.t t'e s.re word of -ro ise is+ "And so s'all we e*er 7e wit' t'e 8ord." And a$ain+ "t'at w'ere 1 a + t'ere (e a( 7e also." =no.$') < 8ord) 1t is eno.$') /it' 2'ee and li4e 2'ee) Consider t'is+ ( so.l) :ere is -erfect rest for t'ee cal re-ose. /it' 2'ee+ and li4e 2'ee+ < 8ord+ for e*er+ in t'e Paradise of 5od in t'e 'o.se of an( ansions+ fill .- t'e f.ll eas.re of o.r eternal 'a--iness+ di$nit(+ and $lor(. "/it' :i 1 lo*e+ in s-otless w'ite+ ( deli$'t+ ine. 1n $lor( 1 s'all s'ine+ :is 7lissf.l -resence :is lo*e and $lor(

All taint of sin s'all 7e re o*ed+ All e*il done awa(& And 1 s'all dwell wit' 5od%s 7elo*ed 2'ro.$' 5od%s eternal da(."

Canticles 2.
Cant. 2! 1. "- am the rose of #haron, and the lily of the %alleys." /'at a wondro.s t'in$ $race is t'e $race of 5od to sinners) /'at i$'t( c'an$es it effects in t'ose w'o 4now it+ as to t'eir t'o.$'ts+ o7,ects+ desires+ and affections. 1t $i*es .s t'e ind of t'e 8ord as to w'at we are in :is si$'t+ and to :is 'eart. :ere+ ar4 it well+ ( so.l+ and editate dee-l( t'ereon. 2'e fo.ntain is dee-+ drin4 freel(. 2o 4now $race+ is to 4now 5od+ and :is f.ll sal*ation 7( Bes.s C'rist+ t'ro.$' t'e teac'in$ and -ower of t'e :ol( #-irit. 3.t a little w'ile a$o+ and t'e 7ride was confessin$+ "1 a 7lac4 . . . . 7lac4 as t'e tents of Cedar+" and now+ t'ro.$' $race+ s'e can sa(+ and sa( in tr.t'+ not'in$ do.7tin$+ "1 a t'e rose of #'aron+ and t'e lil( of t'e *alle(s" t'e *er( crown and orna ent of #'aron t'e *er( 7ea.t( and sweetness of t'e *alle(s. And ar4+ too+ t'at s'e sa(s+ "2'e rose . . . . t'e lil(." #'e s-ea4s not in $eneral ter s of 'er attractions to t'e 3ride$roo + 7.t in t'e ost definite wa(. #'e is not *ainl( 7oastin$ to ot'ers of w'at s'e is+ 7.t addressin$ :i self directl(+ in t'e 'a--( conscio.sness of 'er 28

own -lace in :is 'eart. 2'ere is f.ll co .nion+ for :e i ediatel( adds+ "As t'e lil( a on$ t'orns+ so is ( lo*e a on$ t'e da.$'ters." And f.rt'er on in t'e 7oo4+ :e sa(s -lainl(+ "M( do*e+ ( .ndefiled+ is 7.t one+ s'e is t'e onl( one of 'er ot'er+ s'e is t'e c'oice one of 'er t'at 7are 'er." #.c' is t'e distin$.is'in$ lo*e and $race of o.r 8ord Bes.s C'rist+ and s.c' is t'e s-ecial -lace w'ic' t'e 7ride 'as in :is si$'t. :e alwa(s $oes 7e(ond 'er in t'e e9-ression of affection. 2'is is ost 7lessed to t'e 'eart. :ow widel( different is t'e 7ea.tif.l+ fra$rant lil( fro t'e laceratin$ t'orn) 2'ere are an( w'o sa(+ w'en t'e( 'ear s.c' tr.t'+ "<'+ 1 a not wort'( of s.c' a -lace." K.ite tr.e if (o. s-ea4 of (o.r own wort'iness. 3.t w'at -lace do (o. t'in4 (o. are wort'( of? 1f not t'is one+ an inferior one+ 1 s.--ose. 3.t is t'is '. ilit(? No+ friend+ it is -ride of 'eart. /e are wort'( of no -lace at all in :is -resence. Conse;.entl(+ an( -lace t'ere .st 7e -.re+ so*erei$n $race. 2o 7e wit'in t'e t'res'old+ wo.ld 7e as -.re $race as to 7e on t'e t'rone. 2'e -rodi$al son+ no do.7t+ t'o.$'t t'at it wo.ld 7e *er( '. 7le in 'i to sa(+ "Ma4e e as one of t'( 'ired ser*ants." 3.t t'is was re ainin$ -ride and le$alit( of 'eart+ not '. ilit(. All s.c' t'o.$'ts s-rin$ fro t'e nat.ral 'eart+ w'ic' is essentiall( -ro.d and le$al+ and .tterl( i$norant 7ot' of its own condition and of t'e $race of 5od. 2r.e '. ilit( is seen standin$ afar off+ and confessin$ t'at it is not wort'( to lift .- so .c' as its e(es to 'ea*en. @8.4e 18A 2'e -rodi$al 'ad no ore title to 7e recei*ed as a ser*ant t'an as a son. :e 'ad forfeited all clai on t'e $ro.nd of ri$'teo.sness. :e 'ad 7.t one -lea to offer& na el( 'is -ressin$ need. :e co.ld onl( 7e et in $race. :ad 'e 7een et in ri$'teo.sness+ 'e wo.ld 'a*e 7een conde ned for e*er. 3.t $race rei$ns& not'in$ is said a7o.t 'is sins. :e co.ld not 'a*e answered for one of a t'o.sand. 2'e ;.estion of sin was settled 7etween 5od and C'rist on t'e cross. And now+ $race s'ines+ and s'ines in all its 'ea*enl( 7ri$'tness. 2'e >at'er%s 'eart is t'e s-rin$+ and :e 'as :is own ,o( in it all. :e acts fro :i self+ and as :i self. 2'e -rodi$al%s -re editated s-eec' is interr.-ted! 'e ne*er $ets to t'e -art w'ic' sa(s+ "Ma4e e as one of t'( 'ired ser*ants." :ow co.ld 'e? 5race -re*ents& t'e >at'er ran to eet 'i + fell on 'is nec4 and 4issed 'i . 6econciliation is e9-ressed and acco -lis'ed t'e o ent t'e( eet. :e recei*es t'e 4iss of -eace at once& $race is free. 5od 'a*in$ recei*ed t'e atone ent on t'e cross+ we recei*e t'e reconciliation t'e o ent we eet :i in C'rist. And now+ 7ein$ reconciled t'ro.$' t'e 7lood of t'e cross+ t'e once lost+ r.ined+ and de$raded one+ is ade a son and 'eir an 'eir of 5od+ and a ,oint 'eir wit' C'rist. 2'is is $race t'e $race of 5od in C'rist Bes.s+ to all w'o 7elie*e in :is na e. And+ f.rt'er+ t'e sa e one s'all s'ine in $race+ and 7e t'e *essel of its dis-la( t'ro.$'o.t t'e co.ntless a$es of eternit(. As a$e after a$e rolls on in co.ntless n. 7ers+ t'ose w'o 'a*e 7een t'e s.7,ects of t'at $race in ti e s'all contin.e to s'ine in its e*er0increasin$ 7ri$'tness. <') w'at a -lace for t'e once -oor+ friendless+ 'o eless+ o.tcast+ one to occ.-(+ and t'at for e*er. 3.t 5od is esta7lis'in$ :is c'aracter for $race+ and s.c' are t'e s.ited *essels for its $lorio.s and eternal dis-la(+ in t'e 'o.se of an( ansions. "2'at in t'e a$es to co e 'e i$'t s'ow t'e e9ceedin$ ric'es of 'is $race+ in 'is 4indness towards .s t'ro.$' C'rist Bes.s." @=-'. 2! 7A Cant. 2! 3. "As the a le1tree among the trees of the wood so is my belo%ed among the sons. - sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste." 8earned en 'a*e searc'ed and written .c'+ endea*o.rin$ to ascertain t'e -artic.lar 4ind of rose and lil( t'at are referred to in t'e first *erse+ and t'e -artic.lar 4ind of tree in t'e t'ird. Most sa( t'at w'at is 'ere called+ "2'e rose of #'aron+" 7elon$s to t'e lil( fa il(+ and s'o.ld 7e translated+ "2'e Narciss.s of #'aron." Man( different o-inions 'a*e also 7een $i*en as to t'e -artic.lar flower 'ere eant 7( t'e "lil(." And an( $ood and learned en 'a*e t'o.$'t+ t'at in t'e first *erse we 'a*e t'e *oice of t'e 3ride$roo + not of t'e 7ride. And an(+ alas+ w'o 'a*e written+ and written .c'+ 'a*e 7een ore 29

occ.-ied wit' t'e flowers t'an t'e -ersons. 3.t s.rel( in t'e second *erse t'e 3ride$roo owns t'e s-ea4er in t'e first *erse to 7e :is lo*ed one. "As t'e lil( a on$ t'orns+ so is ( lo*e a on$ t'e da.$'ters." All are a$reed t'at t'is is t'e *oice of t'e 3elo*ed. 1n t'e first *erse+ we 'a*e no do.7t+ t'e 7ride is t'e s-ea4er. #'e is ac4nowled$in$ in ,o( of co .nion+ w'at :e in :is $race 'as ade 'er& t'at all 'er 7ea.t( in :is si$'t+ as well as t'e affections of 'er 'eart for :i self+ are :is own creation. And in co -arin$ 'erself wit' t'ese 7ea.tif.l flowers+ s'e is onl( re-eatin$ w'at :e :i self 'as ta.$'t 'er. 3.t ar4 well+ ( so.l+ t'at s'e sa(s+ "1 a t'e lil( of t'e *alle(s" not of t'e cities. 1n t'e ;.iet *ale s'e finds 'er nati*e soil+ and 7reat'es 'er nati*e air. 2'ere s'e 7loo s+ for t'e e(e of 'er 3elo*ed+ and s'eds 'er fra$rance for :is refres' ent. ":e feedet' a on$ t'e lilies." 1t was in t'e cit( s'e lost t'e ,o(s of :is -resence& and t'ere s'e was ins.lted and .n*eiled 7( t'e watc' en. 2'ese were 'er wanderin$+ 7ac4slidin$ o ents. <') 'ow .c' 7etter for 'er+ 'ad s'e ne*er left 'er nati*e *alle(s) M( so.l+ 'ere -a.se a little. Meditate on t'ese t'in$s. At a distance far fro t'e strea and s-irit of t'is world in 'eart far fro its attractions+ st.d( t'at w'ic' will 7e -leasin$ to t'e e(e of Bes.s+ and refres'in$ to :is 'eart. <') wondro.s tr.t') t'at :e w'o is seated on t'e t'rone of 5od in 'ea*en+ and s.rro.nded wit' its $lor(+ s'o.ld (et t'in4 at all of s.c' $ood0for0not'in$ ones as we are+ and+ ost of all+ to 7e -leased and deli$'ted or $rie*ed and wo.nded+ 7( t'e c'aracter of o.r wa(s) Alas) t'at :e s'o.ld 7e so fre;.entl( wo.nded in t'e 'o.se of :is friends) <') is t'ere one t'in$ .nder t'e s.n+ t'at s'o.ld $i*e t'ee s.c' .nfei$ned -leas.re+ as to -lease :i ? Canst t'o. t'in4 of an(t'in$ ore .nwort'( of a C'ristian+ t'an 'is see4in$ to -lease 'i self+ and to find -leas.re in t'e t'in$s of t'e world? =s-eciall( w'en 'e 4nows+ as en s-ea4+ t'at it is to $rie*e t'e 'eart of <ne w'o onl( 'e s'o.ld find 'is s.-re e deli$'t in -leasin$ t'e <ne w'o died for 'i on Cal*ar(. :a*in$ well ,.d$ed t'( 'eart and wa(s on t'is sole n s.7,ect+ let t'( care+ lo*e+ and s( -at'( $o o.t after ot'ers& es-eciall( t'e (o.n$ of t'e floc4+ for t'e 8ord%s $lor(. :ow 7ea.tif.l to t'e e(e of Bes.s now+ and 'ow refres'in$ to :is 'eart+ to see t'ose for w'o :e died+ wal4in$ 'a--il( and steadfastl( in t'e footste-s of t'e floc4+ and feedin$ 7eside t'e s'e-'erd%s tents. 2'ere t'e tender 7.ddin$ $rass is fo.nd+ and t'e ;.iet waters flow. 3.t o') 'ow $rie*in$ 7ot' to t'e c'ief+ and to t'e .nder s'e-'erds to witness+ it a( 7e+ a dear (o.n$ disci-le+ w'o see ed for aw'ile to 7e all 'eart for t'e 8ord+ (ieldin$ to t'e ar$. ents of .ncon*erted friends+ and to t'e attractions of t'e world+ and+ 7( and 7(+ a4in$ e9c.ses for a eas.re of confor it( to t'e fas'ion of t'e world. M.st 1 $i*e .- t'is and .st 1 $i*e .- t'at? s.c' will so eti es sa(. 6at'er t'in4+ ( 7rot'er+ ( sister+ on w'at (o. $a*e .- in order to en,o( t'ese t'in$s. Most sole n t'o.$'t) >or t'ese follies and *anities (o. $a*e .C'rist. 1 ean as to (o.r e9-eri ental en,o( ent of :i . Io. 4now t'at (o. cannot en,o( t'e 8ord and t'ese t'in$s at t'e sa e ti e. And now+ (o. .st $i*e .- t'ese for C'rist. 3.t do (o. 'esitate for a o ent? 8oo4 to t'e cross) "<' 'ow 'e lo*es" o' 'ow :e dies+ and dies for t'ee and for t'ese *er( sins) <') cast t'(self at :is 7lessed feet wit' tr.e $odl( sorrow. 2'o. 'ast offended :is e(e+ t'o. 'as $rie*ed :is 'eart+ t'o. 'ast dis'ono.red :is na e& confess all to :i & and t'( restoration s'all 7e -erfect+ and all t'( -ast sins s'all 7e for$i*en and for$otten for e*er. 3.t .ntil t'is is done+ s-irit.alit( of ind+ earnestness of 'eart+ and co .nion wit' t'e 8ord are interr.-ted. 1t is a sole n case of 7ac4slidin$. And .nless t'e 8ord clo$ t'e w'eels of t'e c'ariot+ w'o can tell 'ow fast and 'ow far it a( r.n down t'e 'ill? #o eti es an accident will 'a--en and sto- it s.ddenl(+ 7.t wit' .c' da a$e+ t'e scars of w'ic' a( re ain for e*er. < 8ord+ let 2'( $race s'ine fort'& and all.re an( into t'e wilderness w'o 4ee- too near t'e world%s 7orders+ and too often cast a wis'f.l $lance o*er t'e line of se-aration. /ean t'e fro t'is -resent e*il world. 8et t'e 7e arra(ed in t'e ee4 and lowl( 7ea.ties of t'e lil(+ for t'ee alone. #.ffer t'e not to a--ear adorned for t'e e(e 30

of t'e world. #.rel(+ ost 7lessed 8ord+ to 'ear 2'ee sa(in$+ "As t'e lil( a on$ t'orns+ so is a on$ t'e da.$'ters+" wo.ld infinitel( ore t'an reco -ense for all o.r self0denial.

( lo*e

/e are told 7( t'ose w'o 'a*e tra*elled in t'e =ast+ t'at t'e a--le0tree of t'is co.ntr( is not w'at is 'ere eant& 7.t ost li4el(+ t'e ric' citron0tree of Palestine. 2'e t'ic4+ dar4 $reen folia$e of t'e citron 7o.$'s affords a ost con*enient s'elter fro t'e ra(s of t'e s.n+ and its delicio.s fr.it is ost fra$rant and refres'in$. Co -ared wit' t'e co on trees of t'e wood+ it .st 7e an o7,ect of $reat 7ea.t( and interest to t'e e(e of t'e wear( tra*eller. #o t'e s-o.se co -ares 'er 3elo*ed wit' all ot'ers. "As t'e a--le0tree a on$ t'e trees of t'e wood+ so is ( 3elo*ed a on$ t'e sons." 2'ere is none li4e C'rist. :e is t'e "c'iefest a on$ ten t'o.sand." #'e is in t'e f.ll en,o( ent of :i self. Not of :is $ifts erel(+ 7lessed as t'ese are+ 7.t of :i self. 2'ere is now+ o7ser*e+ f.ll -ersonal co .nion. #'e is in t'e clo.dless li$'t of :is fa*o.r. 2'e res-onse is -erfect! "As t'e lil( a on$ t'orns+ so is ( lo*e a on$ t'e da.$'ters." "As t'e a--le tree a on$ t'e trees of t'e wood+ so is ( 7elo*ed a on$ t'e sons." /'at 'as $race wro.$'t) #ee w'ere it leads to) Co.ld t'e Bew e*er 'a*e reac'ed t'e 7oso of 5od 7( cli 7in$ t'e r.$$ed cliffs of #inai) A'+ no) 1t .st 7e all $race fro first to last. :ere we see -erfect reconciliation and co .nion. 2'e 8ord rests in :is lo*e& as it is written+ ":e will rest in 'is lo*e+ 'e will ,o( o*er t'ee wit' sin$in$." @Fe-'. 3! 17A 2'e 7ride+ too+ is now en,o(in$ -erfect re-ose in t'at .nc'an$in$ lo*e. "1 sat down .nder 'is s'adow wit' $reat deli$'t+ and 'is fr.it was sweet to taste." :ere 'er so.l finds rest+ ,o(+ and a7.ndance. 2'e 'eart is feedin$ on C'rist. =*er( need is et. #'e is in 'er own 'a--( -lace now. #'e once 'ad anot'er -lace& t'e -lace+ alas+ of sin and deat'. 3.t t'e lord 'as deli*ered 'er o.t of it+ and 7ro.$'t 'er into :is own :is new -lace as t'e risen Messia'. And t'is is now 'er -lace! s'e cannot 7e in 7ot'. "1 raised t'ee .- .nder t'e a--le tree." 2'e a--le0tree is C'rist. 1srael+ we 4now+ s'all ere lon$ 7e raised .- fro t'eir -resent condition of national deat'+ to en,o( t'e 7lessin$s of t'e new co*enant .nder C'rist. 3.t t'e( can onl( 7e raised .- 7( C'rist+ and co e into 7lessin$ .nder C'rist. Merc( is t'eir onl( $ro.nd+ 'el-less necessit( t'eir onl( -lea+ and C'rist t'eir onl( wa(. /'en it co es to t'is+ all is well+ for e*er well+ 7ot' wit' Bew and 5entile. 1srael s'all (et 7e $at'ered on t'is $ro.nd and .nder t'is 7lessed :ead. 2'en s'all t'e( sit .nder :is s'adow in t'e f.llest sense+ and find :is fr.it sweet to t'eir taste t'e $lorio.s fr.its of :is wondro.s lo*e in d(in$ for t'e re7ellio.s nation. "And so all 1srael s'all 7e sa*ed! as it is written+ 2'ere s'all co e o.t of Fion t'e Deli*erer+ and s'all t.rn awa( .n$odliness fro Baco7." @6o . 11! 26A "1n t'at da(+ sait' t'e 8ord of 'osts+ s'all (e call e*er( an 'is nei$'7o.r .nder 'is *ine and .nder 'is fi$0tree." @Fec'. 3! 10A ":ail+ 7lessed scene of endless ,o() /'ere Bes.s s'all for e*er rei$n /'ere not'in$ '.rtf.l s'all anno(+ 3.t $ladness fill t'e 'a--( -lain. >ree fro all sin+ and free fro fear+ None s'all e%er si$' or s'ed a tear." Cant. 2! 4. "He brought me to the ban3ueting house, and his banner o%er me was lo%e." 1n editatin$ on t'e different scenes of deli$'t+ into w'ic' t'e 'a--( 7ride is introd.ced 7( t'e Cin$+ let t'( t'o.$'ts+ < ( so.l+ dwell for a little on t'e so.rce of t'ese an( strea s of 'a--iness. 1t is t'e 7elie*er%s -ri*ile$e to drin4 at t'e fo.ntain as well as at t'e strea . 5od :i self is t'e so.rce of all o.r 31

7lessin$. 2'e -leas.res w'ic' are at :is ri$'t 'and can ne*er 7e n. 7ered. 3.t t'e dee-+ dee- fo.ntain of t'e so.l%s -erfect 7lessedness is t'e 'a--( ass.rance t'at not'in$ was needed to t.rn t'e 'eart of 5od to .s. <'+ -recio.s tr.t') :is lo*e is li4e t'e rin$ t'at was -.t on t'e 'and of t'e -rodi$al+ it 'as neit'er 7e$innin$ nor end. "5od is lo*e." :e c'an$et' not. 2'erefore all t'e ric' 7lessin$s of :is lo*e are sec.red to .s for e*er+ 7( w'at :e is in :i self. Not 7( w'at we are+ 7.t 7( w'at :e is. ":erein is lo*e+ not t'at we lo*ed 5od+ 7.t t'at 'e lo*ed .s+ and sent 'is #on to 7e t'e -ro-itiation for o.r sins." @1 Bo'n 4! 10A 2'is is t'e -erfect rest of fait' t'e 'eart of 5od t'e nati*e fo.ntain of all tr.e 'a--iness. :ow can 1 do.7t t'e lo*e t'at $a*e an onl(07e$otten #on? /'at an answer to e*er( ;.estion) 0 :e $a*e :is #on for e a sinner. "5od co endet' 'is lo*e toward .s+ in t'at+ w'ile we were (et sinners+ C'rist died for .s." @6o . 5! 8A /'at is .n7elief? Not 7elie*in$ 'ow $ood 5od is in $i*in$ :is #on to die for .s. /'at is fait'? 3elie*in$ in t'e -erfect lo*e of 5od+ and t'e $ift of :is dear #on. "Leril(+ *eril( 1 sa( .nto (o.+ 'e t'at 'earet' ( word+ and 7elie*et' on 'i t'at sent e+ 'at' e*erlastin$ life+ and s'all not co e into conde nation& 7.t is -assed fro deat' .nto life." @Bo'n 5! 24A 2'e wor4 of C'rist was not needed to t.rn t'e 'eart of 5od to t'e sinner+ 7.t to t.rn t'e 'eart of t'e sinner to 5od. All scri-t.re re*eals t'is 7lessed tr.t'. 1t was re*ealed in t'e $arden of =den w'en an fell. 2'is was t'e first occasion to 7rin$ it o.t. 2'e $.ilt( -air so.$'t a 'idin$0-lace fro t'e -resence of t'e 8ord 7e'ind t'e trees of t'e $arden. 3.t t'e *oice of :i w'o ca e to see4 and to sa*e t'e lost+ falls in $racio.s accents on t'eir ear! "Ada + w'ere art t'o.?" Man is now a lost sinner+ and 5od is see4in$ 'i . 2'e first words of redee in$ lo*e c'aracterise t'e w'ole wor4 of rede -tion. And t'e re*elation of 5od%s lo*e in t'e -rediction t'at t'e seed of t'e wo an s'o.ld 7r.ise t'e 'ead of t'e ser-ent $ained t'eir confidence+ we do.7t not+ and drew t'e fro t'eir 'idin$0-lace into t'e -resence of 5od. =*er since t'en+ and now+ at t'is -resent ti e+ w'en t'e sinner+ t'ro.$' $race+ 7elie*es in t'e -erfect lo*e of 5od+ in t'e $ift and wor4 of :is #on+ 'e is 7ro.$'t to 5od in fait'+ and in t'e f.ll credit of t'e deat'+ res.rrection+ and $lor( of t'e 8ord Bes.s. 2'.s 'e is -ardoned+ and acce-ted in t'e 3elo*ed+ and t'e desires of t'e 'eart of 5od toward 'i are f.ll( answered. 3.t t'o.$' t'e lo*e of 5od towards .s 'as e*er 7een t'e sa e+ t'ere were an( 'indrances in .s to its f.ll and free o.tflow. 5od is ri$'teo.s as well as lo*e. :e is 'ol( as well as ercif.l. :e is e*er consistent wit' :i self. 3.t w'at lo*e desired+ wisdo -lanned+ and -ower acco -lis'ed. 2'e re o*al of t'e 'indrances -ro*es t'e $reatness of t'e lo*e. Bes.s ca e to do t'e will of 5od. :e finis'ed t'e wor4. :e -.t awa( sin 7( t'e sacrifice of :i self. 8o*e+ di*ine+ eternal lo*e+ co.ld not do ore t'an t'is. :e a7olis'ed sin 7( t'e sacrifice of :i self. 2o w'at end+ < ( so.l+ was t'is $reat+ (sterio.s sacrifice) 2'e a-ostle answers "2'at 'e i$'t 7rin$ .s to 5od." Not erel( into 'ea*en+ 7.t 7ac4 to 5od :i self. 2o t'e 4nowled$e of :i self+ and to -erfect reconciliation wit' :i . ">or C'rist also 'at' once s.ffered for sins+ t'e ,.st for t'e .n,.st+ t'at 'e i$'t 7rin$ .s to 5od." @1 Peter 3! 18A And a$ain+ it is written+ ">or 'e 'at' ade 'i to 7e sin for .s+ w'o 4new no sin& t'at we i$'t 7e ade t'e ri$'teo.sness of 5od in 'i ." @2 Cor. 5! 21A And now+ ar4+ we 'a*e 7ot' t'e lo*e and t'e ri$'teo.sness in C'rist. 3ot' are o.rs in :i . :e is also o.r life as t'e risen Bes.s& 7.t caref.ll( o7ser*e+ t'at it is a life 7e(ond t'e $ra*e+ a life w'ic' 'as t'e sta - of *ictor( o*er deat' and t'e $ra*e. /e 'a*e e*er(t'in$ in C'rist now w'ic' fits .s for t'e i ediate -resence of 5od+ w'ere t'ere is f.lness of ,o(+ and w'ere t'ere are -leas.res for e*er ore. 1n co -anions'i- wit' Bes.s+ t'e s-o.se is 'ere en,o(in$ t'e sa e scenes as :i self. 2'e( are+ as it were+ *isitin$ t'e an( s-rin$s of di*ine 'a--iness. :e is leadin$ 'er to t'e "fo.ntains of li*in$ waters." 1n t'e ornin$ of t'e da( s'e sa(s+ 2'e Cin$ 'at' 7ro.$'t e into 'is c'a 7ers. A little w'ile after+ and t'e scene is c'an$ed. #'e a--ears to 7e wit' :i in t'e fields+ w'ere :e feeds and rests :is 32

floc4 at noon. >.rt'er on in t'e da(+ s'e sa(s+ "<.r 7ed is $reen. 2'e 7ea s of o.r 'o.se are cedar+ and o.r rafters of fir." :ere+ t'e fi$.re a--ears to 7e t'at of -ersons reclinin$ on t'e tender $rass+ 7eneat' t'e refres'in$ s'ade of t'e interlacin$ 7o.$'s of t'e fir and cedar trees. After t'is+ s'e sat down .nder t'e s'adow of t'e a--le0tree+ and fo.nd t'e fr.it t'ereof sweet to 'er taste. And now+ at t'e close of t'e da(+ we a( sa(+ s'e is 7ro.$'t 7( 'er 3elo*ed to t'e 7an;.et of wine+ .nder t'e 7anner of :is lo*e. 2'e .nfolded+ anifested lo*e of t'e 3ride$roo is t'e secret of all 'er ,o(+ t'e nati*e s-rin$ of all 'er deli$'ts. 8on$+ lon$ 'as t'e 7anner of :is lo*e lain+ as it were+ folded .-. >ait' alwa(s 4new t'at in 5od%s acco.nt+ it was onl( laid aside for a little w'ile& s.rel( wra--ed .- in t'e word of -ro ise t'o.$' not dis-la(ed. #till+ an( $ood en 'a*e 7ot' said and written t'at t'e 7anner of Be'o*a'%s fa*o.r wo.ld ne*er a$ain float o*er :is ancient Fion. 2'e tr.t' of 5od as to t'e re7.ildin$ of t'e cit( and te -le+ and t'e restoration of 1srael+ 'as 7een o*erloo4ed 7( an(+ and s-irit.alised 7( ot'ers. 3.t w'at said t'e scri-t.re? =*er since "t'e No7le an+" s-o4en of in t'e -ara7le+ "went into a far co.ntr(+ to recei*e for 'i self a 4in$do + and to ret.rn+" no 7anner of di*ine lo*e 'as wa*ed o*er Ber.sale . >or ore t'an ei$'teen '.ndred (ears t'e 7elo*ed cit(+ and t'e 7ea.tif.l te -le+ 'a*e 7een laid in r.ins+ and t'e -eo-le dis-ersed to t'e fo.r winds of 'ea*en. 2'is+ t'e 8ord :i self re-eatedl( -redicted. "< Ber.sale + Ber.sale + t'o. t'at 4illest t'e -ro-'ets+ and stonest t'e t'at are sent .nto t'ee+ 'ow often wo.ld 1 'a*e $at'ered t'( c'ildren to$et'er+ as a 'en $at'eret' 'er c'ic4ens .nder 'er win$s+ and (e wo.ld not. 3e'old (o.r 'o.se is left .nto (o. desolate. >or 1 sa( .nto (o.+ (e s'all not see e 'encefort'+ till (e s'all sa(+ 3lessed is 'e t'at co et' in t'e na e of t'e 8ord." @Matt. 23! 27029A :e 'as dela(ed :is ret.rn+ we 4now+ in ric' $race to .s. :is lo*e 'as 7een acti*e+ t'o.$' not in 1srael. :is lon$0s.fferin$ is sal*ation. >ro Bew and 5entile :e 'as 7een callin$ o.t+ t'ro.$' t'e -ower of t'e :ol( 5'ost+ 7( t'e -reac'in$ of t'e $os-el+ a -eo-le for :is na e. @Acts 15! 14018A #ince t'e da( of Pentecost+ :e 'as 7een a4in$ "of twain one new an." 2'is is w'at 5od is now occ.-ied wit'+ and w'at we s'o.ld 7e occ.-ied wit'+ na el(+ t'e new an& not t'e old an. :ence we are e9'orted to "-.t off t'e old an+" and to "-.t on t'e new an." @=-'. 4A 3.t ere lon$ t'e c'.rc'+ w'ic' is :is 7od(+ t'e f.lness of :i t'at fillet' all in all+ s'all 7e co -lete+ and ca.$'t .- to eet t'e 8ord in t'e air+ and so s'all we e*er 7e wit' t'e 8ord. @=-'. 1! 22+ 23& 1 2'ess. 4A 2'is will 7e acco -lis'ed 7efore 1srael can 7e owned a$ain as t'e -eo-le of Be'o*a'. 3.t t'o.$' t'e Bews 'a*e 7een lon$ set aside and c'astised for t'eir sins+ t'e a-ostle ass.res .s t'at t'e( are not cast off for e*er+ and t'at "t'e $ifts and callin$ of 5od are wit'o.t re-entance." @6o . 11A 2'e ti e to fa*o.r Fion s'all co e+ t'e ti e w'ic' 5od 'at' set. :e s'all a--ear in :is $lor( w'en :e 7.ilds .- Fion. >or t'e na e of t'e 8ord s'all 7e declared in Fion+ and :is -raise in Ber.sale . @Ps. 102A 2'e word of t'e 8ord s'all stand fast for e*er! t'e ere t'eories of en s'all co e to no.$'t. >or lo+ t'e da(s co e+ sait' t'e 8ord+ t'at 1 will 7rin$ a$ain t'e ca-ti*it( of ( -eo-le 1srael and B.da'+ sait' t'e 8ord& and 1 will ca.se t'e to ret.rn to t'e land t'at 1 $a*e to t'eir fat'ers+ and t'e( s'all -ossess it." @Ber. 30! 3A And a$ain+ "Iea+ 1 will re,oice o*er t'e to do t'e $ood+ and 1 will -lant t'e in t'is land ass.redl( wit' ( w'ole 'eart+ and wit' ( w'ole so.l." @Ber. 32! 41A 2'en+ s.rel(+ s'all t'e 7anner of 5od%s .nc'an$in$ lo*e wa*e o*er t'e . <') w'at .st 7e t'e 7lessin$ of t'at -eo-le w'o 5od s'all ass.redl( 7less wit' :is w'ole 'eart and :is w'ole so.l) /'at $race and condescension in 5od t'.s to s-ea4) <'+ w'at 7lessin$ awaits t'e now o.tcast and down0 trodden Bew) >ew will 7elie*e it+ 7.t t'e da( is co in$+ and near at 'and+ w'en Messia' t'eir Cin$ s'all stand .- for t'e a$ainst e*er( foe+ w'en :e s'all 7e a wall of fire aro.nd :is 7elo*ed Ber.sale + and t'e $lor( in t'e idst of 'er. 2'en s'all t'e lon$0folded0.- 7anner of :is lo*e 7e 33

.nf.rled+ to 7e f.rled no ore for e*er. 2'en s'all all t'e fa ilies of t'e eart' see t'e 8ord%s fait'f.l lo*e+ w'en t'e( co e .- to Ber.sale to wors'i- t'e Cin$+ t'e 8ord of 'osts+ and to 4ee- t'e feast of ta7ernacles. @Fec'. 14A And t'en+ < t'en+ s'all t'is -recio.s word 7e f.lfilled! ":e 7ro.$'t e to t'e 7an;.etin$ 'o.se+ and 'is 7anner o*er e was lo*e. #ta( e wit' fla$ons+ co fort e wit' a--les& for 1 a sic4 of lo*e." And now+ < ( so.l+ w'at do t'ese c'an$in$ scenes of dee-+ and dee-er 7lessedness t'ese *ar(in$ fo.ntains of fres' deli$'t+ s.$$est for t'( editation? /'at *oice 'a*e t'e( for t'ee now? >i$.res and alle$ories t'o.$' t'e( 7e+ t'e( were written aforeti e for t'( learnin$. Plainl(+ t'e( re-resent t'e realities of fellows'i- wit' C'rist t'e affections of 3ride$roo and 7ride t'e s( -at'ies of 'earts t'at are one. :ast t'o. not so eti es o7ser*ed+ t'at after act.al se-aration fro t'e world for a w'ile+ as a 'idden one+ and close co .nion wit' t'e 8ord en,o(ed+ t'e tone and c'aracter of o.r inds 7eco e ore s-irit.al? 2'e 8ord%s -resence is ore f.ll( realised& t'e 7od( 7eco es less a clo$+ t'e s-irit ore free. 2'en we feel f.rt'er fro eart' and nearer to 'ea*en+ in t'e conscio.s en,o( ent of 'ea*enl( t'in$s+ in t'e ass.rance of t'e 8ord%s lo*e+ and :is deli$'t in .s. 3.t t'is state of 'i$' s-irit.al en,o( ent is onl( occasional& nor is it reac'ed+ $enerall( s-ea4in$+ in a o ent. /e cannot t.rn+ all at once+ fro t'e en,o( ent of eart'l( t'in$s+ to t'is eas.re of en,o( ent of 'ea*enl( t'in$s. 2r.e+ we 'a*e C'rist+ and t'e #-irit+ and t'e word+ and t'e >at'er%s lo*e+ alwa(s t'e sa e& 7.t o.r co .nion in t'ese t'in$s is not alwa(s t'e sa e. =*en t'e necessar( occ.-ation of ind and 7od( wit' te -oral t'in$s+ 7l.nts o.r s-irit.al sensi7ilities for t'e ti e. #ecret -ra(er+ editation on t'e word+ self0,.d$ ent+ t'e 7od( 4e-t .nder+ t'e 'eart deli$'tin$ in t'e t'in$s of 5od+ and t'e #-irit re*ealin$ to o.r so.ls t'e lo*e of Bes.s+ will+ in ost cases+ 7e fo.nd associated wit' t'is condition of s-irit.al en,o( ent. 1ndeed+ we 7elie*e t'ese e9ercises .st 7e t'e 'a7it of t'e 7elie*er+ if 'e wo.ld 7e 'ea*enl(0 inded. /e .st wal4 7( fait'+ as 7elon$in$ to t'e new creation+ not 7( si$'t as of t'e old. @2 Cor. 5! 16+ 17+ 18A At t'e sa e ti e it is well to re e 7er+ t'at t'e 7lessed 8ord is not 7o.nd to an( one class of eans+ in 7rin$in$ :is lo*ed ones into :is 'o.se of wine t'e -lace of :is -resence w'ere t'ere is f.lness of ,o(. /e 'a*e seen a so.l in ecstasies of ,o(+ t'ro.$' 7ein$ s.ddenl( 7ro.$'t to a sense of its own fail.re+ and of t'e 8ord%s .nfailin$ lo*e. 3.t 'ere+ in t'e case of t'e 7ride 7efore .s+ t'ere 'as 7een no a--arent fail.re as (et+ t'ere is ar4ed -ro$ress in 'er e9-erience. 8i4e a so.l co in$ fro t'e closet to fa il( wors'i-+ and fro t'ence to t'e -.7lic 7an;.et of t'e #a*io.r%s d(in$ lo*e. 2'e tone of 'er co .nion dee-ens as s'e -asses fro scene to scene. :er ,o( increases+ .ntil t'e re*elation of t'e 3ride$roo %s lo*e and $oodness 7eco e so o*er-owerin$ to 'er so.l+ t'at t'e 7od( faints .nder it. Iet s'e see4s to 7e s.stained 7( t'at w'ic' 'as e9'a.sted 'er. "#ta( e wit' fla$ons+ co fort e wit' a--les& for 1 a sic4 of lo*e." "2'e lo*e+ t'e lo*e t'at 1 7es-ea4+ /or4s wonders in t'e so.l& >or w'en 1% 1% w'ole it a4es a4es e sic4. /'en sic4+ it e w'ole.

o*erco e+ 1 faint+ 1 fail+

2ill lo*e s'all lo*e relie*e More lo*e di*ine t'e wo.nd can 'eal+ /'ic' lo*e di*ine did $i*e." >eedin$ on C'rist ne*er satiates t'e so.l. /'ile it satisfies to t'e f.ll+ it w'ets t'e a--etite. And 34

t'e 8ord%s deli$'t is to $i*e ore a7.ndantl(. "<-en t'( o.t' wide+ and 1 will fill it." :e alone can satisf( t'e desires of t'e 'eart and of t'e ind. 3.t ar4+ :e draws 'er (et nearer to :i self. ":is left 'and is .nder ( 'ead+ and 'is ri$'t dot' e 7race e." 3lessed 8ord Bes.s 0 #a*io.r 5od :ea*enl( 3ride$roo :ead of t'( 7od(+ t'e c'.rc') /'ere s'all we find t'e 'ei$'ts and de-t's+ t'e len$t's and 7readt's of t'( lo*e? More inti ate ore real ore 7lessed co .nion can ne*er 7e en,o(ed. #'e leans 'er 'ead on t'e 7oso of 'er 3elo*ed+ t'e -lace of -erfect and eternal re-ose. 2'ere can 7e not'in$ 'i$'er t'an t'is lower t'ere o.$'t not to 7e. <'+ for ore e9-erience of t'e e9'a.stin$ and s.stainin$ -ower of t'e 8ord%s $racio.s -resence) <'+ for a lar$er 'eart a ore ca-acio.s so.l) Cant. 2! 7. "- charge you, + ye daughters of ,erusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not u , nor awake my lo%e, till he 4she5 lease." At t'e close of t'is 'a--( and clo.dless da(+ we lea*e t'e 7ride of t'e Cin$+ in t'e re-ose w'ic' :is c'an$eless lo*e alone can $i*e. 2'e 7anner of :is lo*e o*er 'er+ t'e e*erlastin$ ar s .nderneat' 'er+ s'e rests in :is eternal e 7race. #'e deli$'ts in w'at :e is. :ence s'e s-ea4s of :is s'adow+ :is fr.it+ :is 7an;.et+ :is 7anner+ :is left 'and+ :is ri$'t 'and. 1t is all+ it is onl(+ C'rist. /'en t'e so.l is t'.s occ.-ied wit' :i + :e of all ot'ers is t'e ost caref.l t'at it s'o.ld not 7e dist.r7ed. 2'e roes and t'e 'inds are t'e ost easil( startled creat.res in t'e field. And t'eir sense of 'earin$ is so ac.te+ t'at a far distant so.nd of dan$er will alar t'e . #o 4eenl( sensiti*e s'o.ld we all 7e to t'e ost distant a--roac' of t'at w'ic' wo.ld interfere wit' o.r wal4 and co .nion wit' t'e 8ord& or t'at wo.ld in an( wa( t.rn .s aside fro t'e -at's of -ractical 'oliness+ and entire de*otedness to t'e 8ord Bes.s C'rist. "2'e startled roe+ t'e ti id+ tre 7lin$ 'ind+ #ee 'ow t'e( stand in watc'f.lness intense+ Notin$ t'e c'an$ef.l 7reeEe+ lest on its win$ #o e tones of distant -eril s'o.ld 7e 7orne 1 c'ar$e (o.+ da.$'ters of Ber.sale + 1 c'ar$e (o. 7( t'e roes and 7( t'e 'inds+ Ie sons and da.$'ters of Al i$'t( 5od+ 3e watc'f.l too& 7e ,ealo.s o*er -ra(er+ /it' sensiti*e alar Co o7ser*e and s'.n /'ate%er dist.r7s or t'reatens to dist.r7 .nion wit' (o.r 5od) t'e ro*in$ t'o.$'t+ 2'e self0e9altin$ fanc(+ and t'e do.7t Mistr.sti*el( .n,.st& co e t'e( not oft #tr.$$lin$ to ;.enc' t'e fla e of 'ol( lo*e =n4indled in t'e so.l+ and interce-t 5lor(%s 7ri$'t dawnin$ fro t'e ea$er e(e? Cant. 2! 8. ""he %oice of my belo%ed, behold he cometh lea ing u on the mountain, ski ing u on the hills." /'en t'e so.l 'as 7een aintained+ for a len$t' of ti e+ in .ninterr.-ted co .nion wit' t'e 8ord+ t'e affections 7eco e ore li*el(+ and t'e desire for :is ret.rn 7eco es ore real and 35

earnest. :ast t'o. ca.$'t+ < ( so.l+ t'e s-irit of t'e lo*in$ and t'e lo*ed #'elo it'+ in t'ese 7lessed words? "2'e *oice of ( 7elo*ed+ 7e'old+ 'e co et'." 1s :e indeed t'( 7est 7elo*ed? 1s t'ere no *oice to t'ee li4e :is? Art t'o. waitin$ and lon$in$ for :i dail() 2'ere is a $reat difference 7etween a -erson 7elie*in$ in w'at is called "t'e doctrine of t'e second ad*ent+" and a lo*in$ so.l in t'e ,o( of co .nion+ earnestl( loo4in$ and lon$in$ for t'e 8ord :i self to co e. :ow little infl.ence t'e 7elief of t'e doctrine 'as on t'e 'eart and life+ co -ared wit' 'a*in$ t'e Person of C'rist+ as t'e all infl.ential o7,ect for t'e 'eart+ and 7ein$ li4e t'e 2'essalonians+ "waitin$ for t'e #on fro 'ea*en+" or li4e t'e 7ride waitin$ for t'e 3ride$roo . "2'e #-irit and t'e 7ride sa(+ Co e." 1t is t'e 'eart of t'e 7ride t'at sa(s Co e+ t'o.$' o*ed and stirred 7( t'e #-irit w'o dwells t'ere. :e $i*es .s t'e 'a--( conscio.sness of t'e relations'i-+ and t'e affections t'at 7elon$ to it. /e are swift to 'ear+ and ;.ic4 to reco$nise+ t'e so.nd of t'e *oice we lo*e. 2'e well04nown *oice+ and t'e fa iliar na e "Mar(+" t'rilled 'er w'ole so.l. And e*en w'en t'e -erson s-ea4in$ is too far off for .s to 'ear t'e words+ t'e so.nd is eno.$' to to.c' t'e c'ord t'at *i7rates t'e w'ole 'eart+ and awa4ens all its drows( ener$ies. "2'e *oice of ( 7elo*ed+" s'e e9clai s+ "7e'old 'e co et'." :er w'ole so.l is filled wit' e9-ectation. Now :e is near. "2'e 8ord is at 'and." 8o+ :e co es) :e co es) "8ea-in$ .-on t'e o.ntains+ s4i--in$ .-on t'e 'ills. M( 7elo*ed is li4e a roe or a (o.n$ 'art." :is feet are swift as 'inds% feet. 1n -lace of nearness to t'e 8ord in s-irit f.ll( satisf(in$ t'e 'eart+ it reall( increases its desires for t'e f.ller ,o( w'ic' :is -ersonal -resence $i*es. /'at co.ld 7e ore near+ ore dear+ ore inti ate+ t'an t'e co .nion w'ic' we 'a*e seen t'e 7ride en,o(in$+ 7( fait'+ since t'e co ence ent of o.r editations? 2'ere 'as 7een no interr.-tion to 'er ,o(+ 3.t decided -ro$ress in t'e a--re'ension of :is lo*e+ and t'e en,o( ent of :is fa*o.r. #o e 'a*e t'o.$'t+ t'at in t'e -assa$e 7efore its+ t'ere are si$ns of t'e 'eart $oin$ 7ac4 and $ettin$ o.t of co .nion d.rin$ t'e season of 'er re-ose& t'at t'e a7.ndance of 'er -ri*ile$es led to a eas.re of carelessness& and t'at 'er $reat s-irit.al en,o( ent was s.cceeded 7( a eas.re of declension. #.c' a t'in$+ no do.7t+ 'as often occ.rred+ 7.t we see no si$ns of it 'ere. 1s it w'en we are in co .nion or o.t of co .nion t'at we desire t'e co in$ of t'e 8ord? =asil( canst t'o. answer t'is ;.estion+ < ( so.l. 2'ere can 7e no real desire for t'e 8ord to co e w'en we are not 'a--( wit' :i . 2r.e+ we are alwa(s safe in :i + 7.t+ alas+ we are not alwa(s 'a--( wit' :i . 1f we 'a*e $one a ste- too far wit' t'e world+ or ne$lected self0,.d$ ent+ we lose o.r 'a--iness wit' :i + and at s.c' ti es+ we wo.ld rat'er t'at :e did not co e. "Peter sait' .nto 'i + 2'o. s'alt ne*er was' ( feet. Bes.s answered 'i + 1f 1 was' t'ee not+ t'o. 'ast no -art wit' e." @Bo'n 13! 8A :e does not sa(+ o7ser*e+ t'o. 'ast no -art in e. 2'at :e co.ld ne*er sa(. 3.t 'e teac'es Peter+ and .s+ t'at if self0,.d$ ent is ne$lected+ if t'e dail( defile ents are not cleansed awa( "wit' t'e was'in$ of water 7( t'e word+" fellows'i- wit' :i is interr.-ted. :e cannot $o on wit' .n,.d$ed .nconfessed e*il. "2'o. 'ast no -art wit' e+" are words of dee-est sole nit(. /'at wo.ldest t'o. not rat'er -art wit'+ < ( so.l+ t'an -art co -an( wit' t'( 8ord e*en for a da(+ or an 'o.r? /'ere wo.ld 7e t'( -ower for wal4+ wors'i-+ and ser*ice? /'at wea4ness+ w'at dar4ness+ wo.ld 7eset t'( -at') #'a e a( co*er t'( face+ and sorrow fill t'( 'eart+ as t'o. -lacest t'( soiled feet in :is 'ands+ for s.rel( :e will see w'ere t'o. 'ast 7een. 3.t re e 7er t'is+ t'e( ne*er can 7e clean .ntil :e do it. "1f 1 was' t'ee not t'o. 'ast no -art wit' e." 1f t'o. wo.ldst wal4 wit' Bes.s+ and 7e 'a--( wit' :i + t'o. .st wal4 in se-aration in tr.e se-aration fro all e*il fro all t'at is contrar( to :is 'oliness+ and .n7eara7le to :is nat.re. 8ead e+ < 8ord+ in 2'( wa(+ in t'is e*il da(+ t'at so 1 a( 36

e*er

ost earnestl( -ra( for+ and lo*in$l( desire+ 2'( co in$)

"M( lord dela(et' 'is co in$+" is t'e lan$.a$e of a 'eart t'at is see4in$ -resent $ratification in t'is world. "Co e+ 8ord Bes.s+ co e ;.ic4l(+" is t'e lan$.a$e of a 'eart t'at is filled wit' lo*e to Bes.s+ and earnestl( 7reat'in$ after -ersonal nearness to :i self. 1n t'e -ro-ortion t'at we en,o( C'rist s-irit.all(+ we s'all lon$ to see :i face to face. 1n t'e New Ber.sale + "2'e( s'all see 'is face." /'o wo.ld not lon$ for t'is+ t'at 'as seen :i e*en t'ro.$' a $lass dar4l(? 2'is is alwa(s a test of t'e so.l%s condition. /'en t'e 'o.se is in conf.sion+ t'e wife is not waitin$ and lon$in$ for 'er '.s7and%s ret.rn. No+ s'e is occ.-ied in $ettin$ t'in$s -.t in order+ and w'en e*er(t'in$ is strai$'t and s.c' as 'e li4es+ s'e 7e$ins to t'in4 of 'is co in$+ and lon$s to 'ear 'is *oice and see 'is face. 1s it not eno.$'+ so e C'ristians sa(+ t'at 1 4now 1 a :is? /'( s'o.ld 1 7e e*er( da( loo4in$ for :is co in$ fro 'ea*en? 1 4now ( sins are -ardoned+ and t'at 1 a sa*ed. 3esides+ 1 can tr.st and lo*e t'e .nseen #a*io.r. #o far well+ ( fellow0C'ristian& 7.t is t'is t'e *oice of an earnest+ lo*in$ 'eart+ or of one t'at is cold and indifferent as to :is 7lessed Person? Canst t'o. t'in4 of all :is lo*e and $race+ of all :is s.fferin$s+ and deat' for t'ee+ and of :is e9altation and $lor(+ and not lon$ to see :i self? Art t'o. not lon$in$ for a $li -se of t'at face+ w'ic' s'all ra*is' t'( 'eart for e*er+ and fill t'ee wit' loftiest -raise? /'at wo.ld t'e a7sent '.s7and t'in4+ 'ow wo.ld 'e feel+ were 'is wife t'.s to s-ea4! "1 4now 1 a 'is. 2'at is eno.$' for e. 1 a satisfied. 3esides+ 1 a 'earin$ fro 'i dail(+ and recei*in$ t'e ass.rance of 'is lo*e+ 7.t 1 ne*er t'in4 a7o.t 'is ret.rn 1 'a*e ne*er once said Ma4e 'aste 'o e. 1 ne*er lon$ to see 'is face." A') ( friend+ ( friend+ 'ow wo.ld (o. inter-ret s.c' a condition of t'in$s? /o.ld (o. call t'is lo*e for t'e a7sent one? /o.ld it satisf( (o.r own 'eart es-eciall( if (o.r lo*e 'ad not cooled down? As t'e lo*e of C'rist ne*er cools down+ :e feels at once t'e least fallin$ awa( in .s. Not'in$ 7.t lo*e will e*er satisf( lo*e. "/e lo*e 'i + 7eca.se 'e first lo*ed .s." C'ristian lo*e is t'e reflection of C'rist%s. 2'e ore fre;.entl( t'e lo*in$ wife 'ears fro 'er a7sent '.s7and+ t'e ore is 'er desire ;.ic4ened for 'is ret.rn. And t'e co .nications of 'is lo*e 7( letter+ onl( a4e 'er lon$ t'e ore to see 'i self. 2'e 'o e circle a( 7e -erfectl( co forta7le+ 7.t to 'er 'eart it wants t'e -resence of one to a4e it co -letel( 'a--(. And w'ile 'e is not t'ere+ not'in$ on eart' can fill t'e 7lan4. Alas+ 'ow little we feel t'e 7lan4 w'ic' t'e Person of C'rist alone can fill) 1t is t'e 8ord :i self+ as Messia' t'e Cin$+ t'at t'e lo*in$ s-o.se so lon$s after 'ere. "2'e *oice of ( 7elo*ed+ 7e'old+ 'e co et'." :e 'as re*ealed :i self to 'er 'eart. #'e now enters+ 7( fait'+ into :is lo*e and ,o( as t'e 3ride$roo + t'e Cin$ in Fion. Now s'e 4nows and *al.es :is lo*e+ and lon$s to -ossess :i self as 'er own Messia'. 3lessed c'an$e) 2'e -lace w'ere :e was once des-ised and re,ected+ 7( t'e da.$'ter of Fion+ and o*er w'ic' :e s'ed tears+ s'all ere lon$ 7e t'e scene of :is 3ride$roo 0lo*e+ and :is 7ri$'t illennial $lor(. 2'e desire of t'e 5od0fearin$ re nant in t'e latter da( for t'e a--earin$ of t'e Messia' as t'eir Cin$ and Deli*erer+ is s-o4en of in t'e Psal s and t'e -ro-'ets+ as of t'e ost fer*ent and intense c'aracter! "<' t'at t'o. wo.ldest rend t'e 'ea*ens+ t'at t'o. wo.ldest co e down+ t'at t'e o.ntains i$'t flow down at t'( -resence. As w'en t'e eltin$ fire 7.rnet'+ t'e fire ca.set' t'e waters to 7oil+ to a4e t'( na e 4nown to t'ine ad*ersaries+ t'at t'e nations a( tre 7le at t'( -resence." @1sa. 64! 1+ 2A Jnder t'e fi$.re of a 7ride+ we 'a*e t'e sa e intense desires in t'e son$+ t'o.$' different in c'aracter. 1n t'e -assa$e 7efore .s+ it is not so .c' t'eir own deli*erance+ and t'e o*ert'row of t'eir ene ies+ or e*en :is own 4in$do and $lor(+ as t'e 'eart%s desire for t'e Person of t'eir co in$ Messia'. 1t is "M( 7elo*ed . . . . :e co et'. :e co es ;.ic4l(. 8i4e a roe or a (o.n$ 'art." Alread( :e is+ as it were+ at t'e wall of o.r 'o.se+ loo4in$ t'ro.$' t'e windows+ and s'owin$ :i self t'ro.$' t'e lattice0wor4 of o.r $arden. 2'e re nant in Ber.sale 'a*e 'ere inti ations of t'e near a--roac' of 37

t'e Cin$ t'eir own f.ll deli*erance and illennial $lor(. :e $reatl( c'eers t'eir 'eart 7( still -lainer re*elations of :i self+ and 7( ass.rin$ t'e of :is lo*e+ and of t'e ,o( of :is 'eart in t'e . Not'in$ co.ld 7e ore 7ea.tif.l and to.c'in$ t'an t'e words of t'e 8ord in t'e followin$ *erses. :e addresses 'erself+ and s'e lo*es to re-eat :is words. "M( belo%ed s ake, and said unto me, 6ise u , my lo%e, my fair one, and come away. For lo, the winter is ast, the rain is o%er and gone, the flowers a ear on the earth) the time of the singing of birds is come, and the %oice of the turtle is heard in our land. "he fig1tree utteth forth her green figs, and the %ines with the tender gra e gi%e a good smell. Arise, my lo%e, my fair one, and come away." @Cant. 2! 10013A A little w'ile a$o and s'e co.ld onl( discern t'e so.nd of :is *oice+ and catc' t'ro.$' t'e lattice0wor4 a $li -se of :is e(e. 3.t now+ < 'a--( 7ride+ :e is near eno.$' for 'er to 'ear t'e words of :is o.t'. 2o fait'+ 7lessed 7e :is na e+ 'e is e*er -resent. ":is left 'and is .nder ( 'ead+ and 'is ri$'t 'and dot' e 7race e." 2'is is fait'. 1t can lean .-on :is 7oso . 1t can re-ose in :is e 7race at ni$'t+ and $o o.t wit' :i in t'e ornin$ to t'e *ine(ards+ to see 'ow t'e *ines flo.ris'. 2'is is ost 7lessed. #till+ -ersonall(+ :e is not 'ere. :e is in 'ea*en+ we are on eart'. Cnowest t'o. well+ ( so.l+ t'ese distinctions? And sa(+ is it not w'ile re-osin$ 7( fait' in :i + t'at t'( 'eart ost earnestl( lon$s for :is co in$+ to ta4e t'ee .- to 7e wit' :i self in $lor(? <') to 7e free in 'eart fro t'is world+ and e*er read(+ li4e t'e 7ird on t'e 7o.$' of t'e tree+ wit' well0fled$ed win$s to fl( awa(. =art'%s fairest scene is not 'ea*en+ its 'a--iest s-ot is not t'e -aradise of 5od. Now+ t'e da( of $ladness 7e$ins to dawn for lon$ o--ressed 1srael. 2'e ornin$ 7rea4s) "2'e 8ord :i self will soon a--ear . . . . . 2'e 4in$do of 'ea*en is at 'and." 2'e lon$+ dar4+ and drear( winter of t'e 8ord%s a7sence is -ast. 2'e s-rin$ti e 'as co e+ t'e s. er drawet' ni$'. 2'e 7ri$'t and clo.dless ornin$ 7e$ins to dawn. #ince t'e da( t'at an sinned and fell+ t'is $roanin$ eart' 'as ne*er witnessed s.c' a scene of *ernal 7ea.t( as t'ese *erses descri7e. Ne*ert'eless+ t'e( fitl( re-resent t'e f.t.re $lor( and 7lessin$ of t'e land of 1srael+ and of t'e w'ole eart'. "#ee t'e da( As if alread( -resent+ w'en t'e stor <f wintr( tri7.lation s'all 'a*e -assed+ And clo.ds 'a*e ceased to -o.r t'eir torrents down+ And floods restrained t'eir o*erw'el in$ ra$e! #ee eart' ade 7ea.tif.l . . . 8o) B.da'%s sa-less 7o.$'+ er ni$'." And se*ered =-'rai + are $raftin$ in 0 /ondro.s -rec.rsors of t'e s. Man( 'a*e t'o.$'t and said+ t'at 1srael%s /inter wo.ld 7e -er-et.al& t'at no s-rin$ or s. er wo.ld e*er ret.rn for t'e cast0off nation. 3.t s.c' t'o.$'ts were ne*er learnt fro t'e 7oo4 of 5od. 2'ere we read in t'e -lainest ter s+ t'at in d.e ti e ":e s'all ca.se t'e t'at co e of Baco7 to ta4e root. 1srael s'all 7losso and 7.d+ and fill t'e face of t'e world wit' fr.it." 2'e c'eerin$ 7ea s of "t'e #.n of 6i$'teo.sness" s'all c'ase awa( for e*er t'e $loo and 7arrenness of t'eir lon$ winter. 2'e 7.ddin$ flowers+ t'e ri-enin$ fi$s+ t'e 7loo in$ *ines+ t'e sin$in$ of 7irds. t'e *oice of t'e t.rtle+ are s.re e 7le s+ not onl( t'at winter is -ast 7.t t'at s-rin$ 'as co e. And t'o.$' not'in$ in t'e *ine(ard of t'e 7ride 7e (et ri-e+ t'ere is+ in t'e .nfoldin$ 7.d of -ro ise+ t'e s.re -led$e of a $lorio.s s. er and an a7.ndant a.t. n.

38

Cant. 2! 14. "+ my do%e, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret laces of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy %oice) for sweet is thy %oice, and thy countenance is comely." 1n t'( editation+ < ( so.l+ on t'e si$ns of t'e co in$ $lor(+ see t'at t'o. distin$.is' accordin$ to scri-t.re+ 7etween t'at w'ic' is eart'l( and t'at w'ic' is 'ea*enl( 7etween t'e eart'l( callin$ of 1srael and t'e 'ea*enl( callin$ of t'e c'.rc'. 2'e 7lessed 8ord+ as Be'o*a'+ in t'e latter da( will es-o.se t'e ca.se of :is eart'l( -eo-le+ and Ber.sale will 7eco e t'e centre of eart'l( $lor( and 7lessin$ in 'er c'aracter as 7ride of t'e Cin$. 2'e c'.rc' is t'e 7ride of t'e 8a 7 t'e once lowl(+ s.fferin$+ atonin$ 8a 7+ 7.t now e9alted+ 'ea*enl( C'rist. 3ot'+ of co.rse+ are fi$.rati*e. 3.t fi$.rati*e of w'at? 2'e ter 7ride is t'e s( 7ol of affection+ endear ent and oneness as to -osition. 2'e 7ride ran4s wit' t'e 3ride$roo . 2'e Bewis' 7ride will ran4 wit' :i in eart'l( $lor(. 2'e c'.rc'+ t'e 'ea*enl( 7ride+ will ran4 wit' :i in 'ea*enl( $lor(. :a*in$ owned and tr.sted :i d.rin$ :is '. iliation and re,ection+ s'e will 7e nearest and dearest to :i + in :is e9altation and $lor(. 2'e ter also re-resents (riads of sa*ed so.ls. An indi*id.al 7elie*er now co.ld not s-ea4 of C'rist as 'is 3ride$roo + 7.t as 'is #a*io.r. 1 can sa(+ :e is ( #a*io.r. and t'at ":e lo*ed e+ and $a*e :i self for e." :e is t'e #a*io.r of t'e sinner+ t'e 3ride$roo of t'e c'.rc'. 2'e $lor( of t'e co in$ 4in$do will 7e twofold celestial and terrestrial. "2'at in t'e dis-ensation of t'e f.lness of ti es 'e i$'t $at'er to$et'er in one all t'in$s in C'rist+ 7ot' w'ic' are in 'ea*en+ and w'ic' are on eart'& e*en in 'i ." @=-'. 1! 8+ 9+ 10A 2'e f.ll -ower+ 7lessin$+ and $lor( of 7ot' s-'eres will 7e 'eaded .- in C'rist. :ere+ ar4+ for a o ent+ t'e difference 7etween 1srael%s -lace and 7lessin$ in connection wit' t'e co in$ 4in$do + and t'at of t'e c'.rc'+ as s-o4en of in scri-t.re. 2'e 8ord co es down to w'ere 1srael is and 7lesses t'e t'ere. "2'e redee er s'all co e to Fion." @8.4e 1! 68080A 2'e c'.rc' is ca.$'t .- in t'e clo.ds to eet t'e lord in t'e air. @1 2'ess. 4A 2'e( @t'e BewsA will 7e 7lessed wit' all te -oral 7lessin$s in a -leasant land. @A os 9! 11015A /e wit' all s-irit.al 7lessin$s in 'ea*enl( -laces. @=-'. 1A Ber.sale on eart' will 7e t'e centre of eart'l( $lor( and 7lessin$ t'e ro(al cit( t'e etro-olis of t'e w'ole eart'& and t'ro.$' it all t'e nations of t'e eart' s'all 7e 7lessed. >or o.t of Fion s'all $o fort' t'e law+ and t'e word of t'e 8ord fro Ber.sale . @1sa. 2A 2'e Ber.sale a7o*e will 7e t'e centre of 'ea*enl( $lor(. 2'e $lor( of 5od will li$'ten it+ and t'e 8a 7 will 7e t'e li$'t t'ereof. @6e*. 21A 2'e 'ea*enl( saints will 7e in t'eir 7odies of $lor(& fas'ioned li4e .nto C'rist%s 7od( of $lor(. @P'il. 3! 2'e w'ole 'o.se of 1srael will t'en 7e 7lessed wit' t'e lon$ -ro ised 7lessin$ of "t'e new 'eart" and "t'e ri$'t s-irit." @=Ee4. 36! 24028A And t'e( s'all fall awa( no ore for e*er. 1srael of old is s-o4en of as 7ein$ arried to Be'o*a'. ">or t'( Ma4er is t'ine '.s7and+ t'e 8ord of 'osts is 'is na e." @1sa. 54! 5A 3.t 7eca.se of t'eir .nfait'f.lness+ and es-eciall( for t'eir re,ection of C'rist+ t'e( were cast oft for a season. #ince t'en+ 1srael 'as 7een on t'e co on le*el of all sinners. 1n t'e -reac'in$ of t'e $os-el+ 7ot' Bew and 5entiles are ali4e addressed as lost sinners& and all w'o are $at'ered o.t 7( t'e $race of 5od fro 7ot' -arties+ are for ed into "one 7od(." 3ot' are 7lessed wit' t'e sa e -ri*ile$es in C'rist+ and t'e "one 7od(" is 7lessed wit' t'e sa e -ri*ile$es as C'rist in 'ea*enl( -laces. 2'e 5entiles w'o were dis-ensationall( far off+ and t'e Bews w'o were ni$'+ 'a*e now+ on t'e -rinci-le of fait'+ e;.al 7lessin$s in C'rist. :e 'at' ade 7ot' one+ and 'at' 7ro4en down t'e iddle wall of -artition+ for to a4e in :i self of twain one new an+ so a4in$ -eace. >or t'ro.$' :i we 7ot' 'a*e access 7( one #-irit .nto t'e >at'er. @#ee =-'. 2! 13022A 2'e tr.e 'o-e of t'e c'.rc' t'e "one 7od(" indwelt 7( t'e "one #-irit+" is t'e co in$ of t'e 8ord Bes.s C'rist fro 'ea*en+ to recei*e .s .nto :i self. "1 $o to -re-are a -lace for (o.. And if 1 $o and -re-are a -lace for (o. 1 will co e a$ain+ and recei*e (o. .nto (self! t'at w'ere 1 a + t'ere (e a( 7e also." /'en t'is 'as 7een acco -lis'ed+ 1srael will a$ain a--ear on t'e scene. 2'en t'e 39

#-irit of 5od will 7e$in to wor4 in t'e re nant of B.da'. After t'e c'.rc' is ca.$'t awa(+ and d.rin$ t'e o-en rei$n of Antic'rist+ 7efore t'e 8ord a--ears in $lor( ,.st 7etween t'e ra-t.re of t'e saints and t'e $lorio.s a--earin$+ t'is re nant will 7e t'e o7,ect of t'e 8ord%s es-ecial care and lo*e. #-ea4in$ of t'e .nder t'e fi$.re of a s-o.se+ :e sa(s+ "1 will all.re 'er+ and 7rin$ 'er into t'e wilderness+ and s-ea4 co forta7l( .nto 'er. And 1 will $i*e 'er *ine(ards fro t'ence+ and t'e *alle( of Ac'or for a door of 'o-e& and s'e s'all sin$ t'ere as in t'e da(s of 'er (o.t'+ and as in t'e da( w'en s'e ca e .- o.t of =$(-t. And it s'all 7e at t'at da(+ sait' t'e 8ord+ t'at t'o. s'alt call e 1s'i+ t'at is+ ( '.s7and+ and s'alt call e no ore 3aali+ t'at is+ ( lord. And 1 will 7etrot' t'ee .nto e for e*er." Now+ t'eir es-o.sals s'all 7e e*erlastin$+ t'e .nion s'all end.re for e*er+ and $reat will 7e t'e 8ord%s deli$'t in :is fait'f.l+ lo*in$+ ad irin$+ adornin$+ wors'i--in$ s-o.se. @#ee :osea 1+ 2+ 3A /'at t'en are we to .nderstand 7( t'e -assa$e 7efore .s? "< ( do*e+ t'at art in t'e clefts of t'e roc4+ in t'e secret -laces of t'e stairs+ let e see t'( co.ntenance+ let e 'ear t'( *oice+ for sweet is t'( *oice+ and t'( co.ntenance is co el(." >ro t'e tent' *erse to t'e close of t'e fifteent'+ we 'a*e an .n7ro4en address of tenderest lo*e+ sweetest enco.ra$e ent+ and 7ri$'test 'o-e. /'at ore 7lessed words co.ld e*en t'e li-s of di*ine lo*e .tter? :is o7,ect is to draw o.t 'er 'eart in lo*e and confidence towards :i self. 1t is ;.ite e*ident t'at t'e f.ll 7laEe of illennial $lor( will not 7.rst s.ddenl( on t'e land of 1srael and t'e nations+ 7.t 7( de$rees+ li4e t'e -assin$ awa( of winter+ and t'e $rad.al a--roac' of s-rin$ and s. er. :ence t'e need of fait' on t'e -art of t'e s-o.se. 3.t :e c'eers 'er 'eart wit' t'e ass.rance t'at t'e da( of 'er deli*erance drawet' ni$'. :e wo.ld 'a*e 'er to 4now t'at :is e(e is .-on 'er+ and to wait -atientl(. <n t'e ot'er 'and+ we learn fro an( -ortions of scri-t.re+ t'at s'e will+ at t'is o ent+ 7e t'e s-ecial o7,ect of t'e alice of Antic'rist. :e will see4 to de*o.r t'e fait'f.l re nant. @6e*. 12! 6+ 17A 3.t $.ided 7( t'e #-irit of 5od+ s'e finds a ref.$e in t'e wilderness. "2'en let t'e w'ic' 7e in B.dea flee into t'e o.ntains." 2'e 3elo*ed 4nows 'er 'idin$0 -lace. 2o :is e(e and to :is 'eart+ s'e is li4e t'e do*e in t'e roc4 in t'e secret -laces of t'e stairs+ or t'e r.$$ed side of a -reci-ice+ w'ic' 'as t'e a--earance of a stair. 3.t 'er *oice is sweet to 'er 3elo*ed+ and :e lo*es to 'ear it+ t'o.$' it still rese 7les t'e o.rnf.l note of t'e do*e+ t'at sits solitar(+ o.rnin$ for its ate. :er co.ntenance is co el(! s'e is 7ea.tif.l to :i + 'owe*er arred 7( -ersec.tion+ s.fferin$+ and trial. And :e see4s to see 'er 0 to 'ear 'er+ o'+ dee-est+ tenderest+ 4indest lo*e) /as e*er lo*e li4e t'is? 2'ere is no lo*e li4e :is. "8et e see t'( co.ntenance+ let e 'ear t'( *oice+ for sweet is t'( *oice+ and t'( co.ntenance is co el(." <') w'at $racio.s+ .nselfis' lo*e) /'at a re*elation+ w'at an .nfoldin$ of :is 'eart) 2r.l( a( it 7e said of :is 'eart+ 7.t of :is 'eart onl(+ "8o*e is stron$ as deat'+ ,ealo.s( is cr.el as t'e $ra*e." Does deat' ta4e a stron$ 'old of its *icti ? <'+ 'ow stron$) w'at a 'old) s.c' is t'e stren$t' t'e 'old of t'e #a*io.r%s lo*e. 8et t'( editations 7e dee-+ and -atient+ < ( so.l+ on t'e lo*e of C'rist t'e lo*e of C'rist to :is s-o.se t'e lo*e of C'rist to t'ee. 2'in4 of t'e $ras- t'e 'old w'ic' deat' ta4es t'in4 of t'e al i$'t( $ras-+ t'e eternal 'old of t'e #a*io.r%s lo*e. 2'e si ilit.de is a--allin$ o*erw'el in$ t'e realit(+ consolin$+ co fortin$+ refres'in$+ and stren$t'enin$+ 7e(ond all eas.re. <') t'e dee-+ *ast+ -rofo.nd+ i eas.ra7le+ .ntracea7le+ $lories of t'e #a*io.r%s lo*e) #till f.rt'er+ $at'er .- all t'( stren$t' concentrate all t'( t'o.$'ts editate on t'at ot'er as-ect of t'e #a*io.r%s lo*e! "Bealo.s( is cr.el as t'e $ra*e." /'at eanet' t'is? 2'ese see 'ard words to set fort' ( 8ord%s ost tender lo*e. <nl( stron$ si ilit.des $i*e an idea of t'e -ower of :is lo*e. 2'ese $i*e its twofold as-ect. 1f deat' ta4es a stron$ 'old of a -erson+ t'e $ra*e 4ee-s it. 1t is .n(ieldin$. 1t is a cr.el $ra*e. 1t 'ears not t'e cr( of t'e 7erea*ed. 2'e widow%s $roans and si$'s+ and tears t'e or-'an%s dee- and 7itter wail+ are ali4e .n'eeded. 1t 'olds fast its -re(. 1t (ields not to t'e dee- tones of t'e 7ro4en in 'eart+ t'e wo.nded in so.l+ and t'e cr.s'ed in s-irit. 1f t'o. s'o.ldst 40

s.--licate t'e $ra*e on 7ended 4nee+ e*er so earnestl(+ it will ne*er (ield to t'ee t'e lo*ed one w'o 'as 7een wrenc'ed fro t'( 'eart%s core+ and ento 7ed in its dee- ca*erns. :ow often it 'as 7een 7esie$ed+ and 7eso.$'t wit' 7itterest tears+ dee-est $roans+ lo.dest cries+ 7.t all in *ain. 1t 'ears not+ it 'eeds not+ it (ields not. /'at ta4es s.c' 'old as deat'? /'at 4ee-s it li4e t'e $ra*e? 8earn t'en+ < ( so.l+ fro t'ese dar4 7.t stron$ si ilit.des+ t'e c'aracter of t'e #a*io.r%s lo*e. #'eltered in t'e cleft of t'e roc4 in :is wo.nded side nestlin$ in t'at (sterio.s 'eart of lo*e+ :is ti id+ fl.ttered do*e sec.rel( rests. No 7ird of -re( can e*er olest 'er t'ere. All t'e *.lt.res of 'ell cannot to.c' a feat'er of 'er win$. 2'e( can ne*er reac' t'e cleft of t'e roc4 w'erein s'e 'ides. #'e is far a7o*e t'eir 'i$'est fli$'t. 3.t a( not s'e lose 'er 'old so e da(+ in an .n$.arded o ent+ and after all 7e seiEed+ and -eris' 7( t'ose w'o are see4in$ to de*o.r? Did 'er sec.rit( de-end in t'e least de$ree on 'er 'oldin$ fast+ all wo.ld 7e lost in a o ent. 3.t+ 7less 5od+ all de-ends on t'e 'old w'ic' Bes.s 'as. 1t is t'e roc4 t'at 'olds 'er+ not s'e t'at 'olds t'e roc4. /'at ta4es s.c' a 'old as deat'? /'at 4ee-s it li4e t'e $ra*e? Di*ine lo*e 'olds its o7,ect wit' a -ower stron$er t'an deat'+ t'o.$' sweetl( tender+ and is ore .n(ieldin$ t'an t'e $ra*e. /ill t'e 7lessed 8ord e*er "deli*er t'e so.l of 'is t.rtle do*e .nto t'e .ltit.de of t'e wic4ed?" No) ne*er) ne*er) "1 $i*e .nto ( s'eeeternal life& and t'e( s'all ne*er -eris'+ neit'er s'all an( an -l.c4 t'e o.t of ( 'and. M( >at'er w'ic' $a*e t'e e is $reater t'an all& and no an is a7le to -l.c4 t'e o.t of ( >at'er%s 'and." @Bo'n 10! 28+ 29A "3e'old a 4in$ s'all rei$n in ri$'teo.sness+ and -rinces s'all r.le in ,.d$ ent. And a an s'all 7e as a 'idin$0-lace fro t'e wind+ and a co*ert fro t'e te -est& as ri*ers of waters in a dr( -lace& as t'e s'adow of a $reat roc4 in a wear( land." @1sa. 32! 1+ 2A 3.t all t(-es and fi$.res+ alle$ories and ill.strations .tterl( fail to set fort' t'e #a*io.r%s lo*e. :is $lor( will 7e re*ealed+ and all fles' s'all see it. 3.t :is lo*e can ne*er 7e f.ll( re*ealed. 2r.e+ we s'all see :i as :e is in all t'e realities of :is lo*e+ and 4now e*en as we are 4nown& and find in :is lo*e o.r eternal deli$'t. 3.t t'ere are 'ei$'ts and de-t's+ len$t's and 7readt's+ in :is lo*e w'ic' .st re ain .n4nown+ .nre*ealed+ for e*er. Cant. 2! 15. ""ake us the fo2es, the little fo2es, that s oil the %ines) for our %ines ha%e tender gra es." Most $racio.sl( t'e well07elo*ed lin4s 'i self wit' 'is s-o.se in t'e care of t'e *ine(ard. 2a4e ".s" t'e fo9es . . . . for "o.r" *ines 'a*e tender $ra-es. 2'e( are (et $reen and tender. 2'e( are onl( 7e$innin$ to 7losso . 2'e *ine(ard .st 7e $.arded. 2'e little fo9es 'a*e s'ar- teet'+ and t'o.$' little+ t'e( are s.7tle and do $reat da a$e a on$st t'e *ines. D.rin$ t'e 7lea4ness and 7arrenness of winter t'ere is no co*er in t'e *ine(ards for t'e fo9. 2'e leafless 7o.$' offers no ind.ce ent. 3.t wit' t'e re*i*in$ s-rin$ t'e( find a7.ndant s'elter+ and fa*o.ra7le o--ort.nities to co it t'eir ra*a$es. /atc'+ t'en+ < ( so.l+ t'e state of t'ine own 'eart. /atc' es-eciall( a$ainst t'e dail( cares of t'is -resent life+ and t'e t'o.sand t'in$s t'at tend to ar t'( fr.itf.lness. A7ide in t'e tr.e *ine+ let t'( no.ris' ent 7e drawn fro :is roots. #o s'alt t'o. 7ear .c' fr.it to t'e >at'er%s $lor(. "3e caref.l for not'in$! 7.t in e*er(t'in$+ 7( -ra(er and s.--lication+ wit' t'an4s$i*in$+ let (o.r re;.ests 7e ade 4nown .nto 5od. And t'e -eace of 5od+ w'ic' -asset' all .nderstandin$+ s'all 4ee- (o.r 'earts and inds t'ro.$' C'rist Bes.s." @P'il. 4! 6+ 7A 1n ti es of refres'in$ fro t'e -resence of t'e 8ord+ and of $reat awa4enin$s+ t'ere is need for redo.7led care. 1t is tr.l( -leasin$ to witness t'e s-rin$in$ 7.d+ and t'e .nfoldin$ 7losso s to listen to t'e son$sters a on$st t'e 7ranc'es& t'e soft and si$nificant *oice of t'e t.rtle& 7.t t'e 4ee-er of t'e *ine(ard 'as ore to do t'an conte -late t'e 7ea.tif.l+ or listen to t'e sweet so.nds of .sic. :e .st watc' a$ainst t'e s.7tle intr.der+ t'at l.r4s a on$st t'e l.9.riant folia$e of t'e *ines to decei*e and to 41

destro(. Aro.nd t'ee now+ and 7ac4 o*er an( (ears% e9-erience t'( t'o.$'ts instincti*el( flow. Man( a $oodl( *ine 'ast t'o. seen arred for a season 7( t'e c.nnin$ craftiness of 'i w'o liet' in wait to decei*e. <'+ 'ow 'eart07rea4in$ s.c' disa--oint ents are) "6edo.7le (o.r -reca.tions+ < (e saints) Aware of t'e destro(er) sto- t'e $a-s /'ere+ enterin$ silentl(+ 'e s-oils t'e *ines! 3e ca.tio.s) for (o.r ene ( is stron$+ 2o slee-less alice adds -erfected craft+ And s-itef.l certaint( of s'ortenin$ r.le& Ie 4now+ if (e are C'rist%s+ (o.r str.$$lin$ so.ls 6esist a 7affled and defeated foe. %2a4e (e t'ose foes.% w'o contri*e t'e woe <f 5od%s Ber.sale ) e9-ose t'eir craft+ #eiEe (o.r 4een wea-ons+ ser*ants of t'e 8ord. And sword in 'and+ (ea+ in (o.r ar o.r 7.ild :er walls and fences t'at are 7ro4en down) 2'e wea4est is ade stron$ w'o clea*es to C'rist." 8i4e t'e *ine0dresser w'o 'as ta4en all -ains to see t'at 'is *ines are well watered+ trained+ and -r.ned+ 'e lea*es t'e in t'e e*enin$+ f.ll of 'o-e t'at t'e( a( 7e loo4in$ still 7etter in t'e ornin$. 3.t+ lo) to 'is 7itter disa--oint ent+ t'e destro(er 'as 7een a on$st 'is *ines an( are sadl( ni--ed& one+ to o.tward a--earance+ is r.ined. /'ile t'e 4ee-er of t'e *ine(ard sle-t+ t'e fo9 was acco -lis'in$ 'is wor4 of de*astation. 1ts s'ar- teet' 'ad $nawed t'e ste to its core. 2'e life7lood was r.nnin$ down. 1t was also stri--ed of its 7ar4+ t'e 7ranc'es were 7ro4en+ t'e lea*es la( scattered on t'e $ro.nd+ and t'e tender $ra-es were entirel( $one. Alas+ alas+ it was one of 'is ost flo.ris'in$ *ines. 1t 'ad a $oodl( ste + well no.ris'ed in a ric' soil+ 7eneat' t'e $enial 7ea s of a so.t'ern s.n. 1ts 7losso was 7ea.tif.l+ and it -ro ised an a7.ndant *inta$e. 3.t in one ni$'t+ in an e*il 'o.r+ it fell a -re( to t'e ene (. /'ile t'e '.s7and an loo4ed t'.s sorrowf.ll( on 'is dis e 7ered *ine+ t'e t'o.$'t crossed 'is ind t'an4 5od) t'e root re ains. >or e*en t'e fo9es of 'ell a( not 7.rrow .t'e roots of an( -lant of t'e >at'er%s -lantin$. 3.t s.c' was t'e da a$e done to 'is 'o-ef.l *ine+ t'at for a lon$ ti e to co e+ it wo.ld 7ear 7.t little fr.it. 2'e a--lication is eas(. 1n t'e secret of t'e di*ine -resence+ < ( so.l+ st.d( t'e lesson. :as 5od $i*en t'ee a lo*e for so.ls? a -astor%s 'eart? <') see4 to win so.ls to C'rist& and to s'elter+ no.ris'+ and watc' o*er t'e s'ee- and la 7s of :is fold. ">eed t'e floc4 of 5od w'ic' is a on$ (o.+ ta4in$ t'e o*ersi$'t t'ereof . . . . And w'en t'e c'ief #'e-'erd s'all a--ear+ (e s'all recei*e a crown of $lor( t'at fadet' not awa(." @1 Peter 5! 1010A Cant. 2! 16. "My belo%ed is mine, and - am his. he feedeth among the lilies." 2'e 'a--( s-o.se now s-ea4s wit' f.ll ass.rance+ as to t'e -ossession of 'er o7,ect. #'e s-ea4s of :i as 'er own. 2'ere is conscio.s -ossession of t'e o7,ect of 'er affections. "M( 7elo*ed is ine." #'e does not sa(+ "1 'o-e :e is+" 7.t sa(s -lainl(+ wit'o.t a ;.estion+ :e is ine. /'en affection is real+ t'e desire of t'e 'eart is 42

to o7tain -ossession of t'e o7,ect. >or t'is it will -erse*ere. Not'in$ less will satisf( t'e 'eart. /e 'a*e seen+ in o.r Meditations+ t'at t'e 7ride was in t'e f.ll en,o( ent of t'e 7lessin$s of :is lo*e. /e 'a*e also listened to 'er s-ea4in$ in ad irin$ deli$'t of :is an( and e9cellent ;.alities& still t'e 'eart was see4in$ after -ossession relations'i-. /'en t'e -erson is -ossessed+ all 'is ;.alities and *irt.es are -ossessed. :e :i self is ine. 2'.s will it 7e in t'e latter da(. C'rist will 7e for t'e re nant+ and t'e re nant will 7e for C'rist. "2'o. s'alt a7ide for e! t'o. s'alt not 7e for anot'er! so will 1 also 7e for t'ee." @:osea 3A 3.t we are all slow of 'eart to 7elie*e. A$ain and a$ain+ :e ass.res 'er of :is ad irin$ lo*e+ and of :is $reat deli$'t in 'er. 2'e o.t-o.rin$ of :is affection is wonderf.l. =*en w'en s'e s-ea4s of 'er 7lac4ness+ :is read( re-l( is+ "< t'o. fairest a on$ wo en." :ow co.ld a do.7t re ain as to t'e -.r-ose of :is 'eart? Now s'e sees w'at is co in$+ relations'i- is antici-ated+ s'e can sa( wit' certaint( :e is ine) 3lessed tri. -') :a--( *ictor() "Bes.s is ine." Now+ s'e s-ea4s not of t'e fr.its of :is lo*e+ or of :is e9cellencies+ 7.t of :i self. All are incl.ded in t'e Person. Co.ldst t'o. s-ea4 t'.s certainl(+ < ( so.l+ as to t'e -ossession of an( eart'l( o7,ect? Ass.redl( not. <ne i$'t sa(+ wit' a eas.re of tr.t'+ "2'is one( is ine t'is -lace is ine t'is 'ono.r is ine t'is 'a--iness is ine." 3.t 'ow soon a( all t'ese t'in$s -ass awa( fro .s+ or we fro t'e ? <nl( w'en C'rist is t'e o7,ect of t'e affections can it 7e tr.l( said+ "M( 7elo*ed is ine." :ow often it 'as 'a--ened+ t'at w'en we t'o.$'t we 'ad s.re -ossession of t'at on w'ic' t'e 'eart 'ad 7een set+ it eit'er el.ded o.r $ras-+ or if+ -erc'ance+ we $ot a 'old+ t'e lon$0loo4ed0for o7,ect wit'ered in t'e 'and li4e a flower -l.c4ed fro its ste + or if it 7loo ed for a w'ile+ o.r disa--oint ent was t'e dee-er w'en it -eris'ed. :ow an(+ alas+ of t'e c'ildren of en+ will 'a*e at last to ta4e .- a la entation and sa(+ "All 1 cared for+ all 1 li*ed for+ all 1 toiled for+ all 1 si$'ed for+ is not ine now+ and ne*er will 7e ine+ ne*er can 7e ine& for a orsel of eat 1 sold ( 7irt'ri$'t+ and now all 'o-e is -eris'ed+ and 1 .st $o -enniless and -ortionless for e*er)" /'at a *ain t'in$ it is+ for an( of t'e sons or da.$'ters of en to s-ea4 of "M(" an(t'in$+ as to t'is world) #.--osin$ one co.ld s-ea4 of e*er(t'in$ t'at t'e world 'olds dear+ as ( ric'es+ ( infl.ence+ ( -ower+ ( wisdo + (+ fa e w'at wo.ld t'e(+ w'at co.ld t'e( do for t'e so.l+ t'e no7ler -art of an? 3.t o') 'ow different+ w'en C'rist t'e well07elo*ed+ is t'e o7,ect of desire of affection) And w'en fait' can sa( wit'o.t t'e least is$i*in$ "C'rist is ine :e is ( 7elo*ed and ( 7elo*ed is ine" ine now ine to was' ( sins awa( ine to clot'e e wit' t'e ri$'teo.sness of 5od ine to dwell in ( 'eart 7( :is #-irit ine t'ro.$' life ine in t'e swellin$s of Bordan ine in 'ea*enl( $lor(. Ies+ ( so.l+ and ore .c' ore) Mine to loo4 to ine to s-ea4 to ine to care for e ine to s( -at'ise wit' e ine to s.cco.r e ine to close ( -il$ri -at' wind .- ( lon$ and wear( ,o.rne( and ta4e e .- in t'e s4irts of :is clo.d( c'ariot to 7e wit' :i self for e*er. #a(+ sa(+ < ( so.l+ is t'is all t'is a s.ited -ortion for t'ee? 1s it eno.$' for a -oor+ *ile sinner? "A'+ w'o can wei$' 2'e 1a ines of treas.re 'idden in t'ose words ( #a*io.r%s+ and t'e #a*io.r ine?

/'at o*erw'el in$ -ros-ects t'e( re*eal 2'ro.$' a$es (et to co e) 2'e s-o.se of C'rist >ears not to .se t'e + $lories in t'eir .se+

43

M( 8ord+ As

( 5od+

( #a*io.r+

( 7elo*ed)

3.t 'as s'e not 'is warrant? #aid not C'rist+ e t'e >at'er lo*ed+ so lo*ed 1 (o.? t'e one onl( $ift And lo*ed :e not .nto t'e end :is own? And clai s :e not fro 2'at onl( $ift t'eir 'eart?" 3.t ere lea*in$ t'is 7lessed+ -recio.s+ $lorio.s s.7,ect+ record t'( wonder and astonis' ent t'at an( of t'e sons and da.$'ters of en s'o.ld o*erloo4+ ne$lect+ or des-ise t'is -ortion t'is C'rist t'is well07elo*ed. ">or in 'i dwellet' all t'e f.lness of t'e 5od'ead 7odil(." All else is e -tiness and *anit(. And now+ as t'e risen Man in $lor(+ t'e 'eir of all t'in$s+ :e in*ites t'e -oor and t'e need(+ t'e ric' and t'e no7le+ t'e (o.n$ and t'e old+ to co e to :i + t'at t'e( a( s'are wit' :i :is -osition+ :is ric'es+ and :is $lor(. ">or t'ere is no difference 7etween t'e Bew and t'e 5ree4! for t'e sa e 8ord o*er all is ric' .nto all t'at call .-on 'i . >or w'osoe*er s'all call .-on t'e na e of t'e 8ord s'all 7e sa*ed." @6o . 10! 1013A <n t'e ot'er 'and+ an( a dear+ -recio.s so.l t'at tr.l( lo*es t'e 8ord and tr.sts in :i is afraid to sa(+ "M( 7elo*ed is ine." 2'e( t'in4 it wo.ld 7e -res. -t.o.s. #.rel( t'e( for$et t'at :e sa(s it first. And can it 7e -res. -t.o.s to affir t'at :is word is tr.e? 1t is alwa(s ore '. 7le to 7e $.ided 7( :is word+ t'an 7( o.r own t'o.$'ts and feelin$s. 3.t 'ow ca e s.c' to lo*e :i ? ,.st 7eca.se :e first lo*ed t'e . "/e lo*e 'i +" sa(s Bo'n+ "7eca.se 'e first lo*ed .s." /e ne*er antici-ate C'rist. 2'e so.l t'at reall( desires C'rist and :is sal*ation is in -ossession of 7ot'. 1t a( ref.se to 7elie*e it+ 7.t it is not t'e less tr.e. :e 'as alread( *isited t'at so.l in t'e ric'es of :is $race. :e creates t'e desire t'at :e a( satisf( it. :e creates t'e lo*e t'at :e a( eet it. :e creates t'e fait' t'at :e a( answer it. =*er( $ood t'in$ co et' down fro a7o*e. Not'in$ $ood can s-rin$ .- in o.r 'earts nat.rall(. Not'in$ $ood can 7e -lanted t'ere 7( t'e world or #atan. =*er(t'in$ t'at is $ood .st co e fro a7o*e. And all t'is is wro.$'t in t'e so.l 7( t'e :ol( #-irit t'ro.$' t'e $os-el. =*er( $ood t'o.$'t or desire co es fro t'e 8ord& so t'at we a( tr.l( sa(+ to desire C'rist is to 'a*e :i to desire :is sal*ation is to 'a*e it. =*er( so.l t'at reall( desires to 4now C'rist to tr.st :i lo*e :i ser*e :i -raise :i + s'all s.rel( 4now and en,o( :i lo*e+ ser*e+ and -raise :i for e*er. Man a( awa4en e9-ectations t'at 'e can ne*er satisf(& 'e a( ind.ce lo*e+ and 7itterl( disa--oint it& 7.t not so t'e 7lessed 8ord. :e is t'e tr.e 5od+ :is lo*e is -erfect. 1t 'as 7een f.ll( anifested. 3e ass.red+ t'en+ dear fellow07elie*er+ t'at :e is o.rs o.rs 7( t'e free $ift of 5od! o.rs 7( t'e $ift of :i self+ so t'at we can sa( in all '. ilit(+ "Bes.s is ine+" "M( 7elo*ed is ine." Ma( o.r so.ls 7e ena7led to ta4e a ore co -re'ensi*e $ras- of all t'at :e is+ and of all t'at :e 'as for .s) "And - am his." /ell s'e 4nows t'at s'e is :is. :e 'as often ass.red 'er 'eart of t'is -recio.s tr.t'. 2'e 7ride is in t'e 'a7it of sa(in$ w'at s'e t'in4s of 'er 7elo*ed to ot'ers& 7.t :e addresses 'erself directl(. "< ( lo*e+ ( do*e+ ( fair one." 2'e di$nit( and $lor( of t'e :ead are seen in :i . 1s it not a tr.l( 7lessed t'o.$'t+ < ( so.l+ t'at t'e C'ristian 7elon$s to no one 7.t C'rist and is s.7,ect to not'in$ 7.t :i ? "2'erefore let no an $lor( in en+" sa(s t'e a-ostle+ "for all t'in$s are (o.rs. /'et'er Pa.l+ or A-ollos+ or Ce-'as+ or t'e world+ or life+ or deat'+ or t'in$s -resent+ or t'in$s to co e! all are (o.rs. And (e are C'rist%s+ and C'rist is 5od%s. @1 Cor. 3! 21023A Precio.s tr.t') 1t is -lainl( stated. 2'e word can ne*er c'an$e. "Ie are C'rist%s." 2'e indi*id.al so.l can sa(+ "1 a 'is." 2'.s we 'ono.r 5od%s word. /e 7elon$ e9cl.si*el( to :i . /e are s.7,ect onl( to :i . 44

Moreo*er+ it is also said+ "All t'in$s are (o.rs." /'ile we 7elon$ to no one 7.t C'rist+ all t'in$s 7elon$ to .s. "/'et'er Pa.l+ or A-ollos+ or Ce-'as+" etc.+ etc. 2'e( are all in t'e -lace of ser*ants to .s+ no lon$er as asters. =*en deat' itself 'as lost t'e aster(. 1t is now to t'e 7elie*er+ not a aster+ 7.t a essen$er of -eace 'is ser*ant. 1t can no lon$er loo4 on e as its -re(& t'e world can no lon$er sa( 1 a its own& t'e ene ( cannot sa(+ 1 a 'is. 2'at -recio.s word settles all+ "(e are C'rist%s+" and no one%s else. <') 7elie*e it so 7elie*e it+ as to follow :i alone. /e are 7o.$'t wit' a -rice. /e are :is 7( ri$'t of -.rc'ase t'e -rice+ :is -recio.s 7lood. 3.t is it not eno.$'+ < ( so.l+ to 4now t'at t'o. art :is :is now+ 'encefort'+ and for e*er :is in ti e+ and :is t'ro.$' all eternit(? 3lessed 8ord) it is eno.$'. 1t is relief and rest to t'e 'eart+ ener$( and -ower to t'e life+ to 4now t'at t'o. art ine+ t'at 1 a t'ine+ and t'at 1 ne*er can -ertain to anot'er. < ( so.l+ editate on t'ese realities -onder t'e closel(. 2'o.$' t'o. .st now dis iss t'e for a season+ ret.rn to t'e a$ain. 2'ere is a li*in$ fres'ness to t'e so.l in 4indred lo*e+ in eternal relations'i-. ":e feedet' a on$ t'e lilies." #'e re e 7ers t'e na e :e $a*e 'er+ "2'e 8il(." 2'is is 'a--( an(t'in$ 7.t -res. -t.o.s) <') t'at we i$'t t'in4 ore on t'e words w'ic' :e .ses+ on t'e title w'ic' :e $i*es. As "2'e 8il(+" s'e is t'e re-resentati*e of all :is -eo-le. 1n t'e lar$eness of 'er so.l+ s'e calls t'e all "lilies." 3esides+ s'e 4nows t'at ":e feedet' a on$ t'e lilies." :e is to 7e fo.nd t'ere. :e finds :is refres' ent+ satisfaction+ and deli$'t in t'e $arden of lilies. <') to 7e .sed in $at'erin$ lilies into :is $arden+ t'at :e a( find fres' deli$'t+ w'ile (et :e dela(s :is co in$. Cant. 2! 17. "7ntil the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my belo%ed) and be thou like a roe, or a young hart, u on the mountains of &ether," @or di*ision+ ar$inA. 2'e f.ll ass.rance of :is lo*e+ and t'e 'a--( en,o( ent of :i self 7( fait'+ $reatl( increase 'er desire for t'e da( of :is $lor(. 2'en+ "all s'adows flee awa(." All t(-es and s'adows 7ein$ f.lfilled in :i + t'e( -ass awa( w'en :e a--ears. Now+ we see t'ro.$' a $lass dar4l(& t'en+ face to face. /e s'all see t'e sa e Bes.s t'en as we see now+ 7.t t'e di $lass s'all 7e re o*ed. "/e s'all see 'i as 'e is." >or 1srael+ t'e risin$ 7ea s of t'e #.n of 6i$'teo.sness s'all c'ase awa( for e*er all t'e dar4ness of ni$'t+ and all t'e $loo of t'eir lon$ and drear( winter. 2'e flowers a--ear+ t'e 7irds 7e$in to sin$+ creation is filled wit' ,o(. 2'e e9ercise of fait' and 'o-e in t'ese two *erses is 7ea.tif.l and instr.cti*e. 1n re-l( to :is descri-tion of t'e illennial da( of $lor(+ and of t'e -lace s'e 'as in :is 'eart @*ers. 10015A+ s'e t'.s e9-resses 'er fait'+ "M( 7elo*ed is ine and 1 a 'is." And 'er 'o-e ".ntil t'e da( 7rea4+ and t'e s'adows flee awa(." 2'ere is no ;.estion on 'er ind as to t'e da( of $lor( 7ein$ near. #'e onl( waits for its dawn+ and s'e f.rt'er 4nows+ t'at 7efore t'e 7ri$'tness of t'at ornin$+ e*er( s'adow .st flee awa(. "And 'e s'all 7e as t'e li$'t of t'e ornin$+ w'en t'e s.n riset'+ e*en a ornin$ wit'o.t clo.ds& as t'e tender $rass s-rin$in$ o.t of t'e eart' 7( clear s'inin$ after rain." @2 #a . 23! 4A 3.t ".ntil" t'e dawn of t'at 'a--( da(+ s'e -ra(s 'er 7elo*ed to a7ide wit' 'er. #'e earnestl( desires t'at s'e a( 'a*e :is $racio.s -resence+ and t'e co fort and s.stain ent of :is lo*e+ ".ntil" :e a--ear :i self in $lor(. #'e clin$s to t'e Person of 'er 3elo*ed. :a--( fr.it of a well0$ro.nded fait' and a "7lessed 'o-e." ""urn, my belo%ed, and be thou like a roe, or a young hart among the mountains of &ether." #'e is still in t'e wilderness. :er trials are an(. 8i4e a co.ntr( t'at is intersected wit' o.ntains and *alle(s+ t'e -at'wa( is diffic.lt. #'e lon$s for 'er 3elo*ed to co e in -ower and $lor(+ wit' t'e swiftness of t'e roe or t'e 'art+ on t'e o.ntains of di*ision. /'at are t'e o.ntains and t'e *alle(s to t'e swift $aEelle? 2'e( are as not'in$. /'at are all t'e diffic.lties of 1srael%s f.ll restoration to t'e lord? 2'e( are as not'in$. <ne $lea of :is co in$ $lor( will stri4e terror into t'e 'earts of t'eir ene ies+ and -re-are t'e wa( for "t'e ranso ed of t'e 8ord to ret.rn and co e to Fion wit' son$s+ and 45

e*erlastin$ ,o( .-on t'eir 'eads. 2'e( s'all o7tain ,o( and $ladness+ and sorrow and si$'in$ s'all flee awa(." @1sa. 35! 10A 2'en+ "e*er( *alle( s'all 7e e9alted+ and e*er( o.ntain and 'ill s'all 7e ade low+ and t'e croo4ed s'all 7e ade strai$'t+ and t'e ro.$' -laces -lain& and t'e $lor( of t'e 8ord s'all 7e re*ealed and all fles' s'all see it to$et'er& for t'e o.t' of t'e 8ord 'at' s-o4en it." @1sa. 11! 4+ 5A 3.t+ ".ntil" t'at lon$ loo4ed for o ent arri*e+ s'e -ra(s to 7e aintained in t'e en,o( ent of :is lo*e+ and enco -assed wit' :is fa*o.r as wit' a s'ield. 3lessed co 7ination) :a--( fr.its of $race) >ait'+ la(in$ 'old on t'e word 'o-e+ loo4in$ o.t for t'e first strea4 of da( 0 -ra(er+ for t'e -resent en,o( ent of :is $racio.s -.r-ose. #'e is -ressin$ on+ and wo.ld -ress t'ro.$' e*er(t'in$+ t'at s'e a( 7e act.all( wit' :i self. Consider t'is+ < ( so.l+ editate on t'ese t'in$s. 1s t'is t'( condition? :a*in$ fait' in t'e word of t'e 8ord+ art t'o. loo4in$+ lon$in$+ and waitin$ for :is ret.rn? And is it t'( constant -ra(er+ to 7e aintained in :is -resence ".ntil 'e co e?" 2'e 'o.r i ediatel( 7efore t'e 7rea4 of da( is said to 7e t'e coldest and dar4est 'o.r of t'e ni$'t. #o will it 7e wit' t'e re nant of 1srael in t'e latter da(. "Alas) for t'at da( is $reat+ so t'at none is li4e it& it is e*en t'e da( of Baco7%s tro.7le& 7.t 'e s'all 7e sa*ed o.t of it." @Ber. 30! 7A 3.t t'e first 7reat' of ornin$ will 7rin$ deli*erance to t'e waitin$+ -ra(in$ re nant+ and destr.ction to t'eir -ro.d o--ressors. "2'is 4now also+" sa(s t'e a-ostle+ writin$ for t'e c'.rc'+ "t'at in t'e last da(s -erilo.s ti es s'all co e." :a--( t'e( w'o are 'oldin$ fast 7( t'e word followin$ t'e 8ord and waitin$ for :is co in$. 2'e last 'o.r of t'e ni$'t a( indeed 7e cold and dar4+ 7.t 'eed it not+ < ( so.l+ weat'er it+ watc'+ -ra( t'e ornin$ will soon 7rea4 a7ide in t'( watc'tower. :a--( t'e( w'o+ wit' dili$ent+ slee-less e(e+ catc' t'e first radiance of t'e Mornin$ #tar) "3.t (e+ 7elo*ed+ 7.ildin$ .- (o.rsel*es in (o.r ost 'ol( fait'+ -ra(in$ in t'e :ol( 5'ost+ 4ee(o.rsel*es in t'e lo*e of 5od+ loo4in$ for t'e erc( of o.r 8ord Bes.s C'rist .nto eternal life." @B.de 20+ 21A

Canticles 3.
Cant. 3! 1. "&y night on my bed - sought him whom my soul lo%eth) - sought him, but - found him not." 2'e 'eart of t'e s-o.se is feelin$ t'e loneliness of t'e ni$'t w'ile waitin$ for t'e dawn of t'e ornin$. #'e is t'in4in$ of t'e <ne w'o 7rin$s t'e ornin$ wit' :i . 3.t s'e 'as lost t'e sense of :is nearness. 2'is is fail.re. 2'e conscience is awa4e t'e affections are li*el(! "1 so.$'t 'i w'o ( so.l lo*et'." Iet t'ere is no ,o( s'e is in tro.7le. Pra( w'( is t'is+ < ( so.l? :ow s'o.ld t'is 7e? :ast t'o. disco*ered+ in t'( editations+ t'e secret s-rin$ of t'is stran$e condition? A li*el( conscience ardent affections+ (et in dar4ness) 2'ere can onl( 7e one ca.se for s.c' a state of so.l t'e e(e rests not on t'e 3elo*ed :i self. A--arentl(+ t'ere a( 7e ot'er ca.ses+ 7.t t'is is t'e real one. :er e(e 'as wandered+ and s'e is in dar4ness in felt loneliness. #'e 'as rest as to sal*ation& " ( 7ed" a restin$ -lace! t'o.$' for a o ent+ it is "ni$'t" wit' t'e so.l. 1t atters little+ for t'e -.r-ose of t'e ene (+ on w'at t'e e(e rests+ if 'e can onl( $et it off C'rist. 1t a( 7e occ.-ied wit' t'e 7est of t'in$s+ s.c' as t'e wor4 of t'e 8ord+ o.r 7ret'ren+ 7rot'erl( lo*e+ t'e fellows'i- of saints. 3.t e*en t'ese t'in$s+ 7lessed as t'e( are+ will lead to fail.re+ if an( one of t'e 7eco es t'e $o*ernin$ o7,ect of t'e 'eart in -lace of t'e Person of C'rist. 3.t w'at s'all we sa( of self and t'e world co in$ in+ in so e of t'eir ten t'o.sand for s? Dar4ness+ wea4ness+ and sad conf.sion .st follow. Man( 'a*e said+ 1 4now+ wit' reference to s.c' a state of so.l+ t'at it is t'e 8ord 'idin$ :is face+ t'at we a( 7e tried+ and t'at o.r affections a( 7e ;.ic4ened. /e see no $ro.nd for s.c' a 46

concl.sion as to t'e wa(s of t'e 3elo*ed in t'e #on$ of #on$s. :ere+ li4e t'e fine flo.r+ :e is -erfectl( e*en+ notwit'standin$ 'er c'an$ea7leness. And certainl(+ s.c' a notion wo.ld 7e contrar( to t'e -lainest teac'in$ in t'e e-istles. 2'e sa e stro4e of ,.d$ ent t'at slew t'e 8a 7+ rent t'e *eil& so t'at C'rist and :is redee ed entered into t'e "'oliest of all"& and are in t'e li$'t as 5od is in t'e li$'t. #.rel(+ C'rist is in t'e li$'t+ ne*er in dar4ness. And we are w'ere :e is+ and as :e is. "2'e dar4ness is -ast+" as Bo'n tells .s+ "and t'e tr.e li$'t now s'inet'." And a$ain+ 'e sa(s+ "As 'e is+ so are we in t'is world." 2'e *eil is done awa( in C'rist. 2'e so.l+ 1 ad it+ a( feel w'en in dar4ness as if :e 'ad wit'drawn :i self and was $one. 3.t in s.c' a case it is t'e so.l t'at 'as wit'drawn itself fro :i & not t'e 8ord t'at 'as wit'drawn :i self fro it. <f co.rse t'ere will not 7e t'e sa e anifestation of di*ine lo*e to t'e so.l w'en it 'as lost si$'t of :i + as w'en it is closel( followin$ :i . As t'e 8ord 'as said+ "1f a an lo*e e+ 'e will 4ee- ( words! and ( >at'er will lo*e 'i + and we will co e .nto 'i + and a4e o.r a7ode wit' 'i ." @Bo'n 14! 23A 2'is is -lain eno.$'. 2'e 8ord is e*er t'e sa e. :e c'an$et' not. /'en t'ere is a c'an$e as to o.r co .nion as to o.r en,o( ent of C'rist+ it is entirel( wit' o.rsel*es. /e a( rest ass.red+ t'at :e will anifest to t'e f.llest e9tent -ossi7le+ t'e lo*e t'at we can a--reciate+ so lon$ as t'e e(e is fi9ed on t'e Person of t'e 8ord so lon$ as :e is o.r o7,ect+ o.r centre& li$'t+ lo*e+ -eace+ and ,o( fill t'e so.l. 3.t w'en t'e e(e wanders w'en :e ceases to fill t'e f.ll *ision of o.r so.ls+ dar4ness co es in& t'en follows+ t'ro.$' t'e craftiness of t'e ene (+ t'e n. ero.s train of -er-le9in$+ a$itatin$ t'o.$'ts and feelin$s. "2'e li$'t of t'e 7od( is t'e e(e& if t'erefore t'ine e(e 7e sin$le+ t'( w'ole 7od( s'all 7e f.ll of li$'t." @Matt. 6! 22A 8earn t'en+ < ( so.l+ fro t'e e9-erience of t'e s-o.se+ t'is .c'0needed lesson+ na el(+ "2'at not'in$ s'ort of t'e Person of t'e 8ord Bes.s C'rist can e*er satisf( t'e affections of t'e new nat.re." "#aw (e 'i w'o ( so.l lo*et'?" is t'e nat.ral+ $en.ine cr( of t'at nat.re w'en C'rist :i self is not seen. 2'e for of t'e cr( a( 7e different in eac' one+ 7.t t'e ca.se of .neasiness is t'e sa e in all. A sin$le e(e+ 'as not a do.7le o7,ect. 2'e 7ride 'as $ot occ.-ied+ d.rin$ t'e ni$'t+ wit' so et'in$ 7esides 'er 3elo*ed. 1t a( 'a*e 7een t'e wilderness t'e weariness of t'e wa( or it a( 'a*e 7een wit' t'e antici-ated $lories of t'e 7rea4in$ orn. 3.t+ certainl(+ it was not wit' :i self+ as on a for er occasion w'en s'e said+ "A 7.ndle of (rr' is ( well07elo*ed .nto e& 'e s'all lie all ni$'t 7etwi9t ( 7reasts." 2'en+ -eace and ,o( filled 'er so.l+ and t'e sweet fra$rance of :is na e was s-read a7road. Now+ restlessness and tro.7le+ and 'er own fail.re is anifested. Cant. 3! 2+ 3+ "- will rise now, and go about the city) in the streets and in the broad ways - will seek him whom ( soul lo%eth. - sought him but - found him not. "he watchmen that go about the city found me) to whom - said, #aw ye him whom my soul lo%eth!" :er -osition and 'er action are c'an$ed+ 7.t rest is not fo.nd. #'e 'as s'a4en off t'e s-irit of s.-ineness. :er cr( is t'e lan$.a$e of a so.l in earnest. 3.t t'e streets and 7road wa(s of t'e cit(+ w'ere watc' en are -laced to aintain oral order+ are not t'e -laces to find 'er 3elo*ed. ":e feedet' a on$ t'e lilies." And t'is s'e well 4new+ onl( s'e is conf.sed and a$itated+ as an( 'a*e 7een in si ilar circ. stances. 2'e footste-s of t'e floc4 t'e s'e-'erd%s tents t'e 7.ddin$ $rass t'e o.ntain of (rr' t'e 'ill of fran4incense t'e field t'e $arden t'e 7ed of s-ices t'e r.ral scenes+ in contrast wit' t'e cit(+ were :is fa*o.rite 'a.nts+ and w'ere :e was to 7e fo.nd. 3.t if 'er inacti*it( was fail.re+ 'er acti*it( was a ista4e. :ad '. iliation and confession followed t'e for er+ t'e latter i$'t 'a*e 7een -re*ented. 3.t+ o') w'o co.ld fail to ad ire t'e fer*o.r of 'er lo*e+ t'e f.lness of 'er 'eart+ and t'e 'onest( of 'er confession? >o.r ti es in t'ese fo.r *erses+ s'e s-ea4s of ":i w'o 'er so.l lo*et'." 3.t s'e ne*er -retends to 'a*e fo.nd :i .ntil s'e 'as+ or to 7e 'a--( .ntil s'e is. /o.ld to 5od we witnessed in all cases of fail.re+ s.c' affection+ earnestness+ and 'onest(. 1t was t'ro.$' t'e fer*o.r of 'er affections t'at 'er 47

fail.re was e9-osed. <') t'at e*er( case of 7ac4slidin$ fro t'e 8ord ardo.r of dee- affection for t'e 7lessed+ adora7le Person of C'rist)

i$'t 7e .n*eiled t'ro.$' t'e

3.t s.c' are t'e affections of t'e s-o.se for 'er 3elo*ed t'at not'in$ sa*e :i self co.ld for a o ent eet t'e need of 'er 'eart. And 'ad s'e 7een in 'ea*en+ in -lace of t'e cit(+ and not fo.nd :i t'ere+ it wo.ld 'a*e 7een ,.st t'e sa e. #'e .st 'a*e contin.ed 'er searc'. And as s'e -assed fro scene to scene+ and fro $lor( to $lor( still 'er ;.estion wo.ld 7e+ to all s'e et in t'e s'inin$ wa(+ "#aw (e 'i w'o ( so.l lo*et'?" :ea*en+ in all its 7ri$'tness+ wit'o.t :i + wo.ld not 'a*e satisfied t'e affections of 'er renewed so.l. 1t was :i self s'e was see4in$+ t'e Person of 'er 7lessed 8ord and not'in$ else+ not'in$ 7esides+ co.ld ta4e :is -lace. <nl( t'e lo*e of t'e #a*io.r can satisf( t'e lo*e of t'e sa*ed onl( t'e lo*e of t'e 3ride$roo can satisf( t'e lo*e of t'e 7ride. 2'is is t'e ordinance of 'ea*en t'e wisdo and $oodness of 5od. 2'.s t'e 7lessed 8ord 7eco es t'e o7,ect and centre of all renewed 'earts+ as :e is 5od%s& and also t'e o7,ect and centre of all t'eir wa(s+ as :e 'as 7een+ and e*er will 7e+ t'e one o7,ect+ and sole centre of all t'e wa(s of 5od. A dee-l( 7lessed+ and ost -ractical lesson a( 7e learnt fro t'is $rand central tr.t'. "8o*e is of 5od& and e*er( one t'at lo*et' is 7orn of 5od+ and 4nowet' 5od. :e t'at lo*et' not 4nowet' not 5od+ for 5od is lo*e . . . . :ere7( 4now we t'at we dwell in 'i + and 'e in .s+ 7eca.se 'e 'at' $i*en .s of 'is #-irit." @1 Bo'n 4! 7019A 1n t'e da( of o.r re$eneration+ 0 w'en "7orn of t'e #-irit+" a new life is i -lanted in t'e so.l+ 0 w'ic' finds its rest alone in Bes.s. "Co e .nto e+ and 1 will $i*e (o. rest." 2'is is t'e rest of 5od+ and of o.r new life. A7o*e t'e world+ a7o*e t'e clo.ds+ a7o*e t'e stor s+ a7o*e t'e 'ea*ens+ it rests on t'e 7oso of t'e 3elo*ed. 2'en+ w'( is it t'at so an( tr.e C'ristians are stran$ers to solid -eace and rest+ not to s-ea4 of ,o( and lo*e? #i -l( 7eca.se C'rist :i self is not t'e one o7,ect 7efore t'e ind and t'e 'eart& and in all t'eir wa(s+ 7ot' '. an and di*ine. 2'e .neasiness+ t'e restlessness+ t'e dis;.iet.de of tr.e C'ristians is to 7e acco.nted for on t'is $ro.nd alone. 2'e o ent C'rist $ets :is ri$'t -lace in t'e 'eart+ e*er(t'in$ else+ conse;.entl(+ dro-s into its own ri$'t -lace accordin$ to di*ine order. 3.t if an(t'in$ 7e allowed to co e 7etween t'e 'eart and C'rist+ t'e :ol( #-irit is $rie*ed+ t'e so.l is dar4ened+ wea4ness and conf.sion follow+ and t'e w'ole oral 7ein$ $ets o.t of order. "Bes.s) 2'o. art eno.$' 2'e ind and 'eart to fill t'e an9io.s so.l& 2'( life to cal

2'( lo*e its fears dis-el. <' fi9 o.r earnest $aEe+ #o w'oll(+ 8ord on 2'ee+ 2'at wit' 2'( 7ea.t( occ.-ied+ /e elsew'ere none a( see." Cant. 3! 4. "-t was but a little that - assed from them, but - found him whom my soul lo%eth. held him, and would not let him go, until - had brought him into my mother$s house, and into the chamber of her that concei%ed me." 5reat was t'e ,o( of t'e deli$'ted #'elo it' w'en s'e fo.nd 'er 3elo*ed. "1 fo.nd 'i ." 3lessed declaration) 1+ a -oor wea4+ wanderin$+ wort'less one+ "fo.nd 'i ." ">o.nd 'i " w'o is t'e s-rin$ of all ,o( t'e fo.ntain of all 7lessedness. :er earnest+ lo*in$ searc' is rewarded. 1t .st 7e e*er so. ":e t'at see4et' findet'." /'en t'e 'eart is reall( t.rned to t'e 8ord+ it soon finds :i . 1t is :is deli$'t to re*eal :i self to s.c'+ as :e did to t'e lo*in$ Mar(. :e eets :is 48

7ride in t'e wa(. #'e sees :i s'e e 7races :i .ntil s'e 'as 7ro.$'t :i into 'er ot'er%s 'o.se.

s'e 'olds :i

s'e will not let :i

$o+

3.t $reat as was 'er ,o(+ it was as not'in$ co -ared wit' :is. At first si$'t+ t'e ,o( a( see to 7e all on one side. 3.t it was not so. 1n t'e -ro-ortion t'at we lo*e+ will 7e o.r sorrow in losin$+ and o.r ,o( in findin$+ t'e lo*ed <ne. 3lessed tr.t'+ w'en seen in C'rist) /'at a field for editation) /'at treas.res a( 7e fo.nd t'erein) :ere+ .c' a( 7e learnt of t'e affections of t'e 8ord+ and of :is dee- s( -at'ies wit' :is -eo-le. 2a4e an ill.stration. #.--osin$ t'e 3ride$roo %s lo*e to 7e a '.ndred0fold $reater t'an t'e 7ride%s+ wo.ld :is disa--oint ent+ on t'e occasion of 'er wanderin$+ 7e a '.ndred0fold dee-er t'an 'ers w'o 'ad wandered? Most ass.redl(. 2'e affections c'aracterise t'e disa--oint ent or t'e ,o(. /'at was t'e -ro-ortion 7etween t'e ,o( of t'e >at'er and t'e Prodi$al w'en t'e( et? 6at'er+ w'at was t'e difference? 1nfinite) and so it .st e*er 7e+ 7etween t'e 'eart of t'e 8ord and :is -eo-le. <'+ 'ow caref.l and watc'f.l s'o.ld we 7e lest we wander+ and so $rie*e and disa--oint t'e tender+ lo*in$ 'eart of Bes.s) And o'+ w'at a oti*e to re-ent and ret.rn+ w'en we 'a*e wandered fro :i + and t'ere7( $rie*ed :is lo*in$ 'eart and dis'ono.red :is 7lessed na e) 3.t w'o+ it a( 7e as4ed+ is t'e ot'er+ and w'at are we to .nderstand 7( t'e ot'er%s 'o.se? /e 'a*e t'e answer -lainl( $i*en in t'e -ro-'ecies of :osea. "#a( (e .nto (o.r 7ret'ren+ A i! and to (o.r sisters+ 6.'a a'. Plead wit' (o.r ot'er+ -lead." 1srael as a nation is t'e ot'er. And w'en t'e lon$07ro4en relations 7etween t'e 8ord and :is ancient -eo-le are re0esta7lis'ed+ :e will 'a*e entered t'e ot'er%s 'o.se. 3.t on t'ese -oints we 'a*e alread( dwelt in o.r editations ore t'an once+ and need not 'ere f.rt'er refer to t'e . 2'e s-o.se+ or $odl( re nant of t'e nation+ 4nowin$ :is 3ride$roo lo*e+ falls into :is e 7race. #'e co.ld find no restin$0-lace .ntil s'e fo.nd :i . And now+ worn and wear( wit' 'er wanderin$s+ li4e t'e -rodi$al in t'e far co.ntr(+ s'e finds -erfect re-ose in :is c'an$eless lo*e. :is 'eart is t'e onl( restin$0-lace of 'ers. "1 c'ar$e (o.+ < (e da.$'ters of Ber.sale + 7( t'e roes+ and 7( t'e 'inds of t'e field+ t'at (e stir not .-+ nor awa4e ( lo*e till 'e Gs'eH -lease." 2'is c'ar$e was considered in o.r editations on Cant. 2! 7. 2'e sa e c'ar$e occ.rs in Cant. 8! 4. =ac' ti e it is $i*en t'e co in$ of t'e 8ord i ediatel( follows. 1n c'a-ter 2! 7+ it is t'e re*elation of :i self. "2'e *oice of ( 7elo*ed+ 7e'old 'e co et'." 1t is :i self+ -ersonall(+ t'at is 'ere t'o.$'t of. 1n Cant. 3! 5+ it is t'e Messia' co in$ in ro(al -rocession+ as t'e tr.e #olo on+ crowned Cin$ of 1srael 7( t'e 'eart of t'e nation. "3e'old Cin$ #olo on wit' t'e crown w'erewit' 'is ot'er G1sraelH crowned 'i in t'e da( of 'is es-o.sals+ and in t'e da( of t'e $ladness of 'is 'eart." 1n c'a-ter 8! 4+ t'e 7ride is seen lea*in$ t'e wilderness as .nited to :i . 2'is is ar4ed -ro$ress. "/'o is t'is t'at co et' .- fro t'e wilderness+ leanin$ .-on 'er 7elo*ed?" 2'is is all t'at t'e 'eart desires. 1t is t'e cons. ation of all 'a--iness. 2o 7e wit' :i one wit' :i and li4e :i + is t'e f.ll+ -erfect+ and eternal 7lessedness of all :is -eo-le. >ro Cant. 3! 6+ to t'e end of t'e c'a-ter+ we 'a*e a -ro-'etic *iew of t'e 3ride$roo + co in$ o.t of t'e wilderness wit' :is 7ride. "/'o is t'is t'at co et' o.t of t'e wilderness li4e -illars of s o4e+ -erf. ed wit' (rr' and fran4incense+ wit' all -owders of t'e erc'ant." 2'e Bews rise not+ li4e t'e c'.rc'+ to eet t'e 8ord in t'e air. :e $oes to w'ere t'e( are. 2'e s-irit of -ro-'ec( tells .s t'at t'e( were in t'e wilderness to$et'er. 1t was t'ere t'at :e re*ealed :i self to 'er+ in :is .nc'an$in$ lo*e as t'e tr.e Messia'. "3e'old+ 1 will all.re 'er+ and 7rin$ 'er into t'e wilderness+ and s-ea4 co forta7l( .nto 'er." "And to t'e wo an Gt'e Bewis' re nantH were $i*en two win$s of a $reat ea$le+ t'at s'e i$'t fl( into t'e wilderness+ into 'er -lace+ w'ere s'e is no.ris'ed for a ti e+ and 49

ti es+ and 'alf a ti e+ fro

t'e face of t'e ser-ent." @:osea 2+ 6e*. 12A

And now+ accordin$ to t'e -ro-'ec( .nder editation+ t'ese "ti es" 'a*e r.n t'eir co.rse. 2'e $reat e*ents crowded .- in t'ese tr.l( e*entf.l (ears 'a*e 7een ra-idl( dis-osed of. 2'e old ser-ent 'as 7een s'.t .- in t'e 7otto less -it+ t'e 7east and t'e false -ro-'et 'a*e 7een cast into t'e la4e of fire+ and t'e re7ellio.s nations 'a*e 7een ,.d$ed. "2'e 7eso of destr.ction" 'as swe-t t'e e -ire of Antic'rist. /'at an is+ 'as 7een f.ll( -ro*ed. :e is set aside for e*er as a *essel of testi on(+ and C'rist now co es to ta4e t'e -lace of t'e fait'f.l and tr.e witness for 5od in t'e eart'. 2'e scene 7ein$ t'.s cleared+ t'e t'rone of t'e #on of Da*id+ t'e Prince of Peace+ is set .-. 2'e 7ride of t'e Cin$ is 7ro.$'t fro 'er 'idin$0-lace in t'e wilderness wit' ro(al 'ono.rs. 2'e si$'t is $lorio.s) 2'e ornin$ 7rea4s) 2'e risin$ s.n s'eds 'is 7ea s o*er t'e land. Ber.sale is filled wit' ,o() Now t'e( s'all sa(+ and t'e ra-t.ro.s s'o.t s'all not die on t'eir li-s as it once did+ ":osanna) 3lessed is t'e Cin$ t'at co et' in t'e na e of t'e 8ord "6es-lendent 3ride$roo + *enerated 8ord) Prince of all 4in$s) =ternal #o*erei$n) 6ic'+ wise+ and ro(al. #olo on indeed) <f t'ee e9cl.si*el( of t'ee and t'ine 0 2'is #on$ of #on$s+ t'is 'allowed Canticle) 1ts t'rillin$ tones+ too little .nderstood+ 2reat not of eart'%s affections+ 7.t in t(-e+ And s'adowin$ fort' of 'ol( (steries+ 1t s-ea4s of t'e 3elo*ed t'e Cin$ of Peace #ale %s 5reat Arc'itect& it s-ea4s of <ne /'o 7.ilds a te -le to Be'o*a'%s -raise+ /'ic' t'e descendin$ $lor( s'all -er*ade And fill eternall( 1t s-ea4s of <ne /'ose ene ies s'all all 7e clot'ed wit' s'a e+ /'ile on :i self t'e .ni*ersal crown >or e*er radiates 1t s-ea4s of <ne At w'ose 'i$' t'rone of -eace and e;.it( Pra(er s'all 7e ade+ and 'a--( nations 7end+ 6e,oicin$ in :is swa( of ri$'teo.sness." 2'e ro(al -rocession o*es on. 2'e wilderness is left 7e'ind for e*er. Lerse 6 a( 7e descri-ti*e of t'e $races t'at s'ine in 'er. 2'e s o4in$ incense and t'e sweet s-ices $i*e .s t'e idea of -raise+ t'an4s$i*in$+ and ot'er fr.its of t'e #-irit. Lerse 7010 a( 7e ore es-eciall( descri-ti*e of t'e di$nities+ e9cellencies+ and $lories t'at 7elon$ to t'e Cin$. 2'e "7ed" or "c'ariot" is t'e ro(al carria$e. 3.t ar4+ es-eciall(+ it is t'e Cin$%s own wor4 ans'i-. "Cin$ #olo on ade 'i self a c'ariot of t'e wood of 8e7anon." C'rist -ro*ides e*er(t'in$+ and -re-ares e*er(t'in$ for :is -eo-le. :e lea*es not'in$ for .s to do+ sa*e to enter into t'at w'ic' :e 'as finis'ed. 2'e cedar wood is t(-ical of 50

fra$rance and incorr.-ti7ilit(. 2'e "-illars+" of stren$t'. 2'e "sil*er+" of -.rit(. 2'e "$old+" of di*ine ri$'teo.sness. 2'e "-.r-le+" of ro(alt(. "8o*e" is t'e s-rin$ of all 5od is lo*e. "2'e da.$'ters of Ber.sale " and "t'e da.$'ters of Fion" a( refer to t'e cities and tri7es of 1srael+ for all w'ic' di*ine lo*e 'as -a*ed t'e wa( for t'eir national di$nit( and illennial $lor(.

Canticles 4.
Cant. 4! 1. "&ehold, thou art fair, my lo%e, behold thou art fair, thou hast do%e$s eyes within thy locks) thy hair is as a flock of goats that a ear from mount 8ilead." /'en t'e wo an to.c'ed t'e 'e of t'e 6edee er%s $ar ent+ t'e *irt.e t'at was in :i flowed o.t to 'er. @Mar4 5A 2'e fin$er of fait' onl( to.c'ed t'e 7order of :is $ar ent+ 7.t it to.c'ed t'e secret s-rin$ of :is 'eart+ w'ic' fait' onl( can reac'. All t'e treas.res of t'at 'eart were t'rown o-en to fait'. :er case was "i ediatel(" and -erfectl( et. 2'e fo.ntain of 'er disease was dried .-+ and all t'e strea s c.t off. "#'e felt in 'er 7od( t'at s'e was 'ealed of t'at -la$.e." Iet s'e was wit'o.t -eace or rest of so.l+ to sa( not'in$ of ,o(. #'e fell at t'e feet of Bes.s+ "fearin$ and tre 7lin$." :ere+ < ( so.l+ -a.se a little+ editate+ in t'e solit.de of t'e sanct.ar(+ on t'is instr.cti*e scene. 1s it -ossi7le+ 1 as4+ t'at all t'e *irt.e t'at is in t'e 7lessed 8ord a( 7e -ossessed 7( a 7elie*er+ and (et t'at 7elie*er 7e a stran$er to -eace? #o it was wit' t'is dear wo an 7efore .s w'ose fait' was $reat. And so it is+ alas) wit' t'o.sands of t'e 8ord%s dear -eo-le now. :erein is a (ster( .nto an(. :ow is it to 7e acco.nted for? 2'e case of t'e wo an is -lain eno.$'& and also $i*es t'e e9-lanation of e*er( ot'er case. Alt'o.$' s'e 'ad recei*ed for 'er need all t'e *irt.e t'at was in :i + s'e was still a stran$er to t'e t'o.$'ts of :is 'eart towards 'er. #'e needed t'e re*elation of :is 'eart to 'erself+ to $i*e 'er f.ll -eace in :is -resence. /'at s'e wanted was t'e 4nowled$e of w'at :e t'o.$'t a7o.t 'erself. And t'at is w'at e*er( sinner needs+ as well as t'e wo an. :e wit''olds not'in$ fro t'e to.c' of fait'. 2'e first to.c' of fait' sec.res for t'e so.l all t'at :e is :i self+ and all t'at :e 'as to 7estow. 3.t f.ll re-ose of so.l is onl( fo.nd in 4nowin$ t'e 'eart t'at s.rrendered all to win .s for :i self. 2'en+ 7.t not till t'en+ s'all we 7e in t'e f.ll re-ose of :is lo*e. <'+ to 4now :is own t'o.$'ts a7o.t .s) <'+ to 4now :is lo*e for .s) ":e lo*ed e and $a*e 'i self for e+" are t'e 'i$'est notes we s'all e*er sin$. 3.t+ one $lance ore at t'is 7lessed scene 7efore lea*in$ it. <nl( watc'+ for a o ent+ t'e o.t$oin$s of t'e #a*io.r%s lo*e+ to t'is -oor wo an. <') w'o can .nderstand t'e lo*e t'at 7reat'es in t'ese words? "And 'e loo4ed ro.nd a7o.t to see 'er t'at 'ad done t'is t'in$." /'at lo*e) :is 'eart re,oices) :e 'as $ained :is -riEe) >ro all eternit( :e 'ad loo4ed forward to t'at 'a--( o ent. 2'e wor4s of #atan are destro(ed+ 5od is $lorified $race s'ines+ and fait' tri. -'s. 3.t :is e(es .st rest .-on 'er. "/'ere is t'e one t'at 'as done t'is t'in$?" /it' w'at interest :is e(es 7e'old 'er) And now :e re*eals :i self to 'er 'eart+ and fills 'er so.l wit' t'e -eace and ,o( of :is sal*ation. "Da.$'ter" 0 nearest and dearest of 4indred tenderest of '. an ties t'( fait' 'at' ade t'ee w'ole& $o in -eace+ and 7e w'ole of t'( -la$.e. 2'ese reflections 'a*e 7een s.$$ested w'ile editatin$ on t'e first se*en *erses of t'is wonderf.l c'a-ter. :ere+ t'e 3elo*ed re*eals to :is lo*ed one+ in a re ar4a7le wa(+ t'e t'o.$'ts of :is 'eart a7o.t 'erself a7o.t 'er atc'less 7ea.t( in :is si$'t. <') for a circ. cised ear and 'eart+ to recei*e and retain for e*er t'e words :e 'as c'osen to e9-ress :is ad iration of :is 7ride. :e sits+ as it were+ and $aEes wit' enra-t.red deli$'t on eac' feat.re of :is fair and 7ea.tif.l s-o.se. :e t'en s-ea4s -lainl( to 'erself of :is ad irin$ lo*e. "2'o. 'ast ra*is'ed ( 'eart+ ( sister+ ( s-o.se." #.c' -raise fro an wo.ld 7e ost in,.rio.s+ 7.t w'en it co es fro :is li-s+ it onl( dee-ens o.r 51

'. ilit(+ and a4es .s ore li4e :i self. 1t fills t'e so.l wit' a cal and -eacef.l ,o(& it .nites .s ore closel( to :is 'eart+ and transfor s .s ore into :is i a$e. 1t is t'e 7lessed fo.ndation of closest fellows'i-. After ass.rin$ 'er 'eart+ in $eneral ter s+ t'at s'e is "fair" in :is si$'t+ :e en. erates se*en distinct feat.res+ w'ic' :e 'as 7een conte -latin$ se-aratel(+ and in.tel(+ wit' $reat deli$'t. 2'e e(es+ t'e 'air+ t'e teet'+ t'e li-s+ t'e te -les+ t'e nec4+ and t'e 7reasts. =ac' feat.re 7ein$ -erfect in itself+ :e sees in 'er t'e asse 7la$e of -erfection and 7ea.t(. "2'o. art all fair+ ( lo*e+ t'ere is no s-ot in t'ee." 2'e in.teness of t'e ins-ection anifests t'e 7o.ndless interest and deli$'t :e 'as in 'er. 2'e n. 7er se*en+ too+ $i*es t'e idea of f.lness and co -leteness. 3.t need we wonder? "2'e 7ea.t( of t'e 8ord o.r 5od is .-on .s." 1n all -arts and -ro-ortions+ t'e 7elie*er is -erfect in C'rist%s -erfectness+ and co el( in :is co eliness. :e 'as -.t awa( all t'at was o.rs+ and $i*en .s all t'at is :is own. :ence we are e9'orted to -.t off t'e old an+ and to -.t on t'e new an+ w'ic' after 5od is created in ri$'teo.sness and tr.e 'oliness. @=-'. 4! 22+ 23+ 24A /e will now 7riefl( $lance at t'e se*en feat.res se-aratel(. ""hou hast do%es$ eyes within thy locks." 2'e do*e was cere oniall( clean. 1t onl(+ of all t'e feat'ered tri7e+ was offered in sacrifice on 5od%s altar. @#ee Meditations, on Cant. 1! 15A 1t is t'e .nderstood e 7le of '. ilit(+ c'astit(+ and 'ar lessness. "2'o. 'ast do*es% e(es." 2'e e(e is a ter often .sed in scri-t.re for s-irit.al li$'t and .nderstandin$. "1f t'erefore t'ine e(e 7e sin$le t'( w'ole 7od( s'all 7e f.ll of li$'t." 3.t t'ere is one -ec.liarit( a7o.t t'e do*e%s e(es w'ic' a( 7e desi$ned to teac' t'e 7elie*er a needed lesson. 1t 'as a wonderf.l -ower of distant *ision. 1t is s.--osed to see+ fro an i ense distance+ its own do*ecot. :a*in$ 7een ta4en far fro 'o e+ it a( 7e seen w'en li7erated fro its ca$e+ ascendin$ *er( 'i$' stead(in$ itself in t'e air+ .ntil it 'as disco*ered its wa( 7ac4! t'en it flies strai$'t and ra-idl( 'o e. <') for t'is -ower of distant and 'ea*enl( *ision+ t'at+ 'a*in$ seen 7( fait' t'e risen Bes.s+ we a( for$et t'e t'in$s t'at are 7e'ind+ and -ress on to t'ose t'at are 7efore. C'rist+ :i self+ is t'e C'ristian%s ar4 7.t t'e " ar4" .st 7e seen+ 7efore we can ta4e o.r ai . >irst+ fi9 t'ine e(e+ < ( so.l+ on t'e risen+ e9alted Man in $lor(. 2'en+ "-ress toward t'e ar4 for t'e -riEe of t'e 'i$' callin$ of 5od in C'rist Bes.s." @P'il. 3A 2'e si ilit.de is easil( .nderstood is it tr.e of t'ee+ ( so.l? 2'is is t'e ;.estion+ w'at is t'ine ai ? w'at is t'( co.rse? w'at is t'( -ro$ress? <7ser*e+ t'e 7ea.tif.l 7ri$'t e(e of t'e 7ride+ $lancin$ t'ro.$' 'er flowin$ tresses+ eets t'e ad irin$ e(e of t'e 3elo*ed+ and ra*is'es :is 'eart+ "2'o. 'ast do*es% e(es wit'in t'( loc4s." :er loc4s soften t'eir 7ri$'tness. "2'ine are t'e loc4s+ of w'ic' eac' sin$le 'air Draws no.ris' ent distinctl(+ and 'as root 1n :i + t'e :ead& of w'ic' not e%en t'e least Can e%er 7e in,.red+ to t'at :ead .n4nown& 2'ine are t'e con$re$ated rin$lets+ di*erse eac' 1n for or f.lness+ (et containin$ eac' Jnits all se-ara7le! *ital all And indi*id.al+ 'owe%er a assed 1n t'ron$s collecti*e+ and t'ose t'ron$s t'e sel*es Parts of a w'ole in fellows'i- wit' C'rist+ 52

6o.nd w'o

:is -eo-le cl.ster& and fro

w'o

Deri*e t'ose e(es of do*e0li4e $entleness+ 2'at loo4 7eni$nant on t'e world aro.nd." ""hy hair is as a flock of goats, that a ear from mount 8ilead." 2'e co -arison 'ere+ a( 7e to t'e lon$+ $loss( 'air of t'e $oats t'at $raEe on Mo.nt 5ilead+ and to t'e circ. stance of t'eir a--earance as a floc4+ or one .nited co -an(+ feedin$ on t'e ric' -ast.res of t'e 'i$' -laces. 2'e effect to t'e e(e .st 'a*e 7een -rof.sion in eac'+ and .nit( in t'e w'ole. "8on$ 'air+" t'e a-ostle tells .s+ is t'e co*erin$ and $lor( of t'e wo an. @1 Cor. 11! 15A 3.t a( t'ere not also 7e a reference+ in t'is co -arison+ to t'e lon$ 'air of t'e NaEarite+ w'ic' was t'e t(-e of -ower in t'e #-irit? #a son%s $reat stren$t' la( in 'is se*en loc4s. 2'e( were t'e s( 7ol of 'is .n7ro4en *ow of 'is consecration to 5od. =*er( 7elie*er is a NaEarite to 5od+ in C'rist+ and o.$'t to 7e one in -ractice. "1 sa( .nto (o.+ 1 will not drin4 of t'e fr.it of t'e *ine+ .ntil t'e 4in$do of 5od s'all co e." @8.4e 22! 18A 2'is is t'e NaEarite *ow of t'e 7lessed 8ord and e*er( 7elie*er+ 7ein$ one wit' C'rist+ is .nder :is *ow. :erein lies t'e 7elie*er%s stren$t'+ na el(+ in se-aration accordin$ to t'e law of t'e NaEarite. /'ile #a son%s se*en loc4s were .ns'orn+ t'e ene ( co.ld $ain no ad*anta$e o*er 'i . 2'e #-irit re ained in -ower wit' 'i + so lon$ as 'e 4e-t t'e secret of 'is co .nion wit' 5od. 3.t alas+ alas+ 'ow diffic.lt for a NaEarite to retain 'is loc4s in t'e la- of Delila') Alas+ alas+ t'at t'e fo.l fin$ers of a 'arlot s'o.ld e*er to.c' t'e loc4s of 5od%s NaEarite) #ee4+ t'en+ < ( so.l+ 7( dili$ence+ watc'f.lness and -ra(er+ to li*e and wal4+ in se-aration fro t'e world+ in fellows'i- wit' C'rist+ and in t'e -ower of t'e #-irit& t'at t'( loc4s a( ne*er 7e s'orn+ and t'at t'e secret of t'( co .nion a( ne*er 7e 7ro4en. ""hy teeth are like a flock of shee that are e%en shorn, which came u from the washing. whereof e%ery one bear twins, and none is barren among them." :ere t'e co -arison fitl( re-resents e*er( -oint of t'e feat.re wit' $reat -erfection. 1n t'e s'ee-+ e*en s'orn+ we 'a*e t'e enc. 7rance of nat.re re o*ed re$.larit(+ e*enness. "Co in$ .- fro t'e was'in$" cleanness+ w'iteness. 2'e( 'a*e 7een was'ed in t'e fo.ntain t'at re o*es all .ncleanness. 2'e .--er and .nder rows e9actl( corres-ond. 2'e( are "twins." "None is 7arren a on$ t'e " t'ere is not'in$ wantin$. 2'e 7ride can now eat t'e 7read of life t'e old corn of t'e land. #'e is of f.ll a$e. 2'e risen+ e9alted+ $lorified+ and co in$ Messia' is t'e food and no.ris' ent of 'er so.l. 1n t'e 8ord%s si$'t t'ere is e*enness+ -.rit(+ fr.itf.lness+ not'in$ lac4in$ in t'e one :e lo*es. /'at a erc( it is so+ and t'at :e tells .s :i self+ t'at it is so) "3less t'e 8ord+ < ( so.l& and all t'at is wit'in e+ 7less 'is 'ol( na e." ""hy li s are like a thread of scarlet, and thy s eech is comely." As t'e ri*er of 5od%s $race w'ic' flows t'ro.$' t'is world is dee-l( tin$ed wit' t'e 7lood of t'e cross+ so s'o.ld t'e con*ersation of t'e 7elie*er 7e. "1 deter ined+" sa(s Pa.l+ "not to 4now an(t'in$ a on$ (o. sa*e Bes.s C'rist and 'i cr.cified"& and a$ain+ "5od for7id t'at 1 s'o.ld $lor(+ sa*e in t'e cross of o.r 8ord Bes.s C'rist." @1 Cor. 2! 2& 5al. 5! 14A <7ser*e caref.ll(+ < ( so.l+ t'e si$nificance of t'is feat.re in 'ol( scri-t.re. And+ o') a( a dee- scarlet line t'read its wa( t'ro.$' all t'( con*ersation& so s'all t'( "s-eec' 7e co el(" to t'( well07elo*ed. Not'in$ co.ld 7e ore loat'so e to t'e e(e t'an t'e li-s of t'e le-er& s.c' are t'e li-s of nat.re to 5od. 8e-ros( is t(-ical of t'e sin of o.r nat.re. 2'e le-er was to "-.t a co*erin$ .-on 'is .--er li-+ and cr(+ .nclean+ .nclean+ 'e s'all dwell alone& o.tside t'e ca - s'all 'is 'a7itation 7e." @8e*. 14A #.c'+ alas+ is t'e re-resentation of an%s sad oral condition 7efore 5od+ 'owe*er fra$rant t'e li-s+ or co el( t'e s-eec'+ to o.r co on nat.re. 3.t o'+ 'ow c'an$ed w'en was'ed in t'e 7lood of t'e 8a 7& in -lace of t'e w'ite scal( li-s of t'e le-er+ t'ere is t'e -.re+ dee- scarlet colo.r of t'e 53

-ardoned+ 'ealed+ and -.rified 7elie*er. "And s.c' were so e of (o.& 7.t (e are was'ed+ 7.t (e are sanctified+ 7.t (e are ,.stified in t'e na e of t'e 8ord Bes.s+ and 7( t'e #-irit of o.r 5od." @1 Cor. 6! 11A /'en 1saia' saw t'e $lor( of t'e 8ord in *ision+ 'e was 7ro.$'t to see 'i self+ orall(+ as a le-er+ and e9clai ed+ "/oe is e) for 1 a .ndone& 7eca.se 1 a a an of .nclean li-s+ and 1 dwell in t'e idst of a -eo-le of .nclean li-s& for ine e(es 'a*e seen t'e Cin$+ t'e 8ord of 'osts. 2'en flew one of t'e sera-'i s .nto e+ 'a*in$ a li*e coal in 'is 'and w'ic' 'e 'ad ta4en wit' t'e ton$s fro off t'e altar& and 'e laid it .-on ( o.t'+ and said+ 8o+ t'is 'at' to.c'ed t'( li-s! and t'ine ini;.it( is ta4en awa(+ and t'( sin -.r$ed." @1sa. 6A 2'e 7ri$'t scarlet t'read t'at was 7o.nd in t'e window of 6a'a7+ in*ites t'( editations. 1t s-ea4s lo.dl(+ and distinctl(+ of t'e -ower of t'e 7lood of C'rist& 7.t+ for t'e -resent+ it a( 7e left. More t'an e*er+ < ( so.l+ let t'( li-s 7e -reser*ed fro e*er(t'in$ t'at wo.ld ar t'eir li*in$ fres'ness to t'e e(e of Bes.s+ and also+ in t'e si$'t of ot'ers. "8et (o.r s-eec'+" sa(s t'e a-ostle+ "7e alwa(s wit' $race+ seasoned wit' salt+ t'at (e a( 4now 'ow (e o.$'t to answer e*er( an." @Col. 4! 6A ""hy tem les are like a iece of a omegranate within thy locks." 2'e 'eart of t'e -o e$ranate is c'osen to re-resent t'e te -les of t'e 7ride. "A -iece+" or 7ro4en -art+ "of a -o e$ranate" is t'e e 7le . 2'e fr.it is said to 7e delicio.s to t'e taste& and w'en t'.s 7ro4en it -resents a 7ri$'t red colo.r+ in$led wit' w'ite. 2'is co -arison+ 1 s.--ose+ $i*es .s t'e idea of odest(+ s'a efacedness+ or 7l.s'in$. 3lessed c'an$e for t'e 'o.se of Baco7+ w'o t'e s-o.se re-resents. 2'ere was a ti e w'en t'e 8ord 'ad to sa(+ of :is ancient -eo-le& "1 4now t'at t'o. art o7stinate+ and t'( nec4 is an iron sinew+ and t'( 7row 7rass." @1sa. 48! 4A /'at a c'an$e+ now) /'at 'as $race wro.$'t) Now+ t'e 8ord sees in :is lo*ed one t'e -erfection of ee4ness and lowl( $race. =*en 'er 7l.s'in$ te -les are 'idden 7( 'er flowin$ tresses. "2'( te -les are li4e a -iece of a -o e$ranate wit'in t'( loc4s." /'at sa(est t'o. to t'is feat.re+ ( so.l? Meditate t'ereon+ and -ra( t'at t'ine adornin$ a( "7e t'e 'idden an of t'e 'eart+ in t'at w'ic' is not corr.-ti7le+ e*en t'e orna ent of a ee4 and ;.iet s-irit+ w'ic' is in t'e si$'t of 5od of $reat -rice." @1 Peter 3! 4A ""hy neck is like the tower of 'a%id, builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men." 2'e ar o.r( of Da*id was adorned wit' t'e tro-'ies of 'is *ictories. :e was a i$'t( an of war. 2'e 8ord deli*ered 'i o.t of t'e 'and of all 'is ene ies+ and o.t of t'e 'and of #a.l. :e s.7d.ed 'is ene ies on all sides+ and -a*ed t'e wa( for t'e rei$n of -eace+ .nder #olo on+ 'is son. 3.t w'at were t'ese+ co -ared wit' t'e *ictories of Cin$ Messia'? 2'e entire 7oo4 of 5od a( 7e considered as t'e record of t'e *ictories of C'rist. 3.t t'e tower0li4e nec4 of t'e 7ride+ adorned wit' an( ,ewels+ s( 7olises t'e tro-'ies :e 'as won wit'in t'e land of B.da'. /e read of 1srael as a stiff0nec4ed -eo-le as wreat'ed a7o.t t'e nec4 wit' t'e (o4e of trans$ression and as wal4in$ wantonl( wit' stretc'ed fort' nec4s. #.c' ill.strations re-resent a sad oral condition. 3.t now+ t'ro.$' t'e lord%s $race+ t'e c'an$e is co -lete 0 t'e tri. -'s of :is lo*e are -erfect. 2'e (o4e of trans$ression is 7ro4en fro off t'e nec4 of t'e da.$'ter of Fion. 1n -lace of 7ein$ o7stinate as an iron sinew+ it is $racef.l+ 7ea.tif.l+ and statel(+ li4e t'e tower of Da*id. "Awa4e+ awa4e+ -.t on t'( stren$t'+ < Fion! -.t on t'( 7ea.tif.l $ar ents+ < Ber.sale . . . . 8oose t'(self fro t'e 7ands of t'( nec4+ < ca-ti*e da.$'ter of Fion." @1sa. 52! 1+ 2A And now t'e 8ord deli$'ts to conte -late t'is 7ea.tif.l feat.re of :is 7ride $raced wit' an( c'ains of 'ono.r& "Meet for t'e nec4s of t'e t'at ta4e t'e s-oil." 2'e 'ol( li7ert(+ and -erfect 'a--iness of :is -eo-le will co e orate for e*er t'e *ictories of :is lo*e.

54

""hy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies." 2'is 7ea.tif.l feat.re+ t'e se*ent' in n. 7er+ is t'e e 7le + first+ of oral de*elo- ent t'e for ation of t'e 'eart for C'rist t'e affections drawn o.t to :i & second+ of no.ris' ent t'e eans of $rowt' and 7lessin$ to ot'ers. 2'e contrast 7etween t'e s-o.se and "t'e little sister+" of Cant. 8! 8+ is ar4ed and instr.cti*e. "/e 'a*e a little sister+ and s'e 'at' no 7reasts." 1t is t'o.$'t+ 7( so e+ t'at t'e -erfect de*elo- ent of t'e 7ride+ and its a7sence in "t'e little sister+" re-resent t'e oral condition of B.da' and =-'rai + or t'e two tri7es and t'e ten. /'en t'e twel*e are restored+ t'e difference will 7e anifest. Ne*ert'eless+ t'e ten tri7es will en,o( t'e 7lessed res.lts of w'at 'as 7een done. =-'rai + 'owe*er+ will 7e a stran$er to t'ose dee- e9ercises of 'eart+ t'ro.$' w'ic' B.da' 'as -assed+ in connection wit' t'e Messia'& and+ conse;.entl(+ to t'e oral de*elo- ent w'ic' t'ese e9-eriences $i*e. 1t was after t'e ca-ti*it( of t'e ten tri7es+ t'at C'rist a--eared and was re,ected and cr.cified. And 7efore :is $at'erin$ of t'e o.t of all co.ntries to 7rin$ t'e into t'eir own land is co -leted+ :e will 'a*e ade :i self 4nown to B.da'+ as co in$ a$ain in -ower and $lor(. 2'e re nant+ w'en t'e Messia' ret.rns+ will 7e c'iefl( co -osed of t'e tri7e of B.da'. 2'e twin roes a( re-resent .nit( of ind and 'eart in restored 1srael+ towards t'eir lon$0loo4ed for Messia'. 1n feedin$ "a on$ t'e lilies" t'e( now find t'eir deli$'t+ w'ere :e finds :is. ":e feedet' a on$ t'e lilies." 2'e 'eart is drawn o.t+ and t'e affections are for ed for C'rist+ t'ro.$' t'e anifestation of :i self to .s+ 7( t'e :ol( #-irit. <') t'at o.r 'earts ( 'eart 0 a( desire t'is+ ore and ore+ t'at t'ere a( 7e a ore -erfect de*elo- ent of :is lo*e t'ere. B.da' will t'.s 7eco e t'e eans of no.ris' ent and 7lessin$+ not onl( to t'e ten tri7es+ 7.t to all t'e nations of eart'. "6e,oice+ (e wit' Ber.sale + and 7e $lad wit' 'er+ all (e t'at lo*e 'er& re,oice for ,o( wit' 'er+ all (e t'at o.rn for 'er! t'at (e a( s.c4+ and 7e satisfied wit' t'e 7reasts of 'er consolations& t'at (e a( il4 o.t and 7e deli$'ted wit' t'e a7.ndance of 'er $lor(. >or t'.s sait' t'e 8ord+ 3e'old+ 1 will e9tend -eace to 'er li4e a ri*er+ and t'e $lor( of t'e 5entiles li4e a flowin$ strea ! t'en s'all (e s.c4+ (e s'all 7e 7orne .-on 'er sides+ and 7e dandled on 'er 4nees. As one w'o 'is ot'er co fortet'+ so will 1 co fort (o.& and (e s'all 7e co forted in Ber.sale ." @1sa. 66! 10013A 2'e 3ride$roo + 'a*in$ t'.s s.r*e(ed+ wit' $reat deli$'t+ t'e fa.ltless 7ea.t( of :is 7ride+ -ro-oses to retire to 'is fa*o.rite scenes of resort 0 t'e o.ntain of (rr'+ and t'e 'ill of fran4incense. 1t wo.ld a--ear t'at s'e acco -anies :i on t'is occasion. 3.t w'et'er s'e $oes wit' : or re ains 7e'ind+ :e dro-s into 'er 'eart t'is 7lessed word+ "2'o. art all fair+ ( lo*e& t'ere is no s-ot in t'ee." "2'( warfare is acco -lis'ed. C'rist 'as died) 2'( sins+ t'o.$' scarlet+ 'a*e 7een co*ered o%er /it' :is free -ardon and :is snow0w'ite ro7es& Cast into ocean is t'( 'ated $.ilt& A7'orrin$ e*il+ clea*in$ .nto $ood+ 8o) t'o. art fair) t'ere is no s-ot in t'ee)" Cant. 4! 8. "Come with me from Lebanon, my s ouse, with me from Lebanon. look from the to of Amana, from the to of #henir and Hermon, from the lions$ dens, from the mountains of the leo ards." /e a( so eti es+ in o.r t'o.$'tless wanderin$s+ 7e .c' nearer t'e "lions% dens" t'an we are aware of& (et w'oll( .nconscio.s of o.r dan$er. Jnder t'e attractions of nat.re a( 7e concealed o.r deadliest foes. /e associate wit' "8e7anon+" as a t(-e+ o.r 'i$'est t'o.$'ts of eart'l( e9altation. 3.t t'ere+ t'at w'ic' is so fascinatin$ to t'e o.tward e(e+ so c'ar in$ to t'e senses+ s'elters t'e de*o.rin$ lion and t'e cr.el leo-ard. 1ts *er( l.9.riance and 7ea.t( afford a co*ert for t'e ene (. 2'e tra*eller+ 55

deli$'ted 7e(ond eas.re wit' t'e $or$eo.s scener( of 8e7anon and :er on+ a( 7e enticed to lin$er .ntil it 7e too late to $et safel( to t'e -lain. :is dan$er t'ere7( wo.ld 7e i inent+ .nless 'e 'ad a $ood and fait'f.l $.ide. :ere+ < ( so.l+ t'o. wilt do well to -a.se a little. 3ear in ind+ t'at t'e fairest scenes of eart' are infested 7( ene ies ore s.7tle and dan$ero.s t'an t'e lions and leo-ards of 8e7anon. Ponder t'e -at's of t'( feet. /'at of t'( -roneness to wander+ to lin$er a idst t'e attractions of t'e scene aro.nd? 8earn to 4now t'ine own wea4ness+ t'ine own tendencies. #o e of t'e 8ord%s -eo-le+ t'o. a(est 'a*e o7ser*ed+ are drawn aside 7( confor it( to t'e world& ot'ers+ 7( readin$ 7oo4s w'ic' fascinate t'e ind+ 7.t dr( .- t'e so.l& and not a few+ alas+ are ensnared 7( followin$ t'eir own will+ and t'e wa( t'at see s ri$'t in t'eir own e(es. 3.t t'e( all ali4e lead to t'e "lions% dens+ t'e o.ntains of t'e leo-ards+" or+ to scenes and occ.-ations of i inent dan$er to t'e so.l. 2'ere is one e(e+ and onl( one+ t'at can detect t'e snare& one *oice+ and onl( one+ t'at can wit'draw t'e 'eart fro t'e -lace of -eril. ">ro t'e to- of A ana+ fro t'e to- of #'enir and :er on+" di*ine lo*e wo.ld sa(+ "8oo4 .nto e." 2'.s s'all t'e world+ as it were+ .nderneat' and .nseen+ 7e .nder t'( feet. "A ana+" o7ser*e+ si$nifies tr.t'+ inte$rit(. >ro tr.t'%s -oint of *iew+ 4ee- loo4in$ for t'( 8ord%s ret.rn. Not'in$ can 7e ore 7ea.tif.l and to.c'in$ t'an t'e wa( t'e 7lessed 8ord 'ere see4s to call :is 7ride awa( fro t'e scene of dan$er. "Co e wit' e+" are :is words of atc'less tenderness. :e does not sa(+ "5o) a4e 'aste+ awa(+ dan$er is near+ t'o. art on t'e *er$e of t'e lions% dens." <'+ no+ 7.t+ "Co e)" "Co e wit' e fro 8e7anon+ ( s-o.se+ wit' e fro 8e7anon." :e see4s to wean 'er 'eart awa( fro 8e7anon+ t'e -lace of eart'l( deli$'ts+ 7.t of s-irit.al dan$er. /'at ineffa7le $race t'ere is in t'e word "Co e)" 2'e w'ole sentence 7reat'es t'e tenderest s( -at'ies+ t'e dee-est solicit.des of :is 'eart. :ow .c' sweeter to t'e ear is "Co e+" t'an "5o." 2'ere is fellows'i- in t'e one+ t'ere is se-aration in t'e ot'er. "Co e t'o. and all t'( 'o.se into t'e ar4+" said t'e 8ord to Noa'. :e did not sa(+ "5o t'o.+" 7.t "Co e t'o.." 2'e 8ord+ in $race+ entered t'e ar4 7efore :is ser*ant+ and+ 7ein$ t'ere+ :e co.ld sa( "Co e"& and in t'is wa( t'e an of fait' was ass.red t'at t'e 8ord was wit' 'i in t'e ar4 of #al*ation. /'at a co fort to 4now t'at t'e 8ord is wit' .s in t'e s'i-+ 'owe*er .c' it a( 7e tossed 7( t'e tro.7led waters) 3.t f.rt'er+ to t'e re7ellio.s 'o.se of 1srael 'e sa(s+ "Co e now+ and let .s reason to$et'er+ sait' t'e 8ord." @1sa. 1! 18A Mar4 also t'e $racio.s anner of :is reasonin$. /'en t'e in*itation "Co e" is o7e(ed+ :e -.EEles t'e not wit' ar$. ents+ 7.t sweetl( sa(s+ "2'o.$' (o.r sins 7e as scarlet+ t'e( s'all 7e as w'ite as snow! t'o.$' t'e( 7e red li4e cri son+ t'e( s'all 7e as wool." 3lessed wa( of reasonin$ for a $.ilt( sinner) onl( t'e 8ord can reason t'.s. 2'e sa e $race+ 7lessed 7e 'is na e+ we 'a*e dis-la(ed to t'e w'ole world+ in t'at word of widest in*itation! "Co e .nto e+ all (e t'at la7o.r and are 'ea*( laden+ and 1 will $i*e (o. rest." No sooner is t'e word 'ere -roclai ed+ 7elie*ed+ t'an t'e rest is sec.red. "1 will $i*e (o. rest" rest fro t'e 7.rden of sin rest fro (o.r own fr.itless efforts rest wit' (self in t'e -aradise of 5od. 3lessed 8ord) wo.ld t'at t'at -recio.s "Co e" were ore a--reciated 7( t'ose still at a distance. 3.t t'e $lor( and t'e -raise of t'e $race is t'ine. <nce ore! w'o 'as failed to ad ire t'e 7ea.tif.l wind0.- of 'ol( scri-t.re wit' its an( "Co es"? "And t'e #-irit and t'e 7ride sa(+ Co e. And let 'i t'at 'earet' sa(+ Co e. And let 'i t'at is at'irst co e. And w'osoe*er will+ let 'i ta4e t'e water of life freel(." @6e*. 22! 17A 3.t t'ere are ot'er two words in t'e 3ride$roo %s lo*in$ call+ fro w'ic' t'e 'eart a( drin4 in t'e dee-est ,o(+ "/it' e . . . . . Co e wit' e." Co.ld words -ossi7l( 7e fo.nd+ 7etter fitted to re o*e fear+ and to fill t'e 'eart wit' confidence+ w'ate*er t'e circ. stances i$'t 7e? 1 -ossi7le) 1f we 'a*e 'eard t'e lion%s roar+ and 4now t'at 'e is near+ we a( well 7e filled wit' alar & for w'at -ower 'a*e we+ in o.rsel*es+ to resist 'i ? 3.t t'ese t'ree words of atc'less $race+ "Co e wit' e+" 56

contain e*er(t'in$ t'at t'e 'eart needs. /it' :i s'e is -erfectl( safe+ 'owe*er e9tensi*e t'e ran$e of o.ntains o*er w'ic' s'e 'as to -ass+ and w'ate*er t'e dan$er a( 7e. 3.t ere esca-e fro t'e lion%s den+ is t'e *er( least erc( t'ese t'ree words .nfold. 2'e( e9-ress t'e deli$'t :e 'as in 'er co -an(. :er -resence is :is ,o(. /ondro.s 7lessed tr.t') 2'is is t'e ric'est t'o.$'t of all. :is deli$'t in .s& :is desire to 'a*e .s wit' :i self) Not+ of co.rse+ t'at :e is de-endent on+ or inde7ted to+ t'e creat.re for :is s.-re e deli$'t+ for 'e is 5od as well as an+ and s.ffices for :i self. :e is t'e inde-endent 0 eternal+ li*in$ <ne& t'e Be'o*a' Bes.s. 3.t+ as #on of an+ in wondro.s $race and lo*e+ :e 'as ade .s necessar( to t'e f.ll dis-la( of :is $lor(+ and :is eternal deli$'t. 2'e c'.rc'+ w'ic' is :is 7od(+ is :is f.lness. @=-'. 1! 22+ 23A And to t'e da.$'ter of Fion :e also sa(s+ ":ear4en+ < da.$'ter+ and consider+ and incline t'ine ear& for$et also t'ine own -eo-le+ and t'( fat'er%s 'o.se! so s'all t'e Cin$ $reatl( desire t'( 7ea.t(& for 'e is t'( 8ord& and wors'i- t'o. 'i ." @Ps. 45! 10+ 11A 2'is 7ea.tif.l -assa$e will 7e 7ro.$'t 'o e to t'e 'eart of t'e s-o.se t'e Bewis' re nant in di*ine -ower+ w'en t'e 8ord ret.rns. :e is see4in$ 'ere+ to t.rn awa( t'eir t'o.$'ts and s( -at'ies fro t'e old Bewis' order of t'in$s+ "t'e fat'er%s 'o.se+" t'at t'e( a( 7e entirel( confor ed to t'e new order of t'in$s+ .nder t'e Messia' in :is 4in$l( $lor(. 1srael%s 7lessin$ will 7e on t'e eart'+ in 1 an.el%s land. 2'e #-irit of 5od 'as ta4en s.c' -ains to .nfold t'is -recio.s tr.t'+ "wit' C'rist+" t'at it a( well in*ite t'( editations for a little w'ile. 1t is esta7lis'ed in t'e c'an$eless -.r-ose of 5od+ and r.ns li4e a $olden t'read t'ro.$' e*er( circ. stance. ":e t'at s-ared not 'is own #on+ 7.t deli*ered 'i .for .s all+ 'ow s'all 'e not wit' 'i also freel( $i*e .s all t'in$s?" @6o . 8! 32A /'at a t'o.$'t) "All t'in$s . . . . wit' C'rist" 0 in fellows'i- wit' :i . :ealt' or sic4ness -o*ert( or ric'es+ 1 a in eac' state wit' :i & and 'a*e :i in eac' state. Accordin$ to t'e a-ostle%s reasonin$+ t'e $reater incl.des t'e lesser+ and t'e lesser is -ossessed and en,o(ed wit' t'e $reater. #'o.ld t'e C'ristian 7e so red.ced in circ. stances+ as t'at a dr( cr.st and a c.- of cold water were 'is ric'est re-ast+ (et (e co.ld tri. -'antl( sa(+ s.c' as it is+ 1 'a*e it wit' C'rist+ and C'rist wit' it. >ro t'e lowest condition on eart' to t'e 'i$'est -innacle in $lor(+ we 'a*e all wit' C'rist+ and o.r ric'est 7lessin$ is to 7e one wit' :i . #o wondro.s so real so -erfect+ is o.r oneness wit' C'rist+ t'e c'.rc'%s :ead+ t'at t'e a-ostle sa(s+ "1 a cr.cified wit' C'rist." And of all C'ristians 'e sa(s+ "Cnowin$ t'is+ t'at o.r old an is cr.cified wit' 'i ." And in different -arts of scri-t.re+ 'e s-ea4s of it .nder se*en distinct as-ects+ w'ic' $i*e .s t'e idea of di*ine co -leteness. 1. /e are cr.cified to$et'er. 2. K.ic4ened to$et'er. 3. 6aised .- to$et'er. 4. #eated to$et'er. 5. :eirs to$et'er. 6. #.fferers to$et'er. 7. 5lorified to$et'er. And so -recio.s to t'e 'eart of Bes.s is t'is oneness+ or identit( of t'e c'.rc' wit' :i self+ t'at in eac' -lace w'ere o.r f.t.re state is s-o4en of in scri-t.re+ it is defined as 7ein$ wit' C'rist. "2oda( s'alt t'o. 7e wit' e in -aradise." "A7sent fro t'e 7od(+ -resent wit' t'e 8ord ":a*in$ a desire to de-art and to 7e wit' C'rist+ w'ic' is far 7etter." "And so s'all we e*er 7e wit' t'e 8ord." "1n ( >at'er%s 'o.se are an( ansions! if it were not so+ 1 wo.ld 'a*e told (o.. 1 $o to -re-are a -lace for (o.. And if 1 $o to -re-are a -lace for (o.+ 1 will co e a$ain+ and recei*e (o. .nto (self+ t'at w'ere 1 a + t'ere (e a( 7e also." A en) 2'is is rest+ -erfect rest+ to t'e 'eart for e*er. 6efres'ed+ as if 7at'ed in t'e ocean of :is s'oreless lo*e+ ret.rn to t'( editations on t'e 7ea.tif.l #on$ of #on$s. (et still to dwell on t'e *ol. e of :is 'eart+ w'ic' onl( lo*es. "2'( 7est re-ose on eart' is 7ro4en still+ 2'( "8e7anon" in*aded and dist.r7ed 3( leo-ard0s-otted+ watc'in$ ene ies+ 3( roarin$ lions see4in$ to destro(. 57

3.t co e wit' Me in co

.nin$s di*ine+

And 1 will lead t'ee w'ere destro(in$ 7east Nor noiso e ad*ersar( can a--roac'& /'ere M( redee ed+ wit' e*erlastin$ son$s 2ri. -'antl( re,oicin$+ wa*e t'eir -al s <f 7lood07o.$'t *ictor( aro.nd t'( t'rone 1n 7liss .ns-ea4a7le w'ere sin is not+ Nor deat'+ nor c'an$e+ nor an(t'in$ 7.t ,o(. M( s-o.se+ M( -.rc'ased+ fro >ro #'enir and fro A ana loo4+ :er on loo4 afar)

>i9ed on t'e 7asis of t'e -ro ises+ 3e e*er $aEin$ on t'( $lorio.s rest." Cant. 4! 9011. ""hou hast ra%ished my heart, my sister, my s ouse) thou hast ra%ished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck. How fair is thy lo%e, my sister, my s ouse9 how much better is thy lo%e than wine9 and the smell of thine ointments than all s ices9 thy li s, + my s ouse, dro as the honeycomb) honey and milk are under thy tongue) and the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon." Matc'less as were t'e *ario.s *iews fro t'e to- of A ana+ #'enir+ and :er on 7ea.tif.l and enc'antin$ to t'e e(e as were t'ese $lorio.s fields of nat.re fra$rant wit' ric'est odo.rs as were t'ese s-ic( o.ntains& t'e e(e and t'e 'eart of t'e 3ride$roo t.rn fro t'e conte -lation of t'e all+ to ad ire t'e lo*ed one 7( :is side. :e sees in 'er w'at :e can see now'ere else t'e feelin$s and affections of :is 'eart+ reflectin$ 7ac4 on :i self fro 'ers. 2'e 7ea.ties of t'e scene aro.nd t'e a( 7e t(-ical of t'ose t'in$s w'ic' t'e en of t'e world estee as ost e9cellent+ c'oice+ and no7le& 7.t in t'e 7ea.t( and t'e lo*e of t'e 7ride+ t'e ro(al 3ride$roo finds :is deli$'t and satisfaction. :e sees in 'er t'e 7lessed fr.its of :is own .n;.enc'a7le lo*e of t'e tra*ail of :is so.l+ and is satisfied. @1sa. 53! 11A Precio.s tr.t' for t'e 'eart of e*er( 7elie*er) A an a( 'a*e a *er( 'andso e estate+ and *al.e it .c'+ 7.t 'e can ne*er 'a*e t'e sa e feelin$s towards it t'at 'e 'as towards 'is wife and c'ildren. 2'e( are a -art of 'i self+ not it. /'at were all t'e -leas.res of -aradise to t'e first Ada co -ared wit' 'is deli$'t in 'is lo*ed and 7ea.tif.l =*e? #'e was -art of 'i self+ not creation. :e 'ad 7een cast into a dee- slee-+ and fro 'is o-ened side a 'el- eet was for ed. /'en 'e awo4e o.t of slee- and saw standin$ 7( 'is side t'e fair one+ w'o t'e 8ord 5od+ in :is $oodness+ 'ad -ro*ided for 'i + 'e e9clai ed+ "2'is is now 7one of ( 7one+ and fles' of ( fles'." 2'e 7lan4 was now filled .-. :e 'ad seen not'in$ till now to s.it 'is 'eart. 2'e fair creation t'e 7ea.ties of =den+ 'ad 7een+ as it were+ a 7lan4 to t'e first an+ .ntil 'e -ossessed and en,o(ed t'e 7lessed fr.it of 'is t(-ical s.fferin$s and deat'. 3.t w'at was erel( t(-ical in t'e first an+ was real in t'e #econd an t'e last Ada . :e was indeed cast into a dee- slee- t'e slee- of deat'& and as t'e fr.it of :is o-ened side+ a second =*e+ as it were+ 'as 7een for ed+ all fair and s-otless in :is si$'t+ w'o s'all+ ere lon$+ s'are wit' :i t'e ,o(s and do inion of t'e new t'e redee ed creation& and t'ere+ a idst its $lories+ reflect :is lo*e w'ic' was stron$er t'an deat'+ and 7as4 in t'e 7ea s of :is clo.dless fa*o.r for e*er and e*er. Need we wonder t'en at :is enra-t.red ad iration of 'er li4eness to :i self? Al i$'t( -ower co.ld create a world& di*ine lo*e alone+ t'ro.$' s.fferin$ and deat'+ co.ld redee a lost sinner. /'o can 58

.nderstand t'is lo*e t'is lo*e to a -oor wort'less sinner? 3.t were it ore t'e s.7,ect of t'( editations+ < ( so.l+ t'o. wo.ldst wonder less at t'ese ost ar*ello.s words+ "2'o. 'ast ra*is'ed ( 'eart+ ( sister+ ( s-o.se." And (et+ wit' all t'at t'o. 4nowest now+ or e*er canst 4now 'ereafter+ t'ese words .st for e*er 7e ost ar*ello.s. "2'o. 'ast ra*is'ed ( 'eart&" in t'e ar$in it is+ "ta4en awa(." A aEin$ tr.t') 2'e 'eart of C'rist ra*is'ed ta4en awa() And 7( w'at 7( w'o ? 3( t'e attractions of a sinner sa*ed 7( $race 7( one w'o 'as 7een was'ed in :is own -recio.s 7lood+ and adorned wit' :is own -eerless e9cellencies. 2'is e9-ression of t'e #a*io.r%s lo*e stands in t'e centre of t'e sacred *ol. e+ and is+ in so e res-ects+ t'e ost re ar4a7le we 'a*e in scri-t.re. 3.t t'e entire c'a-ter+ of w'ic' it for s a -art+ is+ in so e res-ects+ a ore wonderf.l .nfoldin$ of :is lo*e t'an we 'a*e an(w'ere else in t'e 7oo4 of 5od. As to details+ t'ere is not'in$ li4e t'e #on$ of #on$s in an( ot'er -art of t'e 3i7le. "2'o. 'ast ra*is'ed ( 'eart+ ( sister+ ( s-o.se." :e now ta4es t'e -lace of 3rot'er as well as 3ride$roo . "M( sister+ ( s-o.se." 3lessed relations'i-) :a--( .nion) /ell 4nown and 'i$'l( -riEed 7( :i + t'o.$' as (et co -arati*el( little 4nown 7( 'er. 3.t t'e ain ;.estion 'ere is one of 'eart of feelin$s of t'e #a*io.r%s lo*e+ not to t'e Bew onl( 7.t to all w'o 7elie*e in :i . :is associations wit' t'e re nant+ w'o :e s-ea4s of as :is sister+ :is s-o.se+ is t'e occasion of its 7ri$'t and f.ll dis-la(. A idst all t'at is 7ea.tif.l+ s'e alone attracts :is e(e& s'e is t'e contrast of all t'at is to 7e fo.nd on eart'+ or a on$st t'e an$elic orders in 'ea*en. /e now'ere read of t'e 'eart of t'e Creator 7ein$ ra*is'ed wit' t'e 7ea.ties of creation. 2'is (ster( of (steries was left for t'e 6edee er and t'e redee ed. ":ere lo*e 8ord fro a( eet a 4indred 'eart+ 3.t not a 'eart li4e 2'ine& 2'( lo*e 1 cannot -art+ ine. Nor canst 2'o. -art wit' 2o 7id .s rise to 2'ee 2o 7id creation own 'er 8ord+ And all :is $lor( see." A ;.estion+ w'ic' 'as e9ercised so e+ *er( nat.rall( arises 'ere. /'( is it t'at we 'a*e s.c' a f.ll and detailed e9-ression of t'e lo*e of C'rist to t'e Bewis' re nant in t'e Canticles+ co -ared wit' t'e e-istles w'ic' are addressed to t'e c'.rc' of 5od+ "t'e 7ride+ t'e 8a 7%s wife"? 1n t'e first -lace+ t'e Canticles a( 7e considered as t'e re*elation of t'e 'eart of C'rist to all saints+ w'et'er Bew or C'ristian+ eart'l( or 'ea*enl(. C'rist%s lo*e is -erfect+ and alwa(s -erfectl( de*elo-ed accordin$ to t'e relations'i- in w'ic' we 4now :i . Jnder t'e alle$or( of 7ride and 3ride$roo lo*e+ t'e feelin$s and affections of :is 'eart are 'ere e9-ressed+ and in -erfect 'ar on( wit' t'at -osition. Cin$ #olo on+ in w'ose da( t'ere was so et'in$ li4e a -assin$ $loo of illennial $lor(+ is t'e c'osen and fitted *essel to re-resent t'ese 7lessed realities. 2'ere is a oral a--lication of t'e sa(in$s of C'rist in t'e Canticles+ w'ic' is .ns-ea4a7l( -recio.s to t'e C'ristian. :a--( t'e( w'o can drin4 at s.c' a fo.ntain) 2'e followin$ re ar4s fro t'e -en of anot'er a( 7e 'el-f.l to t'e st.d( of t'is -recio.s 7oo4+ as to t'e c'aracter of t'e affections t'erein de*elo-ed 7( t'e Bew+ as co -ared wit' t'e C'ristian& and 59

2'en s-ea4 t'e word t'at $laddenin$ word+

w'ic'

a( acco.nt for t'e

anner of t'e 8ord%s lo*e in t'is 7oo4.

":owe*er stron$ t'ese affections a( 7e+ t'e( are not de*elo-ed accordin$ to t'e -osition in w'ic' c'ristian affections+ -ro-erl( so called+ are for ed. 2'e( differ in t'is res-ect. 2'e( do not -ossess t'e -rofo.nd re-ose and sweetness of an affection w'ic' flows fro a relations'i- alread( for ed+ 4nown+ and f.ll( a--reciated+ t'e 7onds of w'ic' are for ed and reco$nised+ t'at co.nts .-on t'e f.ll and constant ac4nowled$e ent of t'e relations'i-+ and t'at eac' -art( en,o(s+ as a certain t'in$+ in t'e 'eart of t'e ot'er. 2'e desire of one w'o lo*es+ and is see4in$ t'e affections of t'e 7elo*ed o7,ect+ is not t'e sweet+ entire+ and esta7lis'ed affection of t'e wife+ wit' w'o arria$e 'as for ed an indissol.7le .nion. 2o t'e for er+ t'e relations'i- is t'e conse;.ence of t'e state of t'e 'eart& to t'e latter+ t'e state of t'e 'eart is t'e conse;.ence of t'e relations'i-. Now+ alt'o.$' t'e arria$e of t'e 8a 7 is not (et co e+ ne*ert'eless+ on acco.nt of t'e re*elation w'ic' 'as 7een ade to .s+ and of t'e acco -lis' ent of o.r sal*ation+ t'is latter c'aracter of affection is t'at w'ic' is -ro-er to t'e c'.rc'. Praise and $lor( 7e to 5od for it) /e 4now in w'o we 'a*e 7elie*ed." 1n t'e second -lace+ t'e relati*e -osition of t'e Bew to C'rist in t'e Canticles+ and of t'e C'ristian in t'e e-istles+ is widel( different+ and needs to 7e 4nown+ or we s'all fail 7ot' in o.r t'o.$'ts and affections+ in t'at w'ic' is d.e to :i & and a--l( to t'e c'.rc' t'at w'ic' relates to 1srael+ and to 1srael t'at w'ic' 7elon$s to t'e c'.rc'. /e 4now t'e 7lessed tr.t' of o.r oneness wit' C'rist+ as risen and $lorified. ":e t'at is ,oined .nto t'e 8ord is one s-irit." @1 Cor. 6! 17A <neness in life and -osition wit' C'rist $lorified+ $oes far 7e(ond w'at t'e a-ostle calls "t'e Bews% reli$ion." =*en now+ at t'is -resent ti e+ we 4now t'at we are sittin$ in t'e 'ea*enl( -laces in C'rist. And t'o.$' 'ere on t'e eart' -oor+ fa.lt(+ failin$ ones+ we 4now t'at we are sealed wit' t'at :ol( #-irit of -ro ise+ w'ic' is t'e earnest of o.r in'eritance .ntil t'e rede -tion of t'e -.rc'ased -ossession. @=-'. 1A 3.t w'at is sweeter far t'an all 7esides+ we 4now t'e $reatness of :is lo*e+ accordin$ to t'e sacrifice 7( w'ic' :e 'as 7ro.$'t .s into t'is 'ea*enl( -osition and e*erlastin$ association wit' :i self. :ence we 4now t'e co -lete settle ent of t'e ;.estion of sin f.ll and e*erlastin$ for$i*eness+ -erfect ,.stification+ and acce-tance in t'e 3elo*ed. C'rist was deli*ered for o.r offences+ and was raised a$ain for o.r ,.stification. @8.4e 7! 48& Bo'n 5! 24& Acts 13! 38+ 39& 6o . 4! 25A <.r rede -tion is acco -lis'ed+ relations'i- is alread( for ed& we onl( wait for $lor( t'e arria$e of t'e 8a 7. /e co.nt on :is -ro ise+ "#.rel( 1 co e ;.ic4l(." ">or (et a little w'ile+ and 'e t'at s'all co e will co e+ and will not tarr(." 3.t w'ile waitin$ for :is co in$+ we 4now and en,o(+ t'o.$' fee7l(+ t'ro.$' t'e -ower of t'e :ol( 5'ost+ t'e affections of :is 'eart+ w'ic' -ro-erl( 7elon$ to t'at .ns-ea4a7l( 7lessed+ and eternall( esta7lis'ed relations'i-. 1srael%s -osition+ in t'e Canticles+ as 7ro.$'t o.t 7( t'e s-irit of -ro-'ec(+ co es far s'ort of t'is. 2'ere is no ;.estion+ 'owe*er+ of t'e -.rification of t'e conscience. Pardon and ,.stification are not to.c'ed .-on. 1t is ore a ;.estion of t'e 'eart of t'e creatin$+ for in$+ and drawin$ o.t of t'e affections for t'e Person of t'e 3elo*ed. 2'e 4nowled$e of :i self and t'e certaint( of relations'iare not (et f.ll( entered into or en,o(ed& and t'ese are t'e *er( t'in$s w'ic' t'e 'eart t'at lo*es so earnestl( desires and loo4s forward to. 2'e 3ride$roo + of co.rse+ 4nows t'e relation in w'ic' :e stands to 'er+ w'o :e calls "M( sister+ ( s-o.se." :ence t'e wonderf.l .nfoldin$ of :is 'eart directl( to 'erself+ t'at s'e a( 4now t'e -.r-oses of :is lo*e. :e ass.res 'er+ and re0 ass.res 'er of 'er 7ea.t(+ *al.e+ and -recio.sness in :is si$'t. And e*en w'en s'e 'as failed t'ro.$' for$etf.lness of :i and :is lo*e+ :e eets 'er wit' an affection t'at cannot 7e t.rned awa( fro its o7,ect. 2'.s 'er 'eart is e9ercised t'ro.$' t'e anifestation of :is lo*e+ $race+ tenderness+ and 4indness& 'er affections are t'ere7( dee-ened+ :e is e9alted a7o*e all ot'ers in 'er e(es+ and a--reciated as t'e "c'iefest a on$ ten t'o.sand . . . . (ea+ t'e alto$et'er lo*el(." :er 'eart is t'.s $rad.all( for ed for :i self+ and t'at 60

7( t'e re*elation of :is. 2'e fort(0fift' Psal is t'e cele7ration of t'is 7lessed res.lt. 2'ere+ t'e re nant t'e Bews are $reeted as t'e "fellows" of t'e Cin$+ and Ber.sale as "t'e ;.een in $old of <-'ir." 2'e nations now 'ono.r 'er wit' t'eir -resents+ and entreat 'er fa*o.r. #'e is now in t'e closest relations'i- wit' t'e Cin$& and recei*ed into t'e i*or( -alaces. 3.t we ret.rn to o.r te9t. "2'o. 'ast ra*is'ed ( 'eart wit' one of t'ine e(es+ wit' one c'ain of t'( nec4." /'at t'e 8ord 'ere eans 7( t'e words "one of t'ine e(es+ one c'ain of t'( nec4+" a( 7e diffic.lt to deter ine. :e a( refer to :is a--reciation of eac' sin$le $race+ and eac' s-irit.al orna ent in t'e 7elie*er& or+ of :is deli$'t in eac' 7elie*er+ indi*id.all(+ as well as in :is -eo-le collecti*el(. 2'e least of all saints can ne*er 7e o*erloo4ed 7( :i + or .ndistin$.is'ed fro ot'ers+ eit'er in ti e or in eternit(. /e are lo*ed as indi*id.als+ sa*ed and $lorified as indi*id.als. 2'is tr.t' is clearl( ta.$'t in 8.4e 15+ and Bo'n also s-ea4s .c' of o.r indi*id.al 7lessin$+ t'e fa il( of 5od 7ein$ 'is -rinci-al t'e e+ as t'e c'.rc' of 5od is Pa.l%s+ and t'e wilderness ,o.rne( Peter%s& (et it is Pa.l w'o sa(s+ "/'o lo*ed e+ and $a*e 'i self for e." Pa.l 'ere s-ea4s as if 'e were t'e onl( one t'at C'rist lo*ed and died for. >ait' a--ro-riates w'at $race re*eals. 1t is onl( in t'is wa( t'at t'e 'eart en,o(s t'e re*elations of $race. Jnderstandest t'o. t'is+ < ( so.l? 1t is all0i -ortant. 2'is is t'e -ro*ince of fait' alone. 1t a4es t'e 7lessin$+ 'owe*er $reat+ -ersonal. No atter w'at $race re*eals in C'rist+ as t'e c'ildren%s -ortion+ fait' is s.re to sa(+ "1t is ine." 3.t in o.r 'a--( 'o e a7o*e+ not onl( s'all we 7e 4nown -ersonall( to t'e 7lessed 8ord+ 7.t to eac' ot'er. Peter see s to 'a*e 'ad no diffic.lt( in reco$nisin$+ on t'e o.nt of transfi$.ration+ w'ic' was Moses and w'ic' was =lias. #o .st it 7e in t'e res.rrection state+ w'ere all is -erfection. A t'oro.$' distinction of -ersons will 'e anifest t'ere. Pa.l will ne*er 7e ta4en for Peter+ nor Peter for Pa.l& and eac' will 'a*e 'is own crown and $lor(. 3lessed+ (et sole n t'o.$'t) eac' saint will 'a*e 'is own crown. All will 7e 4nown t'ere for w'at t'e( are in t'e esti ation of t'e 8ord. Iet all will 7e -erfect+ all 'a--(+ all in t'e f.ll ,o( of t'e 8ord+ and all s'inin$ 7ri$'tl( in :is $lorio.s i a$e+ w'ic' all s'all t'en -erfectl( 7ear. "How fair is thy lo%e, my sister, my s ouse9" /ere o.r editations on t'e 8ord%s a--reciation of o.r lo*e+ ore dee-+ earnest+ and si -le+ we s'o.ld 7e ore .ndi*ided in 'eart for :i . 8o*e 7e$ets lo*e. 1t is t'e fire 1 sit at t'at war s e. 2'e nearer t'e fire+ t'e war er 1 a . 2'e nearer 1 a to t'e 'eart of C'rist+ t'e war er will 7e ( own+ and t'e ore intense t'e fla e of lo*e to :i . As well i$'t 1 t'in4 of $ettin$ war ed 7( $oin$ o.t to t'e $arden and loo4in$ at t'e snow+ as $ettin$ ore lo*e to C'rist 7( loo4in$ to (self+ t'in4in$ of (self+ and tr(in$ to increase ( lo*e for :i . 3.t+ so e'ow+ an( sa(+ 1 do not $row in lo*e to :i + and in a--reciation of :is lo*e to e+ and 1 do desire to feel ore lo*e to :i . /ell+ t'en+ if it is t'e fire 1 sit at t'at war s e+ it is also t'e food 1 eat t'at satisfies e. 8et t'( so.l t'en feed on C'rist. And a ric' re-ast t'o. wilt find in t'is wonderf.l c'a-ter. Meditate t'ereon. 1t will 7ear 7ein$ st.died+ word 7( word. And o') t'in4 of t'e 'eart t'at eac' word flows fro . Jn7elief lets t'e words of C'rist $o for not'in$+ fait' feeds on t'e . 3.t 7e s.re and rise in t'( editations to t'e 'eart w'ence t'e( flow. =*er st.d( :is words in fellows'i- wit' :i self. 3eware of se-aratin$ t'e word fro t'e Person of C'rist. 2'.s s'alt t'( lo*e increase+ and t'( -ractical confor it( to :i self $row e9ceedin$l(. 2o 4now 'ow 'i$'l( :e *al.es o.r lo*e+ s'o.ld lead .s to t'e conte -lation of t'at w'ic' will no.ris' and stren$t'en it. ":ow fair is t'( lo*e+ ( sister+ ( s-o.se) :ow .c' 7etter is t'( lo*e t'an wine) and t'e s ell of t'ine oint ents t'an all s-ices." 1f s.c' re*elations of :is lo*e win .s not+ w'at will? 2'ere is no wine+ no ,o( of eart'+ so -leasant to :i + as t'e lo*e of :is s-o.se& no odo.r so sweet as t'e s ell of 'er oint ents. :e tells 'er t'e( s.r-assed "all s-ices." 2'e 'os-italities of t'e self0ri$'teo.s Bew were not'in$ to :i co -ared wit' t'e lo*e of t'e fallen one at :is feet. 3.t s.c' 61

fr.it of t'e #-irit will onl( $row in t'e li$'t of :is -resence. Plants ne*er $row well in t'e dar4. 2'e( a( -rod.ce a few -ale+ sic4l( lea*es+ 7.t t'at will 7e all. >r.it and fra$rance will onl( 7e fo.nd w'en t'e -lant 'as t'e f.ll 7enefit of t'e li$'t of 'ea*en. "1 a t'e li$'t of t'e world+" sa(s C'rist+ "'e t'at followet' e s'all not wal4 in dar4ness+ 7.t s'all 'a*e t'e li$'t of life." ":e t'at a7idet' in e+ and 1 in 'i + t'e sa e 7rin$et' fort' .c' fr.it& for wit'o.t e+ (e can do not'in$." @Bo'n 8! 12& Bo'n 15! 5A 2'e 'one(co 7 .st first 7e filled 7( -atient ind.str( 7efore it dro-s. 2'e 'one( .st 7e $at'ered fro e*er( flower. #.c' s'o.ld 7e t'e 'a7it of t'e C'ristian& learnin$ so et'in$ fro al ost e*er(t'in$. 3.t+ alas+ we too .c' rese 7le t'e 7.tterfl(+ and too little t'e 7ee. 2'e for er a( 7e seen 'o*erin$ o*er t'e flower for a little+ t'en fl(in$ off wit'o.t tastin$ its sweetness+ w'ile t'e latter fastens down .-on it+ and s.c4s t'e nectar o.t of it. 2'.s 'er store'o.se is filled 7( little and little. 2'e word .st 7e caref.ll( st.died+ and t'e 'eart well stored+ 7efore t'e word s.ited for t'e occasion lies read( .nder o.r ton$.e. As t'e fr.it of t'e #-irit+ t'e 8ord is refres'ed and deli$'ted in findin$ it so. "2'( li-s+ < ( s-o.se+ dro- as t'e 'one(co 7& 'one( and il4 are .nder t'( ton$.e& and t'e s ell of t'( $ar ents is li4e t'e s ell of 8e7anon." 2'e dro--in$ of t'e 'one(co 7 a( s.$$est t'e idea of a t'o.$'tf.l selection+ in contrast wit' "t'e .ltit.de of words" s-o4en of in Pro*er7s. /ords are li4e seeds+ t'e( $er inate+ and 7ear fr.it& w'et'er t'e( 7e s'ar- and 7itter+ or $ood and w'oleso e words. :ow i -ortant t'en+ to sow $ood seed) 1f we sow tares we cannot rea- w'eat& and if we sow w'eat we s'all ne*er need to rea- tares. ">or w'atsoe*er a an sowet'+ t'at s'all 'e also rea-." <') to 7e e*er dro--in$ t'e words of 4indness+ $entleness+ ee4ness+ tr.t'+ fait'+ 'o-e+ and c'arit(. /'at is -.rer t'an il4? /'at is sweeter t'an 'one(? /'at ore no.ris'in$ t'an t'e one? /'at ore 'ealin$ t'an t'e ot'er? 2'e 7lessed 8ord owns .s in t'e #-irit+ and not in t'e fles'+ and 'ere s-ea4s of t'e -recio.s fr.its of t'e #-irit w'ic' are so deli$'tf.l to :i . 1nto :is own li-s "$race is -o.red+" and all :is $ar ents s ell of (rr'+ aloes+ and cassia+ o.t of t'e i*or( -alaces." And 'e finds+ to :is s.-re e deli$'t+ in :is 7elo*ed s-o.se+ t'e -erfect answer to :i self. "5race for $race" $race answerin$ to $race+ w'ic' is sweeter far to :is 'eart+ t'an all t'e -rod.ctions of nat.re. /'en t'e 'ills and *alle(s of Canaan+ so redolent wit' "all s-ices+" and flowin$ wit' " il4 and 'one(+" s'all 'a*e -assed awa(+ t'e lo*ed one 7efore :i s'all a7ide in :is -resence+ wit' increasin$ fres'ness and fra$rance for e*er and e*er. "Ma4e 2'( word sweetness to o.r in ost so.ls <-en o.r 2'at all Clot'e t'e o.t's+ and let it t'ence distil+ a( 4now 2'ee+ lo*e 2'ee+ and adore) 3e as t'e dew .nto 2'ine 1srael) wit' $oodl( rai ent li4e 2'ine own on 'i$'+ Perf. ed wit' s.c' a fra$rance fro

2'at none can co e wit'in t'eir infl.ence+ /it'o.t -ercei*in$ t'e( 'a*e 7een wit' 2'ee+ And fro /'ic' fro 2'( cedar0-alaces recei*ed t'is lower world are se-arate)" <do.rs -ec.liar to t'ose sacred 'ei$'ts+ Cant. 4! 12014. "A garden enclosed is my sister, my s ouse) a s ring shut u , a fountain sealed. "hy lants are an orchard of omegranates, with leasant fruits) cam hire with s ikenard, s ikenard 62

and saffron) calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense) myrrh and aloes with all the chief s ices." A few o ents% editation on t'e -'(sical -osition and c'aracter of t'e land of 1srael+ will $reatl( 'el- to t'e .nderstandin$ of t'ese 7ea.tif.l and instr.cti*e co -arisons. 1n t'e centre of t'e 'a7ita7le world t'e -ro ised land is said to 7e sit.ated+ a c'osen s-ot of $reat nat.ral 7ea.t( and fr.itf.lness. 1t is also interestin$ to o7ser*e t'at t'e localit( of t'e Bews is not t'e res.lt of accident+ 7.t of di*ine arran$e ent. :.ndreds of (ears 7efore 1srael 'ad an( national e9istence+ "t'e Most :i$'+" in ar4in$ off t'e 7o.ndar( lines of t'e different nations of t'e eart'+ reser*ed for :is c'osen -eo-le t'is central -lace. 2'e followin$ -assa$e clearl( -ro*es t'is i -ortant -oint. "/'en t'e Most :i$' di*ided to t'e nations t'eir in'eritance+ w'en 'e se-arated t'e sons of Ada + 'e set t'e 7o.nds of t'e -eo-le accordin$ to t'e n. 7er of t'e c'ildren of 1srael. >or t'e lord%s -ortion is 'is -eo-le& Baco7 is t'e lot of 'is in'eritance." @De.t. 32! 8+ 9A M.c' a( 7e $at'ered fro t'is interestin$ tr.t' as to t'e -lace w'ic' 1srael occ.-ies in t'e t'o.$'ts and -.r-oses of 5od. 2'is central s-ot 'as alread( 7een t'e scene of e*ents far s.r-assin$ all ot'ers in t'eir i -ortance and res.lts& and it s'all (et 7e t'e scene of e*ents for w'ic' t'e 'ea*ens and t'e eart' are waitin$+ and to w'ic' all scri-t.re -oints. 2'e -rediction w'ic' a--ears onl( as a 7.d in =den+ s'all 7e dis-la(ed in its f.ll07lown $lories in t'e -ro ised land. 2'ro.$' t'e fail.re of 1srael+ t'e land+ we 4now+ is now l(in$ waste. 1t -resents an(t'in$ 7.t t'e idea of a centre& it is trodden .nderfoot of t'e 5entiles& 7.t t'o.$' it 'as lon$ 7een li4e a wilderness+ and t'e s'adow of deat'+ it will not alwa(s 7e so. 2'e 8ord of t'at once $oodl( land is now a7sent& :e 'as $one to t'e "far co.ntr(&" 7.t :e will ret.rn and ta4e -ossession of :is own. @8.4e 19A "2'e land is ine&" sait' t'e 8ord& and+ accordin$ to :is ori$inal intention+ it will 7eco e+ in d.e ti e+ t'e centre of all nations t'e $lor( of all lands t'e -raise of all -eo-le& and :is 7elo*ed Ber.sale s'all 7e t'e etro-olis of t'e w'ole eart'+ and t'e centre of 7lessin$ to all w'o dwell t'erein. 2'e ro(al 7anner s'all t'en float o*er its 7.lwar4s+ as t'e certain to4en t'at t'e "No7le an" 'as ret.rned t'at t'e Cin$ of Nations is t'ere. >ro t'e to- of Pis$a' Moses was -ri*ile$ed to see t'is $oodl( land 7efore 'e died. 2'e 8ord :i self s'owed it .nto :is ser*ant Moses. /'at $race) /'at condescension) /'at an 'ono.r conferred on Moses) "1 'a*e ca.sed t'ee to see it wit' t'ine e(es+ 7.t t'o. s'alt not $o o*er t'it'er." @De.t. 34A :e was -er itted+ 7efore closin$ 'is e(es in deat'+ to s.r*e( t'e f.t.re dwellin$0-lace of t'e 8ord%s redee ed to see its fertile *alle(s its 7ea.tif.l o.ntains and its well0watered -lains. 1n descri7in$ t'e co.ntr(+ .nder t'e $.idance of t'e #-irit+ 'e sa(s+ ">or t'e 8ord 2'( 5od 7rin$et' t'ee .nto a $ood land+ a land of 7roo4s of waters+ of fo.ntains and de-t's t'at s-rin$ o.t of *alle(s and 'ills& a land of w'eat and 7arle(+ and *ines+ and fi$ trees+ and -o e$ranates& a land of oil+ oli*e+ and 'one(& a land w'erein t'o. s'alt eat 7read wit'o.t scarceness+ t'o. s'alt not lac4 an(t'in$ in it& a land w'ose stones are iron+ and o.t of w'ose 'ills t'o. a(est di$ 7rass. @De.t. 8! 709A >ro t'e ric' and *aried -rod.ctions of t'e :ol( land+ t'e co -arisons of o.r te9t see to 7e drawn. 2'e s-o.se of t'e 8ord is 'ere li4ened to a "$arden+" an "orc'ard+" "a fo.ntain&" so re-lenis'ed is s'e wit' all t'at is -leasant and fr.itf.l to :i so *aried are t'e $races of t'e :ol( #-irit in 'er t'ere is a7.ndance for t'e 'eart of 'er 8ord. "#-i4enard and saffron& cala .s and cinna on+ wit' all trees of fran4incense& (rr' and aloes+ wit' all t'e c'ief s-ices." /'at a tr.t' for t'( editations+ < ( so.l& -onder it well) 8oo4 at its different -arts. 2'e "$arden" a( 7e cele7rated for its c'oice collection of flowers+ aro atic s'r.7s+ and all -leasant -lants& t'e "orc'ard+" for all anner of trees+ 7earin$ -recio.s fr.it+ and t'e "fo.ntain+" t'at w'ic' irri$ates t'e w'ole scene. =*er( leaf is 7edewed and oistened fro t'e li*in$ fo.ntain of waters. /'at a 7readt' and de-t' of t'o.$'t t'is s'o.ld $i*e .s+ of w'at t'e -eo-le of 5od o.$'t to 7e for :i + in t'is world) 8i4e t'e c'oicest of $ardens+ 63

co -ared wit' t'e 7arren "waste 'owlin$ wilderness+" s'o.ld t'e -eo-le of t'e 8ord 7e+ in co -arison wit' t'e -eo-le of t'e world. /ell+ 'ow is it wit' t'ee+ ( so.l? 1s t'ere fres'ness+ $rowt'+ fr.itf.lness+ in t'e t'in$s of t'e 8ord? Can :e co e into t'e $arden of t'( 'eart+ and eat :is -leasant fr.it? Cnown .nto :i are all t'( t'o.$'ts and wa(s. 3.t f.rt'er o7ser*e+ t'e deli$'ted 'eart of t'e 3ride$roo descri7es :is s-o.se as+ "A $arden enclosed a s-rin$ s'.t .- a fo.ntain sealed." #'e is all+ and onl( for :i . :er e(es wander not after anot'er. #'e is -erfectl( content wit' 'er -ortion in 'er /ell07elo*ed. C'rist is eno.$'. :e is a co -lete co*erin$ to 'er e(es t'e -erfect fillin$ .- of 'er w'ole 'eart. No wis'f.l+ no in*itin$ loo4 is cast on an( ot'er. Content ent fills 'er so.l. "1 a ( 7elo*ed%s+ and ( 7elo*ed is ine! 'e feedet' a on$ t'e lilies." 2'e 7loo + t'e fra$rance+ t'e fr.it are for :i and :i alone. :er $arden is closed a$ainst all ot'ers t'e ro(al seal is affi9ed on t'e Cin$%s fo.ntain& t'e li*in$ waters s-rin$ for :i alone. "Cnow t'at t'e 8ord 'at' set a-art 'i t'at is $odl( for 'i self." @Ps. 4! 3A No stran$er .st 7e allowed to ta -er wit' t'at on w'ic' t'e Cin$%s seal is affi9ed. "Ne*ert'eless t'e fo.ndation of 5od standet' s.re+ 'a*in$ t'is seal+ t'e 8ord 4nowet' t'e t'at are 'is. And let e*er( one t'at na et' t'e na e of C'rist de-art fro ini;.it(." @2 2i . 2! 19A "M( son+ $i*e e t'ine 'eart+" is a fair de and. <'+ 'ear4en+ ( so.l+ to t'e *oice of wisdo . /'en t'is de and is co -lied wit'+ we can 'a*e no 'eart for t'e world. No an 'as two 'earts& alt'o.$'+ alas) we so eti es see to 'a*e two. 8et e watc' a$ainst t'is. 1f t'e 7lessed 8ord 'as ( 'eart+ 1 can 'a*e none for t'e world. A di*ided 'eart :e cannot acce-t. 6at'er+ let e sa(+ :ad 1 two+ :e s'o.ld 'a*e t'e 7ot'. "A') in w'at r.$$ed and ne$lected s-ots+ Passed o*er in t'( c.lt.re+ often $rew+ Jnnoticed and .n4nown to all 7.t e+ 2'e ric'est fr.its '. ilit( and lo*e+ 2'e M(rr' of -enitent and contrite 'earts+ 2'e s-ices e9;.isite of tr.st and -raise 0 5rief was a wine0-ress forcin$ t'e ric' ,.ice <f $ra-es 1 watc'ed at.rin$ fro t'e 7.d& 3r.ised+ t'e( $a*e fort' t'e wine of t'an4f.l lo*e Des-ised or disa--ointed+ "12 1# /=88+" /as all t'e s.fferer%s .tterances. Dran4 1 not :ol( en,o( ent in t'ose cr.s'ed0down saints? Mil4 too+ 1 tasted an( a tin( c.( ,o( /as filled to o*erflowin$ for . . . . . . M( >at'er%s word+ =arnestl( st.died+ caref.ll( retained+ 3elie*ed+ 7elo*ed+ sec.rel( tr.sted in 6e,oiced M( s-irit w'ile s.--ortin$ t'eirs." 64

/it' t'o.$'ts and -ro ises of :ol( /rit+

2'e words "enclosed+" "s'.t .-+" "sealed+" forci7l( s.$$est t'e t'o.$'t of t'e 7elie*er%s entire and well0defined se-aration fro t'e world li4e a -iece of $ro.nd t'at 'as 7een reclai ed fro t'e co on aro.nd& well fenced+ well -lanted+ well cared for& and 4e-t for t'e owner%s es-ecial .se and -leas.re. 2'o.$' in t'e world+ t'e C'ristian is not of t'e world. As C'rist :i self sa(s+ "2'e( are not of t'e world+ e*en as 1 a not of t'e world." :e is t'ere as t'e ser*ant of C'rist+ and s'o.ld learn to do all t'in$s for :i . "And w'atsoe*er (e do in word or deed+ do all in t'e na e of t'e 8ord Bes.s+ $i*in$ t'an4s to 5od and t'e >at'er 7( 'i ." @Col. 3! 17A No atter w'at it is+ fro t'e s allest t'in$ to t'e $reatest+ 'e is to do all as ser*ice to C'rist. /ill t'is 7e ser*ice to C'rist? is t'e ;.estion. Not+ erel(+ w'at 'ar is t'ere in doin$ t'is or t'at? and t'en doin$ o.r own will in -lace of t'e Master%s. 2'e a-ostle Pa.l co.ld sa(+ ">or e to li*e is C'rist." As if 'e 'ad said+ ">or e to li*e+ is to 'a*e C'rist as ( oti*e+ C'rist as ( o7,ect+ C'rist as ( stren$t'+ and C'rist as ( reward." 2'is wo.ld 7e se-aration fro t'e world+ and (et renderin$ t'e 7est ser*ice -ossi7le in t'e world. /'en t'e e(e is 4e-t steadfastl( fi9ed on t'e Person of t'e 3elo*ed+ t'e 'eart is 4e-t f.ll of :i t'e conscience is clear t'e ,.d$ ent so.nd+ and o.r ser*ice fr.itf.l. 2'e closer we are to t'e fo.ntain0 'ead o.rsel*es+ t'e s.rer we are to 7eco e t'e c'annels of 7lessin$ to ot'ers. 8i4e t'e s-rin$ in t'e desert+ or t'e ri*er in t'e *alle(+ it 7enefits t'e re$ion aro.nd. "1f an( an t'irst+" sa(s Bes.s+ "let 'i co e .nto e and drin4. :e t'at 7elie*et' on e+ as t'e scri-t.re 'at' said+ o.t of 'is 7ell( s'all flow ri*ers of li*in$ water. @3.t t'is s-a4e 'e of t'e #-irit+ w'ic' t'e( t'at 7elie*e on 'i s'o.ld recei*e& for t'e :ol( 5'ost was not (et $i*en& 7eca.se t'at Bes.s was not (et $lorified.A" @Bo'n 7! 37039A >ro t'e 'eart t'.s filled wit' C'rist+ t'ro.$' t'e indwellin$ of t'e :ol( 5'ost+ a 7lessed testi on( will 7e $i*en to t'e risen and $lorified Bes.s. 1t s'o.ld flow fort' li4e "ri*ers of li*in$ water." >or t'is testi on( t'e 7elie*er is res-onsi7le to 'is a7sent 8ord. ":e t'at sait' 'e a7idet' in 'i + o.$'t 'i self also so to wal4+ e*en as 'e wal4ed." @1 Bo'n 2! 6A :ere we enter on t'e $ro.nd of tr.e c'ristian res-onsi7ilit(. 3ein$ a C'ristian+ 1 a res-onsi7le to wal4 as one. Not t'at 1 a( 7eco e one+ 7less t'e lord) 7.t 7eca.se 1 a one. /'at a erc() we are not res-onsi7le to $ain a -lace in t'e di*ine fa*o.r. 2'e 7lessed Bes.s 'as acco -lis'ed t'is. 3.t 7ein$+ t'ro.$' :is -recio.s 7lood+ in t'e -lace of -erfect fa*o.r -erfect -eace+ ,o(+ and acce-tance+ we o.$'t to wal4 accordin$ to t'e -osition in w'ic' $race 'as set .s. 3ein$ a c'ild of 5od+ 1 o.$'t to wal4 as a c'ild of 5od. And 7ein$ a ser*ant+ 1 o.$'t to wal4 as a ser*ant. <.r res-onsi7ilit( as en as c'ildren of t'e first Ada was -erfectl( et 7( o.r 7lessed 8ord w'en :e died for .s+ and now+ all o.r res-onsi7ilit( flows fro o.r relations'i- to C'rist t'e last Ada + risen and $lorified. "As ( >at'er 'at' sent e+ e*en so send 1 (o.." @Bo'n 20! 21A 2'is co ission+ o7ser*e+ was $i*en 7( t'e risen Bes.s to t'e disci-les+ not to t'e a-ostles onl(. And for t'is ission we .st $i*e an acco.nt to :i at last. Most sole n tr.t') 3.t w'oleso e to 7e 4nown and 7orne in ind. "=*er( one of .s s'all $i*e acco.nt of 'i self to 5od." @6o . 14! 10012A 1t a( 7e well to a4e two or t'ree re ar4s 'ere wit' reference to t'e ,.d$ ent seat of C'rist+ as we 'a*e fo.nd an( so.ls conf.sed and tro.7led on t'is s.7,ect. 1n t'e first -lace+ t'e -erson of t'e 7elie*er can ne*er co e into ,.d$ ent. :e 'as "-assed fro deat' .nto life." @Bo'n 5! 24A :e is ",.stified fro all t'in$s"& C'rist was deli*ered for 'is offences& and w'ere are t'e(? all $one+ and $one for e*er. :is na e 7e -raised) :e was raised a$ain for 'is ,.stification& and w'at t'en? 3ein$ raised .- to$et'er wit' :i 'e is associated wit' a risen C'rist+ in 'is eternal life+ and in :is acce-tance 7efore 5od+ "2'ere is t'erefore now no conde nation to t'e w'ic' are in C'rist Bes.s." @6o . 4+ 5+ 8A 2'e 7elie*er 'i self+ t'en+ can ne*er 7e 7ro.$'t into ,.d$ ent. 3esides+ w'en 'e a--ears 7efore t'e tri7.nal of C'rist+ 'e will 7e in 'is 7od( of $lor(. :e s'all t'en 7e li4e t'e 7lessed 8ord :i self. "/'o s'all c'an$e o.r *ile 7od(+ t'at it a( 7e fas'ioned 65

li4e .nto 'is $lorio.s 7od(+ accordin$ to t'e wor4in$ w'ere7( 'e is a7le e*en to s.7d.e all t'in$s .nto 'i self." @P'il. 3! 21A :ow far+ 'ow *er( far+ t'is $lorio.s tr.t' re o*es all t'o.$'t of ,.d$ ent+ as to t'e -erson of t'e 7elie*er+ 1 need not sa(. :e is $lorified 7efore 'e is called to t'e ,.d$ ent0seat+ and 4nows well t'at 'e is a co0'eir wit' C'rist+ and in t'e sa e $lor( wit' :i . #econdl(. 2'e sins and ini;.ities of t'e C'ristian can ne*er 7e 7ro.$'t into ,.d$ ent. C'rist 'as alread( 7orne t'eir ,.d$ ent on t'e cross+ and -.t t'e all awa( for e*er 7( t'e sacrifice of :i self. 2'ere will 7e no second ,.d$ ent of t'e 7elie*er%s sins. A f.ll end 'as 7een ade of all sins+ confessed 7( .s+ and 7orne 7( Bes.s. @:e7. 9& 1 Bo'n 1! 9A "/'o 'is own self 7are o.r sins in 'is own 7od( on t'e tree+ t'at we+ 7ein$ dead to sins+ s'o.ld li*e .nto ri$'teo.sness! 7( w'ose stri-es (e were 'ealed." @1 Peter 2! 24A #o co -lete so -erfect+ was t'e wor4 of C'rist on t'e cross+ as t'e s.7stit.te of :is -eo-le+ t'at not t'e least ;.estion as to sin was left .nsettled. =*er( ;.estion was for e*er closed w'en :e e9clai ed+ "1t is finis'ed." <n t'e $ro.nd of t'is $lorio.sl( finis'ed wor4+ di*ine lo*e eets t'e c'ief of sinners+ in all t'e ric'es of t'e $race of 5od. And so $reat is t'is lo*e towards t'e sinner+ w'o -leads+ 7efore 5od+ t'e na e of Bes.s+ and tr.sts onl( to :is -recio.s 7lood+ t'at not onl( are 'is sins and ini;.ities all for$i*en+ 7.t t'e( are said to 7e for$otten. "2'eir sins and ini;.ities will 1 re e 7er no ore. >or 7( one offerin$ 'e 'at' -erfected for e*er t'e t'at are sanctified." @:e7. 10A #.c' is t'e -ower+ t'e -otenc( of lo*e+ o*er all o.r sins+ t'at t'e( are $one fro t'e recollection of :i w'o lo*es+ and can ne*er co e into ,.d$ ent. 2'irdl(. 3.t alt'o.$' neit'er t'e -erson+ nor t'e sins and ini;.ities of t'e 7elie*er+ are t'e s.7,ects of t'e 8ord%s ,.d$ ent at t'at da(+ 'is wor4s+ as t'e 8ord%s ser*ant+ .st all 7e 7ro.$'t .7efore t'e tri7.nal of C'rist. :ence t'e fait'f.l word of warnin$ 7( t'e a-ostle+ "2'erefore+ ( 7elo*ed 7ret'ren+ 7e (e steadfast+ .n o*a7le+ alwa(s a7o.ndin$ in t'e wor4 of t'e 8ord+ foras .c' as (e 4now t'at (o.r la7o.r is not in *ain in t'e 8ord @1 Cor. 15! 58A :e 'ad 7een dwellin$ at $reat len$t' on t'e res.rrection of t'e 7od(+ now 'e to.c'es on w'at a( 7e called t'e res.rrection of wor4s. "=*er( an%s wor4 s'all 7e ade anifest& for t'e da( s'all declare it+ 7eca.se it s'all 7e re*ealed 7( fire& and t'e fire s'all tr( e*er( an%s wor4 of w'at sort it is." @1 Cor. 3+ 4A 3.t t'is trial of t'e ;.alit( of o.r wor4s s'o.ld not 7e t'o.$'t of wit' fear and dread+ 7.t as one of o.r $reatest -ri*ile$es& 7eca.se t'en s'all 7e f.lfilled t'at -recio.s word+ "3.t t'en s'all 1 4now e*en as also 1 a 4nown." 5od is li$'t and 5od is lo*e. :e is all lo*e all li$'t for 'is c'ildren. 3.t :is lo*e will 'a*e t'e in t'e li$'t as :e is :i self. 2'is will 7e -erfect 7lessedness& 7eca.se we s'all t'en 7e in t'e -erfect li$'t as well as t'e -erfect lo*e of 5od. "5od is li$'t+ and in 'i is no dar4ness at all." <.r new+ o.r di*ine nat.re lo*es t'e li$'t deli$'ts in it. 2'e least dar4ness wo.ld 7e an ins.--orta7le 7.rden. 2o 7e in t'e li$'t+ is to 7e anifested+ for li$'t a4es anifest. Not'in$ can 7e concealed t'ere. And we wo.ld not+ 7lessed 7e :is na e+ 'a*e one o ent of o.r 'istor( wit' :is tender+ $racio.s dealin$s towards .s+ left in t'e dar4. 2'e 'eart s'rin4s fro t'e *er( t'o.$'t+ notwit'standin$ all o.r wea4ness and na.$'tiness. ">or we .st all a--ear 7efore t'e ,.d$ ent0seat of C'rist! t'at e*er( one a( recei*e t'e t'in$s done in 'is 7od(+ accordin$ to t'at 'e 'at' done+ w'et'er it 7e $ood or 7ad." @2 Cor. 5! 10A /'en t'e w'ole co.rse of ( life is anifested in t'e -erfect li$'t of 5od of 5od in C'rist+ "2'en s'all 1 4now e*en as also 1 a 4nown." M( ,.d$ ent of all t'at was $ood and 7ad in t'at life+ will 7e accordin$ to t'e -erfect ,.d$ ent of 5od. All t'at 'as 7een done for C'rist+ as t'e fr.it of :is $race in .s+ s'all 7e a--ro*ed and rewarded 7( :i . 2'at w'ic' 'as 7een done erel( in t'e ener$( of nat.re cannot 7e owned+ 7.t .st now 7e cons. ed as "wood+ 'a(+ st.77le." All t'at 'as 7een -rod.ced 7( t'e #-irit of C'rist in .s s'all a7ide for e*er+ as "$old+ sil*er+ -recio.s stones." @1 Cor. 3! 10013& 1 Cor. 4! 105A M.c' self0den(in$+ cross0 7earin$ ser*ice+ w'ic' 'as 7een $one t'ro.$' 7( an( fro t'e 7est of oti*es+ 7.t t'e eans .sed 66

.nsanctioned 7( scri-t.re+ s'all t'en 7e anal(sed wit' di*ine acc.rac(. All t'at t'e 8ord can own as $ood :e s.rel( will+ and a7.ndantl(+ reward. And an( a 'ol( -.r-ose of t'e 'eart+ w'ic' 'ad for its o7,ect t'e 8ord%s $lor(+ 7.t w'ic' was ne*er acco -lis'ed+ s'all t'en 7e 7ro.$'t to li$'t and 'a*e its f.ll reward. 2'e s allest ser*ice done for :i on eart' s'all not 7e o*erloo4ed in t'at da(. ">or w'osoe*er s'all $i*e (o. a c.- of water to drin4 in ( na e+ 7eca.se (e 7elon$ to C'rist+ *eril(+ 1 sa( .nto (o.+ 'e s'all not lose 'is reward." @Mar4 9! 41A 1f A. 'as $i*en one+ and 3. two c.-s of cold water+ 3. s'all 'a*e a do.7le reward. 1t will also 7e ade anifest in t'at da(+ w'at it was t'at -re*ented .s fro doin$ ore $ood+ considerin$ t'e li$'t we 'ad+ t'e o--ort.nities en,o(ed+ t'e $race 7estowed+ and t'e o-erations of t'e :ol( #-irit in .s. Ne*ert'eless+ eac' one will 'a*e t'e -lace -re-ared for 'i of t'e >at'er. 3.t ne*er till t'at o ent s'all we 4now 'ow .c' we owe t'e 7lessed 8ord. 2'en+ 7.t not till t'en+ s'all we 4now w'at :e 'as 7een for .s+ and w'at :e 'as 'ad to 7ear fro .s. 2'en will 7e seen+ in t'e tr.e li$'t of :is -resence+ t'e lo*e of t'at 'eart w'ic' e*er rose a7o*e all o.r .nwort'iness+ and anifested itself in -atient $race+ tender lo*e+ and .nwearied $oodness. And t'en+ too+ will 7e seen t'e ten t'o.sand ti es ten t'o.sand instances in w'ic' we so.$'t+ in t'e -ride of o.r 'earts+ to -lease o.rsel*es+ e9alt o.rsel*es+ a4e so et'in$ of o.rsel*es+ in -lace of ser*in$ t'e 8ord Bes.s+ e9altin$ :i + and a4in$ :i o.r all in all. 2'e lon$0s.fferin$+ -atient+ tender lo*e of Bes.s in t'.s 7earin$ wit' .s for so an( (ears will 7e 4nown and .nderstood in all its -erfection. And t'e sweet recollections of a lo*e far s.r-assin$ all ot'ers in tenderness s'all t'en fill o.r so.ls wit' t'e ost -erfect ad iration+ fer*ent adoration+ and enra-t.red -raises for e*er. And not .n4nown+ or for$otten in t'at da(+ will 7e :is an( :is irac.lo.s inter-ositions on o.r 7e'alf+ and wondro.s deli*erances d.rin$ o.r .ncon*erted da(s. Man( a ti e w'en #atan 'ad 7e$.iled .s to t'e *er( 7rin4 of 'ell+ and t'o.$'t t'at anot'er -.s' wo.ld send .s in+ t'e i$'t(+ lo*in$+ adora7le Bes.s t'rew t'e ar we were des-isin$ aro.nd .s sa*ed .s 0 and $entl( led .s 7ac4 fro its sli--er( ed$e. <') wit' w'at o*erflowin$ 'earts s'all we retire fro t'is -ri*ile$ed scene t'e tri7.nal of C'rist) <') w'at aterial it will 'a*e s.--lied for t'e -raises of 'ea*en) Now we s'all 4now t'e .se of o.r $olden 'ar-s. And t'e s-rin$ of ,o( w'ic' 'as 7een o-ened t'ere s'all flow on+ wit' e*er dee-enin$ f.lness and fres'ness+ t'ro.$'o.t a lon$+ 7ri$'t+ and 'a--( eternit(. 2'ere are ot'er two distinct sessional ,.d$ ents s-o4en of in scri-t.re+ w'ic' it a( 7e well ,.st to notice+ to -re*ent conf.sion. 1. 2'e ,.d$ ent of t'e li*in$ nations+ "w'en t'e #on of an 0 'all co e in 'is $lor(." @Matt. 25! 31046A 2'is ta4es -lace at t'e co ence ent of t'e illenni. . 2. 2'e ,.d$ ent of t'e dead+ 7efore t'e "$reat w'ite t'rone+" w'en 'ea*en and eart' flee awa(. @6e*. 20! 110 15A 2'is ta4es -lace at t'e close of t'e illenni. + and is ;.ite distinct fro t'e ,.d$ ent of t'e li*in$ nations+ and fro t'e ,.d$ ent of t'e saints in 'ea*en+ 7efore t'e tri7.nal of C'rist. 2'e notion of one $eneral ,.d$ ent of t'e ri$'teo.s and t'e wic4ed 'as not t'e sanction of scri-t.re. Now+ at t'is -resent ti e+ we s'o.ld wal4 7( fait' in t'e li$'t of t'at f.t.re da(. 2'e t'reefold effect of t'is tr.t' on t'e ind of t'e a-ostle is wort'( of o.r s-ecial attention. "Cnowin$ t'erefore t'e terror of t'e 8ord we -ers.ade en& 7.t we are ade anifest .nto 5od& and 1 tr.st also are ade anifest in (o.r consciences." @2 Cor. 5! 11A 1. Cnowin$ w'at a terri7le t'in$ it .st 7e for a sinner to a--ear 7efore 5od in 'is sins+ and .nder a res-onsi7ilit( entirel( 'is own+ t'e a-ostle is stirred .- to -reac' t'e $os-el wit' $reat earnestness. "/e -ers.ade en." :e see4s to warn 0 to i -ress ot'ers+ wit' t'e i ediate and .ns-ea4a7le i -ortance of sal*ation. /'at an awf.l t'in$ it .st 7e for an .n7elie*er to answer -ersonall( for 'is re,ection of C'rist and sal*ation. /'o wo.ld not 7e aro.sed to dee- so.l0stirrin$ 67

earnestness+ in t'e -reac'in$ of t'e $os-el+ 7( s.c' a consideration? 2. 2'e a-ostle was alread( in t'e li$'t alread( anifest .nto 5od. "3.t we are ade anifest .nto 5od." 2'e ,.d$ ent0seat 7ore no terror for t'e a-ostle. 1t onl( stirred 'i .- to $reater Eeal for t'e sal*ation of ot'ers. 3. 2'.s wal4in$ in t'e li$'t+ t'e an of 5od t'e ser*ant of C'rist+ $oes on wit' 'is wor4& 'is conscience+ eanti e+ reflectin$ t'e li$'t and t'e lo*e of 5od. :e co ends 'i self to t'e consciences of t'ose a on$st w'o 'e la7o.rs. "And 1 tr.st also are ade anifest in (o.r consciences." <') t'at t'ese 7lessed+ -recio.s+ and -ractical res.lts a( flow to t'ee+ ( so.l+ and to an( ot'ers+ fro t'( editations on t'e tri7.nal of C'rist. And to t'is end a( we e9-erience t'e *ario.s o-erations of t'e :ol( #-irit+ as referred to in t'e followin$ words of t'e 7lessed 8ord. Cant. 4! 16. "Awake, + north wind) and come, thou south) blow u on my garden, that the s ices thereof may flow out." 2'e word "wind" is so eti es .sed in scri-t.re+ in reference to t'e :ol( #-irit& and t'is *erse is li4e t'e 8ord -ra(in$ for t'e different o-erations of t'e #-irit+ in t'e 'earts of :is 7elo*ed -eo-le. "3low .-on ( $arden t'at t'e s-ices t'ereof a( flow o.t." 2'ere are s-ices "c'ief s-ices" in :is *ine(ard+ 7.t so et'in$ is needed to ca.se t'e to flow o.t. :e 'as ,.st 7een wal4in$ in :is $arden+ s.r*e(in$ :is -leasant -lants+ and callin$ t'e 7( t'eir na es. :e 4nows well e*er( -lant in :is *ine(ard w'en -lanted w'at care it 'as recei*ed+ and w'at fr.it s'o.ld 7e fort'co in$. 2'e( are all of :is own ri$'t 'and -lantin$+ "t'at t'e( i$'t 7e called trees of ri$'teo.sness+ t'e -lantin$ of t'e 8ord+ t'at 'e i$'t 7e $lorified." @Ps. 80! 15& 1sa. 66! 3A "8i4e trees of (rr' and s-ice we stand+ Planted 7( 5od t'e >at'er%s 'and! And all 'is s-rin$s in. Fion flow+ 2o a4e t'e (o.n$ -lantation $row." 3.t so eti es a deat'0li4e stillness co es o*er t'e w'ole -lantation+ and 7ot' old and (o.n$ are affected 7( it. 2'e 7al ( 7ranc'es (ield not to t'e 7reat' of t'e #-irit+ so t'at t'e ric' -erf. e is not collected 7(+ and carried on+ t'e 7reeEe. "Awa4e+ < nort' wind& and co e+ t'o. so.t'." is now t'e -atient '.s7and an%s cr(+ "7low .-on ( $arden." A s'ar-+ 4een 7last fro t'e nort'+ or t'e $enial $ales of t'e so.t'+ a( 7e e -lo(ed to awa4en+ ;.ic4en+ and aro.se t'e 8ord%s -eo-le fro a state of sad s.-ineness. 3.t+ o') sweet t'o.$'t) :e to w'o t'e $arden 7elon$s+ and w'o 4nows well e*er( -lant t'at is in it+ 'olds in :is 'and t'e 7reat' t'at fans+ and t'e w'irlwind t'at swee-s. And for all :is tender+ -recio.s -lants :e caref.ll( ad,.sts t'e d.e -ro-ortion of t'e nort' and t'e so.t' wind. ":a--( enclos.re) w'ere t'e -iercin$ $ale Ni-s 7.t t'e 7.ddin$ weeds+ w'ile+ 4e-t sec.re+ 2'e c.lt.red -lants are ref.$ed fro all ill+ 2o flo.ris' in t'e soft s.cceedin$ cal )" "A little w'ile+" and t'e( s'all all 7e trans-lanted to t'e ore $enial cli e of t'e -aradise a7o*e. 2'ere t'e -iercin$ nort' wind of affliction+ c'astenin$+ and disci-line s'all no lon$er 7e needed. 2'ere will 7e not'in$ in t'ose clo.dless re$ions to wit'er t'e leaf+ ni- t'e 7.d+ 7li$'t t'e 7losso + or st.nt t'e fr.it. =no.$'+ < eno.$'+ of all t'is sad and sorrowf.l wor4+ 'a*e we 'ad in t'is cold world of o.rs) Co e+ < co e& 'ail+ 'a--( da(+ w'en far+ far awa( fro t'e wilderness+ w'ere trial often co es li4e a 68

terri7le 7last+ as if it wo.ld .-0root t'e fee7le -lant& and w'ere sorrow often fills t'e 'eart+ and s'a e co*ers t'e face+ 7eca.se we 'a*e 7een so fr.itless in t'at w'ic' is $ood+ and so fr.itf.l in t'at w'ic' is e*il& 7.t t'en+ all e*il s'all 7e done awa(& no $rief+ no can4er+ no wor t'ere. 6ooted in t'e -.re soil of 'ea*en and+ contin.all( drin4in$ in t'e dews of eternal lo*e+ we s'all 7loo and 7ear fr.it to t'e ineffa7le deli$'t of o.r >at'er%s 'eart t'e .n.ttera7le $lor( of o.r 7lessed 8ord+ t'ro.$' t'e a7idin$ -resence of 5od t'e :ol( #-irit wit' .s. 8ord+ $rant t'at now ( 'eart a( 7e entirel( inclined to t'e c.lt.re w'ic' t'o. seest to 7e t'e 7est& t'at ( 'eart a( 7ow to e*er( 7reat' of t'( #-irit+ and t'at t'ere a( 7e s.c' fr.it and fra$rance in ( life as s'all afford t'ee -leas.re. <') to 7e e*er free to sa(+ "8et ( 7elo*ed co e into 'is $arden and eat 'is -leasant fr.its." 2'ese few are t'e onl( words w'ic' we 'a*e fro t'e li-s of t'e 7ride in t'is wonderf.l c'a-ter. 3.t t'e( are 'a--(+ 7lessed words. "M( 7elo*ed." #'e is at 'o e and 'a--( in :is -resence. :e+ :i self+ is 'ers. #'e 4nows it. #'e en,o(s it. :e is 'er own 7elo*ed 8ord and #a*io.r. "M( 7elo*ed." 3.t w'en s'e s-ea4s of t'e $arden+ s'e calls it ":is $arden." And of t'e fr.it s'e sa(s+ ":is -leasant fr.it." 2'is is tr.e $ro.nd+ as we elsew'ere read+ "M( well07elo*ed 'at' a *ine(ard in a *er( fr.itf.l 'ill. And 'e fenced it+ and $at'ered o.t t'e stones t'ereof+ and -lanted it wit' t'e c'oicest *ine+ and 7.ilt a tower in t'e idst of it+ and also ade a wine -ress t'erein." And a$ain+ s-ea4in$ of :is care of t'at *ine(ard+ w'ic' -ro*ed so .nfr.itf.l to :i + :e sa(s+ "1 t'e 8ord do 4eeit! 1 will water it e*er( o ent+ lest an( '.rt it+ 1 will 4ee- it ni$'t and da(." @1sa. 5& 1sa. 27A 1n Bo'n 15+ t'e 7lessed 8ord s-ea4s of :i self as t'e "2r.e Line+" :is -eo-le as t'e "7ranc'es+" and :is >at'er as t'e "'.s7and an" t'e *inedresser. <'+ w'at a wondro.s si$'t) 2'e >at'er loo4in$ down fro 'ea*en 7e'olds+ all o*er t'e 'a7ita7le world+ :is own 7elo*ed #on 7earin$ fr.it to :is $lor(+ t'ro.$' t'e an( 7ranc'es of t'is $oodl( *ine) /'at a wide0s-readin$ *ine) 1t is onl( t'ro.$' t'e s.--l( of t'e ric' ,.ices fro t'e -arent stoc4 t'at t'e 7ranc'es 7ear fr.it. /'at a lo*el(+ si$'t to t'e >at'er%s e(e) /'at a constant care for t'e >at'er%s 'eart) 3.t+ o' 'ow rewarded w'en :e sees t'e 7ranc'es t'.s *itall( connected wit' :is #on+ "filled wit' t'e fr.its of ri$'teo.sness+ w'ic' are 7( Bes.s C'rist .nto t'e $lor( and -raise of 5od." @P'il. 1! 2A ":erein is ( >at'er $lorified+ t'at (e 7ear .c' fr.it." @Bo'n 15! 8AM M3esides t'ese -ractical reflections on t'e nort' and so.t' winds+ note also+ < ( so.l+ for t'( f.rt'er and f.t.re editations+ t'e fre;.ent reference in t'e -ro-'etic scri-t.res to "t'e 4in$ of t'e nort'+" and "t'e 4in$ of t'e so.t'." 2'ese 4in$s+ t'e one on t'e nort' and t'e ot'er on t'e so.t' side of Palestine+ were often i9ed .- wit' e*ents in t'e :ol( 8and. :ence t'e #-irit of 5od 'as $i*en .s an( interestin$ details of t'eir -ast 'istor( in connection wit' t'e Bews. @#ee Dan. 11A And of t'e f.t.re :e 'as written+ *erses 40+ 41+ "And at t'e ti e of t'e end s'all t'e 4in$ of t'e so.t' -.s' at 'i ! @at t'e wilf.l 4in$ t'e antic'rist t'en rei$nin$ in t'e land!A and t'e 4in$ of t'e nort' s'all co e a$ainst 'i @t'e antic'ristA li4e a w'irlwind+ and wit' c'ariots+ and wit' 'orse en+ and wit' an( s'i-s& and 'e @t'e 4in$ of t'e nort'A s'all enter into t'e co.ntries+ and s'all o*erflow and -ass o*er. :e s'all enter also into t'e $lorio.s land+ and an( co.ntries s'all 7e o*ert'rown." 2'is ta4es -lace+ o7ser*e+ "at t'e ti e of t'e end"& to w'ic' -eriod+ t'e scenes in t'e Canticles+ now .nder t'( editation+ c'iefl( refer. A little w'ile a$o and t'e co -arison was drawn fro =$(-t @Cant. 1! 9A+ t'en fro t'e wilderness @Cant. 3! 6A+ and now fro t'e land. 2'en s'all t'e lon$+ dar4+ and drear( ni$'t of 1srael%s dis-ersion 7e nearl( o*er. 2'e last and -owerf.l 4in$ of t'e nort' co es to 'is end on t'e $lorio.s+ 'ol( o.ntain+ and none s'all 'el- 'i ." Antic'rist and 'is confederates s'all 7e finall( o*ert'rown& 1srael f.ll( restored& "And t'e 8ord alone s'all 7e e9alted in t'at da(." 2'.s far+ as to o.tward e*ents+ we 'a*e t'e nort' and t'e so.t' winds t'e trial and t'e 7lessin$. No sooner 'as t'e lo*ed and 7ea.tif.l #'elo it' in*ited 'er 8ord to co e into :is $arden+ and 69

-arta4e of t'e refres'in$ fr.its t'ereof+ t'an :e answers+ "1 a co e." :e does not sa(+ "1 a( or 1 will+" 7.t "1 a co e." Alread(+ w'ile s'e is (et in*itin$ :i + :e is -resent. :is 'eart is e*er read( waitin$ to attend on t'e cr( of :is 7elo*ed ones. <') 'a--( s-o.se o') 'a--( -eo-le+ t'at are in s.c' a case as t'is) 2o 'a*e t'e Cin$ of 4in$s+ and 8ord of lords+ waitin$+ read( to attend w'en t'e( call. 2'e fr.its of t'e #-irit are alwa(s acce-ta7le to :i . 6ic' and *aried :e now finds t'e + and $reatl( :e is deli$'ted wit' t'is 7an;.et of lo*e.

Canticles 5.
Cant. 5! 1. "- am come into my garden, my sister, my s ouse. - ha%e gathered my myrrh with my s ice) - ha%e eaten my honeycomb with my honey) - ha%e drunk my wine with my milk) eat, + friends, drink, yea drink abundantly, + belo%ed." 2'ese different fr.its a( re-resent t'e different res.lts of t'e #-irit%s o-erations in so.ls 7( t'e tr.t'. 2'ere a( 7e tears+ 7itter as (rr'+ flowin$ fro one+ .nder a dee- sense of -ast fail.re. 2'e #-irit of 5od 'a*in$ a--lied t'e tr.t' in -ower to t'e conscience+ t'e 'eart is 7ro4en. 1ts dee- fo.ntains are o-ened .-+ and 7itterest tears of dee-est an$.is' flow li4e a ri*er. And now o.t co es+ in .nreser*ed confession 7efore 5od+ t'e w'ole atter. #econd ca.ses are lost si$'t of+ in t'e searc'in$ li$'t of 5od%s 'ol( -resence. "A$ainst t'ee+ t'ee onl(+ 'a*e 1 sinned+ and done t'is e*il in t'( si$'t." 2'ese are close ;.arters for a so.l to 7e in wit' 5od. 2'o.$' Da*id%s sin 'ad 7een a$ainst 'is nei$'7o.r+ and a$ainst t'e well07ein$ of societ(+ (et 'e sa(s+ "A$ainst t'ee+ t'ee onl(+ 'a*e 1 sinned." All sin is a$ainst 5od& and it is a -ainf.l t'in$ to 'a*e to do wit' 5od a7o.t o.r sin. 3.t ri$'t into t'e -resence c'a 7er of t'e :ol( <ne we .st $o+ ,.st as we are+ if we wo.ld $et rid of t'e awf.l 7.rden of sin. 2'ere+ and t'ere onl(+ can we find f.ll relief. 2'e wee-in$ -enitent .st la( down t'e .ltit.de of 'is sins+ side 7( side wit' t'e .ltit.de of 5od%s tender ercies. <nl( t'ere can 'e learn w'at t'at word eanet'+ "/'ere sin a7o.nded+ $race did .c' ore a7o.nd." 2'e >at'er eets :is c'ild+ 7lessed 7e :is na e+ in t'e 7o.ndless $race of :is 'eart+ on t'e $ro.nd of t'e -recio.s 7lood of Bes.s. As t'e risin$ wa*e fro t'e fat'o less ocean 'astens to eet and e 7race t'e descendin$ strea + and o*erflow all its li its+ so does $race eet t'e -enitent sinner+ and o7literate for e*er all trace of 'is sin. 1ts co.rse+ li4e a ri*er+ a( 'a*e 7een lon$ and dee-+ 7.t now its *er( co.rse and li its are .ntracea7le. "< lo*e di*ine+ t'o. *ast a7(ss) M( sins are swallowed .- in t'ee Co*ered is >ro ( .nri$'teo.sness free conde nation 1 a

/'ile Bes.%s 7lood+ t'ro.$' eart' and s4ies+ Merc() free+ 7o.ndless erc() cries." :a*in$ -assed t'ro.$' t'e e9-erience of Psal 51+ Da*id co.ld -raise and wors'i- 5od wit' a ,o(f.l 'eart accordin$ to t'e strains of Psal 103 "3less t'e 8ord+ < ( so.l+ and all t'at is wit'in e+ 7less 'is 'ol( na e. 3less t'e 8ord+ < ( so.l+ and for$et not all 'is 7enefits& w'o for$i*et' all t'ine ini;.ities& w'o 'ealet' all t'( diseases& w'o redee et' t'( life fro destr.ction& w'o crownet' t'ee wit' lo*in$04indness and tender ercies." 2'.s 5od%s a,est(+ 'oliness+ and tr.t' 'a*e 7een aintained+ sin ,.d$ed in t'e li$'t+ t'e conscience cleared+ t'e 'eart ade 'a--(+ f.ll co .nion restored+ and t'e so.l esta7lis'ed in $race. 2'e tears a( 'a*e 7een ore 7itter t'an (rr'+ 7.t t'e res.lts are sweeter t'an 'one(+ and ore fra$rant to t'e 'eart of C'rist t'an all s-ices. 70

2'e 8ord finds e*er( *ariet( of fr.it in t'e asse 7lies of :is -eo-le. 3.t wit' all t'at w'ic' is of t'e #-irit+ :e 'as t'e f.llest fellows'i- and en,o( ent. "1 'a*e $at'ered . . . . 1 'a*e eaten . . . . 1 'a*e dr.n4." :e -arta4es of all t'e *ariet(. :e sli$'ts none. 1n t'e ad*anced disci-le :e a( find t'at w'ic' indicates t'e stren$t' and *i$o.r of wine& w'ile in t'e new07orn 7a7e t'ere a( 7e t'e sweet si -licit( of il4. An infidel+ c'afed and anno(ed 7( t'e 7ea.tif.l si -licit( of a 7elie*in$ c'ild+ w'o was s-ea4in$ a7o.t t'e ,o( and 'a--iness of 7ein$ wit' Bes.s for e*er+ said to 'er+ "3.t w'at if Bes.s 7e in 'ell?" "A'+" re-lied t'e dear c'ild+ "7.t it wo.ld not 7e 'ell if :e were t'ere." :ow si -le+ (et 'ow .nanswera7le) :ow 'ono.rin$ to t'e na e 'ow refres'in$ to t'e 'eart of Bes.s) /'at 'ast t'o. for t'( 8ord+ < ( so.l? /'at can :e $at'er fro t'ee w'at can :e eat w'at can :e drin4 of t'ine? /'at is sweeter t'an '. ilit(? /'at is ore 'ono.rin$ to t'e 8ord t'an entire de-endence on :i ? /'at ore $ratef.l to :is 'eart t'an a dail(+ $rowin$ desire for t'e $lor( of 5od? Man( will -arta4e of t'is ro(al s.--er+ and enter into its ,o(s. Man(+ *er( an(+ are t'e "friends" of t'e 3ride$roo . And all+ in t'e da( of :is $lor(+ will enter into :is ,o(. /ondro.s+ lon$0loo4ed0for da( of 'ea*enl( and eart'l( $lor() All 'earts will 7e reac'ed and to.c'ed wit' t'at ,o(o.s in*itation. "=at+ < friends+ drin4+ (ea+ drin4 a7.ndantl(+ < 7elo*ed." 2'e "nat.ral 7ranc'es+" lon$ 7ro4en off fro t'e stoc4 of -ro ise+ s'all+ as t'e a-ostle sa(s+ 7e $rafted in a$ain. "1n t'at da(" t'e da( of 1srael%s restoration "t'e 8ord s'all ca.se t'e t'at co e of Baco7 to ta4e root& 1srael s'all 7losso and 7.d+ and fill t'e face of t'e world wit' fr.it." @1sa. 27A /'at a feast s'all t'en 7e -ro*ided t'ro.$' restored 1srael+ for all nations) 2'e face of t'e world s'all 7e filled wit' fr.it. "And in t'at o.ntain s'all t'e 8ord of 'osts a4e .nto all -eo-le a feast of fat t'in$s+ a feast of wines on t'e lees+ of fat t'in$s f.ll of arrow+ of wines on t'e lees well refined." @1sa. 25A A$ain+ "And it s'all co e to -ass in t'at da(+ 1 will 'ear+ sait' t'e 8ord+ 1 will 'ear t'e 'ea*ens+ and t'e( s'all 'ear t'e eart'! and t'e eart' s'all 'ear t'e corn+ and t'e wine+ and t'e oil& and t'e( s'all 'ear BeEreel. And 1 will sow 'er .nto e in t'e eart'." @:osea 2A :ere t'e fi$.re is c'an$ed fro in$raftin$ to sowin$+ as if 5od was $oin$ to do an entirel( new t'in$ in t'e eart'. "Now we 4now+ fro t'e New 2esta ent+" sa(s a recent writer+ "t'at in t'at da(+ %t'e 'ea*ens% will 7e occ.-ied 7( C'rist and :is $lorified saints. Be'o*a' will 'ear t'e 'ea*ens+ %and t'e( s'all 'ear t'e eart'.% C'rist+ in w'o all t'in$s+ 7ot' in 'ea*en and eart'+ will t'en 7e $at'ered+ will 7e t'e <ne to w'o -ra(er s'all 7e addressed fro all on eart'+ e*en as it will 7e t'ro.$' :i + and :is $lorified saints+ t'at 7lessin$ will 7e .ni*ersall( ad inistered. %And t'e eart' s'all 'ear t'e corn+ and t'e wine+ and t'e oil.% No want+ no scarcit(+ e*en t'en. 2'e *oice of co -lainin$ will 'a*e ceased to 7e 'eard in t'e streets. Creation%s .ni*ersal $roan will 'a*e 7een '.s'ed& (ea+ it will 'a*e $i*en -lace to .ni*ersal '( ns of $ratit.de and -raise. %And t'e( s'all 'ear BeEreel.% Now+ BeEreel+ as sc'olars tell .s+ eans %t'e seed of 5od%& and t'is inter-retation of t'e word is confir ed 7( w'at i ediatel( follows+ %1 will sow 'er G1sraelH .nto e in t'e eart'.% . . . . 2'ere s'all 7e one .n7ro4en c'ain of 7lessin$+ fro t'e t'rone of Be'o*a'+ t'e $reat so.rce of all+ down to t'e en,o( ent 7( an4ind of all t'e 7lessin$s of t'is life and t'e -lace in t'is wondro.s c'ain filled 7( restored 1srael+ is t'at of BeEreel+ t'e seed of 5od+ sown 7( Be'o*a'+ and to :i + in t'e eart'+ and fillin$ t'e face of t'e world wit' fr.it. Be'o*a' t'e 'ea*ens+ occ.-ied 7( C'rist and t'e c'.rc' in $lor( t'e eart' restored 1srael+ or BeEreel+ t'e seed of 5od .ni*ersal 7lessin$ on t'e eart'+ e*en to t'e a7.ndance of corn+ and wine+ and oil+ w'ile war and *iolence are at an end& %And t'e $lor( of t'e 8ord s'all 7e re*ealed+ and all fles' s'all see it to$et'er.% Praise+ eternal -raise to :i w'o alone doet' wondro.s t'in$s) 8et t'e w'ole eart' 7e filled wit' :is $lor(." <') w'at a circle of 7lessin$ is -resented to .s 'ere) Mar4 it well+ < ( so.l+ and editate t'ereon. 8oo4 forward to t'e 'a--( da(+ w'en :e w'o 'as 7een lon$ a7sent s'all 'a*e ret.rned+ and 71

s'all sa( in t'e ears of :is waitin$ -eo-le+ "1 a co e" "1 a co e into ( $arden+ ( sister+ ( s-o.se." 2'en s'all t'e -ro ises ade to t'e fat'ers 7e f.lfilled to t'eir c'ildren+ accordin$ to t'e word of t'e 8ord. Be'o*a' in t'e 'i$'est 'ea*ens C'rist and :is $lorified saints+ in t'e 'ea*ens t'at are connected wit' t'e eart' 0 t'en restored 1srael in t'e 'ol( land+ and all nations of t'e eart'+ t'.s lin4ed to$et'er in one $lorio.s c'ain of .ni*ersal 7lessin$. <') w'at a circle of $lor() /'at a circle of "friends)" /'at a feast of lo*e) And w'at a ,o(o.s welco e fro t'e 'eart of :i w'o is "8ord of all)" "=at+ < friends& drin4+ (ea+ drin4 a7.ndantl(+ < 7elo*ed." Cant. 5! 2. "- slee , but my heart waketh. it is the %oice of my belo%ed that knocketh, saying, + en to me, my sister, my lo%e, my do%e, my undefiled. for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the dro s of the night." 1n t'is sad confession of t'e 7ride we 'a*e 7ro.$'t 7efore .s an as-ect of e9-erience w'ic' an( 7elie*ers+ C'ristian as well as Bewis'+ are fre;.entl( -assin$ t'ro.$'+ and w'ic' well deser*es o.r -atient editation. 3( far t'e $reater -ro-ortion of C'ristians are ore occ.-ied wit' t'e sel*es+ and t'eir c'an$ea7le feelin$s+ t'an wit' t'e word of 5od. 2'is is t'e fr.itf.l so.rce of endless tro.7les and -er-le9ities of t'e so.l. :ow often it 'a--ens in t'e 'istor( of so e C'ristians t'at w'en t'e( e9-erience a c'an$e of feelin$ in t'e sel*es+ t'e( 'astil( concl.de t'at C'rist :i self is not now w'at :e once was to t'e . 2'e( ,.d$e t'e 8ord 7( t'eir own feelin$s+ in -lace of 7elie*in$ in :i accordin$ to :is own word. 2'is is loo4in$ to self in -lace of C'rist+ and 7ein$ $o*erned 7( feelin$s in -lace of t'e .nc'an$ea7le tr.t' of 5od. <nl( a few 'o.rs a$o+ as we a( sa(+ followin$ t'e order of o.r son$+ t'e s-o.se was in t'e f.ll ,o( of 'er 8ord%s -resence. #'e was t'en 7ri$'t and 'a--(+ li4e a certain class of C'ristians in t'e f.ll c.rrent of a ,o(o.s eetin$. 3.t s.--er 7ein$ ended+ and t'e $.ests wit'drawn+ s'e retires to rest. Ler( soon+ alas+ a c'an$e co es o*er 'er feelin$s w'ic' $reatl( tro.7les 'er. "1 slee-+ 7.t ( 'eart wa4et'." #'e is restless+ .nco forta7le+ .n'a--(. 2'e 'eart is 7reat'in$ after C'rist+ 7.t s'e is indis-osed to e9ert 'erself for :i . /'at a sad+ elanc'ol( state of t'in$s+ w'en t'e 7lessed Bes.s is 4noc4in$ at t'e door) 3.t t'is is no .nco on case. 2'e 7elie*er a( 7e in t'e ain ri$'t at 'eart+ 7.t 'a*in$ fallen into a low+ d.ll+ slee-( state+ s-irit.al d.ties 7eco e a 7.rden+ and t'e( are eit'er entirel( ne$lected+ or not done 'eartil(. 2'is is a isera7le state of so.l to 7e in+ "1 slee-+ 7.t ( 'eart wa4et'." 1t is well to loo4 at 7ot' sides of t'is "7.t." #'e is neit'er aslee- nor awa4e. <n t'e one side t'ere is a sl. 7erin$ conscience+ on t'e ot'er a wa4ef.l 'eart. No ;.iet rest can s'e find no refres' ent. And well it is so w'en we 7eco e careless a7o.t t'e t'in$s of t'e 8ord. 3.t w'at a -ict.re of t'o.sands+ and tens of t'o.sands+ w'o o.$'t to 7e 7ri$'t+ 'a--(+ and alwa(s read( $irded for an(t'in$ in t'e wa( of ser*ice to C'rist and i ortal so.ls. /e now t.rn to t'e 7ri$'t and 7lessed side of t'is instr.cti*e scene. :as t'e 8ord c'an$ed 7eca.se s'e is c'an$ed? 3lind .n7elief wo.ld 7e s.re to sa( :e 'ad& and t'en .nwort'( t'o.$'ts of C'rist wo.ld follow+ and no end to do.7ts and fears. /'en inward t'o.$'ts are $.idin$+ t'e words of C'rist $o for not'in$. 3.t+ reall(+ 'as 'er coldness and indifference not c'an$ed :i in t'e least towards 'er? 2'e lo*e of C'rist towards :is s-o.se ne*er for one o ent c'an$es+ not wit'standin$ 'er 7ac4slidin$ and inconstanc(. 3.t no 7etter answer co.ld 7e $i*en to t'e ;.estion+ t'an t'e words of t'e slee-( s-o.se 'erself. Drows( as s'e is+ s'e 4nows :is 4noc4+ and discerns t'e *oice to 7e :is& and still s'e sa(s " ( 7elo*ed." 2'ere is a life in 'er so.l w'ic' .st e*er res-ond to t'at *oice+ in s-ite of fail.re. "1t is t'e *oice of ( 7elo*ed+" s'e sa(s+ "t'at 4noc4et'+ sa(in$+ <-en to e+ ( sister+ ( lo*e+ ( do*e+ ( .ndefiled! for ( 'ead is filled wit' dew+ and ( loc4s wit' t'e dro-s of t'e ni$'t." Now t'o. 'ast+ < ( so.l+ t'e -oor c'an$ea7le 7elie*er+ and t'e .nc'an$ea7le #a*io.r 7efore t'ee+ face to face+ on t'e -a$e of eternal tr.t'. /'at t'in4est t'o.? Are t'e *ain s.$$estions of t'e '. an 72

ind+ in s.c' a case+ to 7e t'e $.ide+ as to t'e ind of C'rist+ or t'e -lain word of 5od? /'at co.ld 7e -lainer or ore to t'e -oint t'an t'e word 7efore .s? Mar4 it well+ < ( so.l+ and editate t'ereon. And a( its 7lessed li$'t e*er 7e reflected+ fro t'( 'eart and conscience+ in all t'( interco.rse wit' 7ac4slidin$ and tro.7led so.ls. >.ll of t'e ost -atient+ to.c'in$ lo*e+ are t'e words of t'e 3ride$roo to :is wea4 and errin$ 7ride. 1n -lace of 7ein$ infl.enced 7( 'er sad state of so.l+ and acc.sin$ 'er of in$ratit.de and indifference towards :i self+ :e a--eals to 'er in ter s ore tender t'an on an( for er occasion. "<-en to e+" :e sa(s+ "to e t'ine own Messia' t'( 3elo*ed 1 a Bes.s w'( s'.t t'e door a$ainst e?" "<-en to e+ ( sister+ ( lo*e+ ( do*e+ ( .ndefiled." Ne*er 7efore 'ad 'e called 'er 'is ".ndefiled." 2'is ter of wondro.s $race and si$nificance was reser*ed for t'e da( of 'er dee- fail.re. And ne*er 7efore 'ad 'e all.ded to t'e 'ea*( "dews+" and t'e 'ea*ier "dro-s" of t'e ni$'t 7( w'ic' :e 'ad 7een o*erta4en in :is -at' of de*oted+ .nselfis' lo*e for 'er. <') w'at an a--eal) 1ts dee-+ dee- tones re0ec'o fro t'e dar4ness of 5et'se ane+ and fro t'e solit.des of Cal*ar(+ t'e $reatness of a lo*e w'ic' not'in$ co.ld t.rn aside fro its -.r-ose. 3.t alas+ :is a--eal 'as 7.t little effect on 'er slee-0laden conscience. 1s t'ere an(t'in$ in all t'is+ let e now as4+ t'at loo4s li4e a c'an$e in t'e lo*e of C'rist towards :is 7ac4slidin$ one? /'o can sa( t'ere is? .nless it 7e t'at :e now re*eals :is lo*e ore f.ll(+ and a--eals to 'er ore tenderl(. Does :e not -lead wit' 'er in a wa( t'at is fit to elt t'e 'eart in listenin$ to :i ? :e -leads as if it wo.ld 7e a $reat fa*o.r to :i to 7e ad itted .nder 'er roof? <r+ li4e a wear( tra*eller w'o 'as lost :is wa( in a dar4 and stor ( ni$'t+ :e -leads for s'elter. 1t is also wort'( of s-ecial note+ t'at ne*er 7efore+ at an( one ti e+ 'ad :e addressed 'er in so an( ter s of endear ent. "<-en to e+ ( sister+ ( lo*e+ ( do*e+ ( .ndefiled." #.c'+ < ( so.l+ is t'e lo*e of C'rist t'e lo*e of C'rist to a wanderin$ one. Consider it well. 2'ere is 7.t one 'eart t'at ne*er c'an$es. <') 'ow we s'o.ld *al.e t'at 'eart tr.st in t'at 'eart co.nt onl( on t'at 'eart and alwa(s 4ee- near to t'at c'an$eless 'eart of -erfect lo*e. 3.t+ o'+ alas+ w'at 'earts are o.rs) All t'is -atient+ wondro.s lo*e is et 7( t'e sl. 7erin$ s-o.se wit' $reat indifference+ and answered wit' t'e ost triflin$ and fri*olo.s e9c.ses. Cant. 5! 3. "- ha%e ut off my coat) how shall - ut it on!" Alas+ alas+ for t'e da.$'ter of Fion) :ow insensi7le+ t'ro.$' fail.re+ to t'e clai s of 'er own Messia' 'er $racio.s 8ord) /'at a 'ardenin$+ deadenin$ t'in$ is sin) "1t is an e*il t'in$ and 7itter+ t'at t'o. 'ast forsa4en t'e 8ord t'( 5od." <nce awa( fro t'e -resence of t'e 8ord+ and w'o can tell 'ow far we a( de-art fro :i + or into 'ow an( 7(e0wa(s we a( wander? 2'e t'o.$'t of s.c' a co.rse is fearf.l to conte -late. And t'e ore we lo*e o.r 7ret'ren+ and t'e ore s-irit.al o.r -erce-tion is of t'is dreadf.l e*il+ t'e $reater will 7e o.r sorrow o*er a 7ac4slidin$ so.l. /'o t'at 'as a care for so.ls and t'e 8ord%s $lor(+ 'as not we-t in secret o*er t'e too anifestl( deca(in$ Eeal+ and d(in$ ener$( of a once earnest+ fer*ent s-irit? 2'e -astor%s 'eart once so c'eered+ so t'an4f.l+ so 'o-ef.l+ so deli$'ted+ to see s.c' fres'ness of so.l for Bes.s) =arl( at all t'e eetin$s t'e co.ntenance 7ea in$ s-irit ,o(o.s e*er( word a7o.t C'rist dro--in$ into t'e so.l li4e t'e oil of $ladness& and onl( retirin$ fro t'e -.7lic eetin$ to editate on so e fres' tr.t'+ and en,o( dee-er co .nion wit' t'e 8ord in secret. 2'ose w'o 'a*e felt t'e sorrow of s.c' a 7ri$'t so.l 7ein$ led astra(+ 4now w'at it is. As t'e $reen+ fres' leaf of s. er+ after a se*ere 7li$'t+ loo4s wit'ered and droo-in$ seared as if a 'ot iron 'ad -assed o*er it& so+ alas+ does t'e so.l t'at 'as 7een led awa( 7( so e s.7tle snare of t'e ene (. =*er(t'in$ in a--earance and anner c'an$es. <'+ 'ow c'an$ed) 1rre$.larit( in attendance soon follows. =*er( one+ 'e i a$ines+ is c'an$ed towards 'i & slow to learn t'e c'an$e is in 'i self. :e ta4es offence at so e little t'in$+ it a( 7e+ and lea*es. Now 'is seat is e -t( 'e is $one 73

w'it'er? 2'e 8ord onl(+ in ost cases+ can answer t'is ;.estion. 0 Not t'at we s'o.ld 7e indifferent to t'e ;.estion& 7.t t'e 8ord onl( can trace t'e ste-s of 'is wanderin$s. :is slee-less e(e follows 'i e*er(w'ere& and t'e 'eart t'at was once -ierced for 'is sins can ne*er+ ne*er+ no ne*er cease to care for 'i . 1n t'e wisdo of :is lo*e+ :e a( allow t'e failin$ one to taste t'e 7itterness and sorrow of 'is self0c'osen wa(s& t'.s it will 7e wit' 1srael 7(0and07(& 7.t t'e 8ord 'as alwa(s wit'in :is reac' t'e eans of 7rin$in$ to re-entance+ and of t'e so.l%s f.ll restoration to :i self. Cant. 5! 4. "My belo%ed ut in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were mo%ed by him." 2'is is a o*e ent in t'e ri$'t direction. 2'e 8ord 7e -raised) :is own 'and 'as done it. Now we 'a*e so et'in$ li4e an answer to :is lo*e. >ee7le it is+ 7.t real. 2'e 'eart is o*ed for :i . #'e 'as ne*er ceased to call :i "M( 7elo*ed." 2'ere is affection for t'e 8ord+ t'o.$' fail.re. 3.t w'en t'e $entle+ $racio.s 4noc4in$s of a #a*io.r%s lo*e are .n'eeded+ :e e -lo(s ot'er eans. :e 4nows t'e state of t'e 'eart+ and w'at will effect.all( o*e it towards :i self. "#'all not 5od searc' t'is o.t& for 'e 4nowet' t'e secrets of t'e 'eart?" @Ps. 44! 21A #o eti es 7( eans t'e ost .ne9-ected :e reac'es t'e conscience. 2'e li$'t co in$ in disco*ers w'ere we are+ and w'at we are. 5race tri. -'s. 2'e so.l now see4s t'e -resence of t'e 8ord+ and t'e 'a--iness t'at is to 7e fo.nd alone in :i . #till+ it a( 7e so e ti e 7efore it f.ll( reco*ers fro its fail.re. 2'ere a( 7e .c' sorrow+ '. 7lin$+ 7rea4in$ down+ 7efore t'e -erfect re-ose of :is -resence 7e fo.nd. Conf.sed and a$itated+ li4e one ,.st awa4ened o.t of slee-+ we a( r.n and see4 t'e 8ord w'ere :e ne*er said :e wo.ld 7e fo.nd. 2'e sanct.ar(+ not t'e cit(+ is t'e -lace of :is 7lessed and ,o(0$i*in$ -resence. Cant. 5! 5. "- rose to o en to my belo%ed) and my hands dro ed with myrrh, and my fingers with sweet1smelling myrrh, u on the handles of the lock." 1s t'ere s.c' a t'in$ as sweet tears as well as 7itter? And can 7ot' flow+ in$led down at t'e sa e ti e? /'at ore 7itter to t'e taste t'an (rr'? /'at ore fra$rant to t'e s ell t'an sweet0s ellin$ (rr'? "M( 'ands dro--ed wit' (rr'+ and ( fin$ers wit' sweet0s ellin$ (rr'+ .-on t'e 'andles of t'e loc4." @M(rr' si$nifies flowin$+ wee-in$.A Distinct now and real is t'e res-onse of t'e 7ride to t'e -erse*erin$ lo*e of 'er 7ride$roo . "1 rose to o-en to ( 7elo*ed." #'e is reco*erin$ fro 'er s-irit.al indolence. 2'e sense of 'er sin in not o-enin$ t'e door w'en :e 4noc4ed+ is 7itterness in 'er so.l& (et it is in$led wit' $reat affection for t'e one s'e sli$'ted. 6eac'in$ t'e door at w'ic' :e stood so lon$+ s'e finds t'e scene filled wit' t'e fra$rance of :is -erson. 8a(in$ 'old on t'e 'andles of t'e loc4+ "'er 'ands dro--ed wit' (rr'+ and 'er fin$ers wit' sweet0s ellin$ (rr'."M M:istor( infor s .s of an =astern c.sto w'ic' t'rows li$'t on t'e co -arison 'ere .sed. /'en t'e lo*ed one -ersists in ref.sin$ t'e addresses of 'er lo*er+ 'e *isits 'er fat'er%s 'o.se+ or w'ere s'e li*es+ d.rin$ t'e ni$'t. Aro.nd t'e door of t'e 'o.se 'e 'an$s $arlands of flowers and strews t'e t'res'old wit' sweet flowers. :e also anoints wit' fra$rant .n$.ents t'e loc4s and 'andles of t'e door. 3( t'is eans 'e a*ows to t'e w'ole fa il( t'at 'is affection+ t'o.$' sli$'ted+ is real. Now t'at s'e is awa4ened+ and ali*e to w'at s'e 'as 7een+ and to w'at s'e 'as done+ dee-est sorrow and 7itterest re$ret+ in$led wit' t'e ost adorin$ lo*e for 'er $ood and $racio.s 8ord+ fill and o*erflow 'er so.l+ li4e one w'o 'as *ent.red 7ac4+ after sorrowf.l fail.re+ to t'e scenes of for er s-irit.al en,o( ent. 2'e well04nown entrance+ t'e si$'t of an( faces so fa iliar+ t'e so.nd of a *oice not for$otten+ and w'ic' 'as still an ec'o in t'e now eltin$ 'eart fill t'e so.l wit' dee-est e otions. 2'e w'ole scene recalls to t'e ind an( 7(0$one da(s of tr.est 'a--iness. And now+ in$led wit' t'e (ieldin$ .- of t'e 'eart to t'e lo*e of Bes.s+ are t'e s itin$s of an .-7raidin$ conscience. 2'e 'eart in silence 7reat'es+ "8ord Bes.s+ 1 a as'a ed+ and 7l.s' 7efore 2'ee. Misera7le and .n'a--( 'a*e 1 7een e*er( 'o.r of ( wanderin$s. <') 'ow .n$ratef.l) 'ow .n$ratef.l 'a*e 1 7een) <') t'at 1 s'o.ld 'a*e 7ro.$'t t'is stain on 2'( 7lessed na e) M( so.l is 7itter wit' self0 74

re-roac'. 8ord+ can 1 7e for$i*en? 3.t o') dee-en in ( so.l t'e sense of ( sin in $oin$ astra(+ and of 2'( 'oliness and $race+ in 7rin$in$ e 7ac4 to 2'( fold. 6estore .nto e t'e ,o(s of 2'( sal*ation. M( so.l clea*et' .nto 2'ee." "3lessed 6edee er) 1 ac4nowled$e now :ow wise+ and fir + and s.ita7le 2'( wa(s <f erc( and of ,.d$ ent eac' in t.rn ore 7ri$'t 2'( lo*in$04indness s'ines. ore dar4 ( own de-ra*it(+ Dar4+ and 3( lo*e%s 3ri$'t+ and

ost stron$ constraint wit' 'ands t'at droNo lon$er in res-onseless a-at'(

#weet s ellin$ odo.rs 7( t'(self 7estowed. 1 'ear 2'ee 4noc4! 7.t now o7edient ade."

Cant. 5! 6. "- o ened to my belo%ed) but my belo%ed had withdrawn himself, and was gone) my soul failed when he s ake) - sought him, but - could not find him) - called him, but he ga%e me no answer." 8i4e Bose-' of old+ w'o so.$'t in an( wa(s+ to e9ercise t'e 'earts of 'is 7ret'ren+ 7eca.se of t'eir $.ilt concernin$ 'i self! so t'e tr.e Bose-' will dee-l( e9ercise t'e 'earts of :is 7ret'ren+ t'e Bews+ in t'e latter da(+ 7eca.se of t'eir condition 7efore 5od. 3.t Bose-' did not lo*e 'is 7ret'ren t'e less+ 7eca.se 'e allowed t'e to -ass t'ro.$' a tr(in$+ siftin$ -rocess. :is 'eart was f.ll and read( to 7.rst fort' in e9-ressions of stron$est affection w'en t'e ri$'t o ent ca e. /'at a relief to 'i w'en t'e flood0$ates were t'rown o-en+ and w'en t'e lon$ -ent0.- lo*e of 'is 'eart 'ad a free co.rse. #o s'all it 7e wit' t'e 8ord and 1srael+ ,.st 7efore :e re*eals :i self in -ower and $lor(+ for t'eir co -lete deli*erance+ and t'e f.ll anifestation of :is lo*e as t'eir own Messia'. 2'e -oint of analo$(+ 'owe*er+ w'ic' is 'ere so stri4in$ 7etween Bose-' and 'is 7ret'ren+ and C'rist and t'e Bews+ co -letel( fails w'en a--lied to 1srael and t'e c'.rc' of 5od. 2'e co on notion+ t'at C'rist so eti es wit'draws :i self+ or 'ides :is face+ fro C'ristians+ in order t'at :e a( tr( t'e and -ro*e t'e + 'as no fo.ndation in t'e e-istles. /it' t'e Bew+ of co.rse+ .nder law e*er(t'in$ was different& 5od dwelt in t'e t'ic4 dar4ness t'e wa( into t'e 'oliest of all was not (et ade anifest t'e -erfect sacrifice 'ad not 7een offered t'e conscience of t'e Bew 'ad not 7een -erfectl( -.r$ed+ t'erefore 'e co.ld not 'a*e f.ll -eace. 3.t wit' C'ristians t'e -osition of t'in$s is entirel( c'an$ed. "2'e dar4ness is -ast+ and t'e tr.e li$'t now s'inet'." /e are "acce-ted in t'e 7elo*ed." <.r sins+ accordin$ to t'e ,.d$ ent of 5od+ were all+ and for e*er+ -.t awa( 7( t'e one offerin$ of C'rist. /'en 5od%s f.ll ,.d$ ent a$ainst sin was e9-ressed on t'e cross+ t'e *eil was rent+ and t'e wa( into t'e 'oliest of all was laid o-en. /e+ dead in sin+ and C'rist dead for sin+ were ;.ic4ened to$et'er+ raised .- to$et'er+ and seated to$et'er in 'ea*enl( -laces+ 5od 'a*in$ for$i*en all o.r tres-ass. 2'ere can 7e no *eil 7etween 5od and C'rist in $lor(+ and we 7ein$ in C'rist+ all -erfect 7efore t'e face of 5od+ t'ere can 7e no *eil 7etween 5od and .s. And+ oreo*er+ t'e :ol( 5'ost 'as co e down as t'e witness and -ower of o.r -resent oneness wit' t'e risen and e9alted C'rist+ and to $i*e .s 7( :is indwellin$ t'e conscio.s en,o( ent of o.r -lace and -ortion wit' C'rist+ in t'e -resence of 5od. 2'e *er( t'o.$'t of t'e 8ord 'idin$ :is face fro t'ose w'o are in t'e f.ll li$'t of 5od wit' :i self+ and as :i self+ is s.rel( .tterl( forei$n to t'e w'ole doctrine of scri-t.re a7o.t t'e c'.rc'. 75

2r.e alas+ 'ow tr.e) 0 we a( for$et 'ow ric'l( we are 7lessed in C'rist Bes.s we a( for$et t'at we are associated wit' :i as risen fro t'e dead+ and $one .- on 'i$' we a( for$et t'at :is life is o.rs+ and t'at :is deli$'ts s'o.ld 7e o.rs also& and for$ettin$ t'ese t'in$s+ we a( $et awa( fro :i + and sin a$ainst :i . And no sin+ let .s re e 7er+ can 7e so 'atef.l to 5od as t'e sin of C'ristians+ and t'at ,.st 7eca.se we are 7ro.$'t so near to :i self. 3.t+ alas+ we .st 7e awa( fro :i w'en we fall into sin& none of .s co.ld sin in :is -resence. 2'ere it is 'atef.l to .s+ and we 'a*e -ower o*er it. #o di$nified is t'e anner of t'e :ol( 5'ost w'en referrin$ to t'is s.7,ect+ t'at :e 7arel( ad its t'e -ossi7ilit( of t'e C'ristian sinnin$. "1f+" :e sa(s+ onl( t'e -ossi7ilit( of s.c' a t'in$ is s.--osed. "1f an( an sin+ we 'a*e an ad*ocate wit' t'e >at'er+ Bes.s C'rist t'e ri$'teo.s. And 'e is t'e -ro-itiation for o.r sins+ and not for o.rs onl(+ 7.t also for t'e w'ole world." @1 Bo'n 2! 1+ 2A :ere we 'a*e di*ine -ro*ision for all t'e need of o.r -il$ri -at'. 2'e ad*ocac( of C'rist+ fo.nded on ri$'teo.sness and -ro-itiation+ sec.res t'e cleansin$ awa( of o.r defile ents+ and aintains .s s-otless 7efore t'e face of 5od. :ow o--osed to t'is 7lessed tr.t' is t'e co on notion+ t'at 5od so eti es 'ides :is face 7e'ind a clo.d+ in order to test t'e fait' and lo*e of :is c'ildren) /e a( fail to en,o( t'is 7lessed tr.t'+ or we a( 7e i$norant of it+ 7.t t'e tr.t' of 5od re ains .nc'an$ea7l( t'e sa e& and t'e -osition of t'e c'.rc' 7efore :i in C'rist is as .nc'an$ea7le as t'e tr.t' t'at re*eals it. Now+ if we t.rn fro t'e c'.rc' to 1srael as s.c'+ we find not analo$(+ 7.t t'e contrast to all t'is wondro.s $race. >or alt'o.$' "at t'e ti e of t'e end+" t'e re nant are loo4in$ for t'e Messia' and lon$in$ for :i wit' tr.e affection+ t'e( are still .nder law+ and allowed to feel its -ress.re. 8i4e t'e ansla(er of old+ t'e( will 7e+ as it were+ in t'e cit( of ref.$e .ntil a c'an$e in t'e -riest'ood ta4es -lace. @#ee N. . 35A 2'e a--earin$ of t'e 8ord%s anointed+ in t'e e9ercise of :is Melc'isedec -riest'ood+ will 7e t'e $reat antit(-e of t'at ancient law. A c'an$e in t'e -riest'ood+ t'ro.$' deat'+ 7ro.$'t li7ert( to t'ose w'o were -risoners in t'e cities of ref.$e. "3.t after t'e deat' of t'e 'i$' -riest t'e sla(er s'all ret.rn into t'e land of 'is -ossession." 1srael+ in t'e latter da(+ 7efore t'e 8ord a--ears+ will -ass t'ro.$' a dee-+ siftin$ wor4 .nder law+ as an( scri-t.res clearl( s'ow. 2'e sole n ,.d$ ent of 5od a$ainst t'eir sin of 7lood0$.iltiness .st 7e felt and owned in t'e conscience. And w'en :e a--ears+ t'is 7lessed+ t'o.$' se*ere+ wor4 will 7e dee-ened+ 7.t t'en it will 7e .nder $race. 2'e followin$ -assa$e refers to t'is -oint! "And 1 will -o.r .-on t'e 'o.se of Da*id+ and .-on t'e in'a7itants of Ber.sale + t'e s-irit of $race and of s.--lications& and t'e( s'all loo4 .-on e w'o t'e( 'a*e -ierced+ and t'e( s'all o.rn for 'i + as one o.rnet' for 'is onl( son+ and s'all 7e in 7itterness for 'i + as one t'at is in 7itterness for 'is first 7orn." 6ead caref.ll( Fec'aria' 12+ also 13 and 14. 3.t is it not tr.l( 7ea.tif.l+ < ( so.l+ to see t'e realit( and fer*o.r of affection w'ic' t'e 7lessed 8ord 'as created in t'e 'earts of :is -eo-le+ e*en a idst all t'eir s.fferin$s? :ow sweetl( t'e 'eart of t'e s-o.se 7reat'es after 'er well07elo*ed) 1ndeed+ t'is is t'e c'aracter of t'e Canticles. 2'e Psal s $i*e .s ore of t'e wor4in$s of conscience in t'e re nant& t'e Canticles+ -re0e inentl(+ t'e affections of t'e 'eart. 2'is is t'e side w'ic' we 'a*e 'ere+ and a 7lessed side it is. :ere we 'a*e t'e 3ride$roo 0lo*e of Bes.s anifested+ and its sweet and to.c'in$ reflection in t'e 'eart of :is lo*in$ s-o.se. "M( so.l failed w'en 'e s-a4e." #'e co.ld 'ear :i + 7.t co.ld not see :i + and 'er 'eart fainted wit'in 'er& s'e 'ad sli$'ted :i in an e*il 'o.r+ and 7ein$ still on t'e $ro.nd of ri$'teo.sness+ :e 'ad wit'drawn :i self+ and was $one. 3.t :e lo*ed 'er not t'e less+ 7eca.se :e did t'is. And if s'e felt 4eenl( t'e 'idin$ of :is face+ :e felt it infinitel( ore. Ne*er did t'e 'eart of Bose-' 7.rn wit' s.c' an intense fla e of lo*e to 'is 7ret'ren+ as w'en 'e was concealin$ 'i self fro t'e . 3.t a 76

$reater t'an Bose-' is 'ere) "Bes.s C'rist+ t'e sa e (esterda(+ and toda(+ and for e*er." And ar4+ it does not read 5od is t'e sa e (esterda(+ toda(+ and for e*er& of co.rse :e is t'at& 7.t it is of "Bes.s C'rist+" #a*io.r and 3ride$roo + t'at t'e -assa$e affir s+ :e ne*er c'an$es. 8earn t'en+ < ( so.l+ to confide in :i . Ne*er do.7t :is lo*e+ w'ate*er a--earances a( 7e+ or distr.st :is $race& $race can ne*er+ ne*er fail. 2'e scene w'ic' follows is a -ainf.l one. #'e is o.t of co .nion+ and all is in conf.sion. 2'e *er( ener$( and ardo.r of 'er lo*e 7rin$ 'er into all sorts of tro.7le. #'e e9-oses 'erself+ as it were+ to t'e ta.nts of -rofessors inside+ and to t'e ro.$' treat ent of t'e world o.tside. =*er(t'in$ for t'e o ent is o.t of -lace+ as to 'er wa(s+ 7.t 'er 'eart is ri$'t in t'e ain+ and tr.e to 'er 8ord. "1 c'ar$e (o.+ < da.$'ters of Ber.sale + if (e find ( 7elo*ed+ t'at (e tell 'i + 1 a sic4 of lo*e." <') 'ow few of .s co.ld sa(+ "1 a sic4 of lo*e." :ow seldo we e9-ose o.rsel*es to -ersec.tion t'ro.$' t'e fer*o.r of o.r affections) Ma( we 4now ore of t'e co .nion w'ic' ca.set' t'e 'eart to 7.rn+ and t'e words to flow in li*in$ testi on( for o.r a7sent 8ord) "2o t'ose w'o 4now t'e 8ord+ 1 s-ea4+ 1s ( 3elo*ed near? of ( so.l 1 see4+ 2'e 3ride$roo

<') w'en will :e a--ear?" Cant. 5! 9. "0hat is thy belo%ed more than another belo%ed, + thou fairest among women! what is thy belo%ed more than another belo%ed, that thou dost so charge us!" /'at ore $ratef.l to t'e 'eart t'an to 4now t'at we are fairer t'an all ot'ers to t'e one we lo*e 7est? 2o 7e well ass.red t'at t'is is :is ind $i*es sweet content ent to t'e so.l. 1t is also *er( -leasant to 'ear t'at ot'ers+ w'o i$'t 'a*e 7een filled wit' ,ealo.s(+ s-ea4 of .s+ and to .s+ ,.st li4e :i self. Not'in$ 7e(ond t'is can 7e desired. /ell+ so s'all it 7e ere lon$ wit' t'e da.$'ter of Fion+ t'e fair s-o.se of t'e tr.e Cin$ #olo on. /'en 7ro.$'t into f.ll 7lessin$ .nder t'e Messia'+ and 'i$'l( 'ono.red 7( :i + all t'en will $ladl( address 'er+ "< t'o. fairest a on$ wo en." 2'e "da.$'ters of Ber.sale " a( re-resent in t'is scene t'e cities of B.da'+ w'ic' will 'a*e a s.7ordinate -lace to Ber.sale in t'e da( of 'er co in$ $lor(+ t'o.$' still in t'e sa e circle of 7lessin$. Ber.sale and t'e Bews will t'en 'a*e t'e c'ief -lace of 'ono.r and $lor( in t'e eart'+ and all nations s'all t'en co.rt t'eir fa*o.r+ and see4 t'e s'elter of t'eir win$. "2'.s sait' t'e 8ord of 'osts& in t'ose da(s it s'all co e to -ass+ t'at ten en s'all ta4e 'old+ o.t of all lan$.a$es of t'e nations+ e*en s'all ta4e 'old of t'e s4irt of 'i t'at is a Bew+ sa(in$+ /e will $o wit' (o.+ for we 'a*e 'eard t'at 5od is wit' (o.." @Fec'. 8! 23A Clearl( t'is is still f.t.re. 3.t f.rt'er+ t'e s-irit of -ro-'ec(+ s-ea4in$ of t'e restoration of t'e c'ildren of Fion+ sa(s+ "And 4in$s s'all 7e t'( n.rsin$ fat'ers+ and t'eir ;.eens t'( n.rsin$ ot'ers! t'e( s'all 7ow down to t'ee wit' t'eir face towards t'e eart'+ and lic4 .- t'e d.st of t'( feet! and t'o. s'alt 4now t'at 1 a t'e 8ord+! for t'e( s'all not 7e as'a ed t'at wait for e." @1sa. 49! 23A /'at a c'an$e for t'e Bew w'en t'is ta4es -lace) /'at a 7lessed c'an$e for t'at lon$ down0 trodden -eo-le) /'at a 'istor( is t'eirs) at least if we e 7race t'e -ast+ -resent+ and f.t.re. "5o+ (e swift essen$ers+" sa(s t'e -ro-'et+ "to a nation scattered and -eeled+ to a -eo-le terri7le fro t'eir 7e$innin$ 'it'erto+ a nation eted o.t and trodden down+ w'ose land t'e ri*ers 'a*e s-oiled." 3.t now all is 'a--il( c'an$ed. Jnder t'e fi$.re of a 7ride+ lo*ed+ ad ired+ and deli$'ted in+ t'e re nant of B.da' is s-o4en of. 2'e 7lessed 8ord :i self t'e s-ared re nant of t'e ot'er tri7es and all t'e 5entiles+ ad ire 'er -eerless 7ea.t(. "< t'o. fairest a on$ wo en." 2'.s s'all it 7e in t'at da( wit' 77

t'e entire nation t'e ten tri7es and t'e two. 2'e( s'all all 7e $at'ered to t'eir own land+ and eac' tri7e to its own lot. 1n answer to t'e in;.ir( of t'e da.$'ters of Ber.sale + "/'at is t'( 7elo*ed ore t'an anot'er 7elo*ed+ t'at t'o. dost so c'ar$e .s?" s'e i ediatel( re-lies+ and $i*es a f.ll0len$t' -ortrait of 'er well07elo*ed. And t'ere is all t'at s'ar-ness in t'e o.tline+ and in.teness in t'e detail+ w'ic' stron$ and in$led -assion alone co.ld $i*e. :er stron$ affection is ade do.7l( stron$ t'ro.$' self0 re-roac'. :er recollection of :i is *i*ified t'ro.$' 'a*in$ sli$'ted :i & and all 'er feelin$s are intensified t'ro.$' not findin$ :i . 1n t'is state of ind s'e -ortra(s :i to t'e da.$'ters of Ber.sale fro 'ead to foot. <') to 7e read( 0 alwa(s read(+ on t'e s-.r of t'e o ent+ to s-ea4 of Bes.s) #'e needed no ti e for -re editation. #'e as4s for none. Deli$'ted wit' t'e o--ort.nit(+ all s'e wanted was t'e listenin$ ear and t'e 7elie*in$ 'eart. 8i4e t'e wo an at t'e well of #(c'ar+ 'er own 'eart was o*erflowin$. :er lo*e 'ad $rown+ t'ro.$' disa--oint ent+ into a -assion. 1t is relief to 'er 'eart to s-ea4 of :i . #'e co.ld not 'el- 7ein$ elo;.ent. 8o*e is t'e 7est $ift of t'e e*an$elist lo*e to t'e #a*io.r lo*e to t'e sinner. 3.t w'en t'at lo*e rises into a -assion+ t'ere .st 7e tr.e+ 7.rnin$ elo;.ence. Ne*er+ ne*er+ < ( so.l+ 7e content wit' less t'an t'is. 8o*e to t'e #a*io.r lo*e for so.ls+ is $ood+ 7.t t'e e*an$elist needs ore. #ee4 t'at t'( lo*e a( rise into a fer*ent fla e. 2'e wor4 de ands it. Art t'o. an e*an$elist? 8et e*er(t'in$ t'at wo.ld 'inder t'( wor4 7e cons. ed on t'e altar of entire consecration. Preac'in$ is not teac'in$+ re e 7er+ neit'er is teac'in$ -reac'in$. A--eal to so.ls+ -lead wit' t'e + la( 'old on t'e + a$onise for t'e . 1t is a atter of life or deat' of ineffa7le+ eternal 7lessedness& or .n.ttera7le+ eternal woe. 6ealise t'e f.t.re in t'e -resent+ and raise a cr( to t'e 5od of all $race+ t'at not one so.l a( $o awa( .ni -ressed+ .n7lessed+ .nsa*ed. More te -erate 'earts+ and wiser too+ it a( 7e+ in an( t'in$s+ a( sa(+ "2'ere is .c' of nat.re in s.c' Eeal+ and not a little .n7elief& re e 7er t'e wor4 is t'e 8ord%s." >.ll( ad it t'ine own fail.re+ and t'at t'e wor4 is 5od%s fro first to last& 7.t let not'in$ slac4en t'( Eeal+ or da - t'( ener$(. Ma( t'e fla e of t'( lo*e 7e .n;.enc'a7le. <') 7e in earnest& 'ea*en is in earnest+ 'ell is in earnest+ and 7e t'o. in dee-+ dee- earnest. 2'e Master we-t o*er a cit(+ t'o. 'ast a world to wee- o*er. 8o*e wit' :is lo*e+ and let :is tears flow t'ro.$' t'ine e(es. "<') s-ea4 of Bes.s of t'at lo*e Passin$ all 7o.nds of '. an t'o.$'t+ /'ic' ade :i ;.it :is t'rone a7o*e+ deat' o.r r.ined race /it' 5od0li4e dee- co -assion fra.$'t+ 2o sa*e fro <.r $.ilt to -.r$e+ o.r -at' to trace. <') s-ea4 of Bes.s of :is deat'+ >or sinners s.c' as e :e died. %2is finis'ed+% wit' :is latest 7reat'+ 2'e 8ord+ Be'o*a'+ Bes.s+ cried! 2'at deat' of s'a e and a$on( <-ened t'e wa( of life to e." Cant. 5! 10. "My belo%ed is white and ruddy) the chiefest among ten thousand." 1t is said of 78

Da*id t'at 'e was "r.dd(+ and of a fair co.ntenance+" referrin$ no do.7t+ to 'is (o.t'f.l 7loo and 7ea.t(. 3.t in t'e descri-tion 'ere $i*en of t'e tr.e Da*id+ t'e s-otless -.rit( of :is Person+ and t'e c'aracter of :is sacrifice+ a( 7e referred to 7( t'e #-irit of -ro-'ec(. 2'ese are si$nificant words "w'ite and r.dd(." 2'e :ol( #-irit deli$'ts to set fort'+ w'et'er in t(-e or alle$or(+ t'e $lories of :is Person+ and t'e infinite *al.e of :is 7lood. "Can (o. tell e of an(t'in$ t'at is w'iter t'an snow?" in;.ired one+ w'o was addressin$ a #.nda( sc'ool. "2'e so.l t'at 'as 7een was'ed in t'e 7lood of Bes.s+" was t'e satisfactor( answer of a little $irl. 3.t+ o'+ if a 7rand -l.c4ed fro t'e fire+ 7lac4ened and cons. ed+ as it were+ 7( sin+ can t'.s 7e ade w'iter t'an snow -.re as t'e li$'t of 'ea*en+ in *irt.e of t'at ost -recio.s 7lood& w'at+ we a( as4+ .st 7e t'e essential 'oliness+ and infinite di$nit( of :i + 7( w'ose 7lood0s'eddin$ t'is ar*ello.s wor4 is acco -lis'ed? Ies+ indeed+ one so.l t'.s 7lest wo.ld -ro*e t'e wondro.s efficac( of t'e sacrifice& 7.t w'at wilt t'o. sa(+ ( so.l+ w'en in 'ea*en t'o. 7e'oldest (riads .-on (riads of ranso ed so.ls sin$in$ t'e son$ t'at is e*er new+ "Jnto 'i t'at lo*ed .s+ and was'ed .s fro o.r sins in 'is own 7lood& and 'at' ade .s 4in$s and -riests .nto 5od and 'is >at'er& to 'i 7e $lor( and do inion for e*er and e*er. A en." <') w'at e9alted+ adorin$ t'o.$'ts we s'all t'en 'a*e of t'e once lowl( #on of an+ 7.t now 'i$'l( e9alted C'rist of 5od) /'at t'o. s'alt t'en see wit' t'ine e(es+ ( so.l+ t'o. art now to 7elie*e wit' t'ine 'eart. <' editate .-on it and $lor( in t'e tr.t'+ "M( 7elo*ed is w'ite and r.dd(& t'e c'iefest a on$ ten t'o.sand." /'at so "w'ite" so clean so 'ol(+ as t'e 7lessed Person of t'e #on of an Be'o*a'0Bes.s t'e root and t'e offs-rin$ of Da*id? /'at so "r.dd(" as t'e 7lood t'at flowed fro :is i ac.late *eins on Cal*ar(? /'o+ o' w'o+ is wort'( to 7e t'e C'ieftain of all 5od%s 'osts+ sa*e t'e Ca-tain of o.r sal*ation? "<') c'iefest of ten t'o.sand+ w'o li4e 2'ee+ /'o+ 8ord+ a on$ t'e i$'t( a( co -are /it' 2'ee+ t'e standard07earer of t'e 'ost) 2'.s to 4now Bes.s is -resent sal*ation+ -eace+ and 'a--iness. 2o 4now t'at ( sins are 7lotted o.t 7( t'ese "r.dd(" dro-s (es+ 7lotted o.t+ 1 sa( 7lotted o.t for e*er+ is -erfect 7lessedness. 2'e( 'a*e no e9istence now 7efore 5od+ t'e ,.d$e of sin. Pardoned 1 a 1 4now 1 a + 5od sa(s it. 3.t to 4now t'at t'( sins are 7lotted o.t is a dee-er t'o.$'t still. C'rist a7olis'ed sin 7( t'e sacrifice of :i self. 8i4e t'e -e77le t'at 'as 7een cast into t'e de-t's of t'e sea+ o.r sins are .ntracea7le t'e( are 7.ried in t'e dee- waters of 5od%s for$etf.lness. And 5od 'as 7een so $lorified in t'e wor4 of :is 7lessed #on+ t'at it is now a ri$'teo.s t'in$ wit' 5od+ as well as $racio.s+ to 7less all w'o 7elie*e in Bes.s. :e can now ind.l$e :is lo*e 7( eetin$ in $race t'e c'ief of sinners+ w'o 7ows to t'e na e of t'e once lowl(+ 7.t now e9alted #on of an. Cant. 5! 11. "His head is as the most fine gold his locks are bushy and black as a ra%en." :a*in$ answered t'e da.$'ters of Ber.sale in a $eneral wa( as to 'er 7elo*ed+ s'e now 7e$ins to descri7e :i ore in.tel(. 5.ided 7( t'e #-irit of 5od+ s'e deli$'ts to dwell on :is *aried e9cellencies and $lories+ .nder t'e si ilit.de of t'e '. an feat.res. <ne word+ ( so.l+ at t'e t'res'old& see4 not+ 1 -ra( t'ee+ for t'e (stic eanin$ of t'ese se-arate feat.res+ 7e(ond t'e li its of 'ol( scri-t.re. "2'e -lace w'ereon t'o. standest is 'ol( $ro.nd." >or alt'o.$' t'e 8ord+ did not for7id Moses to draw near to t'e 7.rnin$ 7.s'+ :e told 'i + -lainl(+ t'at it .st 7e wit' .ns'od feet. 8et t'ine e(e t'en 7e anointed+ and t'( 'eart wors'i--in$+ w'ile editatin$ on Fion%s $lorio.s Cin$. 1n Canticles 4 t'e 3ride$roo + in reco.ntin$ t'e attractions of :is 7ride+ en. erates se*en feat.res. :ere+ s'e -oints o.t ten in -ortra(in$ 'er 7elo*ed. 2'e si$nificant n. 7ers+ t'ree and se*en+ 79

are .nited in :i . /e will now 7riefl(

editate on eac' feat.re se-aratel(.

"His head is as the most fine gold." #.-re e a,est( a( 7e indicated 7( "t'e ost fine $old+" as in Daniel 2! 38+ "2'o. art t'is 'ead of $old." 1t is also fre;.entl( .sed in scri-t.re+ to re-resent di*ine ri$'teo.sness in connection wit' t'e Person of C'rist& as in 1saia' 11! 5+ and 6e*elation 1! 13. <f t'is sa e Bes.s we read+ "3e'old a 4in$ s'all rei$n in ri$'teo.sness+ and -rinces s'all r.le in ,.d$ ent. And a an s'all 7e as an 'idin$ -lace fro t'e wind+ and a co*ert fro t'e te -est& as ri*ers of water in a dr( -lace& as t'e s'adow of a $reat roc4 in a wear( land." @1sa. 32! 1+ 2A "His locks are bushy and black as a ra%en." 2'e 7.s'(+ ra*en loc4s of t'e 3ride$roo are e*identl( contrasted wit' t'e lon$+ flowin$ 'air of t'e 7ride+ w'ic' 'e co -ares to "a floc4 of $oats+ t'at a--ear fro Mo.nt 5ilead." Io.t'f.l *i$o.r and stren$t' a( also 7e indicated 7( t'e -rof.sion of t'e loc4s. <f =-'rai it is said @:osea 7! 9A+ "#tran$ers 'a*e de*o.red 'is stren$t'+ and 'e 4nowet' it not+ (ea+ $re( 'airs are 'ere and t'ere .-on 'i + (et 'e 4nowet' it not." 3.t of =-'rai %s 8ord+ and Cin$ no si$ns of deca( s'all e*er 7e seen. :e is t'e sa e (esterda(+ and toda(+ and for e*er. #o e 7elie*e+ t'at "t'e ost fine $old" refers to t'e 5od'ead of Bes.s& and t'e "7.s'( loc4s" to :is an'ood. No tr.t' lies nearer t'e 'eart of fait'+ t'an t'e -erfect an'ood of t'e 7lessed #a*io.r& and t'at in connection wit' :is eternal 5od'ead. "C'rist w'o is o*er all+ 5od 7lessed for e*er. A en." @6o . 9! 5& Col. 1! 15019.A "Ad ire+ adore t'is 5od i 2o w'o .ta7le& ind+ alone it a--ertains to sa(+

%1 81L= ><6 =L=6)% and to w'ose *ast 2'e s'adow of a t.rnin$ is .n4nown."

Cant. 5! 12. "His eyes are as the eyes of do%es by the ri%ers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set." Mar$in+ settin$ in f.lness. 1n 6e*elation 5! 6+ Bo'n s-ea4s of "t'e 8a 7" w'ic' 'e sees in t'e idst of t'e t'rone+ 'a*in$ "se*en e(es w'ic' are t'e se*en s-irits of 5od sent fort' into all t'e eart'." 2'e n. 7er se*en+ we 4now+ denotes f.lness+ -erfection+ w'ic' 'ere si$nifies intelli$ence. ">or t'e e(es of t'e 8ord+ r.n to and fro t'ro.$'o.t t'e w'ole eart'+ to s'ow 'i self stron$ in t'e 7e'alf of t'ose w'ose 'eart is -erfect toward 'i ." @2 C'r. 16! 9A 3.t t'e 7elie*er 'as not'in$ to fear fro t'e 4een+ -enetratin$ $lance of t'at e(e of se*enfold 7ri$'tness& to 'i it is soft+ tender and affectionate "as t'e e(es of do*es 7( t'e ri*ers of waters." 1t is 'is 'a--( -ri*ile$e to watc' its direction. "1 will $.ide t'ee wit' ine e(e." /'at feat.re so e9-ressi*e as t'e e(e) And+ o') w'at an e(e is now 7efore t'e e(e of fait') 2ender as t'e do*e%s 7ri$'t and l.stro.s as w'en 7at'ed in t'e ri*er& or s'inin$+ as wit' a -assin$ tear of dee- co -assion. 2'e w'ite -art+ -.re as il4+ t'e e(e itself+ "fitl( set." Neit'er too -ro inent nor too .c' s.n4+ 7.t li4e t'e -recio.s stone t'at is -erfectl( set in t'e foil of t'e rin$. Cant. 5! 13. "His cheeks are as a bed of s ices) as sweet flowers." Mar$in+ towers of -erf. e& or as so e render it+ " o.nds of 7alsa s." 5reat sweetness+ 7loo + 7ea.t(+ and fra$rance+ are re-resented 7( t'ese co -arisons. 2'e face in $eneral a( 7e referred to 7( t'is feat.re. <nl( t'in4 of t'e difference 7etween t'e -ast da( of lowl( $race wit' Bes.s+ and t'e co in$ da( of wondro.s $lor(. 2'e da.$'ter of Fion+ in 'er 7lindness+ des-ised and re,ected :i 7eca.se of :is lowliness& and in -erfect $race :e s.7 itted to t'e will of an+ w'ic' is en it( a$ainst 5od. "1 $a*e ( 7ac4 to t'e s iters+ and ( c'ee4s to t'e t'at -l.c4ed off t'e 'air& 1 'id not ( face fro s'a e and s-ittin$." @1sa. 1! 6A And+ a$ain+ "2'e( s'all s ite t'e ,.d$e of 1srael wit' a rod .-on t'e c'ee4." @Mica' 5! 1A 3.t for all t'is 'atred and cr.elt(+ t'e da.$'ter of Fion will 7e 'eartil( sorr( t'en. 2'e *eil s'all 7e re o*ed. As it dro--ed fro t'e face of Moses w'en 'e t.rned ro.nd to t'e ta7ernacle+ so s'all it dro80

fro t'e 'eart of 1srael w'en t'e( loo4 on :i w'o t'e( -ierced. And t'en+ in -lace of t'eir sa(in$ of :i + "2'ere is no 7ea.t( t'at we s'o.ld desire 'i +" it will 7e+ ":e is alto$et'er lo*el(." 2'e once arred+ ins.lted+ and s itten c'ee4+ is to t'e 'eart of t'e nation as 7eds of s-ices sweet flowers towers of -erf. e o.nds of 7alsa s. <') w'at 'as $race wro.$'t) /'at t'e o-erations of t'e s-irit) /'at t'e tri. -' of 5od%s -ardonin$ lo*e) :asten) o' 'asten+ t'e co in$ 0 'a--( illennial da() "His li s like lilies, dro ing sweet1smelling myrrh." 2'e co -arison a( 7e to t'e 7ea.tif.l red lil( of t'e =ast& 7.t t'e 7elie*er 4nows t'e tr.t' of t'at 7lessed word+ "5race is -o.red into t'( li-s+" not dro--ed scantil(+ 7.t -o.red a7.ndantl(. 2'e li-s of Bes.s+ and :is onl(+ can s-ea4 -eace to a tro.7led so.l. Jntil :e+ and :e alone+ is listened to+ tr.e -eace is .n4nown. "2'e 8ord 5od+" :e sa(s 7( t'e -ro-'et+ "'at' $i*en e t'e ton$.e of t'e learned+ t'at 1 s'o.ld 4now 'ow to s-ea4 a word in season to 'i t'at is wear(." "#weet0s ellin$ (rr' of Bes.%s 'ol( li-s+ Diff.sin$ co fort+ -.rit(+ and -eace+ /'ere%er it -enetrates o') waft it soon+ 5od) 'i$' and 'ol() to re otest lands& Pre-are re otest 'earts to welco e it) Ies) 2'o. 'ast -ro ised and w'at ar of fles' #'all inter-ose to 'inder or o7str.ct /'at in 2'ine e*erlastin$ -.r-oses is s.re?" Cant. 5! 14. "His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl." 1n $eneral+ all t'e wor4s of :is 'ands a( 7e e 7raced in t'is feat.re. /or4s of nat.re+ -ro*idence+ and $race. 2'eir 7ea.t(+ $lor(+ -erfection+ and d.ra7ilit(+ a( 7e re-resented 7( t'e $old+ t'e rin$+ and t'e -recio.s stones. "2'e wor4s of 'is 'ands are *erit( and ,.d$ ent+ all 'is co and ents are s.re. 2'e( stand fast for e*er and e*er+ and are done in tr.t' and .-ri$'tness." @Ps. 111! 7. 8A 3.t fait' can now sa( of t'ese ,ewelled 'ands+ in t'e lan$.a$e of t'e lo*ed #'.la ite+ ":is left 'and is .nder ( 'ead+ and 'is ri$'t 'and dot' e 7race e." <') w'at an e 7race) :a--(+ t'rice 'a--(+ t'e( w'o are t'.s folded in :is e*erlastin$ ar s) 1t is e*erlastin$ endless+ li4e t'e rin$ itself. "8o*e ne*er failet'." "His belly is as bright i%ory o%erlaid with sa hires." 2'e 7owels of :is dee- and tender co -assion a( 7e referred to 'ere. "M( 'eart is li4e wa9& it is elted in t'e idst of ( 7owels." @Ps. 22! 14A 2'e idea of de-t' a( 7e con*e(ed 7( a reference to t'e 7owels. And t'e colo.r of t'e sa--'ire stone 7ein$ 7l.e+ s.$$ests t'e 'ea*enl( c'aracter of :is tender s( -at'ies. "And t'ere was .nder 'is feet as it were a -a*ed wor4 of a sa--'ire stone+ and as it were t'e 7od( of 'ea*en in 'is clearness." @=9. 24! 10A P.re as t'e "7ri$'t i*or(+" dee- as t'e 7owels 'i$' as 'ea*en+ is t'e tenderness+ -it(+ co -assion+ and lo*e of o.r 7lessed 8ord Bes.s C'rist. "1f t'ere 7e t'erefore an( consolation in C'rist+ if an( co fort of lo*e+ if an( fellows'i- of t'e #-irit+ if an( 7owels and ercies+ f.lfil (e ( ,o(+ t'at (e 7e li4e0 inded+ 'a*in$ t'e sa e lo*e+ 7ein$ of one accord+ of one ind." @P'il. 2! 1+ 2A Lerse 15. ":is legs are as illars of marble set in sockets of fine gold." 2'e wal4+ in $eneral+ is .s.all( re-resented 7( t'is feat.re. "s'ow e t'( wa(s+ < 8ord+ teac' e t'( -at's . . . . . All t'e -at's of t'e 8ord+ are erc( and tr.t'." @Ps. 25A 3( t'e "-illars of ar7le+" t'e stren$t'+ stedfastness+ and 81

contin.ance of :is rei$n a( 7e set fort'& and 7( t'e "soc4ets of fine $old+" di*ine ri$'teo.sness as c'aracterisin$ t'e w'ole of :is $o*ern ental wa(s. Di*ine ri$'teo.sness al i$'t( -ower wa(s of " erc( and tr.t'+" a--ertain to Fion%s to eart'%s+ i$'t( Cin$. "2'e $o*ern ent s'all 7e .-on 'is s'o.lders." "3.t .nto t'e #on 'e sait'+ 2'( t'rone+ < 5od+ is for e*er and e*er& a sce-tre of ri$'teo.sness is t'e sce-tre of t'( 4in$do . 2'o. 'ast lo*ed ri$'teo.sness+ and 'ated ini;.it(& t'erefore 5od+ e*en t'( 5od+ 'at' anointed t'ee wit' t'e oil of $ladness a7o*e t'( fellows." @:e7. 1! 8+ 9A "And in t'e da(s of t'ese 4in$s s'all t'e 5od of 'ea*en set .- a 4in$do w'ic' s'all ne*er 7e destro(ed& and t'e 4in$do s'all not 7e left to ot'er -eo-le+ 7.t it s'all 7rea4 in -ieces and cons. e all t'ese 4in$do s+ and it s'all stand for e*er." @Dan. 2! 44A "His countenance is as Lebanon, e2cellent as the cedars." 2'e s-o.se 'a*in$ alread( -ortra(ed 'er 3elo*ed fro 'ead to foot+ s'e now refers+ we do.7t not+ to :is $eneral a--earance to all :is $lorio.s feat.res to$et'er :is f.ll stat.re. And :is stat.re "is as 8e7anon+ e9cellent as t'e cedars." 2'is fi$.re+ e*identl(+ ill.strates :is $lorio.s Ma,est( as t'e Messia'. 2'e loft( cedars "on t'at $oodl( o.ntain 8e7anon+" are t'e standin$ t(-e in scri-t.re of e9altation+ $lor(+ and a,est(. 6es-lendent as t'e " ost fine $old" fro 'ead to foot adorned wit' e*er( $race fra$rant wit' all sweetness $lorio.s and a,estic li4e t'e cedars of 8e7anon+ is t'e Person of 'er well07elo*ed. "< Ma,estic Cin$) 2'( front s.7li e+ 2'( -erfect c'aracter 1s as t'e no7le Clot'ed in o.nt of 8e7anon. a$nificent sole nit(&

2'( s-o.se adores 2'( -eerless e9cellence 2'( towerin$ $lories." Cant. 5! 16. "His mouth is most sweet." 2'e "li-s" 'a*in$ 7een alread( referred to+ so et'in$ different fro words a( 7e indicated 7( t'is feat.re. 1t see s to refer ore es-eciall( to t'e $race of Bes.s to t'e e9-ressions of :is 4indness+ :is co .nications+ :is friends'i-s. 2'e s-o.se 'as often tasted of :is $race+ t'erefore s'e co.ld sa( fro e9-erience+ ":is o.t' is ost sweet." 2'e $race and 4indness wit' w'ic' :e eets 'er+ e*en after fail.re+ is eno.$' to i -ress 'er 'eart for e*er wit' t'e sweetness of t'e $race of 'er 8ord. "1f so 7e+" sa(s t'e a-ostle+ "(e 'a*e tasted t'at t'e 8ord is $racio.s." #o e t'in4 t'at t'e elod( of :is *oice is all.ded to. 3.t s'e $oes on to sa( 0 ":ea, he is altogether lo%ely. "his is my belo%ed, and this is my friend, + daughters of ,erusalem." 8an$.a$e fails 'er. #'e is not wearied s-ea4in$ of :i + 7.t s'e is .na7le to sa( all t'at :e is. :ence s'e closes t'e descri-tion wit'+ ":e is alto$et'er lo*el(." As if s'e 'ad said+ "All lo*eliness dwells in 'i all t'at is desira7le is fo.nd in :i + and e*er( .ns-ecified 7ea.t( 7elon$s to :i . 1n :i dwells all t'e f.lness of t'e 5od'ead and all t'e $races of an'ood. :e is lo*el( in :is '. iliation+ lo*el( in :is e9altation+ (ea+ :e is alto$et'er lo*el(." 3.t+ o') is not t'e last note of t'is lo*el( son$ t'e ric'est and sweetest of all? "M( 7elo*ed . . . . ( friend." #o e a( sa(+ "w'at a descri-tion t'is is)" 3.t sa( t'o.+ < ( so.l+ w'at a concl.sion t'is is) "2'is is ( 7elo*ed . . . . ( friend." :e :i self is ine. #'e is deli$'ted to dwell on :is ;.alities+ 7.t ore deli$'ted still to 7e a7le to sa(+ ":e in w'o all t'ese ;.alities s'ine so 7ri$'tl( is ine) 2'erefore all :is ;.alities+ too+ are ine." 3.t t'e ;.alities are in t'e Person. 2'rones+ crowns+ sce-tres+ 4in$do s+ $lories+ 7lessedness are :is+ and t'e 7elie*er%s in :i & 7.t+ after all+ t'ese are not :i self. /'at wo.ld all t'ese t'in$s a*ail wit'o.t t'e Person of t'e 3elo*ed? 2o t'e renewed 82

affections+ 7lessed as t'e( are+ a oc4er(. 8i4e t'e 'eart of t'e fair 7ride t'at 'as 7een ade desolate t'at 'as 7een wrec4ed on t'e *er( t'res'old of 'er new 'o e+ t'ro.$' t'e affections of t'e one s'e co.nted on $oin$ o.t after anot'er. 2r.e+ t'e well0f.rnis'ed 'o.se re ains+ 7.t+ alas) it is e*ident t'at 'is 'eart+ all s'e cared for+ is elsew'ere. #'e sees it& and all is t.rned into t'e $all and wor wood of 7itterest disa--oint ent. 2'e s'adow of a dar4 clo.d s-reads o*er t'e w'ole scene. =*er(t'in$ now 7ears t'e reflection of 'er own iser(. :er 'a--iness is $one. Ies+ ( so.l+ t'is is no .nco on t'in$ wit' t'e lo*es of eart'. Man( a war and confidin$ 'eart 'as t'.s 7een cr.s'ed and 7ro4en t'ro.$' t'e 'eartlessness of t'e one s'e tr.sted. 3.t not so+ ne*er so+ t'e lo*es of 'ea*en. 3lessed are all t'e( t'at -.t t'eir tr.st in Bes.s. 1t is 'ea*en on eart' to 4now :i to 4now :is lo*e :is .nc'an$in$ lo*e. :is lo*e is not in word onl(+ 7.t in deed and in tr.t'. Not in a for al+ 'eartless *ow+ 7.t in t'e eternal co*enant of :is $race+ and sealed wit' :is own ost -recio.s 7lood.

Canticles 6.
Cant. 6! 1. "0hither is thy belo%ed gone, + thou fairest among women! 0hither is thy belo%ed turned aside! that we may seek him with thee." Most 7lessed and *aried are t'e res.lts w'ic' flow fro t'e so.l%s entire occ.-ation wit' C'rist. 2o lose si$'t of self+ and 'a*e :i for o.r one o7,ect+ is i ediate certain 7lessin$. /'en C'ristians sli- into a low+ d.ll state of so.l+ w'at will ost s-eedil( and effect.all( 7rin$ t'e o.t of it? 3eco in$ filled and occ.-ied wit' C'rist for t'e sel*es+ and s-ea4in$ of :i to ot'ers. 2'e e9-erience of t'e s-o.se is a 7ea.tif.l ill.stration of t'is tr.t'. :er fail.re+ do.7tless+ was t'in4in$ and carin$ a7o.t 'erself. #elf0occ.-ation self0ind.l$ence. "1 'a*e -.t off ( coat& 'ow s'all 1 -.t it on? 1 'a*e was'ed ( feet& 'ow s'all 1 defile t'e ?" 3.t w'en c'allen$ed 7( t'e da.$'ters of Ber.sale + as to t'e s.-eriorit( of 'er 3elo*ed o*er ot'ers+ s'e is led to t'in4 and s-ea4 of :i onl(& and as s'e -roceeds+ 'er own so.l+ in t'e first -lace+ is f.ll( and 'a--il( restored. #'e is t'.s raised to a eas.re of co .nion+ w'ic' s'e 'ad ne*er 7efore reac'ed& and s'e so dwells on t'e atc'less e9cellencies of 'er 8ord+ t'at t'e in;.irin$ da.$'ters are attracted 7( t'e $lories of :is Person+ and desire to see :i + and 4now :i . 3.t t'ere is anot'er fr.it+ ( so.l+ of t'e 7ride%s testi on( to C'rist+ w'ic' 1 wo.ld not 'a*e t'ee to -ass o*er .nnoticed. 2'e da.$'ters of Ber.sale + o7ser*e+ *er( nat.rall( concl.de t'at it .st 'a*e 7een t'e 3ride$roo t'at left :is 7ride& not+ of co.rse+ t'e 7ride t'at 'ad left 'er 3ride$roo . :earin$ 'er s-ea4 of :i in s.c' $lowin$ ter s+ t'e( co.ld not for a o ent i a$ine t'at s'e co.ld e*er wander fro :i . <ne so lo*ed so ad ired+ so $ood so a--reciated+ of co.rse 'er e(e co.ld ne*er cease to $aEe on :i 'er 'eart co.ld ne*er cease to deli$'t in :i + and s'e co.ld ne*er+ ne*er $row wear( of :i . :ence t'e( in;.ire+ "/'it'er is t'( 7elo*ed $one? . . . . w'it'er is t'( 7elo*ed t.rned aside? t'at we a( see4 'i wit' t'ee." /'at a s'ar-+ c.ttin$ re-roof+ t'o.$' indirect) And 'ow 4eenl( 'er now sensiti*e 'eart .st 'a*e felt it. 3.t in e9tollin$ 'er 8ord+ s'e conde ned 'erself. #o it is+ and so it .st alwa(s 7e. /'en t'e so.l is o.t of co .nion+ e*er(t'in$ see s to 4noc4 .n4indl( a$ainst it+ and conde n its wa(s. 3.t w'en restored+ all t'ese t'in$s ser*e to dee-en o.r '. ilit(+ and ele*ate t'e tone of o.r co .nion. 2'e 'eart t'at 'as ,.st 7een o*erflowin$ wit' t'e -raises of 'er 3elo*ed+ is now re,oicin$ in :i . :er e(e rests on :i . #'e 4nows w'ere :e is and w'at :e is doin$. :a--( o ent) All is li$'t and ,o(. Now s'e can tell 'er co -anions w'ere :e is to 7e fo.nd. Cant. 6! 2. "My belo%ed is gone down into his garden, to the beds of s ices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies." /'at a lo*el( scene t'is is to t'e e(e of #'elo it'+ co -ared wit' Cant. 5 7. "2'e watc' en t'at went a7o.t t'e cit( fo.nd e+ t'e( s ote e+ t'e( wo.nded e! t'e 4ee-ers of t'e walls too4 awa( ( *eil fro e." #.c' is t'e difference 7etween wal4in$ in fellows'i- wit' 83

Bes.s+ and wanderin$ in t'e world. Now s'e is in t'e r.ral scenes wit' 'er 3elo*ed+ enterin$ into t'e co.nsels of :is 'eart+ and t'e wor4s of :is 'ands. 2'is *erse -resents a scene of 'a--( co .nion. 2'e 8ord is findin$ deli$'t in :is -eo-le& :e is in :is $arden $at'erin$ lilies. "As t'e lil( a on$ t'orns+ so is ( lo*e a on$ t'e da.$'ters." #'e enters into :is t'o.$'ts a7o.t :is -eo-le $enerall(+ and a7o.t 'erself s-eciall(. 2'is is co .nion+ 7lessed+ solid co .nion. :er e(e is sin$le+ and t'e li$'t of 'ea*en fills 'er so.l. Now s'e e9clai s+ Cant. 6! 3. "- am my belo%ed$s, and my belo%ed is mine) he feedeth among the lilies." 2'is is a 'i$' note+ 7.t easil( ta4en 7( fait'. 1t is t'e 4e( note of a so.l t'at 'as lost si$'t of self. "1 a ( 7elo*ed%s." 1t is t'e *er( o--osite of a so.l 7ein$ occ.-ied wit' itself. 1t is tr.e 'eart0occ.-ation wit' C'rist. 1t is enterin$ into :is t'o.$'ts+ :is lo*e+ :is $race+ :is deli$'ts& in -lace of 7ein$ filled and occ.-ied wit' its own t'o.$'ts+ its own feelin$s+ its own fait'+ or its own ser*ices. 2'e e(e+ t'e 'eart+ t'e t'o.$'ts+ t'e li-s+ all are f.ll of C'rist and occ.-ied wit' :i . "1 a ( 7elo*ed%s." 1n Cant. 2! 16+ s'e sa(s+ "M( 7elo*ed is ine and 1 a 'is." 2'ere+ it is t'e ,o( of -ossessin$ C'rist& :e is ine. :ere it is t'e dee-er ,o( of 7elon$in$ to C'rist& 1 a :is. 3ot' are 7lessed+ 7.t t'e latter ar4s di*ine -ro$ress. /e can .nderstand a newl(0awa4ened so.l 7ein$ f.ll of an9ieties a7o.t itself+ in an( wa(s& and+ w'en it first recei*es t'e tr.t'+ e9clai in$ "1 do 7elie*e in Bes.s now 1 a s.re 1 7elie*e in :i 1 4now 1 7elie*e in :i 1 4now :e died for e on t'e cross :e s'ed :is 7lood to was' ( sins awa(+ and now 1 can tr.st in :i )" :a*in$ watc'ed t'e dee- str.$$les of a newl(0;.ic4ened so.l e er$in$ fro t'e dar4ness of nat.re+ and 'earin$ t'e s'o.t of *ictor(+ as t'e dar4 clo.ds were rolled 7ac4+ "Bes.s is ine)" we 'a*e 7een t'an4f.l and ,o(f.l 7e(ond eas.re. 1t is all we co.ld e9-ect at t'e ti e+ and we were satisfied. 3.t+ 7(0and07(+ w'en t'e so.l 'as cal ed and settled down after t'e t'roes of t'e new 7irt'+ we loo4 for it to rise in t'e intelli$ence of tr.t' fro its own concerns to t'e so.rce of its 7lessin$. /'ere 'as t'is new life co e fro ? it a( well in;.ire. /'ence its so.rce? /'( all t'is $race and $oodness to e a sinner? /'o 'as -lanted t'e -.lse of eternal life in ( once0dead so.l? 8earnin$+ 7( de$rees+ t'at eternal life and e*er( 7lessin$ are 7.t t'e fr.its of 5od%s lo*e in C'rist to e a sinner+ 1 a sweetl( drawn to :i in t'e confidence of lo*e of :is -erfect lo*e to e w'en in ( sins. All fear de-arts& for fear 'at' tor ent. "5od 'at' $i*en to .s eternal life+ and t'is life is in 'is #on." "Leril(+ *eril(+ 1 sa( .nto (o.+ t'e 'o.r is co in$+ and now is+ w'en t'e dead s'all 'ear t'e *oice of t'e #on of 5od+ and t'e( t'at 'ear s'all li*e." @Bo'n 5! 25A 2'.s t'e so.l is 7ro.$'t into t'e closest connection wit' t'e #on of t'e li*in$ 5od+ in 'ea*en& and findin$ t'at all t'e s-rin$s of its 7lessin$ are t'ere+ it rises to :i + li4e water to its le*el) "1 a ( 7elo*ed%s+ and ( 7elo*ed is ine+" 7eco es t'e tr.e e9-ression of its ad irin$ fait'. Cant. 6! 4. ""hou art beautiful, + my lo%e, as "ir;ah, comely as ,erusalem, terrible as an army with banners." /'at a $reetin$ t'is is) Consider it well+ < ( so.l. /o.ldst t'o. 4now t'e 'eart of Bes.s? /o.ldst t'o. 4now :is -atient lo*e 0 :is .nwearied 4indness 0 :is ine9'a.sti7le $oodness? Meditate on t'is scene. 2arr( 'ere a little. 1t a( 7e interestin$ to ascertain t'e eanin$ of t'e reference to 2irEa'+ Ber.sale + and an ar ( wit' 7anners dis-la(ed. 3.t+ o') s.ffer not for a o ent an( of t'ese t'in$s to di*ert t'( t'o.$'ts fro t'e Person of t'e 8ord Bes.s. 2r.e+ 1 ad it+ t'ese co -arisons a( 7e t'e i ediate e9-ression of :is lo*e. 2'en+ if so+ let t'e 7e to t'ee as strea s 7( w'ic' t'o. a(est s.rel( reac' t'e fo.ntain& 7.t tarr( not too lon$ 7( t'e strea + t'e s-rin$ is 7etter. 2'e 'a--( effect of t'e tr.e inistr( of t'e word is to 7rin$ t'e so.l into direct contact wit' t'e Person of C'rist. 2'e ai of t'e ene (+ and t'e effect of 84

false teac'in$+ is to 7rin$ in so et'in$ 7etween t'e so.l and C'rist. 2irEa' is no ore+ Ber.sale is trodden down+ and B.da'%s 7anner 'as lon$ 7een f.rled& 7.t t'e 'eart t'at fo.nd relief in t'e .se of t'ese si$nificant e 7le s is .nc'an$ea7l( t'e sa e. #ee4+ a7o*e all t'in$s in t'e .ni*erse+ to 4now t'e 'eart of Bes.s. "2'is is life eternal+ t'at t'e( i$'t 4now t'ee t'e onl( tr.e 5od+ and Bes.s C'rist+ w'o t'o. 'ast sent." @Bo'n 17! 3A 2o 4now 5od%s lo*e in C'rist to e a sinner is t'e 7est t'in$ 1 can e*er 4now+ for t'en 1 4now t'e so.rce 0 t'e nati*e fo.ntain of e*er( 7lessin$. :ow often a( C'rist :i self 7e issed+ e*en w'en t'e so.l is deli$'tin$ in tr.t') /atc' t'o.+ ( so.l+ and -ra( .nceasin$l( a$ainst t'is. Now loo4 once ore at t'is .ne9a -led $reetin$+ "2'o. art 7ea.tif.l+ < ( lo*e+ as 2irEa'+ co el( as Ber.sale + terri7le Gor daEElin$H as an ar ( wit' 7anners." 2'ese words+ ar4+ are t'e first :e addresses to :is 7ride after 'er sad fail.re. :is li-s are o-ened to t'e restored 7ac4slider 7(+ "2'o. art 7ea.tif.l+ < ( lo*e." 2'is is Bes.s :i self) /'o can s-ea4 of :is lo*e? Art t'o. at 'o e+ ( so.l+ in t'is at os-'ere? Art t'o. not ri*eted to t'e s-ot and lost in ad irin$ wonder? 5aEe+ o' $aEe+ on t'e Person w'o t'.s s-ea4s+ and see 7efore :is deli$'ted 'eart a wanderer ret.rned. 8et not'in$ distract t'( editations see4 to -rofit 7( it+ es-eciall( 7( .nderstandin$ 7etter t'e $race of o.r 8ord Bes.s C'rist. 1t a( 7e 'el-f.l to connect wit' t'e -resent scene :is last words to 'er w'en t'e( -arted. "<-en to e+ ( sister+ ( lo*e+ ( do*e+ ( .ndefiled& for ( 'ead is filled wit' dew+ and ( loc4s wit' t'e dro-s of t'e ni$'t." Not'in$ co.ld 7e ore tender or affectionate t'an t'is to.c'in$ a--eal+ (et it was t'en all 7.t entirel( .n'eeded 7( 'er. Conse;.entl( s'e fell for a ti e sadl( awa(. 3.t now we find 'er f.ll( and 'a--il( restored to 'er 8ord. #'e 'as -erfect confidence in :is lo*e. "1 a ( 7elo*ed%s+ and ( 7elo*ed is ine+" is t'e ,o(o.s e9-ression of 'er so.l. 3.t will :e sa( not'in$ to 'er for 'a*in$ wandered and 7e'a*ed foolis'l(? /ill :e not 7e at least distant in :is anner at first t'at s'e a( 7e as'a ed 7efore :i ? Certainl( not+ seein$ s'e 'as tr.l( re-ented of w'at s'e 'as done. 2'e 8ord+ not onl( for$i*es 7.t for$ets all -ast offences w'en we are -enitent. :e eets e*er( -enitent so.l wit' t'e f.llest e9-ression of :is $race. 2'e o ent t'e so.l is 7efore :i in its tr.e -lace+ :e is .nreser*ed+ and t'rows o-en t'e ric' treas.r( of :is lo*e. /itness+ for e9a -le+ t'e #(ro0-'enician wo an. @Matt. 15A No sooner 'ad s'e ta4en t'e 5entile%s -lace t'an t'e f.ll 7lessin$ of :is 'eart flows o.t to 'er. :e e*en co ends 'er fait' in t'e stron$est ter s. "< wo an+ $reat is t'( fait'& 7e it .nto t'ee e*en as t'o. wilt." :e 4ee-s not'in$ 7ac4. #'e is 7lessed e*en to 'er 'eart%s content. /itness also t'e -oor fallen one at :is feet in t'e 'o.se of #i on+ and t'e -rodi$al in t'e ar s of t'e fat'er. #.c' is $race t'e $race of 5od in C'rist to sinners. 2'e first t'in$+ o7ser*e t'at t'e 3ride$roo entions to :is 7ride+ is 'er fa.ltless 7ea.t( in :is si$'t. "2'o. art 7ea.tif.l+ < ( lo*e." Not one word of co -laint falls fro :is li-s. :e a4es no all.sion to w'ere s'e 'ad 7een+ or to w'at s'e 'ad done. :is lo*e is -erfect+ and :is $race is li4e t'e ind.l$ence of :is lo*e. :e will 7e $racio.s accordin$ to t'e lo*e of :is own 'eart. :e sa(s s'e is 7ea.tif.l as "2irEa'+ co el( as Ber.sale ." 2irEa' si$nifies -leasantness. 1t was t'e ro(al residence of t'e 4in$s of 1srael 7efore #a aria was 7.ilt+ as Ber.sale was of t'e 4in$ of B.da'. Ber.sale + we 4now+ is fa o.s in scri-t.re for its an( $lories. 1t is s-o4en of as "3ea.tif.l for sit.ation+ t'e ,o( of t'e w'ole eart'+ t'e cit( of t'e $reat 4in$. 5od is 4nown in 'er -alaces as a ref.$e." 2irEa' was t'e ca-ital of t'e re*olted tri7es. 3.t t'e two 4in$do s+ 1srael and B.da'+ s'all 7e .nited .nder one :ead in t'e co in$ da( of $lor(+ to 7e se-arated no ore for e*er. /'at we 'ere 'a*e -resented in alle$or( is ta.$'t in -lainest ter s in t'e -ro-'ets. "2'.s sait' t'e 8ord+ 5od+ 3e'old+ 1 will ta4e t'e c'ildren of 1srael fro a on$ t'e 'eat'en+ w'it'er t'e( are $one+ and will $at'er t'e on e*er( side and 7rin$ t'e into t'eir own land. And 1 will a4e t'e one nation in t'e land .-on t'e o.ntains of 1srael& and one 4in$ s'all 7e 4in$ to t'e all& and t'e( s'all 7e 85

no ore two nations+ neit'er s'all t'e( 7e di*ided into two 4in$do s an( 22A

ore at all." @=Ee4. 37! 21+

/'en t'e twel*e tri7es are restored and Messia' t'eir 4in$+ t'e $lor( of t'e nation s'all t'en 7e $reat. "<N= C1N5 #:A88 3= C1N5 2< 2:=M A88." 2'en it will 7e "terri7le as an ar ( wit' 7anners." 2'is fi$.re con*e(s t'e idea+ not of t'at w'ic' is awf.l+ 7.t of t'at w'ic' is daEElin$+ 7rilliant+ $lorio.s li4e t'e i -osin$ effect of an ar ( wit' 7anners dis-la(ed. 2'e 4in$ ac4nowled$es t'at t'e effect of t'e $lor( of :is 7elo*ed -eo-le t'.s .nited in one+ o*erw'el s :i . "2.rn awa( t'ine e(es fro e+ for t'e( 'a*e o*erco e e." 2'is is wonderf.l) w'o can .nderstand it? 2o .nderstand it in eas.re we .st 4now Bes.s :i self. No 'eart enters into t'e 7lessin$ and ,o( of ot'ers li4e :is. 1t relie*es :is 'eart to 7less t'e need(. /e find :i tra*ellin$ far+ in t'e da(s of :is fles'+ to eet and 7less a fallen da.$'ter of #a aria+ or a -oor 5entile fro t'e coasts of 2(re and #idon. 1t is :is ,o(+ and t'e ,o( of all 'ea*en+ w'en e*en one sinner re-ents and t.rns to :is f.lness. 3.t o') w'at will 7e :is ,o(+ w'en t'e 'o.se of Da*id and t'e in'a7itants of Ber.sale t.rn to :i wit' o.rnin$ and wit' wee-in$ w'en t'e lon$0lost tri7es s'all a--ear on t'e scene+ and own :i as t'eir tr.e Messia'& w'en e*er( e(e of e*er( tri7e s'all 7e fi9ed on :i & w'en e*er( 'eart s'all o*erflow wit' :is -raise& and w'en+ fro Ber.sale as a centre+ 7lessin$ s'all flow fort' to all nations of t'e eart'. 2'en 1saia' 53 will 7e t'e aterial of 1srael%s new son$+ and t'e e9-ression of t'eir wee-in$ ,o(. ":e was wo.nded for o.r trans$ressions+ 'e was 7r.ised for o.r ini;.ities& t'e c'astise ent of o.r -eace was .-on 'i & and wit' 'is stri-es we are 'ealed. All we+ li4e s'ee-+ 'a*e $one astra(& we 'a*e t.rned e*er( one to 'is own wa(& and t'e 8ord 'at' laid on 'i t'e ini;.it( of .s all." 2'eir 7elo*ed Ber.sale s'all t'en 7eco e t'e Ber.sale of 5od%s co.nsels+ and not of an%s -ride and o--ression. #.rro.nded wit' o.ntains+ enco -assed wit' walls+ 7.lwar4s+ and towers+ it will 7e t'e $lor( of all lands. "2'e na e of t'e cit( fro t'at da( s'all 7e Be'o*a'0#'a a' 2'e 8ord is t'ere." @=Ee4. 48! 35&+ @Ps. 48A 2'e Messia' will t'en 'a*e t'in$s all :is own wa(. #atan s'all t'en 7e s'.t .- in t'e 7otto less -it+ t'e c.rse re o*ed fro t'e eart'+ t'e -ower of e*il -.t down+ and t'e tr.e #olo on s'all rei$n as Cin$ o*er all. 2'e effect+ all o*er t'e real of nat.re+ of t'e a7sence of #atan+ and t'e -resence of C'rist in -ower and $reat $lor(+ is inconcei*a7le. "< w'at a 7ri$'t and 7lessed world 2'is $roanin$ eart' of o.rs s'all 7e+ /'en fro its t'rone t'e te -ter '.rled+ #'all lea*e it all+ < 8ord to t'ee. 3.t 7ri$'ter far t'at world a7o*e /'ere we+ as we are 4nown+ s'all 4now And in t'e sweet e 7race of lo*e+ 6ei$n o%er t'is ranso ed eart' 7elow." Cant. 6! 507. ""hy hair is as a flock of goats that a ear from Mount 8ilead. "hy teeth are as a flock of shee which go u from the washing, whereof e%ery one beareth twins, and there is not one barren among them. As a iece of a omegranate are thy tem les within thy locks." 2'ese sa e e9-ressions occ.r in Cant. 4+ and (et we 4now t'e :ol( #-irit .ses no *ain re-etitions. 2'en w'( is t'is? #ince t'e( were .sed 7( t'e 3ride$roo in addressin$ :is 7ride+ in t'e fo.rt' c'a-ter+ s'e 'as wandered and ret.rned. 3( re-eatin$ to 'er w'at :e 7efore said+ :e ass.res 'er 'eart t'at 'er 7ea.t( in 86

:is si$'t is .ni -aired& alt'o.$' :e sa(s not'in$ a7o.t 'er 'a*in$ 7een awa( fro :i + t'ese e9-ressions of :is .nc'an$ed ad iration of 'er will now ta4e a dee-er 'old on 'er 'eart t'an 7efore. 2'eir *al.e is increased se*enfold on acco.nt of t'e circ. stances in w'ic' t'e( are a$ain re-eated. 2'e :ol( 5'ost can .se t'e sa e e9-ression+ w'en it is for t'e $lor( of C'rist and t'e 7lessin$ of o.r so.ls. 1n t'e -resent instance no words co.ld 'a*e reass.red 'er 'eart li4e t'ese. Cant. 6! 8. ""here are threescore 3ueens, and fourscore concubines, and %irgins without number. 2'is *erse+ we do.7t not+ refers to a illennial scene. 1t follows t'e .nion of t'e two nations. 2'e cities of B.da' and t'e nations of t'e eart' fill .- t'e scene of $lor(. Ber.sale 'as t'e first -lace. 2'is tr.t'+ so anifest all t'ro.$' scri-t.re+ is ost f.ll( e9-ressed+ and in t'e ost to.c'in$ anner+ in t'e ne9t *erse. Cant. 6! 9. "My do%e, my undefiled is but <N=& she is the only <N= of her mother, she is the choice <N= of her that bare her. "he daughters saw her, and blessed her) yea, the 3ueens and the concubines, and they raised her." /'at a -lace s'e 'as in :is 'eart) #'e is -re0e inent in :is si$'t. None can 7e co -ared wit' 'er. 2'ere are an( ot'ers+ 7.t :is affection can see none 7.t 'erself. "M( do*e+ ( .ndefiled is 7.t one& s'e is t'e onl( one of 'er ot'er." 1n for er scenes :e s-ea4s of 'er ;.alities+ and descri7es 'er -ersonal 7ea.t(& 7.t now+ :e s-ea4s of 'erself+ and w'at s'e is to :i . "2'e c'oice one of 'er t'at 7are 'er." 2'e nation is 'ere *iewed in a aterial c'aracter+ and t'e tri7e of B.da' in a 7ridal. #.c'+ < ( so.l+ is t'e 3ride$roo 0lo*e of Bes.s) 2'.s will it 7e wit' t'e $odl( re nant of B.da' in t'e latter da( t'.s it is now+ e*en now+ wit' .s in s-irit. Drin4+ o' drin4 dee-l(+ of t'e 3ride$roo 0lo*e of t'( 8ord+ 2'e fo.ntain is dee-+ it is ine9'a.sti7le+ it is free+ it is o-en to fait' .ntil t'e n.-tial da(. 2'e ti e was w'en t'e da.$'ter of Fion+ in t'e -ride and na.$'tiness of 'er 'eart+ ref.sed :is lo*e. #till+ it re ained t'e sa e+ 7.t t'en+ it was s'own in t'e tears w'ic' :e s'ed o*er 'er 7lindness. 3ein$ left 7( :i + s'e fell a -re( to 'er cr.el ene ies+ w'o sorel( -ersec.ted 'er. #till+ :is e(e of lo*e followed 'er in all 'er wanderin$. Not'in$ co.ld c'an$e :is 'eart. 1n d.e ti e :e *isited 'er in 'er low estate. :e fo.nd 'er in t'e condition of a -oor+ o.tcast+ s.n7.rnt sla*e a 4ee-er of t'e *ine(ards of ot'ers. :is 'eart was 4indled towards 'er. 1n :is lo*e and -it( :e felt as if s'e 'ad "recei*ed of t'e 8ord%s 'and do.7le for all 'er sins." And now+ "'er warfare is acco -lis'ed+ 'er ini;.it( is -ardoned+" and s'e is co forted in 'er $racio.s and for$i*in$ 8ord+ 3.t :is lo*e rests not+ 7lessed tr.t'+ .ntil :e 'as acco -lis'ed all t'e desires of :is 'eart towards 'er. And now+ ar4+ ( so.l+ w'at is s'e? /'ere is s'e? t'e fair and 7ea.tif.l s-o.se of t'e tr.e Cin$ #olo on t'e -artner of :is ro(al t'rone in Fion. And not onl(+ o7ser*e+ once ore+ is s'e t'e o7,ect of t'e Cin$%s s.-re e deli$'t+ 7.t s'e is t'e o7,ect of .ni*ersal ad iration. "2'e da.$'ters saw 'er and 7lessed 'er& (ea+ t'e ;.eens and conc.7ines+ and t'e( -raised 'er." "And t'e da.$'ter of 2(re Gt(-e of t'e 5entilesH s'all 7e t'ere wit' a $ift& e*en t'e ric' a on$ t'e -eo-le s'all entreat t'( fa*o.r." @Ps. 45A #'e reflects t'e $lor( and 7ea.t( of t'e Cin$+ and all nations ad ire :is co eliness in 'er. "And t'( renown went fort' a on$ t'e 'eat'en for t'( 7ea.t(& for it was -erfect t'ro.$' ( co eliness+ w'ic' 1 -.t .-on t'ee+ sait' t'e 8ord+ 5od." @=Ee4. 16! 14A Cant. 6! 10. "0ho is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun and terrible as an army with banners." 2'is *erse a--ears to 7e t'e lan$.a$e of t'e 7ride%s ad irers+ and co es in li4e a c'or.s to t'e son$. All are *ocal in 'er -raise. 2'e drear( ni$'t is -ast& t'e ornin$ 7rea4s. "/'o is s'e t'at loo4et' fort' as t'e ornin$?" #'e is ,.st+ as it were+ e er$in$ fro t'e dar4ness of t'e lon$+ lon$ ni$'t+ t'ro.$' w'ic' s'e 'as -assed. 3.t now s'e lea*es it all 7e'ind+ and co es fort' in t'e fres'ness+ 7ea.t(+ and 'o-e of t'e ornin$. #'e will soon a--ear in noonda( s-lendo.r+ clot'ed in t'e 7ea s of "t'e #.n of ri$'teo.sness." 87

:ast t'o. o7ser*ed+ ( so.l+ in t'( editations+ t'at t'e f.t.re li$'t+ $lor(+ and di$nit( of 1srael+ are fre;.entl( re-resented 7( t'e 'ea*enl( 7odies 0 t'e s.n+ oon+ and stars? /e see t'is s'adowed fort' in Bose-'%s drea s. 1n t'e fa il( of Baco7 t'e w'ole nation is re-resented+ and is -refi$.red 7( t'e s.n+ oon+ and stars. @5en. 37A 1n 6e*elation 12 t'e tri7e of B.da'+ fro w'ic' o.r 8ord+ s-ran$+ is seen in*ested wit' t'e sa e li$'t and $lor(. 2'e si ile is "a wo an clot'ed wit' t'e s.n+ and t'e oon .nder 'er feet+ and .-on 'er 'ead a crown of twel*e stars. 2'e $lor( of t'e twel*e see s concentrated in+ and re-resented 7(+ t'e ro(al tri7e. 2'ere is also t'e idea of sta7ilit( con*e(ed 7( t'ese 'ea*enl( l. inaries. "<nce 'a*e 1 sworn 7( ( 'oliness t'at 1 will not lie .nto Da*id. :is seed s'all end.re for e*er+ and 'is t'rone as t'e s.n 7efore e. 1t s'all 7e esta7lis'ed for e*er as t'e oon+ and as a fait'f.l witness in 'ea*en." @Ps. 89! 35037A :ere -a.se+ for a o ent+ < ( so.l+ and editate on t'e s.re word of -ro-'ec(+ as to 1srael%s f.t.re $lor(. < w'at a c'an$e for t'e lon$0des-ised+ down0trodden Bew) 2'e ad irin$ da.$'ters+ ;.eens+ and conc.7ines 7e'old t'e ro(al tri7e 7ridal B.da'+ "loo4in$ fort' as t'e ornin$+ fair as t'e oon+ clear as t'e s.n+ and terri7le as an ar ( wit' 7anners." 1n*ested wit' li$'t+ $lor(+ and di$nit(+ as t'e fair s-o.se of Da*id%s ro(al #on+ s'e 7eco es t'e $reat attraction of eart'+ and t'e o7,ect of .ni*ersal ad iration. :ail+ 'a--( orn) t'e dar4ness is -ast+ "t'e #.n of ri$'teo.sness arises wit' 'ealin$ in 'is win$s." Alread( :is 7ea s $ild t'e dar4 o.ntains of t'e :ol( 8and+ and c'eer its *alle(s. All 'earts re,oice. :osanna to t'e #on of Da*id) t'e -ro ise is f.lfilled. "Arise+ s'ine& for t'( li$'t is co e+ and t'e $lor( of t'e 8ord+ is risen .-on t'ee. . . . And t'e 5entiles s'all co e to t'( li$'t+ and 4in$s to t'e 7ri$'tness of t'( risin$." @1sa. 60! 1+ 3A "2a4e 7o.$'s of $oodl( trees+ t'e ,o(o.s -al + 2'e willows of t'e 7roo4+ and 4ee- t'e feast& 2'e o.rner%s wo.nds are 'ealed wit' oil and 7al + 6e,oice wit' -raise& let 'ar- and c( 7al tell %:ow $oodl( are t'( tents+ < 1srael.% As willows s-rin$ 7eside t'e windin$ strea + #o s'all t'( c'ildren%s offs-rin$ flo.ris' now& 2'( lon$ ca-ti*it( 7eco es a drea A sweet 0 e orial is t'at willow 7o.$' 2'e ca-ti*e%s tears are dried+ 'er sorrows cease&

<f all t'( sorrows+ of t'at tear1stee ed 7read+ <n w'ic'+ 7( C'e7ar%s strea + t'( so.l was fed. Planted in Canaan%s fr.itf.l $ro.nd+ :er strea s s'all no.ris' t'( wide0s-readin$ root& <n t'ee no (ellow leaf s'all e%er 7e fo.nd+ >or :er on%s dew s'all feed eac' *erdant s'oot. $0hat hath ,eho%ah wrought9$ the nation%s cr(& $8reat things for us$ the ranso ed tri7es re-l(." 88

Cant. 6! 11+ 12. "- went down into the garden of nuts, to see the fruits of the %alley, and to see whether the %ine flourished, and the omegranates budded. +r e%er - was aware, my soul made me like the chariots of Amminadib." :ow seldo it 'a--ens t'at t'e '.s7and an is ta4en 7( s.r-rise wit' t'e a7.ndance and ri-eness of t'e fr.its of 'is *ine(ard) :ow often+ alas+ it is t'e ot'er wa() Disa--oint ent+ not satisfaction+ 'e is often co -elled to rea- as t'e fr.it of 'is la7o.r. 1t 'ad 7een alwa(s so wit' 1srael+ we a( sa(+ as t'e 8ord%s *ine(ard+ .ntil now. 3.t 'a--il(+ all is c'an$ed) 5race s'ines 0 fait' tri. -'s 0 t'e 8ord+ -re*ails t'e -eo-le are loo4in$ to :i + and co.ntin$ on :i alone. =*er(t'in$ is ri-e in B.da' for $lor( and *ictor(. 3lessed da() t'e 8ord+ now sees in :is -eo-le t'e ri-ened fr.its of :is $race. :is 'eart re,oices 0 it is o*er-owered wit' t'e si$'t. 1t is no lon$er a scene in t'e wilderness+ and :is association wit' t'e t'ere+ 7.t t'e fr.itf.l $arden+ wit' its 7.ddin$ -o e$ranates+ flo.ris'in$ *ines+ and fr.its of t'e *alle(. 2'ese fr.its of :is ric'+ -atient $race+ dee-l( affect :i . :is lo*e carries :i towards :is now c'an$ed and willin$ -eo-le+ swift as t'e c'ariots of A i0nadi7. "<r e*er 1 was aware+ ( so.l ade e li4e t'e c'ariots of A i0nadi7&" or+ set e on t'e c'ariots of ( willin$ -eo-le. @Mar$in. @Ps. 110! 3A /ondro.s+ 7lessed scene+ t'at t'e 'eart of t'e 8ord s'o.ld 7e so o*ed so i -elled 7( t'e readiness of :is -eo-le to recei*e :i ) 1s t'ere not so et'in$+ < ( so.l+ in t'is as-ect of t'e 8ord%s lo*e+ w'ic' calls for dee-+ s-ecial editation? #.rel( t'ere is. :ow wonderf.l+ indeed+ 7.t 'ow 7lessed+ t'at :e+ w'o is 8ord of all+ s'o.ld 7e so trans-orted wit' deli$'t+ 7( 'earts loo4in$ and lon$in$ for :i self) <') t'at e*er( an9io.s wee-in$ -enitent 7elie*ed t'is -recio.s tr.t') /'en t'e da.$'ter of Fion 7at'es :is feet wit' 'er tears :e will t.rn awa(+ fro e*er(t'in$ else+ and 'asten to co fort 'er. :er tears will 7e :is swift c'ariot. 2'e f.lness of :is 'eart will flow fort' to 'er+ and a -lenar( -ardon+ sal*ation+ and -eace :e will -o.r into 'er o-ened ear. <n an( a -a$e of t'e New 2esta ent t'is si$'t a( 7e seen. 1t 'as alwa(s 7een 5od%s wa( wit' t'e -enitent so.l& 7.t in t'e New 2esta ent we 'a*e an( scenes -ortra(ed of t'e 8ord%s -ersonal lo*e and $race. And in w'at scene do we not find :i ore deli$'ted t'an t'e sa*ed sinner? Did :e not t.rn ro.nd in t'e -ress and loo4 for t'e one t'at 'ad to.c'ed t'e 'e of :is $ar ent? #'e i$'t 'a*e sli--ed awa(+ as ;.ietl( as s'e ca e+ 7.t :is lo*e .st 'a*e t'e entire scene 7ro.$'t into *iew+ and recorded in t'e 7oo4 of e*erlastin$ re e 7rance. None so interested in w'at 'ad ta4en -lace as :i self. #'e 'ad to.c'ed 7( fait' t'e inner ost s-rin$ of :is 'eart+ and t'e *irt.e t'at was t'ere flowed o.t to 'er. 3.t t'e 8ord wants to see 'erself+ and 'ear fro 'er own li-s t'e e9-erience of 'er so.l. 2'is done+ :e cannot let 'er $o .ntil :e 'as ac4nowled$ed t'eir 4indred relations'i-+ and t'e 7lessin$s w'ic' flow t'erefro . "Da.$'ter+ t'( fait' 'at' ade t'ee w'ole& $o in -eace+ and 7e w'ole of t'( -la$.e." @Mar4 5A And is :e less deli$'ted+ or less o*erco e+ 7( t'e cr( for erc( of t'e -oor 7lind 7e$$ar? @8.4e 18A 3( no eans. :e is on an i -ortant ,o.rne(& .st t'e w'ole -rocession stand still for t'e cr( of a -oor 7e$$ar fro t'e *er( o.ter circle of t'e crowd? 2'e o ent t'e cr( for erc( falls on t'e ear of t'e #on of Da*id+ :e is arrested. :e o*es not anot'er ste-. "And Bes.s stood and co anded 'i to 7e 7ro.$'t .nto 'i ! and w'en 'e was co e near+ 'e as4ed 'i + sa(in$+ /'at wilt t'o. t'at 1 s'all do .nto t'ee?" /'at a si$'t) <+ loo4 a$ain) A -oor 7lind 7e$$ar in t'e d.st+ and Bes.s waitin$ on 'i . "/'at wilt t'o. t'at 1 s'all do .nto t'ee?" :e see4s not to '.rr( t'ro.$' :is wor4 of erc(& :e lin$ers o*er t'e 'allowed scene. 1t fills and o*es :is so.l. :e onl( 4nows its wondro.s 7earin$s. 3.t w'at a -osition for a destit.te so.l to 7e in?" /'at wo.ldst t'o. 'a*e as4ed+ ( so.l+ 'ad it 7een t'ee? 1t is as if t'e 8ord+ 'ad said+ "As4 w'at t'o. wilt+ 1 a waitin$ to ser*e t'ee waitin$ to $rant t'( re;.est." /'at will 'e as4+ -oor so.l? <nl( w'at 'e feels t'e need of 0 'is nat.ral si$'t. "And 'e said+ 8ord+ t'at 1 a( recei*e ( si$'t." 3.t t'e $ood 8ord+ added to 'is re;.est a t'o.sand0fold. "And Bes.s said .nto 89

'i + 6ecei*e t'( si$'t! t'( fait' 'at' sa*ed t'ee." 2'e iss.es of t'is scene are $lorio.s) :e follows Bes.s $lorifies 5od and all t'e -eo-le $i*e -raise .nto :i . 2'e w'ole scene is li4e a fores'adowin$ of illennial ti es. 3.t of all t'e scenes in t'e New 2esta ent+ t'e -ara7le of t'e -rodi$al son+ we 7elie*e+ ost f.ll( rese 7les t'e scene 7efore .s in t'e #on$ of #on$s. 2'e re-entance of t'e -rodi$al carries t'e fat'er towards 'i + as on a swift c'ariot. :e r.ns to eet t'e son. "3.t w'en 'e was (et a $reat wa( off+ 'is fat'er saw 'i + and 'ad co -assion+ and ran+ and fell on 'is nec4 and 4issed 'i ." 2'e lo*e of t'e fat'er%s 'eart+ and t'e desire of t'e son to ret.rn to 'i + for + as it were+ a swift c'ariot of lo*e. 3.t t'e fat'er ta4in$ t'e direction of its co.rse+ t'e( ra-idl( reac' t'eir one+ eternal+ 'a--( 'o e. 2'.s will it 7e wit' t'e 3elo*ed in t'e #on$. 2'e dee- and $odl( sorrow of :is -eo-le in t'e latter da(+ and es-eciall( t'ose of :is own tri7e+ and t'eir earnest desire for t'e Messia' to co e+ act .-on :is lo*e+ and carr( :i swiftl( to t'e scene. "<r e*er 1 was aware ( so.l set e on t'e c'ariots of ( willin$ -eo-le." And+ now+ ta4in$ t'e direction of :is -eo-le+ as t'e c'arioteer in t'e c'ariot+ :e acco -lis'es t'eir f.ll deli*erance+ and s-eedil( cond.cts t'e to $lor( and tri. -'. ":ow does t'e s.dden earnestness of -ra(er >ro And .c'0lo*ed Fion on ( 'eart s-eed ( s-irit -ress+ e forward to t'eir aid+

3orne on t'e c'ariots of t'eir stron$ desire. As in t'e 'ea*ens ridin$ for t'eir 'el-+ And in 2o -lace ine e9cellenc( in t'e s4(+ ( do*e in safet( on ( 7reast)" 2o t'r.st awa( encroac'in$ ene ies+ Cant. 6! 13. "6eturn, return, + #hulamite) return, return, that we may look u on thee. 0hat will ye see in the #hulamite! As it were the com any of two armies." 2'e ad irin$ *ir$ins a$ain ,oin in t'e c'or.s. 2'e( e9-ress t'eir desire to see ore of t'e 7ea.t(+ -erfection+ and $lor( of t'e 7ride. #'e is wal4in$ in t'e $arden of n.ts wit' t'e Cin$. Precio.s -ri*ile$e) 2'e( call to 'er 7( a new na e+ "6et.rn+ ret.rn+ < #'.la ite"& w'ic' is t'e fe inine for of #olo on. 2'is is si$nificant. Jnion is acco -lis'ed. 2'e lon$ 7ro4en relations'i-s are re0esta7lis'ed. 5race 'as wro.$'t a -erfect wor4 in 'er. 3lessed 7e t'e na e of t'e 8ord) :e can now a4e :i self f.ll( 4nown to 'er& and s'e tr.l( reflects t'e 7ea s of :is $lor(+ "s'e is fair as t'e oon+ and clear as t'e s.n." #'e is esta7lis'ed in t'e fa*o.r of t'e Cin$+ and in t'e -ossession and en,o( ent of :is affections. 2'is is rest for t'e 'eart -erfect 7lessed rest. Not'in$ can rise a7o*e it or $o 7e(ond it. #a(+ ( so.l+ is t'is t'( restin$0 -lace? 2'e anifested 0 t'e en,o(ed affections of t'( /ell07elo*ed? :e 'as re*ealed :i self 0 $i*en :i self& w'at ore can :e do? /e can 'a*e no s.c' e9-ressions of :is lo*e in 'ea*en+ as we 'a*e on eart' as was anifested on t'e cross. 2'e 7lood t'at was s'ed t'ere is t'e -erfect rest of t'e conscience t'e lo*e t'at was re*ealed t'ere+ is t'e -erfect rest of t'e 'eart& t'o. 'ast all now. "<nl( 7elie*e." <t'er *ir$ins now ,oin in t'e c'or.s+ and in;.ire+ "/'at will (e see in t'e #'.la ite?" 2'e answer is read(+ "As it were t'e co -an( of two ar ies." 2'e 7ea.tif.l 2irEa' and t'e co el( Ber.sale are seen .nited in 'er. #o e 'a*e t'o.$'t+ t'at t'e co -an( of two ar ies as seen in t'e s-o.se+ re-resent t'e old life and t'e new at constant war wit' eac' ot'er+ in t'e C'ristian. /e t'in4 90

t'is a ista4e. :ere+ it does not a--ear to refer to conflict at all& 7.t rat'er to -eace+ .nit(+ and $lor(. Does it not e9-ress t'e re0.nion of t'e lon$0di*ided 'o.se of Baco7 .nder t'e Prince of Peace? B.da' and 1srael are no lon$er two nations warrin$ wit' eac' ot'er+ 7.t are ,oined in one+ and 'ere re-resented 7( t'e lo*in$+ -eacef.l s-o.se of t'e tr.e #olo on. 2'is .nion is introd.ctor( to t'e illenni. t'e rei$n of -eace. "2'e en*( also of =-'rai s'all de-art+ and t'e ad*ersaries of B.da' s'all 7e c.t off& =-'rai s'all not en*( B.da'+ and B.da' s'all not *e9 =-'rai ." @1sa. 11! 13A 2'e 4in$ of #ale rei$ns& t'e twel*e tri7es are restored& t'e nations are s.7d.ed .nder t'e & all is -eace. 2'e war tr. -et 'an$s in t'e 'all+ swords are 7eaten into -lo.$'s'ares+ s-ears into -r.nin$0'oo4s+ and t'e nations do not e*en learn t'e art of war an( ore. @1sa. 2! 3A 3.t+ a-art fro t'e alle$or( 7efore .s+ do t'e scri-t.res co.ntenance t'e idea t'at c'ristian conflict is 7etween t'e old life and t'e new? Certainl( not) 2'e conflict is 7etween t'e old life and t'e #-irit. "2'e fles' l.stet' a$ainst t'e #-irit+ and t'e #-irit a$ainst t'e fles'." 1t is not+ "2'e old life a$ainst t'e new+ and t'e new a$ainst t'e old."M 2'e a-ostle states in -lainest ter s+" 2'at o.r old an is cr.cified wit' C'rist+ t'at t'e 7od( of sin i$'t 7e destro(ed." @6o . 6! 1011A 1t is -erfectl( -lain+ t'en+ t'at in 5od%s si$'t+ and now to fait'+ o.r old nat.re ca e to its end on t'e cross. /e 4now+ of co.rse+ as a atter of -ainf.l e9-erience+ t'at t'e old nat.re we 'a*e still e9ists+ and is no fee7le t'in$. And+ f.rt'er+ if it 7e not constantl( watc'ed and ,.d$ed+ it will -ro*e a so.rce of ceaseless tro.7le+ 7ot' to o.rsel*es and ot'ers. 3.t w'en+ t'ro.$' o.r .nwatc'f.lness+ it does rise .-+ it is et in conflict+ not 7( t'e new life+ 7.t 7( t'e :ol( #-irit+ w'o dwells in t'e C'ristian. M2'e new life wo.ld 7e 7.t a fee7le anta$onist to t'e old+ as a( 7e seen in 6o ans 7! 14024+ w'ere we 'a*e t'e e9-erience of t'is life wit'o.t an( ention of t'e #-irit+ and wit'o.t an( 4nowled$e of t'at acco -lis'ed rede -tion+ on w'ic' t'e $ift of t'e #-irit de-ends. Practical C'ristianit( a( 7e said to consist of two t'in$s! 1. 1n no.ris'in$ t'e new life t'ro.$' occ.-ation wit' C'rist. 2. 1n ,.d$in$ t'e old+ on w'ic' 5od 'as -.t t'e sentence of deat' in t'e ost awf.ll( sole n anner+ in t'e cross. 3.t so e a( as4+ ":ow are we to watc' a$ainst its risin$s and ,.d$e it?" 2'e a-ostle answers+ "2'is 1 sa( t'en+ /al4 in t'e #-irit and (e s'all not f.lfil t'e l.st of t'e fles'." /e 'a*e no -ower a$ainst nat.re 7.t in t'e :ol( #-irit+ and in t'e ass.rance+ 7( fait'+ t'at t'e fles' is a cr.cified t'in$ in 5od%s ind+ and done wit' for e*er. 1t was on t'e cross t'at o.r old an was cr.cified& t'ere it was nailed to t'e tree+ and ade a f.ll end of& we 'a*e to 7elie*e t'is+ and wal4 in t'e -ower and li7ert( w'ic' fait' $i*es. :ast t'o. entered+ ( so.l+ into t'e ri$'t .nderstandin$ of t'is fo.ndation0tr.t' t'is -eace0 $i*in$ tr.t' to t'e tro.7led so.l? Cnow+ t'en+ for t'( -erfect rest and co fort+ t'at fro t'e o ent we 'a*e life t'ro.$' fait' in C'rist+ t'e w'ole of o.r corr.-t nat.re is s-o4en of and treated in scri-t.re as a dead t'in$. "Ie are dead+" is t'e e -'atic word of scri-t.re+ 7.t t'at is not all+ t'an4 5od+ "and (o.r life is 'id wit' C'rist in 5od." @Col. 3! 3A :ow safe) 'ow sec.re) "wit' C'rist in 5od." Co.ld o.r old nat.re+ or an(t'in$ t'at 7elon$s to it+ 7e 'idden t'ere? A'+ no& all t'at was t'ine is $one $one for e*er& all t'at is C'rist%s re ains re ains in all its c'an$eless -erfection in t'e 7est -lace in all 'ea*en. 3( t'e cross we $ot rid of t'at w'ic' is o.rs in res.rrection we are -.t in -ossession of t'at w'ic' is C'rist%s. Not a -article of t'e old creation s'all e*er 7e fo.nd in t'e new. 2'e a-ostle $i*es .s a f.ll state ent of t'is 7lessed tr.t'+ as in 'is own case. "1 a cr.cified wit' C'rist+" 'e sa(s+ "ne*ert'eless 1 li*e& (et not 1+ 7.t C'rist li*et' in e." :ere 'e s-ea4s of 'i self+ in one -oint of *iew+ as dead& and in anot'er+ as ali*e. :ow can t'is 7e .nderstood? 3( fait' onl(. :e s-ea4s of two "1%s "& t'e old "1+" or self+ as slain or cr.cified. 2'e new "1+" as 'is new life C'rist in 'i . 2'e first+ 'e treats as dead+ and for e*er done wit'& t'e second+ as 'is onl( life now. "C'rist 91

li*et' in e." 2'e -ractical effect of t'is tr.t'+ w'en 7elie*ed+ is i ense. #elf+ wretc'ed self+ w'ic' is t'e end and o7,ect of t'e nat.ral an+ in all 'e does+ is $one $one+ 1 ean+ to fait'. C'rist enters and ta4es t'e -lace of self. ">or e to li*e is C'rist" is to 'a*e C'rist+ not self+ for ( end and o7,ect. C'rist+ not self+ is t'e s-rin$ now. /e 4now+ of co.rse+ t'at Pa.l 'ad 'is nat.ral life 'ere 7elow t'e life 'e e*er 'ad as a an+ 7.t t'e life in w'ic' 'e li*ed+ was a w'oll( new one C'rist in 'i . "2'e life w'ic' 1 now li*e in t'e fles'+ 1 li*e 7( t'e fait' of t'e #on of 5od+ w'o lo*ed e+ and $a*e 'i self for e." All t'is is as tr.e now+ in -rinci-le+ of e*er( C'ristian+ as it was of t'e a-ostle+ t'o.$' it a( not 7e so 7ri$'tl( anifested. 2'ere .st first 7e fait' in t'e tr.t'+ t'en a life answerin$ to t'e stren$t' w'ic' t'at fait' $i*es. :owe*er+ it is -lainl( written+ "2'e( t'at are C'rist%s 'a*e cr.cified t'e fles' wit' t'e affections and l.sts." Not+ o7ser*e+ are cr.cif(in$ it+ 7.t 'a*e cr.cified it. 3.t of w'o is t'is $reat tr.t' stated? <f 'i$'l( ad*anced C'ristians? No+ si -l( of "t'e( t'at are C'rist%s." 1t is as tr.e of t'e 7a7e+ as of t'e (o.n$ an+ or t'e fat'er in C'rist. /'at was it t'at needed cr.cif(in$ on t'e cross? #o et'in$ t'at 7elon$ed to C'rist+ or to e? 1t was t'e old and $reat "1+" t'at needed to 7e slain nailed to t'e tree+ and t'at was done in C'rist+ for e*er+ 7lessed 7e :is na e. <') to 7elie*e it+ to 4ee- self w'ere t'e cross 'as -.t it to wal4 in t'e li7ert( and -ower of t'e :ol( #-irit+ and 7e onl(+ and alwa(s+ occ.-ied wit' t'e risen and $lorified C'rist.

Canticles 7.
Cant. 7! 1. "How beautiful are thy feet with shoes, + rince$s daughter9" "he s-o.se of t'e Cin$ is a$ain in.tel( s.r*e(ed+ and addressed 7( a new title. "< -rince%s da.$'ter." :er connection wit' ro(alt( is now ac4nowled$ed. #'e is 7ro.$'t into t'e closest relations'i- wit' t'e Cin$. 2'is is anifest to all. /'en Messia' ta4es t'e t'rone accordin$ to t'e -lain and forci7le lan$.a$e of Psal 45+ t'is will 7e 'er -lace. 2'ere we read+ "J-on t'( ri$'t 'and did stand t'e ;.een in $old of <-'ir." /'en :e enters t'e scene+ and ta4es t'e t'rone of :is fat'er Da*id+ e*er(t'in$ is c'an$ed in 1srael. /'at a c'an$e for Ber.sale ) /'at a c'an$e for t'e Bewis' -eo-le) Ber.sale will 'a*e t'e first -lace+ and all t'e cities of B.da' s'all own it. 2'e eart'%s 7lessin$ will also co e in t'en t'ro.$' t'e e9altation of t'e Bews. "1nstead of t'( fat'ers s'all 7e t'( c'ildren+ w'o t'o. a(est a4e -rinces in all t'e eart'." And now+ 'ear+ as it were+ :is first address fro t'e t'rone to :is 7elo*ed -eo-le. ":ear4en+ < da.$'ter+ and consider+ and incline t'ine ear& for$et also t'ine own -eo-le and t'( fat'er%s 'o.se& so s'all t'e 4in$ $reatl( desire t'( 7ea.t( for 'e is t'( 8ord+ and wors'i- t'o. 'i ." 1t was no lon$er t'e $lor( of t'e fat'ers A7ra'a + 1saac+ and Baco7 7.t t'e 7ri$'ter $lor( of t'e tr.e seed ro(al of t'e 'o.se of B.da'. C'rist is all in all. :e w'o lo*es ri$'teo.sness and 'ates wic4edness+ -ro*es 'i self fit to $o*ern. 1n ri$'teo.sness and in ,.d$ ent+ :e 'as 7ro.$'t in t'e f.ll tri. -' and $lor( of t'e Bewis' -eo-le. :e 'ad led t'e on to *ictor( o*er t'e 'eads of all t'eir foes. :e w'o led t'e into ca-ti*it(+ is now a ca-ti*e in t'e 7otto less -it. C'rist is on t'e t'rone+ and all :is ene ies are ade :is footstool. And now+ t'e -eo-le are to loo4 to :i + not to t'e fat'ers+ in w'o t'e( 'a*e 'it'erto 7oasted. "/e 7e A7ra'a %s seed+" was once t'eir e -t( 7oast+ to t'e lowl( Bes.s& 7.t e*er(t'in$ is c'an$ed now+ :ence t'e e -'atic word to t'e da.$'ter of Fion& >or$et t'ine own -eo-le+ and t'( fat'er%s 'o.se so s'all t'e 4in$ $reatl( desire t'( 7ea.t(! for 'e is t'( 8ord& and wors'i- t'o. 'i ." 3.t 'as t'is 7ea.tif.l address fro t'e li-s of Bes.s+ t'o.$' as Cin$ of t'e Bews+ no *oice to t'ee+ ( so.l? 1s it onl( fit for 1srael? >ar fro it+ 1 wo.ld sa(. 1n s-irit+ and in -rinci-le+ it is -lainl( a--lica7le to all C'rist%s disci-les now. "A7ide in e" 0 ">ollow e+" are still dee-er. No sooner is a 92

so.l con*erted to Bes.s+ t'an it s'o.ld+ in t'at sense+ for$et+ and t.rn awa( fro + all its old associations. =*er(t'in$ contrar( to :is will+ or t'at wo.ld 'inder .s in carr(in$ o.t :is will+ s'o.ld 7e $i*en .-+ and+ as it were+ for$otten. 2'e a--lication of t'e -assa$e is eas(+ -ro*ided we are -re-ared to $i*e .o.r 'earts to :i . "M( son+ $i*e e t'ine 'eart+ and let t'ine e(es o7ser*e ( wa(s+" is s.rel( a fair de and+ at all ti es+ fro :i w'o $a*e :i self for .s. :is de*otedness to .s is co -lete. :e 4e-t not'in$ 7ac4& :e $a*e all. :e lo*ed .s+ and $a*e :i self for .s. Not onl( :is life+ tr.e and 7lessed as t'at is+ 7.t :e $a*e :i self. 2'e cross+ of co.rse+ is t'e stron$est e9-ression of :is lo*e t'at we can e*er 'a*e. 3.t in $i*in$ :i self+ :e $i*es all t'at :e is+ as t'e Man C'rist Bes.s t'e #a*io.r of sinners. <7ser*e+ es-eciall(+ 1 -ra( t'ee+ t'e $reatness of t'is $ift :1M#=8>) And also+ t'e 5i*er :=+ $a*e :i self. All :is ;.alities all :is e9cellencies+ are $i*en in t'is $ift. 2'is is lo*e t'is is de*otedness t'is is consecration. :e 4ee-s 7ac4 not'in$ fro .s& :is lo*e is -erfect. :e+ :i self+ is ine. "Now 1 'a*e fo.nd a friend+ ,esus is mine) :is lo*e s'all ne*er end+ ,esus is mine." /e 'a*e a f.ll C'rist+ adored and 7lessed 7e :is na e) Ma( we allow not'in$ t'at wo.ld lessen to t'e so.l :is f.lness a( we co.nt self+ and all t'at 7elon$s to it+ as dross. :is wisdo + :is ri$'teo.sness+ :is -eace+ :is ,o(+ :is $race+ :is $lor( in s'ort+ t'e -erfection of :is wor4+ :is ore a7.ndant life in res.rrection+ and t'e $lor( of :is Person all are t'e 7elie*er%s in t'e $ift of :i self. 2a4e one ill.stration of t'is ar*ello.s tr.t'+ and see t'at t'o. f.ll( .nderstand t'is (ster( of -erfect lo*e+ < ( so.l. 1t is written+ t'at :e " ade -eace+ t'ro.$' t'e 7lood of 'is cross." "Peace+" in t'is connection+ eans reconciliation. /e are reconciled+ o.r -eace is ade+ accordin$ to t'e -erfection of :is wor4 on t'e cross. 3.t it is also written+ "Peace 1 lea*e wit' (o.+ ( -eace 1 $i*e .nto (o.." :ere+ "-eace" does not ean reconciliation+ 7.t C'rist%s own -eace. "M( -eace" a -eace answerin$ to t'e $lor( of :is Person+ w'ic' :e lea*es to .s as a le$ac( in t'is tro.7led scene. And :e $i*es not as t'e world $i*es& t'e world $i*es a -art+ and 4ee-s a -art+ 7.t :e $i*es all. <'+ w'at 7lessin$) /'at 'as lo*e not done) <'+ w'at a $ro.nd of confidence for t'e 'eart is t'is .ns-ea4a7le $ift) 2o 4now t'at "Bes.s is ine+" is to 4now t'e sweetness of f.ll -eace+ and ;.iet rest+ in :is own 7lessed -resence. 3.t if t'ere 7e s.c' a $ro.nd for confidence in t'is $ift+ <'+ w'at a oti*e t'ere is for w'ole0'earted de*otedness for entire consecration of 7od(+ so.l+ and s-irit to t'e 7lessed 8ord) Ma( we 4now t'e confidence+ and act fro t'e oti*e. Ma( o.r lo*e 7e t'e fair reflection of :is. "2'ine e(e confidin$+ anifests t'e lo*e+ A lo*e -rod.cin$ lo*e reci-rocal+ /'ic' o*ers'adowet' t'( 7ein$%s co.rse+ As face to face in water answeret' Iea+ as one -assin$ 7( 3at'0ra77i %s $ate+ 1n :es'7on%s wa*eless irrors a( 7e'old 2'e fait'f.l transcri-t of o%er'an$in$ s4ies." 1t is rat'er diffic.lt to sa( w'et'er t'e first fi*e *erses of t'is c'a-ter are addressed to t'e 7ride 7( t'e da.$'ters of Ber.sale + or 7( t'e 3ride$roo . 2'e tone of Cant. 7! 6+ w'ic' is e*identl( :is 93

a--ears to 7e dee-er. 1n Cant. 4 w'en s-ea4in$ of 'er ;.alities+ :e 7e$ins wit' t'e 'ead. And in Cant. 5 w'ere t'e 7ride $i*es a f.ll0len$t' -ortrait of 'er 3elo*ed+ s'e also 7e$ins wit' t'e 'ead. 3.t 'ere it is different+ t'e descri-tion 7e$ins wit' t'e feet and ends wit' t'e 'ead. #'e a--ears to 7e loo4ed at+ in t'is -assa$e+ fro eart'%s -oint of *iew& as if t'e da.$'ters of Ber.sale were first attracted 7( 'er wal4. 3esides+ t'e -ortrait 'ere $i*en is not so .c' 'er own -ersonal+ fa.ltless 7ea.t(+ w'ic' t'e 3ride$roo so ad ires+ and deli$'ts to dwell .-on+ as t'e circ. stances and associations of ro(alt(. <r+ -er'a-s+ ore t'at w'ic' is national $lor( t'an -ersonal 7ea.t(. 3.t we .st 7ear in ind as we $o alon$+ t'at t'e s-o.se re-resents+ for all 1srael+ $reat $lor( and 7lessin$. :a*in$ e9a ined wit' so e care+ w'en editatin$ on c'a-ters 4+ 5+ eac' feat.re t'erein descri7ed+ we wo.ld now do little ore t'an endea*o.r to -oint o.t t'e ost o7*io.s 7earin$ of t'e -resent co -arisons. 2'e e9-ression+ ":ow 7ea.tif.l are t'( feet wit' s'oes+ < -rince%s da.$'ter+" con*e(s to t'e ind+ ore t'e idea of a,estic footste-s statel( $oin$s+ t'an of t'e $eneral wal4. "2'e ,oints+" 7ein$ li4e ,ewels+ $i*in$ freedo to t'e ste-+ stren$t'ens t'is *iew of t'e -assa$e. :er $ait is no7le+ a,estic+ s.ited to ro(alt(. "A ro.nd $o7let w'ic' wantet' not li;.or . . . . an 'ea- of w'eat set a7o.t wit' lilies+" s.rel( denote an a7.ndance of t'at w'ic' c'eers and s.stains& and (et+ t'ese are s.rro.nded wit' $race and '. ilit(. A fence of lilies for7ids t'e a--roac' of none to co e and -arta4e of t'e 4in$%s .nificence& 7.t sweetl( in*ites+ as it were+ in t'e words of wisdo + "Co e eat of ( 7read+ and drin4 of t'e wine w'ic' 1 'a*e in$led." #.c' will 7e t'e f.lness and c'aracter of eart'l( 7lessin$ .nder t'e -eacef.l rei$n of t'e tr.e Cin$ #olo on. An a7.ndance of corn and wine+ fenced off wit' lilies. /'at an idea t'ese 7ea.tif.l and si$nificant s( 7ols $i*e of illennial 7lessin$) An o*erflowin$ a7.ndance wit' tr.e lowliness of ind. /'at .st 7e t'e 7ea.t( and fra$rance+ t'e -eace and sec.rit( of t'at land+ w'ose 7order defences are t'e lilies of t'e *alle() /'at .st 7e t'e i -ression -rod.ced on t'ose w'o co e .- to Ber.sale ) Bes.s is t'ere) 2'e Cin$ of #ale rei$ns+ :e is 'a*in$ e*er(t'in$ :is own wa(. 2'at e9-lains all. 2'e twin roes a( -oint o.t t'e .nit(+ 'ar on(+ and $reat fa il( li4eness w'ic' s'all t'en c'aracterise t'e -eo-le of t'e land. 6eferrin$ to t'eir 7lessin$ .nder t'e new co*enant in t'e f.t.re da(+ t'e word sa(s+ "2'en will 1 s-rin4le clean water .-on (o.+ and (e s'all 7e clean& fro all (o.r filt'iness+ and fro all (o.r idols will 1 cleanse (o.. A new 'eart also will 1 $i*e (o.+ and a new s-irit will 1 -.t wit'in (o.& and 1 will ta4e awa( t'e ston( 'eart o.t of (o.r fles'+ and 1 will $i*e (o. a 'eart of fles'. And 1 will -.t ( #-irit wit'in (o.+ and ca.se (o. to wal4 in ( stat.tes+ and (e s'all 4ee( ,.d$ ents+ and do t'e . And (e s'all dwell in t'e land t'at 1 $a*e to (o.r fat'ers! and (e s'all 7e ( -eo-le and 1 will 7e (o.r 5od." @=Ee4. 36! 25028A 2'e a-ostle+ in a--l(in$ t'ese -ro ises to 1srael+ notwit'standin$ t'eir -resent dis-ersion+ sa(s+ ">or t'is is t'e co*enant t'at 1 will a4e wit' t'e 'o.se of 1srael after t'ose da(s+ sait' t'e 8ord& 1 will -.t ( laws into t'eir ind and write t'e in t'eir 'earts& and 1 will 7e to t'e a 5od+ and t'e( s'all 7e to e a -eo-le. And t'e( s'all not teac' e*er( an 'is nei$'7o.r+ and e*er( an 'is 7rot'er+ sa(in$+ Cnow t'e 8ord! for all s'all 4now e+ fro t'e least to t'e $reatest." @:e7. 8! 11+ 12A /'o co.ld do.7t+ wit' s.c' te9ts 7efore t'e + t'e f.ll restoration of 1srael+ t'e realit( and .nifor it( of t'eir 7lessin$? 2'e "tower of i*or(" wo.ld s.$$est t'e t'o.$'t of $reat ric'es and e9altation. 1t wo.ld also 7es-ea4 national $lor( if not national -.rit( i*or( 7ein$ snow( w'ite. "2'e fis'-ools of :es'7on+" t'at w'ic' is cal + dee-+ clear+ and reflecti*e. 1f t'e "tower of i*or( 7es-ea4 1srael%s national ric'es+ a( not t'e "fis'-ools of :es'7on" 7es-ea4 t'eir national c'aracter? /'at so 7ea.tif.l or s.$$esti*e+ as t'e cal + f.ll+ 7ri$'t e(e? 3esides+ it is said of 1srael+ "Mine e(es are e*er toward t'e 8ord." @Ps. 25A 2'is will 7e sin$leness of e(e. 8ord+ 'asten it in 2'( ti e) 94

"#erene as :es'7on%s tran;.il la4e+ 2'( editati*e e(es forsa4e 2'e world%s distractin$ ,o(s." ""he tower of Lebanon which looketh toward 'amascus," s.$$ests t'e idea of stren$t'+ sec.rit(+ s.-re ac(. 2'e Bews+ once so -ersec.ted as a -eo-le s-read o*er t'e eart'+ and so fre;.entl( in*aded as a nation+ es-eciall( 7( t'e #(rians+ can now loo4 o.t on #(ria+ and on all t'e s.rro.ndin$ nations+ in tower0li4e stren$t'. All t'e nations of t'e eart' are at t'eir feet. 2'e tower "loo4et' toward Da asc.s" t'e ca-ital of t'eir once restless and -owerf.l foe. ">or t'e 'ead of #(ria is Da asc.s+ and t'e 'ead of Da asc.s is 6eEin." A tower on t'e 'ei$'ts of 8e7anon loo4s o.t on all+ and is seen 7( all. 1t will t'en 7e 4nown t'at t'e -ower of Be'o*a'0Bes.s dwells in t'e idst of :is 7elo*ed -eo-le. 2'is will 7e t'eir national s.-re ac(. Cant. 7! 5. ""hine head u on thee is like Carmel." "Car el+" in scri-t.re+ is t'e t(-e of fr.itf.lness. 1t was fa o.s for its *ine(ards+ $ardens+ and ric' 'er7a$e. "2'ine 'ead .-on t'ee+" wo.ld see to -oint o.t a 'ead orna ent+ not t'e 'ead of t'e 7od(. 2'e reference a( 7e to a crown+ or wreat' of la.rels+ -resentin$ "t'e e9cellenc( of Car el+" and e 7le atic of t'e land%s fr.itf.lness national a7.ndance. 1srael is crowned wit' $oodness. 2'e( are 7lessed wit' all eart'l( 7lessin$s in = an.el%s land. 3.t $lorio.s as t'at will 7e @and $lorio.s it s'all 7eA+ still it is 7.t t'e contrast+ di*inel( drawn+ of t'e c'.rc'%s 7lessin$s+ e*en w'ile s'e wanders a -il$ri in t'is world. "3lessed 7e t'e 5od and >at'er of o.r 8ord Bes.s C'rist+ w'o 'at' 7lessed .s wit' all s-irit.al 7lessin$s in 'ea*enl( -laces in C'rist." 2'is is t'e c'aracter and eas.re of t'e C'ristian%s 7lessin$+ if eas.red it can 7e. And 'ere note+ ( so.l+ for t'( dee-est and loftiest editations+ t'e t'ree t'in$s s-o4en of in t'is wonderf.l *erse! 1. "All s-irit.al 7lessin$s." Not one is wantin$. And+ o7ser*e+ t'e( are s-irit.al+ ada-ted to o.r new nat.re. 2. "1n 'ea*enl( -laces." 2'e 'i$'est s-'ere t'e 7est of -laces not eart'l( -laces+ li4e 1srael%s in t'e land of Canaan+ 7lessed as t'eirs will 7e. 3. "1n C'rist" in t'e ost 7lessed and e9cellent wa( t'at 5od co.ld $i*e t'e . :ere+ we can draw no co -arison& we can onl( wors'i- and adore. <') to enter ore f.ll( into t'at w'ic' is alread( o.rs+ in C'rist+ accordin$ to t'e lo*e of 5od o.r >at'er& t'at we a( 7e 'ol( and wit'o.t 7la e 7efore :i in lo*e. "And the hair of thine head like ur le) the king is held in the galleries." "P.r-le" is t'e e 7le of ro(alt(. 2'e e(e risin$ fro t'e 7ea.tif.l s'oes to t'e 7ridal coronet+ finds all -erfect. 2'e fair s-o.se of t'e 4in$ is fa.ltless. And t'e co -arisons are s.$$esti*e of tr.e national $reatness and $lor(. 2'e 4in$ is o*erco e 7( 'er attractions. :e is 7o.nd+ as it were+ 7( 'er co eliness co eliness w'ic' :e 'as -.t .-on 'er. "#'e is all $lorio.s wit'in t'e i*or( -alaces& 'er clot'in$ is of wro.$'t $old& s'e s'all 7e 7ro.$'t .nto t'e 4in$ in rai ent of needlewor4." "2'e 4in$ is 'eld in t'e $alleries." :e cannot lea*e :is ro(al 7ride. /ondro.s lo*e) wondro.s $race) <'+ to 4now t'e 'eart of Bes.s) "2'e $lorio.s and /'o a,estic <ne+ deat' nor 'ell co.ld e%er detain+ i$'t( c'ain.

1s 7( t'( -owerf.l $races won+ And tied as wit' a #tran$e lo*eliness it is t'at swa(s 2'e #o*erei$n 6e$ent of t'e s4ies Constrainin$ :i 95 to sta( and $aEe+

2'( c'ar s do so attract :is e(es. >ait'%s efforts 7old o%erco e t'e Cin$& :ow 'a--( t'e( t'e con;.est s'are+ /'o to :is sacred co.rts :i And t'en 'a*e -ower to 'old :i win+ t'ere)"

Cant. 7! 6. "How fair and how leasant art thou, + lo%e, for delights9" 2'is+ we do.7t not+ is t'e 3ride$roo %s *oice. /e -ercei*e ore de-t' of feelin$ and interest in t'is *erse t'an in t'e -re*io.s fi*e. <t'ers a( ad ire 'er+ 7.t :e deli$'ts in 'er. 2'ro.$' :is -atient $race+ a oral rese 7lance to :i self 'as 7een wro.$'t in 'er. 2'is :e now sees and deli$'ts in. 2'e ore -erfectl( C'rist sees in .s :is own li4eness+ t'e ore :e will deli$'t in .s. 2'is is necessaril( tr.e+ (et a tr.t' t'at is easil( .nderstood 7( all. A strictl( .-ri$'t an can find no deli$'t in one t'at is croo4ed in 'is wa(s. An 'onest an can find no -leas.re in one w'o is dis'onest. A orall( -.re -erson can 'a*e no fellows'i- wit' one w'o wo.ld dra$ 'i t'ro.$' all t'e i -.rities of a low and de$raded nat.re. Ass.redl( not. 2'e .-ri$'t an can onl( deli$'t in .-ri$'tness+ t'e 'onest an in 'onest(+ and t'e -.re in -.rit(. #o t'e 7lessed 8ord+ can find :is deli$'t onl( in t'at w'ic' rese 7les :is own oral -erfections. <') w'at a needed+ -ractical lesson t'o. a(est learn fro t'is fact+ < ( so.l) 1n w'at res-ect let e as4+ and in w'at eas.re+ is t'( oral rese 7lance to C'rist? 2'in4 of :is lo*e+ :is 'oliness+ and t'e -erfection of all :is wa(s& and t'en in;.ire in w'at res-ect+ in w'at eas.re+ does :e see :is own oral i a$e -racticall( reflected in t'ee? And conse;.entl(+ 'ow far can :e find :is deli$'t in t'ee? 6esist not t'ese searc'in$ in;.iries a7ide in t'e li$'t let all t'( -ractical wa(s 7e fairl( e9a ined t'ere. And see4 a7o*e all t'in$s+ confor it( to :i + w'o 'as left .s an e9a -le t'at we s'o.ld wal4 in :is ste-s. :ow sweet to a so.l t'at lo*es :i .st t'at word 7e fro :is own li-s+ ":ow fair and 'ow -leasant art t'o.+ < lo*e+ for deli$'ts) " 3.t 7efore dis issin$ t'is s.7,ect+ it a( 7e well to notice for a o ent t'e teac'in$ of scri-t.re on t'e 7lessed s.7,ect of o.r oneness wit' C'rist o.r co -leteness in :i & w'ic' is li4e t'e ot'er side of t'e sa e s.7,ect. Practicall( we co e infinitel( s'ort of C'rist+ (et+ in s-irit and in *irt.e of :is finis'ed wor4+ we are one wit' :i as risen and $lorified. 2'is is a $lorio.s tr.t'! is it -lainl( ta.$'t in scri-t.re? 2a4e t'e followin$ te9ts as a sa -le of an( t'at i$'t 7e ;.oted. ":e t'at is ,oined .nto t'e 8ord is one #-irit." @1 Cor. 6! 17A ">or 7( one #-irit we are all 7a-tised into one 7od(+ w'et'er we 'e Bews or 5entiles+ w'et'er we 7e 7ond or free+ and 'a*e 7een all ade to drin4 into one #-irit." @1 Cor. 12! 13A "And (o.+ 7ein$ dead in (o.r sins+ and t'e .ncirc. cision of (o.r fles'+ 'at' 'e ;.ic4ened to$et'er wit' 'i + 'a*in$ for$i*en (o. all tres-asses." @Col. 2! 13A "2'ere is t'erefore now no conde nation to t'e w'ic' are in C'rist Bes.s." @6o . 8! 1A 2'e 7lessed -osition of t'e 7elie*er in C'rist is a7.ndantl( ta.$'t in scri-t.re. And fait' as4s not'in$ ore t'an t'e -lain word of 5od. <.r own fra es and feelin$s wo.ld onl( islead .s on t'is all i -ortant s.7,ect& and do.7ts and fears wo.ld onl( 7e to do.7t t'e wor4 of rede -tion+ on w'ic' t'e tr.t' of o.r oneness wit' C'rist 1s 7ased. 3ein$ one wit' :i as risen fro t'e dead and e9alted on 'i$'+ we are -arta4ers wit' :i of t'e sa e life and -ri*ile$es 7efore 5od. 1t is -lainl( stated+ for e9a -le+ t'at C'rist is o.r life. "/'en C'rist+ w'o is o.r life+ s'all a--ear." 1f+ t'en+ t'e ;.estion 7e raised as to w'et'er we 'a*e eternal life+ t'e 7elie*er a( re-l( 7( as4in$ t'e ;.estion+ ":as C'rist eternal life? for t'e word of 5od affir s t'at C'rist is o.r life." A$ain+ as to o.r oneness in ri$'teo.sness. /e are " ade t'e ri$'teo.sness of 5od in 'i ." As to acce-tance+ we are "acce-ted in 96

t'e 7elo*ed." As to -osition+ we "sit to$et'er in 'ea*enl( -laces in C'rist." <7ser*e t'e for of t'e e9-ression. "1n C'rist in 'i ." And ar4 es-eciall( t'e f.lness of t'e followin$ *erses. "3.t of 'i are (e in C'rist Bes.s+ w'o of 5od is ade .nto .s wisdo + and ri$'teo.sness+ and sanctification+ and rede -tion." @1 Cor. 1! 30A "And (e are co -lete in 'i + w'ic' is t'e 'ead of all -rinci-alit( and -ower." @Col. 2! 10A "1n 'i +" o7ser*e+ w'o is a7o*e "all -rinci-alit( and -ower+" e*en a7o*e t'e an$els t'at ne*er sinned. #o e+ we are aware+ s-ea4 of t'is 'ea*enl( c'aracter of tr.t' as i -ractical+ and so eti es in less wort'( ter s. 2'is we t'in4 a serio.s ista4e+ and one t'at .st lead to serio.s conse;.ences. <n t'e contrar(+ we fir l( 7elie*e+ t'at t'e C'ristian%s f.ll ass.rance of -ardon+ ,.stification+ -eace+ acce-tance+ will 7e in -ro-ortion to t'e clearness of 'is a--re'ension+ and t'e eas.re of 'is en,o( ent+ of t'ese tr.t's+ as ta.$'t in t'e word of 5od. #al*ation is not'in$ s'ort of -assin$ fro deat' .nto life. 2'en+ w'ere a 1 w'at a 1+ if deat' is 7e'ind e? Associated wit' a risen C'rist+ and eternall( one wit' :i . "/e are e 7ers of 'is 7od(." As t'e 'and and foot+ t'e e(e and ear+ are incl.ded in t'e an+ so is t'e 7elie*er incl.ded in C'rist. #o far fro t'is c'aracter of tr.t' 7ein$ i -ractical+ we 'a*e no 'esitation in sa(in$+ t'at o.r oral rese 7lance to C'rist now+ will 7e -ro-ortionate to o.r 4nowled$e of+ and fellows'i- wit'+ o.r e9alted :ead in 'ea*en. /'at ade Pa.l so 'ea*enl( inded? :is e(e was fi9ed on C'rist in t'e $lor(+ and 'is 'eart 7reat'ed fer*entl( after :i t'ere. "<ne t'in$ 1 do." C'rist in 'ea*en was t'e "one t'in$" 7efore 'is so.l. 2'is+ and t'is alone+ will -rod.ce on eart' t'at in w'ic' C'rist finds :is deli$'t :is own oral i a$e reflected in .s. Cnowin$ t'is+ a( we set t'e 8ord alwa(s 7efore .s+ and e*er see4 to do t'e t'in$s w'ic' -lease :i . 3.t in t'e idst of all o.r s'ortco in$s+ it is co fortin$ to 4now t'at in t'e da( of :is co in$ $lor(+ :e will 7e s.rro.nded wit' t'at w'ic' :e lo*es and in w'ic' :e deli$'ts. 2'en t'e 'ea*enl( saints s'all 7e fas'ioned li4e .nto :is own $lorio.s 7od( c'an$ed into t'e sa e i a$e. "/e 4now t'at w'en 'e s'all a--ear+ we s'all 7e li4e 'i + for we s'all see 'i as 'e is." And t'en+ too+ of 1srael+ as a nation on t'e eart'+ it will 7e said+ "2'o. s'alt no ore 7e ter ed forsa4en& neit'er s'all t'( land 7e ter ed desolate+ 7.t t'o. s'alt 7e called :e-'Ei7a' Gt'at is+ ( deli$'t is in 'erH+ and t'( land 3e.la' Gt'at is+ arriedH+ for t'e 8ord+ deli$'tet' in t'ee+ and t'( land s'all 7e arried." @1sa. 62! 4A 8ord+ 'asten it in t'( ti e+ for t'ine own na e%s sa4e) Cant. 7! 7. ""his thy stature is like to a alm tree, and thy breasts to clusters of gra es." 2'e "-al tree" and t'e "cl.sters of $ra-es" a( 7e considered as t'e e 7le s of *ictor( and at.rit( of .-ri$'tness and fr.itf.lness. 2'e -al is .c' s-o4en of t'ro.$'o.t scri-t.re+ and *ario.sl( a--lied as a s( 7ol. As to its nat.ral for + its ste is sli 7.t $racef.l+ erect and loft(& t'e t(-e of .-ri$'tness. "2'e( are .-ri$'t as t'e -al tree." 2'o.$' -ressed+ or 7o.nd downwards for a ti e+ it ref.ses to $row croo4ed+ and soon reco*ers its -er-endic.lar for . /ondro.s ill.stration of t'e lon$ -ress.re t'at 'as 7een on t'e Bews+ and of t'e wa( t'e( will (et lift .- t'eir 'eads. 2'e lea*es and fr.it cl.ster ric'l( at t'e to-+ and 'a*e t'e for of a crown or cano-(. #o e 4inds $row to a $reat 'ei$'t+ so t'at t'e fr.it is not easil( reac'ed+ t'e ste 7ein$ 7ranc'less. 2'is circ. stance a( 'e referred to in t'e ne9t *erse! "1 said+ 1 will $o .- to t'e -al tree+ 1 will ta4e 'old of t'e 7o.$' t'ereof." 2'e fr.its of t'e #-irit are ne*er 7e(ond t'e 8ord%s reac'. :e $at'ers and a--reciates t'e fr.its of $race in :is -eo-le. 1t is said to 7e t'e s.re si$n of water in t'e desert 0 t'at sweet s-rin$s of water are alwa(s fo.nd near to t'e -al s! so t'at no si$'t is ore welco e to t'e e(e of t'e t'irst( tra*eller t'an t'e -al tree. 2'is 'istorical fact is ost interestin$+ and s.$$esti*e+ and see s to a$ree wit' scri-t.re. "And t'e( ca e to =li + w'ere were twel*e wells of water+ and t'reescore and ten -al trees! and t'e( enca -ed t'ere 7( t'e waters." @=9. 15! 27A 97

/e 'a*e also fre;.ent reference in scri-t.re to t'e 7ranc'es of t'e -al tree as t'e e 7le of *ictor(. 2'e( were t'e si$n of t'e feast of ta7ernacles to t'e Bews& a -eriod of $reat re,oicin$ in 1srael. "And (e s'all ta4e (o. on t'e first da( t'e 7o.$'s of $oodl( trees+ 7ranc'es of -al trees+ and t'e 7o.$'s of t'ic4 trees+ and willows of t'e 7roo4! and (e s'all re,oice 7efore t'e 8ord (o.r 5od se*en da(s." @8e*. 23! 40A 2'e inn. era7le .ltit.de w'ic' Bo'n+ in *ision+ saw+ 7efore t'e t'rone and 7efore t'e 8a 7+ were "clot'ed wit' w'ite ro7es+ and -al s in t'eir 'ands." Man( t'o.$'ts as to 1srael%s -ast+ -resent+ and f.t.re 'istor( -ass 7efore t'e ind+ in editatin$ on t'e e9-ressi*e ill.strations 7efore .s+ 7.t we can onl( at -resent 7riefl( a--l( t'e . 2'e fair s-o.se of t'e 4in$ 'as now reac'ed 'er oral at.rit(. 3lessed tr.t') 5race 'as tri. -'ed) #'e is -erfect in :is si$'t t'e deli$'t of :is 'eart t'e reflection of :i self. 2'e -ra(er is answered and t'e -ro ise f.lfilled. 8et t'e 7ea.t( of t'e 8ord o.r 5od 7e .-on .s." 2'e ri$'teo.s s'all flo.ris' li4e t'e -al tree." Moreo*er t'e feast of ta7ernacles is co e. #'e wa*es 'er -al of *ictor( 'er ,o( is f.ll. =le*ated and .-ri$'t as t'e -al + wit' its l.9.riant crown+ and li*in$ waters wellin$ .- and flowin$ fort' fro its roots. 8owl(+ wea4 and de-endent+ li4e t'e fee7le *ine+ (et clin$in$ to t'e Mi$'t( <ne and 7earin$ .c' fr.it to :is $lor(. 8o*eliest of e 7le s of an%s low estate and of a7.ndant fr.itf.lness t'ro.$' tr.st in 5od a7idin$ in t'e tr.e *ine. ">or w'en 1 a wea4+ t'en a 1 stron$." >ra$rant also+ s'e is+ as t'e a--le tree 0 t'e c'osen e 7le of t'e well0 3elo*ed+ s'e s-reads a7road t'e sweet odo.rs of :is na e. >ro Cant. 7! 9 it wo.ld a--ear t'at t'e 3ride$roo now re-oses in t'e c'ar s of :is 7ride. :is 'eart is at rest. /ondro.s tr.t') :e sees in 'er of t'e tra*ail of :is so.l and is satisfied. 2'e desires of :is lo*e are answered. /'at lo*e) /'at $race) /'at 7lessin$) :a--( 7ride) :a--( 1srael) Perfectl( and for e*er restored& t'e 8ord t'( 5od rests in t'ee. :e is re*i*ed+ refres'ed+ and c'eered 7( "t'e 7est wine+" w'ic' t'o. 'ast -re-ared for t'( 3elo*ed. "Ca.sin$ t'e li-s of t'ose t'at are aslee- to s-ea4." #'o.ld t'ere 7e t'e least do.7t on ( reader%s ind of t'e f.ll+ 'a--(+ $lorio.s+ and 7lessed restoration of t'e Bews+ let 'i caref.ll( read t'e followin$ 7ea.tif.l -ro-'ec(. #.rel( no one co.ld ;.estion t'at it is still .nf.lfilled. "#in$+ < da.$'ter of Fion& s'o.t+ < 1srael! 7e $lad and re,oice wit' all t'e 'eart+ < da.$'ter of Ber.sale . 2'e 8ord+ 'at' ta4en awa( t'( ,.d$ ents+ 'e 'at' cast o.t t'ine ene (& t'e 4in$ of 1srael+ e*en t'e 8ord+ is in t'e idst of t'ee& t'o. s'alt not see e*il an( ore. 1n t'at da( it s'all 7e said to Ber.sale + >ear t'o. not& and to Fion+ 8et not t'ine 'ands 7e slac4. 2'e 8ord t'( 5od in t'e idst of t'ee is i$'t(& 'e will sa*e+ 'e will re,oice o*er t'ee wit' ,o(& 'e will rest in 'is lo*e& 'e will ,o( o*er t'ee wit' sin$in$." @Fe-'. 14017A ">or w'at t'o.$' B.da'%s -al tree now is dr(+ /it'ered and leafless+ li4e a 7eacon0 ast+ 2'o.$' "6aEe it+ 6aEe it+% is t'e ta.ntin$ cr(+ Ion -allid crescent :er s.n s'all rise+ 'er Pal oon is wanin$ fast& oon s'all wane no ore. %2will soon 7e ;.enc'ed. 2'en 1srael%s ni$'t is o%er 7ranc' in 'and+ $o fort' to eet t'e Cin$

Messia' co es) re,ected once+ and slain. Da.$'ter of Fion+ lo.d %'osanna's% sin$) /'o ca e to s.ffer once now co es to rei$n. 98

3eneat' t'e -al

tree 1srael%s ,.d$e s'all sit

3e'old t'e -eo-le $at'erin$ at :is feet." Cant. 7! 10. "- am my belo%ed$s and his desire is toward me." 2'is+ we a( tr.l( sa(+ is t'e 'i$'est note in t'e #on$ of #on$s. And (et+ we a( as tr.l( sa(+ it is t'e lowest. Now t'e so.l is done wit' itself+ and entirel( occ.-ied wit' C'rist. 1t e9-resses+ we 7elie*e+ t'e 'i$'est a--re'ension of C'rist. :is desire is toward e :e deli$'ts in e. Conse;.entl(+ self is lost si$'t of. 5race 'as done its -erfect wor4 t'e so.l is esta7lis'ed in $race. 2'is is t'e -erfection of 7ea.t( in t'e -eo-le of t'e 8ord& and alwa(s t'at in w'ic' :e deli$'ts. #o lon$ as a so.l is .nder law+ it ne*er reac'es t'is -lace of confidence+ rest+ -eace+ and ,o(. 1t ne*er stri4es so 'i$' a note. No atter w'o+ w'ere+ or w'en+ t'e so.l t'at is .nder law .st 7e tro.7led wit' do.7ts and fears. Not 7.t t'at t'e law is $ood+ 7.t we cannot 4ee- it+ and we cannot re ain alwa(s 'ere+ for lea*e t'is world we .st& t'en t'e sole n ;.estion arises+ 'ow s'all it fare wit' e at t'e ,.d$ ent0seat? A dar4 clo.d 'an$s o*er t'e f.t.re. 2'e tro.7led so.l 7elie*es not+ t'o.$' -lainl( written+ t'at 7( $race+ t'ro.$' fait'+ it 'as e*erlastin$ life+ and s'all not co e into ,.d$ ent+ 7.t is -assed fro deat' .nto life. @Bo'n 5! 24A 5race alone can 7rin$ t'e so.l into t'is 7lessed+ 'a--( state. 8aw ne*er can+ 7eca.se it conde ns t'ose w'o 7rea4 it+ and s'ows no erc(. 3esides+ if 1 'a*e fear now+ 1 'a*e tor ent. 3.t "-erfect lo*e castet' o.t fear& 7eca.se fear 'at' tor ent. :e t'at fearet' is not ade -erfect in lo*e." 2'is "-erfect lo*e" e9-resses itself in -erfect $race+ and $race alone esta7lis'es t'e so.l in t'e -erfect lo*e of o.r 8ord Bes.s C'rist+ and in t'e -erfect wor4 w'ic' :e 'as acco -lis'ed for .s. 1srael san$ -raise to 5od on Canaan%s side of t'e 6ed #ea+ w'ere $race flowed wit'o.t re7.4e in t'eir co -lete rede -tion& 7.t at t'e foot of #inai+ w'ere t'e( 'eard t'e t'.nders of t'e law+ t'ere was no sin$in$& it was all fear and tre 7lin$. =*er since t'en 1srael 'as 7een .nder law+ and .st 7e+ .ntil t'eir Messia' co e a$ain. At t'e sa e ti e+ we 4now+ of co.rse+ t'at t'ose w'o now re-ent+ and 7elie*e in Bes.s+ $i*e .- t'eir Bewis' $ro.nd+ and 7eco e e 7ers of t'e c'.rc' of 5od t'e 7od( of C'rist& and are 7ro.$'t into all t'e -ri*ile$es and 7lessin$s of a -resent sal*ation. 2'e condition of t'e Bews+ as s.c'+ and es-eciall( as 'a*in$ cr.cified t'e lord+ is stri4in$l( -resented in t'e case of t'e ansla(er .nder t'e law. :e was co -elled to re ain in t'e cit( of ref.$e+ .ntil a c'an$e too4 -lace in t'e -riest'ood. @N. . 35A 1n t'is si$nificant t(-e+ we see 1srael%s f.ll deli*erance w'en t'eir Messia' co es in :is Melc'isedec $lor(. 2'en :e will set t'e free fro t'e -ress.re of law+ .nder w'ic' t'e( are s.fferin$& and deli*er t'e o.t of t'e 'ands of all t'eir ene ies. :e will also eet t'e accordin$ to t'e ancient t(-e in 5enesis 14+ and refres' and c'eer t'eir faintin$ 'earts wit' t'e 7read and wine of t'e 4in$do . 2'en t'eir lon$ 7linded e(es s'all 7e o-ened to see t'eir own Messia'+ and t'at :e is all for t'e . 2'is will 7e t'e relief+ t'e rest+ and t'e ,o( of t'eir 'earts. 2'is is a c'aracter of e9-erience w'ic' t'e #-irit of -ro-'ec( does not -resent in t'e #on$. 1t wo.ld not 7e in 'ar on( wit' its o7,ect. :ere+ it is ore t'e e9ercises of t'e 'eart t'e affections+ t'at are $i*en. 1n t'e Psal s+ for e9a -le+ it is c'iefl( t'e e9ercises of conscience t'at we find t'e re nant -assin$ t'ro.$'. 1f we loo4 7ac4 to Cant. 2! 16+ we find t'e 7ride e9-ressin$ t'e ,o( of 'er 'eart in t'at s'e 'ad fo.nd t'e Messia' in -ossessin$ :i . "M( 7elo*ed is ine+ and 1 a 'is." 1n Cant. 6! 3+ we find 'er e9-erience considera7l( 'i$'er. :er 'eart finds sweet satisfaction in 4nowin$ t'at s'e 7elon$s to :i . "1 a ( 7elo*ed%s+ and ( 7elo*ed is ine." 3.t in t'e *erse .nder o.r i ediate editation+ s'e reac'es t'e 'i$'est -oint in a so.l%s e9-erience+ s'e rests in t'e 'a--( ass.rance t'at :is 'eart deli$'ts in 'er. "1 a ( 7elo*ed%s+ and 'is desire is toward e." 2'is is t'e 'a--( fr.it of :is own -atient+ 99

-erfect $race& s'e is all 7ea.t( and -erfection in :is si$'t s'e is clot'ed in t'e co eliness of $race. #'e 4nows t'is+ and t'is is t'e -erfect rest of 'er 'eart. ":is desire is toward e." :i$'er+ t'an t'is+ t'e so.l ne*er can rise& 7etter t'an t'is+ t'e so.l ne*er can find. 1t is findin$ all in t'e lo*e t'e c'an$eless lo*e of C'rist. 2'is .st e*er+ and onl(+ 7e t'e 'eart%s dee-est ,o( and sweetest -eace. <') 'a--( state for a -oor sinner sa*ed 7( $race to 7e in+ and to 7e in now) 2o find all its fres' s-rin$s in t'e lo*e of Bes.s) 2o 7e a7le to sa(+ ":e 4nows e t'oro.$'l( :e 4nows w'at 1 a in (self w'at 1 a in :i . Iet+ ne*ert'eless+ :e not onl( lo*es e+ 7.t deli$'ts in e." 2'ere is not'in$ 7e(ond t'is. <') wondro.s tr.t') :ere -a.se for a o ent in t'( editations+ < ( so.l. And a( 1 *ent.re to as4 of t'ee+ ":as t'( 'ar- e*er 7een t.ned to ta4e t'is note? And canst t'o. ta4e it easil(? 1s t'ere no strain in reac'in$ it? And 'ast t'o. learnt to dwell .-on it so.ndin$ it lon$ and f.ll(?" 2'is o.$'t to 7e t'e 4e(note of all o.r -raise t'e .nifor condition of o.r so.ls. /e start+ if we start ari$'t on o.r c'ristian co.rse+ wit' t'e 4nowled$e of t'e lo*e of Bes.s of t'e efficac( of :is sacrifice of t'e co -leteness of rede -tion of t'e certaint( of $lor(. And s'o.ld t'e son$ of :is lo*e e*er 7eco e fee7le on o.r li-s? #.rel( it s'o.ld 7eco e stron$er and stron$er+ as we near t'e 7ri$'t real s of $lor( w'ere t'e sa e Bes.s+ and t'e sa e lo*e+ s'all 7e o.r 'a--( son$ for e*er. "<' 'ow 1 t'irst t'e c'ains to 7.rst+ 2'at wei$' ( s-irit downward& And t'ere to flow+ in lo*e%s f.ll $low+ /it' 'earts li4e t'ine s.rro.nded 8ord+ 'aste t'at da( of clo.dless ra( 2'at -ros-ect 7ri$'t .nfailin$! /'ere 5od s'all s'ine in li$'t di*ine+ 1n $lor( ne*er fadin$." Cant. 7! 11. "Come, my belo%ed, let us go forth into the fields let us lodge in the %illages) let us get u early to the %ineyards) let its see if the %ine flourish, whether the tender gra e a ear, and the omegranate bud forth) there will - gi%e thee my lo%es." 2'e 7ride now addresses t'e 3ride$roo + in t'e f.ll co .nion and 'a--( en,o( ent of :is lo*e. <7ser*e t'e c'an$e in t'e tone and c'aracter of 'er address. 1t is far 7e(ond an(t'in$ we 'a*e 'eard fro 'er 7efore. And s'e s-ea4s onl( of t'ose t'in$s w'ic' s'e 4nows to 7e well0-leasin$ to :i . 2'ere is oneness of ind and 'eart. :er fait' 'as attained to t'e eas.re of :is t'o.$'ts and affections concernin$ 'erself. 2'.s it was wit' Da*id in t'e *alle( of =la'. :is fait' rose to t'e 'ei$'t of 5od%s t'o.$'ts and affections concernin$ :is -eo-le 1srael+ and so rec4oned on :i . 2'is is t'e tr.e $ro.nd of co .nion. 1n C'rist+ t'e 7elie*er 'as it f.ll( and -erfectl( dis-la(ed now+ and s.c' s'o.ld 7e t'e c'aracter of 'is co .nion oneness of ind and 'eart wit' C'rist. 2'e lo*e of Bes.s to .s0ward+ is not in word onl(+ 7.t in f.ll+ -erfect anifestation. :is wor4 is finis'ed. And+ oreo*er+ we 'a*e+ accordin$ to t'e -ro ise in Bo'n 14+ t'e :ol( 5'ost in .s+ as indi*id.als @1 Cor. 6! 19A+ and wit' .s+ as t'e asse 7l( of 5od. @1 Cor. 3! 16+ 17A And is not :e t'e witness+ seal+ and re*ealer to o.r so.ls of t'e lo*e of Bes.s+ and o.r oneness wit' :i ? /'( t'en s'o.ld t'e tone and c'aracter of o.r co .nion 7e lower t'an t'e w'ole will of C'rist concernin$ .s? 3.t it a( 7e t'at we $rie*e t'e :ol( #-irit 7( o.r .n7elief+ o.r worldliness+ and t'e .ntenderness of o.r wa(s& and so lose t'at c'aracter of co .nion wit' C'rist+ w'ic' an .n$rie*ed #-irit alone can $i*e. <') watc' and -ra(+ ( so.l+ t'at t'o. a(est li*e+ wal4+ and wors'i-+ in t'e li$'t and -ower of 100

a -resent+ .n$rie*ed :ol( #-irit. 2'e e9-ression+ "8et .s $o fort' into t'e fields let .s lod$e in t'e *illa$es+" etc.+ see s to inti ate t'at t'e 7lessin$s and $lories of t'e illenni. are e9tendin$ 7e(ond t'e li its of 1srael. 2'e fields and t'e *illa$es are o.tside t'e cit(. Ber.sale and t'e cities of B.da'+ as for in$ t'e eart'l( centre of Messia'%s $lor(+ will+ no do.7t+ first 7e filled t'erewit'. 3.t fro t'is centre it will s-read fort' on t'e ri$'t 'and and on t'e left+ .ntil t'e w'ole eart' 7e filled wit' :is $lor(. 3.t t'e -ec.liar sweetness and 7lessedness of t'e tr.t' 7efore .s is t'at t'e Bews are associated wit' t'eir Messia' in t'is wide0s-readin$ $lor(. 2'e( are for ed for eac' ot'er+ and t'e(+ to$et'er+ s-read+ witness+ en,o(+ and deli$'t in all t'e 7lessin$s of t'e eart'. 2'is see s -erfectl( clear fro t'e words of t'e s-o.se+ "Co e+ ( 7elo*ed+ let .s $o fort' let .s lod$e 0 let .s $et .- earl( let .s see if t'e *ine flo.ris'+" etc. 2'e( *isit and s.r*e(+ in 'a--( fellows'i-+ t'e *aried and wide e9tendin$ fields of illennial $lor(. 2'en s'e adds+ wit' a confidin$ness of 'eart t'at is t'oro.$'l( at 'o e in :is -resence+ "2'ere will 1 $i*e t'ee ( lo*es." :er 'eart is o*erflowin$. 2'ere is now+ as it were+ an e9cess of lo*e. :ence s'e .ses t'e -l.ral "lo*es." =9ceedin$+ a7.ndant+ e9cellent lo*e. <.r lo*e can ne*er 7e too fer*ent+ or too a7.ndant+ w'en C'rist is t'e o7,ect. 2'e c'.rc'+ 1 need not sa(+ and all saints t'at are raised wit' 'er+ s'all ere t'is+ 7e $lorified wit' C'rist in t'e Ber.sale a7o*e. >or it is t'e -.r-ose of 5od to $at'er to$et'er all t'in$s in 'ea*en and on eart' .nder one :ead+ C'rist. :e will 'old .nder :is -ower+ 7ot' t'e 'ea*enl( and eart'l( de-art ents of :is 4in$do . 2'en t'e( will 7e ,oined to$et'er+ as 7( Baco7%s ladder. 2'e $lor( of t'e 'ea*enl( saints will 7e *isi7le to t'ose on eart'+ and indeed to all t'e world. "2'at t'e world a( 4now t'at t'o. 'ast sent e+ and 'ast lo*ed t'e + as t'o. 'ast lo*ed e." @Bo'n 17! 23A And in reference to t'e New Ber.sale it is said+ "And t'e nations of t'e w'ic' are sa*ed s'all wal4 in t'e li$'t of it." @6e*. 21! 24A Cant. 7! 13. ""he mandrakes gi%e a smell, and at our gates are all manner of leasant fruits, new and old, which - ha%e laid u for thee, + my belo%ed." 2'e 'a--( s-o.se now finds t'at t'ere is in 'er 'eart+ for t'e #on of Da*id+ an a7.ndance of -recio.s fr.its& s.c' as lo*e+ $ratit.de+ -raise+ and de*otion. 1ndeed+ all anner of -recio.s fr.its+ new and old. 2'ere is .c' de-t' and 7ea.t( in t'e closin$ sentence of 'er address+ "/'ic' 1 'a*e laid .- for t'ee+ < ( 7elo*ed." An entirel( new c'aracter of feelin$s 'as 7een awa4ened in 'er so.l for t'e 8ord+ :i self. #.c' as s'e 'as ne*er 'ad+ and ne*er co.ld 'a*e for an( one else. :er 'eart+ so lon$ desolate and 7arren+ is now filled and fr.itf.l wit' 'er own Messia'%s lo*e. :e 'as created affections -ec.liar to :i self affections w'ic' 'a*e 7een laid .-+ as it were+ d.rin$ t'e w'ole -eriod of 'er wanderin$s+ and 4e-t for t'e 8ord alone. "/'ic' 1 'a*e laid .- for t'ee+ < ( 7elo*ed."

Canticles 8.
Cant. 8! 1. "< that thou wert as my brother, that sucked the breasts of my mother9 when - should find thee without, - would kiss thee) yea, - should not be des ised. - would lead thee and bring thee into my mother$s house, who would instruct me. - would cause thee to drink of s iced wine of the *uice of my omegranate." 2'ese *erses e*identl( ta4e .s 7ac4 and not forward+ as to t'e -osition and e9-erience of t'e 7ride. /e -arted wit' 'er+ at t'e close of Cant. 7+ a idst t'e ri-enin$ scenes of t'e latter0da( $lor(+ and in 'a--( co -anions'i- wit' 'er 7elo*ed. 2'e( were to$et'er. 2'e dar4 ni$'t of 'er sorrow was -ast+ wit' all its -ainf.l e9-erience& and t'e 'a--( da( of 'er $lor( 'ad co e wit' all its .ntold 7lessedness. 3.t 'ere we are led 7ac4 to t'e *er( fo.ndation of all t'e e9ercises t'ro.$' w'ic' s'e 'as -assed in reac'in$ t'is -oint& na el(+ t'e ardent desire of 'er 'eart for .n'indered+ 101

.nrestrained co .nion wit' Messia'+ t'e Cin$. #'e desires t'e f.ll li7ert( of 4indred affection. "< t'at t'o. wert as ( 7rot'er)" 2'is answers to t'e co ence ent of t'e 7oo4! "8et 'i 4iss e wit' t'e 4isses of 'is o.t'! for t'( lo*e is 7etter t'an wine." Cant. 8+ as 'as 7een said+ stands 7( itself+ and reca-it.lates t'e -rinci-les of t'e w'ole 7oo4. 8oo4in$ at it in t'is li$'t+ we will do little ore t'an -oint o.t w'at we 7elie*e to 7e t'e -at' of t'e #-irit in t'is concl.din$ c'a-ter of o.r 7ea.tif.l #on$ of #on$s. 2'e dee- desires of t'e s-o.se+ as 'ere e9-ressed 7( t'e #-irit of -ro-'ec(+ are at once and f.ll( satisfied. #'e desires f.ll -ossession of C'rist+ and to 'a*e t'e o--ort.nit( of ca.sin$ :i to drin4 of t'e s-iced wine of 'er -o e$ranates. Now s'e 4nows+ t'at once :e dran4 t'e 7itter c.- of 5od%s wrat' for 'er sins+ and s'e lon$s to -resent to :i a c.- of c'oice wine+ w'ic' 'er $ratit.de and de*otedness 'a*e in$led for :i alone. 8i4e t'e ret.rnin$ -rodi$al+ s'e is i ediatel( e 7raced+ and rests in t'e ar s of 'er 3elo*ed. 2'e da.$'ters of Ber.sale are a$ain c'ar$ed not to stir+ or awa4e t'e lo*ed one w'ile s'e is en,o(in$ :is lo*e. ":is left 'and s'o.ld 7e .nder ( 'ead+ and 'is ri$'t 'and s'o.ld e 7race e. 1 c'ar$e (o.+ < da.$'ters of Ber.sale + t'at (e stir not .-+ nor awa4e ( lo*e .ntil 'e Gs'eH -lease." #'e is ne9t seen as "co in$ .- fro t'e wilderness+ leanin$ on 'er 7elo*ed." #'e is o*in$ on ,o.rne(in$ towards t'e s.nn( 'ills of Canaan+ in de-endence on 'er 3elo*ed& and .nder t'e s'adow of :is win$s+ =$(-t and t'e wilderness are left 7e'ind. 2'e 7ride$roo now re inds t'e 7ride of t'e so.rce of all 'er 7lessin$+ "1 raised t'ee .- .nder t'e a--le tree." 2'e "a--le tree" is t'e e 7le of C'rist :i self. "As t'e a--le tree a on$ t'e trees of t'e wood+ so is ( 7elo*ed a on$ t'e sons." :er di*ine life+ and e*er( 7lessin$ connected wit' it+ s'e deri*es fro C'rist. "1 raised t'ee .- .nder t'e a--le tree" ;.ic4ened+ 7lest wit' all eart'l( 7lessin$s in a $lorio.s land .nder C'rist. 1t is ne*er said t'at t'e C'ristian 'as life and 7lessin$ .nder C'rist+ 7.t wit' :i . 2'is i -ortant tr.t' ar4s t'e difference 7etween Bewis' and C'ristian 7lessin$. 3ot'+ of co.rse+ deri*e t'eir life and 7lessin$ fro :i . 3.t it is said of C'ristians+ t'at t'e( are ;.ic4ened to$et'er wit' C'rist raised .- to$et'er and seated to$et'er in 'ea*enl( -laces in C'rist Bes.s. @=-'. 2! 5+ 6A 1srael+ as s.c'+ 7elon$s to t'e eart'& we+ as C'ristians+ 7elon$ to t'e "'ea*enl( -laces." 3efore con*ersion+ we 7elon$ to eart'& after it+ we 7elon$ to 'ea*en. 2'ere o.r na es are written+ and t'ere we are now seated in C'rist. 2'e 3ride$roo f.rt'er re inds :is s-o.se of 'er relation to t'e nation of 1srael. "2'ere t'( ot'er 7ro.$'t t'ee fort'& t'ere s'e 7ro.$'t t'ee fort' t'at 7are t'ee." 2'e re nant of t'e nation in w'ose 'eart $race wor4s+ 7eco es t'e 7ride of t'e $reat Cin$. #'e re-resents+ ore es-eciall(+ t'e re nant of B.da'+ w'o will 7e at Ber.sale 7efore t'e re nant of =-'rai + or t'e ten tri7es are $at'ered in& 7.t+ in -rinci-le+ s'e re-resents t'e w'ole nation of 1srael. And as C'rist :i self s-ran$ fro t'e tri7e of B.da'+ t'e #-irit of 5od e*identl( sanctions t'e .se of relati*e titles+ and t'e e9-ression of affections 7elon$in$ to t'e . A feelin$ of sadness and sorrow -asses o*er t'e ind+ w'en we t'in4 t'at t'ose for w'ose fait' and enco.ra$e ent t'ese relations'i-s are owned+ and t'ese 7ea.tif.l scenes descri7ed+ are still in t'e de-t's and dar4ness of a terri7le .n7elief. 2'e *eil is still on t'e 'eart of 1srael. 3.t t'e wa( of lo*e+ so 7ea.tif.ll( descri7ed in t'ese Canticles+ s'all+ ere lon$+ 7eco e t'e tr.t'f.l e9-ression of t'eir e9-erience. 3.t+ eanw'ile+ t'e C'ristian 'as t'e 7enefit of t'is wondro.s re*elation of 'earts and feelin$s& t'e #on$ of #on$s 'a*in$ a 7lessed+ oral a--lication to .s. 2'e ;.ic4ened re nant 7ride of Messia' in :is #olo on c'aracter now desires to 7e as a seal .-on :is 'eart accordin$ to a lo*e t'at -asset' 4nowled$e. "#et e as a seal .-on t'ine 'eart+ as a seal .-on t'ine ar & for lo*e is stron$ as deat'& ,ealo.s( is cr.el as t'e $ra*e! t'e coals t'ereof are 102

coals of fire+ w'ic' 'at' a ost *e'e ent fla e. Man( waters cannot ;.enc' lo*e+ neit'er can t'e floods drown it& if a an wo.ld $i*e all t'e s.7stance of 'is 'o.se for lo*e+ it wo.ld .tterl( 7e conde ned." /'ere s'all we find lo*e li4e t'is? <nl( in t'e 'eart of Bes.s. /'at ta4es s.c' a 'old as deat'? /'at 4ee-s it li4e t'e $ra*e? /'at so .ns-arin$ as t'e *e'e ent fla e? 2'ere is not'in$ to co -are wit' lo*e. /ere a an to offer t'e s.7stance of 'is 'o.se for lo*e+ it wo.ld .tterl( 7e des-ised. Man( waters cannot ;.enc' it& t'e floods cannot drown it. /'en lo*e and deat' et in fearf.l conflict on t'e cross+ lo*e tri. -'ed+ and deat' was for e*er *an;.is'ed. 2'e "seal" on t'e "'eart" and t'e "ar " a( refer to t'e 7reast-late and s'o.lder -ieces+ as worn 7( t'e 'i$' -riest. 2'e na es of t'e twel*e tri7es were en$ra*en on -recio.s stones+ "li4e t'e en$ra*in$s of a si$net+" and worn on t'e 'eart Gt(-e of affectionH and on t'e s'o.lder Gt(-e of stren$t'H of t'e 'i$' -riest+ 7efore t'e 8ord. #o s'all t'e 'a--( s-o.se+ ere lon$+ 7e as a seal on t'e lo*in$ 'eart and -owerf.l ar of 'er 7lessed 8ord+ as 'er $reat :i$' Priest+ after t'e order of Melc'isedec. Cant. 8! 8. "0e ha%e a little sister, and she hath no breasts. what shall we do for our sister in the day she shall be s oken for! -f she be a wall, we will build u on her a alace of sil%er) and if she be a door, we will enclose her with boards of cedar." =-'rai + or t'e lon$0lost ten tri7es+ are referred to+ we do.7t not+ 7( t'e "little sister." 2'eir ca-ti*it( 'ad ta4en -lace 7efore t'e 7irt' of C'rist& so t'at t'e( 4now not'in$ of t'e e9ercise t'ro.$' w'ic' B.da'+ or t'e two tri7es+ 'a*e -assed wit' reference to t'e 7irt'+ deat'+ res.rrection+ and ret.rn of t'e Messia'. Ne*ert'eless t'e( co e into t'e en,o( ent of t'e 7lessed res.lts of :is first co in$ in $race+ and of :is second co in$ in $lor(. And t'e( are instr.cted+ 7.ilt .-+ and esta7lis'ed in t'e doctrine of C'rist+ 7( t'eir ore 'i$'l( fa*o.red sister B.da'. "1 a a wall+" s'e sa(s+ "and ( 7reasts li4e towers! t'en was 1 in 'is e(es as one t'at fo.nd fa*o.r." #'e is stron$ in t'e 8ord+ ric'l( f.rnis'ed+ and in f.ll fa*o.r wit' t'e Cin$. 5od%s 1srael+ is restored) 2'ere are twel*e tri7es .nited+ in t'e 1srael of 5od& not ten and two di*ided. "< -ra( intensel( -ra(+ 3.ild .- Ber.sale + and 5od will 'ear Petitions :e 'as -ro -ted& 5od will 'ear+ And fro 'er desolations ca.se to rise A wall cons-ic.o.s 'er $rowin$ stren$t'+ :er s'inin$ -alaces will teac' t'e world+ 2'at 5od is fait'f.l+ and :is -ro ise s.re." Cant. 8! 11. "#olomon had a %ineyard at &aal1hamon) he let out the %ineyard unto kee ers) e%ery one for the fruit thereof was to bring a thousand ieces of sil%er" "3aal0'a on" si$nifies 8ord of a .ltit.de& and e*identl( refers to t'e .ltit.de of nations t'e w'ole eart'+ w'ic' now for t'e *ast *ine(ard of t'e 8ord+ of $lor(. "2'e eart' is t'e 8ord%s and t'e f.lness t'ereof+ t'e world and t'e( t'at dwell t'erein." @Ps. 24A 2'e illenni. 'as co e) 2'e $lor( of t'e 8ord+ fills t'e eart' all 'earts re,oice Bes.s rei$ns. A s.ita7le ret.rn is now ade to :i 7( t'e 4ee-ers of t'e *ine(ard. =*er(t'in$ is now .nder t'e e(e of C'rist+ and accordin$ to t'e -rinci-les of :is $o*ern ent. 3.t fro t'e *ine(ard of t'e 7ride+ s'e wo.ld 'a*e t'e w'ole of its fr.its to $o to Cin$ #olo on+ sa*e a -ortion for t'ose w'o 'a*e t'e c'ar$e t'ereof. "M( *ine(ard+ w'ic' is ine+ is 7efore e! t'o.+ < #olo on+ .st 'a*e a t'o.sand+ and t'ose t'at 4ee- t'e fr.it t'ereof two '.ndred." All s'all s'are in t'e s-oils of t'e fr.itf.l+ -eacef.l+ ,o(f.l illennial eart'. 3.t C'rist is 8ord of all. :e now addresses+ for t'e last ti e in t'ese son$s of lo*e+ :is fair+ and 'i$'l( fa*o.red s-o.se. 103

"2'o. t'at dwellest in t'e $ardens+ t'e co -anions 'ear4en to t'( *oice! ca.se e to 'ear it." :e in*ites 'er -raise. #'e is to $i*e t'e 4e( note to t'e co -anions to t'e w'ole eart'. 2'en s'all all -eo-les+ tri7es+ and ton$.es+ catc' t'e fl(in$ ,o(+ and roll t'e ra-t.ro.s 'osannas+ "fro sea to sea+ and fro t'e ri*er .nto t'e ends of t'e eart'." Creation is filled wit' ,o( and $ladness+ and its lo.d lon$ ant'e s of -raise and t'an4s$i*in$+ $reet t'e ear of its $lorio.s Cin$. "Ca.se M= to 'ear it." Cant. 8! 14. "Make haste, my belo%ed, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart u on the mountains of s ices." <.r lo*el( son$ is ended. 1ts last note is ric' and f.ll. 2'e lo*in$ s-o.se fer*entl(+ desires 'er 8ord%s s-eed( ret.rn. #'e entreats t'at :e a( co e wit'o.t dela(. 2'e deeaffections of 'er so.l for Bes.s are anifested 7( t'e intensit( of 'er desire for :is $lorio.s a--earin$. <') t'at all o.r 'earts i$'t 7e .nited to$et'er+ as t'e 'eart of one an+ to ,oin in t'e dee-+ earnest+ fer*ent -ra(er of t'e s-o.se+ t'at :e a( co e ;.ic4l( to o.r lon$in$ 'earts t'at :e a( co e for t'e ra-t.re of t'e c'.rc'+ t'e $lor( of 1srael+ and t'e 7lessin$ of t'e w'ole eart'. :a*in$ often 7een refres'ed 7( ;.otations fro "Metrical Meditations on t'e sacred 3oo4 of Canticles+" we add t'e closin$ lines of t'e -oe + wit' $ratef.l t'an4s to t'e a.t'or. "<ne ec'oin$ res-onse+ and all is still) <ne lo*in$ answer fro t'e sacred 'arand 0 <f waitin$ Fion to t'at 4ind co 8i4e t'e (o.n$ roe t'at 2'at tarriet' not for <n t'e s-ice

Ma4e 'aste) Co e ;.ic4l() < 7elo*ed 8ord) o*et' ra-idl(+ an li4e a$ile 'art

2'at s-rin$s to si$'t as wit' a sin$le 7o.nd+ o.ntains 7e 2'( $lor( seen+ MAC= :A#2=) C<M= KJ1CC8I) < 3=8<L=D 8<6D&"

104