Song 8:1-4 The church wishes for the constant intimacy and freedom with the Lord Jesus that a sister has with a brother. That they might be a his brethren, which they are, when by grace they are made partakers of a Divine nature. Christ is become as our Brother; wherever we find him let us be ready to own our relation to him, and affection for him, an not fear being despised for it. Is there in us an ardent wish to serv Christ more and better? What then have we laid up in store, to show ou affection to the Beloved of our souls? What fruit unto holiness? The church charges all her children that they never provoke Christ to withdraw. We should reason with ourselves, when tempted to do what would grieve the Spirit.

Song 8:5-7 The Jewish church came up from the wilderness, supported by Divine power and favour. The Christian church was raised from a low desolate condition, by the grace of Christ relied on. Believers, by the power of grace, are brought up from the wilderness. A sinful state is wilderness in which there is no true comfort; it is a wandering wanting state: There is no coming out of this wilderness, but leanin on Christ as our Beloved, by faith; not leaning to our ow understanding, nor trusting in any righteousness of our own; but in the strength of him, who is the Lord our Righteousness. The words of the church to Christ which follow, entreat an abiding place in his love and protection by his power. Set me as a seal upon thine heart; let m always have a place in thine heart; let me have an impression of love upon thine heart. Of this the soul would be assured, and without sense thereof no rest is to be found. Those who truly love Christ, ar jealous of every thing that would draw them from him; especially of themselves, lest they should do any thing to provoke him to withdra from them. If we love Christ, the fear of coming short of his love, or the temptations to forsake him, will be most painful to us. No water can quench Christ's love to us, nor any floods drown it. Let nothin abate our love to him. Nor will life, and all its comforts, entice believer from loving Christ. Love of Christ, will enable us to repe and triumph over temptations from the smiles of the world, as well a from its frowns.

Song 8:8-12 The church pleads for the Gentiles, who then had not the word of God, nor the means of grace. Those who are brought to Chris themselves, should contrive what they may do to help others to him Babes in Christ are always seen among Christians, and the welfare of their weak brethren is an object of continual prayer with the stronge believers. If the beginning of this work were likened to a wall buil upon Him the precious Foundation and Corner-stone, then the Gentil church would become as a palace for the great King, built of soli silver. If the first preaching of the gospel were as the making a doo through the wall of partition, that door should be lasting, as case with boards of durable cedar. She shall be carefully and effectuall protected, enclosed so as to receive no damage. The church is full of care for those yet uncalled. Christ says, I will do all that is necessary to be done for them. See with what satisfaction we shoul look back upon the times and seasons, when we were in his eyes as thos that find favour. Our hearts are our vineyards, which we must keep with all diligence. To Christ, and to his praise, all our fruits must be dedicated. All that work for Christ, work for themselves, and shall be unspeakable gainers by it.

Song 8:13,14 These verses close the conference between Christ and his church. He first addresses her as dwelling in the gardens, the assemblies and ordinances of his saints. He exhorts her to be constan and frequent in prayers, supplications, and praises, in which he delights. She replies, craving his speedy return to take her to be wholly with Him. The heavens, those high mountains of sweet spices must contain Christ, till the times come, when every eye shall see him in all the glory of the better world. True believers as they ar looking for, so they are hastening to the coming of that day of the Lord. Let every Christian endeavour to perform the duties of his station, that men may see his good works, and glorify his heavenl Father. Continuing earnest in prayer for what we want, ou thanksgivings will abound, and our joy will be full; our souls will be enriched, and our labours prospered. We shall be enabled to loo forward to death and judgment without fear. Even so, come, Lord Jesus __________________________________________________________________

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