‏ Song of Solomon 6

* Inquiry where Christ must be sought. (1) Where Christ may be

found. (2,3) Christ's commendations of the church. (4-10) The

work of grace in the believer. (11-13)

1 Those made acquainted with the excellences of Christ, and the

comfort of an interest in him, desire to know where they may

meet him. Those who would find Christ, must seek him early and

diligently. 2,3 Christ's church is a garden, enclosed, and separated from

the world; he takes care of it, delights in it, and visits it.

Those who would find Christ, must attend him in his ordinances,

the word, sacraments, and prayer. When Christ comes to his

church, it is to entertain his friends. And to take believers to

himself: he picks the lilies one by one; and at the great day he

will send forth his angels to gather all his lilies, that he may

be for ever admired in them. The death of a believer is not more

than the owner of a garden plucking a favourite flower; and He

will preserve it from withering, yea, cause it to flourish for

ever, with increasing beauty. If our own hearts can witness for

us that we are Christ's, question not his being ours, for the

covenant never breaks on his side. It is the comfort of the

church, that he feeds among the lilies, that he takes delight in

his people. 4-10 All the real excellence and holiness on earth centre in

the church. Christ goes forth subduing his enemies, while his

followers gain victories over the world, the flesh, and the

devil. He shows the tenderness of a Redeemer, the delight he

takes in his redeemed people, and the workings of his own grace

in them. True believers alone can possess the beauty of

holiness. And when their real character is known, it will be

commended. Both the church and believers, at their first

conversion, look forth as the morning, their light being small,

but increasing. As to their sanctification, they are fair as the

moon, deriving all their light, grace, and holiness from Christ;

and as to justification, clear as the sun, clothed with Christ,

the Sun of righteousness, and fighting the good fight of faith,

under the banners of Christ, against all spiritual enemies. 11-13 In retirement and in meditation the Christian character

is formed and perfected. But not in the retirement of the idle,

the self-indulgent, or the trifler. When the Christian is

released from the discharge of his duties in life, the world has

no attractions for him. His prayer is, that all things belonging

to the Spirit may live and grow within him, and around him. Such

are the interesting cares and employments of him whom the world

wrongly deems unhappy, and lost to his true interests. In

humility and self-abasement, the humble Christian would turn

away from the sight of all; but the Lord delights to honour him.

Chiefly, however, may the reference be to the ministering angels

who shall be sent for the soul of the Christian. Their approach

may startle, but the departing soul shall find the Lord its

strength and its portion for ever. The church is called the

Shulamite: the word signifies perfection and peace; not in

herself, but in Christ, in whom she is complete, through his

righteousness; and has peace, which he made for her through his

blood, and gives unto her by his Spirit.