An exposition of the divinely prophetick Song of Songs which is Solomons beginning with the reign of David and Solomon, ending in the glorious kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ / adjusted to the expositor's line of time, and illustrating it, and composed into verse by T. Beverley.

CHAP. V. (Book 5)

The King.

The Apostasie of the Christian Church.

Notes explaining Words and Sense together. 1 1.1 WHY dost Thou call, Spouse-Sister, why so fast To do what's done, and now the Seasons past? * 1.2 My Garden I have view'd, my Myrrh, my Spice I have secur'd; Have Eaten once, and twice * 1.3 My Honey with its Comb; My Milk with Wine Have drunk; There's nothing that is mine, But I enjoy'd my self; This latter Spring Is nothing to me;Notes explaining Words and Sense together. 2 1.4 To my Rivals bring All this new store; You new Loves, Eat and Drink, Let all that's new into your Banquet sink: What's from my Word deriv'd, on that I Feast, Let those upstart Beloved's take the rest, And now you your selves glut, you Loves of sense, I give you Freedom, thoughNotes explaining Words and Sense together. 3 1.5 at my Expence.

The Spouse.

I find my Senses ty'd, my Parts benumm'd, That outward lye;Notes explaining Words and Sense together. 4 1.6 The dull Narcotick stumm * 1.7 Of my new mingled Wines,Notes explaining Words and Sense together. 5 1.8 the Mushrom Fruits To which my Love I call'd, which He Refutes In claiming to be his; Oppress my Sense; Yet still my Heart resists the Violence; And wakes 'midst of these Charms; Better I know, * 1.9 Better I love, while these Fumes over-flow Notes explaining Words and Sense together. 6 1.10 My free'r Mind my Love's so fast Ally, That He'll reprize it from the Sorcery, * 1.11 That would Enchant it; Hark, it is his Voice That now does Call, He Knocks; now I rejoyce.

While yet I fear, for thus He me Essays, As in that nobler Heart, that ne'r betrays Its Faith.—

The King.

* 1.12 Notes explaining Words and Sense together. 1 1.13 My Love, my Dove, my Undefil'd Open right now to me who am beguil'd Notes explaining Words and Sense together. 2 1.14 Of my due Residence; Who in this Night * 1.15 Under the Moons moist Empire am bedight, My Head and Locks, with Drops that on them light, Notes explaining Words and Sense together. 3 1.16 As counterfeited Jewels of the Dark, Exhal'd, but not Concoc't, they bear the mark Of the half-virtu'd Beams, that from the Moon Fall Chill and Pale; whose Influences soon Are lost, and can to no Perfection mount; Of all that's True my higher Light's the Fount.

The Spouse An∣swers.

Notes explaining Words and Sense together. 4 1.17 That plainer Coat of Holiness and Zeal Of Truth, that did at first the Gospel Seal * 1.18 I have put off, with that simplicity; Now in a Bed of Ease and State I lye Bedeck'd with Ceremonious Gayeties shew, How can I then that Former state renew?

* 1.19Notes explaining Words and Sense together. 5 1.20 The soyl of Gospel Travels, rough and poor, I have washd from my Feet;Notes explaining Words and Sense together. 6 1.21 Not from my Door

I move now but in Equipage; To tread the Ground With new Defilement, but to Think does wound My Sense so delicate; I paint the Dream That Fascinates my Foreign Members, still the stream Of a much higher Soul to thee doth run, Though under Ground impurer Veins to shun. * 1.22

But at thy Summons it starts out,Notes explaining the Sense. 1 1.23 for when my love His Fragrant Fingers in the Lock did move, ThisNotes explaining the Sense. 2 1.24 reach'd my Heart; Eftsoons my Bowels turn'd, * 1.25 As by elastic Force to Him; My Passions burn'd And sparkled to a Flame, strait to the Door * 1.26 I poast t'unseal the Lock; No soyling Floor Now frights my Feet,Notes explaining the Sense. 3 1.27 and when I touch'd the Lock, * 1.28 The smelling Myrrh, as Waters from a Rock, The smelling Myrrhs gush'd from the Lock; The Oyls Around my Hands, my Fingers swim, this boyls My Heart with Passions fresh, in haste I ope * 1.29 To my Belov'd, mov'd with a joyful Hope To find Him there;Notes explaining the Sense. 4 1.30 But then I soon descry'd * 1.31 Withdrawn from me he far himself did hide, Not from my Soul to him indear'd, but from that load Of outward Parts my new encumbring mode: * 1.32 His Spirit moves that very Soul, the swoon * 1.33 Goes off,Notes explaining the Sense. 5 1.34 all ways I fly to find him soon, Repeated Calls I send, no Answer greets From Him my thirsty Ear; Nor in the Streets * 1.35 My close Researches gain the hop'd success, That should my wearied steps with my Love bless;

* 1.36 The City Watch of Prophets, that espy All passes, Jealous spy'd me sayling by, Notes explaining Words and Sense together. 1 1.37 These Prophets in disguise my Soul disdain'd: I ask'd them nothing, 'cause I knew them wain'd From my best Love to their Beloved's new, * 1.38 So at my search for onely mine they grew * 1.39 To heights of Rage; They smite, they deeply wound, * 1.40 As with a Past'ral Staff, Curses they sound, And loud Anathema's; The Guards o'th' Walls, The higherNotes explaining Words and Sense together. 2 1.41* 1.42 Pontiffes leave their Rev'rend Stalls, And as the Sons of Belial force my Veil, Of my inviolable Faith the Seal.

AsNotes explaining Words and Sense together. 3 1.43 Excommunicate They strip the Name Of Spouse from me, my modesty defame; My Veil rend from me, as upbreiding them Now prostitute to a false spurious Stem Of Baal's, as Husbands; Salem's Daughters pure, Whom though the grand Apostasie immure, As in a secret Temple, and your Hue * 1.44 The Sackcloth marr, your Witness yet stands true; I charge you, if my Love you find, you tell, How high my Passions to a Sickness swell, Of Love, till I may Him, like him enjoy, And for himself my Service whole employ; Tell him by Prayer, tell him by earnest Crys, His Spouse is sick, and if He comes not, Dyes.

Chorus.

Thus the True Church in Pergamus did Wake, As that much higher Soul, when th' Bulk did take * 1.45 Lethargick slumbers, thick withNotes explaining Words and Sense together. 4 1.46 Balaam's Fumes; When that High Prophet, and his Church their Plumes

So wide is spread, that theNotes explaining the Words and Sense together. 1 1.47 True Church must fly Into the Wilds, and* 1.48 Antipas must dye, BecauseNotes explaining the Words and Sense together. 2 1.49 They held their Faith to th' Sovereign Name, When Satan's Throne presum'd so high a Claim.

Notes explaining the Words and Sense together. 3 1.50 The Year four hundred thirty seven Mounts to height this Apostatic Leven; Add thirty eight, and to the Throne they bring Notes explaining the Words and Sense together. 4 1.51 Baal Pope, the Eighth, and yet the Seventh King;

Notes explaining the Words and Sense together. 5 1.52 Here The Twelve hundred sixty Sackcloth Days With th' Wilderness concurring, Tread their Lays: The Gentile-Times, Moons forty two Confine, And here begin; Imp'd into which consign To th' Beast like Fourty Two, To Sev'nty Five 'Bove Hundreds four, when th' Vulgar Ere did thrive; Notes explaining the Words and Sense together. 6 1.53 Thus Time o'th' Moon, the Empress of the Night Equals the Days under the Lord of Light: Thus both set out, and end alike; with both Time, Times, Half Time, are settled under Oath: Notes explaining the Words and Sense together. 7 1.54 Now from six Hundred sixty six Fam'd Year (Seven Hundred Twenty Fifth of th' common Ere) Till sixteen Hundred ninety seven shall Of the same Ere in Circle rise, and fall; The Antipapal Witnesses shall seek (While* 1.55 Anathems, Wounds and Death still reek From Hell them round;) and for their true Love cry With publick Voice; They cry and then they Dye Unheard; Till Salem's Daughters towards the Time Notes explaining the Words and Sense together. 8 1.56 Of fourteen Hundred listen to the Chime,

Then Thyatyra's Church Reform'd doth rise, And lasts midst Death, till Morning Star it spies: The Musick first was low, then louder Peals By Luther sounded in those high Appeals To those same Salem's Daughters; Who will know Now whence those Crys, those solemn Charges grow.

The last One Hundred Eighty then remain Of those Twelve Hundred Sixty, which retain Their just Allotment, and the whole are lock'd In three Days and a half, wherein are shock'd Notes explaining the Sense. 1 1.57 The Witnesses by Death, that is, a part of each, As Christs three Days in Grave, without the breach Of Prophecy, are understood; So here the last Of Day the First, the whole of Two, then Fast On th' Morning of the last half Day ensue Protested Witnesses, who thus review TheNotes explaining the Sense. 2 1.58 true Belov'd, as from the Spouse we hear, To which increasing Churches yield their Ear; And nowNotes explaining the Sense. 3 1.59 the Spouse describes the King, the King Not of the Spouse (as through this Song) does sing; For while the Antichristian Beast doth Reign, The Spouse could not be drawn in Full Sans stain

Too foul for her to bear; Besides the Loss Of Her Belov'd under so false a Gloss Was first to be detected by this Piece, Which giving* 1.60 Cap a Pe the King, unfleece Must strait the Wolf in Lambs disguize, each Grace Resplendent in the King must needs Efface The counterfeit, ForNotes explaining the Sense. 1 1.61 ever blooming Youth, Strength, Beauty, Vigor, Life, Emblems of Truth Make up the Portraict of the King so known To every seeing Eye, that is its own, It pulls the Vizor from the hoary Pape, Who claiming from his Age commits the Rape Of Antichristship, Languid, Pale and Wan, Chill, Decrepid, Dying, can this Old Man Vicar this Ever-living, Splendid, Frow'ring Prince? Who now this Lying Bubble can't Evince That hears the Spouse thus Emblemate her Love? To Love, whom won't those lovely Emblems move?

* 1.62 The Portraicture of the Churches True Beloved, in Op∣position to Antichrist, as may be fairly Expounded, Given by the Church of Thyatyra, Inducing the Reformation.

Notes explaining the Sense. 2 1.63 Oh Fairest Woman, notwithstand the Cloud From thy Love lost, that does thy Beauty shroud, Draw us the Picture of thy Love,Notes explaining the Sense. 3 1.64 that we * 1.65 May know the Reasons of thy Charge, and see They're Good, and so be mov'd thee to obey, When Reason, and not Passion leads our way; What is't, wherein thy Love so much excells All Loves; Instruct us, how his Beauty swells,

His Praises so above those Loves, whose din The World of Women now does Captive win?

The Spouse An∣swers,

* 1.66Notes explaining the Sense. 1 1.67 Beauty's brisk Colours, the pure White and Red Sit in my Love, not as i'th' wither'd Bed Of Age, but as the Lillies and the Rose In Youth concert, so in my Love Repose The White and Red; Behold the Rosie Blood Of his great Sacrifice in th' Lilly Flood Of th' Sanctifying Spirit, Both which fade Under the Antichristian poysonons shade; * 1.68Notes explaining the Sense. 2 1.69 He, as a Standard-Bearer stands erect, A just Supreme from Myriads Elect; No Palsie Title croutches under Guilt In Him, As known to be usurp'd; nor built On Forg'd Donations, But Popes crooked Age Denys to them high Standard bearers gage Of stature, and the Graces of Tall Personage.

* 1.70Notes explaining the Sense. 3 1.71 His Royal Head of Massive purest Gold, A Fount of Life eternally doth hold, Not like the Counterfeit, that as the Bowl, That broken at the Well leaks out the Soul, * 1.72 And Lives, but by Successions;Notes explaining the Sense. 4 1.73 His curl'd Locks Strong enterwove with Truth firm, as the Rocks, Speak Truth, and Life long, as the Ravens jet, Not like That faded Head to Death in Debt; * 1.74Notes explaining the Sense. 5 1.75 His Eyes chast Clear, and beaming as the Dove Reflex'd by limpid'st streams; Arrows from Loves Full quiver thence do fly, not like those Eyne, Dull, Hollow, Sunk, Bloodshot with Lust and Wine,

And Sanguinary Laws, but bath'd in Milk, Notes explaining the Sense. 1 1.76 Whose Retines Souls enclose, as Nets of Silk Which Life wraps up, thus Truth and Mercy stream From his bless'd Aspect, as if both one Beam * 1.77 Of Light, or like Pearls set by Art in Rings Of Gold, whence double, yet one Lustre springs; Notes explaining the Sense. 2 1.78 His Cheeks the Seats of Love, as Beds of Spice, And Flowers preserve a fragrancy so nice, That no foul Vapour can one Pore trapan To let it in, no Breath of wind can Fan, Nor poyson'd Atoms with its Hooks can pull * 1.79 One putrid steam into those scents; All full, And croud'd with Sweets, but oh the gastly Cheeks Of Antichrist, how loathsome thence the Reeks; Notes explaining the Sense. 3 1.80 The Lips of my Belov'd so full of Grace * 1.81 From purest Lillies drop their Myrrh apace In perfum'd Gales of Truth; While Asphaltite Belches its Sulphur after Sodoms Rite.

Notes explaining the Sense. 4 1.82 * 1.83His gentle Hands to benign Clasps enclin'd, As into Golden Rings of Love are twin'd; Shaded with Arbors, of the pleasing Green, * 1.84 Green of Lights Beams too quick the modest screen From Beryl cast; Far from the cruel stripes Of Antichristian Hands, or their Iron gripes; * 1.85 Notes explaining the Sense. 5 1.86 His Belly as an Eburn Hill is vein'd With azur'd streams, which from this Mountain strein'd, Enrich its Fruitfulness; But Heath and Sands, Impov'rish'd Soil, barren and thirsty Lands,

That barren Womb o'th' seven Headed mount Describe; streaming with Fire, as Etna's Fount.

* 1.87Notes explaining the Sense. 1 1.88 His Legs supporting all with Marble rise Firm, Certain, Stable, Steddy, Pillar wise, Fix'd on their Feet, as stalls of Gold, not Clay, On which the Gentile-Image had its stay, The very Papal Feet, false to the weight They're trusted with, false to Proud Babel's height.

Thus Truth and pow'r Divine must needs endure, Whose Ground-work, as the Top is rich, is sure; Whereas when ever stuck those Feet of Clay * 1.89 Their Head of Gold to Ruine must betray.

Notes explaining the Sense. 2 1.90 His Port, His Air, His meen Majestick great, As Liban's Cedars, and their lofty Seat, Such is the* 1.91 Grandez, such the Reason sense * 1.92 Of all that's from the Eternal Sapience. When Papal Faith, and Rites become the scoff * 1.93 Of Divine Wisdom, and like Chaff huff'd off.

Notes explaining the Sense. 3 1.94 As sweetest* 1.95 Ambrose, so His Mouth doth flow With Truth, Heavens Eloquence; His Praises grow Upon me quick, so to a point I draw, * 1.96Notes explaining the Sense. 4 1.97 His Loveliness to Beauty's self gives Law: This Salem's Daughters is my Love, here end, If you but lovely know, you know my Friend:

Notes explaining the Sense. 5 1.98 But oh the* 1.99 Counter-Christ hathNotes explaining the Sense. 6 1.100 Dragons Jaws, Who Poyson Vomits in his Feral Laws, The Salvagest of Beasts his Form display, Sin makes the Man in Him, if Him you'd say, He's one Deformity, if that you know, It's He 'mong Thousands, He himself doth show.

The Churches of the Reformation,Notes explaining the Sense. 1 1.101 Thyatyra, Sardis, Philadelphia, displayed, according to this Earnest Search after the Beloved.

With what stupendious Art is here now drawn The ChurchesNotes explaining the Sense. 2 1.102 Reformation from its dawn; Till the Twelve Hundred Sixty Days shall end, On which th' Apostasy's permitted to extend It self; Wherein the Church doth search about All Places, Forms, to find Her Loved out.

The Church indeed isNotes explaining the Sense. 3 1.103 One, yet into Three Must from its various scites distinguish'd be, I'th' midst of Antichristian BowelsNotes explaining the Sense. 4 1.104 Thyatyre Lyes paled round with Vive Comburian Fire; That heats that Furnace, where the Sovereign feels, What in his lowest Members burns, who steels Their Constancy, even when They're pil'd in Flames For Flames he to a Bed of Roses tames.

Notes explaining the Sense. 5 1.105 Hungary, France, others, Thyatyra's* 1.106 Rest Do now the cruel Ravages Attest; Notes explaining the Sense. 6 1.107 Where Papal Rage may farther come, He knows Who trys the deepest Reins of Things, and shows Notes explaining the Sense. 7 1.108 The Blessed End, but still conceal'd What may fall out, e'er th'Morning Star reveal'd; Notes explaining the Sense. 8 1.109 For at that Summons the whole Church shall fly To higher Things than now it can descry.

Notes explaining the Sense. 1 1.110 Sardis ascends to Splendor, and would bear, As high as if the Spouses Love were there; Its undefiled Names does yet dissent, Lest Acquiescing in what's now, prevent Those splendid Robes, assur'd them, when in white Heavens Armies shall attend the Bride Grooms Light.

Notes explaining the Sense. 2 1.111 Now Philadelph. with smallest Humane strength Of Laws, or Power supports the Restant length Of Time, upon the Name, the Faith, the Word, The Patience of her single loved Lord; While Satan's Smyrna-Synagogue reviv'd Appears, as 'twere Antiquity retriv'd, And fain would Bolt this Churches Open Door, As if not Ancient, and, as if too Poor In Ceremonious Pomp, in Mitred Names, In Feasts, in Fasts, its simple Order blames With rigid Censure; But Davidean Key, That binds and looses Bars the lofty Plea Of Jurisdiction, till New Salem's state Approach so near, as to compose the Bate.

Notes explaining the Sense. 3 1.112 Even Satan's Synagogue shall then sit low Notes explaining the Sense. 4 1.113 At Feet of Philadelph, and Pray to know, Whither the Churches Love is gone, and all Unite to seek Him with Uncloven Call:

For though HisNotes explaining the Sense. 1 1.114 peerless Person was agreed, No Pontiffs claim allow'd, yet how with speed To find,Notes explaining the Sense. 2 1.115 This Synagogue from Sardis teem'd Disputed hard: For in their Dream they deem'd Their Golden Dream, that He already here, As much as th' Spouse could hope did now appear; To wait Him farther Factious discontent, Gainst present Things did future Represent To hot Schismatick Brains; But what follows now, Shews, This all Salem's Daughters disavow; With whom the Synagogue submits to Philadelph. For to the Spouse by Her Christ show'd himself; Notes explaining the Sense. 3 1.116 And now the Philadelphian Intervall Enters; Voices on High all Kingdoms call To Christ, Dates of Apostate Times expire, Notes explaining the Sense. 4 1.117 In one the Churches their True Prince enquire.

Notes

• Notes explaining Words and Sense together. 1 1.1

  This Invitation of Christ to come, shews the earnestness of the Apostasie to entitle Christ to this False Christianity, and Christs refusal upon the account that he had Eaten shews the time of the Churches purity past.
• * 1.2

  [I am come into my Garden, my Sister-Spouse]
• * 1.3

  [I have gathered my Spice, with my Myrrh, I have eat∣en my Honey Comb with my Honey; I have drunk my Wine with my Milk; Eat O Friends, drink abundantly, O Beloveds]
• Notes explaining Words and Sense together. 2 1.4

  What could be more plainly significant of the Churches having embrac'd other Lovers than Christ, than refusing himself, and throwing those Provisions upon them by a Sarcasti∣cal Excitation of them to Eat and Drink abundantly; Like Solomon, Ecceles. Rejoyce Oh young Men, &c.
• Notes explaining Words and Sense together. 3 1.5

  It was at Christs Expence, He being Robb'd of that was indeed due to him, and though, as cor∣rupted, He would not accept it, yet it was in pretension of Service and Devotion to Him, as all Superstitions, Honours of Saints, Images, Days, the Hoast, &c. are.
• Notes explaining Words and Sense together. 4 1.6

  These Superstitions are like Vapours of stumm'd Wine that benum and stupifie the Soul in True Religion.
• * 1.7

  [I Sleep]
• Notes explaining Words and Sense together. 5 1.8

  Mushrom Fruits, like the Gods new come up, Deuteron. 32.
• * 1.9

  [But my Heart waketh]
• Notes explaining Words and Sense together. 6 1.10

  There was in the worst of the Times of the Apostles a number of the Elect, that like a waking Heart heard Christ's Voice, rose to seek Him: And this was the True Church before Luther.
• * 1.11

  [It is the Voice of my Beloved that knocketh]
• * 1.12

  [Open to me my Sister, my Love, my undefiled]
• Notes explaining Words and Sense together. 1 1.13

  It is most carefully to be heeded, before the True Church came to separate from the False, and to Renounce it; It is spoken to, as having them that hold the Doctrine of Balam, Revel. 2. as the Church of Pergamus is addressed.
• Notes explaining Words and Sense together. 2 1.14

  Christ could not reside in his Church as a Church, but makes a private Visit to his Witnesses and Servants, and complains as one thrust out in the dark and moisture of the Night.
• * 1.15

  [For my Head is wet with Dew, and my Locks with the Drops of the Night]
• Notes explaining Words and Sense together. 3 1.16

  The False Honour put upon Christ by Superstitious Devotions, may well be compared to the Drops and Dew of the Night, as its counterfeit Jewels: And so this Night and the Months under the Moon and Empress of the Night twice mention'd in the Revelation Agree, Revel. 11. Revel. 13.
• Notes explaining Words and Sense together. 4 1.17

  The Coat put off, was that simplicity of the Gospel: The Bed a Bed of Ease, Sensuality, Pomp and State of a Ceremonious Religion, and full of Spiritual Fornication and Adultery, as it after grew.
• * 1.18

  [I have put off my Coat, how shall I put it on?]
• * 1.19

  [I have wash'd my Feet, how shall I defile them again]
• Notes explaining Words and Sense together. 5 1.20

  The true Mortification, Travel, and Sufferings of Religion were laid a side, like the washing the Feet, and must be no more defiled with the former Poverty and Hard∣ships.
• Notes explaining Words and Sense together. 6 1.21

  This the True Servants of God spoke, as having the False Christianity encumbring them.
• * 1.22

  [My Beloved put his Hand in by the hole of the Lock]
• Notes explaining the Sense. 1 1.23

  This very gracious Approach of Christ to his sealed Servants preserved a True Church of Pergamus, under the Name of the Apostasie, even where the Throne of Satan was.
• Notes explaining the Sense. 2 1.24

  In this Church those Servants of God were the waking Heart.
• * 1.25

  [And my Bowels were moved for Him]
• * 1.26

  [I rose up to open to my Beloved]
• Notes explaining the Sense. 3 1.27

  There were such gracious Intimations of Christ from himself that were fitly express'd by such Emblems, as we here find, viz. Christ Knock∣ing, Speaking, putting his Odoriferous Hands into the holes of the Locks.
• * 1.28

  [My Hands drop∣ped with Myrrh, my Fingers with the sweet smelling Myrrh]
• * 1.29

  [I opened to my Beloved]
• Notes explaining the Sense. 4 1.30

  All which prevail'd to this, that Christ should be sought after in another way than the general state of the Apostasie allow'd, and gave Countenance to.
• * 1.31

  [But my Beloved, had withdrawn himself]
• * 1.32

  [My Soul failed when He spoke]
• * 1.33

  [I sought Him, but I could not find Him]
• Notes explaining the Sense. 5 1.34

  For the Servants of God seeking him in that Publick and General Apostasie call'd a Church, could not find Him.
• * 1.35

  [I call'd Him, but he gave me no Answer]
• * 1.36

  [The Watch-men that went about the City, found me]
• Notes explaining Words and Sense together. 1 1.37

  Of the publick Preachers or Prophets compar'd to Watch-men, the Servants of God knew it was in vain to ask.
• * 1.38

  [They smote me]
• * 1.39

  [They wounded me]
• * 1.40

  [The Keepers of the Wall took away my Veil from me]
• Notes explaining Words and Sense together. 2 1.41

  The Church Rulers, and all that Authority smote the Church with all kind of Spiritual Punishments, and gave them up also to the Secular Power.
• * 1.42

  High-Priests.
• Notes explaining Words and Sense together. 3 1.43

  Excommunication cannot be more emphatically described, than by taking away the Churches Veil, the Emblem of its True Faith, and Holy Worship, wherein the Chastity of a Church consists.
• * 1.44

  [I charge you oh ye Daughters of Je∣rusalem, if ye find my Beloved, that ye tell Him I am sick of Love]
• * 1.45

  *Balaam signifies too lofty.
• Notes explaining Words and Sense together. 4 1.46

  The Apostate part of the Church were as Men in in a Spiritual Lethargy by the Fumes of the Doctrine of Balaam.
• Notes explaining the Words and Sense together. 1 1.47

  The True Church were in the mean time earnest for a purer Enjoyment of Christ.
• * 1.48

  Antipapal. Revel. 2. 12. &c. c. 11. 3. Revel. 12. 17. 19.
• Notes explaining the Words and Sense together. 2 1.49

  The Servants of God, who kept the Commandments of God, and held the Testimony of Jesus, were true Witnesses, however in Sackcloth, and made up the true Church however in a Wilderness.
• Notes explaining the Words and Sense together. 3 1.50

  The time of the Witnesses killing, of Antipas or the Antipapal Witnesses being slain, was the very Time that the Watchmen and Keepers of the Walls wounded the Spouse, and took away her Veil. The Apostacy, as appears by the Line of Time, began in the Vulgar Year 437, and the Beast came to his Power of Fourty Two Months at the Vulgar Year 475, when the Western Empire ceas'd.
• Notes explaining the Words and Sense together. 4 1.51

  Revel. 17. 11. He is the Eighth, and is of the Seven.
• Notes explaining the Words and Sense together. 5 1.52

  Here the Times of the Gentiles, that the Scripture especially design'd begin, and with them the Gentile Pest, before spoken of, viz. The treading under foot the outward Profession of Christianity, and abusing the Name of the Catholick Church by those who pretended to be Christians, that is, Adopted Jews, but lyed and were Anti∣christians: Together with this Apostacy begin those repeated Characters of Time, the 1260 Days for Years; The Gentiles 42 Months, into which are engrasted the Beasts 42 Months, Ann. 47••, the three Days and a half, and Time, Times, Half a Time; Now joyning the Gentiles, and the Beasts 42 Months one into another; all these begin and end together.
• Notes explaining the Words and Sense together. 6 1.53

  The times of Apostacy are fitly described by the time of the Night in this Song, and of the Moon in the Revelation, as the Kingdom of Christ by the Day, and the full Glory of his Kingdom by the Day Breaking, and all Shadows flying away.
• Notes explaining the Words and Sense together. 7 1.54

  The Smiting, Wounding, and taking away the Veil by the Watch-men Keepers of the Wall, does most remarkably correspond with the Death of the Witnesses, that I date to the Beasts Number 666, in the Year of the Vulgar Account 725.
• * 1.55

  Curses of Ex∣communication.
• Notes explaining the Words and Sense together. 8 1.56

  There were continual strugglings to rise out of the Apostacy from the Year 1400, till Luther rose 1517, when the Daugh∣ters of Jerusalem began to enquire after the true Beloved of the Church the Reformation.
• Notes explaining the Sense. 1 1.57

  From Ann. Christ. Seven hundred twenty five or six, on which that so famous Year of the Beasts Number fell to 1727, when the Witnesses Protested; I look upon as the time of Witnesses deep state in Death, after the manner of our Lords being in the Grave.
• Notes explaining the Sense. 2 1.58

  The Enquiry after the true Knowledge of Christ, was the very beginning of the Reformation, viz. of his Death and Re∣demption.
• Notes explaining the Sense. 3 1.59

  It is most observable; Here is given a full Description of Christ, and not of the Church, as throughout this Song in other Parts of it the Church is described, it not agreeing with its Beauty, of which two Reasons may be given, 1. The Church is not described from the beginning of the Apostacy, till the end of it, 2. Because nothing does more detect the Falshood of the Papacy▪ and its Antichristianism, than to set the Description of Christ part by part in opposition to it.
• * 1.60

  From Head to Foot.
• Notes explaining the Sense. 1 1.61

  There is nothing, in which the Opposition is made more notorious than in the Flourishing Youth of Christ, as it were Reproaching the Papal Old Age.
• * 1.62

  The Chorus by the Daughters of Salem.
• Notes explaining the Sense. 2 1.63

  The first beginning of the Refor∣mation, was the Acknowledgment of the Beauty of the sincere Profession of Christ, and that Then was the True Church.
• Notes explaining the Sense. 3 1.64

  This stirs up to that Inquiry that was made after Christ, and the true Knowledge of Him, and does very illustriously describe the Reasonableness of the Reformation.
• * 1.65

  [What is thy Be∣loved more than another Beloved, Oh thou Fairest among Women, that thou dost thus Charge Ʋs?]
• * 1.66

  [My Be∣loved is White and Ruddy.]
• Notes explaining the Sense. 1 1.67

  The true Doctrine of Justification by Christ, and of Sanctification by his Spirit, who came by Water and by Blood, very lively Expressed by his being White and Ruddy.
• * 1.68

  [The Chief or the Standard among Ten Thousand, or Myriads]
• Notes explaining the Sense. 2 1.69

  The great Excellency of such a King and Saviour, as Christ is Emblem'd by the Excellency of Personage, Standard-bearers are chosen out of many, and wherein Christ Excells Ten thousands.
• * 1.70

  [His Head is of most fine Gold]
• Notes explaining the Sense. 3 1.71

  To speak Christ a Head of Eternal Life, his Head is compared to the finest and most substantial Gold, and not like the Golden Bowl or Shell that breaks at the Well, Eccles. 12. 6.
• * 1.72

  [His Locks bushy, and black as a Raven]
• Notes explaining the Sense. 4 1.73

  The Compare of his Locks, as bushy and black as the Raven, is certainly allusive to the Strength and Vigour of Youth, and to the known long Life of the Raven.
• * 1.74

  [His Eyes as of Doves by Rivers of Water]
• Notes explaining the Sense. 5 1.75

  The chast Eyes of the Dove, reflected by the purest streams, and wash'd with Milk, are most fit Resemblances of the Purity, Mercy, and Grace of Christ, so contrary to the impure and bloody Eyes of Antichrist.
• Notes explaining the Sense. 1 1.76

  Retines are that Net-work Coat of the Eyes, that catch the Objects for sight; Even as the gra∣cious Eyes of Christ take Souls with those Rays of Light, as of Jewels set in Rings, that draw them in.
• * 1.77

  [Fitly set, or sitting in Fulness, as pre∣cious Stones in the Foyl of a Ring]
• Notes explaining the Sense. 2 1.78

  The Cheeks of Christ as Beds of Spices and Flowers, Expressing all the Grace and Salvation of the Gospel, are justly oppos'd to wither'd and faded Antichristianism.
• * 1.79

  [His Cheeks are as a Bed of Spices, as sweet Flowers]
• Notes explaining the Sense. 3 1.80

  The Truth of Christ in his Word, into whose Lips Grace is powred, is most contrary to the Impurity and Falshood, the Cursing and Bitterness in Antichristian Doctrine, and Censures, that Breath Sulphur Fire, Blood, and Death, like the Lake of Sodom called Asphaltites.
• * 1.81

  [His Lips are like Lillies, Dropping sweet smelling Myrrh]
• Notes explaining the Sense. 4 1.82

  The Truths of the Gospel, are like gracious Enclasping of Hands, set off with Beams of Light, as Rings of Gold, and attemper'd to Reason and Understanding, as the light and pleasant Green of the Beryl; Whereas the bold and unreasona∣ble Falshood of Antichristianism, forc'd on by Infallibility and secular Punishments, are like Iron gripes.
• * 1.83

  [His Hands are as Gold Rings]
• * 1.84

  [Set with the Beryl]
• * 1.85

  [His Belly is as bright Ivory over∣laid with Sapphirs]
• Notes explaining the Sense. 5 1.86

  There is a Fruitful Hill, where ever True Christianity is planted and Flourishes; Em∣blem'd by a Belly of Ivory overlaid with Sapphirs, as Veins of purest Water, enriching a cleanest Soil, whereas Barrenness and Cruelty are the very Nature of Antichristianism, and Countries over∣powered by it.
• * 1.87

  [His Legs are Pillars of Marble set upon Sockets of fine Gold]
• Notes explaining the Sense. 1 1.88

  The Feet of Marble upon Sockets of Gold, are a very fair Opposition to the Legs of Iron upon Feet of Clay in the Image, Dan. 2. which Feet of Clay being struck, the Image falls, and all its Metals are beaten to the Dust of the Threshing Floor; Shewing the certain Ruine of all other Monarchies, and the stable Kingdom of Christ.
• * 1.89

  [His Countenance is as Lebanon, Excellent as the Cedars]
• Notes explaining the Sense. 2 1.90

  The whole Administration of the Gospel, is like the lofty Cedars of Lebanon, rising to Eternal Glory, and Papal Falshood like the Chaff that the Wind drives away.
• * 1.91

  Greatness.
• * 1.92

  [His Mouth is most sweet]
• * 1.93

  [Yea, He is altoge∣ther lovely]
• Notes explaining the Sense. 3 1.94

  The sweetness of Christs Mouth, is a plain Signification of the Excellency of his Word.
• * 1.95

  The sweetest of Foods.
• * 1.96

  [This is my Love, and this is my Friend, oh ye Daughters of Jerusalem]
• Notes explaining the Sense. 4 1.97

  Christ is Loveliness it self to every Spiritual discerning Eye.
• Notes explaining the Sense. 5 1.98

  The constant De∣scriptions of Antichrist, are as if he were an abstract of Evil, the Wicked One, the Man of Sin, the Beast.
• * 1.99

  Antichrist.
• Notes explaining the Sense. 6 1.100

  The False Prophet so intimate to, and united with the Beast, speaks as a Dragon.
• Notes explaining the Sense. 1 1.101

  Those three Churches make the Order of the Reformed Churches.
• Notes explaining the Sense. 2 1.102

  It is not possible the state of the Reformation could be more notably described than by this Portraicture of Christ, and the Churches harkning to it, and seeking after Him. This State shall last till the Year 1697, as is made out by the Line of Time.
• Notes explaining the Sense. 3 1.103

  The one Church of the Reformation is Represented by three in regard of different Circumstances, and especially different intervals of Time, in which, first Thyatyra, then Sardis, then Philadelphia, have the ascendency successively, and all with a Continuance near to the Glorious Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
• Notes explaining the Sense. 4 1.104

  The Reformation of the Church of Thyatyra, Rev. 2. 18. attended with Burnings alive.
• Notes explaining the Sense. 5 1.105

  The Protestants of Hungary, France, and in other Popish Countries, are the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the remaining sufferers till the Kingdom of Christ in every Eye to this Day.
• * 1.106

  Revel. 3. 24.
• Notes explaining the Sense. 6 1.107

  How far those Sufferings may spread over other Protestant Countries is known to God, who knows the Se∣crets of all future Events.
• Notes explaining the Sense. 7 1.108

  A certain Blessed End we know, but what may fall out before, is as to particulars concealed, though we certainly know; Then shall be a Church of Thyatyra, of Sardis, till the approach of Christs Kingdom.
• Notes explaining the Sense. 8 1.109

  How much clearer and brighter shall Christianity, and the knowledge of the Churches be, when that Morning Star appears.
• Notes explaining the Sense. 1 1.110

  Sardis is the state of the Protestant Churches, where they are protected by States and Laws, and so is ready to believe, there is not to be a higher and a more glorious State of the Church in the World, except its undefiled Names, who look principally to the Appearance of Christ, and be∣wail the Low State of the Church till then.
• Notes explaining the Sense. 2 1.111

  Philadelphia rises out of the Suffering Saints in Thya∣tyra, and those undefiled Names in Sardis, who cannot be satisfied in any present state of the Church, but wait for Christs coming: It is settled upon the pure Laws and Ordinances of Christ, resting upon the consent of Christians in that, and in his Power and Favour, working this brotherly Love of Christianity, however it come to have the Favour of Princes and States also, after it comes to its Interval.
• Notes explaining the Sense. 3 1.112

  The Synagogue of Satan is that which rises out of the worst part of Sardis, that contend hard for the old Antiquity, not resting wholly on Gods Word, and finding fault for want of Fasts, Feasts, Episcopal Power, &c. which is especially, while the Church of Philadelphia is low, and is not come to its proper Interval.
• Notes explaining the Sense. 4 1.113

  The great Dispute hath been about Jurisdiction, or the Power of the Keys, Christ will resolve that by shewing this supreme Key of David. ⁵ Philadelphia being, as was said, a Church that lyes scattered in the suffering Protestants of Thyatyra, and the un∣defiled Names of Sardis, its Door is endeavoured to be shut, and not to be acknowledged by the Synagogue of Satan, they are zealous for the Rites and Customs of the Primitive Church for the four first Centuries, and would reduce all under pain of Excommunication, and all severe Penalties to that Time, not considering the Apostasie rose gradually from thence. ⁶ But when Philadelphia comes to its proper Time, Christ shows David's Key; His Key of Supreme Jurisdiction, and that Synagogue sits low, and learns of Phidelph. And All of the Reformed Churches, seek Christ together.
• Notes explaining the Sense. 1 1.114

  All Protestants agree concerning Christ, the only Head and Supreme of his Church against Papal Tyranny, but they differ'd where he was to be found, whether in the present Order and Go∣vernment of the Church, or in a greater Glory of his Kingdom.
• Notes explaining the Sense. 2 1.115

  It hath been look'd upon hither∣to by too many, as Faction and Schism to desire a greater Reformation of the Church than we see yet.
• Notes explaining the Sense. 3 1.116

  When the Kingdom of Christ comes to be Proclaimed at 1697, it shall then be agreed by all the Reformed Churches to seek Him, and wait for his coming in greater Glory.
• Notes explaining the Sense. 4 1.117

  With how great Elegancy is Satan's Synagogue, which gave the Elevation of the Apostasie in Smyrna, again parallelled to that Over-zealous Contention, to bring things in the Reformed Churches to that state again, as the most perfect state, whereas the Apostasie rose out of it, but to show Christs Fa∣vour to all of the Reformation; He brings these to acknowledge their Errour, and to acknowledge also Christs Love to a Church settled by his Word, and not by Antiquity, which is here by this Song given in the Daughters of Jerusalem waiting so long to hear the Description of Christ's Per∣son, e'er they all agreed to seek him with the Philadelphian Church, as we shall find they did agree in the following Chapter.