An exposition on the whole booke of Solomons song,: commonly called the canticles. Wherein the text is explained and usefull observations raised thereupon. / By John Robotham, preacher of the gospel.

Vers. 6.

His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth imbrace me.

In the last Verse we had the Churches disease de∣scribed, here we have the remedy. Shee called out to the Ministers of Christ to help her in the former verse, but it appears here that it is onely Christ that can ap∣ply cure: Indeed they be instruments, and no more, for Paul may plant, and Apollo may water, but it is God that can give increase, 1 Cor. 3. 6. It is Christ himselfe that is able to support his Church by his divine po∣wer. Hence it is the Church addeth to her former Speech, saying, His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth imbrace me. So that though shee had cal∣led unto others for help, yet here she confesseth that all the efficacie is from Christ himselfe, declaring, that he doth stay her up with both his hands.

In these words, observe, The Churches declaration of Christs exceeding loue towards her: and this love of Christ appeareth in one generall act of favour, namely, his sweet embracing her, which embrace∣ments must needs argue love and favour.

In Christs embracements of his Church, wee have two particulars.

First, in his left hand conveighed under her head.

Secondly, in his right hand, amiably embracing her.

His left hand, &c.

Some understand it, prayer-wise, Let it be under my head: and then the Church prayeth unto Christ, for supply of strength and sustentation, and that he would

comfort her heart by his word and Spirit, as a loving Husband doth his wife in her sorrow and sicknesse, for so the Apostle tels us, That Christ nourisheth his Church, Ephes. 5. 29. Seeing these things are spirituall, what may be meant by the left and right hand? for the reso∣lution of this mystery, wee cannot bring in that of Christs right and left hand, spoken of in Matth. 25. because the left hand is turned to the wicked: but both hands here doe uphold the Church. Some un∣derstand by the left hand of Christ his man-hood, and by his right hand, his God-head. But I understand it here of whole Christ embracing of her, with both hands as it were, both his God head and man-hood, his life, death, resurrection, and ascension, even all that is Christs, is imployed for the good and comfort of his people.

The forme of speech may also seeme to allude to their feasts, when they lay on the ground, so that if any fainted, they put one hand under them to lift them up, and gave them some comfortable potion with the other. In like manner, Christ doth not leave his Church in her sorrow and sicknesse, but imbraceth her with his owne hands, in the manifestation of all love, and mercy, and keepeth her safe from evill. Now if wee take the words for a narration, then the comfort of Christs goodnesse and mercy is set forth in the re∣freshing his people by his word and spirit. But if wee take them prayer-wise, Let him embrace me, &c. then they hold forth the faith and thankfulnesse of the Church, because shee seeth Christ present, administring comfort to her, even in a fainting condition.

Hence Observe, First,

That it is in Christs power alone to support and comfort his Church, by the ministry of his Spirit.

It is not in Paul that planteth, nor in Apollo that wa∣ters, but in Christ, that giveth the increase, 1 Cor. 3. 6. therefore though she had called to others for help, yet here she acknowledgeth all the efficacie to be from Christ, he doth stay her up with both his hands, when she is ready to faint.

Secondly, note.

That it is a marveilous comfortable thing unto the Church, to see Christ presentewith her, by his spirituall pow∣er and grace.

His left hand is under my head, as a Pillow for me to be refreshed on, when by reason of sinne the whole heart is faint, and the head is sick, then Christ doth comfort the poore afflicted consciences, in the for∣givenesse of sinnes, by the applying his owne righte∣ousnesse, and the consolations of the spirit: So that the Saints can say with David, when my flesh and heart faileth, God is the Rocke of my heart for ever.