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.

Saw ye him whom my soule loveth.

Here she inquires of them for her beloved; but here is no mention of any answer or resolution they give unto her concerning Christ; and its probable by the next verse, that they gave her no answer to her de∣mand. The Church makes tryall of their knowledge, if happily they could relieve her ignorance: but it seemes these were blind watchmen, and enemies to divine revelation: of which the Prophet speakes, and saith, they are blind watchmen, and dumb dogs, Isa. 56. 10. It falleth out often, that the Pastors are ignorant, and not such as wee may relie on for instruction and comfort, as where it is said, Night shall be to them for a vi∣sion, darknesse for a divination, the Sunne shall goe downe over the Prophets, the day shall be dark over them, Mich. 3. 6. This is the third time of the Churches enquirie after Christ.

Hence Observe,

That the Saints seeke Christ diligently, and constantly.

The Spouse sought Christ so diligently, as that she left no meanes unattempted to gaine communion with him: she seekes him in every Ordinance, and way where he useth to be found; neither will she give o∣ver her search, and enquire, untill she hath found him. The Church also sought Christ constantly, she sought him without intermission or ceasing. First, she sought him in her bed by night, and there she had no good suc∣cesse: Then she sought him in the streets and broad places of the Citie. and yet she found him not; neither is shee contented, but she seekes him againe, shee askes the Watchmen for him; such as intended to be in superin∣tendencie

and ministrie: such as pretend to have the greatest care over her; but even they satisfie her not: therefore she goes further, waiting patiently for the revelation of Christ: and so at length hath blessed suc∣cesse, which was, as followeth.