of Christ, like the fountain, (1) brings from an UI1seen source the blessings to be diffused; (2) yields 11n abundant and perpetual supply of these spiritw1! gifts; (3) freely and generously diffuses knowledge o.nd purity, life and true refreshment, amongst all around; (4) produces results of beneficence immediate and remote, for which thanksgiving must ever be rendore<l to God. (5) It may be noted that, as in the similitude of the garden, so here, there is o.n assurance of ownership and guardianship. As the well-spring war; covered with a great stone, sealed with the owner's signet, so the Church is marked by its Divine Lord as bis own. "It hath this seal, '!'he Lord knoweth them that are his; o.nd, Let every one that nameth the Name of the Lord depart from iniquity."-T.
Ver. 16.-1Vie response ef love. The impassioned encomium of the bridegroom i11 not disregarded, is not ineffectual; it not only yields satisfaction and pleas11re to her who -is the object of unstinted praise; it elicits the response of appreciative gratitude and affectionate welcome. If Christ delights in the Church, the Church al.so c!elights in Christ, and yields to him the tribute of loyal obedience. I. DIVINE INFLUENCEl:l ARE ENTREATED. The breath of the Spirit ot God passing graciously and gently and yet mightily over the Christian society alone can call fort Ii all its spiritual fragrance. The silent, unseen, benignant influences are to be sought with fervent, earnest prayer : "A.wake, 0 north wind ; and come, thou south ; blow upon my garden ! " II. TIIE EXHALATION OF SPIRITUAL FRAGRANCE l- DESIRED. "That the spices thereof may flow out." Because the Church is Christ's, it has great capacities for good ; yet the actuo.l exhibition of the vital qualities, iLL proofs of piety, in deeds of holiness, in services of benevolence, is dependent upm:i. the "Lord and Giver of life," whose quickening grace is the greatest privilege of the Christian dispensation. There is an aroma of spiritual excellence in the Church of the Lord Jesus which is beyond com- parison the sweetest and divinest quality which human society has ever manifested.. III. TRE PRESENCE OF THE LORD HIMSELF IS REQUESTED. "Let my beloved come into his garden." True, he has given his Church the promise, "Lo, I am with yon alway." He is among his people to know their works, to accept their service, to inspire their devotion. He ever visits his vineyard; comes, "seeking fruit." The Church speaks of itself as both "my" garden and "bis" garden ; and it is both. When the Lord is invited and welcomed, it is to hfa own chosen and congenial possession. - IV. THE FRUIT THAT IS DUE TO THE LORD IS OFFERED, 1. In what do these precious, pleasant fruits consist? Praise, devot\on, love, obedience. 2. 'l'o what are they owing? To Divine care and protection; to the tilling of the wise and forbearing Master; to the genial influences of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are " his " fruits. The weeds are ours ; the fruits are his. 3. How are they regarded? Christ delights in them, for they are the results of his purpose and of his sacrifice. Christ" eats" of them; i.e. uses them in his condescension. His people may well say to him, "Of thine own have we given thee." There is no satisfaction possible to Christ's people so great and so pure as that they feel when their Lord accepts their offering and approves their endeavours.-T.
EXPOSITION.
CHAPTER V. spices as these which the Queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon." Is there a reference Ver. 1.-I am come into my garden, my to the conversion of the heathen nations in sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh this? The wine and milk are what God with my spioe; I have eaten my honeyoomb offers to hie people (see Isa. Iv. I) without with my honey; I have drunk my wine with money and without price. Oio-ya,\a. is what my milk. Eat, 0 friends ; drink, yeu., drink Ohloe gives to Daphnis (cf. Pa. xix. 6). II abundantly, 0 beloved. My mytTh ,oith my would r,eem ns though the writer intended balsam (see I Kings x. 10). There were cele- us to follow the bridal procession to its brated plantations at Jerioho. 'l'he Queen of deetin11tion in the royal palace. The briclal Sheba brought "of spioes very great storo; " night inter.enes. The joy of the king in his " There oamo no more such abundu.nce of bride is complete. The climax is re1M:hed, THE SONG OF SOLOMON. [an. v. 1-lG.