doubt mentioned as a contrast with the fair, we have the combination of white and :::nl,l, whito complexion. The eyes e.re not only the white marble setting forth greatness and pure o.n,1 clear, but with a glancing moist- purity, and the gold eulilimity and noble- ness in them which expresses feeling and ness; intended, no doubt, to suggest thal devotion. So Pluto.rch has {ryp&,,.11s Twv in the royal bridegroom there was personal oµµo.rciv to denote e. languishing look, nnd beauty united with kin:::Iy majesty, as in tho we find tho so.me figure in the' GHagovincla' following clescription of hie general aspect, and Hafiz, and in Ossio.n. So Luther," Und which, like tbe splendours of the mountains, steherl in dcr Fallo." The pureness of the was e.we-inspiring and yet elevating an<! de- white of the eye is represented in the bathing lightful (cf. Ps. lxxx. II (10): Jer. xxii. 7 or wushing in milk, They are full and large, Ise.. xxxvii. 24). His mouth, or palate, is "fine in their setting," referring no doubt to sweetness itself; that is, when he speaks his the stee.dy, strong look of fine eyes. " The words are full of winning love (cf. Prnv. cheeks" are compared to towers of plants; xvi. 4; Pa. lv. 16). We may compare with that is, there is e. soft eleve.tion in them. the whole description that given of Absalom, LXX., ,j,6ou<Tcu µupe,j,11cd.: Jerome, Sicut Solomon's brother, in 2 Sam. xiv. 25, 26. It areola! aromatuin consitm a pigmentariis. The has been truly remarked by Zockler that'' the Targum says, "Like the rows of e. garden of mention of the legs, and just before of the aromatic pla)lls, which produce deep, pene- body, could only be regarded as unbecoming trating essences, even as e. (magnificent) or improper by an overstrained prndishnei,s, gardei:i aromatic plants "-perhaps referring been.use the description which is here given to the " flos juventm," the hair on the face, avoids all libidinous deto.ils, and is so the growth of the bee.rd. "The lips" are strictly general as not even to imply that she described as the orge.ns of speech e.e well as had ever ~een the parts of the body in ques- inviting to embrace, They drop words like tion in a nude condition. It merely serves to liquid fragrance. "'fhe hands" may be differ- complete the delineation of her lover, which ently described according as they are viewed. Shulamith slretches by a gradual descent Delitzsch says," Hie hands form cylinders, from head to foot, and, moreover, is to be laid fitted in with stones of Te.rshish." Gesenius to the account of the poet ratlier ihan to that thinks the comparison is of the closed hand of Shulamith, who is in everything else so and the sto.ined nails, but that seems far- chaste and delicate in her feelings. Cer- fetchcd. Surely it is the outstretched hancls io.inly it wuulrl be much less delicate re- that are meant. 'fhe form of the fingers is garded as the description of a shepherd-lover seen and admired: they are full, round, fleshy who is seeking to obtain possession of the like be.re of gold. The word "Tarahish" may maiden taken from him, than of the royal mean clay-white, as in the Greek versions: bridegroom to whom Shulamith is at o.11 that is, topaz, called Tu·shieh from Tartessue events affianced, if not e.lready me.rried. The in Spain, whe(e it is found. 'fhe description highest spiritual feelings of loving adoration of the body is of the ontwnrd appearance and of the Saviour have welcomed some pe.rts of figure only, thongh the word itself signifies this description, and e.dopted them into the "inward parts.'' 'fhe comparison with ivory- le.nguo.ge of "spiritual songs." To some work refers to the glancing and perfect mind~, no doubt, it is repellent; to thoso to smoothnee, and symmetry as of a beautiful whom it is not so, the warmth and glow of ivory statue, the work of the highest artistic Eastern language is by no meo.ns too excellence. The sapphire covering tempers realistic for the feelings of delight in the the white. The beautiful blue veins nppeur Lord which express themselves in rapturou~ through the skin and give a lovely tint to music. the body. So in the.description of the legs
HOMILETICS. Ver. 1.-Response to eh. iv. 16: the l)ridegroom accepts the '/rride's invitation. Ile calls her again by the endearing title, "my sister-bride." He comes, as she bid~ him, into the gardeu which was hers nnd yet his. He lakes delight in its produce, iu the entertainment which she has prepared for him. He invites his friends to share hi; enjoyment. He a4drcsses, apparently, the chorus of young men, his companions, wlw have ·already appeared in eh. iii. 6-11, calli11g them "0 friends," and "0 beloved ones;" unless, indeed, the last clause be translated, as the Hebrew at least permits, "Drink abundantly of love." 'l'he heavenly Bridegroom accepts the offering of the Church, his bride. He loved her, and gave himself for her; thereforo her love is nn· precious to him. He comes into her garden. llu calls it bis-" my ganlen ''-in '-'ra- cious acknowledgment of the bride's gift. He nses the same prououn of all its va~ieu 124 THE SONG OF SOLOMON. to1t. v. 1-10.