The Pulpit Commentary — Song of Songs — Section 148

of our hearts. "He is altogether lovely." Not simply is his <locLrine nrmrishing, his example inspiring, his self-sacrifice attractive, his compassion winsome, but his very Person is e.n enchantment and o. charm. At the outset of our acquaintance we "shall love him, because he first loved us;" nor will his compassion ever fail to be a spiritual magnet, which shall win and hold our hearts. Yet we gradually rise to a higher level of appreciation. We prize him for what he is in himself, even more than for what he has been unto us, Our best love goes out to him, because he is so transcendently good; so worthy to be loved. Love of gratitude comes first-an early fruit of the Ohristian life; but by-and-by, under the culture of the Divine Husbandman, there shall bo the sweeter, richer love of corn placen t delight. I. WE HAVE HERE A PERTINENT INQUIRY. "What is thy beloved more than another beloved?" 1. This may be the langU,(l,ge of intellectual curiosity. The inquiry a.bout Jesus is more eager and widespread to-day than in any epoch since his birth. During the last twenty-five years more than twenty-five lives of Jesus Christ have appeared in the English language. Some inquiries are of a sceptical sort-are not honest searches after truth. Some inquirers hope to reduce Jesus of Nazareth to the level of a common mortal. In a past age, Lord Lyttelton and Gilbert West essayed to demolish the Divine credentials of Jesus; but they were conquered by the evidence, and became disciples. Many inquirers simply attempt to solve an old and curious question, •• Is Jesus more than man?" They are not seeking any practical issues. Hence they obtain no success. 2. Or it may be the language of simple surprise. The kingdom of Christ bath in it many nominal adherents. For earthly advantages come from professing an attachment to Christ. It wins respect from men. It brings good reputation. It aids success in our worldly calling. Therefore many persons avow outwardly an indolent belief in Jesus Christ as Lord who yet can give no reasonable account of their belief. 'l'hese see with wonder the ardour and zeal of genuine disciples. They smile when they hear the effusive and familiar language of true saints. They deem it religious extravagance. They label Christ's friends as fanatics. " Our Christ," say they, "is a Being far removed from us. We offer him our set praises and our set prayers on the so.bbath. We hope for bis rewards by-and-by. What is your Beloved more tbau ours ? 11 3. Or it may be the langua,ge of nascent desire. The speaker has seen what a real and present Friend Jesus is to his adopted. To them his friendship is sweeter far than the friendship of a thousand others. His name is music, fragrance, health, life. His help is a real blessing, which gladdens every hour. His favour is a present heaven. They consult him in their distress, and he brings to them prompt sympathy and unerring wisdom. They find in him a restfulness of spirit under every circumstance, a peace of soul no one else can impart. Having Jesus within them, their life is trans- figured. This is a mystery to the bulk of men. So one and another yearn to attain this joyous life, and they ask in a spirit of sincere desire, "·what is thy Beloved mon~ than another beloved?" II. WE HAVE HERE .A PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION OF THE BRIDEGROOM'S PERSON. "My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand;" "He is altogether lovely." 1. Generally, he is pre-eminent. "Chiefest amon6 ten thousand." Among all the tribes of men he stands alone, for he is sinless. He iJ pre-eminent among the angels, for they are only servants of the great King; and, when the Father" brought his Only Begotten into the world, he said, Let all the angels of God worship him." Among the gods of the nations he stands pre-eminent in power and in righteousness. They are dumb vanities, while he is absolute Power, eternal Righteousness, essential Love. In respect of the Godhead, he is eminent for condescension, for tender sympathy, and for self-sacrifice. Among all friends he stands pre-eminent, for "he is a Brother born for adversity." Among e.11 orators he is pre-eminent for eloquence, for "never man spake like this Man." Among philanthropists he takes the highest place, for "he gave himself for us." "For our sakes he became poor." "In nil things he has the pre-eminence." 2. He is altogetl,er lovely as the Sm of God. Such perfect Sonship was never before seen. His reverence for his Father we.s unique, we.s beautiful. At the tender age of twelve, his delight was "to be a.bout his Father's business." His spirit of childlike trust was perfect. He is "the Leader and Finisher of faith." During all the years of his busy life he "he.d not where to lay his head," yet he declared that it was his "ment and his drink to do the will of his Father in heaven." His own 138 THE SONG OF SOLOMON. [on. v. 1-lG.