Vers. 11, 12.-Divine companionship. Man was made, not for solitude, but for society; not for selfishness, but for love. This principle of human nature and life is taken up by religion, and is employed for man's highest, spiritua}, immortal interests. The soul which yields itself to Christ delights in his fellowship, and finds therein its true satisfaction. Like the bride who is represented in this poem as saying_ to her spouse, "Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field," etc., the soul craves the society of the Saviour, and longs for his perpetual companionship. I. Tai. KATOJtE OF THIS COMPANIONSHIP. 1. It is companionship to which Christ invites his people. None could address him thus unless first assured of the Lord's interest, friendliness, and love. 2. It is spiritual companionship. The twelve who were with him in his earthly ministry were admitted to close, delightful, _and profitable intimacy. They saw his form and heard his voice. . Yet, in our case, though we cannot perceive him as they did, the association. is equally real; for. he· is with his people al way. 3. It is companionship in which :he is the superior, and we are the dependent. It is true he says, ".A bide in me, and I in you;" but he is tlie Yin,e, and we the branches. . IL TRE OCCASIONS .A.lID llANIFESTATIONS OF THIS OOMPANIONBHIP. Observe-, under this consideration how Christ's friendship appears superior to every merely h.uman association. We may enjoy his society: 1. In our occupatiqns, whatever be their special nature. 2. lo our enjoyments, which are all hallowed by bis gracious presence and approval. 3. In our suffe1ings, when we perhaps most need him, and when his Eympathy is peculiarly precious, consolatory, and helpful. i. In our services; for ho\'17 can we do his work, except beneath. his direction and the encouragement of his s~? •• III. THE BENEFITS OF THIS coMPAmoNBHIP, When Christ is with us, iu the varied scones and experiences of our- earthly life: 1. Our gratHude_ to him wm be livelier, 2. Our love to him will be warmer. 3. Our conformity to his will and character will be more complete. 4; Our inseparability from him will be more assured. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? " ' • " His is love beyond a brother's, Faithful, free, uncl knows no end. T. Ver. 13.-Garnered fr11its. When the bride invites the king to revisit the home of her childhood and the scenes of their early acquaintance and attachment, among other alluring representations she assures him that there will be found, laid ilp for his use by her thoucrhtful affection, all manner of precious fruits, new and old. A suitable emblem this of the gathered and garnered spiritual fruits which in this earthly life Obrist's people are expected to prepare for him at his coming, and which it will be thllir'delig~t to offer to him as the expresskm of their gratefol love. Properly understood, °tl).(l mam purpose of the Chri.stian life is the growing, gathering, and garnering of precious fruits for the approval and service of the Lord, J. WHAT THESE FRUITS A.RE, 1. 'l'hey are the fruits of spirHual lifo and experience, orr. vm. 1-14.] THE SONG OF S0LOMON. 170
2. 'l'hcy !ll'O the" frnits of the Spirit "-the virtue~ especially Christian, frnit~ r f ri~ht- oou~ness, those qu11lities of character which are the peculiar growth of grace. 3. Ti.cy nre fruits of service; not things enjoyed so much as things achieved. H. WHY ARE THEY LAID UP FOR CHRIST? Because : 1. They are the fruit of his own garden, the growth which testifies to the care and culture of the Divine Husbandman. 2. They are of a natme to yield a peculiar satisfaction and pleasure to him. 3. They are such ns he will use for hie own purposes, and for the dispb.y of his own glory and praise.-T.